Level 8 party vs. Level 11 devils

[Trit One-Ear]

I'm still trying to get a handle on how to speed up combat while keeping this interesting. Would a party of 5 level 8 heroes (relatively well-built but not min maxed by any means) be able to take on 3 level 11 monsters (two skirmishers and a brute)?

I've been using a lot of smaller minions and lower leveled monsters and want something different to throw at them. However, I hope to make this section of our adventure move pretty quickly, so I don't want to get bogged down in a slugfest with monsters too tough for them to take out.

Thoughts?

Trit

 

[fjw70]

Assuming all the monsters are standard then that would be an 8th level encounter and shouldn't be too tough for the group.

 

[Blackbrrd]

Level 11 monsters vs level 8 characters do as I remember have pretty good defenses, which would slow combat down. Since you have selected brutes and skirmishers, it shouldn't be a big problem though.

For quicker combat, avoid using higher level mobs, avoid elites/solo mobs or make sure they follow the MM3 standards (lower defenses/hp than the MM1 and MM2 mobs). Don't use too many defenders either. Lurkers and skirmishers are probably the safest bet for fast combat.

 

[the Jester]

You should be fine, though using higher-level soldiers would definitely slow the encounter down.

You might consider making it two brutes and a skirmisher to keep it quick- brutes typically have the lowest defenses.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

I think the level difference is a bit much. You'd probably have a more enjoyable fight using four slightly lower-level monsters.

Will the PCs win? Unless they mess up epically, yes. I'm only thinking of the fun and speed factor.

 

[Quickleaf]

I'm still trying to get a handle on how to speed up combat while keeping this interesting. Would a party of 5 level 8 heroes (relatively well-built but not min maxed by any means) be able to take on 3 level 11 monsters (two skirmishers and a brute)?

I've been using a lot of smaller minions and lower leveled monsters and want something different to throw at them. However, I hope to make this section of our adventure move pretty quickly, so I don't want to get bogged down in a slugfest with monsters too tough for them to take out.

Thoughts?

Trit

At first blush you should have no problems; I'd predict average length encounter, what the higher defenses/HP might lengthen it, the fewer targets (and increased focused fire & faster monster turns) will shorten.

Of course, the specific details of your party (class/build/level of optimization) and the specific monsters involved could change that some.

 

[MortalPlague]

Artillery is your friend for a fast-paced dangerous encounter.

 

[Trit One-Ear]

Sounds like my plan should be to either use 2/3 hp on my lvl 11 guys, or simply bump them down a level or two.

As for my group set up, we have a Twin Strike Ranger, Paladin defender, fairly straightforward Monk, Cleric and Wizard.
They play smart and work well together, but aren't by any means power-gamed.

Worst case scenario, there's enough chaos around this encounter that I can swing some reinforcements in to help even the odds.

Trit

 

[sabrinathecat]

minion brutes with low speed would make for fast combat.

Other than that, no, the encounter described should be challenging, but playable.

 

[Quickleaf]

Sounds like my plan should be to either use 2/3 hp on my lvl 11 guys, or simply bump them down a level or two.

As for my group set up, we have a Twin Strike Ranger, Paladin defender, fairly straightforward Monk, Cleric and Wizard.
They play smart and work well together, but aren't by any means power-gamed.

Worst case scenario, there's enough chaos around this encounter that I can swing some reinforcements in to help even the odds.

Trit

They'll do just fine. Actually may turn out to be easy or even average difficulty, depending on specific monsters/encounter setup.