I have a party of 4 who I left off last session fleeing from some Grimlocks and evil elves.
Background Context: In effect they had been searching the caverns below an elvish ruin in a haunted forest for some people who are missing from a caravan. The caves are only faintly lit up by luminous writing that if decoded maps the area out--somewhat. The evil elves are rather like those Forgotten Realms ones who hate humans.
The situation: I'd like to have some ideas for the pursuit--clearly letting the pcs regroup and regather spells and so on is a no no. (I'm not trying for a tpk but I do want it to be challenging)
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
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Make the environment an enemy. Tunnels can be slippery, dead-ends, and can gradually turn into slides. The opponent knows the tunnels and will ambush them in difficult places or lead them into traps.
Also, tempt them with a dungeon crawl environment. Give them the impression that if they kick down that door, they'll be able to find a typical dungeon encounter on the other side. Instead, they will be trapped without an exit while the opponents gather outside. Turn the tables on them.
Illusions of really powerful things (but not too powerful to be ridiculous) might scare them further and further in. Example: The party is all 4th level. Ogres would get them to turn and fight. A beholder would get the players to say "Nahh, the DM wouldn't throw that us." (Unless you're just a vile individual who would, and then I tip my hat at you.) A couple wyverns having trouble manuevering around stalactites or a trio of stone giants would probably get them to run.