Archives of Nethys
Named a traitor and cast out by the other Eldest, the enigmatic Count Ranalc is an entity of shadow and rumor—though whether this is by design or circumstance, no one knows for certain. The count's relationships with his peers among the Eldest were somewhat contentious even before his enforced departure. The other Eldest found his manner arrogant, his effect on shadows disconcerting, and his gaunt sneer too knowing. Ranalc's adherents believed his confidence was justly earned, however, and drew great power from his affinity with darkness when he deigned to share it, even after his banishment and later disappearance.
The catalyst for his imposed exile remains unknown, but Ranalc did not vanish into obscurity as his peers might have hoped. Instead, the shadowy count established a new realm in the Netherworld he tied to the First World and named Nighthold, creating out of the chaos a volcanic fortress complete with echoing, cavernous cathedrals, a throne of solid shadow, and rivers of lava that pool in rocky crevices and illuminate the swirling clouds of ash with an eerie glow. In contrast to the constant upheavals and ever-shifting ruins within the realm, Nighthold's borders are delineated by a resolute row of magical lampposts established by the other Eldest, intended as a bulwark to prevent Nighthold's darkness—and Ranalc's influence—from expanding.
However, the count appears to no longer dwell in his domain, and the circumstances of his disappearance are shrouded in mystery. Whether this is an intentional plot or simply another misfortune heaped upon the Eldest is the subject of rampant speculation among fey courts. Those with knowledge of events on Golarion suspect the archmage Nex's involvement; his long history with Ranalc includes periods of friendly rivalry, grudging collaboration, and great enmity. Some believe Nex's Phantom Siege of Absalom in 166 ar showed signs of Ranalc's influence.
With the patron of treachery missing, there's no reliable way to seek Ranalc's favor, but those with an affinity for vengeance and secrecy can attract his attention by invoking him during a betrayal or other act of disloyalty. He often appears as a gaunt, indistinct apparition who speaks from the shadows in waking dreams or borrows his followers' own shadows to deliver messages. His cryptic communication never provides direct answers regarding his whereabouts or even whether he vanished under duress or is intentionally obscuring his movements. Only one thing is certain: if he was crossed, his plans for vengeance are already underway.
Category Eldest
Edicts Work in shadows, hide your nature and motives, plot betrayals or revenge for betrayals
Anathema Ask for forgiveness, create permanent or long-lasting sources of light
Areas of Concern Betrayal, exiles, shadows
Religious Symbol Eye with crescent moon pupil
Sacred Animal Bat
Sacred Color(s) Black, gray
Devotee Benefits
Divine Attribute Dexterity or CharismaDivine Font harm or heal
Divine Sanctification none
Divine Skill Society
Favored Weapon rapier
Domains confidence, darkness, sorrow, travel
Alternate Domains secrecy
Cleric Spells 1st: penumbral shroud, 4th: peaceful bubble, 5th: umbral journey
Shelyn's Corner
×Classic Feel
Classic Feel
Classic Feel
The classic look for the Archives of Nethys.
| Table |
| Data |
| More Data |
Book Feel
Book Feel
Book Feel
An alternative feel, based on the Rulebooks.
| Table |
| Data |
| More Data |
Round Feel
Round Feel
Round Feel
A rounded, modern look for the archives.
| Table |
| Data |
| More Data |
Slim Feel
Slim Feel
Slim Feel
A variant of the Round feel, more compact.
| Table |
| Data |
| More Data |