I have a few questions I would like to ask you guys:
1) A basic stance for spells or abilities that give benefits to "allies", without specifying whether the character using the ability gets the benefit or not:
My suggestion:
Every spell or ability that gives a numeric bonus, a buff, or an extra attack(in a FA) which specifies allies can be regared as if the character is his own ally.
Every spell or ability that grants actions to allies CANNOT be used in the manner to give actions to the character using the ability. This is simply to prevent loops being possible.
However, I'm opening it to discussion, I'm not final on the decision.
The second question regards the roleplaying done in this group, and the mechanics of it:
Previously up to now, I've used a loose, "invisible mechanics" system for roleplaying challenges. I've had people just talk, and perhaps roll a diplomacy check in the background. We COULD, however, use more complex and detailed mechanics for our characters to flesh out the roleplaying, and especially character interaction (including NPCs). I've started working out those mechanics in the "House rules and creations" section, in a thread called "Expanding D&D mechanics". IF you are interested in what I'm thinking about, please give your comments there.