>You're absolutely correct in that you could do that
>(assuming we're not talking, say, something that can scout
>from the air); but most people don't.

If you're an air shifter or conjie, I'll just go underwater. :) If you're an air/water shifter, well, you deserve the kill, buddy. But if I care, I'm going to the coral head, kuo-tao or that area explore.

>Much like anything else in the game there's a certain amount
>of getting people to beat themselves involved. Part of the
>art of really milking the healer and/or healing items is to
>not appear to milk the healer. If I just got away from
>you writhing and you see me nearby two ticks later (and you
>didn't see me parked at the Temple of the Sun for a minute
>first), is your first instinct that you need to hide, or is it
>that you're going to finish me off?

It totally depends on how healthy I am, and if we've every fought before. If I'm at 75%, I'm racing for where I think your recall is. If I'm at 50%, I'm going to the village to rest, unless I've maladicted you severely, since I know that you'll probably have the advantage even if you just rest while I am running. If I'm at 25% I'm looking for the nearest hidey-hole.

Or in reality, I just go for it anyway, because I play kind of like shamanman without the notoriety or skill. But if I cared about not dieing, the above is what I'd do.