Shoggoth: 3.5 v. PFRPG

[Atavar]

SPOLIER ALERT for CRUCIBLE of CHAOS Module
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I will soon begin running the Crucible of Chaos adventure for my players. That module was originally a 3.5 adventure for 8th level characters who reach 10th level by the end.

The module includes a 3.5 version of the shoggoth. That version is a CR 15 encounter. Paizo updated the shoggoth for PFRPG in the Bestiary. Here is a link to its stats:

http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/monsters/shoggoth.html#shoggoth

As you can see, this converted version isn't simply a 3.5 to PFRPG conversion of the shoggoth; it ups the challenge as well to a CR 19.

I think I can safely assume that the CR 19, PFRPG version of the shoggoth would be too much for a party of 8th-10th level to handle. So, can anyone offer me any advice on running the shoggoth for this adventure? Should I run the 3.5, CR 15 version as-is? Should I attempt to update the 3.5 version to a PFRPG version that is also CR 15? Should I try to alter the CR 19 PFRPG version to a less challenging level?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,

Atavar

[sozin]

I ran said adventure in 3.5, and even as CR 15 the shoggoth was an extremely tough fight for my party.

I'd just run with the 3.5 version to play it safe.

BTW, something you might want to consider when running this module:

Spoiler:

If you happen to have a physical or digital version of Dragon Magazine #352 around, check out the Wolfgang Baur/China Mieville stat blocks for the incredibly awesome slakemoth from Perdido Street Station.. It makes an awesome monster to put into one of the weird tall towers in CoC.

[DeathQuaker]

Don't know the module in question, but generally speaking, I'd suggest a few options:

1. Apply debuffing templates to the PF shoggoth, like the "young" template. And/or reduce hit points/hit dice/ability scores (to lower save DCs, etc.).

2. Use the PF shoggoth as written, but give the PCs either allies or a weapon to help them--or other advantages like terrain or ways to put the shoggoth at a disadvantage.

For example, maybe a sage has devised a mystic poison that will significantly weaken the shoggoth, or make it unable to use some of its monster abilities. The challenge becomes then to deliver the poison, but once done, the combat becomes significantly easier.

[carborundum]

Iĺl be running it next weekend and I think I'll just leave it as a CR19. The party are not really supposed to fight it anyway - I'll just have it stick to physical attacks to scare them off. They can always come back when they are 13th or 14th level for a REAL challenge.