# BOSS BATTLES

Battles against powerful bosses are probably the most iconic element of the JRPG games Fabula Ultima draws inspiration from.

## Core Elements

### Challenging

Most boss battles should be hard, thus involving soldiers equal to the number of Player Characters plus one, or any equivalent combination of soldiers, champions, and elites. You can always opt for a single champion that tackles the entire group of heroes all at once — maybe a colossal creature such as a dragon or a massive robot!

### Ultima Points

Any foe worthy of being considered a boss should probably be treated at least as a minor Villain and given a pool of Ultima Points (see page 101).

### Multiple Parts

This type of battle always works well! Create a boss whose “main body” is an elite or champion enemy, and whose “limbs” are soldiers. You might also give the main body the ability to regenerate destroyed limbs by spending an Ultima Point!

- Example: A giant crab enemy with a central body (champion 2) and two pincers (soldiers) can be an interesting fight for a group of three heroes.

Another nice touch is to have these limbs engage the heroes in different ways, with "defensive limbs" blocking the path to the creature's main body and "magic limbs" that can cast offensive and defensive spells.

Back to the previous example: The massive right pincer has lots of Hit Points and can use the Guardian's Protect Skill (page 197). The left pincer is encrusted with jewels and can cast ice and lightning spells.

The advantage of multi-part bosses is that Player Characters can approach the battle in different ways and get a tangible sense of progress as they slowly but surely reduce the enemy's effectiveness by destroying or blocking different limbs.