A triple encounter? oh yes indeed!

[Quickleaf]

[MENTION=51942]eamon[/MENTION] The artificer isnt unique among leaders is it? The artificer PC was with us only till level 5 and is returning, so I don't remember much about how the class works. But if it's basically the same as other leaders I feel confident that my set-up will challenge all PCs about the same - part of the thrill will be running low on surges.

[MENTION=94022]Riastlin[/MENTION]
Great point, I'd overlooked doing something like that.

For starters I was thinking the PCs will get to recharge all encounter powers (including second wind) after defeating the illusory Foes of Adventures Past. That seems like an appropriate marker.

Then each area will have an "energy node" or two, in hard to reach places, useable by PCs (but villains can try to destroy them. They'll be skinned as statues of wise kings or ancient murals with significance to the PCs, so it'll be a "grant me strength" moment.

 

[the Jester]

[MENTION=51942]eamon[/MENTION] The artificer isnt unique among leaders is it?

Actually, as far as its 'healing word' equivalent, it is.

 

[Riastlin]

Yeah the problem with the artificer's standard heal is that in order to recharge it, somebody in the party has to spend a surge (since the recipient of the heal need not spend the surge). So merely telling the artificer he can cast it again isn't going to help if you are not also allowing somebody to spend the surge for it.

Also, keep in mind that an energy node (as described in DMG 2) can be used by monsters as well, so they need not just simply try to keep the PCs away from them as they may want to use it themselves. This definitely would help make the encounter more dynamic. Just make sure that the nodes are placed so as to give both sides decent opportunities to get to them and use them. Putting them all behind the monsters' rear line for instance would be kinda sucky.

 

[Quickleaf]

Ah ok I see now, I'd forgotten about that; yeah just allowing someone to spend a surge to recharge the artificer's healing power makes sense.

About the "energy nodes"... It sort of seems like too much (a) power and (b) DM tracking to consider the bad guys taking advantage of them. Also I don't have any convincing story reason why the bad guys should be able to benefit from these "nodes."