Shadows of the Grand Bazaar | Beginner Friendly
A merchant vanishes from the Grand Bazaar, leaving only a trail of clues. A web of intrigue spans from Absalom’s spires, to its underbelly and beyond.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
2 players following this game
Weekly / Friday - 3:00 AM UTC
Session Duration / 2–4 hours
0 / 4 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Welcome to Absalom, the City of Lost Omens! Sitting at the heart of the Inner Sea, this sprawling metropolis is a melting pot of ancient secrets, political maneuvering, and unlimited opportunity. But beneath the vibrant facade of its bustling markets and grand academies lies a city teeming with shadow guilds, corrupt nobility, and ancient magic stirring back to life. In this campaign, your party will navigate the dangerous streets, investigate high-stakes urban mysteries, and carve out your own legacy in the most important city on Golarion. Expect a rich mix of investigation, character-driven roleplay, and punchy, tactical combat. Every district of Absalom has its own personality, from the aristocratic Heights to the precarious Precipice Quarter, and your decisions will directly influence which factions become your allies or your deadly enemies. Whether you are a local street-smart rogue, an ambitious scholar from the Arcanamirium, or a foreign mercenary looking to make a name, there is a place for you in this story. This game is ideal for players who love immersive storytelling, rich world-building, distinct NPC encounters, and dynamic urban adventures. Both Pathfinder 2e veterans and players transitioning into 2e are warmly welcomed!
Game style
Puzzle / Mystery Focused
Roleplay Heavy
Sandbox / Open World
Rule of Cool (RoC)
Realm Building
Theater of the Mind
Combat Lite
Dungeon Crawl
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(17)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
11 games hosted
Highly rated for: Beginner Friendly, Inclusive, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 2 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hi, I'm Bruce! I’m a Game Master dedicated to delivering deeply immersive, character-driven adventures, thanks to my background in theater and a passion for many tabletop RPGs. Here's What I Bring to the Table: Performative Roleplay: I act out unique voices, personalities, and mannerisms for every single NPC to make the world feel alive. Master Storyteller: I weave rich, layered plots that react dynamically to your choices. Your character's backstory isn't just flavor text, I want it to directly help drive the narrative. Player-First Focus: I balance deep lore with high agency and fluid pacing. I prioritize table mood, momentum, and the "rule of cool" over rigid rules-lawyering. High-Stakes Encounters: From atmospheric horror to tactical combat, every session is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a veteran player or brand new to the hobby, my goal is to give you an unforgettable story where your hero takes center stage!
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We will build characters together during a free Session 0, or you can bring a concept to refine! Ruleset: Standard Pathfinder 2e rules using official Paizo sources. Starting Level: Level 1. Ability Scores: Standard Ancestry / Background / Class / Free boosts method. Platform: Alchemy VTT / Demiplane for sheet management. Allowed Books: Core Rulebook/Player Core, Advanced Player's Guide, Lost Omens line (especially Absalom, City of Lost Omens and Character Guide). Uncommon/Rare options are subject to GM review for narrative fit.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
Create a free account on Discord (for voice and campaign updates). Ensure you have access to a web browser compatible with Alchemy VTT (Chrome, Firefox, or Edge recommended; no purchase or download required for players, but it is available to download for free).
What Bruce brings to the table
As your GM, I bring an immersive, narrative-first approach supported by tight, tactical combat. Here is what you can expect at my table: Rich Performance: Fully voiced NPCs, rich atmosphere, and custom ambient audio playlists to bring Absalom to life. Smooth VTT Experience: High-quality maps, animated lighting, dynamic vision, and streamlined macros on Alchemy VTT. Playstyle Balance: A healthy balance of investigation/RP (~60%) and tactical grid combat (~40%). Collaborative Storytelling: I embrace the "Rule of Cool" when actions are creative and grounded in the narrative, while maintaining the clear tactical structure Pathfinder 2e is famous for.
Homebrew rules
Hero Point Revision: You gain 1 Hero Point at the start of every session, plus bonus points awarded for high-risk heroic moments or fantastic RP. Rerolling with a Hero Point guarantees a minimum roll of 10 on the die (d10+10 if die is 1-9) to avoid double-fumbles.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Platforms used
Safety
How Bruce creates a safe table
Player safety and comfort are essential to a great gaming experience. Session 0 Alignment: We will explicitly review table expectations, tone, lines, veils, and safety tools before rolling any dice. Digital X/N/O Cards: Implemented natively inside Foundry VTT and available via direct message to the GM at any time during gameplay. Open Door Policy: Anyone can step away from the table at any time if they feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, no questions asked.
Content warnings
Safety tools used