Tactics question (my players - out!)

[Berandor]

I didn't think Rules or Rogues' Gallery fit my question, so I'm posting it here.

My players are sooon going to meet and fight hobgoblins. Now, IMC (as I'm sure in many others), hobgoblins resemble Roman legionnaires (sp?). That means they have a decent grasp of tactics and strategy.

Whom are they going to attack first?

My group consists of a human wizard (wearing adventurer's clothing, so not easily recognizable as one), a dwarven cleric (recognizable for his robes and symbol), a half-elven bard (sporting whip and dagger) - all three of them not very muscled - and a strong human barbarian with a greataxe.
If they knew, they'd probably attack the wizard first, but they might think he's a rogue. Both wizard and bard also have crossbows. The cleric could be important becuase he can heal. But the barbarian is really strong, and his hits will probably hurt.
They're normal hobgoblins, so no spring attack tactics of remaining out of the barbarian's reach.
They'll be two at least, sometimes more (3 or four). I figure they'll concentrate on one target after the other.
Will they try to topple the barbarian first, or go for "easier kills"?

 

[Ao the Overkitty]

If they can't identify the mage quickly (easy kill plus massive damage output), taking away the party's ability to heal and buff should be priority. Engage the barbarian in hit and run tactics. Not having spring attack, they'll want to attack and run away (far away. Not very like legionarres, but smart tactics. Wear him out (especially if he rages, wait for his rage to end before engaging him). The bard is no threat. If they take out the cleric first, that is the first hurdle to taking out the barbarian.

 

[Maldur]

Trip the barbarian and sit on him ( or find another way of taking him out? tanglefoot bags?
Then kill the cleric, then the others. Switching to the mage if he lets himself known (like casting spells)

You could give the HG a spot check to see if they recognize the mage, for an early kill.

 

[Telperion]

Use ranged attacks to annoy the barbarian into raging. Then use hit-and-run tactics to waste away those few rounds of Rage he has.

If the spell casters reveal themselves then make a consistent barrage of ranged attacks at them and tie the barbarian down with numbers.

Tie the cleric down with low level druids spells like Entangle. Buy the hobgoblins enough time to divide and crush the PCs one at a time and keep peppering the spell casters with arrows until they either keel over or charge into close combat.

 

[Thanee]

One fights defensively to hold up the barbarian.
Two gang up on the healer.
One runs and fetches the reinforcements.

Bye
Thanee

 

[diaglo]

spot check or sense motive to see if the hobgoblins can recognize the relative strength of the party... how skilled is the barbarian? does his armor look well tended? his axe sharp? his trophies on his belt?... see if they can judge what the threat will be.

if they have ranged weapons and they know the party does... cover and fire until the party attacks in melee.

so pick off the mage and bard anyway. no use letting them fire at the hobgoblins for free.

phalanx/shield tower the front ranks. set spears to charge vs. barbarian... plug their ears vs. spells... vs. bard, cleric, and potential rogue/wizard

 

[Berandor]

First off, thanks for the comments so far.

Missile fire is mostly out, as the group will be in a dungeon environment the Hobgoblins are guarding. But the fighting defensively is a nice idea. It might also be possible for them to push one of the party into a trap or similar.

The party will be level 3, btw.

 

[diaglo]

ever see Spartacus?

barrel of oil turned on its side with and doused and lit aflame... rolled at the party.

grenade like weapons... splash all the party. spellcasting is effected too. acid, alchemist fire, flask of oil.. tanglefoot bags, thunderstones


knock out the party's light sources. hobgoblins have darkvision. only the dwarf in the party will be able to see. so concentrate on him.

 

[kengar]

Take out any ranged attacks or obvious spellcasters first. The barbarian should get harassed with reach/ranged weapons to whittle down HP before engaging him in melee (if at all); and then at odds of 4:1 or better. The elf and dwarf and mage should get harassed as much as possilbe to force concentration checks and possible AoO when spells are attempted.

 

[Henry]

Throw the kitchen sink at them from far, far away - that should be the hobgoblins' tactic. Don't let a superior force get close.

Roman legionnaires defending an outpost? This outpost should be fortified. Every critical entrance to the outside should have at least a ballista or a heavy crossbow mounted for easy fire. Caltrops should be placed in front of low debris (cover bonus of +4 to AC) as a defensible area. In fact, two of these emplacements per entrance should be set up (for a "fallback" line of defense, in the same way that castles have an outer and inner bailey).

Think about this: If you had to defend an extended basement in your home from men with swords and small arms fire, how would YOU do it?