D&D 5E Damn paladins, you scary!

[Uller]

As I keep pointing out, fear of wandering monsters is a major reason why the PCs leave the
dungeon 'early' after 2-3 fights, while they still have the resources to handle a random encounter
or two on the way home.

If they leave the dungeon early there should be some consequence. Why were they in the dungeon in the first place? Whatever goals they had should become more difficult or impossible to achieve.

If you are awarding xp, I'd impose a penalty or no story/goal related awards. I tend to use milestones...leave the dungeon without achieving the milestone....no level up and the npcs/monsters reinforce and make it tougher.

 

[S'mon]

If they leave the dungeon early there should be some consequence. Why were they in the dungeon in the first place? Whatever goals they had should become more difficult or impossible to achieve.

They're usually looking for loot & magic items.

 

[Eltab]

They're usually looking for loot & magic items.

The surviving monsters SPEND the loot hiring tough bodyguards inside and a few spies just beyond the door. The magic items go into Boss' hands so he can beat the PCs himself, if they ever dare to return.

Somewhere along the way, during Round Two, the PCs find the empty treasure chests. And they find the room where magic items used to be, full of footprints and maybe a dead body reaching out to pick something up.