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[3.5/3.0] Collaborative Effort: Collection of Round-by-Round Monster Tactics
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<blockquote data-quote="Destan" data-source="post: 1026179" data-attributes="member: 12157"><p>I just picked the first entry in the 3.5 MM to use as an example, mirroring the format of those monsters that already have Round-by-Round tactics included in their description. The below recommendation was done fairly quickly - it's late and I'm tired - so there's a good chance it includes errors. Likewise, I'm certain there's a number of "better" opening tactics.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Aboleth – Tactics Round-by-Round</strong></p><p></p><p>An aboleth is most effective when fighting within a watery environment, as its movement upon land is severely restricted. Nevertheless, the following tactical recommendation assumes the aboleth is encountered near water adjacent to land.</p><p></p><p>An aboleth is extremely intelligent and may very well possess the memories of those slain previous to the current encounter. It will use its considerable illusionary powers to prepare the battlefield prior to any engagement, situation permitting. Aboleths often surround themselves with humanoids they have previously <em>dominated</em> with their <em>Enslave</em> ability.</p><p></p><p><em>Prior to combat</em>: Use <em>Mirage Arcana</em> to cause the nearby shoreline to appear as if it extends outward over the water’s surface. Use <em>Persistent Image</em> to have a group of low-level aquatic combatants appear to be huddled near the edge of the illusionary terrain, perhaps with a bound captive or two in their midst. Use <em>Programmed Image</em> to give the appearance of a second group of combatants approaching the shoreline from a direction opposite the aboleth’s location, triggered whenever a creature walks upon the illusionary surface of the <em>Mirage Arcana</em>.</p><p></p><p><em>Round 1:</em> Ready an action to use <em>Enslave</em> against the first humanoid enemy to approach within 30 ft. Telepathic commands to <em>dominated</em> foes will often be limited, as the aboleth only speaks is own language, Aquan, and Undercommon. In order to avoid provoking a second saving throw, the aboleth will only attempt to command a <em>dominated</em> creature to attack his companions if absolutely required. Otherwise, the aboleth will often command any <em>dominated</em> humanoids to “Flee” for the duration.</p><p></p><p><em>Round 2:</em> If given time and a humanoid target is within 30 ft., the aboleth may make a second <em>Enslave</em> attempt – preferably against ranged attackers or obvious spellcasters. Otherwise, the aboleth will strike out with its tentacles at various targets with the intent to <em>Slime</em> numerous foes, thereby possibly distracting them or forcing enemies to concentrate on removing the affliction.</p><p></p><p><em>Round 3:</em> The aboleth may attempt its third, and final, <em>Enslave</em> ability. Otherwise, it will concentrate on inflicting damage on any creatures within range – targeting those enemies that appear badly wounded in order to remove them from the combat.</p><p></p><p><em> Alternate tactic:</em> Aboleths who are more defensively-minded may use a <em>Programmed Image</em> to cause a second, illusionary aboleth to appear to surface from underneath the nearby water whilst the true aboleth flees, regroups, or distances itself in order to better telepathically command any humanoids it may have <em>Enslaved.</em></p><p></p><p><em>If forced to retreat</em>: Use <em>Illusory Wall</em> to cause a wall to appear, not unlike a <em>Wall of Stone</em> spell, separating the fleeing aboleth from its aggressors. Use the Run action to swim directly away from any pursuers, diving deep underwater if possible.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Destan, post: 1026179, member: 12157"] I just picked the first entry in the 3.5 MM to use as an example, mirroring the format of those monsters that already have Round-by-Round tactics included in their description. The below recommendation was done fairly quickly - it's late and I'm tired - so there's a good chance it includes errors. Likewise, I'm certain there's a number of "better" opening tactics. [b]Aboleth – Tactics Round-by-Round[/b] An aboleth is most effective when fighting within a watery environment, as its movement upon land is severely restricted. Nevertheless, the following tactical recommendation assumes the aboleth is encountered near water adjacent to land. An aboleth is extremely intelligent and may very well possess the memories of those slain previous to the current encounter. It will use its considerable illusionary powers to prepare the battlefield prior to any engagement, situation permitting. Aboleths often surround themselves with humanoids they have previously [i]dominated[/i] with their [i]Enslave[/i] ability. [i]Prior to combat[/i]: Use [i]Mirage Arcana[/i] to cause the nearby shoreline to appear as if it extends outward over the water’s surface. Use [i]Persistent Image[/i] to have a group of low-level aquatic combatants appear to be huddled near the edge of the illusionary terrain, perhaps with a bound captive or two in their midst. Use [i]Programmed Image[/i] to give the appearance of a second group of combatants approaching the shoreline from a direction opposite the aboleth’s location, triggered whenever a creature walks upon the illusionary surface of the [i]Mirage Arcana[/i]. [i]Round 1:[/i] Ready an action to use [i]Enslave[/i] against the first humanoid enemy to approach within 30 ft. Telepathic commands to [i]dominated[/i] foes will often be limited, as the aboleth only speaks is own language, Aquan, and Undercommon. In order to avoid provoking a second saving throw, the aboleth will only attempt to command a [i]dominated[/i] creature to attack his companions if absolutely required. Otherwise, the aboleth will often command any [i]dominated[/i] humanoids to “Flee” for the duration. [i]Round 2:[/i] If given time and a humanoid target is within 30 ft., the aboleth may make a second [i]Enslave[/i] attempt – preferably against ranged attackers or obvious spellcasters. Otherwise, the aboleth will strike out with its tentacles at various targets with the intent to [i]Slime[/i] numerous foes, thereby possibly distracting them or forcing enemies to concentrate on removing the affliction. [i]Round 3:[/i] The aboleth may attempt its third, and final, [i]Enslave[/i] ability. Otherwise, it will concentrate on inflicting damage on any creatures within range – targeting those enemies that appear badly wounded in order to remove them from the combat. [i] Alternate tactic:[/i] Aboleths who are more defensively-minded may use a [i]Programmed Image[/i] to cause a second, illusionary aboleth to appear to surface from underneath the nearby water whilst the true aboleth flees, regroups, or distances itself in order to better telepathically command any humanoids it may have [i]Enslaved.[/i] [i]If forced to retreat[/i]: Use [i]Illusory Wall[/i] to cause a wall to appear, not unlike a [i]Wall of Stone[/i] spell, separating the fleeing aboleth from its aggressors. Use the Run action to swim directly away from any pursuers, diving deep underwater if possible. [/QUOTE]
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