Expedition to Undermountain: DMs opinions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Expedition to Undermountain: DMs opinions [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Shei-Nad
08-25-07, 03:58 AM Hi lads. If you are not DMs, you might want to stop reading here. I couldn't really find where to post this for FR DMs...

My group and I (the DM) are quite excited about the idea of revisiting undermountain, and moreover, starting from first level.

I got the book a couple weeks ago, and I kept wondering...

Are 1st level PCs REALLY going to make it out of the first part?

I mean, I kind of like the idea of stressing how perilous Undermountain is, and that characters should try to walk in and out without alerting any of its denizens, but still.

SPOILERS:

The lowest EL of the entire first part (2nd chapter) is 2, with an average of 4, going up to 8!!!

I understand that many of these encounters are supposed to be avoided, but it seems unlikely the characters will be able to avoid all those perils, even if they are very careful.

Anyways, I'd like to have your opinion, especially if you have the book, and even more if you tried it out!

Thanks
CrashX
08-27-07, 09:49 PM Hi there! I'm new to the forums, but not gaming. I've been a dm for over twenty years. Please believe me when I say that the players can handle ANYTHING if the dm wants them to. Role playing is like story telling. Every character should have a purpose. Every encounter should mean something to the plot/adventure quest. That being said, low-level characters are capable of amzing things when given the right support and encouragement of the dm (and each other as a team). If the dm wants them to survive, then he can tailor the encounters to see that happen. If the dm wants the players to fear for their lives and run for the hills, then he/she needs to think about what scare the characters/players but won't kill them on sight. Play with emotions and tactics. Maybe the players realize the 'badies" have vastly superior tactics? Regardless of the method used; it's entirely possible to survive through the encounters and move on if everyone really wants the story/adventure to work. Think of the rules like the Matrix, they can be bent all over the place by common people without breaking them. Go get'em!
Trailstalker
08-31-07, 01:46 AM Granted, this is just my opinion, but not only NO but by the Abyss NO!

Undermountain to me is like the Underdark...many will enter, few will return.

My PC's tremble in fear whenever either are mentioned - for good reason.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Shei-Nad 08-25-07, 03:58 AM	Hi lads. If you are not DMs, you might want to stop reading here. I couldn't really find where to post this for FR DMs... My group and I (the DM) are quite excited about the idea of revisiting undermountain, and moreover, starting from first level. I got the book a couple weeks ago, and I kept wondering... Are 1st level PCs REALLY going to make it out of the first part? I mean, I kind of like the idea of stressing how perilous Undermountain is, and that characters should try to walk in and out without alerting any of its denizens, but still. SPOILERS: The lowest EL of the entire first part (2nd chapter) is 2, with an average of 4, going up to 8!!! I understand that many of these encounters are supposed to be avoided, but it seems unlikely the characters will be able to avoid all those perils, even if they are very careful. Anyways, I'd like to have your opinion, especially if you have the book, and even more if you tried it out! Thanks
CrashX 08-27-07, 09:49 PM	Hi there! I'm new to the forums, but not gaming. I've been a dm for over twenty years. Please believe me when I say that the players can handle ANYTHING if the dm wants them to. Role playing is like story telling. Every character should have a purpose. Every encounter should mean something to the plot/adventure quest. That being said, low-level characters are capable of amzing things when given the right support and encouragement of the dm (and each other as a team). If the dm wants them to survive, then he can tailor the encounters to see that happen. If the dm wants the players to fear for their lives and run for the hills, then he/she needs to think about what scare the characters/players but won't kill them on sight. Play with emotions and tactics. Maybe the players realize the 'badies" have vastly superior tactics? Regardless of the method used; it's entirely possible to survive through the encounters and move on if everyone really wants the story/adventure to work. Think of the rules like the Matrix, they can be bent all over the place by common people without breaking them. Go get'em!
Trailstalker 08-31-07, 01:46 AM	Granted, this is just my opinion, but not only NO but by the Abyss NO! Undermountain to me is like the Underdark...many will enter, few will return. My PC's tremble in fear whenever either are mentioned - for good reason.