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<blockquote data-quote="LostSoul" data-source="post: 4774567" data-attributes="member: 386">I agree.I've been trying to ask this question throughout this thread, though I don't think I rally have the words for it.&nbsp; I'll give it a shot.In my game, I want to challenge the players.&nbsp; I want to challenge more than just their expertise with the tactical combat maneuvers.&nbsp; I want to see them use their ingenuity in pulling stunts that aren't covered in the powers.&nbsp; I want to challenge them strategically as well.&nbsp; (Hope that makes sense.)Given that, what is the effect of having abstract combat or non-combat resolution?&nbsp; How does 4E work for or against my stated goals for the game?I can't say that I'm really too concerned if healing surges represent Wolverine-type healing or if Come and Get It is a magical compulsion.&nbsp; What I don't know is how the abstract nature of these mechanics impacts the choices of the players.For example: Assume hp/healing surges/damage means whatever we want it to at the time.&nbsp; The PCs get into a fight with a group of lizardmen scouts as they attempt to sneak into their lair.&nbsp; One of the lizardmen gets away after taking damage, and the PCs want to track him through the swamp.Do I give them a bonus to track him because he's leaving a trail of blood?&nbsp; Do I only do that if he's bloodied?&nbsp; Do I make that decision as a DM on the spot?&nbsp; Do I require the player to describe the consequences of his successful attack so that there is no question?Anyways, maybe I should fork this.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="LostSoul, post: 4774567, member: 386"] I agree. I've been trying to ask this question throughout this thread, though I don't think I rally have the words for it. I'll give it a shot. In my game, I want to challenge the players. I want to challenge more than just their expertise with the tactical combat maneuvers. I want to see them use their ingenuity in pulling stunts that aren't covered in the powers. I want to challenge them strategically as well. (Hope that makes sense.) Given that, what is the effect of having abstract combat or non-combat resolution? How does 4E work for or against my stated goals for the game? I can't say that I'm really too concerned if healing surges represent Wolverine-type healing or if Come and Get It is a magical compulsion. What I don't know is how the abstract nature of these mechanics impacts the choices of the players. For example: Assume hp/healing surges/damage means whatever we want it to at the time. The PCs get into a fight with a group of lizardmen scouts as they attempt to sneak into their lair. One of the lizardmen gets away after taking damage, and the PCs want to track him through the swamp. Do I give them a bonus to track him because he's leaving a trail of blood? Do I only do that if he's bloodied? Do I make that decision as a DM on the spot? Do I require the player to describe the consequences of his successful attack so that there is no question? Anyways, maybe I should fork this. [/QUOTE]

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