paizo.com Recent Posts in My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.paizo.com Recent Posts in My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.2014-03-23T12:46:12Z2014-03-23T12:46:12ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Splendorhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1292014-03-29T10:50:44Z2014-03-29T10:50:44Z<p>They actually beat her!
<br />
First she didn't win initiative after her sneak attack and that helped.
<br />
Most of the party just did a little damage and annoyed her, but the fighter did a enough to earn Xanesha's attention. So Xanesha cut her down and moved onto the wizard. The Cleric & the Oracle (new character) ran over and healed her (the fighter). So Xanesha cut her down again.
<br />
The wizard then made an illusion with the wand they got from the Thistletop throne room and Xanesha wasted an attack cutting the illusion down. The Cleric & Oracle healed the fighter again.
<br />
Before the fighter got up the wizard used the wand again but this time made it look like she was still unconscious on the ground.
<br />
I rolled a perception check to see if Xanesha would notice that the fighter was actually getting up this time and not just another illusion. </p>
<p>—At this point I am thinking that I am going to kill a PC, that Xanesha was going to knock her down again and then spend another attack killing her (just normal power attack).—</p>
<p>But I rolled a 2 on her perception check and she thinks the wizard is trying to distract her again and doesn't notice the switch. </p>
<p>—In that one square is now a illusion of the party's fighter, an illusion of the party's fighter laying on the ground and an the actual fighter standing and getting ready to attack.—</p>
<p>So the fighter stood back up and power attacked her, and crited. The fighter did like 52 damage with the crit. Xanesha went down. </p>
<p>At the end the fighter had like 10hp, the wizard was out of spells and injured, the cleric was out of spell & positive channels and the oracle was out of spells and very injured.</p>
<p>I can't believe they won. </p>
<p>Best move that didn't work: The cleric cast stone shape on the stone statue in the center of the top level of the clock tower, used engineering to try to make it fall and trap her. Something like a <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/gamemastering/traps-hazards-and-special-terrains/traps/falling-block-trap-cr-5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Falling block trap</a> that would also pin/entangle her. The cleric rolled like 12 damage on 6d6 and she made her reflex save to not be pinned. So didn't really help the fight. But it was a great idea.
<br />
—His other idea was to run down stairs and use soften earth and stone on one side of the tower to make the top of the tower fall off (and hopefully her), but soften earth and stone doesn't work on worked stone so he didn't do it. Luckly for the rest of the party, because they all would have died from the fall (wizard has used his feather fall and his bonded arcane object power already).</p>They actually beat her!
First she didn't win initiative after her sneak attack and that helped.
Most of the party just did a little damage and annoyed her, but the fighter did a enough to earn Xanesha's attention. So Xanesha cut her down and moved onto the wizard. The Cleric & the Oracle (new character) ran over and healed her (the fighter). So Xanesha cut her down again.
The wizard then made an illusion with the wand they got from the Thistletop throne room and Xanesha wasted an attack...Splendor2014-03-29T10:50:44ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Splendorhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1282014-03-23T07:59:03Z2014-03-23T07:59:03Z<p>They didn't get that far last time we play but will get there this week (they spent alot of time in town asking questions and..... shopping). But no one got away from the sawmill to warn Xanesha.</p>
<p>I think Xanesha will start with a nice Vital Strike + Power attack while she's invisible against our main fighter. +14 to hit for 2d8+17+d6+1 possible wisdom damage will give the fighter pause (avg damage would be 30). With her +7 initiative she'll beat the fighter again (30% chance) and power attack for all 3 attacks +14/+9/+4 last one shouldn't hit but the first two might (flat footed figher's AC is 18). If they do thats 60 more damage on average, for a total of 90. Fighters dead. (90 HP is a 6th level fighter w/20 CON who has max Hp)</p>
<p>With the fighter dead I don't see the rest of the part being able to stop her.</p>They didn't get that far last time we play but will get there this week (they spent alot of time in town asking questions and..... shopping). But no one got away from the sawmill to warn Xanesha.
I think Xanesha will start with a nice Vital Strike + Power attack while she's invisible against our main fighter. +14 to hit for 2d8+17+d6+1 possible wisdom damage will give the fighter pause (avg damage would be 30). With her +7 initiative she'll beat the fighter again (30% chance) and power...Splendor2014-03-23T07:59:03ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Bellonahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1272014-03-16T12:53:25Z2014-03-16T12:53:25Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Craig Mercer wrote:</div><blockquote><p> After looking at the old Xanesha and the new, I thought I saw what had happened. After checking, sure enough, it looks like they took people's advice and swapped Lucrecia (Xanesha's sister) in, and put Xanesha in Lucrecia's place (all while keeping their gear almost the same).
</p>
</blockquote><p>While Lucrecia is now Sorcerer 2 (instead of Rogue 2), Xanesha is now just Rogue 1 (instead of Sorcerer 2), so it wasn't a full switch. When my players' characters get that far, I might up the AE Xanesha to Rogue 2.
<p>Also, it appears that lamia matriarchs got nerfed between 3.5 and PF: their touch attack used to deal 2d4 Wisdom drain, but now does only 1d4 Wisdom drain. ... Maybe that's a good thing?</p>Craig Mercer wrote:After looking at the old Xanesha and the new, I thought I saw what had happened. After checking, sure enough, it looks like they took people's advice and swapped Lucrecia (Xanesha's sister) in, and put Xanesha in Lucrecia's place (all while keeping their gear almost the same).
While Lucrecia is now Sorcerer 2 (instead of Rogue 2), Xanesha is now just Rogue 1 (instead of Sorcerer 2), so it wasn't a full switch. When my players' characters get that far, I might up the AE...Bellona2014-03-16T12:53:25ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Helgraf Dragonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1262014-03-16T05:37:08Z2014-03-16T05:37:08Z<p>My group consisted of a dwarf cavalier (Order of the Bro ;)), a human inquisitor, a halfling gunslinger, a dwarf cleric of Angradd, and a human rogue. While it was a damn tough battle, none of them died. Xanesha ended up trying to retreat after getting knocked below the morale level of hp. </p>
<p>The dwarf cleric leapt off the tower onto her; attacking with height advantage. Battleaxe crit (killing Xanesha), and then a long ride down to the base of the tower. Thankfully (for the PC) the falling damage wasn't enough to seal the deal on the cleric, and the whole table was whooping at the awesome kill.</p>
<p>Now some of it was damn lucky saves on the PCs part; and any of those could have broken the momentum just enough to make the difference. </p>
<p>EDIT: Ahh. I see. I'm running the Anniversary Edtion version; I'm presuming from the comments the original (3.5) version was rather tougher then?</p>My group consisted of a dwarf cavalier (Order of the Bro ;)), a human inquisitor, a halfling gunslinger, a dwarf cleric of Angradd, and a human rogue. While it was a damn tough battle, none of them died. Xanesha ended up trying to retreat after getting knocked below the morale level of hp.
The dwarf cleric leapt off the tower onto her; attacking with height advantage. Battleaxe crit (killing Xanesha), and then a long ride down to the base of the tower. Thankfully (for the PC) the falling...Helgraf Dragon2014-03-16T05:37:08ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Splendorhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1252014-03-15T08:30:30Z2014-03-15T08:30:30Z<p>I'm running the sawmill on Monday (3 days from now) but the PCs may get all the way to Xanesha. </p>
<p>Party: Samurai 6 (20 STR), Alchemist 1/Wizard 5 (22 Int), Ranger (trapper) 3/Fighter (lore warden) 2/Rogue 1 (20 Dex), Oracle 1/Cleric 5</p>
<p>They may reach level 7 before here too.</p>
<p>Here's how I think its going to go down:
<br />
She has already cast: Mirror Image, Invisible, false life and Major Image
<br />
Samurai will challenge and will always power attack unless she misses alot (+11/+6 without any buffs but Challenge, for d8+21 crit 19+ x2)
<br />
Cleric will dispel and then cast pro vs evil and then heal.
<br />
Wizard will cast Chains of Perdition repeatedly, its the only 3rd level spell he memorizes (tries to blind)
<br />
Ranger will use deadly aim and if he misses alot he'll go melee and flank and gain a +4 to hit with his 2 weapons (+2 flanking, +2 from order of the dragon challenge) plus d6 sneak attack.</p>
<p>She can kill our Samurai in about 3 rounds (2 if their unlucky, 4 if their lucky) after that she can just mop up everyone else. </p>
<p>I've ran it a couple times. If the cleric's dispel magic can dispel her mirror image the party does better. If the Wizard can beat her SR once with chains of perdition the fight is a given. </p>
<p>She may be able to KO the wizard the first round she's invisible and if she does thats a different fight.</p>
<p>The party might be able to win if luck is with them. </p>
<p>As for the scarecrow he shouldn't last more than 2-3 rounds (except if they are very unlucky).</p>
<p>I am a bit worried about the bell hitting 2 characters, the wizard only has 1 feather fall spell memorized.</p>I'm running the sawmill on Monday (3 days from now) but the PCs may get all the way to Xanesha.
Party: Samurai 6 (20 STR), Alchemist 1/Wizard 5 (22 Int), Ranger (trapper) 3/Fighter (lore warden) 2/Rogue 1 (20 Dex), Oracle 1/Cleric 5
They may reach level 7 before here too.
Here's how I think its going to go down:
She has already cast: Mirror Image, Invisible, false life and Major Image
Samurai will challenge and will always power attack unless she misses alot (+11/+6 without any buffs but...Splendor2014-03-15T08:30:30ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.The Block Knighthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1242012-08-11T20:17:34Z2012-08-11T20:17:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dangleberry Tagnut wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Grimmy wrote:</div><blockquote> I haven't run or played in the encounter with Xanesha, but I have run some adventures by the same author, published in non Paizo stuff. I remember a 1st level adventure he wrote that had a CR 5 scythe wielding wood golem that needed to be dealt with. Obviously that could have been a TPK but I've run it three times with only one PC death occurring. The reason that adventure worked was because it did a good job of setting the mood and conveying that this was something that couldn't be overcome without doing something clever to get the upper hand.</blockquote>Ooh, I playtested that. And, yes, the fighter did get dropped, and yes, we did have to use methods other than 'run up and hit it'. </blockquote><p>Yeah, Pett's pretty notorious for how lethal his modules can get. He is a man to be feared and respected when it comes to his writing. Definitely one of my favorites.Dangleberry Tagnut wrote:Grimmy wrote: I haven't run or played in the encounter with Xanesha, but I have run some adventures by the same author, published in non Paizo stuff. I remember a 1st level adventure he wrote that had a CR 5 scythe wielding wood golem that needed to be dealt with. Obviously that could have been a TPK but I've run it three times with only one PC death occurring. The reason that adventure worked was because it did a good job of setting the mood and conveying that this...The Block Knight2012-08-11T20:17:34ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Dangleberry Tagnut (alias of Snorter)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1232012-08-11T19:24:35Z2012-08-11T19:24:35Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Grimmy wrote:</div><blockquote> I haven't run or played in the encounter with Xanesha, but I have run some adventures by the same author, published in non Paizo stuff. I remember a 1st level adventure he wrote that had a CR 5 scythe wielding wood golem that needed to be dealt with. Obviously that could have been a TPK but I've run it three times with only one PC death occurring. The reason that adventure worked was because it did a good job of setting the mood and conveying that this was something that couldn't be overcome without doing something clever to get the upper hand.</blockquote><p>Ooh, I playtested that. And, yes, the fighter did get dropped, and yes, we did have to use methods other than 'run up and hit it'.Grimmy wrote:I haven't run or played in the encounter with Xanesha, but I have run some adventures by the same author, published in non Paizo stuff. I remember a 1st level adventure he wrote that had a CR 5 scythe wielding wood golem that needed to be dealt with. Obviously that could have been a TPK but I've run it three times with only one PC death occurring. The reason that adventure worked was because it did a good job of setting the mood and conveying that this was something that couldn't...Dangleberry Tagnut (alias of Snorter)2012-08-11T19:24:35ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Craig Mercerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1222012-08-11T18:26:55Z2012-08-11T18:26:55Z<p>After looking at the old Xanesha and the new, I thought I saw what had happened. After checking, sure enough, it looks like they took people's advice and swapped Lucrecia (Xanesha's sister) in, and put Xanesha in Lucrecia's place (all while keeping their gear almost the same).</p>After looking at the old Xanesha and the new, I thought I saw what had happened. After checking, sure enough, it looks like they took people's advice and swapped Lucrecia (Xanesha's sister) in, and put Xanesha in Lucrecia's place (all while keeping their gear almost the same).Craig Mercer2012-08-11T18:26:55ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.redcelt32https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1212012-08-11T03:58:32Z2012-08-11T03:58:32Z<p>The scariest part of this encounter is the fact that the version of Xanesha that was put in the original version was already nerfed slightly according to the writer's account. I recall reading that :</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>The scariest part of this encounter is the fact that the version of Xanesha that was put in the original version was already nerfed slightly according to the writer's account. I recall reading that :
[Spoiler omitted]redcelt322012-08-11T03:58:32ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.The Block Knighthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1202012-08-10T23:27:22Z2012-08-10T23:27:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dritzz wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I think I will probably take the original version. Even if my group isn't optimized group.</p>
<p>Most of the encounters are in favor of the PC so this time it will not be the case...</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Here's my 2 cents. I GM'd this a few weeks ago and I used the updated version. I have a group of five; 6th level and nearing 7th. We've been gaming for a long time. My players are very experienced but with only two optimizers among them. Still, they're all very tactically experienced. The battle was epic and everyone had tons of fun. While no one died thanks to good tactics, three of them came very close multiple times. At one point I was actually sweating from worry about a TPK (something I usually never have to do with our games). They all pulled through but it was a close call. This was with the updated Rogue version.
<p>If you think your group can handle the older version, well, more power to ya. I hope it's a blast. From my own experience, plus what I've read over the years on these forums from others, I've noticed it's not always about optimization with this encounter. Party composition, tactics, and preparation all play huge parts. Some uber-optimized groups still get run over by Xanesha just based on party strengths and weaknesses. So my best recommendation to you would be to measure her carefully against your group to see which fits best. </p>
<p>Cheers,
<br />
Tony</p>Dritzz wrote:I think I will probably take the original version. Even if my group isn't optimized group.
Most of the encounters are in favor of the PC so this time it will not be the case...
Here's my 2 cents. I GM'd this a few weeks ago and I used the updated version. I have a group of five; 6th level and nearing 7th. We've been gaming for a long time. My players are very experienced but with only two optimizers among them. Still, they're all very tactically experienced. The battle was epic...The Block Knight2012-08-10T23:27:22ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Mazrahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1192012-08-10T16:05:08Z2012-08-10T16:05:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dritzz wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I think I will probably take the original version. Even if my group isn't optimized group.</p>
<p>Most of the encounters are in favor of the PC so this time it will not be the case...</p>
<p></blockquote><p>If the party is 7th level, they will have a little better chance.
<p>Let us know, how it works out.</p>Dritzz wrote:I think I will probably take the original version. Even if my group isn't optimized group.
Most of the encounters are in favor of the PC so this time it will not be the case...
If the party is 7th level, they will have a little better chance. Let us know, how it works out.Mazra2012-08-10T16:05:08ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Dritzzhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1182012-08-10T13:42:34Z2012-08-10T13:42:34Z<p>I think I will probably take the original version. Even if my group isn't optimized group.</p>
<p>Most of the encounters are in favor of the PC so this time it will not be the case...</p>I think I will probably take the original version. Even if my group isn't optimized group.
Most of the encounters are in favor of the PC so this time it will not be the case...Dritzz2012-08-10T13:42:34ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Andrea1https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1172012-08-09T21:48:11Z2012-08-09T21:48:11Z<p>If you want to pass on a hint, have them meet a NPC who is the only survivor of a previous attempt. Pas son some simple hitns about how touch she is</p>If you want to pass on a hint, have them meet a NPC who is the only survivor of a previous attempt. Pas son some simple hitns about how touch she isAndrea12012-08-09T21:48:11ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Grimmyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1162012-08-09T13:19:09Z2012-08-09T13:19:09Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dritzz wrote:</div><blockquote> My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ? </blockquote><p>I guess it could all depend on what your group usually enjoys and how their expectations are calibrated. For example I saw a thread where a DM described an encounter from Slumbering Tsar, and people were outraged about how unfair it was. But that adventure is very popular among people who enjoy a certain style.
</p>
I haven't run or played in the encounter with Xanesha, but I have run some adventures by the same author, published in non Paizo stuff. I remember a 1st level adventure he wrote that had a CR 5 scythe wielding wood golem that needed to be dealt with. Obviously that could have been a TPK but I've run it three times with only one PC death occurring. The reason that adventure worked was because it did a good job of setting the mood and conveying that this was something that couldn't be overcome without doing something clever to get the upper hand.
<br />
Maybe if you really paint a picture in the PC's mind of how deadly Xanesha is they can come up with a way to tip the scales in their favor?
<br />
Other then that I would say only you know your group. Would a TPK be a campaign stopper or would there be some way to roll up a new party and continue on with the AP?
<br />
Personally, when I run Runelords I will use the changes in the anniversary edition, because they're probably there for a good reason. I think the tone of the AP up to that point probably sets a certain expectation. I'm not saying Richard Pett wrote the original badly, just that maybe it's not what you sign up for when you play a Paizo AP.</p>Dritzz wrote:My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ?
I guess it could all depend on what your group usually enjoys and how their expectations are calibrated. For example I saw a thread where a DM described an encounter from Slumbering Tsar, and people were outraged about how unfair it was. But that adventure is very popular among people who enjoy a certain style.
I haven't run or played in the encounter with Xanesha, but I...Grimmy2012-08-09T13:19:09ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Mazrahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1152012-08-08T15:20:11Z2012-08-08T15:20:11Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dritzz wrote:</div><blockquote> My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ? </blockquote><p>3.5 Xanesha will be the more memorable. But you risk a TPK. I threw in that the tower was beginning to crumble and collapse before Xanesha killed off everyone. In the end, one party member died, and one almost died, when everyone including Xanesha escaped from the top of the Clock Tower. Awesome fun though! She is now seen as one of the great BBEGs of all time. So to answer your question, it is up to you to make a choice if you want a tough encounter or a near impossible encounter.
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Mazra</p>Dritzz wrote:My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ?
3.5 Xanesha will be the more memorable. But you risk a TPK. I threw in that the tower was beginning to crumble and collapse before Xanesha killed off everyone. In the end, one party member died, and one almost died, when everyone including Xanesha escaped from the top of the Clock Tower. Awesome fun though! She is now seen as one of the great BBEGs of all time. So to...Mazra2012-08-08T15:20:11ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.bigkillahttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1142012-08-08T04:17:44Z2012-08-08T04:17:44Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dritzz wrote:</div><blockquote> My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ? </blockquote><p>Use the original version.
<p>Kill them all.</p>
<p>Sit back,point and laugh.</p>
<p>Let the good times roll.</p>Dritzz wrote:My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ?
Use the original version. Kill them all.
Sit back,point and laugh.
Let the good times roll.bigkilla2012-08-08T04:17:44ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.GeraintElberionhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1132012-08-07T23:42:48Z2012-08-07T23:42:48Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dritzz wrote:</div><blockquote> My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ? </blockquote><p>Would you like to kill them in a frustratingly difficult battle? Or would you like a cool encounter?Dritzz wrote:My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ?
Would you like to kill them in a frustratingly difficult battle? Or would you like a cool encounter?GeraintElberion2012-08-07T23:42:48ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Dritzzhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1122012-08-07T13:19:54Z2012-08-07T13:19:54Z<p>My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ?</p>My group will soon encounter Xanesha. Do you think I should use the first or the second edition "TPKBoss" ?Dritzz2012-08-07T13:19:54ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Gorbaczhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1112014-03-29T11:06:29Z2012-08-07T13:02:08Z<p>I think there should be an annual GenCon challenge - face 3.5 Xanesha with a party made of Swashbuckler, Samurai, Truenamer and Healer. All classes of the 3.5 variety.</p>I think there should be an annual GenCon challenge - face 3.5 Xanesha with a party made of Swashbuckler, Samurai, Truenamer and Healer. All classes of the 3.5 variety.Gorbacz2012-08-07T13:02:08ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.ciretosehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1102012-08-07T12:59:38Z2012-08-07T12:59:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Grimmy wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I understand they made a few changes.</p>
<p>•• spoiler omitted •• </blockquote><p>My copy is at home, but the did tone her down. Which was needed given she was fighting a wounded party (they had just fought the golem, a major trap, and bunch of stalkers on the way) in absolutely ideal conditions for her.
<p>When I ran it back in the day for my group I swapped her and her sister and it worked pretty well. When I looked at that block I couldn't figure out what they were thinking given the party level.</p>
<p>TPK machine.</p>Grimmy wrote:I understand they made a few changes.
** spoiler omitted **
My copy is at home, but the did tone her down. Which was needed given she was fighting a wounded party (they had just fought the golem, a major trap, and bunch of stalkers on the way) in absolutely ideal conditions for her. When I ran it back in the day for my group I swapped her and her sister and it worked pretty well. When I looked at that block I couldn't figure out what they were thinking given the party level.
...ciretose2012-08-07T12:59:38ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.GeraintElberionhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1092012-08-07T12:56:00Z2012-08-07T12:56:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Grimmy wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I understand they made a few changes.</p>
<p>•• spoiler omitted •• </blockquote><p>They also changed the tactics section so that she is no longer going to bullrush anyone she petrifies off the tower and smash them into teeny pieces.
<p>I think they are good changes. She is still a very strong opponent at that level, especially considering the context in which she is faced.</p>Grimmy wrote:I understand they made a few changes.
** spoiler omitted **
They also changed the tactics section so that she is no longer going to bullrush anyone she petrifies off the tower and smash them into teeny pieces. I think they are good changes. She is still a very strong opponent at that level, especially considering the context in which she is faced.GeraintElberion2012-08-07T12:56:00ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Grimmyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1082012-08-07T11:37:01Z2012-08-07T11:37:01Z<p>I understand they made a few changes.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>I understand they made a few changes.
[Spoiler omitted]Grimmy2012-08-07T11:37:01ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Entropihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1072012-08-07T11:08:52Z2012-08-07T11:08:52Z<p>And is Xanesha still as badass in the Anniversary Edition?</p>And is Xanesha still as badass in the Anniversary Edition?Entropi2012-08-07T11:08:52ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Entropihttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1062012-02-26T22:06:06Z2012-02-26T22:06:06Z<p>Is Xanesha still the #1 TPK Boss of all the APs?</p>Is Xanesha still the #1 TPK Boss of all the APs?Entropi2012-02-26T22:06:06ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: My group faced Xanesha last night - Lots of spoilers - for GM eyes only.Craig Mercerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jeco&page=3?My-group-faced-Xanesha-last-night-Lots-of#1052011-03-30T21:08:37Z2011-03-30T21:08:37Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Old Drake wrote:</div><blockquote><p> No door? Okay, you're right. I did create a wrong battle map, sorry about that.</p>
<p>As for timing, I tried to be fair; not perfect for her, but not so far ahead that most spells were already down. She's supposed to buff up blind and use four spells and a item charge before going into melee - having still rounds remaining on an eight round spell would be too perfect from where I stand. It would make more sense to have her cast a silences haste once she sees the party, but the description is different.
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As for X going a hunting; the description makes it pretty clear that she does not hunt and is content to wait and let the party run away if they want. So I don't think she'd force combat, but that's just me. </blockquote><p>Yes, she will not hunt the party down..., But I doubt she will let them sit unmolested for 10 minutes either.
</p>
Let's face it, your party knows she knows that they are here, the bell trap insures it.</p>Old Drake wrote:No door? Okay, you're right. I did create a wrong battle map, sorry about that.
As for timing, I tried to be fair; not perfect for her, but not so far ahead that most spells were already down. She's supposed to buff up blind and use four spells and a item charge before going into melee - having still rounds remaining on an eight round spell would be too perfect from where I stand. It would make more sense to have her cast a silences haste once she sees the party, but the...Craig Mercer2011-03-30T21:08:37Z