Welcome to the Fate of the Runelords Discussion thread.
When posting in the Gameplay thread consider that it is the morning of the much awaited swallowtail festival in Sandpoint and crowds are gathering for the opening ceremonies. Please head over to the Gameplay thread to introduce yourself to the town of Sandpoint and start your day.
Think about where you spent last night – do you have a house in Sandpoint, or do you live in barracks or guild accommodation? If you have arrived from out of town, did you stay in an inn last night (probably the rusty dragon, although there are about half a dozen others if you prefer) or have you arrived this morning, either on foot or on a ship that has pulled into the harbour?
The crowds are all heading to the town square, but feel free to persue other agendas if you wish.
I am also providing here some further details about the campaign in the form of issues - the problems affecting the world that you might solve in some way - and some locations in Sandpoint.
Issues
Fate games are held together by issues - long and short term problems that affect the setting. They act like Aspects and can be Compelled (with GM approval) to make life more difficult (thereby gaining a Fte point) or Invoked (for the usual bonuses) by anybody at any time.
The long term issue is (purhaps unsurprisingly) Rise of the Runelord - In pre-history Varisia was the site of a kingdom ruled by powerful sorceror-kings called Runelords. Their kingdoms fell long ago and now little is known about them, but they have left their mark on the land and its people. The land is scattered with their anceant ruins, and occasionally powerful runic artifacts show up in the hands of adventurers. This can be compelled when the History of Thassilon or its remnants make things difficult for the characters. It might also be possible to invoke at times if such things turn up in a beneficial way.
The short term issue is Acts of Rage Several years ago an epidemic of nightmares flared up across Sandpoint. The epidemic died down just as quickly as it arose and nothing more was thought of it, however ever since tempers have been brittle and quick to flare. This was most evident in the months imediately after the nightmares as several murders were planned and carried out, and the town chapel was burned down in what has been remembered as "That Late unpleasantness." Feelings are still raw, but the worst has passed and sharp tempers have simply become a fact of life in Sandpoint. Increased anger seems to have affected the surrounding countryside as well, with increasing numbers of raids carried out by goblin tribes on farmsteads and merchant caravans, and increased seemingly pointless agression from nearby wildlife. This can be compelled when hot tempers would make a situation worse (through the PC's anger, an NPC's anger, or both). It could also be invoked when you can take advantage of peoples anger.
[B]Places[B]
Cathedral Face: Father Devlin (Cleric of Desna)
http://pathfinder.wikia.com/wiki/Sandpoint_Cathedral
A chapel has long stood in the centre of Sandpoint, but after it burned down a larger cathedral was built, containing chapels dedicated to a half dozen deities.
Garrison Face: Sherrif Hemlock
The Garrison houses barracks for the town guard, as well as the Gaol.
Town Hall Face: Mayor Devlin
A large two story building capable of holding the towns entire adult population for Important councilmeetings (not that many bother attending anyway). The town bank is in the cellars.
Rusty Dragon Face: Ameiko Kaijitsu
http://pathfinder.wikia.com/wiki/The_Rusty_Dragon
The rusty Dragon is the most popular Inn in Sandpoint, and probably the place you will be staying if you arrive from out of town.
Explorers & Delvers Guildhouse Face: Jorn Memfry
HQ of the Explorers and Delvers guild.