Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 JohnLynch Sep 10, 2014 6:42:13	We just finished episode 1 and have had a fairly big pool of players considering we're only running 1 table at a time. We've got 13 players in total. Not a single one played all of Episode 1 and as such everyone is still level 1. We're starting episode 2 with a couple of people on the brink of 2nd level so I'm not too worried. But I am concerned what happens with episode 3 and beyond and we're playing with level 2 or even level 1 characters? We've only had enough for 1 table each session, however they've all played enough of episode 1 that even if all 13 of them turned up we wouldn't be able to rerun episode 1 for them. So walk ins will also be stuck with what the rest of the people are playing.   Is there any official guidance/suggestions? I'd hate to have to start running a table of expeditions for walk ins, although that wouldn't even be feasible as we only get 1 or 2 each week.
#2 Uthrac Sep 10, 2014 8:45:31	If the PCs are below the expected Level (or you have fewer/more PCs than 4), adjust the encounters accordingly to make them a fair and fun challenge. (Remove a monster, reduce enemy hit points, etc.)   Also, be sure the DM is aware of how fragile Level 1 PCs are, especially when it comes to monsters who can hit hard enough to drop a PC with one hit. It's better to attack your Level 2 "regular" PCs who can absorb a hit or two ... and perhaps earned some reknown in Episode 1 ... and hold off on attacking (especially focusing fire) on the Level 1 PCs.   (If time permits ... you could have the Level 1 PCs go off hunting down some of the raiders and run some of the random encounters from Episode 1 to catch them up ...)
#3 darlaflick Sep 15, 2014 2:24:29	The internet is your friend. Check out Fantasy Grounds II. I'm currently running a game using FGII that, while not D&D, is very very close and uses the d20 mechanic. If you're interested and like what you see of the program send me a PM and you're more than welcome in my game. If you'd like to play D&D specifically I still recommend checking out FGII as there have been GMs asking for players on the forums every time I've checked. You may not be able to hold out hope for a face-to-face game, but an online game in real-time is very doable. Especially with the abundance of free VOIP software that allows you to converse vocally rather than type out all your in character actions and speech.
#4 Tony_Vargas Sep 20, 2014 17:13:19	As I understand it, all three episodes are supposed to be playble with characters of 1st level, or at least, with parties containing some 1st level characters.  They're supposed to be useable for Encounters, and the Encounters format makes that sort of thing inevitable.   People miss games, change characters, or join mid-season.
#5 Prom Sep 20, 2014 20:59:51	You have already had some good suggestions. It's not uncommen to have many level 1 characters in Encounters or Expeditions, this is normal. The DM is the brain at the table not the adventure book, adjust, add, subtract, or completely change what you need to have the session fun for players. Some players like a challenge and will be happy to have the adventure run as it is, others will not. Make recommendations to players, suggest multiple options if they don't consider them. It's possible for the groups to avoid the battles and still get experience if you deem it fitting.   Stealth, Deception, Intimidate, Persuasion, and other skills do not change much usually, between characters of level 1-4.