PC's are in the S.T. at H. 1 floor below the privy's.
Characters are at just barely 4th level, having problems keeping up, as they're a bit behind where they should be, and without certain damage types typically received at 5th and 6th level, they're having a lot of trouble.
On the level of the S.T. at H. that they just finished, there was an "out" for any problems they may have run into earlier, and with a wee bit of DM help they found and received that help. They've now cleared that area. They've gone up a level, so now it's time to go down a level...
Either before I have them go through the red "X" near the red "?", or after the S.T., what's the best way to get them caught up? Afterward, I could throw in a side quest or some extra random encounters. I could increase the travel time to the next region. But, it's going to diminish the fun and "epicness" of the area past the red "X" if I have to nerf it, so I'd like to do something now.
Is there an area of the Largest Dungeon Ever Made (I think that's the title) that I could add in as an extra level of the S.T.? I haven't run a lot of DL (last was the pre-gen Heroes in the follow-the-books modules from about 12 years ago), so I'm having a hard time coming up with something in-flavor to get them caught up. I'm hoping for something pre-made, that I can drop in.
Or any other suggestions from any who've played or run the KoD?
I'm actually concerned about PC interest (because its so hard to get together) so when they find the shard of light and remove it...I'm trying to come up with a non-cheesy way of having Caeldor still be kickin' (with maybe 1 hit point or something...since liches have such a high and difficult to overcome DR). I thought that'd be better than just having it crumble to dust. I've also played into the fact that they're being manipulated. On one hand they've got Shaylin warning them that the one who's pulling the strings is not a good person, but on the other hand, the gods (Solinari and Kiri-Jolith) both want the PCs to see this through. So, they feel like they're kind of in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" sort of thing. But, I'm just trying to make the linear quality of KoD have a reason as opposed to "DM leads you by the nose." Anyway, point is, to show them at this point who might be pulling the strings I think would re pique their interest.
I hope.
I guess I'm not sure what your issue is. I'm thinking 5th level is right on par for the Shattered Temple.
That's my issue - they just became 4th level, they need to get to 5th and quick.
One thing, if they have a cleric and a magic user, they shouldn't have trouble with incoporeal creatures (cleric has magic weapon and the mage has spells, obviously). Granted, there's still a 50% chance to miss, but its better than nothing.
If all else fails, skelletons and zombies are relatively easier foes for 4th level characters, and there's certainly plenty of opportunity to run into them (the random encounters).
So...after several paragraphs of me blabbering, I guess that's my suggestion. More random encounters.
When the party is with the Mikku tribe, they are attacked by a rival tribe....just keep the enemy coming from the dark in what seems to be endless waves, until they are just about spent then have it end.