Ramos
2007-09-10, 11:43 AM
The question is quite simple-how long should an average encounter (an encounter with ECR=party ECL) last? And how long should a PvP fight last between characters of equal ECL?
The answer is not that simple. There are many things than practically end an encounter outright. For example a good fighter's full attack can deal enough damage to take out a Balor in one round. A wizard's spell with a save-or-die/lose effect can do the same. On the other hand, there are effects that prolong a fight or leave an encounter unresolved. Darkness. Invisibility. Teleportation. The dreaded Ethereal Jaunt.
Mechanics aside, the longer an encounter lasts, the more epic the feel and, if it is done well, the better it is. Now if a PC ends it by going nova or a monster draws it out indefinitely, it becomes a bit lame.
I think it is best-for tabletop games-that encounters last between 5 and 15 rounds while for PbP games between 3 and 8 rounds. What do you think?
The answer is not that simple. There are many things than practically end an encounter outright. For example a good fighter's full attack can deal enough damage to take out a Balor in one round. A wizard's spell with a save-or-die/lose effect can do the same. On the other hand, there are effects that prolong a fight or leave an encounter unresolved. Darkness. Invisibility. Teleportation. The dreaded Ethereal Jaunt.
Mechanics aside, the longer an encounter lasts, the more epic the feel and, if it is done well, the better it is. Now if a PC ends it by going nova or a monster draws it out indefinitely, it becomes a bit lame.
I think it is best-for tabletop games-that encounters last between 5 and 15 rounds while for PbP games between 3 and 8 rounds. What do you think?