Rise of the Runelords for 5e


5th Edition (And Beyond)

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Sovereign Court

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Hey guys, I think I might take the plunge and run this AP for 5e. Do you guys have any resources that might help?

Liberty's Edge

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Kryx started a conversion here
here with Google doc here.

However, I find it pretty easy to concert Pathfinder APs to 5E on the fly, often reskinning monsters and using the basic 5e chart for skill and save DCs. It helps to have Tome of Beasts, also, for variety and surprise.

In general I think you are making a good choice as Paizo has superior adventures and NPCs and 5e is a wonderful system.

Sovereign Court

Thank you, Marv!


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I ran RotRL. We started at 3rd level and reached 12th by the campaign's conclusion.

I found it worked reasonably well to just substitute or reskin monsters from the MM and/or Tome of Beasts.

I didn't bother "converting" magical treasure other than story-elements. The players found what I considered to be an appropriate amount of treasure as we went along.

I use (DC/2)+4 as a rough on-the-fly conversion from Pathfinder DCs to 5E DCs. I generally find that results in reasonably equivalent results across the modules and it has the benefit of being quick and easy to do at the table without needing to do lots of prep work, much of which the players won't actually use.

Sovereign Court

Awesome advice. I feel like I can tackle this, now.


There might be some helpful nuggets in this thread(link below). In my experience, converting RotRL to 5e was easy and fun. I recommend cutting back on some of the grind in books 5 and 6, your players won't need it for the xp, and adding multiple opponents to solo bad-guy encounters.

http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rz1a?Rise-of-the-Runelords-in-5th-ed


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Definitely agree on beefing up solo encounters. 5E parties can murder individual enemies.

Liberal use of additional minions, legendary actions and (where appropriate) lair actions really helped me later in the AP.


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I converted a Pathfinder RotRL game over to 5E at the start of chapter 5 and started a new one earlier this year (we just started Hook Mountain Massacre last session). In both cases I had 6 players with 30 point-buy and a free feat and a Campaign Trait, so I made things a little tougher than standard.

I started detailing my conversions here http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u6nl?Burnt-Offerings-in-5E but I stopped having the time to keep up with it. I've also learned as I've moved forward that I was doing too much work converting things when I could just re-skin.

I've also got some more conversion stuff here http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tdxw?Karzoug-in-5E. Originally it was just discussing the endgame, but it's evolved into some other aspects of the AP with other DMs.

The biggest thing would be to cut back on treasure, particularly magic items. Through the early going I removed anything magic that wasn't iconic or story-specific. (Also any rings of protection and cloaks of resistance are gone. I may start adding some back in as they hit higher levels.) I also customized some stuff to either work better for the character using it, to make it more thematic, or to give a boost to certain PCs.

I agree that adding minions and/or legendary actions and/or lair actions to the boss fights are important. My PCs just fought Xanesha the session before last and she was the first legendary creature they faced, plus I added some minions to the fight. In their fight with the Skinsaw Man, I introduced lair actions, as having the location involved in the battle made a lot of thematic sense.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

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TheRavyn wrote:

There might be some helpful nuggets in this thread(link below). In my experience, converting RotRL to 5e was easy and fun. I recommend cutting back on some of the grind in books 5 and 6, your players won't need it for the xp, and adding multiple opponents to solo bad-guy encounters.

http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rz1a?Rise-of-the-Runelords-in-5th-ed

I was a player in TheRavyn's campaign. It was really fun (except when "Desna" made me lose a level for "story reasons." I seriously almost quit the campaign because of that.).

Magic items were pretty rare, but we really didn't miss them. I think adjusting some of the magic items to fit the PCs would have been nice (for example, making the Greatclub of Speed into a Greataxe of Speed for the barbarian, or making the two-weapon fighter's magic weapons battleaxes since he likes battleaxes), but that is pretty minor.

A lot of the fights were tough, but none were insurmountable. We did run out of spells in one fight--and then had to do another fight with just cantrips. Stupid giant wizards.

We started at level 1 and fought Kurzaug at 13th level (12 for me).

Sovereign Court

Great advice all around. The most fascinating thing for me is how RotRL really showcased the strengths and weaknesses of 5e, and did so in a way that made it amazing to learn, but never grating or unbearable. It is a perfect adventure to convert and run in 5e, by my understanding.


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I also had luck with Curse of the Crimson Throne. Granted that was my second conversion attempt, so I'd learnt from RotRL. Nonetheless, I was encouraged that both were equally usable.


Steve Geddes wrote:
I also had luck with Curse of the Crimson Throne. Granted that was my second conversion attempt, so I'd learnt from RotRL. Nonetheless, I was encouraged that both were equally usable.

I just picked up the CotCT AE and am thinking about running it in 5E once we finish ROTRL. Anything in particular to watch out for?

Dark Archive

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I'm knee deep in running this campaign in 5E. I have found this to be a more-or-less seamless process and has been REALLy fun!

If you need any stat blocks, I have everything except chapter 6 created. PM me and I can send it in a drop box.


William Bryan wrote:

I'm knee deep in running this campaign in 5E. I have found this to be a more-or-less seamless process and has been REALLy fun!

If you need any stat blocks, I have everything except chapter 6 created. PM me and I can send it in a drop box.

First time trying to communicate with people on Paizo, couldn't figure out how to PM you.

If you still have it, I would love the stuff you've worked on to run ROTRL in 5E. My group is split on people wanting to use both pathfinder and 5E so having this would be nice so we can compare and look at, if not actually run. We've tried running pathfinder ROTRL in the past but after 2-3 sessionshalf the party had to drop because of classes and one guy never really cared; he showed up at session 1 with a 5e character.


To Private Message someone you click on their name. That will take you to their profile page or follow this link to William Bryan's profile.

From there you can see a "send private message" link in the upper right corner (just next to their avatar) where you can essentially make a messageboard post that only they and you can see. It's not fantastic for long, ongoing conversations as there's not any thread - each post is standalone and there's also no edit or delete facility (so don't pm angry!)

Nonetheless, if you send one they'll get a little red notification symbol that a message is waiting for them next time they log on. Provided they respond to that, it's a reasonably efficient way to get someone's attention.


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Steve Geddes wrote:


From there you can see a "send private message" link in the upper right corner (just next to their avatar) where you can essentially make a messageboard post that only they and you can see.

I don't know how I missed that on the page. Spent a good ten minutes looking on his profile.


No worries. Not sure why I directed you to the upper right corner instead of the left, but there you go! At least you found it. :)

Dark Archive

I just want to thank you all for all of your hard work with this conversion project. I know I've done a lot of the work myself for the first 5 adventures but (specifically Kalshane) the conversion work done for the final RotRL installment was spot on.

Thank you to all that contributed to that!


Hi all! I've been looking into running RotRL for 5e, and came across this. William, I would be keen to see that dropbox link if you are still offering? Apologies, I can't seem to be able to see the PM option on here (first time poster).

Dark Archive

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Craig MacCormick wrote:
Hi all! I've been looking into running RotRL for 5e, and came across this. William, I would be keen to see that dropbox link if you are still offering? Apologies, I can't seem to be able to see the PM option on here (first time poster).

I would need your email, Craig. Happy to share!


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Great! It's craigmacc777@gmail.com. Thanks!


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Received, thanks man! Very useful stuff there.


William Bryan wrote:

I just want to thank you all for all of your hard work with this conversion project. I know I've done a lot of the work myself for the first 5 adventures but (specifically Kalshane) the conversion work done for the final RotRL installment was spot on.

Thank you to all that contributed to that!

Hi William,

Is there any chance that you can share the dropbox with me as well? I can PM you my email address.

Thank you!!!

Dark Archive

JohnnyThac0 wrote:
William Bryan wrote:

I just want to thank you all for all of your hard work with this conversion project. I know I've done a lot of the work myself for the first 5 adventures but (specifically Kalshane) the conversion work done for the final RotRL installment was spot on.

Thank you to all that contributed to that!

Hi William,

Is there any chance that you can share the dropbox with me as well? I can PM you my email address.

Thank you!!!

Of course!


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William Bryan wrote:
JohnnyThac0 wrote:
William Bryan wrote:

I just want to thank you all for all of your hard work with this conversion project. I know I've done a lot of the work myself for the first 5 adventures but (specifically Kalshane) the conversion work done for the final RotRL installment was spot on.

Thank you to all that contributed to that!

Hi William,

Is there any chance that you can share the dropbox with me as well? I can PM you my email address.

Thank you!!!

Of course!

Thank you! I realize now that I can't PM, but my email is johnnythac0@gmail.com.

I really appreciate it!!! :)

Dark Archive

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Some folks have messaged me about some conversion questions and I decided to just put it on the thread.

How long the AP takes within this 5E format depends on how RP heavy or light your group is as well as how many players you have at your table.

I have 6 players in my group and designed the encounters to challenge that power level. Our RotRL campaign is currently on book 5 in the middle of Runeforge and we've been playing this campaign for over 2 years now and RPing on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the heaviest) was at 8.5.

This is how I mapped out level progression.

Burnt Offerings: Levels 1-4 (should gain 4th level getting through the second lower level of Thistletop)
The Skinsaw Murders: Levels 4-8
Hook Mountain Massacre: Levels 8-11
Fortress of the Stone Giants: Levels 12-13
Sins of the Saviors: Levels 13-15 or 16 (should be 14th level after the Xalasia encounter)
Spires of Xin Shalast: Levels 16 to ?

So essentially I leveled them up quicker at lower levels and slower at higher levels. I personally wanted to experience what high level game play was like in 5E. If you don't wanna go that high, I recommend scaling it back some.

Hope this helps!


Thanks so much, William. This is such great work, and while I'm more interested in PF, my group is much more in to 5e. You've made it so much easier to find a happy medium.


William Bryan wrote:
Craig MacCormick wrote:
Hi all! I've been looking into running RotRL for 5e, and came across this. William, I would be keen to see that dropbox link if you are still offering? Apologies, I can't seem to be able to see the PM option on here (first time poster).
I would need your email, Craig. Happy to share!

If that drop box is still up for grabs my email is keepingthatpieceofheart@gmail.com . Thanks in advance!


I would also like that info. Thanks for your hard work and willingness to share!

wfofisrad@gmail.com


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Kalshane: Love how you converted the Campaign Traits and baddies for the later modules, you really captured their 'feel' without over doing it!

Steve: I'd love to see what you did with CotCT, did you post any conversion notes anywhere?

William: I am also wondering if you're still offering your conversions. I PMed you my email in case you are.

Here's some things i have for the first encounters, adding to Kryx's stuff.

Goblin
Same as Goblin (MMp. 166) and add the following action:

Thrown Refuse. Ranged Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Hit: 1 (1d4-1) bludgeoning damage. If target is a creature it must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn.

Goblin Pyro
Same as Goblin (MM p.166) with following changes:

AC 13 (leather armor)

Actions
Multiattack. The goblin makes one Dogslicer attack and one Torch attack.
Dogslicer (Scimitar). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) slashing damage.
Torch. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 (1d4-1) bludgeoning damage plus 1 fire damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) piercing damage.

GOBLIN ANTICS

Hint: A dog starts barking at the hiding goblins before the encounter begins (Perception check to notice).

d10
1. Goblin with barrel over it running around blindly.

2. Goblin clumsily swinging around an oversized improvised torch, a flaming broom that's falling apart, leaving burning pieces of straw everywhere.

3. Goblin chasing cat, 2 rounds later is seen running off with it, then 2 more rounds later sets if aflame.

4. Goblin fleeing/hiding from a dog.

5. Goblin leaps off a roof in an attempt to land on a victim but misses and breaks his neck.

6. Goblin running from bakery with a (stolen) apple pie, or pillaging the banquet table.

7. Goblin throws a lit torch at a fleeing mother only to have it land on another goblin and light his armor on fire.

8. Hysterical goblin running around while on fire looking for water, before falling dead in the middle of the square.

9. Goblin running off with a crying baby, the mother is across the square screaming "My baby, please, someone save my baby!"

10. Goblin swings across square screaming like a high-pitched Tarzan. Probably runs into something/someone and/or lands horribly.


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I'm looking to do the same with my RotRL campaign, so lot's of great work here, thank you! :D


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William Bryan wrote:

I just want to thank you all for all of your hard work with this conversion project. I know I've done a lot of the work myself for the first 5 adventures but (specifically Kalshane) the conversion work done for the final RotRL installment was spot on.

Thank you to all that contributed to that!

William,

I"m looking to get in to 5th edition. If you still have your conversion work available I'd really appreciate a copy.

Thank you,

wolvesbane2018@gmail.com

Sovereign Court

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I'm wondering if I could share in some of the ROTRL goodness, if it's not too much of a bother. :)

jmchandler05@gmail.com


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William Bryan wrote:

Some folks have messaged me about some conversion questions and I decided to just put it on the thread.

How long the AP takes within this 5E format depends on how RP heavy or light your group is as well as how many players you have at your table.

I have 6 players in my group and designed the encounters to challenge that power level. Our RotRL campaign is currently on book 5 in the middle of Runeforge and we've been playing this campaign for over 2 years now and RPing on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the heaviest) was at 8.5.

This is how I mapped out level progression.

Burnt Offerings: Levels 1-4 (should gain 4th level getting through the second lower level of Thistletop)
The Skinsaw Murders: Levels 4-8
Hook Mountain Massacre: Levels 8-11
Fortress of the Stone Giants: Levels 12-13
Sins of the Saviors: Levels 13-15 or 16 (should be 14th level after the Xalasia encounter)
Spires of Xin Shalast: Levels 16 to ?

So essentially I leveled them up quicker at lower levels and slower at higher levels. I personally wanted to experience what high level game play was like in 5E. If you don't wanna go that high, I recommend scaling it back some.

Hope this helps!

William-

Another DM interested in your conversion Dropbox for my game. Finishing up the skinsaw murders and looking to roll Hook Mountain into 5e for my players. Mostly since I now play in a Homebrew 5e game weekly, I'm much more comfortable in that system. Just don't want to start over with a new 5e campaign after investing so much time and money into RoTRL. Email is cheferick@gmail.com thanks for the share!


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Hi William,

I'm also very interested in your conversion dropbox document. My email is woutthielemans@ yahoo.com.


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Hey William,

I’d also love a copy. If you could share to cpnobvs@gmail.com


If it's still available I'd very much be interested in the conversion drop box. Thank you for your hard work. Flame3k@gmail.com


Hi William,

I'm also very interested in your conversion dropbox document. My email is korbo9259@gmail.com
Thank you
Fabrice


Hi,

I'm very interested in this material too, I'm running a RotRL path and we are at 5th chapter, but some of the players still have a hard time remembering the rules and want a faster gaming experience, so I'll gladly take a look.

My mail is lordphobos@lordphobos.com, could you please share it with me?

Thanks

Dark Archive

Just wanted to say Thank You to everyone who had an interest in my 5e Runelords conversions. I hope you're all enjoying the game you all craft!!


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I too would love to get the conversion document! My email is trannich@isu.edu. Please and thank you! Thanks for such a great idea

Dark Archive

Tran72 wrote:
I too would love to get the conversion document! My email is trannich@isu.edu. Please and thank you! Thanks for such a great idea

Absolutely Tran72! Happy to share.

To everyone who is interested in other things we're doing, check out what we're up to.


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William Bryan wrote:
Tran72 wrote:
I too would love to get the conversion document! My email is trannich@isu.edu. Please and thank you! Thanks for such a great idea

Absolutely Tran72! Happy to share.

To everyone who is interested in other things we're doing, check out what we're up to.

Sent you a PM as well, I'd be keen to gain some inspiration from your work.

Dark Archive

I'm pretty sure I'm up to date with the RotRL5e share requests. If I'm wrong, please PM me.

Grand Lodge

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Hi William,

Could you please share that info with me as well?

narenmprasad@gmail.com

Thanks in advance : )

Naren


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Pathfinder Lost Omens Subscriber

Could I get this as well? Really appreciate the work put into this.

chegney_at_gmail_dot_com


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I love how this thread has turned into the "Hey William, can' i get copy?" :) XD

Speaking of which...Hey William i would love to benefit from your hard work for my first time DMing. none of my players have even looked at this AP and so i think it would be fun. Can I please have the link to your 5ed conversion notes?

Dracosilver5@gmail.com

Thank you in advance.

~D~


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Can't seem to send a PM, but I'd love to see your take on the conversion. rayfrandsen196@gmail.com

Thanks
-R


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Thank you!

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