Epic Battles

[barsoomcore]

They've only got one character each to take care of...I have millions.

Damn straight. I decide when my bad guys go down -- I'll fudge numbers any time I have to. It's all about the story, man.

 

[hong]

My players may kill me if they hear this, but I don't always roll hit points for the monsters. I used to (in 2E) assign average hit points, and went a little higher for the lieutenants and chieftains. I also don't specifically record all the hit points for my NPC's, because it slows down combat when I do so. Instead, I figure how much damage they've been taking, and if its above the average, they drop.

I could keep track better, but if it's a large combat, it gets harder to do so.

Hm. Am I the only one here who _never_ rolls hit points for their NPCs?

Yes, I assign all hp. Generic mooks get average hp for their class and level. More exceptional ones maybe get above average hp, and better stats. Much easier to keep track of.

 

[Glyfair]

Hm. Am I the only one here who _never_ rolls hit points for their NPCs?

Yes, I assign all hp. Generic mooks get average hp for their class and level. More exceptional ones maybe get above average hp, and better stats. Much easier to keep track of.

I won't quite say never. I haven't rolled hit points for NPCs/monsters for years. However, there are a few situations where I might (random summoned monsters and the like).

Still, I prefer to make sure the challenge of the monster is what the scenario calls for.

Glyfair of Glamis

 

[DMaple]

I suppose my Feng Shui is showing

I do the same sort of thing. Keeping key villans alive longer than normal if it makes it more dramatic. The amount of damage characters can deal out in one round even at low levels is ridiculas compared to 2nd edition.

For example a CR6 Wizard is ment to be an even challenge to a 6th level party but if he loses initiative or even worse is surprised then he can be dead before he even gets to act.