Picking combat targets - how do NPCs choose?

[jmucchiello]

One thing I do tend to do with my NPC fighter-types that is different from my players is to not concern myself with AoOs too much. They will often take a direct path to their chosen target, if it allows them to get hit by an AoO, so be it.

Why would someone fighting for their life be so careless in combat? I could see low level fighters making AoO frequent mistakes but if the NPC is over 5th level, how did he get to that level while making simple tactical errors over and over?

 

[IronWolf]

Depends on the intelligence of the NPC combatants. If they are of higher intelligence they will try to be strategic, targeting spellcasters if there is sufficient reason to believe a PC is a spellcaster. Targetting the tank or the person that appears to be doing the most damage.

If the NPC's are less intelligent it will fall back to simply whoever is closest or perceived as the biggest threat.

If it is a complete todd-up I assign numbers on a dice and roll. Let the dice gods decide who the target is.

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Here's my process, I find it works in most situations. In no particular order:

1) Whose character has the stupidest name?

2) Who's playing with an unpainted miniature?

3) Whose character sheet is a friggin mess?

4) Who's obviously fudging his rolls?

5) Which guy at the table is playing a chick? (or elf, or bard...)

6) Who took the last slice of pizza?

 

[Plane Sailing]

Here's my process, I find it works in most situations. In no particular order?

...Carefully noted in case I ever get to play with Wulf as DM. Reckon I can significantly up my odds of survival with canny use of this knowledge

 

[JoeGKushner]

I really wish Wulf would quit reading over my shoulder as this are very similiar instances of my preference.

Here's my process, I find it works in most situations. In no particular order:

1) Whose character has the stupidest name?

2) Who's playing with an unpainted miniature?

3) Whose character sheet is a friggin mess?

4) Who's obviously fudging his rolls?

5) Which guy at the table is playing a chick? (or elf, or bard...)

6) Who took the last slice of pizza?