Some people over at ENworld have asked about how to modify "Keep on the Shadowfell" for a larger or smaller group. These are my thoughts based on reading the module. Generally scaling down makes for a tougher encounter. But simply add or remove the recommended creature and add or subtract it's xp from the total. I'm trying to be as non-spoilery as possible so don't expect to see lots of crunch.
Characters4 Players
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If you have to be down a character, I think the best character to lose would be the rogue. You could drop one of the 2 defenders (fighter or paladin) but I wouldn't recommend it.
6 Players
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If adding a character I recommend adding the Eladrin Ranger (gains 5 hp per level) or Half-elf Warlock (gain 6 hp per level) from D&DXP. You would have to fudge what powers they gain.
"On the Road"
4 players
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Remove 1 Dragonshield. This brings the xp to 350.
6 players
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Add 1 Slinger on the opposite side of the road. THis brings xp to 575
A14 players
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If the players took a long rest in town, remove 1 Skirmisher. If not, remove the wyrmpriest and add 2 minions. This will maker the other NPCs hit a little stronger but should be a much more manageable encounter.
6 players
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Add 1 Dragonshield
A24 players
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remove leftmost 2 minions and 1 skirmisher
6 players
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remove 3 minions add 1 skirmisher and 1 Slinger
A34 players
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Remove middle Skirmisher and his nearest minion. remove 1 Dragon shield. Drop I by 20 hp and adjust bloodied accordingly.
6 players
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Add 1 Dragonshield in first wave and 5 minions in second wave. This battle will be insane!
A44 players
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Remove 1 Guard Drake
6 players
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Add 2 Rabble (make 2 groups of 3) and 1 Slinger
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By Default, the characters should get 3525 or 705 xp each (or 955xp each, if you had the Missing Mentor hook)
for 4 players it adds up to 2775 xp or ~695 xp a piece (~1005 if Missing Mentor)
for 6 players it adds up to 4275 xp or ~710 xp a piece (~920 if Missing Mentor)
So it seems the only real big change depends on what hook you give them. I definitely recommend Missing Mentor for the smaller group as it will make the follow up encounters a little easier.
So, let me know what you think, especially if you already have your hands on the module, overall you can see adjusting for a larger or smaller group on the fly. If you'd like me to continue through the module, let me know and I will. I'm running 2 demo sessions in the following weeks, so if I have off numbers, I'll let you know how it goes.
