Experience and treasure

[Outlanders]

Greetings, all...

The first adventure I've run my players through was Sunless Citadel.

They've nearly completed the adventure, and are 3rd level each just as they're approaching the final battle. I had one of the players approach me after the session the other night, and complain about it.

His complaint was that they were getting too much EXP. Sure, I did up the challenges somewhat, as even at first level, they were taking on everything without barely breaking a sweat. And, we're talking 100% new characters, no magic items, no special abilities, just standard stuff.

Now, he complained that since Sunless Citadel was supposed to walk the characters through up to 3rd level, they should also have I think he said $2700 in gold and treasure each.

Umm... there isn't that much gold in the adventure, not by a long shot, and they've missed quite a bit as well.

So, my big question is this.... should I have just left the adventure as it was? Should I have allowed them to continue to walk through it, barely taking any damage and wiping everything out, without increasing the challenge? And, since I did increase the challenge, should I increase the amount of treasure they find to reflect it?

I don't want my game to go crazy the way the one that I play in has.... Believe me.

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated.

Chris

 

[doktorstick]

It seems, to me, that players rocket through levels in DND 3e. That being said, after three months of playing our average party level is 4.5.

The design goal, whether achieved or not, is to make sure the characters have the wealth in equipment so they are balanced with tougher encounters. A module, if done well, may take into account lack of properly equipped players in low-reward scenarios. I can't speak to whether or not this is the case with the Sunless Citadel.

If you look at the module, and the equipment, you'll notice that one item is of particular value and takes your party a long ways to achieving an appropriate party, though not character, wealth. What they do with it is their own choice.

/ds

 

[Geoff Watson]

The level gain is especially rapid at low levels, it slows down about 4th level.

Once they get the loot from the final battle they should have about the recommended amount.

Geoff.

 

[Jondor_Battlehammer]

The Sunless Citedel was easy in parts, so you did right by increasing the challeng. Between his complaints about too much XP and too little gold, it sounds like he is expecting the game to run by the book. Maybe he is even planning on it.

The game should run the way you want it to, while considering what the players want. If you want high or low magic, treasure, or XP, it is up to you. The one thing you should go for above all else is consitency of the world.

One thing you can do is tailor more of the treasure to suit the PC's who find it. Obviously a warrior type isn't going to carry a lot of wands or scrolls, but maybe a matching set of magical weapons that your party Ranger would love. You could turn this into a great long term antagonist as well. Someone who does what one PC does, but just a little better, making victory over him even sweeter.

Also , what does he term treasure. The sword you find in that adventure should make at least two shares worth by his reckoning.