Rule Zero: Underlings

[Andrew Phillips]

Has anyone tried using Jason Bulmahn's Rule Zero: Underlings to help with the OPness of the PCs in this path?
I really want to run it, but I don't have the free time I would like for preparation. I will be using the updated stat blocks many of you have made but I still get the feeling more is needed as the levels increase.

[Seannoss]

I'm curious... what is Rule Zero? Could help with your question.

[Kalindlara]

Rule Zero is a third-party series from some publisher - Minotaur Games? It's Jason Bulmahn's side project, if I recall...

I've used them, in the Wintersun battle. I'll post in greater detail later; I have a session to run. :)

[Andrew Phillips]

Kalindlara wrote:

Rule Zero is a third-party series from some publisher - Minotaur Games? It's Jason Bulmahn's side project, if I recall...

I've used them, in the Wintersun battle. I'll post in greater detail later; I have a session to run. :)

Looking forward to your input.

[Kalindlara]

I'm wondering if I should save the full story for my own campaign journal. Short version is

Spoiler:

The party fought all the Wintersuns in an open field. Marhevok (now Mythic), two consort bodyguards, three archers, and eight GCR 11 underlings.

It didn't go well for the tribe, although this was the perfect example of a Bad Mythic encounter - PCs blowing mythic power on Fleet Charge and Amazing Initiative to pound Marhevok into dust. If not for mirror image and the consorts' In Harm's Way feats, he would have done essentially nothing, even with two tiers of his own.

As for the underlings, the inquisitor was using AOE spells, but kept rolling too low to break their Threshold. His blistering invective ran into this as well. Their AC was also far too high for barbarian warriors. Eventually, between fire, ice, intimidation, and Marhevok's death, I simply had the remaining barbarians surrender.

I would definitely share the mechanics with your PCs, so that they know how to fight underlings. I'm looking forward to using them again and seeing how things go. This might not be that helpful, but if you have any questions, I'd love to answer. :)

[Kalindlara]

Seannoss wrote:

I'm curious... what is Rule Zero? Could help with your question.

Right here. It's not bad, honestly. :)

[Andrew Phillips]

Kalindlara wrote:

I'm wondering if I should save the full story for my own campaign journal. Short version is** spoiler omitted **

I would definitely share the mechanics with your PCs, so that they know how to fight underlings. I'm looking forward to using them again and seeing how things go. This might not be that helpful, but if you have any questions, I'd love to answer. :)

I like the idea that you had the underlings surrender, I believe that fits with their purpose as described in the supplement and with WotR redemption themes.

If you do use them more I'd like to hear anything else you have to share.