Mixing
What should I do (If anything) to prevent my players from rushing to the end of the Lost Mine of Phandelver...
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}
$begingroup$
I'm running the Lost Mine of Phandelver Starter Set adventure for a group of players ranging from "new to the game" to "experienced veterans". We finished Session 1 last week and they have captured a goblin who is willing to divulge information to them in Session 2.
I noticed, on the PDF, that one of the things the Goblins can do is "Tell them how to go directly to Cragmaw Keep". (I did double check - it's specifically the Keep, not the hideout)
I've only played the campaign once, but my understanding is that Cragmaw is an end-game location they shouldn't be attempting to take until they're much higher level, and I'm worried once they hear that Gundren (the main quest-giver) is being held there, they will immediately bolt off in that direction to mount a rescue.
Then again - I don't want to railroad the players, and if they really want to head in that direction I don't want to stop them from doing so.
How should I handle this situation, where a piece of information could lead my party into an encounter that I don't think they can win?
dnd-5e gm-techniques published-adventures lost-mine-of-phandelver
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
$endgroup$
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
I'm running the Lost Mine of Phandelver Starter Set adventure for a group of players ranging from "new to the game" to "experienced veterans". We finished Session 1 last week and they have captured a goblin who is willing to divulge information to them in Session 2.
I noticed, on the PDF, that one of the things the Goblins can do is "Tell them how to go directly to Cragmaw Keep". (I did double check - it's specifically the Keep, not the hideout)
I've only played the campaign once, but my understanding is that Cragmaw is an end-game location they shouldn't be attempting to take until they're much higher level, and I'm worried once they hear that Gundren (the main quest-giver) is being held there, they will immediately bolt off in that direction to mount a rescue.
Then again - I don't want to railroad the players, and if they really want to head in that direction I don't want to stop them from doing so.
How should I handle this situation, where a piece of information could lead my party into an encounter that I don't think they can win?
dnd-5e gm-techniques published-adventures lost-mine-of-phandelver
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
dies it say cragmaw keep or cragmaw hideout, they are two different locations, goblins are using the hideout
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:05
$begingroup$
@John I think it's Cragmaw Keep, but I will need to check and make sure I haven't misread the location's name.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 30 at 15:29
1
$begingroup$
This question isn't the same as yours, but some of the answers may be helpful if your main concern is that the players won't be leveled up enough to handle Cragmaw: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/138736/…
$endgroup$
– Isaac Lyman
Jan 30 at 17:36
1
$begingroup$
Kill them all :-)
$endgroup$
– Carl Witthoft
Jan 30 at 18:58
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast I’m not sure how to kill it… It should have died a long time ago, but it looks like having a description saved it. Might be necessary to discuss on meta.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Jan 31 at 0:06
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
I'm running the Lost Mine of Phandelver Starter Set adventure for a group of players ranging from "new to the game" to "experienced veterans". We finished Session 1 last week and they have captured a goblin who is willing to divulge information to them in Session 2.
I noticed, on the PDF, that one of the things the Goblins can do is "Tell them how to go directly to Cragmaw Keep". (I did double check - it's specifically the Keep, not the hideout)
I've only played the campaign once, but my understanding is that Cragmaw is an end-game location they shouldn't be attempting to take until they're much higher level, and I'm worried once they hear that Gundren (the main quest-giver) is being held there, they will immediately bolt off in that direction to mount a rescue.
Then again - I don't want to railroad the players, and if they really want to head in that direction I don't want to stop them from doing so.
How should I handle this situation, where a piece of information could lead my party into an encounter that I don't think they can win?
dnd-5e gm-techniques published-adventures lost-mine-of-phandelver
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
$endgroup$
I'm running the Lost Mine of Phandelver Starter Set adventure for a group of players ranging from "new to the game" to "experienced veterans". We finished Session 1 last week and they have captured a goblin who is willing to divulge information to them in Session 2.
I noticed, on the PDF, that one of the things the Goblins can do is "Tell them how to go directly to Cragmaw Keep". (I did double check - it's specifically the Keep, not the hideout)
I've only played the campaign once, but my understanding is that Cragmaw is an end-game location they shouldn't be attempting to take until they're much higher level, and I'm worried once they hear that Gundren (the main quest-giver) is being held there, they will immediately bolt off in that direction to mount a rescue.
Then again - I don't want to railroad the players, and if they really want to head in that direction I don't want to stop them from doing so.
How should I handle this situation, where a piece of information could lead my party into an encounter that I don't think they can win?
dnd-5e gm-techniques published-adventures lost-mine-of-phandelver
dnd-5e gm-techniques published-adventures lost-mine-of-phandelver
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
edited Jan 31 at 14:03
Zibbobz
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
asked Jan 30 at 14:36
ZibbobzZibbobz
5,59632264
5,59632264
3
$begingroup$
dies it say cragmaw keep or cragmaw hideout, they are two different locations, goblins are using the hideout
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:05
$begingroup$
@John I think it's Cragmaw Keep, but I will need to check and make sure I haven't misread the location's name.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 30 at 15:29
1
$begingroup$
This question isn't the same as yours, but some of the answers may be helpful if your main concern is that the players won't be leveled up enough to handle Cragmaw: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/138736/…
$endgroup$
– Isaac Lyman
Jan 30 at 17:36
1
$begingroup$
Kill them all :-)
$endgroup$
– Carl Witthoft
Jan 30 at 18:58
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast I’m not sure how to kill it… It should have died a long time ago, but it looks like having a description saved it. Might be necessary to discuss on meta.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Jan 31 at 0:06
|
show 5 more comments
3
$begingroup$
dies it say cragmaw keep or cragmaw hideout, they are two different locations, goblins are using the hideout
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:05
$begingroup$
@John I think it's Cragmaw Keep, but I will need to check and make sure I haven't misread the location's name.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 30 at 15:29
1
$begingroup$
This question isn't the same as yours, but some of the answers may be helpful if your main concern is that the players won't be leveled up enough to handle Cragmaw: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/138736/…
$endgroup$
– Isaac Lyman
Jan 30 at 17:36
1
$begingroup$
Kill them all :-)
$endgroup$
– Carl Witthoft
Jan 30 at 18:58
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast I’m not sure how to kill it… It should have died a long time ago, but it looks like having a description saved it. Might be necessary to discuss on meta.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Jan 31 at 0:06
3
3
$begingroup$
dies it say cragmaw keep or cragmaw hideout, they are two different locations, goblins are using the hideout
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:05
$begingroup$
dies it say cragmaw keep or cragmaw hideout, they are two different locations, goblins are using the hideout
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:05
$begingroup$
@John I think it's Cragmaw Keep, but I will need to check and make sure I haven't misread the location's name.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 30 at 15:29
$begingroup$
@John I think it's Cragmaw Keep, but I will need to check and make sure I haven't misread the location's name.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 30 at 15:29
1
1
$begingroup$
This question isn't the same as yours, but some of the answers may be helpful if your main concern is that the players won't be leveled up enough to handle Cragmaw: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/138736/…
$endgroup$
– Isaac Lyman
Jan 30 at 17:36
$begingroup$
This question isn't the same as yours, but some of the answers may be helpful if your main concern is that the players won't be leveled up enough to handle Cragmaw: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/138736/…
$endgroup$
– Isaac Lyman
Jan 30 at 17:36
1
1
$begingroup$
Kill them all :-)
$endgroup$
– Carl Witthoft
Jan 30 at 18:58
$begingroup$
Kill them all :-)
$endgroup$
– Carl Witthoft
Jan 30 at 18:58
1
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast I’m not sure how to kill it… It should have died a long time ago, but it looks like having a description saved it. Might be necessary to discuss on meta.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Jan 31 at 0:06
$begingroup$
@V2Blast I’m not sure how to kill it… It should have died a long time ago, but it looks like having a description saved it. Might be necessary to discuss on meta.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Jan 31 at 0:06
|
show 5 more comments
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Give 'em enough rope, but also provide clues and hints
You need to determine, by talking to the veteran players, whether or not they are aware that they can flee if a fight is too much for them. Do this before the next session begins.
This danger in short cutting to Cragmaw (before you think they can handle it) needs to be shown in the shape of warnings, forebodings, rumors, and some physical evidence found (dead bodies, discarded equipment, etc) as they approach "the end" prematurely.
If they don't heed the clues, let them face a lethal encounter and ...
- ... roll up new characters after the TPK or
- ... awaken as prisoners of (pick an NPC) with their next challenge being ... how do we get out of here? or
... surprise you by succeeding against extremely long odds
A reason I raise point 2 is that with new players, and given how swingy low level combat is, the option to proceed-on after failing is a way to encourage new players to learn as they play. So too is the party wipe: it really depends on your players.
If you have not yet discussed with them, out of character, whether or not a TPK may happen if they don't use their wits (in a general sense) then discussing this with the whole group before Session 2 begins is a good idea. You might call that a bit of out-of-character foreboding, but with new players being in the mix that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Option 2: transfer the knowledge to a different NPC
You can decide to not raise that point during the interrogation and have a different NPC, later on, provide the same info that the goblin has now. That information does not have to come to the players from this goblin. It can come from any NPC; you are the DM, pacing is within your area of control.
I just noticed that @Neewbie12345 covers this option in more detail so I won't elaborate further.
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
add a comment |
$begingroup$
What we did
We are nearing the end of LMoP now. I am a player, but I think I know the session 1 possible situation you are talking about. Here is what my DM did and it worked well:
The session 1 goblin we questioned was basically a dumb soldier who gave up partial details, but he really didn't know much.
After getting to town there were a lot of plot hooks for side quests, but there was a LOT of emphasis on the Red Brands and Glasstaff and motivation for us to handle the Red Brands since we really didn't have any leads on where Gundren was.
While going after Glasstaff and the Red Brands, we found another goblin who had been captured and tortured by the Red Brands. We rescued him and he was willing to give more details on how to get to Cragmaw.
Dumb goblins
As the DM, you can delay information until you are ready for the players to have it. Remember, goblins are typically pretty dumb and soldiers rarely have "big picture" information. Even with a natural 20, they can't give up information they don't have..
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
1
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Not to worry, Cragmaw (Keep) Castle isn't the end of the adventure - it's where you find
Gundren and the map to the final location.
It triggers the end game but it isn't the end game. It is the first real step on the way to the final destination -
Wave Echo Cave.
Since you've completed the first session I'd wager that you're dealing with the goblin named Yeemik (or one of his unnamed pals) in Cragmaw Hideout. Yeemik giving them this information doesn't necessarily mean they'll run straight there!
Based on the adventure as written, it expects the party to be at third level when they arrive at Cragmaw Castle so it would be a difficult fight for a party of lower level. But that doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't do it! It could be a triumphant win or a devastating defeat.
In my experience, players are prone to rush into whatever plot hook has most recently been offered to them when they aren't sure what else they should do.
So, show them what options they have while letting them feel like they are in control of their destiny:
Allow the party to head for Cragmaw Castle
Danger lurks along the Triboar Trail...
- Do justice to travelling to the location by peppering it with random encounters along the way - this will help the players level up and may give them an indication that it would be nice to go to town for supplies.
Encounter a group of Redbrand reinforcements on the Triboar Trail who on their way to Phandalin - the party can overhear them speaking about something to pique their interest and bring that plot into the players immediate focus like:
the Black Spider or Glasstaff
Use Yeemik
Yeemik just wants to get out of this situation alive, preferably without disclosing the actual location of his friends and comrades.
- Send them on a wild goose chase! Yeemik (the goblin) only has very vague knowledge of where Cragmaw Castle is, he is not as reliable an information source as the party may expect! He could send them into an ambush or just completely the wrong place.
- Require a guide - Yeemik (the goblin) insists on going with them as a guide and then have him escape during the travel!
- If Yeemik betrays them, have him reappear later in the adventure - he's now a minor villain who they have a vested interest in punishing.
Gently nudge them in the direction you'd like them to go using Sildar Hallwinter
Sildar can provide a more measured and logical reaction to this information. He has his own attachments to Gundren and his own business in Phandalin.
- Sildar wants to go to Phandalin because he has business to attend to for the Lord's Alliance - in the text it says he will offer the characters 50GP to accompany him back. It's on the way to Cragmaw Castle (sort of, but not really) so only a minor detour - it could be an easy sell!
- Sildar suggests they go Phandalin and regroup, rest up and gather supplies and then they can head to Cragmaw Castle. Sildar wants to see Gundren alive as much as anyone else, they should trust his judgement.
- If they go with him to Phandalin, give them a reason to stay! You could immediately introduce the Redbrands either by a direct encounter or some sort of emotional plea from the townsfolk.
- If they refuse, Sildar goes on his own and can be a little less friendly next time they see him - or will refuse to help them in future.
Scale the Cragmaw Castle encounter slightly
It can still be hard without being deadly.
- Reduce the number of opponents by one or two per room. Adjust this on the fly.
Don't include the returning warband unless the characters have triumphed by a landslide.
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The adventure doesn't indicate that the PCs know the exact location of the castle, just the general location. As such, when I run it and they rush it, I simply say they need a guide to find it, and the best guide is at Redbrand. This gives them more interaction and more chance to level up.
That said, if they find some way to bypass that, a skilled party of 6 or so level 2s can handle the keep, especially if they use ambushes from the ruined north side.
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I am running the campaign right now, and I also had a similar issue. I just made the goblin not know as much as the text says; he knows the castle is off the Triboar Trail, but that could be anywhere within hundreds of miles of forest.
I made the Redbrand threat quite a problem, especially by using the in-town encounter and really laying on the rewards possible for dealing with them/finding Iarno. Now my players are looking for the Castle by way of finding the Druid at Thundertree, I figured after dealing with the Redbrands, dealing with a young green dragon, and with random encounters; they would be level three and plenty strong to deal with the Castle.
Remember, you are the DM and you can choose to add things to the adventure that makes it take longer or shorter depending. Maybe there is a rival band jealous that the party is attempting to find the lost mine and decides to attack Phandalin or the party itself, maybe they escape and need to be hunted down. Maybe during their time on the trail a traveling merchant is attacked by bandits and needs the party's assistance.
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Cragmaw Keep isn't the end of the campaign.
In my group (I was a player), we went to the goblin hideout after the ambush, then to town, and the next stop was Cragmaw Keep already. By the time we were done with the keep, we'd maybe finished 1/4, or at most 1/3 of the campaign (session-wise).
Hence, you don't have to worry at all. I do believe that our DM made the keep a little less difficult, so you might want to think about that - but since most encounters in LMOP are rather easy (imho), you might also be just fine, depending on how strategic your group plays. Note: in our campaign, I was playing a barbarian, not one of the pregenerated characters, so that might have had a significant impact on the difficulty, considering that barbarians are one of the strongest classes at low levels.
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
$endgroup$
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ifUsing("editor", function () {
return StackExchange.using("mathjaxEditing", function () {
StackExchange.MarkdownEditor.creationCallbacks.add(function (editor, postfix) {
StackExchange.mathjaxEditing.prepareWmdForMathJax(editor, postfix, [["\$", "\$"]]);
});
});
}, "mathjax-editing");
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "122"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f140187%2fwhat-should-i-do-if-anything-to-prevent-my-players-from-rushing-to-the-end-of%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Give 'em enough rope, but also provide clues and hints
You need to determine, by talking to the veteran players, whether or not they are aware that they can flee if a fight is too much for them. Do this before the next session begins.
This danger in short cutting to Cragmaw (before you think they can handle it) needs to be shown in the shape of warnings, forebodings, rumors, and some physical evidence found (dead bodies, discarded equipment, etc) as they approach "the end" prematurely.
If they don't heed the clues, let them face a lethal encounter and ...
- ... roll up new characters after the TPK or
- ... awaken as prisoners of (pick an NPC) with their next challenge being ... how do we get out of here? or
... surprise you by succeeding against extremely long odds
A reason I raise point 2 is that with new players, and given how swingy low level combat is, the option to proceed-on after failing is a way to encourage new players to learn as they play. So too is the party wipe: it really depends on your players.
If you have not yet discussed with them, out of character, whether or not a TPK may happen if they don't use their wits (in a general sense) then discussing this with the whole group before Session 2 begins is a good idea. You might call that a bit of out-of-character foreboding, but with new players being in the mix that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Option 2: transfer the knowledge to a different NPC
You can decide to not raise that point during the interrogation and have a different NPC, later on, provide the same info that the goblin has now. That information does not have to come to the players from this goblin. It can come from any NPC; you are the DM, pacing is within your area of control.
I just noticed that @Neewbie12345 covers this option in more detail so I won't elaborate further.
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Give 'em enough rope, but also provide clues and hints
You need to determine, by talking to the veteran players, whether or not they are aware that they can flee if a fight is too much for them. Do this before the next session begins.
This danger in short cutting to Cragmaw (before you think they can handle it) needs to be shown in the shape of warnings, forebodings, rumors, and some physical evidence found (dead bodies, discarded equipment, etc) as they approach "the end" prematurely.
If they don't heed the clues, let them face a lethal encounter and ...
- ... roll up new characters after the TPK or
- ... awaken as prisoners of (pick an NPC) with their next challenge being ... how do we get out of here? or
... surprise you by succeeding against extremely long odds
A reason I raise point 2 is that with new players, and given how swingy low level combat is, the option to proceed-on after failing is a way to encourage new players to learn as they play. So too is the party wipe: it really depends on your players.
If you have not yet discussed with them, out of character, whether or not a TPK may happen if they don't use their wits (in a general sense) then discussing this with the whole group before Session 2 begins is a good idea. You might call that a bit of out-of-character foreboding, but with new players being in the mix that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Option 2: transfer the knowledge to a different NPC
You can decide to not raise that point during the interrogation and have a different NPC, later on, provide the same info that the goblin has now. That information does not have to come to the players from this goblin. It can come from any NPC; you are the DM, pacing is within your area of control.
I just noticed that @Neewbie12345 covers this option in more detail so I won't elaborate further.
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Give 'em enough rope, but also provide clues and hints
You need to determine, by talking to the veteran players, whether or not they are aware that they can flee if a fight is too much for them. Do this before the next session begins.
This danger in short cutting to Cragmaw (before you think they can handle it) needs to be shown in the shape of warnings, forebodings, rumors, and some physical evidence found (dead bodies, discarded equipment, etc) as they approach "the end" prematurely.
If they don't heed the clues, let them face a lethal encounter and ...
- ... roll up new characters after the TPK or
- ... awaken as prisoners of (pick an NPC) with their next challenge being ... how do we get out of here? or
... surprise you by succeeding against extremely long odds
A reason I raise point 2 is that with new players, and given how swingy low level combat is, the option to proceed-on after failing is a way to encourage new players to learn as they play. So too is the party wipe: it really depends on your players.
If you have not yet discussed with them, out of character, whether or not a TPK may happen if they don't use their wits (in a general sense) then discussing this with the whole group before Session 2 begins is a good idea. You might call that a bit of out-of-character foreboding, but with new players being in the mix that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Option 2: transfer the knowledge to a different NPC
You can decide to not raise that point during the interrogation and have a different NPC, later on, provide the same info that the goblin has now. That information does not have to come to the players from this goblin. It can come from any NPC; you are the DM, pacing is within your area of control.
I just noticed that @Neewbie12345 covers this option in more detail so I won't elaborate further.
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
$endgroup$
Give 'em enough rope, but also provide clues and hints
You need to determine, by talking to the veteran players, whether or not they are aware that they can flee if a fight is too much for them. Do this before the next session begins.
This danger in short cutting to Cragmaw (before you think they can handle it) needs to be shown in the shape of warnings, forebodings, rumors, and some physical evidence found (dead bodies, discarded equipment, etc) as they approach "the end" prematurely.
If they don't heed the clues, let them face a lethal encounter and ...
- ... roll up new characters after the TPK or
- ... awaken as prisoners of (pick an NPC) with their next challenge being ... how do we get out of here? or
... surprise you by succeeding against extremely long odds
A reason I raise point 2 is that with new players, and given how swingy low level combat is, the option to proceed-on after failing is a way to encourage new players to learn as they play. So too is the party wipe: it really depends on your players.
If you have not yet discussed with them, out of character, whether or not a TPK may happen if they don't use their wits (in a general sense) then discussing this with the whole group before Session 2 begins is a good idea. You might call that a bit of out-of-character foreboding, but with new players being in the mix that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Option 2: transfer the knowledge to a different NPC
You can decide to not raise that point during the interrogation and have a different NPC, later on, provide the same info that the goblin has now. That information does not have to come to the players from this goblin. It can come from any NPC; you are the DM, pacing is within your area of control.
I just noticed that @Neewbie12345 covers this option in more detail so I won't elaborate further.
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
edited Jan 30 at 18:34
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
answered Jan 30 at 14:45
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
83.1k20257447
83.1k20257447
1
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
1
1
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
I agree, its not up to the GM to stop players doing something stupid, just to provide enough warning that it does not feel like a blind side. Plus a lot of the challenges in the adventure or along the trail to the keep, so the goblin is not letting them skip much.
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:06
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Your path ahead is slowed as you climb over a mountain of dead bodies... lol. That should make them stop and think a little.
$endgroup$
– JeffC
Jan 30 at 23:30
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
$begingroup$
Definitely considering this answer - and accepting it as a more through answer for all the possible ways to go about this - though I will probably go with newbie12345's response, I think this provides a good option for letting the players do as they wish.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:36
add a comment |
$begingroup$
What we did
We are nearing the end of LMoP now. I am a player, but I think I know the session 1 possible situation you are talking about. Here is what my DM did and it worked well:
The session 1 goblin we questioned was basically a dumb soldier who gave up partial details, but he really didn't know much.
After getting to town there were a lot of plot hooks for side quests, but there was a LOT of emphasis on the Red Brands and Glasstaff and motivation for us to handle the Red Brands since we really didn't have any leads on where Gundren was.
While going after Glasstaff and the Red Brands, we found another goblin who had been captured and tortured by the Red Brands. We rescued him and he was willing to give more details on how to get to Cragmaw.
Dumb goblins
As the DM, you can delay information until you are ready for the players to have it. Remember, goblins are typically pretty dumb and soldiers rarely have "big picture" information. Even with a natural 20, they can't give up information they don't have..
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
1
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
What we did
We are nearing the end of LMoP now. I am a player, but I think I know the session 1 possible situation you are talking about. Here is what my DM did and it worked well:
The session 1 goblin we questioned was basically a dumb soldier who gave up partial details, but he really didn't know much.
After getting to town there were a lot of plot hooks for side quests, but there was a LOT of emphasis on the Red Brands and Glasstaff and motivation for us to handle the Red Brands since we really didn't have any leads on where Gundren was.
While going after Glasstaff and the Red Brands, we found another goblin who had been captured and tortured by the Red Brands. We rescued him and he was willing to give more details on how to get to Cragmaw.
Dumb goblins
As the DM, you can delay information until you are ready for the players to have it. Remember, goblins are typically pretty dumb and soldiers rarely have "big picture" information. Even with a natural 20, they can't give up information they don't have..
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
1
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
What we did
We are nearing the end of LMoP now. I am a player, but I think I know the session 1 possible situation you are talking about. Here is what my DM did and it worked well:
The session 1 goblin we questioned was basically a dumb soldier who gave up partial details, but he really didn't know much.
After getting to town there were a lot of plot hooks for side quests, but there was a LOT of emphasis on the Red Brands and Glasstaff and motivation for us to handle the Red Brands since we really didn't have any leads on where Gundren was.
While going after Glasstaff and the Red Brands, we found another goblin who had been captured and tortured by the Red Brands. We rescued him and he was willing to give more details on how to get to Cragmaw.
Dumb goblins
As the DM, you can delay information until you are ready for the players to have it. Remember, goblins are typically pretty dumb and soldiers rarely have "big picture" information. Even with a natural 20, they can't give up information they don't have..
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
$endgroup$
What we did
We are nearing the end of LMoP now. I am a player, but I think I know the session 1 possible situation you are talking about. Here is what my DM did and it worked well:
The session 1 goblin we questioned was basically a dumb soldier who gave up partial details, but he really didn't know much.
After getting to town there were a lot of plot hooks for side quests, but there was a LOT of emphasis on the Red Brands and Glasstaff and motivation for us to handle the Red Brands since we really didn't have any leads on where Gundren was.
While going after Glasstaff and the Red Brands, we found another goblin who had been captured and tortured by the Red Brands. We rescued him and he was willing to give more details on how to get to Cragmaw.
Dumb goblins
As the DM, you can delay information until you are ready for the players to have it. Remember, goblins are typically pretty dumb and soldiers rarely have "big picture" information. Even with a natural 20, they can't give up information they don't have..
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
answered Jan 30 at 16:15
Newbie12345Newbie12345
1,347119
1,347119
1
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
1
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
add a comment |
1
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
1
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
1
1
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
$begingroup$
I like this answer for one very specific reason - the goblin in the Redbrand area is, by the PDF, supposed to not know where Cragmaw Keep is - so I know that the DM invented this change on purpose for this very reason. And, it also makes sense he'd be more willing to divulge the location, given his condition.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 31 at 14:35
1
1
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
$begingroup$
@Zibbobz It was a very natural progression. Also, he agreed to take us to Cragmaw, but as we neared town he got spooked by being around so many people and snuck off when we weren't looking, so we lost our guide and had to do side quests to find our way anyways...I wonder how poor old Droop is holding up?
$endgroup$
– Newbie12345
Jan 31 at 18:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Not to worry, Cragmaw (Keep) Castle isn't the end of the adventure - it's where you find
Gundren and the map to the final location.
It triggers the end game but it isn't the end game. It is the first real step on the way to the final destination -
Wave Echo Cave.
Since you've completed the first session I'd wager that you're dealing with the goblin named Yeemik (or one of his unnamed pals) in Cragmaw Hideout. Yeemik giving them this information doesn't necessarily mean they'll run straight there!
Based on the adventure as written, it expects the party to be at third level when they arrive at Cragmaw Castle so it would be a difficult fight for a party of lower level. But that doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't do it! It could be a triumphant win or a devastating defeat.
In my experience, players are prone to rush into whatever plot hook has most recently been offered to them when they aren't sure what else they should do.
So, show them what options they have while letting them feel like they are in control of their destiny:
Allow the party to head for Cragmaw Castle
Danger lurks along the Triboar Trail...
- Do justice to travelling to the location by peppering it with random encounters along the way - this will help the players level up and may give them an indication that it would be nice to go to town for supplies.
Encounter a group of Redbrand reinforcements on the Triboar Trail who on their way to Phandalin - the party can overhear them speaking about something to pique their interest and bring that plot into the players immediate focus like:
the Black Spider or Glasstaff
Use Yeemik
Yeemik just wants to get out of this situation alive, preferably without disclosing the actual location of his friends and comrades.
- Send them on a wild goose chase! Yeemik (the goblin) only has very vague knowledge of where Cragmaw Castle is, he is not as reliable an information source as the party may expect! He could send them into an ambush or just completely the wrong place.
- Require a guide - Yeemik (the goblin) insists on going with them as a guide and then have him escape during the travel!
- If Yeemik betrays them, have him reappear later in the adventure - he's now a minor villain who they have a vested interest in punishing.
Gently nudge them in the direction you'd like them to go using Sildar Hallwinter
Sildar can provide a more measured and logical reaction to this information. He has his own attachments to Gundren and his own business in Phandalin.
- Sildar wants to go to Phandalin because he has business to attend to for the Lord's Alliance - in the text it says he will offer the characters 50GP to accompany him back. It's on the way to Cragmaw Castle (sort of, but not really) so only a minor detour - it could be an easy sell!
- Sildar suggests they go Phandalin and regroup, rest up and gather supplies and then they can head to Cragmaw Castle. Sildar wants to see Gundren alive as much as anyone else, they should trust his judgement.
- If they go with him to Phandalin, give them a reason to stay! You could immediately introduce the Redbrands either by a direct encounter or some sort of emotional plea from the townsfolk.
- If they refuse, Sildar goes on his own and can be a little less friendly next time they see him - or will refuse to help them in future.
Scale the Cragmaw Castle encounter slightly
It can still be hard without being deadly.
- Reduce the number of opponents by one or two per room. Adjust this on the fly.
Don't include the returning warband unless the characters have triumphed by a landslide.
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Not to worry, Cragmaw (Keep) Castle isn't the end of the adventure - it's where you find
Gundren and the map to the final location.
It triggers the end game but it isn't the end game. It is the first real step on the way to the final destination -
Wave Echo Cave.
Since you've completed the first session I'd wager that you're dealing with the goblin named Yeemik (or one of his unnamed pals) in Cragmaw Hideout. Yeemik giving them this information doesn't necessarily mean they'll run straight there!
Based on the adventure as written, it expects the party to be at third level when they arrive at Cragmaw Castle so it would be a difficult fight for a party of lower level. But that doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't do it! It could be a triumphant win or a devastating defeat.
In my experience, players are prone to rush into whatever plot hook has most recently been offered to them when they aren't sure what else they should do.
So, show them what options they have while letting them feel like they are in control of their destiny:
Allow the party to head for Cragmaw Castle
Danger lurks along the Triboar Trail...
- Do justice to travelling to the location by peppering it with random encounters along the way - this will help the players level up and may give them an indication that it would be nice to go to town for supplies.
Encounter a group of Redbrand reinforcements on the Triboar Trail who on their way to Phandalin - the party can overhear them speaking about something to pique their interest and bring that plot into the players immediate focus like:
the Black Spider or Glasstaff
Use Yeemik
Yeemik just wants to get out of this situation alive, preferably without disclosing the actual location of his friends and comrades.
- Send them on a wild goose chase! Yeemik (the goblin) only has very vague knowledge of where Cragmaw Castle is, he is not as reliable an information source as the party may expect! He could send them into an ambush or just completely the wrong place.
- Require a guide - Yeemik (the goblin) insists on going with them as a guide and then have him escape during the travel!
- If Yeemik betrays them, have him reappear later in the adventure - he's now a minor villain who they have a vested interest in punishing.
Gently nudge them in the direction you'd like them to go using Sildar Hallwinter
Sildar can provide a more measured and logical reaction to this information. He has his own attachments to Gundren and his own business in Phandalin.
- Sildar wants to go to Phandalin because he has business to attend to for the Lord's Alliance - in the text it says he will offer the characters 50GP to accompany him back. It's on the way to Cragmaw Castle (sort of, but not really) so only a minor detour - it could be an easy sell!
- Sildar suggests they go Phandalin and regroup, rest up and gather supplies and then they can head to Cragmaw Castle. Sildar wants to see Gundren alive as much as anyone else, they should trust his judgement.
- If they go with him to Phandalin, give them a reason to stay! You could immediately introduce the Redbrands either by a direct encounter or some sort of emotional plea from the townsfolk.
- If they refuse, Sildar goes on his own and can be a little less friendly next time they see him - or will refuse to help them in future.
Scale the Cragmaw Castle encounter slightly
It can still be hard without being deadly.
- Reduce the number of opponents by one or two per room. Adjust this on the fly.
Don't include the returning warband unless the characters have triumphed by a landslide.
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Not to worry, Cragmaw (Keep) Castle isn't the end of the adventure - it's where you find
Gundren and the map to the final location.
It triggers the end game but it isn't the end game. It is the first real step on the way to the final destination -
Wave Echo Cave.
Since you've completed the first session I'd wager that you're dealing with the goblin named Yeemik (or one of his unnamed pals) in Cragmaw Hideout. Yeemik giving them this information doesn't necessarily mean they'll run straight there!
Based on the adventure as written, it expects the party to be at third level when they arrive at Cragmaw Castle so it would be a difficult fight for a party of lower level. But that doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't do it! It could be a triumphant win or a devastating defeat.
In my experience, players are prone to rush into whatever plot hook has most recently been offered to them when they aren't sure what else they should do.
So, show them what options they have while letting them feel like they are in control of their destiny:
Allow the party to head for Cragmaw Castle
Danger lurks along the Triboar Trail...
- Do justice to travelling to the location by peppering it with random encounters along the way - this will help the players level up and may give them an indication that it would be nice to go to town for supplies.
Encounter a group of Redbrand reinforcements on the Triboar Trail who on their way to Phandalin - the party can overhear them speaking about something to pique their interest and bring that plot into the players immediate focus like:
the Black Spider or Glasstaff
Use Yeemik
Yeemik just wants to get out of this situation alive, preferably without disclosing the actual location of his friends and comrades.
- Send them on a wild goose chase! Yeemik (the goblin) only has very vague knowledge of where Cragmaw Castle is, he is not as reliable an information source as the party may expect! He could send them into an ambush or just completely the wrong place.
- Require a guide - Yeemik (the goblin) insists on going with them as a guide and then have him escape during the travel!
- If Yeemik betrays them, have him reappear later in the adventure - he's now a minor villain who they have a vested interest in punishing.
Gently nudge them in the direction you'd like them to go using Sildar Hallwinter
Sildar can provide a more measured and logical reaction to this information. He has his own attachments to Gundren and his own business in Phandalin.
- Sildar wants to go to Phandalin because he has business to attend to for the Lord's Alliance - in the text it says he will offer the characters 50GP to accompany him back. It's on the way to Cragmaw Castle (sort of, but not really) so only a minor detour - it could be an easy sell!
- Sildar suggests they go Phandalin and regroup, rest up and gather supplies and then they can head to Cragmaw Castle. Sildar wants to see Gundren alive as much as anyone else, they should trust his judgement.
- If they go with him to Phandalin, give them a reason to stay! You could immediately introduce the Redbrands either by a direct encounter or some sort of emotional plea from the townsfolk.
- If they refuse, Sildar goes on his own and can be a little less friendly next time they see him - or will refuse to help them in future.
Scale the Cragmaw Castle encounter slightly
It can still be hard without being deadly.
- Reduce the number of opponents by one or two per room. Adjust this on the fly.
Don't include the returning warband unless the characters have triumphed by a landslide.
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
$endgroup$
Not to worry, Cragmaw (Keep) Castle isn't the end of the adventure - it's where you find
Gundren and the map to the final location.
It triggers the end game but it isn't the end game. It is the first real step on the way to the final destination -
Wave Echo Cave.
Since you've completed the first session I'd wager that you're dealing with the goblin named Yeemik (or one of his unnamed pals) in Cragmaw Hideout. Yeemik giving them this information doesn't necessarily mean they'll run straight there!
Based on the adventure as written, it expects the party to be at third level when they arrive at Cragmaw Castle so it would be a difficult fight for a party of lower level. But that doesn't mean they can't or shouldn't do it! It could be a triumphant win or a devastating defeat.
In my experience, players are prone to rush into whatever plot hook has most recently been offered to them when they aren't sure what else they should do.
So, show them what options they have while letting them feel like they are in control of their destiny:
Allow the party to head for Cragmaw Castle
Danger lurks along the Triboar Trail...
- Do justice to travelling to the location by peppering it with random encounters along the way - this will help the players level up and may give them an indication that it would be nice to go to town for supplies.
Encounter a group of Redbrand reinforcements on the Triboar Trail who on their way to Phandalin - the party can overhear them speaking about something to pique their interest and bring that plot into the players immediate focus like:
the Black Spider or Glasstaff
Use Yeemik
Yeemik just wants to get out of this situation alive, preferably without disclosing the actual location of his friends and comrades.
- Send them on a wild goose chase! Yeemik (the goblin) only has very vague knowledge of where Cragmaw Castle is, he is not as reliable an information source as the party may expect! He could send them into an ambush or just completely the wrong place.
- Require a guide - Yeemik (the goblin) insists on going with them as a guide and then have him escape during the travel!
- If Yeemik betrays them, have him reappear later in the adventure - he's now a minor villain who they have a vested interest in punishing.
Gently nudge them in the direction you'd like them to go using Sildar Hallwinter
Sildar can provide a more measured and logical reaction to this information. He has his own attachments to Gundren and his own business in Phandalin.
- Sildar wants to go to Phandalin because he has business to attend to for the Lord's Alliance - in the text it says he will offer the characters 50GP to accompany him back. It's on the way to Cragmaw Castle (sort of, but not really) so only a minor detour - it could be an easy sell!
- Sildar suggests they go Phandalin and regroup, rest up and gather supplies and then they can head to Cragmaw Castle. Sildar wants to see Gundren alive as much as anyone else, they should trust his judgement.
- If they go with him to Phandalin, give them a reason to stay! You could immediately introduce the Redbrands either by a direct encounter or some sort of emotional plea from the townsfolk.
- If they refuse, Sildar goes on his own and can be a little less friendly next time they see him - or will refuse to help them in future.
Scale the Cragmaw Castle encounter slightly
It can still be hard without being deadly.
- Reduce the number of opponents by one or two per room. Adjust this on the fly.
Don't include the returning warband unless the characters have triumphed by a landslide.
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
edited Jan 30 at 18:24
V2Blast
26.1k590159
26.1k590159
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
answered Jan 30 at 18:00
sandwich_messiahsandwich_messiah
383310
383310
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
$begingroup$
Looks good to me.
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
Jan 30 at 18:32
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The adventure doesn't indicate that the PCs know the exact location of the castle, just the general location. As such, when I run it and they rush it, I simply say they need a guide to find it, and the best guide is at Redbrand. This gives them more interaction and more chance to level up.
That said, if they find some way to bypass that, a skilled party of 6 or so level 2s can handle the keep, especially if they use ambushes from the ruined north side.
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The adventure doesn't indicate that the PCs know the exact location of the castle, just the general location. As such, when I run it and they rush it, I simply say they need a guide to find it, and the best guide is at Redbrand. This gives them more interaction and more chance to level up.
That said, if they find some way to bypass that, a skilled party of 6 or so level 2s can handle the keep, especially if they use ambushes from the ruined north side.
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
The adventure doesn't indicate that the PCs know the exact location of the castle, just the general location. As such, when I run it and they rush it, I simply say they need a guide to find it, and the best guide is at Redbrand. This gives them more interaction and more chance to level up.
That said, if they find some way to bypass that, a skilled party of 6 or so level 2s can handle the keep, especially if they use ambushes from the ruined north side.
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
$endgroup$
The adventure doesn't indicate that the PCs know the exact location of the castle, just the general location. As such, when I run it and they rush it, I simply say they need a guide to find it, and the best guide is at Redbrand. This gives them more interaction and more chance to level up.
That said, if they find some way to bypass that, a skilled party of 6 or so level 2s can handle the keep, especially if they use ambushes from the ruined north side.
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
answered Jan 30 at 16:25
Nepene NepNepene Nep
4,79211137
4,79211137
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I am running the campaign right now, and I also had a similar issue. I just made the goblin not know as much as the text says; he knows the castle is off the Triboar Trail, but that could be anywhere within hundreds of miles of forest.
I made the Redbrand threat quite a problem, especially by using the in-town encounter and really laying on the rewards possible for dealing with them/finding Iarno. Now my players are looking for the Castle by way of finding the Druid at Thundertree, I figured after dealing with the Redbrands, dealing with a young green dragon, and with random encounters; they would be level three and plenty strong to deal with the Castle.
Remember, you are the DM and you can choose to add things to the adventure that makes it take longer or shorter depending. Maybe there is a rival band jealous that the party is attempting to find the lost mine and decides to attack Phandalin or the party itself, maybe they escape and need to be hunted down. Maybe during their time on the trail a traveling merchant is attacked by bandits and needs the party's assistance.
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I am running the campaign right now, and I also had a similar issue. I just made the goblin not know as much as the text says; he knows the castle is off the Triboar Trail, but that could be anywhere within hundreds of miles of forest.
I made the Redbrand threat quite a problem, especially by using the in-town encounter and really laying on the rewards possible for dealing with them/finding Iarno. Now my players are looking for the Castle by way of finding the Druid at Thundertree, I figured after dealing with the Redbrands, dealing with a young green dragon, and with random encounters; they would be level three and plenty strong to deal with the Castle.
Remember, you are the DM and you can choose to add things to the adventure that makes it take longer or shorter depending. Maybe there is a rival band jealous that the party is attempting to find the lost mine and decides to attack Phandalin or the party itself, maybe they escape and need to be hunted down. Maybe during their time on the trail a traveling merchant is attacked by bandits and needs the party's assistance.
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
I am running the campaign right now, and I also had a similar issue. I just made the goblin not know as much as the text says; he knows the castle is off the Triboar Trail, but that could be anywhere within hundreds of miles of forest.
I made the Redbrand threat quite a problem, especially by using the in-town encounter and really laying on the rewards possible for dealing with them/finding Iarno. Now my players are looking for the Castle by way of finding the Druid at Thundertree, I figured after dealing with the Redbrands, dealing with a young green dragon, and with random encounters; they would be level three and plenty strong to deal with the Castle.
Remember, you are the DM and you can choose to add things to the adventure that makes it take longer or shorter depending. Maybe there is a rival band jealous that the party is attempting to find the lost mine and decides to attack Phandalin or the party itself, maybe they escape and need to be hunted down. Maybe during their time on the trail a traveling merchant is attacked by bandits and needs the party's assistance.
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
$endgroup$
I am running the campaign right now, and I also had a similar issue. I just made the goblin not know as much as the text says; he knows the castle is off the Triboar Trail, but that could be anywhere within hundreds of miles of forest.
I made the Redbrand threat quite a problem, especially by using the in-town encounter and really laying on the rewards possible for dealing with them/finding Iarno. Now my players are looking for the Castle by way of finding the Druid at Thundertree, I figured after dealing with the Redbrands, dealing with a young green dragon, and with random encounters; they would be level three and plenty strong to deal with the Castle.
Remember, you are the DM and you can choose to add things to the adventure that makes it take longer or shorter depending. Maybe there is a rival band jealous that the party is attempting to find the lost mine and decides to attack Phandalin or the party itself, maybe they escape and need to be hunted down. Maybe during their time on the trail a traveling merchant is attacked by bandits and needs the party's assistance.
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
edited Jan 31 at 22:07
V2Blast
26.1k590159
26.1k590159
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
answered Jan 31 at 14:15
StickyzStickyz
99911
99911
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Cragmaw Keep isn't the end of the campaign.
In my group (I was a player), we went to the goblin hideout after the ambush, then to town, and the next stop was Cragmaw Keep already. By the time we were done with the keep, we'd maybe finished 1/4, or at most 1/3 of the campaign (session-wise).
Hence, you don't have to worry at all. I do believe that our DM made the keep a little less difficult, so you might want to think about that - but since most encounters in LMOP are rather easy (imho), you might also be just fine, depending on how strategic your group plays. Note: in our campaign, I was playing a barbarian, not one of the pregenerated characters, so that might have had a significant impact on the difficulty, considering that barbarians are one of the strongest classes at low levels.
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Cragmaw Keep isn't the end of the campaign.
In my group (I was a player), we went to the goblin hideout after the ambush, then to town, and the next stop was Cragmaw Keep already. By the time we were done with the keep, we'd maybe finished 1/4, or at most 1/3 of the campaign (session-wise).
Hence, you don't have to worry at all. I do believe that our DM made the keep a little less difficult, so you might want to think about that - but since most encounters in LMOP are rather easy (imho), you might also be just fine, depending on how strategic your group plays. Note: in our campaign, I was playing a barbarian, not one of the pregenerated characters, so that might have had a significant impact on the difficulty, considering that barbarians are one of the strongest classes at low levels.
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Cragmaw Keep isn't the end of the campaign.
In my group (I was a player), we went to the goblin hideout after the ambush, then to town, and the next stop was Cragmaw Keep already. By the time we were done with the keep, we'd maybe finished 1/4, or at most 1/3 of the campaign (session-wise).
Hence, you don't have to worry at all. I do believe that our DM made the keep a little less difficult, so you might want to think about that - but since most encounters in LMOP are rather easy (imho), you might also be just fine, depending on how strategic your group plays. Note: in our campaign, I was playing a barbarian, not one of the pregenerated characters, so that might have had a significant impact on the difficulty, considering that barbarians are one of the strongest classes at low levels.
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
$endgroup$
Cragmaw Keep isn't the end of the campaign.
In my group (I was a player), we went to the goblin hideout after the ambush, then to town, and the next stop was Cragmaw Keep already. By the time we were done with the keep, we'd maybe finished 1/4, or at most 1/3 of the campaign (session-wise).
Hence, you don't have to worry at all. I do believe that our DM made the keep a little less difficult, so you might want to think about that - but since most encounters in LMOP are rather easy (imho), you might also be just fine, depending on how strategic your group plays. Note: in our campaign, I was playing a barbarian, not one of the pregenerated characters, so that might have had a significant impact on the difficulty, considering that barbarians are one of the strongest classes at low levels.
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
answered Jan 30 at 18:16
PixelMasterPixelMaster
12.7k348119
12.7k348119
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Role-playing Games Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
Use MathJax to format equations. MathJax reference.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2frpg.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f140187%2fwhat-should-i-do-if-anything-to-prevent-my-players-from-rushing-to-the-end-of%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
3
$begingroup$
dies it say cragmaw keep or cragmaw hideout, they are two different locations, goblins are using the hideout
$endgroup$
– John
Jan 30 at 15:05
$begingroup$
@John I think it's Cragmaw Keep, but I will need to check and make sure I haven't misread the location's name.
$endgroup$
– Zibbobz
Jan 30 at 15:29
1
$begingroup$
This question isn't the same as yours, but some of the answers may be helpful if your main concern is that the players won't be leveled up enough to handle Cragmaw: rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/138736/…
$endgroup$
– Isaac Lyman
Jan 30 at 17:36
1
$begingroup$
Kill them all :-)
$endgroup$
– Carl Witthoft
Jan 30 at 18:58
1
$begingroup$
@V2Blast I’m not sure how to kill it… It should have died a long time ago, but it looks like having a description saved it. Might be necessary to discuss on meta.
$endgroup$
– SevenSidedDie♦
Jan 31 at 0:06