Quests

Tome of

volume one
 Quests
Tome of

Author and Designer: Bill Barsh Interior Art: Dmitry Yakhovksy

Project Manager: Ben Barsh and Isiah Xavier Bradley
Editor: Jeff Harkness Cartography: Wonkee
Cover Art: Dmitry Yakhovsky Layout: Suzy Moseby

ISBN: 979-888627022-8 (PDF)

©2022, Pacesetter Games & Simulations
 Table of Contents
THE THING IN THE VALLEY...................... 4 The Cast ..............................................................65
GM’s Introduction ...............................................4 Preparing to Run this Adventure ......................66
The Valley of the Lake of Secret Dreams Character Actions..............................................66
(Additional Player Background).........................5 Sequence of Events..............................................67
Players’ Introduction – Riversmeet .....................5 Vampire Keep Level 1 Map. .................................68
Running the Adventure . ......................................7 Northwood Keep .................................................69
The Hunt ...............................................................7 Vampire Keep Level 2 Map. .................................73
Events ....................................................................7 Vampire Keep Levels 3 & 4 Map..........................76
The Valley of the Lake of Secret Dreams Map...8 Curse Dungeon Levels 1 & 2Map. ......................81
The Unholy Procession Map...............................10
THE LOST CARAVAN ..................................83
Seige of the Raiders Map.....................................11
Designer’s Notes .................................................83
Homes of the Valley Map...................................13
GM’s Overview ....................................................83
Camp in the Old Wood Map. ..............................15
Player Introduction............................................85
The Haunt ...........................................................17
The Kingdom Map (DM)......................................86
Manor House Map...............................................20
Chapter One: The Caravan Route .....................87
Library Room #2 Map..........................................22
Mountain Road Map. ..........................................88
Manse Tower Levels Two & Three Map.............26
Monestary of the Mountain Map.......................91
THE SCREAMING TEMPLE........................29 Cavern Ambush Map............................................94
GM’s Introduction..............................................29 Chapter Two: The Guardians . ...........................95
Character Involvement. .....................................29 Greenway Tavern Map.........................................96
The Temple Grounds............................................29 Tavern Siege Map.................................................97
The Screaming Temple Map.................................32 Chapter Three: Dagger Lake............................100
FELHORDE.....................................................37 Architect’s Tree House and Platform Map.....102
Chapter 1: Eruptor’s Vengeance. .......................38 Cavern Temple Dungeons Map. ........................105
Eruptor’s Lair Map..............................................39 Chapter Four: The Outland Keep . ..................107
Chapter 2: Lost Citadel of the Dark Elves. ......43 Outland Keep Crypt Complex Map...................108
Talisman of the Yellow Jewel Map....................46 Conclusion......................................................... 112
Shade Lich Map. ..................................................52 APPENDIX 1: NEW MONSTERS...............113
Chapter 3: The Forgotten Dark.........................53 Apprentice. ............................................................. 113
Harrowen Cavern Map.......................................54 Automaton (Minotaur).......................................... 113
Felhore Plaques Map. .........................................56 Bat, Giant Screamer . ............................................ 113

Spire Tower Map..................................................60 Beetle, Giant Flame............................................... 114

Giant Oil Beetle. ................................................... 114
THE VAMPIRE’S CURSE..............................63 Blink Troll............................................................. 114
The Plot ..............................................................63 Boggle..................................................................... 114
The Plot Thickens . .............................................64 Boghunter. ............................................................. 115

2| T ome of Q uests
 Carnivorous Ape.................................................... 116 Giantslayer. ........................................................... 129
Carnivorous Tree................................................... 116 Helm of Underwater Action................................. 129
Chasm Bat............................................................... 116 Ichor of the Worm................................................. 129
Chasm Gnome......................................................... 116 Iron Gauntlet and the Strangler........................ 129
Chasm Gnome Leader. ........................................... 116 Javelin of Piercing. ................................................ 129
Cryptfiend............................................................... 117 Libram of Proficiency. ........................................... 129
Cryptstalker .......................................................... 117 Miraculous Egg. .................................................... 130
Cryptstalker’s Trap . ............................................. 118 Oil of Armor. ......................................................... 130
Death God Statue. ................................................. 118 Pearl of Wisdom. ................................................... 130
Drake, Ice............................................................... 119 Potion of Delusion. ............................................... 130
Dread...................................................................... 119 Potion of Memory Control................................... 130
Felogre. .................................................................. 119 Potion of Polymorph............................................. 130
Fire Giant Mummy.................................................. 120 Potion of Regeneration......................................... 130
Forge Lich. ............................................................. 120 Potion of the Giant............................................... 130
Gem Spider . ............................................................ 120 Pure Heart Necklace. ........................................... 130
Goblin Shaman....................................................... 121 Ring of Dexterity................................................... 131
Goblin Captain....................................................... 121 Ring of Life Protection. ........................................ 131
Harowen Illusionist. ............................................. 121 Ring of the Fire Giant........................................... 131
Heavy Guard.......................................................... 121 Ring of the Frost Giant......................................... 131
Human Cleric 7 (Hestnavar)................................. 121 Ring of Wizardry................................................... 131
Human Paladin 9 (Anastasia)............................... 122 Rod of Dispelling................................................... 131
Illusionist, Human (Phranst)................................ 122 Sleeping Gas Potion............................................... 131
Lizard, Giant Draco.............................................. 123 Spellbreaker. .......................................................... 131
Living Statue, Bone................................................ 123 Staff of the Leech.................................................. 132
Mist Wolf............................................................... 123 The Vampire’s Curse............................................... 132
Piercer. ................................................................... 124 The Vampire’s Heart.............................................. 132
Raptor Demon. ....................................................... 124 The Vampire’s Soul. ............................................... 132
Raptrika ................................................................. 125 Wand of Light. ...................................................... 132
Shade Troll............................................................ 125 Wand of Secrecy.................................................... 132
Skeleton, Abyssal................................................... 126 Weapon of Bleeding............................................... 132
The Thing. .............................................................. 126
APPENDIX 3: TREASURES AND ITEMS.133
Tick, Giant. ............................................................ 126
Trolling.................................................................. 126 APPENDIX 4: THE BLACK CULT.............134
Wraith, Greater..................................................... 127 Giantkin Form........................................................ 134
Stone Strike............................................................ 134
APPENDIX 2: NEW MAGIC ITEMS.........128
Blade of the Vampire............................................. 128 APPENDIX 5: PLAYER MAPS....................134
Bolo of Trapping.................................................... 128 The Valley of the Lake of Dreams Player Map... 135
Cloak of the Cavern.............................................. 128 Eruptor’s Lair Map Unnumbered).....................136
Cloak of Missile Deflection. ................................ 128 Screaming Temple Player Map. ............................. 137
Cloak of Poisonous................................................ 128 Harrowen Cavern Player Map. ............................ 138
Crossbow of Accuracy........................................... 129 Lost Caravan Player Map. .................................... 139
Deepcrest: Circlet of the Deep.............................. 129 Tome of Quests Character Record....................... 140
Dragonslayer......................................................... 129

Table of C onte nt s |3
 T he T hing in T he V alley
This adventure module is designed for use with the 5E rule found its way home. Not having a grasp of time, the greater
set. The scenario is best played with 4 to 6 players and charac- wraith did not know it had been dead for nearly 70 years. On
ter levels ranging from 3rd to 5th level with a total of about 20 returning and finding its family gone and its manor house
total levels. No particular classes are required, but at least two in ruin, the greater wraith slipped further into madness and
melee combat types are recommended. chaos.
The adventure is set in the realm of the Misty Isles within the The greater wraith, now quite evil in nature, still clings to
world of Dagmore (the official Pacesetter Games campaign vague memories and the shards of the honorable codes from
setting) and specifically located in the valley south of the Lake its former life. Its mind has twisted severely. Consequently, the
of the Lost near the village of Riversmeet. greater wraith slays the living but abstains from knowingly
Simply changing the names of a few specific geographic creating other wraiths; it will create lesser undead in order to
locations, such as the Lake of Secret Dreams, will allow this further its ends and conceal its true legacy. As a greater wraith,
adventure to be played in other published campaign settings this monster maintains a physical presence, whereas standard
or those of your design. wraiths are primarily noncorporeal. Therefore, it wears decay-
ing adventuring garb, armor, sword, and other magical items.

GM’s Introduction Since returning two months ago, the greater wraith has ter-
rorized the valley. It has killed more than a dozen people and
The Thing in the Valley is an adventure with mild overtones of scores of animals. The people of the valley do not know the
horror and mystery wherein the player characters must track origin of the greater wraith or why it came to the valley. They
down and destroy a maniacal killer terrorizing a small, rural also do NOT know it is an undead creature, let alone a greater
border community. The killer is a greater wraith that drains its wraith. They simply call it the Thing. All references to the
victims of life then destroys them before they transform into Thing are direct references to the greater wraith.
the undead. The greater wraith was once a powerful adventur- To find and eventually destroy the Thing, the player charac-
er (lawful fighter) who was slain by a wraith and subsequently ters must search the valley. Therefore, the first portion of this
became its undead servant. adventure is primarily an outdoor expedition followed by a
The undead adventurer was freed from enslavement when its more typical dungeon search. Players are required to use prob-
master was destroyed. The adventurer, led by faint memories, lem-solving skills to find and destroy the Thing.

4| T ome of Q uests
The Valley of the Lake of Secret fields, and carrion from land and sky abound. It is all
due to one terrible Thing. We cannot tell you exactly
Dreams (Additional Player what this Thing is, but it has brought nothing but terror
Background) and death. The Thing comes only at night, leaving its
victims pale as the moon … as … as if their very souls
Note: The following is common knowledge, though no one charac-
have been blasted!
ter may know it all. More information regarding the Lake of Secret
Dreams and its geographic location can be found in the Misty “Yet that is not all. Each victim has been stabbed
Isles Campaign Setting by Pacesetter Games. Some or all of the through the heart; some more than once. What foul
following information can be given to the characters before reading
creature is capable of such evil?” The elderly man
the Player Introduction to make them familiar with the general
hesitates as the people cry out to the gods for aid.
location of this adventure.
The valley is formed by the Lost River where it feeds from “I must be honest with you. Two weeks ago, a group of
the Lake of Secret Dreams. The Dagger River joins with the
adventurers heeded our call and went into the valley
Lost River and then flows to the ocean. Riversmeet is a small
to destroy the Thing. They did not return, but neither
village located at the junction of the Lost and Dagger rivers. A
100-foot cliff separates the valley from the Highwood Forest
did the Thing. At least not right away. But come back it
and forms the valley’s western boundary. Goblins of the High- has; five days ago, the terror returned.”
wood Forest generally ignore or avoid the valley. [GM Only:
“Only one has seen the Thing and lived. She survived
The goblins are aware of the boghunter (see Appendix 1: New
Monsters) that lives in the swamp. They generally avoid the entire
its attack!” The man points at the old crone sitting by
valley due to the significant losses they sustained from the prowling the fire. The old woman slowly turns away from the
boghunter. They rarely enter the valley, and when they do, they don’t flames to face you. The fire seems to dance in her eyes.
stay very long. See Hunt encounter #8.]
The eastern portion of the valley is heavily wooded and gener-
“Fool, I did more than see it!” she exclaims. Her voice
ally uninhabited. Occasionally, strange creatures and North- is surprisingly calm and strong. “Two nights past, on
wood Elves come from the wood, but this is infrequent. the bridge, it came for me. It grabbed my neck with its
The most interesting feature of the valley is the Lake of Secret gauntlet-covered hand and raised me off the ground. I
Dreams. Many believe it to be a magical place where the gods could not scream or breathe, but I was not afraid. Then
come to bathe and swim. From time to time, processions of I looked into its eyes. They were red — the color of
priests make the trek to the lake to take its waters. blood — and yet black and deep as the abyss. I felt as
if I looked into the very pits of some flaming hell. It
Players’ Introduction – Riversmeet raised its other hand … this one had no gauntlet … and
it grasped my skull to steal my soul!”
The Log Jam is a quaint inn and tavern — no more The old woman, breathing hard, pauses and raises
than you expected from this small village. In fact, a clenched fist. Slowly, as her breath recovers, her
Riversmeet isn’t on any map you have ever seen. gnarled fingers open to reveal a silver ring inset with
Nevertheless, rumors whisper that something horrible five rubies. Three of the gemstones are shattered and
is happening in the small border community and that blackened, but two remain gleaming in the firelight.
adventurers are needed.
“But this ring saved my life,” cackles the old crone. In
A tavern, boat livery, trading post, mill, and a few farms a flash she closes her hand, and it disappears into the
are all that is Riversmeet. The Dagger River meets the folds of her robes. “The Thing dropped me in surprise.
Lost River at the village center where a wooded, three- But surprise quickly turned to rage, and it drew a
span bridge crosses both rivers — a quaint village wicked blade. Yet, I did not get to this age by mistake,
indeed. let me tell you. My staff was still at hand, and with a
It seems as if the entire population of the village is single stroke I shattered the rotting rail against which
packed within the tavern. Their faces are clearly etched the Thing had me pressed. We tumbled into the river.
with fear. Only an old crone sitting by the fireplace I managed to crawl out, but I did not see the Thing
ignores your presence. A tall man with graying hair again.”
steps forward nervously. “Do not be deceived by my story. Luck was with me
“A horror has come to our valley,” he begins with a that night. The Thing is a powerful creature, and I am
shaky voice. “It has only been two months, and our sure it is the walking dead! Of which kind I am not
graveyard overflows. Livestock and crops waste in the certain.”

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |5
 The following is a list of items that the villagers offer the char-
The old woman finishes her story and turns back to the acters:
fire. But she continues to speak, “Fear the Thing, but A map of the valley: This crude map depicts all the notable
hunt it. Do this because you are heroes.” Silence fills areas in the valley with one exception — the manor home
the inn as the villagers look at you intently. (Area #9). The majority of the villagers came to the valley, or
were born, after the manor was abandoned. In fact, neither
Tuven nor the old woman know of the manor. Tuven drew the
GM: The village has no wealth to entice the characters into map. However, the owner of the boat livery took a canoe to
accepting this challenge. Tuven, the leader of the village, owns the Lake of Secret Dreams and found the manor. He attempt-
the Log Jam Inn and Tavern. He speaks on behalf of the village ed to investigate but was chased away by a “wooden man”
in all matters and is trusted by members of the community. He (referring to the Killer Tree). He never relayed his story as the
attempts to answer questions the characters may have (though village folk consider him a bit of a drinker and storyteller. He
he knows nothing more than has already been described). The releases this key point of information after the characters leave
old woman describes the Thing in more detail (see below). on the mission. A messenger is sent to find them approximate-
If the characters initially do not accept the mission, the villag- ly five days after they leave the village. The messenger should
ers panic. Women cry out to their husbands, children begin to find the characters only if they have not discovered the manor
cry and ask their parents, “Are we going to die, now?” Tuven on their own. This map is Player Handout #1, Appendix 6.
begs the characters to reconsider. A ring of life protection (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items)
Throughout the adventure, keep in mind that the villagers are The old woman gives her ring to the most outwardly brave
simple folk. They are dreadfully afraid of the Thing. They have character. The ring has two charges. Also, it is a gift, and she
seen neighbors and friends die, and fear is the overriding emo- does not ask for it back at the conclusion of the adventure.
tion. For the most part, they are unable to assist the characters. Note: If the characters try to haggle with the villagers for a
The old woman is considered the village eccentric, and no one reward, she does not offer the ring.
knows her name. She is actually a wizard, now retired. She Any basic equipment: Basic equipment is defined as simple
lives in a small cottage just outside the main village and keeps items such as lanterns, torches, rope, sacks, etc. Weapons are
to herself. However, in these troubled times she spends a great not available with the exception of bows, arrows, and hand
deal of time in the Log Jam sitting by the fire. She refuses to axes — and these are in limited supply. Magical items are not
adventure with the characters, though she trades spells if a available.
character is in need.

6| T ome of Q uests
Description of the first group of adventurers:
A. A human fighter in chain mail who carried a two-handed
The Hunt
sword. The Hunt is the first section of this scenario wherein the char-
B. A dwarf fighter in chain mail who carried a shortsword acters must search for clues to the location of the Thing. The
and javelins. characters are free to wander the valley as they wish. They can
C. A human wizard in green robes. She was young and use their map to investigate the preset encounters. Additional-
carried a staff. ly, three events may occur at any time after the characters visit
D. A female halfling rogue in leather armor carrying a the Old Wood (Encounter 6). Ideally, the Old Wood will be
shortsword and dagger. the characters first major encounter, as it was referenced in the
E. A farmer offers a good pack mule: No other animals are player introduction.
available.
Description of the Thing: The Thing is nearly seven feet
tall, completely clad in black, including its plate armor. Black
Wandering Monsters
wisps, like smoke, drift from its body. It wears a helmet that The following wandering monster list may be used as the
completely conceals its face, but its glowing red eyes are characters move from one location to another. Use each wan-
exposed. A huge, tattered, black cape drapes over most of his dering monster one time only. The chance of an encounter is
frame. The Thing wears a single gauntlet on its right hand, 1 in 1d6. Roll once between each preset encounter. Wandering
and its left hand is bare. It wields a blue-bladed longsword monsters do not carry treasure. Intelligent monsters have no
that glows dully and is clearly magical. The villagers have no relevant information regarding the events in the valley. The
idea what the Thing actually is, but the old woman calls it the use of wandering monsters is completely optional.
walking dead. She does not define it as a wraith. Roll 1d6 to determine which monster is encountered.
Finally, Tuven tells the characters that a farmer saw the Thing
enter the Old Wood (Area #6) several weeks earlier. He goes
on to say that the previous group of adventurers went there 1. Harpy (1d2)
first. If the characters ask around, they learn that the group 2 Lizard, Giant Draco (1) (see Appendix 1: New
was not seen anywhere else in the valley — not too terribly Monsters)
surprising, as most villagers avoid the valley. 3 Ogre (1)
4 Snake, Giant Constrictor (1)
Running the Adventure 5. Trolling (1d2) (see Appendix 1: New Monsters)
This adventure is split into two sections: The Hunt and The 6 Owl Bear (1)
Haunt. In section one (The Hunt), the characters must search
the valley for the lair of the Thing. This section is primarily a
wilderness expedition. In the second section (The Haunt), the Events
characters find the manor home that is the Thing’s lair. Inside, Three events may occur virtually anywhere in the valley. It is
they find a few traps, some wayward goblins, other minor not critical that the characters encounter these events. They are
creatures, and eventually, the Thing. not required for the plot to progress, but they add drama and
During the Hunt, let the characters make their way around depict the chaos currently engulfing the valley.
the valley. Their map depicts most of the preset encounters,
and they may stumble upon others. It is not necessary for the
characters to investigate every encounter. However, three of Event #1: The Patrol
the encounters directly assist them in finding the manor. The
Thing is not encountered during the Hunt. Note: As the characters travel through the valley, they encoun-
As the characters exit the village and begin the Hunt, the ter an eight-person military patrol from Sla-Morac. The patrol
weather turns ominous as a large storm is brewing. A per- is not making any effort to conceal itself, and if the characters
sistent rain falls for the duration of the adventure. However, are being cautious, they detect the patrol first. The patrol is led
the rain becomes a severe thunderstorm when the characters by a novice officer on his first mission. The officer, Lieutenant
find the manor. The characters’ vision is lightly obscured while Keri (with the statistics of a guard with a longsword and a
in the rain, and sight distance is limited to one-quarter mile crossbow), has no experience in the field or much else for that
(one hex), even in daytime hours. matter. Patrols do not normally visit the valley, and the current
When the characters finally discover the manor, the scenario’s mission is unrelated to the events regarding the Thing. Their
pace should increase. Coincidently, a group of goblins stum- current mission is to patrol the edge of the Mistwood for gob-
bles across the manor while seeking shelter from the oncoming lin incursions.
storm. The patrol recently entered the valley and has not been to the
All the preset encounters and events have a boxed description village. They came across one of the abandoned farms but
to be read aloud to the players. The boxed text assumes the know nothing else. The patrol’s sergeant – a guard with a
characters are approaching the encounter from a reasonable longsword, crossbow, and 16 (3d8 + 3) hit points – suggested
direction and/or distance. You may alter these texts to adjust they visit the village, but Lieutenant Keri decided to investi-
for player deviation. gate first and then rest in the village at night.

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |7
 The Valley of the Lake
of Secret Dreams Map

8| T ome of Q uests
Once the patrol spots the characters, they move to intercept If the characters have the dog from the Herdsman’s Cottage
them; they are mounted on light warhorses. Lieutenant Keri is (Encounter 3), they notice the dog is acting particularly fear-
suspicious from the start (in an effort to impress his men). He ful. The dog does not approach the zombies and barks loudly
asks basic questions: Why are the characters in the valley, and if forced too close.
where they are from? No matter how the characters respond, Jastuv does his best to avoid a battle. If discovered, he com-
the lieutenant continues to press inane questions and attempts mands the zombies and guards to attack in force. Jastuv casts
to intimidate the characters. It has been an uneventful patrol, spells from the wagon, and the acolyte stands guard. Four
and the lieutenant would love to return with prisoners (guilty skeletons are hiding in the wagon. They leap out to attack any
or not). If the characters respond truthfully, the sergeant in- who approach the wagon. If the battle goes badly, the acolyte
tervenes and asks about their current mission. The lieutenant spurs the horses on in retreat.
attempts to interrupt, but the sergeant ignores him. After a
few questions, the characters are “released” to continue their Possessions: Jastuv and his acolyte each have a pack w/gen-
mission. The lieutenant tries to assert his authority over the eral adventuring gear and a potion of healing. Each guard
sergeant, but the man continues to ignore him. The men of the carries two spare javelins, and together they have 212 gp.
patrol are more apt to listen to the sergeant, though careful
not to directly disobey the lieutenant. The men realize that on
such a patrol, the sergeant is the only one who can lead them Event #3: Raiders
safely. The lieutenant also knows this but maintains his front
of authority. Note: This event should take place early in the adventure.
If the characters return to the village on the same evening When the characters are traversing the valley, and after they
they meet the patrol, they notice that the patrol never arrives. have had a chance to investigate some of the fixed locations,
Upon finding one of the ruined farms, Lieutenant Keri became they notice a pair of mounted men watching them from a
convinced that goblins from the Highwood were to blame and distance. Any attempts to approach the watchers results in
he took the patrol into the forest. This ends badly for the patrol them turning and retreating. The men simply disappear into
but has no further influence on this adventure. the wilderness.
Possessions: The lieutenant carries a pouch containing 31 gp. The mysterious men are scouts for a large group of bandits.
The sergeant has 25 gp, and each soldier caries 2d6 gp. This group is led by Norath the Black, a cunning, albeit vi-
cious, human mage with the following changes:
• He has Challenge 3 (700 XP).
Event #2: The Unholy Procession • He has 27 (6d8) hit points.
• He is a 6th level spellcaster with no 4th or 5th level
Note: This event takes place when the characters are moving spell slots.
• He has a +1 dagger and other magical items (see below).
up the valley toward the Lake of Secret Dreams. A trail (see
Norath is a clever bandit who understands the need for
valley map) leads from the south to the lake. The trail is used
decisive action and speed. He continually preaches to his
only several times a year when priests of various deities make
men, “Seize the opportunity, but do it quickly!” His personal
the trek to the lake to obtain its magical waters. Even though
bodyguard and second in command is named Keth; he has the
the magical properties (see Lake of Secret Dreams: Encounter
statistics of a bandit captain with AC 16 (+1 studded leather).
7) are lost 12 hours after the water is removed from the lake,
Norath has heard of the valley’s dilemma and descends onto
many religious orders use the water for ceremonies or to make
the scene to take advantage of the chaos. However, Norath
holy water.
did not expect the pickings to be so thin. When his scouts
A large procession of what appears to be holy people is
come across the characters, they notify Norath. Two scouts
currently traveling north toward the lake. A covered wagon
(bandits) monitor the characters from a distance until Norath
pulled by two draft horses trails the procession. On foot are 12
and the bandits arrive in force. At that time, Norath launches
robed figures (zombies) and four armored men (guards). The
his attack. He clearly knows the dangers of attacking a group
two figures on the wagon are an evil priest and his acolyte.
of adventurers, but he also knows that they often carry magic
By all outward appearances, the procession looks to be harm-
items and other valuables.
less. The only visible weapons are carried by the four guards.
The characters see the bandits coming and have to time to
Four of the zombies carry smoking incense burners that con-
react. If they are even slightly observant, the characters have
veniently mask the stench of decay exuded by the undead.
plenty of time to retreat to a vacant farmhouse (below); they
If the characters approach, the priest, Jastuv, greets them in a
should be encouraged to do so as Norath’s bandits are numer-
friendly manor. Jastuv is not a fool and recognizes the char-
ous. Norath’s group then lays siege and make a coordinated
acters as adventurers. Jastuv is hunting for enemy priests and
attack.
has no desire to get mixed up in the valley’s current dilemma.
Norath’s first attack comes within minutes of the characters
Additionally, he attempts to avoid a protracted conversation
taking refuge in the farmhouse. Norath has no intention of let-
with the characters in hopes of avoiding discovery. He has
ting the characters improve their defenses. He sends a sergeant
no information on current events. If pressed, he explains that
(statistics of a bandit with AC 13 [studded leather] and 16[3d8
he and his acolyte are on a quest to visit the Lake of Secret
+ 3 hit points]) and 8 bandits to the rear of the home to break
Dreams.
through the back door. Norath signals the attack by launching

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |9
 The Unholy Procession Map

10| T ome of Q uests

Seige of the Raiders Map

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |11
a fireball spell at the front door (destroying the front door in the GM: This is just one of several abandoned farms in the valley.
process). Any creatures within 10 feet of the front door must The farmers took everything of value. They currently reside in
make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, the target the village but return once the Thing is destroyed. Nothing of
takes 14 (4d6) fire damage. On a success, the target takes half value is left in the house. The doors are closed but not locked
as much fire damage. — the farmers figured it would be pointless. If someone want-
Six bandits and the remaining sergeant (statistics of a bandit ed to break in, why have their door damaged? The Thing does
with AC 13 [studded leather] and 16 [3d8 + 3 hit points]) rush not attack this house as it knows the inhabitants moved to the
the front of the house. The remaining 2 bandits stay in reserve village. See map on Page 30.
with Norath and Keth. If the bandits penetrate the home, Nor-
ath, Keth, and the two bandits join through the opening.
3. The Sheep Herder
Possessions: Norath has a dagger +1, a ring of fire resistance, a
potion of greater healing, a potion of flying, and a pouch with This small ranch looks as if a tornado hit it. Two of
70 gp, 20 pp, and a gem worth 100 gp. Keth wears +1 studded its walls are completely knocked down, and the roof
leather and carries a potion of heroism, a potion of healing, 50
lurches precariously. Whatever furniture decorated the
gp, 10 pp, and two gems (50 gp each). The first sergeant has 35
interior has been smashed to splinters, and virtually
gp, while the second has 20 gp and a silver ring (100 gp). The
bandits each have 2d12 gp.
nothing is recognizable. Trails of smoke still rise from
the battered fireplace.
Each member of the gang has basic equipment as they do
not have a base of operations. Each has a horse. Saddlebags Behind the home, dead sheep cover the fields. A man
contain foodstuffs, cooking gear, tent components, and other lies on his stomach with a pitchfork in hand. Next to
“camp” items. the man stands a badly wounded dog, its teeth bared.
Norath attacks the characters in hopes of a quick victory. If
things go badly, he quickly sounds a retreat and heads for
Note: The Thing came to this sheepherder’s ranch and slew
greener pastures. Norath has no desire to waste his bandit
everything but the dog (statistics of a mastiff). The dog is a
force on a group of adventurers unless he sees a quick victory.

1. Farmhouse (attacked)

A single farmhouse rests on a small rise ahead of you.

The fields have not been tended in days. A simple
fence rings the two-story home, and its gate hangs by
the remnants of a broken hinge. Beyond the gate, the
house is ominously still. The front door has been torn
from the frame and lies on the porch step. Inside, the
house has been demolished. It is as if a giant lifted the
home and shook it like a plaything. Amid the wreckage,
spots of blood mark the walls, ceiling, and debris.

GM: The victims of this farm were just one of several found by
the villagers. They have been buried in the graveyard outside
of Riversmeet. A large barn stands behind the house. Nothing
of value is in the house or barn. See map on Page 30.

2. Farmhouse (abandoned)

Standing against the untended fields, this simple

farmhouse is closed to the valley. Both doors and all
the windows are shut. Storm shutters cover all the
windows. No smoke comes from the chimney and not
a single animal can be seen.

12| T ome of Q uests

Homes of the Valley Map

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |13
German shepherd and very well trained, but it will die soon if map of the valley that includes the manor home to the north.
not healed. If healed, the dog may help in finding the Thing. If Arbo does not initiate combat with the characters, but he also
the characters give it the black cloth swatch from the Trapper’s has no intention of backing down from his current investi-
Cabin (Encounter 4), the dog can track the Thing to the manor gation of the cabin. He converses with the characters, and if
home. The dog is a faithful companion to whoever heals it. His asked, he claims he is just “passing through” the valley on a
name is Spike (the villagers know his name). A pouch contain- trip to visit some relatives. He has no desire to initiate con-
ing 42 gold pieces is under a flagstone in front of the fireplace. flict in the valley; he is a spy, after all. If attacked, Arbo’s pet
See map on Page 30. mountain lion (statistics of a panther) emerges from hiding
and attacks any unarmored character. See map on Page 30.
Arbo retreats if he sustains 50% damage or if the mountain
4. The Trapper’s Cabin lion is killed.

The sound of straining wood resonates from this small

riverside cabin. The only door hangs on one remaining 6. The Old Wood
hinge, and shutters cover all the windows. Part of the
roof looks to have collapsed inward, completing the Looking on the Old Wood, you realize it is truly an
devastated scene. ancient place. Pines grow more than 100 feet tall
with very little scrub beneath. A blanket of pine
needles covers the forest floor. Small streams cross
Note: A stubborn trapper occupied this cabin and is now dead.
His corpse was tossed into the river. The cabin is on the verge the entire area, sometimes flowing openly and other
of collapse. Roll 1d8 each round the characters are inside the times disappearing under the roots of the giant trees.
cabin. A result of “1” indicates total collapse. Any characters Surprisingly, there are few insects and a disturbing
caught inside the cabin during the collapse suffer 2d6 blud- lack of animals and birds.
geoning damage.
The furnishings of the cabin are sparse, but several animal Note: It takes the characters the better part of the day to
traps hang from the walls. One of the traps caught a portion completely search the Old Wood. Somehow, it seems much
of the Thing’s cloak. The dog from Encounter 3 can get the larger from the inside. A cleric or druid character feels a strong
Thing’s scent and track it to the manor home. Nothing else of “presence” in the area. Indeed, certain gods use the Old Wood
value is in the home. See map on Page 30. for various purposes, and a mild curse dooms any mortal who
enters to wander aimlessly within its confines for one full day.
After 24 hours, the mortals (characters) can leave normally.
5. The Woodsman’s Cabin Neither spells nor magic items function in any way to help
Note: As the characters approach the cabin, they hear loud the characters exit before the 24-hour curse. Specifically, fly,
noises. The noise is made by a hill giant rummaging through a levitate, and teleport (and similar) spells simply do not work.
chest pulled from this wrecked cabin. Read the following if the Night comes quickly. Trying to find a way out in the darkness
characters opt for a stealthy approach: is futile, and all attempts lead the characters to a small glade
at the Old Wood’s center (see map on Page 13). The characters
must camp in the glade for the evening.
The source of the noise is a hill giant — and a huge hill The adventurers that Tuven referenced (see Introduction)
giant at that. The fur-clad giant is rummaging through were also caught in the Old Wood, and the glade was their
a chest. He picks through it carefully, then suddenly camp. A circle of stones marks a fire pit, and four bed rolls
stops. Lifting his head, he takes in a deep sniff. “I know lie around it. Other camp items are strewn around the site. A
you are out there, little men,” he shouts with a laugh. quick study of the area reveals that a battle recently took place
in the glade. However, no bodies or equipment can be found.
After the characters establish their camp for the night, read the
Note: While most hill giants are as stupid as they are large, following:
this one is an exception to the rule. His name is Arbo, and he
is spy from the Skyreaches. Arbo frequently travels through
the Mistwood on mapping expeditions. He is a very skilled The wind begins softly. The air is quickly growing
cartographer and speaks Goblin and Common as well as his cold; a larger storm is on the way. Turning from the
native tongue. He is currently on a diplomatic mission to cold wind, you suddenly feel a chill caress your spine.
meet a representative from the goblins of the Highwood. He It is that familiar feeling that something is watching
is to meet the goblins on the west shore of the Lake of Secret
you. Out of the gulf of darkness and nearly 50 feet
Dreams. Arbo noticed that something is not right in the valley
above ground, amid the tall pines, a pair of red eyes
and that this cabin was abandoned.
He carries a large sack of gold (1,500 gp) which is a payoff to stares into your brain. Fear wells up in your gut. Then,
the goblin tribe. His personal treasure is a gem-encrusted gold a sound fights for your attention. Glancing away from
necklace (750 gp) and a ivory broach (300 gp). He also carries a the glowing eyes, you see three shapes shamble out of

14| T ome of Q uests

Camp in the Old Wood Map

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |15
 in any event. Again, this encounter should be the first major
the darkness. A man in chain mail drags a greatsword. encounter for the characters.
A dwarf, also in chain mail, holds an axe, and yet
another human-sized, this one a female in green robes,
holds a staff. All have numerous wounds and look to 7. Lake of Secret Dreams
have been seriously wounded. Each of their faces is
pale white with colorless eyes. From its perch, the red- The waters of the Lake of Secret Dreams lap ashore
eyed creature leaps to the ground. It is shorter than the with virtually no sound. The constant splashing
dwarf but looks not of this earth. It is completely black, of the rain on the lake’s surface fills the air. A swift
and its form is translucent. The wind stops but the rain breeze races across the surface and creates sheets of
still falls. rain and small waves. Most of the lake appears to be
surrounded by white, sandy beaches. However, large
clusters of boulders can be seen intermittently, and a
Note: These creatures are the adventurers who first left the
village (see the Introduction). They came to the Old Wood in solid cliff forms the lake’s northern shore. A waterfall
search of the Thing and fell under the curse of the Old Wood. dropping more than 100 feet from the plain above the
The Thing found them in the glade and slew them all. During cliff crashes into the lake and creates clouds of vapor.
the fight, the Thing mistakenly grabbed the critically wound- Wisps of the vapor drift across the lake toward your
ed halfling with his bare hand and drained away her last life shore. The sandy shore quickly disappears as it extends
(turning the halfling into a wraith) The Thing then flung her into the lake and is replaced by fine gravel mixed with
body high into the trees. However, the Thing was so badly larger stones. The water is clear, and the bottom can be
wounded in the battle that it simply forgot about the halfling. seen even through the rivulets of rain and small waves.
Remembering the Old Wood’s curse, the Thing used his ring Not far from your position, the Lost River flows south
of spell storing and animated the three remaining bodies. The through the valley toward the village Riversmeet.
Thing directed the zombies to set an ambush just outside the
glade and attack any who entered at midnight. The human
and dwarf fighter zombies have AC 16 (chain mail). The Note: The Lake of Secret Dreams is rumored to be a magical
human uses a greatsword, while the dwarf wields a battleaxe. place, and priests of various faiths make the long trek to take
The elf uses a quarterstaff. its waters. The water is crisp and clean, and it does possess a
The halfling wraith hung in the trees until this very night, magical quality. A creature who drinks or bathes in the lake
when it awakened as a wraith. In fact, it awoke just in time to regains 2d6 + 1 hit points. Additionally, the water immediately
see the characters enter the glade. All wraiths leave their phys- cures any disease or poison. However, the effects of the water
ical bodies behind. The halfling’s corpse still hangs in the trees work only once every 24 hours per character. Also, the water
(where the red eyes were first spotted). It is almost completely can be transported but loses all its magic properties 12 hours
hidden and impaled on a branch. Due to the magical nature of after it is removed from the lake. Note, only the water from
the Old Wood, undead cannot be turned. the lake is magical — water from the Lost River headwater or
waterfall has no special powers.
Any creature who drinks the water must make a DC 13 Con-
The following treasure is found on the dead adventurers’ bod- stitution saving throw. A successful save indicates only benefi-
ies. The fighter has 20 gp, a +1 greatsword, and two potions of cial effects of drinking the water. Characters who fail the save
healing. The dwarf is armed with two +1 javelins, one potion have a visionary dream the next time they sleep. The dream
of healing, and three gems worth 50 gp each. The elf wizard depicts the character being killed by some creature; you can
has a gold and gem necklace worth 250 gp, a +1 quarterstaff, choose or determine the creature type randomly. Each time
and a wand of secrets and spell book (magic missile, detect the character encounters that creature type, they are paralyzed
magic, floating disk, knock, and mirror image). On the halfling’s with fear for 1d4 rounds (no save allowed). After the paraly-
corpse is a hand axe, a shattered potion bottle, a gold ring sis expires, the character may act normally. The creature type
worth 100 gp, and a ring of evasion. The halfling also has a should be relatively rare. A remove curse, limited wish, or wish
map of the valley identical to the one the characters possess. spell can permanently eliminate this curse.
If by some chance none of the characters owns a magical Characters who wade or swim in the water — but do not
weapon, they notice that some of the zombies’ weapons glow. drink — are also required to make the saving throw. A suc-
This is purely an option for you to provide the characters with cessful save indicates no further effect. Characters that fail
magical weapons to help fight the halfling wraith and later, the the save have a visionary dream the next time they sleep. The
Thing. dream depicts the character finding a hidden treasure the next
Special Note: The above-listed magical items may be eliminat- time they slay a specific creature. Again, you may choose the
ed or reduced in the event the characters already have enough creature type or pick it randomly. The creature type should be
magical weapons to complete this adventure. This encounter relatively rare (do not select a creature type that is found in
is designed as an alternative to the characters receiving free this module). You can determine the hidden treasure.
magic items from the villagers — who would not possess them If the characters walk the entire shoreline, they find the

16| T ome of Q uests

remnants of a small dock in the northwest section. The dock Monsters) who resides in the cave disposed of the remains
is nearly destroyed from years of weathering. The Thing’s long ago. Behind the altar are jugs of water and some contain-
family used this dock. No visible trail can be seen leading to ers that hold dried fish and even some fresh fruit.
the manor. The boghunter has been watching the characters and is com-
Note: The dream effects of the Lake of Secret Dreams affect a pletely aware of their presence. It does not interfere with the
character only once. The healing effects are not limited (other characters unless they make themselves an easy target, such
than as stated above). as: “Fred the wimpy wizard is going to stand guard while the
rest of us go into the cave.” In that case, Fred is going to be
busy in his new profession as guard.
8. The Swamp Even though boghunters can be formidable in combat, they
prefer to avoid direct conflict with larger groups. However, if
As you enter the low swamp, strange and varying the characters take the magic shield from the cave, the bo-
smells assault your nose. Tan and green, waist-high ghunter attempts to ambush the party in the swamp. It waits
for a suitable opportunity then strikes. If combat goes badly, it
reeds grow thick and slow your progress considerably.
turns invisible and escapes any way it can. It does not bother
Insects — some disturbingly large — buzz about your
the characters further and actually leaves the valley in search
heads. The ground is generally soft and threatens to of another lair.
give way beneath your weight at almost every step.
Rising from the cloudy puddles, clouds of fog drift
about and on occasion completely obscure your sight. The Haunt
The trees are immense and clearly very old. They tower When the characters finally discover the manor home of the
above the fetid ground. The constant rain adds to the Thing, they first see it from a distance. The structure is large
misery of this place. and appears solid. No movement can be seen around the
manor. Additionally, the rain that has dogged the characters
intensifies. Lightning fills the sky, and the clouds are growing
Note: Moving through the swamp is slow and painstaking.
so thick and dark that it appears as if darkness has fallen. As
No matter how carefully the characters proceed, all of them
the characters approach the manor, the severity of the storm
trip and fall into the brackish pools of water. Fortunately, the
increases. The wind and rain are intense.
swamp is not very large and crossing it takes only about half a
day. It is impossible for horses or mules to cross the swamp.
As the characters move through the swamp, they come across
a pike with a goblin skull impaled on the shaft. A strange rune
9. The Manor (From a Distance)
is carved into the skull’s forehead section. An arcane spellcast-
er character may make a DC 14 Intelligence check. A success- A weed-choked path leads through two rows of
ful check indicates that the character vaguely recognizes the ancient oak trees, many of which died long ago. The
rune as that of a civilization that disappeared 1,000 years ago. path stops at the front porch of a huge manor home.
That particular civilization was heavily steeped in magic, but The live oak trees are thick with leaves and partially
little else is known of them and their main city has never been obscure the manor. However, the structure is massive
found. and has two distinct sections, a two-story home and
As the characters delve deeper into the swamp, they find more an attached three-story tower. Both structures appear
pikes and more skulls. Soon, they discover a large mound that solid and well-built.
is approximately 300 feet in diameter. The mound is sur-
rounded by more pikes and goblin skulls. At the center of the
Just past the oak trees, to the east of the path, the
mound is what appears to be a cluster of irregularly shaped
boulders. Also, a large fire pit and some sort of small wooden charred remains of a large barn are visible in the
rack are close to the cave opening. On closer inspection the tall grass. The omnipresent rain transforms into a
boulders form an arch that serves as the opening to a small torrential downpour with lightning flashing at an
cave under the mound. ever-increasing pace.
The cave is an ancient barrow for a long-forgotten king who
died in battle on this spot. Scattered in several piles in the cave Note: One of the live oak trees is a carnivorous tree (see Ap-
are broken weapons, rusting armor, and other tools for adven- pendix 1: New Monsters). It attacks any living creature that
ture. The mix of items span hundreds of years, and all appear walks down the path. The tree was planted long ago by an
to be dysfunctional due to age and deterioration. A large pile insane druid who wandered through the valley. No treasure
of disused clothing, furs, and blankets is at the farthest point can be found.
from the cave opening. A +1 shield leans against a slab of
stone that appears to be an altar. The altar once held the body
of the dead king, but the boghunter (see Appendix 1: New

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |17
The Manor (At the Door) Note: The manor is indeed home to the Thing (see Room 17,
Tower Level 3). The main structure is two stories, and the
adjoining tower is three stories tall. The exterior of the manor
What was once a beautiful manor home is now has held up remarkably well, and the forces of nature have not
weather-beaten and bleak. The main structure has two penetrated with but a few minor exceptions. Most importantly,
floors, and a tower off the west wing is easily three the slate roof has remained in perfect condition. The roof can
stories tall. The main section has two distinct wings support the weight of the heaviest character. All the windows
connected by a narrow, albeit taller, central span. The and balcony doors are locked from the inside.
two wings appear identical from the outside although The balconies, however, are not in such good condition. They
the west wing suffered more deterioration and weather are severely weakened and cannot support much more weight.
Any Medium size or larger creature that walks onto either bal-
damage. Tall windows, all of which are amazingly
cony results in total collapse. Those who fall with the balcony
intact, are covered with dirt and dust. All have shutters
take 1d6 bludgeoning damage. If the character climbs from the
that are locked in the open position. The front doors are outside, the balcony collapses before they can enter the manor.
huge and featureless other than a simple iron knocker Invariably, each room has been stripped of most furniture and
and handles. decorations. When the adventurer (now the Thing) did not
return, his family packed all they could and left for Sla-Morac.
The exterior is constructed of field stone that covers Some of the furniture and heavier items were left behind. Also,
only the first floors and tower. The balance of the curtains, drapes, portraits, and other adornments remain. Each
manor is walled with huge timbers. Three balconies room includes a description of contents. Dust and cobwebs
extend from the second floor. The roof is covered with cover everything inside the manor.
slate — clearly illustrating that no expense was spared Visibility is generally not very good inside the manor. Even
though the windows are not shuttered, they are dirty, and any
in its original construction. What appear to be wooden
light that gets in is faint. Also, considering the nature of the
gutters divert the water from the driving rain to
stormy conditions, natural light is minimal. Normal vision
several downspouts that lead to large 50-gallon barrels is no more than 20 feet inside the manor in daylight hours
overflowing with the runoff. and nonexistent at night. Artificial light sources are required.
Candles are still set up in some rooms, and the rooms on the

18| T ome of Q uests

second floor all have chandeliers, including the foyer. Note: Two goblins are hiding on the second-floor balcony.
Movement inside the manor is easy. Basically, it is relative- They are waiting for the characters to walk under the chande-
ly clean — other than the thick layer of dust. Hallways and lier. They release the cable that raises and lowers the chan-
rooms are generally free of debris unless otherwise described. delier if the characters enter the targeted area (see map). All
However, the floors — which are all wood — are old and dry. creatures caught in the area of effect must succeed on a DC 13
They have not been maintained and creak and groan with the Dexterity saving throw or take 2d6 bludgeoning damage and
strain of characters walking about. Characters have disadvan- 1d6 slashing damage and are knocked prone. The goblins sub-
tage on all Dexterity (Stealth) checks if moving at all. sequently engage the characters with their bows. The balcony
Doors inside the manor are unlocked and open unless oth- offers half cover (+2 to their AC). Each goblin carries 2d12 sp.
erwise described. The doors all work properly. Only the The crash of the chandelier warns the rest of the goblins that
bedroom doors and tower door have locks. There are no keys something is amiss.
anywhere in the manor for the doors. Again, the windows are The portrait is of a young family (a man, a woman, and an
locked from the inside. The exterior doors are closed but not infant). The young man is now the Thing, but no resemblance
locked (the goblins found the kitchen door unlocked, and they can be discerned at this time; he is unarmored in the portrait.
unlocked the front door for their lookouts). A message written on the back side of the portrait reads as
follows:

Goblins in the Manor Dearest Patrick,

We have waited for one year for your return. My heart
A goblin troop entered the manor about an hour before the grows heavy, and my tears come every day. For our
characters’ arrival. They were to meet with Arbo the Giant (see
child’s sake, I am moving back to Stonehill, my family’s
Encounter 5: The Woodsman’s Cabin) but were distracted
estate. Please come quickly.
after discovering the manor. This group lost one of their scouts
and stumbled upon the manor in the ensuing search. They
Your loving wife, Anne
assume the boghunter is responsible, but unfortunately for
these goblins, the scout is a relative of their king. Therefore, a
This should be the party’s first clue that the manor home is
search must be undertaken. The missing goblin was devoured
more than just a convenient lair. The characters may use this
by the killer tree and cannot be found. The goblins are under
information to track down the Thing’s family for further ad-
command of a shaman who decided the manor would be an
venture (see the epilogue for more information).
excellent place to search (and safer than the swamp).
The rest of the goblins, including their captain, are very ner-
vous. They discovered the elf’s body in the dining room, and 2. Library
they are convinced that a ghost lives in the manor. Only the
iron hand of the shaman, and fear of the boghunter outside, Clearly a library, this room makes up most of the lower
keeps them in the manor. They have not searched many rooms west wing. Each wall is lined with bookshelves that
and none on the second floor. The goblin lookouts spotted the reach the 10-foot-high ceiling. A fireplace in the south
party as they emerged from the surrounding pines, and the wall and two tall windows are all that break the line of
remaining goblins readied a few hasty ambush sites. shelves. A portion of the room is bisected and partially
The goblins are not meant to be a serious threat to the charac- hidden by a 20-foot-long bookshelf.
ters, but they may serve as a hindrance and/or comic relief.

Note: Goblins occupy this room. The goblin shaman (see

Appendix 1: New Monsters), goblin captain (see Appendix
1. Foyer
1: New Monsters), and 6 goblin guards are hiding behind the
bookshelf that divides the room. They removed a single book
This once-elegant foyer is now covered with dust and so they can see the southern portion of the room. They push
cobwebs. The floor appears to have an ornamental the bookshelf onto the characters when they enter (if they
design of intersecting wooden planks, but it is enter from the foyer). Any characters caught in the collapse
somewhat hidden beneath dust and dirt. It is not hard (see map below) suffer 1d4 damage and must spend the next
to conceive that the rest of the manor must be in the round extricating themselves from the shelf and books. The
same general condition. A wide stair rises to a balcony goblin guards and captain immediately move into melee com-
on the second floor that rings the entire foyer. Hanging bat. The shaman cast a bless spell before the characters enter
from the vaulted ceiling, a beautiful crystal chandelier the room.
awaits candles and flame. Leaning against the north The library is very expansive, and a great number of books
wall is a portrait of a young family. The portrait must are written on the subjects of warfare, hand-to-hand combat,
history, and related subjects. There is also a complete section
have been modeled in front of the manor, as the large
of children’s stories. Most of the books are deteriorated but
house is in the background.
still readable. Close inspection reveals that several books are
missing (see Room 3). Among the shelves is a large book that

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |19
 Manor House Map

20| T ome of Q uests

thoroughly describes the use of the spear. This book is called a On the skeleton, the characters find 41 gp (minted about 35
libram of proficiency (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). years ago), ruined clothing, and chain mail armor, a good met-
al shield, a rusted longsword (breaks on first use), and a ring
Treasure: The shaman carries a potion of polymorph (see Ap- of wizardry (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items).
pendix 2: New Magic Items), a spell scroll of light, and 150 gp.
The captain has 25 gp, and each guard has 2d12 sp.
4. Kitchen
3. Dining Room Long counters and wide shelves follow the south and
west walls of this huge kitchen. Against the east wall, a
A huge dining table dominates this long room. It is large stone oven rests next to an equally huge fireplace.
surrounded by seven chairs; the eighth is conspicuously A gigantic kettle gently swings in the fireplace.
missing. Three iron chandeliers hang from a single Occupying the center of the room is long table made of
beam running the length of the room. A cold fireplace thick wood. An upside-down washtub and bucket are
rests in the east wall, and several charred pieces of next to the table.
wood are in its hearth. Most startling is an armored
skeleton lying just a few feet in front of the fireplace. Note: Four goblins are hiding in the kitchen and attempt to
The skull of what appears to have been a small human ambush the characters. One is in the kettle, two are under
or elf has been smashed. the washtub, and the fourth is on the shelf above the foyer
entrance. The goblins spring forth after the party enters the
Note: The skeleton is an elf adventurer who stumbled upon room and splits up to search the contents. If the party does not
the manor 30 years ago. The elf was trapped in the manor by search, the goblins wait for an opportune moment, i.e., if the
a raging blizzard and sought shelter within. He managed to characters enter the cellar.
light a fire using one of the chairs and a few books from the A trapdoor that gives access to the cellar is concealed by thick
library. The elf was very sick and died that night. The Thing dust. The door to the outside has a bar to lock it closed, but it
smashed his skull. The raiding goblins, fearful of dead things, is currently unlocked. Nothing of value is in the kitchen, and
have not investigated this room and left the skeleton undis- the only items that remain are listed in the player description.
turbed. Each goblin carries 2d12 sp.

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |21
 Library Room #2 Map

22| T ome of Q uests

4a. Cellar 6. Storage
A decayed wooden stair descends into a small cellar. Crates are stacked along all the walls, and mesh sacks
The floor is not visible through what appears to be hang from the rafters. The sacks have all been torn
about a foot of water. Several crates and barrels rise open, and their contents are long gone. The crates are
from water. Each wall is completely covered with a filled with small holes, presumably due to mice.
wine rack. Only a few bottles remain in the rotting
wooden racks. The pungent smell of wine and spirits, Note: Dried foods were stored in this room, but a family of
albeit noxious, rushes up the stairs to meet you. mice long since devoured most of the food. The spider from
Area 5 caught all the members of the most recent mouse fami-
Note: The cellar is a very dangerous place for the characters. ly. Nothing of value is in the room.
The wooden stair is strong enough to support a single char-
acter, but it collapses if two characters descend into the cellar.
The fall itself will not result in damage, but it exposes the char- 7. Servants’ Room
acter to the broken glass of dozens of wine and liquor bottles.
Each falling character suffers minor cuts and scratches and A cold fireplace is all that describes this large room.
takes 1d6 slashing damage (1d4 if wearing armor). However, Dust and cobwebs fill the air, making breathing slightly
the water is so filled with alcohol (from the liqour caskets that difficult.
recently ruptured) that it ignites in a burst of flame if a torch or
lantern falls in with the characters. The ensuing inferno lasts
for 1d3 rounds, and any creature caught in the fire takes 1d6 Note: This was the living/dining room of the servant couple
fire damage per round. A quick-thinking character can lie flat who maintained and operated the manor. They removed all
in the water and take half damage. their belongings and left nothing to identify what purpose
The remaining wine bottles (12 in total, assuming they are not this room once served. However, two keys are on the mantle.
burned in a fire) are worth 75 gp each. One unlocks the back door and the other, the front door. The
Note: The flames, while intense for a short duration, do not servants simply left their copies.
start the house on fire. The cellar is extremely damp, and the
remaining wood does not catch fire, nor does the ceiling or
stair. The cellar only recently flooded (about a year earlier). 8. Servants’ Quarters
The larger caskets began to rot and only recently split open.
Additionally, the wine racks deteriorated quickly once the Small piles of dried leaves shift about this room. A
water entered the cellar. Wine bottles fell and broke, adding to two-foot section of the window is shattered, and the
the mix. onslaught of the storm presses through, creating gusts
of wet wind throughout the room. A single fireplace is
the only notable feature inside the room.
5. Closet
Note: This room is completely devoid of treasure except for
The door to this room is broken and hangs awkwardly a single copper coin lying under a small pile of leaves in the
on one hinge. Mops, brooms, buckets, and other northwest corner. There is no significance to the coin other
cleaning instruments and supplies rest inside this than it was minted nearly 80 years ago.
closet. Thick cobwebs cover what appears to be a long
chest.
9. Empty Room
Note: This closet is home to a giant wolf spider. It is hidden in
the webs at the back of the closet and only attacks those who Bordering the tower portion of the manor, this room’s
disturb the area. The spider generally survives on the vermin north wall is made of field stones, and an iron door is
that occasionally enter the manor. In fact, the deterioration set in its center. The door is slightly ajar. Otherwise, the
of the manor would be much worse if not for the “cleaning” room is empty.
done by the spider.
The long chest contains a few pairs of old boots and winter
Note: The Thing rigged the door so that it falls off its hinges
jackets. One pair of boots are actually boots of striding and
onto the character who tries to use it. The trap may be detected
springing.
with a successful DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check, and
the door may be prevented from falling with a successful DC
12 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools or a successful DC 15
Strength check. The iron door is very heavy, and if a creature
opens it in its current state, the creature must succeed on a

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |23
DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 7 (2d6) bludgeoning 11. Master Bedroom
damage. If the door trap activates, the Thing is alerted to the
characters’ presence.
Two of this room’s windows have minor breaks that
allow just the faintest breeze inside. The floor is clear
of dust, which has built up in the corners. The floor is
10. Trophy Room
made of wood, like the rest of the manor, but it is highly
polished and flawless. Clearly, this was the master
The heads of various animals leer down from their
bedroom, but it has been stripped of all furniture and
positions high on the walls. Deer, bear, and wolf heads
decorations.
make up most of the animals, although a few of the
remaining heads look exotic and are unknown to you.
As the lightning flashes outside, you think you can Note: Although it appears empty, this room hides a treasure
detect movement among the heads. A table is near the cache. Careful inspection of the floor reveals that the floor-
boards are perfect and knot free — except one. The knot can
east window, but no chair can be seen in this room. A
be removed to reveal a small metal plate with a keyhole. The
tiger’s skin, complete with head, lies on the floor amid
key found in Room 11 fits perfectly. If the key is used, a secret
the ever-present dust. compartment slides open in the west wall. Inside the com-
partment are two gem-encrusted silver daggers (250 gp each),
Note: The missing chair is a plush armchair currently located a dried potion bottle, a ring of fire resistance, and a diamond
in Area 17, Tower Level 3. Most of the stuffed heads are insig- (1,000 gp). The potion can be reconstituted by adding water
nificant except for the tiger head (on the floor). The tiger skin, from the Lake of Secret Dreams, which turns it into a potion of
on close inspection, has been damaged by insects. One of the superior healing.
tiger’s eyes is out of place and can easily be removed. A small
key is behind the glass eyeball. The key can be used in Area
11. Nothing else of value is in this room. 12. Nursery

The drab appearance of the manor is dispelled by this

brightly colored room. The yellow walls are covered
with bright blue, green, and red paintings of farm
animals and sprites. Two dressers and a large open
chest are against the south wall. A plush rug covers
most of the room with exception of a five-foot area
around the fireplace. Six miniature figures hang from
the ceiling in the southwest corner. A single door is set
into the east wall.

Note: This room was the child’s nursery and playroom. The
dressers are empty, but the chest contains a few wooden toys.
The miniature figures (6) are made of silver but are tarnished
to give them a plain appearance (15 gp each). The baby’s crib
is absent from the room. Close inspection reveals that some-
thing heavy was moved recently from the area under the
hanging miniatures.

13. Guest Room

It is obvious that time and the elements combined to

ravage this guestroom. The only window is broken,
and tattered curtains billow in the breeze. Water
entered through the window and rotted the floor in
several places. Indeed, the storm outside sends sheets
of water through the window. A huge hornets’ nest
hangs from the tall rafters in the vaulted ceiling. A
dozen hornets — fairly large in size — buzz about the

24| T ome of Q uests

 Thing weakened the support beams.
room. A bedframe in the center of the room collapsed, The ladder is trapped, and it breaks away from the wall if any-
as has one of the two nightstands. A single dresser one attempts to climb to the second level. A falling character
stands next to the door. takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage. If a floor mat is moved close
to the ladder, no damage is suffered. The Thing uses the rope
of climbing to move between levels.
Note: This room is the most severely damaged in the manor.
The floor is rotted in many places — some obvious but others
not (see map for soft spots). A creature who crosses one of the
16. Tower Level Two
soft spots must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or
fall through the floor into the library (possibly surprising the This level of the tower is simply a cross-shaped platform.
goblins who lurk there). The hornets (statistics of a swarm of The platform is constructed of wood and supported by
wasps) is harmless unless the nest is disturbed. thick beams. At each point on the platform, or at each
compass point, a single covered window is set into the
wall. The wood shutter is inset with an arrow slit. The
14. Unfinished Room four ropes continue into the darkness above.

The air in this room is cool and dry. Each of its three Note: The east section of the platform is trapped and collapses
windows still holds nature at bay, and it appears the if any weight is applied. A creature moving on this section
room is undamaged. However, the room is completely easily collapses the structure. A falling creature must make a
devoid of any objects other than the drapes that hang DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 2d6 bludgeoning dam-
next to the windows. The floor is covered by at least age on a failure, or landing on a mat below and taking only
two inches of dust, and cobwebs hang thick in each half as much bludgeoning damage on a success.
corner and among the open rafters.

Note: This room was not furnished, and its purpose was 17. Tower Level Three
never agreed upon. It contains no treasure or hazard.
It is as if you have entered the burial chamber of some
ancient king. Thick oriental carpets cover the floor. On
Tower Section — Levels 1–3 the carpets rest several chests, three of which overflow
with coins. Two others are filled with gems and jewelry.
15. Tower Level One Yet other chests look to hold scrolls, vials, and other
items. An ornate cradle inlaid with gold and silver
Weapons in racks, barrels, open crates, or boxes are holds dozens of tattered stuffed animals. A gem-lined
scattered about this room. All the weapons are well- tapestry covers the north wall. The tapestry depicts
organized, but a thin layer of dust covers everything. a map of the valley, but black “X” marks pock the
At seemingly random intervals, thick straw-filled floor countryside. At least six paintings lean against the east
mats are in piles up to two feet thick. Wooden practice wall. The foremost and largest is of a young warrior
dummies, chipped and battered, stand about the room wearing shining blue plate mail holding a glowing
waiting for use. Hundreds of wood chips are scattered longsword.
across the floor. Four climbing ropes descend from the
darkness above. A ladder is built into the south wall Finally, your eyes penetrate the darkness in the east
next to the door. corner. Sitting on a large chair is the Thing. Light flashes
off its brilliant blue armor and sword. Its glowing red
Note: Included in the arsenal are swords (many types), spears, eyes penetrate your soul. You quickly glance back at
javelins, polearms, bows, crossbows, arrows and bolts, maces, the painting of the young warrior then back to the
and flails. Most of the weapons (90% chance the weapon is Thing. Somehow, you know they are one and the same.
serviceable) are usable as they have been properly maintained
and stored. Note: The characters have found the Thing (see Appendix 1:
The practice dummies are all simple wooden figures. Close in- New Monsters). Not wasting any time, the Thing throws a
spection reveals that some have recently been employed. One miraculous egg (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items) near the
of the four ropes is a rope of climbing. Only by direct compar- characters. The egg transforms into a hell hound and attacks
ison will the characters discern that it is of better quality. A de- the nearest character. The Thing then moves into combat,
tect magic spell reveals its true nature. The dummies are made targeting spellcasters. The Thing uses the sword’s powers, if
of pine, but the majority of wood chips on the floor are oak. possible, but not the teleport power to escape. This is its lair
Elves, druids, or rangers notices that difference if they inspect and home; it fights to the end. The Thing uses its energy drain
the wood chips. The chips are from the second level, where the attack, but not to completely drain an opponent.

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |25
 Manse Tower Levels Two &
Three Map

26| T ome of Q uests

The Thing is physically strong enough to knock a character off Conclusion
the platform. If it strikes a creature , the creature falls off the
platform. A falling character who succeeds on a DC 13 Dexter- Soon after the characters destroy the Thing, the valley returns
ity saving throw can grab a rope on the way down and lose to normalcy. Farmers, herdsmen, and others return to their
only a single round while climbing back up. If the first saving homes and fields. The characters are always welcome in the
throw fails, a second DC 16 Dexterity saving throw may be at- community. They are treated as heroes and lavished with
tempted. If the second save is successful, the creature lands on respect and gratitude.
the second-level platform and takes 1d6 bludeoning damage. Further adventuring opportunities include investigating the
If the second save fails, the creature may make a third DC 19 giant, Arbo. The characters may want to determine who he is
Dexterity saving throw. If the save is successful, the creature working for and what nefarious plans may be in motion. Also,
falls onto a straw mat and takes 2d4 bludgeoning damage. If the characters may search for the lost patrol. The patrol found
the creature fails the third save, they strike the tower floor and a secret entrance along the cliffs into the Highwood Forest. A
take 3d6 bludgeoning damage. tribe of goblins lives close to the cliffs, and further adventure
The Thing amassed some treasure from its forays, mostly from can be had by storming their stronghold.
raids outside the valley. The treasure consists of 400 cp, 200 The characters may want to travel to Greyport to find any
sp, 600 gp, 20 gems at 10 gp each, 10 gems at 25 gp each, five remaining family members of the Thing. After hearing of the
gems at 50 gp each, three gems at 100 gp each, and one gem at Thing’s demise, Tuven recommends that the characters travel
1,000 gp, three pieces of jewelry at 100 gp, two at 200 gp, and to Greyport to find the Thing’s family to give them closure.
one at 750 gp. Magical items include four spell scrolls each with The Thing’s wife, Anne, is long since dead, but their daughter
a 1st-level cleric spell, three spell scrolls each with a 1st-level is still alive, albeit very old. She welcomes the information, as
wizard spell, and a spell scroll of protection from evil and good. she was never told much by her mother. The daughter, Kath-
Under the chests is a cloak of protection. The cloak also has ryn, has always been curious of the fate of her father. After her
a pocket containing a miraculous egg (see Appendix 2: New mother’s death, she discovered a journal written by her father.
Magic Items). The last entry describes a mission to discover the location of
The Thing’s sword is a spellbreaker (see Appendix 2: New an ancient ruin. The precise location of the ruins is unknown,
Magic Items). but the journal indicates it lies somewhere near Black Lake
The Thing’s other magic items include a ring of spell storing (see module T2 The Things in the Forest).
(animate dead, cure light wounds, bless) that are usable once per Designer’s Note: The names of the locations referenced above
day. He also wears +1 plate armor. Finally, he has an iron are located in the Misty Isles campaign setting by Pacesetter
gauntlet (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). Games & Simulations. You may easily substitute the locations
to fit your own setting.

Th e Th i ng i n th e Valle y |27
28| T ome of Q uests
 T he S creaming T emple
This adventure is designed for use with the 5E system. Charac-
ter levels should range from 1st to 2nd level, with a total of six
Character Involvement
to eight total character levels (for example, four 2nd-level char- Typically, this adventure occurs while the characters are visit-
acters equals eight total character levels). No specific character ing a city. The characters immediately hear rumors regarding
class is required, but a rogue will be of use. the Screaming Temple that appeared “out of nowhere” several
One map of the temple is provided. This scenario may take months earlier. Information, both true and false, is circulating
place in any urban or city environment. throughout the city. Consult the Rumor Chart below. Roll 1d8
for each character. (T) indicates the rumor is true, and an (F)
indicates it is false. While it is possible for the heroes to over-
GM’s Introduction hear a rumor, in general, they must grease some palms to gain
The Screaming Temple is a relatively short scenario in which any chance to roll on the Rumor Chart. The characters will not
the adventuring party investigates an enigmatic temple that be able to discern truth from fiction at this point.
literally surfaced overnight. The temple is surrounded by a
20-foot-high wall that conceals the grounds within. The gate
is wood. There are no structures close to the temple that offer Rumor Chart
a good vantage point to see beyond the wall. No markings or
1. Two men went over the wall and never came back. (T)
signs identify the temple or its deity. [The giant chameleon ate them].
The temple complex is in the middle of the poorest district in
Baylor (a major city within the Misty Isles campaign setting). 2. A dragon lurks behind the walls. (F) [It is actually a giant
chameleon.]
In reality, the temple is a front for a massive fencing operation.
The Slave Masters made arrangements with the local thieves’ 3. The Green Flame is in the temple. (F) [A gem of
guild. The thieves’ guild enjoys the arrangement, as stolen enormous value.]
goods are sold at the temple and then transported to other 4. A strange creature flies into the temple after dark. (T)
cities, virtually eliminating any chance of tracing stolen items [The bat.]
back to its members. The temple operatives pay “extra” taxes 5. Any who climb the wall explode when they reach the
to the city authorities to avoid investigation. Additionally, top. (F)
vagrancy around the temple has been reduced. The Slave 6. People have been disappearing since the temple was
Masters are in search of a legendary emerald said to possess built. (T)
powerful magical energies. The gem is called the Green Flame.
7. A necromancer is raising an undead army behind the
The Slave Masters only know the emerald is located in Baylor;
walls of the temple (F)
its exact whereabouts are unknown. Therefore, the slavers
extended aid to the thieves’ guild while they search for the 8. A wealthy noble built the temple to house his insane son.
gem. The only caveat the thieves must abide is that all gems (F)
and jewelry must be sold to the slavers. Why the slavers want
the gem is revealed in Pacesetter’s adventure module, Path of Note: A rogue or other character with possible criminal con-
the Vanished. nections may learn that a new fence is in town, but no connec-
A huge force of laborers assembled the temple and wall in the tion to the temple will be made. This information is available
dark of night. The entire complex was pre-built in another lo- only from guild members.
cation and simply moved to the current location for assembly.
The walls, while appearing to be made of stone, are actually The Temple Grounds
wood covered with plaster.
On seemingly random nights, horrific screaming emanates The temple is in the poorest district of the city, which is often
from the temple. The local inhabitants have dubbed it the referred to as the slums or the thieves’ district. No one lives
Screaming Temple. Additionally, many rumors have been within 100 yards of the temple, and few venture within that
created and spread, some by the thieves’ guild, and others by boundary. The temple complex was built on the grounds of
the people who live near the temple. another, more ancient, temple that was razed when the city
Currently, a group of six mercenary soldiers and a thief (the was founded. The outer wall is 20 feet high and appears to be
Fence) operate within the temple walls. The Fence buys stolen solid stone. However, close inspection reveals that the walls
goods from local thieves at prearranged locations throughout are stucco on timber framing and not particularly thick. The
the city. He then returns to the temple via a secret sewer en- wall is scalable with a rope and grapnel. A successful DC 7
trance. Additionally, the temple is used to hold kidnap victims. Dexterity check is needed to climb the wall.
On pre-scheduled nights, a huge bat under the command of The temple within the outer wall is roughly T-shaped (invert-
a petty wizard arrives to pick up the stolen gems and jewelry. ed) and approximately 30 feet tall. It is very plain and built
The wizard carries a bag of gold to pay for the illicit goods. of the same material as the outer wall. It has few windows,
The giant bat is typically fed a captured vagrant or prisoner and the large double entry doors are made of plain wood. No
(whose ransom was not paid). This process typically invokes markings or decorations are evident. The walls and temple
screaming from the victim. have a wooden frame.

Th e S cre a m i ng Te mple |29

The temple is patrolled by 12 mercenaries (as guards) who structure is set on fire, it takes only about half an hour for the
work in shifts. While on duty, six mercenaries are within the entire building to burn to the ground. The only solid portion
temple complex, and the six off duty mercenaries are lodged of the structure is the temple floor, which previously belonged
in a nearby house. The mercenaries are on 48-hour shifts and to another building. The stone floor is thick and has a metal
sleep at the temple while on duty. The mercenaries change grate and tunnel that lead to the sewers below.
shifts at midnight (which may occur if the characters infiltrate Several of the temple’s rooms have light sources that are lit at
the temple at night). night. They give off very little light and force the mercenaries
A partially trained, giant horned chameleon lizard patrols to carry lanterns. During daylight hours, Locations 2, 3, 12,
the outer grounds between the temple and wall. It hides in 13, and 15 have windows or exterior doors and a light source
the three-foot-tall grasses that have grown since the temple is not necessary. Locations 1, 4–11, 12a, 13a, and 14 do not
was constructed. The lizard will not attack the mercenaries have access to daylight and a light source is required. At night,
but challenges all other intruders. The entire courtyard area Locations 1, 11, and 15 have artificial light sources.
is not maintained, and tall grass and other vegetation grow Several locked doors are in the temple. The mercenary guards
unchecked. have keys to all rooms except Location 4. The Fence has keys
There are three ways to enter the temple. The first is to use the to all rooms including Location 4.
large double doors that are never locked; there is no locking It is important that you keep track of the mercenaries. They
mechanism. The doors are usually open, and the mercenaries patrol in pairs. Two of the mercenaries will be sleeping in
frequently congregate just inside the doorway. The second is Location 2 at the start of the scenario, and the remaining four
through a window or the roof, which has a 30-foot-diameter mercenaries will be patrolling the temple and grounds. One
hole where the giant bat enters (see Location 10). The third pair always is around Location 1 or in the courtyard. The oth-
method of entry is via the sewers, which allow access to Loca- er pair will be taunting the halfling in Location 10 or leering at
tion 10. the girl in Location 15. If combat occurs anywhere in the tem-
Primarily constructed of wood and plaster, the temple is not ple or on the grounds, the mercenaries are alerted and rush to
very structurally sound. A character who succeeds on a DC the scene. Also, the Fence arrives to assist the mercenaries.
13 Strength check can punch a hole in any wall without much
problem, and using an appropriate weapon requires no check.
Additionally, the entire complex is susceptible to fire. If the

30| T ome of Q uests

Outer Courtyard (Player Description) cenaries. Inside are clothes, weapon cleaning tools, and other
personal items. Each mercenary also has a pouch with 12 gp
(this week’s pay).
Tall, green grass surrounds the temple on all sides.
Several dead trees and a variety of scrub bushes are
within the field of green. The grass and weeds reach 3. Storage
an almost uniform three feet high and sway gently
in the breeze. The courtyard is completely unkempt. Crates — some are open, but most are closed — cover
Vegetation threatens to climb the short stairs that lead nearly the entire floor of this otherwise unremarkable
to the temple. At the top of the stairs, a pair of large room. The open crates hold leather sacks and rope,
wooden portals hang open. some of which are sprawled on the floor.

Description: A giant lizard partially trained to attack all Description: Twenty crates hold thin rope or large sacks.
intruders other than the mercenaries or the Fence. A pair of These supplies are used by the Fence to hold and transport
boys who scaled the wall spotted the lizard and spread their stolen goods. A number is sewn onto each sack to track inven-
fantastic tale of a dragon guarding the temple. No treasure is tory.
to be found in the courtyard.
A flight of steps that creak like wood but appear to be made of
stone lead to a pair of iron-bound, wooden doors. The doors 4. The Vault
are not locked and are cracked open.
Four sacks are neatly placed against the west wall. The
sacks are fastened shut with thin rope. An extra length
1. The First Clue of cord extends from the knot to form a loop. Three
sacks are against the south wall, but these are not tied
The temple’s greeting chamber is relatively bare. A shut.
single brazier set in the northwest corner illuminates
the room. A wall of multicolored glass beads strung
Description: The slip-loops are used to secure the sacks to
together by thin string hangs from ceiling to floor
the giant bat that comes to carry away the fenced goods. The
across the 30-foot-wide archway in the north wall. sacks hold the following: Sack #1: four gold goblets inset with
small chips of various gemstones (100 gp each); Sack #2: a
Description: The brazier barely illuminates the room (dim silver candelabra inset with a single ruby (200 gp); Sack #3: a
light), and alternate light sources are needed to clearly see gem-embroidered tapestry (350 gp); Sack #4: a gem-encrusted
the room. If the characters investigate, they notice that all the dagger (400 gp). The three unsecured sacks hold rags, pieces
walls are constructed of thin wood covered on the exterior by of cloth, and a tattered cloak. The cloak is a cloak of missile
equally thin stucco. A dwarf or character with a construction deflection (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items).
background quickly realizes that the temple is not very solid
and was built in haste. Anyone succeeding on a DC 10 Intelli-
gence (Religion) check may notice the absence of any holy (or 5. Doomsday Device
unholy) decorations.
Six small barrels are all that occupy this small room.
The barrels are neatly stacked and have no markings.
2. A Place of Rest Leaning against the barrels are two handaxes. A shelf
over the barrels holds a flint and stone.
Six unkempt cots line the two outside walls of this
sparsely furnished chamber. A pack is at the foot of
Description: The Fence and mercenaries were instructed in
each cot. A long table and six chairs occupy the center
case of imminent capture or defeat to burn the temple to the
of the room. A pile of dirty plates and mugs sit on ground. To expedite this failsafe, the six barrels are filled with
the table, along with two fat candles that are almost highly flammable oil. The axes are to be used to break them
completely burned down. open. The oil can be spread about the temple if time permits
or lit in place. If spread about, the temple burns to the ground
Description: Although the characters may not notice immedi- in 30 minutes. If the barrels are lit in place, it takes 45 minutes
ately, two of the cots are occupied by sleeping mercenaries (as to fully engulf the structure. The oil has a value of 50 gp per
guards). They will not wake unless the party disturbs them or barrel. If possible, the Fence or mercenaries take a barrel to the
makes excessive noise. If combat erupts anywhere in the com- entrance/brazier if they can and trap the characters inside the
pound, they gather their weapons and join their comrades. burning temple.
Each pack contains the personal equipment of one of the mer-

Th e S cre a m i ng Te mple |31

 The Screaming
Temple Map

32| T ome of Q uests

6. The Old God destroyed, with the same powers it possessed before being
destroyed.
Note: The door to this room is locked, requiring a successful DC 14 The statue will not pursue any characters beyond this cham-
Dexterity check with thieves’ tools to pick. ber. The staff of the leech is magical (see Appendix 2: New
Magic Items). Lying just under the dirt near the statue is a
gold necklace inset with four symbols: a circle, a triangle, a
Unlike the rest of the temple, this chamber has a dirt
square, and a triangle (in that order).
floor. In the center of the chamber, a statue of a four-
armed, horned man holds a white staff. The statue is
made completely of bones and skulls. 7–8. Empty Cells
Description: When this area was cleared to build this false These small chambers are bare and completely empty.
temple, the builders discovered this statue in the ruins of a The door is noticeably thick, and a small panel is cut
much more ancient temple. Fearing the death god, it was in its center.
encased in this room. The key to this room is within the desk
at Location 12.
The statue once held great power to dispense death to those Description: This is a holding cell for kidnapped victims, ei-
who merely approached. However, the cult that worshipped ther for ransom or bat food. Nothing of interest is in the cell. If
the god fell, and it has grown weak. Any creature who ap- the characters are captured, they are placed in these room, and
proaches within 10 feet of the statue must succeed on a DC their equipment is taken by the mercenaries.
16 Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 + 2 necrotic damage
(one occurrence per character). The death god statue (see
Appendix 1: New Monsters) gains temporary hit points equal 9. Occupied Cell
to the amount of necrotic damage, and it animates and attacks
with the staff and its arms. The statue fights until destroyed, A young halfling female clad in tattered leather armor
at which point it collapses into a pile of bones, now devoid lies motionless on the floor of this otherwise empty
of any power. However, if a character is killed in the battle cell.
(and their body is still within 50 feet), their skull immediately
transfers to the statue, and it reforms 10 minutes after it is

Th e S cre a m i ng Te mple |33

Description: This halfling, Niri, is a chaotic good spy with 18 11. Great Hall
(4d8) hit points. She let her curiosity get the better of her. She
heard a rumor that the temple held the fabulous Green Flame
This massive chamber has an arched ceiling supported
(see Rumors) and could not resist the temptation to steal the
by eight massive columns. A few scattered braziers
legendary emerald. Niri posed as a member of the thieves’
guild and sold some items to the Fence. She then followed him burn weakly, casting shadows throughout the hall.
through the sewers and into the temple but was then captured Otherwise, the area appears stark and barren.
by the wary Fence. Niri is feigning death in a hopeless attempt
to trick the mercenaries into opening her cell. Description: If the 12 mercenaries (as guards) and the Fence
Niri aids the characters in the temple if asked. She assists in (a chaotic evil spy with a Dexterity of 16 [+3], an AC of 15
any way she can but needs equipment. If the characters dis- [leather armor, ring of protection], and a +1 shortsword, and
miss her, she may stick around looking for an opportunity to a potion of invisibility) have been alerted to the characters’
steal some loot. presence, they attempt to stage an ambush in this chamber,
using the columns for cover. The Fence maneuvers behind the
characters, using the ample shadows. Otherwise, this room is
empty.

12. The Fence

Note: Read if the Fence has not been encountered.

Two small braziers burn at opposite ends of a long

table set against the southern wall of this room. An
uncomfortable-looking cot and an open chest are the
only other furnishings. At the table, sitting with his
back to the door, is a man in gray-and-black clothing,
working over a pile of scrolls.

Description: The man at the table is the Fence – a chaotic evil

spy with a Dexterity of 16 (+3), an AC of 15 (leather armor,
ring of protection), a +1 shortsword, and a potion of invisibil-
ity – who runs the operation. He is currently going through
his records, which he is not particularly good at maintaining.
The scrolls contain tracking information for all (or most) of
the items he purchased from his “suppliers” since the temple
opened for business.
The chest contains clothing and a worn dagger in a fray-
ing leather scabbard. The Fence keeps most of his personal
belongings in a house on the edge of the city. The Fence is not
very brave or loyal, and if he encounters significant danger,
he immediately flees. He will not surrender, as he knows the
punishment of the Slave Masters would be severe. If possible,
he goes to Location 5 and initiates the doomsday device. He
10. Empty Cell uses the secret sewer entrance to escape (Location 15).

This small chamber is bare and completely empty. The

door is notably thick, and a small panel is cut in its 12a. Bedchamber
center. Description: This room is used by the Fence on the rare
occasions he spends the night within the temple. A cot and
Description: This is a holding cell for kidnapped victims, footlocker are the only pieces of furniture in the chamber. The
either for ransom or bat food. Nothing of interest is in the cell. Fence tacked a dozen sheets of parchment on the wall. Four
The door is locked, and the mercenaries lost the key. simply contain the symbol of a circle, triangle, square and pen-
tagon. The others show various combinations of the shapes. A
successful DC 15 Intelligence check reveals the missing combi-
nation for Location 16.

34| T ome of Q uests

 13a. Pantry
Description: This chamber is filled with dry goods and cured
meats. It also has a wine rack containing mostly cheap wines
and a large keg of ale (half full). There are also three barrels of
water, though one is nearly empty.
A pair of wooden crates each hold a butchered goat. The goat
is used to feed the giant horned chameleon. If a piece of goat
meat is thrown to the creature, it ignores trespassers for the
next 20 minutes.

14. Spike beads

Description: A curtain of stringed glass beads covers the
entire entrance to the mock chapel. Those who know never
attempt to pass through the beads other than at the far ends of
the entry. The beads are covered with tiny spikes that fiendish-
ly dig into anything short of metal. The dangerous nature of
the beads can be detected with a successful DC 14 Intelligence
(Investigation) check. Creatures passing through the bead wall
must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or become en-
tangled and restrained (escape DC 13). An entangled creature
takes 1 piercing damage when it becomes entangled and at the
start of each of its turns where it remains entangled. All the
temple’s occupants, as well as Riderin, are aware of the trap.

15. Mock Chapel

Note: There are two descriptions for this room. The first
description assumes a night encounter and the second during
daylight hours.

Night Description:
13. Meeting Room

A massive wooden table dominates this room. Eight This vast room obviously takes up most of the temple’s
chairs surround the table. A trio of brass lanterns hang space. Two rows of wooden pillars support the ceiling,
from the ceiling over the table. A small end table stands which has a 30-foot-diameter hole at its center. The
near the door in the north wall. Eight crystal glasses sit moon’s weak rays pass through the hole and illuminate
upside down on the table. a small stone altar and an unconscious girl. The girl’s
right leg is shackled to the base of the altar.
Description: This room has two purposes: First, it serves as
a meeting location the Fence uses to buy stolen merchandize A five-foot-square metal sewer cover directly beneath
from local thieves; second, it is a dining room for those work- the hole in the ceiling awaits rainwater. A 40-foot-
ing in the temple. The crystal glasses appear to be identical; diameter area of the floor beneath the hole slopes to
however, one has a small etched circle on its base. The other collect the rainwater and funnel it to the drain.
seven glasses double the amount of alcohol of any alcoholic
drink poured into them without affecting the flavor of the
drink. The Fence always uses the etched glass and serves his Daylight Description:
“guests” the other glasses. Often, this allows the Fence to gain
favorable deals. Nothing else of value or interest is in this
chamber. The glasses, if their true nature is discovered, are This vast room obviously takes up most of the temple’s
worth 50 gp each (except the etched glass, which is worth 2 space. Two rows of wooden pillars support the ceiling,
gp). which has a 30-foot-diameter hole at its center. The
sun’s strong rays pass through the hole and illuminate
a small stone altar and an unconscious girl. The girl’s
right leg is shackled to the base of the altar.

Th e S cre a m i ng Te mple |35

 A five-foot-square metal sewer cover directly beneath then targets remaining characters with his magic missile. If
the hole in the ceiling awaits rainwater. A 40-foot- the battle goes badly, he flees. Note: The wizard can also use
diameter area of the floor beneath the hole slopes to his ring of animal influence to befriend the chameleon in the
collect the rainwater and funnel it to the drain. courtyard should the opportunity present itself.
The bat uses its sonic attack on the first round. It then attacks
the nearest character. The bat fights until destroyed or until the
Description: The girl on the altar looks to be in her young wizard flees (in which case it also flees).
teens. She has fainted from fright and exhaustion. The char- The metal grate appears to be sealed in place, but a hidden
acters can awaken her without much problem. The chain catch under the edge releases the lock. The catch can be found
holding her is not particularly strong and can be broken with on close inspection with a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Inves-
sufficient force (a successful DC 12 Strength check). The girl tigation) check. Otherwise, the grate must be broken loose (30
is Kally, and she is simply a kidnapped victim whose ransom points of damage). If the characters use force, there is a 35%
was not paid. She was brought into the temple via the sewer chance they attract a group of three huge troglodytes who are
entrance. The girl feigned unconsciousness as her captors using the sewers to conduct raids within the city.
brought her up through the stormwater grate in the floor of
this room. If asked, even in general, she points to the grate * See Pacesetter Games & Simulations’ adventure module,
and tells the characters there are secret chambers beneath the Path of the Vanished.
temple.
If the characters come at night, read the following:
The Silent Temple
Kally continues to thank you for her rescue but then The conclusion of the adventure may be anything but final.
her gaze turns toward the open roof of the chapel. She After the characters clear the temple, they may occupy it as a
screams in horror and faints. Looking skyward, you base, if it is still standing. They may also wish to investigate
see a huge bat enter the chamber. Riding the bat is a who funded the temple. It is also possible they are marked
man in flowing purple robes. He leaps off the bat as it people as the Slave Masters who built the Screaming Temple
swoops in your direction. likely seek revenge. A bounty may be placed on their heads.
If either the Fence or the wizard survive, they may seek retri-
The man is a young mage, a Slave Master* apprentice (see bution. In any case, it is likely that the characters gained the
Appendix 1: New Monsters; with color spray prepared instead attention, possibly unwanted, of a nefarious villain with a long
of sleep), who has come to collect this week’s takings. He is memory.
riding a giant bat known as a screamer (see Appendix 1: New
Monsters). The wizard commands the bat to attack, and he
immediately casts spells. He first casts a color spray spell and

36| T ome of Q uests

 F elhorde
This module is designed for use with the 5E system. The rec- Chapter 1: Eruptor’s Vengeance
ommended player character (character) level range is 2nd to
4th level, and a group of four to six characters is optimal. The In Eruptor’s Vengeance, the characters learn that tangling
adventure is designed, though not exclusively, for novice play- with a dragon, even if it is dead, can be a dangerous endeavor.
ers, as it contains roleplaying, problem solving, and combat Specifically, this adventure presents low-level characters with
situations. an opportunity to interact in an environment based on the
Each location within this scenario contains a description for game’s most fearsome creature without actually encountering
the players and for you. This scenario is in a hilly and forest- one: a red dragon. After discovering a dead dragon’s lair, the
ed area, but it is easily placed almost anywhere a red dragon characters must traverse some traps and dangerous foes to
would lair. reach the dragon’s hoard. Unfortunately for the characters, a
group of chasm gnomes made off with the hoard.
Felhorde is an adventure split into three chapters:

F e lhord e |37
Chapter 2: Lost Citadel of the Dark Elves Player Introduction
Emerging from the dragon’s lair emptyhanded, the characters
are confronted by the very much alive Eruptor. The dragon For the past few hours, a nauseous odor has carried on
wants his treasure, and the characters are assigned the task a warm summer breeze. Your party has followed the
of recovering it. Pursuing the chasm gnomes, the characters
vile smell even though all your senses warn of danger.
discover an ancient dark elf citadel. To follow the gnomes, the
It is the smell of death that you follow.
characters must traverse the citadel and pass the test of the cit-
adel. Back on the trail of the chasm gnomes, the characters find
a mysterious floating keep and eventually are confronted by a As the forest gives way to a small glade, horror fills
forge lich. The characters are tasked with yet another quest … your eyes. Charred and mutilated bodies litter the
ground. In the center of the carnage, a small dragon,
feathered by arrows and cloven by many blades, lies
Chapter 3: The Forgotten Dark motionless. All know what happened here: a heroic
It seems the forge lich is seeking to resurrect an entire race of battle of epic proportions, wherein the participants
deep dwellers called the Harrowen. This race went extinct were rewarded with death.
when their magic sun known as the Orb, which illuminated
and gave life to their home cavern, was destroyed by the dark Description: Indeed, this battle had no winners. The dragon,
elves in a war long ago. The forge lich determined that if the Eruptor, managed to fry the few remaining adventurers in
Orb is restored, so too the Harrowen. With a restored Harrow- his death throes. The characters are able to determine that the
en, the forge lich would gain allies in his efforts to conquer the fight took place several days earlier; small carrion animals
Deep. have pecked at the bodies (though the dragon has not been fed
upon).
Chapter 1: Eruptor’s Vengeance Searching the corpses is an easy task, as only a few items
survived the conflagration. The first item found is a bone
scroll case containing a map that clearly details the hilly area
Background and marks the dragon’s lair. However, just after the characters
discover the map, a group of 14 kobolds led by Aagdrip the
The scenario starts as the characters stumbling onto the site gnoll arrives on the scene. Aagdrip’s troop do not come close
of a horrific battle. A large party of young adventurers battled enough for hand-to-hand combat but use the cover of the
Eruptor, an equally young red dragon, to the death. The band forest to disguise their true numbers. Aagdrip comes forward
of adventurers was attempting to surprise the young dragon with two kobolds to parley with the characters. He demands
in its lair, but the dragon turned the tables on them. Eruptor equal scavenging rights or a finder’s fee of 50 gp. Under no
detected their approach and immediately attacked. The battle circumstances does he start a fight. If the characters refuse
was fierce and ended in a draw. Unfortunately for both sides, to comply, Aagdrip informs the characters that his “elite”
none survived. troops have targeted one character with their bows. Under no
When the characters search the battlefield, they find a bone circumstance (other than character aggression) does Aagdrip
scroll case that contains a map to Eruptor’s lair. As the char- initiate an attack. If this ruse fails, Aagdrip exits. If the char-
acters continue to scavenge through the battlefield, they are acters attack Aagdrip, he tries to flee, and his hidden allies do
approached by a group of kobolds led by Aagdrip, a huge not emerge.
gnoll. Aagdrip attempts to parley with the characters in hopes Aagdrip carries a potion of invisibility, a potion of healing, 35
of splitting the loot from the battlefield. However, he does not gp, and two gems worth 25 gp each. Each kobold carries 2d6
initiate a battle. Aagdrip and his kobolds secretly follow the gp.
characters to the dragon’s lair, wait for them to leave, and set Unless he is killed, Aagdrip stealthily follows the characters to
an ambush when the characters emerge from the lair. the dragon’s lair.
The dragon’s lair is an abandoned mine not far away from The following loot is located on the battlefield corpses: 210 sp,
the battlefield. Long ago, an earthquake destroyed most of 95 gp, a jeweled necklace worth 50 gp, two longswords, four
the mine and created deep chasms across the few tunnels that +1 arrows, a +1 shield, and two bone scroll cases (one contains
remained. Eruptor discovered the mine and decided it would the map, and the other has two spell scrolls: magic missile
make an excellent lair because of its natural defenses. The (at 3rd level) and levitate. Everything else was consumed or
dragon captured a group of fire beetles and laid several traps destroyed by the dragon’s breath weapon attack.
for those that dared enter. Eruptor consumed a potion of regeneration (see Appendix 2:
Finally, a group of gnomes that have been spying on Eruptor New Magic Items) before the ill-fated battle. However, due
noticed he has been gone much longer than normal. They to his large size, the potion is working very slowly. Eruptor is
engineered a raid on his lair. Unfortunately for them, a white regenerating, imperceptibly, regaining 1 hit point per 12 hours.
drake infiltrated their ranks and plans to betray them. Then He awakens 24 hours from the time the characters enter the
the characters arrive … glade. At that time, he returns to his lair. It is unlikely that

38| T ome of Q uests

Eruptor’s Lair Map

F e lhord e |39
the characters encounter the live Eruptor in this adventure Description: At this time, the characters must decide on a
(the dragon avoids any contact due to his severely weakened marching order and determine what light sources they will
state). See Chapter 2: Lost Citadel of the Dark Elves. use to navigate the mine. The mine complex, or what is left of
it, may be mapped. No natural light is in the complex beyond
Location 2, and artificial light or darkvision is required.
Eruptor’s Lair
The characters have no trouble finding the dragon’s lair by 2. A Dangerous Crossing
using the map; it is only a short hike from the battlefield.
There is no chance of encountering a wandering monster as Not 100 feet into the mine, the dragon’s defenses
Eruptor killed virtually every living thing around his cave.
become evident. A gaping chasm completely bisects
The characters may notice a disturbing lack of wildlife as they
the tunnel and disappears into the darkness below. The
approach the lair.
chasm is 20 feet wide. Cool air rises from the chasm.

1. The Lair Description: Crossing the chasm can be very dangerous or

very safe. There is no specific method the characters need em-
Your map was accurate. Standing alone in a large ploy to make the crossing. A character may attempt to climb
clearing, a low hill marks the entrance to the dragon’s walls; however, a successful DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check
is required as the walls are not particularly solid or safe. The
lair. A wide cave mouth breaks the smooth, green
characters may also use a fallen tree as a bridge. The players
hillside and descends into the dark earth. Several
should be encouraged to solve the problem, and every reason-
trees are knocked over at the cave entrance. A sign able solution should have a fair chance of success. The first
identifies this place as Deepwell Mine. However, the character who falls into the chasm strikes a ledge and takes
word “Deepwell” is crudely crossed out and the word 2d6 bludgeoning damage. The character, if they survived, is
“Eruptor” placed above it. safe on the ledge approximately 20 feet from the upper cavern.
Any subsequent character that falls misses the ledge and falls
(likely to their death) hundreds of feet below where a massive
lake fills most of a vast cavern.

40| T ome of Q uests

3. Run for Your Life 5. The Red Menace

Branching to the west, a wide tunnel leads Mounds of bones rise and fall throughout this cavern.
immediately into a large cavern. The cavern looks to be Even more noticeable are three dull red lights that
approximately 20 feet wide, but the depth is impossible illuminate most of the chamber with their pale aura.
to determine. A small patch of light at the far end must The lights seem to move slowly through the chamber
indicate another entrance to the cavern. The light must and occasionally shift the bone mounds.
be a mile away, and the light does not illuminate the
cavern in the least. Description: Eruptor used this room as a dining chamber. The
red lights are exuded by three giant flame beetles (see Ap-
Description: Eruptor used this cavern for sport. He would pendix 1: New Monsters). The bones cover nearly every inch
occasionally capture a human or humanoid and offer them of the floor and are piled in heaps. characters moving through
freedom if they could traverse the cavern to the exit on the the chamber find it impossible to avoid making noise as bones
other side. What the victim did not know is that the cavern snap under their feet. The flame beetles attack the characters
holds two distinct dangers. The first is a colony of 8 piercers as soon as they enter the chamber. Nothing of value is in the
(see Appendix 1: New Monsters) that attacks any creature en- chamber.
tering the cavern. The second danger is a massive chasm that
splits the cavern at its midpoint. Without light, the chasm is
not visible until it is too late. The chasm is more than 100 feet
6. The Fountain
across and cannot be traversed without the aid of magic.
Additionally, the light that can be seen across the cavern is not The incessant sound of gurgling water echoes
an exit. It is a small colony of luminescent fungi. The fungi are throughout this chamber. A small pool is fed by a
harmless but glow a bright yellow. trickle of water falling from the ceiling. The pool is
shallow and noticeably clear. A narrow stream of water
If the characters enter the cavern area, they are attacked by runs from the pool to a huge chasm at the east side of
the droppers. The droppers are within 20 feet of the cavern the room. The water falls over the edge into the chasm
entrance. Several skeletal remains are in random locations and disappears into the darkness below.
throughout the cavern. No treasure is in the cavern.

Description: The crystal-clear water of the pool is sanitary and

4. Curious Webs cool. In fact, the water is so refreshing that any who drink re-
gain 1d3 hit points. The healing effects function only once per
A thick layer of spider webs spans the tunnel, blocking creature every 24 hours. No treasure is in this chamber. How-
the passage. An armored man is lying face down on ever, if the characters take the time to listen, they hear faint
noise coming from across the chasm. Characters who succeed
the opposite side of the web.
on a DC 12 Wisdom (Perception) check identify several noises,
including jingling coins, soft footfalls, and muffled cursing in a
Description: This web is a trap devised by Eruptor. If the strange language (Gnomish).
webs are disturbed, a large section of the ceiling collapses in The noise is made by a group of chasm gnomes (see Appendix
the general area (see marked area on map). Those creatures 1: New Monsters)and a disguised ice drake (see Appendix 1:
in the area must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking New Monsters). The group is making a final trip to steal the
3d6 bludgeoning damage on a failure, or half as much dam- remaining pieces of Eruptor’s treasure. They previously looted
age on a success.. The trap can be detected with a successful most of the treasure and took it to their camp miles away in
DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check but not disabled. the deep caverns beneath the mine. The gnomes detected the
The armored man is nothing more than a skeleton in tattered characters and are trying to gather the remaining loot and
clothing and rusted armor. However, the skeleton has a ring of retreat using their rope elevator. If the characters illuminate
dexterity (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items) on one finger. Location 8, the gnomes engage them with their missile weap-
The collapse also warns all the cavern occupants that intruders ons. See Location 8 for more details.
are in the lair.

F e lhord e |41
 Description: In Eruptor’s absence, a group of 6 chasm gnomes
(see Appendix 1: New Monsters) and 2 chasm gnome leaders
(see Appendix 1: New Monsters) raided the dragon’s treasure.
The gnomes have been infiltrated by an ice drake (see Ap-
pendix 1: New Monsters) bent on stealing Eruptor’s treasure
horde. The gnomes made several trips in the past day since
Eruptor has been gone. They stored the dragon’s horde in a
cave at the bottom of the chasm (several miles away).
The gnome raiding party is hiding behind the boulders and
fires missile weapons at any characters they see. The ice drake
(currently polymorphed as a chasm gnome) remains hidden
and avoids combat at this time. If the battle goes badly for the
gnomes, the drake signals the retreat, and they flee down their
rope elevator. However, once all the gnomes board the eleva-
tor and descend out of sight, the white drake cuts the rope and
sends them to their doom 1,000 feet below. As they fall, the
drake polymorphs back into its normal form and flies back up
to a ledge below cavern Location 8. The drake then watches
the party and attacks when they are at their most vulnerable.
The drake waits for an opportune time to attack the characters,
most likely when they cross the chasm at Location 2. Coinci-
dently, the characters again must deal with Aagdrip the gnoll.
In their haste to retreat, the gnomes leave the remaining loot
hidden behind the boulders. If the characters retrieve the
unclaimed loot, the drake stalks the characters to steal the
treasure.
Two sacks of treasure contain the remainder of the dragon’s
treasure: 380 sp, 410 gp, four gems worth 100 gp each, a gold
ring worth 75 gp, a potion of regeneration (see Appendix 2:
New Magic Items), a +1 mace , and +1 leather armor (fit for a
7. Look Out Below halfling or gnome).

A pinnacle of stone rises from the unfathomable

darkness to create a small island in the center of the Aagdrip’s Ambush
chasm. A sheathed shortsword is on the stone island.
Description: If the characters secure their treasure, they must
exit the mine complex the way they entered. However, when
Description: The small stone island (see map) is at the maxi-
they reach Location 2, they find Aagdrip (a gnoll) and his 14
mum of a human’s jumping range from the tunnel. Of course,
kobold minions. Aagdrip removed whatever bridge the char-
Eruptor trapped the island so it collapses as soon as any addi-
acters used to cross the chasm. He set up some hasty bunkers,
tional weight is added. Therefore, if a character jumps to the
and his kobold archers are using them for protection (three
island, it collapses into the chasm. After landing on the island,
quarters cover). Aagdrip demands that the characters hand
characters may attempt to jump to Location 8 to save them-
over some of the treasure.
selves from falling into the chasm. The character must succeed
How the characters handled Aagdrip in their first encounter
on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or fall into the chasm and
determines how he handles the characters this time around.
be lost forever. If the character attempts to grab the sword,
If they were cordial in the first meeting, Aagdrip returns the
they must succeed on a separate DC 14 Dexterity check. The
favor and is true to his word. If the characters toss over some
weapon is a (shortsword) dragonslayer (see Appendix 2: New
loot, Aagdrip throws them a rope that is securely tied off on
Magic Items).
his end. He instructs
the characters to wait until he and his elite troops withdraw
8. The Dragon’s Ledge before they cross. By the time the characters cross the chasm,
Aagdrip is long gone.
Dozens of large red scales litter this large ledge that If the characters were argumentative or even combative in
hangs over the chasm. A horrible stench fills the air, their first encounter with Aagdrip, he has little enthusiasm for
even as a cool breeze rises from the depths below. The debate and haggling. He demands all the treasure and orders
ledge is primarily bare, with several large boulders his kobolds to open fire at the slightest provocation. Aag-
near the back wall. A few coins litter the floor but little drip remains until the characters eventually surrender their
else remains to mark the lair of the dragon. treasure. No food is available in the caverns, and the charac-
ters have to eventually exit. The entrance at Location 1 is the

42| T ome of Q uests

only means of escape. In either case, Aagdrip has no idea how Player Introduction
much treasure the characters collected. He accepts any amount
greater than 350 gp or a similar value.
Aagdrip carries a potion of invisibility, a potion of invisibili- Amid the horrific carnage, the red dragon Eruptor lies
ty, 35 gp, and two gems worth 25 gp each. Each kobold carries dead. The race to recover the dragon’s treasure was on,
2d6 gp. and your group penetrated the lair only to find most of
the treasure already stolen. A group of chasm gnomes
fled into the Deep, loaded with a dragon’s horde, as
Chapter 2: you, battered from your ordeal, fled the trap-filled lair.
You camped and recovered. But as you prepare to leave
Lost Citadel of the Dark Elves the hills, a rush of wind extinguishes your fire. Before
it can be relit, a flame streams from the darkness, and
Background the fire pit blazes with light. In its glow, the red dragon
Eruptor growls and speaks. His message is simple:
This scenario begins immediately after the characters com- Find his treasure or die trying. You must pursue the
plete Chapter 1. After discovering the dragon’s treasure has
chasm gnomes into the Deep!
already been looted, the characters are preparing to vacate the
area. But to their surprise, Eruptor is not dead, although he is
angry at the loss of his treasure. He strong-arms the characters
into recovering the treasure. Their only clue is that a group of 8. The Dragon’s Ledge
chasm gnomes disappeared into the depths of the earth with
the treasure. Dozens of large, red scales litter the ledge that hangs
The characters start the adventure at Location 1 on Map 1 over the chasm. A horrible stench fills the air even as
(Eruptor’s Lair Map). Only Location 8 is detailed for purposes a cool breeze rises from the depths below. The ledge is
of this adventure. primarily bare, with several man-sized boulders near
the back wall. A few copper coins litter the floor, but
little else remains to mark the lair of the dragon.

F e lhord e |43
Description: The chasm gnomes accessed this ledge via their Section I: Talisman of the Yellow Jewel
rope elevator. It was built soon after Eruptor was supposedly
slain. The contraption is gone, but the ropes remain. The ropes Talisman of the Yellow Jewel
extend 400 feet down into the chasm. However, if the charac-
ters use the ropes, they are stopped when they descend 200 In ages past, a civilization called the Harrowen dwelled in
feet to Location 0. a massive cavern within the Deep. The cavern is enormous
(nearly 20 square miles in size). A magical, sun-like sphere
floated above under the domed cavern and in daytime shed
Locations 0–13 are the remains of an ancient, dark illumination like the sun, and at night as the full moon. It
elves’ citadel. The citadel was re-engineered by a dark also created seasonal weather patterns and was simply called
elf archmage to serve as a testing facility for apprentice the Orb. The cavern resembles a forested valley with several
wizards. The entire area is carved from the bedrock and cleared plateaus for farming. Havendeep, the Harrowen city,
lined with black granite tiles (floor, walls, and ceiling). occupies the western section of the cavern. The Harrowen
Ceilings are a uniform 30 feet unless otherwise described.
were in a constant state of war with all other dwellers of the
Occasionally, veins of red, white, and green run through
Deep. In a daring raid, a group of powerful dark elf mages
sections of the tiles. The apprentices were tasked with
recovering one of the yellow talismans (see page 44) from shattered the Orb. The dark elves collected the shards and fled
within the trap-filled temple complex as part of their the cavern.
training. The dark elves no longer use the citadel. The Orb shards remained locked away and eventually were
There is no illumination within the complex. Dust covers forgotten until a dark elf archmage decided to use them as a
most surfaces. Water drips from calcified cracks in part of a graduation test for apprentices. The archmage created
various locations in the ceilings, and puddles form where various tests within the ruins of an old dark elf citadel, partial-
the floor is cracked or sags. A constant, albeit weak, rush ly in ruin. Any apprentice who returned with a shard — now
of wind blows through the entire complex, fueled by the in the form of a necklace called the Talisman of the Yellow
massive chasm. The moving air constantly shifts the dust. Jewel — would graduate. This practice survived for several
All doors are made of stone and feature a large brass pull
generations, but when the archmage died, so did the chal-
ring. Unless otherwise described, none includes a lock or
lenge. After years of research, the forge lich (see Location 19)
bar.
The complex is accessed by minions of the forge lich discovered the secret of the shards. He placed the automaton
(Section II, Location 19) via two methods: the elevator minotaur (Location 0) at the ruins to force those who would
or a tunnel that emerges just above the chasm wall at descend to bring forth a talisman. In this way, he can gather
Location 1. The tunnel connects to numerous other them all and recreate the Orb.
caverns and passages, allowing denizens of the Deep to
find the dark elf complex. The tunnel entrance is nearly
impossible to detect unless a direct search is attempted,
requiring a successful DC 19 Intelligence (Investigation)
check. The tunnel eventually emerges near Location 1,
Section II. It is not detailed in this adventure.

0. Minotaur of Steel
Description: A 30-foot-diameter slab of black granite floats in
the center of the chasm approximately 200 feet below Erup-
tor’s lair (Location 8, Eruptor’s Lair Map). As the characters
descend, the automaton (minotaur) (see Appendix 1: New
Monsters) addresses them as they reach this level. It com-
mands them to stop, firing its lightning crossbow if necessary.
The minotaur informs the characters that they must each wear
a talisman to proceed farther into the Deep. The minotaur
wears one of these talismans; it is a gold chain inset with a
single yellow gem (300 gp value).
The granite slab is magnetic, and the automaton can control
the magnetic strength, which makes it impossible to push it off
the slab.

44| T ome of Q uests

The magic of the dark elf archmage cannot be fully dispelled, 4. Ghast and Friends
and only one creature can return with a talisman; no creature
can carry or retrieve more than one talisman in its lifetime.
Dozens of skeletons shamble about this chamber. They
Additionally, the first creature or character to touch a talisman
surround a ghoul in ragged clothing. The ghoul wears
becomes the “carrier” of that talisman. The creature can give
the talisman to any other creature, but the minotaur declines a talisman in plain sight. Odd runes are carved into the
them admittance, saying “Only the finder may descend.” If a skulls of each skeleton.
character is killed while carrying a talisman, it disappears un-
til it is reset. A talisman brought to the surface teleports back Description: A ghast resides in this chamber with 12 skele-
to the citadel. tons. The ghast is paranoid in the extreme and avoids melee
unless it is attacked or if half the skeletons are destroyed. At
1. Empty Room that point, the ghast flees in uncontrolled panic and falls off
Description: This room is empty the ledge at Location 1. The ghast wears a talisman.
A second talisman can be found within the skull of one of
the skeletons. However, the skull cavity must be specifically
searched as the talisman is wrapped in a black, cloth rag. The
2. Demon Statue
skeletons cannot be turned due to the magical wards placed
on their skulls.
A 30-foot-tall statue of a balor stands in the center
of this chamber. Hanging around the balor’s raised
sword is a gold chain fitted with a yellow gem. The 5. Empty Room
statue is made of black marble, yet your light does not
Description: This room is empty
reflect from its surface. The air around the statue is
abnormally cold.
6. Ogres
Description: The statue radiates magic and evil. It is, how-
ever, completely benign. A talisman is draped around the A pair of ogres are arguing, loudly, over the corpse
balor’s raised sword (45 feet from floor level). Halfway up the of a chasm gnome. From what you can make out, it
statue, the surface becomes impossibly slick (successful DC 18
is a disagreement about dividing the body. Each ogre
Strength [Athletics] check).
wears a talisman.
All items hurled or fired at the statue are reflected back at the
character. The character must roll against their own AC and
take damage as appropriate. The room’s ceiling height is 60 Description: In this chamber, 2 ogres are in the midst of an
feet. argument. The corpse of a chasm gnome lies at their feet. They
are debating which ogre will eat which end of the gnome.
Each of the ogres wears a talisman (the gnome lost his and
3. Pool was therefore left behind by his compatriots). The ogres are
adept at lulling opponents into letting their guard down, and
A 20-foot-square pool is centered in this chamber. The they attempt to converse with the characters and attack when
convenient.
water is completely black. Water drips from the ceiling
The gnome carries his basic equipment but also has a wand of
so much so that it falls like rain.
light (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items).

Description: The pool of water is under the effects of a per-

manent darkness spell. If dispelled, or if a light spell is cast, the 7. Chest
water clears. At the bottom of the pool, which is 10 feet deep,
is a talisman (a gold chain with yellow gem). A second talis- A large, rusting, iron chest rests in the center of the
man is hidden beneath a loose stone at the bottom of the pool.
floor of this chamber.
What appears to be water drips from the ceiling of the entire
chamber. It collects and drains into the pool. The dripping
fluid is a mild acid that does not damage a creature until 1d6 Description: The chest is an illusion that conceals a rust
rounds after contact (it only affects flesh). Affected creatures monster. The rust monster relentlessly attacks and pursues the
take 1d4 acid damage each round for 1d2 rounds. Submersion characters in pursuit of metal to devour. No talisman is in this
in the pool negates the acid and coats the skin and makes that chamber.
creature immune to its effects for 24 hours. Additionally, any
other liquid applied to the affected area negates the acidic
effects immediately; however, it will not provide the afore-
mentioned resistance.

F e lhord e |45
 Talisman of the Yellow Jewel Map

46| T ome of Q uests

8. Hobgoblins (Door is Blocked)
Description: The door to this chamber is spiked shut. Seven
hobgoblins are hiding in this chamber from the ogres (Loca-
tion 6) that were pursuing them. The hobgoblins are employed
by the forge lich (see Section II). They do not wear the talis-
mans; the automaton is aware of their employment status, and
they have free run of the complex.
The hobgoblins are aware of the nature of the complex but
have no information on obtaining the talismans. They were
sent to further investigate the dragon’s lair when they en-
countered the ogres. Each of the hobgoblins has a small glass
bauble. If shattered within one foot of any target creature, that
creature is teleported 50 feet away in a random direction (no
chance of teleporting into a solid object or over anything but
solid ground).

9. Empty Room
Description: This room is empty.

10. Fountains

Three fountains are in this chamber. The fountains

appear identical, with a beautiful woman holding a
bowl of bubbling, clear water. The statues are painted
to look lifelike.

Description: One of the statues has yellow eyes (the others are
green). A character who drinks from the fountain with yellow
eyes gains a talisman; this can occur only once per week. A Magical attacks affect the glass cage, but not the cockatrice
character who drinks from either of the green-eyed fountains within so long as the cage is intact.
falls asleep for 1d4 + 1 minutes 20 minutes after consuming A 10-foot-deep pit is hidden directly beneath the cage. A
the water. The sleep cannot be interrupted. A second talisman creature who enters this area automatically triggers the trap.
can be found in a secret compartment beneath the yellow-eyed A falling creature is impaled by 1d3 poisoned spikes and takes
fountain. 1d6 piercing damage per spike. For each spike that impales the
character, he or she must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution sav-
ing throw or suffer an additional 1d6 damage. The cockatrice
11. Empty Room has three quarters cover as a result of the cage. Any missed
ranged attack may result in striking the cage . The cockatrice
Description: This room is empty.
wears a talisman.

12. Cage of Glass 13. Empty Room

A glass cage hangs from a silver chain in the center of Description: This room is empty.
the room. The bars are closely spaced, about two inches
apart, and the cage is 10-foot square. The cage hangs 10
feet above the floor. A large, strange bird paces within
Concluding Section I
the cage. A talisman is draped around its neck. When the characters each obtain a talisman, the minotaur
automaton (Location 0) is obliged to take them to Location 1,
Description: If any of the bars, floor, or ceiling (also glass) are Section II). He does so at their command. The minotaur does
damaged, the entire cage shatters. The cage can be damaged not answer any questions.
only from the exterior. Note, the cockatrice can fly to avoid
falling into the hidden pit beneath the cage. The chain holding
the cage is worth 300 gp.

F e lhord e |47
Section II: Forge Lich Description: The keep is home to the forge lich and his min-
ions and is composed of both closed structures and platforms.
A powerful and very eccentric forge lich resides in this ruined, Structures that are outside the stone island are platforms (no
underground keep. The forge lich (see Appendix 1: New walls or ceilings) unless otherwise described. There are no
Monsters) has many nefarious plans, one of which is to assem- light sources unless noted. The ceilings in the enclosed cham-
ble enough sun stones (the yellow gems in the talismans, see bers are universally 30 feet high.
page 44), to rebuild a sun-like orb that he will use to resurrect Creatures within the keep do not interfere with the activities of
the Harrowen, an extinct race of creatures. Of course, the Har- their neighbors. Even combat, which occurs from time to time,
rowen would be his to command. draws little attention.
The forge lich, fortunately, is not very focused. He has many A shade troll (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) stands guard
other interests, and his keep is filled with strange and exotic at the entry to the forge lich’s ruined keep. He explains that
beings. Some he studies, while others are paid for their varied the only way forward, and to eventually escape the Deep,
services. is through the keep. He does not elaborate any further. The
The chasm gnomes, who are in his employ, returned with shade troll requires the characters to surrender their talismans
the dragon’s treasure. The lich sifted through the treasure in to proceed into the keep. The troll gathers the talismans to bar-
search of some unique items, but his interest was quashed ter with the forge lich (this humors the lich) for various favors
when the bulk of the treasure was simply mundane items (food, treasure, etc.).
such as coins, gems, jewelry, and a few minor magic items. The shade troll wears a golden belt inset with rubies worth
He allowed the chasm gnomes to retain most of the treasure, 1,200 gp. He also has a silver ring on every finger; each is
though he kept some select items. The gnomes are in the pro- worth 2d6 x 10 gp.
cess of returning to their home far off in the Deep.

2. Stone Bridge (Platform Area)

1. Shade Troll
A bridge made of large stone blocks spans the chasm
The massive chasm continues to descend into the from the ledge where you arrived to what looks like
Deep here, but a ledge juts from the east wall. A stone a floating island keep. Four massive columns of stone
bridge made of cut stone spans the chasm to an island support the bridge and descend into the darkness of
of stone. A ruined keep is set on the island. The island the cavern. There is no rail on the bridge.
floats within the chasm space.

48| T ome of Q uests

Description: The bridge is unguarded. It provides safe pas- Description: The ring is a gate to the Elemental Plane of
sage to the island the keep. The main island magically floats in Fire. If the characters remain in the chamber for more than 2
the void, as do the attached and unattached platforms. minutes, a group of 1d4 + 1 magmins emerge from the fire
and attack. This cycle repeats 20 minutes after the last mag-
min is defeated. However, the number that next appear is 1d4
3. Shard Webs + 2, and so on. The magmins do not exit the chamber unless
attacked at range.
Glistening webs obstruct your view of the chamber.
Colored particles in the webs reflect light in the same
color. 5. Bones (Platform Area)

The bones of various creatures litter the floor of this

Description: The entire length of this chamber is covered with
platform. All are broken open or gnawed.
webs cast from 6 gem spiders (see Appendix 1: New Mon-
sters). The webs glimmer with the dust of various gems (no
value). Unlike normal webs, these are not flammable. Also, Description: The bones cannot be identified. The gargoyles
any creature moving through the webs takes 1 slashing dam- that lair at Location 6 frequently consume their victims on this
age per 5 feet of movement. The webs can be knocked down platform.
by weapons, but strands envelop the weapon and make it
difficult to attack (wielder has a -1 penalty on attack rolls with
it). Any liquid dissolves the webs. The gem spiders attack
6. Gargoyles
intruders not in the service of the lich.
Each spider’s eight eyes are gems worth 25 gp each. The door to this room is heavily damaged and hangs
crooked on its hinges. The smell of death pours from
the opening.
3a. Egg Crystals
Description: The door is so damaged that it does not close
Hanging among the webs in this alcove are 16
completely or seal on its frame. Two gargoyles use this room
watermelon-sized spider eggs. Each is faceted, like
as their lair. They attack intruders as soon as they are detected
a cut gem, and they are of various types, including (possibly at Location 5 if the characters linger there too long).
emerald, ruby, and sapphire. The gargoyles amassed a small treasure and conceal it in the
ceiling of the chamber (a large block of stone must be shifted).
Description: characters who succeed on a DC 8 Wisdom The stone conceals 512 gp, a sack filled with silver powder
(Perception) check and peer into an egg see a slight movement worth 100 gp, a pouch inlaid with small sapphires worth 75
of a spider-like creature inside. If the eggs are destroyed, the gp, and an ornate gold scroll tube (300 gp) that resembles a
spiders inside perish. The shells are worth 1d8 x 10 gp each. If coiled snake. The tube contains three spell scrolls with three
left undisturbed, the spiders hatch in 2d4 days. spells: fireball, dimension door, and water breathing. The tube has
a poison needle trap (fangs) that puncture the unwary charac-
ter who opens the scroll tube. The trap may be detected with
3b. Chasm Gnome a successful DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check and dis-
armed with a successful DC 13 Dexterity check with thieves’
A dead chasm gnome hangs from the webs in this tools. If the trap is sprung, the creature opening the tube takes
alcove. A shortsword lies directly beneath the corpse. 2d8 poison damage and must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution
Otherwise, the dead gnome is fully clad. saving throw or be paralyzed for one full day. Magical healing
removes the paralysis. Depressing the eyes of the gold snake
Description: The gnome ventured too close to the eggs at Lo- disables the trap. The poison must be reloaded after a single
cation 3a and was attacked by the spiders. He carries his nor- use.
mal equipment as well as a cloak of the cavern (see Appendix
2: New Magic Items). The shortsword is a normal weapon. 7. Burial Vault
Description: The door to this chamber is locked with a com-
4. Flames from the Pit plicated mechanism, requiring a successful DC 15 Dexterity
check with thieves’ tools to open. The chamber within contains
No webs are in this chamber. A raw heat fills the air. At a stone sarcophagus that holds the corpse of the original ruler
the center of the chamber, a 10-foot circular pit made of of this keep. No runes or markings are in the chamber or on
black stone is filled with raging flames. Strange runes the sarcophagus. A DC 14 group Strength check by at least
three characters is needed to safely remove the lid. A failed
cover nearly every inch of the ring.
check means each character involved must succeed on a DC
12 Dexterity saving throw or take 2d4 bludgeoning damage as
the lid shifts and falls.

F e lhord e |49
The remains of what appears to be a dark elf are inside the The room contains additional furniture including a bed, a
sarcophagus. It is now little more than bones and hair. The desk with chairs, a table with chairs, and bookshelves (gen-
corpse wears dark elf +1 chain mail. Next to the body is a +1 eral books on the art of illusion). Additionally, a small pantry
longsword (special ability to cast faerie fire once per day). Ad- contains dishes, utensils, and some dried foods, water, cooking
ditionally, a circlet of platinum hangs askew on the skull. It is a pots and pans, and other kitchen sundries. A fireplace burns
deepcrest (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). in the south wall. The woman was imprisoned on the Abyssal
plane when the Harrowen were banished. She was rescued by
the forge lich. In return for her freedom, she serves him and
8. Water provides information about her race.

A fissure in the rough granite floor of this chamber

allows a spring of clear water to pour forth. The water 11. Tiger Den
pools on the floor, filling the entire southern section of
the cave. The water then spills over the side into the This chamber is missing its door. However, a ragged
chasm, disappearing into darkness blanket hangs over the frame.

Description: The water is clean and pure enough drink. Description: Enough dim light penetrates the chamber to
provide limited vision. A pair of mated cave tigers lair in this
chamber. They have three cubs (see Location 9). The tigers
9. Tiger Cubs (Platform, Illuminated) obey the illusionist at Location 10 without delay, unless their
cubs are threatened. They fight to the death to defend (or
avenge) their cubs. They immediately react to combat occur-
What appear to be three very young tiger cubs are
ring at Locations 9 or 10. The room is filled with straw, bits of
playing on this platform. The cubs managed to capture animal fur, and bones. The smell in the room is unpleasant.
a bat and are toying with it.

Description: The chasm bat (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) 11a. Locked Door
is injured and cannot fly. If the characters approach, the 3 cave Description: The double doors to this area are locked. The
tiger cubs (statistics of tigers with 19 [3d8 + 6] hit points each chambers and hall beyond are enclosed structures. The doors
and Challenge 1/2 [100 XP]) detect them and flee to Location are trapped with a bell so that if they are opened, a chime
11. alerts the priest at Location 13.
This platform is illuminated by light coming from braziers set
along the outside edge of the entire platform. The braziers are
not burning but shed light (per spell). 12. Shrine to the God of Destruction
Description: This chamber contains a small shrine dedicated
10. Seductress (Chamber is Illuminated) to Harrow, the god of destruction and malice. The altar, in the
form of a thin black granite slab supported by the leg bones
of a pegasus, is covered with red candles, some of which have
You see an opulently decorated chamber through
burned out. The dried blood from sacrificed creatures, mainly
the open door. Reclining on a divan covered with a dark elves, is spattered around the altar. The skulls of 13 dark
cave tiger skin, a pale-skinned woman with red hair elves are stacked beneath the altar.
beckons you to enter.

Description: The woman, Veriklin of Black Lake, on the divan 13. Priest
is actually an illusion (the real woman is hiding behind a Description: An evil human priest, with AC 18 (plate), resides
tapestry). Veriklin is a harrowen illusionist (see Appendix 1: in this chamber. He is a priest of a small cult that worships the
New Monsters). If the characters enter this chamber, she sum- ancient Harrowen god. The forge lich hired the priest to learn
mons her two pet cave tigers from Location 11 (using a silver more about the Harrowen and to help identify artifacts from
whistle worth 75 gp). The tigers attack the characters while she that culture. The Harrowen were mortal enemies of the dark
casts spells from a distance. The cave tigers are her pets, and elves, as well as most other Deep dwellers.
she raised them from cubs. They obey her completely. The priest captured a female drow elf warrior, and he is in
If the characters do not enter this chamber, she does not pur- the process of torturing her for information on her clan. The
sue or cause them any harm. The chamber is illuminated by warrior is a low-ranking soldier with no real information, and
the same type of braziers found at Location 9. One of the bra- the priest knows that, but he relishes his job and takes great
ziers contains 119 pp, 45 gp, and a pouch filled with 27 small pleasure in inflicting suffering on her.
diamonds worth 20 gp each. The chamber is a typical bedchamber, although it is furnished
with a table set, a desk set, and a small kitchen. The priest

50| T ome of Q uests

often dines with the illusionist as the pair have formed an radiates magic but has no powers, a vial of ichor of the worm
alliance of sorts. In a chest under his bed, the priest has 340 (see Appendix 2: New Magic Item), and a sack filled with 450
gp, 180 sp, a pouch with various small gems worth 2d4 x 10 ep.
gp each, a potion of greater healing, a potion of fire resistance,
and a necklace of fireballs (1d6 + 1 gems remain).
All the drow’s equipment is in a pile under the priest’s bed. 16. Empty Platform
Description: Some debris is scattered about the platform, but
otherwise it is empty.
14. Empty Platform (Platform)
Description: This platform is seldom visited by any of the
inhabitants of the keep. A pair of perytons reside at Location 17. Chasm Gnomes
15, and few are willing to risk encountering the animals. If the
characters linger too long, the perytons become aware of their As you approach this chamber, a steady and strong
presence and investigate. wind swirls about you. Ahead of you, several chasm
gnomes are tossing sacks into a circular vortex of mist.
15. Peryton Nest
Description: A group of 3 chasm gnomes (see Appendix 1:
New Monsters) are using this chamber to prepare for the jour-
This platform is clearly damaged, as some of the
ney back to their home. The forge lich opened a magical gate
structure has fallen away into the cavern below. A few
that leads to their village 150 miles away. The gnomes are in
bones, clearly from humanoids, are scattered on the the process of tossing the dragon’s treasure through the gate,
approach. and they toss in the final sack as the characters arrive. The
gnomes have no desire to battle with the characters, and they
GM’s Description: A pair of very large perytons live within attempt to leap through the gate. Each wears a small pendant
the remains of this chamber. Half of the structure has fallen (a skull with ruby eyes). The pendant allows the wearer to en-
away into the chasm. The perytons gathered some broken ter the gate and be transported. The gate closes 1d6 + 1 rounds
furniture to form a nest, but there are no eggs. They collected after the characters arrive on the scene.
a small treasure trove that includes an empty arrow quiver A creature without a pendant who enters the gate is teleported
inlaid with gold and silver worth 275 gp, a black cloak that to Location 20.

F e lhord e |51
 Shade Lich Map

52| T ome of Q uests

18. Black Doors lock. The trap triggers an acidid gas that fills the room and in-
flicts 2d6 damage. The spectator does not immediately attack
intruders that do not approach the chest. It converses with the
A double set of black, iron doors, partially obscured by
characters quite politely, and if the characters tell the spectator
a swirling cloud of darkness, block the passage.
their entire story (of how they came to this place), it shares
what it knows about the dark elf archmage and how he cre-
Description: The double set of iron doors are sealed and ated the testing chambers above. The spectator even explains
locked, barring access to Location 19. The doors are solid iron, why the forge lich is seeking out the yellow talismans.
but a shroud of darkness swirls about them. The locks may be
picked with a successful DC 12 Dexterity check with thieves’ The sarcophagus contains the last princess of the Harrowen.
tools. The only key is held by the forge lich (Location 19). Al- She is in a state of suspended animation but awakens if the
ternatively, a light spell cast on the doors causes them to open. sarcophagus is opened. She has little memory of who she is
or how she came to be in the sarcophagus. She knows only
her first name: Irissa. She asks to accompany the characters
19. Forge Lich in hopes that her memory returns. She is a Harrowen warrior
Description: This massive chamber is the lair of the forge lich mage (see Appendix 1: New Monsters). She regains knowl-
that calls the keep his own. The room resembles a library with edge of her abilities after one night, but she does not recall
bookshelves of various makes and styles scattered all about. who she really is until she reaches the city of Harrow.
Books, most dealing with necromancy and arcane magic, fill The forge lich cast numerous magical enchantments on the
the shelves and are scattered upon various pieces of furniture. princess, although she has no such knowledge of this. She is
One section of books deals exclusively with life in the Deep under a powerful charm and follows the orders of the forge
and specifically the Harrowen. Various pieces of mismatched lich. Note, the forge lich does not divulge this information.
furniture are randomly set throughout the chamber. At first, Irissa’s possessions are all in the sarcophagus. She does not
the forge lich (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) meets intrud- give them to the characters. She insists that she needs them
ers with curiosity. He is always in need of minions. Initially, to regain her memory. She is aware of what the items are and
he requests that the characters perform a mission for him (see their function.
Conclusion) in return for the damage they may have caused
within his keep by killing his current minions. If the characters
decline, he casts a time stop spell and then uses his other spells Chapter 3: The Forgotten Dark
to incapacitate the characters. They awaken under the lich’s
control (see Chapter 3: The Forgotten Dark).
Adventure Introduction
Chasing a dead dragon’s treasure is at best dangerous and at
20. Reception worst lethal. In this particular case, the latter seems the only
truism. You discovered the dragon’s lair and defeated his
You arrive in a chamber similar to those you have been traps, only to see the treasure hoard disappear with a group
exploring in the keep. Part of the west wall has collapsed. of gnomish raiders. Not to be deterred, you chased the chasm
In the center of the room, a wooden sarcophagus is gnomes into the crumbling ruins of an ancient dark elf citadel
bound with rusting iron straps. Floating above the only to see the gnomes again escape, this time with the aid
sarcophagus is a strange and ominous creature. It is of a forge lich. Now, that very same forge lich offered you an
round with a single large eye at its center. Numerous adventure (or instant death). You are to travel to the mythical
stalks protrude from the top of the spherical creature, city of Havendeep and restore its magical sun!
and each is topped with a glowing red eye. On the
underside, a mouth with razor-sharp teeth drips with
blackish ooze. Background
The forge lich finally assembled all the crystals necessary to re-
Description: This chamber receives those who enter the tele- form the Orb, the sun-like sphere that illuminated and brought
portation gate at Location 17 (characters not wearing the ap- life to Havendeep. The Orb and the Harrowen, the people of
propriate pendant). The chamber is enclosed by walls except Havendeep, were connected, and when it was destroyed, so
for a portion of the west wall that is exposed to the chasm. were the Harrowen, or at least, so did the denizens of the Deep
The chamber is home to a spectator charged by the forge lich think. In fact, the Harrowen were banished to a demi-plane.
to guard a single, wooden sarcophagus bound by iron straps. By returning the Orb to the city of Havendeep, the forge lich
A padlock is on the sarcophagus, and it is trapped. A suc- believes the Harrowen will be returned to their city and in
cessful DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check will allow a gratitude they will serve him, giving the forge lich an army to
character to detect the trap, and a successful DC 14 Dexterity fight the dark elves.
check with thieves’ tools will disarm it. Another successful
DC 13 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools is needed to pick the

F e lhord e |53
 Harrowen Cavern Map

54| T ome of Q uests

Havendeep access to the inner chamber. This chamber is occupied by a
drow elf hermit named Talizillac. He lives within the inner
The city of Havendeep is located within a massive cavern that chamber and poses no threat to the characters. He converses
features a deep, freshwater lake and river. The cavern is miles with them and reveals that seven plaques made of silver must
long. Its ceiling rises steeply to form cliff-like walls that tower be returned to this chamber in order to provide access to the
700 feet above the cavern floor. Within the cliffs are hundreds uppermost chamber of the Havenspire. He does not know
of chambers, mostly individual homes. where the plaques are located, but they must be in the city as
Various monsters and Deep denizens have moved into the they are cursed and cannot be removed from the cavern. Seven
abandoned city, but even with its new inhabitants, the city empty niches are in the chamber’s north wall, a space for each
remains fairly desolate. No large force has entered to claim the plaque.
cavern. No flying creature can approach Havenspire within 50 feet,
The characters’ task is to take the shards of the Orb to the top or it falls to the ground due to a powerful enchantment. The
of the Havenspire, a narrow tower in the center of the cavern. anti-flight area extends from ground level to the ceiling of the
The shards must be deposited within a font in the uppermost Havendeep cavern. Additionally, the outer wall of the Haven-
chamber of the tower. However, access beyond the first level spire repulses any efforts to scale its surface. The only way to
of the Havenspire is not possible until seven sacred plaques reach the upper chamber is by teleportation or by climbing the
are returned. These plaques are scattered throughout the secret spiral stair within the tower.
cavern.
Havendeep has its own environment and weather. Air moves
throughout, sometimes creating actual wind. It also rains twice Locating Plaques
per week at random intervals for one to three hours.
All of the plaques are located within the Havendeep cavern,
and most are within the city. A general map of the city and
Havenspire cavern is included, but only the areas that hold plaques are
detailed. It should take the characters several days, minimum,
Located in the center of the cavern, this needle-like tower to explore the city in quick fashion. A map is included for each
known as Havenspire rises 300 feet above the ground. A detailed plaque area and numbered accordingly.
wide, square, one-story building forms the base of the tower.
The building’s outer wall is formed by arches that provide

F e lhord e |55
 Felhore Plaques Map

56| T ome of Q uests

Plaque #1 1. The Wizard
Description: This room is the lair of an evil wizard (statistics
The first plaque is located in the treasure hoard of a group of
of a mage who is Challenge 4 [1,100 XP] with no 4th or 5th
orcs that have made a lair within the city. The orcs generally
level spell slots and a dagger attack that is +4 to hit doing 5
hire themselves out to other intelligent creatures within the
[1d4 + 3] piercing damage). The wizard is attempting to gather
city. They know a wizard possesses one of the plaques (Plaque
a party of likeminded individuals to plunder the city so he
#2). The orcs are not particularly fond of intruders in their
can fund his efforts to retaliate against the dark elves who
area, and they attack first and parley later.
imprisoned him. The wizard has a shaky alliance with most of
the creatures in this area. In particular, he gained the favor of
a minotaur. The wizard often hires the orcs to capture young
1. Orc Lair chasm gnome women, which the minotaur favors for dinner.
Description: A small band of 12 orcs secured this room as Currently, the wizard has a captured human female (statistics
their lair. The door to the room is thick wood with iron bands. of a spy) locked in Location 2. This room contains little in the
It has a heavy lock and is always locked. The key is held by way of furniture or decorations. The wizard, if forewarned
the largest orc. Otherwise, to pick the lock requires a success- (i.e., combat takes place with the minotaur), enters Location 2
ful DC 12 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools. The orcs seldom and prepares for combat. He locks the secret door. Under a cot,
venture into the dungeon but survive by doing odd jobs for the wizard has a small, trapped chest. The trap is of the poison
several of the more powerful dungeon inhabitants. They needle variety and may be detected with a successful DC 14
often work for the wizard (Plaque #2) as well as the minotaur Intelligence (Investigation) check. If triggered, the creature
(Plaque #3). In general, they supply food and water and some opening the chest must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution sav-
other basic goods. At one time, the orcs were part of a much ing throw or take 11 (2d8 + 2) poison damage. Inside the chest
larger force, but most were destroyed when more powerful is a spell scroll of conjure minor elementals, 91 gp, and a vial
creatures entered this area. The orcs have basic furniture but of unholy water.
little else. They have a communal treasure at Location 2. The
largest orc has the key to the door to that room.
If attacked, one of the orcs runs to Location 3 and releases 2. Secret Room
their pet carnivorous ape (see Appendix 1: New Monsters),
Description: The door to this room is locked, and the wizard
which is the main reason the orcs have not been completely
in Location 1 holds the key. A successful DC 14 Dexterity
destroyed by other inhabitants of the city.
check with thieves’ tools is needed to pick the lock. Inside, a
scantily clad woman is chained to the east wall. She is slightly
injured. The woman is actually a human thief (statistics of a
2. Treasure Hoard spy) who was captured by the orcs (Plaque #1) when she was
Description: The door to this room is heavy wood banded lost in some nearby caverns. Her name is Sendra. She does not
with iron. A heavy lock is always locked and requires a suc- reveal her true nature unless she believes she can somehow
cessful DC 12 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools to pick. The benefit from it. She has no equipment.
largest orc at Location 1 has the key. A single iron chest (not
locked or trapped) inside the room contains the wealth of the
orcs: 190 cp, 40 sp, and 316 ep. The first plaque of the Haven- 3. Minotaur
spire lies within a false bottom of the chest which can be found
GM’s Description: A very large and cunning minotaur lives
with a successful DC 11 Intelligence (Investigation) check.
in this room. The minotaur set up a chair near the secret door
to his room. He drilled a tiny peephole so he can watch for
intruders using the outside hall — the only way into this area
3. Pet Ape of the city. His favorite maneuver is to let passers-by move
Description: A very nasty carnivorous ape (see Appendix 1: beyond the secret door. He then exits the secret door behind
New Monsters) occupies this room. It is the pet of the orcs the intruders and waits for them to trigger the pit trap just out-
that live at Location 1. The ape attacks anyone who enters or side his room. At that point, he attacks those outside the pit.
passes by its room (except the orcs). The ape has no treasure. It The minotaur’s lair is very spartan, with a single table, a chair,
follows the commands of any of the orcs, as they raised it from and a bed made of straw. He also has a keg of ale. He uses a
an infant. human skull as his mug. The minotaur favors chasm gnome
females as his primary food source. The minotaur is very loyal
to the wizard at Location 1, as the wizard supplies him with
Plaque #2 his favorite dinner from time to time. If possible, he comes to
the aid of the wizard. A loose stone is under the minotaur’s
A human wizard, an escapee from a dark elf prison camp, keg and can be discovered with a successful DC 12 Intelli-
claimed the cavern as his home. Through some shrewd allianc- gence (Investigation) check. A small compartment under the
es, the wizard managed to carve out a small complex of rooms loose stone holds a small diamond worth 700 gp, 72 gp, and a
where he conducts experiments and plots vengeance against potion of speed.
the dark elves.

F e lhord e |57
Plaque #3 1. Entry
Near where the river meets the lake, a boathouse is half-col- While the floor in this general area is dust-covered,
lapsed into the water. A group of large spiders have taken up
there are bones, rotting flesh, and dried blood near the
residence here. Among the corpses of some other victims is a
opposite door.
recently dead dwarf. Within the dwarf’s backpack is plaque
#3.
Description: If the characters make too much noise in this
chamber, the 3 ghasts in Location 2 come to investigate.
1. Spiders
Description: This ruined building is home to a group of 4
giant spiders. Typically, the spiders prowl the river in search 2. Ghasts
of food. They are hungry and attack any potential food source.
The building is filled with webs, and the skeletal remains of The door does not close properly and hangs loosely on
various humanoids and animals hang from the ceiling. One a single hinge. The stench of death escapes the cracked
of the victims is a dwarf miner who became greedy and was doorway. Blood smears cover most of the door to this
searching the cavern for easy treasure. He stumbled upon the room.
third plaque but was killed by the spiders before he could
escape the cavern.
Description: A pack of 3 ghasts lair in this room. They hunt
throughout the dungeon as well as other levels and return
Plaque #4 here with their victims. The ghasts are not wary of intruders,
as most creatures on this level refuse to come to this area as
As the characters move down this 20-foot-wide corridor, they they not only fear the ghasts but also the mummy at Location
come across a partially collapsed section. Creaks and groans of 4. The ghasts react violently to any intrusion. They have not
a stressed ceiling and walls emanate from the corridor beyond gathered much treasure; most of what is in this chamber is
the collapse. The fourth plaque is lying in plain sight, approxi- incidental. Spread loosely around the room are 170 sp, 121 cp,
mately 100 feet from the characters. 85 gp, 83 pp, a bone scroll case containing two spell scrolls
As the characters assess the corridor, a shift occurs, and sev- with silent image and major image, and a jar of oil of armor (see
eral large blocks fall from the ceiling near the plaque. After Appendix 2: New Magic Items).
a few moments, the dust settles and no other blocks fall, but
the noise continues. The entire corridor collapses in 1 minute.
A character can attempt to run to the plaque, secure it, and 3. Trap
return. However, for each 10 seconds spent within the area
(it is 100 feet long), the character must succeed on a DC 13 Description: This room appears to be completely empty. How-
Dexterity saving throw or be hit by a large block and take 1d8 ever, a long pressure plate runs across the center of the room
bludgeoning damage. (from east to west, near the south exit). A careful character can
find the plate with a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Investiga-
tion) check and disarm it with a successful DC 10 Dexterity
Plaque #5 check with thieves’ tools. Gas fills the room if the plate is
stepped upon. All those inside the room must succeed on a
A group of 11 hobgoblins recently entered the cavern in DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 1d8 poison damage
search of employment. They are encountered in the open area and become paralyzed for 1 minute, but the paralysis does not
of the cavern. While searching for a temporary place to lair, begin for 5 minutes. The character is not aware of the delayed
they discovered one of the silver plaques (#5) and carry it with paralysis. Otherwise, the room is empty.
them. The hobgoblins can be convinced to sell or trade the
plaque.

Plaque #6
The sixth plaque resides in the treasure hoard of a mummy.
The tomb is a large mausoleum built into the cavern wall.

58| T ome of Q uests

4. Mummy Plaque #7
Faded murals cover the walls of this chamber. The When the characters enter the chamber, they see a stone altar
in the center of the room. Twelve golden goblets are set on the
murals are dulled and difficult to discern, but most
altar alongside plaque #7. The altar is a mimic. It attacks the
depict a massive fire giant king destroying his enemies.
characters if they approach. The goblets fall to the stone floor,
Four copper pipes rise from the floor to a height of spilling the oil they contain. The oil, while barely flammable,
three feet. Flames extend from each of the pipes and is extremely slippery. The oil covers an area within 10 feet of
nearly reach the 20-foot-high ceiling. A throne made the mimic. Those attempting to move on the oil (including
of copper sits against the south wall. The mummified engaging in combat), must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity
remains of the fire giant king depicted in the murals saving throw or fall prone. A successful DC 10 Dexterity check
sits on the throne. is required to even stand up in the oil. The mimic is unaffected
by the oil. If the oil ignites, all creatures (including the mimic)
within the area of effect take 1d8 fire damage. The oil burns
Description: The king is a fire giant mummy (see Appendix
only for one round (after which it is gone). The goblets are
1: New Monsters) and attacks all intruders. The mummy does
worth 25 gp each.
not pursue enemies beyond this location. The mummy wields
a greatsword (in one hand). The weapon is a blade of the vam-
pire instead of the usual sword (see Appendix 2: New Magic
Items).
The seat of the throne is false and hides a large compartment
which can be found with a successful DC 14 Intelligence
(Investigation) check. Inside is 800 gp, 15 chipped diamonds
worth 20 gp each, and an ioun stone of protection. Plaque #6
is wrapped in a dirty cloth.

F e lhord e |59
 Spire Tower Map

60| T ome of Q uests

Havenspire he or she is teleported back to the main tower entry (Location
A1). A character that moves through the mist without leav-
When the seven plaques are placed within their alcoves, a tri- ing something of importance (minimum value of 100 gp) is
angular gate of white light appears in the center of the cham- confronted by a ghast. A ghast appears for every character that
ber. The edges of the gate flare with wisps of blue, gold, and fails to deposit the requisite amount. The ghast attacks only
red. The gate remains open for 10 minutes. the character who is at fault. Additionally, only characters that
Stepping through the gate teleports a creature to Location A1 drop valuables can enter the gate at Location B2. A character
(the second level of the tower; see map). Gates are one way; that enters the gate at Location B2 is teleported to Location
characters cannot re-enter to return to their previous loca- C1.
tion. The Havenspire, from the outside, appears to be made
of white granite slabs. However, the stone is enchanted and
is transparent from the inside. Light from outside (obviously, Location C1: Third Level
there is none during this adventure) can enter the tower, but A sphere of glass floats in the center of this chamber. The globe
vision is blocked. is cold to the touch and radiates magic. If the Orb’s shards are
presented within 10 feet of the globe, they immediately fly to
the globe and form an outer shell. If all the shards are pres-
Location A1: Second Level ent, the Orb flashes a bright yellow light and then vanishes; it
This is the largest level of the tower. The characters arrive at teleports to a point 300 feet above the top of Havenspire and
Location A1. The ground is not stone, but earth. The chamber sheds light and heat corresponding to the sun (aboveground).
is filled with dormant deeptrees (these trees resemble oaks, but All characters within Havenspire are immediately teleported
their bark is black, and their leaves are white; they grow only to ground level just outside the entrance to the tower’s ground
in the Deep). The trees have no leaves, but their thick limbs level. Minutes later, the white dust of the cavern rises from the
and branches obstruct vision. ground and takes the form of thousands of harrowen. They are
Characters can enter the gate only at Location A3 if they confused for a few moments and recall the destruction of the
submerged in the water at Location A2. A stone well, blue Orb. They thank the characters for retrieving the Orb.
in color, holds brackish water. An old woman leaning on a The Harrowen provide the characters with a map that leads
gnarled staff stands before the well. The old woman addresses them out of the Deep and back to the surface. Alternatively,
the characters when they enter her glade: “To rise above, you the characters could be hired to raid the dark elf or given help
must first sink below.” in finding the chasm gnomes.
The old woman is referencing the cleansing nature of water,
and while this water is brackish and foul-smelling, it is not The Deep: This is the general term for the subterranean king-
harmful. However, to enter the gate at Location A3, a charac- doms. This underground world is connected by tunnels, caves,
ter and ALL their equipment must fully submerge in the wa- caverns, chasms, and waterways. Several civilized races live
ter. If they enter the gate without submerging their equipment, within the Deep, including chasm gnomes, dark elves, and
only the character passes through the gate; all the equipment mind slayers, among others.
remains behind. Entering the gate teleports the character to
Location B1.
Attacking the old woman or harming the well causes her to
vanish immediately. A water elemental then rises from the
well and attacks the characters until it or they are destroyed.

Location B1: Third Level

Upon exiting the gate, the character(s) are left standing on a
floor covered with coins and jewels (all types, gems, jewelry,
various magical items, etc.). Near the gate, a thin veil of fog
— gold in color — drifts freely and without pattern. Near the
center of the chamber (see map), the fog becomes thick enough
to block vision of what lies beyond. Standing near the thick
fog is the same old woman encountered at Location A2. She
again addresses the character(s): “Leave your desires behind.”
The old woman addresses every character that enters the
chamber (if they enter at different times). A character has 30
seconds to drop something of value (to them, in general) and
then cross through the thick fog veil. If the character does not,

F e lhord e |61
62| T ome of Q uests
 T he V ampire ’ s C urse
The Vampire’s Curse is an adventure designed for the 5E clues meant to deceive the players as they progress through
system. The level range is for 4 to 7 characters of 3rd to 5th this adventure.
level, approximately 24 total character levels (for example, To start this adventure, the characters arrive at a Northwood
six 4th-level characters = 24 total character levels). No specif- Keep to celebrate the recent wedding of an old friend. The cer-
ic character class is required. However, due to the nature of emony was held two days earlier. This celebration is the last in
this scenario, some magic items or spells may be limited or a series, and dozens of guests are arriving with the characters
restricted. for the festivities. The marriage, while not prearranged, has
This scenario is a murder mystery, and the problem-solving joined two, small provincial kingdoms. Princess Nelvanna, the
skills of the players are significantly more important than the characters’ friend, has married Prince Redak.
abilities of their characters. Additionally, you, as the GM, have Northwood Keep is located at the northernmost boundary
your hands full. Numerous NPC characters are involved in between the tiny baronies, and it has been conferred to the
this adventure. You must keep track of all the prominent and newlyweds. When the engagement between Nelvanna and Re-
minor characters involved in the story. Additionally, the story dak was announced, Northwood Keep was mostly in ruin and
moves forward as a preset, timed sequence of events. Unlike uninhabited. The newlyweds’ parents quickly set about recon-
many traditional scenarios where the pace of play is dictated struction. Redak’s younger brother, Kerak, was in charge of
by the characters, this scenario also has a set of events and the reconstruction project. However, Kerak is currently under
actions that are in motion during play, regardless of the actions the command, via a charm person spell, of Phranst, Nelvanna’s
of the characters. That is to say, the story and NPCs move for- older brother. Phranst is the true villain of this story.
ward regardless, for the most part, of the characters’ actions. Phranst, an illusionist and adventurer by trade, has designs
The Vampire’s Curse will challenge and entertain you as on obtaining Northwood Keep for himself. While still young,
much as the players. To that end, there are plenty of play aids Phranst showed great potential as a wizard, and he was sent to
for you and the players. Foremost of all, this adventure is a the wizard’s academy for development. However, the young
murder mystery — though this is not obvious to the players wizard was enthralled by deceptive magic, most of which has
as they start. There are plenty of opportunities for exploration, been forbidden and hidden in secret libraries. By using de-
combat, and roleplaying for the characters. But the only ques- ception, Phranst could acquire many of the things he craved.
tion of importance is: “Who done it?” While the players strive Greed ruled his heart, and that opened the door for evil. Now,
to answer that question, you’ll do your best to obscure the Phranst, after several years of adventuring, has returned
answer while maintaining a level of fairness. As the GM, you home. Why risk his life adventuring when he could gain
have to take on the personae of numerous NPCs, including wealth and power the old-fashioned way? By the proper allo-
the murderer, and all the while you may have to be brutally cation of murder, deceit, and deception. It was the discovery
honest, deceptive, gullible, or flat-out fraudulent. of The Vampire’s Curse that spurred his interest in returning
The breakdown of NPCs in the scenario are as follows: vic- home. He returned with a terrible story of an epic battle with a
tims, suspects, bystanders, red herrings, and, of course, the dragon, wherein all his compatriots were killed and he lost his
true villain(s). Due to the very nature of this adventure, there left arm to the monster. Indeed, Phranst appears to be missing
are more NPCs than in most modules, respective of how they his left arm, a deception through the use of magic and guile.
interact with the characters. Each NPC is described and, where Three years earlier, Phranst and his adventuring party did
necessary, includes full-game statistics. All have a role to play indeed battle a dragon — a young copper dragon. The battle
in the scenario, and many can be expanded to make the story went poorly for the group, but they defeated the dragon. Only
more enjoyable. Additionally, you may wish to add other Phranst and one other survived — an assassin by the name of
NPCs from your own campaign. The adventure begins at the Silinth. In the treasure hoard, they discovered a small obsid-
celebration after a wedding, and it would not be unlikely that ian box containing an onyx medallion and a plain gold ring.
the characters might have “dates” along for the ride. Phranst soon learned that the items were created by the pow-
As previously mentioned, this module follows a fairly strict erful necromancer Hilgdred and, collectively, were called The
timetable. An outline of events is provided to move the adven- Vampire’s Curse. The medallion and ring each mimic specific
ture along; events and NPC actions must occur for the story powers of a vampire. The medallion, The Vampire’s Heart, al-
to take shape and to give the players a fair opportunity to lows its wearer to cast a modified charm person spell, while the
solve the mystery and catch the villains. The timetable, while ring, The Vampire’s Soul, grants a limited life drain (see Ap-
unknown to the players, also serves as an impetus to move the pendix 2: New Magic Items). On hearing of the engagement
players along. of his younger sister, Phranst immediately conspired to use his
newfound magic devices to gain the throne for himself.

The Plot Phranst returned to his native lands without the knowledge
of his family. He immediately charmed Kerak and altered the
The Vampire’s Curse, contrarily, has nothing to do with an design of Northwood Keep. Phranst instructed Kerak to hire
actual vampire. The title references an obscure magic item dwarf masons from the northern mountains to build the keep.
employed by the central villain to conduct his nefarious Additionally, Phranst changed the plans to include several
scheme. The title of the module is only the first in a series of secret doors and chambers. Also, Silinth was hired to assist

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |63

Kerak. As the keep was completed, Silinth performed her final The NPCs who remain for d inner are all staying the night in
mission: She slipped Kerak a drink laced with a potion of the keep as the massive winter storm arrives. This is an un-
memory control (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). In this fortunate turn of events for Phranst, as he did not plan on the
way, Phranst was able to make modifications to the keep, and extra guests and forthcoming interference. Regardless, Phranst
only he and Silinth have true knowledge of the secret passages moves forward with his plan, and after all the guests retire to
and sections. their rooms for the evening, he initiates an attack on Aron the
The next component in Phranst’s plan was to get Redak to cleric and any cleric character s. Simultaneously, Nelvanna is
give Nelvanna The Vampire’s Soul as her wedding ring. With controlled by Phranst (via The Vampire’s Heart), and she uses
the careful use of a suggestion spell, Phranst eventually seized The Vampire’s Soul to life drain Redak. Minutes later, Phranst
an opportunity. Redak has argued with his parents, or more releases her from his control, and she discovers Redak’s
specifically, his mother, about the ring. She wanted Redak to “dead” body. Her terrified screams are heard throughout the
give Nelvanna a ring passed down through her family, but keep. The timing climactically coincides with the characters’
Redak, without explanation, refused. This internal family defeat of the attacking ghouls.
argument is not something easily revealed to the players. Re- As the characters begin their investigation, they are bombard-
dak’s parents don’t consider the information important after ed with sightings of a ghostly female vampire. The vampire
the murder occurs; only specific questioning about the actual spoke to two witnesses and threatened that she has returned
wedding ring causes the parents to mention the squabble to retake her lair. The vampire is simply Silinth in disguise. In
about the family ring. this way, Phranst hopes that any investigation is a wild goose
chase of a fictitious vampire.

The Plot Thickens Unrelated to Phranst’s machinations, Elbin, a thief, managed

to impersonate one of the guests and stole a necklace from
The adventure starts when the characters arrive at Northwood Nelvanna’s mother. Elbin witnessed the emergence of the un-
Keep for the wedding celebration (the actual wedding ceremo- dead that attacked the character cleric and Aron, but he does
ny was held two days prior). More than 200 guests are attend- not come forward, choosing to keep his crime a mystery. Elbin
ing the luncheon and subsequent party. The majority of guests also has determined, correctly, that the chaos provides more
begin leaving shortly after dinner as a massive winter storm opportunities for theft.
approaches. It is during this time that the characters have the Aron the cleric confirms, incorrectly, that Redak is dead.
opportunity to interact with and encounter the majority of the The body is taken to the chapel and subsequently stolen by
NPCs involved in this adventure. Phranst’s boggles. In the early morning hours, Nelvanna

64| T ome of Q uests

“kills” her parents with The Vampire’s Soul. This time, the ser- Suspects, Red Herrings, and Bystanders
vants discover the bodies. Again, Aron mistakenly pronounces
them dead. Upon taking them to the chapel, it is discovered The list of suspects, in theory, should be everyone except
that Redak’s body is now missing. By this point, things are the characters, though you may find a way to actually cast
getting “unhinged” around the keep. The winter storm is suspicion on one the characters (see the Plot Twists and Turns
so severe that no one can come or go. Panic and rumor are section). In fact, when the “ghost vampire” angle is exhausted,
spreading throughout the staff and guests alike. Accusations one or more of the NPCs may openly suspect the characters.
follow. All to the delight of Phranst. Many of the following NPCs play little or no role in this
At this point, the linear plan of Phranst certainly begins to adventure, other than that they are in the keep. However, in
falter. Redak’s parents are the next every good murder mystery, there are plenty of suspicious
scheduled targets. However, the target list and succession characters. Several of the following NPCs have no connection
thereof, is most likely be affected by the actions of the charac- to the crime but have their own little secrets that may come to
ters. Phranst continues to use Nelvanna to pick off relatives. light during the investigation.
If that proves impossible, he acquires The Vampire’s Soul Silinth — Disguised as vampire (see above).
(switching with a duplicate) to take matters into his own Phranst — See above.
hands. Nelvanna — Human, female, unarmed and unarmored no-
ble. Unwitting accomplice.
The Cast Kerak — Human, male, statistics of a heavy guard (see Ap-
pendix 1: New Monsters). Redak’s brother.
By necessity, this scenario requires a considerable cast of Aron — Human, male, acolyte.
characters. The sheer number of NPCs will put you to the test. Ollo Dothan — Human, male, commoner. Merchant
Inasmuch as this module challenges the players, it also chal- Grand Duke Kairn — Human, male, knight. Retired knight.
lenges you. Keeping track of and playing the various NPCs is Very elderly.
at best difficult. Many of the NPCs are very minor characters, Velka — Human, female, commoner. Nelvanna’s handmaid-
including butlers, maids, guards, etc. But in giving them all en. Married to Captain Stial.
some role, this module reaches its fullest potential. The players Baron Calvia — Human, male, unarmed and unarmored
are sure to gravitate toward some specific NPCs and are cer- noble. Nelvanna’s father.
tain to help develop more personality in those NPCs. Baroness Calvia — Human, female, unarmed and unarmored
The various NPCs are classified as victims, suspects, by- noble. Nelvanna’s mother
standers, red herrings, or villains. You will know which part Baron Ryune — Human, male, unarmed and unarmored
each NPC plays. The players must determine on their own noble. Redak’s father.
into which group each NPC fits. Some NPCs may move from Baroness Ryune — Human, female. apprentice (see Ap-
suspect to bystander to victim, and so forth. It is up to you to pendix 1: New Monsters). Redak’s mother. Secretive about
muddy the waters yet leave the players free to make their own spellcasting background.
determinations. Cousin Drinth — Human, male, unarmed and unarmored
noble. Nelvanna’s cousin and Aunt Sadie’s son. Lout.
Aunt Sadie — Human, female, unarmed and unarmored no-
Villains ble. Nelvanna’s aunt and Cousin Drinth’s mother. Busybody.
Sir Verisig — Human, male, unarmed and unarmored noble.
The cast of villains, except for Phranst, remain out of view Neighboring emissary.
during most of the module. Phranst may interact with the Elbin — Human, male, spy. He is disguised as the merchant
characters, albeit in a very limited capacity. Silinth may “Gaskin.” While many of the Ncharacters claim they “know
surface, but only as a distraction to pull suspicion away from of” Gaskin, none can say they ever actually met him before.
Phranst. Drust and Norgar are only encountered in their par- He is a well-known merchant who deals in lumber. Elbin has
ticular locations or in a potential climactic final battle. infiltrated the celebration to steal a jade necklace belonging
Phranst — Human, male, illusionist (see Appendix 1: New to the Baroness of Ryune. Elbin is also in love with Megan,
Monsters). who helped Elbin plan the theft. Elbin witnessed the emer-
Silinth — Human, female, an assassin (with 44 [8d8 + 8] hit gence of the ghouls from the kitchen. After the theft, Elbin
points, AC 16 [+1 studded leather], a +1 shortsword, a ring of continues to impersonate Gaskin, but if he feels the heat is on,
invisibility, a potion of flying, two potions of gaseous form, a he attempts to escape — storm or not. He is captured by the
potion of poison, and boots of elvenkind). guards, however. Because Elbin is not on the overnight guest
Drust — Human, male, priest with AC 18 [chain mail, shield], list, space was made for him in the library on the second
a potion of greater healing, and a spell scroll of cure wounds floor.
[4th level]. Captain Stial — Guard captain. As a heavy guard (see Ap-
Norgar — Half-Orc, male, bandit captain pendix 1: New Monsters) . Married to Velka.
Sergeant Rand — Guard sergeant. As a guard.
Tern — House guard.

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |65

 Bist — House guard. reading this adventure will most likely not be enough prepa-
Genel — House guard. ration to successfully run this module. You must familiarize
Sath — Keep guard. yourself with the minor horde of NPCs and fully understand
Vedarin — Keep guard. the timeline of events. You must be able to quickly adapt the
Palask — Keep guard. actions of various NPCs based on the actions of the characters
Cassev — Keep guard. and, to an extent, other NPCs.
Carstairs — Head butler, commoner. Another point to remember is that players live in the real
Rikson — Butler, commoner. world even though their characters live in the fantasy world.
Gustof — Butler, commoner. It is entirely possible that one or more players may know that
Hastur — Butler, commoner. you are intending to run this adventure. They may have even
Marisen — Head maid, commoner. Married to Old Man Yul. learned that it is a murder mystery. All of a sudden, you have
Ester — Maid, commoner. Overheard Baroness of Calvia characters showing up with spells (such as zone of truth, detect
complain about Redak not using the family wedding ring. thoughts, etc.) that you know darn well that character has nev-
Lena — Maid, commoner. er had as an active spell. Therefore, you need to take precau-
Gwenolin — Maid, commoner. tions before the adventure starts. Review each player character
Ruby — Head cook, commoner. before starting this adventure. Explain that certain spells are
Megan — Cook’s assistant. commoner. simply not permitted during play of the adventure. Or you
Veranica — Cook’s assistant. commoner. may alter the effects of specific spells to fit the scenario.
Ren — Stable manager, commoner. To make this adventure enjoyable, you should review each
Gunnin — Stable boy, commoner. Saw strange lights in the character and evaluate their spell selection and magic item
guard tower at the gates allotment.
Old Man Yul — Groundskeeper, commoner. Married to
Marisen.
Character Actions
Preparing to Run this Adventure It cannot be stressed enough that the characters are not in a
dungeon surrounded by monsters. The vast majority of this
As with most other published modules, you must fully read adventure takes place in an occupied keep. Dozens of NPC
this adventure before sitting down for play. However, simply characters are simply noncombatants and possible friends

66| T ome of Q uests

of the characters. Also, the characters have no actual author- 1 a.m. Redak’s body is moved to chapel; Captain Stial begins
ity in the keep; there are guards and soldiers. Therefore, the search for “vampire.” Guests must return to their rooms and
characters should not feel that they can act with impunity. lock their doors; this includes the characters (there are already
Casting intrusive spells on NPCs (i.e., detect evil, detect magic, whispers that the characters might be responsible).
detect thoughts, etc.) will not be tolerated in any way. Also, the 3 a.m. Baron and Baroness of Calvia are “killed” by Nelvanna.
use of invisibility or other such spells and devices will not be Redak’s body is stolen by boggles. The boggles take the bodies
acceptable. back to Room #59, which is also their lair. Ghouls attack char-
Captain Stial undertakes the official investigation of the acters and Aron. Three ghouls attack Aron and three attack the
crimes. He may ask the characters for help as the murders characters. Six ghouls remain in Room #50. The ghouls fight
multiply, but he will not ask — or tolerate — help after the until destroyed; they will not retreat. Elbin steals jewels from
initial murder. Grand Duke Kairn and Aunt Sadie conduct un- Baron and Baroness of Ryune.
official investigations. Captain Stial grudgingly tolerates both. 3:30 a.m. The bodies of Baron and Baroness of Calvia are taken
Of course, the characters may undertake their own investiga- to the chapel and placed under guard.
tions, but they get no help from Captain Stial, and many of the 4 a.m. Nelvanna requests that the characters take over the
guests will not trust them. Captain Stial is the authority in the investigation. Captain Stial agrees.
keep (with the exception of the royal families), and the charac- 5 a.m. Baron and Baroness of Calvia’s bodies disappear from
ters must adhere to his decisions until Nelvanna requests that chapel. Guard is killed by boggles.
they take over the investigation (after her parents are killed). 8 a.m. Guests assemble for breakfast in great hall.
While the characters are friends with Nelvanna, they are hard- 10 a.m. Guests return to their rooms or lounge about great
ly family or implicitly trusted by anyone other than Nelvanna. hall. Baron and Baroness of Ryune return to their chambers.
They do not have free rein of the keep, and they are not in 11 a.m. Silinth attempts to “kill” Baron and Baroness of Ryune.
charge of the investigation. As the murders begin to mount, She uses a sleeping gas potion (see Appendix 2: New Magic
the characters are welcomed to help in the investigation and Items) to knock them unconscious and then uses The Vam-
given more freedom to help find and stop the killer. pire’s Soul to “kill” them. Silinth accesses the room via the
secret trapdoor in the ceiling. She retreats in the same direction

Sequence of Events unless the characters observe her. In that case, she uses her
ring of invisibility and attempts to escape through the door or
As opposed to many scenarios where the characters are left balcony.
to move from encounter to encounter, this scenario requires 12 p.m. Baron and Baroness of Ryune are discovered by Kerak
the use of a predesigned event system. That is, events occur or a maid as lunch is served. Aunt Sadie accuses the characters
during the progression of the scenario with no relation to the of being the murderers. She has no real proof but suggests that
characters’ activities. It is possible that some character actions only the characters have the ability to use magic and they are,
alter the event progression later in the scenario, but at the after all, “graverobbers and despicable treasure hunters.” No
start, events must occur as presented. one takes her too seriously, but Captain Stial must search them
It is important to carefully track time (in the play arena). The and interrogate the characters to satisfy Aunt Sadie and sever-
characters’ actions will be limited in scope on some occa- al other guests, as well as Kerak. The interrogation takes place
sions as the following events occur in sequence. For example, in the guest library and takes approximately two hours.
searching the entire keep would take the characters many 1 p.m. Boggles attempt to steal bodies of Baron and Baroness
hours based on the level of their inspection. The inspection of Ryune. If the characters do not determine a resting place,
would certainly be interrupted at some point by a preset the bodies are taken to the chapel and put under additional
event. All the times are general, and they may, and should, guard.
vary slightly by degrees of minutes. The events occur in se- 1:30 p.m. A guard discovers that the bodies of the Baron and
quence based on the following timetable: Baroness of Ryune are now missing. This exonerates the
characters if they are still being questioned by Captain Stial.
However, Aunt Sadie will not be satisfied and continues to
Day One accuse the characters of being master criminals.
2 p.m. Grand Duke Kairn suspects and approaches Kerak. He
2 p.m. Guests arrive asks the characters to assist. His supposition is based on the
5 p.m. Characters arrive fact that Kerak actually built the keep and must have designed
6 p.m. Celebration some yet-to-be-discovered secret passages or knew of the
9 p.m. Some guests depart ruins beneath the keep. During the interrogation, Kerak’s eyes
10 p.m. Winter storm arrives glaze over, and he attacks the duke or the characters. Phranst
11 p.m. Guests and hosts retire for evening watched the interrogation (while invisible or hidden), and he
commands Kerak to attack. Phranst then carefully exits the
area so as not to be discovered. Simultaneously, Silinth at-
Day Two tempts to attack Nelvanna. The attempt is unsuccessful (either
by precautions set by the characters or by convenient timing
12 a.m. Nelvanna “kills” Redak. Ghouls attack Aron and char- by another NPC). Silinth retreats but drops a fake suicide note
acter clerics. Palask is killed by ghouls on way to attack clerics. from Nelvanna claiming responsibility for all the murders.
The body is found as other guards arrive.

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |67

 Vampire Keep Level 1 Map

68| T ome of Q uests

3 p.m. The winter storm abates at this point. By now, the char- Decorations throughout the keep have a woodland theme, and
acters should have reason to suspect Phranst. If Nelvanna had stuffed animals indigenous to the general area are plentiful.
been killed, he would be the sole remaining royal in the keep. Many of the rugs are bearskins and other skins hang from
If Kerak is still alive, he recovers from the charm person spell. walls. The furniture is solid and constructed by craftsmen
He vaguely recalls meeting Phranst more than a year before from neighboring villages. Numerous fireplaces are through-
even though Phranst claims to have arrived in the area only out the keep (not shown on the maps). In general, each room
in the past few weeks. Aunt Sadie quickly notifies the charac- adjoining the outer wall is considered to have a fireplace,
ters that Phranst would inherit the keep if all the other family though some may be very small. Interior rooms do not have a
members were indeed dead. Nelvanna’s youngest brother and fireplace but ambient heat from the rest of the structure keeps
Redak’s older sister (who are not at the celebration) would them warm in the winter.
claim rulership of their respective kingdoms. At this point,
Phranst retreats to the secret chambers (the fourth level of the
keep) and prepares to combat the characters with his allies. Keys
Kerak, Redak, Captain Stial, and Carstairs all have keys for
Northwood Keep the entire keep. Phranst also has a complete set of keys (he
The keep has recently been reconstructed over the ruins of an keeps them in his secret room and never carries them). Certain
older structure. It has taken almost two years to complete the rooms have individual keys, and occupants are given a key
construction and renovation. The outer walls required the least (such as guestrooms). Marisen has as a complete set of keys for
amount of work, and the only new feature is the gate area. all the guestrooms on level two.
The outer buildings that adjoin the wall on the interior are all
new construction. The guardhouse and officers’ quarters have
ladders that reach a trapdoor that allows access to the wall Secret Door and Secret Trapdoors
parapet area. The parapet area has direct access to the roof
sections of all the outer buildings. Several secret doors and secret trapdoors are located through-
The keep itself saw major reconstruction, and two levels were out the keep. Phranst has enchanted all of these. He used his
added to the existing ruin. Most visitors would assume the wand of secrecy (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items) to con-
entire building is new, but close inspection by anyone with ceal every one of these secret portals. Therefore, these portals
a construction background reveals the presence of the older cannot be discovered using magic. A successful DC 16 Intelli-
ruin. The interior of the keep looks new from top to bottom. gence (Investigation) check made at disadvantage is needed to
Even the floor flagstones look polished. All the windows, door, find one. None of the secret portals has a locking device. Only
and fixed furnishings are new. The decorative fixtures, includ- Phranst and his allies are aware of the secret doors. Nelvanna
ing lighting, rugs, art, etc., are generally new though some are knows of the secret portals only while under possession by
gifts from other royal houses. Phranst. When released from control, she has no knowledge or
Kerak, the younger brother of Redak, was in charge of the memory of the passages.
construction project. He was immediately put under a charm
by Phranst. Many alterations were made to the structure,
including access to the buried tower and the construction of Player Introduction
a secret fourth floor of the keep. Kerak employed dwarves
from the mountains to the north, and no local craftsmen were
Northwood Keep, standing above the forest that shares
used in the structural construction. Therefore, only Phranst is
aware of the secret trapdoors, the buried tower, and the fourth its name, gives solace to all who would venture to these
level of the keep. Kerak was given a potion of memory control borderlands between the great southern forest realms
(see Appendix 2: New Magic Items) and has no memory of and the mountain kingdoms of the north. The two
building alterations. spires at the keep’s center are crowned with dozens of
The keep is well-lit with numerous fixtures throughout. Lan- colorful banners. A steady winter wind keeps the flags
terns are hung in all hallways, and they are never extinguished aloft. The eastern tower displays the colors of Calvia,
— to the dismay of the house staff who replenish the oil. All and the western tower holds the colors of Ryune.
larger rooms have candle-based chandeliers. Bedrooms are all Both are small kingdoms that make up the majority of
lit with a hanging lantern or two, and candles are on all tables. Northwood Forest.
All rooms adjoining the outer wall have tall windows, though
none are barred. It should be fairly obvious that the keep is
Inside the 20-foot walls of the keep is a grand structure,
not designed in a military fashion. Note that the rooms on the
fourth floor do not have windows, though several skylights
and the wedding celebration is in full swing. The
provide light to the fourth level (the skylights cannot be seen marriage of Redak of Ryune and Nelvanna of Calvia
from the ground, and they are covered by snow during this brought the kingdoms together for the first time.
adventure). All doors, including the exterior doors, are made Appropriately, Northwood Keep, which has long lain
of wood and have simple locks. Each bedroom has a keyed abandoned, is located on the northernmost border of
lock as well as a deadbolt. both nations.

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |69

 time to establish an empathy between some of the characters
From the number of horses and carriages you have and the NPCs. For example, Ollo Dothan is fond of the drink.
seen, it is clear that more than 200 guests are present. One of the characters may also have that “hobby,” and the two
You pass through the gates and overhear the guards may go on a bender of sorts.
complaining about an incoming storm. As if on cue, the The characters will have a very difficult time spending any
significant time with the newlyweds, their parents, or Phranst.
wind begins to howl with great speed, and the smell
All are constantly busy with other dignitaries or family
of snow is in the air. An elderly manservant opens the
members. Phranst notices the characters’ arrival ,and it does
great oaken doors to the mansion keep and greets you. not make him very happy, though it certainly is not obvious
to anyone. He takes a few minutes to meet with one or more
Upon entering, he takes your cloaks and then directs members of the group for no other reason than to assess their
you to the great hall where you can congratulate the strengths. He immediately identifies the characters’ character
newlyweds. The greeting line is lengthy, but you classes and determines their levels of ability. In particular,
welcome the chance to enjoy the warmth of the hall. he studies the spellcasters. He is fully aware of the threat
A pretty serving girl brings a tray of drinks while they pose to his plans and deceptions. Regardless, in no way
you wait. Guests are milling about the entry hall and should Phranst appear suspicious or anything other than
dining hall patiently waiting for the greeting session to gracious and humble in the presence of the characters. In fact,
end. A band is tuning up, and it appears you were the Phranst readily admits he was a wizard (actually an illusion-
ist) and that he never advanced beyond third level when the
last guests to arrive.
unfortunate encounter with the dragon took place. He now
claims that he cannot perform any magic due to his missing
You finally reach Redak and Nelvanna and wish them arm (if asked specifically).
the best. Seeing Nelvanna in full womanhood sparks It is critical that the characters are introduced to a large num-
your memory of a distant time. It was early in your ber of NPCs. You must make some of the meetings memora-
adventuring careers that you rescued a young girl ble, if possible. The players will reflect on those early encoun-
from a horrible fate. You have remained close friends ters when the murders manifest in the scenario. Also, let the
with Nelvanna, though as the years have progressed, players form their own opinions of the NPCs. You should
your contact has ebbed. It was a surprise to receive the never come out and say, “That Ollo guy looks suspicious.”
invitation to the wedding. The timing was convenient, Avoid those types of descriptions and stay with physical and
but the journey was long, and you missed the early generic personality descriptions. If a player asks, “Does Ollo
look sinister?” your answer should spin in another direction
morning ceremony. But the princess greeted you
altogether. “He is pestering the butler for a full bottle of wine
warmly, and clearly you are still the heroes of her
instead of a glass.”
youth. Of course, the characters should have no reason to suspect
anything is amiss during this phase of the adventure. The
Now, after a brief speech from the groom, dinner is players will certainly be looking for adventure opportunities,
served. The hall quiets a bit as the guests begin the but their characters will not find any. It is only natural for the
feast and the band plays soft music. There are many players to suspect villainy. You must do your best to deceive
important guests in the hall, and perhaps some work them and put on a show of neutrality.
may be found. But for now, it is time to celebrate. The celebration eventually ends around 9 p.m. After an hour
or so, all the guests retire to their rooms. The keep staff will
be busy for another hour performing cleaning operations, and
Description: The characters are seated in the great hall (Room
then they go to their rooms.
#8). The kitchen staff and servants are very busy serving the
assorted guests. The characters are seated at a table with six
other guests (you should select one or two from the NPC list
with the exclusion of any family members of the newlyweds).
1. Entry Hall
The characters may converse with the guests and gain some
background information on the keep and the neighboring The lavishly decorated entry hall sets the standard for
lands (see the player background information). the rest of the keep. The floors are polished marble
As the meal ends, the oncoming winter storm strengthens, that is periodically covered with rugs. The walls and
and many guests leave. Over the course of several hours, all ceilings are covered with panels and ornate trim made
but the designated NPCs exit the keep. During that time, the of mahogany, which is abundant in the surrounding
characters have a chance to meet many of the NPCs involved forest. There are several wooden, bas-relief carvings of
in this scenario. However, they have little time with Nelvanna animals native to the surrounding Northwood. There
or Redak (they have many guests to visit). are also several large paintings of former royalty from
There are plenty of NPCs to meet, and several may have some-
Calvia and Ryune, with several dating back 200 years.
thing in common with the individual characters. This is a good

70| T ome of Q uests

 caverns beneath the keep. Nothing identifies them as Phranst’s
Four evenly spaced wooden chandeliers illuminate boots. He denies ownership if confronted, assuming the char-
the hall. Several sofas and leather-covered chairs are acters have made some sort of connection between the boots
placed at symmetric intervals around the room. A wide and the crime.
hall leads into the keep, and doors to the east and west
lead to small antechambers. A pair of huge wooden 4. Sitting Room
doors lead to the courtyard outside.
This warmly appointed room features large rugs and
Description: This room is used to greet all guests. There is am- comfortable furniture. Large paintings of forest scenes
ple room for large groups. During the adventure, many of the and animals are evenly spaced on each wall. The
NPCs can be found either lounging here or passing through. furniture is arranged in four sections with small tables
Some of the older guests may be found talking about a specific available to hold drinks, candles, or other necessities.
painting. They will be discussing an old rumor of how the
subject of the portrait threatened to return from the dead. A
guard will be posted inside after the death of Redak. Description: There is nothing of real interest in this room. It
is used by the guests as a gathering place. As the adventure
moves forward, various groups of guests segregate themselves
2. West Antechamber based on their wild ideas of what is actually happening. The
characters notice that two or more groups are in the room
Many potted plants cover the floor of this room. Most speaking in whispers and hushed tones so that other groups
are tall and full, blocking full view of the room. The do not overhear their conversations.
plants are all indigenous to the Northwood. Two
empty buckets are stacked next to the door. Several 5. Trophy Room and Lounge
small gardening implements are next to the buckets. A
small iron stove sits just inside the door and supplies The mounted heads of large animals such as bears,
ample heat in the small room. Two large skylights are cougars, wolves, and deer are scattered along the
in the ceiling, but the snow blocks all incoming light. walls of this room. In the southwest corner stands an
Hanging between the skylights, from a silver chain, is enormous stuffed grizzly bear. Smaller stuffed animals
a small glass orb glowing with a bright yellow light. sit on shelves or end tables. Four large couches are
in the center of the room. A full bar without stools is
Description: Redak has a green thumb, and he uses it to make against the east wall. Various bottles of spirits and
this room greener. None of the plants is dangerous, and most wine are on shelves behind the bar.
are simple in nature. Several smaller pots hold herbs that are
used in the kitchen. A lemon tree, a wedding gift, is the only
Description: The bar is fully stocked and contains all manner
fruit-bearing plant in the room. Hidden in one of the plant
of spirits and liquor including many bottles of wine. During
buckets is a spare set of keys for the entire keep. Phranst has
the celebration, one of the manservants serves from the bar.
two sets and hid a set here for emergencies.
Phranst placed a small, labeled vial half filled with powerful
sleeping pills among the bottles. He does this after the celebra-
3. East Antechamber tion. The bottle is merely a red herring and serves no purpose.
The trophies are nothing more than that. However, in a pinch,
A wooden bench is built into all the walls of this Phranst can use the trophies to augment an illusion spell. An
animate objects spell can animate the animals and/or the griz-
room. Above the bench is a line of pegs for cloaks and
zly bear (which is enormous even for a grizzly bear).
hats. Boots of all sorts are lined up neatly under the
bench. Cloaks, some of fur and others of leather, hang
sporadically from the pegs. 6. Stair Tower

Description: This room serves as a cloakroom for the guests. A massive stone stair dominates this circular tower
The characters may even have boots or cloaks hanging in room. The stair lands along the west wall and gently
this room. After the celebration ends, approximately 20 sets rises in a clockwise, circular pattern. A landing is set
of men’s and women’s boots remain under the bench. There every 15 feet and at every level. The entry landing to
will also be the same number of heavy winter cloaks. None the various levels is large — 20 feet long and 10 feet
of the articles is magical. One set of boots has a peculiar oily wide. An ornate wooden handrail accompanies the
substance on them. This will be discovered only under careful stair. The room is furnished with several plush chairs
inspection (a character must succeed on a DC 14 Intelligence
and a pair of matching sofas. The floor is covered with
[Investigation] check to notice the oil). The boots belong to
various, small rugs located with the furniture.
Phranst, and he inadvertently picked up the oil while in the

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |71

Description: The stairs are almost in constant service. They Description: This kitchen is fully furnished and can produce
are the only method of access to the upper floors (with the meals in large quantities if necessary. Dry goods and fresh
exception of the secret trapdoor system). The stairs are 10 feet vegetables and fruit are stored on the shelves. Meats and other
wide and can accommodate a large number of pedestrians. more perishable items are stored in the larder beneath the
An interesting feature is that the room is a near perfect sound kitchen. The larder also serves as a sizable wine cellar.
chamber. Conversations on the upper landings can be easily The well has a wooden cover that is easily removed to access
overheard from the lowest level. the water below. The well leads to an underground river just
30 feet below the kitchen (Location #48). The ghouls that live
in the underground complex use the well to access the kitchen
7. Chapel and the keep. The walls of the well are hewn very roughly and
provide easy handholds for climbing. Hidden in the darkness
The walls of this room are covered with tapestries within the well are rusted iron rungs that form a ladder. There
depicting the charitable operations of traveling is no danger of the rungs failing, but they creak, and rust
flakes break off when the rungs are used.
priests. A large wooden altar is set near the east wall.
At most times of the day, the cook and various members of the
Numerous candles of all sizes are used to illuminate
household staff are in the kitchen. Also, off-duty guards are
the room. Next to the door is a silver font resting on often in the kitchen where they eat their meals. The cook can
a wooden base. The font is filled with clear water. throw together a meal quickly for any who enter the kitchen.
Several barrels line the north wall. Lastly, a total of six The kitchen is staffed from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m.
wooden benches face the altar.

Description: Nothing of interest is in the chapel. The only 10. Second Level Stairway
oddities are the six barrels. Three are filled with wine, two
with water, and the last is empty. The boggles use the empty The wide stairs come to a landing at the second floor.
barrel to steal victims from the room to their chamber. The landing area is 10 feet by 20 feet. The stairs continue
up to the third floor. Two chairs and an end table are on
the landing. Two braziers illuminate the area.
8. Great Hall
Description: Nothing of interest is in this area.
This massive room holds numerous large tables.
Dozens of individually crafted chairs line the tables.
The room is illuminated by numerous braziers, 11. Storage Room
chandeliers, and tabletop candles. Large tapestries
Description: The doors to this room are locked, and a suc-
depict woodland scenes and various castles, including
cessful DC 14 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools is required
Northwood Keep, located within the bounds of the to pick the lock. The room holds various pieces of furniture,
Northwood Forest. Several sofas and cushioned chairs art, and decorative items that have yet to be placed in the
are in the western section of the room. keep. The decorations for the main second floor hallway are
still stored here. Four sets of known keys are held by Kerak,
Description: The characters are led to this room at the start Redak, Captain Stial, and Carstairs. Phranst also has a set of
of the scenario. The celebration is centered in this area. It is keys, though he keeps them in his secret chamber.
directly served by the kitchen to the north. Any large meals
served during the scenario are served in this room.
12. Guest Suite — Calvia
Description: This room is furnished with plush rugs, deco-
9. Kitchen rative tapestries, and ornate wooden furniture. The room is
capable of supporting a long-term guest. It is cleaned daily by
Long counters and wide shelves follow the north the house staff. This room is occupied by Baron and Baroness
and west walls of this huge kitchen. Against the Calvia. They occupy the room only for a short time as they are
east wall, a large stone oven rests next to an equally the second victims (see Sequence of Events above).
huge fireplace. A gigantic kettle gently swings in the Other than the furnishings, the baron and baroness brought
fireplace. Occupying the center of the room is a long very few personal possessions, as they only planned on stay-
table made of thick wood. A covered well is in the ing for one or two nights.
northeast corner. A trapdoor near the west wall leads
to a wine cellar and larder. A single table with eight
chairs is next to the well.

72| T ome of Q uests

Vampire Keep Level 2 Map

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |73

13. Guest Suite — Ryune 16. Baths
Description: This room is furnished exactly like Room #12.
It is furnished with plush rugs, decorative tapestries, and A wave of humid air strikes you as the door opens to
ornate wooden furniture. The room is capable of supporting this ornate bath. The floor, walls, and ceiling are tiled.
a long-term guest. It is cleaned daily by the house staff. This A shallow pool occupies the center of the room. It is
room is occupied by Baron and Baroness Ryune. They occupy surrounded by a short set of wide stairs that lead up
the room according to the sequence of events (see Sequence of to its rim. A large fireplace in the east wall is the only
Events above). illumination in the room. A low fire burns in its hearth.
Large copper pots are stacked near the fireplace, as are
several very large barrels of water. A wooden rack of
14. Shared Balcony towels is close to the entry door.
Description: The doors to the balcony are always locked.
The locks are self-locking, and a key must be used every time
Description: Nothing of interest is in this room.
they are opened. There is a keyhole on each side of the access
doors. Occupants of Rooms 12 and 13 are given a key that
opens the door to that room only. The doors require different
keys; they are not keyed alike. Each requires a successful DC
17. Second Floor Hall
15 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools to pick.
The balcony is covered with snow. During the scenario, the The 20-foot-wide hall is illuminated by evenly spaced
raging storm reduces visibility to 60 feet, and very little can be oil lanterns suspended just off the 10-foot-high ceiling.
seen from this vantage point. The hall is otherwise bare of decorations.

Description: During the day, all the lanterns are maintained.

15. Guest Library In the evening, most are extinguished, leaving just enough
light to traverse the halls.
Clearly a library, this room is lined with bookshelves
that reach the 10-foot-high ceiling. Six cushioned
chairs and a long sofa provide comfortable locations 18. Male Servants’ Room
to sit and read. The room is illuminated by two large Description: This room houses some of the male servants.
braziers and numerous elevated lanterns. There are three beds and furniture to match. A canvas partition
separates the bed areas. Nothing of interest is in this room.
Description: Several hundred books are in the library. Most One room is used by Rikson, Gustof, and Hastur. Carstairs has
are fiction though a small section deals with herbs and a room to himself.
gardening. After the first murder, Silinth places a book on
the sofa. The book details the history of an old tower located
where Northwood Keep now stands and its vampiric queen. 19. Female Servants’ Room
The book describes the siege of the tower and its destruction. Description: This room houses some of the female servants.
The vampire queen was destroyed in the siege, but she cursed There are three beds and furniture to match. A canvas partition
any who dwell in the lands around her tower. A map in the separates the bed areas. Nothing of interest is in this room.
centerfold depicts a well that provides access to the dungeons One room is used by Ester, Lena, and Gwenolin. The other
beneath the tower. The well is the same located in the kitchen room houses Ruby, Megan, and Veranica.
(Location #48).
The book appears authentic but is a fake. Phranst had the book
created by a very skilled sage. It appears to be a very old book 20. — 26. Guestrooms
and genuine. The book was placed in the library to perpetuate
Description: These rooms are all decorated tastefully and with
the false story of the vampire queen and her curse.
comfortable furniture. Generally, two or three beds are in each
This room is also serving as Elbin’s bedroom as he was not
room. Each occupant has a key to the room. However, the
scheduled to stay the night but conveniently became trapped
rooms stay unlocked until after the death of Redak, at which
by the storm. This will not come to the characters’ attention
point all the guestrooms are locked. Without a key, a success-
until the morning after the first series of murders. Elbin has
ful DC 13 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools is needed to pick
the statistics of a spy and has a potion of healing.
a guestroom lock.

74| T ome of Q uests

20. Guestroom — Grand Duke Kairn 25 Guestroom — Aunt Sadie and Cousin
Drinth
21. Guestroom — Ollo Dothan
26. Guestroom — Sir Verisig

27. Balcony
Description: The balcony is accessed by all the adjoining gues-
trooms. Each door requires a key, but these are not self-lock-
ing. Standing on the balcony during the storm is difficult. The
cold wind and snow make visibility nonexistent.

28. Kitchen Roof

Description: The kitchen roof can be accessed by a short jump
off the balcony. There is no access to the kitchen from the roof.

29. Third-Floor Stairway

The wide stairs come to a landing at the third floor. The

landing area is 10 feet by 20 feet. Two chairs and an end
table are on the landing. Two braziers illuminate the
area. Several crates are stacked against the far end of
the landing opposite the stairs.

Description: The stair ends at this level. However, the tower

rises another 10 feet but it is featureless. The crates hold deco-
rative items and small furniture for the stair area. Phranst and
his cohorts use the crates to access a secret trapdoor leading to
the secret fourth level.

30. Storeroom
Description: The doors to this room are locked. Without a
22. Guestroom — Aron and Phranst key, a successful DC 13 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools is
Description: Due to the storm, more guests are staying than needed to pick the lock. The room holds various pieces of fur-
there are guestrooms. Phranst volunteers to stay with Aron niture, art, and decorative items that have yet to be placed in
(so he can spy on the cleric). When Aron is attacked, Phranst the keep. The decorations for the third-floor hallway are stored
claims he was checking on his sister, which is verified by here. Four sets of known keys are held by Kerak, Redak, Cap-
various guards and Nelvanna. Of course, Nelvanna was busy tain Stial, and Carstairs. Phranst also has a set of keys, though
“killing” her parents, but Phranst gives her, and himself, an he keeps them in his secret chamber.
alibi.
The room contains two beds and associated furniture. Aron
and Phranst have traveling clothes and related items in their
31. Third-Floor Hall
respective wall lockers. A small, obsidian jewelry box is in
the pocket of one of Phranst’s heavy robes. The jewelry box The 20-foot-wide hall is illuminated by evenly spaced
is worth 50 gp. Oddly, one of the robes does not have the left oil lanterns suspended just off the 10’ high ceiling. The
sleeve removed or stitched closed. Aron has the statistics of a hall is otherwise bare of decorations.
acolyte and carries a potion of healing.
Description: During the day, all the lanterns are maintained.
In the evening, most are extinguished until there is just
23. Guestroom — Kerak enough light to traverse the halls.

24. Guestroom — Characters’ Room

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |75

 Vampire Keep Levels 3 & 4 Map

76| T ome of Q uests

32. Library, Study, and Lounge
While all the furniture is set, many of the small
This large room appears to serve several functions decorations are still awaiting placement and sit next
including library, study, and lounge. Tall bookshelves to a pile of crates. Several trunks are filled with clothes
hold numerous tomes. Two large desks are in the that have not been loaded into the tall armoires and
center of the room, each accompanied by a plush chair. cabinets.
Finally, two large couches face the fireplace.
Description: The characters will not have the opportunity to
Description: Nelvanna and Redak use this room for the obvi- search this room until several deaths occur in the adventure.
ous purpose. Nothing of interest is in the room. The papers on Captain Stial limits access until after Redak is killed. The hard-
each desk deal with household accounting, minor trade deals er the characters attempt to enter the room, the more stringent
with the dwarves to the north, and contracts for the staff and the guards become. Of course, there is nothing to find in the
guards. room. But simply denying access should enflame the players’
curiosity and desire to get their characters into the room.

33. Balcony
36. Balcony
Description: The balcony is currently bare of furniture and
other decorations. Standing on the balcony during the storm is Description: The balcony is currently bare of furniture and
difficult. The cold wind and snow make visibility nonexistent. other decorations.

34. Living Chambers 37. Guard Tower

Description: The guard towers that ring the keep are all con-
The room is clearly meant to be the living quarters for nected by an elevated platform that rings the outer wall. The
the newlyweds. However, the room is not completely towers have two interior levels, both with access to the inner
unpacked and organized. There are numerous crates, keep and second-level platform. A wooden ladder and trap-
door provide access between levels. A ladder on the second
many of which are open but not emptied. The larger
floor leads to another trapdoor that leads to the top level. The
crates hold painting supplies and canvas. You recall
top level is open, with a four-foot-tall wall.
that Nelvanna paints. Various pieces of furniture are At this time, the guard towers are not manned. The guards
stacked against the outer walls and covered with patrol the walls but only stop in the towers to get away from
sheets. the cold and snow.

Set aside are more crates that apparently hold the

couple’s wedding gifts. 38. Gate Tower
Description: The twin gate towers are designed exactly as the
Description: There is nothing of particular interest to the other guard towers. However, controls for the gate doors are
characters in this room. However, one of the wedding present in each tower. Controls on the ground floor and the second
crates has a detailed list of gifts and who gave them. More floor can be operated independently. One guard is always
than 200 names are on the list. If a character takes the time to stationed in a gate tower (not both, but just one). The gates are
read through and study the list (which takes at least an hour), closed during the storm, and they will not be opened unless
the player may make a DC 15 Intelligence check. Success Captain Stial gives the order. During the storm, a guard has a
results in the character noticing that Phranst is not on the list. small fire going to keep warm.
This is because he gave Nelvanna the ring. This is not common
knowledge, but relatives of the couple are aware of the gift.
39. Stables
Description: The stables are currently filled with horses.
35. Nelvanna and Redak Bedchamber Several carriages are parked outside, near the south end of the
building. Gunnin and Ren are in the stables unless they are in
A huge bed framed in ornate wood stands against the keep looking for a meal. There are quarters for both men at
the east wall. Silken drapes hang from tall bedposts. the north end of the stables.
Matching furniture complements the bed and continues
the dark wood theme. A newly painted illustration of
the newlyweds is framed but still leans against the
wall, waiting to be hung.

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |77

40. Groundskeeper’s House 47. Larder and Wine Cellar
Description: Old Man Yul and Marisen make this building
their home. The house is neatly kept. Yul has a carpentry shop A wooden set of stairs lead down 15 feet to a cool
in part of the home. The home contains the couple’s personal cellar. The chamber is stone-lined and has two distinct
possessions but little else of interest to the characters. The sections. The section closest to the stairs has shelves
couple will be in the house when not working. filled with food goods including meats, bags of flour,
bags of grain, canisters filled with preserved fruits and
vegetables, and other items. The second section is lined
41. Guardhouse with shelving holding wine bottles.
Description: The guardhouse is typical of military structures,
and it is organized to house 20 guards. Bunks and furniture Description: The cellar is fiercely protected by the cook, Ruby.
easily support 20 people. When the guards are off duty, they She is responsible for the items therein, including the wine. A
are found here. A spiral staircase leads up to the parapet lantern is kept in the kitchen as no light source is in the cellar.
level of the outer wall (second level). The guardhouse is fully The secret trapdoor in the floor is not protected by Phranst’s
equipped, and several weapons racks hold spears, swords, wand of secrecy (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). How-
and bows. A dozen quivers hanging on the wall hold 20 ar- ever, the trapdoor is well-hidden and will be discovered only
rows each. Four crates each hold 100 arrows. during a thorough search with a successful DC 16 Intelligence
(Investigation) check. There is no chance to discover the trap-
door if a simple cursory search is performed.
42. Sergeants’ House The trapdoor leads to a chute that descends into the caverns
Description: This well-appointed house is attached to the beneath the keep. The caverns are 15 feet beneath the cellar.
guard house. This house has facilities to house up to four ser- Steel bars have been driven into the chute to allow access to
geants, but only one occupies it during this scenario. Sergeant the caverns. There are no light sources in the caverns, and
Rand is in this house or visiting in the guardhouse (Location characters must bring their own source of illumination.
#41) when off duty.

48. Well
43. Captain Stial and Velka’s House Description: The well in the kitchen descends to this under-
Description: The captain and his wife have not had time to ground river 30 feet below the keep. The river is filled with
completely set up their home. Some of the furniture is set, but clear, cold water. All characters, unless resistant to cold, suffer
most of their possessions are still in packing crates. When off 1d4 damage per round after being in the water for one full
duty, Stial and Velka will be in the house. A spiral staircase round. The water moves very slowly in this section and is
leads up to the parapet level of the outer wall (second level). generally around six feet deep. The ceiling height above the
water is only two feet. Numerous natural handholds are in the
well and climbing from the river to the kitchen is not difficult.
44. Gates However, if the wood cover is on the well in the kitchen, there
is no light in the well or river area.
Description: The gates to the keep are fashioned from iron-
wood and are particularly thick. Gate controls are in either
adjoining tower.
49. Cavern Corridor

45. Courtyard The cavern corridor is hewn out of solid rock. The
floor is smooth, and the ceiling is only seven feet high.
Description: The courtyard has a cobblestone drive that leads
The corridor ends at the underground river but begins
to the stables and keep. In the spring, there will be numerous
again on the other side. The river narrows here, and its
plantings. As the snowstorm increases, the courtyard area is
quickly covered by two feet of snow. The guards shovel walk-
speed increases.
ways between the exterior outbuildings and guard towers.
Description: Crossing the river may be a bit difficult for
unwary characters. The water’s speed is significant, and any
46. Parapet Level characters falling in can easily be swept away. The water’s
depth is eight feet. A character attempting to swim over is
Description: The parapet level of the keep’s outer wall is
swept away unless they succeed on a DC 14 Strength check.
ringed with a 10-foot-wide platform. The platform extends
A character that fails the check can make a second DC 16
over the outbuildings. Trapdoors lead to the guardhouse and
Strength check, grabbing the rocky wall on a success. The
captain’s house.
character can hold onto the wall for a number of rounds equal
to two plus their Constitution modifier (never less than one)

78| T ome of Q uests

before succumbing to hypothermia and being swept to their 52. Weapons Room
death. All creatures, unless immune to cold, take 1d4 cold
damage per round after being in the water for one full round.
At least two dozen spears litter the floor of this room.
A character may try to jump over the river, but the ceiling is
Most are rotted beyond use or otherwise broken.
low at seven feet. A leaping character must succeed on a DC
14 Dexterity check to successfully leap over the river. The walls hold many more of the same weapons, all
deteriorating beyond use. A large barrel is overturned
in the center of the room. Four iron boxes are next to
50. Ghoul Chamber the barrel.

A horrible stench assails your noses as you approach Description: All the spears have deteriorated beyond use. The
the end of the corridor. The corridor ends at a carved barrel is empty. Each of the iron boxes is locked, requiring a
stone wall. Beyond the opening, you see a chamber successful DC 12 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools to pick.
clearly constructed of stone blocks. The room beyond is Each box holds a heavy crossbow. All the crossbows are in
large and semicircular. Peering into the dark chamber, good shape, having been oiled before being stored in the iron
boxes. One of the crossbows is a crossbow of accuracy (see
you see several figures suddenly emerge and charge
Appendix 2: New Magic Items).
your group.

Description: This room is the home to 16 ghouls, six of which 53. Shadows
attacked characters and the cleric Aron. Therefore, 10 ghouls
remain in this chamber. Several bodies in the chamber are in This room holds many suits of rusted and ruined
various forms of decay or have been partially consumed by
armor. Many shields hang on the walls, and several
the ghouls. A search reveals a total of 78 gp, 112 sp, and 91 cp.
suits of armor are propped up on stands. The armor
Also, one of bodies has a pouch containing four gems: 100 gp,
150 gp, 200 gp, and 300 gp. Lastly, one of the ghouls recently suits were once chain mail, but it appears they have all
consumed a hand from one of the victims. In the ghoul’s stom- rusted and corroded.
ach, the characters find a ring of protection.
The door leading to the rest of the tower is locked. Only Description: This room is occupied by 2 shadows. The
Phranst has a key to this door. Alternately, a successful DC shadows have a loose agreement with the wraith in Room
14 Dexterity check with thieves’ tools can unlock the door.An #56. They come to the wraith’s aid if it is attacked. However,
iron spiral staircase leads down to the next level of the tower. the wraith will not reciprocate, but the shadows retreat to the
The staircase is severely rusted. Each character that uses the wraith’s chamber if they are in danger of being destroyed.
staircase must make a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw. Failure All the armor is ruined, including the shields on the wall. No
indicates that the stairway collapses under the character, treasure is in this room.
causing them to fall and take 1d6 bludgeoning damage. The
character is also stunned for one round and unable to take an
action. 54. Secret Passage
Description: This secret door is not protected by Phranst’s
wand of secrecy (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). It can
51. Tower Hall be found with a successful DC 13 Intelligence (Investigation)
check. The corridor beyond leads to the Northwood forest and
The halls of this T-shaped corridor collapsed in many exits approximately a quarter mile from the keep.
sections, but narrow paths remain. Dust covers the floor
and as you watch, waves of dust shift slowly along the
floor. Two broken barrels are near the intersection. 55. Spectt

Description: Nothing of interest is in the corridor. However, Floating in the center of the irregular-shaped room is
beneath the shifting dust, a thin layer of oil is present. The oil a hideous, spherical creature with one large eye at its
is from the broken barrels. It matches the oil on the boots in center. Four stalks holding smaller eyes protrude from
Room #3. the top of the round creature. Below the large central
An iron spiral staircase leads down to the next level of the eye is a gaping maw lined with sharp, yellow teeth.
tower. The staircase is severely rusted. Each character that uses The creature floats in front of an iron door.
the staircase must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw.
Failure indicates that the stairway collapses under the char-
acter, causing them to fall and take 1d6 bludgeoning damage.
The character is also stunned for one round and unable to take
an action.

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |79

Description: This creature is a spectator, and it has a mission 58. Secret Hall
to guard the iron door. Under no circumstances does it let
anyone pass (except for the wraith and shadows). The specta-
This corridor, which is 20 feet wide, is barely
tor communicates with the characters so long as they make no
illuminated. A single lantern glows at the center of the
attempt to enter Room #56. The spectator was commanded to
guard a book in Room #56. The wraith made a deal with the hall. The light reveals two pairs of doors on the north
spectator to help guard the book from any intruders. wall and a passage leading south. Otherwise, the hall
Nothing of interest other than the spectator is in the chamber. is shrouded in darkness.
It knows nothing about what is going on in Northwood Keep.
It has never seen Phranst, nor does it have any knowledge Description: The hall is kept in darkness to hide the presence
regarding the villain. of a trap. A thin wire stretches across the floor at knee height
20 feet from the secret door in the west tower. The wire can be
detected with a successful DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation)
56. Wraith check (the DC is 10 if bright light or darkvision is employed) .
If tripped, a massive blade sweeps the hall in a 20-foot radius
Long, black tapestries absorb most of the light you of the trip wire, andeach creature in the area takes 2d8 slash-
bring into this room. Inside, the air is very cool and ing damage.
silent. A black throne is set into the south wall. Set
close to the throne are four coffers, each bursting with
coins. A stand to the right of the throne holds a red, 59. Boggle Lair
leatherbound book.
Dozens of barrels of varying sizes fill this room. Most
To the left of the throne, and somehow suspended of the barrels are standing, but several are on the floor.
over the floor, is a suit of black plate armor. The armor All the barrels are open at both ends. So many barrels
appears to be incomplete, as several plates are missing, are in the room that it is nearly impossible to walk
including most of the arm and leg plating. A black cloak through them.
hangs from the back of the armor. Leaning against the
armor is red-bladed longsword. Description: This room is occupied by Phranst’s boggles (see
Appendix 1: New Monsters). There are four of them here. If
they have stolen any of the bodies, the bodies are stuffed into
Description: A strong wraith waits for the characters to enter
the barrels farthest from the doors. The boggles vigorously de-
then emerges from behind the plate mail to attack. If the
fend their lair. They let the characters enter the room and hold
characters have not yet destroyed the 2 shadows in Room #53,
their attack until the party is amid the barrels. The boggles
they immediately move to help the wraith. It takes them two
can use the barrels as transport locations for their teleporting
rounds to reach this room. If the characters already encoun-
powers.
tered the shadows and they retreated, they are already in this
The boggles amassed a small treasure hoard of 140 gp, 210
room.
sp, and three pieces of jewelry valued at 300 gp, 500 gp and
The plate mail is suspended by thin wires. It is +1 plate. The
750 gp. The coins and jewelry are wrapped inside a cloak of
black cloak is a cloak of poisonous, and the longsword is a
displacement.
sword of bleeding (see weapon of bleeding in Appendix 2:
New Magic Items). The book on the pedestal is a manual of
clay golems. The coffers contain a total of 3,100 gp.
60. Storage Chamber

57. Tower Level Four This room is stacked high with small crates and barrels.
They are all labeled, and many are filled with exotic
Description: The stairs of the tower end at the third level.
foodstuffs and strange items. Some of the boxes have
However, the tower rises another 10 feet. A secret trapdoor
arcane markings and appear to hold spell components.
protected by the effects of the wand of secrecy (see Appendix
2: New Magic Items) is in the ceiling.
A secret door not protected by the wand of secrecy is in the Description: Phranst stockpiled some items of his particular
east section of the tower; it can be discovered with a success- taste. The boxes with arcane markings are indeed filled with
ful DC 13 Intelligence (Investigation) check. However, a thin spell components that a spellcaster recognizes as mostly used
wire attached to the door leads to Phranst’s chambers (Room by illusionists.
#61). The wire is connected to a small bell that rings and alerts
Phranst if intruders enter the hall. The wire can be detected
with a separate successful DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation)
check and disarmed quietly with a successful DC 11 Dexterity
check.

80| T ome of Q uests

Curse Dungeon Levels 1 & 2Map

Th e Va mpi re ' s C urse |81

61. Phranst’s Chamber the attack, and they cast defensive spells in anticipation of the
battle.
The table is covered with notes on how Phranst plans to con-
This massive room is dimly lit by evenly spaced
trol trade routes to the dwarves after he takes over Northwood
candles and a few small braziers. Several bunks are
Keep. There is also a treaty with an orc tribe from the north.
in the eastern section and are accompanied by small The canopied area is Phranst’s personal space, though it has
footlockers. To the west, a curtained area holds a large been used exclusively by Silinth. A large chest is at the foot of
bed and accompanying furniture. A large round table the bed. It is locked, but Phranst and Silinth have keys. The
with six chairs is in the center. chest contains clothes for Silinth and the following treasure:
890 gp, 1,240 sp, 120 pp, two gems worth 500 gp each, one
Description: The circumstances of the characters entering this platinum ring inset with an emerald worth 1,900 gp, a potion
room can vary greatly. The most likely event will be the final of invisibility, a potion of flying, a spell scroll with protection
battle against Phranst (see illusionist in Appendix 1: New from evil and good, Phranst’s spellbook, a wand of secrecy
Monsters). If the characters pursue Phranst to this room, all (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items), a pearl of wisdom (see
Phranst’s cohorts are waiting in ambush. Appendix 2: New Magic Items), and a helm of underwater
The villains extinguish enough of the lights to confuse their action (see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). Also, Silinth has
numbers. Norgar (as a bandit captain with a potion of greater her disguise kit, which includes false vampire teeth.
healing) has four orc bodyguards, and they, with Norgar, There are beds for Drust and Norgar. Each bed is accompanied
rush into combat. Silinth (an assassin (with 44 [8d8 + 8] hit by a locked footlocker (successful DC 12 Dexterity check with
points, AC 16 [+1 studded leather], a +1 shortsword, a ring of thieves’ tools to pick) that has various personal items and
invisibility, a potion of flying, two potions of gaseous form, clothes. Drust also has 600 gp, 300 sp, and nine gems worth
a potion of poison, and boots of elvenkind) attempts to user 50 gp each. He also keeps a potion of healing in his footlocker.
her assassinate and sneak attack abilities. Phranst and Drust Norgar has 900 gp and 120 sp in his footlocker.
(a priest with AC 18 [chain mail, shield], a potion of greater
healing, and a spell scroll of cure wounds [4th level]) attack
with spells. The villains have several rounds to prepare for

82| T ome of Q uests

 T he L ost C aravan
Fifty years ago, a treasure-laden caravan accompanied the bies, Inc. Later, I redesigned it as a tournament adventure. In
Princess Alissandra to her destiny: a prearranged marriage creating TM1 The Lost Caravan, I decided to blend some of
with a prince from a neighboring kingdom. The caravan and those campaign elements back into this adventure. So if you
princess disappeared without a trace. Now, a clue has surfaced couldn’t care less about tournament scoring, rest easy. You can
that may uncover the fate of The Lost Caravan! play this adventure like you would any game module. There
are new magic items, creatures, and even a cult. You may even

Designer’s Notes find that it can fit into your campaign with little or no effort.
This adventure is designed for characters of 5th to 6th level.
There is no getting around the fact that The Lost Caravan was
designed as a tournament adventure for use at a game conven-
tion. Therefore, the design of the adventure was focused on GM’s Overview
challenging players and using a point system to determine a The Lost Caravan follows the mystery of Princess Alissandra.
winning group. The majority of encounters were created in the Borrowing from the ever popular “save the princess” genre,
arena of tournament scoring. But like many other tournament this adventure reverses the plot as the princess does not want
adventures, the scenario has its roots in campaign play. to be found. Forced into a prearranged marriage, the princess
The Lost Caravan was originally designed and written for my and her caravan disappeared en route. The caravan vanished
personal campaign to move that campaign into the “Giant” without a trace, and the giants who occasionally raid the king-
series written by Gary Gygax and produced by TSR Hob- dom were blamed.

Th e L ost C ar avan |83

Now, some 50 years later, the king has received new informa- These chapters may be completed in any order, but both must
tion that a survivor from the caravan has been found. The old be completed for the players to advance to Chapter 3. After
king, carrying the guilt of the forced marriage, charges the Chapter 3 is completed, the players conclude the adventure in
characters with finding his daughter so he can know the truth Chapter 4.
about her disappearance. The king is very old, and the charac-
ters are informed that time is critical. This adventure is separated into four chapters:
The princess did indeed fake her disappearance. She con-
vinced the caravan guard to aid her, and they agreed — most 1. The Lost Caravan
out of loyalty, and some out of greed. The caravan carried a
great deal of wealth. Those who were paid left for other lands The characters elect to track the path of the lost caravan. The
and are not relevant in this adventure. However, those who path leads them to an abandoned monastery, a hidden val-
were honor-bound to the princess formed a secret society ley, and a secret cavern that conceals the lost caravan. Upon
called the Guardians to protect Princess Alissandra and her finding the caravan, the characters discover two clues: Prin-
secret. cess Alissandra’s diary and a sapphire from her necklace. The
The princess traveled to the Outland to the west and declared diary references her plan and hints at her hatred of the giants.
war against the giant kingdoms that had plagued her home- Note that the diary cannot be read without assistance from the
land for centuries. Alissandra rebuilt an abandoned fort and Guardians in Chapter 2.
created a base for raids against the giants. She used her wealth
to hire mercenaries and soon her success brought settlers to
the Outland. In the 50 years that have passed, her efforts have 2. The Guardians
created a sizable village and community. Now, her daughter,
Anastasia, leads the effort to battle the giants. All the while, The characters seek to find surviving members of the lost cara-
the Guardians continue to assist Alissandra and protect her van. They uncover a secret organization devoted to protecting
secret. Anastasia does not know her mother’s secret. the lost princess. Now very old, few remain of the original
The characters are armed with several clues and must choose group. The players are given a clue to this fact in their intro-
which path to take. They will find the lost caravan, uncover duction. Ultimately, the characters discover the Guardians
the secret of the Guardians, travel to the Outland, meet Alis- as well as the Black Cult. The Guardians show the charac-
sandra and Anastasia, and finally return to the kingdom. Each ters how to reveal the secret writing in the princess’s diary.
of these plot sections is outlined below. However, the Black Cult launches a massive attack against the
The players have two choices to start the scenario: investigate characters and the Guardians.
the caravan route (Chapter 1) or find Tabitha (Chapter 2).

84| T ome of Q uests

3. Dagger Lake
the kingdom one spring morning but never arrived in
The location of the lost princess is revealed, and the characters the barony. Search parties from the kingdom and the
race against time as they traverse the deadly Dagger Lake, a barony failed to discover a single clue. Accusations
vast inland lake dotted with small islands. quickly flew, and skirmishes ensued. To this very day,
relations are strained, and contact is avoided. Despite
4. Return of the Lost Princess numerous expeditions, nothing was discovered, and
Having found the princess, the characters discover she is the tale of the lost princess and her treasure has faded
besieged by a massive, combined army of giants and other into story.
humanoids. A daring assault against the leaders of the armies
is the only way to free the princess for a return trip to the The king’s coughing subsides, and he continues,
kingdom. “The loss of Alissandra is the worst tragedy I have
had to endure. It was my decision to send her. My
Player Introduction responsibility. Many years have passed, but the ache of
her loss haunts me. Even after all these years, I cannot
forget the day she departed. I would trade everything
Standing before the old king, you are struck by his
to have a chance to change that decision. No clue to
frailty. He makes his way slowly but unaided to the
her whereabouts has ever been discovered, and, in the
throne. As candles are being lit by servants in the great
end, we assumed she and the caravan had fallen prey
hall, the full moon sends streams of light through
to the giants that frequently raided us in those days.
the numerous barred windows. Still, the hall seems
oppressively dark and cold. The hour is late, or some
“But now everything has changed. This young man
might say early, being two hours past midnight.
has made a discovery.” The king looks to the young
wizard.
With a sickening cough, the king motions you to sit on
chairs set close to the throne. Several guards stand near,
“Well, your highness, the discovery actually found
as does the captain of the guard. Next to the captain, a
me,” begins the wizard. “I am Ethan Hightower, son of
young wizard shifts nervously.
Nathan Hightower. While that name may mean little,
the name Nathan Stonetower is surely more significant.
“Thank you for answering my summons at this late
That is my father’s real name.”
hour,” starts the king. “Time is of the essence, and your
reputations are well-known to me. I see that most of
“Stonetower,” repeated the old king, “is the name of
you are still very young. Perhaps a little history lesson
the guard captain that led the lost caravan. I believe
is in order.
you have some more facts regarding our wayward
captain?”
“I have been king for 78 years. In that time, I have
witnessed many things, fought my share of wars, and
The young wizard continues. “My father died almost
conducted affairs of state both large and small. It has
10 years ago, but my mother passed away just this
consumed my entire life … altogether too much of my
last winter. On her deathbed, she revealed the family
life. I have made every decision for the sake of this
secret, or part of it. She told me that our real name
great country. There is but one act I regret. I sacrificed
was Stonetower and that my father was once in the
my only daughter to bind the land of our northern
service of the king. All my life I had only known him
neighbors to my kingdom.” The king pauses and
as a farmer — we, or my family, grow grapes and make
looks over at a portrait on the wall. It is of a beautiful
wine in the southland. I can’t tell you much more. I am
girl dressed in robes of state and wearing a sapphire
just one among 11 brothers and sisters. I did not care
necklace and earrings. The king coughs severely. His
for the farming life and left for the wizard’s academy
health is clearly failing. Yet his words bring forth
as soon as I was able. I often wondered how my father
memories of a tragic story known to most who live in
managed my acceptance into the academy and paid for
the kingdom.
the training. Now I know. When my mother passed,
we received a healthy inheritance that included 500
Nearly 50 years ago, the king arranged a marriage
gold coins of very old vintage. In fact, they seem to be
between his only daughter, Alissandra, and the son of a
from about 50 years ago.” The young Stonetower looks
noble from a small barony to the north. A great caravan
sheepishly to the old king.
loaded with a substantial dowry and Alissandra left

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 The Kingdom Map (DM)

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 The characters are ushered out of the castle and sent on their
“Fear not, young man. I do not hold the child way as soon as the questions are finished. There is no time
responsible for the sins of the father, if there be any. limit on the question-and-answer session. The characters are
Continue.” equipped for the adventure, and no further equipment may
be purchased or added. Food and water are not tracked in this
adventure and are omitted from the equipment inventory.
Relief washes over the wizard’s face. “Thank you, your
At this point, the players have two options: Follow the caravan
highness. In talking with my siblings, I gathered more
route (Chapter 1) or find Tabitha (Chapter 2). Of course, they
information. As it turns out, none knew of my father’s may attempt other investigations, but this is futile and only
history, and frankly, several refuse to accept that a absorbs time.
dark side to our family’s history may exist. However, If the characters simply wander about the countryside looking
my father was very close to my sister Tabitha — the for clues, consult the wandering monster chart below. Defeat-
youngest High … I mean, Stonetower. He would take ing wandering monsters does not result in combat points for
her on his many trips abroad to barter with merchants tournament scoring.
for our grapes and wine. She told us that my father
would meet every year with a group of men at the
Greenway Inn. This gathering seemed to have nothing Chapter One: The Caravan Route
to do with grapes or wine. The men convened in a
Description: So long as the characters stay on the North Road,
large, private room. My sister would be sent on an
there is no chance of encountering a wandering monster in
errand with the innkeeper’s daughter and was kept
tournament play. In non-tournament play, use the “East Area”
ignorant of the proceedings. According to Tabitha, that wandering monster chart for road encounters. The royal army
annual meeting is two weeks from today. I wish I knew patrols the road, and the characters encounter 30-man patrols
more, but that is all I know.” every few hours. If the characters move offroad, they are sub-
ject to a wandering monster encounter. Encounter charts are
The king smiles at Stonetower, “You have done what is included based on whether the characters are on the east or
right and noble. Others would not have been so honest. west side of the North Road. The east side of the road contains
In that way, you are exactly like your father. He was more civilized lands and royal army patrols. The west side
head of my daughter’s personal guard, and I trusted of the North Road is rarely patrolled, and more hazards exist
him more than any man I have ever met. Something (West Area chart).
The players may choose to follow the original route of the car-
untoward must have happened, and you have given
avan. The first half of the journey is uneventful and takes two
me hope in discovering what has been hidden by the
days’ travel. On the evening of the second day, the characters
passing years.” The king turns to your party. discover an old road branching to the west. It looks mostly
overgrown and certainly not in use. A stone cottage and large
“This is your mission. Find the truth about my orchard sit across the road at the intersection.
daughter and the lost caravan.” The king begins to Several villages are noted on the GM and Player Geographic
cough again. As you exit the throne room, an elderly Maps. These villages are simple farming towns and have no
priest approaches you. “I would be quick about this relevance in this adventure. Each village has an inn and tavern
business. He will not live to see the next full moon.” as well as other basic shops and services (blacksmith, general
Without waiting for a reply, the priest walks away. provisions, stables, etc.).

Description: The party’s mission is to find the truth behind

Wandering Monster Table — East Area
Alissandra’s disappearance (see GM’s Overview). There are Roll 1d6 every eight hours to determine if the characters
exactly 28 days until the next full moon. At this time, give the encounter a wandering monster. If the result is a 6, then a
players Player Map #1. They should review it before ask- wandering monster is encountered. To determine the type of
ing questions. Any further questions directed at the king or monster, roll 1d6 and consult the following table. Giants and
Stonetower result in no additional information except for the their minions have begun to raid the local kingdoms, and
following: these creatures are most likely encountered. Each creature may
be encountered only once.
Q. Where is Tabitha Stonetower?
A. She is at her home in Laketon (see Map #1)

Other questions are answered in the negative or with “I don’t

know.”

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 Mountain Road Map

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1. Cyclople (1d3 + 1) (statistics of a cyclops with 92 and bushels of apples to passing caravans. If the characters
[8d12 + 40] hit points, Challenge Rating 5, and whose purchase a pie, she suddenly remembers more information
greatsword attack does 15 [2d8 + 6] slashing damage). about a beautiful young woman who purchased an apple pie
They each carry a sack of 1d4 giantkin items (see Chart 1 from her when she was a child. Oddly enough, the young
in Appendix 4). woman was accompanied by royal guards who were part of a
2. Hill Giant (1d2) They each carry a sack of 1d6 giant huge caravan. She cannot recall in which direction the group
items (see Chart 2 in Appendix 4). then traveled. The old woman does not reveal this information
3. Blink Troll (2) See Appendix 1: New Monsters for more unless a pie is purchased (1 gp). It is the purchase that triggers
details. her memory; the characters must initiate the purchase.
The dogs are trained guard dogs (mastiffs) and not a threat to
4. Mist Wolf (1d6 + 1) See Appendix 1: New Monsters for
the characters unless they attack anyone on the farm.
more details.
5. Wyvern (1)
6. Owlbear (1d2) Monastery of the Mountain
The abandoned monastery is in ruins. A gang of giants and
Wandering Monster Table — West Area their humanoid thralls attacked and destroyed it more than 60
years ago. Most of the structure is in ruin, but several rooms
Roll 1d6 every four hours to determine if the characters en- in the main building remain. The giants that destroyed the
counter a wandering monster. If the result is a 5 or 6, then a monastery are long gone, but their clan remains and lives in
wandering monster is encountered. To determine the type of the mountains to the west and north. A group of ogres uses the
monster, roll 1d6 and consult the following table. Each crea- monastery as a base.
ture may be encountered only once. The monastery includes several encounters. However, nothing
directly relating to the lost caravan is evident. However, while
1. Ogre (1d4 + 1) They each carry a sack of 1d4 + 1 giantkin searching the monastery, the characters discover a journal
items (see Chart 1 in Appendix 4). hidden by one of the defenders that references a sacred valley
and cave system to the north (Room #2).
2. Hill Giant (1d2) They each carry a sack of 1d6 giant
items (see Chart 2 in Appendix 4).
3. Manticore (1d2) Manticores do not carry treasure or The old road is so overgrown in spots that you lose the
weapons. trail in several locations. However, after a few miles,
4. Saber-Toothed Tiger (1d2) Saber-tooth tigers do not the road runs along a small stream that cascades down
carry treasure or weapons. from the mountains. Even when the road disappears,
5. Bugbears (1d6 + 1) They each carry a sack of 1d2 you simply follow the stream until you again locate
giantkin items (see Chart 1 in Appendix 4). the road. Soon, you see the remnants of the abandoned
6. Owlbear (1d2) Owlbears do not carry treasure or monastery. It is smaller than you imagined. Its outer
weapons. wall, which has gaping holes, was built of logs. The
inner building is constructed of field stone and mortar.
It has collapsed in several locations, and entire sections
The Orchard Cottage lie in ruin. Large, splintered, double doors stand open
The Caravan Road continues to the northwest, and you come to the elements. The stream flows under one section of
across an overgrown side road that heads directly west into the outer wall then exits through a collapsed section.
the mountains. A well-built stone cottage flanked by a small
apple orchard overlooks the intersection. It is fall, and sev- Description: Nothing of interest is outside the monastery. It
eral children are busily picking apples and putting them in is quite evident that the monastery sustained heavy damage
baskets. An old woman is sitting on the porch of the cottage. during a siege.
Two massive dogs lie at her feet. Several other dogs follow the
children about the orchard.
Room #1 — Monastery Entry Hall
Description: The lost caravan took the road to the west at this
point. The old woman does not know this fact, but she can tell
The remains of the entry doors are on the floor of
the characters about the old road. She explains that it leads to
this room. An odor of death and decay fills the room.
a monastery at the foot of the mountains that has been aban-
doned since she was a child some 60 years ago. If asked, she Otherwise, the room is empty and its contents long
explains that the monastery was attacked and sacked by ogres since stolen.
and giants.
If indulged about her apples, the old woman explains how
they make the best pies in the kingdom. She sells the pies

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Description: The entry hall contains nothing of interest. How- creatures within five feet take 1d10 bludgeoning damage, and
ever, a close inspection of the floor the ogres in Room #3 are alerted. The hidden compartment
reveal tracks — humanoid in nature — leading to the doorway contains: 100 gp, 200 sp, five gems worth 500 gp, 250 gp, 3x100
in the east wall. The ogres that live in the chamber made the gp, and a ring of feather falling. A leatherbound book is also
tracks. The ogres hunt in the general area and only occasion- in the compartment. The book is mostly water-damaged, but
ally use the monastery as a temporary base. They avoid the a section remains that describes a sacred valley to the west. A
main hall. small reference is made to a large cave system within the val-
ley and all attempts must be secured to keep the valley hidden
from the giant clans that inhabit the mountains.
Room #2 — Storage Room
Room #3 — Prisoners!
This room clearly provided storage space for the
monastery. Numerous crates and barrels are smashed Description: The door to this room is barred shut from the
outside. The ogres use this room to store their meals, who hap-
beyond use. The broken crates are stacked in a pile
pen to be anyone that they can catch. The current occupants
along the north wall, and the barrels are strewn
are a man and his son who were transporting a shipment of
without order. ale to the north. The prisoners are battered and bruised, but
not seriously injured. They are not combatants and can be
Description: A group of monks that escaped the initial siege of no assistance in combat. The man explains that they were
stacked the crates. The monks later returned to recover some transporting a shipment of ale to a town to the north and
hidden treasure but were ambushed and killed by remnants of made the poor choice of traveling at night when the North
the giant marauders. A secret access door is in the ceiling. Road is less patrolled. The man’s son interjects with a “told
The access door can be found only by climbing the crates you so” at this point.
and inspecting the ceiling for a hidden catch stone. A charac- This room was formerly a library, but the books and most of
ter succeeding on a DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation) check the shelving have been used for fuel for a fire in Room #4.
uncovers the catch. However, any creature climbing the crates However, if the characters fail to discover the journal in Room
must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or trigger a #2, they find it in this room.
collapse of the entire stack. In the event of a collapse, the all

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Monestary of the Mountain Map

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Room #4 — Ogre Kitchen Description: The only object of interest to be found in the de-
bris on the east side of the room is a single steel ball about the
size of a human eye. Behind the curtains on the north wall is a
As you approach the end of this short hall, the smell
smooth-faced surface. It is a huge stone block. The wall emits
of smoke becomes clearly evident. The door at the end
a moderately strong magnetic field. The curtain negates the
of the hall is open. From beyond the door, you can magnetic effects from reaching into the room. If the charac-
see a slight illumination and flashes of firelight. An ters move the curtain, they feel their metal possessions being
occasional crackle from burning wood echoes out of pulled toward the wall, though the force is not strong enough
the room. to actually pull a character.
There are exactly 12 triangular-shaped steel frames on the
Description: The ogres are using this room as their kitchen. A ground. Each is unique in shape and size. The frames cor-
fire, though small at present, burns in a large circle of stones respond to a mountain that can be seen through the wall
in the center of the room. A large pile of wood, some of it fur- opening. All 12 frames can be used to create an image of the
niture from the monastery, is stacked against the south wall. mountain range exactly as it appears through the open north
Smoke from the fire exits out a gaping hole in the west wall wall. The frames cling to the magnetic wall.
and ceiling. Various bones are scattered beyond the missing Recreating the mountain range reveals the location of a hidden
west wall onto the grounds of the monastery. The ogres started cave system. The characters must use the frames to mimic the
the fire to cook their next meal (who is currently located in mountain range image including the moon or sun as it ap-
Room #3). However, the ogres consumed too much ale and pears from the west wall opening. To find the cave system, the
fell asleep in Room #5. characters must stand back from the wall (after assembling the
image) and toss the steel ball toward the magnetic wall. The
ball immediately flies to a spot between the largest mountain
Room #5 — Robe Room and its neighbor to the south to reveal the location of a large
cave within a sacred valley. If your players are struggling, a
The walls of this room are covered with pegs and successful DC 14 Intelligence check can indicate a character
shelves. Most of the pegs and shelves are empty, but a has figured out the need to recreate the mountain range.
few hold tattered orange robes or clothing. Apparently,
the remaining robes form four piles on the floor. Several
casks lie about the room. The Raider Camp
Traveling to the base of the mountains from the monastery
Description: This room contains 6 ogres. They are sleep-
takes almost a full day. The characters may approach the camp
ing when the characters approach the monastery. The ogres
with minor precautions. The raiders are busily eating and
ambushed a wagon loaded with ale the night before and
drinking and not watching for danger. The camp includes 2
consumed most of it. They wake only if the characters are loud
hill giants, 5 ogres, 8 bugbears, and 20 orcs. See Diagram #1
(see Room #2) or if the characters enter this room without suc-
for creature location.
ceding on a DC 9 Dexterity (Stealth) check. The ogres attack
If the characters attempt to talk to the gang, the giants im-
immediately on discovering the characters; however, they are
mediately order an attack. The raiders rush the characters.
severely hung over and must take one complete round to gath-
However, it takes the orcs and bugbears one round to gather
er their senses and automatically lose initiative on all subse-
weapons. The giants and ogres have weapons at hand.
quent rounds.
If the battle goes badly for the raiders, they flee in the direction
The robes are motheaten and now flea infested as a result of
of the large mountain. This retreat occurs if either both giants
becoming bedding for the ogres.
are killed or if half the gang is killed. If the characters pursue,
Each ogre carries a sack of 1d4 giantkin items (see Chart 1 in
the remaining raiders retreat to the sacred valley and enter
Appendix 4).
the large cave in hopes of escape or setting up an ambush.
The raiders know of the sacred valley and cave but avoid it
Room #6 — Great Hall of the Mountain because they are aware of the wraith that haunts the area.
However, they are desperate while fleeing from the characters
A 30-foot opening in the west wall dominates this room. and risk entering the valley and cave system.
The view encompasses the Great Northern Mountains. If the characters do not ambush this group, the characters are
Large planks of wood, which were clearly a shutter detected and tracked to the sacred valley; the raiders attack
system, are on the floor. Decayed furniture — mostly them when they enter the cave system. The attack comes after
the characters inspect the cave of the caravan.
chairs and tables — is scattered across the eastern
If the characters do not pursue, they can attempt to track the
portion of the room. The western section of the room is
monsters. The raiders have time to set an ambush in the cave
generally free of debris. The east wall is covered by a
system (see Diagram #2). The camp has nothing but ordinary
pair of tattered curtains. On the floor at the foot of the items: sleeping mats, cooking equipment, various crates and
curtains are rusty, steel, triangular shapes. sacks filled with captured food stuffs, kegs of ale, and simple
weapons such as clubs and axes.

92| T ome of Q uests

The hill giants each carry a sack of 1d6 + 1 giant items (see
Chart 2 in Appendix 4). side of the cavern. The cavern is huge, at least 250
The ogres each carry a sack of 1d4 giantkin items (see Chart 1 feet in diameter, and is irregular in shape. The ceiling
in Appendix 4). disappears into complete darkness.
The bugbears each carry a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see
Chart 1 in Appendix 4).
Scattered throughout the cavern are 12 rotting wagons,
The orcs each carry a sack of 1d2 humanoid items (see Chart 1
some still covered with discolored canopies. The
in Appendix 4).
wagons generally appear empty, but a few still hold
large crates or barrels.
The Sacred Valley
Description: The characters have discovered the lost caravan,
or more accurately, the wagons. If any of the raiders escaped
The thick wall of pine trees gives way to a small hidden into the valley, they are now lying in ambush among the wag-
valley in the shadow of the tall mountain. Steep slopes ons (see Diagram #2). The raiders do not retreat farther into
covered with more pine trees descend to the valley the cave system; they know of the wraith that lurks within.
floor some 200 feet below. No path is evident, and the Unless the characters tracked the raiders, they must succeed
valley floor is hidden by the canopy of pine trees. The on a DC 17 Wisdom (passive Perception) check or be surprised
valley walls become jagged and vertical only 100 feet by the hidden raiders.
from your position in each direction. The raiders discovered that two of the wagons are loaded
with oil canisters, a few of which have seeped into the wood-
en wagons. They set the wagons in place so that they can be
Description: The entrance to this small valley is hidden by a
ignited and pushed in the direction of the entrance. If the char-
thick grove of jack pines and irregular sloping ground. The
acters fully enter the cavern, the raiders ignite the oil-soaked
valley slope drops sharply, and care must be taken to get all
wagons and send them hurtling at the characters. Each crea-
the way down without falling. If the party descends with-
ture within 30 feet of the entrance must succeed on a DC 14
out care or using ropes, each character must make a DC 10
Dexterity saving throw to avoid being struck by the oncoming
Dexterity saving throw for each 50 feet (4 times per character).
wagons. Characters that are struck take 3d6 fire damage. The
A failure indicates that the character loses their footing and
wagons strike the wall at the entrance and explode — many
tumbles down into the valley, taking 1d6 bludgeoning damage
of the oil containers are still sealed and pressurized with gas.
per 50-foot drop.
All creatures within the affected area (see Diagram #2) must
However, a character may attempt to stop tumbling by mak-
make a second Dexterity saving throw, taking 4d6 fire damage
ing a DC 15 Strength saving throw for each 50 feet. A success
from the explosion on a failure, or half as much damage on a
indicates the character grabs a tree and halts their plummet.
success. Secondly, the entrance collapses and blocks the exit
The character must still continue down into the valley. If the
tunnel completely. Fires burn around the entrance for 1 hour
party uses ropes — it does not matter how they do this — they
(illuminating most of the enormous cave). The raiders follow
descend without incident. Climbing out of the valley, if the
this action by launching ranged weapon attacks. The raid-
characters exit that way, requires a successful DC 12 Strength
ers have half cover behind the wagons if attacked by missile
saving throw for every 50 feet or the character falls.
weapons.
If the characters pursued any of the giant raiders into the
Most of the remaining wagons are empty. However, one
valley, they find one of the raiders lying at the bottom of the
wagon contains numerous crates filled with clothing for a
slope; it was killed by the fall. If the characters succeed on a
female (some nice dresses, etc.). These clothes were left by the
DC 11 Wisdom (Survival) check, they see tracks indicating the
princess. The other wagons contain some barrels and crates
remnants of the raiding party headed toward the opposite end
that once held food and some indistinguishable liquids, all of
of the valley.
which was consumed by vermin long ago.
Exploration of the valley floor reveals a weatherworn granite
If the characters undertake a careful search or cast a detect
statue of a beautiful human female. The statue is of Hera, a
magic spell, they find a small sapphire in the wagon contain-
goddess. The monks from the abandoned monastery came to
ing the clothing. The sapphire is from the princess’s necklace
this location on certain holy days. Otherwise, the valley is de-
(Pure Heart Necklace; see Appendix 2: New Magic Items). It
void of anything but trees and common animals. The mouth of
radiates magic. If the players ask, the sapphire matches those
a large cave is opposite the entry slope. Use Map #4 for Cave
in the portrait of the princess.
of the Caravan.
The only other item of interest is the journal that is apparently
unused. All the pages are blank. This is the princess’s journal,
1. Cave of the Caravan but only the Guardians and the princess know the secret to
reveal the hidden text (see the Guardians, Chapter 2). When
the writing is revealed, a section of the diary describes the
You find a cave in the northern slope of the valley.
princess’s desire to avoid her arranged marriage and to travel
Almost immediately, the cave opens into a large
to the Outlands to start a new life, possibly battling the giant
cavern. A single, large tunnel exits from the opposite
clans.

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 Cavern Ambush Map

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2. Cave of the Wraith
You find yourself at the gate of an expansive manor
estate. The gates are open, and a well-manicured path
The tunnel seems to go on forever. Then suddenly it leads to a large porch and entrance to the home. Sitting
turns to the south and opens into another large cavern. on the porch steps is a young woman and a little girl.
This cavern appears empty, and another tunnel exits They appear to be reading a book. The woman has a
directly across from your position. The air is foul but definite resemblance to Ethan Stonetower and surely
stirs slightly in the direction of the opposite tunnel. must be his sister, Tabitha. She notes your approach
and sends the little girl off.
Description: This cave houses thousands of bats (harmless),
and their guano covers the cave floor. The guano is nearly two “Well, it seems my brother has indeed stirred the pot,”
feet deep and fills the entire cave (see Diagram #3). The cave says the woman. She nods to a pair of armed guards
counts as difficult terrain. The ceiling of this cavern is 30 feet
concealed behind the gated wall. The guards lower
high.
their bows and turn away.
As the characters approach the midpoint of the cavern, they
disturb the 30 skeletons and 1 wraith that reside here. The
skeletons are hidden under the bat guano. They have advan- Description: Tabitha greets the characters with distinct
tage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to surprise the characters. reservation, but she is pleasant. She clearly does not approve
The wraith occupies a small alcove near the tunnel exit. It joins of her brother’s choice to reveal the family secret, but she
the skeletons and immediately attacks. Note, the skeletons and seems to have accepted the fact that the story is out. Tabitha
wraith suffer no penalties due to moving in the guano. is very independent and started the logging company when
The foul-smelling air is actually ammonia produced by the she was just 20 years old. She learned much from her father,
guano. A torch or lantern is not strong enough to ignite the and she admired him fiercely. She says that he certainly was
gas, but a fireball (or similar magical fire) causes the air and bat not a conspirator in a plan to harm the princess. She can only
guano surface to catch fire (secondary flash) that fills the cav- conjecture, as she has no real knowledge. She has determined
ern (but only up to 10 feet above the floor area; any creatures that the princess deliberately disappeared with the help of her
flying more than 10 feet above the guano are unaffected by the father and other caravan guards. Tabitha considers the very
secondary flash fire). Those caught in the cavern must make idea of a forced marriage repugnant and confirms that her
a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 3d6 fire damage on a father never considered that for her or her sisters even when
failure, or half as much damage on a success. offers abounded.
No treasure can be found in this area. The exit tunnel, which is The characters must ask the correct questions to get the above
20 feet wide, leads to a large opening in the mountainside. The information, but Tabitha is a very smart woman, and she
opening is screened by boulders and fallen trees. The charac- anticipates the questions just as she anticipated the characters’
ters can easily exit without moving the debris. The opening arrival. She answers all questions honestly. If asked about
was covered when the princess and her retinue left the cave. her father’s mysterious meetings at the Greenway Inn, she
The characters find themselves at the foot of the mountain on responds that it was an annual gathering attended by several
gently sloping terrain. The area is forested, but it is not thick, men. She only knows the men were not discussing the grape
and travel is easy. and wine business and they convened on the same date every
year. She assumes that this annual meeting continues to this
This ends Chapter One. No further investigation of the area day.
or mountains reveals further clues. If the characters continue The meeting that Tabitha refers to is attended by the remaining
to search the mountains or area, track the time (in days). Also members of the princess’s personal guard. The next meeting
consult the wandering monster table three times per day. takes place 14 days from the start of this adventure. If the
Wandering monsters are encountered while the characters characters elected to
move from chapter to chapter. The characters must complete come to Tabitha’s home first, they must wait 12 days (if they
Chapter Two to continue the adventure. came straight from the castle) for the meeting or move into
Chapter One and return.

Chapter Two: The Guardians

The players may choose to investigate Tabitha Stonetower Ambush at the Greenway
to determine what, if any, information she has regarding the
strange meeting referenced in the Player Introduction. Tabitha The characters easily arrive at the Greenway Inn before the
lives in the village of Laketon, where she owns a logging meeting. The meeting is held annually, and all the surviving
company and mill. She is well-known, and her manor home is caravan guards attend. The Guardians, as they call themselves,
easily found. are those guards who remained in the kingdom to protect the
secret of the Princess Alissandra. The Guardians knew treasure
seekers, bounty hunters, and even a strange cult had designs

Th e L ost C ar avan |95

 Greenway Tavern Map

96| T ome of Q uests

Tavern Siege Map

Th e L ost C ar avan |97

on finding the lost caravan and the princess. The Guardians mation. The cultist might reveal their mission, but not who
used deception and guile to ward off all who pursued the sent them or any other information. Most of the cultists are
mystery of the princess, though they had several encounters simply thugs and have no information to impart. All are total-
with the Black Cult. ly devoted to their cult and would rather die than turn traitor.
The Guardians were kept busy in defense of their princess After the battle, if the characters successfully drive off the
for the first few years, but little has occurred in a long time. cultists, the remaining Guardians thank the characters. If the
In fact, the Guardians — only eight members now remain characters explain their mission, the Guardians reveal them-
— meet to reminisce and keep tabs on who is still alive. The selves as former members of the princess’s personal guard and
Guardians are oblivious to the arrival of the characters, having members of the lost caravan. The cultist attack convinced the
relaxed their vigilance. The Black Cult recently became aware Guardians that their secret is in peril and that the princess is in
of the characters’ mission, and they followed them to Laketon. danger.
Additionally, the cult finally determined who the Guardians Upon displaying the diary (found in Chapter One), the
are and planned an ambush. For details on the Black Cult, Guardians take it and use a cloth to spread some wine over
see Appendix 5: The Black Cult. A group of 10 cultists and 4 the blank pages. The last entry is revealed. This final entry
bugbears arrived to scout out the inn. However, the Black Cult details the princess’s plan to go to the abandoned Outland
priest (with a potion of healing and a potion of growth) who Keep and use it as a base of operations against the giant clans.
leads this group decided to take the initiative and attack the The Guardians are too old to be of any help, but they offer the
Guardians before the arrival of the main Black Cult element following if asked:
later that evening. A felogre (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) 1. The Guardians tell the characters that any alcohol-based
also with the group is opposed to the plan, but the priest is in liquid reveals the invisible text in the diary.
charge. The felogre does not attack with this group, however, 2. They confirm that the sapphire is indeed from the prin-
but uses the diversion to kill the tavern owner and take his cess’s necklace.
place using a spell scroll of polymorph (see Flames in the Night
for more on the felogre). 3. They confirm that the princess has taken the Outland
If the characters elect to use surveillance on the Greenway Inn, Keep as her home.
they discover that it is very busy this evening. However, no 4. They obtain canoes for the characters to use to cross the
particular patron appears suspicious. There are four human Dagger Lake.
Black Cultists at the inn, mostly just milling about or sipping
5. They explain that the Black Cult is a group that worships
a drink. The cultists do not interact but pay close attention to
the giants and are dedicated to the giant clans.
everyone who enters. One of the cultists takes up a spot close
to the area of the upcoming Guardian meeting; the table is 6. They do NOT reveal the fact that the princess has a
reserved. When all the Guardians are present, one of the cult- daughter.
ists enters the kitchen area and opens the door for the other
cultists hiding outside. The cultists then brazenly attack the Each cultist carries their weapons and a pouch with 1d6 gp.
Guardians. The bugbears each carry a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see
Additionally, there are 25 patrons, five serving wenches, a bar- Chart 1 in Appendix 4).
tender (owner), cook, and two assistant cooks in the building.
When combat begins, all of these noncombatants attempt to
flee the inn. If any characters are outside, they are unable to
Flames in the Night
enter for three rounds unless they choose to break through a
window. When the characters complete their questions, the innkeeper
The cultists have a specific mission to capture two Guardians offers the characters a free room for the night. What the char-
and murder the rest. To subdue a Guardian, the cultists attack acters do not know is that the innkeeper is dead and a Black
as normal and when a Guardian reaches 0 hit points, he is Cult felogre used its polymorph spell scroll to take his place.
considered subdued. Cultists attempting to subdue are using The innkeeper’s body is stuffed into a barrel in the basement.
clubs (though they still carry their regular weapons). That evening, the cultists make another attempt to kill the
If the characters do nothing, the battle ends shortly with the characters.
cultists successfully capturing two Guardians and slaying the During the night, the felogre spreads oil and lights the inn
rest. Four of the cultists are killed in the process. The cultists on fire. The entire first floor is engulfed in flame in just a few
flee into the woods where they have horses waiting, and then short minutes. If the characters are standing guard in their
they ride south. The characters are able to pursue the cultists rooms on the second floor, they notice smoke immediately;
once they are mounted. otherwise, they are awakened by the screams of the other
If the characters intervene, the cultists cease any attempt to guests. The characters can gather their equipment and even
subdue the Guardians. They alter their focus to kill the char- strap on armor and weapons. However, they must brave
acters (which is their second mission). If the battle goes poorly severe flames to exit via the first-floor doors. The burning and
for the cultists, they flee (as above). smoke-filled inn is treated as difficult terrain (abilities such
Capturing a cultist, and subsequently interrogating him, re- as Land’s Stride do not apply). Additionally, 12 other guests
sults only in curses and very little in the way of useful infor- and five inn staff are trying to escape. There is tremendous

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confusion and screaming. The guests and staff are noncomba- bandit captain with a potion of greater healing and a potion
tants and not be able to assist in battling the cult. Similarly, the of the hill giant [see potion of the giant in Appendix 2: New
cultists avoid targeting any but the characters in combat. The Magic Items]), 2 ogres, 4 bugbears (plus any leftover from
stairwell is completely engulfed in flame. Characters attempt- earlier attack), and a cult fanatic (with AC 18 [chain mail,
ing to exit via the stairs and then through the first-level doors shield], a potion of greater healing, and a ring of the frost gi-
must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw each round ant [see Appendix 2: New Magic Items]) are scattered around
or take 1d6 fire damage. the perimeter of the inn looking for characters to fire upon
Additionally, each creature must make a DC 12 Constitution as they emerge (see Diagram #3). The cult spiked the front
saving throw each round spent in the inn to avoid smoke doors and the back door to inn, so a successful DC 11 Strength
inhalation damage. If a save is failed, no further attempts check is necessary to open each door. If the characters exit via
may be attempted, and the character automatically takes 1d4 the doors, they are targeted with missile weapons and then
poison damage per round until they exit the inn. Wrapping engaged in melee combat as necessary.
cloth around a character’s nose and mouth grants a +2 to their Characters that open windows to escape are immediately fired
saving throws and reduces poison damage to 1d2 per round. upon by at least four cultists. Characters may engage the cult-
Characters that barricade their doors using sheets, clothing, or ists with missile weapons. Characters firing missile weapons
towels to stop the smoke have ten minutes before the smoke while partially covered by a window or door have half cover.
penetrates their room (through the floor). Nonbarricaded The felogre (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) attacks any
doors stop smoke for three rounds. When the smoke enters the characters who escape the fire. Captured cultists can provide
characters’ room, they must save or suffer smoke inhalation no information other than their mission to kill the characters.
(see above).
The fire destroys equipment, and proper saving throws are The felogre has a sack of 1d4 + 1 giantkin items (see Chart 1 in
required. Note, fire resistance or immunity does not protect a Appendix 4).
character from smoke inhalation. Exactly 30 minutes after the Each cultist carries a pouch with 1d6 gp.
fire starts, the inn collapses. Damage to the occupants is based Each bugbear carries a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see Chart 1
on their location at the time of the collapse: Roof = 5d6 blud- in Appendix 4).
geoning damage; 2nd Floor = 7d6 bludgeoning damage; and Each ogre carries a sack of 1d4 giantkin items (see Chart 1 in
1st Floor or basement = 9d6 bludgeoning damage. Additional Appendix 4).
damage is possible from ongoing fire and smoke.
To complicate matters, 40 human cultists, a cult leader (as a

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Chapter Three: Dagger Lake Dagger Lake
Read the following to recap the adventure so far, reordering
the text below depending on in which order the players com- Your mission has led you to the southern shores of
pleted Chapter 1 and Chapter 2: Dagger Lake. This immense body of water, in the shape
of a dagger’s blade, looks more like an inland sea than
a lake. Your goal is to reach the far northern shore more
The search for the lost caravan was successful.
than 150 miles distant. Between you and the northern
Hidden in a huge cavern in a secret valley, the caravan
shore are several islands that can provide sanctuary.
discovery was a miraculous achievement. However,
the discovery led to more questions. How did it get
The local fishermen gave you a crude map of the lake
there and why? Clues to the location of the princess
along with warnings to not approach the eastern or
and her retinue were absent. Only a small sapphire
western shores. The water is unpredictable, and the
and a book filled with blank pages were recovered.
canoes will not survive. You must make landfall every
evening before dark when navigation is difficult, or
Moving forward, you changed your strategy and
you will surely get lost. You should be able to reach the
searched for Tabitha Stonetower. She revealed further
relative safety of an island each evening.
secrets about her father, the princess’s guardian. From
there, you discovered a mysterious group of men,
Most of the fishermen agree that exploring the islands
the Guardians, who protect the secret of Princess
is a bad idea. None of the fisherman can give you a
Alissandra. From the Guardians you have learned that
detailed description of any of the islands as they avoid
the princess established a small enclave in the heart
them at all costs. There have been expeditions, but no
of the Outlands, solidly within the realms of the giant
one has returned.
clans. It is there that you must find the princess.

Time is fast becoming your enemy as you know the

king does not have long to live and the princess must Description: The map of Dagger Lake is fairly accurate and
correctly places the various islands. The characters can indeed
be returned with all due haste. Therefore, crossing the
safely row their canoes from one island to the next in the span
perilous waters of Dagger Lake is your only option.
of daylight hours. The characters can traverse approximately
The crossing takes close to a week if all goes well. Your 30–35 miles per day on the lake. They arrive at each island
destination is at the far northern shore of the lake at with approximately one hour of daylight remaining.
the tributary of the Great River. From there, you must If the characters attempt to reach either the east or west shore-
travel west and south across the plateaus to reach line, they quickly realize that the water begins to surge, and
Outland Keep. the waves increase as wind patterns are volatile and erratic.
They may even get close enough that giants (random type)
Description: The characters are instructed that the quickest emerge and launch boulders in their direction.
way to reach Outland Keep is by boat via a passage across Characters who try to canoe at night become hopelessly lost
Dagger Lake. You should mark the location of Outland Keep after dark as well as get scattered. They luckily stumble onto
on the Player Map. The voyage is perilous, and the characters the nearest island on their first attempt to travel at night. On a
are not able to acquire a suitable boat. They are forced to use second attempt, the characters go in the wrong direction and
canoes to traverse the lake. Furthermore, they have to island lose a day or are hit by a storm (your determination on result).
hop as the lake is impossible to safely navigate at night. It Characters arriving at an island during daylight hours are not
takes the characters a minimum of five days to complete the subject to wandering monster checks unless they move inland.
voyage. Each island has its own wandering monster chart, and they are
The Guardians give the characters one canoe per two charac- not interchangeable.
ters as well as iron rations (three weeks’ worth), water skin (2),
large sack, tent (individual), wool blanket (2), tinder box, 10
torches or a lantern w/ oil flasks (5), handaxe, and 50 feet of Island #1 — Giant Things
rope.
The low waves of the lake lap onto the shore of the
island. The beach is sandy white and dotted with
driftwood and other debris. Small pebbles mix with
the sand as the beach emerges from the water and ends
after about 50 feet from where the island’s foliage takes
over. Tall pines and the occasional hardwood tree

100| T ome of Q uests

 kingdom. Mazuk was that kingdom’s royal architect, and he is
tower above the shores. From the water’s edge, you quite intelligent. However, after years of work he has devel-
discern that the island has several rolling hills, and it is oped a strong dislike for human company. Mazuk has used his
predominantly covered by the trees. The undergrowth architectural skills to build a massive treehouse and platform
appears thin, and travel through the interior should not with formidable defenses. His only contact with the outside
world is a fisherman who brings him monthly supplies.
be difficult. The beach seems to go on uninterrupted,
The characters can follow the trail, and they stumble across
encircling the island.
some others that cross the island. Mazuk is very fond of long
daily walks, and he enjoys fishing from the shore. A charac-
ter who succeeds on a DC 11 Wisdom (Survival) check can
Description: This island is inhabited by various gigantic-sized quickly determine the most heavily used path and locate the
insects and reptiles. So long as the characters stick to the treehouse without much effort.
shoreline, they remain unmolested. However, if the charac- The treehouse is located close to the western shore, and it
ters search the island’s interior, they have a high probability has an excellent view of the lake. The trees on that part of the
of encounter hunting insects and reptiles. Check the Island island are the largest, and a small lagoon makes an excellent
#1 Wandering Monster Table if the characters explore the place to swim. The treehouse is expansive and spans several
island’s interior. Other than its large inhabitants, the island large pine trees. It is easy to spot from the ground.
is non-distinct. The creatures on the island are not much of a Mazuk is in his treehouse when the characters arrive. If they
threat to the characters, just more of a nuisance. attempt to call up to the treehouse, Mazuk tells them to vacate
the island immediately. He has no patience and demands that
they leave. If the characters simply leave and stay on the beach
Island #1: Wandering Monster Table for the night, Mazuk does not hinder them in any way; how-
ever, he watches them continuously.
If the characters move about the island, roll 1d6 every two If the characters refuse to comply, Mazuk calls out to his main
hours to determine if the characters encounter a wandering line of defense, a stone golem concealed on a ledge beneath
monster. If the result is a 5 or 6, then a wandering monster is the treehouse. The ledge and stone golem are camouflaged,
encountered. To determine the type of monster, roll 1d6 and requiring a successful DC 16 Wisdom (Perception) check to
consult the following table: notice. The stone golem leaps down and attacks the characters
immediately. The golem first attempts to jump onto one of the
1. Tick, Giant (1d3) (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) characters from above. If the attack is successful, the character
2. Giant Spider (1d2) takes an additional 4d6 bludgeoning damage and is stunned
until the end of the golem’s next turn. The stone golem attacks
3. Giant Lizard (1d2) the closest character on the subsequent round.
4. Giant Constrictor Snake (1) Access to the treehouse may be accomplished in several ways:
5. Giant Oil Beetle (1d2) (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) a rope ladder hanging down from the treehouse, an elevator
that uses a heavy counterweight, climbing a nearby tree, using
6. Giant Wasp (1d10)
rope in some way to climb, or through spells or magic items.
Rope Ladder: A rope ladder hangs from the treehouse and
reaches the ground. The ladder has a release catch, and Mazuk
Island #2 — The Architect detaches the ladder if the characters attempt to use it. He lets
the characters climb 20 feet up before he releases the ladder.
The low waves of the lake lap onto the shore of the Elevator: Mazuk has a specially constructed counterweight el-
island. The beach is sandy white and dotted with evator that can accommodate up to three fully equipped char-
driftwood and other debris. Small pebbles mix with acters. Just as the rope ladder, Mazuk has a release mechanism
in case of an emergency. When the characters are 20–30 feet off
the sand as the beach emerges from the water and ends
the ground, he triggers the release, and the elevator plummets
after about 30 feet where the island foliage takes over.
to the ground. Characters on the ground within 10 feet of the
Tall pines tower above the shores. From the water’s falling elevator must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving
edge, you can discern that the island has several rolling throw or take 1d6 piercing damage from flying shrapnel.
hills and is predominantly covered by the trees. A Tree Climbing: Characters may attempt to climb trees to
small path leads from the beach to the island’s interior. access the treehouse. However, Mazuk has weakened some
Human footprints sporadically dot the beach and trail. tree limbs on all the nearby trees. Any character who climbs
a tree has a 50% chance per 10 feet climbed of grabbing a
Description: This island is occupied by a hermit with an un- false or weakened tree limb. Characters who grab such a limb
usual background (statistics of a scout with a +1 dagger, a rod must succeed on a DC 14 dexterity saving throw or fall to the
of dispelling [see Appendix 2: New Magic Items], and a bolo ground. Note, if multiple characters are climbing the same tree
of trapping [see Appendix 2: New Magic Items]). The hermit, and a character falls, any characters beneath the falling charac-
Mazuk, is actually the retired architect from a neighboring ter are automatically struck and fall.

Th e L ost C ar avan |101

 Architect’s Tree House and Platform Map

102| T ome of Q uests

Climbing Rope: Any ropes used to climb up to the treehouse
are cut as the characters ascend. Again, Mazuk waits for the several rolling hills, but it is predominantly covered
characters to climb approximately 20 feet before cutting any by the trees. The smell of smoke fills the air, and a
rope. campfire cannot be too far off.
Spells: Mazuk possesses a rod of dispelling (see Appendix 2:
New Magic Items), and he uses it on any character that uses
magic to ascend to the treehouse. A falling character suffers Description: The ruins of an ancient temple are at the center
1d6 damage per 10 feet fallen. of this island. However, the temple is in an advanced state
Other: Mazuk possesses a bolo of trapping (see Appendix of decay, and only the fact that it was a manmade structure
2: New Magic Items). Any character that is flying, and that is evident. No indications of its origins remain. A group of
cannot be stopped by the rod of dispelling, is attacked with the dwarves has information that a vast treasure is buried beneath
bolo of trapping. the temple ruins. The dwarves are evil but gleefully welcome
the characters.
If the characters finally reach the treehouse and its surround- The dwarves are open and partially honest with the characters
ing platform, they do not find Mazuk. He is hiding on another as they relate their story regarding the temple. They tell the
concealed platform. From this platform, Mazuk can control characters that they obtained the map from a reputable source
three additional traps: (they stole it from another temple), and that a vast treasure
Platform Trap: Several sections of the platform have been lies in a vault under the ruins (see page 105). The dwarves just
designed to collapse if Mazuk triggers a control mechanism recently gained access to the vaults beneath the ruins but were
from the hidden platform. See the treehouse Diagram Map #4 attacked by demonic guardians.
for location details. A creature in the trap zone when Mazuk The dwarves offer the characters an even split of the treasure if
triggers the trapped section must succeed on a DC 13 Dexteri- the characters defeat the guardians. They describe the guard-
ty saving throw to avoid falling 50 feet to the forest floor. ians as small, man-shaped creatures with long claws. The crea-
House Trap: Several sections of floor within the treehouse are tures are raptrikas (see Appendix 1: New Monsters). What the
designed to collapse if Mazuk triggers the control mechanism. dwarves do not know is that a raptor demon (see Appendix 1:
See treehouse Diagram Map #4 for location details. A creature New Monsters) also lurks in the vault. The raptor demon was
in the trap zone when Mazuk triggers the trapped section summoned long ago to protect the temple’s treasure during an
must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw to avoid assault. However, the temple was razed, and the guardian was
falling 50 feet to the forest floor. never released from its bondage.
House and Platform Complex: Mazuk has designed a dooms- If the characters are successful in defeating the raptor demon
day device into the treehouse and platform. If all else fails, he and the raptrikas, the dwarves attack them once they return
can trigger a collapse of the entire complex. There is no saving with the treasure. The dwarves set an ambush outside the
throw for those caught in the collapse. Each character takes 50 temple. The dwarves have no way to escape the island as they
feet of falling damage. Additionally, the characters must suc- contracted a ship to pick them up in approximately 10 days.
ceed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take an additional
3d6 bludgeoning damage from falling debris. 1. Temple Vault Entrance
Note: Mazuk’s secret platform is not part of the treehouse
complex. Also, because the traps are not traps but mechan- Description: The dwarves opened and cleared an entrance to
ical devices triggered independently of the actual device, a the vaults below the temple. A narrow set of stairs leads down
character cannot discover the traps (though they may attempt into the vault area. The characters need a light source. Two
the roll). Mazuk avoids combat and simply surrenders if con- dead dwarves lie at the bottom of the stairs. They were killed
fronted. If attacked, he defends himself in any way possible. by the raptrikas.
Mazuk has a chest hidden in the treehouse with the following
treasure: 2,500 sp, 900 gp, 300 pp, 10 gems worth 100 gp each, 2. Corridor of Alcoves
10 gems worth 250 gp each, five gems worth 500 gp each, a
diamond necklace worth 2,500 gp, and an emerald broach set Description: This corridor is flanked on both sides by six
in platinum worth 4,000 gp. 10-foot-square alcoves. The first pair of alcoves appears empty
but actually have concealed doors that lead to a 10-foot-square
chamber. Each concealed door may be located with a success-
ful DC 13 Intelligence (Investigation) check. Three raptrikas
Island #3 – The Dwarves (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) are in each of the concealed
chambers.
The low waves of the lake lap onto the shore of the The raptrikas attack as soon as the characters either pass the
island. The beach is sandy white and dotted with alcoves or if they discover the concealed doors. The raptrikas
driftwood and other debris. Small pebbles mix with from the other concealed chambers immediately rush to the
the sand as the beach emerges from the water and ends combat as well. The raptrikas attempt to trap the characters in
after about 20 feet where the island foliage takes over. the corridor so they cannot escape.
The raptor demon does not enter combat from Room #3, but
Hardwood trees tower above the shores. From the
he opens an Abyssal Gate to summon additional raptrikas (see
water’s edge, you can discern that the island has
Room #3).

Th e L ost C ar avan |103

3. Treasure Vault battleaxes instead of scimitars and AC 16 [chain]) and 1 dwarf
leader (statistics of a bandit captain with AC 16 [scale mail],
a +1 battleaxe, and a potion of greater healing) who set up an
A massive circular room with a domed ceiling lies
ambush. The dwarves first engage the characters with missile
before you. The curved ceiling is featureless but for
weapons and thrown oil flasks. If combat goes poorly for the
two large, square shafts that reach into darkness dwarves, they retreat into the forest and attempt to escape.
above. Opposite the entrance, a platform rises eight
feet above the floor. A horrendous sight is on the
platform. A massive bird-like creature shaped like Island #4 – The White Stone
a man but covered in feathers with huge wings and
a hideous bird-like head leers at you. The creature
has talons for fingers. Next to the fearsome thing, a The shore of this island is noticeably different than
magical gate is open to some foul place; you can see the others. The sand is pitch black, and large stones
only darkness and the vague shapes of jagged rock. Six of the same color are scattered about. No trees or any
massive chests rest on the platform, each overflowing other forms of vegetation are within sight. The island
with coins. Also lingering on the platform are at least appears larger than the others, and it is completely
20 skeletal warriors wearing tattered armor and rusted featureless. The black sand and gravel stretch on into
weapons. the distance.

Description: The long set of stairs descends from the corridor Description: The island is uninhabited and completely unre-
to the treasure vault. The vault is a circular room with varying markable with one exception: an obelisk of white stone is at its
floor heights. The characters enter at the lower floor (see page center. The structure is nine feet tall and three feet in diameter.
105). The raised portion of the floor is eight feet higher than It is tubular and hollow. The obelisk is smooth, and no mark-
the lower floor. When the last character enters the room, or if ing can be seen on its surface. Lying about the base of the obe-
any characters approach within 10 feet of the raised floor, the lisk are millions of tiny, black rocks that are perfect spheres.
raptor demon (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) triggers a re- The obelisk is a transportation device that has survived for
lease mechanism that drops a huge stone block that obstructs eons on the island. The obelisk is functional. Any character
the entrance. The block is immovable by normal means, and who touches the obelisk and concentrates on a specific location
heavy excavation or magic must be used to remove it. is instantly teleported to that location. However, the character
When the stone block falls, water flows into the room through must have in his possession one of the small spherical stones
a massive grate in the ceiling. The water flows until it reaches (lying around the obelisk).
the raised floor, at which time the raptor demon closes the con- The obelisk has a secondary function of acting as a locator. A
trol valve. The lower area fills with water in three rounds. character may touch the obelisk and focus on the island. The
The raptor demon stands next to an Abyssal Gate on the raised character then has a vision of the island as seen from above
potion of the chamber. As soon as the characters are trapped, at a distance of approximately a quarter mile. The character
the raptor demon summons 2d6 raptrikas (see Appendix 1: can then “move” in any direction at virtually any speed. The
New Monsters) through the gate. The gate closes at this point. range of the “vision” is limited to the outer shore of Dagger
Additionally, six huge chests are overflowing with coins. The Lake. Once the character reaches his desired location, he can
evil nature of the temple protects the vault in a manner similar zoom in and teleport to that spot instantly. However, charac-
to a hallow spell: all vault defenders are immune to effects that ters using the second method notice that they cannot go back
turn undead and have resistance to radiant damage. The vault once they select a location or stop traveling. The character has
defenders must fight to the death. None of the vault defenders five seconds once the travel ceases to either teleport or the
needs to actually breathe, and all can operate in the water if vision ends. This way, the obelisk cannot be effectively used
required. as a scrying device. Again, the obelisk does not function if the
Each chest holds 10,000 tin coins that were the currency of the character does not have a small, spherical stone in his posses-
realm some 500 years ago when the temple was in operation. sion. Characters who are transported remain in that location
The tin coins have an equivalent value of a copper piece. exactly 10 minutes, and then they are returned to the obelisk.
There are two methods of escape from this room. The first is to The only way to make the transport permanent is to possess
locate the secret escape tunnel over the original entrance. The one of the small, spherical stones. The stone must be dropped
door is so well concealed that a character must succeed on a within 10 minutes, or the character is returned to the obelisk.
DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) check to spot it. When a stone is dropped, it turns to dust and is gone forever.
The second method of escape is to actually flood the room. If A character that is stranded can be returned if another char-
the characters remove the grate and fill the room with water, acter follows with an extra stone and gives it to the stranded
they can swim up and exit into the island pond next to the ru- character. Note, the characters must exchange the stone within
ins. Encumbered characters cannot swim the required distance 10 minutes of arrival, or the second character returns to the
and drown. Finally, if the characters exit the way they came, obelisk. A character may use the obelisk only twice per day.
they are attacked by the 12 dwarves (statistics of bandits with Therefore, a character may teleport to a known location or to

104| T ome of Q uests

Cavern Temple Dungeons Map

Th e L ost C ar avan |105

any spot on the edge of Dagger Lake. The characters can use
the obelisk to reach the river landing. Additionally, the charac- Your attention is suddenly captured by movement
ters could return to the obelisk if they reach the princess and on the plateau below. Crossing one of the open fields,
use it to teleport back to the palace. However, keep in mind you see three men moving quickly in your general
that if they teleport off the island, their canoes do not go with direction. They do not appear to notice your presence
them!
on the cliff. However, more startling is the large group
of ogres led by a hill giant that are pursuing the men.
It appears the men are unaware of their pursuers. The
5. The Landing men are still almost a mile from your position, but their
Description: The characters arrive at this location either by pursuers will surely catch them before they reach the
boat or via the obelisk from Area #4. The river is too fast and cliff.
rough for canoes, and the characters must continue on foot.
They can follow the river without much difficulty, and they Description: The three men are from the Outland Keep, and
come to the edge of a massive cliff wall. they are heading for Dagger Lake. They are messengers from
Princess Alissandra and are seeking aid from the Guardians.
Looking onto the plateau below, you can see rolling
The Outland Keep is currently under siege by the combined
hills covered with patches of scattered hardwoods. armies of the giant clans.
Large swaths of open space are covered by tall grass The characters can easily discern that the pursuers will clearly
and the occasional small tree. The plateau from the catch the men before they reach the cliff. If the characters do
base of the cliff to the next steppe is less than five miles not assist the messengers, they are slaughtered by the hill
wide. The cliff at your feet falls at least 200 feet to the giant and ogres in a quick battle. The characters may attempt
plateau below. Water from the river descends into a to warn the men, but shouting does not work as the noise from
misty pool then reforms and flows directly to the next the waterfall is too loud.
cliff and steppe. The characters must find a way down to the plateau. They can
climb down, but this is too slow to save the messengers. They

106| T ome of Q uests

may notice the messengers seem to be making their way to a Description: The characters require a light source to see 30 feet
specific location to the north of the waterfall. A tunnel system beyond the entry. The corridor continues 100 feet into the earth
there leads up to the top of the cliff. The tunnel entrance is eas- and passes two guard posts. Nothing of interest is in the hall-
ily found. The characters can travel through the unremarkable way. A character who succeeds on a DC 12 Wisdom (Survival)
tunnel at great speed and intercept the messengers before the check notices many bugbear tracks in the dusty floor.
pursuers arrive. Additionally, the characters may use magic, if
they possess any, to reach the bottom of the cliff.
The messengers, when confronted by the characters, do not 2. Guard Post
initially betray their mission but claim they are hunters on an
expedition. The pursuers arrive two rounds after the charac- The corridor continues into darkness, but ahead you
ters intercept the messengers (which will be at least one-quar- see an alcove set into each side of the hall. Several
ter mile from the cliff and tunnel). The hill giant and 11 ogres
chairs and a table are evident as well as a weapons
attack immediately. The 3 messengers (statistics of bandits but
rack.
lawful good and with longbows instead of crossbows) attempt
to use their bows to help the characters fight the pursuers. The
hill giant orders three ogres to get the messengers; the balance Description: Two bugbears are in each alcove. The bugbears
of the pursuers engage the characters. The messengers attempt remain hidden for as long as possible but attack the characters
to defend themselves, but they are no match for the ogres, when discovered. If the battle goes poorly for the bugbears,
and they require help to survive the battle. When the battle is they retreat to the storage room (Area #3).
complete, the messengers confide in the characters (if they sur-
vived). The messengers tell the party they are from Outland
Keep and it is under siege by the combined strength of the Nothing of interest is in either alcove. The furniture is
giant clans (hill giant, frost giant, and fire giant). They explain rotted, and the weapon racks are empty.
that they are searching for aid from the south. If the charac-
ters discuss their mission to find the princess, the messengers Each bugbear carries a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see Chart 1
simply refer to the princess as the “baroness.” The messengers in Appendix 4).
do not know that the baroness is actually the fabled Princess
Alissandra. They only know that they are to meet with a group
of men called the Guardians. They have instructions on how to 3. Storage
locate the Guardians.
The messengers continue on with their mission. However,
This large room contains stacks of rotting crates. The
they reveal the secret entrance to the keep.
walls are lined with shelving that has deteriorated
The hill giant carries a sack of 1d4 giant items (see Chart 2 in
to the point where most have collapsed. Two large
Appendix 4). braziers are located at each entrance, though they
Each ogre carries a sack of 1d4 giantkin items (see Chart 1 in remain unlit.
Appendix 4).
Description: Four bugbears are picking through the crates but
are warned of the characters’ approach from the combat in the
Chapter Four: The Outland Keep guard area. The bugbears attempt to conceal themselves and
ambush the characters if possible. The bugbears also attempt
The characters have no trouble locating the secret entrance to lure the characters into the room so that one or two of them
to the secret complex beneath the keep. As the characters can get behind the fighters and engage spellcasters. If any bug-
approach, they are ambushed by a group of bugbears who bears retreated from Room #2, they assist in the battle.
discovered the secret entrance. Additional bugbears are in the The bugbears discovered the secret door in the north wall.
crypt complex. Several bugbears and their leader went through to explore
further. If the battle in this room goes poorly, the bugbears
Each bugbear carries a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see Chart 1 attempt to retreat through the secret door or head for the exit
in Appendix 4). corridor and stone door.

Each bugbear carries a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see Chart 1

1. Entrance in Appendix 4).

The stone door leading into the cliff wall hangs open
but reveals only darkness within. When closed, the
door would appear to be a perfect match for the
surrounding cliff wall and difficult to detect. The hall
beyond the door disappears into darkness.

Th e L ost C ar avan |107

 Outland Keep Crypt Complex Map

108| T ome of Q uests

4. Hall Collapse 7. Short Hall

Clearly, a massive collapse took place here. The A huge bugbear lies in a heap next to the western door.
corridor is completely blocked.
The bugbear’s remains are horribly mutilated, with
Description: The corridor is impassable, as tons of rock and multiple gaping slash wounds and obvious broken
debris have fallen and blocked all passage. bones. The secret door to the east is cracked open, but
no light is evident.

Old Crypt Complex Description: The bugbear was the leader of those that entered
When Princess Alissandra recaptured the keep from humanoid the complex. It was killed by the cryptstalker (see Appendix
occupiers, she discovered the ancient crypts and temple. She 1: New Monsters) in Room #8. The bugbear is clearly dead.
decided to conceal the old crypt complex so that there would His weapon is lying on the floor in Room #8. A pouch can be
be no temptation to loot the dead. She then had a secondary found on his remains, and it contains 37 gp and 21 sp. His ar-
crypt built for the occupants of the keep as well as the secret mor has been shredded. The bugbear animates as a cryptfiend
door. The old crypt and temple were devoted to a now-forgot- (see Appendix 1: New Monsters) 1 minute after the characters
ten deity. The invading bugbears discovered the old crypt and enter Room #8. It seeks to attack the nearest character after it
inadvertently interrupted its dark guardian. rises or moves to Room #8 if no characters are present.

5. Prayer Room 8. Ancient Crypt

This chamber is clearly older than the rooms and halls This massive chamber is clearly a crypt. Eight huge
you have passed. The stone walls are roughly carved, pillars support the ceiling hidden in the darkness
and the floor feels uneven. A small section of the west above. A stone altar rests on a raised dais against
wall has been carved out, and numerous candles sit on the eastern wall. The north and south walls are
the ledge. The remains of a mosaic painting cover the honeycombed with narrow alcoves that appear to hold
alcove wall behind the candles. stone coffins. Numerous coffins lie in ruin along the
south wall. Stark white protrusions, which can only be
bones, are evident in the debris. A large battleaxe lies
Description: This room is occupied by 3 bugbears who just
spiked the east door closed. The bugbears attack the characters
in the middle of room.
on sight and retreat only in the direction of the secret corridor.
The bugbears just survived an encounter with the cryptstalker Description: A cryptstalker (see Appendix 1: New Monsters)
in Room #8, and they are in a complete state of panic. They recently discovered this crypt. It opened a shadow portal in
will not surrender under any circumstance but wish only to the northwest corner of the room. The portal cannot be distin-
retreat from the underground complex. The bugbears fight guished from normal shadows until a light source is within
with reckless abandon, which gives them advantage on melee illumination range. The cryptstalker has been opening coffins
weapon attack rolls, but others have advantage on attack rolls along the south wall and has gathered a small amount of trea-
against them. sure that it has taken through the shadow portal to its lair.
The cryptstalker conceals itself in the shadows and summons
Each bugbear carries a sack of 1d2 giantkin items (see Chart 1 its minions through the shadow portal (see the Cryptstalker
in Appendix 4). Minion Table in Appendix 1: New Monsters). The summoned
creatures immediately attack the characters. The cryptstalker
engages in combat if discovered or after its minions engage
6. Collapsed Hall all the characters. The cryptstalker flees through the portal if
combat turns in favor of the characters. No additional minions
Clearly a massive collapse took place here. The corridor enter through the portal after the cryptstalker flees or if the
is completely blocked. The bloodied remains of a very destination is changed. Immediately upon fleeing the chamber,
the cryptstalker changes the portal destination to a crypt that
hairy leg stick out from the rubble.
it has prepared for pursuers. Characters entering the shadow
portal after the cryptstalker find themselves at Location #1 in
Description: The bugbears rigged a trap that caused the the Cryptstalker’s Trap (Appendix 1: New Monsters).
ceiling to collapse in this corridor. This is a failsafe trap so Undead that are successfully turned do not retreat through the
intruders could not access the Outland Keep. The corridor is portal. New minions exit the portal at the start of each new
impassable as tons of rock and debris have fallen and blocked round and must then roll for initiative. The minions have the
all passage. Three bugbears are crushed beneath the rubble. full round to move and/or attack based on their movement

Th e L ost C ar avan |109

rates on the same round they exit the portal. 9. Coffin Room
This crypt holds the remains of warriors and nobles that
originally constructed and occupied the Outland Keep. The
Stacked along the west wall are dozens of stone coffins.
princess sealed it off to avoid the potential of looting. The
Several lids collapsed, and the once neatly stacked pile
coffins hold skeletal remains and deteriorated equipment, in-
cluding armor and swords. There are 36 alcoves, stacked three now appears precarious. The remainder of the room is
high, along the north and south wall. All the southern alcoves bare of furnishings.
hold coffins. All but three of the alcoves along the north hold
coffins. For each coffin that is opened, consult the following Description: The room holds no treasure or monsters. How-
table to determine contents (other than a skeletal figure): ever, the stack of coffins collapses if disturbed. Any creatures
within five feet of the coffins must make a DC 12 Dexterity
Coffin Contents Table saving throw, taking 2d6 bludgeoning damage on a failure, or
half as much damage on a success. The secret door behind the
1d20 Result
coffins can be accessed only if the coffins are moved (success-
1 Gold jewelry worth 1d6 x 100 gp ful DC 13 Intelligence [Investigation] check to locate). Those
2 +2 sword (random type to be determined) entering the room from the secret door corridor are susceptible
3 +1 sword (random type to be determined)
to collapse damage as indicated above.

4–6 Normal sword in good condition (random type to be

determined)
10. Hall Collapse
7–14 Deteriorated armor and weapons [completely useless]
15 Gems worth 1d8 x 10 gp Clearly, a massive collapse has taken place here. The
16–18 Normal armor in good condition (random type to be corridor is completely blocked.
determined)
19 +1 armor (random type to be determined) Description: The corridor is impassable, as tons of rock and
20 Wondrous magic item debris have fallen and blocked all passage.

110| T ome of Q uests

11. Trapped Hall The Battle of Two Armies
Description: This secret hallway is featureless but trapped. A
The characters are brought before Anastasia, who questions
10-foot x 10-foot pit trap is located in the center of the hall-
them vigorously. She is dubious of their claim; she does not
way (see map). The pit is covered and may be detected with a
know her true heritage. After a short while, Princess Alissan-
successful DC 13 Intelligence (Investigation) check. The cover
dra enters. The characters immediately recognize her from her
can sustain the weight of two Medium creatures but collapses
portrait, even though she is significantly older. The princess
when that weight is exceeded. The pit is only 10 feet deep, but
is wearing her sapphire necklace, and it is evident that it is
the floor is covered with wooden spikes. A creature who falls
missing several stones. If the characters offer the sapphire they
into the pit takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage and is impaled by
found in the cavern, the princess accepts it with a smile.
1d6 spikes, taking 1 piercing damage per spike.
The princess places the sapphire in the missing socket, and it
glows and reattaches to the Pure Heart Necklace (see Appen-
dix 2: New Magic Items). The princess tells the characters,
12. Well Room “There can be no doubt of your honesty and intention. If you
were foul of heart, I doubt very much you would be standing
Water drips from the walls, and cool, humid air hangs here today.”
heavily throughout this room. A large, open well Princess Alissandra acknowledges her secret to her daughter
dominates the center of the room. Numerous buckets and thanks the characters for coming. However, she cannot
and barrels line the walls. The floor appears slightly leave as the giants are laying siege to the keep. She has plans
wet and slippery. to attack the giant headquarters but needs help. If the charac-
ters are willing to help, she agrees to accompany them back to
the kingdom.
Description: The occupants of the keep use this well in the
Now that the characters have cleared the bugbears out of the
event of siege or some other problem. The buckets and barrels
secret entrance, the princess suggests that they immediately
are all empty and are stored here for later use. No treasure is
move to attack the giants. The characters are to accompany
in this room.
Anastasia and her elite troops. See the Giant HQ, Diagram 5.
The giants and their followers are all located on the diagram.
Three minutes after the battle begins, the giants’ reinforce-
13. Elevator Room ments arrive. However, when the last giant general or sub-
chief is killed, the remaining troops immediately flee and end
This circular room features two methods of exit to the the siege.
keep above. A set of stairs is built into the wall. The
stair ascends approximately 30 feet to a 20-foot x 20-
foot platform. The stairs continue upward beyond the Princess Troop Roster
platform. Secondly, a counterweight-style elevator Anastasia: see human paladin 9 in Appendix 1: New Mon-
rests on the floor. The elevator looks unused for the sters
most part, as it is covered with dust.
Hestnavar, Human: see human cleric 7 in Appendix 1: New
Description: Four guards rest on the platform. The four are Monsters
not expecting any company, as this duty is predictably dull.
The guards halt the characters and demand answers. It is im- Karstar, Captain: statistics of a veteran with a +1 spear, a
portant to remember that no one knows Alissandra is actually potion of speed, and a potion of greater healing.
a wayward princess.
The characters can easily avoid combat if they are truthful Theobal, Sergeant: statistics of a heavy guard (see Appen-
with the guards. The guards do not initiate combat. The char- dix 1: New Monsters) with 39 (6d8 + 12) hit points, AC 18
acters are asked a few questions and then held while the guard (plate), and a potion of greater healing.
captain is summoned from the upstairs area.
The guard captain (who is a good judge of character) talks to Human Corporals (2) (as heavy guards [see Appendix 1:
the characters and lets them enter the outpost when he is satis- New Monsters)
fied. He takes the characters to meet the princess (see Princess
Final Encounter 1). If the characters somehow engage the Troops (20) (as guards)
guards in combat, the guards hurl several vials of a powerful
sleeping gas into the shaft, and the characters automatically Archers (20) (as lawful good bandits with longbows)
succumb to its effects. They wake in chains and must explain
themselves (see Princess Final Encounter 1).

Th e L ost C ar avan |111

Giant Troop Roster: Conclusion
Fire Giant General (1) If the characters are successful in breaking the siege, Princess
Treasure: 400 pp, six gems worth 300 gp each Alissandra is true to her word and travels with the characters
to meet her father. It takes 10 days to reach the king by the
Frost Giant General (1) most direct overland route. However, the characters could cut
Treasure: 300 pp, six gems worth 200 gp each four days off their return trip by traveling to the obelisk island
and using it to cross the lake.
Hill Giant Sub-Chief (1) The reunion between the king and princess is extremely
Treasure: 900 gp, six gems worth 100 gp each. emotional, and characters are thanked and rewarded for
their actions (2,000 gold pieces per character). Soon after, the
Fire Giant Guards (2) characters learn that the king has died, and Princess Alissan-
Treasure: carries 100 pp, five gems worth 200 gp each. dra has returned to Outland Keep. A cousin of Alissandra has
assumed the throne.
Frost Giant Guards (2)
Treasure: 75 pp, four gems worth 200 gp each.
The Original Lost Caravan
Hill Giant Guards (2)
The Lost Caravan is a competition module originally created
Ogre Leader (1) for MDG’s Wintercon X1 (1982) held at Oakland University,
Treasure: 1d4 + 1 giantkin items each (see Chart 1 in Appen- Rochester, Michigan. This tournament was a single event
dix 4). played in two consecutive rounds. Team scoring was used to
determine the victorious group. The event was limited to 10
Ogres (8) teams. However, two teams were added when the turnout
Treasure: 1d4 giantkin items each (see Chart 1 in Appendix 4). exceeded ticket sales. The Lost Caravan was written using the
First Edition rules and used strict tournament scoring.
Bugbears (8) While just a single original copy of The Lost Caravan remains,
Treasure: sack of 1d2 giantkin items each (see Chart 1 in this module contains all of the original elements of that docu-
Appendix 4). ment. All the original encounters are included with little or no
modification. However, several modifications have been made
Hell Hounds (2) to make this adventure enjoyable for those who do not care to
follow tournament play. The original version had no artwork.
Reinforcements arrive starting on Round 31 (after three min- Additionally, this version includes an instruction and over-
utes). Roll 1d4 to determine which group arrives. Roll again view section for the GM that was not included in the original
every 10 rounds for a new group. This continues until one version. Also, the original tournament scoring used a separate
group or the other is destroyed or until all the chieftains/gen- sheet for tabulation.
erals are destroyed. Finally, this adventure had eight players per team.

1. Fire Giants (2) Treasure: carries 100 pp, five gems

worth 200 gp each.
2. Frost Giants (2) Treasure: 75 pp, four gems worth
200 gp each.
3. Hill Giants (2)
4. Ogres (10) Treasure: 1d4 + 1 giantkin items (see
Chart 1 in Appendix 4).

The characters should be allowed to determine the method

of attack. They can approach the headquarters area without
being detected (within 20 feet of any guard or forest edge). The
giants and their guards are caught by surprise and must spend
one round preparing for combat (grabbing weapons, shouting
orders, etc.). The characters may make all attack rolls for their
side.
At the very least, this should be an epic combat. The giants do
not retreat unless all three leaders are killed. The soldiers stay
and fight so long as characters remain. The players should be
allowed to control Anastasia and her troops. However, orders
should be within reason. For example, a single corporal is not
likely to engage anything larger than a bugbear by himself.

112| T ome of Q uests

 A ppendix 1: N ew M onsters
Apprentice Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 17 (2d12 + 4) slashing damage.
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Lightning Crossbow (Recharge 4-6). One target the automaton
can see within 100 feet must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
throw, taking 21 (6d6) lightning damage on a failure, or half
Hit Points 9 (2d8)
as much damage on a success.
Speed 30 ft.
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The automaton exhales fire in a
9 (–1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 20-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 14
Dexterity saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) fire damage on a
Saving Throws Int +5, Wis +3 failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Skills Arcana +5, History +5
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any three languages Bat, Giant Screamer
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Large beast, unaligned

Spellcasting. The apprentice is a 2nd-level spellcaster. Its Armor Class 13

spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit Hit Points 60 (8d10 + 16)
with spell attacks). The apprentice has the following wizard Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft.
spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
1st level (4 slots): mage armor, magic missile, shield, sleep
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 4 (–3) 12 (+1) 6 (–2)
Actions
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or Languages ––
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. Challenge 1 (200 XP)

Echolocation. The bat can’t use its blindsight while deafened.

Automaton (Minotaur) Keen Hearing. The bat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on hearing.
Large construct, unaligned
Actions
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 93 (11d10 + 33)
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Speed 30 ft.
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
Sonic Blast (Recharge 5–6). Each creature within 30 feet of the
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA bat that can hear it must make a DC 13 Constitution saving
19 (+4) 11 (+0) 17 (+3) 3 (–4) 10 (+0) 1 (–5) throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 10 (3d6) thunder
damage. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage.
Skills Perception +2
Damage Resistances fire Giant screamer bats, also known as screamers, are massive
Damage Immunities poison, psychic; bludgeoning, piercing, creatures with some limited intelligence. They are sometimes
and slashing from nonmagical attacks used as beasts of burden or servants by powerful wizards and
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, druids. They are not aggressive by nature, and like other bats,
exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned they are generally nocturnal. They hunt at night and prefer
Senses darkvision 90 ft., passive Perception 12 prey such as birds, small mammals, or large insects.
Languages –– Screamers are large creatures that are 8–10 feet long with a
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) wingspan of more than 20 feet. They can carry a single rider as
well as a load of 100 pounds.
Actions

Multiattack. The automaton makes one gore attack and one

greataxe attack.

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |113

Beetle, Giant Flame Blink Troll
Small beast, unaligned Large giant, chaotic evil

Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Armor Class 15 (natural armor)

Hit Points 11 (2d6 + 4) Hit Points 73 (7d10 + 35)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (–1) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 1 (–5) 7 (–2) 3 (–4) 18 (+4) 13 (+1) 20 (+5) 7 (–2) 9 (–1) 7 (–2)

Damage Immunities fire Skills Perception +2

Senses blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 8 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages –– Languages Giant
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

Actions Keen Smell. The troll has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)

checks that rely on smell.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Regeneration. The troll regains 10 hit points at the start of
3 (1d6) slashing damage. its turn. If the troll takes acid or fire damage, this trait
Flame Jet (Recharge 4–6). The beetle squirts flame in a line that doesn’t function at the start of the troll’s next turn. The troll
is 10 ft. long and 5 ft. wide. Each creature in that line must dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and doesn’t
make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 8 (2d6 + 1) regenerate.
fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one. Actions

These large beetles resemble the weaker giant fire beetle. They Multiattack. The troll makes three attacks: one with its bite
have the same red glands that emit a reddish light in a 30-foot and two with its claws.
radius. However, all resemblance ends with their appearance. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
Giant flame beetles are extremely voracious and violently at- 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
tack any potential food source, which includes most creatures. Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
They normally bite targets and then emit flames from their 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage.
mandibles. Teleport (Recharge 4-6). The blink troll magically teleports,
along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up
to 40 ft. to an unoccupied space it can see. Before or after
Giant Oil Beetle teleporting, the blink troll can make one bite attack.
Small beast, unaligned
A blink troll appears as a normal troll although they are
Armor Class 16 (natural armor) slightly smaller and have glowing green eyes. Blink trolls do
Hit Points 11 (2d6 + 4) not carry treasure or weapons.
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Boggle
Small construct, unaligned
8 (–1) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 1 (–5) 7 (–2) 3 (–4)
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Damage Immunities acid Hit Points 33 (6d6 + 12)
Senses blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 8 Speed 30 ft.
Languages ––
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Actions 10 (+0) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 9 (–1) 12 (+1) 8 (–1)

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Skills Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +5
3 (1d6) slashing damage. Damage Immunities poison, psychic; bludgeoning, piercing,
Acid Spray (Recharge 4–6). The beetle squirts acid in a line that and slashing from nonmagical attacks
is 10 ft. long and 5 ft. wide. Each creature in that line must Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 8 (2d6 + 1) poisoned
acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a Senses passive Perception 11
successful one.

114| T ome of Q uests

Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t Damage Immunities poison
speak Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t
Actions speak
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Multiattack. The boggle makes one bite attack and one claws
attack. Magic Resistance. The boghunter has advantage on saving
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: throws against spells and other magical effects.
6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. Innate Spellcasting. The boghunter’s spellcasting ability is
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Wisdom (spell save DC 12). It can innately cast the following
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. spells, requiring no material components:
Teleport (recharge 4–6). The boggle magically teleports, along at will: detect magic
with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to 40 ft. to 2/day each: invisibility, spider climb
an unoccupied space it can see. Before or after teleporting, Regeneration. The boghunter regains 10 hit points at the start
the boggle can make one melee attack. of its turn. If the boghunter’s hit points were reduced to 0
since its last turn, this trait doesn’t function until the start of
Boggles were magical constructs that escaped from the arch- the boghunter’s next turn. If the boghunter is decapitated or
mage Hilgdred. They are small humanoids, typically no more a dispel magic spell is cast on it when it has 0 hit points, the
than four feet tall. They have sharp claws and razor-like teeth. boghunter dies.
Boggles were created to steal items and to aid them, they have
the ability to teleport short distances. Actions

Multiattack. The boghunter makes two Claw attacks and one

Tail attack.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
10 (2d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage and if the target is a Large
or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity
saving throw or be pushed 10 feet away from the boghunter
and drop any items it was holding in its hands.

The boghunter, or ya-fyndatem as it was originally named, is

an enchanted creature created by a long-dead race of people
who dwelled in the far western lands. That culture craved
the knowledge of all things magical and went to exhaustive
lengths to increase their knowledge and possession of magic.
To that end, they created the boghunter as a vehicle to search
the land, far and wide. Once the creature accumulated several
magical items, it returned to the city of its creation and repeat-
ed its quest for time unlimited. The boghunter were costly
to construct and therefore were given extremely powerful
regenerative powers. Additionally, this gave them an unlimit-
Boghunter ed lifespan.
Medium construct, unaligned The boghunters were created with essences of a water snake,
an alligator, and a goblin. Therefore, the creatures are extreme-
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) ly strong and quick but also fairly small. They move equally
Hit Points 95 (10d8 + 50) well in water as they do on land. However, the creatures
Speed 30 ft. have a habit of limiting their activities to watery areas, which
earned them their namesake. They primarily ambush lone
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA individuals or small parties after determining if the potential
17 (+3) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 7 (–2) victims carry magic of any sort.
The race that created the boghunter disappeared many ages
Saving Throws Con +8 past, but their servants live on, still gathering magical items
Skills Arcana +3, Perception +4, Sleight of Hand +6 and returning them to the lost and ruined city of their creators.
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing The boghunter’s regeneration ability has kept the creature
from nonmagical attacks alive well past the lifespan of even the elves. So far, no efforts

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |115

to track a boghunter to their lost city has been successful. Senses blindsight 90 ft., passive Perception 11
Boghunters speak only the language of the race that created Languages ––
them. Communication with a boghunter must include magical Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
help. Additionally, boghunters never willingly communicate
with any being but their original masters. Echolocation. The bat can’t use its blindsight while deafened.
Keen Hearing. The bat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on hearing.
Carnivorous Ape
A carnivorous ape has the statistics of an ape with the follow- Actions
ing changes:
• It is size Large. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
• It has 45 (6d10 + 12) hit points. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must
• Its Strength score is 19 (+4). succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be
• It is Challenge 1 (200 XP). paralyzed for 1 minute. A paralyzed target may repeat the
• Its fist attack is +6 to hit and does 8 (1d8 + 4) saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
bludgeoning damage.
paralysis on itself on a success.
• It has the following additional action:
• Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage These large, white bats prowl the Deep in search of prey. They
are generally pack hunters and generally attack smaller tar-
gets. The bite of a chasm bat injects a paralytic poison. Chasm
Carnivorous Tree bats are completely white except their eyes, which are blue.
A carnivorous tree has the statistics of an awakened tree with They have superior sonar and can detect invisible or hidden
the following changes: creatures.
It has two new attacks:
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 17 (3d8 + 4) piercing damage. Chasm Gnome
Grab. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. A chasm gnome has the statistics of a deep gnome
Hit: the target is grappled (escape DC 15). Until this grapple (svirfneblin) with the following changes:
ends, the creature is restrained. The carnivorous tree can • Its alignment is neutral evil.
• It has no spellcasting trait.
grapple up to three targets.
• Its languages include telepathy 60 ft (chasm gnomes
It has Multiattack consisting of three Grab or Slam attacks and only)
one Bite attack. • Its poisoned dart attack is replaced with:
It has Challenge Rating 4 (1,100 XP) Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
A carnivorous tree is native to the Misty Isles within the
Dagmore campaign setting. The trees come in several forms Chasm gnomes live within the Deep and do not share many
but are most often hardwood trees such as oak, willow, and similarities with surface gnomes other than general appear-
hickory. ance. Chasm gnomes all have pure white hair. While chasm
The trees attack unsuspecting prey that moves within range gnomes never have magical affinity like some surface gnomes,
of its branches. The tree attacks with its branches to grasp its all chasm gnomes can assume the appearance of rock and
targets, pulling them close to its maw. stone (in their immediate vicinity). . Chasm gnomes are scav-
engers and roam the Deep in search of easy treasure. These
gnomes live within the Deep in small villages and tribes. They
Chasm Bat often hire themselves out as mercenaries, tinkerers, miners,
Large beast, unaligned etc. They are extremely greedy and avaricious.

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 26 (4d10 + 4) Chasm Gnome Leader
Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft. A chasm gnome leader has the statistics of a chasm gnome
(see above) with the following changes:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA • It has Dexterity 16 (+3).
• It has AC 16 (chain shirt).
15 (+2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 2 (-4) 12 (+1) 6 (-2)
• It has 27 (5d6 + 10) hit points.
• It has Challenge 1 (200 XP).

116| T ome of Q uests

Cryptfiend Saving Throws Con +6
Skills Perception +5
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16)
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Speed 25 ft.
paralyzed, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Languages the languages it knew in life, telepathy 1 mile
17 (+3) 15 (+2) 15 (+2) 7 (–2) 12 (+1) 7 (–2) (undead only)
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Saving Throws Con +4
Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing Innate Spellcasting. The cryptstalker’s innate spellcasting
from nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison attacks). The cryptstalker can innately cast the following
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, spells, requiring no material components:
paralyzed, poisoned at will: dimension door
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 3/day each: animate dead, create undead
Languages –– Turn Defiance. The cryptstalker and any minions within 30 ft.
Challenge 3 (700 XP) of it have advantage on saving throws against effects that
turn undead.
Actions Control Undead (Recharge 5–6). As a bonus action, the
cryptstalker can attempt to take control of all undead
Multiattack. The cryptfiend makes one claws attack and one creatures within 60 feet of it, including undead on the other
bite attack. side of a teleportation portal the cryptstalker has created
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. (see below). Each undead whose Challenge Rating is lower
Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage, and the target must than the cryptstalker’s must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom
succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or catch a saving throw or fall under its control. If an undead has a
disease unique to cryptfiends. While diseased, a creature is Challenge Rating equal to or higher than the cryptstalker’s,
poisoned, takes 1 necrotic damage at the start of each of its or if it succeeds on its saving throw, it is immune to the
turns, and must succeed on a DC 10 Intelligence check in cryptstalker’s control for 24 hours.
order to successfully cast any spell.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Actions
7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
Multiattack. The cryptstalker makes two claw attacks or
When a cryptstalker slays any humanoid, the slain creature makes one claw attack and casts a spell.
rises as a cryptfiend 10 minutes after it is killed. They gener- Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
ally appear as a zombie-like version of whatever they were Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage, and the target must
in true life. However, they are much stronger and have slight succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or be frightened
intelligence. for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at
Cryptfiends are given a task, typically to guard a tomb. Crypt- the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on
fiends immediately grow hideously dangerous claws and long a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the
teeth. When destroyed, a cryptfiend immediately transforms effect ends for it, the creature is immune to the cryptstalker’s
to dust. fear effect for the next 24 hours. A humanoid slain by this
attack rises 10 minutes later as a cryptfiend (see above)
under the cryptstalker’s control, unless the humanoid is
Cryptstalker restored to life or its body is destroyed.
Medium undead, chaotic evil Create Shadow Portal. The cryptstalker creates a magical
teleportation portal in the shape of a 10-foot diameter circle
Armor Class 16 (natural armor) in the air filled with dark swirling shadows. Only undead
Hit Points 90 (12d8 + 36) and those with truesight can see through the portal to its
Speed 30 ft. other end, which must be a destination within 1 mile of
the cryptstalker where another undead creature exists. A
non-undead creature stepping through the portal takes 1d6
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
necrotic damage and must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution
15 (+2) 17 (+3) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) saving throw or be disoriented (restrained) until the end of

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |117

 its next turn. The portal remains open until the cryptstalker Description: The cryptstalker set the portal to open on a nar-
uses a free action to close it or until the cryptstalker is killed. row ledge 10 feet above the intersection. Any character coming
through the portal automatically falls to the main level of the
Cryptstalkers are an extremely malevolent form of undead tomb (in addition to portal effects). Each character takes 1d6
that roam the world in search of ancient crypts to protect. bludgeoning damage from the fall. Additionally, all undead
Their origin can be traced to graverobbers or adventurers that within the tomb immediately move to attack the characters. A
became imprisoned within the very tombs they were attempt- character may re-enter the portal and return to Room 8 of the
ing to plunder and were cursed in death. A powerful curse Outland Keep section, but they must first scale the 10-foot wall
(which cannot be dispelled) forces the cryptstalker to seek to the narrow platform.
out unguarded tombs and protect them from would-be grave Also, no light sources are in the crypt area. The characters
robbers. must bring one or use magic to see.
Cryptstalkers appear as shadowy, humanlike creatures. They
appear to wear tattered black robes and even armor. They 2. Skeletons
have no visible facial features except a pair of black eyes. A Description: This room holds 18 skeletons that move to attack
cryptstalker’s lair is typically a large crypt complex. Numer- any characters who emerge from the portal.
ous undead can usually be found therein, as cryptstalkers
frequently “store” undead for use in guarding tombs they 3. Zombies
have yet to discover. Cryptstalkers generally travel at night in
search of unprotected or weakly defended crypts. Description: This hall holds 12 zombies that move to attack
Cryptstalkers generally avoid direct combat unless they have a any characters who emerge from the portal.
clear advantage.
For purposes of cryptstalkers only, a crypt, a tomb, a grave-
4. Ghouls and Wight
yard, a mausoleum, etc., is defined as a location that a living Description: This hall holds 6 ghouls and 1 wight that move
creature was formerly buried within and marked (at one time to attack any characters who emerge from the portal.
or another as such). An old battlefield is not a crypt even
though it is littered with the dead. However, a battlefield An unlocked chest in the northwest corner of the room holds
that has been designated either through clerical ritual or the 500 gp and an emerald worth 400 gp.
placement of a formal monument is considered a crypt. For
example, if a fighter dies in a room in a forsaken dungeon, his
location is not considered a crypt. However, if the same fighter Death God Statue
dies in the same place and his compatriots erect a monument
The death god statue has the statistics of a bone living statue
identifying the location, the location is now considered a crypt.
(see below) with the following changes:
• It may or may not understand languages, but it never
Cryptstalker Minion Table (roll 1d6 each round): speaks or responds to communication of any kind.

1. Ghasts (1d2) It has the following additional traits:

2. Ghouls (1d4) Absorb Life. When a creature moves within 10 feet of the
3. Skeletons (1d6) death god statue, it must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution
saving throw or take 1d6+2 necrotic damage. The death
4. Dreads (1d3) (see below)
god statue gains temporary hit points equal to the necrotic
5. Shadows (1d4) damage done. A creature exposed to this effect is immune to
6. Skeletons, Abyssal (1d4) (see below) the death god statue’s Absorb Life for 24 hours.
Rejuvenation. If a destroyed death god statue is within 50 feet
Cryptstalker’s Trap of the body of a humanoid who died within 12 hours, the
When the characters enter the cryptstalker’s portal in Room statue regains all its hit points and reanimates. The skull
8 in the Outland Keep section, they will be transported to the of the humanoid is stripped of all flesh and incorporated
cryptstalker’s trap. This trap is a tomb that the cryptstalker into the death god statue. The humanoid can then only be
has “stocked” with undead. When the characters enter the brought back to life with a true resurrection or wish spell.
trap, all the undead in the area immediately move to attack the It has the following additional action:
characters. No treasure is in the tomb area. Staff of the Leech. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 +4) bludgeoning damage. If the
1. Portal target is a non-undead creature, the death god statue gains
temporary hit points equal to the damage inflicted. It may
Exiting the portal, you immediately fall 10 feet to a hard not gain more than 12 temporary hit points from the staff,
stone floor. You find yourself at the intersection of a wide, and this ability only function three times per day. (These
three-way corridor. Suddenly, you hear footfalls and temporary hit points are separate from those the statue may
shuffling coming from all three corridors. gain using its Absorb Life trait.)

118| T ome of Q uests

Drake, Ice Dread
Medium dragon, chaotic neutral Medium undead, neutral evil

Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Armor Class 14 (natural armor)

Hit Points 67 (9d8 + 27) Hit Points 19 (3d8 + 6)
Speed 20 ft., fly 60 ft. Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 6 (–2) 12 (+1) 9 (–1)

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

Damage Immunities cold Damage Immunities necrotic
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Languages –– paralyzed, poisoned
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages the languages it knew in life
Shapechanger. The drake can use its action to polymorph into Challenge 1 (200 XP)
human form, or back into its dragon form. Its statistics, other
than its size, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is Actions
wearing or carrying isn’t transformed.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Actions Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) slashing damage plus 5 (1d6 + 2) necrotic
damage. The target must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution
Multiattack. The drake makes two claw attacks and one bite saving throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an
attack. amount equal to the necrotic damage taken. This reduction
Bite (Dragon Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if
10 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
Claws (Dragon Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) slashing damage.
Shortsword (Human Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to Felogre
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage. Large giant, chaotic evil
Cold Breath (Dragon Form Only)(Recharge 5-6). The fire drake
exhales frost in a 20-foot cone. Each creature in that area Armor Class 13 (hide armor)
must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) Hit Points 93 (11d10 + 33)
cold damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a Speed 40 ft.
successful one.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Drakes are related to dragons, though they are smaller but no
less vicious. Completely evil in every regard, drakes desire 19 (+4) 8 (–1) 16 (+3) 9 (–1) 7 (–2) 16 (+3)
treasure with an unquenchable desire. They go to extremes to
steal treasure, and no depravity is too low if the result is more Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 8
wealth. Languages Common, Giant
Drakes appear as dragons but are man-sized. They come in Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
all forms and colors, but only as evil dragons. Additionally,
drakes can shape change at will into any humanoid form. Magic Resistance. The felogre has advantage on saving throws
They often travel this way to avoid attention and to solicit against spells and other magical effects.
information. Some drakes have even been known to infiltrate Spellcasting. The felogre is a 6th-level spellcaster. Its
adventuring groups, only to turn on their comrades at the spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit
most inopportune time. with spell attacks). The felogre has the following sorcerer
The types of drakes include black, blue, green, red, and white. spells prepared:
All drakes have a breath weapon attack that mimics the appro- Cantrips (at will): acid splash, fire bolt, light, minor illusion, ray of
priate type of dragon. frost
1st level (4 slots): expeditious retreat, magic missile, shield,
thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, web
3rd level (3 slots): haste, lightning bolt, stinking cloud

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |119

Actions Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one
target. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
Greatclub. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Dreadful Glare. The mummy targets one creature it can see
target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. within 60 feet of it. If the target can see the mummy, it must
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw against this magic
or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing or become frightened until the end of the mummy’s next
damage. turn. If the target fails the saving throw by 5 or more, it is
also paralyzed for the same duration. A target that succeeds
Larger and leaner than a regular ogre, felogres are blue- on the saving throw is immune to the Dreadful Glare of all
skinned creatures that are diabolically evil. They relish mummies for the next 24 hours.
destroying other creatures and gaining wealth and magic.
Standard ogres fear felogres and follow their direction un-
questioningly. A felogre typically sells its service to other evil Forge Lich
creatures, exacting a steep price. They are very rare and native A forge lich has the statistics of a lich with the following
to a distant land that remains hidden from the knowledge of additional action / legendary action:
the world. It has been surmised that felogres were created by Greater Darkness. The lich creates an impenetrable darkness
the archmage, Hilgdred, known for experimenting on various in a 120 foot radius around it. This resembles the darkness
creatures to create new and more powerful breeds. spell, except that a light spell will not negate it and shadow
creatures can see within it.

Fire Giant Mummy A forge lich was formerly a high level spellcaster of one of the
Huge undead, lawful evil Deep races (except dark elf). They do not concern themselves
with the world above the Deep. Furthermore, a forge lich
Armor Class 18 (plate) disdains all things undead (often including itself) and never
Hit Points 175 (14d12 + 84) commands them. They focus their being on researching magic
Speed 30 ft. items and creating new, unique items. Often, the items are
designed to defeat an enemy race (from their days as a living
being).
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
25 (+7) 9 (–1) 23 (+6) 6 (–2) 10 (+0) 12 (+1)

Saving Throws Con +10, Wis +4

Skills Perception +4
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities fire, necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages the languages it knew in life
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)

Actions

Multiattack. The mummy makes two melee weapon attacks.

Flametongue Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit,
Gem Spider
A gem spider has the statistics of a giant spider with the
reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 28 (6d6 + 7) slashing damage
following changes:
plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.
It has an additional movement type: burrow 20 ft.
Rotting Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
It has the following additional traits:
target. Hit: 17 (3d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage plus 14 (4d6)
Tunneler. The gem spider can tunnel through solid rock at half
necrotic damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed
its burrow speed. It leaves a 5-foot diameter tunnel in its
on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with
wake.
mummy rot. The cursed target can’t regain hit points, and
Gem Webs. The gem spider’s webs are sharp and not
its hit point maximum decreases by 10 (3d6) for every 24
flammable. A creature moving through them takes 1
hours that elapse. If the curse reduces the target’s hit point
slashing damage per 5 feet of movement. The webs can be
maximum to 0, the target dies, and its body turns to dust.
cut or broken, but a creature has a -1 penalty on attack rolls
The curse lasts until removed by the remove curse spell or
with a weapon that has been used to do so until it is cleaned
other magic.
with liquid.

120| T ome of Q uests

A gem spider lives exclusively in the Deep and typically near Actions
deposits of precious stones and crystals. They can create webs
that glimmer with the dust of various gems (no value). Gem +1 Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5
spiders have eight eyes that are typically faceted like a gem ft. or range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing
(sapphire, ruby, etc.) and all are of the same type. The eyes damage.
have a value of 25 gp each. Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

Goblin Shaman
The goblin shaman has the statistics of a priest with the Heavy Guard
following changes: Medium humanoid (any), any alignment
• It has 22 (5d6 + 5) hit points.
• It has Dexterity 14 (+2) and AC 17 (chain shirt, shield). Armor Class 16 (chain mail)
• It has the following additional trait: Hit Points 32 (5d8 + 10)
• Nimble Escape. The goblin can take the Disengage or Speed 30 ft.
Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Goblin Captain 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)

The goblin captain has the statistics of a goblin with the
following changes: Skills Perception +2
• It has Constitution 14 (+2). Senses passive Perception 12
• It has 22 (4d6 +8) hit points. Languages any one language (usually Common)
• It has AC 17 (chain shirt, shield). Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

Actions
Harowen Illusionist
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
Medium humanoid (harowen), neutral good
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage
or 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage if used with two hands to
Armor Class 13 (16 with mage armor)
make a melee attack.
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Speed 30 ft.
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

9 (–1) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) Human Cleric 7 (Hestnavar)
Medium humanoid (human), any alignment
Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4
Skills Arcana +6, History +6 Armor Class 20 (+1 chain mail, +1 shield)
Senses passive Perception 11 Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
Languages Abyssal, Common, Deep Speech, Undercommon Speed 25 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Spellcasting. The illusionist is a 6th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14 [15 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 17 (+3) 12 (+1)
for illusion spells], +6 to hit with spell attacks [+7 with
illusion]). It has the following wizard spells prepared: Saving Throws Wis +6, Cha +4
Cantrips (at will): chill touch, light, mage hand, minor illusion, ray Skills Medicine +9, Persuasion +4, Religion +7
of frost Senses passive Perception 13
1st level (4 slots): color spray, fog cloud, silent image, shield Languages Common plus one language
2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, mirror image Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
3rd level (3 slots): fear, hypnotic pattern, major image
Changeable Illusions. When the illusionist casts an illusion Divine Eminence. As a bonus action, the cleric can expend a
spell with a duration of 1 minute or more, they may use an spell slot to cause its melee weapon attacks to magically deal
action or bonus action to modify the illusion. an extra 10 (3d6) radiant damage to a target on a hit. This
Potent Minor Illusion. When the illusionist casts minor illusion, benefit lasts until the end of the turn. If the cleric expends a
it can have both visual and auditory aspects. spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the extra damage increases
by 1d6 for each level above 1st.

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |121

Spellcasting. The cleric is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its 1st level (4 slots): bless, cure wounds, heroism, protection from evil
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to and good, sanctuary, shield of faith
hit with spell attacks). It has the following cleric spells 2nd level (3 slots): aid, branding smite, lesser restoration,
prepared: protection from poison, zone of truth
Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy 3rd level (2 slots): dispel magic, revivify
1st level (4 slots): command, cure wounds, guiding bolt, sanctuary Sense Evil and Good. The paladin senses strong evil or good
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, silence, spiritual weapon and certain types of creatures within 120 feet of it at will.
3rd level (3 slots): bestow curse, dispel magic, revivify, spirit This trait otherwise works like the detect evil and good spell
guardians but isn’t itself magical.
4th level (1 slot): guardian of faith Divine Eminence. As a bonus action, the paladin can expend a
Potion of Superior Healing. The cleric possesses a potion of spell slot to cause its melee weapon attacks to magically deal
superior healing. an extra 10 (3d6) radiant damage to a target on a hit. This
benefit lasts until the end of the turn. If the paladin expends
Actions a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the extra damage increases
by 1d6 for each level above 1st.
+1 Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Disease Immunity. The paladin is immune to disease.
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage. Aura of Protection. The paladin and all friendly creatures
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one within 10 feet of it gain a +1 bonus to saving throw rolls.
target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage. Potion of Superior Healing. The paladin possesses a potion of
Turn Undead (2/Day). Each undead within 30 feet that can superior healing.
hear or see the cleric must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom Potion of Fire Giant Strength. The paladin possesses a potion
saving throw or be turned for 1 minute or until it takes of fire giant strength.
damage. Ring of Regeneration. The paladin possesses a ring of
A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far regeneration.
away from the cleric as it can, and it can’t willingly move
to a space within 30 feet of the cleric. It also can’t take Actions
reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or
try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. Multiattack. The paladin makes two melee weapon attacks or
If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge two ranged weapon attacks.
action. Giantslayer Long sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit,
Preserve Life (2/Day). The cleric restores 35 hit points divided reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage. (see
as the cleric wishes among non-undead, non-construct Appendix 2: New Magic Items)
creatures within 30 feet. This restoration can restore a Javelin of Piercing. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range
creature to no more than half of its maximum hit points. 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. (see
Appendix 2: New Magic Items)
Lay on Hands (4/Day). The paladin touches one willing
Human Paladin 9 (Anastasia) creature, and it either regains 12 hit points or is cured of one
Medium humanoid (human), lawful good poison or disease.
Turn Unholy (2/Day). Each fiend or undead within 30 feet
Armor Class 19 (+1 chain mail, shield) that can hear or see the paladin must succeed on a DC 14
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33) Wisdom saving throw or be turned for 1 minute or until it
Speed 30 ft. takes damage.
A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA away from the paladin as it can, and it can’t willingly move
to a space within 30 feet of the paladin. It also can’t take
16 (+3) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or
try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving.
Saving Throws Wis +6, Cha +5 If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge
Skills Athletics +7, Medicine +6, Religion +4 action.
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Illusionist, Human (Phranst)
Medium humanoid (human), neutral good
Spellcasting. The paladin is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit
Armor Class 15 (bracers of defense; 18 with bracers of defense
with spell attacks). The paladin has the following paladin
and mage armor)
spells prepared:
Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
Speed 30 ft.

122| T ome of Q uests

 Actions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
9 (–1) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0)
7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage.
Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4
Skills Arcana +6, History +6
Senses passive Perception 11
Living Statue, Bone
Languages Abyssal, Common, Deep Speech, Undercommon Medium construct, neutral evil
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Armor Class 13
Spellcasting. The illusionist is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its Hit Points 39 (6d8 + 12)
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14 [15 Speed 30 ft.
for illusion spells], +6 to hit with spell attacks [+7 with
illusion]). It has the following wizard spells prepared: STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Cantrips (at will): chill touch, light, mage hand, minor illusion, ray 17 (+3) 9 (–1) 15 (+2) 5 (–3) 10 (+0) 5 (–3)
of frost
1st level (4 slots): color spray, fog cloud, silent image, shield Saving Throws Con +4
2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, mirror image Damage Resistances cold
3rd level (3 slots): fear, hypnotic pattern, major image Damage Immunities necrotic, poison, psychic
4th level (1 slot): phantasmal killer Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
Changeable Illusions. When the illusionist casts an illusion paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, unconscious
spell with a duration of 1 minute or more, they may use an Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
action or bonus action to modify the illusion. Languages understands the languages of its creator but can’t
Potent Minor Illusion. When the illusionist casts minor illusion, speak
it can have both visual and auditory aspects. Challenge 2 (350 XP)

Actions Immutable Form. The statue is immune to any spell or effect

that would alter its form.
+1 Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5
ft. or range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing Actions
damage.
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. Multiattack. The statue makes two slam attacks.
Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage. Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
Wand of Lightning Bolts. The illusionist expends 1 or more 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
charges from its wand of lightning bolts to cast lightning bolt.

Mist Wolf
Lizard, Giant Draco Large monstrosity, neutral evil
Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Armor Class 14 (natural armor) Hit Points 60 (8d10 + 16)
Hit Points 30 (4d10 + 8) Speed 50 ft., fly 40 ft.
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft., fly 50 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 5 (–3) 12 (+1) 9 (–1)
14 (+2) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 2 (–4) 10 (+0) 5 (–3)
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +6
Senses darkvision 30 ft., passive Perception 10 Damage Resistances cold
Languages –– Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) from nonmagical attacks
Senses passive Perception 15
Flyby. The lizard doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks when it Languages ––
flies out of an enemy’s reach. Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Dive Attack. If the lizard is flying and dives at least 30 ft.
straight toward a target and then hits it with a bite attack Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolf has advantage on Wisdom
on the same turn, the target takes an extra 5 (1d10) piercing (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
damage.

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |123

Pack Tactics. The wolf has advantage on an attack roll against Raptor Demon
a creature if at least one of the wolf’s allies is within 5 ft. of Large fiend (demon), chaotic evil
the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.
Swamp Camouflage. The wolf has advantage on Dexterity Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
(Stealth) checks made to hide in swampy or foggy terrain. Hit Points 95 (10d10 + 40)
Incorporeal Movement. The wolf can move through other Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft.
creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes
5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

These wolves are various shades of gray in color and ti-

ger-striped. They always live near water, preferring swamps,
bogs, and bayous. A mist wolf’s form is cloud-like, and they
cannot be harmed by nonmagical physical attacks.

Piercer
Medium monstrosity, unaligned

Armor Class 16 (natural armor)

Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4)
Speed 5 ft., climb 5 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

8 (-1) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 3 (-4) 12 (+1) 3 (-4)

Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4

Senses darkvision 30 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages ––
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)

False Appearance. While the piercer remains motionless on the STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
ceiling, it is indistinguishable from a stalactite.
Spider Climb. The piercer can climb difficult surfaces, 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0)
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to
make an ability check. Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +4, Cha +3
Safe Falling. The piercer is immune to damage from falling. Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Actions Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Drop. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 30 ft., one target Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11
beneath the piercer. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) piercing damage per 10 Languages Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.
feet fallen up to 18 (4d6 + 4). Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

A piercer is a strange creature that lives only in caves and Magic Resistance. The raptor demon has advantage on saving
caverns. They have the same general shape as a stalactite and throws against spells and other magical effects.
hang from the ceilings of caves where they wait to drop on
unsuspecting victims. Their color ranges from gray to a dark Actions
brown, and they are nearly indistinguishable from cavern rock
formations. They have skin that is very dense, much like rock. Multiattack. The raptor demon makes three attacks: one with
its beak, one with its talons, and one with its tail.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.

124| T ome of Q uests

Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Magic Resistance. The raptrika has advantage on saving
Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) slashing damage. throws against spells and other magical effects.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the target must Actions
make on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw. On a failed
save, the target takes 14 (4d6) poison damage and is affected Multiattack. The raptrika makes two Claw attacks.
as if by a slow spell for 1 minute. On a successful save, the Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
target is not slowed and takes half as much damage. A Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, and the target must make
slowed creature may repeat the saving throw at the end of on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the
each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. target takes 10 (3d6) poison damage and is affected as if by a
slow spell for 1 minute. On a successful save, the target is not
Raptor demons are 12-foot-tall humanoid creatures with slowed and takes half as much damage. A slowed creature
scaled bodies, large feathery wings, and the head of a de- may repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns,
formed eagle. They have long, taloned claws, a spiked tail, and ending the effect on itself on a success.
various bright color patterns that include yellow, orange, red,
and purple. Raptor demons are the weakest of greater demons Raptrikas are two-foot-tall, bird-like humanoids with scaled
and often serve the archdemons on missions to the Prime bodies. They have small, feathered wings that are brightly
plane. colored yellow, orange, red, or purple. Their bodies are always
green. A raptrika attacks with its taloned claws, which ooze
poison.

Raptrika
Small fiend (demon), chaotic evil

Armor Class 14 (natural armor)

Hit Points 16 (3d6 + 6)
Speed 20 ft., fly 40 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

6 (–2) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 8 (–1) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
Shade Troll
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
A shade troll has the statistics of a troll with the following
nonmagical attacks not made with silvered weapons
changes:
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned • Its bite does 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 11 • Its claw does 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
• It has 105 (10d10 + 50) hit points.
Languages ––
• It is Challenge 6 (2,300 XP).
Challenge 1 (200 XP)

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |125

It has the following additional traits: Spellbreaker Spell. While holding its spellbreaker sword, the
Sunlight sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shade troll Thing expends 1 or more of the weapon’s charges to cast one
has disadvantage on attack rolls as well as on Wisdom of the following spells from it, using spell save DC 14 and
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. And its regeneration spell attack bonus +6: detect magic (1 charge), detect invisible
ability does not function. (1 charge), dispel magic (4th-level version, 3 charges).
Darkness (3/day). The shade troll uses an action or a bonus It has the following additional trait:
action to cast the darkness spell centered on itself. Spell Absorption (Spellbreaker). While holding its spellbreaker
sword, the Thing can use its reaction to cancel a spell of 4th
A shade troll resembles the standard troll but it has near- level or lower cast by a creature it can see and targeting only
black, scaled skin. They have the same abilities and powers of it. Once the weapon has canceled 10 levels of spells, it loses
a standard troll, including regenerating. A shade troll can see its absorption ability for 30 days. If it is targeted by a spell
in any sort of darkness, normal or magical. whose level is higher than the number of spell levels the
weapon has left, the spellbreaker can’t cancel it.

Skeleton, Abyssal
Medium undead, lawful evil Tick, Giant
Small beast, unaligned
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 26 (4d8 + 8) Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Speed 30 ft. Hit Points 7 (2d6)
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 6 (–2) 8 (–1) 5 (–3) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
8 (–1) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 1 (–5) 7 (–2) 3 (–4)
Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning
Damage Immunities fire Skills Stealth +4
Condition Immunities poisoned Senses blindsight 20 ft., passive Perception 8
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Languages ––
Languages understands the languages it knew in life but can’t Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
speak
Challenge 1 (200 XP) Standing Leap. The tick’s long jump is up to 30 ft. and its high
jump is up to 10 ft., with or without a running start.
Actions

Multiattack. The skeleton makes two claw attacks. Trolling

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Medium humanoid, chaotic evil
5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) fire damage.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5–6). The skeleton produces fire in a Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
15-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Hit Points 57 (6d8 + 30)
Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) fire damage on a Speed 30 ft.
failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Abyssal skeletons resembles normal skeletons but for their
reddish tinted bones and flaming claws. They do not wear 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 20 (+5) 7 (–2) 9 (–1) 7 (–2)
any clothing (it burned away). Abyssal skeletons are typically
used to guard treasure; a special magical ward summons them Skills Perception +1
when a chamber or area is infringed upon. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Giant
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
The Thing
Keen Smell. The trolling has advantage on Wisdom
The Thing has the statistics of a greater wraith (see below) (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
with the following changes: Regeneration. The trolling regains 6 hit points at the start of
• It has AC 18 (plate). its turn. If the trolling takes acid or fire damage, this trait
• It has Challenge 8 (3,900 XP).
doesn’t function at the start of the trolling’s next turn. The
trolling dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and
It has the following additional actions:
doesn’t regenerate.
Spellbreaker Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.

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Actions The wraith remains under the control of its (original) slayer
until that wraith is destroyed, at which time the newer wraith
Multiattack. The trolling makes three attacks: one with its bite is free of any possession.
and two with its claws. Unlike the standard wraith, a greater wraith retains its
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: physical form similar to that of a wight. Additionally, greater
6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. wraiths maintain a limited memory — specifically, the abilities
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: of their former character class (at your discretion). Greater
8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. wraiths also can retain any equipment they carried at the
time of their deaths. They may use this equipment as they did
Smaller than a standard troll, trollings are otherwise identi- before their transformation. Greater wraiths cannot fly (as per
cal. They are very aggressive and hunt for food and treasure a standard wraith).
rapaciously.

Wraith, Greater
Medium undead, lawful evil

Armor Class 13
Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 52)
Speed 30 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

10 (+0) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 16 (+3)

Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;

bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
attacks not made with silvered weapons
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages the languages it knew in life
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wraith has

disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions

Multiattack. The wraith makes two melee weapon attacks.

Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 26 (5d8 + 4) necrotic damage. The target
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or its
hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the
damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target finishes
a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point
maximum to 0.
Create Undead. The Thing targets a humanoid within 10 feet
of it that has been dead for no longer than 1 minute and
died violently. The target’s spirit rises as an undead in the
space of its corpse or in the nearest unoccupied space. If
the humanoid was a character of 6th level or higher, there
is a 5% chance per level above 5th that it rises as a wraith.
Otherwise, the humanoid rises as a specter. The undead is
under the Thing’s control. The Thing can have no more than
seven undead under its control at one time.

A ppe n d ix 1: N e w M on ste rs |127

All greater wraiths automatically rise with a lawful evil
alignment; however, if their original alignment was lawful
good, they often behave abnormally due to the conflicting
alignments (neutral behaves as a lawful evil). Greater wraiths
who were originally lawful good abstain from using their un-
dead-creation abilities. Additionally, once freed from control,
many greater wraiths attempt to return to their homelands or
familiar surroundings and acquire a lair.
Greater wraiths retain abilities learned before their deaths.
They can continue to use armor, weapons, and magical items.
Additionally, they gain the ability to attack with a one-handed
weapon and their bare hand simultaneously. They can use a
shield but then lose their second attack. Spellcasters also retain
the ability to cast spells and use their original weapons, armor,
and magical items. However, they can gain only the same
spells prepared at the time of death. Greater wraiths may not
benefit from drinking any magical potion.

A ppendix 2: N ew M agic I tems

Blade of the Vampire Cloak of the Cavern
Weapon (any bladed weapon), rare (requires attunement by an Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
evil creature)
These cloaks are found only in the Deep. The garment is
You have a +1 bonus to hit and damage rolls with this magic typically light gray in color with various streaks of darker
weapon. If you are undead, each time you do damage to a gray or brown. When you wear it, you have advantage on
non-undead creature with the blade, the target’s hit point max- Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in natural stone environ-
imum is reduced by the amount of the damage done and you ments. Additionally, while wearing it, you have an unerr-
gain temporary hit points equal to the damage done. If you are ing sense of direction underground.
not undead, each time you deal damage with the blade, the
target’s hit point maximum is reduced by one half the amount
of the damage done, and you gain temporary hit points equal Cloak of Missile Deflection
to the lesser of one half the damage done or 4. If you are not
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
undead, each time you strike a living creature with this blade,
you have a 1% chance of becoming a vampire.
While wearing this cloak, you have a +2 bonus to AC versus
up to two ranged weapon attacks per round. The cloak has 3
charges. When a ranged attack targets you and misses, you
Bolo of Trapping can use a reaction to expend 1 charge from the cloak to magi-
Weapon (bolo), rare (requires attunement) cally fling the weapon or piece of ammunition at a new target.
Make a ranged attack roll for which you are always considered
This specialized weapon was designed for use in the open proficient, regardless of your weapon proficiencies, but do not
spaces on the island of Asaltan. It is primarily a hunting weap- apply an attribute modifier to the damage roll if you hit. The
on, but it is also quite effective against Medium-sized creatures cloak regains 1d3 charges daily at dawn.
of all varieties. You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls
made with this magic weapon. It’s base damage is 1d4 blud-
geoning, and its range is 90 feet. When you hit a Medium or Cloak of Poisonous
Small creature with this bolo, it becomes restrained (escape DC
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
15). You can use an action or bonus action to speak a command
word and release a restrained creature. The bolo’s bindings are
This deep black cloak has 4 charges. When you wear it, and it
extremely strong and can be cut only by a magical blade. The
has at least one charge remaining, you have immunity to poi-
bindings can sustain 15 hp of damage before breaking.
son damage and the poisoned condition. Each time you would

128| T ome of Q uests

take poison damage, one of the cloak’s charges is expended. Ichor of the Worm
In addition, the cloak absorbs the poison from damage it
prevents, becoming filled with poison for 24 hours. When the Potion, uncommon
cloak is filled in this way, you can use an action to expend
1 charge. Make an unarmed strike roll. If you hit, the target When you drink this thick liquid, secreted from the glands
takes 3d6 additional poison damage. The cloak regains 1d3 + of the purple worm, you gain the ability to climb walls, per
1 charges daily at dawn. If you expend the cloak’s last charge, the spider climb spell for 1 hour. You must succeed on a DC
roll a d20. If you roll a 1, the ring liquifies and seeps into your 13 Constitution saving throw or take 1d4 poison damage.
body, and you take 2d8 poison damage.

Iron Gauntlet and the Strangler

Crossbow of Accuracy Wondrous items, very rare (Iron Gauntlet requires attunement)
Weapon (crossbow), rare
The Iron Gauntlet is one of a set of gauntlets created for a
You have a +2 bonus to attack rolls made with this magic gnoll chieftain by enslaved dwarves. The dwarves labored for
weapon. In addition, its range is 50% greater than is standard months to create the first gauntlet of the pair. This gauntlet,
for its base weapon type. called the Iron Gauntlet, increases the strength of its wearer.
However, the gnoll chieftain was not satisfied and was irritat-
ed that the second gauntlet was not finished. He used the Iron
Deepcrest: Circlet of the Deep Gauntlet to strangle one of the dwarves and ordered the other
to finish quickly or suffer the same fate. The remaining dwarf
Wondrous item, uncommon labored day and night and presented the second gauntlet to
the chieftain. In the seconds that followed, the new gauntlet
While you wear this metal circlet, you have darkvision out to immediately grasped the gnoll’s throat and slowly strangled
a range of 120 feet. Also, you may use an action to detect secret him to death.
doors; if a secret door is within 30 feet of you, the circlet show While wearing the Iron Gauntlet, you have a +2 bonus to all
you the one nearest your location. Once you have used this Strength checks, Strength saving throws, and melee weapon
ability, it will not function again until the next dawn. attack and damage rolls.
The Strangler is cursed. When you touch it, it immediately
grasps your throat, and you are grappled (escape DC 17). The
Dragonslayer gauntlet begins to suffocate you. When you start a turn grap-
Weapon (any sword), rare pled by the gauntlet, you take 1d6 bludgeoning damage until
you die or the word “stop” is spoken in dwarven).
You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with
this magical sword. You have a +2 bonus to attack and damage
rolls made against dragons and dragonborn with this weapon. Javelin of Piercing
In addition, when you hit a dragon or dragonborn with an Weapon (javelin), uncommon
attack using this sword, the target takes an extra 1d8 damage
of the type normally dealt by it. You have a +3 bonus to ranged attack and damage rolls
made with this magic weapon. The javelin disintegrates
Giantslayer upon impact, whether or not you hit your target.
Weapon (any sword), rare

You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with Libram of Proficiency
this magical sword. You have a +2 bonus to attack and damage Wondrous item, very rare
rolls made against giants and giantkin with this weapon. In
addition, when you hit a giant or giantkin with an attack using This book contains detailed diagrams and weapon training
this sword, the target takes an extra 1d8 damage of the type regimens, and its words are charged with magic. If you spend
normally dealt by it. 144 hours over a period of 30 days or fewer studying the
book’s contents and practicing its guidelines, you gain profi-
Helm of Underwater Action ciency with martial weapons. The manual then loses its magic,
but regains it in a century.
Wondrous item, uncommon
This book grants its reader a new weapon proficiency with
While wearing this verdigris-encrusted helm, you can breathe
specialization. The weapon can be of any type. The special-
underwater and have a swimming speed equal to your walk-
ization bonus is +1 to hit and +2 to damage. The book can
ing speed.

A ppe n d ix 2: N e w M agi c I te m s |129

be used only by a fighter, paladin, ranger, dwarf, or halfling Your memories of the last 24 hours can be erased or adjusted
character. It takes the character one month to read the libram. or even added altogether.
Once read, the libram crumbles to dust.
Value: 1,000 gp
Potion of Polymorph
Potion, rare
Miraculous Egg
Wondrous item, rare When you drink this scintillating, semi-transparent potion,
you are affected as if by a polymorph spell for 1 hour, choosing
These eggs come in varying colors that identify their purpose. your own new form.
The eggs are quite small, generally the same size as a quail’s
egg. There are four types of these eggs: red, green, black, and
yellow. Potion of Regeneration
When you use an action to toss a miraculous egg to the Potion, rare
ground, it transforms into a specific creature based on its color.
A red egg transforms into a hell hound. The green egg trans- When you drink this potion, you regain 1 hit point imme-
forms into a giant frog. A black egg transforms into a ghoul. diately and at the start of each of your turns for 10 minutes.
The yellow egg transforms into giant lizard. The creature is (10 hit points per minute)
friendly to you and your companions. It disappears when it is
reduced to 0 hit points or after 1 hour.
Potion of the Giant
Oil of Armor Potion, very rare
Potion, very rare
When you imbibe this large bottle of liquid, you are affect-
ed as if by a polymorph spell and transformed into a giant
This clear, viscous oil can coat one set of armor or two shields.
for 30 minutes. Unlike the normal spell, your challenge rat-
Applying the oil takes 1 minute. For 1 hour, the coated item is
ing need not be higher than that of your new form. There
magical and confers a +2 AC bonus to its wearer/user.
are six varieties of this potion, each with subtle differences
in the color of the liquid: hill giant, stone giant, frost giant,
Pearl of Wisdom fire giant, cloud giant, and storm giant.

Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)

Pure Heart Necklace
When you become attuned to this ordinary-appearing pearl of
Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)
average size, your Wisdom score increases by 1 as long as you
are carrying it.
These magical necklaces come in a variety of shapes and
styles. Most are silver and encrusted with 12 + 1d6 gems;
typically, these gems are sapphires or emeralds. The necklace
Potion of Delusion has several functions. The necklace glows dully when in the
Potion, uncommon immediate presence of strong evil (10-foot radius; similar to
paladin’s divine sense). This is an innate power and operates
When you drink this potion, you must succeed on a DC 15 whether the necklace is worn or not. Additionally, you may
Wisdom saving throw or experience a powerful delusion for remove or replace the gems at any time. The gems also glow
up to 1 hour. Either you believe yourself to be under the influ- when in the presence of strong evil (10-foot radius). Addition-
ence of another type of potion or experience a delusion specific ally, if an evil creature holds one of these gems, it must suc-
to your surroundings/circumstances. ceed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become paralyzed
in awe of the gem for 10 minutes. A creature failing the saving
throw cannot move or undertake any action and firmly grips
Potion of Memory Control the gem, refusing to let go of its prize. The gem immediately
Potion, rare begins to emit a high-pitched whine, and it concurrently glows
brighter as the sound increases. All evil creatures within 15
This nefarious potion is used to control the memories of its feet of the gem must also succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving
imbiber. When you drink it, you must succeed on a DC 14 throw or stand transfixed staring at the gem. Thirty seconds
Constitution saving throw or your memory is open to sugges- after the gem was attained (by the evil creature), the gem ex-
tion by the nearest person who is aware of the potion’s effects. plodes. All creatures within 30 feet take 6d6 radiant damage.

130| T ome of Q uests

If the entire necklace is held by an evil creature, the same Ring of Wizardry
effects are initiated. However, the radiant damage increases
to 6d6 +2d6 for each gem remaining on the necklace. Also, Ring, rare (requires attunement by a wizard, warlock, or sorcerer)
the damage radius increases 10 feet per gem remaining on the
necklace. If at any time a gem or the necklace is released (from While attuned to this simple silver ring, you gain an addition-
the possession of an evil creature), the effects immediately al 1st level spell slot per day.
cease (before exploding, of course).
Rod of Dispelling
Ring of Dexterity Rod, rare (requires attunement by a spellcaster)
Ring, uncommon (requires attunement)
This thin metal rod has 7 charges. You can use an action to cast
dispel magic from the rod. The rod regains 1d6+1 charges each
Your Dexterity score is 19 while wearing this ring. It has no
day at dawn.
effect on you if your Dexterity is already 19 or
higher.
Sleeping Gas Potion
Ring of Life Protection Potion, uncommon
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
You can use this potion in two ways: by consuming it or
throwing it. If you ingest the potion and have fewer than 25 hit
This otherwise plain silver ring has five small identical gem-
points, you fall asleep for 1d4 hours and cannot be awakened.
stones set in it. If you are the subject of a Life Drain attack
You can throw the potion using a ranged weapon attack roll. It
(such as that of a specter or wraith) or the bite attack of a
explodes, creating a 20-foot radius of magical sleeping gas. All
vampire that would reduce your hit point maximum, you may
creatures with fewer than 25 hit points in that area fall asleep
use a reaction to expend 1 charge from this ring to avoid that
for 1d4 x 10 minutes and cannot be awakened.
reduction.
The ring has at most as many charges as it has functioning
gemstones (see below) and regains 1d3 expended charges
daily at dawn. If you expend the ring’s last charge, one of its
Spellbreaker
gemstones goes dark, and the ring’s maximum number of Weapon (any melee), legendary (requires attunement)
charges is reduced by 1 permanently. If this reduces the ring’s
maximum number of charges to 0, the ring crumbles to dust. This is a magic weapon designed to destroy those who employ
magic. Constructed by the mysterious Blood Cult*, spellbreak-
ers come in various types of weapons. You have a +1 bonus to
Ring of the Fire Giant attack and damage rolls made using this magic weapon. You
have a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made against ab-
Ring, rare (requires attunement)
errations, celestials, elementals, fey, fiends, magical constructs,
and spellcasters (including creatures with innate spellcasting).
While wearing this ring, you have resistance to fire damage.
The weapon has 11 charges and regains 2d4 + 3 expended
Also, you may use an action to gain the ability to hurl boul-
charges daily at dawn.
ders as a fire giant does (+11 to hit, range 60/240, 4d10 + 7
Spells. While holding this weapon, you can use an action to
bludgeoning damage). The ability lasts 1 minute or until you
expend 1 or more of its charges to cast one of the following
hurl one boulder. You may not use this ability again until
spells from it, using spell save DC 14 and spell attack bonus
dawn of the next day.
+6: detect magic (1 charge), detect invisible (1 charge), dispel mag-
ic (4th-level version, 3 charges).
Spell Absorption. While holding this weapon, you can use
Ring of the Frost Giant your reaction to cancel a spell of 4th level or lower cast by a
Ring, rare (requires attunement) creature you can see and targeting only you. Once the weapon
has canceled 10 levels of spells, it loses its absorption ability
While wearing this ring, you have resistance to cold dam- for 30 days. The number of levels also resets to 10 if the weap-
age. Also, you may use an action to gain the ability to hurl on does not absorb any spells for 30 days. If you are targeted
boulders as a frost giant does (+9 to hit, range 60/240, 4d10 by a spell whose level is higher than the number of spell levels
+ 6 bludgeoning damage). The ability lasts 1 minute or until the weapon has left, the spellbreaker can’t cancel it.
you hurl one boulder. You may not use this ability again until *See boxed set, BC1 The Blood Cult.
dawn of the next day.

A ppe n d ix 2: N e w M agi c I te m s |131

Staff of the Leech Wand of Light
Staff, rare (requires attunement) Wand, common

You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with This simple wooden wand has 6 charges. You can use an
this magic staff. When you damage a non-undead creature action to expend 1 charge to cast the light spell. The wand
with the staff, you gain temporary hit points equal to the dam- regains 1d4 + 1 expended charges daily at dawn.
age inflicted. You may not gain more than 12 temporary hit
points from the staff, and this ability only function three times
per day. Wand of Secrecy
Wand, rare

The Vampire’s Curse This powerful wand has 5 charges. While holding it, you can
use an action to expend 1 charge to make a hidden, concealed,
The Vampire’s Curse is actually a medallion (The Vampire’s or secret door or portal within 10 feet more difficult to detect.
Heart) and ring (The Vampire’s Soul) that work separately but Magic detection (such as that of a wand of secrets) fails to detect
were designed as a set (see below). such a door. Those searching for such a door by normal means
have disadvantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks to
find it. The wand regains 1d4+1 charges daily at dawn.
The Vampire’s Heart
Wondrous item, legendary (requires attunement)
Weapon of Bleeding
While you are wearing this plain-looking medallion, you can Weapon (any melee weapon), rare (requires attunement)
use an action to cast a modified version of the charm person
spell (spell save DC 17 or your normal spell save DC, which- You gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this
ever is higher). You must make eye contact with the target, the magic weapon. In addition, whenever you strike a creature
duration of the spell is 24 hours, and the target has no memory other than an undead or a construct, the target begins bleed-
of what transpired while under the charm. (Most insist they ing. At the start of each of its turns, it must make a DC 14
were sleeping.) A dispel magic spell or similar magic can negate Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target takes 3
the charm, and it ends if you terminate it or die. Once you (1d6) necrotic damage. On a successful save, the target ends
have used this ability of the medallion, you can’t use it again the bleeding effect on itself. Magical healing also ends this
until the next dawn. bleeding.

The Vampire’s Soul

Ring, legendary (requires attunement)

While wearing this simple ring, you gain an ability similar to

the life drain of a vampire. The ring has 3 charges. If you use
an action to expend a charge and succeed on a melee touch
attack against a non-undead creature, that creature takes 3d6
necrotic damage. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced
by an amount equal to the necrotic damage done, and you re-
gain hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until
the target finishes a long rest. If this effect reduces its hit point
maximum to 0, it is paralyzed for 24 hours, appearing dead.
Only a greater restoration spell or similar powerful magic can
end the paralyzed condition early.
The ring regains all expended charges daily at midnight.

132| T ome of Q uests

 A ppendix 3: T reasures and I tems
Chart 1: Giantkin and Humanoids Items Chart 2: Giant Items
1d20 Contents 1d20 Contents
1 Fish bones 1 Animal bones, gnawed
2 Ring, worth 25 “n” (n = 50% sp, 30% gp, 20% pp) 2 Jewelry (50% ring, 25% necklace, 25% bracelet) worth
1d4 x 100 gp
3 1d4 gems worth 15 gp each
3 1d4 gems worth 50 gp each
4 Soiled rags
4 Soiled rags
5 Eggs (1d3), 50% spoiled
5 Goat meat (50% spoiled)
6 1d12 gp
6 5d10 gp in pouch
7 Coconut (1d2)
7 2d10 apples in sack (50% spoiled)
8 Jade snake pendant (50 gp)
8 Jade snake pendant (50 gp)
9 Potion (50% healing, 25% climbing, 25% flying)
9 Potion (50% healing, 25% climbing, 25% flying)
10 Potion (50% speed, 50% delusion [see Appendix 2:
New Magic Items above]) 10 Potion (50% speed, 50% delusion [see Appendix 2:
New Magic Items above])
11 Necklace made from teeth
11 Necklace made from claws
12 Colored rocks
12 Colored rocks
13 2d10 sp
13 1d8 x 100 sp in sack
14 1d3 gold nuggets worth 10 gp each
14 Shortsword (10% magical)
15 Sack with 1d12 x100 cp
15 Sack with 1d12 x 100 cp
16 Elven brooch worth 50 gp
16 Pouch filled with smoked elf ears (giant and giantkin
17 Dead chicken (50% spoiled)
delicacy)
18 Snakeskin worth 1d6 gp
17 Chicken (10% alive)
19 Animal fur (25% worth 1d4 x 100 gp)
18 Large animal fur cloak (15% worth 1d6 x 100 gp)
20 1d6 x 10 feet of rope
19 Keg of wine
20 Gold ingots (1d8) worth 50 gp each

A ppe n d ix 3: Tre a sure s & I te m s |133

 A ppendix 4: T he B lack C ult

The Black Cult is an organization devoted to the belief that Black Cult Spells
giants are fallen gods and should truly rule the inhabitants of
the world. The cult is made up mostly of giantkin, humanoids, Giantkin Form
and some humans. The cultists serve giants and often act as
spies. Members of the cult worship the same gods as the vari- 3rd-level transmutation
ous giant types. Leaders of the cult are priests, mostly human. Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 10 feet
Components: V, S
Roster Duration: 1 day
When you cast this spell on a humanoid within range, it
Black Priest, Frost is a human priest with AC 19 (chain mail,
transforms into a giantkin (bugbear or ogre) of your choice
+1 shield), a ring of the frost giant (see Appendix 2: New
(just as with a polymorph spell). If the target is unwilling, it can
Magic Items), and a potion of greater healing. He has the cult
make a Constitution saving throw. On a success, the spell has
spells stone strike and giantkin form (see below) prepared.
no effect.
Black Priest, Fire is a human priest with AC 19 (chain mail, +1
shield), a ring of the fire giant (see Appendix 2: New Magic
Stone Strike
Items), and a potion of greater healing. He has the cult spell
stone strike (see below) available instead of spirit guardians. 3rd-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Cultist Leader is a human with the statistics of a bandit Range: 300 feet
captain with a potion of greater healing and a potion of the Components: V, S, M (small pebble)
hill giant (see potion of the giant in Appendix 2: New Magic Duration: Instantaneous
Items). When you cast this spell on a small pebble, it changes into
a boulder and is hurled toward a designated target. Make a
Human Cultists: Each cultist carries 1d6 gp. ranged spell attack. On a hit, the target takes 4d10 bludgeon-
ing damage.

A ppendix 5: P layer M aps

The Valley of the Lake of Dreams

Player Map.........................................................144
Screaming Temple Player Map..........................145
Harrowen Cavern Player Map.........................146
Lost Caravan Player Map.................................147

134| T ome of Q uests

The Valley of the Lake of Dreams Player Map

A ppe n d ix 5: P l aye r M aps |135

 Eruptor’s Lair Map Unnumbered)

136| T ome of Q uests

Screaming Temple Player Map

A ppe n d ix 5: P l aye r M aps |137

 Harrowen Cavern Player Map

138| T ome of Q uests

Lost Caravan Player Map

A ppe n d ix 5: P l aye r M aps |139

Tome Of Quests Character Record
Player Name: DM:

Character Name: Essika Fallwater

Alignment Law
Class Harrowen Level 2
Strength 13 Bonus to Hit/Damage +1 Open Doors +1 Weight allow 600
Intelligence 16 Bonus Languages +2
0 Level Spells
Wisdom 11 Magic Save Bonus +0

Dexterity 12 Combat +0 Armor Class Adj. -0 Initiative +0

Constitution 13 Hit Die Adj. +1

Charisma 12 Reaction Adj. +0 Retainers 4 Morale 7

Hit Dice 1d6 (6, 5)

Hit Points 13

Movement Base 120/40

Armor Type Chain Mail, Light Dexterity Bonus -0 Armor Class 6

Weapon #1 +1 Long Sword Damage 1d8+2 Bonus to Hit/Damage +2 / +2

Weapon #2 Short Bow Damage 1d6 Bonus to Hit/Damage +0 / +0

Weapon #3 Damage Bonus to Hit/Damage

Weapon Attack Chart

Weapon AC 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 #AT

#1: +1 Long Sword 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1

#2: Short Bow 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 1

#3:

Base Thaco 17

Equipment Carried Spells / Abilities Saving Throws

Backpack Deepvision Poison / Death 12
Torch (5)
Large Sack (2)
50‛ Rope Spells Magic/Wands 13
Water Skin 1st Level
Standard Ration (2) Magic Missile Paralysis
Arrows (20) Sleep Petrification 13
Languages: Harrowen, Dark
Elf, Dwarf, Chasm Gnome Dragon Breath 15

Rod, Staff, Spell 15

Copper
Silver
Gold
Electrum
Platinum
This product contains Open Game Content, which may only be used tions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant
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Quests
Tome of

The Tome of Quests: Volume One is

an adventure compendium for the 5th
Edition game systems! This tome will
take you through five adventures that can
be run separately or linked together with
a seamless and compelling narrative. Each
adventure features full color art and maps
as well as new magic items and monsters
to challenge, and reward, your players!

The Tome of Quests has been in the

works at Pacesetter Games for over 10
years! Each adventure featured in Volume
One comes from the very first year as a
publishing company. Now years later, we
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