[FaeLenx]

I don't really like the idea that people are looking to change the mechanics of a combat with prior RP. First of all, it makes combat seem like the important thing we do all RP for. Second off, it encourages people to get clever and quite frankly when people are encouraged to get clever rather than just doing it on their own time, they're usually not but very insistent that whatever they did was the smartest thing that should have the biggest impact. Third, things like mass bombardment can just be used to help steer the RP over why and how fights happen as long as there's a bit of conversation about it beforehand. Like...

"If there's anyone who really doesn't want to fight but their character would, you can just say you got goofied up by our funny mist that we're gonna throw right before the attack."

Or...

"If you just want to come watch but don't have a build and you feel like someone might ask why you didn't come help the Donna, just blow up on a mine and someone can screw your leg back on while you watch whatever fights are happening. We'll have them out."

I value a 'gotcha' moment as much as the next guy, though, and the gas attack emote does look pretty fun and impressive. I think it would have been more impressive if people would have been ready and willing to bite that bullet. At least for the people present who wouldn't have been as much in the know.