Reavers of Harken Wold

REAVERS OF HARKENWOLDT"
PART 1: THE IRON CIRCLE

Roleplaying Game Adventure Book 1
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INTRODUCTION
Heavers ofHarken wold" is a two-part DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
adventure set in the Nentir Vale. a region introduced in
the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Fantasy Holeplayin8 Game. The
first half of the adventure takes the characters from 2nd to
3rd level and is presented in this book. Heavers of Harken
wold Part 2: The Die Is Cast contains the second half of the
adventure, which is deSigned to take characters from 3rd
to 4th level.
Reavers of Harken wold pits the heroes against the Iron
Circle, a company of cruel mercenaries that has seized
control of the small land of Harken wold. In this adven
ture, the heroes become daring rebels and lead the folk of
Harkenwold against their oppressors.
Harkenwold is a small barony in the southeast reach
of the Nentir Vale. Several tiny hamlets and a number of
steadings (isolated farms) are scattered across the broad
dale of the \ ~ r h i t e River. The great Harken Forest sur
rounds the realm, isolating it from the lands nearby. In
better times. this quiet backwater contendy avoids major
trouble.
At present, Iron Circle mercenaries are plundering the
land. Baron Stockmer, the rightful lord, is a prisoner in his
own keep, and a villainous lord named Nazin Redthorn
rules in his place. The Harkenwold folk are down to their
last hope-that brave heroes will answer their calls for help
and break the Iron Circle.
Adventure Background
Lord Vhennyk and his mysterious Iron Circle mercenaries
came to the Nentir Vale from the southern city ofSarthel
roughly two months ago. Their mission: Bring the Nentir
Vale to heel. Vhennyk decided that overt operations would
start in the relatively isolated Barony of Harken wold, a col
lection of hamlets scattered over fifty miles of the upper
White River valley. He tasked his subordinate, a brigand
captain named Nazin Redthorn, with seizing the region,
then hurried on to implement his other plans for the Vale.
About six weeks ago, Nazinled a large band of Iron
Circle mercenaries into Harkenwold in a surprise attack.
The brigands stormed Harken Keep and took Baron Stock
mer captive. Iron Circle sweeps ami raids soon quelled
any show of resistance, leaving Harkenwold a conquered
land.
The new bandit "authorities" are pillaging Harken
wold through "tolls" and confiscations, harshly punishing
anyone who resists. Nazin is further strengthening his
hold by negotiating with other malignant forces. In par
ticular, he's used some of the loot he's plundering from
Harkenwold's suffering populace to buy the friendship of a
group of odious bullywugs (a race of bipedal frog people).
ADVENTURE SYNOPSIS
The adventurers have a truly heroic challenge ahead of
them: the liberation of an oppressed land.
Reavers of Harken wold is split into two parts, each
part contained within its own 32-pagc adventure book.
Although the story's outcome hinges on the actions of
the player characters, the adventure willlikcly unfold as
follows.
Part 1: The Iron Circle
On the outskirts of Harkcllwold, the advcnturers encounter
a band ofIron Circle marauders threatening a farmhouse.
They intervene and rescue the widow llyana and her sons
(encounter EJ). Ilyana tells the heroes about Harkenwold's
troubles and begs them to help end this evil. She directs
the heroes to the nearby village ofAlbridge and two key
figurcs in Harkenwold's growing resistance: a retired
adventurer named Dar Gremath and the druid Reithann.
Dar Gremath is keen to deal with isolated Iron Circle
detachments. He suggests ccrtain targets, among them
a supply caravan (encounters E2 and E3). For her part,
Reithann advises the heroes to strike at the Toadwallow
Caverns, the lair ora bullywug tribe allied to the Iron
Circle (encounters '1'1 through '\'3). If the heroes defeat
the bullywugs, the rebels in western Harkenwold are free
to bring the fight to the Iron Circle. Regardless of which
option they pick, the adventurers can return to the other
quest whenever they want.
Cleaning out the Toadwallow or raiding the Iron Circle
brings the adventurers to Nazin Redthorn's attention
and convinces him that they are a serious threat. He dis
patches strong patrols to hunt them down (encounter E4).
The defeat of one of these strike forces emboldens freedom
fighters throughout the region.
Heartened by the adventurers' aid, the people of
Harkenwold prepare for battle against the invaders. The
leaders of the resistance ask the heroes to contact the
Woodsingers, a clan of elves living in the Harken Forest
south of Harkenwold (encounter D1). To gain the aid of the
elves, the advcnturers must defeat the evil lurking in the
wizard sanctuary ofDal Nystiere (encounters D2 through
D4). Accomplishing the quest concludes this part of the
adventure.
Part 2: The Die Is Cast
Returning from the forest with Woodsinger warriors
as allies, the adventurers learn that Nazin Redthorn
is marching to destroy the resistance. In the Battle of
Albridge (encounters R1 through B4), the heroes lead the
Harkenwolders and their elvcn allies against the Iron
Circle. With hard fighting and some luck, the Iron Circle
is defeated, and the surviving mercenaries retreat to Iron
Keep-a stronghold too wcll fortified for !he Harken
wolders to storm.
In the climactic challenge of the adventure, the heroes ~
infiltrate Iron Keep (encounters K1 through K7). With :::l
fortune on their side, they strive to free Baron Stockmer, r-
Z
defeat the remaining Iron Circle soldiers, and kill or cap' L.U
ture Nazin Redthorn. Their herOic efforts bring freedom to >
Harkenwold once again! ~
Vl
USING THIS
:r
ADVENTURE
Heavers of Harken wold can be played as a followup to "The
Twisting Halls" adventure presented in the DUNGEONS &
DRAGONS Fantasy Roleplayin8 Game. The player characters
should be 2nd level when they start this adventure and at
least 4th level by its conclusion.
The adventure has the follOWing components:
Heavers of Harken wold Part 1: The Iron Circle (this book)
prOVides an overview of Harkenwold and encounters that
pit the heroes against the Iron Circle and its allies. The
encounters are split into three major sections: Events (E),
the Toadwallow Caverns (T) , and the sanctuary at Dal
Nystiere (D).
The second adventure book. Reavers of Harken wold Part
2: The Die Is Cast, contains the second half of the adven
ture, with encounters divided into two major sections: the
Battle of Albridge (B) and Iron Keep (K).
The adventure comes with two foldout battle maps
depicting key encounter locations. The battle maps are
designed for use with cardboard tokens or plastic min
iatures, but they don't encompass every encounter in
the adventure. For encounters that the battle maps don't
cover, you can either draw the maps for your players using
wet erase markers and a blank battle map (available for
purchase at your local hobby store) , or you can build the
maps using D&D Dun8eon Tiles.
Heavers of Harken wold includes many villains and mon
sters, tokens for which can be found in this box or the
Monster Vault''' boxed set.
Getting Started
Read this book first, and familiarize yourself with the
overall structure of the adventure. You won't need to Jook
at the adventure book for Reavers of Harkenwold Part 2: The
Die Is Cast until you're ready to run that part of the adven
ture. Review the adventure outline on the next several
pages, particularly if you are a new DM.
See "Setting the Stage" (page 5) for ways to engage the
characters in the story, or use them as cxamples to dcvise
your own adventure hooks. Once everyone has gathered,
start with encounter E1 (page 12).
FREEING
HARKENWOLD
To successfully overthrow the Iron Circle and restore
freedom to Harkenwold, the adventuring party must
accomplish at least four of the following goals:
Defeat the bullywugs of the Toadwallow Caverns.
Forge an alliance with the Wood singer elves.
Win the Battle of Albridge.
Rescue Baron Stock mer from Iron Keep.
Defeat Nazin Redthorn, the leader of the Iron Circle in
Harkenwold.
Achieving four of these goals ensures that the Har
kenwolders eventually triumph over the Iron Circle.
Achieving all five brings about an immediate victory. For
example, lOSing the Battle ofAlbridge would be a serious
setback for the Harkenwolders, but the remaining villages
can beat the Iron Circle ifNazin Redthorn is dead, the
Baron is freed, the Woodsinger elves are on their side, and
the bullywugs pose no threat.
Running the Adventure
Guiding the players through such an involved plot can
seem daunting at first, but don't despair. The adventure
breaks down into five distinct chapters. Your players have
a great deal oflatitude to decide which specific tasks their
characters are going to tackle next. All you have to do is
offer them the decision pOints, and run the challenges and
encounters associated with the course they choose. The
storyline follows this general course:
Reavers ofHarken wold, Part 1: The Iron Circle
Chapter I: Road to Adventure (encounters EI-E3)
Chapter II: Opening Salvos (encounters TI-T3, E4)
Chapter III: Gathering Allies (encounters 01-04)
Reavers ofHarkell wold, Part 2: The Die Is Cast
Chapter IV: Battle ofAlbridge (encounters Bl-B4)
Chapter V: Iron Keep (encounters Kl-K7, E5)
Chapter I. Road to Adventure The adventure
begins with encounter El (page 12).
The adventurers confront a gang ofIron Circle maraud
ers and stop them from burning down a farm. When
they've defeated or driven off the villains, they meet Ilyana,
their first contact in Harkenwold. I1yana advises the party
to continue on to the nearby Village ofAlbridge and seek
out the rebel leader Dar Gremath or the druid Reithann.
Dar Gremath: The rebel leader asks the heroes to
begin direct action against the Iron Circle.
Reithann: The druid asks the heroes to go to the west
end of the vale and deal with the vicious bullywugs lairing
in the Toadwallow Caverns.
Chapter II. Opening Salvos The heroes
decide to take on the bullywugs or oppose the Iron Circle.
Iron Circle: If the heroes choose to take on the Iron
Circle directly, Dar Gremath suggests several different
opportunities for causing mischief The heroes can root
out Iron Circle soldiers troubling a local village, or they
can waylay an Iron Circle supply wagon (encounters E2
and E3, pages 14-17). Most of these events take place
within a day's travel of Albridge, the heart of the rebellion.
Q]lest XP: Taking out the supply wagon earns a minor
quest reward of 100 XP.
Bullywugs: If the heroes take on the bullywugs, they
travel to Tor's Hold and the Toadwallow Caverns at the
west end of the vale. The caverns are described in encoun
ters T1 through T3 (pages 20-25).
Q]lest XP: Defeating the bullywug chieftain earns a
minor quest reward of 125 XP.
Making Enemies: Defeating the bullywugs or taking
out the supply wagon provokes a response from the Iron
Circle. This leads to encounter E4 (page 18).
Chapter III. Gathering Allies Now that
battle is truly joined between the adventurers and the
Iron Circle, a workable plan for defeating the marauders
must be devised. Both Reithann and Dar Gremath
suggest contacting the Woodsinger elf clan in the Harken
Forest and asking for their help against the Iron Circle.
vVinning the friendship of the Wood singers isn't easy.
The heroes must battle the evil undead mage lurking
in the sanctuary ofDal Nystiere to prove their mettle to
the elves. This quest leads to encounters Dl through D4
(pages 26-31).
Q]lestXP: Forging an alliance with the Woodsinger
elves earns a minor quest reward of 150 XP.
The heroes might first choose to revisit the option they
didn't take preViously, dealing with the Toadwallow bully
wugs or fighting Iron Circle soldiers where they find them.
Chapter IV. Battle of Albridge When the
heroes return from their elven adventures, they find the
barony abuzz with news: Nazin Redthorn is gathering
Iron Circle soldiers to march on Albridge. Dar Gremath
is organizing a force of Harkenwold militia for defense. At
the start of encounter Bl (Reavers of Harkell wold Part 2: The
Die Is Cast, page 3), a messenger from Dar Gremath asks
the adventurers to come to Albridge as quickly as possible
to help fight off the Iron Circle.
The player characters travel to Albridge, possibly with
Tor's Hold or Wood singer reinforcements, just in time to
participate in Dar Gremath's council of war. The battle
unfolds in the course of encounters B2 through B4 (Reav
ers of Harkell wold Part 2: The Die Is Cast, pages 6-11).
The battle turns on the heroes' successes up to this
pOint in the adventure. If the heroes have been reasonably
successful so far, the rebels break the Iron Circle army and
win the day.
Yisarn the Skeletal Mane
QJlest XP: Defeating the Iron Circle in the battle earns
the characters a major quest reward of 750 XP.
Victory or Defeat: Whether the rebels triumph or not,
a significant obstacle remains-Nazin Redthorn still holds
Iron Keep. Harkenwold cannot be truly free as long as its
principle fortress is in enemy hands.
Chapter V. Iron Keep Whether victorious or
defeated, the surviving Iron Circle soldiers retreat to Iron
Keep and hole up. hoping for reinforcements. Defeating
Nazin Redthorn and his marauders means that Iron
Keep must fall. The Harkenwold rebels have no chance of
storming the battlements. A small team of highly capable
and skilled volunteers, however, could infiltrate the castle,
rescue the baron, and put an end to Nazin Redthorn. The
heroes' assault on Iron Keep is covered in encounters Kl
through K7 (Reavers ofHarkenwold Part 2: The Die Is Cast,
pages 16-30).
Quest XP: Driving the Iron Circle out of Harkenwold
and freeing Baron Stock mer earns the adventurers a
major quest reward of 1,000 XP.
Conclusion: If the heroes succeed in freeing Baron
Stockmer and defeat Redthorn and the remaining Iron
Circle reavers, the adventure comes to an end. The
heroes have liberated Harkenwold, and they can go on to
whatever challenge awaits them next. Ifyou wish to use
the Iron Circle as an ongoing threat in your campaign,
encounter E5 provides a fitting epilogue.
SETTING THE STAGE
Use one or a combination of the hooks below to motivate
the characters to participate in this adventure.
Agents Provocateur: The characters are native to the
town ofFallcrest, a few days west ofHarkenwold. Lord
Warden Markelhay, ruler ofFallcrest, hears that merce
naries have taken over Harkenwold and decides to send
Baron Stockmer help. He summons the heroes to his
keep and commissions them to go to Harkcnwold, work to
defeat the Iron Circle, and restore the baron to his throne.
Bandit Hunting: The heroes are on the trail of a gang
of marauders who attacked a farmhouse a few days' travel
away. The trail ends in northern Harkenwold, where it
becomes clear that these bandits are not merely isolated
raiders.
Interrupted Pilgrimage: One or more of the heroes
are returning from a pilgrimage to a temple in the town
of Fallcrest. A divine character whose patron is Erathis,
Pelor, or Sehanine works best for this, but devotees of
Ioun, Kord, Bahamut, CoreHon, Avandra, or Moradin fit
as well. FollOWing the King's Road east after their visit, the
adventurers pass into Harkenwold.
Trouble at Home: One or more of the adventurers are
native to Harkenwold. While visiting the dwarven town of
Hammerfast, several days' journey to the north, they learn
from traveling merchants that brigands have taken over
Harkenwold. They must hurry back home if they plan to
do something about it.
EXTRA CREDIT
The pl'ayers might "miss aspects of the adventure by
chOOSing to do other things. For example, if they decide to
deal with the Toadwallow bullywugs first and then head
for the Woodsinger elves, they'll skip over encounters E1
and U. Not a problem. The adventure is deSigned to give
real importance to the players' decisions about the task of
freeing Harkenwold.
Your players might devise other ideas for helping
Harkenwold. For example, they could visit different vil
lages and train the militia, inspire more townsfolk to take
up arms, or waylay numerous Iron Circle patrols. You can
repurpose some of the specific encounters in this book to
handle these fights. Alternatively, feel free to create suit
able skill challenges covering these tasks.
Eventually, the party should arrive at the Battle of
Albridge, the pivotal point of the adventure. You might need
to create new victory point goals if the players have concen
trated their efforts on things not discussed in detail here.
HARKENWOLD
The Barony ofHarkenwold is a broad valley just over 50
miles long and roughly 20 miles wide located between
arms of the Harken Forest. This primarily open land
consists ofgently rolling hills covered in a mix of cheery
meadows, light forest with little undergrowth, and the
occasional thicket. The climate is cool and rainy. Many
small streams wind their way across the land, eventually
joining the \\Thite River. These brooks are at most a few
feet wide, and small footbridges cross them regularly.
Harkenwold's total population is about 2,000, scattered
across half a dozen small hamlets and a score of isolated
steadings. Most of the citizens are humans (50%), halflings
(25%), and dwarves (20%), with a smattering of other folk
(5%). Unless otherwise specified, NPCs the characters
meet are human.
Harkenwolders living in the countryside are primarily
farmers, shepherds, or woodcutters. Denizens of the ham
lets also include woodworkers, smiths, carters, brewers,
cheese makers, and leatherworkers. The other villagers
tend nearby fields or orchards.
Harkenwold's Steadings
A steading is a farm or homestead in Harkenwold's
countryside. Each of these settlements features a strongly
built house of fieldstone and timber, surrounded by
apprOXimately 200 acres of pasture land and cropland.
Some steadings have defensive palisades around the main
house. A Single extended family commonly lives in the
house-two or three couples with their children, their
older relations, and a few hired hands. Rarely do the total
inhabitants of a steading exceed 20 people.
Traveling in Harkenwold
Characters on foot average 212 to 3 miles per hour on
roads or trails. Walking from Tor's Hold to Easthill, for
example, takes about two days. If the adventurers avoid
the well-traveled trails and strike out directly overland,
the mixed terrain reduces their speed to threequarters
normal. Venturing into the Harken Forest or the Briar
Hills is much more difficult. The rougher terrain reduces
speed to half normal.
Travelers in Harkenwold are rarely more than a mile
or two from the nearest steading. Most Harkenwolders are
happy to put up visitors for the night, although the accom
modations might be a dry barn or stable.
Sites of Interest
Places of note in Harkenwold are detailed in the following
pages.
;
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Alhridge
Population 180
The second-largest village in Harkenwold, Albridge stands
where the King's Road crosses the White River. The
center of resistance to Iron Circle rule, the rebel leader in
Albridge is Dar Gremath, a retired adventurer (see "Major
Characters," page 10).
As the adventure begins, the rebels are gathering arms
and armor, exchanging messages with disgruntled folk
in other villages, and posting lookouts to report on Iron
Circle movements in the countryside. Later, Albridge is
the site ofNazin Redthorn's attempt to crush the Harken
wold rebels in a Single battle, as detailed in encounters Bl
through B4 (Reavers ofHarkenwold Part 2: The Die Is Cast,
pages 3-11).
Important locations in Albridge include:
1. Old Tower. This vine-covered ruin was once a post
for soldiers guarding the bridge. The roof collapsed long
ago, leaving the interior open to the weather, but the walls
are still sound.
2. Erst the Wainwright. Erst is stout, middle-aged,
and balding, well known as a human of few words. A
crafter, he sells mostly to local farmers in need of carts,
wagons, or wheelbarrows, as well as the rare merchant
still making use of the old King's Road. Erst's grandfather
was a smuggler-hidden tunIlels under his workshop offer
the rebels a good place to hide their arms and armor.
3. Gerrad's House. Gerrad. a hale and white-haired
old halfling, is the Village elder. He and his wife Nioma
are skilled weavers and sell simple but well-constructed
garments of all kinds. Gerrad was appointed village cider
by Baron Stockmer 30 years ago, and he conducts most of
the town business from the common room of the Mallard
Inn. He hides the keenness of his mind behind an aflitble
manner and long-winded stories. Gerrad is well aware of
Dar Gremath's efforts to organize resistance and supports
them. He hopes to deflect Iron Circle suspicions for as long
as possible, but realizes that direct confrontation is inevi
table. He despairs that the rebels will not be strong enough.
4. Village Green. This open space serves as a market
in good weather. On most days. the children of the hamlet
gather here to play. Merchant caravans use the green as a
campsite if they're too big to fit in the Mallard 's innyard.
5. Kathrid's Smithy. Kathrid is a black-haired, mature
dwarfwho served as a guard in the dwarven settlement of
. Hammerfast when she was younger. She is an industrious,
can-do type who talks incessantly while she works, fllling
her listener's ears with advice on every topic imaginable.
She is a close ally of Dar Grernath and serves as his chief
lieutenant in the resistance. If anything happens to her
commander, Kathrid is ready to step in and continue the
fight.
6. The Mallard Inn. This small inn and taphouse is
owned by Onneth, an older half-elf man nearing retire
ment. Onneth is a good-hearted soul, but he is fretful,
forgetful, and incompetent. Most importantly. he can't
keep a secret, so the resistance leaders are careful about
what they say around him. Room and board at the Mallard
costs 5 silver pieces per night.
7. White River Mercantile. This trading post deals
in locally produced woodwork, leather goods, provisions,
and a handful ofluxury items imported from Fallcrest or
the lands to the south. It is run by Roma Featherton. She
is a brisk, robust, officious haUling who recently took over
the business from her ailing father. Her cousin Abel and
his family help out. Most mundane equipment other than
armor or weapons is available here for the normal cost.
8. Gremath Stables. Dar Gremath, an aging and
retired human adventurer, rarely speaks about his long
ago travels. From this base in his livery and stable, Dar has
organized the resistance in Harkenwold. Under cover of
stabling their mounts, locals arrive and depart regularly,
reporting Iron Circle movements and carrying messages
to rebel leaders in other towns.
Dal Nystiere
The eladrin settlement ofDal Nystiere fell to ruin cen
turies ago, destroyed by some unknown threat, and the
Harken Forest has all but swallowed up its remains.
Strange witchlights and evil monsters are known to haunt
the ruins. and the Woodsinger elves have learned to give
the place a wide berth.
Hidden beneath a ring ofstanding stones 011 the out
skirts ofDal Nystiere is a secret sanctuary used at one
time by wi:cards as a place to conduct rnagical research.
The heroes can win the gratitude (and allegiance) of the
nearby Woodsinger elves by ridding the sanctuary of its
monstrous inhabitants.
The sanctuary is now the domain of an undead mage
named Yisam who has ill plans for the Nentir Vale. Yisarn
has joined forces with a group of Dagger burg goblins in an
effort to expel the Wood singer elves from the Harken Forest.
Meeting the Woodsinger elves and learning about the
hidden sanctuary is handled in encounter OJ (page 26).
The ring of stones and the sanctuary itself are described in
encounters D2 through D4 (pages 27-31.).
Dardun
Population 140
Surrounded by apple orchards, grain fields, and vineyards,
Dardun is known for mild white wines, cheeses, and' (of
course) apples. Dardun's e1der is a proud half-elfwoman
named Madera Lirr (see page J 1), the matron ofan old
family of orchardists and cider-makers.
Dardun has been heavily oppressed by the Iron Circle.
Reavers patrol the village streets and routinely tyrannize
Dardun's residents.
Druid Grove
To the northwest ofAlbridge stands a large grove of
ancient trees, long sundered from the Harken Forest
proper. Locals call this place Druid Grove. A stone menhir
stands in the clearing at the center of the grove.
The old human druid Reithann (see page 11) lives
here in a moss-covered lodge near the menhir clearing,
along with her apprentices Lorel (a halOing woman) and
Theren (a young human man). Harkenwolders who ven
erate primal spirits come to this verdant place seeking
Reithann's advice. Iron Circle marauders avoid the grove,
fearing the wrath ofspirits.
Easthill
Population 155
A hamlet of shepherds and stonecutters, Easthill rests on
the slopes of the Briar Hills. The stone used to build the
crossing at Albridge was quarried from hills nearby. A
human trader narned Sarken Toldorffis the village elder,
but he is thoroughly cowed by the Iron Circle marauders.
A hunter named Adalbar (see page 10) has quietly stepped
up to organize Easthill's fight.
Harken Forest
The Harken Forest is much denser than the light wood
lands scattered across Harkenwold, with larger trees and
thicker undergrowth. It is also more dangerous for trav
elers-large and hungry beasts such as drakes and dire
wolves roam its shadows. Game trails or marked paths are
few and far between. The Woodsinger elves, discussed in
encounter D1 (page 26), live in the forested region south
of Harkell wold.
Harken Village
Population 212 (town), 60 (keep)
Referred to as Harken by the locals, this Village is the larg
est settlement in Harkenwold. Nazin Redthorn (see page
11) governs Harkenwold from Baron Stockmer's castle,
which he's renamed Iron Keep.
Although Harken is the center of the Iron Circle's
strength, the characters can visit without difficulty. The
Iron Circle hasn't banned travelers from using the King's
Road. Adventurers who represent themselves as "just
passing through" and who are not belligerent or nervous
can move about or stay overnight without being subject
to harassment. Given the Iron Circle forces present, how
ever, characters who act suspiciously or are openly hostile
quickly attract a heavy handed response.
Important locations of Harken include:
1. The Broken Gaol. Once a respected taphouse
named the Silver Nail, this tavern has been adopted by the
Iron Circle garrison as a favored off-hours drinking spot.
An opportunistic half-orc woman named Krutha runs the
place since the bandits chased off the Silver Nail 's former
owner. On most nights, a dozen or more Iron Circle ruf
fians gather here to drink and harass any travelers unwise
enough to stop in.
2. Iron Keep. Formerly the castle of Baron Jonn Stock
mer, Jron Keep now serves as the headquarters ofNazin
Redthorn and the Iron Circle. About 60 Iron Circle sol
diers are here at any given time (roughly 120 more patrol
other parts of Harkenwold). Iron Keep is described in
detail in Reavers ofHarkenwold Part 2: The Die Is Cast, and
the adventure concludes with the heroes' assault on the
castle in encounters K1 through K7 (Reavers of Harken wold
Part 2: The Die Is Cast , pages 1.6-30).
3. Cliffside Brewery. The three Ironbeards-brothers
Omurk and Dannurk, and Dannurk's notoriously short
tempered wife Dathilda-run this fine brewery. They
argue constantly, but their disagreements never compro
mise the quality of their product. Their ales are sold as far
away as Hammerfast and Fallcrest. They are good friends
with the smithy Kathrid in Albridge and qUietly sympa
thetic to the rebel cause.
4. Old Kellar's House. Once the elder of Harken,
Kellar is an ancient dwarf who worked as a master stone
cutter and mason for a century. He built much of Baron
Stockmer's keep.
5. Grimbold's House. Grimbold and his family are
sh,ifters. They keep to themselves, making a living as
woodcutters and trappers. Grimbold knows the wood
lands around Harken quite well. He keeps his eyes open
for folk on the run from the Iron Circle and helps them
any way he can.
6. Tower of Green Flame. A mysterious crystal spire
rising above the town, this tower is thought to be the resi
dence of an ancient archmage who long ago departed the
world to explore other planes. Townsfolk avoid the place
for the most part, fearing arcane traps or curses. Of the
few explorers brave enough to venture inside, more than
one has disappeared and the rest found the place empty
three small , unfurnished floors with nothing but dust and
bird nests. On moonless nights. eerie green phosphores
cence plays about the tower's upper floors.
7. Harkenwold Trading Station. The major mer
cantile outlet in Harken, the Trading Station is owned
by a stout, oily little man named Rennis. An informer for
Nazin Redthorn, Rennis gathers rumors for his master as
he travels about in so-called "trading ventures." Depend
ing on his audience, the sneak readily claims to be
spying on the Iron Circle for the rebel cause. Most mun
dane equipment is available for purchase in the Trading
Station, and Rennis won't hesitate to warn Nazin about
groups of competent-looking, heavily armed strangers
loitering about town.
8. House of Faith. A large temple built by an adven
turing cleric ofyore, the House of Faith has seen better
days. Shrines dedicated to Pelor. Moradin, Erathis, and
Sehanine stand inside. The current prelate is a kindly,
middle-aged human woman named Sister Sondal. Nazin
Redthorn has levied a ruinous tax against the temple, g
which Sondal has litt Ie hope of paying. 0
9. Nonnie's Place. The doughty halfling Nonnie Far- 3
where runs a small inn with a kitchen and common room. Z
LIJ
"Aunt Nonnie" is something of a gossip and a busybody, ~
but she minds her tongue around the Iron Circle soldiers. "
Nonnie charges 5 silver pieces a night for room and board. ~
Marl
Once a prosperous thorp surrounded by well-tilled fields,
Marl has suffered heavily under the Iron Circle. Nazin
Redthorn ordered it burned as a warning to the other
Villages. Creatures such as dire rats, drakes, and goblins
skulk around the ruins.
A few of Marl's outlying farms are still inhabited. The
nearest steading belongs to Curwen, a fretful old halfling.
He and his wife Masie have taken in a dozen of Marl 's
refugees. The rest of Marl's folk have scattered to other
steadings or taken refuge in Tor's Hold.
Toadwallow Caverns
Located beneath a forested hill overlooking fetid marsh
land, the Toadwallow Caverns are unpleasant and ill
regarded. The caverns are named for the unusual number
oflarge, deep-throated amphibians that lurk in the boggy
land nearby.
The Toadwallow is currently occupied by the Mud
Hides, a tribe ofbullywugs that moved into the area a few
months ago. The chieftain Gloorpk struck a deal with the
Iron Circle-as long as he follows Nazin Redthorn's orders,
his clan is free to raid and plunder the western part of
Harkenwold.
The Toadwallow Caverns are explored in encounters
Tl through T3 (pages 20-25). The caverns share a few
common characteristics:
Illumination: Glowing green moss grows throughout
the caverns, providing dim light.
Pools and Streams: Most of the water features are
shallow, ranging from 2 to 5 feet deep. Their rocky
bottoms are covered with slippery mud, making them dif
ficult terrain unless stated otherwise.
Walls and Floors: The walls are natural rock, uneven
but slick (DC 20 Athletics check to climb). The floors are
level rock covered by a few inches of sand, dry mud, or dirt
from old river floods.
Tor's Hold
Population 141
Tor's Hold is a group of steadings belonging to the seven
children of Tor Hammerfist. Old Tor has been dead for
many years now, and his offspring have each raised small
clans of their own. The elder of Tor's Hold is Bran Torsson
(see page 10).
The trouble with the bullywugs in the Toadwallow Cav
erns requires the folk of Tor's Hold to spend most of their
time defending their lands. As a result, they can't come to
the aid of the Harkenwold rebels.
White River
The White River runs the length ofHarkenwold , varying
from 200 to 300 feet wide, and up to 10 feet deep. Two
ferries cross the waterway-one near Tor's Hold, the other
close to Easthill. Both are flatboats large enough for a
horse and wagon, secured by thick hawsers. No one tends
the ferries; travelers must haul themselves across.
The White River is home to the Reedfoot halfling
clan-six keelboats scattered up and down the water
course, each home to a large and boisterous family. The
Reed foots are allies of Dar Gremath, and help the resis
tance by carrying messages and spies the length of the
vale. The leader of the clan is \Villet Reed foot, an older,
charmingly roguish fellow who earns a comfortable living
storytelling in the villages close to the river.
Woodsinger Camp
Population 80
The elves of the Wood singer clans live in the southeastern
part of the Harken Forest. This nomadic tribe consists of
a dozen bands, numbering near 200 in total. Each band
shifts from camp to camp every few months. The campsite
marked on the map is closest to Harkenwold. A wise, cau
tious elf woman named Eriyelleads the band currently
residing there.
The Woodsingers are potential allies. Finding them and
winning their trust is detailed in encounter 01 (page 26).
MAJOR CHARACTERS
Beating the Iron Circle takes more than a few heroes
working in isolation. Several nonplayer characters (NPCs)
hold vital clues and quests for the adventurers.
Adalbar the Hunter (Easthill)
A quiet trapper and hunter, Adalbar is a lean, sandy
haired fellow, 31 years of age. Easthill elder Sarken has
no stomach for a fight against the Iron Circle. Adalbar
has taken up the rebel's cause in his stead. The woods
man doesn't say much, but when he does, he speaks his
mind and tells the truth-if that gets someone's dander
up, so be it.
Adalbar is on good terms with the Woodsinger elves
and thinks they might be willing to help. If the heroes
haven't already been tasked with the mission, Adalbar sug
gests that the heroes try to win the Wood singers' trust.
Bran Torsson (Tor's Hold)
Bran is the elder of Tor's Hold. He's a big, boisterous man
of60 years, the oldest son of Tor, the former adventurer
who founded Tor's Hold. A stubborn and pugnacious
human, Bran is full of bluster and likely to go off on long,
spluttering rants about "those stinking croakers" or "those
Iron Circle devils." Unlike many blowhards, however, he's
ready to back up his words; he's a man of quick and deter
mined action in a pinch.
Bran is anxious to muster the fighting folk of the Tors
son clan and march to aid Dar Gremath in Albridge, but
doesn't feel he can as long as the bullywugs in the Toad
wallow Caverns threaten his family's homes and fields. If
he has to, he'll lead an assault on the Toadwallow with his
kin, but he readily accepts the adventurers' help against
the bullywugs, reserving his troops for the fight against
the Iron Circle.
Dar Gremath (Albridge)
A broad-shouldered, gray-haired man of 55 years, Dar
Gremath is the primary leader of the growing rebellion.
He lives in Albridge, but he's organized a network of run
ners and scouts to keep in touch with the elders of the
other Villages. He was an adventuring fighter in his youth,
and he's not about to let a few brigands ruin his new home.
ROLEPLAYING
DARGREMATH
Dar talks fast, doesn't break for questions, and doesn't
repeat himself-he expects to be listened to. He's confi
dent and optimistic, like a football coach who thinks the
heroes are his star players.
Greetings. "Haven't seen you around before. Adven
turers, eh? I've had an adventure or two myself, a long
time ago. Name's Dar Gremath."
lIyana said we should talk to you. "She was right!
Now listen up. If we're going to beat the Iron Circle, we've
got to draw Redthorn out of his keep. We need to get him
angry. There's a supply caravan heading out to Easthill
tomorrow-you could rob it. Gods, just picking a fight with
Iron Circle goons in any tavern in Harkenwold would be a
good start!"
How big is the Iron Circle army? "Redthorn's got about
two hundred mercenaries-a bunch in Harken, the rest
scattered throughout the vale. When I call for the rebels to
gather, we'll have a little less than that. We can take 'em,
but we're going to have to work together."
Why don't we just storm Redthorn's keep? "Oho,
you're bold ones! I'll be honest with you-I think you'd all
get killed. Show me that you're as tough as you say, and
maybe we can find a way ,to get you inside. But it'll be a lot
easier to draw Redthorn out than to go in after him."
The druid said to fight the bullywugs. "Aye, that'd
be a help too. We can use the Tor's Hold lads, and those
croakers are causing 'em no end of trouble. If you deal
with the Toadwallow bullywugs first, swing back around.
I'll still have work for you!"
VI
Dar Gremath believes that the only way to beat the
Iron Circle is to bait Nazin Redthorn into marching out
of his keep to fight a major battle. To convince Nazin that
the rebellion must be crushed, he needs the adventur
ers to raid and harass Iron Circle supply lines and patrols
throughout Harkenwold.
Madera Lirr (Dardun)
The elder of the hamlet of Dardun, Madera is a proud half
elfwornan of70 years whose family is one of the oldest
and wealthiest in Harkenwold. She dislikes the idea of
open resistance-she's afraid that Dardun might provoke
the same kind of reprisal that ended the hamlet of Marl.
\"'hile Madera doesn't like the heroes and isn't a par
ticularly warm person, she wants to see Harkenwold freed.
Her father was a Woodsinger elf, and Madera thinks that
Harkenwold's best hope is to convince the elf tribe to come
to their aid. She informs the heroes that if they want to
help, they should find the Woodstngers.
Nazin Redthorn (Harken)
Unless they're captured and taken to Iron Keep or succeed
in some ruse, the adventurers aren't likely to meet Nazin
Redthorn before the Battle ofAlbridge. Nazin is a mas
sively muscled 35-year-old human, with a scalp shaved
down to rusty red stubble and a brutish cunning that
glints in his dark, intense eyes. Although he revels in vio
lence, he is crafty and patient by nature.
Nazin's goal is to completely subdue Harkenwold for
the Iron Circle. He is arrogant and overconfident, so he's
willing to let the resistance gather. That way he can crush
it all at once when it suits him.
ROLEPLAYING NAZIN
Nazin's voice drips with sarcasm. He never misses a chance
to belittle or taunt the heroes. When angry, he flushes, his
nostrils flare, eyes open wide, and his muscles tense.
Prepare to be defeated! "You're the 'mighty heroes'
who've caused so much trouble? Forgive me if I laugh!"
Why bother Harkenwold? "This land cried out for
strong rule and purpose. Its people were indolent, ungrate
ful. We came to rectify these faults."
Who sent you? Who do you serve? "I am a com
mander of the Iron Circle. You haven't heard of us? Heh.
You'll know the Iron Circle soon enough. All the Nentir
Vale will lie under our banner by year's end."
Old Kellar (Harken)
Formerly the village elder of Harken, Old Kellar is a dwarf
past 170 years old. He knows enough to stay out Nazin
Redthorn's way, but watches the Iron Circle carefully and
does his best to pass information to Harkenwold's rebels.
Kellar is a master mason and stoneworker, and he
built much of Baron Stockmer's keep. He knows about the
"
w
I
secret passage leading inside (see Reavers ofHarken wold
U
Part 2: Th e Die Is Cast, page 16). He'll tell the adventurers
<I:
about the secret entrance-but only when he's sure that
<I:
they're ready. J:
"
U
If the heroes have not yet gained the quests to clear out
the Toadwallow Caverns or to make an alliance with the
"o
Woodsinger elves, Old Kellar gives them whichever one ....,
<I:
they' re missing.
~
Reithann the Druid
(Alhridge)
Reithann lives in a humble cottage in the Druid's Grove.
She's a spry SOyear-old human woman dressed in robes
of brown and green, carrying a gnarled staff. Her two
apprentices, Lorel and Theren, rarely stray from her side.
Reithann is firmly on the side of the rebels. She aids
adventurers fighting the Iron Circle in any way she can.
The old woman believes that the first blow should fall on
the bullywugs of the Toadwallow Caverns. They are unnat
ural creatures, and by harassing the people of western
Harkenwold, they're preventing Tor's Hold from joining
Albridge in open resistance.
ROLEPLAYING
REITHANN
Reithann speaks slowly, choosing her words with care.
She gives advice couched in animal analogies, such as
"The wise fox stays well ahead of the hounds," or "Don't
startle your prey. On a cloudy day, the mouse doesn't see
the hawk's shadow."
Greetings. "You are strangers in Harkenwold. I knew I
smelled change on the wind. I am Reithann, keeper of this
grove."
lIyana said we shoul'd talk to you. "A wise sugges
tion. Harkenwold cannot vanqUish the Iron Circle if it is
divided. We cannot unite as long as the hamlet of Tor's
Hold is menaced by the Toadwallow monsters. Help Tor 's
Hold by dealing with the menace, and you'll free up two
score stout fighters."
What kind of monsters? "They're bullywugs-hateful,
halfmad things-walking, talking toads the size of men. A
tribe's moved into the Toadwallow Caverns, and the Iron
Circle's left the western vale to them."
How do we find the Toadwallow Caverns? "Head
west along the riverside trail from Albridge. It's ten miles
to Tor's Hold, and another seven or eight to the Toadwal
low-you can see the cave entrance from the trail."
ENCOUNTER El:
ILYANKS PLIGHT
Encounter Level 2 (650 XP)
Setup
4 Iron Circle brigands (B)
2 gray wolves (W)
I1yana, intrepid homesteader (I)
Fold the "Steading" battle map in half so that the half fea
tured in this encounter is facing up_ Place the brigands
and wolves where indicated. The characters begin the
encounter on the road near the map's edge.
Whether from Falkrest, Hamrnerfast, or some other
place, the characters enter Harkenwold from the north,
roughly in the area ofIlyana's farm. IdeaJly, they are trav
eling the King's Road. Ifnot, modify the readaloud text
below as appropriate.
As the heroes travel, read:
You arrive in Harkenwold in the middle ofthe day. It's a broad,
li8htly settled valley between two arms ofthe Harken Forest. You
haven't traveled more than a mile or two into the valley before trou
ble appears. Roundin8 a bend ill the road.,you spy a pillar ofsmoke
dimbin8 into the clear blue sky. The source, hidden by rollin8 hills,
is rouahly a mile alon8 a dirt track that intersects the road.
The player characters should be interested in investigat
ing. If they hesitate, tell the players that, at best, the smoke
is curious; at worst, someone could be in trouble. If the
characters ignore the smoke and proceed to Albridge, you
must bring them to Reithann or Dar Gremath 's attention
by other means. Word ofIlyana and her sons' grisly deaths
soon reaches the heroes' ears.
When the characters investigate, read:
You see human bri8ands and a pair ofwolves surroundin8 a
farmhouse. The humans all wear black cloaks with a way rin[J
device. They're preparina pitch-soaked torches, lau8hin8 and
tauntin8 whoever's inside. They've already burned a small out
bulldin8-the source ofthe smoke column.
The ruffians are focused on the farmhouse. Sneaking up
on the brigands and wolves requires the characters to
make a DC 17 Stealth check; if at least half of the char
acters succeed, the villains are surprised. If alerted, the
brigands attempt to scare off the adventurers.
Read:
The wolves 8rowl a warnin8. and the bri8andsface you. One of
dIem scowls and waves his arm. "Move on, youl
H
he snarls. "This
is Iron Circle business!"
From inside thefarmhouse. you hear a woman's voice shout
an8rily. "Business? It looks like robbery and murder to mel"
The brigands attack if the adventurers ask questions or
don't retreat immediately.
4 Iron Circle Brigands (B) Level 1 Soldier
MediuTll Il.Hural hUllhlllOid . hUTll.1Tl XPI 00 earh
HP 28; Bloodied 14 Initiative +3
AC 17, Fortitude 14, Reflex 13, Will 12 Perception +0
Speed 5
'....'IIJ!11I'
I Sdmltar (weapon) +At-wnl
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC
Hit: 1d8 + 3 damage.
+Drive Back (weapon) +At-Will
Hit: 1 d8 + 3 damage. the brigand pushes the target 1 square, and
the brigand shifts into the square the target occupied.
~ Crossbow (weapon) +At-Win
Attack: Ranged 15/30 (one creature); +6 vs. AC
Relentless Asuult +At-Will
Tri88er: An enemy adjacent to the brigand makes an attack that
doesn't include the brigand as a target.
Effect (Free Action): The triggering enemy takes 3 damage.
Str16(+3) Dex 12 (+1) WIs10(+O)
Con 12(+1) Int 9 (-1) Cha9(-1)
Alignment evil Languages Common
Equipment scale armor, light shield, scimitar, crossbow, 20 bolts,
black cloak embroidered with a gray circle
2 Gray Wolves (W) Level 2 Skirmisher
Medium ll alUral beJsl xr llS each
Speed 8 low-light vision
, ..
I CD Bite +At.WIII
Hit: 1 d6 + 3 damage (or 2d6 + 3 against a prone target). If the
wolf has combat advantage against the target, the target falls
prone.
Effect:The wolf shifts 4 squares.
Str 13 (+2) Dex 16 (+4)
Con 14 (+3) Int 2 (-3)
Alignment unaligned languages -
Wis 13 (+2)
Cha 10 (+1)
Tactics
The Iron Circle brigands are bullies who aren't expecting
a tough fight. They move up to engage the adventurers at
the first opportunity, and use drive back to force an adven
turer into contact with more enemies.
The wolves are trained to flank enemies and drag them
down. They attack any character the brigands are fighting.
When only one brigand remains, he breaks off and tries to
run for it. The wolves fight to the death.
Ilyana and her sons hide inside the farmhouse until the
fight is over. The Iron Circle bandits ignore them.
Features of the Area
Illumination: Bright light-thiS encounter takes place
during daylight.
Burned Outbuilding: The thatch roof of this storage
shed is burned away, and the walls are charred and weak
ened. Nonetheless, it's basically intact.
Farmhouse: The windows are shuttered, and the
door is barred. Characters inside can fire missile weap
ons through loopholes in the shutters and door, gaining
improved cover against attacks from outside. Opening the
door or windows requires a DC 18 Strength check. .
Embankment: This steep, dirt road embankment is
difficult terrain.
Tree: The square occupied by the tree's trunk is
"
t
impassable but prOVides cover. Climbing the tree requires
Z
a DC 10 Athletics check, and a creature up the tree gains
<
concealment.
~
Wall: The fieldstone wall stands 4 feet high and provides
cover against attacks that cross it. It costs 2 squares of move ~
ment to cross the wall.
Well: This IS-foot-deep well is surrounded by a low w
stone wall (+2 bonus to the saving throw to catch yourself). ~
Climbing out of the well is difficult (DC 20 Athletics check). :::l
o
Roleplaying: Ilyana's Plea
U
Z
w
\\lhen the adventurers defeat or drive off the Iron Circle
attackers, Ilyana emerges from her house. The remainder
of the encounter involves roleplaying.
You hear the raspina sound ofa heavy bolt beinE) drawn back,
and the farmhouse door opens. A half-elfwoman of middle years
steps out. She's carryinE) a battered old crossbow. Two boys of
fiftee n or so follow after her. The woman looks around thefarm
yard,frownin8 at the bloodshed, and si8hs.
"My thanks, stran8ers," she says. "Those Iron Circlejackals
came to rob us. 1barred my door, but they said they'd burn the
house down with me and my boys in it, You saved om lives-but
who are you?"
Conclusion
When the adventurers have no more questions for Ilyana,
she suggests that the party rest up at her home, or press
ahead to Albridge (page 7) and seek out Dar Grernath or
Reithann (pages 10 and 11) for guidance.
ROLEPLAYING ILYANA
lIyana knows most of the story laid out in the "Adventure
Background" section (page 1), although she doesn't know any
thing about lord Vhennyk-she thinks Nazin Redthorn is the
leader of the Iron Circle. She's a tough, frontier woman, bowed
but unbroken. Talking about the Iron Circle makes her mad
enough to splutter and shake her finger.
Who are you? "My name is lIyana, and these are my sons
Jarek and Jar!. This is our farm. The reavers killed my husband
Karthen when they invaded the dale. My boys and I have been
trying to get by ever since."
Who attacked you? Who is the Iron Circle? "The Iron Circle
is full of sellswords and cutthroats who seized Harkenwold over
a month ago. They've got Baron Stockmer imprisoned in his own
keep, and they've been plundering the land ever since. They say
they're collecting taxes, but it's robbery, pure and simple."
How can we he'lp? "The folk of Harkenwold are ready to
rebel-we just need a spark to set things off. I' think you should
talk to old Reithann, the druid, or maybe Dar Gremath. They'll
know what needs doing. Reithann lives in the Druid's Grove to
the southwest; you can find Dar just down the road in Albridge.
But go carefully."
Where should we go? "I would avoid Harken Village. There
are too many Iron Circle soldiers there. But Albridge should be
safe enough."
Why should we help? "Out of plain civil decency? If that
won't do, I'd wager Baron Stockmer will richly reward you if
you drive away the reavers and free him."
Good-bye. "Take care, strangers. My boys and me' ll hide
those who fell here. With luck, the Iron Circle won't learn what
happened here or about you any time soon."
ENCOUNTER E2:
TAVERN BRAWL
Encounter Levell (543 XP)
Setup
2 Iron Circle cutthroats (C)
3 Iron Circle rabble (R)
5 Harkenwold bystanders (H)
This encounter uses the ''Tavern'' battle map. The play
ers can place their characters along any edge of the map.
Place the villains only when the characters can see them.
Run this encounter whenever the adventurers choose to
seek out and confront some of the Iron Circle soldiers gar
risoning one of the Villages in Harkenwold. This encounter
fits well when:
The adventurers arrive in Albridge and decide to head
for the Manard Inn before speaking to one of the indi
viduals I1yana mentioned;
The adventurers venture into Harken Village and
stumble on Iron Circle soldiers in the Broken Gaol or
the Cliffside Brewery;
The adventurers seek out a place where Iron Circle sol
diers gather together and are off their guard (possibly
in Dardun or Easthill).
The rabble and brigands are seated and waiting for tankards
ofale in the tavern proper. The cutthroats are rummaging
through the taverner's house and the stables, looking for
something valuable enough to steal.
The villains aren't expecting a fight. When the adven
turers enter the tavern, they sit up and take note (any band
of armed folk is suspicious). They immediately demand an
explanation and order the adventurers to disarm themselves.
They don't attack until the adventurers become hostile or fail
to comply with their demands. It's possible that a smooth
tongued adventurer can convince the Iron Circle gang that
they're no threat, or that they're allowed to be armed as they
are. In that case, the Iron Circle soldiers return to harassing
the Harkenwolders-roughing them up, robbing them, and
so on-until the adventurers decide to do something about it.
When the adventurers enter the tavern, read:
This small tavern is occupied by a band offive human soldiers
wearin8 black cloaks with a 8ray ciTcle device. They are loudly
harassin8 the taverner and the barmaid. Several other patrons
common Harkenwolders by their appearance- keep thei r heads
down and try not to catcl. the soldiers' notice.
"Now who tlte devil do you think you arer one ofthe soldiers
snarls when he seesyou. "No one in this miserable town's allowed
to carry arms! Set 'em down ifyou know what's 800dfor youl"
2 Iron Circle Brigands (B) Levell Soldier
Medium n ~ t u r , , 1 humanuid. hUlll,Hl XP 100 (,dLh
Speed 5
STANDARD ACTIONS
<l) ScImItar (_apon) +At-WlII
~ Drive B.ck ( __pon) +At-Will
Hit: 1 d8 + 3 damage, the brigand pushes the target 1 square, and
=t Crossbow (--pon) +At-Will
Relentless ASSIIUIt +At-Will
Effect (free Action): The triggering enemy takes 3 damage.
Str 16 (+3) Dell 12 (+1) Wis 10(+0)
Con 12(+1) Int9(-1) C"'9(-1)
2 Iron Circle Cutthroats (C) Levell Skirmisher
Medium natura l humanoid. hum,lIl XP 12 r, (aeh
Speed 6
ShlIdow Stride
If the cutthroat moves at least 3 squares from its starting position
on its turn, it gains concealment until the start of Its next turn.
'i'Y11'rIiY.i.'
<l) Short Sword (weapon) + At-Will
Hit: 1d6 + 4 damage (or 2d6 + 4 ifthe cutthroat has combat
advantage against the target),
=t Hand Crossbow (weapon) +At-WID
~ S"sher's Feint +At-Will (1/round)
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +5 vs. Reflex
Hit: The cutthroat gains combat advantage against the target until
the end of Its current turn.
Str 12 (+2) Dex 17 (+4) WIs 11 (+1)
Con 13 (+2) Int 10 (+1) C... ,2 (+2)
Equipment leather armor, short sword, hand crossbow, 20 bolts,
3 Iron Circle Rabble (R) Levell Minion Brute
Ml',hlllll 1l,1tural hUl1lanoid. hUl1ldll XP 31 l ' d ~ h
HP 1; a missed attack never damages a minion. Initiative +1
Speed 6
Mob Rule
The rabble gains a +2 power bonus to all defenses while adjacent
to two or more allies .
.' .
CD Mace (weapon) +At-WID
Hit: 5 damage.
Str14(+3) Dell 10(+1) WIs 10(+1)
Con 12(+2) Int9(+O) Cha9(+O)
Equipment mace, black cloak embroidered with a gray circle
5 Harkenwold Bystanders (H) Level 1 Minion Brute
MeJilll1l rl,1tUl ,11 hlllll.1I1oid . hlltl1dll XP 0 "Mh
Speed 6
Str 10 (+0) Dell 10 (+0) WIs 10 (+0)
Con 10 (+0) Int 11 (+0) Cha 8 (-1)
Alignment unaligned Languages Common
Tactics
The rabble and the brigands aren't expecting serious oppo
sition. They rush the nearest adventurer and attack. Other
than seeking to flank opponents, they fight with little
coordination.
The cutthroats hear any fighting that breaks out in
the tavern and move to the doorways of the house and
the stable at the end of the first round of combat. They
attack the party from the rear on the second round, flank
ing heroes when possible. They use slasher's feint to gain
combat advantage against their targets.
The Harkenwolders aren't warriors. When fighting
breaks out, they flee by the safest route possible, or cower
in a corner if they can't get out without provoking an
opportunity attack from the Iron Circle.
ALTERNATE SETUP
If the adventurers don't go looking for trouble, trouble
might find them. You can initiate this encounter at any
point when the characters are resting in a town. They're
in the tavern when a gang of Iron Circle soldiers barges in.
Have the players choose places to be seated in the tavern,
and place the Iron Circle soldiers at the tavern door as
they barge in ready for trouble.
The tavern consists of a common room, the taverner's cot
tage, and a stable.
Illumination: Bright light during the day. At night, lan
terns provide bright light indoors and dim light outdoors.
Bushes: These squares are difficult terrain and provide
concealment to characters in or behind them.
Furnishings: The furniture is lightly built and offers
no impediment to movement-a moving character simply
kicks the furnishings aside. Furnishings can be used as
improvised weapons. A bed or table flipped on its side
(a standard action) becomes a low wall, providing cover
against attacks crossing it.
Hearth: A creature pushed or slid into a hearth square
takes Id6 fire damage from a close brush with the fire.
Trees: Squares occupied by ,tree trunks are impassable
but provide cover. Climbing a tree requires a DC 10 Ath
letics check. and a creature up a tree gains concealment.
ENCOUNTER E3:
WAYLAY THE CARAVAN
Setup
1 Iron Circle dark adept (A)
4 Iron Circle brigands (8)
1 iron defender (I)
1 horse (H)
This encounter uses the "Standing Stones" battle map. Run
this encounter when the adventurers decide to attack Iron
Circle supply lines in Harkenwold. It fits best when:
... The adventurers take Dar Gremath's suggestion for a
good ambush opportunity;
... Another NPC (Adalbar in Easthill, Grimbold in
Harken, or Madera Lin in Dardun) suggests an attack
against the Iron Circle's supply wagons;
... The adventurers roam the countryside in search ofIron
Circle activities to disrupt, and stumble across a supply
wagon and guards.
No matter how the adventurers encounter the wagon, they
have time to set up an ambush. Place the villains and mon
sters on the map, and allow the players to pick out their
hiding places. As long as all of the characters have some
thing to hide in or behind, they can attempt to surprise the
villains. Have each hero make a DC 16 Stealth check; if
at least half succeed, the party gains surprise against the
villains.
After the adventurers set their ambush, read:
A lar8e wa80n pulled by a bi8 cart horse creaks alon8 the dusty
road. Three Iron Circle soldiers in black cloaks with 8ray circles
plod alofl8side, while aJourth drives the wa80n. Another human
ill chainmail with a dark hood over his head sits near the driver.
Unlike the soldiers, he wears a red surcoat, and his circle desi8n is
black trimmed in801d. Ahead oj the wa80n, a clockwork creature
resemblin8 a powerful hound made from iron plates and sharp
spikes trots alol18 the road, its red eyes 810win8 vI8i/andy.
Tactics
The brigand driver and the dark adept remain in the
wagon. The driver uses his crossbow, and the dark adept
relies on Jiery tendrils. If the fight goes badly, the brigand or
adept lashes the horse's reins, indUCing the animal to bolt
(see below).
The brigands on foot melee with the heroes, but try to
stay close the wagon. They don't want to leave the range
of the adept's dark imperative. If they're subjected to long
range attacks they can't answer, the brigands move behind
Iron Circle Dark Adept (A) Level 3 Controller (Leader)
Medium natural hUIll,lI1()id. human XI' '50
Speed 6
,.lI,'I'iYl'f?1"iJIr:'
CD Dark Dager (flre. weapon) ... At-WlII
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 VS. Reflex
Hit: 2d4 + 4 fire damage, and the dark adept slides the target 3
"* Fiery
squares.
Tendrils (fire) ... AtWIII
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d6 + 6 fire damage, and the target is slowed and grants
combat advantage until the end of the dark adept's next turn .
.....,05" eEl
~ Dark Impendve (hunnl . necrotic) ... Recharp when bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one ally in burst). The dark adept slides the
target 3 squares, and the target gains 10 temporary hit points.
While the target has these temporary hit points, its melee
attacks deal 3 ext ra necrotic damage.
Skills Arcana +8, Religion +8
Str 13 (+2) Dex 12 (+2) Wls 18 (+S)
(on 14(+3) Int1S(+3) (he 13 (+2)
Equipment chalnmail, dagger, red surcoat with goldtrimmed black
circle
4 Iron Cirde Brigands (B) Levell Soldier
Medium natural humanoid. human XI' 100 l'ilch
Speed 5
..'.i7i1"l1'iIr.'
<D Sdmltar (weapon) ... AtWIII
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vS. AC
~ Drive Back (weapon) ... AtWIII
Hit: 1d8 + 3 damage, the brigand pushes the target 1 square, and
:,- Crossbow (weapon) ... AtWlII
Attack: Ranged 15/30 (one creature); +6 vS. AC
':'I"':I"'i'W'
Relentless Assault ... At-Will
Str16 (+3) Dex 12(+1) WIs 10(+0)
(on 12 (+1) Int9(-1) a.. 9(-1)
EqUipment scale armor, light shield, scimitar, crossbow, 20 bolts,
the wagon and use it for cover. In that case, they return
fire with their crossbows.
The iron defender is under orders to guard the dark
adept, so it stays close to the wagon. If the dark adept gets
out of the wagon for any reason, the iron defender moves
next to him and sticks close by his side. Otherwise, it
attacks any enemy approaching the wagon or attacking the
dark adept with ranged attacks.
Iron Defender (I) Level 3 Soldier
Medi um n.llura l anim,)te (const ruct. homunc ulus) xr 1 SO
Speed 6 Darkvision
Immune disease, pOison
Pursue and Attack
When the iron defender makes an opportunity attack, it shifts 1
square before and after the attack.
t 1.
CD Bite +At-WID
. , .
~ (iUilrd Cruture +At-Will
Tri88er: An adjacent enemy attacks a creature guarded by the iron
defender.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): The iron defender makes a melee
basic attack against the triggering enemy.
Str 16 (+4) Do 15 (+3) Wis 11 (+1)
Con 15 (+3) Int 5 (-2) ChiiS (+0)
Alignment unaligned Languages
Horse (H) Level 1 Brute
Large natura l beast (mount) XP 100
Speed 10 lowlight vision
Chil....r (mount)
The horse grants its rider a +5 bonus to damage rolls on charge
attacks.
I
CD Kick +At-Will
~ Trilmple + AtWlII
Effect: The horse can move up to its speed and enter enemies'
spaces. The movement provokes opportunity attacks, and
the horse must end its move in an unoccupied space. When it
enters an enemy's space, the horse makes a melee attack (+4 vs.
Reflex). 1ft he attack hits, the target takes 1d6 + 4 damage and
falls prone.
Str 19 (+4) Dex 13 (+1) Wis 11 (+0)
Con 16(+3) Int 2 (-4) Cha 9 (-1)
The horse doesn't fight. lfinjured, it bolts, dragging the
wagon 5 squares per move. The cart horse makes a saving
throw each round it's bolting. When it succeeds, it comes
to a halt.
Illumination: Bright light during the day, dim light at
night.
Boulders: Squares occupied by boulders are difficult
terrain.
Bushes: These squares are difficult terrain and proVide
concealment to creatures in or behind them.
Ring of Standing Stones: The Nentir Vale is dotted
with rings of standing stones left behind by ancient
eladrin spellcasters. A cracked stone sundial stands in
the center of the circle. Squares occupied by the standing
stones are impassable, but a creature can stand on top of
a stone. Each stone is 10 feet high and reqUires a DC 10
\.U
I
Athletics check to climb. Some residual magic lingers in
f-
the area, and any creature standing inside the circle gains
>
a +2 bonus to damage rolls.
~
...I
Trees: Squares occupied by tree trunks are impassable
>
~
letics check, and a creature up a tree gains concealment.
Wagon: Creatures in the wagon have cover against M
attacks from outside. Climbing into the wagon takes a
\.U
move action; hopping down from the wagon costs 1 extra
~
\.U
square of movement.
f
Z
If the horse bolts, creatures that begin their turn on
o
~
the wagon might fall. At the start of each turn, the crea
ture attempts a DC 13 Acrobatics check. On a failure, it
u
Z
falls prone. If the creature fails by 5 or more, it stumbles
LiJ
out of the wagon, takes Id6 damage, and falls prone on
the ground adjacent to the wagon. Creatures in the wagon
while the horse is bolting take a -2 penalty to attack rolls.
Treasure: A lockbox in the wagon holds 240 gpo
a potion ofhealinB, and a level 2 magic item. The dark
adept car ries the key to the lockbox; otherwise, it can be
unlocked with a DC 15 Thievery check.
Setup
1 rage drake (0)
Run this encounter when the adventurers are traveling
through Harkenwold to a new locale or village. It should
occur a couple days after the heroes clean out the Toad
wallow Caverns (encounters Tl through T3).
\\leather plays a vital role in this encounter. In the
hours leading up to the event, the overcast sky darkens
and a light rain begins to fall. By the time the encoun
ter unfolds, the rain has become heavy, and a chill fog
enshrouds the land. See "Features of the Area" for the
effects of this inclement weather.
Because the heroes have proven to be a significant
threat to the Iron Circle by this time, Nazin Redthorn
dispatches roving squads to run the party to the ground.
Guided by a handful of informers and lucky guesswork,
Medium natur,ll hUIll.lllOid. XP 1SO
HP46; Bloodied 23 Initiative +2
Speed 6
STANDARD A C-TIONS
CD Dark o.g.r(fire, weapon) +At-Will
Attock: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. Reflex
'* FieryTendrils (fire) +At-Will
Attock: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
combat advantage until the end of the dark adept's next turn.
tE> Dark bnperathle (heel.... necrodc) + Recharae when bloodied
While the target has these temporary hit points, its melee
attacks deal 3 extra necrotic damage.
Str 13 (+2) De. 12 (+2) WIs 18 (+5)
Con 14 (+3) Int 15 (+3) 0..13(+2)
Equipment chainmail, dagger, red surcoat with gold-trimmed black
circle
3 Iron Circle Brigands (B) Levell Soldier
Mediulll n,Hural humanoid. hUIII,1Il XP 100 edc h
Speed 5

CD ScImitar (weapon) +At-WiD
Attock: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. AC
Drive &.de (weapon) +At-Wnl
Hit: 1d8 + 3 damage, the brigand pushes the target 1 square, and
:,- Crossbow (weapon) +AtWIII
Attock: Ranged 15/30 (one creature); +6 vs. AC
'mI"i'WJ.'
Relentless AssIIuk +AtWHI
TriBBer: An enemy adjacent to the brigand makes an attack that
doesn't Include the brigand as a target.
Str 16 (+3) 0..12(+1) Wls10(+O)
Con 12 (+1) 1m 9 (-1) Chd (-1)
one such squad comes across the adventurers as they're
traveling across the vale.
Use the "Steading" battle map. folded in half so the area
shown in this encounter is the only portion visible. Have
the players arrange their miniatures on the road between
the cottages.
4 Iron Circle Rabble (R) Levell Minion Brute
M.. dIUIll ndtur,ll hUlllanc)ld. hUlllan XP 31 each
Speed 6
Mob Rule
. ....
to two or more allies.
<D Mace (weapon) +AtWlIl
Hit: 5 damage.
Str 14 (+3) De. 10(+1) Wis 10(+1)
Con 12 (+2) Int 9 (+0) Cha9 (+0)
Rage Drake (D) Level 5 Brute
Lnge Il.lturdl bed'[ (moullt, reptde) XP 100
Speed 8
Raging Mount (mount)
While the drake is bloodied, its rider gains a +2 bonus to attack
rolls and damage rolls with melee attacks.
. ,.
<D Bite + AtWIII
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +10 vs. AC, or +12 vs. AC while
the drake is bloodied
Hit: 2d10 + 5 damage, or 2d10 + 7 while the drake is bloodied.
~ Raking Charge + AtWlIl
Effect: The drake charges and makes the following attack twice
against the target of its charge in place of a melee basic attack.
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +10 vs. AC, or +12 vs. AC while
the drake is bloodied
Hit: 1d6 + 4 damage, or 1d6 + 6 while the drake is bloodied.
Str 19 (+6) De. 13 (+3) WIs 14 (+4)
Con 17 (+S) Int 3 (-2) Cha 12 (+3)
Read:
You've been traveli ll8for hours throu8h heavy raill , alld the
muddy wound d in8s to your boots. The track you'refollowin8
cuts throu8h an abandonedfarmstead a few miles from your
80al, and tltrou8h the f08 you spot an Iron Circle bri8and lto/din8
a lantern and ridin8 a lar8e, red-scaled drake. The drake roars,
and standi1l8 behind some nearby trees are two more bri8ands
with crossbows. Their leader, an evil- lookin8 woman in a red sur
coat, stands between them.
"There they are!" the woman shouts. "Take them!"
Place the villains and monsters in the spaces indicated on
the map, and roll initiative.
Tactics
The rage drake and its rider charge the nearest enemy:1'he
other two brigands fire their crossbows, peppering the party
with bolts for a round or two before advancing. The rabble
are hidden behind the fieldstone walls. Once the battle is
..
o;t
jOined, they leap over the walls and try to cut off the party's w
escape route.
w
The dark adept prefers to remain at range, uSingfiery "
I
tendrils. She saves dark imperative for use on the rage drake Z
or its rider, but if a brigand is badly damaged and the
:J
o
adept is close to being bloodied. she'll use dark imperative
U
so that she won't waste one of her two uses of the power.
Z
The adept tries to slide the recipient into a position from
w
which it can flank a vulnerable foe.
Illumination: Bright light during the day and dim
light at night. The brigand riding the rage drake carries a
lantern.
Weather: The rain and fog are both advantageous and
detrimental. All creatures gain a +5 bonus to Stealth checks,
and a creature has concealment ifit is more than 5 squares
away from its attacker. Moreover. the rain has turned the
road. trails, and grassy areas into difficult terrain .
Cottage Furnishings: The cottages' furnishings are
lightly built and offer no impediment to movement-a
moving character simply kicks them aside. They can be
used as improvised weapons.
Doors: The doors to the abandoned cottages are sturdy
wood (DC 16 Strength check to break down; AC 5, Reflex
5, Fortitude 10,20 hp).
Garden: These squares are difficult terrain.
Muddy Embankment: This steep, dirt road embank
ment is difficult terrain. Moreover, a creature entering
a square of the embankment must succeed on a saving
throw or fall prone in that square.
but prOVide cover. Climbing a tree reqUires a DC 10 Ath
Wall: The fieldstone wall stands 4 feet high and pro
vides cover against attacks that cross it. It costs 2 squares
of movement to cross the wall.
Well: This Is-foot-deep well is surrounded by a low
stone wall (+2 bonus to the saving throw to catch your
self). Climbing out of the well is difficult (DC 20 Athletics
check).
Windows: Creatures firing through the cottage win
dows have cover against attacks from the outside.
ENCOUNTER Tl:
ENTRY CAVERN
Setup
2 bullywug muckers (M)
2 bullywug leapers (L)
3 stirges (S)
For this encounter, use the "Toadwallow Caverns" battle
map. Place the characters along the edge of the map out
side the cave entrance. Don't place the monsters on the
map until the characters detect them.
The bullywug sentries aren't very attentive. If the
adventurers sneak up to the cave mouth and at least half
succeed on a DC 12 Stealth check, they surprise the
bullywugs.
Ifthe characters fail to catch the bullywugs by sur
prise (or don't try). the buIlywugs notice them and set
an ambush. VVhen the adventurers reach ,the top of the
escarpment at the mouth of the cave, have them make
a DC 12 Perception check. Characters who fail are sur
prised and can't act in the surprise round.
When they first see the cave entrance, read:
Water aushes fro m a cave mouth set into theface of a vine
covered hill,jormina a 1Ojoot-hialt waterfall tltat bleeds into
a stream. You have found the entrance to the Toadwallow Cav
erns! The 8round near the base ofthe hill is spanay, and clouds of
insects haran8ueyou.
Characters must climb a lO-foot-high ledge to reach the
cave mouth. This requires a successful DC 12 Athletics
check. Any character who fails the check by 5 or more
alerts the buIlywug sentries.
When the adventurers enter the cave, read:
The cave mouth opens into a dank chamber. Water aushes from
a hole in the nearby waU,jormin8 a shallow stream that plunaes
over the ledae behind you. Astaanant pool ofwaterfills a corner
La your riahl, and a thick patch of multicoloredjunaus Wows
atop a pile of offal in tlte middle of the cave. Two froalike human
oid creatures crouch in tlle shadows behind thefun8i, apparently
kee pina watch. They wear poorly fi ltina armor made from
leather and carry spears.
The leapers are out of Sight, and the stirges are lurking in
a narrow crevice in the ceiling above the stagnant pool.
Because the adventurers can't see these monsters yet, do
not place them on the battle map immediately. When a
character moves to a place from which he or she might
spot the stirges, allow the character a DC 18 Perception
check (the stirges are hidden).
2 Bullywug Muckers (M) Level 1 Brute
Med ium natura l humanoid (aquatic) XP 100 each
Speed 6, swim 4
o Rancid Air (polson) +Au... 2
Each enemy that spends a healing surge within the aura is weak
ened until the end of its next turn.
Aquatic
The bullywug can breathe underwater. In aquatic combat, it gains
a +2 bonus to attack rolls against nonaquatic creatures.
Nature's Release (healing)
Any attacker that scores a critical hit against the bullywug regains
3 hit points.
Swamp Walk
-
The bullywug ignores difficult terrain that is mud or shallow
water.
'='
I <D Spear (weapon) +At-Will
Hit: 2d8 + 2 damage. plus 1d6 extra damage against a prone
target.
'" Bullywu, Rush + Recharp 1&1 [j)
Requirement: The bullywug charges and makes the following
attack instead of a melee basic attack.
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +4 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d6 + 6 damage, plus 1 d6 extra damage against a prone
target. and the target falls prone.
Miss: The bullywug takes 3 damage and falls prone.
Skills Athletics +8
Str 16 (+3) Dex 14(+2) Wls 10(+0)
Con 14(+2) Int 6 (-2) Cha 8 (-1)
Alignment chaotic evil Languages Primordial
~ ~ -
Equipment leather armor. spear
Tactics
The muckers croak threats and warnings in Primordial.
They hang back and allow the adventurers to come to
them. Once the heroes are in the cave, the muckers try
to set up a combination attack: One uses bullywu8 rush to
knock down a hero. and the other attacks the prol1e foe.
The leapers join the battle on round 2. They throw jave
lins at adventurers who are fighting the muckers. If a good
chance to flank an enemy arises, the leapers use spasmodic
hop to rush il1 . Otherwise, they save that ability to get away
from a tough melee character, moving toward any adven
turer who's trying to stay back out of the fight.
The stirges stay out of combat for the first round or two.
When they see one or two relatively isolated characters,
they fly down to attack, gaining combat advantage if no
one spotted them. A stirge that is attacked does not wait,
joining the fight immediately.
Development
If the adventurers retreat from the Toadwallow Caverns
to rest up, Gloorpk posts new sentries in this location the
day after the adventurers leave. The new sentries include
2 bullywug muckers, 2 bullywug leapers, and 2 giant frogs
(see encounter T3, pages 24-25).
2 Bullywug Leapers (L) Levell Skirmisher
MedllilTl natural humanoid (aquatic) XP 100 each
Speed 6, swim 4
oRancid Air (polson) Aura 2
Aquatic:
3 hit points.
Swamp Walk
water.
G) Spear (weapon) At-Will
javelin (weapon) At-Will
+Spasmoclk Leap (weapon) Recharge ~ !Bl [!]
Effect: Marks on the bullywug end, and it jumps 3 squares before
making the attack. This movement does not provoke opportu
nltyattacks.
Hit: 2d6 + 6 damage, or 3d6 + 6 If the bullywug has combat
advantage against the target, and the target takes a -2 penalty to
attack rolls against the bullywug until the end of the bullywug's
next turn.
Sldlls Athletics +7
Str14 (+2) Dex 18(+4) Wls 14(+2)
Con 10(+0) Intl0(+0) Cha 8 (-1)
Equipment spear, 4 javelins
:3 Stirges (S) Levell Lurker
Sl11ail natural b ( ' , , ~ t XP 100 ealh
Speed 2, fly 6 Darkvision
Nimble Bloodsuc:ker
While the stlrge has a creature grabbed, it gains a +5 bonus to AC
and Reflex.
.. .
<D Bite At-Will
Attack: The stirge must not be grabbing a creature.
Hit: 1d4 + 5 damage, and the stirge grabs the target (escape DC
12). Until the grab ends, the target takes ongoing 5 damage.
Sldlls Stealth +8
Str8 (-1) Dex 16 (+3) WIs 10(+0)
Con 10(+0) Int 1 (-S) Cha4(-3)
night.
Ceiling: The cave mouth is 10 feet high, and the inner
cave is 15 feet high.
Fungus Patch: The fungus patch is difficult terrain
and provides concealment against attacks crossing it.
Characters who inspect the fungi and succeed on a DC
13 Nature check find several forms of edible fungus,
including 3 bloodcaps and 2 milkcaps. Once picked, these
mushrooms must be eaten within 24 hours, or they lose
their special properties.
Bloodcap Mushroom: Any creature that eats a bloodcap
mushroom gains a +1 bonus to attack rolls until the end of
the next encounter.
Milkcap Mushroom: Any creature that eats a milkcap
mushroom gains 5 temporary hit pOints that last until the
end of the next encounter.
Ledge: Any creature falling off the edge takes Id 10
damage from the fall and falls prone in a square adjacent
to the bottom of the ledge. The ledge slopes at a 50degree
angle-too steep to stand on-and requires a DC 12 Athlet
ics check to climb.
Shallow Water: The stream and the pool are each
about 3 feet deep. These squares are difficult terrain, but
the bullywugs ignore this penalty because of their swamp
walk trait.
Treasure: One of the bullywug leapers has a leather
satchel containing 30 gp and 100 sp.
ENCOUNTER T2:
DRAGONSKULL CAVERN
Setup
Gloorpk, bullywug chieftain (G)
5 bullywug croakers (C)
2 gray oozes (0)
This encounter uses the "Toad wallow Caverns" battle map.
Don't place monsters on the map until they announce
their presence or the characters detect them.
Gloorpk is chieftain of the Mud-Hides tribe. A number
oflesser buIlywugs attend him constantly, doting on thei r
fat leader in the hopes of averting his wrath. The bully
wugs here are vigilant-it is unlikely that the adventurers
will be able to surprise them.
The bullywugs hide upon hearing sounds of combat in
encounter T1. When a character comes within 2 squares
of the black dragon skull or attacks one of cavern's defend
ers, Gloorpk and his minions strike.
When the adventurers come within sight of the black
dragon skull, read:
A8iant dra8on's skull dominates this damp, 15{00t-hi8h cave.
You see no other remains, sU88estin8 that the skull was brou8ht
herefrom eisewhere. Beyond the weal skull, a dri bble ofwater
pourinn throunh a crack in tlte ceilinnf orms a shallow pool
nearly 20f eet across and 10 f eet wide.
Characters who succeed on a DC 13 Perception check
spot Gloorpk hiding inside the dragon skull, peering at
them through an eye socket, as well as one or more of the
croakers. Characters who fail the check can't act in the
surprise round.
Once Gloorpk's location is revealed, read:
A loud croak emanates from inside the dra80n skull , and bul
bous eyes stare at you from behind one of the hollow eye sockets.
As the bullywug croakers emerge from hiding, Gloorpk
unleashes his ranged attacks. The gray oozes slither out of
their pit and join the battle the follOWing round. Roll ini
tiative to begin the encounter.
Gloorpk, Bullywug Chieftain (G) Level 3 Elite Artillery
Medium natural humanoid (aquatic) XP 300
Speed 6, swim 4
Resist 5 poison
Saving Throws +2; Action Points 1
TRAITS
o Randd Air (polson) +Aura 2
Aquatic
Gloorpk can breathe underwater. In aquatic combat, he gains a
+2 bonus to attack rolls against nonaquatic creatures.
Any attacker that scores a critical hit against Gloorpk regains 5
hit points.
Swamp Walk
Gloorpk ignores difficult terrain that is mud or shallow water.
".'''.'i7'l1i1'iJr.'
<D Q,u.rtersuff(weapon) +At-Will
Hit: 1 d8 + 3 damage.
=t Dragonfang Bolt (polson) +At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +8 vs. Will
Hit: 1d1 0 + 4 poison damage, and all creatures adjacent to the
target take 3 poison damage.
(- Electric Reflux (cold, lightning) +At-Will
Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in blast); +8 vs. Reflex, or +10 vs.
Reflex if Gloorpk includes at least one ally in the blast
Hit: 2d6 + 4 cold and lightning damage, and the target is dazed
until the end of Gloorpk's next turn.
'* Fiery Croak (fire, thunder) +Recharge ~ [!)
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex,
or +8 vs. Reflex if Gloorpk includes at least one ally in the burst
Hit: 2d1 0 + 4 fire and thunder damage.
Miss: Half damage.
Skills Arcana +7. Intimidate +7, Nature +9
Str 12 (+2) Dex 14 (+3) Wls 16 (+4)
Con 15 (+3) Int 13 (+2) Cha 13 (+2)
Alignment chaotic evil Languages Common, Primordial
Equipment quarterstaff
5 Bullywug Croakers (C) Level 3 Minion Brute
Medlulll natural (aquatic ) XP 38 each
Speed 6, swim 4
Resist 5 poison
oRancid Air (polson) +Aura 2
AqlNltk
Nature's Relase (healing)
3 hit pOints.
Swamp Walk
. ....
water_
I <D CInr +At-Win
Hit: 7 damage.
Foul Croak (polson) +At-Will
Attock: Close blast 2 (one creature); +6 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 4 pOison damage.
Sldlls Athletics +6
Str 10 (+1) Dex 14(+3) WIs 10(+1)
Con 14(+3) Int 6 (-1) Cha 5 (-2)
1 Gray Oozes (0) Levell Skirmisher
Sl11dllndtur.ll ne"st (blind. ooze) XP 125 each
Speed 5, climb 3 Blind, blindsight 10, tremorsense 10
Immune blinded, gaze; Resist 5 acid
Ooze
While squeezing, the ooze moves at full speed rather than half
speed, it doesn't take the -5 penalty to attack rolls, and it doesn't
grant combat advantage for squeezing.
..
..
<D Bone Melt (acid) +At-WIn
Attock: Melee 1 (one creature); +5 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1 d6 + 6 acid damage, and the target takes a -2 penalty to For
titude (save ends). The penalty to Fortitude is cumulative with
multiple bone me't attacks.
Slimy +At-WIll
Effect: The ooze shifts 2 squares.
SkIlls Stealth +12
Str 11 (+1) Dex 15(+3) Wis 11 (+1)
Con 19(+5) Int 1 (-4) eha 1 (-4)
Tactics
Gloorpk remain inside the dragon's skull, gaining the '
benefit ofsuperior cover (attacks against him take a -5
penalty). Cracks and holes in the skull allow him to attack
in all directions. Ifhe's forced out of the skull, he does his
best to squirm back inside.
Gloorpk begins the battle with dra8onfan8 bolt. If the
heroes are too far apart, he uses fiery croak instead. He
saves electric reflux for when enemies get too close. If
Gloorpk is bloodied and has no allies remaining, he offers
to reveal the secret location of his treasure (see "Features
of the Area," below) in exchange for his IJife.
The croakers use foul croak against clustered foes. Oth N
I
erwise, they are straightforward combatants. IfGloorpk is
ex:
slain, any remaining croakers attempt to flee.
LoU
Gloorpk keeps the barely sentient gray oozes happy
f
Z
with a steady supply of food. They attack the heroes
:l
indiscriminately.
o
U
LoU
Z
Illumination: Dim light. GlOWing green moss grows
on the walls and illuminates these caves.
Breeding Pool: The pool is fed by a steady drip of
water seeping through a crack in the ceiling. The pool is
3 feet deep and contains dozens of translucent bullywug
eggs (each one the size of a baseball). The eggs are easily
destroyed. The pool is difficult terrain, but the bullywugs
ignore this penalty because of their swamp walk trait. Char
acters in the water do not gain cover and take no attack or
defense penalties_
Ceiling: The ceiling is 15 feet high throughout.
Difficult Terrain: Squares occupied by boulders are
difficult terrain.
Dragon Skull: The bullywugs found this enormous
black dragon's skull in a nearby swamp and brought it
here. The interior of the skull is large enough to house
a Medium creature, and Gloorpk cowers in here while
defending his lair. The skull grants superior cover to any
creature inside it.
Pit: This sinkhole is 15 feet deep and contains the
bones of past meals as well as the gray oozes. A creature
falling in takes IdlO damage_ The pit's walls are uneven
(DC 15 Athletics check to climb).
Pile of Skulls: Hidden under this 4-foot-high cairn
ofskulls is Gloorpk's treasure (see below). Creatures can
move into the square without penalty simply by kicking
the skulls out of the way.
Treasure: The bullywug chieftain's hoard is contained
within an unlocked chest hidden under the pile of skulls: a
level 4 magic item, a level 3 magic item, a potion ofhealin8,
a sapphire worth 100 gp, and 170 gpo
ENCOUNTER T3:
RAIDING PARTY
Setup
Uggloor, bulIywug champion (U)
2 bulIywug leapers (L)
2 giant frogs (F)
Heron, halfling boy (H)
This encounter uses the "Toadwallow Caverns" battle map
and occurs as the heroes are preparing to leave the bul
Iywug lair. Have the players place their characters in the
outer cave (where encounter Tl took place).
Uggloor, the champion of the Mud-Hides tribe, has
just returned from a raid with a prisoner in tow- a gift to
amuse Chieftain Gloorpk. Uggloor croaks loudly as he
approaches the cave, to inform the bullywug sentries that
he has returned. The characters don't need to make Per
ception checks to hear Uggloor's croak. However, Uggloor
expects a reply. A character must respond with a similar
croaking noise (a DC 15 Bluff check); if the check fails or
the characters choose not to respond, Uggloor concludes
that something is amiss, and neither he nor his raiding
party can be surprised.
When the heroes can see the raiding party, read:
A hulkin8 bullywu8 approaches the cave mouth with a crude
spear in one hand and short rope srasped tiShtly in the other.
The rope ends in a noose around the neck ofa shostjaced half
lillS boy who looks fatisued. Two smaIler bullywuss withjavelins
and a pair of Siant fr08s accompany them.
When he sees the adventurers, Uggloor lets go of his
prisoner, allowing the halOing to run away (see "Develop
ment"). Roll initiative to begtn the encounter.
Uggloor, Bullywug Champion (U) level 1 Elite Soldier
Medium natural huma noid (aqua tic) XP 250
Speed 6, swim 4
oRandel Air (polson) +Aura 2
Aquatic
Uggloor can breathe underwater. In aquatic combat, he gains a
+2 bonus to attack rolls against nonaquatic creatures.
Any attacker that scores a critical hit against Uggloor regains 4
hit points.
Swamp Walk
Uggloor ignores difficult terrain that is mud or shallow water.
<D Spear (weapon) +At-WIll
Hit: 1 d8 + 5 damage
Effect: The target Is marked until the end of Uggloor's next turn.
';."It
~ Crossbow (weapon) +At-Will
Hit: ld8 + 2 damage.
~ Champion's C_rge (weapon) +At-WIll
Effect: Uggloor charges and makes the follOWing attack instead of
a melee basic attack.
Effect: The target is marked until the end of Uggloor's next turn.
~ .
~ Intereed'" Strike (weapon) +At-Will
~ Taunting Croak + Recharge when UgIoor spends an action
point
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemies in burst); +5 vs. Will
TriBBer: A creature marked by Uggloor makes an attack that
doesn't include Uggloor as a target.
Attack (Immediate Interrupt): Melee 1 (triggering creature); +7 vs.
AC
Hit: ld8 + 5 damage.
Miss: Half damage.
Skills Athletics +9
Str 17 (+4) Dex 14(+3)
Con 14(+3) Int 6 (-1)
Alignment chaotic evil languages Primordial
Equipment leather armor, spear, crossbow, 10 bolts
Wls 10(+1)
Cha 8 (+0)
2 Bullywug Leapers (L) Levell Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid (aquatic) XP 100 each
AC 15. Fortitude 12. Reflex 14. Will 12 Perception +2
Speed 6. swim 4
(:> Rancid Air (polson) Aura 2
Aquatic
The bullywug can breathe underwater. In aquatic combat. it gains
3 hit points.
Swamp Walk
The bullywug ignores difficult terrain that is mud or shallow water.
, ",.
ill Spear (weapon) At-Will
Javelin (weapon) At-Will
+Spasmodic Leap (weapon) Recharge ITII ~ I!!l
Effect: Marks on the bullywug end. and it jumps 3 squares before
making the attack. This movement does not provoke opportu
nityattacks.
Hit: 2d6 + 6 damage. or 3d6 + 6 if the bullywug has combat
advantage against the target. and the target takes a -2 penalty to
attack rolls against the bullywug until the end of the bullywug's
next turn.
Skills Athletics +7
Str 14(+2) Dex 18(+4) Wls 14(+2)
Con 10(+0) Int 10(+0) Cha 8 (-1)
Equipment spear. 4 javelins
2 Giant Frogs (F) Level 3 Controller
Medium natural b e a ~ t XP 150 each
Speed 4. swim 6
\ I " ,
ill Bite. At-Will
Hit: 1 d6 + 5 damage. and if the target is Medium or smaller. it is
swallowed. A swallowed target is stunned and takes ongoing 5
damage (save ends both). and no creature has line of Sight or line
of effect to the target.
Special: The frog can swallow only one creature at a time and
cannot use bite while swallowing a creature.
Prodigious Leap. At-Will
Effect: The frog jumps 4 squares. This movement does not pro
voke opportunity attacks.
...
Grasping Tongue At-WIll (1/round)
Attack: Ranged 3 (one creature); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: The frog pulls the target 2 squares.
Str 14 (+3) Dex 17 (+4) Wis 11 (+1)
Con 12 (+2) Int 2 (-3) Cha 6 (-1)
Heron, Halfling Boy (H) Level 2 Minion Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid XP 0
Speed 6 lJ
TRIGGRD AClIONS
Z
Second Chance. Encounter
Cl
Tri88er: An enemy hits Heron with an attack.
<:
Effect (Immediate Interrupt): The triggering enemy rerolls the
CI::
attack roll and must use the new result.
t"t'l
Skills Acrobatics +7, Nature +5, Thievery +7
f0
Str 10 (+1) Dex 13 (+2) Wis 8 (+0)
CI::
Con 12 (+2) Int 10 (+1) Cha 11 (+1)
UJ
f Alignment unaligned Languages Common
Z
Tactics
:J
o
U
Uggloor climbs the ledge and charges the nearest foe.
Z
On the next round . he uses tauntina croak to pull as many
UJ
enemies adjacent to him as possible. He then attacks the
softestlooking target and uses intercedina strike as opportu
nity allows. The bullywug champion is overconfident and
fights until slain.
The leapers let Uggloor hold the front line while they
hang back and hurl javelins. IfUggloor is bloodied or they
run out ofjavelins. the leapers use spasmodic leap to shift into
positions where they can flank an enemy and attack with
their spears. IfUggloor drops to 0 hit pOints. the leapers flee.
The giant frogs use araspina tonaue to reel in prey. If a
frog succeeds in swallowing an enemy, it uses prodiaious
leap to avoid being cornered by other enemies.
Illumination: Bright light during the day, and dim
light at night.
Ledge: Any creature falling ofT the edge takes IdlO
damage and falls prone in a square adjacent to the bottom of
the ledge. The ledge slopes at a 50degree angle-too steep to
stand on-and requires a DC 12 Athletics check to climb.
Shallow Water: The stream and pool are about 3 feet
deep. These squares are difficult terrain. but the bully
wugs ignore this penalty because of their swamp walk trait.
Treasure: The bullywugs carry sacks ofplundered
foodstuffs and supplies. including fish and dried meat.
Uggloor also has a belt pouch containing 15 gp, 60 sp, and
a flawed emerald worth 100 gpo
Development
Heron is a 12yearold member of the Reedfoot clan (see
page 10). He and two friends were ambushed by bully
wugs hiding along a muddy shore of the White River. His
friends escaped. but Heron waS t aptured. Heron flees at
the first opportunity, but he's too tired to get very far. Ifthe
heroes prevail. he waits for them to emerge from the caves
before asking for their help getting back to his clan. Ifthe
characters assist, they lose a half-day of travel time but
receive a minor quest reward (1.50 XP) and the gratitude
of the Reedfoot halflings.
ENCOUNTER Dl: THE
WOODSINGER ELVES
The Harken Forest is a big place, and it might take the
heroes some time to locate the Woodsinger camp. If the
adventurers set out from Albridge, it's about 22 miles
to the Woodsinger camp by way of the tracks that run
between Marl and Harken.
Meeting the Woodsingers
The party can follow the track south into the Harken
Forest easily enough. In time, they should reach an inter
section between two tracks. If they use another approach
route, the following read-aloud text remains the same.
Read:
It's warm, almost stiflin8, under the canopy ofthe forest, and
not a breath ~ f wind stirs. Asyou pause 10 8ain your bearin8s,
peerin8 inlo theforest 81oom, you hear a voice, "Hold there,
stran8ersl We would speak withyou."
A moment later an elfdressed in a short tunic ofbrown and
8reen sleps into the open and advances toward you, a bow in his
hand. "J am Israfen ofthe Woodsin8ers," Ite says. "I see that you
are not Harkenwolders, ana you do not look like the mercenar
ies oflrol1 Keep. Who are you, and wltat is your business in the
Harken Forest?"
Israfen hears out the heroes and then replies, ''This is a
matter for Eriyel. Come, follow me." Two more elves step
out of the shadows to join him, and the three hunters lead
the party to a small elven encampment in a clearing by
a forest stream. There, Israfen introduces the heroes to
Eriyel, an c1fwoman of middle years with dark eyes and
long green-gold hair. She is the chief of the Woodsinger
clans.
After speaking with the heroes (sec the sidebar below),
Eriyel gives them a tiny crystal vial containing the blood of
a green dragon and sets them on the path to Dal Nystiere.
The elves have only the one vial, so Eriyel urges the heroes
not to lose it. The vial holds enough blood to activate the
ring of standing stones three times.
Returning from Dal Nystiere
When the adventurers return from the sanctuary with evi
dence ofYisarn's demise, the vVoodsingers are as good as
their word.
Read:
On hearin8 your story, Eriyelgravely nods. "Our thanks, stran8
ers,"she says. "You have proved your 800d intentions, and rid
theforest ofan old and restless evil. We pledge toyou 1111 the
help in OllT power. I wil/send runners to all the nearby bands.
By sundown tomorrow, we'll have fifty elven bows to help the
Harkenwolders wilt their freedom.
"Now this. Our scouts have been in touch with Harkemllolders
living near theforest. They have heard that the Iron Circle is
preparing to march a8ainst those who resist them. Reithann
and others who stillfi8ht a8ainst the Iron Circle are Balherin8 at
Albridge to 8ive battle. We wUljoin you there in two days' time."
Proceed with encounter B1 (Reavers ofHarken wold Part 2:
The Die Is Cast, page 3) when you're ready to continue.
ROLEPLAYING ERIYEL
Eriyel is reserved and patient. She is willing to let the heroes
make their case, but she's firmly against the idea of sending
her people into someone else's war. She'll want the heroes to
prove their sincerity (and demonstrate their competence) by
dealing with a problem troubling the forest elves-a sanctuary
on the outskirts of Dal Nystiere.
Eriyel speaks slowly and softly. She weighs her words carefully,
and often lets a nod or look suffice as an answer to a question.
Greetings. "You are in great haste, that much is plain. What
do you wish of my people?"
Can you help Harkenwold? "I grieve for the evil that has
come over their land, but it is not our fight."
What about your friends there? "Some among the Harken
wolders are indeed our friends, but others treat the forest with
less respect than we do, and some fear us. Would they come
to our aid? I doubt it."
If you do nothing, you're next. "There could be truth in
what you say. Evil left unchecked cannot help but spread. Still, I
deem it better to wait and watch for now. Given time, this Iron
Circle may simply move on."
How can we convince you to help? "You ask us to risk
our lives for you. If you were to do the same for us, we would
be obligated to match your selflessness. There is a sanctuary
hidden beneath a ring of standing stones, near the ruins of Dal
Nystiere. an old eladrin village a few miles from here. An evil
presence there poisons the surrounding forest. Put an end to
this threat, and we will aid you."
Evil presence? "An undead wizard named Yisarn lurks
in the sanctuary. He has allied himself with the Daggerburg
goblins, our hated enemies. Defeating him would be a great
service to us."
What can you tell us about the sanctuary? "Wizards used
the sanctuary as a private place to conduct magical research.
It lies underground, but you can teleport there by pouring
dragon's blood onto a pedestal located in the ring of standing
stones."
Where can we get some dragon's blood? "I can provide
you with a vial of green dragon's blood, which we obtained at
great cost. I give it to you as a sign of our trust."
ENCOUNTER D2:
THE STANDING STONES
Setup
4 tree spiders (S)
3 goblin toadies (G)
This encounter uses the "Standing Stones" battle map. Place
the characters on the trail near the edge of the map. The
spiders hide in the trees, and the goblins sleep inside the
wagon. Don't place the monsters on the map immediately.
Statistics for the goblin toadies appear on page 29.
When the adventurers enter this area, read:
The ancient, crumblin8 road passes by an old circle ofstandin8
stones. Webs cliJ18 to the branches of the nearby trees. A ramshackle
covered wa80n is parked on the trail near the standinn stones.
Any character who succeeds on a DC 19 Perception check
spots the closest spider. If none of the heroes succeed on
the check, the party is surprised when the spiders attack.
The adventurers can sneak lip on the sleeping goblins
with a successful DC 11 Stealth check. Ifcombat erupts
between the heroes and the goblins, the spiders leap from
their hiding places in the trees a nd join the fray.
4 Tree Spiders (S)
Medium Jldtural bedS! (spIder)
HP 43; Bloodied 21
AC 17, Fortitude 15, Reflex 17, Will 14
Speed 6, climb 6 (spider climb)
WebW.lk
Level 3 Skirmisher
XI> 150 e.Kh
2
Initiative +6
o
Perception +6
Tremorsense 5
l
V')
lj
Z
The spider Ignores difficult terrain composed of webs. o
. , .
z
<D Bite (polson) +At-WID
l
<:
V')
Hit: 1d6 + 3 damage, and the target takes ongOing 5 poison u.
damage (save ends), :!
... SprInaing Attack +At-Will
I-
Effect: The spider jumps 4 squares, makes a melee basic attack,
N
and jumps 4 squares, This movement does not provoke oppor o
tunityattacks.
et:
Skills Stealth +9
UJ
I
Str 12 (+2) Dex 16(+4) Wis 10(+1)
Z
Con 11 (+1) Int 1 (-4) Cha 8(+0)
:l
o
U
Tactics
Z
UJ
The tree spiders are greedy for their own kills, and they
split up to attack different characters.
The goblins fight until only one remains, at which point
the surviving goblin surrenders. A captured goblin reveals
only that it works for Snilvor, a goblin emissary sent from
Daggerburg (a distant goblin stronghold) to obtain some
map scrolls from Yisarn.
Illumination: Bright light during the day, dim at night.
Boulders: These squares are difficult terrain.
Bushes: These squares are difficult terrain and provide
concealment to creatures in or behind them.
Ring of Standing Stones: Squares occupied by the
standing stones are impassable, but a creature can stand
on top of a stone. Each stone is 10 feet high and requires
a DC 10 Athletics check to climb. Some residual magic
lingers in the area, and any creature standing inside the
circle gains a +2 bonus to damage rolls.
A crumbling stone pedestal stands in the center of the
circle. Pouring a small amount of dragon's blood onto the
pedestal causes glOWing Elven runes to appear on the
standing stones. The runes remain until someone speaks
the words "Dal Nystiere," at which point all creatures
inside the ring of stones are teleported to the sanctuary
(see encounter D3).
but provide cover. Climbing a tree reqUires a DC 10 Ath
The webs in the trees do not hamper movement.
Wagon: Creatures in the wagon have cover against
attacks from outside. The wagon contains provisions as
well as a heap of furs that serves as a bed for the goblin
emissary Snilvor (encounter D3). Snilvor's drakes nor
mally pull the wagon.
ENCOUNTER D3:
WIZARD WORKSHOP
Setup
Snilvor, goblin emissary (S)
5 goblin toadies (G)
2 bloodseeker drakes (D)
This encounter uses the "Dal Nystiere" battle map. The
characters teleport into the chamber, appearing in one
of the glowing teleportation circles on the noor (roll ran
domly for each character). Place the monsters as indicated
on the map.
Snilvor and his entourage have come to pay homage
to Yisarn and to secure three map scrolls. The scrolls (see
"Features of the Area") will help the goblins in their ongo
ing battle against the Woodsinger elves.
Read:
Theforest disappears in a pulse ofblue 1i8ht, and you f ind your
self standin8 in one oftwo ma8ic ci rcles inscribed on thefloor
ofwhat appears to be a wizards' laboratory or workshop. You
see severallar8e tables and desks littered with mi ldewed tomes,
dusty bottles, and loose sheets of parchment. A wide staircase
climbs 10feet to a stone loft, atop which rests a wooden desk and
a chctir made oflashed bones. Several80blins have 8athered in
the room, and they stare at you with wide eyes. Near an iron
bound set ofdouble doors stand two ca8es, each one ltoldin8 a
man-sized drake with crimson scales wearin8 ayoke. The drakes
snarl and bare their fa n8s.
Roll initiative for the goblins and drakes to begin the
encounter.
Tactics
Snilvor commands his goblin toadies to release the blood
seeker drakes from their cages. To free a drake, a goblin
must be in a square adjacent to the cage door and must
spend a minor action to lift the door latch.
Snilvor tries to keep one or more toadies between him
and the characters while using rod ofcommand or 8raspin8
mist. The goblin toadies try to stay within 3 squares ofSnil
vor to gain the benefit of his aura while also maneuvering
into nanking positions. When one of his toadies drops to
ohit pOints, Snilvor uses die for me to gain temporary hit
points. Note that temporary hit points do not stack.
The drakes are Snilvor's pets, but they are poorly
treated, difficult to command, and hungry. IfSnilvor is
bloodied, they are as likely to attack him as any other char
acter in melee range.
Snilvor, Goblin Emissary (S) Level 3 Controller (Leader)
Smal l natural humanoid XP 150
HP 48: Bloodied 24 Initiative + 3
Speed 6 Low-light vision
r 0 Master ofYoadles +Aura 3
-
Minion allies gain a +2 bonus to all defenses while within the
. ' ;\ . .. .
CD Skull-Yopped Rod (necrotic. weapon) + At-Will
Hit: 2d6 necrotic damage.
:,- Rod ofCommand (charm. Implement. psychic) + At-Will
---
--
aura.
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +6 vs. Will
Hit: The target is dominated until the end of Snilvor's next turn.
The target can choose not to be dominated but takes 2d6 + 5
psychic damage instead.
Miss: Snilvor slides the target 2 squares.
"*' Grasping Mist (cold. zone) + Recharge ~ rnJ
Attack: Area burst 1 within 5 (enemies in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + 5 cold damage.
Effect: The blast becomes a zone that lasts until the end of Snil
vor's next turn. All squares within the zone are difficult terrain
to Snilvor's enemies.
Ole For Me +At-Will
TriBBer: A minion ally within Snilvor's line of sight drops to 0 hit
points.
Effect (No Action): Snilvor gains 5 temporary hit points.
SkIlls Arcana +7, Diplomacy +7. Insight +8
Str 11 (+0) Dex 14 (+3) Wls 15 (+3)
Con 16 (+4) Int 13 (+2) Cha 12 (+2)
Alignment evil Languages Common, Goblin
Equipment robes, skull-topped rod, dagger
Illumination: Bright light. The teleportation circles on
the noor and the braziers surrounding them iliuminale
the chamber.
Cages: The cages (AC 5, Renex 5, Fortitude 10,50
hp) are 5 feet tall, with iron bars set into a thick wooden
noor and roof The bars are spaced 4 illches apart, and
the cages provide cover to creatures inside and behind
them. Each cage door is made of wood with bars running
through it, held in place by a sturdy latch in the middle of
the door that cannot be reached from inside. Unlatching
and opening a door from outside is a minor actiOll. Break
ing open the door requires a DC 22 Strength check.
Ceiling: The ceiling is 20 feet high (10 feet high above
the loft).
Double Doors: Both sets of double doors (AC ] 5,
Renex 5, Fortitude 15,60 hp) are made ofgilded wood
and locked. Yisarn carries the key, but the doors can also
be unlocked with a DC 15 Thievery check or smashed '
open with a DC 18 Strength check. "
Furnishings: The tables, desk, and chair create diffi
cult terrain in their spaces. If a piece of furniture is nipped
on its side (a standard action), it becomes a low wall that
provides cover against attacks crossing it.
5 Goblin Toadies (G) Level 2 Minion Skirmisher
5mall ndtural humanoid XP 31 each
Speed 6 lowlight vision
TRA ITS
Small Menace
The goblin does not provoke opportunity attacks from creatures
of Medium size or larger.
" .
<D Mace (weapon) At-Will
Hit: 5 damage (or 7 if the goblin has combat advantage against
the target).
Skills Stealth +9, Thievery +9
Str 13 (+2) Dex 17 (+4) Wls 11 (+1)
Con 14 (+3) Int 8 (+0) Cha 8 (+0)
Equipment leather armor, mace
2 Bloodseeker Drakes (D) Level 4 Soldier
Medium natural beast (reptile) XP 175 each
Speed 6
t l
<D Bite. At-Will
Hit: 1d10 + 5 damage, or 1d10 + 10 against a bloodied target.
. , .
t Bloody Frenzy. At-Will
Tri88er: A bloodied enemy adjacent to the drake shifts.
Effect (Opportunity Action): The drake uses bite against the trigger
ingenemy.
Str 13 (+3) Dex 17 (+5) Wlsl0(+2)
Con 13 (+3) Int 2 (-2) Cha 13 (+3)
Alignment unaligned Languages-
Loft: This raised section of the room is 10 feet above
the main floor. GlOWing runes inscribed along the perim
eter of the floor mark the edge of a 4-square-by-4-square
zone. Any living creature that enters or starts its turn
in the zone takes 5 necrotic damage. The goblins are
aware of the runes' power and avoid the loft. Characters
searching the desk find an ol d tome and three scrolls (see
"Scrolls," below).
Yisarn recovered the tome from the ruins ofDal Nys
tiere. The book written by an unnamed eladrin wizard,
chronicles her many explOits and experiments. It is worth
250 gp to an interested buyer.
Scrolls: Atop Yisarn's desk are three scrolls that the
undead wizard plans to give to Snilvor. Each scroll is a
map shOWing the location and layout of an elven crypt
in the Harken Forest. The Daggerburg goblins intend
to ransack these "lost crypts" to fatten their coffers and
demoralize the Woodsinger elves. Other scrolls and
papers scattered throughout the "vorkroom contain notes
pertaining to various rituals but have no intrinsic value.
Stairs: The stone steps climbing up to the loft are con
sidered difficult terrain while ascending them and normal
terrain otherwise.
Teleportation Circles: A creature standing in either
of these permanent teleportation circles and speaking
the phrase "Dal Nystiere" (as a free action) teleports to a
random square within the circle ofstanding stones above
the wizards' sanctuary (see encounter D2). However,
Yisarn has corrupted the circles' magic. A creature using
either circle to teleport must succeed on a DC 13 Arcana
check or take Id6 + 4 lightning damage in transit. If
Yisarn is adjacent to the circle, this effect does not occur.
Development
Yisarn (see encounter D4) hears sounds of combat in this
room but does not investigate. Instead, he waits for intrud
ers to come to him.
If the heroes capture one or more goblins, they don't
have much to offer. Snilvor and his toadies hail from the
distant goblin stronghold of Daggerburg and seek to main
tain good relations with Yisarn as well as procure three
map scrolls. Yisarn has already received payment , and the
goblins believe that Yisarn is in the next room. They know
that both sets of doubl e doors lead to Yisarn's library, but
the goblins know nothing about the secret pit traps beyond
the doors.
ENCOUNTER D4:
YISARN'S LAIR
Setup
Yisarn, skeletal mage (Y)
2 skeletons (S)
1 glimmerweb spider (G)
2 spiked pits (traps)
Yisarn broods in his library, contemplating how best to
rid himself of the Woodsinger elves. Yisarn was alive
when he first came to plunder the ruins ofOal Nystiere. A
band of elves ambushed and killed him, but an evil curse
animated his bones, turning him into an undead horror.
Yisarn spends his days poring over arcane tomes salvaged
from Oal Nystiere and the surrounding towns, searching
for ways to increase his power. He detests the Wood singer
elves and schemes against them constantly.
This encounter uses the "Oal Nystiere" battle map.
Because the monsters are quiet and the doors are closed ,
the heroes have little chance to surprise them.
In addition to the monsters, this encounter includes two
spiked pit traps not shown on the battle map. See "Features
oCthe Area" for rules on how they work, and use the spiked
pit tokens to mark their locations once they're revealed.
The room can be described to players as follows:
A maanificent mural ofa forest scene covers tlte ceilina ofa
vaulted chamber adorned with statues ofeladrin warriors
and illuminated byfi ery braziers. Between two braziers, atop
a 2fool-l1i8h stone bier, lie the partially assembled bones ofa
dra80n. Web-strewn bookshelves packed with dusty tomes line
thefar wall, and a thick curtain ofaossamer webs obscures a set
afiron doors. Nestled in the webs is a monstrous spider.
Two skeletons sland 8uard in the middle ofthe room. A third
skeleton-this one wearin8 the tattered robes ofa maae-has
bony claws that crackle with liahtnirta. It scowls hatefully.
Tactics
The skeletons try to prevent intruders from reaching their
master, even if that means provoking opportunity attacks.
The spider tries to snare enemies with 8limmerin8 web.
On the next round, it teleports adjacent to a creature that
can't see it and uses bite. When hit by an attack, it usesfey
escape to teleport away, preferably behind its curtain of
webs.
Yisarn opens the battle with li8htnin8 talons, unless the
adventurers are too far away or too many allies would be
caught in the blast. [n those cases, he attacks with ice dart
first, perhaps knocking an enemy into a brazier or spiked
pit. He uses necrotic burst when he takes damage and has
one or more enemies adjacent to him.
Yisarn, Skeletal Mage (Y) Level 3 Elite Controller
Medium natural humanoid (undead) XP 300
AC 17. Fortitude 14, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception +4
Speed 6 Darkvision
Immune disease, pOison; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant
.11.'.iB'i1iIr:'
<D Ughtnl"l Grasp Olghtnlng) +At-Will
Hit: 1d6 + 5 lightning damage, and the target is dazed until the
end of Yisarn's next turn.
~ Icy Dart (cold) +At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +6 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1d8 + 6 cold damage, and Yisarn pushes the target 1 square,
and the target is slowed (save ends).
Miss: The target is slowed until the end of Yisarn's next turn.
(.. Lightning Talons (lightning) + Recharge 13J [jJ
Attack: Close blast 5 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 4 lightning damage, and the target is dazed until the
end of Yisarn's next turn.
Effect: Yisarn slides the target 3 squares to another square within
the blast.
iFI'j'W.
~ Necrotic Burst (necrotic) + At-Will
TriBBer: Yisarn takes damage from an attack.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Close burst 1 (enemies in burst); +6
vs. Fortitude
Hit: 2d6 + 3 necrotic damage. and Yisarn pushes the target 2
squares. If the target is dazed, it falls unconscious (save ends).
Skills Arcana +10, Dungeoneerlng +10, History +10
Str 12 (+2) Dex 11 (+1) was 16 (+4)
Con 15(+3) Int18(+5) Cha11 (+1)
Alignment evil Languages Common, Draconic, Elven
Equipment keys to locked doors
2 Skeletons (S) Level 3 Soldier
Medium natural animal", (undead) XP 150 each
AC 19, Fortitude 15, Renex 16, Will 15 Perception +3
Speed 6 Darkvision
Immune disease, polson; Resist 10 necrotic; Vulnerable 5 radiant
TRAITS
Speed of the Dud
The skeleton gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls and deals 1 d6 extra
damage on opportunity attacks.
-..., u ~
<D Longsword (weapon) + At-Will
Hit: 1 d8 + 5 damage, and the target is marked until the end of the
skeleton's next turn.
Str 15 (+3) Dex 17(+4) Wis 14(+3)
Con 13 (+2) Int 3 (-3) Cha 3 (-3)
Equipment longsword
Illumination: Bright light (braZiers).
Bookshelves: Each bookcase (AC 4, Reflex 4, Forti
tude 12, 40 hit pOints) is stuffed with moldy tomes, none
of great value. It can be toppled with a DC 15 Strength
check or any attack that pulls or slides. Creatures in the
2-square-by-4-square area directly in front of a toppling
,
III
Glimmerweb Spider (G) Level 4 Lurker
Large fey magica l beast (spider) XP 175
HP 43; Bloodied 21 Initiative +B
AC lB, Fortitude 17, Reflex 16, Will 15 Perception +3
Speed 6, climb 6 (spider climb) Darkvision
Web Walk
The spider ignores difficult terrain comprised of webs.
..
CD Bite (polson) At-Will
Hit: 2dB + 3 poison damage (or 2dB + 10 if the target cannot see
the spider).
- t ~ Glimmering Web (radiant) At-Will
Attack: Area burst 1 within S (creatures in burst); +7 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1 d6 + 1 radiant damage, and the target is blinded and
restrained (save ends both).
Effect: The spider becomes invisible until the end of its next turn.
. ..
Fey Escape (teleportatlon) At-Will
Tri88er: The spider Is hit by an attack.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The spider teleports 6 squares.
Str 17 (+5) Dell 15 (+4) Wis 12 (+3)
Con 13 (+3) Int 7 (+0) Cha 9 (+1)
Alignment evil Languages
bookcase take ldS damage, fall prone, and are restrained
and unable to stand (save ends both).
Braziers: These bronze bowls are 3 feet high and fill
their squares. A brazier deals ld 1 0 fire damage to any
creature entering its square. A creature within reach
of a brazier can topple it as a minor action and make
the following attack (treating the brazier's square as the
attack's origin square).
V"l
...
<.. Brazier (flre) Encounter
Z
C!
Attack: Close blast 2 (creatures in blast); +S vs. Reflex
<
Hit: 1 dl 0 fire damage.
>
Ceiling: The ceiling is 20 feet high.
Dragon Bones: Yisarn plans to animate these bones to a
create a skeletal black dragon servant. Currently the bones C!
are inanimate and harmless.
w
r
Iron Doors: The iron double doors that lead off the z
o
~
map are locked (AC 15, Renex 5, Fortitude 15,60 hp).
Yisarn carries the key, but the doors can also be unlocked
with a DC 20 Thievery check or smashed open with a DC z
25 Strength check. The doors conceal a long tunnel that
UJ
eventually leads to the surface (or to another dungeon
complex of your own creation).
Lever: Set into the noor of an alcove is a large iron
lever. Pulling the lever locks the spiked pits and keeps
them from triggering when stepped on.
Spiked Pits: The pits are to feet deep and hidden
under false noors. Detecting the nearest one requires a
DC 20 Perception check. A pit attacks any creature that
enters its space. One can jump over the pit with a success
ful Athletics check (DC 10 with a running start, DC 20
without). Scaling a pit wall is a DC 15 Athletics check.
Disabling a pit so it can't open requires a DC 15 Thievery
check.
..
~ Spiked Pit. At-Will
TriBBer: A creature enters the pit's space.
Attack (Free Action): Melee 0 (triggering creature); +4 vs. Reflex
Hit: The target takes 1dl 0 + 6 damage and falls prone at the
bottom of the pit.
Miss: The target returns to the last square it occupied.
Effect: The pit is no longer hidden.
Statues: These statues depict eladrin warriors. A crea
ture in the square behind a statue gains cover.
Webs: The webs are difficult terrain and provide con
cealment. A creature that enters a web square must make
a DC 13 Acrobatics or Athletics check or become inuno
bilized. An immobilized creature can escape with a DC
13 Acrobatics or Athletics check (as a move action). The
glimmerweb spider has web walk and can move through
the webs without hindrance.
Treasure: One of the bookshelves holds a wooden
coffer containing a levelS magic item, three small agates
(50 gp each), a platinum ring of e1adrin design (350 gp),
and a sack of] 20 gpo
Continuing the Adventure
See "Returning from Dal Nystiere" on page 26.
REAVERS OF HARKENWOLD,TM
PART 2: THE DIE IS CAST
Roleplaying Game Adventure Book 2
Credits
Design
Richard Baker
Additional Design and Development
Christopher Perkins
Editing
M. Alexander Jurkat, Christopher Perkins
D&D Creative Manager
Christopher Perkins
Design Manager
James Wyatt
Development Manager
Andy Collins
Director of RPG R&D
Bill Siavicsek
Art Direction
Kate Irwin,Jon Schindehette
Graphic Design
Leon Cortez
Illustrations
Adam Gillespie, Ben Wootten
Cartographers
Jason A. Engle, Mike Schley
Publishing Production Specialists
Angelika Lokotz, Erin Dorries
Prepress Manager
Jefferson Dunlap
Imaging Technician
Carmen Cheung
Production Manager
Cynda Callaway
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&O, W,ZARDS OF THE COAST, Dun8eon Master's Kit,
Monster Vault, Reavers of Harkenwold, all other Wizards of the Coast product
names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast
llC in the U.S.A. and other countries. All Wizards characters, and the
distinctive likenesses thereof are property of Wizards of the Coast llC.
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contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of
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3002446400000HN
ISBN: 9780-7869-5630-2
Visit our website at OungeonsandOragons.com
INTRODUCTION
Reavers C?fHarkenwold" is a two-part DUNGEONS & DRAGONS*
adventure set in the Nentir Vale, a region introduced in the
DUNGEONS & DRAC;ONS Falltasy Roleplayill8 Game. The first
half of the adventure takes the characters from 2nd to 3rd
level and is presented in the adventure book titled Reavers of
Harkelllvoid Part I: The Troll Circle. The second halfthe adven
ture, which is deSigned to take characters from 3rd to 4th
levcl, appears in this book.
The overall backstory and now of the adventure are
covered in Reavers of Harken wold Part I: Tlte Iroll Circle.
Before running the second part of the adventure, you
should review the "Adventure Synopsis" and "Freeing
Harkenwold" sections in the first adventure book (pages
3-5), as well as the sections detailing the villages of
Albridge and Harken. Part 2 of the adventure begins with
the heroes defending the village ofAlbridge from an Iron
Circle attack (encounters Bl through B4). If they succeed,
they can take the fight to the Iron Circle leadership with a
daring assault on Iron Keep (encounters Kl through K7).
The foldout battle maps included with the adven
ture don't encompass every encounter. For encounters
that the battle maps don't mver (specifically encounters
K4 through K7), you can either draw the maps for your
players using wet-erase markers and a blank battle map
(available for purchase at your local hobby store), or you
can try to build the maps using U&D Dungeon Tiles.
Ifyou have prepainted plastic D&D@ miniatures,
you can use them to represent the various monsters and
villains in this adventure, or you can use the tokens con
tained in this box or the MOllster Vault'" boxed set.
Getting Started
This book assumes that you've already played through the
encounters in Reavers of Harkenwold Part I: The IrOIl Circle
and are familiar with the overall structure of the adven
ture. This book picks up where the first half the adventure
leaves off. Make sllre that the characters have time to take
an extended rest, gather their quest rewards, and gain a
level before continuing the adventure.
If all goes well in Part 1, the adventurers have made
names for themselves in the barony of Harkenwold, forged
an alliance with the Woodsinger elves, and defied the Iron
Circle at every turn. When you're ready to continue the
adventure, proceed with encounter B1.
Preparing for Battle
ENCOUNTER Bl:
\IV hen the heroes arrive in the area of Albridge, they
BATTLE PLANS qUickly encounter rebel pickets. As soon as they are iden
tified, they are ushered to the main rebel encampment
Shortly after the heroes return from Dal Nystiere, they
where Dar Gremath awaits them.
learn that the Iron Circle is preparing to march on
Albridge to squash the rebellion at its source,
Read:
Oar Gremath is meetin8 with tlte other Harkenwold leaders
When you are ready to launch into the Battle of
in the empty barn ofan abandoned farm when you arrive. He
Albridge portion of the storyline, read:
waves you over at once. 'Tm Bladyou're here," he says. "We've
You are about to make camp f or the niBht after your latest
aot every free man or woman who canfi8ht worth a lickfrom all ~
efforts in the fiah t a8ai nst the Iron Ci rcle when tlte nallopinn
the viUaBes here, but the Iron Circle troops match our numbers. Z
hoofbeats ofa lone rider echo in the dusk, A moment later, a :J
They've Bot better arms and armor, and most ofthem are trained 0
younn ha!flinn woman on a small ridinB horse comes into view
soldiers. Still, withyour help, we'U8ive them one hell oja battle. LJ
and reins in nearby, "There you are!" she says, "Dar Gremath
After all, we're finhtingfor our homes and livelihoods ... The Z
said you minht be around here somewhere, I've aot an impor
u.J
leaders Bathered aro-und nod arimly.
tant l71essane for you: The Iron Circle's army is nettina ready to
march aaainst AlbridBel Nazin Redthom's called in all his raid
ing parties, and he'sBoinB to try to stomp us out once and f or
Skill Challenge: Battle Preparations
This is the first skill challenge of the adventure.
all. Dar Gremath's sent wordfor a/! the loyal Harkenwolders to
Before running it, you should review the rules for skill
come to Albridge and stand up to the rron Circle. There's aoina
challenges that appear in the accompanying Dun8eon
to be a bia battlel He asks you to hurry back to Albrid8e to help
Master's Book.
out, as qUick as you can!"
The adventurers' goal in this skill challenge is to get the
Harkenwold rebels ready to fight!
The halfling is Seranna, granddaughter of Gerrad, the
Level: 3 (XP 625).
elder ofAlbridge. The battle is still two or three days ofT-it
Complexity: 4 (requires 10 successes before 3
will take that long for the Iron Circle to finish assembling
failures).
its forces. The heroes have time to march to Albridge from
Primary Skills: Diplomacy, History, Intimidate,
any corner of Harkenwold. Seranna urges the heroes to be
Nature, Religion.
on their way soon, but admits that they could leave in the
Diplomacy (DC 13, 1 hour): A character can use Diplo
morning if they need to rest first. Seranna has a number
macy to convince certain rebel factions to put themselves
ofother people she intends to visit in the next few hours,
under Dar Gremath's overall command, to smooth per
spreading word of the impending Iron Circle attack. If
sonal rivalries and jealOUSies, or to persuade certain rebel
the party resists the summons, she visibly slumps in the
bands to take on tasks that are particularly dangerous,
saddle, says, "I hope you change your minds!" and gallops
difficult, or unpleasant. This skill can be used to achieve 3
ofT-she has many miles still to ride.
SlIccesses in the challenge.
History (DC 11,1 hour): A character can use History to
identi(y relevant lessons from past wars, to apply broad
rules ofstrategy to the rebels' circumstances, or to draw
up plans for rudimentary defenses based on what other
ROLEPLAYING BEFORE THE BATTLE
This scene offers an excellent opportunity for the players to Greetings. "You've already helped us a great deal, and
engage in roleplaying. Many of the major NPCs of Harken you've shown you've got brains and courage. Give us your
wold-Dar Gremath, Reithann the druid, the elder Gerrad, Bran honest opinions? Can Redthorn be beat?"
Torsson, and Willet Reedfoot of the White River halflings-are What do you want us to do in the battle? "I want to hold
gathered here to lead the rebels in battle. Dar Gremath is you in reserve. You're my best fighters. Stay close by me early
comfortable in command and does not want to show any vac on, and if the Iron Circle breaks through anywhere, I'll send
illation before the other leaders. His preferred style is to issue you in to stop them."
orders and have everyone jump. On the other hand, he is keen How can we help you get ready? "I need to pull this army
not to alienate his most potent force-the adventurers. At the together before tomorrow. We need a good plan, a good place
very least, he wants to know what the heroes will be doing to fight, and someone to draw our troops together and inspire
during the fighting. them. You can help in all that."
people have done in the past. This skill can be used to gain
3 successes in the challenge.
Intimidate (DC 15, 1 hour): A character can use I ntimi
date to project self-confidence and competence, to
challenge uncertain rebel leaders and push them to do
better, or to reassure nervous rebels by making light of the
threat posed by the Iron Circle attack. This skill can be
used to gain 3 successes in the challenge.
Nature (DC 13, 1 hour): A character can use Nature to
study potential battlegrounds, to anticipate weather condi
tions, or to supervise camouflage efforts_ This skill can be
used to achieve 3 successes in the challenge.
Reli8ion (DC 13, 1 hour): A character can use Religion
to conduct an invocation to the deities, to council fear
ful fighters, or to lead the Harkenwolders in seeking
divine favor in the battle to come. This skill can be used to
achieve 2 successes in the challenge_
Success: The adventurers aid in devising a sound plan
that makes the best use of terrain and the forces available
to Dar Gremath. and help the Harkenwolders to prepare
for battle. They are awarded 2 victory points toward the
outcome of the battle (see "Victory or Defeat," below), and
they receive the full XP award for the skill challenge_
Failure: The battle plan and preparations are flawed_
The adventurers can still win, but it's a tougher fight with
more casualties. No victory points are awarded, but the
heroes receive the full XP award for the skill challenge.
Fighting the Battle
The heroes' part in the battle is represented byencoun
ters B2, B3, and B4_Depending on the players' decisions
about their characters' roles in the battle, these encounters
might be waves ofIron Circle soldiers attacking their posi
tion. breakthroughs the adventurers are sent to seal off, or
opposition standing between them and their goal. Here
are examples:
Attack: The adventurers choose a specific objective to
seize or accomplish during the battle. such as confront
ing the enemy commander, leading rebel troops in an
attack, or infiltrating the enemy camp to destroy sup
plies or take prisoners_
Defend: The adventurers choose to protect something.
They might guard Dar Gremath and his banner during
the battle. protect a vulnerable flank or exposed posi
tion, or take a position at the head of the rebel army.
Reserve: The adventurers are aSSigned the job of
reacting to enemy moves or seizing opportunities that
suddenly appear. For example, they might hang back
to stem a Iron Circle breakthrough or wait until the
(Left to ria/It) Iron Circle enforcer, dark adept, and briaand
fighting exposes an Iron Circle weakness so they can
lead a counterattack. This is Dar Gremath's preference.
When the adventurers defeat Nazin or force him to
retreat in encounter B4, or are defeated by the Iron Circle
forces, the Battle of Albridge comes to an end. If the rebels
win, the badly mauled Iron Circle troops flee the field.
Most soldiers are hunted down and dealt with by vengeful
rebels, but some stragglers make it back to Iron Keep and
take refuge there. If the Iron Circle wins, the rebels retreat
and scatter to the four winds.
Victory or Defeat
Success or failure in battle doesn't just depend on how
well the adventurers fight in their own small part of the
fray. It also depends on hO\.v successful they have been in
their efforts against the Iron Circle. To determine how the
battle turns out, assign victory points (\I P) based on the
heroes accomplishments so far:
Reavers of Harkenwold Part 1: The Iron Circle
1 VP The heroes won encounter E2.
1 VP The heroes won encounter E3.
2 VP The heroes defeated Gloorpk in encounter T2.
2 VP The adventurers successfully forged an alliance
with the Woodsinger elves.
Reavers of Harkenwold Part 1: The Die Is Cast
2 VP The heroes successfully aided the battle
preparations in encounter B1 .
1 VP The heroes won encounter B2.
The results of the battIe are:
0-4 VP: A decisive defeat. Albridge is burned, the rebel
army is largely destroyed, and Iron Keep remains at full
strength (see "The Keep at Full Strength," page 12).
5-6 VP: A narrow defeat. Albridge is burned. The
rebel army suffers heavy casualties but remains essentially
intact as it retreats to Tor's Hold. Iron Keep is in its normal.
depleted state (as described in encounters K1 through K7),
with two active squads of reinforcements (sec "The Keep
at Full Strength," page 12).
7-9 VP: A narrow victory. Albridge is saved, and the
rebel army remains intact and in position. Iron Keep is in
its normal , depleted state (as described in encounters Kl
through K7), with one active squad of reinforcements (see
"The Keep at Full Strength," page 12).
10-12 VP: A decisive victory. Albridge and the rebel
army are saved. Iron Keep is in its normal, depleted state,
and no squads of reinforcements exist (see "The Keep at
FuJI Strength," page 12).
ENCOUNTER B2:
BATTLE OF ALBRIDGE,
PART 1
Setup
I Iron Circle enforcer (E)
1 spitting drake (S)
This encounter takes place during the Battle ofAlbridge. 1t
represents one short skirmish in the wider battle. Depend
ing on the plans the players made in encounter B I , this
combat can arise for any of the following reasons:
Attack: While the adventurers are moving into posi
tion to strike at the Iron Circle leadership or outnank
the Iron Circle forces, they stumble across an Jron
Circle squad on the outskirts of the battle.
Defense: Holding down an important position in the
middle of the rebel lines, the heroes are responsible for
defeating any enemies who come into their area of the
battlefield. An Iron Circle squad approaches.
Reserve: Waiting to see where they can do the most
good, the adventurers spot a group ofIron Circle sol
diers who break through the rebel lines or threaten to
outnank the rebels, and move to intercept the enemy.
This encounter uses half of the "Steading" battle map.
Have the players place their characters within the field
stone wall surrounding the cottage. Place the Iron Circle
forces as indicated, and then roll initiative.
Read:
The battle opens with a strai8htJorward attack by the Iron Circle
soldiers. Arrows aruf crossbow boltsJly as the two armies close.
The Harkenwolders 8ive 8round, but their formation doesn't
break. The battle becomes a desperate, swirlino melee thaI
sprawls over severalfanns and fields a little way south ofthe
town. The area you're 8uardin8 is quiet at first, but then you spy
a lar8e band ofIron Circle soldiers hendin8 in your direction,
with a reptilian creature trottino at their side. They raise a war
cry and charne at you!
Iron Circle Enforcer (E) Levell Elite Brute
Medium natural humanoid. human XP lSO
Speed 5
...
(!) Heavy flail (weapon) +At-Will
(0 flail Sweep (weapon) +Recharp when first bloodied
Attack: Close burst 1 (creatures in burst); +5 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 3d6 + 6 damage, and the target falls prone.
'O'I"2'jW'
+Smash Back (weapon) +At-WID
Tri88er: An enemy hits the enforcer with a melee attack.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Melee 1 (triggering creature); +7 vs.
AC
Hit: 2d6 + 6 damage, and the enforcer gains a +2 bonus to attack
rolls against the target until the end of its next turn.
Skills Athletics +10, Intimidate +7
Str 18 (+5) Do 12 (+2) WIs 10(+1)
Con 14(+3) Int 11 (+1) Cha 13 (+2)
Equipment chain mail, heavy flail, black surcoat embroidered with a
red-trimmed gray circle
Spitting Drake (S) Level 3 Artillery
M"Jilllll ,,,Jlurdl bl"",llrl"plill"i
HP 38; Bloodied 19
Speed 7
Resist 1 0 acid
XI> 150
Initiative +5
Perception +3
.... ';'IjW:.
r (!) Bite +At-Will
Causdc Spit (add) +At-Will
Hit: 2d6 + 4 acid damage.
Str14(+3) Dex 18 (+5)
Con 14(+3) Int 3 (-3)
Wls 14(+3)
Cha9(+O)
10 Iron Circle Rabble (R) Level 2 Minion Brute
Mediulll natuldl humanoid. hUlllan XI> 31 each
Speed 6
Mob Rule
.
to two or more allies .
<D Mace (weapon) +At-Will
Hit: 5 damage.
Str 14(+3) Dex10(+1) Wls 10(+1)
Con 12 (+2) Int 9 (+0) Cha 9 (+0)
I
Tactics
The Iron Circle soldiers are confident in their numbers.
They begin the battle with a reckless rush. hoping to over
whelm the heroes. The rabble try to gang up on a couple of
enemies at a time to make good lise offlanking and their
mob rule trait.
The enforcer closes to melee as quickly as possible.
She moves into squares from which she can threaten two
or more characters and make good lise ofJlail sweep. The
enforcer waits to spend her action point until the round
after she's made a successful smash back attack. That way
she can make two attacks with the bonus provided by
smash back.
The spitting drake skulks around the edges of the fight,
keeping its distance from any characters trying to bring it
to melee. It uses causl'ic spit against any target that seems
convenient. but it's especially likely to retaliate against
enemies who hurt it in previous rounds.
Illumination: Bright light-this encounter takes place
during daylight.
Doors: The doors to the cottage and outbuildings are
sturdy wood (DC 16 Strength check to break down; AC 5,
Reflex 5, Fortitude 10,20 hp).
Embankment: This steep, dirt road embankment is
difficult terrain.
Furnishings: The furniture is lightly built and offers
kicks the furnishings aside. Furnishings can be used as
improvised weapons. A bed or table flipped on its side
(a standard action) becomes a low waJl. providing cover
against attacks crossing it.
Tree: The square occupied by the tree's trunk is
impassable but provides cover. Climbing the tree requires
a DC 10 Athletics check. and a creature lip the tree gains
concealment.
Well: This IS-foot-deep well is surrounded by a low
check).
Windows: Creatures firing through the windows of
the cottage have cover against attacks from the outside.
A SHORT REST
FOR THE WEARY
Encounters 82, 83, and B4 all take place during the Battle of
Albridge, as the heroes do their part to help the assembled
Harkenwolders against the Iron Circle's large war band. The
encounters assume that the adventurers will be able to take
a short rest between each one, refreshing their encounter
powers and spending healing surges as needed. During
these brief downtimes, the adventurers might be waiting for
the next group of enemies to appear. talking tactics with Dar
Gremath or the other Harkenwold leaders, biding their time
as a reserve force to be thrown into the most desperate part
of the fighting. or taking a short breather behind the lines.
The Battle of Albridge encounters become much harder if
you don't allow the characters to take a short rest between
each one.
ENCOUNTER B3:
BATTLE OF ALBRIDGE,
PART 2
Setup
2 Iron Circle cutthroats (C)
2 tar devil guards (T)
This encounter takes place during the Battle ofAlbridge.lt
represents a major skirmish. Depending on the plans the
players made in encounter BI, this combat can arise for
any of the following reasons:
Attack: The adventurers encounter an Iron Circle
rearguard as they get close to their goal. They'll have to
fight their way through the force.
Defense: The battle Oows away from the heroes after
their first encounter. Soon thereafter, they spy a band of
Iron Circle marauders burning farmhouses nearby. The
adventurers advance to confront them.
Reserve: Dar Gremath (or another Harkenwold con
tact) sends word by messenger that the adventurers are
urgently needed on the other side of the battle. A force
ofIron Ci rcle devils and soldiers bars the way.
Layout the "Steading" battle map as shown, with the
farms and fields half face-up.
When the battle starts, read:
A youn8 Harkenwolder aallops up to you on horseback. "Dar
Gremath says he needs your help over by the Radden farm
stead!" he pants, pOintina across the A couple of
hundred yards away, you can make out the rebel leader's banner,
now under attack. Between you and Da r Gremath, a band of
maraudina soldiers is busy settin8fire to farmhouses and kill
ina offany wounded they come across. Some of the Iron Circle
warriors aren't human- they're short, scaly creatures with black
horns and lashin8 tails, surrounded in darkfumes. The messen
aer aallops offaaain, leavina matters in your hands.
Have the players place their characters anywhere along
the north edge of the map, then place the Iron Circle
forces where indicated.
Medium natural hUllldllOid. hUlllan XP 1SO
Speed 6
' W!.,.
<D Dark DlIger (fire, weapon) +At-WIll
'*' Fiery
squares.
Tendrils (fire) At-WlII
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: ld6 + 6 fire damage, and the target is slowed and grants
tN.S1!J iii
(0 Dark Imperative (healing, necrotic) Recharge when bloodied
While the target has these temporary hit points, Its melee
Sldlls Arcana +8, RelipJn +8
Str 13 (+2) Dex 12 (+2) Wis 18(+5)
Con 14 (+3) Int 15 (+3) Cha 13 (+2)
Equipment chainmall, dagger, red surcoat with goldtrlmmed black
circle
2 Iron Circle Cutthroats (C) Level 2 Skirmisher
Ml'diUT1l natural hllfll.lI1tlin. hlllll.lI1 Xi> 12 S each
Speed 6
Shadow Stride
If the cutthroat moves at least 3 squares from its starting position
on its turn, It gains concealment until the start of its next turn.
STANDARD ACTIONS
G) Short Sword (weapon) At-Will
Hit: 1d6 + 4 damage (or 2d6 + 4 if the cutthroat has combat
advantage against the target).
Hand Crossbow (weapon) At-Will
'f"I"IW'
+Slasher's Feint +At-Will (1/round)
Hit: The cutthroat gains combat advantage against the target until
the end of its current turn.
Str 12 (+2) Dex 17 (+4) WIs 11 (+1)
Con 13 (+2) Int 10 (+1) Cha 12(+2)
Equipment leather armor, short sword, hand crossbow, 20 bolts,
1 Tar Devil Guards (T) Level 4 Soldier
Med iulll illllllort,ll hum,lnoid (devil) XP 175 (,deh
Speed 6 Darkvision
Resist 10 fire; Vulnerable 5 acid
o Hot Reek (ftle) +A.... 1
An enemy that starts its turn within the aura takes 2 fire damage
and cannot shift on its current turn.
. . .'
G> Khopah (wupon) +At-WII
Attac": Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: ld8 + 7 damage .
.. .
:,- T.ry (fire) Recharp Ifno cruture Is restrained bythenet
at the surt ofthe devll's turn
Attac": Ranged 5 (one creature); +7 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1 d6 + 4 fire damage, the target is restrained (save ends),
and the devil pulls the target 5 squares to the nearest adjacent
square.
5 ... 12 (+3) o.x17(+S) WIs 11 (+2)
Con 13(+3) 1nt10(+2) ct.12(+3)
Alignment evil Languages Supernal
Equipment khopesh, net
Tactics
The tar devils begin the battle by moving within 5 squares
of their foes, using tarry net, and dragging restrained foes
within reach of their khopeshes. If a tarry devil misses
with its net, it instead uses its remaining action to charge,
hopefully catching as many foes as possible in its hot reek
aura.
The cutthroats use shadow stride to gain concealment
and slasher's feint to gain combat advantage before attack
ing with their short swords.
The dark adept pays little attention to the cutthroats,
instead reserving its dark imperative for the tar devils when
they become injured. Otherwise he stays at range and uses
fiery tendrils against the heroes, especially those who are
giving the tar devils a tough time.
during daylight.
Doors: The doors to the cottages are sturdy wood (DC
16 Strength check to break down; AC 5, Reflex 5, Forti
tude 10, 20 hp).
Embankment: This dirt road embankment is difficult
terrain.
Furnishings: The furniture in the cottages is Ughtly
built and offers no impediment to movement-a moving
character simply kicks the furnishings aside. Furnishings
can be used as improvised weapons. A bed or table flipped
on its side (a standard action) becomes a low wall, proVid
ing cover against attacks crossing it.
Garden: These squares are difficult terrain.
Trees: Squares occupied by tree trunks are impass
able but prOVide cover. Climbing a tree requires a
DC 10 Athletics check, and a creature up a tree gains
concealment.
Well: This IS-foot-deep well is surrounded by a low
check).
one of the cottages have cover against attacks from the
outside.
E NCOUNTER B4:
BATTLE OF ALBRIDGE,
CLIMAX
Encounter LevelS (1,048 XP)
Setup
Nazin Redthorn (N)
2 tar devil harriers (T)
1 horse (H)
Frustrated by the adventurers' interference in his plans
and the reversals of the battle, the Iron Circle leader,
Nazin Redthorn, leads an attack against the party. Alter
natively, ifyour players created a battle plan to attack
Redthorn, you can instead launch this encounter as the
successful fruition of their earlier efforts.
Layout the "Steading" battle map; this encounter uses
the whole map. Have the players place their characters in
the vicinity of the X, then place the Iron Circle forces as
indicated and roll initiative.
Read:
Only minutes after you finish with your last foes, you hear a roar
ofchallen8e. Anotller 8rouP oflron Circle soldiers is advancin8
onyou. They are supported by two sca!>, humanoid creatures
with horns and tails, with drippin8 810bs ofbumin8 pitch in their
taloned hands. With the band rides a massively muscled human
warrior in scale armor. A standard .flies from a holder at hi.s
sti rrup- a black pennant with a red- and 80ld-trimmed 8ray rin8
in the center. "You!" the enemy lord cries. "You are the ones who
have caused me so much troublel Know now that you face Lord
Nazin RedtJlOTn , champion ofthe Iron Circle. With your deatfts
my victory is assured!"
8 Iron Circle Rabble (R) Level 2 Minion Brute
Medium natura l hUnlol"oid. human XP 31 each
Speed 6
TRAITS
Mob Rule
to two or more allies.
,,..,.'i7.i1!I'iIr.J.'
(!) Mace (weapon) +At-Will
Hit: 5 damage.
Str 14 (+3) Dex 10(+1)
Con 12 (+2) Int9 (+0)
Wis 10(+1)
Cha 9 (+0)
Nazin Redthorn (N) Level 5 Elite Soldier (Leader)
Mediu m natura l hu manoid. human XP 400
Speed 5
SavinI! Throws +2; Action Points 1

(!) Triple-Haded flail (weapon) + At-Win
Wolf Pack T.ctIa (weapon) +At-Will
Effect: Before the attack, one ally adjacent to Nazin or the target
shifts 1 square as a free action.
W.rlord's StrtIce (weapon) +Rec:h...(;:;] Ii]
Hit: 2d1 0 + 5 damage, and an ally within 5 squares of Nazin gains
a +4 bonus to damage rolls against the target until the end of
Nazln's next turn.
Infemlll Flames (fire, healing) + Recharte when first bloodied
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemies in burst); +8 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire damage, and the target is dazed (save ends).
Effect: Each ally In the burst regains 10 hit points.
.....'
Tripping FI.II (weapon) +At-Will
Trigger: An enemy misses Nazln with an attack.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Melee 1 (triggering enemy); +8 vs.
Fortitude
Hit: 1d10 + 6 damage, and the target falls prone.
Skills Athletics +12, Intimidate +9
Str 20 (+7) Dex 10 (+2) WIs 13 (+3)
Con 15 (+4) Int 15 (+4) CIIII16(+5)
Alignment evil Languages Common, Giant, Supernal
Equipment scale armor, heavy shield, triple-headed flail, black sur
coat embroidered with a red- and gold-trimmed gray circle
2 Tar Devil Harriers (T) Level 3 Artillery
Medium immort al humanoid (devil) XP 150 eac h
Speed 6 Darkvision
S TAN DAIIU A CTIONS
(!) Kukrl (weapon) +At-Will
@) Tar Ball (fire) + At-Will
Hit: 2d6 + 4 fire damage, and the target is slowed and takes ongo
ing 2 fire damage (save ends).
fuming Ooud (fire, zone) +Encounter
Attock: Close burst 1 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Fortitude
Hit: 1d6 + 4 fire damage.
Effect: The burst becomes a zone that lasts until the end of the
encounter. Creatures in the zone gain concealment, and any
creature ending its turn in the zone takes 2 fire damage. Squares
within the zone are difficult terrain.
Str 1S (+3) Dex 18 (+5) Wis 14(+3)
Con 12 (+2) Int 11 (+1) Cha 11 (+1)
Equipment kukrl
Horse (H) Levell Brute
lar (' n ~ t u r a l beast (mollnt) XP 100
Speed 10 low-light vision
CIIa....r(mount)
The horse grants its rider a +5 bonus to damage rolls on charge
attacks_
. .
<D KIdc +At-WiU
~ Trample +At-WID
Effect: The horse can move up to its speed and enter enemies'
spaces. The movement provokes opportunity attacks, and
the horse must end its move in an unoccupied space. When it
enters an enemy's space, the horse makes a melee attack (+4 vs_
Reflex). If the attack hits, the target takes 1 d6 + 4 damage and
falls prone_
Str 19 (+4) Dex 13 (+1) Wis 11 (+0)
Con 16 (+3) Int 2 (-4) Cila 9 (-1)
Tactics
Nazin dismounts and fights on foot, leaving his horse in
the rear with a single Iron Circle rabble to guard it. Nazin
leads the initial rush against the adventurers and fights
furiously, using warlord's strike as often as it recharges. He
tries to hold off on infernalflames until at least one of the
tar devils needs healing, but he' ll use it earlier in the fight
ifhe has the opportunity to attack multiple foes at once.
The remaining rabble rush forward to melee as qUickly
as possible_ The tar devil harriers stay at range, hurling tar
balls at different targets each round to make sure as many
characters as possible are slowed_
Nazin's Getaway: vVhen he is bloodied, the rabble
are dead, or the tar devils are defeated, Nazin attempts to
escape. He shifts or moves away from his opponent toward
his horse, mounts (a move action), and rides off at the next
opportunity. He saves his action point for use in this get
away attempt. Once he's mounted, he gallops off at speed
12, which should qUickly get him away from heroes on
foot.
Nazin's escape is important to set up the final conflict
in Iron Keep. Make every attempt to have him flee. but if
the tides of battle make it impossible, don't railroad the
storyline to make it happen. You can replace Nazin in
encounter K7 with a "second-in-command" for the heroes
to fight.
during daylight.
Doors: The doors to buildings are sturdy wood (DC 16
Strength check to break down; AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude
10, and 20 hp).
Embankments: The dirt road embankments are diffi
cult terrain.
Gardens: These squares are difficult terrain.
Walls: The fieldstone walls stand 4 feet high and
provide cover against attacks that cross them. It costs 2
squares of movement to traverse a wall.
Wells: Each of these Is-foot-deep wells is surrounded
by a low stone wall (+2 bonus to the saving throw to catch
oneself). Climbing out of the well is difficult (DC 20 Ath
letics check).
one of the cottages have cover against attacks from the
outside.
IRON KEEP
Iron Keep (the renamed Harken Keep) is the stronghold of
Nazin Redthorn and his Iron Circle soldiers. It stands on
top of a short, steep-sided hillock overlooking Harken Vil
lage and the King's Road. The trees and ground cover on
the hillside are cut back at least 100 feet from the walls,
leaving a bare grassy slope. The hill rises precipitously on
the eastern side. The other approaches are more gradual,
but none flatten out until about 100 feet above the village.
A causeway of hard-packed dirt climbs around the hilltop
to the castle's front gate, exposed to archery fire from the
towers and walls for most ofits length.
Soldiers built the great tower and upper bailey 200
years ago to guard the King's Road and the White River
valley against monsters attacking from Thunderspire or
the Dawnforge Mountains. When 10nn Stockmer became
baron 45 years ago, he embarked on a decades-long
rebuilding and expansion of the stronghold, adding the
lower bailey and repairing the rest of the castle (sorely
needed at the time). Old Kellar from Harken was the chief
stonemason of this work, and knows the castle like the
back of his gnarled hands.
Iron Keep Characteristics
Illumination: Bright light during the day. At night,
lanterns dimly light the courtyards and brightly illuminate
interior areas.
Battlements: Creatures adjacent to battlements gain
cover against attacks crossing the battlements. Battlements
do not face the interior, and the wall tops are unprotected
against attacks from inside the castle. Each of the towers
and the keep is topped by a rooftop battlement.
CeiJings: Interior rooms have ceilings of 15 feet unless
noted otherwise.
Doors: The interior doors in the castle are thick, iron
reinforced oak (DC 18 Strength check to break down if
locked, DC 22 ifbarred). The front gate and postern gate
aren't normal doors-they're built to stand up to Siege
engines, at least for a short time. They cannot be broken
down by a Strength check.
Locked doors can be opened with a DC 20 Thievery
check. Assume that the monsters in the encounter area
closest to the door also have a key to open it. rn addition,
Nazin Redthorn has a master key ring that opens all locks
in the castle (he leaves it behind when he marches to do
battle at Albridge).
Elevation: All first level areas inside the castle are .
10 feet above the ground level outside the walls. Embra
sure sills on the first floor are roughly 12 feet above the
ground.
Embrasures: Most of the castle's "windows" are arrow
slits, only about 6 inches wide. Creatures adjacent to an
embrasure have superior cover against attacks through
the opening. A Small character can squeeze through an
embrasure with a DC 21 Acrobatics check.
Roofs: The tower roofs are 40 feet above the ground
outside; the keep roofis 60 feet above the ground outside.
Walls and Floors: The walls are well-made masonry
(DC 20 Athletics check to climb). The battlements encircl
ing the castle are 25 feet above the ground level outside,
and 15 feet above the courtyards inside. Interior floors
are flagstone; the interior courtyards are hard-packed dirt
with flagstone paths.
Getting Inside
The first challenge the heroes face is getting inside Iron
Keep. Clever players might devise a ploy to enter, such as
feigning surrender, hiding in supply wagons, or donning
disguises. Encounter Kl (page 16) addresses skill chal
lenges that might result given some of the more likely
approaches.
More direct players could look for approaches that
go over or through the walls. The keep is guarded by a
number of sentries who try to prevent this, and they raise
the alarm if attacked (see "Raising the Alarm," page 14).
Encounter K2 (page 18) covers the wall defense if the
heroes attack the sentries.
Finally, the heroes might try a frontal assault on the
front gate and outer bailey. Such a plan leads to encoun
ter K3 (page 20). This hard fight (espeCially if the heroes
attack early in the adventure) might be pulled offby a
tough and aggressive group.
THE KEEP AT
FULL STRENGTH
The area descriptions and encounters in Iron Keep
assume that the players follow the most likely course in
the adventure-waiting to attack the keep until the rebels
have broken the Iron Circle's strength in the Battle of
Albridge. If the heroes attack the keep before that battle,
a great deal more Iron Circle soldiers are present. Add the
following squad of reinforcements to each of the follow
ing areas: 3, 5, 6, 14, and 17.
level 3 Encounter (XP 755)
1 Iron Circle dark adept (level 3 controller, page 8)
1 Iron Circle guards (level 3 soldier, page 10)
5 Iron Circle rabble (level 1 minion brute, page 6)
1 iron defender (level 3 soldier, page 11 )
IRON KEEP K7
One square = 5 feet
3rd Floor
Iron Keep Key
Locations marked on the Iron Keep map include:
1. Road. The road approaching the castle is closely
watched. If approaching characters appear to have busi
ness at the castle (as opposed to running up with "veapons
drawn), they won't be fired on immediately.
2. The Gatehouse (Encounter K3). The doors of the
gatehouse are made ofiron plate riveted to iron frames.
They are normally closed but include 6inchwide spy
holes at head height so guards inside can see who's outside.
An iron portcullis is positioned to drop at the top of the
first set of stairs.
The gate commander, a tkfling named Sturmik, inhab
its the gatehouse's lower chamber. Sturmik is a spiteful,
grasping martinet who closely questions anyone seeking
entrance.
3. West Tower (Encounter K3). This tower is part
of the gate's defenses. The lower floor is a storeroom, the
upper floor a barracks. See "The Keep at Full Strength,"
page 12.
4. lower Bailey (Encounter K3). The lower bailey is
exposed to the view of sentries on the wall tops. As long as
no alarm has been raised, they don't react to adventurers
in the courtyard. unless the heroes are attacking or acting
suspiciously. Characters approaching the gatehouse (area
2) will be challenged by the guards in that area.
5. Banquet Hall. In better days, Baron Stock mer was
fond ofentertaining guests in this grand hall. On days
without revels, the area serves as the garrison's mess hall
and off-duty tavern. The walls are decorated with heral
dic shields, representing noble families who are related
RAISING THE ALARM
Iron Keep has two states: normal (as described in encoun
ters Kl through K7) and alert. The heroes could set off the
alarm if they fail to silence a wall top sentry before it takes
a second turn in a fight, allow a villain to escape from an
encounter, or otherwise cause a great deal of noise. If the
party takes a short rest after any of these events occur, the
keep goes on alert and stays there for 1 hour.
An alert keep probably spells doom for a party that
stays and fights. You'll have to judge how dangerous to
make the situation. Overall suggestions for the keep's
alert status follow.
Sentries remain at their stations, shooting at invaders
if able. The denizens of the gatehouse (encounter K3) also
stay put. Kaltis and her devils (encounter K4) respond as
quickly as they can.
The guards in the Great Tower (encounters KS, K6. and
K7) close the drawbridge and lock the doors leading to
the wall tops. Nazin gathers as much information about
the situation as he can, then sorties out with the Great
Tower force unless he's convinced that defense is the
wisest option.
or allied to Baron Stockmer. An ugly new banner-a black
background embroidered with a red- and gold-trimmed
gray circle-hangs over the Stockmer coat of arms in the
place ofhonor. This area is currently unmanned (see "The
Keep at Full Strength," page 12).
6. Lower Bailey Barracks. This barracks room is
empty (see "The Keep at Full Strength," page 12).
7. Well Room. This small building protects one of the
castle's two wells. The door is normally unlocked. The
well is about 20 feet deep, filled by a natural spring in the
hillside.
8. Red Tower (Encounter K3). Named for the slightly
red hue ofits stone, this tower is currently occupied by a
pair ofiron defenders that help guard the outer bailey.
9. Bailey Gate. This passage can be closed with a port
cullis that swings shut and locks in place with iron bolts
(DC 28 Strength check to wrench open; DC 21 Thievery
check to unlock;AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude 10,40 hp). The
portculliS normally stands open.
10. Upper Bailey. The castle's inner courtyard is a
large open space. A small well stands in front of the chapel
door, and a number ofsmall apple trees provid.e a pleasant
bit ofshade in warm weather. The trees obscure the wall
sentries' view of the courtyard, so they don't notice heroes
who are moving about with reasonable caution. A fight
draws their attention.
11. North Tower. The upper floor of this tower is an
empty barracks; the lower floor is used as a storeroom. A
secret passage (DC 20 Perception check to locate) leads
outside the wall from the lower floor of the tower. None
of the Iron Circle soldiers know about it, but Old Kellar in
Harken tells the heroes about it ifhe gets the chance. The
secret door can't be opened from outside, but a stealthy
character could sneak over the wall and into the tower to
open it from within.
12. Stables. Two horses are stabled here. IfNazin sur
vived encounter B4, one of the horses is his.
13. Servant Quarters. This simple bunkroom sleeps
a dozen castle servants. They are locked in here when
they're not at work. The domestics are all Stockmer retain
ers who've been enslaved by the Iron Circle. Their leader
is a plucky but badly beaten human valet named Maroth.
The servants are cowed by Nazin's warriors but are
willing to help the heroes as much as they can without
fighting. Given the chance, they take advantage oCthe
heroes' presence to escape the castle. They can tell the
heroes that Nazin lives in the top floor of the keep, Baron
Stockmer is imprisoned in the gaol, and "foul fiends haunt
the chapel."
14. Upper Bailey Barracks. This barracks room is
empty (see "The Keep at Full Strength," page 12).
15. Kitchen. From an hour before sunup to midnight,
five retainers from area 13 prepare food and dean pots
and pans here. The chief cook is an old dwarf named
Kergud. He resents the Iron Circle and can tell the heroes
the same things as Maroth (area 13). The stairs lead to
well-stocked cellars holding flour, salted meat, ale, and
other provisions. If the adventurers need a safe place to
rest, Kergud and the other servants point them to a spot in
the cellars below.
16. Desecrated Chapel (Encounter K4). Formerly
dedicated to Bahamut, Kord, and Erathis, the chapel has
been defiled in favor of Asmodeus. An evil cleric named
Kaltis lairs here now, and a large brass shield worked with
the triple-triangle holy symbol ofAsmodeus hangs above
an altar covered in a scarlet cloth and black candles.
17. Wizard's Tower. A foul-tempered, imperious old
wizard named Malkos normally inhabits this tower, but
Nazin sent Malkos and his lackeys to the city ofSarthel
to update Lord Vhennyk on the Iron Circle's campaign in
Harkenwold. The lower floor is a cluttered alchemical lab
oratory; the upper floor is where Malkos normally sleeps
and keeps his small library.
18. Great Tower Drawbridge (Encounter K5). The
main entrance to the keep is on the second floor, 15 feet
above the ground. A flight of stone steps leads up to a land
ing and then across a small drawbridge to area 23 in the
keep. The drawbridge is normally down.
19. Great Tower Kitchen (Encounter K6). Six ser
vants handle the cooking and domestic work of the tower,
sleeping in the kitchen. A stout, middle-aged haWing
housekeeper named Thanis does her best to keep the
kitchen and tower in order, hoping to avert Nazin's wrath.
20. Great Tower Lower Barracks (Encounter K6).
The soldiers responsible for guarding the gaol bunk in this
room.
21. Postern Gate. This small but sturdy locked door is
c..
w
made of iron plate (DC 25 Strength check to force open:
w
::
DC 25 Thievery check to unlock; AC 5, Reflex 5, Forti
Z
tude 10, 60 hit points). Nazin keeps the key. The postern
o
provides the Great Tower's defenders with a way to sortie
against attacking forces. Steep bluffs fall away from the "
castle on its eastern side, so the postern is safe against
heavy attack by enemy forces.
22. Gaol (Encounter K6). The tower has cells for only
a few prisoners at a time. Several Iron Circle soldiers stand
here, keeping an eye on Baron Jonn Stock mer. who is
imprisoned in the eastern cell.
Baron Stockmer is a hale fellow of65 years, a former
adventurer who's stood up to weeks of deprivation and
abuse with courage. Despite his unbroken spirit, he is sick
and too weak to walk. He urges rescuers to press on and
defeat Nazin instead of wasting time on spiriting him out
of the castle. If asked about the castle, Stockmer tells the
heroes about the secret staircase leading from area 26 to
area 30.
23. Foyer (Encounter K5). The drawbridge from the
landing at area 18 leads into this antechamber. A large
force ofIron Circle guards defends this floor of the Great
Tower. The room is decorated with ornamental weapons
on the walls.
24. Great Tower Barracks (Encounter K5). Iron
Circle soldiers bunk in this room.
25. Bodyguard Quarters. Nazin's personal guards
(the hobgoblins in encounter K7) sleep in this small bunk
room when they are not guarding their master.
26. Lord's Hall (Encounter K5). This richly deco
rated hall features fine tapestries along the walls. Nazin
takes most of his meals here and holds court for several
hours a day. Ifthe heroes attack the keep in the middle of
the day, he is likely to be here, surrounded by guards. A
secret staircase (DC 20 Perception check to locate) leads
up to area 30. Nazin and Stockmer know about the secret
passage, but no one else does.
27. Upper Foyer (Encounter K7). This small area
serves as the antechamber to the castle's master suite. See
"The Keep at Full Strength," page 12.
28. Library. This room is the tower's library. Most of
the volumes are atlases and histories-interesting, but not
particularly valuable.
29. Chamberlain's Room. This comfortable bedroom
is reserved for the castle's chamberlain. It currently serves
as the quarters for the dark adept who attends Nazin.
30. Lord's Chambers (Encounter K7). Formerly the
residence of Baron Stockmer, this spacious suite is now in
the possession ofNazin Redthorn and his bodyguards. A
secret staircase leads down to area 26.
The small rooms include a treasury with a locked door
(DC 20 Thievery check to unlock; Nazin has the key) and
a bathroom with a fine bathtub.
Tar devil
ENcOUNTER Kl:
INFILTRATING
THE KEEP
To rescue Baron Stockmer and defeat the Iron Circle
in Harkenwold. the adventurers must find a way to get
into Iron Keep-a heavily defended castle surrounded by
daunting battlements and high walls.
So how does the party get inside? The most perilous
option is to storm the castle. The party might attempt to
scale the walls (encounter K2). fight their way through the
front gate (encounter K3). or slip in through the postern
gate (area 21). Ifthe adventurers speak to Old Kellar in the
village of Harken. the dwarf can direct them to the secret
passage leading into the North Tower (area 11), but warns
them that the door must be opened from within.
A skill challenge can be used if the heroes attempt to
bluff their way into the castle. The following suggestions
cO\'er the characters posing as new recruits, pretending
to be Iron Circle soldiers, or smuggling themselves inside.
Another approach is surrender.
Ifyour players surprise you by coming up with some
thing completely off the wail-for example, pretending
to be circus performers who want to put on a show for
the evil overlord-use the strategy listed below that most
closely matches their idea as a framework. In the case
of the circus idea, the "New Recruits" skill challenge is
the closest. It's about the heroes disguising themselves
as something they're not and trying to win the villains'
confidence.
Skill Challenge:
New Recruits
The heroes approach Iron Keep as "mercenaries" looking
for work. Sturmik, the tiefling who commands the gate
house, isn't sure he believes that the heroes are who they
say they are.
Read:
The captain ofthe 8atehouse steps out onto the parapet and
leans down to look you over. He's a tieflin8 dad in a black sur
plice embroidered with a 80ld-trimmed nray rin8. "So you think
you're Iron Circle material?" he sneers. "I'm not so sure I like the
looks ofyou. Tell me why I shouldn't drive you awayfrom the
nate li ke be88ars."
Level: 3 (XP 625).
Complexity: 3 (requires 8 successes before 3 failures).
Primary Skills: Bluff. History, InSight, Streetwise.
Bluff(opposed by Sturmik's Insinht check, 1 minute); A char
acter can use Bluff to create a plausible mercenary alter
ego, make a claim ofgreat skill or ruthlessness. or tell tal es
about past exploits. Sturmik has a +] 1 bonus to his InSight
check. This skill call be used to achieve unlimited suc
cesses in the challenge. However, each failed Bluff check
imposes a cumulative -2 penalty on all future Bluff checks
made as part of this challenge.
History (DC 15, 1 minute); A character can use History
to feign first-hand knowledge of other brigands and sell
swords, convincing Sturmik that he's ridden with other
well-known mercenaries. This skill can be used to achieve
3 successes in the challenge.
Insinht (DC 13, 1 minute); A character can use InSight
to observe which claims impress Sturmik and which
ones raise his suspicions, and gUide the discussion in new
directions as necessary. This skill can be used to achieve 3
successes in the challenge.
Streetwise (DC 13, 1 minute); A character can usc Street
wise to offer a modest bribe (not unusual for joining
successful companies) or to suggest future cooperation in
plundering Harkenwold. This skill can be used to gain 3
Success: Sturmik allows the party to enter. He assigns
two of the human guards from the gatehouse to lead the
heroes to the barracks room in area 6. Sturmik also sends
word to Nazin Redthorn that new recruits are awaiting
his inspection. The gatehouse guards remain to keep an
eye on the party and see them settled. In an hour or two,
Nazin and his retinue (the villains in encounter K7) come
down to the banquet hall to look things over. If the par,ty
met Nazin in the battle of Albridge, the fight is on!
Failure: Sturmik sees through the heroes' ruse and
orders the guards to open fire. Proceed with encounter
K3 (page 20). The party receives no XP award for the skill
challenge.
Skill Challenge:
Iron Circle Poseurs
The heroes equip themselves with tunics and cloaks taken
from Iron Circle soldiers they've defeated, and pose as a
patrol returning to the castle. Sturmik, the tiefling who
commands the gatehouse. is suspicious because he doesn't
recognize any of the "soldiers."
Read:
Before the Bate opens, a harsh voice ri t1BSoutfro m the natehouse.
"I don't remember any ofyou. Who is your seraean!? Where di d
you say you were comit1nfrom?"
Level: 3 (XP 625).
Complexity: 3 (requires 8 successes before 3 failures).
Primary Skills: Bluff, Intimidate, Stealth, Streetwise.
Bluff(opposed by Sturmik's Insi8ht check, 1 minute): A char
acter can use Bluff to persuade Sturmik that they're just
soldiers he hasn't met yet, to natter Sturmik, or fast-talk
around questions she doesn't know the answer to. Sturmik
has a +11 bonus to his I nsight check. This skill can be used
to achieve unlimited successes in the challenge. However,
each failed Bluff check imposes a cumulative -2 penalty
on all future Bluff checks made as part of this challenge.
Intimidate (DC 16, 1 minute): A character can use Intimi
date to threaten Sturmik with retaliation for wasting time,
or to unleash a torrent of profanity to demonstrate impa
tience. This skill can be used to achieve 3 successes in the
challenge.
Stealth (DC 21, standard action): Most Iron Circle soldiers
are humans, with only a few tienings and other races. A
nonhuman character can use Stealth to "blend in," avoid
ing notice. This skill can be used to gain 1 skill challenge
success per nonhuman in the party.
Streetwise (DC 13, 1 minute): A character can use Street
wise to engage in soldierly camaraderie, lighten the mood
with a wisecrack, or suggest to Sturmik that good loot
is ready for divvying up ifhe stops hassling "the patrol."
This skill can be used to achieve 3 successes in the skill
challenge.
Success: Sturmik orders the gate opened and allows
the party to enter. They can go where they like without
being challenged, except the gaol (area 22) and Nazin's
chambers (areas 27-30). Even so, suspicious actions are
likely to provoke attack.
Failure: Sturmik sees through the heroes' ruse and
orders his soldiers to attack. Proceed with encounter K3
(page 20). The party receives no XP award for the skill
challenge.
Skill Challenge:
Smuggled Inside
The Iron Circle garrison imports wagonloads of stolen
goods every day. The heroes can hide themsdves in the
supply wagons and get "delivered" to the castle. It's impos
sible to maneuver a large wagon through the castle gate,
but a small one-horse wagon can negotiate the. tight turn.
Such a wagon has enough room to conceal up to three
Medium characters beneath a load of produce or other
supplies. At least one adventurer must pose as the wagon
driver, and the guards won't be overly suspicious ifone or
two more characters are accompanying the wagon on foot
to "help out" or "guard against bandits."
Read:
The castle's 8ate is dosed. A bored-looking guard peeks out of
one oftile arrow slits in the 8atehouse and calls, uHold onl What
have you 80t there?"
Level: 3 (XP 625).
Complexity: 3 (requires 8 successes before 3 faihtres).
Primary Skills: Bluff. Diplomacy. Endurance. Stealth.
Bluff(DC 17, 1 minute): A nonhidden character can use
....
...
Bluff to convince the gate guards that the delivery is not
f
worth a close look, or to pass off a disguised adventurer as U
Z
a common cart driver. This skill can be used to achieve 3
Diplomacy (DC 13, I minute): A nonhidden character
can strike up a friendly banter with the guards or tell a
good joke, allaying suspicions. This skill can be used to LI.
Z
gain 3 successes in the challenge.
Endurance (DC 13, 1 minute): A hidden character can
use Endurance to hold perfectly still and stine any outcry
when his or her hiding place is poked at. This skill can be "
used to achieve 1 skill challenge success per character. ~
Stealth (DC 21, 1 minute): A character can use Stealth to Z
create the best hiding place pOSSible. This skill can be used :J
to gain 1 skill challenge success per character. 8
Success: On the first Bluff or Diplomacy success, the Z
guards open the gate and wave the wagon into the court- LIJ
yard for inspection. They hold the wagon just inside the
gate until they finish their inspection, after which they
instruct the driver to take the wagon to the kitchen (the
southern door of area 15). As long as the characters stay
with the wagon, they can go anywhere in the lower or
upper bailey (areas 4 and 10) without challenge. If the
characters drive up to an encounter area-for example. the
stairs leading to the Great Tower-and suddenly leap out to
attack, they'll gain a surprise round.
Failure: A hidden character is discovered. and the
guards attack. Proceed with encounter K3 (page 20). The
party receives no XP award for the skill challenge.
Surrender
The adventurers can deliberately allow themselves ,to be
captured. The Iron Circle soldiers confiscate all their gear,
rough them up, question them intently, and then lock
them in the gaol (area 22). The hemes must then escape
from the cells and defeat any guards respondlng to their
breakout (see encounter K6) . Ifthey can manage that,
they'll find their gear locked in a large chest in area 19.
ENCOUNTER K2:
WALL DEFENSE
Encounter Level Varies
This encounter addresses what happens if the heroes try
to scale the walls between the occupied towers. It explains
how a fight against one or two wall sentries might spread
into a wider encounter. A bungled attack here could easily
wind up involving large groups offoes, creating a situa
tion in which the adventurers are dealing with multiple
encounters at the same time.
Setup
Allow the players to choose which part of the walI their
characters are attempting to cross. A DC 8 Perception
check is enough to tell how many sentries patrol a given
section of walI.
Unless the adventurers take unusual steps to conceal
their approach, the sentries spot them about 100 squares
(500 feet) away in daylight , or about 20 squares (100
feet) away at night. In daylight, it's almost impossible to
get close to the wall without being spotted. Little cover
exists on the hillside outside the castle. Still, a stealthy
party with a lot of patience might be able to manage it by
using camouflage, low-crawling, or approaching with the
sun at their backs. Have each hero make a DC 10 Stealth
check to move within 50 squares without being seen, and
a second DC 15 Stealth check to move within 20 squares.
Ifat least half the characters succeed on both checks, the
party arrives at the base of the wall without being noticed.
The sentries on the wall tops begin to shout an alarm
as soon as they spot the heroes approaching-any group
with legitimate business in the castle would use the front
gate, after all. The sentries also shout an alarm if they are
attacked without being killed. A stealthy hero might be
able to get close enough to silence a sentry with a Single
projectile or spell , allOWing the party to scale a wall sec
tion without being detected by any of the castle defenders.
If the alarm is raised, the monsters or villains in nearby
encounter areas defend their part of the wall-either
moving to arrow slits in their tower that face outward, or
exiting their towers to take up stations on the parapet facing
the attack (disregard the normal starting locations shown
in the encounter in that case). The defenders open fue on
the approaching party with ranged attacks as soon as the
heroes come within range, and cut ropes or dislodge grap
pling hooks as needed to keep the adventurers off the walls
When one wall is attacked, the defenders of nearby
walls eventually join in the battle. Roll a Id6 at the end
ofeach round of fighting. On a roll result of 5 or 6, the
defenders of a neighboring wall notice the fighting and
come to the assistance of the area under attack.
When the adventurers approach the castle walls, place
the "Iron Keep" battle map and use D&D Dungeon Tiles
or a wet-erase battle mat to show the ground outside. Even
if the adventurers are attacking a part of the castle not
shown on the battle map, use the battle map as a conve
nient way to represent the walls.
Read:
Little cover exists outside the walls. The bare hillside slopes
steeply up to the battlements of the castle, whiclt are 25 feet hi8h.
Between the crenellations, you catch 8lirnpses of 8uards walkin8
rounds on the wall tops.
Wall Defenses
For purposes of this encounter, the walls ofIron Keep are
divided into six sections, as shown on the inset map. Dif
ferent garrison groups are responsible for guarding each
section.
Southwest Wall
2 Iron Circle sentries (S)
All of the creatures in encounter K3
West Wall
All of the creatures in encounters K3
Northwest Tower Wall
Northeast Wall
East Wall
All of the creatures in encounter K5
Southeast WalJ
AlI of the creatures in encounters K3 and K5
Iron Circle Sentry (S) Level 3 Minion Artillery
Medium natur,,1 humanoid. human XP 38
Speed 6
,11" 1""
<D Mace (weapon) +At-WlII
Attock: Melee 1 (one creature): +8 vs. AC
Hit: 5 damage.
Hit: 5 damage, and the target takes 2 extra damage if it leaves its
space before the start of the sentry's next turn.
Str 14 (+3) Dele 10 (+1) WIs 10 (+1)
Con 12 (+2) Int 9 (+0) Cha 9 (+0)
Equipment leather armor, mace, crossbow, 20 bolts, black cloak
embroidered with a gray circle
night.
Arrow Slits: These narrow openings provide superior
cover to creatures inside. The exterior slits are 10 feet
above the ground, except the two slits covering the gate,
which are 5 feet above the ground. Characters adjacent to
a wall are out ofline of sight from arrow slits in that wall.
Parapet: The crenellations provide cover against
attacks that cross the outer side of the \ovall top. No parapet
or cover guards against attacks from inside the wall.
Walls: The walls are wellmade masonry (DC 20
Athletics check to climb). The battlements encircling the
castle are 25 feet above the ground level outside, and 15
feet above the courtyards inside.
If a rope is fixed ~ o the wall top, the Athletics check to
climb the wall is DC 10. A creature can sever or dislodge
a rope by lIsing a standard action while adjacent to it. Ifso,
anyone currently climbing it falls.
MULTI-STORY FIGHT
You might have to create two battle maps for this and
other encounters in Iron Keep-one for the ground level,
and one for the wall tops or second stories. Use the poster
map for the ground floor where possible; D&D DunBeon
Tiles or a wet-erase battle mat can be used for the upper
levels. Characters can move from one map to the other
by ascending or descending stairs, climbing, teleporting,
jumping, or any other means within their power.
ENCOUNTER K3:
THE OUTER BAILEY
Encounter Level 6 (1,330 XP)
Setup
Sturmik, tiefling commander (T)
3 Iron Circle guards (G)
2 iron defenders (I)
This encounter uses the "Iron Keep" battle map. Place the
heroes wherever they are likely to be at the start of the
encounter, and place the monsters and villains as they
appear.
Iron Keep's main gate is protected by a number of
guards under the command of a tiefling named Sturmik.
They stand ready to repel any attempt to force the gates
or scale the walls. Unless the heroes take unusual steps to
conceal their approach, the villains spot them 100 squares
(500 feet) away during the day, or 20 squares (100 feet)
away at night. They hold their fire until the approaching
party's intent becomes clear.
If the adventurers just walk up to the castle, they won't
be fired on before Sturmik and his guards hail them
and question them about their intentions. Sturmik gives
the order to open fire if t he heroes refuse to answer his
challenge, answer his challenge with nonsense, or do
something suspicious-for example, readying weapons,
trying to climb the walls, or moving out of Sight. If the
heroes try to bluff their way into the castie, see encounter
K 1 (page 16).
Read:
The road winds around the hill, passin8 under the battlements
ofthe keep before leadin8 up to a stron8 8atehouse and tower.
You catch 81impses ofarmed 8uards alol18 the walls and watch
in8 you throu8h arrow slits. When you reach a pOint about 30
feet or so from the 8ate, a harsh voice calls out from one ofthe
arrow slits. "That's far enou8hl Who are you, and what's your
busi ness?"
Sturmik, Tiefling Commander (T) level S Artillery
Mediulll natural humanoid XP 200
Speed 6 Low-light vision
Resist 7 fire
~ I .
<D Dauer (weapon) +At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +10 vs. AC, or +11 vs. AC against a
bloodied target
Baleflre (fire) +At-Will
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +10 vs. RefleK, or +11 vs. RefleK
against a bloodied target
*' Illusory Serpents (illusion. psychic) +At-Will
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (enemies in burst); +10 vs. Will,
+11 vs. Will against a bloodied target
Hit: 1 d6 + 4 psychic damage, and ongoing 5 psychic damage (save
ends).
"I~
Ooak of Escape (teleportatlon) + Encounter
TriBBer: An enemy enters a square adjacent to Sturmik.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): Sturmik teleports 5 squares.
Infernal Wrath (fire) + Encounter
TriBBer: Sturmik is hit by an enemy's attack_
Effect (Free Action): The triggering enemy takes 1 d6 + 3 fire
damage.
Skills Bluff +12. Insight +11. Stealth +14
Str 15 (+4) Dex 20 (+7) Wls 18(+6)
Con 12 (+3) Int 13 (+3) Cha 17(+5)
Alignment evil Languages Common, Giant
Equipment leather armor, dagger, black surplice embroidered with a
gold-trimmed gray circle
3 Iron (jrde Guards (G) level 3 Soldier
Medium natural humanoid. human XP 150 each
Speed 5
STANDARD ACTIONS
<D Halberd (weapon) +At-Will
Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +8 vs_ AC
Hit: 1dl 0 + 5 damage.
Effect: The target is marked until the end of the guard's next turn.
oj. Powerful Strike (weapon) +Recharge ~ fii
Hit: 1dl 0 + 5 damage, and the target falls prone.
Attack: Ranged 15/30 (one creature); +8 vs_ AC
oj. I'm Stili Here (weapon) +At-Will
TriBBer: An enemy marked by the guard makes an attack that
doesn't include the guard as a target.
Effect (Immediate Interrupt): The guard makes a melee basic attack
against the triggering enemy.
Skills Streetwlse +7
Str 16 (+4) Do 14 (+3) Wls 11 (+1)
Con 15 (+3) Int 10(+1) Cha 12 (+2)
Equipment chainmail, halberd, crossbow, 20 bolts, black cloak
I
10 Iron Circle Sentries (S) Level 3 Minion Artillery
Medium huma noid. human XP 38 "deh
Speed 6
t ......
<D Mace <weapon) + At-Will
Hit: 5 damage.
=t Crossbow (weapon) + At-Will
Hit: 5 damage. and the target takes 2 extra damage if it leaves its
space before the start of the sentry's next turn.
Str 14 (+3) Dex 10 (+1) Wls 10 (+1)
Con 12 (+2) Int 9 (+0) Ch.9 (+0)
Equipment leather armor. mace. crossbow. 20 bolts. black cloak
2 Iron Defenders (I) Level 3 Soldier
M"diUlll 11 ,1l ur,,1 ,Hl ll lldl c (c o ns t ruct . homunculusJ xr 1 e ach
AC 19. Fortitude 16. Reflex 15, Will 13 Perception +6
Speed 6 Darkvision
Immune disease. poison
Pursue and Attack
When the iron defender makes an opportunity attack. it shifts 1
square before and after the attack.
. .... '
<D Bite +At-Win
. .'
Cuard Creature + At-Will
Trl88er: An adjacent enemy attacks a creature guarded by the iron
defender.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): The iron defender makes a melee
basic attack against t he triggering enemy.
Str 16 (+4) Dex lS (+3) Wis 11 (+1)
Con lS (+3) Int S(-2) Cha 8 (+0)
Tactics
The sentries hold position and defend the courtyard. while
Stllrmik and the guards repel attackers using ranged fire
through the arrow slits, murder holes, or from the parapet.
Ifpossible, the guards drop the portcullis behind enemies
at the main gate. then pick off the trapped foes from the
arrow slits. Ifintruders enter the keep. one of the sentries
releases the iron defenders into the courtyard. IfSturmik
is alive, the iron defenders guard him.
See "Iron Keep Characteristics" (page 12) for general keep
features. Additional features are described below.
Arrow Slits: These narrow openings provide superior
above the ground. except the two slits covering the gate,
which are 5 feet above the ground. Characters adjacent to
a wall are out ofline of Sight from arrow slits in that wall.
Furnishings: These squares are difficult terrain.
Gates: The large main gates are made ofiron plate
riveted to an iron frame (DC 27 Strength check to force
open; AC 4, Reflex 4, fortitude 12, 120 hp).
Murder Holes: These small openings (not Visible on
the battle map) allow creatures in the upper level of the
gatehouse to fire down on enemies by the main gate.
They're 15 feet above the floor in front of the gate and
grant superior cover against attacks from below.
Portcullis: A lever beside the arrow slits covering the
gate drops an iron portcullis (DC 28 Streng,th check to
wrench open; AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude 10,80 hp) at the
top of the first set of stairs. The portcullis offers cover,
unless the attacker is adjacent to the portcullis and uses a
missile weapon to fire through it.
Stairs: Stairs are treated as difficult terrain while
ascending them and normal terrain otherwise.
letics check. and a creature up a tree gains concealment.
Treasure: Sturmik carries a level 4 magic item as well
as a pouch containing 25 gp and two opals worth 100 gp
each.
Setup
Kaltls, dark adept (K)
1 spined devil (S)
2 tar devil guards (T)
This encounter has no accompanying battle map. You will
need to draw the map on a weterase battle mat or build
the map using D&D Dunoeon Tiles.
Formerly dedicated to gods of valor and protection,
the chapel of Harken Keep is now a makeshift shrine to
Asmodeus, the favored patron for Iron Circle's leaders.
An Iron Circle adept named Kaltis is the leader of Asmo
deus's adherents under Nazin Redthorn's command. She
has access to dark rituals that allow her to summon minor
devils. She and her infernal allies have made the des
ecrated shrine their lair. Kaltis lives in the priest's quarters
above the shrine; the devils guard this place against any
intrusion.
If the adventurers enter through the main door, they
see only the tar devils when they first enter the room. Do
not place Kaltis or the spined devil on the battle map until
the adventurers can see them.
When the adventurers enter this area, read:
This buildin8 is dearly a chapel-an altar stands at the far end
of the room under a hiOIt. vaulted ceilinn decorated with paint
inns ofvarious divine myths. Many ofthe paintinns have been
defaced , a scarlet cloth lies over the altar stone, and a lar8e
brazen shield IltScribed with a triple-triannle symbolhanOs in the
place ofhonor. Black drapes affixed to the windows 8ive the room
a 8loomy. stuffy atmosphere. and the air is thick witlt tlte stench
ofl101pi tch and sulfur.
Two irifernal creatures stand 8uard in tltis chamber. Their
eyes Olow with an evillinllt. and a reekino a.ura ofdarkfumes
dinos to their bodies.
Tactics
The tar devils try to draw the fight into the open half of the
room using tarry net. That allows the spined devil on the
balcony (and Kaltis, when she emerges) to attack the party
from above.
The spined devil remains on the balcony and attacks
withfiery spines. While waiting for its fiery spines to
recharge, it flies into position to flank an enemy and
attacks with its claws.
Kaltis prefers to stay up on the balcony and attack
from overhead uSingfiery tendrils. She uses dark imperative
the first time one of her devil allies is wounded, moving
the creature into a position from which it can flank with
Kaltis, Dark Adept (K) level 3 Elite Controller (leader)
M"aiuln natural hUlllanoid. hUlllan XP 300
Speed 6
,,11.'.1''''
<D Forceful Mace (force. weapon) + WIII
Attock: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + 1 damage plus 5 force damage, and the dark adept
slides the target 3 squares.
'*fiery TendrIb(Are) +WlH
Attock: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d6 + 6 fire damage. and the target Is slowed and grants
combat advantage until the end of Kaltis's next turn.
t ~
~ Dark Im......dve (heaI1..necrotfc:) +.....when bloodied
Effect: Close burst 5 (one ally in burst)_Kaltis slides the target 3
squares, and the target gains 10 temporary hit points. While the
target has these temporary hit points, Its melee attacks deal 3
extra necrotic damage.
.-',
(0 Diabolical Curse (fire) +At-WID
Tri88er: An enemy within 5 squares of Kaltis makes an attack that
includes Kaltis as a target.
Attack (Immediate Interrupt): Close burst 5 (triggering enemy); +6
vs.WiII
Hit: 2d6 + 4 fire damage, Kaltls pushes the target 1 square, and
the target takes a -2 penalty to attack rolls until the end of its
current turn.
Sb'13 (+2) Dex 12 (+2) WIs 18 (+5)
Con 16 (+4) Int 15 (+3) Cha 13(+2)
Equipment chainmail, mace, red surcoat with gold-trimmed black
circle
Spined Devil (S) level 6 Skirmisher
Mediul1l immortal hUI1lJllOid (devil) XP 250
Speed 5, fly 7 (hover) Darkvision
Resist 10 fire
'1I.,...:w
<D CJaws +At-Will
Hit: 2d6 + 7 damage (or 3d6 + 7 if the devil has combat advan
tage against the target).
~ fiery Spines (fire, polson) +Rech.,. ~ [!j]
Attack: Close blast 5 (enemies in blast); +9 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 4 fire damage, and ongoing 5 poison damage (save
ends).
:"I"'Z'jW'
Elusive prey +At-WIll
Tri88er: The devil Is marked by an enemy.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The devil is no longer marked by the
triggering enemy and shifts 3 squares.
Str 18 (+7) Dex 15 (+5) WIs 14(+5)
Con 14(+5) Int 10(+3) Cha 11 (+3)
the Area
vice versa.
2 Tar Devil Guards (T) Level 4 Soldier
Medlulll immortal humanoid (devil) XP 175 each
AC 20, Fortitude 17, Renex 15, Will 16 Perception +7
Speed 6 Darkvision
oHot Reek (flre) + Aura 1
An enemy that starts its turn within the aura takes 2 fire damage
and cannot shift on its current turn.
.. .
<D Khopesh (weapon) +At-Will
Hit: 1dS + 7 damage.
=t Tarry Net (flre) + Recharp If no creature Is restrained by the net
at the start of the devll's tum
Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +7 vS. Reflex
Hit: 1d6 + 4 fire damage, the target is restrained (save ends),
and the devil pulls the target 5 squares to the nearest adjacent
square.
Str 12 (+3) Dele 17 (+5) Wis 11 (+2)
Con 13 (+3) Int 10 (+2) Cha 12 (+3)
Equipment khopesh, net
one of its ilk. Ifshe's cornered, she retreats into her pri
vate quarters and tries to hold out until the devils can
reach her.
Features of
Illumination: Bright light.
Altar: Formerly dedicated to
w
benevolent deities, this altar now
I.;J
r-
honors Asmodeus. It is covered
with a red cloth and two large
0::
U
black candles. The altar and its w
Vl
steps are difficult terrain.
W
Balcony: The balcony is 10 o
feet above the floor below. The
rail provides cover for creatures
on the balcony against attacks 0::
w
from below. Creatures on the r-
balcony can't trace line of sight to Z
:::l
creatures standing between the 0
door and the pillars below, and U
Z
w
Bunk: This bed creates diffi
cult terrain.
Ceiling: The ceiling in the chapel is 20 feet high. The
ceiling is 10 feet high above the balcony, in the priest's
quarters, and directly below the balcony and priest's
quarters.
Doors: The chapel doors are normal wood doors (DC
16 Strength check to force open; AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude
10,20 hp).
Embrasures: The area's "windows" are arrow slits,
only about 6 inches wide. Creatures adjacent to an embra
sure have superior cover against attacks through the
embrasure. A Small character can squeeze through an
Furniture: These furnishings are lightly built and offer
kicks them aside. A bed or table flipped on its side (a stan
dard action) becomes a low wall, providing cover against
attacks crOSSing it.
Treasure: Kaltis keeps a wooden case under the bed in
her room. The case holds a level 5 magiC item and 110 gpo
ENCOUNTER K5:
THE GREAT TOWER
Setup
2 dragonborn soldiers (D)
This encounter has no accompanying battle map. You will
need to draw the map on a wet-erase battle mat or build
the map using D&D DunBeon Tiles. The import ant features
are the second floor of the Great Tower, the adjoining wall
parapets, and the courtyard out front with the stairs lead
ing up to the drawbridge.
The Great Tower is a fortress within a fortress. Char
acters can enter thi s level via the wall top doors (usually
locked) or the courtyard staircase that leads up to the
drawbridge (area 18). The drawbridge is normally down
(open) but can be rai sed at the first sign of trouble.
Eight of the sentries in thi s encounter are stationed
atop the adjoining east and southeast wall s (see encounter
K2 , page 18). The other two sentries are inside the keep,
guarding the drawbridge. Pl ace only the sentries that the
heroes can see on the map. Do not place the dragonborn
soldiers until they are encountered.
When the adventurers approach the tower, read:
The castle's Breat tower stands near!r 60feet tall. No doors open
to the wound ofthe upper bailey; instead, an exposed stairway
leads up to a second-story drawbridBe. Several arrow slits look
out over the courtyard.
When the adventurers enter area 23, read:
This Brand hall way is 20feet hi8h, with old coats ofarms and
banners displayed proudly. A larBe double door stands across
the drawbrid8e, and several smaller doors appear in other walls.
A windlass mechanism controls the drawbridBe. A pair ofIT on
Ci rcle soldiers and a draBonborn soldier wearinB a black sllrcoat
embroidered with a red-trimmed Bray circle Buard this hall way.
2 Dragonborn Soldiers (D) Level S Soldier
Mediulll natural hUlllanoid XP 200 eMh
AC 21 , Fortitude lB, Reflex 16, Will 15 Percept ion +3
Speed 5
D............. ,.,

While bloodied, t he dra20nborn gains a +1 bonus to attack rolls.
Lonpwonl(weapon)
Hit: ldB + 9 damage.
+D .............. (coId) + .........
Attack: Close blast 3 (creatures in blast); +B vs. Reflex
HIt: ld6 + 4 cold damage.
Impetuous SpIrit (_pon)
TriBBer: An enemy leaves a square adjacent to the dragonborn.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The dragonborn makes a melee basic
attack against the triggering enemy.
MartIal ReaMry(weapon) + ........ uses
ImpetUOus spirit
TriBBer: The dragonborn misses with a melee attack.
Effect (free Action): The dragonborn makes a melee basic attack
against t he same target.
Skills Endurance +9, History +4,1ntImIdate +8
SIr 16 (+5) Du15 (+4) \VIs 12 (+3)
Con 15 (+4) Int 11 (+2) a. 9 (+1)
Alignment unaligned Languages Common, Draconic
Equipment scale armor, light shield, longsword
10 Iron Circle Sentries (S) Level 3 Minion Artillery
Mediulll n.ltur,d hUlllanuid. human XP .lH each
Speed 6

" (weapon)
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +B vs. AC
Hit: 5 damage.
C........(weapon) +At-WII
Attack: Ranged 15/30 (one creature); +1 0 vs. AC
Hit: 5 damage, and the target takes 2 extra damage If it leaves Its
space before the start of t he sentry's next turn.
Str14(+3) 0.10(+1) . ' 0 (+1)
Con 12 (+2) ..9(+0) CIa 9
Equipment leather armor, mace, crossbow, 20 bolts, black cloak
Tactics
If the adventurers act quickJy or successfully employ Bluff
or Stealth, they might be able to rush the tower's front
hall before the drawbridge can be closed. If the heroes
are stuck outside the tower, the Iron Circle sentries attack
from whichever arrow slit or parapet is convenient. The
sentries on the southeast wall have a good shot at charac
ters on the top landing of the exterior staircase.
The sentries on the adjOining wall tops hold their posi
tions and fire at characters outside the tower until all
adventurers are inside the tower. Then the sentries move
into the tower to join the fighting inside.
The dragonborn prefer not to hit their Iron Circle allies
with dra80l1 breath but might choose to do so if they can
strike at multiple heroes with such a maneuver. The first
time a dragonborn misses with a melee attack, it llses mar
tia/ recovery to reroll the attack.
Illumination: Bright light during the day. By night, the
courtyard is dimJy lit and the interior of the Great Tower is
brightly lit.
Bunks: These beds create difficult terrain.
Ceilings: The Ceiling throughout the second level of
the Great Tower is 20 feet high.
Desks and Tables: These sturdy old furnishings create
difficult terrain in their spaces. If a desk or table is flipped
on its side (a standard action), it becomes a low wall, pro
viding cover against attacks crossing it.
Doors: The doors from the tower to the wall tops are
sturdy, reinforced wood (DC 20 Strength check to force
open; AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude 10, 30 hp). If locked, a
DC 22 Thievery check opens them.
Drawbridge: WhiJe open, the drawbridge (AC 4,
Reflex 4, Fortitude 12,60 hp) serves as a short bridge from
the exterior stairs to area 23. Loopholes have been placed
so defenders inside can fire at attackers through the closed
drawbridge, gaining superior cover against responding
attacks.
If the drawbridge is destroyed, creatures can jump from
the stair landing to the tower doorway (and vice versa)
with a DC 10 Athletics check. Characters can't get a run
ning start from outside because the stair landing isn't
big enough. On a failure, the jumper falls 15 feet to the
ground, taking Id 10 damage.
A character can jump to the narrow ledge of the bridge
opening while it's closed (DC 10 Athletics check), balance
there (DC 20 Acrobatics check), and try to pull the door
open (DC 20 Strength check).
If a character gets inside to the windlass, the draw
bridge can be released with a move action. It immediately
falls open. Four move actions are needed to draw the
bridge closed with the windlass.
Exterior Stairs: These steps have a low wall which pro
vides cover from upper bailey attacks. No such cover exists
facing the tower. The stairs are treated as difficult terrain
while ascending them or normal terrain otherwise.
Parapet: The crenellations provide cover against
attacks that cross the outer side of the wall top. No parapet
or cover guards against attacks from the inner side of the
wall
Development
Ifcombat erupts on this level of the keep, the villains on
the levels above and below are alerted. They remain in
their deSignated areas and cannot be surprised.
--
'ENCOUNTER K6:
THE GAOL
Setup
2 Iron Circle enforcers (E)
1 Iron Circle mage (M)
1 tar devil harrier (T)
Baron Stockmer (8)
3 servants (S)
This encounter takes place on the first floor of the Great
Tower (areas 19 and 22 ill particular). There is no battle
map to accompany the encounter; you' ll need to draw
the map on a weterase battle mat or build the map using
D&D DUll8eoll Tiles.
Nazin Redthorn has assigned two enforcers to make
sure that Haron Stockmer stays put in the dungeons of his
own castle. A mage and a tar devil round out the guard
detail. They also keep an eye on the nearby postern gate
(area 21) and supervise the few remaining castle servants
working in the kitchen.
This area is the tower's kitcl1en . Several pots hana over a lar8e
hearth, and countersfull ofsupplies and utensils line the wall s. A
stairway climbs up to thefoyer, and a postern aate leads outside
the castle. A heavy, reinforced door beyond the hearth opens to a
smallauardroom where all Iron Circle soldier sits playill8 Tltree
Draaol1 Ante with a bearded human maae. Servants work ill the
kitchen, cowerina before a brawny Iron Circlesoldier who's keep
in8 an eye on them.
2 Iron Circle Enforcers (E) level 2 Elite Brute
Medium llatur,Ji humanoid. human XP 2SO pach
Speed 5
STANDARD ACTIONS
<D Heavy flail (weapon) +At-Will
Hit; 2d6 + 6 damage.
~ flail Sweep (weapon) +Rechar. when flrst bloodied
Hit: 3d6 + 6 damal!e. and the target falls prone.
~ Smash aack (weapon) +At-Will
Tri88er: An enemy hits the enforcer with a melee attack.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Melee 1 (triggering creature); +7 vs.
AC
Hit: 2d6 + 6 damage, and the enforcer gains a +2 bonus to attack
rolls against the target until the end of its next turn.
Skills Athletics +10. Intimidate +7
Str 18 (+5) Dex 12 (+2) WIs 10(+1)
Con 14 (+3) Int 11 (+1) Cha 13 (+2)
Equipment chainmail, heavy flail, black surcoat embroidered with a
redtrimmed gray circle
Iron Circle Mage (M) level 4 Artillery
Medium natural humanoid. hUllldll XP 175
AC 18. Fortitude 15, Reflex 18, Will 16 Perception +4
Speed 6
r
!IiJr.'
<D Quarterstaff(weapon) +AtWIII
Hit; 1d8 + 4 damage.
~ Unerring Acid Bolt (acid) +AtWIII
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature).
Effect; 6 acid damage.
::,- Ughtnlng Daggers (lightning) +Recharp I&J II]
Attack: Ranged 10 (three creatures); +7 vs. Reflex
Hit; ld6 + 4 lightning damage.
nThunder Burst (thunder) +Encounter
Attack: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +7 vs.
Fortitude
Hit: 1 d8 + 7 damage, and the target is dazed and deafened (save
ends both).
Skills Arcana +11
Str 10 (+2) Do 11 (+2) WIs 15(+4)
Con 12 (+3) Int 18 (+6) Cha 12(+3)
Alignment evil Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven
Equipment quarterstaff, black cloak embroidered with a sliver
trimmed gray circle
LI.I
Tar Devil Harrier (T) Level 3 Artillery
Medium lI11rnort al hurnanOl d Idl'vd) XP 150
Speed 6 Darkvision
<D Kukrl (weapon) +At-WIH

Tar Ball (fire) +At-Will
Hit: 2d6 + 4 fire damage, and the target is slowed and takes ongo
ing 2 fire damage (save ends).
..
(+ Fumln, Cloud (fire. zone) + Encounter
Effect: The burst becomes a zone that lasts until the end of the
encounter. Creatures in the zone gain concealment, and any
creature ending its turn in the zone takes 2 fire damage. Squares
within the zone are difficult terrain.
Str 15 (+3) Dex 18 (+5) Wls 14(+3)
Con 12 (+2) Int 11 (+1) Cha 11 (+1)
Equipment kukri
3 Servants (S) Levell Minion Skirmisher
Medium Il d t Ufdl hUlllalloid XP [) ed<. h
Speed 6
TIlAIT S
Keep Yow Head Dowa
The servant gains a +2 bonus to defenses against opportunity
attacks.
Str 10(+0) 0..10(+0) Wls 10(+0)
Con 10(+0) Int 10 (+0) Cha 8 (-1)
Tactics
Whel1 enemies appear on the stairs or at the postern gate,
the enforcer in the kitchen (area 19) moves to guard the
doorway leading to the gaol (area 22) and calls for help.
The second enforcer comes out to defend the doorway.
The mage and tar devil hang back and lise ranged or area
attacks against enemies fighting the enforcers.
If the fight goes badly, the mage seals himselfin area
22, possibly locking the enforcers outside. The mage
threatens to kill Baron Stock mer unless the adventurers
agree to let him flee. This is an empty threat, since the
mage would never slay the baron without Nazin's approval:
the characters realize the mage is bluffing with a success
ful Insjght check (opposed by the mage's Bluff check).
The castle servants are loyal Harkenwolders forced into
drudgery by the [ron Circle. They do their best to stay out
of the way and shout encouragement at the heroes. They
tell the heroes that Baron Stockmer is being held in a cell
off the guardroom.
Arrow Slits: These narrow openings proVide superior
above the ground. Characters adjacent to a wall are out of
line ofsight from arrow slits in that wall.
Bunks: These beds create difficult terrain.
Chairs and Stools: These furnishings are lightly built ~
and offer no impediment to movement-a moving charac- f
ter simply kicks them aside. ~
difficult terrain in their spaces.lfa desk or table is flipped
Z
on its side (a standard action), it becomes a low wall. pro
Viding cover against attacks crossing it.
Doors: The door from the kitchen to the gaol and the
cell doors are sturdy, reinforced wood (DC 20 Strength
check to force open, DC 20 Thievery check to unlock: AC
5, Reflex 5, Fortitude 10,30 hp). The other interior doors
are not as sturdy (DC 16 Strength check to break down;
AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude 10,20 hp) and aren't locked.
Hearth: A creature entering a hearth square or start
ing its turn in one takes Id6 fire damage.
Postern Gate (Area 21): The door leading outside
from the kitchen is made of iron plate riveted to an iron
frame (DC 25 Strength check to force open; AC 5, Reflex
5, Fortitude 10, 60 hp). It is locked both inside and out
(DC 25 Thievery check to unlock), and Nazin Redthorn
carries the key.
RESCUING
BARON STOCKMER
Baron Stockmer is a brave old fellow of 6S years, weak
and sick after his imprisonment. He's pugnacious and
optimistic, but clearly in no shape to take up arms despite
his brave words.
He thanks the heroes for their help and promises to
reward them richly. Stockmer urges the heroes to finish
off Nazin Redthorn rather than worry about his safety. If
asked about the castle, he tells the adventurers about the
secret passage from the dining room (area 26) to the lord's
quarters (area 30).
ENCOUNTER K7:
LORD'S CHAMBERS
Encounter LevelS (1,075 XP)
Setup
Nazin Redthorn (N)
Iron Circle dark adept (A)
3 hobgoblin sellswords (H)
This encounter takes place on the third floor of the Great
Tower, specifically areas 27 and 30. There is no accompa
nying battle map for this encounter; you'll need to draw
the map on a wet-erase battle mat or build it using D&D
DUll8eon Tiles.
Nazin Redthorn, the would-be Lord of Harkenwold,
makes his lair in the rooms formerly belonging to Baron
Stockmer. Attending him are three loyal hobgoblin mer
cenaries from the distant goblin stronghold of Dagger burg
and an Iron Circle dark adept. IfNazin Redthorn did not
survive encounter B4 (page 10), replace him with a femal e
Iron Circle commander named Tyranda Falkon (same
statistics).
If the adventurers come up the secret stairs from area
26, they might surprise Nazin and his guards. Have each
hero climbing the stairs make a DC 13 Stealth check; if at
least half the characters succeed, the party surprises the
villains. Remember, the first character on the steps has to
spend an action to open the secret door.
3rd Floor
A sittin8 room opens at the top ofthe stairs. At thefar end stands
a lar8e door emblazoned with the Stockmer coat ofarms. Two
fi erce hob80blin warriors in scale armor 8lare at you and raise
their mornin8stars.
The following read-aloud text applies to area 30 and
will need to be adjusted ifNazin Redthorn is not
present:
This spacious suite dearly belon8s to the master of the keep.
Comfortable carpets cover the woodenjloor, and various tapes
tries and paintin8s han8 on the walls. Across the room stands
a lar8e canopy bed. A 111a8nificent hearth lies hi a corner. A
hobaoblin with a mornirlflstar stands 8uard by the door, and
standin8 over a table is a priest in Iroll Circle scarlet. Sittin8 near
him is a tall, maSSively muscled man with short red hair and a
areat three-headedjlail at hi sside-Nazin Redthornl
The warlord ofthe Iron Circle looks at you with contempt.
"You think you've defeated us?" he snarls. "You are rabbits in the
wolf's den. '''' e'll hana your corpsesfrom the battlements!"
Nazin Redthorn (N) LevelS Elite Soldier (Leader)
Medium natural humanoid. hUllla" xr 400
AC 21, Fortitude 19, ReAex 16, Will 17 Perception +3
Speed 5
Saving Throws +2: Action Points 1
<D Triple-Headed Rail (weapon) +AtWIII
Hit: 1dlO + 5 damage.
+Wolf Pack Tactics (weapon) +AtWIII
Effect: Before the attack, one ally adjacent to Nazin or the target
shifts 1 square as a free action.
+Warlord's Strike (weapon) + Recharge [8J !D.l
Hit: 2d1 0 + 5 damage, and an ally within 5 squares of Nazin gains
a +4 bonus to damage rolls against the target until the end of
Nazin's next turn.
~ Infem.1 Rames (fire, healing) +Recharge when first bloodied
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemies in burst); +8 vs. Reflex
Hit: 2d6 + 5 fire damage, and the target is dazed (save ends).
Effect: Each ally in the burst regains 10 hit points.
nr.'
+Tripping flail (weapon) +At-Will
TriBBer: An enemy misses Nazin with an attack.
Attack (Immediate Reaction): Melee 1 (triggering enemy); +8 vs.
Fortitude
Hit: ld1 0 + 6 damage, and the target falls prone.
Skills Athletics +12,lntlmldate +9
Str 20 (+7) Dex 10 (+2) WIs 13 (+3)
Con 15 (+4) Int 15 (+4) Cha 16 (+5)
Alignment evil Languages Common, Giant, Supernal
Equipment scale armor, heavy shield, triple headed flail, black sur
coat embroidered with a red- and gold trimmed gray circle
Mediulll n.ltur.1i hum.moid. hUlllan XP 1~ O
Speed 6
..
<D Dark Dauer (ftre. weapon) + At-WIll
Attaclc: Melee 1 (one creature); +6 vs. Reflex
squares.
*fiery Tendrils (fire) +At-Will
Attaclc: Area burst 1 within 10 (creatures in burst); +6 vs. Reflex
~ Dark Imperative (healing. necrotk) +Recha..when bloodied
target 3 squares. and the target gains 10 temporary hit points.
While the target has these temporary hit points, Its melee
Skills Areanl +8. Religion +8
Str 13 (+2) Dex 12 (+2) WIs 18(+5)
Con 14(+3) Int15 (+3) Cha 13 (+2)
Equipment chainmail, dagger, red surcoat with goldtrimmed black
circle
3 Hobgoblin Sellswords (H)
Medl ulll Il.Hurdl hunldnIJld
HP 66; Bloodied 33
Speed 5
...
G> Mornfnptar (weapon) +At-WlI
Level 4 Brute
XP 17') edc.h
Initiative +4
Perception +7
Attaclc: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
+Savage Strib(weapon) + At-Will
Attaclc: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC
Hit: 2d10 + 4 damage, and the hobgoblin pushes the target 1
square.
Miss: Half damage.
, .
Hobgoblin ResIlience +At-Will
Tri88er: The hobgoblin is subjected to an effect that a save can
end.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The hobgoblin makes a saving throw
against the triggering effect.
Str18(+6) Dex14(+4) Wlsl0(+2)
Con 16 (+5) Int 11 (+2) Chi 15 (+4)
Equipment chain mail, morningstar, helm
Tactics
The hobgoblins in area 27 roar as they rush boldly ini o
melee. Nazin and the others in area 30 hear the fighting
outside and get ready to join the battle. Nazin is at his best
leading from the front, so he's likely to come out from his
room to take the fight to the heroes.
V1
Nazin begins with warlord's strike and uses infernal
o
flames one or two rounds into the fight, preferably when
a:
o
the hobgoblins have taken a hit or two and can use the
..J
healing. Nazin doesn't hoard his action point-he uses it
when he can cause the most damage to the heroes.
The dark adept stays out of melee reach and attacks a:
with fiery tendrils. He reserves his dark imperative power for ~
Nazin, using it to aid the warlord when he's injured. Z
If the battle turns against Nazin, he orders his remain :::::J
ing followers to hold off the heroes as long as possible and 8
attempts to flee down the secret staircase to area 26. He Z
first tries to gather reinforcements, but if there are none, U.J
he heads down to the gaol (area 22) to murder Baron
Stockmer out ofsheer anger and spite.
Bed: These squares are difficult terrain.
Chairs and Stools: These furnishings are lightly built
and ofTer no impediment to movement-a moving charac
ter simply kicks them aside.
difficult terrain in their spaces. If a desk or table is flipped
on its side (a standard action), it becomes a low wall , pro
viding cover against attacks crossing it.
Doors: The doors on this level are normally unlocked,
except for the one leading to the treasury (the small
interior room ofTarea 30). The treasury door is sturdy,
reinforced wood (DC 20 Strength check to force open. DC
20 Thievery check to unlock; AC 5, Reflex 5, Fortitude 10,
30 hp). Nazin carries the key.
embrasure (DC 21 Acrobatics check).
Hearth: A creature entering or starting its turn in a
hearth square takes Id6 fire damage.
Treasure: Each hobgoblin carries a pouch of 50 gpo
The chests in the treasury are unlocked and hold 300 gp,
1,200 sp, a level 6 magic item, and a level 7 magic item.
ENDING THE
ADVENTURE
After the adventurers defeat Nazin Redthorn, free Baron
Stockmer, and rid Castle Harken of villains and monsters,
the Iron Circle is decisively defeated. Any surviving mer
cenaries abroad in Harkenwold soon realize that the tide
has turned against them and beat a hasty retreat down the
road to the southeast. They won't be back anytirne soon.
The Heroes' Reward
The adventurers are hailed throughout Harkenwold as
great heroes. They're treated as honored guests in Harken
Keep and the villages. Baron Stockmer (ifhe lives) confers
an honorary title on each character: Defender of Harken
wold. Any treasure the heroes have found through the
course of the adventure is theirs to keep, even though
much ofit once belonged to Harkenwolders-Baron Stock
mer insists! If the heroes expect or demand more of a
reward, the baron gives them the magic items in his trea
sury (see encounter K7). If they've already claimed these
items, the baron regrets that he has nothing more to offer
them.
The Next Adventure?
Although the heroes have beaten Redthorn and his band
of reavers thoroughly, the Iron Circle is still active in the
Nentir Vale. More agents and soldiers are at work in the
lands nearby, causing trouble. If you choose to continue
the campaign storyline that begins in this adventure, you
can devise your own encounters or find new adventures at
DungeonsandDragons.com.
To get the heroes hooked into the next adventure, feel
free to provide the players with one of the following clues
as they tidy up after the Iron Circle's defeat and retreat:
A Superior: The heroes discover correspondence
between Nazin Redthorn and a mysterious superior he
addresses as "Lord Vhennyk." It's clear that Lord Vhen
nyk ordered the attack on Harkenwold, but Lord Vhennyk
is not specific about his own activities. In several places
he tells Redthorn that he can be reached by sending dis
patches to an inn in the town of\Vinterhaven, at the far
end of the Nentir Vale.
A Quisling: Rennis, proprietor of the Harkenwold
Trading Station in Harken, is unmasked as a spy for Nazin
Redthorn (see Real'ers C!f Harkenwold Part 1: The Iron Circle,
page 9). When questioned, he tells the rebel leaders that -
Redthorn had him send dispatches to vVinterhaven, but
Rennis escapes from custody before he reveals any more.
Baron Stockmer believes that Rennis might have fled to
Winterhaven.
ENCOUNTER E5:
EPILOGUE
This encounter can occur days or weeks after the Iibera
tion of Harkenwold. It assumes that the heroes are either
killing time in Harkenwold or taking a break on the road
to their next destination.
The purpose of this encounter is to present Lord Vhen
nyk and the Iron Circle as an ongoing threat in your
campaign. Ifyou're planning to lake your campaign in
other directions, feel free not to use this final encounter.
Setup
Lividius, tiefling murderer (L)
5 Harkenwold bystanders (B)
1 horse (H)
This encounter uses the "Tavern" battle map. Have the
players place their characters in the tavern, and then place
the bystanders, one of whom is lhe proprietor.
If needed, horse statistics can be found on page 11.
Read:
You are drawn to the quiet corrifort ofa roadside tal'ern, where
tlte propri etor offers you free drinks. "Least I can do f or the
Defenders of Harkenll'old," she says witlt a smile. The locals are
ea8er to hear more about your exploits, but the sudden thump
ina of hooves interrupts your reveri e. Throu8h a window you
see a black horse, its rider a scarred tiejlin8 warrior wearin8
chainmail and Bauntlets. He dismounts and enters the tavern,
aareatslI'ord over his back and a drippina sack in one hand. He
reco8nize5 you immediately andfrowl1s. "I carry a lIIessaaefrom
Lord Vh ennyk."
When he appears, place Livid'ills inside the taveru near
the entrance. His horse remains outside.
Ifa character asks about Vhennyk's message, read:
"Lord Vhennyk wants you to know that the Iron Circle is not fin
ished with Harkemvold or the Nentir Vale."
With that, the ti eflina dumps the contents ofthe bloody sack.
Asevered head tumbles across thefloor. and you reco811ize the
dead-eyed fa ce staril18 up at you.
The severed head belongs to Dar Gremath, Reithann,
or some other noteworthy Harkenwold rebel whom ,the
heroes know. At this point, the conversation ends as Livid
ius draws his sword. Roll initiative.
Tactics
Lividius intends to show the heroes that Lord Vhennyk
means business. The tiefling fights to the death and kills
any bystanders who get in the way.
Lividius stays close to as many enemies as possible.
hoping to catch them in his aura and burn them uSingfire
step. He uses blade of Avernus as often as he can, and heart
ofNessus whenever he is dazed or stunned.
Lividius stole the horse from a stable in Harkenwold
(possibly Dar Gremath's stable in Albridge). The horse
does not participate in the battle and flees ifattacked.
Most of the Harkenwold bystanders clear the tavern
as qUickly as possible while the tavern keeper takes cover
behind the bar.
Lividius, Tiefling Murderer (L) Level 4 Solo Brute
Medlulll Ildtural hUlll anoid XP 875
Speed 5 Lowlight vision
Resist 7 fire
TRAITS
oHell's Embrace (cold) + Aura 1
Any creature that exits the aura on its turn takes 5 cold damage.
' . .
<D Greatsword (weapon) +At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +9 vs. AC, or +10 vs. AC if the
target is bloodied
Hit: 2d1 0 + 4 damage.
~ Blade of Avernus (fire. weapon) +At-Will
Attack: Close burst 1 (creatures in burst); +9 vs. AC. or +10 vs. AC
ifthe target is bloodied
Miss: Half damage.
MOVE A CT IONS
~ Rre Step (fire. teleportatlon) +At-Will
Effect: Lividlus teleports 5 squares. Each creature adjacent to the
square he teleports from or appears in takes 5 fire damage, or
10 fire damage if Lividius is bloodied.
. ..
Heart of Nessus (fire. polymorph) +At-Will
Tri88er: Lividius is dazed or stunned by an attack.
Effect (No Action): Lividius and all of his gear transform Into living
flame and remain in this form until he is no longer dazed or
stunned. While in this form. he takes half damage from all
attacks, his aura deals fire damage instead of cold damage. and
any enemy that hits him with an attack takes fire damage equal
to half the damage dealt.
Infernal Wrath (fire) +Encounter
Trl88er: Lividlus is hit by an enemy's attack.
Effect (Free Action): The triggering enemy takes 1 d6 + 7 fire
damage.
Sldlls Athletics +11. Bluff +12. Intimidate +10, Stealth +11
Str 18(+6) Dex 17 (+5) WIs 13 (+3)
Con 20 (+7) Int 12 (+3) Cha 16 (+5)
Alignment evil Languages Common. Elven. Supernal
Equipment chainmail. greatsword
5 Harkenwold Bystanders (B) Levell Minion Brute
Medi ul11 Ilatura l hUlllanoid. humall XP 0 earh
AC 15, Fortitude 13. Reflex 13, Will 13 Perception +0
Speed 6
Str 10 (+0) Do 10(+0) Wls 10(+0)
Con 10(+0) Int 11 (+0) Cha 8 (-1)
Bar: The bar provides cover to anyone hiding behind
it. Behind the bar are several bottles that can be used as
improvised weapons.
Chairs and Stools: These furnishings are lightly built,
and offer no impediment to movement-a moving charac
ter simply kicks them aside.
Tables: A table creates difficult terrain ill its space. If
flipped on its side (a standard action), a table becomes a
low wall, providing cover against attacks crossing it.

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What is the setting of the story?

Who are the main antagonists in the story?

REAVERS OF HARKENWOLDT"

PART 1: THE IRON CIRCLE

<D Kukrl (weapon) +At-WIH

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