Wik
First Post
So, tonight we had a fun 4e game, and the first game in a little while. It was also the first time I was able to merge my two D&D groups - partially because I got a new job and needed to lessen my workload as a DM, and partially because of the usual player attrition that happens from time to time.
The first fights were easy ones, to get the groups used to one another (they had never met, in game or out) - so I threw them up against some kobolds, and much fun was had.
After they've all left, though, I've been thinking about future plots... and the bad guys I want to use in those plots. So, without really talking about my campaign, I figured I'd discuss monsters it'd be fun to use in a 4e game - and maybe I'll actually use one or two within the next couple of months!
1) Umber Hulk: I've never used one that I can think of (though maybe I did in my 2e days), but I think it might just be time. I think they'll probably suck in 4e (lose two attacks that deal a minimum of 10 damage each on a hit to deal an ongoing 10 damage?) but they could be alright coupled with another monster - especially considering their confusing gaze, coupled with a lurker or rogue.
2) Vampire Lord: Vampires are fun, and as I currently have an undead-hating PC in my group, I think they're on the top of my list for "undead monsters that need to make an appearance". I mean, dominating gaze alone has so many play potentials in my group dynamic... and it's just such a fun "Screw you" power.
3) Shambling Mound: They seem chaotic, and I have in mind an encounter against three or four of them, somehow mixing up so that it's hard to focus your fire on one at a time to really let their regeneration become scary. Plus, shambling mounds come pre-equipped with a healthy dose of scary.
4) Berbalang: This is one that I've sort of mentioned the PCs may come across, but now I have to level it up a bit for when they get there (they were supposed to hit it around 5th or 6th level... now they'll be easily around 7th or 8th, if not higher). I won't go into details, but this one jumped off the page for me. Awesome monster.
5) Purple Worm: Ever since i read the 3e book on Mesopotamia, I've wanted to run a game involving a cult worshipping a purple worm. Plus, swallow whole is now a really cool ability - much cooler than in 3e. If only I could reasonably throw my group against a level 16 solo soldier right now... (they're levels 3 and 4).
6) Gray Wolf: Actually, I've used this monster before. I really like them - a lot of fun to play. I highly recommend them for DMs to use at low levels. A neat sort of way to stack damage, without making it too easy.
7) Treant: The Treant's Aura is amazing. And Awaken Forest? Also amazing. And the Earthshaking Stomp? Um. Very Amazing. One Treant plus, say, eight elven archers against 10th or 11th level PCs would be a very fun encounter - the archers would be able to pelt the PCs fairly easily, while the Treant would move around the encounter area and destroy PCs as it pleases.
8) Mind Flayer: Mind Flayers fall into the "too stupid" category for our games - they just don't sit well with many of my players (and myself). But I might recast them in some way, because Mind Blast + Rogue powers is fun. And the Bore Into Brain Power is scary. Very scary.
9) Ghouls: Ghouls are always scary, and the one time I've used one in 4e play, it killed a PC (mind you, the ghoul also had paladin levels). I want to use more. A lot more.
10) A Dragon. I mean, you have to throw a dragon at the group? I'm thinking a young dragon might be fun to throw in, but as I'm currently starting Scepter Tower of Spellgard, I can't see a Dragon encounter coming up anytime soon. But I need to throw a dragon-themed adventure in there. I might be able to sneak one in as an optional sidequest... They just seem like they'd be fun.
Anyone else have a list?
The first fights were easy ones, to get the groups used to one another (they had never met, in game or out) - so I threw them up against some kobolds, and much fun was had.
After they've all left, though, I've been thinking about future plots... and the bad guys I want to use in those plots. So, without really talking about my campaign, I figured I'd discuss monsters it'd be fun to use in a 4e game - and maybe I'll actually use one or two within the next couple of months!
1) Umber Hulk: I've never used one that I can think of (though maybe I did in my 2e days), but I think it might just be time. I think they'll probably suck in 4e (lose two attacks that deal a minimum of 10 damage each on a hit to deal an ongoing 10 damage?) but they could be alright coupled with another monster - especially considering their confusing gaze, coupled with a lurker or rogue.
2) Vampire Lord: Vampires are fun, and as I currently have an undead-hating PC in my group, I think they're on the top of my list for "undead monsters that need to make an appearance". I mean, dominating gaze alone has so many play potentials in my group dynamic... and it's just such a fun "Screw you" power.
3) Shambling Mound: They seem chaotic, and I have in mind an encounter against three or four of them, somehow mixing up so that it's hard to focus your fire on one at a time to really let their regeneration become scary. Plus, shambling mounds come pre-equipped with a healthy dose of scary.
4) Berbalang: This is one that I've sort of mentioned the PCs may come across, but now I have to level it up a bit for when they get there (they were supposed to hit it around 5th or 6th level... now they'll be easily around 7th or 8th, if not higher). I won't go into details, but this one jumped off the page for me. Awesome monster.
5) Purple Worm: Ever since i read the 3e book on Mesopotamia, I've wanted to run a game involving a cult worshipping a purple worm. Plus, swallow whole is now a really cool ability - much cooler than in 3e. If only I could reasonably throw my group against a level 16 solo soldier right now... (they're levels 3 and 4).
6) Gray Wolf: Actually, I've used this monster before. I really like them - a lot of fun to play. I highly recommend them for DMs to use at low levels. A neat sort of way to stack damage, without making it too easy.
7) Treant: The Treant's Aura is amazing. And Awaken Forest? Also amazing. And the Earthshaking Stomp? Um. Very Amazing. One Treant plus, say, eight elven archers against 10th or 11th level PCs would be a very fun encounter - the archers would be able to pelt the PCs fairly easily, while the Treant would move around the encounter area and destroy PCs as it pleases.
8) Mind Flayer: Mind Flayers fall into the "too stupid" category for our games - they just don't sit well with many of my players (and myself). But I might recast them in some way, because Mind Blast + Rogue powers is fun. And the Bore Into Brain Power is scary. Very scary.
9) Ghouls: Ghouls are always scary, and the one time I've used one in 4e play, it killed a PC (mind you, the ghoul also had paladin levels). I want to use more. A lot more.
10) A Dragon. I mean, you have to throw a dragon at the group? I'm thinking a young dragon might be fun to throw in, but as I'm currently starting Scepter Tower of Spellgard, I can't see a Dragon encounter coming up anytime soon. But I need to throw a dragon-themed adventure in there. I might be able to sneak one in as an optional sidequest... They just seem like they'd be fun.
Anyone else have a list?
