Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="Lanefan" data-source="post: 5115149" data-attributes="member: 29398">Regardless what it consists of or how it's defined, I've concluded the primary cause of grind in any edition can be boiled down to these few factors:1. The AC on both sides is high enough that physical attacks have poor odds to hit.2. For whatever reason, there is nothing available on either side (e.g. spells) that can intervene to noticeably speed things up.To some extent, the DM can mitigate this over the long haul by not giving out magic defenses (+x heavy armour, +x shields, etc.) often if at all and by also keeping the opponents' AC rational.A more extreme approach to crits and fumbles, to add swinginess, can also tilt the average towards a bit more speed.This all comes at a cost, however, and that cost is likely paid in PC mortality.&nbsp; A predictable combat is usually predictable in terms of the PCs are able to predict they'll win it without casualties.&nbsp; Me, I don't mind this; others might.Lanefan</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Lanefan, post: 5115149, member: 29398"] Regardless what it consists of or how it's defined, I've concluded the primary cause of grind in any edition can be boiled down to these few factors: 1. The AC on both sides is high enough that physical attacks have poor odds to hit. 2. For whatever reason, there is nothing available on either side (e.g. spells) that can intervene to noticeably speed things up. To some extent, the DM can mitigate this over the long haul by not giving out magic defenses (+x heavy armour, +x shields, etc.) often if at all and by also keeping the opponents' AC rational. A more extreme approach to crits and fumbles, to add swinginess, can also tilt the average towards a bit more speed. This all comes at a cost, however, and that cost is likely paid in PC mortality. A predictable combat is usually predictable in terms of the PCs are able to predict they'll win it without casualties. Me, I don't mind this; others might. Lanefan [/QUOTE]

Verification