Game by invite only.
A dungeon-based adventure for 1st-level characters.
The ruined siege castles outside Absalom have long beckoned adventurers looking to make a name for themselves. Now an earthquake has cracked open one of these fabled ruins, and its lost mysteries and fantastic treasures lie exposed for the first time in centuries. But the tower's empty halls once more echo with living footfalls, and a new master has claimed the Fallen Fortress as his own. Can the PCs find a way to get inside its shattered walls? What ancient dangers and fresh threats will they encounter inside its crumbling chambers? And will the PCs be able to defeat the current Master of the Fallen Fortress?
Master of the Fallen Fortress is a dungeon-based adventure for 1st-level chararacters, written for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and compatible with the 3.5 edition of the world's oldest RPG. It also serves as an introduction to Pathfinder Society Organized Play (Paizo's constantly evolving, world-wide megacampaign). The adventure involves exploring an ancient, ruined tower and rescuing the captured Pathfinder held within.
Written by Rob McCreary.
You are in Absalom, the mighty City at the Center of the World,
and you’ve always longed to explore one of the countless ruins of
failed conquerors that litter the plains outside the city’s walls.
You’ve heard rumors that one of the sealed siege castles has
been laid open by a minor earthquake. Word on the street is
that no one has yet entered the tower, which folks are calling the
“Fallen Fortress.” What better way to start a life of excitement
and adventure than by exploring its long-abandoned, dusty
halls and perhaps claiming its ancient treasures?
Some additional info:
Wondering around town you overhear that some members of Absalom's Eagle Garrison are sending scouts to the Cairnlands, where this fortress lays, to investigate potential threats.
A few churches, historians, and wealthy collectors are giving rewards for the return of relics they believe to be hidden in the depths of the fortress.
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A gnome decked out with scale mail and a heavy wooden shield makes his way in to the bar. On his shield is the spiral of Korada, as well as around his neck. No weapons can be seen on his person, save for his smile.
There is sort of a crazed look in his eye (which is not uncommon for a gnome) as he goes and starts talking to Bert.
"Bert bert bert bert BERT bert bert!"
"Say, you're a fine fellow? So, where's your familiar?"
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A grime and must covered dwarf walks from Absalom's Eagle Garrison to the nearest bar knowing full well what she's going to find. As she enters the wretch from what is likely weeks of outdoor exploration and lack of bathing assail the nose.
"What man here has the balls to go out and not die in the Cairlands?"
She looks around with a scowl that looks straight through nearly everybody in the room. She spits on the floor before she continues, "Didn't think so. Not that I can't blame any of you, because clearly this is a job for a woman. Unfortunately, it looks like the rest of the capable folks are out doing other adventures and I'm left with the lot of you. So who's coming with?"
A large black raven flies in through the open door behind Sigríðr and lands in the rafters. It begins to look just as accusingly at everybody else in the room.
"SKWAAK"
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"Well, I'd like to not die in the cairnlands. For the time being, I would like no one to die with me, either. That's why I have devoted myself to self-reflection and the Empyreal lord Korada. We shall try and keep everyone out of the Boneyard!"
"Why do you ask, madam dwarf? You practicing to be a Venture-Captain?"
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A small (even for one of the small folk!) gnome stumbles into the tavern and promptly spills a couple dozen rolls of papayas all over the floor. The confused little fellow is covered with sylvan markings and has a beautiful blue stone around his neck, which promptly hangs for all to see as gnome scrambles to pick up his belongings.
”Oh my, it appears that I have dropped my map. Those Scarab Sage fellows sure won’t like that – those are all on loan from their great library… “ <mutter mutter>
Hearing Sigríðr issue her challenge he eyes her quizzically. ”You seem rather rugged, and that doesn’t at all distract from you being a woman. I know several girls who are as dirty and gruff as you – and they have no issues…..” Seeing the look on her face he trails off and starts to ramble.
” An adventure is an exciting or unusual experience. It may also be a bold, usually risky undertaking, with an uncertain outcome. Adventures may be activities with some potential for physical danger such as mountain climbing, or river rafting. The term also broadly refers to any enterprise that is potentially fraught with physical, financial or psychological risk, such as a business venture, a love affair, or other major life undertakings.”
Looking around he sees that nobody is listening, and he sighs.
”Prizm checking in… wizard…”
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Hearing the unmistakable prattle of the gnome, Bert knows that he has to dash in and save him from himself.
Lowering his head Bert dives headlong into the tavern, scampering across the floor only to stop at the feet of Glastor.
Tilting his head ever so slightly.
”bert… bert bert bert – bert…. BERT?!”
The dodo’s eyes narrow as he peers up at the Raven above him
”BERT!”
With that Bert becomes “ninja Bert” and dashes behind a table, and leaps to the shadows!
The raven watches Bert duck under a table and continues to stare at him intently. There's no malice in his eyes, but clearly he ever vigilant.
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A large Shoanti man enters the bar, quietly, surveying and searching the room for his contact. While he may be silent, his Earth breaker, klar, and beaten leather armor are all well used and speak on his behalf.
After a full minute of not being identified or identifying his contact, he pulls his Wayfinder from his neck, activating the light and holding it up for all to see. His voice bellows out:
"Which of you is the Scarab Sage scholar in need of protection? I have been sent to make sure that you do not die in the dangerous ruins outside this city."
The tower itself is just two hours outside of Absalom. All of you know where it is. Some of you have even passed by there yourself in the past.
Until recently there was nothing of interest there - it had been sealed tight with magic that no one was able to unlock. However, this recent minor earthquake has managed to accomplish what dozens of scholars, sages, and adventurers could not achieve in years - the quake caused part of the siege castle to collapse, opening its interior for the first time in centuries. The locals are now referring to this tower as the Fallen Fortress.
A man dressed in elaborate robes comes and sits next to you at the bar. "I hear talk about heading to the Cairnlands? The Fallen Fortress, by any chance? He says, eyeing your group critically. "Well, if you can manage it, there's gold in it for whoever can bring me artifacts from the wreckage. I'm a collector, you see. Now that the tower is finally cracked, I bet there's some interesting trinkets inside. Interested? 250 gp per person for your trouble. Best head out quick though, wouldn't want the best of it to disappear before you get there"
Once the decision is made to head out (play it as you like) a half hour out of town you come to a watering hole where you meet Fhlangorn, who has actually been to the tower before, attempted entrance, and failed. He volunteers to guide you the rest of the way. He may or may not be accompanied by a fellow adventurer who has also expressed interest in exploring this tower.
During the rest of the hour and a half journey to the tower you guys regale each other with your histories/capabilities. While Prizm details all he knows about the history of the tower (which is actually quite a bit - some of it even interesting)
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Krush approaches Prizm, walking directly up to him, looking down upon him.
"Hello sir. I am Krush." He tucks his Wayfinder away after deactivating its light source and smiles. "I do hope you have the writing implements. My hands are far too rough to make legible notes."
He holds a hand up with a flick of his wrist and a wand pops from his wrist sheath.
"The Sages have even granted me this to help keep you alive. I look forward to our journey together."
Krush listens as the man enters and gives his offer, laughing and reaching to pat Prizm's shoulder. Finding it far to low, he instead slaps his own thigh.
"And look at this! Extra incentive. We should get moving!"
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Sigríðr looks over each adventurer with what is clearly the look of judgment and shakes her head. She makes a deep hacking sound before spitting out something onto the floor.
"No, I am not bucking to be a Venture Captain. I just want adventurers that can carry their own weight, which you men clearly think you're capable of doing. I have a dwarf that thinks it's critical to let us know what we already all know. I have a gnome that might have at least a little clue, but clearly does not have any taste in who he worships. I have another gnome that I think may break himself if he thinks too hard. And then there's that guy."
She thumbs in the direction of Krush. Then she looks upwards to the bird in the rafters.
"I already have a bad feeling about this. What do you think Hrafn?"
"KAW"
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Sigríðr looks a little disappointed and looks back at the man with the offer.
"The coin will make this bearable I suppose. Your trinkets had better not be worth vast sums more than what you're paying us though. Lest I need to have future words with you."
She then looks at Krush.
"I suppose if the Scarab Sages felt fit to send you here you can't be all bad. But we shall see. When do you want to head out?"
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”Oh you’re a member of the sages as well Sigríðr ? How fascinating! You are every bit like the dwarves I have read about in my many textbooks. Your gruff, short(well tall to me!), smell like dirt, and have the charm of.. well.. yeah…”
Prizm realizes his internal monolog is not functioning as intended. He then looks over at Krush as the big tall… person tries to pat him on the head. The gnome feebly jumps to try to have his pointed green hair make contact with the big guys hand – but to no avail.
”We leave now! I have a good feeling about this. And I also have a wand – I got it after my last adventure into the frozen north! I should tell you all you all about the tale I like to call “From Under Ice!”
With that the small gnome starts to drone on and on as the group plods toward the site of the fortress!
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"Bert bert bert BERT Korada BERT bert"
Turning to Prizm, "A wand, you say? What sort? If you'd like, I could hang on it it, and use it as necessary. I have been granted powerful healing abilities... though I must admit that I have to grow into them, so to speak. But, if you were to help... supplement... my abilities, it would be fantabulous!"
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Krush smiles at Sigríðr.
"I like you as well! Let us be on our journey!"
As they exit the gates of Absalom, Krush pulls out his Signal Horn and attempts to signal the start of their travels.
The sound rings out loud across the field and Krush stands proudly.
"To adventure! To exploration! To all of our returns!"
The raven flies out the door and makes circles overhead the entire way. The entire time he refuses to take his eyes off of Bert.
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Sgt Blue, a man of Galt, sits at the watering hole Pathfinder Wayfinder glinting boldly in the sun. He is holding in his hands a very ripe papaya, and beside him is a crate of the fruits; which by their smell are overly ripe, and by the sound... attracting some gigantic flies.
Oh Calistria, you tease, how can these teach me those tricks I asked you for. Wheels within wheels... perhaps if I roll it, it will unroll it's secrets...
As he rolls the fruit away it bumps the toe of Bert, the Dodo. When seeing his object rebound off the birds foot, he looks up. "Bert?" he gives the bird a quizical glance, "Ahhh! Master Dodo, how are you and your gnome friend?"
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Looking back and forth between Fhlangorn and Sigrid the gnome looks around quizzically.
"You are both dwarves! Yet one of you is happy, and the other is.. well... not. That is truly fascinating! Maybe she needs a hug like Davorin did... It turned him around real quick!"
Looking at the expression on Sigrid's face he thinks better of it and kicks a stone down the path as the party walks toward their destination.
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Sigríðr shrugs her shoulders and mutters under her breath. "Men. They never listen."
She then speaks up even louder than before, almost to the point of bellowing. "Listen up. Everybody stop what you're doing right now and just tell me in the Nine Hells who you are. I will not be ignored by a group of men. I'm going into a dangerous situation with what appears to be a group of right crazy morons. Money or not, it's not worth it to me if I'm going to come back dead."
She points angrily at Fhlangorn and Sgt Blue, "I Have Papaya Man here who just started tagging along for no reason. And we have an apparent Drunk male dwarf. Great, he passes out at in the foyer of this siege tower and collects on the gold anyway. You know what, F-!@# it; congrats, those are your names now. Even if I have two future Venture Captains with me, that's what I'm referring to you as from here on out. Venture Captain Payaya Man, welcome aboard."
She takes a deep breath and points her thumb over her shoulder at Krush before continuing, "Then there's this hulking brute over there that I know as Krush. I assume that's what you do, since you have that beast of a hammer, and just told me your name and rank. The only good thing is that I think you're smarter than that one.""
She points at the gnome with the dodo, "Now, at least Prizm over there told me he's a wizard. With all that mumbling through and rambling on about nothing, I can't for the life of me determine how he figured out how to open his spellbook in the first place though. And a dodo? At least Hrafn up there can hunt, what do you do other than dance bird?"
She ends on the last gnome. "At least Glastor here threw off his male tendencies to ignore what I assume the rest of you hear as a high pitched noise you can't hear. Thank you Glastor for being an actual Pathfinder and cooperating."
She throws up her arms in exasperation, "You know what, let's just get there and get moving. I'm sure those of you that can't carry your weight, listen, or communicate will just die anyway."
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Krush smiles as he pulls out his earth breaker and swings it over his shoulder.
"I'm here to make sure the smart ones get where they're going and get back out alive," his grin widens as he changes tones, "Ma olen ka siin tõlkida kui nad ei suuda seda teha."
He leans over to Prizm and whispers, "The old guy taught me that one."
Raising his voice again, laughing, "Lead on, brave dwarf! My your instincts take us in the right direction!"
Krush waves at the new man as they approach the watering hole.
"Hail traveller!"
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Fhlangorn turns around with a broad smile, barely seen beneath his tangled, bushy beard.
Oh, hello. Are you travelling with Sgt Blue and I to the Fallen Fortress!
And then turning to glare at the other dwarf...
I'm Fhlangorn Spiritrock. And I'm certainly not drunk. Dowsing isn't an exact science you see.
Then brightening as he waggles his prodigious eyebrows, Fhlangorn waves everyone onward.
So I'll be helping out with any spiritual needs you might have, and if'n ya got a healing stick, I can help with that too. Bolka willing that is.
After an hour or so traveling with your newly found... amiable.. companions you approach the tower.
The ruined siege castle now being called the Fallen Fortress
rises out of the churned earth of the Cairnlands. No doors or
windows mar the otherwise smooth expanse of the tower’s
walls. The tower is quatrefoil in plan; its eastern wing has
largely collapsed, exposing the interior floors to the open
air. Only the topmost level seems whole, though its eastern
portion hangs precariously over the mountain of rubble left
by the collapse. At ground level, the rubble frames a gaping
hole in the side of the building that provides access to the
tower’s darkened interior.
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Krush smiles and pulls his earth breaker from his back, testing his grip on it as he looks at the fortress, then to his companions.
"So here we are. Prizm, please stay near and behind." He activates his Wayfinder, causing the light to radiate out. "I am more than happy to take the lead, friends, if none of you are eager."
As you approach the tower, three ravenous dogs rush out and attack.
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9
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2
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11
6
Round 1 - bold can act:
Krush
Dog-red
Dog-grn
Sgt.Blue
Prizm
Bert
Hrafn
Sigrid
Glastor
Fhlangorn
Dog-blue
Dog-red attempts a bite out of Sgt.Blue.
Round 1 - bold can act:
Krush
Dog-red
Sgt.Blue
Prizm
Bert
Hrafn
Sigrid
Glastor
Fhlangorn
Dog-blue