Page 378 - Exponential Escalation

Ideally, a combat encounter should find that sweet spot just outside the players’ comfort zone, just beyond their ability to lock down threats, but not so far as to completely overwhelm them.

Said sweet spot can be somewhat easier to find when you have the magical power to upgrade your creatures and provide reinforcements on the fly while saying, “Yeah, that was totally how they were designed all along.”

PM: Some smaller timberwolves come out of the forest to help the big one!
Applejack: Alright, here’s the plan. Take out the support, and then focus on the big guy!
Fluttershy: Okay…
Applejack: I charge and use Marauder’s Rush! <roll> 24 vs. AC!
PM: Bam! The timberwolf explodes into a flurry of sticks and stuff!
Applejack: Ah, they’re minions. This should be pretty quick.
PM: Ooh, but then the sticks glow with the power of nature. The spare wood and spirit energy merge with the big timberwolf. They seem to be strengthening it!
Applejack: Consarn it!
PM: And more timberwolves come out of the forest!
Applejack: Aw, COME ON!
Fluttershy: So, um, what’s Plan B?