On Rise of Tiamat after Hoard of the Dragon Queen

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

OnslaughtIT

May 25, 2015 12:26:55

Hello All,

 

I still don't have Rise of Tiamat, but I've skimmed through it at a store and I'm reading Hoard of the Dragon Queen and thinking/preparing to DM it... which bings me some doubts that as far as I know the adventures don't address, so I'd like some help from you guys that have already read/DM them.

 

1) At Chapter 8 in HotDQ, it says the Giants have an army of sorts at north and the Castle its going there. How RoT address that? It gives further info on this army?

 

2) How's the link between players crashing/owning the Castle and they wenting to Waterdeep at the start of RoT? Why would they go there? And what about the Giant army (above)?

 

3) My DMG still didn't arrived, but the Adult White Dragon seems like an overkill (CR13) for a Lvl 7 party, even more after the party fought through the Sky Castle.

 

4) At the Mere of Dead Man... players are supposed to work with Lizardfolk and storm the castle? Infiltrate the castle for some time (days? tendays?)?

 

5) What are the things you guys wished you knew from RoT when you were DMing HotDQ?

 

6) Is there any nice blogs/topics about RoT as the ones with tips for adjusting HotDQ? I mean, like Sly flourish (those posts are amazing). 

 

7) Milestones x XP... have anyone tried the second option? Players start to lag behind? Or they just level up higher?

 

8) Player's are supposed to storm the Sky Castle if they fail to get the banner at the Lodge?

 

Thanks!

Ons

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2

BRJN

May 25, 2015 13:49:25

1) The Giant army just fades into the background in RoT.  The emphasis is on the "small folk" and their efforts against the Cult of the Dragon.

 

2) RoT begins with the PCs getting a message to come to Waterdeep ASAP.  A method is provided but they could fly the castle over, if they have it.

 

3) My group blew through the Dragon in Skyreach's basement in three rounds.  (I'm still learning how to handle high-level enemies - do NOT give out Rests like they grow on trees.)  The Bigger Dragon at the North Pole should be about equal challenge if your PCs gain 1-2 more levels before meeting him.

 

4) I was out that week for my group's campaign.  I think they assaulted the place but a Stealth- or Deception- -loving group has lots of room to shine there too.

 

5) RoT Appendix 3 - what impresses the Leaders?

 

5b) Not in either book: There is some kewl lewt hanging around Eps4-8, why not use it as part of the War Campaign Plan?  (Astronomical observatory, RWiz spellbooks, CotD scabbards, more)

 

6) I haven't looked hard for any (yet).

 

7) You can insert some of the Optional Encounters to give the group more XP, should they fall behind.  One of the encounters is a negotiation not a combat - XP for using your brain!

 

8) I successfully used the banner and code phrase to get in; there is a way to sneak in and an alternative method to fake your way in.  I suppose you could get the PCs on board as prisoners if the PCs really muck it up.