Why Defenses (saves)?

[mmadsen]

Not every blow that bypasses your defenses is going to be lethal. Some might be, but there's a lot of variability in the mix.

You might die, but there's a lot of variability. Doesn't that sound like a save-or-die situation?

 

[talok55]

I personally wouldn't like a system like this, and here's why. 4e does a lot of stuff like this and it comes across as way too gamist, to the point that it is laughable and really detracts form the immersion into and enjoyment of the game. In the 4E DMG, I believe, it suggests that you can do "damage" with an intimidate check, and you have the bard power vicious mockery that does damage and gives a penalty to a creature for mocking it. Think about how silly these are. I really don't want to play in a game where things like this are common. Forget about doing damage to disarm or daze or whatever. Things like this should be resolved with opposed rolls and saving throws.