Unexpected TPK: Unbalanced, bad circumstances, or fluke?

[Rel]

This is so incredibly frustrating. I feel like the only one here who actually plays D&D.

I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for you. My recommendation would be for you to put everybody in this thread on Ignore.

 

[Nifft]

As for your claim that the party failed when they decided to go outdoors and risk being attacked....actually I really can't come up with anything suitably apropriate to say about that.

To leave one's ~ is to risk /dev/null, perhaps?

Cheers, -- N

 

[Samadhi]

So unavoidable instant death is still in the game? Hallelujah. Unless you're saying the beetles should have taken prisoners?

I know you're the only one playing 'true' D&D, but the rest of us use dice. This adds a random element, even with the best tactics.

There's some good advice and comments on this thread, and I must admit 'insecure's comments have made me laugh. I rate this thread a .

 

[Destil]

For the Warlock, that just screams Hexhammer, IMHO. Able to tank from day 1, and very effective at mid-range (10 squares).

For the Cleric, I'd go Strength-based Cleric, probably Dragonborn for the extra attack bonus when bloodied and the area attack breath weapon. I'd take Healing Strike and Avenging Flames in addition to the two Strength-based at-will powers. He'd probably take Light Shield Proficiency as his first feat.

Indeed. Hexhammer and someone aiming for the Warpriest path would be a solid duo.

 

[Nifft]

Indeed. Hexhammer and someone aiming for the Warpriest path would be a solid duo.

Warpriest is such a good idea, it almost feels like cheating. Seriously, full Leader and half a Defender in one package. Wow.

However, as I look it over, the Warpriests attack powers are Wisdom-based... so perhaps a Dwarf Laser Cleric (with a shield and big hammer purely as fallback) would be a better choice? Or even (heresy!!!) splitting stats between Strength and Wisdom?

We could get Str 16, Con 16, Dex 10, Int 8, Wis 16, Cha 13... though it pains me to lack an 18 in my attack stat, this may be the best way to go.

Let's see. We might want to use a Halberd. Pick up Dwarven Weapon Training and stand one square behind the Hexhammer. It's at least an option... shields are good, as is plate armor.

For at-will powers, I'd choose Lance of Faith and Righteous Brand. Here's my reasoning:
- Priest's Shield is great, but it doesn't stack with Shroud of Black Steel, so it'll be useless half the time you want it. Shroud of Black Steel is a strong choice, but it does restrict your Striker's mobility. It's not like either of you are all that mobile, though.
- Sacred Flame could be valuable for its save-granting aspect, but the other half (temporary hit points) is useless. We'll look for other ways to grant extra saves instead. The fact that Lance of Faith deals slightly more damage tips the scales.

Cheers, -- N

 

[AGiganticPanda]

Alright... since Asmor isn't replying. No we nor the characters knew what we were going up against and it was an ambush because we had to roll a perception check. I failed, Alex succeeded and was able to participate in the round. He got 12 damage I got 24 I got dropped, he tried to save the day instead of healing me, he killed one got dropped by the other, I was pretty much set on the fact of dying and I rolled a natural 20, I healing worded Alex and Healing Striked the beetle which healed Alex and myself. Then focusing on healing with healing word and strike I was able to make sure the beetle didn't screw us up anymore, which it didn't I believe it missed in the rest of the attacks. We finished the quest with running into a pack of undead minions, which was dispatched with a close blast turn undead. (Which was quite anti-climatic)

Though I'll agree that tactics weren't sound, but that was nothing on my part... It was basicly, "So you enter this Hall, roll a perception check, oh ambush!" Not much me or my character could do besides next game nudge things around or get help with the next lvl.

I still can't believe that Alex would just run off like that when Asmor was basically "I HIGHLY SUGGEST YOU STAY TO HEAL KIEV" and Alex was "Meh, I teleport away." Such a dick.

Still again, our group isn't that reliable and we originally had four but are now two, though honestly the third is his brother who basically plays the same way, like a giant tool, so I don't know if that would have helped.

 

[Danceofmasks]

Well, DC15 heal is a hard ask.
If your odds are less than even, trying the check and failing then dying horribly is not an attractive option .. if you have a decent chance of winning by say .. blowing your daily.

Put a low-ish wis fighter in that position, for instance .. choosing to tank it out may be the best option.

 

[jeffh]

@Sinecure:

If you're down before you've had a chance to take an action, you're supposed to run away how exactly?

(Especially against monsters that are faster than you...)

 

[On Puget Sound]

Sinecure, do people actually sit across the gaming table week after week and not throw their Doritos at you?

A new GM trying a new system with two players, at least one of whom is new, runs into trouble and the most constructive advice you can give is "LOL, U R N00BZ"

 

[Asmor]

Well, DC15 heal is a hard ask.

Is it really DC 15? Huh. I thought it was DC 10. That's the DC I gave them, too. So even with his -1 (8 wis) modifer, the warlock still had a 50% chance.

A new GM/QUOTE]

I'm not a new GM, I'm a n00b GM. I've been doing it for a long time, I just don't get any better.