Dustin Knight 306's page

Thanks to all of you for your input. In this case, IF the dullahan reappears, I am leaning towards giving them the XP again because......
1) they are actively trying to prevent him from reappearing, but other forces are impeding their progress.
2) xp listed in the book does not specify you have to put him to rest to get the xp. In a different situation, they could “defeat” him without putting him to rest, and move forward. They should not be penalized for the layout of the environment which keeps them close to the respawn point
3) Re:landmark leveling i.e. “You are all now level 8!”
I did that at every point up to this in the AP because every encounter is linear. This one is different, it is a sprawling dungeon crawl. I feel tracking XP is vital on this one. The group should not get free experience by intentionally/unintentionally avoiding encounters and sprinting to the end. Exploration needs to be encouraged and rewarded. So I had been using “You are now Level X!” Up to this point, but that would be a failing to the group in this situation.

I very much appreciate your responses and insights. After 35+ years of playing together, this is my first time running the show and I am trying to get it right!

My group defeated a Dullahan, but being what he is, he dissapated and is scheduled to reanimate later. They have not yet found his tomb and put his soul to rest and there is a very strong possibility they will have to fight him again. In the event thay may happen, does the party earn the XP for defeating the same monster the 2nd time?

I am going to say something heretical here. I just killed one party member and the rest barely escaped from the ochre jelly in my encounter. I ran it by the book. Reviewing the fight afterwards, I have a hard time believing a jelly that split twice and is reduced to 4 HP after sustaining other damage can still inflict full damage.

The logic is just not there. I followed the rules even though it felt wrong, and logically doesn’t make sense. I then had an epiphany.

This is MY game for MY friends. I am in control. I need to do what I perceive is right, even if it is in conflict with the rules. I did not step in and there is a party death. I am okay with that. If people don’t die, there is no tension nor drama. But when the rules feel wrong, don’t be afraid to bend them to what you feel is right. Trust your instincts. This is a game. It’s supposed to be fun.

Of course don’t do this in sanctioned play, but for home fun, don’t be a slave to the rules if the rules don’t make sense. Do what feels right to you and your party.