So I definitely have problems with this format, but I LOVE the idea of making it so that bosses etc aren’t loot pinatas. Here is my suggestion for a possible format for future boss encounters.
PvE siege.
You already have locations set out that we must gain control over, so use this to our advantage and set up a WvW type format for bosses. Example:
The Shatterer-
Setup an “Attack Zone”: Anything in those zone is subject to the effects of the event mobs. Aka, NPC’s can be killed and need to be kept alive, etc.
Setup 3 outposts (there is already one): Each outpost gives out a set amount of weapon supply. However you must maintain control of these outposts to have access to that weapon supply. If you lose an outpost, the supply is destroyed and has to be replenished after you retake it.
Make 3 Supply “Trains”: These are escorts that bring supply into the Outposts, one Escort per Outpost. They bring the Supply in from outside the Attack Zone, and must be defended so they can reach the Outposts.
Have prebuilt weapons that require supply placed in strategic spots. If damaged, they must be fixed, or rebuilt using weapon supply. Also these weapons would consume supply when used. Make it so there are a LARGE NUMBER of these weapons. These would be the primary source of damage to The Shatter. Lets face it, when he SHOULD be able to snuff you out with a flick of his toe, then running up and hitting 1 repeatedly probably shouldn’t work, ijs.
Have some boss mechanics that endanger local zones. Instead of mechanics targeted at killing individual players, have mechanics that target the necessary establishments. Dragons in particular are supposed to be smart. They would just send out waves over and over, they would try to hit where it counts. Sending earthquakes to damage weapons. Breathing fire at the Outposts… things like that. With this kind of mechanic, it wouldn’t even need to be in a static position! You could have it flying, making the weapons work more enjoyable….
Using this format:
Several people would be able to do damage (via weapons)
Coordination would be required.
Small teams could protect Escorts.
Medium to large teams could protect the Outposts, and protect the weapons and the players manning them.
Individuals could man the siege weapons, and protect them. They could also run supply from the outposts to the weapons.
Since a large part of the event would be protecting things from the Shatterers minions, it would be entirely scale-able, so that either large or small groups could do it successfully, but that all groups regardless of size would need to be coordinated in order to keep supply coming in, and keep the weapons working.
Killing super large bosses should never be about how much damage YOU can do to the bosses toenail. It SHOULD be about how well you work as a group. No war was ever one because one person had the best gun. Wars are won by completing a bunch of tasks as a united force.