I'm running PotA for some friends and they just got to the boss of The Temple of Howling Hatred. As they are talking to Aerisi Kalinoth, they preceded to insult her, and since she is prideful I had her attack the party. When she attacked I had her use Chain Lightning. She has a DC 20 Dex save, and the whole party failed, and then got wiped from the 10d8 damage.
Judgement:
I decided they that are just unconscious and became the newest slaves/initiates of the cult and woke up in a cell without their equipment.
My question/thoughts:
Should I not use high-level spells even though technically, they should be able to fight a single CR 7 creature?
Should I drop a magic item for the player to help them out, for when they go back for the re-match? (Lightning Resistance) Ring of Resistance
Based on the module, did I play the situation "Incorrectly"? (Not in the spirit of the encounter)
Extra Info:
The party wasn't in peak condition, they attempted to long rest in the room under the boss room, but I interrupted it after a Short Rest, since they weren't hidden away, and just kind of in the main entrance hall.
Party
Level 5 Fighter Human Variant
Level 5 Rouge Elf
Level 5 Wizard Human Variant
Level 1 Warlock/Level 4 Cleric Human
Please let me know your thoughts on the situation.
I looked at that and read it 14 +6, instead of 2 sperate things, that would have changed everything.
Thank you for pointing that out!
I did that with a fireball cast recently. Thankfully someone in my party handled the blast and finished the enemy and revived everyone else, but yeah, I too added the +hit to the DC. Though it is worded/typed "correctly" in the text (Aerisi is an 12th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks))
I feel if Wizards instead put the +x to hit first and the save DC after I wouldn't have made that mistake as it would be even more clear that they are two separate things(Aerisis is a 12th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Intelligence (+6 to hit with spell attacks, spell save DC 14).
Regardless, I chalked it up to a rookie mistake, and we all make mistakes.
I decided they that are just unconscious and became the newest slaves/initiates of the cult and woke up in a cell without their equipment.
My question/thoughts:
Should I not use high-level spells even though technically, they should be able to fight a single CR 7 creature?
Should I drop a magic item for the player to help them out, for when they go back for the re-match? (Lightning Resistance) Ring of Resistance
Based on the module, did I play the situation "Incorrectly"? (Not in the spirit of the encounter)
Good plan on making them slaves. Also make sure they know for next time the result of standing within 30' of each other. Also if they get close to her allies she may not be willing to use chain lightning. The CR system is often misunderstood. The best description I have seen is that the CR of a creature is a "do not ride unless you are this tall" sign. If the party is under level 7 they can most likely take them on, but there is a risk the creature can one shot a party member in a single round. Once they have area effect or similar spells it becomes a danger of a party wipe if they stand close together. Even with the right DC it would still be possible to get a party wipe with unlucky rolls.
The best description I have seen is that the CR of a creature is a "do not ride unless you are this tall" sign.
That's what I use it as, because I believe in playing enemies intelligently, but I also believe in not accidentally killing any PCs. I'm still not all that great at the latter.
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Good Evening,
Situation:
I'm running PotA for some friends and they just got to the boss of The Temple of Howling Hatred. As they are talking to Aerisi Kalinoth, they preceded to insult her, and since she is prideful I had her attack the party. When she attacked I had her use Chain Lightning. She has a DC 20 Dex save, and the whole party failed, and then got wiped from the 10d8 damage.
Judgement:
I decided they that are just unconscious and became the newest slaves/initiates of the cult and woke up in a cell without their equipment.
My question/thoughts:
Should I not use high-level spells even though technically, they should be able to fight a single CR 7 creature?
Should I drop a magic item for the player to help them out, for when they go back for the re-match? (Lightning Resistance) Ring of Resistance
Based on the module, did I play the situation "Incorrectly"? (Not in the spirit of the encounter)
Extra Info:
The party wasn't in peak condition, they attempted to long rest in the room under the boss room, but I interrupted it after a Short Rest, since they weren't hidden away, and just kind of in the main entrance hall.
Party
Level 5 Fighter Human Variant
Level 5 Rouge Elf
Level 5 Wizard Human Variant
Level 1 Warlock/Level 4 Cleric Human
Please let me know your thoughts on the situation.
What level were they?
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
Level 5
Aerisi Kalinoth's save DC is only 14.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
Dangit :/ I knew I messed up somewhere.
I looked at that and read it 14 +6, instead of 2 sperate things, that would have changed everything.
Thank you for pointing that out!
How do you get a one-armed goblin out of a tree?
Wave!
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
For anyone that will look upon this in current time. Her weapon save DC and spellcasting DC are different. DC 14 for her. DC 17 from the spear itself