Season of Ghosts

The One-Sentence Verdict

Season of Ghosts is a captivating but challenging adventure path for those ready to dive into the rich mechanics of Pathfinder, ideal for groups who enjoy intricate storytelling and don’t mind a steep learning curve.

Verdict: Play Season of Ghosts if you love deep narrative and tactical Pathfinder combat — skip it if you prefer rules-light systems or shorter campaigns.

At a Glance

System	Pathfinder (2nd Edition)
Best for	Groups who enjoy deep narrative and tactical combat
GM required	Yes
Player count	4-6 players
Session count	~40-60 sessions (full campaign)
Tone	Supernatural horror/mystery

Who This Adventure Is For

Season of Ghosts is tailor-made for groups that thrive on deep narrative and complex characters. If your group enjoys stories where the environment plays an active role in shaping the adventure, you’ll likely find this campaign rewarding. It’s set in the Pathfinder system, which is known for its detailed rules and expansive character options. This makes it perfect for players who enjoy customizing their characters and exploring in-depth tactical combat.

The campaign is structured as a four-volume series, each offering a distinct part of the story. This means that players who enjoy long-term campaigns will find Season of Ghosts appealing. The interconnected nature of the volumes allows for consistent character development, where players can see their characters grow and change over time. If your group likes to invest time in developing their characters and seeing how they react to evolving situations, Season of Ghosts provides the platform to do just that.

Furthermore, groups that appreciate a spooky or supernatural theme will find the atmosphere of Season of Ghosts immersive. The setting involves elements of mystery and the supernatural, which can be incredibly engaging for players who enjoy unraveling secrets and encountering ghostly foes. If your group is looking for a campaign that can deliver thrills and chills, this adventure path might be just what you’re looking for.

Who Should Skip It

Season of Ghosts is not the best choice for groups entirely new to tabletop RPGs or those who prefer simplicity in their gaming experience. Pathfinder is known for its complexity, with numerous rules and systems that can be overwhelming for beginners. If your group is looking for a straightforward introduction to tabletop role-playing games, you might want to consider starting with a simpler system or one-shot adventures that require less commitment and learning.

Additionally, if your group prefers short, self-contained stories, Season of Ghosts may not be ideal. The campaign spans four volumes, requiring a significant time investment and commitment from all players involved. Groups that prefer one-shot adventures, which can be completed in a single session, may find this campaign too demanding in terms of time and resources.

Moreover, if your group does not enjoy supernatural or horror themes, Season of Ghosts might not be the right fit. The adventure path is steeped in eerie and ghostly elements, which might not appeal to everyone. Groups that prefer lighter, more comedic or action-packed themes might find the tone of Season of Ghosts too dark or intense.

How Long Does Season of Ghosts Take?

Season of Ghosts is designed to be a long-term campaign experience. Each of the four volumes can take multiple sessions to complete, depending on the pace of your group and how deeply you engage with the content. Typically, a group might spend anywhere from several weeks to several months on each volume, making the entire campaign potentially span a year or more.

The exact duration will vary based on your group’s play style. If your group enjoys exploring every detail, engaging in extensive role-playing, and tackling side quests, you can expect the campaign to take longer. Conversely, groups that focus on the main storyline and move quickly through encounters might complete each volume in less time.

It’s important to factor in the time needed for preparation and learning the Pathfinder system, especially if your group is new to it. The Pathfinder Core Rulebook is essential for understanding the rules, and players may need time to familiarize themselves with the mechanics before diving into the campaign. This learning curve can add to the overall time commitment.

What to Buy

To play Season of Ghosts, you’ll need several items. First and foremost, you need the Pathfinder Core Rulebook. This book contains all the rules necessary to play Pathfinder, including character creation, combat, and spellcasting. It’s an essential resource for both players and the game master.

Next, you’ll need all four volumes of Season of Ghosts. The campaign is divided into four parts: Vol 1 “The Summer That Never Was,” Vol 2 “Let the Leaves Fall,” Vol 3 “No Breath to Cry,” and Vol 4 “To Bloom Below the Web.” Each volume builds upon the previous one, so it’s important to have all four to complete the adventure path. You can start with Volume 1, Season of Ghosts, which is available on Amazon.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have supplementary materials, like dice, character sheets, and maps. While the adventure path provides a rich narrative, having physical or digital maps can enhance the experience, helping players visualize the environment. Pathfinder-specific dice and accessories can also add to the immersion.

Play This Next

Once you’ve completed Season of Ghosts, you might be looking for your next adventure. If your group enjoyed the complexity and depth of Pathfinder, consider exploring other Pathfinder adventure paths like “Kingmaker” or “Wrath of the Righteous.” These campaigns offer similar levels of detail and narrative depth, allowing you to continue using the Pathfinder system.

If you’re interested in trying a different system, you might enjoy Dungeons & Dragons. It’s generally considered more beginner-friendly than Pathfinder, with a simpler rule set that’s easier to learn. Campaigns like “Curse of Strahd” offer a similarly eerie atmosphere and might appeal to groups that enjoyed the supernatural elements of Season of Ghosts.

For groups seeking something completely different, consider trying a one-shot adventure in a new genre. Systems like Fiasco offer a unique storytelling experience focused on comedic and dramatic scenarios, providing a refreshing change of pace. This can be a great way to explore different styles of play without the commitment of a long campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we play Season of Ghosts with Pathfinder 1st Edition?

No, this adventure path is specifically designed for Pathfinder 2nd Edition’s ruleset and mechanics.

Q: Is this campaign suitable for younger players?

Due to its horror themes and complex rules, we recommend this for mature teens and adult groups only.

Q: How much prep time does the GM need between sessions?

Expect 1-3 hours of preparation per session, depending on how much you customize encounters and story elements.