The Tiers of play are a nearly universal gauge of power level in the world of
Ullthwaygon mostly regardless of roleplaying system. As a rule, things will get hard for players to fight through and DMs to run the further down the list they travel. However, this come with the all so tantalising increase in power that many people crave.
It is recommended that you start your campaigns somewhere around Tier 1 or 2 for most campaigns. Anything higher than is only recommended for people who are familiar with the world or worlds that use this system.
| Tier |
D&D Level |
Example Opponents |
Standard Play
| Tier I |
1-3 |
Dire Wolf |
| Tier II |
4-7 |
Nillbrin Hunter, Forest Trakken, Stoneskin Basilisk |
| Tier III |
8-11 |
Angler Fesh, Gongaloid |
| Tier IV |
12-15 |
Stone Medusa, Cavvannar |
| Tier V |
16-20 |
Grand Dragon, Drellhoon |
| Tier VI |
20+ |
Tarrasque, Huwill, Ancient Medusa |
Advanced Play
| Tier VI |
20-24 |
Tarrasque, Huwill, Ancient Medusa |
| Tier VII |
25-27 |
Karma Knight |
| Tier VIII |
28-31 |
Thrastador, Darkannar |
| Tier IX |
32-35 |
Iron Angel, Antithrall |
| Tier X |
36-40 |
Candle Fish, Enray |
Prestige Play
| Endgame |
40+ |
Ettranola, Canthragon |
Monster Progression
As you start to face tougher and tougher monsters will start to gain powerful new abilities. These are a general outlook on the ways in which they progress. They will always be exceptions to these rules, such as some creatures having access to executions earlier than others.
Tier 2+
Death Rattle
Creatures may use more powerful attacks when they are reduced to low hitpoints.
Tier 3+
Stances
Creatures are able to make use of stances to change up their attacks each turn. This can allow them to do things such as increase their accuracy or bolstering their defence. Stances will usually be telegraphed upon selection.
Tier 4+
Executions
Creatures are able to use executions to dispatch their foe quickly under the right circumstances. Executions can only be performed once a target has fallen below a certain hitpoint threshold. But they do not allow for any death saving throws and will kill a character outright. More information can be found on its rule page.
Tier 5+
Focused Strikes
Creatures can use focused attacks to strike at characters weak points. Focused attacks allow for either almost guaranteed hits or ones that specifically target a character's weaknesses or vulnerabilities.
Tier 6+
Unending Fury
Creatures will be required to be Executed in the correct fashion in order to be defeated or they will keep fighting on indefinitely. For very powerful creatures this may also have to be done between stages. You will gain access to powerful executions as you gain in levels depending on your class and equipment. Though special equipment and/or circumstances may be required for certain creatures.
Tier 7+
Lethality
If you are lucky enough to get to this stage you will finally come across opponents that can put a stop to even the greatest heroes with a simple few strokes. Creatures with Lethality are able to deal with attacks with such precision or devastation that they can incapacitate an opponent after a certain number of direct hits, regardless of their health.
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