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Do we (the PFS GMs) have to use the Bestiary listed attacks for NPC enemies when running an encounter, or can we expand to all the availible options?
For example, a Skeleton (B1) has two attack options: broken Scimitar (One handed) and one claw OR two claw attacks listed as their attack options.
As the PFS GM, I know I can't give them alternate gear, but can I opt to wield the broken scimitar in 2 hands? It is a one handed weapon, so this should be an option. Likewise, could I make the skeleton pick up a weapon listed in the area of the encounter that the skeleton could reasonably acquire and wield (like if a weapon rack is in the room...)? Or could I opt for an improvised weapon?
I'm unclear if the reason I don't see other PFS GMs doing this is because they are not allowed to in PFS, or if it is just because it can be a lot of extra work calculating this out. Not criticizing other GMs, just wondering if I can do this when I GM.
I do understand that context matters, some encounters will make more sense for the skeletons to seek other options.
And skeleton is the example only. I'll be doing an adventure with Kobolds soon, so I'm likewise wondering if the Kobolds are allowed to throw their spears, rather than only using their slings as a ranged attack?
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I don't think I've ever used the broken gear on skellies. Claws all the way.
If an enemy is reasonably intelligent (skellies aren't) they'll use any tactic or measure they can, within the limits of their tactics.
This includes:
* drinking potions
* barricading doors
* moving furniture around
* demoralizing foes
* combat maneuvers on AAO's
* coup de grace
Etc.
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Run PFS as written. That means two things:
1) If there are written tactics, use them.
2) If there are no written tactics, or if the players do something to invalidate them, then play the monster as described in the stat-block. An unintelligent monster probably won't swap weapons or optimise, but an intelligent one will.
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Yeah, I'd also go with "if the written tactics cannot be used or aren't there, make decisions based on the intelligence of the creature".
Stuff like oozes and constructs would probably just keep going with "hit the nearest" even though there would be more useful options. Stuff like I dunno, liches could do whatever they want (if there's resources for it in the scenario), they can actually make rational decisions. And actually should make those decisions, doing otherwise would make them seem much dumber than they are.
But yeah, tactics first, obviously.