My group of level five PC's are about to put a wrap on LMoP. The plan is to continue the campaign by running the HotDQ. As DM, I have planted many seeds about the Dragon Cult including Nezznar, Thundertree and elements of the Forge of Spells in the Wave Echo Cave having a history of being used to create anti-dragon magic items in its past. That part is set.
I have read some posts on converting LmoP to HotDQ, but am curious what others have done and what they suggest. WHat they would change if they had a re-do or not change.
What I am unsure of is:
1.) Backgrounds for PC's. Especially BONDS. Do we make new bonds and connect them to HotDQ. What examples have others used other than the ones outlined in the book. I was going to use faction connections, but not all the PC's are allied with a faction at this point.
2.) Starting point. Do I start with the Greenest Dragon encounter and raise difficulty so players can experience all of the story? Or jump into Chapter 4. My concern is they may not enjoy the beat down encounter as level 5's vs level 1 (is it ever fun?) from the Half dragon if I elevate that encounter. The issue I have with jumping into chapter 4 is continuity of story. How do I get the PC's to leave their beloved Phandalin and travel far to the south to begin chapter 4.
Is there anything essential in Chapter 1-4 that is MUST DO or MUST experience as a player or DM?
There is a good chance I am falling into the eternal trap as a DM of overthinking things. Just want a seamless transition without too much hand-waving to maintain the immersion of being connected to the world. Right now players are really vested in the goings-on around Phandalin.
Thanks in advance guys.
I have read some posts on converting LmoP to HotDQ, but am curious what others have done and what they suggest. WHat they would change if they had a re-do or not change.
What I am unsure of is:
1.) Backgrounds for PC's. Especially BONDS. Do we make new bonds and connect them to HotDQ. What examples have others used other than the ones outlined in the book. I was going to use faction connections, but not all the PC's are allied with a faction at this point.
2.) Starting point. Do I start with the Greenest Dragon encounter and raise difficulty so players can experience all of the story? Or jump into Chapter 4. My concern is they may not enjoy the beat down encounter as level 5's vs level 1 (is it ever fun?) from the Half dragon if I elevate that encounter. The issue I have with jumping into chapter 4 is continuity of story. How do I get the PC's to leave their beloved Phandalin and travel far to the south to begin chapter 4.
Is there anything essential in Chapter 1-4 that is MUST DO or MUST experience as a player or DM?
There is a good chance I am falling into the eternal trap as a DM of overthinking things. Just want a seamless transition without too much hand-waving to maintain the immersion of being connected to the world. Right now players are really vested in the goings-on around Phandalin.
Thanks in advance guys.
