I just sent this email to Paizo and thought anyone reading this board might be interested. The 102 comments were already posted, but I thought I'd leave them in here for a "more complete" post.
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~EtreusDread~
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All/Paizo,
I recently heard that you are planning on releasing a hard cover compilation of the Shackled City Adventure Path. I've been running a once-weekly Shackled City Adventure path campaign since March 2004 and we just finished #107 (we’re in the middle of #109). I'm more than satisfied with the content of the Adventure Path modules - the first 6 or 7 are just brilliant. It's taken us that long only because each of the characters has really found a niche in Cauldron and the detailed NPC descriptions (and the amount/variety of them) allowed me (the DM) to make the city come alive for my players. That being said (love it, can't wait for the next piece to begin!), here is a compilation of the errata/mistakes/edits I have found in running the Shackled City Adventure Path. My intent is to help Paizo/Dungeon/other DMs who are just starting with Cauldron or are considering running these modules. It would be a shame if the mistakes that I’ve found are retained in the hard cover compilation.
I have bolded the true mistakes for emphasis (*this doesn't show in the post). The rest is merely suggestion.
Here goes:
General:
For those NPCs whose levels will increase with the story (for example, Jenya Urikas and Shensen Tesseril, as opposed to Asfelkir Hranleurt and Vortimax Weer), it would be helpful to note (by bolding or some other indication) that their levels have increased this module.
Dungeon 97
Life’s Bazaar
Because this module was probably released at the same time as v3.5 (?), many (all) of the MM page references are incorrect.
p. 45 – Meerthan Eliothlorn should list his alias as well (“Tyro Amberhelm”).
p. 72 –The duration of the Dark Creeper “Shadow Cloak” ability is not listed.
P.81 – Xukasus, having been polymorphed, should not retain his physical otyugh characteristics, rather he should gain those of his new (ogre) form (Str 21, Dex 8, Con 15). His armor class should match that of a base ogre (16) as well. His weapon proficiency should be listed as Falchion (two handed martial weapons is not an acceptable selection). Having 6HD, he should have 3 feats, not 2.
p.85/86 – It would be nice if the module listed what items (for example, from J47 and M11) belonged to the captured folks (such as perhaps the thieves’ tools and MW Studded Leather belongs to Coryston and a Chain Shirt and Longsword belong to Krylscar).
Dragon 98
Flood Season
Because this module was probably released at the same time as v3.5 (?), many (all) of the MM page references are incorrect.
p. 29 (Important Characters) Omar Tiskinsen (Clr 7) is listed as the high priest of Kord, when on p. 41 (and in all of the other modules), it is listed as Asfelkir Hranleurt (Clr 6).
p. 32 (map) – The drawing for 39 is missing an indication for the door (in the basement leading up to the kitchen). It was quite confusing to put the maps together correctly.
p. 36 Area M27 should reference M39 when saying “…a broken down door below them leads to a flight of stairs heading to the basement (M39).”
p. 36 Shenshen’s level advancement is explained in later modules (for example, in 109, you can note that she is a Monk1/Bard1/Druid11. The sidebar should mention that she continues advancing as a druid.
p. 37 Area M39 (basement) should reference M27 (kitchen).
Kopru ruins:
More indication, for example on the map (like area K12) about which rooms have light (for example, those with human bandits in them) would be helpful.
A quick reference list of where all 8 wands are located would be helpful.
p. 45 Area K3. The distance between the two winches is much more than 60 feet, more likely 120 feet (the squares are 10’ each, not 5’ each).
Dragon 102
Zenith Trajectory
p. 35 – Crowd tactics: The passersby marked on the map…
The T is in red font for no apparent reason.
p. 35 – Mergala Tactics: …(marked “M”)…
The M should be in red font to be consistent with the others.
P. 36 – 39. It is not clear why Celeste is involving herself in this deal at all. What is her supposed motivation for helping Davked and offering to help reward the PCs for finding “his son”? Adding her into the mix is seriously suspicious and is unexplained in any module.
p. 40 – Gotrrod. Blindsense is not listed. Keen dragon senses aren’t listed. Similar name to Gutterrut, the Quasit from Dungeon 98 Flood Season. Indicating the number of rounds to recharge his breath weapon and caster level of his spells would obviate the need for DMs to research Dragons in the Monster Manual.
p. 42 – Pit of the Seven Jaws: It doesn’t appear that the cryohydra breath would ever break through the hardness of the pegs (hardness 10, 20hp). Each breath attack is a separate damage roll vs. hardness and hp. Cold on objects is less damage???
p. 43 – A small map of a fissure area where a random encounter might occur would be helpful. How do the characters know what tunnel to follow? Is there only one?
p. 44 – Aabhaca: He is a monk. Therefore he should be LE, not NE. What are his battle tactics?
p. 45 – Floors: Do the DC penalties stack with each other? Why would slippery floors increase the DC by more than shallow pools of water covering slippery floors? I think the floors should be +2 (per PHB, p. 84) and the shallow pools should be +5.
p. 46 – The map is pretty well documented except for the continual flame areas, which could be indicated on the map. They include areas 6/7, 8, and 14.
p. 47 – Kuo-toan soldiers skill bonuses mentioned here (+7 hide, +12 spot) do not match the bonuses in the appendix (+6 hide, +10 spot). Why would they leap out onto the characters if they do themselves more damage (2d6) than the PCs (1d6)? Shouldn't a jump/tumble check mitigate their damage? What kind of attack roll/reflex save is this?
p. 50 – Area 5. “In any case, nonevil PCs must succeed at a DC 17 Will save to enter area 5, because of the magic circle against good effect that’s part of the statue’s unhallow ability. “ Since the PCs aren’t summoned creatures, why would they be prevented from entering the area due to a magic circle against good effect? That is not according to the rules as I know them.
p. 51 – Statue of Blipdoolpoolp: “The statue counts as three additional whips…” Was it the intent to have every whip be able to use their lightning bolt ability with an additional 3d6 in the same round (i.e. 4 whips, plus the high priest potentially at 4d6)? It seems more reasonable that the Statue would "add 3 whips" to the first lightning bolt in any given round.
p. 52 – Mangh-Mictho: It would have been helpful to see what the spell list looks like after the spells have been cast too (severely reduced). The stat improvement should also include Mangh-Mictho’s new BAB (+10) and pincer staff Grapple (+15?). His equipment list should include a door key(s).
If the PCs break down the door after Mangh-Mictho has raised the water to the ceiling, what happens? How quickly does the water rush out and what effect does that have on combatants inside and someone standing in the doorway?
For a level 6/7 group, 3 x EL 9 encounters within the span of 5 minutes is pretty intense/difficult, especially with the stacked/buffed powers involved.
p.55 – The spiked trip trap (per DMG, p. 72) should have only had a +10 to attack, not +19 as indicated. With a +19, the CR of the trap should probably be increased. If they are supposed to be around 7th level PCs when encountering this trap, this trap alone could very well kill a PC who is not at full hp (reflex DC 25 is near impossible for most L7 characters and 4d6 plus an average of 2 x 1d4+4 is quite a lot of damage (and then to face a wraith...).
p. 57 – Dhorlot has improved sunder as a feat, but it is not suggested that he use it in his tactics. He also has spellcasting ability, but no ranks in concentration. Indicating the number of rounds to recharge his breath weapon and caster level of his spells would obviate the need for DMs to research Dragons in the Monster Manual.
p. 59 – Saagogoi: He is missing his Assassin spells, which are based on his Intelligence (16). He should have 3/2 for ASN spells known and 3/1 slots available to cast. I chose Obscuring Mist, Jump, True Strike, Cat’s Grace, and Invisibility. His equipment should include a door key(s).
p. 59 – Zenith: His AC should be (+9 Full Plate +1, +3 Heavy Steel Shield +1, +1 Dex 12, +1 Dwarven Defender AC Bonus) for AC 24, Touch 12, Flat 24 plus dodge. This changes his AC for the defensive stance as well to 28/T 16/F 28.
p. 60 – Appendix: Kuo-toa Soldier: Grp should be +5 (BAB +2 and Str +3). Damage should be 1d6+3. Saves should be Fort +2, Refl +7, Will +6 (adding Kuo-toa base saves to Rog 1, plus stat bonuses). Their ability scores are way above normal for a Kuo-toa (normal 13 10 13 13 14 8. Theirs are 16 15 15 12 16 6) – shouldn’t that affect CR?
p. 60 – Appendix: Kuo-toa Whip: CR should be 4. Flat-footed AC should be 25. Damage should be 1d8+3. Their ability scores are way above normal for a Kuo-toa (Theirs are 16 12 15 10 19 8) – shouldn’t that affect CR?
Aren't the characters supposed to rest? (With the amount of CR9 and over encounters, resting seems likely). What would the Kuo-toan residents do in that case?
Dragon 104
The Demonskar Legacy
p. 54 A small map for the Fire Elemental fight would be helpful, even just to show the inn and placement.
p. 55 Asfelkir Hranleurt’s name is misspelled Hranleurth.
p. 55 (Middle, Right column) The Star of Justice is mistakenly referred to as an axe, instead of a heavy mace.
p. 56 The details on the hegemonic plate (the clue to solve the star mystery) are illegible at that size (especially when photocopied). Either they need to be clearer at that size or larger.
p. 58 How far is Redgorge from Cauldron?
p. 61 The Gnoll Hunters are given stats with a battleaxe, but under possessions, have a spear.
p. 68 The Auras quick-reference mistakenly lists Duobra’s Warhammer as a Greataxe. The stat block for Dugobras is incorrect. If you count a huge warhammer as an appropriately-sized two-handed weapon for a fire giant, the attack bonus should be +25 (BAB 14 + STR 11 -1 SIZE +1 ENH).
p. 73 Is there an attack roll or reflex save for the shard spray or is it just auto-damage (no SR even) in a cone? With four of them, if they all did it, in one round, that’s unavoidable 12d4 plu 8 points bleeding damage to everyone caught in the cones.
p.77 Nabthatoron’s Rage: The second sentence should reference Skellerang marching on Redgorge, not Cauldron.
Dungeon 107
Test of the Smoking Eye
p. 55 The Lantern of Guidance sidebar calls it both an effective heavy mace (mistakenly) and a +2 heavy flail.
Dungeon 109
Secrets of the Soul Pillars
p. 20 Why do the stat blocks not include the effects of the haste spell in the tactics section?
p. 21 Why does Zaenna’s stat block not include the effects of her divine favor spell in the tactics section? (Suggestion: Practiced caster seems like a very appropriate feat for her).
p. 21 (Tactics) Tulrak doesn’t have divine favor imbued (that spell cannot be imbued), and therefore he cannot cast it.
p. 25 Meerthan’s write up never mentions the name of his dwarf disguise (“Tyro Amberhelm”).
p. 35 The Ring of Counterspells doesn’t say what spell is stored in it. (Suggestion: Dispel Magic).
p. 44 Fetor’s spell block doesn’t note that the save DC for necromancy spells is DC 18 + spell level, nor does it indicate which spells are necromantic (and receive this benefit). Additionally, he has the Deathfrost metamagic feat (and there’s a whole appendix for it), but it is not used at all. (Suggestion: replace one of the blindness/deafness spells with a Deathfrost Magic Missile and replace one confusion spell with an Empowered Deathfrost Magic Missile).
p. 52 – it would have been nice to be able to show this picture to my players, except the center figure (with the beholder shadow) gives a plot device away.
Dungeon 111
Lords of Oblivion
p. 29 The map legend says “Taskerbill Manor” instead of Taskerhill Manor.
~fin~
That's about as far as I've gotten/the notes I've taken. I hope this has been helpful for you?
Best of luck and best regards.