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Would you change a monster's hit points mid-fight?
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<blockquote data-quote="Eirikrautha" data-source="post: 6570083" data-attributes="member: 6777843"><p>I hardly ever modify up, but will occasionally modify down. I usually don't like to up the hit points or powers of a monster mid-stream, because it can feel like you are pulling the rug out from under your players. If a monster is too puny, I will make a mental note and add some twist to the encounter after the monster is dead (reinforcements, a "real" villain behind the villain, etc.) to make up for it.</p><p></p><p>I seldom lower hit points for pacing reasons, but instead because I may make a power error. If the players are going into a situation where they can reasonably suspect they are outgunned, then nope, no change. You brought the TPK on yourselves. But if I didn't give them a way to know, or if the encounter is not meant to be, then I might weaken the monster a little.</p><p></p><p>It's all about table expectations. Any talk of DM "neutrality" is a pure fiction. A DM isn't impartial or neutral, because he sets the challenges (and the difficulty, setting, and hints thereof). So a slavish dedication to "what is written" really doesn't sway me. If my table is aware that they are risking their lives, then I'll let the dice fall where they may. If they aren't expecting that kind of risk in a particular encounter, I might shave hit points. It depends on what will be fun.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Eirikrautha, post: 6570083, member: 6777843"] I hardly ever modify up, but will occasionally modify down. I usually don't like to up the hit points or powers of a monster mid-stream, because it can feel like you are pulling the rug out from under your players. If a monster is too puny, I will make a mental note and add some twist to the encounter after the monster is dead (reinforcements, a "real" villain behind the villain, etc.) to make up for it. I seldom lower hit points for pacing reasons, but instead because I may make a power error. If the players are going into a situation where they can reasonably suspect they are outgunned, then nope, no change. You brought the TPK on yourselves. But if I didn't give them a way to know, or if the encounter is not meant to be, then I might weaken the monster a little. It's all about table expectations. Any talk of DM "neutrality" is a pure fiction. A DM isn't impartial or neutral, because he sets the challenges (and the difficulty, setting, and hints thereof). So a slavish dedication to "what is written" really doesn't sway me. If my table is aware that they are risking their lives, then I'll let the dice fall where they may. If they aren't expecting that kind of risk in a particular encounter, I might shave hit points. It depends on what will be fun. [/QUOTE]
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Would you change a monster's hit points mid-fight?
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