How long does a fight last?

[JDJblatherings]

How long (in rounds) should a fight between 4 kobold skirmishers and a balanced 1st level party take?

 

[timbannock]

Four skirmishers would probably take about 2-4 rounds unless there's some crazy crits going on that take them out faster. Up to 6 rounds if everyone rolls like poo.

It might be a bit of a boring fight having 4 of the same creature, though. I think adding in a slinger or two or something like that might make it more fun. Or, if you just want the 4 skirmishers, definitely create terrain that is advantageous to the skirmishers. Otherwise, the PCs might steamroll them. 4e works best when using rooms with lots of features and a good mix of enemies.

 

[MrMyth]

Hmm. The skirmishers are high damage but not especially durable. No more than 6 rounds, I would imagine, and possibly much shorter (perhaps 3 rounds) if the party has some good damage dealers. However, the party will likely take some solid damage in the process, unless they position well enough to deny the skirmishers flanking.

 

[Mathew_Freeman]

Both of the above answers sound about right, given what I've seen of 4e so far.