Credits

Story Creator & Lead Writer: Dave Hamrick Layout Software: GMBinder
Writing Team: Ducke, Thomas Johnson, Benjamin Cover Illustrator: Forrest Imel
Palmer, Max Wartelle, John K Webb Interior Illustrators: Rick Hershey, Matias Lazaro,
Rules Development: The Griffon Saddlebag, Dave Nacho Lazaro, Tithi Luadthong
Hamrick, Loot Tavern Cartographers: Tom Cartos, Cze & Peku, DMDave, The
World Building: Dave Hamrick DM Tool Chest, Limithron, Dyson Logos, Maps by Owen,
Loremasters: Darion Nutter, Nathaniel Weinstein Torchlight Press
Proofers: Jason Kivela, Martin Maenza, Jeff Maynor, Cartography Tools: DungeonDraft, Inkarnate,
Christian (Chrissy) Pfannmuller, Roger Pugh, Ben Watabou.itch.io
Richardson, Tyler Roark, Felix Stock, Chris Spradlin,
Producers: Jennifer Craig, Scott Craig
Nathaniel Weinstein
BroadSword Monthly Layouts: Scott Craig
Editors: Benjamin Gilyot, Laura Jordan
Marketing: Adam Zlotnik
Roll20 Design: Roll20, Thomas Johnson, Laura Jordan
Executive Producer: Dave Hamrick
Art Director: Benjamin Gilyot
Special Thanks: Ennio Morricone, Griffon McCauley, all
Graphic Design: Dave Hamrick
of our patrons, Wizards of the Coast

1
 Table of Contents
Introduction 3 Chapter 4. The Siege 96
About This Book 3 Phase 1 - The Siege Begins 96
Adventure Summary 4 Phase 2 - The Breach 97
Running the Adventure 4 Phase 3 - Once More Into the Fray 98
Adventure Flow Chart 5 Phase 4 - Escape 98
Character Creation 7 Adventure Conclusion 99
Chapter 1. Steeproost 10 Appendix A. Vaskil Valley History 100
Running This Chapter 10 Ages of Casar 100
The Village of Steeproost 10 A Brief History of Vaskil Valley 101
Welcome to Steeproost 13 Appendix B. New Player Options 102
Cattle Rustlin' Country 16 Bardic College 102
Caves of Silence 18 Gun Feats 103
Fist Fights with Werelynxes 22 Appendix C. Grimoire 104
Harpy Murder 24 New Magic Items 104
Ogre Baby's Rattle 27 New Spell 108
Silent Knight 31 Appendix D. New Monsters and NPCs 109
Strange Lights 33 Anorian Gunmage 109
Stonehill Blues 36 Black Horn 110
Tomb of the Drake 40 Brasuga 110
Wyvern King Clues 44 Doomspider 111
Chapter 2. Vaskil Valley 45 Ewoska 112
Running This Chapter 45 Fetch 113
Wilderness Encounters 47 Inak 114
Map of Vaskil Valley 50 Land Octopus 115
Alderth Keep 51 Megamoo 116
Black River Caverns 54 Nightmare Orb 117
Brenovale Manor 57 Ninja 118
Gaeleth's Temple 62 The Orb 119
Imfe Caan Asaari 66 Ogre, Baby 119
Mount Ashlar 73 Pressonian Abjurer 120
Wyvern Caves 77 Server Constructs 121
Chapter 3. Colddark Cliff 80 Subterranean Drake 122
The Wyvern Kings Revealed 81 Summer Drake 123
Travel to Rossgough Crag 82 Werelynx (Roe'dgope) 124
Rossgough Crag 84 Wyvern King 125
Colddark Cliff 84 Wyvern Wyrmling 125
The Labatory 84 Open Gaming License 126
The Orb's Proposition 94

2
Introduction

A
chill wind rattles down the jagged cliffs of the in their own lavish affairs and inconsequential qualms, these
Basilisk’s Spine, sinking low into the dark trees nobles care not for the troubles of the werelynxes, Anorians,
and rugged hills of Vaskil Valley. There, an or, frankly, anyone of less than noble blood within the valley.
ancient race of elves, the Anorians, carve out a Even the Pressonian humans, who share the same ancestry
meager existence among the short-lived as the Mydon Princes, are growing restless under the thumb
humans with whom they share this territory. of the nobles.
Once a proud race of warriors from the Amber The civil unrest within the valley is like sparks on tinder
Forest beyond the mountains, the browbeaten Anorians cling and when the flames catch, the whole valley will burn. It’s
to the history their conquerors hope to sweep away. Since only a matter of time.
their migration to this valley, the Anorians have traded in
their wands for guns. They’ve relinquished their undead
armies for cattle. And they’ve turned their anger into song.
About This Book
West of the cold, white rapids of Vaskil River, the valley’s Vaskil Valley: Wrath of the Wyvern Kings is a Fifth Edition
original lycanthropic inhabitants, the Roe’dgope adventure optimized for four to six characters. This book
(werelynxes), stir. Dragons have seemingly returned to the describes the monsters and villains who the heroes of the
valley, wyverns specifically. Upon these lesser dragons’ backs story—the player characters—must challenge to bring the
ride dark-armored aberrations known only as Wyvern Kings. adventure to its conclusion.
The Wyvern Kings have pushed the Roe’dgope from their The book presents Vaskil Valley, a region in DMDave’s
ancestral lands, forcing them to enter the territory of their Omeria campaign setting, as a full “sandbox” within which
old rivals, the Anorians. Tensions are high. you can host a bevy of adventures and campaigns. The
Meanwhile, the true rulers of Vaskil Valley, the Mydon fundamental details of the setting are included in this book.
Princes of Presson’s Enclave, pay little heed. Too interested However, we’ve left plenty of room for you to create your own

3
 adventures, campaigns, villains, and epic battles. the Rasgax Highlanders protect the lower lands from the
horrors that hide in the ice and snow. Central Omeria is
Adventure Summary divided by two great features: the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains
and the Three Great Wastelands: Desolation of Ditimaya,
A riveting mix of western and fantasy tropes, Vaskil Valley: The Obsidian Plain, and The Wither. Major city-states cling
Wrath of the Wyvern Kings sees a group of characters— to the coastlines in this region. To the far south, the Nation of
native to the region or not—handle the threat of the Odonburg utilizes the innate magic of emerald odonburgite
newcomer Wyvern Kings and their detrimental presence. gems to enhance their technology.
The book’s main plot deals with the Wyvern Kings Vaskil Valley, featured in this adventure, is located at the
themselves. During the first chapter, the characters learn of far northern edge of the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains. This hill-
the Wyvern Kings and how they’ve affected Vaskil Valley and country valley is the primary home of the Anorian elves, an
its people. As the adventure progresses, accumulated ancient race that once ruled the northern parts of Omeria.
evidence leads to the true identity of the Wyvern Kings and Now under the purview of the Pressonians of The Summer
how the characters can stop their constant attacks. Land in the near south, these elves eke out a living within the
While working on the mystery of the Wyvern Kings, the valley’s sweeping vistas, dense forests, and the surrounding
characters also have the opportunity to complete additional impassable, snow-capped mountains.
side quests. Most of these side quests see the characters
handle the side effects of the Wyvern Kings’ presence in
Vaskil Valley. They also offer the characters a chance to
Adventure Flow
further build their experience and arsenal of magic items in The accompanying adventure flowchart visualizes the
preparation for their final confrontation with the Wyvern narrative flow of this adventure, which includes chapters that
Kings (and the real threat of this adventure). focus on places of interest (chapters 1 and 2) and chapters
that focus on plot (chapters 3 and 4).

Running the Adventure Chapter 1 introduces quests that prompt the characters to
explore the town of Steeproost and its surrounding areas.
To run the adventure, you need the three Fifth Edition core
Each of these quests should take no more than one or two
rulebooks. If you don’t have a copy, you can access a free
sessions to complete.
basic rule set from Wizards of the Coast ® on their website.
Chapter 2 expands the characters’ area of influence by
Text that appears in a box like this is meant to be read offering new and exciting locations outside of Steeproost.
This includes trips to the capital of Vaskil Valley, Imfe
aloud or paraphrased for the players when their
Caan Asaari (or Sorryville as it is called by non-Anorians).
characters first arrive at a location or under specific Like the quests in the first chapter, these quests are short
circumstances, as described in the text. and made to last no more than a session or two.

Chapter 3 thrusts the characters into the core plot of the

When a creature’s name appears in bold type, that’s a visual adventure. The characters learn that around the same time
cue pointing you to its stat block as a way of saying, “Hey, the Wyvern Kings appeared, noble princesses from the city
game master, make sure you get this creature’s stat block of Imfe Caan Asaari started to disappear. Using clues
ready—there’s going to be an encounter!” If the stat block picked up in other quests, the characters find their way to
appears in the Appendix of this adventure, the text tells you the Wyvern Kings’ base of operations high in the Basilisk’s
so; otherwise, you can find the stat block in the core Spine Mountains.
rulebook. Chapter 4 pits the characters against the Wyvern Kings
Spells and nonmagical equipment mentioned in the within an abandoned facility on top of Colddark Cliff. They
adventure are described in the core manual for players. learn from the Wyvern Kings’ leader, the Orb, that the
Magic items are described in the core manual for game Wyvern Kings are actually the reanimated corpses of
masters, unless the adventure’s text directs you to an item’s doppelgangers whose bodies were manufactured to act as
description in the Appendix. “replacement bodies” for Pressonian nobles. Inevitably, the
true villains—mercenaries directed by the Pressonians—
Using the Maps arrive at the facility. The characters must join forces with
the “Wyvern Kings” and put things right for the wronged
This book contains several interior maps used in the
doppelgangers.
adventure. You can also get the full map pack from
DMDave’s Patreon preset for Virtual Tabletop (VTT) play.
Unless stated or marked otherwise, the maps are positioned Content Flexibility
so that the north side of the map is at the top of the map and The content in this book is designed to work both as a full
all grid squares equal five feet. campaign that will take characters from 1st level all the way
to 6th level. However, you can run each of the quests within
Omeria the book separate from the whole. You can also place this
campaign into any setting of your choice. Simply find a
Also known as the Long Continent, Omeria is the humanoid-
mountainous region where a Spaghetti-western/fantasy
dominant continent on the planet Casar. In the far north,
hybrid would fit and insert it. Feel free to change the names

4
5
 of the people, places, and things to better fit your world, too. (werelynxes), Brasugas (giants), and of course, the Anorian
Remember: it’s your game! elves. Although non-Pressonian humans enjoy the same
comforts as the Pressonian people, non-humans struggle to
Vaskil Valley Peculiarities eke out a comfortable life in the valley. The werelynxes and
giants stick to their own clans. Meanwhile, Anorians work
Vaskil Valley holds an interesting position within the lore of hard to keep a low profile.
Omeria. A little over 1,000 years ago, the Anorian elves
fought a bloody war against the paladins of Presson’s Enclave Anorian Elves
in The Summer Land. After five years of battles, the Anorians Nearly 60 percent of all Vaskilish residents are Anorian elves
lost when their dark god, Vapul, fell at Camor Hill in or of Anorian descent. This sub-race of elves is detailed
Northern Omeria. The Pressonians occupied the Anorian further later in this chapter. This section presents some of
capital, Imfe Mythse Anore, and renamed it to Knotside. The the strict laws to which Anorians elves must adhere.
Anorians were then given a choice: they could remain within No Spellcasting. The Anorian elves of Vaskil Valley are
the capital under the watchful eye of the Pressonians, or they forbidden by Pressonian law to become spellcasters. The
could colonize the untamed valley north of The Summer severity of the punishment for breaking this law correlates
Land, Vaskil Valley. Thousands of Anorians chose the latter directly with the power level of the magic used. As a rule of
and made the arduous trek through the Basilisk’s Spine thumb, spells of 2nd level or lower result in imprisonment,
Mountains into the valley. and spells of 3rd level or higher are punishable by death.
Below are some of the important rules regarding the Vaskil Spells that cause harm to a Pressonian or are within one of
Valley satrapy and its governing body, Presson’s Enclave. It the three forbidden schools (see below) also result in capital
also includes details specific to the Omeria campaign setting. punishment. Similarly, Anorians cannot use magic items,
read spell scrolls, imbibe potions, or do any other activity
Pressonian Hierarchy that is considered magical. As such, many Anorians turn to
Vaskil Valley is a satrapy of Presson’s Enclave and is a the use of guns—weapons that their Pressonian lords
province of The Summer Land. Like the rest of The Summer consider primitive—to protect themselves.
Land’s provinces, Vaskil Valley is under the purview of a Limited Religion. Anorians are not permitted to
Pressonian governor, referred to as a Mydon Prince or worship any god or otherworldly patron except for the
Princess. The ruling Mydon Prince of Vaskil Valley is Pressonian pantheon collectively known as The Four
Princess Elina Harrou-Tomydon. Working below Harrou- Generals. Worship of non-sanctioned gods results in
Tomydon are twenty-two more Mydon Princes, including one imprisonment of no less than ten years. Furthermore,
of this adventure’s patrons, Prince Spiro Marelis-Tomydon of worship of the demon Vapul is punishable by death.
Steeproost.
The religious center of Presson's Enclave and the majority Other Races of Vaskil Valley
of The Summer Land is the White Pillar, whose Otari Monks Three more non-human races dominate Vaskil Valley
teach the ways of the Four Generals, the oldest religion in all alongside the Anorians. Those races are the Roe’dgope
of Omeria. White Pillar monks also act as arbiters, although (werelynxes), the inaks, and the subterranean drakes.
final judgments are always passed by Mydon Princes. Anorian elves live east of the Vaskil River whereas the
However, Mydon Princes can only be judged by monks of the Roe’dgope live west of it. Until recently, the Roe’dgope kept
White Pillar, and only The Four Generals may judge the to themselves. However, the presence of the mysterious
White Pillar. Thus, many consider the White Pillar the true Wyvern Kings has pushed them from their lands into
power in The Summer Land. Anorian lands. The two ancient races do not tolerate each
The Mydon Princes oversee the Pressonian Abjurers, other's presence as the Roe’dgope have always viewed the
spellcasting knights loyal to Presson’s Enclave and its Mydon Anorians as trespassers in their lands.
Princes. Vaskil Valley has a curiously high number of Inaks are strange undead creatures cobbled from random
Pressonian Abjurers, likely due to the large size of the non- bones and boiled, black leather. They live in holes, vertical
human population. Most Abjurers spend their waking hours shafts, and other difficult-to-reach areas below the Valley.
rooting out anything Presson’s Enclave deems as an enemy of Subterranean drakes, distant relatives of the chromatic
its way of life. Thus, these knights have a reputation for being dragons who once ruled the mountains also live below the
authoritarian and ill-tempered, and often use their position valley. Inaks and subterranean drakes have an uneasy
of power to bully those below them. alliance in the caverns below the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains.
Next within the hierarchy are the actual Pressonian people Although all Vaskilish denizens are aware of these alien
who live and work in Presson’s Enclave. Most Vaskilish cultures, the inaks and drakes are rarely seen above ground.
Pressonians are merchants, miners, and hunters who wish to There are also a few smaller factions such as the four-
live away from the busier cities in the south. The nobility of armed ogres called Brasugas, and the griffon-riding tribes of
Presson’s Enclave makes it a point to keep the Pressonian Kuzhuk.
people at odds with the non-humans. An old Pressonian
idiom states, “If you can convince the lowest Pressonian he’s Forbidden Spell Schools
better than the best Anorian, he won’t notice you’re picking The spell schools of conjuration, enchantment, and
his pocket.” transmutation are illegal in The Summer Land and, by
Finally, non-Pressonians are at the bottom of the extension, Vaskil Valley. This includes casting simple
Pressonian hierarchy. This includes humans from other parts cantrips such as mage hand and prestidigitation, and using
of Omeria and non-humans like the Roe’dgope or selling magic items, scrolls, texts, and components related
to these three schools. Some special visitors to The Summer

6
Land and Vaskil Valley are granted permissions to cast from
these spell schools, but these permissions are rare and Character Backgrounds
exorbitantly expensive.
If one or more players are having trouble tying their
backgrounds to Vaskil Valley, below are some suggestions on
Firearms how those backgrounds can tie perfectly to this adventure
Firearms play a large role in this adventure, as many Anorian
setting.
elves use them in lieu of magic. To use firearms, a character
Acolyte. You hope to bring your love of your god or ideals
must have proficiency in firearms. At your discretion,
to (the heathens of) Vaskil Valley.
characters native to Vaskil Valley who have proficiency in
martial weapons may have proficiency in firearms as well. Charlatan. Vaskil Valley is a region rife with
Otherwise, they must train to use firearms or gain a feat downtrodden folks who make the perfect marks for your
which grants them access to the weapon category. However, cons. Especially those Mydon Princes!
they may not start with a firearm unless they take the Criminal. You are formerly a member of the Ruby
optional rule for starting gold versus starting equipment and Riders, but were released from the group due to a conflict of
purchase one outright. interest with the gang's leader, Minoas.
The Firearms table below details the four most common Entertainer. Taznarchi bards are known as the greatest
types of firearms available in Vaskil Valley. Firearms use musicians in all Omeria—you hope to learn from them.
special ammunition, all of which are detailed after the Folk Hero. Vaskil Valley's got a lot of monsters; and
firearms table and some of them have the blast or reload you've won a few fights with 'em, earning you a reputation.
properties described below. Guild Artisan. Vaskil Valley's monster population has
Blast. A weapon with the blast property deals one put a hurting on trade and crafting in the region. While
additional die of its damage to targets within 5 feet of the others of your ilk flee, you see opportunity.
firearm’s user. Hermit. Quiet, somewhat lawless, and far away from the
Reload. A limited number of shots can be made with a populated cities of the south and west, Vaskil Valley is the
weapon that has the reload property. A character must then perfect spot for you to lay low.
reload it using an action or a bonus action (the character’s Noble. You're a Pressonian noble—perhaps even a Mydon
choice). Prince—who's been tasked with helping Princess Elina
Harrou-Tomydon get the region under control. Resenting
your presence, she's sent you into the field.
Pronunciation Guide Outlander. You're a member of the Vaskil Warriorbrood,
The Pronunciations table on the next page shows how to an elite group of desperados and vigilantes that work outside
pronounce many of the non-English names that appear in of the law.
this adventure. Sage. You came to Vaskil Valley following the trail of a
golem specialist who disappeared in the valley some seventy
Character Creation years ago. The specialist's name was Lyric Atomcotda.
Sailor. Supposedly, Poison Waters in Vaskil Valley has
Before you start this adventure, consider spending the first some of the best fishing around—despite the fact that the
session of your game helping your players understand the lake was literally filled with poison at one point. You're here
world of Omeria and Vaskil Valley. Are the characters from to see if the legends are true.
Vaskil Valley? If so, where do they stand within the valley’s Soldier. You strive to be a Pressonian Abjurer, one of the
tenuous hierarchy? And if they’re not from the valley, what elite magic knights that patrol The Summer Land and keep it
brings them to Vaskil Valley? What do they think of the safe from threats.
valley and its many peculiarities? Urchin. You grew up poor on the streets of Imfe Caan
This section details backgrounds that fit into Vaskil Valley Asaari. As such, you've developed a strong dislike for nobles,
as well as a new elven sub-race and monk sub-class. especially Mydon Princes.

Firearms
Firearm Cost Damage Weight Properties
Pistol 100 gp   1d10 piercing 3 lb.   Ammunition (range 30/90), loading
Revolver 350 gp   2d8 piercing 3 lb.   Ammunition (range 40/120), reload (6 shots)
Rifle 650 gp   2d10 piercing 8 lb.   Ammunition (80/240), reload (5 shots), two-handed
Shotgun 750 gp   2d8 piercing 7 lb.   Ammunition (range 30/90), blast (+1d8), reload (2 shots), two-handed

Ammunition
Ammunition Type Cost Weight
Pistol or Revolver Bullets (20) 5 gp 1 lb.
Rifle Rounds (20) 10 gp 1 lb.
Shotgun Shells (20) 15 gp 1 ½ lb.

7
 Vaskil Valley Pronunciation Guide
Name Pronunciation Description
Anorian AH-nor-ee-an An elven sub-race native to Northern Omeria.
Brasuga BRAH-sue-gah A race of large, four-armed giants native to Vaskil Valley.
Sometimes called the Steeproost Trail, this long road connects
Chibougue Track CHEE-boag
Steeproost to Imfe Caan Asaari.
Crisavor CREH-sah-vor A Kuzhuk elder.
Elina Harrou- eh-LEE-na ha-ROO The Mydon Prince (female) who presides over Vaskil Valley and Imfe
Tomydon toe-MY-dawn   Caan Asaari.
Flora Stamide- FLOOR-ah stah-MEED toe-
A young Mydon Princess from Imfe Caan Asaari.
Tomydon MY-dawn
Gaeleth's Temple GAY-leth The temple featured in the Gaeleth's Temple adventure.
Imfe Caan Asaari IMV CAHN AH-sah-ree The capital of Vaskil Valley.
Imfe Mythse
IMV MYTHZ AH-nor The Anorian elves' city which fell over 1,000 years ago.
Anore
Sentient skeletal undead that live below the Basilsik's Spine
Inak EE-nock
Mountains.
A tribe of griffon-riding humans who live in the Basilisk's Spine
Kuzhuk KOO-suk
Mountains
Lesharo LAY-shar-oh A roe'dgope tribesman exiled to Steeproost.
Lyric Atomcotda LEER-ik ah-TOME-cote-da The scientest responsible for creating the doppelganger princesses.
Meselle MEH-zell Leader of the harpies in the harpy murder quest.
Mona Mèyor MO-nah MEH-yor Steeproost's Sheriff.
The title given to the descendants of the first king of The Summer
Mydon Prince MY-dawn PRINZ
Land.
Obadyr Manor OH-ba-deer The manor in which the quest Ogre Baby's Rattle is set.
A gang of pirate orcs that work as mercenaries throughout much of
Odzedoz ODD-zeh-doz
Omeria.
Omeria OH-me-ree-uh The humanoid-dominant continent of The Summer Land.
Orbea or-BAY-uh A city on the western coast of Omeria.
Presson's Enclave PREH-sons ON-clave The capital city of The Summer Land.
Roe'dgope ROE-da-GO-pay Dwarven werelynxes native to Vaskil Valley.
Rossgough Crag ROZ-guh CRAG A canyon that offers access to Colddark Cliff.
Sireen el-Halaby seer-EEN el-HAL-la-bee Captain of the Black Rose Clan in Imfe Caan Asaari.
Spiro Marelis- SPY-ro mar-EL-is toe-MY-
The Mydon Prince who presides over the village of Steeproost.
Tomydon dawn
Tella Harrou- TELL-ah ha-ROO
The Orb's dead name; leader of the Wyvern Kings.
Tomydon toe-MY-dawn  
Tostrasz the A gargantuan red dragon whose armies once laid waste to The
TOE-strahz
Enormous Summer Land.
General Tuteus TOO-tay-yus The Pressonian god of winter and one of The Four Generals.
Vaskil Valley VAH-skill VAH-lee A small region at the northernmost end of The Summer Land
Vapul VAH-pull The demonic god of death and winter.
Zekiel Fulsom ZAY-keel FULL-sum A member of the Steeproost militia.

8
 You ignore the loading and reloading properties for
Anorian Player Characters firearms with which you are proficient.
Being within 5 feet of a hostile creature doesn't impose
Anorian elves play a large part in this campaign. Once a race
disadvantage on your ranged attack rolls.
of proud warriors who worshipped the demonic god of death
You can draw or stow two one-handed firearms when you
and winter, Vapul, the Anorians now rely on their natural
would normally be able to draw or stow only one.
affinity to the forest and the land to survive under the rule of
Presson’s Enclave and its Mydon Princes.
Ki Aim
If a player wishes to play an Anorian elf who is native to 3rd-level Path of the Gunmage feature
Presson’s Enclave, be sure that they first understand the
Anorians’ relationship with the valley detailed above as it Beginning at 3rd level, as a bonus action, you can double
may greatly impact their character’s class and background. your proficiency bonus on the next ranged weapon attack you
For example, a player who wishes to play an Anorian wizard make using a firearm so long as you make the attack before
could never cast a spell in view of a Pressonian Abjurer as the start of your next turn.
that’s considered a capital crime in this campaign setting.
When a character decides on the subrace for an elf Bonus Proficiency
character, they can choose Anorian and use the following 3rd-level Path of the Gunmage feature
rules to create their character.
Also at 3rd level, you gain proficiency in smith's tools or
Anorian Traits leatherworker's tools (your choice).
Anorians have the elf traits detailed in the Fifth Edition core
rulebook for players plus the traits below. Quick Draw
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score 6th-level Path of the Gunmage feature
increases by 1.
At 6th level, during the first round of combat, on an initiative
Cold Resistance. You have resistance to cold damage.
count equal to 20 plus your Dexterity modifier, you can
Dead Tongue. Using gestures and sounds, you can
spend 2 ki points to draw a one-handed firearm and make a
communicate simple ideas with any undead even if it does
single ranged attack with it. You can't use this feature when
not speak, such as a skeleton or zombie. Although you may
you are surprised.
communicate with an undead creature, you do not control it.
Magic Bullets
Monastic Tradition: Path of the 6th-level Path of the Gunmage feature

Gunmage Also at 6th level, your attacks with your firearms count as
magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and
Many Anorians who train in the art of the gun become
immunity to nonmagical attacks and damage.
gunmages. Perhaps the name mage is deceptive. After all, the
Vaskil Warriorbrood are hardly mages. Certainly, magic
flows through their veins, along their arm, into their trigger
Bulletproof Monk
11th-level Path of the Gunmage feature
fingers, and through their fire arms. But this magic is not the
magic of the cloistered wizards of Odonburg or the stalwart Once you reach 11th level, in combat, you get a special
abjurers of Presson's Enclave. reaction that you can take once on every creature's turn,
Forbidden to use magic by their Pressonian masters, the except your turn. You can use this special reaction only to use
Anorians were instead rewarded the pistol, a primitive your Deflect Missiles feature, and you can't use it on the
weapon invented during the Year of Fire by the azers. But same turn that you take your normal reaction.
they accepted this gift and made it their own. Guns in hand,
the Warriorbrood is a force to be reckoned with. Be thee Rain of Bullets
damned if ye should stand in the path through which they 17th-level Path of the Gunmage feature
ride.
At 3rd level, the monk gains the Monastic Tradition At 17th level, you learn how to shower your enemies in a hail
feature, which offers you the choice of a subclass. The of gunfire few can avoid. As an action, you can spend 1 ki
following Path of the Gunmage option is available to you point to create a 30-foot cone of bullets. To do so, you must
when making that choice. be wielding a firearm and it must be loaded. Each creature in
the area must make a Dexterity saving throw against your ki
Way of the Gun save DC. A target takes the damage normal for your firearm
3rd-level Path of the Gunmage feature on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a
success. This attack expends only one piece of ammunition.
When you choose this tradition at 3rd level, your special
martial arts training leads you to master the use of firearms
(see the sidebar). You gain proficiency with firearms if you
don't already have it and these weapons are monk weapons
for you. You also gain the following benefits:

9
 Chapter 1. Steeproost

A
crow-eyed Anorian rancher escorts his flock of
sheep into the town’s muddy, open air market.
Roe’dgope tribesmen linger at the outskirts of
Running This Chapter
This chapter introduces the players and their characters to
town, eager to pick a fight. The town’s once-
the town of Steeproost and, by extension, Vaskil Valley and
beloved sheriff catches whispers from three
Omeria. Before starting the adventure, read the rest of this
human women calling her a “Vapul
section and the “Steeproost Overview” that follows it.
worshipper.” The friendly yet ineffectual
governor of the town sighs at the latest problem the town Once the players have their characters and backgrounds
faces. Meanwhile, despicable bandits, ravenous ankhegs, and sorted out, kick off the adventure by reading the boxed text in
the terrifying Wyvern Kings haunt the valley that surrounds the “Welcome to Steeproost” section. Then, give the players a
the town. starting quest (either “Silent Knight” or “Fist Fights with
Werelynxes”), or use one of the quests tied to Steeproost.
The frontier town of Steeproost is one of the few
permanent settlements in Vaskil Valley, having been around
for more than seventy years. Like many of Steeproost’s
settlements, dragons laid waste to large portions of the
The Village of Steeproost
The village of Steeproost clings to the Poisonwood Forest like
village during the War of the Burning Plains. Thanks to its
mud on a rancher’s boot. It’s a small place, marked by its
strategic location along the main road to Vaskil Valley’s
strategic location along the Chibougue Track. Anorian elves
capital, Steeproost recovered.
comprise 60 percent of Steeproost’s population. Humans
Now, the village faces a whole mess of problems and once
come next, at 35 percent, with the remaining 5 percent
again finds itself at the precipice of total destruction.
divided among Brasugas, Roe'dgope, and other non-humans.
Many of Vaskil Valley’s small settlements have a similar
racial composition.

10
Years back, Steeproost was a mining town destined for quick
growth. Unfortunately, both of its mines fell into the clutches Steeproost Quick Facts
of dangerous creatures. Without heroes to help clear the
Population. 160
mines, Steeproost’s dreams of wealth faded overnight. The
Leaders. Prince Spiro Marelis-Tomydon of Presson’s
problems didn’t stop there. The town’s well-liked sheriff, a
Enclave acts as the local lord of Steeproost and its
half-Anorian named Mona Mèyor, became the center of
surrounding environment. Despite the mistrust many of
controversy after her sister raised an army of the undead and
Steeproost’s elven citizens have for the Pressonian knight,
attacked an important city in the far west. With many
Marelis is a fair and just ruler. The true Prince Spiro is a
Steeproosters rejecting her help, thereby hampering the
lawful good human noble. However, he’s currently being
sheriff, Steeproost quickly found itself beset on all sides by
portrayed by a doppelganger named Twist (learn why in
bandits, monsters, and, of course, the Wyvern Kings.
Chapter 3 of this adventure). Prince Spiro/Twist relies
If someone doesn’t come in and help clean up, Steeproost’s
heavily on Sheriff Mona Mèyor, a lawful good female half-
likely to end up as another Vaskil Valley ghost town.
Anorian gunmage (see Appendix D), a native to the area.
She handles the people while he handles the Pressonians.
Militia. Steeproost can muster up a militia of thirty soldiers
(use the tribal warrior stat block) and three veterans.

11
 price of 50 gp. For the most part, potions of healing aren’t
Overland Travel illegal in Vaskil Valley unless they’re in Anorian hands.
Although much of Vaskil Valley is covered in lush forest,
Steeproost Rumors
rocky hills, and rough waterways, there are a few well-
d12 Rumor
traveled roads which the characters may take. On foot, it
takes half a day to reach the large town of Imfe Caan Asaari. "Wasn't too long ago when the Mydon Princes
Although it isn’t featured in this adventure’s text, travel to up in Sorryville were stressin' about a couple
The Summer Land capital of Presson’s Enclave takes four girls gone missin'. They posted signs all over
days. Using mounts can reduce these travel times by as much 1 the valley. Then, just like that, they stopped.
as 50 percent.
Never heard whether or not they found the
girls. Weird part is, their parents started to lay
low."
Locations in Steeproost "Sheriff ain't makin' many friends these days,
The following locations marked on the map are those the 'specially since her sister started causin' a
2
characters are likely to visit while they linger in Steeproost. ruckus west o'the Basilisk Spine Mountains.
Likely she needs some help."
The Broken Crossbow "Magic items? Can't hardly get your hands on
Tavern, hotel, den of sin those here. But I heard if you—ahem—"look to
3 the Sunrise", you might find one or two items
The Broken Crossbow is a relatively recent addition to to your likin'. But you ain't heard that from
Steeproost. The tavern was built by a wealthy devilkin from me, partner."
the western Omerian coast named Vows at Sunrise. Much to
"Used to be the Valley was just for us locals.
the chagrin of Steeproost’s Prince, Vows runs the Broken
Now word's gettin' round that the Black Rose
Crossbow as a den of sin. Unbeknownst to the folks of 4 Clan from Greatwell's set up shop in
Steeproost, Vows’ real name is Prayer in the Morning. Two Sorryville. Wonder what interest they got
years ago, Prayer faked her death following a terrorist attack here?"
in the city of Orbea and fled to Vaskil Valley where she now
"Ever since them Wyvern Kings tossed the
hides from debt-collectors. Prayer is a lawful evil devilkin
werelynxes out of their clanholds, those
assassin.
5 dwarves been stirrin' the pot here in
Working the bar is a plump, mustachioed gnome named Steeproost. Watch out for 'em. They're liable
Bem. Bem is a friendly soul, but doesn’t care much for to pick a fight with ya."
confrontation and will quickly tuck his proverbial tail
"There used to be two big ol' mines here in
between his legs and run at the first sign of trouble.
Steeproost. Unfortunately, both of them
The Crossbow is a modest establishment, costing 5 sp per closed up. One on the account'a giant spiders
night at the inn. Meals cost an additional 3 sp, and stabling 6 and the other got gobbled up by ankhegs. I'm
costs 5 sp per mount per day (which includes feed). willin' to bet that if those mines got cleared
Characters seeking opportunities to gamble or pit fight the town would owe whoever did it a debt of
during their downtime can find both activities here at the graditude."
Crossbow. Also, the tavern works well as a place to carouse
"Them Wyvern Kings ain't the only one who
with the lower-class folks of Steeproost. take to the skies. The griffon kings of Kuzhuk
Finally, The Broken Crossbow is the best place for the been here longer than both the werelynxes
characters to gather rumors. For each hour a character 7 and Anorians combined. Since the Wyvern
spends in The Crossbow, have them roll a DC 10 Charisma Kings started shaking things up, they're
(Persuasion) check. They gain a +1 to the check for every 1 gp lookin' for folks to help them with a few
they spend, representing drinks they purchase and palms tasks."
they grease. On a success, they learn one rumor about "There's been a whole lot of orcs and goblins
Steeproost and Vaskil Valley, as shown on the Steeproost floodin' the Valley lately. More than normal.
Rumors table below. 8 While they ain't messin' with folks, it sure is
Black Market Magic. The sale of magic items is strange that they're starting to move into
frowned upon in areas outside of Imfe Caan Asaari. And the these parts."
sale of magic items related to the schools of conjuration, "A bunch of damn harpies been assaulting
enchantment, and transmutation is illegal and punishable by folks in the Poisonwood. Recently, a gang of
a minimum 20-year sentence in Sorryville’s dungeons. 9 adventurers like yourselves went in there to
Having said that, characters who earn favor with Vows at try and flush 'em out. Ain't heard from 'em
Sunrise by completing one or more tasks may learn about since."
Vows’ side hustle as a black market magic item dealer. Vows "If you're lookin' for good work, Talindra, a
can acquire most uncommon magic items, scrolls, and other cattle rancher from here, is always lookin' for
goods for the characters, but sells them at 120% their normal 10 hands to help her on the trail. The pay is good,
price. She sells illegal items with a 300% markup. Very little but it ain't exactly safe work, if you catch my
will get her to back down from these prices. She also carries drift."
potions of healing which she will gladly sell at their normal

12
Temple of Tuteus Prince Spiro Marelis-Tomydon
Shrine to the God of Winter, General Tuteus Steeproost’s governing Mydon Prince

Since worship of any gods beyond The Four Generals is Spiro is the rare exception to Pressonian Princes—as in, he’s
considered illegal in the satrapy, for many Anorians, Tuteus not a total pompous ass (probably because he’s secretly a
acts as a proxy for the ancient Anorian God, Vapul. The doppelganger). Despite his friendly nature and willingness to
shrine is managed by a blind lawful evil Anorian priest do what’s right by his people, the Anorian population of
named Wehlnet Desprae. Wehlnet is also the leader of a cult Steeproost views Prince Spiro as weak. Making matters
of Vapul that acts in the area. worse, the humans of Steeproost see Spiro as an “elf lover”
who puts the concerns of the Anorians above those of his own
Prince’s Office race. As such, Prince Spiro relies on Sheriff Mèyor to
Central government building accomplish tasks he cannot.

Prince Spiro Marelis-Tomydon manages his region from the Vows at Sunrise (Prayer in the Morning)
small office he shares with Mona Mèyor at the west end of Owner of The Broken Crossbow
town. The building is little more than a couple of desks and a
small jail to toss the town drunk into. A relative newcomer in Steeproost, Vows at Sunrise—whose
It’s likely that the Prince and Sheriff take note of the real name is Prayer in the Morning—has her ear to the
characters the moment they enter town. If the characters ground of all the happenings in and around Steeproost. Vows
don’t interact with either of these two important hires help when she doesn’t want to get her hands, or the
Steeproosters in the starting quests, one or both will go out of hands of her lackeys, dirty.
their way to introduce themselves to the characters. See the
section below on “Steeproost’s Quest-Givers.” Random Encounters in
The Sad Bear Steeproost
General store and trading post
Steeproost is a busy village. Even without random
Virtually all the equipment included in the Fifth Edition encounters, there’s plenty to do. But if the characters spend
handbook for characters can be found in Steeproost’s general enough time hanging out in the village, a few random
store and trading post, The Sad Bear. The store gets its name incidents can help bring the experience of the village to life—
from the stuffed bear that stands out on its porch—the bear and also drop a few hints regarding the adventure’s greater
looks like it's frowning thanks to a piss-poor taxidermy job. mystery.
A 650-year-old Anorian named Gallows runs the Bear. Roll a d20 three times per day of game time, checking for
Having remembered the stories of how the Pressonians encounters each morning, afternoon, and evening or night.
treated his parents and grandparents during the Great An encounter occurs on a roll of 16 or higher. Roll a d20 and
Relocation, Gallows doesn’t care much for humans. However, check the Steeproost Encounters table to determine what the
he does like gold. Thus, he’ll put aside his prejudices so long characters encounter, or choose an encounter you like.
as there’s money to be made.
Welcome to Steeproost
Steeproost’s Quest-Givers When you are ready for the adventure to get underway, show
As the characters explore Steeproost, they will encounter the map of Steeproost to the characters and read the
various NPCs who may offer the characters quests. The following boxed text aloud:
characters are under no obligation to complete every quest
that they are presented, especially if it doesn’t interest them
Built alongside the Chibougue Track, midway between
or suit their skills. However, completing quests helps the
characters become more powerful. the mouth of Vaskil Valley and the capital city of Imfe
Listed below are the three main quest-givers in Steeproost. Caan Asaari, is the mining town of Steeproost. Most of
the town’s buildings are squat, one- or two-room
Mona Mèyor domiciles built from lumber pulled from the surrounding
Steeproost’s sheriff
Poisonwood Forest.
Mona Mèyor acts as Steeproost’s no-nonsense sheriff. As a
half-Anorian, she has a great relationship with Steeproost’s
Most of Steeproost’s residents are Anorians, the dark-
large Anorian population. However, her relationship with the haired, blue eyed, pale-skinned elves who ruled northern
humans of Steeproost and Vaskil Valley has recently taken a Omeria over one thousand years ago. In the three elven
hit. Although Prince Spiro has protected her from Pressonian generations since then, they’ve become hard-working
Abjurers and other inquisitors, she’s had to rely on
ranchers, farmers, and lumberjacks, eager to keep to
adventurers to accomplish tasks around Steeproost.
themselves.

Presiding over the Anorians are Pressonians, humans

13
 Steeproost Encounters
d20 Encounter
Duels
Many of Vaskil Valley's outlaws and gunmages
The characters nearly run into a megamoo prefer to settle disputes with duels. Duels are
1 (see Appendix D) being led through town by perfectly legal in Vaskil Valley, too, put into place
a farmer (commoner). by the Pressonians so the Anorians would handle
A rowdy group of four Roe'dgope werelynxes their own disputes without having to involve law
walks past the characters. In Dwarven, they enforcement. Duels have the following rules set in
2 the law:
make rude remarks about the characters'
appearance.
1. Both parties must agree to the duel before a
A merchant yells, "Stop! Thief!" as an witness, usually a member of town leadership
Anorian boy (commoner) rushes past the
characters. If the boy is caught, the grateful or law enforcement.
3 merchant offers a 10% discount on his 2. Both parties may only use a non-magical
wares. The merchant sells anything on the ranged weapon during the duel. Guns are
PHB's adventuring gear table that costs 10 permitted.
gp or less.
3. Both parties must meet at a previously agreed
A drunk human bandit captain and his three upon time (usually dawn, high noon, or
friends (bandits) are trying to pick a fight
sundown). If one party fails to show up at the
with an Anorian gunmage (see Appendix D).
4 agreed upon time, the other party may seek
The gunmage is well beyond their fighting
ability, but the characters would never know vengeance any way they please without legal
by the shabby way he dresses. repercussions.
A beggar (commoner) tugs on one of the 4. Both parties must stand at least 100 feet apart
characters' arms and begs for coin. The with a clear line of sight (no cover).
beggar's body is distorted and strange—they 5. At the count of 3, both parties draw their
5
have a rare, heriditary virus called
drakeblood which gives their bodies dragon- weapons and fire once.
like features. In game terms, both sides roll initiative as
The character with the highest passive normal. Both duelists then may make a single
Wisdom (Perception) score spots someone weapon attack in initiative order. If both duelists
looking at them from behind a building. survive or both duelists die, the duel is declared a
6
When they go to find the person, they're draw, and the dispute remains unsettled. If one
gone. The lurker was a doppelganger spying duelist kills the other, the surviving duelist is
on the characters. declared winner of the dispute.
A Taznarchi bard (commoner) sings a sad Retributions by either side or their allies are
song about the fall of Imfe Mythse Anore. illegal.
7 Humans who hear the song boo the man,
commenting that if he doesn't stop, they'll
have him arrested.
Prince Spiro (see page 13) walks past the native to The Summer Land south of Vaskil Valley.
characters while mumbling to himself. If
8 Although it’s been more than a millennium since the
stopped, he offers a friendly handshake and
nod. Anorians controlled these lands, the Pressonians still
The character with the lowest passive remain suspicious of the Anorians and their activities.
9 Wisdom (Perception) score steps in a pile of
horse poop. On your way to Steeproost, you heard rumors that a
Three bandits from the Ruby Riders gang new threat has appeared in the valley: the Wyvern Kings.
ride into town. They try to stir up trouble These mysterious, wyvern-riding, full-plate-wearing
with anyone they can, looking for a fight warriors haunt the skies above Vaskil Valley. Already,
(including the characters). The bandits are
10 there have been at least two disappearances linked to
all armed with revolvers (see page 7 for
details). If the characters don't back down, these dark riders. Furthermore, the presence of the
one of the bandits challenges one of the Wyvern Kings has pushed the Roe’dgope, a species of
characters to a duel (see below). dwarven werelynxes, from their homes to the west.
The characters meet an NPC with a starter Tensions are high as these refugees are forced to migrate
    11-20     quest or follow-up quest (see this chapter
into Anorian and Pressonian territories.
for details).

After the heroes have had a chance to wander around

Steeproost, introduce one of the starting quests detailed
below.

14
Starting Quests Vaskil Valley Quests
When the characters first enter Steeproost, choose one of the As the characters explore Vaskil Valley and accomplish
two following quests to get the characters involved: “Silent quests, they will discover leads to additional quests. Many of
Knight” or “Fist Fights with Werelynxes.” Both of these these quests begin to unravel the mystery of the Wyvern
quests serve to introduce the characters to the town of Kings. Some offer ways for the characters to improve their
Steeproost and its stakeholders. arsenal before they confront the winged terrors, and all of
them grant the characters opportunities for advancement. All
Fist Fights with Werelynxes. Shortly after the of the additional quests presented in this adventure are
characters enter the town of Steeproost, they’re drawn to detailed in “Chapter 2. Vaskil Valley.”
the town’s local watering hole, The Broken Crossbow. As
they get a feel for the saloon, a group of werelynxes enters
the tavern and is drawn into a fight with the locals. See
Character Advancement
“Fist Fights with Werelynxes” for details. Characters advance in level by completing quests in this
chapter. Regardless of the number of characters in the party,
Silent Knight. While walking around Steeproost, the the rate of advancement is as follows:
characters encounter a farmer who claims that one of the
Wyvern Kings crash-landed in the forest north of his Characters gain a level when they complete one of the two
property. The characters go to investigate and discover that starting quests. At your discretion, they may complete
the body has already been intercepted by members of the both starting quests, gaining two levels as a result.
Black Rose Clan. See “Silent Knight” for details. However, completing a starting quest has no effect on
characters of 3rd level or higher. (Chapter 1.)
Follow-up Quests Characters gain a level each time they complete two
follow-up quests and additional quests until they reach
After the characters complete one of the starting quests, one 5th level. After they reach 5th level, completing the follow-
or more of the town’s leaders approaches the characters and up quests and additional quests has no effect on their
asks them to help with the Wyvern King Clues quest (see level. (Chapter 1 and 2.)
the “Wyvern King Clues” section later in this chapter for Characters should reach 6th level once they enter The
details). Colddark cliff and learn its secrets. (Chapter 3.)
Additionally, the following three quests become available. Characters reach 7th level after they repel the mercenaries
in the final act of this adventure. (Chapter 4).
Cattle Rustlin’ Country. The characters are hired on a
ranch and charged with protecting a large herd of cattle as
they’re moved from Steeproost to the Kuzhuk. Yeehaw! Where are the Wyvern Kings?
Refer to the section “Cattle Rustlin’ Country” for details. The Wyvern Kings are a constant threat in this adventure.
Tomb of the Drake. A week ago, a well-known Brasuga Although they are not inherently evil (see the section “Who
bard disappeared during an expedition in the hills. One of are the Wyvern Kings?” in Chapter 4 for details), their
Steeproost’s quest givers offers the characters gold to find presence disturbs many of Vaskil Valley’s citizens and
the missing giant. Refer to the section “Tomb of the Drake” remains a looming threat. The Random Encounter table in
for details. Chapter 2 presents opportunities for the characters to
Ogre Baby’s Rattle. A shipment of specialist equipment witness the Wyvern Kings in action.
vanished en route to a nearby mine. The characters are
hired to find the shipment. Refer to the section “Ogre
Baby’s Rattle” for details.
Spies Among Us
During this adventure, the characters will meet many colorful
After the characters complete one follow-up quest, another
and interesting characters. Then, later, in Chapter 3, the
four follow-up quests become available.
characters learn that many of the NPCs with whom they have
Caves of Silence. A nest of giant spiders led by a phase been interacting are actually a gang of neutral-aligned
spider forced a local mine to shut down. Desperate for it to doppelgangers who work with the Wyvern Kings—including
reopen, the people of Steeproost ask the characters to step one of the adventure’s major quest-givers, Prince Spiro.
in and help. Refer to the section “Caves of Silence” for Beyond Prince Spiro, who are these doppelgangers?
details. Ultimately, that’s up to you. Because of the fluid nature of
Harpy Murder. Harpies keep ambushing travelers along this adventure, the doppelgangers should be people that the
the east road of Steeproost. The adventurers are tasked characters—and their players—least suspect. Although this
with clearing this menace from the surrounding forest. concept is covered in greater detail in Chapter 3, make sure
Strange Lights. Reports of strange lights on the horizon to consider this while you go into the adventure and
may be tied to a recent disappearance. The characters are introduce new NPCs. Remember—if you plan on making an
sent to an old, abandoned mine to investigate. Refer to the NPC a doppelganger and they get injured, die, or otherwise
section “Strange Lights” for details. get knocked out of the plot, you’re free to change that fact.
Stonehill Blues. A group of bandits and ne’er-do-wells After all, the players won’t even know, will they?
have set up a base in abandoned ruins outside of
Steeproost. They’ve been causing trouble in the area. The
characters are asked to put an end to their tyranny.

15
 Cattle Rustlin’ Country
This follow-up quest is optimized for four characters with an
average party level (APL) of 2. The characters are hired on as Driving the Herd
ranch hands and charged with protecting a large herd of
The characters set out on The Steeproost Trail accompanied
cattle as they’re moved from Steeproost to Kuzhuk. Yeehaw!
by Talindra and her hundred head herd of cattle. During
encounters, creatures will interact with cattle in a couple of
Background ways: bandits will attempt to rustle them off trail, while the
The Steeproost Trail is a twenty-mile stretch of rolling crocodiles at the river crossing will attack them and attempt
grassland connecting the eponymous cattle town to the to drag them beneath the water.
secluded home of the Kuzhuk griffon riders. Though the trail Rule of Ten. For simplicity’s sake, Talindra’s herd is
is the shortest drive in Vaskil Valley and replete with grazing broken into 10 groups of 10, with each group worth 10 gp and
land, it is not totally without danger. Local gangs of rustlers 75 XP upon reaching Kuzhuk. For instance, if bandits rustled
often lurk beyond the hills, waiting to ambush unsuspecting some cattle away during an encounter, the bandit takes 10
ranchers and steal their herds of cattle. As a result, ranchers head of cattle—or one group—and the bandit is considered to
tend to hire on extra hands in Steeproost en route to Kuzhuk, have fled from the field of battle with their ill-gotten gains.
to better protect their investment. Those sellswords who Refer to The Steeproost Trail Encounters section for more
discover they have a natural affinity for the shepherd’s life information on these types of interactions.
often end up becoming professional ranchers themselves.
Talindra, a half-elf woman born and raised in Steeproost, General Features
is one such adventurer turned rancher; she found that life on
Unless stated otherwise, the Steeproost Trail has the
the trail was routine enough to make a steady living, but
following features.
dangerous enough to be exciting. She’s currently nearing the
Size and Dimensions. The Steeproost Trail is
end of her yearly cattle drive and hiring on extra swords in
approximately 20 miles long. Each encounter includes a
Steeproost for the final stretch to Kuzhuk.
complementary battle map for ease of reference (at the back
of the book), though you can defer to your imagination
Quest Hooks instead if you’d like.
The following plot hooks provide some possible ways for the Illumination. Illumination varies from encounter to
characters to get involved in the quest. encounter; refer to The Steeproost Trail Encounters section
Hired Hands. Talindra comes across the characters and for more information.
decides to hire them as sellswords. She’s willing to pay 5 gp
per day and 10 gp per 10 head of cattle that reach Kuzhuk The Steeproost Trail Encounters
unharmed.
The following encounters take place as the characters
Veiled Attackers. Sheriff Mona Mèyor is interested in
traverse The Steeproost Trail. Each combat encounter section
planting guards within Talindra’s cattle drive in order to
has a dedicated battle map. You can refer to the maps for this
capture one of the bandits alive. No one knows who’s behind
quest to see where each encounter takes place:
these attacks; extracting information from one of these
rustlers would go a long way toward uncovering the culprit.
Scouting Raid Encounter
Big Game Hunters. Vicious crocs are infesting the
Not long after setting forth from Steeproost, three rustlers
river crossing to the west, and their rare skins would fetch a
(bandits with proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival)
high price on the black market. Vows at Sunrise, the owner of
riding three draft horses will appear on a nearby ridge and
The Broken Crossbow in Steeproost, is willing to pay 20 gp
probe the train’s defenses. The battle begins with Talindra’s
per hide.

16
herd set in a straight line heading west, with the characters     Development: Storm. While the pouring rain and fog
spread amongst them to maintain order. Talindra (bandit last, set all creatures’ vision to a maximum of 15 feet
with proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival) drives the (regardless of their type of vision). Additionally, all creatures’
chuck wagon at the back of the herd; she may be called upon movement is set at 15 feet. due to the mud fields surrounding
to participate in the battle if things look dire for the the river.
characters. Croc Attack! The encounter begins with Talindra’s herd
Bait and Switch. The rustlers will attempt to distract set in a straight line heading west, with at least two groups
the characters as they move cattle off trail. At the beginning situated in the ford itself. The characters begin the encounter
of combat, choose a rustler to be the designated mover and spread amongst the cattle to maintain order. Talindra drives
set their initiative at 15. The mover will always attempt to the chuck wagon at the back of the herd; she may be called
move into contact with a group of cattle farthest from the upon to participate in the battle if things look dire for the
characters (i.e. will not participate in the fighting). Upon characters. The three crocodiles begin the encounter
making contact, the rustler must then succeed on a DC 10 hidden beneath the water, requiring a DC 16 Wisdom
Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to move the cattle up to (Perception) check to spot. They immediately attack any
their maximum movement speed (30 ft.) away from the train. cattle attempting to cross. Successful attacks on the cattle
If the designated rustler ever succeeds on two consecutive will cause them to panic, scatter, and drown; a group is
Wisdom (Animal Handling) checks on the same group of considered lost if a croc makes two consecutive successful
cattle, they take off with that part of the herd and flee the attacks on the same group.
field of battle. The other two rustlers will attempt to draw the Treasure: Croc Skin. A character with leatherworker’s
characters away from one side of the train to engage them; tools can spend two hours and use them to skin a crocodile
once a group of cattle has been secured or one of the rustlers by performing a DC 13 Wisdom (Survival) or a DC 13
dies, the others flee the field of battle. Wisdom (Nature) check. Talindra’s chuck wagon contains
Treasure: Glass Dice. If one of the rustlers dies, the leatherworker’s tools if no one is currently carrying them. On
characters can find a pair of painted glass dice (25 gp) on a success, the character successfully harvests the crocodile’s
their corpse. Each slain rustler carries a rabbit skin pouch hide. Each hide is worth 20 gp and weighs approximately 50
containing 25 sp. pounds. A failed check results in a tattered hide worth 5 gp
that weighs 25 pounds.
Wyvern Corpse
Later the first day, the cattle train comes across an unusual Night Raid Encounter
sight: the desiccated corpse of a wyvern. With the recent fear The storm passes, night falls, and Talindra decides to pitch
of the Wyvern Kings hanging over the heads of the people of camp in a secluded copse of trees. Out in the dark, the
Vaskil Valley, Talindra commands everyone to be cautious. rustlers plot their final assault.
If the characters search the wyvern, they immediately Night Attack. The encounter begins with Talindra’s
discover that it has a ruined saddle attached to it. A herd spread out and asleep near her chuck wagon. The six
successful DC 10 Intelligence (History) check reveals that the rustlers (bandits with proficiency in Animal Handling and
saddle is the same as those used by the Wyvern Kings. Once Survival) and their six draft horses begin at the edge of the
the saddle is discovered, a character who succeeds on an tree line, surrounding the camp. Two of the rustlers will
active or passive DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check sees a dismount and attempt to sneak into the camp by moonlight
black object covered in dust approximately 20 feet from the to subdue the character on watch (make Stealth checks for
wyvern’s corpse. Upon closer examination, they discover that the rustlers). Once discovered, the other four rustlers will
it’s a helmet, exactly like those worn by the Wyvern Kings. charge in on their horses. As before, designate one of the
rustlers to be the group’s “mover” and set their initiative to
15. If over half of the rustlers are killed, the others will
This unusual, jagged, black helmet lacks holes of any sort attempt to flee the field of battle.
—not even eye holes! Furthermore, the inside is designed Treasure: Gray Bag of Tricks. If one or more of the
so that it looks like it fits over a cylinder rather than a rustlers die, the characters can find a gray bag of tricks on
person’s head. one of their corpses. Each slain rustler carries a rabbit skin
pouch containing 25 sp.

Beyond the helmet and wyvern’s corpse, there’s nothing else Concluding the Quest
of interest here.
Upon reaching Kuzhuk, Talindra will perform the final head
count and pay the characters what’s promised: 10 gp per 10
Flooded River Crossing Encounter cattle. If at least eight groups of cattle survived the trail,
The following day, Talindra’s cattle train must cross the
Talindra will pay the characters an additional 100 gp for a job
Vaskil River. However, a sudden storm descends upon the
well done.
area, slowing the train’s progress and causing the river
crossing to swell.

17
 Caves of Silence
This follow-up quest is optimized for four characters with an clear the mine so they can get back to work.
average party level (APL) of 3. An abandoned mine needs to The Money Pit. With any investment, there is always
be cleared of a nest of monsters so the town can reopen it and the risk of losing everything. Lyzina Gretsard learned this the
the miners can get back to work. The party should be hard way five years ago when she lost it all with the collapse
prepared for some difficult battles with the spiders inside the of her family’s iron mine. It was the start of a string of failed
mine. investments, but it is now her last chance to restore her
family name to prominence. She’s offering a reward of 50 gp
Background per adventurer if they can clear the “Caves of Silence” of all
the current inhabitants.
A phase spider and a nest of giant spiders have turned an
abandoned mine just south of the town of Steeproost into
their home, killing any who would try to take it back. Using
The Caves of Silence
the unique properties of a rare mineral that absorbs sound, The entrance to the mine can be reached by traveling just two
the giant arachnids lie silently in wait for their meals to come hours south of Steeproost. The adventurers will follow a path
to them. For years they have filled their bellies with the blood through the forest and into the foothills where they’ll come
of victims foolish enough to enter their lair, their screams across the abandoned mining camp just outside the entrance.
silenced, unheard, once they do.
Many of the citizens in Steeproost depended on the General Features
resources that the mine provided. Its loss had a big impact on Unless stated otherwise, the caves have the following
the local economy, and they are desperate to get it back up features.
and running once more. Many attempts have been made over Ceilings. The ceiling height of the mine varies from 8
the years and while they have all failed up to this point, they feet in the side tunnels to 15 feet in the main tunnels.
are still hopeful that it can be done. Excavated rooms are made of rough stone supported by thick
wooden beams.
About the Gretsard Iron Mine Floors and Walls. The floors of the mine are hard
The Gretsard Iron Mine was a major source of work and packed earth and stone smoothed from travel over time.
income for Steeproost until it was shut down five years ago. A Most of the rough stone walls are held in place by supports
small earthquake cracked open a massive sinkhole inside of but some have collapsed into piles of rubble.
the mine and before repairs could begin, it became home to a Webbed Tunnels. There are many sections of the mines
nest of nasty creatures that quickly took control of the entire that are covered in webbing from the arachnid inhabitants.
complex. They are considered difficult terrain and each creature that
The townsfolk tried hiring experts over the years to try to starts its turn in the webs or that enters them during its turn
clear out the mines but whoever went down into that must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or become
sinkhole was never heard from again. This is mostly because restrained by the webs. A restrained creature can use its
of a special mineral that absorbs sound called Red action to try to escape, doing so with a successful DC 12
Ruthrophilite that was exposed when that part of the mine Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Each 5-
collapsed during the earthquake. Whenever someone entered foot cube of giant webs has AC 10, 15 hit points, vulnerability
the sinkhole, they would be ambushed by the monsters living to fire, and immunity to bludgeoning, piercing, and psychic
below and the mineral would absorb any sound they would damage. The webs are flammable and any 5-foot cube of
make. webs exposed to fire burns away in 1 round, dealing 5 (2d4)
fire damage to any creature that starts its turn in the fire.
Quest Hooks Illumination. There are no light sources in the mine.

The following plot hooks provide some possible ways for the 1 - Mine Entrance
characters to get involved in the quest. When the characters approach the mine for the first time,
The Quiet Legend. Old Man Tillius loves to weave a tall read or paraphrase the following:
tale down at the Broken Crossbow as long as you keep his
flagon full. Last night he told the story of a local legend of the
bottomless sinkhole in the “Caves of Silence” and how no one The trek on the path through the woodlands ends
who has entered has ever been heard from again. He believes abruptly at a clearing at the base of the foothills. A few
there is a treasure hidden below and an unspeakable monster scattered planks and bits of rusted metal are all that
must be guarding it.
remain of what was once a thriving mining camp. The
Feed the Families. Vienill Faertath comes from a long
line of farmers but broke the tradition when he went to work
broken remains of tracks still lie twisted and snapped
in the Gretsard Iron Mine almost a decade ago. After the from the strength of the earthquake years ago. They lead
mine collapsed and shut down, his family, like many others, into the gaping maw of the mine’s mouth, disappearing
were desperate to find any work they could to make ends down into the silent darkness.
meet. On the verge of destitution, Vienill and the other
former miners reach out to the adventurers in hopes they will

18
19
 Encounter: Ambush. An ettercap, a giant spider,
Sitting on a piece of broken machinery staring into that and two giant wolf spiders nest in the corners of this
black pit is an old Anorian man wearing a dusty leather cave. As soon as anything touches the webs, they will all
coat that hangs to his knees, a red kerchief around his move to attack. The giant spider and giant wolf spiders will
engage the party with a direct attack, drawing them into the
neck, and his chin on his knuckles. His brow is so deeply
cave, while the ettercap will attempt to scuttle behind them
furrowed in thought, it’s as if it is holding up the weight and hit them with its Web action.
of the world by itself. Hazard: Webbed Cave. This entire area is covered in
thick, sticky webbing (see “General Features”).
Treasure: Corpse Cocoons. There are a total of three
The Anorian will be surprised at the sight of the adventurers corpses cocooned deep in the webbing. Two of the corpses
and will introduce himself as Veldrin Godeth, of Imfe Caan are miners with a combined total of 17 sp and 24 cp on them.
Asaari. He will explain that he sits here looking to gather the The third corpse can be found crammed into a crevice in the
courage to enter the mine and retrieve a lost family heirloom, ceiling with a successful DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check.
a silver signet ring, from a family member who went missing This one is of a former adventurer with 10 gp and two
in the mine. He will promise a great reward if the potions of healing in a satchel. A small journal in the satchel
adventurers would do it in his stead and return it to his tells the short-lived story of his life from fisherman to
family home in Imfe Caan Asaari. mercenary whose crew took a job to clear out Gretsard mine
Veldrin is actually the ghost of a miner who was killed in over two years ago.
the collapse five years ago; it is his own remains that lie at the
bottom of the collapsed shaft (area 5). The adventurers can 5 - Collapsed Shaft
determine his spectral nature with a successful DC 25 There’s a slight sense of vertigo that can be felt the closer one
Wisdom (Perception) check. gets to the edge. The feeling is faint and fleeting, but
noticeable.
2 - Main Tunnel
The main tunnel slopes downward deeper into the earth the
The bottom of the mining tunnel suddenly drops down
further it travels. Discarded mining gear litters the corners,
rusting away or collapsing into heaps of debris. A thick layer into a stygian pit of pitch-black darkness. The mining
of dirt and fallen rock covers everything; some of the wooden track’s rails project over this pit, twisted and reaching
supports have completely deteriorated and walls have towards the other side but unable to span the width. Its
crumbled down. partner rails sit on the other side of the expanse,
The largest section of the mine tunnel (near area 4) has
reaching towards them but unable to touch.
collapsed and is closed off completely; it will require heavy
work over a period of days to dig out the tunnel. The pit itself is broader than it is wide with the bottom
Trap: Weakened Tunnel. The mine is still unstable,
indiscernible. Small flecks of red crystal are embedded in
especially the closer to the collapsed shaft one goes. The
tunnel leading to area 5 is so weak that anyone putting
the walls.
more than five pounds of pressure on that tunnel's floor
causes a 5-foot-wide and 10-foot-deep sinkhole to appear. An
adventurer avoids falling into the collapsed floor with a The pit is 50 feet deep with webbing strung between the walls
successful DC 15 Dexterity check; a failed check results in 3 that begin halfway down. Touching the webs will alert the
(1d6) bludgeoning damage from the fall. guardians of the pit.
Treasure: A Heavy Load. There are 200 pounds of Hazard: Muffled Sounds. The crystal in the walls is
iron ore worth 100 sp sitting in a mining cart. Red Ruthrophilite and any creature within 5 feet of the walls
of the pit will be under the effects of its sound absorption
3 - Darkmantle Lair attribute (see sidebar) as if holding one ounce of the mineral.
In the oldest part of the mine, the sturdy tunnel supports Encounter: The Silent Killers. A giant spider and
remain mostly intact. Discarded stacks of old planks and three giant wolf spiders nest at the bottom of the shaft in
other equipment lie in haphazard piles along one wall. Thick area 6. Their Web Sense ability will alert them once a
strands of webbing cover the individual mining tunnels creature moves halfway down the tunnel and they will all
jutting out from the main tunnel. climb up to attack them.
Encounter: A Mantle of Darkness. Four
darkmantles live here in the side tunnels. They will use 6 - Silenced Cave
their Darkness Aura ability to ambush the party from above. The bottom of the pit ends in a small cave covered in old
Hazard: Webbed Tunnels. Thick, sticky webbing webs with a southern path leading down and into area 7.
covers the four individual tunnels (see “General Features”). Bits of splintered wood and bent metal from the fallen
mining track lay scattered across the ground. They lie mixed
4 - Webbed Cave with the broken skeletons and equipment of the miners and
Thick webbing covers this entire section of the mine. Barely would-be heroes who have fallen to their deaths over the last
visible bundles of wrapped objects and corpses, as well as few years.
barrels and crates, poke out between the web strands as well.

20
 Red Ruthrophilite Concluding the Quest
This crystalline mineral has the unique property If characters succeed in clearing the mine, they will not find
to absorb sounds a creature makes based on how Veldrin Godeth because his spirit has moved on. If they seek
much it holds. him out in Imfe Caan Asaari, whoever they ask will look at
With one ounce held, the crystal suppresses them oddly and then point them in the direction of the
sounds made by the holder, granting them a +4 Godeth family home, a middle-class dwelling not too far from
bonus on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. The holder the Dragonwatch Inn. There they will meet Veldrin’s widow
will also have a 20% (+10% per additional ounce Belardara and their son, Veldrin, who was named for his
held) chance of spell failure when casting spells father. She will tearfully thank them for returning the signet
with verbal components or using abilities that ring, explaining how it was lost when her husband died in the
require audible components.
mine’s collapse five years ago. She will give the adventurers 5
A silence spell cast while using one ounce of this
gp each and a hearty dinner as a thank you.
mineral as a material component will negate the
need for concentration to maintain the spell and Since the mine was a huge part of Steeproost’s economy,
will double its duration to 20 minutes. word spreads quick about the heroes’ accomplishment.
Within a few months, the mine reopens and Steeproost once
again becomes an important center of trade in Vaskil.
    Hazard: Silenced. The Red Ruthrophilite crystals in Everyone in town—Anorian and human alike—treat the
the walls are noticeably bigger in this section of the shaft, adventurers like celebrities.
creating an effect identical to that of the silence spell in the
If the adventurers failed to clear out the mine, their bodies
entire room.
will never be found as the spiders wrap them up tightly in
Treasure: The Heirloom. The skeletal remains of their cocoons and feast on them. Eventually, the town will
Veldrin Godeth lie here tucked into a corner of the room forget about the mine as the forest to the south of town
where he fell and broke his neck. A silver signet ring (5 gp) becomes increasingly dangerous, and the giant spider
with an ornately carved capital letter “G” upon it is still population blooms over the years. Growing ever larger, the
attached to one of his finger bones. spider threat eventually comes knocking at Steeproost’s very
door.
7 - Spider Nest
This large cavern is almost completely covered in webbing. Adventure Hook Resolution
The ceiling is 30 feet high and covered in stalactites that Resolve the quest hooks presented at the beginning of this
thrust down into the cavern with webbing strung between quest as follows:
them all. The Red Ruthrophilite crystals are much smaller in
The Quiet Legend. After clearing the mine and
the walls here to the point of having no effect unless the walls
returning to Steeproost, the locals at the Broken Crossbow
are specifically touched. Dozens of cocooned bodies are hung
are eager to hear the tale, buying round after round of ale.
like so many sides of beef from the ceiling and in the massive
Old Man Tillius will sit quietly in a corner grumbling at not
webs.
being the center of attention but absorbing every word for his
Hazard: Webbed Cavern. Webs cover most of the future renditions of the legend of the “Caves of Silence”.
cavern (see “General Features”).
Feed the Families. The mining families will shower the
Encounter: It’s Just a Phase. The phase spider characters with praise and take them to the Broken Crossbow
and giant spider in the home nest will coordinate their where they will eat, sing, and dance in their honor; the
attacks. The giant spider will use its Web ability to entangle party’s cups will overflow, and their bellies will be filled. The
weaker opponents while the phase spider will attack the families will pay for their food and lodging for the next week.
strongest. The phase spider prefers to use its Ethereal Jaunt
The Money Pit. Lyzina Gretsard will honor her word
ability to “blink” behind an opponent and then use its Bite
and pay the adventurers what was promised. She will
action.
promise to reach out to them if she’s ever in need of help
Treasure: The Spider Hoard. After cutting down all clearing out monsters again. Once she announces to the town
the corpses and looting them, the hoard contains 280 cp, 112 that the mine will reopen, the former miners rejoice with the
sp, 42 gp, three potions of healing, and a set of chain mail of adventurers in the Broken Crossbow.
the spider (see Appendix C).

21
 Fist Fights with Werelynxes
This starting quest is optimized for four characters with an After the characters have had a chance to settle into The
average party level (APL) of 1. Soon after the characters Crossbow, they witness a gang of tribal warriors enter the
arrive in the town of Steeproost, they find themselves in the saloon—Roe'dgope. Almost immediately, everyone stops
popular watering hole, The Broken Crossbow. There, they get talking and turns their heads.
caught in the middle of a fight between Anorian gunmages
and dwarven werelynxes.
Four musclebound dwarves wearing little more than
trousers and moccasins push past the tavern’s swinging
Background doors. White warpaint covers their beardless faces and
A few months ago, the Wyvern Kings pushed the Roe'dgope bare chests. Everyone else in the bar immediately clams
people from their homes at the western side of the valley.
up and stares. After a beat, the four saunter to an empty
Many of these Roe'dgope refugees were welcomed into the
communities of Vaskil Valley, including Steeproost. spot at the bar and take a seat.
However, tensions are high. Ever since the Anorians were
forcibly relocated to the valley a millennium ago, the The mustachioed bartender slinks over and asks (with
Roe'dgope have seen the elves as trespassers on their a touch of fear in his voice), “What will it be, fellas?” The
ancestral lands. Ironically, the Anorians see the Roe'dgope as clear leader of the dwarves, a dark-eyed man with long
trespassers on their side of the valley. black hair says something in the dwarven tongue to his
Lesharo, a Roe'dgope warrior, and his three friends,
companions, then grunts, “Water.” The bartender nods
Hassun, Bishalani, and Helki, haven’t adjusted to their
current predicament. Relatively young (they’re all around
with a weak smile and grabs four glasses.
ninety years old), these hot heads have already caused
trouble a few times since coming to Steeproost. The tensions
between Lesharo’s people and the Anorians of Steeproost are Give the characters a chance to ask around about the
about to reach a head, which will likely result in bloodshed dwarves. By speaking with the tavern’s patrons, they can
unless someone gets involved. learn the details included in this quest’s backstory.
After a few minutes, an Anorian gunmage (see Appendix
Quest Hook D) named Whip approaches the Roe’dgope.

The characters can get involved with this starter quest the
first time they set foot in The Broken Crossbow. If they’re While the dwarves sip from their glasses of water and
new to town, they likely entered the Crossbow to find work, speak among themselves, a tall, black-haired elven man
take a break, or even grab a room for the night. No matter the with twin revolvers at his hips approaches the tribesmen.
outcome of this starter quest, the tavern’s owner, Vows at “Say, Bim,” says the elf to the bartender. “I thought you
Sunrise, sees potential in the adventurers, as does the town’s
had a policy about letting animals into the bar?” The elf
sheriff, Mona Mèyor. This ultimately leads to more quests for
the party. then turns and smirks, staring directly at the lead dwarf.

The bartender clears his throat, “Now, Whip… don’t

Welcome to The Broken you go causin’ no trouble—”
Crossbow Whip throws Bim the bartender a look that instantly
The first time the characters enter The Broken Crossbow, silences him. He then turns his attention back to the
read the following:
dwarves.

Rough wooden floors, dimly lit tables, rough-and-tumble “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? But I guess…
ranch hands drinking shots of dark liquor at the bar— you’re the cat, huh?”
this place screams “frontier.” A lean, red-skinned
devilkin woman with shoulder-length black hair pulled
At this point, it’s clear that Whip is looking to pick a fight
back into a bun beneath a wide-brimmed black hat leans
with the Roe'dgope. Before the characters can get involved,
against a wooden beam in front of this tavern. “Howdy,” he ups his ante by grabbing one of the dwarves’ glasses and
she says. “Welcome to The Broken Crossbow.” then proceeds to dump its contents on Lesharo’s head.

The water from the glass causes the dwarf’s warpaint to

Review the section on The Broken Crossbow earlier in this
run down his neck and chest. But that isn’t what has
chapter.

22
 would reduce a character to 0 hit points, the werelynx
your attention—the dwarf’s eyes turn bright gold. He instead makes a nonlethal blow, knocking the character
starts to emit a low growl, not unlike a mountain lion’s. unconscious.
Then, before your eyes, you watch the dwarf and his four
companions transform into feline-humanoid hybrids. Break It Up
The elf takes a step back and draws both of his revolvers The Anorians and Roe’dgope are pretty tough, relatively
while four more elves dressed in a similar manner stand speaking, so once this fight has continued for three rounds,
from a nearby table ready to back him up. Vows at Sunrise, the tavern’s owner, grabs her shotgun from
behind the bar and gives an ear-splitting whistle. Both the
“War it is, boys!” shouts the elf. Anorians and Roe'dgope immediately turn to face her.

“All right, you idiots! I love a good bar fight as much as

Bar Fight the next gal, but this is getting old pretty fast. The next
person who throws a punch is going to get a face full of
Whip and his four companions are Anorian gunmages and
Lesharo and his three companions are werelynxes (the
shotgun. And if you’re wondering, yes—there’s silver
gunmages and werelynxes are detailed in Appendix D). The pellets in here.
two groups break into a nasty bar fight. As lycanthropes,
nonmagical attacks do little to harm Lesharo and his “Now go on. Git!”
companions. However, Whip and his pals all have guns
loaded with silver bullets. Whip’s a helluva shot, but his
bullets aren’t made to kill, but to harm. Unless the characters continue the fight, the Anorians grab
Similarly, the Roe'dgope don’t want to kill Whip or the their hats, guns, and other personal effects and exit (not
other elves. They’re just looking to cut them up bad with their without throwing a few dirty looks the dwarves’ away, of
claws. None of the lycanthropes will apply their lycanthropic course). Lesharo and his companions follow, grumbling in
curse during the fight, as doing so would be considered a sin their native tongue, “It’s not like we’re the ones who started
among their people. this mess.”
After the fight continues for a few rounds—bottles thrown,
chairs flying, people getting tossed through windows, etc.—
Sheriff Mona Mèyor rushes into the bar. If the characters are
Concluding the Quest
still present and haven’t done anything to stop the fight, No matter how well the characters fared in the fight, they got
Mèyor yells, “Hey! You! Help me out with this lot, wouldja?” to show off their stuff both to Sheriff Mona Mèyor and Vows
She then jumps into the fight to try and break things up. at Sunrise. Both women see opportunity with the party—
The Anorians won’t use their guns on the characters, but Mèyor thinks the characters can help her handle a few
they’re sure to throw fists and grapple. When making an problems in and around Steeproost. Meanwhile, Vows thinks
attack with their fists, the gunmages have a +3 to hit and deal that they might be useful as new goons to help her with some
1 bludgeoning damage. If the damage reduces a target to 0 of her tasks.
hit points, the target falls unconscious but is stable. Finally, if the characters stay behind and help clean up the
bar, Vows at Sunrise offers them free room and board for the
If the characters fight with the Roe’dgope, the werelynxes
next five days. “Least I can do,” she says.
use their claws, but won’t bite. And if their claw attacks

23
 Harpy Murder
Harpy Murder is a follow-up quest optimized for four
characters with an average party level (APL) of 3. The Setting Off
characters are asked to discover the fate of a missing Ram's Head Rock is approximately ten miles east along
adventuring party who were killed by a flock of vile harpies. Mercenary's Road from the village of Steeproost; travel on
foot takes just over two hours. When the characters come
Background within sight of the rock, read the following aloud:

Steeproost must work ceaselessly to protect itself against the

threats which lurk in the wilderness. Luckily, many A large boulder, over six feet tall and seven feet wide,
adventurers can be found in Vaskil Valley looking to test rests just a dozen feet from the north side of the dirt
their mettle and earn fame and fortune in its forests, hills, road. Its shape vaguely resembles a ram's head, horns
and mountains. One such group of adventurers was recently
curling backwards tightly over its skull. Beyond the
contracted by the village of Steeproost to address the
increasing harpy presence in the region. The harpies, led by boulder, a much narrower, rocky path can be seen gently
one calling herself Meselle the Blooddrinker, have been sloping upwards into the mountains beyond.
ambushing travelers along the east road out of Steeproost,
gleefully torturing and murdering their targets while
occasionally sending survivors back to the village to tell their The path into the Belly of the Beast mountains is less
tales of the harpies’ butchery. Pushed out of their nests forgiving than Mercenary's Road—the elevation changes
further west by the advancing Wyvern Kings, Meselle and her sharply at points and loose rubble underfoot can make
flock have established themselves in an abandoned Kuzhuk traction difficult at times. Sharp cliff faces line the path on
outpost in the western range of mountains called the Belly of both sides.
the Beast. Woefully underprepared, the adventuring party Encounter: Harpy Ambush. After about twenty
tasked with eliminating them was destroyed. Three of its minutes of northward travel, the party approaches a 10-foot-
members were swiftly murdered and the fourth was taken to deep fissure running vertically along the mountain path. The
the outpost for the harpies' extended enjoyment. Steeproost mountain path itself is flanked by steep, mountainous cliffs
cannot tolerate this vile presence any longer—the second on both sides. There are four harpies loyal to Meselle in the
group of adventurers must not fail. area, waiting to set a trap for the adventurers. Two harpies
are perched 40 feet high atop the east cliffs, and two more
Quest Hook harpies are perched 40 feet high atop the west cliffs. When
the adventurers come within 30 feet of the fissure, the
While the characters are in Steeproost, they are approached
harpies attempt to surprise the characters with their Luring
by Sheriff Mona Mèyor. She offers that she has a dangerous
Song ability to lead the characters into the fissure. They then
task fit for only the most capable adventurers—one for which
swoop down and attack, hoping to pile onto anyone that fell
she is willing to pay very well. She explains that a new flock
into the pit. Otherwise, they attempt to pick off vulnerable
of harpies has made their presence known just outside the
characters first. The harpies are bloodthirsty, though once
village of Steeproost, led by a particularly vicious harpy
there are only two harpies remaining, they attempt to flee if
calling herself Meselle the Blooddrinker. The harpies have
they have been reduced to half their hit points or lower.
killed at least eight people that they know of and have sent
Treasure: Fissure. Characters looking into the fissure
occasional survivors back to the village to spread fear.
can see humanoid remains in various states of decay; some
The last group of adventurers she sent to deal with the
entirely skeletal, others still full of rotting flesh. Characters
harpies has not returned. She knows the chances are slim,
who climb down into the fissure and make a successful DC 12
but one or more of them may still be alive. She offers the
Wisdom (Perception) check find that the bodies have been
characters 100 gp each if they can eliminate the harpies, and
almost entirely picked clean of items, save for a ring still
her eternal gratitude if they happen to find and rescue any
worn by one of the corpses—a ring of animal influence.
surviving adventurers. She further explains that Meselle and
her flock are known to be roosting in an abandoned Kuzhuk
outpost high in the Belly of the Beast mountain range. A Grisly Scene
The party is told to head east out of Steeproost using After the ambush at the fissure, the party has another thirty
Mercenary's Road, then break north when they see Ram's minutes of travel along the mountain path until they reach
Head Rock towards the mountains. She advises that the party the area of the harpies' lair. When they do, read aloud the
must scale the mountains to reach the outpost, and should following:
acquire climbing gear if they do not possess it already.
Characters can procure climbing equipment such as rope and
pitons from The Sad Bear general goods store in Steeproost. Around the corner of a narrow bend in the path, a grisly
The Sad Bear also has two climber's kits available for sale at scene comes into view: the headless torso of a humanoid
40 gp per kit (prices are higher in Steeproost due to its corpse has been impaled on a stake in the
remote location).

24
 dozen feet. Climbing to the harpy lair nestled within the cliff
ground, and its entrails have been separated and hung face requires three successful DC 13 Strength (Athletics)
from the stake and surrounding rock in long lines of checks. Failing a check by 5 or more causes the character to
viscera. In front of the impalement, various other lose their grip and fall 40 feet to the ground or a ledge on the
cliff face below them, taking 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage.
decaying body parts have been arranged in an imprecise
Characters with a specialized climber's kit make these checks
fractal pattern on the ground. Some two hundred feet in with advantage and cannot fall a distance greater than 25 feet
the stone above, a small cave mouth can be seen in the from where they anchored themselves.
cliff face atop a ledge. When the party reaches the ledge where the lair is located,
read the following aloud:

Courtesy of Meselle and her flock, the remains have been Twenty feet away, a narrow cave mouth, five feet wide,
arranged at the base of their new lair in a display of power
extends into darkness within the cliff face. Bones, sun-
and sadistic and artistic expression. A character who makes a
successful DC 10 Wisdom (Medicine) check can determine bleached and picked dry, litter the ground outside the
that the victims have been dead for a matter of days. It is cave.
unclear if dismemberment took place pre- or post-mortem.
Encounter: Scaling the Cliff Face. The party will
have to scale the cliff face to reach the lair of Meselle and her
flock. Climbing the cliff is not particularly difficult; it slopes
gradually, with ledges of varying widths every few

25
 Shrine to Vokdite. The shrine was originally built by
Griffon Outpost the Khuzuks and depicts Vokdite, God of Winds and Fury. It
has been defaced by the harpies. A character with a passive
The cave in the mountains is a former griffon rider outpost
Perception of 12 or higher notices the head of the statue on
built by the Khuzuks. It was originally used as a secret rally
the ground in the corner of the alcove. Removing the entrails
point for raids in the valley before it was abandoned when
from the statue or repairing it with mending grants the party
the Khuzuks moved on to new territories.
the blessing of Vokdite. A strong breeze momentarily passes
through the hallway, and each character is granted the
General Features
benefits of the bless spell for one hour.
Unless otherwise stated, its features are described as follows:
Ceilings, Floors, and Walls. Ceilings and hallways
are built from limestone and are 8 feet high. Like the ceilings,
4. Meselle the Blood Drinker
Unless Meselle and the occupants of this room have already
floors and walls are built from the same limestone carved
been alerted, characters approaching this room can hear
from the surrounding mountain.
shrieking laughter and sobbing pleading coming from
Doors. The wooden doors are rotting and beginning to
beyond a closed door. Inside, broken crates and barrels are
separate from their hinges. They have AC 14 and 16 hit
stacked against the walls. A rotting, circular wooden table is
points. They are all unlocked.
pushed up against the southeast corner of the room, beneath
Light. Dim light from the exterior sunlight filters in which are six fist-sized speckled eggs. Chairs lie broken and
through to area 1. The other areas of the outpost are well-lit scattered across the floor, along with more bones and viscera.
by wall-mounted torches. A half-clothed man is manacled to the west wall, his figure
The following locations are keyed to the map of the Griffon beaten and broken.
Rider Outpost. Encounter: Meselle the Blooddrinker. Meselle the
Blooddrinker and two other harpies are in this room,
1. Entry Cavern gleefully torturing Filgus Comstock (NG human bandit
The cave mouth narrows into a cramped passageway that
captain), the last surviving member of the original
extends for 10 feet before opening into a larger, natural
adventuring party. Meselle and the other harpies
cavern, 10 feet wide and 25 feet long. Scraps of wood, metal,
immediately attack intruders, fighting viciously to the death.
and old bones litter the ground. The cavern transitions into a
Meselle is a vicious matriarch, with hardened, leathery skin
worked stone hallway that extends north. Near the north end
and a face decorated with the blood of her victims. She uses
of the cavern, two humanoid figures are hunched over a form
harpy statistics, with the following modifications:
on the ground.
Encounter: Giant Vultures. Two giant vultures Her AC is 13.
are here, feasting on the carcass of one of the members of the Her claws deal an additional 2 (1d4) slashing damage.
original adventuring party. The vultures are defensive of She wields a serrated knife instead of a club, dealing 6
their meal and attack immediately; though each vulture (2d4 + 1) slashing damage on a hit.
attempts to flee through the outpost entrance if reduced to
half its hit points or fewer. Treasure: Manacle Key. The key to the manacles
hangs on a nail in the west wall of the room.
Carcass. The carcass belongs to a member of the original
adventuring party, but it has been so consumed that only Filgus Comstock. Filgus is in bad shape and requires at
scraps of clothing and a partially intact skeleton stripped of least 5 points of healing or a successful DC 14 Wisdom
most of its flesh remain. (Medicine) check before he can be stabilized enough to safely
move. He wearily thanks the party for his rescue but is
2. Dust Mephits noticeably shaken by the death of his adventuring
This chamber is filled with six dusty wool sleeping bags. An companions. He explains to the party that the harpies told
empty fire pit is centered on the ground beneath a natural him they would keep him alive for weeks if necessary, so that
vent in the ceiling of the cavern. Bones and bits of dried they could eventually feed pieces of him to their young when
viscera litter the room. A banner depicting a human griffon they hatched.
rider, faded and torn, hangs from a nail.
Encounter: Dust Mephits. Four dust mephits have Concluding the Quest
been drawn to the outpost by the pain and death the harpies
If Filgus has been given medical attention by the party, he
create. The dust mephits lurk in this chamber, hiding
requires some assistance to make his way back down the cliff
themselves in the sleeping bags. They try to cast sleep from
face. Going down is a bit easier than going up, and the party
the cover of their sleeping bags and then attack the
may descend the mountain and return to the village without
characters. The mephits flee towards the outpost entrance
issue. Filgus accompanies the characters back to Steeproost
once reduced by half their numbers.
so that he may take time to fully recover from his experience.
Once Filgus recovers, he shares that the harpies told
3. Desecrated Shrine
stories late at night of the Wyvern Kings. In one story, they
A two-foot-tall, headless stone statue of a half-bird, half-
mentioned that they managed to take down one of the
humanoid figure is mounted on a plinth in this small alcove.
Wyvern Kings along the Steeproost Trail west of the town.
The statue has been draped with entrails and is streaked with
Although the Wyvern King got away, they managed to
old blood.
remove its helmet. That’s all Filgus heard. The Wyvern King’s
downed wyvern and its helmet are detailed in the adventure
“Cattle Rustlin’ Country”.

26
Ogre Baby’s Rattle
This follow-up quest is optimized for a party of four After around an hour, the tracks lead to an old, cobbled
characters with an average party level (APL) of 3. The path bordered by goodberry bushes (as revealed on a DC 14
adventurers must trace a missing package—a mining Intelligence (Nature) check). It is too late in the season for
boomstick—to a fort overrun by ogres and retrieve said goodberries. A DC 14 Intelligence (History) check recalls that
package. Unfortunately, an ogre baby has taken to using this Obadyr Manor, home to lady Obadyr, is famous for its aged
boomstick as a rattle. goodberry wine (see Appendix C).

Background Obadyr Manor

Valarn Silvervein, an elven mining engineer, has ordered The road to the manor approaches from the south, but paths
some specialist equipment via the Broken Crossbow tavern’s through the surrounding forest allow it to be accessed from
owner, Vows at Sunrise. The exact contents of this order are a all sides. It is a large stone structure with a single tower in
secret, but they’re both very valuable and very dangerous. the southeast corner affording a view of the surrounding
Vows is well-connected with the black market of the Vaskil canopy. A cluster of wooden buildings straddles the road
Valley; using her connections in the town of Imfe Caan leading into the manor, which crosses a bridge over a moat.
Asaari, she was able to fast-track this order. Unfortunately, it The 10-foot-deep moat extends all around the manor and is
was due yesterday and hasn’t shown up. difficult terrain.
It’s obvious a battle has recently taken place. Bodies,
Quest Hooks mostly humans, elves, and half-elves, are strewn amongst the
wooden buildings. A single ogre lies face down in the mud, a
The following plot hooks provide some possible ways for the shortsword wedged underneath a shoulder blade. A plume of
characters to get involved in the quest. smoke rises from somewhere on the manor’s grounds.
Missing Mother. Alf and Tam’s mother, Dana Baltor, a
gunmage (see Appendix D), was supposed to return after General Features
escorting a merchant’s caravan from Imfe Caan Asaari. They Unless stated otherwise, the manor has the following
last saw her talking to the devilkin at the Broken Crossbow features.
before she set off. Ceilings. The ceilings of the manor are around 15 feet
Strange Schematics. The party stumbles across some high and made of arched stonework.
torn and mud-splattered designs amongst the wreckage of a Walls. The 1-foot-thick walls are made of stone.
cart, as well as an invoice for “Vows at Sunrise, Proprietor of Floors. The floor varies between wood and stone; consult
the Broken Crossbow”. It looks like some sort of large wand, the map for details.
named a mining boomstick. Doors. The doors are wooden (AC 15, 10 hit points,
Expedited Delivery. Vows at Sunrise is willing to pay immunity to poison and psychic damage). If they are locked,
good coin—500 gp—for the contents of the delivery. She does a DC 12 Dexterity check using proficiency in thieves’ tools is
not care how it’s done; she just wants it delivered and soon! required to unlock them.
She will give a 100 gp bonus if it is returned within the day. The following locations are keyed to the map of the manor.

Locating the Package 1 - Stables

A wooden building large enough to stable half a dozen beasts
The party must find the ruined cart and then follow the
stands to the east. The doors to north and south stand
tracks to Obadyr Manor. The ruined cart is about an hour’s
slightly ajar, the sickly-sweet smell of manure wafting on the
travel from Steeproost. Here’s a few ways to get the party on
wind.
the right track:
Voices. Approaching from the south, the natter of many
Travelers arriving in Steeproost report signs of a skirmish voices can be heard with a successful DC 8 Wisdom
down in the valley. There’s a wrecked cart and large (Perception) check. The goblins are distracted eating a horse,
footprints leading off into the woods. giving the players advantage on any Stealth checks.
Vows at Sunrise tells the party to follow the road down to Encounter: Goblins. Six goblins feast on a dead,
the Chibougue Track and then follow it all the way to eviscerated horse. Their weapons are close at hand, and they
Asaari if necessary. They’ll surely bump into the caravan will attack if they spot the party. When two or more goblins
then. are slain, they try to retreat towards their allies in area 4.
The party can stumble across the wreckage as they travel
through the valley. 2 - Servant’s Houses
This small group of buildings consists of two hovels, a
Tracks. The tracks in the muddy ground are deep and chicken coop, a small cabbage patch, and an outhouse. There
easy to follow. A successful DC 12 Wisdom (Survival) check are signs of a struggle: fences and doors are broken, chicken
identifies the footprints as belonging to ogres. A result of 16 feathers cover the coop, and the ground is stained with blood.
or higher spots smaller, clawed footprints belonging to Treasure: Bed. A DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation)
goblins. check reveals a potion of healing hidden under the mattress
of the southern hovel.

27
28
 the center of this adventure are detailed further in Chapter 3
3 - Courtyard and Tower of this module.
In addition to the doors on the south and east side of this
Window. Any creature attempting to pass through the
courtyard, a tree trunk appears to have been used as a
window must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics)
battering ram to break down the northern wall. A pile of
check or take 3 (1d6) slashing damage from the broken glass.
leaves smolders in the southeast corner, releasing a thick
plume of smoke. A 20-foot-deep well stands in the southwest
corner, with a large, ancient oak to its north. Two blood-
5 - Pantry
A small, covered candle dimly lights this windowless room,
soaked corpses—farmhands by their garb—lie still in the
which is crowded with shelves and storage containers. The
courtyard’s center.
fragrance of dried herbs and fresh blood from the room
Encounter: Megamoo. A megamoo (see Appendix
beyond perfumes the air. This larder looks to have been well
D), once the source of the manor’s milk, is now garbed with
stocked and hurriedly raided. The crates and sacks that line
trinkets of ogrish origin; they seem to have adopted it. If any
the room are all torn and broken open. Flour coats the floor
harm is dealt to the megamoo, the ogres in area 10 are
and fills the room with a dusty haze.
alerted by its mooing and burst into the courtyard. If
Hazard: Flour. If a candle’s housing is smashed, or any
attacked, the megamoo tries to run away once it has fewer
spell or magical effect that deals fire or lightning damage is
than 30 hp remaining.
cast from, through, or into this room, the flour in the air
Treasure: Tower. The door to the tower is locked.
ignites. Each creature in the room must make a DC 12
Within is a small room cluttered with winemaking equipment
Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) fire damage on a
and several kegs of goodberry wine. On a high shelf is a single
failure, or half as much damage on a success.
bottle of the good stuff—aged goodberry wine (see Appendix
C).
6 - Bathroom
The room is so precariously cluttered that anyone
The door to this room is barred shut from the inside. The
attempting to search in this room must make a DC 10
vent high up in the room’s wall does little to remove the smell
Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. On a failure, they set a
of the latrine, nor shed any light.
cascade of tools tumbling to the floor and the ogres in area
Encounter: Vaquero. Dana Baltor, a feisty Anorian
10 burst into the courtyard looking for trouble.
gunmage (see Appendix D) tasked with escorting the
Neighbors. The ogres in the dining room (area 10) are
ambushed caravan, hides in the latrine’s toilet. She prepares
distracted by their feast. So long as the players don’t draw
her pistol against the first creature to investigate the latrine.
attention to themselves, the ogres remain unaware of their
She immediately apologizes when she realizes that creature is
presence.
not a goblin.
If the party tries to engage in conversation, Dana responds.
4 - Kitchen She can be persuaded to accept that they’re here to help on a
A large table dominates the center of this busy room. A stone
successful DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) check. Realizing her
oven stands in the northeast corner, and a smashed window
job is on the line, she offers to help the party find the mining
looks across the moat to the south. Three doors lead out from
boomstick (see Appendix C).
the room to north, east, and west. An elderly woman has
been gutted and lies slumped by the table. The floor is slick
with blood, presumably from her corpse.
7 - Reading Room
Books are sprawled across the floor of this large room. An
Encounter: Goblins. One tempestuous hobgoblin
ogre snores on a collapsed bookcase, its club a few feet away
and his entourage of four goblins feast upon the haunch of
from its limp hand.
a horse. As soon as the hobgoblin is injured or a goblin is
Encounter: Ogre. A character can attempt to sneak
slain, the hobgoblin Disengages and runs to area 7 to alert
past the sleeping ogre. If awakened, it will look for its club,
the ogre there. If any goblins escaped from the stables (area
resorting to its fists if it can’t find it. Once reduced to below
1), they are in this room, and all the attackers hide and
half hp, it will Dash to the dining hall (area 10) to alert its
prepare attacks against the first character to enter the room.
chums.
Hazard: Blood. The slick floor of the room is difficult
Treasure: Bookcase. On a successful DC 13
terrain. Any creature that takes the Dash action in the room
Intelligence (Investigation) check, a waxed tube containing a
must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or
spell scroll of stinking cloud is found on top of a bookcase.
immediately fall prone.
Pamphlet. One of the goblins carries a crumpled piece of 8 - Stairwell
paper in its trousers. The paper is written in Orcish and A staircase rings three-quarters of this circular room, leading
reads, “Wanted: Mercenaries to Help with Trouble West of to a floor above. A variety of cloaks hang underneath the
the Vaskil River. Will pay 50 gp per month per head, and stairs along with crates of empty bottles and labels. A large,
triple if you have a flying mount. Plus, you get to keep any cracked porcelain plant pot obstructs the way up the stairs.
loot you find. If interested, meet at Rossgough Crag at When the party first enters the stairwell, an explosive ‘boom’
sundown Thinir Suruk 2.” Thinir Suruk 2 refers to a date on is heard from above.
the Omerian calendar. The event happened nearly three
Encounter: Marton Obadyr. Marton
months ago. The back of the letter is stamped with a skull
(noncombatant) is a precocious seven-year-old boy. He is
being overtaken by a wave. A character who succeeds on a DC
hiding behind the cloaks, but can be spotted on a successful
15 Intelligence (History) check recognizes that it's The
DC 11 Wisdom (Perception) check. He will follow the party if
Crushing Wave, the banner used by the Odzedoz orcs. The
they offer to rescue him.
Odzedoz orcs and their connection to the greater mystery at

29
 churning stench of the three ogre-like beings gorging
themselves on the spread before them.
Encounter: Ogres. One avaricious ogre and two
hobgoblins are arranged at the northern end of the table,
near the fire. They charge the intruders on sight. The ogre
will never retreat. However, if it is slain, the hobgoblins will
run away when they have been reduced to half their hit
points or fewer.
Treasure: Obadyr Corpses. A ring of keys (for the
front door and chests in area 8’s secret store can be found
in the pocket of an ornate coat that still covers what’s left of a
torso. A DC 13 Intelligence (Investigation) check finds a
diamond signet ring on a severed hand. The ring is worth 310
gp in total. The ring’s diamonds, if removed, are worth 300
gp.

11 - Tower Room
A large glowing crystal in the center of this room lights the
beds scattered around its periphery. A step-ladder leads up to
Treasure: Secret Store. Behind the secret door in the a hatch to the roof. The sound of rattling can be heard from
northwest of the room is a treasure room. Marton can open one such bed in which lies a huge baby, shaking what looks
the door to this room. Otherwise, a creature can detect the like an oversized wand of fireballs.
secret door with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) Encounter: Ogre Baby. If the ogre baby (see
check, and the door can be opened with a DC 20 Intelligence Appendix D) is attacked, it screams, alerting all ogres and
(Investigation) check. In here, mounted on the wall, is a hobgoblins in the manor, who arrive three rounds later. On
demented cultist’s scimitar (see Appendix C), as well as three its turn, the ogre baby shakes the rattle, firing thunderbolts
locked chests, each containing 400 gp. at each creature in the room.
Trap: Chests. The chests are locked and trapped. A The players can attempt to take the mining boomstick (see
successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check allows a Appendix C) from the baby in a variety of ways. Three
character to perceive a poison needle trap on each chest. The successes of the same check are required to take the
only way to disarm the trap is to unlock the chest. The chests boomstick from the baby. If the party fails any three checks
can be unlocked with their keys or with a successful DC 15 in a row, the baby begins crying (see above).
Dexterity check using proficiency in thieves’ tools. On a failed
check, a needle darts out dealing 7 (2d6) poison damage. The Three successful DC 13 Strength (Athletics) checks pry the
chest’s keys can be found on the Obadyr corpses in area 10. mining boomstick from the baby’s grasp.
Obstacle: Plant Pot. The thick porcelain of the pot is Three successful DC 13 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks
cracked but intact. A creature that clambers over the pot to tickle the baby cause it to drop the mining boomstick.
must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity check. On a failure it falls Three successful DC 13 Charisma (Performance) checks
over and smashes loudly, alerting the ogres in area 10 who encourage the baby to throw the mining boomstick.
come to investigate. Three successful DC 13 Wisdom (Animal Handling)
checks lull the baby to sleep.
9 - Lounge
Once a well-furnished room, the furniture is now wrecked, Concluding the Quest
the windows are smashed, and the ambience is ruined. A
Here are some events that could take place after the quest
magical fireplace in the east wall sheds warm, bright light
concludes:
over the interior of the lounge. A brown bear’s head is
mounted over the fireplace, its eyes seeming to follow the Vows at Sunrise pays the party 500 gp, plus a bonus 100
party around the room. gp if it is returned the same day the players agree to the
Talking Heads. The bear’s head is enchanted to be a task.
master conversationalist. If the party goes to open the door to The schematics can be copied and filled out if the mining
the north, or if the party talks about the head, it talks back to boomstick is studied for 8 hours, and a character succeeds
them. It introduces itself as “Gruffflg” and tells them about on a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation or Arcana) check.
how the Obadyrs were enjoying a nice day when suddenly If Dana is returned to her sons, she offers her services as a
these brutes came in, smashed the place up, and ate them! It guide should the party need.
asks them to find Marton Obadyr, their son. If Dana and Marton are rescued, Dana takes pity on
Marton and brings him to live with her and her sons.
10 - Dining Room Vows at Sunrise says the mining boomstick now needs to
A 40-foot-long dining table is befouled with an array of half- be delivered to Valarn Silvervein at the Roe’dgopian
chewed humanoid limbs. A large fireplace roars with flames Ruins, a couple of days from here. See the additional
at the northern end, while a cool draft blows in through the quest War at the Werelynx’s Warren in Chapter 2 for
broken windows on either side. The sweet scent of goodberry more details.
wine and malty aroma of ale mingles with the stomach-

30
Silent Knight
This starter quest is optimized for four characters of 1st level. in years. The fields are overgrown, and the three large
The characters are sent to a farm south of Steeproost to learn buildings on the properties all have broken windows and
why three Wyvern Kings just landed there. holes in their roofs. A thick copse of trees separates the
Vonker and Townby farms. The trees and undergrowth are
Background dense enough that the characters can easily hide while
watching the fields.
The Black Rose Clan is a criminal organization that operates Once they are in view of the Vonker property, read the
in The Summer Land, primarily the city of Greatwell. following:
Recently, they were hired by a family of wealthy, human
nobles from Imfe Caan Asaari to set a trap for the Wyvern
Kings. Their bait? The daughter of one of the nobles, Flora Three winged lizards the size of horses stand idly in a
Stamide-Tomydon. Supposedly, the Wyvern Kings have been wildly overgrown pumpkin patch roughly 400 feet from
capturing the daughters of wealthy nobles all across Vaskil you. The beasts all wear black leather saddles and
Valley. Led by a clever Black Rose heavy named Sireen el-
bridles. Their long, scorpion-like tails whip
Halaby, The Black Rose Clan set the girl up in an abandoned
barn south of Vaskil Valley.
unpredictably in the dull breeze. Just a few hundred feet
The trap worked, too—three Wyvern Kings tracked the girl ahead of them (and 500 feet away from you), a trio of
to the farmhouse and landed on the property. Their presence heavily-armored humanoids carefully approach a
didn’t go unnoticed by the locals, though. Just next door, neglected barn. Each warrior wields a wicked-looking
farmer Boyton Townby witnessed the Wyvern Kings’ descent. trident. These must be the so-called Wyvern Kings.
Although Townby didn’t see the Black Rose Clan’s trap, the
Wyvern Kings alone were enough to cause panic.
Immediately, Townby rushed to Steeproost to grab the
sheriff. Ask the characters what they want to do while they watch the
Wyvern Kings (see Appendix D) approach the barn. Once
the characters decide on their course of action, surprise them
Quest Hook with this bit:
The characters are in or around the town of Steeproost when
they are nearly bowled over by Townby, a short human Just before you’re able to put your plan into action, the
farmer (commoner) with too much hair on his arms and
doors to the barn fling open, catching the three Wyvern
not nearly enough on his head. He’s already out of breath and
can barely get his words out: Kings by surprise. Six figures clad head-to-toe in all
black charge the Wyvern Kings. Right away, one of the
“Wy… wy… wy…” says the balding farmer, trying to catch Kings falls to the ground, the victim of two well-placed
his breath. Finally, he spits it out, “Wyvern Kings!” He sword strikes. The other two try to reclaim their ally, but
points a stubby finger to the south. it’s easy to see that they’re grossly outnumbered.

“I just saw three Wyvern Kings land at the ol’ Vonker

Farm. Place has been abandoned for years. I’ve got no The characters can try to reach the battle and join in.
However, the two standing Wyvern Kings recognize that
idea what they’re doing there. But you gotta do
they’ve been duped. Both retreat to their wyverns and take
something!” to the skies. The third riderless wyvern follows them. As they
retreat, three of the six thugs hop on giant vultures and
follow them. They all head west toward the mountains.
If the characters aren’t yet familiar with the Wyvern Kings,
share some of the backstory on how the Wyvern Kings’
presence has disrupted the way of life for many of the folks in
Black Rose Clan
Vaskil Valley. Likely, the characters will recognize that The characters just witnessed members of the Black Rose
approaching three wyvern-mounted knights directly is Clan surprise the Wyvern Kings. The three remaining Black
suicide. Townby assures the party that if they go carefully Rose Clan members are human thugs. They’re dressed in all
and scope it out and keep an eye on the Wyvern Kings, he’ll black to conceal their appearance. Their leader, Sireen el-
fetch the Sheriff in the meantime. If the characters agree, he Halaby, emerges from the barn, also masked. Sireen is a
tells them to head down the small dirt path that leads south lawful evil Anorian elf veteran. Unless the characters
to his farm. Then, cross west over his pasture into the old happen to unmask them, none of them have any identifying
Vonker farm. marks or insignias.
The three thugs quickly bind the Wyvern King and pull it
Vonker Farm toward the barn. They hope to load it onto a horse-drawn
wagon they’ve hidden inside.
From the looks of it, Vonker Farm hasn’t been occupied Any character with a passive Wisdom (Perception)

31
 score of 13 or better notices that there is an extraordinarily
attractive young noble woman standing in the barn, too. She
Defeating the Thugs
While it’s preferred that Sireen and the thugs escape with
wears a bright pink dress covered in embroidered lilies. A
Flora and the Wyvern King’s body, clever characters might
member of the Black Rose Clan (another human thug) asks
still take them out, save Flora, and recover the body. The
her if she’s okay, to which she nods yes. The girl’s name is
Wyvern King’s armor is impossible to remove without using
Flora Stamide-Tomydon, a Mydon Princess. If the characters
magic. The characters will need to deliver it to the nearest
are native to Vaskil Valley, they recognize her on a successful
magic user, likely someone in Steeproost. Sheriff Mèyor and
DC 15 Intelligence (History) check. Otherwise, they can
Prince Spiro offer to keep the body protected in the Prince’s
describe the girl to a local to find out she is (Prince Marelis-
office by securing it in the jail. Spiro then sends a messenger
Tomydon will know who she is right away).
to Princess Elina in Imfe Caan Asaari. The next night,
The four thugs and Sireen work fast to secure the Wyvern
someone sets the jailhouse on fire. Once the fire’s
King’s body. If the characters approach, three of Black Rose
extinguished, the body of the Wyvern King is gone.
thugs place themselves between the character and the
If the characters capture any of the Black Rose members,
Wyvern King. Meanwhile, Sireen and the fourth thug work to
none of them can be coaxed to talk unless forced to by magic.
load its body onto their cart.
None of the thugs have any clue who hired them or why. All
If the characters try to fight the thugs, Sireen barks orders,
they knew was that they were supposed to use the girl, Flora
“No casualties. Last thing we need is a trail of dead heroes
Stamide-Tomydon as bait for the Wyvern Kings. They were
that points to us.”
only supposed to learn where the Wyvern Kings are hiding.
The thugs grab their maces and fight to cause nonlethal When the Wyvern King fell, Sireen, their leader, changed the
damage. During the fray, Sireen and the other thug escape plan. None of them know why she was interested in the body.
with Flora on the wagon. The wagon moves at a rate of 120 The thugs are all easily identified as members of Black Rose
feet per turn. Clan thanks to the tattoos of black roses on their chests.
The thugs fight until they knock the characters
Sireen el-Halaby similarly won’t talk unless forced to by
unconscious. Once the wagon’s had enough time to get away,
magic. She only knows that they were hired to use the girl,
they all flee in opposite directions.
Flora, as bait to find the Wyvern Kings’ lair. They were hired
It’s possible that the characters will find a way to beat the through a third-party to keep their employer secret.
three thugs and reach the cart. If they do, Sireen grabs her However, she suspects that they were hired by one or more of
crossbow and attacks with intent to wound but not kill. She’s the noble families of Imfe Caan Asaari. With that hunch, she
okay with a few unconscious adventurers at the crime scene, hoped to capture the downed Wyvern King’s body to learn
but she still doesn’t want to get caught. why they were paid as well as they were for the job. “Trust
me, with as much as they paid us for this gig, I’m willing to
Concluding the Quest bet that body would be worth even more to them.”
Flora knows very little about why she was used as bait for
Inevitably, Sheriff Mèyor learns about the ruckus at Vonker
the Wyvern Kings. However, she believes it has something to
Farm. She will thoroughly question the characters about
do with the recent disappearance of six of her best friends.
what happened:
Two of them were supposedly abducted, while the other four
“What were the Wyvern Kings doing there?” supposedly went on safari to Odonburg. She was asked by
“Who were the people that attacked the Wyvern Kings?” her mother and father, Lambros and Lydia, to help the Black
“What happened to the body of the fallen Wyvern King?” Rose Clan locate the Wyvern Kings’ hideout. Eventually,
Prince Spiro tasks a couple of militia members to escort the
And so on. Recognizing that the characters might be young girl back to her home in Imfe Caan Asaari. Although
useful, Mèyor asks them to remain in Steeproost while she both he and Mèyor believe the entire situation is strange, he
and Prince Spiro try to unravel the mystery. Later in the asks that the characters wait a bit before they follow up on
adventure, the characters learn the location of the Wyvern any leads, warning that angering her family could harm
Kings’ body and the reason why it was captured by the Black Steeproost’s overall wellbeing. Still, they share that they’re
Rose Clan. See Chapter 2 for details. very interested in learning more about the whole situation.

32
Strange Lights
This follow-up quest is designed for four characters with an
average party level (APL) of 3. Will-o'-wisps are luring people
Travel Encounter: Ankheg
After the characters have traveled for a bit, read the
to their deaths at the mandibles of ankhegs in an old
following:
abandoned mine. The characters get involved when they
notice the lights, or they’re sent to investigate by one of
Steeproost’s quest-givers. Turning off the main road, a dirt path leads further into
the wilderness. In the distance, lights can be seen
Background dancing on the horizon.
The old Dustrock Mine used to be a profitable endeavor
nestled in the hills just outside of Steeproost. A few years
back, ankhegs burrowed up from deep underground and the As the characters make their way down the dirt path, the
mine had to be abandoned. Now, the ankhegs have built a surrounding landscape is noticeably barren and quiet.
nest within the twisting caves and passageways. Most folks Suddenly, the ground shakes and rumbles, and a creature
stayed clear of the old mine and all was well. Recently, explodes out from beneath the surface.
however, a pair of nasty and nefarious will-o'-wisps have Encounter: Ankheg. A lone ankheg attacks the
been luring folks to their deaths in the belly of the mine. They characters. It's probably outmatched, but it's hungry, so it
use their unearthly glow to draw people in and then relish the fights savagely. If it reaches 13 hit points or fewer, it flees off
carnage as the ankhegs drag them inside to be turned into into the wilderness.
dinner. At first it was just random travelers, but now Gregor
Talleson, a member of the militia, has disappeared, and Travel Encounter: Wild Dogs
Sheriff Mèyor is worried. They've put out a reward of 100 gp As the characters continue following the old dirt path further
for anyone who can bring back the missing man, dead or away from the main road and town, the terrain slowly
alive. transitions into larger and larger hills and brush. As they
turn a bend, they find themselves face to face with a pack of
Quest Hooks wild dogs feeding on the remains of an ankheg's victim.
Encounter: Wild Dogs. There are eight mastiffs
The following plot hooks provide some possible ways for the here. They're feral and hungry. They've been feeding on the
characters to get involved in the quest. remains of the ankheg's victims along the path, but now the
Lights on the Horizon. While traveling around characters look like a better meal. They fight until half of
Steeproost, the characters notice the strange lights on the them have been downed, and then they flee into the hills.
horizon and decide to investigate.
Just Another Job. Sheriff Mèyor (or possibly Vows at Travel Encounter: Corpses on the Road
Sunrise) asks the characters to investigate the lights. One of Further along the path, read:
Mèyor’s close friends, a militia member named Gregor
Talleson, vanished in the area.
The lights can be seen more clearly now, two
phosphorescent orbs floating in front of what appears to
Leaving Town be a cave entrance of some kind. Lying on the road
As the characters go to leave town, they're stopped by an ahead, you spot a corpse.
Anorian gunmage (see Appendix D) named Whip. If the
characters participated in the starter quest, “Fist Fights with
Werelynxes”, they may already recognize him. He tells the
The corpse was actually a victim of the will-o'-wisps. They
characters it's not safe to travel outside at night. Folks have
drained the life from this poor soul when he wouldn't enter
been going missing. If pressed, he knows the following:
the mine. A successful DC 14 Wisdom (Medicine) check
Ankhegs have been a problem recently. They burst up reveals that the man was killed by some kind of magical
from the ground and devour whatever they can get their shock, followed by some sort of life draining ability. The man
grubby little mandibles on. also has a distinct black rose tattoo on his chest (see Chapter
The lights appeared a few weeks ago. They only show up 2 for details on the Black Rose Clan).
at night and no one's been able to figure out the source.
One of the town militia, a man named Gregor Talleson,
went missing last night. Search parties went looking for
Dustrock Mine
him this morning but couldn't find anything. He has a The mine is full of dust and cobwebs. Aside from the wisps,
distinct shield with a lion emblazoned on it; that's how the ankhegs, and poor souls who are led here, no one really goes
characters can recognize him. out this way anymore.
There are lights out on the horizon. They show up at night
and vanish in the morning. Gregor was headed out to
investigate them before his disappearance.

33
 General Features 2. Collapsed Tunnel A.
Unless specified otherwise, the mine has the following
features.
This large tunnel once led deeper, but a cave-in has since
Ceilings. The ceilings are 10 feet high.
Floors and Walls. The floors are made of packed dirt rendered it a dead end.
and the walls are made of dirt and stone.
Lighting. Once inside the mine, there is no light.
Unusual Features. The ankhegs, despite their size, can The rocks here are large and heavy. Gravel and soil fill the
squeeze through the smaller tighter passageways. They move remains of a tunnel. It would take a sizable workforce a week
through them at half speed. or so to clear the rubble and open the passage up once more.
The following locations are keyed to the map of Dustrock The wisps, if they flee, pass right through the rocks using
Mine. their incorporeal movement to do so.

1. Entrance 3. Small Tunnel

Trap: Unstable Roof. This tunnel is only 3 feet high and
appears to be rather unstable. Every time someone tries to
The two orbs of light dance in front of you, as if they move through it, roll 1d4. On a roll of a 1, the center three
were beckoning you into the cave ahead. squares of this tunnel collapse, burying the person or persons
in those squares. A buried creature is blinded and restrained,
has total cover against attacks, and begins to suffocate when
Encounter: The Trap. The two will-o'-wisps are it runs out of breath. Only a creature that is not trapped in
trying to lure the characters into the mine. Just inside in a the tunnel can clear away the collapse, using an action and a
tunnel on the southern side of the main tunnel is an ankheg successful DC 12 Strength check to open up the 5-foot-deep
waiting to strike. If the characters enter the tunnel, the section of tunnel closest to it. A creature in that space is no
ankheg attacks the closest one. The wisps only attack if the longer buried.
characters try to flee the tunnel. If reduced to 7 hit points or
fewer, the wisps turn invisible and flee deeper into the mine 4. Burrowing Chamber
to area 7. If the characters defeat the ankhegs in area 7,
the wisps take advantage of their weakened state and attack Four large holes can be seen in this room. There appear
them.

34
 mining pickaxe and his +1 handaxe.
to be small tunnels leading deeper underground, while 7. Ankheg Lair
one appears to be some kind of rubble-filled pit.

This large chamber contains a clutch of massive eggs

These are the original tunnels through which the ankhegs sitting against the northwest wall. Nestled among them
burrowed into the mine. The three smaller tunnels end about appears to be a corpse of a man with a large shield by his
15 feet down in loose earth, while the large one is about 10 side.
feet deep and full of loose earth and rubble.
Encounter: Ambush. Two ankhegs are present in
this room, one in the big pit and one in one of the three The ankhegs laid their eggs in this chamber and protectively
tunnels (choose at random). They wait for the characters to watch over them. The body near them is that of Gregor, the
enter the room before attacking. They fight until reduced to missing militiaman.
13 hit points or fewer, then they burrow underground and
Encounter: Ankhegs. Two ankhegs are sleeping in
flee.
this chamber. If they're awoken, they fight to the death to
protect their eggs.
5. Collapsed Tunnel B If the will-o'-wisps retreated here from earlier, they turn
visible and attack the weakened characters once the
The tunnel here continues down another 30 feet before it characters defeat the ankhegs. With their source of
ends in rubble and dirt. It appears the cave-in that amusement gone, they fight to the death.
Treasure: Brave Shield. The Lionheart shield (see
caused the previous collapse affected this portion of the
Appendix C) is a magical item that Gregor inherited from his
main tunnel as well. father. It will serve as proof that he fell at the hands of the
ankhegs.

The mine beyond this point has completely collapsed. There

is no way to dig it out. Treat anything off this edge of the map
Concluding the Quest
as inaccessible. With the will-o'-wisps dealt with, no one else will be drawn to
the Dustrock Mine anymore. The ankhegs, having either
6. Missing Miner been killed or driven away, will no longer plague this area. If
This chamber is sealed off by a pile of rocks and rubble. They the characters return with the shield to town and bring it to
can be cleared with eight hours of work by a party of four the Sheriff, she'll mourn the loss of her fellow militiaman, but
characters. Inside is the corpse of a long dead miner who was she'll honor their claim to the reward. In addition, she'll
trapped inside when the tunnel collapsed behind him. insist they keep the shield as Gregor would've wanted
Treasure: Pick & Axe. The miner has a small pouch on someone brave to wield it in his stead (not to mention it’s
him with 10 gems worth 15 gp each, as well as his trusty illegal for Anorians to use magic items).

35
 Stonehill Blues
This follow-up quest is designed for four characters with an It was reported to the militia by a group of hunters who
average party level (APL) of 3. A basilisk is prowling the ruins had been camping in that area.
outside of town and must be destroyed. It's responsible for at least two missing caravans that
never arrived in town.
Background Basilisks are very dangerous due to their gaze which can
turn a man to stone.
A small group of bandits and ne'er-do-wells had set up their It's supposedly holed up in the Stonehill ruins to the north
base in some abandoned ruins outside of Steeproost. From of town in the forest.
there, they'd been raiding passing caravans and causing
trouble for the locals. Recently, a giant basilisk dug its way If the characters ask for help from the local militia, Zekiel
into their underground base and set up a nest. This drove the states that they can't go that far outside of town because it
bandits to the surface. Before long, one of the basilisk's would leave the actual townsfolk vulnerable. With the
hatchlings made its way to the surface as well, and now the Wyvern Kings still at large, Steeproost will need all the help it
bandits have been forced out again. Hoping to get someone can get.
else to deal with the problem, the bandits reported a basilisk If the characters wish to negotiate for a higher reward, they
sighting to the local militia, posing as concerned citizens. The can attempt a DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If
militia then posted a 100 gp reward for whoever could slay successful, the militia is willing to go as high as 125 gp. If
the creature and bring back proof of its demise. The bandits' they got this quest from Vows at Sunrise, they might learn
plan is to let some foolish adventurers deal with the basilisks; here that Vows kept the full value of the reward to herself.
then they'll deal with the adventurers.
Travel Encounter: Bodies on the Road
After the characters travel along the road for a little bit, read:
Quest Hooks
One of the town’s quest-givers (see the section on Quest-
As the road turns sharply, the wreckage of a caravan
Givers earlier in this chapter) asks the characters to take care
of the local basilisk problem. If it’s Mèyor or Prince Spiro wagon comes into view. Bodies, rotten from days
who ask the characters to help, they offer the full reward. If exposed to the elements, lie scattered about.
it’s Vows at Sunrise, she keeps the full reward a secret and
offers only 50 gp (she’ll keep the rest for herself). Once they
agree to help, they tell them to speak with Zekiel Fulsom at The caravan was attacked a few days ago by the bandits who
the town barracks. He can give them more information about are getting restless waiting for someone to rid their camp of
the basilisk. the basilisks. They recovered their arrows and made sure to
cover their tracks so no one would immediately assume
Steeproost Barracks people did this, and instead, they'd blame it on the basilisk.
Anyone who succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check,
When the characters approach the barracks for the first time,
however, can deduce that the mortal wounds were not caused
read the following:
by teeth or claws, but by man-made weapons.
Encounter: Wild Dogs. As the characters approach, a
This large two-story stone building is a bit imposing. A pack of six wild dogs are feasting on the remains of some of
sign outside designates it as the local militia barracks. A the corpses. They use the stat blocks of mastiffs. The dogs
are starving and fight to the death.
lone guard stands outside the main entrance.
Treasure: Secret Compartment. The wagon is well
looted, another sign that the basilisk probably isn't
responsible. Anyone who succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence
The militia stores its weapons and armor in the barracks, (Investigation) check, however, locates a hidden
from which they plan out patrols and keep the townsfolk safe compartment in the wagon with 15 gp, a potion of healing,
in case of an attack on Steeproost. There is a job board just and a vial of alchemist's fire.
outside the main door that holds information on current
quests being offered in town. Travel Encounter: Bandits in the Woods
The guard stationed outside the barracks is Zekiel Fulsom,
a male human veteran with a deep scar running across his
face. Despite the way he looks, he's actually quite pleasant to As the forest gives way to a clearing, four men stand
speak with and is always willing to discuss the comings and about a makeshift camp.
goings of town with travelers. If the characters press him
regarding the current bounty on the basilisk, he knows the
following: Encounter: Bandits. These are the two bandits and
two thugs who survived the basilisk's arrival at their camp.
The creature supposedly moved into the area a few weeks
They are pretending to be hunters and claim that they were
ago.
in the ruins seeking shelter from a storm when the basilisk

36
arrived. It turned some of their friends to stone before they
were able to escape to the surface. Once there, they made The remains of a large fort stand in a copse of trees.
camp above the ruins for a week or so before a smaller Though the roofs collapsed long ago, the 10-foot-high
basilisk found its way to the surface and drove them out once stone walls that form the skeleton of the building stand
more. Now, they're waiting for someone to kill the creatures
strong. Scattered about are what appear to be man-sized
so they can go and recover their fallen comrades as well as
their lost gear. statues as well as some statues of horses in mid-gallop. A
If the characters were able to deduce that the caravan that small camp surrounds an old, dried-up fountain.
they came across was attacked by people, they might be
suspicious of the bandit gang. If they press the bandits too
far, they may simply decide to attack the characters in order Encounter: Basilisk. This is where the newly hatched
to maintain their cover. basilisk currently resides. It's built a nest of its own in the
If the characters believe the bandits, then the bandits will center of the ruin and is currently pacing about this area.
be waiting for them when they leave the ruins. If they Although basilisks are known to be cowardly, they will fight
confirm that the basilisk inside is dead, the bandits will then to the death when near their nests. A monstrosity with
attack them. animal-like Intelligence, the basilisk does not fight with
Either way, the bandits fight to the death as they have tactics or skill, it merely tries to eat anything that gets close
nowhere else to go and can't risk being exposed. to it. If it manages to turn a creature to stone, it will then
ignore them and attack other targets.
Stonehill Ruins - Above Ground Treasure: Stolen Goods. There is a small chest near
the tents at the northern edge of the ruins. It's locked and can
Once the characters reach Stonehill Ruins, read the be picked with a DC 12 Dexterity check with proficiency in
following:

37
 thieves’ tools. Inside is a suit of mithril scale mail, 25 gp, 46     Lighting. Small sconces line the walls each with a
sp, 145 cp, and two potions of healing. continual flame spell cast upon them.
There is a small hatch near the basilisk's nest. Opening it Cobwebs. Cobwebs dominate one half of the complex.
reveals a ladder that leads down into a subterranean Anyone who tries to move through the webbing treats it as
complex. This is the lower level of the ruins. Unlike the difficult terrain. The webs have AC 10; 5 hit points;
buildings above, this level has survived the ravages of time vulnerability to fire damage; and immunity to bludgeoning,
and the effects of mother nature. poison, and psychic damage. Anyone who succeeds on a DC
12 Wisdom (Nature) check realizes these cobwebs are from
Stonehill Ruins - Below Ground giant spiders.

The ruins' lower level is mostly intact, although one hallway 1. Entrance
has collapsed.

General Features A ladder leads down into a small stone chamber with a
The entire complex shares the following features unless set of double doors at the northern end of the attached
noted otherwise. hallway.
Ceilings. The ceilings are made of moldy stone and rise
10 feet above the floor.
Floors and Walls. The floors are made of cracked tiled The hatch from above leads to this area. The chamber and
stone while the walls are made of cobbled granite. hallway appear to be well traveled and footprints can be seen
Doors. The doors are made of thick oak with metal in the dirt and dust on their floors.
banding.

38
     Treasure: Book of Healing. There is a magical book
2. Storage of healing (see Appendix C) on the altar.
Basilisk Egg. Basilisk eggs fetch up to 200 gp each to
This 30-foot octagonal chamber contains two exotic animal trainers.
bookshelves, assorted crates of foodstuffs, and a stack of
barrels. 5. Northeast Chamber

This room looks as though it hasn't seen light or people

The crates contain enough rations to feed two dozen men for in quite some time. Cobwebs hang from the ceiling and
a week while the barrels contain potable water. cover the majority of the chamber.
Treasure: Valuable Book. The bookshelves are
mostly empty and devoid of anything of value. The eastern
one, however, has an ornate book detailing the history of the
Cobwebs. Cobwebs cover this room (see “General
region. To the right buyer it's worth 50 gp.
Features”).
Encounter: Spiders. There are three giant spiders
3. Main Camp
in this room. They wait for someone to move into their webs
before they attack.
Three large tents dominate this space which appears to
have once been a library of sorts. Large crates and 6. Southeast Chamber
barrels block a doorway to the east.
This small chamber is heavily covered in cobwebs.
Despite this, a small chest can be seen against the
Encounter: Stone Skeletons. There are six skeletons southern wall.
in this room. They have AC 16 from the functional chain
shirts they still wear. They attack mindlessly as soon as
someone enters the room.
Cobwebs. Cobwebs fill this room (see “General Features”).
It takes fifteen minutes to unblock the doorway to the east.
Encounter: Spiders. There are three giant spiders
Once opened, it reveals a freshly dug passageway to the north
in this room. They wait for someone to reach the chest before
and a broken-down set of double doors to the south.
they attack. The entire room is filled with cobwebs and is
considered difficult terrain.
4. Chapel
Treasure: Dusty Chest. This chest is locked. It can be
picked with a DC 14 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. It
Rows of wooden benches flank either side of a once contains 100 gp and three potions of healing.
majestic carpet leading to an altar at the southern end of
the room. In the southwest corner, a massive nest can be Optional Encounter: Leaving the Ruins
As the characters leave the ruins, they're met by the bandits if
seen containing one giant egg. Scattered about the room
they didn't kill them earlier. They'll ask if the basilisks are
are numerous humanoid statues, their grimacing faces both dead. If the characters say yes, the bandits will thank
locked in horror. them and then attack them in order to keep anyone from
finding out about their hideout. As before, they'll fight to the
death.
    Encounter: The Alpha. Once the characters enter the
room and inspect the nest, a basilisk alpha arrives having Concluding the Quest
finished its monthly hunt on the surface for a meal. It attacks
the characters as soon as it sees them. It uses the stat block of With the basilisks and the bandits dead, the Stonehill ruins
a regular basilisk with the following changes: will once again lie dormant—at least until some other pesky
creatures move in. Sheriff Mona Mèyor and the Steeproost
Its size is Large. militia will pay the agreed upon reward, plus another 25 gp if
It has 78 hp. the characters mention killing the bandits as well.
The DC of its Petrifying Gaze ability is 14.

The basilisk alpha is a tougher, larger, and more deadly

specimen than the characters would have encountered
before. It fights to the death to protect its nest just as its
smaller kin did.

39
 Tomb of the Drake
This follow-up quest is optimized for four characters with an is easy enough and requires no Survival checks for
average party level (APL) of 3. A four-armed celebrity bard is navigation. For every two hours of travel, roll a d20. On a roll
in big trouble, and the characters need to save him. of 15 or higher, the party may have a random encounter from
the following table:
Background Encounters in Vaskil Valley
The small but growing village of Steeproost hopes to secure d6 Encounter
its safety and prosperity in the Vaskil Valley, home to a wide
Two ankhegs burst forth from a burrow beneath
variety of creatures and cultures. Among them are the
1 the ground and attack the party, fighting until
Brasuga giants—small clans of four-armed, reasonably
they are destroyed.
intelligent giants fond of anecdotes and adventure. Though
small in number, their strength is considerable; the village of The party is ambushed by four bandits and a
Steeproost would much rather forge alliances with the bandit captain who demand they pay a toll for
2
Brasugas than become enemies. Recently, an opportunity to
passage or forfeit their lives. The bandits flee if
reduced by half their number.
forge such an alliance developed: a wandering Brasuga bard,
looking for adventure, has gotten himself captured by a 2d6+1 blood hawks are feasting on the carcass of a
3
group of inaks, the mysterious faction of undead that lurk in bear. They attack only if provoked.
the tunnels below the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains. Though An owlbear cub wanders out from the brush in
the inaks are often happy to ignore the surface dwellers if left front of them. If the characters remain within 30
unbothered, they will not hesitate to take advantage of 4 feet of the cub for more than five rounds, two
opportunities that present themselves in the form of adult owlbears emerge from the brush and attack.
wandering travelers who have ventured too deep into their They do not pursue fleeing characters.
territory. Unbeknownst to the surface dwellers, the inaks are 2d6 wolves stalk the party for an hour, assessing
forcing the Brasuga to perform for one of their juvenile 5 opportunities to strike. They eventually abandon
subterranean drakes after he was overpowered by an inak the party.
scouting party, as they believe the drake is soothed by the
A giant eagle swoops down from above to snatch a
melody of song. If the Brasuga can be rescued by adventurers 6 rat travelling across their path. It drops a gold
on behalf of the village of Steeproost and returned safely to ring fitted with a ruby gemstone worth 50 gp.
his clan, it would go a long way towards positive diplomatic
relations between the two groups. Once the characters reach the point where the river meets
the mountains, a successful DC 12 Wisdom (Perception)
Quest Hooks check or at least one hour of searching is required to find the
tunnel of which Argus the Brasuga spoke. When the
While the characters are in Steeproost, they are approached
characters find the tunnel, read aloud the following:
by Sheriff Mona Mèyor who quickly makes it clear to the
adventurers that she is willing to compensate them
handsomely for an urgent opportunity that has presented A large boulder partially obscures a 10-foot-by-10-foot
itself. She explains that a well-known Brasuga bard in the cavern entrance. Giant-sized footsteps can be seen in the
region named Argus had been chatting with travelers and
earth alongside two large divots that follow the tracks,
getting opinions on his plan to make contact with the inaks
below the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains. Having believed he
their impressions much fainter. The slope of the cavern
had found a tunnel in the hills which leads to one of their descends into darkness.
lairs, he proudly announced his plan to all who would listen
in the few days before his expedition. In the week since, he
has not returned. Despite his reckless bravery, Mona believes A character who makes a successful DC 10 Intelligence or
that his rescue and return to the nearby Brasuga clan would Wisdom (Investigation or Survival) check finds that the fresh
establish the giants as allies to Steeproost. She offers the earth and clay on the ground suggests that the tunnel has
characters 75 gp each if they can find and rescue the Brasuga, been recently dug, and that the divots following the giant
or 50 gp each if they can confirm his demise. She directs footsteps were made by a wagon. The wagon tracks were left
them to the southern tip of the Vaskil River at the base of the many days ago by inaks venturing to the surface to gather
Basilisk’s Spine Mountains, where Argus had claimed to have water from the Vaskil River for their subterranean drake
found the tunnel. wyrmling. The giant footsteps belong to Argus, who found
the wagon tracks and correctly suspected that inaks could be
Following the Trail found below. The tunnel descends into the branching caverns
beneath the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains where the inaks
Once the characters set out from Steeproost, it is roughly a make their home amidst forgotten tombs and abandoned
ten-hour trek (or about a day) from the village to where the catacombs.
Vaskil River flows downwards from the Basilisk’s Spine
Mountains. Following the river towards the mountains

40
 holds a silver sword against his side. Hallways exit to the
Finding the Inaks north, east, and west.
The banner is heavily aged, but closer inspection reveals
The tunnel is indeed freshly-dug, having been created by the
the same image painted on it that was engraved in the door: a
inaks just over a month ago. It connects into the much older
spider crawling out of a bejeweled chalice. Below the image
branching cavern network below the mountains. A character
are the words "House Welvoj".
who makes a successful DC 14 Wisdom (Survival) check can
follow the tracks towards the old tomb where the inaks are Treasure: Sword. A silvered longsword with a gem-
keeping Argus captive. The party may repeat this check every inlaid hilt has been slotted through the statue's fingers and
half-hour. can be withdrawn with ease. The inaks have little use for such
a weapon, preferring to fight with smaller daggers. The sword
Encounter: Ghouls. If the party fails two checks in a
is worth 125 gp.
row, they stumble onto the remains of a previous
adventuring party, now animated as four ghouls who fight
until they are destroyed.
2. Tomb of the Family
Characters with a passive Perception of 12 or higher
When the party has successfully traced the tracks back to
approaching this room can hear scraping and shuffling
the inaks’ lair, read aloud the following:
sounds coming from within.
Inside, a 6-foot-tall statue stands in the middle of the
The tracks begin to disappear as the softer, freshly room, depicting the form of a female Anorian motherly
disturbed earth gives way to hardened stone. Thirty feet figure, her arms outstretched. In each of the four corners of
the room is a sarcophagus, the lids pushed open on each one.
ahead, a thick stone door bearing an intricate relief
Encounter: Inaks. Three inaks (see Appendix D) have
carving is set into the natural wall of the cavern and is
been looting the sarcophagi here for remains they can use to
flanked by two empty torch sconces. Beside the door is a augment themselves. They attack the characters
wooden wagon covered in a canvas tarp. immediately, recognizing them as intruding surface dwellers.
One inak, with the head of a cyclops skull, attempts to scale
the ceiling and barrage the characters with chill touch while
The door bears a relief carving of a spider crawling out of a the others attack from the ground.
bejeweled chalice. The wagon is empty, holding only a single Treasure: Sarcophagi. The sarcophagi have been
empty crate and some spare wood. The door is unlocked. mostly stripped of remains and contain little else other than
personal effects. One sarcophagus holds a leather pouch
containing a single topaz worth 25 gp.
Tomb of the Drake
The inaks found a juvenile subterranean drake in a tomb 3. Cistern
formerly belonging to an ancient cult of Anorian Vapulites. A stone cistern rests in the middle of this room. Bones are
Carved into the rock beneath the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains piled against the north wall. The walls bear bas-reliefs
almost a millennium ago, it has sat abandoned for centuries depicting multiple aristocratic Anorians interlaid with the
until its recent occupation by the subterranean drake and the spider chalice icon of their cult.
inaks. The bones belong to the Anorians which were buried in
this tomb. They have been removed from their resting places
General Features by the inaks who plan to use them for their own purposes.
Unless otherwise stated, the tomb's features are described as Hazard: Cistern. The water in the cistern is foul and
follows: diseased. A character who drinks the water in the cistern
Ceilings. Ceilings in the tomb's rooms and hallways are must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or
built from black stone and are 8 feet high. become poisoned for 24 hours.
Floors and Walls. Like the ceilings, floors and walls
are built from the same black stone. Walls are 3 feet thick. 4. Tomb of the Servants
Doors. Doors are made of the same heavy stone. They Three plain, unadorned sarcophagi fill this chamber; their
have an AC of 16, 22 hp, and are immune to poison and lids have been pushed aside. The walls bear bas-reliefs
psychic damage. All of the doors are unlocked. depicting Anorians in acts of servitude to other Anorians. A
Light. The tomb is shrouded in complete darkness. portion of the southwest wall has collapsed entirely, opening
Sound. The inaks are forcing Argus to perform a lullaby into a much larger natural cavern of rock.
for their subterranean drake. The sounds of a lute and soft The sarcophagi in this room have been stripped of their
singing in the Giant tongue echo off the walls throughout the contents.
tomb, growing louder the closer the characters are to area 5.
The following locations are keyed to the map of the Tomb 5. Lair of the Drake
of the Drake. This expansive cavern of natural rock is littered with loose
stone. To the south, a 10-foot-by-10-foot wooden cage holds a
1. Altar four-armed giant equipped with an appropriately-sized lute.
An empty iron brazier stands on four clawed legs in the A writhing canvas sack is suspended from the ceiling near the
middle of this room. A stone altar draped in a faded and middle of the room by a fraying rope. Above, a large natural
tattered banner lies against the north wall. To the south, a 6- tunnel in the ceiling extends upwards into darkness.
foot-tall statue of a male Anorian in plate armor

41
     Encounter: Subterranean Drake. Two inaks (see The sack hanging from the ceiling holds two swarms of rats
Appendix D) are here tending to the subterranean drake that the inaks have been feeding to the wyrmling. If released
wyrmling while Argus the Brasuga (see Appendix D) from the bag, they rapidly disperse in all directions.
performs a lullaby for the creature, which has been curled up Treasure: Key. One of the inaks has a key on its person
and is drifting off to sleep. The inaks immediately attack the that unlocks the cage in this room.
characters, and the drake follows their lead. Argus cheers the Argus the Brasuga. The cage Argus is contained
characters on, performing upbeat battle music in support. within is locked and can be opened with a DC 12 Dexterity
Once on each of his turns, Argus can provide the help action check with proficiency in thieves' tools, a DC 15 Strength
to any creature he can see within 30 feet. The inaks fight (Athletics) check, or with the key held by one of the two inaks
until they are destroyed. Once the drake has been reduced to in this room. Argus is overjoyed at his rescue and serenades
half its hit points or fewer, it attempts to flee through the his thanks to the characters. He explains that after following
tunnel in the ceiling. the inaks into the tunnels, he was ambushed by a larger inak
The subterranean drake wyrmling uses the white force which attacked immediately and would not listen to his
dragon wyrmling stat block, with the exception that it protests. After some initial confusion and worry that he
does not have a breath weapon, its bite attack does not deal would be killed, he understood that the inaks wanted him to
additional cold damage, and does not have immunity to cold play his music for their wyrmling. Argus explains that they
damage. should return to the surface soon, for more inaks may arrive

42
at any time. Hazard: Sarcophagus. This tomb is protected by the
remaining, fading magic of this forgotten Anorian cult.
6. South Hallway Opening the sarcophagus summons two swarms of
This dark hallway extends to the south towards a thick stone spiders that crawl forth from the cracks in the stone and
door. attack the characters, fighting until they are destroyed. Inside
Trap: Swinging Blades. A pressure plate hidden in the sarcophagus are the skeletal remains of Phyrolin
the floor of this hallway triggers scything blades to swing Vrammyr, draped in decaying finery and laid to rest beside a
forth from narrow slits in the wall. If the pressure plate is bejeweled chalice matching the appearance of the cult's icon.
activated, each creature in the hallway must make a DC 15 The chalice is worth 250 gp.
Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) slashing damage on a
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. A
successful DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check reveals the
Concluding the Quest
pressure plate, which can then be carefully avoided. A If the characters have successfully rescued Argus, he follows
successful DC 15 Dexterity check with proficiency in thieves' them back to the surface before explaining that he will head
tools disables the trap. Failing this check by 5 or more off on his own to return to his clan, promising to tell them of
activates the trap. his rescue at their hands. If the adventurers explain that they
work on behalf of Steeproost, he assures them that the
7. Tomb of the Matriarch Brasugas will remember this act of generosity. Later, the
The door to this room is heavy but unlocked. Inside is an iron adventurers may stumble upon Argus again during other
brazier on four clawed legs and an elaborately carved travels in the Vaskil Valley.
sarcophagus set into an alcove in the room's south wall. A Sheriff Mona Mèyor is pleased with their success, paying
bas-relief in the alcove above the sarcophagus depicts a them the amount promised and explaining that she is very
female Anorian seated on a throne and draped in finery. An hopeful that this will do much to ensure that the Brasugas
inscription below the relief reads, "Phyrolin Vrammyr". will ally themselves with Steeproost in future times of need.

43
 Wyvern King Clues
The characters receive this quest shortly after they complete The pair will answer what they know about the Wyvern Kings
their first starter quest. Prince Spiro Marelis-Tomydon and —unfortunately very little. Mèyor does share that just before
Sheriff Mona Mèyor ask the characters to help them learn the Wyvern Kings showed up, two young noble girls, Mydon
more about the Wyvern Kings. Princesses, went missing from Imfe Caan Asaari. However,
they quickly reappeared not too long after their parents
Quest Hook issued rewards for their return. Mèyor warns that the
families have since “disappeared into their mansions” and
Shortly after the characters make their presence known in aren’t willing to talk to anyone, therefore, going to Imfe Caan
Steeproost, Sheriff Mona Mèyor and Prince Spiro Marelis- Asaari to question them will likely be a waste of time.
Tomydon formally introduce themselves to the characters
and ask for their help. The characters may have already met
one or the other during their first quest in Steeproost. Even if
Finding Clues
that’s true, the pair make sure that the characters understand This quest plays out through all of the other quests.
who they are and what they do in Steeproost—Prince Spiro is Below is a list of potential clues the characters might
the town’s presiding Mydon Prince and Mona maintains law discover while performing other quests:
and order.
The pair have a proposal for the characters: Cattle Rustlin’ Country. The characters might
discover the desiccated corpse of a downed wyvern and its
rider’s helmet. See this chapter for details.
The Sheriff cuts right down to brass tacks. “You probably Harpy Murder. Filgus, the NPC the characters save
know this already, but we’ve had a bit of a problem with from the harpies, overheard the harpies talking about a
mysterious wyvern-riding warriors dubbed ‘The Wyvern Wyvern King that they downed west of Steeproost. See
this chapter for details.
Kings.’”
Imfe Caan Asaari. The characters find a map that
leads to the Wyvern Kings’ base of operations as well as
the body of a dead Wyvern King. See Chapter 3 for details.
If the characters haven’t seen one of the Wyvern Kings yet, Ogre Baby’s Rattle. One of the goblins at Obadyr
Sheriff Mèyor describes what they look like and how they Manor carried a pamphlet issued by members of the
operate. Odzedoz orcs. Although the pamphlet doesn’t mention the
Wyvern Kings, the location mentioned in the text—
“Whatever these things are, they’ve got the people of Rossgough Crag—is in an area where the Wyvern Kings
have been sighted a few times. See this chapter for details.
Vaskil Valley spooked from here to Imfe Caan Asaari. We
Silent Knight. Three Wyvern Kings appear in this
recognize that y’all might have some skills that could be starter quest. Any information the characters can share
of use here in the valley. I reckon if you have the time, with Mona and Spiro will be of great value to the pair. See
we’d love if you could help us learn more about the this chapter for details.
Wyvern Kings.”
Concluding the Quest
Prince Spiro, the “noble-in-cowboy’s-clothing” nods
As the characters discover clues important to the
and takes over, “Right. Anything that you can bring us— whereabouts of the Wyvern Kings, Mèyor and the Prince do
whether it’s just a rumor or an actual clue—we’re willing as they promised and pay gold for what they discover. Once
to pay up to 10 gp for each discovery. So far, we’ve got no the characters reach 5th level after completing a few of the
leads on who they are, where they’re actually holed up, additional quests detailed in the next chapter, Sheriff Mèyor
and Prince Marelis-Tomydon have pieced together enough of
or what they want.
the clues to guess the Wyvern King’s location. See Chapter 3
for details.

44
Chapter 2. Vaskil Valley

S
tep beyond the fences of Steeproost pastures and
Asaari orchards, and you enter the untamed Running This Chapter
wilderness that is Vaskil Valley. Seventy years This chapter takes the adventure outside of the town of
ago, an army of dragons laid waste to most of The Steeproost and deeper into Vaskil Valley. Following leads
Summer Land, including Vaskil Valley. Over half gathered from other quests or rumors heard in town, the
of The Summer Land’s population vanished in a adventurers will start to unravel more of the mystery at the
matter of weeks, obliterated by the dragons’ heart of this adventure. These quests locations are scattered
breath weapons. But the humans eventually prevailed, and across Vaskil Valley, as shown on the map included in this
most of the dragons were exiled from the entire continent of chapter. Also marked on this map is the location of Colddark
Omeria. Cliff detailed in chapters 3 and 4.
Still, the scars of the dragons’ assault remain. Old Anorian
villages and towns built following the Great Relocation lie in
scorched ruins amid the young growth of the Poisonwood.
Character Advancement
Undead haunt the hills that slide down the Basilisk’s Spine. Although this chapter is designed for characters of 4th level
Terrible creatures—some unseen since the Time of Titans— or higher, some of its random encounters and locations are
rise from their hideaways, fearless now that the great wyrms more dangerous than others. The characters might need to
have fled. Vaskil Valley is not a safe place to travel alone. run away and regroup, or take short or long rests between
Regardless, adventurers, fortune-seekers, and explorers encounters if they hope to survive.
still come to Vaskil Valley hoping to find something that the
Anorians and Pressonians have missed amid the ruins,
primordial forests, and foreboding foothills.

45
 Vaskil Valley Rumors
d20 Rumor
"Not too long ago, a bunch of folks dressed in all black were poking around Vonker farm. Word has it they
snatched up the body of one of those Wyvern Kings. Supposedly, they took the body back to a secret
    1-4    
location up in Sorryville (Imfe Caan Asaari). No tellin' what they figured out with that thing's body." (See
Imfe Caan Asaari for details.)
"There's a huge keep a bit up the trail built by a woman named Irene Alderth. It was a pretty good place for
    5-7     a while until a basilisk came in and turned all the occupants to stone. Now it's just a breeding ground for
cockatrices." (see Alderth Keep for details.)
"The Kuzhuk people train to ride griffons at an early age, starting as early as seven. Because of their broad
view of the valley, the Kuzhuk know more about this region than most other people who live here. If you're
    8-10    
looking for valuable information, you might head up that way and speak with their elder, Crisavor." (See
Black River Caverns and Gaeleth's Temple for details.)
"The Ruby Riders are causing all sorts of trouble around Steeproost. Word has it that they're holin' up in a
    11-14     spot called Brenovale Manor. You'd be doin' the people of Vaskil Valley a heckuva favor if you took care
'em." (See Brenovale Manor for details.)
"Word around the campfire is that Vows at Sunrise, the owner of The Broken Crossbow, just had one of her
    15-17     folks captured by a gang of werelynxes in at Mount Ashlar. I know she's lookin' for some help in this
matter." (See Mount Ashlar for details.)
"Vows at Sunrise has been working alongside another devilkin woman who's going around trying to collect
    18-20     wyvern poison. There's a series of caverns in the west she hopes to secure some of their venom. You might
speak with Vows at Sunrise about the gig." (See Wyvern Caves for details.)

In this chapter, you decide how quickly the characters

advance in level. Consider the following recommendations:
Attack! The Warehouse
Imfe Caan Asaari quest
The characters gain a level after spending two or three
Sheriff Mona Mèyor of Steeproost has been following rumors
game sessions exploring Vaskil Valley.
that the Black Rose Clan of Greatwell recently came into
The characters gain a level for completing one or two of
possession of important information regarding the Wyvern
the quests described in this chapter.
Kings. However, nobody’s quite sure what it is. After cashing
The characters gain a level if they accomplish an
in on a few favors from her allies up north, she learned that
extraordinary feat, such as securing the stolen Wyvern
whatever-it-is the Black Rose Clan knows or has, they’re
King’s body from the Black Rose Warehouse, or
keeping locked away in a warehouse in Imfe Caan Asaari.
recovering the long-lost hammer Kingsbane.
Mèyor cajoles the characters into scoping out the
Once the characters reach 7th level, they should no longer warehouse. She warns them that it’s probably heavily
gain levels by exploring locations or surviving random guarded, so they should at least take a few days to learn what
encounters in this chapter. Instead, direct them to the final they can about the location before they try to break into it. If
two chapters of this adventure. the characters return with valuable information, she will pay
them 100 gp.
Vaskil Valley Rumors This quest also ties directly into the "Silent Knight" quest
detailed in Chapter 1.
Once the characters achieve 3rd level, they’ve earned enough
reputation among the Steeproosters that the folks there will The Bandit and the Bride
share rumors they’ve heard about the region. When the Breonvale Manor quest
characters are ready to explore Vaskil Valley beyond
Steeproost, use the Vaskil Valley Rumors table to draw them A young half-Anorian boy, Zaert (non-combatant) rushes up
further into the story. to the adventurers, begging them to come quickly, because
You can either choose which rumors to share with the bandits attacked his uncle’s ranch last night. If the characters
players, or you can ask each player to roll once on the table. agree, they find the home smoldering from recently
Let the players decide which tales they want to investigate. extinguished flames and the owner, Taznar Arabarn,
wounded and being tended to by his farmhands. Arabam
begs the characters to follow the bandits’ trail and rescue his
Vaskil Valley Quests wife. The tracks made by the Ruby Riders after they raided
Instead of drawing the players into the quests using the the Arabarn Ranch are very clear and head south into the
rumors table, you can use any or all of the following quests to valley.
entice characters into exploring the locations described in The characters may also become involved if Mona Mèyor
this chapter. Some of the adventures detailed in this chapter first speaks with the half-Anorian boy.
naturally follow some of the starter and follow-up quests
detailed in Chapter 1, so those might be a good place for them
to start as well.

46
 the characters to seek out a druid named Bask in the Winter
Griffon Riders Sun and bring her to Steeproost. If the characters have a
Black River Caverns quest
reputation of being charitable, Vows at Sunrise appeals to
An investigation by Sheriff Mèyor of Steeproost has revealed them by emphasizing how access to wyvern antitoxin may
the source of the cattle raids in recent weeks: the Black River help keep townsfolk alive. Otherwise, she offers 300 gp for
Caverns, where several orcs have set up camp. Talindra, a bringing Bask in the Winter Sun to Steeproost.
cattle rancher in Steeproost, has raised 500 gp with a If the characters express interest in taking up the quest,
coalition of other ranchers to destroy the orcs and bring back she can provide the following additional information:
the head of their leader, Basher Yurub. If the characters
A druid named Bask in the Winter Sun is working with
previously completed the Cattle Rustlin’ Quest for Talindra,
some of the werelynx tribes to help relocate them.
she approaches them directly.
Bask in the Winter Sun is a bald, red-skinned devilkin
woman in her thirties with piercing yellow eyes.
Kingsbane Bask in the Winter Sun is an expert at handling dangerous
Gaeleth’s Temple quest
creatures and crafting antitoxins.
The characters should receive this quest if they successfully
completed the Griffon Rider’s quest mentioned above.
However, if they didn’t succeed—or didn’t want to get
Wilderness Encounters
involved with the Kuzhuk griffon riders in the first place— After the Great Chromatics were banished from Vaskil Valley
here is another quest hook that leads to this location: An seventy years ago, all sorts of dangerous creatures have come
archaeologist and historian named Harbak wants to track out of hiding. Thus, travel through Vaskil Valley can be
down Gaeleth’s Temple and investigate its mysterious dangerous, especially for those who aren’t prepared.
demise. He’s hiring on adventurers to aid him in this While the party explores Vaskil Valley, they might come
endeavor. If griffons aren’t an option, Harbak has a handy upon friendly, indifferent, or hostile creatures in the wild.
hot air balloon. Giddy up! Some encounters put the characters into dangerous combat
situations. Others might be roleplaying encounters, solvable
Petrified at Alderth Keep with a friendly wave and “how do you do?”
Alderth Keep quest You be the judge of if, and when, these random encounters
should occur. Try not to use too many, though, as frequent
The occupants of Alderth Keep were petrified long ago, stops along the way to a quest location grows old after a
trapping their minds, bodies, and souls on the material plane while. No more than one or two per session is advised.
to slowly wither away to the elements. The faithful of the If you aren’t sure how often to schedule random
Temple of Tuteus in Steeproost are willing to pay 50 gp for encounters in a 24-hour period, you can leave it to chance by
each petrified soul that can be brought back to them to look rolling a d8 and consulting the Number of Wilderness
after until somebody with greater restoration can free them. Encounters table below.
Additionally, a displaced werelynx clan is in need of a place
to settle. A tiefling woman named Bask in the Winter Sun is Number of Wilderness Encounters
offering five vials of antitoxin for anybody that can make d8 Number of Encounters
Alderth Keep safely habitable. The characters will get this
1 One encounter in the morning (dawn to noon)
hook if they complete the quest “Wyvern Wrangling” detailed
in this chapter. 2 One encounter in the afternoon (noon to dusk)
One encounter in the evening (dusk to
War at Werelynx Warren 3
midnight)
Mount Ashlar Ruins quest
4 One encounter at night (midnight to dawn)
Two encounters; roll a d4 on this table to
    5-6    
Prince Spiro Marelis-Tomydon, keen to maintain peaceful
relations with his Roe’dgopian neighbors, has posted notices determine when each encounter occurs
asking for a group of respectable, law-abiding citizens to act 7-8 No random encounter
as his deputies in resolving the conflict at Mount Ashlar. He
requests a full report from the chief engineer, Valarn
Silvervein. Running Wilderness Encounters
At the same time, Vows at Sunrise, proprietor of the Once you know when your random encounters will occur,
Broken Crossbow in Steeproost, needs one package delivered reference the Random Wilderness Encounters table below to
and a second picked up from Silvervein, currently at Mount determine the nature of the encounter. These encounters are
Ashlar. She offers 1000 gp for the return of this package designed to drive home the fact that here are some dangerous
“Unopened. Or else!”. You’re free to use one hook or both to creatures in the Valley. The table’s Difficulty column offers
entice the characters into this quest. insight into the challenge each encounter represents,
assuming the characters are of 4th, 5th, or 6th level. Be sure
Wyvern Wrangling to telegraph deadly encounters so that the characters have
Wyvern Caves quest
plenty of opportunity to avoid the encounter if they choose.
Easy encounters might surprise them at first but delight
Vows at Sunrise is aware of the threat posed by the Wyvern
them once they reach a swift victory.
Kings and sees an opportunity to both help the townsfolk and
further cement her station in Steeproost. She wants

47
 Vaskil Valley
d% Day d% Night Encounter Difficulty
01-02 01-02 1 ankheg Medium
03-04 03-04 1d4 + 1 bandits and 1 bandit captain Medium
05-06 — 1 basilisk Easy
07-08 — 1d4 black bears Easy
— 05 1 black horn* Medium
09-10 — 2d6 + 1 blood hawks Medium
11 06 1d2 brasugas* Medium
12 — 1 brown bear Easy
13 07 1 bulette Medium
14 08 1d4 dire wolves Medium
16 09 1 doppelganger Easy
— 10 1 ettin Medium
17 — 1 ewoska* Easy
— 11 1 forest octopus* Easy
— 12 1 ghost Medium
— 13-14 1d4 ghouls Medium
— 15-16 1d3 giant badgers Easy
18 — 1 giant eagle Easy
19-20 17-18 1 giant poisonous snake Easy
— 19-26 2d6 giant rats Easy
21-22 — 1 griffon Easy
23 — 1d3 harpies Easy
24 27 1 hill giant Medium
25 — 1 megamoo* Easy
26-38 28-37 Militia** Varies
39-40 38-39 1 mountain lion (panther) Easy
41-42 40-41 NPC party** Varies
43-55 42-51 1d2 ogres Medium
56 52 1 owlbear Easy
57-58 53-54 1 poisonous snake or 1 swarm of poisonous snakes Easy
59 — 1 Pressonian Abjurer* Medium
60 55 1d6 + 2 skeletons Varies
— 56 1d2 specters Easy
61-63 57-58 Tribal warriors* Medium
64-79 59-68 Vaqueros* Varies
80 69 1 werebear Medium
81 70 1 wereboar Medium
82-83 71-72 Werelynxes** Varies
— 73-74 1d4 wererats Varies
— 75-83 1d3 werewolves Varies
— 84-85 1d4 will-o-wisps Medium
84-92 86-95 2d6 wolves Easy
93-00 96-00 Wyvern King** Medium

Encounters marked with an asterisk feature monsters detailed in Appendix D. Encounters with two asterisks are described below.

48
Militia NPC Attitude
A patrol of 3d8 guards on riding horses led by a
Result Attitude
veteran on a warhorse ride up on the characters. Roll 2d4
to determine the militia's attitude, then, roll 1d6 to determine 1-2 Hostile
the militia's disposition. 3-7 Indifferent
8-12 Friendly
NPC Party
Another adventuring party makes their way through the
valley hoping to find adventure. The party consists of 1 NPC Disposition
knight, 1 mage, 1 scout, and 1 spy. Roll 3d4 to determine Result Disposition
the party's attitude, then, roll 1d6 to determine the party's 1 Fleeing
disposition.
2 Injured
Tribal Warriors 3 Trading
The characters come across a group of 2d6 tribal warriors 4-6 No special disposition
led by a berserker. When the characters meet them, roll a
d6 to determine the group's attitude, then roll 1d6 to
determine the group's disposition.
Fleeing
The NPCs are on the run from a creature more dangerous
than they are. Reroll on the Random Encounter table to
Vaqueros
determine what type of creature they are running from or
A patrol of 1d4 + 1 gunmages (see Appendix D) riding
choose an appropriate encounter. Hostile groups will
riding horses approach the characters. Roll 2d4 to
command the characters to help them, whereas indifferent
determine the gunmages' attitude. The gunmages have no
and friendly groups will plead or offer to pay the characters
special disposition.
to help them.
Werelynxes
A tribe of 2d4 Roe'dgope werelynxes (see Appendix D) are
Injured
Roll percentile dice. The result reveals the percentage of the
hunting in the wilderness. When they appear, roll a d6 to
NPC party that has only 20% of its hit points remaining. The
determine the group's attiude, then, roll 1d6 to determine the
party approaches the characters begging or demanding for
group's disposition.
help.
Wyvern King
A lone Wyvern King riding a wyvern seemingly soars
Trading
The NPCs offer to trade goods or valuable information with
overhead. Roll a d6. On a result of 6, it is actually a Wyvern
the characters. Hostile NPCs give little choice in the matter,
King (see Appendix D) riding a wyvern. Otherwise, it's a
whereas friendly or indifferent NPCs try to be more
disguised orc riding a giant vulture. Regardless of the
persuasive.
rider's identity, the creature will not fight unless provoked.

49
50
Alderth Keep
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four characters with
an average party level (APL) of 4. The characters are tasked
wall of the battlements and the remains of a stable on the
with clearing out hostile creatures from the location so that it
is safe for potential rehabilitation. eastern side of the pathway. Petrified creatures are
scattered around the field.
Background
Alderth Keep was once the esteemed home of Irene Alderth,
    Encounter: Animated Armor. There are two suits of
a human woman. She accrued considerable wealth as a
animated armor and two flying swords guarding the
merchant before commissioning Alderth Keep, where she
entrance to the keep. The suits of animated armor attempt to
intended to retire. Unfortunately, at some point during the
ask trespassers to state their names; however, they have
keep’s history, it was besieged by a basilisk which petrified
deteriorated to the point that they sound like grinding metal.
the occupants and has lived at the estate since. After the
They allow anybody that identifies themselves as a member
attack, the keep fell into ruin. The basilisk’s presence has
of the Alderth family to enter. Characters that attempt to
scared off most nearby wildlife, except for the uncowed
enter without declaring themselves members of the Alderth
cockatrices.
family are prevented from entering, by lethal force if
necessary. A successful DC 13 Intelligence (History) check
Alderth Keep reveals that estates sometimes used magical defenses to only
allow expected guests and family, announced by name, to
Alderth Keep is a single-story stone building fortified by 10-
enter.
foot-thick stone walls and two towers.
1a: West Tower. Six cockatrices roam in the field
around the west tower. The cockatrices attack any character
General Features
that gets within 20 feet of the west tower.
Unless otherwise noted, locations at Alderth Keep have the
following features. 1b: Stables. There is a petrified commoner standing
Ceilings. The ceilings are 12 feet high. near the cobblestone path, a petrified commoner in the
stables, and a petrified riding horse rearing in the stables.
Floors and walls. The floors and walls are made of
stone. 1c: Well. Behind the main building there is a well that
descends 30 feet into an underwater cavern. Six
Doors. The doors are made of wood and have AC 15, 18
cockatrices roam around the well, attacking on-sight. Two
hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.
of the cockatrices are playing on the rim of the well; if either
None of the doors in this building are locked.
is Surprised, one of them panics and knocks the other into
Light. Dim light filters into the first floor of Alderth Keep
the well. Additionally, there is a petrified commoner
through the numerous cracks in the walls and roofing,
braced against the door to area 5.
suffusing the building. The cellar is dimly lit by a massive
hole on the first floor, but the adjoined caves are dark.
Climate. Cold, dry winds run through Alderth Keep.
2 - Main Hall
Petrified Creatures. Basilisks have petrified several
creatures in and around the keep. The petrified creatures The doors of Alderth Keep open to a 20-foot-long-by-25-
retain their statistics and have the Petrified condition. foot-wide hall with 12-foot-high ceilings. Hallways flank
the main hall to the east and west. The floor to the
Approaching the Keep northeast connecting to another room has collapsed,
When the characters get within one mile of Alderth Keep,
read the following: leaving a rough 20-foot-diameter hole into the cellar. A
staircase to the west spirals downward.
A stone path leads up a hill to the ruins of a once-noble
keep in the distance. Birds passing above steer around
Encounter: Stirges. There are ten stirges hanging from
the keep, avoiding it, and the nearby fields are devoid of the ceiling. During the day, the stirges are asleep. Characters
activity. who are moving quietly and succeed on individual DC 13
Dexterity (Stealth) checks do not disturb them; however,
they wake up if the characters begin fighting in any other
room on this floor.
1 - Bailey
3 - Library
A cobblestone pathway leads through crumbling, 10-
foot-thick fortifications up to the entrance of a single- Broken, rotting bookcases line the north, east, and west
story manor. There are two towers along the north walls of this 25-foot-long-by-15-foot-wide room.

51
 requires a DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check, which opens the
door and shatters the petrified commoner on a success.
A single armchair is pushed up against the bookshelf
along the eastern wall. The petrified body of a human 6 - Cellar
woman is shattered on the floor next to the armchair.
This 30-foot-long-by-40-foot-wide cellar is filled with
crates and old wine barrels, concealing three petrified
There is nothing of value in this room.
men. Dim light coming through a massive hole in the
4 - Office ceiling provides some visibility, revealing a broken wall
to the east that plunges into darkness.
A chair and desk are pushed against the western wall of
this 20-foot-long-by-15-foot-wide room. A worn, red rug
Petrified Men. There are three petrified commoners
decorates the floor.
hiding behind wine barrels and crates in this room.
Nook. A nook along the southern wall contains a lever.
When the lever is pulled, the loose stones that once
Encounter: Rug of Smothering. There is one rug of composed the collapsed wall (see below) move into the cave
smothering on the floor. If a creature enters this room one foot and then slide south out of the way.
alone, it attempts to smother them. If the characters escape Collapsed wall. The collapsed wall used to function as a
or do not enter the room, the rug waits until the characters hidden doorway to the caverns beyond. The wall was
have left this floor to relocate to the main hall’s entrance. enchanted with transmutation magic to slide open to the
caverns when the lever in the nook (see above) is pulled. The
5 - Mudroom magic persists in the shattered stones.
This room has some shelves with old clothes and shoes
picked at by moths. 7 - Cavern Entrance
Jammed Door. The door in the eastern wall is jammed This cave is completely dark. Characters that shine a light
shut from the outside by a petrified commoner that was from the edge of the room see a pair of wispy blue eyes and
bracing the door. Forcing the door open from the inside the glint of a metal blade reflect the light back. There is a
tunnel to the south that leads further into the cave.

52
    Encounter: Basilisk. There is one basilisk in this
room. It has a +1 shortsword embedded in its hide. The
9 - Treasure Room
This dark room contains a single chest placed in the center of
basilisk fears adventurers after having a sword jammed into
the room.
its hide and prefers to be left alone. A character that succeeds
Treasure: Chest. The exterior of the chest is coated in a
on a DC 15 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check can slowly
sticky, glue-like substance. The chest is not locked and
approach the basilisk without it attacking them. Otherwise,
contains 1700 cp, 800 sp, 83 gp, a bolt of fine cloth (25 gp), a
the basilisk does not attack until the characters cross the
rabbit foot talisman (25 gp), a pair of iron dice (25 gp), and a
collapsed wall and enter the darkness. Removing the
gem of brightness with 40 charges remaining.
shortsword from the creature requires a DC 20 Strength
Trap: Conjure Elemental. The bottom of the chest is
(Athletics) check, and on a success, the basilisk stops
marked with a glyph of warding, which casts conjure
attacking the characters (unless provoked) and fondly
elemental (earth) when the chest is opened. To find the
regards the character who removed the weapon. It only gives
glyph of warding, a character must first overturn the chest
chase into the dimly lit cellar if its prey is attacking it from
with a successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check due to the
afar or is on death’s doorstep; otherwise, it prefers to remain
sticky glue.
shrouded in darkness.

8 - Basilisk Nest Concluding the Quest

This dark, 30-foot-wide chamber features a large nest made
At the end of the quest, the characters have explored Alderth
of stone chunks and two petrified ankhegs. There is a pool of
Keep, learned what happened to its occupants, and
slow-moving water to the west and a tunnel to the southeast.
neutralized the threats that make the keep uninhabitable.
Nest. The nest is composed of fragments of petrified
The Temple of Tuteus in Steeproost pays the characters 50 gp
woodland creatures, a horse, and two human men.
for each petrified commoner brought to them and offers
Ankhegs. There are two petrified ankhegs in this room.
prayers for those that the characters were unable to bring.

53
 Black River Caverns
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four characters with on a DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. An adult
an average party level (APL) of 3. The characters must travel griffon thrashes about inside, trying desperately to break
west to the Black River Caverns and contend with an ogre free. Once the cage is unlocked, the griffon will become
warlord who’s been stealing griffons from the Kuzhuk griffon hostile to the characters unless someone succeeds on a DC 12
riders. Wisdom (Animal Handling) check. If the characters are
forced to battle the griffon, it will flee toward Kuzhuk after
Background two rounds of combat.
Bloody Cage. The southwest cage is open and contains a
The mountain enclave of Kuzhuk is home to the Vaskil Valley bloody section of the butchered adolescent griffon currently
griffon riders, a proud people whose heritage and culture being eaten by the orcs. A baby griffon chick mewls sadly
extend beyond living memory. Their skill as winged warriors beneath the dismembered corpse of its mother. While
is legendary amongst the kingdoms of The Summer Land, inspecting the camp, have the characters perform a DC 12
though few are old enough to remember the last time they Intelligence (Investigation) check to locate the source of the
took to the skies for war. crying. Any character that succeeds finds the baby griffon
Central to Kuzhuk culture is the raising and training of chick.
griffons. As early as the age of seven, a young rider is paired Treasure: Iron Orb and Gold. The orc berserker has
with a griffon chick and charged with its protection and an iron orb (25 gp), a leather pouch containing 100 sp, and a
development. As a result, the bond between a griffon and its skeleton key that can unlock the chained cage in the camp as
paired rider is unbreakable. Common folklore suggests that well as the cages in area 5 (Griffon Holding Pen). The other
one can sense distress in the other, though they may be miles orcs collectively have 200 cp between them.
apart.
A few days ago, a rider named Anridan and his griffon
companion, Wildhammer, were ambushed by a band of orcs
The Black River Caverns
led by Basher Yurub. Anridan, overwhelmed, could do The Black River Caverns lie approximately three miles west
nothing but watch as the four-armed ogre and his orc lackeys of Kuzhuk and are so-called due to a mysterious black ichor
netted Wildhammer and forced him into an iron cage. that’s found in the dried riverbed. So long as the seasonal
Though grievously wounded, Anridan survived long enough rains aren’t too heavy, the caverns along the river are
to return home and warn his fellow Kuzhuk of the orc threat. habitable year-round; that being said, fierce storms are prone
Crisavor, a Kuzhuk elder, is determined to seek out the to form over the mountain ridges without warning. As a
orcs and Basher Yurub to exact revenge. However, their result, many unfortunate souls have been lost to flash
numbers are few, and the loss of Wildhammer has dealt a flooding. Caution is advised.
serious blow to their striking capability. Crisavor has put out
an open call to go west and slay the beasts. Those who General Features
succeed in ridding the land of Basher Yurub and his band of Unless stated otherwise, the caverns have the following
thugs will find an eternal home within the enclave of the features:
griffon riders. Size and Dimensions. The cavern ceiling is 10 feet
high unless specified otherwise. The cavern descends into the
Orc Camp Encounter earth at a gentle incline and terminates 30 feet below surface
level at its deepest point.
As the characters approach The Black River Caverns, they Illumination. While in the caverns, treat each area as
come across a small encampment of griffon-thieves: three having no light unless specified otherwise.
orcs led by a single orc berserker (treat each creature as Slick Surface. The cavern floor is slick with moss and
having proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival). They’re causes the characters’ footing to occasionally slip. Characters
currently in the middle of eating a freshly cooked adolescent who attempt to move farther than 10 feet during a combat
griffon. round must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check
Illumination. The Orc Camp Encounter takes place or fall prone.
during the day.
Flash Flood. At the beginning of the second round of 1 - Cavern Entrance
combat, a fierce rainstorm will descend upon the area The cavern hall descends into the earth at a gentle incline;
without warning, dumping massive amounts of rain and rainwater trickles down from the entrance and slickens the
causing the caverns to flood. The flooding will begin in area stony floor.
4 (Anridan’s Plight) and rise at a rate of one foot per hour. Treasure: Hidden Stash. A six-foot-deep, three-foot-
After one hour, Anridan will drown. After four hours, Basher wide divot is dug out of the hall’s northern side. A character
Yurub and his orc lackeys will be forced to evacuate; they will with a passive Perception of 12 or more notices the sound of
leave the griffons behind to drown. rainwater dripping into a low space somewhere. Any
Chained Cage. The orc camp has two cages: one on its character that succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Investigation)
southwest side and one on its northeast side. The northeast check locates the divot hidden by a pile of rocks. Searching
cage is chained shut; the berserker has the key to the the divot reveals a leather pouch containing 30 sp, a rabbit
padlock. Alternatively, the lock can be picked by succeeding fur ribbon (25 gp), and a silver cloth talisman (25 gp). A piece

54
of vellum is attached to the pouch: drawn in charcoal is a but this time there are words accompanying the angry orc
very angry orc face next to a large X symbol. The X is drawing. It reads as follows:
underlined three times.

2 - Trapped Passage "Basher Yurub big meanie to Gonk, Gonk no like! If no

A ledge on the passage’s north side leads to a small alcove. A bash Basher, den what? Gonk hide goodies, and when de
piece of wood is staked to the cavern wall next to the ledge: rains come, Gonk keep breathing and Basher drown!
drawn in charcoal is an even angrier orc face next to a snake Wish necklace was bigger for Gonk’s big head. I draw
symbol. The snake is underlined four times.
sign to keep de other orcs out of Gonk’s goodies! Gonk
Trap: Snake and Insect Trap. A successful DC 18
good thinker."
Wisdom (Perception) check reveals the copper tripwire
covered in charcoal installed along the ledge. The trap is
activated when a creature attempts to move past the tripwire
without having first detected its presence. When activated, a 3 - Empty Passage
goatskin bag filled with twenty pounds of dead snakes and The cavern hall descends deeper into the earth.
insects is released onto the creature's head. Only a single Cries for Help. Anridan in area 4 (Anridan’s Plight)
poisonous snake remains alive. If the creature makes a can be heard calling for help from the western passage.
lot of noise after the trap is activated, Anridan in area 4 Animal Smell and Illumination. An awful stench
(Anridan’s Plight) will begin to cry louder for help. emanates from area 5 (Griffon Holding Pen), and the flicker
Additionally, have the orc berserkers in area 5 (Griffon of firelight can be seen against the curve of the cavern wall.
Holding Pen) perform a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. Any character that succeeds on a DC 13 Wisdom (Perception)
On a success, they leave to investigate the noises. check hears the mewling of griffon chicks and orcs talking
Treasure: Hidden Stash. At the back of this alcove is amongst themselves in area 5 (Griffon Holding Pen).
a conspicuous pile of rocks covering a small hole. A character
that searches the small hole finds a leather pouch containing
40 sp, two potions of greater healing, and a necklace of
adaptation. Another vellum note is attached to the pouch,

55
 turn against Yurub with a DC 13 Charisma (Persuasion)
4 - Anridan’s Plight check. Regardless, upon reaching half her hit points, Gonk
A gentle incline terminates in a pool of water, where Anridan
will flee the area and attempt to recover her two stashes in
(tribal warrior with proficiency in Animal Handling and
areas 1 and 2 (Cavern Entrance and Trapped Passage), then
Survival) is chained face-down to the cavern floor; it is taking
flee the caverns entirely. Both berserkers hold keys to the
every ounce of his strength to keep his head above water and
griffon cages.
cry for help.
Stone Door. A stone door separates areas 5 and 6.
Flooding. If over one hour has gone by since the flash
flood rainstorm began, then Anridan is drowning and is
unconscious (or dead, at GM’s discretion).
6 - Basher Yurub’s Bash Pad
Basher Yurub’s bash pad is clean and dry in comparison to
Freeing Anridan. The chains binding the Kuzhuk
the rest of The Black River Caverns. Basher is currently
griffon rider are staked to the cavern floor, though the
passed out on an ogre-sized pile of furs; over a dozen empty
rainwater has loosened the stakes. There are four stakes
bottles of wine are scattered about the room.
total: two binding Anridan’s wrists and two binding his
Illumination. Torch sconces provide dim light
ankles. Any character that succeeds on a DC 14 Strength
throughout the area.
(Athletics) check can rip out a stake. If any stakes remain
Encounter: Basher Yurub and Pet Wyvern.
once all the characters have attempted this Strength check,
Yurub’s pet wyvern wyrmling (see Appendix D) will make
then the remaining stakes are considered stuck and must be
a bite attack against Basher Yurub (male Brasuga, see
removed by a character spending 30 minutes using
Appendix D) to wake him up once the stone door opens.
carpenter’s or smith’s tools. Once free, Anridan falls
Additionally, Yurub is quite hungover: while exposed to
unconscious (if he wasn’t already).
bright light, he has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
5 - Griffon Holding Pen
Treasure: Talisman and Furs. A careful search of
Basher Yurub’s crew is stashing their stolen griffons in cages
Basher Yurub’s bash pad turns up a bloody electrum cloth
here. The conditions are horrendous: the cavern floor is
talisman (25 gp), a small bag of incense (25 gp), and a
covered in a thick layer of hay and animal excrement, and the
goatskin pouch containing a small assortment of gems
animals are kept chained in darkness.
collectively worth 10 gp. Additionally, any character that
Illumination. Torch sconces provide dim light
succeeds on a DC 13 Wisdom (Investigation) check discovers
throughout the area.
that the pile of furs isn’t all garbage: at the bottom of the pile
Cages. There are three large-sized cages pushed against
is a fancy (if smelly) rug that weighs 20 pounds and is worth
the northern wall of this room. They are all locked and
50 gp.
require a key held by the orc berserkers, who function as
Yurub’s lieutenants. Alternatively, each lock can be picked by
succeeding on a DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. Concluding the Quest
The left cage contains an emaciated and unconscious
If Anridan is returned safely to Kuzhuk, Crisavor will thank
adolescent griffon. The center cage contains Wildhammer,
the characters for their brave actions. He then shares with
Anridan’s personal griffon. Wildhammer, once free, will
them the secrets of a magic hammer rumored to be hidden
ignore everything else to seek out Anridan and carry him
within the mountains, Kingsbane. See the Gaeleth’s Temple
back to Kuzhuk. If Anridan dies in the rising flood,
quest for details. Crisavor suggests that the weapon will help
Wildhammer will refuse to leave the caverns, choosing
the characters against the Wyvern Kings.
instead to perish with its former master. The right cage has
Finally, if Gonk escapes the caverns alive, she finds gainful
two healthy adolescent wild griffons. Their first instinct is
employment in a Vaskil Valley animal sanctuary after 2d8
to ignore everything else and escape the caverns.
days of wandering.
Encounter: Gonk and Friend. There are two orc
berserkers with proficiency in Animal Handling and Rewards
Survival in charge of this area. One of them, Gonk, has been If the characters were after the bounty on Basher Yurub, they
stashing items across the caverns in the event of a flood; she may present his head either to the sheriff’s office or Talindra
plans on abandoning Yurub and the whole operation. If the (both in Steeproost) to collect their 500 gp.
characters are aware of her plan, she can be convinced to

56
Brenovale Manor
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four characters with stone manor home just off the shore of the nearby lake.
an average party level (APL) of 4. The characters must track
down a gang of bandits called the Ruby Riders who’ve been
causing a ruckus outside of Steeproost. The characters can
The Brenovale Manor
receive this quest by hearing a rumor about the gang in town The Manor is a small stone castle built of granite stone blocks
or by getting the “Bandit and the Bride” quest detailed earlier quarried from the nearby mountains. The Pressonian family
in this chapter. built this manor with their ill-gotten gains from smuggling
illegal goods in Greatwell. It was built as a secluded hideaway
and a hunting lodge where they could worship the god Vapul
Background in secret. Its remote location and sturdy walls make it an
A gang of bandit marauders, the Ruby Riders, recently extremely defensible position for the Ruby Riders.
attacked the Arabarn Ranch just outside of the town of
Steeproost. The half-Anorian owner of the ranch, Taznar General Features
Arabarn, was viciously assaulted in the attack, and Violeta, Unless stated otherwise, areas of the manor have the
his Pressonian wife of only a few weeks, was abducted. The following features:
Riders have left the local area, headed back to their fort with Ceilings. The manor’s ceilings are all 10 feet high and
their captive in tow. constructed of treated oaken planks.
Unbeknownst to Taznar, Violeta and the bandit leader, Floors and Walls. The 2-foot-thick walls of the manor
Minoas, were once young lovers many years ago. Minoas are made of worked stone and mortar. The floors are smooth
sought his fortune outside of Steeproost, intending to come stone tile, carpet, or oaken planks. The carpeted areas will
back and wed Violeta. However, the years passed, and he grant advantage to any Stealth checks.
never returned. Eventually, Violeta’s family lost most of their Doors. The doors of the manor are made of heavy oak
livelihood when the Gretsard Iron Mine shut down years ago banded in iron and hung on iron hinges. Unless otherwise
and she was pushed into marrying Taznar to save her family noted, they have an AC of 15 and 20 hp. Any mechanically
from destitution. locked doors will require a successful DC 15 Strength check to
force open or a successful DC 15 Dexterity check using
About the Ruby Riders proficiency in thieves’ tools to unlock.
Minoas Vassiadis left Steeproost as a young man with a heart Illumination. The manor is well lit by both torches and
full of hope and love. After arriving in Greatwell and joining sunlight through windows in the second and third stories.
the town guard, he slowly became disillusioned with life and The Ruby Riders. While no longer guardsmen, the
he stopped reaching out to Violeta back home. Constant Ruby Riders still carry themselves with a militia’s bearing
struggles with the criminal elements in town eventually led while they operate. This includes a common uniform of red-
him and other guards to accept bribes and overlook illegal dyed wool and leather that gives them their name. Ruby
activities. After their corruption was discovered, Minoas and Rider Scouts replaced their standard-issue bows with pistols.
the other guards were forced to flee the city just ahead of the Pistols deal 5 (1d10) piercing damage with a range of 30 feet
hangman’s noose. and must be reloaded after every shot by taking a bonus
Forced into a life of banditry to make ends meet, Minoas action. The scouts carry twenty rounds of ammunition each.
formed the Ruby Riders with his trusted circle of former The following locations are keyed to the map of Brenovale
guardsmen by his side. After a few years and picking up a Manor.
handful of others, Minoas led them north to Vaskill Valley
where they happened upon a small, fortified manor home 1 - Manor Entrance
used by some noble family as a summer hunting lodge. After When the characters approach the entrance, read the
killing and disposing of the former inhabitants, Minoas following:
eventually decided to head home to Steeproost and seek out
his former love.
Standing just off the shores of a glistening blue-green
Tracking the Bandits lake sits a tall stone manor overlooking the waters. A
lone structure standing amongst a few trees, the walls
The tracks made by the Ruby Riders after they raided the
look to be fortified with thick granite. Just up a short
Arabarn Ranch are very clear and head south into the valley.
The further out from the town they get, the fainter they flight of stone steps is a large set of heavy double doors
become and require a successful DC 12 Wisdom (Survival) overlooking a small landing. A few guards seem to be
check to follow the tracks with a failure resulting in an playing dice, lounging in the sun, and are otherwise
additional 1d4 hours of travel time added. completely oblivious to their surroundings.
The bandit hideout is a half days' travel to the south near
Lake Avondover. One random encounter from the Vaskil
Valley Random Encounter Table will occur per day.
Encounter: Little Red Riders. There are two thugs
Eventually, they will follow the tracks all the way to a large
and a scout stationed at the front of the manor that are not

57
 3 - Storage Room

Crates and barrels stuffed with supplies of all sorts line

the walls and shelves of this room. There appear to be
enough victuals stored here to last an entire year or more
for a large group if rationed properly.

Secret: A Noble Clue. A successful DC 12 Wisdom

(Perception) check will reveal a common noble crest stamped
on the side of every barrel and crate. The crest can be
determined with a successful DC 15 Intelligence (History)
check to belong to the Brenovale family who reside in Imfe
Caan Asaari.

4 - Kitchen

The sweet smells of cooked meat and spices slip through

the cracks of the kitchen door. The clang of banging pots
and pans mix with the voices of two people who are
arguing in hushed tones.

A wave of heat from the large metal stove will pour out of the
doorway once opened. There are two Riders here cooking
and arguing with each other.
Encounter: Not Just a Chef. The bandit captain
paying attention to their duties. If approached directly, they and bandit in this room are unarmored (AC 13 and AC 11,
are overly confident in their skills and will confront the party, respectively) but they still have their weapons readily at
asking them their business before deciding to just kill them hand.
and take their “nice-looking gear”. Once one of them is killed, Treasure: Not Just a Knife. A successful DC 15
the others will bolt into the manor to get assistance. One will Wisdom (Perception) check will show that one of the cooking
head towards the kitchen and the other to the mess hall. knives has a more ornately carved handle than the others and
is a +1 dagger. A successful DC 12 Intelligence
2 - Entrance Hall (Investigation) check will uncover two potions of healing
The main doors to the Hall are unlocked and swing open buried in the back of a cupboard.
easily and quietly. A small fireplace casts a warm and
welcoming light into a large room filled with tables and 5 - Lounge
seating. Oddly empty of people, this room is full of tapestries Two luxurious and comfortably cushioned couches sit on
and paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and a large either side of this small area. More tapestries depicting
ornate rug sits on the floor. There is an extremely faint foul hunting scenes are on the walls above the lounging couches.
odor in the air, barely noticeable by most people. Any Treasure: History Book. A successful DC 12
creature with a more acute sense of smell than human or Intelligence (Investigation) check will uncover a
half-elf can make a DC 15 Perception (Wisdom) check; on a leatherbound booked tucked behind one of the couches
success, they clearly recognize the smell of rotting corpses. entitled “A History of the Brenovale Family.” This rare
Trap: Murder Hole. The slight discoloration on the edition would be worth at least 10 gp to a collector.
stone tiles from where the rug in this room was originally
moved can be discovered with a successful DC 15 Wisdom 6 - Mess Hall
(Perception) check. Anyone walking over the rug will fall 10 Mounted on the walls are the stuffed heads and rigid snarls
feet into a basement through an open trapdoor, taking 3 of wolves, bears, a mountain lion, and even an ankheg.
(1d6) bludgeoning damage and landing prone. They also will Tables and benches have been pushed along each of the far
be hit with the stench of the half dozen corpses shoved into a walls to create an opening in the center of the room upon
corner of the otherwise empty 10-by-10-foot room. which a large bearskin lies spread across the floor, its fur
There was a cleverly hidden trap door leading to a small matted from dirty boots repeatedly walking across it.
underground panic room when the Ruby Riders first came to Encounter: A Dog and His Riders. A mastiff
the manor. The manor staff hid there in fear until the Riders lounges next to the veteran and bandit who are eating
broke through the hidden door and slaughtered them all. here. Unless the party is moving stealthily, the mastiff will
Leaving their bodies below, they hastily covered the hole with warn the two Riders of the strange-smelling adventurers
the ornate rug that decorated the room. entering the room.

58
 This hallway is accented by a thick and luxurious yellow
carpet, with a long black rug overtop running the length
of the hall. Sunlight streams through a pair of clear glass
windows, filling the hall with light. Decorative suits of
plate mail armor sit on stands in two corners of the
room.

10 - Chapel
The locked door to this room is made of solid iron and can be
unlocked with a successful DC 20 Dexterity check by
someone proficient using thieves’ tools. The key to the door is
held by Minoas in area 15.

Sunlight pours through a large stain-glass window

casting multi-colored streams into every corner of this
small room. A few wooden pews sit in neat rows before a
stone altar bearing engraved runes and sigils. A bright
red runner lies across the altar bearing symbols stitched
in gold thread.

Altar. A successful DC 15 Intelligence (Religion) check will

reveal that this altar is dedicated to the god Vapul, whom it is
illegal to worship.
Charm of the Hunter Anyone who touches the altar
will feel a wind pick up around them, hear the pounding of
7 - Lower Stairwell hoofbeats on earth, and smell the verdant humidity of a
The wooden staircase spiraling up the tower is just wide forest after rainfall. They will gain the ability to cast locate
enough for a single person to walk up at a time, forcing animals or plants as an action and can do this twice before
anyone going up and down at the same time to shift to allow the charm fades away.
the other to pass. This will force the party to move in single
No one else will hear, feel, or smell anything and the ability
file when moving up or down the stairs.
can only be given once per charge of the altar. The altar can
be charged by sacrificing a kill from a recent hunt upon it to
8 - Middle Stairwell Vapul. The altar weighs 2000 pounds and if removed from
The central part of the staircase opens onto a broad wooden
the chapel, loses its powers.
platform before leading further upwards. There are two
doors at the corners of the platform. Inset in the door to
11 - Armory
area 11 is a barred window, through which stacks of
The door to this room is locked (see “General Features”) and
weapons can be seen. The door is secured by an iron padlock.
the key to the padlock is held by Minoas in area 15. Racks of
The door to area 9 stands slightly ajar with sunlight pouring
common armor and martial weaponry line the walls and
through the open crack from the other side.
tables of this room, all with the Ruby Riders marks and
colors.
9 - Hallway Trapped Treasure: Barbaric Armor. A chest
Trap: Bucket. The door to this area is unlocked but there
containing a set of grim leather armor (see Appendix C) is
is a bucket of soapy water set up on the top of the door that is
locked and protected by a poison needle trap. The modified
ready to fall upon whoever opens it. A successful DC 10
lock holding the needle can be discovered with a successful
Wisdom (Perception) check will catch sight of the edge of the
DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check and disarmed by
bucket on the top of the door. On a successful DC 12
someone proficient with thieves’ tools and a successful DC 15
Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check, a character can open the
Dexterity Check. Unsuccessfully attempting to pick the lock
door and remove the bucket. A failed check results in the
triggers the trap. The victim takes 1 piercing damage and 11
bucket falling on the character. They take 1 bludgeoning
(2d10) poison damage and must succeed on a DC 15
damage and become blinded for 1 minute from the soapy
Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 hour.
water. If the bucket falls, the noise alerts the creatures in
Inside the chest is a set of leather armor adorned with
area 12.
teeth and dried bits of leathery flesh hanging from leather
straps. Parts of the armor are covered in stretched human
skin stitched onto the armor like a covering.

59
 A luxurious black plush rug edged with elaborate gold
trim covers this room from wall to wall. Bookshelves full
of leather-bound tomes sit against the walls along with a
mahogany desk topped with paperwork and scrolls. At
the far end of the room are a pair of clay pots with small
purple flowers planted in them, their simplicity very out
of place in comparison to the rest of the room.

Trap: Alarm Wire. A thin wire is tied between the edges

of the opposing bookshelves. It can be detected with a
successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. Triggering or
cutting the wire will cause an alarm bell to ring, alerting
Minoas in area 15.
Treasure: Wyvern King Missive. Searching the
desk will uncover a series of missives between Minoas and a
mysterious benefactor discussing an alliance: trading
weapons and gold in exchange for personnel and support in
destabilizing the region.

15 - Leader's Quarters
Sunlight streams through the high windows of this bedroom,
filling it with light. The lush green carpet and dark wood
furniture give the impression of being deep in a forest. A
large black bearskin decorates the floor next to a very large
and impressive bed.
Encounter: The Bandit and The Bride. If Minoas
(neutral evil human gladiator) hears the alarm from area
14, he will rush there while Violeta (neutral human
12 - Barracks commoner) hides in the room. Otherwise, they will both be
A series of bunk beds and personal lockers line the walls of
found here together, and she rushes into a closet while he
this room. The furniture here is plainer than the rest of the
prepares for battle. Throughout the course of the fight, he
manor’s appointments. The walls of the barracks are bare
will growl that they will “never take his love away from him.”
and undecorated.
Once Minoas is reduced to 20 hp or fewer, Violeta will
Encounter: You Got Punk’d. The two Ruby Rider
either rush from the room or spring from the closet in tears
thugs in this room placed the heavy bucket of water as a
and beg them to stop fighting. She stands between the
prank in area 9 for one of the other Riders and if it is
adventurers and Minoas’ widespread arms and begs them to
triggered, they will jump out into the hallway and gain
please spare her love.
surprise on the adventurers. When they realize there are
Violeta will tell their story: she only married Taznar for the
intruders, they will shout the alarm to the two scouts also in
promise of comfort for her family, but Minoas was her one
this room.
true love. The adventurers will need to decide how they wish
Treasure: Personal Effects. Searching through the
to proceed.
lockers will net a total of 23 gp, 42 sp, 78 cp, and a small
If Violeta's story fails to dissuade the characters from
garnet (10 gp). A successful DC 15 Intelligence
apprehending or killing Minoas, Minoas sweetens the pot—if
(Investigation) check will uncover a false bottom in one chest
the characters allow him and Violeta to leave together, he will
containing a gem-encrusted silver locket (25 gp) with a
tell them what he knows about the Wyvern Kings.
miniature portrait of a woman inside.

13 - Upper Stairwell "I reckon about three months ago, I got a letter from
The upper stairwell ends on a wooden platform with a some folks asking me and the riders to join up with some
wooden door and an iron door. Sunlight can be seen coming
other mercenaries over at Rossgough Crag. We went to
through the cracks of the wooden door and there is a blue
rune glowing brightly on the center of the iron door. go see what it was all about. There was a whole mess of
folks from all over. Even Odzedoz orcs. They were
14 - Office recruiting folks to dress up like those Wyvern Riders and
The iron door to this room is engraved with a permanent ride around on winged mounts."
arcane lock spell. It can be suppressed with the spoken
password “Jager” or with the key held by the veteran in
area 16. Otherwise, it will take a successful DC 25 Dexterity
Minoas doesn't know why they wanted to the mercenaries to
check by someone proficient with thieves’ tools to open.
do this, but by his reckoning, most of the Wyvern Kings

60
that have been terrorizing western Vaskil Valley aren't the
true Wyvern Kings at all—but imposters. He can offer Concluding the Quest
directions to Rossgough Crag (see Chapter 3 for details).
Violeta will become inconsolable if Minoas is killed. She will
Treasure: Keys. The keys to area 10 and area 11 can
morosely leave with the party back to Steeproost. Taznar will
be found on Minoas.
thank the adventurers profusely but his reunion with Violeta
is tepid at best. Sheriff Mona Mèyor will gladly pay the
16 - Aerie reward of 400 gp. Later, adventurers may discover that
The battlements on top of the manor home are open to the
Violeta abandons Taznar and leaves Steeproost with the
blue skies, giving a spectacular view over the nearby lake and
declared intention of rebuilding the Ruby Riders and seeks
the surrounding rolling hills. There is a large pile of straw
revenge on those who killed her true love. If Violeta meets
shaped into a massive nest at the far end of the battlements
the adventurers again, she will treat them as hated enemies.
with some scaffolding to the side.
If they let Minoas live and spare his life or the adventurers
Encounter: High Flyer. A veteran is here with the
fail to defeat him, he will work to rebuild the Ruby Riders
Riders’ trained ewoska (see Appendix D).
and continue his dream of gaining wealth and power. He and
Treasure: Arcane Key. The veteran has an engraved
his men continue to ravage the countryside, Violeta by his
key that will unlock the door to area 14.
side. If they survived, the adventurers may even come up
against him sometime in the future. They will not receive any
of the promised rewards and there is only disappointment
waiting for them back in Steeproost.

61
 Gaeleth’s Temple
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four characters with goblin caverns (areas 10, 11, and 12) have 8-foot-high
an average party level (APL) of 4. After helping the Kuzhuk ceilings.
Griffon riders in the Vaskil Valley quest “Griffon Riders” (see Illumination. Treat every area as having no light unless
Black River Caverns earlier in this chapter), the characters specified otherwise.
take to the skies to scour the Basilisk’s Spine Mountains for Architecture. Gaeleth’s Temple is constructed of stone
Gaeleth’s Temple. Supposedly, it is a fabled holy site said to and copper. Intricate bas reliefs are carved into the stone,
contain the Kingsbane, a weapon of great power. though some are incomplete.

Background 1 - The Antechamber

An open-air landing zone awaits those who arrive at Galeth’s
Gaeleth was once king of Vaskil Valley, whose skills in Temple via griffon, and a narrow hallway leads to an
combat and griffon riding were unparalleled; his legendary antechamber of stone and copper. The room was never
abilities have yet to be surpassed by any Kuzhuk rider since. finished: half of a bas relief is carved into the wall, various
His ferocity was matched only by his griffon companion, tools litter the ground, and a headless stone statue of a
Pyroeis (the Wandering Star), whose unique snow-white Kuzhuk warrior looms over the space.
feathering made her difficult to spot in the open sky. Unfinished Bas Relief. Any character with proficiency
When Gaeleth passed away, a temple was built into the may attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana or Religion) check
Basilisk’s Spine Mountains to house his remains. Pyroeis was to decipher the unfinished bas relief. On a success, they
laid to rest within the temple as well. In addition, Gaeleth’s realize that it’s a warning meant to dissuade people from
enchanted hammer, Kataigida, occupied a place of import unsealing the temple. One image seems to be prominent: a
within the chief attendant’s study. mouth filled with razor sharp teeth.
Several acolytes and warriors lived within the temple in Sealed Entrance. At the center of this antechamber is
peace for a decade, during which time they set about an altar of corroded iron, which serves as the seal to the
expanding their home by digging deep into the mountain. temple below. Four glowing runes (a blood drop, a sun, a
Unfortunately for them, they unwittingly provoked an sword, and a shield) dance along its surface. They each point
ancient subterranean drake called Bondura, and she tasked to one of the four alcoves attached to this room (areas 2, 3,
her goblin horde with overrunning the temple and slaying 4, and 5). Overcoming a challenge in one of the rooms causes
everyone therein. its corresponding rune to disappear.
The battle lasted for less than a day, so great were the Encounter: Statue Guardian. Once the challenges in
goblins’ numbers, and Gaeleth’s Temple ran red with the these adjoining rooms are overcome, a beam of light
griffon riders’ blood. The elders of Kuzhuk determined it emanates from the altar and strikes the chest of the headless
impossible to reclaim, having lost a score of riders and stone statue (treat it like a flesh golem, except it loses the
griffons in the initial invasion. The temple was magically Aversion to Fire trait), animating it and causing it to attack
sealed and soon fell out of common memory. the intruders. Once the statue is defeated, the altar crumbles
With the rise of the Wyvern Kings, Crisavor (Crisavor into dust and reveals a spiral stone staircase to the temple
originally appeared in the quest “Griffon Riders” detailed below. Alternatively, if dispel magic is cast on the arcane
earlier in this chapter and is currently the leader of Kuzhuk) altar against a spell of 7th level or higher, the seal is broken
has decided to launch an expedition to the Basilisk’s Spine without waking the statue guardian, and the altar turns to
Mountains in search of Gaeleth’s final resting place, and the dust.
enchanted hammer known now as Kingsbane. If the weapon Treasure: Orb of Quartz and Other Metals. Once
is as powerful as the legends suggest, then they must find it the statue guardian is defeated, it too crumbles to dust. A
before the Wyvern Kings or anyone else does. character that searches its dust pile finds a medium-sized orb
of quartz (50 gp), still warm from the altar’s animating
Gaeleth’s Temple magics. Additionally, the antechamber is lined with precious
metals (mainly copper and steel) collectively worth 200 sp.
The lost mountain temple of Gaeleth has been sealed for over
The materials, if stripped, weigh 50 pounds total.
a century. Foul creatures roam its halls, and the bones of the
fallen have been made the foundation of the wyrm Bondura’s 2 - Bottom Left Seal
throne. Within this alcove is a stone statue of a human woman
If the characters are set upon unsealing the temple and holding a silver goblet. A relief sculpture carved into the
ridding it of Bondura’s presence, Crisavor will happily supply exposed rock behind her head prominently features the
griffon riders for transportation. altar’s blood rune.
Dried Blood. Inspecting the silver goblet reveals traces
General Features of dried blood.
The following are features common to all areas within
Blood Rune Bas Relief. Any character with
Gaeleth’s Temple.
proficiency may attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana or
Size and Dimensions. Treat the temple ceilings as
Religion) check to decipher the unfinished bas relief. On a
being 20 feet high unless specified otherwise. The connecting
success, they deduce that the images are asking for a sacrifice

62
of blood: just as the Kuzhuk attendants gave blood, so too character may attempt a DC 13 Intelligence (investigation)
must those who wish to unseal Gaeleth’s Temple. check to realize that one of the mirrors is turned at the wrong
Bloodletting. Once a character spills blood in the silver angle; once this is fixed and the other mirrors are arranged
goblet, the altar’s blood rune dissipates, and an audible correctly, the sun shaft is successfully redirected to the chunk
clicking sound echoes through the antechamber. of quartz. The altar’s sun rune dissipates, and an audible
Treasure: Enchanted Goblet. The stone statue holds clicking sound echoes through the antechamber. The quartz
an enchanted silver goblet worth 100 gp. glows with a palpable heat that scorches its stone cradle.
Treasure: Enchanted Quartz. The stone pillar holds
3 - Top Left Seal an enchanted chunk of quartz worth 100 gp.
Within this alcove is a stone pillar measuring four feet high.
Inset into the pillar’s center is a large chunk of quartz. A close 4 - Top Right Seal
inspection of the quartz reveals runic carvings resembling the Within this alcove is a statue of a Kuzhuk warrior holding a
sun rune on the altar. Behind the pillar is another bas relief: seemingly ordinary longsword. Behind the statue another
the altar’s sun rune is featured prominently. relief sculpture prominently features the altar’s sword rune.
Mirrors & Illumination. Four mirrors are arranged Sword Rune Bas Relief Any character with
around the alcove, and a shaft of sunlight shines down on the proficiency may attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana or
pillar’s top. Treat this room as having bright light. Religion) check to decipher the unfinished bas relief. On a
Scorch Marks. Scorch marks mar the edges of the inset success, they gather that the Kuzhuk once wielded blades of
quartz. pure light, and that such a weapon would be a great boon to
Sun Rune Bas Relief. Any character with proficiency whoever dares to break the temple’s seal.
may attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana or Religion) check Take Up the Blade. The blade slips out of the statue’s
to decipher the unfinished panel. On a success, they conclude hands with ease. Once removed, the altar’s sword rune
that whatever creatures invaded Gaeleth’s Temple did so dissipates, and an audible clicking sound echoes through the
from under the mountain. Sunlight seems to cause them antechamber.
pain. Treasure: Enchanted +1 Longsword. The statue’s
Light Redirection. The mirrors must be arranged in hands grip a +1 longsword. The blade has been enchanted to
such a way that the light beam resembles the layout of the shed bright gold light in a 5-foot radius and dim light for an
antechamber itself (with the quartz being the “center”). Any additional 5 feet when in total darkness.

63
 DC 23 Strength (Athletics) check. The lock can also be
5 - Bottom Right Seal dispelled by use of dispel magic or similar effects. Within the
Within this alcove is a large statue of Pyroeis, Gaeleth’s
room, the chief attendant’s skeleton lies clothed on a bed of
griffon companion. Clutched in her stone talons is a bronze
straw. An empty vial is clutched in his right hand.
round shield. Behind the statue another relief sculpture
Treasure: Ancient Texts. Any character with
prominently features the altar’s claw rune.
proficiency in Arcana, Religion, or History may search the
Claw Rune Bas Relief. Any character with proficiency
area for intact texts. Doing so reveals four books of interest
may attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana or Religion) check
collectively worth 100 gp. If the character can search the
to decipher the unfinished bas relief. On a success, they
chief attendant’s bedroom, they find three additional books
recognize the series of carvings as a funeral procession:
together worth 75 gp.
Kuzhuk riders weeping for their fallen griffon comrades.
Pyroeis’ Riddle. The griffon statue has eyes of quartz
9 - Last Stand
that begin to glow whenever an intelligent creature moves
This area is where the Kuzhuk griffon riders made their last
into the alcove. It will begin to speak telepathically to that
stand against Bondura’s goblin horde.
creature, a riddle: “I am the brief firelight, the fulfillment of
Ancient Door. A great wooden door separates area 9
wishes, and that by which mortals travel. What am I?”
from area 6; the door itself is slightly ajar. The wood is
Answer: a shooting star. Once a creature in the alcove thinks
pockmarked from weapon blows and riddled with dozens of
or says the answer out loud, the altar’s claw rune dissipates,
arrows.
and an audible clicking sound echoes through the
Encounter: Giant Spiders. The room is covered in a
antechamber.
sticky web created by two giant spiders. The bodies of
Treasure: Ancient Kuzhuk Shield and
several goblins are cocooned within the room.
Enchanted Quartz. Clutched in Pyroeis’ stone talons is a
Battle Site. Amidst the spiders’ web is evidence of a
bronze round shield worth 50 gp. Additionally, the statue’s
great battle: dozens of goblinoid, human, and griffon
eyes are small pieces of enchanted quartz worth 25 gp each.
skeletons lie scattered around the room, centered on a stone
sarcophagus. A chipped copper statue of Pyroeis, Gaeleth’s
6 - Gaeleth’s Temple Entrance griffon, is brazed to the head of the sarcophagus.
This area is only accessible via the spiral stone staircase
Treasure: Statue & Iron Skull. The copper statue is
connected to area 1. There are four paths out of this area:
worth 30 gp. Additionally, an inspection of the sarcophagus
the north corridor leads to area 9, the west corridor leads to
reveals the remains of Pyroeis herself: her skull has been
area 10, the south corridor leads to area 7, and the east
coated in iron, preserving her features. The iron skull weighs
corridor leads to area 13.
thirty pounds and is worth 100 gp.
Skeleton Warning. The desiccated bones of a griffon
are suspended from the ceiling via rusted chains, a grim
warning to intruders.
10 - Cavern Entrance
This area marks the end of Gaeleth’s Temple and the
beginning of the wild mountain tunnels.
7 - Anchorite Cells
Trap: Net. A successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception)
Before Bondura’s invasion, this area served as the living
check reveals the four pressure plates at the choke points
quarters for the temple’s anchorites.
between this area and areas 6, 9, 11, and 12. The trap
Anchorite Cells. There are six cells total: three on the
activates when 50 pounds or more is placed onto a pressure
left and three on the right. They each contain a single straw
plate, whereupon a net descends from the cavern ceiling to
mattress. Bondura’s horde ransacked this area long ago and
scoop up the creature and contain them. If any of the
left the rooms in disarray. Some of the beds contain skeletons
pressure plates are triggered, Bondura’s goblin horde in
and small, empty vials clutched in their hands: anchorites
area 11 will emerge to investigate the disturbance.
who chose death over goblin defilement.
Treasure: Miscellaneous Refuse. A character who
chooses to investigate the cells may perform a DC 13 Wisdom
11 - Goblin Town
These winding tunnels are the home of Bondura’s goblin
(Investigation) check. On a success, they find 10 sp worth of
horde. Their “town” is really a collection of holes dug into the
scattered jewels and precious metals amidst the refuse.
cavern walls.
Hidden Door. The southeast cell contains a waist-high
Bones. The cavern floor is littered with desiccated and
door that once served as a secret passageway between the
gnawed-on bones, both human and goblinoid alike.
anchorite cells and area 13. The door is ajar, allowing
Encounter: Goblin Horde. Seven goblins will
medium-sized creatures to crawl through.
emerge from their crevices to attack any intruders. If over
half of them are defeated, they will attempt to escape to area
8 - Priest’s Refuge
12 to gather reinforcements. Certain events in other parts of
This room once served as the personal library and study for
Gaeleth’s Temple may draw their attention as well.
the chief attendant. The furnishings and shelves have been
toppled, torn, and broken, and the floor is covered in vellum Treasure: Goblin Holes. Characters may perform DC
pages, books, glass, and bones. 19 Wisdom (Perception) or DC 19 Intelligence (Investigation)
checks as they move about the goblin tunnels to search the
Bedroom. There is an arcane locked wooden door on the
crevices for treasure. Most searches turn up nothing of value,
east side of the room, behind which lies the chief attendant’s
as Bondura has claimed everything in her personal hoard in
personal quarters. The door can only be opened by
area 13. A character finds a ring of resistance (acid)
performing a DC 23 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools or a
stashed away if they succeed on either check.

64
 100 gp, 300 sp, and 1000 cp
12 - Cavern’s End A polished stone ring worth 25 gp
The caverns wind into darkness and terminate in a series of
An electrum cloth ribbon worth 25 gp
small crevices.
A spell scroll of detect magic
Encounter: Goblin Horde. Six goblins will emerge
20 spears
from their crevices to attack any intruders. If over half of
20 sets of hide armor
them are defeated, they will flee through the crevices and
disappear. Certain events in other parts of Gaeleth’s Temple 14 - Dais of the Kingsbane
may draw their attention as well. The door connecting this area to area 13 is hidden. A stone
dais rests at the room’s center, atop which lies the
13 - The Great Hall Kingsbane.
The Great Hall is the largest area of Gaeleth’s Temple, and
A human skeleton, dressed in frayed and bloodied robes,
where Bondura sleeps on her plundered wealth.
leans against the base of the dais: this is the acolyte who
Wooden Door. Great wooden double doors separate shepherded the hammer away from Bondura’s hoard during
this area from area 6. The doors are stuck and can only be their assault.
opened by succeeding on a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) check,
Treasure: The Kingsbane. Characters who discover
or by breaking the door down using weapons or tools.
this room may claim Kataigida, the Kingsbane (see
Breaking the door down will attract the attention of
Appendix C).
Bondura’s goblin horde in area 11 and wake up Bondura.
Size and Dimensions. The ceilings in this room are 60
feet high. Great stone pillars line the hall. To the north is a Concluding the Quest
bridge suspended over a dark abyss: a remnant of an If the characters successfully destroy Bondura and drive out
unfinished construction project. her goblin horde, Crisavor thanks them for reclaiming the
Encounter: Bondura. Bondura (subterranean Kuzhuk temple.
drake, see Appendix D) sleeps soundly at the center of the Upon inspecting the Kingsbane itself, Crisavor expresses
area. She will awaken after any non-goblinoid creature enters disappointment that it’s not exactly the conflict-ending
the room, then attack the intruder. weapon promised in the legends and allows the characters to
Hidden Door. There is a hidden stone door at the keep the weapon as a show of thanks.
southeast corner of this room, discovered once a character If the characters are forced to flee from Gaeleth’s Temple, a
succeeds on a DC 13 Wisdom (Investigation) check. The door gang of orcs called the Odzedoz (see Chapter 3 for details)
leads to area 14. will arrive after 1d6 days, clear out the ruins, and claim the
Treasure: Bondura’s Hoard. Bondura sleeps on a Kingsbane for themselves.
modest pile of plundered treasure. Her hoard consists of the
following:

65
 Imfe Caan Asaari
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four players with an
average party level (APL) of 5. After learning that the Black Imfe Caan Asaari Quick Facts
Rose Clan possesses important information regarding the
Population. 3500
Wyvern Kings, the characters must break into their
Leaders. Princess Elina Harrou-Tomydon (lawful evil
warehouse in Imfe Caan Asaari to find out what it is.
human knight) is a feared and hated tyrant who
This quest takes place in the town of Imfe Caan Asaari and
intentionally neglects her duties in Imfe Caan Asaari.
includes details of the town, described below.
Whenever problems break out, she is slow to respond, if
she responds at all. Sometimes, she fails to respond out of
Background spite for the people of Imfe Caan Asaari, particularly the
Earlier in this adventure, the Black Rose Clan of Greatwell Anorians whom she loathes. The town’s military is led by
ambushed a trio of Wyvern Kings at a farm south of the Vassiliki Scafeli, a laughably inept leader and soldier
village of Steeproost (see the starter quest “Silent Knight” in (lawful neutral human guard) who earned the position
Chapter 1 for details). Two of the Wyvern Kings escaped, but thanks to wife, who is a cousin of Harrou-Tomydon.
the Black Rose Clan downed the third. Although securing a Militia. Imfe Caan Asaari can muster up to 350 soldiers
Wyvern King’s body wasn’t part of their plan, the leader of (use the guard stat block) and 50 knights, most of
the operation, Sireen el-Halaby, viewed it as a boon. Quickly, whom are Pressonian. When the need arises, they can also
she pulled the body onto a wagon and fled the scene. Now, muster an additional 150 Anorian militia fighters (use the
she holds the body of the Wyvern King in a warehouse in tribal warrior stat block).
Vaskil Valley’s capital, Imfe Caan Asaari. Having removed its
armor to observe what lies beneath, the Black Rose Clan Overland Travel
knows the Wyvern King’s secret. Now, they just need to Chibougue Track (chay-BOAG track), the most important
decide what to do with that information—and who’s willing road in all of Vaskil Valley, passes through Imfe Caan Asaari
to pay the most for it. before it tapers off by the coast in the cold northern part of
the valley. Regularly patrolled by Pressonian knights and
Imfe Caan Asaari Anorian militia, the road is relatively safe, but bandits aren’t
totally absent. Travel to Steeproost takes half a day. It takes
When the Anorians were expelled from Northern Omeria and five days to reach The Summer Land’s capital, Presson’s
pushed into the Valley (an event known as “The Great Enclave.
Relocation”), they took the ruins of an ancient green dragon
who’d died after challenging the Valley’s red dragon ruler,
Tostrasz. The town grew fast around the ruins, as the area Locations in Imfe Caan Asaari
was relatively devoid of dangers thanks to the green dragon’s The following locations marked on the map are those likely
previous occupancy. The Anorians named their new home the characters are to encounter while they linger in Imfe
Imfe Caan Asaari, which, in the elven tongue, means “City of Caan Asaari.
the Fallen Ones.” Many have nicknamed the city “Sorryville.”
Like Steeproost, Anorians comprise the majority of Imfe Avok’s Remains
Caan Asaari’s population followed closely by Pressonian Bones of an ancient green dragon
humans. Times are hard for Anorians under the rule of the
Pressonians. While tensions subsided some in the late tenth When the Anorian exiles settled Vaskil Valley, they built their
century, they swifty returned after the War of the Burning home in the ruins of an ancient Dragonroost. There, they
Plains. Anorians have an old adage, which when translated found the charred remains of the ancient green dragon, Avok,
into Common says, “If a Pressonian’s horse breaks its leg, whose bones had fused with the stones. Instead of removing
they’ll shoot the nearest Anorian before they shoot the Avok’s remains, they left them there, and built a “park”
horse.” around it. For a time, Avok’s Remains were revered by a cult
Overall, Imfe Caan Asaari is an unhappy, dismal place. The of dragon-worshippers. Avok’s Remains are the inspiration
poisonous effects of the long dead green dragon Avok still for the town’s dragon skull heraldry.
lingers in the air, stinging the eyes of travelers unaccustomed
to the weather. Anorians and Pressonians rarely speak to one Castle Harrou-Tomydon
another in the streets, and the presence of the Abjurers keeps Fortress of the town’s leader
everyone—elf and human alike—on their toes. To make
Princess Elina Harrou-Tomydon (lawful evil human
matters worse, Imfe Caan Asaari is currently ruled by
knight), the town’s leader, lives in a large castle atop a hill.
perhaps its most tyrannical ruler yet, Princess Elina Harrou-
The castle was built from the remains of one of the towers of
Tomydon, a crude, self-centered woman whose negligence
Avok’s Dragonroost. The charred stones at its southern side
has made poor Sorryville even more sorry during her thirty-
stand as a reminder of the fury of Tostrasz the Enormous,
year reign.
whose inferno breath destroyed Avok a few years before the
Anorians arrived in the valley and the dragons were driven
out of Omeria.

66
The castle is mostly off-limits for all but important the prices are high, even by Pressonian standards. Inn and
Pressonian nobility who venture north to Imfe Caan Asaari. tavern owners who’ve tried to compete with Freviir on price
Wealthy Pressonians see Imfe Caan Asaari as a “wild land” in often find themselves at odds with Freviir’s thuggish
which they can vacation, hunt, and get a feel for the “old brothers.
world.” They’re nearly as detached from reality as the
Princess herself. Steel Thunder
Arms dealer
Dragonwatch Inn
Tavern and inn It’s illegal for Anorians in Vaskil Valley to own a magic wand
or spellbook. To defend themselves against the monstrosities
Appropriately stationed south of Avok’s Remains, the that lurk in the Poisonwood and Basilisk’s Spine, the people
Dragonwatch is Imfe Caan Asaari’s first choice for travelers of Imfe Caan Asaari instead resort to using “old tech” in the
and adventurers entering the valley. The inn is owned by form of smokepowder weapons such as revolvers, pistols, and
Erthinyon Freviir, a half-Anorian, who recognizes that rifles. The most popular place to buy such arms in Imfe Caan
adventurers have few choices this far north. Thus, Asaari is Steel Thunder, a smithy in Little Anore. Steel

67
 Thunder’s owner, Darergruki Cavestone, (neutral good dwarf
veteran) sells his guns at reasonable rates to most non- Casing the Warehouse
humans. Like many of the non-humans who live and work in Successes Result
Imfe Caan Asaari, Cavestone hates humans, particularly The characters learn nothing useful and
Pressonians. 0 successes    
trigger a complication.
Temple of the Four Generals The characters learn that there are six
Shrine of the Four Generals (gods of The Summer Land)
1 success guards who guard the exterior of the
building.
Nearly all Pressonians worship the Four Generals and, The characters learn that there are
whether they like it or not, the non-humans of Imfe Caan twenty members of the Black Rose Clan
2 successes
Asaari must do the same. The Anore-Asaarians have turned who keep watch over the warehouse day
to General Tuteus, the Winter General, for their worship. and night.
Some even treat the General as a proxy for the ancient The characters learn that the eastern
Anorian god, Vapul, who the Pressonians defeated at the entrance is guarded by a guard who
Battle of Camor Hill during the Time of Triumphs. spends his mornings drinking his
earnings at a local tavern. It’s rumored
3 successes
Black Rose Clan Warehouse he’s easy-to-bribe. There is also an
entrance to the basement which is
If the characters charge headfirst into the warehouse, they’re rumored to be unguarded at the rear of
doomed to fail. El-Halaby employs more than enough the building.
bandits, thugs, and other tough NPCs to handle a low-level The characters learn that the item they
party. Even if the characters get past the first line of defenses, seek is kept in the warehouse’s secret
El-Halaby knows better than to endanger the goals of the 4 successes basement. However, the Clan’s leader,
Clan. If she feels that the Clan won’t win the fight, she will Captain el-Halaby, is the only one who
flee through the secret exit in the basement, taking the has a key into the basement.
artifact with her.
The characters might want to spend a few nights scoping Casing the Warehouse Complications
out the place to get a feel for its defenses. If the characters d6 Complication
choose to go this route, offer the Casing the Warehouse
downtime activity detailed below. In addition to the information provided above,
there is a false piece of information that the
1 characters learn. This may have been planted by
Casing the Warehouse the Black Rose Clan, or even one of the
The rules work similar to the downtime activities presented
characters' rivals.
in other Fifth Edition rules supplements.
Resources. One or more characters must spend at least A source of information for the characters uses
one workweek (five days) of effort plus 50 gp in associated
their knowledge of the characters' plot to earn
2 entry into the Black Rose Clan. The Black Rose
costs. Spending more money increases the chance for
Clan is ready for the characters when they
successful reconnaissance.
arrive.
Resolution. The characters involved make four checks:
Dexterity (Stealth), Intelligence (Investigation), Wisdom A source was a greedy information broker, who
(Perception), and the players’ choice of Charisma (Deception,
3 blackmails the characters, asking for 200 gp lest
they reveal the characters' plot
Intimidation, or Persuasion). One character can make all
four checks, or the characters can split the checks among The Black Rose Clan catches wind of the
4
themselves. For every 50 gp spent beyond the first, the characters' plot.
characters may add +1 to the result of each check (to a The characters' attempts to gather information
maximum of +5). The DC for each of the checks is 5 + 2d10; about the Black Rose Clan's warehouse attract
5
generate a separate DC for each one. Consult the Casing the the attention of the local authorities. A
Warehouse results. Information gained from successful Pressonian abjurer (see Appendix D) tails them.
results is cumulative. The characters learn that the Black Rose Clan
Complications. Of course, casing a joint isn’t the easiest intends to evacuate the area twenty-four hours
6
thing in the world. Not to mention that the Black Rose Clan is after they learn this information. If they don't
a well-trained group of mercenaries and criminals. A result of act now, the body will be lost forever.
0 successes automatically triggers a complication, but at your
discretion, you might have a complication happen even with
a success. Choose or roll on the table below for a Roll Call
complication. Most of this quest involves sneaking past—or just straight up
killing—the bandits that guard the warehouse. The bandits
know better than to pick a fight they can’t win. The moment
they notice trouble, they rush to alert everyone else in the
warehouse. Below is a list of all the members of the Black
Rose Clan guarding the warehouse and the areas they are
located in.

68
     1b - Rear Doors. These double doors are guarded by a
Black Rose Clan Roll Call pair of bandits.
Area Black Rose Clan Members 1c - Basement Access. A large pair of horizontal, steel
1a 1 scout double doors offer access to the basement. Although it is
unguarded, the doors are chained and locked from the inside.
1b 2 bandits The doors have AC 16, 20 hp, and immunity to poison and
1d 1 bandit and 1 bandit captain psychic damage. They can be broken open with a successful
1e 1 scout DC 22 Strength (Athletics) check. Destroying the doors or
breaking them open is noisy and likely to alert the guards to
2a 2 bandits the characters’ presence.
2b 4 bandits 1d - Rear Gate. A large gate protects the entry to the
3 2 bandits and 1 berserker warehouse’s loading dock. One of the Black Rose Clan’s
lieutenants, an arrogant neutral evil human bandit
4a 1 thug
captain named Atonis Moraitides stands watch here along
5 1 bandit with a single bandit.
6 1 spy and 1 veteran 1e - Loading Area. The street side of the entry is
watched by a lone scout. A Black Rose heavy named Snatril
“Snat” Barbedbuckle (lawful evil male dwarf thug) keeps an
Here Comes the Heat! eye on the scout from the shadowy recesses of the loading
The Black Rose Clan isn’t above calling on the town guards if area (area 4a).
they get the feeling the characters aren’t associated with law
enforcement. One or more of the bandits will flee and call out
2 - Main Floor
The main floor is a veritable labyrinth of shelves and goods.
to the local guards, who are all Pressonians. Because most of
A mezzanine surrounds the lower floor along with a catwalk
the Clan’s illegal goods are kept hidden in the basement—and
that spans the entire room.
they have a few of the guards on their payroll—the Clan has
nothing to fear from a surprise inspection by the local 2a - Lower Floor. Three bandits watch the lower
magistrate. After the Clan calls the guards, six guards led by floor. The Black Rose Clan members in area 3 can be called
a veteran appear in 1d4 + 2 minutes (30 - 60 rounds). A on relatively easily if there is trouble here or upstairs.
few minutes after that, a Pressonian abjurer (see 2b - Mezzanine and Catwalk. Four more bandits
Appendix D) arrives. keep a watch from upstairs. There is also a fifth bandit in
area 5 that can be called if there’s trouble.
2c - Stairs to Basement. This stairway connects the
Treasure in the Warehouse basement to the ground floor.
It goes without saying that the warehouse holds plenty of
valuables ripe for the looting. Instead of exhaustively listing 3 - Breakroom
each and every mundane item the warehouse’s myriad of Black Rose Clan members who are taking a rest relax here.
shelves holds, assume that the entirety of the warehouse There are two bandits in the breakroom, along with the
holds 20,000 pounds worth of mundane trade goods. On Aspaethan warrior Meshindi (neutral evil female human
average, 1 pound of trade goods is worth 1 gp. berserker). If trouble breaks out in areas 2 or 4, this is
Excluding Sireen and Mu’sab, who have their own the first group that responds.
treasure, all of the warehouse’s guards carry gold pieces
equal to 1d6 times their CR (minimum of 1 gp). 4 - Loading Dock
Where’s the Body? Although Sireen and Mu’sab won’t Mundane deliveries are accepted through this large loading
willingly give up the location of the Wyvern King’s body, the dock.
rest of her crew aren’t above being bribed and/or threatened 4a - Crane. The street-facing side of the loading dock is
into coughing up its location. As the body is pretty well- exposed to the outside, however, a series of steel posts
hidden, this is the best method for the characters to uncover prevents wagons from entering the warehouse proper via this
its hidden location. Otherwise, they may not be able to find it side. A large loading crane makes quick work of loading and
before the city guards show up. unloading shipments. A single thug named Snatril “Snat”
Barbedbuckle (lawful evil male dwarf) sits in the shadows
behind the crane eating raw onions. Snatril doesn’t believe in
Locations in the Warehouse hygiene, so he smells quite terrible.
The following locations are tied to the map of the warehouse. 4b - Wagon. The rear of the warehouse is where the Clan
stores its wagon. The area is dark. There are no Clan
1 - Outside members here. Characters who saw the Black Rose Clan
The warehouse sits in the relatively quiet dock district of ambush the Wyvern Kings in the Silent Knight quest
Imfe Caan Asaari surrounded by buildings of similar size, recognize that the wagon is the same one the Clan used to
shape, and purpose. Excluding the secret exit in the escape with the Wyvern King’s body.
basement (area 8), there are five main entrances to the
warehouse from the outside. All of them are guarded. 5 - Mezzanine
1a - Western Door. This door is guarded by a single While this area doesn’t have a great view of the lower level, it
scout. does make for a good “last stand” location for Black Rose
Clan members—or potentially the characters. A ledge

69
70
at the east end of this area allows a clear view of the loading tubs.
dock below. There is one bandit here. 7b - Workshop. The shelves of this half of the basement
hold tools used for maintenance. A secret door in the
6 - Manager’s Office northeastern corner of this section of the basement can be
Sireen el-Halaby (lawful evil female Anorian elf veteran) found with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check.
works from this office. She is joined by her trusted second-in- The door connects this area to area 8. Both this door and
command and company assassin Mu’sab al-Uddin (lawful the second door 10 feet beyond it are locked. Sireen and
evil male human spy). Mu’sab (area 6) both have keys. To pick the lock, a
Treasure. Both Sireen and Mu’sab carry keys to the character needs to make a successful DC 15 Dexterity check
locked doors in the basement. Additionally, Sireen keeps a using proficiency with thieves’ tools. The door can be broken
locked chest behind her desk that holds 200 gp. Sireen’s down with a successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check.
crossbow is of exceptional quality, and fetches 250 gp. As Both doors are sturdy, reinforced doors, with AC 17, 25 hp,
“law-abiding citizens,” neither one of them carries or uses and immunity to poison and psychic damage.
magic items.
Map. If the characters search the papers in the office, they 8 - Safe Room
discover a recently drawn map. The map details Rossgough Smuggled goods and other valuables yet to be fenced are kept
Crag and its surroundings. When Sireen’s flying-vulture locked in this safe room. The goods are divided into three
mounted warriors chased the Wyvern Kings from Vonker cages. The northernmost cage contains smuggled goods. The
Farm, they discovered their hideout on Colddark Cliff. That center cage contains magic weapons and armor, many of
location is marked on this map. which are illegal in Vaskil Valley. And the southernmost cage
contains the body of the fallen Wyvern King. All three cages
7 - Basement Storage are locked. Sireen and Mu’sab (area 6) both have keys. To
Slow-turning merchandise and tools clutter this basement. pick a lock, a character must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity
7a - Storage. Valuable goods with slower sales are kept check using proficiency with thieves’ tools. A door can be
in this part of the warehouse. There are also two large water broken down with a successful DC 22 Strength (Athletics)
check. The cage doors have AC 19, 18 hp, resistance to

71
 piercing damage, and immunity to poison and psychic female human. Dried, black blood from its wounds mar its
damage. skin. And in some places, its skin has turned gray and
Secret Door. A character who inspects the southern wall somewhat rubbery. A character who succeeds on a DC 15
of the southernmost cage and succeeds on a DC 13 Intelligence (Medicine or Nature) check (the character’s
Intelligence (Investigation) check notices that pulling the choice) recognizes that the Wyvern King’s true body has a lot
torch on the wall reveals a secret door. This secret door offers in common with that of a doppelganger. A character who
an exit to Imfe Caan Asaari’s sewer system. If things go badly succeeds on a DC 18 Intelligence (Arcana or Investigation)
for Sireen, she will flee through this exit. check can deduce that the cylinder acted as a control
Treasure. The contents of the smuggled goods are totally mechanism for the headless body.
up to you and your campaign. Most of the goods will be
difficult to sell, especially since they will be marked with the
Black Rose Clan’s invisible insignia. However, if the
Quest Conclusion
characters can find a way to sell the 1,600 pounds of If the characters successfully reclaim the map in Sireen’s
smuggled goods, they will earn 50 gp per pound sold. office and the Wyvern King’s body, they should return to
their allies in Steeproost with these major clues. Of course,
You can offer any magic items in the center cage you feel
it’s likely the Black Rose Clan will want to enact revenge on
are appropriate, but assume that there are at least seven +1
those who broke into their warehouse, especially if the
magic weapons, fifty rounds of +1 ammunition, three +1
characters killed Captain el-Halaby or ransacked the treasure
shields, and three +1 suits of armor. There are also 2d4 items
trove in the basement. Unless the characters effectively cover
from Magic Item Table A and 1d4 items from Magic Item
their tracks, three days later, the Black Rose Clan sends a
Table B in the Fifth Edition guidebook for gamemasters.
gang of ten ninja assassins (see Appendix D) to attack the
The Wyvern King’s Body. Sireen and her goons
characters wherever they are resting.
successfully removed the Wyvern King’s helmet and parts of
its armor. The Wyvern King lacks a head—or at least what If the characters weren’t able to recover the body or Sireen
one would normally consider a head. A steel cylinder, escaped with it, the Black Rose Clan smuggles the body out of
approximately six inches in diameter and set into a collar, the Valley and it becomes effectively lost. The characters and
emerges from the creature’s shoulders where its head would their allies will need to come up with a new plan to learn
be. Stranger still, its body is that of a young more about the Wyvern Kings.

72
Mount Ashlar
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four characters with In a sheltered quarry is a score of mine workers, smoking and
an average party level (APL) of 4. The adventurers must drinking hot tea as they hunch around braziers. Foreman
rescue a mining engineer who has important information. Conak (lawful netural male deep gnome) gruffly greets the
Silvered or magic weapons will prove a great boon on this party. He explains the situation to them:
quest.
The ruins, with their unmined precious metals, are a mile
upstream.
Background They lose money each day they’re not mining.
Valarn Silvervein, an elven mining engineer, has information Valarn has been trying to come to amicable trade terms
for Vows at Sunrise. He has ordered some specialist with the Coldstone Clan for the past week.
equipment from her with which he plans to mine the Their answer is a stubborn “No.” They will let no-one
precious metals beneath the Roe'dgopian ruins at Mount mine in the ruins.
Ashlar. Once he can get the mine operational, he will hand During their last meeting, they kidnapped Valarn.
over the information in a hand-written letter. Unfortunately, They always seem to know when the miners are coming.
a group of Roe'dgopians (a.k.a. werelynxes) that used to live In his opinion, the werelynxes should all be killed, though
in these ruins—the Coldstone Clan—have taken Valarn as he knows Valarn wants an amicable solution.
their hostage in an effort to stop the mining operations going
In a side-valley a quarter-mile upstream, half the
ahead.
mountainside appears to have been blown away. A 200-foot-
The ruins were created decades ago when the werelynx’s
wide crater lays bare the rooms and caves that once
own mining entered the domain of the Grand Duke—a
comprised this underground city. A narrow pathway
subterranean drake. He caused a cataclysmic eruption that
descends down the side of this crater to a more intact series
blew away part of the mountainside. Subsequently, he
of caves below.
installed his daughter, Gargl, in the ruins with instructions to
wreak havoc on the Coldstone Clan should they ever try to
General Features
return to their ancestral home. The werelynxes now hold up
The ruins are a mix of natural caves and carved rooms, all cut
the mining works out of fear that if Gargl is disturbed, she
from the mountain stone.
will execute her father’s plan of retribution.
Ceilings. The stone ceilings are about 8 feet high, a
comfortable height for dwarves..
The Journey South Walls. The 5-foot-thick, pockmarked walls are covered in
The journey to Mount Ashlar takes a three and a half days. It hoarfrost.
begins as a gentle incline following the Vaskil River, before a Floors. The floor and pathway around the crater are
final, hard slog up above the snow line, towards the river’s chiselled into the bedrock.
source. The route is obvious, having been cleared and Doors. The doors are stone (AC 17, 18 hit points,
reinforced for the passage of heavy wagons. immunity to poison and psychic damage). They are unlocked
Encounters En Route. The first day, the party unless otherwise stated. A locked door requires a successful
encounters a patrol of six Anorian gunmages (see DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools to open it.
Appendix D). They warn the party to be vigilant; werelynxes The following locations are keyed to the map of the
have been ambushing merchants and travellers. Roe'dgopian Ruins.
On the third night, one werelynx and four lynxes
(Medium lions) ambush the party as they rest. Having 1 - Watchroom
overhead news of a ‘boomstick’, the Coldstone Clan is This natural cave is almost bifurcated with thick stalactites
ambushing all travelers that pass through the area. Their that reach to the floor. It is possible for a Medium creature to
intent is to find and steal the mining boomstick (see squeeze through them. On the east side are two notable
Appendix D). The attackers will retreat if the werelynx is features: a large, cracked mirror and a locked door.
knocked unconscious or killed, or if more than half their 1a - Side Room. This small room contains a bed, a
number are reduced to below half their hit points or killed. small, recently-used stove, a new-looking hand mirror, and a
periscope-like contraption that shines bright light on the
opposite wall. Putting one’s eye to the contraption, a creature
Roe'dgopian Ruins can see that it affords a view of the entrance ramp. The
The path to the ruins leads alongside a bright blue ice-cold viewing angle can be changed via an intuitive set of attached
stream at the base of steep, snow-covered slopes. The white controls.
peaks of the mountains thrust up on either side while a Secret Door. A successful DC 14 Wisdom (Perception)
wicked wind whistles down past grey-white glaciers, carrying check spots the telltale signs of a secret door as well as some
the occasional rumble of distant avalanches. shallow carvings on the stone wall. A DC 14 Intelligence
(Investigation) check reveals Dwarvish script that reads, “We
welcome friends with open arms; If light you bring, and
warming charms”. This check succeeds automatically if a

73
 rubbing is made of the wall. To open the door, it must be isn’t seen again.
dealt fire damage while it is brightly lit. The mirrors can be Trap: Falling Rocks. Creatures that chase after the
used to redirect the daylight to shine on the door. This door werelynx trigger a pressure plate, causing invisible rocks to
leads to areas 2 and 4a. fall. The chasers must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw,
with disadvantage unless they can see invisible objects. On a
2 - Corridor failure, a creature takes 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage and is
This corridor descends further down into the mountain, knocked prone and restrained. On a success, a creature takes
eventually ending in what looks like a dead end. Torches line half as much damage and is not knocked prone or restrained.
the walls, lighting everything brightly. A single door leads to A creature that uses its action can make a DC 12 Strength
the north, halfway down the corridor’s length. check. A creature is freed after three such checks have
Encounter: Werelynx. When the party first turns the succeeded.
corner into the main section of the corridor (from either On a successful DC 15 Intelligence (History) check, a
end), a werelynx (humanoid form, see Creature character remembers that Werelynx wizards were in the
Information) immediately sprints away. The werelynx is habit of creating invisible traps to protect their homes. If the
young and will cower in fear, rather than try and fight. It has pressure plate isn’t triggered, it can be found with a
a key to the front door (between area 4b and the outside). If successful DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check and
it escapes through this front door, it locks it behind itself, disarmed with a DC 14 Dexterity check using proficiency in
then clambers up the mountain using its climb speed and thieves’ tools. Clearing the rocks away takes a full thirty

74
minutes; invisible rocks are a pain. Encounter: Werelynxes. Chief Swiftik (chaotic neutral
Secret Doors. From the corridor between the doors, werelynx with 80 hp, see Appendix D) of the Coldstone
obvious levers can be used to open each secret door. Clan, and two lynxes (treat as lions, except their size is
Medium and they have 22 (4d8 + 4) hit points), Swilta and
3 - Armory Riftik, guard the room. They will fight to the death.
This cluttered room is filled with ancient dwarven weapons Parley. If the party attempts to talk, Swiftik will explain
and armor hung all around the walls. There are benches on that a drake has threatened to wipe out his clan if it is ever
which to sit, and what looks like oversized scratching posts disturbed. The drake sleeps in a cave to the north. If it is
for cats. killed, and if all its gold and silver is brought to them, he will
Encounter: Werelynxes. Two werelynxes (see consider allowing the mining to go ahead, with due
Appendix D) are collecting weapons and supplies from the compensation of course. He explains that Valarn didn’t
armory. If the trap is triggered in the corridor, or the party believe them, and was trying to buy them off for a paltry sum.
makes a lot of noise, the werelynxes prepare attacks with Secret: Vault. A DC 21 Intelligence (Investigation)
longbows and handaxes against the first non-Roe'dgopian check reveals that the diamond, wine bottle, and smoking
creature to appear at the door. There is no means of retreat meat in the mural can be depressed. When all three are
from the armory. However, the werelynxes will surrender if pressed simultaneously (they spring back if released), a vault
one of them is killed and the characters give them the option. in the south wall opens. Inside are empty bottles of wine and
If the characters do not investigate this room, the two a little meat; evidently the Coldstones were close to the end
werelynxes attack them later. of their stores. However, ten flawless diamonds, each worth
Treasure: Armory. The still-usable items remaining in 50 gp, can be found in a velvet-lined chest.
the armory include three suits of scale mail and a breastplate
(all sized for dwarves), 200 arrows, and a dozen handaxes. 6 - Smithy
This room is the remains of an old smithy. A deep-throated
4 - Entrance forge is set into the east wall and rusty ingots of iron and
The door between the entrance and the exterior is locked and steel litter the floor. A plaque below two hooks on the wall
reinforced (36 hit points). The entrance comprises three reads, “Blast & Slash”. The item to which the plaque refers is
rooms: a tiny cloakroom (4b), a tiny office (4c), and a larger, gone, but a silhouette of less-weathered rock reveals the
booby-trapped hallway (4a). rough shape of a battleaxe.
4a - Hallway. The brightly-lit entrance hall is paved Treasure: Forge. Inside the forge is a small box
with large, black and white alternating flagstones. A containing 28 pp.
desiccated corpse has been pushed to the side of one of the
black tiles. 7 - Fungus Farm
Trap: Tiles. If the same-colored tile is stepped on in The floor of this dark, rough-carved room is divided into two.
succession (for example, character A steps on one black tile, Green fungus grows on the north side and blue on the south.
then character B steps on another black one), all tiles of that The room is magically warm and humid, completely at odds
color trigger, dealing 3 (1d6) damage to creatures standing with the rest of this warren.
on or above them. The damage type is necrotic for the black Hazard and Puzzle: Mushroom Farm. This once-
tiles and radiant for the white ones. The trap is disarmed nourishing mushroom farm has been corrupted by the
when the door to the redoubt is opened. subterranean drake (area 9). When a creature first enters a
4b - Cloakroom. The cloakroom is dark and the cloaks space containing the fungi on a turn, it must make a DC 14
are all ragged and moth-eaten. Constitution saving throw. Eating a mushroom automatically
4c - Office. The office, though dark, has been recently causes a creature to fail the saving throw. On a failure, a
used. A sheaf of parchment on the counter details the process creature takes 7 (2d6) poison damage and is poisoned for 1
to open a “secret vault in the redoubt, which is filled to the minute. A creature is affected even if it holds its breath or
brim with goodberry wine, hardtack, and diamonds” in doesn’t need to breathe.
Dwarvish.
8 - Lab
5 - Redoubt This room is an alchemical workshop with workbenches
The door to the redoubt (AC 22, 36 hp, immunity to cold, covering the lengths of all the walls. The surfaces are
fire, lightning, necrotic, poison, psychic, and radiant damage) precariously cluttered with glass paraphernalia holding
is magically sealed and reinforced with a permanent arcane multiple mysterious liquids stacked atop one another. A
lock spell. A DC 25 Dexterity check using proficiency with locked door leads to an empty bedroom to the west.
thieves’ tools is required to pick the lock, which has a Hazard: Volatile Chemicals. Any creature searching
hexagonal shape. It can be opened by the key in the drake’s through these phials must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity
hoard. (Sleight of Hand) check or send the chemicals crashing to the
Inside the redoubt, a spring feeds into a basin within the ground, resulting in a sulphurous explosion. For 10 minutes
wall on the east face. To the west, a magical fire burns, after this explosion, each creature that starts its turn in the
shedding warm, bright light. A large mural depicting room or moves into the room for the first time on a turn must
Roe'dgope mining diamonds, trading for wine, and smoking make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failure it takes
meat covers the southern wall. A gagged and bound half-elf 7 (2d6) poison damage and 7 (2d6) acid damage, and is
(Valarn) sits in a corner. poisoned for 1 minute. On a success it takes half as much
damage and is not poisoned.

75
     Treasure: Chemicals. A successful DC 12 Intelligence accord thanks for his rescue, Valarn imparts the following
(Investigation) check finds a vial of alchemist’s fire. A result information to the party, giving them a handwritten letter
of 18 or higher finds three vials. containing the same information to take to Vows at Sunrise:

9 - Drake’s Lair
The southern door to this cave is locked. The floor descends
The letter Valarn hands you reads:
to the east, with small cliffs rising 10 feet up to either side.
"Dear Vows,
The ceiling is some 20 feet above the floor. An acrid,
sulphurous tang hangs in the air, which feels almost
I have a riddle for you: What is the difference between
unhealthy to breathe. The room is dark, but any light catches
the gleam of gold at the far end.
a Wveryn King, an orcish sellsword, and a missing
Encounter: Duchess Gargl. The subterranean Pressonian princess?
drake Duchess Gargl (see Appendix D) reclines on top of
her pile of treasure, appearing like a rocky shelf thanks to her Answer: a lot less than you'd think. Look to Rossgough
Stone Camouflage trait. If the party has made a lot of noise Crag."
(such as from an explosion, breaking a door, or a thunder
spell), Gargl is ready for them, and clings to the roof.
She will pick the most squishy-looking target to surprise Here are some additional conditional events that take place
and bite. She uses her movement to climb above the party, or after the quest concludes:
burrow around/underneath them, filling in the tunnels
behind herself. She fights to the death for her hoard. If the party attempts to deliver the letter to Vows at
Treasure: Drake Hoard. This pile of gold and silver Sunrise at the Broken Crossbow in Steeproost, they are
contains: stopped along the way by four Pressonian Abjurers
(see the Appendix). While they are lawful good, the
1,060 gp and 4,000 sp. Pressonian Abjurers believe that the characters are
Eight art pieces each worth 25 gp. terrorists.
A blunderbuss-battleaxe (blast & slash; see If the party returns the letter to Vows at Sunrise, she has
Appendix C). another task for the party (see the other Vaskil Valley
An ornate, hexagonal key (opens the door to the redoubt). quests for details).
If the Coldstone Roe'dgope are killed, the rest of their clan
Concluding the Quest begins raiding the Anorian settlements and must be dealt
with.
If the party went for the parley option and returns the gold If Gargl is not killed, she begins hunting werelynxes
and silver to the Coldstones, the werelynxes come to an with throughout the valley, burrowing into their homes.
Valarn; a 20 percent cut of all ore mined here. As

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Wyvern Caves
This Vaskil Valley quest is optimized for four characters with When the characters arrive at the encampment, read the
an average party level (APL) of 4. The characters are asked to following:
wrestle wyverns and extract venom from them to create
antitoxins.
A smattering of roughly forty tents are collected on the
lip of a hill in the distance. Many of the tents are covered
Background in patchwork stitching—scars from ankheg attacks.
The Silent Footsteps is a moderately-sized werelynx clan that
has been displaced and forced to travel around the Vaskil
Valley, doing their best to avoid conflict. The clan is proud of
Bask in the Winter Sun. Bask in the Winter Sun, or
their long history and works diligently to get along peacefully
“Bask” for short, is a thirty-year-old bald, red-skinned
with the people around them. Unfortunately, the ankhegs
tiefling woman with piercing yellow eyes. She is tending to
prolific in the Vaskil Valley have made life more difficult
several werelynxes with minor acid wounds. If the characters
lately.
brought wounded werelynxes to the camp, she rests the
A devilkin druid woman native to the Vaskil Valley, named
wounded on cots and provides a salve for their wounds.
Bask in the Winter Sun, has been doing her best to help
If the characters communicate their mission, Bask in the
migrating werelynx clans find places they can co-exist
Winter Sun is unwilling to leave the werelynxes until they
peacefully in the valley. She has had some interactions with
have been relocated to somewhere safer. She is aware of an
the people of Steeproost in the past and is fond of Vows at
abandoned structure known as Alderth Keep built on a stone
Sunrise.
foundation that might provide shelter, but it will need to be
investigated first (see" Alderth Keep"). Afterwards, Bask in
Travel to the Encampment the Winter Sun is willing to help the characters craft wyvern
antitoxin and go to Steeproost with them.
If the characters agree to complete this quest, Vows at
Sunrise points them in the direction they must travel—west- Before the characters depart to collect wyvern poison, Bask
southwest across the Vaskil River, through the Basilisk’s in the Winter Sun procures lassos (see below) with which the
Spine Mountains, and into the plains. The werelynx characters can wrangle the wyverns.
encampment lies amid the plains. Lassos. A lasso is a simple ranged weapon with the
Thrown (range 15/30) property. A lasso has no effect on
Ankhegs creatures that are formless, or creatures that are Huge or
When the characters get within a couple miles of the larger. A Large or smaller creature hit by a lasso is tethered
encampment, they have an encounter with two werelynxes to the character until it is freed. A creature can use its action
(see Appendix D) and three ankhegs. Read the following: to make a DC 13 Strength check, freeing itself or another
creature within its reach on a success. While lassoed, a
creature cannot move away from the character, it has
About sixty feet in the distance, a lynx is fighting three disadvantage on attacks against creatures other than you,
ankhegs. A fourth ankheg lies dead on the ground attacks against the creature have advantage, and the creature
nearby, a body still locked in the grip of its mandibles. has disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws.

Wyvern Caves
The werelynx is reduced to 10 hit points from acid damage Wyverns tend to dwell in high-altitude caves in the Basilisk’s
dealt by the ankhegs’ bites and acid spray. After one round, Spine Mountains.
the werelynx kills one of the ankhegs and backs off. Unless
the characters intervene, the werelynx and the remaining General Features
ankhegs maintain a standoff for three rounds, after which the Unless otherwise noted, locations along the Wyvern Caves
ankhegs kill her with their acid spray and burrow have the following features:
underground with the two bodies.
Ceilings. The natural stone ceilings are 14 feet tall.
The werelynx is a woman named Eva. Held tightly in the Floors and Walls. The floors and walls are composed
mandibles of the dead ankheg is her traveling companion, a of natural stone.
werelynx woman named Aspa, barely alive. The characters
Light. Ambient light from the entrance suffuses the
can heal the wounded werelynx or they can help carry her to
interior of the cave with dim light.
the werelynx encampment.
Climate. Strong winds buffet the cliffside cave, chilling
the interior and making it difficult to use ranged weapons on
Werelynx Encampment the outside. The attack rolls of ranged weapon attacks have
The werelynx encampment consists of tents, both small and
disadvantage if the attacks pass in or out of the wind.
large. Normally, this would be fine, however the proliferation
of ankhegs has made living on the open plains dangerous.

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 Extracting Wyvern Poison 2 - Entrance Chamber
Characters can extract poison from wyvern wyrmlings
(see Appendix D) that are grappled, unconscious, or dead. To
This expansive chamber is barren except for scraps of
extract poison from a grappled or unconscious wyrmling,
characters must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity (Nature) leftover food. There is a narrow passage in the southeast
check. If the wyrmling is dead, they must spend 1d6 minutes corner, and a pool of water to the north that connects to
coaxing the poison out and succeed on a DC 20 Intelligence a wide passage leading further into the cave.
(Nature) check (a creature proficient with a poisoner's kit
may use it with this check if the character lacks proficiency in
Nature). On a successful check, the character harvests
Narrow Passage. A Small creature can traverse this
enough poison for a single dose. On a failed check, the
passage unimpeded. A Medium creature may squeeze to
character is unable to extract any poison. If the character
move through the passage, reducing its movement by half. A
fails the check by 5 or more, the character is subjected to the
Large or greater-sized creature cannot fit through this
wyvern wyrmling's poison.
passage.
The following locations are keyed to the map of the
Pool of Water. The pool of water is safe to drink from.
Wyvern Caves.
3 - Wyvern Nest
1 - Ledge
The ledge faces west, overlooking the Basilisk’s Spine
Mountains and the plains. The werelynx encampment can be This 55-foot-wide-by-30-foot-long chamber has fresh
spotted with a successful DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) check. tree branches padding the stone floor along the northern
Strong Winds. The ledge is buffeted by strong winds. wall. Two wyvern wyrmlings wrestle playfully while a
Ranged weapon attacks are made at disadvantage.
third intently watches from nearby.

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Encounter: Wyvern Wyrmlings. There are three
wyvern wyrmlings (see Appendix D) playing. The Leaving the Wyvern Caves
wyrmlings are preoccupied with playing and fail to notice the
As the characters are leaving the wyvern caves, two harpies
characters unless they step into the room. The wyrmlings do
approach, intercepting the characters in area 2 of the
not attack except in self-defense.
wyvern caves.
Characters that are especially loud risk waking the
Encounter: Harpies. After the characters finish
wyrmlings in area 4.
exploring area 3 and area 4, two harpies mosey into this
room. They are curious about what the characters are doing.
4 - Dead End If the characters attack, the harpies attempt to lure
The floor of this 10-foot-radius stone chamber is characters off the ledge with their Luring Song; otherwise
they are content to talk. Characters that fall off the ledge take
completely covered in leaves and tree branches. Four
28 (8d6) bludgeoning damage.
wyvern wyrmlings are sleeping here.
Concluding the Quest
Encounter: Wyvern Wyrmlings. There are four At the end of the quest the characters have hopefully
wyvern wyrmlings (see Appendix D) sleeping, which are acquired some wyvern poison for Bask in the Winter Sun to
Surprised if awoken by fighting. They don’t attack except in craft antitoxins from and convinced her to come back to
self-defense. Steeproost with them.

79