kierthos: (Default)
kierthos ([personal profile] kierthos) wrote2011-12-17 02:03 am

ergh....

You know, it's actually extremely difficult to stat out the 'epic boss' in a D&D game, when said boss is a magic-user.

On one hand, I have to buff his AC and HPs up so the fighter and/or the backstabbing thief can't gank him in one round. But higher levels spells (especially 6th level on up) are so damned effective that he could manage a TPK with one spell.

[personal profile] dreamshade 2011-12-17 11:37 am (UTC)(link)
I take it we're talking about 3.x or Pathfinder, not 4th? I understand that a lot of people are turned off by the MMORPG-ish nature of 4th edition's combat, but the situation you describe is part of why I like 4th so much more. Every battle is a battle instead of the occasional game of who can get the game-ending one-shot in first.

Having said that, you could always go with summoned monsters, undead minions, or other "magical" physical forces to provide danger other than the saving throws. Or you could set it in a heavily furnished room and give people bonuses to reflex for ducking behind objects for cover as they advance on the guy (think Powerball from American Gladiators).