I'm a new dungeon master, so I'm not really sure about the consequences of skipping a side quest, but to me reading through it seems like this encounter is kind of unnecessary and out of the way. If we're doing milestone leveling up based on each part can I just move on without it? It doesn't seem like it would affect the plot too much. Thoughts?
You can do whatever you want. As you stated, it is not integral to the "main story". If you have DoIP you can easily sub in some stuff instead. Else, since it is a side quest, it is not needed to "finish" the module.
That said, depending on the size of the party, you'll want them to be going into WEC at level 4-5. If you like, you can warm up your "chops" on doing a quick lil five room cave/dungeon off as a sub.
If you think there is anything the party might need in the encounter, move it. ;)
I'm a new dungeon master, so I'm not really sure about the consequences of skipping a side quest, but to me reading through it seems like this encounter is kind of unnecessary and out of the way. If we're doing milestone leveling up based on each part can I just move on without it? It doesn't seem like it would affect the plot too much. Thoughts?
You can do whatever you want. As you stated, it is not integral to the "main story". If you have DoIP you can easily sub in some stuff instead. Else, since it is a side quest, it is not needed to "finish" the module.
That said, depending on the size of the party, you'll want them to be going into WEC at level 4-5. If you like, you can warm up your "chops" on doing a quick lil five room cave/dungeon off as a sub.
If you think there is anything the party might need in the encounter, move it. ;)
Yes.