Descent into the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth

Deep in the Yatil Mountains lie the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth, formerly occupied by the legendary archmage Iggwilv the Witch Queen. Though Iggwilv
is long gone, her lair is anything but empty. Demons, giants, and other formidable creatures haunt the perilous caverns, and the archmage’s magical
defenses remain intact. The rewards for braving these threats defy imagination. Iggwilv is rumored to have amassed a magical hoard of unsurpassed
value, a trove of such fame that scores of adventurers have perished in search of it.

This supplement is part of a yearlong celebration of Dungeons & Dragons and its 50th anniversary. The adventure presented herein is an abridged,
quick-play version of “The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth,” which appears in Quests from the Infinite Staircase. See that book for the full adventure.

“Descent into the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth” is designed for four to six 9th-level characters.

Using This Supplement

In addition to the adventure, this supplement includes the following appendices:

Appendix A presents a small trove of magic items available to all who brave the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth. At the DM’s discretion, the characters
might earn one or more of these treasures as a reward for completing the adventure.

Appendix B contains a creature that dwells in the Lost Caverns, the pech.

Appendix C features a score sheet for use in competitive play. See the “Tournament Rules” section for how to run the adventure as a tournament-style
scenario.
Appendix D provides six premade characters suitable for this adventure. Each player can choose one of these characters or provide a 9th-level
character of their own.

About the Original

Published in 1982, the official Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth module was an expanded and revised version
of The Lost Caverns of Tsojconth, a tournament adventure created by Gary Gygax for Winter Con V in
1976. The adventure offers tantalizing details about Iggwilv the Witch Queen—perhaps better known as
the archmage Tasha, famous for her Hideous Laughter spell. This adaptation pays homage to the
original by including a score sheet for competitive play.

Running the Adventure

To run the adventure, you need the fifth edition core rulebooks: the Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual. When a
creature’s name appears in bold type, that’s a visual cue pointing you to its stat block as a way of saying, “Hey, DM, you should get this creature’s stat
block ready. You’re going to need it.” The Monster Manual contains stat blocks for most of the creatures in these adventures; the pech appears in
appendix B.

Text that appears in a box like this is meant to be read aloud or paraphrased for the players when their characters first arrive at a location or under a specific
circumstance, as described in the text.

Spells and equipment mentioned in this supplement are described in the Player’s Handbook. Magic items are described in the Dungeon Master’s
Guide.

Background

Iggwilv carved out a kingdom for herself through magical prowess, strength, and wit, bolstered by a horde of demons bound by magic to further her
aims. In her quest for absolute power, Iggwilv accumulated countless enemies determined to destroy her. Among these was the demon lord Graz’zt,
whom the archmage imprisoned for a time. Eventually, Iggwilv’s ambitions proved excessive, and a climactic battle with Graz’zt broke her power. The
Witch Queen then vanished. As her evil influence waned, Iggwilv’s realm was sundered, and her lair was lost.

This lost lair purportedly lies deep in a series of caverns somewhere in the Yatil Mountains. In the decades since Iggwilv’s disappearance, adventurers
and treasure hunters have sought the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth and the treasures within. This adventure assumes the characters know the way to
the fabled lair, having assembled fragments of information regarding the caverns’ location or learned it from another reliable source.

Adventure Hooks

If the prospect of claiming Iggwilv’s hoard isn’t enough to persuade the characters to undertake this quest, you can further motivate the party with
either of the following adventure hooks:

Iggwilv’s Rival. An archmage who was once embroiled in a heated rivalry with Iggwilv has reason to believe she isn’t dead. The archmage recruits the
characters to search the Lost Caverns for any evidence of the Witch Queen’s lingering presence.

Margrave’s Agents. The margrave of a nation near the mountains has uncovered clues to the Lost Caverns’ whereabouts, thanks to a few partially
successful expeditions in recent years. Most of the agents the margrave sent came back battle worn and empty-handed, if they returned at all. The
margrave hires the characters to recover Iggwilv’s hoard before it falls into the hands of his rivals.

Setting the Adventure

On the world of Oerth in the Greyhawk campaign setting, the Lost Caverns hide within the Yatil Mountains, nestled between the nations of Ket and
Perrenland, with Bissel to the south.

You can set the adventure in a different world by placing it in any mountain range near a kingdom or settlement—before her disappearance, Iggwilv’s
influence spanned multiple worlds and planes of existence. Consider the following suggestions:

Dragonlance. The Speaker of the Suns, leader of the Qualinesti elves, might charge the characters to search for the Lost Caverns in the Kharolis
Mountains south of the elves’ forest home.

Eberron. The nations of Aundair, Breland, and Thrane vie to explore the Lost Caverns in the Blackcap Mountains. Iggwilv’s experiments there drew
power from the depths of Kyber.

Forgotten Realms. The Lost Caverns are hidden in the Sunset Mountains, northeast of Proskur along the High Road. The High Overseer of Elturel
might hire the characters to locate the caverns.

Tournament Rules

If you wish to emulate the competitive adventures of old, you can run this adventure as a tournament-style scenario by following the guidance in this
section. Rather than pitting characters against one another, adventuring parties are scored as a group.

These rules are optional. You don’t need to score your players to run this adventure. The scoring system included in this supplement is meant to spark
joy, not contention.

Rewards

At game conventions and store events, these rules can be used to award prizes to the highest-scoring groups. Otherwise, they mainly exist for groups
to enjoy bragging rights, comradery, and other intangible benefits. Consider sharing your group’s final score as a lighthearted challenge to other
players.

Scoring

Have this adventure’s score sheet (see appendix C) handy as you run the adventure. As the characters traverse the Lost Caverns, silently cross-
reference the actions of the party with those denoted on the score sheet, making note of any events that qualify for a point increase or deduction.

Keep these actions and their associated point values secret during the adventure. You can share them with the players afterward, along with the
group’s final score. Alternatively, you can announce these point fluctuations as they occur to your players for comedic or dramatic effect.

After the adventure, use the score sheet to tally the group’s points and calculate their final score, then report that score to the players. It’s possible—
albeit unlikely—to earn a negative final score.

Time Limit

As a tournament scenario, this adventure has a strict time limit: a single game session equal to four hours of play. Encourage players at the onset not
to dawdle—the clock is ticking! The adventure concludes once that time has elapsed or whenever any of the following conditions have been met:

Every character in the party is dead or otherwise out of commission.

The characters explore every area of the lesser caverns (presented later in this adventure).

The characters descend to the greater caverns (see area L16 of the lesser caverns) or leave the Lost Caverns altogether. Let players know that
these actions will end the adventure (and thus their opportunity to score more points).

Resting
To keep the dungeon challenging, the characters can take only one short rest during the session. Long rests are prohibited for tournament play of this
adventure.

Lost Caverns

The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth hide in the Yatil Mountains south of Iggwilv’s Horn. Not much is known about the caverns’ namesake, the mysterious
Tsojcanth, who was eclipsed by the archmage who succeeded them. Whether Tsojcanth was slain by Iggwilv or left before her arrival, this
predecessor’s only remaining trace is the caverns’ name, while the Witch Queen’s influence persists long after her departure.
The caverns are divided into the lesser and greater caverns. This abbreviated adventure focuses only on the former.

Starting the Adventure

Read or paraphrase the following text to begin the adventure:

You are a member of a group of adventurers, united in weeks past by your pursuit of a common prize: the treasures of the Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth—the former
lair of the archmage Iggwilv, the so-called Witch Queen.

Guided by a series of hard-won clues, your trek through the Yatil Mountains halts at a yawning cleft in the mountainside. Stalactites and stalagmites growing at the
entrance give the cave mouth the impression of fangs waiting to snap together. The opening is forty feet wide, twenty feet high, and blackened by soot. Past the
stone maw, a wide passage with roughly hewn stairs descends into darkness.

The tunnel slants down to area L1 of the lesser caverns.

Lesser Caverns Features

The lesser caverns form the upper level of the Lost Caverns. Unless otherwise noted, the lesser caverns have the following features:

Ambience. The caverns are damp, humid, and full of life. Stalactites drip into shallow puddles, and water trickles down the slick cave walls. The
sounds of cave bats, small insects, and the caverns’ monstrous denizens echo throughout.

Ceilings. Ceilings are 15 feet high in corridors and tunnels and 20 feet high in chambers.

Lighting. The caverns are unlit. Denizens carry their own light or rely on darkvision to see. Area descriptions assume the characters have a light
source or other means of seeing in the dark.

Underground Rivers. The rivers that span the lesser caverns have strong currents. A creature that enters a river for the first time on a turn or starts its
turn there must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be swept 20 feet in the direction indicated by the arrows on the map.

Lesser Cavern Locations

The following locations are keyed to map 1.1.

ARTIST: MIKE SCHLEY

 MAP 1.1: LESSER CAVERNS

VIEW PLAYER VERSION

L1: Entry Caverns

This wide chamber is ringed with a mixture of rough-hewn and natural passageways leading away from the entrance and into the unknown. Beside each of these
tunnels is a grotesque face carved into the stone. Though each face is slightly different—one has flap-like ears, another protruding tusks, and a third drooping
wattles—all are strange and doleful.

ARTIST: ADRIÁN IBARRA LUGO

 A GHASTLY VISAGE OUTSIDE THE ENTRY
CAVERNS PORTENDS THE DANGERS WITHIN

Each of the carved faces is magical. They are immune to all damage and speak a few programmed messages. When a creature approaches one of
the tunnels leaving the chamber, the face beside it animates and warns in a deep, dire tone, “Turn back—this is not the way!”

A character who examines one of the faces and succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check notices the glint of a gemstone in its mouth.

Speaking to the Faces. The faces repeat their warning if spoken to, except in the following two circumstances:

“Say ‘Aah!’” If a character asks one of the faces to open its mouth, stick out its tongue, or yawn, the face sticks out its tongue and says “aah,”
revealing a gemstone the size of a hen’s egg on its tongue.

“Truth.” If a character asks one of the faces which way to go or uses the word “truth” while speaking near a face, the faces respond in unison. Five of
the faces lie, saying, “My way is the right way.” The face marking the southeast tunnel leading to area L9, however, responds, “I watch the best way.”

Treasure. Each of the faces contains a different gem worth 200 gp: amber, amethyst, blue aquamarine, garnet, peridot, and pink tourmaline.

A creature that tries to retrieve a gem from one of the faces without first asking the face to open its mouth must make a DC 17 Dexterity (Sleight of
Hand) check. On a failed check, the creature takes 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage as the mouth clamps shut. The mouth similarly damages tools or
weapons inserted into it without its permission.

L2: Slate Chamber

Alternating blue and gray bands of slate and shale compose the walls of this cave. Rusted weapons lie scattered on the ground.

A hulking, crudely formed figure made of gray clay charges at you from an alcove in the northeast, growling. The hilt of a pristine sword protrudes from the
creature’s chest.

The figure is a clay golem created by Iggwilv to destroy intruders. The golem attacks any creature that enters the chamber. The golem fights to the
death and pursues trespassers relentlessly, even chasing them out of the caverns.

Treasure. The weapon stuck in the clay golem is a slender-bladed Giant Slayer (shortsword). The sword’s name (“Longtooth”) is engraved into the
blade in Gnomish. Once the golem is destroyed, the sword can easily be freed from its chest.
L3: Guano-Covered Cave

The floor of this vaulted cave is covered in pungent piles of bat guano. Large leather hides hang from the stalactites above, flapping in a chilly draft. Sounds of
flowing water echo from the far side of the cave.

The ceiling of this soiled cave is 50 feet high. This cave once hosted dozens of bats, but a cloaker that dwells here devoured them. The hungry
creature hides among the stalactites, waiting to fall on one of the characters.

Tunnel Ledge. A ledge on the north wall of the cave stretches out 30 feet above the floor. A short tunnel leads from the ledge to the river beyond. The
water’s surface is 40 feet below the tunnel’s exit.

L4: Littered Cave

This small cave is littered with broken bones. Near the back wall lies a busted skeleton with a horned bovine head splintered with cracks. Two leather sacks
brimming with gold rest near the skeleton.

The skeleton is that of a minotaur thief who fell prey to the trap in this cave. The two leather sacks beside it are illusions designed to lure greedy
intruders to their doom. A character who inspects the sacks and succeeds on a DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) check or who makes physical
contact with one of them discerns their false nature.

Crushing Ceiling Trap. A 20-foot-wide section of the ceiling over the skeleton contains a crushing deadfall. A character who examines the ceiling and
succeeds on a DC 17 Wisdom (Perception) check notices bits of decayed flesh stuck to the ceiling, which is flat and made of stone.

Whenever a creature enters the area marked on the map, the trap magically triggers. That section of the ceiling rapidly drops, crushing anything in its
path. Creatures in that area must make a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 55 (10d10) bludgeoning damage and has
the prone condition. On a successful save, it takes half as much damage only and is pushed to the nearest unoccupied space outside the trap’s area.
Objects wedged under the trap are destroyed. The stone then retracts into the ceiling, and the trap resets.

A successful Dispel Magic spell (DC 17) suppresses the trap and its illusions for 24 hours.

Treasure. A pouch on the minotaur’s skeleton holds five diamonds worth 100 gp each. The illusory sacks contain nothing.

L5: Grotto
ARTIST: MARK BEHM

FOUR PECHS DILIGENTLY DIG A STAIRED TUNNEL UP INTO THE MOUNTAIN, DECORATING ITS WALLS WITH CARVINGS
 This tunnel has been worked recently, judging by the stone chips and dust covering the floor. Roughly carved images of cave-dwelling creatures decorate the
smooth stone walls.

The sounds of mining tools echo from the end of the tunnel, where hewn steps rise into the darkness.

Eight pechs (see appendix B) are diligently carving a tunnel from this grotto up into the mountain toward an enclosed cavern they can sense. For now,
the tunnel leads only to a dead end. If the characters draw attention with light or noise, the pechs investigate.

The pechs are initially indifferent toward the characters, admonishing them to douse any bright lights they carry, as the lights hurt the pechs’ eyes. If
the characters comply, the pechs become curious and willing to chat. Otherwise, they resume their work, defending themselves if necessary.

In conversation, the pechs warn the characters about the clay golem in the slate chamber (area L2). Characters can improve the pechs’ attitude
toward them by offering the pechs at least 500 gp of gems or a unique carving or sculpture, especially one made of stone. Friendly pechs might be
willing to help fight the clay golem or use their Communal Spellcasting action to restore petrified characters.

Carvings. The carvings on the walls depict cave-dwelling creatures, such as bats and crickets, as well as creatures from the Elemental Plane of Earth
such as dao, pechs, xorn, and earth elementals. Characters who inspect the carvings and succeed on a DC 16 Intelligence (Arcana) check identify the
planar creatures.

L6: Fungal Cavern

Bioluminescent fungi, some as high as six feet tall, fill this moist cavern. The caps of the mushrooms sprouting from the floor and walls glow with a faint blue light.
Pale, dog-sized insects chitter among the fungus.

Three ghost-white cave crickets (use the giant frog stat block) nibble at the glowing mushrooms in this cave, which radiate dim light. The crickets are
indifferent toward the characters.

If the characters disturb the crickets, the insects begin to chirp loudly. The trolls in area L8 investigate any loud noises coming from this area.

Mushrooms. The fungi in this chamber are edible, and characters can forage here without having to make an ability check. Doing so doesn’t disturb
the crickets.

L7: Slimy Cavern

This cavern is full of sizable mushrooms, but the air stings with an acrid scent. Slime in sickly yellow, green, and orange shades blankets most of the fungi, as well
as the walls and ceiling.

Near the back of the cave is a cranny mostly free of fungus. A black-cloaked figure, motionless, is wedged into the crack.

Originally this was another cultivated fungus farm like area L6, but slime molds are overtaking the cave. The cloaked figure is the corpse of an elf
adventurer who died here, trapped by the green slime. His body has been partially calcified by the mineral-rich water dripping from the ceiling.

Green Slime. Six patches of green slime (see the Dungeon Master’s Guide) cling to the ceiling near the fallen adventurer. A character who inspects
the slime and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (Nature) check recognizes the danger it poses. The slime falls on creatures that approach the corpse.

Mushrooms. The fungi here are mostly edible. Foraging in this cavern requires a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Survival) check to avoid the harmful
molds and slime. On a failed check, the mushrooms the character gathers are contaminated by the slime. A creature that eats a contaminated
mushroom must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or have the poisoned condition for 8 hours.

Treasure. The elf corpse carries a silvered rapier and wears Bracers of Defense.

L8: Stinking Cave

ARTIST: ARASH RADKIA

 THREE HUNGRY TROLLS PASS THE TIME IN THEIR FOUL-SMELLING CAVE

This reeking cave is filled with rotting vegetation, bones, pieces of pale chitin, dung, and less identifiable foulness. Three larger heaps of material serve as giant
sleeping pallets.

Three hulking creatures with warty green skin and wiry hair mill through the detritus, chewing cracked bones clutched in their clawed hands.

This cave is the lair of three trolls. They regularly gather rotting material from their den and spread it through the nearby fungus caverns (areas L6 and
L7) to ensure the mushrooms grow and attract cave crickets for the trolls to feed on. The trolls are ornery, having long gone without the taste of
humanoid flesh—their favorite delicacy. The trolls attack anyone they notice, fantasizing aloud in Giant about the meal they’re about to have.

Treasure. Gathered under the trolls’ beds is their accumulated loot: 120 gp, 900 sp, four gems worth 50 gp each, gnome-sized wooden dentures set
with mother-of-pearl teeth (worth 50 gp), a quiver with twenty silvered arrows, and a Potion of Healing (greater).

L9: Bat Corridor

The sandy floor of this long, wide corridor is strewn with piles of bat guano. Small fungi sprout from these deposits and the walls. A cacophony of chitters and
squeaks echoes from above.

The ceiling of this corridor is covered in thousands of roosting bats. Bright light or any noise louder than a whisper agitates the bats and sends them
into a panic, causing a number of swarms of bats equal to the number of characters in this area descend from the ceiling and attack the source of the
disturbance. The swarms extinguish any nonmagical light sources they come within 5 feet of with a flurry of buffeting wings.

Whenever a creature destroys a swarm, a new swarm immediately forms in an unoccupied space within 15 feet of the creature. The new swarm acts
on the destroyed swarm’s initiative count.

If the characters extinguish all light sources and cease attacking and making loud noises, the bats settle back into their roosts at the end of the
round. They don’t pursue creatures beyond the corridor.

L10: Long Gallery

The cavern widens into a gallery of considerable height and length. Clusters of small fungi grow throughout the chamber, and odd indentations dot the floor and
walls at semiregular intervals. Somewhere farther back in the cave, a dim glow casts flickering shadows.
The indentations are the rock-cyst burrows of four cave morays—sluglike scavengers that slither between the burrow entrances through tunnels in the
rock. The cave morays use the giant poisonous snake stat block. They use their reach to bite at prey from the safety of their burrows.

Cave morays inside their burrows have three-quarters cover. A creature within 5 feet of a burrow can pull a cave moray from its burrow by grappling
it. If removed from its burrow, a cave moray frantically tries to escape back to its hole.

Loud sounds here, including the din of battle, draw the attention of the fomorians in area L11. The cave morays retreat into their burrows when the
fomorians arrive.

L11: Fomorian Cave

This cave stinks of sweat, smoke, and spoiled meat. Old, cracked bones and skulls lie strewn on the floor. A large, flat rock supports massive stone goblets and the
carcass of a giant toad, picked clean and buzzing with flies. Two piles of filthy hides and skins form beds at the far end of the cave.

Two hideous giants squat near a circle of hefty stones enclosing a crackling fire. Above the roaring flames, a charred giant insect rotates slowly on a spit.

Two fomorians inhabit this cave. The beds, fire pit, and utensils are all sized for Huge creatures.

The fomorians are cruel, violent, and bored. When the giants notice the characters, they abandon their meal and attack. One of the fomorians wields
the roasting spit as its weapon, tearing bites off the bug-tipped skewer between swings.

Treasure. Stashed beneath the fomorians’ beds are two ivory mammoth tusks (each is worth 600 gp and weighs 100 pounds), a Spell Scroll of
Levitate, and a beaten copper bowl with lapis lazuli handles, which is worth 750 gp.

L12: River Ledge

A ten-foot-long wooden boat is tied to a ledge near the water. Intricate, flowing knotwork carving decorates the sides of the craft, which tapers to a point at both
ends. Two oars lie inside.

This ledge is visible from the lake (area L13) and from the shores of areas L9 and L14.

Treasure. The vessel is a Folding Boat created to traverse the lake and the rivers that branch from it. In addition to its usual properties, the boat has
an extra command word that functions only while the boat is within the Lost Caverns. A character who knows this additional command word
(“Shrimpkin”)—discovered by casting the Identify spell on the boat or by examining clues in the boat’s intricate designs and succeeding on a DC 16
Intelligence (Arcana) check—can command the boat to row itself in a particular direction at a speed of 30 feet or to hold its position in defiance of the
water’s swiftest currents.

L13: Underground Lake

A river flows into the south side of this high-vaulted cavern, feeding a glassy, ebon-hued lake. Drops of water fall from the ceiling high above, rippling the mirrorlike
surface of the water.

Two rivers flow out of the northern side of the lake, while a third flows out to the west. Ledges along the shore lead to dry tunnels.

The lake teems with blind cave fish and crayfish. These critters are a food source for many of the denizens in the lesser caverns, including predators
that dwell within the lake itself. The lake slopes sharply from its shores to a depth of 100 feet.

Four chuuls lurk near the lakebed, 90 feet below the surface. They’re content to creep along the lightless depths and prey on cave fish unless
something else catches their attention. Bright light draws the chuuls to the water’s edge, as does any magic in the lake or near its surface, such as the
boat from area L12. If drawn to the surface, the chuuls attack.

L13a: Stone Bridge. An unadorned stone bridge spans the northwest river.

L13b: Gargoyle Bridge. A bridge decorated with reliefs of gargoyles spans the west river flowing from the lake. The sound of roaring water echoes
from downstream. A short distance beyond the bridge, the river becomes a waterfall, plummeting 300 feet into an Underdark lake. The lake and the
creatures that inhabit it are beyond the scope of this adventure, but you can flesh them out as you see fit.
L14: Basilisk Den

Oddly shaped chunks of rock are strewn about this cave, which reeks of ammonia. Scattered among the irregular rock pieces are stone sculptures of various
creatures, including bats, subterranean lizards, and a broken bust of a gnome with a horrified expression.

Four basilisks dwell in this cave. Toward the back of the cave is a nest where the basilisks lay eggs. The basilisks are protective of their den, attacking
any creatures that enter the cave.

Treasure. The head and shoulder of a petrified gnome lie near the basilisk nest at the back of the cave. The broken statue wears a pair of unpetrified
goggles, which are Eyes of Minute Seeing.

L15: Rainbow Cavern

This vaulted cavern displays a rainbow of colors on its walls and floor. Stalactites hang like colorful icicles, and the stalagmites feature bright streaks and swirls.
Mineral deposits form frozen curtains, cascades, and other fantastical shapes in vibrant hues.

ARTIST: ZOLTAN BOROS

ADVENTURERS CLASH WITH THE BEHIR LLUDD IN HIS LAIR WITHIN THE LOST CAVERNS

The ceiling of this colorful cavern rises to a height of 50 feet. Careful examination of the floor reveals many cracked bone fragments among the
stalagmites. Once the lair of a chimera, this cavern is now home to Lludd, a clever and long-lived behir who ousted the smaller, weaker creature that
preceded him. Lludd speaks Common and Giant in addition to Draconic. The behir lurks on a rufous ledge near the entrance to the chamber, waiting
for morsels worthy of his hunger.

Lludd is hostile toward intruders, but he doesn’t immediately resort to violence. Though he’s selfish and cruel, the behir hasn’t survived this long by
attempting to devour every creature that enters his lair—especially hardened adventurers. When he notices the characters, Lludd greets them in
Common.

Parleying with Lludd. If the characters converse with Lludd, he offers to point them toward a place where they can find treasure in exchange for
leaving him in peace. The behir keeps no hoard of his own. If they agree, Lludd directs them toward a “vast treasure” in the black-water lake (area
L18).

During the conversation, Lludd sizes up the party. If the characters appear wounded or offend the behir, he seizes his chance and unleashes his
breath on them.

Treasure. Inside Lludd’s stomach is a Periapt of Proof against Poison left over from an unlucky explorer the behir digested.

L16: Boulder Heap

Small, rounded boulders are carefully stacked here, blocking the entrance to a wide tunnel.

The boulders are obviously not a natural formation. Lludd, the behir in area L15, piled them here to block the entrance to the greater caverns and
prevent creatures that dwell there from taking him by surprise.

With 5 minutes of work, the characters can clear enough of the rocks to expose the tunnel beyond. There, a flight of nine hundred crudely shaped
stone steps descends to the greater caverns. If the characters descend the steps, proceed to this adventure’s conclusion.

Hollow Boulder. If the characters move any of the rocks, they uncover a smooth, blue-green boulder that’s strangely light and clunks dully when
moved or shaken, revealing its hollowness. The boulder can be easily broken open with blunt weapons, with tools, or by smashing it against a hard
surface.

Graven Glyphs. Inside the hollow boulder is a bronze tablet worth 100 gp. The tablet is etched with a poem for those hoping to delve into the greater
caverns. It offers cryptic insight on how to enter Iggwilv’s inner sanctum in the greater caverns, where the archmage’s true prize resides. The poem
reads as follows:

In the center lies the gate,

But its locks will surely vex.
Many are the guards who wait
As you seek the middle hex.

Randomly sent to find a way

Back to a different iron door.
A seventh time and you may stay,
And seek the glowing prize no more.

You have won old Iggwilv’s prize,

Her hoarded cache of magic,
And freed the one with yearning eyes,
Whose lot was hunger tragic.

L17: Lavish Parlor

The natural cavern gives way to a luxurious parlor. Crystal chandeliers bathe the chamber in soft light, and the scent of orange blossoms perfumes the air. Plump
cushions surround a low table heaped with ripe fruits, refreshing beverages, and succulent meats. Low sofas and comfortable chairs dot the walls of the lounge,
and side tables between these sitting areas overflow with gemstones, jewelry, and other treasures.

Four impeccably dressed human aristocrats laugh and feast in the parlor. An unseen string quartet accompanies their revelry with soothing music.

This area is brightly lit. The nobles invite the characters to join the repast, insisting the characters rest and regale them with tales of adventure.

The nobles are part of an elaborate, genie-wrought illusion created by Kashem, a bitter dao bound to guard this chamber by Iggwilv. The Witch Queen
imparted a mote of her power to Kashem in exchange for the dao’s services. Long after the archmage’s departure, Kashem still pursues her original
charge to destroy all who enter.
When the characters arrive, Kashem floats silently above the chamber, waiting for a prime opportunity to strike. If the characters consume any of the
food or drink, refuse to join the nobles outright, or see through the illusions, Kashem reveals herself and attacks.

Illusory Finery. The room’s genie-wrought furnishings and inhabitants are convincing illusions. These illusions blanket dingy, neglected versions of the
objects they cover and feel real if touched. To pierce the dao’s ruse, a character examining the chamber’s fixtures must succeed on a DC 20
Intelligence (Investigation) check. The nobles, however, fail to hold up to physical inspection. A character who touches a noble automatically
succeeds on this check.

Poisoned Feast. The food and drink on the table are real—and poisoned. A creature that consumes any of the food or drink must make a DC 16
Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 21 (6d6) poison damage and has the poisoned condition for 1 hour. On a successful
save, the creature takes half as much damage only. The illusory nobles nonchalantly partake of the sumptuous feast, politely encouraging the
characters to sample the dishes.

Dust to Dust. If Kashem is slain, her body disintegrates into a pile of fine dust. This dust can be used in area L20 to destroy the cage in the lake or
prove that Kashem is dead.

Treasure. None of the treasure is real. Coins and precious objects taken from the chamber turn out to be flat stones and obvious counterfeits.

L18: Black-Water Lake

The river flows into a flooded cavern, creating a small lake. The surface of the water is glossy and black. A rocky island rises from the center of the pool.

The island is strewn with tiny garnets, which sparkle alluringly in the presence of light.

Lurking Death. Eight aquatic ghasts (each has a swimming speed of 30 feet) lurk in the lake, which is 20 feet deep. Spotting them beneath the water’s
mirrorlike surface requires a successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check. The ghasts ambush any creatures that enter the lake.

Rebuking Island. Iggwilv recorded a series of messages in this cave to taunt intruders. Each time a creature sets foot on the island, an imperious
voice echoes throughout the cave, uttering one of the following reproofs:

“Fools! This is a dead end. Flee while you still can!”

“You were witless to enter at all, so you should probably just stay here.”

(Peals of hideous, mocking laughter)

Treasure. Six hundred garnets are strewn across the island, each about the size of a pea and worth 1 gp. It takes 10 minutes for a single creature to
collect the gems by hand. The gems have a combined weight of 5 pounds.

L19: Cave of Crystals

Veins of glittering quartz streak the walls of this crystal cave. Three bizarre creatures with stone-lidded eyes converse in grating tones. Each has three clawed
arms, three stumpy legs, and a barrel-like body.

Three xorn from the Elemental Plane of Earth found their way to this cave through a planar rift that has since closed, stranding them here. The xorn
are initially indifferent to the characters but defend themselves if attacked.

Hungry Castaways. The xorn are discussing their plight when the characters arrive. The creatures are hungry and upset at their situation. Prone to
stress eating, the xorn crave any precious gems or metals they can sense on the characters. If anyone in the party can understand the xorn, the
creatures explain their dilemma and attempt to persuade the characters to give them a meal of at least 100 gp worth of gems or metals per xorn.

If the characters have a means to send the xorn home—such as the Banishment spell—the xorn offer to help locate other treasure for the characters
as payment. Alternatively, a single character can convince the xorn to assist them in defeating a threat elsewhere in the caverns with a successful DC
18 Charisma (Persuasion) check.

Treasure. The xorn stashed 500 gp worth of uncut gems behind a large crystal formation in the northwest corner of the room. A character searching
the crystals finds the stash with a successful DC 17 Wisdom (Perception) check.

L20: Pool Cavern

 The narrow river flows into a domed cavern whose ceiling bristles with stalactites. Faint sounds of trickling water echo from the northwest.

The river dead-ends in this flooded chamber. A marid named Kasdu’ul is trapped at the bottom of the pool, 30 feet below the surface. An unbreakable
stone cage etched with glowing runes confines the genie to the pool. Characters who look into the pool and succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom
(Perception) check notice the cage’s faint, glimmering light in the water.

Bound Genie. Kasdu’ul was trapped here by the dao Kashem (see area L17) centuries ago, shortly before Kashem was fooled and bound by Iggwilv in
turn. A permanent Antipathy/Sympathy spell (save DC 18) protects the cage and repels creatures that aren’t native to the Elemental Plane of Earth
with its Antipathy effect. The runes on the cage invoke the hatred of Ogrémoch, the Prince of Evil Earth.

While the cage is intact, Kasdu’ul has the incapacitated condition and speaks in a lethargic tone. If the characters overcome the Antipathy effect and
approach the cage, the genie drowsily asks them to destroy it.

Destroying the Cage. The cage is immune to all damage and has no locks or opening mechanisms. It can be destroyed in the following ways:

A creature native to the Plane of Earth—such as one of the pechs in area L5 or the xorn in area L19—can easily break the cage as if it were
made of fragile clay.

If the dust of a slain dao is scattered over the lake, the cage instantly rusts away.

A successful Dispel Magic (DC 18) spell cast on the cage causes it to crumble.

Kasdu’ul has had many years to contemplate the cage’s magical construction. She might propose one of these methods to the party from inside the
cage.

Freed Genie. If the cage is destroyed, Kasdu’ul returns to her lively self. The grateful genie urges the characters to find and slay the dao that
imprisoned her if they haven’t already.

As thanks for freeing her, she’s willing to cast Tongues, Water Breathing, and Water Walk on the characters to facilitate their exploration. If the
characters also present proof of Kashem’s demise—such as a pinch of the dust left behind after her death—or they offer a convincing story and
succeed on a DC 17 Charisma (Deception) check, Kasdu’ul summons a water weird and orders it to serve the characters for 1 hour, after which it
vanishes. In either case, Kasdu’ul then bids the characters farewell and returns to the Elemental Plane of Water.

Conclusion

Whether the characters found the entrance to the greater caverns (see area L16), succumbed to the dungeon’s many threats, wisely decided to turn
back, or simply ran out of time, Iggwilv’s greatest treasures remain yet to be discovered. This adventure ends on a cliffhanger.

The rest of the Witch Queen’s lair, her hoard, and even more iconic adventures can be found in Quests from the Infinite Staircase!
Appendix A: Magic Items

This section presents four magic items related to Iggwilv and the Lost Caverns. These items are presented in alphabetical order.

Demon Skin
Armor (Any Heavy Armor), Rare (Requires Attunement)

This magic armor appears as a pot of bubbling black ichor. When you attune to it, the ichor adheres to and contours to your skin, and the pot
disappears. The armor can be worn under normal clothes, and it doesn’t impede bodily functions. Once you put it on, it can’t be removed unless you
choose to do so or you die, at which point the pot reappears and the ichor flows back into it.

While wearing the armor, you have resistance to poison damage. The armor also doesn’t impose disadvantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
ARTIST: STEPHEN ANDRADE

DEMON SKIN IGGWILV’S HORN

Iggwilv’s Horn
Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)

You can use an action to blow this horn to cast one of the following spells from it: Arms of Hadar, Fog Cloud, Gust of Wind, or Web. If the spell
requires a saving throw, the spell save DC is 13.

Once the horn has been used to cast a spell, it can’t be used to cast that spell again until the next dawn.
ARTIST: STEPHEN ANDRADE

Potion of Polychromy
Potion, Uncommon

When you drink this potion, you and everything you are wearing or carrying take on a rainbow-hued appearance
for 1 hour. During that time, you can use a bonus action to turn any color or combination of colors you choose.
If you mimic the colors of your surroundings, your hues continually shift to match your surroundings, and you
have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks until you change your colors again or the potion wears off.

The potion is separated into seven brightly colored bands of immiscible liquids and has a syrupy taste. POTION OF POLYCHROMY

Tasha’s Creeping Keelboat

Wondrous Item, Very Rare (Requires Attunement)

This magic vehicle is a boat 10 feet wide and 30 feet long. It has four legs that propel it across land and water. It has a walking and swimming speed
of 20 feet, but it can’t travel underwater. The boat moves according to your spoken directions while you are riding it, and creatures of your choice gain
a +1 bonus to their Armor Class while on the boat.

The boat can transport up to 1,000 pounds without hindrance. It can carry up to twice this weight, but it moves at half speed if it carries more than its
normal capacity.

ARTIST: STEPHEN ANDRADE

 TASHA’S CREEPING KEELBOAT

Appendix B: Creature

Pech

Pechs are slight, bipedal diggers from the Elemental Plane of Earth. They have a knack for finding weak points in buildings, objects, and raw
materials, making them phenomenal excavators—and, if the occasion calls for it, sappers and saboteurs. Pechs enjoy sculpting and carving vast
networks of tunnels and warrens, where they live in clans and mine precious metals and gems.

Small and lithe, pechs have long, thin limbs and broad feet. Their large, pupilless eyes are sensitive to bright light, which they avoid, and they find
sunlight nauseating. Their skin displays a spectrum of color and texture as varied as that of clay, earth, and stone.

A pech can draw on the magic of the Elemental Plane of Earth to shape stone to its will, but pechs are stronger together than alone. When in groups,
pechs can combine their magic to conjure great curtains of stone and infuse creatures with the fortitude of elemental earth.

PECH
Small Elemental, Typically Neutral Good

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)

Hit Points 82 (11d6 + 44)

Speed 30 ft., burrow 20 ft.

STR DEX CON

19 (+4) 11 (+0) 18 (+4)

INT WIS CHA

11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)

Saving Throws Con +6, Wis +4

Skills Athletics +6, Perception +4, Survival +4

Conditions petrified

Senses darkvision 120 ft., tremorsense 120 ft., passive Perception 14

Languages Common, Terran

Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2

Magic Resistance. The pech has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the pech has disadvantage on attack rolls.

Actions
 Multiattack. The pech makes two Pickaxe attacks. If it hits a Large or smaller creature with both attacks, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw
or have the prone condition.

Fortified Pickaxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) force damage. If the target is a Construct or an object, the attack is
automatically a critical hit.

Communal Spellcasting (2/Day). The pech works with three or more pechs to cast spells, requiring no spell components and using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability
(save DC 12). If at least three other pechs are within 30 feet of it, the pech can cast Wall of Stone. If at least seven other pechs are within 30 feet of it, it can cast
Greater Restoration. Each other pech involved in casting the spell can’t have the incapacitated condition and must have at least one use of Command Spellcasting
remaining, which it must immediately expend to participate (no action required).

Stone Shape (3/Day). The pech casts Stone Shape, requiring no spell components and using Wisdom as the spellcasting ability.

ARTIST: MARK BEHM

Appendix C: Score Sheet

Use this score sheet to tally the players’ points. Players can gain or lose points for each of these actions only once.

DOWNLOAD SCORE SHEET

Points by Area

Action Points

Caused a face to say “aah” +1

Asked a face which way to go or used the word “truth” +1

L1: Entry Caverns
Recovered any gems +1

Got bit by a stone face −1

Defeated the clay golem +1

L2: Slate Chamber
Removed the sword stuck in the clay golem’s chest +1

Defeated the cloaker +1

L3: Guano-Covered Cave
Used the tunnel ledge to access the areas to the north +1

Avoided the crushing ceiling trap +1

L4: Littered Cave
Recovered the treasure +1

Attacked the pechs −1

L5: Grotto Improved the pechs’ mood +2

Refused to douse any bright lights −1

L6: Fungal Cavern Disturbed the crickets −1

L7: Slimy Cavern Gathered or ate contaminated mushrooms −1

 Action Points

Recovered the elf corpse’s equipment +1

Defeated the trolls +3

L8: Stinking Cave
Found the trolls’ loot +1

L9: Bat Corridor Disturbed the bats −1

Attracted the attention of the fomorians in area L11 −1

L10: Long Gallery
Pulled a cave moray from its burrow +1

Defeated the fomorians +3

L11: Fomorian Cave
Found the fomorians’ loot +1

L12: River Ledge Learned the boat’s command word +1

Defeated the chuuls +2

L13: Underground Lake Failed a Strength saving throw in any of the rivers −1

Cast Control Water, Water Breathing, or Water Walk +1

Defeated the basilisks +1

L14: Basilisk Den One or more characters gained the petrified condition −1

Recovered the treasure near the basilisk’s nest +1

L15: Rainbow Cavern Defeated Lludd the behir +3

Cleared the rocks to expose the tunnel to the greater caverns +1

L16: Boulder Heap
Discovered the bronze tablet within the hollow boulder +1

Ate any of the poisoned food or drink −1

L17: Lavish Parlor Defeated Kashem the dao +2

Saw through Kashem’s illusions before she attacked +1

Gathered all the garnets on the island +1

L18: Black-Water Lake Received an insult from Iggwilv +1

Used a cleric or paladin’s Channel Divinity feature against the ghasts +1

Attacked the xorn −1

L19: Cave of Crystals Sent any xorn home +2

Enlisted the help of the xorn +1

Freed Kasdu’ul the marid +2

L20: Pool Caverns
Provided proof of Kashem’s demise or convinced Kasdu’ul of the dao’s defeat +1

Additional Points

Condition Points

Per character death −1

One or more players thanked the DM during or after the session +1

Appendix D: Premade Characters

If a player doesn’t have a level-appropriate character to play, have them choose one from this section. The Premade Characters table summarizes the
characters, all of whom are 9th level. Give players who choose from these options time to read over their character sheets before starting the
adventure.

Premade Characters

Name Species Class

 Name Species Class

Cathartic Human Cleric

Dunil Halfling Rogue

Ethelrede Human Fighter

Flemin Dwarf Monk

Rustle Berrydust Gnome Wizard

Weslocke Tiefling Warlock

Cathartic
ARTIST: FAY DALTON

VIEW CHARACTER SHEET

Downloadable PDF

Dunil

ARTIST: FAY DALTON

 VIEW CHARACTER SHEET

Downloadable PDF

Ethelrede
ARTIST: FAY DALTON

VIEW CHARACTER SHEET

 Downloadable PDF

Flemin
ARTIST: FAY DALTON

VIEW CHARACTER SHEET

Downloadable PDF

Rustle Berrydust

ARTIST: FAY DALTON

 VIEW CHARACTER SHEET

Downloadable PDF

Weslocke
ARTIST: FAY DALTON

VIEW CHARACTER SHEET

 Downloadable PDF

Credits

Lead Designer: Justice Ramin Arman Premade Character Portraits: Fay Dalton

Designer: Dan Dillon Consultants: James Mendez-Hodes, Pam Punzalan

Rules Developer: Ron Lundeen Game Architects: Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins

Art Director: Fury Galluzzi Studio Art Director: Josh Herman

Lead Editor: Judy Bauer Senior Producer: Dan Tovar

Editor: Hannah Rose Producers: Bill Benham, Siera Bruggeman, Robert Hawkey

Graphic Designer: Paolo Vacala Product Manager: Natalie Egan

Cover Illustrator: Jodie Muir D&D Beyond

Cartographer: Mike Schley Product Manager: Jeff Turriff

Interior Illustrators: Stephen Andrade, Mark Behm, Zoltan Boros, Adrián Digital Design Team: Jay Jani, Sean Stoves, Adam Walton

Ibarra Lugo, Arash Radkia

Original Credits

Design: Gary Gygax

Development: Gary Gygax, Allen Hammack, Jon Pickens, Edward G. Sollers

Editing: Edward G. Sollers

Art: Jim Holloway, Erol Otus, Jeff Easley, Stephen D. Sullivan

Playtesting: Jeff Dolphin, Luke Gygax, David Kuntz, Richard Kuntz, Sonny Savage, James M. Ward

Special Thanks: Rob Kuntz

Special thanks to the original designer of this adventure, Gary Gygax, as well as everyone who contributed to it: Jeff Dolphin, Luke Gygax, Jeff
Easley, Allen Hammack, Jim Holloway, David Kuntz, Richard Kuntz, Erol Otus, Jon Pickens, Sonny Savage, Edward G. Sollers, Stephen D. Sullivan,
and James M. Ward.

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