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I was looking through the event list for Winter Fantasy, and next to the PFS events, I saw some D&D Next events that are old adventures they are revising. Rules aside (this has nothing to do with rules or editions), check out the severe contrast between old style adventures and the latest in Pathfinder Society scenarios:
The Blakros Matrimony: The eldest daughter of the prominent Blakros family is set to wed an influential Hellknight, and the Pathfinder Society is invited to the festivities. Dressed for a wedding befitting royalty, a team of Pathfinders attend the ceremony on behalf of the Decemvirate, but will their presence ultimately strengthen the Society's relationship with the influential Blakroses, or will events at the wedding bring the already tenuous alliance to a breaking point?
The Steading of the Hill Giant Chief: Giants have been raiding the lands of men in large groups with giants of different sorts banding together. Destruction and death have been laid heavily upon the land and your band of adventurers has been gathered from local villages to deal with this problem. Glory, gold, and fame await the successful while a short trip to the headman’s block awaits those who fail. Your adventure against the giants begins now!
Which inspires you more?
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Pathfinder Society Campaign Coordinator
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You took a primarily Roleplay scenario and compared it against a legendary, hack and slash module. Here, let me offer you a counter to Blakros Matrimony if you want to compare similar adventures.
Pathfinder Society Scenario #4–12: The Refuge of Time
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 7–11.
In the ruins of a fallen empire built on the power of sin lies the key to awakening a great evil from a time long gone. The Pathfinder Society isn't the only organization seeking this potent artifact, however, and the result of failure could mean disaster for the whole of Varisia and beyond.
Owner - Enchanted Grounds, President/Owner - Enchanted Grounds
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Or The Feast of Sigils:
In Kaer Maga, the mysterious and dangerous cliffside City of Strangers in untamed Varisia, the Pathfinder Society will come face to face with a sect of the cult of Lissala who prey upon the city's most vulnerable denizens to increase their own power. To what end do they conduct the ancient Feast of Sigils ritual, and can the Pathfinders stop them before their evil plans come to fruition?
I am an avowed old school player, Narl, and PFS has given me a lot of the feelings I used to experience back in the 80s and 90s. Honestly, if it weren't for Paizo and their amazing writing I'd still be playing 1st Edition AD&D. The only reason I switched to PFRPG 5 years ago was the writing.
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And I am very glad that Pathfinder Society offers both types of scenarios! And plenty that are in between.
Another one that I think really has a great old-school feel:
Pathfinder Society Scenario #4–02: In Wrath’s Shadow
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 3–7.
In the ruins of Xin-Bakrakhan—seat of power of the Runelord of Wrath—the Pathfinder Society stands on the verge of a great discovery, but first the brave agents exploring the ruins must survive ages-old dangers and contemporary threats to return with the knowledge and wealth they’ve unearthed.
Each end of the spectrum, and I know I picked two that are on opposite ends, appeals to a different sort of player/GM. I wonder how many Pathfinder Society players lean one way or the other?
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Just to be clear, my original post wasn't a criticism. Heck, I think that if PFS is really going to cover the whole spectrum of the fantasy role-playing experience, there should be a scenario or two that doesn't even have a single combat in it. It isn't unusual to have a session or two in a home campaign that doesn't involve combat, why not in a organized play campaign?
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Owner - Enchanted Grounds, President/Owner - Enchanted Grounds
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Heh. I'd honestly say the current state of mind in the Society is "Just how fast do you think I can kill this thing?" No that's not everyone, but it sure is turning into a large majority. I predict a lot of complaining from those players about scenarios like Blakros Matrimony.
A side note: one of my home groups is comprised of a batch of "old schoolers." It interests me how often they will complain about how little role playing there is in modern games vs what they experienced in AD&D et. al.
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Owner - Enchanted Grounds, President/Owner - Enchanted Grounds
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Just to be clear, my original post wasn't a criticism. Heck, I think that if PFS is really going to cover the whole spectrum of the fantasy role-playing experience, there should be a scenario or two that doesn't even have a single combat in it. It isn't unusual to have a session or two in a home campaign that doesn't involve combat, why not in a organized play campaign?
Ah, I see now: you're actually after a poll of sorts, to see where the percentages are for PFS players. I can get behind that. Of course, I'm going to throw a monkey into your wrench: they both inspire me equally. (-;
Venture-Lieutenant, West Virginia—Charleston
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Heh. I'd honestly say the current state of mind in the Society is "Just how fast do you think I can kill this thing?" No that's not everyone, but it sure is turning into a large majority. I predict a lot of complaining from those players about scenarios like Blakros Matrimony.
A side note: one of my home groups is comprised of a batch if "old schoolers." It interests me how often they will complain about how little role playing there is in modern games vs what they experienced in AD&D et. al.
Funny thing - I played Blakros Matrimony today with a table of mostly combat-oriented players plus me, a RP oriented player. They LOVED it. I think it spurred them to examine their characters a bit more and to involve themselves in the talky parts of the game too. A very positive experience all around. I think that what we have is something of a vicious cycle - players aren't required to attempt RP, so they don't build characters that can do it, so scenarios don't require skills at RP...You see how it goes.
If I have a total combat build fighter with an low int and barely any skills, how does that character keep me from RP? I dont understand an NON RP build?
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Venture-Lieutenant, West Virginia—Charleston
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Sorry, I should have spoken more clearly. They create characters which eschew social stats, and then claim that they are no good at the social portions of the game. Players with low CHA can RP, but I have seen that, in practice, they rarely do.
But, tonight was an exception.
ah, Back in the day before "skills" RP was just talking, and alot of "I do this"
The faster you kill the enemy, the more time you have for roleplaying. :-)
Having no social skills is akin to having no combat skills: you could be sitting out large parts of the game. Some degree of balance is required.
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I feel I would have a unique experience in the Matrimony, filled with drama. It would be fun. (I thoroughly enjoyed the Immortal Conundrum).
I feel I would have epic combat after epic combat in Steading. It would be fun. (I thoroughly enjoyed myself in the module Curse of the Riven Sky, as well).
Either really sound fun to me by their descriptions alone.
Managing Creative Director (Starfinder)
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One thing I'll say about the comparison above, is that the Blakros Matrimony is NOT a 'save the cheerleader, save the world' style adventure. Yes, it is a social based scenario, and PCs will be rewarded more for using their skills than swords, but trust me, there's still some sword swinging to be done.
To elaborate a bit more...
That being said, what is more important, the ending or the journey?
Every week can be another 'we fought off 1,000 giants to save the village', but that just cheapens the act of being heroes to some extent. In the case of the Matrimony, it's (hopefully) going to create some excellent storytelling opportunities later on, while creating some memorable stories from the scenario itself (despite NOT being a save the world scenario).