Vyvyan Basterd
Adventurer
I've had the itch to run through this once again in a new edition. I've just gotten started and hope to share ideas.
The original module calls for random encounter checks whenever the PCs approach or leave the ruins. The area is rife with bandit activity. I've decided instead to turn this into a Skill Challenge.
SKILL CHALLENGE #1
Avoiding harrassment by bandits
Level 4, Complexity 2 (350 XP) [Award XP whether challenge is completed successfully or not - do not award XP for encounters caused by failure.]
If the party tries to avoid the bandits in the area, each player should make a single check each time the party approaches or leaves the ruins. Award a single success or failure based on whether the checks are a majority success or failure. The Aid Another action is not allowed on these checks. If the party makes no attempt to avoid the bandits failure is automatic.
Common skill use examples:
Athletics DC 18 - Traversing more difficult terrain that isn't commonly travelled.
Bluff DC 13 - Seeming to be unworthy of attention or much more powerful.
Diplomacy DC 23 - Attempting to negotiate with the bandits at minimal cost.
Endurance DC 18 - Moving at a hastened pace to offer less window of opportunity for the bandits.
Insight DC 23 - Recognizing dangerous groups within the area.
Intimidate DC 13 - Seeming tougher and meaner to dissaude bandits from attacking.
Nature DC 13 - Recognizing areas that would provide the bandits with opportunities to ambush travelers.
Perception DC 18 - Spotting trouble before it occurs.
Stealth DC 13 - Moving unseen and unheard through the region.
Results:
6 successes: The group has built a reputation, found a safe path, or whatever else seems appropriate to their methods to not have to worry about attacks from bandits any more.
4-5 successes: The group has learned enough about the bandit activity to no longer be surprised by their attacks.
1-3 successes: No effect.
1st failure: Attacked by bandit group consisting of 4 human bandits and a human berserker.
2nd failure: Attacked by bandit group consisting of 4 human guards and a human mage.
3rd failure: Attacked by bandit group consisting of 10 orc drudges and 2 gnoll huntmasters. After a 3rd failure the party has earned a reputation in blood and will no longer be at risk of bandit attacks.
The original module calls for random encounter checks whenever the PCs approach or leave the ruins. The area is rife with bandit activity. I've decided instead to turn this into a Skill Challenge.
SKILL CHALLENGE #1
Avoiding harrassment by bandits
Level 4, Complexity 2 (350 XP) [Award XP whether challenge is completed successfully or not - do not award XP for encounters caused by failure.]
If the party tries to avoid the bandits in the area, each player should make a single check each time the party approaches or leaves the ruins. Award a single success or failure based on whether the checks are a majority success or failure. The Aid Another action is not allowed on these checks. If the party makes no attempt to avoid the bandits failure is automatic.
Common skill use examples:
Athletics DC 18 - Traversing more difficult terrain that isn't commonly travelled.
Bluff DC 13 - Seeming to be unworthy of attention or much more powerful.
Diplomacy DC 23 - Attempting to negotiate with the bandits at minimal cost.
Endurance DC 18 - Moving at a hastened pace to offer less window of opportunity for the bandits.
Insight DC 23 - Recognizing dangerous groups within the area.
Intimidate DC 13 - Seeming tougher and meaner to dissaude bandits from attacking.
Nature DC 13 - Recognizing areas that would provide the bandits with opportunities to ambush travelers.
Perception DC 18 - Spotting trouble before it occurs.
Stealth DC 13 - Moving unseen and unheard through the region.
Results:
6 successes: The group has built a reputation, found a safe path, or whatever else seems appropriate to their methods to not have to worry about attacks from bandits any more.
4-5 successes: The group has learned enough about the bandit activity to no longer be surprised by their attacks.
1-3 successes: No effect.
1st failure: Attacked by bandit group consisting of 4 human bandits and a human berserker.
2nd failure: Attacked by bandit group consisting of 4 human guards and a human mage.
3rd failure: Attacked by bandit group consisting of 10 orc drudges and 2 gnoll huntmasters. After a 3rd failure the party has earned a reputation in blood and will no longer be at risk of bandit attacks.
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