A Legacy of Ancient Evil
Welcome to the rugged lands of Varisia, where the quaint coastal town of Sandpoint thrives in the shadow of a forgotten empire—and where the echoes of ancient Thassilonian magic stir once more. This Pathfinder 1st Edition campaign, based on Paizo’s Rise of the Runelords Adventure Path, plunges you into a world where goblin raids are only the beginning, and a rising darkness threatens to consume all of Golarion.
The party will uncover a sinister plot that spans from the goblin-infested cliffs to the decadent streets of Magnimar, as vengeful cultists seek to awaken a power buried since the fall of Thassilon. Their journey will lead them through haunted manors, forgotten catacombs, and rune-scarred ruins, where the past refuses to stay buried—and where the Sihedron’s ominous glow heralds the return of the Runelords.
Tone & Atmosphere
This campaign balances high-stakes adventure with creeping dread, set against the vibrant backdrop of Varisia. The tone weaves between:
- Heroic and perilous – Brave the wilderness and protect Sandpoint from threats both mundane and arcane.
- Dark and foreboding – Uncover the sinister machinations of cults and ancient evils that lurk beneath the surface.
- Occasionally lighthearted – Sandpoint’s quirky locals and their festivals provide moments of warmth amidst the growing storm.
The heroes are Varisia’s last hope, but even the strongest may falter against the horrors of Thassilonian magic. Some battles will be fought with sword and spell—others with the courage to face truths that could shatter empires.
Themes
- Ancient Power & Corruption – The legacy of Thassilon is a double-edged sword; its magic offers strength but demands a terrible price.
- Community vs. Chaos – Sandpoint’s tight-knit bonds are its greatest strength, but can they withstand the chaos that threatens to tear them apart?
- Revenge & Redemption – From one character's fall from grace to another's descent into madness, vengeance drives many to darkness—can the party break the cycle?
- The Weight of History – The past is never truly gone, and the sins of Thassilon’s Runelords cast long shadows over the present.
- Bravery in the Face of Evil – True heroism isn’t just about strength—it’s about standing firm when the odds seem insurmountable.
What to Expect as a Player
- A narrative-rich, player-driven experience. Your choices will shape Sandpoint’s fate and the course of the campaign.
- Classic fantasy adventure with a dark edge. Expect goblin ambushes, cult conspiracies, and the looming threat of ancient magic.
- A mix of exploration, combat, and intrigue. From wilderness treks to political machinations in Magnimar, every step forward uncovers new dangers.
- Memorable NPCs with deep ties to the story. From the charming Ameiko Kaijitsu to the ruthless Titus Scarnetti, Varisia’s inhabitants will be allies, enemies, or something in between.
This is a game where the characters fight not just for glory, but for the survival of a world on the brink—for if the Runelords rise again, Varisia will fall to an age of tyranny and ruin.
The runes are awakening. The storm is coming. Will you rise as heroes—or be crushed by the weight of the past?
Note: This game has not yet started, and we are in the beginning stages of planning a session zero and finalizing details. Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to embark on this epic journey!