| Bobnospum |
I am finishing up a campaign where the PCs will end up at 11th level and am considering running the Shackled City next and came up with a crazy idea that I'd like some help on.
I'd like to run a Two-Tier campaign. The main campaign would run the upper sections (levels 11-20) of the Shackled City, while a side campaign (same players with different PCs) would run the lower sections. This way players can continue with their high level characters right away, but would also get the background and plot lines from the lower sections. I thought it might work if the higher level PCs had hired the low level PCs and worked with them as guildmates or followers/henchman.
Is the timeline suitable for this at all or would things just fall apart if not done in the right order?
How much modification would be needed to make it work?
What order would make the most sense to run it in?
If this idea in unworkable, how standalone would the 11-20 portion of the module be and would it still be worth $60.
Thanks
-Bob
| Niko77 |
I would have to veto this idea. I don't think running a two tier game would work too well. It would be like running two completely unrelated campaigns, given that the background info from the lower level characters would not be in sync with the plot line faced by the higher level characters.
Additionally, from a story perspective, there wouldn't really be a satisfying end to things for your lower level group, or a satisfying beginning to things for your higher level group.
Your higher level group would also be uncovering surprises (especially as far as NPC's are concerned) that would ruin things for your lower level group.
Are your players determined to stick with their high level characters? If they are I would suggest not rnning the SCAP for levels 11-20 only, but running some other campaign instead (perhaps the Shadows of Istivin arc).
If they're ok with rolling up new characters I would defenitely suggest playing the SCAP from start to finish.
I'd try both campaigns at first - starting SCAP with new characters and finding alternative adventures for the high level group and over time see which group your players find themselves prefering to play, and go with that.
| Bobnospum |
I would have to veto this idea. I don't think running a two tier game would work too well. It would be like running two completely unrelated campaigns, given that the background info from the lower level characters would not be in sync with the plot line faced by the higher level characters.
I had hoped that the campaigns could be related by having the low level group work for the high level group. Therefore both parties would have the same information.
Your higher level group would also be uncovering surprises (especially as far as NPC's are concerned) that would ruin things for your lower level group.
That is what I was afraid of. Without plotting out the parallel timeline, I could not see badly the events could clash. Sounds like this could be the biggest problem with the idea.
If anyone can think of a way to intertwine the paths, I am open to suggestions. I also look into the Shadows of Istvin and see if it appeals to me.
Thanks
-Bob
| Tiger Lily |
As has been said, it wouldn't work to run the two groups concurrent because of how the plot is laid out without a LOT of work. Having the lower level group working for the higher level only works if you run it consecutive (1-10 doing their bit and then retiring while 11-20 takes over). You could have a little interaction with your higher group as NPCs advising the lower groups, but that's about it.
I ran it from the Dungeon issues, so I don't know how it's laid out in the hardback. In the magazine, the plot was unfolding layer by layer even for the DM with each adventure. If you REALLY want to do this, the only way I can see it happening is if you purchase and read through the entire adventure so you know the story, then go back and rewrite the adventures yourself with regards to how the main plot is unfolded for the players.