Why is the Grell an elite, not a solo monster?

[Stalker0]

It specifically mentions in the monster descriptions that Grell live and fight alone. It is only the very rare occasion that they have someone with them.

So why are they elites, implying that when a party encounters one, there WILL BE more monsters along side, and a not a solo monster?

 

[Knight Otu]

Perhaps the designers anticipate a large number of traps or environmental hazards to be used in conjunction with the grell? Those do count towards the encounter. Also, a solitary grell can theoretically be thrown at a lower-level party as a challenge (a 2nd level party of 5, for example).

 

[megamania]

Grells with their big brains are egotistical and don't share adventurerers well with others, especially other Grell.

 

[pawsplay]

It specifically mentions in the monster descriptions that Grell live and fight alone. It is only the very rare occasion that they have someone with them.

So why are they elites, implying that when a party encounters one, there WILL BE more monsters along side, and a not a solo monster?

Presumably, you just encounter 1-3 grells.

 

[Wiman]

I like Grell as much as the next guy but I wouldn't give them the solo nod which to me means a fight that can be remembered by a character when they are old and talking to their grandchildren. Elite is a perfect fit for them...please see below before responding.

I agree completely with Stalker many people will look at the fluff and be distracted by the difference in the numbers especially when we can focus on the few case studies currently available and given that there is so little fluff presented with each monster the text had better make sense. They have time to fix any descriptions and I have confidence that they will.

 

[keterys]

They can probably still have minions of sorts.

 

[s.j. bagley]

i imagine it's due to the changes the grell went through for 'lords of madness,' becoming a social creature with a clearly defined society and the occasional isolated outcast.

 

[howandwhy99]

i imagine it's due to the changes the grell went through for 'lords of madness,' becoming a social creature with a clearly defined society and the occasional isolated outcast.

That's my vote.

 

[Knight Otu]

I'm pretty sure I recall the flavor text on the photographed pages says something to the tune of "usually solitary," though.

 

[Stalker0]

I'm pretty sure I recall the flavor text on the photographed pages says something to the tune of "usually solitary," though.

That's what I'm saying. The 4e text for the grell says its a solitary creature.

But apparently that means....until there's a combat, then it has buddies.