How do terrain modifications affect encounter XP - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

How do terrain modifications affect encounter XP

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
grackle
Jan 28, 2009 12:10:09 My topic title is in error, it should say "area feature."

This question came to me while I was reading the final encounter for H1.

Lets say you add a magic fountain to an encounter area that lets the monsters bathe/drink for a quick healing-surge like effect, but doesn't work for the PCs. How would that affect XP for that encounter? Should it have any effect whatsoever or just be an interesting addition to the encounter?

Monster XP is set based on their stats and powers, but in a case such as this, they have an ability outside their standard power set that nevertheless makes the encounter harder for the players?
#2
mellored
Jan 28, 2009 12:18:49 There is no XP for terrain, since it can be used for/against both parties.

Something like your fountain would be a trap, not terrain.
#3
grackle
Jan 28, 2009 12:57:31
There is no XP for terrain, since it can be used for/against both parties.

Something like your fountain would be a trap, not terrain.

Except when its not. I guess I'm curious (from a design standpoint) as to when a "feature" becomes a "trap/hazard".
#4
pass_the_remote
Jan 28, 2009 14:11:02
Except when its not. I guess I'm curious (from a design standpoint) as to when a "feature" becomes a "trap/hazard".

That's actually a very interesting question you've raised. It took me some searching, but I think you'd treat such a thing as a Hazard with the Obstacle role. It is meant to slow the PCs down and expend resources, so the one-way magical fountain would force the PCs to possibly use a few encounter powers or healing surges, maybe even a Daily power or two if the encounter is really difficult.

I don't know how you'd figure out the level or XP exactly, but If I had to guess I'd say just give the fountain the Healing Word ability that the Cleric has (changed to an At-Will power from Encounter) would make the fountain either a Level 1 or 2 Hazard (Obstacle), so the XP would be about 100 XP or 125 XP.

It's never really occurred to me to use Obstacles in this manner, I think I'm just going to have to try it out.
#5
perseus_stoned
Jan 29, 2009 17:25:40 I'm not sure if there's a "method" to add the appropriate XP but, assuming you don't need it to determine encounter level, I'd just add an appropriate amount after the battle, based on how much more difficult you feel the encounter became. I'm sure people on the board would always be willing to help you determine a fair and accurate amount.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 grackle Jan 28, 2009 12:10:09	My topic title is in error, it should say "area feature." This question came to me while I was reading the final encounter for H1. Lets say you add a magic fountain to an encounter area that lets the monsters bathe/drink for a quick healing-surge like effect, but doesn't work for the PCs. How would that affect XP for that encounter? Should it have any effect whatsoever or just be an interesting addition to the encounter? Monster XP is set based on their stats and powers, but in a case such as this, they have an ability outside their standard power set that nevertheless makes the encounter harder for the players?
#2 mellored Jan 28, 2009 12:18:49	There is no XP for terrain, since it can be used for/against both parties. Something like your fountain would be a trap, not terrain.
#3 grackle Jan 28, 2009 12:57:31	There is no XP for terrain, since it can be used for/against both parties. Something like your fountain would be a trap, not terrain. Except when its not. I guess I'm curious (from a design standpoint) as to when a "feature" becomes a "trap/hazard".
#4 pass_the_remote Jan 28, 2009 14:11:02	Except when its not. I guess I'm curious (from a design standpoint) as to when a "feature" becomes a "trap/hazard". That's actually a very interesting question you've raised. It took me some searching, but I think you'd treat such a thing as a Hazard with the Obstacle role. It is meant to slow the PCs down and expend resources, so the one-way magical fountain would force the PCs to possibly use a few encounter powers or healing surges, maybe even a Daily power or two if the encounter is really difficult. I don't know how you'd figure out the level or XP exactly, but If I had to guess I'd say just give the fountain the Healing Word ability that the Cleric has (changed to an At-Will power from Encounter) would make the fountain either a Level 1 or 2 Hazard (Obstacle), so the XP would be about 100 XP or 125 XP. It's never really occurred to me to use Obstacles in this manner, I think I'm just going to have to try it out.
#5 perseus_stoned Jan 29, 2009 17:25:40	I'm not sure if there's a "method" to add the appropriate XP but, assuming you don't need it to determine encounter level, I'd just add an appropriate amount after the battle, based on how much more difficult you feel the encounter became. I'm sure people on the board would always be willing to help you determine a fair and accurate amount.