Quick question on the open since its my first one, do we need to bring characters or do we use pregens? If we are bringing them what do we need?
Characters are provided. All you need is dice, a writing implement, your spirit of adventure, and a bribe for your DM.
It might be possible to bribe me to not use the red d20 that players in my home game swear is lopsided and rolls 20's for the monsters 30% of the time....
a working knowledge of focus is also handy. it is a group. make sure you have someone mapping. make sure you have someone recording who is carry ing what. make sure you have someone who is not afraid to touch the known trap when you fail to disarm it.
It is a team adventure, it is timed, it is graded. You must complete the 1st half on time and well with party as healthy as possible for a chance to play in round two. Pick a leader, make quick decisions, keep moving. You should have everything you will need on the pregen. Make sure someone picks the Cleric. It is fun, the stories are great, you will make lasting friends if you do it right.
Decide everything by consensus, or just split the party when that fails. Take lots of prisoners and debate the ethics of their treatment based on your alignment. Really roleplay the little nuances of weapon sharpening and meal preparation.