Discord
Changelog
09-29-2009, 08:55 PM
1. Encounters;
a. Are the encounters in general too easy? Too tough? --
Response: It depends. Given the duration limit to spells, most casters would likely not make it too far into a place going solo, so would likely need a party to go into the deeper parts of some places where the encountered creatures would be more difficult in some cases. In some places (Nethwatch Keep comes to mind) the encounter was overwhelming even with a party of five 10th to 11th level PCs (time stop, dispels, death magic, half party dead). We barely got beyond the entry area before having to turn back. The ogres and giants in the mines north of the city are still challenging for a small party (3) of PCs. And water elementals in Murbant caves, well, I think everyone hates drowning. Instant death for some PC classes pretty much.
b. Are they easier at certain levels than others?
Response: I'd say the encounters in Bez are all tough for lower (1-4), and even for mid level (5-8) the deeper parts of the sewers and tomb are tough. But not overwhelmingly tough, but a good challenge sort of tough. At 9 and higher, things got easier there, but there were still a few things that popped up (lycan boars, goblin chiefs) that were tough.
c. For you with high-level PCs, are encounters a challenge at all anymore?
Response: See Nethwatch Keep description in 1a. For a party of 3-4 PCs of 11-13th level, the Nethjet barrows (besides the Spider Demon) are pretty straightforward, but not totally without peril.
d. Does partying make encounters too easy? Should more or higher-level creature be spawned when in a party?
Response: Depends on what's being spawned. Too many high level casters attacking the party, and they're toast no matter how large a party. Or even just a couple of high level casters with the right spells can put a big dent in a party and wipe some of the party out.
2. Creature selection;
a. Do you think Thay needs more creature varieties created?
Response: Sure, that would be great. One of the fun things was the first time I saw a Dread Warrior, and had no idea how challenging it was or what it might do. And I like the descriptions put in, so it gives some flavor to the monsters too and ties them to the world.
b. If so, at what level(s) should these creatures be created?
Response: I think there are plenty of lower level creatures it seems. I'd say go for ones appropriate for levels 8 and up. Or maybe just take some (ogres, giants) that would be appropriate for higher levels that don't really seem to be out there too much (outside of the mines anyway) and make a place for them. I'm not sure where in Thay (not being familiar with it outside of the game) would be appropriate if any place. I wouldn't want to have them used just to use them if they don't fit in Thay. But maybe they could be re-named or re-skinned if some other similar creature would be more appropriate.
Other comment: If there were other places to adventure for level 8-13 PCs, that might help a bit. It could keep people from revisiting the same old, same old, places. There are several places on the map list on the Thay map in game, but I'm not even sure if they are all able to be traveled to even though there are directions to them. Some more rumors of other ruins or confirmation as to which places are worth going to explore might be nice.
One thing that might keep PC levels down a little is use of the enchanting forge, since that costs XP in addition to gold.
Alright, enough on and on and on from me.
a. Are the encounters in general too easy? Too tough? --
Response: It depends. Given the duration limit to spells, most casters would likely not make it too far into a place going solo, so would likely need a party to go into the deeper parts of some places where the encountered creatures would be more difficult in some cases. In some places (Nethwatch Keep comes to mind) the encounter was overwhelming even with a party of five 10th to 11th level PCs (time stop, dispels, death magic, half party dead). We barely got beyond the entry area before having to turn back. The ogres and giants in the mines north of the city are still challenging for a small party (3) of PCs. And water elementals in Murbant caves, well, I think everyone hates drowning. Instant death for some PC classes pretty much.
b. Are they easier at certain levels than others?
Response: I'd say the encounters in Bez are all tough for lower (1-4), and even for mid level (5-8) the deeper parts of the sewers and tomb are tough. But not overwhelmingly tough, but a good challenge sort of tough. At 9 and higher, things got easier there, but there were still a few things that popped up (lycan boars, goblin chiefs) that were tough.
c. For you with high-level PCs, are encounters a challenge at all anymore?
Response: See Nethwatch Keep description in 1a. For a party of 3-4 PCs of 11-13th level, the Nethjet barrows (besides the Spider Demon) are pretty straightforward, but not totally without peril.
d. Does partying make encounters too easy? Should more or higher-level creature be spawned when in a party?
Response: Depends on what's being spawned. Too many high level casters attacking the party, and they're toast no matter how large a party. Or even just a couple of high level casters with the right spells can put a big dent in a party and wipe some of the party out.
2. Creature selection;
a. Do you think Thay needs more creature varieties created?
Response: Sure, that would be great. One of the fun things was the first time I saw a Dread Warrior, and had no idea how challenging it was or what it might do. And I like the descriptions put in, so it gives some flavor to the monsters too and ties them to the world.
b. If so, at what level(s) should these creatures be created?
Response: I think there are plenty of lower level creatures it seems. I'd say go for ones appropriate for levels 8 and up. Or maybe just take some (ogres, giants) that would be appropriate for higher levels that don't really seem to be out there too much (outside of the mines anyway) and make a place for them. I'm not sure where in Thay (not being familiar with it outside of the game) would be appropriate if any place. I wouldn't want to have them used just to use them if they don't fit in Thay. But maybe they could be re-named or re-skinned if some other similar creature would be more appropriate.
Other comment: If there were other places to adventure for level 8-13 PCs, that might help a bit. It could keep people from revisiting the same old, same old, places. There are several places on the map list on the Thay map in game, but I'm not even sure if they are all able to be traveled to even though there are directions to them. Some more rumors of other ruins or confirmation as to which places are worth going to explore might be nice.
One thing that might keep PC levels down a little is use of the enchanting forge, since that costs XP in addition to gold.
Alright, enough on and on and on from me.