I've gone stark raving mad! Help with Stargazer please...

Extra pregens are always a good idea.

Read the adventure through at least two of times just to make sure you as DM know it well before the game, I actually always try do this no matter how clearly and helpfully written the adventure would be. Obvious advice but I am not too proud to say that I have run modules half-cocked and results have been to say not quite optimal.

Retainers don't need full character sheets.

Assume all average stats, level 0. Just keep track of their encumbrance (PCs have to buy all their adventuring equipment!) and Loyalty, and check that every time the PCs order the retainer to do something that they don't want to do. "Touch the weird statue, Herbert. Go on. We'll wait here in the doorway." That sort of thing.

Recently I ran Tower for my gaming group, when our usual GM couldn't make it.  Here are my recommendations, based on what I did and should have done:

1. Make up pregenerated characters.  (Duh.)  I rolled up stats for one of each class, plus an extra Fighter and Specialist, using a computer, and let players choose which they wanted; perhaps that was overkill.  Work out everything for each character you create, including equipment.  I failed to do so, which caused the start of the session to drag, and which resulted in at least one person buying nine dogs.

2. Read the adventure carefully, and reread it.  I botched a couple of descriptions, and ended up having to draw diagrams just to clarify previous descriptions.  Reread how the wizard reacts to the party, especially; think Saruman, not crazed Mafioso.

3. Be prepared for the party to short-circuit the adventure, especially if they're experienced players.  Our party found the right trapdoor and got their big payday fairly early on.  The players decided to explore the rest of the tower afterward, since the night was young.

4. Afterward, one of my players complained bitterly and long about instant-death traps (despite only one death, and not his), and the "lack of advancement" in basic attack bonus as non-fighters level up.  I suspect it's just his issue, but still, set expectations up front.  Anyone may die at any time.  The Tower is not fair.  Characters must depend on each others' specialties to make it through, especially given LotFP's niche enforcement.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I only had three players so each ran two characters.  It more-or-less worked OK.  Alternatively, you could run NPC fighters, with 10s in all stats.

Last edited by fmitchell (2010-09-24 06:08:54)

I think the front door is all the heads up anyone needs. Assuming they reach the door without getting struck by lightning first.

Really, that door is intended to kill a PC first off. I'm not expecting many to be wary about the front door.

... and I think the dead guy wouldn't have been much of a master thief if he got bit by the doorknob.

Totally agree - the front door is awesome.  My group tried it twice!  But it was the halfling both times, and the saves were made.  Good time, good times.