Well, I'm going to start a new PBP game and I was wondering; in general what do people think is the better path? I've ran a bit of both offline and I like them both, so I really can't make a decision. Does anyone have any input either way? Thanks
Well, I'm currently running SCAP, and I'm seriously considering skipping AoWAP and running STAP next since my impression is that it's more "fun". I'm not saying that AoW isn't fun to run or play, but the theme is more serious than that in ST, which I suspect also make the tone in the campaign more serious. In ST my impression is that the players are more at liberty to relax and have fun.
You have to decide really on with a completed or half completed one (currently) are better able to serve your goals!
As the AOWAP is finished it can be easier to read and prepare for as opposed to the STAP.
Both are fun so far, and I am combining these and the STAp too, into one giant entitwined advwenture with side quests for my current Eberron campaign, its turning up to be a lot more owrk than initally expected! But thats mostly fitting to eberron, places, people and theme.
I've changed the majority of the SUPER BBEG like Kyuss etc, to be more suitable for Eberron, but still retaining the feel I hope!
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I would recommend the STAP. Both campaigns are very good. I played through the AoW as a player, and I am DMing the STAP. I think the AoW is a very gritty campaign and has a bit of a darker overtone than the STAP. The other thing, is that the STAP has more built in downtime for the characters to do side quests or make items or whatever that didn't really exist in the AoW. In fact, if there was one complaint I had about AoW that would be it. There just wasn't enough downtime for the players. The other really great thing about the STAP, is it introduces some "non-traditional" elements to the gaming sessions like Ship to Ship combat.
Ultimately I think the decision has to be based on your players and both campaigns are very good. If I were picking for a new group I would use STAP. I didn't think it would be possible to one up the AoW, but the STAP has done it in spades.
I would recommend the STAP. Both campaigns are very good. I played through the AoW as a player, and I am DMing the STAP. I think the AoW is a very gritty campaign and has a bit of a darker overtone than the STAP. The other thing, is that the STAP has more built in downtime for the characters to do side quests or make items or whatever that didn't really exist in the AoW. In fact, if there was one complaint I had about AoW that would be it. There just wasn't enough downtime for the players. The other really great thing about the STAP, is it introduces some "non-traditional" elements to the gaming sessions like Ship to Ship combat.
Ultimately I think the decision has to be based on your players and both campaigns are very good. If I were picking for a new group I would use STAP. I didn't think it would be possible to one up the AoW, but the STAP has done it in spades.
If you felt there was not adequate "down time" then that was because your GM made it that way. The way the path is written, you should have ample down time between most chapters in the path.
Having both adventure paths myself, AoW is the definitive classic adventure path and I recommend it unreservedly.|
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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I just posted on another thread about the various adventure paths, but I'm still chewing on the comparison, so I will post again.
SvT is terrific. The editors of Dungeon have learned a lot from ShC and AoW and it shows. SvT is tightly plotted, very cinematic, and well written.
That being said, I find myself shying away from it for those reasons. One thing I liked about ShC was the invitation to tinker with the campaign. SvT has much less of that give and take. In addition, SvT is much more about the plot than about the individual adventure locations. AoW is the opposite. SvT has a few too many damsel's in distress for my playstyle.
I think what Allen said has merit: AoW is the classic adventure path in the mode of 1e. SvT is much more a product of plot-driven gaming. However, it is by far the best product of that type.
I'd try and figure out what you and your players like. If you prefer longer dungeon crawls and fewer NPC's, AoW is the game you want to play. If you're looking for a story that plays a little looser with the mechanics, SvT is your game.
If your really on the fence then I would do them in order. There is another benefit as well. By the time your done with AoWs there are going to be tons of threads full of great ideas regarding STAP and you can incorporate these into your game. The experiences of dozens of DMs that have gone before you can be yours with a little patience. Thus allowing you to learn from their mistakes and imitate their success. Also STAP incorporates elements and nods from the other two adventure paths. The Wormfall Festival will seem that much more impactful to your players if it reminds the players (not the characters) of their epic victory over the Kyuss in AoWs.
Well, I'd be more than a little impressed if the same group managed to play through both. But I seriously doubt it will happen in a rather anonymous PBP game.
If your really on the fence then I would do them in order. There is another benefit as well. By the time your done with AoWs there are going to be tons of threads full of great ideas regarding STAP and you can incorporate these into your game. The experiences of dozens of DMs that have gone before you can be yours with a little patience. Thus allowing you to learn from their mistakes and imitate their success. Also STAP incorporates elements and nods from the other two adventure paths. The Wormfall Festival will seem that much more impactful to your players if it reminds the players (not the characters) of their epic victory over the Kyuss in AoWs.