Pathfinder Online: Thornkeep Granite Plaque

When Pathfinder was at its height several years ago, Paizo decided to try their hand at an MMORPG called Pathfinder Online. The setting for the game was to be a small town called Thornkeep. From what I understand (this was all before my time), the project was a major financial flop. The game still apparently exists online, even though few play it, and there are other artefacts such as a written module, a t-shirt, and this "granite art plaque". The art by Wayne Reynolds is striking and perfectly. evocative of back-alley, cut-throat, low magic fantasy (of which Pathfinder isn't, but that's not the point). The plaque itself is about the size of an open hand, and two plastic pieces serve well as a display stand.

The packaging contains some text on the back: "Beware to all who enter the town of Thornkeep! On its dimly lit streets, even the noblest hero may fall prey to the knife of a cut-purse. And if the thieves don't get you, then perhaps the goblins will." Inside the box is a certificate of authenticity indicating that this is one of a 250-run limited edition. These things must not have been popular, because even discounted to $ 10, they're still available on the Paizo website seven years later. Still, I'm happy with mine. It's a nice way to spruce up a gaming bookshelf with some quality WAR art.

This item immediately caught my eye when I browsed the store. I found it hard to believe that a granite plaque would have such a low cost. Now that I have the item, I am quit happy with it, even though I do not think it is made of granite. It certainly is made of heavy stone, however not granite but some sort of slate, but harder. The back is smooth, the sides are sharp and ridged, which is where the slate-like texture shows(micro structure of granite is granular and not layered).

The sides seem to have been laquered in some way(black), as well as the front I assume, after which the image was printed on it. There are very tiny anomalies in the print(about 6), as if minuscule bubbles were left, then popped, leaving a minuscule crater(less then a millimeter in diamter). However, this can only be seen very up close and even then is not annoying.

The print itself is colorful and detailed and looks great. It has a matte shine to it. It is off course not very big, it fits nicely on a shelf but certainly makes a good presence there (see description for size, which is correct). For comparison I would say the size is right in between the paperback and hardcover version of a popular novel (like Wheel of Time series or Game of Thrones)

The supports are made from a strong and dense plastic, and do the job of holding up the plaque just fine. In the box was also a plastic bracket(I'd say an inch by an inch) with a sticky patch that you could attach to the back of the plaque so that you can hang it on the wall. Not sure if that sticky tape would keep holding though, the plaque is quit heavy. Furthermore there was a "Certificate of Authenticity" in black and white printing in the box, that said Limited Edition 1/250. So apparently I have the first item of a limited series of 250.

On the back of the plaque a sticker with "made in China".

I received this article within 14 days in the Netherlands, Europe, very well packaged, in mint condition.

It looks great on my shelf!