The experiment with 1st ed was simply to see how it played (or if it could be played) by the book. I think we all agreed that is neither ideal nor commonly done. 5e seems to quite specifically say there is no one way. (Though to be fair, Gygax said that back then all the time as well.)

Others?

If anything, I find the lack of breadcrumbs through the dungeon frustrating, although it may be we are too dumb to see them. This is a factor of the module's authors I suspect.

Gary Gygax's own house rules that have made it to the internet are far more generous, IIRC.

Yes, next Thur (Aug 1) is good for me.

Part 1:

2 rubies x 350 GP = 700 GP

700 XP/4 = 175 XP/each

Reggio Emilia, Torlock, Kalem, and Rakshasa Rob each gain 175 XP from the first part of the adventure.

Part 2:

Treasure:

19 EP taken from the orcs (I didn't include the Elves' gold, which you returned to them)
5 garnets found in the beetle's lair each worth 100 GP = 500 GP
Hortal examines the seeds which you found in the orcs' lair. The apple seeds are ordinary and of no monetary value. The grape seeds are rare and valuable. Value: 72 SP
The wine is made from aforementioned seeds. It's a lot of wine, and it's very good wine. Value: 400 GP

Treasure XP:

19 EP = 9.5 x .75 (low difficulty) = 7.125 XP
5 garnets = 500 XP
Seeds = 72 SP = 3.6 x .75 = 2.7 XP
Wine = 400 x .75 = 300 XP

Combat XP:

Orcs: 15 + 13 + 12 = 40 x .75 = 30 XP
Spider: 65 x .75 = 48.75 XP
Boring Beetle: 200 XP

Total XP: 1088.575 / 3 = 362.858 XP each = 363 XP each
Torlock and Father Delgado each get 363 XP from the second part of the adventure.

Unfortunately, Kalem does not get the XP, as the DMG is pretty explicit that once you get the XP for a new level, you have to train and reach that new level before you can get any more XP. (Page 86, in all caps, nonetheless.)

Hortal would be happy to host a festival to welcome the other farmers back. It has been a few years since they have gone, though, so messengers would have to be sent to alert them, and convince them. And if they are found, alerted, and convinced, and then return, that would likely be a few weeks if not months away. Hortal is happy to hold onto the wine until then. He would also send word to you when/if the other farmers return.

Father Delgado's divinations find no magical properties in the seeds. Kalem's studies yield no fruit. Gortal is not particularly moved by the seeds. He does notice there are two types of seeds: apple seeds and grape seeds. He suggests his brother the farmer may know more.

Gortal also thanks you profusely for your assistance, and shares your sorrow for your lost compatriots. He agrees to hold up his part of the bargain and train Kalem.

Skiddoo is not available this Fri, but Foner said he himself is. So am I if we can get more.

I fear Fred may have had enough of death, but if that isn't a problem for him I know the heat is. The forecast is for a high of only 80, and if I'm not mistaken Foner's place is still available, is that right Foner? So if Fred is not against a new character I hold out hope that neither traveling heat nor the play location is a foreseeable issue.

So who else for this Friday?