End Meta-Gaming Mobs

[Green Monster]

Fire beetles south of Candlekeep and Fire Goblins in the UD (beneath Goblin Lake) all seem to have the amazing capacity to see, from a great distance, that my character is wearing an amulet of fire resistance or a ring of the fire brigade, and recognize that fire will do little or no good and change tactics. However, if my character's whole body is covered in red scales from a CL 12 Dragonskin potion, they have no clue. None.

Is it possible to stop mobs from metagaming like this? Beetles are dumb, they should be trying to shoot fire regardless of equipment, spells, or outcome. Goblins and other (marginally) smarter creatures should immediately recognize a spell that has obvious VFX like Dragonskin and change tactics accordingly. Otherwise, they should try their normal tactic at least once, and then if it's ineffective due to an amulet or an Energy Immunity spell, then change tactics.

Is that possible?

[ValerieJean]

Iirc, all mobs will do this. It's the game engine itself and I personally have not heard if that can be changed but more knowing voices would have to chime in. But if you notice when in Frost Peaks the mystics will not use their cold spells if you havev the immunity. Just how I've always known NWN to be, again personally.

[Rhifox]

The AI code is extremely complex. Adjusting it is possible but it's a giant project.

[Louvaine]

Listen, these beetles know nothing if they don't know fire.

You'll have easier time learning mob behaviour than changing it. One in hundredth time, DM will throw in a wrench for an exquisite subversion.

[Green Monster]

Iirc, all mobs will do this. It's the game engine itself and I personally have not heard if that can be changed but more knowing voices would have to chime in. But if you notice when in Frost Peaks the mystics will not use their cold spells if you havev the immunity. Just how I've always known NWN to be, again personally.

That's different. We can at least pretend that they had Know Protections ready to fire as a quick-cast. But I don't think there's a Know Jewelry spell. To me, spellcasters SHOULD have some idea of the spells we placed on us, especially the ones that have VFX. But there is no way that the Elder Earth Elemental should see my necklace (presumably worn underneath my armor, no less) and think "Oh, that's an amulet of fire resistance. Well, I just won't bother with the fire shield".

Listen, these beetles know nothing if they don't know fire.

You'll have easier time learning mob behaviour than changing it. One in hundredth time, DM will throw in a wrench for an exquisite subversion.

I do adjust to mob behaviour. I just think it would be nice if mob behaviour weren't so often immersion-breaking meta silliness.

[Louvaine]

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do. You do have good point, though.

[DaloLorn]

Rhifox got it on the nose, I'm afraid. Much of this could be changed, in theory. But decently translating that theory into practice is a monstrous undertaking, beyond the ability of pretty much everyone on the team right now.

[Steve]

C’mon you wizards!! Use AI ChatGPT to write a new mob AI code!!!!