"Shadows" XP problem [Archive] - Wizards Community

"Shadows" XP problem [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
The White Sorcerer
08-09-07, 04:53 AM I'm currently putting my group through Shadows of the Last War, and they're having a hard time leveling up. They've done most combat encounters (the exception being most of the glass zombies), and always solved situations with stealth/diplomacy when possible (Bloody Market, Emerald Claw Camp, Rorsa), but at the end they were still short of 4th level. I'm getting the sneaking suspicion that I'm not supposed to divide those "story awards" by the number of characters. What to do?:confused:
Macrovore
08-09-07, 05:03 AM just give them a bulk story award at the end of the module that just *happens* to be the exact amount of xp needed to get to 4th.
The White Sorcerer
08-09-07, 05:48 AM just give them a bulk story award at the end of the module that just *happens* to be the exact amount of xp needed to get to 4th.

While I could do that, it wouldn't feel right. I like making the players work for their XP, and giving them "filler points" would make the battles they've fought meaningless.
DarkWarriorKarg
08-09-07, 07:40 AM How many characters are involved? I had 6, so I had to bump up the CR of the encounters to have the right XP.

Are you reducing any awards?

It's been a whil since I've run it and i don't have it handy... but are the story awards written as "x number of XP each"? If so, then it's already divided...
Nevarre
08-09-07, 07:43 AM Is there a particular reason why they need to be level 4 by the end of the adventure? Are you, for instance, intending to run Whispers straight afterward?

I had 6 PCs and they weren't. I ran by own segue scenario between the two which was enough to get them there. :)
The White Sorcerer
08-09-07, 07:48 AM How many characters are involved? I had 6, so I had to bump up the CR of the encounters to have the right XP.

Four, the standard amount for the adventure.

Are you reducing any awards?

Nope.

It's been a whil since I've run it and i don't have it handy... but are the story awards written as "x number of XP each"? If so, then it's already divided...

It says things like "If the PCs do X, they receive a Y XP story award."

Is there a particular reason why they need to be level 4 by the end of the adventure? Are you, for instance, intending to run Whispers straight afterward?

Yes, I'm running "Whispers" next.
Amaril
08-09-07, 07:55 AM Some of the story awards were per character, not split. Notice the word "each" in some of the sentences? Others seem to be total.
Nevarre
08-09-07, 07:57 AM Yes, I'm running "Whispers" next.

Ah ok. :)

You'll definitely want them 4th before they hit that one.
I'm, guessing that since they've met Rorsa that they are at, or near, the end of the scenario then. Given that I would recommend a short connecting piece to give them the XP ready for Whispers. I've done my own and can send you more info if you're interested. :)

As far as D&D XP is concerned, I think there is far too much emphasis on killing, rather than overcoming, the threats in the adventure. If the PCs managed to get past the Emerald Claw/Zombies by stealth, then I see no reason why they can't have the XP for defeating an encounter of that ECL. In fact telling players this encourages role-playing rather than the "draw swords, ask questions with a 'Speak with Dead' spell" mentality that the XP system tends to encourage.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The White Sorcerer 08-09-07, 04:53 AM	I'm currently putting my group through Shadows of the Last War, and they're having a hard time leveling up. They've done most combat encounters (the exception being most of the glass zombies), and always solved situations with stealth/diplomacy when possible (Bloody Market, Emerald Claw Camp, Rorsa), but at the end they were still short of 4th level. I'm getting the sneaking suspicion that I'm not supposed to divide those "story awards" by the number of characters. What to do?:confused:
Macrovore 08-09-07, 05:03 AM	just give them a bulk story award at the end of the module that just happens to be the exact amount of xp needed to get to 4th.
The White Sorcerer 08-09-07, 05:48 AM	just give them a bulk story award at the end of the module that just happens to be the exact amount of xp needed to get to 4th. While I could do that, it wouldn't feel right. I like making the players work for their XP, and giving them "filler points" would make the battles they've fought meaningless.
DarkWarriorKarg 08-09-07, 07:40 AM	How many characters are involved? I had 6, so I had to bump up the CR of the encounters to have the right XP. Are you reducing any awards? It's been a whil since I've run it and i don't have it handy... but are the story awards written as "x number of XP each"? If so, then it's already divided...
Nevarre 08-09-07, 07:43 AM	Is there a particular reason why they need to be level 4 by the end of the adventure? Are you, for instance, intending to run Whispers straight afterward? I had 6 PCs and they weren't. I ran by own segue scenario between the two which was enough to get them there. :)
The White Sorcerer 08-09-07, 07:48 AM	How many characters are involved? I had 6, so I had to bump up the CR of the encounters to have the right XP. Four, the standard amount for the adventure. Are you reducing any awards? Nope. It's been a whil since I've run it and i don't have it handy... but are the story awards written as "x number of XP each"? If so, then it's already divided... It says things like "If the PCs do X, they receive a Y XP story award." Is there a particular reason why they need to be level 4 by the end of the adventure? Are you, for instance, intending to run Whispers straight afterward? Yes, I'm running "Whispers" next.
Amaril 08-09-07, 07:55 AM	Some of the story awards were per character, not split. Notice the word "each" in some of the sentences? Others seem to be total.
Nevarre 08-09-07, 07:57 AM	Yes, I'm running "Whispers" next. Ah ok. :) You'll definitely want them 4th before they hit that one. I'm, guessing that since they've met Rorsa that they are at, or near, the end of the scenario then. Given that I would recommend a short connecting piece to give them the XP ready for Whispers. I've done my own and can send you more info if you're interested. :) As far as D&D XP is concerned, I think there is far too much emphasis on killing, rather than overcoming, the threats in the adventure. If the PCs managed to get past the Emerald Claw/Zombies by stealth, then I see no reason why they can't have the XP for defeating an encounter of that ECL. In fact telling players this encourages role-playing rather than the "draw swords, ask questions with a 'Speak with Dead' spell" mentality that the XP system tends to encourage.