Fantasy Grounds - The Pharaoh's Vault - Level-1 delivers a role-playing experience centered on dungeon exploration in a fantasy setting. Players assume the roles of emerging adventurers who accept a contract from Professor Hadrin and the explorer Lyra Telvane to investigate a ziggurat that has emerged in the forest near Arborhollow. The structure may mark the resting place of Pharaoh Ankheteph IX, whose remains lie within an ornate sarcophagus at the heart of the site.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around careful navigation of the ziggurat and its underground passages. Characters encounter immortal guardians that defend key areas, navigate deadly traps that require observation and timing to bypass, and solve strange puzzles that block progress toward the central vault. Other adventurers who arrived earlier add layers of interaction, sometimes as rivals and sometimes as potential allies or sources of information. NPC companions accompany the party, including the scholarly Professor Hadrin, the bold Lyra Telvane, and the spellcaster Orlock Setiva, each contributing distinct skills during exploration and encounters. Combat arises when guardians or other threats activate, while social exchanges with these companions and any rival groups influence how events unfold. The adventure begins at character level one and emphasizes discovery over extended campaigns.
Game Modes
Play occurs through standard group sessions on the Fantasy Grounds virtual tabletop platform. A game master directs the scenario for a party of players, managing maps, tokens, and rules resolution in real time. Sessions typically run three to five hours, fitting a single sitting or splitting across multiple meetings. The module supports both D&D 5e and Shadowdark systems, allowing groups to select their preferred ruleset without altering the core events or locations. No separate competitive or solo modes exist; the focus remains on collaborative table play where participants share control of the narrative through their characters' choices.
Adventure Structure
The ziggurat rises in a forest clearing, its exterior terrace featuring magical braziers that provide limited light at night. Inside, the layout progresses from surface chambers to deeper dungeon sections leading to the vault door. Random events can occur at regular intervals or after loud disturbances, introducing additional challenges. Rumors circulating in Arborhollow set the stage, hinting at ghostly lights and disappearances that draw the party into the site. The design keeps the experience contained, with the reawakened pharaoh serving as the central mystery rather than an immediate confrontation. Maps and tokens facilitate clear positioning during exploration, while the included NPCs provide ongoing guidance and occasional assistance in clearing obstacles.
Is It Worth Playing?
This module suits groups seeking a compact fantasy dungeon crawl that introduces core tabletop mechanics without requiring prior campaign investment. Its level-one starting point and three-to-five-hour length make it accessible for new players or as a one-shot option. The combination of traps, puzzles, guardians, and rival adventurers creates varied encounters that reward observation and teamwork. Availability through the free Fantasy Grounds base client lowers the barrier for virtual play, though the module itself functions as paid content. Players who enjoy guided exploration with NPC support and a clear objective will find the structure engaging. Those preferring open-world freedom or longer campaigns may look elsewhere, but the focused design delivers a complete introductory experience for its intended audience.
