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<blockquote data-quote="Dungeonman" data-source="post: 6290164" data-attributes="member: 6775975">Based on the back-and-forth, I think I'm talking about:Gonzo campaign, un-self-aware PCs:Hit points as purely meta or not is irrelavent, since PCs probably aren't rational characters and aren't self-aware of why they do what they do. Such a character would jump off a cliff and keep going, without ever wondering how that was possible.Gonzo campaign, self-aware PCs:Hit points are indirectly observable in-character. PCs can be roleplayed *as if* they &quot;know&quot; their hit points. The rationales could be gonzo: &quot;Look, I've fallen 100' several times before and didn't die, so trust me, I'm not being suicidal. I can probably grab one of those jutting rocks on my way down.&quot;Gritty campaign, self-aware PCs:Hit points are purely meta and are not observed in-character. However, PCs are roleplayed as if self-aware rational beings. If the group is cognizant of an anomaly, like being unable to commit suicide if you have a 100 hit points, then the DM and players might:a) avoid introducing such anomalies into the storyline (ie., never try to commit suicide)b) introduce a satisfyingly rational story element (&quot;by the gods, any attempts at suicide will fail until the Raven Queen is done with you&quot;)c) evoke Rule Zero (ie., extra hit points by level are a gift, not a right, which is negated when trying to commit suicide / suicide by cliff jumping causes maximum damage)Gritty campaign, un-self-aware PCs:As above, but in-game rationality isn't prioritized as much as the players aren't questioning in-game events through their characters</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Dungeonman, post: 6290164, member: 6775975"] Based on the back-and-forth, I think I'm talking about: Gonzo campaign, un-self-aware PCs: Hit points as purely meta or not is irrelavent, since PCs probably aren't rational characters and aren't self-aware of why they do what they do. Such a character would jump off a cliff and keep going, without ever wondering how that was possible. Gonzo campaign, self-aware PCs: Hit points are indirectly observable in-character. PCs can be roleplayed *as if* they "know" their hit points. The rationales could be gonzo: "Look, I've fallen 100' several times before and didn't die, so trust me, I'm not being suicidal. I can probably grab one of those jutting rocks on my way down." Gritty campaign, self-aware PCs: Hit points are purely meta and are not observed in-character. However, PCs are roleplayed as if self-aware rational beings. If the group is cognizant of an anomaly, like being unable to commit suicide if you have a 100 hit points, then the DM and players might: a) avoid introducing such anomalies into the storyline (ie., never try to commit suicide) b) introduce a satisfyingly rational story element ("by the gods, any attempts at suicide will fail until the Raven Queen is done with you") c) evoke Rule Zero (ie., extra hit points by level are a gift, not a right, which is negated when trying to commit suicide / suicide by cliff jumping causes maximum damage) Gritty campaign, un-self-aware PCs: As above, but in-game rationality isn't prioritized as much as the players aren't questioning in-game events through their characters [/QUOTE]

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