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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Herremann the Wise" data-source="post: 2914725" data-attributes="member: 11300">I think the prime reasons for combat taking too long are:Rules- The DM not knowing their PCS and Monsters abilities and the rules that govern them sufficiently. Before each session, I go through all expected encounters and copy and paste stuff out of the SRD that will be relevant - and then I make sure I know it.Organisation- Players being disorganised - particularly spellcasters and summoners. I provide my players with spell cards and monster cards and I make them use them. (This is  not just for them either; I refer to them to when necessary too).- With initiative, I have my most coke-fueled non-spellcaster track the initiative sheet. I make sure when they say who's next, they say who's after that at the same time.- Comprehensive character sheets. If a player has to work stuff out and it takes too long, then whatever it is that they are working out should be on their sheet - for example if they wildshape into a dire bear, what attacks do they now have.Awareness- Lack of adequate description from the DM. This means that PCs have to ask too many questions to fill in the gaps on their turn. With good description, the players will be aware of what's happening and any questions asked can be quickly answered.- Players trying to play highly competent characters. This manifests itself by players trying to get answers to questions that reflect their character's ability. Unfortunately, this can turn into repeated "what if I do this, will I have to cop that" questions so they can choose the optimal solution. Classic analysis paralysis I suppose. This is even worse as a DM, DMing five other DMs. They need to trust your ruling rather than arguing "but I would have ruled it different because of this and that... oh,... I didn't understand that he had that ability...sorry".Dice-Rolling???I have never found rolling dice and adding up numbers to take too long even though this is most likely the first thing people say. I simply think this is not true. It is more a case of rolling dice combined with one of the above that takes time. For example, if you have to look up what dice to use, then this is more an organisational issue rather than a dice rolling and calculating issue.Best RegardsHerremann the WisePS: I'll time my next session's encounters using Q's format and post back next week.</blockquote>

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