Help with first encounter

[d12]

I'm starting a campaign with a group of 6, 4th level PC's soon. the players are mostly experienced and very good "roll" players. Since I'm a fairly new DM and these will be new characters, I want to throw a "warm-up" encounter at them shortly after the beginning of the first session. I want something that will scare them a little and make them stretch their abilities, but probably not kill a PC unless they do something really stupid. How does the following stack up against 6 4th level PCs?

Band of Brigands
3rd level Rogue from DMG (leader)
2 average Bugbears
9 Human War 1

I'm not very good with calculating EL/CR so if you could "show your work" on this problem I promise to learn from it.

Thanks

 

[kramis]

depends

It really depends a lot on your PC classes and stats. Good stats make more of a difference than few levels in some cases. If you have a lot of passive roll playing PC's then they won't be as effective in combat, but if they are mostly combat oriented with good stats then the PC's should tear through this group like a warm knife through hot butter. Especially if they are experienced. A 4th level spell caster should have some spells that will take care of multiple 1'st level warriors with average stats in one shot.

The only real danger to the PC's is if the rogue leader sneak attacks a spell caster with low hit points and rolls well ... could kill him in one shot. The rogue will probably be dead the next turn if the PC's are smart, but maybe not.

 

[d12]

thanks!