abomination vaults player’s guide

Abomination Vaults Player Guide Overview

This guide provides essential information for players embarking on the Abomination Vaults Adventure Path. It offers a spoiler-free overview, assisting in character creation tailored to the campaign’s unique challenges and setting near Otari.

Gauntlight’s Mysterious Appearance

The adventure begins with the unsettling emergence of the Gauntlight, an eerie lighthouse that stands inland, far from any coast. This mysterious structure suddenly begins to emit a baleful light, an ominous signal that something terrible is about to unfold. This occurrence is not a natural phenomenon, and it deeply troubles the residents of Otari, marking the beginning of the players’ involvement. The Gauntlight’s appearance is a harbinger of dark events, compelling the town’s newest heroes to investigate. It is a focal point of the Abomination Vaults campaign, a beacon of warning that draws players into the sprawling megadungeon beneath. The lighthouse’s sudden activation is a clear sign that the relative peace of Otari is about to be disrupted, demanding immediate attention and action from those willing to confront the unknown.

Character Creation Recommendations

This section provides guidance for creating effective characters for the Abomination Vaults campaign. It includes suggestions for alignments, ancestries, classes, languages, and skills, ensuring players are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Alignments, Ancestries, Classes

When considering alignments for your character in the Abomination Vaults campaign, it’s beneficial to choose one that allows for cooperation and a willingness to confront the unknown. Good or neutral alignments often fit well, as the adventure involves facing a significant threat to the region. Ancestry choices should reflect characters who have ties to the local area or are drawn to the mysteries surrounding Otari. Consider ancestries such as humans, dwarves, or gnomes, who might have a natural connection to the region or the types of dangers they might face within. For classes, options that offer versatility, resilience, and problem-solving skills are particularly useful. Classes such as fighters, rogues, clerics, and wizards can thrive in the megadungeon environment, providing the party with a variety of skills and abilities necessary to survive and overcome obstacles. A balanced party with diverse backgrounds is generally the best approach to the challenges that await. Some classes excel in combat, others in skills, and some in magical abilities. Combining these strengths will be key to your success in the Abomination Vaults.

Languages and Skills

For languages, Common is essential for communication in and around Otari. Additional languages such as Dwarven or Gnomish could prove useful, considering the region’s history and the potential for encountering diverse populations or ancient ruins. Choosing languages that reflect your character’s background or potential research interests can also be advantageous. Regarding skills, a balanced approach is recommended. Skills like Perception are crucial for spotting dangers, while Diplomacy or Intimidation can be helpful in social situations. Stealth will aid you when exploring dangerous areas, and Athletics can be essential for overcoming physical obstacles. Lore skills, such as Occultism or Religion, may offer unique insights into the mysteries of the Abomination Vaults. Additionally, skills like Thievery, Medicine, and Survival provide practical benefits during your adventures. Remember that skills can be enhanced during character advancement, so a good starting point is to choose skills that match your character’s concept and the needs of the party.

New Backgrounds

The player’s guide introduces seven new backgrounds, providing unique starting points for characters. These backgrounds include options like bibliophile and ruin delver, each offering distinct skill and story hooks.

Bibliophile

The bibliophile background caters to characters with a deep love for books and knowledge, making them well-suited for delving into the mysteries surrounding the Abomination Vaults. These characters are not merely readers; they are scholars, historians, and researchers who find solace and power in the written word. Their obsession with texts grants them a unique perspective, allowing them to uncover clues and secrets that others might miss. This background provides a starting point for characters who are driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand the world’s hidden histories. Their skills in deciphering old texts and recalling obscure lore can be invaluable when exploring the ancient ruins and uncovering the truth behind the Gauntlight’s ominous glow. Furthermore, a bibliophile’s extensive study of various subjects might reveal weaknesses or strengths of the foes, offering an edge in combat.

Ruin Delver

The ruin delver background is perfect for characters who are drawn to the allure of forgotten places and the mysteries they hold. These individuals are not afraid to get their hands dirty exploring crumbling structures, navigating treacherous traps, and facing the dangers lurking within. Driven by a thirst for adventure and the prospect of uncovering lost relics, they possess a keen eye for detail, allowing them to spot hidden passages and discern the purpose of ancient mechanisms. They are adept at navigating through debris, identifying hazards, and overcoming physical obstacles, skills that will be vital when venturing into the Abomination Vaults’ depths. The allure of uncovering the secrets of the past and the promise of hidden treasures make the ruin delver an ideal choice for those who seek adventure, exploration, and the thrill of discovery. This background also makes them adept at surviving the harsh conditions of the ruins.

Other New Backgrounds

Beyond the bibliophile and ruin delver, the Abomination Vaults Player’s Guide introduces several other compelling backgrounds to enrich character creation. The eldritch anatomist is fascinated by the workings of life and death, often with an unusual interest in the macabre. The fogfen tale-teller is a natural storyteller, versed in the local folklore and legends of the region. The market runner background is ideal for those who thrive in the bustling world of commerce and trade. The starwatcher, gazing at the cosmos, seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe. Lastly, the witchlight follower feels an inexplicable pull towards the strange phenomenon of Gauntlight. These backgrounds expand the options for players, providing unique starting points for their characters, each offering different proficiencies, skills and insights that could become crucial within the Abomination Vaults adventure.

Otari Town Information

The player’s guide includes a spoiler-free description of Otari, the town where the adventure begins. This gazetteer details the town’s notable locations and the diverse inhabitants, setting the stage for the campaign.

Spoiler-Free Description

Otari, a small town nestled on the southern coast of the Isle of Kortos, serves as the initial setting for the Abomination Vaults Adventure Path. This bustling port town, though relatively isolated, is a hub of activity with a mix of merchants, sailors, and locals. The town features a variety of establishments, from taverns and shops to a town hall and temples, each adding to the unique atmosphere. The people of Otari are diverse, with their own stories and secrets, some more welcoming than others. The area around Otari presents a blend of coastal beauty and untamed wilderness, with forests and ruins that offer intrigue for adventurers. A mysterious, landlocked lighthouse known as Gauntlight, looms nearby, its presence an ominous sign of events to come. This description intends to provide a flavour of Otari without revealing crucial plot points or secrets that will be uncovered during the adventure. This is to help players create characters who fit into the setting.

Adventure Path Details

The Abomination Vaults Adventure Path takes characters from 1st to 10th level, concluding around 11th level. It offers opportunities for campaign continuation, potentially leading into other adventures.

Level Range

The Abomination Vaults Adventure Path is specifically designed to accommodate characters starting at the 1st level of experience. This allows new adventurers to begin their journey into the mysteries surrounding the Gauntlight and the depths of the megadungeon nearby. The adventure is structured to provide a challenging yet manageable experience for characters as they progress. Throughout the course of the campaign, players will see their characters rise in power and ability, culminating in a formidable group of heroes. The adventure path is intended to take characters up to the 10th level, with the final encounters and scenarios designed for characters of that level. However, the campaign does reach a conclusion at approximately the 11th level. This progression allows for a satisfying arc of growth and development for player characters, from novice adventurers to seasoned explorers of the dangerous Abomination Vaults. The provided level range is crucial for character creation and progression throughout the adventure path.

Potential Campaign Continuation

While the Abomination Vaults Adventure Path concludes around level 11, the story need not end there for those who wish to continue their characters’ journey. The path provides a natural segue into other adventures, allowing players to seamlessly transition into a new campaign if they choose. One notable option for campaign continuation is the Fists of the Ruby Phoenix Adventure Path. This path starts at 11th level, making it an ideal continuation of the Abomination Vaults. It offers a new setting and challenges, building on the experience gained in the previous adventures. The transition is designed to be smooth, allowing players to continue with their existing characters and build upon their established narratives. This potential for continuation ensures that players can extend their journey and explore more of the Pathfinder world with their well-developed heroes beyond the Abomination Vaults.