Pathfinder Society Scenario #3: Murder on the Silken Caravan (OGL) PDF

I really enjoyed the storyline of this module. This is an investigative module done right. Additionally, it brings in a few new elements that allow it to stand out from other PFS modules. First it introduces two major deities to new players, and second, it introduces a new part of the game world to bring it to life. Both of these are good choices for being one of the first four adventures in the organized play line or to players new to Golarion in general.

I agree with another reviewer that there is a faction mission which seems out of place, however I enjoyed all the combats and felt they supported the plot well. One in particular, introduced some interesting challenges both environmentally and tactically.

No particular character class is required to successfully complete the game, however neither any really featured, save for the Ranger which could be useful.

I enjoyed the story and the combats in this game. I thought it introduced an interesting NPC that I hope will become reoccuring.

I also played this at GenCon '08. This adventure was fun and exciting...

until you join a caravan to complete your mission... at which point someone, I guess the author decides to throw a CR5+ combat your way. I won't reveal the specifics of the combat, but it was large and ridiculous for a level 1 party. It involved terrain penalties that the 'monsters' did not suffer.

The GM running our table told us that only one group he had ran won the encounter and they were 2nd level, the other 2 groups (3 including us) survived, but only because he did not Coup De Grace the players. We were robbed & left for dead til our cleric that we convinced to run could make it back to us.

Other than that combat, the module ran fine and was entertaining. I was grumpy and having 'Living Greyhawk' flashbacks. ( 3 Psuedonaturals, surprise round, entire party Truestrike grappled... yea, that happend!!!) Until I realized something on the car ride home. GenCon '08 did not use the 'PATHFINDER' rules for character creation, it was standard 3.5 PHB stuff. Meaning, our cleric would've had approx. 5-6 'Channel Energy' aka 1d6 healing bursts, not to mention health increases across the board that fight would've gone much better.

Being the first Pathfinder Society scenario I played, I must admit I enjoyed the experience. The plot was coherent, interesting, and easy to follow. The combats felt dangerous and exciting, just what a scenario needs to be intriguing. The faction missions were good except for one, whose mission was glued in by force. Also one encounter felt really out-of-place, irrelevant to the story so to speak. Albeit the minor issues, it's a solid module worthy of the praise.

Like most of the Pathfinder reviewers so far I played this at GenCon. The reason I'm only giving it three stars is I didn't get to play the entire adventure because it ran too long for a four hour slot. This is an adventure for a home game or the last slot of the convention when time is not a constraint. I'd guess six hours would do it justice. I did enjoy the parts that I played, though. The author did a good job of creating opportunities for all party roles to have their moment to shine. The desert setting was very flavorful, I felt like I was in North Africa trudging across the desert under the blistering heat of the midday sun. My Pathfinder PC is an Osirion cleric of Pharasma with Profession/Mortician--this scenario put her in her element indeed. Nice work, but 4 hours didn't do it justice.