RotRL or CotCT

[Tharen the Damned]

Yes, I've read the entire adventure series. We differ as to its merits and demerits.

I think the key distinction between our approaches here is that I look at all of her actions as a part of building a villain the PCs come to hate, despite necessarily limited face time with them. I place less emphasis on the combat capability of the villain in the final fight, because I want the PCs emotional reaction to the villain to be primary. After all, the PCs are supposed to win after having been challenged while doing so. It's interesting to read posts from your different perspective, which allows me to better prep things for it, so I thank you for that.

What rogerouge said and let me add that there are always power hungry people around who will ally with whomever seems to have power at the meoment and is willing to elevate their station.
So even if most of the common people hate the BBEG, there are those with enough power and not enough conscience who willingly serve the BBEG.
Also the teeming unwashed masses have a lot on their slate.Day to day life in Korvosa is hard enough. And you think thrice before rebelling if you have Hell Knights patrolling the strets.
Nope, i think th BBEG in CotCT has less personal power that the on in RotRL but so much leverage and influnce over other people that it is scary.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

DEP (the original poster), I don't want to step on any toes by presenting a non-Paizo option, but have you considered War of the Burning Sky?

Hmm. I just noticed.

Rise of the Rune Lords
Curse of the Crimson Throne
War of the Burning Sky

Thankfully the current Paizo AP isn't "Doom of the Second Darkness" or something.

Keep of the Shadowfell. At least it's not an entire path.

Adventure designers should become a little more creative.