Making combat less lethal.

[DeadParrot]

Originally Posted by pzmcgwire

Good ideas here. What about morale rules? In the TFT app, opponents will run away when their strength is low (3 or less?)

Combat doesn't have to be to the last person standing and foes who are knocked down may decide not to get up immediately and play dead or when they wake from unconsciousness after the PCs leave, they'll run away rather than waiting in ambush for the PCs on the way back.

This. I don't understand why so many RPG players assume that all combat encounters are designed for them to win and that retreat is somehow never an acceptable option. Plus many opponents are at least as intelligent as the PCs and realistically, should place a high value on their own survival. Even most low intelligence critters have a mental risk/reward calculator and if their prospective meal is proving too difficult, they will break off and find something easier to eat.

Negotiation is an option as well. Maybe the side that is ahead in the conflict will offer the losing side the option of safe retreat for the cost of $200 per person to avoid further losses on the winning side.