D&D 5E (2024) Let's Write A High Level Adventure

[Chaltab]

For 4 level 16 PCs you need at least 3 Balors for a deadly encounter.

The last big fight we had in that Wrath of the Righteous campaign was a Balor, a Goristro, and Baphomet.

 

[Zardnaar]

So monsters were designed around four member parties; so your 13th level party was more like a 15th level party. And if your players were good at system optimization/tactical play, they're more like an 18th level party. And if they had a good amount of magic items on them, they would be more like a 20th level party. So them ripping through 19 CR monsters is quite reasonable.

CR 19 plus friends. High encounter. 5 encounters that day. To really grind them down it was 9 of various difficulties.

 

[Paul Farquhar]

CR 19 plus friends. High encounter. 5 encounters that day. To really grind them down it was 9 of various difficulties.

Given how long even a few high level combats last, you are talking about 5-10 hours in the real world of continuous combat grind. Is that fun?

 

[Zardnaar]

Given how long even a few high level combats last, you are talking about 5-10 hours in the real world of continuous combat grind. Is that fun?

As DM no. It took 3 sessions. That's using RAW xp bucket and a variety of encounters.

Players gave feedback later over what they found the hardest. Solo critters steamrolled., fodder pointless multiple mid CR stuff and CR 2-4 fodder worked the best. But took the longest to play out. Spread them out a bit.

Harder to run with a variety of creatures.

Tarraesque RAW you need a 7 person party level 20. Big T will likely last 1 maybe 2 rounds.

Command spam wrecks solos. Few creatures slow/fear, 1-3 twinned hold monster. Anything with a weak wisdom save is essentially 0 or 1/3rd of what's printed.

I used a lot of spellcasters as well. Not everyone encounter but every dungeon 7+. Rerolls and circle of power were great for them. Cultists of the dead 3.

 

[Reynard]

If youre playing RAW good luck with that.

Encounter design is key.

Theres not that many high CR critters and ive had level 13 PCs chop 16-19 CR critters apart in a round or two. Tough ones and DM specisl last 3 rounds.


That's what 5E PCs are capable of. You can abuse the CR system but combat takes a while and its not easy with a MM.

This is not a helpful post.

 

[dave2008]

oh wow. where's that in the adventure?

Chapter 11, but it states it can happen at any time. See below

 

[AnotherGuy]

@dave2008 I'm in two minds of acquiring this product as the creator created so much additional content for it. In your opinion do you think it's a worthwhile resource if you're running BG: DiA or unnecessary?
I've already got the Guide DiA as a Sandbox and looking at the Alexandrian Remix. Just fighing with my OCD