Bring the shock, awe, and depth to gargantuan beasts that they command.
We all desperately crave the boss monster moment. When we pull out the miniature bigger than our heads and slam it down on the table. The players go wild. One of them is screaming while ripping out chunks of hair. One is vomiting in their dice bag in the corner. One is lighting the map on fire. You sit back and cross your arms, a satisfied grin creeping across your face as the chaos grows.
Okay, maybe that’s a little much.
But in order to get this kind of grand reaction, there’s a little leg work we have to do. If we don’t, people will get a little excited. Then they’ll run up and start swinging. Then 4 hours later, they strike it down. Or, maybe you made it real tough, in which case they can’t hurt it, get frustrated, and die. Also not fun. In this episode, we cover some planning you can do to ensure your boss-monster fight lives on forever as an epic moment.
In Moradin’s Forge, we start with why. There are three main scenarios of incredibly large monster fights that identify why we would include them in our games in the first place. They can exist on their own, or in succession if you use the monster as an entire adventure or campaign. With each, we discuss themes, approaches, and key moments.
Scenario 1: It’s a force of nature - “Don’t fight, just survive”
Scenario 2: It’s impossible odds - “Your attacks aren’t effective… but there might be a way”
Scenario 3: It’s a terrifying obstacle - “It’s powerful, but with your powers combined”
Then we get into a checklist of elements to include in your prep for maximum impact.
Create a ticking clock
Identify the party goal
Define the collateral
Define the devices for success
Define the alternatives and choices
Intro your scale
Plan for approach
Define the tactics, environment, and stakes of combat stages
With that, you should be pretty well equipped. If not, join us for our next episode where we drill down into the story beats and combat stages of each scenario, so you have no shortage of inspiration for your own nasty giants.
As always, huge thanks to the kaiju-sized support of our patrons for making this episode a reality.
Steve A., Sigma, Kuraidoscope, Skyler E., Deadman, Ninja Duckie, PseuArt, Blackthorne, First Law, Peacockdreams, DM Thunderbum, Marley R., Timewarp, Dangerous Marmalade, Zach G., NoMaam, Michelle T., Adlerious, Chris F., The Senate, Lucas D., Lyla G., The GM Tim, Nevermour, Thomas W., DM Natske, Heavyarms, Leprecan, and Will H-P.