I recently unlocked the Stranger Things Starter Set adventure, Hunt for the Thessalhydra. I don't see a suggested PC level anywhere.
The challenge ratings are 1/4, 2, 3, 4.
One of the first encounters could be a CR 3 but if the PCs make a DC 12 Nature or Survival check they avoid the encounter.
The other encounters seem isolated enough where the PCs are going to outnumber the higher CR enemies.
I've run the numbers through an encounter calculator and if there are 4 PCs, level 1 is too low, level 2 will be hard pressed, level 3 seems the best fit, and level 4 will be too easy.
Also, the "hook NPC" gives the party some powerful magic items at the beginning of the adventure, so that could tilt things in the PCs favor.
The Boss Monster at the end is CR 4. For level 2 PCs the encounter would be considered "Deadly." For level 3 PCs the encounter would be "Hard." (All according to a 5E encounter calculator).
If the PCs play it smart, combat could be low (except for the boss fight), so 2nd level HP may not be a problem. I still feel like 3rd level would be the best. Ignore XP and just give them a milestone level up after completing the quest.
Reading the adventure, I'm pretty sure it's for a level 3 party; the end talks about levelling up to level 4 as a suitable reward, implying it only happens once.
BiggusBeardus, did you find the fight too easy for players?
My players walked right over the thesslehydra in less than 2 rounds. 4 players. I mean I have found a tendency that if you don't tweak WoTC adventure encounters players walk right over them but this was far too easy.
Hello, Community!
I recently unlocked the Stranger Things Starter Set adventure, Hunt for the Thessalhydra. I don't see a suggested PC level anywhere.
The challenge ratings are 1/4, 2, 3, 4.
One of the first encounters could be a CR 3 but if the PCs make a DC 12 Nature or Survival check they avoid the encounter.
The other encounters seem isolated enough where the PCs are going to outnumber the higher CR enemies.
I've run the numbers through an encounter calculator and if there are 4 PCs, level 1 is too low, level 2 will be hard pressed, level 3 seems the best fit, and level 4 will be too easy.
Also, the "hook NPC" gives the party some powerful magic items at the beginning of the adventure, so that could tilt things in the PCs favor.
The Boss Monster at the end is CR 4. For level 2 PCs the encounter would be considered "Deadly." For level 3 PCs the encounter would be "Hard." (All according to a 5E encounter calculator).
If the PCs play it smart, combat could be low (except for the boss fight), so 2nd level HP may not be a problem. I still feel like 3rd level would be the best. Ignore XP and just give them a milestone level up after completing the quest.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks in advance!
I think my friend who bought the physical box said the adventure is level 3-5
Reading the adventure, I'm pretty sure it's for a level 3 party; the end talks about levelling up to level 4 as a suitable reward, implying it only happens once.
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Thanks folks!
Level 3 it is!
BiggusBeardus, did you find the fight too easy for players?
My players walked right over the thesslehydra in less than 2 rounds. 4 players. I mean I have found a tendency that if you don't tweak WoTC adventure encounters players walk right over them but this was far too easy.
Rob