"Scripted Combat Actions"

[TerraDave]

Yes: making effective use of NPCs and involved monsters, especially spellcasters, is the biggest challange I have in DMing (ok, second after finding a time everyone can play)

Yes: I have seen tactical advice in adventures that is very usefull, even if I still make some alterations on the fly

Yes: I would love a product like the one Mr. Dancy suggests or more tips in the monster books or elsewhere.

 

[Talmun]

I'm sold on the idea. I'm a huge fan of Goodman Games' "Power Gamer" guides, which are basically strategy guides on playing an effective character. I would love to see a monster version of this. Not scripts per se, but guidance on running monsters effectively, how to best size up a monster you're seeing for the first time, typical routines for various broad types, etc. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

I started a thread on a similar topic where I basically asked how to best look at a set of stats and figure out what that creature would logically do. There was quite a lot of good advice.

There's obviously a need, as Morrus said, for the DMs job to be made easier without changing the rules. The company that can do this will get my money.

I guess my problem is that the idea of a book with round-by-round tactics for a huge number of monsters just seems like a big waste because, as has been mentioned, there is no way that such write-ups can account for the infinite ingenuity of players.

Now, maybe if the book focused more on general tactics and strategy for running various types of encounters, that might get my interest. That, however, is not what RD is talking about.

 

[The Sigil]

Nevermind.

--The Sigil

 

[buzz]

I've seen it mentioned a few times in this thread about the "Power Gamer" guides (plural). I've only ever seen the Warrior guide, which I have and is very good. What other ones are there? I can't find it on their website but would love to get my hands on them all.

The Warrior guide is the only one out so far, but the Wizard guide is coming out very soon.

 

[buzz]

Now, maybe if the book focused more on general tactics and strategy for running various types of encounters, that might get my interest. That, however, is not what RD is talking about.

It seemed like that's what he meant:

...DM's guide to monstrous tactical combat.

It's certainly what I meant, and a big part of what the Goodman Games' guides are about.

 

[sniffles]

I'm getting ready to run my first adventure behind the screen, and it really makes me feel better to know that everyone forgets stuff! I have been so worried that I will forget the monsters' special abilities, or just forget to have them move during combat.

 

[reveal]

I'm getting ready to run my first adventure behind the screen, and it really makes me feel better to know that everyone forgets stuff! I have been so worried that I will forget the monsters' special abilities, or just forget to have them move during combat.

Good luck!

Just remember, no matter how bad you think you do, you will only improve with time.

 

[Talmun]

It seemed like that's what he meant:

It's certainly what I meant, and a big part of what the Goodman Games' guides are about.

From the first post:

"Scripted" combat actions for monsters...

"Scripted actions" sounds less like general tactics and more like specific round-by-round listings of a monsters...well...actions. Maybe it's just me, but a whole book of that seems like a little much.

 

[Talmun]

I'm getting ready to run my first adventure behind the screen, and it really makes me feel better to know that everyone forgets stuff! I have been so worried that I will forget the monsters' special abilities, or just forget to have them move during combat.

No matter what you forget or remember, as long as everyone at the table had fun, you succeded.

 

[painandgreed]

Main trouble I see with D&D is that it is geared for a PC group to face a CR that will only expend 20% of their resources. The only really good tactic for any monster in such a situation would be to run away, buff up or get help, and then return with overwhelming force.