Re: mechanics of surprise

"Mary K. Kuhner" <mkkuhner@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:eslpr2$ft$2@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> And as a result, there is not much chance for a PC to realize that
> she is in trouble (unless blows that miss are treated as informative--
> the GM could share the numbers with the player, arguing that the PC
> could judge the opponent's strength).

I find it rather easy to tell if one is in trouble in AoH. Roll rather 
poorly and hit, you're on the upside. Roll rather well and miss- you're in

trouble (Overcoming or failing to overcome Parry/Dodge is the better 
indicator than hitting actually). Also, unlike many games- apearance alone

will tell you a great deal about your foe in AoH.

Has it's limits if you go down in the first round, but the asymmetrical 
nature of the game rules means that's rare. Calling for help or backing
away 
from a greater foe is common. And of course it's a Gamist campaign, so 
unless the players have screwed up (in which case it's their fault), they 
are unlike to meet an opponent who's quickly able to whack them all.