paizo.com Recent Reviews by AFlashInTimepaizo.com Recent Reviews by AFlashInTime2023-08-06T02:50:08Z2023-08-06T02:50:08ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-21: Yesteryear's Sorrow: One of the better SFS Dunegon Crawls (3 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpya0dw?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-121-Yesteryears-Sorrow2019-06-04T03:11:58Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-21: Yesteryear's Sorrow</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>I went back and forth on giving this three or four stars. The scenario is the much-anticipated sequel to SFS 1-03, which I highly recommend, but doesn't quite capture the same world-spanning impact of the first one. This scenario does a very good job executing an SFS dungeon crawl from finding the first hatch to the final battle. There are environmental effects, a unique BBEG, a nice mix of skill checks and combat, and cool scenario rewards.</p>
<p>All of that being said, I had trouble rating it four or five stars because of the comparatively limited scope of the adventure. I think the scenario definitely works well in a pinch, but in two out of my three play throughs (GM'd twice, played once) I couldn't really point to a memorable moment or "wow" take away. (My third table had such a moment during the final battle, but it was based more on poor PC luck during combat than the scenario itself.) By all means I think this scenario does a lot right, but I wouldn't rank it among the very top of the SFS scenarios from season one.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-21: Yesteryear's Sorrow</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>I went back and forth on giving this three or four stars. The scenario is the much-anticipated sequel to SFS 1-03, which I highly recommend, but doesn't quite capture the same world-spanning impact of the first one. This scenario does a very good job executing an SFS dungeon crawl from finding the first hatch to the final battle. There are environmental effects, a unique BBEG, a nice mix of skill checks and combat, and cool scenario rewards.</p>
<p>All of that being said, I had trouble rating it four or five stars because of the comparatively limited scope of the adventure. I think the scenario definitely works well in a pinch, but in two out of my three play throughs (GM'd twice, played once) I couldn't really point to a memorable moment or "wow" take away. (My third table had such a moment during the final battle, but it was based more on poor PC luck during combat than the scenario itself.) By all means I think this scenario does a lot right, but I wouldn't rank it among the very top of the SFS scenarios from season one.</p>AFlashInTime2019-06-04T03:11:58ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-20: Duskmire Accord 9: Just misses the mark (1 star)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpya0dv?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-120-Duskmire-Accord-92019-05-05T15:33:59Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-20: Duskmire Accord 9</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>I really wanted to like SFS 1-20. The scenario picks up where SFS 1-09 Live Exploration Extreme!! left off on Salvation’s End, so weird things happening in the scenario should be expected. The scenario just fell short for me in terms of both flavor and mechanical execution. I can say that this is the first scenario I’ve rated as 1 star after reviewing every SFS scenario in chronological order of release, and as of SFS 1-35 was my least favorite to play through. The scenario didn’t do everything wrong, but it just missed it for me. Details below. </p>
<p>The good news</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Where things might’ve gone wrong</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-20: Duskmire Accord 9</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>I really wanted to like SFS 1-20. The scenario picks up where SFS 1-09 Live Exploration Extreme!! left off on Salvation’s End, so weird things happening in the scenario should be expected. The scenario just fell short for me in terms of both flavor and mechanical execution. I can say that this is the first scenario I’ve rated as 1 star after reviewing every SFS scenario in chronological order of release, and as of SFS 1-35 was my least favorite to play through. The scenario didn’t do everything wrong, but it just missed it for me. Details below. </p>
<p>The good news</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Where things might’ve gone wrong</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>AFlashInTime2019-05-05T15:33:59ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-19: To Conquer the Dragon: Dragons! (5 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpya0a3?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-119-To-Conquer-the-Dragon2019-05-05T14:53:49Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-19: To Conquer the Dragon</b></p><p>Based on my experiences playing and running at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>To Conquer the Dragon was, for me, the best SFS scenario to come out since 1-09 Live Exploration Extreme! While only the second tier 5-8 scenario to be published after 1-17, 1-19 did a good job mixing social, investigative, starship, and normal combat encounters so this scenario has something for everybody. The scenario also builds off developments uncovered in previous SFS scenarios, adding to SFS lore that is growing richer by the scenario. Detailed spoilers below. The scenario requires more prep work than one might expect in order to run properly, particularly the last combat, but the payoff is one of the best combats, and overall scenarios, in all of SFS’s season 1. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-19: To Conquer the Dragon</b></p><p>Based on my experiences playing and running at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>To Conquer the Dragon was, for me, the best SFS scenario to come out since 1-09 Live Exploration Extreme! While only the second tier 5-8 scenario to be published after 1-17, 1-19 did a good job mixing social, investigative, starship, and normal combat encounters so this scenario has something for everybody. The scenario also builds off developments uncovered in previous SFS scenarios, adding to SFS lore that is growing richer by the scenario. Detailed spoilers below. The scenario requires more prep work than one might expect in order to run properly, particularly the last combat, but the payoff is one of the best combats, and overall scenarios, in all of SFS’s season 1. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>AFlashInTime2019-05-05T14:53:49ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-18: The Blackmoon Survey: Great use of lore, interesting choices (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpya0a2?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-118-The-Blackmoon-Survey2019-05-01T03:51:11Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-18: The Blackmoon Survey</b></p><p>Based on my experiences GMing and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>This scenario was really hard for me to rate. It’s been several months since I played through 1-18, so I went back and skimmed the scenario again and checked out the other reviews (Jhaeman’s was excellent, as always) to remember my feel for this scenario. Spoilers galore follow. </p>
<p>Good news
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Room for improvement
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-18: The Blackmoon Survey</b></p><p>Based on my experiences GMing and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>This scenario was really hard for me to rate. It’s been several months since I played through 1-18, so I went back and skimmed the scenario again and checked out the other reviews (Jhaeman’s was excellent, as always) to remember my feel for this scenario. Spoilers galore follow. </p>
<p>Good news
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Room for improvement
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>AFlashInTime2019-05-01T03:51:11ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-17: Reclaiming the Time-Lost Tear: A big, alien dungeon crawl (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpya08x?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-117-Reclaiming-the-TimeLost-Tear2019-05-01T02:58:34Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-17: Reclaiming the Time-Lost Tear</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>I liked playing and running this scenario. While not one of my all-time favorites, the scenario managed to execute a space dungeon crawl well and had an interesting mix of traps, environmental effects, and combat.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-17: Reclaiming the Time-Lost Tear</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>I liked playing and running this scenario. While not one of my all-time favorites, the scenario managed to execute a space dungeon crawl well and had an interesting mix of traps, environmental effects, and combat.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>AFlashInTime2019-05-01T02:58:34ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-16: Dreaming of the Future: A Decent, Fun Scenario (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpya08w?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-116-Dreaming-of-the-Future2019-04-30T22:42:24Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-16: Dreaming of the Future</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Since it’s been 10 months since my last SFS review (of 1-15), there’s been plenty of time for other great reviewers to capture all of the finer details of 1-16. I’ll be brief, but the short version is that this was a decent, engaging quest series, even if the motivations and “connective tissue” of the scenario left something to be desired. The last fight was the highlight, and excellent for a low-level party.</p>
<p>Megaplex</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>River Rat</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Bad Chameleon</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Nightmare
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Overall, a decent series of quests that gets much stronger in quest 3 and 4. Still probably my pick when we have to play a low-level repeatable scenario even in April 2019.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-16: Dreaming of the Future</b></p><p>Based on my experiences running and playing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Since it’s been 10 months since my last SFS review (of 1-15), there’s been plenty of time for other great reviewers to capture all of the finer details of 1-16. I’ll be brief, but the short version is that this was a decent, engaging quest series, even if the motivations and “connective tissue” of the scenario left something to be desired. The last fight was the highlight, and excellent for a low-level party.</p>
<p>Megaplex</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>River Rat</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Bad Chameleon</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Nightmare
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Overall, a decent series of quests that gets much stronger in quest 3 and 4. Still probably my pick when we have to play a low-level repeatable scenario even in April 2019.</p>AFlashInTime2019-04-30T22:42:24ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-15: Save the Renkrodas: Great Scenario (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9zjy?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-115-Save-the-Renkrodas2018-07-01T05:40:17Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-15: Save the Renkrodas</b></p><p>Based on my experiences playing at PaizoCon 2018 and running at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>I really enjoyed this scenario. It felt good to revisit Ukulam after Temple of the Twelve, and rather than go paragraph format, here’s a list of what I enjoyed in the scenario, in no particular order:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>A few things that I wish were done a little differently:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, this scenario was a treat. More like this!</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-15: Save the Renkrodas</b></p><p>Based on my experiences playing at PaizoCon 2018 and running at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>I really enjoyed this scenario. It felt good to revisit Ukulam after Temple of the Twelve, and rather than go paragraph format, here’s a list of what I enjoyed in the scenario, in no particular order:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>A few things that I wish were done a little differently:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, this scenario was a treat. More like this!</p>AFlashInTime2018-07-01T05:40:17ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-14: Star Sugar Heartlove!!!: SBMC Love, But Some Issues (3 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9zjx?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-114-Star-Sugar-Heartlove2018-07-01T02:50:32Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-14: Star Sugar Heartlove!!!</b></p><p>Based on my experiences as a player at PaizoCon 2018 and GMing twice for local groups…</p>
<p>At last, the Strawberry Machine Cake concert we’ve been waiting months for! First, as another review put it, along with Live Exploration Extreme! this scenario was probably one of the most fun to roleplay. The flavor is on point, and the scenario actually has a somewhat difficult premise – how to turn “going to a concert” into an actual SFS mission? This scenario pulls it off, but I’m doesn’t do so nearly as seamlessly as LEE! Some thoughts on what goes down:</p>
<p>Zigvigix</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Lanzio</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted] </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Before the concert</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The final fight</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Conclusion</p>
<p>Despite the complaints above, I love that there’s a SBMC scenario and had fun playing it. For the reasons above in the spoilers, though, I had a hard time really loving the scenario as much as I wanted.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-14: Star Sugar Heartlove!!!</b></p><p>Based on my experiences as a player at PaizoCon 2018 and GMing twice for local groups…</p>
<p>At last, the Strawberry Machine Cake concert we’ve been waiting months for! First, as another review put it, along with Live Exploration Extreme! this scenario was probably one of the most fun to roleplay. The flavor is on point, and the scenario actually has a somewhat difficult premise – how to turn “going to a concert” into an actual SFS mission? This scenario pulls it off, but I’m doesn’t do so nearly as seamlessly as LEE! Some thoughts on what goes down:</p>
<p>Zigvigix</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Lanzio</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted] </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Before the concert</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The final fight</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Conclusion</p>
<p>Despite the complaints above, I love that there’s a SBMC scenario and had fun playing it. For the reasons above in the spoilers, though, I had a hard time really loving the scenario as much as I wanted.</p>AFlashInTime2018-07-01T02:50:32ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-13: On the Trail of History: A Challenging Scenario! (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9zjw?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-113-On-the-Trail-of-History2018-06-30T10:49:00Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-13: On the Trail of History</b></p><p>Based on my experiences GMing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Well the metaplot is in full swing with 1-13. Clearly this scenario is not to everyone’s likings (based off of the previous reviews) but I (and I think most of the party) had a really good time with it the two times I GM’d it. First I’ll go over the good, then what I would have done differently specifically within the scenario, and finally I’ll give my take on starship combat in this scenario and as a whole in SFS.</p>
<p>The good</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The less good</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Starship combat </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Conclusion</p>
<p>All in all, I think 1-13 did a fine job of putting together and engaging story with some challenging combats. I thought this scenario was definitely above average and even had some great moments, which is hard to do in a scenario that’s basically part 3 of 5 of the metaplot for the first half of season 1. The issues discussed above in the spoilers held the scenario back a bit, but I enjoyed playing the scenario and think the scenario’s issues were relatively minor, all things considered.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-13: On the Trail of History</b></p><p>Based on my experiences GMing at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Well the metaplot is in full swing with 1-13. Clearly this scenario is not to everyone’s likings (based off of the previous reviews) but I (and I think most of the party) had a really good time with it the two times I GM’d it. First I’ll go over the good, then what I would have done differently specifically within the scenario, and finally I’ll give my take on starship combat in this scenario and as a whole in SFS.</p>
<p>The good</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The less good</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Starship combat </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Conclusion</p>
<p>All in all, I think 1-13 did a fine job of putting together and engaging story with some challenging combats. I thought this scenario was definitely above average and even had some great moments, which is hard to do in a scenario that’s basically part 3 of 5 of the metaplot for the first half of season 1. The issues discussed above in the spoilers held the scenario back a bit, but I enjoyed playing the scenario and think the scenario’s issues were relatively minor, all things considered.</p>AFlashInTime2018-06-30T10:49:00ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-12: Ashes of Discovery: Another Repeatable! (3 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9zjv?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-112-Ashes-of-Discovery2018-06-04T04:01:24Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-12: Ashes of Discovery</b></p><p>Based on my experiences GMing and playing at my local gaming store and PaizoCon 2018…</p>
<p>First, making SFS 1-12 a repeatable is excellent. As a GM of a group that plays one-to-two tables of SFS weekly, having another easy go-to scenario that can fit in literally anywhere is great. “Starfinders, Organization A wants you to go to B and tell them about the status of C” is probably the bread and butter of the junior members of the organization, and with SFS 1-12 there’s never a shortage of planets with abandoned outposts that need investigating!</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>However, in my experience the difficulty of the scenario is way, way down from even The Commencement and Into the Unknown. As of now (having ran and/or played every SFS scenario through 1-15), SFS 1-12 is the easiest scenario, and it isn’t close. While that isn’t in-and-of-itself a bad thing, at no point have any of the encounters (starship or otherwise) proven even something approximating a challenge to the PCs in any of the groups I’ve ran or played in (admittedly all of which have been at the low tier, but one was four level ones). This, along with the overall structure of the scenario, has led to games being wrapped up under the 3-hour mark (closer to two hours of actual game play, in one instance), which, while able to fill a slot at a moment’s notice, limits this scenario to being only that – something you run to make a second table when you’re 15 minutes past starting time on game night. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, the scenario fills a niche, but I wouldn’t be putting this one up for any awards.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-12: Ashes of Discovery</b></p><p>Based on my experiences GMing and playing at my local gaming store and PaizoCon 2018…</p>
<p>First, making SFS 1-12 a repeatable is excellent. As a GM of a group that plays one-to-two tables of SFS weekly, having another easy go-to scenario that can fit in literally anywhere is great. “Starfinders, Organization A wants you to go to B and tell them about the status of C” is probably the bread and butter of the junior members of the organization, and with SFS 1-12 there’s never a shortage of planets with abandoned outposts that need investigating!</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>However, in my experience the difficulty of the scenario is way, way down from even The Commencement and Into the Unknown. As of now (having ran and/or played every SFS scenario through 1-15), SFS 1-12 is the easiest scenario, and it isn’t close. While that isn’t in-and-of-itself a bad thing, at no point have any of the encounters (starship or otherwise) proven even something approximating a challenge to the PCs in any of the groups I’ve ran or played in (admittedly all of which have been at the low tier, but one was four level ones). This, along with the overall structure of the scenario, has led to games being wrapped up under the 3-hour mark (closer to two hours of actual game play, in one instance), which, while able to fill a slot at a moment’s notice, limits this scenario to being only that – something you run to make a second table when you’re 15 minutes past starting time on game night. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, the scenario fills a niche, but I wouldn’t be putting this one up for any awards.</p>AFlashInTime2018-06-04T04:01:24ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-11: In Pursuit of the Scoured Past: The Metaplot Gets Going! (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9y4m?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-111-In-Pursuit-of-the-Scoured-Past2018-06-04T03:36:42Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-11: In Pursuit of the Scoured Past</b></p><p>Based on my experiences as a player and GM at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>SFS 1-11 is another really solid scenario. First, the generic goods, and then a few areas for improvement. </p>
<p>The unique setting was really cool, and the first “encounter” on the ship was an exemplary way of giving characters an opportunity to share their backstory as a part of the story in an organized play environment, which almost never happens as a planned part of the scenario. Bravo! I also really liked how this scenario (finally, in my opinion) started to move the metaplot along. As two scenarios a month becomes the norm it probably won’t feel quite as long, but when this was released in late March it had been a full five months “real time” since we’d heard any more about Nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s announced First Mandate. The encounters were also challenging, with the last one bringing in some unique environmental effects in what made for a really memorable encounter. </p>
<p>Regarding areas of improvement, [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Also, [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Finally, [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, as a must play for characters going through the Scoured Stars arc, this is a scenario worthy of inclusion. Good stuff!</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-11: In Pursuit of the Scoured Past</b></p><p>Based on my experiences as a player and GM at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>SFS 1-11 is another really solid scenario. First, the generic goods, and then a few areas for improvement. </p>
<p>The unique setting was really cool, and the first “encounter” on the ship was an exemplary way of giving characters an opportunity to share their backstory as a part of the story in an organized play environment, which almost never happens as a planned part of the scenario. Bravo! I also really liked how this scenario (finally, in my opinion) started to move the metaplot along. As two scenarios a month becomes the norm it probably won’t feel quite as long, but when this was released in late March it had been a full five months “real time” since we’d heard any more about Nominated First Seeker Luwazi Elsebo’s announced First Mandate. The encounters were also challenging, with the last one bringing in some unique environmental effects in what made for a really memorable encounter. </p>
<p>Regarding areas of improvement, [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Also, [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Finally, [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, as a must play for characters going through the Scoured Stars arc, this is a scenario worthy of inclusion. Good stuff!</p>AFlashInTime2018-06-04T03:36:42ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-10: The Half-Alive Streets: Very Good (With A Few Thoughts) (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9y4l?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-110-The-HalfAlive-Streets2018-06-03T08:06:59Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-10: The Half-Alive Streets</b></p><p>Based on my experiences as a GM and then player at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>There’s a lot to like about SFS 1-10: The Half-Alive Streets. As other reviews have mentioned, the call backs to characters from other scenarios (SFS Quests 1-1 and 1-02, both) is a great touch that makes the SFS scenarios feel interconnected and like the PCs are participating as part of a living world. I also really enjoyed that this scenario, like 1-02, sort of feels like it could be dropped in anywhere without it being “out of order” in terms of a larger meta-plot. Don’t get me wrong – I really enjoy the SFS metaplot(s) so far – but for GMs that need to run a quick “catch up” scenario for new players, it’s useful to have a pretty straightforward mission without worrying about missing a ton if you don’t know what happened in a prior scenario. </p>
<p>I went back and forth on giving this scenario 4 or 5 stars. To me it’s not quite at the “amazing” level of other scenarios that I’ve rated 5 stars up to this point (The Commencement, The First Mandate, and Live Exploration Extreme!) but it’s a great story, well told, with a few twists and turns and a surprisingly tragic backstory that underpins the entire affair. In addition to the great story, In both games that I GM’d for this scenario there were a few minor issues came up that I wish were better addressed. Something to think about for scenarios in the future:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, though, a very good scenario and a blast to play through. If the biggest problems in SFS scenarios were those listed above, I wouldn’t have much to complain about.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-10: The Half-Alive Streets</b></p><p>Based on my experiences as a GM and then player at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>There’s a lot to like about SFS 1-10: The Half-Alive Streets. As other reviews have mentioned, the call backs to characters from other scenarios (SFS Quests 1-1 and 1-02, both) is a great touch that makes the SFS scenarios feel interconnected and like the PCs are participating as part of a living world. I also really enjoyed that this scenario, like 1-02, sort of feels like it could be dropped in anywhere without it being “out of order” in terms of a larger meta-plot. Don’t get me wrong – I really enjoy the SFS metaplot(s) so far – but for GMs that need to run a quick “catch up” scenario for new players, it’s useful to have a pretty straightforward mission without worrying about missing a ton if you don’t know what happened in a prior scenario. </p>
<p>I went back and forth on giving this scenario 4 or 5 stars. To me it’s not quite at the “amazing” level of other scenarios that I’ve rated 5 stars up to this point (The Commencement, The First Mandate, and Live Exploration Extreme!) but it’s a great story, well told, with a few twists and turns and a surprisingly tragic backstory that underpins the entire affair. In addition to the great story, In both games that I GM’d for this scenario there were a few minor issues came up that I wish were better addressed. Something to think about for scenarios in the future:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, though, a very good scenario and a blast to play through. If the biggest problems in SFS scenarios were those listed above, I wouldn’t have much to complain about.</p>AFlashInTime2018-06-03T08:06:59ZStarfinder Adventure Path #3: Splintered Worlds (Dead Suns 3 of 6): Quite a few problems (2 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9xa2?Starfinder-Adventure-Path-3-Splintered-Worlds2018-03-31T04:21:26Z<p><b>Starfinder Adventure Path #3: Splintered Worlds (Dead Suns 3 of 6)</b></p><p>Based on my thoughts GMing at my local gaming store for an SFS game using the “home game” rules…</p>
<p>I really wanted to like this installment of the Dead Suns adventure path a lot. And, to the volume’s credit, the combats near the end of the book were very memorable and gave the book a pretty epic feel. However, there were enough things that either the AP didn’t cover or that seemingly went against expectations for how everything else should work in the Starfinder setting that I was constantly being pulled out of the AP to fill in gaps for, frankly, confusing or poorly thought out story development. I ended up giving this two stars because it felt like the story created a lot of world-building gaps unnecessarily and then didn’t do anything to fill them in. A lot of this is captured by user Steel_Wind’s comments in the “Splintered Worlds (GM Reference)” in the Starfinder Adventure Path / Dead Suns forum (with spoilers), too. </p>
<p>Part I</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part II</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part III</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, there’s a lot above that lists what’s wrong with this part of the AP. While most of my reviews of the SFS scenarios/Starfinder APs aren’t this negative, I felt like this one consistently missed the mark on explaining why things were the way they were or filling in very notable gaps that the PCs could be expected to take during their various investigations. Once everybody agreed to stay on the railroad tracks, not ask too many questions, and “go with it” my group still had a good time, but I was really hoping for more (and felt like I got more out of Parts 1 and 2 of the Dead Suns AP). Hoping for better things from Part 4.</p><p><b>Starfinder Adventure Path #3: Splintered Worlds (Dead Suns 3 of 6)</b></p><p>Based on my thoughts GMing at my local gaming store for an SFS game using the “home game” rules…</p>
<p>I really wanted to like this installment of the Dead Suns adventure path a lot. And, to the volume’s credit, the combats near the end of the book were very memorable and gave the book a pretty epic feel. However, there were enough things that either the AP didn’t cover or that seemingly went against expectations for how everything else should work in the Starfinder setting that I was constantly being pulled out of the AP to fill in gaps for, frankly, confusing or poorly thought out story development. I ended up giving this two stars because it felt like the story created a lot of world-building gaps unnecessarily and then didn’t do anything to fill them in. A lot of this is captured by user Steel_Wind’s comments in the “Splintered Worlds (GM Reference)” in the Starfinder Adventure Path / Dead Suns forum (with spoilers), too. </p>
<p>Part I</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part II</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part III</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, there’s a lot above that lists what’s wrong with this part of the AP. While most of my reviews of the SFS scenarios/Starfinder APs aren’t this negative, I felt like this one consistently missed the mark on explaining why things were the way they were or filling in very notable gaps that the PCs could be expected to take during their various investigations. Once everybody agreed to stay on the railroad tracks, not ask too many questions, and “go with it” my group still had a good time, but I was really hoping for more (and felt like I got more out of Parts 1 and 2 of the Dead Suns AP). Hoping for better things from Part 4.</p>AFlashInTime2018-03-31T04:21:26ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-09: Live Exploration Extreme!: Amazing scenario (5 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9x0x?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-109-Live-Exploration-Extreme2018-03-30T04:14:01Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-09: Live Exploration Extreme!</b></p><p>Based on my thoughts as a GM in my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Simply a great scenario. The nowhere-else-like-it Salvation’s End setting (which gets very interesting as the scenario unfolds), Zo!’s personality, a reality show “tell all” booth, and all in front of a live studio audience on a nearby pleasure yacht? Magnificent! This is one of, if not the, best SFS scenarios released so far. Details below.</p>
<p>In no particular order</p>
<p>The metaplot </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The camera crew</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The booth</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The tone of the scenario matched perfectly with the danger/antics involved. If (when?) things become more serious on Salvation’s End, I’m not sure a live camera crew rushing forward to capture the action will fit quite as well. For this one, though, it’s perfect.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-09: Live Exploration Extreme!</b></p><p>Based on my thoughts as a GM in my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Simply a great scenario. The nowhere-else-like-it Salvation’s End setting (which gets very interesting as the scenario unfolds), Zo!’s personality, a reality show “tell all” booth, and all in front of a live studio audience on a nearby pleasure yacht? Magnificent! This is one of, if not the, best SFS scenarios released so far. Details below.</p>
<p>In no particular order</p>
<p>The metaplot </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The camera crew</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The booth</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The tone of the scenario matched perfectly with the danger/antics involved. If (when?) things become more serious on Salvation’s End, I’m not sure a live camera crew rushing forward to capture the action will fit quite as well. For this one, though, it’s perfect.</p>AFlashInTime2018-03-30T04:14:01ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-08: Sanctuary of Drowned Delight: Under the Sea... Under the Sea... (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9x0y?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-108-Sanctuary-of-Drowned-Delight2018-03-30T03:16:22Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-08: Sanctuary of Drowned Delight</b></p><p>Based on my thoughts as a GM in my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Sanctuary of Drowned Delight was definitely a bold scenario. The scenario mixes elements of first (second) contact with an alien species, a bit of a whodunit mystery, and has it all wrapped up in a unique setting that includes the Starfinder Society’s first ever underwater combat. While I didn’t rate this as the very top tier of SFS scenarios so far (for me that’s 1-01, 1-05, and 1-09, having GMed, and in some cases played, every SFS scenario through 1-09 as of writing this), its unique flavor and willingness to try things no other SFS scenario has done so far puts it near the top of the second tier. Details below.</p>
<p>The beginning</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The middle</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The end</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, this was a very solid and enjoyable scenario. It also didn’t seem like an obvious call out to a particular sci-fi/fantasy genre like early season 1 SFS scenarios did (1-02, 1-03, 1-04, for instance), and not that there’s anything wrong with that, but this scenario felt very much like what I think a Starfinder scenario should feel like on its own merits. Great job on this one!</p>
<p>(P.S.: While GM prep is a must, that shouldn’t intimidate people away from running the scenario. I’d definitely avoid running it without doing at least one thorough read through first, but it should be easy enough to keep track of after a few read throughs and some notes.)</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-08: Sanctuary of Drowned Delight</b></p><p>Based on my thoughts as a GM in my local gaming store…</p>
<p>Sanctuary of Drowned Delight was definitely a bold scenario. The scenario mixes elements of first (second) contact with an alien species, a bit of a whodunit mystery, and has it all wrapped up in a unique setting that includes the Starfinder Society’s first ever underwater combat. While I didn’t rate this as the very top tier of SFS scenarios so far (for me that’s 1-01, 1-05, and 1-09, having GMed, and in some cases played, every SFS scenario through 1-09 as of writing this), its unique flavor and willingness to try things no other SFS scenario has done so far puts it near the top of the second tier. Details below.</p>
<p>The beginning</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The middle</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The end</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, this was a very solid and enjoyable scenario. It also didn’t seem like an obvious call out to a particular sci-fi/fantasy genre like early season 1 SFS scenarios did (1-02, 1-03, 1-04, for instance), and not that there’s anything wrong with that, but this scenario felt very much like what I think a Starfinder scenario should feel like on its own merits. Great job on this one!</p>
<p>(P.S.: While GM prep is a must, that shouldn’t intimidate people away from running the scenario. I’d definitely avoid running it without doing at least one thorough read through first, but it should be easy enough to keep track of after a few read throughs and some notes.)</p>AFlashInTime2018-03-30T03:16:22ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-07: The Solar Sortie: More silly than fun (3 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9x0w?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-107-The-Solar-Sortie2018-03-27T23:14:46Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-07: The Solar Sortie</b></p><p>Jhaeman's review below does a great job capturing my feelings on this scenario. Based on GMing and playing at my local gaming store, I thought this scenario was okay at best. Envar certainly makes a memorable character, but the scenario, frankly, doesn't feel appropriately epic from a story telling perspective. "The PCs baby sit a silly stoner" just isn't my cup of tea when it comes to a one sentence summary of the scenario plot. The railroad nature of the scenario and minor mechanical flubs (in particular those mentioned regarding the starship combat) make this one of my least favorite SFS scenarios so far, especially in terms of flavor.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-07: The Solar Sortie</b></p><p>Jhaeman's review below does a great job capturing my feelings on this scenario. Based on GMing and playing at my local gaming store, I thought this scenario was okay at best. Envar certainly makes a memorable character, but the scenario, frankly, doesn't feel appropriately epic from a story telling perspective. "The PCs baby sit a silly stoner" just isn't my cup of tea when it comes to a one sentence summary of the scenario plot. The railroad nature of the scenario and minor mechanical flubs (in particular those mentioned regarding the starship combat) make this one of my least favorite SFS scenarios so far, especially in terms of flavor.</p>AFlashInTime2018-03-27T23:14:46ZStarfinder Adventure Path #2: Temple of the Twelve (Dead Suns 2 of 6): Exceptional Second Installment (5 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9ujm?Starfinder-Adventure-Path-2-Temple-of-the-Twelve2017-12-24T22:26:15Z<p><b>Starfinder Adventure Path #2: Temple of the Twelve (Dead Suns 2 of 6)</b></p><p>The following is based on my experience running the adventure path four a group of four at my local gaming store, using “home campaign” Starfinder Society rules…</p>
<p>Temple of the Twelve was a very good second part of the Dead Suns Adventure Path. I had a few nit-picks with the way the story progressed, but the good parts of the AP were so good they pushed the overall review into 5-star range. Details below. </p>
<p>Part I</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part II</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part III</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, TotT was a great second part of the Dead Suns AP. For the most part it brought challenging combats, interesting settings, and dedicated enough time to worthwhile roleplaying. I think my favorite part about TotT was how it made the Starfinder Universe feel bigger. The detail given to Qabarat and Ukulam really made Castrovel feel like a dynamic, living world where the PCs could come back to instead of a page or two in a source book. Well done!</p><p><b>Starfinder Adventure Path #2: Temple of the Twelve (Dead Suns 2 of 6)</b></p><p>The following is based on my experience running the adventure path four a group of four at my local gaming store, using “home campaign” Starfinder Society rules…</p>
<p>Temple of the Twelve was a very good second part of the Dead Suns Adventure Path. I had a few nit-picks with the way the story progressed, but the good parts of the AP were so good they pushed the overall review into 5-star range. Details below. </p>
<p>Part I</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part II</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Part III</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all, TotT was a great second part of the Dead Suns AP. For the most part it brought challenging combats, interesting settings, and dedicated enough time to worthwhile roleplaying. I think my favorite part about TotT was how it made the Starfinder Universe feel bigger. The detail given to Qabarat and Ukulam really made Castrovel feel like a dynamic, living world where the PCs could come back to instead of a page or two in a source book. Well done!</p>AFlashInTime2017-12-24T22:26:15ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-06: A Night in Nightarch: Hit and (Mostly) Miss (2 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9weu?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-106-A-Night-in-Nightarch2017-12-22T06:47:40Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-06: A Night in Nightarch</b></p><p>Based on my experience running at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>The first 3-6 scenario does some things good, but unfortunately it also misses the mark pretty consistently. To be fair this is not a terrible scenario for the most part, and I considered bumping it up to three stars, but the way the scenario is set up from the very beginning to the scenario's success conditions made me bump it down. I think a group can play 1-06 and have a good time, as long as they don't think about it too hard or (frankly) do too well. Details in spoilers below.</p>
<p>The beginning </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The middle</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The end</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Now, there were some good things about the scenario. The combats were pretty fun and it provided a different flavor than previous SFS scenarios. The set up just had some issues, and, more importantly, the way the scenario had the reward/success conditions set up ran counter to how the scenario would’ve ideally been completed.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-06: A Night in Nightarch</b></p><p>Based on my experience running at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>The first 3-6 scenario does some things good, but unfortunately it also misses the mark pretty consistently. To be fair this is not a terrible scenario for the most part, and I considered bumping it up to three stars, but the way the scenario is set up from the very beginning to the scenario's success conditions made me bump it down. I think a group can play 1-06 and have a good time, as long as they don't think about it too hard or (frankly) do too well. Details in spoilers below.</p>
<p>The beginning </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The middle</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The end</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Now, there were some good things about the scenario. The combats were pretty fun and it provided a different flavor than previous SFS scenarios. The set up just had some issues, and, more importantly, the way the scenario had the reward/success conditions set up ran counter to how the scenario would’ve ideally been completed.</p>AFlashInTime2017-12-22T06:47:40ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-05: The First Mandate: Simply Fantastic (5 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9wet?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-105-The-First-Mandate2017-12-22T06:05:03Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-05: The First Mandate</b></p><p>Based on my experience running this at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>This starfinder society scenario really hits the mark! It has something for everybody (except maybe the dedicated starship pilot due to the lack of space combat - not necessarily a bad thing!), gives each type of PC their time to shine, and is vital to the megaplot of the starfinder society during season 1. </p>
<p>Do you want (mostly) social challenges with a variety of memorable NPCs? Check! Do you want combat against unusual or challenging opponents? Check! A little bit of investigation and puzzle solving? Check! A thrilling final encounter with just the right mix of social, technical, and stealthy skills required, not to mention combat: it's all here!</p>
<p>If I were advising a GM which scenario to run after The Commencement to give a new group of players the real flavor of the Starfinder Society, I would tell them to start prepping this scenario.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-05: The First Mandate</b></p><p>Based on my experience running this at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>This starfinder society scenario really hits the mark! It has something for everybody (except maybe the dedicated starship pilot due to the lack of space combat - not necessarily a bad thing!), gives each type of PC their time to shine, and is vital to the megaplot of the starfinder society during season 1. </p>
<p>Do you want (mostly) social challenges with a variety of memorable NPCs? Check! Do you want combat against unusual or challenging opponents? Check! A little bit of investigation and puzzle solving? Check! A thrilling final encounter with just the right mix of social, technical, and stealthy skills required, not to mention combat: it's all here!</p>
<p>If I were advising a GM which scenario to run after The Commencement to give a new group of players the real flavor of the Starfinder Society, I would tell them to start prepping this scenario.</p>AFlashInTime2017-12-22T06:05:03ZStarfinder Adventure Path #1: Incident at Absalom Station (Dead Suns 1 of 6): To infinity and beyond! (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9tmf?Starfinder-Adventure-Path-1-Incident-at-Absalom-Station2017-11-12T06:48:52Z<p><b>Starfinder Adventure Path #1: Incident at Absalom Station (Dead Suns 1 of 6)</b></p><p>The following is based on my experiences as a GM running Incident at Absalom Station in “campaign mode” for Starfinder Society with a table of seven level 2 players at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>The Dead Suns Adventure Path is off to a great start with Incident at Absalom Station. The 4/5 rating for me is for the Adventure Path itself and doesn’t take into account all of the extra world-building goodies in the book (which are great!). For the adventure path itself, the three-part series is split into one part investigation and, effectively, two parts dungeon crawl with a starship combat thrown in. </p>
<p>The AP is a good blend of major Starfinder elements, both from a gameplay and universe-building standpoint. For gameplay, the mix of living and undead as well as NPCs with class levels and monsters gives the PCs a wide range of foes to try their skills against. For universe-building, the introduction to Absalom Station is great (especially with the additional material in the book), as well as getting a (very quick) intro to the Starfinder Society and, later, the Eoxians.</p>
<p>There are a few reasons I didn’t rate this a 5/5. First, while a solid adventure, the adventure seemed a little short and I feel could’ve fleshed out some of the organizations involved (i.e. the Starfinder Society) a little bit more. The PCs are showing up at Absalom Station to meet a contact at the very beginning of the adventure, but •minor spoilers• the AP doesn’t ever specify what the PCs were going to meet with him about; it’s all quickly swept away after the first encounter. </p>
<p>Also, in the last combat [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all a good adventure path that serves as a great into to Absalom Station and Starfinder in general!</p><p><b>Starfinder Adventure Path #1: Incident at Absalom Station (Dead Suns 1 of 6)</b></p><p>The following is based on my experiences as a GM running Incident at Absalom Station in “campaign mode” for Starfinder Society with a table of seven level 2 players at my local gaming store…</p>
<p>The Dead Suns Adventure Path is off to a great start with Incident at Absalom Station. The 4/5 rating for me is for the Adventure Path itself and doesn’t take into account all of the extra world-building goodies in the book (which are great!). For the adventure path itself, the three-part series is split into one part investigation and, effectively, two parts dungeon crawl with a starship combat thrown in. </p>
<p>The AP is a good blend of major Starfinder elements, both from a gameplay and universe-building standpoint. For gameplay, the mix of living and undead as well as NPCs with class levels and monsters gives the PCs a wide range of foes to try their skills against. For universe-building, the introduction to Absalom Station is great (especially with the additional material in the book), as well as getting a (very quick) intro to the Starfinder Society and, later, the Eoxians.</p>
<p>There are a few reasons I didn’t rate this a 5/5. First, while a solid adventure, the adventure seemed a little short and I feel could’ve fleshed out some of the organizations involved (i.e. the Starfinder Society) a little bit more. The PCs are showing up at Absalom Station to meet a contact at the very beginning of the adventure, but •minor spoilers• the AP doesn’t ever specify what the PCs were going to meet with him about; it’s all quickly swept away after the first encounter. </p>
<p>Also, in the last combat [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all a good adventure path that serves as a great into to Absalom Station and Starfinder in general!</p>AFlashInTime2017-11-12T06:48:52ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-04: Cries From the Drift: Superb spooky space scenario! (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9wes?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-104-Cries-From-the-Drift2017-11-12T04:43:51Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-04: Cries From the Drift</b></p><p>From my experiences as a player on roll20 and running at my local gaming shop...</p>
<p>I really enjoyed Cries from the Drift. Some details (and some minor spoilers) below.</p>
<p>First, the story. I thought the atmosphere for the scenario was great, with PCs exploring an "abandoned" ship as a strange storm approaches, dim lights flickering... all in all excellent execution. </p>
<p>Second, the game play. This was my group's favorite starship combat yet. It might be that we're getting more experienced with the medium, but a one vs. one fight with an interesting environmental twist kept everybody engaged and thinking. Once everybody got to the ship the story was engaging, and the PCs were totally in the dark about the second half of what had gone on until the very end. </p>
<p>Last, some minor gripes that kept this from being a 5/5 for me. </p>
<p>Starship combat:
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>On the ship:
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all a very good scenario, especially the starship combat and flavor, but there were just a few weird things on the ship that didn’t quite add up. Still very good and highly recommended!</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-04: Cries From the Drift</b></p><p>From my experiences as a player on roll20 and running at my local gaming shop...</p>
<p>I really enjoyed Cries from the Drift. Some details (and some minor spoilers) below.</p>
<p>First, the story. I thought the atmosphere for the scenario was great, with PCs exploring an "abandoned" ship as a strange storm approaches, dim lights flickering... all in all excellent execution. </p>
<p>Second, the game play. This was my group's favorite starship combat yet. It might be that we're getting more experienced with the medium, but a one vs. one fight with an interesting environmental twist kept everybody engaged and thinking. Once everybody got to the ship the story was engaging, and the PCs were totally in the dark about the second half of what had gone on until the very end. </p>
<p>Last, some minor gripes that kept this from being a 5/5 for me. </p>
<p>Starship combat:
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>On the ship:
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>All in all a very good scenario, especially the starship combat and flavor, but there were just a few weird things on the ship that didn’t quite add up. Still very good and highly recommended!</p>AFlashInTime2017-11-12T04:43:51ZStarfinder Society Special #1-00: Claim to Salvation: Just okay (3 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9tsv?Starfinder-Society-Special-100-Claim-to-Salvation2017-11-11T11:49:17Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Special #1-00: Claim to Salvation</b></p><p>From my experience as a GM at my local gaming shop...</p>
<p>First, the set up. I admit, I'm not entirely sure what this scenario is supposed to be. Is it an intro to Starfinder (as one might expect from a 1-00 special that has to be played with pregens)? If so, for brand new players (like my group) starting at 4th level and figuring out starship combat on the fly (pun intended) was maybe not the smoothest introduction to Starfinder. Is it intended for more experienced groups? If so, its release time (at Gen Con along with the game's release) doesn't lend itself to that at all. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I think I would've rather had a special with level 1 pre-gens, or a "we be space goblins" type special to introduce players to the game. </p>
<p>Second, the story. I liked it! •minor spoilers• Interacting with the barathus as the first alien race made for a memorable encounter, and doing battle with the space goblins was fun. The end was a little bit of a let down (the PCs wanted to keep going), but overall an engaging setting and story, which is harder to accomplish when non-unique pre-gens (goblins, for instance).</p>
<p>Third, the gameplay. It was okay. Running on the 4th day Starfinder was out I think I made the last fight too easy and running •minor spoilers• multiple starships at once against the PCs was quite a bit of a slog. </p>
<p>Overall, a decent scenario, but I would've preferred a level 1 "we be goblins" type of special for scenario 0 of season 1. Playing as 4th level "normal" pre-gens both adds complexity to the game before people are really ready for it and takes away a PC's ability to connect with the character they're playing because they know it's a one-shot. The special also isn't repeatable, and given the relative lack of Starfinder Society content in the first several months of year 1 I'd really rather have had another option for players to run through again (again, like We Be Goblins). </p>
<p>Maybe I just wish this scenario was We Be Space Goblins. That's probably it.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Special #1-00: Claim to Salvation</b></p><p>From my experience as a GM at my local gaming shop...</p>
<p>First, the set up. I admit, I'm not entirely sure what this scenario is supposed to be. Is it an intro to Starfinder (as one might expect from a 1-00 special that has to be played with pregens)? If so, for brand new players (like my group) starting at 4th level and figuring out starship combat on the fly (pun intended) was maybe not the smoothest introduction to Starfinder. Is it intended for more experienced groups? If so, its release time (at Gen Con along with the game's release) doesn't lend itself to that at all. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I think I would've rather had a special with level 1 pre-gens, or a "we be space goblins" type special to introduce players to the game. </p>
<p>Second, the story. I liked it! •minor spoilers• Interacting with the barathus as the first alien race made for a memorable encounter, and doing battle with the space goblins was fun. The end was a little bit of a let down (the PCs wanted to keep going), but overall an engaging setting and story, which is harder to accomplish when non-unique pre-gens (goblins, for instance).</p>
<p>Third, the gameplay. It was okay. Running on the 4th day Starfinder was out I think I made the last fight too easy and running •minor spoilers• multiple starships at once against the PCs was quite a bit of a slog. </p>
<p>Overall, a decent scenario, but I would've preferred a level 1 "we be goblins" type of special for scenario 0 of season 1. Playing as 4th level "normal" pre-gens both adds complexity to the game before people are really ready for it and takes away a PC's ability to connect with the character they're playing because they know it's a one-shot. The special also isn't repeatable, and given the relative lack of Starfinder Society content in the first several months of year 1 I'd really rather have had another option for players to run through again (again, like We Be Goblins). </p>
<p>Maybe I just wish this scenario was We Be Space Goblins. That's probably it.</p>AFlashInTime2017-11-11T11:49:17ZStarfinder Society Quest: Into the Unknown: Good intro to Starfinder (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9u7x?Starfinder-Society-Quest-Into-the-Unknown2017-11-11T11:26:32Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Quest: Into the Unknown</b></p><p>From my experiences as a player on roll20 and a GM at my local gaming store:</p>
<p>All in all, this series of quests has a little bit of everything and serves as a good intro into Starfinder (Society) play. The plot isn't super complex and nobody would confuse the quest series for a sandbox, but for introducing players and GMs to starship combat, normal combat, some skill checks, and even an environmental hazard, the quest series gets the job done. </p>
<p>Not 5 stars, though, because for PCs entering into Starfinder Society play I think 1-01 The Commencement does a much better job of making the setting (and the scenario) come alive for the PCs. Still recommended for newbies to get acquainted with the game, just as their second scenario!</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Quest: Into the Unknown</b></p><p>From my experiences as a player on roll20 and a GM at my local gaming store:</p>
<p>All in all, this series of quests has a little bit of everything and serves as a good intro into Starfinder (Society) play. The plot isn't super complex and nobody would confuse the quest series for a sandbox, but for introducing players and GMs to starship combat, normal combat, some skill checks, and even an environmental hazard, the quest series gets the job done. </p>
<p>Not 5 stars, though, because for PCs entering into Starfinder Society play I think 1-01 The Commencement does a much better job of making the setting (and the scenario) come alive for the PCs. Still recommended for newbies to get acquainted with the game, just as their second scenario!</p>AFlashInTime2017-11-11T11:26:32ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-02: Fugitive on the Red Planet: Good, but with a few caveats (3 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9tsy?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-102-Fugitive-on-the-Red-Planet2017-11-06T07:50:24Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-02: Fugitive on the Red Planet</b></p><p>Based on my experiences playing on roll20 and running at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>First, the good news: the story and setting are pretty good. A small mining town down on its luck, an (ex)agent who's on the run and needs to be taught a lesson, corporations getting involved, all good stuff. There were a few problems though that I thought really hurt scenario, though. In no particular order:</p>
<p>-The last combat could be pretty deadly for a party of all level 1 PCs, which (if playing in order) is what you'd expect to have on a scenario numbered 1-02. After hearing some horror stories from other groups I actually had our local SFS group run this after 1-03 (and 1-01 and the Quests) so the PCs could be level 2 before playing the scenario. </p>
<p>-While short scenarios aren't always bad, the two times I played this it only went 2.5-3 hours. I feel like something could've been added (or maybe not cut out) here - maybe more in the main city, maybe another encounter on the way to the BBEG. Another 30-45 minutes of content would've been good.</p>
<p>Overall a good flavorful scenario, but one that runs short and is maybe a little bit too deadly for the majority of groups that will be playing through it (made up of only level 1 PCs). Not terrible by any stretch, but room for improvement.</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-02: Fugitive on the Red Planet</b></p><p>Based on my experiences playing on roll20 and running at my local gaming store...</p>
<p>First, the good news: the story and setting are pretty good. A small mining town down on its luck, an (ex)agent who's on the run and needs to be taught a lesson, corporations getting involved, all good stuff. There were a few problems though that I thought really hurt scenario, though. In no particular order:</p>
<p>-The last combat could be pretty deadly for a party of all level 1 PCs, which (if playing in order) is what you'd expect to have on a scenario numbered 1-02. After hearing some horror stories from other groups I actually had our local SFS group run this after 1-03 (and 1-01 and the Quests) so the PCs could be level 2 before playing the scenario. </p>
<p>-While short scenarios aren't always bad, the two times I played this it only went 2.5-3 hours. I feel like something could've been added (or maybe not cut out) here - maybe more in the main city, maybe another encounter on the way to the BBEG. Another 30-45 minutes of content would've been good.</p>
<p>Overall a good flavorful scenario, but one that runs short and is maybe a little bit too deadly for the majority of groups that will be playing through it (made up of only level 1 PCs). Not terrible by any stretch, but room for improvement.</p>AFlashInTime2017-11-06T07:50:24ZStarfinder Society Scenario #1-03: Yesteryear's Truth: Great story brought down a bit by puzzling combats (4 stars)AFlashInTimehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9tt0?Starfinder-Society-Scenario-103-Yesteryears-Truth2017-11-05T13:08:20Z<p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-03: Yesteryear's Truth</b></p><p>Based only on story, this scenario is my favorite SFS scenario that I've ran or played so far (everything up through 1-04). However, some confusing, time-consuming combats make the overall rating suffer a bit (particularly the starship combat).</p>
<p>Starship combat </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Terrestrial combat</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Story</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Starfinder Society Scenario #1-03: Yesteryear's Truth</b></p><p>Based only on story, this scenario is my favorite SFS scenario that I've ran or played so far (everything up through 1-04). However, some confusing, time-consuming combats make the overall rating suffer a bit (particularly the starship combat).</p>
<p>Starship combat </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Terrestrial combat</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Story</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>AFlashInTime2017-11-05T13:08:20Z