Hi guys, I'm about to run Expedition to Castle Ravenloft for my group. Other than adding CMB/CMD to monsters I'm pretty much going to leave the encounters as is.
My party consists of a Ranger, Barbarian/Rogue, Alchemist, Summoner, Cleric and a Rogue. They are currently 4th level and will probably hit 5th after one more session.
I figure Pathfinder PCs are tougher than 3.5 PCs. Yes, No?
I was wondering are they too low level to undertake this adventure?
Thanks in advance
FDM
Well, first off, what point buy are you using? Secondly, with the Rogue's ability to sneak attack undead, that's another thing to consider (keep in mind that in PF, Undead get d8+cha instead of d12+nothing for HP's.)
And thirdly, what 'optimization level' would you say your players have? (I'll note I've left the final level off from Treantmonk's amusing chart, but I SERIOUSLY doubt you'd be using Theoretical Optimization in a published adventure lol.)
Optimizer Levels:
0 - Non-Optimizer: Misses the point of the Stormwind Fallacy (which states that roleplaying and mechanical capacity are unrelated), and will ignore optimal design choices entirely. Often willfully against the idea of optimization. Frequently uses terms like "munchkin" and "min/maxer" to describe those who do optimize, and "role-player, not ROLL-player" about him/herself. Sees the idea of playing a character with a story somehow antithetical to systemological considerations about function (e.g., "My Wizard took WP Focus because he got a dagger from his dad that symbolizes his clan and heritage, and he uses it whenever possible - even though he's not the best melee fighter!").
1 - Greenhorn: Has a sub-optimal or incomplete understanding of the rules, but is open to the idea of optimization (though he or she may find more optimal builds somewhat intimidating). Doesn't know what works together well - but will generally attempt to make choices to improve his or her character.
2 - Novice: Has either gained knowledge from the boards or figured out some decent choices on his or her own. This is the level at which some basic understanding of what works and doesn't work is put into practice; low-level casters take spells like Glitterdust and Color Spray, melee types ignore choices like WP Focus in favor of Power Attack and classes granting pounce, etc. This is the level at which most informed gamers play.
3 - Practical Optimizer: Players at this level have gone beyond "basic" strategy to consider larger-picture character design goals. A Practical Optimizer tends to plan his or her character's development from the starting level of play through level 20, taking into consideration feat, maneuver, class, and ability choices to attempt to optimize effectiveness at most levels. Has an extensive knowledge of not only basic rules, but of supplemental rules (Incarnum, Martial Adepts, Psionics, etc.), and tends to be consulted by other players for advice on "tricks" that can allow for cross-book (and even cross-setting) synergies that prove extra effective.
4 - Creative Optimizer: A Creative Optimizer's builds become even more elaborate by using "tricks" - bags full of explosive runes, necromantic exploding rat-bags, dust eggs from Oriental Adventures, Font of Inspiration for tons of standard actions on a Factotum, Frozen Wildshape for Cryo-Hydra form on Druids, etc. Tricks at this level are unquestionably legal, but often intimidate inexperienced DMs, and can prove difficult to balance without a party of similarly savvy players. This is the level at which "new" or "innovative" combinations of feats, spells, classes, and abilities start to emerge.
EDIT: Ok, so after reading around a little more I'll note that this is based on TM's chart, but was actually slightly tweaked by Janus Jones (who, as far as I know, doesn't have a Paizo account)
Oh, right, one more thing. I don't have my copy of the adventure on hand at the moment (going to go dig it out of the closet soon) so... remind me how many players this adventure is designed for?
In that case, assuming they optimize at Level 2 (novice), I'd suggest using the Slow EXP track (considering how many of them there are.) Rather than leveling up to 5th, they'll probably be staying at 4th level, and end the campaign 2 levels 'behind.'
(This is all just guesswork on my end though, but it should serve a good initial baseline.)
Well, first off, what point buy are you using? Secondly, with the Rogue's ability to sneak attack undead, that's another thing to consider (keep in mind that in PF, Undead get d8+cha instead of d12+nothing for HP's.)
And thirdly, what 'optimization level' would you say your players have? (I'll note I've left the final level off from Treantmonk's amusing chart, but I SERIOUSLY doubt you'd be using Theoretical Optimization in a published adventure lol.)
** spoiler omitted **...
The characters used the Heroic Point Buy.
The Rogue might not be able to attend the sessions.
My players are considered Level 2. Novice.
Well, first off, what point buy are you using? Secondly, with the Rogue's ability to sneak attack undead, that's another thing to consider (keep in mind that in PF, Undead get d8+cha instead of d12+nothing for HP's.)
And thirdly, what 'optimization level' would you say your players have? (I'll note I've left the final level off from Treantmonk's amusing chart, but I SERIOUSLY doubt you'd be using Theoretical Optimization in a published adventure lol.)
** spoiler omitted **...
The characters used the Heroic Point Buy.
The Rogue might not be able to attend the sessions.
My players are considered Level 2. Novice.
Slight problem. There is no heroic point buy. I just checked The D20PFSRD on the subject, and there is a heroic attribute generation, but it's a kind of dice rolling.
(Rather than have to look it up, you could just say the total number of points lol.)
Regardless though, at level 2 I've already made my suggestion above. If that turns out to be increasing the level difference too quickly, you can easily raise it to medium.
Well, first off, what point buy are you using? Secondly, with the Rogue's ability to sneak attack undead, that's another thing to consider (keep in mind that in PF, Undead get d8+cha instead of d12+nothing for HP's.)
And thirdly, what 'optimization level' would you say your players have? (I'll note I've left the final level off from Treantmonk's amusing chart, but I SERIOUSLY doubt you'd be using Theoretical Optimization in a published adventure lol.)
** spoiler omitted **...
The characters used the Heroic Point Buy.
The Rogue might not be able to attend the sessions.
My players are considered Level 2. Novice.
Slight problem. There is no heroic point buy. I just checked The D20PFSRD on the subject, and there is a heroic attribute generation, but it's a kind of dice rolling.
(Rather than have to look it up, you could just say the total number of points lol.)
Regardless though, at level 2 I've already made my suggestion above. If that turns out to be increasing the level difference too quickly, you can easily raise it to medium.
Hi kyrt-ryder, sorry I meant High Fantasy. I'll see how the guys go and adjust accordingly. Thanks
