So, I am about to start running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist and am a little nervous as I have never tried to run one quite like this. I have two questions...
1) I am guessing that I will only have three players, do I really even need to scale encounters? They seem fairly easy from the get go.
2) In Chapter 2, I see the suggested encounters for the various factions. Is the idea that, basically, the characters should Join a few factions, complete the first assignments, decide how involved they want to get in the manor and level up? Or are they supposed to do more than just the first assignments per faction joined?
About to start running it myself so can’t speak from experience. Considering it’s more toward role play, and plenty of encounters involve guards or even potential faction aid, you should be good. Just be prepared to adjust things accordingly if something ends up being more difficult than you were planning, lower some HP, remove a multi attack, etc.
As for the second chapter, it is primarily designed around the factions and manor, if they’re interested. Mostly, it’s just a down period to explore the city and do stuff before the main plot of the adventure sweeps them up. Players could decide they don’t want anything to do with the factions, or running a business. In which case you can always introduce a short little adventure for them to do instead, either made up or from another module. Give them time to repair the manor/explore their surroundings should they wish while you Introduce the factions that make sense for them/that you want to include, see if they’re interested, and go from there. You can even have them do a second faction mission after they reach level 3 but before the fireball event if they’re really interested in the faction (or made up ones). You’re call. Look at the holidays celebrated for extra inspiration for stuff they can do. For example, when I run it, the Day of Plowing and Running will take place during this period, so even if my party doesn’t join a faction or two, they have the races they can take part in to have some fun and maybe win some prizes. Little things like that to give them stuff to do before reaching level 3 when things get serious.
That's a good idea to watch a run through, Mergon. Thank you mightyReborn, that solidifies what I thought was the case. Not used to making up things on the fly, so I will prepare something, just in case.
I appreciate your help!
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"Shadow Hide You..."
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So, I am about to start running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist and am a little nervous as I have never tried to run one quite like this. I have two questions...
1) I am guessing that I will only have three players, do I really even need to scale encounters? They seem fairly easy from the get go.
2) In Chapter 2, I see the suggested encounters for the various factions. Is the idea that, basically, the characters should Join a few factions, complete the first assignments, decide how involved they want to get in the manor and level up? Or are they supposed to do more than just the first assignments per faction joined?
Thank you for your help!
"Shadow Hide You..."
About to start running it myself so can’t speak from experience. Considering it’s more toward role play, and plenty of encounters involve guards or even potential faction aid, you should be good. Just be prepared to adjust things accordingly if something ends up being more difficult than you were planning, lower some HP, remove a multi attack, etc.
As for the second chapter, it is primarily designed around the factions and manor, if they’re interested. Mostly, it’s just a down period to explore the city and do stuff before the main plot of the adventure sweeps them up. Players could decide they don’t want anything to do with the factions, or running a business. In which case you can always introduce a short little adventure for them to do instead, either made up or from another module. Give them time to repair the manor/explore their surroundings should they wish while you Introduce the factions that make sense for them/that you want to include, see if they’re interested, and go from there. You can even have them do a second faction mission after they reach level 3 but before the fireball event if they’re really interested in the faction (or made up ones). You’re call. Look at the holidays celebrated for extra inspiration for stuff they can do. For example, when I run it, the Day of Plowing and Running will take place during this period, so even if my party doesn’t join a faction or two, they have the races they can take part in to have some fun and maybe win some prizes. Little things like that to give them stuff to do before reaching level 3 when things get serious.
You may want to watch a few of the streamed Dragon Heist sessions on Youtube to get a feel for it.
Watch your back, conserve your ammo,
and NEVER cut a deal with a dragon!
That's a good idea to watch a run through, Mergon. Thank you mightyReborn, that solidifies what I thought was the case. Not used to making up things on the fly, so I will prepare something, just in case.
I appreciate your help!
"Shadow Hide You..."