Unexpected TPK: Unbalanced, bad circumstances, or fluke?

[Asmor]

Incidentally, the beetles didn't go first; the warlock did. He stayed near the cleric, I'm guessing because if he'd run away the only way he could have gone would have put him right next to the beetles.

 

[RigaMortus2]

Incidentally, the beetles didn't go first; the warlock did. He stayed near the cleric, I'm guessing because if he'd run away the only way he could have gone would have put him right next to the beetles.

So if the Warlock went first, what was his opening actions? What kind of pact is he?

 

[Danceofmasks]

So the encounter was designed so the PCs would all be in close blast range?
That ought to ramp up the EL for cheese.

 

[Gort]

Did you roll seperate initiative for each beetle? The problem here was that the players never got a chance to react between attacks. If they'd been both hit for 12, then had a go, the cleric might have healed himself or the warlock.

I'd roll seperate initiative for enemies next time - it's not like you'll have many.

 

[Nikodemus]

I would say that the problem is fire beetles. They are, in my opinion, far and away the toughest level monster, because of their ability to damage the whole party. If the DM roles well and the party gets crappy initiative, fire beetles can easily whip a poorly prepared party before the battle gets going. Even if you have a full party and fulfill all of the roles, a group of fire beetles is a nasty level 1 encounter.

 

[James McMurray]

So the encounter was designed so the PCs would all be in close blast range?
That ought to ramp up the EL for cheese.

They don't have to start in blast range, just in Speed + Blast range. If it's an indoor encounter that's pretty likely to be the case.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Sorta depends on how you play ..
In 3e at least, scouting with fireballs is a valid strategy if you don't mind losing loot .. and clues .. and the occasional innocent hostage ..

 

[AGiganticPanda]

Hello, first post and I'm the Cleric in question.

Taking toughness at level 1 is actually a pretty good choice...

Thnx for the advice, this is my first full D&D Campaign so I'm getting the hang of it bit by bit.

For such a small party, I don't see the cleric like a good choice, a pally would bring some high AC, damage and more than enought healing on the battlefield.

This group was originally supposed to be 4 people, but that went down to two. I didn't expect to have to worry so much about being attacked and thought I could focus on healing while stilling packing a punch.

I kind of rolled my eyes at that. Something I completely didn't think of until now, though, is the fact that this is the cleric player's first time playing D&D, so he didn't understand the full repercussions of taking a 10 for con.

Well sorry for being new Asmor...

Let me adjust then, I don't think it would be a big deal considering how we're playing.

 

[DMReckless]

And I hope that the beetles did not "charge" as stated, and use fire spray, since under charge rules, that's impossible.

 

[Nifft]

I'll bet I could build a Cleric and Warlock who could withstand that encounter, but man, it sounds painful!

With only two PCs, they're both going to want to be able to pull double duty: both will need to be able to function in melee and at range.

For the Warlock, that just screams Hexhammer, IMHO. Able to tank from day 1, and very effective at mid-range (10 squares).

For the Cleric, I'd go Strength-based Cleric, probably Dragonborn for the extra attack bonus when bloodied and the area attack breath weapon. I'd take Healing Strike and Avenging Flames in addition to the two Strength-based at-will powers. He'd probably take Light Shield Proficiency as his first feat.

Cheers, -- N