I m running six person party high buy in and they are all vets any fresh ideas for a third lvl encounter? thx
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Hmm.. lets see. Based on my experience running 2 AP groups of experienced players at high point buys, this is how I would break it down. Level 3 party (CR 3), 6 PC's (+2 CR), High stat buy (+1 CR), and "Highly Experienced" (+1 CR) for a total of CR 7.
So Base CR of 7, up to CR 10 if your looking for a highly challenging single encounter. This gives you lots of wiggle room. If your looking for something memorable, and out of the ordinary I'd start with a campaign appropriate locale that imposes unique and interesting challenges. At level 3 the PC's will not have readily available flight options, so perhaps something like:
A region of knee deep water with deeper holes (up to 15' deep), and if your feeling generous, perhaps a small mound or two of slippery mud projecting above the water. Now they have to deal with movement issues, and the possibility of falling into deeper pools where they have to swim. Think of a swampy Moor, an underground grotto or a flooded warehouse (where flooded stairwells act as holes to the level below).
Now shroud the area in Fog, limiting visibility.
After that, just seed with your favorite baddies. I'd probably aim for 3-4 heavy hitters and a horde of CR 1/2 mooks to liven things up. make sure the monsters have movement abilities that take advantage of the terrain, to frustrate and outmaneuver the PC's. Swimming, amphibious, swamp-walking and water breathing are all key. Then go for a theme. Undead perhaps? Trolls and other fey creatures. Lizardmen perhaps?
Personally I'd populate it with an Aboleth (CR 7) and a bunch of its Skum Minions ( 3-4 minions at CR 2) and a dominated Scrag (CR 5) Which should be around CR 9 or so, a really tough and memorable fight, but not impossible if its the only encounter the PC's are facing that day.
Have the scum start things off, then perhaps have the troll burst up from one of the deeper pools, grab a PC and dissapear underwater or into the fog. (think Luke skywalker in the trash compactor). Nothing worse than hearing your buddy scream for help, but unable to locate him. Save the Aboleth for round 3, after a few minions have died to really terrify the PC's. Works especially well if the PC's cannot see the enemies coming due to the fog.
Chess board encounter! Every enemy pawn that crosses over causes 1d6 dmg to the whole party. Go crazy with it!