RUINS OF

AZLANT

Player’s
Guide
Author • Adam Daigle
Development Lead • Adam Daigle
Cover Artists • Eric Belisle and Hugh Pindur
Interior Artists • Eric Belisle, Paul Guzenko,
Setiawan Lee, Valeriya Lutfullina,
Caio Maciel Monteiro, Nikolai Ostertag,
Anastasia Ovchinnikova, and Dmytro Sirenko
Page Border Design • Francesca Baerald

Creative Director • James Jacobs

RUINS OF
AZLANT
Creative Design Director • Sarah E. Robinson
Executive Editor • James L. Sutter
Managing Developer • Adam Daigle
Development Coordinator • Amanda Hamon Kunz

Adventure Path
Senior Developer • Robert G. McCreary
Organized Play Lead Developer • John Compton

Player’s Guide
Developers • Crystal Frasier, Jason Keeley,
Mark Moreland, Joe Pasini, Owen K.C. Stephens,
and Linda Zayas-Palmer
Managing Editor • Judy Bauer
Senior Editor • Christopher Carey
Editors • Lyz Liddell, Adrian Ng, and Lacy Pellazar
Lead Designer • Jason Bulmahn
Senior Designer • Stephen Radney-MacFarland
Introduction 3
Designers • Logan Bonner and Mark Seifter
Art Director • Sonja Morris Coming Together 4
Senior Graphic Designers • Emily Crowell and
Adam Vick
Organized Play Manager • Tonya Woldridge Character Tips 4
Publisher • Erik Mona
Paizo CEO • Lisa Stevens
Ruins of Azlant Campaign Traits 9
Chief Operations Officer • Jeffrey Alvarez
Chief Financial Officer • John Parrish Joining You on the Voyage 12
Director of Sales • Pierce Watters
Sales Associate • Cosmo Eisele
Marketing Director • Jenny Bendel Basic Aquatic Rules 13
Outreach Coordinator • Dan Tharp
Director of Licensing • Michael Kenway
Accountant • Christopher Caldwell
Data Entry Clerk • B. Scott Keim
Chief Technical Officer • Vic Wertz
Director of Technology • Dean Ludwig
Senior Software Developer • Gary Teter
Community & Digital Content Director • Chris Lambertz Reference
Webstore Coordinator • Rick Kunz This book refers to several other Pathfinder Roleplaying Game products using the following abbreviations,
Customer Service Team • Sharaya Copas, yet these additional supplements are not required to make use of this book. Readers interested in
Katina Davis, Sara Marie, and Diego Valdez references to Pathfinder RPG hardcovers can find the complete rules of these books available online for
Warehouse Team • Laura Wilkes Carey, Will Chase, free at paizo.com/prd.
Mika Hawkins, Heather Payne, Jeff Strand, and
Kevin Underwood Advanced Class Guide ACG
Website Team • Robert Brandenburg, Lissa Guillet, Advanced Player’s Guide APG
Erik Keith, and Eric Miller Ultimate Combat UC

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 world’s 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 Game Content: All trademarks, registered
trademarks, proper nouns (characters, deities, locations, etc., as well as all adjectives, names, titles, and descriptive terms derived from proper nouns), artworks, characters, dialogue, locations, plots,
storylines, and trade dress. (Elements that have previously been designated as Open Game Content, or are exclusively derived from previous open game content, or that 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 game product are Open Game Content, as defined in the Open Game 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.
Ruins of Azlant Player’s Guide © 2017, Paizo Inc. All Rights Reserved. Paizo, Paizo Inc., the Paizo golem logo, Pathfinder, the Pathfinder logo, Pathfinder Society, Starfinder, and the Starfinder logo are registered
Paizo Inc. trademarks of Paizo Inc.; Ironfang Invasion, Pathfinder Accessories, Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, Pathfinder Adventure Path, Pathfinder Adventures, Pathfinder Battles, Pathfinder Campaign Setting,
Pathfinder Cards, Pathfinder Flip-Mat, Pathfinder Legends, Pathfinder Map Pack, Pathfinder Module, Pathfinder Pawns, Pathfinder Player Companion, Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Pathfinder Tales, Ruins of
7120 185th Ave NE, Ste 120 Azlant, and Starfinder Adventure Path are trademarks of Paizo Inc.

Redmond, WA 98052-0577

paizo.com
 Ruins of Azlant
Player’s Guide

Introduction of the other colonists. (See page 12 for more information

You have been selected for a very important expedition about these individuals.)
to the lost continent of Azlant! After hearing of the While the destruction of Azlant was a defining
expedition, you applied for adventure, and those moment for the Inner Sea region, many people who live
responsible for organizing the expedition selected you there these days know little of the ancient Azlanti. Some
to join other colonists to stake claim to an island named don’t believe the tales unearthed after millennia of burial
Ancorato in the Arcadian Ocean. and regard them as myth. Those nonbelievers can’t
The Ruins of Azlant Adventure Path begins with your imagine a world so rich in magic that it was ubiquitous
characters standing on the deck of a ship after a long in Azlanti society, with everyday citizens benefiting from
voyage to a newly founded colony called Talmandor’s the culture’s deep interest in magic and science.
Bounty on an island in what is left of Azlant. The journey Now is your chance to not only establish a foothold
from Almas in Andoran to the island of Ancorato has in this fabled and broken land, but also to potentially
taken 6 weeks aboard a ship called the Peregrine, and you uncover valuable lost lore once held by one of history’s
and the other PCs have had a chance to get to know some most powerful and enigmatic cultures.

3
 During this campaign, you are going to be isolated
on an island hundreds of miles away from the closest
civilized port. Keep this in mind when planning out
AM I GOING TO GET WET? your character. You won’t have great access to markets
I’m not going to lie to you. Your characters are going to or services outside of the colony of Talmandor’s Bounty.
get wet during the course of this Adventure Path. There might be some other colonist that can provide
As much of Azlant now lies beneath the Arcadian you with healing or magical or alchemical goods, but
Ocean, knowing how to swim and how to deal with their wares are as restricted as yours will be. Through
the complications of underwater exploration is going to adventuring, you have the chance to come across new
be important in this Adventure Path. While many of the and fantastic treasures that can help you as you progress
character suggestions presented in this Player’s Guide through this campaign.
bring up aquatic adventuring, know that this isn’t the
primary focus of this Adventure Path and your character Character Tips
isn’t going to be thrown into the deep end immediately. You’re starting the Ruins of Azlant Adventure Path, but
The main focus of this Adventure Path is exploring terra what kind of character should you play?
incognita, delving into ancient ruins, and uncovering The following hints, tips, and suggestions are
strange and archaic magic that the world hasn’t seen in designed to help you create characters perfectly
thousands of years. However, that said, it’s in your interest suited to conquering the threats and challenges the
to future-proof your character into being good at dealing Adventure Path has in store for you and your party.
with some of the restrictions of fighting underwater. The following suggestions are not exhaustive, and there
are thousands of viable character concepts that can
excel in this campaign. The suggestions listed in this
guide are provided to give you an idea of what kind of
Coming Together environment and themes that show up in the Ruins of
Even though the Peregrine set sail from Almas, characters Azlant Adventure Path without spoiling the experience.
in this Adventure Path can hail from anywhere in the They are not suggestions on how to create the most
world, as long as they could make it to Almas to join up powerful and optimized character for the Pathfinder
with the expedition. Roleplaying Game. For more discussions of character
Two major sponsors back the expedition: the concepts for the Ruins of Azlant Adventure Path, visit
government of Andoran and a finance company the messageboards at paizo.com.
called the Bountiful Venture Company. The group Something else to consider is that you should leave
already sent an initial ship to establish a colony urban characters that are afraid to get dirty back home.
named Talmandor’s Bounty, and each character in This isn’t the campaign for courtly intrigue, dainty
this campaign is part of the second wave of colonists. dandies, or back alley skullduggery. There’s no urban
Characters in this campaign had to apply for center in which to increase your fame, and characters that
membership in the expedition, and were put though shine in the wilderness or excel at navigating caverns and
numerous interviews and screenings to select the best dungeons are going to feel right at home in the Ruins of
individuals for this wave of settlement. Azlant Adventure Path. This is not to say that you should
Maybe you are a scholar who heard about the expedition show up to the table with a lone wolf character. The
and wanted to join up to further your own research. point of the expedition is to found a successful colony,
Perhaps for some reason you needed to get out of Andoran so working with others is important (as always). Since all
(or another nation) fast. Maybe you’ve always wanted to of the colonists are isolated far from civilization, getting
travel and see this as your chance. Maybe you’ve shown along with each other is crucial to the long-term success
promise in a previous endeavor and now the company has of Talmandor’s Bounty.
recruited you for the colony. Maybe you’ve always loved the
sea and the idea of a long voyage to a place few have visited Classes, Archetypes and Prestige Classes
sounds exciting. Whatever your motivation, you stood out As a thriving colony needs a wide range of settlers, nearly
to the leadership of the Bountiful Venture Company and all character classes have something to contribute to
won a spot on this expedition to establish a new colony in this campaign. Ideally, classes that don’t rely on urban
the ruins of Azlant. settings are encouraged. This doesn’t mean that they

4
 Player’s Guide
can’t survive this Adventure Path, but cosmopolitan Pathfinder Player Companion: Legacy of the First World:
characters won’t have as many chances to shine as they deepwater rager (barbarian).
would in an urban campaign. Classes that are best suited Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Combat: Sea reaver (barbarian).
to exploration and dealing with natural hazards can find Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Magic: Oath against corruption
great success in this campaign, and ones that can use (paladin), sea witch (witch), shark shaman (druid).
magic or guile to eliminate some of these hazards and
challenges can excel as well. Domains
Since all classes can find their place in the Ruins of Choosing a god to worship typically comes before
Azlant Adventure Path, archetypes for those classes can as selecting a domain, but your deity selection might
well. The following archetypes might work well for this hinge on what you want to get out of your cleric. With
Adventure Path. Keep in mind that if you are selecting an exploration as a major theme of this campaign, the Travel
archetype to help overcome the dangers of adventuring domain and the Exploration subdomain are great choices
beneath the surface of the water, some of those helpful
options don’t kick in for a few class levels.
The following archetypes fit the themes of
this campaign.
The child of Acavna and Amaznen fighter archetype
in Pathfinder Player Companion: Arcane Anthology draws
on Azlanti lore, something of which is prevalent in this
campaign. The eldritch scoundrel rogue archetype in
the same book is perfect for a character delving into
the ruins of ancient civilizations.
Likewise, the relic raider rogue archetype in
Pathfinder Player Companion: Black Markets is useful
for similar tasks.
Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Combat has the
archaeologist bard archetype, which is well
suited to exploring long-dead civilizations, and
the warden ranger archetype is good for exploring
uncharted islands.
If you want to give your character a leg up on aquatic
adventuring, the following archetypes, listed by source,
all have ways to assist a character in that endeavor.
Pathfinder Player Companion: Advanced Class Origins:
Pureblade (slayer).
Pathfinder RPG Advanced Player’s Guide: Aquatic
druid (druid), shapeshifter (ranger; particularly the
form of the otter choice).
Pathfinder RPG Advanced Race Guide: Undine adept
(druid), wave warden (ranger), watersinger (bard). These
archetypes are for undine characters.
Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Aquatic Adventures:
Aquachymist (alchemist), aquakineticist (kineticist),
aquanaut (fighter), deep shaman (shaman), drowned
channeler (spiritualist), oceanrider (cavalier), pearl seeker
(paladin), pelagic hunter (hunter), tidal trickster (rogue).
Pathfinder Player Companion: Dirty Tactics Toolbox:
Kraken caller (druid).
Pathfinder Player Companion: Elemental Master’s
Handbook: Abendego diver (ranger).

5
 for clerics. Something to keep in mind if you select the Animal Companions, Familiars, and Others
Liberation domain is that the liberation special ability If you have an animal companion, eidolon, familiar,
automatically triggers when your character’s movement phantom, spirit animal, or the like, you can make several
would be restricted, so falling off the side of a boat into choices when designing your character to match your
the water would start eating up those precious rounds companion to the campaign. You start off in the port city
of freedom of movement. Given the themes of building a of Almas, a wealthy Andoren city rich in trade, offering a
colony and discovering ancient lore, Community and wide variety of familiars and animal companions.
Knowledge would be suitable domains to choose for After your arrival in Talmandor’s Bounty, the selection
this campaign. If your divine caster wants to commune becomes a bit more restricted due to climate and
with the waves a bit more, selecting Water or any of its geography. Your characters will be on an island in the
subdomains would be a good choice. middle of the ocean, and only creatures that are common
to a humid subtropical climate can be found on the
islands in the region. In addition to plenty of coastlines,
the islands have forests, hills, mountains, and small
plains flush with plenty of animals that are
suitable for these terrains.
Pathfinder Player Companion: Familiar
Folio introduces the patron familiar,
which gains a special ability for itself.
One of the options is a water patron
familiar that might make it easier
for a witch to explore some of the
locations in this Adventure Path.
As eidolons and phantoms are
far more varied and personal to the
summoner or spiritualist, there are
no must-have options for them, though
the aquatic eidolon base form in Ultimate
Magic is a good choice for an eidolon that
can survive and thrive in the depths.

Favored Enemies and Favored Terrains

Solid favored enemy choices in Ruins of Azlant include
aberration and monstrous humanoid, and good
secondary choices are humanoid (aquatic) and construct.
These categories won’t cover all the monsters and
challenges your character will face in the campaign, but
they cover plenty of ground.
This Adventure Path takes place on rocky, forested
islands far from the Inner Sea region, so forest and
underground make for good terrain choices. There are
a number of times in this campaign where your PCs’
adventures will take them beneath the waves, which makes
choosing water as a favored terrain an excellent choice.

Feats and Skills

Feats that help a character explore wild lands, fight
against dangerous monsters, and be self-sufficient are
always good choices, and particularly in Ruins of Azlant
given the campaign’s focus on exploration.

6
 Player’s Guide
Pathfinder Player Companion: Melee Tactics Toolbox that halflings lived among the Azlanti, so a member of
has two feats that will prove useful in parts of this that race might feel inspired to investigate this ancient
campaign. Aquatic Spell allows a character to cast spells claim. Elves familiar with their race’s history prior to
underwater with little difficulty, and Aquatic Combatant Earthfall might know that there was animosity between
removes the penalties to fighting while underwater. the elves and the Azlanti (which is why the Mordant
In addition, Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Aquatic Spire watches over ruined Azlant to this day, as they did
Adventures adds a number of feats to help characters deal in the past), and elves in this campaign might want to
with aquatic combat, including new style feats, and to explore that millennia-old relationship.
aid characters moving around in a foreign environment. Some races might make more sense later in the
It also provides a couple of new metamagic feats that campaign rather than at the beginning. Since the
help with casting certain types of spells, like fog-based expedition to Talmandor’s Bounty begins in Almas,
or fire spells, underwater. it’s not as likely that exotic races would be a part of
While it’s not absolutely imperative, at least one the initial expedition (of course, exceptions to this are
character in the party should have a selection of always possible as PCs are exceptional among their
Knowledge skills with a focus on arcana, history, and kind). For example, a half-elf from the Mordant Spire
religion to help puzzle out Azlanti ruins. Other than could be a thematically appropriate race selection for
that, most characters should be able to hold their this campaign, but it’s unlikely that such a character
own in dangerous environments when they have to would be hanging out in Almas applying for the
climb or swim, and since they are part of a growing expedition. An option for exploring a more exotic race
colony, being able to influence others will be of use later in the campaign is to change characters, having
this campaign. your original character fade into the background of the
colony while your new character (such as a merfolk or
Languages Mordant Spire elf ) enters the scene and joins up with
As you are venturing to the shattered remains of the fledgling colonists or the rest of the party.
Azlant, having someone in the party that knows a bit A minor exception to this would be gillmen. Nearly
of ancient Azlanti could be helpful in case you come 50 years ago, a delegation of gillmen came to Almas to
across any ruins or artifacts from thousands of years present to the nation of Andoran the keystone from the
ago. Knowing that you will be living on a remote island Arch of Aroden as a gift. While many of those gillmen
and studying the area might point to the usefulness of who originally made this gesture would be old by now,
learning Aquan in case you meet any aquatic natives your character could be the child or grandchild of one
and want to open up diplomatic relations. Other than of these diplomats. (If you choose to play a gillman
these selections, the main importance is being able to in this Adventure Path, make sure to look up the lore
easily communicate with your companions and the surrounding them; this race has some significant
other members of the colony, and Common fulfills weaknesses that, given the themes of this campaign,
that goal. might place them at a serious disadvantage compared
to other races.)
Races Dwarves focused on fighting against aberrations
The draw of exploring new land and establishing a can select the deep warrior (Advanced Race Guide) or
foothold in them appeals most to humans, and since the sense aberration (Pathfinder RPG Horror Adventures)
this expedition is into the heart of the ancient society alternate racial traits, and those looking to dive into
that predated humanity’s spread across the Inner the depths can select the saltbeard alternate racial trait
Sea, humans are the most likely race to clamor for a (Advanced Race Guide).
place in the expedition. However, as the expedition Advanced Race Guide also has the spirit of the
originates in the Andoren metropolis of Almas, a wide waters alternate racial trait for elves, the heart of
variety of races can make sense. Essentially, any race the sea alternate racial trait for humans, and water
that could be found in Almas could find its way into child alternate racial trait for half-elves as options
this campaign. for characters in aquatic environments. In addition,
Even though dwarves, gnomes, and half-orcs have little undines have a number of helpful options in Advanced
racial connection to lost Azlant, many of them still have Race Guide, such as the amphibious, deepsight, and
an urge to explore untouched lands. It’s widely believed terrain chameleon alternate racial traits.

7
 Religion
While the venture that brings you to Talmandor’s Bounty
is a secular one, there isn’t any judgment against the
WANT TO READ MORE? faithful. An exception to this would be the veneration of
A number of other books can help compliment your any evil deities, as those don’t lend themselves to ideals
Ruins of Azlant Adventure Path experience. Listed below of cooperation and building community. It’s possible
are other sources that, while not necessary, can greatly you are aware of other members of your particular
enhance the experience of playing through this campaign. expedition, and as such you might have learned that an
Abadaran priest and an Erastilian priest are traveling
FOR GAME MASTERS with you.
The best resource for running this Adventure Path is
Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Aquatic Adventures. Traits
Within you can find more information about the In addition to the campaign traits listed on pages 9–11
Arcadian Ocean, the body of water in which the of this player’s guide, players might consider several
campaign takes place, as well as rules for adjudicating other traits suitable to this campaign. In addition to
underwater combat. The book also includes a host of traits that are a good fit for your particular character,
new archetypes, class features, feats, and equipment traits that aid in exploration, discovery of ancient relics,
for GMs and players alike. and ways to expand your knowledge of the world fit well
Since Aquatic Adventures builds on rules for in this campaign.
adventuring in watery environments, brushing up on Garundi characters might be interested in the relic
these rules in the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook and hunter race trait in Pathfinder Player Companion: People
Pathfinder RPG GameMastery Guide isn’t a bad plan. of the Sands as it pertains to uncovering ancient magical
Many of these rules have been reprinted at the end of devices in long-lost ruins. Likewise, the pragmatic
this player’s guide to serve as a helpful reference for activator magic trait in Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Campaign
both the GM and players. can aid in this endeavor. Similarly, the scholar of ruins
human race trait, also from Ultimate Campaign, could be
FOR PLAYERS useful in this campaign.
As mentioned above, Aquatic Adventures can be a Pathfinder Player Companion: People of the Stars offers the
great resource for players as well. Inside that book born under the stranger combat trait that can help when
you’ll find archetypes and other rules to help your feinting against aberrations.
character excel beneath the waves. While tailored for If you are looking for ways to help your character
more exotic races, Pathfinder Player Companion: Blood with swimming and dealing with the difficulties and
of the Sea has plenty of resources for land-based races challenges of aquatic terrain, consider some of the
as well, and some of these options might mean the following traits. Pathfinder Player Companion: Blood
difference between life or death among the waves. of the Elements has the aquatic survivor region trait.
Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods has the
strong swimmer religion trait for characters who
Half-elves with aquatic elf heritage can use the worship Gozreh. Pathfinder Player Companion: Inner
shoreborn subrace found in Pathfinder Player Companion: Sea Primer has a couple of region traits: Oagon diver
Bastards of Golarion, and shoreborn half-elves can choose for characters from the Sodden Lands and Mordant
the child of the sea alternate racial trait. heritage for characters from the Steaming Sea. The
For a creepier take on humanity, humans can select pearl diver race trait in Pathfinder Player Companion:
the aquatic ancestry alternate racial trait in Pathfinder People of the Sands could be helpful for half-elves, and
RPG Horror Adventures. Changlings spawned from sea if your GM allows undines, the slippery step race trait
hags have the sea lungs special ability, but they can trade in the same book might be a good trait choice. The
that for the ocean’s daughter alternate racial trait if the regional traits sea-souled and river rat from Ultimate
character is more interested in swimming than holding Campaign could represent characters who come from
her breath. These rules can be found in Pathfinder RPG places that might make them better at dealing with the
Advanced Race Guide. dangers of watery environments.

8
 Player’s Guide
stumbling across a copy of the first volume of the
Ruins of Azlant Pathfinder Chronicles or after learning about Azlant in a
Campaign Traits university or another type of formal education. Perhaps
When the Bountiful Venture Company announced your parents or guardians were scholars and you’ve
this expedition to lost Azlant, many people were grown up hearing about and reading about the ancient
excited and came to Almas from all around Avistan Azlanti. For years you dreamed about visiting the
and Garund in hopes of being selected for the colony. continent’s ruins and returning with a discovery that
Competition was fierce, especially for the founding could propel your career. Due to this scholarly bent, the
journey. Many who were in the running for that first Bountiful Venture Company selected you to join the
trip but weren’t selected were automatically slated colony at Talmandor’s Bounty.
for the second outing. Others had to compete with You gain a +1 trait bonus on Knowledge (history),
plentiful applicants to get a spot on the Peregrine. Knowledge (local), and Use Magic Device checks, and
For one reason or another, you either didn’t one of these skills is a class skill for you. In addition,
apply weren’t selected for the first trip and now you gain Azlanti as a bonus language.
you have to stand out among a large crowd of Eagle Knight Recruit: Since Talmandor’s
qualified applicants. Bounty is an Andoren colony and
The following campaign traits represent is unlikely to see the threat of
an element of your character or ability slavery, the presence of the
that edged out other applicants and Eagle Knights isn’t strongly
led to the Bountiful Venture Company needed, and the Bountiful
choosing you as one of their colonists. Venture Company would prefer
Athletic: You have always had a to not have that organization
knack for physical activity. You immediately associated
either grew up in a rural area and with the colony (despite
had an active childhood where the colony’s name having
you were always climbing trees, been derived from the Eagle
swimming in lakes and rivers, and Knights’ patron, Talmandor).
clambering up rocky hillsides, or you However, the need for safety
competed in and excelled at contests can’t be overlooked. You were a
or sports while growing up in a larger soldier in the Andoren army or
settlement. Due to this background, you were a civilian who showed
little can slow you down or inhibit great promise in military matters.
your movements. When the Bountiful The Eagle Knights recruited you and
Venture Company interviewed offered unofficial Eagle Knight status if
you, they noticed your stature and you managed to make it into the ranks
physicality, and they chose you for of the colonists. There, you would see
the colonial expedition knowing that to the safety of the colony and send back
a strong back is always helpful in a reports with each supply ship regarding
growing colony. the general state of the colony and
You reduce your armor check penalty any threats you notice. The Bountiful
by a number equal to one-third Venture Company admired your
your character level (minimum 1) for military prowess and selected you for
purposes of Acrobatics, Climb, and Swim the second wave of colonists to arrive
checks, and you gain a +1 trait bonus to at Talmandor’s Bounty.
one of these three skills, chosen when you You begin play with a breastplate, a
take this trait. longsword (or some other martial or
Azlanti Scholar: You are simple weapon), and an additional 100
familiar with an aspect of gp of gear. In addition, you gain a +1
Azlanti lore. Maybe you trait bonus on saving throws against
first became enamored with this ancient culture after mind-affecting effects.

9
 Employee: You have worked for the Bountiful Venture Whenever you use the aid another action to aid an
Company or you are the child of one of its current adjacent ally, increase the bonus you grant your ally by 1.
employees. This connection helped you get a leg up on In addition, due to your positive and helpful nature, you
the competition to get involved in the establishment of gain a +1 trait bonus on Diplomacy checks.
Talmandor’s Bounty. The company didn’t want nepotism Healthy: You come from a long line of hale and
to show through too strongly, so you weren’t included in long-lived people. Growing up, you rarely got sick and
the first wave of colonists and instead have been selected had enough energy to run all day if it suited you. You
to accompany the second wave of colonists to the island. don’t get as tired as other people and repeated physical
You don’t want people to know that you’re part of the activities don’t seem to bother you much. You were
company, but your contacts in the Bountiful Venture selected as part of the expedition because the Bountiful
Company didn’t necessarily tell you that you needed to Venture Company saw great importance and promise in
keep it a secret. your robust health.
You begin play with an additional 150 gp of You gain a +1 trait bonus on Fortitude saves, Swim
equipment and know (at least in some capacity) one of checks to prevent nonlethal damage from fatigue
the other company employees: Lyra Heatherly, Perrell after swimming for more than an hour at a time, and
Beys, or Ramona Avandth. Due to your association with Constitution checks to prevent fatigue. In addition, you
the Bountiful Venture Company, your words and ideas can hold your breath for a number of rounds equal to 3
may carry additional weight with the other employees times your Constitution score.
of the company. (Your GM can grant a +1 circumstance Pathfinder Recruit: Explore, report, and cooperate.
bonus on Diplomacy checks in regards to these people This is the credo you’ve lived by since you’ve joined
in certain situations.) In addition, you gain a +1 trait the Pathfinder Society, and after hearing about the
bonus on Bluff checks, and Bluff is always a class skill expedition to found Talmandor’s Bounty you applied,
for you. eager to see the remains of Azlant. However, you quickly
Expert Explorer: Adventurous scholars raised you, or learned that the Bountiful Venture Company wasn’t
perhaps you were born during an expedition and haven’t interested in involving the Pathfinder Society in the
known any other life. You get fidgety and impatient when formation of the colony. This struck you as strange,
you become too familiar with a certain place. You are because who else has as keen an understanding of some
used to having excitement and the quest for knowledge of the elements of ancient Azlant as the Pathfinder
guides your path in life, and you picked up a number of Society? Regardless, you went through the application
skills along the way that relate to this lifestyle. During process, making sure to highlight all of your applicable
your interview with the Bountiful Venture Company, skills and experience while keeping your involvement
they were impressed with the diverse locations you’ve in the Society to yourself. You were elated to receive
visited in your life and selected you because of your skills notice that you were selected for the second wave of
in maneuvering uncharted territory. colonists bound for the broken continent of Azlant.
Choose one Knowledge skill when you gain this trait. You begin play with a standard wayfinder (see
You gain a +1 trait bonus to check with that Knowledge sidebar on page 11) and you gain a +1 trait bonus on
skill and Survival checks, and either that Knowledge skill initiative checks.
or Survival is a class skill for you. In addition, you treat Resourceful: You’ve always had a knack for building
the machete as a simple weapon. and repairing things. As a kid, you always got into
Following in the Footsteps: One of your dear friends your parents’ tools and tinkered with things around
or family members was part of the first wave of colonists the house. As you got older, you started making things
to be selected by the Bountiful Venture Company to not only to entertain yourself but also to take in a
establish Talmandor’s Bounty. You applied for the little extra money. People have noticed your skill and
first wave as well, but weren’t selected. Now that you’ve have frequently come to you to make something for
made your way into the second wave, you can’t wait to them or to repair a pesky device or item. Every time
be reunited with your family member. Your devotion to you’ve amazed them at how quickly you do your work
your family or friends is important to you, and it shows and how few resources you squander in the process.
not only in how you feel about that friend or family Likewise, the Bountiful Venture Company noticed
member you are soon to reunite with, but also in how your skill at not only creating wonderful wares, but
you treat other people with respect. also how effortlessly and efficiently you work in your

10
 Player’s Guide
trade. You always seem to make do with less, often in
unexpected ways.
Choose one Craft or Profession skill when you gain
this trait. You gain a +1 trait bonus on checks with that WAYFINDER
skill. In addition, the time required for you to create a This is a basic version of the wayfinder carried by
magic item is decreased. You require only 8 hours for most Pathfinders as a badge of office. More elaborate
every 1,500 gp in the item’s base price (instead of the and powerful wayfinders are detailed in Pathfinder
normal 8 hours per 1,000 gp). You can create potions Campaign Setting: Pathfinder Society Field Guide.
and scrolls whose base price is 375 gp in just
2 hours; potions and scrolls with a base
price more than 375 gp but less than
WAYFINDER PRICE
500 GP

1,500 gp take 8 hours to create, just like SLOT none CL 5th WEIGHT 1 lb.
any other magic item. AURA faint evocation
Seasoned Hunter: You grew up A small magical device patterned
hunting every season, any season. on the design of ancient Azlanti
Maybe you grew up in a rural area relics, a wayfinder is a compact
and hunted to put food on the table, compass typically made from
or perhaps you come from a comfortable silver and bearing gold accents.
lifestyle where hunting for sport is an excellent While it serves as a badge
excuse to camp in the wilderness and hone your of office for agents of the
skills. After sharing stories of your most exciting hunts Pathfinder Society, a wayfinder
and proving to them that you can hit a bull’s eye at 100 is as much a handy tool as a status
feet, the Bountiful Venture Company selected you for symbol. With a command word, you
the expedition assured that you can provide food and can cause a wayfinder to shine (as the light spell).
security to the young colony. A wayfinder also acts as a nonmagical (magnetic)
Pick one of the following creature types: aberration, compass, granting you a +2 circumstance bonus on
animal, magical beast, or vermin. You gain a +1 trait Survival checks to avoid becoming lost. All wayfinders
bonus on attack rolls or damage rolls (choose one; feature a small indentation designed to hold a single
once chosen it can’t be changed) against creatures of ioun stone. An ioun stone slotted in this manner grants
that type. you its normal benefits as if it were orbiting your head;
Set Mind: Every time that you’ve said you’d do some ioun stones can grant additional powers once
something, you’ve made sure to follow through. You they are fitted into a wayfinder, at the GM’s discretion.
can’t remember a time when you weren’t this way. CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS COST 250 GP
People have a hard time making you change your mind Craft Wondrous Item, light
once you’ve set yourself on a certain path. You might be
exceptionally stubborn or you may just have a particular
determination. Either way, you’re going to keep doing in life. Some have attributed your successes to luck,
what you set your mind to. The Bountiful Venture but others have recognized what you truly have—
Company recognized this useful trait of yours and skill. This interest in and practice of a diverse array
selected you for the second wave of colonists because of of skills and abilities has served you well in a number
your great resolve and unswerving dedication to what of different jobs, and following in your varied
you set your mind upon. interests you learned of the expedition to the ruins of
Once per day when you fail a saving throw against Azlant. After your application, the Bountiful Venture
a charm or compulsion effect that would cause you Company selected you for the expedition because
to act differently than you normally would, you can your skillful approach to matters would be helpful
immediately reroll that saving throw as a free action. You for a growing colony.
must take the second result, even if it’s worse. Once per day when you fail an Acrobatics, Climb,
Skillful: You’ve always been interested in a wide Spellcraft, Stealth, or Use Magic Device check, you can
array of things, and growing up you’ve spent time immediately reroll that check as a free action. You must
honing some of these talents, which has helped you take the second result, even if it’s worse.

11
 a fair man, and steadfastly loyal to his crew, even
Joining You on the Voyage above his loyalty to the Bountiful Venture Company.
After spending 6 weeks on the open water aboard a Directly below him is First Mate Naerath (NG female
sailing vessel named Peregrine, your character has half-elf fighter 2/rogue 2), a half-elf from Andoran.
a chance to get to know the other PCs as well as the The Peregrine’s navigator is a woman with a powerful
other people on the ship. Captain Jacob Markosi (LN presence named Tyra Swain (N female human oracleAPG
male middle-aged human fighter 5/expert 2), a blue- 3), and a burly half-orc named Raerg (N male half-orc
eyed man in his 40s, leads the Peregrine’s crew. He’s brawlerACG 4) serves as the boatswain. The final officer
on board is Bean Counter Brady (LN female halfling
expert 2/ranger 2) who serves as quartermaster. The
Peregrine also has 16 sailors who work the rigging and
keep the ship tidy.
The passengers on the Peregrine consist of all the
colonists, the PCs included, who are part of the second
wave of settlers to Talmandor’s Bounty. In addition to 6
colonial soldiers, the following people accompany the
PCs and 36 other colonists.
Alba Divenvaar (LN female middle-aged
dwarf alchemistACG 4) has traveled the Inner Sea
extensively in her years, and longs to one day make it to
the shores of Arcadia to discover the alchemical secrets
of that land.
Anya Sandstrider (CG female human ranger 3) is a
Shoanti exile from the Cinderlands. She comes across
gruff, but this is just a cover for her kind nature. The
skills she displayed as a hunter and naturalist led to her
inclusion on the expedition.
Carver Hastings (NG male human bard
[archaeologistUC] 4) is an aloof and serious explorer
who joined the expedition as a soldier despite his
academic yearnings. He is incredibly interested in the
history of the region.
Eamon Caranth (LG male half-elf cleric of Erastil 3)
is a relaxed and friendly priest who can often be found
joking and playfully arguing with his longtime friend
Kurvis. He eagerly helps others out on the ship.
Harcourt Carrolby (LN male human aristocrat 4) came
from a wealthy family of horse breeders and is a bit of a
snob. He joined the expedition to Talmandor’s Bounty to
establish a stable and ranch on the island.
Kurvis Nurpico (LN male middle-aged human
cleric of Abadar) is the other priest among this
second wave of colonists. He outwardly appears to
be a curmudgeon, but at times his expression softens.
Luetin Calewick (N male human commoner 1/
expert 3) is a balding man with a bushy moustache who is
traveling to Talmandor’s Bounty to serve as an assistant to
the blacksmith who arrived in the first wave of colonists.
He’s harmless enough, but often rubs people the wrong
way, and is prone to sizing people up to determine their

12
 Player’s Guide
attitudes and opinions, often adjusting his own in order at a speed of 10 to 40 feet per round. The fastest rapids
to fit in with those he associates with. send swimmers bobbing downstream at 60 to 90 feet
Lyra Heatherly (CG female half-elf expert 3/ranger per round. Fast rivers are always at least rough water
[guideAPG] 1) is a surveyor with a penchant for danger and (Swim DC 15), and whitewater rapids are stormy water
is an employee of the Bountiful Venture Company. (Swim DC 20). If a character is in moving water, move
Perrell Beys (LN female human expert 3/rogue 1), an her downstream the indicated distance at the end of
employee of the Bountiful Venture Company, is a scholar her turn. A character trying to maintain her position
and historian who plans to document the growth of the relative to the riverbank can spend some or all of her
colony and provide advice on any ruins or ancient relics turn swimming upstream.
the colonists come in contact with. Swept Away: Characters swept away by a river moving
Ramona Avandth (NG female human bard 5) is the 60 feet per round or faster must make successful DC
Bountiful Venture Company’s designated leader for the 20 Swim checks every round to avoid going under.
colony, sent along in the second wave to relieve the leader If a character gets a check result of 5 or more over the
of the first wave of colonists. minimum necessary, she arrests her motion by catching
Your GM has more information on these a rock, tree limb, or bottom snag—she is no longer being
individuals should you roleplay part of the journey to carried along by the flow of the water. Escaping the
Talmandor’s Bounty. rapids by reaching the bank requires three successful DC
20 Swim checks in a row. Characters arrested by a rock,
Basic Aquatic Rules limb, or snag can’t escape under their own power unless
Only a small portion of the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook they strike out into the water and attempt to swim their
addresses underwater combat, and much of it assumes way clear. Other characters can rescue them as if they
that the PCs will be outside of the water while their were trapped in quicksand (described in Marsh Terrain
enemies are beneath the water’s surface. Pathfinder on page 427 of the Core Rulebook).
RPG GameMastery Guide provides an expansion on Non-Flowing Water: Lakes and oceans simply
what appears in the Core Rulebook and clarifies that require a swim speed or successful Swim checks to
the rules presented in the Core Rulebook are written move through (DC 10 in calm water, DC 15 in rough
with the assumption that the character using the rules water, DC 20 in stormy water). Characters need a way
there are not native to aquatic environments. Rules for to breathe if they’re underwater; failing that, they risk
aquatic combat that appear in both of these sources has drowning. When underwater, characters can move in
been reprinted below for ease of use. any direction.
For more rules on underwater combat, see Pathfinder Stealth and Detection Underwater: How far you can see
Campaign Setting: Aquatic Adventures. underwater depends on the water’s clarity. As a guideline,
creatures can see 4d8×10 feet if the water is clear, and
Aquatic Terrain 1d8×10 feet if it’s murky. Moving water is always murky,
Aquatic terrain is the least hospitable to most PCs, unless it’s in a particularly large, slow-moving river.
because they can’t breathe there. Aquatic terrain doesn’t It’s hard to find cover or concealment to hide
offer the variety that land terrain does. The ocean floor underwater (except along the sea floor).
holds many marvels, including undersea analogues of Invisibility: An invisible creature displaces water
any of the terrain elements described earlier in this and leaves a visible, body-shaped “bubble” where the
section, but if characters find themselves in the water water was displaced. The creature still has concealment
because they were bull rushed off the deck of a pirate (20% miss chance), but not total concealment (50%
ship, the tall kelp beds hundreds of feet below them miss chance).
don’t matter. Accordingly, these rules simply divide
aquatic terrain into two categories: flowing water (such Underwater Combat
as streams and rivers) and non-flowing water (such as Land-based creatures can have considerable difficulty
lakes and oceans). when fighting in water. Water affects a creature’s attack
Flowing Water: Large, placid rivers move at only rolls, damage, and movement. In some cases a creature’s
a few miles per hour, so they function as still water opponents might get a bonus on attacks. The effects are
for most purposes. But some rivers and streams are summarized in the Combat Adjustments Underwater
swifter; anything floating in them moves downstream table on page 14. They apply whenever a character is

13
 Combat Adjustments Underwater
Attack/Damage
Condition Slashing or Bludgeoning Piercing Movement Off Balance?1
Freedom of movement Normal/normal Normal/normal Normal No
Has a swim speed –2/half Normal Normal No
Successful Swim check –2/half2 Normal Quarter or half3 No
Firm footing4 –2/half2 Normal Half No
None of the above –2/half2 –2/half Normal Yes

1
Creatures flailing about in the water (usually because they failed their Swim checks) have a hard time fighting effectively. An
off-balance creature loses its Dexterity bonus to Armor Class, and opponents gain a +2 bonus on attacks against it.
2
A creature without freedom of movement effects or a swim speed makes grapple checks underwater at a –2 penalty, but deals
damage normally when grappling.
3
A successful Swim check lets a creature move one-quarter its speed as a move action or one-half its speed as a full-round action.
4
Creatures have firm footing when walking along the bottom, braced against a ship’s hull, or the like. A creature can only walk
along the bottom if it wears or carries enough gear to weigh itself down: at least 16 pounds for Medium creatures, twice that
for each size category larger than Medium, and half that for each size category smaller than Medium.

swimming, walking in chest-deep water, or walking breathe underwater. A creature that cannot breathe
along the bottom of a body of water. water must succeed at a concentration check (DC
Ranged Attacks Underwater: Thrown weapons are 15 + spell level) to cast a spell underwater (this is in
ineffective underwater, even when launched from land. addition to the caster level check to successfully cast
Attacks with other ranged weapons take a –2 penalty on a fire spell underwater). Creatures that can breathe
attack rolls for every 5 feet of water they pass through, in water are unaffected and can cast spells normally.
addition to the normal penalties for range. Some spells might function differently underwater,
Attacks from Land: Characters swimming, floating, or subject to GM discretion.
treading water on the surface, or wading in water at least
chest deep, have improved cover (+8 bonus to AC, +4 bonus Adapting to Aquatic Environments
on Reflex saves) from opponents on land. Land-bound The rules presented in the Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook
opponents who have freedom of movement effects ignore for underwater combat apply to creatures not native
this cover when making melee attacks against targets in to this dangerous environment, such as most PCs. For
the water. A completely submerged creature has total cover extended aquatic adventures or for particularly deep
against opponents on land unless those opponents have explorations, PCs will doubtless need to use magic to
freedom of movement effects. Magical effects are unaffected continue their adventures. Water breathing is of obvious
except for those that require attack rolls (which are treated use, while endure elements can help with temperature.
like any other effects) and fire effects. Pressure damage can be avoided entirely with effects such
Fire: Nonmagical fire (including alchemist’s fire) does as freedom of movement. Polymorph spells are perhaps the
not burn underwater. Spells or spell-like effects with most useful in water, though, if the form assumed is
the fire descriptor are ineffective underwater unless the aquatic in nature.
caster makes a caster level check (DC 20 + spell level). If Natural Adaptation: Any creature that has the aquatic
the check succeeds, the spell creates a bubble of steam subtype can breathe water easily and is unaffected by
instead of its usual fiery effect, but otherwise the spell water temperature extremes that are found in that
works as described. A supernatural fire effect is ineffective creature’s typical environment. Aquatic creatures and
underwater unless its description states otherwise. The creatures with the hold breath ability are much more
surface of a body of water blocks line of effect for any fire resistant to pressure damage; they do not suffer damage
spell. If the caster has succeeded at the caster level check from pressure unless they are moved instantaneously
to make the fire spell usable underwater, the surface still from one depth to another in the blink of an eye (in
blocks the spell’s line of effect. which case they adapt to the pressure change after
Spellcasting Underwater: Casting spells while successfully making five successive Fortitude saves
submerged can be difficult for those who cannot against the pressure effects).

14
Water Dangers Drowning
Any character can wade in relatively calm water that Any character can hold her breath for a number of rounds
isn’t over his head, no check required. Similarly, equal to twice her Constitution score. If a character takes
swimming in calm water only requires Swim skill a standard or full-round action, the remaining duration
checks with a DC of 10. Trained swimmers can just that the character can hold her breath is reduced by 1
take 10. Remember, however, that armor or heavy gear round. After this period of time, the character must
makes any attempt at swimming much more difficult succeed at a DC 10 Constitution check every round in
(see the Swim skill description on page 108 of the order to continue holding her breath. Each round, the
Core Rulebook). DC increases by 1.
By contrast, fast-moving water is much more When the character fails this Constitution check,
dangerous. Characters must make a successful DC 15 she begins to drown. In the first round, she falls
Swim check or a DC 15 Strength check to avoid going unconscious (0 hp). In the following round, she drops
under. On a failed check, the character takes 1d3 points to –1 hit points and is dying. In the third round,
of nonlethal damage per round (1d6 points of lethal she drowns. Unconscious characters must begin
damage if flowing over rocks and cascades). attempting Constitution checks immediately upon
Very deep water is not only generally pitch black, being submerged (or upon becoming unconscious if
posing a navigational hazard, but worse, deals water the character was conscious when submerged). Once
pressure damage of 1d6 points per minute for every she fails one of these checks, she immediately drops to –1
100 feet the character is below the surface. A successful (or loses 1 additional hit point, if her total is below –1).
Fortitude save (DC 15, +1 for each previous check) means On the following round, she drowns.
the diver takes no damage in that minute. Very cold water It is possible to drown in substances other than
deals 1d6 points of nonlethal damage from hypothermia water, such as sand, quicksand, fine dust, and silos full
per minute of exposure. of grain.

15
 Open Game License Version 1.0a
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is original material as Open Game Content, You represent that Your
Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. (“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved. Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient
1. Definitions: (a) “Contributors” means the copyright and/or trademark rights to grant the rights conveyed by this License.
owners who have contributed Open Game Content; (b) “Derivative 6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Material” means copyrighted material including derivative works portion of this License to include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE
and translations (including into other computer languages), potation, of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing,
modification, correction, addition, extension, upgrade, improvement, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright
compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open Game
be recast, transformed or adapted; (c) “Distribute” means to reproduce, Content you distribute.
license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise 7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity,
distribute; (d) “Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and including as an indication as to compatibility, except as expressly
includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each
such content does not embody the Product Identity and is an enhancement element of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility
over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in
Game Content by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as
License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner
but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product
product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the
trade dress; artifacts, creatures, characters, stories, storylines, plots, ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity
thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest in
designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and and to that Product Identity.
graphic, photographic and other visual or audio representations; names 8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly
and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, indicate which portions of the work that you are distributing are Open
teams, personas, likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, Game Content.
environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or 9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish
effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or updated versions of this License. You may use any authorized version
registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content
of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game originally distributed under any version of this License.
Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, 10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every
designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products copy of the Open Game Content You distribute.
or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License by the 11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game
Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to use, Distribute, copy, Content using the name of any Contributor unless You have written permission
edit, format, modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material from the Contributor to do so.
of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” means the licensee in terms 12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the
of this agreement. terms of this License with respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any
contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content may only be Open Game Material so affected.
Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice 13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply
to any Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming
subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.
No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content 14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable,
distributed using this License. such provision shall be reformed only to the extent necessary to make it
3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate enforceable.
Your acceptance of the terms of this License. 15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this Open Game License v 1.0a © 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual, worldwide, royalty- System Reference Document © 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors:
free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary
the Open Game Content. Gygax and Dave Arneson.
5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing Ruins of Azlant Player’s Guide © 2017, Paizo Inc.; Author: Adam Daigle.

16