[Dungeon] Lich Queen's Beloved: Am I missing something? (spoilers)

[Mort]

This adventure is listed as designed for 18th level characters. The scope is large because the focus is nothing less than the elimination of the Githyanki Lich-queen. This, essentially is the players mission – get into her palace and take her out. Now that’s fine and all but the players are provided no backup and only "intell" as help.(though 18th level characters should have many connections).

The regular encounters in the adventure are difficult enough – most of them with an EL of over 18. But there are also encounters where the characters are facing CR 26 or higher challenges.

Then there is the Lich-Queen: an epic level Sorceress (25th level, she begins her preparation by casting an empowered time stop) that clocks in at a CR of 28. Add to that – she is never without help (Sorcerers, fighters – etc) that are also all high level (very) and has access to major magic (including no less than 2 artifacts on her person at all times). Oh, and I forgot to mention -, In all likelyhood, The bad guys know the PC's are coming.

So I guess my question is: am I missing something, is there any realistic way for a non-epic party to actually succeed here? I can’t see any 18th level group even one that’s coordinated and well prepared having even a slim chance (Heck at a CR 28+ the Lich-Queen encounter is so far above the PC’s radar that experience is difficult to calculate).

[edited for additional info and spelling]

Thoughts?

 

[Numion]

Sounds pretty bad.


*** SPOILERS FOR BASTION OF BROKEN SOULS ***


I haven't seen the adventure, but I have DMed a similar situation in Bastion of Broken Souls. The BBEG is nothing less than a CR 27 Half-fiend Red Dragon, who had little help though. In my game players knew who they were going against, so they did pull it off, with only 3 PCs. They had elemental protections and all the other goods active when they hit it.

*** END SPOILERS ***

Same here could apply to the Lich Queen. The characters probably won't be 18th level anymore when they encounter her, and they should know what to expect. A good group can find ways to deal with a sorcerer, however powerful she is. CR doesn't mean that much at high levels - a lucky disintegrate after a dispel magic can end it quickly.

Anyway, it's going to be one hell of a fight..

 

[Nightfall]

Three spells that should be in the spellcasters arsenal at 18th level: Mord's Disjunction. (Buy three scrolls if you can!), Greater Dispelling, and definately Spell Turning. (A ring will do.) My advice to said PCs, prepare mightly and do try resting when feasible. Believe me while it will be tough going, I expect the PCs to prepare well. (At least that's how it is in my combat loving group.)

 

[The Forsaken One]

Which dungeon release is it in?

 

[Buttercup]

Which dungeon release is it in?

100, the one that just came out.

 

[Kraedin]

Three spells that should be in the spellcasters arsenal at 18th level: Mord's Disjunction.

[. . .]and has access to major magic (including no less than 2 artifacts on her person at all times).

Disjunction is not a good idea.

 

[Nightfall]

Why not? If I'm facing off against a spellcaster with a potent magic item the smart me says "Let's level the playing field". Mord's Disjunction is just as good as say Anti-magic field or a greater dispelling. Only it has a greater chance of undoing the magic of her items. So what's wrong with that?

 

[Liolel]

Why not? If I'm facing off against a spellcaster with a potent magic item the smart me says "Let's level the playing field". Mord's Disjunction is just as good as say Anti-magic field or a greater dispelling. Only it has a greater chance of undoing the magic of her items. So what's wrong with that?

Here is the part of Disjuction that matters. From the SDR

Even artifacts are subject to disjunction, though there is only a 1% chance per caster level of actually affecting such powerful items. Additionally, if an artifact is destroyed, the character must succeed at a Will save (DC 25) or permanently lose all spellcasting abilities. (These abilities cannot be recovered by mortal magic, not even miracle or wish.)

Now also we know from the first post that the Lich Queen carries at least 2 artifacts. Do you want to risk loosing your spellcasting permently.

 

[Bendris Noulg]

Then there is the Lich-Queen: an epic level Sorceress (25th level, she begins her preparation by casting an empowered time stop)...<snip>

That's it? That's it!

Jeeze... Guess I won't be using that version of her. She's a wimp. I mean, this is the lich-queen of the Githyanki that has ruled for thousands of years, has a pact with Tiamat, and controls red dragons on a whim. This adventure is a sad joke. She ain't got nothing but a lot of hype and an over-paid PR department.

 

[Nightfall]

Liolel,

I'm sure an 18th level wizard can make a DC 25 on a Will Save. At least I hope so. (He'd better not have used Wisdom as a dump stat!).


Ben, yeah well maybe not THAT impressive but she is a Lich too. Maybe they were smart and had her Spell-stitched as well.