AoW...possible TPK coming up...what should I do

[Gundark]

Spoilers!!!! (scroll down)














Well we're almost to the spire of long shadows. And after reading the module I'm looking at the notorious room 5 with the 3 sword of Kyuss and the 1 wormcaller. The sword's have the invocation of the worm ability which if all 3 hit the party and they fail all of the 3 saving throws can do 147 points of damage on average (which will kill anyone in the party in one round). Thye can do that 3 times per day. If played right this could be a party wipe (2nd of the campaign).

I'm not sure how to approach this. I could "take it easy" on them. However we have a rule that we don't take it easy, They'll smell it a mile away if do. I know that they'll be upset with this encounter. It's not even the TPK that'll upset them. The Party wipe they suffered in the 3 faces of evil (temple to Hextor) was one the realised as their fault (they didn't run when they should have). This one has the potential to be deadly before the party has much chance to do anything.

suggestions?

 

[takasi]

Knowledge (religion) check for a hint to put up deathward early in the adventure.

 

[Treebore]

Run it. See how it plays out. Sometimes even the DM can be amazed that the PC's lived. Odds are definitely there for a TPK, but far from assured.

 

[+5 Keyboard!]

If you simply tell them, "Hey, guys. This is going to be tough. Better come with your 'A' game tonight," is there some kind of rule you guys have against that? I do this quite often in my games and they're already tough as it is. That extra warning might help your players get through it without you having to pull any punches and you didn't really compromise the game itself.

 

[Sejs]

I could "take it easy" on them. However we have a rule that we don't take it easy, They'll smell it a mile away if do. I know that they'll be upset with this encounter. It's not even the TPK that'll upset them.

You answered your own question.

Give 'em both barrels.

Be tough, but fair.

 

[Darklone]

Agreeing with +5 keyboard. Warn them. Play fair. Have fun.

If they survive, you'll have a story that everyone will talk about in years.

(shameless advertise: If you want to read about a worse situation and how the PCs survived, take a look at my sig)

 

[Quartz]

How about running a side-quest first? Where they gain some McGuffin that gives them a chance?

 

[Beckett]

Over on the Paizo board, James Jacobs posted that the D6/HD damage of that ability is probably too strong, and recommended putting it at D6/2HD. Still 70+ damage on average if all three saves are failed, but not likely to kill the entire party before they can act.

 

[delericho]

Let the dice lie where they fall.

Then run Savage Tide.

 

[Kafkonia]

You could have Elminster pass by while walking his dog...

Wait, wrong adventure.