I am a semi-beginner DM currently running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, and I have some questions. We are about to begin the chasing encounter chain, but there are some concerns. We play every week, but only 2-2,5 hours due to schedule problems. Given this, the race will surely take up several sessions. Now how do I keep up the fast-paced nature and density of the encounter chain under these circumstances?
My second problem is that there is a great friend of the group who would like to join in on D&D as the fifth party member. He really is passionate and enthusiastic about this, and I really don't want to turn him down. I also don't want to delay him, since he maybe travellers abroad in September to begin University, so I'd like him to play a fair chunk before he'd fly away. Only problem is, I don't really know how I should introduce him in the middle of the campaign.
I am DMing Dragon Heist now, though it seems my group is right behind you. We will begin the chase chain on Tuesday.
1st Problem: Depending on the season of the adventure, you could use an hourglass or a timer showing the players "Hey, you guys have X minutes to complete this encounter before the person gets away, or whatever the situation is. That timer/hourglass will have players RUSHING I promise you and it will always make them feel the fast-paced nature. That being said a timer is different because they can see it, the hourglass has a better effect because they don't know how much time is left. Maybe an hourglass app that you can select how long it should last? Because that's another part of it, how long should the timer be? That also depends on the encounter.
2nd Problem: How did Chapter 3 end for you? For me, I had my players participate in a trial for the events at Gralhund Villa. So if it were me, I would have them be an observer of the trial that admired the people. There are also the following options:
You could have them be a patron of Trollskull Manor/Tavern and want to become a business partner. Obviously, they would have to pay the characters some gp to do so.
You could have [Potential spoiler for anyone who hasn't got to chapter 3 yet. Highlight over it to see what is written] Emmek Frewn's Plan be debunked by this mysterious new character, and the only thing he wants in return is an investment in Trollskull Manor and he befriends the party over time.
You could have one of the faction leaders bring someone from their faction, maybe a player who has struggled with their faction missions. The faction agent says, X person is here to watch over you and help you guys out, because it seems like you need it.
You could have [Potential spoiler for anyone who hasn't got to chapter 3 yet. Highlight over it to see what is written] Barnibus Blastwind or Sergeant Cromley send them to the party as a party of "Supervisor" for the [Potential spoiler for anyone who hasn't got to chapter 3 yet. Highlight over it to see what is written] fireball incident and have it required by law.
You could have one of the familiar faces send them their way. Durnan, Jalester, Obaya, etc. Say hey please look out for this person, they're new to Waterdeep and they don't have anywhere to go, I told them that you would take care of them, then they become buddies.
Hello!
I am a semi-beginner DM currently running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, and I have some questions. We are about to begin the chasing encounter chain, but there are some concerns. We play every week, but only 2-2,5 hours due to schedule problems. Given this, the race will surely take up several sessions. Now how do I keep up the fast-paced nature and density of the encounter chain under these circumstances?
My second problem is that there is a great friend of the group who would like to join in on D&D as the fifth party member. He really is passionate and enthusiastic about this, and I really don't want to turn him down. I also don't want to delay him, since he maybe travellers abroad in September to begin University, so I'd like him to play a fair chunk before he'd fly away. Only problem is, I don't really know how I should introduce him in the middle of the campaign.
I appreciate your answers guys ;)
“I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Return of the King, Gandalf
I am DMing Dragon Heist now, though it seems my group is right behind you. We will begin the chase chain on Tuesday.
1st Problem: Depending on the season of the adventure, you could use an hourglass or a timer showing the players "Hey, you guys have X minutes to complete this encounter before the person gets away, or whatever the situation is. That timer/hourglass will have players RUSHING I promise you and it will always make them feel the fast-paced nature. That being said a timer is different because they can see it, the hourglass has a better effect because they don't know how much time is left. Maybe an hourglass app that you can select how long it should last? Because that's another part of it, how long should the timer be? That also depends on the encounter.
2nd Problem: How did Chapter 3 end for you? For me, I had my players participate in a trial for the events at Gralhund Villa. So if it were me, I would have them be an observer of the trial that admired the people. There are also the following options:
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