Interrupting a Funeral

[Infiniti2000]

For one, the hostage. They'll know something's up then. For two, I hope to get them hopefully already thinking about possible sabotage, but this will probably depend on what characters they roll up and what backgrounds they might choose. This campaign is destined to start Jan 9, 2010, so I got a little bit of time.

It's still possible they don't do anything, at which point I'll have a "do-gooder" try to help, or perhaps a relative/friend of the hostage, only to get clobbered by one of the minions. No big deal, though, I'm not planning on railroading them. If they don't get involve, the interruption will be a success and relations between the city and the nearby elven settlement will be severely strained; thus, aiding the nearby dwarven community. Then, we'll go on to bigger and better things.

Without a defined party yet, I can't fill in all the details on all my encounters that I'm planning, but I certainly fill in the majority and wing a bunch (if necessary) or work in additional plans when I am able. I'm actually fairly reasonable at winging it (my players tell me that sometimes those are the best games). My next adventure (again, not railroading, but have to plan for it) is to have them 'clear out' an abandoned house which leads to the sewers. The idea here is that the heroes will show themselves to be competent and trustworthy and that the guard will request their help, for payment of course. I can go a number of ways on this and will have alternate options available depending on several things that might happen in this (such as a possible fight with the elves, or a good attempt but abject failure, etc.). I can post the entire sewer adventure I have planned, if you wish. I actually have some questions such as what kind of NPC should I stat up, a guy that is paid to take care of the sewers?

 

[Infiniti2000]

I guess what I'm looking for help with is if someone could review the crunch on the wagon (primarily) and, if you have any additional thoughts on taking this encounter over the top. Should I throw anything into the street, like an apple cart? How about someone else who doesn't agree with the idea of trying to interrupt the funeral (a dwarf) and is trying to stop them, too?

This is going to be my very first 4E encounter that I've personally designed and it will start off our first 4E campaign. I want it to be memorable, in a good way; it can't suck.

 

[fba827]

I guess what I'm looking for help with is if someone could review the crunch on the wagon (primarily) and, if you have any additional thoughts on taking this encounter over the top. Should I throw anything into the street, like an apple cart? How about someone else who doesn't agree with the idea of trying to interrupt the funeral (a dwarf) and is trying to stop them, too?

This is going to be my very first 4E encounter that I've personally designed and it will start off our first 4E campaign. I want it to be memorable, in a good way; it can't suck.

With regards to adding more things -- I say a) if you have enough experience running 4e then, sure, another environmental feature to get in the way allows for a good break to overcome during the chaos, b) if you don't think you're quite yet able to keep track of lots of working parts, then leave it as is since you have a lot of working parts already (the wagon, the wagon progression, hostage, npcs, etc). -- basically, it's fine in that regard as is, but if you're bold and daring, another environmental feature wouldn't be a bad thing either. -- maybe something like a rock in the road that will make the cart air born for a round (thus more falling damage as well as extra 'impact'/jostling damage when the cart comes back to the ground at the sart of its next turn ...

Looking at the cart stats, it looks fine. just curious -- to get a ball park idea -- do you know what the party make up is like? For instance, if you have a sorcerer or barbarian, i'd imagine they will break that cart apart in 2 rounds max. versus having a bunch of wizards and swordmages where the cart will probably be around for 4-5 rounds (neither of which would be a bad thing, just is a good idea for you to know what might be an expected length)

over all, it looks like you have lots of fun working parts here so all is good - nice job.

 

[Infiniti2000]

I have some idea what they will be, but not firm yet. I think my wife will try to run a druid. And there will be a rogue at least. Not sure of the rest.

Yeah, I was conscious of them actually attacking the wagon. I might use a little DM fiat by having a minion read to interrupt their movement if the purpose is to attack the wagon. Or, better yet, threaten the hostage.

I like the rock idea. So simple and yet I couldn't come up with it. It's additional brilliancy will give me a good excuse to course correct towards the center of the street to maximize the chance to hit the funeral procession.

I'll use these sparingly as the combat unfolds so that I can maintain proper tension without screwing them over. If the players are spectactularly successful, of course I will let them win out. The reward for this, I hope, will be a gift from the elves. I'm hoping one of the players is a fey something so it will work out better story-wise.