[3.5] Pachyderm Tag Team

[Thurbane]

Wanted to run a potential encounter by the playground, and see if I'm likely to end up with a TPK.

A Maelphant (FF, CR 10) and Thraskor (MH, CR 9). Encounter level 12. They'll be guarding a McGuffin in an ancient library.

Party is all level 9 (I'm sure you've seen posts about the party I DM for before): Ranger 9 (non casting variant), Paladin 9 (non casting variant), Warmage 6/Sand Shaper 3 and Favored Soul 9.

Ranger is archery focused with a riding dog AC; Paladin is melee focused two-handed power attacker; Warmge is mainly a blaster; and the Favored Soul is mainly buffing and healing focused.

They work fairly well as a team, but beyond direct damage, their spell selection is pretty limited.

Should I hold off on this encounter until they hit 10th?

Just looking for some general advice.

*If you think it might help, there is some rivalry between the two, that the party might be able to leverage.

http://archive.wizards.com/dnd/images/ff_gallery/50080.jpghttp://archive.wizards.com/dnd/images/mhbk_gallery/76961_CN.jpg
Cheers - T

[Segev]

These are guardians, right? They can't leave their charge too far behind, then. Just make it clear that the PCs can retreat, and as long as the monsters can't one shot full-to-dead the PCs in a single round, they should be able to get away and avoid a TPK.

[daremetoidareyo]

Dire warnings from someone who has tried to get the MacGuffin off the Guardians before can help them prepare by buying Scrolls or magic items that are appropriate for the fight.