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Pathfinder #2—Rise of the Runelords Chapter 2:
 
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Pathfinder #2—Rise of the Runelords Chapter 2: "The Skinsaw Murders" (OGL)
****½ (based on 35 ratings)

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Chapter 2: "The Skinsaw Murders"
by Richard Pett

A sudden string of brutal killings terrorizes Sandpoint, and the killer’s mark bears a disturbing similarity to the strange rune the goblins in the previous adventure had taken as their tribal totem. Investigation leads the heroes to confront a sinister murderer who has claimed a notorious haunted mansion as his lair. Yet this murderer is one of many, a member of a group of killers who call themselves the Skinsaw Men and have adopted an ancient magic involving the seven deadly sins. The PCs must travel to the bustling city of Magnimar to unravel the truth behind the rune, but in so doing may become prime suspects in the killings themselves!

This volume of Pathfinder includes a detailed description of the city of Magnimar, several new monsters, and a detailed description of the goddess of dreams and travel, Desna, along with notes on her faithful.

For characters of 4th to 6th level.

Pathfinder is Paizo Publishing's 96-page, perfect-bound, full-color softcover Adventure Path book printed on high-quality paper that releases in a monthly volume. Each volume is brought to you by the same staff which brought you Dragon and Dungeon magazines for over five years. It contains an in-depth Adventure Path scenario, stats for about a half-dozen new monsters, and several support articles meant to give Game Masters additional material to expand their campaign. Because Pathfinder uses the Open Game License, it is 100% compatible with the world's most popular fantasy roleplaying game.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-037-7

NOTE: An additional map of Magnimar may be found in the Paizo Blog entry for July 27, 2007.

Note: This product is part of the Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscription.

Product Availability
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Non-Mint:
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Are there errors or omissions in this product information? Got corrections? Let us know at webmaster@paizo.com.


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See Also:


<< Pathfinder #1—Rise of the Runelords Chapter 1: "Burnt Offerings" (OGL) Pathfinder #2—Rise of the Runelords Chapter 2: "The Skinsaw Murders" (OGL) >>


Product Discussion (95)

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Cheliax

Pathfinder Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Companion Subscriber

Like I said still good product guys keep it up. I am looking foreward to seeing the whole AP. After that maybe I'll think about canceling. ;)


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Adventure Path, Campaign Setting, Modules Subscriber

The word you were looking for in your review was "chord"...something strikes a chord in you.

What? Just sayin'.

Cheliax

Pathfinder Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Companion Subscriber
Hideously Deformed wrote:

The word you were looking for in your review was "chord"...something strikes a chord in you.

What? Just sayin'.

yeah yeah... my spelling sucks...

Cheliax

Amazing job! I'm eagerly awaiting more.

Andoran

Fantastic product. Good to see a change of pace IMO. Excellent production values. Though I thought a read, "More maps of Magnimar showing exact district borders, avenue and plaza names, and the precise location of numerous locales can be found in the downloadable content for this volume, available at paizo.com/pathfinder."

Am I missing it or is it just not obvious enough for the likes of me?

Keep up the great work, you have earned my renewal and I look forward to more from this great product.


Yeah, so far so good on these. Just out of curiousity what happened to the "wandering monster charts for the hinterlands" that volume 1 said would be in this volume? Another victim of "not enough space"? Will we see them as a web enhancement?


I'm enjoying the series so far too. Well written...not too rigid. It allows plenty of play with the story line. Good job!


Eric Stelle wrote:
Am I missing it or is it just not obvious enough for the likes of me?

I had a problem with this as well. When I started into that chapter, I noticed that the key-numbers on the map weren't really in the right places to match the blurbs and descriptions on the pages that lead up and follow the map. I thought "what the hey! It's an excusable misprint, I'll just go pick up this comprehencive version that they have on the website!" But... I don't see that anywhere... is it cleverly inserted into the PDF version?

Why don't you guys get back to me on this.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

You can find a more detailed (and correct) map of Magnimar here. It was featured on the Paizo blog, which, right now, is the best place to look for additional content. (We know... it needs to also be put somewhere more obvious.)

Cheliax

Just wanted to add: I just started reading the Skinsaw Murders and... WOW. That is a COOL issue. Creepy and convoluted as I like them horror modules. The ambiance is definitely there. I want to run it.

Thanks guys!


Pathfinder Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Roleplaying Game, Campaign Setting, Companion, Modules, Comics Subscriber

Great job so far guys.
Up to now, my players are "dying" (lol) to continue the adventure on each week session.

The art is getting better and that's really good.

I would like it if you could make 2 posters like in the other adventure path: 1 for the villains and 1 for the hero’s friends of this pathfinder series.

Contributor

Over the weekend, I ran the Foxglove Manor section for my yearly Halloween gaming session. Although we didn't get to finish it before everyone was falling out, it was one of the better haunted house games I've run. The hauntings were deliciously eery and the players enjoyed seeing the story of the manor unfolded through them. That section alone makes this issue well worth getting. Fortunately, the rest of the adventure is just as solid.


Steve Greer wrote:
Over the weekend, I ran the Foxglove Manor section for my yearly Halloween gaming session. Although we didn't get to finish it before everyone was falling out, it was one of the better haunted house games I've run. The hauntings were deliciously eery and the players enjoyed seeing the story of the manor unfolded through them. That section alone makes this issue well worth getting. Fortunately, the rest of the adventure is just as solid.

I especially like the haunting...

Spoiler:
Where the affected PC sits down at the desk and attempts to slit their own throat. "What are you complaining about? I didn't kill your character, he did it himself..."<insert evil DM chuckle> lol


love the Adventures and the way the stuff is put together, But I always wondered if it was possible to put the personality's of the Npc's in the adventures. That way i know how they react to Questions, flirting or all round role-playing. I been dming since i subscribe to pathfinder, and sometimes reading all of it and then highlighting all the stuff that the players need to know and stuff only i need to know for the adventure takes along time. But other then that, Awesome work and keep it up.

Contributor

I have nothing but complaints about this adventure:

WHY IS IT SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!!!???

WHY IS IT SOOOOO PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN!?

WHY DID RICH PETT CREATE SOMETHING BETTER THAN EVERYTHING I WRITE!!!???

Nothing but complaints...

and tears.


Pathfinder Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Companion Subscriber

Yes, i am wondering where the down-loadable content is as well. I believe the city map of Magnimar is mis-numbered. I would like some clarification on it.

And more information is always welcome to help me immerse my players more fully in the game.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

michael hartikainen wrote:

Yes, i am wondering where the down-loadable content is as well. I believe the city map of Magnimar is mis-numbered. I would like some clarification on it.

We'll gather stuff into more obvious places soon, but for now, the place to look is the Paizo Blog. You'll find corrected and more detailed maps of Magnimar here.


Nicolas Logue wrote:

I have nothing but complaints about this adventure:

WHY IS IT SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!!!???

WHY IS IT SOOOOO PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN!?

WHY DID RICH PETT CREATE SOMETHING BETTER THAN EVERYTHING I WRITE!!!???

Nothing but complaints...

and tears.

BOW YOUR HEAD!


Pathfinder Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Nicolas Logue wrote:

I have nothing but complaints about this adventure:

WHY IS IT SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!!!???

WHY IS IT SOOOOO PERFECT FOR HALLOWEEN!?

WHY DID RICH PETT CREATE SOMETHING BETTER THAN EVERYTHING I WRITE!!!???

Nothing but complaints...

and tears.

Interesting what you get away with in a bio page that won't normally fly on the boards otherwise Sir Nick.

Although two of your mental ability scores are alarmingly close to Lenny's... ^_^

If it is any consolation, your stuff almost frags more PCs than the rest .... thiers just frag PCs instead...


Pathfinder Adventure Path Charter Subscriber; Roleplaying Game, Campaign Setting, Companion, Modules, Comics Subscriber

It would have been great to put small maps of the murdered scene like in cops movies (with the dead bodies locations outline in white), like the one for the sanatorium.

My players just took a quick look at those places and without too must interest: they figure out that if there is no map, it means that it's not an important place in the adventure...

On another subject, it was fun to see the face of one of my players, when he found out that is "beloved" katrine was death (he had started an affair with her during the goblin crisis: in my game, Ven's daughters are twin and he gut mix-up in their names). Now Ven is sure that my player is the killer...


It seems the hard copy ofthis issue just became "unavailable". Did it go out of print? Will there be more copies printed?

Greg

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

GregH wrote:

It seems the hard copy ofthis issue just became "unavailable". Did it go out of print? Will there be more copies printed?

Greg

We're *almost* sold out. We just adjusted inventory to make the last copies available.

We're discussing the possibilities of reprinting, but we haven't yet determined if we anticipate enough demand to sell through another run or not.


Vic Wertz wrote:


We're *almost* sold out. We just adjusted inventory to make the last copies available.

We're discussing the possibilities of reprinting, but we haven't yet determined if we anticipate enough demand to sell through another run or not.

So, you're saying if I want it, I should buy it now?

Greg


Vic Wertz wrote:


We're *almost* sold out. We just adjusted inventory to make the last copies available.

We're discussing the possibilities of reprinting, but we haven't yet determined if we anticipate enough demand to sell through another run or not.

Sorry, a few more questions. If I order it now, and I have a couple of pre-orders in my purchase order will you hold a copy for me until they all ship? Or if, when my pre-orders are ready, there isn't a copy avaiable, I'm SOL?

And how are PDF's handled in the same order? Are they downloadable immediately?

Thanks,
Greg


GregH wrote:
And how are PDF's handled in the same order? Are they downloadable immediately?

If you buy a PDF from Paizo, it's available immediately when your order is complete (so far in my experience). If you're a Pathfinder/GameMastery subscriber, the PDF becomes available when your order ships.

Cheliax

great job i like all you guys do and hope for another contest for rpg superstar i miss the first

im just in waiting time now for more map more explication on the world

Cheliax

i have one question when we recive all detail on deities and map of the world


dunrosh wrote:
i have one question when we recive all detail on deities and map of the world

Check the upcoming Gazetteers and setting hardcover (not released - we wait on pins and needles for it).


Will a print of this version ever be available again? I just started with Chapter 1 hoping to find a good module to run with a group.

Man - everyone loves chapter 1!! I want to continue, and while we are not finished with Chtp. 1 yet I'd like to be ready. I hate PDF's for more reasons then are worth noting.

EDIT: I guess I can just look for a used one if you don't want to reprint it.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

We're certainly looking into the logistics and possibility of reprinting Pathfinder #2. But those plans to reprint aren't in stone yet; checking the used bookstores or places like Ebay might be a good bet in the meantime.


sirebral, amazon.com has some (3 as of this moment) available through independent sellers.

RPG Superstar 2009 Top 16

James Jacobs wrote:
We're certainly looking into the logistics and possibility of reprinting Pathfinder #2. But those plans to reprint aren't in stone yet; checking the used bookstores or places like Ebay might be a good bet in the meantime.

I work in a game store, I can attest that people are still learning about (and still buying) the first Pathfinder series. However, we are losing some sales because the second part is not available. And I get at least two or three questions about part two every week.

Reprint, reprint, reprint!

Osirion

Pathfinder Campaign Setting Superscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Doyle Tavener wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
We're certainly looking into the logistics and possibility of reprinting Pathfinder #2. But those plans to reprint aren't in stone yet; checking the used bookstores or places like Ebay might be a good bet in the meantime.

I work in a game store, I can attest that people are still learning about (and still buying) the first Pathfinder series. However, we are losing some sales because the second part is not available. And I get at least two or three questions about part two every week.

Reprint, reprint, reprint!

Seconded on the reprint! My partner has decided to run RotRL for his STAP group once we're finished (we're about halfway through) after weeks of mutual squeeing over the prospect of my running CotCT. He can run from pdf but it's so much better to have the physical books, and not being able to track down Skinsaw (well, other than being hideously overcharged for second hand copies in Amazon marketplace, I'd much rather give my money to Paizo) is all that's preventing me from buying all 6 back issues.

My gaming society also hosted a national competition a couple of weeks ago where I pointed out Pathfinder to a few people at one of the LGS stalls. Several were interested, but not having the second volume available to peruse (and the owner having no idea if he'd ever be able to get hold of it again) put a lot of people off, again, whilst we all agreed pdfs are an awesome resource for printing out handouts and so forth, most would prefer to have a print copy for when they're actually running.

Paizo Employee CEO

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa


Pathfinder Adventure Path, GameMastery Maps Subscriber

If anyone wants it faster than that - Blackthorn Games in Dickson, TN, had one copy of Pathfinder #2 on their shelf as of this past weekend. You can call the store at 615-446-6057. (They also had one copy of Pathfinder #3 if you need both and want to combine shipping.)

Osirion

Pathfinder Campaign Setting Superscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Lisa Stevens wrote:

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa

Woo! :D


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Will there be any changes in the reprint (errata, etc.) or will it be the same as the first printing?

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Adventure Path, Companion Subscriber

I am running my group through this adventure and i was looking at the section on magnimar and its says on one of the pages that there is downloadable content about magnimar on page 63. Whhere can I find this and does every issue of the pathfinder come with downloadable content?

thanks
Jamie

Paizo Employee CEO

Rauol_Duke wrote:
Will there be any changes in the reprint (errata, etc.) or will it be the same as the first printing?

It will be a straight reprint. In order for us to do this economically, we need to keep the printing plates the exact same as they were.

-Lisa


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Thanks, Lisa.


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
JavertCMH wrote:

I am running my group through this adventure and i was looking at the section on magnimar and its says on one of the pages that there is downloadable content about magnimar on page 63. Whhere can I find this and does every issue of the pathfinder come with downloadable content?

thanks
Jamie

Hi-Res, update map is located HERE.

Contributor

Lisa Stevens wrote:
Rauol_Duke wrote:
Will there be any changes in the reprint (errata, etc.) or will it be the same as the first printing?

It will be a straight reprint. In order for us to do this economically, we need to keep the printing plates the exact same as they were.

-Lisa

Ricky got the first reprint, Ricky got the first reprint...

Ahem, erm I mean I am of course delighted to be so honoured (QE).

Mnaaaar

Dank, misty hilltop - out

Contributor

The great thing as I've said many times is seeing the way these work when they are being played, and the ton of great ideas that players and DMs put on the adventure in their own game sessions. So thanks for the feedback chaps, it's always inspirational to future adventures and of course as greg, greer, kortes, leati, louge and everyone continues to up the ante I'll hopefully be able to improve as well.


when will a print version of this volumbe be available again???


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
nwelte wrote:
when will a print version of this volumbe be available again???

10 posts up.

Lisa Stevens wrote:

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa


Lisa Stevens wrote:

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa

I can't believe this book is $50.00 on the secondary market.

Since your company is supporting 3.5. I'm also gonna carry some 3.5 material in my retail store. So I went to restock on all the Pathfinder Runelord series. Only to discover #2 is out of print.
Makes it hard to carry the whole line when one issue is out of print.

Plz give the go ahead at the printer. Summer is coming and retailers need this on our shelves.

Contributor

Twizz wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa

I can't believe this book is $50.00 on the secondary market.

Since your company is supporting 3.5. I'm also gonna carry some 3.5 material in my retail store. So I went to restock on all the Pathfinder Runelord series. Only to discover #2 is out of print.
Makes it hard to carry the whole line when one issue is out of print.

Plz give the go ahead at the printer. Summer is coming and retailers need this on our shelves.

$50 - gosh!

Cheliax

Richard Pett wrote:
Twizz wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa

I can't believe this book is $50.00 on the secondary market.

Since your company is supporting 3.5. I'm also gonna carry some 3.5 material in my retail store. So I went to restock on all the Pathfinder Runelord series. Only to discover #2 is out of print.
Makes it hard to carry the whole line when one issue is out of print.

Plz give the go ahead at the printer. Summer is coming and retailers need this on our shelves.

$50 - gosh!

Well someones head just swelled up to 10 times the normal size. :)


My group is enjoying this so far. I really like the Varisian feats. Super-fun. I'm a NG summoning cleric of Cayden with a longspear. Good times. Since I'm human I took the first level of rogue for a little tactical damage and the ability to search for traps. Speaking of Varisian feats, the Varisian tatoo 3/day spells will lose a lot of punch when PRPG characters start having free cantrips. (I rarely have a chance to use those 3 acid splashes anyway from the conjuration one).

Anyway, it's fun. We just got past the "scarecrows," which was inventive and well written. We haven't figured out what that key goes to yet...ugh.

My DM has complained that in the first module and in this one, that some numbered places on the maps don't seem to have corresponding text areas in the section, and sometimes the text box for that number is somewhere else where she didn't think to look for it. So I don't know exactly what that is all about. A couple times the module uses a monster that doesn't have a stat block included and it's not a standard creature. (I think that only happened once really, unless you count the dread ghoul or whatever that guy was).

Can't wait until this Saturday to play another installment. My one friend is this douchey CN ranger that we always have to deal with. I always end up being that keep-the-party-together-guy, no matter what I'm playing; It gets tiring sometimes. (Rest of party: NG dwarven shoanti-raised barbarian, CN sorcerer, and NG Cleric of that angelic lady- goddess.)

Andoran

Richard Pett wrote:
Twizz wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

We are putting the final touches on a reprint of #2, and once we give the go ahead to the printer, it will take about 6 weeks to get here. I expect that we will give that go ahead this coming week.

-Lisa

I can't believe this book is $50.00 on the secondary market.

Since your company is supporting 3.5. I'm also gonna carry some 3.5 material in my retail store. So I went to restock on all the Pathfinder Runelord series. Only to discover #2 is out of print.
Makes it hard to carry the whole line when one issue is out of print.

Plz give the go ahead at the printer. Summer is coming and retailers need this on our shelves.

$50 - gosh!

Niiiiice. ;)

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