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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Kobu" data-source="post: 4242339" data-attributes="member: 12434">I didn't wade through multiple pages so I don't know if this was addressed, but the OP is not using the definitions properly.There are four basic types of models: analog, descriptive (verbal), iconic, and mathematical. D&D uses these four types of models for different aspects of the game. What the OP is addressing are mathematical models--how the rules, charts, and stat blocks define how objects interact with each other.Black-box vs. process-response is a distinction in (mostly) mathematical models showing how much we know or are interested in the inner workings of the model. With a black-box model, we would not know how any of the outputs would be determined. In D&D, we as DMs at least always know. The players may not know why they took 5 fire damage, but a DM can look at the mechanics and determine that the monster's free action allows it to radiate heat when bloodied.The level of process complexity also has no bearing on making the models in D&D more accurate. Using ten different rolls and six charts to determine falling damage is just as inaccurate as using one roll if a person can always walk away from a 200' drop. The grapple example is poor because a more accurate simulation is not determined by level of abstraction. A single roll can determine that a better grappler wins.What a simulationist is looking for is outputs that follow naturally from inputs. I expect a character that jumps in lava to die. If he does not, then the model is flawed. It really is as simple as that.</blockquote>

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