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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Hussar" data-source="post: 2592717" data-attributes="member: 22779">I really think Quasqueton has the right of it.How can anyone argue a common sense approach in combat when DnD combat is entirely abstract?  Actually, most of the mechanics are abstract, so, any attempt to use common sense would automatically be problematic.  I've often wondered why people have no problem with a human killing an elephant with a sword but will argue forever that you cannot fire into melee without hitting your friends.Something that does surprise me is that people use the term rules lawyer like an epithet.  Heck, I'm PROUD to be a rules lawyer.  I make a point of reading the rules threads, reading the FAQ's and Errata for books, and, yes, actually sitting down and READING the entire combat section of the PHB.  Given the choice of two players, one who has excellent theatrical skills but the gaming skills of a stump and another with limited rp ability but an excellent grasp of mechanics, I'll take the gamer every time.  I don't want to put up with, "But, why can't I do this?  It would be so good for the story."  Bugger that.  Gimme the guy who can calculate his to hit bonus for a 14th level fighter in under 12 seconds any day of the week.The biggest problem I see around the table are two kinds of people.  The first is the person who only thinks that they have a good grasp of rules, but, really don't.  Even after being repeatedly shot down in rules arguements, they continue to try.  This person is a problem.  He's not a rules lawyer, he's just a schmuck.  The other problem is the screen monkey who figures that he knows better than the rules without bothering to learn the rules in the first place.  He's got a fingernail grasp of mechanics, but starts making broad, sweeping changes anyway.  Sorry, but a book ruling that's been discussed at length on umpteen web sites by umpteen DM's is almost always superior to anything someone comes up with on the fly.In the end, I have two pieces of advice.  First, READ THE MANUAL.  Don't assume that something is broken or needs to be fixed until after you've done that.  Second, READ THE MANUAL AGAIN.  <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />  Really.  Even experienced DM's should brush up on mechanics from time to time.  It's amazing how much easier life gets when everyone has a solid grasp on mechanics.  In those instances when no mechanics exist, then, fine, go with your gut.  But, given the choice between RAW and your gut, I'll bet dollars to donuts that the RAW works better 99% of the time.</blockquote>

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