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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Wulf Ratbane" data-source="post: 4553796" data-attributes="member: 94">As subsystems go, action points are simple enough. Of course, I also think they're properly applied to solve lots of other problems, and they can do this without significant added complexity. My answer is obviously yes. But this gets to the heart of what I mean about my assumptions. I start with a couple of very simple assumptions that are nevertheless very polarizing. ("Empower the DM." and "Use action points.") I have to sort of take that with a grain of salt as any design or redesign entails balancing. By which I assume you mean hit points. Certainly, there are ways you can do this. 4e's approach in many cases is to apply all sorts of damage directly to hit points: Poison deals hit point damage, necrotic damage, morale effects can even deal hit point damage (and healing), etc. This is certainly a workable solution but very gamist. And it's unsatisfactory to a lot of people for a lot of reasons.Or you could work the "re-roll" mechanic into hit points: If you're not reduced below 50% of your hit points, then you receive a significant save boost, possibly including an automatic, free re-roll. Or you could charge the player a certain amount of hit points to "buy" the re-roll. Etc.For the most part I am ok with different sub-systems tracking "plot immunity" across a variety of tracks: Hit points, ability score damage, action points, etc.EDIT: I had meant to mention this and forgot. I like the fact that there are effects-- poison, save or die-- that can kill you "suddenly." But that is not to say that the risk should be completely unanticipated. In terms of plot protection, it matters that the players know when they are at significant risk. It helps to build tension; it forces meaningful decisions. In the status quo, the risk is ever-present; a sleep spell can ruin a 1st level party. There is no plot protection. Consequently, it is very hard to build meaningful tension. Slowly whittling away hit points; slowly whittling away spells and resources; and yes, slowly whittling away action points-- all of these give me greater control as a DM over increasing tension. I want all of these knobs and levers, and more. I view hit points as the primary ablative resource of the single encounter. (I don't mind the players healing up after every battle.)I view spells and dailies as the primary ablative resource of the game session.I view action points as the primary ablative resource of the adventure.</blockquote>

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