I've really had the writing bug biting me of late, and the thing I'd most like to do is immortalize one of our successful AP runs in narrative form, from the perspective of one of the players or chief NPC's. I'd like to do them all, obviously, and one day I might but for now I can't imagine a bigger undertaking than just one. I'm not sure if I'd do it like journal entries in a diary or try something more comprehensive, like actually writing it as a novella with multiple person views.
I keep copious notes after each session and there's enough that's become legend among our group that every entry just triggers more memories of how things went down, so I've got the details and the framework in hand... I just can't decide which one to tackle. All three AP's in contention were heavily modified but stayed true to the direction and intent of the original AP. I feel like there may be some interest/benefit in seeing how we did things among other players and potential GM's.
These are the ones I'm debating:
Rise of the Runelords
PC's: Human Arcane Duelist (archer), Human Invulnerable Rager, Goblin Brawler and a Human Sorcerer (Fey bloodline)
Alterations: The biggest change we made was incorporating the entire second volume of Shattered Star, Curse of the Lady's Light, as an interlude in the middle of The Skinsaw Murders. It had huge implications for one of our characters and really channeled the story in a spectacular way, foreshadowing the Runelords active involvement in the overall arc.
Pro's & Con's: Its Runelords, the oldest and most storied of all the AP's... would this be a fresh new way of exploring an old favorite or simply yet another RotRL journal?
Skull n' Shackles
PC's: Human Seasinger Bard, Human Invulnerable Rager, Human Knifemaster, Half-Elven Master Summoner
Alterations: In addition to a number of customized and unique battles on the high seas, including a prolonged cat and mouse game with the Dominator, there were two extended side-treks, one to free Rosie Cuswell's cousin and help overthrow the ruling government on Bag Island and one involving the Master of Gales and the Cult of the Eye's efforts to end the Eye of Abendego. We also flip-flopped the key events in books five and six, and in book one, Aron Ivey was still alive and became an important member of our crew.
Pro's & Con's: This was our favorite AP though the next entry became a very close second, but it seems to be fairly polarizing - either you're into pirates or you're not.
Wrath of the Righteous
PC's: Human Dragon Disciple & Sorcerer (Draconic - Silver), Tiefling Paladin (Oath of Vengeance, Oath Against Fiends), twin Aasimar Dawnflower Dervishes
Alterations: Made extensive modifications to many of the NPC's, including the replacement of several outright. Incorporated the players very heavily into the backstory of the AP and had a couple of additional side-quests, including one that involved going back in time to experience the fall of Kenebres, another that featured a run-in with Zelmisdria and her fiendish green dragon Azrivauxus and a third involving the redemption of the undead at Pulura's Fall. We also ran this AP as a non-mythic game, using some slight rules variations that worked very well for us.
Pro's & Con's: Absolutely loved the story and feel of this campaign, really let our character builders flex their muscles both mechanically and thematically - and it offered some surprisingly good RP opportunities. Will telling the story non-Mythically be a plus for those who are considering the same or a minus for those who prefer an as-written template to follow?
Assuming I'm actually able to do this, what would you prefer to read... or rather, which would you find least objectionable cluttering up your board?
;-P
Purely out of self-interest, I'd love to read your Skull & Shackles version. I already read your teaser mini summary on the Skull & Shackles board and I liked what you did with the story. Since I've started this AP myself and I'm also into changing the story here and there to fit my fancy, I'd surely read your narrative.
You also called this your favorite, so that alone should be a good reason as well to pick this one first ...