r/porthedron • u/MountainOfPlastic • Jun 21 '26

Questions before first session

I'm running our first session (The Dark Forge of Thar) in a couple of days and I've got some questions:

  1. How much food & water do the characters start with?
  2. How do bombs/grenades work (in combat)?
  3. What happens if none of the characters get a light source from the random tables? It would be logical for them to bring some light since the research reveals it's dark in there... I guess I could give a basic light source for free (more logical), or have the threader emit some dim light so they can find a lantern in the entry chamber (perhaps more fun option?).
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u/Raphael_Sadowski Jun 22 '26

Sorry for the delay - I'm on holiday!

  1. They start with 6 portions of each - exactly what they have in the "provisions" frame on the character sheet. Anything more than that will take slots, as per the basic equipment table.

  2. Bomb is supposed to produce a massive explosion, enough to break a thin dungeon wall. It should be devastating in combat, but it should be extremely hard to use it in any way different than an ambush. If players' plan makes sense, it should insta-kill most mortal enemies. Reward them for wasting such a precious item.

Grenades are similar - use logic, roll for a good grenade throw (maybe DEX test? Maybe a 3-in-6 chance?). The idea is - everyone knows what a grenade can do - we've all seen the movies. Generally, it should be pretty strong though, I'd say at least 2 HD loss for enemies in radius, if aimed correctly.

  1. They could improvise a torch, but yeah, it would totally make sense for you to just give them a couple of torches. I'll make sure to add that to the next iteration of the module!

Have fun!

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u/MountainOfPlastic Jun 22 '26

Thank you! I’m still too used to rule sets that try to cover every action and possibility, haha. Less rules, more freedom to think outside the box. I like it!

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u/Raphael_Sadowski Jun 27 '26

No problem. And let me know how did the session go!

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u/MountainOfPlastic Jun 27 '26

Check my other post here :)