Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Amagoran Aug 17, 2014 21:56:58	Minor Spoilers for Hoard of the Dragon Queen Ahead:   "Maximum XP. Each character participating in this episode can earn a maximum of 300 XP (the amount that will take a 1st-level character to 2nd level)." Pg. 10, Hoard of the Dragon Queen Encounters PDF.   The amount of experience players will gain from the 5-8 sessions in the first episode is more than enough to get them above 300 XP. Once they reach the 300 XP cap do we just let them level up and then tell them they no longer receive any experience until we finish the Episode? This seems a bit off if so. I'm not sure if the players will go for that sort of set up. The situation is replicated in Episode 2 and 3, with the cap equaling the amount of EXP to the next level (though I don't think there will be as much of an issue at those higher levels due to increase in the amount of experience needed per level.   I also note that Episode 2 is only 2-3 sessions and has the exp stacked for different things the players can complete in Episode 2. Seems like the better option to give both Episodes 1 and 2 a total exp cap of 900 and remove the "objectives" that give you a bunch of bonus xp in Episode 2.   I do get where the AL is coming from restricting it in this way, maintaining balance by keeping the players at a level they're comfortable with.   So, my question: Is this the required way that it must be played? Those who are running encounters from the hard cover would not have the Designing Encounters sidebar that this quote came from and would run it without the restriction.   If it is required: How is everyone else going to approach this? Let them get to 300xp and then just let them know that they have reached the episode cap and need to wait to gain more. Figure out the number of sessions of play in each Episode and give them that much each session (in the case of Episode 1, it comes to 50 xp assuming the full 6 sessions). This doesn't follow the rules as written for giving out XP and gets rid of some of the awards that they would get for approaching situations in certain ways. Give both Episodes 1 and 2 a total exp cap of 900 and remove the "objectives" that give you a bunch of bonus xp in Episode 2. Some fourth option that I haven't figured out yet.
#2 DocSun Aug 18, 2014 8:54:20	I am going to run it as is and tell the players that there is a level cap (not exp) because as it is writtern each adventure does cap them at the next level. I will allow them to level up if they meet the requirements. This also allows for players to miss a day or new players to join and not be left behind in experence. That is how I plan on handling it.
#3 Amagoran Aug 18, 2014 9:16:34	That's a good point that I hadn't thought of. This does allow people to miss a few sessions and still level up before the next episode. Now that I understand the reasoning I can explain it confidently and will go with running it as intended and just let them know ahead of time. Thanks!