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For a millennium, Golarion rested safe in the knowledge that history's most infamous lich, the Whispering Tyrant, was securely locked away. After a cataclysmic explosion sundered his prison, the Tyrant roams free once more. But he didn’t simply abandon his prison. Deep beneath the ground, behind nearly impenetrable magical wards, he has set in motion a necromantic ritual of extraordinary power. It's up to the Pathfinders to battle the Tyrant's guardians, break the wards, and stop the ritual that could make him unstoppable. Along the way, they’ll discover what secrets the Tyrant wanted to protect and keep from falling into his enemies' hands.
Aid Characters: Players can bring up to three additional characters of level 5 or higher to participate in this special scenario. Aid characters generate benefits to help other tables, and they can participate in special Aid Missions during the scenario. Players do not need all of their Chronicle sheets for their Aid Characters—they only need each Aid Characters' most recently earned Chronicle sheet.
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“Pathfinders! The unthinkable has happened. The Whispering Tyrant’s prison, Gallowspire, has exploded from below. The most infamous lich in history has escaped, and he now roams free. Worse, he has set in motion a vile ritual in his former prison. We must intervene before the ritual ends. Quickly find your assigned group, aid in our preparations for the expedition to Gallowspire, and listen for instructions.”
The doors of Skyreach, the central fortress of the Grand Lodge in Absalom, stand open, and Pathfinders of all descriptions mill about at the base of the stairs, expressions of excitement, fear, and determination on their faces. Atop the staircase leading into the tower, Master of Swords gestures for silence. Marcos is known for his good cheer. Today, however, his expression is grim. He clears his throat before speaking, his voice a low rumble.
Yes, you heard me correctly. Gallowspire is gone, and the Whispering Tyrant has escaped. The Whispering Tyrant, who slew a goddess and conquered nations with armies of undead, has returned. He pauses and sighs. And he’s been busy. gestures to the man standing next to him and nods. This is Siege Lord Wynsal Starborn, and he has more information on recent events.
The other man steps forward, his breastplate gleaming. We know that a massive explosion enveloped Gallowspire, and we know that undead hordes have swept throughout Lastwall. I have already sent scouts to investigate Gallowspire. They found a mysterious jungle surrounding the tower, or at least, where the tower should have been. The tower was gone, and there was a massive crater where it once stood. At considerable personal risk, the scouts who were most skilled at evading detection went inside the ruin itself. Fortunately, they survived, and they had the following to report. First, the ruins beneath still contain access points to the chambers below. Second, the Whispering Tyrant took the time to set up wards to block access to the deepest levels. Third, and most disturbingly, there are necromantic energies beyond these wards, energies so powerful that they are leaking into the surrounding area. The scouts surmise that a ritual of incredible intensity is taking place somewhere deep beneath the crater. It is building toward something, and with every passing day, it grows stronger.
addresses the crowd again, but his voice holds a hint of fear rarely heard in his speech. Pathfinders, we must stop this ritual. The Whispering Tyrant has had thousands of years to plan what he would do if he ever escaped. I shudder to think of the terrors he plans to unleash. This is not just a problem for Lastwall; it’s a problem for the entire world. His voice quiets, I have no idea what else you’ll find on the deepest levels, what guardians and treasures the Whispering Tyrant has locked away. Be prepared for anything.
This is going to be a significant undertaking, and you’ll have about a day to prepare while we get everyone else up to speed and set the logistics. Once you arrive, meet with Venture-Captain Shevar Besnik and Silver Crusade leader Ollysta Zadrian.
Be sure to prepare for a dangerous journey both above and below ground. I wish you the best of luck, for all our sakes.
Marcos and Siege Lord Wynsal answers some of the question other Pathfinders ask.
Who is the Whispering Tyrant? one of the youngest Pathfinder present asks.
Marcos answers, He’s a lich of such power that he could only be imprisoned, not destroyed. The country of Lastwall was founded with the single purpose of monitoring Gallowspire, where the Whispering Tyrant was trapped. There are dark times ahead.
Another one, more seasoned than previous asks What do you know about this crater?
Marcos says, It’s deep, and it cut through many of the upper levels of the dungeons beneath Gallowspire. I can’t imagine what kind of power it took to create it. At least the crater makes it easier to get straight to some of the deeper levels.
Others asks the same question about the mysterious jungle.
Wynsal replies, People are calling it the Gallowgarden. The scouts report horrible amalgamations of fungus and animal as well as vicious plants. While it appears the Whispering Tyrant took most of his undead servants with him, whatever this explosion was created new threats.
Several ask about what they can expect to find in the dungeons.
Wynsal answers to them, I imagine whatever defenders lie beyond his wards are primarily undead. Reports I’ve received from other nations suggest that some of the Tyrant’s most infamous servants, who had been imprisoned with him, may also be on the loose. But it would be foolhardy to assume he didn’t leave some of them behind. I am also sure there are powerful magic wards, as well as a variety of other evil creatures.
A veteran ask Marcos Why can’t we just sneak in, like the scouts did?
Marcos says, The scouts may have been able to sneak into the upper levels of the ruins, but you’ll be contending with the parts of the complex that the Whispering Tyrant has a reason to protect. Breaking the seal on the lower levels is likely to be quite obvious, to say nothing of stopping the ritual itself. And that’s not even accounting for whatever traps, wards, and guardians Tar-Baphon has put in place.
As numerous murmurs go through the Pathfinder crowd, about going directly against the Whispering Tyrant Wynsal says The reports we have received from Lastwall indicate that his attention lies elsewhere, and the scouts saw no signs of his presence. We can’t rule out the possibility that he will catch on to what we are doing. If he does, we’ll have to trust his arrogance and his certainty that we couldn’t possibly breach his wards and defeat his guardians. Marcos adds, I can’t promise that he won’t return, but it’s a risk we will have to take. The price of letting him complete the ritual is simply too high.
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An elderly scholar, perhaps slightly gone in his cups, listens carefully to the Master of Swords. With a dramatic sigh he hides his face in his hands.
"What ever happened to the Society being a place for scholars and academic research? Why just a year ago I was being hauled all over the continent, dodging giants boulders and orcish arrows.. .and for what? To end up at some portal to the negative material plane."
He shakes his head. "And that was bad enough. "
He raises a hand to ask "How are we go get there? Will the society employ magic to help us travel fast? Otherwise whatever ritual is happening may well be over by the time we get there.."
Marco Farabellus answers Khellek's question. Don't worry Pathfinder, we've learned from past seasons that travel need to be quick. We've prepared an anchor for teleportation.
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A pristine half-elf steps closer. He is garbed in the white robes of a Kalistocrat, including a similar band around his eyes. He is surrounded at arm's length by a small retinue of other Pathfinders.
"This is no small task," he says matter-of-factly. "I hope the less initiated such as, admittedly, myself, can find a way to assist. A mere army of us flung in the Tyrant's path would have little effect."
From a hireling's carried bag, he produces a variety of items. "We'll want to be as well-equipped as possible for this battle. The Prophets make for good allies, and through their connections I have some rare tools. Take whatever you need, this situation is no time to tarry over expenses."
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A tall humanoid creature, apparently composed of solid water and dressed in heavy armour flows into the room. As he enters you see a young pathfinder press a scroll into his hand. Next to him pads a massive, sleek furred cat.
He bows to the assembled pathfinders. Greetings, my name is Anwar Ibn Jad, a druid of the parched deserts of Osirion. It is a pleasure to meet you. He places a hand on the shoulder of the massive cat, This is my companion Shimmer, together we will protect you in this coming conflict. A terrible jungle, dangerous plants, animals and undead, it seems we should be well suited for this expedition. More so I hope than my last trip...
I possess a range of elemental magic to drive back our enemies but Shimmer here is a far more prodigous combatant than I. I also have some protective magics you might find useful. He pulls out a wand and hands it and the scroll to Khellek. I would appreciate it if you could maintain mage armour on Shimmer with the wand. The scroll is a simple haste spell, use it as you see fit.
The large cat pads around the room, finds a spot where a shaft of sunlight strikes the ground and curls up in it. She raises her head slightly and purrs at the assmbled pathfinders before settling down for a nap.
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"I don't believe my supplier carries blunt bolts. The Ekujae have many wondrous gifts, even if their technology has not surpassed the crossbow."
"More traveled than I would like sometimes, honestly. But of course it has benefits. I see you too go without armor. I can trigger that protective wand for you, if you'd like."
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”Thank you! It’s not that I don’t see the value of armor, but I just find it too constricting. But it doesn’t sound like I’ll be able to negotiate my way out of trouble on this one, so having a force field around me. “
To Anwar, he nods and says ”Nice cat. Could come in handy. Does he know how to flank something .”
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A man in a very odd assortment of garments traipses in, and looks very disoriented. "Whispering Tyrant? Ah, good, I wasn't the only one confused."
He joins with his appropriate group, but does not seem to be knowledgeable enough to express his name and other key facts about himself, perhaps thinking that it's unimportant or relying on others to do so for him, especially in a group of so many strangers. "Oooh, a cat!" Roan drops to a crouch and begins conversing with the cat, not remotely caring that the beast is several times larger than he is. "Aren't you gorgeous? Oh you are indeed a fine specimen. Can you carry a rider? I have yet to ride a cat so large as you."
He isn't even using an ability to speak to animals, he's simply talking to it as if to another human. In fact he's talking quite a bit nicer than he would to a fellow human.
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Marcos Farabellus stands atop the steps of Skyreach and waves his hands. “Pathfinders! It is nearly time to depart. We’ve sent scouts ahead to prepare an anchor for teleportation. Finish your preparations and make your way through the teleportation circle inside Skyreach.” The Master of Swords sets his jaw. “Brace yourselves. Our arrival point is not pleasant.”
One after another, Pathfinders step onto an immense glyph on the floor, the center of the teleportation circle. As they do, they each vanish into thin air, only to reappear in a distant location. The beautifully carved and painted stone walls of Skyreach fade into a moss-covered expanse of ancient ruins. On the other side of the circle, the air is warm, humid, and filled with the cloying stench of rotten meat.
Standing atop one of the ruins, a figure in gleaming full plate beckons the first arrivals to her. She waits silently, her face grim, until the remainder of the expeditionary force arrives. She then addresses the assembled group. “Welcome to Ustalav, Pathfinders. I am Ollysta Zadrian, leader of the Silver Crusade. Thank you for coming so quickly. Let me get straight to the point. The nearest undead horde is likely to sweep through this area in the next hour or so, and we must not remain overlong. Please, follow me.”
After a tense but brief journey, the expedition arrives at the edge of a dark jungle. The vegetation is thick, but the plants are twisted and gnarled. A group of Pathfinders dressed to blend in with the surrounding terrain step forward and greet the expedition. Their leader, a thin human man with long hair, smiles when he sees Zadrian. “Ollysta, you old war dog. It looks like you found yourself a small army. I hope it’s enough.”
The paladin’s expression remains focused and stern. “Yes, I hope so too. You should tell them what we know.” The man smiles charmingly. “Greetings, Pathfinders. I’m Shevar Besnik, up until recently the venture-captain of Vigil. I technically still am, I suppose,” he says, his smile turning sour. “These few individuals with me are all of the surviving Pathfinders from Vigil’s destruction. So they were the only Pathfinders left around here to teach the Tyrant a lesson. Until you got here, that is!”
Shevar continues, “Our first job is to make our way through this jungle. I know some of you probably have the means to bypass the jungle entirely and get to the crater, but that would mean certain death for those who can’t. Let’s stick together and make sure we all make it to the other side.” Ollysta raises her shield, which is emblazoned with a golden holy symbol of Sarenrae, “No matter what we face, Pathfinders, remember: the dawn brings new light. May Sarenrae’s grace guide our blades.” Shevar adds, “And with that, let’s meet whatever this twice-damned forest can throw at us head on!”
Ollysta Zadrian and Shevar Besnik lead the Pathfinders into the Gallowgarden. Among the vegetation, you see numerous pieces of stone ruins. The ruined city of Adorak once extended all of the way up to Gallowspire, but when a jungle suddenly emerged from the ground,
the ruins were uprooted and shattered.
As soon as the Pathfinders enter into Gallowgarden, the unnatural jungle react!
With supernatural speed, bruise-colored clouds gather in the sky above the jungle, bringing with them a stinging rain that reeks of embalming fluid. Just above the tree line, horizontal bolts of purple lightning leap between the clouds. Thunder rumbles unceasingly across the landscape.
The strange vegetation bears odd marks and patterns reminiscent of skulls, eyes, and spattered blood. The air is humid, heavy, and oily; it smells like the wet ashes of a funeral pyre.
The plants creep and move of their own accord in the Gallowgarden, slowly shifting to cover trails.
A mortuary tempest rages above you. This storm brings with it severe winds and an acidic sleet that slowly eats through both mundane equipment and unprotected skin...
The slowly moving stream to the east gives off a pungent odor here. A yellowish mist clings to its surface. The path ahead opens a bit into a clearing. The few trees and ancient buildings here are coated with a heavy layer of sickly, green fungus that oozes a sweet-smelling, purple fluid when disturbed.
As you move through the forest, everyone is surprised when a tremendous bramble of intertwined bushes rises from a sizable pile of bones heaped at its roots, and its thorny flowers drip blood
With great speed the strange plant creature moves surprising all of the Pathfinders!
Its brambles weave quickly across the ground, sharing the same space as Anwar and Shimmer
The strange creature lashes out its vine on four different targets!
The first miss Shimmer, the second hit Anwar, the third hit Zephyr and the fourth hit August!
Their wounds open and blood sprout out far quickly than normal!
Then the vines around Shimmer tries to trip him, but ultimately failed as the cat is well on his four legs.
Khellec barely recognize a Blood Bramble a large neutral plant he knows that the creature has only the plant immunities and can't be tripped.
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Roan was happily wandering in quite the daze, when he notices the enemy before them. "Oh dear. That hardly seems beneficial." He raises his hands to call fire, then realizes he did not prepare those spells today and a fireball would cause additional casualties. He instead conjures a mere bolt of fire and sends it at the plant monster.
Shimmer growls at the thing, shuffles back and attacks it!
and casts Haste on the party while Khellec encourages his comrades with an old balade and explains what the creature is.
Roan's ray find it's way into the creature who seems to burn quite easily!
Anwar heals himself with a wand to stop the bleeding but is unable to recognize the creature by himself!
Shimmer growls and helped by haste, claws the creature deeply and grabs it!
As Anwar moves out of the creature's space, he impales himself on some of the brambles but avoid the creature's vines thanks to haste!
The creature trips the cat! Lashing Shimmer with all its vines hitting each time and letting the poor cat bleeding a lot!
Shimmer roars in pain. Her hind legs come up and try to shred the creature after which she drops it and unleashes her full furt on it again.