Sample File Sample File Sampletm File Credits

Sample file Sample file SampleTM file Credits

Writing and Game Design: Marc Tassin

Art Direction: Mitchell Malloy

Cover Art: Mitchell Malloy

Cover and Logo Design: Shawn King

Graphic Design and Layout: Michal E. Cross

Illustration: Jacob Atienza, Pattrick Bettag, Jordy Lakiere, Brandon Liao, Ashley Mackenzie, Mitchell Malloy, Ari Targownik, Farid Sandoval

Cartography: Mike Schley

Editing: Amanda Hamon Kunz, John Helfers, Steven S. Long

With Creative Contributions from: Shane Harsch, Scott Janke, Daniel “Doc” Myers

Dedicated to: Tanya Tassin, Luc Tassin, and Abigail Tassin, the finest adventuring party a man could ever ask for!

Special Thanks to: Matthew Eberle, Helen Kourous, Spencer Luster, Kevin Riegle, Elizabeth Vaughan, Steve Wineman, Universe-M , Doug Nelson, Jeff Wheeler

A Mechanical Muse Publication aetaltis.com • [email protected] • facebook.com/aetaltis • @aetaltis on Twitter

First published in 2015 by Mechanical Muse, LLC. 7999 Poplar Drive, Dexter, MI 48130

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior express permission of the publisher...

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If you’re the employee of a copy business, this is the “express permission” you need to let the book owner print a copy of this book for personal use.

Compatibility with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game requires the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game from Paizo Inc.. See paizo.com/pathfinderRPG for more information on the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Paizo Inc. does not guarantee compatibility, and does not endorse this product.

Pathfinder is a registered trademark of Paizo Inc., and the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game CompatibilitySample Logo are trademarks of Paizo Inc., and are used under the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game fileCompatibility License. See paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/compatibility for more information on the compatibility license. Acknowledgements

The secret to this project’s success is that it was created not by one person, but by a team of talented, creative, and dedicated people who worked together to make something wonderful. That collaboration gave this product its strength, and I’d like to extend my thanks to the people who made it possible. “Thank You” to the amazing team of authors, artists, writers, and editors who worked on this project. Their contributions and creative input made this book far richer than it would have been without them, and their professionalism made the process much easier than it would have been otherwise. “Thank You” to the Toledo Writer’s Group, whose feedback, support, and honest critiques helped to make this book so much better than it would have been otherwise. “Thank You” to the fantastic group of fiction authors who agreed to write short fiction as stretch goals on the initial Kickstarter, and to Larry Elmore who agreed to create art for the anthology cover. We didn’t hit those goals, but your kind support was an enormous help all the same. “Thank You” to the Kool-Aid Rehab Team for their encouragement, feedback, assistance, and apples. And last but not least… “Thank you” to the generous Kickstarter backers who provided the financial and moral support that made this project possible! You’re the reason this book exists today.

Sample file Kickstarter Backers

Legends Nobles Bernard Tassin Storium/Stephen Hood, Leonard Balsera, Jim Bellmore, Dylan Birtolo, Jeff Brooks, Mike Browne, Robert Burke, Avatars Laura Craig, Rafael Delgado, Matthew Eberle, Helen Kourous, Elizabeth Vaughan Stephen Eberle, Brent Evans, Mark Faubion, Christopher Flynn, Len Forge, Jeromy French, Champions John Gahrmann, Darcie Gainer, Jaym Gates, Jerry Gordon, Rob Crawford, Will Donovan, Jonathon Green, Carole Hamm, David Hentges, Rick Hewitt, Gregory Horrell, Brandon Luke, Spencer Daniel Luster, Matt Minor, Bernard Howell, Dawn Irby, Eric Jackson, Suzanne Riley, Lucien Tassin, Nancy Tassin, James Jandebeur, Timothy Jaxon, Bo Tarl Johnson, Amanda Wheeler, Proverbialblonde Brian K, Ed Kowalczewski, Noah Lane, Shawn Lockard, Jess M, Chase Moore, Randy J Mull, Daniel Nissman, Adventurers BlackWyrm Publishing, Doug “Dhomal” Raas, Bradley P. Beaulieu, Annie Bellet, Cheryl Besch, Rhiannon Rippke-Koch, Steven Schend, Amanda Sigler, Martin Blake, Lori Blough, John C. Boyless, Eric Brace, Sam Slocum, “Filkertom” Tom Smith, Brandon Stenger, Jenn Brozek/Apocalypse Ink Productions, John Buckley, Boyd Stephenson, Rob Streeter, JP Sugarbroad, Justin Burr, John Busby, Guy M Caley, Bret Crane, Sloan Summerfelt, Martine Tassin, Josh Taylor, Rex Timbs, Grant Dahling, Timothy David Elrod, Fantasist Enterprises, Robert Towell, Erik Vogas, Kenneth W Warner, Danielle Fogel, Jim Foster, Stephen Framberger, Jon Harrison, Daniel Watkins, Michael Watkins, Rob Wilkison, Jerel Heritage, Dan Holden, Rich Householder, Cathy Hoyt, Steve Wineman, Michael, AndonSage, 2002simon01, Imagined Interprises Inc., Chris Jameson, Jennifer Johnson, sammo21, Zerzix, Mourne, Zach Hans Kokx, Dan Kramarsky, David Lang, Y. Lee, Chris Lloyd, John McGrath, Adam Meyers, Warren Nelson, Ambassadors Doug Nelson, David A. Nolan, Timothy H. Ott, Tim Aukett, Ferran Bassols, Jim Clunie, Dany Dallaire, John Overath, Amanda Paskell, Alex Prevett, jean rabe, John Eddy, Dave Gross, Breon Halling, Gray Richardson, Kevin Riegle, Ken Robkin, Nino Soave, Chris Marry Hultman, Jeremy Kear, Stefan Leonhardt, Jason Spencer, Curtis Steinhour, Shannon Sullivan, Weresheep of Sin, Marc Margelli, Francois Michel, Ken Swails, Michael Swan, Brian Toberman, Doug Triplett, DivNull Productions, Bradley Russo, Pineapple Steak, Chris Jeff Wheeler, Heidi Wilde, Jeffrey J Zabel, Erik, Helio83, SS, Stewart, Alison Warren, Saodhar, Ian, Yves, Akiazoth Ravenswar, Redfuji6, Mikloshe, Justin Citizens Swashbucklers Joseph Berriman, Robert Biskin, Justin Bowen, Andrew Cowie, Scott Giesbrecht, Dwayne Hauser, Geoffrey Eaton, Greg Fleming, Ragi Gonçalves, Jason Hunt, Benjamin Koch, Jake Minor, George Panopoulos, Chris A. Jackson, Barbara Klein, Simon Lindström, Douglas Park Jnr, Cavill Skeahan-Heugh, Gerolf Nikolay, Sean K. Reynolds, Floyd Wesel, Oliver von Spreckelsen, Julian Tysoe, Huma_Dragonbane Stewart Wieck, Gregory A. Wilson, GR Yannacoulias, Brad NPCs Aaron Alberg, Uncle Billy, Aaron Cordiale, Frank Dyck, Galliant Games, Moses Siregar III, QT Games LLC, Steven S. Long, Paul McCrory, Sigil Stone Publishing, Pamela Ritchey-Winslow, John “King” Roberts, Jim Ryan, Caoimhe Ora Snow, Vasileios Stratigakis, Steve Sullivan, SampleWilliam Wells, Alex Wreschnig, file Brian, Josh Table of Contents INTRODUCTION...... 2 CHAPTER 4: Every Adventure has a Beginning ...... 3 PEOPLE OF THORNWALL...... 94 Pathfinder Compatibility ...... 4 A Reason to Fight ...... 96 Reading the Detailed Entries ...... 97 CHAPTER 1: Important NPCs ...... 97 Minor NPCs ...... 104 THE WORLD OF AETALTIS...... 5 NPC Gallery ...... 107 Welcome to Aetaltis ...... 6 Index to the People of Thornwall ...... 110 CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 5: THE TOWN OF THORNWALL...... 10 THE TEMPLE OF MORDEN...... 114 Welcome to Thornwall ...... 11 The Adventure Begins… ...... 115 History of Thornwall ...... 11 GM Adventure Background ...... 116 Using Thornwall ...... 14 Changes to Thornwall ...... 117 Everyday Life ...... 15 Kicking Off the Adventure ...... 118 Government ...... 15 Economy & Trade ...... 19 APPENDIX A: Threats & Dangers ...... 20 Building Features ...... 25 GOODS & SERVICES...... 140 Town Features ...... 27 Settlement Statistics ...... 29 APPENDIX B: Building Entries ...... 29 Downtime Rules ...... 30 GOODWILL...... 145 Locations in Thornwall ...... 33 What is Goodwill? ...... 145 Important Location Descriptions ...... 24 Earning Goodwill ...... 145 Losing Goodwill ...... 145 CHAPTER 3: Spending Goodwill ...... 145 THE GREEN BRIAR TAVERN. . . . . 80 APPENDIX C: Welcome to the Green Briar Tavern ...... 81 History of the Green Briar Tavern ...... 82 PREGENERATED HEROES...... 147 Visiting the Tavern ...... 84 Alia Davros ...... 147 Room Descriptions ...... 86 Dalios Cochana Dorenkett ...... 148 Tavern Construction ...... 91 Helgen Veng Tarenkett ...... 150 Rooms, Stabling & Services ...... 92 Synish Esstaga ...... 151 Food & Drink ...... 92 Wisikendivendrileenes (aka Wisik) ...... 153 Tavern Games ...... 93 Sample file

INTRODUCTION

ATELYN LEANED AGAINST the wide oak bar and Katelyn raised her hand and called out, “Morning, friend. K dried her hands on her apron. Her back and joints hurt— Welcome to the Green Briar Tavern.” scrubbing the floor on hands and knees was harder now than The man blinked, his own eyes apparently still adjusting to when she’d been a young woman—but it was worth the effort. the change in light. Katelyn stepped out from behind the bar and Surveying the spotless common room, she breathed in the scents walked over to him. The man smiled broadly when he saw her, then of polished wood, fresh-baked bread, and the crackling fire, and took a moment to look around the room. Illus. by Brandon Liao Brandon by Illus. nodded in satisfaction. “Hello,” he said, the “h” in the word muted slightly and mark- “Everyone likes to come home to a clean house,” her mother had ing him as having come up from the south. “Are you Katelyn taught her. “Keep the place clean, warm, and smelling of good food, Bythewater?” and they’ll want to come back before they’ve even left.” Looking him up and down, she decided he’d be handsome if he Katelyn smiled at the memory. She missed her mother’s warm had a bit more meat on his bones, although that messy mane of red smile and comforting embrace. She made a mental note to light a hair would need cutting. candle for her on the family altar that evening—maybe an orange “I am,” she said. “Who’s asking?” one, to remind her mother that she was still deeply loved. “Oh, I-I’m sorry,” he stammered and thrust a slender, ink-stained The door to the tavern creaked open, letting the early morning hand at her. “I’m Eathen Winswood. I’m a travelling historian.” sunlight stream in. Katelyn squinted at the glare and wondered He said “travelling historian” with the same air that the consta- who this early morning visitor might be. The person stood silhou- ble might flash his badge of office. She smiled and shook his hand. etted in the doorframe for a moment, and then let the door swing His skin felt soft. Yes, definitely a historian’s hands. shut behind him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, son,” she said. “Can I get you some- Katelyn’s eyes adjusted to see a skinny man wearing specta- thing to drink?” cles standingSample there. He wore a loose-fitting brown shirt under a She turned and went back behind thefile bar. Eathen hurried after 2 weathered woolen jacket and simple black leggings. Mud spattered her until he reached the bar. He shrugged the pack off and dropped his high leather boots. A heavy pack, seemingly too large and over- it to the floor with a thump. loaded for his scrawny frame, rose over his shoulders, yet somehow “Oh, yes,” he said, pushing his spectacles up with one finger. he wore it comfortably. “Tea would be lovely.” Katelyn took a jug out from under the counter and grabbed a Far less time, however, is spent on beginnings. There are mug. She pulled the wide cork out of the mouth of the jug and filled just a handful of products that look at the town where the the cup with red-brown liquid. heroes first gather, or the tavern where they formulate their “It’s not hot but it’s a good sun brew,” she said, pushing the mug planned quest. These places form the foundation of the story, Introduction over to him. She replaced the cork and put the jug back under the yet except for a few exceptions (the now legendary village of counter. “So what brings you to our fine town?” Hommlet is one example) these places receive very little atten- Eathen sipped some of the tea. “Very good,” he said and smiled. tion in our hobby. “Thank you.” This book sets out to remedy that. It provides the game- He set the mug down. “I’ve come from the Royal University in master with everything he needs to launch and support a new New Erinor. As I said, I’m a travelling historian, and I’m collecting campaign. From the friendly innkeeper who offers to stash the the history of the northlands for Lord Drakewyn’s grand endeavor.” heroes’ treasure in her vault while they’re off fighting goblins He waited expectantly, clearly expecting her to know all about to the eccentric merchant that actually wants to purchase a this ‘grand endeavor.’ When she didn’t respond, he hesitated, as if six-foot-tall antique candelabra, the Heroes of Thornwall sup- unsure how to take that, then continued. plement provides you with the springboard to launch your “You see, I’m to chronicle the history of the Duchy of Vaun and campaign, and the foundation to sustain it for many adven- all its holdings. When I arrived this morning and explained this to tures to come. the men at the gate, they directed me to you. They tell me you know as much about this town as anyone.” Katelyn leaned back against the counter behind the bar and WHAT YOU’LL FIND INSIDE crossed her arms. The Heroes of Thornwall is divided into five chapters and “They’re right about that,” she said. “Did they also mention that includes three appendices. I’m a shrewd businesswoman?” “No,” Eathen answered, raising his brows. “Although I assumed Chapter 1: The World of Aetaltis as much, seeing as you run this establishment.” This book can be used with any fantasy setting, but the default “Good,” she said. “In that case, let’s deal. I’ll tell you what you setting is a world called Aetaltis, which offers a modern take want to know about Thornwall, and in exchange you can do some- on classic fantasy. It embraces the familiar tropes of the fantasy thing for me.” genre, lovingly restores them, and channels them back to you in “Oh,” Eathen said and his eyes lit up. “I’d be happy to. I’m versed a way that feels both fresh and intimately familiar at the same in the writing of letters, or if you need help with your books…” time. Chapter 1 gives a brief overview of the World of Aetaltis. Katelyn laughed, reached out, and squeezed the young man’s shoulder. Chapter 2: The Town of Thornwall “Ah, that’s sweet,” she said, still chuckling, “but I’ve got that cov- Thornwall is a good-sized town sitting on the edge of the wilds. ered just fine. No, I’ve got something else in mind for you. Did you It includes everything adventurers look for in a base of opera- see that chicken coop outside when you came in?” tions, and offers all the tools a gamemaster needs to support an “Yes…” extended campaign. In this chapter you’ll find detailed descrip- “Well, I need that coop scraped and painted. You do that for me, tions of the businesses, institutions, and important locations in and I’ll tell you everything you want to know. I’ll even give you a Thornwall. It also includes a complete store inventory and guid- bed in one of the bunk rooms while you’re here. What do you say?” ance on growing the town as the characters advance in level. “Well, I’ve never really painted before—” “Ah, it’s easy. Smart boy like you will figure it out in no time,” Chapter 3: The Green Briar Tavern she said. Every adventure needs a tavern. This chapter includes a fully Before Eathen could say anything more, she stepped out from described tavern, tavern games, a complete menu, and even rec- behind the counter and patted him on the back, making him rock ipes that let you make the same meals at home that are served under her hand. by this fine establishment. It also provides the gamemaster with “Glad we could make a deal. Now let’s get you settled in.” meta-game elements that will help to launch and support an ongoing campaign. Every Adventure Chapter 4: The People of Thornwall From tavern keepers to town elders, you’ll find a complete sup- has a Beginning… porting cast of characters in this chapter. Every character includes a Pathfinder Compatible stat-block, and important NPC descriptions include backstories and detailed character traits. ASample threat appears, heroes gather, and hope is rekindled in the face of Chapter 5: The Temple fileof Modren rising darkness. This is the way tales of adventure begin. Countless 3 pages have been written about the journeys that follow, and in the To help you launch your campaign, we’ve included an exciting world of role-playing games, one can fill shelves with the books Pathfinder Compatible introductory adventure that you can run dedicated to helping the gamemaster run these adventures. with little to no advance preparation. This classic dungeon delve