Q: monster attacks

[kreider204]

Hmm, this might actually be my last question for a while ...

From Monsters and Treasure, page 4:

"ATTACKS ... An attack listing of 2 Claw (1d6); Bite (1d8) would mean that the creature can attack three times per round: twice with claws, for 1d6 points of damage each, and once with a bite, for 1d8 points of damage."

1) Can I assume that the GM should simply use common sense about whether the attacks can be directed against more than one target per round (e.g., a dragon could probably claw two different warriors at the same time, but a lion's would most likely direct both its claws against only one such warrior at once)?

2) If a monster has natural attacks and a weapon attack, should it only use either / or in a given round? Or could, for example, a lizardman use a weapon in one hand and still attack with its bite and other claw in the same round?

Thanks again, in advance.

[Go0gleplex]

Answer to 1...yes. Spot on.

Answer to 2...If the creature has listed a natural attack or weapon, then it must attack with one or the other. It cannot attack with both unless noted in the creature description or abilities.

[kreider204]

Thanks much!

[Rikitiki]

FWIW: when I've a monster with multiple attacks like Claw, Claw, Bite, I
roll 3 initiative rolls to determine when those attacks occur.
But, you old-timers probably already knew that...

[redwullf]

FWIW: when I've a monster with multiple attacks like Claw, Claw, Bite, I
roll 3 initiative rolls to determine when those attacks occur.
But, you old-timers probably already knew that...

AD&D combat segment rules? <grin>

Meh, in the interest of keeping things moving along, in small groups I simply let all multiple attacks occur after everyone has taken 1 action. So, down the initiative list for an attack, then repeat for all iterative/multiple attacks (including archers firing more than 1 arrow, per CKG). This way everyone gets to act in order, then those super-hero types with the many attacks get to finish dishing out their pain.

In large groups, everyone takes their multiple attacks on their turn, because otherwise confusion ensues about who gets to do what-where.

[Go0gleplex]

Yeah....I do all attacks resolved on critter initiative also. Less fiddly and fewer numbers to keep track of.

[serleran]

I usually have a monster with multiple attacks go last in the round unless it is not using its multiple attacks. This is a balance against the party who is fewer in number, with fewer available attacks, having somewhat of an "equal footing." But, not always.

[Lord Dynel]

Yeah....I do all attacks resolved on critter initiative also. Less fiddly and fewer numbers to keep track of.

What Go0gle said. CK's have got enough to keep track of. No offense to serl's method. If it works for him, that's great.

[Omote]

Here's an alternative method:

If the monster has multiple attacks in it's profile, it may move up to half it's move (as per the PHB) and attack with one of it's attacks. The CK may choose which single attack to use. If the monster does not move at all it may use all of the attacks on it's profile against enemies that are within range of them.

~O

[Rikitiki]

Omote, I like that a lot! Makes sense and allows players an edge if the
monster moves...very nice. And, yeah, I'm gonna have to re-think the
all-roll-initiative every round thing...though it's worked for me in the past
as it gives that change-up of who attacks when every round, which my
players (and I) liked.

[redwullf]

Here's an alternative method:

If the monster has multiple attacks in it's profile, it may move up to half it's move (as per the PHB) and attack with one of it's attacks. The CK may choose which single attack to use. If the monster does not move at all it may use all of the attacks on it's profile against enemies that are within range of them.

~O

Aye, this would be the equivalent of 3.5's move + attack action (1 attack) vs. a "full attack action" which allows all multiple attacks with no movement.