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Encounter Balance

Encounter Balance

Use these guidelines to ensure Stage 4 is challenging but fair. For full threat-building mechanics, see AX.C.14.02.

Party Power Budget

Calculate the party's total attribute dice:

  • Add Body + Speed + Wit for each PC
  • This total is the party's power budget

Example: 4 PCs each built on a 9D package = 36D party power

Enemy Power Budget

Encounter Intensity Enemy Dice Total
Balanced 80–100% of party power
Challenging 100–120% of party power
Deadly 120–150% of party power

Action Economy

Count actions available to each side:

  • Each PC = 1 action per round
  • Each enemy = 1 action per round

Guideline: Enemy actions at 60–100% of PC actions keeps combat competitive without overwhelming the party.

Example: 4 PCs = 4 actions. A strong enemy mix: 1 Elite (weighted as ~1.5 actions) + 2 Minions (1 action each) = 3.5 actions.

Boss Fights

For a dramatic Stage 4 centerpiece:

  • 1 Champion (11-13D) as the primary threat
  • 2–4 Minions (3-4D) for action economy pressure
  • OR 1–2 Standard (5-7D) threats as more dangerous support

Environmental Factors: Add approximately 20% to enemy effective power if the environment heavily favors them.