Juggling Enemy Combat stat blocks
Howdy Fellow Adventures!
I've DM'd for the same grp for about 3-4 years and recently started our next campaign about 2 months ago. We just finished our first encounter and it went well enough but looking for advice on how to do a few things when it comes to running the baddies!
I'm going to list my struggles so it makes it easier for anyone who does want to give me advice but also I can process this post out loud.
1 - when im prepping combat I typically write down in my note pad the monsters in grps based on types/creatures/casters vs melee. I write down simple things like AC, HP, & initiatives but struggle with other things like resistances, immunities, and even different types of attacks (such as multi attacks or abilities they can use). Any tips?
2 - I'm not the best at always knowing how to move enemies in combat to avoid just standing and hitting each other until someone dies. I've tried holding necks hostage but the grp typically fails to care, or even adding terrain issues like fire to move things around but doesn’t always feel organic.
3 - do you ever have npc's use potions, poisons, or other items in combat to make your PC players think more than just fight? I thought about making them get stabbed by a poison that would require antidote but when i read the DM/PHB most of it states that poison is more temporary unless stated otherwise.
4 - i forgot to add it originally above, but also do you keep the 6 main stats of enemies written down with their saving throw stats?
These are just a few things I want to get better with any help you can give me.