question for ravenloft GMs only - SPOILERS

[evilbob]

I wasn't sure if this was the exact right spot for this question (mods feel free to move if there's a better place), but I have a Ravenloft-specific question that is meant only for those who are on the GM's side of the screen.

This question is extremely campaign-specific and definitely gives away information, so if you don't want to know more than you should about the Expedition to Castle Ravenloft campaign module (recent edition), please stop reading!















[sblock]So my question involves the fortunes of Ravenloft card reading of Strahd. There are two locations given as options that do not have Strahd-based tactical encounters associated with them, which is somewhat frustrating. One of these is the Office of Vengeance.

This area already has an ECL of 12+, and it's possible to go even higher depending on how the PCs find the room. The main creature here is a CR 11 by itself. But, the cards list this as an option, and it is stated in the reading that if this location is chosen, the first time the PCs enter that room, Strahd is THERE. He also refuses to run. So you've got a CR 12-15 boss with a CR 11 creature and all the other little add-ons... I'm thinking "likely TPK." Not to mention that the entire point and story of the CR 11 creature is completely blown if Strahd is standing there with him.

My question then to the collective is: how would you handle this? Would you change the encounter in any way? Delaying Strahd seems to go against the spirit of what is supposed to happen the most, so would you take out the CR 11 creature? Maybe put Strahd somewhere else?[/sblock]

Thanks for the help!

 

[Primitive Screwhead]

IMO..

Leave both in and run with it. Depending on Strahd's goals and whether the pair know the PCs are coming.. could make for an interesting, altho dangerously lethal scenario.

My first thought on re-reading the encounter was the PC's coming in the midsts of a battle between the two, into which the PCs launch to the aid of the CR 11 critter...

Which option is truth? Are the pair allies and the battle is a set up to get the PC's into a vulnerable position or to trust the CR11? Did things go bad between the two and the battle is real?

Is it a potential TPK? Sure. The party should ask about a place called the 'Office of Vengence' and you could drop some hints to help prepare them. Or you could pull a RBDM moment and let them go blithly in...
[sidetrek]Does any PC 'go blithly' in Ravenloft? [/sidetrek]

 

[evilbob]

I guess I would just expect Strahd and the other creature to press their natural advantage. Sure, it might be interesting to play some mind games with the PCs, but on the other hand the tactical advantage is overwhelming.

Plus, I can't really see the other creature doing anything to actually damage Strahd, and Strahd is specifically supposed to attack the PCs there.

Just seems tricky.

 

[moritheil]

You may want to use an sblock up there.

[sblock=my answer]

The main creature here is a CR 11 by itself. But, the cards list this as an option, and it is stated in the reading that if this location is chosen, the first time the PCs enter that room, Strahd is THERE. He also refuses to run. So you've got a CR 12-15 boss with a CR 11 creature and all the other little add-ons... I'm thinking "likely TPK." Not to mention that the entire point and story of the CR 11 creature is completely blown if Strahd is standing there with him.

Given those facts, I believe EITHER Strahd OR the CR 11 creature are there (not both) and that's why the creature is "optional."

In Ravenloft in general, the party certainly can and should run if they encounter something they can't handle.[/sblock]

 

[evilbob]

Edited the OP to include the sblock. (At this point, I think folks know what they are getting in to. )

The thing is, the creature isn't listed as "optional;" the location for Strahd is. Also, this is a very bad place for the PCs to run from, as it is possible for them to have bonuses to fight in this place and Strahd will specifically fight them here (and my interpretation here is: and hunt them down, if necessary). And I just can't imagine Strahd's attack leading the other creature to do anything other than attack the PCs himself; there's not really any other choice for that creature.

Honestly, I think the best way to handle it would be to remove the other main challenge from the room; this cuts back on a nice little subplot (and some XP!) but otherwise you're just asking for some serious trouble. (Not that this is the only place that a CR 11 creature will join Strahd in a fight, but I think it's the only one where so many other things can come together in one spot without hesitation.) However, this involves changing all the other references to this creature, which is a pain.

The only other good option I can think of is to just change the Strahd encounter to a slightly different room; obviously nothing is mentioned specifically, so changing it just a little bit might not be too bad, either.

 

[defendi]

I have never used the Fortunes without stacking the deck a little. Usually I try them out in advance and see if I like them, if not I reshuffle until I get a result that fires my imagination. The main thing here is that the story is funnest if you're inspired by all the locations. Don't ever run one that doesn't fire your imagination.

 

[evilbob]

I totally agree that "not playing that location in the first place" is a good solution as well.