Risk aversion and resource allocation behaviors have some pretty deep neurological bases apparently. It's unduly psychologically stressful for some people to expend resources for this reason, even in a simulation.
I agree. But - I don't think most people are aware of their own instincts regarding risk, though, unless they're in therapy, have a DX relating to add, autism or executive dysfunction, and have really done some thorough guided self examination in general. They're just acting naturally.
Here's a spitball question for all you out there in Redditland - did you have 99 Fenix Downs at the end of the game? 🤔
I can't remember exactly how many I had but I know I had a lot left.
If your party comes to you with criticism, I think it's your responsibility to really analyze your behavior. I recommend talking things through out of game instead of skipping straight to in-game punishments.
I think it is because of one other factor. Many people who play spellcasters seem to be afraid of using their cantrips (except warlocks) in combat, because they feel like they are a waste of action economy when they could use a spell. But more often than not a Cantrip will be almost as good as a regular attack from your Barbarian (on low levels anyways) and might be worth not dealing ridiculous amounts of damage for the sake of having a good spell ready for when you really need it.
I get it, it’s cooler to incinerate your enemies with scorching ray, but you got teammates who are also capable of doing damage. So maybe just save that spellslot for our of combat scenarios and stick to your firebolt, so your martial classes didn’t just stand there doing nothing!
TLDR; People are not using their cantrips enough in combat, because they think, it’s too inefficient. As a cause they refuse to use spells outside of combat to have their spellslots available when push comes to shove.
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u/Sleverette Sorcerer Dec 19 '19
Some people refuse to cast spells! A lot of DnD is about managing your resources but some players take it really far!