Some time ago myself and some friends began playing through the Rise of the Runelords AP. However, life interfered and we ended the game before Hook Mountain. A group of us are now trying to get a regular gathering going again and I have been granted the DM reigns.
I would like to return to the RotRL AP, but a number of players from the former group are in this group. To save us the repetition I was thinking of using Kaer Maga and The Godsmouth Heresy (module) as a starting point. Then I would follow it up with some of my own ideas/adventures. Then when the party is level appropriate I can lead them to Hook mountain.
Is there any major issues with this change? Are there any hooks or important NPCs from the first two books that need to be represented with Kael Maga versions? Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Benevolent,
First, I think you need to do what enjoyable for the group.
I had the similar experience, but my group had only finished Burnt Offerings then life happens and now 3 years later, I had about half of the original group and a couple new players.
Here are some of the ideas I had for my group and the choice I made.
• Start the group at level 4 (suggested level for the The Skinsaw Murders). Have the old player play their old character, but let them ‘update’ them from the new source material since we played. Have the new player character new characters of the correct level. Come up with a reason why the other character left the group. Then old player and gm recap what has happen before to the new players.
• Have the players make new characters at 1st level. Then play modules to level up the characters to level 4. I was concern about the missing content of the AP and no ties to Sandpoint.
• Have the player make new character at 1st level and re-start the AP at the beginning. I was concern about players using player knowledge.
• Have the player make new character at 1st level and re-do part of the AP and part module. I did this option.
I did the last one for my group.
I started out with Crypt of the Everflame (which I moved to start at Sandpoint and I changed the bandits to goblins) and the summer equinox. When the group got back they got offer jobs as town guards. We then did a jump to the Swallowtail Festival. I changed the Swallowtail Festival up from the first time. I brought in games and contests. This is where we are currently at in the campaign.
They are about to go on guard duty and will fight goblins in another part of town to end part 1. I am going to skip part two. I will do Desecrated Vault (new in AE), I am going do something for them to meet Aldern (I am not sure yet), trouble at the Rusty Dragon (new in AE), and Grim News from Mossword. Hemlock will then go south to Magnimar to ’see about securing additional soldiers’ leaving the party in charge. Then I will do Missing Bartender and Part three. (My old part skipped part three and did part four first). I plan on skipping part four, but send my new party off with captured people (Orik, Lyrie and Nualia) from my old campaign. In Magnimar the PCs will be asked to do Feast of Revenmoor.
If I were you I think I would just start the party out a level 7 or start at level 1 and have the party adventuring in Sandpoint and Mangimar. I think all of Pathfinder Sociecy Scenarios in season four is located in Varisia. Many at located in Mangimar and the area the Rise of the Runelords takes place.
I would look at this thread for ideas...
Sannos, thanks for the reply and suggestions. We have finished our first session and I have started the party in Kaer Maga at 1st level and we are playing the Godsmouth Heresy module. So, now its matter of leading them on an alternate path for the first 6 levels, but like the original adventure path end up at Hook Mountain.
I am just unsure that there is anything in Burnt Offerings or the Skinsaw Murders that I would need to replicate in Kaer Maga to keep continuity in the adventure path.
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I think two things are critical here.
1. Foreshadow books five and six with similar events
2. Make them care enough about the region that they will step it up in book four and help where needed and do the appropriate dungeon delving
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Something else to consider, if you're skipping Sandpoint is that many encounters may still happen in Sandpoint (but they don't have to, you're the GM).
-If no one is there to stop it, Sandpoint may well burn. If this happens, Nualia becomes a full fledged demoness in service to Lamashtu. This could actually make a great encounter, especially if Tsuto becomes a more corrupt individual, Lyrie Ajenka becomes a more powerful wizard, and Orik Vancaskerkin Becomes a beastly fighter! The Thistletop goblins may well turn into an organized goblin army, pulling other tribes under their banner and posing a threat to the surrounding areas.
-Note: Damn it, now I totally want to do this. Also, this would be a possible tie in for why the PC's are heading in the direction of Fort Rannick for Hook Mountain Massacre.
-Unopposed, Xenesha and the Brothers of Seven, along with their puppet, the Skinsaw Man, are going to succeed at killing the Mayor of Magnimar. This also poses various implications. What if Xenesha stops playing coy and enslaves Magnimar? Shiela Heidmarch (from Shattered Star) is probably going to be able to intervene, as her status as Venture Captain of the PFS gives her certain resources. But only if she's there. She may not be setting up camp in Magnimar yet. This could also mean that Xenesha has moved on and will be encountered with Lucrecia in Hook Mountain Massacre. The Skinsaw man may in turn be used to murder the Brothers of Seven and be unleashed as a murdering, crazy, megaghoul.
-Note: Double Damn! But this is yet another reason for the PC's to investigate the area. Maybe they have family in Magnimar and fear for their safety. Following Xenesha's trail could lead them to Turtleback Ferry.