What to expect from Hoard of the Dragon Queen?

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

acfarrey

Jul 28, 2014 18:42:56

I am DMing my family through the Lost Mines of Phandelver.  After being away from D&D for nearly 15 years (last played 2nd edition), I am enjoying 5e quite a bit.  I like the adventure content that came with the starter set, but wish it was laid out a bit better (monsters in the back of the adventure is a bit of a pain). We are nearly 3/4 of the way done and they are asking "What's next?"  

 

I see that Hoard of the Dragon Queen is set to release in mid-August. The description says that it is 96 pages in length and takes PCs from level 1 to level 10. Given that the LMoP is 64 pages and levels 1-5, I would have expected 2x the content to get to levels 1-10.  Given the shorter page length per level, what do you expect will be included in the adventure?  Will all monsters and stats be included?  Basic DM instructions on advantage / disadvantage, DC checks, saving throws?  What about pull out maps?

 

When I played 15 years ago, I typically built my own adventures using the DMG and Monster Manual. However time is tight with a family and career and as result the pre-built campaigns are attractive. I am trying to figure out if I should pre-order the Hoard of the Dragon Queen adventure or try to roll my own adventure while we wait for the DMG and Monster Manual to be released. If the included information is minimal, it may be easier to roll my own (al least the story is mine). 

 

 

#2

THEMNGMNT

Jul 28, 2014 19:47:03

Check out Scourge of the Sword Coast and Ghosts of Dragonspear Castle. You can buy both on dndclassics dot com. They're both pretty good, although they use monsters and rules from the playtest.

#3

ivstin

Jul 29, 2014 1:45:23

I hadn't noticed the page difference. Glad you pointed it out.

 

I suspect it will have much of the same format and content, because they're running the modules like scholarly journals (using monster stats as "tables" in an appendix).

 

As for page content? I'm willing to bet there are more encounters that are left up to the DM to figure out - just like the Orcs of Wyvern Torr. As long as it isn't pure dungeon crawl like the old Caves of Chaos/Temple of Elemental Evil.  I couldn't handle that. I need more story if I am going to borrow your pre-written adventure.

 

Else I'll just make my own and customize the dungeons to the story.

 

But I agree, the new edition is great.

#4

Cennedi

Jul 29, 2014 1:46:59

I will be expecting hordes and dragons. i will be very put out if the book delivers neither.

#5

Novacat

Jul 29, 2014 1:49:43

A Scrooge McDuck bin full of copper coins, complete with diving board.

#6

TiaNadiezja

Jul 29, 2014 1:53:03

Novacat wrote: