TOPIC: Monster Target Selection

One thing I haven't really been able to figure out is how monsters choose targets in combat. Does the actual formations of players help protect vulnerable members? Do monsters go with the old "geek the mage first" strategy?

I guess overall, I'm wondering how much the player party strategy helps to decide who gets attacked and who doesn't.

The DM's maybe can provide more info than I can. But it depends. For example the infamous Chain Devil would take out the mages first, because their spells got past DR. The Minotaur would attack the first party member through the area. Some monsters just go random. Some go for whichever character did the most damage in the previous round.

Basically, some of it is scripted, and some of it is not.

Speaking as an NPC monster, my choice has been largely random. If someone has done something to seriously upset me (like the person who messed with my prop when they first came into the room and hit me on the head with their mostly empty water bottle), I will always target them first. Otherwise, I choose whomever would be most entertaining to call up. The DM called the process "Wheel of Demon." 'Twas a fun game . . . for the demon, at least.

In general, kindly ingratiating yourself to the evil monster isn't a terrible plan, unless the monster is twisted and vindictive. Really, never trust the monster. Unpredictable sums it up.

Deaterrae wrote: Speaking as an NPC monster, my choice has been largely random. If someone has done something to seriously upset me (like the person who messed with my prop when they first came into the room and hit me on the head with their mostly empty water bottle), I will always target them first. Otherwise, it was whomever would be most entertaining to call up. The DM had called the process "Wheel of Demon." 'Twas a fun game . . . for the demon, at least.

then I will stick my tongue out at you and make faces...nobody ever attacks me first (because i am just too hard to hit)

some Dms seem to pick on the wizard (very low AC)..So i wear my wizard hat (i play rogue) so the Dms will attack me thinking i am the wizard

it usually only works once.

Robert Thomson wrote: Does the actual formations of players help protect vulnerable members?

Very, very rarely.
The official rule is that rooms in the dungeon are small enough that the monster(s) can attack any player in the party. ( per the DMG ) However, there are occasionally exceptions to this rule. A couple years ago, one room had a gelatinous cube in it. Whomever was first to enter that room got enveloped by the cube.

Robert Thomson wrote: Do monsters go with the old "geek the mage first" strategy?

Sometimes, it depends on the intelligence of the monster. Dumb monsters will probably just attack whomever hit it last or damaged it the most. Smart monsters will choose their targets more carefully.

Robert Thomson wrote: I'm wondering how much the player party strategy helps to decide who gets attacked and who doesn't.

In most cases, I'd say very little.

If the monster is being played by an NPC, the NPC will often dictate who gets attacked. Use this to your advantage! I love these rooms if I'm playing a high-AC character or one with really good resistances/saving throws. I'll taunt the NPC (in character*) to get her/him to attack me.


*It's fine to taunt the monster, but never, ever taunt the actor/actress playing the part of the monster! Keep your interactions in character. Don't be a lecherous D-bag. (I'm not saying anyone here was, it's just a general comment.)

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote: then I will stick my tongue out at you and make faces...nobody ever attacks me first (because i am just too hard to hit)

some Dms seem to pick on the wizard (very low AC)..So i wear my wizard hat (i play rogue) so the Dms will attack me thinking i am the wizard

it usually only works once.

It's worth noting that the light is dim enough that I had no hope of reading anyone's character cards. I had no clue whom I was picking on role-wise. Although, sometimes I would ask who was which role . . . yep. Still random. Gotta keep it interesting.

Druegar wrote:

Robert Thomson wrote: Does the actual formations of players help protect vulnerable members?

Very, very rarely.
The official rule is that rooms in the dungeon are small enough that the monster(s) can attack any player in the party. ( per the DMG ) However, there are occasionally exceptions to this rule. A couple years ago, one room had a gelatinous cube in it. Whomever was first to enter that room got enveloped by the cube.

Robert Thomson wrote: Do monsters go with the old "geek the mage first" strategy?

Sometimes, it depends on the intelligence of the monster. Dumb monsters will probably just attack whomever hit it last or damaged it the most. Smart monsters will choose their targets more carefully.

Robert Thomson wrote: I'm wondering how much the player party strategy helps to decide who gets attacked and who doesn't.

In most cases, I'd say very little.

If the monster is being played by an NPC, the NPC will often dictate who gets attacked. Use this to your advantage! I love these rooms if I'm playing a high-AC character or one with really good resistances/saving throws. I'll taunt the NPC (in character*) to get her/him to attack me.


*It's fine to taunt the monster, but never, ever taunt the actor/actress playing the part of the monster! Keep your interactions in character. Don't be a lecherous D-bag. (I'm not saying anyone here was, it's just a general comment.)

so I cant stick my tongue out anymore?
does this still hold if Henwy plays a NPC ( which would be awesome)

If i ever get to pick a monster, I am requesting a Henwy monster..not sure what its abilities would be

Disclaimer: Henwy is awesome in my book

Let's not forget your friend the Paladin, who can Guard one other player from Melee attacks. Preferably a squishy one.

Xavon wrote: Let's not forget your friend the Paladin, who can Guard one other player from Melee attacks. Preferably a squishy one.

i hate the paladin..he is a goody little two shoes..never guards the Rogue

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote: I am requesting a Henwy monster..not sure what its abilities would be

Off the top of my head...

• Razor sharp tongue
• Razor sharp wit
• Spits acid
• Shoots rays of sunshine
• Wears a necklace so heavy and valuable he can't lift his head all the way up

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote: i hate the paladin..he is a goody little two shoes..never guards the Rogue

Bitter, party of one, your table is ready.

Druegar wrote:

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote: I am requesting a Henwy monster..not sure what its abilities would be

Off the top of my head...

• Razor sharp tongue
• Razor sharp wit
• Spits acid
• Shoots rays of sunshine
• Wears a necklace so heavy and valuable he can't lift his head all the way up

so crossing my fingers I will get to pick a monster someday. wont wait. i will tell Lori(not Jeff) right then