The Devil's in the Details: Slavicsek reveals the Pit Fiend in all its glory

[Kobold Avenger]

It seems like things or number are missing. I got the impression that 26th level characters, do +13 damage, on the basis that they're 26th level characters.

This version of the pit fiend doesn't seem to be a match against 1 PC of that level, let alone 2. And honestly fire damage at that level probably won't do much when PC's will have ways of having fire resistance quite easily.

 

[helium3]

Yes, even at that high of level.

Errr. Why?

So at that level I can fly, shoot bolts of electricity out of my finger, go to hell and fight the minion of an arch-duke but I can't protect myself against a pot of boiling water?

I mean, I get that this is how the system works and at a certain meta-game level no explanation is necessary. But really? I still get nasty burns when I drop a cup of tea in my lap?

 

[Lackhand]

Where are you getting this from? I I didn't know we heard anything about saving throws yet.

From the miniatures rules. It's extrapolation, but not quite jumping-to-conclusions-with-both-feet extrapolation.

 

[Khaim]

On the other hand, a plain +4 (he *is* lvl 26) mace stands a good chance of doubling his (weapon) damage output. More, probably. If he is facing people with FR, he will do better with a +4 mace than Frenzying with the flaming one and tail.

Are you assuming the weapon adds to his damage? Because everything we've seen says it doesn't. The Magic Item article hinted that the "big three" are sort of meant to balance each other. You have a weapon (or implement) for attacks, armor for AC, and the neck slot for F/R/W. It all works out, as long as weapons don't increase damage. We know a magic weapon adds to crit damage. If it also adds to normal damage, that would be redundant.

As for DR (I assume FR is a typo), you'll note that as a level 26 demon he doesn't have any. Which is a very, very good clue that there isn't any in 4e at all. I'm pretty sure one of the designers said as much, anyways.

 

[kodyboy]

the more that I look at it the more wussy it looks. I am not impressed at all. The artwork is quite nice, but that is to be expected. If this is the best 4e has to offer I will be playing 3e.

 

[Wolfspider]

He's still got untrained +22 in every other skill he doesn't have Skill Training in, so I don't know what you could possibly be complaining about. Other than, you know, just complaining for the sake of whining about stuff.

Dear lord. Was that comment really necessary? I thought he had a good point. A noble should have pretty good social skills, I would think, especially a devil who lives not by raw power but also by influence and ability to command.

Even if his untrained skill is ungodly, I'm sure there will be some trained characters who would scoff at +22. I guess I prefer my pit fiends to have some backbone, both physically and socially....

You know, sometimes people who have a bone to pick with 4e rules and such might actually have a point....

 

[VirtualWizard]

I certainly hope characters get decent bonuses to attack. The AC 44 Pit Fiend looks like a tough foe to strike. Assuming a 26th level warrior type character might have the following attack bonus:

Character level (+13)
STR 24 (+7) (STR 18 + level bonuses (SAGA basis))
Magic Weapon (+5) (This one might go higher in 4th edition)
Feats? (+3) (Made this one up)

Attack Bonus = +28

This warrior will need to roll a 16+ to hit the Pit Fiend. It looks to me that without a (high) bonus attack weapon, you would be lucky to hit the Pit Fiend. Even with one, it is a real challenge.

 

[tombowings]

Errr. Why?

So at that level I can fly, shoot bolts of electricity out of my finger, go to hell and fight the minion of an arch-duke but I can't protect myself against a pot of boiling water?

I mean, I get that this is how the system works and at a certain meta-game level no explanation is necessary. But really? I still get nasty burns when I drop a cup of tea in my lap?

Well, based one the magic item article, I would say that only the "neck" slot would be available to give you fire resistance, you would have to make a choice between fire resistance and some other effect/ability.

 

[A'koss]

It seems like things or number are missing. I got the impression that 26th level characters, do +13 damage, on the basis that they're 26th level characters.

This version of the pit fiend doesn't seem to be a match against 1 PC of that level, let alone 2. And honestly fire damage at that level probably won't do much when PC's will have ways of having fire resistance quite easily.

You have to look at it from an encounter POV, not just the monster on it's own.

The Pit Fiend is spec'd as a Leader, not a Brute (frontliner). When you run into this guy, he's got (for example) two 26th level "Brute" Devils and a 26th level "Skirmisher" Devil running around in addition to the guys he's summoning. All these guys working in tandem, *that's* what you're up against.

Further, if I'm right, PC HPs at high levels are going to be lower than many think.

 

[StarFyre]

...

Sammael - my sentiments exactly..

Even with the heavily customized planar beings I used now (anything from 2e and 3e), this pit fiend doesn't fit anything in how I use the hells.

I feel sad right now. with all the house rules friends and I are discussing for 4E (since we have lots now that we all want, and the changes in 4E just aren't better for us), it almost feels like class cahnges are the only ones I really like..oh, and the racial feat stuff and paragon paths. Seems like we'll be house ruling tons ...

Sanjay