Getting healing right

[crosswiredmind]

See ... I am a big fan of clarity and simplicity. What makes sense to some will not make sense to others. So in my view the wording should be precise. Second wind should be an action that a PC uses to activate a healing surge and that action can only be performed while conscious. Healing word should simply activate a healing surge. The cure power should restore HP equal to a PCs healing surge without activating one.

We do not need exceptions if the rules in question do not require them. If a rule can be explained in plain english without the need for cross checking of possible exceptions then why not compose it that way from the start?

 

[Mort_Q]

I don't have my copy of KotS yet, what exactly do the quickstart rules say [edit]with respect to Second Wind and Healing Surges[/edit]?

I'd prefer a quote, not a paraphrase, if I can be that bold.

 

[Mouseferatu]

Second wind should be an action that a PC uses to activate a healing surge and that action can only be performed while conscious. Healing word should simply activate a healing surge. The cure power should restore HP equal to a PCs healing surge without activating one.

Um... This is basically what happens (though there are a few bonus HP added by the powers as well). So what's the problem?

 

[Kordeth]

See ... I am a big fan of clarity and simplicity. What makes sense to some will not make sense to others. So in my view the wording should be precise. Second wind should be an action that a PC uses to activate a healing surge and that action can only be performed while conscious. Healing word should simply activate a healing surge. The cure power should restore HP equal to a PCs healing surge without activating one.

Ummm--that's exactly how it works, and how it's described. Note that in none of these powers is the act of spending a healing surge described as an action. It's not even an immediate action. Ergo, you should be able to spend a healing surge when a power allows you to do so even while unconscious.

EDIT: The rodent of the dark has apparently been buying up Obfuscate dots.

 

[Propagandroid]

So, this means that the target spends a surge, gets the associated 1/4 hp AND 1d6+3 hp on top of that?.

What is "the associated 1/4 hp?" Is that what a healing surge gives you?

 

[Kordeth]

What is "the associated 1/4 hp?" Is that what a healing surge gives you?

Yes. A healing surge gives you back 1/4 your maximum hit points. Healing Word adds a little extra healing on top of that.

 

[IanB]

See ... I am a big fan of clarity and simplicity. What makes sense to some will not make sense to others. So in my view the wording should be precise. Second wind should be an action that a PC uses to activate a healing surge and that action can only be performed while conscious. Healing word should simply activate a healing surge. The cure power should restore HP equal to a PCs healing surge without activating one.

We do not need exceptions if the rules in question do not require them. If a rule can be explained in plain english without the need for cross checking of possible exceptions then why not compose it that way from the start?

I think maybe what you are missing here is that an out-of-combat PC can just tick off healing surges without using any of the aforementioned powers. That is why the general 'no healing surges while unconscious' rule exists.

 

[cdrcjsn]

I think people are getting Healing Surges confused with Second Wind.

You cannot activate Second Wind by yourself when unconscious.

There is no limitation on Healing Surges when unconscious.

Second Wind is merely a specific action that allows you to spend a Healing Surge.

 

[Kordeth]

I think maybe what you are missing here is that an out-of-combat PC can just tick off healing surges without using any of the aforementioned powers. That is why the general 'no healing surges while unconscious' rule exists.

I'd like to see the exact text of the "no healing surges while unconscious" ruling in KotS. An unconscious PC is not "out of combat" unless the fight is over, so I really doubt that's the reason for such a rule, and if there really is a blanket statement that "you can't spend healing surges while unconscious," that means the only ways to become not-unconscious are to roll a 20 on a stabilization roll if you're dying or receive a Cure Light Wounds or similar power--and that just makes no sense at all. Are we sure it doesn't say "you can't use a second wind while unconscious?"

EDIT: Yeesh, ninja'd twice on one page. Anyways, yeah, I think people are using healing surge to mean Second Wind here.

 

[phil500]

Plus clerics have that handy ranged attack that does 1d6+wis damage while granting a nearby ally either +2 temp hp, or a new saving throw. I can't imagine leaving home without it. Its like the swiss army knife of clerical powers.

the +2 is just for that char at that level.

its actually +cha mod and +1/2 level.