Ah Cynge...that was EXACTLY what I was searching for (only I found it too late). We have played out the festival and raid now. Thanks anyway. :)
I'm sure this has come up before, but I'm curious how it's typically handled. The PCs go through Burnt Offerings and come out the other side more powerful and capable than they went in. They then move on to the next chapters, but the people in Sandpoint remain static? Shalelu, for example, never improves her skills/levels? Ameiko remains the same?
I'm curious how people typically handle NPC advancement over time.
Specifically, I'm interested because people have posted great stats for NPCs like Hemlock and so forth. But he becomes a rather insignificant NPC in later chapters because he doesn't advance with the times.
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16, 2011 Top 32
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I think it might be just because they're not advancing that the PCs become so important. After all, if Hemlock became a 15th level fighter, he'd hardly need the PC's help. However, giving them a simple template-style bump of +1 to attack and damage, +1 to AC wouldn't be too terrible and still would allow the PCs to shine as the true heroes they're meant to be.
I don't like static worlds, I guess. I've always seen it sort of like this:
Advancement is like money, you have to take risks to get it. The more risks, the more advancement/money, and vice versa, the less risk, the less reward.
That said, there has to be a way for people to advance even in the face of low risk. Maybe just slower advancement or advancement in non-warlike classes (expert +2). W/e. APs are a little silly in regard to PCs being able to go from level 1 to practically deific in the space of a few months. I like that this AP has built-in downtime and I like taking the approach of not awarding XP, but levels at appropriate times.
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I don't know. To my mind, an NPC is truly lucky if they ever reach 4th level. A 4th level NPC is a fairly accomplished fellow in my world. And since most people try to avoid danger/risk, they very rarely have many opportunities to gain XP and thus level up. PCs, on the other hand, are the rare lunatics who actively seek out danger and death in order to seek treasure/save the world, so they get to advance to deific levels.
However, I think the aging rules might provide for some of the bonuses from time that you seem to want.
I hear you. And for others who might be a little more adventurous (like Shalelu?), how would you handle it, do you think?
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Just do it. I keep one eye open to charismatic PCs who might want to take the Leadership feat and spend some time on "recruitable" NPCs. I think keeping them a couple levels behind the PCs assures they remain somewhat useful but don't steal the spotlight.
Shalelu made a big impression on my table (IMC she was kidnapped by Bruthazmus and the PCs rescued her) throwing out three attacks per round (due to BAB and Rapid Shot) when they were around level 3. After the pretty traumatic events (during which her cabin in the woods was destroyed) she will take a trip back to Crying Leaf and spend some time healing and chilling with some friends. She'll be back for the third book, and by that time the PCs will probably overshadow her. I think that's jsut fine, specially since the ranger PC she mentored will have surpassed her. That will be a fine "I do not have anything else to teach you; the student has become the master" moment.
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The swallowtail speeches:
I saw various posts with different speeches and liked a bit of all of them. This is my combination of bits and pieces of the speeches I like in all it's glory with some touches of my own. If you wrote any of this, thank you for being awesome:
“Good morning everyone.” The attractive and personable woman welcomes the crowd with her usual friendly attitude. Her excitement is obvious and proves contagious as she welcomes visitors and locals alike. “I see everyone’s arrived. Even Larz Rovanky has left off tanning hides to be here. I’m sure his workers are glad it’s not their hides getting tanned, at least not today.” When the chuckles died down and Larz stopped glowering past a reluctant smile, Mayor Deverin continued.
”It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day, and I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd. As Mayor, I’d like to extend welcome to you on behalf of the town. I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time. Our town has much to offer and I hope we can consider you as new friends. Spend some time in Sandpoint and you’ll grow to love it like we do. And even if you don’t stay long, spend your money while you’re here!”
Several of the merchants give a vigorous applause, and the Mayor lets the crowd settle before continued over the remaining chuckles. “And to all of the old faces I see, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong. Thank you especially for all the time, sweat, and love you’ve put into building this fine cathedral. Sandpoint didn’t seem complete without a church. We’ve always had heart. The true heart of Sandpoint is you, her people. But now we have an expression of that heart, and we built it ourselves!”
"Anyway, I can smell the lunch our tavern keepers are cooking already. A round of applause to Ameiko, Garridan, Cracktooth, and Jargie! I'm sure Father Zantus can spare an extra prayer that they don't burn anything before we get to eat it." More cheering erupts: the enticing aromas drifting over the crowd are overwhelming. "Now, since you have three more of us to stand there through, I'm going to sit down. Today as mayor I am declaring a town order to have fun! This is my favorite time of year!"
The crowd responds with a roar, and its a while before the Mayor could continue over the applause. “Without further ado, let me welcome our dutiful Sheriff, Belor Hemlock to the stage!” She indicates a dark-skinned, bulky man, clearly of Shoanti descent, wearing his armor and armed with a prestigous looking sword. Sheriff Hemlock nods and steps forward onto the stage.
"Thank you, Mayor. First off, let us have a moment of silence."
He bows his head and begins speaking, "Let us remember the memories of those friends and family members who lost their lives in the tragic blaze that made our new cathedral necessary. Cherish those memories and may the blessings of our Gods see them happy and well in the Afterlife."
He raises his head and stands in silence for a moment scanning the crowd.
"Over the next three days all instances of wrong-doing will be dealt with swiftly and to the fullest extent of the law. No exceptions. As the sheriff of Sandpoint, I, Belor Hemlock, would also like to welcome everyone to enjoy themselves today, and you may or may not be aware of the planned bonfire at the beach tonight... it looks to be a promising festival. Do trust that I will be monitoring the level of safe conduct late into the evening. I am trusting our fun will lean to the side of caution. If you are a militia member, remember where your duties lay, and help Sandpoint keep the peace. Thank you." With that the sheriff steps back awkwardly and becons with his hand, for the next speaker to approach.
The next speaker is quite a contrast to the Sheriff; he is brightly dressed, sports a well-groomed goatee, and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the day. As he reaches the center stage he loosens his collar a bit, winks into the crowd and starts to talk:
"Well, thank you Sheriff for that uplifting oratory. Don't worry I doubt there will be any fun for you to stress over today. If things get out of hand you can ask Ameiko take the stage and put as all to sleep with one of her stories." The crowd responds with a combination of chuckles and offended heckles.
Without a beat Ameiko shouts from her merchant tent "What about the story of your last flop at the theater? I'm almost done with my newest ballad, I call it Cyrdak the Unimpressive! Who wants to hear?"
The crowd responds with laughter and cheers. Amieko can still be heard shouting over the crowd "Your secret boyfriend helped me come up with the name!"
Cyrdak stands awkwardly waiting out the crowds laughter to die down, as it does Amieko seers in one more one liner, "What a sleepy crowd Cyrdak!"
After the noise finally quiets Cyrdak continues with a forced smile as if nothing happened, "We can all agree, this is our time to celebrate! I know this town has been through some hard times, but we don't lay down easily. Look at what we've accomplished! [He motions towards the church.] And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? It's solid gold and comes with a singing choir standing nearby. It's no doubt our neighbors and nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. And to think they wanted nothing in return, but to enlighten us and our taxes for many lifetimes to come. But worry not about your coinpurse, I've heard from father himself that the gods are getting their gold together to help pay for this place. But don't take it from me, let me hand the stage off to the man who knows in charge here. But before I let him get things going I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my personal invitation to each and every one of you to the new production of "The Harpy's Curse" starring the world-famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda as Avisera the harpy queen! It's all premiering tomorrow evening and continuing throughout the next two weeks at the Theater. Come see it, it will be fabulous! And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!"
The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions Zantus to the center stage. The young priest looks noticeably abashed at the reception set up for him. He wears the traditional ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna and a shiny silver holy symbol about his neck. He smiles and tries to calm the crowd down, eventually speaking when the applause has subsided:
"Ahem, thank you. Thank you Cyrdak. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day.
“Today ushers in the new Fall season. A season I have always thought was named appropriately, as today was the day Desna fell from the heavens during battle with Lamashtu.
Though all the world wept for the loss of the goddess, and of dreams, it is said that she survived. She was discovered, on the rocks of a beach, by a blind orphan, forgotten and cast aside by the rest of the world. Though the orphan didn't know who she was and could do little for the wounded goddess, she still stayed by her side, holding a vigil on the beach, tending to her as best she could and praying to her god, Desna. When other followers had abandoned Desna, the orphan empathized and held hope in her faith. Through the care of this orphan Desna recovered and revealed herself to the blind woman. In return Desna transformed her into an angel and offered the girl ascension to Desna's palace in the heavens. It is now there and forever that they shall remain."
Father Zantus motions toward the newly finished cathedral, the sunlight glittering off the stained glass windows. “This story reminds us that tragedy is just a setback, not an end. Though our place of worship was destroyed, and our previous priest, Father Tobyn, perished in the flame, we have preserved as Desna would desire, and built anew.
Today is our day of new beginnings. Our day of ascension.
Friends of Sandpoint, I declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!"
An acolyte throws off the canvas of a nearby wagon, revealing thousands of swallowtail butterflies...the Children of Desna. He opens the cages and the crowd begins to applaud as butterflies flutter in every direction through the crowd, and eager children begin chasing them.
PS: I love you BuzzardB
Sorry if this question has been answered already but I could not find anything to do with printing problems other than how to get the grids right.
I have no problems with the grids, but for some reason when I print out a map it turns out..... foggy? Almost looks like it has a layer of tissue over it. Am I doing something wrong? I downloaded the pictures and then opened and printed them with windows photo viewer. I know it's not my printer as I tried printing something afterward and that came out fine.
Any ideas? Would love to have a map of Rusty Dragon Inn as it seems my players are going to end up there quite often!
Thanks!
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I finally got around to cleaning up a side-quest I wrote for Burnt Offerings back in 2011, taking out the PC-specific information I'd originally included, and tacking on the OGL and Paizo Community Use Policy text.
(BTW, Google Docs doesn't quite format the document properly-- download it and open in MS Office or Open Office instead.)
This is intended to be inserted into Burnt Offerings, during the events of Part 2: Local Heroes. (Specifically, the adventure hook can be included during the "Grim News From Mosswood" section.) It's also written for a 6-PC party (plus Shalelu), so you'll probably want to tone it down a bit if you're running with a 4-PC party.
A small downside is that I wrote this before I had much Paizo world-knowldege under my belt. I didn't quite understand how insane and easily distracted Paizo goblins are supposed to be. As written, the Toadstool Goblins are much more militarily competent than they should be.
Also, all the page references in the adventure refer to the original version of Burnt Offerings, not the Anniversary Edition.
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I finally got around to cleaning up a side-quest I wrote for Burnt Offerings back in 2011, taking out the PC-specific information I'd originally included, and tacking on the OGL and Paizo Community Use Policy text.
Thanks for this!
If I'd had it last Sunday, I may well have run it then - the latest flu bug (and some conflicting engagements) meant that our regular two-table Runelords game was down to just four of the regulars (although we did have a couple of newcomers joining us). I ran a combined table on a sidequest, and this would have fitted nicely. As it was, I ran a mashup of a couple of the mini-adventures from the Pathfinder comics.
The swallowtail speeches:
I saw various posts with different speeches and liked a bit of all of them. This is my combination of bits and pieces of the speeches I like in all it's glory with some touches of my own. If you wrote any of this, thank you for being awesome:
** spoiler omitted **...
Kudos for that bit with Ameiko! I'll have to use this somehow, but I'm worried it'll wear on a little long. Saving this nonetheless!
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Early on someone posted a 'items cards' using open office - I've updated these for the AV version and have finished Burnt Offerings - all player loot that is in the module (except coins) is represented here - enjoy :)
Early on someone posted a 'items cards' using open office - I've updated these for the AV version and have finished Burnt Offerings - all player loot that is in the module (except coins) is represented here - enjoy :)
Thank you.
j.
I want to thank BuzzardB and Chow'd Mouse.
j.
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Early on someone posted a 'items cards' using open office - I've updated these for the AV version and have finished Burnt Offerings - all player loot that is in the module (except coins) is represented here - enjoy :)
I did something similar, might as well share them.
Just dotting, excellent work about to run some long time (D&D 1.0 - 3.5) through this on their first Pathfinder game, should be fun.
PDF print-cut-and-tape map of Misgivings
(Inkscape SVG)
EDIT: Scaled to be 1" grid on US letter paper. Use Inkscape, PNG export, and Posterazor to scale for other formats (or a smarter method, if you're better at this stuff than me).
It's just a basic outline of the rooms and floors. Which is a good thing in a way, since it doesn't spoil what's in each room. I stopped doing windows after a while, and doors need to be drawn in by hand if doors are wanted. Hey, I'm far from an artist, so I just did the minimum level of effort here!
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Very glad to find this thread. I started running RotRL online a few months ago, albeit modified (set in Eberron instead, with a strong Curse of the Azure Bonds influence--all PCs wake up in town with missing memories, and new dragonmarks, each representing a different sin). Loving to see all of the excellent fan created material (and being able to use it).
I thought I'd share my own version of the Goblin song, voiced by some of my audio drama friends. Enjoy! The Goblin Song
This thread has been so, so helpful, and saved me so much time! My turn to try and contribute.
Here is a map I made for the Thistletop fortress, along with the goblin briar tunnels in Burnt Offerings. Alongside of it (in the Fantasy Maps album on RPG Map Share) is a map of the Bunyip's sea cave that you can directly overlay, along with a file that you can use as a basis to make "room curtains" to cover and reveal each section of the briar tunnels durring game play.
http://rpgmapshare.com/index.php?q=gallery&g2_itemId=53097
I found the Black Magga encounter mildly problematic. There are apparently supposed to be schoolchildren stranded on the roof of a building in the flood, but the flood line is not near the school (unless I misread or mixed up facts, which is entirely possible). So basically, I just ad-libbed the whole thing. Drew some rectangles for roofs, put some minis representing the NPCs, and just went from there. The PCs rode in on a boat, so it was an easy entrance. This was on a table top, but I imagine drawing some rectangles for a VTT could work as well. Black Magga deserves better, but it's a short encounter. Be extra descriptive when talking about the battle to compensate ;)
I'm currently running this Adventure Path, and am using MapTool. I see that no one's uploaded a map for Bitter Hollow. I created one in MapTool (1.3.b87) and figured I'd share it in case anyone's interested. Not much use for people not using MapTool, but here it is anyway. It's pretty minimal. I didn't label anything, etc. Just some buildings and roads. Also, I didn't paint swampland to the west of the river. Every time I did it just didn't look that great. Anyhow, it's a starting point for anyone that wants to use it.
Ckorik these are great! Thanks! One question, do you (or anyone else) have advice for printing these? I hate to say it but I am not sure how to print these out without wasting lots of paper.
Thanks again!
Early on someone posted a 'items cards' using open office - I've updated these for the AV version and have finished Burnt Offerings - all player loot that is in the module (except coins) is represented here - enjoy :)
I use HP 4x6 photo paper and print the PDF's using 'fit to size' (making sure my printer is setup for 4x6 paper in the printer properties) - they come out perfect at that size.
Does anyone have an image of a notice board to represent the one at the Rusty Dragon. I want to update it regularly to provide information or distractions for the characters so the notices themselves need to be blank.
I have found a few online, but they are covered in PostIt notes or modern lined paper when it would look better with blank parchments or scraps of paper.
Thanks
I created a map of southwest Varisia between Sandpoint and Magnimar. I like to be able to provide more background details and opportunities for the players traveling in the area. I'm in the process of adding location notes, but here's the map for now:
Looks very good - I'll be using these in my campaign.
Any chance you can save them as jpg or png files so that we can open them in Paint and add our own place names etc? Also, might help for consistency to know what font you used.
Thanks for the hard work.
You're probably better off keeping the map in vector format if you can, but here's a .png in case that's not possible:
The font is called Julee, it's available for free from Fontspace: Julee font
Thanks for that. I look forward to seeing the location notes in due course.
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Here is another one I did over the last couple days a really quick Rusty Dragon Inn still working on the upstairs.
Are there any printable floorplans around for Thistletop? Ideally I'd like to print them onto card and lay each room out for my players as they arrive.
EDIT: Nm, found this link http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pfdq?24x23-inch-150-dpi-battle-map-Thistletop.
I'm in the process of adding location notes, but here's the map for now:
Hi Yossarian
Have you made much progress with the location notes?
Grimbold
I'm in the process of adding location notes, but here's the map for now:Hi Yossarian
Have you made much progress with the location notes?
Grimbold
Some :) Real life plus reading the Inner Sea World Guide and the Magnimar guide have got in the way: mostly to make sure it's very in keeping with the Paizo-made material. But I'm back on it and I should get over my desire to only put out something polished and post it here 'soon'. If you have any suggestions for the type of content you think would be useful please say so.
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Greate stuff for the AP.. Been looking for the DM Familiar files for all of the adventures but cant find them does anybody have them to share once again so i can use them in a upcomming run of the path i am about to do would love the data so i dont have to go thru and try and remake them.. any help would be appreciated... thanks in advance
hey guys. thanks so much for all the work you put into this. I have been looking for everything yo u guys put here for me so thank you so much.
Before igo do you guys have any advice on this AP? what are some things i (as a DM) should look out for
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I've run RotRL as a 3rd edition path and I'm halfway through the PF Anniversary edition. I would advise the following:
- Read the whole thing through first. It really makes a difference to understand how each section fits in the overall storyline.
- Don't be afraid to encourage PCs to flee if the battles are going against them. There are a lot of tough fights and if they don't occasionally recognize this, they will die and become frustrated.
- Describe and create each battle dynamically. Bad guys often have a lot of opportunity to use the scenery to create a much more vibrant battle; do it!
- Really take the time to make Sandpoint come alive. Use voices, mannerisms, recurring NPCs and hit it home. If the PCs don't care about Sandpoint, you've lost half the battle.
- As the heroes get higher and higher level, give them more and more accolades and opportunity to be seen as heroes. They're likely the highest level characters most people will ever see. They should be seen as heroes.
- Have fun! This should really be rule Zero Minus One. Enjoy yourself and work to make sure your players enjoy the game. It's a fun path and you should have a ball!
- Finally, use the awesome resources in this thread. It's a great add-on and really helps the immersive nature of the game.
New links for my contributions:
The Goblin Song
Something in the Attic
The goblin song is pretty self-explanatory. Something in the Attic is a short little side quest that ideally should take place after the glassworks, but before Thistletop. Ultimately, you can place it earlier or later if you'd like, just be aware that the main feature of this is an Attic Whisperer, which is a CR4 creature. Something in the Attic was made using the Descent: Journeys in the Dark Campaign editor from Fantasy Flight Games. The editor is available here.