Chef's Slaad's page

It's been quite a ride.

It looks like something somewhat expensive went wrong. Rather than sending me the Rise of the Runelords Map Folio (priced at $2.00 due to the 10th anniversary sale) you sent me the Rise of the Runelords Aniversary Edition (priced at $59.99), almost double the value of the entire order. It was probably the Gen-con rush.

I would like to return the book I received in error. How do I go about that?

These are amazing. Was this a demo set, or are they on sale?

Hi Erik,

I have the giants revisited and the poster map folio in one shipment. I would like to have the map folio and would like to cancel the campaing setting subscription after that. If I'm not mistaken that would include giants revisited.

Could you remove Giants Revisited from my june subscrition and cancel my campaign setting subscription after it has been sent?

Thanks

Cchef's Slaad

I can't find the option to chose the method of combining shipping (hold for AP, one monthly package, send immediately, etc) Where did it go?

she's been awfully quiet lately. I just hope nothing's wrong.

Hi,

I recieved order 1930982 today. However, the package contained Distant
Worlds instead of Empty Throne. The order email and My Downloads page do show the correct products. I suspect it's a packaging error.

Could you send me the Empty Throne and tell me how I should return Distant Worlds?

Thanks.

Please cancel my campaign setting subscription.

Thanks,

CS

We're about to enter the shrine to Demogorgon. I thought I would create a nice little model for the set piece battle in the Harem for when the PC's teleport in.

Pics

tell me what you think.

I've noticed that in the Carrion Crown AP, there have been a few references to different Pathfinder RPG books (such as the Advanced Player's Guide, the Gamemastery Guide and Adventurer's Armory), without reprinting the relevant rules.

I know that most GM's own the material and that that the limited space is better served to advance the story in the AP. However, my understanding has always been that the Core rules and the Bestiary contained everything you need to run an AP. In other words, if a rule didn't appear in one of those books, it would be reprinted in the AP. At least, that is how it used to be in the Dungeon adventures and the AP's up to now. The managing editors confirmed that quite a few times in previous years.

So my question is, has this changed and, if so, what books is a GM expected to own now?

It's a bit too much of a strain on my finances. And honestly, I have more than enough background material to last me a decade at the speed in which my campaign is progressing.

I wouldlike the inner sea world guide to be the last itme to ship under the subscription.

Anyone interested in playing in a Pathfinder Society game in the Netherlands is welcome to join us on July 13th In Utrecht (Labyrinth) and Leiden (Duivelsei). If there is enough interest we will be hosting regular games at both locations.

Please let me know if you're planning to join us either by replying to this thread or by sending me an email.

The word is Josh Frost will be be joining us at both locations.
AukeT another regular on these boards will be co-organizing this event.

Hey Ross, Gary,

it looks like you put in some tabs, like in the blog and my account pages. I like it!

Hi Sara Marie, Cosmo,
Could you please cancel my pathfinder roleplaying game and pathfinder companion subscription? I find the list of subscriptions before my avatar name too long.

Thanks

Hi Alison, Cosmo,

I just subscribed to the Pathfinder RPG. I also pre-ordered those products but included this one as an extra. Now that I subscribed those pre-orders have been converted to subscription items. This book is now the only part of the order remaining. And $10 for shipping an item that I consider to be an extra is just too much. Could you either include it with one of my subscription shipments or cancel it?

Thanks

I see order 999691 ( 3 copies of the beta) have no shipping cost. Are you going to ship it to me for free, or did something go wrong while ordering?

p.s. I would like to use the cheapest USPS method.

I usually have the shipping option standard postal delivery for my pathfinder adventures and chronicles subscription. However, for the august delivery, it seems to have changed to USPS priority.

Could you change it back to the more reasonably priced standard postal delivery option?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

After having a blast with the shackled city AP, I'm getting ready to run my party through Savage Tide. I would like to kick the game off with a bang.

In TinH every character should have done something that makes him or her stand out. Rather than just accept a story from the players, I would like to run each PC through the encounter. In one of the threads on these boards someone suggested tying in Malcanthet to the PCs back story. After all, they came to her attention early on, and she created this elaborate plot. She's only going to do that if she's aware of the PCs and is reasonably confident they will make it to the gaping maw. Another possible hook is to link the PCs to the lotus dragons in some way (like in Edge of Anarchy). They were wronged by the lotus dragons (or perhaps Vanthus himself) and now have an opportunity to get even.
Has anyone else done something similar? I would love to hear about it.

My other worry is the jade ravens. They seem to be a carbon copy of the rival party in SCAP (the stormblades). I would rather they stand out more. How have others handled this?

I am also curious to what other alterations or add-ons everyone has made to the AP.

Thanks in advance

We finished our campaign this weekend. It has been one of the longest we have played sofar, lasting over three and a half years. But also very fulfilling, and one my players enjoyed immensely.

I have tweaked some adventures beyond recogntion. And those turned out to be my favorites. I loved the heroes feast in flood season, the invasion of redgorge, the party at house rhiavadi and the many (many) meetings of the council of nobles.

One of the best things, as a GM has been the ability to toss around ideas on this forum. Feedback has been absolutely amazing, and it has been great to see others expand even further on my ideas.

Now, I've got a 3 month break from GMming coming up. That will give me time to prepare for my next campaign: Savage Tide!

I would like to ship this order together with my next issue of pathfinder. However, I couldn't find an option to do so. Can you guys ship them together anyway, or am I out of luck?

hey! get out of my head! can you guys read minds now or what?

My PC with the smoking eye template is planning on returning to occipitus within a couple of sessions. Of course I want to make her visit as interesting as possible, and want to pump you guys for some ideas.

A couple of things I was thinking about:

Kaurophon In my game Kaurophon managed to get away. Well, actually, my PCs let him go after they returned to Cauldron. So I want to make him return to AP at some point. I decided to make him one of the cagewright’s apprentices – to Fetor Abradius (I’m using delvedeeps 6 apprentices /6 masters and one leader idea). I also think it would be cool if Kaurophon managed to return to occipitus and passed the test of the smoking eye. This should have some sort of effect on the plane. Maybe some of the places are more demon-friendly, or more sinister…

Adimarchus’ madness The madness should be more pronounced op Occipitus than when the party first arrived there. I’m not sure how this would affect Occipitus. Perhaps a cacophony of sound. Shadows of Adimarchus’ wails can be heard on occipitus, perhaps eminating from the plasma flow. I think this should have some sort of effect on whoever stays on occipitus for too long. Maybe something to do with betrayal or treachery. I think I could use some sort of trick for this, such as passing notes to the players that says there is a traitor amongst you, a doppelganger. Trust no-one”. I’m not sure how to implement this yet.

The PC’s alignment This pc is a NG cleric of Pelor. I’m not sure how the plane is going to react to that. Perhaps some of the cysts erupt to reveal a still living (but unconscious) celestial. More celestials now roam Occipitus. They gather close to the cathedral of feathers, but stirk out from there, fighting and purifying the taint wereever they find it. Meanwhile they seek a way to return to celestia.

anyway, thoughts, comments, sugestions?

Hi Cosmo,

Could you take a look at my order, (no 713630) for me? There are a few things I don't understand. First one is the shipping price. The invoice I got through the e-mail says it's $19.25 while the site's order history says it's $14.25 I think the first price is correct.

My second question is that if the other products will ship together with the first pathfinder issue, or if they will be shipped seperately. I'm hoping it's the latter, because I really don't want to wait for august to get my other products!
Thanks!

I'm cross posting this over here because the forum I originally placed this in (Gamers connection) sees very little traffic and this is just too cool to waste. Anyway, if this is a message board boo-boo please let me know.

Treasuretables had an interesting blog today: a player find site based on google maps. Basically, sign up, leave info on your location and the kind of games you play and search for people with the same interest. It's a great tool and could help finding new gamers. Check it out!

http://nearbygamers.com/

Treasuretables had an interesting blog today: a player find site based on google maps. Basically, sign up, leave info on your location and the kind of games you play and search for people with the same interest. It's a great tool and could help finding new gamers. Check it out!

http://nearbygamers.com/

how about that... no reaction whatsoever... oh well.

I want to toss around a few ideas over here concerning The battle of Redgorge, the Cauldron’s city guard and the Blue Duke. I’ll give a short recap of the events in my game so far:

During the tax riot, the party breaks several of cauldron’s laws. Although the offences were minor, elements in the government want to make sure the party doesn’t interfere any further. Arrest warrents were issued and a price has been placed on Maavu, Alek and the party’s heads.
The players returned from Ocipitus and learn that a large invasion force is on its way to bring Redgorge to its knees. The PC’s quickly intervene by abducting Captain Skellerang. Upon Questioning him back in Redgorge, the party learns the good captain was being mentally controlled by the Blue Duke. Meanwhile, in Cauldron, the blue Duke gathers his forces and personally leads the assault on Redgorge. The party is able to infiltrate the Blue Duke’s camp and kills him before the rest of the camp is able to respond. The blue Duke’s men, now leaderless, flee back to Cauldron.

The players, in the mean time, have been occupied in Redgorge, fighting the Lord of the Demonscar and organising Redgorge. In other words, Cauldron has had some time to gather its forces.

I’m looking for the best way for the cauldron forces to organise itself. I want to know what happens to the rest of the blue duke’s men. I also want some ideas as to the best replacement for Skellerang and the Blue Duke as captain of the Guard.

I’m assuming Vhalantru or the Cagewrights will want to use someone they can trust. That rules out Skellerang or Skylar Krewis. It may also rule out members of the Stormblades (not necessarily, though)
I’m also assuming that the Blue Duke’s army falls apart. After all, there’s no clear successor, and many of his former captains would love a shot at playing general. Some factions remain in Cauldron, while others seek their fortune elsewhere.

Either way, this should be a blow to the Cagewrights and Vahlantru, so I don’t want to put in a very effective alternative captain of the guard. It’s a reward to my players for handling the situation the way they did.

So what would happen in cauldron if you were running the show? Any advice or tips?

I'm looking for some specific things the last laugh is involved in while the party is away from Cauldron. (specifically, between the tax riot in DL and the assasination attempt in SotSP).

Does anyone have any ideas or tips?

Thanks!

I’ve hinted at a possible invasion of redgorge to my players, and they got pretty exited about it. So I’ve been thinking about ways of running it as part of the demonscar legacy.

Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
Both Nabatharon and Vhalantru have an interest in the invasion of Redgorge. Vhalantru wants the chisel eliminated and Nabatheron can’t return to his abyssal home unless Redgorge falls. Their plan is straightforward. They use the cauldron tax riot and Sir Alec’s challenge and the the tax riot (incited by the chisel) as a pretext to the invasion.

Conveniently, Vhalantru has gathered a small army of half-orc mercenaries for just this purpose. Shorty after order is restored in Cauldron, he sends out captain Skellerang with orders to sack Redgorge. Skellerang takes as many of the mercenaries as he can spare with him to Redgorge lays siege to the town.

Nabatheron, in the mean time, gathers many of the lesser demons from the demonscar and heads to Redgorge. He orders Dregarkus (his trusted Herzou Lieutenant) to keep an eye on Sir Alec (who is in the vault at the other end of the starry mirror). Instead of battling Nabatheron at the end of Demonscar legacy, the PC’s fight the Herzou and a few lesser allies. Nabatheron’s troups consist of Vrocks and babau, together with one or two lieutenants. He does not have the time to gather many of the lesser demons (the Rutterkin, Chasms etc.) Nabatheron and his troupes set up camp on the other side of Redgorge, cutting of the town’s escape route.

I’ve been reading through heroes of battle in order to get some inspiration for encounters during the invasion. Here are some of the ideas I came up with:

* build defences – players get a chance to coordinate the town’s defences: cast spells, set traps etc. This impacts how easy it is for the enemy to overcome the town’s defences.
* steal enemy’s plan – the PC’s must sneak into the mercenary camp and take (or copy) the enemy’s plan without getting noticed. If they do get noticed, the mercenaries alter their tactics and the stolen plans become useless.
* raid enemy’s camp - The mercenaries quickly start constructing siege equipment. The PC’s lead a raid against the camp in order to destroy the half-built siege engines. In order to gain a full success, they must also destroy the mercenaries’ tools, preventing them from simply building new siege engines.
* Defend strategic point - The pc’s have to defend a strategic point (such as the gate-house) from an assault by Nabatheron’s troupes. If they fail, the town falls and many citizens die.
* Nightly raid – Nabatheron sends a group of Babau over the wall, ordering them to either capture (or kill) one or more members of the chisel, or open the gatehouse. The PC’s of course, must stop them.
* Knife in the back – during a battle with the mercenaries (preferably one where the PC’s are involved), captain Skellerang gets knifed in the back one of the half-orcs. Vhalantru quickly replaces Captain Skellerang by Zarn Kyass.

There’s a couple of considerations, though:
* what happens to sir Alec? Nabatheron doesn’t need Alec dead to continue his invasion. Of course, having a paladin around during the invasion can get messy for him, so he’s content merely to stop anyone trying to rescue him. What about sir Alec’s prophecy? When should I use it?
* how (or when) to introduce Kaurophon? If I’m going to run this adventure before test of the smoking eye, there’s got to be a way to work him in after (or during) the invasion.
* How does the town prevent Nabatheron or other demon’s from just teleporting over the wall? Maybe some protection Surabar Spellmason left there? What other magical protections remain in Redgorge?

Does anyone have the redgorge map (without the numbers) by chance? I would like to use it to run a big 'invasion of redgorge' session.

Thanks in advance

I've been going through the hardcover with a fine toothcomb the past couple of days. Although I'm not completely through yet, there is a question that's been nawing at me for a couple of days. The cagewrights want to open a gate to Carcerri and enslave all humanity right? And Adimarchus wants to get out of his cage, wreak havoc on his enemies and get back to Occipitus. So where to these two connect? The introduction mentions one (tenuous) connection through Fetor Abradius, who was infected with the mad demon-lord's dreams. Fetor later joins the cagewrights. But how else are they linked? Does Dyr'ryd have any reason to help Adimarchus? What about the other cagewrights? Is there any reason why Adimarchus would want to help the cagewrights? He steers Fetor's research in the right direction, so he is (unwittingly?) aiding the cagewrights.

So, how did you guys handle this? Did it even come up?

Cauldron Herald est.1271

Land Sharks Strike
Many killed, band of adventurers save the day.

‘It was terrible… the ground shook and split open. I didn’t know where to run or how fast to get out of there’ recounts Elisa Simmers­bottom, a local wash­woman. ‘I mean, there I was, just going about my business, off to get a some fresh soap and a little something for me sweet tooth when this monster burst from the ground right next to me. It’s maw was as large as a barn door filled with razor sharp teeth. And its claws where the size of shovels. I swear I wet my apron if ya know what I mean.’
‘It gave me this evil, hungry look. I ran for me life I tells ya. Good thing too cause that monster got poor Marge Freller, who wasn’t two paces behind me. Still, I’m glad it was her instead of me. It is her own fault in a way. I mean I warned her to lay off the fried juju fruit, didn’t I?’
The two land sharks struck Obsidian Avenue right outside City Hall and the barracks, laying waste to much of the city’s street and buildings. ‘Thankfully both city hall and the barracks where spared from damage by those mind­less monsters’ says Terson Skellerang, captain of the guard. ‘We were on training exer­cises when the beasts struck. We were able to put them down before they caused more damage to our fair city’.
Still it would appear our guards­­men needed some outside aid. Many bystanders reported a group of adven­tures came to the aid of the city. ‘We owe a dept of gra­titude to the Stormblades’ captain Skellerang admits grud­gingly. ‘If it were not for their aid, I am certain there would have been an even greater loss of property and lives.’
Sgt Krewis reports that he himself was saved from the maws of one of the land sharks by another group of ad­venturers, although he could not recount the groups name.
Sgt Krewis, as our loyal rea­ders are sure to remember, is known for bravely exposing the infiltration of the Last Laugh into the city guard. ‘When sgt Krewis has made a complete reco­very from his injuries he will lead the investigation into the cause of these vicious attacks’ Captain Skel­lerang ads.
The extent of the damage caused by the land sharks only became ap­parent after much of the rubble was clea­red. Many of the buildings that collapsed du­ring the at­tacks where property of Maavu trading, ltd. ‘Half a dozen of my shops where des­troyed. Others need extensive repairs. Although we will be able to reopen all shops in due time, I cannot at this point give an exact date or even time frame. It would seem skilled architects and stonemasons are in short supply in Cauldron. Probably due to our Lord Mayor’s extensive tax scheme’.

Orphan Disappears …again.

Rumour has it the old Lantern Street Orphanage is not the safe haven for displaced children it claims to be. ‘Sure, we have our fair share of runaways, we do’ says Gretchyn Tashykk, matron of the Lantern Street Orphanage. ‘In fact Ter­rem has run away three times before, he has. Nothing to worry about dear. Usually back before supper, he is.’
However, not everyone is as undisturbed as Gretchyn. Ter­rem was one of the four children taken during last year’s kidnap­ping spree. ‘He’s been gone a whole week!’ exclaims Patch, the orpha­nage grounds­keeper. ‘And Matron Gret­chyn aint doin no­thing!’

Jester Coins Illegal
From the office of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Captain of the Guard.

It has come to our attention that despite our frequent notices, illegally minted coins are still used by many citizens.
The coins can easily be recog­nised by the face of a jester minted in the place of the royal seal. Possession of these so-called jester coins is an offence and punishable by a fine of up to 300 golden lions and 3 months incar­ceration. Citizens may hand in all jester coins in their pos­session to an officer of the exche­quers without fear of persecution.

Last Laugh Guild House Dismantled

‘This is a triumphant day for all law abiding citizens of Cauldron’ claims captain Ter­son Skellerang. ‘We have dis­co­ve­red and dismantled one of, if not the largest guildhalls of the Last Laugh, a notorious local thieves guild. The guild­hall was situated far beneath the streets of Cauldron, in a former dwarven stronghold no less. Through a series of cleverly hidden lava tubes, the thugs were able to enter and leave the city unseen.’
‘As this is an ongoing investi­gation, I am not at liberty to go into details on the nature of our discoveries. However I expect we will soon be able to make some high profile arrests.’ Evil tongues tell a different tale. Not only was the guildhall nearly aban­doned, but captain Skellerang was literally lead there by a band of adventurers. ‘These kind of baseless accusations form the breeding ground for lawless elements such as the Last Laugh. I would recom­mend that our citizens show a little more respect for the noble law enforcers of this fair city’ warns captain Skellerang.

New Tax Plan Unveiled
‘Extensive, but fair’ says Chancellor Stanheort

The city’s newest official, Chancellor of the Exchequer Terri Stanheort was presented by the Lord mayor a mere two weeks ago. ‘Chancellor Stan­heort first task will be to update our fair city’s tax plan’ mayor Navalant said.
And update it he did. The new plan covers a diverse range of subjects, from a gate tax for all out of town visitors, to a market tax on all visitors and goods sold during our monthly fairs. The tax plan also covers a chimney tax, a temple tax, a flood tax, a birth tax and a tax on most skills and profess­sions. In addition, the Chan­cel­lor of the Exchequer’s office is looking into a charter tax for adventurer groups and a tax on magic items. ‘Our citi­zens are part of a community. Our tax plan should reflect that. We therefore strive to tax all aspects of living in this community. A citizen can pay his taxes with pride’ explains Chan­cellor Stanheort. ‘The height of the taxes is very fair in my opinion. For a well res­pected member of our com­mu­nity they should hardly be a burden.’ When ques­tioned about the many com­plaints offered against the taxes Stan­­heort replies ‘Un­for­tuna­tely, there are a few parasites that leech off the hard work of our honest bro­thers and sisters. Our new tax system ensures that they pay for everything they so cal­lously took for granted.’
The taxes collected by Chan­cel­lor Stanheort’s office will go towards the many extra ex­pen­ses the city has run into. From purchasing extra wands to prevent dire situations such as last year’s flood season to the repair of the damage to Obsidian Avenue caused by last months Land Shark attacks. The rest will cover the cost of additional mer­cenaries to patrol all impor­tant trade routes and to rein­force our city guard.

Cathedral Expands
Spire said to touch the heavens

The Cathedral of Wee-Jas is set to expand it’s already sig­nificant structure even fur­ther. ‘This Cathedral is the grea­test reli­gious institution our city has ever known. Every day hundreds if not thousands come to this hallow site to pay homage to Wee-Jas. Our crypts are filled with the forefathers of neigh every citizen alive. It is only natural this sacred cathedral reflect the greatness of not only Wee-Jas, but also the city of Cauldron’ exclaims an exu­berant Father Iverson.
The most prominent feature of the new cathedral will be the spire. It will rise high over Cauldron’s impressive mala­chite walls. On a clear day it should be visible all the way from Redgour­ge. In ad­dition, the cathedral’s crypts will be greatly expanded. ‘We will be able to care for the city’s dead for another century or more’ says Ike Iverson. ‘If all goes accor­ding to plan, High pries­tess Em­bryl Aloustinai will consecrate the new cathedral by next year’s summer equi­nox.’
Not everyone is as exited as father Iverson, though. ‘We are less than thrilled with our sister church’s expansion. The new spire is set to block our view of the sun-god’s ascent to heaven. We cannot start our ceremonies until the sun hits the altar’s golden hart’ explains a highly agitated Kristoff Jurgen­sen of the Shrine of Pelor. ‘I feel this is deliberate on the part of High Priestess Aloustinai. She is out to get us you see. I am certain she is behind the death of my predecessors too. It seems she will not rest until every last trace of the mighty Pelor is driven from Caul­dron.’
‘Bullocks’ Responds Ike Iver­son.

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Hi,

I ordered the SCAP and some other books (order no 571849), but accidentally chose Air mail rather than USPS global priority mail (parcel). The order status says it hasn't been shipped yet. Ia there any way of changing the shipping method? That way shipping is a lot faster.

Thanks!

b.t.w. I also emailed customer service. I hope this way you'll be able to fix it before the order is shipped.

A couple of ideas. I've been reading thriteen cages and strike on shatterhorn again to get a better feel for the cagewrights.

I want to do something connected to the tree of shackled souls. The cagewrights need to gather a large amount of adamantine and mithral for its construction. And they need to smuggle it into the fiery sanctum without the Chisel or the Striders finding out about it.

The easiest way for the Cagewrights to get the materials into (or at least close to) the fiery sanctum would be teleportation. Unfortunately, it’s a huge amount of materials and the cagewrights suspect that someone is monitoring teleportation into and out of Cauldron. They may be wrong, it may not even be possible, but hey, they’re paranoid. So the cagewrights are limited to conventional means of getting all that adamantine and mithral into the fiery Sanctum. Using the lava tubes is also pretty risky. After all, what if someone were to spot a shipment and decide to follow it? (again, paranoid). The cagewright’s best option, it would seem, is to transport the materials through the underwater caverns connected to the central lake. What the cagewrights have been doing is taking their shipments of precious metals from all over the surrounding countryside into cauldron and storing it into a warehouse by the lake shore. Occasionally they use a boat to take their shipments out to the centre of the lake and dump it in. At the bottom of the lake Gau Kleeoch, the cagewright minotaur awaits the crates and carries them up to the fiery sanctum.

This process has been going on for some time now. And had it not been for the Lord Mayor’s tax increase, this would have continued unnoticed. See, the Lord mayor has tremendously increased the gate-tax. The guards also have strict orders to search every shipment that comes into the city. The cagewrights, unwilling to show their valuable merchandise to nosy guards, and perhaps attract suspicion, received a letter of exemption through Vhalantru. And due to the illest of luck, Maavu noticed a cagewright shipment that wasn’t checked at the gates. As a merchant, Maavu is especially hard hit by the gate tax. So anything that lightens the tax burden is of course welcome. When the Lord Mayor and Vhalantru both refused to give any further explanation, Maavu decided to have the shipments themselves investigated. And that’s where the PC’s come in…

This is probably something that’s been answered a million times, but something that’s troubling me none the less. When a character loses a level (either trough level drain or raise dead or whatever) how do you go about removing that level?
I usually don’t remember the exact skill point distribution, or number of hp’s gained. from one level to the next.
And what about when that character regains the lost level? Do you do the whole hp/skillpoint/feat choice all over again, or to you revert to the original (pre-level loss) stats

I'll be running Crazy Jared's Hut and Bhal Hamatugn (sp?) pretty soon. I'm a bit bothered by the number of dragons in this installment of the AP, and I'd like to toss arround a few ideas here.

I don't like the apparent randomness of Gottrod's attack. I'm considering chucking the entire encounter and replacing it with something less dragon-intensive. On the other hand, that picture of crazy jared running from Gottrod is pretty damned cool.

As I see it, I have a couple of options:
1) Throw out the entire encounter. Just have Jared sit in the sun, saluting peasants (or whatever)
2) Replace Gottrod with something that is not a dragon. I'd prefer another flying creature, nut in a pinch Bullette, or band of ogres should do
3) Tie Gottrod into the AP.

I would prefer to use the third option. First, it enhances the AP. Second I get to show off that pretty picture of Jared and Gottrod. As direction of thought, take a look at this excelent idea by par-a-dox.If I could tie that into the AP, that would be perfect

I basically have the same set of options with Dhorlot. Thing is, I don't want to use two dragons. So whatever I do, one's got to go.

One thought was to replace Dhorlot with some type of fiend. Or maybe a slaad of some type... Acidic tadpoles anyone?

What do you guys think? Anyone change anything in that installment?

I’m (still) running Flood Season. It’s a great adventure and I really love it, but I have some problems with the last chapter: the Kopru Ruins. Overall, the chapter is full of loose ends. Neither the Kopru nor the Ebon Triad feature in any of the subsequent adventures. The adventure doesn’t explain how a bunch of low-level spellcasters were able to build and artefact level soulcage. It’s not too clear why the triad wants the wands (they have plenty of cash from the soulcage), or how they knew when to ambush Sarcem.
I also had some problems with the map of the Kopru Ruins. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with it. I just like to build models of the sites my players visit (using Worldworks games models.). Actually, come to think of it, there is one gaff I found: The lake on the the Kopru Ruin’s map is connected to Cauldron’s central lake. If that overflows, isn’t it going to flood the Kopru Ruins? I suspect the Ebon Triad would use the wands to stop this from happening, but it hardly seems to be the safest location for a base during a flood.
Another (unrelated) loose end I’ve run into is that apart from Lords of Oblivion, the Last Laugh completely falls off the map. I think they should at least make a few more appearances before LoO.

Anyway, the logical thing to do seemed to rewrite the last chapter. It’s a work in progress, so feel free to comment.
I substituted the Ebon Triad for the Last Laugh. I used the outline Klysandral provided in this thread. I subbed the Kopru Ruins for a abandoned dwarven stronghold named Dunklersee. It is still built on the shores of an underground lake, but the layout is different. There were several strongholds built throughout Cauldron, defending it from Underdark invasions. All of these have since been claimed by the Last Laugh as bases of operation. The Malachite Hold by the Slavers division, Dunklersee by the extortionists. The site was used by the Last laugh to build several soulcages as a tribute to their new Cagewright masters. After the last soulcage was completed, the site was abandoned. Only a token force has been left to make sure no-one else claims this prime piece of real-estate. The only other inhabitant is Skaven Umbermead, the Halfling diviner from the original adventure. He makes another appearance in the AP, so I though it would be a good idea to keep him. The in-game reason he’s there is that he assisted in the construction of the soulcages. As a reward, he asked for the opportunity to copy the tomes used to create the artefact. He is currently busy copying the books. In other words, I intend to drop Tarkilar.

Triel is a member of the Last Laugh, and has been even when she was still a member of the city guard. With her help, the Last Laugh managed to evade the guard for many years. When she was found out and confronted by her fellow guardsmen, she murdered them and fled the city. She laid low in Sasserine for a couple of years and returned to Cauldron to become a full member of the guild. She currently works for Jester Wadrax, who heads the extortion division. Her fiery temperament and knack for unusual and ‘creative’ cruelty make her a rising star in that division.
This also meant I had to change Artus Shemwick’s motivation for helping the party. The adventure mentions Artus associates with the Last Laugh, so leading the Party to Triel and one of the guide’s strongholds would probably be seen as a betrayal by the Jesters. One of the options I came up with is an internal rivalry between several members of the Last Laugh. Maybe Jil is jealous of Triel’s success. After all, she was the guide’s rising star before Triel showed up. Or maybe it’s something between Triel and Alpen Knott, the extortionist’s second in command. Whatever the reason, Artus is just a middle man. He is supposed to deliver the message, nothing more. This also means he’s not that eager to get is money. In fact, he’ll start with a lower price, double it no more than 2 times and he’ll show up on the third night no matter what happens. After all, failure will cost him a lot more than he can hope to earn.

It was Triel’s idea to steal the wands and extort the city. She happened to learn of Sarcem’s trip to Sasserine when she overheard Zachary Aslaxin and the other Stormblades. They were discussing Sacrem’s visit to the temple of Kord in order to get Omar Tiskinsen to co-finance the wands of water control. From there, it was a simple matter of having Sarcem followed in Sasserine by an ally from the days she was laying low there. This ally sent a message the day Sarcem left, giving Triel plenty of time to plan the assault on the Lucky Monkey, where she knew he would be staying. She took Tongueater, a thug the Last Laugh uses when they need to rough someone up, with her. He is not a member of the guide, as he is far too unsophisticated. After capturing the wands, Triel and a small contingent of her cronies set off to her base of operation, the Dunklersee stronghold where she awaits the city’s reactions to her demands.

As this chapter begins, the PC’s are contacted by Artus Shemwick and directed to the lava tube that leads to the underground lake. I really liked the carriage across the lake. I’m definitely keeping that. There’s this scene from the WW2 classic “Where Eagles Dare”. Richard Burton and John Wayne ride up to the forbidding Nazi stronghold on these tiny carriages Check out this picture to see what I mean. That’s definitely going in this story!
I have this cool map all drawn out. I’m still trying to figure out how to present it to you. It’s just pen and paper right now. I’ll figure something out. And you’ll get the map key to boot.

Anyway, that’s all for now. I hope to get the map and key posted here soon. Any feedback would surely be appreciated.

I couldn't help notice James title sudenly changed from associate editor to managing editor. Is there something you're not telling us James?

Is this a sneaky coup you're executing while Erik's out of the office? Or did you just change the title so you could order new business cards? Well, whatever it is, congratulations are in order!

I'm running flood season in about a week's time, and for the first session I want to go all out on the flood festival. I'd like to get some feedback on some of the events I've got planned during the festival. Here's the idea's I have so far

Opening ceremony. This is pretty straightforward. The flood season opens on the evening of the first rainfall. Each of the city's clerics casts Control Water at the pavilion. Of course Jenya is forced to use a scroll as she lacks the levels needed to cast the spell. People are surprised Sacrem isn't there to perform the rites himself. Kristoff lacks the resources to cast the spell even from a scroll. Embril exploits this opertunity to the fullest to promote Wee Jas and put down the temples of Pelor and st. Cuthbert

Hero's baquet: This is the opening party of the Flood festival. It is thrown by the Lord Mayor at his manor and all of Cauldron's most influential residents attend. The PC's, as well as the stormblades and Alec Tercival are invited as special guests. The baquet is traditionally a party to honour this years heroes, those that have done remarkable things for Cauldron. It's an opertunity for the PC's to meet the movers and shakers of cauldron.

The festival: I want to run several events organised by the Temple of Kord. Here's some ideas:
Archery contest. Pretty straight forward. Three attacks at targets 100 paces away. Whoever hits the highest AC wins.
A run through obsidian avenue. Start and finish lines are the temple gates. - not sure of the game mechanics I should use on this one.
A wrestling match - I'll use grapling rules to resolve this one. Perhaps whoever pins his oponent for three consecutive rounds wins.
I would like to have some more contests, as well as some mechanics to resolve them.

There's some independant contests as well. Drinking, pie eating, that kind of stuff. Anyone have any ideas (and mechanics?)
I want to include a bear wrestling match as well. The bear is well trained but ill treated. For one thing, the chain around its neck is way too tight. The poor bear is also malnourished. and it's cage is too small. The bear does not fight at its best. After a few rounds of wrestling the animal starts to bleed. After a few rounds more it gets into a pain-driven frenzy, and starts to attack the jeering croud.

There should probably also be some sort of a market or fair. Perhaps something where players can buy stuff that's normaly not available in the city. I'm not sure what kind of theme the market should have.

At night I'll have feasts in the taverns. Some of the taverns host minstrels and actors. I may do some foreshadowing here. Perhaps play out the legend of the demonscar or something. Any other ideas?

Well, thats all I could come up with right now. Any thoughts, comments?

I ran into the same problem with the keys to Jzadirune, as Big Jake did with thewands of control water. I ended out witing them all down on the map, just to keep track of them.

B.t.w., has anyone noticed there is no D key in the complex? It's one of the most important ones, as the only entrance to the Malachite hold is through area J63, which be accessed only through a bunch of hard to find secret doors or a D door. Also, there are 2 Z keys I ended up replacing one of the Z keys (in area 52) with the D key.
Anyway, here's th list:

J key: J22, under the stage
Z key: J34, (and J52 in the cupboard)
A key: J42, in a pile of rubble
D key: not there, or area 52, in the cupboard
I key: J41
R key: J46, with dark stalker's gear
U key: J31, with Ragamoffyn's gear
N key: J25, in secret compartment in throne
E Key: J25, in secret compartment in throne

The adventure path assumes that Jenya Urikas takes over the position of High Priest of ts. Cuthbert after Sarcem Delasharn is killed in Flood Season. But what's to stop the church of St. Cuthbert, or the PC's for that matter, from raising Sarcem? In fact, why would the church not raise a well respected member of their clergy?

Shrine or Pelor
Eight marble columns form a circle around the central altar of this shire to the Sun God Pelor. The altar faces east, towards the rising sun, so the high-priestess can start the each day with a ritual greeting of Pelor. In front of the altar, a mosaic depicts the deity’s symbol. The shrine looks ill kept. The columns show cracks and signs of ageing. The Mosaic is missing several stones and the marble floor shows cracks which sprouts grass and weeds. Two small buildings flank the central altar. The roof of the northern building has partly collapsed. The Southern building is still intact.

The High-priestess, Kristoff Jurgensen is a woman in her early 30’s. She is terribly young for such a grave responsibility, even though this is only a small shrine. Fate has it that both the previous high priest and the successor he was training have perished three months ago in a terrible thunderstorm, in which the roof collapsed on top of both of them. Until a suitable replacement could be found, Kristoff was appointed the post of high priestess.

One of my players decided she would like to play an archeologist. Which, considering the amount of ruins and abandoned haunts littered arround the adventure path, is pretty good news for me.
Thing is, so much of the stuff is littered throughout the adventures it's pretty hard to figure out what happened when. Here's what I've pieced together sofar. Feel free to add or comment.
ps: I'm not allways sure about the order of events. I've left dates blank if I'm not sure of a ballpark year, which looking over the timeline is pretty much everything.

-?? Cataclysm destroys spellweavers
-?? Kopru abandon Cauldron Area
-800 Surabar Spellmason founds Redgorge
-?? Nabatharon defeated, Blast creates Demonscar.
-?? Foundation of Cauldron, based on Surabar's legacy
-?? Lord Orbius Vhalantru settles in cauldron
-100 Hookface last seen in cauldron area
-75 Magic plague ravages through Jzadirune. The enclave is abandoned
-30 Cagewrights discover Soul Pilars
-10 Malachite Hold Abandoned
1 Current year; start of adventure path

It's far from complete, but its a beginning none the less.