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Minions working together
- Thread starter gjnave
- Start date
Kelvor Ravenstar
Explorer
This is not a new mechanic from MM3, its an application of rules interpretations for monster initiative that has been in 4E since the first DMG.
DMs can choose to have groups of monsters (usually of the same type) roll one initiative and act together on that number. Its up to DM interpretation whether this means you take all of each monsters actions in turn, or like you implied, take the groups move actions all together, then their standard actions all together.
This allows a DM to set up their monsters for flanking before the attacks, or keep them in formation for a defence bonus like the OP asked.
However, this is a table issue, and some players may call DMs out for allowing such tactics that the players cannot copy without Readied Actions. Above is the way I run it, because (1) its easier for me to keep track of, in terms of which monsters have moved and which have not, and (2) sometimes the monsters, especially minions, need a little tactical boost to be competitive.
DMs can choose to have groups of monsters (usually of the same type) roll one initiative and act together on that number. Its up to DM interpretation whether this means you take all of each monsters actions in turn, or like you implied, take the groups move actions all together, then their standard actions all together.
This allows a DM to set up their monsters for flanking before the attacks, or keep them in formation for a defence bonus like the OP asked.
However, this is a table issue, and some players may call DMs out for allowing such tactics that the players cannot copy without Readied Actions. Above is the way I run it, because (1) its easier for me to keep track of, in terms of which monsters have moved and which have not, and (2) sometimes the monsters, especially minions, need a little tactical boost to be competitive.
The problem with having them all move and attack and so on at the same time is immediate interrupts and (to a lesser extent) reactions. One of our group used to run his campaign this way, and we'd end up arguing nearly every game about how such things would interact. Once he agreed to try it our way (we use numbered tiles, so on the initiative roll of 15 for example monster 1 takes his turn, then monster 2, then monster 3, etc), it was no longer an issue and he seems to enjoy it more as well.
UngeheuerLich
Legend
monsters can also ready actions...
Nullzone
Explorer
This isn't a problem at all, because you only get one Immediate Action per round. If there are 4 minions, and you can IA on the first or third one, it doesn't matter what order they go in, you either IA the first one, or let it pass and IA the third one. No matter where they go in the turn order, you don't get another IA until after your next turn.
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