Looking for ~CR3 recommendations

[Systole]

I've got a relatively large PF group starting up, and I wanted some ideas for a low-level, final-boss kind of challenge: something humanoid, maybe CR3 or so. The problem with this is that most challenges around this level aren't going to last long against big groups, but they're going to one-shot a couple of players before they go.

I'm looking for something with high HP and good saves (so that the fight isn't made trivial by a control spell), but without large amounts of spike damage that will splatter a first level tank. Suggestions?

 

[Elephant]

I've got a relatively large PF group starting up, and I wanted some ideas for a low-level, final-boss kind of challenge: something humanoid, maybe CR3 or so. The problem with this is that most challenges around this level aren't going to last long against big groups, but they're going to one-shot a couple of players before they go.

I'm looking for something with high HP and good saves (so that the fight isn't made trivial by a control spell), but without large amounts of spike damage that will splatter a first level tank. Suggestions?

Nothing comes to mind right away, but you could probably find something on the CR 3 list in the Pathfinder SRD:

Monsters by CR - Pathfinder_OGC

Most of the monsters there seem like mooks or obstacle challenges, though, not bosses.

That list gives me this idea, but it's kind of situational: A Centaur with a bow and a large open area could give the party quite the run ... d8 per attack won't fell anyone in one hit, but the party would have a hard time catching him.

OTOH, it could also be frustrating ... "six rounds of running and I STILL haven't gotten into melee! ARGH!"

Good luck

 

[billd91]

If you have a large group, think multiple opponents more than single bosses (or bosses with minions). You'll get better results that way.

As far as a CR 3 with decent saves and good hp - consider a 4th level hobgoblin anti-paladin or something similar. Humanoids with levels are excellent opponents for low-level PCs - and by picking their feats and gear, you have a lot of design leeway.

 

[Systole]

Mostly I'm going to run them against larger groups of mooks. As a final challenge, I want to put them against a single tough enemy.

I've been leaning toward a humanoid monster with class levels, and I think these past couple posts have cemented that idea. The CR 4 boggard fighter/cleric in the Golarion setting book is pretty close, but his heavy warmace is a little too smashy. If I changed him to a druid and swapped some Str for Dex, I think he'd work.