You Don’t Have To Leave Wolfy Behind... In 'Pets & Sidekicks' Your Companions Level Up With You!

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quickleaf" data-source="post: 8779080" data-attributes="member: 20323">Running the maths, I get...Defensive CR 17eff hp = 180 + (4 * 20 legendary resistances) + (3 * 22 foregone damage of one stunned PC each round via Thrashing Tentacles assuming an 18 str 7th level fighter wielding greatsword) = 326eff AC = 14 + 1 two saves + 2 for underwater advantage = 17Offensive CR 73-round DPR assuming... = 39(1) Mutliattack, bite + tail smash = 16 + 2 * 11.5 + = 39(2) Mutliattack, bite + tail smash = 16 + 2 * 11.5 + = 39(3) Mutliattack, bite + tail smash = 16 + 2 * 11.5 + = 39Current design disincentives using Swallow... which in turn disincentivizes using lower-damage Tentacles to grapple (because what's the point in setting up 22 avg damage Swallow when other Multiattack option is better?)eff attack = +9Total CR = (17 + 7) /2 = 12Design notesGenerally when I see a monster with significantly higher defenses than offenses, I feel there's an increased burden on the monster to deliver an interesting play experience - because of the potential for the combat to exceed 3 rounds and for the combat to feel more "grindy."I like your twist on its Legendary Resistances. Flavorful.I would consider revamping its Legendary Actions to be similarly more flavorful, and to further help it set up the potential for Swallow. Because right now Swallow just isn't worth it for this monster - give up 39 damage now, to probably deal 22 damage at the start of its next turn? You'd need a combat at least 5 rounds long to make that worthwhile.I would definitely pay attention to the holistic encounter design with this monster. Because the monster is relatively straightforward – it's a hulk that thrashes about, grapples, and (thematically at least) swallows you whole – the rest of the encounter design would benefit from some changing conditions / terrain / developments / hazards / complications to keep a potentially longer or "grindy" combat fresh.</blockquote>

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