Adversity Ratio (AR)
The Adversity Ratio (AR) determines the number of creatures that can face one or more player characters (PCs) of the same level during an encounter and is noted as follows:
AR = number of PCs / number of creatures
A Dragon with an adversity ratio of 4/1 indicates that it takes 4 PCs of the same level as the Dragon to fight just one.
Base Ratio
The Base Ratio is defined based on the creature's size and power indicator.
| Size | Standard Creatures | Boss or Mini-Boss (HP) |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 1 PC for 3 creatures (1/3) | N/A |
| Small | 1 PC for 2 creatures (1/2) | N/A |
| Medium | 1 PC for 1 creature (1/1) | 2 PCs for 1 creature (2/1) |
| Large | 2 PCs for 1 creature (2/1) | 3 PCs for 1 creature (3/1) |
| Huge | N/A | 4 PCs for 1 creature (4/1) |
| Titanic | N/A | 5 PCs for 1 creature (5/1) |
Ratio Adjustment
The Base Ratio can be adjusted based on the sum of the creature's base characteristics.
| Power | Sum of Characteristics | Ratio Modification |
|---|---|---|
| Weak | 2 or less | Add 1 creature or remove 1 PC |
| Balanced | Between 3 and 9 | Ratio unchanged |
| Strong | 10 or more | Remove 1 creature or add 1 PC |
If a group of PCs faces a Medium-sized Boss, the base ratio would therefore be 2/1 (2 PCs per 1 creature).
However, since the sum of its base characteristics is 12, the ratio is adjusted to 3/1 (3 PCs per 1 creature), making the fight more balanced.
Impact on Abilities
When a creature has an Adversity Ratio (AR) of 2/1 or higher, it is recommended that this creature possesses special abilities to attack or control multiple opponents simultaneously.
The higher the Adversity Ratio (AR), the more significant the area of effect should be.
For example, a Dragon (AR 3/1) should have a Fire Breath ability capable of targeting 3 characters facing it.
However, ensure to balance these powers with clear usage limitations or exploitable weaknesses, thus maintaining the balance of the encounter.
Frost Aura | C - MA - 5m: The creature emits a chilling aura that halves the speed of opponents within range during their next turn of action and inflicts 1d4 cold damage at the start of the creature's turn to those who fail a Constitution (CON) save of difficulty 12. This effect lasts for 2 turns.
Limitation: 3 / Encounter