Monster Optimization

[Cyronax]

stay on target....

what are some powerful monster combinations you've seen?

A powerful combo I've run against two 5th level PCs (a dwarf cleric and a dwarf druid):

- 4 troglodyte warriors (level 12 minions; AC 25 - F 25 - R 22 - W 21)

Short entry, but this encounter proved to me how interesting higher level minions were as enemies to lower level PCs. The defenses were high and made the players feel somewhat desperate, but when they rolled above 14-17, depending on the NAD they were attacking, they'd kill one.

Too bad the two PCs had absolutely terrible rolls for that encounter (persistently under 9). Despite that, it is a Sandbox-style campaign so I didn't scale down or up to meet their specific numbers/level. Though they were slightly cornered, they could have gotten away had they tried.

C.I.D.

 

[Jack7]

stay on target....

I'd say Men. Men and Elves, and others like them.

Men and humanoids can usually employ devices, artifacts, tools, weapons, tactics, etc. that often make them the very most dangerous. So men have a wide variety of capabilities they can bring to bear, often their tactics are unpredictable until encountered, and in the early ages of the game often proved to be a far, far more formidable opponent than most monsters.

Men can and do lay traps, ambush, fight dirty, employ unanticipated tactics, retreat and reorganize, and of they are monstrous and/or evil in behavior then I'd definitely count that kind of enemy a monster.

Plus you put men or elves or that kind of opponent operating in conjunction with or allied with certain kinds of monsters then you got real trouble for the players.

In cases like that it's not just combinations, but combinations, tactics, weaponry, intelligence, cunning, and all of the logistical and other types of support men bring to the table.

Men, properly trained and operating are extremely dangerous and adaptable. Again the most unpredictable opponent is almost always the most truly dangerous opponent in actual combat.