First off, I have no idea what the one star review saying that you need the Qadira Campaign Setting book to run this is talking about. All the relevant information for running this scenario is printed in it and it never asks you to reference that book.
Now, with that out of the way I'll start the review propper.
The Cost of Enlightenment is a nice change of pace from the typical combat heavy adventures and provide PCs with Social and Knowledge skills a chance to shine in several parts. At first the PCs are tasked in the beginning with getting an audience with and impressing the local ruler of the city. Their progess is measured by how much "clout" they've earned. Though most of the ways they earn clout is with perform, social, and knowledge skills, low skilled martial characters were not forgotten and are given an alternative way to earn clout through handling some rowdy cultists causing trouble in the city.
In the second half of the adventure the PCs travel to an ancient shrine of a "deity" who may or may not actually exist. Once there they'll have to fight their way in through some guardians and cultists before reaching the heart of the shrine. There is actually an awesomely unique chance for a Spiritualist PC to shine in one of these encounters and even gain a unique boon by doing so.
Finally, at the heart of the shrine the PCs are tasked with answering the questions of a mysterious entity whose very existance is questionable. Now, this part is where the scenario loses a star for me. If the PCs have been paying attention throughout the scenario, they should have little problem answering these questions and getting by, as all but one accept a wide range of answers (the one that has a very specific has an answer that the PCs should have heard a minimum of 3 times throughout the scenario from various cultists). However, if they get a question wrong they take damage, which could be an issue that causes frustration for the PCs if they can't figure out the questions or just get unlocky and roll terribly.
Once the PCs answer the questions correctly, they're invited to drink from the pool in the shrine and all experience seperate
stange visions. This is a chance for a good GM to really shine in describing the trippyness of the visions. After this, the PCs have a chance to converse with some more level headed cultists and come to their own conclusions as to the true meaning of their visions which they can then share with the ruler of the city upon their return and advise her on what to do.
Overall, The Cost of Enlightenment is a delightfully different scenario and well worth running.
