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Message: <blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5929383" data-attributes="member: 92511">Preface: I did not read through the pages of thread before this, just the OP. So, please, don't feel obligated to repeat yourself, I can go back and read after I'm done here. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> I hope we can help! <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />Because it has never been necessary...until a certain edition. Good marketing/idea on WotC part, of course...make you buy the game, buy the minis, buy the grids and the set pieces. Great marketing. But entirely, up til then, unnecessary.By "visualizations" you mean minis and grids, I'm guessing. Did you ever try to run a combat without them? Also, "playing for 15 years" does not tell which of those were playing and which of them were DMing. You say you "ran a playtest" so are we to assume that you are predominantly a DM? Which editions? By "15 years" are we to assume 3 and 4e only?Sooooo...play 4e then? *shrug* If that's what you like and that's what you're good at running...play that and have fun doing it!It's "freeform"...TotM? I'm not sure if that answers it. Ummm... using/training/expanding your imagination? I dunno. But it is appealing to many of us. I've never used a "grid" or "minis" and i don't expect I ever will. And I've never had any complaints about how things work/run. Just lucky, I guess. So make them more interesting. You're the DM! Make them what you want! OR, again, play 4e...if that's what you're looking for in the stats.Sounds like a lil' practice with your imagination will take care of this.OK! (Now I have something to work with <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /> If comparing your game to a video game is what happens then you DEFinitely need some more practice with TotM.Because, for many tens of years, we didn't need one...we mapped our own way...we envisioned the combats in our minds! And, somehow, we all had fun...and it didn't cause [m]any disruptions. The DM, among other things, is the story-teller...if there's something "unclear" about the personal visualization, then the Players should ask the DM to clarify the scene/situation. It's really not hard once you are used to it. I think, again, a lil' practice will to the mind good.I'mmmmm...not really understanding/sure what you're asking here. What "other aspects of play"? What "tools we have"? What "freedom", beyond the TotM, are you looking for?I can't really say. Are you? From everything I've read, the rules are adequately clear for pretty much any/everyone.I am sorry to hear that. I really am. I have read everything from cautiously optimistic (with a few preferences/problems mentioned) to enthusiastic (no problems) reviews. This is the first I've read that lack of "the grid" has proven a desperate issue.I am honestly...and I would LOVe to help you...but I am really at a loss. All I can say, again, is "give it a try"...practice...try it out more than once.You're the DM, make the changes to the monsters fluff and flavor that you need to make it interesting for you! The DM is another player after all. A different level/type of player, to be sure, but you are still at the table to play D&D! The "rules" are guidelines! you are free to incorporate whatever you want/need to have yourself a good time. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f609.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)"  data-smilie="2"data-shortname=";)" />If you find you really need a grid to have fun...I'm sure the "tactical module" is coming around in one of these rounds of playtesting...or will certainly be present (if WotC know what's good for them) in the released edition as an "optional/supplemental module." So, apply it and have a grand ole time!...or, again, go/keep playing 4e.Think that's all I have. Again, apologies if I've repeated anyone.--SD</blockquote>

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