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Quoth the Tengu, "Adventure More"

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

One of the great advantages of working in the organized play medium is that we produce so many scenarios. That means that when there's a lot of fan interest in a certain area, group, or topic, we can usually look a little further down the schedule and say, "I think we could make some room here." Every since Pathfinder Society Scenario #6-13: Of Kirin and Kraken we've had more requests for adventures set in Kwanlai and featuring tengus. For that matter, ever since Taldor was a Pathfinder Society faction, players and GMs have asked me when they'd be able to bring about serious reform in that nation—admittedly some were asking so that they could snag a better noble title. This month we're doing both, and we're really pleased with the scenarios releasing today.

For all Kwanlai's outward appearance as a unified nation, it's a diverse confederation of tengu clans that often contend with each other over power, religion, and deeply rooted feuds. The isolated village of Yiangma is a spectator in many of these feuds, instead dedicated to maintaining an ancient shrine with heavenly ties. However, the village's priests have not sent any report to its archon contact, Zepha, in a long time. Concerned that something might be wrong, Zepha tasks the PCs in Pathfinder Society Scenario #9-12: Shrine of the Sacred Tempest with traveling to Yiangma to check in, after which they are free to study the settlement's priceless relics and history for the Society.

In this Tier 1-5 adventure by Justin Juan, the PCs explore a village comprised almost entirely of tengus, immersing the PCs in rural Kwanlai's culture and the greater region's history. Naturally, we couldn't present a Kwanlai scenario without highlighting the tengus' favorite deity, the tempestuous Hei Feng, and we're very excited about the excellent illustrations by Tom Ventre that appear in this scenario. It should also come as no surprise that any task so closely tied to an archon also has strong Silver Crusade connections, too. Finally, if you're dismayed that such a fun scenario's too low level for your beloved tengu character, I'm happy to report that there's a Tier 5-9 scenario coming up in this region in a few more months.

Illustrations by Tom Ventre

Ever since my colleague Crystal Frasier and I began planning the War for the Crown Adventure Path, we wanted to tell the story of Taldor's succession conflict from the perspective of multiple campaigns. Not only does that approach demonstrate that such major events don't happen inside a vacuum, but this development has also remained one of the Sovereign Court faction's top projects. Taldor's senate has been fiercely debating the antiquated rule of primogeniture, the nation's practice of passing the crown only to a male heir. On one side is Princess Eutropia, the reform-minded daughter of the current ruler. On the other is Grand Prince Stavian III, her increasingly paranoid father. The Sovereign Court backs Eutropia, and in the past several months' scenarios, Pathfinders have assisted this faction—both to help Lady Morilla as well as to secure historical resources that the Society's long wanted to study. Now it's all come to this: an imminent senate vote that coincides with a major Taldan holiday.

Remember how I mentioned Crystal and I were coordinating stories? One of my favorite elements is how this month's Pathfinder Society Scenario #9-13: The Lion's Justice happens at the same time as many events in Pathfinder #127: Crownfall, the first installment in War for the Crown, each portraying the action from a different angle. Sounds tough to coordinate? It's definitely taken some forethought and effort, yet our jobs were made so much easier by convincing Thurston Hillman (also our Starfinder Society Developer) to write both adventures. This experiment in product interaction—and this Tier 7-11 scenario with Sovereign Court ties—wouldn't have been the same without his tireless contributions.

And if these bold illustrations by Sebastian Rodriguez are any indication, it's all paid off beautifully. Anyone who's mocked Taldor's competences has clearly never had to face down its greatest knights.

Illustrations by Sebastian Rodriguez

Finally, you'll notice that #9-13 has a rather weird boon on its Chronicle sheet, and I'd like to explain that for anyone wondering.

Spoilers for The Lion's Justice

For a long while we've noticed that the Pathfinder Society doesn't have much of a retirement plan. Sure, there was the old wisdom that one's career ended at 12th level—which we've since dispelled with sanctioned modules and ongoing seeker-level content—but what happens after a PC decides to hang up her greatsword, change careers, or even retire in-world?

To this end, we've included a boon with the Legacy tag on this scenario's Chronicle sheet. A Legacy boon doesn't necessarily have any mechanical benefits. Instead, its primary purpose is to note the meaningful impact your character had on the world, whether that's changing a country or just changing a life. We also intend for Legacy boons to convey some in-world perk with long-lasting effects, much as is the case in this adventure, with your character having a place where everyone's always ready to treat her like family. Finally, adding a specific tag allows us to consider future boons that might interact with Legacy boons, allowing us to tie together these events more cleanly.

Overall, though, it's a reminder of something good that you did. Enjoy!

John Compton
Organized Play Lead Developer

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Tags: Organized Play Pathfinder Society Pathfinder Society Scenarios Sebastian Rodriguez Tom Ventre
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Dataphiles 3/5
2 people marked this as a favorite.

I'm very excited that we're getting Tengu related adventures, and glad to hear that my level 9 Tengu who worships Hei Feng gets to play in one! The Legacy boons sound intriguing. Definitely interested to see how these work.
Paizo Employee 5/5 Starfinder Society Developer
15 people marked this as a favorite.

FOR TALDOR!

(Sorry, someone had to)
3/5 5/5
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Never gonna argue with more Tengu related content. They're one of the races that really don't feel like there's been much that's done with them. It'll be good to get some more flavor and story to work with.

But, this might also because I'm the local "Tengu Guy". Always need more background info for making a story for Tengu #15.
The Exchange 5/5 *****

For Taldor!

Please pay no attenntion to the herd of ankylosaurus rampaging through the streets of Oparra.
4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Darn it, my tengu group leveled out! Why couldn’t this be a 3-7? GM Hmm goes off to cry quietly in a corner.

Then she perks up. However, the upcoming 5-9 might be a call for a tengu reunion!

Hmm
Dark Archive 5/5 5/5
3 people marked this as a favorite.

The Fist of Hei Feng bears a similar resemblance to a certain character in Big Trouble in Little China.
Sovereign Court 4/5 *
Thurston Hillman wrote:

FOR TALDOR!

(Sorry, someone had to)

And for the rest of Golarion, to which I graciously refer as "Mother Taldor's once-and-future colonies."

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

FOR TALDOR!

My Heritor Knight gladly raises his sword and shield in support of Princess Eutropia, the rightful and future empress of Taldor! By the way, do we have official artwork for Princess Eutropia yet?
Paizo Employee 4/5 Organized Play Lead Developer
3 people marked this as a favorite.
Berselius wrote:
By the way, do we have official artwork for Princess Eutropia yet?

Keep an eye out for the upcoming War for the Crown Adventure Path.

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ****

”For Taldor!!”
Sovereign Court 5/5

"Fer Cassomir! Fer the Blackwood! Fer TALDOR!"

A very small frog riding atop a larger frog fires a musket several times into the air, for emphasis.
Sovereign Court 5/5 5/5
1 person marked this as a favorite.

"I ain't doin' s*%* for Taldor."
Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ****

Who’s Taldor?
4/5 5/5 * Contributor
2 people marked this as a favorite.
GothPanda wrote:

Never gonna argue with more Tengu related content. They're one of the races that really don't feel like there's been much that's done with them. It'll be good to get some more flavor and story to work with.

But, this might also because I'm the local "Tengu Guy". Always need more background info for making a story for Tengu #15.

Holy smokes! You have 15+ tengu? I have 15+ kitsune!

We should join forces! Together, no one will stop us! NO ONE!!!

Wish I could fave the original blog post just for the title.
Sovereign Court 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

"For Taldor! Hut tut tut!"
Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

Already reading #9-13, prepping to GM it...all I can say is "Wow!"

Players - get ready for some epic story and great call backs from multiple seasons and scenarios!
The Exchange 3/5

The title for this blog is fantastic.

Is there an order Pathfinder #127: Crownfall and Lion's Justice should be played in or does anything work? Are there any scenarios or storylines which would be good to read up on before Lion's Justice?
Paizo Employee 5/5 Starfinder Society Developer
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Mike Bramnik wrote:

Already reading #9-13, prepping to GM it...all I can say is "Wow!"

Players - get ready for some epic story and great call backs from multiple seasons and scenarios!

This isn't my first rod-eo.

Paizo Employee 5/5 Starfinder Society Developer
Ragoz wrote:

The title for this blog is fantastic.

Is there an order Pathfinder #127: Crownfall and Lion's Justice should be played in or does anything work? Are there any scenarios or storylines which would be good to read up on before Lion's Justice?

Two sides of the same coin. Realistically any order works for these two! :)

Grand Lodge 4/5
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Excited for these scenarios, but I need information on the Elemental Concordance so bad...
Dark Archive 4/5 *** Venture-Agent, Finland—Tampere

I'm always bit confused whenever Pathfinder Society Scenarios have Adventure Path tie ins ._. I mean, don't PFS by default assume that APs have not happened/probably haven't happened yet and had their major world changing stuff happen yet?
3/5 5/5
Alex Augunas wrote:
GothPanda wrote:

Never gonna argue with more Tengu related content. They're one of the races that really don't feel like there's been much that's done with them. It'll be good to get some more flavor and story to work with.

But, this might also because I'm the local "Tengu Guy". Always need more background info for making a story for Tengu #15.

Holy smokes! You have 15+ tengu? I have 15+ kitsune!

We should join forces! Together, no one will stop us! NO ONE!!!

I have 14. I will be making #15. ;)

Paizo Employee 4/5 Organized Play Lead Developer
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Ragoz wrote:

The title for this blog is fantastic.

Is there an order Pathfinder #127: Crownfall and Lion's Justice should be played in or does anything work? Are there any scenarios or storylines which would be good to read up on before Lion's Justice?

I recommend also playing Pathfinder Society Scenario #9–08: Birthright Betrayed and Pathfinder Society Scenario #9–11: Saga of the Jarlsblood Witch beforehand. These three scenarios represent the Sovereign Court's big storyline for the season. However, the story elements are a little less tightly connected than is the case in a formal three-part series, so experiencing these with different characters is entirely fine.

Like Thursty said above, you can play #9–13 and #127 in any order and have a great time. Probably my Ideal Experience would involve playing the first half of #127, taking a break to play #9–13 with the higher-level characters, then finishing off #127.
Paizo Employee 4/5 Organized Play Lead Developer
1 person marked this as a favorite.
CorvusMask wrote:
I'm always bit confused whenever Pathfinder Society Scenarios have Adventure Path tie ins ._. I mean, don't PFS by default assume that APs have not happened/probably haven't happened yet and had their major world changing stuff happen yet?

That's the default. However, even the Adventure Paths sometimes need to look back and assume certain previous material happened for the sake of the most recent adventure's narrative. For example, Shattered Star entirely assumes that Rise of the Runelords and Curse of the Crimson Throne happened. Were we not planning to draw upon the same material, organized play might not have acknowledged this Adventure Path's events. However, we saw an opportunity to tell a richer, more cohesive story by collaborating.

Liberty's Edge 1/5 5/5

...alas, my life path has taken me elsewhere...
Grand Lodge 1/5 5/5

...a young tengu gunslinger opines...

"ALRIGHT! THE DUKE OF THUNDER IS IN THE HOUSE!"
Silver Crusade 1/5 5/5

"Settle down, young'un. Kwanlai isn't what you think it is. There's darkness and danger in every doorstep." offers a curmudgeonly older tengu matron clad in brilliantly shiny mithril plate.
Sovereign Court 1/5 5/5

In chimes a tengu clad in yellow and black lamellar armor...

"Forget about Kwanlai, honored elder, there's SCANDAL to be found in Taldor! Lots of juicy, delicious SCANDAL. The Savored Sting will insist on duty there, and I cannot wait!"
Liberty's Edge 1/5 5/5

A weathered, battered old bird with grey sneaking into their feathers watches the commotion, grunts, and heads to work on something a bit more important.
Second Seekers (Roheas) 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ***** Regional Venture-Coordinator, Appalachia

It may be time to debut the FASTEST bird this side of the Dragon Empire KAW KAW
The Exchange 1/5 5/5

A blur of shadows resolves itself into a business-tunic clad entity with a briefcase in hand and a large curved blade across their back.

"Clients? Did I hear cases calling my name in Taldor? Or even Tian Xia? As soon as I'm done with this case in Minkai I'll be right over to assist! TAKE MY CARD!"

...and then they are back to the shadows, as if they were never there.
The Exchange 1/5 5/5

A fedora-wearing bird with an exquisite dye job done in the Wayang style tilts his fedora a bit.

"Frankly, the current situation in Garund has my attention, but never one to turn down a well-paying excursion on behalf of the Society. Drop me a line."
Silver Crusade
1 person marked this as a favorite.

KITTY KNIGHT!
Grand Lodge 1/5 5/5

"Should the Lodge insist, I will perform the tasks required. Explore. Report. Cooperate."
Liberty's Edge 1/5 5/5

"Hopefully there will be the chance for GLORIOUS BATTLE! Our Lord in Iron be praised! WILL YOU FIGHT?"
Silver Crusade 1/5 5/5

A brightly-dyed tengu bearing all the colors of the rainbow blinks at the commotion.

"May the Eternal Rose bring peace and harmony to everyone and help us to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
1/5 5/5
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

...may need to make a few more tengu alts...

Honestly, really cannot express my excitement enough!
4/5

Raptor Squad is GO!
Grand Lodge 1/5 Contributor
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Ooooh!

"Written by Thurston Hillman"

Awesome!

For Taldor!
2/5

I feel like every scenario I've played in Tian Xia is set in a small rural village.
1/5 5/5
Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

I've seen an even blend?

I've seen scenarios/quests in the bigger cities (including Goka) as well as the smaller villages and the like.
Scarab Sages 5/5 5/5 *** Venture-Captain, Netherlands
2 people marked this as a favorite.

Looks like I will need to hatch a new Tengu :)
Shadow Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 **** Venture-Captain, California—San Francisco Bay Area North & East
Thurston Hillman wrote:
Ragoz wrote:

The title for this blog is fantastic.

Is there an order Pathfinder #127: Crownfall and Lion's Justice should be played in or does anything work? Are there any scenarios or storylines which would be good to read up on before Lion's Justice?

Two sides of the same coin. Realistically any order works for these two! :)

Well then, I guess the big question is how quickly will Crownfall be sanctioned for organized play?

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

For Taldor!
5/5

Like Ragoz said, great title, John!
Sovereign Court 1/5
1 person marked this as a favorite.

"Me want so much to go back to Kwanlai, meet beautiful Tengu lady. Feathers so soft! But me very important! Me Baron of Ravenmoor. Me have to go to Taldor! Only Gods say who can rule!"

Both my Tengu are too high level for Shrine of the Sacred Tempest, but Tooth and Claw is definitely going to have to play Lion's Justice. Does anyone know which scenario Sovereign Court make the decision to back the Princess?

I may just make another Tengu for SotST.
1/5 5/5

As of Birthright, it was official. It may have happened earlier, but it definitely was in place at that one.
1/5 5/5
Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

So:

ETA on getting the awesome pictures above (along with many other tengu ones) approved as avatars?

:>

Am I silly for checking in on this blog and
thread today to make sure it still existed??
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