Encounters for an ancient temple

[maddman75]

Be careful with the Huecuva. It's got DR 15/silver which could lead to a TPK at this level if the party doesn't have access to silver weapons. The Huecuva template is +2 CR, so even a 1st level priest version will be pretty potent for a 2nd level party. Depending on how many other undead the party encounters beforehand, the priest may be out of turn attempts to help here.

The Huecuva will be the main encounter of the upper level. I made him a 3rd level cleric, but by backstory he was an old man before he was cursed so I applied his age modifiers. He's got high mental stats, but his physical ones are pathetic. So while he does have the tough DR, they can at least cast magic weapon or might have found something in the dungeon by now. (3.0 heretic, remember?) He'll try to enthrall, and if he can spend some time buffing himself up. Should be a heckuva fight.

 

[Kalendraf]

The Huecuva will be the main encounter of the upper level. I made him a 3rd level cleric, but by backstory he was an old man before he was cursed so I applied his age modifiers. He's got high mental stats, but his physical ones are pathetic.

That might drop him a bit, but maybe not enough. Remember that adding this template basically removes one of the key physical stats - constitution. He could have been a feeble priest with a 2 con, but after the template it moves to a dash and he'll now have 3d12 HD, or probably about 20 HP. And as you stated, he has high mental stats, one of which I'll assume is a high wisdom. That will provide him with extra spells and a tougher DC as well. Even if you decide to also drop his strength and dex, he'll still be close to an EL5 encounter vs. a 2nd level party. That's in the range that can easily kill 1 or more PC's.

So while he does have the tough DR, they can at least cast magic weapon or might have found something in the dungeon by now. (3.0 heretic, remember?) He'll try to enthrall, and if he can spend some time buffing himself up. Should be a heckuva fight.

By the 3.0 comment, I assume you're implying that magic overcomes dr/silver. If so, your group might have a bit easier time than a 3.5 group. However, how many of them will have either magic items or be able to cast magic weapon? Will they even bother memorizing that spell? If so, what's to guarantee they don't pitch it for a cure earlier in the day?

This particular encounter just seems to be overly risky to throw at a 2nd level party.