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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DSRilk" data-source="post: 3978470" data-attributes="member: 35212">As a DM, we all have tricks to build tension.  Some of those tricks rely on the game mechanics.  I can scare my players with descriptions, but it's in some ways much scarier if I throw in the dice.  For example, "you can feel the damp soaking into your boots as you plod through the mud-filled tunnel, and a slight breeze brings with it the smell of rotting meat" is a decent scene setter, but if I follow that up with, "everyone roll a fort save, please," the players really start to panic.  Sure, *I* know the save is meaningless, but THEY don't.Now, I like moving the attack rolls for spells and such to the attacker.  It stops me as the DM from having to roll 10 saving throws when the mage casts stinking cloud and it gives the player the feeling that he's in control when casting spells.  However, it also takes some of the player-based rolls out of the game.  Sure, they can hear me roll dice behind the screen.  I could even intentionally not keep track of their defense scores and ask them for the scores after I roll (though I really like having them on a handy sheet behind the screen), but I don't know if that'll have nearly as much impact.This is one example of where I'll need to change my tactics as a DM due to a system change.  I'm looking for other instances where changes in the mechanics change how you run a game (not necessarily how you design an adventure or encounter) and how you all might address the issues.</blockquote>

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