Please Help - Encounter: The Merchant's Crew

[Keenberg]

I would make sure to detail some terrain powers - make cards for them and put them out on the map so that players won't forget about them.

Swinging on the ropes

I think I'll have a rope swing in place, where the character can move 8 squares in a path they choose (line or arc only, no zig-zagging! ) They'll also be able one basic attack on he way without triggering OA's. Also I think I'll put a hook on the rope so they can throw it at an enemy and clock them with it! Does +5 vs. reflex sound fair for that?

Cutting down the sail (if it's up... I doubt it would be)

I'll leave the sails up so they can interact with them, I'm just not sure how to bring it to their attention...

Opening up a hatch to push someone into the lower hold

Good idea, I'll have the fat minotaur put someone in and then stand on the door. The PC's can use it too. Person in will have to beat a Str attack v. Fort to get out, and the person standing will get pushed 1 square and knocked prone.

Shoving someone off the deck

Lots of mechanics in place for this one. I added push to the minotaur's attacks, and the controller was partially built around the idea with push attacks. I'll say getting back on board takes a move action, and put some cannonballs by where they get back on and allow them to pick one up and chuck it so that the whole turn isn't wasted.

What else is on a ship that could be used in an interesting way? You might want to add some kind of supernatural engine on the ship that can be used. A bound air elemental, worms tied to the sides of the ship, a steam engine powered by a fire elemental...

Still thinking this one over. I like the elemental powered engine a lot. If anyone has an idea of how to make that work, please contribute it!

 

[wcpfish]

On a ship loaded with loot? Gotta have a pile of crates that can be easily shoved onto an enemy. Also don't forget you could add trouble in the water ("hear that princess? Those are the shrieking eels!")

I also like poles and rigging that can be "spun" and bash people off the ship...fun stuff! Sounds like a great encounter best of luck!!!

WCPFish
Escape Velocity Gaming
A new site for 4e Fun!

 

[Keenberg]

Thanks for the ideas everyone, they've all been great.

For the elemental-powered engine I've decide to put a fire elemental and a water elemental, each of which can be taken contol of after two successful arcana/diplomacy/intimidation/etc. checks. Failed checks means they get angry and attack! Being in control of one will give +1d6 elemental damage to your attacks when standing adjacent to it, being in control of both will give +1d8 "steam" damage and push the enemy 2 squares.

 

[Keenberg]

I'm working on a PDF for my favorite terrain features we've come up with. Click here to check it out!

 

[Starfox]

Another idea just popped in to my head. I was thinking that instead of having minions, I might make the brute an elite. My reasoning is that this would make him more of a threat, and therefore more exciting. If I gave him some power to hold his enemies on him, such as marking or even a pull, he'd be drawing the attacks that the minions would normally take.

A melee fighter with the ability to force an enemy's attention is a Soldier, not a brute - or at least a crossover.

 

[Keenberg]

We duked this fight out last night, and it was a ton of fun. The players used all of the terrain features, swinging from ropes and using the elementals. The PCs got thrown overboard, caught on an threw the minotaur into the drink, where he crit failed and drowned.. awesome and fun encounter! Thanks again for the help everyone!

Edit: Wanted to add that the fight was a nice challenge for them, but not overly difficult. I didn't manage to take anyone below 0 hp, but PCs and Monsters alike were getting bloodied left and right. I think throwing a group of a 2-3 elites at the PCs now and then can be really interesting, and is a nice way to keep the party on their toes!