>>62026032Yeah, I was thinking about that. The spellcaster probably goes for a scroll for example before going to his side arm. I'd also have someone chug a potion mid combat. I'd use the small encounters to give the party an opportunity to Stealth and surprise round the enemies, as well as one where they get surprise rounded instead to show them the importance of lateral thinking approaches and leeroying in isn't always wise. I'd use either goblins or kobold with caltrops as part of one of the encounters, with reach weapons. I also would give them an opportunity to rest with a potential ambush but provide a scroll of swift girding to their caster so they figure out how important it can be sometimes to be careful with their rests/assigning watch shifts. In the npc encounter, definitely show them how being prone can be both bad and sometimes good.
I like that! You showed them how the WoD is a harsh place and that they need to be careful with their approach. Similarly I would have the npcs they're working with initially be very helpful but that first encounter is tough enough that they could see even organized and experienced people could be in danger. During the tutorial cave I might have one of the npcs stay with them whereas their other party members get split and have his greed land them in the surprise encounter to teach them to be mindful or suspicious. I'd want him to be this guy basically:
https://youtu.be/mx3q5zIl95Q 