Boss Fight? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Boss Fight? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
lesliweird
12-20-06, 05:11 PM Is a 15th or 16th level druid too big a boss fight for a group of 9-10th level characters? I don't know what my players will be playing yet.
Cryforge
12-20-06, 05:15 PM Definitely too hard.

Try a 12th-13th level druid maybe.
PenderGrass
12-20-06, 05:47 PM I don't know what my players will be playing yet.
Vital information that you may want to wait for before building a custom BBEG battle. Especially a high level custom BBEG battle.

:dragon:
****
Grand Theft Otto
12-20-06, 05:47 PM Maybe. Is this a one shot? If so, it might work out, leaving a few of the characters dead. I'd see what they make first.
devinmdp
12-20-06, 05:56 PM Is a 15th or 16th level druid too big a boss fight for a group of 9-10th level characrers? I don't know what my players will be playing yet.

The answer is, as usual, it depends.

First, how many 9th or 10th level PCs are there? If this is a standard party of 4 PCs, then almost certainly yes, the boss is way too powerful. But if it is a group of 8 PCs, then maybe not so.

Also, how maxed out are these PCs? We've all seen uber builds that probably could handle a CR that is 5 or 6 higher than the party.

Finally, what are the circumstances of the fight? Is the boss alone? A single bad guy is much easier to take down than if he has minions. A druid will have his animal companion, so he won't be alone. But still, does he have servants with him or her? Also, are there extenuating circumstances? A druid deep in a dungeon is less effective than one in a wilderness setting outdoors.

But in general, the BBEG should be +3 or +4 above the party EL.

Devin
Dei
12-20-06, 06:17 PM I agree with Devin, this is going to depend greatly on circumstances. If they're in a small, enclosed dungeon where he can't summon large dire animals and treants then a great deal of his power is gone. If on the other hand he's confronted in his grove where all the trees are awakened and ever animal for five kilometres is going to be gnawing on the PC's ankles then his power is greatly increased.

It also depends on the level of munchkinism and power-gaming that your players endulge in. A highly min-maxed party can steam through encounters 4CRs higher than what they should be facing with relative ease. With an average party of 4 average characters though, Devin's suggestion of 4 levels higher than they will be when they face him seems reasonable.

After that it's up to you and them how the balance of power will be shifted in the actual fight, as has been said, druid on his own vs druid with loads of minions or a party that's been weakened by previous encounters are two entirely different battles.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
lesliweird 12-20-06, 05:11 PM	Is a 15th or 16th level druid too big a boss fight for a group of 9-10th level characters? I don't know what my players will be playing yet.
Cryforge 12-20-06, 05:15 PM	Definitely too hard. Try a 12th-13th level druid maybe.
PenderGrass 12-20-06, 05:47 PM	I don't know what my players will be playing yet. Vital information that you may want to wait for before building a custom BBEG battle. Especially a high level custom BBEG battle. :dragon: ****
Grand Theft Otto 12-20-06, 05:47 PM	Maybe. Is this a one shot? If so, it might work out, leaving a few of the characters dead. I'd see what they make first.
devinmdp 12-20-06, 05:56 PM	Is a 15th or 16th level druid too big a boss fight for a group of 9-10th level characrers? I don't know what my players will be playing yet. The answer is, as usual, it depends. First, how many 9th or 10th level PCs are there? If this is a standard party of 4 PCs, then almost certainly yes, the boss is way too powerful. But if it is a group of 8 PCs, then maybe not so. Also, how maxed out are these PCs? We've all seen uber builds that probably could handle a CR that is 5 or 6 higher than the party. Finally, what are the circumstances of the fight? Is the boss alone? A single bad guy is much easier to take down than if he has minions. A druid will have his animal companion, so he won't be alone. But still, does he have servants with him or her? Also, are there extenuating circumstances? A druid deep in a dungeon is less effective than one in a wilderness setting outdoors. But in general, the BBEG should be +3 or +4 above the party EL. Devin
Dei 12-20-06, 06:17 PM	I agree with Devin, this is going to depend greatly on circumstances. If they're in a small, enclosed dungeon where he can't summon large dire animals and treants then a great deal of his power is gone. If on the other hand he's confronted in his grove where all the trees are awakened and ever animal for five kilometres is going to be gnawing on the PC's ankles then his power is greatly increased. It also depends on the level of munchkinism and power-gaming that your players endulge in. A highly min-maxed party can steam through encounters 4CRs higher than what they should be facing with relative ease. With an average party of 4 average characters though, Devin's suggestion of 4 levels higher than they will be when they face him seems reasonable. After that it's up to you and them how the balance of power will be shifted in the actual fight, as has been said, druid on his own vs druid with loads of minions or a party that's been weakened by previous encounters are two entirely different battles.