How to avoid killing your player characters as GM

[Witchking]

Originally Posted by ericthered

Honestly, by not having fair fights. If my players are fighting, its because its cover while they run away from superior odds, because the foe is weak, or because they've done enough prep that this fight either isn't hard anymore or it is the key to the last thing they need to "win", and usually both.

Who the heck wants to have a fair fight?

My PCs are trying to accomplish something (seldom fighting) and if they can get it without a fight, great!!

If you HAVE to fight plan to cheat, cheat often, improvise cheating, and lie about cheating. Then cheat some more.

Dueling is stupid. Avoid it. Do it if forced.

'Never give a sucker an even break.'