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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Switchback" data-source="post: 4384102" data-attributes="member: 69793">HP in D&D has long since been explained as an abstraction. Yet there was always something more definite in damage it seemed. A critical hit was a massive blow, or a fireball that did 50 damage was laying waste on a grand scale, regardless of how enemies abstracted their health. Players had a way to judge that which felt solid.Now in 4e, Minions cause damage to be an equal abstraction. Especially dealing with Minions at high level. It is entirely understandable that a 20th level character could one-shot a high level minion, because he is putting out just that much damage. When the Fighter smacks one down for 20 damage the mechanic seems entirely satisfying and fine. Yet when the wizard uses his staff to take an opportunity attack on one, and nicks him for 3 damage and the Angel of Valor Veteran (level 16) collapses at that deathblow, it can be a little more head-scratching.But there is not much to be done for it. It adds something very useful in the DM's toolbox, and they can be fun for players. But it should not be lost that the mechanic was somewhat indebted to easy bookkeeping more than any other concern.</blockquote>