We've been playing DIA for a while now, and we're still in Baldurs Gate. I've learned a few lessons as a DM whilst running this adventure, it's my first pre written module we've played. We don't have the same hype at the end of a session as we used to, everything feels like the players have just scraped through the session but not in a fun way. I'm doing some overhauls myself, will change up encounters, shorten down the "go here, then speak to this person to then go there, who will tell you where next to go", cos that's a bit lame. So with the faults of chapter 1 aside, I have a big question that I think will scope out the rest of the campaign;
Do I introduce Lulu? I'm not sure how my characters will react to an NPC joining the party full time and feeling like they are baby sitting. Lulu is also a bit lame, everything is dark and gritty, then this flying miniature elephant who's all about the whimsy wants to follow them around. I know Lulu is key to the narrative, so I'm think of a couple of options here,
When they meet slobberchops, see if they take a liking to him. If they naturally adopt him, then he can be a background NPC who starts remembering things when he visits the wizards tower (ie taking Lulu's place), and build in some back story as to how the Vanthampurs pet was actually once Zariels companion.
If they don't warm to him, then have a sentient trinket found in the wizards tower. I did originally think the shield they pick up in the Dukes basement, but that has it's own story already.
The players disliked Reya, she stole the show by killing stuff left right and centre, so when she was downed, they left her to die rather than rescue her (the party were split on whether they could trust her or not!). This, plus Amrik temporarily aiding the party and another NPC earlier, I think the players are being put off by NPCs joining them now.
Will I make things harder for myself in ignoring Lulu from the story?
Hi there. I was so happy to see your post and then disappointed that there are no replies.
I am currently in the same boat that you were on when you wrote it. My party has just cleared out the Vanthampurs and my paladin has taken a liking to Slobberchops, so I let him keep her as a companion.
I wonder, if you wouldn't mind, what did you end up doing about Lulu and how did it work out for you?
I deleted Lulu from the adventure. Way too cutesy and unnecessary.
There's a great resource on DMGsguild that aids in running in DESCENT and it specifically provides guidance on removing Lulu and how to apportion her role of disseminating info to other NPCs and creatures.
Hey guys,
We've been playing DIA for a while now, and we're still in Baldurs Gate. I've learned a few lessons as a DM whilst running this adventure, it's my first pre written module we've played. We don't have the same hype at the end of a session as we used to, everything feels like the players have just scraped through the session but not in a fun way. I'm doing some overhauls myself, will change up encounters, shorten down the "go here, then speak to this person to then go there, who will tell you where next to go", cos that's a bit lame. So with the faults of chapter 1 aside, I have a big question that I think will scope out the rest of the campaign;
Do I introduce Lulu? I'm not sure how my characters will react to an NPC joining the party full time and feeling like they are baby sitting. Lulu is also a bit lame, everything is dark and gritty, then this flying miniature elephant who's all about the whimsy wants to follow them around. I know Lulu is key to the narrative, so I'm think of a couple of options here,
When they meet slobberchops, see if they take a liking to him. If they naturally adopt him, then he can be a background NPC who starts remembering things when he visits the wizards tower (ie taking Lulu's place), and build in some back story as to how the Vanthampurs pet was actually once Zariels companion.
If they don't warm to him, then have a sentient trinket found in the wizards tower. I did originally think the shield they pick up in the Dukes basement, but that has it's own story already.
The players disliked Reya, she stole the show by killing stuff left right and centre, so when she was downed, they left her to die rather than rescue her (the party were split on whether they could trust her or not!). This, plus Amrik temporarily aiding the party and another NPC earlier, I think the players are being put off by NPCs joining them now.
Will I make things harder for myself in ignoring Lulu from the story?
Hi there. I was so happy to see your post and then disappointed that there are no replies.
I am currently in the same boat that you were on when you wrote it. My party has just cleared out the Vanthampurs and my paladin has taken a liking to Slobberchops, so I let him keep her as a companion.
I wonder, if you wouldn't mind, what did you end up doing about Lulu and how did it work out for you?
I deleted Lulu from the adventure. Way too cutesy and unnecessary.
There's a great resource on DMGsguild that aids in running in DESCENT and it specifically provides guidance on removing Lulu and how to apportion her role of disseminating info to other NPCs and creatures.
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/290303/Elturel-Has-Fallen--a-Baldurs-Gate-Descent-into-Avernus-DMs-Resource-maps-advice-cheatsheets
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/292061/Avernus--a-Baldurs-Gate-Descent-into-Avernus-DMs-Resource-maps-advice-cheatsheet