So for the last couple of days Ive been reading various opinions on world design and adventure design and relating those opinions to the TPK from last weekend.

I had (hopefully) built up the nest as a dangerous place but figured it would be at least do-able/ dramatic for the full party. Then we had 4 instead of 5 and so I had a choice scale down what I had prepared or let it stand. I took it down a notch figuring it would still be a reasonable challenge and maybe no one would notice it wasnt “all that deadly . “  When we went down to 3 from 4 I had the same options but took a different course. I suppose I could have scaled it down further, I mean that would have been good sportsmanship but I thought well we had built it up as a dangerous place and so if they get the job done with three then with 5 they would have mowed it down.  I figured a test of the defenses, encounter the queen, and get the hell out. There would be the tantalizing treasure you know is there but cant quite reach. “Maybe with a full party we could get back one day...” Instead the treasure was like a triggered  mouse trap snapping down on  and breaking the spine of our mouse of a campaign.

The challenge was deliberate though the outcome wasn't. I'm not “out to get you” rather I'm trying to play the character of the setting we've created together. Maybe I DM because I cant stand losing a character and as DM I dont get attached. The setting just keeps going. Still to those of you who have lost a character (or  two) I dont want you to get discouraged.

In general the vast majority of encounters will constitute an appropriate challenge (within +/-3 levels of the group.)  However sometimes things will be there just because its supposed to be. “Yes there are dragons in that cavern.” The dragons wont always going to be a young adults just because thats  level appropriate. The setting exists outside of your characters and is a dangerous place. Take a cue from some of the villains and remember to run away once in a while. I know it isnt very heroic but heck it allows you to have an A TEAM style cut scene to prepare for the rematch.

As far as moving forward all I can say is I will try to use your character's back-stories to create interesting and dynamic encounters and plot-lines. Some  of these may be just a tad too dangerous and will require some good planning, some skill and just a little bit of luck to overcome. I hope you wouldn't want it any other way.

I agree. The real chance of death is a needed thing because otherwise you start to play unlike your character. In fact, it's stressful because of all the time and thought into the characters, but I enjoyed when brent was nearly gone. Having been knocked out twice in one encounter makes me play more stratigic rather than rushing in head long.

Plus I have some cool backup character concepts. heh

I have to say I agree with them.  I made some pretty poor choices before and during the fight, and it was mostly because I assumed that Leigh expected us to fight the queen, so therefore it must be a doable fight.  I feel particularly bad because I feel like everyone followed me to some degree, ignoring signs that seem pretty obvious now that we should have run.  Lessons learned.  From now on tactical retreats will be added to my reprotoire of combat options.

Also @hewhorocks... I was thinking several things about reducing the challenge and was glad that you did not do it again.  I thought maybe, being enraged, the Kuthriks might move to us directly in a chase instead of launching projectiles and possibly hitting an egg.  The queen attacking the badger was great!  The worker Kuthrik getting scared and dropping the egg was good too...if only the acid stopped when I fell in the water...I would have lived!  hahaha