GMing combat is a much more difficult task than many would think. No matter what system or setting you are playing in, battles are going to happen. More or less often, doesn’t matter. Of course, you can play RPG without any combat but, to be honest, who would like to play such games? In my opinion it is much less entertaining.

So, the question I want to ask is: can fighting be boring? Well, surprisingly or not, it can. How many times have your players encountered a group of orcs, goblins, wolves… Five orcs, corner, hallway, doors, another five orcs. After some time it becames no fun at all.

Whenever preparing or GMing a combat you should ask yourself: “Will my players remember this battle?” and “How long?”. If the answer is they will for like a three months (yes, it is possible) than it is definitely a well planned battle. If it is not three months, but one month – it is still ok. If they won’t remember who they fought during last session – we have a problem.

‘Fight Club’ series of post is going to help you solve it.

Well played combat is not about senseless slashing through equal hordes of monsters. If you think it is – go play some hack ‘n slash, not RPG. Every fight should be unique. The enemies should think during the battle, use mechanics, terrain, they’re number to win. Use intelligent tactics. Surprise the PCs. Escape if they are losing (see How not to kill – part 2).

Obviously animals are not going to use complicated tactics. However, they can hide, attack from surprise, outnumber the players, escape and than attack again… Lot’s of possibilities. Incorporeals can hide in walls, materialize behind PCs back etc.

This are just simple examples, but I think you can get the point. Remember, the more intelligent a monster is, the more complicated tactics it will use and will be better prepared for PCs arrival.

Lastly, combats need to be extremely well described. This is the role of a good GM/DM. Good description of villain’s death means a hell lot for a player.

Those points and much more will be covered inn Fight Club series.