Help with Big Fight!

VirgilCaine · Oct 9, 2004

Someone said:
a big and nasty monster (maybe a very big vermin?), -

Fiendish Skitterhaunt Colossal Monstrous Scorpion. That'll make'em scared.

DonAdam · Oct 10, 2004

I would suggest using the EL calculator from IH/Grim Tales.

For a hard fight (50% resources), here are a few options (according to it):
1 CR 20
2 CR 14-15
3 CR 12
4 CR 11

For a very hard fight (100% resources), which is what I would recommend with the 5 rounds of buffing and if you're doing no other fights:
1 CR 28 (not so recommended)
2 CR 20
3 CR 16
4 CR 14

Jeff Wilder · Oct 10, 2004

Are you really sure you want a truly even fight? In a truly even fight, it's almost certain one or more PCs will die.

I'd suggest that what you should go for is a challenging fight, with the illusion of being truly even.

There are many ways to do this. The simplest method -- other than simply fudging on the fly, and there's nothing wrong with that -- is upping the Bad Guys' defenses -- AC, saving throws, and so on -- significantly, while lowering their offense significantly. This makes the PCs truly work to defeat them, but makes it very unlikely the PCs will get slaughtered.

Darklone · Oct 10, 2004

I'm planning my final fight as a series of single fights... one for each PC (or perhaps two of them at once).

beeber · Oct 11, 2004

first, someone is right (boy, does that sound funny!). if you don't change stuff up, high-level fights are going to be quick. unless there are a lot of lucky/unlucky rolls, it probably won't = memorable in and of itself.

second, i third :\ shallown's dispel suggestion. that will go a long way to prolonging the combat. unless the party offs the dispeller first. . . .

third, steel_wind hit the nail right on the head. a unique environment that makes them think will not only make the fight last longer, but definitely make it unforgettable. especially if there's an irresistible item to struggle over. just give it a special quality (like, good for two rounds then teleports back to its starting location) and watch 'em go.

can't wait to hear how it comes out!