Multitarget (3.5e Creature Ability)

Multitarget
Summary::The opponent has multiple body parts which can all be targeted separately.

Some creatures, by virtue of being composed of multiple creatures or because they are so big that each limb is practically a creature on its own, are multitarget creatures which are in essence an entire group of creatures physically bound together within a single body. The hydra is similar to a multitarget creature, in that the heads may be severed off from the creature until all of the heads are gone. However, multitarget creatures take it a step further. Body parts or components have their own hit point total, their own ability scores, and often their own abilities. They also can take their own actions, though they share their move action with the rest of their components. They share the same space as the creature (though they may have different size categories). They can be "killed" without the main body perishing as well, unless the component is vital to its existence. Any conditions the components have are detailed in their monster entries.

An example creature would be a giant robot who possesses a 20 HD central body, two 10 HD additional servo arms with guns, and its 30 HD core. The robot may make a move action, leaving a standard action for the central body, both servo arms, and the core. It may be that the core has total concealment until, for example, its shield produced by the servo arms is disabled. Therefore, the servo arms must both be destroyed before the core is destroyed. The core is also a vital component, and if it is destroyed before other parts, such as the central body, are destroyed, then the entire giant robot monster is destroyed. Alternatively, you can have a creature where no components are vital, such as a six-headed serpent who can continue to operate even on one head, regardless of which head it is.

Multitarget properties are good for solo monsters, who not only gain in effect additional hit points, but also additional actions, allowing them to pose a greater challenge against parties.