DM Monster Battle Decisions

[Obese Squirrel]

I'm just wondering how DMs decide which monsters/enemies will attack which players in battle.

The way I usually figure it is:

1. Intelligence of the enemy( ie. lower intelligence enemies attack whichever is closest, intelligent ones may attack spell casters or will have tactics especially if in groups)
2. Apparent Threat of the player and other circumstances ( i.e the enemies are more likely to attack the archer which is shooting flamed arrows at explosive substances near the enemy)
3. Proximity of the player to the enemy
4. Memory: If a player has attacked the enemy before than it's more likely to attack the player.
5. Randomness: Whatever I feel like..

Also things like cowardice come to play as well.

 

[Gumby]

Whoever didn't bring soda that night. After that, the halfling.

 

[Numion]

I usually try to concentrate as many attacks as possible on any single character. Theres now point spreading the damage over larger number of enemies.

 

[EverSoar]

Whoever didn't bring soda that night. After that, the halfling.

Ah, if only you knew the irony of what you just said..

The only player who has died in our campaign(player in Obese's game) was the only player who every brought the soda.

 

[Cullain]

I usually try to concentrate as many attacks as possible on any single character. Theres now point spreading the damage over larger number of enemies.

This is a much better battle tatic, but I've found it leads to less fun amongst the players. So I usually have the bad guys spread the attacks out more, even though I know it's not the brightest thing they could do.

Cullain

 

[Lazybones]

I sort of combine your 1 & 2 and have less intelligent beasts (particularly animals) attack whoever's attacked them for the most damage.

 

[Ravellion]

Enemy is not familiar with magic: Attack the one with the sword
Enemy is familiar with magic: Attack the one without sword


Rav

 

[StalkingBlue]

I do much the same you do, Squirrel, except I also have a courage / cowardice standard. So there are times when foes won't exactly rush towards the most dangerous character ...