Ason
2010-10-16, 03:52 PM
My players, stay out! If you recognize the scenario I'm about to describe, don't read my question- I want to keep the surprises intact.
The Situation: I recently found the 3.5 Tomb of Horrors module and will be DM-ing it this winter. I’m designing a fun and easy opening combat against a random necromancer before my players enter the dungeon as a way of helping them break in their characters and build confidence. The party will be composed of six level 9 characters (32 point buy, 40,000gp each): I don't know their builds yet, sadly. I'd expect some decent optimization, as even the guy who hasn't played 3.5 before knows D&D pretty well and should be getting optimization support from the rest of our gaming circle. However, I've never DM-ed 3.5 before and want to make sure I don't slaughter the PCs accidentally- hence, I turn to you all.
The Plotline: The exiles of Cyre have gathered to assault an aspiring necromancer who has made his base camp above the tomb. After years of investigation, Prince Oargev, the exiled monarch of Cyre, has concluded that the demilich Acererak is the key to discovering what truly occurred on the Day of Mourning, and his sources say that the monstrosity was last seen entering what locals call the Tomb of Horrors, a crypt near the border of the Mournlands. Mustering his forces, Prince Oargev is assaulting the necromancer aboveground to obtain more information, but the lord has offered further rewards and titles to any adventurers who can brave the awful dungeon to execute the undead wizard belowground. The party has accepted the deal and will meet for the first time in the pre-battle briefing tent. Since the Cyran army will be camped outside the tomb, the party will be able to retreat there at night to rest (i.e. between gaming sessions), but the army will offer no help to while they're inside.
The Question: (my players, leave now) Anyone have any advice for the necromancer battle? I envision the fight along some form of: the army contains the undead horde while the party enters the base camp, kills the necromancer's lieutenant who will be on patrol with some other undead, and then surprises the necromancer in his pavilion. I'm considering maybe Cleric 6/Bone Knight 3 for the necromancer (should I toss in some mooks?), and I'm thinking of a Skull Lord (MM5- CR7) with 6 Human Skeletons (CR 1/3) as the lieutenant. Can anyone tell me if this setup is too weak or strong? I am inexperienced with 3.5 CRs, so if any advice you can give would be much appreciated. I just want something that won't kill anyone (at least before they enter the tomb) but will still be fun for the party. Thank you!
The Situation: I recently found the 3.5 Tomb of Horrors module and will be DM-ing it this winter. I’m designing a fun and easy opening combat against a random necromancer before my players enter the dungeon as a way of helping them break in their characters and build confidence. The party will be composed of six level 9 characters (32 point buy, 40,000gp each): I don't know their builds yet, sadly. I'd expect some decent optimization, as even the guy who hasn't played 3.5 before knows D&D pretty well and should be getting optimization support from the rest of our gaming circle. However, I've never DM-ed 3.5 before and want to make sure I don't slaughter the PCs accidentally- hence, I turn to you all.
The Plotline: The exiles of Cyre have gathered to assault an aspiring necromancer who has made his base camp above the tomb. After years of investigation, Prince Oargev, the exiled monarch of Cyre, has concluded that the demilich Acererak is the key to discovering what truly occurred on the Day of Mourning, and his sources say that the monstrosity was last seen entering what locals call the Tomb of Horrors, a crypt near the border of the Mournlands. Mustering his forces, Prince Oargev is assaulting the necromancer aboveground to obtain more information, but the lord has offered further rewards and titles to any adventurers who can brave the awful dungeon to execute the undead wizard belowground. The party has accepted the deal and will meet for the first time in the pre-battle briefing tent. Since the Cyran army will be camped outside the tomb, the party will be able to retreat there at night to rest (i.e. between gaming sessions), but the army will offer no help to while they're inside.
The Question: (my players, leave now) Anyone have any advice for the necromancer battle? I envision the fight along some form of: the army contains the undead horde while the party enters the base camp, kills the necromancer's lieutenant who will be on patrol with some other undead, and then surprises the necromancer in his pavilion. I'm considering maybe Cleric 6/Bone Knight 3 for the necromancer (should I toss in some mooks?), and I'm thinking of a Skull Lord (MM5- CR7) with 6 Human Skeletons (CR 1/3) as the lieutenant. Can anyone tell me if this setup is too weak or strong? I am inexperienced with 3.5 CRs, so if any advice you can give would be much appreciated. I just want something that won't kill anyone (at least before they enter the tomb) but will still be fun for the party. Thank you!