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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Oofta" data-source="post: 7964873" data-attributes="member: 6801845">I try to base behavior on what makes sense from the perspective of the attacker.  Some animal intelligence creatures (insects and arachnids for example) are more likely to fight to the death.  Others will flee once they realize the fight isn't going their way.Bandits? That's tough.  They may be desperate and feel like they have nothing to lose.  It's also a question of what to do with hostages.  Don't assume the NPCs will think surrender is an option.  Depending on setting and situation it may not be practical to take hostages.  Are the PCs part of a well organized army where NPCs are ransomed?  Do the PCs have any options at all for turning captives over to someone else?  Do you want to deal with it if there is no good option on what to do with captives?I will sometimes have the NPCs take hostages and let everyone know that if anyone even twitches they'll stab the hostage.  Mechanically that means the PCs can't even begin a spell without the readied action going off.The real question is what is going to be fun for the group and the situation.  Do it all the time and it's kind of boring.  Do it once in a while and it's a holy **** moment.As far as attacking downed PCs, in a world where magic exists it may make sense to take them out.  Based on the monster though I find it more fun to start dragging unconscious PCs off to be eaten.  More dramatic, still gives the downed PC a chance while making it tense because they may be out of range of healing word before the caster goes.It depends on the monster, do they know the PCs capabilities and the monster level.  The higher the level the monster the more likely they've seen enemies get healed in combat and they'll focus fire and double tap.Last, but not least, talk to your group.  This is something I do in a session 0, get a feel for how deadly a game they want.  Different people play for different reasons and while I generally don't run a super deadly game it's up to my players.</blockquote>

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