Honestly, this preset method sounds like it would be a lot to juggle. Maybe actually doing it would be easier than reading it all laid out, but I'd be concerned that for new players, this all could be overly complicated. And I cannot see how it could be smoother and more intuitive than just the style of reactions Solasta has. Whatever flaws they might have, Solasta's reaction system is clear and easy to understand and use. Sometimes that has to take priority over a little bit of clunkiness. And I honestly don't think the clunkiness there is really that disruptive overall.
I mostly agree. Here's why I'm trying to make the presets work:
Solasta method: Paladin has Smite levels 1-4. Rogue with Uncanny Dodge. Mage has Counterspell. Druid has... well. Druid has AOO like everyone else. This is my current party in Solasta.
Combat begins. Skeleton runs up to Paladin and attacks. Skeleton 2 runs up to Rogue and attacks and hits. Pause/Popup. "Uncanny Dodge? Yes/No?" You hit No. Skeleton 3 runs up to Rogue and attacks and hits. Pause/Popup. "Uncanny Dodge? Yes/No?" You hit No. These skeletons are only doing like 8 damage or something on average. Why halve that when there's a Defiler in the room who can do a whole lot more? Skeleton 4 runs up to Rogue and attacks and hits. Pause/Popup. "Uncanny Dodge? Yes/No?" You hit No. Enemy Mage is casting Darkness. Pause/Popup. "Counterspell? Yes/No?" You hit Yes. Spell stopped. Skeleton 5 runs past Paladin to get at my mage. Pause/Popup. "Use AOO? Use Smite?" I pick Yes for AOO and pick level 1 smite. Skeleton dies. Defiler attacks Rogue and deals 25 damage. Pause/Popup. "Use Uncanny Dodge? Yes/No?" I pick yes. Rogue only takes 12 damage.
This is a very similar scenario to what I've had happen with my present party in Solasta. At first, I'm like, "Yeah. No big deal. However, after a bit, it turns into "Oh my gosh! This is really happening a lot."
