Extended Rests

[Fox Lee]

Whenever I hear about this, I suspect the players are trying to "win" D&D. Perhaps your players don't get that D&D is about heroes doing dangerous things? That sounds a little harsh, but they may not understand that having a character die isn't the end of the game.

For some of us it is, though ^^; That part really is a matter of group style - since I invest lots of time, effort and emotion into a character, I'm not interested in a game where they're likely to die to a bit of bad luck. In the same way that I don't appreciate a meaningless death in a book or movie, I don't care for it in a game either - that's the point where the game stops being fun for me. YMMV, of course, and I am certainly in a minority based on the posts I've read here. But the point is, it's true for some folks, and if that's the case, why shouldn't they be cautious?

By and large, I think you're right about the intended flavour of D&D. But there's a fine line between "heroes doing dangerous things" and "morons taking unneccessary risks" (with the difference frequently being decided by success or failure). Plenty of gamers love to be he genre-savvy character in a story - you know, the one who doesn't let the BBEG finish his stalling speech? - or just enjoy playing grounded, sensible heroes. Those characters aren't somehow less worthy than gung-ho, kick-the-door-down HEROES(tm) (indeed, they can be a very useful party element).

Really, the spirit of cooperation is called for here. If the players don't want their characters to make bad mechnical choices for the sake of narrative, then acknowledge that - and in turn, give them good mechanical reasons to do what you want. I don't think it's wrong for the players to want motivation to cooperate with either story tropes or game conceits, as long as they are willing to take it on board when provided.

 

[wlmartin]

The RAW says that it must be a day.

If players are shouting "I want my dailies back" then they are being unfair to you and trying to break the rules.

It would be playing Monopoly and when you run out of money insist you need a loan from the bank, its OK to do but is breaking the rules.

Make them understand that using a daily should be saved and used when really needed, it makes it more important and vital.

If your concern is about keeping them alive, offer to give them some healing surges back with a moderate rest (like a standard rest but longer) but not their dailies. Its not in the rules but its a good idea IMO.

The whole "We could go back to town to rest so let us sit around for 10 hours doing nothing a rest" argument is weak and any DM that caves to this pressure really isnt doing their job. The DM sometimes has to be a referee and that sometimes means sending someone out of the game, whilst I dont recommend giving your players a red card, make your decisions seem important by telling them "That is the way it is" and your players will respect you for it.