[JMason]

I do many of the thing that folks here have suggested. But frankly, it a log of *gosh darn* work! Along with making maps, stocking loot, setting traps, stating inanimate object (doors, chests), etc, etc...

My "beer and pretzels" DF game take by FAR more prep than just about any other sort of game I've run over the past few decades.

So... I want a cheat sheet! I want a quicker way to figure out what to throw at my party... that won't just be a walk in the park, or just outright slaughter them.

And while formula systems like "It's a Threat" might help... I'd like to see something dig a bit deeper. What does it mean to combine a PC with very high damage, one with very high defense, one with mind control powers, etc. And the biggest question... how do you have a variety of encounters that can challenge that group w/o them all feeling the same?