paizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDFpaizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF2023-04-28T01:21:02Z2023-04-28T01:21:02ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Breaks the Mold of Interactive Specials (4 stars)Jhaemanhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2023-04-28T01:18:24Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>NO SPOILERS</p>
<p><b><i>Race for the Runecarved Key</b></i> is one of those scenarios I really wish I had been able to play at a convention. Normally, I'm perfectly happy with play-by-post, but <b><i>Race for the Runecarved Key</b></i> is clearly designed as a big live event—it features props, actors (real or conscripted amateurs) to depict major NPCs, a competitive environment, call-outs to individual players for particular achievements, and more. As one of the very early multi-table interactive specials, the scenario definitely doesn't have the more formulaic template that Paizo later adopted for Pathfinder and Starfinder. It's not perfect by any means—characters of good alignment in particular may find it problematic—but it's definitely fun and worth playing.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>NO SPOILERS</p>
<p><b><i>Race for the Runecarved Key</b></i> is one of those scenarios I really wish I had been able to play at a convention. Normally, I'm perfectly happy with play-by-post, but <b><i>Race for the Runecarved Key</b></i> is clearly designed as a big live event—it features props, actors (real or conscripted amateurs) to depict major NPCs, a competitive environment, call-outs to individual players for particular achievements, and more. As one of the very early multi-table interactive specials, the scenario definitely doesn't have the more formulaic template that Paizo later adopted for Pathfinder and Starfinder. It's not perfect by any means—characters of good alignment in particular may find it problematic—but it's definitely fun and worth playing.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Jhaeman2023-04-28T01:18:24ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: High-level scenario, except not (2 stars)Kurald Galainhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2021-06-13T17:15:45Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Several times I've heard RftRK touted as one of the rare scenarios for level 15 or even level 18 characters.</p>
<p>While this is <i>technically</i> true, what it means here is that its highest tier is designed for level 12, and you're <i>allowed</i> to play this as any higher level. That means that if you're 15 or up, everything is a pushover and you can just trounce the opposition without raising a sweat.</p>
<p>That can certainly be <i>fun</i>, but it's probably not what players expect. If you're looking for a level-15 scenario that's a decent challenge for level-15 characters, this ain't it.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Several times I've heard RftRK touted as one of the rare scenarios for level 15 or even level 18 characters.</p>
<p>While this is <i>technically</i> true, what it means here is that its highest tier is designed for level 12, and you're <i>allowed</i> to play this as any higher level. That means that if you're 15 or up, everything is a pushover and you can just trounce the opposition without raising a sweat.</p>
<p>That can certainly be <i>fun</i>, but it's probably not what players expect. If you're looking for a level-15 scenario that's a decent challenge for level-15 characters, this ain't it.</p>Kurald Galain2021-06-13T17:15:45ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Good close of season 4 (4 stars)Magabeushttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2015-07-21T13:45:17Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I ran this scenario yesterday for The Degraded at a tier 5-6 table. And I agree with both him and Ascalaphus that this special is fun and is not as bad as some reviewers want you to believe.</p>
<p>Yes, there is some moral shadiness in the beginning of the special, but the table with the Paladin solved that admirably. After that there are several encounters that the players can either choose from or select randomly. At my table the players choose randomly and we had a good mix of role-playing, investigation and combat encounters.</p>
<p>The auction stays weird in my book: it took us GM's a bit to figure out how to do this and we choose to let the GM's portray the NPC's. I think that did not work as well as it could. After that there is a load of fighting. Since we might have spend too much time on the previous acts the fighting did not last very long, which is a good thing. If we had allowed for enough time for all the fighting at the end the RP parts would have been much shorter (and therefore less fun). </p>
<p>The scenario as written is a good closing of season 4, fitting with the theme of the season. It could have explained more regarding the involvement of certain factions.</p>
<p>I have played Year of the Shadow Lodge and GM'ed Legacy of the Stonelords and would rank Race for the Runecarved Key behind Legacy of the Stonelords and before Year of the Shadow Lodge. Paizo has improved their specials over the years!</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I ran this scenario yesterday for The Degraded at a tier 5-6 table. And I agree with both him and Ascalaphus that this special is fun and is not as bad as some reviewers want you to believe.</p>
<p>Yes, there is some moral shadiness in the beginning of the special, but the table with the Paladin solved that admirably. After that there are several encounters that the players can either choose from or select randomly. At my table the players choose randomly and we had a good mix of role-playing, investigation and combat encounters.</p>
<p>The auction stays weird in my book: it took us GM's a bit to figure out how to do this and we choose to let the GM's portray the NPC's. I think that did not work as well as it could. After that there is a load of fighting. Since we might have spend too much time on the previous acts the fighting did not last very long, which is a good thing. If we had allowed for enough time for all the fighting at the end the RP parts would have been much shorter (and therefore less fun). </p>
<p>The scenario as written is a good closing of season 4, fitting with the theme of the season. It could have explained more regarding the involvement of certain factions.</p>
<p>I have played Year of the Shadow Lodge and GM'ed Legacy of the Stonelords and would rank Race for the Runecarved Key behind Legacy of the Stonelords and before Year of the Shadow Lodge. Paizo has improved their specials over the years!</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Magabeus2015-07-21T13:45:17ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Lower your alignment expectations, then go wild (4 stars)Ascalaphushttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2015-07-20T14:26:40Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I too was one of the Dutch players who played this yesterday. I'd read the previous reviews and brought my "moral vacuum" investigator; in fact, our party was morally questionable. (Inquisitor of Gorum, Gorumite barbarian, Urgathoa cleric, Urgathoa investigator, "I can't believe you're lawful" LN bard that thought he followed Sarenrae.)</p>
<p>So, at first I was surprised at the amount of RP included; that's a tall order for a Special due to all the time constraints. In our case we'd planned for this to run in a much longer slot so that actually wasn't a problem. There was enough time to talk to NPCs but not to talk about <i>everything</i>; the adventure gives plausible reasons why you need to move on.</p>
<p>Then we come to the first mission, and we were all a bit surprised at just how ruthless this adventure is set up. Despite the party I just mentioned, we're not used to being quite this murderous, but we were on a "no witnesses" mission.</p>
<p>Afterwards, there were a variety of missions to choose from. We did several and had fun with them; many of them allowed us to pick an approach that suited us. A huge difference from the video-gamey way Blood Under Absalom was written. In many cases, you didn't actually be as evil here as some other reviews suggest. </p>
<p>Then we come to the auction. It was entertainingly acted out between the NPCs, but the mechanics were obscure and we didn't feel like we had any real way to influence the outcome. Besides;</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The fight that came after was rather weird; [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The chase was over quickly because we could trivially overcome the obstacles and the GM was being sensible about them; but that's what you get with level 7-8 characters with haste and flight available. Fruitcarts aren't going to stop them. Then we came to the final fight and that was quite interesting too.</p>
<p>—-</p>
<p>All in all it was fun, but with some flaws. What is missing most is a bit of exposition on why this key is so important. We're being told to set aside all morality to get it; why is it worth that? A halfway decent explanation would go a long way towards compensating for the forced "evilness" of this adventure.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I too was one of the Dutch players who played this yesterday. I'd read the previous reviews and brought my "moral vacuum" investigator; in fact, our party was morally questionable. (Inquisitor of Gorum, Gorumite barbarian, Urgathoa cleric, Urgathoa investigator, "I can't believe you're lawful" LN bard that thought he followed Sarenrae.)</p>
<p>So, at first I was surprised at the amount of RP included; that's a tall order for a Special due to all the time constraints. In our case we'd planned for this to run in a much longer slot so that actually wasn't a problem. There was enough time to talk to NPCs but not to talk about <i>everything</i>; the adventure gives plausible reasons why you need to move on.</p>
<p>Then we come to the first mission, and we were all a bit surprised at just how ruthless this adventure is set up. Despite the party I just mentioned, we're not used to being quite this murderous, but we were on a "no witnesses" mission.</p>
<p>Afterwards, there were a variety of missions to choose from. We did several and had fun with them; many of them allowed us to pick an approach that suited us. A huge difference from the video-gamey way Blood Under Absalom was written. In many cases, you didn't actually be as evil here as some other reviews suggest. </p>
<p>Then we come to the auction. It was entertainingly acted out between the NPCs, but the mechanics were obscure and we didn't feel like we had any real way to influence the outcome. Besides;</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The fight that came after was rather weird; [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>The chase was over quickly because we could trivially overcome the obstacles and the GM was being sensible about them; but that's what you get with level 7-8 characters with haste and flight available. Fruitcarts aren't going to stop them. Then we came to the final fight and that was quite interesting too.</p>
<p>—-</p>
<p>All in all it was fun, but with some flaws. What is missing most is a bit of exposition on why this key is so important. We're being told to set aside all morality to get it; why is it worth that? A halfway decent explanation would go a long way towards compensating for the forced "evilness" of this adventure.</p>Ascalaphus2015-07-20T14:26:40ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: An enjoyable and role-play-heavy Special (4 stars)TheDegradedhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2015-07-19T22:00:47Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>The Dutch Pathfinders ended up playing this special this Sunday with 7 tables. It always surprises me to see so many people show up and Explore, Cooperate and Report. Oh and have fun. That too is important. For me this was my third special. I had previously played Blood under Absalom and the Legacy of the Stonelords. For the purpose of comparison, I will quickly recap my opinion on those two. Blood Under Absalom was just a meatgrinder and that I don't consider fun in the slightest. The Legacy of the Stonelords, on the other hand, offered a wide variety of everything and this made every character feel useful. </p>
<p>That's fun and all, I can hear you say, but I'm not here to read your opinion about that. So how does this special compare to those two? Compared to Blood Under Absalom, this special is far, far better, but I'd say it's a bit weaker than the Legacy of the Stonelords. The thing is that this special, like others have pointed out before, requires your party to do some things that certain alignments would simply not do. And while a lot of skills can be useful, it's really centred around diplomacy and a bunch of talking to solve things. </p>
<p>Now I personally enjoy that – I was happy to play my mesmerist as she's build for these sort of things – but it is not to everyone's liking. If you're not into talking a lot and prefer to outwit your opponents in terms of martial prowess and tactics, this is maybe not for you. The few 'you have to fight these' encounters are pretty challenging though and can easily cause some casualties if you're not careful.</p>
<p>That said, the variety of encounters and 'quests', really was a pleasant surprise to me. At the end of the day, I felt like every small thing we did, had a significant impact on the development of the auction. Speaking about the auction: that was the weakest part. While it was a nice touch, the mechanics didn't feel easy enough to wrap my head around and it doesn't really help if there are 7 tables and 7 'NPC's' shouting at the same time. It's just too messy for my taste.</p>
<p>All things considering I can only say that at the end of the day, a lot of facets came together into a nice story and that I personally had a great time. Objectively, I rate this as a solid 4 stars since there are some aspects that are a tad problematic for certain players and groups.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>The Dutch Pathfinders ended up playing this special this Sunday with 7 tables. It always surprises me to see so many people show up and Explore, Cooperate and Report. Oh and have fun. That too is important. For me this was my third special. I had previously played Blood under Absalom and the Legacy of the Stonelords. For the purpose of comparison, I will quickly recap my opinion on those two. Blood Under Absalom was just a meatgrinder and that I don't consider fun in the slightest. The Legacy of the Stonelords, on the other hand, offered a wide variety of everything and this made every character feel useful. </p>
<p>That's fun and all, I can hear you say, but I'm not here to read your opinion about that. So how does this special compare to those two? Compared to Blood Under Absalom, this special is far, far better, but I'd say it's a bit weaker than the Legacy of the Stonelords. The thing is that this special, like others have pointed out before, requires your party to do some things that certain alignments would simply not do. And while a lot of skills can be useful, it's really centred around diplomacy and a bunch of talking to solve things. </p>
<p>Now I personally enjoy that – I was happy to play my mesmerist as she's build for these sort of things – but it is not to everyone's liking. If you're not into talking a lot and prefer to outwit your opponents in terms of martial prowess and tactics, this is maybe not for you. The few 'you have to fight these' encounters are pretty challenging though and can easily cause some casualties if you're not careful.</p>
<p>That said, the variety of encounters and 'quests', really was a pleasant surprise to me. At the end of the day, I felt like every small thing we did, had a significant impact on the development of the auction. Speaking about the auction: that was the weakest part. While it was a nice touch, the mechanics didn't feel easy enough to wrap my head around and it doesn't really help if there are 7 tables and 7 'NPC's' shouting at the same time. It's just too messy for my taste.</p>
<p>All things considering I can only say that at the end of the day, a lot of facets came together into a nice story and that I personally had a great time. Objectively, I rate this as a solid 4 stars since there are some aspects that are a tad problematic for certain players and groups.</p>TheDegraded2015-07-19T22:00:47ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Walk away, (1 star)Red-Assassinhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2014-12-05T01:20:11Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I wouldn't recommend running this, or even organizing it.</p>
<p>This special is BAD, after Gencon I decided not to participate in any more specials because of this scenario.</p>
<p>Mike Brock told GM's before the event not to go easy on players, I can't figure out why. I think I had an average party, and could of killed them really easily with even the lower tier creatures.</p>
<p>I dont really have anything positive to say about any part of the special. Almost every part would get hammered.</p>
<p>So I will start with the positive things. At gencon the GM's got some flipmats and I think a chase deck.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I wouldn't recommend running this, or even organizing it.</p>
<p>This special is BAD, after Gencon I decided not to participate in any more specials because of this scenario.</p>
<p>Mike Brock told GM's before the event not to go easy on players, I can't figure out why. I think I had an average party, and could of killed them really easily with even the lower tier creatures.</p>
<p>I dont really have anything positive to say about any part of the special. Almost every part would get hammered.</p>
<p>So I will start with the positive things. At gencon the GM's got some flipmats and I think a chase deck.</p>Red-Assassin2014-12-05T01:20:11ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Look at your character sheet. . . (3 stars)Codanoushttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2014-05-27T22:36:26Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>If anywhere on there it says Paladin or even Lawful Good, take that character sheet and walk away from this scenario. </p>
<p>Its a decent scenario but it exists on the far shadier side of the Society and the law. This scenario, if successful will cost a Paladin 3 pp, you'll gain 2 pp for the mission and spend 5 pp for an atonement at the end, no way around it with anyone who has a decent understanding of the paladin code. </p>
<p>With all that said, this scenario would be an absolute blast with pretty much any other neutral, chaotic or semi-good character. Well built scenario, good combat, good "inquisitive-ness".</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>If anywhere on there it says Paladin or even Lawful Good, take that character sheet and walk away from this scenario. </p>
<p>Its a decent scenario but it exists on the far shadier side of the Society and the law. This scenario, if successful will cost a Paladin 3 pp, you'll gain 2 pp for the mission and spend 5 pp for an atonement at the end, no way around it with anyone who has a decent understanding of the paladin code. </p>
<p>With all that said, this scenario would be an absolute blast with pretty much any other neutral, chaotic or semi-good character. Well built scenario, good combat, good "inquisitive-ness".</p>Codanous2014-05-27T22:36:26ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: [Player] What are you ready to do for the Society? (4 stars)Cyril Corbazhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-07-08T09:34:54Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>My perspective on this scenario is as a player. For reference, I played it in the lower tier (1-2). <b>Be warned, spoilers will follow!</b></p>
<p><b>Mechanics</b>
<br />
This was my first special, and I loved the format and interactivity of the tables. The joined effort in the penultimate part was particularly thrilling! I also loved the chase scene, and the optional fight(s) at the end. There is a lot of room for player freedom - and there and numerous ways of solving every situation if you're creative.</p>
<p><b>To roleplay or not to roleplay?</b>
<br />
Everyone's take on this scenario depends heavily on the moral conflicts arising as the Society asks you to do some reprehensible actions. In my opinion, it all boiled down to "what are you ready to do for the Society?" - and this was a source of some very interesting roleplaying between PCs, I loved it! Obviously some factions or classes will have a difficult time accepting to break the law, but that doesn't mean they can't do this special, far from it. Where some see difficulties, I see opportunities to roleplay your character fully, and not keep it one-dimensional.</p>
<p>Apart from this, there are numerous roleplaying opportunities present, and I loved all of them.</p>
<p>As a conclusion, I'll give this scenario a <b>4-star rating</b> for this scenario. We had an excellent time, and it truly was a "special"!</p>
<p>Story: 4/5
<br />
Roleplay: 5/5
<br />
Encounters: 3/5
<br />
Mechanics: 5/5</p>
<p>Total: 4/5</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>My perspective on this scenario is as a player. For reference, I played it in the lower tier (1-2). <b>Be warned, spoilers will follow!</b></p>
<p><b>Mechanics</b>
<br />
This was my first special, and I loved the format and interactivity of the tables. The joined effort in the penultimate part was particularly thrilling! I also loved the chase scene, and the optional fight(s) at the end. There is a lot of room for player freedom - and there and numerous ways of solving every situation if you're creative.</p>
<p><b>To roleplay or not to roleplay?</b>
<br />
Everyone's take on this scenario depends heavily on the moral conflicts arising as the Society asks you to do some reprehensible actions. In my opinion, it all boiled down to "what are you ready to do for the Society?" - and this was a source of some very interesting roleplaying between PCs, I loved it! Obviously some factions or classes will have a difficult time accepting to break the law, but that doesn't mean they can't do this special, far from it. Where some see difficulties, I see opportunities to roleplay your character fully, and not keep it one-dimensional.</p>
<p>Apart from this, there are numerous roleplaying opportunities present, and I loved all of them.</p>
<p>As a conclusion, I'll give this scenario a <b>4-star rating</b> for this scenario. We had an excellent time, and it truly was a "special"!</p>
<p>Story: 4/5
<br />
Roleplay: 5/5
<br />
Encounters: 3/5
<br />
Mechanics: 5/5</p>
<p>Total: 4/5</p>Cyril Corbaz2013-07-08T09:34:54ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Lawful good characters need not apply (1 star)Radiostormhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-06-06T04:35:40Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Pure thuggery. I hate when I have to assure my players that carrying out the mandatory components of their mission will not negatively effect their alignment. Ever since we ran the Runecarved Key, Sheila Heidmarch's villainous streak has become a running gag in my area.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Pure thuggery. I hate when I have to assure my players that carrying out the mandatory components of their mission will not negatively effect their alignment. Ever since we ran the Runecarved Key, Sheila Heidmarch's villainous streak has become a running gag in my area.</p>Radiostorm2013-06-06T04:35:40ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: I would give this one zero stars (1 star)Wolf Alexander Vituschekhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-06-05T21:55:45Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Just ran it at a game day in Aschaffenburg.
<br />
This is by far the worst adventure I came across.
<br />
Mechanically this scenario is sound, allthough tier 3-4 is significantly harder than all the other tiers.
<br />
What disappointed me was the plot, the motivation of the PCs and the Society as a whole.
<br />
The Venture Captain and the Society are acting like hypocrits, cut-throats, thiefs and liars (plain evil) in this scenario and every PC following their instructions should shift alignment (probably more than once). LG characters and Paladins especially should not be able to fullfil the goal of the interactive.
<br />
This Product should vanish in oblivion.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Just ran it at a game day in Aschaffenburg.
<br />
This is by far the worst adventure I came across.
<br />
Mechanically this scenario is sound, allthough tier 3-4 is significantly harder than all the other tiers.
<br />
What disappointed me was the plot, the motivation of the PCs and the Society as a whole.
<br />
The Venture Captain and the Society are acting like hypocrits, cut-throats, thiefs and liars (plain evil) in this scenario and every PC following their instructions should shift alignment (probably more than once). LG characters and Paladins especially should not be able to fullfil the goal of the interactive.
<br />
This Product should vanish in oblivion.</p>Wolf Alexander Vituschek2013-06-05T21:55:45ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: it really was a Special (4 stars)shadowcathttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-05-13T08:01:22Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>POW: Overseer GM</p>
<p>I really had great time with this scenario and lucky for us, the space was available as long as we needed it. It was ran with minimum number of tables but this was also the first run in my region.
<br />
It took us approx 8hrs with one 5min and one half hour break</p>
<p>The not as good:
<br />
- the Auction is still a bit of a mystery (High bids and low bids explanation) but thankfully it was short and was done cinematically in the end.
<br />
- we could have used extra info on what to do if teams fail to outbid others and fail get the 'you know who'. There was one more small thing but we fixed it all so it worked out.</p>
<p>The really good:
<br />
- it really felt like a Special event with the scope and all the moving parts
<br />
- even though it was combat heavy in the second half, there was more than enough time for roleplay. The players really enjoyed different small missions and it gave the spotlight to smart, skilled characters
<br />
- overall, even after exhausting 8hrs of play everyone was having fun and the whole event finished on a high note
<br />
- fact that most table had rough time with the encounters but still in the end it didn't stop them from finishing with a feeling of team effort victory.</p>
<p>Last note - it really makes a difference if there is a nice, lifesized prop on display troughout the game. Very much worth the effort.
<br />
Its even better with a bit of LARP (having people act out the NPCs).</p>
<p>It was a great learning experience too and I'd love to do it on a larger scale next time</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>POW: Overseer GM</p>
<p>I really had great time with this scenario and lucky for us, the space was available as long as we needed it. It was ran with minimum number of tables but this was also the first run in my region.
<br />
It took us approx 8hrs with one 5min and one half hour break</p>
<p>The not as good:
<br />
- the Auction is still a bit of a mystery (High bids and low bids explanation) but thankfully it was short and was done cinematically in the end.
<br />
- we could have used extra info on what to do if teams fail to outbid others and fail get the 'you know who'. There was one more small thing but we fixed it all so it worked out.</p>
<p>The really good:
<br />
- it really felt like a Special event with the scope and all the moving parts
<br />
- even though it was combat heavy in the second half, there was more than enough time for roleplay. The players really enjoyed different small missions and it gave the spotlight to smart, skilled characters
<br />
- overall, even after exhausting 8hrs of play everyone was having fun and the whole event finished on a high note
<br />
- fact that most table had rough time with the encounters but still in the end it didn't stop them from finishing with a feeling of team effort victory.</p>
<p>Last note - it really makes a difference if there is a nice, lifesized prop on display troughout the game. Very much worth the effort.
<br />
Its even better with a bit of LARP (having people act out the NPCs).</p>
<p>It was a great learning experience too and I'd love to do it on a larger scale next time</p>shadowcat2013-05-13T08:01:22ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Just Horrible. (1 star)lostpikehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-03-18T07:00:16Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Do not play this module unless your character is CN. The things you are asked to do will not go over well with the majority of good aligned characters. The point system used to figure out the winner of the auction is broken, you have to do unmoral acts. There also was lazy writing with the players being defeated by box text. Easily one of my biggest pet peeves. There were ways to do it without this. </p>
<p>I played this at level 10-11 and we did not have to heal once. The combats were just that easy. The final combat was horrible. It wasn't designed to be an epic challenge rather endless waves like you are playing a video game. </p>
<p>Overall it was one of the worst Pathfinder experiences. Specials like this are supposed to leave you with a feeling you accomplished something EPIC. The only thing this module left you feeling is dirty.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Do not play this module unless your character is CN. The things you are asked to do will not go over well with the majority of good aligned characters. The point system used to figure out the winner of the auction is broken, you have to do unmoral acts. There also was lazy writing with the players being defeated by box text. Easily one of my biggest pet peeves. There were ways to do it without this. </p>
<p>I played this at level 10-11 and we did not have to heal once. The combats were just that easy. The final combat was horrible. It wasn't designed to be an epic challenge rather endless waves like you are playing a video game. </p>
<p>Overall it was one of the worst Pathfinder experiences. Specials like this are supposed to leave you with a feeling you accomplished something EPIC. The only thing this module left you feeling is dirty.</p>lostpike2013-03-18T07:00:16ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: The best special event so far (4 stars)Jason Shttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-03-05T03:18:14Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Key was the best special event I've played so far (and I've played all of them).</p>
<p>I liked the variety and choice in quests. I liked the creativity in the encounters. I liked the story. I loved the roleplay (which was the main feature). But I would have liked to know the significance of the key (which was probably part 2)!</p>
<p>Many of the quests in this scenario involve convincing, persuading, bribing, influencing, and intimidating others, which some players might have a problem with (if they have a super hero complex). This scenario heavily favors rogue, bard, and other "Pathfinder" skills, which I thought was great. Paladins will have a tough time with this scenario, similar to "Severing Ties".</p>
<p>The only thing I didn't like about this scenario was the encounter before the chase.
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Overall: Best special event so far, was entertaining, fun, and different. (8/10)</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Key was the best special event I've played so far (and I've played all of them).</p>
<p>I liked the variety and choice in quests. I liked the creativity in the encounters. I liked the story. I loved the roleplay (which was the main feature). But I would have liked to know the significance of the key (which was probably part 2)!</p>
<p>Many of the quests in this scenario involve convincing, persuading, bribing, influencing, and intimidating others, which some players might have a problem with (if they have a super hero complex). This scenario heavily favors rogue, bard, and other "Pathfinder" skills, which I thought was great. Paladins will have a tough time with this scenario, similar to "Severing Ties".</p>
<p>The only thing I didn't like about this scenario was the encounter before the chase.
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Overall: Best special event so far, was entertaining, fun, and different. (8/10)</p>Jason S2013-03-05T03:18:14ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Good stuff (4 stars)redwardhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-02-05T15:55:07Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I played this at our FLGS last night. We had 7 tables, and as far as I can tell everyone had a great time. </p>
<p><b>The good:</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>The bad:</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>The variables</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I played this at our FLGS last night. We had 7 tables, and as far as I can tell everyone had a great time. </p>
<p><b>The good:</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>The bad:</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>The variables</b>
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>redward2013-02-05T15:55:07ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Great in smaller settings (4 stars)Rene Duquesnoyhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-02-05T15:27:01Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I ran this at GenCon, and then again at my FLGS. The GenCon version was a bit of a cluster, but that's what happens when you get a room full of 150+ tables. </p>
<p>The one at the FLGS went very smoothly (surprisingly). Due to the 4 hour time constraint of playing at the store, I worked with my team of 7 GMs (I was overseer) to trim the scenario down to ~4 hours.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Total running time was 4.5 hours. All of the players and GMs were really happy with the scenario, and how efficient it went. As the overseer, I wish I had more to do as the scenario went on. Also, we need to make the players sing something. That would have been great.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I ran this at GenCon, and then again at my FLGS. The GenCon version was a bit of a cluster, but that's what happens when you get a room full of 150+ tables. </p>
<p>The one at the FLGS went very smoothly (surprisingly). Due to the 4 hour time constraint of playing at the store, I worked with my team of 7 GMs (I was overseer) to trim the scenario down to ~4 hours.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Total running time was 4.5 hours. All of the players and GMs were really happy with the scenario, and how efficient it went. As the overseer, I wish I had more to do as the scenario went on. Also, we need to make the players sing something. That would have been great.</p>Rene Duquesnoy2013-02-05T15:27:01ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Dark Mirror (4 stars)ZomBhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-02-04T22:57:45Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Perspective player</p>
<p>I liked the format and found the encounters interesting and entertaining. However what we were being asked to do, and what the encounter victory conditions were based on, was to NOT act like Pathfinders normally do. In fact we were making the Aspis Consortium look like the good guys compared to what we were being driven to do.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Perspective player</p>
<p>I liked the format and found the encounters interesting and entertaining. However what we were being asked to do, and what the encounter victory conditions were based on, was to NOT act like Pathfinders normally do. In fact we were making the Aspis Consortium look like the good guys compared to what we were being driven to do.</p>ZomB2013-02-04T22:57:45ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: 3.5 stars, specials in development. (3 stars)KestlerGunnerhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-01-28T13:12:12Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Perspective: Played 'Race' as a unskilled level 3 cleric in a slot zero, ran it for a low-tier table at a con. My previous special experience includes playing through 'Blood under Absalom'.</p>
<p>I really like the drama and action of this PFS special. The plot is easily the strongest point for me. The module as written impresses a do-or-die situation - the Pathfinder Society needs this artifact, or else unknown opponents will use its power naively, or for unspeakable means and the awakening of dark powers beneath Varisia. While normally the Society is hampered by the Aspis Consortium, in this module there's a huge background of rival interests, all with interesting approaches and unique personalities. Your team is set out into Magnimar in the dim light of the evening to do everything physically possible to seize the objective — the Runecarved key. If you fail, darker interests will gain an upper hand and Magnimar Lodge may lose its influence in Varisia forever.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Perspective: Played 'Race' as a unskilled level 3 cleric in a slot zero, ran it for a low-tier table at a con. My previous special experience includes playing through 'Blood under Absalom'.</p>
<p>I really like the drama and action of this PFS special. The plot is easily the strongest point for me. The module as written impresses a do-or-die situation - the Pathfinder Society needs this artifact, or else unknown opponents will use its power naively, or for unspeakable means and the awakening of dark powers beneath Varisia. While normally the Society is hampered by the Aspis Consortium, in this module there's a huge background of rival interests, all with interesting approaches and unique personalities. Your team is set out into Magnimar in the dim light of the evening to do everything physically possible to seize the objective — the Runecarved key. If you fail, darker interests will gain an upper hand and Magnimar Lodge may lose its influence in Varisia forever.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>KestlerGunner2013-01-28T13:12:12ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: Why do I work for the pathfinders? (1 star)JakeInTheGrasshttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2013-01-25T18:15:43Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>To give you a bit of background; My table was a table full of experienced GMs (one was a VC too). We have all played together almost biweekly. We had great skills, and in combat we excel in each of our expertise. We played at [7-8].</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>To give you a bit of background; My table was a table full of experienced GMs (one was a VC too). We have all played together almost biweekly. We had great skills, and in combat we excel in each of our expertise. We played at [7-8].</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>JakeInTheGrass2013-01-25T18:15:43ZPathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF: such potential (2 stars)patharhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8r0d?Pathfinder-Society-Special-Race-for-the-Runecarved-Key2012-12-12T07:18:03Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Played this at VC-run minicon recently.</p>
<p>Look, here's the thing: The beginning part was fun. Morally questionable, but fun. We did a lot of different tasks, and it was interesting to work around our strange little party composition (we were playing Tier 1-2).</p>
<p>The trouble is [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Feh.</p>
<p>Also, multiple tables all seemed to be doing the same thing. How does that even work? C'mon.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Special: Race for the Runecarved Key (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Played this at VC-run minicon recently.</p>
<p>Look, here's the thing: The beginning part was fun. Morally questionable, but fun. We did a lot of different tasks, and it was interesting to work around our strange little party composition (we were playing Tier 1-2).</p>
<p>The trouble is [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Feh.</p>
<p>Also, multiple tables all seemed to be doing the same thing. How does that even work? C'mon.</p>pathar2012-12-12T07:18:03Z