Session 1 Wrapup

This was our first game, and three of the players were brand new to Dungeons and Dragons. It was a great game. The combat, four 1st level PCs vs. 600 xp worth of kobolds, took about an hour and a half, as expected. I spent a great deal of time explaining the rules to people who have never played any version of D&D. They quickly grasped the fundamentals, picked up on some basic strategic options and basically had their way with the bad guys. There were a few tense moments, like when the eladrin wizard dropped to four hit points while the dwarf paladin and the eladrin ranger's cat were also bloodied, but good fun was had by all.

The court presentation and skill challenge went exceptionally well. I did not explain to them that it was a skill challenge until about half way through it. Basically, I had various people approach them and discuss things of interest to them and try to elicit some response from the players. Occassionally I would ask one of them to make a skill check. After four successful skill checks I told them that this was a role-playing skill challenge and that what we're looking for is the opportunity to learn information and move the plot forward through the use of role-play and skill use. They jumped on it and became more interested in the story and what people had to say.

It was my original intention to have the Prince set them up on a mission to a nearby village to "evangelize" on his behalf in preparation for him taking over territory, but they really jumped on the bits about the dragon and pushed that more than I expected.

I had written the kobold's battle cry, "Bring me the dwarf's head for the glory of Gafir!" before the game, but I really had no idea what or who Gafir was. I decided during the game that Gafir was a black dragon. I really was just making the dragon bits up regarding the 100 year torpor, the battle with Prince Jorum's grandfather and pretty much all of it.

Game one and already the game is going in an entirely unexpected direction. I love it! It was their idea to tell the prince about the dragon and to set themselves up as the diplomats to go and visit the dwarf kingdom. Looks like I need to make up some dwarf NPCs!

In the meantime, unknown to them, there are some potential trouble makers at court. The prince's legitimate son, Prince Justin, sees Jordin as a potential rival. He's not worried about her taking his throne, but he is concerned about the amount of attention she gets from their father. Also, the situation with Kharas could get interesting. I initially had him ready to be a mentor type for the dwarf paladin, but as it played out he bacame a crafty, conniving type looking to make a profit. We'll have to see where that one goes. Finally, the Lady Caer Branloth, a tiefling noble woman, approached Aeral and engaged in some small talk. Along the way she dropped a hint that she might hire the heroes for business of her own in the future. I have no idea where that will go.

This game is off to a fabulous start. We'll see where it goes from here.