TOPIC: Player and Monster/DM Interaction?

In combats rooms, does the DM have a lot of discretion on how to run the combat - or is it fairly scripted?

In particular, I'm wondering if (for example), some PC's would tell the DM they are taunting the monster, would the DM typically respond to that in some way?

I haven't pushed the limits at all of player / NPC interaction, but watching the riddle reveal videos this year made me aware that there is some stuff I've been missing (like the ability to avoid a combat here and there).

I'm just curious how much the encounter in the room is absolutely going to happen, and how much is decided by the players and DM/monster interactions?

I've taunted monsters before, directly to the monster! Did it to the Medusa this year. We both had a lot of fun with it. She specifically told the DM that she was attacking the "Goody Two Shoes Paladin!"

The answer is: it varies.

There's (almost) always instructions in the DM's room description about how to run the combat, including info about how it can be avoided (IF it can be avoided.) The DM has to stick pretty closely to the scenario described, or contact the Dungeon Coordinator if there's some reason s/he can't.

But within those instructions, there may be some leeway. Some encounters might say "The Lich is evil, and will always attack the paladin first. Your choice who she attacks next." Others might say "The Drow Sorcerer will focus fire on the party's spellcasters." or "This monster is intelligent and will attack players with low ACs."

Sometimes there is a costumed NPC, and if the players choose to interact with her/him, then the actor can tell the DM "I don't like the Bard's singing - I attack him!" or "The Paladin is being a goody 2 shoes, and he shall feel my wrath!" In which case most DMs will let the party (and the NPC) play it up.

Raven has GREAT taunts... But she also uses ventriloquism... You have been warned.

This was my first year as a Combat DM. I remember reading on here about the many complaints of players saying how many of the Combat DMs would unfairly just attack the easy to hit AC/low HP characters. I decided to just let my NPC choose who she attacks and I even let her roll the d20 for everything. If she wasn't distracted by the players. If she was then I chose and rolled for her. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. And, I felt it was a positive thing getting everyone involved and more interactive.

Any monster with average or higher intelligence should always attack the character without armor, or the character smashing their face.

Just as a note: True Grind monsters are smarter than your average dungeon beasties. They don't just intelligently select their targets... they synergize their attacks. Especially at higher challenge levels.