A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 5-9.
After two years of blood and bravery, the Fifth Mendevian Crusade has struck a terrible blow to the Worldwound’s demons and reclaimed lost territory. The Pathfinder Society, as one of the crusade’s partners in this endeavor, has earned the right to explore and salvage what it can of the lost Sarkorian sites under Mendev’s control, and it has identified one ruin as a priority. In fact, the site seems to actively call to one agent in particular, a scarred survivor of abyssal experiments. Venture-Captain Jorsal of Lauterbury has asked the PCs to accompany this agent into the wasteland, where perhaps she might learn how to control her demonic half—or purge it completely.
Content in “Thralls of the Shattered God” also contributes directly to the ongoing storyline of the Silver Crusade faction.
Written by Vanessa Hoskins.
Product Availability
Fulfilled immediately.
Are there errors or omissions in this product information? Got corrections? Let us know at
store@paizo.com.
The prequel to this scenario is one of my all-time favorites and I was worried the sequel would be less good. While that indeed is the case, this scenario is still excellent. My gnome summoner continued to run around and hug a certain NPC the entire time, which led to some awkward situations near the end.
The scenario does a great job at telling a story around one of the best NPC's in PFS history, while at the same time being able to create a creepy, mysterious atmosphere fitting to the surroundings. Combined with some interesting encounters that will surprise you, this scenario is simply a good adventure. I struggle to find a part that I didn't enjoy. The fact that it can run long is possibly the only thing that could be an issue, but I played it in a larger than normal timeslot anyway.
I'm more than curious to see what'll happen next. Everyone should consider playing this scenario, but I would advise them to play 5-09 first, just get to the most out of it.
I enjoyed every moment of this scenario, as it both kept us on our toes as well as told a really interesting story. Nothing about it was predictable, which is my favorite kind of scenario. Good work!
You're in Sarkoris, so of course there's treachery afoot. But coming from where - that's the issue. Andy Hoskins has great style and it shows up in this artful and deep scenario. Played up with a 7 and survived, so don't let the horror stories scare you. Enjoy this, everyone!
I just realized I never dropped a review on this one, and that needs to change.
Maybe it's not really caring about the NPC, maybe it's not really "getting" the story (having not played the prequel), but this one thematically didn't grab me (which it should). I'd have given it 3-stars, but there was one reason I did not (see spoiler below).
The scenario starts off with an unfortunate bang that swung a little too far in favor of the GMs that enjoy murdering PCs. It's not thematically bad or inappropriate at all (in fact it's quite interesting), but in the hands of the wrong GMs, this could prove to be a disastrous game day. That always puts me on edge when it comes to scenario design - I don't always play, or for that matter, want to play, with the optimal party.
Spoiler:
The bigger problem for me were the trap mechanics and how they tied into what I felt was a weak driver for the final encounter. Without a good trapfinder/disabler (which is not at all uncommon in PFS), I felt that the magical trap set-up the party for failure, and that it's placement, size, and difficulty was nothing more than a lazy way to set-up the final encounter. I know there's something mechanical going on here, but from the story perspective I did not like it at all.
I've always said my biggest pet peeve of Pathfinder Society in particular is making players feel like they're contributing and in charge of their own actions. My least favorite effects are those that take full control away from their characters and force them to sit through an hour long combat on their phones. For that reason alone, I can't give this more than two stars.
This adventure is a follow-up to my favorite scenario of all time 5-09 Traitor's Lodge.
Roleplaying - Excellent - One of the best NPC's throughout PFS makes a return and the new author has continued to represent her "unique" personality in grand detail. The interaction with other NPCs at the destination also leaves opportunity for good RP. There's a cool twist with a completely unexpected NPC too.
Rollplaying - So so - I GM'd a high tier table and only one of the encounters proved to be a challenge, and mainly due to a single surprise round action. The combat encounters we had at my table suffered greatly due to action economy. Although there is a possibility for another combat encounter that would have proven quite challenging due to even action economy and a excellently prepare antagonist.
Environment - Good - The author once again brought back some of the creepy vibes from 5-09 while the PF's explore the destination location. The environmental details were well thought out and EXTREMELY thematic for the location and scenario's antagonist.
Spoiler:
Although, I feel some of this is cool vibe lost if the PCs are able to deal with the hazards/trap without experiencing the effects.
Timing - Good to possibly long - We finished at 4.5 hours WITHOUT the first possible combat encounter. And I feel that combat would have lasted the longest, so this may be a longer scenario if that encounter occurs. (Our FLGS gives us 6 hours, but I know many FGLS/Cons are limited to 4)
Highly recommend playing this scenario, especially if you liked 5-09, and I look forward
I believe this means you will want to have played ** spoiler omitted ** before you enjoy this upcoming gem, if I am recalling correctly.
I'm pretty sure that you just want to have played that scenario in general. If our speculations are correct, this is the fourth scenario that makes reference to it.
I believe this means you will want to have played ** spoiler omitted ** before you enjoy this upcoming gem, if I am recalling correctly.
I'm pretty sure that you just want to have played that scenario in general. If our speculations are correct, this is the fourth scenario that makes reference to it.
Edit: And my GM credit for this character is on a character that's in level range! I knew my Player credit was on one of my Seekers, but now I'm SUPER excited.
I believe this means you will want to have played ** spoiler omitted ** before you enjoy this upcoming gem, if I am recalling correctly.
I'm pretty sure that you just want to have played that scenario in general. If our speculations are correct, this is the fourth scenario that makes reference to it.
FOURTH?! I must be missing one.
Now I'm even MORE excited!
Cryptic references to the 4 scenarios:
Spoiler:
There's this one, potentially.
There's the one where you get revenge.
There's the one that mentions it in passing, in a reference that you my get but your characters won't.
There's the one where she speaks again.
