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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Sunderstone" data-source="post: 2663847" data-attributes="member: 23497">I just started  running "Drakthar's Way" last sunday and my group has cleared most of the first map north of the fissure (they missed  areas 12A, 13, 14). I thought we had an imminent TPK when the party bashed in the door to 9D and their Wizard tossed a Burning Hands inside. The entire Skirmisher force of 9A-9D started surrounding the area by pouring into the corrider from 9A and wading through the fire and smoke in 9D, opening with a few Javelins.The hiding Sneaks from 12A fired a few crossbow bolts (one a confirmed critical) and dropped the Wizard (-2 hp). Noticing the Goblins coming into the corridor from 9A and not knowing how may were down the corridor near 12A, they dragged the fallen wizard into 9D and barricaded themselves in, trying to force the goblins through only one entry from 9B.Through the smoke and fire (the fire only lasted for the first 2 rounds or so), the remaining three killed nearly every skirmisher through that chokepoint, 4 of the Skirmishers bashed the door into 9D and met a similar fate as did the 3 Sneaks behind them.One of the best and most fun gaming nights we've ever had in our 15-20+ years playing together. The Shackled City has been excellent in every way so far.Some people mentioned alot of "Dungeon Crawls" etc. That may be so, but ultimately it falls to the players and DM to build on that and make it memorable. Thankfully, I have been blessed with great players/friends. They can turn even the most combat-oriented scenario into an excellent opportunity for role-playing. They play off eachother constantly (easy to do with long time friends).Someone mentioned that the SC campaign makes alot of use of the lesser used skills such as Diplomacy, Intimidation, etc. This is just one example of how great this campaign is. So far my players have picked up on this and have been using the non-combat skills more than I thought they would.They have mingled in with Cauldron inhabitants, developed  a strong friendship with Terseon Skellerang, Skylar Krewis (thinking ahead), etc. The Wizard has even practiced her Alchemical skills with Vortimax Weer, and for a small fee each month has managed to negotiate for limited use of the lab in his shop after business hours.Theres alot to build on for a great long term campaign.Along with the Dungeon Crawls, there are alot of other types of adventures that the party will take a direct part in. Tracking rampaging creatures loose in the city, riots, the political changes, discovering the Cagewrights plans, eventually leading some of the evacuation efforts much later in the campaign, etc. There is alot of non-crawl in here.NPC-wise this campaign has some of the best in any product. My group has really taken a shining to Cauldron. They especially like Jenya, Terseon, and Vortimax. They absolutely love Jill of the Last Laugh (whom they have met very briefly twice). Flesh these NPC's out as much as you can.The campaign is difficult. Period. Especially with a 4-man party. The first group TPK'ed at Kazmojen in Life's Bazaar (2 killed and 2 captured). The new party has rescued the remaining survivors and were joined by one of them (the halfling rogue). For a small party I suggest staying with the 4 main classes (Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Wizard). Our Rogue has been keeping his Use Magic Device skill maxxed and carries a Wand of Cure Light Wounds as a backup healer.Thankfully, another friend of mine will be rejoining us from the first TPK, he's making a Bard. I plan on using him fully to uncover stories/legends of the area that I think may be useful to promote the story more.Sorry for the long winded post, but I couldnt help myself. I havent enjoyed running a campaign this much since the Planescape, GDQ, and Night Below days.Late Edit***My party's current composition in case anyone was curious (they just hit level 4)....Morak Mithriltooth (Dwarf Ftr4)Kruk (Half-Orc Clr4)Smileon Griblingtine (Halfling Rog4)Chalyndria (female Half-Drow Wiz4)They will be joined next session by a 4th level Bard.</blockquote>

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