Outlaws of Alkenstar

Outlaws of Alkenstar is a tabletop RPG adventure set in the world of Pathfinder. It’s designed for groups that already know (or are willing to learn) the Pathfinder rules. This guide will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your group.

Verdict: Play Outlaws of Alkenstar if you enjoy steampunk action and teamwork in Pathfinder — skip it if you prefer deep roleplay over combat and exploration.

At a Glance

System	Pathfinder
Best for	Groups who enjoy steampunk, action, and teamwork
GM required	Yes
Player count	3–6
Session count	5–8
Tone	Action-packed, steampunk adventure

The One-Sentence Verdict

Outlaws of Alkenstar is a fun, action-packed adventure for groups who want to try a steampunk-flavored corner of Golarion, but it requires patience to learn the rules and focuses more on combat and exploration than deep roleplay.

Who This Adventure Is For

Outlaws of Alkenstar is ideal for groups that enjoy solving problems, fighting enemies, and exploring a unique setting. If your group likes the idea of a steampunk world filled with gadgets, guns, and magic, this could be a great fit.

The adventure is also good for Game Masters (GMs) who are comfortable with Pathfinder. It provides clear instructions and structure, making it easier to manage.

Finally, this adventure is for groups that enjoy teamwork. Players will need to work together to overcome challenges, whether it’s fighting enemies or solving puzzles.

Who Should Skip It

Outlaws of Alkenstar may not be the best choice for groups looking for heavy roleplay. While there are opportunities for character interaction, the focus is more on action and problem-solving. If your group prefers deep storytelling and character development, they might find this adventure lacking.

Similarly, if your group dislikes combat-heavy games, this might not be the right fit. Outlaws of Alkenstar includes a lot of battles, and while they can be exciting, they might feel repetitive for groups that prefer other types of challenges.

Groups with experienced players who are looking for a complex or highly customizable experience might also want to skip this adventure. Outlaws of Alkenstar is relatively straightforward and doesn’t offer much room for advanced tactics or deep customization.

Finally, if your group isn’t interested in steampunk or the specific setting of Alkenstar, this adventure might not appeal to them. The setting is a big part of the experience, so if your group prefers traditional fantasy or other genres, they might not enjoy this as much.

How Long Does Outlaws of Alkenstar Take?

Outlaws of Alkenstar is a single-volume adventure designed to be completed in roughly 5–8 sessions of 3–4 hours each.

The adventure is divided into three parts, each with its own set of challenges and goals. The first part introduces the setting and the main conflict, while the second part focuses on gathering information and preparing for the final showdown. The third part is the climax, where players face off against the main antagonist.

The pacing is generally smooth, but some groups might find certain sections slower than others. For example, the middle part of the adventure involves a lot of exploration and investigation, which might feel drawn out if your group prefers action. However, this section also allows for more roleplay and character interaction, so it can be a nice change of pace.

What to Buy

To play Outlaws of Alkenstar, you’ll need a few key items. First, you’ll need the adventure book itself, which contains all the information you’ll need to run the game. This includes the story, maps, and rules for encounters. You can buy the book here: Outlaws of Alkenstar.

You’ll also need the Pathfinder Core Rulebook if you don’t already have it. This book contains all the rules for playing Pathfinder, including character creation, combat, and magic.

Additionally, you’ll need a set of polyhedral dice. These are the dice used in Pathfinder and most other tabletop RPGs. A standard set includes a d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20.

Finally, you’ll need some way to track character information. This can be as simple as a piece of paper or as elaborate as a character sheet app. Many players prefer to use physical character sheets, which you can print from the Pathfinder website or purchase as part of a starter kit.

Play This Next

If your group enjoys Outlaws of Alkenstar and wants to continue playing Pathfinder, there are several other adventures you can try next. One option is Abomination Vaults, a dungeon-crawling adventure that takes place in a haunted ruin. This adventure is also designed for levels 1–4 and offers a mix of combat, exploration, and roleplay.

Another option is The Slithering, an adventure that focuses on a mysterious plague spreading through a city. This adventure is more roleplay-heavy than Outlaws of Alkenstar and offers a chance for deeper character development.

For groups that want to try something different, consider branching out into other tabletop RPGs. Dungeons & Dragons is a popular choice and offers a similar experience to Pathfinder but with simpler rules. If your group enjoyed the steampunk setting of Outlaws of Alkenstar, you might also like Iron Kingdoms, a tabletop RPG set in a world of magic and machinery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play Outlaws of Alkenstar with beginners?

Yes, but beginners should be prepared to learn the Pathfinder rules, which can be complex. The adventure is structured enough to guide new players, though.

Q: Is Outlaws of Alkenstar combat-heavy?

Yes, combat is a major focus of the adventure, so it’s best for groups that enjoy tactical battles.

Q: Does the adventure require a lot of preparation from the GM?

No, Outlaws of Alkenstar provides clear instructions and structure, making it easier for GMs to run with minimal prep work.