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Message: <blockquote data-quote="KarinsDad" data-source="post: 5250303" data-attributes="member: 2011">The thing about challenging encounters is that the DM has to play reasonably intelligent and extremely intelligent monsters the exact same way the players are playing their PCs, to the best of their ability.Some players have their PCs do purposely stupid or random things, but the vast majority of players I have ever gamed with have their PCs do the smartest tactical move that they can think of (sometimes with table talk which pits multiple brains against just the DM).If the DM does not do the same (with some nod to the intelligence of the monster), then he won't be challenging the players. And, players can typically tell when the DM is holding back. Some players are ok with that, some of us are not. We want to win with our wits and our abilities, not with the DM fudging decisions and/or dice in our favor. The victory is hollow if the DM throws the PCs a bone and DMs who do that tend to mostly do that when it is a close call or looking grim for the PCs. But, the victory is the sweetest if the players do succeed on their own.If the PCs can tell what the monsters are doing, then the monsters can tell what the PCs are doing (like healing an ally). And just like it is a good tactic to focus fire on NPCs, it's a good tactic to focus fire on PCs.Spreading the pain is for when you're teaching a new player how to play the game. Once they become a somewhat established player, the kid gloves should come off.And yes, stun or unconsciousness or even blind sucks. We've all been there. Either one gripes about it, or one sits and enjoys the show.Note: The one exception to this is if the DM has a monster attack an unconscious PC while other PCs are still conscious and in the fight. That's almost always just being a rat bastard DM because there are obviously bigger fish to fry at that point, even if the PC was unconscious multiple times. But if the PC is conscious, the PC is fair game for any attack.</blockquote>

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