The End Fight

[Acathala]

I've been guest DMing for a group of players and next week is the last session. At level 8 we have a dwarf Crusader, an Elven Scout, a Human cleric, a Halfling Wizard and lastly a Human Hexblade.
The situation is that they are exploring an abandoned ancient elven temple, which is being also being raided by orcs and goblins. The twist is this temple is actually a surface temple of Lolth from before the time she betrayed the elven pantheon. The party have came across a drow spirit(disguised as normal elf) whom has promised them a "reward" if they clear the Temple of the orcs and gobbos.
They are fast approaching the the orc leader and what they think will be the final battle.
I've pretty much decided once they reach the main chamber of the temple, to claim the "reward", that will be when the Myrlochars will strike.
My question is should I use a load of them, or have one advanced Myrlochar with a couple of Soul Spider wingmen?

[Eonir]

Depends on what you're trying to achieve really. If this is your final, climatic battle, throw something tough, BUT winnable. If this is simply just another obstacle, albeit the final one, throw what you think would actually be there (i.e. the first option).

[laeZ1]

next week is the last session.

Last session? I thought that was a myth! Don't let it end! Kill the PCs!

[Acathala]

It's my last session DMing with the group. The regular dm will return.

[GenghisDon]

How hard, what EL is the orc leader fight? I'm thinking strike near the end of that fight.

[Acathala]

I was thinking either equal or slightly less for the Orc enleader encouter. I don't want to have too hard an encounter before the Myrlochars, though I don't want it too easy in case the players click there's something else. The terrain will favour the pcs as well.

[Acathala]

Wow thanks Don, that was way more than I was expecting. I may take your suggestion about having a three-way, ithough I think Lolthites would wait until one side was left. Probably have to move the fight into the main chamber of the Temple. The ground there will be less advantageos there. Both the Crusader and Wizard specialise in battlefield control you. The wizard ironnically uses web a lot.
Not sure if I'll use the cleri. I may have slipped up there as I don't think she would look just another elf, as I'm sure they didn't go black until Lolth corrupted them. She would't have nifty SR and SLAs either. Oh welll the PCs will never know. I think I'm leaning towards an epic fight with a swarm of Myrlochars vs Pcs and orcs.

[GenghisDon]

you are welcome, Acathala:smallsmile:

you could go with 6 of the advanced Myrlochars (EL 12), or 8 (EL 13)

honestly, I think the monster would be better served re-statted for 3.5e style outsiders (str 16-18, dex 18-22 or so) but the base CR would go up in that case.

I'd actually wanted a sorcerer ghost, but it's a temple after all. Some divine class makes more sense. Dropping more of the drow abilities drops 1 CR, so it's not a big deal normally. The drow stuff doesn't add much to a ghost, really. I did focus exclusively on SLA's with that one, so if they don't fit, it's useless.

Myrlochars would become SO much more challenging with some AOE spells they are immune to being rained down around them, I really suggest you consider a way to make that happen...webs, et all would be great. It would be far more memorable; but OTOH, I dunno how potent the PC's are. You seem worried they will get killed off, but I see a 5th man & pretty solid party. Your knowledge of the PC's certainly is much greater than mine though.

[Acathala]

Oh no, it was more that I wasn't wanting them to use all of their resources on the Orc fight when there was a much tougher fight waiting. These PC are tough.
I think I'll save the ghostie until the next time their regular DM is away.