A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 3rd- through 6th-level characters.
The Pathfinder dig site near the Tskikha iruxi enclave in the Blackwood Swamp was, for some time now, considered one of the safer Azlanti ruins to investigate, to the point that it was used as field training for groups of initiates. Having been cleared out years ago by agents, the site was an archeological treasure trove for learning of the elemental magics of ancient Azlant. Something has gone wrong though. The elemental planes have changed in ways that scholars are, even now, struggling to understand, and the latent power within those ruins has manifested. It's been weeks since anyone has heard from the initiates currently on site or the iruxi allies nearby. The Pathfinders must race against time into the bizarre magics wrought by the elements to rescue the Blackwood lost.
Blackwood is a scenario with a mix of everything. This was played at subtier 3-4. It took 5 hours.
I think the story was great, even if it was a little slow at first.
The encounters were somewhat unique and more memorable than most.
I felt the scenario (or GM?) railroaded you into certain choices and if you didn’t choose the expected choice, you were punished (lost treasure bundles). We didn’t want that, so we performed the expected skill challenge.
Authors should consider skill feats when making scenarios. Our GM decided our Survival feats didn’t even allow us a bonus to a very specific Survival check. The feat should have at least resulted in a circumstance bonus, but it could have easily resulted in 4 successes instead of 1, but it wasn't clear. GM decided it did nothing. Although it's not the author’s fault, it reflected badly on the experience.
The scenario had a very serious tone with very serious consequences, which was somewhat ruined by silly situations. For example, the cute Kolbolds, a dog named “Good Boy”, a sex change while starving to death on a deadly demi-plane collapsing around us, and killer green sloths.
There were too many opportunities to lose treasure bundles. This was the first time in a long time I’ve lost any.
Overall: A long scenario with a good story and memorable experiences, somewhat ruined by other various elements. (7/10)
I enjoyed both playing and running this scenario. It was nice to return to the Blackwood Swamp and check in on some old friends. There are also some new characters with nice potential, I hope we see more of them! Just be aware: it runs long, because there's a lot of material to get through. My run clocked in at 5 hours 30 minutes, a full 60-90 minutes longer than usual. But it's a solid scenario, so no regrets.
As I'm sure folks will eventually notice and point out, I feel it's worth mentioning that this scenario does include a subplot in which the PCs encounter and aid a transgender character in pursuit of achieving gender affirmation. I know this because I, as a trans person, wrote it. There's been a question as to whether this was included to meet some kind of quota; in actuality, it was included because it's a subplot I asked to be able to write and create, because it matters to me. If there's any quota to be met, it's an amount of 'some; because we exist, and are valid, and deserve to be seen'.
The subplot was really well handled by our GM, and I guess because it was really well written.
Having the opportunity to help a fellow Pathfinder with extremely important life matters and seeing them really benefit from our actions was rewarding IMO. Should happen more often actually. It feels more personal and thus more satisfying than usual sidequests.
Small note that apparently I can only see the last 2 reviews, even though my own still appears when I check my profile. Even though I cannot see it here
There are two introductory PFS adventures set in those ruins that are repeatable (you can play them more than once, using different characters each time).
I've got to say, the two kobolds in this scenario has been my favorite rendering of the 2e kobold. I've not cared for the 2e kobolds so far, but Bruno Cesar's versions have more personality and actually make me like them now.
