Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Uthrac Sep 23, 2014 11:56:22	Very disappointing to see DDEX1-4, DDEX1-5, and DDEX1-6 are optimized for 2nd level PCs, considering the vast majority of PCs playing these adventures will be Levels 3-4.   PCs coming from LMoP or Encounters will likely be at least 3, and generally 4. PCs playing DDEX adventures need only complete two adventures to reach Level 3 ... those playing "in order" will reach Level 4 the end of DDEX1-5.
#2 Pauper Sep 23, 2014 12:29:44	This is part of the reason I originally thought Encounters would 'cap' at level 2. Still, with 'bounded accuracy', the necessity to optimize for a given level (versus a level range) is a lot less.   This really hit home for me when looking at the Monster Manual last night -- a CR21 monster (the solar) has AC 21 and a +13 attack bonus on its main attack. That makes detailed level adjustments (other than a slight fudge-factor for hit points) much less significant.   -- Pauper
#3 Uthrac Sep 23, 2014 12:52:21	True ... but the power jumps at lower levels are signficant. Fighter manuevers, Paladin smites, and 2nd level spells all come into play by Level 3 ... to name a few.
#4 TheGimper Sep 23, 2014 18:51:37	Personally, I'm concerned about not be eligible to play these mods since my character is already level 3 and will likely hit level 4 at the end of the current Encounters season. If my group continues on with HOTDQ, I'll pass the level cap for these adventures. Yes, I can create another character, but I was hoping to be anle to play all of the ToD adventures with the same character.
#5 Tyranthraxus Sep 23, 2014 19:32:32	TheGimper: That was never going to happen.
#6 Tyranthraxus Sep 23, 2014 19:47:45	Im more interested to see how characters will go if they dont get to level 5 in time for the 5-10 scenarios coming up. (Ie a character dosnt earn enough exp to get to the level 5 cut off for the forthcoming expeditions scenarios).   It IS possible esp if you play on a lot of weak/v weak tables.
(Reply to #6) SteveMND	Tyranthraxus wrote:
#8 TheBreen Sep 24, 2014 7:49:29	SteveMND wrote:
#9 Coredump00 Sep 24, 2014 10:51:51	I think the XP caps for the Encounter program is a mistake, and hopefully it goes away with the next season.   Even with the 'caps' you could have started with a higher level character, or you could gain levels via Expedition adventures....  the caps do not guarantee everyone stays at the same level, nor do they guarantee someone a chance to 'catch up'   What they do, is encourage people to swap out characters once their 'main' has reached the cap.... which I think does horrible things for the story telling aspects of the adventure.
#10 JodyJohnson Sep 24, 2014 11:23:06	The "Adventure for characters level 1-4" blurbs on the descriptions and covers contrasted with the "Only level 1 and 2 characters may play this adventure" inside smells like a failure to meet expectations. I expected players would play up to 3rd (you know because it takes 2 sessions tops) at home in Lost Mine or in Encounters and then get to the meat in Expeditions. This is just zero-to-hero over and over again. Been there, done that. That's what killed 4e Encounters at the store. I'm going to recommend we switch to 'Casual D&D events' only and just play what we like. This whole "our way or the highway" AL system doesn't square with the "make it your game" vibe from the devs and playtest. Rules lighter, modularity and options was the draw but AL seems to be selling restrictions, paperwork, and officialness. Organized play isn't for everyone, but after trying to get into it for 2 months I've completely soured on the whole thing.
(Reply to #10) Undrhil	JodyJohnson wrote:
#12 Skerrit Sep 24, 2014 15:06:30	Undrhil wrote: