Curse

Crimson Throne
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Player’s Guide

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 TM

Curse of the Crimson Throne

Player’s Guide
by James Jacobs and Mike McArtor
Editor-in-Chief • James Jacobs
Art Director • Sarah E. Robinson
Managing Editor • F. Wesley Schneider
Editors • Mike McArtor and James L. Sutter
Editorial Assistance • Jeremy Walker
Graphic Design Assistance • Drew Pocza
Managing Art Director • James Davis
Production Manager • Jeff Alvarez
Brand Manager • Jason Bulmahn
Director of Sales and Marketing • Joshua J. Frost
Sales & Marketing Assistant • Carolyn Mull
Publisher • Erik Mona

Cover Artist
UDON Studios

Cartographer
Rob Lazzaretti

Contributing Artists
Andrew Hou
Ben Wootten
UDON Studios

Paizo CEO • Lisa Stevens

Corporate Accountant • Dave Erickson
Staff Accountant • Christopher Self
Technical Director • Vic Wertz
Vice President of Operations • Jeff Alvarez

Special Thanks
Nicolas Logue
The Paizo Customer Service and Warehouse Teams

The “Curse of the Crimson Throne Player’s Guide” introduces new players to the city of Korvosa, setting for the second Pathfinder Chronicles™ Adventure Path. This Player’s Guide 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 16 of this product.
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.
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about the Open Game License and the d20 System License, please visit wizards.com/d20.
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Pathfinder © 2008, Paizo Publishing, LLC
Paizo Publishing and the golem logo are registered trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC. Pathfinder, Pathfinder Chronicles, and GameMastery are trademarks of
Paizo Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Printed in China

PZO9000-2 Guts.indd 1 2/12/08 4:17:04 PM

 “Not only couldn’t I imagine living anywhere else—I simply wouldn’t. I’m a good man,
a faithful husband, a loving father, and a responsible citizen. What I do has a purpose—
and that purpose is to keep Korvosa safe. It might not be a glamorous job, but it’s as
important as anything else. So if you’re looking for trouble, might I suggest Magnimar or
Kaer Maga? You’ll save yourself some hard labor and me a lot of paperwork if you do.”
—Captain Tevigant Bereskan, Korvosan Guard, South Shore Garrison

Welcome to
Korvosa
K
orvosa has long stood as the f irst bastion of The last section of this book introduces the background
civilization on the wild frontier of Varisia. Yet trait concept. This Adventure Path begins with the
tragedy seems to haunt the city’s royal bloodline. assumption that all new characters share one thing in
Few of her rulers rule for long, and none have lived to a common: they’ve been wronged in some manner by a local
ripe old age, dying instead well before their time. Heirs to crimelord named Gaedren Lamm. Pick one of the traits that
the throne are few and far between—in its 300-year history, matches your character, and you’ll not only have a built-
no king of Korvosa has directly inherited the Crimson in reason to join forces with the other PCs in your group,
Throne from his father. This is the source of much gossip but you’ll also get a nice bonus that’ll help you along your
and tale-spinning among the city’s citizens, who speak in way in the ordeals to come! Most of these traits assume that
hushed tones of what they have come to call the Curse of your character spent a significant portion of his childhood
the Crimson Throne. in Korvosa, although a few of them allow for more widely-
traveled characters. For the most part, though, Curse of the
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE Crimson Throne works best with PCs who are natives to
Aside from introducing the Curse of the Crimson Throne Korvosa.
Adventure Path, this guide is intended to aid players in the If this guide whets your appetite for more information about
creation of characters native to the city. The information Korvosa, be sure to check out the Guide to Korvosa, a 64-page
presented herein is common knowledge, especially to book that explores the city in detail. Beyond that, the Pathfinder
characters who call Korvosa home. This guide is organized to website (paizo.com/pathfinder) and each subsequent volume of
familiarize you first with this city. A map of Korvosa appears Pathfinder will reveal more information about this fantastic city
on the inside front cover of this book, while a map of Varisia and the world around it, as well as new options for players to
appears on the inside back cover. Within the following pages, further immerse themselves in the ongoing adventures. Rest
you’ll find a gazetteer of Korvosa as well as notes on character assured, this guide is merely the first step, and your adventures
races, classes, and equipment as they apply to the city. in Korvosa are just beginning!

“Why do I live here? Why live in the most regimented, law-abiding, oppressive city this side
of Bloodsworn Vale? Answer’s simple, mate. With the Sable Company flapping around in
the clouds, Hellknights stomping around on the streets, and the Korvosan Guard caught
between them, no one knows who’s got jurisdiction over what. You just gotta know when
to hide and know when to bribe. Now, you wanna buy this magic dagger or not?”
—Corb “Birdtongue” Meever, Cerulean Society Fence

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 Korvosa

L
ike the people of any other city, Korvosans concern Those who live in Korvosa respect and admire
themselves more with the day-to-day particulars of ostentatious displays of wealth, power, or knowledge. They
living than with politics, history, or macroeconomics. consider conf idence and competence the greatest of assets,
Still, Korvosa has a few particular nuances that make it and and they deride or heckle those who display weakness,
its citizens unique. The following overview only begins to indecisiveness, or inability. Korvosans are quick to judge
touch on what it means to be a Korvosan. and slow to forgive.
At its height, just before the death of Aroden and the In addition to power, Korvosans love predictability.
departure of the separatists who founded Magnimar, Korvosans like to regulate their lives, creating strict
Korvosa just topped 23,000 inhabitants. It lost nearly 10,000 regimens for themselves that they slavishly follow.
to the resulting chaos of the time, but in the last century it Upsetting a Korvosan’s routine can ruin his entire day
regained half that many. As a result of its rapid contraction and likely makes him angry. To this end, Korvosa strictly
and slow re-expansion, many of the aff luent sections of enforces its laws (which often have harsh punishments far
Korvosa remain underpopulated. With the buildings it has in excess of the law codes of other non-evil governments)
and the area it covers, Korvosa could comfortably f ill out to and rewards those who play by the rules. That said, Korvosa
a true metropolis. also recognizes that not everyone plays by the same rules,
The dichotomy of Korvosa’s underpopulated aff luent so it compensates by applying regulations to nonviolent
wards with overcrowded Old Korvosa highlights the city’s criminals in the form of vice taxes and off icial recognition
greatest failing: the vast gulf of separation between its of the city’s single thieves’ guild.
wealthy, powerful elite and its dreadfully impoverished By charter amendment, Korvosa does not allow
poor. This gulf between social classes colors the merchants, laborers, or tradesmen to form guilds. Most
development of the city and led to the creation of some of workers within the city are self-employed or work for a
the features unique to Korvosa. master to whom they were apprenticed in their youths.

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 The city relies on these cottage industries and the skilled guild does a brisk trade in the district thanks to the
workers who make them prof itable, so naturally it has disproportionately high number of merchants, shops,
one entire volume of laws and regulations devoted to and other commercial and f inancial concerns.
the protection and rights of workers. And thanks to the North Point: The f irst section of the mainland settled
Korvosan drive to succeed, the city’s merchants do well by the descendants of the city’s Chelish founders was
for themselves. Mainshore, at the northwestern tip of mainland Korvosa.
That ward houses many of the city’s oldest non-noble
City Districts families. The greater district of North Point covers
The city of Korvosa wears its Chelaxian heritage the entire northern end of the city and holds Korvosa’s
proudly on every building, tower, seat of municipal power (City Hall), the
and rooftop. As the oldest human city’s courthouse (Longacre Building),
settlement in Varisia (a claim and the Bank of Abadar.
frequently challenged by Kaer Old Korvosa: As its name implies,
Maga), Korvosa considers itself the Old Korvosa is old. It covers all of
founding seat of civilization in an Endrin Isle, most of which is covered
otherwise lawless region. Thanks by Garrison Hill. Atop Garrison
to it and the spread of its people, Hill stands the stone wall of Fort
Varisia has become a relatively safe Korvosa, while the imposing black-
place to live. marble Palace Arkona dominates the
Korvosa sits at the end of Conqueror’s northwest corner of the island.
Bay, where the Jeggare River meets the sea. South Shore: The newest district,
The city fills the spit of land formed by South Shore became a part of
two sharp turns in the river, covers Korvosa only a quarter-century ago.
Endrin Isle (which splits the river at its It contains the Pantheon of Many, a
mouth), and spreads to a few outlying massive temple dedicated to most of
areas on the far shore of the Avistan’s most popular deities.
Jeggare. It stands on two hills: South Shore’s population
Garrison Hill on Endrin Isle consists mainly of the
and Citadel Hill on the city’s nouveau riche hoping
mainland. The Narrows to escape the cramped
of Saint Alika separates King conditions found elsewhere in
Endrin Isle from the shore. Eodred Arabasti II the city.
The city is divided into seven dis-
tricts, many of which are further subdivided Important
into wards. Locations
East Shore: The only district beyond the channel of Five major landmarks give Korvosa a distinctive
the Jeggare River, East Shore is home to a handful of noble skyline: the ancient and massive structures of Castle
houses closely tied to the military of the city, as well as the Korvosa, Pillar Wall, and Gatefoot, as well as the more prac-
struggling Theumanexus College. tically sized Great Tower and Hall of Summoning, which
Gray: Unlike all other districts in Korvosa, Gray’s have stood for less than 50 years. In addition to these land-
residents generally keep to themselves and are well marks, several locations unique to the city bear mention.
behaved. Of course, most of Gray’s residents are dead. The Acadamae: Shrouded in secrecy, the campus’s
The only living creatures who reside in Gray belong to the 30-foot-high walls only barely conceal the grand Hall
church of Pharasma and live within the temple. of Summoning. Visitors and residents cannot hope to
Heights: Standing atop Citadel Hill, the Heights District ignore the presence of the Acadamae, and since very few
has a commanding view of the rest of the city, which its people unconnected with the college know what happens
residents look down on—both f iguratively and literally. within it, the place births abundant (and sometimes
Nearly all of Korvosa’s power players reside in the Heights, ludicrous) rumors.
including the monarchy. Castle Korvosa: The centerpiece of the city, Castle
Midland: When most people think of Korvosa, they Korvosa towers over the Heights. Multiple lord magistrates,
think of the cosmopolitan and friendly district of seneschals, and monarchs have added to the castle over the
Midland. As the home district of both the Korvosan Guard past three centuries. As such, despite a relatively consistent
and Sable Company, Midland has the smallest number of neo-Chelaxian styling, the castle’s main towers and interior
gangs and gang battles in the city—although the thieves’ buildings are crammed together haphazardly.

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 The Shingles: Permanent and semi-permanent homes, Korvosa’s History
roads, and safehouses appear on roofs throughout the most Conf lict, misery, and division def ine the history of Korvosa.
crowded parts of the city. These rooftop communities and Founded as an island fortress at the edge of a hostile and
the pathways that connect them are collectively known as untamed land, Korvosa evolved over time into a bustling
the Shingles. and energetic trade center. Several distinct periods def ine
The Vaults: Most cities have sewers. Some can even the history of Korvosa from its blood-splattered founding
claim dungeons beneath them. Yet few have as complex to its current turmoil.
a system of subterranean tunnels quite like the Vaults of Before the city’s founding, the site on which Korvosa
Korvosa. Modern Korvosa stands atop the remains of at stands was sacred to the Shoanti, although most have
least two other civilizations and integrates both of them forgotten why. They knew only that the large pyramid atop
in its design. the hill at the mouth of the river was to be guarded at all
costs and that no one was ever to enter it. For
Military hundreds of years, they kept this promise.
Three military groups police and protect Korvosa: In 4407 ar, Field Marshal Jakthion
the Korvosan Guard, the Order of the Nail Korvosa rescued an abandoned group of
Hellknights, and the Sable Company. Each Chelish marines trapped on a hostile
one focuses its efforts in different areas island and founded Fort Korvosa. The
and interacts with the monarchy in its settlement acted as a strong defensive
own unique way. position and trading post for settlers,
The Korvosan Guard serves the city pioneers, trappers, and explorers
of Korvosa f irst, the government second, in the area. After much of the
and the church of Abadar third. It works settlement burned during a Shoanti
closely with the city leaders and the raid (an event known as the Great
high priest of Abadar to maintain order Fire), an inf lux of Chelish gold and
in the city, acting most often like a police tradesmen strengthened the
force but turning into a military settlement’s defenses and
organization whenever allowed its residents to
the city is threatened by move onto the mainland.
external forces. An ill-fated insult
The Sable Company against a very prominent
does not answer to the Korvosan noble family
king of Korvosa, but Field Marshall sparked the Cousins’ War,
rather to the seneschal Cressida Kroft in 4502 ar. The war ended
of Castle Korvosa. These Korvosa’s role as a military outpost
hippogriff-riding marines and—with a further inf lux of Chelish
defend the skies and waters nobility—made the settlement into a true colony.
of Korvosa and provide aerial and amphibious support to A period of great wealth followed, leading to a steady
Korvosan Guard operations. increase in size.
Hellknights are fanatics of law, adhering only to Korvosa’s prosperity came crashing down in 4606 ar,
their harsh, Cheliax-born vision of order and their own when the unexpected death of Aroden kicked off a civil war
unyielding sense of honor. Like most Hellknights, those in Imperial Cheliax. Cut off from its homeland without a
of the Order of the Nail believe themselves to be above word, Korvosa survived these dark times. Today, the city
morality, caring only for the establishment of righteous prospers again, thanks to (or in some cases, despite) its self-
order at all costs. appointed royalty.

The Underground The People of Korvosa

The Cerulean Society is Korvosa’s thieves’ guild, and it Buildings, infrastructure, and politics make a city livable
monitors, controls, or inf luences almost all illegal activities (or intolerable, in some cases), but the people who live in a
of any noticeable size in the city. More than a dozen gangs place truly make it a city.
work the streets, Vaults, and Shingles of Korvosa, but most Barely more powerful than the lord magistrates who pre-
of them answer in some way to the Cerulean Society (or ceded them, the monarchs of Korvosa must share power with
else do not survive long). Hastily hushed rumors put one the strict governmental entities existant at the founding of
of the noble houses as the de facto leadership behind the the monarchy. The command King Erodred II exerts over the
thieves’ guild. city is constantly checked by the arbiters, magistrates, and

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 New Feat: SABLE COMPANY MARINE New Feat: SHINGLE RUNNER
You graduated from the elite hippogriff-riding school of the As a child, you spent a lot of time in the Shingles, the
Endrin Military Academy. Not only can you ride a hippogriff interconnected rooftops that span much of Korvosa. You are
with great skill, but you may also bond with one. particularly adept at climbing, jumping, and avoiding falls.
Prerequisite: Ranger level 4th. Prerequisites: Dex 13, Acrobatic
Benefit: You gain a hippogriff as your animal companion. Benefit: You gain a +2 bonus on Climb and Jump checks, and
You gain a +2 bonus on Ride checks made while riding your may take 10 on Climb checks even when distracted. If you fall, you
hippogriff animal companion. Whenever you are within 20 automatically reduce the damage taken by the fall by one die, as if
feet of your hippogriff, it gains a +2 bonus on saving throws you had fallen 10 less feet. This reduction in damage stacks with
made against fear effects. the Jump and Tumble checks to further reduce falling damage.

nobles, the city’s most politically powerful groups. More than Korvosa in contempt, and that she seduced the king into
judges, the arbiters not only determine the guilt or innocence marrying her simply to advance her own wealth and riches.
of defendants in a court of law, but also have legislative over- Garrick Tann: Often called “the most hated man in
sight. No one exactly knows what the 23 magistrates or their Korvosa,” Garrick Tann is the Magistrate of Commerce,
staffs do, but most Korvosans suspect the entire purpose of the man who oversees the collection of taxes in the city.
city hall is to waste the time and money of the city’s people. Lolia Perenne: Once a priest of Abadar, the current
Finally, two overlapping divisions define Korvosa’s aristoc- Magistrate of Regulation is tasked with the maintenance
racy: the five most powerful families bear the coveted title of of weights and measurements—much of her office’s time
Great Houses, giving their members special privileges within is spent seeking out faulty scales, shaved coins, and other
the city, and 21 noble houses make up the Dock Families, al- attempts by merchants and customers to cheat one another.
lowing them to charge berthing fees on one or more docks Marcus Thalassinus Endrin: Commandant Endrin is the
in the city. current leader of the Sable Company, a man whose dedication
to tradition and honor sometimes blinds him to what might
Notable Korvosans be best for his own career.
Listed here are many of Korvosa’s most well-known names, Neolandus Kalepopolis: The seneschal of Castle Korvosa,
be they famous or infamous. Neolandus Kalepopolis commands the defenses of the
castle itself, and is regarded as the second most powerful
The Government individual in the city, behind only King Eodred II.
Korvosa’s government is split into three Severs “Boneclaw” DiVri: The intimidating
groups. The arbiters serve and mysterious commander of the Order
as judges, trying crimi- of the Nail, Lictor DiVri is a towering
nal cases and settling civil man who rarely leaves his post
disputes. The magistrates at Citadel Vraid.
handle the day-to-day bureau- Syl Gar: If Garrick
cracy of city management. And the Tann is one of Korvosa’s
monarchy serves as Korvosa’s diplo- most hated off icials, Magistrate
mats and defenders. of Expenditures Syl Gar is one of the
Cressida Kroft: The current leader most loved—his responsibility is to see
of the Korvosan Guard, Field Marshal to it that city taxes are spent properly and
Cressida Kroft is an even-tempered woman eff iciently on public works.
whose practice of openly encouraging Zenobia Zenderholm: Known as the
adventurers and mercenaries to aid the Hanging Judge, Zenobia is Korvosa’s
Guard in the city’s defense has earned her senior arbiter. Her reputation is justi-
some unfair criticism by the city’s elite. f iably fearsome among Korvosa’s
Eodred Arabasti II: The King criminals.
of Korvosa is a man whose
spendthrift ways are moderated Citizens of Note
somewhat by the numerous good From the lofty perches of
works he has spearheaded.
Magistrate Garrick Tann the city’s aristocracy down
Ileosa Arabasti: Queen of Korvosa, to the market’s entertainers, mer-
Ileosa is barely a third the age of her chants, and criminals, many of Korvosa’s
husband. Rumors say that she holds much of citizens are well-known f igures.

PZO9000-2 Guts.indd 6 2/12/08 4:22:01 PM

 GOLARION’S CALENDAR
Time travels on Golarion much as it does here on our
Archbanker
own Earth. Sixty seconds form a minute, sixty minutes
Darb Tuttle create an hour, and twenty-four hours make a day. The
people of Golarion measure time much like we do as well,
with seven days to a week and twelve 30-day months to a
year. Years are marked since the founding of the last great
Blackjack: One of the city’s most beloved and reviled he-
empire by Aroden, the Last Man. Although the empire has
roes, Blackjack is more of a symbol than anything else—a
collapsed, its calendar remains in use to this day. At the
legendary masked hero who has fought for Korvosa’s down-
start of Curse of the Crimson Throne, the date is 4708 ar
trodden for hundreds of years.
(Absalom Reckoning).
Boule: The guildmaster of the Cerulean Society, Korvosa’s
thieves’ guild, Boule is feared by many and respected by few.
Darb Tuttle: The Archbanker of the Church of Abadar,
Days of the Week
The days of the week are as follows. Each day has a general
Darb Tuttle is one of Korvosa’s most powerful clerics.
purpose that most people in the Inner Sea region follow.
Devargo Barvassi: Known to some as the “King of
Moonday Work, religion [night]
Spiders,” Devargo runs Eel’s End, a collection of ships that
Toilday Work
double as a brothel, drug den, and gambling hall.
Wealday Work
Glorio Arkona: The patriarch of one of Korvosa’s most
Oathday Work, pacts signed, oaths sworn
powerful noble families, it is rumored Glorio has ties to
Fireday Work
most, if not all, of Korvosa’s criminal underworld.
Starday Work
Keppira d’Bear: The Bishop of the cathedral of Pharasma,
Sunday Rest, religion
Keppira’s stewardship over the city’s Gray District has kept
the presence of undead at an all-time low.
Pilts Swastel: Pilts owns and runs Old Korvosa’s
Months
The months in Golarion correspond to our own, with each
Exemplary Execrables, a playhouse that caters to those seek-
new year starting shortly after the solstice. Each month
ing perverse and morally-questionable entertainment.
is etymologically tied to a specific god—residents of
Sabina Merrin: Many rumors surround Queen Ileosa’s
Golarion see the gods reflected in the changing of the
bodyguard, not the least of which is that she and the queen
seasons, and their names for the months reflect this.
are secretly lovers, yet none can deny this imposing wom-
Abadius (January) Erastus (July)
an’s loyalty to the crown.
Calistril (February) Arodus (August)
Toff Ornelos: The Acadamae is the most prestigious
Pharast (March) Rova (September)
school of magic in Varisia, and as its headmaster, Toff is
Gozran (April) Lamashan (October)
one of the region’s most respected and powerful wizards.
Desnus (May) Neth (November)
Vencarlo Orisini: Owner of the renowned Orisini Academy
Sarenith (June) Kuthona (December)
fighting school, Vencarlo’s outspoken disdain for Korvosa’s
government has earned him trouble on several occasions.

PZO9000-2 Guts.indd 7 2/12/08 4:23:02 PM

 Adventurers
Korvosan Adventurers the group sometimes f lairs into ugly lynchings or quasi-
Korvosa is a cosmopolitan place. Wizards brush shoulders legal evictions from homes.
with barbarians in the city markets, f ighters and monks Despite their proximity to Korvosa and the area’s
work as guards and mercenaries, rogues and paladins vie importance to their folklore, a surprisingly small number
for time among the city’s elite, and it’s even said that a sect of Shoanti live in the city. Part of this owes to the constant
of renegade druids operates in some of the waterfront dis- wars between the Shoanti and the ethnic Chelaxians that
tricts. Yet with this diversity comes conf lict—not every continue even to this day and that color the perceptions
person in Korvosa is as welcoming as the next. and prejudices of both peoples. Another reason comes from
For additional information about the races and classes Shoanti cultural tradition: as a semi-nomadic people, they
as they function in Varisia, consult the Rise of the Runelords have little interest in permanent settlements.
Player’s Guide. The following information supplements
that, and gives particular details about how these sta- Dwarves
ples of the game function in the city that serves as Because of their contracts with the city and
Curse of the Crimson Throne’s foundation. the noble houses, dwarven merchants from
Janderhoff always have buyers lined up for their
Races wares. Once their contracted buyers choose the
Look at any cross-section of the city’s population wares they want, the dwarves sell the rest in Gold
and you will f ind that for every 10 inhabitants Market (in Midland). The remainder of their
you see, 9 are human. Humans dominate the goods, particularly magical weapons and
city in every way, and comprise an overwhelming armor, they sell in the Dock Trade (in
majority of the population. Yet humans are not the North Point). Dwarven brokers exist
only denizens of Korvosa, as any visitor soon comes in all of the city’s major markets,
to learn. and dwarves in general are often
held to be the most reputable
Humans and honorable of the city’s
Most of Korvosa’s citizens are the merchants and tradesmen.
descendants of the original settlers
from Cheliax, although today, only Elves
a very small number are Chelish na- Almost as rare as druids in Korvosa, most of the
tives. Most of Korvosa’s humans are elven citizens of the city originally hail from the
native-born, and while they don’t Mierani Forest. The leader among these elves,
share the indigenous Varisian’s Perishial Kalissreavil, serves as the Mierani
swarthy complexion or traditions, they ambassador. He and a handful of his aides
are just as much of Varisia. A vocal subset of and family members have lived peacefully
traditionalists preach for a return to Chelish within the city for as long as the city has
values, yet the standard citizen of Korvosa is existed. A small enclave specifically built
more concerned with practical matters like for the elves exists in South Shore, where
family and wealth than politics. they often serve as scholars, sages, and advisors for those who
The largest ethnic minority in the city, would seek magical or natural advice.
pure-blooded Varisians, barely represent one
human in 10, although more than half of the Gnomes
city’s population possesses some Varisian These small descendants of the fey possess magic abilities
blood. Many of Korvosa’s traditionalists far exceeding their size. This natural inclination toward
consider pureblood Varisians little more magic attracts the attention of the power-hungry and
than brightly dressed thieves and reputation-minded Acadamae. As such, most of the gnomes
murderers, and prejudice against in Korvosa have plans to attend this magical school, or are

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 Deities of Golarion
Deity AL Portfolios Domains Favored Weapon
Erastil LG God of farming, hunting, trade, family Animal, Community, Good, Law, Plant longbow
Iomedae LG Goddess of valor, rulership, justice, honor Glory, Good, Law, Sun, War longsword
Torag LG God of the forge, protection, strategy Artifice, Earth, Good, Law, Protection warhammer
Sarenrae NG Goddess of the sun, redemption, Fire, Glory, Good, Healing, Sun scimitar
honesty, healing
Shelyn NG Goddess of beauty, art, love, music Air, Charm, Good, Luck, Protection glaive
Desna CG Goddess of dreams, stars, travelers, luck Chaos, Good, Liberation, Luck, Travel starknife
Cayden Cailean CG God of freedom, wine, bravery Chaos, Charm, Good, Strength, Travel rapier
Abadar LN God of cities, wealth, merchants, law Earth, Law, Nobility, Protection, Travel crossbow
Irori LN God of history, knowledge, self-perfection Healing, Knowledge, Law, Rune, Strength unarmed strike
Gozreh N God of nature, weather, the sea Air, Animal, Plant, Water, Weather trident
Pharasma N Goddess of fate, death, prophecy, birth Death, Healing, Knowledge, Repose, Water dagger
Nethys N God of magic Destruction, Knowledge, Magic, quarterstaff
Protection, Rune
Gorum CN God of strength, battle, weapons Chaos, Destruction, Glory, Strength, War greatsword
Calistria CN Goddess of trickery, lust, revenge Chaos, Charm, Knowledge, Luck, Trickery whip
Asmodeus LE God of tyranny, slavery, pride, contracts Evil, Fire, Law, Magic, Trickery mace
Zon-Kuthon LE God of envy, pain, darkness, loss Darkness, Death, Destruction, Evil, Law spiked chain
Urgathoa NE Goddess of gluttony, disease, undeath Death, Evil, Magic, Strength, War scythe
Norgorber NE God of greed, secrets, poison, murder Charm, Death, Evil, Knowledge, Trickery short sword
Lamashtu CE Goddess of madness, monsters, Chaos, Evil, Madness, Strength, Trickery falchion
nightmares
Rovagug CE God of wrath, disaster, destruction Chaos, Destruction, Evil, War, Weather greataxe

dropouts who found the methods taught there distasteful. entourage have collectively contributed to dozens more.
Outside of the Acadamae, gnomes live as gnomes do, Half-elves in Korvosa are thus generally looked upon as
clumsily attempting to emulate the larger races and acting unfortunates at best, or untrustworthy bastards at worst.
as menaces not to be ignored.
Half-Orcs
Halflings Many Shoanti live in close proximity to the orcs of Belkzen,
In order to maximize its prof its gained from ship-borne resulting in an almost constant state of battle between the
cargo, House Leroung began the practice of hiring two groups. These battles sometimes grow exceedingly
half ling sailors (the house also experimented with gnome personal, resulting in the occasional half-orc. Few of these
sailors, but that ended poorly). Half lings require less than half-orcs survive to adulthood, and fewer still live among
half as much space and food, so House Leroung reasoned their human cousins, but despite that, a handful of half-
it could use that extra space for additional cargo. The oth- orcs make their homes in Korvosa. Except for a bouncer at
er houses (with the pointed exception of House Arkona) the Posh and Turtle, a bodyguard for Eliasia Leroung, and a
bought these half ling-sized ships from Leroung and f illed few other notables, most half-orcs live in Old Korvosa.
their crews with half ling sailors. Today, nearly half the
ships that belong to the city’s elite are sized for and crewed Classes
by half lings. As the largest city in Varisia, Korvosa has a little something
for everyone. Further, there seems to come a point in ev-
Half-Elves ery Varisian’s life where something that can only be had in
Bored young women of the human noble families occa- Korvosa demands a trip. As a result, all 11 standard adven-
sionally approach the Mierani enclave looking for an ad- turing classes have a certain level of representation in the
venturous rendezvous with someone exotic and beautiful. city—some moreso than others.
Rather lustful himself, Perishial welcomes these trysts
with bemused pleasure and claims each one strengthens Barbarians
the bonds between Korvosa and the Mierani elves. In his Most of Korvosa’s barbarians are visitors from Shoanti
years as diplomat, Perishial has fathered countless half- lands—those few who choose to stay in the city do so usually
elf offspring in this way, while the male members of his because they have little other choice, having been exiled or

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 forced to f lee the Cinderlands for various reasons. Barbarians
New Feat: CROSSBOW MASTERY
tend to find jobs as bouncers, dockworkers, thugs, or merce-
You can load crossbows with blinding speed and even fire
naries for Korvosa’s shadier operations, and are generally not
them in melee with little fear of reprisal.
welcome in the more aff luent sections of the city.
Prerequisites: Dex 15, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Reload,
Rapid Shot
Bards Benefit: The time required for you to reload any type
Bards are well-loved or well-hated in Korvosa—it’s tough
of crossbow is reduced to a free action, regardless of the
to maintain a low-profile as a bard here, as the locals enjoy
type of crossbow used. You can fire a crossbow as many
their entertainment almost as much as they enjoy their gos-
times in a full attack action as you could attack if you were
sip about entertainers. Several taverns, inns, playhouses, and
using a bow. Reloading a crossbow for the type of crossbow
other establishments provide stable venues for bards. The
you chose when you took Rapid Reload no longer provokes
Marbledome is home to Korvosa’s opera (although managed
attacks of opportunity.
by a tyrant named Valon Palastus), while Korvosa’s largest
Special: A fighter may select Crossbow Mastery as one
inn, Bard’s End, always welcomes traveling entertainers.
of his fighter bonus feats. A ranger may select Crossbow
Mastery in place of Manyshot for his improved combat style
Clerics at 6th level.
Although the number of deities worshiped on Golarion
is vast, the faiths of twenty deities stand head and shoul-
ders above the others. It’s generally possible to find clerics of Many doesn’t off icially recognize the druidic faith, it is
of any of these twenty faiths inside of Korvosa’s walls, al- always open to visiting druids who seek a quiet, friendly
though in some cases (particularly those of the evil faiths), place to meditate.
one might have to look long and hard. Certainly, the
church of Abadar has the most strength in Korvosa, Fighters
for he is not only the god of cities and merchants, but There are ample opportunities for f ighters in Korvosa,
also the patron of the city’s guards and protectors. The although none more honorable and prestigious than
church of Pharasma tends to Korvosa’s dead and induction into the city’s protectors, the Korvosan
maintains an imposing cathedral in the city Guard. Active members of the Guard barrack at
necropolis. Many of the city’s commoners the Endrin Military Academy, but the Guard also
prefer Sarenrae as a patron, and Shelyn maintains a militia of inactive members who are
has a strong following among the city’s expected to rally in times of need. Fighters can
artists. A church of Asmodeus brings a also f ind employment in countless other areas
bit of uncertainty and fear to religion, in Korvosa as private bodyguards, bouncers, or
although this church’s faithful are al- students and teachers in one of the city’s many
ways careful to operate just on the legal f ighting schools.
side of the law, with sacrifices provided
only on a volunteer basis. Beyond these faiths, Monks
the Pantheon of Many represents the major- Few monks dwell in Korvosa, although many
ity of the 20 major deities of Golarion—only have heard tales of Vudran mystics
Gorum, Lamashtu, and Rovagug are not rep- or martial artists from distant Tian
resented here, and even they have their adher- Xia, and of the incredible feats they
ents in certain parts of the city. can accomplish with their bare
hands. Although no monastic or-
Druids der is based in Korvosa, there is
Druids are not generally trusted or thought much to attract a monk’s interest in
of well by Korvosa’s citizens, primarily her libraries and churches.
due to the actions of a cabal of bitter and
almost feral druids who frequent the Paladins
waterfront of West Dock, where they Korvosa is an extremely lawful city, but
act as nuisances and scoundrels. Even one that isn’t as interested, as a general
other druids tend to think of this rule, in the purpose of the law as much
group as troublemakers, and on as its application. If anything, the city
the few instances where druids do government’s often impartial stance
need to visit the city, they keep low on matters regarding the law
prof iles. Although the Pantheon skew the general feel toward

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 New Feat: ACADAMAE GRADUATE Wizards
Wizards are well respected in Korvosa, particularly if
You have passed the grueling Test of Summoning and
they can point to proof of training at the Acadamae, one
graduated from the Acadamae.
of Korvosa’s greatest prides. Certainly the largest and
Prerequisites: Specialist wizard level 1st; cannot have
best-staffed wizardly school in Varisia, the prestige and
conjuration as a forbidden school.
honor of attending the Acadamae has recently begun to
Benefit: Whenever you cast a prepared arcane spell
equal that of the venerable universities of Cheliax herself.
from the conjuration (summoning) school that takes
Entrance into the Acadamae is diff icult, and the courses
longer than a standard action to cast, reduce the casting
taught there are often dangerous, but a wizard who
time by one round (to a minimum casting time of one
graduates from the Acadamae gains more than a plaque
standard action). Casting a spell in this way is taxing and
he can hang on his wall. Other wizardly schools exist in
requires a Fortitude save (DC 15 + spell level) to resist
Korvosa (notably the Anomanexus College, which unlike
becoming fatigued.
the Acadamae teaches non-specialized wizards), but they
do so in the Acadame’s shadow.
evil. As a result, most paladins find Korvosa too stif ling
a place for them, and they often grow frustrated with the
city’s overwhelming bureaucracy and willingness to accept
things like the Hellknight Order of the Nail or the church of
Asmodeus in the city. Most of Korvosa’s paladins ally with the
church of Abadar and the Korvosan Guard, figuring that to be
where they can do the most good.

Rangers
The most prestigious place for rangers in Korvosa is without
a doubt the Sable Company. Members of this elite group of
hippogriff-riding rangers can often be seen patrolling the
skies above Korvosa, and entry into their ranks is difficult. Yet
still, many who have grown up in Korvosa carry in their hearts
a profound appreciation and awe for these f lying guardians,
to the extent that even rangers who aren’t part of the Sable
Company can generally command respect from the citizenry.

Rogues
Despite its fondness for law, Korvosa has a thriving
underworld both above and below its streets. Countless
gangs of thieves, thugs, and troublemakers rise and fall
like the tides in the city’s low-rent districts. The Sczarni, a
loosely-aff iliated extended family of Varisian crimelords,
hold sway over many of these gangs and play a large role in
the average citizen’s poor opinion of the Varisian people.
Korvosa’s actual thieves’ guild is known as the Cerulean
Society, although the members of this group are focused
primarily on protection rackets and smuggling.

Sorcerers
Most of Korvosa’s sorcerers are Varisian, folk who have
manifested the spontaneous gift of magic through some
quirk of the bloodline. As a general rule, most folk blur
the line between sorcerers and Varisians, and as a result
sorcerers are often thought of as troublemakers. Certainly,
the overwhelming efforts of the Acadamae, which maintains
that the use of arcane magic without study and discipline
can only lead to disaster, does not help the public opinion on
these poorly-understood arcanists.

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 Equipment
Starknife

Harrow Deck

Hide Shirt

Earthbreaker
Shoanti Bola Klar

Scarf
Perfume/Cologne

Sawtooth Sabre

Barbarian Chew Varisian Idol Doctor’s Mask

KORVOSAN EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT OF KORVOSA

Adventurers in Korvosa employ a wide variety of weapons, Item Cost Weight
armor, and gear. Barbarian chew 15 gp 1 lb.
Barbarian Chew: The Shoanti make this bitter red chew Doctor’s mask 50 gp 2 lb.
by drying the leaves of the galtroot, a stunted bush found Harrow deck 100 gp —
across the Cinderlands. It increases the duration of barbar- Perfume, common 1 gp/dose —
ian rage by +1 round as the stimulant increases aggressive- Perfume, exotic 10 gp/dose —
ness. These effects last for 1 hour. Scarf, pocketed 8 gp 1/2 lb.
Doctor’s Mask: Often stylized to look like bird masks, Scarf, reinforced 10 gp 1 lb.
a doctor’s mask consists of a pair of goggles attached to a Varisian idol 50 gp —
wooden or ceramic “beak” that covers the wearer’s nose and
mouth. This beak can be filled with herbs, perfumes, and
spices to aid in preventing the contraction of infectious dis- decks are elaborately illustrated, but most are parchment or
eases. While worn, the mask grants a +1 circumstance bonus paper cards with hand-painted images. Harrow decks are of-
on Fortitude saves made against airborne toxins and scent- ten handed down through generations and treated with ut-
based effects. In Korvosa, it is a minor crime to wear a doc- most care by their users as a result.
tor’s mask in public if you are not a healer or physician. Hide Shirt: This light armor is typically made from the
Earth Breaker: These massive hammers, used by Varisia’s hide, bones, and thick scales of giant lizards.
Shoanti tribes, are common barbarian weapons. Klar: You can attack an opponent with a klar, using it as an
Harrow Deck: This is a traditional fortune-telling deck of off-hand, martial slashing weapon. For the purpose of attack
cards used by Varisian soothsayers and seers. Some Harrow roll penalties, treat a klar as a light weapon. If you use a klar

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 WEAPONS OF KORVOSA
Weapon Cost Dmg (S) Dmg (M) Critical Range Increment Weight Type
Martial Weapons
Light Melee Weapon
Starknife 24 gp 1d3 1d4 ×3 20 ft. 3 lb. Piercing
One-Handed Melee Weapon
Klar 12 gp 1d4 1d6 ×2 — 6 lb. Slashing
Two-Handed Melee Weapon
Earth breaker 40 gp 1d10 2d6 ×3 — 14 lb. Bludgeoning

Exotic Weapons
Light Melee Weapon
Sawtooth sabre 35 gp 1d6 1d8 19–20/×2 — 2 lb. Slashing
Two-Handed Melee Weapon
Scarf, bladed* 12 gp 1d3 1d6 19–20/×2 — 2 lb. Slashing
Ranged Weapons
Shoanti bola 15 gp 1d3 1d4 ×2 10 ft. 2 lb. Bludgeoning and piercing
*Reach Weapon

ARMOR OF KORVOSA
Armor/Shield Maximum Armor Arcane Spell —Speed—
Armor Cost Bonus Dex Bonus Check Penalty Failure Chance (30 ft.) (20 ft.) Weight
Light Armor
Hide shirt 90 gp +4 +4 –3 20% 30 ft. 20 ft. 25 lb.
Shield
Klar 12 gp +1 — –1 5% — — 6 lb.
* Reach weapon.

to make an attack, you lose its AC bonus until your next ac- you. You can use the Weapon Finesse feat to apply your
tion (usually until the next round). Both segments of a klar can Dexterity modif ier instead of your Strength modif ier on
be enhanced separately. An enhancement bonus on the shield attack rolls with a bladed scarf sized for you, even though
does not improve the effectiveness of the blade and vice versa. it isn’t a light weapon for you.
Perfume/Cologne: Perfume and cologne are common Pocketed Scarf: This scarf grants you a +4 bonus on
accessories for those who hope to avoid offending through Sleight of Hand checks made to hide objects on your body.
scent. More expensive, exotic scents are available for sale Reinforced Scarf: Useful as a length of chain or manacles,
in f iner quarters of the city. Exotic perfumes and colognes this 8-foot-long scarf is reinforced with fine chain links and
are typically sold in vials containing 10 applications, with metal plates. A reinforced scarf has hardness 10 and 4 hit
a single dose lasting for 24 hours during, which its wearer points. It can be burst with a DC 24 Strength check.
gains a +2 circumstance bonus on Diplomacy checks. Shoanti Bola: The Shoanti often use special bolas carved
Sawtooth Sabre: The signature weapons of the notori- from bones and weighted with stones. These bolas func-
ous assassins’ guild known as the Red Mantis, sawtooth tion as standard bolas but deal lethal damage rather than
sabres are cruel but eff icient weapons. Their curved, ser- nonlethal damage. Most Shoanti bolas can also function as
rated blades are capable of making deep wounds and in the bullroarers—tiny holes carved in the weights cause them
hands of a skilled user are treated as light weapons. A char- to emit a mournful keening sound when spun.
acter without Exotic Weapon Prof iciency (sawtooth sabre) Starknife: This weapon has long served the church
can wield one of these weapons as a longsword. of Desna as a holy weapon. A wielder can stab with the
Bladed Scarf: A bladed scarf is a reach weapon, so you starknife or throw it like a chakram.
can strike opponents 10 feet away with it. It can also be Varisian Idol: These depictions of forgotten spirits can
used against an adjacent foe. You can make trip attacks be used to augment summoning magic. If used as an ad-
with a bladed scarf. If you are prof icient with a bladed ditional material component for any summon monster or
scarf, you deal 1d4 points of slashing damage to any summon nature’s ally spell, the summoned creature has an
creature who makes a successful grapple check against additional +2 hit points per Hit Die.

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 Traits
THE TIE THAT BINDS New Feat: HARROWED
Korvosa, like any city, has its share of undesirables. Numerous Harrow readings early in your life seem to have
Cutpurses, thugs, thieves, burglars, assassins, and lowlifes hit the mark precisely, increasing your belief that you are
of every sort can be found in waterfront slums, creeping destined for a specific purpose in life; the Harrow deck and
in the sewers, or hiding in the tangled Shingles above. your destiny seem intertwined.
The Korvosan Guard does what it can to keep the city’s Prerequisites: Cha 13, must be chosen at 1st level
criminals from causing too much harm, but the cold Benefit: You get a +2 bonus on all Will saves made to
reality is that they will always outnumber the law. And that resist charm or compulsion effects.
means some crimes go unpunished and some criminals Once per day, you may draw a card from a Harrow
see great success. deck you own. At any one time for the rest of that day,
Worst of these, perhaps, are the city’s crimelords. you may apply a +2 bonus on any d20 roll modified by the
Dozens of them operate in Korvosa at any one time, from card’s suit. For example, if you drew a card from the suit
the sinister leader of the Red Mantis assassins all the of Wisdom, you may apply a +2 bonus on a Will save or a
way down to the Varisian Sczarni thugs who preside over Wisdom-based skill check. If you drew a card from the suit
a gang of a half-dozen friends and cousins. These minor of Dexterity, you could apply this +2 bonus on an Initiative
crimelords are often, ironically, the ones who do the check, a Reflex save, a Dexterity-based skill check, or a
most damage to Korvosa’s law-abiding citizens, as larger ranged attack roll. You may assign this +2 bonus after you
organizations have little need to bother commoners. One make the roll, but you must do so before you know if the
such undesirable is Gaedren Lamm, a despicable low-life roll was a success or not.
who missed his chance at being somebody big in Korvosa’s If you don’t have an actual Harrow deck handy to
murky underworld. Well past his prime, the decrepit thief draw from to determine your bonus, you can randomly
abducts orphans and forces them to support his despicable determine the ability score by simply rolling 1d6 (1 =
lifestyle with petty crime. Many of Korvosa’s lower class Strength, 2 = Constitution, 3 = Dexterity, 4 = Intelligence,
have had dealings with Lamm, and even a few of the city’s 5 = Wisdom, 6 = Charisma).
middle class and nobility have had their lives complicated
by this foul old man. Yet no matter what he does, he always
seems to slip away from the guards and avoid answering strokes so you can customize it to your needs, that helped
for his crimes. shape your character. Once you’ve selected a trait, pick a
Gaedren Lamm’s luck is about to change, though. For benef it that matches your own concept for your character.
among those his actions have recently touched are several Feel free to adapt and rework the particulars of your chosen
men and women destined to become some of Korvosa’s trait to f it your history. So long as you have a reason to see
greatest heroes. And one of those heroes is you. Gaedren pay for his crimes, you’ll have a built-in reason
to take up a life of adventuring and, more importantly, a
Background Traits reason to bond with your new companions.
Even before Curse of the Crimson Throne begins, you and Obviously, these background traits won’t work well
the other PCs have a shared trait—you’ve all been wronged, for new characters brought into the campaign after
in some manner, by the despicable Gaedren Lamm. The Gaedren’s been taken care of, yet the f lavor text can be
campaign you are about to begin starts as you and several easily changed. Talk with your GM, but it should be a
other promising young heroes are brought together to do simple matter for you to pick one of the following traits,
what the city guards cannot (or will not) do—to see that change a few names, and have it focus on an entirely
Gaedren Lamm answers for his crimes, be that in a court different set of circumstances. It’s up to your GM to
of law or at the edge of a vengeful blade. decide if your new higher-level character has already
Presented here are f ive ties to Gaedren you can choose addressed these issues or if he wants to work them into
for your character, historical snippets that explain how future events in the campaign. The game benef its of the
this detestable crimelord has affected you in the past. selected trait remain unchanged, and persist even after
Each trait presents an unfortunate event, painted in broad Gaedren Lamm is taken care of.

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 Drug Addict and promised yourself you would become better at your
Someone you know has become addicted to shiver, a drug chosen profession despite the spurning of your peers. You
distilled from the venom of dream spiders. The drug gain a +2 bonus on Spellcraft checks.
induces sleep f illed with vivid dreams, during which the
user’s body often shakes and shivers, giving the substance Love Lost
its street name. Shiver is particularly dangerous for the Someone you loved was knifed to death in a dark alley one
desperate, for its promises of dreams and oblivion are night. You were called to the scene by the Korvosan Guard
often viewed as the only alternative apart from suicide to identify the body, and as rough as that was for you, you
for escaping a dreary life. You’ve always thought of also noticed a ring was missing from the body. Whoever
shiver as a problem of the lower class, but then someone murdered your loved one stole that ring—you’re convinced
you know overdosed on the stuff. You’ve done a bit of of it. You’ve done some investigation on your own and
investigating and have learned that the one who got recently found the ring for sale at a local merchant.
your friend addicted in the f irst place was a crimelord Although, to your great frustration, you can’t afford yet
named Gaedren. Unfortunately, the guards seem to be to buy it back, the merchant did tell you from whom he
more focused on the bigger dealers. They don’t have time purchased the ring: a man named Gaedren Lamm. It seems
to devote many resources to what they’ve called, “a bit likely this criminal is the one who killed your loved one,
player in a beggar’s problem.” It would seem that if his or at the very least knows who did. The only problem is
operation is to be stopped, it falls to you. f inding him.
Addicted Friend: The addict is a friend or lover who Orphaned: The murder victim was
might or might not have survived the overdose. Your your only surviving parent. You had to
research into the drug scene and local politics has given you grow up fast to take care of your siblings
a respectable education in street knowledge. You gain a +2 or to handle your family’s matters and were
bonus on Knowledge (local) checks or Gather Information forced from an early age to support yourself.
checks (choose one when selecting this trait). You gain a +2 bonus on one of the following
Personal Addiction: You were the addict. You blame skills: Craft, Perform, or Profession.
Gaedren for your brush with death and hate how his Widowed: The murder victim was a
drugs are causing similar problems among other youths. lover. With your lover’s death, a part of
Fortunately, your body recovers quickly from toxins, and you died as well, leaving you haunted,
you have a +1 bonus on Fortitude saving throws. grim, and prone to dark musings. You
gain a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks.
Framed
Someone you know and love was accused of murder. A Missing Child
supposed eyewitness account from a local f isherman You suspect that a child you know has
seemed to be enough to seal the case, but the accused been abducted by Gaedren. Whatever the
had enough alibis that sentencing wasn’t immediate. relationship, you’ve heard rumors about
Someone confronted the f isherman and discovered he was Gaedren’s “Little Lamms,” and of how
intimidated into providing false witness and forced into the old man uses children as pickpockets
planting the murder weapon by the actual murderer—a
local crimelord named Gaedren Lamm. Lamm’s thugs
killed the f isherman before he could recant his testimony.
Although this removed the key witness and resulted in the Gaedren Lamm
accused being set free, the stigma was enough to badly
damage his reputation. If you can f ind Gaedren, you’re
sure you can f ind evidence that ties him to the murder and
can clear the accused’s name.
Family Honor: The person framed was a family member,
perhaps a father or brother. You managed to trick the
f isherman into revealing the truth with your skilled
tongue, and thus gain a +2 bonus on Bluff checks.
Dropout: You were the one accused. Although you were
eventually freed when a friend confronted the f isherman
and got the truth, the damage had been done. You were
forced to leave your school (perhaps the Acadamae)
or church. As a result, you were forced to self-train

15

PZO9000-2 Guts.indd 15 2/12/08 4:31:09 PM

 and agents for his crimes. You’ve even heard rumors Unhappy Childhood
that the child you’re looking for has been spotted in the You spent a period of time as one of Gaedren’s enslaved
marketplaces in the company of other known orphans. Maybe you were abducted from your
to be cutpurses and pickpockets. parent’s home or during a trip to the
Although the Korvosan Guard has market. Perhaps the irresponsible matron
been understanding of your plight, who ruled your orphanage traded
yet it has its hands full with “more you to him in return for a desperately
important” matters these days, it needed loan of money. Or perhaps
seems, and has not yet been able to you, like most of Gaedren’s slaves, were
learn anything more about Gaedren. No merely a child of the street who succumbed
one else is interested in bringing Gaedren to his promise of regular meals and a roof in
down and rescuing his victims—that return for what he said would be “a little light
task falls to you. Yet where could the old work.” Whatever the case, you spent several
scoundrel be hiding? years of your life as one of his “Little Lamms”
Missing Sibling: The missing child is before escaping. You’ve nursed a grudge for the
a brother or sister. Although everyone else old man ever since.
has given up hope, you believe your sibling Tortured: Gaedren tortured you and left
still lives out there. Your constant search for you for dead on a garbage heap after
the missing sibling has developed into great you made one too many errors.
skill at rumor mongering and f inding Your scars and memories have
information from others. Gather honed your reaction speed and
Information and Sense Motive are make you rather jumpy. You gain
always class skills for you. a +1 bonus on Ref lex saves.
Missing Son or Daughter: The Religious: You found a holy
missing child is your own son symbol of the god you worship today
or daughter, a niece or nephew, or while on a job for Gaedren and, intrigued by
the son or daughter of your superior or it, you snuck off to attend services. When Gaedren found
employer and one you had been charged with protecting. out, he beat you to within an inch of your life and broke
The child was abducted during a trip to the market or your holy symbol. Your faith let you block out the pain,
some other daily event. Long hours spent searching for and you escaped his control and took shelter in the church,
rumors and your stubborn will to continue grant you a +1 where you spent the rest of your youth. You gain a +2 bonus
bonus on Will saves. on Concentration checks.

OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a 5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game
Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.
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applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License. 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
of this License. System Reference Document. Copyright 2000. Wizards of the Coast, Inc; Authors Jonathan Tweet,
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, Rise of the Runelords Player’s Guide. Copyright 2007 Paizo Publishing LLC. Author James Jacobs and
the Open Game Content. Mike McArtor.

16

PZO9000-2 Guts.indd 16 2/12/08 4:31:41 PM

 arf

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1/18/08 4:21:22 PM
Vale
 Welcome to Korvosa!
This invaluable resource for Pathfinder’s™ Curse of the Crimson
Throne Adventure Path reveals how best to customize your
character so he fits into the city of Korvosa with ease. Inside this
guide you’ll find:

► A gazetteer to cosmopolitan Korvosa, the largest city of

Varisia, including details on the government, crime, the
military, and an overview of the city’s seven districts and
most notable citizens.

► Background character traits that instantly tie your new

character to the campaign, and grant additional benefits
to aid you in the adventures to come.

► Details on what roles each character race and class can

expect to fill in Curse of the Crimson Throne.

► Deity domains, calendars, and more for the Pathfinder

Chronicles Campaign Setting™.

► New weapons, armor, and equipment.

► New feats to give your PCs a Korvosan feel.

► Full-color maps of Varisia and Korvosa.

PZO9000-2

paizo.com/pathfinder Printed in China

PZO9000-2 Cover.indd 2 1/18/08 4:17:41 PM