Looking for a little inspiration (and advice, I admit it) here. At some point I hope to get my group of 6 PCs up to level 15 and have them go after a BBEG and I would like to make it memorable (ala Karzoug). I'm wondering how to make it memorable and have multiple opponents for the PCs to focus on.
6 level 15 PC's with 25-point stat buys (and I will just assume average wealth and equipment for their level when they get to that point) = APL 17 (15 for level + 1 for 6 pc's and +1 for high stat buy)? They should be able to take on an "epic" fight equal to CR 20 no? Or should I limit it to CR 19?
If I have a 18th level Neutral Evil druid and his animal companion as the BBEG (CR 17), I believe I could also have two CR 16 cronies (possibly monstrous humanoids with some class levels, or just high level npc's) and a CR 15 pet (or group of pets adding up to CR 15). I believe the exp awards for that menagerie equals a CR 20 encounter. Did I do that right?
Anyone care to offer some disturbing suggestions (PF core rules only) as to what might be a tough fight for a group of PCs invading an evil druid on his home turf (woods)? I'm also open to suggestions for a "twisted" version of an allowed animal companion. Thanks!
Quick question. Is it feasible from a design perspective to have the druid's animal companion have a monster template or two (Giant and/or Fiendish) if I lowered its HD accordingly (for a +1 template I would lower its HD by 1)? I don't think I would allow this for a PC to do, but since I'm trying to design a unique encounter I was trying to put some personality into the animal companion.
Is lowering the HD sufficient, or is there more to it than that? Thanks!
CR = 20 is fine.
Fiendish Treants are fun...
Don't forget the fun of traps. Even a simple pit trap (CR = 5) can cause high level adventurers to waste time, which should really be deadly given who is around.
Take a read through the back of the monster manual, it should give pretty clear advice on templates and CR. I'd work the other way, and start with a lower hit die creature, and then add a template or two to get to the desired CR. It's more reliable that way.
I agree with rkraus. Adding a template to a lower CR creature, especially a creature that the party has fought before, can be loads of fun for you!