Table Of ContentA 3.5/OGL ADVENTURE FOR LEVEL 4 WW22
THE JUNGLE HIDES MANY SECRETS
GGGaaammmeeeMMMaaasssttteeerrryyy MMMoooddduuullleee
WW22:: RRiivveerr IInnttoo DDaarrkknneessss
AA vvaasstt mmeerrcchhaanntt ccoonnssoorrttiiuumm hhaass aa ssiimmppllee jjoobb ffoorr
yyyyoooouuuu————oooonnnneeee tttthhhhaaaatttt ppppaaaayyyyssss eeeexxxxttttrrrreeeemmmmeeeellllyyyy wwwweeeellllllll.... AAAAllllllll iiiitttt aaaasssskkkkssss iiiissss tttthhhhaaaatttt
you stand guard over one of its outposts for a few
wweeeekkss uunnttiill rreeiinnffoorrcceemmeennttss aarrrriivvee.. TThhee pprroobblleemm,, ooff
ccoouurrssee,, iiss tthhaatt tthhee oouuttppoosstt iiss iinn tthhee mmiiddddllee ooff aa vvaasstt aanndd
ddaannggeerroouuss jjuunnggllee aanndd tthhee nnaattiivveess sseeeemm iinntteenntt uuppoonn
ppuuttttiinngg aann aarrrrooww iinn yyoouu aatt eevveerryy ttuurrnn.. IIff tthhee jjoouurrnneeyy
tthheerree ddooeessnn’’tt kkiillll yyoouu,, tthhoouugghh,, yyoouu mmiigghhtt jjuusstt lleeaarrnn
what is worth risking your lives over.
River Into Darkness iiss aa wwiillddeerrnneessss--bbaasseedd aaddvveennttuurree
ffoorr 44tthh--lleevveell cchhaarraacctteerrss ccoommppaattiibbllee wwiitthh tthhee wwoorrlldd’’ss
mmoosstt ppooppuullaarr ffaannttaassyy rroolleeppllaayyiinngg ggaammee.. TThhiiss aaddvveennttuurree
iinncclluuddeess aallll tthhee iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn yyoouu nneeeedd ttoo sseenndd yyoouurr
hheerrooeess oonn aa ffaannttaassttiicc jjoouurrnneeyy tthhrroouugghh tthhee hheeaarrtt ooff tthhee
ddeeeepp aanndd mmyysstteerriioouuss jjuunnggllee,, iinncclluuddiinngg eennccoouunntteerrss
with terrible monsters and hostile natives.
TThhiiss aaddvveennttuurree iiss sseett iinn tthhee MMwwaannggii EExxppaannssee,, tthhee
largest jungle in the Pathfi nder Chronicles CCaammppaaiiggnn
Setting, but it can be easily adapted for use in any
sseettttiinngg.. FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn oonn tthhiiss eennvviirroonn,, cchheecckk
out the Pathfi nder Chronicles Gazetteer.
paizo.com/gamemastery
PZO9510 US$12.99
Printed in China
BBllooooddccoovvee
SSStttaaatttiiiooonnn HHHooouuussseee
TTThhhiiirrrddd FFFllloooooorrr
2244
2255 2266
2233
1111..OOrree SSttoorreess
1122..OOffffiicceerrss’’ QQuuaarrtteerrss
AA 2211 2222
1133..SSeeccrreettaarryy’’ss QQuuaarrtteerrss
1144..SSttaattiioonn MMaannaaggeerrss OOffffiiccee
NNN
1155..MMaannaaggeerr’’ss QQuuaarrtteerrss
2244 1166..SSeeccrreettaarryy''ss OOffffiiccee 1199 SSSeeecccooonnnddd FFFllloooooorrr
1199
1177..SSttoorraaggee 1177 2200
2222 1177 1188..WWaasshhrroooomm
2200 2211 2233 1155 1199..EEnnggiinneeeerr’’ss QQuuaarrtteerrss 2255 1188
1188
1166 2200..SSmmiitthh’’ss QQuuaarrtteerrss 1166 1155
BB 2211..BBooaattwwrriigghhtt''ss QQuuaarrtteerrss
CC 2222..CCaarrppeenntteerr''ss QQuuaarrtteerrss 1111 1122 1144
1144 2233..MMeessss HHaallll 1122 1122 1133
EE
1133 2244..PPrraaccttiiccee RRoooomm
DD
1111 2255..AAccccoouunnttaanntt QQuuaarrtteerrss
77 1100
FF 2266..GGuuaarrddrroooomm
1122 66 88
55 GG
44 99 33
HH
NN
II GGG
11
22 88 GGG
1100 FFFiiirrrsssttt FFFllloooooorrr
1111
11..PPaarrlloorr
22..SSeeccuurree SSttoorraaggee
99
33..DDiinniinngg HHaallll
LLooccaattiioonnss 44..KKiittcchheenn 77
11.. DDoocckkmmaasstteerr’’ss OOffffiiccee 55..AAccccoouunnttiinngg OOffffiiccee
22.. TThhee WWiittcchhlliigghhtt ((iinnnn)) 66..CCaarrggoo SSttoorraaggee 88 55
33.. TThhee PPiirraattee’’ss HHooookk ((ttaavveerrnn)) 77..LLaarrddeerr GGG 44
44.. FFrreeee TTrraaddee SSqquuaarree 1155.. AAssppiiss CCoonnssoorrttiiuumm SSttrreeeett NNaammeess 88..GGuuaarrddrroooomm
55.. SShhaadduukk’’ss NNiinneeppiinnss ((ggaammbblliinngg ddeenn)) 1166.. TTeenn SShhrroouuddss ((iinnnn)) 99..SSeerrvvaannttss’’ QQuuaarrtteerrss 66
AA.. WWooddeewwaallkk
66.. AAddmmiirraallttyy MMiilliittiiaahhoouussee aanndd JJaaiill 1177.. SSaalltt RReeaavveerr ((iinnnn)) BB.. SShhyysstteerr SSttrreeeett 1100..GGuueesstt QQuuaarrtteerrss 22 11 33
77.. TThhee TTiicckklliinngg KKeeeellhhaauull ((ttaavveerrnn)) 1188.. HHoouussee BBaarrzzoonnii 1111..AArrmmoorryy
CC.. WWiiddooww’’ss WWaallkk
88.. TThhee BBllooooddrroooott ((ttaavveerrnn)) 1199.. HHoouussee CCaarrttaahheeggnn
DD.. CCoorrssaaiirrss’’ WWaayy
99.. UUmmbbeerrttiinnee AArrmmss && AArrmmoorr 2200.. CCaarrttaahheeggnn SSuuggaarrpprreessss
EE.. LLiigghhtt TToowweerr PPooiinntt
1100.. BBeennbbooww’’ss WWhheeeellhhoouussee ((ttaavveerrnn)) 2211.. TThhee CCaasstteellllaannyy ooff tthhee FFeevveerr SSeeaa
FF.. TThhee DDrroopp OOffff
1111.. PPaauulluuss’’ HHeerrppeettoorriiuumm 2222.. HHoouussee UUmmbbeerrttiinnee GGG GGG
GG.. RRootttteenn PPllaannkk RRooww
1122.. PPaatthhffiinnddeerr SSoocciieettyy CChhaapptteerr HHoouussee 2233.. HHoouussee LLuuxxlloorr
HH.. TThhee RRiiggggiinngg
1133.. MMuuppkkiinn LLiigghhtthhoouussee 2244.. CChheelllliisshh EEmmbbaassssyy
II.. WWaarreehhoouussee RRooww
1144.. KKaahhvveehh EExxppoorrttss ((BBaarrzzoonnii ttrraaddiinngg hhoouussee)) 2255.. LLaanndd GGaattee
00 ffeeeett 8800 GGG === PPPooosssiiitttiiiooonnn ooofff GGGuuuaaarrrddd OOOnnneee sssqqquuuaaarrreee === 555 fffeeeeeettt
RiveR into DaRkness
Gamemastery module W2
Wilderness adventure
CREDITS
Design: Greg A. Vaughan
Development and Editing: Jason Bulmahn, Mike McArtor, Jeremy Walker
Additional Editing: Chris Self
Art Director: Drew Pocza
Cover Artist: Ben Wootten
Interior Artists: Imaginary Freinds, Wayne Reynolds
Cartographer: Rob Lazzaretti
Managing Art Director: James Davis
Vice President of Operations: Jeff Alvarez
Brand Manager: Jason Bulmahn
Director of Sales & Marketing: Joshua J. Frost
Sales & Marketing Assistant: Carolyn Mull
Paizo CEO: Lisa Stevens
Corporate Accountant: Dave Erickson
Staff Accountant: Chris Self
Technical Director: Vic Wertz
Publisher: Erik Mona
W2: River Into Darkness is a GameMastery Module designed for four 4th-level characters. By the end of this module, characters should reach 6th
level. This module is designed for play in the Pathfinder Chroniclestm campaign setting, but can easily be adapted for use with any world. This
module is compliant with the Open Game License (OGL) and is suitable for use with the world’s most popular fantasy roleplaying game.
The OGL can be found on page 31 of this product.
Paizo Publishing, LLC
2700 Richards Road, Suite 201
Bellevue, WA 98005
paizo.com
Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version 1.0a, Section
1(e), and are not Open Content: All trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (characters, deities, artifacts, places, etc.), dialogue, plots,
storylines, language, concepts, incidents, locations, characters, artwork, and trade dress.
Open Content: Except for material designated as Product Identity (see above), the contents of this Paizo Publishing game product are Open
Game Content, as defined in the Open Gaming License version 1.0a Section 1(d). No portion of this work other than the material designated
as Open Game Content may be reproduced in any form without written permission. To learn more about the Open Game License and the
d20 System License, please visit wizards.com/d20.
GameMastery Modules are published by Paizo Publishing, LLC under the Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast,
Inc. All other trademarks are property of Paizo Publishing, LLC. ©2008 Paizo Publishing.
Printed in China.
River into Darkness
it. A powerful warband composed of Ekujae
T
he Vanji River meets the Fever Sea like an open wound, the iron-rich clay dyeing the
from across the jungle gathered and began
waters a rusty red. Legends hold that the blood-tinted waters issue from the wounds
attacking the Nightfall Station mine. The
of the Gorilla King who lives in the heart of the dark jungle. The ramshackle town
initial assaults caught the defenders off
of Bloodcove clings precariously to the enormous roots and scaffold-wrapped trunks of one of
guard and killed many. Now, however, the
the gigantic mangrove trees that grow at the edge of the river mouth. This port ekes out its
consortium mercenaries are well entrenched
existence between the laden trade ships with their cargoes of kahveh, ivory, precious metals, and
and have successfully fended off several
exotic woods from the interior and the custom paid by the visiting pirates from the Shackles
further attacks. Nevertheless, the assaults have
offloading stolen goods and booty.
taken their toll, and the Aspis Consortium is
Expeditions up the river for the rare commodities the jungle holds end in disaster as often as in desperate need of more mercenaries to
success, but the lure of a quick fortune ensures a steady flow of traders and speculators despite help defend its mining operation from the
the danger. Whatever their goals, all who head upriver leave port with one final admonition Ekujae depredations. This need drives it to
from the locals ringing in their ears. seek help outside its normal channels—help
“Anything can happen on the Blood.” in the form of freelance adventurers.
Adventure Summary
The adventure begins with the PCs marooned
in the free port of Bloodcove. After defeating
a rampaging dragonnel, they are approached
by Kelim Esteban, captain of a riverboat and
Adventure Background
appreciate the company’s tactics. The Aspis an agent of the Aspis Consortium. Captain
Long have the mysterious depths of the Consortium works to hide its practices from its Esteban offers them an opportunity to make
Mwangi Expanse held riches greedily sought customers, as they might be unhappy to learn some fast gold by filling in as temporary
after by the northern realms of Golarion. of the company’s unscrupulous methods. It guards at distant Nightfall Station. Upon
Unfortunately for prospective plunderers, is the victims themselves, though, who create accepting the job, the party finds itself aboard
these riches are hidden beneath a veneer of the strife the Aspis Consortium faces and that the sternwheeler River Queen as it crosses
disease, deprivation, and death. Despite these ultimately draws the player characters into the estuary of the Vanji in the teeth of an
dangers, the profiteers are not to be thwarted, this adventure. approaching storm and in the path of some
and in recent decades many successful One of the consortium’s most profitable hunting aquatic gargoyles.
expeditions have made fortunes for their posts in the Mwangi Expanse is Nightfall It doesn’t take the PCs long to become
financiers. Numerous nations and companies Station, standing in the dark depths of the well acquainted with both the drudgery and
have established trading posts precariously jungle just off the Vanji River. Presented the dangers of a trip up the perilous Vanji as
clinging to existence in the deadly depths as a particularly profitable trading outpost they push through the dense tropical heat.
of this cornucopia of riches. Despite the far from what little civilization ekes out an Midway to Whitebridge Station, the first
constant attrition of these posts and those existence on the coast, its distance from stop and a refueling point for the riverboat’s
who operate them, there is no shortage of easy scrutiny serves to mask its true source protean engine, pygmy keches of the Kaava tribe
intrepid individuals willing to test their of wealth. Nightfall Station is actually the attack the expedition. Fighting through this
mettle against the dire jungle. site of a gold mine operated by the Aspis attack, the River Queen soon discovers signs
One such group of entrepreneurs is the Consortium. To preserve the secret of this of trouble at Whitebridge Station. Arriving
massive Aspis Consortium. The ruthless rich vein and prevent the arrival of others at Whitebridge Station, the PCs discover
profiteers in Aspis operate one of the few who would seek to exploit it, the Aspis the inhabitants were slaughtered by elves of
organizations that is not a nation-state but Consortium does not go through the trouble the Ekujae tribe—some of whom remained
that has the capital and manpower to invest and expense of transporting miners to the behind with a trained girallon.
in regular trade from the Mwangi. Lacking site. It instead imports only the necessary With the destruction of the station, it
the resources of a realm such as Cheliax, supplies and weaponry needed to enslave part becomes impossible for the PCs to obtain
however, the consortium relies on its profit of a local elven tribe called the Ekujae. These a fresh power source for the protean engine.
margin, requiring it to maximize the returns elves are forced to dig under cruel overseers In order to avoid becoming stranded in the
on its investment in these ventures. To this and are housed in the depths of the mine to depths of the jungle without fuel, Captain
end, the consortium turned to less-palatable minimize any chance of escape. Esteban takes a detour through the nearby
practices, such as brutal intimidation, Conditions are brutal and mortality is Kurka Swamp to reach Brimstone Falls. There,
extortion of the jungle’s native inhabitants, high among the miners. As a result, Aspis the PCs must locate a new arcophage, the rare
and the enslavement of some tribes to serve as agents have raided isolated Ekujae villages creature native to the Mwangi Expanse that
forced labor. While the freebooting pirates and to increase the labor pool. News of these serves as the power source for the protean
merchants of the region don’t really care how depredations gradually spread among the engine. This side trek is fraught with perils
the Aspis Consortium operates, the inhabitants scattered Ekujae settlements, and the tribal from both the swamp and a lizardfolk tribe
of the jungle tribes Aspis preys upon do not elders decided it was time to put a stop to that holds the Brimstone Falls sacred.
2 module W2
PArt One: AdrIft In
Leaving the Kurka Swamp behind, the River
Queen is beset by another hazard as a yellow BlOOdcOve ThE RED AguE
musk creeper secreted onto the boat by the The following encounters occur shortly after Scarlet vetch is a plant found in the
Ekujae at Whitebridge Station transforms a the PCs become stranded in Bloodcove. lowlands and rocky crags of the
crewmember. After dealing with the ill-fated Mwangi expanse. it is an extremely
crewman, the PCs must fend off one final rampaging dragonnel (el 6) virulent strain related to locoweed,
assault before reaching Nightfall Station, This encounter occurs in Bloodcove while the and when consumed has a psycho-
which they find to be an armed camp on the PCs are on the boardwalk near the inn where tropic effect on the individual. The
imbiber must make a Dc 16 fortitude
defense against elven incursions. they are staying, possibly the Salt Reaver.
save or fall victim to the red ague for
The PCs are immediately tasked with
1d4 hours—a fever that makes the
the defense of the station by its manager, The bustle of the oppressively hot afternoon is
individual extremely irritable and
Mynafee Gorse, an influential agent of the broken by a piercing shriek. There is a pause
combative. even normally docile crea-
Aspis Consortium. During their time at the in the sounds of commerce as all eyes turn
tures are susceptible to this effect. if
station, the PCs discover it is more than just a upward to see a massive beast soaring below the fortitude save is failed by more
trading post—it also has a working gold mine the lower limbs of the giant mangrove upon than 5 (or on a roll of a natural 1),
manned by enslaved Ekujae elves working which Bloodcove is constructed. The huge rep- the scarlet vetch causes the red ague
in deplorable conditions. The PCs find tilian creature looks like a vestige from some to enter a rage, as a barbarian. The
themselves caught between loyalty to their long-forgotten era as it swoops down toward victim is completely mindless while
employer and compassion for the unfortunate the wooden shanties and catwalks of the city. affected by red ague and attacks any-
one it sees until incapacitated or the
but “barbaric” elves being brutally oppressed Its wickedly hooked beak snatches a passerby
effect wears off.
by the consortium. off of one catwalk and flings him into the scaf-
folds and rooftops far below before it alights on
Introduction the end of the very boardwalk upon which you
stand. It again utters its piercing shriek, and that have long since disappeared from more
Bloodcove: the last port of call on the Fever this time the sound of its scream is echoed by civilized regions. This dragonnel nests in the
Sea. This strange town is part pirate haven and those of several frightened people trapped on Terrua Crags but often hunts in the lowlands
part merchant bazaar. Its ramshackle buildings the other end of the boardwalk. below. On this particular morning, while
rest on the twisting, interwoven roots of a devouring a monkey, it consumed a patch of
colossal mangrove tree, a fitting metaphor for When the dragonnel lands on the walkway, scarlet vetch, a plant that causes a madden-
the complex web of promise, deceit, treachery, it interrupts an informal gathering of Aspis ing disease called the red ague. As the disease
and broken alliances that defines the remote Consortum agents taking place outside. While attacked its mind, the dragonnel flew toward
trading colony. The hard-won bounty of the none of these agents is of any significant con- the inhabited lands it normally avoids and is
Mwangi Expanse flows through Bloodcove to sequence within the organization, they can now attacking anything it sees in a blind rage.
ports around the world, and obtaining these nevertheless provide the PCs with an oppor-
exotic riches from the deadly wilderness is the tunity to improve their situation. One of these Enraged Dragonnel CR 6
easy part—the real difficulty is hanging on agents is now trapped on the other end of Tome of Horrors 114
to the treasure long enough to see it safely the boardwalk, with the dragonnel blocking N Huge dragon
delivered to a distant port. his escape. Meanwhile, the other two agents Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light
look on at a loss from a safe distance. They vision; Listen +11, Spot +11
The adventure begins when the PCs find can’t tackle the dragonnel themselves, but DefeNSe
themselves in Bloodcove without a job, lacking they don’t want to just leave their friend to AC 15, touch 6, flat-footed 15
prospects and with no immediate way home. its clutches. If these agents spot the PCs, they (+9 natural, –2 rage, –2 size)
There are several possible ways for them to rush over and beg the PCs to help them save hp 100 (8d12+48)
arrive in such a predicament. They could have their friend. If the PCs seem reluctant, the Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +8
been hired to guard a shipment from Bloodcove agents hint that they have powerful friends Immune paralysis, sleep
back to the northern kingdoms, only to watch who will no doubt be very grateful for any OffeNSe
their ship burn to the waterline as it sat in the assistance the PCs render. Spd 40 ft., fly 100 ft. (poor)
harbor. Alternatively, they might have been Creature: The creature attacking the citizens Melee 2 claws +14 (2d4+8) and
sent to meet with someone in the pirate town, of Bloodcove is a dragonnel. This creature is bite +12 (2d6+4)
only to find out when they arrived that their thought to either be a type of dragon or a foul Space 15 ft.; Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with bite)
contact is missing, and no one seems to know cross between a dragon and a pteranodon. It is TacTicS
anything about him. Finally, they can be agents 25 feet long with leathery, claw-tipped wings, During Combat The dragonnel fights from the
of the Aspis Consortium ordered to report to serpentine neck, long beak, and head like a boardwalk initially, but if reduced below 40
Kelim Esteban. In that case, you should have pteranodon. They are exceedingly rare on hp it takes off and makes flyby attacks in
them encounter the dragonnel as they explore Golarion, typically existing only in the wild- order to Snatch foes and drop them to the
Bloodcove searching for their contact. est fringes where things still walk the planet city below (6d6, fall).
3
River into Darkness
Morale The dragonnel fights to the death in its for the PCs’ assistance and promise that a What passes for the cool of evening in
maddened state. member of their organization will contact the Bloodcove, with a welcome sea breeze off
STaTiSTicS PCs soon about suitable compensation. of the Fever Sea, has descended upon the
Str 26, Dex 11, Con 22, Int 4, Wis 11, Cha 8 If the PCs walk away from this encounter, port. Lamps are lit and passed-out drunks
Base Atk +8; grp +24 the consortium still takes notice of them, are beginning to accumulate on the board-
Feats flyby attack, Multiattack, Snatch although in a somewhat less friendly light. walk outside the town’s seedy grog shops.
Skills Hide +3, Listen +11, Spot +11 You can still run the encounter with Estaban As you make your way along the crowded
below, but in this case, rather than offer the walk, a massive man who looks to have orc
Trapped citizens (7) CR 4 PCs a job as a sign of gratitude, he attempts blood in his veins blocks your path with arms
hp 4 each; MM 102 (half-elf warrior) to coerce them into accepting his mission by crossed over his barrel chest. He glares at you
TacTicS threatening to use his pull with the town’s over a mouthful of tusklike teeth. Next to him
During Combat The trapped citizens draw their authorities (such as they are) to have them stands a man in black cloak and leathers. The
swords (everyone goes armed in Bloodcove) tossed out into the jungle. image of a snake upon a shield is embossed
and back away from the monster, hoping it on a brooch attached to his cloak. He wears
chooses someone else for its meal. A timely Offer a rapier at his hip and bears a fine, oiled
Morale The citizens flee as soon as they can get This encounter occurs following the battle mustache. In a soft voice laden with the faint
past the beast attacking them. with the dragonnel. One way or the other, accent of the Shackle Isles, he says, “Greet-
Aspis Consortium agents in Bloodcove learn ings. I am Kelim Esteban, captain of the River
Development: If the PCs confront the about the PCs. At some point the following Queen, and I have a business proposition to
dragonnel, regardless of how the fight goes, day, the PCs receive a message asking them make you… if you care to let me buy you a
the distraction allows the trapped citizens to meet with a consortium agent outside the drink.” He gestures to the entrance of a busy
(including the Aspis Consortium agent) to Ten Shrouds Inn at sunset. When the PCs tavern nearby.
escape. The other agents are extremely grateful arrive, read or paraphrase the following.
4 module W2
If the PCs take up Captain Esteban on • The Aspis Consortium can afford to been able to recreate the unique blend of
his offer, he ushers them inside and buys pay such exorbitant rates for mercenaries magic, metallurgy, and ingenuity necessary
them a round of the house’s watery ale. He because the gold, ivory, spices, and kahveh to duplicate his discovery. Meanwhile, the
introduces himself as an agent of the Aspis it brings out of the jungle turn huge profits Aspis Consortium has kept the discovery a
Consortium, a northern mercantile group in the northern markets. In fact, the Aspis closely guarded secret, fearful of what its
with interests in this area. He explains that Consortium is one of the leading trading competitors could do if they got their hands
his employers need able bodies to help guard concerns operating out of Bloodcove. on one of the prototypes.
a valuable trading depot against incursions If the PCs accept the job offer, Esteban Arthox discovered a way to use the trans-
by cannibal savages who recently moved into gives them 280 gp each as an advance. He mutation energy of an indigenous fungal
the area. The depot is well-defended and has asks them to meet him at his wheelboat at parasite knows as an arcophage to power his
successfully fended off many attacks, but the the Bloodcove piers at noon in 2 days, when protean engine. The engine leeches magical
defenders are on the verge of exhaustion and the River Queen casts off. energy directly from the arcophage. A mature
need some temporary relief from competent Statistics are given for Captain Esteban and arcophage has enough magical energy to
sword-arms until company reinforcements the rest of his crew in the River Queen section. power each craft for about a month before it
arrive from Absalom. The incident with the must be replaced. For this reason the Aspis
PArt twO: the rIver
dragonnel demonstrated that the PCs are a cut Consortium has taken to breeding arcophages
queen
above the average Bloodcove resident, and the at its resupply depot of Whitebridge station,
consortium is willing to offer them 20 gp per This section describes the vessel upon which so that it can keep the wheelboats that travel
day for the duration of the assignment. most of this adventure takes place and the up and down the river moving.
If the PCs are interested, Estaban explains NPC crew accompanying the party to Night- The River Queen has a draft of only 3 feet,
that the depot is called Nightfall Station and fall Station. a 77-foot keel, and a 20-foot beam. The River
lies some 400 miles upriver—a two-week trip The River Queen is a sternwheeler Queen can make 6 mph in slack water. Since
aboard his wheelboat. He expects the job to paddleboat known as a wheelboat. A magical it is a river craft, it can only be operated for
last about a month before the nomadic jungle device known as a protean engine powers the about 10 hours a day due to visibility restric-
tribe gives up and moves on, with the option craft. The protean engine is the brainchild of a tions, so in no current it can make 60 miles
for the PCs to stay on long-term if they Chelish inventor named Arthox Sandlespit, in a day. The hull of the craft is sturdy but
so choose. At the end, he will provide free and it remains a closely guarded secret light, and the upper structures on the deck
passage back downriver to Bloodcove after of the Aspis Consortium. Sandlespit was are composed of wood to keep the craft as
they receive their salary from the paymaster something of a pariah in old Cheliax, having light as possible for maneuverability and
at the station. been kicked out of the prestigious Egorian
Captain Esteban can provide the following Academy in his first year when one of his
Kelim esteban
information to the PCs: inventions was responsible for burning
• The Aspis Consortium is a trade group down an entire wing of housing. After that,
primarily based out of Cheliax but with a a long series of questionable decisions
strong presence in Absalom, where much and shady financial backers landed him
of its trade is conducted. It is loyal to no in hot water with just about every legal
single government but carries a trade charter authority in the empire. Nevertheless, his
with—and is recognized by—most of the undeniable ingenuity guaranteed there was
northern nations. It is involved in all sorts always someone interested in his services.
of legal trade and its business in the Mwangi When he joined the Aspis Consortium the
Expanse is just one branch of its operations. company relocated the eccentric inventor to
• The Aspis Consortium, like many nations Bloodcove, where he would ideally be out of
and trading companies, has a strong presence sight of his Chelish enemies. The invention
in Bloodcove in order to tap the resources of of the wheelboat (and its accompanying
the nearby jungles for great profit. It is one protean engine) was undeniably Sandlespit’s
of the the most important players in the river biggest coup, but unfortunately for his
trade and controls two important trading employers, he managed to construct only
stations that serve as hubs and supply depots a few prototypes before his old enemies
not only for its own boats and caravans but finally caught up with him. The fire
for those of other trade groups as well. These that destroyed his workshop
two depots are Whitebridge Station, where not only killed the inventor,
the Vanji River is bridged about 200 miles it destroyed all the notes
upriver, and Nightfall Station, which lies concerning the creation
much deeper in the jungle and is closer to and maintenance of
the consortium’s trading interests with the the wheelboats, and to
more reclusive jungle tribes. this point, no one has
5
River into Darkness
buoyancy on the sometimes tricky and shal- intervals rests here so a crewmember cantake
gAThER InFoRMATIon low channels of the Vanji. soundings.
While the Pcs equip themselves for
A. cabin G. Magazine
their trek, they can ask around on
their own about their new employers. This teakwood cabin is lightly built with A short stair descends to the strong wooden
a Knowledge (local) or Gather infor- stanchions supporting its roof. A single door door that bars entry to this area. The door has
mation check reveals the following provides entry and nine shuttered windows a good lock (DC 30 Open Lock). This small
information at the listed Dcs. look out over the sides of the ship (treat as cabin is used to store the boat’s weaponry and
DC Result simple doors without locks). The teak walls any especially valuable cargo it might carry. A
15 The aspis consortium is one of the have several wide cracks, and a gap of 2 feet short ladder accesses a shelf at the bow end.
most profitable traders in exists between the tops of the walls and the Faruq typically sleeps in the space below
Bloodcove.it is also one of the topdeck to allow maximum air circulation this shelf. At the time of this adventure, the
most ruthless against its rivals. in this sweltering enclosure. Cargo crates magazine holds only a supply of cheap rum
even the various are often brought in to serve as table and and an arsenal of six light crossbows, 200
pirate factions in this area are loath chairs. Crew members place their belongings crossbow bolts, four light wooden shields,
to attack an aspis consortium in bundles of netting that hang overhead, and three spears.
shipment on account of the skilled and hammocks can be strung between the
mercenaries the company employs stanchions to accommodate 12 in reasonable h. foredeck
as guards. comfort or 28 if everyone is crammed on top The boat’s forward anchor is suspended from
20 Whitebridge Station is a boon to of each other. the railing here. The forward end of the bow
everyone who trades in Bloodcove. it is covered by a mass of moldering netting to
protects the only crossing over the B. Gangways serve as a cushion against any front impacts.
lower Vanji River and serves as a These narrow walks run along the side of There is a rail that provides cover to those
jumping-off point for caravans into the cabin from bow to stern. They are 2 feet on this deck.
the interior. The aspis consortium wide and require a DC 10 Balance check for
runs it but lets anyone use it, a Medium creature to traverse them in rough I. topdeck
charging only a small toll. water or while moving faster than half speed. This deck is accessed by a rickety ladder and
25 Nightfall Station is the most The mosquito netting that protects area I sits atop the main cabin. The funnels from
profitable trading depot in the does not extend to the gangways. the furnace rise through here and bracket
entire Lower Vanji basin. The the doorway into the pilothouse. There is no
station manager, Mynafee Gorse, c. cargo deck rail on this deck, but several stanchions sup-
a chelish nobleman, is said to have This open decking is where the crew stacks port a mosquito net draped over this deck,
contacts with dozens of tribes in and ties down the bales, crates, and barrels as well as areas A, F, and J. The net is quite
the interior that procure the gold of both cargo and supplies for transport. The old and has been mended several times. It
and ivory he trades in prodigious gangplank and aft anchor are stored here. does not provide cover, as it is easily torn, but
amounts. does prevent Diminutive or larger creatures
30 Many consider it strange how d. wheelbox (including swarms) from passing through
successful the aspis consortium is This closed wooden housing covers the upper and greatly reduces the number of insects
with its trade goods. Gold, ivory, and access to the machinery of the sternwheeler. that plague those within its confines.
spices by the boatload come down It is waterproof and bears a padlock (DC 20
the river, but the only things that Open Lock) to prevent tampering. J. Pilothouse
ever go up are swords and armor. This enclosure sits atop area F and has walls,
(if esteban is asked in regards to e. Paddlewheel floor, and ceiling of well-fitted teak, rendering
this he merely shrugs and restates This wood and iron wheel propels the boat. it largely weatherproof when the shutters are
that the station is under attack.) Anyone that falls into it while it is running closed. A heavy twill curtain guards the only
takes 3d6 points of bludgeoning damage per access to area I. Large windows provide good
round and must make a DC 15 Reflex save each visibility to the front and side and can be
round to avoid becoming stuck. Creatures that closed from within. The wheel dominates the
become stuck are subject to drowning. cabin, which is also occupied by a hanging
ship’s bell, a table of charts, a wooden couch
f. covered cargo
upon which Captain Esteban takes his rest,
This shaded area’s sides are open but it lies and a chest of personal belongings below
below the pilothouse, so it has some protection the couch. Piloting the ship requires a DC
from the elements. It also lies within the 10 Profession (boater) check or a DC 15
boat’s mosquito netting. A weighted coil of Profession (sailor) check in addition to any
rope with bits of leather tied to it at regular conditional modifiers.
6 module W2
K. Protean engine
there is a cumulative 20% chance per day of but are also expected to do their share of the
This magical device provides the ship’s a breakdown (see page 12). work while aboard the River Queen.
propulsion. The engine is contained within
a large iron box, with two vats forward, and M. locker Captain Kelim Esteban (Pilot)
several large gears connected to the spinning This represents all of the furnace deck that is Captain Esteban is a human hailing from the
drive shaft aft. The arcophage is contained not occupied by the protean engine, the maga- Shackles who joined the Aspis Consortium as
in a small metal box toward the stern. This zine, or machinery. The deck has a low over- a sellsword 12 years ago. He was eventually
box is kept locked (Open Lock DC 30) and head with only 4 feet of clearance, so Medium promoted to agent and finally riverboat
Hurg (see below) has the only key. If the creatures must squeeze. Hurg the dwarven captain. He is an utter profiteer, loyal to the
arcophage is removed, the engine loses fireman resides in the heat and noise down consortium only while it is to his economic
power immediately. Once the engine loses here (he is mostly deaf so it doesn’t bother him advantage. The sheer amount of profit he
power, it takes a full hour for the engine to much) and any perishable or semi-valuable has made while piloting the River Queen has
build up enough magical charge to drive goods best not left on deck but not important set him up to be a wealthy man whenever he
the boat. While the engine is operating, enough to warrant storage in the magazine are retires to the northern lands. In the meantime,
bolts of magical energy continually arc kept here (tools and spare parts for example). the promise of greater wealth does inspire
across its metal surface, dealing 4d6 points a considerable amount of loyalty in him,
the crew
of electricity damage to any creature that especially in regards to his wheelboat. That
touches the metal directly. Provided the protean engine is functioning loyalty, however, does not extend beyond
properly (a big proviso), the River Queen can the company’s profit margin and his boat,
l. flywheel
be operated by a skeleton crew as small as two: rendering everyone else expendable in his
This is the main shaft that transfers power a pilot and someone to take soundings of the eyes. He does not generally give suicidal orders
from the protean engine to the paddlewheel river bottom. Currently, the wheelboat has a to his crew (at least not overtly), but on more
in the stern. General maintenance on this crew of six, consisting of Captain Esteban, than one occasion only a few survivors have
device requires a DC 10 Knowledge (archi- Faruq, Hurg, and three crewmembers. The returned from his voyages, and somehow he
tecture and engineering) check each day or PCs are hired as guards for Nightfall Station always manages to be one of them.
TThhee RRiivveerr
BB
QQuueeeenn
CC HH
ddoowwnn
EE DD FF FFoorree DDeecckk
AA
uupp
BB
MMaaiinn DDeecckk
PPiilloott DDeecckk
II JJ
AA CCaabbiinn GG MMaaggaazziinnee
BB GGaannggwwaayy HH FFoorreeddeecckk
CC CCaarrggoo DDeecckk II TTooppddeecckk
LLoowweerr DDeecckk
uupp
DD WWhheeeell BBooxx JJ PPiilloottHHoouussee KK MM
LL GG
EE SStteerrnn WWhheeeell KK PPrrootteeaann EEnnggiinnee
FF CCoovveerreedd CCaarrggoo LL FFllyywwhheeeell
OOnnee ssqquuaarree == 55 ffeeeett
MM LLoocckkeerr
7
River into Darkness
TacTicS until Encounter G, where a nasty end has
ARCophAgE Before Combat esteban coats one of his daggers been prepared for him.
with poison if he anticipates combat.
The energy that powers the protean
engine comes from a rare magical During Combat if coming under ranged Faruq CR 4
creature indigenous to the Mwangi attacks, esteban takes cover and drinks Male half-orc barbarian 4
expanse and only recently discovered. his potion of protection from arrows. He cN Medium humanoid (orc)
This creature, known as an acrophage, remains on board the boat, preferably in the Init +0; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Listen +4, Spot +4
is a form of fungal parasite that pilothouse, to coordinate the defense. if the DefeNSe
attaches itself to mobile plant crea- pilothouse is overrun, he uses his Tumble AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 14
tures, such as treants and shambling
skill to move quickly through opponents to (+2 armor, +2 natural)
mounds. Once embedded in the host
try and clear the decks. hp 47 (4d12+16)
creature, the arcophage begins to mag-
Morale esteban leaves the River Queen only as a Fort +8, Ref +1, Will +1
ically transmute the plant’s body into
last resort, figuring his chances of survival in Defensive Abilities uncanny dodge
copies of itself, slowly consuming the
host. in the meantime, the newly cre- the jungle on foot are slim. His preference OffeNSe
ated arcophages are deposited into the is always to keep the boat moving away from Spd 40 ft.
environment, where they lie dormant danger. He leaves crewmembers behind if Melee mwk falchion +7 (2d4+13/18–20)
until they come in contact with another necessary to save the boat. Ranged mwk composite longbow +4 (1d8+4/x3)
plant creature. When a plant creature STaTiSTicS Special Attacks rage 2/day
touches an arcophage spore, it must Str 13, Dex 17, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 14 TacTicS
make a Dc 18 fortitude save. a suc- Base Atk +5; grp +6 During Combat faruq puts 3 points into Power
cessful save destroys the spore. Other-
Feats endurance, Great fortitude, improved attack and tries to position himself to take
wise, the spore becomes implanted in
initiative, Skill focus (Profession [boater]), advantage of his cleave feat. He stays on the
the host. Once a creature has a spore
Weapon finesse, Weapon focus (rapier) boat to defend it and if reduced below 25 hp
implanted, it must make another Dc
Skills Balance +6, Bluff +7, escape artist +7, or the boat is overrun, he rages and attacks
18 fortitude save each day or take 1d4
Hide +7, Knowledge (local) +6, Listen +6, the nearest foe.
points of constitution damage. The
arcophage creates one new spore for Profession (river pilot) +10, Search +5, Spot Morale faruq fights to the death to prove
each point of constitution damage it +7, Swim +7, Tumble +7 himself to his employer, ironically even if
deals. a remove disease spell destroys Languages common esteban falls.
an implanted arcophage. SQ trap sense +1, trapfinding STaTiSTicS
arcophage spores are somewhat Combat gear 2 doses of giant wasp poison Str 20, Dex 10, Con 18, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 8
fragile outside their native environ- (injury Dc 18; initial 1d6 Dex, secondary Base Atk +4; grp +9
ment. They are killed by direct expo-
1d6 Dex), potion of endure elements, potion Feats cleave, Power attack
sure to sunlight, as well as freezing
of protection from arrows; other gear +1 Skills climb +6, Listen +4, Spot +4, Survival +7,
temperatures and extremely dry
chain shirt, +1 rapier, 4 masterwork daggers, Swim +8
climates. This sensitivity has largely
porcelain asp and shield brooch worth 25 Languages common, Polyglot
prevented their spread beyond the
gp, belt pouch with 14 gp, 17 sp, 4 cp, a moss SQ fast movement, illiteracy, trap sense +1
borders of the Mwangi.
agate worth 10 gp, and a key to the magazine Combat gear potion of neutralize poison; other
gear +1 leather armor, masterwork falchion,
Faruq (Mate) masterwork composite longbow (+4 Str
Faruq is Esteban’s mate and enforcer. He bonus), 40 arrows, belt pouch with 8 sp, 6
Captain Kelim Esteban CR 6 keeps the crew in line and is instrumental pieces of coral worth 15 gp each, and a key to
Male human rogue 3/fighter 3 in dealing with threats to the boat, though the magazine
Le Medium humanoid like Esteban, he relegates the most dangerous
Init +7; Senses Listen +6, Spot +7 combat roles to expendable underlings. Hurg (Engineer)
DefeNSe Faruq’s human side is of Vudran descent, and This decrepit, old, near-sighted dwarf is the
AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15 he shares the ethnicity’s swarthy skin tone, engineer of the River Queen. Aged beyond his
(+5 armor, +3 Dex) sallowed somewhat by his orcish complexion. years from a long, hard life on the Fever Sea,
hp 29 (6 HD; 3d6+3d10) He dresses in the traditional Vudrani garb, Hurg suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis
Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +3 consisting of a brightly colored turban, vest, in his back that bends him over nearly double.
Defensive Abilities evasion pantaloons, and sash. Faruq plays the role of Hurg alone keeps the complex and antiquated
OffeNSe the sophisticated swashbuckler as well as he machinery of the River Queen functioning.
Spd 30 ft. can, at least until a combat situation arises He is normally found on the lower deck
Melee +1 rapier +10 (1d6+2/18–20) or and brings his barbarian traits to the fore. monitoring the protean engine or tinkering with
Melee mwk dagger +9 (1d4+1/19–20 plus poison) Faruq has only recently been admitted as an the mechanisms and wears only a loincloth
Ranged mwk dagger +9 (1d4+1/19–20 plus poison) agent of the Aspis Consortium and is anxious and leather apron. His bald head is scarred
Special Attacks sneak attack +2d6 to prove himself. Strive to keep Faruq alive from many electrical discharges, and he keeps
8 module W2
