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Message: <blockquote data-quote="James Gasik" data-source="post: 9711153" data-attributes="member: 6877472">But it all starts with, as you say "if my PC knew about it".  Often, you don't have that information to begin with.  And even if you do have a hint, like, the guy leaves a trail of decapitated foes in his wake, do you have the time?  And what would your character assume?  Vorpal sword or guy who lops off heads from people he kills so they can't be easily brought back to life or to make a point?In an ideal situation, of course you'd know, and you'd have the ability to prepare.  But how many classic D&D scenarios require the element of surprise?  Take the Werewolf.  It's got this powerful defense that only works if you don't know you're about to fight a Werewolf, otherwise, you load up on silver weapons and your casters prepare Magic Weapon or just use spells, and the fight becomes a whole lot less dangerous!Or all those DM's out there who hate it when players assume they know fire and acid are to be employed against trolls when "you've never fought a troll before, how could you know that?".</blockquote>