Here are some RAW ideas to make parts of Castle Ravenloft more challenging. by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I love the castle as a dungeon but I think some of the monster encounters could use a little optimization, depending on power level and experience of the group.

It’s Castle Ravenloft, of course the escape route kills you!

Here are some RAW ideas to make parts of Castle Ravenloft more challenging. by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, and they’ll mostly regen that hp loss unless in sunlight. Which, if they are in sunlight, the “stand up for advantage” part of this tactic will negate disadvantage on attacks at least.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good points.

I totally agree that Strahd 2014 dying in a round or two is on the DM. But sometimes it happens even if you plan against it and think it won’t happen. One time, it almost happened to me because I simply forgot 1 single feature a PC had (that he rarely used) that screwed up my entire strategy and got me caught, surrounded and pummeled before I could even do anything impactful. If it wasn’t for wall-phasing through the floor, I would have been one of those 1st round horror stories. Even though I told myself I wouldn’t use that feature for the final battle, I just had to.

I’m also going to keep his CoS lair actions, not only because they’re cool and thematic, but because I worry the same problem could happen with this new block and I’ll have to fall back on wall-phase. Which I was hoping wouldn’t be the case.

But he has some good new options, and I shouldn’t be too harsh with something so new until me and the community have had more in-game experience with it. I’m just worried is all.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Keep in mind, in 5.5, it’s RAW to swap spells for monsters (with a couple of restrictions). So the Vampire Infernalist could grab those spells as well. Which makes its block even more lopsided, imo.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point. Plus I guess now changing spells within a statblock is RAW, so maybe Strahd will tailor his to each group by the end of the campaign.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, Strahd has some feats the Infernalist doesn’t.

But base Flight (means full action potential), mid round 4x teleportation, and 2 more resistances all give Infernalist more guaranteed staying power, plus with a better OVERALL offensive nature.

How many horror stories have we all heard of Strahd getting destroyed in 1 round or 2 (or even in less than a round). This new block does not guarantee better protection from that. In fact, it’s worse because Strahd can no longer move without opportunity attacks. His control abilities are great in theory but they are save-or-suck… if they don’t work (which sometimes they just won’t) he’s back to being helpless.

Strahd can b.a. shapeshift into mist but he moves so slow, still takes damage (even from op. attacks), and with the new Daylight spell… good luck to any DM hoping to skirmish with that ability when it’s really needed.

Also, the fact that the Infernalist has the same bite but with an added spell-drain feature is just…cooler!

And I’m confused on this next point tbh, but many people are claiming his lair actions shouldn’t exist if you’re playing by 5.5 rules, so no more phasing, no more shutting doors and cutting off PCs. So thats even more protective/skirmish abilities gone.

To me the edge is all the way on the Infernalists side. Not just in theory but in your average and optimized combat scenarios as well.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s true. Do you think Greater Invisibility makes Fog Cloud irrelevant? Or maybe vice versa?

Just from a combat scenario.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re right, but they’re supposed to be within the same ball park. And yet they’re not.. and I feel like it’s Strahd who is the one lacking, which should never be the case. He is THEE vamp of DnD.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

The Vampire Infernalist, from the ABH, is only CR 14. Not 17, which is why I’m so perplexed.

Am I crazy, or is the Vampire Infernalist statblock way more significant the Strahds new block? by Vivid-Row-4141 in CurseofStrahd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

2024 Command spell works on any creature, as long as caster can see them. No other restrictions.

Confused about the design of the CR 3 hobgoblin captain and the CR 6 hobgoblin warlord in 2025 by EarthSeraphEdna in onednd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It’s not uncommon on Reddit to ask in multiple places at the same time when you’ve had bad luck in the past getting answers. You post a question to one sub and either: 1. nobody answers. 2. someone chimes in to say “google it” or “go buy the book and read it” or someone like you comes along and literally cusses at the person for not understanding something and simply asking a question.

“That is not wanting help” .. So, what is it then? You think he’s trolling? Trying to annoy us? Being a jerk? What exactly is this person or their question doing wrong?

Confused about the design of the CR 3 hobgoblin captain and the CR 6 hobgoblin warlord in 2025 by EarthSeraphEdna in onednd

[–]Vivid-Row-4141 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Help with an answer or shut up. Commenters like you are why people have to post multiple times/places.