General RPG DiscussionDiscussion of all RPGs and non-system-specific topics. DM/GM/player issues, settings, etc. Rules discussion belongs in one the forums below.
This is probably way off for the playstyle you guys use, but I'm going to throw it out there anyway.
The most fun thing a player could do during a climactic BBEG is, I would guess, play their actual character. I'd consider not using SoD abilities, if there's other things the BBEG could do that were still threatening. (From a balance perspective, I'd argue that if the PCs don't have SoD spells that would work on the monster, then it's still going to be a solid fight even if neither side can unleash a massive alpha strike the first round.)
I recognize that there are two issues that might bump up against; playing the monster "straight" by the rules as written, and getting the players convinced that the BBEG means serious business, that he's not pulling his punches.
Would you consider giving a rough description of what the two enemies are like, so we could brainstorm some suggestions? It might be possible to tweak it a bit to keep it in character and suitably menacing while still giving all the players a chance to contribute for several rounds at least.
Another possibility might be that the players are able to (through luck, planning, advance knowledge, what have you) able to get to the BBEGs while they're "powering up", or they channel some of their powers through a special magic item, something that meant the Save or Die stuff didn't come first in the fight. That could provide some interesting tactical opportunities while still giving them a chance to fear the monster.
This is probably way off for the playstyle you guys use, but I'm going to throw it out there anyway.
The most fun thing a player could do during a climactic BBEG is, I would guess, play their actual character. I'd consider not using SoD abilities, if there's other things the BBEG could do that were still threatening. (From a balance perspective, I'd argue that if the PCs don't have SoD spells that would work on the monster, then it's still going to be a solid fight even if neither side can unleash a massive alpha strike the first round.)
I recognize that there are two issues that might bump up against; playing the monster "straight" by the rules as written, and getting the players convinced that the BBEG means serious business, that he's not pulling his punches.
Would you consider giving a rough description of what the two enemies are like, so we could brainstorm some suggestions? It might be possible to tweak it a bit to keep it in character and suitably menacing while still giving all the players a chance to contribute for several rounds at least.
Another possibility might be that the players are able to (through luck, planning, advance knowledge, what have you) able to get to the BBEGs while they're "powering up", or they channel some of their powers through a special magic item, something that meant the Save or Die stuff didn't come first in the fight. That could provide some interesting tactical opportunities while still giving them a chance to fear the monster.
I would rather not give out a description in case my players read this thread... Even though they would not intentionally metagame, there could be subtle and unintentional metagming. However, I could also use "Maze" or "Otto's Irresistable Dance" as level 8 spells that take PCs out of combat temporarily, at least and avoid a Save or Die situation. Having the barbarian or dwarf fighter dancing for 3-4 rounds takes them out of combat for a while and would possibly force the psion or cleric to divert their actions to attempt a dispel.
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