I recently started getting back into D&D and I picked up the Candlekeep Mysteries that was recently released to run for a few friends. I had just been creating small dungeons to play through while we learned / relearned D&D and specifically the 5e rules. Properly creating an encounter than isn't too weak, or wipe worthy has been interesting to say the least as CR level doesn't always align the way you think it might.
Anyhow, I was looking at the first level module and I read through the adventure, but nowhere does it specify the expected group size. My group is in flux as we try to get a good group that is up for playing at a specific consistency. So, I was trying to figure out how many people we should have, but it doesn't say.
I suspect, I just need to "work with what I have" and adjust accordingly, but would definitely love some advice from seasoned DMs here.
Thanks.
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Info, Inflow, Overload. Knowledge Black Hole Imminent!
My recommendation is to make your encounters "flexible". Meaning, outline a basic encounter with an appropriate CR for the party level, and then give yourself some resources to scale the difficulty on the fly. For example, if the encounter is fighting a Bugbear, then there can be Goblin minions hiding in the shadows, or traps hidden within the room. If the party comes in too hot, then goblins can start to trickle in, but if the party is struggling, the goblins never show up.
Players don't know what lives within the "Fog of War", so fill it with possibilities.
Also, take a look at monsters with Lair Actions and Mythic Actions. These traits can be modified and reskinned onto any monster/encounter to create a dynamic and adaptable experience.
Hello all,
I recently started getting back into D&D and I picked up the Candlekeep Mysteries that was recently released to run for a few friends. I had just been creating small dungeons to play through while we learned / relearned D&D and specifically the 5e rules. Properly creating an encounter than isn't too weak, or wipe worthy has been interesting to say the least as CR level doesn't always align the way you think it might.
Anyhow, I was looking at the first level module and I read through the adventure, but nowhere does it specify the expected group size. My group is in flux as we try to get a good group that is up for playing at a specific consistency. So, I was trying to figure out how many people we should have, but it doesn't say.
I suspect, I just need to "work with what I have" and adjust accordingly, but would definitely love some advice from seasoned DMs here.
Thanks.
Info, Inflow, Overload. Knowledge Black Hole Imminent!
A "Standard" group tends to be 4 - 6 players.
My recommendation is to make your encounters "flexible". Meaning, outline a basic encounter with an appropriate CR for the party level, and then give yourself some resources to scale the difficulty on the fly. For example, if the encounter is fighting a Bugbear, then there can be Goblin minions hiding in the shadows, or traps hidden within the room. If the party comes in too hot, then goblins can start to trickle in, but if the party is struggling, the goblins never show up.
Players don't know what lives within the "Fog of War", so fill it with possibilities.
Also, take a look at monsters with Lair Actions and Mythic Actions. These traits can be modified and reskinned onto any monster/encounter to create a dynamic and adaptable experience.
In the beginning of the book under the useing the book section it says four to six players.
This adventure, from what little I read, does seem to be very easy to modify for number of players which is nice.