DDEX03-09 The Waydown (5e)

The Waydown
The recent discovery of an entrance to the Underdark has set local leaders on edge. In a display of initiative, the First Lord
of Hillsfar has ordered the construction of defensive structures surrounding what locals have begun to call “The
Waydown.” You have been charged with escorting an emissary back to his home in the Underdark without alerting the
Red Plumes. A four-hour adventure for 5th-10th level characters.
Adventure Code: DDEX3-9
Credits
Adventure Design: Cole Kronewitter
Development and Editing: Claire Hoffman, Chris Tulach, Travis Woodall
D&D Adventurers League Wizards Team: Chris Lindsay, Chris Tulach
D&D Adventurers League Administrators: Robert Adducci, Bill Benham, Travis Woodall, Claire Hoffman, Greg Marks, Alan Patrick
Debut: October 23, 2015

Release: November 1, 2015
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Introduction
Welcome to The Waydown, a D&D ExpeditionsTM
Preparing the Adventure
adventure, part of the official D&D Adventurers LeagueTM Before you show up to Dungeon Master this adventure for
organized play system and the Rage of DemonsTM a group of players, you should do the following to prepare.
storyline season.
This adventure consists of five mini-adventures, and is • Make sure to have a copy of the most current version
designed for three to seven 5th-10th level characters, of the D&D basic rules or the Player’s HandbookTM.
and is optimized for five 8th level characters. Players • Read through the adventure, taking notes of anything
with 4th level characters may spend twenty downtime you’d like to highlight or remind yourself while
days to level up to 5th level. Characters outside this level running the adventure, such as a way you’d like to
range cannot participate in this adventure. portray an NPC or a tactic you’d like to use in a
The adventure is set in the Moonsea region of the combat.
Forgotten Realms, near the city of Hillsfar. • Get familiar with the monster statistics in the
Appendix.
• Gather together any resources you’d like to use to aid
The D&D Adventurers you in Dungeon Mastering, such as notecards, a DM
screen, miniatures, battlemaps, etc.
League • If you know the composition of the group beforehand,
This adventure is official for D&D Adventurers League you can make adjustments as noted throughout the
play. The D&D Adventurers League is the official adventure.
organized play system for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®.
Players can create characters and participate in any Before Play at the Table
adventure allowed as a part of the D&D Adventurers Ask the players to provide you with relevant character
League. As they adventure, players track their characters’ information. This includes:
experience, treasure, and other rewards, and can take
those characters through other adventures that will • Character name and level
continue their story. • Character race and class
D&D Adventurers League play is broken up into • Passive Wisdom (Perception)—the most common
storyline seasons. When players create characters, they passive ability check
attach those characters to a storyline season, which • Anything notable as specified by the adventure (such
determines what rules they’re allowed to use to create as backgrounds, traits, flaws, and so on)
and advance their characters. Players can continue to
play their characters after the storyline season has Players that have characters outside the adventure’s level
finished, possibly participating in a second or third range cannot participate in the adventure with those
storyline with those same characters. A character’s level characters. Players can play an adventure they previously
is the only limitation for adventure play. A player cannot played or ran as a Dungeon Master, but not with the same
use a character of a level higher or lower than the level character (if applicable).
range of a D&D Adventurers League adventure. Ensure that each player has an official adventure
If you’re running this adventure as a part of a store logsheet for his or her character (if not, get one from the
event or at certain conventions, you’ll need a DCI number. organizer). The player will fill out the adventure name,
This number is your official Wizards of the Coast session number, date, and your name and DCI number. In
organized play identifier. If you don’t have a number, you addition, the player also fills in the starting values for XP,
can obtain one at a store event. Check with your organizer gold, downtime, renown, and number of permanent magic
for details. items. He or she will fill in the other values and write
For more information on playing, running games as a notes at the conclusion of the session. Each player is
Dungeon Master, and organizing games for the D&D responsible for maintaining an accurate logsheet.
Adventurers League, please visit the D&D Adventurers
League home.
The Waydown
Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. 2

If you have time, you can do a quick scan of a player’s Determining Party Strength
character sheet to ensure that nothing looks out of order. Party Composition Party Strength
If you see magic items of very high rarities or strange 3-4 characters, APL less than Very weak
arrays of ability scores, you can ask players to provide 3-4 characters, APL equivalent Weak
documentation for the irregularities. If they cannot, feel 3-4 characters, APL greater than Average
free to restrict item use or ask them to use a standard 5 characters, APL less than Weak
ability score array. Point players to the D&D Adventurers 5 characters, APL equivalent Average
League Player’s Guide for reference. 5 characters, APL greater than Strong
If players wish to spend downtime days and it’s the 6-7 characters, APL less than Average
beginning of an adventure or episode, they can declare 6-7 characters, APL equivalent Strong
their activity and spend the days now, or they can do so at 6-7 characters, APL greater than Very strong
the end of the adventure or episode.
Players should select their characters’ spells and other Average party strength indicates no recommended
daily options prior to the start of the adventure, unless the adjustments to the adventure. Each sidebar may or may
adventure specifies otherwise. Feel free to reread the not offer suggestions for certain party strengths. If a
adventure description to help give players hints about particular recommendation is not offered for your group,
what they might face. you don’t have to make adjustments.
Adjusting the Adventure Dungeon Mastering the

Throughout this adventure, you may see sidebars to help Adventure
you make adjustments to this adventure for smaller/larger
As the DM of the session, you have the most important
groups and characters, of higher/lower levels that the
role in facilitating the enjoyment of the game for the
optimized group size. Most of the time, this is used for
players. You help guide the narrative and bring the words
combat encounters.
on these pages to life. The outcome of a fun game session
You may adjust the adventure beyond the guidelines
often creates stories that live well beyond the play at the
given in the adventure, or for other reasons. For example,
table. Always follow this golden rule when you DM for a
if you’re playing with a group of inexperienced players,
group:
you might want to make the adventure a little easier; for
very experienced players, you might want to make it a
Make decisions and adjudications that enhance the fun
little harder. Therefore, five categories of party strength
of the adventure when possible.
have been created for you to use as a guide. Use these as
a guide, and feel free to use a different adjustment during
To reinforce this golden rule, keep in mind the following:
the adventure if the recommended party strength feels off
for the group.
• You are empowered to make adjustments to the
This adventure is optimized for a party of five 8th
adventure and make decisions about how the group
level characters. To figure out whether you need to
interacts with the world of this adventure. This is
adjust the adventure, do the following:
especially important and applicable outside of
combat, but feel free to adjust the adventure for
• Add up the total levels of all the characters
groups that are having too easy or too hard of a time.
• Divide the total by the number of characters
• Don’t make the adventure too easy or too difficult for
• Round fractions of .5 or greater up; round frations of
a group. Never being challenged makes for a boring
less than .5 down
game, and being overwhelmed makes for a
frustrating game. Gauge the experience of the
You’ve now determined the average party level (APL) for
players (not the characters) with the game, try to feel
the adventure. To figure out the party strength for the
out (or ask) what they like in a game, and attempt to
adventure, consult the following table.
give each of them the experience they’re after when
they play D&D. Give everyone a chance to shine.
The Waydown

• Be mindful of pacing, and keep the game session expenses maintaining his or her lifestyle. Some downtime
moving along appropriately. Watch for stalling, since activities help with lifestyle expenses or add lifestyle
play loses momentum when this happens. At the expenses.
same time, make sure that the players don’t finish
too early; provide them with a full play experience. Spellcasting Services
Try to be aware of running long or short. Adjust the
Any settlement the size of a town or larger can provide
pacing accordingly.
some spellcasting services. Characters need to be able to
• Read-aloud text is just a suggestion; feel free to
travel to the settlement to obtain these services.
modify the text as you see fit, especially when
Alternatively, if the party finishes an adventure, they can
dialogue is present.
be assumed to return to the settlement closest to the
• Give the players appropriate hints so they can make
adventure location.
informed choices about how to proceed. Players
Spell services generally available include healing and
should be given clues and hints when appropriate so
recovery spells, as well as information-gathering spells.
they can tackle puzzles, combat, and interactions
Other spell services might be available as specified in the
without getting frustrated over lack of information.
adventure. The number of spells available to be cast as a
This helps to encourage immersion in the adventure
service is limited to a maximum of three per day total,
and gives players “little victories” for figuring out
unless otherwise noted.
good choices from clues.
Spellcasting Services
In short, being the DM isn’t about following the
Spell Cost
adventure’s text word-for-word; it’s about facilitating a Cure wounds (1st level) 10 gp
fun, challenging game environment for the players. The Identify 20 gp
Dungeon Master’s Guide TM has more information on the Lesser restoration 40 gp
art of running a D&D game. Prayer of healing (2nd level) 40 gp
Remove curse 90 gp
Downtime and Lifestyle Speak with dead 90 gp
Divination 210 gp
At the beginning of each play session, players must
Greater restoration 450 gp
declare whether or not they are spending any days of
Raise dead 1,250 gp
downtime. The player records the downtime spent on the
adventure logsheet. The following options are available to
Acolyte Background
players during downtime (see the D&D basic rules or the
A character possessing the acolyte background requesting
D&D Adventurers League Player’s Guide for more spellcasting services at a temple of his or her faith may request
information): one spell per day from the Spellcasting Services table for free.
The only cost paid for the spell is the base price for the
consumed material component, if any.
• Catching up
Faiths that can call upon spellcasting services in and around
• Crafting (exception: multiple characters cannot Hillsfar include the following: Chauntea, Lliira, Mielikki, and
commit to crafting a single item) Tempus.
• Practicing a profession
• Recuperating Character Disease,
• Spellcasting services (end of the adventure only) Death, and Recovery
• Training
Sometimes bad things happen, and characters get
Other downtime options might be available during poisoned, diseased, or die. Since you might not have the
adventures or unlocked through play, including faction- same characters return from session to session, here are
specific activities. the rules when bad things happen to characters.
In addition, whenever a character spends downtime
days, that character also spends the requisite expense for
his or her lifestyle. Costs are per day, so a character that
spends ten days of downtime also spends ten days of
The Waydown

Disease, Poison, and Other Debilitating
Effects
Adventure Background
A character still affected by diseases, poisons, and other About a half-day’s travel from Hillsfar is a hundred-foot-
similar effects at the conclusion of an adventure can deep sinkhole caused by rainfall and geographical
spend downtime days recuperating until such time as he anomalies stemming from the recent events in
or she resolves the effect to its conclusion (see the Mulmaster. Called the Waydown by locals, this sinkhole
recuperating activity in the D&D basic rules). raised alarm among surface dwellers after soggy horrors
If a character doesn’t resolve the effect between sessions, began creeping up from its subterranean depths. To allay
that character begins the next session still affected by the fears of inhuman invasion, the First Lord of Hillsfar
debilitating effect. recently ordered a Garrison built around the Waydown to
secure it.
Death Unbeknownst to most citizens of Hillsfar, the troubles
A character who dies during the course of the adventure of the surface world are mere hints at the horrendous
has a few options at the end of the session (or whenever evils occurring in the depths of the Underdark. Spurred
arriving back in civilization) if no one in the adventuring on by the demon lord Graz’zt, a horde of demonic fire
party has immediate access to a raise dead or revivify giants besieged and captured the drow city of Szith
spell, or similar magic. A character subject to a raise dead Morcane. Beleaguered by this relentless assault, the drow
spell is affected negatively until all long rests have been quickly dispatched emissaries to the surface world in
completed during an adventure. Alternatively, each search of aid. Among these was the drow smuggler
downtime day spent after raise dead reduces the penalty Arrizz, who was able to procure a shipment of supplies
to attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks by 1, in from the Zhentarim and now seeks a way to safely deliver
addition to any other benefits the downtime activity might them to the Underdark. His main hope lies in getting the
provide. supplies through the Red Garrison at the Waydown and
Create a New 1st-Level Character. If the dead shipping them downriver.
character is unwilling or unable to exercise any of the Of course, this plan hinges on finding a way through the
other options, the player creates a new character. The Garrison, and a corrupt Red Plume Captain named
new character does not have any items or rewards Maggarl Helck who has replaced Guard Commandant
possessed by the dead character. Vuhm Yestral as commander of the garrison. Over the
Dead Character Pays for Raise Dead. If the last thirty days, Helck has taken to allowing smugglers in
character’s body is recoverable (it’s not missing any vital and out of the Waydown. The movement of illicit goods
organs and is mostly whole) and the player would like the has made him quite rich. He is beginning to re-think this
character to be returned to life, the party can take the plan, however, as eight days ago a giant octopus attacked
body back to civilization and use the dead character’s a river expedition and drug away two mercenaries.
funds to pay for a raise dead spell. A raise dead spell cast This attack was orchestrated by twin cambions named
in this manner costs the character 1,250 gp. Gattash and Rashara. Originally members of Graz’zt’s
Character’s Party Pays for Raise Dead. As above, court, the twins were recently expelled for a minor slight
except that some or all of the 1,250 gp for the raise dead and placed in charge of a backwater region of the
spell is paid for by the party at the end of the session. Underdark as punishment. Since that time, they have
Other characters are under no obligation to spend their managed to infiltrate a tribe of primitive kuo-toa and
funds to bring back a dead party member. install themselves as twin gods of sinful excess. After
Faction Charity. If the character is of level 1 to 4 and a moving their tribe to the comfort of an ancient kuo-toa
member of a faction, the dead character’s body can be temple, the twins now plot to overthrow the Red Plumes
returned to civilization and a patron from the faction Garrison and regain Graz’zt’s favor.
ensures that he or she receives a raise dead spell.
However, any character invoking this charity forfeits all
XP and rewards from that session (even those earned
prior to death during that session), and cannot replay that
episode or adventure with that character again. Once a
character reaches 5th level, this option is not available.
The Waydown

Overview Adventure Hooks
This adventure is divided into five sections; an The adventure begins outside Hillsfar, a mercantile city
Introduction and four parts. where non-human residents have been outlawed. Use one
Introduction: The characters meet Felratha and Arrizz of the following hooks to draw the players into the story,
who present an offer of employment and a plan to or devise your own.
infiltrate the Waydown Garrison. The Joydancer’s Alliance. When Arrizz reached the
Part 1: The Dinner Performance. In order to gain surface, one of the first groups he encountered was a
entry to the Garrison, the characters pose as minstrel minstrel band led by a Joydancer of Lliira named
performers. To avoid suspicion, they participate in a large Felratha. This proved a fortuitous meeting, as she is well
dinner feast and serve as entertainment for the evening. connected with all five factions and sympathetic to the
Part 2: The Red Plume Garrison. After the festivities plight of non-humans in Hillsfar.
are over, the characters are locked in the dinner hall for Arrizz convinced her that the troubles of the surface-
the night. This is their chance to sneak through the world are merely a reflection of deeper evils occurring in
Garrison and find a way down the sinkhole. Along the way the Underdark, so Felratha has called in a host of favors
they may have to deal with wandering patrols, drunken to bring aid to Szith Morcane. Members of the Emerald
guards, and maybe even secret admirers. Enclave, the Harpers, the Lord’s Alliance, and the Order
Part 3: Down the Waydown. The characters procure a of the Gauntlet each receive a letter from their faction
boat and make their way down the subterranean river. asking them to meet at Felratha’s camp outside Hillsfar.
During this journey they deal with river hazards, If you choose this hook, hand each character a copy of the
including a massive wave and kuo-toa attack. "Letter from Felratha" handout.
Part 4: The Shrine of Twofold Sin. The characters Experts for Hire. If any characters are not strongly
arrive at the ruined temple, only to discover that kuo-toa motivated by their factions, they could instead simply be
fanatics captured the drow caravan intended to help carry hired for their expertise. Characters with the Charlatan,
the supplies back to Szith Morcane. They venture through Entertainer, or Sailor background prove especially useful
the slimy shrine to rescue the captive drow from the kuo- on this expedition and could be hired directly by Arrizz.
toa cult and their demonic masters. Faction Assignment: The Zhentarim Agent. The
Zhentarim also agreed to help Felratha, although their
Pacing the Adventure terms are less benevolent. They provide much-needed
The adventure is designed for 4 hours of play. Use the table supplies to an unknown broker in the company of a
below to budget your time, adjusting the pace as necessary to traveling minstrel named Felratha. This person has
keep on schedule. In a large public event, you'll need to keep an promised to broker a favorable trade deal with Szith
eye on the clock.
Morcane in return. Characters that are members of the
Adventure Pacing Zhentarim are given a supply wagon and told to make
sure both it and the broker safely reaches its destination.
Stage Playing Time (Highlights)
Introduction 20 min
The Dinner Performance 30 min
The Red Plume Garrison 60 min
Down the Waydown 30 min
The Shrine of Twofold Sin 90 min
The Waydown

Introduction: The Though he managed to fight off the infection that plagued
him in DDEX3-1 Harried in Hillsfar, it left its mark on his body
and he is plagued with odd, colorful scars and a phlegmy,
Minstrels Meeting wracking cough.
Quote: "I was weak once. Never again."
The adventure begins a few hours before dusk in the Felratha’s Request
woods outside Hillsfar. Felratha provides the following information:
Felratha's Merry Minstrels • Although Hillsfar is in dire straits, a greater war

rages below. Fire giants have captured Szith
A painted covered wagon rests near a small campfire in this Morcane and the retreating drow are the last bastion
copse of trees. Glass baubles, paper decorations, and a neatly of resistance against the giants. To protect the
painted sign reading “Felratha’s Merry Minstrels” hang from the surface world, escort Arrizz and a wagon loaded with
awnings of the wagon. Two hooded figures sit around the supplies to Szith Morcane.
campfire in silence. • Through a deal with the drow archmage of Szith
Morcane, Solom Ned'razak, the factions have allied
Felratha (commoner; Charisma 16; Perform +5, with the drow against the giant threat.
Persuasion +5) is sitting by the fire beside a second • The nearest entrance to the Underdark is through
hooded figure. Felratha rises to greet each character and, the Waydown sinkhole, which is guarded by a
when everyone has arrived, she introduces her garrison of Red Plumes. Felratha’s band of minstrels
companion. are well-known there and perform for the Garrison
often. Disguise yourselves as members of my troupe
and, after night falls, we can sneak through the
Roleplaying Felratha
Garrison to the Waydown.
Felratha is a bubbly red-haired woman with a kind heart. She is
greatly disturbed by the recent treatment of non-humans in • Once through the Garrison, there lay an abandoned
Hillsfar. A look of deep sadness fills her eyes whenever she sees temple eighteen miles down the Waydown River. A
a non-human in chains. She carries a lute strung over her drow caravan will meet us there and escort us the
shoulder at all times and frequently uses it to play a lively tune
rest of the way to Szith Morcane.
whenever things grow dull.
Quote: "I feel there is little room left for joy in Hillsfar. I aim to • This mission relies on discretion. Captain Maggarl
change that." Helck is a corrupt man who is likely to happily hide a
minor incident at the Garrison to keep safe his
Hesitantly, the figure draws back his hood revealing a position. If a major battle breaks out, however, he has
drow with skin mottled by what appears to be colorful no other option that to report the disturbance to his
fungus. This is Arrizz (DDEX3-1 Harried in Hillsfar). superiors. He will no doubt blame it on local non-
Arrizz has been on the lam for a while now and has been humans which, in turn, may lead to more violence
hiding amongst this minstrel caravan for the past two against those in the area.
tendays. Any character who participated in Mission 2 of
DDEX3-1 Harried in Hillsfar, and was able to rouse
Arrizz from the ravages of his infection is recognized by
the drow.
Roleplaying Arrizz
Although a closed-lipped, Arrizz doesn’t hesitate to criticize
foolish or weak behavior. Since becoming ill, he has developed a
great distaste for normal food; preferring a diet of mushrooms
and fungus, which he frequently munches on. He is at the end of
a rather nasty streak of bad luck and is eager to leave the
Moonsea region far behind. He has been promised great rewards
if his mission is successful. And although he is willing to work
with others, he is still evil and abhors weakness. If his former
lover, Deriel, is mentioned, Arrizz becomes cold and distant; he
adamantly refuses to speak of her.
The Waydown

Of Masks and Men Secret Mission: The Order of the
Once the mission has been explained, give the players Gauntlet
some time to discuss their disguises and infiltration plans. Felratha loathes Captain Maggarl Helck, and is currently
Costumes. Felratha's Troupe is known for their working with the Order of the Gauntlet to bring the
outlandish masks and outfits during their performances. corrupt man to justice. At some point during the evening,
Felratha is quite gifted with theatrical outfits and can use she approaches members of the Order of the Gauntlet
stilts, cloaks, and masks to disguise non-human with an offer.
characters. While wearing one of her outfits, any non- During her last visit to the Garrison, Felratha learned
human attempting to present themselves as human make that Captain Helck and his family are rumored to be
the check with advantage. Since the outfits look normal involved in smuggling illicit goods into Hillsfar. The Order
from afar, these checks are generally unnecessary unless of the Gauntlet has promised her that if she can locate
a non-human character gets into a close conversation proof of Captain Helck’s illegal activities, they shall
with someone or act in a manner that would otherwise ensure that he is brought to justice
give an observer cause to question the disguise. Felratha asks members of the Order of the Gauntlet to
Players should be encouraged to create a fun persona investigate the captain’s quarters to locate any proof of
and performance for the character to fit into the minstrel criminal activity. A character that is a member of the
group. Order of the Gauntlet rank 2 (Marchon) who recovers
Arrizz is given a rather lion mask, complete with a this evidence from the captain’s desk earns one
golden cloak and gloves. He names himself Lioneth the additional renown point.
Sword Juggler for the show (he learned to juggle knives
as a child in Szith Morcane; a skill he demonstrates by
juggling a few shortswords).
The Plan
Felratha’s Merry Minstrels generally arrive at the
Garrison in two wagons just before dusk and put on a
show for the Red Plumes during dinner. After this they
are treated to free meals and are allowed to stay the night
inside the feast hall of the Garrison. Arrizz proposes to
wait until most of the Garrison is asleep before sneaking
out of the hall and finding the Waydown.
Arrizz is quick to remind the characters that the
mission requires escorting an entire wagon of supplies
through the Garrison in addition to sneaking through
themselves. Bribing Red Plumes, posing as them, or
causing a distraction may be necessary. For her part,
Felratha plans to depart from the Garrison with the other
wagon during the night to avoid any fallout from Arrizz's
activities. If all goes according to plan, both the characters
and Felratha are be gone come morning with the garrison
none-the-wiser.
Felratha has been to the garrison before, but only in the
feasthall. She does, however, know that the troops reside
in halls toward the rear of the garrison, while the
captain's quarters are nearer the front.
The Waydown

Part 1: The Dinner embellishes their skills as much as possible.
Each character should give a brief description of their
Performance performance before they roll their dice. In general, most
performances require a Charisma (Performance) check,
but unusual acts could call for a different roll. A
It is a short ride to the Red Plume Garrison at the strongman act might require a Strength (Athletics) check,
Waydown, and the characters arrive just as dusk begins or a wizard might make an Intelligence (Arcana) check in
to fall. When the garrison guards see Felratha’s wagons, conjunction with a cantrip or two to sufficiently wow the
they open the gate and beckon the travelers inside. audience, for example. Let the players guide the show
Captain Helck has given them orders to hurry the here. Consult the following table to adjudicate the results
minstrels into the feast hall, so they don’t bother of each adventurer’s performance.
searching any of the characters or wagons. If any
characters openly display weapons, they are asked to
Performance Results
remove them and leave them by front gate. The
Roll Result
characters may try to conceal or otherwise sneak a
9 or lower A canny sergeant grows sus-
weapon in if they wish, however. A character may conceal picious and interrogates the
a one-handed weapon using with a successful DC 15 character during dinner. See
Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) or even try to convince the the “The Gig is Up!” section
guard that the weapon is simply part of their costume below for more details.
with a successful DC 15 Charisma (Deception) check. 10 to 14 A few polite claps fill the per-
The DM may impose advantage or disadvantage on this formance hall.
check depending on the weapon and the costume. 15 or higher Rousing cheers! The charac-
ter has advantage on Cha-
Minstrel Show risma (Persuasion) checks to
influence members of the
In the aftermath of a recent encounter with a
Red Plumes for the rest of the
subterranean monster, Captain Helck is eager to raise the
adventure.
morale of his men stationed at the Garrison. When he
received word that Felratha's Merry Minstrels were in the
XP Award
area, he ordered an immediate performance.
If more than half of the characters get a result of 15 or
Upon their arrival, the characters are brought to the
higher on their Charisma (Perform) check, award each
feast hall and thrust into the center of the room.
charater 150 XP.
The wooden tables of this dining hall have been pushed against
the walls. As you enter the room, dozens of Red Plumes soldiers
Tonight, We Dine with Helck!
stand and give a rousing cheer. A mustached man wearing a After each character has performed and the show
more elaborate uniform raises his hands to silence the crowd. subsides, Felratha takes out a lap harp and begins to play
He smoothes his mustache and calls out, “Red Plumes, your some music. The soldiers quickly slide all the tables back
Captain speaks! In light of recent tragic events, I felt that an into position so that dinner can be served. Cooks run back
extra helping of good cheer was in need. I give to you Felratha’s forth from the kitchen, delivering a feast of roast meat,
Merry Minstrels! As you make sacrifices for me, I too will make mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut. Cheap wine and ale is
great sacrifices for you!” served in plenty throughout the night.
The Captain claps his hands and beckons for the show to The Red Plume set aside a small table near the back of
begin. the hall for the Felratha, Arrizz, and the characters. If no
one in the group got a result of 15 or higher during the
Felratha starts the show by performing a bawdy drinking performance, the table receives no visitors during the
song while Arrizz juggles his shortswords, to tremendous course of the dinner. Otherwise, a stream of mercenaries
applause. After warming up the room, she announces visits the table to deliver free drinks and chat.
each of the characters one by one and gives them a
chance to perform their own acts. She oversells and
The Waydown

The Rumor Mill What Happened to Yestral?
If any non-human characters decide to engage in Some characters may have had previous dealings with Guard
Commandant Vuhm Yestral who was in charge of the Waydown
conversation, have them each roll a Charisma (Deception)
in DDEX3-3 The Sacking of Szith Morcane. If the characters ask
check opposed by the guards Wisdom (Insight) check to after Yestral, they are told he has been assigned to Yûlash after
avoid letting their outfit slip in a minor way. If the the speedy completion of the garrison. A successful DC 13
character fails, the guard immediately grows suspicious Wisdom (Insight), notes that the Red Plumes here do not think
highly of Guard Commandant Yestral. If pressed, many note that
and ends the conversation. If three or more characters fail
Yestral has not been very zealous in enforcing the Great Law of
their checks, a sergeant learns of the disturbance and Humanity and his reassignment to Yûlash pushes him even
comes over to investigate (see the “The Gig is Up!” further from the city.
section below for more details).
If the characters engage the soldiers in conversation, A Not-So-Secret Admirer
they may attempt a Charisma (Deception or Persuasion) At some point during the evening, a Red Plume soldier
check to attempt to learn information about the Garrison and aspiring performer named Conbert visits the table.
from the mercenaries. Use the following table to During the evening’s show, the young mercenary has
adjudicate the results of the roll. become totally enamored with one of the performing
characters (likely whomever had the highest performance
roll).
Garrison Information
Although he joined the Red Plumes to earn a living,
Roll Result
Conbert has always dreamed of performing for a crowded
10 Captain Helck has the only
hall. After approaching the characters's table, he grabs
key to open the door to the
Waydown. Lately he has been the nearest instrument or prop and does his best to
organizing expeditions to ex- imitate the target of his adulation. This loud and poorly-
plore the Waydown River. executed performance draws the attention of nearby
15 The goal of these trips is to guards, earning a great deal of laughter and jeers.
treat with some local deni- If allowed, Conbert sits next to the chosen character
zens for goods that Captain and asks a relentless stream of questions about living the
Helck personally takes control life of a performer. Although harmless at first, his
of. On the last excursion, two questions grow increasingly probing. If left unchecked,
soldiers were dragged into Conbert eventually catches on that the characters are
the water when a creature hiding something.
with giant, bone-white tenta- A few intimidating words are all it takes to get Conbert
cles attacked the boat. to leave the table, but this is a temporary solution. A
20 Only Captain Helck knows character must succeed a DC 20 Charisma (Deception,
how to disable the golem. He Persuasion, or Intimidation) check to persuade him to
keeps the passphrase given to leave without him getting riled up. If unsuccessful,
him by the Mage’s Guild hid- Conbert is dissuaded for the time being, but returns to
den underneath the mattress bother the characters in Part 2 of the adventure.
in his room.
After she finishes eating, Felratha picks up her lute and Roleplaying Conbert
Conbert is a star-struck young man that wants to learn everything
strolls around the room to play songs for the mercenaries. there is to know about being a minstrel. He speaks very rapidly,
If any characters would like to make another attempt at and his voice gets high pitched when he is excited.
their performances, they can also do so at this time. Quote: "One day, people will shout my name."
The Waydown

Secret Mission: Lords’ Alliance Moving the Goods
At some point during the feast, a Red Plume soldier All told, the wagon provided by the Zhentarim contains eight
hundred pounds of supplies intended for delivery to Szith
named Lissa sits down to speak with characters
Morcane. Among other things, it includes large quantities of
belonging to the Lord’s Alliance faction. She reveals that food, crossbow bolts, and oil—all sealed in watertight
she is secretly an operative of the Lord’s Alliance and has containers.
received word that the characters would soon be arriving The wagon is 7-feet-wide and 10-feet-long and can fit down
most hallways in the Garrison. Moving the wagon makes noise
at the Waydown Garrison. If any of the characters are
and grants disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
members of the Lords Alliance and rank 2 (Marchon) or Alternatively, magical transportation could be effective, or strong
higher, Lissa outlines the following secret mission. characters could divide up the goods amongst themselves and
Find the Missing Agent. The Lords Alliance is simply carry them by hand.
searching for a wizard named Olon who descended into
the Waydown months ago to gather information. He never
The Gig is Up!
returned, and the Lord’s Alliance is concerned that he There are a number of opportunities for the characters's
was captured by the Red Plumes or is still trapped cover to be blown during this portion of the encounter. If
underground. they manage to raise the alarm, the Garrison organizes
Lissa was able to determine that Olon is not at the into four squads; each consisting of six Red Plume
Garrison currently. She asks the characters to search the soldiers and one Red Plume sergeant. The squads
Waydown for signs of the lost wizard. search through the Garrison for intruders and attack
discovered enemies en masse. Although each individual
Combat squad is an easy encounter for a group of 8th level
If the characters massively fail their checks or somehow reveal characters, more than a couple squads attacking in
themselves in an obvious way, combat could break out during unison could quickly turn the fight against the characters.
the dinner feast. Although a total of forty Red Plume mercenaries
Luckily, there are many ways to avoid this dangerous
and ten Red Plume sergeants are present in the room, most of
them are unarmed. If combat erupts, a single war party (see the scenario. First and foremost, be sure to give the
“The Gig is Up!” section) attacks the characters while the rest of characters a chance to make skill checks to fool
the Red Plumes flee from the room to retrieve their weapons. suspicious guards and reward players that come up with
clever lies. These Red Plumes are neither the best nor the
Evening Lock Up brightest, so even a mediocre ruse could prove effective.
After several hours of entertainment and eating, Captain Additionally, a healthy culture of bribery exists in the
Helck rises from his chair and signals the end of the feast. Red Plumes. A suspicious Red Plume soldier might
The Red Plumes retreat back to their bunks or guard demand a bribe of 5 to 20 gp in exchange for not raising
posts for the evening. Once the room is cleaned and an alarm, depending on what he or she witnessed. Some
empty, a sergeant bids good evening to Felratha before mercenaries may even request a favor, such as
locking the north, east, and west doors of the room. intimidating another guard in the Garrison or stealing a
Before the doors are closed, Felratha tells the barrel of beer from the kitchen. If time is not a concern,
characters to bring their “sleeping gear” into the feast this is a good opportunity let the characters spread their
hall. This is an ideal time to smuggle the crates and bags wings and lead the story.
of supplies from the wagon into the Garrison. If all else fails and combat ensues, the Red Plumes do
Once the doors are closed, Arrizz suggests waiting their utmost to ensure the characters are captured alive.
several hours for the Garrison to quiet down before If successful, Captain Helck orders that the characters be
sneaking out of the hall. The doors require a set of taken to the cages in Area 4. From there the characters
thieves' tools and a successful DC 15 Dexterity check to could devise their own means of escape, or perhaps get
unlock. Alternatively, each of the Red Plume sergeants rescued by Felratha or Lissa (the Lords Alliance agent).
carries a key that unlocks the doors in this room, which The cages are locked and require a set of thieves' tools
could be acquired with a bit of Sleight of Hand (opposed and a successful DC 15 Dexterity check. If captured, the
by Perception, naturally). characters's equipment is in the same room; locked in a
different cell.
The Waydown

Adjusting the Encounter
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
These are not cumulative:
• Very Weak Party: Remove 2 Red Plume soldiers from each
squad.
• Weak Party: Remove 1 Red Plume soldiers from each squad.
• Strong Party: Add 2 Red Plume soldiers to each squad.
• Very Strong Party: Add 1 Red Plume sergeant to each squad.
The Waydown

Part 2: The Red Plume A successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check is required
Garrison to lift the portcullis. Alternatively, a creature can use their
action to spend the round ratcheting the lever inside the
As the night draws on the Garrison slowly grows silent. entry hall which slowly lifts the portcullis and allows
Several hours after midnight, Arrizz indicates that it is access to the Garrison. The portcullis rises completely
time to sneak out of the room and find the Waydown. after three rounds of ratcheting.
A single Red Plume soldier stands inside the front
Red Plume Garrison door at all times and speaks to visitors through the
Established to protect the folk of Hillsfar from portcullis. Since the characters were already welcomed
subterranean incursions, the Red Plume Garrison is into the Garrison, the guard sees little reason to stop
overseen by a corrupt and inept man named Maggarl them from coming and going during the night as long as
Helck. As a result, discipline at the Garrison is relatively they don’t do anything suspicious. When the characters
lax. decide to sneak further into the Garrison, Felratha comes
to the front gate and asks to go outside for a bit fresh air.
General Features She then hitches up her wagon rides away.
The walls of the Garrison are formed from gray masonry. If the guard senses that something is amiss, he shouts
Ceilings. Ceilings are 10 feet high inside hallways, to get the attention of the guards in Area 2, who in turn
rising to 15 feet inside rooms. fetch a Red Plume sergeant. The sergeant arrives in 5
Doors. Unless otherwise noted, the doors in the rounds.
Garrison are all reinforced wooden doors that require a
DC 20 Strength check to break open. Locked doors 2. Guard Rooms
require a set of thieves' tools and a DC 15 Dexterity check
These two rooms have arrow slits that look outside the
to unlock.
Garrison and into Area 1. Three Red Plume soldiers are
Light. Due to a lack of windows, the Garrison is lit
stationed in each room at all times, with heavy crossbows
entirely by oil lamps, spaced every 15 feet along the walls.
near at hand. A weapon rack with longspears rests
Wandering guard patrols ensure the lamps are lit at all
against one wall and two barrels full of crossbow bolts sit
hours. In such an illuminated area, the area is brightly lit.
near the arrow slits. The guards generally play cards or
Otherwise, it is completely dark.
tell bawdy tales around the table, only occasionally rising
Smells and Sounds. The smell of burning oil fills the
to look around.
area, mingling with the smell of sweat, cooking, and the
stables. During the day, the sound of talking, shouting, 3. Feast Hall
and daily life fills the garrison. By night, its silence is
broken only by the occasional footfall of a patrolling
guard. Red banners bearing the symbol of the Hillsfar hang from the
Murals. A handful of murals cover the walls of the ceiling of this large hall. Rows of sturdy dining tables are laid
Garrison, each designed to inspire loyalty and a feeling of out over a floor scattered with straw. The smell of stale beer
racial superiority in the Red Plumes rank-and-file. Most permeates the air.
feature glorious depictions of First Lord Torin Nomerthal
and the Red Plumes shackling rows of enslaved non- The Red Plumes eat their meals in this room in small
humans. groups throughout today, but gather as a large group for
nightly dinner. This is largely so Captain Helck can make
1. Front Gate announcements and "inspire" his soldiers. Any visitors
Although the Garrison wasn't built to repel surface are housed in this hall at night, and the north, east, and
invaders, the front door is still well defended. west doors are locked.
A large iron portcullis seals off this 10-foot entry hall. A single
Red Plume soldier sits next to a gate lever inside the portcullis.
Arrow slits line the walls of the room.
The Waydown

4. Stables and Kennel picture" Captain. He occasionally wanders through the
Garrison to knit-pick small breaches in military code and
The double wooden doors in the southwest corner of this to give rousing motivational speeches to the mercenaries
room are typically kept open during the day to air out the (usually with poor results).
stable aromas, but at night they are sealed tight. Helck usually sleeps in until early afternoon. After
consuming too much wine at the feast the evening prior,
The smell of hay and dung mark this room as a stable. A set of the captain is dead asleep until nearly dinner time. The
wooden cages on the eastern wall holds a pack of slumbering only key in the Garrison that can open the Waydown
hounds, and four pens on the north wall each contain a riding chamber is still attached to the key ring on his waist.
horse. Piles of hay fill the center of the room. Additionally, if the characters search under the
mattress, they are able to find the secret command word
A young stable boy named Tod (a commoner) oversees that disables the clay golem written on a sheet of paper.
the stables and sleeps in the hay piles at night. There are Pilfering the key or sliding the note out from beneath
also four cages in the room. One of the cages currently the mattress requires a successful DC 10 Dexterity
hold eight guard dogs. If roused from slumber, the dogs (Sleight of Hand) check for each. The golem password is
immediately begin barking and howling, which draws the the name “Has'than zann Queh”, which means "Blessed
attention of a pair of Red Plume sergeants from Area 7 by Birth" in Elvish (likely a sneaky bit of political
to the north, who arrives after 5 rounds. commentary by a member of the Mage's Guild that
Tod can quickly calm the dogs to avoid waking the apparently disapproves of the city's views on non-
sergeant, but he is unlikely to do so for strangers. A humans).
successful DC 15 Charisma (Deception, Persuasion, or If a character fails either check by more than 5, Captain
Intimidation) check is necessary to win him over. A Helck wakes up from his sleep with a high-pitched
character offering a bribe may make this check with scream. If he is outnumbered, or if he takes any damage
advantage. Due to the number of horrible stories he has at all, the captain immediately surrenders and begs for his
heard about non-humans, any non-human characters life. He offers to open the door the Waydown for
attempting to intimidate him make their check with characters if they promise to let him go. Of course, as
advantage. If the check fails by 5 or more, Tod runs to a soon as he is within earshot of the Garrison's troops, the
lever on the wall and pulls it. This releases all of the dogs. Captain raises the alarm.
Adjusting the Encounter Roleplaying Captain Maggarl Helck

Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter. Captain Helck is a pompous man who places great stock in
These are not cumulative: appearances. He has a well-groomed handlebar mustache that
• Very Weak Party: Reduce sergeant's hit points to 45 he likes to twirl while he speaks. Helck always does his best to
• Very Strong Party: Add one sergeant steer conversations toward his own accomplishments and is
adept at stealing credit for the successes of others.
5. Captain’s Quarters Quote: The burden of this command would crush a normal man.
Luckily for this garrison, I am not a normal man.
Rich furnishings adorn this pentagonal room and a white Secret Mission: Order of the Gauntlet
bearskin rug covers the center of the floor. A desk on the east
A quick look through the paperwork on top of the desk
uncovers evidence that Helck is turning a profit
wall is covered with a disorganized mess of official looking
smuggling untaxed goods into Hillsfar. Members of the
papers. A caricature of Helck in a gold frame sits on the desk.
Order of the Gauntlet that retrieve these documents
satisfy the requirements of their faction assignment.
A shining example of the benefits of nepotism,
bootlicking, and the achievement of being born human,
Treasure
Captain Maggarl Helck is doing quite well for himself.
The rug on the floor is made from the pelt of a polar bear
He gained his position as the Garrison Commander due
and worth 60 gp. Helck keeps an emergency supply of 40
largely in part to his father; a wealthy merchant in the city
gp and a scroll of greater restoration hidden in the top
of Hillsfar. Helck relies on his sergeants to handle most
drawer of his desk. The caricature of Helck is worth
garrison affairs and likes to think of himself as a "big
nothing, but the gold frame that holds it is worth 100 gp.
The Waydown

XP Award 7. Bunk Rooms
If the characters successfully accomplish the secret
mission, award each character 200 XP. At full capacity, each of these rooms houses eighteen Red
Plume soldiers and two Red Plume sergeants.
6. Kitchen
The sound of gentle snoring echoes through this room. Ten
The door to this room is kept locked at night. bunk beds line the walls, but it seems only half of them are
occupied by sleeping figures. Each bunk in the room has two
The scent of herbs and salted meat wafts through the air of this
small trunks stowed away underneath it. The bunk bed nearest
room. Two tables in the middle of the room are covered with
the door is painted bright red.
knives, baking utensils, a several piles of folded clothes. A few
dozen casks of beer are stacked up on the south side of the
To help prevent gambling, the mercenaries of the
room. Red embers still faintly glow in the large oven on the
Garrison aren’t allowed to keep loose coins on them
north side of the room.
while stationed at there; their pay is held for them in
Hillsfar. For this reason, most trunks only contain a spare
A group of four cooks (commoners) work this kitchen.
Red Plume uniform and a few minor trinkets of little
During the daylight hours they are busy hustling around
value.
to prepare food for the garrison. At night they sleep with
The sergeants share the red-painted bunks in each of
the other troops in Areas 7. To avoid getting their
the two bunk rooms. Each red bunk has two pegs on it,
uniforms dirty, the cooks typically change into a second
which the sergeants use to hang their keys while they
set of cooking clothes when they arrive in the morning.
sleep (each red bunk currently only has one key hanging
Normally they change back at the end of the day, but this
from it). These keys unlock all the doors in the Garrison,
evening all the cooks were exhausted and went to bed in
except for the door in Area 5.
their cooking clothes. As a result, four clean uniforms are
Since many Red Plumes are currently stationed around
neatly folded up on the tables of this room.
the Garrison or out patrolling the countryside, each of
Two dozen casks of cheap beer are stacked against the
these rooms currently only has six Red Plume soldiers
south wall of the room. Under the orders of Captain
and one Red Plume sergeant sleeping within it. If the
Helck, the cooks keep a close eye on the beer supply to
alarm is raised, they can rouse from sleep and be ready
prevent guards from overindulging. This makes a stolen
for combat after one minute (which they spend donning
cask of beer a particularly effective bribe for many of the
their armor and shield). If encountered here, they retrieve
mercenaries in the Garrison. Because they are so highly
their weapons and their shield, but not their armor. In this
sought-after, though, the cooks have a strung a chain
case, their AC is 10 (12 if they spend an action donning a
through a metal hoop at the top of each keg which is then
shield).
locked onto itself--effectively locking all of the kegs
together in a great big, heavy mess. Unlocking the shoddy 8. The Way Down to the
padlock requires a set of thieves' tools and a DC 13
Dexterity check.
Waydown
These doors always remain closed and require a
Treasure successful DC 20 Dexterity check or Captain Helck’s key
Any character that specifically states they are searching to open.
the cupboards in this room and succeeds on a DC 15
Intelligence (Investigation) finds a secret compartment in Double iron doors are set into the wall at the end of this hall.
one of them. This compartment conceals the treasure that Etched into the front of the doors is a depiction of a colossal
the cooks have managed to accrue without Helck's man standing astride the city of Hillsfar. He has a stern look on
knowledge. Inside are 2 bottles of exquisite brandy and 3 his face and his shield is raised in a protective manner.
boxes of hand-made cigars from the Dalelands. Each of
item in this stash is worth 40 gp, for a total of 200 gp for A successful DC 10 Intelligence (History) check reveals
the lot. that the image on the door is a romanticized version of
First Lord Torin Nomerthal, the current ruler of Hillsfar.
The Waydown

In addition to being locked, these doors also have a lower supplies from the sinkhole. It can lift up to one
poison spray trap. The trap serves both as a deterrent for thousand pounds at a time. One creature must operate
meddlesome guards as well as protection from anything the treadwheel to lower or raise the crane.
that might come up from the Waydown itself. If the door
is opened without the trap being first disarmed, Adjusting the Encounter
poisonous mist shoots from the doors lock into both the Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
room and the hallway. Each creature within 10 feet of the These are not cumulative:
door must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw • Very Weak and Weak Party: Reduce clay golem's hit points
to 114.
or take 22 (4d10) poison damage. The trap resets after
• Strong Party: Increase clay golem's hit points to 152
ten minutes. • Very Strong Party: Add second clay golem
The trap is detected with a successful DC 15
Intelligence (Investigation) check and is disabled with a XP Award
set of thieves' tools and a successful DC 15 Dexterity If the characters bypass the poison spray trap, award
check. each character 100 XP. Additionally, if they discover the
The doors to this room are quite thick and when closed golem’s passphrase and use it to get past it, award each
they fully muffle the sound of combat inside. Read: character an additional 250 XP. Finally, if the characters
manage to escape the garrison via the Waydown without
A 20-foot-wide by 40-foot-wide hole fills the center of this room engaging in combat, award each character an additional
from which echoes the sound of rushing water. A wooden 1,000 XP.
treadwheel crane is built next to the sinkhole. On the far side of
the hole, a partially-finished earthen statue stands surrounded Expanding the Garrison
by carving utensils. Encounters
In order to reach the Underdark, the characters must Since the characters are free to explore the Garrison in
travel down the 100-foot-deep sinkhole in this room. The any way they see fit, some flexibility is required to run this
sinkhole is not unguarded, however. The partially finished section of the adventure. Provided below is a list of
statue is actually a clay golem that was sent to the possible encounters that could occur while the characters
Garrison for extra protection. are in the Red Plume Garrison. If the mission is running
Opening the door triggers a second simple trap; an iron too smoothly, feel free to throw a few of these curveballs
ring driven into the top of the door has a long string tied at the players. The DM should be mindful of how much
to it which, when the door is opened, breaks and releases time these additional encounters will add if this adventure
a burlap sack full of pots and pans clattering to the is played in a limited time environment such as a
ground. This draws the attention of the Red Plume guard convention.
patrols (below) if the characters have not dispatched both
of them. One of the patrols arrives in three rounds to
Red Plume Guard Patrol
The Red Plumes are well aware that strange and magical
investigate the noise. The other arrives three rounds after
creatures live within the Underdark, so they take special
that. Without a means to see inside or otherwise enter the
precautions to keep the Garrison safe. At night two
room without opening the door, the trap is impossible to
patrols wander throughout the building to keep an eye out
detect.
for trouble. Each patrol consists of a Red Plume
To prevent any accidental mercenary casualties, the
sergeant, four Red Plume soldiers, and a guard dog. If
golem waits one full minute before moving to attack
danger is spotted, the guards avoid combat and instead
intruders. When the Red Plumes need to work in this
try to raise the alarm.
room, they call in Captain Helck to deactivate the golem.
He does so by entering the room alone and saying
“Has'than zann Queh”. This pass phrase makes the
golem docile until it is spoken again. Only Captain Helck
knows the secret password to disable to the golem, but is
foolish enough to keep it written on a scrap of paper
hidden in his mattress.
The treadwheel crane in this room is used to raise and
The Waydown

Conbert’s Return
If the target of Conbert’s adoration did not successfully let
him down softly during Part 2 of the adventure, he sneaks
out of his room at night to seek out the characters again.
He wanders up to the characters while they are sneaking
around the garrison and asks to be included in their
skullduggery.
If the characters accept his offer, he can provide the
basic layout for the entire Garrison. When it to comes to
the art of stealth, however, Conbert is a poor companion.
He is prone to speaking too loudly and often stops
sneaking to practice bits of his performance routine. It
should be clear to the characters that if Conbert is around
when a patrol draws near, they will most certainly be
spotted.
Conbert is tired of life in the Garrison and is willing
desert the Red Plumes to travel down the Waydown with
the characters. Arrizz warns the characters that this will
almost certainly result in Conbert’s death. Nevertheless,
the drow is still supportive of the idea since Conbert will
likely briefly distract whatever monster ends up eating
him.
A DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma
(Intimidation) check is required to get Conbert to go back
to bed.
Drunken Revelers
A group of four Red Plume soldiers have pilfered a cask
of beer from the kitchens and are now sitting in a quiet
corner of the Garrison enjoying their spoils. The guards
are too inebriated to realize that the characters should
still be locked in the feast hall and do not raise an alarm
unless attacked. Instead, they call the characters over and
demand an encore performance. If a character makes a
successful DC 10 Charisma (Performance) check, the
guards invite the entire to group to sit down and share
beer with them.
The Waydown

Part 3: Down the The runes are written in Undercommon and they read:
“Here lie false believers. The Twin Gods have risen and
Waydown the Shrine of Two-Fold Sin is their kingdom!”
If no one in the group is able to, Arrizz translates this
After successfully traveling through Garrison, the message if necessary and can also identify the bones on
characters must now lower their supplies down the the floor as kuo-toa bones. He has never explored this
sinkhole and navigate the Waydown River. part of the river, but knows that a tribe of kuo-toa used to
live here in ages past.
Navigating the River
A small cave at the bottom of the sinkhole houses a half
The Totem
The Totem is constructed primarily of stacked stones, but
dozen keelboats that the Red Plumes use for river
the bones surrounding it are lain out in disturbing
exploration. The boats are currently unguarded.
manner and bound together with wire. The skulls and
The Waydown River moves slowly, so the journey takes
other bones are arranged to form the appearance of a
eighteen hours if the characters just float with the
single, monstrous skeletal creature. Six heads and twice
current. A character succeeding on a DC 10 Wisdom
again as many arms and legs, the macabre “holds”
(water vehicle) check manages to squeeze a bit more
various trinkets in its hands; the trinkets range from
speed out of their boat and reduces the total journey
candles, clumps of dried and bound water plants, and
length to ten hours. Much of the journey takes them
even the skulls of other creatures. While not terrifyingly
through an area permeated with faerzress.
so, the display is disturbing. Any creature who views it
Characters that have traveled the river before note that
must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or gain a
they are taking a distributary off the main river; they won't
level of madness.
end up in Sporedome as they may have in past
adventures.
River Attack
Secret Mission: Lords Alliance The Garrison's underground exploration has not gone
If the characters accepted the secret mission, any of unnoticed by the kuo-toa from the Shrine of Twofold Sin.
them that succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) In response to this new human threat, the kuo-toa
check notice the word “Olon” painted on the walls of the recently built a barricade to hold an emergency reservoir
cavern. Each word has a small arrow under it, pointing of water. When the characters navigate their keelboat
further downstream. fifteen miles downstream, the kuo-toa archpriest use
control water to demolish the reservoir dam and flood
The Wages of Sin the river. At the same time, a band of fifteen kuo-toa
As the characters drift down the river, they encounter prepare to attack the boat.
several signs of the kuo-toa threat lurking ahead. A Allow the characters to make a DC 10 Wisdom
solitary kuo-toa scout is posted five miles downriver from (Perception) check to hear the sound of roaring water
the Garrison. The creature flees back to the temple (Part coming from behind them. The characters have three
4, below) as soon as it spots intruders, but characters that rounds to make preparations (such as lashing things
succeed a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check can catch a down to the boat) before the wave of turbulent water
glimpse of the creature’s bulbous eyes looking at them comes into view. When it does read the following:
before it darts underwater.
The roaring grows louder and quickly reaches a deafening furor.
A few miles further downriver a primitive totem
Suddenly a wall of churning water crashes around the river bend
dedicated to Gattash and Rashara stands by the side of
behind you and sweeps toward your little boat. As the massive
the river.
wave hurtles down the river, a chorus of croaking cheers echoes
A pillar of stacked stones nearly ten feet tall stands on the off the tunnel walls around you.
riverbank ahead. The bones of several fish-like humanoid
creatures are piled before the pillar. Runic messages painted in
blood cover the pillar stones.
The Waydown

When the wave reaches the boat, creatures onboard the
vessel must succeed a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or
fall prone. Creatures that fail by 5 or more are also
thrown overboard into the raging waters. Any character
with the Sailor background and characters that are
proficient with water vehicles make this saving throw
with advantage.
Creatures that fall overboard must make a DC 14
Strength saving throw at the beginning of their turn each
round or take 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage from the
churning water and be dragged 30 feet upriver. On a
successful save, the creature takes half damage and is not
swept upstream.
Re-boarding the ship is possible, but requires a
successful DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check. If the
supplies are not secured to the boat, there is a 50 percent
chance per round that one hundred pounds of supplies
fall overboard. After the wave passes and the water calms,
it takes one hour of searching through the water to
recover one hundred pounds of lost supplies.
Kuo-Toa Ambush
In addition to water hazards, the characters must also
deal with a force of attacking kuo-toa that wait in the
tunnels ahead. Three groups of kuo-toa warriors hide on
rocky outcroppings overlooking the Waydown River and
are prepared to jump onto the ship as the water carries it
beneath them. Each round for the first three rounds of
combat, a group consisting of four kuo-toa whips leap
down onto the boat.
Tactics
The kuo-toa use their pincer staffs to try and hurl
characters overboard. They also do their best to target
any character that is successfully steadying the ship’s
wheel. The kuo-toa are fanatical and fight to the death.
The Waydown

Part 4: The Shrine of 1. Temple Steps
Two-Fold Sin When the characters reach the temple, read the following:
After rounding a bend, the river tunnel opens up into a vast

Having safely completed their journey down river, the cavern that is nearly fifty feet high. The tunnel widens into a
characters at last arrive at the ruined shrine that signals rocky shore to the right, creating a 140-foot wide dry cavern
the end of their journey. However, they quickly discover adjacent to the river. The rubble of two destroyed statues, each
that the shrine is no longer abandoned. with both crustacean and female human features, litters the
floor of the cavern. In the midst this rubble stand two crudely
The Shrine of Twofold Sin carved statues with glimmering pearls for eyes. One statue is
In recent weeks, two disgraced cambion siblings named male and the other female. Each statue bears a mix of both
Gattash and Rashara were banished from the hellish human and fish-like features, and has bat wings spread behind
court of Graz’zt and sent to monitor the distributary of the it as they reach for each other. The cavern narrows near the back
Waydown River—a backwater section of the Underdark end and terminates in a set of twenty-foot wide steps leading to
with little to do. a pair of massive stone doors.
The twins soon discovered that a tribe of kuo-toa that
had succumbed to madness happened to call this river As soon as this scene is revealed, Arrizz urges caution.
home. Using fiendish charm and alter self, the twins Although he has never been here himself, he recognizes
convinced the kuo-toa that they were actually gods. They that this is the temple where the drow caravan was
promised to build a mighty kuo-toa empire and moved the supposed to meet with him. Since they are not waiting
tribe to an abandoned temple on the shores of the outside the temple steps, he assumes the worst. Still, the
Waydown River's distributary. After casting down the tunnel leading back to Szith Morcane is in the temple, so
previous idols of the kuo-toa god Blibdoolpoolp, the there is no other choice but to venture inside.
cambions renamed the temple The Shrine of Twofold Characters that succeed a DC 10 Intelligence (Religion)
Sin. check are able to piece together that the ruined statues
Graz’zt was pleased with their success and, as a sign of covering the floor of the cavern once depicted
his returning favor, he sent a particularly stupid hezrou Blibdoolpoolp, the deity of the kuo-toa. The two fish-like
demon to serve the twins. The twins call the hezrou Toad statues with bat wings are not depictions of any known
and bully him mercilessly. The pair of demons now plan gods (they are depictions of the twin cambions in their
to continue expanding their influence and have turned kuo-toa forms). Characters that examine the cambion
their hungry gaze to the Red Plume Garrison and the statues notice that they are each recently carved.
surface world. Both statues have two large white pearls for eyes (see
Treasure, below). The pearls require a DC 10 Strength
General Features check to successfully dislodge from the statue and are
The walls of the temple are formed from a mix of rough difficult to reach, since the statues are both fifteen feet
grey rock and polished green masonry. tall.
Ceilings. Ceilings are 20 feet high inside in the temple Additionally, each statue has a poison gas trap. Inside
and 10 feet high inside the submerged tunnels. the chest of both statues are hollow cavities filled with
Light. All the residents of the temple have darkvision, poison gas. The pearl eyes act as stoppers, holding the
so the characters must supply their own light inside the pressurized gas inside the statue. When a pearl is popped
shrine. It is otherwise completely dark. loose, the gas immediately spews into the cavern, dealing
Smells. Mildew. Rotting vegetation and fish. 22 (4d10 poison) damage to all characters within 20 feet
Sounds. Dripping water. Crunching of bone and of the statue. Characters that succeed a DC 13
barnacle underfoot. Constitution saving throw take only half this amount. The
gas dissipates after one round and deals no further
damage.
The Waydown

Detecting the trap behind the pearls requires a DC 15 • Three other members of the caravan survived the
Intelligence (Investigation) check to notice an airtight wax attack, but they were fed to a huge toad-like demon
seal surrounding each pearl. To foil the trap, characters that lives deeper in the temple. The toad demon
must poke a small hole in the wax and allow the poison hates the twins, who mercilessly whip it.
gas to harmlessly dissipate over the course of five
minutes. Renim is weaponless and loathe to fight the kuo-toa
again, but can be convinced to help in battle with a DC 10
Treasure Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check, although
If the characters pry the eyes from the statues, they attempts to persuade her are made with disadvantage.
recover four pearls worth 50 gp each. Otherwise, she stays behind the characters and flees if
things get too dangerous.
XP Award
If the characters successfully bypass the trap and recover Tactics
the pearls without trigging it, award each character 100 As soon as the kuo-toa spot intruders they attack. The
XP. archpriest begins combat by casting spirit guardians and
spiritual hammer. After that, he wades into melee with his
2. Sacrificial Hall minions in tow. If necessary, he uses mass cure wounds
Once dedicated to Blibdoolpoolp, this ancient shrine has to heal his minions that are near death and hold person to
been rededicated to Gattash and Rashara. deal with troublesome armored foes.
The scent of rotten fish fills this ruined hall. Puddles of murky Adjusting the Encounter
water cover the green stones of the floor. Eight stone pillars Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
carved with crude fish imagery stand in two rows in the center of These are not cumulative:
the room. Near the back of the hall is a slab of black stone • Very Weak Party: Remove 3 kuo-toa whips
• Weak Party: Remove 1 kuo-toa whip
covered with bloodstains and four shackles. Three sections of • Strong Party: Remove 3 kuo-toa whips; add 1 kuo-toa
the wall and floor are collapsed and filled with stagnant water. archpriest
• Very Strong Party: Remove 1 kuo-toa whip; Add 1 kuo-toa
archpriest
Unless the characters make a great deal of noise in Area
13, the croaking chant of a kuo-toa archpriest fills this 3. Flooded Tunnels
room when they open the doors. The archpriest is
dressed in soggy black robes and stands before the black These tunnels are filled with stagnant and murky water.
altar near the back of the hall. Shackled to the slab is a The water is 4 feet deep and the ground beneath littered
squirming and gagged drow named Renim. Additionally, with bones.
six kuo-toa whips flank the archpriest, dancing to his
sacrificial chant. Secret Mission: Lords Alliance
If the characters wait more than fifteen minutes before If any of the characters are members of the Lords
entering this room, the archpriest completes his ritual Alliance and are rank 2 (Redknife), read the following as
and sacrifices Renim to the Twin Gods. Otherwise, they the characters pass through this area. If there are no
have a chance to disrupt the sacrifice and rescue the eligible members do not read this boxed text.
captive drow. In this case, she is grateful for her recue
Around the bend, you see the faint glow of magical light down a
and can convey the following information:
side tunnel.
A drow caravan consisting of eight drow set out from
Szith Morcane and reached this temple yesterday. They
were attacked by a horde of kuo-toa and quickly
overwhelmed.
• The kuo-toa worship strange twin gods named

Gattash and Rashara. Renim met these gods and
suspects they are part demon and likely in league
with the fire giants.
The Waydown

4. Octopus Den 5. Toad’s Lair
If any of the characters are members of the Lords Although the underwater tunnel continues straight ahead,
Alliance and are rank 2 (Redknife), read the following as the ceiling of the tunnel disappears to reveal a room
the characters enter this area. If there are no eligible above the tunnel. A character that decides to surface sees
members do not read this boxed text; this area is empty. the following:
Whatever is glowing, it is beneath the water and casts flickering Gnawed bones and rotting corpses litter the floor of this barrel-
light on the ceiling ahead. The water gets deeper here and looks vaulted hall. Crude drawings cover the walls of the room, each
to be approximately 10-feet-deep in the niche at the end of the depicting a giant toad eating two winged humans. A hideous
tunnel. stench fills this enclosed space.
Three albino giant octopi guard these passages, but are Unable to stand his grotesque scent, the twins ordered
usually found in their den. In addition, three swarms of their hezrou demon, Toad, to stay in this room until they
quippers live here; feeding off of the octopi's cast-offs. summon him. Although incredibly stupid, Toad is smart
The octopi are easily able to swim through Area 15 and enough to realize that the cambions bully him, and he has
16 without any light at all. Dozens of bones, both harbored mutinous thoughts for many days. The kuo-toa
humanoid and animal, litter the ground here. seem loyal to the twins, however, so he fears to act on his
The glowing object is a gold coin enchanted with plans
continual flame. Olon carried the coin in a pouch, but the When the characters arrive, Toad is munching on the
clever octopi removed it after the wizard was slain. If the bones of a dismembered drow and muttering in Abyssal.
coin is disturbed, the octopi attack in a group. Attempting Characters able to understand his sullen raving can piece
to divide the party, each octopus targets an individual together that he is plotting to murder "the dumb twins
character to drag away and devour. At the end of the and their fishy men."
round the swarms of quippers emerge from the tunnels
and attack the characters. Roleplaying Toad
Toad is a dumb creature, but he believes he is smart. A crafty
grin covers his face when offers to ally with the characters. He
Adjusting the Encounter
seals the deal by licking his hand with his disgusting tongue and
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
attempting to shake the hand of the nearest character. Toad is
These are not cumulative:
sick of being bullied and any attempt to intimidate him causes
• Very Weak Party: Remove 2 giant octopi and 1 swarm of
him to fly into a rage and immediately attack.
quippers
Quote: "We will show those tiny twins who da real boss is!"
• Weak Party: Remove 1 giant octopi and 1 swarm of quippers
• Strong Party: Add 1 swarm of quippers
• Very Strong Party: Add 2 swarm of quippers Toad stands up and roars when he spots the characters. If
they do not seem immediately hostile, a cunning grin
Secret Mission: Lord’s Alliance covers his face and he sits down to talk. The demon
In discovering Olon’s treasure and learning the wizard’s knows that he cannot overcome the twins and their kuo-
fate, the characters satisfy the requirements of the special toa allies, but if he forms an alliance with the characters,
mission. he might be able to have his vengeance. Still he is afraid
of betrayal, so a DC 20 Charisma (Deception or
Treasure Persuasion) check is necessary to solidify the alliance. Of
Searching the through the muck of this submerged room course, being a demon, Toad plans to turn on the
uncovers a bit of treasure. In all, there is a leather pouch characters as soon as the twins are dead.
containing 150 gp, a signet ring engraved with the name If the characters are able to win Toad over, he leads
“Olon” worth 50 gp, and a potion of greater healing. them to Area 18 and joins the battle against the twins. He
These treasurers originally belonged to a wizard named has little regard for helping his allies and does not
Olon, who was exploring the Underdark for the Lord’s position himself to protect the characters from his stench.
Alliance. A coded journal sealed inside a watertight
oilcloth bag rests among his bones.
The Waydown

Adjusting the Encounter Adjusting the Encounter
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter. Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
These are not cumulative: These are not cumulative:
• Very Weak Party: Reduce Toad's hit points to 115; Toad has • Very Weak Party: Remove the kuo-toa archpriest
a -1 penalty to attack rolls • Weak Party: Replace kuo-toa archpriest with 2 kuo-toa
• Weak Party: Reduce Toad's hit points to 115 monitors
• Strong Party: Increase Toad's hit points to 157 • Strong Party: Add 2 kuo-toa whips
• Very Strong Party: Increase Toad's hit points to 157; Toad • Very Strong Party: Add 1 kuo-toa archpriest
has a +1 bonus to attack rolls
Treasure
6. Sanctum of Sin The twins were able to acquire a small horde of fine items
scavenged from the surrounding area. The cloth-of-gold
This opulent room is where the twins have made their
blankets covering the dais are worth a total of 500 gp.
home.
Additionally, each of the twins wears two gold rings (10
Banners of red silk hang from ceiling and fine pillows cover the gp each), a ruby necklace (100 gp each), and fine silk
floor of this decadent room. A massive stone dais covered with robes (50 gp each). The silk banners and pillows are
cloth-of-gold blankets stands near the back of the hall. Two worth a total of 160 gp.
statues in the center of the room depict twin fish-like creatures In addition to this, a water-tight instrument case resting
with bat wings. among the pillows contains a canaith mandolin.
Unless the alarm has been raised, Gattash and Rashara

7. Rear Tunnel
recline on the raised dais in this room. While in the This partially collapsed room holds a tunnel leading
presence of kuo-toa, the twins use alter self to assume the deeper into the Underdark. A group of six pack lizards,
appearance of fiendish kuo-toa with bat-like wings. They left over from the raided drow caravan, are tied to the wall
are currently attended by a kuo-toa archpriest who cools of this room. Following the tunnel away from the shrine
them with ornate fans and serves them platters of raw eventually leads to the city of Szith Morcane, where the
fish. drow resistance still struggles.
If the characters enter this room without Toad, the
twin cambions rise from their lounging with wicked grins.
Rashara steps forward and says, “Foolish mortals, you
Conclusion
With supplies successfully delivered to Szith Morcane,
should never have come here”. Gattash then orders the
the drow resistance forces are able to continue their fight
kuo-toa to attack.
against the giants. After the death of the twins, the kuo-
If the twins see that Toad is with the characters, a grave
toa river tribe is forever shattered and no longer threatens
look falls over their faces as they know they have treated
anyone. Before parting ways, Arrizz provides the
him harshly. The twins quickly try to talk Toad into
characters their share of the shipment's profits; 400 gp.
helping them, but he immediately flies into combat with a
How the characters get back is largely up to them.
ferocious roar.
Some may prefer to head to the surface near Szith
Tactics Morcane and make the long trek across the Dalelands
The ceiling of this room is 40 feet high, so the twins and through the Cormanthor forest, while others may
immediately take to the air to stay out of reach of foes. have other business in the Underdark and may wish to
They target strong looking characters with their fiendish brave its terrors to pursue them.
charm ability and order them to flee the room or turn on If the characters successfully snuck through the
their friends. They shoot rays of fire while the kuo-toa Garrison without any major disturbances, their visit is
whips engage their foes on the ground. swept under the rug and forgotten entirely. On the other
If Toad is participating in the combat, the twins hurl hand, if the adventurers were forced into a major combat,
one or two rays of fire at him every round to punish him the xenophobia on the surface intensifies and the Red
for his insolence. After the twins are dead, Toad Plume ranks swell with new recruits set on killing non-
immediately turns on the characters and the kuo-toa. humans.
The Waydown

listed for sellable gear are calculated at their selling price,
Rewards not their purchase price.
Make sure the players note their rewards on their Consumable magic items should be divided up
adventure log sheets. Give your name and DCI number (if however the group sees fit. If more than one character is
applicable) so players can record who ran the session. interested in a specific consumable magic item, the DM
can determine who gets it randomly should the group be
Experience unable to decide.
Permanent magic items are divided according to a
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated foes,
system. See the sidebar if the adventure awards
and divide by the number of characters present in the
permanent magic items.
combat. For non-combat experience, the rewards are
listed per character. Give all characters in the party non- Treasure Awards
combat experience awards unless otherwise noted. Item Name GP value
Brandy and cigars 200
Helck’s treasures 200
Combat Awards Pearls from statutes 200
Name of Foe XP per Foe
Olon’s treasure 200
Red Plume soldier 100
The twins’s treasure 1,000
Red Plume sergeant 700
Payment for shipping the goods 400
Guard dog 50
Clay golem 5,000 Canaith Mandolin
Kuo-toa 50 Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement by a bard)
Kuo-toa whip 200 Made of fine, dark wood, this mandolin is inlaid with
Kuo-toa monitor 700 mithral and mother-of-pearl in the shape of forked
Kuo-toa archpriest 2,300
lightning bolts. The bearer of this instrument can use an
Giant octopus 200
action to cause his or her voice to carry clearly for up to
Swarm of quippers 200
300 feet until the end of the bearer’s next turn. A
Toad, hezrou 3,900
description of this item can be found in the Dungeon
Gattash, cambion 1,800
Master's Guide.
Rashara, cambion 1,800
Non-Combat Awards Potion of Healing (Greater)

Task or Accomplishment XP per character Potion, rare
Perform well at the dinner 150 A description of this item can be found in the Dungeon
Complete secret mission 200 Master's Guide.
Bypass trap in the Waydown room 100
Bypass golem using passphrase 250 Spell Scroll: Greater Restoration
Avoid major garrison combat 1,000 Scroll, rare
Bypass statues's poison traps 100 This spell scroll contains a single greater restoration
Recover Olon’s journal 200 spell. A description of spell scrolls can be found in the
The minimum total award for each character basic rules or Dungeon Master's Guide.
participating in this adventure is 4,500 experience
points.
The maximum total award for each character
participating in this adventure is 7,500 experience
points.
Treasure
The characters receive the following treasure, divided up
among the party. Characters should attempt to divide
treasure evenly whenever possible. Gold piece values
The Waydown

Permanent Magic Item Distribution
D&D Adventurers League has a system in place to determine
who is awarded permanent magic items at the end of a session.
Each character's log sheet contains a column to record
permanent magic items for ease of reference.
• If the players at the table agree on one character taking
possession of a permanent magic item, that character gets
the item.
• In the event that one or more characters indicate an interest
in possessing a permanent magic item, the character that
possesses the fewest permanent magic items gets the item.
If there is a tie in the total number of permanent magic
items owned by contesting characters, the item's owner is
determined randomly by the DM.
Renown
All faction members earn one renown point for
participating in this adventure.
Zhentarim characters earn one additional renown
point for successfully getting the Arrizz and his trade
goods to Szith Morcane.
Order of the Gauntlet characters of rank 2 (Marchon) or
higher who complete their special mission earn one
additional renown point and should note the
completion of a special mission on their adventure
logsheet.
Lords Alliance characters of rank 2 (Redknife) or higher
who complete their special mission earn one additional
renown point and should note the completion of a
special mission on their adventure logsheet.
Downtime
Each character receives ten downtime days at the
conclusion of this adventure.
DM Rewards
You receive 400 XP, 200 gp and ten downtime days for
running this session.
The Waydown

Appendix: Monster/NPC Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison
damage.
Statistics Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 30/120
ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage, and the target
Commoner must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the
target is also unconscious while poisoned in this way. The target
Armor Class 10 wakes up if it takes damage or if another creature takes an action
Hit Points 4 (1d8) to shake it awake.
Speed 30 ft.
Reactions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Parry. The drow adds 3 to its AC against one melee attack that
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
would hit it. To do so, the drow must see the attacker and be
wielding a melee weapon.
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 0 (10 XP)
Guard Dog (Wolf)

Actions Medium beast, unaligned
Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage. Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
Speed 40 ft.
Arrizz, Drow Elite Warrior STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 3 (–4) 12 (+1) 6 (–2)
Armor Class 18 (studded leather, shield) Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4

Hit Points 71 (11d8 + 22) Senses passive Perception 13
Speed 30 ft. Languages —
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
13 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolf has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +5, Wis +4
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +10 Pack Tactics. The wolf has advantage on an attack roll against a
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14 creature if at least one of the wolf’s allies is within 5 feet of the
Languages Elvish, Undercommon creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Actions
Fey Ancestry. The drow has advantage on saving throws against Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7
being charmed, and magic can’t put the drow to sleep. (2d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must
Innate Spellcasting. The drow’s spellcasting ability is Charisma succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
(spell save DC 12). It can innately cast the following spells,
requiring no material components:
At will: dancing lights
1/day each: darkness, faerie fire, levitate (self only)
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the drow has disadvantage
on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) checks that
rely on sight.
Actions
Multiattack. The drow makes two shortsword attacks.
The Waydown

Red Plume Soldier (Thug)
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
Clay Golem
Armor Class 15 (chain shirt, shield) Large construct, unaligned
Speed 30 ft. Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 133 (14d10 + 56)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Speed 20 ft.
15 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 11 (+0)
Skills Intimidation +2 20 (+5) 9 (−1) 18 (+4) 3 (−4) 8 (−1) 1 (−5)
Languages any one language (usually Common) Damage Immunities acid, poison, psychic; bludgeoning,
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t
adamantine
Pack Tactics. The thug has advantage on an attack roll against a Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
creature if at least one of the thug’s allies is within 5 feet of the paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t
speak
Actions Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Multiattack. The thug makes two melee attacks.
Acid Absorption. Whenever the golem is subjected to acid
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a number of hit
Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
points equal to the acid damage dealt.
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, range 100/400
Berserk. Whenever the golem starts its turn with 60 hit points or
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing damage.
fewer, roll a d6. On a 6, the golem goes berserk. On each of its
turns while berserk, the golem attacks the nearest creature it can
see. If no creature is near enough to move to and attack, the
Red Plume Sergeant golem attacks an object, with preference for an object smaller
than itself. Once the golem goes berserk, it continues to do so
(Veteran) until it is destroyed or regains all its hit points.
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment Immutable Form. The golem is immune to any spell or effect that
would alter its form.
Armor Class 17 (splint)
Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18) Magic Resistance. The golem has advantage on saving throws
Speed 30 ft. against spells and other magical effects.
Magic Weapons. The golem’s weapon attacks are magical.
16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
Actions
Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2 Multiattack. The golem makes two slam attacks.
Languages any one language (usually Common) Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
Challenge 3 (700 XP) 16 (2d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or have its
hit point maximum reduced by an amount equal to the damage
Actions taken. The target dies if this attack reduces its hit point
Multiattack. The veteran makes two longsword attacks. If it has a maximum to 0. The reduction lasts until removed by the greater
shortsword drawn, it can also make a shortsword attack. restoration spell or other magic.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Haste (Recharge 5–6). Until the end of its next turn, the golem
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing magically gains a +2 bonus to its AC, has advantage on Dexterity
damage if used with two hands. saving throws, and can use its slam attack as a bonus action.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 100/400
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing damage.
The Waydown

Kuo-toa Kuo-toa Whip
Medium humanoid (kuo-toa), neutral evil Medium humanoid (kuo-toa), neutral evil
Armor Class 13 (natural armor, shield) Armor Class 11 (natural armor)

Hit Points 18 (4d8) Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft. Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
13 (+1) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (−1) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0)
Skills Perception +4
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14 Skills Perception +6, Religion +4
Languages Undercommon Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) Languages Undercommon
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Amphibious. The kuo-toa can breathe air and water.
Amphibious. The kuo-toa can breathe air and water.
Otherworldly Perception. The kuo-toa can sense the presence of
any creature within 30 feet of it that is invisible or on the Ethereal Otherworldly Perception. The kuo-toa can sense the presence of
Plane. It can pinpoint such a creature that is moving. any creature within 30 feet of it that is invisible or on the Ethereal
Plane. It can pinpoint such a creature that is moving.
Slippery. The kuo-toa has advantage on ability checks and saving
throws made to escape a grapple. Slippery. The kuo-toa has advantage on ability checks and saving
throws made to escape a grapple.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kuo-toa has
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kuo-toa has
checks that rely on sight. disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on sight.
Actions Spellcasting. The kuo-toa is a 2nd-level spellcaster. Its
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with
(1d4 + 1) piercing damage. spell attacks). The kuo-toa has the following cleric spells
prepared:
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage, or 5 Cantrips (at will): sacred flame, thaumaturgy
(1d8 + 1) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a 1st level (3 slots): bane, shield of faith
melee attack.
Net. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 5/15 ft., one Large
Actions
or smaller creature. Hit: The target is restrained. A creature can Multiattack. The kuo-toa makes two attacks: one with its bite and
use its action to make a DC 10 Strength check to free itself or one with its pincer staff.
another creature in a net, ending the effect on a success. Dealing
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4
5 slashing damage to the net (AC 10) frees the target without
(1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
harming it and destroys the net.
Pincer Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
Reactions target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a
Medium or smaller creature, it is grappled (escape DC 14). Until
Sticky Shield. When a creature misses the kuo-toa with a melee
this grapple ends, the kuo-toa can’t use its pincer staff on
weapon attack, the kuo-toa uses its sticky shield to catch the
another target.
weapon. The attacker must succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving
throw, or the weapon becomes stuck to the kuo-toa’s shield. If
the weapon’s wielder can’t or won’t let go of the weapon, the
wielder is grappled while the weapon is stuck. While stuck, the
weapon can’t be used. A creature can pull the weapon free by
taking an action to make a DC 11 Strength check and succeeding.
The Waydown

Kuo-toa Monitor Kuo-toa Archpriest
Medium humanoid (kuo-toa), neutral evil Medium humanoid (kuo-toa), neutral evil
Armor Class 13 (natural armor) Armor Class 13 (natural armor)

Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft. Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 14 (+2)
Skills Perception +6, Religion +4 Skills Perception +9, Religion +6

Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 16 Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages Undercommon Languages Undercommon
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Amphibious. The kuo-toa can breathe air and water. Amphibious. The kuo-toa can breathe air and water.
Otherworldly Perception. The kuo-toa can sense the presence of Otherworldly Perception. The kuo-toa can sense the presence of
any creature within 30 feet of it that is invisible or on the Ethereal any creature within 30 feet of it that is invisible or on the Ethereal
Plane. It can pinpoint such a creature that is moving. Plane. It can pinpoint such a creature that is moving.
Slippery. The kuo-toa has advantage on ability checks and saving Slippery. The kuo-toa has advantage on ability checks and saving
throws made to escape a grapple. throws made to escape a grapple.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kuo-toa has Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the kuo-toa has
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on sight. checks that rely on sight.
Spellcasting. The kuo-toa is a 10th-level spellcaster. Its
Actions spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with
Multiattack. The kuo-toa makes one bite attack and two spell attacks). The kuo-toa has the following cleric spells
unarmed strikes. prepared:
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 Cantrips (at will): guidance, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
(1d4 + 2) piercing damage. 1st level (3 slots): detect magic, sanctuary, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
3rd level (3 slots): spirit guardians, tongues
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage plus 3 (1d6) 4th level (3 slots): banishment, divination
lightning damage, and the target can’t take reactions until the 5th level (2 slots): mass cure wounds, flamestrike
end of the kuo-toa’s next turn.
Actions
Multiattack. The kuo-toa makes two melee attacks.
Scepter. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 14 (4d6) lightning
damage.
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
The Waydown

Giant Octopus enough for a Tiny quipper. The swarm can’t regain hit points or
gain temporary hit points.
Large beast, unaligned
Water Breathing. The swarm can breathe only underwater.
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 52 (8d10 + 8) Actions
Speed 10 ft., swim 60 ft.
Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature in
the swarm’s space. Hit: 14 (4d6) piercing damage, or 7 (2d6)
piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer.
17 (+3) 13 (+1) 13 (+1) 4 (−3) 10 (+0) 4 (−3)
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages — Toad, Hezrou
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Large fiend (demon), chaotic evil
Hold Breath. While out of water, the octopus can hold its breath Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
for 1 hour. Hit Points 136 (13d10 + 65)
Speed 30 ft.
Underwater Camouflage. The octopus has advantage on
Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while underwater. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Water Breathing. The octopus can breathe only underwater. 19 (+4) 17 (+3) 20 (+5) 5 (−3) 12 (+1) 13 (+1)
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +8, Wis +4

Actions Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing,
Tentacles. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 15 ft., one and slashing from nonmagical weapons
target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Damage Immunities poison
creature, it is grappled (escape DC 16). Until this grapple ends, Condition Immunities poisoned
the target is restrained, and the octopus can’t use its tentacles on Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11
another target. Languages Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.
Ink Cloud (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). A 20-foot-radius
cloud of ink extends all around the octopus if it is underwater. Magic Resistance. The hezrou has advantage on saving throws
The area is heavily obscured for 1 minute, although a significant against spells and other magical effects.
current can disperse the ink. After releasing the ink, the octopus
can use the Dash action as a bonus action. Stench. Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the
hezrou must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or be
poisoned until the start of its next turn. On a successful saving
throw, the creature is immune to the hezrou’s stench for 24
Swarm of Quippers hours.
Medium swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned
Actions
Armor Class 13 Multiattack. The hezrou makes three attacks: one with its bite
Hit Points 28 (8d8 − 8) and two with its claws.
Speed 0 ft., swim 40 ft.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
13 (+1) 16 (+3) 9 (−1) 1 (−5) 7 (−2) 2 (−4)
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed, petrified,
prone, restrained, stunned
Languages —
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Blood Frenzy. The swarm has advantage on melee attack rolls

against any creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and vice
versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large
The Waydown

Gattash and Rashara,
Cambions
Medium fiend, lawful evil
Armor Class 19 (scale mail)

Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.

18 (+4) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +6, Int +5, Cha +6

Skills Deception +6, Intimidation +6, Perception +4, Stealth +7
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, poison; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal
Fiendish Blessing. The AC of the cambion includes its Charisma

bonus.
Innate Spellcasting. The cambion’s spellcasting ability is
Charisma (spell save DC 14). The cambion can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
3/day each: alter self, command, detect magic
1/day: plane shift (self only)
Actions
Multiattack. The cambion makes two melee attacks or uses its
Fire Ray twice.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage, or 8
(1d8 + 4) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a
melee attack, plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.
Fire Ray. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range 120 ft., one target.
Hit: 10 (3d6) fire damage.
Fiendish Charm. One humanoid the cambion can see within 30
feet of it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be
magically charmed for 1 day. The charmed target obeys the
cambion’s spoken commands. If the target suffers any harm
from the cambion or another creature or receives a suicidal
command from the cambion, the target can repeat the saving
throw, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a target’s saving
throw is successful, or if the effect ends for it, the creature is
immune to the cambion’s Fiendish Charm for the next 24 hours.
The Waydown

DM Appendix: NPC
Summary
This section is provided to the Dungeon Master to help
keep track of the various NPCs present in the adventure.
Felratha (FELL-rah-thuh). Female human leader of

Felratha’s Merry Minstrels.
Arrizz (ARE-eez). A male drow smuggler from a far off

drow city. Ravaged by a strange fungal infection. He
occasionally acts as a broker for the drow of Szith
Morcane.
Conbert (CON-bert). Male human Red Plume soldier;

aspiring performer.
Maggarl Helck (MAG-erl HELLK). Male human captain

of the Red Plume Garrison.
Toad. Hezrou demon; servant of the twins.
Rashara (ruh-SHAR-uh). Female cambion servant of

Graz'zt, twin of Gattash.
Gattash (Guh-TASH). Male cambion servant of Graz’zt;

twin of Rashara.
The Waydown

Player Handout: Letter from Felratha
Greetings adventurer,
Although you do not know me, I have heard much about you and your exploits. I am
Felratha, a wandering minstrel and Joydancer of Lliira. During my years of bringing joy to
the people of Hillsfar I have worked with many political groups and factions, including the
Order of the Gauntlet, the Emerald Enclave, the Harpers, the Lord's Alliance, and even the
Zhentarim. When I sent word of my dire need to each of these factions, they told me to
contact you.
At this very moment, a great war wages beneath our feet. I fear that if we do not act soon
it will spill over to the surface world. Deep in the Underdark, a horde of fire giants has
captured the drow city of Szith Morcane. Although wicked creatures, the drow are the last
force standing between us and an army of giants. I believe this to be this truth: to defeat
one enemy, we must side with another. Please travel to my minstrel caravan at once. We
are camped a half-day’s ride from Hillsfar.
If the safety of the surface world does not move you to action, know also that the drow
have promised a reward of 1,000 gold pieces to those who aid them.
Joy to you,
Felratha
The Waydown

Map: Red Plume Garrison
The Waydown

Map: The Shrine of Two-Fold Sin
The Waydown

Results Code: October-November 2015
If you are DMing this adventure during the months of October or November 2015, please show your players this page. The
QR code below can be scanned, and will allow them to give feedback and results on the adventure to influence the
storyline in the future!
If a player does not have a mobile device, please tell them to head to dndadventurersleague.org/results to enter their
results.
The Waydown

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The Waydown

Debut: October 23, 2015

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Adjusting the Adventure Dungeon Mastering the

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Felratha's Merry Minstrels • Although Hillsfar is in dire straits, a greater war

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Adjusting the Encounter Roleplaying Captain Maggarl Helck

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After rounding a bend, the river tunnel opens up into a vast

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• The kuo-toa worship strange twin gods named

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Unless the alarm has been raised, Gattash and Rashara

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Non-Combat Awards Potion of Healing (Greater)

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Guard Dog (Wolf)

Armor Class 18 (studded leather, shield) Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4

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Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

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Armor Class 13 (natural armor, shield) Armor Class 11 (natural armor)

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Armor Class 13 (natural armor) Armor Class 13 (natural armor)

Skills Perception +6, Religion +4 Skills Perception +9, Religion +6

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Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5

Saving Throws Str +7, Con +8, Wis +4

Blood Frenzy. The swarm has advantage on melee attack rolls

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Armor Class 19 (scale mail)

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Saving Throws Str +7, Con +6, Int +5, Cha +6

Fiendish Blessing. The AC of the cambion includes its Charisma

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Felratha (FELL-rah-thuh). Female human leader of

Arrizz (ARE-eez). A male drow smuggler from a far off