D&D 4E The 4E combat poll: grind and more!

[fba827]

several poll options really depend on the choices and style of the DM that designs the encounters (maybe he/she doesn't like to use a lot of controllers, or uses a lot of minions, etc. vs. another DM whose style might be for more controllers, therefore mor effects to track, and doesn't use a lot of minions, therefore potentially more rounds of combat).

 

[ferratus]

I am also a fan of using lots of low level mosters. I keep track at how much damage people do, then select monsters that would go down in 1-3 hits. You have to kill more of them to get the same experience, but the battles are shorter so it works out about the same.

Of course, I'm also a fan of using minions. But I generally only use minions when the monster is traditionally something you can drop in one hit. Low level cultists, kobolds, skeletons, goblins etc. I would never make an ogre or or an aberration a minion for example, because they have traditionally been thought of as tough or exotic. I also ensure that the players know that the minions aren't going to be much of a challenge based on descriptions of their demeanor, equipment, etc. Nothing pisses off a player more than using a daily power on a minion.

Since the minions are just meant to bulk up the fight and give you easy foes to trash, I don't really have a problem with automatic damage cleaving through them quickly. I also don't have a problem with them being expendable or useless.

What I do have a problem with though is tracking hit points for creatures that usually go down in one hit.

 

[ferratus]

That said, 4e monsters do have too many hit points a lot of the time.

I mean, an orc cheiftain has 200 hit points. What the hell does he need that many for?

 

[fba827]

That said, 4e monsters do have too many hit points a lot of the time.

I mean, an orc cheiftain has 200 hit points. What the hell does he need that many for?

If you have heavy hitting strikers, 200 hp will be gone in 4-5 hits (so that could be a couple rounds if you have a party full of strikers and the orc will barely get to even do much in that extreme case scenario)