D&D General Monster Scripting

[overgeeked]

If you start by asking “what is the monsters’ goal?” that will generally tell you or strongly suggest how they go about it. Then ask “once their goal is unachievable, what is their response?”

If their goal is only ever “attack the PCs on sight and die” I’d suggest more interesting goals.

 

[Xeviat]

If you start by asking “what is the monsters’ goal?” that will generally tell you or strongly suggest how they go about it. Then ask “once their goal is unachievable, what is their response?”

If their goal is only ever “attack the PCs on sight and die” I’d suggest more interesting goals.

This is a really good reminder! Goal and method are separate variables. Different creatures can have the same goal, but their methods differ. A pack of wolves are gonna defend a den with their pups inside than an Ogre would defend its cave and treasure.

So we could start with the 4E encounter types, have a dial for will they fight to the death (more likely to fight to the death if defending hole or family, more likely to if under a respected or feared leader, etc.), and goals (kidnap, steal, kill, distract, trick, chase off...)

That article shared earlier has great ideas about how ability scores can guide monster actions. That would be cool to explore too.