i'm a new dm with new players, running the lost mines of phandelver. my players have decided to go to thundertree first, but the book hasn't really mentioned how far it is from phandalin (unless i've missed something and if so, correct me!). i'm wondering how many encounters would be accurate based on the travel distance that i don't know.
i'm also wondering how i could best direct my players to a different side quest first, as i've heard that the venomfang encounter could easily end in a tpk, epescially as i only have three, lvl 3 players.
If they end up going to Venomfang anyway and one of the PCs goes unconscious, have Venomfang ransom them back to the party or have them go on a side quest to bring back treasure. Venomfang is intelligent and cunning, not just a brutal monster.
edit:
Have Reidoth give them extra warning about Venomfang.
second edit:
after looking at the map, Thundertree is about 60 miles from Phandalin. At a normal travel speed, the PCs can go about 24 miles per day.
The map on page 5 lets you calculate it (each hex is 5 miles). Its like 2-3 days of travel, depending on the PC's pace. You could try to guide them towards the quest the cleric lady of luck gives out (the potions as a reward is pretty enticing).
i'm a new dm with new players, running the lost mines of phandelver. my players have decided to go to thundertree first, but the book hasn't really mentioned how far it is from phandalin (unless i've missed something and if so, correct me!). i'm wondering how many encounters would be accurate based on the travel distance that i don't know.
i'm also wondering how i could best direct my players to a different side quest first, as i've heard that the venomfang encounter could easily end in a tpk, epescially as i only have three, lvl 3 players.
thanks in advance for any advice!
If they end up going to Venomfang anyway and one of the PCs goes unconscious, have Venomfang ransom them back to the party or have them go on a side quest to bring back treasure. Venomfang is intelligent and cunning, not just a brutal monster.
edit:
Have Reidoth give them extra warning about Venomfang.
second edit:
after looking at the map, Thundertree is about 60 miles from Phandalin. At a normal travel speed, the PCs can go about 24 miles per day.
The map on page 5 lets you calculate it (each hex is 5 miles). Its like 2-3 days of travel, depending on the PC's pace. You could try to guide them towards the quest the cleric lady of luck gives out (the potions as a reward is pretty enticing).
thank you for the tips!