King in Thorns (Tiers 3-6)
King in Thorns (Tiers 3-6)
King in Thorns (Tiers 3-6)
year of
CORRUPTION’S
GRASP
Scenario #2–00 Levels 3–6
King in Thorns
By Kate Baker and Dennis Muldoon
King in Thorns
Table of Contents
DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Linda Zayas-Palmer
Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
AUTHORS Appendix 1: Level 3–4 Encounters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Kate Baker and Dennis Muldoon
EDITORS
Appendix 3: Art and Handouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Judy Bauer and Mark Moreland
Organized Play Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
INTERIOR ARTISTS
Yanis Cardin, Sandra Duchiewicz, Dion Harris, Marko
Horvatin, Luis Salas Lastra, and Fabio Rodrigues
GM Resources
CARTOGRAPHERS Campaign Home Page: pathfindersociety.club
Jason Engle and Damien Mammoliti Books: Pathfinder Core Rulebook, Pathfinder Bestiary, Pathfinder Bestiary 2, and Pathfinder
Gamemastery Guide
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Maps: Pathfinder Map Pack: Fungus Forest, Pathfinder Flip Mat: Ambush Sites Multipack,
Tony Barnett
Pathfinder Flip Mat Classics: Deep Forests, Starfinder Flip Mat: Jungle World
ORGANIZED PLAY MANAGING DEVELOPER Online Resource: Pathfinder Reference Document at paizo.com/prd
Linda Zayas-Palmer
PLAYERS: 3–6
Paizo Inc.
7120 185th Ave NE, Ste 120
Redmond, WA 98052-0577
paizo.com
King in Thorns
King in Thorns
By Kate Baker and Dennis Muldoon
Everyone gathers around a makeshift stage as the sun Part 1: Finding the
starts to slip below the horizon. Pathfinders whisper to each Path
other in anticipation. The expedition begins quietly, but Qxal knows the
Venture-Captain Oraiah Tolal addresses the group. Pathfinder Society approaches, and as the adventurers
“Pathfinders, our expedition begins tomorrow. We have a approach the Door, they encounter obstacles and
day’s travel to reach the site where we will find the Door of impediments to fey left to wear the intruders down. The
Seasons. The founders of our Society may have been unable PCs can do the following five encounters in any order.
to reach the realm that lies beyond this magical gateway, These encounters all take place on the same day, and the
but we have something they lacked.” The Venture-Captain PCs can take time to Treat Wounds, Refocus, or Repair
holds a verdant crown aloft. “This is the Perennial Crown, equipment in between encounters. These encounters
an artifact that will serve as the key to opening the door. I do not need to be run in any particular order, though
hope that Alseta will bless us as we find this doorway to a the optional encounters in area G should only be run if
new place. From what we’ve been able to gather, there’s a all others have been completed. The players have 120
demiplane on the other side. The demiplane and the crown minutes to complete as many missions as they can.
alike are closely tied to the Thorned Monarch, Qxal, an Table GMs should read or paraphrase the following.
evil fey who once terrorized this region. The Pathfinders
who recovered this crown faced steep opposition from the A dwarven man in armor reminiscent of a metal diving suit
Monarch, and I have no doubt they will defend the Door sets his helmet in place as a half-orc woman in a tricorne hat
of Seasons even more fiercely. Be wary any fey you see lends a hand. She ponders, “I like your style, Blackthane, but
along the way; they are likely to be working for Qxal. Stay isn’t this a little more suited to underwater?” Khoumrock
in groups of four or more for safety and help each other. Blackthane responds, “It’s good armor still, and I’ve made a
Make any final preparations that you require and get a good few adjustments so it works better on land. I’ve come out of
night’s sleep; your next few nights will be on the trail. We retirement for the sixth time, and I’m going to be comfortable.”
leave an hour after dawn.” Calisro Benarry responds, “Can’t argue with that. I’m always
comfortable.” She turns to address the gathered Pathfinders.
This text alerts Table GMs that they need to wrap up “Pathfinders, we’re setting out. Our goal is a horizon that no
the preparations section and prepare to begin Part 1. one of this world’s ever seen. But Qxal is aiming to make sure
Once every table is ready, the House GM should read or we don’t get there. Everyone, stay sharp and work together.”
paraphrase the following text. Blackthane adds, “And mind your equipment!”
HOUSE GM INSTRUCTIONS Those hazards were no match for our trailblazers, Pathfinders.
During Part 1, the House GM is responsible for tallying The new course has been charted!
the number and type of each success reported and,
when the House has accumulated the requisite number When the House has acquired enough Shifted successes
of successes for a mission, announcing that the mission from area F, read the following aloud.
is completed. If displaying a visual aid, the House GM
should update it after the completion of each mission. Qxal’s forces were tricky, but we came out on top! The shifted
The House’s goal is to complete as many of the missions forces have been defeated!
as possible before time runs out. Once the House has
reported enough successes, the mission is complete. Make After the House has successfully completed all 6
the announcement that corresponds to that location, as missions or after 115 minutes have passed, whichever
Calisro Benarry looks through a spyglass. “Fey. Lots of them. Use the map on page 11 for this area. The water on the
They’ve got to be coming through some kind of portal from map is shallow; squares with water are difficult terrain.
the First World. I’ll take care of that lot while you look for Creatures: A group of reptilian creatures approach
the source. Watch for more coming through!” the PCs, looking to attack. However, the leader of the
animals is awakened and can speak both Common and
Hazard: The Thorned Monarch is using mushroom Mwangi. This animal speaks to the PCs, taunting them.
rings to draw reinforcements from the First World. If The PCs can try to talk the animals into a truce instead
the Pathfinder Society can destroy the rings, they can of fighting.
prevent some of the Thorned Monarch’s forces from The animals give the PCs sufficient time to make a case
even making it to the fight. Unfortunately, they are before attacking, though they move around while they
already operational. talk. If a PC attacks an animal at any point during the
First, the PCs must locate a mushroom ring, which negotiations, then combat begins and there is no possibility
easily blend into the wilderness. PCs should each attempt of a diplomatic solution. Each PC has time to attempt two
a DC 22 Perception or Survival check to notice the of the following checks to influence the animals.
mushroom ring (DC 25 in Levels 5–6). If the PCs all • A DC 16 Forest Lore check to explain to the
fail this check, then there is one nuglub who has already animals that the Pathfinders respect and care for
emerged from the mushroom ring before the PCs arrive the animals’ habitat.
at the location, but no further checks are required to find • A DC 16 Performance check to entertain the
it (This creature that emerges from the ring is instead a animals enough to agree not to fight.
korred in Levels 5–6). The mushroom ring then activates • A DC 18 Deception check to convince the animals
its portal reaction when the PCs approach. The squares that the Thorned Monarch will betray them.
with mushrooms and with water are difficult terrain. Use • A DC 18 Nature check to use information about
the map on page 10 for this area. the specific animals to make an argument.
Once the PCs approach the mushroom ring, the Table • A DC 20 Diplomacy check to simply convince
GM should read or paraphrase the following. the animals to ally against Qxal.
For Level 3–4 tables, increase the DCs of all skill
In the middle of a small pond, a ring of large toadstools checks by 1 if the table has 14 or more Challenge
glows with a slight magical energy. The ground inside Points. For Level 5–6 tables, increase the DC of all
wobbles, appearing almost translucent, as if it were possible skill checks by 2, or by 3 if the table has 28 or more
to step right through it. Challenge Points. A PC who is trained in a different but
relevant Lore skill can attempt a check with the same
Levels 3–4 DC as Forest Lore. Any PC with the wild empathy class
feature gains a +2 circumstance bonus to any check
MUSHROOM RING HAZARD 4 attempted. A success earns the PCs 1 Influence Point
Page 26 and a critical success earns them 2 Influence Points,
while a critical failure removes 1 Influence Point. As
Levels 5–6 long as the PCs earn more Influence Points than the
number of PCs, then the awakened animal agrees
MUSHROOM RING HAZARD 6 not to attack. If not, the animals move to attack and
Page 36 combat begins. Each animal fights until reduced to one
Mushroom Ring
B. It Talks!
C. Befuddled Pathfinders
Stream
sweeps
them to
here
PCs Befuddled
start here Pathfinders
D. Enchanted Plants
Plants
hide here
PCs
start here
B1
B2
PCs
start here
K
M Mudwretch
B Blodeuwedd
K Kelpie
The House GM should read or paraphrase the following. Oraiah Tolal begins to direct the assembled forces.
“Pathfinders, it’s time to act! Some of you need to help Voth
“Well, everyone, this is it,” Oraiah Tolal begins, standing next with the crown. I’m sure we have a ritual to help him attune
to the portal. “We have reached the Door of Seasons. This to it. The rest of you, be on alert! The Thorned Monarch could
crown should allow us to open it. We don’t know exactly what attack at any time!”
awaits us on the other side, though we do know that it is not
of this world. Be prepared for anything. May Alseta guide us At this time, Table GMs should have their tables decide
through this passageway.” She holds the crown in front of the whether to help with attunement or help with defense,
Door, and the shimmering magic within dissipates. then proceed to the appropriate mission. The PCs should
The demiplane on the other side of the door is green and begin with Mission A on the appropriate track. After
vibrant, but the plants take on an otherworldly quality. A half- completing Mission A, they can choose to continue on
orc man, his age difficult to determine, is bound by vines and to Mission B or to switch to Mission A of the other
flowers. He looks up. His voice is halting and hoarse, as though track. If the PCs complete both missions for one track,
he had not used it in a long time, “Can it be...Pathfinders?” they can move on to Mission A of the other track. The
After a moment, Oraiah Tolal realizes who he is. “How can PCs can take a little over 10 minutes after each mission,
this be? Gregaro Voth! You’re still alive!” enough time to Treat Wounds, Refocus, or Repair their
The man replies, “It is me. How many years has it been? Wait, equipment, but they do not have additional time to rest.
there’s no time. That crown! It’s the key to this plane! We’ve got
to use it!” As Oraiah Tolal places the crown on Voth’s head, a ANNOUNCED CONDITIONS
strange wave emanates from the crown and passes over the There are two conditions the House GM might announce,
assembled Pathfinders. Voth looks hopeful for a moment but each tied to the House completing an objective. These
then struggles against his bonds, still held fast. conditions grant each table a benefit in the final encounter.
“That would have been too easy. It’s going to take some Gregaro Voth Free: The Thorned Monarch and their
time to harness the magic to unlock the power of the crown, forces are weakened by the ritual’s success. The DC of all
and Qxal won’t wait long.” fey creatures’ abilities in area J are reduced by 1.
Advance Repelled: The PCs are bolstered by defending beginning Part 2), the House GM should read or
Voth from the fey onslaught. Each PC begins the paraphrase the following.
encounter in area J with 10 temporary Hit Points (15 in
Levels 5–6). Suddenly, there is a strange shaking, like an earthquake
When the House GM announces that the PCs have rippling through the ground and air alike. The plants in
an invasion to fight, Table GMs have 5 minutes to finish the demiplane begin to grow and change. Oraiah Tolal calls
their current encounters before the beginning of Part 3. out, “They’re here! The Thorned Monarch has arrived in
Players should not begin another mission at this point. the demiplane! And they’re not alone. We have an invasion
to fight!”
HOUSE GM INSTRUCTIONS
Once the House has reported a number of Ritual successes After 5 minutes have passed or when all Table GMs
equal to the number of tables, read the following aloud. are ready to move on, the House GM should continue
to Part 3.
The ritual is a success and Gregaro Voth is free! The demiplane
can’t control him any longer. H1. ATTUNEMENT A: THE RITUAL
Once the House has reported a number of Defense Khoumrock Blackthane watches Gregaro Voth struggle with
successes equal to the number of tables, read the a weary eye. “This is it. This is why I’m here. I’ve tangled with
following aloud. the Thorned Monarch already, and I know this crown. There’s
a ritual to attune the man to the crown, but I’m going to need
Excellent work, Pathfinders! We have repelled the Thorned your help with all the magic bits.”
Monarch’s advance forces.
The Pathfinders can help Gregaro Voth use the crown
When there are 5 minutes remaining in the time by performing a ritual to attune him to the artifact.
allowed for the initial missions (70 minutes after Instead of using the ritual rules from the Core Rulebook,
Part 3: The
Monarch
Arrives
The House GM should read the
following to begin Part 3.
I. Defense
J
R J R
R Redcap
J Jinkins
G Grimstalker
1 square = 5 feet Starfinder Flip-Mat: Jungle World
FINAL CLOSING
The House GM should close the event,
thanking the Table GMs, organizers,
convention staff, and others who helped
make the event possible for their hard
work, and thanking the players for
their support of Pathfinder Society
Organized Play. Finally, they
should provide the Table GMs
and players instructions for
submitting reporting sheets
and exiting the event.
Gregaro Voth
Allied Offensive
Other Pathfinders assist your attack, increasing the damage you deal by the listed amount.
To Boost: Succeed at an attack roll against an AC equal to the target DC in the table below.
Boosted Effect: Increase the damage dealt by 1d6.
Burst of Healing
A fellow Pathfinder heals all the PCs by the listed amount.
To Boost: Cast one spell with the healing trait or succeed at a Medicine check against the listed DC.
Boosted Effect: Increase the healing by 1d8.
Timely Inspiration
A fellow Pathfinder grants the benefits of a bard’s inspire courage focus cantrip to all PCs for 1 round (a +1 status bonus
to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves against fear effects).
To Boost: Succeed at a Performance check against the listed DC.
Boosted Effect: Increase the duration by 2 rounds.
Provide Knowledge
Gain the benefits of an automatic success on a check to Recall Knowledge.
To Boost: Attempt an Arcana, Nature, Occultism, or Religion check against the listed DC.
Boosted Effect: Gain the benefits of an automatic critical success on a check to Recall Knowledge.
TARGET DCS
LEVELS TARGET DC
1–2 17
3–4 20
5–6 22
7–8 25
BENEFITS
LEVELS ALLIED OFFENSIVE BURST OF HEALING
1–2 1d6 1d8
3–4 2d6 2d8
5–6 3d6 3d8
7–8 4d6 4d8
Location
Faction:
□ Grand Archive □ Envoy’s Alliance □ Slow Track
Character Name: □ Radiant Oath □ Horizon Hunters □ Dead
□ Vigilant Seal □ Verdant Wheel
Org Play #: -2 Level □ □ Infamy
Faction:
□ Grand Archive □ Envoy’s Alliance □ Slow Track
Character Name: □ Radiant Oath □ Horizon Hunters □ Dead
□ Vigilant Seal □ Verdant Wheel
Org Play #: -2 Level □ □ Infamy
Faction:
□ Grand Archive □ Envoy’s Alliance □ Slow Track
Character Name: □ Radiant Oath □ Horizon Hunters □ Dead
□ Vigilant Seal □ Verdant Wheel
Org Play #: -2 Level □ □ Infamy
Faction:
□ Grand Archive □ Envoy’s Alliance □ Slow Track
Character Name: □ Radiant Oath □ Horizon Hunters □ Dead
□ Vigilant Seal □ Verdant Wheel
Org Play #: -2 Level □ □ Infamy
Faction:
□ Grand Archive □ Envoy’s Alliance □ Slow Track
Character Name: □ Radiant Oath □ Horizon Hunters □ Dead
□ Vigilant Seal □ Verdant Wheel
Org Play #: -2 Level □ □ Infamy
Faction:
□ Grand Archive □ Envoy’s Alliance □ Slow Track
Character Name: □ Radiant Oath □ Horizon Hunters □ Dead
□ Vigilant Seal □ Verdant Wheel
Org Play #: -2 Level □ □ Infamy
Faction Reputation
A.K.A. -2
Faction Reputation
Player Name Character Name Organized Play # Character #
Faction Reputation
Adventure Summary
With the artifact Perennial Crown in hand, a large group of Pathfinder agents set off for the Door of Seasons, a gateway to a
mysterious demiplane. The creator of the demiplane, the Thorned Monarch Qxal, used magical trickery and sent hordes of fey allies
to try to stop you. When you reached the demiplane, you found one of the founding members of the Pathfinder Society, Gregaro
Voth, whose life had been sustained over the centuries by the magic around him. By working together with Voth, you managed to
take control of the demiplane. You thwarted the Thorned Monarch’s final assault. Thanks to your efforts, what had once been the
evil fey’s stronghold is now a new Pathfinder lodge.
Boons
Starting XP
XP Gained
Starting GP
Levels 3–4
GP Gained
REWARDS
GP Spent
Levels 5–6
Total GP
Starting Fame
Notes Downtime
Fame Earned
Total Fame
FOR GM ONLY
EVENT EVENT CODE DATE Game Master’s Signature GM Organized Play #