Page 59 - At the Conflict’s End

The more I think about this encounter, the better it sounds. Throwing an already wounded creature at the players sounds like a short battle (and most of the time, it will be), but it has the potential to lead to very interesting roleplaying.

That’s assuming an ideal scenario, though, one in which the players don’t 1) derail the encounter entirely or 2) over-analyze the situation.

DM: The Manticore reluctantly reveals an unnatural black thorn sticking out of its body.
Fluttershy: Poor thing! I try to remove it and dress the wound.
DM: You can do that. I won’t even ask for a Heal check.
Rarity: Isn’t that just like a megalomaniacal goddess? Provoking a beast instead of attacking us directly?
Rainbow Dash: “Poor thing”…?
Twilight Sparkle: That explains why it got bloodied so quickly.
Applejack: Huh. Didn’t expect the random encounter to have a backstory.
Pinkie Pie: What a twist!
Fluttershy: Um, barbarian lady? Sorry for stopping the fight. I know you wanted to beat this thing. Next time, I’ll stay out of your way. I promise.
Rainbow Dash: Whatever. You saved me a Daily, so there’s that. …But sure, thanks.