'Crazy' KotS Scaling Idea

[keterys]

I've been looking at running it for 4 people, and... how about just up everyone's level by 1?

For 3, there might start to be some more serious ability gaps, but 2 is still... close.

Anyhow, for a group of 5, Expected XP is
Lvl / XP
1 = 500
2 = 625
3 = 750
4 = 875
5 = 1000

Group of 4...
2 = 500
3 = 600
4 = 700
5 = 800
6 = 1000

Which seems _awfully_ close.

Group of 3...
3 = 450
4 = 525
5 = 600
6 = 750
7 = 900

Which is starting to lag notably behind, and they'd have worse treasure for their level, and less synergy potentially. Still, it's probably a pretty easy initial bandaid, and I doubt players would _mind_ being higher level.

 

[Reef]

Very interesting observation! As a DM with a smaller than average group, I'd love to hear how this works out if someone tries it. In theory, it looks good. Even for a party of three, it would mean less encounter adjusting (ie. maybe remove one monster instead of three), which would make a DM's life easier.

I was kicking around the idea of lowering monster levels (per the rules in DMG...the only book that got delivered...grr) as an alternative to straight up monster removal. But reversing it and raising the players should amount to the same thing and involve a lot less paperwork.

 

[WhatGravitas]

Which is starting to lag notably behind, and they'd have worse treasure for their level, and less synergy potentially. Still, it's probably a pretty easy initial bandaid, and I doubt players would _mind_ being higher level.

I've thought about that as well (4-man group here, including DM, so only 3 players) - and came to the same conclusion.

And the biggest benefit: You get the utility power. No, really, it's a power that is not an attack. For an early 4E game, I think, showboating something like that is pretty cool and good to hook the players on 4E!

Cheers, LT.

 

[keterys]

You get the utility power. No, really, it's a power that is not an attack. For an early 4E game, I think, showboating something like that is pretty cool and good to hook the players on 4E!

I had the exact same thought - in truth, I actually had planned to start people as 2nd so they'd have a utility, then did some math on it and realized it solved another issue.

 

[Graf]

Good idea/analysis.