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<blockquote data-quote="Imaculata" data-source="post: 7811551" data-attributes="member: 6801286">You highlight something very important here. Monster diversity is a good idea, but a lot of diversity in the encounters can also be created by just adding different variants of the same enemy. If for example the dungeon is a bandit's hideout, then you could have bandits with swords, but also with crossbows, in heavy armor, and a mage. Plus the bandits could have a pet, which could be any kind of nasty beast.Encounters become much more interesting if there is a priority target. For example, you could have a mage in a library, guarded by two armored thugs. The mage could be a serious threat to the players, so the players may try to target him first. But of course because he is important, the bandits may stay in a tight formation around him. Perhaps they were instructed to do so by their leader.Whenever there is a priority target, the DM would do well to put this enemy in an area that is harder to reach. You can place bandits with crossbows on a balcony, overlooking a large room. And if the bandits have a crocodile pet (for example), the dungeon may also feature some aquatic terrain where the croc has a distinct advantage. Another thing I like to do, is to add additional objectives to any encounter. Any straight forward battle is made way more interesting if the enemies can ring an alarm bell to call reinforcements. So the players will have to intercept a guard running for the bell.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Imaculata, post: 7811551, member: 6801286"] You highlight something very important here. Monster diversity is a good idea, but a lot of diversity in the encounters can also be created by just adding different variants of the same enemy. If for example the dungeon is a bandit's hideout, then you could have bandits with swords, but also with crossbows, in heavy armor, and a mage. Plus the bandits could have a pet, which could be any kind of nasty beast. Encounters become much more interesting if there is a priority target. For example, you could have a mage in a library, guarded by two armored thugs. The mage could be a serious threat to the players, so the players may try to target him first. But of course because he is important, the bandits may stay in a tight formation around him. Perhaps they were instructed to do so by their leader. Whenever there is a priority target, the DM would do well to put this enemy in an area that is harder to reach. You can place bandits with crossbows on a balcony, overlooking a large room. And if the bandits have a crocodile pet (for example), the dungeon may also feature some aquatic terrain where the croc has a distinct advantage. Another thing I like to do, is to add additional objectives to any encounter. Any straight forward battle is made way more interesting if the enemies can ring an alarm bell to call reinforcements. So the players will have to intercept a guard running for the bell. [/QUOTE]

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