Nyarlathotep93's page

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Nyarlathotep (no it's not), and I am very, very scared.

You see, I've chosen to run -- after much thought -- Rise of the Runelords. I started a thread asking for advice on which AP to run in General. Maybe you saw it.

So now, I'm here. And I'm terrified. I've only played in Pathfinder as a character, and I'm one of those sorts who learns rules as they're needed. High crunch systems generally aren't my first love, but I've been asked by some friends to give Pathfinder a go, and they wanted me to run one of the APs. So here we are. At the precipice.

Folks make characters this coming Sunday, while I will have roughly two more weeks to prepare. I've combed this forum for goodies to help enhance the experience, and I've probably missed as many as I've found. I will say that this is an incredible, creative community!

I've armed myself with various references, tables, cheat sheets and what not to try to make the actual running of the game smoother. I've bought condition cards, rules flash cards, etc. I've loaded up apps on my phone and tablet, and I'll probably use the Android version of Combat Manager to run fights on my Nexus 10.

Any sage advice? Things to keep in mind? Tricky bits? Often-overlooked NPCs? Fun Easter eggs that players shouldn't miss? Anything? Anything at all?

I'm sure a few sessions in things will get better. But for now, I'm going to be a bit nervous. As far as things related to the AP itself I have various resources cribbed from here, including carnival games, NPC guides, a few maps (though I can't find the one for the opening fight -- the site seems down). I have the official ROTRL Pawns and a large number of other ones to pick from for NPCs, etc. I'm going to spend my time reading and rereading the first AP section, practicing my annoying goblin voices, and generally trying to remind myself this is supposed to be fun.

In all seriousness, any advice would be most appreciated.

Brian
Not the crawling chaos.

I'll also note that this is going to be my first time running a long-term Pathfinder campaign. I've ran some individual sessions, but nothing campaign-length.

Brian

A good number of my friends have indicated, though, that they're really interested in something "traditional" in feel. We just finished a campaign filled with, as one player put it, "a dozen empty dungeons and nothing to fight." Wasn't my game (I was a player), and admittedly there were some puzzles and opportunities for social combat (long story).

But I'm getting the impression that while a few still want the heavy NPC interaction from time to time, the majority are itching for a fight.

I want the balance, ideally, to satisfy everyone, and these are the three campaigns -- Runelords, Shackles (eliminated) and Reign -- that sort of won in out in discussion and in comparison of review numbers. I strongly considered Carrion Crown, but its reviews seem to indicate it's got some issues.

Thanks for the input, all. More is welcomed, of course.

Oh my, the L word. The lovely, lovely L word.

It would appear this decision will not be straightforward after all.

Thanks so much to all who have replied thus far. Would love to hear from others if so inclined, but I'm definitely getting a consensus already, I believe. :) Anyone want to advocate for Runelords?

B

Because they've narrowed it down to those two and told me to pick. Both received an equal number of votes/interest.

I'll add that the version of Runelords I plan to use is the Anniversary Edition, if that makes any difference.

Thanks!

B

Folks:

My friends have asked me to run a Pathfinder campaign, and while it's not my absolute favorite system (the forum name should clue you in on what that is), I've assented.

That said, I do collect items for the game and so have access to a wide variety of adventure paths. After talking it over with my players (and eliminating Sword and Shackles because I have the card game version), two seem to emerge as potential victors: Rise of the Runelords and Reign of Winter.

To make my players happy, I'm going to need something with a strong story that balances combat with NPC interaction. I know Runelords is venerated, and from a bowshot's length appears to be very much a standard D&Desque romp. Maybe it's far deeper than that. Reign of Winter appeals because of its unique antagonists, its wide-ranging settings, and the fact that you get to fight a certain dude. Just like Hellboy.

Anyway, I'd appreciate the advice of the good ladies and gentlemen of the forum. Which wins as far as fun factor, storyline and NPCs? I will say I have access to the Pawn sets for each, so that's one thing in both of their favors. I also have the Irresen sourcebook, though I've not thumbed through it other than to look at the pretty pictures.

Your aid is appreciated, Lords and Ladies.