Help with Combat/Encounters

[shadowmane]

The solution I have seen to the OP is not to start in the dungeon, but with a wilderness trek to the dungeon. It will "bloody" the characters, and allow them to gain some XP (and possibly a level if the trek is long enough) so that the Dungeon don't overwhelm them just going in.

[Hywaywolf]

Beginners should start at first level a few times to learn from that view, but after you've been around the block there is no reason you have to start all your campaigns at first level. Instead of changing the way you roll starting hit points, just start at 2nd level.

[SmootRK]

Beginners should start at first level a few times to learn from that view, but after you've been around the block there is no reason you have to start all your campaigns at first level. Instead of changing the way you roll starting hit points, just start at 2nd level.

That is another great way to deal with it. Works well.

[Solomoriah]

There's a point to all of this. It's easy to give things away, but harder to take them back. By making the game "stingy" I gave plenty of rope to GMs that want to keep the game brutal and gritty. Those wanting things to be less brutal can do any of the things you have suggested... but they don't have to, because it's not in the Core Rules.

[SmootRK]

There's a point to all of this. It's easy to give things away, but harder to take them back. By making the game "stingy" I gave plenty of rope to GMs that want to keep the game brutal and gritty. Those wanting things to be less brutal can do any of the things you have suggested... but they don't have to, because it's not in the Core Rules.

Great Point being made here. Even though some people here (like myself) do a lot of writing of material and supplements... most urge a high degree of restraint or abstaining from putting everything including the kitchen sink into one's game. I don't even utilize every item I personally produce.

Hold back from putting in anything 'optional or supplemental' unless it is absolutely necessary for your campaign... at least until you have a high degree of proficiency and skill at keeping the balance of your game/campaign together. Even then, just add what is logical (if even at all)... and you may even find while doing so, you realize you don't really need the option in question.