ABCD Monster rules

Instead of tracking the hit points of monsters, I prefer tracking "hits".  I usually draw one zero or circle for every HD of the creature.  I might add a few if the creature is particularly tough or I might subtract one or two if the creature is particularly weak.  I call this a "damage track".

Consider the humble Ankheg -- 3 to 8 HD.

I would draw, perhaps "0000" for a 3 HD beast and maybe "00000 0000" for an 8 HD monster.  I envision Ankhegs as being a bit tougher than your average bear.

So, what's a "hit"?  Well, that depends.

If you use d6 for monster HD, then I'd call every 5 points of damage "a hit".  1 point of damage is nothing and anything between 2 and 4 is "half a hit".

If you use d8 for monster HD, then I'd call every 7 points of damage "a hit".  1 point of damage is nothing and anything between 2 and 5 is "half a hit".

If you use d10 for monster HD, then I'd call every 9 points of damage "a hit".  1 point of damage is nothing and anything between 2 and 8 is "half a hit".

If you were to just "add up" all hit points alloted within the "hits", these are some tough monsters.  It all tends to work out in practice though, because some of the monsters "hits" will be depleted by two "half hits" that are pretty low.

When a monster takes a "hit", you put an X through the circle.  "Half hits" mark the circle with a slash.  Two slashes make a full hit, or an X.  Easy peasy.

Now here's where things get a bit more interesting.

What if you could build some "tactics" or "actions" into the "damage track"?

The Ankheg has the ability to spit acid.  It doesn't like to do it unless it has to.  I think it would probably only do it if it was seriously harmed.

Let's change one of the zeroes to an "A" for Acid.  Now, when the creature takes a "hit" or "half hit" on the letter "A" that reminds us to utilize that ability later in the battle.

I believe that the Ankheg isn't a mindless killing machine.  I think it would rather get away than fight to the death.  I decide to put an "M" in for Morale in place of one of the zeroes.  That reminds me to take a morale check (perhaps at a penalty) when the monster gets to be about half dead.

The damage tracks are now "0MAM" for a 3 HD beast and maybe "00000 0MAM" for an 8 HD.

The opportunities are endless.