A PATHFINDER SOCIET Y QUEST FOR TIER 15

Pathfinder Society Quest

A mbush in Absalom
By Mark Moreland

Ambush in Absalom
A Pathfinder Society Quest
AuthorMark Moreland
Contributing ArtistsKlaus Sherwinski and Luisa Preissler
CartographerCorey Macourek
Creative DirectorJames Jacobs
Editor-in-ChiefF. Wesley Schneider
Senior Editor James L. Sutter
Development R. Hyrum Savage
EditingJudy Bauer and Christopher Carey
Editorial AssistanceLogan Bonner, Jason Bulmahn,
Adam Daigle, Rob McCreary, Stephen RadneyMacFarland, Patrick Renie, and Sean K Reynolds
Editorial Intern Savannah Broadway
Senior Art DirectorSarah E. Robinson
Graphic Designer Andrew Vallas
Production Specialist Crystal Frasier
Project ManagerJessica Price

PublisherErik Mona
Paizo CEOLisa Stevens
Cheif Operations OfficerJeffrey Alvarez
Director of SalesPierce Watters
Finance ManagerChristopher Self
Staff AccountantKunji Sedo
Chief Technical Officer Vic Wertz
Senior Software Developer Gary Teter
Pathfinder Society Campaign Coordinator Mike Brock
Customer Service Team Cosmo Eisele, Erik Keith, and
Sara Marie Teter
Warehouse Team Will Chase, Michael Kenway, Matt
Renton, Jeff Strand, and Kevin Underwood
Website Team Ross Byers, Liz Courts, Lissa Guillet,
and Chris Lambertz

Pathfinder Society Quest: Ambush in Absalom is a Pathfinder Society Quest designed for 1st- to 5th-level characters (Tier
15; Subtiers 12 and 45). This quest is designed for play in the Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign, but can
easily be adapted for use with any world.

This product makes use of the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook and the Pathfinder RPG Bestiary. These rules can be found
online for free as part of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Reference Document at paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd.
Paizo Publishing, LLC
7120 185th Ave NE, Ste 120
Redmond, WA 98052-0577
paizo.com/pathfinderSociety
This product is compliant with the Open Game License (OGL) and is suitable for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game or the 3.5 edition of the worlds oldest
fantasy roleplaying game.
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, etc.), dialogue, plots, storylines, locations, characters, artwork, and trade dress.
(Elements that have previously been designated as Open Game Content or are in the public domain are not included in this declaration.)
Open Content: Except for material designated as Product Identity (see above), the game mechanics of this Paizo Publishing game product are Open Game Content, as
defined in the Open Gaming License version 1.0a Section 1(d). No portion of this work other than the material designated as Open Game Content may be reproduced
in any form without written permission.
Pathfinder Society Quest: Ambush in Absalom 2012, Paizo Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Paizo Publishing, LLC, the Paizo golem logo, Pathfinder, Pathfinder
Society, and GameMastery are registered trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC; Pathfinder Adventure Path, Pathfinder Campaign Setting, Pathfinder Module,
Pathfinder Player Companion, Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, and Pathfinder Tales are trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC.

Ambush in Absalom

A Pathfinder Society Quest for Tier 15

By Mark Moreland

he Pathfinder Society has a presence in nearly

every city in the Inner Sea region but nowhere as
strongly as the bustling streets of Absalom. Even
when lost among a teeming population of over 300,000
souls, agents working on covert missions or setting up
clandestine meetings sometimes make use of the much
less-traveled passages beneath the city instead of its
crowded thoroughfares and shadowy alleys. Whether
the soggy Siphons below the flooded Puddles district
or the wide catacombs beneath the Ascendant Court,
most Absalom-based Pathfinders have at least a passing
familiarity with the citys sewer systems.
The way is anything but safe, however, as novice
Pathfinder Derris Jerval discovered late last night.
Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin, the Grand Lodges
strict chamberlain, entrusted the nave Andoren recruit
with a time-sensitive message to a Varisian contact
named Guaril Karela. While trying to avoid the citys
many distractions and obstacles and prove himself a
trustworthy agent, Jerval took a shortcut through the
sewers from the Grand Lodge to the Docks district. He
underestimated the difficulty of navigating the tunnels,
however, and quickly became lost amid the meandering
passages. Growing fearful and careless, Jerval didnt hear
the sounds of movement ahead as he charged blindly
around a corner and ran headfirst into a kobold patrol.
In seconds, Jerval lay dead from their jagged spears, and
Valsins urgent message never reached Guaril Karela.
The skittish kobolds misinterpreted Jervals encroachment
as a sign of an imminent attack on their territory and
alerted the rest of their clan, the noble Shockclaw Tribe. The
industrious kobolds spent the entire night fortifying the
borders of their warren tunnels with traps and additional
guards. The next day the mighty Chief Altergrik of the
Blackfang Tribe from beneath Eastgate would be coming this
way to meet with the Shockclaw chief, and the entire tribe
wants to ensure their dignified guests route is secure.

his body, and complete his mission. Along the way, they
trigger the Shockclaw kobolds defenses, encountering
a guard patrol around a deadly pit trap. Following
any fleeing foes or tracking Jervals trail brings the
Pathfinders face-to-face with Chief Altergriks retinue
as they return from their meeting with the Shockclaws
chief. Interpreting the PCs presence as a well-planned
ambush, they defend themselves and their leader
viciously. The diplomatic spoils gifted to them from
the Shockclaws include all of Jervals equipment,
specifically the satchel containing the vital missive to
Guaril Karela.

GETTING STARTED
Read the following to get the adventure underway:
In his usual terse manner, Venture-Captain Ambrus Valsin
requested an audience in his office. He wasted no words once
the last invitee had closed he door.
Some of you may know a novice named Derris Jerval.
Last night I gave him an important message to deliver to an
associate of the Society, a Varisian businessman in the Docks
named Guaril Karela. I received word this afternoon that the
package never arrived. I need you to look into it.
My initial inquiries lead me to believe Jerval entered the
sewers mere yards from the Grand Lodges walls. Im worried
for his safety down there and annoyed that he wasnt able to get
the message to Karela. I need you to go after him. If hes well,
slap some sense into him and ensure he delivers the message. If
hes been injured or gotten himself killed, recover the message
and make sure it gets to Guaril Karela at the Pickled Imp, a
curiosity shop located in the Docksand get it there soon. Im
counting on you, Pathfinders.
Because this Quest is intended to take only a short
amount of time, proceed quickly through the introduction,
and get the player characters into the sewer tunnels and hot
on Derris Jervals trail. If time is particularly tight, start
immediately at the first encounter to get the dice rolling.
For parties not constrained by time, however, consider
expanding the journey through Absalom to its sewers.

SUMMARY
The PCs are tasked with following Derris Jervals trail
through the Absalom sewers to rescue him, or retrieve

PATHFINDER SOCIETY QUEST

PCs
Approach

Absalom Sewers
1 square = 5 feet

T
1

N
GameMastery Map Pack: Ambush Sites

1. SEWER AMBUSH (CR 3 OR

CR 6)

TACTICS

Before Combat The kobolds have taken up sentry positions in

the drainage pipes near their trap. They remain hidden until
the PCs spring the trap or bypass it.
During Combat The guards surround the PCs, preferring to
fight from range with their slings. They focus their attacks
first on any PCs who have not fallen in the pit, especially
any working to help their comrades out of the hole.
Morale The kobolds take their job seriously and fight to death.
When all but one have been slain or knocked unconscious,
the survivor attempts to flee to area 2 to alert the shamans
guards to the attack.

A set of muddy bootprints that match Jervals lead through the

winding tunnels, following a small rivulet of stagnant runoff in
a solid stone passage. The flow ends at the intersection with a
perpendicular tunnel filled with a mass of filthy water and mud.
The footprints continue in the mud to the east.
The Shockclaw kobolds put many of their defensive
efforts in shoring up this juncture, seeing it as a likely point
of attack from surface dwellers following their scouts path.
Creatures: A kobold patrol of four guards hides in
the pipes branching off from this main tunnel, intently
watching for intruders.
Traps: The kobolds set a number of traps in the sewers
to waylay their foes and alert them to intrusion. One such
snare fills the 10-foot square at the intersection of the
main sewer tunnel and the murky flow channel.

Pit Trap
CR 1
Type mechanical; Perception DC 20; Disable Device DC 20
EFFECTS

Trigger location; Reset manual

Effect 20-ft.-deep pit (2d6 falling damage); DC 20 Reflex
avoids; multiple targets (all targets in a 10-ft. area)

Subtier 45 (CR 6)

Subtier 12 (CR 3)
Shockclaw Guards (4)
Kobold warrior 1 (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 183)
hp 4 each

Elite Shockclaw Guards (4)

Kobold warrior 4 (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 183)
LE Small humanoid (reptilian)
Init +5; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +7

CR 1/4

CR 1

AMBUSH IN ABSALOM

they instantly assume that the PCs plan is to attack and

assassinate Chief Altergrik.

DEFENSE

AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 15 (+3 armor, +1 Dex, +1 natural, +1

size)
hp 30 each (4d10+4)
Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +0
Weaknesses light sensitivity

Subtier 12 (CR 4)
Blackfang guards (8)
Kobold warrior 1 (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 183)
hp 5 each

OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Melee mwk spear +6 (1d6/3)
Ranged sling +6 (1d3)

CR 1/4

TACTICS

Before Combat The kobolds are on the lookout for attack and
difficult to catch by surprise. Once they see non-kobolds in
the tunnel with them, they rush into battle.
During Combat Dedicated to protecting their chief, the
guards charge into melee with their spears and attempt to
overwhelm the Pathfinders with superior numbers.
Morale All members of the Blackfang Tribe fight to the death.

TACTICS

Same tactics as Subtier 12.

STATISTICS

Str 10, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 8
Base Atk +4; CMB +3; CMD 14
Feats Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Craft (trapmaking) +7, Perception +7, Profession (miner)
+1, Stealth +10
Languages Common, Draconic
SQ crafty
Gear studded leather, masterwork spear, sling with 10 bullets

Chief Altergrik
CR 1
Kobold warrior 4 (use the stats for Elite Shockclaw Guards on
page 4 with the following changes)
hp 30
OFFENSE

Camouflaged Pit Trap

CR 3
Type mechanical; Perception DC 25; Disable Device DC 20

Melee mwk greataxe +6 (1d10/3)

EFFECTS

Before Combat Surrounded by his most loyal guards, the

Chief declares the Pathfinders enemies and ambushers and
orders his minions to attack.
During Combat Chief Altergrik prefers to let his underlings
fight for him, but if threatened directly he fights ruthlessly
with his greataxe. If his guards numbers fall to three or
less, he likewise enters the fray.
Morale An honorable leader of his tribe, Chief Altergrik fights
to the death.

TACTICS

Trigger location; Reset manual

Effect 30-ft.-deep pit (3d6 falling damage); DC 20 Reflex
avoids; multiple targets (all targets in a 10-ft. area)
Development: In the fray, Jervals tracks are lost among
the kobolds footprints. Locating the trail requires a DC
14 Survival check. Once located, the tracks can be followed
east toward area 2.

Subtier 45 (CR 7)

2. THE CHIEFS ESCORT (CR 4

OR CR 7)

Blackfang Honor Guards (4)

CR 1
Kobold warrior 4 (use the stats for Elite Shockclaw Guards on
page 4)
hp 30 each

This wide passage continues straight into the darkness as far

as one can see, a five-foot-wide elevated walk running the
length of its south side. The sound of trickling water echoes
ominously through the hollow drainpipes all around.

TACTICS

Before Combat The kobolds are on the lookout for attack and
difficult to catch by surprise. Once they see non-kobolds in
the tunnel with them, they rush into battle.
During Combat Dedicated to protecting their chief, the
guards charge into melee with their spears and attempt to
overwhelm the Pathfinders with superior numbers.
Morale All members of the Blackfang Tribe fight to the death.

Sewage from throughout the district flows here, where

it then runs to even larger tunnels near the waterfront. As
such, it serves as a major thoroughfare for subterranean
denizens, including Chief Altergrik and his honor guard
of the Blackfang Tribes best warriors.
Creatures: As the PCs reach the wider tunnel here, Chief
Altergrik and his escort just happen to be approaching
from the other direction, returning to Westgate from the
Foreign Quarters immense sewer network. Already on
the alert for an ambush, when the kobolds see the PCs,

Chief Altergrik
Male kobold fighter 6 (Pathfinder RPG Bestiary 183)
LE Small humanoid (reptilian)
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +2

CR 5

PATHFINDER SOCIETY QUEST

Development: Among the items carried by the kobold

guards, the PCs find a decorated bag of various items
including a wayfinder, a Medium breastplate, a Medium
heavy mace, and a book-sized bundle wrapped in paper
and sealed with the Glyph of the Open Road. The PCs
easily identify these as a Pathfinders possessions and
may glean they belonged to the late Derris Jerval. The
wrapped package contains a book of traditional Varisian
recipes and cannot be opened without breaking the seal.

DEFENSE

AC 19, touch 14, flat-footed 16 (+4 armor, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1

natural, +1 size)
hp 55 (6d10+18)
Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +4; +2 vs. fear
Defensive Abilities bravery +2
Weaknesses light sensitivity
OFFENSE

Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 greataxe +12/+7 (1d10+5/3)
Ranged sling +9/+4 (1d3+1)
Special Attacks weapon training (axes +1)

CONCLUSION
If the PCs follow Venture-Captain Valsins orders
and deliver the package in Jervals stead, they may
easily locate the Pickled Imp in the Docks with a DC
12 Diplomacy check to gather information or a DC 12
Knowledge (local) check. Behind the counter the PCs
find a thin, mustachioed man who answers to the name
Guaril Karela. He thanks them for the book if the seal
remains in place and immediately turns to a specific
recipe in the back.
After reading it quickly, he returns the book, saying
that he already has this volume but thanking Ambrus
all the same. If the seal has been broken, he refuses the
package, and asks the PCs to kindly leave lest the venturecaptain learn that theyve been prying into his affairs.

TACTICS

Same as Subtier 12.

STATISTICS

Str 12, Dex 15, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 8
Base Atk +6; CMB +6; CMD 19
Feats Dazzling Display, Dodge, Iron Will, Toughness, Vital
Strike, Weapon Focus (greataxe), Weapon Specialization
(greataxe)
Skills Craft (trapmaking) +3, Diplomacy +5, Intimidate +8,
Perception +2, Profession (miner) +2, Sense Motive +4,
Stealth +10
Languages Common, Draconic
SQ armor training 1, crafty
Gear masterwork hide armor, +1 greataxe, sling with 10 bullets

628774

OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a

Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights
conveyed by this License.
6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE
portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE
of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and
You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holders name to
the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute.
7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including
as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another,
independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity.
You agree not to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or
Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content
except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner
of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in
Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that
Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content
shall retain all rights, title and interest in and to that Product Identity.
8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate
which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open Game Content.
9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish
updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version of this
License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally
distributed under any version of this License.
10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every
copy of the Open Game Content You distribute.
11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open
Game Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written
permission from the Contributor to do so.
12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the
terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due
to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any
Open Game Material so affected.
13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to
comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of
becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of
this License.
14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such
provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.
15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0a 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Reference Document 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc; Authors:
Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary
Gygax and Dave Arneson.
Pathfinder Society Quest: Ambush in Absalom 2012, Paizo Publishing, LLC;
Author: Mark Moreland.

The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is
Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc (Wizards). All Rights Reserved.
1. Definitions: (a) Contributors means the copyright and/or trademark
owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b) Derivative Material
means copyrighted material including derivative works and translations (including
into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition,
extension, upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in
which an existing work may be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) Distribute
means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit
or otherwise distribute; (d) Open Game Content means the game mechanic
and includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such
content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement over the
prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content
by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including
translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically excludes
Product Identity. (e) Product Identity means product and product line names,
logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts, creatures, characters,
stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language,
artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts,
themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations;
names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities,
teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments,
creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols,
or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly
identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which
specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f ) Trademark means the logos,
names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself
or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License
by the Contributor (g) Use, Used or Using means to use, Distribute, copy,
edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open
Game Content. (h) You or Your means the licensee in terms of this agreement.
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains
a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Used under and in
terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content
that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except
as described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied
to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.
3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate
Your acceptance of the terms of this License.
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License,
the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive
license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.
5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original
material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your Contributions are

Pathfinder Society Quest:

Ambush in Absalom

Scenario Chronicle #

Slow

This Chronicle Certifies That

12
SUBTIER

Player Name

A.K.A.

45

Character Name

Pathfinder Society #

Faction

+0 XP

When you complete this quest, choose one of the two boons below; cross out the other.

Starting XP

Items Found During This Scenario

ALL

EXPERIENCE

Has Completed This Scenario.

TIER

Normal

Kobold Killer Anytime you face a kobold in the future, you may designate one such
creature as a free action. You gain a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls against that
single target for the duration of the combat. When you have used this boon, cross it off
the Chronicle sheet. This ability does not stack with multiple instances of itself.
Sewer Sense Your time spent in Absaloms sewers has given you an innate familiarity
with the complex network of tunnels and underground streams. You gain a single-use
+5 bonus on any Knowledge (local) or Survival check to learn about or navigate the
sewers under the City at the Center of the World, applied before the roll is made. When
you have used this boon, cross it off the Chronicle sheet.

Final XP Total
PRESTIGE AWARD

Starting PA
GMs
Initial

PA Gained (GM ONLY)

Final PA Total
GOLD

Start GP
GMs
Initial

GP Gained (GM ONLY)

+
Items Sold

=
Subtotal

Items Sold / Conditions Gained

Items Bought / Conditions Cleared

Items Bought

=
Subtotal

Gold Spent
TOTAL VALUE OF ITEMS SOLD
Add 1/2 this value to the Items Sold Box

TOTAL COST OF ITEMS BOUGHT

=
Subtotal

For GM Only

EVENT

EVENT CODE

DATE

Game Masters Signature

GM Pathfinder Society #

MAX GOLD

SUBTIER