INTRODUCTION
CREDITS
W e l c o m e to D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S ENCOUNTERS™, a n
Design James W y a t t a n d Shawn M e r w i n (based o n designs b y Gary Gygax a n d Douglas Niles) Development
One o f the goals o f t h i s D & D ENCOUNTERS™ season is to t r y out a n e w f o r m a t for adventure design. T h i s season presents you w i t h the o p p o r t u n i t y to play out the elements o f the story i n a sequence t h a t y o u a n d y o u r players d e t e r m i n e . I n t h i s sort o f arrangement, the adventurers have m o r e c o n t r o l over t h e i r choices d u r i n g the season, a n d y o u have m o r e f r e e d o m i n tail o r i n g Against the Cult of Chaos™ to m a x i m i z e the f u n .
Chris Sims Editing Scott Fitzgerald Gray Managing Editor Kim
Mohan
D & D Group
Manager
Mike Mearls D&D
Producer
Greg Bilsland Senior Creative Director Jon
Schindehette
Art
Director
Kate Irwin Cover Illustration Alexey Aparin Interior Illustrations Eric B e l i s l e , S t e v e Ellis, W a y n e E n g l a n d , J i m N e l s o n , W i l l i a m O'Connor Cartography Jason A . Engle D & D Brand Team N a t h a n S t e w a r t , Liz Schuh, Laura T o m m e r v i k , Shelly M a z z a n o b l e , C h r i s L i n d s a y , H i l a r y Ross
This season o f D & D ENCOUNTERS includes a n o p t i o n a l o n l i n e component, w h i c h allows players a n d D u n g e o n Masters to convert t h e i r games to the D & D N e x t playtest. To participate, f o l l o w these five steps.
Prepress Manager Dunlap
Imaging Technician Carmen
Cheung
Production Manager Donna
Woodcock
Organized
Play
Chris Tulach Playtesters Y a n L a c h a r i t e , A n d r e B e g i n , Eric L e r o u x , M e l a n i e C o t e , M a n o n Crevier, J o h n Petryszyn, Jeff Chin, Z a c k Sykes, T o m Kish, J i m Kliss, Peter M a r k w a r t , Teos A b a d i a , B r y a n B l u m k l o t z , I a n Ramsey, J o n a t h a n S c h m i d t , Shawna D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S , Wizards of the
W i t h this f r e e d o m , o f course, comes responsibility. Since the encounters t h r o u g h o u t most o f the season do not u n f o l d i n a strict linear order, y o u must be ready to react to players' choices a n d actions. M a n y players a n d D M s consider t h i s open-endedness to lead to a m o r e enjoyable experience. I t does, however, r e q u i r e the D M to spend m o r e t i m e i n p r e p a r a t i o n before each session. Some D M s m i g h t favor u s i n g a l i n e a r approach, since such adventures are generally easier to prepare a n d r u n . W i t h t h i s i n m i n d , the text o f each encounter includes a sidebar called "The Straightest Path." These sidebars t e l l y o u w h i c h clues to place i n f r o n t o f the players to r u n the season i n a linear m a n n e r , thus r e d u c i n g y o u r p r e p a r a t i o n t i m e b u t still enabling y o u r players to experience the f u l l scope o f the story.
Playtesting D&D® Next
Publishing Production Manager Angie Lokotz
Jefferson
exciting o f f i c i a l D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S * p r o g r a m . T h i s adventure is a m i n i - c a m p a i g n season designed to be played at y o u r local W i z a r d s Play N e t w o r k location.
Woodall
Coast, DCI,
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
ENCOUNTERS, RPCA, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the USA and other countries. All Wizards characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast LLC. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast LLC. Any similarity to actual people, organizations, places, or events included herein is purely coincidental.
1 . T a l k to the players at y o u r store a n d y o u r D & D ENCOUNTERS organizer. F i n d out h o w m a n y people are interested i n playtesting D & D N e x t d u r i n g this season, a n d h o w m a n y w a n t to continue p l a y i n g 4 t h E d i t i o n . Gauge players' interest, a n d coordinate w i t h other D M s to t r y to ensure that a l l p a r t i c i p a n t s ( i n c l u d i n g you) have the o p p o r t u n i t y to play i n t h e i r p r e f e r r e d k i n d o f game. 2. I f you a n d y o u r g r o u p w i l l be using the D & D Next materials, visit d n d n e x t . c o m a n d sign u p for the playtest. 3. D o w n l o a d the playtest packet a n d review the documents, p a y i n g p a r t i c u l a r l y close attention to the H o w to Play a n d D M Guidelines files.
Published by Wizards of the Coast LLC. Manufactured by: Hasbro SA, Rue Emile-Boechat 31, 2800 Delemont, CH. Represented by Hasbro Europe, 2 Roundwood Ave, Stocklev Park. Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1AZ, UK.
4. P r i n t out a n d read the Against the Cult of Chaos conversion notes. This file contains i n s t r u c t i o n s , guidelines, a n d statistics to t u r n Against the Cult of Chaos i n t o a D & D N e x t adventure.
PRINTED IN THE USA. ©2013 Wizards of the Coast LLC.
5. F a m i l i a r i z e yourself w i t h the adventure, a n d get
620B1059O0O1 EN
ready to r u n some D & D Next!
P R E P A R I N G FOR P L A Y The
D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S ENCOUNTERS play k i t pro-
vides a l l y o u need to D M t h i s adventure, i n c l u d i n g poster maps o f encounter areas a n d a sheet o f tokens to represent monsters, adventurers, a n d b a t t l e f i e l d effects. Follow the steps b e l o w to prepare for play. B e f o r e y o u r u n S e s s i o n 1: • Read the B a c k g r o u n d a n d S y n o p s i s to get a feel for the story. •
Read C h a p t e r 1: T h e V i l l a g e o f H o m m e l L a n e , pages 6 - 2 0 . T h e characters w i l l spend t i m e i n the village f r e q u e n t l y d u r i n g the season, a n d m a n y o f the locations i n H o m m e l Lane serve as springboards to the encounters i n the later sessions.
A t the table o f y o u r f i r s t s e s s i o n : • Be sure that each player has a character. Players c a n use one o f the characters p r o v i d e d i n the k i t or can create t h e i r o w n personas u s i n g the D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S rules.
•
Give each player a D & D ENCOUNTERS Play Tracker. T h i s sheet, f o u n d i n the play k i t , allows the players to t r a c k treasure a n d other i n f o r m a t i o n .
•
Get a session t r a c k i n g sheet f r o m the organizer. Record a l l the players' D C I ™ / R P G A n u m b e r s o n i t , along w i t h y o u r D C I / R P G A n u m b e r . I f you or any o f the players don't have a D C I / R P G A n u m b e r , ask the organizer for a m e m b e r s h i p c a r d . S
D u r i n g the s e a s o n : • Typical p l a y i n g t i m e for one session is 9 0 m i n u t e s to 2 hours. Because o f the open-ended n a t u r e o f t h i s season, sessions need not be played i n the p r i n t e d order, a l t h o u g h they m i g h t be. "Temple o f Chaos" w i l l be the last session played, regardless o f the order i n w h i c h the other parts o f the story played out. •
M a k e decisions a n d adjudications that enhance the f u n o f the game. As the D M , m a k e adjustments to the adventure to m a x i m i z e the f u n for the players and yourself.
A t the e n d o f y o u r first s e s s i o n : • M a k e sure to r e m i n d the players to t r a c k any abilities t h a t do not refresh after a short rest. They m u s t use resources to heal b e t w e e n sessions. They c a n do so o n t h e i r D & D Encounters Play Tracker or t h e i r character sheet. • T u r n i n y o u r session t r a c k i n g sheet to the organizer. M a k e sure you've recorded a l l the D C I / R P G A n u m bers on i t , along w i t h names a n d the date o f the event.
•
Give out treasure and experience p o i n t s . M a k e sure the players w r i t e d o w n rewards o n t h e i r D & D ENCOUNTERS Play Trackers or t h e i r character sheets.
A CHANGING CAMPAIGN Since y o u c a n never t e l l who's going to show u p to a D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S E N C O U N T E R S session, y o u
might
have d i f f e r e n t players f r o m week to week. Some players m i g h t have missed a session or t w o , a n d others m i g h t have played sessions w i t h a d i f f e r e n t D M . That's f i n e . M a j o r i t y R u l e s : I f some element o f the adventure plot hinges o n the adventurers m a k i n g a decision i n a previous session, a n d the players present are d i f f e r e n t d u r i n g the c u r r e n t session, f i n d out f r o m a l l the players w h a t decisions they made. G o w i t h the majority, a n d i f it's a n even split, side w i t h the most positive result. For example, i f t h r e e o f five players' characters at y o u r table w o n the respect o f the ore s h a m a n i n a previous session and t w o d i d n ' t , the characters are considered to have w o n his respect for the session t h i s week. N o n - L i n e a r P l a y : Since t h i s season's encounters m i g h t be r u n i n d i f f e r i n g orders, m o v e m e n t o f players b e t w e e n d i f f e r e n t D M s c o u l d cause a p r o b l e m : one set o f players m i g h t be ready to explore a n area w h e r e another set o f players already explored. W i t h t h a t i n m i n d , w e have i n c l u d e d suggestions for o p t i o n a l encounters that the D M c a n create. This tactic allows the players to interact w i t h a d i f f e r e n t encounter w i t h out b e i n g forced to replay one.
TREASURE As the characters progress, they have the o p p o r t u n i t y to gain treasure i n the f o r m o f gold pieces, valuables, a n d magic items. The magic items i n this adventure come f r o m Heroes of the Fallen Lands'", Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms™, a n d Mordenkainen's Magnificent Emporium™. A w a r d i n g M a g i c I t e m s : W h e n the characters f i n d a non-consumable magic i t e m , the players can decide w h i c h character receives i t . Usually, these decisions are easy, since c e r t a i n items are better suited for c e r t a i n characters. I f t h i s is not the case, assign the n e w i t e m to a character w h o has no non-consumable magic items. I f t w o or m o r e characters lack non-consumable magic items, have each o f those players r o l l a d 2 0 . The character b e l o n g i n g to the h i g h r o l l e r receives the n e w i t e m . S e l l i n g I t e m s : Since the entire season takes place i n a n d a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane, a n d none o f the major players i n the village have the f u n d s available, the characters cannot sell magic items f o u n d d u r i n g the sessions.
BACKGROUND M i s k a the Wolf-Spider is a force o f incomparable evil a n d chaos. D u r i n g a long-forgotten w a r b e t w e e n l a w a n d chaos, the t e r r i b l e creature was locked away i n a n extraplanar p r i s o n after slaying m a n y p o w e r f u l c h a m pions o f law. For m i l l e n n i a , the creature t h r e w h i m s e l f at the walls o f his p r i s o n , u n t i l the tiniest o f cracks f i n a l l y f o r m e d . L i k e chaos itself, M i s k a is n o t patient, a n d he is relentless. M e a n w h i l e , o n t h i s plane o f existence m o r e t h a n t w o centuries ago, a g r o u p o f pioneers f o u n d e d the v i l lage o f H o m m e l Lane ( w h i c h the locals p r o n o u n c e as i f the t w o words were one). Settlers f o u n d i n c r e d i b l y r i c h a n d fertile soil i n the area, b o u n t i f u l forests to p r o v i d e l u m b e r , a n d i r o n ore i n the nearby m o u n t a i n s . The area was u n c i v i l i z e d , however, a n d the settlers faced m a n y threats. A village was created to act as a m e e t i n g place a n d sentinel, a n d i t became a v i t a l a n d v i b r a n t h u b for traders, m i n e r s , farmers, a n d artisans alike. The leader o f the pioneers, H a f f r o n H o m m e l , l e d the c o n s t r u c t i o n o f the village a n d a f o r t i f i e d keep. T h e villagers a n d s u r r o u n d i n g farmers r e l i e d o n Haffron's s k i l l , bravery, a n d w i s d o m for t e n years w h i l e the v i l lage grew. T h e n , one day w h i l e he was out p a t r o l l i n g the countryside, H a f f r o n disappeared near the Caves o f Chaos. N o one k n e w w h a t h a p p e n e d to h i m , b u t strange occurrences plagued the village for weeks after his disappearance: People became p a r a n o i d a n d distant, monster attacks increased, a n d villagers disappeared. U n b e k n o w n s t to the villagers, the crack i n Miska's prison grew wider. One day i n late a u t u m n o f the same year, a trade caravan a r r i v e d to f i n d H o m m e l Lane empty. Even the farms t h a t served the village were deserted, w i t h crops r o t t i n g i n the fields a n d the livestock u n t e n d e d . O t h e r t h a n a few places t h a t showed signs o f s m a l l scuffles, investigators f o u n d n o sign o f war. Brave (some m i g h t say foolish) citizens o f s u r r o u n d ing lands a r r i v e d to slowly repopulate the village a n d reacquire the r i c h f a r m l a n d . The p o p u l a t i o n o f H o m m e l Lane rose again, a n d the village t h r i v e d for a century. A s the centennial o f the disappearance o f the o r i g i n a l villagers approached, t r o u b l e slowly resurfaced. Villagers began acting strangely, b a n d i t activity increased, a n d h u m a n o i d s f r o m the m o u n t a i n s to the east r a i d e d o u t l y i n g farms w i t h i m p u n i t y . O n the day t h a t m a r k e d exactly one h u n d r e d years since the village was f o u n d empty, H o m m e l Lane was attacked. Fortunately for the village, a large n u m b e r o f adventurers a n d soldiers h a d a r r i v e d shortly beforeh a n d . The hostile forces—evil h u m a n s , monstrous h u m a n o i d s , r e p t i l i a n creatures, a n d even some o f the villagers w h o seemed to go m a d - w e r e defeated i n a b l o o d y battle. The adventurers p u r s u e d the retreating forces: T h e evil h u m a n s were chased back to t h e i r forest moat house to the n o r t h , the monstrous h u m a n o i d s
f l e d east to t h e i r m o u n t a i n lairs, a n d the reptiles slithered a n d s c u r r i e d back i n t o the Fathomless Fens to the south. O n l y the vile h u m a n s , a t t e m p t i n g to h i d e i n t h e i r f o r t i f i e d m o a t house, were f u l l y defeated. Investigation o f t h e i r h i d e o u t showed that these bandits a n d cutthroats served a master dedicated to a n o t h e r w o r l d l y force o f evil a n d chaos. The m o a t house was heavily damaged a n d left to rot i n the wilderness. M i s k a h a d given e v e r y t h i n g he c o u l d o f his essence for the t i m e being, a n d he w e n t i n t o h i b e r n a t i o n for another h u n dred-year cycle. As Against the Cult of Chaos begins, t w o h u n d r e d years have passed since the o r i g i n a l disappearances, a n d the centennial o f the failed attack on H o m m e l Lane approaches. The village's past has b e e n largely lost to history, a n d the f e w w h o r e m e m b e r the attack s i m p l y assume that the t h r e a t is long v a n q u i s h e d ; however, some b a n d i t activity has been n o t i c e d recently, farms i n the v i c i n i t y are r e p o r t i n g g o b l i n sightings, a n d a few o f the villagers are b e h a v i n g i n a p e c u l i a r m a n n e r . Those that are bolstered by Miska's p o w e r are p r e p a r i n g to attack again, a n d t h i s t i m e they hope to establish a perm a n e n t connection to the Wolf-Spider's p r i s o n plane.
Haffron Hommel's Tale I n ages past, long before c i v i l i z a t i o n came to t h i s p a r t o f the w o r l d , the h u m a n o i d s t h a t sought shelter i n the Caves o f Chaos feared the darkness. Sensing that the darkness shielded a great a n d t e r r i b l e power, these simple creatures pleaded for the darkness to spare t h e m , a n d also i m p l o r e d i t to p r o v i d e t h e m w i t h the p o w e r to destroy a n y t h i n g t h a t threatened t h e m . M i s k a the Wolf-Spider, a chaotic creature o f u l t i m a t e evil, h e a r d t h e m . M i s k a , however, h a d been i m p r i s o n e d eons before on another plane. The prayers o f the terr i f i e d h u m a n o i d s created a s m a l l bridge b e t w e e n this w o r l d a n d Miska's p r i s o n r e a l m . M i s k a sent bits o f his essence t h r o u g h the crack, a n d some h u m a n o i d s were able to use i t to f u e l s u p e r n a t u r a l abilities a n d to craft three items o f p o w e r : the Chaos Blade, the Death Circlet, a n d the Scroll of Final Words. Over the centuries, h u m a n o i d s o f a l l types took t h e i r t u r n s w i e l d i n g the p o w e r M i s k a offered, a n d the crack i n Miska's p r i s o n g r e w w i d e r a n d w i d e r . A t the same t i m e , however, Miska's p r i s o n d r a i n s his power, f o r c i n g h i m to rest for a c e n t u r y between intervals o f e x p e l l i n g his essence t h r o u g h the crack. The items o f p o w e r provide M i s k a w i t h a l i n k to the w o r l d , even at times w h e n he is n o t active. It was t w o h u n d r e d years ago w h e n H a f f r o n H o m m e l , p a t r o l l i n g the area a r o u n d the village that h a d been n a m e d i n his honor, s t u m b l e d u p o n the Caves o f Chaos at one o f the times w h e n Miska's p o w e r was at its strongest. H e entered the Temple o f Chaos a n d beheld the Chaos M o t e , the t e r m i n u s o f Miska's power.
H e recognized w h a t i t was a n d u n d e r s t o o d that he needed to sacrifice his life to keep the mote i n check. Haffron's b o d y was i m p r i s o n e d i n the Chaos M o t e , b u t his soul escaped back i n t o the w o r l d . Haffron's soul r e m a i n s t i e d to the caves, conscious o f the g r o w i n g t h r e a t a n d f r a n t i c a l l y searching for a w a y to stop i t . Haffron's p o s i t i o n gives h i m u n i q u e knowledge. H e k n o w s the items o f power M i s k a has h a d created over the years. H o m m e l also k n o w s that those o f stout heart can use those items to seal M i s k a away, perhaps for good.
SYNOPSIS I n Against the Cult of Chaos, the adventurers m u s t deal w i t h a t h r e e f o l d threat: a spirit naga w h o is establishing a c u l t o f followers t h r o u g h her ability to c h a r m v i c t i m s ; a priest u s i n g the p o w e r s u p p l i e d by M i s k a to lead bandits against the village; a n d f i n a l l y , a d a r k priestess w h o l u r k s w i t h i n h u m a n o i d - i n f e s t e d caves, a t t e m p t i n g to create a p e r m a n e n t c o n n e c t i o n to Miska's p r i s o n plane. Each o f these threats is separate; however, the adventurers m u s t deal w i t h each o f t h e m at the same t i m e as t h e i r investigations reveal the webs o f deceit a n d danger. The adventure begins as the characters accompany Sir H a d a r a i M o o n b r o o k t o w a r d the village o f H o m m e l Lane. Sir M o o n b r o o k , an e l f p a l a d i n w h o reveres the Lawbringer, received a missive f r o m the Canoness Yeeday, leader o f the Lawbringer's temple i n H o m m e l Lane. The missive w a r n e d t h a t s o m e t h i n g f o u l was afoot. The p a l a d i n gathered adventurers as q u i c k l y as he c o u l d to r i d e f o r t h a n d battle the evil, whatever its form. W h i l e the characters are o n the r o a d to H o m m e l Lane, a t e r r i b l e force possesses L o r d M o o n b r o o k , forci n g h i m a n d his retainers to attack the adventurers. A l t h o u g h the adventurers defeat the p a l a d i n , the e v i l essence r e m a i n s w i t h i n h i m , t r a p p e d by the paladin's resolve to keep the e v i l c o n t a i n e d so that i t cannot spread. I n the village, m a n y residents have been c h a r m e d by a spirit naga c a l l e d the Reptile G o d , a n d t h e y n o w serve her as m e m b e r s o f the C u l t o f the Reptile G o d . They capture other villagers a n d take t h e m to the creature, h o p i n g to t u r n the village i n t o a mindless c u l t . M u c h o f the k i d n a p p i n g is done at the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , a n d the prisoners are r o u t e d t h r o u g h the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r b y a t e l e p o r t a t i o n device, l e a d i n g f i n a l l y to the naga's lair deep i n the Fathomless Fens. D e v i , the a c t i n g head priest o f the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r , is a w i l l i n g a n d active p a r t i c i p a n t i n this c u l t . I n the m e a n t i m e , a cleric called L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l , w h o channels the p o w e r o f M i s k a , has created a shrine i n the d u n g e o n beneath a n o l d moat house. The u p p e r levels o f the moat house c o n t a i n the b a n d i t a r m y he
is slowly amassing to attack the village, a n d the lower dungeons h o l d his shrine a n d his most valued cultists. Finally, the m a i n t h r e a t resides i n a Temple o f Chaos housed deep i n the Caves o f Chaos. H i g h Priest I n u g g h , the m a i n b e n e f i c i a r y o f Miska's power, guards the Chaos M o t e . T h i s area o f p o w e r is the t e r m i n u s o f the bridge between Miska's p r i s o n plane a n d t h i s w o r l d . I n u g g h directs a l l the pawns, i n c l u d i n g L a r e t h a n d the Reptile G o d , to start to spread Miska's i n f l u e n c e i n t o the larger w o r l d , h o p i n g to give M i s k a the chance to break free i n t o this w o r l d before he is forced i n t o another h u n d r e d - y e a r h i b e r n a t i o n .
W H A T IS T H I S ADVENTURE? Against the Cult of Chaos is a strange mash-up of three classic D&D adventures: The Keep on the Borderlands, Village of Hommlet, and Against the Cult of the Reptile God. It also includes some story elements from another adventure, Rod of Seven Parts, specifically the story of Miska the Wolf-Spider. This adventure combines the villages of Hommlet and Orlane into the single village of Hommel Lane, and turns the tower of Rufus and Burne into a version of the Keep on the Borderlands. It drops all of this into a nebulous setting defined in part by the conflict between the Queen of Chaos and the Lawbringer, two generic deities with no place in any known D&D world. It turns Lareth the Beautiful and the Reptile God into minions of the Cult of Chaos, and turns the relationship between the faith of the Lawbringer and the Old (druidic) Faith in the village into a more significant conflict. Like Keep on the Borderlands, the adventure's location is defined only as being at the far edge of civilization, two weeks' journey from an unnamed barony to the west, which an unnamed baroness rules. If you and your players are familiar with the old adventures, we hope you enjoy this homage to their stories, locations, and villains. If not, we hope this piques your curiosity about the early days of D&D. In either case, take the adventure for what it i s - a chance to explore a web of intrigue and evil in a generic D&D setting. Tactical Placement: This adventure provides a sample tactical setup for each encounter, including the location of the monsters. Tactical maps for each encounter present only one way to set up the encounter. If it doesn't make sense to place monsters in the places indicated on the map, you can change the placement. The narrative of how your adventure is playing out should mandate character and creature placement.
SESSION 0: CHARACTER CREATION The i n i t i a l session o f t h i s D & D Encounters season is i n t e n d e d to a l l o w players to create characters. For t h i s D & D Encounters season, players c a n create characters u s i n g any o f f i c i a l 4 t h E d i t i o n materials, i n c l u d i n g options presented i n Dragon® magazine. A player w h o misses this session can create a character elsewhere or use one o f the pre-generated adventurers p r o v i d e d i n the play k i t . Each player is responsible for b r i n g i n g his or her character to each play session.
Race Options A player can create a character o f any race available i n 4 t h E d i t i o n . First-time players s h o u l d consider choosi n g f r o m the races presented i n Heroes of the Fallen Lands a n d Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms ( d r a g o n b o r n , drow, d w a r f , e l a d r i n , elf, half-elf, h a l f l i n g , half-ore, h u m a n , and tiefling).
Class Options Players c a n choose to play any classes available i n 4 t h E d i t i o n . First-time players s h o u l d consider choosing f r o m the classes presented i n Heroes of the Fallen Lands a n d Heroes of the Forgotten Kingdoms (cleric, d r u i d , fighter, p a l a d i n , ranger, rogue, w a r l o c k , a n d w i z a r d ) .
Character Backgrounds W o v e n i n t o the plot o f Against the Cult of Chaos is an ongoing tension b e t w e e n t w o religions: t h e L a w b r i n g e r a n d t h e O l d F a i t h . The L a w b r i n g e r represents justice, law, battle, c o m m e r c e , s t r e n g t h , c i v i l i z a t i o n , a n d order. The O l d F a i t h represents n a t u r e , balance, magic, the p r i m a l energies, luck, fate, a n d the wildness o f life. D u r i n g character creation, t h e player s h o u l d m a k e the choice o f w h i c h r e l i g i o n his or her character is aligned w i t h . (Most p r i m a l characters belong to the O l d Faith.) A player c a n decide t h a t his or her character follows neither, b u t d o i n g so m i g h t detract f r o m t h e f u n o f i n t e r a c t i n g w i t h t h e N P C s i n t h e season.
Advancement Rather t h a n receiving experience points, a character gains a level after p l a y i n g i n t h r e e sessions. So, i f a player attends each session, at the e n d o f the t h i r d session, his or her character advances to second level, a n d at the end o f the s i x t h session, t h e character advances to t h i r d level. A player c a n s t i l l level u p after t h r e e session o f play, even i f the sessions are nonconsecutive. Players record t h e i r character levels o n t h e i r D & D Encounters Play Trackers. A player w h o participates i n every session s h o u l d end w i t h a 3rd-level character.
Changing Characters Players c a n s w i t c h characters d u r i n g a D & D Encounters season. I f a player wants to do so, he or she c a n b r i n g a n e w character o f the same level as that o f the previous character. The n e w character c a n keep neither treasure n o r e q u i p m e n t f r o m the previous character.
Character Death I f a character dies d u r i n g a session, the player has t w o choices. H e or she can b r i n g t h e same character back at the start o f the next session, or start a n e w character o f the same level.
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HOMMEL LANE H o m m e l Lane stands at t h e edge of the c i v i l i z e d w o r l d , w h e r e danger is ever present. I n response to strange happenings i n the area, Canoness Yeeday, w h o leads the Temple of the L a w b r i n g e r i n the village, has recently sent pleas for assistance across the l a n d . Sir H a d a r a i M o o n b r o o k , a n e l f p a l a d i n of the Lawbringer, is one of those a n s w e r i n g her call. Characters w h o revere t h e L a w b r i n g e r have b e e n asked to j o i n his mission to the borderlands.
To
HOMMEL LANE
I n t h e first session of this D U N G E O N S & D R A G O N S Encounters season, the adventurers j o u r n e y to H o m m e l Lane to f i n d a village plagued b y strange happenings and beset b y n o t one b u t t h r e e deadly threats. I n her message to Sir H a d a r a i M o o n b r o o k , Canoness Yeeday p r o v i d e d no details of the t r o u b l e p l a g u i n g H o m m e l Lane. D r u i d s of the O l d F a i t h have d i v i n e d a terrible i m b a l a n c e b e t w e e n t h e forces of good a n d e v i l , law a n d chaos, i n the area a r o u n d the village. Characters w h o serve t h e O l d F a i t h have thus b e e n asked to j o i n forces w i t h the t e a m l e d b y Sir M o o n b r o o k . A d r u i d n a m e d R a m n e A s h s t a f f tends t h e f l o c k o f O l d F a i t h followers a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane. Characters w h o f o l l o w n e i t h e r the L a w b r i n g e r n o r the O l d F a i t h c a n use one or m o r e of the f o l l o w i n g hooks to j o i n t h e e x p e d i t i o n to H o m m e l Lane. • M e r c h a n t s w h o have b e e n w a i t i n g for shipments o f goods f r o m H o m m e l Lane c o m p l a i n t h a t deliveries are r e g u l a r l y subject t o b a n d i t attacks. By j o i n i n g Sir M o o n b r o o k ' s e x p e d i t i o n , the adventurers c a n investigate. •
•
Two f o r m e r adventurers, L o r d B u r n e a n d L o r d Rufus, oversee the p r o t e c t i o n of the area a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane. T h e lords are always c a l l i n g for adventurers to p a t r o l t h e s u r r o u n d i n g wilderness and strike at t h e monsters l a i r i n g there. Relatives o f a n adventurer live i n or near H o m m e l Lane, b u t they have n o t b e e n h e a r d f r o m i n several weeks.
Read: Sir Hadarai Moonbrook's armor gleams in the light. This fact is not surprising, since his three spent most of their evenings the last two weeks polishing it. The long journey with the paladin midday, with your arrival at Hommel Lane.
morning sunsquires have repeatedly should end at
Since the moment you agreed to join the paladin of the Lawbringer on this journey, Sir Moonbrook has continually and loudly described the importance of your mission. Although his warnings of "unspeakable evil" and "the terrible blight of chaos unchecked" seem ominous, he has provided no exact description of this imminent threat to Hommel Lane. I n addition to your fellow adventurers and Sir Moonbrook's three human squires-Vivial, Robbek, and]haak-your traveling party is accompanied by a cart laden with farm implements and masonry tools. The cart's driver, a halfling named Wyndell, is a teamster based out of Hommel Lane, and he has spent much of the two-week journey acting twitchy. Wyndell has seen his wagon runs plagued by bandit attacks over the past six weeks. In fact, the halfling has let it quietly be known that any adventurers who can send the bandits packing will earn his gratitude and a reward. The final member of your entourage is ayoung male halfelf named Car jo Merridie, whose "gran-gran" Vilma has lived in Hommel Lane for over a century. Car jo flirts constantly with Sir Moonbrook's squire Vivial, ayoung human female who tolerates his incessant chatter with the stoic perseverance that only a paladin in training can muster. A l l o w the adventurers to i n t r o d u c e themselves a n d interact w i t h t h e other m e m b e r s of the t r a v e l i n g party. W h e n you're r e a d y to c o n t i n u e , r e a d : Taking a short break on the last leg of your journey, Sir Moonbrook stops the party before an ancient stone bridge, where a shallow creek spreads to a broad, clear pool. At the water's edge, the paladin removes his helmet, steps into the shallows, and bends down to refill his waterskin. Suddenly, a dark vapor erupts from the water to completely envelop Sir Moonbrook. The armored knight rises stiffly, his eyes shining with dark malevolence. He points at his squires, who shudder as if caught in the throes of pain or madness. A raspy, sneering voice, echoing with an otherworldly tenor, comes from the paladin even though his lips do not move. "You are too late," the voice intones. "This land and your lives belong to me now." C o n t i n u e w i t h "Possessed A t t a c k " o n the next page.
POSSESSED ATTACK Encounter Level 1
Setup
Tactics
Sir M o o n b r o o k (elf noble g u a r d ) (E) 3 squires ( c o m m o n bandits) (B) Wyndell (W) Carjo (C) A physical m a n i f e s t a t i o n of Miska's e v i l a n d chaos possesses Sir M o o n b r o o k a n d his squires. They attack the adventurers w i t h o u t w a r n i n g . A r c a n a or R e l i g i o n D C 8 : A powerful malevolent force possesses Sir Moonbrook, and has seemingly spread to his squires as well.
Noncombatants W y n d e l l a n d Carjo have no combat ability. D u r i n g each o f t h e i r t u r n s (taken at t h e e n d o f each r o u n d ) , they a t t e m p t to flee. I f one or b o t h are forced i n t o combat, each has 10 for a l l defenses a n d a speed o f 6. Either character is b l o o d i e d after b e i n g h i t once, is Level 3 Soldier
Elf Noble Guard (E) M e d i u m fey humanoid
Initiative +6
HP 4 6 ; B l o o d i e d 23
Perception +3
A C 1 9 , F o r t i t u d e 1 5 , R e f l e x 17, W i l l 13
Low-light vision
Speed 7 W i l d Step
The elf ignores difficult terrain w h e n e v e r it shifts. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
L o n g s w o r d (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C Hit: 1 d 8 + 7 damage. Effect: T h e e l f m a r k s t h e t a r g e t u n t i l t h e e n d o f t h e elf's n e x t t u r n .
©
unconscious i f h i t a second t i m e , a n d dies i f h i t a t h i r d t i m e . Each character has one h e a l i n g surge; i f a l l o w e d to spend i t , the character can w i t h s t a n d one a d d i t i o n a l h i t before b e c o m i n g b l o o d i e d , unconscious, or d y i n g .
H o b b l i n g S t r i k e (weapon) • Recharge [X] [ I j j A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C H i t : 2 d 8 + 7 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is i m m o b i l i z e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f t h e elf's n e x t t u r n .
I f W y n d e l l or Carjo is closer to t h e enemies t h a n the adventurers are i n any given r o u n d , those enemies target the t w o noncombatants. Since C a r j o begins the f i g h t near one of the possessed squires, he is targeted i f the adventurers fail to intervene. Sir M o o n b r o o k r e m a i n s i n t h e p o o l i f possible, w h e r e he c a n shift i n its d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n . I f Sir M o o n b r o o k drops to 0 h i t points, he falls unconscious, a n d the force possessing h i m keeps his b o d y alive. A d d i t i o n a l damage done to the p a l a d i n has no effect a n d cannot d r i v e out the malevolent force, but the adventurers c a n b i n d h i m before he regains consciousness.
Features of the Area L i g h t : By t i m e o f day. P o o l : The area o f the shallow p o o l is d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n .
The Spirit of M i s k a A t the e n d o f the battle, the squires r e t u r n to n o r m a l a n d c a n say honestly t h a t t h e y have no k n o w l e d g e o f a n y t h i n g t h a t h a p p e n e d w h i l e t h e y were possessed. A l l they r e m e m b e r is h e a r i n g a d a r k voice i n t h e i r heads w h i s p e r i n g the w o r d " H a f f r o n . " T h i s is t h e first n a m e o f the leader o f the o r i g i n a l settlers o f H o m m e l Lane, as 3 Common Bandits (B) HP 37; B l o o d i e d 18
P e r c e p t i o n +1
Speed 6 Combat Advantage T h e b a n d i t deals 1 d 6 e x t r a d a m a g e a g a i n s t a n y c r e a t u r e g r a n t i n g combat advantage t o it. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Elven A c c u r a c y • E n c o u n t e r Effect (Free Action): T h e e l f r e r o l l s t h e t r i g g e r i n g a t t a c k r o l l a n d uses t h e s e c o n d r e s u l t .
Hit: 1 d 8 + 5 damage, a n d t h e bandit can shift 1 square. ©
Dagger (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C
4 Engaging Strike (weapon) • A t - W i l l Trigger: A n e n e m y t h a t is m a r k e d b y t h e e l f a n d is a d j a c e n t t o i t s h i f t s o r m a k e s a n a t t a c k t h a t d o e s n ' t i n c l u d e i t as a t a r g e t . A t t a c k ( I m m e d i a t e I n t e r r u p t ) : M e l e e 1 ( t r i g g e r i n g e n e m y ) ; + 8 vs. AC H i t : 1 d 8 + 7 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is i m m o b i l i z e d u n t i l t h e e n d of its t u r n .
Hit: 1 d 4 + 5 damage, a n d t h e bandit can shift 1 square. •f D a z i n g S t r i k e ( w e a p o n ) • R e c h a r g e w h e n t h e a t t a c k misses Attack: M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C H i t : 1 d 8 + 5 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is d a z e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f t h e bandit's next t u r n . Effect: T h e b a n d i t c a n s h i f t 1 s q u a r e . S k i l l s S t e a l t h + 9 , S t r e e t w i s e +7, T h i e v e r y + 9
Skills Athletics +6, Acrobatics + 9 Str11(+1)
Dex16(+4)
W i s 14 (+3)
C o n 1 4 (+3)
Int11(+1)
Cha10(+1)
L a n g u a g e s C o m m o n , Elven
Equipment chainmail, longsword
Mace (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: M e l e e 1 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C
Trigger: T h e e l f m a k e s a n a t t a c k r o l l .
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Initiative +6
AC 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 12, Reflex 14, W i l l 12
Miss: H a l f d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f t h e elf's n e x t t u r n .
Level 2 Skirmisher
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human
S t r 12 (+2)
D e x 17 ( + 4 )
C o n 1 3 (+2)
I n t 1 0 (+1)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
W i s 11 (+1) C h a 12 (+2) Common
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, mace, 4 daggers
the adventurers c a n l e a r n w i t h a successful D C 19 H i s t o r y check or w h e n they arrive at the village a n d v i e w the statue o f H a f f r o n (see area 7, page 14). W h e n Sir M o o n b r o o k regains consciousness, the force possessing h i m interacts w i t h the adventurers i f they question the p a l a d i n . Use the points b e l o w to guide the conversation. •
W h o are y o u ? I am the substance of nightmares. W h e n you weak mortals stare into the darkness and beg for your lives, I am what answers.
• W h a t do y o u w a n t ? You will all bow down before me and do my bidding, paving my way to conquer this pathetic realm. • Y o u don't s e e m that p o w e r f u l . You see only the tiniest sliver of my magnificence. My armies grow, and my power expands to one day crash over this world like a tide. The force possessing the p a l a d i n answers other questions or c o m m e n t s b y r a n t i n g about h o w it w i l l c r u s h its enemies a n d plunge the w o r l d i n t o a t h o u s a n d years o f darkness, death, a n d fear. Sir M o o n b r o o k occasionally reestablishes control d u r i n g t h e i n t e r r o g a t i o n for a few seconds, d u r i n g w h i c h t i m e he relays the f o l l o w i n g . "The force within me is strong, and it grows stronger by the second. I contain itfor now, but I don't know how long I can keep it trapped. Get me to Hommel Lane, to the
temple..."
Conclusion
A POSSESSED A D V E N T U R E R
The adventurers c a n continue o n to H o m m e l Lane w i t h o u t i n c i d e n t as they deal w i t h the a f t e r m a t h o f the battle. I f Sir M o o n b r o o k ' s squires survive t h e combat, they are so b a d l y shaken by t h e experience t h a t they stay i n H o m m e l Lane for o n l y a day. T h e y t h e n depart to take w o r d o f the paladin's fate back to t h e i r t e m p l e . T h e P a l a d i n ' s W o r d s : Sir M o o n b r o o k ' s statement is i n t e n d e d to inspire t h e characters to go to the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r (area 13) i n H o m m e l Lane. N o matter w h a t m e t h o d s the adventurers use to keep the p a l a d i n subdued after t h i s encounter, the essence o f M i s k a t h a t possesses h i m continues to m o c k a n d t a u n t t h e m . I t can also d r o p h i n t s or clues t h a t the characters can use. For instance, i f the adventurers are unable to discover the password to the m o a t house d u n g e o n , t h e spirit inside Sir M o o n b r o o k c a n reveal i t i n t h e hope t h a t L a r e t h w i l l t h e n slay the adventurers.
Rather than having Sir Moonbrook hold the evil essence of Miska alone, you might give one of the adventurers the opportunity to hold a portion of that essence. An experienced player who likes roleplaying challenges might find this enjoyable. In this case, the essence of Miska occasionally takes over the character, causing the adventurer to lash out verbally or physically. The possessed character has an ongoing chance of being taken over by Miska and attacking the nearest creature. When the player of the possessed adventurer rolls a natural 1 on any d 2 0 roll, the adventurer must make a basic attack against his or her nearest ally as a free action. One benefit of this possession is that the possessed adventurer can gain insight into Miska's plans and knowledge, giving you a way to guide the flow of the campaign season. Miska can reveal important secrets that give the adventurers clear goals or provide clues regarding where to go next.
C i t i z e n s of H o m m e l L a n e : I f W y n d e l l a n d Carjo survive, they g r a t e f u l l y invite t h e characters to stay w i t h t h e m i n H o m m e l Lane. W y n d e l l a n d his f a m i l y live i n a house adjacent to the teamster's b a r n (area 10). C a r j o is a guest o f his g r a n d m o t h e r V i l m a i n her cottage (area 17). I f either character dies, the adventurers l e a r n w h e r e to go to i n f o r m the relatives w h e n t h e y arrive i n H o m m e l Lane.
for players w h o are enjoying the mystery at the heart
HOMMEL LANE H o m m e l Lane was n a m e d for H a f f r o n H o m m e l , a famous m i l i t a r y c a p t a i n a n d adventurer w h o h a d a n illustrious career f i g h t i n g bandits a n d the forces o f evil and chaos i n the borderlands. H e h e l p e d f o u n d the v i l lage m o r e t h a n t w o centuries ago. H i s career came to a n a b r u p t e n d w h e n he vanished w h i l e p a t r o l l i n g the area b e t w e e n H o m m e l Lane a n d the dangerous Caves o f Chaos to the east. A s the season progresses, the adventurers l e a r n m o r e r e g a r d i n g the mysterious disappearance a n d fate o f Haffron Hommel. A s the a d v e n t u r e r s a p p r o a c h H o m m e l L a n e , r e a d : The dusty, rutted road is lined with close-grown hedges of brambles and shrubs. Here and there, it cuts through a copse of trees or crosses a narrow stream. To either hand, forest and meadow have given way to field and orchard. A small herd of cows grazes nearby, and a distant hill is dotted with white sheep. Barns and buildings stand to either side of the road, showing thatched roofs and stone chimneys with thin plumes of blue smoke rising from them. You have reached the outskirts of Hommel Lane. As you draw closer, however, you see that many of the fields are still/illed with crops, though it is well past harvest time. A number of farmhouses look suspiciously empty, their flower beds overgrown with weeds. The few farmers and laborers you see appear close to exhaustion, working feverishly to make sure that no crops go to waste. A n y attempts by the adventurers to t a l k to the f a r m hands w o r k i n g o n the outskirts o f the village are m e t w i t h c u r t dismissals. S o m e t h i n g is clearly w r o n g i n H o m m e l Lane, b u t the characters need to enter the v i l lage to investigate.
Using the Village H o m m e l Lane is a n i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f Against the Cult of
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The village provides sites for t w o o f the season's sessions. T h e Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r a n d the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n h o l d enemies t h a t the adventurers m u s t deal w i t h .
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Changes that take place i n the village f r o m one session to the next c a n p r o v i d e a sense o f the threats r i s i n g against these lands—and o f the d a r k fate facing the people o f H o m m e l Lane i f the adventurers f a i l to act.
Path of Adventure W h e n the characters arrive i n H o m m e l Lane, the p a t h that t h e i r adventure takes is u p to y o u . The adventurers can take o n one o f t h r e e foes to start w i t h — t h e bandits and the Chaos C u l t i n the moat house, the Reptile C u l t i n the village, or the monstrous h u m a n o i d s i n the Caves o f Chaos. The sessions o f t h i s season are d i v i d e d i n t o t h r e e chapters. By choosing the order i n w h i c h y o u r u n those chapters, y o u ' l l t u r n t h i s D & D Encounters season i n t o a unique mini-campaign.
The Chaos Cult L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l is a priest dedicated to chaos and e v i l . A s he grows m o r e p o w e r f u l , he has b e g u n to r e c r u i t bandits w h o serve his C u l t o f Chaos, whose headquarters is i n a n abandoned m o a t house close to H o m m e l Lane. The bandits r a i d m e r c h a n t caravans, g a i n i n g w e a l t h as they g r o w i n n u m b e r to become a s m a l l a r m y . The bandits are less loyal t h a n L a r e t h believes, however. T h e y hope to c o r r u p t a n d t h e n r u l e the area, t u r n i n g the village o f H o m m e l Lane i n t o the capital o f a b a n d i t - l e d t e r r i t o r y . The "Chaos C u l t " section o f t h i s season consists o f the "Explore the M o a t H o u s e " a n d " M o a t House D u n geon" sessions.
Chaos, a n d the village is used i n a n u m b e r o f d i f f e r e n t ways. •
The i n f o r m a t i o n the adventurers uncover i n the v i l lage i n the i n i t i a l session determines w h i c h o f the forces t h r e a t e n i n g H o m m e l Lane they w i l l investigate f i r s t - a n d w h a t p a t h the adventure takes as a result.
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H o m m e l Lane acts as a h o m e base for the p a r t y d u r i n g t h i s season. The adventurers rest u p here, a n d they c a n f i n d m a n y allies a n d foes i n the village.
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Each location i n the village contains clues, c o m p l i cations, or other secret i n f o r m a t i o n that moves the events o f the season f o r w a r d . Revealing these clues and secrets q u i c k l y c a n help players w h o are h a v i n g t r o u b l e f i n d i n g t h e i r w a y t h r o u g h the adventure. Revealing t h e m m o r e slowly c a n increase the tension
The Cult of the Reptile G o d The spirit naga called the Reptile G o d lives i n a l a i r beneath the Fathomless Fens, w h e r e she channels the d a r k p o w e r o f M i s k a t h r o u g h the Death Circlet she wears. She uses her c h a r m a b i l i t y to t u r n v i c t i m s i n t o t h r a l l s t h a t w o r s h i p her a n d do her b i d d i n g . Those vict i m s become members o f the C u l t o f the Reptile G o d , and are sent back to t h e i r homes i n the village w i t h i n s t r u c t i o n s to b r i n g m o r e v i c t i m s before the spirit naga. W h e n the t i m e is r i g h t , the Reptile G o d plans to have the cultists take over the village. The c u l t also employs the a i d o f several b u l l y w u g s — s w a m p - d w e l l i n g creatures o f chaos t h a t have been b r o u g h t u n d e r the naga's sway.
The " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " section o f t h i s season consists o f the " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , " "Temple o f the Lawbringer," and " C a v e r n o f the Reptile G o d " sessions.
The Caves of Chaos The Caves o f Chaos are honeycombed w i t h i n a great ravine a half-day's j o u r n e y t h r o u g h dense forest east o f H o m m e l Lane. T h e caves t e e m w i t h dangerous monstrous h u m a n o i d s , t h o u g h lately the lands a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane have been kept relatively safe f r o m these creatures by t h e i r i n c l i n a t i o n to fight each other. N o w , Chaos Priestess I n u g g h has u n i f i e d the h u m a n o i d s o f the caves i n t o a single dangerous force. These kobolds, goblinoids, ores, a n d ogres n o w w a i t i m p a t i e n t l y for I n u g g h to t u r n t h e m loose o n H o m m e l Lane a n d its surr o u n d i n g lands. The m a i n t h r e a d o f t h i s adventure season is the g r o w i n g t h r e a t posed by Chaos Priestess I n u g g h , w h o acts as a c o n d u i t for the p o w e r o f chaos a n d evil t h a t M i s k a provides. I n u g g h is u l t i m a t e l y b e h i n d the other threats that the adventurers m u s t deal w i t h before they c a n face o f f against her i n the f i n a l session o f t h i s D & D Encounters season. The "Caves o f Chaos" section o f this season consists o f the "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" a n d "Temple o f Chaos" sessions. "Temple o f Chaos" is the last session o f t h i s D & D Encounters season, a n d m u s t be played at the end o f the season. "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" c a n be played d i r e c t l y before "Temple o f Chaos," b u t i t can also be played b e t w e e n or before the other t w o sections. (The "Straightest P a t h " approach to p l a y i n g this season uses "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" as a lead-in session to the other t w o paths.)
Events i n Hommel Lane As the adventurers r e t u r n to H o m m e l Lane between sessions, they become aware o f events u n f o l d i n g i n the village. Some o f these events are clues p o i n t i n g t o w a r d the larger plots the adventurers are investigating. Others p r o v i d e b a c k g r o u n d a n d character story that c a n m a k e the adventure a r i c h e r experience for the players. M a n y o f the l o c a t i o n entries for the village o n the next few pages c o n t a i n clues, secrets, a n d complications that c a n be used to shape the adventure. I n a d d i t i o n , y o u c a n use any o f the events detailed b e l o w to create a sense o f the m i s f o r t u n e a n d u n c e r t a i n t y p l a g u i n g the village, a n d to h e l p set u p the next session o f the adventure. T h e M a y o r a l E l e c t i o n : A power struggle is curr e n t l y u n f o l d i n g for the leadership o f H o m m e l Lane. M o s t people have f o l l o w e d the O l d F a i t h for as long as anyone can remember, so a recent surge i n the Lawbringer's p o p u l a r i t y has l e d to problems. M a k i n g matters worse, a mayoral election is n o w p i t t i n g a n
O l d F a i t h s t a l w a r t against a recent convert to the Lawbringer, leaving villagers squabbling a n d suspicious. S i b l i n g R i v a l r y : V a r i c k Becker (area 5) has been f e u d i n g w i t h his b r o t h e r R e n n (area 1) for a couple o f years because o f t h e i r d i f f e r e n t religious a f f i l i a t i o n s . The t w o occasionally c o m m i t m i n o r acts o f v a n d a l i s m against each other's f a r m s . One n i g h t after the advent u r e r s a r r i v e i n the village, V a r i c k sends a f a r m h a n d to start a s m a l l f i r e i n Renn's b a r n , b u t the f i r e b u r n s out o f c o n t r o l . A few cattle are k i l l e d . Y o u n g R u n a w a y s : Varick's oldest daughter, Kess, is i n love w i t h Renn's adopted son V a l l o k . T h e t w o r u n away together one n i g h t after the f i r e i n the b a r n . Since n o one k n o w s o f t h e i r affair, b o t h families fear t h a t the t w o have been k i d n a p p e d . L o s t L e a t h e r w o r k e r : Either before the characters have investigated the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , or d u r i n g the " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n " session, the l e a t h e r w o r k e r Ranson K l o u g h t (area 6) a n d his w i f e , Scira, go missing. Scira's brother, K i p p , is l o o k i n g after the couple's three c h i l d r e n , a n d he panics w h e n they do not r e t u r n f r o m d i n n e r at the i n n . W h a t r e a l l y happened is that cultists at the i n n grabbed the p a i r a n d i m p r i s o n e d t h e m i n the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r , w h e r e they are w a i t i n g to be t a k e n before the Reptile G o d . They c a n be rescued there. M i s s i n g M e r c h a n t : One n i g h t w h e n the adventurers are i n the S l u m b e r i n g Serpent Tavern (area 16), they meet a t r a v e l i n g m e r c h a n t n a m e d Felixo H o b b e . W e a r i n g a cape a n d an outrageously large r e d chaperon (a hat w i t h attached h o o d ) over his b a l d head, H o b b e is f r i e n d l y as he purchases d r i n k s for t h e g r o u p a n d shares stories w i t h t h e m . H e makes plans to meet for breakfast the next m o r n i n g , b u t never shows u p . H i s r o o m at the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n is empty. B e r t r a m , the inn's owner, tells the adventurers that Felixo left l o n g before sunrise, o f f e r i n g apologies b u t stating that his cargo needed to be m o v e d q u i c k l y . A D C 2 0 Insight check reveals that B e r t r a m is l y i n g . Poor Felixo has been t a k e n to the l a i r o f the Reptile G o d , a n d is eaten by the spirit naga before the adventurers have any chance to f i n d h i m . H i s hat shows u p i n " C a v e r n o f the Reptile G o d . " C a s t e l l a n ' s A s s i s t a n t : A t some p o i n t before the characters u n d e r t a k e " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , " R h o n n e t G h o - t h e assistant to the castellan at the central keep (area 2 3 ) - d i s a p p e a r s . V a r e d d , the castellan, asks the adventurers to l o o k i n t o Rhonnet's disappearance, r e p o r t i n g that she h a d been r u n n i n g errands for h i m , t h e n was p l a n n i n g to eat d i n n e r at the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n . T h e errands i n c l u d e d h a v i n g gems appraised at the p a w n s h o p (area 11), t h e n t a l k i n g to the carpenter (area 3) about r e p a i r i n g f u r n i t u r e i n the barracks. I f the adventurers investigate Rhonnet's disappearance, they l e a r n that she made i t to the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , b u t that no one saw her after that. A c t u a l l y , she was k i d n a p p e d at the i n n a n d is n o w i n the cellar o f the
THE STRAIGHTEST PATH If you prefer to exercise some control w h e n the players decide which approach to take through the adventure, place clues in front of the adventurers that take them to the caves first, thus allowing you to play "Scout the Caves of Chaos" next time. This path introduces the characters to Haffron early on and sets the tone for the rest of the adventure, but it involves less mystery.
Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r , a w a i t i n g t r a n s p o r t to the lair o f the Reptile G o d . See "Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r " for details.
Rumors The f o l l o w i n g r u m o r s a n d speculations c a n also be made use o f d u r i n g the adventure. A b a n d o n e d I n n : The I n n o f the W i n s o m e W e n c h (area 7) lies abandoned. A fierce f i g h t broke out there one n i g h t m o r e t h a n a m o n t h ago, d u r i n g w h i c h everyone i n the i n n was k i l l e d . T h o u g h the Reptile C u l t is i n fact to blame, the cause o f the battle remains a mystery to the rest o f the village. F o u l F i r e : A f t e r Renn's b a r n b u r n s (see " S i b l i n g Rivalry," above), a r u m o r spreads that the f i r e was o f supernatural origin. L o r d l e s s : N e i t h e r L o r d B u r n e n o r L o r d Rufus has made a p u b l i c appearance i n the last couple o f weeks, and r u m o r s have b e g u n to spread t h a t they have disappeared l i k e several o f the other villagers. Some say that the t w o f o r m e r adventurers have f l e d because they k n o w that a great evil is about to o v e r w h e l m H o m m e l Lane.
HOMMEL LANE LOCATIONS The n u m b e r e d locations described below are s h o w n o n the H o m m e l Lane m a p . M a n y o f these locations feature setups that c a n p r o v i d e the adventurers w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e specific sessions o f the c a m p a i g n season. I n the first session, the way the characters explore the village a n d the clues they uncover w i l l set the stage for w h i c h section o f the adventure y o u choose to r u n first (see "Path o f A d v e n t u r e , " page 9). I f you have enough t i m e i n the first session, the players c a n uncover clues to a l l three threats to H o m m e l Lane a n d decide for themselves w h i c h p a t h to take. I f t i m e is short, or i f you prefer to play one p a r t i c u l a r p a t h , y o u can p o i n t the players t o w a r d a specific source o f i n f o r m a t i o n most easily i n the f o l l o w i n g locations.
C h a o s C u l t a n d Moat H o u s e : A r e a 10 (teamster), area 11 (pawnshop), a n d area 14 ( m i l l e r ) . C u l t o f the R e p t i l e G o d : A r e a 2 ( D r u e t cottages), area 6 (leatherworker), area 7 ( I n n o f the W i n s o m e W e n c h , i f the o p t i o n a l encounter is used), a n d area 2 0 (Golden G r a i n I n n ) . C a v e s of C h a o s : A r e a 2 ( D r u e t cottages), area 12 (herder), area 16 ( S l u m b e r i n g Serpent Tavern), a n d area 2 0 (Golden G r a i n I n n ) . I n a d d i t i o n to u s i n g the locations t i e d to specific paths as above, the d r u i d R a m n e A s h s t a f f i n the sacred grove (area 15) can be used to d i r e c t the characters to any p a t h o f y o u r choice.
1. Becker D a i r y R e n n Becker, his w i f e , Avenna, t h e i r seven c h i l d r e n ( i n c l u d i n g adopted teenage son Vallok), a n d Avenna's mother, H a r r e n , live i n the house o n this w e l l - k e p t d a i r y f a r m . The f a m i l y m e m b e r s are f r i e n d l y to visitors, and w i l l h a p p i l y sell produce to those w h o ask. B a r n : A n enormous b a r n b e h i n d the house serves as a shelter for cows a n d goats, as w e l l as a storage area for the tools needed for m i l k i n g a n d c a r i n g for the a n i m a l s . C o m p l i c a t i o n : R e n n Becker's f a m i l y are stalwart followers o f the O l d Faith, a stance t h a t has d r i v e n a wedge b e t w e e n R e n n a n d his b r o t h e r V a r i c k . See area 5 or " S i b l i n g Rivalry," page 10, for details.
2. Druet Cottages Pierre a n d Genevieve D r u e t , a n elderly couple, live here w i t h t w o o f t h e i r t h r e e sons, a daughter-in-law, a n d t h r e e y o u n g g r a n d c h i l d r e n . A l l o f t h e m are (or were) hunters a n d rangers w h o k n o w the s u r r o u n d i n g area w e l l . They f o l l o w the O l d Faith. C l u e s : The m i d d l e son, A l a h n , lives here w i t h his wife Marieke and their three children. A l a h n and M a r i e k e r e t i r e d f r o m the a d v e n t u r i n g life a n d settled here to h e l p Alan's parents i n t h e i r advanced age. A l a h n trusts no one i n i t i a l l y , b u t w h e n he meets the adventurers, he makes a secret sign that any p r i m a l character recognizes. A d v e n t u r e r s w h o acknowledge the sign g a i n Alahn's confidence. H e reveals to such characters that the carpenter a n d his f a m i l y (area 3) mysteriously left t h e i r h o m e one n i g h t a n d were gone for t e n days. The carpenter a n d his w i f e r e t u r n e d a few weeks ago w i t h o u t t h e i r t w o teenage c h i l d r e n , a n d have been a c t i n g strangely ever since. They converted f r o m the O l d F a i t h to the w o r s h i p o f the L a w b r i n g e r after t h e i r r e t u r n , a n d they spend a great deal o f t i m e at the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n . A l t h o u g h they say that t h e i r c h i l d r e n are staying w i t h relatives away f r o m the frontier, A l a h n is skeptical about this story. The D r u e t s ' oldest son, Otis, left the village to investigate the monster-infested Caves o f Chaos a few weeks ago. L o r d B u r n e , one o f the lords o f the village, sent h i m
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o n t h i s mission. Otis's delayed r e t u r n has left everyone fearing that he is dead. S e c r e t s : The youngest son, E l m o , is a h u l k i n g b r u t e , slow a n d h a l t i n g i n speech a n d overly f o n d o f ale. H i s tipsy a n d j o v i a l appearance, however, is a ruse designed to allay suspicion as he watches the happenings i n the village o n b e h a l f o f L o r d B u r n e . H e frequents the Slumb e r i n g Serpent Tavern (area 16) to observe newcomers a n d overhear gossip. P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : T a l k o f Otis's m i s s i o n can focus the adventurers o n the Caves o f Chaos as the most obvious place to investigate the l o o m i n g threats to H o m m e l Lane. This c a n p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" next. The adventurers m i g h t take a n interest i n the tale o f the carpenter's m i s s i n g c h i l d r e n . This c a n p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " next.
3. Carpenter This rustic abode is the residence o f the l o c a l carpenter, Ross, his w i f e , Clara, a n d t h e i r t w o c h i l d r e n . They foll o w e d the O l d F a i t h u n t i l recently, b u t n o w they c l a i m to revere the L a w b r i n g e r . The carpenter a n d his w i f e keep to themselves. They t e l l everyone t h a t t h e i r t w o c h i l d r e n recently w e n t to live w i t h relatives i n the m o r e c i v i l i z e d b a r o n y to the west u n t i l the tension that has overcome the village is resolved. C l u e s : Ross serves as H o m m e l Lane's f u r n i t u r e m a k e r as w e l l as a general b u i l d e r . Characters w h o v i e w his w o r k s h o p can see a n u m b e r o f f i n i s h e d tables, chairs, a n d desks, a l l o f f i n e quality, arrayed a r o u n d the p e r i m e t e r o f the space. One table presently u n d e r c o n s t r u c t i o n on Ross's w o r k b e n c h is noticeably shoddy, as are a set o f recently completed chairs. The characters m i g h t deduce that t h i s poor c r a f t w o r k is not t y p i c a l for Ross, suggesting that he hasn't been h i m s e l f lately. S e c r e t s : Ross a n d Clara go to the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n (area 20) each n i g h t , w h e r e they secretly slip d o w n to the basement to help smuggle prisoners t h r o u g h a secret t u n n e l i n t o the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r . The carpenter a n d his w i f e are recent Reptile C u l t initiates. T h e i r teenage c h i l d r e n , W a r r e n a n d Tess, are alive i n the lair o f the Reptile G o d , w h e r e they await a gruesome fate i f they aren't rescued i n t i m e .
4. Veon Farmstead This large house a n d b a r n are i n good c o n d i t i o n , a n d the livestock i n the fenced y a r d look strong a n d healthy. The w i d o w Elicia V e o n lives here, along w i t h her t h r e e g r o w n sons ( D h a l , E r w i n , a n d Blain), t h e i r wives, a n d eight c h i l d r e n . H e r h u s b a n d d i e d years ago, b u t the f a m i l y has prospered. They a l l w o r s h i p the L a w b r i n g e r . C l u e s : The characters c a n easily see that a l t h o u g h the family's crops a n d a n i m a l s are w e l l cared for, the f l o w e r beds a r o u n d the house are neglected and
choked w i t h weeds. The y o u n g adults go to the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n each n i g h t after chores a r o u n d the f a r m are done. B o t h o f these facts m i g h t lead the characters to suspect that the f a m i l y is not b e h a v i n g n o r m a l l y . I n the b a r n , the wheels o f the f a r m cart are covered w i t h m u d a n d ferns. A D C 13 N a t u r e check c o n f i r m s t h a t the o n l y nearby place the cart c o u l d have p i c k e d u p such f l o r a is the Fathomless Fens. S e c r e t s : The adult m e m b e r s o f the f a m i l y have been Reptile Cultists for nearly a year, a n d they h e l p the spirit naga's b u l l y w u g allies subdue captives. They use the f a r m cart to r e t u r n n e w l y c h a r m e d c u l t m e m b e r s f r o m the Fathomless Fens to H o m m e l Lane.
5. Becker Farm The t a c i t u r n , m i d d l e - a g e d w i d o w e r V a r i c k Becker lives o n this prosperous f a r m w i t h his five c h i l d r e n (the t w o oldest o f w h i c h are daughters) a n d a long-standing servant laborer. H e is the b r o t h e r o f R e n n (area 1), a n d he converted to the w o r s h i p o f the L a w b r i n g e r t w o years ago, long before the Reptile C u l t began its recent machinations. C o m p l i c a t i o n s : V a r i c k is r u n n i n g for mayor o f H o m m e l Lane, a n d he has the s u p p o r t o f most o f the Lawbringer's f a i t h f u l . Previous mayors have a l l been adherents o f the O l d Faith, w h i c h V a r i c k a n d his followers have b l a m e d for the troubles o f recent times. V a r i c k says that someone w i t h strong morals a n d a sense o f justice should be leading the villagers. H e has no idea t h a t the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r has become a cover for the C u l t o f the Reptile G o d .
6. Leatherworker T h i s b u i l d i n g , b e a r i n g a leather h i d e tacked to the f r o n t door, is the h o m e a n d business o f the village leatherworker, Ranson K l o u g h t . W i t h h i m live his w i f e , Scira, her brother, K i p p , a n d t h r e e y o u n g c h i l d r e n . The f a m i l y m e m b e r s keep to themselves, a l t h o u g h they o p e n l y w o r s h i p the L a w b r i n g e r a n d attend regular services at the temple. C o m p l i c a t i o n s : Ranson a n d Scira are k i d n a p p e d f r o m the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n b y Serpent Cultists w h i l e the adventurers are i n the village (see "Lost Leatherw o r k e r , " page 10). P a t h of A d v e n t u r e : Investigating the disappearance o f Ranson a n d Scira c a n p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " next.
7. I n n of the Winsome Wench The doors a n d w i n d o w s o f t h i s large b u i l d i n g are b o a r d e d u p , a n d several gaping holes m a r the roof. Its sign has f a l l e n face d o w n i n the weeds before the p o r c h . The i n n has been abandoned for a l i t t l e m o r e t h a n a m o n t h , f o l l o w i n g a n attempt b y the c u l t to k i d n a p the p r o p r i e t o r a n d his f a m i l y . The attempt was f o i l e d by the courage o f several villagers, b u t i n the fierce f i g h t t h a t f o l l o w e d , a l l those i n the i n n ( i n c l u d i n g several c u l t members) were k i l l e d . The cause o f the battle remains a mystery to the rest o f the village, a n d has been dismissed as one o f the o m i n o u s problems besetting H o m m e l Lane. A s a result, no one has made any effort to reopen the i n n or lay c l a i m to the e m p t y b u i l d i n g . I n the open square i n f r o n t o f the i n n stands a twenty-foot-tall weathered statue o f a middle-aged h u m a n male w e a r i n g studded leather a r m o r . I n its r i g h t h a n d , the statue holds a shield b e a r i n g the crest o f a f l y i n g g r i f f o n . A c u r v e d l o n g s w o r d is raised i n the figure's left h a n d . A n i n s c r i p t i o n is carved i n t o the statue's pedestal. Haffron Hommel Village founder, adventurer, and friend. His bravery and wisdom did shine the light of civilization into the darkness. I f the adventurers explore the b u i l d i n g , they f i n d b o t h floors i n a state o f complete disarray, as i f a huge b r a w l h a d t a k e n place w i t h i n . A cellar door hangs o n one hinge, w i t h a creaky staircase l e a d i n g d o w n i n t o darkness. M o s t o f the cellar is one large r o o m , c o n t a i n i n g several m o l d e r i n g crates a n d kegs o f sour w i n e . Two doors lead to a root cellar a n d a s m a l l t o o l r o o m . O p t i o n a l E n c o u n t e r : The gloomy root cellar has a foul, s w a m p y stench, a n d opens u p to a r o u g h t u n n e l leading o f f i n t w o directions. T h i s secret t u n n e l connects the Reptile Cult's t w o most i m p o r t a n t locations i n H o m m e l Lane—the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n (area 20) a n d the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r (area 13). Several b u l l y w u g s are stationed at a c h e c k p o i n t here. To r u n an encounter, use the statistics for the b u l l y w u g s f r o m "Battle at the I n n " (page 34). Crates a n d barrels can become d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n a n d cover, w i t h stacks o f crates p r o v i d i n g elevation or the o p p o r t u n i t y to t i p t h e m over onto enemies. P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : I f y o u r u n this o p t i o n a l encounter, discovering the t u n n e l u n d e r n e a t h H o m m e l Lane can p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r take " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n " or "Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r " next. Unless y o u w a n t to r e w o r k the " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n " session extensively, have the b u l l y w u g s be absent f r o m the cellar t u n n e l a n d m a k e the door i n t o the cellars o f
the i n n locked a n d impassable, so that the adventurers m u s t enter the i n n f r o m the f r o n t .
8. Smithy A n o p e n shed next to a house holds a forge a n d bellows. Outside the shed is a post w i t h a horseshoe n a i l e d t o three o f its faces, s i g n i f y i n g that this is the local smithy. T h e s m i t h is a short, b r a w n y h u m a n n a m e d B r o t h e r S m y t h . W i t h his t w o e q u a l l y b u r l y c h i l d r e n , L i l l i a n d D a r w e k , operating the bellows, S m y t h does m a n y k i n d s o f m e t a l w o r k , i n c l u d i n g f a s h i o n i n g weapons, helmets, a n d shields. H e r e a d i l y a d m i t s he is n o t capable o f m a k i n g fine armor. C l u e s : Others i n the village have noticed that S m y t h has become reserved a n d g r u f f lately, w h e n he was once outgoing a n d f r i e n d l y . S e c r e t s : A l t h o u g h they profess the O l d F a i t h a n d r e g u l a r l y assist R a m n e A s h s t a f f i n the sacred grove (area 15), B r o t h e r S m y t h a n d his f a m i l y have been m e m b e r s o f the Reptile C u l t for nearly t h r e e m o n t h s . S m y t h a n d his c h i l d r e n go to the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n each n i g h t , w h e r e they help w i t h the transfer o f prisoners.
9. Trading Post T h i s large w o o d e n b u i l d i n g has shutters o n its m a n y w i n d o w s , a n d i t bears a shield p a i n t e d w i t h a s w o r d a n d a w h e e l o f cheese. A warehouse stands adjacent. Raynen D a v a l , a w o m a n best described as slow a n d p l a c i d , r u n s the place. H e r p a r t n e r is Gremag, a talkative female h a l f l i n g w i t h sharp features a n d p r o t r u d i n g eyes. T h r e e assistants help the t w o move goods a n d h a n d l e transactions. G r e m a g dithers a n d fusses at Raynen a n d customers a l i k e . B o t h traders t r u t h f u l l y Raynen
Level 3 Brute
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human HP 54; Bloodied 27
Initiative + 0
A C 1 5 , F o r t i t u d e 1 6 , R e f l e x 1 4 , W i l l 15
Perception +2
Speed 6 TRAITS Sly Tactics R a y n e n has c o m b a t a d v a n t a g e a g a i n s t a n y e n e m y t h a t is a d j a c e n t t o a t least o n e o f Raynen's allies. STANDARD ACTIONS
Dex 9 (+0)
W i s 1 2 (+2)
Languages C o m m o n
c l a i m disinterest i n religious or p o l i t i c a l issues, a n d are w i l l i n g to deal w i t h any customer w h o c a n pay. W a r e h o u s e : This b a r n - l i k e s t r u c t u r e holds animals, saddles, a n d crates f u l l o f m u n d a n e goods. S e c r e t s : Raynen a n d G r e m a g serve the C u l t o f Chaos, r e p o r t i n g a c t i v i t y i n H o m m e l Lane to a b r i g a n d courier a n d a i d i n g other bandits w h o f o l l o w L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l . T h e y fence the goods the bandits steal, r e t u r n i n g some o f t h e i r profits to L a r e t h . The post's three assistants are bandits f r o m the moat house. Initiates i n t o the C u l t o f Chaos come to the t r a d i n g post to o b t a i n robes before going out to the m o a t house. C l u e s : Evidence f o u n d i n "Explore the M o a t H o u s e " implicates Raynen a n d G r e m a g i n the activities o f the C u l t o f Chaos. The traders deny it, i n s i s t i n g t h a t they are b e i n g f r a m e d . Those claims don't r i n g t r u e , because stolen goods sit i n t h e i r warehouse, a n d the t e s t i m o n y i n the j o u r n a l o f the b a n d i t leader Enda Yate makes i t clear t h a t the traders are guilty. Rather t h a n face justice, Raynen is w i l l i n g to p r o v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g the C u l t o f Chaos i n exchange for her life. She tells the adventurers t h a t L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l resides i n a d u n g e o n temple beneath the moat house. She k n o w s the password to activate the w a l l t h a t blocks descent i n t o the d u n g e o n ( " A n n i h i l a t i o n " ) , a n d Level 2 Artillery
Gremag Small natural humanoid, halfling
Initiative + 4
H P 3 0 ; B l o o d i e d 15
Perception +7
A C 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 1 4 , R e f l e x 15, W i l l 1 4 Speed 6 S a v i n g T h r o w s + 5 against fear effects Sly Tactics
G r e m a g has c o m b a t a d v a n t a g e a g a i n s t a n y e n e m y t h a t is a d j a c e n t t o a t least o n e o f G r e m a g ' s allies. Sniper If G r e m a g is h i d d e n a n d misses w i t h a r a n g e d a t t a c k , s h e r e m a i n s hidden. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Dagger • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C H i t : 2 d 4 + 4 d a m a g e , o r 2 d 4 + 7 i f t h e t a r g e t is g r a n t i n g c o m b a t advantage to Gremag.
©
Sling (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 / 2 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C Hit: 1d6 + 7 damage.
V
Hooked Net • Encounter A t t a c k : Close b l a s t 2 ( c r e a t u r e s i n t h e b l a s t ) ; + 6 vs. R e f l e x H i t : T h e t a r g e t is r e s t r a i n e d a n d t a k e s o n g o i n g 5 d a m a g e (save e n d s b o t h ) , a n d i t falls p r o n e .
TRIGGERED A C T I O N S Second Chance • Encounter Trigger: A n e n e m y h i t s G r e m a g w i t h a n a t t a c k . Effect (Immediate I n t e r r u p t ) : T h e t r i g g e r i n g e n e m y m u s t r e r o l l t h e a t t a c k a n d use t h e n e w r e s u l t . Skills Acrobatics + 9 , Stealth +9, Streetwise + 6 S t r 11 (+1)
D e x 17 ( + 4 )
C o n 12 (+2)
I n t 11 (+1)
A l i g n m e n t evil
Languages
W i s 1 3 (+2) C h a 11 (+1) Common
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, hooked net, sling, 2 0 sling stones
she has a crate c o n t a i n i n g robes that the cultists wear. Each robe bears the g o l d - t r i m m e d r e d circle o f the C u l t o f Chaos. P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : H e a r i n g about Lareth's presence i n the area beneath the moat house a n d o b t a i n i n g the password to enter the d u n g e o n c a n p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e " M o a t House D u n g e o n " next. O p t i o n a l E n c o u n t e r : I f y o u have a d d i t i o n a l t i m e at the end o f the session i n w h i c h the traders are revealed as c u l t allies, y o u c a n r u n a n encounter i n the traders' shop a n d the warehouse. Rather t h a n c a p i t u l a t i n g at once, Raynen decides to attack the adventurers w h e n c o n f r o n t e d w i t h the evidence o f her a n d Gremag's w r o n g d o i n g . I n a d d i t i o n to Raynen a n d G r e m a g , use c o m m o n bandits (see "Possessed A t t a c k , " page 7) to represent the guards that the traders keep o n h a n d . To cover t h e i r escape, the traders m i g h t have deployed f i r e traps s i m i l a r to those i n "Explore the M o a t House" (page 21). I f Constable Grover Ruskal ( f r o m area 21) is w i t h the characters, he m i g h t t u r n against t h e m .
10. Teamster A w o o d e n sign outside this weather-beaten b u i l d i n g shows a cart a n d horse. The adventurers already k n o w the h a l f l i n g teamster W y n d e l l f r o m t h e i r t w o - w e e k j o u r n e y to H o m m e l Lane. W y n d e l l ' s w i f e Treenie, a g r o w n son n a m e d M u r v e , a n d five other y o u n g c h i l d r e n live i n the house. I f W y n d e l l perished i n the season's i n i t i a l encounter, someone i n the village points the characters t o w a r d t h i s place. The person w h o does so indicates t h a t Treenie w o u l d w a n t to k n o w h o w W y n d e l l d i e d . Treenie t h e n becomes the source o f the clues i n t h i s section. B a r n a n d P a d d o c k : The b a r n to the rear o f the m a i n house a n d shop holds f o u r wagons a n d t w o carts. Four drivers w h o w o r k for W y n d e l l live i n the loft w h e n they are i n the village. A dozen mules a n d six horses graze i n a s m a l l p a d d o c k b e t w e e n the house a n d the barn. C l u e s : B a n d i t attacks have h i t W y n d e l l ' s business h a r d . O n r e t u r n i n g to H o m m e l Lane this t r i p , he f o u n d that another cart a n d d r i v e r h a d disappeared w h i l e t r a n s p o r t i n g l u m b e r f r o m the forest to the n o r t h . P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : I f the adventurers hear out W y n d e l l ' s suspicions, he tells t h e m he is c e r t a i n that the b a n d i t s have t h e i r h i d e o u t i n a r u i n e d m o a t house a f o u r - h o u r m a r c h f r o m the village. This c a n p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Explore the M o a t H o u s e " next. A f t e r the adventurers f i n d records o f the b a n d i t attacks at the r u i n e d moat house, W y n d e l l c a n conf i r m t h a t most o f these attacks were against his wagons, but that none targeted goods b e l o n g i n g to the traders Raynen a n d G r e m a g (area 9).
I f the adventurers r e t u r n f r o m the moat house to investigate the traders, W y n d e l l can c o n f i r m that the goods f o u n d i n the moat house have been stolen f r o m his carts. Some o f the goods c u r r e n t l y stored i n the traders' warehouse are also W y n d e l l ' s .
characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" next.
11. Pawnshop
A zealous priest a n d three acolytes officiate d u r i n g services a n d attend the f a i t h f u l o f the L a w b r i n g e r i n t h i s impressive stone edifice. The doors to the temple stand open d u r i n g daylight hours, b u t they are shut a n d b a r r e d w i t h the setting o f the sun. A f t e r n o r m a l operati n g hours, a few m i n u t e s o f k n o c k i n g brings a n acolyte to open the door.
A sign o n this s t u r d y n e w b u i l d i n g shows three y e l l o w circles i n d i c a t i n g a p a w n s h o p . The doors a n d shutters are r e i n f o r c e d . A g u a r d n a m e d E r r o l R o c k t y n and t w o large g u a r d drakes protect the shop d u r i n g business hours. The p r o p r i e t o r is a d w a r f n a m e d N i r a H a s k a l i . X i r a has prospered i n H o m m e l Lane, l e n d i n g m o n e y and d e a l i n g w i t h the clans o f dwarves t h a t m i n e the m o u n t a i n s to the east. She has a good r e p u t a t i o n for fair dealing, a l t h o u g h some people g r u m b l e about her w i l l ingness to p r o f i t f r o m others' m i s f o r t u n e . N i r a lives i n a n a p a r t m e n t above the shop, w h i l e E r r o l a n d the drakes have l o d g i n g i n the shop's rear storage r o o m . S e c r e t s : E r r o l is associated w i t h the C u l t o f Chaos. H e is b i d i n g his t i m e u n t i l the bandits eventually attack the village, at w h i c h p o i n t he plans to k i l l N i r a a n d steal her w e a l t h to t u r n over to L a r e t h . P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : I f he has suitable cover for his actions ( i n c l u d i n g the t u r m o i l t h a t w i l l arise i n the village i f the Reptile C u l t is o v e r t h r o w n b y the adventurers), E r r o l carries out his p l a n early. A f t e r he flees to the m o a t house w i t h his stolen loot, the adventurers can easily track h i m . T h i s can p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Explore the M o a t H o u s e " next.
12. Herder Several dogs g u a r d the modest cottage o f Black Jay, a g r i z z l e d h u m a n herder. Black Jay does not l i k e comp a n y or strangers, a n d he says so to anyone w h o comes onto his p r o p e r t y . T h i s r e t i r e d soldier is f r i e n d l y w i t h elves, however, h a v i n g spent p a r t o f his m i l i t a r y career stationed i n a n elven outpost. A l t h o u g h Jay's o w n f l o c k o f sheep is s m a l l , he earns extra i n c o m e f r o m local farmers w h o pay h i m to g u i d e t h e i r flocks to fertile grazing areas i n fields far f r o m the village. C l u e s : Six weeks ago, Jay's w i f e a n d c h i l d r e n disappeared w h i l e they were t e n d i n g flocks to the east, t o w a r d the Caves o f Chaos. H e f o u n d signs t h a t they were attacked a n d k i l l e d b y goblins, a n d t h i s misfortune has made h i m spiteful a n d reclusive. P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : I f the adventurers convince h i m to t a l k to t h e m ( D C 12 D i p l o m a c y ) , Black Jay shares his story a n d gives t h e m directions to the Caves o f Chaos. H e also mentions Otis disappearing w h e n he w e n t to the caves, p o i n t i n g the adventurers t o w a r d the D r u e t cottage (area 2) or E l m o i n the S l u m b e r i n g Serpent Tavern (area 16). Either story can p r o v i d e the
13. Temple of the Lawbringer
D e v i , a y o u n g female h u m a n , w o r k s tirelessly here to spread the w o r d o f the L a w b r i n g e r . H e r acolytes—Sister Euphema, B r o t h e r A b r a m o , a n d Sister Philla-assist her i n m a i n t a i n i n g the temple. Canoness Yeeday left H o m m e l Lane suddenly over a m o n t h ago a n d has not r e t u r n e d , so D e v i has t a k e n over her duties. D e v i says that the canoness w e n t o n a j o u r ney to search for the evil i n f e c t i n g the lands a r o u n d the village. W h a t D e v i fails to m e n t i o n is t h a t the canoness is c u r r e n t l y b e i n g h e l d i n the cave o f the s p i r i t naga, along w i t h other prisoners. C o m p l i c a t i o n s : I f c o n f r o n t e d w i t h the possessed Sir M o o n b r o o k , D e v i t r u t h f u l l y tells the adventurers t h a t she is not as capable as Canoness Yeeday. A l t h o u g h she can do n o t h i n g to d r i v e out the s p i r i t t h a t possesses the p a l a d i n , D e v i volunteers to keep h i m secured i n a n upstairs guest chamber, a n d to give the adventurers access to h i m whenever they w i s h . S e c r e t s : D e v i has been a m e m b e r o f the Reptile C u l t for a few m o n t h s , a n d she has converted B r o t h e r A b r a m o a n d Sister P h i l l a . O r i g i n a l l y dedicated to the L a w b r i n g e r , the priest n o w forswears her f o r m e r service i n the advancement o f the cause o f the Reptile G o d . U n l i k e most m e m b e r s o f the cult, D e v i was not c h a r m e d i n t o service b u t changed sides freely w h e n she was offered the p o w e r o f the Reptile G o d a n d M i s k a . She n o w c a r e f u l l y m a i n t a i n s her facade as a k i n d a n d h e l p f u l person, speaking the t r u t h as m u c h as possible to escape scrutiny. D e v i recognizes that the p o w e r w i t h i n Sir M o o n b r o o k is a s m a l l f r a g m e n t o f the same essence that she serves i n the f o r m o f the Reptile G o d . She wants to explore this p o w e r a n d see i f she can absorb i t herself.
14. M i l l e r A house attached to a river m i l l is h o m e to M y t c h M i l l e r , his w i f e , Syrae, t w i n teenage c h i l d r e n (Portia a n d Phogge), a n d three apprentices. The m i l l g r i n d s the local farmers' g r a i n i n t o f l o u r , w h i l e Syrae operates a s m a l l b a k e r y out o f her k i t c h e n . The f a m i l y m e m bers are followers o f the O l d F a i t h a n d p i l l a r s o f the community.
M y t c h is f r i e n d l y enough, b u t recent events have made h i m suspicious o f everyone. H e is w i l l i n g to spend o n l y a l i t t l e t i m e t a l k i n g to strangers, discussing the weather or his w o r k . C l u e s : I t is w e l l k n o w n t h a t M y t c h was going to r u n for mayor, b u t he abandoned his c a m p a i g n . This confused the people o f the village because he was o r i g i n a l l y favored to w i n . The reason for the m i l l e r ' s n e w f o u n d reclusiveness is t h a t his oldest son, A u g i n , has j o i n e d the b a n d i t s i n the o l d m o a t house. C o m p l i c a t i o n s : P o r t i a a n d Phogge spend t i m e i n the S l u m b e r i n g Serpent Tavern a n d the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n w h e n they can. I n this way, the t w i n s m i g h t meet the adventurers. B o t h are at a y o u n g a n d impressionable age, a n d either m i g h t become i n f a t u a t e d w i t h one o f the characters. T h i s i n f a t u a t i o n m i g h t lead one t w i n or the other to f o l l o w the p a r t y i n t o a dangerous situat i o n , p u t t i n g innocents at risk. P a t h of A d v e n t u r e : I f the adventurers m e n t i o n A u g i n or press M y t c h about d r o p p i n g out o f the race, he resists t h e i r questions. I f they persuade h i m to t a l k ( D C 12 D i p l o m a c y or I n t i m i d a t e ) , he breaks d o w n a n d confesses his son's i n v o l v e m e n t w i t h the bandits at the m o a t house. T h i s can p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Explore the M o a t H o u s e " next.
15. Sacred Grove A c i r c u l a r grove o f w i l l o w trees m a r k s t h i s place o f w o r ship for the O l d F a i t h . A c a r e f u l l y placed l i n e o f blue stones edges the p a t h t h a t leads i n t o the grove, w h e r e the d r u i d R a m n e A s h s t a f f dwells i n a modest h u t . For characters w h o f o l l o w the O l d Faith, t r a d i t i o n dictates t h a t they visit the d r u i d soon after they arrive i n H o m m e l Lane. R a m n e is h u m a n a n d appears to be impossibly o l d a n d feeble, t h o u g h his m i n d is keen. W h e n the adventurers first approach the d r u i d , he welcomes t h e m , a n d he is p a r t i c u l a r l y k i n d to any followers o f the O l d Faith. H e provides one potion of healing to the g r o u p i f at least one character is a f o l l o w e r o f the O l d F a i t h . H e offers no a d d i t i o n a l a i d , f e a r i n g that the adventurers m i g h t be p a r t o f the strange happenings i n H o m m e l Lane. H e a d m i t s t h a t his magic is not powerf u l enough to overcome Sir M o o n b r o o k ' s possession. C l u e s : T h r o u g h patient observation, R a m n e has gathered a significant a m o u n t o f k n o w l e d g e r e g a r d i n g the problems i n H o m m e l Lane. A t any t i m e , the d r u i d can d r o p h i n t s to p u s h the adventurers along a p a t h y o u w i s h t h e m to follow. R a m n e c a n also p o i n t the way to specific locations y o u w a n t the characters to visit. P a t h of A d v e n t u r e : I f y o u w a n t the characters to investigate the Reptile C u l t , R a m n e can t e l l t h e m that his assistant, S m y t h the s m i t h , has been neglecting his d r u i d i c duties lately i n favor o f spending t i m e i n the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n . T h i s m i g h t i n s p i r e the characters to visit S m y t h (area 8) or the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n (area
20), p r o v i d i n g t h e m w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n " next. I f y o u w a n t the adventurers to tackle the moat house, R a m n e tells the characters about recent attacks o n local caravans, p a r t i c u l a r l y the wagons o f W y n d e l l . The d r u i d explains t h a t his c o n n e c t i o n w i t h the a n i m a l s o f the area leads h i m to believe that someone has reestablished a residence i n the moat house. This clue should make the characters w a n t to visit the teamster W y n d e l l (area 10) or go d i r e c t l y to the moat house, p r o v i d i n g t h e m w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Explore the Moat H o u s e " next. I f y o u w a n t the adventurers to seek out the Caves o f Chaos, R a m n e reveals that goblins f r o m the caves have become bolder i n the last few weeks. The f a r m s b e t w e e n H o m m e l Lane a n d the Caves o f Chaos are b e i n g r a i d e d constantly, a n d R a m n e believes t h a t the goblins m i g h t be connected to the deaths o f Black Jay's w i f e a n d c h i l d r e n . This clue should p o i n t the characters t o w a r d Black Jay (area 12) or send t h e m d i r e c t l y to the Caves o f Chaos, p r o v i d i n g t h e m w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" next.
16. Slumbering Serpent Tavern A large, c o l o r f u l sign i n f r o n t o f t h i s b u i l d i n g depicts a r e d d r a g o n at rest, w i t h a p l u m e o f smoke r i s i n g f r o m its nose. Several beds o f flowers b r i g h t e n the exterior o f the tavern, w h i c h appears older t h a n the other b u i l d ings i n the village. Belba C r a l l o o n a n d her h u s b a n d O l l w i n o w n a n d operate the S l u m b e r i n g Serpent, a n d they have a k n a c k for m a k i n g a w e a r y traveler feel at home. Belba bustles d o w n the p o r c h steps at the first sign o f customers, i n v i t i n g t h e m inside for a d r i n k a n d a m e a l . O l l w i n is m o r e reserved, b u t s t i l l f r i e n d l y as he serves food a n d d r i n k a n d asks for news o f the w o r l d outside H o m m e l Lane. C l u e s : I f the adventurers ask for a r o o m , Belba sheepishly a d m i t s t h a t the t a v e r n has no rooms to rent a n d directs the p a r t y to the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n . W h e n the I n n o f the W i n s o m e W e n c h was destroyed, the Cralloons asked Ross, the village carpenter, to b u i l d a n a d d i t i o n t h a t w o u l d upgrade the S l u m b e r i n g Serpent w i t h travelers' rooms. Ross has so far failed to start the project, repeatedly c l a i m i n g to be too busy. P a t h o f A d v e n t u r e : E l m o D r u e t c a n often be f o u n d at the tavern. H e acts the p a r t o f a d r u n k e n oaf, asking silly questions o f the adventurers a n d t r y i n g to l e a r n t h e i r business. I f t h e y make i t clear that they are here to h e l p solve the problems i n H o m m e l Lane, E l m o lets slip that his b r o t h e r Otis is a n adventurer. H e says Otis left the village a couple o f weeks ago to investigate the Caves o f Chaos, b u t never r e t u r n e d . This i n f o r m a t i o n can p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to undertake "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" next.
17. Vilma's Cottage T h i s is the h o m e o f V i l m a M e r r i d i e , a n elderly female h a l f - e l f a n d Carjo M e r r i d i e ' s "gran-gran," w h o m he spoke o f f o n d l y o n the t r i p to H o m m e l Lane. Flower gardens s u r r o u n d this q u a i n t l i t t l e home, w h i c h is sheltered by e l m trees a n d features fancy c u r t a i n s on the windows. V i l m a welcomes strangers a n d invites any visitors i n for tea or w i n e , even t h o u g h she is physically w e a k a n d unable to w a l k m o r e t h a n a few feet at a t i m e . She takes i n m e n d i n g f r o m her neighbors to earn a few coins, b u t lives mostly o f f the w e a l t h her f a m i l y a c c u m u l a t e d over generations o f f a r m i n g . H a v i n g l i v e d i n the village for m o r e t h a n a h u n d r e d years, V i l m a was here w h e n the last attack o c c u r r e d a c e n t u r y ago. C o m p l i c a t i o n s : I f V i l m a learns that the adventurers saved her grandson d u r i n g the j o u r n e y to H o m m e l Lane, she offers t h e m a place to stay a n d insists t h a t they each take 2 0 sp a n d a piece o f r i b b o n candy as a r e w a r d . She can also p r o v i d e a complete h i s t o r y o f the village, i n c l u d i n g details o n the attacks a h u n d r e d years ago, a n d h o w c u r r e n t events are c o m i n g to resemble the past far too m u c h for her l i k i n g . (Use the i n f o r m a t i o n i n " B a c k g r o u n d , " page 3, b u t do not reveal the place o f .Miska the Wolf-Spider i n the adventure.) I f Carjo d i e d , V i l m a asks the characters to t e l l R a m n e A s h s t a f f o f his death. C l u e s : V i l m a does not get out m u c h , b u t other v i l lagers d r o p i n f r e q u e n t l y to m a k e sure she is w e l l . They gossip w i t h her, w h i c h makes V i l m a one o f the best sources o f local knowledge i n H o m m e l Lane. Nevertheless, she k n o w s n o t h i n g o f the d a r k t r u t h b e h i n d the recent unrest. V i l m a is surprised that so m a n y people have converted f r o m the O l d Faith to the w o r s h i p o f the Lawb r i n g e r i n the past few m o n t h s . She k n o w s that m a n y converts spend a great deal o f t i m e i n the G o l d e n G r a i n Inn.
18. Hog Farm The u n m i s t a k a b l e smell o f hogs greets the adventurers as they approach t h i s f a r m . I n a d d i t i o n to herds o f pigs, a n u m b e r o f chickens a n d turkeys scratch a n d strut about the y a r d . D u r i n g the day, a teenage boy watches passersby f r o m the p o r c h . I f anyone approaches, the l a d r u n s inside, r e t u r n i n g shortly w i t h his father, Jophet. The recent troubles i n the c o m m u n i t y have d i s t u r b e d Jophet, a n d he tries to send any strangers o n t h e i r w a y q u i c k l y . C l u e s : Jophet isn't i n c l i n e d to tolerate visitors or answer t h e i r questions. A f r i e n d l y g r o u p m i g h t set his m i n d at ease ( D C 20 D i p l o m a c y or Bluff; D C 12 i f anyone i n the g r o u p professes the O l d Faith). I n t h i s case, he breaks d o w n a n d admits that his daughter Vaelle r a n away f r o m h o m e a couple o f m o n t h s ago a n d
fell i n w i t h a bad lot. She r e t u r n e d to the village a f e w weeks past, w i t h a couple o f thugs a n d the m i l l e r ' s son, A u g i n . Jophet t u r n e d her away, a n d later h e a r d that the ones w h o escorted her h a d been seen at the m i l l e r ' s (area 14).
19. Brewery T h i s i m p o s i n g stone b u i l d i n g w i t h a b a r r e l h a n g i n g f r o m chains above the door is the h o m e a n d workplace o f the local brewer, Evyna, and her h u s b a n d a n d y o u n g c h i l d . A nephew a n d his w i f e have recently come to help r u n the b r e w e r y i n response to its success. These people f o l l o w the O l d Faith. T h e b r e w e r y features several vats o n the m a i n floor, as w e l l as a few i n the cellar. Side sheds h o l d ingredients. T h r e e apprentice brewers d w e l l above the brewery, w h i l e the brewer's f a m i l y lives i n quarters attached to the m a i n b u i l d i n g . C o m p l i c a t i o n s : The apprentices a l l practiced the O l d Faith u n t i l one recently converted to the Lawbringer. The conversion has caused a b i t o f a stir w i t h i n Evyna's f a m i l y . The brewer believes she k n o w s w h a t is best for the village, a n d she isn't a f r a i d to let everyone else k n o w it. W i t h that m i n d s e t , she is r u n n i n g for mayor against
V a r i c k Becker (area 5). A l t h o u g h Evyna is correct i n m a n y o f her assertions, her outspoken behavior makes her u n p o p u l a r , even w i t h others w h o practice the O l d Faith. She has gone so far as to b l a m e V a r i c k for the recent disappearances i n the village, saying t h a t he a n d other L a w b r i n g e r followers are i n t i m i d a t i n g those o f the O l d Faith.
20. The Golden Grain I n n This large w o o d e n i n n was w h i t e w a s h e d at one t i m e , but m u c h o f its p a i n t has w o r n off. A c o r r a l a n d a stable are attached to the m a i n b u i l d i n g . The eaves o f the r o o f are decorated w i t h carvings o f sheaves o f wheat, w h i l e a sign s h o w i n g a b u n d l e o f wheat a n d a pitcher o f beer hangs over the door. The o w n e r a n d operator o f the i n n is B e r t r a m B e s w i l l . H e tends bar d u r i n g the busy times, greeti n g newcomers w i t h a smile, a j o k e , a n d a m u g o f f r o t h y ale. H e tries to keep the conversation l i g h t a n d inconsequential. C l u e s : I f the adventurers ask about Ranson a n d Scira (see "Lost Leatherworker," page 10), the patrons at the i n n c l a i m that the couple left early to r e t u r n home. (This fact appears t r u e to patrons w h o are not cultists, since the couple was k i d n a p p e d early i n the evening.) C o m p l i c a t i o n s : A t any given t i m e , f i f t e e n or m o r e patrons are present at the i n n . O f these, at least t e n are m e m b e r s o f the Reptile C u l t . The c u l t m e m b e r s t a l k and answer questions w h e n they are spoken to, b u t do not go out o f t h e i r w a y to be w e l c o m i n g . They prefer to sit back a n d let B e r t r a m take the lead i n d e a l i n g w i t h outsiders w h o m i g h t pose a t h r e a t to the cult's activities. The G o l d e n G r a i n I n n is c u r r e n t l y the only place i n H o m m e l Lane w i t h rooms for rent—a fact that B e r t r a m takes advantage o f as he kidnaps prospective members for the Reptile Cult. H e tries to convince the adventurers to take separate rooms, going so far as to offer t h e m l o w rates to entice t h e m . I f he can isolate one adventurer far f r o m the others, he m i g h t send a few cultists to attack (use the h u m a n goons f r o m " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , " page 30). I f the adventurer is defeated, he or she is k n o c k e d unconscious a n d h e l d i n the inn's cellar, a w a i t i n g transp o r t to the Temple o f the Lawbringer, t h e n to the cavern o f the Reptile G o d where the spirit naga lairs. P a t h of A d v e n t u r e : I f the adventurers i n q u i r e about the other strange happenings i n the village, B e r t r a m claims t h a t people are b l o w i n g t h i n g s out o f p r o p o r t i o n . I f the characters insist o n p u r s u i n g the topic, he m i s d i r e c t s t h e m by stating his b e l i e f t h a t a n evil g r o w i n g i n the Caves o f Chaos is responsible. This i n f o r m a t i o n can p r o v i d e the characters w i t h the incentive to u n d e r t a k e "Scout the Caves o f Chaos" next. I f the adventurers t r u l y b e g i n to snoop a r o u n d a n d ask t o u g h questions, the suspicious B e r t r a m decides that i t is t i m e to take action. T h i s puts the characters i n a p o s i t i o n to u n d e r t a k e " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n " next.
21. Constable's Quarters The village constable, Grover Ruskal, lives a n d w o r k s i n this nondescript w o o d e n b u i l d i n g . H e a v y shutters are closed over its w i n d o w s , t h o u g h the stout door usually stands open. Grover was an associate o f L o r d Rufus a n d L o r d B u r n e d u r i n g t h e i r a d v e n t u r i n g days, a n d they have entrusted h i m w i t h the responsibility o f keeping the peace i n the village. Grover exudes a n air o f quiet confidence. H e listens c a r e f u l l y to those w h o come to h i m w i t h problems, assuring t h e m that he w i l l check i n t o t h e i r concerns w i t h haste. I n reality, he does as little as possible. Grover employs t w o deputies, V a h n a and B a r r i n a , w h o also live here. C o m p l i c a t i o n s : A l t h o u g h Grover is n o t a m e m b e r o f the C u l t o f Chaos, he receives a hefty b r i b e each m o n t h to look the other way w h e n i t comes to the cult's crimes. H e is w i l l i n g to do whatever is necessary to allay suspicions d i r e c t e d at h i m . H e m i g h t even attempt to j a i l the adventurers i f they come too close to discoveri n g his duplicity. O p t i o n a l E n c o u n t e r : I f the characters r u n a f o u l o f the constable, they discover that he is a capable w a r r i o r not to be t r i f l e d w i t h . H i s deputies fight b y his side (use t o w n g u a r d statistics f r o m " L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l " ) . I f he decides to arrest the party, Grover can also deputize a few citizens (use h u m a n goon statistics f r o m that same session) or c a l l a few soldiers ( t o w n g u a r d statistics) f r o m the central keep. Constable Ruskal
Level 5 Controller (Leader)
M e d i u m natural humanoid HP 60; Bloodied 30
Initiative+3
A C 1 9 , F o r t i t u d e 17, R e f l e x 17, W i l l 1 8
Perception +3
Speed 5
Low-light vision
TRAITS Protected T h e c o n s t a b l e g a i n s a + 2 b o n u s t o a l l d e f e n s e s w h i l e he is a d j a c e n t t o a n ally. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
L o n g s w o r d (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 1 0 vs. A C Hit: 2 d 8 - 4 damage.
<£• U r g e H e s i t a t i o n ( c h a r m ) • E n c o u n t e r A t t a c k : C l o s e b u r s t 5 ( e n e m i e s i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 8 vs. W i l l Hit: T h e target cannot take a s t a n d a r d a c t i o n d u r i n g its next t u r n . Appoint Champion • At-Will Effect: Close b u r s t 1 0 ( o n e ally i n t h e b u r s t ) ; t h e t a r g e t m a k e s a basic a t t a c k as a f r e e a c t i o n a n d c a n s h i f t 1 s q u a r e b e f o r e o r after the attack. Inspirational A u t h o r i t y + Encounter Effect: Close b u r s t 1 0 ( o n e a l l y i n t h e b u r s t ) ; t h e t a r g e t uses a n atw i l l , e n c o u n t e r , o r r e c h a r g e a t t a c k p o w e r as a f r e e a c t i o n . Skills D i p l o m a c y +10, Insight + 8 , I n t i m i d a t e +10 Str15(+4)
Dex12(+3)
C o n 12 (+3)
lnt14(+4)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
W i s 12 (+3) Cha16(+5) Common
E q u i p m e n t chainmail, light shield, longsword
22. Lords' Tower T h i s stone tower is over f i f t y feet t a l l , w i t h an entrance accessible o n l y by ascending a c u r v e d f l i g h t o f stone stairs to a detached l a n d i n g t e n feet above the g r o u n d . The outer door o f the tower lowers to f o r m a bridge b e t w e e n the tower a n d the l a n d i n g . A n u m b e r o f a r r o w slits overlook the l a n d i n g a n d the tower g r o u n d s . Inside the tower are the residences o f the lords o f H o m m e l Lane, Rufus a n d B u r n e , w h o came to the v i l lage m o r e t h a n t e n years ago. A p o w e r f u l w i z a r d a n d fighter, respectively, b o t h f o r m e r adventurers served the baroness to the west for a l o n g t i m e , a n d were r e w a r d e d w i t h a l o r d s h i p a n d the r i g h t to r u l e the area a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane i n her n a m e . The d r u d g e r y o f r u l e r s h i p and bureaucracy q u i c k l y became too m u c h for b o t h f o r m e r heroes to p u t u p w i t h . For some t i m e now, they have left the day-to-day duties o f governance to t h e i r t r u s t e d castellan, V a r e d d Z a b o r r (area 23). C o m p l i c a t i o n s : A r i f t has recently f o r m e d b e t w e e n the t w o lords w h e n L o r d Rufus converted to the worship o f the L a w b r i n g e r f r o m his previous allegiance to the O l d Faith. L o r d B u r n e , foreseeing t h a t the tension b e t w e e n the t w o religions m i g h t tear the village apart, expressed his reservations to Rufus, w h o took offense. The w i z a r d left H o m m e l Lane i n a h u f f a couple o f weeks ago, supposedly to continue his arcane studies elsewhere. L o r d B u r n e has not left the tower since t h e n , choosing to sequester h i m s e l f u n t i l he sees h o w things are going to t u r n out. I f the adventurers come to the tower seeking either l o r d , the guards at the f r o n t entrance d i r e c t t h e m to the castellan (if the characters w a n t to discuss matters o f governance) or to the constable (for issues o f l a w a n d order).
23. Central Keep T h e soldiers a n d retainers w h o help govern the t e r r i t o r y a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane d w e l l i n t h i s great stone fortress perched atop a b r o a d h i l l o n the outskirts o f the village. A t the heart o f the keep is the private residence a n d office o f the castellan, V a r e d d Zaborr, a n d his assistant, R h o n n e t Gho. A s the castellan, V a r e d d is responsible for the day-to-day operations o f the keep. H e acts as a liaison between the village a n d Lords Rufus a n d B u r n e . V a r e d d is a clever fellow w h o a d v e n t u r e d w i t h Rufus and B u r n e i n t h e i r g l o r y days a n d gained t h e i r t r u s t w i t h his bravery a n d c o m m o n sense. H e has the freed o m to make i m p o r t a n t decisions a n d r u n the keep as he sees f i t . C o m p l i c a t i o n s : I f the tower guards refer the advent u r e r s to the castellan, V a r e d d sees t h e m w i t h i n an h o u r . H e listens to w h a t they have to say, and admits to h a v i n g concerns o f his o w n r e g a r d i n g recent events i n the v i l l a g e - b u t he says that w i t h o u t the leave o f Lords Rufus a n d B u r n e , he is unable to do a n y t h i n g about i t .
I f pressed to say w h e r e Rufus a n d B u r n e are, V a r e d d reveals o n l y that Rufus is away f r o m H o m m e l Lane o n w i z a r d ' s business a n d B u r n e is i n residence i n the tower a n d has left orders to n o t be d i s t u r b e d . V a r e d d tells the adventurers that they are welcome to investigate what's h a p p e n i n g i n the village, seeking clues about w h o or w h a t is b e h i n d the strange disappearances a n d the b a n d i t raids. I f they w a n t to r e p o r t a specific c r i m e , he directs t h e m to Constable Grover Ruskal (area 21).
24. Warehouses V i s i t i n g merchants a n d other travelers c a r r y i n g goods i n q u a n t i t y can store such goods here. Each warehouse has locked double doors ( D C 2 1 T h i e v e r y to open). Cast e l l a n V a r e d d Z a b o r r (area 23) a n d his assistant have the keys. Inside are several wagons a n d carts, along w i t h boxes, barrels, and bales h o l d i n g various food items, c l o t h , arrows, crossbow bolts, salt, a n d w i n e .
25. Boarding House F a r m h a n d s a n d i t i n e r a n t workers w h o have come to the village to assist w i t h the a u t u m n harvest live i n this modest b o a r d i n g house. A few have been converted to the Reptile C u l t , s p e n d i n g each n i g h t at the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n w h i l e t h e i r fellow f a r m h a n d s sleep away a h a r d day's labor. A shed nearby houses the animals, tools, a n d vehicles b e l o n g i n g to the workers.
26. Empty Buildings These shops, residences, a n d f a r m s are n o w abandoned. T h e i r f o r m e r occupants have v a n i s h e d - a l l o f t h e m secretly k i l l e d or t a k e n prisoner i n the n a m e o f the Rept i l e G o d . None o f the b u i l d i n g s contains a n y t h i n g o f real value, a n d the constable's deputies (area 21) keep a n eye o n t h e m to ensure t h a t i n t r u d e r s stay away.
Conclusion The adventurers' investigations i n H o m m e l Lane d e t e r m i n e w h i c h p a t h they take t h r o u g h t h i s D & D ENCOUNTERS season (see "Path o f A d v e n t u r e , " page 9). By the end o f the first session, the characters should have decided w h e r e t h e i r i n i t i a l investigation w i l l take t h e m , or y o u c a n d i r e c t t h e m t o w a r d a specific p a t h . Tell the players w h i c h session they w i l l be p l a y i n g next t i m e , a n d give t h e m a sense o f the location where events w i l l u n f o l d .
03 H
J\L IP T
]E 1^. • J.' HIE CHAOS CULT
THE STRAIGHTEST PATH
R
A n ancient moat house near H o m m e l Lane was once the l a i r o f e v i l humans—part o f a force that unsuccessf u l l y attacked the village a h u n d r e d years ago. A site dedicated to evil a n d chaos, the moat house was t h a n k f u l l y o v e r t h r o w n a n d its residents r o u t e d . For a century, the r u i n s have l a i n abandoned a n d rotting—but n o w a n e w e v i l rises i n the wilderness.
EXPLORE THE MOAT HOUSE T h i s session is the first p a r t o f the "Chaos C u l t " section o f the adventure. T h e characters have most l i k e l y come here i n response to r u m o r s o f b a n d i t a c t i v i t y i n a r u i n e d moat house four hours n o r t h o f H o m m e l Lane.
The Story So Far I f the adventurers have come here at the urging o f the teamster W y n d e l l or the d r u i d Ramne Ashstaff (area 10 and area 15 i n H o m m e l Lane), r e m i n d the players o f the rumors o f bandit activity, and o f those characters' belief that the moat house is the bandits' secret base o f operations. I f t h i s session is b e i n g r u n i n reaction to the m u r d e r o f N i r a H a s k a l i i n the p a w n s h o p (area 11 i n H o m m e l Lane), r e m i n d the players o f those events a n d t e l l t h e m they have followed the t r a i l o f E r r o l R o c k t y n (Nira's duplicitous g u a r d ) to the moat house. ( I n t h i s case, m a k e E r r o l one o f the sleeping cultists i n " M o a t House D u n g e o n , " page 26.) I f the adventurers l e a r n e d o f the moat house f r o m the m i l l e r M y t c h (area 14 i n H o m m e l Lane), s u m m a rize t h a t exchange a n d the i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t M y t c h ' s son has f a l l e n i n w i t h the bandits. ( I n this case, the son is c u r r e n t l y out o n a r a i d , and is n o t one o f the bandits i n the "Bandits o f the M o a t H o u s e " encounter.) I f you used another location or event to b r i n g the characters here, s u m m a r i z e that i n f o r m a t i o n for the players as t h i s session begins.
Moat House Approach The heroes b e g i n o n the p a t h l e a d i n g u p to the moat house's f r o n t doors. A s they come closer to the place (and eventually move inside), use the area descriptions on the next page a n d the tactical m a p o n page 25 to f i l l i n details for the players. W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s r e a c h the site, r e a d : From Hommel Lane, the trip to the ruined moat house takes about four hours. After passing through forest for much of thatjourney, your path suddenly opens up to a broad clearing
This session connects directly to "Moat House Dungeon," w h i c h should be played next. See "Next Session" (page 26) for information.
and a crumbling stone keep. The second story of the keep has collapsed down to ground level, and a water filled moat extends around the ruined building. A wooden bridge over the moat is rotting but appears to be intact. The main doors hang off their hinges, looking as though they were smashed with a battering ram in the distant past. Human-sized footprints track up and across the bridge, its surface rutted with recent cart tracks. P e r c e p t i o n D C 12: Two large breaches have appeared in the moat house wall where its stones have collapsed. Each appears broad enough for you to easily pass through. P e r c e p t i o n D C 14: Two enormous frogs lurk near the moat house—one in a small pond alongside the bridge path and one in the moat. The bandits are o n g u a r d against i n c u r s i o n , a n d they w a t c h the approach to the moat house carefully. W h e n the characters are first spotted inside the w a l l s , cont i n u e w i t h "Bandits o f the M o a t House," page 23. B r e a c h e s : The bandits are aware o f these e n t r y points a n d the weakness they represent i n the moat house's defenses. They have rigged each breach w i t h a trap. A n y creature that steps i n t o a breach w i t h o u t first d i s a r m i n g the t r a p breaks a v i a l o f alchemist's essence h i d d e n i n the r u b b l e . Alchemist's Essence Trap (Fire)
Level 1 Trap
Object D e t e c t Perception D C 1 9
Initiative -
HP 8 AC 16, Fortitude 13, Reflex I S , W i l l
-
I m m u n e n e c r o t i c , p o i s o n , p s y c h i c , f o r c e d m o v e m e n t , all c o n d i t i o n s , ongoing damage TRIGGERED A C T I O N S *c* A t t a c k (fire) •
Encounter
Trigger: A c r e a t u r e e n t e r s t h e t r a p ' s space, o r t h e t r a p d r o p s t o 0 hit points. A t t a c k (No A c t / o n ) : Close b u r s t 1 ( c r e a t u r e s i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 4 vs. Reflex Hit: 2 d 6 + 3 fire damage. Miss: H a l f d a m a g e . Effect: T h e t r a p is d e s t r o y e d . COUNTERMEASURES •
D i s a b l e : T h i e v e r y D C 1 9 ( s t a n d a r d a c t i o n ) . Success: T h e t r a p is d i s a b l e d . Failure ( 1 4 o r lower): T h e t r a p a t t a c k s .
G u a r d i a n s : Two giant t h o r n s k i n frogs w a t c h f r o m the moat a n d the p o n d (area 1 o n the tactical map), w h i l e a h i d d e n d w a r f conscript keeps w a t c h f r o m b e h i n d the a r r o w slit i n area 2. T h e adventurers m u s t succeed o n a D C 12 g r o u p Stealth check to approach u n n o t i c e d . O n a f a i l e d check, the frogs croak o u t a
w a r n i n g , a n d the d w a r f spots the characters as they approach. The b a n d i t s t h e n g a i n a surprise r o u n d w h e n the adventurers enter the moat house. T r e a s u r e : I f a breach t r a p is d i s a r m e d , its v i a l o f alchemist's essence c a n be safely c l a i m e d .
1 . Pond a n d M o a t The ground along the edge of the moat is low and marshy. Seeping water fills a small pond close to the path. Two t h o r n s k i n frogs live i n the p o n d a n d the moat. Outside the m o a t house, these pets o f the bandits attack only i f they are attacked first. O t h e r w i s e , they enter the moat house to f i g h t w i t h the bandits after combat breaks out there. A fight w i t h the frogs outside alerts the d w a r f conscript i n area 2.
2. Collapsed Tower The upper stories of this tower have collapsed, hut its lower floor is still intact. Arrow slits provide vantage points looking out in three directions. The d w a r f conscript Redye stands g u a r d here. I f he w a r n s the bandits o f the adventurers' approach, the bandits g a i n a surprise r o u n d w h e n combat begins.
3. Lower C o u r t y a r d This rubble-strewn courtyard is open to the sky, with steps to the northeast leading up to a second raised courtyard. slits are cut along the moat house's interior
Arrow
walls.
I f the bandits are not already aware o f t h e i r approach, the adventurers are most l i k e l y spotted w h e n they enter the lower c o u r t y a r d . C o n t i n u e w i t h "Bandits o f the M o a t H o u s e " o n the next page.
4. Upper C o u r t y a r d The upper courtyard has been cleared of rubble. A few are scattered through the area.
chairs
5. Bandit Leader's Room A feather bed, in better shape than the room it occupies, sits against the north wall of this chamber. A well-made desk and chair sit along the east wall. Beneath the desk is a large, ironshod wooden chest with a lock. The b a n d i t leader, Enda Yate, resides i n t h i s r o o m . D e s k : Enda's desk holds w r i t i n g materials a n d a hastily scribbled j o u r n a l , i n w h i c h she talks about her life o f shady dealings i n the b a r o n y to the west o f the borderlands. She has also d e t a i l e d key events that have o c c u r r e d since she came to the moat house (see "Conclusion," page 24).
C h e s t : The lock o n this chest is false. A n y attempt to p i c k the lock or b r e a k open the chest shatters a v i a l o f acid onto the ledger inside, destroying i t . A D C 12 Perc e p t i o n check reveals the n a t u r e o f the false lock. T h e chest c a n be safely opened o n l y t h r o u g h a secret p a n e l i n the back. The p a n e l can be f o u n d w i t h a second D C 12 Perception check, a n d requires a D C 12 T h i e v e r y check to open. The ledger i n the chest details the goods the bandits have stolen, as w e l l as the payments received for those goods. U s i n g t h i s evidence i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h records h e l d b y the teamster W y n d e l l , the adventurers can l e a r n t h a t the o n l y business i n H o m m e l Lane that the bandits have not d i r e c t l y affected is t h a t o f the traders Raynen a n d G r e m a g . T r e a s u r e : Even i f the acid t r a p is t r i g g e r e d , a p a i r o f shoes of water walking can be salvaged f r o m the chest.
6. Collapsed Stairs This stairway once led to the secondfloor
of the moat house,
but the collapse of the upper floor has left it impassable.
7. Descending Stairs A stair leads down, but the passage is blocked by a newly created stone wall. Sigils glow within the stones as you approach, indicating that some kind of magic is at work here.
A D C 8 A r c a n a check or Religion check reveals that this w a l l cannot be breached unless the proper password is given. None o f the bandits presently i n the upper level o f the moat house k n o w s the password. Raynen and Gremag, the traders i n H o m m e l Lane (area 9), are the only i n d i v i d u a l s outside Lareth's i n n e r circle w h o do.
8. Sleeping Quarters
BANDITS OF THE MOAT HOUSE Encounter Level 3
Setup Enda Yate, b a n d i t leader (L)
This room contains a few simple cots and hammocks. Faded hrown stains on the walls and floors indicate that a bloody battle was fought here some time ago.
Redye a n d H u e , d w a r f conscripts (D)
The bandits use these rooms for resting. The door o f each one can be b a r r e d f r o m the inside, a n d any r o o m h o l d i n g a n archer is b a r r e d w h e n combat starts. A b a r r e d door can be opened w i t h a D C 12 T h i e v e r y check, or b r o k e n open w i t h a D C 19 A t h l e t i c s check.
Regardless o f h o w the characters enter the moat house, the b a n d i t s move at once i n t o favorable f i g h t i n g positions. I f the adventurers were seen approaching, the d w a r f conscript i n area 2 o f the moat house w a r n s the bandits, w h o g a i n a surprise r o u n d w h e n combat begins.
Each r o o m contains the meager possessions o f the bandits sleeping there, w h i c h amounts to 50 gp for a l l the rooms.
9. Storage This area is filled with crates, barrels, and boxes marked with the seal of the teamster Wyndellfrom Hommel Lane. The items stored here i n c l u d e food a n d c o m m o n goods such as candles, lanterns, a n d c l o t h i n g . I f the adventurers r e t u r n these goods to W y n d e l l (or his wife), each o f t h e m is r e w a r d e d w i t h 2 0 g p .
10. Forbidden Room The door to this room is closed and barred from the outside. W r i t t e n i n chalk in Common are the words "Sick room. Keep door locked." I f the a d v e n t u r e r s enter, r e a d : The room beyond the barred door is a reeking shambles of filth, overturned cots, and smashed furniture. I n a blur of movement, a near-naked human throws himself at you with an ear-piercing shriek. "Killy killy the silly silly!" Three m e r c e n a r y archers i n h a b i t t h i s r o o m . They disobeyed the d i r e c t orders o f L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l , w h o placed a curse u p o n t h e m . T h e y are n o w insane, attacki n g w i t h o u t reason or mercy. Use the m e r c e n a r y archer statistics block f r o m the "Bandits o f the M o a t House" encounter, but these t h r e e c a n use o n l y melee attacks. These archers are too insane to answer questions intelligibly. I f the adventurers have n o t o b t a i n e d the i n f o r m a t i o n i n Enda's j o u r n a l or interrogated the other bandits, the m a d r a n t i n g o f the archers communicates the b r o a d o u t l i n e o f the b a n d i t s ' activities a n d t h e i r fear of Lareth.
8 m e r c e n a r y archers (A) 2 t h o r n s k i n frogs (F)
Tactics The bandits hope to t r a p the adventurers i n the lower c o u r t y a r d , w h e r e the archers can f i r e at t h e m f r o m b e h i n d the a r r o w slits. W h e n combat begins, Redye moves f r o m area 2 i n t o the lower c o u r t y a r d , h o p i n g to strike at l i g h t l y a r m o r e d targets at the back o f the party. H e also tries to cut o f f retreat to the bridge. H u e moves to the top o f the stairs b e t w e e n the u p p e r a n d lower courtyards to prevent adventurers f r o m r e a c h i n g the archers. Enda leaves her quarters to j o i n the battle i n the u p p e r c o u r t y a r d 1 r o u n d after she hears sounds o f combat. A t the start o f r o u n d 3, r o l l initiative for the t h o r n s k i n frogs a n d b r i n g t h e m i n t o the combat. T h e y enter the keep t h r o u g h the m a i n entrance. I f Enda is b l o o d i e d a n d b o t h the dwarves are dead, the b a n d i t leader surrenders unless at least h a l f the adventurers are also dead or unconscious. She also surrenders i f she drops to 10 h i t points or fewer.
Features of the Area L i g h t : By t i m e o f day. A r r o w S l i t s : Creatures o n opposite sides o f a n a r r o w slit have superior cover against each other. A creature that ducks d o w n adjacent to a n a r r o w slit can't be f i r e d u p o n f r o m that a r r o w slit. R u b b l e : These areas are d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n .
Conclusion I f she is left alive, Enda talks i n the hope o f securing her f r e e d o m . O t h e r b a n d i t prisoners refuse to t a l k unless t h r e a t e n e d ( D C 19 I n t i m i d a t e ) . I f the adventurers agree to let her go, Enda wants a follower o f the L a w b r i n g e r swear a n oath to t h i s effect, since a Lawbringer's o a t h is sacred. I f the characters insist that she come back to the village to give testimony
Enda Yate, Bandit Leader (L)
Level 3 Artillery (Leader)
Small natural humanoid, halfling
2 Thornskin Frogs (F)
Initiative +6
HP 3 8 ; B l o o d i e d 19
P e r c e p t i o n +2
A C 17, F o r t i t u d e 1 5 , R e f l e x 1 6 , W i l l 1 4
H P 3 5 ; B l o o d i e d 17 Speed 4, swim 6
O
Aquatic
N a t u r a l L e a d e r 4- A u r a 2 Allies gain a +2 p o w e r bonus t o saving t h r o w s w h i l e in t h e aura.
P e r c e p t i o n +2 Low-light vision
The t h o r n s k i n can breathe underwater. In aquatic combat, i t
STANDARD ACTIONS
gains a +2 bonus t o a t t a c k rolls against n o n a q u a t i c creatures.
Dagger (weapon) • A t - W i l l
STANDARD ACTIONS
Attack: M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C
©
Hit: 2 d 4 + 4 d a m a g e , o r 2 d 4 + 8 a g a i n s t a t a r g e t g r a n t i n g c o m b a t
Bite • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. A C
a d v a n t a g e t o Enda. ®
Initiative + 4
A C 1 3 , F o r t i t u d e 1 2 , R e f l e x 1 3 , W i l l 11
Speed 6
©
Level 1 Brute
M e d i u m natural beast (aquatic)
Hit: 1 d 1 0 + 6 damage,
T h r o w i n g Dagger (weapon) • A t - W i l l
•r P o u n c e • R e c h a r g e | X j
A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 1 0 vs. A C
Effect: T h e t h o r n s k i n s h i f t s i t s s p e e d a n d m a k e s t h e f o l l o w i n g
Hit: 2 d 4 + 4 damage, or 2 d 4 + 8 against a target g r a n t i n g c o m b a t
attack.
a d v a n t a g e t o Enda.
A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 4 vs. R e f l e x
*¥ T u m b l i n g Toss ( w e a p o n ) • R e c h a r g e [ X ] HjJ
Hit: 2 d 6 + 6 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t falls p r o n e .
Effect: B e f o r e t h e a t t a c k , Enda c a n s h i f t u p t o h e r s p e e d a n d g a i n s c o m b a t advantage against an e n e m y o f her choice u n t i l t h e e n d
MINOR ACTIONS •|- T o n g u e G r a b • A t - W i l l
of her next turn.
A t t a c k : M e l e e 3 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 4 vs. R e f l e x
Attack: R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 1 0 vs. A C
H i t : T h e t h o r n s k i n p u l l s t h e t a r g e t 2 squares.
Hit: 3 d 4 + 8 damage.
S t r 1 6 (+3)
D e x 18 (+4)
TRIGGERED A C T I O N S
C o n 15 (+2)
I n t 3 (-4)
Second Chance •
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Encounter
Trigger: A n e n e m y h i t s Enda w i t h a n a t t a c k .
•
Effect ( I m m e d i a t e I n t e r r u p t ) : T h e t r i g g e r i n g e n e m y m u s t r e r o l l t h e a t t a c k a n d use t h e n e w r e s u l t . Skills Acrobatics +11, Bluff +8, Stealth +11, Streetwise + 8 , Thievery +11 Str10(+1)
Dex20(+6)
W i s 12 (+2)
C o n 1 4 (+3)
I n t 1 2 (+2)
C h a 1 4 (+3)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
Common
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, 2 0 daggers
Languages
8 Mercenary Archers (A) Medium natural humanoid,
W i s 1 4 (+2) C h a 9 (-1) -
Level 4 Minion Artillery human
HP 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 1 6 , R e f l e x 1 6 , W i l l 15
Initiative +5 Perception +8
Speed 6 STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Short Sword (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C Hit: 5 damage.
Level 2 Brute
2 Dwarf Conscripts (D)
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L o n g b o w (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 2 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; +11 vs. A C
M e d i u m natural humanoid
Hit: 6 damage.
I n i t i a t i v e +2
HP 47; Bloodied 23
Perception +3
AC 1 4 , F o r t i t u d e 1 5 , Reflex 13, W i l l 1 4
Low-light vision
Speed 5
TRIGGERED A C T I O N S Scatter • A t - W i l l Trigger: A n a l l y t h e a r c h e r c a n see d r o p s t o 0 h i t p o i n t s .
S a v i n g T h r o w s + 5 against poison effects
Effect (Free Action): T h e a r c h e r s h i f t s 1 s q u a r e .
TRAITS
Skills Stealth + 1 0
Stand t h e Ground The c o n s c r i p t can m o v e 1 square f e w e r t h a n t h e e f f e c t specifies
Str 14 (+4)
D e x 16 (+5)
w h e n subjected t o a pull, a push, o r a slide.
C o n 1 0 (+2)
Int8(+1)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Steady-Footed The conscript can make a saving t h r o w t o avoid falling prone
Languages
W i s 12 (+3) Cha9(+1) Common
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, short s w o r d , longbow, 2 0 arrows
w h e n an attack w o u l d knock it prone. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Lane), a n d she believes that h e ' l l let her escape before any t r i a l begins.
Gouge (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C H i t : 2 d 6 + 6 d a m a g e . I f t h e c o n s c r i p t scores a c r i t i c a l h i t , t h e c o n script can push t h e t a r g e t 1 square, a n d t h e t a r g e t falls p r o n e .
Skills Dungeoneering + 8 , Endurance + 9 Str 16 (+4)
D e x 1 2 (+2)
W i s 14 (+3)
C o n 17 (+4)
I n t 11 (+1)
C h a 11 (+1)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages Common,
Enda a n d the bandits c a n reveal the f o l l o w i n g inform a t i o n , some o f w h i c h is also contained i n her j o u r n a l i n area 5. •
Enda was a p e t t y t h i e f i n the m o r e c i v i l i z e d lands o f the w e s t e r n b a r o n y before she received a n offer t o lead a s m a l l a r m y o f bandits out here i n the borderlands. The assignment sounded more profitable a n d less dangerous t h a n w h a t she was d o i n g .
•
Enda m e t w i t h a " r i g h t n u t t e r o f a h u m a n " w h o called h i m s e l f " L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l . " H e t o l d her that she was to r e c r u i t bandits a n d brigands to
Dwarven
E q u i p m e n t hide armor, gouge
against the traders a n d face j u d g m e n t for her crimes, she eventually agrees, p r o v i d i n g t h a t the adventurers ask for leniency o n her behalf. Enda is aware o f the loyalties o f Constable Grover Ruskal (area 2 1 i n H o m m e l
c o n d u c t raids o n caravans i n the t e r r i t o r y a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane. Enda d i d so w i l l i n g l y .
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A f t e r the first few raids, L a r e t h insisted that the bandits either k i l l the people they r o b b e d or b r i n g t h e m back as prisoners a n d t u r n t h e m over to h i m . Enda was u n c o m fortable w i t h the k i l l i n g , but L a r e t h placed horrible curses o n those w h o disobeyed h i m . She has c o m p l i e d since t h e n , b u t her l o n g - t e r m plans are to gather enough forces to o v e r t h r o w L a r e t h , t h e n establish her o w n banditled t e r r i t o r y w i t h H o m m e l Lane at its center.
5
As far as Enda is concerned, L a r e t h leads a d e a t h c u l t for w h i c h her b a n d i t r y is o n l y a f r o n t . N u m e r o u s people weari n g black robes b e a r i n g a g o l d - t r i m m e d r e d circle have passed t h r o u g h the w a l l that blocks the stairs l e a d i n g d o w n i n t o the dungeon. E n d a does not k n o w h o w to enter the d u n g e o n , but she believes a secret passw o r d m u s t be spoken. She a n d her b a n d i t s stay far f r o m the stairs a n d the magic stone w a l l . She fears that unspeakable evil takes place d o w n there. The goods that Enda steals are t a k e n to the village and given to the traders Raynen a n d Gremag. They sell the c o n t r a b a n d or arrange to have i t t a k e n elsew h e r e , w i t h the p r o f i t s split b e t w e e n the traders, the bandits, and L a r e t h .
Next Session W h e n t h i s session is completed, the clues the adventurers uncover should lead t h e m to question the traders i n H o m m e l Lane. Faced w i t h evidence o f her crimes, Raynen confesses a n d provides the characters w i t h the means to i n f i l t r a t e the temple beneath the moat house (see area 9 i n H o m m e l Lane). I f you have t i m e , use the c o n f r o n t a t i o n at the t r a d i n g post to create an o p t i o n a l encounter to f i n i s h o f f this session. O t h e r w i s e , s u m m a r i z e the i n f o r m a t i o n above for the players a n d give t h e m the setup to r u n " M o a t House D u n g e o n " next.
MOAT H O U S E DUNGEON This session is the second p a r t o f the "Chaos C u l t " sect i o n o f the adventure. The characters have most l i k e l y come here i n the a f t e r m a t h o f the i n f o r m a t i o n they discovered i n "Explore the M o a t House," a n d w i t h the password they learned f r o m the c o r r u p t trader Raynen (area 9 i n H o m m e l Lane).
The Story So Far F r o m "Explore the M o a t House," s u m m a r i z e the explor a t i o n a n d i n f i l t r a t i o n o f the u p p e r level o f the moat house, the fight w i t h the bandits, a n d h o w the characters discovered the existence o f a c u l t i n the dungeons beneath the moat house. I f the adventurers t h e n c o n f r o n t e d the c o r r u p t merchants Raynen a n d G r e m a g i n the t r a d i n g post, r e m i n d the players o f the pair's i n v o l v e m e n t w i t h the bandits, h o w Raynen p r o v i d e d the password needed to enter the d u n g e o n , and w h e t h e r or not the characters o b t a i n e d cultist robes to m a k e i n f i l t r a t i o n easier. I f y o u used another l o c a t i o n or event to b r i n g the characters here, s u m m a r i z e t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n for the players as t h i s session begins.
Into the Dungeon The leader o f the Chaos C u l t is a cleric n a m e d L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l . Retracing t h e i r previous m a r c h , the characters arrive at the moat house, ready to do battle w i t h Lareth's e v i l . W h e n the adventurers attacked the moat house, a n u m b e r o f bandits were out r a i d i n g . W h e n they r e t u r n e d to f i n d signs o f battle a n d the u p p e r level o f the moat house abandoned, t h e y q u i c k l y f l e d the area. Thus, the adventurers have access to the d u n g e o n w i t h out h a v i n g to fight t h e i r w a y t h r o u g h m o r e foes. The combat encounter c a n start at any p o i n t i n t h i s session. W h e n i t does, continue w i t h " L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l , " page 28. I f the battle starts because the characters f a i l e d to fool the cultists, t h e n combat p r o ceeds n o r m a l l y . I f the cultists believe the p a r t y to be a g r o u p o f c u l t initiates, the adventurers g a i n a surprise r o u n d i f they choose to attack. Read: The stairway leading down is still blocked by a stone wall, the same magical sigils glowing upon it. The adventurers m u s t speak the password ( " A n n i h i l a t i o n " ) , w h i c h they have most l i k e l y learned f r o m the trader Raynen (area 9 i n H o m m e l Lane) or f r o m the spirit possessing Sir M o o n b r o o k . W h e n the a d v e n t u r e r s u s e the p a s s w o r d , r e a d : The wall magically descends into the stairs with a grinding sound, revealing a gloomy corridor below.
T H E STRAIGHTEST PATH When the characters complete this session, they will have obtained the Scroll of Final Words-the second item of power that Haffron's ghost described to them in the Caves of Chaos. Their triumph is short-lived when they return to Hommel Lane. More villagers have disappeared (use the "Lost Leatherworker" or "Castellan's Assistant" events from "Events in Hommel Lane," page 10), and all clues point to the Golden Grain Inn. Run the "Golden Grain Inn" session next.
T h e w a l l rises again i n 1 m i n u t e . The sound o f it m o v i n g is l o u d e n o u g h to alert the cultists below, so t h a t e n t e r i n g the d u n g e o n by stealth is not a n o p t i o n .
Sentry Challenge A f t e r 50 feet, the c o r r i d o r t u r n s a corner i n t o the passage depicted at the b o t t o m o f the m a p o n page 28. W h e n the a d v e n t u r e r s e n t e r the a r e a , r e a d : The walls of the passage ahead are decorated with sigils drawn in red and black chalk. Torchlight illuminates the hallway and the two figures standing sentry duty there. Both wield clubs and wear leather armor beneath cult robes. One calls out to you in a gruff voice. "Come forward
and
show yourselves." Unless the adventurers are w e a r i n g cultist robes, the guards shout out a w a r n i n g to t h e i r f e l l o w cultists a n d attack. I f a battle begins at t h i s p o i n t , the other cultists q u i c k l y j o i n the fight. A d j u s t the read-aloud text for areas f a r t h e r i n t o the d u n g e o n as appropriate. I f the a d v e n t u r e r s are w e a r i n g c u l t i s t robes, r e a d : One robed figure assesses your cult garb and nods. "Fate smiles today. You have arrived in time to assist the master communing with the essence of That W h i c h We Obey. We are about to learn what our final fates will be. Go speak to Timonen immediately." As l o n g as the adventurers do n o t h i n g to arouse suspicion, they can m a r c h past the cultists w i t h o u t trouble. O t h e r w i s e , one adventurer m u s t m a k e a D C 9 B l u f f check, D i p l o m a c y check, or I n t i m i d a t e check to p u t the guards at ease. I f the first check is f a i l e d , another adventurer can attempt a D C 13 B l u f f check, D i p l o m a c y check, or I n t i m i d a t e check to a l l o w the characters to get past the guards.
Prayer Room A f t e r m o v i n g t h r o u g h the sentry passage, the adventurers m u s t pass t h r o u g h a n adjacent prayer r o o m , d e a l i n g
not o n l y w i t h the cultists there b u t w i t h the f o u l magic they w o r s h i p . W h e n the a d v e n t u r e r s p a s s t h r o u g h , r e a d : I n the corner of this room is a table marked with the same red and black sigils as on the walls. Two cultists sit at the table with their heads bowed in silent prayer. A D C 13 A r c a n a check or Religion check reveals t h a t the table is i m b u e d w i t h a n e v i l d i v i n e effect that c a n be felt by any good-aligned character. Each good or l a w f u l good character i n the p a r t y m u s t m a k e a D C 8 E n d u r a n c e check. O n a f a i l e d check, the character staggers to a stop a n d is s t u n n e d u n t i l the e n d o f his or her next t u r n . I f any character becomes s t u n n e d , the cultists attack.
Barracks Beyond the prayer r o o m , t h e adventurers c a n see t w o guards at a closed door, w i t h l i v i n g a n d sleeping quarters opposite. W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s a p p r o a c h the g u a r d s , r e a d : A set of bunks to your left marks a barracks, where a number of cultists are sleeping. Two guards ahead of you are watching carefully as you approach. Each wears chainmail and wields a halberd. The door between them is covered with red and black sigils. The closer guard nods to you. " I am Timonen, and you are well met. Hail to That W h i c h We Obey. W h o sent you?" W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s c a n see the q u a r t e r s , r e a d : Two connected chambers hold bunks on which/our cultists are sleeping. At the end of each bunk stands a small footlocker. The far wall of the second sleeping area is stacked high with crates and barrels that bear the mark of the teamster Wyndell. The t w o guards k n o w l i t t l e about the operations o f the C u l t o f Chaos outside the m o a t house, so a D C 9 B l u f f check is enough to fool t h e m w i t h a reasonably believable story. The adventurers have a second chance (a D C 13 B l u f f check) i f the i n i t i a l check fails. I f the a d v e n t u r e r s fool t h e g u a r d s , r e a d : Timonen nods again. "Knock at the master's door, then, but wait for him to invite you i n i f y o u value your sanity."
Lareth's Ritual
silver fire that gives off light but radiates no heat. A large carpet covers the floor beyond it. A man steps toward you wearing black plate armor that bears a gold-trimmed red circle—the same symbol seen on the cultist robes. He wields a silver scepter with an ebony head, carved in the shape of a creature that looks to be a cross between a wolf and a spider. " I am Lareth," he says, "your new master. Your arrival is fortuitous. You can assist me in the ritual that will allow me to speak directly to That Which We Obey. Step to the carpet while I prepare. Do nothing unless you are told to." L a r e t h is p r e p a r i n g to c o m m u n e w i t h M i s k a to l e a r n the d e m o n lord's u l t i m a t e plans for the C u l t o f Chaos a n d the area a r o u n d H o m m e l Lane. A n y d i s t u r b a n c e f r o m the adventurers produces a fierce rebuke f r o m L a r e t h . A t a second offense, L a r e t h calls o n " l o y a l followers" to "slay those w h o i n t e r r u p t this w o r k . " I f L a r e t h is a l l o w e d to c o n t i n u e , r e a d : After preparing the font holding the silver fire for his ritual, Lareth speaks. " I am about to contact That W h i c h We Obey. W h e n I begin the ritual, you will/eel his power overwhelm you. Do not resist. Only those who witness the ritual will sense his majesty." Lareth then begins to chant. The adventurers have 1 m i n u t e to act before the r i t u a l begins. A f t e r that t i m e , a wave o f energy erupts f r o m the font a n d the characters are s t u n n e d u n t i l the r i t u a l is complete. T h i s energy causes each adventurer to lose one h e a l i n g surge. W h e n the r i t u a l is c o m p l e t e d , r e a d : From within the silver fire, a hazy, wolflike maw appears. Thefanged mouth speaks in the same voice that also spoke through Sir Moonbrook. "You have done well. Miska is pleased. Soon, you will be called on to set your forces against the village. Others who serve me shall j o i n you, and Hommel Lane will/all. Then you shall rule i n Miska's name, and you shall strengthen the connection to my prison until I can pass through the barrier. I shall rule this world, andyou, Lareth the Beautiful, will know greatness like no other. Prepare your forces. I will contact you directly when it is time to move." Lareth smiles as the image vanishes. Then he turns to you. "You see? The time is nearly at hand. Report to Timonen and Arthus for your duties. Consider their commands to be mine."
A few seconds after any k n o c k , a deep voice booms out f r o m b e y o n d the door to Lareth's chamber. "Enter!"
A n y character w h o succeeds o n a D C 19 H i s t o r y check or R e l i g i o n check k n o w s the story o f M i s k a , as t o l d i n " B a c k g r o u n d " (page 3).
W h e n the a d v e n t u r e r s enter, r e a d : As i n the rest of the dungeon, this chamber has walls covered in red and black sigils. A bed and a wardrobe stand against the far wall, the wardrobe's full-length mirror catching your reflections as you enter. A font close to the door is filled with
I f the characters have made it t h r o u g h Lareth's r i t u a l w i t h o u t t h e i r identities b e i n g c o m p r o m i s e d , the combat encounter begins w h e n e v e r t h e y decide to attack the cultists. The adventurers gain a surprise r o u n d w h e n they attack. C o n t i n u e w i t h " L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l " o n the next page.
LARETH THE BEAUTIFUL Encounter Level 4
Setup L a r e t h the B e a u t i f u l (L) T i m o n e n a n d A r t h u s , t o w n guards (G) 8 d a r k cultists ( h u m a n goons) ( H ) I f the adventurers attack after or d u r i n g Lareth's r i t u a l , the priest's magic prevents sound f r o m passing beyond his chambers. The guards a n d other cultists r e m a i n u n a w a r e o f any combat i n Lareth's chambers u n t i l the c u l t leader uses a m i n o r action to end t h i s effect.
Features of the Area L i g h t : Torches shed b r i g h t l i g h t t h r o u g h o u t the area. B u n k s : The b u n k s i n the t w o l i v i n g areas are d i f f i cult terrain. F o n t : As a s t a n d a r d action o n his t u r n , L a r e t h can cause the silver f i r e i n the font to radiate intense cold. A n y creature not b e l o n g i n g to the C u l t o f Chaos that starts its t u r n w i t h i n 2 squares o f the font takes 5 cold damage. Lareth the Beautiful (L)
Level 4 Elite Controller
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human HP 1 0 4 ; Bloodied 52
I n i t i a t i v e +2
A C 1 8 , F o r t i t u d e 1 6 , R e f l e x 15, W i l l 17
Perception +9
Speed 5
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human HP 47; Bloodied 23
©
Scepter (weapon) • A t - W i l l
Hit: 1 d 1 0 + 5 damage, a n d t h e t o w n guard marks t h e target until
H i t : 2 d 8 + 3 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is d a z e d (save ends). First Failed Saving Throw: T h e t a r g e t is i n s t e a d s t u n n e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f Lareth's n e x t t u r n .
Encounter
A t t a c k : Close b u r s t 2 ( e n e m i e s i n t h e b u r s t ) : + 7 vs. W i l l Hit: 2 d 8 + 6 psychic damage, t h e target moves its speed away f r o m L a r e t h as a f r e e a c t i o n , a n d t h e n t h e t a r g e t f a l l s p r o n e . TRIGGERED A C T I O N S Encounter
a n d h e uses i t . Skills Arcana + 8 , B l u f f + 1 1 , Religion+8 C o n 12 ( + 3 )
I n t 13 (+3) Languages
Crossbow (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 2 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C Hit: 1d8 + 5 damage.
•(• P o w e r f u l S t r i k e ( w e a p o n ) • R e c h a r g e [ X j l i t ] A t t a c k : M e l e e 2 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C Hit: 2 d 1 0 + 5 damage, a n d t h e t a r g e t falls prone. TRIGGERED A C T I O N S T I n t e r c e d i n g Strike (weapon) • A t - W i l l Trigger: A n e n e m y m a r k e d b y t h e t o w n g u a r d m a k e s a n a t t a c k t h a t d o e s n ' t i n c l u d e i t as a t a r g e t . AC
Effect ( I m m e d i a t e Reaction): L a r e t h r e g a i n s t h e use otfearful edict,
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil
t h e e n d o f t h e t o w n guard's n e x t t u r n . ®
Attack (Immediate Interrupt): M e l e e 2 ( t r i g g e r i n g e n e m y ) ; + 8 vs.
Trigger: L a r e t h is f i r s t b l o o d i e d .
D e x 11 (+2)
H a l b e r d (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: M e l e e 2 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C
A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C
Str 16 (+5)
Perception +6
STANDARD ACTIONS
STANDARD ACTIONS
W o u n d e d Curse •
Initiative +5
AC 19, F o r t i t u d e 16, Reflex 15, W i l l 14 Speed 5
Saving T h r o w s +2; A c t i o n Points 1 ©
Level 3 Soldier
2 Town Guards (G)
W i s 14 (+4) Cha 18 (+6) Common
E q u i p m e n t p l a t e a r m o r , l i g h t s h i e l d , s c e p t e r , Scroll of Final Words
Hit: I d I O + 5 damage. Skills Streetwise +7 Str 16 (+4)
D e x 1 4 (+3)
C o n 15 (+3)
I n t 1 0 (+1)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
W i s 11 (+1) C h a 1 2 (+2) Common
E q u i p m e n t chainmail, halberd, crossbow, 2 0 bolts
8 Human Goons (H)
Level 2 Minion Soldier
Medium natural humanoid H P 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 5 , F o r t i t u d e 1 3 , R e f l e x 1 1 , W i l l 11
Initiative +3 P e r c e p t i o n +2
Speed 6 TRAITS M o b Rule W h i l e a t least t w o o t h e r h u m a n g o o n s a r e w i t h i n 5 s q u a r e s o f t h e g o o n , i t gains a + 2 p o w e r bonus t o all defenses. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Club (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C Hit: 5 damage.
Str 1 4 (+3)
D e x 11 (+1)
W i s 12 (+2)
C o n 1 2 (+2)
I n t 9 (+0)
C h a 13 (+2)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
«r*£rftK
Common
E q u i p m e n t club
Tactics L a r e t h prefers to let his followers do the close f i g h t i n g so he c a n use command f r o m a distance to blast his enemies. I f pressed i n t o melee, he lashes out w i t h scepter or fearful edict to take a foe out o f the fight. The sleeping cultists w a k e at the first sound o f combat a n d enter the fray i n the f o l l o w i n g r o u n d . Lareth's followers k n o w n o t h i n g b u t fear o f t h e i r master and the urge for d e s t r u c t i o n . T h e y stay i n the t h i c k o f melee as they f i g h t to the death to protect t h i s place.
Conclusion I f the adventurers were d r a w n i n t o combat w i t h the cultists before they c o u l d observe Lareth's r i t u a l , notes and scrolls i n Lareth's c h a m b e r provide i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g M i s k a the W o l f - S p i d e r a n d the p l a n n e d attack o n H o m m e l Lane. A n y character w h o succeeds on a D C 19 H i s t o r y check or R e l i g i o n check k n o w s the story o f M i s k a , as t o l d i n " B a c k g r o u n d " (page 3). A scroll case c l i p p e d to Lareth's belt contains the Scroll of Final Words—a p o w e r f u l magic i t e m associated w i t h M i s k a . The adventurers c a n feel evil r a d i a t i n g f r o m the scroll, a n d any attempt to destroy i t results
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i n f a i l u r e . This scroll is one o f the items needed i n the f i n a l session to close the c o n n e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h i s w o r l d and Miska's p r i s o n plane. W i t h L a r e t h a n d his followers v a n q u i s h e d , the characters c a n r e t u r n v i c t o r i o u s to H o m m e l Lane.
Next Session H a v i n g completed the "Chaos C u l t " section o f the adventure, y o u m u s t decide w h a t section the characters w i l l u n d e r t a k e next. See "Path o f A d v e n t u r e " (page 9) and " H o m m e l Lane Locations" (page 11) for guidelines.
ma This scroll contains holy writing that forms into different sayings or magical phrases depending on the religion or magical affiliation of the hearer. E n h a n c e m e n t Bonus: A t t a c k rolls a n d damage rolls Critical: +1d8 damage Properties • T h e s c r o l l is a + 1 i m p l e m e n t t h a t c a n a c t as a h o l y s y m b o l , o r b , r o d , staff, t o m e , o r w a n d . •
Y o u gain a +1 i t e m bonus t o u n t r a i n e d skill checks.
U t i l i t y P o w e r • D a i l y (Free A c t i o n ) Trigger: Y o u miss a l l t a r g e t s w i t h a n e n c o u n t e r a t t a c k p o w e r o f level 3 o r l o w e r . Effect: Y o u d o n o t e x p e n d t h e use o f t h e p o w e r . U t i l i t y Power • Encounter (Minor Action) Effect: Y o u g a i n a + 1 i t e m b o n u s t o a d 2 0 r o l l y o u m a k e b e f o r e the end o f your current turn.
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CHAPTER 3: T H E C U L T OF T H E REPTILE G O D The mysterious disappearance o f villagers i n H o m m e l Lane has a d a r k e x p l a n a t i o n - t h e C u l t o f the Reptile G o d . A s p i r i t naga has set itself u p to be w o r s h i p e d i n its l a i r deep i n the Fathomless Fens, an expanse o f s w a m p a few hours south o f H o m m e l Lane. The naga's c h a r m a b i l i t y has a l l o w e d i t to c o r r u p t an increasing n u m b e r o f villagers to its service, a n d the n u m b e r o f k i d n a p pings perpetrated by the c u l t grows ever greater.
GOLDEN GRAIN INN H o m m e l Lane's G o l d e n G r a i n I n n is one o f t w o centers o f Reptile C u l t a c t i v i t y i n the village. Cultists c h a r m e d to the s p i r i t naga's service congregate here n i g h t l y , a n d n u m e r o u s innocent villagers a n d travelers passing t h r o u g h H o m m e l Lane have vanished after a night at the G o l d e n G r a i n . This session is the first p a r t o f the " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " section o f the adventure. The characters have most l i k e l y come here to investigate the disappearance o f villagers i n H o m m e l Lane, a n d a mysterious conn e c t i o n between those disappearances a n d the G o l d e n Grain Inn.
The Story So Far I f the adventurers have come here i n response to the disappearance o f the carpenter's c h i l d r e n (see area 3 i n H o m m e l Lane), s u m m a r i z e w h a t the characters have l e a r n e d r e g a r d i n g the disappearance a n d h o w the carpenter a n d his w i f e have been spending m u c h t i m e since t h e n at the G o l d e n G r a i n . I f the k i d n a p p i n g o f the leatherworker Ranson K l o u g h t a n d his w i f e Scira have b r o u g h t the adventurers to the G o l d e n G r a i n , r e m i n d the players o f the details (see area 6 i n H o m m e l Lane a n d "Lost Leatherw o r k e r , " page 10), a n d that the t w o were last seen i n the inn. I f y o u used the o p t i o n a l encounter i n the cellar o f the r u i n e d I n n o f the W i n s o m e W e n c h , the characters have l i k e l y come here after discovering the t u n n e l s l i n k i n g the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n w i t h the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r . R e m i n d the players o f any other details they m i g h t have h e a r d r e g a r d i n g mysterious happenings a r o u n d the i n n . I f the characters have u n d e r t a k e n this session i n response to h a v i n g come to the G o l d e n G r a i n as p a r t o f a previous investigation, s u m m a r i z e the events t h a t l e d u p to t h i s p o i n t .
T H E STRAIGHTEST PATH This session connects directly to "Temple of the Lawbringer," which should be played next. See "Next Session" (page 34) for information.
I f y o u used another location or event to b r i n g the characters here, s u m m a r i z e t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n for the players as this session begins.
At the I n n I f the characters are not already at the G o l d e n G r a i n , use the d e s c r i p t i o n o f area 2 0 i n H o m m e l Lane (page 19) to set the scene. The read-aloud text b e l o w assumes that the characters have previously met Bert r a m B e s w i l l , the proprietor, a n d as such B e r t r a m is concerned that the adventurers' questions a n d investigations are about to expose the Reptile C u l t . I f the characters are c o m i n g here for the f i r s t t i m e , adjust the text as necessary. Read: The Golden Grain is crowded but quiet tonight, and Bertram Beswill is infine form behind the bar. He catches your eye as he tries to boost the mood of his customers. " I tell you, I can remember when every night at the Golden Grain Inn was a party to end all parties. It didn't matter if you followed the Old Faith or worshiped the Lawbringer. Everyone could throw back a pint and celebrate a hard-earned bit o' silver and an honest day's work. We need to remember those days. A round o' the Old '63 on the house!" A cheer goes up from around the room as people jump out of their chairs and head for the bar. Bertram continues speaking as he pours drinks for everyone. "We need a drinking contest. We need to play some darts. I want to see wee big Gertie arm wrestle one o' our new friends. Derek, pull out your lute and play us a drinking song. Ernesto, show off that tattoo you got when those ores capturedyou. Here's to a life worth living." As the patrons o f the G o l d e n G r a i n engage i n various activities, the characters are encouraged to participate. I f they don't w a n t to f o l l o w along, B e r t r a m p u l l s aside one o f the adventurers for a w h i s p e r e d conversation. "Listen, I know you want answers. I can tell you everything, but first you need to help me. Put these folks at ease with a bit o'frivolity, and distract those who might meanyou and me harm. I promise I'll tellyou whatyou want to know." A l t h o u g h every b i t o f w h a t B e r t r a m says is t r u e , a D C 20 Insight check reveals t h a t he doesn't have the adventurers' best interests at heart.
A n I m p r o m p t u Party The celebration t h a t breaks out at the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n is m e a n t to distract a n d incapacitate the adventurers before B e r t r a m takes t h e m i n t o the cellar to capture t h e m . Most o f the patrons here are m e m b e r s o f the Reptile C u l t . W h e t h e r the adventurers choose to participate or not, the f o l l o w i n g activities occur. It's possible for d i f f e r e n t characters to u n d e r t a k e d i f f e r e n t activities at the same t i m e .
D r i n k i n g Contest B e r t r a m breaks out the O l d ' 6 3 - a special b l e n d o f cornmash w h i s k e y a n d potato v o d k a w i t h a dash o f honey for taste. The p r o p r i e t o r offers a p r i z e o f 10 gp to the w i n n e r o f the d r i n k i n g contest. A n y n u m b e r o f characters can enter the contest, w i t h each m a k i n g a D C 8 Endurance check for the first d r i n k . Each subsequent d r i n k requires another check, w i t h the D C increasing b y 2. Two villagers take p a r t i n the contest ( i n c l u d i n g one cultist), b o t h o f w h i c h have a +5 bonus to Endurance checks. A n y adventurer w h o fails a check is out o f the contest. W h e n combat f i r s t breaks out, the character takes a -2 p e n a l t y to a l l defenses (save ends).
I f the cultist i n the contest fails a check, he is out o f the contest and i n e b r i a t e d . Remove one h u m a n goon f r o m the combat i n the cellar.
Arm Wrestling "Wee Big G e r t i e " is a b r a w n y f a r m h a n d w h o stands less t h a n five feet t a l l . The villagers c l a i m t h a t Gertie can t h r o w any other f a r m h a n d as far as that person can t h r o w a bale o f hay. Since Gertie has never lost a n a r m - w r e s t l i n g m a t c h , she puts u p a p r i z e d possession—a +1 dagger once o w n e d by her mother, B i g W e e Shirley. G e r t i e selects a strong, weapon-using character as her opponent, insisti n g t h a t the character p u t u p 25 gp as a p r i z e . To start the contest, Gertie gets a good g r i p o n the adventurer's a r m a n d makes a n I n t i m i d a t e check that the character can oppose w i t h his or her o w n I n t i m i date check. Gertie has a +8 bonus to t h i s check. The character w h o w i n s the check gains a +2 bonus to the first Strength check o f the a r m - w r e s t l i n g m a t c h . For each b o u t i n the a r m - w r e s t l i n g m a t c h , the participants m a k e opposed Strength checks. Gertie has a +3 bonus to the check. The f i r s t wrestler to w i n t w o bouts w i n s the m a t c h .
I f G e r t i e w i n s , the losing adventurer suffers muscle s t r a i n . W h e n combat first breaks out, he or she takes a -2 p e n a l t y to w e a p o n attack rolls (save ends). I f G e r t i e loses, she gives u p her +1 dagger a n d leaves the i n n i n a f i t o f anger. Remove one h u m a n goon f r o m the combat i n the cellar.
Dart Throwing Svenna " T r i p " K a r z e n is the c h a m p i o n d a r t t h r o w e r o f H o m m e l Lane. She challenges a weapon-using character to a m a t c h , a n d is w i l l i n g to wager u p to 10 gp. The darts m a t c h is made u p o f t h r e e a l t e r n a t i n g tosses, w i t h the highest total score w i n n i n g . Each toss consists o f a n attack r o l l u s i n g the thrower's D e x t e r i t y m o d i f i e r a n d a +2 p r o f i c i e n c y bonus for the d a r t . Trip's D e x t e r i t y m o d i f i e r is + 4 , so her t o t a l bonus is + 6 . O n a result o f 1 5 - 2 0 , double the score for that t h r o w . O n a result o f 2 1 or higher, t r i p l e the score for t h a t t h r o w . Total the scores for a l l three t h r o w s to f i n d the w i n n e r . A t r a p d o o r t h a t leads to the secret r o o m i n the cellar is o n the f l o o r r i g h t i n f r o n t o f the d a r t b o a r d . I t opens w h e n a d a r t hits the " t r i p l e 1 " section o f the b o a r d . A character w h o rolls a 1 o n a n attack r o l l d u r i n g the contest accidentally hits the t r i p l e 1 a n d triggers the trapdoor. The door opens a n d closes w i t h no one o n i t . A f t e r the adventurer t h r o w s his or her last darts and moves adjacent to the b o a r d to remove t h e m , T r i p t h r o w s a d a r t i n a n attempt to trigger the trapdoor. I f Trip's attack result is 2 1 or h i g h e r o n t h i s t h r o w , she successfully hits the t r i p l e 1 , a n d the t r a p d o o r springs open. The character falls t h r o u g h the t r a p d o o r a n d i n t o the cellar's secret r o o m , a n d the t r a p d o o r q u i c k l y closes just a couple o f seconds later. A character w h o falls t h r o u g h the t r a p d o o r takes I d 10 damage. A n y other character w h o is not t a k i n g part i n another a c t i v i t y sees the character disappear. O t h e r w i s e , r o l l D C 13 Perception checks for a l l the adventurers, to see i f anyone i m m e d i a t e l y notices that the d a r t - t h r o w i n g character has vanished. The other characters w i l l notice the d a r t player's absence w h e n t h e i r o w n activities have ended. I f T r i p is c o n f r o n t e d , she claims her r i v a l w e n t outside to answer the c a l l o f nature.
four staff members, h u m a n goons w o r k i n g for Bert r a m . I f the character v i e w i n g the tattoo has a passive Perception o f 13 or higher, he or she notices the goons m o v i n g i n to attack. O t h e r w i s e , they attack w i t h surprise. Unless the character notices the goons a n d w a r n s Ernesto, he is s u r p r i s e d as w e l l , a n d one o f the goons uses its first attack to k n o c k the f a r m h a n d unconscious. I f the goons defeat the lone adventurer w i t h o u t the other characters b e i n g alerted, they take the character a n d Ernesto i n t o the cellar for t r a n s p o r t to the Temple o f the Lawbringer. W h e n the other adventurers investigate the cellar, they f i n d the unconscious adventurer a n d Ernesto i n the secret r o o m . I f the adventurer w i n s the battle, remove t w o h u m a n goons f r o m the combat i n the cellar.
Fighting i n the I n n I f a fight breaks out i n the i n n (most l i k e l y w h e n a character goes m i s s i n g d u r i n g the darts m a t c h or after e n t e r i n g the k i t c h e n ) , B e r t r a m a n d his allies go o n the defensive. A n y villagers not p a r t o f the c u l t flee the i n n at once, w h i l e the p r o p r i e t o r a n d his goons make a f i g h t i n g retreat to the cellar to g a i n the b u l l y w u g s ' a i d . C o n t i n u e w i t h "Battle at the I n n " o n the next page.
Into the Cellar I f n o t h i n g happens to i n s p i r e a fight i n the i n n , B e r t r a m attempts to l u r e the characters i n t o the cellar. I f he was forced to ask the characters to play along w i t h the celebrations i n i t i a l l y , he approaches t h e m again. W h e n B e r t r a m makes his move, read: W i t h a serving tray in hand, Bertram slinks over toyou through the crowd, leaning close to whisper in your ear. "Go down the hack stairs to the cellar," he says nervously. " I can tellyou what you want to know there. Here, the wrong eyes might see us. I'll slip away in a few minutes tojoinyou." W h e n the a d v e n t u r e r s e n t e r the cellar, r e a d : Boxes, crates, and casks are stacked around the damp stone walls of a large cellar. You see that one large pile of goods hides a passage leading into a separate room.
Ernesto's Tattoo
I t takes o n l y a m o m e n t for the adventurers to move the crates a n d access the secret r o o m .
Ernesto is a n o r d i n a r y f a r m h a n d . W h e n he d r i n k s , he likes to t e l l stories about the t i m e he spent as a prisoner o f an ore t r i b e . The t r i b e eventually accepted h i m , a n d he was given a large tattoo o n his back. Ernesto is not a c u l t m e m b e r ; nonetheless, he does behave i n a somew h a t suspicious m a n n e r . Because he is shy, he is w i l l i n g to show o f f the tattoo to o n l y one person at a t i m e .
W h e n the s e c r e t r o o m h a s b e e n a c c e s s e d , r e a d : I n the room beyond the crates, iron manacles are bolted into the walls and the floor, and a large sliding door stands closed across the way. In the center of the room, a table holds playing cards and a ledger filled with names, some of which have been crossed out or circled.
I f a character expresses interest i n l o o k i n g at the tattoo, Ernesto insists that they b o t h go i n t o the k i t c h e n to get some privacy. Inside, i n i t i a l l y out o f sight, are
The b u l l y w u g s l u r k i n the t u n n e l beyond the s l i d i n g door, a n d they expect to hear a pass phrase spoken w h e n anyone enters the cellar's secret r o o m . I f no pass
phrase is spoken, or i f they hear someone f a l l i n t o the r o o m t h r o u g h the t r a p d o o r above, the b u l l y w u g s enter at once a n d attack any creatures they f i n d there. W h e n B e r t r a m is sure that the adventurers have had t i m e to f i n d the secret r o o m , he a n d his c u l t allies follow d o w n the stairs to take t h e m prisoner.
CAPTURED If the adventurers are defeated, they are not killed. Instead, they are taken to the Cavern of the Reptile God as prized prisoners. See "Next Session" on the following page.
C o n t i n u e w i t h "Battle at the I n n . "
B A T T L E AT T H E I N N Encounter Level 2
Common Bandit (C)
Level 2 Skirmisher
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human HP 37; Bloodied 18
Initiative +6
A C 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 12, R e f l e x 14, W i l l 12
P e r c e p t i o n +1
Speed 6
Setup
Combat Advantage
D e r e k Desleigh (veteran assassin) (A) B e r t r a m B e s w i l l ( c o m m o n b a n d i t ) (C) 2 b u l l y w u g brutes (B) 6 h u m a n goons (G)
T h e b a n d i t deals 1 d 6 e x t r a d a m a g e against any c r e a t u r e g r a n t i n g c o m b a t advantage t o it. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Mace (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C
Tactics
Hit: 1 d 8 + 5 damage, a n d t h e bandit can shift 1 square. ©
B e r t r a m a n d D e r e k come d o w n the stairs after the adventurers, b u t t h e y w a i t to coordinate t h e i r a r r i v a l w i t h a b u l l y w u g attack. B o t h use t h e i r ranged attacks i n the first r o u n d f r o m across the cellar, t h e n enter melee together to f l a n k a single target for combat advantage. B o t h cultists are s k i l l e d at focusing t h e i r attacks to d r o p a single foe, t h e n m o v i n g to the next target. H a l f the h u m a n goons follow B e r t r a m a n d D e r e k i n t o melee i n the first r o u n d , w i t h the other h a l f f o l l o w i n g on the second r o u n d . They fight close together to keep the defensive advantage o f their mob rule. Veteran Assassin (A)
Level 4 Skirmisher
Medium natural humanoid, human
Dagger (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C Hit: 1 d 4 + 5 damage, a n d t h e bandit can shift 1 square.
|- D a z i n g S t r i k e ( w e a p o n ) • R e c h a r g e w h e n t h e a t t a c k misses A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C H i t : 1 d 8 + 5 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is d a z e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f t h e bandit's next t u r n . Effect: T h e b a n d i t c a n s h i f t 1 s q u a r e . S k i l l s S t e a l t h + 9 , S t r e e t w i s e +7, T h i e v e r y + 9 S t r 1 2 (+2)
D e x 17 ( + 4 )
C o n 13 (+2)
I n t 1 0 (+1)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
W i s 1 1 (+1) C h a 12 (+2) Common
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, mace, 4 daggers
6 Human Goons (G)
Level 2 Minion Soldier
Medium natural humanoid
HP 54; Bloodied 27
Initiative +7
A C 1 8 , F o r t i t u d e 1 6 , R e f l e x 16, W i l l 15
Perception + 4
Speed 6
HP 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 5 , F o r t i t u d e 1 3 , R e f l e x 1 1 , W i l l 11
Initiative +3 Perception +2
Speed 6
STANDARD ACTIONS ©
L o n g s w o r d (weapon) • A t - W i l l
M o b Rule
A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C
W h i l e a t least t w o o t h e r h u m a n g o o n s a r e w i t h i n 5 s q u a r e s o f t h e
H i t : 2 d 8 + 3 d a m a g e , a n d i f t h e t a r g e t is g r a n t i n g c o m b a t a d v a n t a g e t o t h e assassin, t h e t a r g e t t a k e s o n g o i n g 5 d a m a g e (save ends). ®
STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Crossbow (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: R a n g e d 2 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C Hit: 2 d 8 + 3 damage.
4 N o E s c a p e ( w e a p o n ) • R e c h a r g e IE! 10! Attack: Melee 1 (one creature g r a n t i n g c o m b a t advantage t o t h e assassin); + 9 vs. A C H i t : 2 d 8 + 3 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d (save ends) a n d falls prone.
Club (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. A C Hit: 5 damage.
S t r 1 4 (+3)
D e x 11 (+1)
W i s 12 (+2)
C o n 12 (+2)
Int 9 (+0)
C h a 13 (+2)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
—
Common
Equipment club
Features of the Area
MINOR ACTIONS Flanking Step • A t - W i l l Effect: T h e assassin c a n s h i f t 1 s q u a r e i n t o a p o s i t i o n t h a t a l l o w s t h e assassin t o f l a n k a n e n e m y . Skills Athletics +10, B l u f f + 8 , Stealth + 1 0 Str 16 (+5)
D e x 17 ( + 5 )
W i s 14 (+4)
Con 14 (+4)
I n t 13 ( + 3 )
C h a 13 ( + 3 )
A l i g n m e n t evil
g o o n , it gains a +2 p o w e r bonus t o all defenses.
Languages
E q u i p m e n t longsword, crossbow, 1 0 bolts
Common
L i g h t : Lanterns shed b r i g h t light i n b o t h cellar rooms. B o x e s , C h a i r s , B a r r e l s : These areas are d i f f i c u l t terrain. T a b l e : I t costs 1 extra square o f m o v e m e n t to hop u p onto the table.
2 Bullywug Brutes (B)
Level 1 Brute
M e d i u m natural h u m a n o i d (aquatic) I n i t i a t i v e +2
HP 3 4 ; Bloodied 17
Perception + 0
A C 1 3 , F o r t i t u d e 1 4 , R e f l e x 1 3 , W i l l 11 Speed 6, s w i m 4 0
R a n c i d A i r (poison) • A u r a 2 A n y e n e m y t h a t s p e n d s a h e a l i n g s u r g e i n t h e a u r a is w e a k e n e d until t h e e n d o f its n e x t t u r n .
Aquatic The b u l l y w u g can breathe u n d e r w a t e r . In aquatic c o m b a t , i t gains a +2 bonus t o a t t a c k rolls against nonaquatic creatures. N a t u r e ' s Release (healing) A n y a t t a c k e r t h a t scores a c r i t i c a l h i t a g a i n s t t h e b u l l y w u g r e g a i n s 3 hit points. Swamp
Walk
T h e b u l l y w u g i g n o r e s d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n t h a t is m u d o r s h a l l o w water. STANDARD ACTIONS (T) S p e a r ( w e a p o n ) •
At-Will
A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. A C Hit: 2 d 8 + 2 damage, plus 1 d 6 extra damage against a prone target. •r B u l l y w u g R u s h • R e c h a r g e [ X ] (FJ! Requirement: T h e b u l l y w u g c h a r g e s a n d m a k e s t h e f o l l o w i n g a t t a c k i n s t e a d o f a m e l e e basic a t t a c k . A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 4 vs. F o r t i t u d e Hit: 3 d 6 + 6 damage, plus 1 d 6 extra damage against a prone t a r g e t , a n d t h e t a r g e t falls p r o n e . Miss: T h e b u l l y w u g t a k e s 3 d a m a g e a n d falls p r o n e . Skills Athletics + 8 S t r 1 6 (+3)
D e x 1 4 (+2)
W i s 1 0 (+0)
C o n 1 4 (+2)
I n t 6 (-2)
Cha8(-1)
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil
Languages Common,
Primordial
E q u i p m e n t l e a t h e r a r m o r , spear
Conclusion I n the a f t e r m a t h o f combat, the adventurers can uncover the f u l l scope o f the cult's d a r k activities i n the inn. E r n e s t o : I f Ernesto survives, he is m o r t i f i e d at his u n w i t t i n g p a r t i n the attack o n the adventurers. By w a y o f a n apology, he offers the adventurers a g i f t that the c h i e f t a i n o f the ore t r i b e gave him—a potion of clarity (level 5). T h e L e d g e r : T h e ledger holds the names o f people w h o have been t r a n s p o r t e d t h r o u g h the t u n n e l . Those w h o have no other m a r k i n g s alongside t h e i r names are s t i l l w i t h the naga. Those crossed out have been k i l l e d a n d eaten by the naga. The names that are c i r c l e d denote people w h o were c h a r m e d by the naga a n d are n o w active cultists. A n y villager w h o is not a cultist c a n v e r i f y the names o f the m i s s i n g citizens. S e c r e t T u n n e l : C a r t tracks show that a great deal o f t r a f f i c has been m o v i n g recently t h r o u g h the t u n n e l u n d e r the i n n . The t u n n e l passes u n d e r the I n n o f the W i n s o m e W e n c h (see area 7 i n H o m m e l Lane for a possible o p t i o n a l encounter), a n d t h e n splits to end at t w o d i f f e r e n t points.
The first e n d p o i n t is a n i r o n door b e l o w the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r (though the characters w i l l not k n o w t h i s fact at first). The door is w e l l b u i l t a n d b a r r e d f r o m the opposite side, a n d cannot be b r o k e n d o w n or smashed open. T h e second e n d p o i n t is a t r a p d o o r that opens out o f the g r o u n d near the entrance to the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r . A n y o n e f o l l o w i n g these t u n n e l s c a n d e t e r m i n e that they have been b u i l t to facilitate secret travel b e t w e e n the temple a n d the Golden Grain I n n .
Next Session W h e n the adventurers have completed t h i s session, they w i l l be i n a p o s i t i o n to f o l l o w the secret t u n n e l to the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r . R u n "Temple o f the Lawb r i n g e r " next. I f the adventurers are defeated i n t h i s combat, a l l is not lost. Recognizing the value o f such p o w e r f u l characters to the Reptile G o d , the cultists keep the characters alive a n d move t h e m to the spirit naga's lair. R u n " C a v e r n o f the Reptile G o d " next, w h e n the characters w i l l have a chance to free themselves. T h e n r u n "Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r , " w i t h the characters determ i n e d to o v e r t h r o w that last bastion o f c u l t a c t i v i t y i n H o m m e l Lane.
T E M P L E OF T H E LAWBRINGER This session is the second p a r t o f the " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " section o f the adventure. The characters have most l i k e l y come here b y f o l l o w i n g the secret t u n n e l f r o m the cellars o f the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n .
The Story So Far F r o m " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , " s u m m a r i z e w h a t the characters discovered i n the cellars beneath the i n n , a n d the cultist attack t h a t ensued there. I n the cellar, the adventurers f o u n d the ledger that proves the disappearance o f villagers f r o m H o m m e l Lane is a result o f organized k i d n a p p i n g , a n d they saw t h a t m u c h t r a f f i c has been r u n n i n g t h r o u g h the secret t u n n e l b e t w e e n the i n n a n d the temple. I f the adventurers were c a p t u r e d i n " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , " they are l i k e l y here after f i g h t i n g t h e i r w a y t h r o u g h " C a v e r n o f the Reptile G o d " first. Summarize t h a t fight a n d the desperate escape f r o m the spirit naga's lair, as w e l l as h o w the prisoners o f the naga recounted h a v i n g been h e l d by cultists i n a cellar shrine i n the Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r . I f y o u used another l o c a t i o n or event to b r i n g the characters here, s u m m a r i z e that i n f o r m a t i o n for the players as this session begins.
Entering the Temple Since the adventurers cannot break d o w n the t u n n e l door u n d e r the temple, i t is assumed that they emerge f r o m the outside t u n n e l a n d enter t h r o u g h the front door. A t night, the characters m u s t k n o c k at the t e m ple's b a r r e d doors to g a i n entry. W h e t h e r the adventurers approach by day or night, the acolyte Sister E u p h e m a meets t h e m inside the entrance. The characters recognize E u p h e m a i f they came to the temple for help w i t h the possessed Sir M o o n b r o o k . I f not, adjust the read-aloud text a n d the session setup as appropriate. Read: Sister Euphema greets you, ashing, " W h a t brings you to the temple? How are you faring in your investigation?" I f the adventurers ask to see the cellar or t e l l her about the t u n n e l leading beneath the temple, E u p h e m a is confused. The cellar contains a s h r i n e to the L a w b r i n g e r a n d a n u m b e r o f m e d i t a t i o n cells, b u t D e v i has recently f o r b i d d e n anyone f r o m e n t e r i n g the area. Last m o n t h , m o n k s f r o m a distant monastery a r r i v e d to use the basement's prayer cells for a n extended m e d i t a t i o n . I f pressed, E u p h e m a a d m i t s that she saw n o m o n k s arrive, but she has no reason to doubt D e v i . E u p h e m a is n o t a m e m b e r o f the Reptile Cult, a n d she speaks the t r u t h .
THE STRAIGHTEST PATH This session connects directly to "Cavern of the Reptile God," which should be played next. See "Next Session" (page 38) for information.
I f the a d v e n t u r e r s i n s i s t , r e a d : Sister Euphema seems genuinely distraught as she pleads for you to not disturb the monks. "You must speak to Priestess Devi regarding this matter. She is just upstairs, praying over Sir Moonbrook." I f the adventurers agree to t a l k to D e v i , Euphema takes t h e m upstairs. Proceed w i t h "Fallen P a l a d i n , " below. I f the adventurers insist o n going d o w n to the cellar, Euphema weeps as she says she cannot h e l p t h e m . T h e characters can f i n d the cellar entrance easily enough w i t h o u t her. W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s a p p r o a c h the cellar, r e a d : A closed door opens to reveal a spiral staircase twisting down into darkness. C o n t i n u e w i t h " C o r r u p t e d Priests" o n the next page.
Fallen Paladin A gruesome scene awaits the characters w h e n they arrive i n Sir M o o n b r o o k ' s cell. W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s enter, r e a d : The door to the chamber stands open. Beyond it, Sir Moonbrook lies on sheets of deepest scarlet-soaked through with the paladin's own blood. He wears only a nightshirt, similarly soaked and rent by grievous wounds. Despite the terrible way he must have died, Sir Moonbrook's face wears a serene smile, his glazed eyes staring out into the distance. Euphema pales and gasps, swooning against the wall. I f the adventurers l o o k a r o u n d the r o o m , they discover that Sir M o o n b r o o k left a note o n the f l o o r next to the bed, scrawled i n his b l o o d . PRAYBACKW Sister Euphema is h o r r i f i e d , a n d she has no idea w h a t h a p p e n e d to the p a l a d i n . She is w i l l i n g to take the characters to the cellar. W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s a p p r o a c h the c e l l a r , r e a d : Euphema opens a door and points down the spiral staircase beyond. "There," she whispers hoarsely, herface pale. "The cellar is down there." W h e n the adventurers descend the cellar stairs, cont i n u e w i t h " C o r r u p t e d Priests" o n the next page.
CORRUPTED PRIESTS Encounter Level 3
Setup Priestess D e v i ( D ) A b r a m o a n d P h i l l a , deathlock wights ( W ) 3 b u l l y w u g s (B) G a r a t h (G) The adventurers descend t h e spiral staircase to the cellar b e n e a t h the Temple o f the Lawbringer, w h e r e prisoners o f the Reptile C u l t are held for transfer to the spirit naga's lair. W h e n you're r e a d y to start, r e a d : A t the bottom of the stairs, two shrines to the Lawbringer stand against the walls of a large stone chamber-except that where the crossed swords of the Lawbringer should be, two mummified snakes hang. Between the two shrines stands a set of wooden shelves holding tomes./lasks, and what appear to be religious artifacts. Sister Philla kneels be/ore the shrine nearest to you, while Brother Abramo prays before the other. Next to Abramo stands a short, bulbous human almost froglike in appearance. He wears green chainmail and a green shield, and he holds a warhammer with a snakelike head. Priestess Devi (D)
Level 4 Artillery (Leader)
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human
Priestess Devi suddenly runs up from a wide corridor to the south. "Thank the Lawbringer you are here!" she says, clearly frightened. "We are being invaded by terrible swamp creatures. That fiend conjured themforih!" She points at the squat figure before the shrine.
I n i t i a t i v e +2
HP 42; Bloodied 21
Perception + 4
A C 18, F o r t i t u d e 15, R e f l e x 16, W i l l 17
2 Deathlock Wights (W)
Level 4 Controller
M e d i u m natural h u m a n o i d (undead)
Speed 6 STANDARD ACTIONS
HP 54; Bloodied 27
©
AC 18, F o r t i t u d e 15, R e f l e x 16, W i l l 17
®
Dagger (weapon) • A t - W i l l
Initiative + 4 Perception +1
Attack: M e l e e 1 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. Reflex
Speed 6
Hit: 3 d 4 + 4 damage.
I m m u n e disease, p o i s o n ; R e s i s t 1 0 n e c r o t i c ; Vulnerable 5 radiant
V e n o m o u s W o r d s (poison, psychic) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. W i l l . T h i s a t t a c k d o e s n o t
STANDARD ACTIONS ©
provoke opportunity attacks. Hit: 2 d 6 + 6 poison and psychic damage. -JJ- S h a d o w S n a k e s ( p o i s o n ) • R e c h a r g e [Xj (TTj A t t a c k : A r e a b u r s t 1 w i t h i n 1 0 ( c r e a t u r e s in t h e b u r s t ) ; + 9 vs.
Darkvision
C l a w (necrotic) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C Hit: 1 d 6 n e c r o t i c d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t loses a h e a l i n g surge.
+ Crave B o l t (necrotic) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 2 0 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 vs. R e f l e x
Reflex H i t : 2 d 6 + 6 p o i s o n d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d a n d g r a n t s c o m b a t a d v a n t a g e (save e n d s b o t h ) .
H i t : 1 d 6 + 8 n e c r o t i c d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is i m m o b i l i z e d (save ends). V H o r r i f i c V i s a g e (fear, p s y c h i c ) • R e c h a r g e [HI | X ] f i l l
MINOR ACTIONS Toxic O r d e r (poison) • Recharge w h e n first bloodied
A t t a c k : Close b l a s t 5 ( c r e a t u r e s i n t h e b l a s t ) ; + 7 vs. W i l l
Effect: Close b u r s t 5 (one ally i n t h e b u r s t ) ; D e v i slides t h e t a r g e t
Hit: 1d6 + 6 psychic damage, and t h e w i g h t pushes t h e target u p
u p t o 3 squares, and t h e target gains 1 0 t e m p o r a r y h i t points.
t o 3 squares.
U n t i l t h e t a r g e t has n o t e m p o r a r y h i t p o i n t s , i t s m e l e e a t t a c k s
MINOR ACTIONS
deal 5 extra poison damage.
R e a n i m a t e (healing) •
Skills Arcana +9, Religion + 9
Encounter
Effect: R a n g e d 1 0 (one d e s t r o y e d u n d e a d c r e a t u r e o f level 6 o r
S t r 11 (+2)
D e x 11 (+2)
W i s 15 ( + 4 )
l o w e r t h a t is n o t a m i n i o n ) . T h e t a r g e t r e g a i n s h i t p o i n t s e q u a l t o
C o n 12 (+3)
I n t 14 (+4)
Cha 18 (+6)
o n e - h a l f its b l o o d i e d v a l u e . I t c a n s t a n d u p as a f r e e a c t i o n .
A l i g n m e n t evil
Languages
E q u i p m e n t r o b e s , dagger, s n a k e s t a f f
Common
Skills Arcana +10, Religion +10 S t r 1 0 (+2)
D e x 1 4 (+4)
Con 14 (+4)
I n t 16 (+5)
A l i g n m e n t evil
Languages
W i s 9 (+1) Cha 18 (+6) Common
I n s i g h t D C 1 3 : Devi is lying. The froglike human is an ally of hers, and seems willing to play along with her deception. I f D e v i i s caught i n t h e l i e , she s m i l e s a n d s p e a k s : "So, you are not as idiotic as I first thought. Bravo to you." She nods to the human before the shrine. "You should leave, Garath. Tell the Reptile God that it shall have more sacrifices shortly." Mumbling as he goes, the froglike figure steps into the shrine—and disappears right before your eyes. Devi turns and runs back down the wide corridor. P e r c e p t i o n D C 1 3 : You hear enough of what Garath says to recognize the words from an inscription on the shrine-and that he spoke them out of order. P e r c e p t i o n D C 2 0 : You can hear Garath's mumbled words clearly, realizing that they are an inscription on the shrine being spoken backward. I f the adventurers believe Devi's lie a n d either attack G a r a t h or move to the south, she a n d her w i g h t allies have combat advantage for t h e i r first attacks. 3 Bullywugs (B)
Level 1 Skirmisher
M e d i u m natural h u m a n o i d (aquatic) H P 2 6 ; B l o o d i e d 13
Initiative +6
A C 1 5 , F o r t i t u d e 1 2 , R e f l e x 1 4 , W i l l 12
P e r c e p t i o n +2
Speed 6, s w i m 4 0
Rancid A i r (poison) • A u r a 2 A n y e n e m y t h a t s p e n d s a h e a l i n g s u r g e i n t h e a u r a is w e a k e n e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f its n e x t t u r n .
Aquatic T h e b u l l y w u g can b r e a t h e u n d e r w a t e r . In aquatic c o m b a t , i t gains a +2 bonus t o a t t a c k rolls against n o n a q u a t i c creatures. N a t u r e ' s Release (healing) A n y a t t a c k e r t h a t scores a c r i t i c a l h i t a g a i n s t t h e b u l l y w u g r e g a i n s 3 hit points. Swamp
Walk
T h e b u l l y w u g i g n o r e s d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n t h a t is m u d o r s h a l l o w water. STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Spear (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. A C Hit: 1 d 8 + 4 damage.
©Javelin (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: R a n g e d 1 0 / 2 0 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. A C Hit: 1 d 6 + 4 damage. \ L e a p ( w e a p o n ) • R e c h a r g e [fjj [ x ] [FJl Effect: T h e b u l l y w u g j u m p s u p t o h a l f its s p e e d , g a i n i n g a + 5 bonus t o all defenses d u r i n g t h i s m o v e m e n t . It t h e n makes t h e following attack. Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); + 6 vs. A C H i t : 2 d 6 + 6 d a m a g e , o r 3 d 6 + 6 i f t h e t a r g e t is g r a n t i n g c o m b a t advantage t o t h e b u l l y w u g , and t h e target cannot attack t h e bullywug during the bullywug's next turn. Skills Athletics+7 S t r 1 4 (+2)
D e x 18 (+4)
W i s 1 4 (+2)
Con 10 (+0)
I n t 10 (+0)
C h a 8 (-1)
A l i g n m e n t c h a o t i c evil
Languages Primordial
E q u i p m e n t spear, 4 j a v e l i n s
Tactics P r e f e r r i n g to r e m a i n at a distance, D e v i moves to the south to use venomous words w h i l e she hides b e h i n d the advancing b u l l y w u g s . I f she is forced i n t o melee, she uses dark dagger to slide a n opponent i n t o a cell, t h e n slams the door shut to lock i t (see "Features o f the Area"). The b u l l y w u g s use leap to stay i n f r o n t o f the adventurers, k e e p i n g foes away f r o m D e v i . Sister P h i l l a a n d Brother A b r a m o have given t h e i r lives i n the service o f M i s k a a n d the Reptile G o d , a n d are n o w deathlock w i g h t s . They use horrific visage before the b u l l y w u g s enter combat, a n d reanimate each other i f they fall i n battle. I f any adventurer enters a square next to a shrine, the w i g h t s t r y to i m m o b i l i z e that character w i t h grave bolt. A l l the enemies here fight to the death.
Features of the Area L i g h t : Lanterns f i l l the area w i t h b r i g h t light. C o r r u p t e d S h r i n e s : These shrines to the L a w b r i n g e r have been c o r r u p t e d to serve the needs o f the C u l t o f the Reptile G o d . A n y creature that does not worship the Reptile G o d takes a -2 p e n a l t y to saving t h r o w s w h i l e adjacent to a shrine. O n each shrine are carved the w o r d s "Giver o f Law, m a y y o u r w o r d be established i n a l l w o r l d s . " I t is c o m m o n k n o w l e d g e a m o n g followers o f b o t h religions that t h i s m a x i m is spoken before any f o r m a l prayer is u t t e r e d to the L a w b r i n g e r . R e l i c S h e l v e s : The i r o n door b l o c k i n g the t u n n e l to the G o l d e n G r a i n I n n is concealed b e h i n d t h i s large set o f shelves (Perception D C 20). The door is b a r r e d f r o m this side. Most o f the items on the shelves are m u n d a n e , but any search reveals t w o vials o f holy water (level 6). M e d i t a t i o n C e l l s : The doors to these cells are open unless a cell contains prisoners (see "Conclusion"). A D C 13 T h i e v e r y check reveals t h a t the n o r m a l locks have been reversed to operate f r o m the outside, a n d t h a t the doors lock automatically i f shut. I f locked, a door requires a D C 2 0 T h i e v e r y check to open.
Conclusion I n the a f t e r m a t h o f combat, the adventurers have a chance to f u l l y investigate the cellar shrine. D e v i ' s G a m b i t : The characters m i g h t r e f r a i n f r o m k i l l i n g D e v i i f they believe there's s o m e t h i n g to be gained f r o m i n t e r r o g a t i n g her or t u r n i n g her i n . I f she is k n o c k e d unconscious w h e n reduced to 0 h i t points, t h e n restored to h e a l t h , D e v i tries to convince the characters that the same essence that possessed Sir M o o n b r o o k also possessed her. A D C 19 Insight check is needed to see t h r o u g h her lie. I f the adventurers believe her, D e v i is as h e l p f u l as possible, v o l u n t e e r i n g to take t h e m t h r o u g h the p o r t a l . I n t r u t h , she believes
that she c a n k i l l the adventurers w i t h the help o f her p o w e r f u l allies i n the Reptile C u l t . I f D e v i is t u r n e d over to the castellan (area 23), V a r e d d Z a b o r r doesn't believe her possession story. Unless the characters intercede, she is eventually executed for her crimes. I f the characters enable her to escape custody, she flees H o m m e l Lane a n d does n o t return. P r i s o n e r s : I f t h i s section o f the adventure is r u n t o w a r d the end o f the season, y o u w i l l l i k e l y have made use o f the c u l t k i d n a p p i n g events (see "Events i n H o m m e l Lane," page 10). I n t h a t case, three prisoners m i g h t be f o u n d unconscious i n the cells—the castellan's assistant, R h o n n e t Gho; the leatherworker, Ranson; a n d his w i f e , Scira. Because R h o n n e t is an o f f i c i a l o f the keep, her t e s t i m o n y is b e y o n d reproach. The events she has witnessed ensure that any claims the adventurers m a k e r e g a r d i n g c u l t a c t i v i t y i n the village are believed. T e l e p o r t a t i o n S h r i n e s : The shrines act as one-way t e l e p o r t a t i o n devices, t r a n s p o r t i n g creatures d i r e c t l y to the spirit naga's l a i r - t h e cavern o f the Reptile G o d . W h e n the essence o f M i s k a f i n a l l y escaped Sir M o o n b r o o k , the p a l a d i n r e t a i n e d t h a t being's thoughts a n d k n o w l e d g e . Even as D e v i a n d her cultist acolytes left h i m d y i n g shortly a f t e r w a r d , M o o n b r o o k managed to leave a clue t e l l i n g the adventurers h o w to trigger the t e l e p o r t a t i o n shrines: "Pray b a c k w [ a r d ] . " To activate the t e l e p o r t a t i o n magic i n a shrine, a character must speak the pass phrase, w h i c h is a n inversion o f the phrase i n s c r i b e d o n the s h r i n e : Worlds all in established be word your may, Law of Giver. W h e n either shrine is activated, u p to t e n creatures c a n m a k e use o f its t e l e p o r t a t i o n magic. B o t h shrines t h e n become inactive for 10 m i n u t e s before they can be used again.
Next Session W h e n the adventurers have completed t h i s session, they have c o n t r o l o f the t e l e p o r t a t i o n shrines i n the t e m p l e cellar, a n d they have observed the mysterious G a r a t h m a k i n g use o f a s h r i n e w h e n he vanished. The shrines p r o v i d e d i r e c t access to the l a i r o f the Rept i l e G o d . R u n " C a v e r n o f the Reptile G o d " i n the next session.
C A V E R N OF T H E REPTILE G O D T h i s session is the t h i r d p a r t o f the " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " section o f the adventure. The characters have most l i k e l y come here i n the a f t e r m a t h o f "Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r , " h a v i n g gained access to the cult's telep o r t a t i o n shrines.
The Story So Far F r o m "Temple o f the L a w b r i n g e r , " s u m m a r i z e the discovery that Priestess D e v i a n d t w o o f her acolytes were secretly agents o f a d a r k c u l t , a n d h o w the cellar shrine o f the temple c o n t a i n e d t w o t e l e p o r t a t i o n devices used by the c u l t for t r a n s p o r t i n g prisoners to a n u n k n o w n destination. I f the adventurers were c a p t u r e d i n " G o l d e n G r a i n I n n , " they have been b r o u g h t here as prisoners. They m u s t f i g h t to regain t h e i r f r e e d o m , t h e n to slay the spirit naga a n d save the villagers t h a t the creature holds i n t h r a l l . A d j u s t the scenario as necessary.
Lair Entrance M a k i n g use o f the t e l e p o r t a t i o n shrines i n the Temple o f the Lawbringer, the adventurers f i n d themselves alone a n d u n d e r g r o u n d . The t u n n e l has no l i g h t except for w h a t the adventurers b r i n g . Read: You step through the teleportation shrine, emerging in a hot and humid tunnel of damp earth. You see no sign of any mechanism that would allow you to teleport hack to the Temple of the Lawhringer. Whatever their purpose, the shrines appear to he a one-way link. From ahead comes the sound of lapping water, over which faint moans and cries of pain and fear can he heard. As you make your way cautiously forward, the passage gives way to the black waters of a large underground lake. The shore before you is a rocky ledge, on which rest a sturdy raft and a long pole. The voices you hear are louder now, and seem to be coming from the unseen far shore. T h e adventurers m u s t m a k e t h e i r w a y across the water to face the Reptile G o d i n combat. C o n t i n u e w i t h " W r a t h o f the Reptile G o d , " page 4 0 .
Narrow Escape As the l a i r o f the spirit naga collapses i n the a f t e r m a t h o f combat, the adventurers m u s t keep the prisoners safe w h i l e they navigate a maze o f t u n n e l s t h a t lead out i n t o the Fathomless Fens. Each o f the characters m u s t attempt to deal w i t h a d i f f e r e n t situation, selected f r o m those below.
T H E STRAIGHTEST PATH
( D i p l o m a c y or Perception). O n a f a i l e d check, the prisoner is lost a n d perishes.
When the characters complete this session, they will have obtained the Death Circ/et-the third item of power that Haffron's ghost described to them in the Caves of Chaos. Freeing the item from the Reptile God's control releases Haffron's spirit from confinement. Run "Temple of Chaos" next.
S u d d e n F l o o d : W a t e r rushes i n t o the t u n n e l , washi n g t w o prisoners d o w n i n t o a sinkhole. A n adventurer m u s t s w i m t h r o u g h the black water to rescue the prisoners (Endurance). O n a f a i l e d check, one prisoner is saved b u t the other perishes. Failure by 5 or m o r e means that b o t h prisoners are lost i n the f l o o d .
Describe a situation, t h e n let the players elect a character to h a n d l e i t . A s k the player o f that character to describe w h a t the character does, t h e n c a l l for a D C 13 s k i l l check and describe the results. A character can gain a + 4 bonus to the check b y m a k i n g extra effort a n d spending a h e a l i n g surge. The most l i k e l y skills for each situation are i n c l u d e d i n the d e s c r i p t i o n . W h e n e v e r a check fails for a given task, the characters must m a k e a D C 13 g r o u p Endurance check. O n a failed check, the rigors o f the escape cost each character a h e a l i n g surge. M a k e sure that each character deals w i t h at least one crisis. R u n t h r o u g h situations u n t i l the adventurers have succeeded at six o f t h e m , or u n t i l y o u r u n out o f situations. A t t h a t p o i n t , the adventurers reach the surface w i t h t h e i r s u r v i v i n g charges i n tow. I f any prisoners die, W a r r e n , Tess, a n d Canoness Yeeday are the last a m o n g t h e m to p e r i s h . A l t e r n a t i v e P a s s a g e : A crack appears i n the c e i l i n g , revealing a passage u p to another t u n n e l . T h i s passage is a shortcut ( D u n g e o n e e r i n g or Insight). O n a f a i l e d check, the crack slams closed unexpectedly, k i l l i n g a prisoner. C o l l a p s e : The t u n n e l the g r o u p is i n threatens to collapse. A nearby alternative route is stable a n d c a n provide shelter f r o m the cave-in ( D u n g e o n e e r i n g or Nature). O n a f a i l e d check, a prisoner is caught i n a cave-in a n d dies. Failure by 5 or m o r e means t h a t t w o prisoners p e r i s h . F a l l i n g R o c k : Rocks f a l l f r o m the c e i l i n g t o w a r d a prisoner, w h o m u s t be pushed out o f the w a y (Acrobatics) or rescued after the r o c k falls (Athletics). O n a failed check, the prisoner dies o f his or her injuries. F i s s u r e : The t u n n e l f l o o r cracks a n d breaks away to reveal a deadly crevice. A prisoner falls a n d grabs the edge, b u t must be p u l l e d to safety (Athletics). O n a failed check, the prisoner falls a n d dies. O v e r w h e l m i n g T e r r o r : Fear overcomes t w o prisoners, w h o collapse a n d refuse to continue. They m u s t be c o n v i n c e d to fight for s u r v i v a l (Bluff, I n t i m i d a t e , or D i p l o m a c y ) . O n a f a i l e d check, one prisoner rejoins the p a r t y b u t the other bolts o f f i n t o the darkness a n d is lost w h e n the t u n n e l collapses. Failure by 5 or m o r e means t h a t b o t h prisoners flee i n t e r r o r a n d q u i c k l y perish. S e p a r a t i o n : A prisoner takes a w r o n g t u r n w h e n no one is l o o k i n g . The adventurer m u s t c a r e f u l l y c a l l out to g u i d e the prisoner back onto the correct p a t h
S w a m p G a s : A pocket o f noxious s w a m p gas fills the escape route ahead. A n adventurer m u s t recognize the danger ( D u n g e o n e e r i n g or Nature) to w a r n the rest o f the party. O n a f a i l e d check, the lack o f breathable air k i l l s one prisoner. T u n n e l F o r k : T h e t u n n e l branches i n t w o d i r e c t i o n s ahead, even as the passage b e h i n d the p a r t y begins to collapse. A n adventurer m u s t q u i c k l y decide w h i c h is the safe route ahead (Perception or D u n g e o n e e r i n g ) . O n a f a i l e d check, t w o prisoners b r i n g i n g u p the rear are lost w h e n the t u n n e l collapses.
Conclusion The d e a t h o f the spirit naga breaks the stranglehold that the C u l t o f the Reptile G o d has over the village o f H o m m e l Lane. Citizens f o r m e r l y c h a r m e d by the naga have t h e i r m i n d s a n d m e m o r i e s restored to t h e m , a n d w i l l eventually be able to r e t u r n to t h e i r n o r m a l lives. W h e n the adventurers a n d any s u r v i v i n g prisoners m a k e the t h r e e - h o u r t r e k back to H o m m e l Lane f r o m the Fathomless Fens, Canoness Yeeday tells o f w h a t the characters d i d i n the naga's lair. The adventurers' actions—for good or ill—affect h o w the villagers treat t h e m . I f the characters avoided k i l l i n g cultists a n d saved most o f the prisoners, they g a i n m a n y n e w friends i n H o m m e l Lane. I f a s i g n i f i c a n t n u m b e r o f cultists a n d prisoners d i e d , the villagers r e m a i n g r a t e f u l t h a t the t h r e a t o f the Reptile G o d is ended, b u t the adventurers are treated coolly u n t i l they have another chance to prove themselves.
Next Session H a v i n g completed the " C u l t o f the Reptile G o d " section o f the adventure, y o u m u s t decide w h a t section o f the adventure the characters w i l l u n d e r t a k e next. See "Path o f A d v e n t u r e " (page 9) a n d " H o m m e l Lane Locations" (page 11) for guidelines.
P e r c e p t i o n D C 1 3 : Garath, the froglike humanoid who/led the Lawbringer's temple, huddles among the prisoners. He is trying to escape notice.
W R A T H OF T H E REPTILE GOD
Features of the Area
Encounter Level 3
Setup T h e Reptile G o d , spirit naga (S) G a r a t h , reptile priest (G) Wight (W) Canoness Yeeday ( Y ) I f the heroes let D e v i accompany t h e m , or left her u n r e strained i n the temple, add her to the enemies i n t h i s battle a n d give her one-quarter o f her f u l l h i t points. T h e o n l y w a y to move to the far side o f the cavern is to cross the black lake. W h e n the a d v e n t u r e r s c a n see t h e f a r s h o r e , r e a d : A group of bound prisoners huddles together on another rocky ledge ahead. In their midst, an enormous creature rises up like the proud monarch of a hellish land. Its serpent-like body has a head resembling a human female, its mouth full of sharp teeth. The creature writhes in fury as it sees you, its pale head bobbing beneath a circlet set with seven gems. "Only fools come before me willingly," shrieks the monster. "But evenfools can serve me, either as minions or as a meal." The Reptile God (S)
Level S Elite Controller
Large i m m o r t a l m a g i c a l b e a s t ( r e p t i l e ) , s p i r i t naga HP 126; Bloodied 63
Initiative+5
A C 1 9 , F o r t i t u d e 1 6 , R e f l e x 17, W i l l 1 8
Perception +8
Speed 6, s w i m 6
L i g h t : None o n the lake. Phosphorescent f u n g i f i l l the naga's cavern w i t h d i m l i g h t . L a k e : The u n d e r g r o u n d lake is 10 feet deep, its water cloudy a n d black. A n y t h i n g b e l o w the surface is totally obscured. R a f t : The r a f t is 3 squares l o n g a n d 2 squares w i d e . A long pole allows one o f the raft's passengers to push i t across the water. Each r o u n d as a standard action, one character using the pole c a n m a k e a n A t h l e t i c s check to move the raft. I t moves 1 square for every 5 points o f the check result, u p to a m a x i m u m o f 6 squares.
Prisoners Twelve helpless prisoners s u r r o u n d the spirit naga's s t a r t i n g position. Some have b e e n c h a r m e d b y the creat u r e to stay w i l l i n g l y at its side. Others have so far not been overcome by the naga's c h a r m , b u t are too w e a k to move. The j u m b l e o f bodies makes the naga's starti n g position a n d a l l squares w i t h i n 2 squares o f that position d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n . The prisoners p r o v i d e cover against ranged attacks that originate outside t h e i r area. A n y close or area attack that includes the naga's s t a r t i n g position automatically k i l l s i n n o c e n t prisoners. C a n o n e s s Y e e d a y : One o f the prisoners o n the ledge w i t h the naga is Canoness Yeeday, the leader o f the Lawbringer's temple i n H o m m e l Lane. W h e n she
Darkvision
Resist 1 0 poison
Garath, Reptile Priest (G)
Saving T h r o w s +2; A c t i o n Points 1
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human
Level 3 Controller
STANDARD ACTIONS
HP 4 4 ; Bloodied 22
©Tail S l a p • At-Will
A C 17, F o r t i t u d e 1 5 , R e f l e x 1 4 , W i l l 1 6
©
A t t a c k : M e l e e 2 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 1 0 vs. A C
Speed 6
H i t : 2 d 8 + 4 d a m a g e , a n d t h e naga slides t h e t a r g e t u p t o 3 squares.
TRAITS
W o r d o f Pain (psychic) • A t - W i l l
0
A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. W i l l
I n i t i a t i v e +1 Perception + 4
V i l e Presence • A u r a 2 Enemies in t h e aura take a - 2 penalty t o saving t h r o w s .
H i t : 2 d 6 + 6 p s y c h i c d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d (save ends). Double Attack 4 At-Will
STANDARD ACTIONS ©
A t t a c k : T h e naga m a k e s t w o basic a t t a c k s .
W a r h a m m e r (poison, weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 v s . A C
Poison Spray (poison) • Recharge X j [ill
H i t : 1 d 1 0 + 1 d a m a g e , a n d o n g o i n g 5 p o i s o n d a m a g e (save ends).
Attack: A r e a b u r s t 2 w i t h i n 1 0 ( c r e a t u r e s i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 7 v s . Fortitude
®
P r a y e r o f C o n s t r i c t i o n ( p o i s o n , p s y c h i c ) 4- A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. W i l l .
Hit: 2 d 8 + 6 poison damage.
H i t : 2 d 6 + 4 p s y c h i c d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d (save ends).
Miss: H a l f d a m a g e .
First Failed Saving Throw: T h e t a r g e t is instead r e s t r a i n e d (save ends).
M I N O R ACTIONS
C u r s e o f P o i s o n e d Eyes ( p o i s o n ) 4- E n c o u n t e r
H y p n o t i z e ( c h a r m , gaze) • R e c h a r g e w h e n f i r s t b l o o d i e d
A t t a c k : Close b u r s t 2 ( e n e m i e s i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 6 vs. W i l l
Attack: R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e s l o w e d c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. W i l l H i t : T h e t a r g e t is d o m i n a t e d (save ends).
H i t : O n g o i n g 1 0 p o i s o n d a m a g e (save ends), a n d t h e t a r g e t is b l i n d e d until t h e e n d o f Garath's n e x t t u r n .
Miss: T h e t a r g e t is d a z e d (save ends).
Miss: O n g o i n g 5 p o i s o n d a m a g e (save ends).
Skills Arcana +10, History +10, Insight + 8
S k i l l s A r c a n a +7, B l u f f + 7 , R e l i g i o n + 7
S t r 15 ( + 4 )
D e x 16 (+5)
W i s 12 (+3)
S t r 1 3 (+2)
D e x 1 0 (+1)
C o n 15 ( + 4 )
I n t 1 6 (+5)
C h a 18 (+6)
C o n 1 2 (+2)
I n t 12 (+2)
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil E q u i p m e n t D e a t h Circlet
Languages Common,
Supernal
A l i g n m e n t evil
Languages
W i s 16 (+4) C h a 8 (-1) Common
E q u i p m e n t chainmail, light shield, w a r h a m m e r
Q O
realizes that combat is i m m i nent, she begs the adventurers not to h a r m the prisoners. She is so w e a k that she cannot fight or move. A l l her defenses are 10, and she has 10 h i t points r e m a i n ing. Twice d u r i n g the battle as a s t a n d a r d action, she can c a l l on the L a w b r i n g e r to a l l o w one character w i t h i n 5 squares o f her to spend a h e a l i n g surge a n d regain l d 6 a d d i t i o n a l h i t points. I f Yeeday does so, G a r a t h senses her use o f the Lawbringer's p o w e r and attacks her i f he can.
as •
W a r r e n a n d T e s s : The carpenter's c h i l d r e n (see area 3 i n H o m m e l Lane) are a m o n g the prisoners. F e l i x o H o b b e : W h e n the combat is over, the characters f i n d the large r e d hat o f Felixo H o b b e (see " M i s s i n g Merchant," page 10) o n the r o c k y ledge. The other prisoners c o n f i r m that Felixo was k i l l e d by the naga.
Tactics The Reptile G o d attacks as soon as i t sees the adventurers. The naga uses double attack to slide enemies out o f position w i t h tail slap, a n d word of vain to reach foes attacking at range. A p o w e r f u l foe slowed by word of pain is q u i c k l y targeted by hypnotize. W h e n any adventurer moves to w i t h i n 2 squares o f the prisoners, G a r a t h stands u p o n his t u r n a n d attacks. I f he has gone u n n o t i c e d u n t i l that p o i n t , he has combat advantage d u r i n g his first t u r n . H e wades i n t o melee w i t h warhammer, a n d uses prayer of constriction against adventurers w h o press the Reptile G o d i n combat. K n o w i n g that the prisoners m a k e good cover, b o t h the Reptile G o d a n d G a r a t h avoid h u r t i n g t h e m .
The w i g h t is unseen beneath the water as the heroes approach the far shore. W h e n combat starts, i t attacks any characters o n the boat or i n the water. I t doesn't care i f the naga has d o m i n a t e d a p o t e n t i a l target.
Treasure The naga wears the Death Circlet. I f Yeeday is still alive at the end o f t h i s encounter, she w a r n s the characters that the i t e m is a n evil artifact. As soon as a n advent u r e r removes the circlet, m o c k i n g laughter emerges f r o m the i t e m . The w a l l s o f the lake cavern b e g i n to collapse, a n d the characters must lead the prisoners to safety. C o n t i n u e w i t h " N a r r o w Escape," page 3 8 . Death Circlet
Level 5 Rare
This black circlet has seven green gems set in it They are dull and dead, as if any magical power they once held has been spent. Head Slot
1,000 gp
Utility Power • A t - W i l l (Minor Action)
Wight (W)
Level 5 Skirmisher
H P 6 2 ; B l o o d i e d 31
Initiative+7
A C 1 9 , F o r t i t u d e 1 8 , R e f l e x 17, W i l l 1 6
Perception + 0
Speed 7
Darkvision
I m m u n e disease, p o i s o n ; R e s i s t 1 0 n e c r o t i c ;
Trigger: Y o u k i l l a l i v i n g c r e a t u r e w i t h a n a t t a c k . Effect: O n e o f t h e seven g e m s c a p t u r e s t h e creature's soul. A g e m can hold only one soul a t a t i m e a n d g l o w s w i t h a green radiance life w h i l e its s o u l is c a p t u r e d i n t h i s m a n n e r .
STANDARD ACTIONS
U t i l i t y P o w e r (Healing) • Encounter (Minor Action)
C l a w (necrotic) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 1 0 vs. A C H i t : 1 d 6 + 4 n e c r o t i c d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t loses a h e a l i n g surge.
R e q u i r e m e n t : T h r e e o r m o r e o f t h e seven g e m s m u s t e a c h c o n t a i n a soul. Effect: Y o u r e g a i n h i t p o i n t s e q u a l t o 5 + o n e - h a l f y o u r l e v e l , a n d
Effect: T h e w i g h t s h i f t s u p t o 3 s q u a r e s .
t w o g e m s release t h e i r souls.
Skills Stealth + 1 0 Str 18 (+6)
D e x 16 (+5)
Con 14 (+4)
I n t 1 0 (+2)
A l i g n m e n t evil
U t i l i t y P o w e r • A t - W i l l (Free A c t i o n , 1 / T u r n )
w h i l e i t c o n t a i n s a soul. A d e a d c r e a t u r e c a n n o t be r e t u r n e d t o
Vulnerable 5 radiant ©
Effect: C h o o s e o n e b l o o d i e d c r e a t u r e y o u h i t w i t h a n a t t a c k t h i s t u r n . You learn t h a t creature's c u r r e n t hit p o i n t total.
M e d i u m natural humanoid (undead)
Languages
W i s 6 (+0) C h a 1S ( + 4 ) Common
Utility Power • Daily (Minor Action) Requirement: A l l seven gems m u s t each c o n t a i n a soul. Effect: O n y o u r n e x t d a m a g e r o l l , m a x i m i z e t h e r e s u l t s o f u p t o f o u r o f t h e d i c e y o u r o l l . A l l s e v e n g e m s release t h e i r souls.
CHAPTER 4: T H E C A V E S OF C H A O S H i d d e n i n the dense forest east o f H o m m e l Lane, the w a l l s o f a remote r a v i n e are cut t h r o u g h w i t h ancient caverns. The m o n s t r o u s h u m a n o i d s t h a t d w e l l here—kobolds a n d goblinoids, ores a n d ogres—have long wasted t h e i r resources f i g h t i n g each other, a n d have not been a serious t h r e a t to t h e village i n a h u n d r e d years. N o w , however, a d a r k presence i n the Caves o f Chaos has convinced the monsters o f the caves to u n i t e , a n d the people o f H o m m e l Lane are i n grave danger.
S C O U T T H E CAVES OF CHAOS This session is t h e first p a r t o f the "Caves o f Chaos" sect i o n o f the adventure. I t c a n be played i n d e p e n d e n t o f the follow-up session, "Temple o f Chaos" (see "Path o f A d v e n t u r e , " page 9). The characters have most l i k e l y come here after h e a r i n g r u m o r s o f monsters f r o m the caves a t t a c k i n g o u t l y i n g farmsteads, or o f previous expeditions sent out to investigate the caves a n d f a i l i n g to r e t u r n .
The Story So Far The adventurers m i g h t have come here i n response to h e a r i n g h o w Otis D r u e t was sent to investigate t h e Caves o f Chaos t h r e e weeks ago a n d has not been seen since. S u m m a r i z e t h e m e e t i n g w i t h the D r u e t f a m i l y or w i t h Otis's b r o t h e r E l m o i n the S l u m b e r i n g Serpent Tavern (area 2 or area 16 i n H o m m e l Lane). I f this session is b e i n g r u n because the characters spoke w i t h Black Jay (area 12 i n H o m m e l Lane) regardi n g the deaths o f his w i f e a n d c h i l d r e n , r e m i n d the players o f that m e e t i n g a n d Black Jay's b e l i e f that goblins f r o m the caves w e r e responsible. The adventurers m i g h t have been c o n v i n c e d to investigate the caves b y B e r t r a m B e s w i l l i n t h e G o l d e n G r a i n I n n (area 2 0 i n H o m m e l Lane). B e r t r a m hopes to put t h e m o f f the t r a i l o f the Reptile C u l t - o r to k i l l t h e m for good measure. S u m m a r i z e Bertram's c o n v i c t i o n that the m o n s t r o u s hordes o f the Caves o f Chaos are the best e x p l a n a t i o n for the disappearances t h a t plague H o m m e l Lane. I f y o u used another l o c a t i o n or event to b r i n g the characters here, s u m m a r i z e t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n for the players as this session begins.
Approaching the Caves The characters b e g i n this session at the e n d o f the halfday's j o u r n e y f r o m H o m m e l Lane t o the r a v i n e w h e r e the Caves o f Chaos are f o u n d .
Read: Taller mountains abut the hills said to hold the Caves of Chaos, but somehow the hills seem more imposing. Thick, twisted trees spread across them, seemingly nourished by fear and hate instead of sunlight. Ahead, the forest gives way to a clearing that quickly turns into a ravine with walls towering a hundred feet high. The entrance to the ravine is roughly two hundred feet across. Its far side, some four hundred feet away, is closed off by another hundred-foot-high wall of rock and dirt. Cave openings riddle the walls of the ravine, some at ground level and others higher up. Its rocky floor is littered with the bones of forest animals and larger creatures, including humanoids. With certainty, you know that you have found the Caves of Chaos.
Haffron Hommel As the adventurers take i n the sight before t h e m , t h e ghost o f H a f f r o n H o m m e l attacks. H e doesn't realize that the adventurers have come to the caves to fight t h e evil g r o w i n g here. W h e n H a f f r o n attacks, read: Without warning, a ghostly human form appears behind you, its wild eyes and disheveled hair giving it a look of madness. Hefting a shield bearing the crest of a griffon inflight and wielding a curved longsword in its left hand, the phantom figure screams a battle cry as it attacks. "Die, servants of chaos! You shall not live to help your foul master this day!" Haffron's ghost targets the nearest adventurer (+10 vs. Reflex; 2 d 8 + 6 damage). A l l his defenses are 15, a n d he has 45 h i t points. H e is i n s u b s t a n t i a l a n d takes h a l f damage f r o m any attack. C a l l for i n i t i a t i v e after Haffron's surprise attack. H a f f r o n has a + 0 m o d i f i e r to his initiative check. I f anyone tries to convince the ghost t h a t he is w r o n g about t h e characters, take t h e player's roleplaying i n t o account a n d ask for a B l u f f check or D i p l o m a c y check: D C 9 for a c o n v i n c i n g or t r u e story, D C 13 for a m u d d l e d or u n t r u e story, or D C 2 0 for a n o u t l a n d i s h lie. Characters w h o have seen t h e statue o f H a f f r o n i n H o m m e l Lane recognize t h e w a r r i o r by his distinctive s w o r d a n d the g r i f f o n crest o n his shield. I f anyone speaks H a f f r o n ' s n a m e or succeeds on a check to convince t h e ghost to cease hostilities, H a f f r o n stops his attacks. I f the characters reduce H a f f r o n to 0 h i t points, he vanishes b u t reappears at t h e e n d o f this session, at w h i c h p o i n t he recognizes the t r u t h o f t h e i r i n t e n t i o n s . I f the a d v e n t u r e r s c o n v i n c e H a f f r o n to stop fighting, read: I n a voice like swirling wind, the ghost speaks again. "Why have you come to this place of evil and chaos? Are you champions? Do you seek to strike a blow for goodness and law?"
Use the f o l l o w i n g points to g u i d e the conversation b e t w e e n H a f f r o n a n d the adventurers. • H a f f r o n H o m m e l , i n t h i s ghostly f o r m , has been t r a p p e d at t h i s location outside the ravine for longer t h a n he c a n remember. ( I n t r u t h , i t has been m o r e t h a n t w o h u n d r e d years.) •
H a f f r o n was p a t r o l l i n g the area w h e n he saw h o o d e d figures e n t e r i n g one o f the caves. H e followed, c o m i n g at last to a foul temple at the far end o f the ravine—a site dedicated to a n u n h o l y force o f evil a n d chaos.
• A n area o f t e r r i b l e p o w e r has been established i n the t e m p l e - a Chaos M o t e . A p p e a r i n g as a huge, cracked silver sphere, the mote allows cultists to harness the r a w p o w e r o f chaos. H a f f r o n slew a n u m b e r o f the temple's priests, b u t he saw t h a t the p o w e r o f the mote was g r o w i n g . To stop the p o w e r f r o m increasi n g , he sacrificed himself, t h r o w i n g his body i n t o the Chaos M o t e . D o i n g so must have k i l l e d h i m , because his ghost reappeared here, outside the Caves o f Chaos. •
H a f f r o n ' s ghost cannot enter the ravine or any o f the caves, nor c a n he leave t h i s place a n d approach the village or o u t l y i n g f a r m s . H e is d o o m e d to h a u n t t h i s location u n t i l he is freed.
•
Occasionally, the most p o w e r f u l o f the e v i l creatures i n the caves manage to k i l l H a f f r o n i n his ghost f o r m , but he always reawakens i n this l o c a t i o n .
•
H a f f r o n believes that his soul is t r a p p e d here b y t h r e e p o w e r f u l items t i e d to the e v i l essence that plagues the l a n d . The first is a w e a p o n called t h e Chaos Blade, w h i c h rests i n one o f the caves. H e can feel i t g r o w i n g m o r e p o w e r f u l w i t h the passing o f each day.
• A few weeks ago, H a f f r o n encountered a g r o u p o f adventurers, i n c l u d i n g a w a r r i o r f r o m H o m m e l Lane n a m e d O t i s . Since the adventurers were plann i n g to enter the caves anyway, H a f f r o n sent t h e m to seek the Chaos Blade a n d w a t c h e d t h e i r progress. A f t e r they entered a specific cave, b e d l a m broke out a n d monsters attacked t h e m i n droves. Otis never r e t u r n e d , b u t H a f f r o n felt the b i n d i n g magic o f the Chaos Blade strengthen soon after that. • Two other items o f power, equal i n s t r e n g t h to the Chaos Blade, were t a k e n f r o m the caves recently—a golden circlet a n d a scroll. H a f f r o n overheard cultists t a l k i n g about t a k i n g one relic to the moat house, b u t he does not k n o w the location o f the other. These other items a n d the Chaos Blade m u s t be f o u n d before he c a n be released a n d the p o w e r i n the Caves o f Chaos defeated. These objects act as a l i n k b e t w e e n t h i s place a n d the e v i l p o w e r o f M i s k a i n his e x t r a d i m e n s i o n a l p r i s o n , a n d that l i n k must be severed.
•
H a f f r o n k n o w s that the Caves o f Chaos h o l d a variety o f savage h u m a n o i d s : ores, kobolds, goblins, hobgoblins, a n d worse. T h o u g h these creatures usually w a r against one another, they have recently managed to forge a t r u c e a n d appear to be w o r k i n g together. It's impossible for a s m a l l g r o u p o f advent u r e r s to defeat the entire cave's p o p u l a t i o n . Instead, the heroes m u s t f i n d the Chaos Blade a n d escape.
•
H a f f r o n can p o i n t out the cave that Otis a n d his friends entered.
A f t e r speaking w i t h H a f f r o n , the adventurers can enter the ravine o f the Caves o f Chaos i n search o f the Chaos Blade.
Getting I n The adventurers' goal o f o b t a i n i n g the Chaos Blade becomes a greater challenge w h e n a battle breaks out against the n o w - a l l i e d monsters that g u a r d these caves. The combat i n t h i s encounter c a n occur at any t i m e . W h e n i t does, continue w i t h " S e c u r i n g the Chaos Blade," page 45. T h e characters must m a k e a D C 13 g r o u p Stealth check to sneak i n t o the cave. This check a u t o m a t i c a l l y succeeds i f they wear cultist robes f r o m the moat house (see " M o a t House D u n g e o n " ) or f r o m the t r a d i n g post (area 9 i n H o m m e l Lane). W i t h a successful check, the adventurers safely reach the cave i n w h i c h Otis a n d the Chaos Blade c a n be f o u n d . O n a f a i l e d check (or i f no check was attempted), as the adventurers reach the cave, they are attacked b y wave one o f the monsters i n t h i s session's combat encounter. The monsters here k n o w t h a t no one is supposed to remove the Chaos Blade, o n orders f r o m Chaos Priestess I n u g g h . Even i f the characters approach the cave safely, i f they subsequently remove the blade or set o f f a t r a p near the blade (see below), wave one attacks.
Traps The first t r a p p r o t e c t i n g the Chaos Blade is an a l a r m , s h o w n as a r e d rectangle o n the tactical m a p . I f a M e d i u m or larger creature enters the trigger area, a f i n e mesh b u r i e d beneath the dust a n d d i r t o f the passage is d i s t u r b e d , causing a n u m b e r o f bronze bells connected to the mesh to clatter. A successful D C 13 Perception check spots the mesh. Three successive D C 13 T h i e v e r y checks a l l o w a character to cut the lines to the bronze bells. A character c a n also a t t e m p t to j u m p over the trigger area, b u t m u s t m a k e a D C 13 Stealth check as p a r t o f the j u m p . O n a f a i l e d check, kobolds deeper d o w n the passagew a y hear the j u m p e r , a n d wave one o f the monsters moves i n to attack.
I f the c h a r a c t e r s a r e d e t e c t e d h e r e , r e a d : From deeper in the tunnels, an excited squeaking andyipping rises. A war horn sounds out, dampened hy the cave hut still loud enough to echo out and across the ravine. Shouted voices are heard in the nearby caves.
THE STRAIGHTEST PATH After the characters complete this session, the ghost of Haffron Hommel will have given them the broad outlines of the adventure and told them of their need to claim three ancient relics whose magic provides a link into the world for Miska the Wolf-Spider. The adventurers now possess the first relic-the Chaos Blade-but they must reclaim two more before they can challenge the dark forces that are attempting to free M i s k a from his extradimensional prison. The first of those two items is held by a cleric of the Chaos Cult who has taken over an ancient moat house north of Hommel Lane. Run "Explore the Moat House" next.
The second trap, s h o w n as t h e blue square o n the tactical m a p , is m o r e insidious. A c r u m b l i n g cavern c e i l i n g is suspended by cables attached to t r i p w i r e s . Even i f the adventurers notice the trap, they r e m a i n at risk o f a cave-in w h e n t h e y attempt t o disable i t . Falling Ceiling Trap
Level 1 Trap
Object D e t e c t Perception D C 19
Initiative-
HP 10 A C 12, F o r t i t u d e 12, Reflex 5, W i l l
-
I m m u n e n e c r o t i c , p o i s o n , p s y c h i c , f o r c e d m o v e m e n t , all c o n d i t i o n s , ongoing damage TRIGGERED '<•• A t t a c k •
ACTIONS Encounter
Trigger. A c r e a t u r e e n t e r s t h e t r a p ' s s p a c e , o r t h e t r a p d r o p s t o 0 hit points. A t t a c k (No A c t / o n ) : C l o s e b u r s t 1 ( c r e a t u r e s i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 4 vs. Reflex H i t : 1 d 1 0 + 4 d a m a g e , a n d t h e t a r g e t falls p r o n e . Miss: H a l f d a m a g e . Effect: T h e t r a p is d e s t r o y e d , a n d t h e area b e c o m e s d i f f i c u l t t e r rain due t o rubble. COUNTERMEASURES •
D i s a b l e : T h i e v e r y D C 1 9 ( s t a n d a r d a c t i o n ) . Success: T h e t r i p w i r e s a r e c u t a n d t h e t r a p is d i s a b l e d . Failure ( 1 4 o r lower): T h e trap triggers.
Finding Otis
characters have t o start f i g u r i n g out h o w to get Otis's blade away f r o m h i m .
Otis and the Chaos Blade W h e n t h e characters interact w i t h Otis a n d the Chaos Blade, use the f o l l o w i n g points as guidelines. • A character w h o c a n see Otis a n d w h o succeeds o n a D C 19 A r c a n a check as a m i n o r action c a n deduce that he has i n t e n t i o n a l l y b o u n d h i m s e l f to t h e sword that should have slain h i m . Now, the Chaos Blade protects h i m as it slowly d r a i n s his life. The character also discerns h o w to m a n i p u l a t e the m a g i c a l energy o f the blade to remove i t f r o m Otis's body. (This check can be r e t r i e d later, either by t h e same character or a d i f f e r e n t one.) •
Otis k n o w s that i f he endures the p a i n the blade is causing h i m , a n d i f he continues to feed his life force to i t , it cannot be forcibly r e m o v e d f r o m his body. H e w a n t s to keep t h e blade l o c k e d d o w n this way.
•
Otis relinquishes t h e s w o r d o n l y i f presented w i t h an e x p l a n a t i o n o f h o w the characters p l a n to use i t to defeat evil, along w i t h a successful D C 13 B l u f f check or D i p l o m a c y check as a m i n o r action. I f the e x p l a n a t i o n is farfetched or unreasonable, a D C 2 0 check is r e q u i r e d . O n a failed check, Otis distrusts the characters too m u c h to r e l i n q u i s h t h e blade, b u t they can c o n t i n u e to attempt to change his m i n d .
•
To remove the blade w i t h o u t Otis's consent, t w o different characters must m a k e successful checks w i t h any o f the f o l l o w i n g skills i n w h i c h they have t r a i n i n g : A r c a n a , N a t u r e , or Religion. B o t h checks m u s t be made d u r i n g t h e same r o u n d i n squares adjacent to Otis. A check's D C is 2 0 i f it's made as a m i n o r action, or 13 as a s t a n d a r d action.
•
Otis c a n be p i c k e d u p a n d c a r r i e d , b u t he is heavy and b u r d e n s o m e . W i t h a successful D C 13 A t h l e t i c s check as a m i n o r action, a character c a n c a r r y Otis at h a l f speed for t h a t r o u n d . I f the check succeeds b y
Otis is at the spot m a r k e d O o n the t a c t i c a l m a p (see page 4 7 ) . W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s c a n see O t i s , r e a d : Sickly red light illuminates a gore-spattered grotto ahead. The light emanates from the hilt of a blade buried in the chest of a burly human male dressed in scale armor. The warrior is slumped lifeless against a pile of rubble at the back of the chamber, the hilt's light pulsing with the eerie rhythm of a heartbeat. H e a l D C 9 : The gore in the grotto represents the demise of more than just this warrior. Many creatures have died here. W h e n a n adventurer moves near Otis, read: The slumped figure suddenly sits up and screams, "Run! Doom approaches!" Then he flops back down onto the rock with eyes wide, his labored breathing forcing bloody spittle from his lips. I f the adventurers have been l u c k y or s k i l l f u l enough to m a k e i t this far w i t h o u t a t t r a c t i n g attention, Otis's scream is e n o u g h to alert t h e nearby monsters. W a v e one moves i n to attack—at t h e same t i m e that the
5 or m o r e , the character can move at f u l l speed. O n a f a i l e d check, the character cannot c a r r y Otis that r o u n d . Two adventurers can w o r k together to c a r r y Otis, w i t h one a i d i n g the other a n d the t w o o f t h e m m o v i n g at the speed o f the character w h o attempts the check. See the "Escape the Caves" section for more information. •
I f the characters attack Otis w h i l e the blade is b o u n d to h i m , he has defenses o f 15, 4 5 h i t points, a n d takes h a l f damage f r o m any source. W h e n e v e r Otis is attacked, the Chaos Blade erupts i n a f l a r e o f a n g r y red l i g h t a n d the attacker takes h a l f the damage he or she deals to O t i s . I f Otis dies, the blade c a n be p u l l e d free.
I f the blade is r e m o v e d w h i l e Otis is alive, t h r e e successful D C 19 H e a l checks m u s t be made o n h i m w i t h i n 1 m i n u t e or he dies. H e has one h e a l i n g surge w h e n he is f o u n d , so any m a g i c a l h e a l i n g also prevents h i m f r o m d y i n g a n d restores 11 h i t points. W i t h o u t the Chaos Blade sustaining h i m , he has A C 15, other defenses o f 10, a n d 10 h i t points out o f a t o t a l o f 45 (before spending his h e a l i n g surge). Otis c a n move (speed 5) b u t he is so w e a k that he cannot fight.
SECURING T H E CHAOS BLADE
:
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i u
Encounter Level 4
Setup
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16 k o b o l d tunnelers 5 ore savages 4 g o b l i n cutters 1 ogre 4 hobgoblin grunts Otis (O)
u I h
:
This combat encounter begins whenever the adventurers attract the a t t e n t i o n o f the monsters near the cavern i n w h i c h the Chaos Blade is f o u n d . T h e monsters i n t h i s encounter attack i n waves, a p p e a r i n g at the edges o f the tactical m a p . The fight becomes progressively h a r d e r the longer the characters stay i n it, b u t defeating the monsters is not t h e i r goal. The adventurers m u s t focus o n l o c a t i n g a n d securing the Chaos Blade, t h e n escaping before they are c a p t u r e d .
Tactics W h e n the monsters are alerted, wave one attacks t o k i c k o f f the first r o u n d o f combat. A n e w wave enters i n every o d d - n u m b e r e d r o u n d after that. The adventurers' goal after o b t a i n i n g the Chaos Blade is to flee the area by leaving the tactical m a p . W h e n a character leaves the m a p , the monsters t u r n t h e i r a t t e n t i o n to any adventurers still o n the m a p . W a v e O n e : Five k o b o l d tunnelers attack f r o m the passage opposite Otis, a n d t h r e e come f r o m the trees 16 Kobold Tunnelers
Level 1 Minion Skirmisher
Small natural h u m a n o i d (reptile) HP 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 5 , F o r t i t u d e 1 2 , R e f l e x 1 4 , W i l l 12
Initiative +5 Perception+1
Speed 6
Darkvision
STANDARD ACTIONS © Javelin (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. A C Hit: 4 damage. ©Javelin (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 6 vs. A C Hit: 4 damage. MINOR ACTIONS Shifty • At-Will Effect: T h e k o b o l d s h i f t s 1 s q u a r e . TRIGGERED A C T I O N S N a r r o w Escape •
Encounter
Trigger. A close o r a n area a t t a c k h i t s o r misses t h e k o b o l d Effect (Immediate Interrupt): T h e k o b o l d s h i f t s u p t o 3 squares. ;s. D e x 16 (+3) W i s 12 (+1)
S t r 8 (-1)
C o n 1 2 (+1) A l i g n m e n t evil
Int9(-1)
Cha 10 (+0)
Languages C o m m o n , Draconic
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, 3 javelins
... i/i
5 Ore Savages
Level 4 Minion Brute
Ogre
HP 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 1 6 , R e f l e x 14, W i l l 12
Initiative +3 P e r c e p t i o n +1
Speed 6
Low-light vision
HP 9 0 ; Bloodied 45
Perception +3
Speed 8 STANDARD ACTIONS
0
©
Handaxe (weapon) • A t - W i l l
Initiative +5
A C 1 8 , F o r t i t u d e 2 0 , R e f l e x 17, W i l l 1 6
STANDARD ACTIONS
©
Level 6 Brute
Large n a t u r a l h u m a n o i d ( g i a n t )
M e d i u m natural humanoid
G r e a t c l u b (weapon) • A t - W i l l
A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C
A t t a c k : M e l e e 2 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; +11 vs. A C
H i t : 8 d a m a g e , o r 12 w i t h a c h a r g e a t t a c k .
Hit: 2 d 1 0 + 6 damage. Rock (weapon) • A t - W i l l
Handaxe (weapon) • A t - W i l l
Attack: R a n g e d 1 0 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; +11 v s . A C
Attack: R a n g e d 5 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 v s . A C
Hit: 2 d 6 + 5 damage.
Hit: 6 damage. TRIGGERED A C T I O N S
S t r 21 ( + 8 )
D e x 14 (+5)
W i s 11 ( + 3 )
Savage
Con 2 0 (+8)
lnt4(+0)
Cha6(+1)
Demise
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil
Trigger. T h e o r e d r o p s t o 0 h i t p o i n t s .
E q u i p m e n t greatclub, 4 rocks
Effect (Free Action): T h e o r e t a k e s a s t a n d a r d a c t i o n . S t r 16 (+5)
D e x 13 (+3)
W i s 9 (+1)
C o n 13 (+3)
Int8(+1)
Cha8(+1)
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil
Languages Giant
Level 3 Minion Soldier
4 Hobgoblin Grunts
Languages Common, Giant
M e d i u m natural humanoid
E q u i p m e n t hide armor, 4 handaxes
H P 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 9 , F o r t i t u d e 1 8 , R e f l e x 1 6 , W i l l 15
Level 1 Minion Skirmisher
4 Goblin Cutters
Initiative +5 Perception +2
Speed 6 TRAITS
Small natural h u m a n o i d H P 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n . A C 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 1 2 , R e f l e x 1 4 , W i l l 11
Initiative +5
Phalanx Soldier W h i l e a t least o n e h o b g o b l i n a l l y is a d j a c e n t t o t h e g r u n t , i t g a i n s
P e r c e p t i o n +1
Speed 6
a +2 bonus t o A C .
Low-light vision
STANDARD ACTIONS ©
©
Short Sword (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C H i t : 4 d a m a g e , o r 5 d a m a g e i f t h e g o b l i n has c o m b a t a d v a n t a g e
Longsword (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); + 8 vs. A C Hit: 5 damage.
TRIGGERED A C T I O N S
against t h e target.
H o b g o b l i n Resilience • A t - W i l l
TRIGGERED A C T I O N S
Trigger: T h e g r u n t is s u b j e c t e d t o a n e f f e c t t h a t a save c a n e n d .
G o b l i n Tactics • A t - W i l l Trigger: T h e g o b l i n is m i s s e d b y a n a t t a c k . E//ect (Immediate Reaction): T h e g o b l i n s h i f t s 1 s q u a r e .
Effect (Immediate Reaction): T h e g r u n t m a k e s a s a v i n g t h r o w against the t r i g g e r i n g effect. S k i l l s A t h l e t i c s +7, H i s t o r y + 3
Skills Athletics +5, Thievery +5 Str 1 4 ( i 2 )
D e x 1 7 (+3)
W i s 12 (+1)
Str 18 (+5)
D e x 1 4 (+3)
W i s 1 3 (+2)
C o n 1 3 (+1)
Int8(-1)
Cha8(-1)
C o n 15 (+3)
I n t 1 0 (+1)
Cha 9 (+0)
A l i g n m e n t evil
Languages Common, Goblin
A l i g n m e n t evil
Languages Common, Goblin
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, short sword
E q u i p m e n t leather armor, longsword, light shield
farthest f r o m the cave m o u t h . T h e y t r y to b l o c k the adventurers' escape w h i l e they w a i t for stronger m o n sters to show u p . W a v e T w o : Five ore savages charge i n t o the cave f r o m outside, a l l o w i n g the kobolds o f wave one to f a l l back to m a k e ranged attacks. W a v e T h r e e : Four g o b l i n cutters enter the fray a n d move i n t o f l a n k i n g positions. They k n o w the ogre is o n his way, so they w a n t to slow the adventurers d o w n . One r o u n d before the ogre arrives, one o f the goblins announces its i m m i n e n t appearance to goad the characters.
W a v e S i x : Eight m o r e kobolds r u s h out o f the t u n n e l . They fight ferociously i n the cavern b u t do n o t chase escaping characters.
W a v e F o u r : The ogre arrives. A n y kobolds or goblins positioned b e t w e e n i t a n d the adventurers are p i c k e d u p a n d t h r o w n (treat t h e m as a m m u n i t i o n for the ogre's rock attack) as the creature closes for melee. W a v e F i v e : Four h o b g o b l i n sentries f r o m a nearby t u n n e l entrance a r r i v e to shore u p the attack or to chase escaping characters.
Features of the Area L i g h t : Cave entrance a n d outside the cave, by t i m e o f day. D i m l i g h t f r o m the Chaos Blade i n the cave cont a i n i n g Otis. Elsewhere i n the caves, none. R o c k s a n d S h r u b s : These areas are d i f f i c u l t terrain. T r e e s : Foliage is d i f f i c u l t t e r r a i n a n d provides part i a l cover. Tree t r u n k s are b l o c k i n g t e r r a i n .
Escape the Caves W h e n the last adventurer leaves the tactical m a p , the monsters follow. T h e i r p u r s u i t is slowed b y the appearance o f a n u n e x p e c t e d ally.
I f the characters d i d not engage w i t h H a f f r o n H o m m e l previously, adjust the read-aloud text accordingly. A s t h e c h a r a c t e r s t r y to e s c a p e t h e r a v i n e , r e a d : A n unearthly violet energy suddenly pours into the ravine from its deepest point, setting your skin crawling. The voices of hundreds of savage humanoids rise in the Caves of Chaos, all of them chanting the same word over and over: "Miska!" Your pursuers join the chant, even as they are suddenly slowed by a spectral apparition. Along the path behind you, the ghost of Haffron Hommel appears again. H a f f r o n stands b e t w e e n the characters a n d the m o n sters, d e t e r r i n g f u r t h e r p u r s u i t w i t h his ghostly blade. A t this p o i n t , the adventurers can make t h e i r w a y safely out o f the ravine. I f they decided to flee the combat a n d c a r r y Otis w i t h the s w o r d s t i l l i n h i m , the blade can be automatically r e m o v e d f r o m h i m once he is w e l l away f r o m the Caves o f Chaos.
Conclusion I f the adventurers n o w have a l l three items o f power t i e d to M i s k a (the Chaos Blade, the Death Circlet, a n d the Scroll of Final Words), H a f f r o n is freed f r o m his b i n d i n g , a n d his ghost r e t u r n s t o H o m m e l Lane ahead o f the adventurers. See "Temple o f Chaos" for m o r e information. I f any o f the items o f p o w e r have not yet been f o u n d , H a f f r o n tells the characters that they m u s t seek t h e m out. H e promises t h a t he w i l l j o i n t h e m back i n H o m m e l Lane w h e n the last i t e m is recovered. U n t i l that t i m e , he m u s t r e m a i n here. The Chaos Blade is a +1 magic weapon m u c h l i k e a lifestealer weapon. T h e blade influences its w i e l d e r to be p a r t i c u l a r l y bloodthirsty, avoiding m e r c y i n favor o f k i l l i n g . It likes to be left i n a foe that is near death t o slowly consume that creature's life force.
Whenyou strike your enemy, a small measure of your foe's life
force is absorbed by this weapon and directed into you. +1 longsword
8 4 0 gp
E n h a n c e m e n t B o n u s : A t t a c k rolls a n d damage rolls Critical: +1d12 necrotic damage Properties W h e n e v e r you kill a n e n e m y w i t h this w e a p o n , y o u gain 6 t e m p o rary hit points. A t t a c k Power (Healing, Necrotic) • Encounter (No Action) Trigger: Y o u h i t a n e n e m y w i t h a n a t t a c k u s i n g t h i s w e a p o n . Effect: T h e t a r g e t t a k e s 5 e x t r a n e c r o t i c d a m a g e , a n d y o u r e g a i n 5 hit points. Utility Power • Encounter (Minor Action) Effect: Y o u cause t h e b l a d e t o t a k e t h e s h a p e o f a n y h e a v y b l a d e . Its t y p i c a l f o r m is t h a t o f a l o n g s w o r d .
Miska! Once the characters have h e a r d the c h a n t i n g that preceded t h e i r escape f r o m the ravine, anyone w h o succeeds on a D C 19 H i s t o r y check or Religion check k n o w s the story o f M i s k a , as t o l d i n " B a c k g r o u n d " (page 3). H a f f r o n also k n o w s the story o f M i s k a , a n d he can relate it i f someone asks h i m about the n a m e . I f he has not already done so, H a f f r o n also explains w h a t happened t o h i m w h e n he disappeared, so that the characters w i l l recognize the Chaos M o t e w h e n they see i t .
Next Session This f i r s t p a r t o f the "Caves o f Chaos" section o f the adventure can be played before or after either o f the other sections. Y o u m u s t decide w h a t section o f the adventure the characters w i l l u n d e r t a k e next. See "Path o f A d v e n t u r e " (page 9) a n d " H o m m e l Lane Locations" (page 11) lor guidelines.
T E M P L E OF CHAOS T h i s is t h e f i n a l session o f the season. T h e adventurers c a n n o t defeat the forces o f chaos u n t i l t h e y have the Chaos Blade, t h e Death Circlet, a n d t h e Scroll of Final Words i n t h e i r possession. The characters c a n take a n extended rest before b e g i n n i n g t h i s session.
The Story So Far D e p e n d i n g o n t h e order i n w h i c h y o u play t h e t h r e e sections o f this adventure, the characters are c o m i n g back to H o m m e l Lane i n one o f the f o l l o w i n g ways. • The bandits a n d t h e Chaos Cultists o f the m o a t house have been b r o k e n u p a n d scattered. Local caravans a n d m e r c h a n t wagons are safe again, a n d the e v i l i n the m o a t house has been v a n q u i s h e d . • T h e C u l t o f the Reptile G o d is no m o r e . Its spirit naga master is destroyed, a n d the villagers f o r m e r l y u n d e r the f o u l creature's c o n t r o l have t h e i r m i n d s restored. • T h e adventurers have r e t u r n e d f r o m a n i n i t i a l foray to the Caves o f Chaos, d u r i n g w h i c h they c l a i m e d the p o w e r f u l w e a p o n k n o w n as the Chaos Blade. T h e y also l e a r n e d f r o m the ghost o f H a f f r o n H o m m e l o f the Chaos M o t e - t h e m o s t significant t h r e a t to H o m m e l Lane.
Hommel Lane i n Turmoil The adventurers r e t u r n to t h e village, ready to rest u p before t h e i r f i n a l assault, a n d f i n d a c o m m u n i t y i n distress. Read: By the time you return to Hommel Lane, the place is in an uproar. At the heart of the village, a crowd has gathered around Haffron Hommel's statue. The mayoral candidates and the castellan are among them. Despite calls for order, everyone is tanking excitedly and pointing to where the statues granite face has seemingly been reshaped to bear a smile it never had before. Then suddenly, Haffron's voice emerges from solid stone, deep and bold. " I t feels incredible to be whole again, even if I cannot move!" Several villagers shriek, a couple of others fainting. A group of children run up to hit the statues feet with sticks and clubs. "Stop that! Stop that now!" bellows Haffron. "You might chip me!"
Caves o f Chaos are amassing a n a r m y o f savage h u m a n oids to attack the village. T h e adventurers have collected t h r e e items o f p o w e r that help to m a i n t a i n a l i n k b e t w e e n t h e w o r l d a n d M i s k a , the p o w e r f u l d e m o n l o r d w h o is m u s t e r i n g the army. The t h r e e items, i f t a k e n i n t o the Temple o f Chaos, m i g h t be able to b r e a k t h e l i n k b e t w e e n M i s k a and this world.
U n i t i n g the Village H a f f r o n needs t h e powers o f H o m m e l Lane to aid h i m . I f Canoness Yeeday is dead, Sister E u p h e m a or a n e w priest has t a k e n her place. A d j u s t the read-aloud text accordingly. W h e n the characters have explained the situation, read: Haffron speaks again. " I see that we have two forces of power here: the Lawbringer and the Old Faith. I think I know a way to get these adventurers into the Temple of Chaos at the caves, but we need to work together." The druid Ramne and Canoness Yeeday appear suddenly thoughtful, as if hearing Haffron's voice in their heads. They nod in agreement to some compact, and then both religious leaders gather their respective/ollowers, asking them to join in prayer. Chants and songs fill the air, first competing with each other and then joining i n near-perfect harmony. As the prayers end, the canoness and the druid look to the statue. For a moment, nothing happens. Then the stone form of Haffron Hommel steps down off the pedestal, dust/ailing i n its wake. The statue stretches, turns to look down at you, and says, " W h a t are you waiting for? Let's go be heroes!" I n case the assault o n the Temple o f Chaos fails, t h e leaders o f the village r e q u i r e t h a t any people w h o c a n f i g h t m u s t stay back to defend H o m m e l Lane. I t is u p to the adventurers a n d H a f f r o n to f i n i s h t h e task. O n the t r i p back to the Caves o f Chaos, the statue o f H a f f r o n tells the adventurers his p l a n . Read: " W h e n we arrive, I ' l l enter the ravine and kill as many enemies as I can. This distraction should allow you to move directly to the Temple of Chaos, in the farthest cavern. W h e n I enter the ravine, you wait until the fight has begun. Then sneak into the foul temple and put an end to this misery."
The castellan/inally succeeds in calling for order, then turns to the members of your group. "I trust that someone can tell me what's going on?"
H a f f r o n r e m i n d s t h e characters that t h e i r goal is the Chaos Mote, w h i c h appears as a huge, cracked silver sphere.
The characters c a n e x p l a i n w h a t is h a p p e n i n g , w i t h H a f f r o n f i l l i n g i n any missing details. Two o f the threats to H o m m e l Lane have been d e s t r o y e d - t h e Chaos C u l t i n the m o a t house, a n d the C u l t o f the Reptile G o d i n the village itself—but forces i n a d a r k t e m p l e i n t h e
W h e n H a f f r o n enters the r a v i n e , r e a d : A t the end of your journey back to the Caves of Chaos, the towering statue of Haffron Hommel enters the ravine. Waves of angry humanoids throw themselves at him, Haffron slaying indiscriminately w i t h his stone sword and giving you the
distraction you need to sneak vast the fray. By moving along the edges of the ravine and among the twisted trees, you eventually emerge over a cave high up on a switchback trail. A gold-trimmed red circle, the sigil of the Cult of Chaos, has been painted above the entrance. No guards bar your entry to the cave, and you travel up a passage that turns from a natural tunnel into a corridor of worked stone. The walls of the corridor are decorated with the red and black sigils familiar from the moat house dungeon. Though they are unreadable, looking at them fills you with a feeling of vile dread. Ahead, the passage opens into a wider room. W h e n the adventurers enter t h e temple, continue w i t h "Priests o f Chaos."
P R I E S T S OF CHAOS Encounter Level 6
Setup I n u g g h , Chaos Priestess (1) 2 chaos acolytes (A) 8 zombie shamblers (Z) Haffron's skeleton As the adventurers enter t h e temple, they c a n start anyw h e r e i n the c e n t r a l c o r r i d o r o n the m a p . W h e n the c h a r a c t e r s c a n see the a r e a , r e a d : An alcove to your right has a closed stone door in its back wall, while a large room opens up ahead and to your left. Red and black curtains cover the walls, each emblazoned with the symbol of chaos. An outsized throne of red-veined black stone stands against the far wall, with three altars infront of it. A huge silver sphere with a dark crack in its side floats in front of the altars; this must be the Chaos Mote. Two chanting humanoids i n regular cult robes flank the sphere. Another cultist, a raven-haired woman wearing finer robes andjewelry, watches from the high seat. Every few moments, she intones a vile incantation and sparks of silver light shower off the sphere. As you linger to assess the situation, the priestess suddenly glances to the corridor where you stand. She smiles and says, "The final sacrifices and items of power have arrived, as the Wolf-Spider told us they would. Slay these intruders, so that we can mete out destiny." The spirits o f the t e m p l e w a t c h a n d w h i s p e r to Priestess I n u g g h , so that t h e priests c a n n o t be s u r p r i s e d .
Tactics O n her t u r n , I n u g g h calls f o r t h her zombie m i n i o n s , w h i c h arrive at t h e start o f the second r o u n d . She uses chaos curse each r o u n d against the party's strongest melee combatants, k n o c k i n g back weaker foes w i t h staffor mind-scrambling chant. T h e zombies a n d the acolytes t r y to stay b e t w e e n t h e adventurers a n d I n u g g h as the fight unfolds, so that the priestess r e m a i n s u n h a r m e d . T h e skeleton first appears f r o m the crack i n the chaos m o t e d u r i n g its t u r n i n any square y o u choose adjacent to t h e m o t e . These are the bones o f the dead H a f f r o n , w h i c h have been a n i m a t e d by the mote. Each r o u n d , the skeleton moves f r o m the mote, attacks, a n d is teleported back i n t o the m o t e at t h e e n d o f its t u r n i n t o the square nearest the target the skeleton attacked. O n l y the skeleton can enter the m o t e . W h e n inside the mote, the skeleton has superior cover.
Features of the Area L i g h t : Lanterns f i l l the temple w i t h b r i g h t light. C h a o s M o t e : The silver sphere is t h e c o n d u i t t h r o u g h w h i c h M i s k a is a t t e m p t i n g to g a i n his f r e e d o m . A n y creature n o t b e l o n g i n g to the C u l t o f Chaos that enters a square adjacent to the m o te or starts its t u r n there takes 5 damage. A creature can take t h i s damage o n l y once per t u r n . As long as t h e Chaos M o t e is active, I n u g g h , her t w o adepts, a n d the skeleton r e g a i n 1 h i t p o i n t at the start o f each o f t h e i r t u r n s , even i f d r o p p e d to 0 h i t points. T r i p l e A l t a r : The t h r e e r e c t a n g u l a r altars near t h e t h r o n e are i m b u e d w i t h the magic o f evil a n d chaos. These altars c h a n n e l the p o w e r o f the Chaos M o t e , a fact that is obvious to any character w h o has t r a i n i n g i n A r c a n a , N a t u r e , or R e l i g i o n . A character adjacent to a n altar can a t t e m p t t o negate its magic w i t h one o f the three items o f p o w e r the Chaos Blade, t h e Death Circlet, or the Scroll of Final Words. As a s t a n d a r d action, the character makes a D C 9 C o n s t i t u t i o n check, W i s d o m check, or C h a r i s m a check w h i l e t o u c h i n g the altar w i t h one o f the items o f Inuggh, Chaos Priestess (I)
Level 6 Elite Controller
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human
2 Chaos Acolytes (A)
Level 4 Brute
M e d i u m natural humanoid, human HP 6 6 ; B l o o d i e d 33
Initiative + 4
A C 1 6 , F o r t i t u d e 17, R e f l e x 1 6 , W i l l 1 5 Speed 6 STANDARD ACTIONS ©
Mace (weapon) • A t - W i l l Attack: M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. A C Hit: 2 d 6 + 8 damage.
>T A b y s s a l C h a i n ( f i r e ) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : R a n g e d 3 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 7 v s . F o r t i t u d e H i t : 2 d 6 + 5 f i r e d a m a g e , a n d t h e a c o l y t e pulls t h e t a r g e t u p t o 2 s q u a r e s , a n d t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f its n e x t t u r n . H u m b l i n g C o m b i n a t i o n • Recharge if neither attack hits Effect: T h e a c o l y t e uses abyssal chain. I f t h e t a r g e t is t h e n a d j a c e n t t o t h e a c o l y t e , t h e a c o l y t e uses mace a g a i n s t i t . I f b o t h attacks h i t , t h e t a r g e t falls prone. Skills Intimidate + 8 , Stealth + 9 S t r 17 ( + 5 )
D e x 15 ( + 4 )
W i s 1 4 (+4)
C o n 16 (+5)
I n t 11 (+2)
C h a 12 ( + 3 )
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil
Languages
Common
Initiative + 4
HP 140; Bloodied 70
Perception + 9
Speed 6
Haffron's Skeleton
Level 3 Soldier
M e d i u m natural animate (undead)
Saving T h r o w s +2; A c t i o n Points 1
HP 45; Bloodied 22
STANDARD ACTIONS
Initiative+6
A C 19, F o r t i t u d e 1 5 , R e f l e x 16, W i l l 15
Staff (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; +11 vs. A C H i t : 2 d 8 + 4 d a m a g e , a n d I n u g g h slides t h e t a r g e t u p t o 2 squares. M i n d - S c r a m b l i n g C h a n t (charm, psychic) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : Close b u r s t 1 ( e n e m i e s i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 9 vs. W i l l squares. Miss: I n u g g h c a n s l i d e t h e t a r g e t 1 s q u a r e . W o r d o f D i m i n u t i o n ( p o l y m o r p h , psychic) • Recharge w h e n first bloodied A t t a c k : R a n g e d 5 ( o n e c u r s e d c r e a t u r e ) ; + 9 vs. F o r t i t u d e Hit: 2 d 8 + 7 psychic damage, a n d Inuggh shrinks t h e target t o
Darkvision
I m m u n e disease, p o i s o n ; R e s i s t 1 0 n e c r o t i c ; V u l n e r a b l e 5 r a d i a n t STANDARD ACTIONS ©
L o n g s w o r d (weapon) • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 (one c r e a t u r e ) ; + 8 vs. A C Hit: 2 d 8 + 3 damage.
S t r 15 ( + 3 )
D e x 17 ( + 4 )
C o n 1 3 (+2)
I n t 3 (-3)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
W i s 1 4 (+3) C h a 3 (-3) -
Equipment longsword
o n e - q u a r t e r o f its n o r m a l size u n t i l t h e e n d Inuggh's n e x t t u r n .
8 Zombie Shamblers (Z)
W h i l e i n t h i s f o r m , t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d , w e a k e n e d , a n d has v u l -
M e d i u m natural animate (undead)
Level 5 Minion Brute
H P 1 ; a missed attack never damages a m i n i o n .
nerable 5 t o all damage. MOVE ACTIONS
A C 17, F o r t i t u d e 1 8 , R e f l e x 1 5 , W i l l 15
C h a o s J u m p ( t e l e p o r t a t i o n ) • R e c h a r g e (x) jj7|
Speed 4
Effect: Close b u r s t 5 (one c u r s e d c r e a t u r e i n t h e b u r s t ) ; I n u g g h a n d the target teleport, swapping positions. <* Chaos Curse (charm) • A t - W i l l (1/round) A t t a c k : Close b u r s t 5 ( o n e e n e m y i n t h e b u r s t ) ; + 9 vs. W i l l
Slam • A t - W i l l A t t a c k : M e l e e 1 ( o n e c r e a t u r e ) ; + 1 0 vs. A C Hit: 8 damage.
TRIGGERED A C T I O N S
c u r s e d , t h e t a r g e t is s l o w e d a n d t a k e s a - 2 p e n a l t y t o a t t a c k r o l l s
Deathless Hunger •
Skills Arcana +10, History+10, Religion + 1 0 I n t 15 ( + 5 )
E q u i p m e n t robes, s t a f f
Languages
Encounter
Trigger: T h e z o m b i e is r e d u c e d t o 0 h i t p o i n t s , b u t n o t b y a c r i t i -
and damage rolls against Inuggh.
Con 1 4 (+5)
Darkvision
STANDARD ACTIONS
H i t : T h e t a r g e t is c u r s e d u n t i l t h e e n d o f Inuggh's n e x t t u r n . W h i l e
D e x 12 (+4)
I n i t i a t i v e +1 P e r c e p t i o n +1
I m m u n e disease, p o i s o n ©
M I N O R ACTIONS
Str10(+3)
Perception +3
Speed 6
H i t : 2 d 6 + 7 p s y c h i c d a m a g e , a n d I n u g g h slides t h e t a r g e t u p t o 3
A l i g n m e n t chaotic evil
Perception + 4
E q u i p m e n t robes, mace
AC 2 0 , F o r t i t u d e 1 8 , Reflex 18, W i l l 2 0
©
power. T h e D C increases to 19 i f the a t t e m p t is made as a m i n o r action. O n a successful check, t h e altar is deactivated. A n altar is susceptible to one attempt at negation per r o u n d . Each i t e m of power can render only one altar inert.
W i s 12 ( + 4 ) C h a 19 (+7) Common
cal h i t . Effect (No Action): Roll a d 2 0 . O n a 15 o r higher, t h e z o m b i e is instead reduced t o 1 hit point. Str 18 (+6)
Dex8(+1)
Wis8(+1)
C o n 15 (+4)
I n t 1 (-3)
C h a 3 (-2)
A l i g n m e n t unaligned
Languages
-
Conclusion The adventurers' mission here is not complete u n t i l they have destroyed the Chaos M o t e b y deactivating a l l three altars (see "Features o f the A r e a " ) .
W h e n the final altar is deactivated, read: The Chaos Mote ripples, gives off a shower of sparks, and begins to shrink. The skeleton controlled by its foul magic falls to pieces. At the same time, Haffron's ghost appears and gives a shout as he flies toward the crumbling bones. "That's my skeleton," he calls happily. "1 have unfinished business with it." With a pop, the mote implodes and Haffron is gone, his laughter echoing in the chamber. W h e n the adventurers exit the cavern, they f i n d the ravine f u l l o f slain monsters a n d H a f f r o n H o m m e l ' s i n e r t statue at the center o f it a l l . A t the various caves, the s u r v i v i n g creatures are f i g h t i n g a m o n g themselves, r e v e r t i n g to the c o n f l i c t t h a t was going o n i n the Caves o f Chaos before the c u l t intervened. The characters can escape the ravine w i t h o u t attracting attention.
EPILOGUE: TRIUMPHANT RETURN W h e n they r e t u r n to the village, the adventurers f i n d the residents o f H o m m e l Lane f e a r f u l l y a w a i t i n g w o r d o f the battle. W h e n they are t o l d o f the adventurers' victory, a l l the villagers take to the streets. L o r d B u r n e emerges f r o m his tower, j o i n i n g his people to celebrate as the adventurers are showered w i t h gratitude a n d gifts. L o r d B u r n e approaches the g r o u p to personally t h a n k t h e m for t h e i r h e r o i s m , c o n f e r r i n g o n each the title o f K n i g h t o f H o m m e l Lane. H e invites the adventurers to r e m a i n i n H o m m e l Lane, settle d o w n , a n d perhaps even r u n for m a y o r . . . .
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S T A N D AGAINST EVIL An ancient evil stirs in the Caves of Chaos, chipping away at its prison, while the forces of chaos converge on the nearby town of Hornmel Lane. Monstrous raiders, marauding bandits, and missing villagers portend a terrible fate for Hommel Lane and the rest of the world, if unchallenged. Against the Cult of Chaos™ is a DUNGEONS & DRAGONS* Roleplaying Game adventure designed for the winter 2 0 1 3 season of the D & D ENCOUNTERS™ official play program. The adventure is an homage to three classic D & D adventures: The Keep on the Borderlands, The Village ofHommlet, and Against the Cult ofthe Reptile God. The adventure comes with two full-color battle maps, a series of ready-to-play encounters, and information on the D & D ENCOUNTERS program.
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This season also includes an optional online component, which allows players and Dungeon Masters to convert the adventure to the D&D® Next playtest. Find out more at www.dndnext.com.
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DUNGEONSANDDRAGONS.COM
© 2 0 1 3 Wizards of t h e Coast L L C . Cover illustration by Alexey Aparin. B 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 9 0 . W I Z A H D S OF THE COAST, I
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D & D , DUNGEON ft DRAGONS EfjeoUNTEfts, ali other Wizards titles, and their respective, logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast LLC in the USA and other countries. Published by Wizards o f t h e Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton W A 9 8 0 5 7 0 7 0 7 , USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA,
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Route de Courroux 6. 2 8 0 0 D e l e m o n t , CH. R e p r e s c n t f ' l bv Hasbro Europe, 2 Roundwood Ave. Siockley Park,
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Uxbridge, Middlesex, U B 1 1 1AZ, U K . M A D E IN THE U S A Not for sale. Importe au Canada par Wizards of t h e Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton W A 9 8 0 5 7 - 0 7 0 7 , U S A . FABRiQUE A U X ETAS-UNIS.
