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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Randomthoughts" data-source="post: 6036385" data-attributes="member: 6681248">I use the monster knowledge checks if requested by a player, but I have decided that a particular monster would not be known by the PC, so I don't follow RAW in those rare instances. I haven't codified my descriptions to the point some seem to have done (like the color of their eyes), though that's a good idea. I think I informally give a clue on how dangerous the creature is based on the amount of detail I give. If the creature is especially dangerous (like +5 level or such), it would be involved in a special encounter where clues would be given beforehand to give PCs a sense of the difficult encounter to come. But I've found that the in-combat indicators are pretty useful. Players tend to figure out how tough the encounter is quickly based on rolls missed and damage given/received. As both a player and GM, I like the "bloodied" status as a "mid-fight" milestone. I know my players have asked, in hard encounters, "the creature's not bloodied yet?" Overall, I find that 4e PCs can take a lot of damage (or heal) and have a lot of resources (powers, magic items) at their command. So, I see players constantly using powers, even dailies. The biggest restraint I've seen is trying to use a daily (for instance) when it makes "the most sense" - like using an AOE only when enemies are bunched up - but that scenario may never materialize.</blockquote>