Pathfinder Adventure Path #133: Secrets of Roderic's Cove (Return of the Runelords 1 of 6)

Yeah, been told my order is pending for 12 days now. Kind of sorry I didn't wait to just get the PDF when it came out.

*reads*

Damn, didn’t see that coming.

Just got mine.

Yeah, been told my order is pending for 12 days now. Kind of sorry I didn't wait to just get the PDF when it came out.

Yeah... pending since 8/14...

*reads*

Damn, didn’t see that coming.

They got you flat footed, Rysky? ;)

Also what are some of the favorite non-adventure parts of this one?

I'm excited because while I've been reading APs for a dozen years and have been working on them for the last 6, this is the first one I've written! :D

And you did a wonderful job, Adam! I am reading it now and love it so far.

Also, after reading the Campaign Summary in the back of the book, I want to express my thanks and admiration to James. I firmly believe that Return of the Runelords is your Adventure Path masterpiece. I even think it might be better than your old Red Hand of Doom adventure with Richard Baker, which is among my Top 10 favorite adventures across the 35 years I have been playing/running RPGs.

Rysky wrote:

*reads*

Damn, didn’t see that coming.

They got you flat footed, Rysky? ;)

Also what are some of the favorite non-adventure parts of this one?

The history of the Runelords.

Adam Daigle wrote:

I'm excited because while I've been reading APs for a dozen years and have been working on them for the last 6, this is the first one I've written! :D

And you did a wonderful job, Adam! I am reading it now and love it so far.

Also, after reading the Campaign Summary in the back of the book, I want to express my thanks and admiration to James. I firmly believe that Return of the Runelords is your Adventure Path masterpiece. I even think it might be better than your old Red Hand of Doom adventure with Richard Baker, which is among my Top 10 favorite adventures across the 35 years I have been playing/running RPGs.

Thanks, but if it does end up being a masterpiece, it's as much due to the efforts of the authors as well.

Thanks, but if it does end up being a masterpiece, it's as much due to the efforts of the authors as well.

Agreed. You have an all-star lineup of great authors writing these, too.

I'm particularly looking forward to Runeplague by Richard Pett.

So, reading over the Return of the Runelords Timeline, a question occurred to me regarding an inconsistency or two between the timeline and Books 5 & 6 of Shattered Star:

Nitpicks really, but the first just seems an odd incocsistency and the second it is made out to be a big Failure of Xin's in Shattered Star 6.

I like this adventure, although I have a question. In the adventure, Captain Julit Freson is a man, while in the Roderic's Cove article Captain Julit Freson is a woman, which one is correct?

It’s a joy to be involved in this ap, it was great fun working with James’ twisted thinking and spread another layer of badness on it, but having to follow the sick demented mind of demented Daigle is worrying, in a good way. Heh heh.

James Jacobs wrote:

Thanks, but if it does end up being a masterpiece, it's as much due to the efforts of the authors as well.

Agreed. You have an all-star lineup of great authors writing these, too.

I'm particularly looking forward to Runeplague by Richard Pett.

Thank you Casiel, I hope you enjoy it, it was certainly disturbing to do, yarp.

Six remaining? Is Krune back from the dead?

Six remaining? Is Krune back from the dead?

This Adventure Path likely only assumes that RotRL and SStar have happened, and doesn't take into account things that may or may not have happened in certain Societies. ^_^

Ultimagus wrote:

Six remaining? Is Krune back from the dead?

This Adventure Path likely only assumes that RotRL and SStar have happened, and doesn't take into account things that may or may not have happened in certain Societies. ^_^

It does take it into account. It doesn't mean he's necessarily entirely out of the game. I will say no more.

Kalindlara wrote:

Ultimagus wrote:

Six remaining? Is Krune back from the dead?

This Adventure Path likely only assumes that RotRL and SStar have happened, and doesn't take into account things that may or may not have happened in certain Societies. ^_^

It does take it into account. It doesn't mean he's necessarily entirely out of the game. I will say no more.

In addition the events of the book "Pathfinder Tales: Lord of Runes" is also taken into account.

I like this adventure, although I have a question. In the adventure, Captain Julit Freson is a man, while in the Roderic's Cove article Captain Julit Freson is a woman, which one is correct?

She's a woman. The adventure has a typo.

Random comments:

I miss the foreword a bit, despite knowing it's for a good case (more adventure pages).

Matthias Rothenaicher's maps remind me of the maps of a certain other big RPG. I slightly prefer Robert Lazzaretti's style, but it means at least some variety (which comes handy for custom campaigns).

So far, I skimmed the adventure (versatile, imaginative and sometimes challenging - great), runelord article (very welcome topic) and bestiary (creative as always, I dig magic-scent).

Personally, I found the adventure summary to be exhausting (more than a whole page of related events), though that's a general issue with APs for me.

I am not so happy with the first event - it promises combat but doesn't deliver (which would offend at least one of my regular players). The players can't do much more than a few skill checks, and then they risk to see their PCs run away (which is put into perspective, but still). To be fair, it's relatively easy to modify, and the following events are pretty good. Mister Retch has so much potential...

Here's hoping for the site to stay up long enough that the Player's Guide can be uploaded by staff and then downloaded by us. I'm really curious to read it.

I miss the foreword a bit, despite knowing it's for a good case (more adventure pages).

I really feel this AP would benefit from a foreword, reflecting on the conclusion of the Runelords story line.

Amaranthine Witch wrote:

I like this adventure, although I have a question. In the adventure, Captain Julit Freson is a man, while in the Roderic's Cove article Captain Julit Freson is a woman, which one is correct?

She's a woman. The adventure has a typo.

Considering they use he 3 times and him once and describe her as the son of Caralee Freson I wouldn't say it's a typo, that's why I was so confused.

James Jacobs wrote:

Amaranthine Witch wrote:

I like this adventure, although I have a question. In the adventure, Captain Julit Freson is a man, while in the Roderic's Cove article Captain Julit Freson is a woman, which one is correct?

She's a woman. The adventure has a typo.

Considering they use he 3 times and him once and describe her as the son of Caralee Freson I wouldn't say it's a typo, that's why I was so confused.

I can't edit anymore, so sorry for the double post. I forgot to thank you James for the swift response.

Yes, thanks for clarifying Julit's gender. Also, can you please tell us if A. (Roderic's Wreck) is east or west of the Cove?

It's west, at least, that was my intention when writing it. The town is a little inland along the Chavali River and Sir Roderic's home was closer to the mouth of the river so that he could keep a better eye on the Varisian Gulf.

SheepishEidolon wrote:

I miss the foreword a bit, despite knowing it's for a good case (more adventure pages).

I really feel this AP would benefit from a foreword, reflecting on the conclusion of the Runelords story line.

Instead they skipped the foreword but included four pages of advertisements. Why, oh why?

Well, like so many others, they love to make people ask questions. Because when there are those who cannot be satisfied with the viable reasons for why things are, at least they can still make those people ask questions. ;)

It's west, at least, that was my intention when writing it. The town is a little inland along the Chavali River and Sir Roderic's home was closer to the mouth of the river so that he could keep a better eye on the Varisian Gulf.

Thanks Adam, I thought as much, but the westward facing entrance caused me doubt. But nice views of the sunset over the sea :)

According to the Runelord Legacy article, there were two Runelords named Aethusa (one was Greed and the other was Gluttony) runelording around Thassilon at the same time.

-Skeld

Matrix Sorcica wrote:

SheepishEidolon wrote:

I miss the foreword a bit, despite knowing it's for a good case (more adventure pages).

I really feel this AP would benefit from a foreword, reflecting on the conclusion of the Runelords story line.

Instead they skipped the foreword but included four pages of advertisements. Why, oh why?

Well, like so many others, they love to make people ask questions. Because when there are those who cannot be satisfied with the viable reasons for why things are, at least they can still make those people ask questions. ;)

Great! Now all we need are the viable reasons ;-)

According to the Runelord Legacy article, there were two Runelords named Aethusa (one was Greed and the other was Gluttony) runelording around Thassilon at the same time.

-Skeld

That's interesting, thank you for the informatipn, Skeld. :-)

Could it have been the same greedy Glutton, somehow ruling over two schools/parts of Thassilon?
It would theoretically be possible considering the forbidden schools overlap (abjuration, enchantment & illusion).

Could have been identical twins. Could have been that Aethusa figured out a way to magically "copy" themselves, one of them going one way, the second another ...

Could have been identical twins. Could have been that Aethusa figured out a way to magically "copy" themselves, one of them going one way, the second another ...

Or it may have simply been a fashionable name at the time ;)

Oh my, I so badly want to read this. My order is pending since August 15th...

What a great way to see pf1e off. I'm more excited for this path than I was for Shattered Star and Iron Gods combined.

What a great way to see pf1e off. I'm more excited for this path than I was for Shattered Star and Iron Gods combined.

This isn't even the last AP. There's one more before pf2e kicks in. It'll be interesting to see what the final send off AP is, and if it can keep up with Return.

The final AP is Tyrant's Grasp, as the name implies, it's the final showdown against the Whispering Tyrant.

Still feels weird that they're willing to kill off such a major character. Didn't they say that when PF2 comes out proper there'll be a shortlist of APs that are more or less canon to the new story?

Still feels weird that they're willing to kill off such a major character. Didn't they say that when PF2 comes out proper there'll be a shortlist of APs that are more or less canon to the new story?

It's more like a long list, since apparently most APs did happen with PCs victorious in every of them (including HV).

Also, evil like Tar-Baphon might be defeated, but not so easily buried. I can totally see an AP where PCs foil the Whispering Tyrant and re-seal him ... until again.

Still feels weird that they're willing to kill off such a major character. Didn't they say that when PF2 comes out proper there'll be a shortlist of APs that are more or less canon to the new story?

It doesn't feel weird to me, but then again I know the whole story. AKA: Once the whole AP is out, hopefully it won't feel weird to you either.

ALL of the Adventure Paths will be made canonical to the world with 2nd edition, in any event. For some that'll have world-defining elements, but for others they'll almost be non-events since they don't have particularly wide-reaching implications.

And all will assume PC success. I'm not comfortable canonizing results that a group might feel makes their play through an AP obsolete, and canonizing an AP as a PC failure, as tempting as that is to set up some unexpected new twists to the world history and lore, isn't worth it.

Dark Midian wrote:

Still feels weird that they're willing to kill off such a major character. Didn't they say that when PF2 comes out proper there'll be a shortlist of APs that are more or less canon to the new story?

It doesn't feel weird to me, but then again I know the whole story. AKA: Once the whole AP is out, hopefully it won't feel weird to you either.

ALL of the Adventure Paths will be made canonical to the world with 2nd edition, in any event. For some that'll have world-defining elements, but for others they'll almost be non-events since they don't have particularly wide-reaching implications.

And all will assume PC success. I'm not comfortable canonizing results that a group might feel makes their play through an AP obsolete, and canonizing an AP as a PC failure, as tempting as that is to set up some unexpected new twists to the world history and lore, isn't worth it.

Naturally, some of the successful outcomes are guaranteed as they contribute heavily to PF's overall world and possibly SF's world (The Runelords trilogy, Curse of the Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Council of Thieves, Iron Gods, Hell's Rebels/Vengeance) but some of the other stories being canon like Reign of Winter, assuming Anastasia is the new ruler, and Wrath of the Righteous where Baphomet and Deskari are dead and the Worldwound is sealed, is pretty nuts.

Naturally, some of the successful outcomes are guaranteed as they contribute heavily to PF's overall world and possibly SF's world (The Runelords trilogy, Curse of the Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Council of Thieves, Iron Gods, Hell's Rebels/Vengeance) but some of the other stories being canon like Reign of Winter, assuming Anastasia is the new ruler, and Wrath of the Righteous where Baphomet and Deskari are dead and the Worldwound is sealed, is pretty nuts.

Nuts in a great way that lets us show off the fact that the world isn't static and unchanging, in my view, but not so nuts that we're completely rewriting the setting.

And there are plenty of Adventure Paths like Giantslayer or Legacy of Fire that don't really have big world impacts, or ones like Strange Aeons that happen largely behind the scenes.

BUT this is pretty off topic; there's other threads speaking to this elsewhere. Let's try to keep this one focused on the Return of the Runelords; thanks!

Any eta on the Player's Guide?

The site seems to be running stable, thank god.
Personally i think the players guide should drop sometimes this week, fingers crossed.

Dark Midian wrote:

Still feels weird that they're willing to kill off such a major character. Didn't they say that when PF2 comes out proper there'll be a shortlist of APs that are more or less canon to the new story?

It's more like a long list, since apparently most APs did happen with PCs victorious in every of them (including HV).

Also, evil like Tar-Baphon might be defeated, but not so easily buried. I can totally see an AP where PCs foil the Whispering Tyrant and re-seal him ... until again.

Gorbacz,

I’m curious to hear your guess about what will be the first AP for PF2. This is mine: Crimson Throne meets Kingmaker.

Gorbacz wrote:

Dark Midian wrote:

Still feels weird that they're willing to kill off such a major character. Didn't they say that when PF2 comes out proper there'll be a shortlist of APs that are more or less canon to the new story?

It's more like a long list, since apparently most APs did happen with PCs victorious in every of them (including HV).

Also, evil like Tar-Baphon might be defeated, but not so easily buried. I can totally see an AP where PCs foil the Whispering Tyrant and re-seal him ... until again.

Gorbacz,

I’m curious to hear your guess about what will be the first AP for PF2. This is mine: Crimson Throne meets Kingmaker.

Arcadia, explorers from The Inner Sea bump into the insofar unknown nation of benevolent, advanced yet slightly unhinged Goblins threatened by a rogue Flumph who abandoned his_er mission and teamed up with Dominion of the Black in order to free Rovagug and blow Golarion up from the inside.

There, Arcadia, Rovagug's imprisonment, flumphs, lore explanations as to why can you have a CG Goblin Paladin come PF2, all in one AP with a trademark Pathfinder gonzo level which makes all those "let's do something cliche and tame in Forgotten Realms" D&D 5e adventure paths look silly.

The site seems to be running stable, thank god.

Personally i think the players guide should drop sometimes this week, fingers crossed.

My guess is Wednesday.....

The Player's Guide is available for DL now.

Helpful link

My guess is Wednesday.....

Excellent guess.

Yes! :D