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General Tabletop Discussion
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
Am I the only one who doesn't like the arbitrary "boss monster" tag?
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<blockquote data-quote="Fanaelialae" data-source="post: 6001183" data-attributes="member: 53980"><p>I'm a big fan of boss monsters.</p><p></p><p>That said, if 5e is designed the right way, the boss tag should be mostly obviated.</p><p></p><p>Bounded accuracy should mean that low level characters fighting a higher level challenge will still be able to affect it. As such, a higher level creature will be (from a simplistic outlook) just a bigger pool of hp with more damage output (a simplified solo).</p><p></p><p>If done correctly, the hp threshold mechanic should prevent such bosses from being stun-locked to death.</p><p></p><p>Which just leaves the creature's powers. I have two concerns:</p><p>1) Powers which might be inappropriate to use against lower-level characters.</p><p>2) Lack of variety in the creature's other powers.</p><p></p><p>Let me be clear about the first case. I'm not talking about the random 'level 1 party stumbles across the Tarasque' type of creature that some DMs like to use to add versimilitude to their campaigns (retreat or die). I'm talking specifically about a creature that the DM intends to challenge the PCs (tough but fair). Admittedly, the bounded numbers for saving throws should help with this, but some powers may not be appropriate against parties below a certain level, and those powers should be called out as such.</p><p></p><p>Lack of variety is another case entirely. There's no point in giving a werewolf a half-dozen attacks if the system assumes it'll only last an average of three rounds when level appropriate. On the other hand, if you use it as a boss against low level PCs, you should give it enough abilities to keep the fight interesting. Maybe some groups are fine with it, but I know my players would find a boss-type creature who just makes the same attacks every round until it dies boring as heck. (Of course, you can always improvise, but you can do that even if the boss has a nice variety of powers; it simply means more options).</p><p></p><p>I think what I'd be satisfied to see is a fair assortment of iconic D&D villains in the MM who have been designed as bosses. The Dragon of Tyr, Lord Soth, and their like. That would give those of us who do like bosses plenty of options, as well as a good assortment of examples for designing our own solos.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Fanaelialae, post: 6001183, member: 53980"] I'm a big fan of boss monsters. That said, if 5e is designed the right way, the boss tag should be mostly obviated. Bounded accuracy should mean that low level characters fighting a higher level challenge will still be able to affect it. As such, a higher level creature will be (from a simplistic outlook) just a bigger pool of hp with more damage output (a simplified solo). If done correctly, the hp threshold mechanic should prevent such bosses from being stun-locked to death. Which just leaves the creature's powers. I have two concerns: 1) Powers which might be inappropriate to use against lower-level characters. 2) Lack of variety in the creature's other powers. Let me be clear about the first case. I'm not talking about the random 'level 1 party stumbles across the Tarasque' type of creature that some DMs like to use to add versimilitude to their campaigns (retreat or die). I'm talking specifically about a creature that the DM intends to challenge the PCs (tough but fair). Admittedly, the bounded numbers for saving throws should help with this, but some powers may not be appropriate against parties below a certain level, and those powers should be called out as such. Lack of variety is another case entirely. There's no point in giving a werewolf a half-dozen attacks if the system assumes it'll only last an average of three rounds when level appropriate. On the other hand, if you use it as a boss against low level PCs, you should give it enough abilities to keep the fight interesting. Maybe some groups are fine with it, but I know my players would find a boss-type creature who just makes the same attacks every round until it dies boring as heck. (Of course, you can always improvise, but you can do that even if the boss has a nice variety of powers; it simply means more options). I think what I'd be satisfied to see is a fair assortment of iconic D&D villains in the MM who have been designed as bosses. The Dragon of Tyr, Lord Soth, and their like. That would give those of us who do like bosses plenty of options, as well as a good assortment of examples for designing our own solos. [/QUOTE]
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Am I the only one who doesn't like the arbitrary "boss monster" tag?
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