D&D 5E CR 0 monsters, As DM do you use lots, a few or avoid deploying them?

[miniaturehoarder]

The low end of the monster spectrum is refereed to as CR 0, being worth 10xp if they pose a threat to PCs, with CR1/8ths being worth 2.5 as much XP. But the question is how are DMs making use of these lowest foes? Do you use them a few times when the party can't handle other foes, ignoring them afterward, do you not even bother using them, or do you just pour those schlubs onto the field leaving it to the PCs to mop them up or drown in the deluge of bodies?

 

[pming]

Hiya!

I use them like all other things...if they are needed. I use them whenever it is reasonable and logical for them to "be there" in the setting. Unlike some DM's who actually "stick to CR's appropriate for the PCs", I'm one of those 'killer DMs' who is quite happy to have the group of 5th level PC's encounter a half-dozen Stone Giants...if the PC's are in the terrain where Stone Giants can be found, and the wandering monster dice dictate Stone Giants. The Giants are doing whatever Stone Giants would likely be doing in that area...walking along the road, crossing the small river, or investigating the smell of a campfire. What the PC's do is up to them.

Likewise, if the 5th level PC's are camping out in a forest and a random encounter is determined to be a Deer, then they 'encounter' a deer. The deer is probably just doing deer stuff...standing around, eating shrubbery, and looking cute. What the PC's do is up to them.

So, uh, basically I don't treat every creature as a "foe". They arn't. They are creatures doing whatever they typically do. Deer eat grass and look cute...stone giants wander around looking for good rock to mine...zombies shuffle aimlessly looking for brains to eat...squirrels chitter and distract dogs...etc...etc...etc. In short, I don't think in terms of "foes to fight the PC's"; I think in terms of "creatures that make up a believable world setting".

^_^

Paul L. Ming

 

[Hand of Evil]

Yes, just remember that not all encounters have to be combat, they are still events and dangers of every day life. Scorpions in boots, Black Widows in outhouses (a major cause of death in the wild west, I have heard), other spiders in dungeons, lizard under a rock, dingo (ate my baby), rat in the food pack, an owl hooting in the woods, game birds flushed from hiding, etc... The chances are small but they can cause weakness or problems for a party, you just have to be aware of how to use them.

 

[the Jester]

a bunch of good stuff

What he said.