How often do you use minions?

[Evilhalfling]

We did keep on the shadowfell, several days had 5-8 encounters.
It was a reflection of a bit of power creep from year one to march 2010.

pre-errta Astral Seal/pacifist cleric was wack.
and the ritual Commrads Succor - after 3-4 encounters we would rebalance healing surges, so that the guys getting pounded had a few more and the guys in the back would be down to 3 surges.

 

[korjik]

I use them about a third of the time. They are good to bring up numbers without making the combat drag, they are good at being ablative meat shields, they are good at being annoying flankers, shooter minions can either use up a surge or two or keep the party's shooters busy for a bit....

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kpkWQmIdMo"]This is the ultimate minion fight for me[/ame]

Technically, the ultimate fight the BBEG fight, but I am sure you get the idea

 

[Smoke Jaguar]

I use them probably 1 out 3 three encounters. They are usually filler to add a little flavor to the encounter. I almost never use just minions. Although I was thinking about putting together an encounter where wave after wave of minions comes to capture the party.

They are more often than not support for the the main attraction of the encounter.

 

[Neonchameleon]

As often as I think the setting will allow. Some things can narratively be mooks without breaking the rules. Others can't. And I like mook swarms unless there are specialised controllers.