Mixed mode encounters

[darjr]

I'm really starting to like combat encounters with a significant skill challenge embedded in it. I think I've always like doing things like that and 4e has just highlighted it and supported it very well.

It causes the players to have to break from the best tactics in order to get the skill challenge done right.

I've got some great examples but I'll have to spoiler them.

In the RPGA game 'the Radiant Vessel of Thesk'

Spoiler

I ran it and there was a combat encounter where the players have to rescue a pregnant woman giving birth. At the same time, if they want to win, they also have to turn one of the bad guys into a good guy. Very cool. The players were very smart tactical players, but that went out the window very fast. Crazy chaotic messed up fun.

In another DRAG1-2 I think

Spoiler

I played in this one. We had to put out a file while kasks of rum were burnning and exploding. We totally went the combat route until it was too late then had to scramble to stop the fire and kasks exploding. We failed that one, but it was a blast.

I ran another encounter where I really wished I'd done this. It was a skill challenge but right in the middle I could have had a small wrestling combat encounter, one where the PC's had to 'lose' with honor.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I love using skill challenges during combat as well. Sometimes it is directly related to combat and sometimes not.

I have also done rituals too in combat, so the person is trying to perform the ritual while others are defending him, or what not.