Just Finished my first T&T "Module"

[wilowisp]

Well, we finished our first "module" in T&T tonight. I ran Ward Castle and added the Trollstone Caverns as the first part of the caverns "beneath" it. a few observations:

-My D&D players enjoyed how combat works. They thought it was "smooth", even for a first time. They liked how all the PCs added their attacks together, so it felt more like a "group combat" rather than a bunch of individual ones. Nobody hit the broad side of a barn with missiles however; so how that works they still haven't experienced.

-It was deadly! Out of a party of 4, only 2 made it out. Of course, we're on high levels of D&D, so that might explain the felt contrast too. In low level D&D characters die pretty quick too; but, it was a bit of a shock nonetheless. The Wizard who died being swallowed by the Ice Serpent who's TTYF spell went off in the beast's stomach was quite memorable though; if ya' gotta go, go with style.......... ;D

[quoghmyre]

I hope you remembered to give them there Mega Death SR.

Don't bother with Missiles until the PC can make a lvl 4 SR.

[wilowisp]

I'm not sure what a "Mega Death SR" is. We play 5.5, and I didn't see any reference to such a roll in it in either the rules or in the descriptions of combat.............

The Lvl 4 SR comment seems a bit over the top........ When an archer shoots at something larger than man size (like a group of men, not caring which one he hits, or a giant snake) its only a Lvl 1 SR. The targets for the missiles were all larger than man size; they just rolled poorly.

[jongjungbu]

I think, unless you were point blank, a L1 SR is a bit low for marksmanship on almost anything. Even a dragon-sized creature.

But sounds like you guys had fun. Wish I was in on it.

[Hogscape]

Sept 26, 2009 20:48:06 GMT -5 wilowisp said:

Well, we finished our first "module" in T&T tonight. I ran Ward Castle and added the Trollstone Caverns as the first part of the caverns "beneath" it. a few observations:

-My D&D players enjoyed how combat works. They thought it was "smooth", even for a first time. They liked how all the PCs added their attacks together, so it felt more like a "group combat" rather than a bunch of individual ones. Nobody hit the broad side of a barn with missiles however; so how that works they still haven't experienced.

-It was deadly! Out of a party of 4, only 2 made it out. Of course, we're on high levels of D&D, so that might explain the felt contrast too. In low level D&D characters die pretty quick too; but, it was a bit of a shock nonetheless. The Wizard who died being swallowed by the Ice Serpent who's TTYF spell went off in the beast's stomach was quite memorable though; if ya' gotta go, go with style.......... ;D

Brilliant, I've never played Castle Ward and would like to know more about it...

Did the players seem keen for another session?

Did you use the options from the back of the book (spells, spite damage etc.)?

I think Megadeath SR is something from Mercenaries Spies and Private Eyes (could be wrong though). I don't have my MSPE rule book with me just now so I can't check. I just play dead is dead.

[machfront]

Wilo,
Bear in mind that the rules state that the SR levels for missle combat make the assumption that one is aiming at a target that is fully aware and actively dodging. So, in many cases, the 'given' SR (due to the size and range) would be a level or two lower.

So, you went with the default group combat?
Also bear in mind that, since the mechanic is precisely the same, you can split the combats up to one-on-one, one-on-three, whatever. I prefer doing that myself, mainly because it helps the players feel like they're 'doing their own thing' and it helps me with regards to narration of effects of the combat, etc.

I'm really glad you guys had a good time, and the ice serpent stomach vs. TTYF is hilarious. ;D

[wilowisp]

I did break up the combats twice when the action seemed to demand it (once a fight started in two parts of the room at once, and once a PC broke off to throw a dirk while her companion fought the Ice Serpent- that's what lead to the 52 hits we defined as her getting swallowed.........). Even this morning though, my players have been talking about how much they LIKED the group combat, however. I think the break with Classic D&D is refreshing to them.

[quoghmyre]

Mega Death SR, is very T&T

It's just one final SR before death that requires a double to reach. I normally make it on there best stat plus 12 rounded up to the next SR level. It's the hope against hope chance that something miraculous happens.

T&T is all about SR's, don't let any other "Rules" override that, combat needs SR too, if your PC can't pass low level SR then they're screwed.

[machfront]

Oh, yes, another +1 for quoghmyre's mention of combat SRs. Remember that the rules allow PCs to 'break out of the box' from the normal combat procedure to perform combat tricks or whatever they like with an appropriate SR.

[jongjungbu]

Sept 27, 2009 22:09:26 GMT -5 machfront said:

Oh, yes, another +1 for quoghmyre's mention of combat SRs. Remember that the rules allow PCs to 'break out of the box' from the normal combat procedure to perform combat tricks or whatever they like with an appropriate SR.

I even do it in solos! It still doesn't guarantee you will survive.

[Hogscape]

So what is a MegaDeath SR?

[koraq]

Look above Hoggie! quoghmyre explains it. Interesting House rule. *chuckle*

[mahrundl]

Wilowisp, congratulations on your game! Sounds like it was fun.

[Hogscape]

Sept 30, 2009 14:56:44 GMT -5 koraq said:

Look above Hoggie! quoghmyre explains it. Interesting House rule. *chuckle*

Oops, didn't have my thinking glasses on. Thank you.

I think I would use that for a well-established character but first and second levellers can expect to drop like flies! Bwhahahahah...

[jongjungbu]

I concur with that!