Challenging my high-lvl group (NPCs and monsters; my players shouldn't read this!)

[Sidran]

Hey, as CR 16 beasties, why are bone nagas considered epic level creatures?


As Titanic Naga's (those larger than Collossall they are considered epic level)

And if you don't like that don't use it but I figure a Titanic Naga's
CR at 25 + and they earn a new epic feat once they have hit 20 or More HD they are considered a Epic level Monster.

 

[Elric]

Piratecat, I think Shadow Blades is a little too powerful. A hasted Psion using Shadow Blades does 3d6 damage if you make both saves. The only way to heal ability damage to several people at once is to use Mass Heal. The only real protection is evasion. Mass Heal also has the advantage of healing tons of HP for the party and just about killing all of their enemies. I hope you gave Baendril a save, especially since Mass Heal doesn't even require a touch attack. If you had the party grouped within 30 feet of each other (and Velendo didn't have his fairy gift), two hasted versions of Baendril would incapacitate the entire party. The undead have a version of True Resurrection- if they have Mass Harm they won't even need that. Hopefully the players have someone to Resurrect them- I want more Story Hour! Keep up the great work!

 

[Piratecat]

Piratecat, I think Shadow Blades is a little too powerful.

Compared to a spell of the same level like horrid wilting, which would have done 17d8, 34d8 if cast twice? Nah, I disagree. Besides, shadow blades doesn't kill you, it immobilizes you; psionics still works, as does still spells. I think it's just about right.

Baendril is unique, incidentally, within the White Kingdom.

I use a will save for harm effects, with inflict critical wound damage if you make it (this can't bring you below 4 hit points).

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Any chance you can throw the stats up on him? I would love to see who is leading the Kingdom right now.

Also did he take over after the Necromancer that pulled the undead saint trick was killed? Or has Kellharin always been in charge?

Kellharin is an interesting kind of fellow with some hidden facets. He's also damn hard to track down and kill out of hand.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Why only Malachite? Are you saying that the only way to guaruntee a particular undead is gone for good is for Malachite to kill them with one of his Emerald Bursts?

You guys want to know a secret that the PCs won't find out until it's too late?

The ghouls have the undead equivalent of true resurrection. That means that all those powerful undead that they've killed (except for the ones Malachite has personally slain) are probably going to show up again. Next time, though, they're going to attack together in a coordinated fashion.

 

[Ryan Koppenhaver]

Why only Malachite?

It's one of his Hunter of the Dead abilities:

True Death: Undead slain by either melee attacks or spells can never rise again as undead.

PC, the wording suggests that this does not apply to undead destroyed by turning (a Supernatural ability) or positive energy bursts (I'm guessing they're Su, as well). Is that the intent?

 

[Piratecat]

As Ryan just said, one of Malachite's Hunter of the Dead powers is that when he kills an undead, it stays dead. I'm a firm believer that PCs deserve to be rewarded for using their abilities.... even if they don't know it just yet.

I think you're right, Ryan; undead killed by the positive energy burst or turning aren't covered. Interesting.

I won't post Kellharin yet. About four or five updates from now, I'll post something related to him, but not yet. You'll see why!

 

[Jeremy]

Because Malachite is a high level Hunter of the Dead. One of his special abilities is that anything he causes to die with sword or spell, stays dead. Period.

True Death or something like that. If he kills a lich, no phylactery will save him. Ditto on a vampire, no gaseous, do not pass go, do not collect $200. D-e-d Dead.

Love them guys.

 

[Knightfall]

You guys want to know a secret that the PCs won't find out until it's too late?

The ghouls have the undead equivalent of true resurrection. That means that all those powerful undead that they've killed (except for the ones Malachite has personally slain) are probably going to show up again. Next time, though, they're going to attack together in a coordinated fashion.

That is so cool! I mean, imagine the looks on their faces when they encounter all those old enemies 'resurrected' to fight them once again.

BTW, the marillith died right? She was gated in not summoned? Is there a chance the Defenders might face her again, this time as an undead servant? I can't remember which Defender struck the killing blow.

BTW, P'Cat. I have another creature idea for you.

I thought of this just and the DoD were heading into the underdark. Now, after reading the post about the albino halflings I think this creature would make a scary mount.

Alright, imagine if you will a giant monstrous spider-like abomination that looks like a giant daddy-long-legs spider. This creature wouldn't actually be a monstrous spider but it would look like one from far away.

The creatures legs (10 of 'em) are thicker, like a tarantulas, each ending in a sharp, pointed appendenge that the creature can use for attacks. The creature only needs 8 legs to walk on at any one time, attacking with the any two legs each round. The legs would have 10 foot reach and would be coated with deadly contact poison. The legs would also have a natural hardness rating, which would keep the PCs from being able to chop off its legs (maybe even regeneration).

The creatures body would be small in size and elevated way above the PCs' heads. It would be be almost impossible to hit in melee from the ground. The creature can bite (with poison) but it isn't the creatures most effective attack from its body. Its best attack would be a special breath weapon that causes half-sonic/half-poison damage. Bwah-ha-ha!

Oh yes, the creatures can walk almost anywhere. Cavern floors, ceilings, and even through deep water. (The creature has the ability of being able to move freely through water without penalty.)

Then you mount the albino halflings on top of the critters and turn them all into true ghouls.

 

[Plane Sailing]

it's a jolly good job it wasn't a typical Shadow STR drain, otherwise Velendo would currently be an undead shadow of his former self - probably some others too!

(I like the idea of allowing still spells to be cast while incapacitated at 0 Str, I think I'll use that)

Cheers