Pathfinder Adventure Path #85: Fires of Creation (Iron Gods 1 of 6) (PFRPG)

4.90/5 (based on 21 ratings)
Pathfinder Adventure Path #85: Fires of Creation (Iron Gods 1 of 6) (PFRPG)
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Dawn of New Gods!

The Iron Gods Adventure Path begins with "Fires of Creation," an exciting new adventure set in Numeria, land of barbarians and super-science! In the town of Torch, the settlement's unignorable tower of violet flame has gone out. The only clue to its disappearance is a newly discovered cave dug nearby. Are the heroes bold enough to unearth the otherworldly secrets that sleep beneath the city and reignite the fires of Torch? Or will their first foray into Numeria's ancient mysteries be their last?

This volume of Pathfinder Adventure Path launches the Iron Gods Adventure Path and includes:

  • "Fires of Creation," a Pathfinder adventure for 1st-level characters, by Neil Spicer.
  • A Gazetteer of the Numerian town of Torch, by Neil Spicer.
  • A look into the mysteries of artificial life with an ecology of androids, by Russ Taylor.
  • A bittersweet homecoming for a Numerian explorer in the Pathfinder's Journal, by Amber E. Scott.
  • A host of new monsters, by Neil Spicer, Mark Garringer, and Mike Welham.

Each monthly full-color softcover Pathfinder Adventure Path volume contains an in-depth adventure scenario, stats for several new monsters, and support articles meant to give Game Masters additional material to expand their campaign. Pathfinder Adventure Path volumes use the Open Game License and work with both the Pathfinder RPG and the world's oldest fantasy RPG.

ISBN-13: 978-1-60125-673-7

"Fires of Creation" is sanctioned for use in Pathfinder Society Organized Play. The rules for running this Adventure Path and Chronicle sheet are available as a free download (874 KB zip/PDF).

Other Resources: This product is also available on the following platforms:

Hero Lab Online
Fantasy Grounds Virtual Tabletop
Archives of Nethys

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

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This product is non-mint. Refunds are not available for non-mint products. The standard version of this product can be found here.

Are there errors or omissions in this product information? Got corrections? Let us know at store@paizo.com.

PZO9085


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4.90/5 (based on 21 ratings)

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VERY tough dungeon crawl and a great introduction to science fantasy

4/5

I ran a group of 4 experienced, but non-optimizing players through this adventure and did all encounters as written.

After we finished this adventure, I asked my players to give me some feedback on the adventure itself and they all agreed that it was extremely hard, especially in the beginning. And I have to agree: Creatures with 4 attacks at level 1? Hardness 10 creatures vs. a level 2 party? Skill check DCs of up to 30 at level 3?

Sure, there are ways to make the tasks easier and I actually applaud this method: set the DC very high but be generous with circumstance bonuses (up to +10 from a single source) that can reduce it to almost trivial levels. It forces players to think in in-game terms and draws them away from their character sheet and pure mechanics. But not every group is going to like this.

The creature with hardness, however, is a very serious threat and almost impossible to overcome for low-level PCs. Make sure you work with your players and give some friendly tactical advice when they appear to get stuck.

Even though I tried to help them as best as I could without too much handholding, we had a TPK at level 1 and several near-TPKs in the rest of the adventure. If your group is not into that sort of threat level, make sure to tone down the encounters somewhat.

I even have to go as far and subtract a star for the difficulty level because one of my players got so frustrated after his character died that he returned with the strongest character build he could find online. That should not happen! It may be on me as the GM to let it get that far, but the adventure as written should not be so frustrating that you feel you have to choose the powerful over the flavorful options to survive.

Story-wise, it is a very fun exploration of a technological ruin/dungeon. The tech level slowly increases over the course of the adventure, making this a great introduction to Science Fantasy. The descriptions of the rooms are also written from a tech-ignorant perspective. In the beginning, this was a lot of fun as players and characters alike were trying to figure out what exactly the things in front of them did. But by the end of the adventure, when several people have picked up the Technologist feat, some ranks in Knowledge (engineering) and maybe even speak Androffan, the point-of-view of a technological ignoramus becomes a bit annoying because at that point everyone knows that it is a computer screen and it becomes tiring to have descriptions of "glowing glass panels with strange writing"). I know, I can of course paraphrase the boxed text, but I felt like the adventure could have handled this a bit more gracefully on its own.

All in all, we still had a great time with this one but there were a few frustrating moments due to the high difficulty levels. If you have a group of experienced players who have a certain level of system mastery, go ahead and add a star. For us, it was a 4 star experience.


Good, solid start to the AP

4/5

Read my full review on Of Dice and Pen.

Fires of Creation is the first part of the Iron Gods Adventure Path, which fully embraces the guns, androids, and spaceships part of the campaign setting. This is not the first appearance of such elements, but it is the first to make them a significant focus. As such, it's not an adventure path that will necessarily appeal to people who don't like to mix science fiction and fantasy. However, for those who do, or for those willing to give it a try, Fires of Creation makes a great starting point. It's a somewhat “sandboxy” adventure that introduces standard fantasy player characters to a wider world of technology and science fiction.


Wow!

5/5

Let me first say I haven't GM'ed an RPG (any RPG) in almost 20 years. My kids recommended Pathfinder as a "Classic" Fantasy RPG system that would be most familiar to me. My challenge was to find a beginner's module that would be engaging, relatively well fleshed out, and yet tolerant of a rusty GM new to the Pathfinder system.

Fires of Creation has met those criteria, and more! As someone who has spent a career in robotics and the Space industry, I have always like mixing technology in to Fantasy RPGs. This module allows me to be creative in adding depth and color within a well flushed out system for incorporating technology. There is sufficient backstory to allow the GM to frame the roleplay in an obviously consistent way. The town of Torch is developed well enough to be a reasonable sandbox, yet quite a few "triggers" are built in as the storyline progresses. I also found the campaign "traits" to be very helpful in tying new characters in to the storyline.

In this module, the game mechanics are relatively straightforward enough for me to learn the details of Pathfinder system. As this Adventure Path progresses I am sure that will change, but by then I'll be buffed up! We've had three sessions and my players are eager to find out what happens next. The encounters have been challenging and rewarding for them.

I would highly recommend "Fires of Creation" and am hoping future modules meet the high bar set here!


good stuff

5/5

This is an excellent start to the Iron Gods AP. The events of this book introduce the key players quite well, via an interesting story and a fun adventure. Things are weird, but there aren't any moments that feel like filler.


Will I Dream, Dave? Yes I Will!

5/5

An excellent kick-off to an excellent Adventure Path. This adventure goes from a more orthodox Pathfinder adventure with working with townspeople against a gang of thugs and delving dungeons and fighting cave-dwelling monsters to exploring the fantastical world of technology that only this adventure path could really provide. It's an excellent transition adventure to let players know that we are still in Pathfinder, but we are not completely on Golarion anymore.

Numeria has everything I've wanted in an Adventure Path and this book is an excellent jumping-off point for an adventure unlike any other!


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Webstore Gninja Minion

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Announced! Cover image is a mockup and subject to change.


4 people marked this as a favorite.

I was thrilled about "The Mummy's Mask", but "Iron Gods" has me uber-super-excited.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Quadruple ehrmagherd! You had me at "technological dungeon"...

Silver Crusade

8 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

/nosebleed


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

IT HAS BEGUN!!!!!!


25 people marked this as a favorite.

when this AP was first announced, Lamontia heard my frenzied burbling and incoherent giggling from across the house

she took one look one look at the announcement and simply said, "I will GM that for you and the rest of the group so that you can play in it."

I am the luckiest man alive


Oh nice. I'm looking forward to this!


4 people marked this as a favorite.

Woooo!!!

I mean...

Lords of Light!


Okay, so I was right about this one being set in/around Torch.

I have to double check, but it seems to me that the Inner Sea World Guide mentioned undead around Torch. Maybe we'll see some good old fashion radioactive zombies in this one?


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Nice to see Mr. Spicer is in demand and keeping busy with the writing projects. Way to go!

Shadow Lodge

Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

WANT

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Cthulhudrew wrote:

Okay, so I was right about this one being set in/around Torch.

I have to double check, but it seems to me that the Inner Sea World Guide mentioned undead around Torch. Maybe we'll see some good old fashion radioactive zombies in this one?

No mention of undead in the Inner Sea World Guide around Torch. There's some undead involved anyway.


James Jacobs wrote:
No mention of undead in the Inner Sea World Guide around Torch. There's some undead involved anyway.

Ah, can't remember where I got that impression.

Probably just visions of radioactive zombies and sugarplums dancing in my head. :)


I don't even LIKE sci-fi, but I'm still so totally stoked about this AP! :DD

RPG Superstar 2009, Contributor

13 people marked this as a favorite.

Lock S-foils in attack position.
We're passing through the magnetic field.
Hold tight. Switch your deflectors on...double front.
Look at the size of that thing!
Cut the chatter, Red 2...
Accelerate to attack speed! This is it, boys!


1 person marked this as a favorite.

The End Is Nigh.

Silver Crusade

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

I am so excited about this!

This is some coolness, and an opening Chapter from Mr Neil Spicer is something to get excited about no matter the AP.

Robuts, Spaceships and Magic oh my!


Oh man, I can't wait! Bring on the force swords and armor!

Liberty's Edge

2 people marked this as a favorite.

babbles incoherently, weeping tears of joy

Silver Crusade

5 people marked this as a favorite.

Android paladins and alien-bloodline sorcerers and robot-punching barbarians travelling the wreckage-littered wasteland....


Shisumo wrote:
babbles incoherently, weeping tears of joy

What he mumbled.


Mikaze wrote:
Android paladins and alien-bloodline sorcerers and robot-punching barbarians travelling the wreckage-littered wasteland....

Thanks for the Iron Gods soundtrack link Mikaze.


Description says "suddently" I think it should be "suddenly"


1 person marked this as a favorite.

I am even more excited about this one then the Osirion AP.


Mikaze wrote:
Android paladins and alien-bloodline sorcerers and robot-punching barbarians travelling the wreckage-littered wasteland....

A new life awaits you in the off-world colonies! A chance to begin again in a golden land of opportunity and adventure!

Seriously, I cannot wait for this. It's going to be so much awesome that I think my head will explode.

And I'm secretly hoping for a nuke. I really, really want a nuke. Or a bunch of them. I wanna pull an Urza on the Abyss after reading through WotR.


Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber

Oh, so this AP is an April Fool's joke?


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Zaister wrote:
Oh, so this AP is an April Fool's joke?

All these announcements were made yesterday.


Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Evil Midnight Lurker wrote:
Zaister wrote:
Oh, so this AP is an April Fool's joke?
All these announcements were made yesterday.

Not on my clock!

Anyway, I was only half-serious.


Haven't been as excited about a PF AP as I am about this one. Thank you James Jacobs for pushing the envelope.


Oh. My. God.

I want this. like, now.

Shadow Lodge

1 person marked this as a favorite.

My body is ready. I can't wait to get a chance to play this in October.


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Android paladins and alien-bloodline sorcerers and robot-punching barbarians travelling the wreckage-littered wasteland....
Thanks for the Iron Gods soundtrack link Mikaze.

Someone recommended this:

Self Indulgent Space Opera Metal.

It's more my style. Better suited for laser battles methinks.


So, so, so excited about this one!

Sadly, I'll have to run it instead of playing it - but that's better than not getting it at all. :)

Liberty's Edge

Do like I do. Run it for yourself. :b

Scarab Sages

I want this

and I won't be able to stop thinking of this

Franchisee - Game Kastle College Park

OP said wrote:
A gazetteer of the city of Torch and an exploration into the nature of the strange androids of Numeria round out this volume, along with the first installment of Amber Scott’s new Pathfinder Journal and several new monsters of alien and technological nature.

Does this mean that Amber Scott will be doing all the AP fiction now? Please! Please!

Shadow Lodge

4 people marked this as a favorite.

This is another AP that is going to sit on my shelf, unopened, much like Skull and Shackles. Because dammit, I want to PLAY this one...


This looks fantastic. I can't wait.

Paizo Employee Developer

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Gladior wrote:
OP said wrote:
A gazetteer of the city of Torch and an exploration into the nature of the strange androids of Numeria round out this volume, along with the first installment of Amber Scott’s new Pathfinder Journal and several new monsters of alien and technological nature.

Does this mean that Amber Scott will be doing all the AP fiction now? Please! Please!

She's doing the Pathfinder's Journal for Iron Gods for sure, but I have a slightly different plan for the following Adventure Path.

Silver Crusade

I hope you will have a lot of copies of this at GenCon because even if I get screwed on going this year someone is going to pick me up a copy.


2 people marked this as a favorite.

I can feel my wallet grow lighter on every occasion that OSW ermagherds. I have literally been mugged and felt more financially secure. damn you paizo, now take my money.

RPG Superstar 2009, Contributor

4 people marked this as a favorite.
Danubus wrote:
I hope you will have a lot of copies of this at GenCon because even if I get screwed on going this year someone is going to pick me up a copy.

I'll be at the Paizo booth hopefully selling the heck out of this thing. Have your friend track me down and I'll sign it for you.

Silver Crusade

Neil Spicer wrote:
Danubus wrote:
I hope you will have a lot of copies of this at GenCon because even if I get screwed on going this year someone is going to pick me up a copy.
I'll be at the Paizo booth hopefully selling the heck out of this thing. Have your friend track me down and I'll sign it for you.

Cool! Will do!


christos gurd wrote:
I can feel my wallet grow lighter on every occasion that OSW ermagherds. I have literally been mugged and felt more financially secure. damn you paizo, now take my money.

Haha, I'm glad I'm just moderately excited about Iron Gods (about the same as any AP) because being super passionate about it sounds almost unpleasant xD

Silver Crusade

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Davick wrote:
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Android paladins and alien-bloodline sorcerers and robot-punching barbarians travelling the wreckage-littered wasteland....
Thanks for the Iron Gods soundtrack link Mikaze.

Someone recommended this:

Self Indulgent Space Opera Metal.

It's more my style. Better suited for laser battles methinks.

Ayreon has written seven linked folk metal Rock Operas About Space Aliens. In case you haven't seen this before: You're welcome.

Of Particular importance are "The Human Equation" and "01011001". They will be my backing music for Iron Gods.


3 people marked this as a favorite.

This is a MUST HAVE for me.

I don't really need to pay bills anyway...


2 people marked this as a favorite.
Nostrum wrote:
Davick wrote:
Oceanshieldwolf wrote:
Mikaze wrote:
Android paladins and alien-bloodline sorcerers and robot-punching barbarians travelling the wreckage-littered wasteland....
Thanks for the Iron Gods soundtrack link Mikaze.

Someone recommended this:

Self Indulgent Space Opera Metal.

It's more my style. Better suited for laser battles methinks.

Ayreon has written seven linked folk metal Rock Operas About Space Aliens. In case you haven't seen this before: You're welcome.

Of Particular importance are "The Human Equation" and "01011001". They will be my backing music for Iron Gods.

Has it struck anyone else that the plot of Ayeron's "Into the Electric Castle" would make an awesome campaign.

Silver Crusade

1 person marked this as a favorite.
atheral wrote:
Has it struck anyone else that the plot of Ayeron's "Into the Electric Castle" would make an awesome campaign.

Not until you said it then, but I'm already drooling about it. I might have a crack over the Australian winter holidays.

Trivia: did you know they Arjen Lucassen named his home recording studio "The Electric Castle"?


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber

Really excited about this one.


3 people marked this as a favorite.

I've wanted to play a swords & lasers game since... Well... Since I was a kid who loved this show on Saturday morning TV.

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