Foundry Meissing An Enemy

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

5

0

Share

The world of Foundry VTT is vast and complex, offering a seemingly endless array of possibilities for Dungeon Masters and players alike. One aspect that often goes unexplored, however, is the strategic manipulation of enemy AI. While many focus on meticulously crafting encounters and designing compelling NPCs, understanding how to “meiss” your enemies – a term derived from the German word for “avoid” or “evade” – can significantly elevate your game. This isn't about simply avoiding combat; it's about subtly influencing enemy behavior to your advantage.

Understanding Enemy AI in Foundry

Foundry's enemy AI, while sophisticated, isn't perfect. It operates on a set of rules and priorities, offering opportunities for clever manipulation. Understanding these core principles allows players and DMs to anticipate enemy actions and orchestrate events to their benefit.

Key AI Principles to Exploit:

• Line of Sight: Enemies generally only act on what they can see. Clever use of cover, darkness, and even the environment itself can render your party invisible or drastically limit an enemy's options.
• Aggression Levels: Different creatures possess varying levels of aggression. Some will relentlessly pursue targets, while others might be more hesitant or easily distracted. This knowledge can be used to guide enemy behavior.
• Pathfinding: Foundry's pathfinding algorithm isn't flawless. Understanding its limitations allows you to create chokepoints and predict enemy movement, effectively controlling the battlefield.
• Initiative: Utilizing actions that affect initiative can create significant advantages. Spells or abilities that improve your initiative while hindering enemies can completely change the flow of combat.

Meissing in Practice: Examples and Strategies

The art of “meissing” is less about direct confrontation and more about indirect influence. Here are some practical examples:

• Strategic Retreat: Instead of engaging in a direct confrontation, skillfully lure enemies into unfavorable terrain or toward pre-laid traps.
• Environmental Manipulation: Use spells or environmental hazards to channel enemy movement, forcing them into advantageous positions for your party.
• Distraction Tactics: Employ distractions to divert enemy attention, creating openings for stealth or flanking maneuvers. A well-placed illusion or a cleverly timed diversion can make all the difference.
• Controlled Engagement: Choose your battles carefully. Sometimes, the best strategy is to avoid conflict altogether, preserving resources and allowing for a more advantageous engagement later.

Beyond the Battlefield: Meissing in Roleplaying

The concept of "meissing" extends beyond combat. It can be applied to social encounters and even broader narrative choices.

• Information Gathering: Carefully choose your words and actions during social interactions to guide conversations towards favorable outcomes.
• Negotiation and Diplomacy: Subtle manipulations can influence the outcome of negotiations, preventing unnecessary conflict.
• Deception and Misdirection: Employ subterfuge to mislead enemies and gain an upper hand, always mindful of potential repercussions.

Mastering the Art of Meissing

Meissing in Foundry VTT requires observation, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the game mechanics. It’s about anticipating enemy behavior and creatively manipulating the game world to your advantage. By mastering this skill, you can significantly enhance the challenge and excitement of your campaigns, both for yourself and your players. It's not about cheating the system, but about playing it cleverly.