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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pemerton" data-source="post: 7881600" data-attributes="member: 42582">[USER=22779]@Hussar[/USER], I think some spells introduce their own mechanices - consider eg the classic AD&D Maze spell, which uses a distinctinve INT-based mechanic to determine how long the target is trapped in the extra-dimensional maze.But I agree with you that once we have (a) a damage-type mechanics, and (b) a bolt spell mechanics, then Lightning Bolt and Fire Bolt are just two variants of the same mechanic. The 4e DMG (I thikn it is) gives a similar example in its discussion of house rules and making stuff up as a GM, of a fire lizard and an ice lizard.Likewise I tend to agree with you that changing the rest duration is just a mechanical variant givn that the game already includes the idea of durations, including recovery durations, that vary by ingame time.My rough criterion would be is this just varying a parameter of some existing system element along an established axis of variation. I think this is true for some spells but not all. It's certainly true for most weapons (like your sword/dagger example). And many class abilities but maybe not all - eg I think hunter's quarry/warlock's curse were a new mechanic with 4e. (But not two new mechanics - they're two variations on the same basic thing.)</blockquote>