Reducing "grind" with monster design

[Quickleaf]

I'm a little surprised so many MM1 monsters have healing abilities. I'm running Dark Sun, which means most monsters are from the DSCC or custom. (Other than a few named templars, and a halfling druid-type, no NPCs seem to have healing in my campaign.)

I knew there were several but I was surprised when I went through my copy - over 20 monster types with healing! MM1 is largely regarded as behind the design curve now and it shows.

Personally I feel monsters can easily die very quickly, so it's nice to have something stay around a little longer.

Makes sense. I am one of those DMs who halve monster HP so my bias is out in the open.

 

[Arctic Wolf]

I really like all these ideas. Hopefully I can use some more of em for my final boss