paizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDFpaizo.com Recent Reviews of Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF2022-03-11T02:52:33Z2022-03-11T02:52:33ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Long, but Great (5 stars)Jhaemanhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2022-03-11T02:48:24Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>NO SPOILERS</p>
<p>I got to play <b><i>The Merchant's Wake</b></i> via play-by-post with my Groetus-worshipping, doomsaying, filth-encrusted oracle Makras Vekker (he was certainly not the right choice given the premise of the scenario, but I didn't know!). The scenario is a substantive, well-written one with some real meat on the bones—I'd be surprised if many live groups didn't struggle to finish in the normal five-hour slot. There's a lot of role-playing in this one, and the scenario provides the GM with plenty of support to make it manageable. The action scenes are done well and fun to play (even if a tad on the easy side), and there's plenty of attention to setting lore. Overall, I think it's a winner.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>NO SPOILERS</p>
<p>I got to play <b><i>The Merchant's Wake</b></i> via play-by-post with my Groetus-worshipping, doomsaying, filth-encrusted oracle Makras Vekker (he was certainly not the right choice given the premise of the scenario, but I didn't know!). The scenario is a substantive, well-written one with some real meat on the bones—I'd be surprised if many live groups didn't struggle to finish in the normal five-hour slot. There's a lot of role-playing in this one, and the scenario provides the GM with plenty of support to make it manageable. The action scenes are done well and fun to play (even if a tad on the easy side), and there's plenty of attention to setting lore. Overall, I think it's a winner.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Jhaeman2022-03-11T02:48:24ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Great social scenario, with minor flaws. (4 stars)Quentin Coldwaterhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2019-04-05T11:36:21Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>(I GMed this and played this.)</p>
<p>I can be pretty brief about this scenario: the author makes some weird leaps of logic and I guess certain things got cut out during editing, but essentially, this is a great scenario. The social part works well and NPCs are described well enough that you can hold a proper conversation with them. Also, DCs are properly scaled that even non-socially-inclined characters can contribute meaningfully, I feel.</p>
<p>I especially like how certain choices mattered, even if only superficially. It makes the players feel like they've had an impact on the story, which is great. And from the GM point of view, these choices are easy enough to incorporate that they don't slow the game down at all. I've seen scenarios where this goes wrong, for example.</p>
<p>As said, the story is a little strange and NPCs behave oddly just to have the story make sense. Not too keen on that. I feel like this scenario fell prey to heavy editing, cutting out motivations and backstory, but this is only speculation on my part.</p>
<p>All in all, this is a fun scenario. It has some flaws, but it's certainly worth playing.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>(I GMed this and played this.)</p>
<p>I can be pretty brief about this scenario: the author makes some weird leaps of logic and I guess certain things got cut out during editing, but essentially, this is a great scenario. The social part works well and NPCs are described well enough that you can hold a proper conversation with them. Also, DCs are properly scaled that even non-socially-inclined characters can contribute meaningfully, I feel.</p>
<p>I especially like how certain choices mattered, even if only superficially. It makes the players feel like they've had an impact on the story, which is great. And from the GM point of view, these choices are easy enough to incorporate that they don't slow the game down at all. I've seen scenarios where this goes wrong, for example.</p>
<p>As said, the story is a little strange and NPCs behave oddly just to have the story make sense. Not too keen on that. I feel like this scenario fell prey to heavy editing, cutting out motivations and backstory, but this is only speculation on my part.</p>
<p>All in all, this is a fun scenario. It has some flaws, but it's certainly worth playing.</p>Quentin Coldwater2019-04-05T11:36:21ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF (4 stars)Slothsyhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2016-04-19T15:44:06Z...Slothsy2016-04-19T15:44:06ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Recommend for those enjoy roleplaying (5 stars)Noririhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2015-12-11T12:37:25Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Most of the scenario is roleplay, you have to chat with varient NPCs. It means that Merchant is hevily depands on how GM and players act, also have to do much work about the Innersea world. What I like the best is the two familiar friends come out again! You'll know them if played The Glass River Rescue.</p>
<p>There are also two challenging and well-scaled combats, but the BBEG fight is dissapointing...too weak and not shocking at all, but still a good one to play.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Most of the scenario is roleplay, you have to chat with varient NPCs. It means that Merchant is hevily depands on how GM and players act, also have to do much work about the Innersea world. What I like the best is the two familiar friends come out again! You'll know them if played The Glass River Rescue.</p>
<p>There are also two challenging and well-scaled combats, but the BBEG fight is dissapointing...too weak and not shocking at all, but still a good one to play.</p>Noriri2015-12-11T12:37:25ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Role-play heavy, but with an actual good chase-scene (5 stars)TheDegradedhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-12-30T23:17:46Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I ended up playing this scenario last weekend and I had a great time. Not only was there a good mixture of role-playing and fighting, with a clear emphasis on role-playing, but there was also a unique, yet perfect chase-scene except for the swimming part. The only downside was the plot. It wasn't exactly difficult to figure out who the bad guy eventually was. Anyway, allow me to break this scenario down to role-playing and encounters though.</p>
<p>As for the role-playing, it indeed is the most important portion of the scenario. If you just want to kill things, you should stay clear of this scenario. However, I disagree with some of the reviews below that this scenario is hours of just talking. Don't get me wrong, it is indeed possible should you choose so, but it's not a fundamental issue with the scenario. Instead it's something that comes down to the GM and players. The GM has to feel the mood at the table and should adjust the amount of talking to it, whereas the players can speak up as well. Together they should find the sweet spot. Without proper out-of-game communication, I can see how this could drag on and cause issues for individuals. </p>
<p>In my case our GM said he'd give 5 to 10 minutes per conversation and all of us did our best to make the conversations fun and interesting. Not a single one of us was bored at any moment in time, nor felt left out. Everyone of us also liked the chase-scene. I consider it to be quite innovative and far less annoying than other similar situations I've encountered. You are provided with limited options and you can actually go through the process of getting from A to B rather quickly, while still having a lot of options open to you to decrease the DC's. It simply works really well.</p>
<p>The encounters were fine too. They weren't particularly special, but I don't believe that's needed for this scenario. Thematically it's fine and I'm sure the first encounter can give a fair amount of a parties a run for their money. My party was lucky at the BBEG as they got the drop on that particular individual, but from what I've heard, that fight can be quite annoying as well. In other words, the fights can be quite challenging.</p>
<p>This scenario is role-play heavy, but the fights aren't walkovers either. If you like the previous sentence, you should consider playing this scenario as you're likely to find it quite enjoyable. Be sure to bring a balanced party though!</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I ended up playing this scenario last weekend and I had a great time. Not only was there a good mixture of role-playing and fighting, with a clear emphasis on role-playing, but there was also a unique, yet perfect chase-scene except for the swimming part. The only downside was the plot. It wasn't exactly difficult to figure out who the bad guy eventually was. Anyway, allow me to break this scenario down to role-playing and encounters though.</p>
<p>As for the role-playing, it indeed is the most important portion of the scenario. If you just want to kill things, you should stay clear of this scenario. However, I disagree with some of the reviews below that this scenario is hours of just talking. Don't get me wrong, it is indeed possible should you choose so, but it's not a fundamental issue with the scenario. Instead it's something that comes down to the GM and players. The GM has to feel the mood at the table and should adjust the amount of talking to it, whereas the players can speak up as well. Together they should find the sweet spot. Without proper out-of-game communication, I can see how this could drag on and cause issues for individuals. </p>
<p>In my case our GM said he'd give 5 to 10 minutes per conversation and all of us did our best to make the conversations fun and interesting. Not a single one of us was bored at any moment in time, nor felt left out. Everyone of us also liked the chase-scene. I consider it to be quite innovative and far less annoying than other similar situations I've encountered. You are provided with limited options and you can actually go through the process of getting from A to B rather quickly, while still having a lot of options open to you to decrease the DC's. It simply works really well.</p>
<p>The encounters were fine too. They weren't particularly special, but I don't believe that's needed for this scenario. Thematically it's fine and I'm sure the first encounter can give a fair amount of a parties a run for their money. My party was lucky at the BBEG as they got the drop on that particular individual, but from what I've heard, that fight can be quite annoying as well. In other words, the fights can be quite challenging.</p>
<p>This scenario is role-play heavy, but the fights aren't walkovers either. If you like the previous sentence, you should consider playing this scenario as you're likely to find it quite enjoyable. Be sure to bring a balanced party though!</p>TheDegraded2014-12-30T23:17:46ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Why should I care about any of this? (2 stars)Doug Mileshttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-09-11T17:19:55Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I have played & GMed this scenario. It is apparent from the beginning that it has the narrowest of relevance to most PFS members. This is a scenario for your social PC, not your combat monkey. A new player is going to be left wondering "Why should I care about any of this?". A GM is going to have a hard time keeping the players engaged at the table. Last night was <b>3.5 hours</b> of talking before we ever rolled initiative. After the first combat encounter the plot becomes silly. The players know what's up, but the contrived plot tries to turn them away from an early conclusion. The GM either improvises or asks the players "This is what you are expected to do, can you just play along?" It seems like the author believes the players are all <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnac_the_Magnificent" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">mind-readers</a> who inherently know which direction the scenario wants them to leap toward.</p>
<p>If PFS is going to develop these types of scenarios in the future, then it needs to create player handouts with pictures of the NPCs with a brief profile OR give permission for users to create and share resources with images from the scenario on sites like <a href="http://www.pfsprep.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">GM Shared Prep</a>. There are 8 key NPCs in this scenario, all with foreign names that are easy for players to mix up.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I have played & GMed this scenario. It is apparent from the beginning that it has the narrowest of relevance to most PFS members. This is a scenario for your social PC, not your combat monkey. A new player is going to be left wondering "Why should I care about any of this?". A GM is going to have a hard time keeping the players engaged at the table. Last night was <b>3.5 hours</b> of talking before we ever rolled initiative. After the first combat encounter the plot becomes silly. The players know what's up, but the contrived plot tries to turn them away from an early conclusion. The GM either improvises or asks the players "This is what you are expected to do, can you just play along?" It seems like the author believes the players are all <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnac_the_Magnificent" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">mind-readers</a> who inherently know which direction the scenario wants them to leap toward.</p>
<p>If PFS is going to develop these types of scenarios in the future, then it needs to create player handouts with pictures of the NPCs with a brief profile OR give permission for users to create and share resources with images from the scenario on sites like <a href="http://www.pfsprep.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">GM Shared Prep</a>. There are 8 key NPCs in this scenario, all with foreign names that are easy for players to mix up.</p>Doug Miles2014-09-11T17:19:55ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Fun to play and fun to run. (5 stars)Parodyhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-09-05T00:19:58Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Some folks might find it a bit too much talking (like its fellow influence adventures) but I like the mix of combat, roleplay, and even the "other stuff". (A low-tier chase scene people actually like! Gasp! :)</p>
<p>The things I didn't like were small and have been mentioned already. (Swim check!)</p>
<p>Overall I think this is the right idea for a more social scenario.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Some folks might find it a bit too much talking (like its fellow influence adventures) but I like the mix of combat, roleplay, and even the "other stuff". (A low-tier chase scene people actually like! Gasp! :)</p>
<p>The things I didn't like were small and have been mentioned already. (Swim check!)</p>
<p>Overall I think this is the right idea for a more social scenario.</p>Parody2014-09-05T00:19:58ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: I can't believe I liked a chase scene (5 stars)BigNorseWolfhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-08-31T06:07:39Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Pros:</p>
<p>I think the author fixed the chase scene. This one is fun, imaginative, and fixes the problems that plague other chase scenes where some party members just may as well go order a pizza. </p>
<p>Good mix of social, skill, and combat encounters</p>
<p>This scenario could not have taken place anywhere but in Qadiria and I love that. In a world as diverse as golarion just remembering the adventure should be enough to remember where it took place. </p>
<p>Cons:</p>
<p>May have had a few too many PCs. Even DMing this I was a little lost as to who was who and had to use a letter from a PC the pcs hadn't interacted with yet. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Pros:</p>
<p>I think the author fixed the chase scene. This one is fun, imaginative, and fixes the problems that plague other chase scenes where some party members just may as well go order a pizza. </p>
<p>Good mix of social, skill, and combat encounters</p>
<p>This scenario could not have taken place anywhere but in Qadiria and I love that. In a world as diverse as golarion just remembering the adventure should be enough to remember where it took place. </p>
<p>Cons:</p>
<p>May have had a few too many PCs. Even DMing this I was a little lost as to who was who and had to use a letter from a PC the pcs hadn't interacted with yet. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>BigNorseWolf2014-08-31T06:07:39ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Great idea, but ... (4 stars)wixiroxhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-08-30T16:35:43Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>As it has been said in other reviews, great roleplaying encounters and there are actual choices in the scenario! The only problem I have with this adventure is that it is extremely convoluted and it is pretty hard to get the players in to it. As a GM, I had a bit of a rough time following the 'why's of the reasons the major NPCs were doing what they were doing which made it difficult to prep for. </p>
<p>Luckily it is a good twist on an encounter, it's easy to time out, the chase scene was kinda 'meh' [Spoiler omitted] but it was there and the [Spoiler omitted] even with my expert-level subterfuge (more of a story-flow thing, which I didn't mind for purposes of ease of explanation but compared to the weak reasoning behind it, it didn't blow me out of the water).</p>
<p>Unfortunately my group didn't get the full PP from this, so make sure to have a cast of non-fighters about (they were literally one thing off of making it; felt bad but I should actually start enforcing some of the consequences from the scenarios). </p>
<p>All in all, great idea but just a not so an amazing execution. Still gonna give it 4 stars though as I feel like there is a lot of potential for this scenario.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>As it has been said in other reviews, great roleplaying encounters and there are actual choices in the scenario! The only problem I have with this adventure is that it is extremely convoluted and it is pretty hard to get the players in to it. As a GM, I had a bit of a rough time following the 'why's of the reasons the major NPCs were doing what they were doing which made it difficult to prep for. </p>
<p>Luckily it is a good twist on an encounter, it's easy to time out, the chase scene was kinda 'meh' [Spoiler omitted] but it was there and the [Spoiler omitted] even with my expert-level subterfuge (more of a story-flow thing, which I didn't mind for purposes of ease of explanation but compared to the weak reasoning behind it, it didn't blow me out of the water).</p>
<p>Unfortunately my group didn't get the full PP from this, so make sure to have a cast of non-fighters about (they were literally one thing off of making it; felt bad but I should actually start enforcing some of the consequences from the scenarios). </p>
<p>All in all, great idea but just a not so an amazing execution. Still gonna give it 4 stars though as I feel like there is a lot of potential for this scenario.</p>wixirox2014-08-30T16:35:43ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Solid scenario all around. (4 stars)Kristen Gipsonhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-08-29T13:18:26Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I thoroughly enjoyed running this scenario. It has a nice mix of roleplaying, shananagins, investigations, and combat. </p>
<p>I really enjoyed the influence section. I especially liked how a few of the NPCs are intertwined so depending on how well you do and what you do your influence will change. It was also very creative to have actions throughout effect it as well. I was disappointed there was not a discovery option, as that is one of the ways to determine the alternate skill. </p>
<p>I also liked the take on the non-chase. It was very creative, although maybe the DCs should have differed per subtier.</p>
<p>The first fight seemed to be the most difficult and that just seems odd. However, it might have just seemed harder due to a poorly timed pit. </p>
<p>Overall, I enjoyed running this scenario and would love to in it again.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>I thoroughly enjoyed running this scenario. It has a nice mix of roleplaying, shananagins, investigations, and combat. </p>
<p>I really enjoyed the influence section. I especially liked how a few of the NPCs are intertwined so depending on how well you do and what you do your influence will change. It was also very creative to have actions throughout effect it as well. I was disappointed there was not a discovery option, as that is one of the ways to determine the alternate skill. </p>
<p>I also liked the take on the non-chase. It was very creative, although maybe the DCs should have differed per subtier.</p>
<p>The first fight seemed to be the most difficult and that just seems odd. However, it might have just seemed harder due to a poorly timed pit. </p>
<p>Overall, I enjoyed running this scenario and would love to in it again.</p>Kristen Gipson2014-08-29T13:18:26ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Enjoyable but don't look too deep at the plot (4 stars)David_Brosshttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-08-12T20:43:06Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This was a really enjoyable low level scenario that rewards PCs making skill checks, enables role-play, and has some enjoyable combats.</p>
<p>This said in the 1-2 subtier a particular encounter• could turn rather lethal using the tactics written, the editing has already been mentioned, and the part of the plot is rather convoluted••.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This was a really enjoyable low level scenario that rewards PCs making skill checks, enables role-play, and has some enjoyable combats.</p>
<p>This said in the 1-2 subtier a particular encounter• could turn rather lethal using the tactics written, the editing has already been mentioned, and the part of the plot is rather convoluted••.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]
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[Spoiler omitted]</p>David_Bross2014-08-12T20:43:06ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Pick another scenario if you have the option. (3 stars)xebechehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-08-02T06:43:00Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>The scenario tries to take on a couple different mechanic systems found in other scenarios. It keeps them short, but fails to deliver the magic. The writing and/or editing fails the GMs, whom has to compensate for sometimes poorly setup choices that PCs must make. I'd pick many other scenarios before GMing this a second time despite putting many hours into detailed preparations.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>The scenario tries to take on a couple different mechanic systems found in other scenarios. It keeps them short, but fails to deliver the magic. The writing and/or editing fails the GMs, whom has to compensate for sometimes poorly setup choices that PCs must make. I'd pick many other scenarios before GMing this a second time despite putting many hours into detailed preparations.</p>xebeche2014-08-02T06:43:00ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Exploration of Qadiran culture, with a great mix of RP and combat (4 stars)keerawahttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-07-24T23:54:21Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>My group really enjoyed this scenario! You'll definitely want to bring characters who have decent social and skill abilities. There are some interesting NPCs and a new and improved chase mechanic that was a huge relief for our party.</p>
<p>In addition to the editing issues (that swim check to batter down a door had our group in stitches), I really wish a particular NPC came with a stat block. [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>I would recommend this one to GMs who enjoy RP, and are willing to put in the time to really get a firm grasp on each of the NPCs. And as mentioned in the title, I love the cultural detail in the scenario. Often I have no idea where a particular battle took place, but I will always remember that this wake took place in the heart of Katheer.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>My group really enjoyed this scenario! You'll definitely want to bring characters who have decent social and skill abilities. There are some interesting NPCs and a new and improved chase mechanic that was a huge relief for our party.</p>
<p>In addition to the editing issues (that swim check to batter down a door had our group in stitches), I really wish a particular NPC came with a stat block. [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>I would recommend this one to GMs who enjoy RP, and are willing to put in the time to really get a firm grasp on each of the NPCs. And as mentioned in the title, I love the cultural detail in the scenario. Often I have no idea where a particular battle took place, but I will always remember that this wake took place in the heart of Katheer.</p>keerawa2014-07-24T23:54:21ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Highly Recommended Low Level Scenario (4 stars)Zynetehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-07-22T10:07:55Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a scenario with one heavy roleplay encounter. Depending on the party and GM pacing this portion of the adventure might take a lot longer than expected to complete.</p>
<p>There were a decent mix of creatures that I really enjoyed. I like seeing fights that are consistent with one another, but don't involve the party fighting the same exact creatures. It could have used a bit more variation, but there was enough changing resistances and vulnerabilities that it worked perfectly fine. There is one common immunity here, but there are a few other creatures in play that I think make up for the common immunity.</p>
<p>The chase mechanic is used to good effect here. I suspect some GMs might breeze past the changes this scenario makes to the chase mechanic and end up making it much harder, but that isn't the fault of the scenario. The chase could have used some scaling rules for four players though.</p>
<p>The biggest issue I have with the scenario is that it offers a mystery over the course of the scenario, but offers no method of resolution for the players and it doesn't leave enough of a hook to make players remember the bits of this mystery months from now.</p>
<p>This is a good scenario that I would recommend easily.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a scenario with one heavy roleplay encounter. Depending on the party and GM pacing this portion of the adventure might take a lot longer than expected to complete.</p>
<p>There were a decent mix of creatures that I really enjoyed. I like seeing fights that are consistent with one another, but don't involve the party fighting the same exact creatures. It could have used a bit more variation, but there was enough changing resistances and vulnerabilities that it worked perfectly fine. There is one common immunity here, but there are a few other creatures in play that I think make up for the common immunity.</p>
<p>The chase mechanic is used to good effect here. I suspect some GMs might breeze past the changes this scenario makes to the chase mechanic and end up making it much harder, but that isn't the fault of the scenario. The chase could have used some scaling rules for four players though.</p>
<p>The biggest issue I have with the scenario is that it offers a mystery over the course of the scenario, but offers no method of resolution for the players and it doesn't leave enough of a hook to make players remember the bits of this mystery months from now.</p>
<p>This is a good scenario that I would recommend easily.</p>Zynete2014-07-22T10:07:55ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Enjoyable (4 stars)Chris O'Reillyhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-07-02T17:10:07Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a good roleplay heavy scenario and I enjoy when those are offered. If you don't know that beforehand and roleplay does not appeal to you or your character is not situated for it, then you will probably not have that much fun. </p>
<p>As mentioned before the scenario also features a nice twist on the chase mechanic.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a good roleplay heavy scenario and I enjoy when those are offered. If you don't know that beforehand and roleplay does not appeal to you or your character is not situated for it, then you will probably not have that much fun. </p>
<p>As mentioned before the scenario also features a nice twist on the chase mechanic.</p>Chris O'Reilly2014-07-02T17:10:07ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: best. scenario. ever. (5 stars)patharhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-06-25T13:32:43Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is without question my favorite scenario so far. It has roleplaying, complete with amusing side missions, it has action, it has the potential for a serious plot twist—it seems really obvious unless all the clues get missed due to certain rolls and then <i>wham</i> it's out of left field—and the chase scene uses a new mechanic that I sincerely hope becomes the new standard because <i>it actually works</i>. It's delightful.</p>
<p>I do wish it had seen some better editing; it's rife with typos and at least two are in player handouts, which means the GM needs to fix them before they go out. Or not—the DC 17 Swim check to break down a door does tend to get a pretty good laugh out of the table.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is without question my favorite scenario so far. It has roleplaying, complete with amusing side missions, it has action, it has the potential for a serious plot twist—it seems really obvious unless all the clues get missed due to certain rolls and then <i>wham</i> it's out of left field—and the chase scene uses a new mechanic that I sincerely hope becomes the new standard because <i>it actually works</i>. It's delightful.</p>
<p>I do wish it had seen some better editing; it's rife with typos and at least two are in player handouts, which means the GM needs to fix them before they go out. Or not—the DC 17 Swim check to break down a door does tend to get a pretty good laugh out of the table.</p>pathar2014-06-25T13:32:43ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Good, but not great (3 stars)R Dhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-06-24T13:30:48Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>There's nothing wrong with this scenario, per se. But my table wasn't wowed by it either. I ran it this past Sunday. We had a 5 players, two of whom had negatives to their social skills. Because those players pretty much had nothing to do but sit around for the first part of the scenario, I let the party sabotage a certain item in a unique way. This led to a certain NPC projectile vomiting. Good times...</p>
<p>Out of character, they all felt like they could see the plot points coming. Nobody was surprised when the "evil mastermind" was revealed. The general sense I got from the table was essentially: "Meh."</p>
<p>The first combat encounter was interesting, and it's probably the reason that the table upgraded their collective feeling to "Meh." from "Bleh." Again, this is because half of the table had nothing to do for much of the scenario. (In their defense, that half of the table is new to PFS. It's not their fault that they neither had well-rounded characters nor more appropriate backup characters.)</p>
<p>Clearly, it would run a lot better with experienced players who specifically wanted an RP heavy afternoon. I personally enjoyed the NPC Jakti al'Awar. Playing him was fun!</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>There's nothing wrong with this scenario, per se. But my table wasn't wowed by it either. I ran it this past Sunday. We had a 5 players, two of whom had negatives to their social skills. Because those players pretty much had nothing to do but sit around for the first part of the scenario, I let the party sabotage a certain item in a unique way. This led to a certain NPC projectile vomiting. Good times...</p>
<p>Out of character, they all felt like they could see the plot points coming. Nobody was surprised when the "evil mastermind" was revealed. The general sense I got from the table was essentially: "Meh."</p>
<p>The first combat encounter was interesting, and it's probably the reason that the table upgraded their collective feeling to "Meh." from "Bleh." Again, this is because half of the table had nothing to do for much of the scenario. (In their defense, that half of the table is new to PFS. It's not their fault that they neither had well-rounded characters nor more appropriate backup characters.)</p>
<p>Clearly, it would run a lot better with experienced players who specifically wanted an RP heavy afternoon. I personally enjoyed the NPC Jakti al'Awar. Playing him was fun!</p>R D2014-06-24T13:30:48ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: No more chase scenes! (1 star)Richard Southardhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-06-03T01:41:34Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Yes it seems petty and not very constructive, but I will always rate a scenario low if it has a chase scene. I dislike them that much!</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>Yes it seems petty and not very constructive, but I will always rate a scenario low if it has a chase scene. I dislike them that much!</p>Richard Southard2014-06-03T01:41:34ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: A Nice Mix of Story and Combat (4 stars)Leahcimhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-06-02T04:46:34Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a well written adventure with a nice mix of story and combat. The PCs are sent to represent the Pathfinder Society at a unique and somber social event. While negotiating some interesting cultural traditions the PCs must also build influence with several key NPCs. With such a gathering of powerful individuals, it is hard for someone not to try to take advantage of the situation, and things quickly get chaotic. While the PCs are trying to sort out the maladies of the night and maintain their newly earned influence, they must fight their way through some interesting and challenging combat encounters. This is a good scenario for groups that enjoy both interesting social interactions and challenging combat, although if your group is heavy in one or the other they may suffer for it.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a well written adventure with a nice mix of story and combat. The PCs are sent to represent the Pathfinder Society at a unique and somber social event. While negotiating some interesting cultural traditions the PCs must also build influence with several key NPCs. With such a gathering of powerful individuals, it is hard for someone not to try to take advantage of the situation, and things quickly get chaotic. While the PCs are trying to sort out the maladies of the night and maintain their newly earned influence, they must fight their way through some interesting and challenging combat encounters. This is a good scenario for groups that enjoy both interesting social interactions and challenging combat, although if your group is heavy in one or the other they may suffer for it.</p>Leahcim2014-06-02T04:46:34ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Great, solid scenario. (5 stars)wakedownhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-06-01T16:58:41Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a great, solid scenario which does a good job weaving both social interaction with combat.</p>
<p>I've GM'd the scenario but not played it. There's about 7 pages dedicated to the major roleplaying section where you have 5 major NPCs and 2-3 supporting NPCs at the wake. There's also a point system to handle how the PCs tackle the social interactions like other prior social scenarios. I highly recommend GMs read through this section a few times in order to run the whole influence/favors smoothly and avoid having to flip through several pages to see if there's a skill check required for what the PCs do.</p>
<p>There's a couple rough spots where you're not sure if some of the most major NPCs will speak at the wake. It seemed like they should even though it's not specifically called out in the scenario (I looked 5 times) as there's an early mechanic where the PCs can affect their performance. A cheat sheet/cheat card could make this part a lot easier to run and I expect will pop up on the shared prep drive sometime soon.</p>
<p>The combats are pretty challenging at the 4-5 subtier as there's a lot of conditions that can be carried throughout the scenario as an unprepared party won't have time to clear them. My table had mostly veteran players and several were hurt or dropped unconscious by the first and last fights. With fig accuracy there were some "Are you serious?" moments at the monster used early on and a certain risk of death to a lower level playing up on both that fight and the last.</p>
<p>All-in-all, I think we had a great time and this is certainly in the top three list for Season 5 because it featured both great roleplay and challenging combat. And the way the roleplay works, each person at the table will get an equal slice of the pie in which to shine.</p>
<p>It definitely needed better editing/proof-reading. Humorously, there's a part of the scenario that suggests the PCs can make a Swim check to break down a door. :) The editing gets maybe 2-stars as a quick read through or play through uncovers at least a dozen clunky editing errors, many in read-aloud boxed text which will trip up some GMs. Justin Juan's work nets the full 5 stars as this is a high point in Season 5 for so many reasons.</p>
<p>EDIT: Played the scenario now and it held up brilliantly. Upgraded to 5 stars from 4 stars seeing all the intricacies in this one.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>This is a great, solid scenario which does a good job weaving both social interaction with combat.</p>
<p>I've GM'd the scenario but not played it. There's about 7 pages dedicated to the major roleplaying section where you have 5 major NPCs and 2-3 supporting NPCs at the wake. There's also a point system to handle how the PCs tackle the social interactions like other prior social scenarios. I highly recommend GMs read through this section a few times in order to run the whole influence/favors smoothly and avoid having to flip through several pages to see if there's a skill check required for what the PCs do.</p>
<p>There's a couple rough spots where you're not sure if some of the most major NPCs will speak at the wake. It seemed like they should even though it's not specifically called out in the scenario (I looked 5 times) as there's an early mechanic where the PCs can affect their performance. A cheat sheet/cheat card could make this part a lot easier to run and I expect will pop up on the shared prep drive sometime soon.</p>
<p>The combats are pretty challenging at the 4-5 subtier as there's a lot of conditions that can be carried throughout the scenario as an unprepared party won't have time to clear them. My table had mostly veteran players and several were hurt or dropped unconscious by the first and last fights. With fig accuracy there were some "Are you serious?" moments at the monster used early on and a certain risk of death to a lower level playing up on both that fight and the last.</p>
<p>All-in-all, I think we had a great time and this is certainly in the top three list for Season 5 because it featured both great roleplay and challenging combat. And the way the roleplay works, each person at the table will get an equal slice of the pie in which to shine.</p>
<p>It definitely needed better editing/proof-reading. Humorously, there's a part of the scenario that suggests the PCs can make a Swim check to break down a door. :) The editing gets maybe 2-stars as a quick read through or play through uncovers at least a dozen clunky editing errors, many in read-aloud boxed text which will trip up some GMs. Justin Juan's work nets the full 5 stars as this is a high point in Season 5 for so many reasons.</p>
<p>EDIT: Played the scenario now and it held up brilliantly. Upgraded to 5 stars from 4 stars seeing all the intricacies in this one.</p>wakedown2014-06-01T16:58:41ZPathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF: Solid Social Scenario (4 stars)Recklesshttps://paizo.com/products/btpy95eb?Pathfinder-Society-Scenario-5-21-The-Merchants-Wake2014-05-31T03:10:40Z<p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>The Merchant's Wake is an interesting scenario for social characters. Featuring an unique influence system, PCs will vie for the respect of several key merchants. Each merchant has their own interests, although alliances and rivalries among them also interplay to change how influencing one affects how your influence on the others plays out. The social aspect should be good for both players and GMs who enjoy roleplaying opportunities. Each NPC is given enough characterization to guide their actions and help the GM RP them. It is unlikely two groups will ever have the exact same experience during this part of the scenario.</p>
<p>The scenario also involves three fairly straightforward combat encounters, as well as a pseudo-chase-card bit as the PCs race to help a merchant out of a jam.</p>
<p>The social aspect of this scenario has me looking forward to running it for several groups at GenCon this year.</p><p><b>Pathfinder Society Scenario #5–21: The Merchant's Wake (PFRPG) PDF</b></p><p>The Merchant's Wake is an interesting scenario for social characters. Featuring an unique influence system, PCs will vie for the respect of several key merchants. Each merchant has their own interests, although alliances and rivalries among them also interplay to change how influencing one affects how your influence on the others plays out. The social aspect should be good for both players and GMs who enjoy roleplaying opportunities. Each NPC is given enough characterization to guide their actions and help the GM RP them. It is unlikely two groups will ever have the exact same experience during this part of the scenario.</p>
<p>The scenario also involves three fairly straightforward combat encounters, as well as a pseudo-chase-card bit as the PCs race to help a merchant out of a jam.</p>
<p>The social aspect of this scenario has me looking forward to running it for several groups at GenCon this year.</p>Reckless2014-05-31T03:10:40Z