Delving into the Depths: A Map of the Abomination Vaults
The Abomination Vaults, Paizo’s sprawling dungeon crawl adventure path for Pathfinder 2nd Edition, is a monster of a megadungeon. Understanding its layout is crucial for both Game Masters and players alike. This isn’t just a dungeon; it’s a multi-layered, twisting, and often horrifying descent into a place where the past refuses to stay buried.
The dungeon is physically located beneath the lighthouse town of Otari, a seemingly peaceful settlement on the Isle of Erran. This proximity immediately creates a tension: the safety and tranquility of Otari are constantly threatened by the horrors below. The entrance is subtly placed within the ruins of the Gauntlight, an ancient structure that has become a local landmark.
The Vaults themselves are structured into ten distinct levels, each presenting unique challenges and echoing different eras of the dungeon’s long history. From the relatively mundane goblin warrens in the upper levels to the increasingly warped and corrupted depths, the environment reflects the creeping influence of the evil at the dungeon’s heart.
Key Areas of Interest:
- Level 1: The Commons – This entry point is relatively straightforward, filled with goblins and remnants of previous expeditions. It’s a testing ground for new adventurers and a reminder of the dangers to come.
- Level 2: The Storage Level – As the name suggests, this level was once used for storage. Expect traps, forgotten supplies, and perhaps some lingering creatures drawn to the unattended goods.
- Level 3: Belcorra’s Sanctum – A pivotal point, this level marks the growing influence of Belcorra Haruvex, the undead sorceress responsible for the Abomination Vaults’ current state. Expect more powerful undead and clues to Belcorra’s motives.
- Levels 4-7: Duergar Stronghold & Deeper Depths – These levels showcase the Vaults’ transformation. The presence of Duergar indicates a past occupation and hints at deeper connections to the surface world. The challenges here ramp up significantly, requiring careful planning and tactical combat.
- Levels 8-10: The Core and Belcorra’s Inner Sanctum – The final levels are the most dangerous, steeped in necromantic energy and guarded by formidable creatures. These levels hold the answers to the Vaults’ mysteries and the key to stopping Belcorra’s malevolent plans. Expect challenging puzzles, epic battles, and difficult choices.
Navigation within the Abomination Vaults is no simple feat. The interconnected network of tunnels, chambers, and hidden passages can easily disorient even seasoned adventurers. Secret doors, collapsing floors, and magical portals add layers of complexity to the exploration. Keeping a detailed map is essential, as is careful observation and the ability to decipher cryptic clues.
Beyond its physical layout, the Abomination Vaults’ map also tells a story. The architecture, the remnants of past inhabitants, and the evolving environment reveal the dungeon’s history and the forces that have shaped it. Understanding this history is crucial for overcoming the challenges that lie within and ultimately vanquishing the evil that festers in its depths.
