I have been running Pathfinder Adventure Paths since issue #1, but I have not been inspired enough to write a review of any product until now. After being somewhat disappointed by several aspects of the last year or so of issues, Mike Shel's "Curse of the Lady's Light" has been a revelation. It reminds me why I fell in love with the Pathfinder line in the first place.
The adventure itself is chock-full of inspired encounters, fantastic locations, and memorable NPCs. Not just another dungeon crawl, the adventure provides a wealth of roleplaying opportunities within the dungeon and its surrounding environs. I constantly giggled to myself as I read the module, marveling at the ingenuity on display here. The traps are clever (especially the one that has already generated lots of buzz on the messageboards), and the challenges can be rather deadly if the PCs are not careful. My group of six experienced gamers almost suffered a TPK against the resident of area K21!
The support articles are solid, as well. I wish I had the article about the Gray Maidens was out while I was running "Curse of the Crimson Throne." There are numerous great NPCs in there to help fill the roster of that previously mostly faceless organization. Special kudos for including the first official appearance of a girdle of gender on Golarion. :) I'll admit that I had very little interest in the god Torag before reading the article in this issue, but now I have a better understanding regarding what he's all about. The monsters in the bestiary are fine foes to face. Torag's herald is particularly awesome.
Be sure to make use of the free web enhancement when running the adventure as well: Jasper Kandemarus is an essential addition to the adventure!
Mike Shel knocked this adventure out of the ballpark, and I'd heartily recommend it to any gaming group. Even if you're not running "Shattered Star," this would make a great stand-alone adventure as well. Paizo, please allow Mike Shel to write more adventure path installments in the future! If you do so, you will make me one very satisfied customer.
