So my players want to do an arena fight later in the game, so I will give the one. Im looking at three npc's from decent into avernus, as the arena events. First is Krull, then Torogar, then finally Arkhan (Maybe without hand of Vecna).
Im just curious as to how you guys would layer this arena, and all ideas are welcome. The group is six players level 7 atm, but this will be for level 9. Im thinking Krull will use a slew of undead, to swarm his opponents, while he casts in the back. Maybe a couple of casters, to back up Torogar and to keep the player casters busy. Im not to sure about Arkhan yet though. Im also thinking maybe allowing two to three rounds between fights to allow the players to ready for the next. What o you guys think? What are some good minions, and such you think for each fighter?
Are we talking big open arena, flat ground, no cover?
Or, are we talking about an arena that has an environment (think of things like Quake arena etc). Think levels, cover, scenery. If you have that kind of arena maybe that will give you a lead into what types of creatures might be the opposition.
You could also look at the players' combat styles. Got a magic user who relies solely on Eldritch Blast? Throw a Helmed Horror at them (who can be immune to three spells chosen by the DM). This in my experience forces some level of creativity and challenge at the players. Looking at character playstyles and thinking of counters to their 'usual' combat strategies can provide a challenge that they don't usually get. So my inclination would be to tailor challenges either to their weaknesses or their holes in strategies. That's just the path I'd try.
Although for a previous version, it might be worth taking a look at Dungeon Magazine #128 :The Champions belt. It's an adventure specifically set up for arena combat, and contains some useful and still relevant rules (E.g. max height of fly/levitate, allowing people to "tap out" etc.)
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So my players want to do an arena fight later in the game, so I will give the one. Im looking at three npc's from decent into avernus, as the arena events. First is Krull, then Torogar, then finally Arkhan (Maybe without hand of Vecna).
Im just curious as to how you guys would layer this arena, and all ideas are welcome. The group is six players level 7 atm, but this will be for level 9. Im thinking Krull will use a slew of undead, to swarm his opponents, while he casts in the back. Maybe a couple of casters, to back up Torogar and to keep the player casters busy. Im not to sure about Arkhan yet though. Im also thinking maybe allowing two to three rounds between fights to allow the players to ready for the next. What o you guys think? What are some good minions, and such you think for each fighter?
What's the arena's environment going to be like?
Are we talking big open arena, flat ground, no cover?
Or, are we talking about an arena that has an environment (think of things like Quake arena etc). Think levels, cover, scenery. If you have that kind of arena maybe that will give you a lead into what types of creatures might be the opposition.
You could also look at the players' combat styles. Got a magic user who relies solely on Eldritch Blast? Throw a Helmed Horror at them (who can be immune to three spells chosen by the DM). This in my experience forces some level of creativity and challenge at the players. Looking at character playstyles and thinking of counters to their 'usual' combat strategies can provide a challenge that they don't usually get. So my inclination would be to tailor challenges either to their weaknesses or their holes in strategies. That's just the path I'd try.
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Although for a previous version, it might be worth taking a look at Dungeon Magazine #128 :The Champions belt. It's an adventure specifically set up for arena combat, and contains some useful and still relevant rules (E.g. max height of fly/levitate, allowing people to "tap out" etc.)