_ . Adventure Begins by Jason Bulmahn, James Jacobs, anid Erik Mona < ‘Mustrated by Ben Wootten th the rise of the Savage Tide, thiy article series WwW ibe dayer wb eve ioand tools necessary ta survive it: While the pages 6F Duweron magazine present:DMs with every vile plot and cumming monster needed ton the Savage'Tide, Deacon ishere to make sure'you dont get swept away. This months installment gives you'an overview of the series, a brief tour of the starting city of Sasserine, anda guide to Some ofits nore important afliations Savage Tidings Overview ‘Over the next yeunjeath Savage Tiding will present 2 wide ‘ariety of options and information to enrich your game fron féats.and spells to regional guides and character ideas. This series is broken down into a number of components, appedring when appropriate to the Noy of the Adventiice Path, The primary components are as follows ‘What Do You Know: The purpose of this section is to sive you a basic understanding of yout surroundings and “> sefiemies: You éan consider all pf the taformation given in this @omponent- common ‘nowedge; known by almost ‘feryone iyo fakes an interest in the given subject. Regional Guide: In the frst few installments, this com: ponent. preserit#y0u with information’ about the region arond the adventire: Since these areas are well-known and allot tis infiation is easy to obtain and readily available, More wi¥steripi¢ afid-unewplored environments. do riot ‘hate comespopding regional guides: Replacetient PCs: Characters die, and while the first char- afters ate deeply Hed to the events of the Adventure Path, new, introduced later might have little to work with. "This section gives you bit of backstory and context to ‘work your Hew character into the ongoiig adventure. ‘New Riles: This component presents new rules and fe2- ftireé your‘chsracte? might gain access to throughout the Advehture Path Ne types of animal companions, gear, and spelisinightall ind tic way into this component. ee “ Z Affiliations: Affiliations are powerf your character might belong to: In addition to giving you a tich background, these groups also give you tasksto help you rise within the affiliation and grant you boons upon reaching specific ranks. Affiliations originally appeared it Player's Handbook Tf and any numbet of the Samples pre= sented there might also work in the Adventure Path Affiliation Updates: Updating the existing affiliations and giving information about their inner workings; these uupdites: might alter th benefits and responsibilities of ‘each organization, customizing them to new environments atid granting members special opportunities. ‘Kdventure ‘Tie! Since many of these articles contain information about their Goncurrent adventure it would be“+ Best for you to reserve = a aa ever explore. Little can't be found” “) Saments until, character reaches < the Merchant District's shops and: "> thatadventure, Your DM can helpyou _ ADVENURE TIE. markets,and its taverns host the finest 4in this regard and each installment This. installment._of Sava ange of foodand drink within the city © Seeeonnected to. ‘Adventire Path, “ThereisNo Honor,” presented in Dunceon #139. ‘Noble District What etc Kage “Although rul- of Sasserine has always Re Ee bec in Cle Terabe the me ee Gity et Ssitine lies pevthed All oithis information, and plenty city's Noble Distia has traditionally ‘on thé edge of the known-world, the moftiscOhtained inthe Payers Guideto been thought of as the city’s ruling Jaststop before the endless expanse. the Sanage Tila 16-nage provict avai." distit) despite Ovren.‘Teraknians of the Amedig'Jungle. It is'a hub for . ableto subscribers ofeither Deacon gr treachery and the fesulting years spent’ tradé and hotfit to more than fifteen Dunceox through paizo.com.” ~~under Sea Prince rule: The other dis- thousand sbulsa bastion of eiiizas trict vidw the Noble Distrielgarplace_ tion in a realm plagued by piracy, dis- istric ‘of decadence and eagerly awaitethe ¢asc,¥iolent weather, andmonsters, r district's fll under its own extesses Saggeritc itself is governed by 2 'waterftmtiCondisting of two sections, - group of seven noble families called » the'@ist-and the west, the Azure Dis>)‘SHadowshore the Dawh Council, each, representing trict also houses the majority.of the Although réatively “small,” Shadow= ‘one of the citys seven districts. Like city’s lower-class ltizers, The western shore is pethaps! the’ most notori- A wise, cach district haa common faith ~ “section ofthe Azure District is primare “ous of Sasserine's districts. This strip shared by many.of its citizens. When” ilyeoncerned with the citys Waterways, of land nestled in the shadow of the ‘You create your character, you:should while the eastern sectionis wherethe Champion's Distriet has long been bear the nature of your district's mobil city’s whaling industry is located. a@ haven for thieves and criminals of {iyand rdigions in mindyalthough you = é all kind. Generally, the only people archit requited to’piek the same deity Champion's District Who live her: are the poor or those ‘otally yourintérests with those'yfyour. The Champion's District is 4 district “who can ably protect their property, < fepresentatve., A of sess, gladiator, and mereemt= he city watch has all but given up is fn every way 2city'of ~ieS who follow in the footsteps industry. Ae districts’ feature/of the ‘citys founders, the priest. Jaige arrays of shops ranging fiom/ Kordand one-time Kings "Weralinian.. = {simple groceries to specitized build- The Chatibions District haba notso- Sti * ings dike -potion shops, dagger sell- ‘friendly relationship with the Noble. - {Like Gadel Dist Sunrises primar, "Her, exotic pet shops, and magic item ‘Distt and Gtizens ce themselyesas.: ily Tesidences, yet the citizens of Sun- ‘Thefegs litle that cannot be ~ therrightfulleaders ofthe city: —~" xe are genenuly a bit better off than openly, somiewhete in Sas- theirbeighbors, ito small part die to with the exceptions of hard —Gudgel District ‘the fact that many ofthem have stakes = Gnigs,dangerotsitionsters, slaves, and ‘The Cudgel District is primarily aresi- in the numerous, plantations that dot other crininal Jervis. Someone sho. ‘dential dstriet Duc tothe viglacce ofthe pion suirounding Saserine seeks still find them | the local watch and the church of St gieedietisections, Cuthbert its also the safest district in Affiliations © ea DC 15 (or~-Sasserine, The ctizens of the Cudgel” “The following pages detail six aff check to District know this yet they are not a ations for your charactérs-to joim sys numer: sft people they remsinever viglat oppose or interact with, Your DM tothe threat of attack. is five to add or refmove affiliations ‘Gi. “Convene Seas needed to suit his campaign and "Population 15650; Merchant District you should. check with him before Asiets 3igoojco0 gps Sasserine's heart and perhaps even its applying to any one of these groups. 9 696 hale 596° SU ees “All of the feats listed in these affiliae = Sedans wee sifies Wns o,the frst episode ofthe walls (public in any event), »Church of the Whirling Fury Symbol: A vorlex of wind behind a pair of crossed scimitars Background Goals, _and Dreams: Wealth = ob os ‘Marries intosa familly whose heac “1 is.an affiliation rember — “Saves the life ofa member who his an affiliation score of 21 of highe= Associates with known members ofthe -2 Scarlet Brotherhood ‘ etn gio cima wes Sas: ‘Titles, Benefits, and Duties: Numerous sub-aifili- ations work within the Dawn Couneil, ranging from the countless craftsman guilds to the city watch itself All members are expected to support the city’s growth and (protect its interests as best they ean within the venue of their chosen fields. Disttict Councilor: Gain +2 bonus on ‘Will saving throws ade against attacks fiom enemies af Sasrine 21-29- The Scarlet Brotherhood Affiliation Symbol: A four-pointed:wavy-armed Criterion Score Modifier =e black cross ona field of réd. ‘WGhatater let SSS SS aapz PC level” Background, Goals, and: Dreams: Purebred Suel a The Scarlet, Brotherh@od is’ soti- = ety of fighting monks, rogues, and ‘assassins dedicated to rebuilding the ‘Ancient Suel Empire on the backsof heir racial and cultural, inferiors. ( *The Brotherhood traces its history ~ : sion igs ibisund -apars,fwhenlthesgres Mh ierian’ =. —Ascassinabes, Loowrt ‘enemy of... +1/8 creature's CR’ Sale Empigé stood at the zenith of five millegnia the Brotherhood of galtural aétomplishment. The society survived the oe : empire's conflagration in the devastating Rain of Cols eee se a ‘orless Fire, migrating east across the kontinent and set- ting in the forbidding Tilvanot Peninsula: Since that disabter, the Brotherhood has schemed'in Secret to pre-- —Is repose for — of 4 teri i cuter tn wo €C6 of g S a eaeeseecs w— Jn a recent continental. war the: Brothethood: struck 15 from the shadows to'conquer several maritime nations,” including the Sea Princés who once held Sasserine. AS a result Brotherho@d agents are tolerated—barely—in the city, whete they focus on issues of trate and explo- tatfon‘and claim interest in working with—rather than against—the citizens. ‘Enemiesand Allies: Members of the Scarlet Brdtherhood 4-10 Citizen: You are considered a ctizen of resent themistlves'to the outside world as contemplative ‘the Great'and Secret Empire of advisers_and martial artists. The organization's monopoly the Scarlet Brotherhood. With the of Oeril’s southeastern séas gives them considerable eco- ‘= Teaitation of several lines of doctrine, nomic influence, and'their colonial outpésts reach as far Cyotiimustbe given safe harbor at any = asthe southwest shores of Flepmotaland,and-deep into ‘Brotheshood safehouse or enclave. In a > the Vohoun Ocean. Outside their expanding empice their ‘settlement with a Brotherhood 3 a ‘members are considered spies and siust live in hiding, enclave, you Feceive a +4 circumstahce >. Members: With almost no exceptions:members itust be * nis Satie torationrchecks. i ‘Brotherhood occasionally memibegs of other races into acting as their catspaws, Hcl los thot of npure ine tein the or es 2-25 der: Clin auclence withthe king n the Brotherhood!’s agenda in the eftiperor/theocrat within 1d6 days onde onside who-serve primarily to assassinate the petmonth. : ee Sometimes called foster uncles or foster esac see fe seclnyae ‘members use military ranks or, Executive Powers: Assasinate; Harvest, Law, Shadow i Wat, Terrorize,The Seekers Symbol: Fight triangular plates arrayed in a star pattern around’a central circle, Background, Goalgyanid Dreams? {This Joose-knit society of explorers, “adventuring Scholats, and fortune hate scours the world for ancient Secrets and lost magic. Theugh some ‘members claim high-minded goals, the-pématy ambition of most Seekers is personal entich- meni and the ofder is notorious for cutting comers gnd damning the Bonsequences of their insatiable curiosity ; and greed. For this reason they remain a secret society ‘working in the shadows and pooliig information fo ben- fit themselves, regardless of the moral or itll cost. Seeker interaction is based upon the lodge, in which mem= E bers meet to discuss past and upcoming adventiires, shave F ‘maps, or show off the spoils of the latest expedition. Seeker lodges are often hidden behind afaundane front-such asa = ‘cartography businesé or, sogial cluby and ate renowned for \their peerless librarieSOf Seeker journals and forgotten lore. Enemies and Aliés: Seekers benefit ftom anonymity attrac ‘ng the ire of oly those able to follow the subtext of history or trace the wall «qapings ofa plundéted tomb. Exploration of the southem Seas and thejunglesf the Amedio coa8thas also attracted the enmityot the Scarlet Brotheshood, who shares the Seekers isferest in ruined temples and forsaken tombs. ‘Memnbers: Scekers can cotne fom any racé Or character lass. They must have atriving ambition to discover the last secrets of the past, and they snust be willing to'share—to 4 potnt—information that could help othe? Seekers on the path to discovery illumination, and enrickméat™ Most: “membery: consider themselves ‘scholats-of the ancient eS aS ne ea coflise Cefituries ago) is considered a mark of pride, College... Sse conidcnat, “tales ‘Benefits ind Duties: Members of the Seekers are expetted to support the lodges they visit witha tthe equating rroyphly 20% oftheir income. This is an inférmal system, so ~~ -wSeeker' ¥ donates rare books fea lodge library: b steeth than one who simply drops — appre ie ae ee ite ar sil of ead The ng ots Afflation oe Score Modifier SYZPCS ee from the local Seeker lodge. They receive +2 ; ‘Srcurstance bonison ll Knowledge checks 3 2 - fn and servant, Member of the Seeter Council Access to 3 lodge’ most orbien tomes grants the seeker a48 circumstance bonus 00 ll Knowledge checks made inside the ladge. ‘Members ofthe coun! must spend 30 days ‘each year sting tote fairs ofthe lodge. ‘The days need not be consecutive. Failure to ‘Sere in this tapacty resus in 2-10 penalty — to the Seeker’ afflion score.Syabolo A paa-aak bearing a circle of ruties with eight daggers inside pointing toward the cen= fet. Each” dagger “repre- [sesit$ One Schdol of magic, reach contributing tothe ‘teater cause. | Members of the guild typigally wear the symbol aa badge on ? theif robes, Backgrousid, Goals,” and Dreams: ©. founded 699 years ago as a teligious group dedicated to Wee Jasy the goddess of magic, death, and beauty, thig: quill has become much more secilar-over the yeats. Based in the Noble District, the Witchwarden ‘Tower is the primary home of the guild. THES6-foot= tall tower houses numerous libraries, workshops, and mecting halls, all frecly available to- members, pro” vided that they.share-their findings and knowledge with the guild. THE Witchwardens prefer to keep an air of secrecy abbut them, requining all visitors to the tower'to firstmake am appointment-and restricting their accessito.the.wellsappoitited meéting rooms on the first loon ‘The first goal Gf'the Witchwardens is the'pursuit of arcane magicand memberdspend a great deal of their time #searching new spells and recovering lost lore. The guild is also charged with the defénse of the city against amy magical threat The cutrght mistress ofthe guild, High Warden Lux Seoni (LN fenfale hunt ‘ard 21), takes these responsibilit is very seriously, con- stantly pushitig guild members to-strike out in-new ions with passionate leétures and.fallying'them deferispof the city im times ofneed. —y fembers: The Witchwardens are open to anyone < wile ca east arcane nagi¢, including bards, sorcer “ers, and, wizads: While some today still venerate the Witch Goddess, members may be of any faith. Many. yerful wizards and sorcerers in the city Fg: this-guild important ties to the cathy, Criteria: To join the Witeharardens; ‘you tiiust present yourself for review, where you are > required 6 display your arcane talents in front of a a leaders; Prospective members must also gp for the review. If you do not pursue Our primary focus, you won't derive Donates magicitem valued at 1,000 gpror mate to the guild “+1 per itern, max three/year ‘Titles, Benefits, and Duties! Members of the Witeh- ‘wardens ate required to-pay a monthly due of 10 gp to ¢over simple expenses. Memibers who attain a new title ate promoted atthe end of the monthly arcane symposium; where they receive their new dagger (a badge of office). Affiliation Score _ Tile: Benefits and Duties Titiate: You are recognized as'4 member ofthe guild and may use the services of Black Dagger: 10% discount on experience point costs when eraing a ‘Magic item made with arcane magic. Requistion-one pation or'scoll containing an arcane spell valed at 1,000 gp oF less per month~ Zelkartine’s Horns Symbol: A dragon skull pierced bya spear makes up the symboliof this. ‘organizations Members” of the guild typically dhave™ this. symbol. tat- toged on their arm or back while others paint it on their shield, Background, “Goals, E and Dreams: Made up of barbarians, gladiators;and ‘other skilled/Wvarriors, Zelkarune’s Horns is a popu- lar organization, Based around the Sasserine Arend inthe Champion's District, this group. manages and “organizes all of its events, IR addition, the'group also funds numerous huntsiandjexpeditions to gither new creatures for the arena or simply as:trophies fOr the wallé of its adjoining-balls Due in darge\part-to.ils reputation; this group is also the largest mercenary” company in all of Sasserine. Members are oftes hired by noble houses, wealthy individuals, and even other Affiliations to take on dangerous tasks. ‘Members of Zelkarune’s Hors pridé themselves in their combat’prowess, and spefida gréat deal of their time practicing and sparring With one anothét. When out ora hunt,mefabers are always on the Idokout for some formidable beast to match up against and prove © theit Skill? While many of thé bouts and gladiatorial ‘hatches hosted by the group areto generate revenue, Zasker Grankus (NG male human barbarian’ /fighter the people of Sasserine/Zasker, commoiily Known as the “reformied barbarian,” is 2 charismatic fellow able\leadéi: He spends most of his days talking jembersabout current problems and scheduling mingevents, ~~ Enemfes and Allies: While no other organization con Piders Zelicruhife Horns fte:encmys many of the-othier amore polite groups ffrat its members with disdain. ‘Members: Zelkarune’s Horns is open to members of aay clas ‘varbasians, fighters; and ranges Fe anake: of the membership. A number of clerics of monks, and even a few areane spell- rs )'beifound.on the roster. ir teh $ (ay) Affiliation Score ‘Criteria: Ta join Zelkarune’s Horns © you rast pay an ‘titiation fee of 10 gp and fight one (nonlethal, of course). Members of © 2), the, group's! leader, honestly njoj, entertaining Snight find that this affiliation has “Has the’Arena Blood* feat a ey ‘Base tack bowius of #5 orhigher” = SPT 3 Win afightin the arena “1,maxZ/month (foe's CR miust be qual to or “preter than the PCs level) Donate atrophy from anon- +1, max /month humonoid enemy (foes’ CRs must be Titles, Benefits, and Duties: As yow advance’in Zelka- Fun's,Homs, you are expected to fight greater foes and recover more powerful monsters for the arena. At the same time, you are given special training and a stipend. “Pit Boy/Girr You a2 member ofthe. “mercenary Gompany and may fight ia “arena matches, bu: you are otherwise ‘Gladiston Purch magic welponsard armor for 3/4 price. You drawa 200 gp/ ‘month income so long as ypu fight in the arena that