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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pedro2112" data-source="post: 6401991" data-attributes="member: 85032">Interesting thread. I am running a an AL group through HotDQ at our FLGS. The players are having a blast! We have a nice mixture of experienced players, newbies, PFers changing over, Old Skoolers coming back to mainstream D&D, etc. Every session is full of excitement, laughter, tension and smiles. Everyone has agreed to continue the adventure under the "Expeditions" moniker when we finish up the Dragon Hatchery. Having said that, personally I don't think it's that great. I'm glad everyone is having a good time, but to me, I would not have created some of the encounters and scenarios as presented in the module. My concerns are reflected by some of the posters in this thread. (Yes, I know, I agree with Derren, for the most part... go figure!). The Half-Dragon beatdown in episode one reminds me of the dragonlance module cheese from the late 80s. I play everything straight up ... all rolls in the open, all damage rolled for, etc. The fact that the DM is forced to change the basic rules of the game (if Cyanwrath hits a PC who is at 0hp, it does not trigger 2 failed death saves pursuant to the rule) in order not to kill a PC, who should be killed, is bad adventure design, period. My players in my home game would be furious if I fudged or changed something just to make them survive an encounter they normally wouldn't. I don't have as much a problem with the Dragon encounter as far as him being disinterested and leaving after a certain amount of damage. I DO have a problem with the NPCs being unable to effect him. That, again, is changing the rules for cinematic effect, which is cheesy in my opinion.The worst part about it are those encounters that are practically unavoidable that are TPKs waiting to happen. The meet up with Cyranwrath is an example. A party of six level 3 PCs (and it might be level 2 PCs even!) facing the Half Dragon and 4 beserkers (the module has 2 beserkers, but states to add one extra for each PC in excess of 4 in the party) is considered a "LUDICROUS" encounter.. wayyy above deadly. Going through that room is the only way to get to the dragon eggs. Again, I love 5th edition, and the PCs love the adventure so far, but I think it the authors could have done a much better job, especially considering their excellent past work.</blockquote>

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