Integration Question

[DM Tom]

It looks like my players will be running through another set of adventures before they might get into the STAP. (I'm doing only moderate railroading, so their initial decisions are putting them on a path farther north than Sasserine.) By the time things take them down toward the Southfens (which is where Sasserine is in my campaign), they'll probably be in the 3rd-5th level range. What would y'all recommend?

- Stick them into the STAP at a level-appropriate point - Bullwug Gambit or Sea Wyvern's Wake?
- Start them off at TINH, beef up the encounters per Scaling sidebar and count on some slower level progression to catch the adventure up to their levels after a few sessions?
- Something else I didn't think of?

One P.S.: This is a small group, probably just three PCs (Bard, paladin and druid or sorcerer if they all survive) and maybe an NPC.

TIA for suggestions...

[carborundum]

Since you want them to get to know Lavinia, and Kora, I'd be tempted to start at the start. I wouldn't pump every encounter up to give them a challenge, since it's not really realistic that every job you take is a challenge.
If Lavinia wanted her ship back and had the choice between a 1st level party and a 3rd level party, I know who she'd choose. The reward she can afford may not attract their attention, so it might be good to think of a role-play reason to help her.
They might bump into Kora in the park crying about how her Lady is so sad and her life is such a mess. A painting in her locket (show the Lavinia pic) would get most male adventurers interested in helping her. That it's a pushover is a bonus - maybe make the scum on the Nixie 2nd level, but let the players feel all tough and great and proud of themselves.
Maybe an extra hit dice or two on the guardian, leave the thieves as they are but play them smart. By the time they head to Kraken's cove they'll be looking for a real challenge, and they'll bump into all sorts of them there.

[Thomas Austin]

carborundum wrote:

If Lavinia wanted her ship back and had the choice between a 1st level party and a 3rd level party, I know who she'd choose. The reward she can afford may not attract their attention, so it might be good to think of a role-play reason to help her.
They might bump into Kora in the park crying about how her Lady is so sad and her life is such a mess. A painting in her locket (show the Lavinia pic) would get most male adventurers interested in helping her.

Good thoughts. Higher level PCs will also probably make the Jade Ravens rivalry more interesting - the Ravens will react with competitiveness, not so much condescension.

Since two of the players are my wife and daughter, Lavinia's picture may not do the trick. Maybe they're going to be hired by the handsome but helpless Vanthus, after his parents were murdered by his ne'er-do-well sister Lavinia....

Thanks!