Reply to thread

Message

<blockquote data-quote="Pour" data-source="post: 6054642" data-attributes="member: 59411">One of the ways I've solved this throughout the years is by having multiple stat blocks for solos dependent on certain scenarios. I might have bloodied stat blocks with one or two familiar powers (beefed up in damage) and a swath of new, but thematically sensible, powers for the monster kicking into overdrive, losing control, or becoming desperate. I had one lycanthrope boss that had three forms, which were tied to reaching different damage thresholds (if he dealt this much damage, he changed).Akin to super-solos, I've expressed some 'bosses' like a 500ft dragon in multiple stat blocks: head, claws, wings, tail, body (crushing attacks) and had each roll separate initiative with their own unique attacks. In essence, this one massive creature was an entire encounter group, and his attacks were themed, varied, and quite exciting for the party, and it was as easy to run as a regular encounter, giving one enemy a huge amount of manageable options.When my players fought Strahd, it was a game of attrition, defeating a solo form (each themed to one vampiric archetype) and then chasing him deeper into Castle Ravenloft, weathering traps and minions and hazards along the way, only to fight a different Strahd, then go even deeper, etc. That was a pretty huge success, too.I'm easily overwhelmed with too many options all sitting in front of me and despised my time running lvl 15-18 in 3.5, but with the proper considerations, I think 4e can serve to be as varied and complex as you like while still maintaining the ease of running.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Pour, post: 6054642, member: 59411"] One of the ways I've solved this throughout the years is by having multiple stat blocks for solos dependent on certain scenarios. I might have bloodied stat blocks with one or two familiar powers (beefed up in damage) and a swath of new, but thematically sensible, powers for the monster kicking into overdrive, losing control, or becoming desperate. I had one lycanthrope boss that had three forms, which were tied to reaching different damage thresholds (if he dealt this much damage, he changed). Akin to super-solos, I've expressed some 'bosses' like a 500ft dragon in multiple stat blocks: head, claws, wings, tail, body (crushing attacks) and had each roll separate initiative with their own unique attacks. In essence, this one massive creature was an entire encounter group, and his attacks were themed, varied, and quite exciting for the party, and it was as easy to run as a regular encounter, giving one enemy a huge amount of manageable options. When my players fought Strahd, it was a game of attrition, defeating a solo form (each themed to one vampiric archetype) and then chasing him deeper into Castle Ravenloft, weathering traps and minions and hazards along the way, only to fight a different Strahd, then go even deeper, etc. That was a pretty huge success, too. I'm easily overwhelmed with too many options all sitting in front of me and despised my time running lvl 15-18 in 3.5, but with the proper considerations, I think 4e can serve to be as varied and complex as you like while still maintaining the ease of running. [/QUOTE]

Verification