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Message: <blockquote data-quote="SmCaudata" data-source="post: 4111325" data-attributes="member: 12438">The poster above who mentioned ripping off video games stated what I was thinking when I read this thread.  For the normal run of the mill encounters the MM is going to tell you how the monster's typically fight.  Then play them as if you are trying to kill the PC partry.  The archer shoots at the wizard and it seems as if it hits, and the wizard had no magical defenses up.  Well the brutes then should key in on this and charge the robe wearer and try to knock him down due to his inferior melee skills.  On the other hand if that arrow seems to bounce of an invisible shield then the brutes will probably concentrate on the leather wearing rogue or the cleric and save the fighter type for the end.  Also, the mosters are going to use their strongest stuff right away.  Most monsters have a short life span when it comes to facing off against PCs so they are going to play it like all or nothing.  If 5 brutes use their Daily strong attack on the surprised wizard he may go down in the surprise round.Then when it comes to the big bad bosses... put in your own tricks that aren't in the MM.  Give him a protection that allows him to take half damage until the two orbs nearby are destroyed.  Make friends of his drop down from above or run up from behind when he hits the bloodied mark.  Think of a "script" ahead of time for your tough monsters if you are worried about your own personal tactical skill.  Basically, take things you read, see on TV, and encounter in video games and use them.  Use terrain, traps, and secret doors.  Don't let the PCs walk in on the dragon and just fight straight away without giving any advantage to the dragon.  Have arrow traps constantly raining down on the fight below, the dragon will shrug them off, but they will eat at the PCs making the fight have a sense of urgency.  Doing things like this is better than adding 100 hps or fudging rolls on the fly and makes it fun for all at the table by making it more challenging without seeming cheep.</blockquote>

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