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Design, Writing, Layout: Wyatt Trull

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INTRODUCTION ANATOMY OF A CHARACTER SECRET CARD
Not everyone is an open book; most folk in this world are This supplement follows a formula for a character secret:
filled with shame and regret; player characters are no • The Secret. This section is for a player's eyes and briefly
different. Some players even wish to embrace a checkered describes their secret. It is written in first person. This
past when designing their character, but those details text is reprinted on the cards in Appendix A.
often have little to no relevance to the campaign, leaving • Additional Information. A player can't help but retain
it up to the Dungeon Master to incorporate or ignore those details they glean; to prevent leaking too many secrets,
secrets. Cue Character Secrets: a lightweight system that some information is kept out of the player's hands until
enhances roleplaying and ties the past into the present they commit to the secret that they drew. Not all secrets
with little work on the player or DM's part. warrant extra information.
This supplement contains thirty-three secrets tied to the • Using the Secret. This section is for DM's; it describes
events, characters, and factions of Waterdeep: Dungeon how you can incorporate the secret in your campaign,
of the Mad Mage. be it by having certain NPCs react differently to the
secret-bearer, by adding a twist, or allowing that person
to bypass certain restrictions in the campaign.
WHAT ARE CHARACTER SECRETS?
First featured in Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden, SECRETS IN DUNGEON OF THE MAD MAGE
character secrets are meant to foment distrust and intrigue
With but a few pockets of civilization in Undermountain,
among player characters. These secrets are more than just
the character secrets in this supplement are centered on
background information; instead, they can, and should,
previous delves into the dungeon or acquaintances that are
factor into the campaign. Some secrets are benign or out-
already inside. They are chiefly concerned with why the
right helpful, but most are shames or secret regrets that
secret-bearer has decided to venture into the dungeon. As
should color a character throughout the campaign.
these secret-bearers have been in the dungeon before, and
Some character secrets are wholly narrative in nature,
recently, they might have familiarity with some areas in
having a direct impact on the secret-bearer's development
the upper reaches of Undermountain.
or the campaign itself. Some secrets also grant mechanical
Additionally, with Waterdeep being above the dungeon,
benefits to the secret-bearer, such as a language, skill, or
a character's secret can be related to forces in the city,
even a cantrip, just as they do in Icewind Dale: Rime of
such as being an adulterer, fugitive, or criminal. See the
the Frostmaiden.
Waterdeep: Dragon Heist edition of Character Secrets,
DRAWING CHARACTER SECRETS as many are apt for Dungeon of the Mad Mage.
Appendix A of this supplement contains a printer-friendly
version of the character secret cards that you should print,
cut out, and shuffle into a deck.
Before the campaign starts, you should determine how
many of the player characters should have a secret. This
number is left to you, but it is recommended that they all
begin with one. A player draws a random card from the
deck and decides whether to embrace the secret or reject
it. However, a secret may not fit the character that that
player wished to play, or that character might fail to meet
the secret's prerequisites. If the secret is discarded, the
player draws another card.
It is perfectly all right if not all players wish to adopt a
secret; however, they should keep the card and inform you
privately that they won't be playing with one, so that the
other players don't just rule out the possibility.
Likewise, it's acceptable if a player character reveals
their secret immediately, guards it forever, or waits for a
later occasion to reveal it.

3
 SECRETS IN THIS SUPPLEMENT
Character Secrets ............................................................ 5
A Real Boy ................................................................. 5
Condemned Criminal .................................................. 5
Culpable Animator ..................................................... 5
Cursed Spelunker ........................................................ 6
Diseased Adventurer................................................... 6
Dishonored Legionnaire ............................................. 6
Draconic Descendant .................................................. 6
Dweomercore Dropout ............................................... 6
Ex-Cultist .................................................................... 7
Failed Savior ............................................................... 7
Fine Fellow of Daggerford ......................................... 7
Fugitive ....................................................................... 7
Geas Victim ................................................................ 7
Heir of Melair ............................................................. 8
Heir to Madness .......................................................... 8
Illithid Thrall............................................................... 8
Maddgoth's Revenant ................................................. 9
Offworlder .................................................................. 9
Ooze Cleric of Ghaunadaur ........................................ 9
Potential Consort ...................................................... 10
Public Failure............................................................ 10
Ruined Paramour ...................................................... 10
Shadowdusk Inheritor ............................................... 10
Skullport Pen Pal ...................................................... 11
Treacherous Adventurer ........................................... 11
Troll Cancer .............................................................. 11
Trove-Hider .............................................................. 11
Tyr's Redeemer ......................................................... 12
Undermountain Addict ............................................. 12
Undertaker ................................................................ 12
Victim of the Fine Fellows ....................................... 12
Xanathar Agent ......................................................... 13
Zhent Drugrunner ..................................................... 13
Appendix A: Character Secret Cards ............................ 14

4
 CHARACTER SECRETS
The secrets are presented alphabetically:
A REAL BOY CULPABLE ANIMATOR
I was nothing more than a wooden puppet fashioned by Prerequisite: You must be an artificer or wizard. If you do not
some foolish ventriloquist before the Mad Mage found meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
and granted me life through a wish spell. The wizard did I animated a suit of armor to act as my servant, but, in an
not, however, deign to grant me flesh, only an illusion to attempt to grant it critical thinking, imbued too much self-
hide my true nature. will in the construct. After developing a taste for murder,
I count as a construct rather than a humanoid, except for it was chased into Undermountain by the Waterdeep City
the purposes of a spell of 1st-level or higher that restores Watch. My hands are stained with the blood this construct
hit points. has shed, and it is my duty to find and destroy it once and
for all.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The secret-bearer's illusory appearance can be discerned USING THIS SECRET
through a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check made The animator's creation is an animated armor. It appears
as an action. On a failure, a character can repeat this to attack the adventurers on Levels 2 and 5, as well as in
ability check once every 24 hours until they succeed. Skullport. Every time it is destroyed, it is reassembled and
gains a +1 bonus to its attack and damage rolls as well as
USING THIS SECRET 10 more hit points. Once the party reaches Level 9, the
After running into the secret-bearer again, the Mad Mage construct has become a helmed horror shaped in the
telepathically offers to turn the secret-bearer into a real visage of its creator. It speaks Common and can at last
person if they betray the other adventurers. express its disdain for its creator. It can be destroyed twice
more after this and continues to beleaguer the party until
CONDEMNED CRIMINAL the campaign concludes or after it has been slain twice.
I was convicted in the city of Waterdeep for crimes, but Surprisingly, the Mad Mage is not the source of the
rather than languish in a prison cell or dangle at the end construct's newfound power but Trobriand, Halaster's
of a noose, I was condemned to Undermountain. Should I apprentice. The tinkerer took a shine to the construct
return to the city above, I will be put to death. A new and when he encountered it in the upper levels of the dungeon
free life awaits me if I can find a passage to a land outside and taught it how to reassemble and upgrade itself.
Waterdeep's jurisdiction.

USING THIS SECRET

The secret-bearer risks being arrested by the City Watch
(whose officers have the statistics of veterans) whenever
the party returns to Waterdeep to resupply. Two officers
are drinking at the Yawning Portal the first time the party
returns; they condescendingly remind the secret-bearer
not to leave the inn. "There won't be a trial this time," one
says with a smile.

5
CURSED SPELUNKER
I was struck with a strange malady when I last ventured
into Undermountain: I can gain sustenance only by eating
minerals, precious metals, and gemstones. It is for this
reason others do not tolerate my presence in their party
for long: sooner or later, I've devoured the loot. A spell of
greater restoration can rid me of this malady.
To better secure my sustenance, I have a mining pick.
A pound of rations is equal to one gemstone worth 10 gp
or more, 50 cp, 25 sp, 5 gp, or a pound of raw minerals.

DISEASED ADVENTURER
I am cursed with an insidious disease that conventional
healing and magic has failed to cure. With little of my life
left, I have delved into Undermountain, seeking riches to
leave behind for my family.

USING THIS SECRET

Wyllow (see Level 5) can purge the secret-bearer's illness
but does so only if they wipe out the werebats (all of them, DRACONIC DESCENDANT
including the children). Prerequisite: You must be a bronze dragonborn or a draconic
sorcerer with bronze dragon ancestry. If you do not meet this
DISHONORED LEGIONNAIRE prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
Prerequisite: You must be a bugbear, goblin, or hobgoblin. If My draconic lineage can be traced to Glyster, a bronze
you do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card. dragon that befriended Lord Vanrak of House Moonstar.
I am a faithful officer of the Legion of Azrok that has been As the rumors go, the two descended into Undermountain,
exiled in disgrace. A disastrous defeat against the drow never to be seen again.
was pinned on me by a rival after I discovered a growing
conspiracy within the legion. I must save my lord and
USING THIS SECRET
During the confrontation with Umbraxakar on Level 18,
people from this shadow cabal, but to step back into the
the secret-bearer has advantage on Charisma checks to
legion's territory is to guarantee my execution.
persuade the dragon into turning back from its dark and
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION morose path.
The secret-bearer is familiar with Stromkuhldur (Level 3),
the Legion of Azrok, and the drow of House Auvryndar. DWEOMERCORE DROPOUT
Most of the legion's soldiers recognize the secret-bearer Prerequisite: You must be an artificer, wizard, or sorcerer. If
and consider them a disgrace or even a traitor. Only you do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
Kliyuse the Skull Cleaver, a hobgoblin captain, believes
I once attended Dweomercore, the fabled wizard academy
the secret-bearer to be innocent.
buried beneath Waterdeep and presided over by the Mad
USING THIS SECRET Mage himself. I was not up to task, and warned never to
The legionnaires of Level 3 react with outright hostility to return, but if I just show the headmaster how much I have
the secret-bearer; some even go so far as to attack them. grown since my expulsion, surely he will reaccept me!
If Kliyuse the Skull Cleaver (see area 17A) encounters the My time at Dweomercore has taught me two extra spells
secret-bearer, and is convinced that they are here to help above the number of spells I know for my class level. The
the Legion, he smuggles them into Azrok's Hold. extra spells I choose must be of a level that I can cast.
Unbeknownst to the secret-bearer, they have stumbled USING THIS SECRET
upon the illithid Ulquess's (see Area 21G) plot to implant
The secret-bearer knows Dweomercore's layout and can
intellect devourers into legionnaire skulls so as to control
navigate it with ease. They are aware of the fatal traps in
the Legion of Azrok. Once Ulquess learns of the secret-
Area 24. The Headmaster does not remember expelling
bearer's return, it sends four goblins, two bugbears, and
the secret-bearer, hinting that Halaster does not actually
a hobgoblin captain to quietly kill the secret-bearer. An
preside over Dweomercore.
intellect devourer infests the skull of each of these
warriors.

6
EX-CULTIST USING THIS SECRET
I am a former member of a cult operating in the shadows The Fine Fellows react with distrust or outright hostility
of Undermountain. The cult's icon is tattooed somewhere when they meet the secret-bearer. Kelim is likely to throw
on my body. themselves at their mercy; Waukeen insists they redeem
themselves by assisting him in his quest for vengeance;
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Copper flees and Midna insists bygones ought to be by-
The secret-bearer belonged to the Vanrakdoom cult, led gones. Rex, for his part, launches into battle.
by the vampire cleric of Shar, Keresta Delvingstone. They
know that Vanrakdoom was founded by the disgraced FUGITIVE
Lord Vanrak Moonstar, a Waterdhavian noble who fell
I am a fugitive who escaped a Waterdhavian cell. With
from grace and rose as a death knight—before committing
enough gold, my crimes can be forgiven, or at least
suicide in the year 1436 DR. They are also aware of the
forgotten, by the authorities. With a 5,000 gp bounty on
shadow dragon Umbraxakar, Vanrak's faithful friend and
my head, I must perpetually be wary for bounty hunters.
companion, who remains in Vanrakdoom.

USING THIS SECRET USING THIS SECRET

If an adventurer learns the secret-bearer's true name, they
The secret-bearer can navigate the halls of Vanrakdoom
can attempt a DC 15 Intelligence (History) check to recall
with ease but is unaware that the cult has melded the
the secret-bearer's crimes, and, more importantly, that the
dungeon with the Shadowfell. Keresta and most cultists
Waterdeep City Watch has been put a 5,000 gp bounty on
recognize the secret-bearer and reveal their affiliation.
their head, dead or alive.
Inevitably, a LE human blackguard (see Volo's Guide
FAILED SAVIOR to Monsters) named Daria enters Undermountain to track
When a gaggle of Waterdhavian miners fell into Under- down the fugitive. Thanks to a seer, she has divined the
mountain years ago, I was one of the spelunkers assigned secret-bearer's location in the dungeon. She is inclined to
to rescue them. We met our bloody end in that dungeon. slay the secret-bearer and drag their corpse back to the
Faced with monsters, I was forced to choose between city above.
saving the stranded or my own sorry ass. Much to my If you do not have access to Volo's Guide to Monsters,
shame, I chose the latter. Daria is instead an assassin.

USING THIS SECRET GEAS VICTIM

The manticores of Level 1 recognize the secret-bearer
and mock them for abandoning their charges long ago. The Mad Mage placed a geas spell on me when I last
ventured into Undermountain. His instructions were to
"Deliver adventurers into my domain and betray them at
FINE FELLOW OF DAGGERFORD their weakest moment. Speak nothing of your curse lest
I was once a card-carrying member of the murderous Fine you incur my wrath. You have but one month to deliver
Fellows of Daggerford, a cutthroat adventuring party that or else!"
menaced the Sword Coast. The crimes we committed for
the sake of gold, glory, and power are far too numerous ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
and horrible for me to describe. The secret-bearer's encounter with Halaster occurred 1d6
+ 2 days ago, giving them just over three weeks finish
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION their task. As described in the geas spell, a remove curse,
The secret-bearer is familiar with each Fine Fellow of greater restoration, or wish spell removes the geas.
Daggerford and can recognize them on sight. They consist
of the following bastards: USING THIS SECRET
• The craven human thief, Kelim the Weasel Halaster periodically contacts the secret-bearer through
• The half-elf cleric of Waukeen, Halleth Garke telepathy to remind them of how much time they've left
• The dwarf thief, Copper Stormforge before the geas spell triggers, or insist they "do it" when
• The human priest of Shar, Midna Tauberth the adventurers are weak.
• The human warrior, Rex the Hammerer

7
 USING THIS SECRET
Taselgryn Velldarn (see Skullport) is shocked when she
meets the secret-bearer and demands they leave Under-
mountain immediately, even going as far as to shove them
into her teleportation circle.
Halaster is mainly oblivious that his child has entered
the dungeon, but once he realizes the truth, he vacillates
between "testing" them ("The Heir to Madness must be
mighty indeed!" he shouts) and showing them mercy. If
the secret-bearer dies and there is no chance for them to
be resurrected, Halaster casts a wish spell to reverse time,
restore them to 1 hit point, and teleport them to the nearest
safe haven. This magic catches the entire party, granting
them the same benefits. The adventurers' memories are
cloudy but they can all remember fighting and/or dying.
Inevitably, Halaster corners his child, wishes a flame
tongue shortsword into his and their hands, and begins a
duel. At the duel's zenith, he demands that they join him
to "rule Faerûn as father and [son or daughter]." If the
secret-bearer refuses, Halaster cuts off their hand.

HEIR OF MELAIR ILLITHID THRALL

Prerequisite: You must be a dwarf. If you do not meet this pre- I am a mind-controlled thrall of a mind flayer colony that
requisite, draw a different secret card. lurks in the depths of Undermountain. My mission is to
I am one of the many descendants of Melair, king of the deliver impressive heroes into my masters' clutches so
Melairkyn dwarves, who settled Undermountain long that they too may serve the colony.
before Waterdeep was even established. The legacy of my My repeated exposure to the illithids' psionic energy has
sires—of my people—lie buried below and it is up to me granted me the ability to cast detect thoughts once per
to bring its relics, art, and philosophies to the surface. long rest and mage hand at will; whenever I cast mage
hand in this way, the hand is invisible. Intelligence is my
USING THIS SECRET spellcasting ability for these spells.
As an heir of King Melair, the secret-bearer can open the
basalt doors in Area 15B of Level 6, much to the shock of USING THIS SECRET
Skella Ironeye. The secret-bearer is frequently compelled to save their
allies throughout the campaign—anything to deliver them
to Seadeeps on Level 17. The githzerai of Level 15, Area
HEIR TO MADNESS 24 sense something off about the secret-bearer, whereas
Prerequisite: You must be a human, half-elf, or half-orc. If you the githyanki of Level 16 and 17 are oblivious. The many
do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
illithids of Level 17 can sense the thrall's secret allegiance
I am the secret child of Halaster Blackcloak. My distant and clear a path to Extremiton, who thanks the thrall for
guardian, Taselgryn Velldarn, spirited me away to an their service.
orphanage in Waterdeep shortly after my birth. Tas made
infrequent visits over the years, but she left me with one
warning: never enter Undermountain.
Because the blood of such a mighty wizard flows in my
veins, I know one sorcerer cantrip of my choice. Charisma
is my spellcasting ability for this spell.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The secret-bearer knows Taselgryn, the human archmage
of Skullport, and that she has a teleportation circle linked
to a Waterdhavian orphanage.

8
MADDGOTH AND THE COMPANION OFFWORLDER
The infamous serial killer Maddgoth is only haphazardly
I am not from this world; I was brought here by a magical
featured in Dungeon of the Mad Mage. His return is necessary
to make the most of the Maddgoth's Revenant secret. As it is
vessel known as Scavenger that prowled the void between
recommended in the Dungeon of the Mad Mage Companion, worlds… but I was not a crewmate. Instead, I was kept as
written by the same author as this supplement, Maddgoth cattle for its mind flayer captain whose fondness for fresh
should return to his castle while the adventurers are exploring brains necessitated the keeping of live prisoners.
it during the events of Level 7. The ship crashed in the depths of Undermountain; a
If you utilize the Companion's changes, the adventurers are sudden portal delivered me to Waterdeep.
sure to know that Maddgoth is a cold-hearted killer. Likewise,
Maddgoth will recognize the secret-bearer and know that ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
there can only be violence. Skip Act II of Maddgoth's Dance A "crazed old man" stole the engine of Scavenger after it
and proceed with the battle tactics outlined in Act III. crashed in the dungeon. The secret-bearer doesn't know
just how a spaceship crashes in a subterranean cavern but
that hardly matters now. The ship's crew consisted of orcs
MADDGOTH'S REVENANT and shapechangers. The secret-bearer's memories from
Prerequisite: You must be a wizard. If you do not meet this before being brought aboard the ship have been scrubbed
prerequisite, draw a different card. by repeated exposure to the illithid's psionic mind.
I was hunted by the wizard Maddgoth, a serial killer that USING THIS SECRET
targets other wizards for sport. The bastard defeated me A spell of greater restoration returns the secret-bearer's
in single combat, and, presuming I was dead, left with my memories. They recall that they were raised on H'Catha,
spellbook and wand. Were it not for a passing healer, I a wheel-shaped planet ruled by beholders.
would have succumbed to my wounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OOZE CLERIC OF GHAUNADAUR

Maddgoth cozied up to the secret-bearer before launching I am a secret hierophant of Ghaunadaur, the deity of oozes
his attack, as he does with all his victims. He mentioned and pariahs. My lord has bid me to visit Its shrine in the
that he would be returning to Undermountain "after 'this' depths of Undermountain, where I will become one with
was done" (he then attacked). Therefore, the secret-bearer the ooze, fhinala-pekta-een-een-pa-pha! Paaa-pha!
knows Maddgoth lairs in the dungeon. Additionally, the As I am the chosen of Ghaunadaur, I can cast the acid
secret-bearer's +2 wand of the war mage was taken as splash cantrip (Wisdom is my spellcasting ability for this
another trophy. The secret-bearer has since fashioned a spell), and I have resistance to acid damage. I can also
new spellbook—but the original was irreplaceable! periodically call upon Ghaunadaur to supply me with an
oozeling in battle.
USING THIS SECRET
The secret-bearer's spellbook is one of the many found in USING THIS SECRET
the lacquered desk in Area 25B on Level 7. Their +2 Thrice in the campaign, the secret-bearer can summon an
wand of the war mage is embedded in the plastered walls. ooze to assist them: the first ooze is a gelatinous cube;
You can replace the +2 wand of the war mage with any the second is a gray ooze with the Psychic Gray Ooze
other uncommon or rare wand. variant described in the Monster Manual; the third is a
black pudding. The ooze appears in an unoccupied space
of the DM's choice within 60 feet of the secret-bearer.
After 1 minute, it harmlessly dissolves. To summon the
ooze requires no action.
Although the secret-bearer may believe otherwise, the
ooze was summoned by Halaster Blackcloak, who is also
masquerading as Ghaunadaur, as described on Level 19.
His ultimate goal is to trick the secret-bearer into willingly
surrendering to the shrine in Area 12 of Level 19. If they
do, he transforms them into an ooze through a wish spell.
The character becomes an adult oblex under the DM's
control. If you do not have Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes,
the secret-bearer instead becomes a black pudding that
retains its Intelligence, Charisma, and Wisdom scores.

9
POTENTIAL CONSORT RUINED PARAMOUR
Prerequisite: You must be a druid, ranger, or Nature cleric. If It started as a tryst and ended with an attempt on my life.
you do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card. My affair with a Waterdhavian noble has driven me into
I have been invited to the surreal court of the archdruidess the depths of Undermountain until a time comes when I
Wyllow, an elven maiden who has grown lonely in her can afford a ship to a new land. My assets have been taken
domain in Undermountain. She seeks company among and my belongings destroyed. With nothing but the gear I
Nature's champions and has offered her hand in marriage. have now, I must secure a fortune in the dungeon below.
Wyllow's favor, even as a potential consort, has imbued
me with a charm of animal speaking. I can cast speak with USING THIS SECRET
animals thrice, after which the charm disappears. Once during this campaign, the adulterer's spouse sends
an invisible stalker after the secret-bearer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The secret-bearer was contacted by Wyllow spells of SHADOWDUSK INHERITOR
animal messenger and other magic.
Prerequisite: You must be a human, half-elf, or half-orc. If you
USING THIS SECRET do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
As the secret-bearer learns, Wyllow has contacted other I am a distant family member of House Shadowdusk, a
potential suitors, who may arrive while the adventurers noble house whose family manor in Waterdeep burned
are on Level 5. These other suitors are: down years ago. A recent letter has informed me that they
• Fostyr Goldveins, a N shield dwarf priest have sought refuge in Undermountain and that I am to
• Serena of Oakhelm, a NG wood elf druid inherit a portion of whatever wealth our ancestors were
• Grindel Elkhardt, a CE human warlock of the archfey able to save.
(see Volo's Guide to Monsters pg. 219). Grindel is the
sole survivor of the slaughtered Cult of Malar that once ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
inhabited Wyllowwood. To avenge his fallen kin, he The letter read, "Family is everything, and we must
struck up a pact with the Queen of Air and Darkness. remain strong of heart and sound of mind in these dark
He has since masqueraded as a champion of nature to times. Come forth, cousin, and be with us in the light.
fool Wyllow. House Shadowdusk shall never fall."

USING THIS SECRET

PUBLIC FAILURE The Shadowdusk family traffics with the Far Realms on
What a fool I was to boast of my prowess to all who would Level 22. Periodically, star spawn and other horrors visit
listen. I bid the patrons of the Yawning Portal goodbye, the stronghold. Some, such as star spawn seers, require a
insisting I would return a rich and powerful adventurer. mortal vessel to inhabit. The secret-bearer may have been
Instead, I surfaced stained with vomit, shame, and the invited to be a sacrifice to the Far Realms. For details on
blood of my fallen comrades. My name has since become star spawn, see Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes pg. 236.
synonymous with "fool" and "failure." My arrogance cost
the lives of four good adventurers.

USING THIS SECRET

The Yawning Portal patrons mock the secret-bearer and
are fond of using their name as a verb. Even the taciturn
Durnan expresses surprise when the secret-bearer returns
to the tavern, remarking, "Didn't expect to see you here
again."
Additionally, one of the secret-bearer's fallen comrades
has become a revenant hellbent on vengeance. It attacks
the secret-bearer on Level 6 or beyond.

10
SKULLPORT PEN PAL TROLL CANCER
I have maintained monthly correspondence with a citizen I survived on troll meat for a month while lost in the dark
of Skullport for years. Their most recent letters described depths of Undermountain. By when rescuers found me, I
a brutal takeover by the Xanathar Guild. Desperate, they had grown four extra fingers, a rash of tumors, and count-
have bid me to the Port of Shadows and rid its down- less warts. It seems the regenerative capabilities of trolls
trodden people of their cruel tyrants. are a curse all their own…
Because of my regenerative cancer, whenever I start my
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION turn with 0 hit points, I am stabilized. If I take fire or acid
The secret-bearer has been kept up to date on the Xanathar damage, this trait doesn't function until the start of my
Guild's ranks and operations up until a week before they next turn. A spell of greater restoration can rid me of this
descended into Undermountain. They are aware that the prolific cancer.
half-ogre Sundeth commands sixty bugbears, seventy
humans, and at least ten duergar. Krystaleen's letters often USING THIS SECRET
lament, "if only the Skulls' minds were restored!" (this On Level 5, Wyllow recognizes the secret-bearer as the
refers to the thirteen flameskulls that once ruled the port). abomination that they've become and demands they leave
her demesne.
USING THIS SECRET
The pen pal is Krystaleen (see Area 13). If this secret is
used in the campaign, she has been enthralled by the mind
TROVE-HIDER
flayer that haunts Skullport. Eager for new blood (and Prerequisite: You must have an evil alignment. If you do not
fresh minds to devour), the mind flayer uses Krystaleen to meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret.
invite distant pen pals to Skullport. On a previous foray into Undermountain, I was forced to
Once the secret-bearer arrives in Skullport, the illithid hide my trove of gold from allies and enemies alike.
waits to see if they can help restore the port to its once- While I was away, my comrades perished in battle; I was
bustling way of life. Thereafter, it has Krystaleen offer the too concerned to secure my fortune—but who wouldn't be
adventurer lodgings; in the dead of night, it enters their when they've found a thousand platinum pieces?
quarters to devour their brain. Krystaleen has three extra
rooms in her home, but lies and says she only has room ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
for the pen pal. If her lie is discovered, she explains that The trove is buried in a sack in Area 16 of Level 8, the
she isn't comfortable with so many strangers staying at her "subterranean swamp" as the secret-bearer's party called
home overnight. She can easily be convinced otherwise. it. Slitherswamp was occupied by yuan-ti when the secret-
bearer was last there.
TREACHEROUS ADVENTURER USING THIS SECRET
This is not my first foray into Undermountain. Long ago, The trove has since become the lair of Hexacali, the bone
my comrades and I delved into this accursed place only to naga. It consists of 1,000 pp, which is worth 5,000 gp.
be whittled down by disease, famine, and monsters. The When the secret-bearer digs up their treasure, the ghost
monsters were already there when we made it back to the of one of their fallen comrades appears to condemn them
Yawning Portal's entry well… and to save my own skin, for abandoning the party. The ghost cannot rest until the
I pushed my comrade towards the beasts and fled up the secret-bearer is slain; if it is destroyed, it reappears in
rope, leaving them all behind to die. Area 16 again 24 hours later. It reveals the secret-bearer's
crimes and then attacks. If the ghost has it their way, it
USING THIS SECRET possesses the secret-bearer and slits their throat.
The manticores of Level 1, having cornered the party
long ago, recognize the secret-bearer and mock them for
their cowardice. They waste no time telling the other
adventurers, "This one left their kin to die. And just as
they did before, surely they shall again. Trust this coward
only to leave you behind in the abattoir."
Additionally, two surviving members of the party reside
in Skullport. They are a duergar named Dunmara Earth-
trodder and a drow named Jegrius Daevykur. They team
up to assassinate the secret-bearer upon learning of their
arrival in town. They hire two duergar and a human thug
to assist them in the attempt. Jegrius carries 75 gp and a
ruby amulet shaped like a spider worth 150 gp.

11
TYR'S REDEEMER UNDERTAKER
Prerequisite: You must be an aasimar, cleric, Celestial warlock I belong to the Undertakers, a disaffected group of failed
or a religious paladin. If you don't meet this prerequisite, draw actors who masquerade as vampires in Undermountain to
a different secret. scare adventurers into paying a toll. My mission is to lure
My divine mission, as ordained by my deity, is to delve fools from the surface into their clutches. Many have died
into the depths of Undermountain and redeem Fazrian, an or become impoverished because of our schemes.
angel of Tyr that has fallen from grace. I have proficiency in Performance and Deception.

USING THIS SECRET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The secret-bearer can sense a growing warmth as they The secret-bearer knows each Undertaker and that Uktarl
delve deeper into Undermountain. They can sense if the and Harria have recently ended their relationship in the
angel is on their current dungeon level. This perception is messiest way possible.
a double-edged sword, for Fazrian can also perceive the
secret-bearer's approach. USING THIS SECRET
The secret-bearer may be roughed up by the Undertakers
to hide their affiliation but is otherwise unharmed. If the
UNDERMOUNTAIN ADDICT battle turns south, one bandit shouts out, "Well, don't just
I cannot explain it, but I have fallen prey to the seductive stand there!" blowing the secret-bearer's cover.
call of Undermountain. Try as I might, I can't leave the
dungeon for an extended period of time without getting
the shakes. I only feel content inside Undermountain or
VICTIM OF THE FINE FELLOWS
the Yawning Portal. The adventurers known as the Fine Fellows of Daggerford
While outside Undermountain, I must succeed on a DC murdered my loved ones and destroyed my livelihood. No
15 Wisdom saving throw to gain the effects of a long rest. longer content to be a sheep among wolves, I have come
to Waterdeep to revenge myself on these monsters. Word
USING THIS SECRET has it that they have descended into the lawless depths of
Much like Halaster and other denizens of Undermountain, Undermountain.
the secret-bearer suffers from withdrawal whenever they
leave the dungeon. You can use this as a plot device to ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
continue the campaign, even if the adventurers wish to The secret-bearer is familiar with each Fine Fellow of
leave the dungeon for good. They may be led to believe Daggerford and can recognize them on sight. They consist
that a cure can be found, but, as the Mad Mage can attest, of the following bastards:
there is no such antidote that can overcome the Knot in • The craven human thief, Kelim the Weasel
the Weave's influence. • The half-elf cleric of Waukeen, Halleth Garke
• The dwarf thief, Copper Stormforge
• The human priest of Shar, Midna Tauberth
• The human warrior, Rex the Hammerer

USING THIS SECRET

Once the secret-bearer encounters the Fine Fellows on
Levels 1 or 2, their business with these pilgarlics becomes
personal. See Level 1, Areas 36 & 37, and Level 2, Areas
1E, 11B, and 13G.

12
XANATHAR AGENT
I am a secret agent of the Xanathar Guild whose mission
is to attach myself to adventuring parties determined to
delve into Undermountain. If they grow too powerful or
are inclined to oppose the guild's operations, my orders
are to betray them at the most opportune moment. Failing
that, I must report them to my superiors.
I know thieves' cant.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The secret-bearer has a tattoo of a circle with ten equi-
distant spokes radiating out from its circumference—the
symbol of the Xanathar Guild.
The secret-bearer knows of three guild watch posts on
the first floor of Undermountain plus two on the second
level of the dungeon.

USING THIS SECRET

By brandishing their tattoo, the secret-bearer can secure
safe passage through Areas 23, 28, and 39 on Level 1 and
through Areas 9 and 20 on Level 2.
The Xanathar Guild inevitably orders the secret-bearer
to murder the adventurers. If they refuse and defect, a
goblin assassin is soon sent after them. The assassin has
the following changes to her statistics:
• The goblin is Small, has a speed of 25 feet, and dark-
vision out to a range of 60 feet.
• The goblin can take the Disengage or Hide action as a
bonus action.
• The goblin also reads, writes, and speaks Goblin.

ZHENT DRUGRUNNER
I have been sent into Undermountain to rendezvous with
a Luiren spring cheese dealer in Skullport. This addictive
drug puts halflings into a deep stupor; it is priceless and
incredibly illegal. The Zhentarim is quite interested in
smuggling it into Waterdeep.
I have been given 1,650 gp by my betters to pay for the
cheese and I can expect a 750 gp reward for risking my
neck to retrieve it.
I know thieves' cant.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The secret-bearer's contact is Gharz Stonedark, manager
of The Worm's Gullet (Area 35).

USING THIS SECRET

As a Xanathar agent, Gharz is particularly paranoid, for
he shall surely be killed if Xanathar learns that he has been
holding onto such illicit contraband—and that he intends
to sell it to the Zhentarim, the Guild's hated foes. If he
suspects the secret-bearer to be a snitch or spy, he feigns
ignorance over the deal. If he is confronted, he calls upon
four duergar thugs to back him up—distant kin whom he
trusts more than other Xanathar agents.

13
 APPENDIX A: CHARACTER SECRET CARDS
You can print off the following simple cards for your players:

A REAL BOY CONDEMNED CRIMINAL

I was nothing more than a wooden puppet fashioned by some I was convicted in the city of Waterdeep for crimes, but rather
foolish ventriloquist before the Mad Mage found and granted than languish in a prison cell or dangle at the end of a noose, I
me life through a wish spell. The wizard did not, however, deign was condemned to Undermountain. Should I return to the city
to grant me flesh, only an illusion to hide my true nature. above, I will be put to death. A new and free life awaits me if I
I count as a construct rather than a humanoid, except for the can find a passage to a land outside Waterdeep's jurisdiction.
purposes of a spell of 1st-level or higher that restores hit points.

CULPABLE ANIMATOR CURSED SPELUNKER

Prerequisite: You must be an artificer or wizard. If you do not I was struck with a strange malady when I last ventured into
meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card. Undermountain: I can gain sustenance only by eating minerals,
I animated a suit of armor to act as my servant, but, in an attempt precious metals, and gemstones. It is for this reason others do
to grant it critical thinking, imbued too much self-will in the not tolerate my presence in their party for long: sooner or later,
construct. After developing a taste for murder, it was chased I've devoured the loot. A spell of greater restoration can rid me
into Undermountain by the Waterdeep City Watch. My hands of this malady.
are stained with the blood this construct has shed, and it is my To better secure my sustenance, I have a mining pick. A
duty to find and destroy it once and for all. pound of rations is equal to one gemstone worth 10 gp or more,
50 cp, 25 sp, 5 gp, or a pound of raw minerals.
 DISEASED ADVENTURER DISHONORED LEGIONNAIRE
I am cursed with an insidious disease that conventional healing Prerequisite: You must be a bugbear, goblin, or hobgoblin. If
and magic has failed to cure. With little of my life left, I have you do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
delved into Undermountain, seeking riches to leave behind for I am a faithful officer of the Legion of Azrok that has been
my family. exiled in disgrace. A disastrous defeat against the drow was
pinned on me by a rival after I discovered a growing conspiracy
within the legion. I must save my lord and people from this
shadow cabal, but to step back into the legion's territory is to
guarantee my execution.

DRACONIC DESCENDANT DWEOMERCORE DROPOUT

Prerequisite: You must be a bronze dragonborn or a draconic Prerequisite: You must be an artificer, wizard, or sorcerer. If
sorcerer with bronze dragon ancestry. If you do not meet this you do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
prerequisite, draw a different secret card. I once attended Dweomercore, the fabled wizard academy
My draconic lineage can be traced to Glyster, a bronze dragon buried beneath Waterdeep and presided over by the Mad
that befriended Lord Vanrak of House Moonstar. As the rumors Mage himself. I was not up to task, and warned never to
go, the two descended into Undermountain, never to be seen return, but if I just show the headmaster how much I have
again.
grown since my expulsion, surely he will reaccept me!
My time at Dweomercore has taught me two extra spells
above the number of spells I know for my class level. The
extra spells I choose must be of a level that I can cast.

EX-CULTIST FAILED SAVIOR

I am a former member of a cult operating in the shadows When a gaggle of Waterdhavian miners fell into Under-
of Undermountain. The cult's icon is tattooed somewhere mountain years ago, I was one of the spelunkers assigned
on my body. to rescue them. We met our bloody end in that dungeon.
Faced with monsters, I was forced to choose between
saving the stranded or my own sorry ass. Much to my
shame, I chose the latter.
 FINE FELLOW OF DAGGERFORD FUGITIVE
I was once a card-carrying member of the murderous Fine I am a fugitive who escaped a Waterdhavian cell. With
Fellows of Daggerford, a cutthroat adventuring party that enough gold, my crimes can be forgiven, or at least
menaced the Sword Coast. The crimes we committed for forgotten, by the authorities. With a 5,000 gp bounty on
the sake of gold, glory, and power are far too numerous my head, I must perpetually be wary for bounty hunters.
and horrible for me to describe.

GEAS VICTIM HEIR OF MELAIR

The Mad Mage placed a geas spell on me when I last Prerequisite: You must be a dwarf. If you do not meet this pre-
ventured into Undermountain. His instructions were to requisite, draw a different secret card.
"Deliver adventurers into my domain and betray them at I am one of the many descendants of Melair, king of the
their weakest moment. Speak nothing of your curse lest Melairkyn dwarves, who settled Undermountain long
you incur my wrath. You have but one month to deliver before Waterdeep was even established. The legacy of my
or else!" sires—of my people—lie buried below and it is up to me
to bring its relics, art, and philosophies to the surface.

HEIR TO MADNESS ILLITHID THRALL

Prerequisite: You must be a human, half-elf, or half-orc. If you I am a mind-controlled thrall of a mind flayer colony that
do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card. lurks in the depths of Undermountain. My mission is to
I am the secret child of Halaster Blackcloak. My distant deliver impressive heroes into my masters' clutches so
guardian, Taselgryn Velldarn, spirited me away to an that they too may serve the colony.
orphanage in Waterdeep shortly after my birth. Tas made My repeated exposure to the illithids' psionic energy has
infrequent visits over the years, but she left me with one granted me the ability to cast detect thoughts once per
warning: never enter Undermountain. long rest and mage hand at will; whenever I cast mage
Because the blood of such a mighty wizard flows in my hand in this way, the hand is invisible. Intelligence is my
veins, I know one sorcerer cantrip of my choice. Charisma spellcasting ability for these spells.
is my spellcasting ability for this spell.
 MADDGOTH'S REVENANT OFFWORLDER
Prerequisite: You must be a wizard. If you do not meet this I am not from this world; I was brought here by a magical
prerequisite, draw a different card. vessel known as Scavenger that prowled the void between
I was hunted by the wizard Maddgoth, a serial killer that worlds… but I was not a crewmate. Instead, I was kept as
targets other wizards for sport. The bastard defeated me cattle for its mind flayer captain whose fondness for fresh
in single combat, and, presuming I was dead, left with my brains necessitated the keeping of live prisoners.
spellbook and wand. Were it not for a passing healer, I The ship crashed in the depths of Undermountain; a
would have succumbed to my wounds. sudden portal delivered me to Waterdeep.

OOZE CLERIC OF GHAUNADAUR POTENTIAL CONSORT

I am a secret hierophant of Ghaunadaur, the deity of oozes Prerequisite: You must be a druid, ranger, or Nature cleric. If
and pariahs. My lord has bid me to visit Its shrine in the you do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card.
depths of Undermountain, where I will become one with I have been invited to the surreal court of the archdruidess
the ooze, fhinala-pekta-een-een-pa-pha! Paaa-pha! Wyllow, an elven maiden who has grown lonely in her
As I am the chosen of Ghaunadaur, I can cast the acid domain in Undermountain. She seeks company among
splash cantrip (Wisdom is my spellcasting ability for this Nature's champions and has offered her hand in marriage.
spell), and I have resistance to acid damage. I can also Wyllow's favor, even as a potential consort, has imbued
periodically call upon Ghaunadaur to supply me with an me with a charm of animal speaking. I can cast speak with
oozeling in battle. animals thrice, after which the charm disappears.

PUBLIC FAILURE RUINED PARAMOUR

What a fool I was to boast of my prowess to all who would It started as a tryst and ended with an attempt on my life.
listen. I bid the patrons of the Yawning Portal goodbye, My affair with a Waterdhavian noble has driven me into
insisting I would return a rich and powerful adventurer. the depths of Undermountain until a time comes when I
Instead, I surfaced stained with vomit, shame, and the can afford a ship to a new land. My assets have been taken
blood of my fallen comrades. My name has since become and my belongings destroyed. With nothing but the gear I
synonymous with "fool" and "failure." My arrogance cost have now, I must secure a fortune in the dungeon below.
the lives of four good adventurers.
 SHADOWDUSK INHERITOR SKULLPORT PEN PAL
Prerequisite: You must be a human, half-elf, or half-orc. If you I have maintained monthly correspondence with a citizen
do not meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret card. of Skullport for years. Their most recent letters described
I am a distant family member of House Shadowdusk, a a brutal takeover by the Xanathar Guild. Desperate, they
noble house whose family manor in Waterdeep burned have bid me to the Port of Shadows and rid its down-
down years ago. A recent letter has informed me that they trodden people of their cruel tyrants.
have sought refuge in Undermountain and that I am to
inherit a portion of whatever wealth our ancestors were
able to save.

TREACHEROUS ADVENTURER TROLL CANCER

This is not my first foray into Undermountain. Long ago, I survived on troll meat for a month while lost in the dark
my comrades and I delved into this accursed place only to depths of Undermountain. By when rescuers found me, I
be whittled down by disease, famine, and monsters. The had grown four extra fingers, a rash of tumors, and count-
monsters were already there when we made it back to the less warts. It seems the regenerative capabilities of trolls
Yawning Portal's entry well… and to save my own skin, are a curse all their own…
I pushed my comrade towards the beasts and fled up the Because of my regenerative cancer, whenever I start my
rope, leaving them all behind to die. turn with 0 hit points, I am stabilized. If I take fire or acid
damage, this trait doesn't function until the start of my
next turn. A spell of greater restoration can rid me of this
prolific cancer.

TROVE-HIDER TYR'S REDEEMER

Prerequisite: You must have an evil alignment. If you do not Prerequisite: You must be an aasimar, cleric, Celestial warlock
meet this prerequisite, draw a different secret. or a religious paladin. If you don't meet this prerequisite, draw
On a previous foray into Undermountain, I was forced to a different secret.
hide my trove of gold from allies and enemies alike. My divine mission, as ordained by my deity, is to delve
While I was away, my comrades perished in battle; I was into the depths of Undermountain and redeem Fazrian, an
too concerned to secure my fortune—but who wouldn't be angel of Tyr that has fallen from grace.
when they've found a thousand platinum pieces?
 UNDERMOUNTAIN ADDICT UNDERTAKER
I cannot explain it, but I have fallen prey to the seductive I belong to the Undertakers, a disaffected group of failed
call of Undermountain. Try as I might, I can't leave the actors who masquerade as vampires in Undermountain to
dungeon for an extended period of time without getting scare adventurers into paying a toll. My mission is to lure
the shakes. I only feel content inside Undermountain or fools from the surface into their clutches. Many have died
the Yawning Portal. or become impoverished because of our schemes.
While outside Undermountain, I must succeed on a DC I have proficiency in Performance and Deception.
15 Wisdom saving throw to gain the effects of a long rest.

VICTIM OF THE FINE FELLOWS XANATHAR AGENT

The adventurers known as the Fine Fellows of Daggerford I am a secret agent of the Xanathar Guild whose mission
murdered my loved ones and destroyed my livelihood. No is to attach myself to adventuring parties determined to
longer content to be a sheep among wolves, I have come delve into Undermountain. If they grow too powerful or
to Waterdeep to revenge myself on these monsters. Word are inclined to oppose the guild's operations, my orders
has it that they have descended into the lawless depths of are to betray them at the most opportune moment. Failing
Undermountain. that, I must report them to my superiors.
I know thieves' cant.

ZHENT DRUGRUNNER
I have been sent into Undermountain to rendezvous with
a Luiren spring cheese dealer in Skullport. This addictive
drug puts halflings into a deep stupor; it is priceless and
incredibly illegal. The Zhentarim is quite interested in
smuggling it into Waterdeep.
I have been given 1,650 gp by my betters to pay for the
cheese and I can expect a 750 gp reward for risking my
neck to retrieve it.
I know thieves' cant.