Co-owner - Battlegrounds to Board Games
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I know that Varisia has had an awful lot of press in Pathfinder but I would really like to see a Pathfinder Chronicles to better expand on what was started in the 7 swords of Sin. This is a great start mind you but I would love to see, what I consider to be the most intersting site in Varisia, fleshed out complete with a Magnimar/Korvosa/Riddleport quality map to boot! I would also like to know more about the Bloatmages and the Troll seers! :)
Any Chance of this happening?
Creative Director
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I know that Varisia has had an awful lot of press in Pathfinder but I would really like to see a Pathfinder Chronicles to better expand on what was started in the 7 swords of Sin. This is a great start mind you but I would love to see, what I consider to be the most intersting site in Varisia, fleshed out complete with a Magnimar/Korvosa/Riddleport quality map to boot! I would also like to know more about the Bloatmages and the Troll seers! :)
Any Chance of this happening?
There is a pretty good chance of this happening, yes.
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Sutter is practically beside himself with excitement to write this book. Personally, I would love to see it too. The background on Kaer Maga was just awesome and I would love to run a game that goes there during the campaign. I'll keep pushing from my end. :)
-Lisa
History of Ashes sort of goes there, though it's barely a mention.
Thanks, Brandon! I already have a pretty good idea what I want from a Kaer Maga book, but I'm curious what other folks think as well.
What questions are raised in 7 Swords and Pathfinder #3's journal that you want answered? What aspects particularly hook you about the place, and what would you like to see more of?
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Thanks, Brandon! I already have a pretty good idea what I want from a Kaer Maga book, but I'm curious what other folks think as well.
What questions are raised in 7 Swords and Pathfinder #3's journal that you want answered? What aspects particularly hook you about the place, and what would you like to see more of?
I was a bit confused by the map of it, I think because I was trying to look at the city from a 3-dimensional aspect since that's how it is described.
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What questions are raised in 7 Swords and Pathfinder #3's journal that you want answered? What aspects particularly hook you about the place, and what would you like to see more of?
personally, I prefer more things on the organizations of the city then the make up - especially all of the criminal organizations that were mentioned in the journal of PF3. What other odd jobs do the outcasts of the different races find (like the trolls who read the future in their own entrails)
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I am quite intrigued by the Twisted Door, the Halflight Path, and the Duskwardens. I would love
to find out a lot more about the Duskwardens.
...more about their organization and the threats they face beneath Kaer Maga...
I just logged in to add 'more information about the dangers of the halflight path' - But I was beaten to it, so I'll just second what he said
I would love to see this as a 64 page chronicles book
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Co-owner - Battlegrounds to Board Games
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Well, first off, I am a sucker for poster maps! There I said it! :) The hand drawn map in the module is fine but I would like to run my campaign there so I would really like a more detailed map.
Anyway, I was very interested in the bloatmages and while I did find the Bloatmage Initiate? feat in the Campaign setting book I would like them to be expanded a little more like maybe some mechanical rules for what happens if they build up too much blood in thier system? Who invented this exotic form of spellcasting anyway?
Troll seers who read their own entrails = FREAKIN' BRILLIANT!!
I really liked the "wormfolk" in the PF#3 story! I think that was very original, I don't believe I have ever seen anyone use a naga as a crime lord. What kind of naga was that anyway?
What kinds of things are under the city in all those blocked off passages? Are there some that go all the way down to the darklands?
I would really ike a more detailed look at the different districs of the city as well.
I really loved the Science-Fantasy feel of the undercity that was in 7SoS. I am a psionics lover and it really seems like this would be a good place to incorperate some of the psionic stuff as well. I could totally see a population of Xephs below the city in the dark passages. Maybe whatever is affecting the people in the warrens makes some slightly more prone to psionic talent or maybe even some humans are born as Elans. This is just a thought though.
Which of the runelords commanded this place by the way? Who was this mysterous group that disappeared suddenly and left all the scientific artefacts? Who are the movers and shakers in town?
This location certainly requires a higher page count!
I am glad to see the troll seer getting props. That was an outstanding idea.
I would love to see this as a 64 page chronicles book
I would love to accommodate. :)
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Director of Narrative
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At the moment I can't think of anything to add that hasn't already been mentioned above, but I assure you I am stoked to know that it is something we can get our little grubby hands on in the foreseeable future.
I really dug the gritty and downright criminal feel of the place. It seems like the perfect place to disappear. I'll have to read through the module (and the Journal piece) again and report back.
Glad to see that we all seem to be on the same page. :) While I can't promise anything, I can say that I think in order to do any potential Kaer Maga book justice, it'd need to be pretty hefty, include at least one awesome city map, introduce a bloatmage prestige class, dish about the Halflight Path, and hit on most if not all of the organizations you've mentioned, as well as get its hands dirty with what's underneath the city. So yeah, I've spent some time thinking about this. :)
Keep the comments coming! What else would you want?
RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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This sounds a little odd, James, but I'd like to see a couple of completely new things. Surprises. Aspects of the city or its inhabitants that are important to the setting, but just didn't factor into "Seven Swords" or Eando's Pathfinder Journal.
One of the most disheartening aspects of some of the later Greyhawk or --particularly-- Forgotten Realms material on locations was that it was all retread and revision. when was the last time we found out something new and important about Waterdeep?
I'd like to see new and important things about Kaer Maga.
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Director of Narrative
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I’d like to see a city full of drugs, debauchery and lives lost on dirty blackmarket deals. Christiana gone horribly wrong. A place where a monster can be a monster and everyone is far too busy just trying to scrape enough together to get by to not even bat an eye. Maybe even a place where a monster can be a decent being and not face the persecution the outside world might throw at them. I loved the sci-fi hint the place has and would love to see some of that expanded on.
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Riffing on what Daigle said, I could imagine Kaer Maga as a great place for Witchwyrd merchants to run a brisk trade in offworld drugs, exotic creatures, or strong spices. Perhaps there is one locally-based Witchwyrd who is using the relative safety of Kaer Maga's "tolerant" citizens to train a youngster. What sorts of strange bodyguards would they have?
What could be lurking underneath Kaer Maga? Maybe a hidden alien base? Or did the Thassilonians build the Hex to bind/contain a mad god from beyond?
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Perhaps this is obvious, but: How Kaer Maga fits into the overall power structure of Varisia.
Many of the early Varisia write-ups almost ignore it, talking about the 3 major cities (Korvosa, Magnimar, Riddleport), yet it seems that Kaer Maga rivals the others in power in many ways. Is this an effect of lower population, of the chaotic nature of the city, or is the strength an illusion generated by its defensibility? The city also seems to have a higher magic/tech level than its neighbours, no?
Or am I reading it all wrong?
oh, and what everyone else said (esp. good map, bloatmages and troll seers).
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Co-owner - Battlegrounds to Board Games
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I’d like to see a city full of drugs, debauchery and lives lost on dirty blackmarket deals. Christiana gone horribly wrong. A place where a monster can be a monster and everyone is far too busy just trying to scrape enough together to get by to not even bat an eye. Maybe even a place where a monster can be a decent being and not face the persecution the outside world might throw at them. I loved the sci-fi hint the place has and would love to see some of that expanded on.
What he said!
Bloatmages as a prestige class would be awesome! I would like to see some completely new things too. These are the type of things that make Golarion come alive as a world in it's own right and not just some generic plop it in anywhere filler!
This book would definately be on my "MUST BUY" list!
Is more information available about those Osirion guys who sew their lips together? and what is the seal about? My favourite bit about the module was the write up of the city (I found the module a bit too much like a bunch of encounters stuck together,-monsters right next to each other for no reason- and yes I know it's history so this was fine). I found the sci fi stuff equally gratuitous and it seemed out of place. I am not a huge fan of the sci-fi stuff I have to admit (sorry). IMO most of the Kaer Maga info is fine fantasy. Some of the 7SoS was a bit much for me.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
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Thanks, Brandon! I already have a pretty good idea what I want from a Kaer Maga book, but I'm curious what other folks think as well.
What questions are raised in 7 Swords and Pathfinder #3's journal that you want answered? What aspects particularly hook you about the place, and what would you like to see more of?
What would I like to see? A mention of Kerrigan's Keep.. ;-)
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Director of Narrative
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Keep the comments coming! What else would you want?
Alright. So, I re-read some things last night and here’s my wishlist/report.
I’d like to know more about the history. Was it an old Thassilonian lab complex? A fort for giant minions? A lair of a Runelord? And who are the faces carved on the side of the cliff on which the city perches?
You mentioned outlining some of the groups mentioned before, in addition to the ones mentioned above I’d love to see more about some of the rest, even some new organizations, gatherings of outcasts and loose associations.
— I dig the Freemen. I’ve always loved escaped slaves and these guys are no different. I especially like that they seem to be slaves escaped from other sections of the city who plot liberation of their fellow brothers and sisters.
— The Sweettalkers are just plain sexy. I mean damn. How cool is that? That kind of bizarre devotion puts flagellants to shame, though may run a close race with the Skoptsy.
— In a city like this, ya can’t go wrong with the Tallow Boys.
— What is the Iridian Fold?
— What’s the deal with the seal? I like that there is a strong rift between the Brothers and that infighting spills out frequently.
— There was a brief mention of golem-crafters and construct-makers. Kaer Maga seems like a wonderful place to get away with building whatever you wanted without anyone getting in your way.
This place is brimming with wonderful adventure hooks. If the ‘lab’ in D2 is just one of many, what else lies beneath? What kind of freaky (and possibly ancient) monsters make their lives in the Cliffside below the city?
I want more on the Sorry Excuse (great name) and other inns, taverns and brothels.
It would be cool to see a few ‘regional’ feats specifically for Kaer Magans.
In the rich districts it is mentioned that the wealthy are never seen in the city proper. Who are these folks and why do they ‘hide out’ in a hive like Kaer Maga? Also, in a place that just reeks of criminal activity, outlining some stand-out good people would be really interesting.
Okay, I got kinda rambly there. I couldn’t help it.
Just wanted to let you know that, despite the post-snow rush, I'm still reading this thread. :) Everything you've said resonates pretty hard with me, so I think if/when this book happens, you'll be pleasantly surprised. :)
A couple quick points:
*There's an SF element to 7SoS because the adventure takes place in the abandoned labs of the Council of Truth, a mysterious science-y group that operated there in years past. (Of course, they may have chosen that spot because weird science-y things already existed there.) While other SF elements may pop up here and there (it's me, after all), rest assured that the majority of what lies beneath Kaer Maga is substantially different from the dungeon in 7SoS.
*I consider writing a 45,000-word book which only has ideas already presented in maybe 6,000 words of previously printed material ample justification for public flogging. There will be new content.
*The Sweettalkers aren't from Osirion... they're far weirder than that. Ditto the Iridian Fold.
RPG Superstar 2011 Top 32
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If Paizo needs more convincing that this book would be a good idea, I'll add my praise to the chorus.
Kaer Maga's brief description was awesome.
To put it simply, I will purchase a Kaer Maga book/guide/whatever the second it becomes available. :D
EDIT: And . . . the release of a guidebook and companion module in conjunction with one another would be ideal.
And . . . the release of a guidebook and companion module in conjunction with one another would be ideal.
We think so, too.
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Troll seers who read their own entrails = FREAKIN' BRILLIANT!!
Brilliant and absolutely *EVIL*! :)
I really liked the "wormfolk" in the PF#3 story! I think that was very original, I don't believe I have ever seen anyone use a naga as a crime lord. What kind of naga was that anyway?
I think there was a Naga crime lord called 'Falcon' in Greyhawk, although he had polymorphed (permanently) into human form. There were three published adventures revolving around his/her/its plans.
Really loved the naga crime-boss myself, what type of naga was he, or has that been said and I missed it?
We think so, too.
And . . . the release of a guidebook and companion module in conjunction with one another would be ideal.
Truth. The best micro-settings Paizo ever published were ones attached to an adventure story. The Istivin arc, fer instance, was top notch and really brought the setting to life. While your plate looks a bit full to ask for a Kaer Maga Adventure Path, I wouldn't mind an interlocking series of Game Mastery modules set there a la Falcon's Hollow.
This might seem like something of a no-brainer but there needs to be some discussion about the government. In such a "wretched hive of scum and villany", who actually rules? Does anyone rule? Is the ruling power a single individual or a council of some sort, possibly made up of the major crimelords and cult leaders? Is their rule absolute? Are they a puppet of some faction or organization?
Who, if anyone, is in control in Kaer Maga?
I'm well up for a guide to Kaer Maga - it'd be a great book. On my "to buy" list for sure.
I'm all for *not* adding a PrC for the bloatmage though. I know that they're (PrCs) a great space filler, but I'd rather see that space taken up with something less mechanical. Bloatmage stuff is great - can't get enough of them - but mechanically, the feat is all we need. I'd much rather see:
*A day in the life of a bloatmage*
*10 things you didn't want to know about bloatmages*
*Bloatmage rituals*
*Bloatmage fiction*
*Bloatmage: The movie*
*The life of a leech familiar*
or
*The Lover's guide to Bloatmages*
Bloatmage contacts could be good too. I mean, these guys have got to get their leeches from somewhere. I can totally see a merchant with a 10,000lb "momma-leech" in the back-room and a sign promising all his leeches are fresh. Great adventure when she breaks free! And how about enchanted leeches that turn different colors to help the bloatmages control their diabetes and stuff? That'd be cool. Maybe certain breeds of leeches are better at helping bloatmages who specialize in certain schools of magic.
I know I'm going to stop buying the Pathfinder Chronicles books if each one starts to have a new PrC and some feats etc. Keep them light or empty on crunch and use those 64 pages for setting material. Please!
Peace,
tfad
NB - Some of the above suggestions are for novelty purposes only.
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My group just finished the Skinsaw murders and are mucking about in Magnimar. I love this city for its role-play possibilities but as I prepare for more adventure in the Hook Mountain region I started looking at Kaer Maga as a stomping ground. I would love a chronicles guide to this city. Buy it "the second it came out" as others have said.
This is one place where I can see my players returning to at epic levels to sort out the deepest darkest places.
I may run 7sos at some point during hook mountain. Any suggestions to the best point for a side trek before the characters get too high a level for challenges? I've read that its a real meat grinder, so maybe it would still be interesting after they keep the keep?
I want to see Kaer Maga be revisited with multiple Gamemastery modules in the tradition of Maure Castle. A place of epic proportions where like Undermountain you can just keep on finding interesting creatures, kill them and take their stuff. Please James, give the other James the green light for 50k More words.
oh yeah one more thing... multiple level maps with cross section views, cause this thing screams "survival check" to keep from getting lost.
I have to say this is wonderful fluff for Varisia. And based on how some of the CotCT paths play out, Kaer Maga could be in a position to usurp loyalty (for protection) of many townships from Korvosa? ....
Previous posts which I agree with the most include large fold out maps - my players love maps that are big enough so that you can see street names without a magnifying glass... such as the Sandpoint & Korvosa maps in the Map Folios. (Which I might add my players bought for my campaigns without opening them)
I also love the idea of this being a prime spot for a psionic based "power" society.... hmmmmm
As for Lost Kingdom (Thassilonian) connection ... this seems a nice spot for Runelord Krune to get some love. A subtly powerful and wise geographical position for the Lord of Sloth as you look at the Varisian map. Haruka seems to overlay just enough to have been in control of this area, and Kaer Maga is defintitely built in a defensive manner ... enough so Krune could hold his own against even greater expansion attempts from Eurythia or Shalast. This also made sense to me in that Krune would have focused his survival/return energy closer to home (and not in the Runeforge). That fits a slothful approach ... why do it there when I can do it at home? ....
That's all my thoughts for the moment
-Rose
I'd love to see more information covering the charming city of Kaer Maga and its delightfully twisted inhabitants! More info on the bloatmages and the troll augurs would be nice too, though I think they've actually been covered in both the Campaign Setting and Classic Monsters Revisited.
As for goverment in Kaer Maga, I get the idea that it's run by a collection of criminal gangs, dangerous monsters, even more dangerous mages, and assorted nogoodniks of all varieties. Sort of like Skullport under Waterdeep.
It's happening!
WHA?!!! *blinks*
It's true. The book is finished, and titled City of Strangers. And I took into account many of the things people on this thread were asking for, so hopefully you'll enjoy it. :)
It's true. The book is finished, and titled City of Strangers. And I took into account many of the things people on this thread were asking for, so hopefully you'll enjoy it. :)
It's not finished until I get a turnover at the deadline, mister! Until then, as developer I have the power to make you rewrite it in any way I see fit, including with flumphs and smurfs, if need be!
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Director of Narrative
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It's true. The book is finished, and titled City of Strangers. And I took into account many of the things people on this thread were asking for, so hopefully you'll enjoy it. :)It's not finished until I get a turnover at the deadline, mister! Until then, as developer I have the power to make you rewrite it in any way I see fit, including with flumphs and smurfs, if need be!
Do it, Sean! Do it!
Wait.
Don't mind me, just adding another smurf