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Let's expand on this. Going to put this in #DnD 5e terms since that's the big ticket.
First thing's first, that 15 AC means a starting party will only hit them roughly 50% of the time when they're out in the open. But Goblins should _never_ be out in the open. https://twitter.com/Amateur_DM/status/1336312156955029510
First thing's first, that 15 AC means a starting party will only hit them roughly 50% of the time when they're out in the open. But Goblins should _never_ be out in the open. https://twitter.com/Amateur_DM/status/1336312156955029510
Goblins should always be using cover. They should always strive to be in dark places. They should never be engaging in melee combat unless they know they'll come out on top.
Their AC is 15 while using a shield, 13 without, but since they should be in cover, it will get +2 from half-cover, +5 from 3/4 cover, and be untargetable from full cover.
This is further compounded by their special feature:
This is further compounded by their special feature:
The fact that they can hide as a bonus action means that every chance they can, they should be shooting and hiding. They're small, so they can hide behind bushes easily. Roll that d20+6 stealth check after every attack. Until they roll lower than the highest passive...
Perception, they haven't been discovered. It won't take too long, but ambushes should be from multiple angles with multiple assailants. That's how you prevent the enemy from finding adequate cover.
So your goblin was spotted hiding in the bushes.. time for the next tactic.
So your goblin was spotted hiding in the bushes.. time for the next tactic.
Dash + Hide. Chances are your goblin can run 60 ft and dip in some foliage. The PC can dash after you, but not attack. They'll typically opt to take a shot with normal movement, but they can't see you, so it's at disadvantage and will probably miss. Now you've got distance.
Keep that distance by taking a shot, then moving into cover. If they dash, you dash. The level2 Rogue and Monk are the bane of the Goblin existence. When they're being outrun, Goblins should scatter, send a messenger to HQ, and regroup for another ambush if possible.
Notice I haven't said a word about melee yet. That's by design. If the goblin is attacked in melee and they aren't slower than their assailant, they should Disengage + Dash.
The only time a goblin draws their scimitar is when cornered or when overwhelming a target w/ numbers.
The only time a goblin draws their scimitar is when cornered or when overwhelming a target w/ numbers.
So the party makes it to the Goblin lair. Darkness changes things. The goblins will lurk in the darkness with their 60 ft Darkvision. There's a decent chance one of the PCs will need light. Torch, light spell, whatever. Both provide 20 ft bright, 20 ft dim. More importantly...
the goblins WILL see them, and ANYONE (except Warlock w/ Devil's sight) trying to see the goblins from 40 feet beyond will do so at disadvantage.
The goblins will constantly attack and retreat as much as they can, and lead the PCs into a fully prepared ambush.
The goblins will constantly attack and retreat as much as they can, and lead the PCs into a fully prepared ambush.
Find the largest room in the dungeon with the most entrances and exits. This should be where the PCs are led into by the goblins, where they can be attacked from all sides by EVERY DENIZEN OF THE DUNGEON AT ONCE.
NEVER, EVER FIGHT FAIRLY.
NEVER, EVER FIGHT FAIRLY.
