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Pathfinder Chronicles: Guide to the River Kingdoms (PFRPG)

3.90/5 (based on 7 ratings)
Pathfinder Chronicles: Guide to the River Kingdoms (PFRPG)
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Stake your claim! In the anarchic hills and valleys of the River Kingdoms, all you own is what you can hold by force. Dozens of nations flourish in this land of outlaws and scoundrels, from high-walled city-states to tiny tribal enclaves, and any hero with strength and vision can claim a throne at the point of a sword. Here secretive druids protect ancient forests, and downtrodden refugees and exiles cast longing eyes toward lost homelands. Civilized sea monsters trapped far from the briny deep rub shoulders with legitimized assassins, and strange magic can pull a prosperous town in and out of time and space. With the constant rise and fall of bandit lords, there’s no limit to the power and prestige bold adventurers can find—though whether they can keep it is another story.

    Inside this 64-page book, you’ll find:
  • A complete overview of the River Kingdoms, their statistics and history, and the Six River Freedoms that enforce honor among thieves
  • In-depth entries on 22 new nations from some of the most imaginitive authors in fantasy and science fiction, including award-winning author China Miéville, New York Times bestseller Elaine Cunningham, and gaming legends Chris Pramas, Colin McComb, Lisa Stevens, and Steve Kenson
  • Adventure hooks for every nation, fully fleshed-out and ready to be dropped into your existing campaign
  • New feats, spells, class abilities, and poisons native to the River Kingdoms
  • An exhaustive map of the River Kingdoms, including ancient ruins, haunted cities, monstrous lairs, and much more

Though created for the Pathfinder Chronicles campaign setting, the information presented in this book is perfect for inclusion in any game world, and makes an excellent supplement for the Kingmaker Adventure Path.

by Eric Bailey, Kevin Carter, Elaine Cunningham, Adam Daigle, Mike Ferguson, Joshua J. Frost, James Jacobs, Steve Kenson, Rob Manning, Colin McComb, Alison McKenzie, China Miéville, Brock Mitchel-Slentz, Jason Nelson, Richard Pett, Chris Pramas, Jeff Quick, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Neil Spicer, Lisa Stevens, Matthew Stinson, and John Wick.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-203-6

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Note: This product is part of the Pathfinder Lost Omens Subscription.

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3.90/5 (based on 7 ratings)

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Great writing with a little

4/5 —

This book deals with the River Kingdoms, an area crammed with independent states, countries, fiefdoms, cities, towns or even villages. Setting up such a patchwork allowed Paizo to bring a whole host of authors to write about 22 areas, each of them different and unique.

And the writing is, wow, excellent. From RPG veterans (John Wick, Chris Pramas, Richard Pett, the Paizo Crew), rising stars (RPG Superstar winners) to veterans of fiction (Elaine, China) the line-up is amazing and the quality rocks the house. The areas are unique, vivid and sometimes plain outlandish.

However, the book has a few shortcomings. Presentation of the chapters is not standardized - some authors provided city statblocks, flags/coats of arms while others kept to pure fluff. The map is somewhat unclear and lacks detail - a poster map would be a far better move.

Also, while the books is written with background material in mind, the amount of crunch is very, very small. There are next to no feats, traits, spells or equipment.

Overall - great writing and excellent ideas with some slight presentation issues and a dire need for more crunchy bits. Still, it's a fantastic book and I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Left wanting

3/5 —

I just received River Kingdoms and eagerly started to read it cover to cover. However, it seemed to me that yes, while it is a guide and a rich setting to be fleshed out in more details later, I would assume, the price tag to width and depth of the Kingdoms richness ratio is a little lackluster, sorry to say. Maybe to add more it needs more maps and biographies on some of the personalities in the Kingdoms? Just didn't seem up to par with the previous books for the price tag.

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Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Updated author listing: Eric Bailey, Kevin Carter, Elaine Cunningham, Adam Daigle, Mike Ferguson, Joshua J. Frost, James Jacobs, Steve Kenson, Rob Manning, Colin McComb, Alison McKenzie, China Miéville, Brock Mitchel-Slentz, Jason Nelson, Richard Pett, Chris Pramas, Jeff Quick, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Neil Spicer, Lisa Stevens, Matthew Stinson, and John Wick
Sovereign Court
Vic Wertz wrote:
Updated author listing: ...Elaine Cunningham...China Miéville...

Does this mean Pathfinder fiction?

Silver Crusade
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Vic Wertz wrote:
Updated author listing: Eric Bailey, Kevin Carter, Elaine Cunningham, Adam Daigle, Mike Ferguson, Joshua J. Frost, James Jacobs, Steve Kenson, Rob Manning, Colin McComb, Alison McKenzie, China Miéville, Brock Mitchel-Slentz, Jason Nelson, Richard Pett, Chris Pramas, Jeff Quick, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Neil Spicer, Lisa Stevens, Matthew Stinson, and John Wick

McComb ?

Pett ?
Pramas ?
WICK ???

/spits out beer
/preorders
Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer
Gorbacz wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
Updated author listing: Eric Bailey, Kevin Carter, Elaine Cunningham, Adam Daigle, Mike Ferguson, Joshua J. Frost, James Jacobs, Steve Kenson, Rob Manning, Colin McComb, Alison McKenzie, China Miéville, Brock Mitchel-Slentz, Jason Nelson, Richard Pett, Chris Pramas, Jeff Quick, Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Neil Spicer, Lisa Stevens, Matthew Stinson, and John Wick

McComb ?

Pett ?
Pramas ?
WICK ???

/spits out beer
/preorders

...And don't forget all of the RPG Superstar 2009 Top 4!

Paizo Employee Creative Director
GeraintElberion wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
Updated author listing: ...Elaine Cunningham...China Miéville...
Does this mean Pathfinder fiction?

No more than normal fiction you see in a game book; they're each designing one of the many River Kingdoms.

Sovereign Court
James Jacobs wrote:
GeraintElberion wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
Updated author listing: ...Elaine Cunningham...China Miéville...
Does this mean Pathfinder fiction?
No more than normal fiction you see in a game book; they're each designing one of the many River Kingdoms.

That's cool, I just like them as novelists and was getting carried away.

Are we going to know which River Kingdom Lisa Stevens designed or will it be anonymous like the classic x revisited books?
Paizo Employee Creative Director
GeraintElberion wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
GeraintElberion wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
Updated author listing: ...Elaine Cunningham...China Miéville...
Does this mean Pathfinder fiction?
No more than normal fiction you see in a game book; they're each designing one of the many River Kingdoms.

That's cool, I just like them as novelists and was getting carried away.

Are we going to know which River Kingdom Lisa Stevens designed or will it be anonymous like the classic x revisited books?

Dungeon Denizens Revisited revealed who wrote what in the intro; we'll probably be doing something similar to this in all our "written by lots of folks" books in the future.

Contributor
James Jacobs wrote:
GeraintElberion wrote:


Are we going to know which River Kingdom Lisa Stevens designed or will it be anonymous like the classic x revisited books?

Dungeon Denizens Revisited revealed who wrote what in the intro; we'll probably be doing something similar to this in all our "written by lots of folks" books in the future.

What?! You mean we won't be able to take credit for the things people like while avoiding blame for those that they don't? Madness!

...seriously, though, I'm guessing you'll be able to pick at least certain authors out of the mix by flavor alone, especially China and Elaine.
Sovereign Court

Wow.. Paizo got China Miéville to write something for them, and you aren't trumpeting this from the rooftops? That's a pretty big name that's not normally associated with RPG development that you've got for it.
Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer
Uzzy wrote:

Wow.. Paizo got China Miéville to write something for them, and you aren't trumpeting this from the rooftops? That's a pretty big name that's not normally associated with RPG development that you've got for it.

Blowing trumpets in July for a December product doesn't usually work very well.

It was just pointed out in another thread that China Mieville is contributing to this volume (it's also listed on the author list). Color me ecstatic! He's one of the most fantastic author's I've come across in the last year (yeah, I'm late to the party, I know). Just curious if anyone from Paizo can give (or would be willing) a hint of what he might be contributing to this volume?

(I know, I know, I'm shooting in the dark, I don't really expect an answer. Not until this is closer to being released. But you can't blame me for trying.) :)

This news had tickled me pink.
Vic Wertz wrote:


Blowing trumpets in July for a December product doesn't usually work very well.

I don't know Vic. I mean, I'm a subscriber, so I'm getting it anyway, but... I'm still pumped for this seeing that China Mieville is working on it.

Contributor

I just finished Mieville's 'The City & The City' two days ago. Am I allowed to leave my jaw on the floor as I see that you've managed to get him on board as a contributor?

Dude.

Wow. I am impressed. :D
Contributor
lojakz wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:


Blowing trumpets in July for a December product doesn't usually work very well.
I don't know Vic. I mean, I'm a subscriber, so I'm getting it anyway, but... I'm still pumped for this seeing that China Mieville is working on it.

When I saw the names attached to the project, I figured Sean was just being silly.

Seeing them actually announced... well. I'm officially stunned.
Paizo Employee Director of Narrative

I know! Crazy, i'nit?
Todd Stewart wrote:

I just finished Mieville's 'The City & The City' two days ago. Am I allowed to leave my jaw on the floor as I see that you've managed to get him on board as a contributor?

Dude.

Wow. I am impressed. :D

I've only read the Scar so far, and I'm very impressed by the guy. I'm really excited to see what he will bring to the table.

Paizo Employee CEO
GeraintElberion wrote:

Are we going to know which River Kingdom Lisa Stevens designed or will it be anonymous like the classic x revisited books?

I did the gladiator city-state of Tymon. Turned it in last week. It was quite exciting to be back designing again. I hope everyone likes what I did! :)

-Lisa
The Exchange RPG Superstar 2009 Top 4

What I'm looking forward too is seeing how everyone's areas fit together as far as style and role-playing. Since we didn't really talk to one another, the differences over just a few miles on the map could be great. I hope the new neighbors play nice!
Contributor
lojakz wrote:
It was just pointed out in another thread that China Mieville is contributing to this volume (it's also listed on the author list). Color me ecstatic! He's one of the most fantastic author's I've come across in the last year (yeah, I'm late to the party, I know). Just curious if anyone from Paizo can give (or would be willing) a hint of what he might be contributing to this volume?

Like most of the contributors, China Mieville did a writeup of a small territory within the River Kingdoms (4 pages). It's certainly unlike anything else in the area.... ;)

Vic Wertz wrote:
Blowing trumpets in July for a December product doesn't usually work very well.

Tinkling a triangle?

The Exchange RPG Superstar 2009 Top 4

Any word on who is doing the cover art of this book?
Sovereign Court
Sean K Reynolds wrote:
It's certainly unlike anything else in the area.... ;)

Completely at peace, totally unfantastical, given over to humble subsistence and home crafts, with nothing whatsoever to lure adventurers into shaking up the status quo?

Scarab Sages Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
cappadocius wrote:
Sean K Reynolds wrote:
It's certainly unlike anything else in the area.... ;)
Completely at peace, totally unfantastical, given over to humble subsistence and home crafts, with nothing whatsoever to lure adventurers into shaking up the status quo?

All I know is that Lambreth don't play nice with NOBODY!!!

Paizo Employee Director of Narrative

Uringen is a mostly nice place, if you can find it and they want you there.
Paizo Employee Director of Brand Strategy

Sadly, Lambreth and Uringen had to be cut for space reasons. Sorry, guys.
Paizo Employee Director of Narrative

Sadly, yoda8myhead had to be cut for spite reasons. Sorry, fella.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

Woo-hoo! More room for my tiny kingdom! Sadly, Mark had to be cut to ribbons for this to take place. :-)
Paizo Employee Director of Brand Strategy

I know this has gone to the printer already, soooo ... can we see the cover?

:-D
Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

I've updated the image and description to match the finished product.
Scarab Sages
Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber
Vic Wertz wrote:
I've updated the image and description to match the finished product.

Wow. That is awesome. I can't remember and don't feel like looking, but is the first time Sajan has been on the cover?

I like the cover.

So...have we reached the horn-tootin' stage? I've been working on my embouchure.
The Exchange RPG Superstar 2009 Top 4

So, is that a Pathfinder merrow on the cover?
Contributor

Looks like a merrow to me. If it were a scrag, it would have a larger bottom jaw.
Dark Archive

Cover art by Dan Scott?
Dark Archive

Ooh, I love it! Nice perspective and sense of action -- definitely one of the best from Paizo so far, and truly fits the concept perfectly! :)

Now that I have this book in hand and have re-read the sections I wrote, there's a small errata for page 13. The date of the infamous winter that starved a large portion of Daggermark's population should be 4657-4658 and not, as written, 40-some years in the future. ;-)

I seem to have momentarily forgot what year it was.
Contributor
Ravenmantle wrote:
Cover art by Dan Scott?

Yep!

Liberty's Edge

Just curious if this book is still on track for releasing next month. I have it prordered and I'm anxious to read it! Plus, I have the Dwarves of Golarion book ordered and set to ship with this, so I'm double excited (is that a word :)

Thanks!
Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer
Marc Radle 81 wrote:
Just curious if this book is still on track for releasing next month.

It is. Keep in mind we keep the Product Schedule page updated with the latest info.

The cover is amazing
Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Ok, after thumbing through the PDF, I have to say: This is one of the most amazing and awesome chronicles of all times!

Just got the PDF. Excuse me but I cannot find reference on China Mieville except from the index. Which chapter did he write?
Silver Crusade
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

China wrote about Outsea.

Paizo, this book is awesome. Really ... wow. I am speechless.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2009, RPG Superstar Judgernaut

If I'm not mistaken, this is also the first product that the Top 4 from RPG Superstar 2009 contributed to...and I'm eagerly awaiting my own copy! :-)
Contributor

Now this was mean, the pdf was released and I never got the email telling me that it was ready to happily unzip and devour. But now I has it. *clawed fist of victory*
The Exchange
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

I have to admit, this book is wonderful. Out of all the "Guides" in the Chronicles line, I would have to say that this one is the best, if only for the sheer fact that this describes so many differing kingdoms.

Also, the author list is awesome...
Jon Brazer Enterprises

Great book so far. One issue: When I open it it says that it cannot extract the embedded font "HTMONE+PrioriSansOT-Bold". Then, when I am leafing through it, most (if not all) of the side text boxes, Nation Stat blocks, the OGL, the back cover (except for "New York Times") and the Timeline in the back display as little dots instead of characters.

I'm using Adobe Acrobat Pro 7 and Reader 9.3 on a windows machine if that makes a difference.

Thank you. I appreciate all your hard work.

I have a pathfinder chronicles subscription, but this pdf isn't available in my downloads section. Are you guys getting copies early because you're all contributors, or do I need to contact tech support?

-Ken
Liberty's Edge
Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber
kenmckinney wrote:

I have a pathfinder chronicles subscription, but this pdf isn't available in my downloads section. Are you guys getting copies early because you're all contributors, or do I need to contact tech support?

-Ken

No, it usually takes several days for all subscribers to get the pdf as it takes awhile to get the physical copies out the door. The rarer your order, the longer it takes.

DMcCoy1693 wrote:

Great book so far. One issue: When I open it it says that it cannot extract the embedded font "HTMONE+PrioriSansOT-Bold". Then, when I am leafing through it, most (if not all) of the side text boxes, Nation Stat blocks, the OGL, the back cover (except for "New York Times") and the Timeline in the back display as little dots instead of characters.

I'm using Adobe Acrobat Pro 7 and Reader 9.3 on a windows machine if that makes a difference.

Thank you. I appreciate all your hard work.

Same problem here....

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