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.
Great introduction to the adventure, even better if you played the previous Blackwood adventures (but not necessary to enjoy the whole).
Engaging NPCs, a nice flow for the adventure alternating (and smartly linking) skill checks, combats and roleplay in a way far less standardized than usual, which is really good.
New creatures for opponents, whose abilities you cannot always readily guess, so good value in RK. The fights did feel a little too easy, but then we did get some lucky crits a bit often.
Not 5 stars (yet) because it seems the GM was missing a few info about the damage dealt by some hazard and about the last skill check.
And maybe the fights are a bit too easy. We really stomped our opponents. It will be interesting to see if other reviewers feel the same.
Note that the check itself is incredibly well threaded with the rest of the whole adventure. This high consistency is one of the very best assets of this cool adventure.
Kudos also for the sidequest. I thought it really well done too.
Also, some part on a timer, interestingly done though we were not quite sure what would happen as it went down.
All in all, an excellent time was had by everyone and I very strongly advise playing this.
This scenario is a great balance of combat and skills, with a great opportunity for vivid overland exploration and also with engaging with the adventure's NPCs. The scenario deftly incorporates new elemental themes introduced with Rage of Elements, and does so with compelling combats that are engaging, but not overly clunky or onerous. Our table was a table of six, with three PFS veterans and three PFS newcomers and we all had a blast. Well done, and a promising start to season five.
(based on 2 ratings)
