Encounter facing

[billchamb]

In those instances where an encounter is random, not set, the DMG gives guidelines for encounter distance and reaction, but I don't recall seeing anything regarding whether or not the encountered being/creature/party is in front of, behind or flanking. Would this be mediated/dictated through Surprise? Or is it a natural assumption that all Encounters occur face-to-face (for lack of a better description)?

[foster1941]

This is left to a DM judgment call, and in most circumstances won't really matter (since over the course of an abstract minute-long combat round it's assumed anyone can and will always turn to face their opponent(s) -- the rear/flank diagrams normally only come into play when someone is facing multiple opponents). In those situations where it does matter (surprise, thief or assassin attempting a back stab, creature with gaze attack, etc.) it's left entirely up to the DM's discretion. If you wanted to implement a random table, though, it wouldn't be too hard to come up with one; for example: (on d6) 1-3: creature is facing party, 4-5: creature's flank is to party, 6: creature's rear is to party. If the party is the side that's surprised you could reverse this table so it would say "creature appraoches from party's front," "creature approaches from party's flank," and "creature approaches from party's rear" (uh oh, was that just a house rule on the By the Book forum!? )

[billchamb]

foster1941 said:

<snip> (uh oh, was that just a house rule on the By the Book forum!? )

HERETIC!

[Rob]

I'll let it slide this time.



As for the question, I think which way a creature is facing would be dictated by the situation, the terrain, surprise, etc.. However, if it is just a chance meeting with absolutely no reasonable explaination (perhaps between two adventuring parties), I'd say go with Foster's idea.

[AxeMental]

THis is actually a good question. Foster of course is correct, the DM determines this. However, you might not want to randomly determine direction or distance because you need to consider things like conditions and monster type. Some monsters would more likely be found roving others to be in ambush. Conditions might have alot to do with surprise (traveling in the open vs. a forest), so the DM has to factor in alot while playing God. But then thats the difference between AD&D and other RPGs, DM is judge jury and executioner. That troublesome jerk player who always seems to have giant ticks dropping on him (random indeed )

In encounters once we determine monster type (and its likely behavior), we do it this way usually,

1. role for surprise
2. Determine what the encountered creature(s) was doing. (this can be detr. randomly)
3. based on what there doing and conditions determine likely direction.

For instance, a random encounter of a troll in an open field might be problematic. The DM determines the troll is sleeping (randomly determined). Since it is unlikely the troll would find a place to sleep out in the sun the DM makes up on the spot what looks like an old foundation and covered basement. Inside the basement the troll here's the approaching group. It waits directly above the supporting floor boards. As dust drops down the troll attacks from below......etc.

So, maybe determine direction after coming up with what the creature is doing, considering it's behavior, and thinking what it would likely do. Also, your charged with making the game fun and non-mechanical, so make it interesting now and then, even if that means a mini-side adventure.