Post/Author/DateTime	Post
memno 05-29-05, 12:57 PM	My group has 3 players sorc, a ranger, and a monk. the sorc has energy admixture and rolls really well on damage. she now is such a level that in combat she is overpowering compared to the rest of the party. The monk is pretty solid and can usually get some good combat in, but the ranger is screwed. is there a way to balance the combat that won't take away from the sorcs powers that she has earned? I have a cople of ideas: give enemies more hp. and enemies with sr.
Roreck 05-29-05, 01:02 PM	if the ranger is screwed as you say maybe give the party items that would obviously benift the ranger and if you want to power up the monk as well do the same. Magic swords/bows/whatever the monk uses as well as strength boasting items boots that could improve the ranger's speed so he could you know get to the enemies before the sorcerer blows them up. The idea of adding some enemies with sr sounds fine but no so much that the sorever becomes totally useless (ie have some enemies for the sorcerer and others for the ranger and monk)
Shaken, not Stunned 05-29-05, 04:44 PM	Tell us about the ranger, please. What are his stats, feat selection, equipment choices, skill selection, animal companion stats, etc.
Mirikon 05-29-05, 06:58 PM	My group has 3 players sorc, a ranger, and a monk. the sorc has energy admixture and rolls really well on damage. she now is such a level that in combat she is overpowering compared to the rest of the party. The monk is pretty solid and can usually get some good combat in, but the ranger is screwed. is there a way to balance the combat that won't take away from the sorcs powers that she has earned? I have a cople of ideas: give enemies more hp. and enemies with sr. This is called the reality of high level casters. To deal with this, you must introduce the reality of high CR monsters. If you're still throwing orcs and kobolds at the party, then of course the sorcerer will own them all. There are a few simple ways to deal with upper level casters. They just take work on your part. 1) Other casters. Remember, if your player can do it, chances are someone else can too, and better. 2) The three things all casters fear. Beholders, Dragons, and Golems. A mobile antimagic field is a killer to a caster, as is a creature with high HP, high SR, and massive damage dealing potential, like a Dragon. Not to mention dragons also have spells. And Golems are just plain nasty. Infinite SR can be quite ugly. 3) Remember that intelligent creatures usually go for the guy in robes who is chanting funny words first, as high level casters are nasty. The rogue with a ring of Blinking, for instance, will probably make a beeline for the caster. As will other casters, and mageslayers. See how that sorcerer does when he's got creatures all around him. 4) Enemy sorcerer with the Streamers spell from Magic of Faerun. Have him cast it on the sorcerer. The sorcerer only takes damage if he moves, casts a spell, attacks, or tries to take any standard action, like drinking a potion (or even getting it out of his bag). 5) Red Dragon using Hat of Disguise to appear to be a white dragon.
krichaiushii 05-29-05, 10:50 PM	Is the ranger focused on range or melee attacks? And what about his animal companion and spell usage? Grapple that sorcerer - its hard to cast spells when pinned. Also, enemies with assorted energy resistances/immunities cut down on the damage a sorcerer can do. As for the monk... multiple opponents using special tactics, like aid another, high ground, bullrushing, and the rest of the PHB options. Mostly just multiple opponents using aid another to hit. As the monk is occupied, it leaves the ranger to do his thing. And of course, using opponents that the ranger has chosen as his favored enemy is always nice on occasion.
Shir 05-30-05, 07:45 AM	I would suggest more encounters per day (not neccesarily deadly), so the sorcerer will run out of spells (eventually). Encounters at night also work well since arcane casters need at least 8 hour undisturbed rest in order to memorise new spells. Spellcasters usually seem overpowered in a campaign where they are able to replenish their spells before they run out. In short: make the sorcerer aware that his number of spells a day is limited.
Dritzo 05-30-05, 07:53 AM	Thats true, tough another thing. It works well to give them alot of "weak" enemy's so he runs out of spells. But a tougher Enemy, with alot of hp or Ac will force (if his Alignment works out) him to aid his fellow comrades. If he has te spells to aid of course.
FriendoftheDork 05-30-05, 08:22 AM	There has been some good ideas here already. Just don't overuse them. I played a wizard and faced a Golem ONCE and it was bad enough. I had to basically stay behind all combat and do nothing. So perhaps once or twice if he gets too overconfident (as my wizard did), but don't push it. Also keep in mind that sorcerers generally need some prepation to be good in combat (defensive spells), so use more encountes where the party is suprised or unable to prepare. Also use smart enemies that don't run in a straight line or mass together in nice fireball-friendly spaces. Also note that total cover can nerf a spellcaster somewhat as well as using enemies with ranged weapons.... ready vs spell is your friend here. In the end it might be a good idea to use enemies custom made for your party... so an enemy wizard or sorc (wizards are better when prepared) might deal with the sorcerer while her tough minions and allies attack the other characters. The trick is to let everyone do what they're best at.
Quirriff 05-30-05, 08:34 AM	Put in encounters that require stealth and Gurilla tactics. The Ranger would shine there.
angryman 05-30-05, 08:57 AM	Golems, Rakshasas, enemies with SR and elemental resistance. Have a few wilderness fights. Stealthy enemies (so the ranger can use his senses, which he is realllly good at). NPCs that need to be tracked/hunted.