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This is a spoiler-filled resource thread for GMs running the Return of the Runelords Adventure Path, specifically for the first adventure, "Secrets of Roderic's Cove."
This is a great cast of NPCs. I've been waiting since PaizoCon to meet Lullaby Vancaskerkin and she did not disappoint.
In Corstela's write up it has her attack bonus with Baraket as +4/+4 but I was under the assumption that its speed quality was suppressed because of Xanderghul's current state. Is this a typo or does she retain a connection that allows her to wield it like that?
In Corstela's write up it has her attack bonus with Baraket as +4/+4 but I was under the assumption that its speed quality was suppressed because of Xanderghul's current state. Is this a typo or does she retain a connection that allows her to wield it like that?
Each of the Swords of Sin has the clause that, when their respective runelord is dormant, they revert to "a +2 weapon with the noted weapon special abilities (those detailed on page 469 of the Core Rulebook) but no other properties." Page 469 of the Core Rulebook is the page that contains the magic weapon enchantments, so I believe that it's implying that Baraket would be a +2 spell storing speed rapier whilst dormant.
Also in Corstela's write up it lists her attack with the horacalcum light mace at +8. I calculate +3 BAB+3 Dex and +1 horacalcum - unless the +1 circumstance bonus horacalcum gives is in addition to the mastework bonus?
The +1 from the horacalcum and masterwork do stack as one is circumstance and the other is enhancement bonus.
Each of the Swords of Sin has the clause that, when their respective runelord is dormant, they revert to "a +2 weapon with the noted weapon special abilities (those detailed on page 469 of the Core Rulebook) but no other properties." Page 469 of the Core Rulebook is the page that contains the magic weapon enchantments, so I believe that it's implying that Baraket would be a +2 spell storing speed rapier whilst dormant.
In the book, it states that the weapon has reverted to its dormant state so I'm not why it's showing her attack with it as +4/+4 as if it still had the speed quality to it. On pg. 51 it states that the sword has returned to dormancy. Some clarification would be cool, as to whether or not the sword is awake or not so I know what kind of treasure to give the PC's.
The sword is dormant, but it's still a +2 spell-storing speed rapier. It just doesn't have any of its intelligent item powers... but as you'll see in the next adventure, keeping it around might be tricky and/or dangerous...
I see, thanks!!! I assumed dormant meant it lost its special qualities and became regular a +2 sword.
What's the perception DC for the invisible chest in room E4 on pg. 31? There is a lot of wealth in that chest and I'm trying to figure out what the odds of my PCs finding it will be. I don't want to just give it to them (obviously it being invisible and under the effects of magic aura will make that difficult anyway). But I want to give them a chance to find it nonetheless.
Going off the spell it'd be a +40 before taking into account size modifiers. Since the occupant of the room is invisible the PCs might be inclined to check over the rest of the room, possibly with lots of flour so they don't get jumped.
That was my plan if there wasn't anything specific laid out. A DC 40 is steep for level ~2 adventurers, but I'll likely give them a circumstance bonus if they take more than 10 minutes to search the room.
Corstela's write up seems to also be missing a feat.
nevermind, I misread her level.
Also note that there's a handy wand of glitterdust in the Roadkeeper's camp that clever PCs might use on the room's inhabitant, which would aid in them finding the coffer.
Clever!
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Still a bit weirded out about Kynae's issues and the not so subtle "the PCs should just kill the poor boy's father".
Still a bit weirded out about Kynae's issues and the not so subtle "the PCs should just kill the poor boy's father".
Agreed, that one feels a bit...off? I'm not sure how to properly describe it. Like its not game breaking or anything and I'm sure Good characters would be fine with getting the boy into a better home, but this feels like it was inserted into the adventure purely to make the players feel like Good People(TM). I could see anyone who has had the misfortune of dealing with alcoholism in their families not enjoying that part.
Thankfully its easy to fix. Just say the kid comes from a happier home and likes sleeping outside at night because he's a lovable scamp. Or maybe his dad does drink, but never hurts Kynae and is fiercely protective of him.
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It's a topic that was a tough one for me to consider. On the one hand, it presents the players with a real-world situation for them to consider, but on the other it's something that some folk will be very uncomfortable with. In the end, rather than cut it entirely I decided to leave it in there but handle it vaguely, so that each individual GM can handle it as is most appropriate for their table.
I'll certainly be paying attention to feedback on this from folks to continue to learn how best to include stuff like this in the future. On the one hand, children in peril is a pretty huge trigger that is a dangerous topic to include in an RPG... but on the other, that's kind of the whole point of immensely popular books (Many Stephen King books, or how about Harry Potter, anyone?)... but the fact that books aren't interactive is a big difference.
ANYway... sorry if it weirds anyone out.
It's a topic that was a tough one for me to consider. On the one hand, it presents the players with a real-world situation for them to consider, but on the other it's something that some folk will be very uncomfortable with. In the end, rather than cut it entirely I decided to leave it in there but handle it vaguely, so that each individual GM can handle it as is most appropriate for their table.
I'll certainly be paying attention to feedback on this from folks to continue to learn how best to include stuff like this in the future. On the one hand, children in peril is a pretty huge trigger that is a dangerous topic to include in an RPG... but on the other, that's kind of the whole point of immensely popular books (Many Stephen King books, or how about Harry Potter, anyone?)... but the fact that books aren't interactive is a big difference.
ANYway... sorry if it weirds anyone out.
I will blame the wording for that one.
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The Whispering Cairn, by Erik Mona (Dungeon Magazine) was considered by many the Gold Standard for 1st level adventures. Sorry Erik, but you have been surpassed by Adam Daigle, Secrets of Roderic's Cove.
I love this adventure!
Now to find a good PbP group here, once I get the second chapter.
-- david
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Question:
Page 23: How big is Hallen Rosker "small barge". Can it hold her and five PCs? How about horses?
-- david
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Question:
Page 23: How big is Hallen Rosker "small barge". Can it hold her and five PCs? How about horses?-- david
Part of why we didn't specifically spell this out is to imply and suggest (maybe not well enough) that the barge can fit the whole party, regardless of their mount situation. It's still "small" in that it's not for an entire merchant caravan.
AKA: It's lame to strand half the party on the far side of the river from an encounter.
@James - LOL. Yea that would be kinda lame. I would have ruled that way, but just wanted to understand the writers thoughts, thanks.
-- david
Area D4 says Nighteye shares the room with her wolf companion named "silver". But it isn't listed in the room.
Do you need to have played Rise and Shattered Star before this one to "fill in" the saviors roles?
Do you need to have played Rise and Shattered Star before this one to "fill in" the saviors roles?
Short answer: NO
Longer answer: Still NO, as the adventure suggests that each player create a 17th level character, with GM help, that will be one of the Sihedron Heroes. It does help for continuity and background if the players have played either one or both of them in the past. Sort of like the Lord of the Rings trilogy of movies. You could just watch the last one (Return of the King) without watching the first two, but you miss a lot of the background material.
-- david
I think The Witcher 3 is a better example than Return of the King, since the former is a complete story in of itself, while RotK is clearly part of an ongoing story (especially with the extended edition). Playing Witcher 1+2 gives you additional context, but that's it, same as with Rise of the Runelords and Shattered Star (and Curse of the Crimson Throne and Wrath of the Righteous, both of which have aspects which provide further context for this AP).
Question Re: Captain Julit Freson.
p.14: "...but whose son, Julit Freson, now serves as militia commander in Roderic’s Cove."
p.71: "Captain Julit Freson (LG middle-aged female human fighter 5) is a gruff, no-nonsense woman who runs the guardhouse and trains anyone in town who wants to volunteer for the guard or militia."
Not a huge issue (and easily managed), but I'd be curious which it's supposed to be. (I'm leaning towards the latter.)
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Question Re: Captain Julit Freson.
p.14: "...but whose son, Julit Freson, now serves as militia commander in Roderic’s Cove."
p.71: "Captain Julit Freson (LG middle-aged female human fighter 5) is a gruff, no-nonsense woman who runs the guardhouse and trains anyone in town who wants to volunteer for the guard or militia."
Not a huge issue (and easily managed), but I'd be curious which it's supposed to be. (I'm leaning towards the latter.)
Julit is a woman.
Julit is a woman.Question Re: Captain Julit Freson.
p.14: "...but whose son, Julit Freson, now serves as militia commander in Roderic’s Cove."
p.71: "Captain Julit Freson (LG middle-aged female human fighter 5) is a gruff, no-nonsense woman who runs the guardhouse and trains anyone in town who wants to volunteer for the guard or militia."
Not a huge issue (and easily managed), but I'd be curious which it's supposed to be. (I'm leaning towards the latter.)
Awesome. Thank you sir!
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I've noticed that a bunch of enemy stat blocks are missing the "tactics" section.
-Skeld
We do that sometimes to make room for more adventure content. I do try to cut them from enemies that have relatively straightforward tactics but it doesn't always work out like that.
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We do that sometimes to make room for more adventure content. I do try to cut them from enemies that have relatively straightforward tactics but it doesn't always work out like that.I've noticed that a bunch of enemy stat blocks are missing the "tactics" section.
-Skeld
I thought that might be the case with this being a 1-20 AP.
Thanks for the explanation. Chapter 1 was a great read and I'm looking forward to digging into the next chapters. :)
-Skeld
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Hey all!
So, according to my research, Orik is either the cousin or the half-sibling of Lullaby. Any official call on this?
There is. We had a pretty fun and weirdly complicated discussion of the Vancaskerkin family tree, and it IS all worked out, but it's too complicated to get into here and knowing the details isn't necessary for Lullaby's role in the adventure, so for now it's gotta stay behind the scenes. But some day we'll make it public, never fear.