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Message: <blockquote data-quote="charlesatan" data-source="post: 4436899" data-attributes="member: 20870">Actually, we're a bit hard on the poster because this isn't really like 3E. In 3E, you could encounter a Mindflayer and be stunned for 3d4 rounds on a failed saving throw. An unlucky roll screws you for the rest of the game.In 4E, there are such effects such as the Beholder's Petrification ability or the Nightwalker's Finger of Death. Except it's not down to one unlucky roll.4E gives you a couple of chances to resist such conditions, either teamwork or multiple saving throws. Perhaps the most debilitating condition I've seen is from the Carrion Crawler (slowed --> immobilized --> stunned) as it has a -5 penalty to the save but even once you are stunned, a successful saving throw ends the condition. There are also some utility powers/class abilities which gives allies/yourself new saving throws.So yes, you can end up screwed, but a) it takes time to do so, and b) you have a couple of chances to resist it. You know, it's like dying; you're sturdier in 4E but that doesn't mean you can't die.In the case of the Purple Worm, let me show you exactly how difficult it is to use its Swallow ability.1) It's a Level 16 Solo which means it likely won't be having allies.2) Its basic attack deals 2d8 + 7 damage and a grab. That's what, an average of 16 damage per turn. Oh, and you know its 2 action points? Its virtually useless unless I mean to a) move/escape or b) use its Swallow ability because once I've grabbed my target, I can't use its basic attack anymore. I need to use its Clamping Jaws attack which I can only use next turn. A 15th-level Wizard who has Constitution 10 has 76 hit points. You can do the math how many turns the Purple Worm needs to deal damage to it before it can actually qualify to use its Swallow ability.3) Even if I do manage to grab the PC, on their turn, they have at least two chances to escape from the Grab on their turn (move action to escape). That does not include the opportunity for other PCs to use their abilities to end the Grab, such as stunning/dazing the Purple Worm, shifting/pushing/pulling ally/Purple Worm or using Aid Another actions to help free the Grabbed target. Or leaders healing the said PC to prevent the use of the Swallow ability.Honestly, I think what happened is that a) the GM used the "modified" Purple Worm incorrectly or b) poor teamwork.Actually, of all the Solo monsters, the Purple Worm is the most unfun creature for the GM to run because it's too ineffective.</blockquote>

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