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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lancelot" data-source="post: 5254410" data-attributes="member: 30022"> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Charge: always</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Grab: rarely (maybe once every 12 sessions... unless the monster has a specific power or ability that utilizes grab)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Aid Other: never</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Delay: never</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Ready Action: rarely (only if it's unable to perform any other action; e.g. restrained, immobilized)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Flank: frequently, unless the monster is relatively unintelligent - in which case I try to model it's lack of intelligence by choosing suboptimal combat tactics</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Focus Fire: sometimes; perhaps every other encounter</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Coup de Grace: rarely (perhaps once every 8 sessions); however, I use the threat of the Coup more frequently, to make the players nervous</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Bullrush: sometimes, when a narrow passage is log-jammed, or there's a chance of knocking a PC off a cliff</li> </ul>There's nothing in rules-as-written to prevent monsters from using these tactics. A good DM should use at least some of them to keep things interesting.However, I think you can take it too far. I've played with one DM who makes tactically optimal decisions for most of his creatures (whether they be "stupid" troglodytes or "cunning" hobgobilns). I'm less concerned with suspension of disbelief than I am with speed of combat. All DMs are human - it takes a little time to process what is the most tactically sound option for all those creatures you're controlling. I find it's better to just make snap decisions. Don't always work out the optimal flank, don't always choose the movement route that won't provoke attacks of opportunity, don't always use ready actions. This has several benefits:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">It'll come as more of a surprise when you do use optimal tactics for an encounter.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">It more easily differentiates the truly smart creatures.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">It gives the players more of a chance to enjoy the game. I've seen some frustrating situations where PCs are effectively kept out of the combat for multiple rounds because creatures keep tag-teaming them the second they get healed up from unconscious. Is this tactically smart? Yes. Is it frustrating to the player? Hell yes. Especially when they know that the DM won't hesitate to drop a Coup if they leave the unconscious PC on the ground.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">...and the #1 benefit: it speeds up combat. Most of the time, the best thing you can do as a DM is just move the monsters towards the nearest PC and swing. Just because you're running 6 monsters against every other player's 1 PC, doesn't mean that your "turn" should be 6 times longer than theirs.</li> </ol>It would be nice if the XP values reflected tactics, but it rarely plays out that way (unless the DM intentionally acknowledges it). Something to think about, though - good suggestion.</blockquote>

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