A Divine Game-Changer: The Impact of Gorum's Departure in Pathfinder 2E

Alright, roleplayers, gather around the virtual table! Big news from Paizo has the RPG community buzzing louder than a tavern full of bards. The gods themselves must be restless because The Godsrain Prophecies have landed, bringing with them a storm of speculation and debate across every platform you can imagine. Who’s getting the axe? Who’s surviving? Well, after a dramatic roll-out of ten prophecies, the verdict is in: Gorum, the Lord in Iron, is meeting his maker.

Ending in October, the War of Immortals release will let us see our beloved god of battle march to his ultimate fate. For Pathfinder 2E enthusiasts, the upcoming months promise a saga filled with divine conflict and celestial warfare. And yet, amidst the excitement, I can't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Let's dive into why Gorum's fall, though impactful, might not shake the heavens as much as it could have.

The Unsurprising Fate of the God of War

When you think "war," casualty is part of the package—death is inevitable, including, apparently, for the God of War himself. Gorum's ethos, as anyone scouring the Archives of Nethys would know, centers on the thrill of battle, irrespective of cause. So his looming demise fits the narrative neatly, perhaps too neatly.

But let’s play devil's advocate: what if the tables were turned? Imagine if a universally revered deity like Pharasma, or the beacon of goodness, Sarenrae, were marked for death. Now that would send shockwaves far beyond Gorum’s departure! The loss of such central figures would not only stir up the pot—it would flip the entire table! It's the kind of twist that might incense fans, sure, but it's also the sort that could skyrocket engagement and sales across the board, from novels to campaigns.

What Comes After: The Realms Reimagined

Post-Gorum, the landscape of divine warfare will undeniably shift. No more edicts from the God of War about fair combat or the integrity of armor. But is this enough to alter the fundamental nature of conflict in Golarion? Maybe not.

However, consider a world without Sarenrae's guidance: no divine mandates to heal the wounded or protect the innocent. The implications for her countless followers would be profound and chaotic. Or, envision the chaos if Pharasma, the judge of souls, suddenly vanished. With no one to guide the deceased, the balance between life and death could spiral out of control, potentially unraveling the fabric of reality itself.

Gorum’s Departure: Significant but Safe

In the grand scheme of things, opting for Gorum’s demise is a safe play by Paizo. It stirs the pot without causing a complete upheaval. It's important, sure, but it's not the cataclysmic event it could have been. The story will be epic; of that, I have no doubt. But as the dust settles, I suspect many of us will still be left wondering, "What if?"

In conclusion, while Gorum's exit stage left is a headline-worthy event, it's the possibilities of the "what ifs" that truly capture the imagination. As we gear up for the War of Immortals, let's not just prepare for battle but also brace ourselves for the stories yet untold. Share your thoughts below—what do you think about Gorum’s fate, and what would you have done differently?

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