Encounter Testing

While getting use to the systems, and eager to test out a few random encounters I have. I made a trio of characters to test out things, a mix of everything (except brawn) and been playing though the early level encounters that can occur in the sewers.

The first was 4 dire rats, and it went as expected. Two of the three were diseased, but no real damage was done.

Shit hit the fan when I decide to test out the cockroaches. 6 giant cockroaches versus three adventures... and it was tough. Everyone was knocked down to 2-3 HP and the thief was unconscious. The big thing the cockroaches had on there side was each having 7+ HP and being Die Hard. They will always be at 0 before they die, and that gives each one a last attempt to attack before they die. And I fudge the Die Hard feat since it seems awkward (that is if I read it correctly)... I don't see a cockroach staggering till he reaches -18 HP. So, for creatures and encounters... I'll be treating Die Hard differently... with any blow taking the creature below 0, just takes it to 0 and staggers.

Also, another thing I learn is the cleric's Channel Energy ability. It affects everything within the area... be it friend or foe, living or dead. The user can declare if he/she is affected by it as well. Making my cleric's Channel Negative Energy ability a last ditch ability, unless she's separated from the party. This also makes the other channel feats (like Selective Channeling) pretty useful. But still... 1d6 damage to everything within 30' of a person is a nasty ability at first level.

Last, learning the importance of shakening enemies is important. Let alone, it stacks with frightening and panicking conditions. Plus, growing more familiar with the different conditions, and does make things a bit simpler.