Running RotR for first time - Question

[Strife2002]

I have 4 players ready to start this AP, which is the number the book says to play with. Suddenly I have a 5th player interested, as well.

I was about to poo-poo the idea, then I remember that the rule system says that appropriate encounters for 4-player parties and 5-player parties are the same.

Is adding a 5th wheel in RotR something that can be done painlessly, that is, doesn't require me to actually step up the encounters beyond what's presented in the AP?

[Mazra]

The short answer is yes. In our campaign we early on ran 4 PCs and an NPC. It was still a challenge. So you could hold off on using any NPCs. I did throw in an extra mook now and then. But that is easy enough to do.

Post your gaming experiences, they are always fun to read.

[Damocles Guile]

Strife2002 wrote:

I have 4 players ready to start this AP, which is the number the book says to play with. Suddenly I have a 5th player interested, as well.

I was about to poo-poo the idea, then I remember that the rule system says that appropriate encounters for 4-player parties and 5-player parties are the same.

Is adding a 5th wheel in RotR something that can be done painlessly, that is, doesn't require me to actually step up the encounters beyond what's presented in the AP?

Its a very tough AP, your party should have no less pleasure running with five instead of four... if you ever think a battle is going too easily for them, just max the bosses's hit points or have a couple more mooks come running in. That should more than cover it.

[Corbin Dallas]

I am currently in Chapter 3 with my players. There are five players, a Paladin, Monk, two clerics and a wizard.
Damocles is right, it is still challenging with five.
Follow Mazra's advice and post, most people are glad to help if you have any specific questions or problems.

[Strife2002]

So far we have a monk, rogue, and magus. The 4th person hasn't decided, but knowing her it will likely be alchemist. 5th person hasn't looked at the classes yet.

Edit: Also, corbin dallas, that is a lot of healing!

[leo1925]

Depends on how optimized the party is, but seeing the party makeup i don't see any problem with a 5th player (in fact the lack of any full spellcaster can become a problem at the late chapters)

[Corbin Dallas]

Hehe yes it is a interesting group make up I'll say that for them.

[Rondor]

There are threads here that talk about this AP kicking butt on parties on a fairly regular basis. I am running 5-6 and decided to level them when I see fit as opposed to using XP as well as have a few extra mooks ready in case the encounter needs them.

I am just starting the AP so I dont know how this will turn out but I did a lot of research and thought this was the best approach for me.

My Party consist of;

Kellid Cleric - beginning player
Elven Gunslinger - experienced
Human 2W Rogue - returning to the game
Human Witch - 1st level sleep machine for the moment
Human Gladiator - good player
Monk/Cavalier - not sure which but player will join in session #2 and not always be with us but more a recurring most-of-the-time member of the group.

Anyway, only one session in isnt playtesting so I will report back on how the balance is later.