All that Glitters? Pathfinder Adventure Path #193: Mantle of Gold Reviewed

Title: Pathfinder Adventure Path #193 – Mantle of Gold (Sky King’s Tomb 1 of 3)

Publisher: Paizo Inc

Authors: John Compton with Caryn DiMarco and Vanessa Hoskins

Artists: Mirco Paganessi, Mylene Bertrand, Rael Dionisio, Fabio Gorla, Mirco Paganessi, Robert Lazzaretti, Luis Salas Lastra, and Darko Stojanovic

Year: 2023

Genre: The initial chapter in the three part Sky King’s Tomb Pathfinder adventure path

Pages: 94 pages

MSRP: $26.99 in softcover or $19.99 in PDF

Years ago, the young and foolhardy dwarf Krohan stole the legendary dagger of the great High King Taargick, who led the dwarves from their underground home to the surface. Krohan promptly lost the blade, resulting in his banishment. Lately, though, he’s come across a lost fragment of Taargick’s armor and, with it, a vision of the High King, beckoning him towards the lost relic. In order to recover it, however, he’ll need help — luckily, a party of nascent adventurers have recently made their way to Highhelm and they’re just what he’s looking for.

Mantle of Gold is designed to take characters from level one to level four, meaning it might ostensibly be used as an introduction to Pathfinder for some new players. Thankfully, it’s a delightful one, encapsulating so much of what makes for a strong Adventure Path and highlighting much of Paizo’s storytelling ethos.

The adventure takes its time to unfold, immersing players in the world by letting them drive exploration. Having arrived early for the Family Festival, the party is free to traverse the city, make friends, and build their reputation. This doesn’t mean, however, that they’re off to wander aimlessly. Twelve encounters offer engaging gameplay challenges ranging from a bored dragon prone to inquiring after diplomats’ dirty secrets and bellowing blasphemies at religious leaders who finds herself in desperate need of entertainment to a restaurant struck by an outbreak of zombies. It’s a clever way to show off all the different things that Pathfinder can be and all of the ways a seemingly uninteresting skill might save the day.

Despite the freer pace, Mantle of Gold doesn’t want action. With tactical assaults and tough battles, combat-oriented players will find lots to enjoy. However, as is common with both Pathfinder and Starfinder, violence isn’t’ always the best solution and some wrongs require more than might to right.

This idea is central to the third act’s pivotal moment as the harm done by Krohan’s theft extends beyond the living and into the dead. While Dungeons & Dragons tends to shy away from overtly political messaging in its material, Paizo has increasingly committed to the opposite approach, fearlessly championing the power of its fiction to champion compassion, build understanding, and foster empathy. In order to gain forgiveness, the player characters and Krohan must work together to perform the “Rite of Repatriation,” requiring an “understanding [of] the harm […] the harmed, and seeking ways to make things right.” For those still acclimating to Paizo’s particular views on storytelling in the wake of OGL upheaval earlier this year, it may come as a surprise, but long-time fans will be pleased to see the publisher’s commitment hasn’t waned.

Somewhat unusual, however, is the appearance of typos. The Rite of Repatriation is first referred to as the “Rite of Redemption” and a callout is made for players to note “[n]ot does it repair an object.” Overall, this shouldn’t detract from play and with even a modicum of preparation, a GM can correct for the ritual name flub.

Mantle of Gold allows new players to tour the system while providing veterans with a “best of the best.” Its combination of exploration, social interaction, and adventuring keeps things lively even as it drives its broader messages home. While not everyone will appreciate such a direct approach, the story hook is nevertheless compelling as the chapter sets up for the next adventure.