Pathfinder Adventure Path #19: "Howl of the Carrion King" (Legacy of Fire 1 of 6) (OGL)

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Chapter 1: "Howl of the Carrion King"
by Erik Mona

Hear the cry of war!

In the exotic nation of Katapesh, a land of fortune and wonders, heroes are those with the courage to command their destinies. Such wisdom leads a daring band to the abandoned village of Kelmarane with the hopes of reestablishing the once prosperous community. But buzzards still feast upon the secluded settlement’s corpse: a savage tribe of gnolls and their bestial allies hold the town in the name of a merciless master known only as the Carrion King. Can the PCs retake the village from its feral conquerors, or is Kelmarane but the first bastion of civilization to fall before the hordes of the mysterious warlord?

    This volume of the Pathfinder Adventure Path begins the Legacy of Fire, and includes:
  • “Howl of the Carrion King,” an adventure for 1st-level characters, by Erik Mona
  • An investigation into the savage gnoll tribes of the Brazen Peaks, their brutal culture, and their merciless members, by Eric Haddock
  • Ruins once sacred to the god of magic have become the lair of a living curse in “The Refuge of Nethys,” a Set Piece adventure by James MacKenzie
  • The adventures of druid Channa Ti begin in “Dark Tapestry,” a new chronicle in the Pathfinder’s Journal, by New York Times bestselling author Elaine Cunningham
  • Five new monsters by Adam Daigle, James Jacobs, and F. Wesley Schneider

For characters of 1st to 5th level.

Pathfinder Adventure Path is Paizo Publishing's monthly 96-page, perfect-bound, full-color softcover book printed on high-quality paper. It contains an in-depth Adventure Path scenario, stats for about a half-dozen new monsters, and several support articles meant to give Game Masters additional material to expand their campaign. Because Pathfinder uses the Open Game License, it is 100% compatible with the 3.5 edition of the world's most popular fantasy roleplaying game.

ISBN–13: 978-1-60125-159-6

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

Archives of Nethys

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

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The pugwampi ruined this adventure

1/5

The encounter in the monestary with the pugwampi is so incredebly unfun, that it completely ruined the whole evening for our whole group.

Does not live up to the standard ive gotten used to from Paizo.

I will not reccomend this to others


One fantastic beginning

5/5

This is probably the best first-level module, and first Adventure Path installment, that I've run. I loved it, the players loved it, they still talk about it today.

The characters are hired to meet up with a trade caravan and reclaim an Arabesque city from gnolls, in order to restore it to a functioning trade hub; while the path goes to bigger and greater things later, here, it's low-level town reclamation and gnoll slaying. In fact, the module is kind of a low-level guerrilla assault on the gnoll-occupied village, where the players have the freedom to choose how and where they strike. Likewise, there's a lot of room for gnoll counter-attacks, or an assault on the PCs' monastery base.

And not just gnolls; there's a great variety of monsters at play, leading to some interesting and memorable combats. Best of all was the introduction of some gremlins as introductory villains. These little guys are pushovers stat-wise, but exude an aura of unluck which makes them really tough to deal with. Plus, they have a habit of hiding out in areas that have dangerous terrain features---cactus patches, for one---that has great synergy with their aura.

Granted, there's a lot more than just killin'. There's a lot of places to explore, including some interesting adventure seeds, and a set-piece mini-dungeon later in this book. The module introduces a batch of NPCs with the caravan, with plenty of opportunities to roleplay; on top of this, there's options for several of the "bad guys" to be talked/bribed into the PCs' side. And there's several locations, including the entire town, for the PCs to reclaim and occupy.

All in all, a very memorable module with a lot of grit and detail. The enemies are challenging without being overpowered, the setting is great---the art design in these books is simply stunning---and the plot is interesting and engaging. Add in the standard Path features---a bestiary, an overview of the gnoll tribes in the area---and you have a lot to work with adventure-wise. I highly recommend this Path; even alone this module is worth it.


Portuguese (br) review

4/5

Howl of the Carrion King é uma excelente aventura inicial, completa, cativante e com uma trama instigante, de uma forma como não se via desde Rise of the Runelords. Infelizmente ela tem uns probleminhas de ter de pausar a estória para os personagens irem ganhar XP, mas nada que um mestre habilidoso não já tenha aprendido a lidar. Os artigos suplementam muito bem a aventura, sendo indispensáveis ao sucesso da mesma. Os monstros novos são muito divertidos e criativos. Realmente uma edição recomendada. Parabéns Paizo.


Could be so much better. Poor quality books

2/5

Legacy of Fire has a good story but the encounters fall short because the adventure path series waste too much space on non essential material. Like fiction that has nothing to do with the series except it take place in the region. Monsters that are not used in the adventure path. A "extra" filler adventure that is in most of the books is lower level then the actual book that is should be played in. Pretty much all the encounters are basic thug attacks with underpowered opponents and no variety. Some encounter are good and can be deadly but most are just a waste of space. The party quickly adapts to these basic thug attacks. These thug attacks turn into a exercise in dice rolling with hardly any challenge. If Paizo spent more time on the adventure and less wasting the extra space on non essential fluff and rules this series could have been so much better.

This adventure path series tries to do too much. Paizo needs to focus more on the adventure then adding a bunch of extra fluff and rules. Save that stuff for the rule books and regional books.

The paper in the books is really nice but the bindings are poor quality. After one use the pages start falling out. Almost all of the six books lost some pages after one use.


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Dark Archive

Elaine Cunningham wrote:

No tree-hugging elves this time around. :)

Elaine, it's nice to see you writing stuff for my favourite publisher -- as a long-time fan, I have *really* high expectations on this one! :D

Sczarni

Ohh, nice. What are the pregens for this?


I wonder how much Sand Shapers (Sandstorm) will be played in that AP... It seems to fit just perfectly!


Do we know the exact release date for this yet?

Scarab Sages

Pathfinder Maps Subscriber
King in Yellow wrote:
Do we know the exact release date for this yet?

We don't know the "exact" release date for Pathfinder 18 yet, although it might arrive in the warehouse tomorrow.

Paizo Employee CEO

Shem wrote:
King in Yellow wrote:
Do we know the exact release date for this yet?
We don't know the "exact" release date for Pathfinder 18 yet, although it might arrive in the warehouse tomorrow.

Actually, we do know that Pathfinder 18 hit the warehouse on Friday and should start shipping Tuesday barring a technological breakdown of some sort.

As for Pathfinder #19, it is scheduled to ship in February. That is all I know right now. It is at the printer and has been for a couple of weeks.

-Lisa

Scarab Sages

Pathfinder Maps Subscriber
Lisa Stevens wrote:


Actually, we do know that Pathfinder 18 hit the warehouse on Friday and should start shipping Tuesday barring a technological breakdown of some sort.

As for Pathfinder #19, it is scheduled to ship in February. That is all I know right now. It is at the printer and has been for a couple of weeks.

-Lisa

Yay....


BluePigeon wrote:
What Character levels? What Character levels?!

"For characters of 1st to 3rd level."

Dark Archive

Damn you Paizo...I was debating if I wanted to end my subs after the third AP, seeing as how I have tons of material.

I've been hankering to do something Al-Qadimy or some such nonsense for awhile. Count me in for 6 more at least!

Liberty's Edge

Woah what is this March stuff? You've been building up all this hype for February and now, bam, March? C'mon guys.

Dark Archive

Coridan wrote:
Woah what is this March stuff? You've been building up all this hype for February and now, bam, March? C'mon guys.

Ja, I noticed the same thing. I thought to myself "I'm going to be without my PF AP for a month? A whole month...?"

The Exchange

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

They slipped the schedule a bit. The weather at the beginning of the month is wreaking havoc on their near-term deliveries.

They'll probably try to pull things back down the road a bit, to get twelve Pathfinders out in 2009. So we'll have a double month somewhere.

I for one am not worried, because I'm not going to start running my people through LoF until the fall at the earliest -- they're still working their way to Fort Rannick, and I'm committed to getting them all the way to the big fight with Karzoug.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

delabarre wrote:

They slipped the schedule a bit. The weather at the beginning of the month is wreaking havoc on their near-term deliveries.

They'll probably try to pull things back down the road a bit, to get twelve Pathfinders out in 2009. So we'll have a double month somewhere.

I for one am not worried, because I'm not going to start running my people through LoF until the fall at the earliest -- they're still working their way to Fort Rannick, and I'm committed to getting them all the way to the big fight with Karzoug.

Sigh. Yes—the February products are currently scheduled to arrive in the first week of March, though we still have some hope that they'll make it in early.. The March products are scheduled to arrive in mid-March.

Liberty's Edge

Vic Wertz wrote:
delabarre wrote:

They slipped the schedule a bit. The weather at the beginning of the month is wreaking havoc on their near-term deliveries.

They'll probably try to pull things back down the road a bit, to get twelve Pathfinders out in 2009. So we'll have a double month somewhere.

I for one am not worried, because I'm not going to start running my people through LoF until the fall at the earliest -- they're still working their way to Fort Rannick, and I'm committed to getting them all the way to the big fight with Karzoug.

Sigh. Yes—the February products are currently scheduled to arrive in the first week of March, though we still have some hope that they'll make it in early.. The March products are scheduled to arrive in mid-March.

Will monthly shippers get two shipments in March or just one?

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Coridan wrote:
Will monthly shippers get two shipments in March or just one?

We haven't decided that yet, but it's on the agenda for next week.

I personally suspect that most monthly shippers would prefer it as one shipment. Also, keep in mind that anybody who would prefer two shipments could temporarily switch their shipping option to "hold for Pathfinder," so if we go with one shipment for monthlies, it'll effectively make it possible for you to choose for yourself.

(And we still have fingers crossed that the February boat will still make February...)

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

I've updated the product description to reflect the final back cover copy.

Silver Crusade

If I were to sign up for this one (PF#19) when do you guys estimate it'll ship out to subscribers? Kinda getting back on track financially & I'd like to creep back into Pathfinder subscriptions.

thanks
RM

Dark Archive

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

I could be wrong but I thought I remember them saying middle of march is when it is expected. But I might be thinking of some other book too.

Paizo Employee CEO

Dark_Mistress wrote:
I could be wrong but I thought I remember them saying middle of march is when it is expected. But I might be thinking of some other book too.

The very beginning of March is when we would expect to ship this. It may even, if the stars align properly, arrive in the last week of February. But most likely, it will be in the first 10 days of March of so.

-Lisa

The Exchange

Lisa Stevens wrote:
Dark_Mistress wrote:
I could be wrong but I thought I remember them saying middle of march is when it is expected. But I might be thinking of some other book too.

The very beginning of March is when we would expect to ship this. It may even, if the stars align properly, arrive in the last week of February. But most likely, it will be in the first 10 days of March of so.

-Lisa

Given all the slips do we know for definite that PF 20 is coming in March as well?


Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

If per-chance you have space in PF#19 or PF#20...at this late stage...

My impression is that Legacy of Fire this will be an Arabian Nights style adventure path. Any chance you could provide suggestions as to how you could fit in other published Arabian style adventures into it. Just a page + Map would be great for:

1) I3-5 Desert of Desolation series - a classic.
2) Al-Qadim - maybe how to insert Legacy into Al Qadim or vice-versa (Includes religion/pantheon/deity issues).
3) The 2-3 Al-Qadim adventures printed in the Dungeon Magazine.
4) Maybe X4 & X5

Cheers

Sean

Paizo Employee CEO

Mark Peyton wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:
Dark_Mistress wrote:
I could be wrong but I thought I remember them saying middle of march is when it is expected. But I might be thinking of some other book too.

The very beginning of March is when we would expect to ship this. It may even, if the stars align properly, arrive in the last week of February. But most likely, it will be in the first 10 days of March of so.

-Lisa

Given all the slips do we know for definite that PF 20 is coming in March as well?

We expect PF 20 at the end of March. We are committed to having at least 14 days between PF 19 and PF 20, so that they don't fall on the same paycheck.

-Lisa

The Exchange

Lisa Stevens wrote:
Mark Peyton wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:
Dark_Mistress wrote:
I could be wrong but I thought I remember them saying middle of march is when it is expected. But I might be thinking of some other book too.

The very beginning of March is when we would expect to ship this. It may even, if the stars align properly, arrive in the last week of February. But most likely, it will be in the first 10 days of March of so.

-Lisa

Given all the slips do we know for definite that PF 20 is coming in March as well?

We expect PF 20 at the end of March. We are committed to having at least 14 days between PF 19 and PF 20, so that they don't fall on the same paycheck.

-Lisa

Unless you're doing hold for a monthly shipment as I already have one that is waiting to be shipped after missing getting combined last month.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Mark Peyton wrote:
Lisa Stevens wrote:

We expect PF 20 at the end of March. We are committed to having at least 14 days between PF 19 and PF 20, so that they don't fall on the same paycheck.

-Lisa

Unless you're doing hold for a monthly shipment as I already have one that is waiting to be shipped after missing getting combined last month.

If you have multiple subscriptions, your "hold for" setting will determine whether these arrive separately or together. If you set your subs to "hold for monthly," you'll get a single shipment in March containing both 19 and 20; if you have "hold for Pathfinder," you'll get a shipment with 19 in early March and a shipment with 20 in late March.

Liberty's Edge

This might seem like a bit of an odd question, but... would international shipping be cheaper not holding for monthly in the case of LoF 1 & 2? I only ask because I know that the cheapest shipping method is only good up to a certain weight... and then it jumps up to something around the lines of $40+, to Australia at least.

Basically, is the package of Howl of the Carrion King + House of the Beast + Legacy of Fire Player's Guide + Dark Markets + Dragons Revisited going to push me over that weight threshhold?

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Alice Margatroid wrote:

This might seem like a bit of an odd question, but... would international shipping be cheaper not holding for monthly in the case of LoF 1 & 2? I only ask because I know that the cheapest shipping method is only good up to a certain weight... and then it jumps up to something around the lines of $40+, to Australia at least.

Basically, is the package of Howl of the Carrion King + House of the Beast + Legacy of Fire Player's Guide + Dark Markets + Dragons Revisited going to push me over that weight threshhold?

That's under the four pound limit.... but even if it weren't, our system is smart enough to break subscriptions over the limit into multiple boxes if and when doing so is cheaper.

Silver Crusade

Thanks for the answers, guys. Alas thou my meager paycheck can't handle the strain right now, epically if there is dual-month coming up as well.

Hopefully soon I can get back into Pathfinder goodness.

RM

Liberty's Edge

Vic Wertz wrote:
That's under the four pound limit.... but even if it weren't, our system is smart enough to break subscriptions over the limit into multiple boxes if and when doing so is cheaper.

Awesome, thanks a bunch for the info. :) With the god awful exchange rates at the moment even a few dollars matters when factoring this into my budget!

Dataphiles

Ooh, can't wait to have to take back a ruined town from some nasty gnolls. That is exactly my type of adventure. I wonder if I can get someone else to DM this one for me...


Dang, I need to scrape together some paizo cash!


So, how much longer until this book becomes available? I tried looking for it at on gthe computers at the local bookstores, and was getting "Not out yet" at first -- only now it's gone to "No longer available"?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Eric Hinkle wrote:
So, how much longer until this book becomes available? I tried looking for it at on gthe computers at the local bookstores, and was getting "Not out yet" at first -- only now it's gone to "No longer available"?

Pathfinder #19 is not yet in stores; it should be starting to ship out to stores in early March. The books are on a boat coming over from China right now is my understanding, and once they get here we'll start shipping them ASAP.


James Jacobs wrote:
Eric Hinkle wrote:
So, how much longer until this book becomes available? I tried looking for it at on gthe computers at the local bookstores, and was getting "Not out yet" at first -- only now it's gone to "No longer available"?
Pathfinder #19 is not yet in stores; it should be starting to ship out to stores in early March. The books are on a boat coming over from China right now is my understanding, and once they get here we'll start shipping them ASAP.

Okay, thanks. It's just that some of these local stores have rather, ahem, 'quirky' book lists. Some books seemingly go from 'waiting to be released' to 'no longer in print' literally within a day.

Though the best time was when I was told that a book was no longer available, and then I found it right there on the shelves...!


Vic Wertz wrote:
If you have multiple subscriptions, your "hold for" setting will determine whether these arrive separately or together. If you set your subs to "hold for monthly," you'll get a single shipment in March containing both 19 and 20; if you have "hold for Pathfinder," you'll get a shipment with 19 in early March and a shipment with 20 in late March.

What about those of us with only a Pathfinder subscription? Are we stuck with two shipments in a single month?

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

Heaven's Agent wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
If you have multiple subscriptions, your "hold for" setting will determine whether these arrive separately or together. If you set your subs to "hold for monthly," you'll get a single shipment in March containing both 19 and 20; if you have "hold for Pathfinder," you'll get a shipment with 19 in early March and a shipment with 20 in late March.
What about those of us with only a Pathfinder subscription? Are we stuck with two shipments in a single month?

You will get each one separately, yes. We'll try to ensure that 19, 20, and 21 are all at least two weeks apart. One of the reasons we sent the e-mail last week was to make sure you have time to plan for that (and to let you know why you won't see a charge in February).

Liberty's Edge

Any chance of these arriving next week (first week of March?)


Is this thing EVER going to release?


Badasssailor wrote:
Is this thing EVER going to release?

Our schedule shows it arriving around March 18th so hang in there a few more days.


Thanks, the wait is killing me. This is the coolest looking setting i've seen in a long time.

And if it is 1/10th as fun as COTCT, it will be stellar.

Dark Archive

Jeff Alvarez wrote:
Badasssailor wrote:
Is this thing EVER going to release?
Our schedule shows it arriving around March 18th so hang in there a few more days.

Ahh, PDF birthday presents!


Hi, guys,

This AP looks really interesting. And the interviews on Atomic Array 11 just added fuel to the fire. However, I do have a question.

I subscribed for the entirety of the first AP because I was so happy with Dungeon Magazine's content. Although I liked some of Runelords, I wasn't so interested in sharing the the skinsaw folks or inbred ogre's with the my son or the group of young teens for whom I run a regular game at the town library. So I ended my subscription.

I'm not looking for "Sunshine and Unicorn Giggles." But my back issues of Dungeon are getting dog-eared. Is Legacy of Fire's fortress of depravity going to be something I can use with 12- and 13-year-olds in a public space as is?

James? Erik?

--Geoff in VT

Paizo Employee Creative Director

vtpoppa wrote:

Hi, guys,

This AP looks really interesting. And the interviews on Atomic Array 11 just added fuel to the fire. However, I do have a question.

I subscribed for the entirety of the first AP because I was so happy with Dungeon Magazine's content. Although I liked some of Runelords, I wasn't so interested in sharing the the skinsaw folks or inbred ogre's with the my son or the group of young teens for whom I run a regular game at the town library. So I ended my subscription.

I'm not looking for "Sunshine and Unicorn Giggles." But my back issues of Dungeon are getting dog-eared. Is Legacy of Fire's fortress of depravity going to be something I can use with 12- and 13-year-olds in a public space as is?

James? Erik?

--Geoff in VT

I would say yes, Legacy of Fire is less depraved than Rise of the Runelords. That said, Legacy of Fire, like ALL of our Adventure Paths, won't shy away from mature topics as they come up. For example, Legacy of Fire is set in Katapesh, a region where slavery is legal and a powerful drug, Pesh, is the regions number one export.

In the end, it's something you'll have to decide for yourself if the content is appropriate for your kids. In my case, my Grandma gave me a copy of Cujo to read when I was 9 or 10 years old, and then Pet Semetery a year later. The contents of those two books far eclipses what we've done in Pathfinder, so I might not be the right person to ask if the contents of Legacy of Fire are appropriate for kids.

But yeah, in my opinion, Legacy of Fire is going to be less edgy than Rise of the Runelords. Take that for what it's worth.

The Exchange

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
James Jacobs wrote:
For example, Legacy of Fire is set in Katapesh, a region where slavery is legal and a powerful drug, Pesh, is the regions number one export.

Oooh! What are Pesh addicts called?

Peshheads?

Kata-tonics?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
delabarre wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
For example, Legacy of Fire is set in Katapesh, a region where slavery is legal and a powerful drug, Pesh, is the regions number one export.

Oooh! What are Pesh addicts called?

Peshheads?

Kata-tonics?

To most of Katapesh? Customers.


James Jacobs wrote:
delabarre wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
For example, Legacy of Fire is set in Katapesh, a region where slavery is legal and a powerful drug, Pesh, is the regions number one export.

Oooh! What are Pesh addicts called?

Peshheads?

Kata-tonics?

To most of Katapesh? Customers.

ROFL!


Ouch! Elves get no respect! But, I suppose dimunitive, stone-squatting, aesthetically-challenged, thick-headded dwarves are not too bad.


Are we still on schedule to see this next week?

Paizo Employee CEO

Gray wrote:
Are we still on schedule to see this next week?

Yes. Barring any unforseen circumstances, we should start shipping this next week. Keep your fingers crossed!

-Lisa


Lisa Stevens wrote:

Barring any unforseen circumstances, we should start shipping this next week. Keep your fingers crossed!

-Lisa

That's the best news I've heard since I got the email that Pathfinder #18 was about to ship!

Grand Lodge

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber
Lisa Stevens wrote:
Yes. Barring any unforseen circumstances, we should start shipping this next week. Keep your fingers crossed!

w00t!

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