My group has been doing a lot of combat recently, so I thought I'd give them something a little different. I'm going to have them follow a series of clues and riddles to find their mentor. After they solve each clue and get to the location revealed, there well be a challenge waiting for them: first a bare knuckle brawl, then a logic puzzle, then a gauntlet of sorts. After they overcome the challenge, they'll get the next riddle/clue. Problem is I have no idea how to give out rewards for this kind of adventure. The brawl is easy enough, but what about the logic puzzle and the gauntlet, and the individual riddles? Any advice? (This is their first adventure after hitting 3rd level, if that matters.)
Are you going to make them figure out the riddle by themselves? Or give them a Int/Wis check (w/ a DC) to perhaps give a clue? I would just start w/ a challenge rating comparable for that level, and then alter that depending on how much assistance you give them. That'll give you an idea of the amount of EX to hand out.
For some reason, I hadn't thought of giving them Int checks. Good idea. I had originally planned to just have them figure it out, and use my GMPC to drop a hint if they got stumped. Thanks for the tip!
Is this a dungeon environment? Are they going through a city? How long will all this take?
I ask these because one thing you could do is pepper in some interesting NPCs. In the riddle for example you could drop a sphinx. When they answer right it drops them the locale of the next challenge and also a +2 Competency bonus on a skill for the next 24 hours, or a single-use power that'll come in handy.
Likewise in the gauntlet you could have some poor victim trapped in the midst of it. If the PCs take on the added burden of caring for that person through the trial, the NPC turns out to be a being that can grant them a boon. Maybe it's a noble that grants them land; maybe it's a cleric who blesses them ritualistically so the bless effect lasts for the next hour. Maybe its just a commoner but now they have a permanent lackey.
You can also throw in magic items for them to rescue, special powers that enhance their own class abilities, or even just chests full of treasure. If you want it more personal, throw in some of the mentor's gear for them to find.
As for the specific challenges, do a google search for the 5-room dungeons by Jonn Four (sp?). You might also give them a bit of a threat by perhaps putting them in a chase or a race w/a powerful villain. Finally for physical challenges, just think about a kids playground...you'll come up with plenty for your "gauntlet" section.