Encounter Level for Overpowered Party

[DMKastmaria]

My concern is that the above encounter might be more that they can handle but I also hesitate to lower the CR because they are cruising out of all battles up until now. What do you think?

1. Back when I ran 3.x, I was never impressed with how well the CR system worked. I didn't use it.

2. Make sure to provide an avenue of escape, and then go for broke! Worse comes to worse, they'll have to retreat. If they've been cruising through everything, the experience will be worthwhile.

Best case scenario, they'll get real creative and find a way to win anyway! Hopefully, by the skin of their teeth! In which case, they'll talk about the battle for years to come, long after they've forgotten all those easy wins.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

Perhaps be prepared for the combat to happen in waves, with reinforcement monsters ready to be added mid-combat if it starts going to quickly, and then simply choose to not use them in case it's tough enough.

Another option might be to fight to incapacitate (Drow Poison, Sleep, Hold Person, Forcecage spells, traps.)

 

[Empirate]

A herd of rust monsters. Coz damn! It's about time!

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

A herd of rust monsters. Coz damn! It's about time!

Half-Dragon templated. I like how you think @Empirate.

 

[Empirate]

Half-Dragon templated. I like how you think @Empirate.

And I know how YOU think. Just mentioning Rust Monsters makes you happy, am I right?

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

And I know how YOU think. Just mentioning Rust Monsters makes you happy, am I right?

I'm so predictable. Indeed sir, it does. That was my first post on this forum, all those posts ago.
I can't xp you yet. Sigh.

But anywho, for the OP, Rust Monsters with increased HD and templates really can make a player pause.

 

[xigbar]

Dread Wraith with a slightly higher than average Charisma and the Evolved Undead template might be neat.