DDEP05-02 - Ark of The Mountains PDF

Ark of the Mountains
The flying galleon Thunderbound descends on Beregost, unleashing the wrath of the cloud
giants! To save the town from annihilation, heroes from far and wide must awaken the lost
machine entombed under Durlag’s Tower. Dare you board the Ark of the Mountains and do battle
in the burning skies?
A 4-hour Epic Adventure for 1st-16th Level Characters
Will Doyle
Adventure Designer
Adventure Code: DDEP05-02

Version: 1.2
Development and Editing: Claire Hoffman, Travis Woodall

Organized Play: Chris Lindsay
D&D Adventurers League Wizards Team: Adam Lee, Chris Lindsay, Mike Mearls, Matt Sernett
D&D Adventurers League Administrators: Robert Adducci, Bill Benham, Travis Woodall, Claire Hoffman, Greg Marks,
Alan Patrick
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express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
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Introduction  Read through the adventure, taking notes of
anything you’d like to highlight or remind yourself
Welcome to Ark of the Mountains: a D&D Epics™
while running the adventure, such as a way you’d
adventure, part of the D&D Adventurers League™
like to portray an NPC or a tactic you’d like to use
organized play system and Storm King’s Thunder
in a combat.
storyline season. This adventure supports the
 Get familiar with the monster statistics in the
following tiers of play:
Appendix.
 1st through 4th-level characters (optimized for  Gather together any resources you’d like to use to
five 3rd level characters) aid you in running this adventure--such as
 5th through 10th-level characters (optimized notecards, a DM screen, miniatures, and
for five 8th level characters) battlemaps.
 11th through 16th-level characters (optimized  If you know the composition of the group
for five 12th level characters) beforehand, you can make adjustments as noted
Each table must seat characters of the same tier. This throughout the adventure.
is a special four-hour interactive adventure,
designed for eight or more tables playing Before Play at the Table
together. Guidelines for coordinating this event Ask the players to provide you with relevant
appear in Appendix 5: “Administrator Guide”. character information:
Printing this Document  Character name and level
If you’re running Ark of the Mountains as the Dungeon  Character race and class
Master, you’ll only need to print this adventure through to  Passive Wisdom (Perception)—the most common
Appendix 4: “NPC Statistics”. Administrators are advised to passive ability check
run separate prints of Appendix 5: “Administrator Guide” for
 Anything notable as specified by the adventure
each administrator on the team. Appendix 5 contains guides
for printing Appendix 6: “Administrator Handouts”.
(such as backgrounds, traits, flaws, etc.)
Ensure that each player has an official adventure
logsheet for his or her character (if not, get one from
The D&D Adventurers League the organizer). The player fills out the adventure
The D&D Adventurers League™ is the official name, session number, date, and your name and DCI
organized play system for DUNGEONS & number (if they have one). In addition, the player
DRAGONS®. Players can create characters and also fills in the starting values for experience, gold,
participate in any adventure allowed as a part of the downtime, renown, and number of permanent magic
D&D Adventurers League. As they adventure, items. He or she fill in the other values and write
players track their characters’ experience, treasure, notes at the conclusion of the session. Each player is
and other rewards, and can take those characters responsible for maintaining an accurate logsheet.
through other adventures that will continue their If you have time or see the need to do so, you can
story. do a quick scan of a player’s character sheet to
For more information on playing, running games ensure that nothing looks out of order. If you see
as a Dungeon Master, and organizing games for the magic items of very high rarities or strange arrays of
D&D Adventurers League, please visit the D&D ability scores, you can ask players to provide
Adventurers League home at: documentation for the irregularities. If they cannot,
feel free to restrict item use or ask them to use a
www.dndadventurersleague.org standard ability score array. Point players to the
D&D Adventurers League Player’s Guide for reference.
Preparing the Adventure If players wish to spend downtime days and it’s
Before you show up to Dungeon Master this the beginning of an adventure or episode, they can
adventure for a group of players, you should do the declare their activity and spend the days now.
following to prepare. Alternatively, they can do so at the end of the
adventure or episode. Players should select their
 Make sure to have a copy of the most current characters’ spells and other daily options prior to
version of the D&D Basic Rules or the Player’s the start of the adventure, unless the adventure
Handbook. specifies otherwise. Feel free to reread the
Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only.
DDEP05-02 Ark of the Mountains 2
adventure description to help give players hints stories that live well beyond the play at the table.
about what they might face. Always follow this golden rule when you DM for a
group:
Adjusting the Adventure
Make decisions and adjudications that enhance
Throughout this adventure, sidebars provide the fun of the adventure when possible.
information to assist you in making adjustments for
smaller or larger groups and characters of higher or To reinforce this golden rule, keep in mind the
lower levels than the adventure is optimized for. following:
This is typically used exclusively for combat You Are Empowered. You get to make decisions
encounters. These adjustments are not required, nor about how the group interacts with the NPCs and
are you bound to the suggestions made by the environment within this adventure. It is okay to
adventure—they are recommendations provided for make considerable changes or engage in
guidance and convenience. improvisation, so long as you maintain the original
This adventure is optimized for a party of five spirit of what’s written.
3rd-level characters (Tier 1) and for a party of Challenge Your Players. Never being challenged
five 7th-level characters (Tier 2). To figure out makes for a boring game, and being overwhelmed
whether you need to adjust the adventure, do the makes for a frustrating game. Gauge the experience
following: level of the players (not the characters) with the
 Add up the total levels of all the characters. game, try to feel out (or ask) what they like in a
 Divide the total by the number of characters. game, and attempt to give each of them the
 Round fractions of .5 or greater up; round experience they’re after when they play D&D.
fractions of less than .5 down. Everyone should have the opportunity to shine.
Mind the Time. Watch for stalling, since play loses
You’ve now determined the average party level momentum when this happens. At the same time,
(APL) for the adventure. To figure out the party make sure that the players don’t finish too early;
strength for the adventure, consult the following provide them with a full play experience. Try to be
table. aware of running long or short. Adjust the pacing
Determining Party Strength accordingly.
Party Composition Party Strength Keep the Adventure Moving. When the game
3-4 characters, APL less than Very weak starts to get bogged down, feel free to provide hints
3-4 characters, APL equivalent Weak and clues to your players so they can attempt to
3-4 characters, APL greater than Average solve puzzles, engage in combat, and roleplay
5 characters, APL less than Weak interactions without getting too frustrated over a
5 characters, APL equivalent Average lack of information. This gives players “little
5 characters, APL greater than Strong victories” for figuring out good choices from clues.
The Dungeon Master’s Guide has more information
6-7 characters, APL less than Average
on the art of running a D&D game.
6-7 characters, APL equivalent Strong
6-7 characters, APL greater than Very strong
Spellcasting Services
Average party strength indicates no recommended Any settlement the size of a town or larger can
adjustments to the adventure. Each sidebar may or provide some spellcasting services. Characters need
may not offer suggestions for certain party to be able to travel to the settlement to obtain these
strengths. If a particular recommendation is not services.
offered for your group, you don’t have to make Spell services generally available include healing
adjustments. and recovery spells, as well as information-gathering
spells. Other spell services might be available as
Running the Adventure specified in the adventure. The number of spells
As the Dungeon Master of the session, you have the available to be cast as a service is limited to a
most important role in facilitating the enjoyment of maximum of three per day total, unless otherwise
the game for the players. You help guide the noted.
narrative and bring the words on these pages to life.
The outcome of a fun game session often creates
Spellcasting Services attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks by 1, in
Spell Cost addition to any other benefits the downtime activity
Cure wounds (1st level) 10 gp might provide.
Identify 20 gp Create a New 1st-Level Character. If the dead
Lesser restoration 40 gp character is unwilling or unable to exercise any of
Prayer of healing (2nd level) 40 gp the other options, the player creates a new
Remove curse 90 gp character. The new character does not have any
Speak with dead 90 gp items or rewards possessed by the dead character.
Divination 210 gp Dead Character Pays for Raise Dead. If the
Greater restoration 450 gp character’s body is recoverable (it’s not missing any
vital organs and is mostly whole) and the player
Raise dead 1,250 gp
would like the character to be returned to life, the
Resurrection* 3,000 gp
party can take the body back to civilization and use
True Resurrection* 50,000 gp
the dead character’s funds to pay for a raise dead
spell. A raise dead spell cast in this manner costs the
*These spells require an additional expenditure of character 1,250 gp.
downtime days (150 for resurrection and 350 for
Character’s Party Pays for Raise Dead. As above,
true resurrection). This cost can be reduced by 50
except that some or all of the 1,250 gp for the raise
days for each faction rank above 1 that the character
dead spell is paid for by the party at the end of the
possesses. This downtime is spent in community
session. Other characters are under no obligation to
service for the church that provided the spell in spend their funds to bring back a dead party
question. The Acolyte Background feature does NOT
member.
reduce the gp or downtime cost for either of these
Faction Charity. If the character is of level 1 to 4
spells. and a member of a faction, the dead character’s body
Acolyte Background can be returned to civilization and a patron from the
faction ensures that he or she receives a raise dead
A character possessing the acolyte background requesting
spellcasting services at a temple of his or her faith may spell. However, any character invoking this charity
request one spell per day from the Spellcasting Services table forfeits all experience and rewards from that session
for free. The only cost paid for the spell is the base price for (both those earned prior to and after death during
the consumed material component, if any. that session) and cannot replay that episode or
Acolytes can call upon spellcasting services in and around adventure with that character again. Once a
the three towns as follows: character reaches 5th level, this option is no longer
Parnast (Tier 1). Mielikki available.
Stagwick (Tier 2). Chauntea
Beregost (Tier 3). Lathander, Waukeen
Death and Recovery

Sometimes bad things happen, and characters get
die. Since you might not have the same characters
return from session to session, here are the rules
when bad things happen to characters.
Death
A character who is killed during the course of the
adventure has a few options at the end of the session
(or whenever arriving back in civilization) if no one
in the adventuring party has immediate access to a
raise dead or revivify spell, or similar magic. A
character subject to a raise dead spell is affected
negatively until all long rests have been completed
during an adventure. Alternatively, each downtime
day spent after raise dead reduces the penalty to
Adventure Background
Baron Rajiram has long claimed the skies over the
Sea of Swords. For years, the cloud giant mage and
his flying galleon Thunderbound have harried ships
from Neverwinter to Calimport. Under the Baron’s
red banner, a horde of minotaurs, goblins and
human bandits have plied their bloody trade along
the Sword Coast.
When the Ordning collapsed, Rajiram chose to buy
his way into whichever order emerged from the
ashes. Already rich beyond compare, the self-styled
“Red Baron of Nelanther” set his sights on the lost
treasures of Sword Coast. The Baron knew of a
priceless artifact buried beneath Durlag’s Tower:
The Ark of the Mountains. In ages past, the mad
dwarf Durlag Trollkiller built the Ark as a weapon to
conquer the Celestial Planes: a steel warship that
“could sail through rock and sky”. The Baron’s
efforts to raise the Ark were thwarted when a rival
band of adventurers uncovered the runestone tablet
needed to activate it (see DDAL05-09 Durlag’s
Tomb).
Rajiram has sworn to annihilate the nearby town
of Beregost unless the tablet is handed over. An
alliance of heroes has hastily assembled to defeat the
baron and save the town. Using the runestone tablet,
the heroes plan to raise the Ark of the Mountains
from its slumber and turn it against Thunderbound.
Your group will join them in this daring quest!
Rajiram, the Red Baron of Nelanther
Ousted from his home under threat of death, the cloud giant
Rajiram set his eye on the Nelanther Isles. The archipelago
was peopled by other outcasts looking to find their place in
the world—pirates. In exchange for a share of their bounty,
Rajiram promised them that the winds would always be in
their favor and storms would lash out at their enemies; a feat
made possible by the staff of thunder and lightning he wields.
Over the years, he rose to lead the pirates.
Rajiram is small for a cloud giant, which is not to say that
he isn’t large. Quite the contrary; he’s huge—compared to a
human. What he lacks in size and physical strength, he makes
up for in the potency of his spellcasting abilities. He is
intelligent, even for a cloud giant, but is also evil and even
more greedy. The Baron wears no armor in battle, and hides
his face behind a fearsome red mask: one side of which is
smiling, and the other grimacing.
Quote: “Turn out your pockets so I needn’t suffer the
indignity of emptying them after you’ve died.”
Adventure Overview: Rules of Play Magic Items
Tier Encounter 1 Encounter 2 Encounter 3
Read this section carefully before beginning play.
1 adamantine periapt of +1 halberd
armor wound closure
War Map 2 +2 longbow ring of spell giant slayer
In Ark of the Mountains, your group joins an alliance storing greatsword
of adventurers as they explore a long-lost dwarven 3 ring of animated frost brand
sky ship. A large war map on display at HQ shows shooting stars shield scimitar
where each group is located within this “Ark”. Each
group has a banner to show where they’re  When the encounter is complete, award treasure
exploring. The administrators use these banners to as follows. The amount listed is per character.
assign special events to groups. Treasure
 Before play begins, report your table number and Tier Treasure per Character
starting sector (see “Quests”, below) to the 1 50 gp, 50% chance of potion of healing
2 200 gp, 50% chance of potion of greater
administrators so they can place a banner for your
healing
group on the war map.
3 800 gp, 50% chance of potion of supreme
 If your group enters a new sector on the war map, healing
ask the administrators to move your banner.
 After receiving treasure, the group can move to
Ark Handout any sector on the map (see “Quests”, below).
Give your players Player Handout 1. “The Ark” Adjusting for Difficulty
(see Appendix 1. “Handouts”). This handout Each encounter contains guidelines for adjusting to your
provides a reference map of the Ark and a space for group’s level. These are just that – guidelines. The
your players to write down the group’s name and adventure’s story supports adjustment on the fly: if you feel
table number. your group isn’t being challenged, simply move more
enemies to the fray or include “Reinforcements” (see
Group Leader Appendix 3: “Battle Events”). Conversely, add veteran allies
to support the characters if things go badly wrong.
Ask the players to nominate one player as Group
Leader. If the group can’t agree on a course of action
during play, the Group Leader makes the decision Quests
for them. The Group Leader also relays information Before play begins, the administrators hand out
to the administrators. quest sheets to the Dungeon Masters. These detail
special missions given by the alliance leaders.
Encounters  When you receive your quest, take a few minutes
Encounters are provided for every sector onboard to read it carefully. Do not show the quest sheet
the Ark. Multiple groups can share the same sector to your players.
without meeting: think of your current location as  Each quest modifies one of the sector encounters.
one small part of a larger whole. Your group starts in the sector listed on your
quest sheet.
 The Ark has four sectors: The Main Deck, the
 To succeed in the quest, the players must
Bridge, the Gun Deck, and the Engine Room.
complete the quest goals described on the quest
 When your group enters a new sector, run the
sheet. Read the “Player Information” section aloud
encounter described in this adventure booklet.
to the players as you set up the encounter.
Each encounter features different opposition per
 When the group’s quest goals are complete, ask
tier, but uses the same map (see Appendix 2:
the Group Leader to fill in the “Results” section of
“Maps”).
the quest and hand the sheet to the administrators
 Each encounter features a different magic item
immediately. The players must resolve their
that is worn or wielded by the champion monster
encounter and claim their treasure before
(if this seems inappropriate, the item is unearthed
beginning another quest.
from the rubble after the encounter). Items are
acquired in the following order:
 New quests can arrive at your table at any play begins, let the players know they can only take
time. If your group has no quests available when one short rest.
they complete their encounter, ask the Group
Leader to request a new quest sheet from the Player Spellcasting
administrators. The alliance must act quickly to raise the Ark and
 If the group retreats from their quest, the quest defeat Thunderbound.
sheet must be given to the administrators for
 There is no time to cast spells ahead of time.
reassignment to another group.
 Spells with a casting time of longer than 5 minutes
Preparing for the Adventure can only be cast if the group uses their short rest.
You’ll save time during the event by having your maps pre-  Spells with a casting time of longer than 1 hour
drawn, miniatures selected, and other tasks associated with can’t be cast during the event at all.
running an encounter ready to go at the drop of a hat. It’s  Spells that affect areas over 200 feet in radius (e.g.
recommended that you prepare the encounters for all four control weather) can affect other groups in the
sectors ahead of time (“Main Deck”, “Bridge”, “Gun Deck”, same sector at the administrators’ discretion.
and “Engine Room”). Reading the Quests in Appendix 6 is Inform your Tier Commander if one of your
also advised, even though your group will probably only play
players casts a spell with such a range.
three or four of them.
Spellcasting Services
Battle Events Between encounters, alliance clerics can use relics to
During play, the administrators provide updates on instantly cast any spells listed on the Adventurers
the Ark’s ongoing sky battle with the rival galleon League spellcasting services table. Players must
Thunderbound (rules for running this battle are cover the component costs for these spells, which
found in Appendix 5. “Administrator Guide”). The are cast instantly.
results of this battle affect multiple tables at the
same time. Requesting Aid
If a battle proves too difficult, your Group Leader can
Siege Damage request aid from nearby tables. Each group can
If your sector receives Siege Damage, roll on the only request aid once per encounter. There must
Siege Damage Table in Appendix 3. “Battle Events” be another group active in the same sector for the
and apply the result immediately. request to succeed. Two types of aid are available:
Breached Call for Healing

If boarders enter your sector, refer to the Players can request healing from other groups in the
“Reinforcements” section in Appendix 3: “Battle same sector. One spellcaster from another table can
Events”. Reinforcements enter the fray at the start of cast a single healing spell to aid the group. This costs
the following round. that spellcaster their next action. Only healing
spells with an instant duration are allowed.
Legendary Villains
Legendary villains roam the war map and attack Combat Support
different tables. The administrators assume the roles  If your group requests combat support, ask the
of these villains. Group Leader to remove one enemy of his or her
choosing from the combat.
Restrictions  Report the request to the administrators and
The following restrictions apply throughout the continue the combat. They’ll find a nearby table
event. willing to provide aid, and then report back.
 If the request is approved, the other table takes on
Short and Long Rests the enemy and combat continues. If the request is
The battle plays out in just a few hours of game time. denied, the chosen enemy returns to the combat.
Players can’t afford to take long rests, and may  Your players don’t earn experience points for the
normally take only one short rest. Opportunities to removed enemy. If it wields a magic item, the item
earn additional short rests occur during play. Before is lost.
Winning the Event
To win the event, the alliance must complete enough
quests to destroy the enemy galleon Thunderbound.
Quests allow the players to fire the Ark’s weapons,
outmaneuver the enemy vessel, and repair ongoing
damage. The administrators provide updates on the
ongoing sky battle as the event plays out.
Timekeeping
Every group is expected to complete three quests to win the
event, so budget your time accordingly. Any quests still in
progress after time is called must be abandoned when time is
called.
Beginning the Adventure As the pirate ship approaches, SEER appears on the ruined
battlements of Durlag’s Tower. She raises the runestone
When everyone is ready, the administrators
tablet and speaks a single word of power. The ground shakes
announce the start of the event.
and a colossal metal battleship bursts up from below the
surface! The Ark of the Mountains rises like a whale
1. Intro Speech (Administrator) breaching the sea, and then hovers before you. Ropes are
An administrator reads the following aloud. If your thrown up from below and your allies start to climb aboard.
group misses the announcement, you can read it to As you ready your weapons, an alliance captain rides over to
them yourself: your group and holds out a rolled parchment.
“Ho there! The alliance has chosen you for a quest of great
“Baron Rajiram of the cloud giants has issued an ultimatum: importance. Here are your orders.”
hand over his runestone tablet or Beregost shall burn! With
each passing minute, the Baron’s flying galleon
 Review your quest sheet and read out the quest
Thunderbound closes on the town. You have joined a brave
orders to your group (if you haven’t received a
alliance of heroes sworn to stop the Baron and save
quest sheet, ask the administrators for one).
Beregost!
 Instruct the Group Leader to report your group’s
“Two months ago, one of you uncovered the runestone table number and starting sector to the
tablet in the dungeons beneath Durlag’s Tower. That tablet administrators so they can place a banner for you
has now been deciphered. Among other things, it is the on the war map.
control key to an ancient weapon called the Ark of the  Begin your first encounter!
Mountains: a dwarven battleship that can “sail through stone
Inside the Ark
and sky”. We can’t allow this artifact to fall into the Baron’s
The Ark of the Mountains is a colossal battleship designed to
hands. Our plan is to raise the Ark from beneath Durlag’s
invade the Celestial Planes. In the madness of old age, the
Tower, and use it to destroy Thunderbound! dwarf hero Durlag Trollkiller built it using a combination of
“Together, you must seize control of the Ark and turn its long-lost Halruuan sorcery and wishes from imprisoned
weapons on the enemy. Beware: Durlag Trollkiller left many genies. The Ark’s decks are filled with steam-driven
traps and guardians to defend his Ark. To triumph, you’ll machinery, glaring statues of Durlag himself, thumping
need strength, guile, unity, and more than a little luck! Our pistons, bronze gantries, cog-shaped pillars, and moving
walkways. Undead dwarves and skeletal minotaurs guard its
captains will give each of you a special quest. If you succeed
secrets, overseen by a cadre of immortal azers.
in your quests, we may stand a chance of bringing down the
It’s your job as DM to bring this epic setting to life. When
enemy galleon. The odds are against us, but together we can traveling between locations, describe the characters’ journey
triumph! Are you with us?” through the Ark and the sights and sounds they experience.
As soon as they set foot inside the Ark, the battle with
Thunderbound erupts. The decks shake under the onslaught
Read the player’s “Rajiram’s Demand” (provided at
of Rajiram’s artillery and enemy hang-gliders swoop past the
the start of this chapter). Before play begins, go
Ark’s portholes. Make this a battle to remember.
around the table and ask each player to provide the
others with a brief description of their character.
2. Intro Speech (Dungeon Master)

When everyone has described their characters, read
the following aloud:
You have joined a force of adventurers gathered outside the

ruins of Durlag’s Tower. In the waning light of day, the flying
galleon Thunderbound closes on your position. Storm clouds
seethe around its sails and flashes of lightning illuminate its
many decks. From its highest mast, the “Skull and
Crossbones” snaps in the wind. Baron Rajiram has come to
claim his prize!
Sector 1: Main Deck Giant Invaders
Read the following aloud when the characters enter The following enemies are present here if the sector
this sector: has been breached by the giants:
Tier Enemies
A rubble-strewn deck stretches from bow to stern, with iron 1 An orog pirate leading a tiger on a spiked
chains for rigging and steel-clad platforms fortifying the chain. Four goblins guard the platforms.
yardarms. A giant gear encloses the base of each mast. High 2 A cyclops pirate leading a minotaur on a spiked
above, a bearded, metal face is mounted on the mainmast. chain. Four bandit captains guard the
platforms.
3 A cloud giant pirate leading a hill giant on a
See Appendix 2. Maps for a map of this location. spiked chain. Four veterans guard the
platforms.
General Features
The following features are present in this area. Chained Minion
Lighting. The deck is open to the sky and brightly The pirate champion leads a lesser creature on a
lit by flashes of lightning. spiked chain. This chain is an object with AC 20; 20
Boulders. Boulders count as difficult terrain and hit points per tier; resistance to piercing damage;
grant half-cover to creatures hiding behind them. and immunity to poison and psychic damage. While
Armored Platforms. The platforms hang 40 feet the creatures remain lashed together, they can’t
above the deck and are accessible from the mast or move more than 20 feet apart. As a bonus action on
rigging. The armored balustrades grant half-cover to its turn, either creature can perform the following
creatures sheltering on the platforms. attack:
Mast and Rigging. To climb the mast or rigging, a Chain Trip. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit; one target
creature must succeed on DC 11 Strength (Athletics) between it and its chained ally. Hit: The target is
check. knocked prone.
Adjusting the Encounter
Ark Guardians
Use the following adjustments to balance the encounter for
The following enemies are present here: your group.
Tier Enemies  If your group size is smaller or larger than 5, remove or add
1 An azer riding a chariot pulled by a death dog. two enemies to the platforms for each step of difference.
Four dwarf skeletons guard the platforms.  If your group’s average level is above or below the
2 A galeb duhr riding a chariot pulled by a giant recommended level, increase or reduce the number of
scorpion. Four azers guard the platforms. enemies on the platforms by 50% for each level of
3 A clay golem riding a chariot pulled by a difference (minimum 1 monster).
gorgon. Four basilisks guard the platforms.
Ancient War Chariot

The war chariot is a Large object. The rider uses the
Mounted Combat rules while riding the chariot (see
Chapter 9 of the Player’s Handbook). Due to its stout
shielding, the rider has half-cover against attacks.
The creature pulling the chariot counts as an
independent mount. As an action, the creature
pulling the chariot can perform the following attack:
Ram. The creature moves its speed, pulling the
chariot through the spaces of Medium or smaller
creatures. Each creature that the chariot moves into
is pushed aside must make a Dexterity saving throw
on the “Effects by Tier” table (see Appendix 3). On a
failed save, they take bludgeoning damage and are
knocked prone.
canisters and act on the following turn. Once a panel
Sector 2: Bridge is used, it deactivates until another panel is
Read the following aloud when the characters enter
activated. For further details, see “General Features”,
this sector:
above.
A glowing crystal shard hovers in the air at the heart of the
deckhouse. Six bronze canisters radiate around a stepped
Giant Invaders
dais beneath, flanked by metal control panels. Oily green gas The following enemies are present here if the sector
swirls over the floor. has been breached by the giants:
Tier Enemies
See Appendix 2. “Maps” for a map of this location. 1 A bandit captain riding a griffon. Each time the
captain uses the command crystal, two goblins
ascend the staircase.
General Features 2 A cyclops with a wyvern pet. Each time the
The following features are present in this area. cyclops uses command crystal, two bandit
Lighting. The control crystal sheds bright light. captains ascend the staircase.
Canisters. The canisters are Large objects with AC 3 A cloud giant pirate with an abominable yeti
pet. Each time the cloud giant uses the
10; 20 hit points per tier; and immunity to poison and
command crystal, two veterans ascend the
psychic damage. Each canister stands 10 feet high and
staircase.
blocks line of sight.
Control Panels. Each panel is a Small object with
AC 10; 10 hit points per tier; and immunity to poison Command Crystal
These crystals control the Ark’s various systems. To
and psychic damage. The panels grant half-cover to
operate a crystal, a creature must first attune to it
creatures sheltering behind them.
(the pirate champion starts the encounter attuned).
Command Crystal. This is a Small object with AC
As a bonus action on its turn, the pirate champion
12; 20 hit points per tier; and immunity to poison
can use the following defensive power if it is within
and psychic damage. If destroyed, it explodes and all
20 feet of the command crystal. For further details,
creatures in the encounter suffer Siege Damage from
see “General Features”, above.
the magical backlash (see Appendix 3).
Force Lash. One creature within 40 feet of the
crystal must make a Constitution saving throw on
Ark Guardians the “Effects by Tier” table (see Appendix 3). On a
The following enemies are present here: failed save, they take force damage and fall prone in
a space of the champion’s choosing within 40 feet of
Tier Enemies
the crystal.
1 A helmed horror operates the infernal
machinery, guarded by four dwarf skeletons. Adjusting the Encounter
Two more skeletons emerge from the canisters
Use the following adjustments to balance the encounter for
every time the helmed horror activates a
your group.
control panel.
2 A clay golem operates the infernal machinery,  If your group only has 4 players, additional monsters can
guarded by four minotaur skeletons. Two only be summoned once per 2 rounds (or once per 3
more minotaur skeletons emerge from the rounds if you only have 3 players). If you have 5 or more
canisters every time the golem activates a players, add two more of the lower-CR monsters for each
control panel. additional character.
3 An azer warlord operates the infernal  If your group’s average level is above or below the
machinery, guarded by four wights. Two more recommended level, increase or reduce the number of
wights emerge from the canisters every time “backup” enemies by 50% for each level of difference
the warlord activates a control panel. (minimum 1 monster).
Infernal Machinery
The machinery harnesses powerful magic to conjure
guardians for the Ark. The champion can activate an
adjacent control panel as a bonus action on its turn.
Each time it does so, monsters emerge from random
manning a lightning gun can fire it as an action. Each
Sector 3: Gun Deck gun only has one charge: to recharge it, the gunner
must spend an action to wind the charge lever.
this sector:
Lightning Bolt. A stroke of lightning forming a
line 50 feet long and 5 feet wide blasts out from the
Huge boar-shaped ballistas line the gun deck, with explosive- gun in a direction chosen by the gunner. Each
tipped bolts stacked next to them. Steel gantries run creature caught in the line must make a Dexterity
overhead, lined with jagged crystal rods mounted on bronze saving throw on the “Effects by Tier” table (see
tripods. Appendix 3). On a failed save, they take lightning
damage.
See Appendix 2: “Maps” for a map of this location.
Giant Invaders
General Features The following enemies are present here if the sector
The following features are present in this area. has been breached by the giants:
Lighting. Magic lanterns shed bright light Tier Enemies
throughout the gun deck. 1 Two goblin bosses wearing enchanted bracers.
Ballista. Each ballista stands 10 feet high and Four goblins operate the lightning guns.
blocks line of sight. The ballistas count as difficult 2 Two veterans wearing enchanted bracers. Four
terrain for creatures climbing on them. bandit captains operate the lightning guns.
Explosive Bolts. The bolt stacks are Medium 3 Two hill giants wearing enchanted bracers.
objects with AC 8; 5 hit points per tier; and immunity Four veterans operate the lightning guns.
to poison and psychic damage. If a stack is destroyed,
all creatures within 30 feet must make a Dexterity Enchanted Bracers
saving throw on the “Effects by Tier” table (see The two pirate champions wear magic bracers
Appendix 3). They take the full damage as fire enchanted by Baron Rajiram. While a champion
damage on a failed save, or half that damage on a remains within 50 feet of its partner, it can choose to
successful one. The explosion also triggers the fire transfer any amount of damage it takes onto its
hoses (see below). partner. If the partner dies because of this transfer,
Fire Hoses. The Gun Deck is warded against the partner’s bracer explodes. All creatures within
accidental fires. If naked flames appear on deck (e.g. 30 feet of the partner must make a Dexterity saving
fire spells, burning torches, or exploding bolts) a throw on the “Effects by Tier” table (see Appendix
deluge of water gushes from the ceiling pipes. This 3). They take the full damage as fire damage on a
extinguishes any ongoing fires in a 10-foot diameter failed save, or half that damage on a successful one.
area around the flames. All creatures within the area The explosion also triggers the fire hoses (see
are soaked to the bone and must succeed on a DC 12 “General Features”, above). The bracers are attuned
Constitution saving throw or fall prone. to the pirate champions and lose their magic
properties if they are removed from their bodies.
Ark Guardians Adjusting the Encounter
The following enemies are present here: Use the following adjustments to balance the encounter for
your group.
Tier Enemies
1 Two suits of animated armor guard the  If your group size is smaller or larger than 5, remove or add
ballista. Four dwarf skeletons operate the 2 enemies to the lightning guns for each step of difference.
lightning guns.  If your group’s average level is above or below the
2 Two wights guard the ballista. Four azers recommended level, increase or reduce the number of
operate the lightning guns. enemies on the lightning guns by 50% for each level of
3 Two gorgons guard the ballista. Four wights difference (minimum 1 monster).
operate the lightning guns.
Lightning Guns
These weapons are gimbal-mounted on the gantries
and draw power from the Ark’s engines. A creature
can perform this action at the end of any turn,
Sector 4: Engine Room including its own. The chosen minion is killed, and
all creatures within 10 feet must make a Dexterity
this sector:
saving throw on the “Effects by Tier” table (see
Appendix 3). They take the full damage as fire
Titanic engines hiss and thump throughout this chamber. A damage on a failed save, or half that damage on a
steel crane looms above the machinery, mounted on a huge successful one. This blast does not detonate the
container tank. Leather hoses run from the spigots in the harnesses of any other minions caught within it.
container tank to nozzles at the head of the crane.
Giant Invaders
See Appendix 2: “Maps” for a map of this location. The following enemies are present here if the sector
has been breached by the giants:
General Features Tier Enemies
The following features are present in this area. 1 A berserker guards the balcony. Six goblins are
Lighting. Magic lanterns shed bright light on the deck, sabotaging the engines.
throughout the engine room. 2 A pirate mage guards the balcony. Six
Crane. The fuel crane stands 35 high and has a berserkers are on deck, sabotaging the
ladder to assist climbers. engines.
Engines. The engines are Gargantuan objects with 3 A fire giant guards the balcony. A pirate mage
AC 8; 25 hit points per tier; and immunity to poison and four veterans are on deck, sabotaging the
engines.
and psychic damage. If an engine is destroyed, it
ruptures fuel over the area (see “Saboteurs”, above).
Each engine stands 25 feet high and blocks line of Saboteurs
sight. The engine count as difficult terrain for Baron Rajiram’s saboteurs have orders to flood the
creatures climbing on them. Engine Room with spirits and then detonate it. As an
action, a saboteur can attempt a DC 15 Strength
check to smash a fuel nozzle adjacent to it. On a
Ark Guardians success, the engine ruptures and dwarven spirits
The following enemies are present here: flood the sunken area of deck beneath it. A saboteur
won’t perform this action if there’s fire nearby or
Tier Enemies
1 A gargoyle operates the fuel crane. Six dwarf
enemies attacking it. If a naked flame enters an area
skeletons wearing fuel harnesses guard the flooded with spirit, the liquid ignites. Once lit, any
deck. creature entering the area on its turn takes
2 A medusa operates the fuel crane. Six azers automatic fire damage as specified on “Effects by
wearing fuel harnesses guard the deck. Tier” table (see Appendix 3). If all four engines are
3 A clay golem operates the fuel crane. Six set alight, the fuel tank explodes and all creatures in
wights wearing fuel harnesses guard the deck. this encounter are killed. Inform the administrators
that the fuel tank has exploded and ask them to
Fuel Crane announce Siege Damage to the entire sector.
Volatile dwarven spirits provide fuel for the Ark’s
combustion engines. To refuel the machinery, Adjusting the Encounter
minions strap “fuel harnesses” to their backs, Use the following adjustments to balance the encounter for
connected by hoses to the fuel crane. your group.
Hoist Minion. As a bonus action on its turn, the  If your group size is smaller or larger than 5, remove or add
crane operator can rotate the crane to pick up one 2 enemies to the deck for each step of difference.
creature wearing a fuel harness and deposit it in  If your group’s average level is above or below the
another space within the crane’s radius. This moves recommended level, increase or reduce the number of
the crane’s arm to a new position and repositions enemies on the deck by 50% for each level of difference
the operator. (minimum 1 monster).
Detonate Harness. Once per round, the crane
operator can detonate the harness of one of its
minions that has 1 or more hit points remaining. It
Rewards Tier 1
The minimum total award for each character
Make sure the players note their rewards on their
participating in this adventure is 900 experience
adventure log sheets. Give your name and DCI
points.
number (if applicable) so players can record who
The maximum total award for each character
ran the session.
participating in this adventure is 1,500 experience
points.
Experience
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated Tier 2
foes, and divide by the number of characters in the The minimum total award for each character
combat. For non-combat experience, the rewards are participating in this adventure is 4,500 experience
listed per character. Give all characters in the party points.
non-combat experience unless otherwise noted. The maximum total award for each character
Combat Awards points.
Name of Foe XP per foe
Abominable Yeti 5,000 Tier 3
Animated Armor 200 The minimum total award for each character
Azer 450 participating in this adventure is 8,625 experience
Bandit Captain 450
points.
Basilisk 700
The maximum total award for each character
Berserker 450
Clay Golem 5,000
Cloud Giant 5,000 points.
Cloud Giant Smiling One 7,200
Cyclops 2,300 Treasure
Death Dog 200
Djinni 7,200 The characters receive the following treasure.
Fire Giant 5,000  When the encounter is complete, award treasure
Galeb Duhr 2,300 as follows. The amount listed is per character.
Gargoyle 450
Giant Scorpion 700 Treasure
Goblin 50 Tier Treasure per Character
Goblin Boss 100 1 50 gp, 50% chance of potion of healing
Gorgon 1,800 2 200 gp, 50% chance of potion of greater
Griffon 450 healing
Helmed Horror 1,100 3 800 gp, 50% chance of potion of supreme
Hill Giant 1,800 healing
Mage 2,300
Medusa 2,300  Each encounter features a different magic item
Minotaur 700 that is worn or wielded by the champion monster.
Minotaur Skeleton 450 Permanent magic items are distributed per the
Mouth of Grolantor 2,300 rules detailed in the sidebar. Permanent items
Orog 450 are acquired in the following order:
Skeleton 50
Storm Giant Quintessent 15,000 Magic Items
Tiger 200 Tier Encounter 1 Encounter 2 Encounter 3
Veteran 700 1 adamantine periapt of +1 halberd
Warlord 8,400 armor wound closure
Wight 700 2 +2 longbow ring of spell giant slayer
Wyvern 2,300 storing greatsword
3 ring of animated frost brand
shooting stars shield scimitar
DM NOTE: The staff of thunder and lightning detailed
below is only awarded to a group that defeats Baron rushing water when an arrow is loosed. This item
Rajiram himself. can be found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Permanent Magic Item Distribution
D&D Adventurers League has a system in place to determine Giant Slayer Greatsword
who is awarded permanent magic items at the end of a Wondrous item, rare
session. Each character’s log sheet contains a column to This immense weapon is fashioned from crudely-
record permanent magic items for ease of reference. forged black iron with an unfinished, translucent
 If the players at the table agree on one character taking white stone set in the pommel—engraved with the
possession of a permanent magic item, that character gets rune Dod (death). This item can be found in the
the item. Dungeon Master’s Guide.
 In the event that one or more character indicate an
interest in possessing a permanent magic item, the
character that possesses the fewest permanent magic
Ring of Spell Storing
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
items gets the item. If there is a tie in the total number of
permanent magic items owned by contesting characters, The head of this ring is fashioned like a lidded
the item’s owner is determined randomly by the DM. dwarven tankard. The wearer can use their thumb to
lift the tankard’s hinged lid, unleashing the magic
Tier 1 Only Items bound within. This item can be found in the Dungeon
Master’s Guide.
Adamantine Chain Shirt
Armor (chain shirt), uncommon Tier 3 Only Items
This glittering chain shirt is composed of
Animated Shield
interlocking adamantine rings. When the wearer Armor (shield), very rare (requires attunement)
moves, the shirt emits the faint sound of waves
lapping at the shore. This item can be found in the The enormous shield is etched with images of
Dungeon Master’s Guide. Annam the All-Father holding court over the gods of
the “lesser races”. While you’re attuned to the shield,
Periapt of Wound Closure you cannot tell lies. This item can be found in the
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement) Dungeon Master’s Guide.
This wide, leather choker is set with a blood-red
Frost Brand Scimitar
stone the size of a man’s fist. The stone glows with a Weapon (scimitar), very rare (requires attunement)
faint red light that pulses in time with the wearer’s
heartbeat. This item can be found in the Dungeon The Red Baron of Nelanther awarded these rime-
Master’s Guide. coated scimitars to his most favored pirates. This
item can be found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
+1 Halberd
Wondrous item, uncommon Ring of Shooting Stars
Ring, very rare (requires attunement outdoors at
This slender piece of white wood is polished to a night)
high shine and tipped with a silver-and-gold filigree
blade. This item never gets dirty. This item can be This ring appears to be made of pure light with
found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. motes of twinkling radiance dancing around within.
When used, rainbow-colored sparks dance around
Tier 2 Only Items the wearer’s hand. This item can be found in the
Dungeon Master’s Guide.
+2 Longbow Staff of Thunder and Lightning
Weapon (longbow), rare
Staff, very rare (requires attunement)
The shaft of this exquisite longbow is patterned with
This giant-sized quarterstaff is shaped like a bolt of
maps of famous rivers that pass through the
lightning, and automatically resizes to fit the hands
Moonshae Isles. If the names of one of these rivers
are said aloud, the bow issues forth the sound of
of its wielder. This item can be found in the Dungeon
Master’s Guide.
Renown
All faction members earn one renown point for
participating in the adventure.
Downtime
Each character receives ten downtime days after
this adventure.
DM Rewards
You receive ten downtime days for running this
session. In addition, you gain XP and gp determined
by the adventure’s tier:
DM Rewards by Tier
Tier XP Reward GP Reward
1 300 150
2 1,500 750
3 2,875 1,437
Appendix 1. Handouts
Handout 1. Ark Map
Appendix 2. Maps
Map 1. Main Deck
One Square = 5 feet
Map 2. Bridge
One Square = 5 feet
Map 3. Gun Deck
One Square = 5 feet
Map 4. Engine Room
One Square = 5 feet
Appendix 3. Battle Events 17-18 Buried. A pile of wreckage buries you beneath it.
Until freed, you are prone, restrained and
The following events are triggered by the ongoing blinded. To break free, you or an adjacent ally
combat between the battleships. must take an action and succeed on a DC 15
Strength (Athletics) check. The wreckage counts
Siege Damage as difficult terrain.
19-20 Collapse. The balcony or gantry you’re standing
If your sector receives Siege Damage, ask each on collapses. If you’re not standing on a balcony
player to roll on the following table and apply result or gantry, the structure nearest to you collapses.
immediately. Enemy combatants must make a All creatures standing on or below the structure
Dexterity saving throw on the “Effects by Tier” table take 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage per tier and
instead (see “Effects by Tier”, below). If they fail the count as buried (see above).
save, they take bludgeoning damage as listed. If this 21-22 Confused. A chunk of wreckage strikes you in the
kills an enemy, the players still gain experience back of the head, dealing 5 (1d10) bludgeoning
points for defeating it. damage per tier. At the start of your next turn,
you move half your speed in a random direction.
Siege Damage Table 23-24 Coughing. Dust chokes you. Until the end of
d100 Effect your next turn, you can’t talk or cast spells with
01 Immolated. A gout of magma ruptures from a the verbal component.
nearby pipe. You must make a DC 15 Dexterity 25-26 Deafened. An explosion deafens you until the
saving throw, taking 27 (5d10) fire damage per end of your next turn.
tier on a failed save, or half as much damage on 27-28 Delayed blast. A chunk of sparking machinery
a successful one. If you drop to 0 hit points lands at your feet, clearly about to explode. At
because of this damage, the heat reduces you to the end of your next turn, all creatures within 20
a pile of ash. feet of the machinery must make a DC 15
02-03 Aflame. A spray of burning oil ignites your Dexterity saving throw, taking 16 (3d10) fire
clothing and hair. While you remain on fire, you damage per tier on a failed save, and half as
take 5 (1d10) fire damage per tier at the start of much damage on a successful one.
each of your turns. At the end of each of your 29-30 Gassed. A 10-foot-radius sphere of gas swirls up
turns, you can make a DC 15 Constitution saving around you. The gas persists until a wind of
throw to quell the flames. moderate or greater speed (at least 10 miles per
04-05 Aftershock. At the end of your next turn, all hour) disperses it. Any creature that enters the
creatures in the combat must succeed on a DC gas for the first time on a turn or starts its turn
12 Dexterity saving throw or fall prone. inside it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution
06-07 Ball lightning. The Ark’s machinery unleashes a saving throw or take 5 (1d10) poison damage per
ball of lightning into your space. Any creature tier.
that enters the ball’s space on a turn or starts its 30-34 Impaled. A spear of shrapnel plunges into you,
turn within 5 feet of it takes 5 (1d10) lightning dealing 5 (1d10) piercing damage per tier.
damage per tier. At the end of each of your 35-36 Inferno. Burning oil spills over the floor in a 10-
turns, the ball leaps to another floor space 1d6 x foot-radius around you. Any creature that enters
5 feet in a random direction. the area for the first time on a turn or starts its
08-09 Blasted. An explosion blasts your space. All turn inside it must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity
creatures within a 10-foot-radius of you must saving throw or take 16 (3d10) fire damage.
make a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw, taking 11 37-38 Mutilated. A chunk of shrapnel tears into you,
(2d10) fire damage per tier on a failed save, or dealing 16 (3d10) slashing damage per tier and
half as much damage on a successful one. inflicting a random lingering injury (see “Injuries”
10-11 Blinded. A gout of caustic steam hisses into your in chapter 9 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide).
face. You must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution 39-40 Oil spill. Oil spills over the floor in a 10-foot-
saving throw or be blinded until the end of your radius around you. Any creature that traverses
next turn. more than 5 feet of the oily floor in single turn
12-16 Bludgeoned. Wreckage slams into you, dealing 5 must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or fall
(1d10) bludgeoning damage per tier. prone. If the oil is exposed to naked flames, it
becomes an inferno (see above).
41-42 Paralyzed. An electrified hunk of wreckage
slams into you, dealing 5 (1d10) lightning
damage per tier and paralyzing you until the end
of your next turn.
43-44 Petrified. A gout of magical gas ruptures from a 83-84 Teleported. With a crack of magical energy, the
nearby pipe. Make a DC 14 Constitution saving Ark teleports you to a random space on the
throw: if you fail by 5 or more, you are instantly battlefield.
petrified. Otherwise, if you fail the save you 85-86 Thrown. A shock wave hurls you and any
begin to turn to stone and are restrained. Repeat creature within 5 feet of you 1d10 x 5 feet in a
the same saving throw at the end of each of your random direction. If you strike a solid object, you
turns until you succeed or turn to stone. take damage as though you had fallen.
45-46 Pinned. A falling girder pins you beneath it. Until 87-95 Tripped. A shockwave knocks you prone, along
freed, you are prone and restrained. To break with any creatures with 5 feet of you.
free, you or an adjacent ally must take an action 96-97 Unconscious. A chunk of wreckage hits you in
and succeed on a DC 10 Strength (Athletics) the back of the head and you drop to 0 hit
check. points.
47-48 Poisoned. Caustic fumes erupt around you. All 98-99 Double damage. Roll twice on this table and
creatures within a 10-foot-radius of you must apply both results (ignoring rolls of 98-00).
succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or 00 Triple damage. Roll three time on this table and
become poisoned until the end of their next apply all results (ignoring rolls of 98-00).
turn.
49-50 Rift. The deck tears open beneath you, creating Effects by Tier
a rift that stretches in a 5-foot-wide line for 1d6 Many hazards within the Ark direct players to roll on
x 5 feet in a random direction. Any creature
the following table. The difficulty of the saving throw
standing over the rift when it opens must
required is as follows:
succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw to
leap to safety. Creatures that fall into the rift Saving Throw DC by Tier
tumble into a wrecked chamber 40 feet below.
Tier Difficulty Class
51-52 Rubble. Rubble clatters over the deck, creating
1-4 DC 12
difficult terrain in a 10-foot-radius around you.
5-10 DC 15
53-54 Scalded. A gout of steam hisses into your face.
11-16 DC 17
You must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving
throw or take 5 (1d10) fire damage per tier.
Damage by Tier
55-59 Severely Bludgeoned. Wreckage slams into you, Tier Damage
dealing 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage per tier. 1-4 4 (1d8) damage.
60-64 Severely Impaled. A spear of shrapnel plunges 5-10 9 (2d8) damage.
into you, dealing 11 (2d10) piercing damage per 11-16 22 (6d8) damage.
tier.
65-69 Severely Slashed. Shrapnel tears into you, For each level of APL above or below the optimized
dealing 11 (2d10) slashing damage per tier. level (i.e. 3/8/12), add or remove one die of damage
70-74 Slashed. Shrapnel tears into you, dealing 6 (minimum 1).
(1d10) slashing damage per tier.
75-76 Slowed. A chunk of wreckage cracks into your
knee, reducing your speed by half until the end
Reinforcements
of your next turn. If your sector is breached during an encounter, the
77-78 Smoke. A 20-foot-radius sphere of thick smoke following enemies join the battle at the start of the
swirls up around you, heavily obscuring the area. next round:
The cloud persists until a wind of moderate or
greater speed (at least 10 miles per hour) Enemy Boarders
disperses it Tier Reinforcements
79-80 Stunned. A chunk of wreckage strikes you in the 1-4 Four goblins.
back of the head, dealing 5 (1d10) bludgeoning 5-10 Four bandit captains.
damage per tier and stunning you until the end 11-16 One pirate mage and four veterans.
of your next turn.
81-82 Tangled. A knot of chains and wires entangles
you. Until freed, your speed is halved and you
take disadvantage on attacks and ability checks.
To disentangle yourself, you or an adjacent ally
must take an action and succeed on a DC 10
Strength (Athletics) check.
If “elite boarders” target your group, use the
following enemies instead:
Elite Boarders
Tier Reinforcements
1-4 One hill giant.
5-10 One fire giant.
11-16 Two cloud giants.
Combat between monsters

Enemy boarders target Ark Guardians as well as player
characters (and vice versa)! When resolving conflicts
between rival monsters, assume each attack hits and apply
damage automatically.
Legendary Villains
Legendary villains roam the war map and attack
different tables. The administrators assume the roles
of these villains.
 If a villain arrives at your table, the administrator
immediately resolves an attack against one or
more characters. This action interrupts any turn
currently in play.
 If you’re using miniatures, the administrator
places their villain anywhere on the battle map.
 After resolving the villain’s attacks, the
administrator can use its Legendary Action at the
end of any turn to retreat from the combat.
Appendix 4. Monster/NPC Statistics Animated Armor
Medium construct, unaligned
Abominable Yeti Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Huge monstrosity, chaotic evil Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
Speed 25 ft.
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 137 (11d12 + 66)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Speed 30 ft. 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 1 (−5) 3 (−4) 1 (−5)

Damage Immunities poison, psychic
24 (+7) 10 (+0) 22 (+6) 9 (−1) 13 (+1) 9 (−1)
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened,
exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified,
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +4
poisoned
Damage Immunities cold
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius),
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 15
passive Perception 6
Languages Yeti
Languages —
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Fear of Fire. If the yeti takes fire damage, it has
Antimagic Susceptibility. The armor is incapacitated
disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the
while in the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by
end of its next turn.
dispel magic, the armor must succeed on a
Keen Smell. The yeti has advantage on Wisdom Constitution saving throw against the caster’s spell
(Perception) checks that rely on smell. save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.
Snow Camouflage. The yeti has advantage on Dexterity False Appearance. While the armor remains
(Stealth) checks made to hide in snowy terrain. motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal suit of
armor.
Actions
Multiattack. The yeti can use its Chilling Gaze and Actions
makes two claw attacks. Multiattack. The armor makes two melee attacks.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
one target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage plus 7 target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
(2d6) cold damage.
Chilling Gaze. The yeti targets one creature it can see
within 30 feet of it. If the target can see the yeti, the
target must succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving
throw against this magic or take 21 (6d6) cold damage
and then be paralyzed for 1 minute, unless it is
immune to cold damage. The target can repeat the
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
effect on itself on a success. If the target’s saving throw
is successful, or if the effect ends on it, the target is
immune to this yeti’s gaze for 1 hour.
Cold Breath (Recharge 6). The yeti exhales a 30-foot
cone of frigid air. Each creature in that area must make
a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 45 (10d8)
cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage
on a successful one.
Azer Bandit Captain
Medium elemental, lawful neutral Medium humanoid (any race), any non-lawful
alignment
Armor Class 17 (natural armor, shield)
Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12) Armor Class 15 (studded leather)
Speed 30 ft. Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft.
17 (+3) 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Con +4
Damage Immunities fire, poison Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +5, Wis +2
Condition Immunities poisoned Skills Athletics +4, Deception +4
Senses passive Perception 11 Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Ignan Languages any two languages
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Heated Body. A creature that touches the azer or hits it
Actions
with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5
(1d10) fire damage. Multiattack. The captain makes three melee attacks:
Heated Weapons. When the azer hits with a metal two with its scimitar and one with its dagger. Or the
melee weapon, it deals an extra 3 (1d6) fire damage captain makes two ranged attacks with its daggers.
(included in the attack). Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Illumination. The azer sheds bright light in a 10-foot one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
radius and dim light for an additional 10 feet. Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 +
Actions 3) piercing damage.
Warhammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
Reactions
ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage, or
8 (1d10 + 3) bludgeoning damage if used with two Parry. The captain adds 2 to its AC against one melee
hands to make a melee attack, plus 3 (1d6) fire attack that would hit it. To do so, the captain must see
damage. the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.
Basilisk Berserker
Medium monstrosity, unaligned Medium humanoid (any race), any chaotic alignment
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Armor Class 13 (hide armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) Hit Points 67 (9d8 + 27)
Speed 20 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 8 (−1) 15 (+2) 2 (−4) 8 (−1) 7 (−2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 9 (−1) 11 (+0) 9 (−1)
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Senses passive Perception 10

Languages — Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Petrifying Gaze. If a creature starts its turn within 30 Reckless. At the start of its turn, the berserker can gain
feet of the basilisk and the two of them can see each advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that
other, the basilisk can force the creature to make a DC turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the
12 Constitution saving throw if the basilisk isn’t start of its next turn.
incapacitated. On a failed save, the creature magically
begins to turn to stone and is restrained. It must repeat Actions
the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is one target. Hit: 9 (1d12 + 3) slashing damage.
petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or
other magic.
A creature that isn’t surprised can avert its eyes to
avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If it does
so, it can’t see the basilisk until the start of its next
turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If it looks at the
basilisk in the meantime, it must immediately make the
save.
If the basilisk sees its reflection within 30 feet of it in
bright light, it mistakes itself for a rival and targets
itself with its gaze.
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
poison damage.
Clay Golem advantage on Dexterity saving throws, and can use its
Large construct, unaligned slam attack as a bonus action.

Hit Points 133 (14d10 + 56)
Cloud Giant
Speed 20ft. Huge giant, neutral good (50%) or neutral evil (50%)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Hit Points 200 (16d12 + 96)
20 (+5) 9 (-1) 18 (+4) 3 (-4) 8 (-1) 1 (-5)
Speed 40 ft.
Damage Immunities acid, poison, psychic; STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical 27 (+8) 10 (+0) 22 (+6) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
weapons that aren't adamantine
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, Saving Throws Con +9, Wis +7, Cha +7
frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Skills Insight +7, Perception +7
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 9 Senses passive Perception 17
Languages understands the languages of its creator but Languages Common, Giant
can't speak Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Keen Smell. The giant has advantage on Wisdom
Acid Absorption. Whenever the golem is subjected to (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
acid damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a
Innate Spellcasting. The giant’s innate spellcasting
number of hit points equal to the acid damage dealt.
ability is Charisma. It can innately cast the following
Berserk. Whenever the golem starts its turn with 60 hit spells, requiring no material components:
points or fewer, roll a d6. On a 6, the golem goes At will: detect magic, fog cloud, light
berserk. On each of its turns while berserk, the golem 3/day each: feather fall, fly, misty step, telekinesis
attacks the nearest creature it can see. If no creature is 1/day each: control weather, gaseous form
near enough to move to and attack, the golem attacks
an object, with preference for an object smaller than Actions
itself. Once the golem goes berserk, it continues to do
Multiattack. The giant makes two morningstar attacks.
so until it is destroyed or regains all its hit points.
Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach
Immutable Form. The golem is immune to any spell or
10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d8 + 8) piercing damage.
effect that would alter its form.
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 60/240
Magic Resistance. The golem has advantage on saving
ft., one target. Hit: 30 (4d10 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
throws against spells and other magical effects.
Magic Weapons. The golem's weapon attacks are
magical.
Actions
Multiattack. The golem makes two slam attacks.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the
target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15
Constitution saving throw or have its hit point
maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage
taken. The target dies if this attack reduces its hit point
maximum to 0. The reduction lasts until removed by
the greater restoration spell or other magic.
Haste (Recharge 5-6). Until the end of its next turn, the
golem magically gains a +2 bonus to its AC , has
Cloud Giant Smiling One Change Shape. The giant magically polymorphs into a
Huge giant (cloud giant), neutral evil beast or humanoid it has seen, or back into its true
form. Any equipment the giant is wearing or carrying is
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) absorbed by the new form. Its statistics, other than its
Hit Points 262 (21d12 + 126) size, are the same in each form. It reverts to its true
Speed 40 ft. form if it dies.

26 (+8) 12 (+1) 22 (+6) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) Cyclops
Huge giant, chaotic neutral
Saving Throws Con +10, Int +6, Cha +7
Skills Deception +11, Insight +7, Perception +7, Sleight
Hit Points 138 (12d12 + 60)
of Hand +9
Speed 30 ft.
Senses passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Giant STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP) 22 (+6) 11 (+0) 20 (+5) 8 (−1) 6 (−2) 10 (+0)
Keen Smell. The giant has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on smell. Senses passive Perception 8
Innate Spellcasting. The giant’s innate spellcasting Languages Giant
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
cast the following spells, requiring no material Poor Depth Perception. The cyclops has disadvantage
components: on any attack roll against a target more than 30 feet
away.
At will: detect magic, fog cloud, light
Actions
3/day each: feather fall, fly, misty step, telekinesis
1/day each: control weather, gaseous form Multiattack. The cyclops makes two greatclub attacks.
Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10
Spellcasting. The giant is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 30/120
hit with spell attacks). The giant has the following bard ft., one target. Hit: 28 (4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): minor illusion, prestidigitation, vicious

mockery
1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, disguise self, silent
image, Tasha’s hideous laughter
2nd level (3 slots): invisibility, suggestion
3rd level (2 slots): major image, tongues
Actions
Multiattack. The giant makes two attacks with its
morningstar.
Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach
10 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d8 + 8) bludgeoning
damage. The attack deals an extra 14 (4d6) damage if
the giant has advantage on the attack roll.
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 60/240
ft., one target. Hit: 30 (4d10 + 8) bludgeoning damage.
The attack deals an extra 14 (4d6) damage if the giant
has advantage on the attack roll.
Death Dog attacks). It can innately cast the following spells,
Medium monstrosity, neutral evil requiring no material components:
Armor Class 12
At will: detect evil and good, detect magic,
Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)
thunderwave
Speed 40 ft.
3/day each: create food and water (can create wine
instead of water), tongues, wind walk
15 (+2) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 3 (−4) 13 (+1) 6 (−2) 1/day each: conjure elemental (air elemental only),
creation, gaseous form, invisibility, major image,
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +4 plane shift
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Actions
Languages —
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Multiattack. The djinni makes three scimitar attacks.
Two-Headed. The dog has advantage on Wisdom Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
(Perception) checks and on saving throws against being one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage plus 3
blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, or (1d6) lightning or thunder damage (djinni's choice).
knocked unconscious. Create Whirlwind. A 5-foot-radius, 30-foot-tall cylinder
of swirling air magically forms on a point the djinni can
Actions
see within 120 feet of it. The whirlwind lasts as long as
Multiattack. The dog makes two bite attacks. the djinni maintains concentrating (as if concentrating
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one on a spell). Any creature but the djinni that enters the
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is whirlwind must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving
a creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution throw or be restrained by It. The djinni can move the
saving throw against disease or become poisoned until whirlwind up to 60 feet as an action, and creatures
the disease is cured. Every 24 hours that elapse, the restrained by the whirlwind move with it. The
creature must repeat the saving throw, reducing its hit whirlwind ends if the djinni loses sight of it.
point maximum by 5 (1d10) on a failure. This reduction A creature can use it’s action to free a creature
lasts until the disease is cured. The creature dies if the restrained by the whirlwind, including itself, by
disease reduces its hit point maximum to 0. succeeding on a DC 18 Strength check. If the check
succeeds, the creature is no longer restrained and
Djinni moves to the nearest space outside the whirlwind.
Large elemental, chaotic good
Hit Points 161 (14d10 + 84)
Speed 30 ft., fly 90 ft.

21 (+5) 15 (+2) 22 (+6) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 20 (+5)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +7, Cha +9

Damage Immunities lightning, thunder
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Auran
Elemental Demise. If the djinni dies, its body
disintegrates into a warm breeze, leaving behind only
equipment the djinni was wearing or carrying.
Innate Spellcasting. The djinni's innate spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell
Fire Giant Galeb Duhr
Huge giant, lawful evil Medium elemental, neutral
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 162 (13d12 + 78) Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Speed 30 ft. Hit Points 85 (9d8 + 45)
Speed 15 ft. (30 ft. when rolling, 60 ft. rolling downhill)
25 (+7) 9 (−1) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +10, Cha +5
Skills Athletics +11, Perception +6 Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
Damage Immunities fire slashing from nonmagical weapons
Senses passive Perception 16 Damage Immunities poison
Languages Giant Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed, poisoned,
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) petrified
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft.,
Actions passive Perception 11
Multiattack. The giant makes two greatsword attacks. Languages Terran
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
10 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (6d6 + 7) slashing damage. False Appearance. While the galeb duhr remains
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/240 motionless, it is indistinguishable from a normal
ft., one target. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage boulder.
Rolling Charge. If the galeb duhr rolls at least 20 feet
straight toward a target and then hits it with a slam
attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 7
(2d6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Actions
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Animate Boulders (1/Day). The galeb duhr magically
animates
up to two boulders it can see within 60 feet of it. A
boulder has statistics like those of a galeb duhr, except
it has Intelligence 1 and Charisma 1, it can’t be
charmed or frightened, and it lacks this action option.
A boulder remains animated as long as the galeb duhr
maintains concentration, up to 1 minute (as if
concentrating on a spell).
Gargoyle Giant Scorpion
Medium elemental, chaotic evil Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. Speed 40 ft.
15 (+2) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 6 (−2) 11 (+0) 7 (−2) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 1 (−5) 9 (-1) 3 (−4)
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 9
slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t Languages --
adamantine Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified, poisoned Actions
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Multiattack. The scorpion makes three attacks: two
Languages Terran with its claws and one with its sting.
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
False Appearance. While the gargoyle remains target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage, and the
motionless, it is indistinguishable from an inanimate target is grappled (escape DC 12). The scorpion has two
statue. sets of claws, each of which can grapple only one
target.
Actions
Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Multiattack. The gargoyle makes two attacks: one with target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage, and the
its bite and one with its claws. target must make a DC 12 constitution saving throw,
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one taking 22 (4d10) poison damage on a failed save, or
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. half as much on a successful one.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
Goblin Gorgon
Small humanoid (goblinoid), neutral evil Large monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (leather armor, shield) Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 7 (2d6) Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48)
8 (−1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (−1) 8 (−1) 20 (+5) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 2 (-4) 12 (+1) 7 (-2)
Skills Stealth +6 Skills Perception +4

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Condition Immunities petrified
Languages Common, Goblin Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) Languages Common, Terran
Nimble Escape. The goblin can take the Disengage or Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns. Trampling Charge. If the gorgon moves at least 20 feet
straight toward a creature and then hits it with a gore
Actions attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage. the target is prone, the gorgon can make one attack
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range with its hooves against it as a bonus action.
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. Actions
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Goblin Boss target. Hit: 18 (2d12 + 5) piercing damage.
Small humanoid (goblinoid), lawful evil Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
Armor Class 11 (leather armor) one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Hit Points 32 (5d8 + 10) Petrifying Breath (Recharge 5-6). The gorgon exhales
Speed 30 ft. petrifying gas in a 30-foot-cone. Each creature in that
area must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA throw. On a failed save, a target begins to turn to stone
15 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) and is restrained. The restrained target must repeat
the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a
Skills Intimidation +2 success, the effect ends on the target. On a failure, the
Senses passive Perception 10 target is petrified until freed by the greater restoration
Languages Goblin, Common spell or other magic.
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Pack Tactics. The boss has advantage on an attack roll
against a creature if at least one of the boss’s allies is
within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t
incapacitated.
Actions
Multiattack. The boss makes two melee attacks.
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit,
range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing
damage.
Griffon Helmed Horror
Large monstrosity, unaligned Medium construct, neutral
Armor Class 12 Armor Class 20 (plate, shield)
Speed 30 ft., fly 80 ft. Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 2 (−4) 13 (+1) 8 (−1) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
Skills Perception +5 Skills Perception +4

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15 Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and
Languages -- slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t
Challenge 2 (450 XP) adamantine
Keen Sight. The griffon has advantage on Wisdom Damage Immunities force, necrotic, poison
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened,
frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, stunned
Actions Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius),
Multiattack. The griffon makes two attacks: one with passive Perception 14
its beak and one with its claws. Languages understands the languages of its creator but
can’t speak
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Magic Resistance. The helmed horror has advantage
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one on saving throws against spells and other magical
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. effects.
Spell Immunity. The helmed horror is immune to three
spells chosen by its creator. Typical immunities include
fireball, heat metal, and lightning bolt.
Actions
Multiattack. The helmed horror makes two longsword
attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 9
(1d10 + 4) slashing damage if used with two hands.
Hill Giant Mage
Huge giant, chaotic evil Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 13 (natural armor) Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 105 (10d12 + 40) Hit Points 40 (9d8)
Speed 40ft. Speed 30 ft.
21 (+5) 8 (- 1) 19 (+4) 5 (- 3) 9 (- 1) 6 (-2) 9 (−1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
Skills Perception +2 Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4

Senses passive Perception 12 Skills Arcana +6, History +6
Languages Giant Senses passive Perception 11
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Languages any four languages
Actions
Spellcasting. The mage is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its
Multiattack. The giant makes two greatclub attacks. spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6
Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 to hit with spell attacks). The mage has the following
ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. wizard spells prepared:
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 60/240 Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand,
ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic
missile, shield
2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, fly
4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility, ice storm
5th level (1 slot): cone of cold
Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 +
2) piercing damage.
Medusa Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
Medium monstrosity, lawful evil 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing
damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
Hit Points 127 (17d8 + 51)
Speed 30 ft.
Minotaur
Large monstrosity, chaotic evil
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
10 (+0) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 15 (+2)
Hit Points 76 (9d10 + 27)
Speed 40 ft.
Skills Deception +5, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth
+5 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 18 (+4) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 6 (−2) 16 (+3) 9 (−1)
Languages Common
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Skills Perception +7
Petrifying Gaze. When a creature that can see the Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
medusa’s eyes starts its turn within 30 feet of the Languages Abyssal
medusa, the medusa can force it to make a DC 14 Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Constitution saving throw if the medusa isn’t Charge. If the minotaur moves at least 10 feet straight
incapacitated and can see the creature. If the saving toward a target and then hits it with a gore attack on
throw fails by 5 or more, the creature is instantly the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8)
petrified. Otherwise, a creature that fails the save piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must
begins to turn to stone and is restrained. The succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be
restrained creature must repeat the saving throw at pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.
the end of its next turn, becoming petrified on a failure
Labyrinthine Recall. The minotaur can perfectly recall
or ending the effect on a success. The petrification lasts
any path it has traveled.
until the creature is freed by the greater restoration
spell or other magic. Reckless. At the start of its turn, the minotaur can gain
Unless surprised, a creature can avert its eyes to advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls it makes
avoid the saving throw at the start of its turn. If the during that turn, but attack rolls against it have
creature does so, it can’t see the medusa until the start advantage until the start of its next turn.
of its next turn, when it can avert its eyes again. If the
Actions
creature looks at the medusa in the meantime, it must
immediately make the save. Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
If the medusa sees itself reflected on a polished one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
surface within 30 feet of it and in an area of bright Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
light, the medusa is, due to its curse, affected by its target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
own gaze.
Actions
Multiattack. The medusa makes either three melee
attacks—one with its snake hair and two with its
shortsword—or two ranged attacks with its longbow.
Snake Hair. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage plus
14 (4d6) poison damage.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Minotaur Skeleton Mouth of Grolantor
Large undead, lawful evil Huge giant (hill giant), chaotic evil
Armor Class 12 (natural armor) Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
18 (+4) 11 (+0) 15 (+2) 6 (−2) 8 (−1) 5 (−3) 21 (+5) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 5 (−3) 7 (−2) 5 (−3)
Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning Skills Perception +1

Damage Immunities poison Condition Immunities frightened
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned Senses passive Perception 11
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Languages Giant
Languages understands Abyssal but can’t speak Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Mouth of Madness. The giant is immune to confusion
Charge. If the skeleton moves at least 10 feet straight spells and similar magic.
toward a target and then hits it with a gore attack on On each of its turns, the giant uses all its movement
the same turn, the target takes an extra 9 (2d8) to move toward the nearest creature or whatever else
piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must it might perceive as food. Roll a d10 at the start of each
succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be of the giant’s turns to determine its action for that
pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone. turn:
1–3. The giant makes three attacks with its fists against
Actions
one random target within its reach. If no other
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., creatures are within its reach, the giant flies into a
one target. Hit: 17 (2d12 + 4) slashing damage. rage and gains advantage on all attack rolls until the
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one end of its next turn.
target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage. 4–5. The giant makes one attack with its fist against
every creature within its reach. If no other creatures
are within its reach, the giant makes one fist attack
against itself.
6–7. The giant makes one attack with its bite against
one random target within its reach. If no other
creatures are within its reach, its eyes glaze over and
it becomes stunned until the start of its next turn.
8–10. The giant makes three attacks against one
random target within its reach: one attack with its
bite and two with its fists. If no other creatures are
within its reach, the giant flies into a rage and gains
advantage on all attack rolls until the end of its next
turn.
Actions
creature. Hit: 15 (3d6 + 5) piercing damage, and the
giant magically regains hit points equal to the damage
dealt.
Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 18 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Orog Storm Giant Quintessent
Medium humanoid (orc), chaotic evil Huge giant (storm giant), chaotic good
Armor Class 18 (plate) Armor Class 12
Speed 30 ft. Speed 50 ft., fly 50 ft. (hover), swim 50 ft.
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 29 (+9) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 17 (+3) 20 (+5) 19 (+4)
Skills Intimidation +5, Survival +2 Saving Throws Str +14, Con +10, Wis +10, Cha +9
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Skills Arcana +8, History +8, Perception +10
Languages Common, Orc Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and
Challenge 2 (450 XP) slashing
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orog can move up to from nonmagical attacks
its speed toward a hostile creature that it can see. Damage Immunities lightning, thunder
Senses truesight 60 ft., passive Perception 20
Actions Languages Common, Giant
Multiattack. The orog makes two greataxe attacks. Challenge 16 (15,000 XP)
Amphibious. The giant can breathe air and water.
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 10 (1d12 + 4) slashing damage. Actions
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, Multiattack. The giant makes two Lightning Sword
reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + attacks or uses Wind Javelin twice.
4) piercing damage.
Lightning Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit,
reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 40 (9d6 + 9) lightning
Skeleton damage.
Medium undead, lawful evil Wind Javelin. The giant coalesces wind into a javelin-
Armor Class 13 (armor scraps) like form and hurls it at a creature it can see within 600
Hit Points 13 (2d8 + 4) feet of it. The javelin is considered a magic weapon and
Speed 30 ft. deals 19 (3d6 + 9) piercing damage to the target,
striking unerringly. The javelin disappears after it hits.
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 6 (−2) 8 (−1) 5 (−3) Legendary Actions
The giant can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning the options below. Only one legendary action option
Damage Immunities poison can be used at a time and only at the end of another
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned creature’s turn. The giant regains spent legendary
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 actions at the start of its turn.
Languages understands all languages it knew in life but Gust. The giant targets a creature it can see within 60
can’t speak feet of it and creates a magical gust of wind around it.
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving
throw or be pushed up to 20 feet in any horizontal
Actions
direction the giant chooses.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5
Thunderbolt (2 Actions). The giant hurls a thunderbolt
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
at a creature it can see within 600 feet of it. The target
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. (4d10) thunder damage on a failed save, or half as
much damage on a successful one.
One with the Storm (3 Actions). The giant vanishes, Tiger
dispersing itself into the storm surrounding its lair. The Large beast, unaligned
giant can end this effect at the start of any of its turns,
becoming a giant once more and appearing in any Armor Class 12
location it chooses within its lair. While dispersed, the Hit Points 37 (5d10 + 10)
giant can’t take any actions other than lair actions, and Speed 40ft.
it can’t be targeted by attacks, spells, or other effects.
The giant can’t use this ability outside its lair, nor can it STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 3 (- 4) 12 (+1) 8 (-1)
use this ability if another creature is using a control
weather spell or similar magic to quell the storm.
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 13
Languages --
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Keen Smell. The tiger has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on smell.
Pounce. If the tiger moves at least 20 feet straight
toward a creature and then hits it with a claw attack on
the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 13
Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the
target is prone, the tiger can make one bite attack
against it as a bonus action.
Actions
target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) piercing damage.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Veteran Warlord
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 17 (splint) Armor Class 18 (plate)
16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2 Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +7, Con +8
Senses passive Perception 12 Skills Athletics +9, Intimidation +8, Perception +5,
Languages any one language (usually Common) Persuasion +8
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Senses passive Perception 15
Languages any two languages
Actions Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Multiattack. The veteran makes two longsword Indomitable (3/Day). The warlord can reroll a saving
attacks. If it has a shortsword drawn, it can also make a throw it fails. It must use the new roll.
shortsword attack. Survivor. The warlord regains 10 hit points at the start
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point but fewer hit
ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 points than half its hit point maximum.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 Actions
ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. Multiattack. The warlord makes two weapon attacks.
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5
range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.
damage. Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Legendary Actions
The warlord can take 3 legendary actions, choosing
from the options below. Only one legendary action
option can be used at a time and only at the end of
another creature’s turn. The warlord regains spent
legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Weapon Attack. The warlord makes a weapon attack.
Command Ally. The warlord targets one ally it can see
within 30 feet of it. If the target can see and hear the
warlord, the target can make one weapon attack as a
reaction and gains advantage on the attack roll.
Frighten Foe (Costs 2 Actions). The warlord targets one
enemy it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target can
see and hear it, the target must succeed on a DC 16
Wisdom saving throw or be frightened until the end of
warlord’s next turn.
Wight Wyvern
Medium undead, neutral evil Large dragon, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (studded leather) Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 20 ft., fly 80 ft.
15 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 19 (+4) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 5 (−3) 12 (+1) 6 (−2)
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4 Skills Perception +4

Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
and slashing from nonmagical attacks that aren’t Languages —
silvered Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned Actions
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 Multiattack. The wyvern makes two attacks: one with
Languages the languages it knew in life its bite and one with its stinger. While flying, it can use
Challenge 3 (700 XP) its claws in place of one other attack.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wight has Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom creature. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage.
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Actions target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Stinger. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
Multiattack. The wight makes two longsword attacks
one creature. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage. The
or two longbow attacks. It can use its Life Drain in place
target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw,
of one longsword attack.
taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., as much damage on a successful one.
one creature. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) necrotic damage. The
target must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving
throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an
amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies
if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later
as a zombie under the wight’s control, unless the
humanoid is restored to life or its body is destroyed.
The wight can have no more than twelve zombies
under its control at one time.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage, or 7
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing
damage.
Appendix 5. Administrator Guide General
The General oversees the whole event. In Ark of the
The section provides guidance on running Ark of the
Mountains it’s vital that players can hear the
Mountains as a D&D Epics™ event for your game day
General’s announcements.
or convention.
 The General compiles a battle log from completed
Participants quest sheets and announces important events in
the ongoing sky battle.
The adventure requires the following participants to  The General tracks the victory pile and
run smoothly. adjudicates the success or failure of the overall
adventure goal.
8 or more Groups
A minimum of eight groups is required to run the
adventure. Setup
The following steps are important for ensuring the
 Each group needs 3-7 players. All players in a
event runs smoothly.
group must belong to the same tier (i.e. level 1-4,
level 5-10, or level 11-16).
 There’s no limit to how many groups can
Step 1. Prepare Headquarters
Headquarters (or “HQ”) is an area set aside for the
participate (see “Adjustments for Event Size”
administrative staff. The following important
below).
elements are on display here:
 Groups can belong to any tier and not all tiers
need to be represented.  War Map. The war map from Appendix 6 shows a
view of Thunderbound and spaces representing
Dungeon Masters (one per Group) sectors within the Ark of the Mountains. During
Each table has one Dungeon Master. play, the Tier Commanders place banners to the
war map to show where each group is fighting on
 Dungeon Masters should read the adventure the Ark. If projector equipment is available, the
beforehand and prepare an encounter for each of war map can be projected onto a large screen.
the four sectors (“Main Deck”, “Bridge”, “Gun
 Critical quests. Quest sheets 1-8 from Appendix 6
Deck” and “Engine Room”).
are placed in a pile at HQ and assigned to the first
eight Dungeon Masters who muster.
Group Leaders (one per Group)  Hidden quests. Quest sheets 9-16 are placed in a
Each table has one player who’s responsible for
second pile. These quests are unlocked by the
reporting events to the Tier Commanders. completion of the critical quests.
 Players chose their Group Leader once the group  Sector Quests. Quest sheets 17-20 are printed
has mustered. multiple times and placed in four separate piles
 The Group Leader is responsible for delivering (see “Adjustments for Event Size”, below). These
completed quest sheets to headquarters or to the quests are assigned if more than eight groups
nearest Tier Commander. muster or existing groups run out of quests.
 Victory Pile. Completed quest sheets are added to
1+ Tier Commanders the victory pile.
Each section has a Tier Commander who adjudicates
interactive events and answers questions posed by Step 2. Prepare Tables
DMs. One table is required for each group.
 Tier Commanders assign quest sheets to Dungeon  Each table must have a table number displayed
Masters in their section. prominently on its surface, so administrators can
 Tier Commanders assume the role of legendary locate specific tables during the event.
monsters as needed.  All tables need a good view of HQ so they can see
 Tier Commanders liaise between tables to and hear the General’s updates.
adjudicate the “Request Aid” action and other
interactive events.
Step 3. Muster Groups For example, if eight groups were present, each
During muster, each Dungeon Master receives a quest would have sixteen copies.
quest sheet from Headquarters.
 The eight critical quests (numbered 1-8) are Core Rules
assigned first.
 When the critical quests are gone, the Tier Banners
Commanders assign sector quests to the Whenever a group moves to a new sector on the
remaining groups. Tier Commanders should map, the Group Leader announces the move to their
spread the quests evenly between groups. nearest Tier Commander. The Tier Commander
 Tier Commanders note the table numbers and moves the group’s banner to the new sector on the
starting sectors of the groups in their section and war map.
place banners for them on the war map.
Quests
Step 4. Count Groups Each group receives its own quest. The quest sheet
To calculate victories, the administrators need to provides the DM with instructions for play.
know how many groups are playing (see Administrator Handout 2: “Quest Summary”
“Adjustments for Event Size”, below). summarizes the quests available.
 Count the banners on the war map, and check they  When the group’s quest goals are complete, the
match the number of active tables. Group Leader delivers the completed quest sheet
to the nearest Tier Commander.
Step 5. Prepare Enemy Actions  The Tier Commander hands the quest sheet to the
The General secretly picks two enemy actions for General so he or she can prepare the next battle
Thunderbound (see “Battle Updates”, below). update (see “Battle Updates”, below).
 Critical quests unlock hidden quests. When this
Step 6. Play! occurs, the General uses the war map to assign the
When play begins, the General reads the briefing specified hidden quest to a valid group. The group
aloud to the assembled players (see “Beginning the must be active in one of the sectors specified on
Adventure”). the hidden quest sheet.
 Critical quests and hidden quests both trigger
Adjustments for Event Size battle events. The General notes which events
have occurred and incorporates them into his or
To destroy Thunderbound, each group must triumph her next battle update (see “Battle Updates”,
in three quests. Therefore, the number of groups below).
present determines how many quests sheets must  If a group runs out of quests, the group must move
be added to the victory pile for the players to win. to a new sector and request a sector quest from
Victory Pile the nearest Tier Commander.
Groups 25% 50% 75% 100% Quest Example
8 6 12 18 24 1. Table 3 completes critical quest 3: “Summon the Iron
9 6 13 20 27 Archers”. Their Group Leader delivers the completed quest
10 7 15 22 30 sheet to their nearest Tier Commander.
11 8 16 24 33 2. The Tier Commander hands the completed quest sheet to
12 9 18 27 36 the General, who checks the “Quest Results” sections and
13+ Round down +3 per group sees that this quest unlocks hidden quest 13 and triggers
the “Iron Archers” battle event.
Printing Quests 3. The General incorporates the “Iron Archers” battle event
Quests for Dungeon Masters are provided in into her next battle update.
Appendix 6: “Administrator Handouts”. 4. The General takes locked quest 13 from the pile and
checks the “Quest Assignment” section. Using the war
 No matter how many groups are present, quest map, the General assigns the quest to a group on the Main
sheets 1-16 are only printed once. Deck, Bridge or Gun Deck.
 Print two runs of quest sheets 17-20 for every
group present and arrange them into four piles.
5. A Tier Commander delivers the quest sheet to the  At the end of the phase, the General reads the
Dungeon Master of that group. When the group’s current battle update to the assembled players, and then
encounter is resolved, they begin the new quest. begins the process anew.
Battle Update Example
Victory Conditions 1. The phase begins, and the General secretly selects the
The success or failure of the event is determined by
“Catapults” and “Hang Gliders” enemy actions.
quests.
2. During the phase, the players hand in five completed quest
 Completed quest sheets are added to the victory sheets. This results in one quest event: “Ark Shields”.
pile. 3. Using the quest sheets, the General jots down the basic
 The number of quests needed to win depends on narrative of each completed quest on her battle log,
shining the spotlight on different groups and characters.
how many groups are playing (see “Adjustments
4. The “Ark Shields” event cancels “Catapults”, so the
for Event Size”, above).
General adds a line to describe how the Ark’s shields thud
 As the victory pile accrues quest sheets, the into place just as the catapult barrage rains down. The
General announces victory events in the next “Hang Gliders” event makes it through, causing one of the
battle update (see “Battle Updates”, below). Ark’s sectors to be breached by enemy pirates.
If the mission succeeds, Thunderbound is destroyed! 5. With eight groups playing, the completed quests trigger
The Ark of the Mountains is permanently crippled by the 25% complete victory event. The General adds a line to
the battle, but the players have saved Beregost! narrate this.
6. At the end of the phase, the General reads her battle
update to the assembled players. The General places a
Mission Failure breached marker on the war map to indicate the sector
If the players fail to amass enough completed quest
that has fallen to enemy boarders.
sheets by the end of the final phase, the General
offers them a challenge: one character must take
hold of the “Gale Wheel” and ram the Ark into Enemy Actions
Thunderbound while the other heroes evacuate. As it At the start of each phase, the General picks two
strikes, the pilot must self-destruct the Ark’s Engine enemy actions for Baron Rajiram. The General can’t
Room and blow both vessels to pieces. Nothing but a pick actions from locations that have been destroyed
wish spell can bring the sacrificed character back to by quest events.
life! Catapults. Giant-sized catapults barrage the Ark
with boulders. Choose one of the Ark’s sectors. All
groups present in that sector suffer “Battle Damage”
Battle Updates (see Appendix 3: “Battle Events”).
The event plays out over eight phases, each lasting Dragon Harpoon. The giants fire Thunderbound’s
30 minutes. After each phase, the General delivers a dragon harpoon, hurling a 20-foot long adamantine
battle update to the assembled players. spear through the Ark’s hull. Choose a group at
random: one random character in that group must
 The General composes a battle update on a piece
succeed on a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw or take
of paper. This paper is called the battle logsheet.
130 (20d12) piercing damage.
 At the start of the phase, the General secretly picks
Hang Gliders. Rajiram’s pirates use hang-gliders
two enemy actions from the list below. The
sewn from dragon skin to infiltrate the Ark. Choose
General can’t pick actions from locations
one of the Ark’s sectors: that sector is now
destroyed by quest events.
“Breached” (see Appendix 3: “Battle Events”). Place a
 As completed quest sheets are handed in, the breach marker on the Ark map to indicate this to
General summarizes the quests on the battle the DMs.
logsheet. All quest events that took place during Rock Throwers. Hill giants gathered on
that phase must be recorded. Thunderbound’s deck bombard the Ark with thrown
 Some quest events cancel out enemy actions (e.g. boulders. Choose one of the Ark’s sectors. All groups
“Ark Shields” prevents “Rock Throwers”, present in that sector suffer “Battle Damage” (see
“Catapults” or “Dragon Harpoon”). The General Appendix 3: “Battle Events”).
narrates these clashes on the battle logsheet. Roc Riders. Rocs airdrop troops onto the Ark.
 The General adds completed quest sheets to the Choose one of the Ark’s sectors: that sector is now
victory pile. Any notable victory events are “Breached” by Elite Boarders (see Appendix 3:
incorporated into the battle logsheet.
“Battle Events”). Place a breach marker on the Ark on their quest sheet. Place a destroyed marker on
map to indicate this to the DMs. the war map to indicate this.
Shaman. Baron Rajiram’s cloud giant shaman Storm Thunderbound (Quest 14) Heroes
weaves powerful magic to bolster his allies. Choose infiltrate Thunderbound and destroy the location
one “Breached” sector. The most powerful enemy specified by the group on their quest sheet. Place a
facing each group in that sector is healed to destroyed marker over it on the war map to indicate
maximum hit points. this.
Skull Totem. The evil totem on Thunderbound’s
quarterdeck flares with malign energy. Choose one Victory Events
sector: all groups in that sector can’t use healing 25% Complete. With the battle in full swing,
spells or healing potions for the duration of the next Thunderbound swoops alongside the Ark and
phase (i.e. 30 minutes). Rajiram’s pirates swarm onboard. All groups in the
event must fight “Reinforcements” (see Appendix 3:
Quest Events “Battle Events”). No sectors count as breached.
Quest events are triggered by completing core and 50% Complete. Both vessels are now aflame.
locked quests. Unless specified otherwise, each quest Baron Rajiram sends his legendary villains into the
event can only occur once during the sky battle. If an fray (see “Legendary Villains” below).
event has no effect, save it for a later phase. 75% Complete. Thunderbound starts to list
Iron Archers (Quest 3). The Ark’s guardians rain dangerous, and explosions ripple across its decks.
hell on the Baron’s invading forces. This event The alliance forces cheer! All characters gain the
cancels one “Hang Gliders” or “Roc Riders” enemy benefit of a short rest.
action, or removes one breach marker from the Ark 100% Complete. Thunderbound explodes and
map. crashes to the ground in pieces. The alliance has
Ark Shields (Quest 4). Adamantine shields thud won! If this event occurs before the final phase, the
into place around the Ark’s hull, shielding it from General should delay it until the end of the event.
attack. This event cancels one “Rock Throwers”,
“Catapults” or “Dragon Harpoon” enemy action. Legendary Villains
Ark Maneuver (Quest 9). The pilot takes evasive
action to steer the Ark away from harm. This event Legendary villains roam the war map and attack
cancels one enemy action of any type. different tables. The Tier Commanders assume the
Broadside (Quest 11). The Ark’s ballistas hurl roles of these villains.
explosive bolts into Thunderbound. destroying the  Each tier has its own villain, as described below. If
location specified by the group on their quest sheet. there are no groups in that tier, the villain doesn’t
Place a destroyed marker on the war map to indicate appear.
this.  The villains come into play when the victory pile
Fortify Shields (Quest 15). This event grants a reaches 50% complete. This is likely to occur
second use of the “Ark Shields” event. during the second hour of the event.
Fuel Burn (Quest 12). Dwarven spirits are  When a villain comes into play, the Tier
pumped into the Ark’s engines, giving it a boost of Commander playing the villain notes down all the
speed. This event cancels one “Rock Riders” or tables in that villain’s tier.
“Hang Gliders” enemy action.
 The Tier Commander then moves from table-to-
Reload (Quest 13). This event grants a second table, attacking different groups (see below).
use of the “Broadside” event. The General must ask
 If the villain is killed, the Tier Commander notes
the assembled players to shout out a target location
down the name of the character who landed the
for the attack.
killing blow and reports back to the General, who
Ram Thunderbound (Quest 16). The Ark plunges
incorporates the story into his or her next battle
its spinning ram into Thunderbound’s hull,
update.
destroying the location specified by the group on
their quest sheet. Place a destroyed marker on the
war map to indicate this. In addition, all sectors on Villain Attacks
 When the Tier Commander arrives at a table, the
the Ark suffer “Battle Damage”.
villain enters the battle and immediately takes an
Stone Cannon (Quest 10). The Ark’s mighty stone
action. This interrupts any turn currently in play.
cannon destroys the location specified by the group
 If the group is using miniatures, the administrator Tier 11-16 Villain: Sláturhaust
places the villain anywhere on the edge of the The dying storm giant Sláturhaust conjures the
battle map. howling storm that surrounds Thunderbound.
 After resolving the villain’s action, play resumes as Sláturhaust is a storm giant quintessent who
normal. After one full round, the Tier Commander wields weapons and armor crafted from lightning
can use the villain’s Legendary Action at the end of and ice. Sláturhaust craves nothing less than a death
any turn to retreat from the combat. The Tier worthy of the chronicles.
Commander stays at the table for however long Sláturhaust has the legendary powers listed under
seems right. the storm giant quintessent stat block. In addition:
 Sláturhaust has the Legendary Resistance trait
Tier 1-4 Villain: Boff Badcrack (three times a day, she can choose to succeed on a
Boff Badcrack is a famished and disease-ridden hill
failed saving throw).
giant mouth of Grolantor, who Baron Rajiram
 Sláturhaust has hit points equal to 80 multiplied
keeps in a cage hanging from Thunderbound’s prow.
by the number of tables participating in Track 3
When his enemies defy him, the Red Baron releases
(minimum 400 hit points). For example, if five
Boff to sow chaos through their lands.
tables participate, Sláturhaust has 400 hit points.
Boff has the following legendary powers:
 Boff has the Legendary Resistance trait (three
times a day, he can choose to succeed on a failed
saving throw).
 Boff can take 3 Legendary actions per round,
which he can use at the end of another creature’s
turn. He can use these actions to use Bite or Fist,
or to escape from combat. If the APL is 1 or 2,
these attacks deal minimum damage and instead
knock the character prone.
 Boff has hit points equal to 25 multiplied by the
number of tables participating in Track 1
(minimum 144 hit points). For example, if ten
tables participate, Boff has 250 hit points.
Tier 5-10 Villain: Baron Rajiram

Baron Rajiram is a cloud giant smiling one. The
Baron wears no armor in battle, and hides his face
behind a fearsome red mask: one side of which is
smiling, and the other grimacing.
Baron Rajiram wields a staff of thunder and
lightning and has the following legendary powers:
 The Baron has the Legendary Resistance trait
(three times a day, he can choose to succeed on a
failed saving throw).
 The Baron can take 3 Legendary actions per
round, which he can use at the end of another
creature’s turn. He can use these actions to cast a
spell, use the staff of thunder and lightning, or
escape from combat.
 Baron Rajiram has hit points equal to 60
multiplied by the number of tables participating in
Track 2 (minimum 200 hit points). For example, if
five tables participate, Rajiram has 300 hit points.
 If he is killed, the group who defeated him can
claim the staff from his corpse.
Appendix 6. Administrator Handouts
Administrator Handout 1: War Map
Administrator Handout 2. Quest Summary
CRITICAL QUEST 1: WAKE THE GALE HEAD HIDDEN QUEST 9: SEIZE THE GALE WHEEL
Location: Main Deck Location: Bridge (assign to any other sector)
Result: Unlock Quest 9 Result: Ark Maneuver event
HIDDEN QUEST 11: PREPARE THE BROADSIDE

CRITICAL QUEST 2: ARM THE FIRING KEY
Location: Gun Deck (assign to any other sector)
Location: Bridge
Result: Broadside event
Result: Unlock Quest 11
CRITICAL QUEST 3: SUMMON THE IRON ARCHERS HIDDEN QUEST 13: ENGAGE THE BOLT LOADERS
Location: Gun Deck Location: Engine Rm. (assign to any other sector)
Result: Iron Archers Event + Unlock Quest 13 Result: Reload event
CRITICAL QUEST 4: RAISE THE SHIELDS HIDDEN QUEST 15: FORTIFY SHIELDS
Location: Engine Room Location: Main Deck (assign to any other sector)
Result: Ark Shields Event + Unlock Quest 15 Result: Fortify Shields event
CRITICAL QUEST 5: IGNITE EYE OF THE STORM HIDDEN QUEST 10: FIRE THE STONE CANNON
Location: Main Deck Location: Gun Deck (assign to any other sector)
Result: Unlock Quest 10 Result: Stone Cannon event
CRITICAL QUEST 6: ENGAGE THE SPIRIT PUMP HIDDEN QUEST 12: PRIME THE FUEL BURNER
Location: Bridge Location: Engine Rm. (assign to any other sector)
Result: Unlock Quest 12 Result: Fuel Burn event
CRITICAL QUEST 7: FIRE THE GRAPPLING HOOK HIDDEN QUEST 14: STORM THUNDERBOUND
Location: Gun Deck Location: Main Deck (assign to any other sector)
Result: Unlock Quest 14 Result: Storm Thunderbound event
CRITICAL QUEST 8: SPIN THE RAMMING SPIKE HIDDEN QUEST 16: FORTIFY SHIELDS
Location: Engine Room Location: Bridge (assign to any other sector)
Result: Unlock Quest 16 Result: Ram Thunderbound event
SECTOR QUEST 17: FORTIFY AREA

Location: Any
Result: cure wounds to all allies in sector
SECTOR QUEST 18: SLAY CHAMPION

Location: Any
Result: Grant Inspiration to one group in sector
SECTOR QUEST 19: RESCUE HEROES

Location: Any
Result: Damage to all enemies in sector
SECTOR QUEST 20: REPAIR CREW

Location: Any
Result: One group in sector ignores Siege Damage
Map Markers (Banners)
Tier 1-4 Banners.
Tier 5-10 Banners.
Tier 11-16 Banners.
Map Markers (Battle Events)
Critical Quest 1. Wake the Gale Head must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw
or be blown from the platform to tumble off the Ark!
Unless they can fly, they crash into the ground 150
Start sector feet below. Creatures that succeed on the save are
Main Deck
knocked prone on the platform. The characters can
try to answer the riddle again: with the same penalty
Player Information for failure!
Your orders are to wake the “Gale Head”: the carved face on Requesting Help
the mainmast that supplies wind to the mainsail. If you If the players are stumped by the riddle, the Group Leader
whisper the correct words into its ear, the Gale Head will can visit another table to see if they can guess the answer.
bend to our will. If all goes well, we can then steer the Ark
from the bridge. The runestone tablet has revealed the Quest Results
command words as MARNAG LIEBZ MORNIT.
Fill in the following section when this quest is
complete.
DM Information
The group must complete the following objectives to Quest Report
succeed in the quest: Group Name:
1. Start the Main Deck encounter. This group awoke the mighty “Gale Head” on the
2. One character must climb to the central armored mainsail, allowing the Alliance to steer the ship from
platform and whisper the command words in the the Bridge!
Gale Head’s ear (“MARNAG LIEBZ MORNIT”).
3. When the Gale Head awakens, the group must Character Name:
answer its riddle to bind it to the Alliance’s service This character solved the riddle to awaken the Gale
(see “The Riddle”, below). Head!
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group Character Name:
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below These characters perished during the mission.
and take this form to the administrators. The group
must finish their encounter before beginning
General Guidance
another quest.
 Assign “Quest 9: Seize the Gale Wheel”. This
hidden quest can’t be assigned to the group
The Riddle listed above.
When a character whispers the command words into
 Add this quest to the victory pile.
the Gale Head’s ear, read:
The Gate Head’s eyes grind open. It yawns – almost blowing

you from the balcony! - and then speaks in a voice that
makes your insides shake.
“You’re not Durlag! In that case, you must prove your
worth by whispering the answer to my riddle in my ear. Think
carefully: if your words don’t ring true, I’ll blow you away like
a feather!
“What breaks when you speak its name?”
The correct answer is “silence”. If a character

whispers this into the Gale Head’s ear, the Gale Head
pledges its aid to the Alliance and the characters
complete their quest!
Incorrect answers. If the wrong answer is given,
the Gale Head roars and a vortex of wind billows
from its maw. All creatures on the armored platform
Critical Quest 2. Arm the Firing Key If a character looks at the room through the lens,
read the following:
Start sector
Bridge Looking through the lens, you see glowing numeric symbols
hovering above the control panels and ghostly keyholes set
Player Information into their metalwork. The symbols are 15, 17, 20, 26, 27, and
30.
Your orders are to seize the Bridge and recover Durlag’s firing
key. The runestone tablet hints that one of the Ark’s If they turn the key in control panel 27, the other
immortal guardians carries the key. When you have it, you control panels descend into the floor and a booming
must turn it in one of the control panels on the Bridge. If you voice says “Preparing Broadside”. The characters
succeed, we’ll be able to call in an artillery broadside from have completed their quest!
the Gun Deck. Wrong Keyhole: If a character turns the key in any
other keyhole, monsters emerge from the canisters
(see below). This happens each time the key is
DM Information turned in an incorrect keyhole.
The group must complete the following objectives to
succeed in the quest:  Tier 1-4: Three dwarf skeletons.
 Tier 5-10: Three minotaur skeletons.
1. Start the Bridge encounter. The guardian  Tier 11-16: Three wights.
champion has the firing key on a chain around its
neck. None of the control panels have visible
keyholes. Requesting Help
2. Kill the guardian champion and retrieve the firing If the players are stumped by the puzzle, the Group Leader
key from its body (see “The Firing Key”, below). can fetch a player from another table to see if they can help
3. Turn the key in the keyhole of the correct control figure it out.
panel (see “The Firing Key”, below).
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below
Quest Results
and take this form to the administrators. The group Fill in the following section when this quest is
must finish their encounter before beginning complete.
another quest.
Quest Report
The Firing Key Group Name:
When a character takes the firing key from the This group recovered Durlag’s firing key from the
champion’s body, read: Ark’s bridge. The Alliance can now prepare a mighty
artillery broadside from the Gun Deck!
This bronze key has a tiny crystal lens set into its bow and
teeth crafted in a complex pattern. Etched into its tongue is Character Name:
the following phrase “Count your way to victory”. This character solved the puzzle to turn the firing
key.
Copy the symbol below and give it to your players: Character Name:
this is the shape of the key’s teeth. These characters perished during the mission.
General Guidance
 Assign “Quest 11: Prepare the Broadside”. This
listed above.
Critical Quest 3. Summon the Iron Archers  Tier 11-16: Eight helmed horrors.
The archers roll Initiative and attack as soon as they
Start sector emerge.
Gun Deck Character who succeed on a DC 10 Intelligence
(Arcana) check decipher the sigils on the Iron
Player Information Archers as “Lightning”. Each time an Iron Archer
takes lightning damage, it kneels and a hatch pops
Your orders are to summon the Iron Archers from their open in the back of its head.
compartments under the Ark’s gun deck. To rouse them from
their slumber, you must pull a secret lever hidden under one A complex mechanism of gears and pistons fills the Iron
of the artillery pieces on the gun deck. If you succeed, the Archer’s head cavity, with a bronze cable plugged into a
archers will rain hell on the Thunderbound! socket marked “JOUSVEFS”. Three nearby sockets are marked
“CFUSBZ”, “TVJDJEF” and “EJTBSN”.
DM Information If a character reconnects the plug, the hatch snaps

shut and the Iron Archers are reprogrammed:
succeed in the quest:
1. Start the Gun Deck encounter.  CFUSBZ terminal: The archers target the Ark
2. One character must pull the lever hidden under Guardians and the players complete their quest!
the central ballista. To find it, a character must  TVJDJEF terminal: The archers target the
succeed on a DC 10 Intelligence (Investigation) explosive bolts to destroy the Ark.
check.  EJTBSN terminal: The archers return to their
3. When the archers appear, the group must deal compartments. The group must pull the lever
lightning damage to subdue an archer and then again to summon them.
hijack its metal brain (see “Iron Archers”, below).
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group Quest Results
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below Fill in the following section when this quest is
and take this form to the administrators. The group complete.
another quest. Quest Report
Group Name:
Iron Archers This group awoke the Iron Archers from their
When a character pulls the lever on the ballista, compartments under Gun Deck!
read:
Character Name:
Hatches in the ceiling grind open and a battalion of iron This character reprogrammed the Iron Archers to
soldiers descends on chains from above. They look like join the battle on our side!
armored dwarves clutching crossbows, with arcane sigils
embossed on their foreheads. As they emerge, the archers Character Name:
turn their crossbows on your fellow heroes! Something is These characters perished during the mission.
wrong!
General Guidance
 Prepare the “Iron Archers” quest event.
The Iron Archers are helmed horrors that wield  Assign “Quest 13: Engage the Bolt Loaders”.
arcane crossbows instead of longswords (+6 to hit, This hidden quest can’t be assigned to the
1d10 + 4 piercing damage). An archer’s Multiattack group listed above.
power applies to its crossbow. The number of Iron  Add this quest to the victory pile.
Archers present in the group’s area is determined by
their tier:
 Tier 1-4: One helmed horror.
 Tier 5-10: Three helmed horrors.
Critical Quest 4. Raise the Shields The engine thunders into life. Throughout the Ark, you hear
cogs and gears thump into action as the adamantine shields
Start sector are hoisted into position!
Engine Room
This action completes the quest!
Player Information
Your orders are to break into the Engine Room and power up
Quest Results
the Ark’s shields. To do so, you must highjack a fuel crane Fill in the following section when this quest is
and use it to flood dwarven spirits into the drive mechanism. complete.
The runestone tablet hints that this engine is embossed with
a dwarf’s head. If you succeed, adamantine shields will Quest Report
Group Name:
emerge from the Ark’s hull and shelter us from
This group broke into the Engine Room and raised
Thunderbound’s attacks.
the Ark’s adamantine shields!
DM Information Character Name:

The group must complete the following objectives to This character operated the fuel crane to refuel the
succeed in the quest: shield drive.
1. Start the Engine Room encounter. Character Name:
2. One character must use the control panel at the These characters perished during the mission.
rear of the fuel crane to reposition the arm and
begin pumping fuel into the drive mechanism (see
General Guidance
“Fuel Crane”, below).
 Prepare the “Ark Shields” event.
3. The group must defend the crane for 3 rounds
 Assign “Quest 15: Fortify Shields”. This hidden
until fuel has finished pumping.
quest can’t be assigned to the group listed
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group above.
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below  Add this quest to the victory pile.
another quest.
Fuel Crane
A character manning the control panel can
understand how to operate it with a successful DC
10 Intelligence (Arcana) check. Using their action,
they can swing the arm into position and start
pumping fuel into the drive mechanism. It takes 3
full rounds to fill the mechanism with dwarven
spirits. At the start of each round of pumping, Ark
Guardians emerge from secret hatches in the
engines and attempt to recapture the fuel crane:
 Tier 1-4: Two dwarf skeletons.
 Tier 5-10: Two azers.
 Tier 11-16: Two wights.
The reinforcements roll Initiative and attack as soon
as they emerge. After 3 rounds, the drive mechanism
is fully fueled and the reinforcements stop. To raise
the shields, a character must pull the lever on the
drive mechanism:
Critical Quest 5. Ignite the Eye of the Storm a failure, they take necrotic damage as listed. To
ignite the Eye of the Storm, the characters must
relight the lanterns in the correct order.
Start sector
Main Deck Requesting Help
If the players are stumped by the puzzle, the Group Leader
Player Information can fetch a player from another table to see if they can help
figure it out.
Your orders are to light the “Eye of the Storm”: an arcane
searchlight situated on the top of the foremast. The
Quest Results
runestone tablet hints that four magic lanterns must be lit to
ignite the Eye. If you succeed, you can use the Eye to pinpoint Fill in the following section when this quest is
targets for the Ark’s powerful Stone Cannon. Good luck! complete.
Quest Report
DM Information Group Name:
The group must complete the following objectives to This group lit the Eye of the Storm: the arcane
succeed in the quest: searchlight situated at the top of the foremast.
1. Start the Main Deck encounter.
2. Light the four lanterns in the correct order (see Character Name:
“Magic Lanterns”, below). This character figured out the correct method to
light the Eye of the Storm.
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below Character Name:
and take this form to the administrators. The group These characters perished during the mission.
another quest.
General Guidance
 Assign “Quest 10: Fire the Stone Cannon”. This
Magic Lanterns hidden quest can’t be assigned to the group
The magic lanterns hang from lamp posts around the listed above.
deck, in the positions shown on the map. Each
lantern has a different creature etched into its
casing:
 Aft: “Fly”
 Stern: “Spider”
 Port: “Bird”
 Starboard: “Cat”
A lantern magically ignites if its command phrase is
spoken aloud by a character within 5 feet of it. When
the fourth lantern is lit, the Eye of the Storm ignites
if the lanterns were lit in the order shown above.
The group completes their quest!
With a bright flash, the huge bronze eye at the top of the
foremast blazes with green flame. A beam of light cuts
through the storm, painting the way for the Ark’s weapons!
Wrong order: If a lantern is lit out of sequence, all

the lanterns are extinguished. A wave of necrotic
energy washes from the lanterns and all creatures
within 10 feet must make a Constitution saving
throw on the “Effects by Tier” table (Appendix 3). On
Critical Quest 6. Engage the Spirit Pump Engaged”. The characters have completed their
quest!
Wrong Order: If a character operate a control
Start sector panel out of sequence, monsters emerges from the
Bridge
canisters (see below). This happens each time a
control panel is operated out of sequence.
Player Information
 Tier 1-4: Three dwarf skeletons.
Your group has been chosen to seize the Bridge and engage  Tier 5-10: Three minotaur skeletons.
the “Spirit Pump”. The runestone tablet hints that this will  Tier 11-16: Three wights.
flood the Ark’s engines with dwarven spirits and boost its Requesting Help
speed. It’s dangerous, but could help us get an edge over If the players are stumped by the puzzle, the Group Leader
Thunderbound! Just look for a lever carved like a tankard. If can take fetch a player from another table to see if they can
you succeed, our forces can ready the burner in the engine help figure it out.
room and carry out the maneuver on your orders.
Quest Results
DM Information Fill in the following section when this quest is
The group must complete the following objectives to complete.
1. Start the Bridge encounter. Quest Report
2. Pull the tankard-shaped lever. Group Name:
3. Activate the correct control panel (see “Spirit This group broke into the Bridge and flooded the
Pump”, below). engines with dwarven spirits. Another group must
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group now light the burner in the Engine Room to boost
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below the Ark’s speed!
must finish their encounter before beginning Character Name:
another quest. This character figured out how to flood the engines
with dwarven spirits.
Spirit Pump Character Name:
If a character examines the tankard-shaped lever
These characters perished during the mission.
and succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception)
check, they find a message etched onto it:
General Guidance
You’ve found the spirit, now find the pump.  Assign “Quest 12: Prime the Fuel Burner”. This
When a character pulls the tankard-shaped lever, listed above.
read:  Add this quest to the victory pile.
As you pull the lever, glowing numeric symbols appear in the

air above the control panels. It seems your work is not yet
done – another step is needed. Clockwise from the north, the
numbers are 8, 16, 21, 9, 13, and 4.
To engage the spirit pump, the characters must

activate the control panels in the following order: 16,
21, 13, 16 (if numbers are substituted for letters, this
spells “pump”). When the characters complete the
sequence, the control panels descend into the floor
and a booming voice announces “Spirit Pump
Critical Quest 7. Fire the Grappling Hook Quest Results
Start sector complete.
Gun Deck
Quest Report
Player Information Group Name:
This group fired a grappling line over to
Your orders are to strike Thunderbound with a grappling hook Thunderbound. hooking the Ark onto to the enemy
fired from one of the Gun Deck ballistas. If you succeed, your vessel! Our forces are now preparing a boarding
allies on the Main Deck can use the line to mount a daring action!
raid on the enemy vessel!
Character Name:
This character solved the riddle to release the
DM Information grappling hook.
succeed in the quest: Character Name:
1. Start the Gun Deck encounter. These characters perished during the mission.
2. Mount the grappling hook onto a ballista (see
“Grappling Hook”, below). General Guidance
3. Fire the grappling hook at Thunderbound.  Assign “Quest 14: Storm Thunderbound”. This
listed above.
and take this form to the administrators. The group  Add this quest to the victory pile.
another quest.
Grappling Hook
The grappling hook is fixed to a mighty chain
wrapped around one of the Gun Deck pillars (as
shown on the sector map). It’s magically heavy:
when a creature unfastens it from its hook, it thumps
to the deck and can’t be moved by any amount of
force. Etched into the hook is the following
inscription:
When I rest, I am like a looking glass.

When I run, I can cut through stone.
If a character splashes water on the hook, it sparkles

with magical light and can be moved with ease.
Firing the hook from the ballista completes the
quest!
Requesting Help
If the players are stumped by the riddle, the Group Leader
can fetch a player from another table to see if they can help
figure it out.
Critical Quest 8. Spin the Ramming Spike Quest Results
Start sector complete.
Engine Room
Quest Report
Player Information Group Name:
This group activated the engine that spins the
Your orders are to break into the engine room and power up ramming spike at the prow of the Ark. Our forces on
the ramming spike on the Ark’s prow. The runestone tablet the bridge can now steer the Ark on a devastating
tells us that the engine you’re looking for can be identified by ramming action!
a medusa’s head embossed on its surface. If you succeed, our
allies on the bridge can steer the Ark into a devastating Character Name:
ramming action on the enemy vessel! These characters turned the iron crank to spin the
ramming spike.

The group must complete the following objectives to These characters perished during the mission.
1. Start the Engine Room encounter. General Guidance
2. One or more characters must crank the engine to  Assign “Quest 16: Ram Thunderbound”. This
fire it up (see “Turning the Crank”, below). hidden quest can’t be assigned to the group
listed above.
another quest.
Turning the Crank

A heavy iron crank protrudes from the side of the
engine. To engage the motor, this crank must be
turned for five successive rounds by one or more
creatures with a combined Strength of at least 12.
Only two creatures can operate the crank at a time,
and it takes both hands to turn. As an action, a
creature turning the crank can attempt a DC 15
Strength check to reduce the time remaining by an
extra round (i.e. two rounds instead of one). If they
fail the check, they turn the crank at the normal
speed.
If a creature holding the crank takes damage, it
must succeed on a Strength saving throw to hold
onto the crank. The DC of this check equals 5 plus
the damage dealt. If the creature fails the save, it lets
go and the crank spins back to its starting position.
Engaging the engine completes the group’s quest.
When the characters engage the engine, read:
The engine thunders to life. A huge flywheel turns underfoot,

rotating a colossal axle shaft that runs the length of the deck.
At the prow of the Ark, the figurehead’s elongated beard
begins to spin.
Hidden Quest 9. Seize the Gale Wheel character’s way if he or she impresses it. Roleplay
the encounter, bearing in mind the following
personality traits:
Quest Location
Bridge  The genie is incredibly vain. It appreciates
compliments and doesn’t take kindly to insults or
Quest Assignment threats.
 This quest is triggered by the completion of Quest  The genie is bored after centuries of
1: “Wake the Gale Head”. imprisonment. If the characters provide some
 Assign this quest to a group present in the Main amusement, it looks kindly on them.
Deck, Gun Deck, or Engine Room. It can’t be  The genie is keen on gambling. It’s more than
assigned to the same group that completed the happy to participate in a wager and may even
quest mentioned above. suggest one (e.g. a duel with a single character, or
a game of dice).
Player Information If the genie tires of the characters, it attacks the
group. The Ark guardians avoid attacking the genie.
Your allies on the Main Deck have awoken the “Gale Head”
on the mainmast, and it’s now ready to blow wind into the Requesting Help
Ark’s sails. The alliance has chosen your group to seize the A hostile djinn can easily overwhelm a lower tier party. If
Gale Wheel on the Ark’s Bridge and steer the Ark into battle! combat ensues, the Group Leader can request help from a
higher tier group. If they’re willing, one or two players from
that group can join the table for the duration of the combat.
DM Information Alternatively, the djinn could kill one or two characters and
The group must complete the following objectives to then offer a wager for the lives of the rest.
1. Go to the Bridge and start that encounter. Quest Results
2. Deal with the Genie that appears when the Gale Fill in the following section when this quest is
Wheel is touched (see “Gale Wheel”, below). complete.
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below Quest Report
and take this form to the administrators. The group Group Name:
must finish their encounter before beginning This group fought their way onto the Bridge and
another quest. seized the ship’s wheel. The Ark is now under the
alliance’s control!
Gale Wheel
Place the Gale Wheel next to the command crystal. It Character Name:
is a large, upright ship’s wheel with the embossed This character overcame the genie that guarded the
head of a dwarf in its center. When a character ship’s wheel.
touches the Gale Wheel, read:
Character Name:
As you grip the wheel, a rippling projection of the view These characters perished during the mission.
outside the Ark appears in the air before you. The Ark is now
under your control! Before you can act, the green gas swirls General Guidance
around you and materializes into a tall, turbaned man  Prepare the “Ark Maneuver” quest event.
clutching a scimitar. The figure looks at you with scorn.  Add this quest to the victory pile.
“Tell me. Why should I let a mere mortal control Durlag’s
wondrous machine?”
The djinn was imprisoned in the wheel centuries

ago, tasked with guarding the Ark’s controls. With
Durlag dead, the spells binding the genie to the Ark
have weakened and it may not stand in the
Hidden Quest 10. Fire the Stone Cannon square formation. The urn’s magic doesn’t work
outside this location.
 If a creature examines the urns and succeeds on a
Quest Location
Gun Deck DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check, they discover
the same phrase etched in tiny writing around
their bases: “Three points shape our future”. If one
Quest Assignment urn is removed and the remaining three are
 This quest is triggered by the completion of Quest
arranged as an equilateral triangle around the
5: “Ignite the Eye of the Storm”.
Stone Cannon, the medusa’s eyes open and the
 Assign this quest to a group present in the Main
weapon can be fired.
Deck, Bridge, or Engine Room.
Requesting Help
Player Information If the players are stumped by the puzzle, the Group Leader
can fetch a player from another table to see if they can help
Your allies on the Main Deck have activated the “Eye of the figure it out.
Storm”, and its searchlight has pinpointed a target for the
Ark’s weapons. Your orders are to break into the Gun Deck Quest Results
and fire the “Stone Cannon”: a devastating magic weapon
that petrifies its targets. Durlag laid traps to protect his complete.
cannon, so tread carefully!
Quest Report
DM Information Group Name:
The group must complete the following objectives to This group fired the “Stone Cannon”: an arcane
succeed in the quest: weapon that turns its targets to stone.
1. Go to the Gun Deck and start that encounter. The Location Targeted:
central ballista shown on the map is the magical The group chose this location to destroy.
Stone Cannon.
2. Survive the traps surrounding the Stone Cannon Character Name:
(see “Petrification Puzzle”, below). This character solved the petrification puzzle to arm
3. Fire the Stone Cannon. the Stone Cannon.
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below Character Name:
and take this form to the administrators. The group These characters perished during the mission.
another quest. General Guidance
 Prepare the “Stone Cannon” quest event.
Petrification Puzzle  Add this quest to the victory pile.
The Stone Cannon looks like a giant bronze cannon
with the head of a medusa. The medusa’s eyes are
closed and won’t open until the following puzzle is
solved. Until then, the weapon cannot fire.
 Four urns surround the Stone Cannon, smoking
with green vapors. The urns are spaced in a
square formation. If a creature steps onto the floor
within this square, they must succeed on a DC 15
Constitution saving throw or be petrified.
 If an urn is removed from the floor, the trap’s
magic is dispelled until the urn is replaced.
Characters can change the area of the trap by
shifting the urns, but the urns must remain in
Hidden Quest 11. Prepare the Broadside the sphere count as difficult terrain. The air inside
the sphere rapidly heats up: if the character hasn’t
escaped the area by the end of their turn, they take
Quest Location automatic necrotic damage as listed on the
Gun Deck
“Effects by Tier” table (Appendix 3). The sphere
disappears after it deals damage.
Quest Assignment
2: “Arm the Firing Key”. Quest Results
 Assign this quest to a group present in the Main Fill in the following section when this quest is
Deck, Bridge, or Engine Room. complete.
Player Information Quest Report

Group Name:
Your allies on the Bridge have turned Durlag’s firing key, This group fired the broadside from the Ark’s Gun
arming the ballistas on the Ark’s Gun Deck. Your orders are to Deck.
seize the deck and prepare an artillery broadside. To fire the
ballistas, you must recover a magic horn from one of the Location Targeted:
Ark’s guardians and blow it three times. Good luck! The group chose this location to destroy.
Character Name:
DM Information These characters blew the magic horn to launch the
The group must complete the following objectives to broadside.
Character Name:
1. Go to the Gun Deck and start that encounter.
2. Recover the magic horn from the champion’s body
(if the sector has been breached, the pirate
champion has claimed the horn). General Guidance
3. Blow the horn three times to trigger the broadside  Prepare the “Broadside” quest event.
(see “Magic Horn”, below).  Add this quest to the victory pile.
another quest.
Magic Horn
The magic horn is crafted from bronze, and has the
following inscription etched around it in dwarven:
Strong of body, strong of magic, fleet of foot.
Blowing the horn takes an action.

 The first time the horn is blown, the wielder must
succeed on a DC 18 Constitution saving throw or
take 11 (2d10) thunder damage per tier.
 On the second blow, the wielder is drained of an
unused spell slot of the highest level they have
available. If they have no spell slots available, they
take 16 (3d10) necrotic damage per tier.
 On the third blow, a 25-ft radius sphere of rippling
energy surrounds the wielder. All spaces within
Hidden Quest 12. Prime the Fuel Burner succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or fall to
the ground below. If alcohol is poured into the
dwarf’s mouth, it utters a satisfied belch and then
Quest Location starts to blow out a stinking, flammable gas. If a
Engine Room
naked flame is held to the dwarf’s lips within one
round, the gas ignites as a steady flame. If the gas is
Quest Assignment lit any later that that, an explosion deals 5 (1d10)
fire damage to all creatures in the room for each
6: “Engage the Spirit Pump”.
round of delay, but the pilot light remains lit.
Deck, Bridge, or Gun Deck.
Quest Results
Player Information Fill in the following section when this quest is
complete.
Your allies on the Bridge have engaged the Spirit Pump,
flooding the Ark’s engines with dwarven spirits. Your orders Quest Report
are to break into the Engine Room and prime the fuel burner Group Name:
so the Ark’s pilot can summon a burst of speed. According This group primed the fuel burner in the Engine
the runestone tablet, you must “ignite the pilot light on the Room, allowing the Ark to call forth a burst of speed.
fuel crane”. Good luck!
Character Name:
This character lit the pilot light on the fuel burner.
DM Information
The group must complete the following objectives to Character Name:
succeed in the quest: These characters perished during the mission.
1. Go to the Engine Room and start that encounter.
2. One character must climb onto the fuel crane and
General Guidance
 Prepare the “Fuel Burn” event quest event.
pour alcohol into the mouth of the pilot light (see
“Pilot Light”, below).  Add this quest to the victory pile.
3. When the pilot light has been sated, the group
must ignite its breath with a naked flame.
another quest.
Pilot Light
The engraved head of a dwarf wearing a miner’s
helmet peers out from the end of the crane’s arm. If a
creature climbs onto the crane and approaches
within 5 feet of the head, it springs to life:
The metal head at the end of the crane comes to life and licks
its lips. “Sure am thirsty”, it says.
The pilot light is a form of magic mouth that is only

programmed to utter this one phrase. As an action, a
character at the end of the arm can pour liquid into
the dwarf’s mouth. If the liquid is nonalcoholic, the
dwarf spits it out in disgust and shakes its head
violently. All creatures standing on the crane must
Hidden Quest 13. Engage the Bolt Loaders Requesting Help
If the players are stumped by the puzzle, the Group Leader
Quest Location can fetch a player from another table to see if they can help
Engine Room figure it out.
Quest Assignment Quest Results

3: “Summon the Iron Archers”. Fill in the following section when this quest is
complete.
Deck, Bridge, or Gun Deck.
Quest Report
Group Name:
Player Information This group fought their way into the Engine Room
and engaged the “Bolt Loaders”. These ancient
Your allies on the Gun Deck have summoned the Iron Archers machines supply ammunition to the gun deck.
to defend the Ark. Your orders are to break into the Engine
Room and engage the “Bolt Loaders”. These machines supply Character Name:
ammunition for the Iron Archers to load onto the ballistas. This character solved the puzzle to engage the bolt
The runestone tablet suggests that four cranks must be loaders.
turned in the correct sequence to trigger the Bolt Loaders.
Durlag left us a mysterious clue: “The answer is amid the Character Name:
machines”. Good luck! These characters perished during the mission.
General Guidance
DM Information  Prepare the “Reload” event.
The group must complete the following objectives to  Add this quest to the victory pile.
1. Go to the Engine Room and start that encounter.
2. Turn the four cranks in the correct order (see
“Control Cranks”, below).
another quest.
Control Cranks
Each engine has a crank protruding from its side and
a different creature embossed on its surface: an
Azer, a Medusa, an Intellect Devourer and a Dwarf. If
the cranks are turned in that order, the bolt loaders
thunder to life and the group completes their quest
(the first letter of each monster’s name combine to
spell “amid”).
Wrong order. If a crank is turned out of sequence,
hatches open in the sides of the machines and Ark
Guardians emerge to attack the intruders. This
happens every time a crank is turned out of
sequence.
 Tier 1-4: Two dwarf skeletons.
 Tier 5-10: Two azers.
 Tier 11-16: Two wights.
Hidden Quest 14. Storm Thunderbound 15 Dexterity saving throw or their harness breaks
and they plunge to the ground 300 feet below.
Quest Location
Main Deck Raid
When the characters touch down on Thunderbound,
read:
Quest Assignment
7: “Fire the Grappling Hook”. You land on one of Thunderbound’s many decks. Horns
 Assign this quest to a group present in the Bridge, bellow around you, and the ground shakes with the footfalls
Gun Deck, or Engine Room. of giants!
Player Information The battle takes place on an empty section of deck.

The group must kill the following enemies and then
Your allies on the Gun Deck have fired a grappling line over to plant the smokepowder keg. Once the fuse is lit, the
Thunderbound! Your orders are to use this line to cross over characters can cut the grappling line and swing back
to the enemy galleon and plant a bomb. This quest is to the Ark.
exceptionally dangerous. Only accept it if you aren’t afraid to Tier Enemies
die for the Alliance! 1-4 A hill giant and two berserkers.
5-10 A fire giant, a pirate mage, and two veterans.
11-16 Two fire giants, two pirate mages, and two
DM Information veterans.
Quest Results
1. Go to the Main Deck and start that encounter. The
Group Leader is given a keg of smokepowder to complete.
plant on the enemy vessel.
2. Kill the enemies to secure the area.
3. Climb to the northern armored platform and cross
Quest Report
over to Thunderbound on the zipline (see “Zipline”,
Group Name:
below).
This group infiltrated Thunderbound on the
4. Kill the enemies on deck (see “Raid”, below).
grappling line and carried out a devastating raid.
5. Plant the smokepowder keg and escape.
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group Location Targeted:
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below The group chose this location to destroy.
must finish their encounter before beginning Character Name:
another quest. This character planted the smokepowder keg to
destroy the location.
Zipline
Characters who choose to fly instead of using the Character Name:
zipline risk being attacked by rocs. When the These characters perished during the mission.
characters mount the zipline, read:
General Guidance
Hooking yourself onto the line, you leap out into the sky.  Prepare the “Storm Thunderbound” quest
Your harness screeches as you hurtle towards the enemy event.
galleon: swooping past hang-gliders, boulders, rocs, and  Add this quest to the victory pile.
explosions!
Each character on the line must succeed on a DC 8

Dexterity (Acrobatics) check to dodge past the
explosions. On a failure, they must succeed on a DC
Hidden Quest 15. Fortify Shields Quest Results
Quest Location complete.
Main Deck
Quest Report
Quest Assignment Group Name:
 This quest is triggered by the completion of Quest This group repaired the Ark’s adamantine shields.
4: “Raise the Shields”.
 Assign this quest to a group present in the Bridge, Character Name:
Gun Deck, or Engine Room. This character repaired the most shields.
Player Information Character Name:

Your allies in the Engine Room have deployed the Ark’s
adamantine shields, but the shields protecting the Main Deck General Guidance
are falling fast under enemy fire. Your orders are to fight your  Prepare the “Fortify Shields” quest event.
way onto the Main Deck and carry out field repairs on the  Add this quest to the victory pile.
shields. Good luck!
DM Information
1. Go to the Main Deck and start that encounter.
2. Repair all five shields (see “Shield Repairs”,
below).

another quest.
Shield Repairs
Five shields are spaced along the edge of the deck.
Each shield is fifteen-feet-wide, twenty-feet-high and
blocks line of sight. If you’re using a battle map,
sketch the shields along one side of the map.
When the encounter begins, each character is
handed a set of mason’s tools and told to repair the
shields. To carry out a shield repair, the character
must spend an action to make a DC 10 Strength
(Mason’s Tools) check. On a success, the shield
regains 11 (2d10) hit points. Each shield starts with
15 hit points out of 30. When all the shields have
been repaired, the group succeeds in their quest.
Until the shields have been repaired, pirates land
via hang-glider at the start of each round.
 Tier 1-4: One goblin.
 Tier 5-10: One veteran.
 Tier 11-16: One bandit captain.
Hidden Quest 16. Ram Thunderbound crystal in turn. If the crystal is left for more than a
round without being touched, the sequence resets
itself.
Quest Location When a character ends his or her turn holding the
Bridge
command crystal, an Ark Guardian emerges from the
canisters.
Quest Assignment
 This quest is triggered by the completion of Quest  Tier 1-4: One dwarf skeleton.
8: “Spin the Ramming Spike”.  Tier 5-10: One minotaur skeleton.
 Assign this quest to a group present in the Main  Tier 11-16: One wight.
Deck, Gun Deck, or Engine Room.
Requesting Help
If the group doesn’t contain characters of the required races,
Player Information the Group Leader can seek out characters from other tables.
These players join the table until their duty is complete.
Your allies in the Engine Room have spun up the ramming
spike on the prow of the Ark. Your orders are to break into
the bridge and steer the Ark on a collision course with Quest Results
Thunderbound. To carry out the maneuver, the runestone Fill in the following section when this quest is
tablet hints that we must first disable the Ark’s built-in complete.
countermeasures via a command crystal.
Quest Report
Group Name:
DM Information This group broke into the Bridge and steered the Ark
The group must complete the following objectives to into a collision course to ram Thunderbound!
1. Go to the Bridge and start that encounter. Character Name:
2. One character must grasp hold of the command These characters disabled the countermeasures to
crystal to receive a vision (see “Command Crystal”, enable the ramming action.
below).
3. An elf, a dwarf, a halfling and a human must each Character Name:
operate the crystal in turn to disable the These characters perished during the mission.
countermeasures.
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group General Guidance
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below  Prepare the “Ram Thunderbound” quest event.
and take this form to the administrators. The group  Add this quest to the victory pile.
another quest.
Command Crystal
When a creature grips the command crystal, they
receive the following vision:
Your vision clouds and grey mist swirls around you. Four
figures emerge from the haze, dressed in the attire of ancient
mariners: an elf, a dwarf, a halfling, and a human. The figures
stare at you inscrutably.
These are the spirits of four of Durlag’s crew. If the

character holding the crystal shares the same race as
any of the figures, that figure bows solemnly and
disappears. To disable the countermeasures,
creatures of all four races must handle the command
Sector Quest 17. Fortify Area Quest Results
Any
Quest Report
 Assign this quest to a group present in any sector. This group fortified the Ark from enemy attack,
 Each group can play this quest multiple times. allowing allied healers to tend to the wounded.
Player Information Sector Name:

If this is the first time the group has played this This sector was fortified.
quest, read:
Character Name:
Your orders are to fortify this location against enemy attack. These characters perished during the mission.
Be prepared for enemy reinforcements! If you succeed, allied
healers can move up to tend to the wounded. General Guidance
 Send a Tier Commander to announce that all
characters in this sector (including the table
If this is the second time the group has played this
that accomplishes this quest) receive one
quest, read:
casting of the cure wounds spell (1d8 per tier).
The Baron’s forces have infiltrated this location and are using
it as a bridgehead for reinforcements. Your orders are to
wipe them out and fortify the area so our healers can tend to
the wounded.
DM Information
1. Complete an encounter in any sector. If the group
is replaying the quest, the sector counts as
“Breached” for this encounter.
2. Defeat the elite reinforcements (see
“Reinforcements”, below).
and take this form to the administrators.
Reinforcements
When all enemies are dead, an elite squad of pirates
is airlifted into the area on the backs of rocs. To
triumph in their quest, the group must defeat one
group of elite boarders (see Appendix 3: “Battle
Events”).
Quest 18. Slay Champion Quest Results
Any
Quest Report
 Assign this quest to a group present in any sector. This group defeated an enemy champion onboard
 Each group can play this quest multiple times. the Ark.
Player Information Character Name:

If this is the first time the group has played this This character landed the killing blow on the
quest, read: champion.
Your orders are to slay an enemy champion. If you succeed, Sector Name:
you’ll boost the morale of your allies! The champion was killed in this sector.
Character Name:
quest, read:
General Guidance
Baron Rajiram has sent one of his greatest champions to  Send a Tier Commander to another group in
secure this area. Following your earlier success in such the sector where the champion was slain. All
matters, your orders are to slay this champion. characters in that group gain inspiration.
DM Information
1. Start an encounter in any sector. If the group is
replaying the quest, the sector counts as
2. Kill the champion present in that encounter (see
“Champion”, below).
another quest.
Champion
The champion in this encounter has the maximum
hit points available and advantage on saving throws
versus spells.
Quest 19. Rescue Heroes Quest Results
Any
Quest Report
 Assign this quest to a group present in any sector. This group fought hard to rescue a unit of allied
 Each group can play this quest multiple times. soldiers in trouble.
Player Information Sector Name:

If this is the first time the group has played this The veterans were rescued from this sector.
quest, read:
Character Name:
A unit of alliance soldiers has stumbled into some serious These characters perished during the mission.
trouble. Your orders are to reinforce them and pull them out.
General Guidance
 If one or more veterans were rescued, send a
Tier Commander to another group in the same
quest, read:
sector. All enemies in that encounter take
automatic damage from the “Effects by Tier”
Baron Rajiram’s pirates have boarded the Ark and captured a table (Appendix 3).
unit of alliance soldiers. They’re threatening to execute the  Add this quest to the victory pile.
soldiers if we advance on them. Your orders are to infiltrate
the area and rescue the soldiers.
DM Information
1. Start an encounter in any sector. If the group is
replaying the quest, the sector counts as
2. Attempt to rescue the allied veteran(s) present in
that encounter (see “Allies”, below).
another quest.
Allies
Place one or more injured veterans anywhere within
the area (one per tier). Each veteran is prone, at half
hit points, and too injured to perform any action
other than the Dodge action.
If the group is replaying the encounter, the
captives are restrained by heavy chains and can’t
take any attacks. Baron Rajiram’s champion is
poised to attack a captive if he or she spots the
characters approaching. The group starts out of
sight, and can attempt to sneak into position.
Quest 20. Repair Crew If the casket is reduced to 0 hit points, it starts to
malfunction (this is how the casket begins if the
group replays this quest). After 5 rounds, the casket
Quest Location explodes and all creatures within 30 feet of it must
Any
make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 11
(2d10) fire damage per tier on a failed save, and half
Quest Assignment as much damage on a successful one. In addition, all
 Assign this quest to a group present in any sector.
creatures in the encounter suffer Battle Damage (see
 Each group can play this quest multiple times. Appendix 3).
To disable the casket before it explodes, the group
Player Information must succeed on three consecutive DC 12
If this is the first time the group has played this Intelligence (Arcana) or Dexterity (Thieves’ Tools)
quest, read: checks. The character making the check must be
adjacent to the casket to perform the action. If they
Durlag Trollkiller created a set of magical caskets to repair his fail the check by 5 or more, the casket explodes.
Ark from extraplanar damage. When opened, these caskets
cast mending spells over the Ark’s machinery. Your orders are Quest Results
to plant an open casket in this location and ensure it doesn’t
fall into enemy hands.
complete.
If this is the second time the group has played this Quest Report
quest, read: Group Name:
This group carried out essential repairs on the Ark.
One of our repair caskets is malfunctioning and looks like it’s
going to explode! Your orders are to disable it before the Ark Character Name:
takes damage. These characters handled one of Durlag’s magic
caskets to carry out the repairs.

The group must complete the following objectives to These characters perished during the mission.
1. Start an encounter in any sector. General Guidance
2. Keep the repair casket open for five rounds OR  Send a Tier Commander to another group in
disable the repair casket within five rounds (see the sector where the champion was slain. That
“Repair Casket”, below). group ignores the next Siege Damage effect
When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group they receive.
Leader to fill in the “Quest Results” section below  Add this quest to the victory pile.
another quest.
Repair Casket
The casket is an ornate bronze box fitted with
carrying handles. When opened, weird green light
swirls out of it, creating a 40-foot-diameter sphere.
Any Ark Guardians that start their turn within the
sphere of green light heal 5 (1d10) hit points per
tier. A creature or creatures with a combined
Strength score of 15 or greater can carry the casket,
but they move at half speed while doing so. The
casket is a Medium object with AC 8, 50 hit points,
and immunity to poison and psychic damage.

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Ark of the Mountains

A 4-hour Epic Adventure for 1st-16th Level Characters

Adventure Code: DDEP05-02

Development and Editing: Claire Hoffman, Travis Woodall

Death and Recovery

Breached Call for Healing

2. Intro Speech (Dungeon Master)

You have joined a force of adventurers gathered outside the

Ancient War Chariot

DM NOTE: The staff of thunder and lightning detailed

One Square = 5 feet

One Square = 5 feet

One Square = 5 feet

One Square = 5 feet

Combat between monsters

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Senses passive Perception 10

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Cantrips (at will): minor illusion, prestidigitation, vicious

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +7, Cha +9

Skills Stealth +6 Skills Perception +4

Skills Perception +5 Skills Perception +4

Skills Perception +2 Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4

Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning Skills Perception +1

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4 Skills Perception +4

Tier 5-10 Villain: Baron Rajiram

HIDDEN QUEST 11: PREPARE THE BROADSIDE

SECTOR QUEST 17: FORTIFY AREA

SECTOR QUEST 18: SLAY CHAMPION

SECTOR QUEST 19: RESCUE HEROES

SECTOR QUEST 20: REPAIR CREW

The Gate Head’s eyes grind open. It yawns – almost blowing

The correct answer is “silence”. If a character

DM Information If a character reconnects the plug, the hatch snaps

DM Information Character Name:

Wrong order: If a lantern is lit out of sequence, all

As you pull the lever, glowing numeric symbols appear in the

To engage the spirit pump, the characters must

When I rest, I am like a looking glass.

If a character splashes water on the hook, it sparkles

DM Information Character Name:

Turning the Crank

The engine thunders to life. A huge flywheel turns underfoot,

The djinn was imprisoned in the wheel centuries

Player Information Quest Report

Strong of body, strong of magic, fleet of foot.

Blowing the horn takes an action.

The pilot light is a form of magic mouth that is only

Quest Assignment Quest Results

Player Information The battle takes place on an empty section of deck.

Each character on the line must succeed on a DC 8

Player Information Character Name:

When all quest goals are complete, ask the Group

These are the spirits of four of Durlag’s crew. If the

Player Information Sector Name:

Player Information Character Name:

Player Information Sector Name: