Should Monsters use sneaky tactics in combat??

[TerraDave]

Yes, of course.

 

[Krensky]

It doesn`t help me as a DM, with a group of players who never retreat from combat, even when the monster is either too hard, they are low on spells, previously wounded or have special abilities all characters dislike(like energy/level drain), sometimes the whole point of the encounter is to flee to fight another day.

Point in mind: Said player, is a Half Ogre Barbarian of 9th level so not soft, pulls open a dusty grey stone sarcophagus, disturbing the remains of a long dead priest, suddenly from the broken bones rises a man shaped mist, now i might step back beside the cleric at this point, as its probably undead, nope he waits and attempts to whack it, Inititiative, he strikes and misses 50% incorporeal, it hits and drains two levels, character walks away, player in a sulk.

I didn`t think i was being mean to the players then.

While I will admit I've player characters who would do that, I wouldn't blame the DM because I (or my PC) was dumb. I might complain if you pulled something like the sphere of annihilation in the idol's mouth trick, but not for having a wraith (I'm guessing) smack me around after I disturbed it's crypt and stood there and poked at it.

 

[Crothian]

Depends on the monster and the situation of the combat.

 

[Nebulous]

While I will admit I've player characters who would do that, I wouldn't blame the DM because I (or my PC) was dumb. I might complain if you pulled something like the sphere of annihilation in the idol's mouth trick, but not for having a wraith (I'm guessing) smack me around after I disturbed it's crypt and stood there and poked at it.

I had players get upset sometimes because an intelligent monsters acts...intelligently. Such as ganging up on a single PC, or stabbing someone when they're down to make sure they don't get back up. On the other hand, i try to play less intelligent or non-intelligent or cowardly monsters as i think they would react.

It's not a big deal, but i do wish 4e had a Morale Rating for monsters, just to give the DM an idea how they might react rather than wholly winging it.

 

[Krensky]

I had players get upset sometimes because an intelligent monsters acts...intelligently. Such as ganging up on a single PC, or stabbing someone when they're down to make sure they don't get back up. it.

Actually stabbing them when they're down is not typical combat behavior. After combat is over, but not during. When someone is down, they're no longer an immediate threat. His buddy with the big axe or fancy staff and who reeks of guano is. Taking the time during combat to make sure someone is dead is more a sign of insanity, unthinking rage or panic then intelligence.

 

[El Mahdi]

Should monsters use sneaky attacks in combat??

One of my players made a comment the other day, saying "that in my games it was always you against us", meaning i use the monsters like characters against the party.

Question: Should monsters be unthinking combat machines, or should the DM use every skill, feat, terrain, missile, poison(occasionally) and item at their disposal to try and beat the party??

I obviously believe monsters should use these tactics, as it helps make boring creatures exciting, gets the adrenalin pumping and helps to create an interesting stimulus.

What say you????

Hell yeah they should be sneaky. If you have a sneaky monster or npc, they better act sneaky. As a player, if a DM's monsters and npc's don't live up to his descriptions, or act in a manner that doesn't show some realism or deapth, I'm actually disappointed. When I DM, I try to make sure that my monsters and NPC's motives and actions are consistent with their character, even if the pc's aren't privy to their background info. If a monster is stupid, it acts stupid in combat. If a monster or npc is impetuous, they'll be impetuous in combat. If they are smart, careful, and sneaky; you can bet the pc's are going to have their hands full combating them. I think you are absolutely right that it makes combat much more fun, memorable, and adrenaline inducing.

 

[Lacyon]

Actually stabbing them when they're down is not typical combat behavior. After combat is over, but not during. When someone is down, they're no longer an immediate threat. His buddy with the big axe or fancy staff and who reeks of guano is. Taking the time during combat to make sure someone is dead is more a sign of insanity, unthinking rage or panic then intelligence.

In the real world, this may generally be true (though even here there are situations where making sure someone isn't faking makes sense).

In a world where magical healing could make bring that guy back into the fight in short order, making sure he stays down can (situationally) be a the best move available to team monster, and I'd expect reasonably experienced warriors to be aware of that.

 

[El Mahdi]

Actually stabbing them when they're down is not typical combat behavior. After combat is over, but not during. When someone is down, they're no longer an immediate threat. His buddy with the big axe or fancy staff and who reeks of guano is. Taking the time during combat to make sure someone is dead is more a sign of insanity, unthinking rage or panic then intelligence.

Sounds like the perfect description of a diabolical, psychotic, and evil enemy. Seems consistent with most evil antagonists to me.

 

[evilgenius8000]

My belief is that enemies will use strategies in line with their general level of intelligence/wit/instincts. So, while a bunch of gray renders will probably just barrel through the forest and charge the party, the same cannot be said for drow ninjas.

 

[Aus_Snow]

If monsters in your game have Int scores and alignments, they should act (at least most of the time, probably) accordingly. For example. Replace 'Int scores and alignments' with whatever happens to be there, of course. Or, if there's nothing remotely similar written down, common sense and DM judgement are good substitutes anyway.

Essentially? Yes, they [some of them] should be 'sneaky'. Of course.


edit --- or indeed, what they said. . .