Single Combat More Deadly for BBEGs in 3E?

[Ogrork the Mighty]

Pretty simple question: Do you think a single BBEG is less of a challenge in 3E (3.0/3.5) than it was in previous editions?

Comments?

 

[zorlag]

Pretty simple question: Do you think a single BBEG is less of a challenge in 3E (3.0/3.5) than it was in previous editions?

Comments?

I think so, although I've seen cases where characters just can't pierce all protections tough creature has too. It's just that most don't have SR+DR+Elemental resistance combo which makes for a tough single encounter. Just last week my group of 5 characters struggled against Nabassu demon because it had all those resistances, lots of HP and good saves to boot. Plus fly.

Z.

 

[Darkness]

Yes. A single enemy must be awesome to be able to compete with an entire PC party.

I strongly recommend bodyguards.

 

[DaveMage]

The nice thing about a single opponent is the time involved.

With one opponent, combat is nice and quick. Wilth multiple ones, especially 6 or more opponents, it really slows things down.

However, to answer the original question, I think yes, the single BBEG is easier to defeat in 3E.

 

[Berandor]

When PCs can concentrate on one creature, they usually drop it quickly. If there's more than one, it's more interesting, unless the creatures are too weak by themselves.

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Yes, single opponents are relatively easy enough to take down unless they have a zillion combat options and defenses (like dragons).

If bodyguards are out of the question, then some kind of gizmo of summoning is in order.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

Define BBEG.
A BBEG could be a 80 year old tyrant who is only a a low level aristocrat or he could be Darth Vader.

Generally I usually make my BBEG 4 CRs higher than the parties level if I want them to be a challenge in a single fight (at lower levels 4 CRs higher is too much but at mid-high levels it's usually fine).
Or I'll use a BBEG who is only 1 or 2 levels higher and a few lackeys who are lower level than the PCs.

 

[Darkness]

Yes, single opponents are relatively easy enough to take down unless they have a zillion combat options and defenses (like dragons).

If bodyguards are out of the question, then some kind of gizmo of summoning is in order.

Or maybe the BBEG has an evil twin who helps him.

Since they're both evil, they might as well band together for just one battle, right?

 

[S'mon]

My impression is no. In 1e 12th level PCs could kill Lolth. In my last 3e campaign I had a CR 20 BBEG (melee brute) who slaughtered droves of PCs & cohorts of around 12th level. Admittedly I guess by the EL he was equal to around 16 such characters... that's 'Lost City of Gaxmoor' for you.

 

[Henry]

Simply speaking, horde tactics work, unless the single opponent is vastly superior. If I have 1 action for dealing damage, and you have 4, or even 7 or 8, then you'll still win, unless you're just not hurting me. My experience is that any single opponent needs to be AT LEAST 2 EL higher than a four person group's level, and at least 4 or 5 higher than a 7 or 8 person group, because they'll mow him down inside of 2 rounds otherwise.