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Why rename HP & Saves?
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<blockquote data-quote="Rex Blunder" data-source="post: 4200139" data-attributes="member: 60850"><p>I think that there is a difference of opinion on what some words mean. </p><p></p><p>Stormbringer, you have several times used the phrase "totally abstract". I think you and I are using different functional definitions of "abstract".</p><p></p><p>When I see "abstract" used to describe game rules, I usually think it means something like "for ease of play, several factors are lumped together into one mechanic". An abstract rule tries to model the outcome without fiddling around with simulating the causes.</p><p></p><p>For instance, the minute-long combat round of 1e is abstract. It doesn't try to model the effect of parries and footwork. It says, "During a minute, each opponent will get one (or more) good attacks in: we won't worry how."</p><p></p><p>Therefore, something can't be "totally" abstract. Either it tries to determine the effect of the factors, or it doesn't.</p><p></p><p>By this definition, hit points have been abstract since 1e (I make no claims about earlier editions). Gygax presents a laundry list of factors that can explain high hit points: physical health, luck, magical and divine protection, etc. He doesn't try to determine what percentage of each hit is absorbed by each of these.</p><p></p><p>I'm willing to believe every hit does some physical damage. The Gygax quote can be read to support that view. However, the amount of actual physical damage, according to Gygax, can be very small (a "graze").</p><p></p><p>You keep on talking about "totally abstract". Therefore, to you, abstract isn't binary, and 4e HP are somehow MORE abstract. Perhaps to you, "abstract" means "entirely nonphysical"? Then your argument makes more sense.</p><p></p><p>Also, "Disingenuous" means "lying", correct? I don't think there's any evidence of lying in this thread. Please don't make accusations of malice where misunderstanding can fit the bill.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Rex Blunder, post: 4200139, member: 60850"] I think that there is a difference of opinion on what some words mean. Stormbringer, you have several times used the phrase "totally abstract". I think you and I are using different functional definitions of "abstract". When I see "abstract" used to describe game rules, I usually think it means something like "for ease of play, several factors are lumped together into one mechanic". An abstract rule tries to model the outcome without fiddling around with simulating the causes. For instance, the minute-long combat round of 1e is abstract. It doesn't try to model the effect of parries and footwork. It says, "During a minute, each opponent will get one (or more) good attacks in: we won't worry how." Therefore, something can't be "totally" abstract. Either it tries to determine the effect of the factors, or it doesn't. By this definition, hit points have been abstract since 1e (I make no claims about earlier editions). Gygax presents a laundry list of factors that can explain high hit points: physical health, luck, magical and divine protection, etc. He doesn't try to determine what percentage of each hit is absorbed by each of these. I'm willing to believe every hit does some physical damage. The Gygax quote can be read to support that view. However, the amount of actual physical damage, according to Gygax, can be very small (a "graze"). You keep on talking about "totally abstract". Therefore, to you, abstract isn't binary, and 4e HP are somehow MORE abstract. Perhaps to you, "abstract" means "entirely nonphysical"? Then your argument makes more sense. Also, "Disingenuous" means "lying", correct? I don't think there's any evidence of lying in this thread. Please don't make accusations of malice where misunderstanding can fit the bill. [/QUOTE]
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