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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Remathilis" data-source="post: 6005626" data-attributes="member: 7635">Ok, riddle me this:A group of 5 young heroes break into a hobgoblin cave. They're about 3rd level. They take out some grunts (level 3 minion), some soldiers (lvl 3), archers (lvl 3) and a warcaster leader (lvl 3). Each of these challenges are even and appropriate for our young heroes. The next time they face hobgoblins though, they're 8th level. The DM has two choices:1.) Re-use the level 3 hobgoblin stats. PCs cake-walk over them.2.) Up the level of a few hobgoblins per the DMG, then use the Hand of Bane (lvl 8) and Warrior (lvl 8 minion) along with. This keeps the challenge even and allows them another challenging battle with hobgoblins. Which are you supposed to do? The DMG suggests 2 is the better choice and you should do that since option 1 is clearly a waste of time. The PCs are too powerful for it. However, that suggests a certain design of worldview:1.) Higher, more powerful hobgoblins have been living in the world, but you encountered only their weak brethren the first time;2.) Either your hobgoblins become better/tougher/smarter at roughly the same as the PCs or3.) The PCs really aren't all that more powerful overall. Sure, the PC's numbers increased, but so did the monster levels, the DCs, and the like. Aside from more abilities (aka new powers), the PCs aren't all that different. They're still fighting a hobgoblin with a roughly even chance of hitting it. Which rationale is it? If 3, then lets dispose of the middleman and go bounded accuracy. That way, a door's DC isn't "hard", its "20" and its true if your 1st or 15th level and your not compensating for a +8 level bonus to strength checks. You're not leveling up hobgoblins to keep them relevant, you are using the same hobgoblins and they pose a threat (abit a smaller one now). In short, you're cutting out the middle man and keeping the DC/stats the same rather than continuing an arms race against the PCs as they rocket up the level ladder.</blockquote>

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