Brendan's 20 questions

1. Ability scores generation method? - Point buy. Considering 4d6, arrange as desired, with 1 16 and 1 18 handed out automatically, as per Gamma World 4E if I run 4E D&D again.
2. How are death and dying handled?0 and below is Unconscious, roll 1d20 each round, if you get 1-9 you have failed a death save. Three strikes and you're out. get to half you HP expressed as a negative number and you're dead straight away. RAW 4E.
3. What about raising the dead? Heroic Tier PC - 500gp, Paragon - 5000gp, Epic -
4. How are replacement PCs handled? Create a new character, usually with some tangental connection to the group; we've had cousin, work buddy, half-brother etc
5. Initiative: individual, group, or something else? Individual
6. Are there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work? 20 - crit if it would hit the target. If it wouldn't ordinarily hit the target, normal damage.
7. Do I get any benefits for wearing a helmet?Only if it's magical
8. Can I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly silly?Not with firing into melee, but with area effect attacks, yes
9. Will we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill everything? You would be advised to choose your battles carefully in some locations
10. Level-draining monsters: yes or no? No
11. Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death? - yes (see death saves above)
12. How strictly are encumbrance & resources tracked? - not very strict most of the time
13. What's required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I have to wait for down time?Level up after Extended Rest. Training nor required. New powers acquired automatically. It can occur in the middle of an adventure (only if you rest).
14. What do I get experience for? - Succeeding in quests, defeating foes,passing skill challenges
15. How are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination? - either/or
16. Are retainers encouraged and how does morale work? The PCs have shown no inclination to gain outside aid, and their is no morale system. I might add in the one from LL.
17. How do I identify magic items?In most cases, you discover the item's powers after a short rest.
18. Can I buy magic items? Oh, come on: how about just potions? Sometimes.
19. Can I create magic items? When and how? Yes, using the appropriate ritual.
20. What about splitting the party? - go for it.