Curse of the Crimson Throne

Lore & Background

As the heroes rise through the ranks from street-level investigators to key players in high politics, they uncover that the 'curse' is not merely a supernatural affliction but a calculated scheme involving the resurrection of ancient evils. The story highlights the moral ambiguity of Cheliax, where loyalty is often bought with blood and power is seized by those willing to make pacts with demons.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicks the cobblestones of the Upper City, reflecting the crimson banners that flutter above the palace gates. A hooded figure slips into the shadowed alley behind the King's mausoleum, clutching a blood-stained harrow card. The air hums with static as whispers of the dead echo against the stone walls, warning that the throne is not empty—it is merely waiting for the next soul to claim it and burn the world in the process.

Reader's Guide

The campaign begins with the heroes investigating the King's murder, leading them through the criminal underbelly of Absalom. They quickly become entangled in a web of intrigue involving noble houses vying for power. As the investigation deepens, the party discovers that the assassination was part of a larger plot to install a puppet ruler or unleash demonic forces. Key turning points include infiltrating secret societies and confronting the resurrected spirits of past villains. The climax involves a direct confrontation with the masterminds behind the conspiracy, forcing the heroes to choose between restoring order through tyranny or risking chaos for freedom. The outcome permanently alters the political landscape of Cheliax.

Did You Know?

• The campaign heavily features the Harrow deck of cards as a central plot device and divination tool.
• It was one of the first major adventure paths to focus entirely on urban intrigue rather than dungeon crawling.
• The story directly influences the political state of Cheliax in later Pathfinder lore and novels.