Q47:
Where are the rules for determining starting encounter distances?
Assume the PCs are on a featureless plain in broad daylight. A medium dragon flies in from the horizon to fight them. Is there a rule for using spot or something to decide when they notice the dragon? From a common sense perspective, I'm not sure that they'd automatically notice an airborne medium creature at a quarter mile off (roughly max longbow range). I'm trying to decide how many rounds PCs would get to shoot at the dragon before it got into breath weapon or melee range.