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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AbdulAlhazred" data-source="post: 5142014" data-attributes="member: 82106">OK, but there IS something that is missing from this situation... COMBAT! Now, its possible that one of the creatures in the above situation will decide to take some action which warrants an immediate roll for initiative, but if the wolf and Able both hang back, then no battle has been joined as of yet. I would call this sort of mode 'tactical exploration'. The situation warrants detailed tactical movement and either side MAY opt to take actions and initiate combat but if they don't do so then the situation can be handled in a more narrative fashion. There are good reasons for this as well. Suppose that the encounter doesn't develop into a combat? Perhaps one side or the other decides to try to talk or to simply avoid the other. Depending on what happens there is also a good chance nobody will end up being surprised.Consider, the wolf bristles, it has sensed strangers. The orc, noticing his faithful companion's nervousness stops and listens, making an active Perception check. Meanwhile Able hangs back from the corner, readying his crossbow. Bob continues to move in the other direction, oblivious. Finally Able decides he had better get Bobs attention and whistles, knowing he'll loose any advantage he has but figuring that's better than letting Bob get 40' down the corridor in the other direction before something happens.Remember, stuff happens fast too. Yes, there are certain restrictions on what can happen during the initial stage of combat, but these sorts of situations tend to be disorganized and chaotic. Decision making is usually split-second and it can be hard to effectively get the jump on someone when you weren't really prepared ahead of time.On a related note: The only thing I can say about the whole 'total defense before combat' thing is that I don't really like the concept. In theory it sounds OK, but the problem is if you allow it for one PC once, then it will immediately become the standard tactic for ALL characters all of the time from then on. Effectively you may as well just say "everyone gets a +2 to all defenses in round 1 unless they're surprised." I think its equally valid to just assume that every PC is doing the smartest thing all the time already and it just comes out in the wash. Its simpler, makes things go faster, and really isn't going to materially disadvantage anyone. Remember, if the PCs are going to be doing this constantly, then the monsters darn well should be as well. If the party wants to cautiously await hostile action by the enemy then they can delay or declare total defense in round 1. Giving it a cost means its more of a choice and involves some tactics and doesn't devolve down to a default behavior that will just end up being assumed.</blockquote>

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