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Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–15: Destiny of the Sands—Part 2: Race to Seeker's Folly (PFRPG) PDF

3.90/5 (based on 16 ratings)
Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–15: Destiny of the Sands—Part 2: Race to Seeker's Folly (PFRPG) PDF

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A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1–5.

The Pathfinder Society has discovered the location of a powerful Osirian artifact secreted beneath the sands, but they are not the only ones who seek its power. The Pathfinders must endure the scalding Osirian desert, brave its inhabitants, and watch for hidden dangers if they are to survive. Can the PCs reach the ruins before their rivals claim the prize?

“Race to Seeker’s Folly” is the second scenario in the three-part Destiny of the Sands campaign arc. It follows Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–12: Destiny of the Sands—Part 1: "A Bitter Bargain" and is followed by Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–16: Destiny of the Sands—Part 3: "Sanctum of the Sages." All three chapters are intended to be played in order.

Content in “Race to Seeker’s Folly” also contributes directly to the ongoing storyline of the Osirion faction.

Written by Matt Duval, RPG Superstar 2013 finalist.

This scenario is designed for play in Pathfinder Society Organized Play, but can easily be adapted for use with any world. This scenario is compliant with the Open Game License (OGL) and is suitable for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.

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Are there errors or omissions in this product information? Got corrections? Let us know at store@paizo.com.

PZOPSS0515E

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3.90/5 (based on 16 ratings)

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Best of the Series

4/5 —

I have played this and GMd this (all on subtier 4-5 with 4 person scaling).

I thoroughly enjoyed this scenario. This is my favorite type of scenario. Dungeon crawl that has a really cool theme and lots of information to gain. In this case it is not only the backstory of GM Torch, but also the last resting place of some of the jeweled sages.

The one thing I thought was especially cool was that the dead PFs agents magical items were corrupted and turned into cursed items.

With all this said, depending on the party makeup, this scenario can be brutal for a unprepared party. The barbarian hits like a mack truck and then you have to deal with an incorporeal at subtier 1-2. I know there is some items that can help (+1 scimitar, scroll of Ghostbane Dirge), but only one person can use the scimitar and the scroll is only DC 13. This can easily be a party wipe, if they don't party with the other group.

okay

3/5 —

Okay. Not really much else to say about it. The whole optional extra encounter seems completely tacked on, IMO.

Really Good. Some missed opportunities to be amazing though

4/5 —

I really really liked this one. I can't recall the last time pathfinders, the gentleman adventurer archeologists, had last done any well... archeology. It was nice to get them into a musty old tomb and get their hands dirty on some real history.

The Thing that makes this scenario good rather than amazing is its too busy. There are simply too many things that have happened in the tomb and none of them are all that connected to the crunch.

Spoiler:

Four things have happened in the tomb

1) This was where the sages died.

2) This is where grandmaster torch got torched- a seminial event in pathfinder history that has driven the metaplot for multiple seasons.

3) Nefti and Kafar where here last week and swiped the sage jewels.

and There's an old dead librarian waiting for an interview in a coffin.

So you have an Egyptian tomb, where grandmaster torch was torched... and a Viking shows up and wants to fight you for the right to loot the place. With all of the history to draw on THATS an encounter? I mean you wouldn't even need to change the Vikings' stats, just asign each Viking to be a dead pathfinder.

1 and 2 in particular could easily be tied into the adventure's combat a bit more. The party could have fought the Scarab seekers ghosts/spirits rather than some random dead travelers. Instead of an otherwise really good and thematic haunt, The party could have relived the last days of the sages.

Its the culmination of three seasons of grandmaster torches backstory AND a pivotal moment for the osirion faction and they're background to a viking and some random undead.

Power overwhelming

3/5 —

I was in a bit of a unique position with how I played this - a level 2 paladin playing out-of-tier in 4-5, alongside some strong level 4/5 classes.

I think this scenario really begs for a good party composition. Especially considering the very tough battle in this one, and some bad numbers on the dice, we were fairly lucky to survive. I'm not sure what it'd be like at tier 1-2, but since I was the one playing the low level guy (who had a lot of hit points, thank god), it feels like the combats are geared a little towards the powergamers.

There was an enormous amount of fluff in the scenario that I honestly struggled to keep up with, and didn't really complement my poor level 2 paladin's lack of knowledge skills. Again, at subtier 1-2, I can only imagine this would have been suffocating. Newbies would have little chance digesting it all. Some players will love this though - this scenario is made for them.

One thing that really impressed me:
...in one of the combats, something happened that I just couldn't predict. It speaks to the quality of the season 4/5 scenarios - it's great when that kind of thing you don't predict comes up, forcing less metagame and more realism.

The reaction it should provoke is surprise that you missed it, but that it still makes complete sense. And it works here.

The scenario really loses points for me only because of the too-hard aspect which puts me off, and the extreme level of detail. The latter should make for a better game, but my personal experience was just information overload, and again, that doesn't fit my style of play.

Unless the character you play is really tough - advise against playing out of tier in 4-5 where possible.

Superstar Quality.

4/5 —

Excellent, ticks all the boxes - 4.5 stars.

This is a dungeon exploration, that, through creative use of magic, alchemy, lore and mythic rules, creates a lasting impression. The author has been given a rare chance to flesh out the back-story of one of the most notable PFS NPCs and they've done an admirable job. The vast majority of PFS scenarios do not allow the PCs to learn the reasons and history behind events, a site, or an enemy. This scenario changes all that while rewarding creative players.

The one downside is that I believe this mission is a little too punishing for 1-5 characters. It would have been wonderful as a 3-7, but I can see why PFS organisers need to produce more 1-5 adventures. As it stands, most of the meat and unforgettable roleplay moments are included at the 4-5 tier. To get the full experience, play it high tier.

If you are intrigued by the story of PFS, or even just have a character with an history with GMT, this is a must play.

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Webstore Gninja Minion

Announced for February! Cover image is a mockup.
Grand Lodge
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Is the cartography far enough along to speculate on what flip-mats and map-packs are in this module?
The Exchange

What time of day will this become available?
Dark Archive

Usually in the evening ~5-6 Paizo time (8-9 est)
Grand Lodge
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

refresh refresh refresh refresh refresh

damn
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

Argh, was hoping to get this before I went to bed.

So excited...and HOLY MOLEY!!!!
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
GM Hills wrote:
Oh dear, it went from sometime today to unavailable, that is worrisome :( I need prep time and I'm SO excited!

I've a full table this Saturday. I'm worried too.

Digital Products Assistant

Now available!
The Exchange

dear gods...
Scarab Sages

Whhaaaaaaaaa?!!
Sovereign Court
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

There's chronicle sheets, and then there's chronicle sheets!
Paizo Employee Developer
5 people marked this as a favorite.

Oh good, it's having the desired effect. As I may have mentioned before, the series is getting rather exciting.
Silver Crusade

spews drink in surprise

AHAHAHHAHA oh man this is entirely uinexpected!

Really looking forward to those reactions in the morning. So happy it's Osirion where this is happening too. :D
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Holy frak.... Ties into my favourite scenario set.

Ok, I'm going to definately have to make a 'greatest hits' list when Pt 3 comes out justso if/when we get another batch of newbies, I can make them hate appropriately.

Edit: And more pathfinder lore... If Pt 3 lives up to Pts 1 and 2, this is going to be an awesome trillogy.

Edit: Reads chonicle sheets.... Gods...
Grand Lodge
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Yeah those chronicle sheets, p3 is going to be INSANE!
Dark Archive

I'm shocked, too.

SPOILER:
For this one we'll have to fill out/sign 3 chronicle sheets per player. Man, I already feel that Ray of Exhaustion hitting me.

But seriously, fantastic adventure - can't wait to run it and see jaws dropping on the table. Keep up the great work John!
Paizo Employee Developer
Vinyard Vaughn wrote:
** spoiler omitted *

Time-saving tip:

Yes, I admit this one has some higher printing costs.

As a time-saving tip, remember that you can just line through many of the right-hand boxes, including the GM initials portion, to save time on filling out gold earned, XP, et cetera, for which the values should all be 0. Since these Chronicle sheets travel in packs, I would say the only essential parts that need filling out on pages 2 and 3 are Date, GM Signature, and GM Number; the rest should show up on the first page.
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

My only concern (and being a superscriber doesn't apply to me) is it seems a bit much to expect people to have <redacted> for one scenario.
Shadow Lodge

*spittake*

WHAT.

WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN.
Paizo Employee Developer
Matthew Morris wrote:
My only concern (and being a superscriber doesn't apply to me) is it seems a bit much to expect people to have <redacted> for one scenario.

If they don't have it, the scenario provides them with another entirely viable option. If they do have it, they have an opportunity to use it.

Grand Lodge
Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber

I'm glad I have it. :D
Grand Lodge RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

You guys are making me all kinds of curious.
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
John Compton wrote:
Matthew Morris wrote:
My only concern (and being a superscriber doesn't apply to me) is it seems a bit much to expect people to have <redacted> for one scenario.
If they don't have it, the scenario provides them with another entirely viable option. If they do have it, they have an opportunity to use it.

Good, I wanted to make sure they could benefit.

(and while I don't expect it ti be permanent... I can dream)
Jiggy wrote:
You guys are making me all kinds of curious.

Careful. I had to clean my brain off the keyboard when I checked it out.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 4
1 person marked this as a favorite.

This was an amazing privilege to get to work on. Mind blown when I got to see the scope of it. Love the map and art. I hope everyone has fun running through it!

Best of luck, Pathfinders! :-)
Matt Duval wrote:

This was an amazing privilege to get to work on. Mind blown when I got to see the scope of it. Love the map and art. I hope everyone has fun running through it!

Best of luck, Pathfinders! :-)

Hi Matt:

A question:
In area A, why did you add the Dust Digger to the upper tier (as opposed to giving the gnolls fighter levels or similar)? I don't dislike the choice, but it really alters the nature of the account in a fundamental way. Just curious as to your thought process...
RPG Superstar 2013 Top 4
bugleyman wrote:


Hi Matt:

** spoiler omitted **

Answer for Bugleyman:

I very much wanted to do an encounter with gnolls, as they aren't seen often and there's a gnoll cult to Lamashtu right in the vicinity. It seemed like a good fit.

I was browsing through the Bestiaries looking at Desert terrain monsters, and remembered the Dust Digger. I wanted the encounter in area A to be an ambush, and the Dust Digger matches that well. However gnolls plus dust digger was too much for the lower subtier, and the gnolls were the primary encounter enemies in my mind, so the dust digger was cut from the lower tier.

I think the variety leads to a more surprising encounter at the higher tier and having spent all their time futilely working on the dust digger explains why the gnolls don't have more traps and other preparations setup at the oasis on the lower subtier.

Thanks for the question!
Matt Duval wrote:
Thanks for the question!

Thank you for the answer, and for you hard work on this scenario.

Sovereign Court

Spoiler:
I'm jealous you got to use gnolls in your encounters Matt! They're by far one of my favorite humanoid baddies.

Can't wait to read this and see what the buzz is about the chronicle sheet.

--Vrock Superstar

What map products go with this scenario? If answering means spoiling, please ignore this question. I wanted to buy the map and let the GM use it, to save him some dough.
Paizo Employee Developer
Mazym wrote:
What map products go with this scenario? If answering means spoiling, please ignore this question. I wanted to buy the map and let the GM use it, to save him some dough.

No surprise, really. It's Flip-Mat:Desert and a custom map.

Dark Archive
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

I'm SO excited to run this one. I'll be running it in... oh, about three hours. Doing my second read-through right now. :D
Liberty's Edge

...whoa.

Played this yesterday and had a blast. Wow on that chronicle sheet!

Spoiler:
those sheets
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

The evil GM in me sat down and told the party "Now, running away is always an option, in fact I have sheets already filled out with zero XP, zero prestige and zero gold."

Spoiler:
Of course I meant those sheets, but it still made everyone worry.
Dark Archive
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

So a question regarding the sheets and the next adventure. Is the reason for the jump in tiers because of said sheets? Or do PCs still need to be 3rd level PCs to finish the arc? I'm hoping for the former, but I kinda get the latter.

My Thought Process:
Because of the up in power level, a 1st-level PC should be doing okay against stuff challenging to a 3rd-level PC. However, a PC who didn't do part 2 is going to be missing that power bump, and will need to be at least 3rd to have a shot at defeating the baddies.

What say you, Supreme High Command?

I have to wait two weeks to play this.
Paizo Employee Developer
N'wah wrote:

So a question regarding the sheets and the next adventure. Is the reason for the jump in tiers because of said sheets? Or do PCs still need to be 3rd level PCs to finish the arc? I'm hoping for the former, but I kinda get the latter.

** spoiler omitted **

What say you, Supreme High Command?

In Response:

It's actually Tier 3-7, not including any effective level change from the sheets. The challenges in Part 3 are designed to challenge, for example, a 3rd-level PC with those sheets.

Those who do not have the Chronicle sheets from Part 2 will receive a fairly simple template (likely as a handout) that they can apply quickly at the start of the game to gain roughly equivalent power, but I imagine the options will be more strightforward than those on the Chroncicle sheets for the sake of simplicity.
Sovereign Court RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8

Well that's no fun, John :P
Dark Archive
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

Good to know. I had a lot of new players come in for part 1, so I don't think I have anyone actually 3rd in time for part 3. I'll probably push it back in the local game's queue.
Grand Lodge
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook Subscriber

Question for designers / gms:

Language:
Was the water elemental supposed to be able to speak something other then Aquan? By default elementals don't get common as a language, so I was at a loss for that encounter.

FYI: Here is the GM Discussion thread for this scenario, to avoid spoilers in a more public product thread.
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