Earlier in the year, I posted a lengthy update regarding the Faction Journal Cards we announced at the end of 2014. I encourage you to check out that blog if you didn't have a chance to read it before. As many of you likely recall, these cards are a new way for the Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign to address factions, including faction goals that can apply to a wide range of adventures and allow the PC to earn up to three faction-specific rewards over the course of a season. Over the past week, Linda Zayas-Palmer and I have put in a lot of work on these cards.
With that to look forward to, let's also take a look at the upcoming scenarios—as well as two of the talkative personalities that appear this month. The first scenario, Pathfinder Society Scenario #6–16: Scions of the Sky Key, Part 3: The Golden Guardian, is the last installment of this Tier 1–5 series that has sent the PCs to Sargava's Bandu Hills and later to the Kaava Lands. Having acquired a powerful weapon, the PCs hope to incapacitate the legendary warden that watches over the dwarven ruins of Ashkurhall. Those who have played through the first part of the series will no doubt encounter some familiar foes, and the author Mikko Kallio has done an excellent job of presenting these creatures by combining a few classic features with just as many very clever twists. All told, it's a thrilling conclusion to a very fun three-part series.
On a related note, Mikko is one of the three RPG Superstar 2014 finalists as well as a judge for this year's contest. By the time this blog goes live, there's probably only a narrow window left to vote, but I strongly encourage you to at least check out the submissions from the various rounds—especially if you're interested in participating in the Pathfinder Society Open Call.
The second scenario this month is Pathfinder Society Scenario #6–17: Fires of Karamoss, which in a way is also part of a series. Really it's the spiritual successor of one of the season's first adventures, in which the PCs explored part of the Red Redoubt of Karamoss, a siege fortress rife with advanced technology. It seems the earlier discoveries have uncovered a more sinister plot, and it's up to the PCs to delve deep into the tower's foundation to save a major find—if not Absalom itself! The author is one of Paizo's own: the talented Joe Homes. Working only a few dozen feet away from an author makes it really easy to bounce ideas back and forth, and Joe really impressed me with his ability to introduce charming NPCs into what could have easily remained a straightforward dungeon crawl. The result is an exciting adventure with a healthy helping of both memorable roleplaying and engaging battles.
John Compton
Developer