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vampyrsoul's review
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
aoc's review
3.0
Hell's Pawns sees us returning to already familiar characters from another Pathfinder short, albeit with points of view reversed this time around.
City of Cheliax endures in all of its glory after its noble houses made a deal with Asmodeus himself to pledge their allegiance to hell. Existence being what it is, we're following Radovan in his bodyguard duties to Varian Jeggare. Latter being one of venture-captains of note and without infernal blood which puts him in an interesting position. Witnessing a regular execution event, tiefling Radovan is approached in what appears to be a chance encounter that will involve both him and his master in a murder mystery of dubious motivations. Ranging from hallowed halls of Asmodeus' own temple, to both higher echelons of nobility and dregs of society - no one has clean hands. Than again... what do you expect from a place like Cheliax?
Even if you're not familiar with our two characters from The Lost Pathfinder they'll get plenty of characterization in Hell's Pawns. This time Radovan Virholt gets the spotlight with his street smarts and talent for busting heads when it comes to it. I did like how story gets across the nuance that someone in noble's employ can't just go around willy-nilly, doubly so in a hellish city where rules are somewhat different. Not to mention its own laws and enforcers of said laws running a parallel investigation. Varian steps into a more removed role as someone familiar with noble etiquette and getting things done through civilized means. Story itself takes turns and twists with an outcome that's eerily at home given the setting, and makes you wonder just how often something like this happens?
Would I recommend this one? Given short length in service of a decent mystery, sure. Ending could've been left somewhat less in-the-air.
City of Cheliax endures in all of its glory after its noble houses made a deal with Asmodeus himself to pledge their allegiance to hell. Existence being what it is, we're following Radovan in his bodyguard duties to Varian Jeggare. Latter being one of venture-captains of note and without infernal blood which puts him in an interesting position. Witnessing a regular execution event, tiefling Radovan is approached in what appears to be a chance encounter that will involve both him and his master in a murder mystery of dubious motivations. Ranging from hallowed halls of Asmodeus' own temple, to both higher echelons of nobility and dregs of society - no one has clean hands. Than again... what do you expect from a place like Cheliax?
Even if you're not familiar with our two characters from The Lost Pathfinder they'll get plenty of characterization in Hell's Pawns. This time Radovan Virholt gets the spotlight with his street smarts and talent for busting heads when it comes to it. I did like how story gets across the nuance that someone in noble's employ can't just go around willy-nilly, doubly so in a hellish city where rules are somewhat different. Not to mention its own laws and enforcers of said laws running a parallel investigation. Varian steps into a more removed role as someone familiar with noble etiquette and getting things done through civilized means. Story itself takes turns and twists with an outcome that's eerily at home given the setting, and makes you wonder just how often something like this happens?
Would I recommend this one? Given short length in service of a decent mystery, sure. Ending could've been left somewhat less in-the-air.
spencergl's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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