Hi all,
I have recently acquired the Rise of the Runelords Anniversary edition (gorgeous book, btw!) and I intend to run it with 13th Age. Has anyone thought how to fit it into the Dragon Empire? I am not interested in the Golarion setting, as I'd have to fish for Icons, and I don't know the setting very well; Varisia might just be a part of the Dragon Empire?
From a cursory reading, it seems some 13th Age Icons might fit just well in the overall scenario (e.g. the Diabolist might take the role of the goddess Lamashtu). Has anyone done anything with this adventure path? Or ported other Pathfinder scenarios to 13th Age (ideas for Icon implementations are also welcome!)
Thanks!
Antonio
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Interesting! I don't think there's any issue with porting the story over to 13th Age - the story is solid, after all. The real issue is figuring out how to rework the mechanics, since 13th Age and PF are very different animals.
Let's start with the icons, and what their role within the overall arc of Runelords would be.
Archmage: He probably knows about the Runelords, but like most scholars, believes their empire to be lost to the ravages of time. As it becomes apparent that not only did they survive the cataclysm that ended Thassilon, but one of them is on the verge of returning to power, he would definitely use his abilities to oppose Karzoug. (Possible Foil: What if the Archmage was actually one of the Runelords all along?)
Crusader: The Diabolist has designs on the area, and the Crusader will not allow her to gain any ground in this remote area for her dark patrons. He will oppose the Runelords as well, but only because his patrons are destined to rule, not these wizards of a bygone era. Maybe the Skinsaw Cult also venerates one of his dark gods?
Diabolist: As mentioned, she could play the role that Lamashtu does in this AP. Demons could be working for her, either actively or through proxies. She has plans, and is indirectly working with the Runelords, though her eventual plan is to strike once a wedge has been placed between the Dragon Empire and Returned Thassilon.
Dwarf King: He's a bit trickier - dwarves don't play a huge role in the AP. Initially, his faction would be interested in taking the fight to the goblin tribes, but once the true threat is revealed, he'd pick up his axe to deal with the Runelord menace. After all, dwarven souls are often greedy...
Elf Queen: Likewise, the elves don't have a strong focus in the AP. I think Shalelu would be an early emissary for her, and could exert her influence through the archer. Her memory is quite long, and would be a strong ally against the Runelords, should Karzoug seem to be ready to rise.
Emperor: I'd make the nobles of Sandpoint and Magnimar all squabbling factions within the Empire itself. The Runelords pose a major threat to his continued rule, so he finds he must oppose their ascendancy or lose his throne.
Great Gold Wyrm: Any paladins the PCs meet would be good envoys of the Wyrm. Its focus is on holding back the countless demons of the Abyss, and as a result must trust in other agents to take care of this more earthly threat. Among other things, it is deathly afraid of Karzoug's return; if dwarven souls can free him faster through their natural greed, how much more quickly could the Runelord of Greed return if he were to gather more draconic souls?
High Druid: Now this one's interesting. She's already working against the Emperor, though she'd also be against the threat that Thassilon poses. I think she'd have agents on both sides of the conflict, making certain that she's backing the right side, no matter who wins. Both Gogmurt and Turtleback Ferry's Mayor Shreed can both act as envoys of the High Druid, pursue their goals, and still be members in good standing.
Lich King: Could he be Zutha? Even if he isn't, he likely knows of Zutha, and would take Karzoug's imminent return as a sign that Zutha may be close to returning as well. Does he aid Karzoug, in the hopes that the Runelord of Greed will focus on destroying his ancient rivals first? Does he aid the party, hoping that removing this threat from the board is more important? Does he remain neutral, backing neither side? Definitely some questions need to be answered here.
Orc Lord: Not many orcs in the AP, but the various humanoid warbands (the Thistletop Goblins, the Hook Mountain ogres, the giant armies around Jorgenfist and Xin-Shalast) would all pay him lip service at the very least. How closely he pays attention to things depend upon icon rolls.
Priestess: In short, any priest the PCs meet could be an envoy for her. Again, I see her as focused against the Diabolist first, and the Runelords second, but as the stakes grow ever more dire, she would be forced to turn her attentions to defeeating Karzoug.
Prince of Shadows: Hmmmm...is he Xanderghul? Certainly would explain how he's accomplished everything he's supposed to have done. Even if he's not, he's naturally the most mercurial of the icons. Maybe the Skinsaw Cult works for him, and so do the Sczarni. Maybe the Varisian lad who got Nualia pregnant started a relationship with her at his direction, and this madness is all his plan - after all, Nualia's actions end up leading the PCs to take on a major threat to Varisia.
Three: Any dragons and kobolds work for her, and she also hopes to have Thassilon ascendant again, especially with Karzoug rising. She orders her minions to fight to the death, knowing that their greedy souls will hasten the Runelord of Greed's return that much faster.
Wow thanks! That's some cool ideas!
I am not worried about the mechanics (for now at least), as I am going to replace monsters/NPCs with 13A ones, and if not possible, I am going to reskin some existing monster. Balancing encounters on the fly is also dead easy in 13A, so I think I should be able to whip up something on the spot.
Level-wise, Adventurer tier will cover chapters 1,2 and part of 3; Champion tier for rest of 3, 4, and half of 5; Epic tier for the rest.
I am probably going to remove some encounters; I have found that the suggested 12-16 encounters per level is spot on.
I'll have to think about your proposal more carefully; I'll come back with more questions if you don't mind :)
Thanks again!
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Sure thing! I think that Sandpoint's residents would be good emissaries for the various Icons as well. Father Zantus could be doing the work of The Priestess in the town, Ilsoari Gandethus might have some communication with The Archmage, Jubrayl Viskhi might get his marching orders from the Prince of Shadows, and so on.
Probably not exactly what you're looking for, but I'm working on the mechanical aspect here. I'm not planning on putting the AP into the Dragon Empire as my group is familiar with Golarion, but as I go I can add in thoughts on adapting the setting.