Crystal Mines: Scaling

[TheImpossibleDream]

I think that the number of archers can sometimes be far too much. In fact I'd much prefer more melee were added. This is because often times AI's think a like and will all target a single individual at once. I've had high ac/concealed stoneskinned characters knocking back potions like theres no tommorow doing this quest.

Certainly there are spells that can counter this, but a bit of bad luck, or if the archers are spread in a certain manner they will simply kill any caster or casters that make an appearance before they can be fully disabled.

I think the quest would benifit from less archers and more clerics/battlerager/warriors.

[Gennedy]

Just wanted to say that I agree with Never and Ideal about the archer/melee ratio.

[Egon the Monkey]

Consider also that the loot scaling on this is pretty terrible too, as the Crystals are all in boxes not as drops. That means that with a large group you fight more enemies, using more supplies and taking a greater risk, for a smaller reward. Generally the trade off is that a small group takes on a higher risk and supply cost per person in exchange for a bigger share of the loot, and a large, well managed group is safer due to more support, but the loot has to go around more PCs. That holds true for most quests.

On the other hand, Purple Mines is worse in every regard when done with >3 people, and I've always found it a supply and money drain as opposed to a chance to gain some resources. I'd suggest increasing the drops from the Crossbowmen in addition to balancing the mobs. With better drops from the mobs themselves rather than the chests, there's an reward to fighting more enemies that balances out the risk. I agree that the level of firepower that can be flung at you on a large party is excessive. The odds are good on lots of them hitting you, and the Duergar are armed with the sort of Mighty crossbows no PC could ever get his hands on.

[Disco]

Porkolt there is a reason I have not done this quest in several monthes. ;)
Also I have seen some insane spawns on this quest, and I support changing the wide open space with the trap, that area is too inviting to "Lure" The crossbows to you. (Wich is bad) But often you have no other choise, you charge forward, Get taken to near death and have to pull back.

Why not change the layout of the quest to a more "Mine" Feel, more tunnels and such, and ofcourse more melee foes.

[FishyBusiness]

Just have a caster who's going to make them all explode with 3 Fireballs/Scinti spheres and disappear into invis right after.

[Porkolt]

Just taking the time to say that we wtfpwned this quest today with two frontliners and tactical spell usage.

[SlimeTime]

Yep. That's how everyone does it, every reset. It's a walk in the park with 2-3 people, and a firing squad that saps your supplies when you bring more. This is a real shame, as you end up turning people down for the OOC reason of "not wanting to burn up supplies and risk death for next to nothing". I would suggest that the number of shooters be reduced and a new enemy called "Duergar Miner" be added to replace them. These carry a hammer, and spawn for higher CR parties as effectively moving loot chests. They would always drop a Crystal or two, and their presence would mean that loot would scale easily to party size.

[Porkolt]

Actually, the total amount of PCs was 7.

Granted. The frontliners were buffed to shit.

Supply drain was minimal.

[SlimeTime]

"Supply drain was minimal". So, you did walk out with less or little more than you came in with, which makes the whole idea of a mine raid for resources rather counter-productive?

[TheImpossibleDream]

Just taking the time to say I solo'd this quest once while 8 other people picked thier nose in the back. Still was quite draining on supplies!

[Porkolt]

"Supply drain was minimal". So, you did walk out with less or little more than you came in with, which makes the whole idea of a mine raid for resources rather counter-productive?

We ran a profit, if that's what you're asking. I was pleased.

[Bearic]

"Supply drain was minimal". So, you did walk out with less or little more than you came in with, which makes the whole idea of a mine raid for resources rather counter-productive?

 
 A group of about five of us rocked it with tactics and spells. Again, right buffed up, though. Two front liners, and three mages.
 
 I don't think we lost any supplies really, just used the crystals and strategy, so it's not impossible to get a net gain.