A03: Champion’s Rest by Jonathan G. Nelson is a role playing game supplement published by AAW Games for use with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, although it is also statted for Dungeons & Dragons 3.5. As such, it is covered by the Open Game License and some parts are considered to be Open Game Content as a result. This is an adventure aimed at 4-6 characters of levels 2-3. It is also available in a Fantasy Grounds conversion and a version for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
The supplement is available from DriveThruRPG as a PDF for $2.99, as a softcover standard colour print on demand book for $6.80, as a softcover premium colour print on demand book for $9.80, as standard colour and PDF for $7.40 or as premium colour and PDF for $10.40. The PDF is the version reviewed although it was purchased at a reduced price as part of a special bundle. The PDF has 47 pages with two being the front and rear covers, one being the Credits and Table of Contents, one being the Open Game License and one an ad.
Adventure Background briefly explains a that a hunter was in the Dark Wood when he saw Vikmordere celebrating. He returned and told the mayor of his village who sent some soldiers out. The soldiers did not return. Adventure Synopsis briefly outlines the adventure and Adventure Hook is that the mayor requests the characters aid.
Introduction states that if the GM is using their own campaign setting, start with Chapter Two; if using the AAW setting, start with Chapter One. Though not explicitly stated, this adventure will follow on from Devil of Dark Wood.
Chapter One has the characters hired by the village mayor, and has a map of the city hall. There is also a map of the local area. A sidebar explains that the first encounter includes a monster that could wipe out the characters. They will be bailed out of the combat, but it’s intended to show that combat is dangerous and characters could die. This encounter, with a devil, is one of the first and the characters will be rescued by someone they may remember from the previous adventure.
Chapter Two: History of Loi’Tok Burial Mound gives some GM information, a drawing of the mound and suggestions as to how some of the information could be given to characters.
Chapter Three: Arrival at Loi’Tok Burial Mound is the main encounter. The characters will head into the mound where they may be able to find, and possibly loot, the tombs of eight Vikmordere lords. If they have a relic from Crypt of the Sun Lord, this could be easier. In addition, the primary foe is located underground.
The final 15 pages are stats for both Pathfinder and D&D 3.5.
A03: Champion’s Rest in Review
The PDF is well bookmarked with major and minor sections linked. The Table of Contents is not quite as thorough and is hyperlinked. Navigation is very good. The text maintains a two-column full colour layout and appeared to be mostly free of error. There are a number of illustrations and maps; some have been reused from earlier adventures, as they cover the same locations. Others, such as illustrations for the burial mound, are custom. Presentation is excellent.
One interesting aspect of the campaign setting is starting to develop, and that’s the clash of cultures. The characters come from one culture and the Vikmordere are portrayed as bloodthirsty, brutal barbarians by theirs. The Vikmordere in turn consider the characters’ own culture to be equally bad. Neither is totally accurate, and that could cause some interesting situations later on.
The adventure itself is pretty straightforward, and not very long, but that doesn’t mean it’s remotely safe, or that it’s uninteresting. The tomb complex is full of interesting things, including a pendant that characters may recover if they are really good. A pendant that they won’t know anything about yet. A03: Champion’s Rest is a nice little adventure and it can be found by clicking here.
Leave a Reply