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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Nagual" data-source="post: 5555834" data-attributes="member: 96771">I'm using this to brainstorm basic tactics that a group of NPCs can utilize in order to make the best of their combined abilities.Say you have a particular rival/enemy faction which you know the PCs will butt heads with.You have determined the stats for these NPCs (the factions typical agents).I use an NPC template for this (basically a "typical" NPC of a particular class, etc)Heroforge is great for this because I can produce them (reasonably) quickly -- and I can modify/level up if required.<a href="http://www.nzcomputers.net/heroforge/default35.asp" target="_blank">D&D 3.5 and Variants Files</a>Some low-level gruntsSome "sergeants" (just below the PC party's current level)A few "captains" (level slightly higher than PCs) and special agents (assassins, etc)I then select a number of these (EL always greater than the party) and set about considering how these guys would work together to achieve common objectives. If there's a large enough group of them -- split them up into squads/units -- squad A , squad B, etc (these could be single individuals if working with smaller groups and/or lower levels). Then it's easier to plan out how they would feasibly respond to specific situations.A -- gruntsB -- grunts + sergeantC -- some sergeantsD -- Captain, sergeant and gruntsRECON: send squad A out to patrol perimeter, squad B follows quietly  behind. Squad C patrols outside perimeter (always slow and stealthy). Squad D guards "camp". If AB detects enemy one of the squad will return to inform D. If C encounters enemy -- will attempt to lead them to AB or D.AMBUSH: If enemy observed undetected (i.e the squad has not been seen). AB attack rear push PCs towards D. C strike at undefended flank.DEFENSE: AB assumes defensive line, D spreads out to watch for breakthroughs, C performs rear or flanking guard.ASSAULT: AB frontal assault -- engage and hold enemy. C perform flanking attack -- squeeze em! D steps in the finish them off...RETREAT: AB attempts to hold/delay enemy. CD retreat, C engages any enemy which gets past AB.The information use produce should/is going to vary according to the size of the group and their purpose. I'll perhaps post another example in the future, the campaign only just started -- we have only played 5 half-day sessions. Essentially, where possible and appropriate -- group your enemy NPCs and spend a little time considering how they will work together to achieve their objective. I hope this helps...</blockquote>

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