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Having just read The Harrowing PF Module (link), I'm very inclined to using it in my campaign, not only because of the sheer awesomeness of the mudule, but also because I wanted to expand the importance the Harrow Deck in the AP, even if that meant changing the module's background. Because of the level requirement, I think it would fit best between Bronken Moon and Wake of the Watcher, though I am unsure as to how to insert the module into the story.
Any ideas would be most helpful!
Thanks in advance!
I had similar plans myself. I think the best place to slot it would be to replace the vision of Desna granted by activation of the Dusk Moth with "The Harrowing," and after they conclude that adventure they get some insight into the future. I think I'm going to give them a +1 inherent bonus to Wis AND Cha as an added reward.
I'd been planning to introduce it as they passed through Carrion Hill as part of my re-skinning of the Module of the same name. By that point Kendra Lorimor should have rejoined them (one of my PCs has been planning on recruiting her as a Cohort via Leadership), and I'm expecting to use her in place of the sage the PCs are (speculatively) searching for.
After reading through the module, I think there are a few good places to insert the Harrowing.
What I'm going to do in my campaign is to have Madame Ivanja do a Harrow reading for the group after they finish the segment around Highthrone. The current upheaval at Ascanor Lodge has finally convinced her to find work elsewhere, and she's going to take Naima along with her. As a thank you she offers "a freebie" (Harrow reading, of course!) to the party with her own harrow deck- a hand-painted deck crafted by Sonnrae herself which has somehow made its way into the hands of the Madame.
Everyone gets sucked into the Harrowed Realm, but Madame, as the owner, is diverted and becomes a prisoner instead of the sage whose name I can't remember. The party has to rescue her and in return she gifts them with the Deck and also gives them a series of tokens and phrases that let any Sczarni know they are allies and should be aided, not hindered. Among other things, this means the Prince's Wolves are now allies instead of opponents, and the party is immune to Sczarni interference for the rest of the campaign.
I just picked up the module and I am considering inserting it as well.
(Carrion Crown spoilers ahead)
** spoiler omitted **
I have a couple other ideas I am bouncing around, but that is the most feasible.
I really like this idea!
I think the Deck might be a "gift" from Adivion to the players. So far, AA might think too low of the players to try and send assassins... I plan to use the assassin thing later in the campaign (probably in Caliphas - haven't decided yet). So he might just instruct the minion to trick the PCs, not outright kill them. Also, I'm a little hesitant about having an ex-servant of AA on the end for 2 reasons:
1. As I said in another thread, my players will probably have heard or even met Adivion (in Ravengro) and I don't want my players to know he's the BBEG until the end of part 5. And I don't think Adivion would want the PCs to meet his ex-servant as well, it would be too risky.
2. I'm planning to have just a note at the end of the adventure. A mocking one. From AA himself (though not signed). That would add another level of proximity between the players and the BBEG, and although they would have no way of knowing who wrote the letter (I tend to ban most easy-mode divination spells...), they will certainly conclude a lot about his self-assured, egocentric and overconfident personality.
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I am running The Harrowing as a pre-module to the Carrion Crown AP.
The PCs are older relatives or mentors of their Carrion Crown characters. I replaced the scholar with Petros Lorrimor.
It gives the players an intro into Ustalav and the Harrow deck.
Petros will put his rescuers in his will, but the Harrowing PCs will all come to early demises, probably out of game. Therefore, their heirs will be called in their place.
I made the campaign traits optional, so the CC PCs can have had experience with Petros before, or not.
I used the Crooked Kin. They offered to lay out the cards and that worked very well. One of my Players actually swiched Characters and took on an Oracle that is a Varisian harrower...