Anthony, Regarding your "Combat Part 1" blog post: Wouldn't a savvy sorceror elect to 'Hold Action' during a 10-segment melee round, wait until the monster(s) have attacked, then begin casting? This would presumably allow him/her to unfailingly get the spell off unhindered - that is, if you allow a caster to cast even during a round in which he/she has taken damage. As a follow-up question - I don't suppose you allow a caster to cast more than one spell during a melee round, do you? I mean, could a caster do a Magic Missile and a Fireball in one round (total elapsed time: 4 segments)? Apologies for the myriad questions. I am devouring your combat posts and questions just keep popping up. Footnote: I started AD&D back around 1980 or so (the Golden Age for me and for the game). As such, I am no spring chicken and my eyes are failing me somewhat. The font you've selected for your posts is thin and requires squinting on my part. Although I'm already in your debt, I'd be even more so if the letters were beefed up a bit. Best, Craig

Anthony, I discovered TheBlueBard several days ago and consider myself a fan now. I am going to implement your brilliantly simple segment system in my next game as well as your illusion saving throw table. Thank you for those. I would very much like to read your commonsense take on backstabbing if you are inclined to write on that. I mean, if a first-level thief is force to make both a hide in shadows AND a move silently roll before ever backstabbing, he may never get the chance. How would you handle this both in and out of raging combat?