My party is already suspiscious of the Dourstone Mine. They first suspected that the land family bodies were being used as cheap labor in Smenk's mines, but after some phenomenal GI checks amongst the miners, they discovered that some strange things were rumored to be happening in Dourstone. Now they're convinvced that, even though the Land family is in Filge's possession, they need to check out the mines.
I guess my question is, would the storyline be ruined if the party investigated Dourstone on their own, without Smenk's prodding?
Chris
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I guess my question is, would the storyline be ruined if the party investigated Dourstone on their own, without Smenk's prodding?
Chris
If the PCs are ready to venture into the Dourstone Mine based on their own theories, Smenk's information is really unnecessary unless you want to add additional layers of intrigue. Having some interaction with Smenk beforehand makes his eventual incrimination that much more sweet for the players though.
Smenk's involvement is not critical so move forward however you feel will move the story along effectively, Chris. Just have fun with it. ::smirk::
This also makes for a nice surprise when they find the supplies with Smenk's symbol on them. :evilgrin:
No, Smenk's involvement isn't needed. What I'm seeing in the second and third adventures, is the hooks provided at the start of each game really aren't necessary unless it's being played as a stand alone adventure. If the same group is playing through, they'll find hooks on their own without needing the "go talk to this mage to get this piece of information to go talk to another mage" bit. In WC, they find a piece of info that should point them towards Dourstone; and in 3FoE, the same thing happens to point them towards Blackwall Keep.
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my players are currently going through 3FoE and although his presence wasn't really needed to get them motivated, i used him anyway (he had his men kidnap one of the PCs nonplayer allies after they convinced the bouncer of the Feral Dog and his gang to crew up with them. he even had proof of his deed in the form of a ring finger with ring). nothing gets PCs going like making a situation personal.