I may be getting ahead of myself, as we haven't started the campaign yet. This is my first time in the FR setting, I played 2nd edition in Greyhawk a bunch. I like to give players agency, and build tension in the group by having a few threads to follow up. We will kick off near Candlekeep, with some dragon scholars in the group. I tend to play fast and loose with prewritten adventures, but it has been a few decades since I've run a campaign. Lining up the basics for starting them off into Sunless Citadel and at least the first 3 episodes of Hoard of the Dragon Queen. From there I like the drama of tension in the Cult of the Dragon between the old guard necromantic and the new and then tossing in others devoted to Tiamat with the Wyrmlords from RHoD. Misty Vale is a long way away, per the Adventure and other things I've found from 3.5 that is where Elsir Vale fits best.
In one way, after episode 3 of HotDQ there is a long journey to the north, so giving an option of a long journey to the east could be interesting. In addition, that journey could provide the time needed to level up to 5-6 (there are 5 players Monk (from Candlekeep), Wizard, Ranger, Druid, and undecided leaning Rogue).
But, I was thinking of keeping it closer, and there is a Skull Gorge on the map of Sword Coast. Could I fit the Vale in near Berdusk or Iriabor? Or perhaps continue with Episode 4 and let them travel north and have to decide on which path to track down up there between the Hoard quest and new RHoD info?
Any Realms Scholars care to weigh in?
I have tons of time, but want to start seeding the clues (like magic items the players don't always find them).
Thanks!
Jon
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I may be getting ahead of myself, as we haven't started the campaign yet. This is my first time in the FR setting, I played 2nd edition in Greyhawk a bunch. I like to give players agency, and build tension in the group by having a few threads to follow up. We will kick off near Candlekeep, with some dragon scholars in the group. I tend to play fast and loose with prewritten adventures, but it has been a few decades since I've run a campaign. Lining up the basics for starting them off into Sunless Citadel and at least the first 3 episodes of Hoard of the Dragon Queen. From there I like the drama of tension in the Cult of the Dragon between the old guard necromantic and the new and then tossing in others devoted to Tiamat with the Wyrmlords from RHoD. Misty Vale is a long way away, per the Adventure and other things I've found from 3.5 that is where Elsir Vale fits best.
In one way, after episode 3 of HotDQ there is a long journey to the north, so giving an option of a long journey to the east could be interesting. In addition, that journey could provide the time needed to level up to 5-6 (there are 5 players Monk (from Candlekeep), Wizard, Ranger, Druid, and undecided leaning Rogue).
But, I was thinking of keeping it closer, and there is a Skull Gorge on the map of Sword Coast. Could I fit the Vale in near Berdusk or Iriabor? Or perhaps continue with Episode 4 and let them travel north and have to decide on which path to track down up there between the Hoard quest and new RHoD info?
Any Realms Scholars care to weigh in?
I have tons of time, but want to start seeding the clues (like magic items the players don't always find them).
Thanks!
Jon