A foul omen looms in the sky over the city of Varistan, an ominous shadow that defies the light. Is it a curse laid millennia ago by forgotten mages? Does it forewarn against the return of some terrible foe? Or does it portend a terrible new era, a second Age of Darkness? Welcome to the Pathfinder ® "Second Darkness Adventure Path, converted for use in the Corwyn Game Setting! This campaign will take your characters from the small seaport of Varistan far across Corwyn, and then deep below its surface, into the strange and sinister realm of the Underdark.
Eons ago, the elves left the Unknown Lands, travelled across the sea, and landed on Corwyn. They called themselves the “Silvar” and were led by a brave king named Elegheron.
On Corwyn, the Silvar forged a magnificent civilization called Ectharë, which stretched across the entire continent. The elven kingdom endured for many centuries and was the pinnacle of beauty, culture, and magic. In a word, it was paradise!
But, alas, during the reign of the elven-king Starion, dark times came to Ectharë. An ambitious priestess named Lorynäe grew jealous of Starion’s power. She murdered him and tried to steal the elvish throne for herself. This vile act of treachery sparked the “War of Wrath,” a terrible conflict between the loyalists and Lorynäe’s evil followers.
This elven civil war raged for a thousand years and the entire continent was laid waste. The rebellious elves were eventually defeated and driven underground. The loyalists called these elves the “Dro-vhar,” which meant: “dark-hearted.” Today we simply call them the “Drow.”
So, it came to pass, the Dark-elves came to hate sunlight, their skin turned as black as pitch, and their hair became bleach white. Although they were defeated and driven underground, the Drow did not wither away, but instead built their own twisted realms deep below the surface of Corwyn, in a place we now call the Underdark.
For many millennia, the surface elves have kept watch for the return of the Dark-elves. Over time, the surface elves broke into three groups known today as the Grey-elves, the High-elves, and the Wood-elves. All three groups retreated into their forest strongholds and relinquished control of Corwyn to the race of men, who dominate the continent today.
Evil is stirring once again and there are scattered reports of Drow on the surface, something the elves call “the Taint.” Could these ominous tidings have anything to do with the strange events taking place in the skies over Varistan? That is for you to discover…...
Introduction
This Adventure Path begins with the assumption that all PCs are elven or half-elven characters and hail from a small elven village called Crying Leaf. You are approached by an old friend who will inform you about three disturbing events which may or may not be related. First, there is a strange blot currently hanging over the city of Varistan, second, there is an upcoming Gambling tournament to be held at a casino called the Golden Goblin, and third, there are scattered rumors of the presence of Dark-elves within that same city.
You may play any basic class in the Pathfinder Core Rulebook; but are restricted to one of two racial sub-types; Elves or Half-elves
Historical Background
Eons ago, the elves left the Unknown Lands, travelled across the sea, and landed upon the shores of Corwyn. They called themselves the “Silvar” and were led by a brave king named Elegheron Alessarë.
On Corwyn, the Silvar forged a magnificent civilization called Ectharë, which once stretched across the entire continent. The elven kingdom endured for many centuries and was the pinnacle of beauty, culture, and magic. In a word, it was paradise!
But, alas, during the reign of the elven-king Starion Alessarë, dark times came to Ectharë. An ambitious priestess named Lorynäe Anarivon grew jealous of Starion’s power. She murdered him and tried to steal the elvish throne for herself. This vile act of treachery sparked the “War of Wrath,” a terrible conflict between the loyalists and Lorynäe’s evil followers.
This elven civil war raged for a thousand years and the entire continent was laid waste. The rebellious elves were eventually defeated and driven underground. The loyalists called these elves the “Dro-vhar,” which meant: “dark-hearted.” Today, they are known simply as the “Drow.”
So, it came to pass, the Dark-Elves came to hate sunlight, their skin turned as black as pitch, and their hair became bleach white. Although they were defeated and driven underground, the Drow did not wither away, but instead built their own twisted realms deep below the surface of Corwyn, in a place we now call the Underdark.
For many millennia, the surface elves have kept watch for the return of the Dark-Elves. Over time, the surface elves broke into three groups known today as the Grey-Elves, the High-Elves, and the Wood-Elves. All three groups retreated into their forest strongholds and relinquished control of Corwyn to the race of men, who dominate the continent today.
Evil is stirring once again and there are scattered reports of Drow on the surface, something the elves call “the Taint.” Could these ominous tidings have anything to do with the strange events taking place in the skies over Varistan? That is for you to discover….
Elven Character storyhook
As an elf, you grew up in a small woodland village called Crying Leaf. Life was sometimes complicated, because your isolated village was located within the largely human kingdom of Eldara. You always got along with the humans whom you met, but have largely kept to your own kind.
About 60 years ago, during your childhood, your village was raided by the hated Dark-Elves. Many of your family and friends were slain and you swore an oath that someday you would avenge the fallen elves of Crying Leaf.
Back then, one of your closest friends was an older elf named Kyonin. You were heartbroken when, following the attack, he left the village to undertake some secret mission. You always admired him and, in your heart, you wanted to be just like him. Recently, it seems your prayers have been answered.
After a very long absence, Kyonin has returned to Crying Leaf. He came to you and your group of close friends with an intriguing story:
“It’s been a long time, and I missed you greatly. Before I left, you told me when you grew up you wanted to be just like me; well, here is your chance. You are now old enough to leave the village and be an adventurer.”
“I have need of some brave souls, for I believe the forces of evil are once again moving. The nearby human city of Varistan has become home to a strange phenomenon. Locals call it “the Blot,” and its cause is a complete mystery. I believe it may be related to a recent sighting of a Dark-Elf in that same city. I want you to investigate this mystery, and discover whether the Drow are indeed involved. Your only other contact will be an elf named Arendil, who lives just outside the city walls.”
“It would be wise to get a job as a cover. I know of a man named Saul Van Kasken who is hiring extra security for an upcoming gambling tournament. It seems like the perfect opportunity. Seek out Lilly, an elven barmaid who works there and she will make introductions. Be vigilant, for even though he seems completely harmless, Saul may be involved with these dark events. Lilly can give you more information once you arrive.”
Although you have never visited Varistan, you’ve heard many stories about this human city, and its most famous landmark: the “Cyphergate;” a gigantic arch built long ago by the elves for some mysterious purpose.
Your fascination with the Cyphergate started with a dream you once had. You cannot recall all of it, but a voice in your head seemed to speak to you:
A dark secret lies buried in the distant past, crushed beneath a falling star.
You must seek out the truth behind the Cypher-Gate
Who does not wish to keep his dark past locked in a cage like a ferocious beast?
As the rich man cannot sleep for fear of thieves, so too, does a respectable man lie awake in fear for his reputation, and both will go to any lengths to protect it.
Remember, beware the perfumed seneschal!
As if by fate, When Kyonin told you of an ominous dark cloud hanging over the city of Varistan, you felt compelled to travel to that city and discover the answers to these mysteries for yourself and, if the Dark-Elves are involved, to exact some vengeance for your village.
RPG Benefit: Because of your burning hatred of the Dark-elves and a desire to eradicate them from the surface world forever, you gain a +1 bonus on all attack rolls against Dark- elves and a +1 on all saving throws against Drow magic.
Common Elven Knowledge
Every Elf is taught the following as a child. Eons ago, the elves left the Unknown Lands, sailed across the sea, and landed on Corwyn. They called themselves the “Silvar” and were led by a brave king named Elegheron.
Once they arrived on Corwyn, the Silvar forged a magnificent civilization called Ectharë, which stretched across the entire continent. The elven kingdom endured for many centuries and was the pinnacle of beauty, culture, and magic. In a word, it was paradise!
But, alas, during the reign of the elven-king Starion, dark times came to Ectharë. An ambitious priestess named Lorynäe grew jealous of Starion’s power, murdered him, and tried to steal the elvish throne for herself. This vile act of treachery sparked the “War of Wrath,” a terrible Civil War between elven loyalists and Lorynäe’s evil followers.
This conflict raged for a thousand years and the entire continent was laid waste. The rebellious elves were eventually defeated and driven underground. The loyalists called these rebellious elves the “Dro-vhar,” which meant: “dark-hearted.” Today, they are simply known as the “Drow.”
So, it came to pass, the Dark-elves came to hate sunlight, their skin turned as black as pitch, and their hair bleached white. Although they were driven underground, the Drow did not wither away. Instead, they built their own twisted realms, deep below the surface of Corwyn, in a place called the “Underdark.”
After the war ended, the Surface-Elves founded an elite order called the “Shin-Korath,” to locate and destroy any Drow who ever again appeared on the surface. Even today, its members remain vigilant for any indication of Dark-elf activity.
Reference & Pronunciation guide
Dro-vhar: Dro-vaar (long “o” as in “throw”) –the Drow, or Dark-elves
Ectharë: eck-Thar-ray —Ancient elven kingdom which was destroyed over 5,000 years ago
Elegheron: El-Lej-er-ron –First elven-King of Ectharë.
Lorynäe: Lor-rynn-nay –Elven priestess who murdered King Starion, sparked War of Wrath
Shin-Korath: shin-Core-rath —Order of elven fighters sworn to eradicate all Dark-elves
Starion: Star-rhee-on —Seventh ruler of Ectharë, murdered by Lorynäe
Guide to The City of Varistan
• Total Population: 13,328
• Human Population: 11,785 (93% Thannish, 7 % other)
• Demi-human Population: 1,543 (75% elves, 15 % dwarves, 10% halflings)
• Current Ruler: Baron Avery Kromar
The seventh largest city in Eldara, Varistan is, by far, its most notorious. The city is situated inside a narrow round valley, centered between two large rocky bluffs, each over 300 feet in height. Dividing the valley in half is the Velskar River, which winds its way down through the desolate hills and valleys of the Sokoro Highlands, then runs directly through the middle of the city, past the island of Devil's Fork, before it empties into Varistan’s sprawling harbor and the adjoining Sea of Orel.
Although the city occupies both banks of the river, the majority of the city's population lives on the eastern bank, nestled behind a line of hills, which separate its residents from the tidal swamps on the far side.
The Cyphergate Road leads west out of the city, but it is poorly maintained, as most traffic in and out of the city is via the harbor. The ominous stone arch, which towers over the entire harbor, is never out of sight; its rune-covered span dwarfing everything around it.
Today, Varistan has developed somewhat of a seedy reputation based on its widespread corruption. The city is currently ruled by Baron Avery Kromar; a Thannish nobleman who has managed to stay in power largely because of his political connections within the Eldaran Royal Court in Eldarand.
Varistan at a Glance
Most of Varistan’s buildings are composed entirely of wood; with multiple floors and high-peaked roofs covered with clay shingles. They are built extremely close together, and in some cases their upper floors sag and lean together from the constantly damp conditions. In spring, fall, and winter, fireplaces are needed to ward off the damp cold that lingers in the fog-laden streets. During summer, warm air currents from the south bring a muggy oppressive heat, along with swarms of mosquitoes that breed in the nearby marshes.
The major streets of Varistan are cobbled, often becoming rain-slick cataracts during the wet season. Cobbles are often missing or crushed by the incessant traffic, leaving gaping holes and ruts in even the most well-tended thoroughfares. Side streets tend to be relegated to muddy tracks that swiftly become stinking morasses of sticky mud and filth. Varistan doesn’t have much of a sewage system, and relies mainly on gutters along street edges to carry its refuse to the waterfront.
The Cyphergate
Varistan's most famous landmark is the Cyphergate; a gigantic, ancient stone arch built over the city harbor. This arch forms a gateway over the natural cove around which the city was built. This massive gate is covered on both sides with elaborate elvish glyphs and other archaic symbols, although their exact meaning remains a mystery.
Life in Varistan
For as long as anyone can remember, this city has been ruled by a series of petty, corrupt aristocrats, who have risen and fallen in a bloody cycle of violence. The current ruler, Baron Avery Kromar, is little better. Over the last two decades, Lord Kromar has brought some stability to the city, but maintains his rule through terror, bribery, and brute force. Captain Andros Hewitt, the Baron’s chief enforcer, has made the streets safe enough for merchants from other Eldaran cities to bring in their wares un-accosted, but his strong-arm tactics have left many locals fearing the authorities more than the criminals.
By Baronial decree, any ship or travelling merchant that flies the flag of Eldara is under his protection and is not to be raided by either pirates or brigands, upon penalty of death. In return for his protection, Kromar charges scandalously high prices to both visiting ships and merchant caravans. The stability and semi-regular influx of imported goods has long profited the citizens of Varistan, but those days may be numbered.
The Baron has long allowed local crime lords, such Clegg Zincher to operate unmolested, as long as he secretly receives a percentage of their profits. The result of this corruption has led to these criminals holding enormous influence within the city. Rumors abound that, despite this graft, Kromar’s coffers are running low. This, along with the rising popularity of Elias Tamarlane, the Baron’s most vocal political rival, has many locals hoping for a possible change in city leadership.
Yet not everyone who comes to live in Varistan is attracted by graft and crime. All manner of sages, scholars, and wizards have long been drawn to the city. Most notable are these are the “Cyphermages,” whose order is dedicated to deciphering the mysteries of the Cyphergate. Many locals find this influx of scholars irritating. But despite these negative attitudes, most residents leave the Cyphermages alone, as long as they don’t interfere with the city’s daily affairs.
Twenty years ago, Lord Kromar actually welcomed the Order of Cyphers into Varistan, likely because he felt the addition of many skilled wizards would only increase the city’s prestige and possibly provide him with opportunities to increase his own wealth.
So, it was a complete shock when Beltran; the leader of the Order, became one of Kromar’s most outspoken critics. Many local residents have taken to wagering on how much time will pass before some ill fate befalls the Baron’s newest nemesis.
City Districts
Varistan is divided into a total of nine separate districts, each with an Alderman who administers local affairs and answers directly to the Baron.
Gambling District: The Dragon’s Hoard Gambling Hall is located in this part of the city along the northwestern shore of the Velskar River, along with a several other casinos.
Leeward District: The city’s largest district, Leeward is built into the protecting curve of the city’s eastern ridge, where it is sheltered from the worst of the seaborne winds. The majority of the city’s population resides in one of the many tenements located in this district. most buildings here are three or even four stories tall, containing shops at street level where standard goods and services can be obtained. The upper stories are crammed with the city's poorest residents.
Merchant District: This upper-class area of the city is well patrolled and has developed its own social order, informal system of law and customs for distribution of goods and services.
River District: This district runs along the banks of the Velskar River and consists primarily of shops and mills. Most craft and trade goods come from this district. The waste produced by the district’s tanners and fishmongers and the fact that many of the city’s sewage gutters converge here, have earned the place the unofficial name of “Reek District.”
The Slums: (“Rotgut District”) The slums of Varistan are a truly depressing and dangerous place to be. Easily the poorest section of the city, the Slums have the highest crime rate and the most brothels and alehouses per capita. This district lies along the city’s eastern side against the ridge and is entirely controlled by various crime lords, who prey upon the weakest and poorest residents.
The Boneyard: This deceptively named place actually serves as the city dump and a graveyard for derelict ships. Its name is derived from the many old hulks and collections of ships’ ribs that protrude from the swampy ground. The area is comprised mostly of marshland, which is generally covered in two or three feet of water. The exception is hidden patches of quicksand which are much deeper. Many vermin and insects infest this area and most locals avoid it altogether.
The Devil’s Fork: (“Castle District”) This small, rocky island is nestled near the north end of the city on the Velskar River. On the island is the Citadel; once known as "the Sokoro Palace." This massive castle serves as the Baron's residence and as barracks for Varistan’s military garrison. Its damp, dismal dungeons hold the city’s worst criminal offenders, as well as the Baron's political enemies.
Wharf District: This rough-and-tumble district lies along the city's harbor-front, and it is where much of the city’s day-to-day action of commerce and thievery occurs. Near the docks are rows of warehouses and cheap taverns, and sleazy brothels. Every night, sailors and locals mingle here, in a frenzy of drunkenness and debauchery.
Windward District: Built on the slopes of the city’s western ridgeline, this is Varistan’s most affluent district; the buildings located on its winding steep streets are generally in excellent condition. Most of the city’s scholars and wealthy merchants dwell here.
Nearby Locations
Sokoro Highlands: The Sokoro Highlands are a desolate region of eastern Eldara, named for the ancient Sokoro Union; a Thannish civilization which existed here in the Third Age. Today, these hills are home to the Velskar; tribes of skilled horsemen with a reputation for committing cruel acts of theft and murder. The Cyphergate Road travels through this dangerous region on its route between Eldarand, Thuvalia, and Varistan.
Cinderwood: A deep, sprawling forest located northwest of the city, which is home to the Elven village of Crying Leaf.
Thuvalia: located 70 miles west of the city, Thuvalia is the closest human settlement. It is connected to Varistan via the Cyphergate Road, and is ruled by House Javaris, who are bitter rivals with Baron Kromar.
Local History
This ancient city has a long history; stretching back thousands of year to the First Age, when it was founded by the Elder-Elves as part of their glorious realm of Ectharë. The elves called this city "Eru-Ladris," and its location held some special meaning to them, for over its harbor entrance, they constructed the "Cyphergate"—the city’s most famous landmark. Yet after the War of Wrath and the collapse of Ectharë, the elves abandoned Eru-Ladris, and its lonely, moss-covered ruins sat for centuries.
For many years, human sailors stayed away from the arch, superstitiously believing that to sail under it would result in bad luck or even instant death. Using this superstition, the elven ruins were taken over by a notorious group of pirates, who began to use the site as a secret base to conduct raids on local sea-lanes.
During the Third Age, the pirates were driven out by a Thannish adventurer named Varis, whose followers then established a settlement here and named it "Varistan" in his honor. In less than a century, Varistan grew ten-fold and became the thriving capitol of a civilization called the Sokoro Union. The Union was ruled by a series of self-styled “Princes,” who built the grand Sokoro Palace, a fortress overlooking the city which is, today, called "the Citadel."
So it came to pass that in the last century of the Third Age, Varistan became engulfed in the events of the wider world and lost its independence forever. Around that time, the growing nation of Valdor was expanding north; under the aggressive ruler-ship of Valden the Conqueror.
Valden’s armies marched on Varistan in the year 1155/3, and Meraxas; the last Prince of the Sokoro Union, surrendered the city to him soon after. At that point, Varistan became just another fiefdom with in the kingdom of Valdor. When the Twilight War occurred less than a century later, Valdor was split into two separate kingdoms; Rhodara and Eldara. Varistan then became part of the newly-established kingdom of Eldara, and has remained so ever since.
The City Today
From its ancient origins as an elvish settlement and later a notorious pirate haven, Varistan has grown into an important seaport in its own right. Yet while Varistan has grown into a proper city, some say it remains 'true to its roots.' You can get rich quick in Varistan, if you’ve got the right skills and a bit of luck. Yet, for every success story in Varistan, there are a dozen nameless bodies buried in a muddy swamp or tossed into the harbor.
Inside the city walls, everything seems tranquil; but there are outside threats that have plagued the city for many years. One such threat lies off the Bloody Coast; where merchant ships are often intercepted by local pirates. Another threat exists in the desolate Sokoro Highlands, where mounted Velskar warriors regularly harass travelers and raid merchant caravans along the Cyphergate Road, running between the cities of Varistan, Thuvalia, and Eldarand.
