Need ideas for "The Questing Beasts"

[Dunkelbrink]

Since Darkening of Mirkwood have been out for a while now I thought it might be interesting to discuss the different adventures and people's takes on them. What you've added, what worked and didn't and so forth.

Myself, I have just started with my group and the hunt in The Questing Beasts (year 2949) is coming up. I would be grateful for any additional ideas for the adventure and thoughts on how it turned out for you. I fear that the players with no skill in Hunting and/or bow would just reject participating in the hunt. Maybe let them use some other skill and throw a spear instead of firing a bow? Did the hunt itself work well for those of you who have played it? And with the group disbanded, did the scene with the pit of the exiled dwarves work? I like the idea and it would give them a chance to meet Frár and hear about Greydelve. I've introduced Ruithel and the bow Penbregol earlier, so she should make a fine rival for the elf in the group in the future (possibly recruiting him for the Wayward Elves).

[Láthspell]

The 'Questing Beasts' is a great opportunity to show off the Wood-elf Culture and introduce the characters to Elven personalities who might appear later in the Campaign. I would get into specifics, but if you've read through Darkening I'm certain you could come up with more than a few. Heart of the Wild and Tales from Wilderland can provide a few additional faces to add as well.

I would also suggest playing to your company's strengths. Do you have Bardings, Hobbits, or Men of the Lake who are more comfortable in social situations that tracking game through the woods? Play up the Hunt as being a chance to rub shoulders with the Elven elite and navigate the wilderness of Elven politics. This way such characters will have their own chance to shine and won't begrudge the masters of the bow and the hunt theirs, though I would certainly have the elves provide throwing spears and bows to those who may want but don't normally carry such items.

[Dunkelbrink]

Thanks for the ideas Láthspell! The hunt is coming up Tuesday, and still looking for other ideas concerning the hunt.

How would the Elves hunt? Alone, in pairs or i small groups. Not a hunter myself, but would it be common to gather in the evening after each days hunting, or would you continue until you've found your prey even if that takes days, staying on track?

I am thinking of having the companions who participate in the hunt being stalked by the Werewolf of Mirkwood and his wolfpack, who they have so far only heard rumors about.The least silent hunter will be attacked and has to hold out until the others hear him and reach him.

I will also use the exiled dwarves, lifting their secret underground dwelling from an old MERP module about Rohan.

I would appreciate any input from those of you who have run the adventure or have other ideas.