I'm about to introduce a couple of first time roleplayers to this fantastic hobby. I've GMd alot before but not Pathfinder even if I'm kind of familiar with the system. We're taking on one of the beginner box bash scenarios where the heroes fight a Mimic. It has a CR of 4 which to me seems quite tough. Will a group of three be able to handle that fight?
There's a few ways to squeeze the CR system (for example, the PCs are only expected to do a single fight that day), but this definitely seems like a TPK. Mimic isn't even weak for CR4 (as "trick" monster occasionally are) going by averages. Even 4 barbarians with greatswords and max strength (~13 damage, +7 to hit vs. 16 AC) will have difficulty just dealing sufficient damage (they need ~8 attacks since they miss roughly half the time.) and that's ignoring that the mimic is fighting back.
It's called "Beginner box bash - Tomes".
It's surprising to see this kind of encounter in a beginner module. Therefore I supposed there was an explanation. The only help the players have is a special mixture found in the room to remove the mimics adhesive ability. But as you mentioned, it still has AC 16, 52 HP and grapples when it bites.I'm thinking I'd let it be injured from its earlier fight. Lowering the HP to half or something like that. There's also a burning hands trap the players most likely will set off which could hurt it as well. You think this would be enough?
CR 4 against 3 Lv. 1 PCs can be a challenging fight. I've run similar fights and it's usually a hard slog for PCs, albeit not impossible. I'd certainly expect a casualty. And I'm usually playing with more experienced Pathfinder players.
The real problem you'll run into here is that Mimics are indeed HP-banks, and a first level party will have a hard time dishing out the damage necessary to kill it without taking some serious casualties. But I don't think you need to ditch the encounter. In addition to your "it was already wounded" idea, here's a few more things to consider:
- Give the PCs some ample warning something is wrong - bones around the mimic, signs of struggle, etc. If they're on their guard, they may be more prepared.
- Don't be afraid to let the PCs run. A lot of this game is knowing when not to engage - don't have the Mimic hunt them mercilessly throughout the dungeon. It's an ambush predator, and won't work hard for a meal.
- Don't be afraid to kill one PC. Sometimes dungeons are dangerous. If the Mimic does kill a PC, it may slink away with the body to eat it, letting the others escape.
It's actually taking place in a classroom at a magic school. The teacher has been attacked by the mimic and is lying unconscious on the floor when the heroes arrive. The mimic is hiding in plain sight disguised as a lectern, waiting for the heroes to do what it couldn't, find the spellbook.
I'll let them be able to tell through perception checks that the lectern is stained, healing checks and knowledge dungeoneering can give them clues as well. Also, there's a chance they'll find the real lectern hidden in a closet.
I guess I can always decide the HP on the fly to make the fight difficult enough. Running away really isn't an option here as they're on a mission to find the spellbook.
Thanks for all advice!
I'm not sure what the purpose of the mimic is supposed to be, but you may consider replacing mimic with an animated object.