This scenario follows the "skill challenges with NPCs, then combat" formula.
I liked all the combats. The first one had optional objectives and way to resolve it through a skill check (which I admittedly misread when I ran it). The subsequent encounters featuring relatively large numbers of low-level enemies was good, because it's a fact that there are monsters that are less powerful than the PCs, and Pathfinders shouldn't always fight ones that are more-or-less equal in level. The final boss uses decent tactics, which is good.
On the other hand, I disliked how the final encounter's scaling adds additional hazards. Hazards are always are risky to use because there are few rules outlining how PCs can learn how to disable them, and these ones could blind PCs temporarily. Also, my group didn't even trigger all of them, due to where the scenario placed them. Maybe adding creatures rather than additional hazards would have been better.
Also, the ghouls' artwork doesn't match what ghouls look like in the lost omens setting. In fact, they look like one of the new NPCs, and the players thought they might be fighting either her or corrupted citizens at first. Zarta Dralneen makes an appearance, but artwork of her isn't provided.
I completed this scenario in about 3.5 hours. This scenario features more social encounters and skill checks than it does combat. The mystery plot was intriguing, although the outcome wasn't surprising, but overall it was good.
Plot spoiler:
The Pahtfinder Society was being framed to by a false-flag operation to harm its reputation with the authorities
I like the division of skill DCs into Easy, Standard, and Hard in the sidebar on page 5. The text was easier to read and required less space than normal. I also like how It offer guidance for GMs on setting DCs of checks that players may wish to attempt, and GMs inform players which skills are more difficult than others. It would be great if this became standard in future scenarios!
I liked the plot of this scenario better than I did 2-19. Rather than simply exploring a dangerous area with potential archeological significance, the PCs investigate the disappearance of the antagonists of the previous adventure. They encounter all sorts of grisly and macabre things, and I really like how creepy it was. I also like that it feature Pathfinders surveying a historical site, that's rare.
Mechanically it's fine. It ran pretty long for us, but I did have to stop and draw an extensive map. It concludes with a low-stakes social encounter, which is unusual for PFS scenarios. I would have preferred that it be at the beginning so that players can introduce their PCs through roleplay and so that the players understand the context better.
This quest follows the format of one skill challenge and one combat encounter. It also takes place in Geb, a nation that remains relatively unexplored in official adventures, and has a neat little mini-mystery that my party enjoyed.
The skill challenge allowed multiple approaches and multiple attempts. The text clearly explains to the GM exactly how to run the challenge, which isn't always the case.
The combat incorporates mechanics for fighting creatures that are different from what initial appearances suggest. I liked this mechanic in the 1E Scenario "Breath of the Dragonskull" and I'm glad to see it in 2E.
My one suggestion for improving the combat would be to explicity state the height of the crates and whether they're difficult terrain.
I GM'd this scenario in the low tier for a party of 5 PCs with 16 Challenge Points.
I liked this adventure, especially the new GM references and the updated Event Reporting Form. The combat was simple for me to run but was also challenging for my players, which is ideal in my opinion.
Investigation (spoiler):
During the investigation.s leading up to the combat, the plot advances even if the PCs fail the skill checks. The cost of failure is receiving certain penalties in the final combat.
The pace never comes to a halt yet failure still matters. That’s a good balance to strike.
Criticism (spoiler):
The scenario advises the players to visit locations in a given order or else receive the penalties I mentioned earlier. I don’t understand what purpose, if any, is served by placing the PCs on railroads.
That’s a fairly minor complaint, however, and it didn’t diminish the scenario.
Finally, the scenario background is informed by the ongoing anti-slavery crusade of the Lost Omens setting, and an NPC from 1E makes their 2E debut. I like that there’s world-building and cameos for those who care.
Venture-Lieutenant, Virginia—Richmond 1,106 posts (1,109 including aliases). 5 reviews. No lists. No wishlists. 34 Organized Play characters. 1 alias. 
