Publisher: Paizo Inc
Authors: Richard Pett, with Rue Dickey, Katrina Hennessy, and Isis Wozniakowska
Artists: Miguel Regodon Harkness, Mylene Bertrand, Roman Kierszenbaum, Robert Lazzaretti, Ilina Naydenova, Elisa Serio
Year: 2024
Genre: First chapter of the Curtain Call Pathfinder adventure path
Pages: 94 pages
MSRP: Softcover $29.99 or $19.99 in PDF
Stage Fright sees players contacted by a renowned director and librettist who hopes to turn the party’s grand adventures into an opera. What begins as a test of mettle soon evolves into an offer to join the theatrical ranks – even as something far more sinister unfolds.
While every adventure is flavored by the GM and the players, Stage Fright and the Curtain Call Adventure Path are perhaps unique in that they explicitly invite everyone in as co-authors of the experience. If slotted in as part of an existing campaign, prior Big Bads are free to make an ominous return; if starting fresh, the table can work together to hash out the villain and their party’s history. While the text does make certain assumptions, Richard Pett and team have even gone out of their way to ensure workarounds for parties whose Big Bads may not fit the requirements as written, allowing for maximum narrative impact and player satisfaction.
Part of that, too, comes in the range of experiences; Stage Fright delivers a mix of combat, fun puzzles, and social maneuvering. Now that they’re in show business, the party will need to manage not only their heroics, but also the ins-and-outs of getting a show off the ground. There are more than a few unexpected challenges, but each provides a unique opportunity for stellar roleplay. Despite its historical evolution from wargaming-adjacent systems, Paizo tend to favor the idea that combat should be used to support story, rather than the other way around; that’s on full display here, as while combat is present and exciting, its presence is in support of the narrative arc, rather than being the driving force.
After the adventure itself, “Showtime!” details theatre in Golarion and even delves into specific theatrical traditions. This material isn’t necessary, per se, but it’s a wonderful piece of worldbuilding. Understanding the different operatic traditions allows for GMs to pepper details in via NPCs or other sources, enriching the experience and creating a fuller, more embodied world for everyone at the table.
Stage Fright feels like a far larger adventure than just its three acts and takes care to put its theatrical guns on the wall for later. The balance of gameplay elements, obvious love for the craft of making theatre, and general joy make this a winner on all accounts and sets the (rather literal) stage for an exciting second act.
- Does the Show Go On? Pathfinder Adventure Path #205 – Singer, Stalker, Skinsaw Man Reviewed - Aug 31, 2024
- Let Loose Your Imagination! Pathfinder Lost Omens: Tian Xia Character Guide Reviewed - Aug 27, 2024
- You Say It’s Your Birthday? Starfinder 2E Playtest Adventure: A Cosmic Birthday Reviewed - Aug 14, 2024