Age of Ashes A Pathfinder 2e Campaign
Hellknight Hill

Session 2025-04-20

Narrative Summary

This session marked the transition from the active play of Book 1 (Hellknight Hill) to the extended downtime/administrative phase and the beginning of Book 2 content (Cult of Cinders). The session primarily focused on establishing frameworks for citadel restoration and downtime activities, rather than active adventuring.

Directive from the Town Council

Councilor Greta Gardania of Breachill officially granted the party authority to govern, restore, and steward Citadel Altaerein. The directive established their ownership of the former Hellknight stronghold and outlined the party's authorized activities:

  • Occupation and use of the citadel and grounds
  • Contract labor for restoration
  • Designation of rooms for civic, martial, educational, or religious functions
  • Representation in official town affairs during restoration

The council further warned that failed or neglected administration would have cascading negative effects on restoration efforts.

Downtime Activity Systems

The DM established two primary downtime mechanics for managing the citadel's restoration:

  1. Administer (DC 20 Society check): Once per interval, designated party member manages citadel functions

    • Critical Success: 1 month smooth operation, +2 bonus to all Organize Labor checks
    • Success: 1 week smooth operation
    • Failure: No progress; retry next day
    • Critical Failure: Relations sour; no retry for 1 week

  2. Organize Labor (DC 13 for workers / DC 18 for specialists): Recruiting workers for specific repairs/upgrades

    • Uses Deception, Diplomacy, or Intimidation
    • Deception/Intimidation: +2 bonus but risk penalties on failure
    • Diplomacy: No bonus, no risk
    • Cost: 1 gp/day for workers; 5 gp/day for specialists

Basic Repair Tasks

The citadel required the following repairs (in order):

  1. Clean (8 days, no check required, no cost) - Must be completed first
  2. Clear Courtyard (6 days, DC 15 Crafting)
  3. Make General Repairs (14 days, DC 15 Crafting)
  4. Rebuild Battlements (28 days, DC 20 Crafting)
  5. Rebuild Collapsed Stairs (4-8 days per section, DC 20 Crafting)
  6. Repair Crumbled Walls (8 days per room, DC 20 Crafting)

The system allowed for cost savings if party members performed the work themselves, risking failure but gaining potential critical successes that could halve time and supply costs.

Theo's Downtime Decision

Theo elected to remain in the citadel to assist with cleanup rather than pursue other downtime activities, focusing on the collective restoration effort.

Book 2 Opening: Children of the Godslayers

The session ended with the DM presenting the opening lore for Book 2 of Cult of Cinders, establishing the mythic stakes:

  • Dahak's Manifestation: Thousands of years ago, the dragon god of destruction sensed an opportunity during Earthfall to manifest directly on Golarion
  • The Ekujae Response: Elven guardians in the Mwangi Expanse defeated Dahak's physical manifestation through unknown methods, banishing his essence
  • Eternal Vigil: The Ekujae have maintained watchful protection for millennia, preventing Dahak's return
  • Current Threat: Cultists of Dahak are now active, seeking to undo the ancient elven banishment
  • The Party's Role: Having already made connections to the Alseta's Ring portal network and defeated initial cultist forces, the party is positioned at the threshold of a larger conflict

The session concluded with a forward-looking statement that the party stands at the precipice of uncovering secrets long buried and facing dangers that have been contained for thousands of years.

Session Notes

Key events:

  • Party established full ownership/stewardship of Citadel Altaerein
  • Received official directive from Breachill Town Council
  • Learned downtime activity mechanics for citadel management
  • Discovered the extensive scope of required repairs (multiple buildings, structural work)
  • Received exposition on the Dahak manifes tation lore
  • Book 1 officially concluded; Book 2 framework established

NPCs referenced:

  • Councilor Greta Gardania (official authority from Breachill)
  • Helba and Warbal Bumblebrasher (to be trained as citadel guards later)

Combat: None; entirely administrative/narrative session

Party decisions:

  • Theo chose to assist with citadel restoration
  • Party accepted responsibility for citadel stewardship
  • Direction set toward Book 2 narrative (investigating Dahak cult)

Unresolved threads:

  • Extent and timeline of citadel restoration
  • How to fund/resource the major repairs
  • Management of Huntergate portal
  • Response to Dahak cult activities
  • Ekujae involvement in future narrative

Rewards/loot: None in this session (administrative phase)

Downtime System Notes

The DM provided detailed mechanics for:

  1. PC-performed work: Saves labor costs but risks failure and wasted supplies (1 gp/day)
  2. Hired labor: Guarantees success but costs 1 gp/day for workers or 5 gp/day for specialists
  3. Critical success benefits: Completing 2 days of work in 1 day, halving supply costs
  4. Failure consequences: Wasted time and materials, potential penalties on future checks

This system allows for meaningful player agency in restoration while maintaining strategic resource management.

Campaign Status

  • Book 1 (Hellknight Hill) is COMPLETE
  • Book 2 (Cult of Cinders, Chapter 1: Children of the Godslayers) is now ACTIVE
  • Party is level 4
  • Citadel Altaerein is party headquarters/base of operations
  • Dahak cult has been identified as primary Book 2 threat
  • Ekujae elves will likely play significant roles in future narrative