A question about skill chellenges in WR

[Wolfx]

I am confused on the skill challenges in the WR missions.

My understanding of the RAW in 4E is that after around 10 encounters a character should level up.

Also, that if you combine a skill challenge and combat that it should come out to approx. the characters level in xp (give or take).

In the Lorne Initiative, the first 2 skill challenges are a succeed or face combat. If the characters succeed in the skill challenge they receive a reduced amount of xp for their level, but if they fail they can receive a higher amount.

My confusion is that it seems like a punishment for succeeding to not receive an xp amount closer to a level appropriate amount and be punished in xp for failing.

I also noted that you use the half the number of success needed in failures. Should I use the RAW written after WoTC changed this?

I guess I am just looking for the reason you went this way so I have a better understaning since I am getting ready to start a camaign and I have also applied as a playtester.

Any help here would be appreciated,

Aric

 

[B_Steele]

The XP amounts are calculated more on the whole of the storyline, making sure the characters do not progress TOO quickly or slowly based on what challenges are written for the mission packs.

This means that although some of the challenge XP numbers might seem strange on those that result in combat on a failure, the numbers are from the RAW to stay compliant. The idea is that a WR mission segment designed to avoid combat is a narrative one, but every GM can adjust them as they see fit.

One thing to keep in mind with WR though; just running in and getting into every combat you can will not solve the team's every problems - especially in later mission packs. Some combats might earn you more XP, but also a lot of trouble with the higher-ups.


Hope that helps,
Bry

 

[Wolfx]

Thanks for the information. I figured it was more about the pace and story, but I just wanted to make sure I was on the same page. I am really looking forward to starting the campaign and really want to keep the flavor/pacing that the missions were built around.

I do have one question about one of your comments(bolded);

"This means that although some of the challenge XP numbers might seem strange on those that result in combat on a failure, the numbers are from the RAW to stay compliant."

Are you saying that the numbers of success to failures ratio is RAW or something else. I only ask because that was errataed to have all failures, regardless of complexity level fail at 3.

Thanks again

Aric

 

[B_Steele]

I hadnt seen that errata, to be honest. I'm not sure how to answer that.

-Bry

 

[Wolfx]

I was one of the first updates that WoTC made. It really doesn't change things that much. I just wanted to make sure how you were designing the skill challenges since you can adjust the difficuly by increasing/decreasing the number of failures. It might just be easier in future products to just list the complexity (since you never know when WoTC will revise things) and let the DM check their book/pdf.

On another note. I am really liking WR as a world. I only have the PDF (waiting on the book) and have just browsed it. I have mainly been reading the Lorne Initiative and I really think the Spec Op style of play was nailed.

Keep up the awesome work

Aric

PS. I can't wait to get my hands on Enemies Within.