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D&D Encounters questions

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
wagnert
Mar 16, 2010 14:10:58 According to the adventure book, no character may have more than 3 permanent magic items at the end of the season. The characters can be converted to LFR at the end of the "season".

Will these magic items count against the LFR magic item slots for level 1 to 3?

I've found one error so far. In the stat block for Fayne on page 11, it shows a power called "Fey'ri Deception". The text for the power is the same as in Xeres stat block on page 50. I assume both have the same power, but the wording for both uses "Xeres" and "his/he", instead of using "Fayne" and "her/she" in the text for Fayne.
#2
Dragon9
Mar 16, 2010 18:36:26 The maghic item issue needs to be clarified, but if these are found items within the sessions, then you should count them as having been found item slots. Otherwise you have an unfair advantage over other players who didn't play Encounters.
#3
Uthrac
Mar 25, 2010 7:37:43 Although, the last Weekend in the Realms gave out a "free" magic item that didn't cost a slot.

Perhaps they will clarify how Encounters characters can be transported to LFR in the next CCG.
#4
Dragon9
Mar 25, 2010 7:42:47 As is, any character that ports over to LFR from DDE needs to be LFR legal when used in LFR. So if you used anything not normally allowed in LFR for your DDE character you will need to make the changes to make them legal. You'll likely be second level. The chances of having more than one magic item are slim from what I hear so it shouldn't be an issue. Seeing as they are found items, they should be treated as such unless we hear otherwise.

This is just a common sense approach to take towards the matter in the absence of anything being said about it.
#5
wagnert
Mar 30, 2010 11:16:37 There's a total of 6 potions, 1 ritual book, and 7 magic items available in the twelve sessions.

That works out to less than 2 magic items per character average, depending on the party size.

Again, I ask someone official to confirm if the magic items will fill the 1st (and maybe 2nd) level item slots upon conversion? All my players are planning to convert their characters to LFR at the end of the season.

Tom Wagner
#6
RyndarLocke
Apr 12, 2010 8:50:52
The maghic item issue needs to be clarified, but if these are found items within the sessions, then you should count them as having been found item slots. Otherwise you have an unfair advantage over other players who didn't play Encounters.

You should have an advantage if you drive 40 minutes once a week to play for 40 minutes. Some people may drive longer. In fact I think My FLGS has a couple that drive 45 minutes both ways to play ONE 45 minute encounter. And, the 2nd encounter I played in, well my monk killed all but one creature on his first attack round, that encounter was over in 15 minutes.
#7
Skerrit
Apr 12, 2010 10:26:46 We haven't made anything official yet, and nothing will be until we finish the next CCG, but here is what I am thinking right now. Potions and rituals never count as a found item slot so you don't need to worry about those. As for the actual items, it is fairly likely that you will convert those items directly into your found item slots; assuming you wish to keep them. Of course, if you don't want them, you can simply discard them when you convert, and have your found item free. It is fairly unlikely with only 7 items that you will have more items than your level (likely to be roughly second level), as that would require someone to be getting the lion's share of the loot (or roughly half of all the permanent items in the adventure).
#8
Sans_Serif
Apr 12, 2010 13:19:04 I too have a question.

I understand one can bring in a level-1 LFR legal character to Encounters. Does this level 1 character need to have 0 XP, or could I have played one or two LFR adventures with this character, then bring him to Encounters?
#9
pedr
Apr 12, 2010 14:07:11
I too have a question.

I understand one can bring in a level-1 LFR legal character to Encounters. Does this level 1 character need to have 0 XP, or could I have played one or two LFR adventures with this character, then bring him to Encounters?

It is the other way round: you can (well, will be able to) take a character which has played in Encounters and transfer it to LFR. From what I can tell, any character that starts playing Encounters should have 0 XP when it begins play, though a character built to be LFR legal (but which has not, yet, played any LFR) will be Encounters legal. (Leaving aside the fact that the Encounters creation information doesn't mention backgrounds...)

#10
tirianmal
Apr 12, 2010 14:56:07 Characters for DDE must start at level 0 but don't -have- to be LFR legal (they do have to follow largely the same rules for starting PCs from the LFR character creation guide, but that's because those rules are largely the rules from the PHB). In fact, they can use Dragonmarks, dragonmarked feats, and dragonmarked items (as an example).

But if you want to use that character in LFR after the season of DDE is over, you have to convert it to be LFR legal which may mean dumping certain feats, items or retraining into other things.

#11
Sans_Serif
Apr 12, 2010 19:48:11 thanks guys - helps much.
#12
Alphastream
Apr 13, 2010 17:49:28
As for the actual items, it is fairly likely that you will convert those items directly into your found item slots; assuming you wish to keep them. Of course, if you don't want them, you can simply discard them when you convert, and have your found item free.

I like this.
#13
Dragon9
Apr 15, 2010 7:25:27 I do too... until the inevitable happens. Which is someone, somewhere will complain that they should get compensation for the item they are giving up.

You know it'll happen. ;)
#14
bgibbons
Apr 15, 2010 10:29:05 I'm not that concerned about someone gaining an extra found magic item slot for a low-level item--after all, the campaign has given out free magic items before (Week1-4) and the rewards:time ratio is so low for D&DE that I'm fine if they choose to go that direction.

My primary concern is what actually ends up entering the campaign from this. There are an awful lot of stores running this campaign that are pretty hazy on the whole idea that there is value in following rules that inconvenience them (lots of stories about 3-person or 8-person tables out there, not to mention some pretty big stores with a "screw this 'only on Wednesday' nonsense" attitude).

As such, it would not surprise me to see players receiving things that the module doesn't given out--DM-created magic items, too-high level magic items. And, of course, I'm not even sure what the restrictions as given in the module are--can a PC walk out of D&DE with a boon from DMG2 or an item from a Dungeon Magazine module?

That's even beyond the possibility for shenanigans caused by not everyone at the table caring about their characters after the end of D&DE. If, at the last session, it turns out that only one player is planning on taking the character to LFR, there's no reason not to ask if your PC can have all of the healing potions and ritual scrolls/books left over (neither of which counts as found magic items). Maybe you sell another PC at the table your magic item (which you don't think is worth the found item slot) in exchange for all of their gold, or everyone at the table just gives you all of their gold.

In my mind, the idea of someone having played for twelve weeks to make it half-way through level 2 and get an extra found magic item slot isn't really a problem. Using D&DE to gain access to items you could not have otherwise or to break the gold curve, however, is.
#15
kilpatds
Apr 16, 2010 14:05:59
Of course, if you don't want them, you can simply discard them when you convert, and have your found item free.

Given the current rate of gold accumulation, I suspect I'm going to be down a lot of gold compared to an equivilent LFR character. The one item I've found so far ... I'm certainly not going to keep, and the equivilent 3 H1-low modules of extra gold would put me well ahead of where I am right now. Now, if I get that item for free, and can then sell it for cash, I'll be about at the same point I'd otherwise be.

#16
tirianmal
Apr 16, 2010 14:18:03 bgibbons does bring up a good point about items. There should be something about what kinds of items can be brought over from DDE to LFR. Otherwise restricted items might well get into the campaign ... are there many of those?
#17
atras
Apr 16, 2010 16:16:19
Using D&DE to gain access to items you could not have otherwise or to break the gold curve, however, is.

Isn't this a guarantee with the item from the set? Session 5 contains an item that I don't think exists in any other WotC format. It's nothing earth-shattering, and I don't think any players who don't have it are going to be severely lacking because of it, but I'm sure there will be plenty of complaints.

bgibbons does bring up a good point about items. There should be something about what kinds of items can be brought over from DDE to LFR. Otherwise restricted items might well get into the campaign ... are there many of those?

Well, when you bring a character from Encounters into LFR, it will have to be legal. If you have Dragonmarks or some other illegal element, it would have to be fixed. I think this is a problem that has already been addressed.
#18
bgibbons
Apr 16, 2010 17:28:11
Well, when you bring a character from Encounters into LFR, it will have to be legal. If you have Dragonmarks or some other illegal element, it would have to be fixed. I think this is a problem that has already been addressed.

There's a difference between illegal and not in a player resource. An LFR character can certainly have a ritual from Open Grave, an item from Manual of the Planes or a boon from DMG2... so long as it's actually awarded in an adventure.

The conversion guidelines need to take into account that a DM may have, for example, given a character an Ioun's Revelation boon instead of a magic item, or handed out a +2 item instead of a +1 one, or that a player might have decided that he didn't want to spend a found item slot and sold his magic item for 20% value before leaving D&DE.
#19
Uthrac
Apr 21, 2010 12:49:15 I'd be happy with a blurb in the CCG similar to what was done with the ADAP mods. Something along the lines of:

For each week played of encounters, the PC can choose 50 gp or a potion of healing. In addition, each PC may choose one item from the following list which (a-la-WEEK1-4) does not count as a found item slot. [List items available.]
#20
_Mithreinmaethor_
Apr 22, 2010 6:40:00
I'd be happy with a blurb in the CCG similar to what was done with the ADAP mods. Something along the lines of:

For each week played of encounters, the PC can choose 50 gp or a potion of healing. In addition, each PC may choose one item from the following list which (a-la-WEEK1-4) does not count as a found item slot. [List items available.]

That is a bit much. Considering 3-4 weeks of D&D Encounters would be equal to 1 LFR module. So you will have approx. 3 LFR modules worth of gold etc, and there are several potions given out for free in the module as well. So no need to give players the option to choose one. From what I have seen the gold being handed out will get you pretty close to that.

How they handle the magic items I wont even guess. But the gold will be fine.
#21
Uthrac
Apr 22, 2010 12:42:12 You're assuming that the table judges are handing out the correct amount of gold. Specific guidelines will prevent any "house-ruled" characters from entering LFR.

"Hey, my judge from Encounter 1 let me pick the pockets of everyone in the inn and gave me 5,000 gp."
#22
Lineov
Apr 28, 2010 15:45:28 Encounters DM here.... So my FLGS did not recieve the 30pt reward cards or the 50pt reward cards.. I'm wondering what these cards do. I have players that are cresting the 30pt mark tonight.
#23
Alphastream
Apr 28, 2010 15:51:08 That is really strange. They should all be part of the same kit the store received. Were they missing from the kit? If so, contact WotC and let them know (include your store name and address). You must use official cards and not copies.

As to receiving the second and third reward cards, the adventure and instructions should make it clear that you only hand these out at the end of the season. When it all ends you determine the leaders (as tracked on the leader board poster you received with the kit) and then give out the cards to the top players (or let them choose between the two cards - they only get one). You then give out the remainder until you run out (some players may qualify for but not receive a card). The adventure suggests a d20 roll to settle any ties.

#24
Lineov
Apr 28, 2010 16:35:45 thanks. i'll bring it up again with my FLGS
#25
vinciente
Apr 30, 2010 17:18:00 This is loosely tied to the Encounters Program, because the kits came with the item I am looking to acquire.

I would like to hear from people who have left-over/extra coasters (For the Yawning Portal Tavern) that they would be willing to donate for a D&D party that I would like to host later this summer. Please message me directly here on the Wizards Community, if you have coasters that you are willing to part with.

Thanks Guys.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 wagnert Mar 16, 2010 14:10:58	According to the adventure book, no character may have more than 3 permanent magic items at the end of the season. The characters can be converted to LFR at the end of the "season". Will these magic items count against the LFR magic item slots for level 1 to 3? I've found one error so far. In the stat block for Fayne on page 11, it shows a power called "Fey'ri Deception". The text for the power is the same as in Xeres stat block on page 50. I assume both have the same power, but the wording for both uses "Xeres" and "his/he", instead of using "Fayne" and "her/she" in the text for Fayne.
#2 Dragon9 Mar 16, 2010 18:36:26	The maghic item issue needs to be clarified, but if these are found items within the sessions, then you should count them as having been found item slots. Otherwise you have an unfair advantage over other players who didn't play Encounters.
#3 Uthrac Mar 25, 2010 7:37:43	Although, the last Weekend in the Realms gave out a "free" magic item that didn't cost a slot. Perhaps they will clarify how Encounters characters can be transported to LFR in the next CCG.
#4 Dragon9 Mar 25, 2010 7:42:47	As is, any character that ports over to LFR from DDE needs to be LFR legal when used in LFR. So if you used anything not normally allowed in LFR for your DDE character you will need to make the changes to make them legal. You'll likely be second level. The chances of having more than one magic item are slim from what I hear so it shouldn't be an issue. Seeing as they are found items, they should be treated as such unless we hear otherwise. This is just a common sense approach to take towards the matter in the absence of anything being said about it.
#5 wagnert Mar 30, 2010 11:16:37	There's a total of 6 potions, 1 ritual book, and 7 magic items available in the twelve sessions. That works out to less than 2 magic items per character average, depending on the party size. Again, I ask someone official to confirm if the magic items will fill the 1st (and maybe 2nd) level item slots upon conversion? All my players are planning to convert their characters to LFR at the end of the season. Tom Wagner
#6 RyndarLocke Apr 12, 2010 8:50:52	The maghic item issue needs to be clarified, but if these are found items within the sessions, then you should count them as having been found item slots. Otherwise you have an unfair advantage over other players who didn't play Encounters. You should have an advantage if you drive 40 minutes once a week to play for 40 minutes. Some people may drive longer. In fact I think My FLGS has a couple that drive 45 minutes both ways to play ONE 45 minute encounter. And, the 2nd encounter I played in, well my monk killed all but one creature on his first attack round, that encounter was over in 15 minutes.
#7 Skerrit Apr 12, 2010 10:26:46	We haven't made anything official yet, and nothing will be until we finish the next CCG, but here is what I am thinking right now. Potions and rituals never count as a found item slot so you don't need to worry about those. As for the actual items, it is fairly likely that you will convert those items directly into your found item slots; assuming you wish to keep them. Of course, if you don't want them, you can simply discard them when you convert, and have your found item free. It is fairly unlikely with only 7 items that you will have more items than your level (likely to be roughly second level), as that would require someone to be getting the lion's share of the loot (or roughly half of all the permanent items in the adventure).
#8 Sans_Serif Apr 12, 2010 13:19:04	I too have a question. I understand one can bring in a level-1 LFR legal character to Encounters. Does this level 1 character need to have 0 XP, or could I have played one or two LFR adventures with this character, then bring him to Encounters?
#9 pedr Apr 12, 2010 14:07:11	I too have a question. I understand one can bring in a level-1 LFR legal character to Encounters. Does this level 1 character need to have 0 XP, or could I have played one or two LFR adventures with this character, then bring him to Encounters? It is the other way round: you can (well, will be able to) take a character which has played in Encounters and transfer it to LFR. From what I can tell, any character that starts playing Encounters should have 0 XP when it begins play, though a character built to be LFR legal (but which has not, yet, played any LFR) will be Encounters legal. (Leaving aside the fact that the Encounters creation information doesn't mention backgrounds...)
#10 tirianmal Apr 12, 2010 14:56:07	Characters for DDE must start at level 0 but don't -have- to be LFR legal (they do have to follow largely the same rules for starting PCs from the LFR character creation guide, but that's because those rules are largely the rules from the PHB). In fact, they can use Dragonmarks, dragonmarked feats, and dragonmarked items (as an example). But if you want to use that character in LFR after the season of DDE is over, you have to convert it to be LFR legal which may mean dumping certain feats, items or retraining into other things.
#11 Sans_Serif Apr 12, 2010 19:48:11	thanks guys - helps much.
#12 Alphastream Apr 13, 2010 17:49:28	As for the actual items, it is fairly likely that you will convert those items directly into your found item slots; assuming you wish to keep them. Of course, if you don't want them, you can simply discard them when you convert, and have your found item free. I like this.
#13 Dragon9 Apr 15, 2010 7:25:27	I do too... until the inevitable happens. Which is someone, somewhere will complain that they should get compensation for the item they are giving up. You know it'll happen. ;)
#14 bgibbons Apr 15, 2010 10:29:05	I'm not that concerned about someone gaining an extra found magic item slot for a low-level item--after all, the campaign has given out free magic items before (Week1-4) and the rewards:time ratio is so low for D&DE that I'm fine if they choose to go that direction. My primary concern is what actually ends up entering the campaign from this. There are an awful lot of stores running this campaign that are pretty hazy on the whole idea that there is value in following rules that inconvenience them (lots of stories about 3-person or 8-person tables out there, not to mention some pretty big stores with a "screw this 'only on Wednesday' nonsense" attitude). As such, it would not surprise me to see players receiving things that the module doesn't given out--DM-created magic items, too-high level magic items. And, of course, I'm not even sure what the restrictions as given in the module are--can a PC walk out of D&DE with a boon from DMG2 or an item from a Dungeon Magazine module? That's even beyond the possibility for shenanigans caused by not everyone at the table caring about their characters after the end of D&DE. If, at the last session, it turns out that only one player is planning on taking the character to LFR, there's no reason not to ask if your PC can have all of the healing potions and ritual scrolls/books left over (neither of which counts as found magic items). Maybe you sell another PC at the table your magic item (which you don't think is worth the found item slot) in exchange for all of their gold, or everyone at the table just gives you all of their gold. In my mind, the idea of someone having played for twelve weeks to make it half-way through level 2 and get an extra found magic item slot isn't really a problem. Using D&DE to gain access to items you could not have otherwise or to break the gold curve, however, is.
#15 kilpatds Apr 16, 2010 14:05:59	Of course, if you don't want them, you can simply discard them when you convert, and have your found item free. Given the current rate of gold accumulation, I suspect I'm going to be down a lot of gold compared to an equivilent LFR character. The one item I've found so far ... I'm certainly not going to keep, and the equivilent 3 H1-low modules of extra gold would put me well ahead of where I am right now. Now, if I get that item for free, and can then sell it for cash, I'll be about at the same point I'd otherwise be.
#16 tirianmal Apr 16, 2010 14:18:03	bgibbons does bring up a good point about items. There should be something about what kinds of items can be brought over from DDE to LFR. Otherwise restricted items might well get into the campaign ... are there many of those?
#17 atras Apr 16, 2010 16:16:19	Using D&DE to gain access to items you could not have otherwise or to break the gold curve, however, is. Isn't this a guarantee with the item from the set? Session 5 contains an item that I don't think exists in any other WotC format. It's nothing earth-shattering, and I don't think any players who don't have it are going to be severely lacking because of it, but I'm sure there will be plenty of complaints. bgibbons does bring up a good point about items. There should be something about what kinds of items can be brought over from DDE to LFR. Otherwise restricted items might well get into the campaign ... are there many of those? Well, when you bring a character from Encounters into LFR, it will have to be legal. If you have Dragonmarks or some other illegal element, it would have to be fixed. I think this is a problem that has already been addressed.
#18 bgibbons Apr 16, 2010 17:28:11	Well, when you bring a character from Encounters into LFR, it will have to be legal. If you have Dragonmarks or some other illegal element, it would have to be fixed. I think this is a problem that has already been addressed. There's a difference between illegal and not in a player resource. An LFR character can certainly have a ritual from Open Grave, an item from Manual of the Planes or a boon from DMG2... so long as it's actually awarded in an adventure. The conversion guidelines need to take into account that a DM may have, for example, given a character an Ioun's Revelation boon instead of a magic item, or handed out a +2 item instead of a +1 one, or that a player might have decided that he didn't want to spend a found item slot and sold his magic item for 20% value before leaving D&DE.
#19 Uthrac Apr 21, 2010 12:49:15	I'd be happy with a blurb in the CCG similar to what was done with the ADAP mods. Something along the lines of: For each week played of encounters, the PC can choose 50 gp or a potion of healing. In addition, each PC may choose one item from the following list which (a-la-WEEK1-4) does not count as a found item slot. [List items available.]
#20 _Mithreinmaethor_ Apr 22, 2010 6:40:00	I'd be happy with a blurb in the CCG similar to what was done with the ADAP mods. Something along the lines of: For each week played of encounters, the PC can choose 50 gp or a potion of healing. In addition, each PC may choose one item from the following list which (a-la-WEEK1-4) does not count as a found item slot. [List items available.] That is a bit much. Considering 3-4 weeks of D&D Encounters would be equal to 1 LFR module. So you will have approx. 3 LFR modules worth of gold etc, and there are several potions given out for free in the module as well. So no need to give players the option to choose one. From what I have seen the gold being handed out will get you pretty close to that. How they handle the magic items I wont even guess. But the gold will be fine.
#21 Uthrac Apr 22, 2010 12:42:12	You're assuming that the table judges are handing out the correct amount of gold. Specific guidelines will prevent any "house-ruled" characters from entering LFR. "Hey, my judge from Encounter 1 let me pick the pockets of everyone in the inn and gave me 5,000 gp."
#22 Lineov Apr 28, 2010 15:45:28	Encounters DM here.... So my FLGS did not recieve the 30pt reward cards or the 50pt reward cards.. I'm wondering what these cards do. I have players that are cresting the 30pt mark tonight.
#23 Alphastream Apr 28, 2010 15:51:08	That is really strange. They should all be part of the same kit the store received. Were they missing from the kit? If so, contact WotC and let them know (include your store name and address). You must use official cards and not copies. As to receiving the second and third reward cards, the adventure and instructions should make it clear that you only hand these out at the end of the season. When it all ends you determine the leaders (as tracked on the leader board poster you received with the kit) and then give out the cards to the top players (or let them choose between the two cards - they only get one). You then give out the remainder until you run out (some players may qualify for but not receive a card). The adventure suggests a d20 roll to settle any ties.
#24 Lineov Apr 28, 2010 16:35:45	thanks. i'll bring it up again with my FLGS
#25 vinciente Apr 30, 2010 17:18:00	This is loosely tied to the Encounters Program, because the kits came with the item I am looking to acquire. I would like to hear from people who have left-over/extra coasters (For the Yawning Portal Tavern) that they would be willing to donate for a D&D party that I would like to host later this summer. Please message me directly here on the Wizards Community, if you have coasters that you are willing to part with. Thanks Guys.