Threats for 12th level PCs

[Chaldfont]

We just restarted an on going campaign that we originally began right before 3.0 came out. The PCs are a ranger-12, druid-10/master of many forms-1/warshaper-1, and a sorcerer-10/dragon disciple-2/lich template class-1. I needed an encounter to start the game out right--with action!

This creature was a grizzly bear corrupted by pollution of the PC's archenemy's lab (which just happened to be in their home base which he had taken over). They encountered it while clearing their lands of the villain's undead servitors. I created it mostly to get a reaction from the druid and ranger of the party.

Maybe someone else can get some mileage out of it:

The Ursine Abomination

CORRUPTED, TWO-HEADED DIRE BEAR
Large Aberration (augmented animal)
Hit Dice: 14d8+101 (164 hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 21 (–1 size, +12 natural), touch 9, flat-footed 21
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+26
Attack: Claw +22 melee (2d6+12+7 vile)
Full Attack: 2 claws +22 melee (2d6+12+7 vile) and 2 bites +21 melee (3d8+6+7 vile)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Special Qualities: Acid immunity, damage reduction 10/magic, darkvision 90 ft., disruptive attack, fast healing 7, low-light vision, scent
Saves: Fort +16, Ref +9, Will +9
Abilities: Str 35, Dex 11, Con 25, Int 2, Wis 10, Cha 8
Skills: Listen +12, Spot +12, Swim +15
Feats: Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Endurance, Improved Initiative, Improved Multiattack, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (claw)
Environment: Cold forests
Organization: Solitary or pair
Challenge Rating: 12
Treasure: None
Alignment: neutral evil
Advancement: 13–16 HD (Large); 17–36 HD (Huge)
Level Adjustment: —
The omnivorous dire bear usually does not bother creatures that try to avoid it, but will aggressively defend a kill or other source of food. It will not hesitate to rip apart anything that might contain something edible.
A typical dire bear is 12 feet long and weighs as much as 8,000 pounds.
Combat
A dire bear attacks by tearing at opponents with its claws.
Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a dire bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

 

[the Jester]

Nice, I like it! How did the encounter play out?

 

[Chaldfont]

The ranger crept up over the next hill to recon. I told the player that there were about two dozen zombies down there ripping apart a deer. Then, from out of a thicket, bounds the two-headed bear. The enraged bear tears up the zombies, tossing one against the tree behind which the ranger is hiding.

He goes back and tells the rest of the group. The druid, figuring he is going to help the bear (which is one of the possible ways to defeat it), casts speak with animals and moves to the top of the hill. He rolls a 2 on his wild empathy check and the tortured animal charges him. There was some debate on whether the speak with animals spell would work, but since he rolled so low, it didn't matter.

The ranger moved in, eager to use his SIX longsword attacks. He and the druid take a massive beating, including 21 vile damage each (which the players had never seen before). The ranger also tries out his new 3rd level summon nature's ally and calls a dire wolf to set up a flank.

The fight begins to turn when the druid casts briar web and then murderous mist, which traps and blinds the bear. The sorcerer had cast improved invisibility, now moves up, casts true strike, and lays into the bear with his claws and bite. His new lich powers paralyze the bear long enough for the ranger to deliver the coup de grace (right before the druid can stop him).

It was great because I wanted a brute with no special abilities that could deal a ton of damage, but not last very long (even with fast healing 7, it was hurting). I really figured these guys would stand off and bombard the thing with arrows, flame strikes and empowered fireballs but they were eager to get back into their characters since they had not played them since June.

 

[Chaldfont]

Last night we started a conversion of G1 Steading of the Hill Giant Chief. I'll post my version of Nosnra and his friends as soon as they get to that part.

Its fun watching three 12th level PCs beat up on hill giants and dire wolves.

 

[TroyXavier]

That Dire Bear is cool. Always enjoy creatures like that.