On Starting the Adventure

Thankfully, this is an adventure I've been able to run for multiple groups and get feedback on each run. So I thought I'd share some options on starting the adventure that I've tried.

Welcome From the Warden

Warden Ickick welcomes the party and explains the basics of the job to the group. This is the basic way I've started the game. It is also interesting at this point to have people explain what they did, or what they were framed for, to wind up in prison. Maybe what they offer will give you some interesting ideas to incorporate into the rest of the adventure. Who knows, maybe one of them already has a contact down here.

This slower start has the benefit of throwing the party into uncertainty. The Warden explains the job, then the party is turned loose to explore, work, and figure things out. This disorienting moment is useful and intentional.

Hazing

An alternative start is to begin on their first night in prison as a group of prisoners attempt to press the party to serve them. This could, of course, be bypassed by means other than violence. Should violence ensue, this is the stat block I used for prisoners sk: 6, st: 8, init: 2, dmg: rock as club). I'd recommend having the number of prisoners equal the party.

After this encounter, you'll need to address the entire day leading up to this ambush in the night. Personally, I found this to be a difficult transition, and my players continually forgot they were experiencing the day before.

The benefit of this start is that it punctuates a brutal side to the prison.