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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ClaytonCross" data-source="post: 8087904" data-attributes="member: 6880599">That is very nice list of creative things a GM can do. By all means we are suggesting combat creativity so please do!See suggestion #4 Special actions, [USER=6855114]Helldritch[/USER] mentioned this and [USER=16814]Ovinomancer[/USER] expanded on it with an example of how scary closing a door can be for the party (which is both a special action and use of terrain). Absolutely any oppertunity for creative special actions can make the fight more interesting for the GM and players. Let me clarify that a special action is any action that monster or NPC could take that is not specifically listed in their actions block.But as I under stand it your using DM Fait incorrectly. Which is why I was confuse.DM Fiat is when a situation arises that needs the DM to make a decision, generally because there is no clear ruling or mechanic to deal with what the player/s wants to do. DM fiat is part of player arbitration not encounter building as I understand the term. It requires both of the two underlined parts here. GMs don't necessarily need to make decisions for special actions (the dragon grabbing the fighter can be a grapple check, the fighter as cover for the ranger is as standard 1/3 cover for +2AC, Dropping the fighter is 1d6 bludgeoning damage per 10ft they fell.... you can do them differently if you want but the do not require a DM decision your just adding one of your own choice. Also, these are not player choices for the GM to arbitrate but GM creativity in just running the game as GMs do. "Fiat" is Latin for "Let it happen". The term is in reference to letting a players action happen and figuring out how to make it work without an existing rule. GMs don't have to let their actions happen they happen as matter of course.Its semantics again. Based on your description I understand what your saying as special actions and yes that does help make the game more interesting for the GM. Its not the only answer but its on the list.</blockquote>

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