Do creatures in your games take actions according to their mental stats?

[ForeverSlayer]

Basically, in games you run or play in, do creatures act according to how "they" would act and not necessarily how the DM would act?

I know when I run games, I make creatures with a low intelligence take actions that may not always be the best. Whenever I play undead who lack intelligence, beyond basic functions, I don't use tactics.

Are creatures in your games controlled this way?

 

[Li Shenron]

Generally yes, but since I cannot really know how someone significantly less or more intelligent than me would really think and act, I tend not too worry about the verisimilitude of the outcome

 

[the Jester]

To the best of my ability, yes.

There have been several encounters that devolved into monsters fighting amongst themselves when played intelligently by the pcs in my game, especially their enchanter.

 

[Morrus]

Sadly, probably no. I find if hard to act like a supra-genius, not being one; and also hard to act like an idiot (though I can manage the comedy version of the latter).

I mean, what tactics do a supra- genius dragon use? Certainly not any I can think of!

 

[Ahnehnois]

I'd say often, but not always yes. As with most things, I suppose I cheat now and then for the greater good.

 

[The Human Target]

To a point, but monsters too dumb to make a fight fun/challenging doesn't seem worth it.

So while orcs might be dumb, they know not to group too close together when the wizards starts throwing AoEs.

I do think it would be fun to include rules in certain monsters statblocks to represent their limitations.

Like say Skeletons do not gain a bonus for flanking with other creatures because they're not capable of fighting in a unit like that.

 

[ForeverSlayer]

Sadly, probably no. I find if hard to act like a supra-genius, not being one; and also hard to act like an idiot (though I can manage the comedy version of the latter).

I mean, what tactics do a supra- genius dragon use? Certainly not any I can think of!

Use their knowledge skills and spells to spy on the heroes while they make a name for themselves in the surrounding lands. Learn their tactics and weaknesses and make sure the proper buffs are in place when you find out they are on their way to fight you.

 

[ForeverSlayer]

I would like to see morale return to the game.

 

[Morrus]

Use their knowledge skills and spells to spy on the heroes while they make a name for themselves in the surrounding lands. Learn their tactics and weaknesses and make sure the proper buffs are in place when you find out they are on their way to fight you.

No, those are incredibly obvious basic tactics. I can think of that. They're not supra-genius tactics.

 

[billd91]

No, those are incredibly obvious basic tactics. I can think of that. They're not supra-genius tactics.

But are you smart and savvy enough to discern who the threats are and be prepared to face the right opponents? It seems obvious when you've got just one group of PCs, but how does the NPC sort through all the potential threats to find the real ones? That's part of his supra-genius.