Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 traxis Jun 24, 2008 12:39:17	Maybe I just haven't been reading the DMG thoroughly enough, but I was wondering what level encounter would provide a decent challenge while not completely overwhelming a single PC. For the campaign I'm constructing for my group I've decided that they should each face down an endgame threat alone, but I just don't want it to flat out kill them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
#2 galrith Jun 24, 2008 12:59:17	Roughly a normal monster represents something on par with a character. So a encounter with a normal monster that is 3-4 levels higher would present a good challenge. Additionally Elites are a representative of a monster who is strong as 2 PCs. So having them fight an elite monster 2 levels lower to equal level could also be feasible. Having them fight a solo monster would be right out unless it is significantly lower level then them. In addition I think it would also depend on the PC in question. Is it a Wizard who specializes in AoE. In this case I would likely use a Normal Monster equal to the character who is a lurker, defender, or leader. I'd also throw in between 4-8 approriate Minions. This would give the wizards AoEs a chance to shine as he wiped out the army then went toe to toe with the main villian. In the case of a stiker aka rogue ranger and warlock however I'd likely use an elite monster as the rogue has a lot of status effects that can remove a monster from combat. Thus having extra HP on his bad guy isn't a bad idea. For a Defender such as a Fighter or Paladin I would look to a lurker or artilary as he would then get to use much of his control as well as mitigation abilities. For leaders cleric and warlord I'd look towards brutes and soldiers. With the exception of the warlord who I'd have fighting with an NPC allie who was captured by his villian as many of the warlord's powers play on having atleast one other companion.
#3 traxis Jun 24, 2008 13:37:11	Thanks for the advice. The only thing I was thinking so far would be setting a player as a leader of a small army against the Tarrasque. the army would be more or less a buffer between them, but the player would also have epic destiny powers designed for fighting it off(creating my own ED's for the campaign, too.)