What should a Worldwide D&D Gameday adventure have?

[Glyfair]

My personal Opinion for Game Day is

1.) The Adventure Begins (a 3rd level dungeon crawl using mostly simple-core rules)

2.) Death in Sharn (a 6th level Eberron adventure/murder mystery showcasing Eberron)

3.) Fane of the Dracolich (a 15th level Dragon/Dracolich encounter ala the Black-Dragon Delve)

This allows a simplified dungeon for newer players or casual interest, a mystery to emphasize role-playing and Eberron, and an all-out high level dragon fight for the really experienced.

Of course, some DDM, SWM, and 3-Dragon Ante would round off the day (and act as a time-killer between games)

Well, 3 should probably be tied into the Forgotten Realms. I'd just run either Murder in Oakbridge or Chimes at Midnight for #2. Both spotlight Eberron, both are about 5th level. I'd choose a slightly reduced version of Chimes at Midnight because the pulp action of the adventure just cries Eberron.

Of course, people will want to run the official adventure, regardless of the quality. In fact, this year is the only one with a very poor adventure, IMO.

For this, as an alternative "official adventure" I recommend 4th level. It gives choices, but avoids too many complications for new players. Gives lots of cool items.

 

[AnthonyRoberson]

No potions, only scrolls which can be identified with read magic or a spellcraft roll.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with finding potions that are labeled, a sword next to a journal describing a study of its abilities.

You can identify a potion with a DC 25 Spellcraft check. What's wrong with that?

 

[delericho]

Right, my turn.

I'd been working on this for a couple of days, so when schporto posted his draft, I thought I'd finish it off, rather than just discard it. It still needs a couple of things (one handout, the initiative cards mentioned in the text, oh, and some maps), but it's mostly complete.

So, what do you think?

 

[Dykstrav]

My turn is coming up...

I just haven't had time to sit out and hash out an adventure over the past few days. I'm REALLY liking the direction this thread is heading- different visions of how the same general adventure seed can pan out. I'll try to post a version within a few days.

I can already foresee mine is going to use the red. I'm really itching to use the large green from WotDQ, but the very young red just sits right on that sweet spot at CR 5 too much for me to resist.

I'm also going to try to provide at least the bare bones of pre-gen PCs designed specifically for the adventure.

 

[schporto]

Right, my turn.

I'd been working on this for a couple of days, so when schporto posted his draft, I thought I'd finish it off, rather than just discard it. It still needs a couple of things (one handout, the initiative cards mentioned in the text, oh, and some maps), but it's mostly complete.

So, what do you think?

I'm not keen on the inclusion of the constant 'for advanced version'. Its paper, make a second with the appropriate numbers, most of the work will be copy & paste. I really like the story. The should be sent to scout the ruins though. Not to kill any monsters down there. Let them figure out there are creatures down there. Or sell it as 'there are probably some animals living down there, usually you find them where theres water". One quibble - light should be provided by continual light torches or something. Otherwise folks will try to use the windows to scout ahead.
I like undead. But they might be too much 'iconicness'. Having the salt mephits is good. I like that puzzle/trap.
-cpd

 

[Dykstrav]

My version

It's taken me a few days (that darned job and all) but I've fleshed out a short adventure according to the criteria we've established. There are a few rough spots but I think it's at leat 85% there.

The only section I didn't really worry about finishing were the premade characters for the adventure. It should be done, yeah... But really I'm gonna worry about it if I ever really run this adventure.

 

[Glyfair]

Anybody cleaned this up enough for use?

 

[Wraith Form]

Thread is now subscribed, and I will be watching this space with interest.

(I fall into the moderately-low experience DM category, so I would appear to be part of your target audience. I'll likely nab all of your write-ups and attempt to run them at some point with players. Umm, but not before the Worldwide Game Day, sorry. I do promise to read them before then, however.)

 

[delericho]

Anybody cleaned this up enough for use?

Yes, just finished. See this thread.