Monster groups, simultaneous actions, and tactical movement

[Ander00]

Sure, there are cases when you might actually have to give things a bit more thought or it might not work so well. Just saying that, in general, the rules so far have allowed for option (2), even if it isn't readily apparent.


cheers

 

[Kaffis]

Option 2 is really just Monster 1 moves, then readies an attack triggered by his mates moving close. Then M2 moves and readies an attack triggered by the last guy moving. M3 moves, which triggers the two readied attack actions, which resets the first two monsters' initiatives to right before M3, which is where it was already. Then M3 attacks. So its legit, at least within 3e rules. 4e might work differently with readied actions.


edit: weird, I didn't see the ninjas, but obviously they were here.

That's why they're ninjas.

So the question boils down to, can you ready more than a basic attack, and is this ability triggered by a basic attack, or is it a power that grants the bonus based on adjacent allies?

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if you could *only* ready a basic attack (though I expect that some powers, probably dailies or encounters, will be used as immediate interrupts and reactions). Likewise, however, this example strikes me as a bonus to any attack.

 

[Mengu]

I typically use method 1. I reserve method 2 (aka readying) for enemies that are exceptionally cunning. Our other DM typically uses method 2, because it's easier for him to not forget activating something. It doesn't make a huge difference in 3.x.

In 4.0 because of out of turn actions, method 2 will more often than not be disadvantageous for the monsters. Assume you activate 5 kobolds and surround a ranger before you start making attacks. After the first attack, the ranger may be able to shift via Fox's Cunning in such a way that the rest of the kobolds will no longer be able to take their readied actions. I would definitely use method 1 most of the time, unless I'm running a monster that gains a serious benefit from combat advantage.

 

[keterys]

Method 1 should be used, but it doesn't preclude '... and he readies an attack for after the last guy finishes' such that the first 2 move up and ready, last moves in, all 3 attack.