A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for 5th- through 8th-level characters.
The Pathfinder Society is invited by Mayor Deyahi to take part in a special traditional ceremony known as the Festival of Fire! This ceremony has been performed for generations and is always an honor for the group of warriors chosen to defend the sacred bonfire. While it's expected that there will be several spirits and undead appearing throughout the evening, what Niishan is unaware of is the fact that an unknown figure has been watching the ceremony for its entirety, waiting for the time that the warriors are weak enough to make their move. With the Pathfinders appearing to fill this role, they see their chance to attack and make Niishan feel their ancient wrath. It's up to the PCs to hold off this villain and the other spirits, ensuring that the ceremony is successful and Niishan remains safe!
Written by Jacob W. Michaels
Scenario tags: Repeatable
[Scenario Maps spoiler - click to reveal]
The following maps used in this scenario are also available for purchase here on paizo.com:
I'm not sure how the repeatable elements will truly feel, but the combats were intriguing with some interesting combinations of monsters and environment, and I can totally see every party really approaching this one differently. As far as repeatability goes, that's all I can ask for!
Overall, combats were difficult due to tactical/environmental reasons that won't outright kill players with the use of "Gotcha!" mechanics, and the skill challenges seemed fair overall. No complaints!
Great story and with plenty of variety when playing this szenario again
I have to admit, I really like this scenario! The story about the explorers and founders of the city and the fire watch is absolutely gripping enough for an oneshot. I particularly like the little detail that the previous fire guards were always 4 players, but in the PFS scenarios you have tables with up to 6 players. This has been solved really well here. It's only a tiny little detail, but I think it's great! I also like how the players gradually find out more about the background story.
The scenario was really well divided into two parts, preparation and the subsequent fire station. The first part has a lot of room for wonderful roleplaying (if you get involved), but you don't run the risk of going overboard here either.
Even the second part of the scenario, which definitely offers more action, still leaves a little room here and there for individual roleplaying.
Both halves of the scenario also offer enough interesting variants that a repetition provides a sensible change of pace. Depending on what the group does in preparation, there are different bonuses for the rest of the game; it's great that each variant feels different!
Even the final game offers completely different tactics depending on which variant the DM chooses.
All in all, an absolutely great scenario; I even think it's the best scenario so far in Season 5 and that even as a replayable, thanks for that! 5 stars from my side!
Repeatables often have to do with the most simple plots to accommodate for modular variations. This one has gone into an extreme simplicity, but it feels like a real festival activity and gives a relaxed tone quite different from usual adventures, which I found rather enjoyable. I think this is my favourite repeatable scenario so far, and a good direction for repeatables in general, to have a strong, focused, yet simple theme. It feels much natural than a list of barely relevant events from running odd errands for NPC A to encountering obligatory monsters in area B.
The chronicle rewards are very nice.
Personally I’d give more time to interact with spirits and listen to their stories.
