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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ExploderWizard" data-source="post: 4551351" data-attributes="member: 66434">I don't think its a good idea to threaten your players. If you enjoy gaming with them and would like to continue doing so then avoid threatening them.<img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f609.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=";)" title="Wink    ;)"  data-smilie="2"data-shortname=";)" /> The characters, on the other hand, need to be threatened on a regular basis. The problem with solo monsters in any edition is that the PC's can gang up, and concentrate thier resources without worrying about thier backsides. If they get to do this on a regular basis than its the DM's fault. The characters simply need something else to worry about besides downing the solo monster to split thier attention. It doesn't have to simply be the addition of extra bad guys either. If there is a threat that requires more than one character to deal with during an encounter, then the solo becomes more dangerous without boosting up the stats. The environment is a good place to start. Suppose there is a mechanism  thats been triggered in the area or in an ajoining area? If the mechanism completes its operation before being shut down, then things will be BAD. It should be set up to require multiple rounds of attention, preferably by more than one PC. Right after this is triggered, the solo shows up. If the PC's all gang up they might drop the solo but may still fail. The mechanism here doesn't need to do direct harm, its just there to require a little TLC during the encounter. Without the might of the entire group bearing down at once, the solo is a bit tougher. The "mechanism" can be replaced with nearly any situation that requires diverting attention. The diversion should require attention over a number of rounds and not be solvable with a simple check or roll, and it has to be meaningful enough to be worth the attention. Its important that the characters taking care of the situation have a sense of urgency and drama to what they are doing. A custom skill challenge may fit the bill here. The main thing is to keep the dramatic tension level high for these players.</blockquote>

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