Shackled City - Ready for Pre-Order. Will you be getting a copy?

[Venport]

SPOLERS*** Don't read if you want a suprise










The Ap dose a good job a thowing some very chalenging creatures and encounters at the PC's without being overthe top. It dose a great job of thowing in cool NPCs (like jrazy Jarrad) who is Fun to run. It also brings in several standared DND creatures in a new way (like the beholder) and it brings in creatures from other books and uses them well (like the demodads) Also confics that are no just smash a grab like when the Valcano errupts and destroys Caldrond

and one of the most difficut things for a group of adventurers it makes them roleplay with nobility (my players had issues with this) the final boss is very nasty too even though I have not run his encounter yet i know it will kill several players...

I Recomend the hardcover from what I have read it brings the Great villans from later in the AP to the beginigh and lets the be more of problem for the PC's The only reason i'm not buying it right away is I'm almost done with the Ap and it would be a waist of money... however if i knew then what i know now i would have waited for the hardcover and run that one...

 

[Qualidar]

I'll be picking it up, for sure. In addition to the fact that I want the new, fully 3.5 version with the extra bells & whistles, I like to support Dungeon, tied with Green Ronin for my favorite game company.

~Qualidar~

 

[delericho]

Warning - here be spoilers

So, what did people like about the Shackled City adventure path -- besides the fact that it was an adventure path?

And, once again: there are spoilers below...





For my group, there have been two really great set-piece encounters. The first took place in the second adventure, when the party faced off against Tongueater. The second was in "Zenith Trajectory", when the party reached the central area of the Kuo-toan temple. There then followed a running battle across all three levels of the temple, featuring many waves of enemy reinforcements, took up the entire 6-hour game session, and finally ended with 5 of 6 PCs bleeding to death, the 6th in single-digit hit points, and the final opponent falling to the last attack of the round.

Additionally, "Foundations of Flame" was a very different style of adventure, and an interesting way to stage high-level adventures featuring big events in the background, yet still allowing the PCs to have a reasonable impact.

 

[shmoo2]

I won't be getting it. I already have all the original issues. Whilethe extra content seems worthwhile, it isn't worth $60 to me when I have the adventures already.

 

[The Shaman]

What is "Shackled City?"

:\

 

[Wormwood]

I just picked up Dungeon #124, and on the strength of "Age of Worms", I plan to subscribe (pending my wife's permission. God I suck).

That said, I'm seriously considering buying the Shackled City collection. The parts I've seen and the story hours I've read) are strong recommendations.

 

[Aeson]

I've preordered it. I'm running it now. I started with the first adventure then heard they were coming out with it in one book. I decided to take a break and let someone else run until I can get the book.

 

[devilbat]

(pending my wife's permission. God I suck).

Dude, I feel your pain.

If I need a quicky campaign, and I've got more money then time, I'll pick it up. But it probably won't be anytime soon. Sorry Paizo.

 

[Steel_Wind]

I have it all already.

I will be gettiing it anyways for the maps and the extra material.

I believe Paizo is taking a bold step with this product and they deserve our support. I will do my part - I urge others to do likewise.

 

[GlassJaw]

I'm running it now (currently in Zenith Trajectory) and the whole group is really enjoying it. I'll definitely be getting a copy of this even though I have all the issues. From what I've heard, the added stuff in the hardcover will be worth it (although I'll doubt I'll preorder it).

So, what did people like about the Shackled City adventure path -- besides the fact that it was an adventure path?

First off, the city itself is flat-out cool. Heck, it's a volcano! The cartography throughout the whole AP is outstanding as well.

If you are looking for a dynamic campaign with a variety of baddies, that goes to a variety of places (including other planes), really cool dungeons, a great city to adventure in, and a cataclysmic plot, the AP is for you.

Some of the highlights in my campaign so far (spoilers!):











The battle at the end of Life's Bazaar. The PC's made their way to the Kazmojen the slaver's lair. But before the battle begins, a beholder appears (who plays a significant role in the AP). One of the PC's actually negotiated with him and made some cash in the process. Of course, after that, a grand melee breaks out between the party, Kazmojen, his howler pet, and some other minions.

Tongue-Eater: He's one of my favorite BBEG's in a LONG time. He's basically a half-orc werebaboon barbarian. Of course, I tweaked him a bit and added the feral template. We had our first death in the campaign at the hands of Tongue.

Zenith Trajectory kuo-toa temple: When they arrive at the temple, a kuo-toan ferryman approaches in a canoe. Without hesitation, the PC's attack him. He jumps in the water and disappears. The PC's rope in his boat and start paddling across. A few moments later, the boat is hit from below and 3 of the PC's fall in (2 of which had plate armor on). A frantic underwater begins with the kuo-toan monk ferryman who promptly begins to grapple the wizard. Some great tactics by the PC's save the day.

Central shrine: Upon entering the shrine (and seeing the 50'+ statue of Blipooploploplpopo - however it's spelled), the PC's come upon some kuo-toa chanting. A battle begins and the kuo-toa start throwing lightning bolts. The PC's dispatch the whips but a minute or two later, the statue begins to glow and an advanced erinyes is summoned. An aerial battle ensues and once again, some great tactics (included the flying & grappling monk) pull the party through. Of course they aren't out of the woods yet...

At the end of the battle, all of the players said it was the coolest battle of the campaign yet.