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Pathfinder Adventure Path #68: The Shackled Hut (Reign of Winter 2 of 6) (PFRPG)

4.30/5 (based on 11 ratings)
Pathfinder Adventure Path #68: The Shackled Hut (Reign of Winter 2 of 6) (PFRPG)
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Chapter 2: "The Shackled Hut"
by Jim Groves

The winter portal has closed, but the heroes now find themselves trapped in the frozen land of Irrisen with an urgent quest—to find Baba Yaga! In order to track down the missing Queen of Witches, the heroes must brave the monster-infested capital city of Whitethrone, where Baba Yaga’s Dancing Hut has been captured and put on display. Will possession of the miraculous artifact lead them to the Witch Queen, or will they die a cold death at the hands of Irrisen’s White Witches?

This volume of Pathfinder Adventure Path continues the Reign of Winter Adventure Path and includes:

  • “The Shackled Hut,” a Pathfinder RPG adventure for 4th-level characters, by Jim Groves.
  • An exploration of the ecology and the origins of the cunning and dangerous winter wolf, by Russ Taylor.
  • A look into the cult of rebels and revolutionaries who revere Milani the Everbloom, by Sean K Reynolds.
  • A dangerous introduction to Whitethrone’s aristocracy in the Pathfinder’s Journal, by Kevin Andrew Murphy.
  • Four new monsters, by Jim Groves, Dale C. McCoy, Jr., and Sean K Reynolds.

Each monthly full-color softcover Pathfinder Adventure Path volume contains an in-depth adventure scenario, stats for several new monsters, and support articles meant to give Game Masters additional material to expand their campaign. Pathfinder Adventure Path volumes use the Open Game License and work with both the Pathfinder RPG and the world’s oldest fantasy RPG.

ISBN–13: 978-1-60125-493-1

The Shackled Hut is sanctioned for use in Pathfinder Society Organized Play. The rules for running this Adventure Path and Chronicle sheet are available as a free download (639 KB zip/PDF).

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

Fantasy Grounds Virtual Tabletop
Archives of Nethys

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

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PZO9068

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4.30/5 (based on 11 ratings)

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3/5 —

Player review.

I'll be honest that after playing this chapter I was not all that impressed. The story was good but it was the usual AP elements that disappointed me. For a mostly urban adventure we found that the setting stopped us being able to buy and sell so we felt woefully unprepared. APs don't seem to want you being up to party wealth levels. But the story was good and we all enjoyed that element a lot.

Heckled Shut ... Hucked Shelt ... Sheltered Hulk ...

5/5 —

An adventure by Jim Groves ... groovy.

Ahem! Having ran my group of five through this adventure, here's some quick pros and cons.

WE LOVED:
- the feel of a nasty fairy tale
- the tower, everything, the encounters, the theme, the NPCs, big freaking <REDACTED> fight!
- the journey events until Whitethrone. Well, everybody knew it's the Mandatory D&D Road Movie With Random Encounters, but everybody enjoyed it
- GRETA!
- The Hut, <REDACTED>, <REDACTED>, big cool payoff that topped the <REDACTED> fight in epicness
- GRETA!
- The act like a <REDACTED> part with <REDACTED>
- magic items, especially the ones introduced in the adventure.

WE DIDN'T LOVE

- the <REDACTED>. Apart from <REDACTED>, the team found it a bit jarring to have a more-or-less railroady string of feels-like-random encounters IN a city. Cities are about going wherever you want however you want, they said.

- the <REDACTED> part with the <REDACTED> - that was a bit of "do X, Y and Z to open the red door" videogamey.

Overall, the level of fun and enjoyment at the table was great and we're looking forward to more of your adventures. I'd rate this 4,5 stars, but since you should be nice if you can be nice, this one gets 5 stars from me. I'm sure I'll enjoy further adventures from Jim!

Extremely good encounters, but structure could be improved

4/5 —

I divide my AP experience into 3 sections: Adventure, Supplements, and Layout/Art

The maps and art for this volume were terrific. The painting of Merisiel with the Mirror Men is a favourite of mine. I especially like the inside cover material, and use it in my campaign. 9/10

The majority of the supplemental material was outstanding. The articles on Milani and Winter Wolves were useful and interesting.
Most of the monsters in the bestiary were interesting. However, the Mirror Man was one of the most creative and creepy offerings I have seen in an AP in a long time. Kudos to the designer and artist.
Unfortunately, the fiction in this AP did not keep my interest.
8/10

I understand that the authors of this adventure and the prior one communicated and collaborated a great deal, and I think it is evident in the smooth transition between chapters, and the uniform handling of NPC's.
The adventure is filled with many fascinating encounters and adversaries: including the woodsman's wife, the gate guard, the goblin alchemist, the entirety of the Clocktower, and the pipers.
However, there were some things about the "storyboarding" of the adventure which seemed weak when my group played it. There is an extended journey at the beginning, and while some of the encounters are excellent, there are perhaps too many. Similarly, there is a huge number of encounters just inside the city gate. On the other hand, there is very little general information on the city as a whole. And as a specific example, the overgrown Merchant's Quarter lies directly between the gate and the safehouse, but there is no GM advice on how to handle the passage. While I know that there are many details on the city available in other products, I feel one or two encounters could have been cut to provide more information, or perhaps some encounters not tied to the gate, clocktower, or forest.
My players complained that Whitethrone provides the first opportunity in the AP for them to seriously upgrade their equipment, and the first encounter they have after that opportunity is with a foe that destroys weapons.
Overall, it was an engaging read and a fun group of sessions to run. 7/10

Lots of useful pages

4/5 —

Recession review located here

Are the reviewers actually playing this or just reading ?

5/5 —

So, I wanted to write this review because I've read some well worded and, well frankly nitpicky reviews about this adventure path. It really started to strike out at me that many people are reviewing this adventure without using the kind of language that would lead me to believe they actually played it.

I have GM'd the first 2 parts of RoW and this adventure was amazing. It was probably up there with some of the best games I've played. I had a lot of resources for this game, including the white dragon evolution set, all the paths of prestige materials, irrisen land of winter, all the maps, land of the linnorm kings, people of the north, the cards, all of it. And it paid off in spades.

I actually found this quite a flexible game to GM. I'm a ruthless GM, and I have 20 years of experience being ruthless. And my players are pretty damn good at getting by that as well, as the best players are.

Instead of being a letdown, I found that by the time the clocktower part of the game had been reached, just for narrative flow it was time to start playing fast and loose with the source material. It's more important that the story you are telling with the PCs is heroic, fluid and balanced. I just let it naturally evolve, and if the PCs want to cut to the chase and get the hut after Logrivich, no problem. It's about making a great experience, not necessarily being "railroaded by the book" as some have complained. If something is anticlimactic, don't do it ! You have to be completely familiar with the source in order to be comfortable doing this. No reading with the players as you play! You, the DM, should be using this story to great effect, and if it needs a little nip and tuck here and there, then so be it.

For example, Greta almost immediately became part of the group. My group is small, and I allow the players to play up to 2 characters at a time, which is great because, not only does it solve balance problems with the power of the party, but as a bonus if somebody dies, the player is not sulking in the corner of the room all the rest of the game. They have at least a second chance. And it also gives the players a chance to play some of these great NPCs in this adventure. So, Greta was snatched up and became a memorable PC right away. Even I let them play Nadya Petska at points during the game.

The story we created thanks to this amazing source material was really memorable. I've read all the books in the series and I think 3 and 4 I might need to take a heavier hand to... but I don't know until I play with the party. I'm sure as hell going to let them roll fluidly through it, and if stuff isn't working or if the party is tired of combat, I make tactical decisions. It really makes for a better game.

Anyway I wanted to put this out there since I was reading so many very technical reviews that didn't seem to reflect how the adventure actually plays. They might be technically right if you're at game con arguing with Monte Cook on the merits of game design, but it's not about that for me, it's more about the fun everyone has, and how the "movie in the mind" is playing out.

Bottom Line - Highly recommended.

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Liberty's Edge
Jim Groves wrote:
It's gonna be great though, I promise you that.

Oh, of that I have NO doubt! :-)

1 person marked this as a favorite.

At PaizoCon they did say you'd be planet hopping using a hut...That may have changed though.
Liberty's Edge
Cheapy wrote:
At PaizoCon they did say you'd be planet hopping using a hut...That may have changed though.

We'll find out when we find out! :-)

Dark Archive

Any idea on when we will be seeing the final cover of this book?
Webstore Gninja Minion

Sooooooon! :D
Webstore Gninja Minion

So soon, it was today! Final description and cover image added.
RPG Superstar 2009, Contributor

I'm sure Jim will be quite pleased.
2 people marked this as a favorite.

Oh my. Jim Groves, Russ Taylor, Kevin Andrew Murphy, and Dale McCoy Jr.?

Can't wait.
Silver Crusade

CALLED IT!

:D :D :D

The Dancing Hut actually being shackled is quite a fun image.

Nice cover, like the ice trolls, they have hair.
Dark Archive

Sweet!!!

Mere shackles cannot contain the Dancing Hut! MUAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!
President, Jon Brazer Enterprises
Cheapy wrote:

Oh my. Jim Groves, Russ Taylor, Kevin Andrew Murphy, and Dale McCoy Jr.?

Can't wait.

Where did they get that new monster designer from? I hope he does a good job.

And Feiya's wearing somewhat weather-appropriate gear. Yay!
Silver Crusade
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kajehase wrote:
And Feiya's wearing somewhat weather-appropriate gear. Yay!

I'm tellin' ya Paizo, you can sell more action figures that way!

I really do enjoy seeing the familiar iconics in new clothing appropriate for the situation. :)

edit-looks more closelier at the background

Looks like the other iconics are getting in on Arctic Action Dress-up as well!

edit2-I really like the border on the mural for this AP. And the blue back. It's all so fresh. Minty.
Contributor

That is one pretty outfit.

And I love the borders too.
Silver Crusade
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

MILANI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4

I love everything about it.

It's funny, I take a day off from the boards and the post it. I found it a nice surprise when checking the boards while having a restless night.
Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber

Awesome cover! I wonder who she is...
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4
Zaister wrote:
Awesome cover! I wonder who she is...

claps hands over his own mouth, straining like Roger Rabbit trying not to respond to 'shave and a haircut'

Lovely isn't she? I love that owl too.

Feiya's fox needs a little sweater coat. The kind you dress your pets up during the holiday and take pictures of because they look so ridiculous. It'd add a festive spirit to the scene!
Gorbacz wrote:
MILANI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really looking forward to see exactly how wrong I got it in Wayfinder.

Cheapy wrote:
Feiya's fox needs a little sweater coat. The kind you dress your pets up during the holiday and take pictures of because they look so ridiculous. It'd add a festive spirit to the scene!

SQUEEE!!!!

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Is that the Iconic Inquisitor aiming a bow at the hut? If so, it's about time. ;)
Cheapy wrote:
Feiya's fox needs a little sweater coat. The kind you dress your pets up during the holiday and take pictures of because they look so ridiculous. It'd add a festive spirit to the scene!

Dangit! Now I know what I should have submitted to RPG superstar!! :p

Dark Archive
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

*looks over cover to 67 and 68*

So it's Valeros, Lini, Feiya, and Imrijka? Plus Droogami and Daji? Is this the first AP with two major animal companion/familiar characters, given we never see Harsk or Seelah with companions, Seoni's lizard Dragon only ever shows up as a tattoo, and Alain's horse is always just off-panel?
Dark Archive
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Cool cover and no pun intended. I am looking forward to this AP more than any since Carrion Crown.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Kvantum wrote:

*looks over cover to 67 and 68*

So it's Valeros, Lini, Feiya, and Imrijka? Plus Droogami and Daji? Is this the first AP with two major animal companion/familiar characters, given we never see Harsk or Seelah with companions, Seoni's lizard Dragon only ever shows up as a tattoo, and Alain's horse is always just off-panel?

I believe Harsk is stated to select the non-AC ranger path. Don't know about Seelah.

Liberty's Edge

I believe Harsk is given a badger AC in certain sources.

Do we get to see a type of lesser, NON-EVIL, Winter Wolf monster block in this book that could be used as a Witch's familiar?
Dark Archive
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Looking forward to hearing about Milani. Also, wonder if the winter wolf article will include Irrisen's shape changing variant, or if that will be in Land of Eternal Winter?
Sovereign Court Developer
1 person marked this as a favorite.
DeciusNero wrote:
Looking forward to hearing about Milani. Also, wonder if the winter wolf article will include Irrisen's shape changing variant, or if that will be in Land of Eternal Winter?

The "shapechanging" winter wolves of Irrisen are not really a variant - their ability to take human form is a result of powerful magic in certain locations in Irrisen. But it is talked about in both the winter wolf article in this volume, as well as in Land of Eternal Winter.

graywulfe wrote:
I believe Harsk is given a badger AC in certain sources.

He switches for some reason. In 3.5's Curse of the Crimson Throne, he has a badger named Biter, but that was back when rangers always got animal companions. When stated out in Kingmaker, he has companion bond instead. But then in the NPC codex, he goes back to having a badger named Biter.

I'm not sure if we've ever seen this elusive badger, however.
Sovereign Court Developer
Mechalibur wrote:
I'm not sure if we've ever seen this elusive badger, however.

Page 62 of Pathfinder #24: The Final Wish. There might be more, but that's definitely Biter in that pic.

1 person marked this as a favorite.

I just want to say, that I had the pleasure of entering this book's contents into Herolab, (I'm a contractor) and that it is Awesome! I love the flavor of a certain race in a certain town. Keep up the good work Paizo!

This says PDF available on the 20th of March, but under Shipments it says shipping by the 19th of April?
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4
Pezmerga wrote:
I just want to say, that I had the pleasure of entering this book's contents into Herolab, (I'm a contractor) and that it is Awesome! I love the flavor of a certain race in a certain town. Keep up the good work Paizo!

I am delighted to hear that! Thank you!

I can't wait for people to receive it. I loved writing it. The moment I was done I was sad and wanted to do more.

Rob McCreary did an excellent job fine tuning it, and deserves no small amount of credit. As does Adam Daigle who put the polish on the monster I wrote.

And Russ's ecology is top notch. :D

Oh heck, now I want to praise Keven and Sarah and Andrew... The whole thing is wonderful.
Dark Archive
Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Cheapy wrote:
This says PDF available on the 20th of March, but under Shipments it says shipping by the 19th of April?

The subscriptions page was a bit on the fritz earlier, Sara-Marie says it's fixed now.

Hurrah for SM!

Ooh, an article on the ecology of the winter wolf? I'll be getting this just for that.
Dark Archive
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Looking forward to Milani, and her herald :3
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

VIVA REVOLUTION MILANI!
RPG Superstar 2009, Contributor

Well, aside from Milani and the winter wolf, give the adventure a look, too. This is Jim's first foray into the Adventure Paths and he worked pretty hard on it. So give that half of the book some attention, as well. ;-)
Dark Archive
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Looking forward to that too, Mr. Spicer; sometimes the eyes dance over the cherries before moving onto the whole cake!
Dark Archive RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 32
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Congratulations Jim!
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4
James Thomas wrote:
Congratulations Jim!

Thank you Sir!

I'm not Nick Logue, but I like to think I brought my own special sense of humor to it.

(No worries though, folks. Its not written for laughs.)

Jim, do you think this part of the AP could be played as a stand alone ?
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 4
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Lev wrote:
Jim, do you think this part of the AP could be played as a stand alone ?

Interesting question.

Yes, with a caveat.

It follows the plot established by Chapter One, and the motivations for why the characters are doing what they're doing are an extension of Chapter One...

But.. the encounters themselves for the most part are not super-hardwired to to the whole arc.

Let me take this to spoilers (very minor, only as needed)

Spoiler:
If the question was:

"Could I run this chapter like a "heist film" where the goal is to steal the Hut and then head off on some merry adventures of my own creation?"

I would say, yes.

You would need address why the Hut in Irrisen without Baba Yaga, why some "other people were hanging around it" and there are some small mechanical issues that pertain to the Black Rider's mantle that would be need to accounted for. Although, the mechanical issues aren't all that tough to either remove or adjust.

But it's not really the encounters you have to re-jig, it's the plot, and some of the NPC's motivations. I don't think it would be that difficult though.

AND, as James and Rob often say—this is the understated value of the Adventure Path products. Its your book, you bought it, you're more than welcome to adjust it and enjoy it however you see fit.
Dark Archive

So anyone have there copy yet?
RPG Superstar 2009, Contributor

Yep. :-)
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