How visible are monster attributes? (ooer!)

[Inconsequenti-AL]

I was curious again: How accessible to PCs are the attributes of NPCs?

Some things I'd consider as attributes - by no means an inclusive list:

HP totals, elemental resistances, saves, damage reduction, AC, spell resistance.



Some broad generalisations when fighting A.N.Other.Monster.

Numerical information - the monster has AC 18 - so you easily hit it! You injure it serverly, it has 3 hp remaining.

Some level of detail - the monster resists your spell easily - it's innate defenses failed to stop it, but it seems incredibly tough. (unsaid: it has SR - you beat that, but it resisted with it's high fort save).

Binary - your blow fails to injure the monster. (DR? Missed AC? Incorporeal? - could be any).

Or something else?



Does it vary from attribute to attribute, do you have some you won't tell?

Does it vary from creature to creature?

 

[lukelightning]

I let them know the AC after a round or two of combat. It's not like they can't figure it out (I hit with a 19 but missed with a 18...). I'd let them know after their first damaging hit about DR.

Targeted spells I may let them know stuff like "his tremendous will fails to defend him against your enchantment" or "her nimble reflexes allow her to easily dodge your fireball." I'd do the same for spell resistance.

Hit points I generally let the players know when it's down by half and then when it is almost dead.

I might be more vague for creatures such as oozes, but that really hasn't come up yet.

 

[Grymar]

Generalized terms.

Blood seeps from multiple wounds and he is favoring his left leg. His strength will not hold out much longer against his wounds. (he's near death)

Your blade strikes true, but it fails to cut through his tough hide. (DR)

You attempt to grasp control of his mind, but he is able to resist your abilities. (Made a WIll save)

Etc..

 

[Keith Robinson]

By the rules, players can make an approriate Knowledge check to see what they know about the creature. The DC is 10 + the monster's HD (PHB p78). The skill description says:

A successful check allows you to remember a bit of useful information about that monster. For every 5 points by which your check exceeds the DC, the DM can give another piece of useful information.

The Knowledges are:

Arcana - contructs, dragons, magical beasts
Dungeoneering - aberrations, oozes
local - humanoids
nature - animals, fey, giants, monstrous humanoids, plants, vermin
religion - undead
planes - outsiders, elementals

As for hit points, I don't think there are any hard and fast rules. If PCs want something specific, have them make a DC 15 Heal check. Success means you can let them know that he's "looking pretty beat up and probably on his last legs - just a hit or two away from certain defeat" or "despite the wounds, he's still looking strong". That's how I do it, anyway.