paizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDFpaizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF2018-12-04T20:11:52Z2018-12-04T20:11:52ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: 6 years later, still an excellent scenario (5 stars)Monkhoundhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2017-01-05T09:43:28Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I (finally!) ran this last night at low tier, after a few failed earlier attempts.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>First of all, a warning:</b> The current standard for scenario's is 6 players. This was clearly written for 4, as was the standard in season 2. I <i>very highly</i> recommend running this for 4 players max. Otherwise the hinges of the scenario will burst on all sides.</p>
<p><b>Premise, 4:</b> The blurb is on the gloomy, creepy side and conveys the horror aspect of the scenario very well.</p>
<p><b>Combat, 5:</b> All of the combats are interesting (take note of the warning above). At some of the abilities, the players were going "What the...?", for more hilarity.
<br />
Also, the tactics <i>make sense</i>. I noticed no holding back from the side of the opponents: Players are to give it all they've got to succeed, without the encounters being over the top. This is (imo) still the case even with the more advanced classes and gear we've seen since ACG, Ultimate Equipment and Occult Adventures.
<br />
I personally loved all the encounters as they are written, the final encounter being the crowning point. I found the way this creature type was used in the encounter, is a very interesting break from the traditional way they are used... And it's <i>nasty!</i> Although I foresee a few situations in the high tier where other tactics are used to approach the location that will totally break the tactics.</p>
<p><b>Background/Roleplaying, 5:</b> The background of the scenario is y'olde Lovecraftian horror, very well executed. There are no real flaws in the story.
<br />
As mentioned in earlier reviews, most of the roleplaying is focussed in one scene. But that scene is excellent! The various stages people can be in in a desperate situation are very well portrayed and the players at my table were only too eager to jump into that, resulting in lots of amusement. A later scene has a high roleplay potential as well, provided players take the hint that a combat against a fairly nasty creature can be avoided.</p>
<p><b>Mechanics, 5:</b> You <i>know</i> there is a railroad, but the railroad is logical. There is no reason not to follow it. The next location the party has to visit has a severe story-wise pull that makes much sense. It's hard to do it better than this.
<br />
Used spells, required skill checks, etc. make sense.
<br />
In the tavern scene, there is a clear precursor to many of the later Influence mechanics used, in a way that is simple to explain and simple to execute. And it makes sense: People are scared for their lives. Intricate diplomacy will not work. The basic aspect of every interaction is exactly right.</p>
<p><b>General, 5:</b> After 6 years, to me this scenario retains a solid 5 star rating. Due to map sizes and the mechanics of the final encounter, the best experience is to be had with 4 players (avoid 5 or 6 players at all cost!), this really ensures the best experience. With 5 or 6 players, expect clutter and a skewered action economy (especially in the final battle). Also, play up at your own risk... ;)</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I (finally!) ran this last night at low tier, after a few failed earlier attempts.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>First of all, a warning:</b> The current standard for scenario's is 6 players. This was clearly written for 4, as was the standard in season 2. I <i>very highly</i> recommend running this for 4 players max. Otherwise the hinges of the scenario will burst on all sides.</p>
<p><b>Premise, 4:</b> The blurb is on the gloomy, creepy side and conveys the horror aspect of the scenario very well.</p>
<p><b>Combat, 5:</b> All of the combats are interesting (take note of the warning above). At some of the abilities, the players were going "What the...?", for more hilarity.
<br />
Also, the tactics <i>make sense</i>. I noticed no holding back from the side of the opponents: Players are to give it all they've got to succeed, without the encounters being over the top. This is (imo) still the case even with the more advanced classes and gear we've seen since ACG, Ultimate Equipment and Occult Adventures.
<br />
I personally loved all the encounters as they are written, the final encounter being the crowning point. I found the way this creature type was used in the encounter, is a very interesting break from the traditional way they are used... And it's <i>nasty!</i> Although I foresee a few situations in the high tier where other tactics are used to approach the location that will totally break the tactics.</p>
<p><b>Background/Roleplaying, 5:</b> The background of the scenario is y'olde Lovecraftian horror, very well executed. There are no real flaws in the story.
<br />
As mentioned in earlier reviews, most of the roleplaying is focussed in one scene. But that scene is excellent! The various stages people can be in in a desperate situation are very well portrayed and the players at my table were only too eager to jump into that, resulting in lots of amusement. A later scene has a high roleplay potential as well, provided players take the hint that a combat against a fairly nasty creature can be avoided.</p>
<p><b>Mechanics, 5:</b> You <i>know</i> there is a railroad, but the railroad is logical. There is no reason not to follow it. The next location the party has to visit has a severe story-wise pull that makes much sense. It's hard to do it better than this.
<br />
Used spells, required skill checks, etc. make sense.
<br />
In the tavern scene, there is a clear precursor to many of the later Influence mechanics used, in a way that is simple to explain and simple to execute. And it makes sense: People are scared for their lives. Intricate diplomacy will not work. The basic aspect of every interaction is exactly right.</p>
<p><b>General, 5:</b> After 6 years, to me this scenario retains a solid 5 star rating. Due to map sizes and the mechanics of the final encounter, the best experience is to be had with 4 players (avoid 5 or 6 players at all cost!), this really ensures the best experience. With 5 or 6 players, expect clutter and a skewered action economy (especially in the final battle). Also, play up at your own risk... ;)</p>Monkhound2017-01-05T09:43:28ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF (5 stars)Woranhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2016-05-11T13:50:09Z<p>This really gave me the feeling I get when we play c'thullu games. It made the victory all the sweeter.</p>
<p>Its a good allround scenario with roleplay, roleplay encounters and some good hard fights.</p><p>This really gave me the feeling I get when we play c'thullu games. It made the victory all the sweeter.</p>
<p>Its a good allround scenario with roleplay, roleplay encounters and some good hard fights.</p>Woran2016-05-11T13:50:09ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF (5 stars)Slothsyhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2016-04-19T16:05:38Z...Slothsy2016-04-19T16:05:38ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Great atmosphere (5 stars)Magabeushttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2016-03-18T18:30:56Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I played this</p>
<p>I really liked this adventure, it has a bit of everything: great atmosphere, need for roleplay and a tough combat that is not as straightforward as it might be. The plot and background are obvious from the start, while the solution to the issue at hand is not obvious. </p>
<p>I think the scenario could be improved by staggering the roleplay more through the scenario, instead of clumping it all in one act. However that is a minor nitpick and does not prevent me from giving it the full reward of 5 stars.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I played this</p>
<p>I really liked this adventure, it has a bit of everything: great atmosphere, need for roleplay and a tough combat that is not as straightforward as it might be. The plot and background are obvious from the start, while the solution to the issue at hand is not obvious. </p>
<p>I think the scenario could be improved by staggering the roleplay more through the scenario, instead of clumping it all in one act. However that is a minor nitpick and does not prevent me from giving it the full reward of 5 stars.</p>Magabeus2016-03-18T18:30:56ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: A bit linear, but otherwise great adventure (5 stars)Quentin Coldwaterhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2016-03-17T23:17:35Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>(I played this.)</p>
<p>Crystal, this is why I'm a fan of you. After having run the not-so-great Sky Key Solution special, this was a return to form. A simple story, nothing too complicated, but great atmosphere and roleplay.</p>
<p>The atmosphere was amazing, suddenly we're in the middle of a Shadow over Innsmouth-like scenario, with good scene setting and an interesting story hook. You get to interact with several groups of people, and I'm amazed at the level of attention and detail each group got, especially for season 2. To me, most of the scenarios in that season were either really great or just kinda disappointing, but this definitely fell into the first group. Especially for an earlier scenario, where roleplay wasn't fleshed out as much, I feel, this had some solid systems. Interesting characters combined with actual motivation makes for a good roleplay experience.</p>
<p>Combats were also great. Enemies pack quite a punch and have cool things to do in combat, though I would've preferred a slightly bigger map for the first encounter; our biggest hurdle there was lack of room to maneuver. Still, though, enemies fell quite fast, though that might have been due to good party composition, but I felt properly challenged, especially in the final encounter.</p>
<p>Crystal, go back to your roots. Keep things simple and you produce great work. You excel at creating weird, atmospheric adventures, keep on doing that.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>(I played this.)</p>
<p>Crystal, this is why I'm a fan of you. After having run the not-so-great Sky Key Solution special, this was a return to form. A simple story, nothing too complicated, but great atmosphere and roleplay.</p>
<p>The atmosphere was amazing, suddenly we're in the middle of a Shadow over Innsmouth-like scenario, with good scene setting and an interesting story hook. You get to interact with several groups of people, and I'm amazed at the level of attention and detail each group got, especially for season 2. To me, most of the scenarios in that season were either really great or just kinda disappointing, but this definitely fell into the first group. Especially for an earlier scenario, where roleplay wasn't fleshed out as much, I feel, this had some solid systems. Interesting characters combined with actual motivation makes for a good roleplay experience.</p>
<p>Combats were also great. Enemies pack quite a punch and have cool things to do in combat, though I would've preferred a slightly bigger map for the first encounter; our biggest hurdle there was lack of room to maneuver. Still, though, enemies fell quite fast, though that might have been due to good party composition, but I felt properly challenged, especially in the final encounter.</p>
<p>Crystal, go back to your roots. Keep things simple and you produce great work. You excel at creating weird, atmospheric adventures, keep on doing that.</p>Quentin Coldwater2016-03-17T23:17:35ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Excellent All Around (5 stars)jcghttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2016-03-04T21:41:51Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This scenario is awesome. It's in my Top5 list.</p>
<p>Roleplaying - Good - Several different NPCs that can be interacted with, and in some cases are tied to encounters.</p>
<p>Rollplaying - Awesome - Some opportunity for some good combats that will may even challenge optimized groups.</p>
<p>Environment - Awesome - The spooky horror vibe of the area really came through.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This scenario is awesome. It's in my Top5 list.</p>
<p>Roleplaying - Good - Several different NPCs that can be interacted with, and in some cases are tied to encounters.</p>
<p>Rollplaying - Awesome - Some opportunity for some good combats that will may even challenge optimized groups.</p>
<p>Environment - Awesome - The spooky horror vibe of the area really came through.</p>jcg2016-03-04T21:41:51ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Awesome but brutally difficult survival horror (5 stars)Dulonhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2015-01-09T13:52:33Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Context: Played at a local game store with semi-regular group, low tier with 3 PCs and a GM pregen (Druid 10, Cleric 10, Alchemist 7, Barbarian pregen 7)</p>
<p>First of all, note that this scenarios is very unique with some of its encounters and also potentially really, really hard. That said, this is a 7-11 game where difficulty is expected and the challenges feel very well balanced to where almost any party could finish the adventure be it by puzzle solving or killing everything.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Context: Played at a local game store with semi-regular group, low tier with 3 PCs and a GM pregen (Druid 10, Cleric 10, Alchemist 7, Barbarian pregen 7)</p>
<p>First of all, note that this scenarios is very unique with some of its encounters and also potentially really, really hard. That said, this is a 7-11 game where difficulty is expected and the challenges feel very well balanced to where almost any party could finish the adventure be it by puzzle solving or killing everything.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Dulon2015-01-09T13:52:33ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Forgotten gem of PFS (5 stars)Netopalishttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2014-08-29T18:02:24Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I really, really love this adventure. The plot is cohesive, the fights are interesting and the feel of the scenario is really powerful. I didn't realize that Pathfinder could do survival horror well.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I really, really love this adventure. The plot is cohesive, the fights are interesting and the feel of the scenario is really powerful. I didn't realize that Pathfinder could do survival horror well.</p>Netopalis2014-08-29T18:02:24ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Amazing scenario (5 stars)wakedownhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2014-07-12T07:06:42Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Amazing atmosphere. Classic feel. Great opportunity to roleplay. Memorable encounters. I cannot recommend this scenario enough.</p>
<p>You begin right away knowing why your PCs are headed to the small village of Stom's Claim as you ride in at sunset.</p>
<p>Then, you get a glimpse of something amiss in the town.</p>
<p>Now, you're dealing with what's going on in the town and there's plenty to be had for the characters that enjoy creative roleplay. You feel like you're part of a scene in Walking Dead or some other movie where a small town has a big problem.</p>
<p>Finish this all off with some more interesting roleplay and unique mechanics in a final fight, which is a doozy, and you have yourself an absolutely classic scenario.</p>
<p>With the right engaged, creative and prepared GM, you'll be engaged in what is happening from start to finish.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Amazing atmosphere. Classic feel. Great opportunity to roleplay. Memorable encounters. I cannot recommend this scenario enough.</p>
<p>You begin right away knowing why your PCs are headed to the small village of Stom's Claim as you ride in at sunset.</p>
<p>Then, you get a glimpse of something amiss in the town.</p>
<p>Now, you're dealing with what's going on in the town and there's plenty to be had for the characters that enjoy creative roleplay. You feel like you're part of a scene in Walking Dead or some other movie where a small town has a big problem.</p>
<p>Finish this all off with some more interesting roleplay and unique mechanics in a final fight, which is a doozy, and you have yourself an absolutely classic scenario.</p>
<p>With the right engaged, creative and prepared GM, you'll be engaged in what is happening from start to finish.</p>wakedown2014-07-12T07:06:42ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: A really solid, diverse adventure. (5 stars)Mimo Tombleburhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2013-07-28T18:32:20Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I’m not sure why this one doesn't have more ratings, but I highly recommend it. I am writing this from the perspective of someone who has GMed it twice and played it once. Not only does this scenario have a great, terrifying atmosphere, but it has a very nice mix of different combat situations. It has some fun role-playing opportunities too and gives the GM a fun mix of characters to play. There is also a situational problem that the players have to think through, which I found very refreshing. The background story is fairly well communicated to the players, unlike some other scenarios. (Note to GMs: Do not forget to hand out the player handout at the appropriate time. It adds a lot of flavor, but is easy to forget.) </p>
<p>This scenario may be from an early season, but it is far from being a pushover. I had some very experienced players looking seriously scared during the final battle. This scenario is definitely in my "top ten".</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I’m not sure why this one doesn't have more ratings, but I highly recommend it. I am writing this from the perspective of someone who has GMed it twice and played it once. Not only does this scenario have a great, terrifying atmosphere, but it has a very nice mix of different combat situations. It has some fun role-playing opportunities too and gives the GM a fun mix of characters to play. There is also a situational problem that the players have to think through, which I found very refreshing. The background story is fairly well communicated to the players, unlike some other scenarios. (Note to GMs: Do not forget to hand out the player handout at the appropriate time. It adds a lot of flavor, but is easy to forget.) </p>
<p>This scenario may be from an early season, but it is far from being a pushover. I had some very experienced players looking seriously scared during the final battle. This scenario is definitely in my "top ten".</p>Mimo Tomblebur2013-07-28T18:32:20ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Epic horror so real, that you feel your in a Lovecraftian movie! (5 stars)Shawn Aguirrehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2012-01-30T19:14:17Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Hey Gang,</p>
<p>I had the pleasure of playing Silver Tarn last night. I was not able to play my own character due to the level of the mod, (had to play pre gen) but that didn't even matter once the adventure began. </p>
<p>The flavor text was rich and dewy for getting players in the right mood off the bat. The only thing missing from the gaming store I was playing at, was a raging storm outside, a dimly lit room and creaking floorboards, but you do not need all that to already get that feeling when your characters are in the story. </p>
<p>I will not give too many things away, but I will say this... You MUST have a major HEALER in the party. Take this warning to heart!</p>
<p>Out of all the PFS mods I have played, Silver Tarn is on the top of the list of the best! I want to make another character, just so I can play it again!</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Hey Gang,</p>
<p>I had the pleasure of playing Silver Tarn last night. I was not able to play my own character due to the level of the mod, (had to play pre gen) but that didn't even matter once the adventure began. </p>
<p>The flavor text was rich and dewy for getting players in the right mood off the bat. The only thing missing from the gaming store I was playing at, was a raging storm outside, a dimly lit room and creaking floorboards, but you do not need all that to already get that feeling when your characters are in the story. </p>
<p>I will not give too many things away, but I will say this... You MUST have a major HEALER in the party. Take this warning to heart!</p>
<p>Out of all the PFS mods I have played, Silver Tarn is on the top of the list of the best! I want to make another character, just so I can play it again!</p>Shawn Aguirre2012-01-30T19:14:17ZPathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF: Wow! That was one of the most epic and horrifying adventures I have ever played (5 stars)Brian Darnellhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8gtu?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-212-Below-the-Silver-Tarn2012-01-30T19:01:06Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Crystal, you did it right. This adventure really filled us with dread. We loved the tension, the role playing encounters, and the combat. I found it truly epic and very challenging. I only got to play it because my good friends Shawn and Katie opted to play pregens so we could make the table legal. Thanks Shawn and Katie and thanks Crystal for writing and AWESOME adventure. Out of all the scenario authors Crystal never fails to stay my favorite, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #2-12: Below the Silver Tarn (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Crystal, you did it right. This adventure really filled us with dread. We loved the tension, the role playing encounters, and the combat. I found it truly epic and very challenging. I only got to play it because my good friends Shawn and Katie opted to play pregens so we could make the table legal. Thanks Shawn and Katie and thanks Crystal for writing and AWESOME adventure. Out of all the scenario authors Crystal never fails to stay my favorite, I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.</p>Brian Darnell2012-01-30T19:01:06Z