In my previous post, I came across something that I found peculiar in the MONSTER MANUAL - namely, the nature of multiple attacks and how many targets a creature may attack each round with these attacks. I never really considered this aspect before, but the wording of some monsters seems to imply that most creatures use ALL their attacks on a single opponent. Thus, unless the creature description says otherwise, a monster attacking with multiple attack forms as its "attack routine" will direct ALL of those attacks at the same target.
Take the lowly black bear as a prime example of a normal creature with multiple attacks each round. Since these attacks are not true multiples, they can all be used at the same time on their initiative in combat (unlike a fighter using the same weapon 2 or more times in a round to make attacks). A bear attacks with 2 claws and a bite. Assuming they all hit their target, the bear causes 1-3/1-3/1-6 points of damage to its target. If a claw hits with a roll of 18+, then the bear also gets a hug attack for 2-8 additional damage. Most bears select a single target to attack and direct all their attention on that target to subdue/kill it and eat it. Thus, if the target is a human, other humans nearby may attempt to distract the bear and lure it away from the target to attack them instead, allowing the injured target to crawl away to safety or allow others to help them get away. This is a prime example of what seems to be the expected view of monsters and how they attack. All attacks are essentially directed at one target per round. The same can be said of other creatures like great cats, dragons, and most other creatures that attack with claws and bite, horns, tails, or other natural attack forms.
However, certain creatures in the MONSTER MANUAL specifically state that they can split their attack routine against multiple opponents! This implies that most other creatures (and possibly characters) cannot do so! Demons, devils, and trolls specifically mention this ability. I found it strange that it was not listed under dragons - but later editions allow dragons to have more attacks (wing buffet, tail slap, rear claw kick, etc.) and thus allow them to attack different targets depending on where they are attacking the dragon from. Then again, dragons and giants got much bigger and meaner in later editions anyway...
I'm not really sure how many creatures have this ability of being able to attack multiple targets, but it seems like it's such a big deal that it was listed specifically under the monster description for those creatures that do have this ability. I'm sure it makes sense - after all, one wonders how creatures would be able to attack different opponents with each of their attacks when nature shows that creatures typically focus on one target at a time.
Ettins, which I would assume would have this ability, are not specifically listed as being able to attack different opponents at once (which seems odd to me) - I would allow them to do so. Chimeras also are not listed with this ability to attack multiple opponents in the same round. Is this not stated because it is common sense? Hydras on the other hand specifically state that they can attack multiple opponents at once, with up to 4 heads being able to attack a single opponent simultaneously. This of course makes perfect sense. The mammoth, with 5 attack forms (two tusks, trunk, and front legs) states that in general cannot apply more than 2 attacks versus a single opponent. The same can be said of the elephant and mastodon, which all can attack multiple opponents with their attacks and are, in fact, limited when attacking a single opponent to no more than 2 attacks. In a roundabout way, the giant octopus is stated to attack one creature with each of its 6 tentacles (2 are held in reserve for anchoring it to a ship or rock) and the beak if a target is close by. However, an otyugh does not list the ability to attack multiple targets in a single round despite having two slashing tentacles. Although not specified, it is assumed that the purple worm can bite and sting separate opponents, since it states that the sting is used only to fight in rear defense, or when fighting large or numerous opponents in a large open space. Sahuagin do not possess the ability to attack multiple targets in a single round, despite having multiple attacks and high intelligence. Giant squids, of course, attack as do octopi, with each free tentacle attacking a different target (however, in nature, a squid attacks with only 2 large grasping tentacles and uses the other smaller tentacles to secure prey in order to feed). Trolls have already been stated as attacking up to 3 different targets per round. Wind walkers are strange creatures with an area of attack that causes damage to all creatures in a 1" radius who are hit. Wyverns are stated as biting and stinging at one or two opponents per round. Of course, demons and devils also may attack multiple targets per round. I assume that daemons in the MONSTER MANUAL II have a similar combat ability.
So it seems that this is an actual unstated rule that I've somehow missed after decades of play. It definitely makes some creatures more fearsome and unpredictable, but at the same time makes others that must attack a single opponent more deadly as well! A dragon attacking a single opponent with all 3 attacks is likely to kill them in one or two rounds! The same could be said of a sabre-toothed tiger or cave bear. It's these little, hidden rules in the books that make this game such a joy to play and explore.
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