First module in the two-part ADLERWEG series

Official Game Adventure

aeme Morris

...
r...rnercy the nexL sudnge w r i h g s in ~ U U on
U the walls. 1 I K
skulk are a curse to any village, but the thought of one which
more than Kusnir can endure! The Sentinel is an adventure for
characters of level 2-5.

."-
TSR, Inc.
PRODUCTS OF YOUR IMAGINATION
ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and PRODUCTS OF YOUR IMAGINATION are trademarks of TSR, Inc.
 CED DUNGEONS DRAGONS@
Fantasy Adventure Module

by Graeme Morris

AN ADVENTURE MODULE FOR CHARACTERS LEVEL 2-5

This module can be played alone or as the first adventure of the two part ADLERVWEG series.

The roots of Berghof are old as ?%amounWns, deep as the waters o* h e ake, unchanging as
the heroic destinies once forged there. Mow once-proud men crave the hero of strangers. Will
you aid them?
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Distributed to the book trade in the United States by Random House, Inc., and in Canada by Random House of Canada, Ltd.
Distributedto the toy and hobby trade by regional distributors. Distributed in the United Kingdom by TSR UK, Ltd.
This module is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorizeduse of the
material or artwork contained here in is prohibited without the expresswritten permissionof TSR, Inc.
O1983 TSR, Inc. All Right Reserved.

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 STOP!
If you intend to be a player in this module, do not read
This module is for use with the ADVANCED DUNGEONS & any further. The information in this booklet is for the
DRAGONS@adventure role-playing game rules. It is designed Dungeon Master only. Any knowledge of the module
fore-10 characters of levels 2-5 of whom at least some must be will spoil your enjoyment of the adventure and that of
of lawful good, neutral good, chaotic good, lawful neutral, or the other players.
true neutral alignment.

CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION 2
Contents 2; Abbreviations 2; Background for the Dungeon
Master 3
KUSNIR 5
Rumours 5
RANDOM ENCOUNTERS 6
THE OLD XVART LAIR (see map B) 7
Introduction 7; Recent Events 7; The Lair (X1 - 16) 8;
Encounter with Lavinia and Her Other Sons 12; Details of
Lavinia and Her Sons 13
THE MERCHANT 14
Introduction 14; Disposition of the Caravan 14; The
Encounter 14; Dealing with the Theft 14; The Retinue 15;
Contents of the Wagons 15
THE OLD MAN (see map C) 16
Introduction 16; Meeting with Urquant 16; Querns
Hermitage (H1 - 3) 16; Details of Urquant 17
THE LAKE-SIDE VILLA (see map D) 18
Introduction 18; Above Ground (V1 - 13) 19; Basement
(V14 - 16) 23, The New Tunnels (V17 - 26) 24
CONTINUING THIS ADVENTURE 28
PRESENCE (and WHISPS) 29
THE SENTINEL 30
Powers 30; Destruction of the Sentinel and the Gauntlet 30
LAVINIAS MAP (tear-out) 31-32
MESSAGE FROM THE SENTINEL (tear-out) 31-32
MONSTER ROSTER inside module folder
DUNGEON MASTERS MAPS A-D inside module folder
PLAYERS MAP outside module folder
SUGGESTED CHARACTER ROSTER outside module folder

AEIBREVIATIONS
In this module, the statistics of monsters and non-player The following additional abbreviations are used: C = Cleric,
characters have been standardised. The information is given in D = Druid, F = Fighter, P = Paladin, R = Ranger, M = Magic User,
brackets after the monsters/NPCs name, in the following I= Illusionist, T = Thief, A = Assassin, Mk = Monk, S = Strength,
order: I= Intelligence, W = Wisdom, D = Dexterity, C = Constitution,
Ch = Charisma, MM = AD&DTMMonster Manual, FF = FIEND
AC = Armour Class; MV = Movement Rate; HD = Hit Dice FOLIOTMTome,PH = AD&D Players Handbook, DMG = AD&D
(monsters) o Class/Level (NPCs-see below); hp=current hit Dungeon Masters Guide.
1
points (figu s in brackets indicate maximum hit points of
wounded creatures), #AT = Number of Attacks; D = Damage
Caused bv Attacks; SA = Special Attacks; SD = Special
Deifences;kR= Magic Resistance; Int = Intelligence(monsters THACO = To Hit Armour Class Zero. This is the roll on a
only); AL = Alignment; Ability Scores (NPCs only - see below);
d20 needed by the creature t o hit an opponent with A C 0
Size (monsters only); xp = Experience Points awarded for
overcoming; THACO (see below); Source of further (see DMG ~ 1 9 6 - 2 1 5 f,o r examples). In most cases, t h e
information. roll needed to h i t other armour classes = THACO - AC.
2
 INTRQDUCTION

BACKGROUND FOR THE

DUNGEON MASTER smouldered, trade through the pass was often interrupted and
the eyes of the barons were ever turned towards the wooded
hills of Berghof.
This adventure takes place in the region known as Berghof,
which lies around a lake at the head of the Hool River in an Eventually, the rulers of the littoral had to resort to magic in
isolated corner of the Hold of the Sea Princes. The area shown pursuit of their ambitions, and a dark mage was set the task of
on map A on the inside of the module folder encompasses creating a weapon which would destroy the Keep. The product
hexes E51137 and F5/138 on the WORLD OF GREYHAWKTM of the mages labours was a gauntlet of hard, black leather, set
Map. with iron studs and rugged gems. It was invested with all the
fearful magical powers at the mages disposal, had the power
Enclosed on all sides by lofty mountains, Berghof is a land of of thought, and was driven by a will of its own -dominated by
gently rolling hills, many covered with light, mixed woodland. the overwhelming desire to destroy the Keep.
Several fast-flowing rivers rush down from the mountains and
empty into the lake or the Hool. Except in their uppermost News of the Gauntlet - it had no other name - soon reached
reaches, these rivers can only be crossed safely and easily at Berghof where the Duke was at haste to counter the threat. His
fords or bridges. own mages produced a magical kid glove designed to be the
antithesis of the Gauntlet. While the Gauntlet was destructive,
Berghof was once a populous region, but there are now only harsh, black and made for the left hand, this glove was
four villages: Hallbridges (600 inhabitants), Chiswell (150 defensive, soft, pale in colour and crafted for the right hand.
inhabitants), Gannaway (200 inhabitants) and KUSNIR (see Like its counterpart, the glove was also given an intellect and
page 5) where the adventure begins. The regions inhabitants had purposes of its own, namely the defence of the Keep and
are farmers, woodsmen and fishermen, but commerce also the destruction of the Gauntlet should the opportunity arise
plays a part in the economy of the region since the trade route (see THE SENTINEL, page 30). The glove was worn by a
from the western parts of the Sea Principality to the sea runs succession of mages who named it the Sentinel and took for
through Berghof and up into the mountain pass of Adlerweg. themselves the title of Guardian. They resided in the Keep of
Adlerweg and, so fearful was the Gauntlet of them, the
Sentinels foe was never brought to the Keep. Thus the pass
History was secure and stalemate reached. In time, the Sea Princes
grew in power and lay waste to the coastal lands, although the
Many years before the rise of the Sea Princes, Berghof was an Keep prevented their hordes from crossing the mountains.
independent and populous state whose rulers styled them-
selves Grand Dukes. Hereditary foes of Berghof were the The Gauntlet was hidden from the Sea Princes and, in the
inhabitants of the coastal lands to the south-east, beyond the mayhem, was lost. Deprived of its enemy, the Sentinel fell into
Kamph Mountains. The so-called barons of this littoral quiescence, the Guardians were left without purpose and the
coveted the secluded, fertile hills of Berghof in preference to last magic user to use the title retired to his LAKE-SIDE VILLA
their own hot and dusty lands, and were prepared to take them (page18), taking thesentinelwith him.Theglovewas keptasa
by force if necessary. Luckily for the Dukes of Berghof, there curio by hisdescendants until thedeclineof thefamilyand the
was but one route between the regions: the pass of Adlerweg fall of the villa into ruin.
(the way of the eagle) cut through the Kamph Range by the
River Gann (see map A, inside the module folder). The Dukes As Berghof declined, it was peacefully assimilated by the Sea
built a lofty fortress - the Keep of Adlerweg - on a rocky spur Princes and the Keep was then maintained only to hold the
high in this pass and so cunning was its construction and so pass against the threat of the humanoid tribes which inhabited
dominating its situation that no army from the coastal lands the mountains.
could force a passage.
Years passed. The Sentinel lay forgotten in a ruined, vine-
Thus it was that the ambitions of the coast-landers were, for a covered villa. The Gauntlet, lost to human knowledge, gained
while, thwarted. Even so, the hostility between the states strength and purpose, and waited ....
INTRODUCTION

Recent Events of action which would draw attention and, it hoped, a bearerto
itself. While the other skulk continued to act in its normal,
The Gauntlet was brought back into the affairs of men by the malicious manner, theone with the Sentinel took to performing
unexpected intervention of a hungry ogrillon. The creature acts of conspicuous and uncharacteristic clemency. These
hac! been in hot pursuit of a wild pig across a mountain slope acts were often accompanied by strange writings in blood on
on the southern side of the Kamph Range. Intent on his next thewalls of the buildingswhich theskulkvisited. Thevillagers,
meal, he failed to see a fissure and landed, with a bump, on its unaware that there were two skulks, were faced with a
rocky bottom some six feet below. He soon recovered and, mystifying combination of events and came to the horrifying
cursing the loss of the pig, set about finding a way out of the conclusion that they were beset by a skulk who was not only
cleft. Groping in the darkness, his hand encountered a rough, malicious but insane and thus doubly dangerous!
leathery object - it was an old gauntlet. Without knowing what
moved him, he put it on. The skulks were not the only creatures to menace the human
inhabitants of Berghof - there was also a band of xvarts who,
At ihat instant, the wit, desires and emotions of the ogrillon although the position of their lair (the OLD XVART LAIR, page
were crushed as the Gauntlettook control of his mind. As if in a 7) was known, resisted all attempts to dislodge them. All, that
dream, the ogrillon climbed out of the cleft and headed into the is, until an illusionist named Lavinia and her half-orc sons
mountains. Acting on the instructions of his new master, he forced them to flee. The xvarts took up residence with the
gatlhered a small army of gnolls and other creatures and led it skulks in the LAKE-SIDE VILLA (page 18), where they were
in an attack on the Keep of Adlerweg. Without the Sentinel to well hidden, but Lavinias sons caught and interrogated one of
defend it, the Keep fell easily and the ogrillons band weresoon the skulks (the one without the Sentinel) and discovered the
installed as its new garrison. xvarts whereabouts. Intent on being the sole evil power in the
area, Lavinia is now planning a final attack on the xvarts.
Lying in the ruined villa, the Sentinel sensed the re-awakening
of its old adversary and came back to life. Once more its
powers were needed, but it would require a bearer to translate Outline of the Adventure
its power and purpose into action.
The anticipated sequence of events in this adventure is as
For some time, two skulks had been living beneath the villa follows:
frorn which they had begun to prey on the village of Kusnir.
These evil creatures would never willingly serve the Sentinel as To begin the adventure, the adventurers arrive at the village of
bearer, of course, but the glove had no other companions and KUSNIR (page 5 ) where they will hear of the skulk which is
was; forced to lure one of the pair into its power. The Sentinel terrorising the inhabitants. If they decide to seek out the skulk,
could not completely overcome the skulks cowardly, evil the rumours and other information they will gather at the
personality but it was able to start the creature on a course village and elsewhere will most likely lead them not to the
skulks lair but to the OLD XVART LAIR (page 7) which has
recently been taken over by a group of non-player characters
(Lavinia and her sons). If these characters are defeated, the
party will gain information which will lead them to the LAKE-
SIDE VILLA (page 18) where the skulk lives.

En route from the xvart lair to the villa the party will encounter
41 the MERCHANT (page 14) and the OLD MAN (page 16).

At the villa, the party will encounter many dangers, including

the band of xvarts deposed from their old lair. Eventually,
however, they will find the skulk and thus obtain the Sentinel.

Finding the glove concludes this module, but the adventure

may be continued in module UK3 - T H E GAUNTLET - where
the party will meet the Sentinels old adversary.

Starting the Adventure

In order to start the adventure, the party must arrive at the

village of KUSNIR (page 5 ) .

In some campaigns, the DM may simply inform the players that

they have travelled to this place. However, a less mechanistic
approach might be to have the adventurers hear rumours of
thetroublein Kusnirfrom the patronsof theinnsand tavernsof
Hallbridges, Chiswell and/or Gannaway (see map A, inside the
module folder), or from a similar town or village in the DMs
own campaign.

The players map (on the outside of the module folder)

represents the characters general knowledge of the region.
Below the map is a SUGGESTED CHARACTER ROSTER
which gives characters suitable for this adventure.
 An old man introduces himself to you as Papa Kurst,
the elder of the village. He asks to speak to you and
tells you the following tale.

For some time now we have been plagued by the

attentions of a creature of the night - we suspect that it
is a skulk - that comes periodically to our village,
makes off with our food and goods, and kills such
animals and people as are unable to defend them-
selves. After the first few raids, we knew what to
expect and therefore how to guard ourselves against
the creature by increased vigilance, but of late we
have been increasingly worried by its actions. It has
become so erratic that there is no telling what it may
do nor why! It will kill a babe one day and will spare
anotherthe next, though it leaves clear indication that
it might have killed again, had it so wished. It has
taken to entering our village more and morefrequent-
ly, and at odd times, and it has also started to deface
our walls and floors with scrawls in blood, using
letters that we cannot read.

Your arrival is like the answer to a prayer. We wish to

be rid of this creature, but we fear it is demented, and
we have not the skills or the strength to fight it. I
implore you, will you rid us of this menace?

After making his plea, the elder illustrates what he has

been telling you by showing you various walls around
the village which are covered in scrawls. You
recognise them as magical script, and the casting of a
read magic spell reveals the following messages:
The adventure starts at Kusnir, a village of about 400
inhabitants on the east shore of Lake Spendlowe (see map A). DANGER ....FORCES OF EVIL GATHER .... COME TO
ME.... FREE THE POWER TO COMBAT EVIL ....
The buildings are mostly two-storey structures made of wood HASTEN OR WITNESS DIRE DESTRUCTION....I
with slate roofs. A few of the buildings (including a small AWAIT THE COMING OF A BEARER .... I AM THE
temple to Ehlonna, the Inn and the elders house) are built of SENTINEL....EVIL GROWS STRONG....HELP ME
stone. Traders in the village include a net-maker, boat-builder OVERCOME....DANGER ....
and a herbalist. There is a small, weekly market.

At a suitable moment, soon after the party arrive at the village, The surviving skulk will not enter the village so long as the
the DM should have the village elder, Papa Kurst, introduce party is there, so the adventurers will have to seek it out. The
himself to the adventurers. The DM may either read out the actual lairoftheskulk (theLAKE-SIDEVILLA-pagela) isnot
following directly or, for the sake of better role-playing, give known by the villagers since skulks are extremely adept at
the same information to the characters by means of a hiding theirtracks. Any information gained by theadventurers
conversation with Papa Kurst: -
will tend to lead them to the OLD XVART LAIR page 7.

RUMOURS
If the adventurers seek information from the villagers of 3. The cause of the troubles in Kusnir is a mad skulk (true).
Kusnir, Chiswell, Hallbridges or Gannaway, there is a 25% 4. There is a tribe of skulks living in a camp beside the River
chance (foreach adult questioned) that they will be told one of Lewyn (false).
the following rumours (determined at random). In addition, 5. Gannaway has been attacked b y a horde of small blue men
there is a 70% chance that any of the adult male inhabitants of (true).
Gannaway will claim to have taken part in the daring raids on 6. Swarms of huge rats have overrun isolated farms near
the lair of the blue devils and will be able to give good Chiswell (true).
directions io the OLD XVART LAIR (though they do not know 7. There is an encampment of evil creatures on the bank of
the identity of the creatures). In reality, a few of the bolder men the River Lewyn upstream from the bridge (true).
took part in some unsuccessful attacks on the xvarts, but the a. Lake Spendlowe is inhabited by an evil spirit which must
tales have grown with the telling. be appeased by sacrifices (false).
9. Corpses of strangely coloured creatures have been seen
1. There is a assassin at work in Kusnir (false). floating downriver past the bridge near Gannaway (true).
2. A group of woodsmen who went to cut logs north of 10. Only a skulk could have done the terrible things which
Gannaway two months ago have never returned (true). have taken place at Kusnir (true).
5
Outside thevillages, the xvart lair, thevillaetc, random encounters will occur on a roll of 1on a d6 in each 6-hour period (ie roll twice
each day and twice each night) or at the discretion of the DM. If a random encounter is indicated, the DM should determine the type
of creature involved by rolling a d10 and consulting theappropriate table below. The DM may chooseeitherto dictate the number of
creatures which appear or else to use the ranges indicated. Each randdm encounter will only occur once.

OPEN COUNTRY DAY - OPEN COUNTRY MIGHT -

roll roll
1-2 1Anhkheg(AC2/4; MV 12"(6"); HD4; hp22; #AT1; D3-18 1-3 2-12 Wolves (AC 7; MV 18"; HD 2.2; hp 10 each; #AT 1;
(+1-4);SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Non; AI N; Size L; xp 412; D 2-5; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Semi; AL N; Size S;
THACO 15; MM). The anhkheg has recently used its acid xp 65 each; THACO 16; MM). The party will hear the sound
squirt attack and so will not be able to use it against the party. of howling just before the wolves attack.

3-6 7-12 Wild dogs (AC 7; MV 15"; HD 1.1; hp 5 each; #AT 1; 4-6 2-16 Giant bats (AC 8; MV 3"/18"; HD 1; hp 5 each; #AT 1;
D 1-4; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Semi; AL N; Size S; xp 30 D 1-4; SA Nil; SD Manoeuvre; MR Std; Int Non; AL N;
each; THACO 18; MM). Size S; xp 15 each; THACO 19; FF). The bats will be flying
directly away from their lair (an old, deserted farm house half
7-8 1Giant spitting snake (AC 5; MV 12"; HD 4.2; hp 17; #AT 1; a mile away) when encountered. In the farmhouse is a skele-
D 1-3; SA Spit poison; SD Nil; Mr Std; Int Animal; AL N; Size ton of a gnoll which has 20gp and a gem (garnet-value 150
M; xp 475; THACO 15; MM). The snake will be hidden in the gp) in a belt pouch.
grass, hoping to surprise the party.
7-8 1-2 Giant badgers (AC 4; MV 6"(3"); HD 3; hp 18 each;
9-0 1 Kenku leader (AC 5; MV 6"/18"; HD 3; hp 16; #AT 3; #AT 3; D 1-3/1-3/1-6; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Semi:
D 1-4/1-4/1-6; SA Cast magic missile spell once per day; AL N; Size M; xp 89 each; THACO 16; MM).
SD Disguise; MR Std; Int Ave; AL N; Size M; xp 168; THACO
16; FF) and 1 3 ordinary kenku (AC 5; MV 6"/18"; HD 2; hp 9-0 1 Bandit leader (AC 7; MV 12"; F2; hp 14; #AT 1; D 1-6; SA
9 each; #AT3; D 1-4/1-4/1-6; SA Nil; SD Disguise; MR Std; Nil; SD Nil; MR St d; Int Ave; AL CE; Size M; xp 48; THACO
Int Ave; AL N; Size M; xp 46 each; THACO 16; FF). The 20) and 3-12 ordinary bandits (AC 7; MV 12"; NM; hp 4
kenku will approach the party disguised as peasants in long each; #AT 1; D 1-6; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE;
robes. If not recognized by their long noses (50% chance), Size M; xp 14 each; THACO 20; MMI. These men will attack
they will misdirect the party to the nearest anhkheg (as the party from many directions hoping to steal as much as
encounter 11. The leader has a dented silver mirror on a chain possible (expeciallyhorses) and to escape alive. They all wear
(decoratedwith jasper - value 400 gp). In addition, each of leather armour and carry shields and short swords. The leader
the kenku will have 4-16 gp (4d4) in mixed coins. Note that has a gold ring with a gem (jade, value 200 gp). In addition,
kenku cannot speak. each bandit will have 11-20gp (d10.10) in his possession.

WOODLANDS DAY - WOODLAND NIGHT -

1-3 1-3Bombardierbeetles(AC4; MV9"; HD2+2; hp14each; 1-3 2-8Firebeetles(AC4; MV12"; HD1+2; hp7each;#AT1;
# A T 1; D 2-1 2; SA Acid cloud; SD Cloud; MR Std; Int Non; D 2-8; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Non; AL N; Sizes; xp34
AL N; Size M; xp 147 each; THACO 16; MM). These will each; THACO 18; MM). The approach of the fire beetles
be encountered just as one of them is about to lay eggs in will be given away by the glow of their fire glands.
the corpse of an albino deer. Although damaged, the pelt
of the deer is worth 1OOgp. 4-6 2-4 Needlemen (AC 6; MV 9"; HD 3+4; hp 24 each;
#AT1-6; D1-2;SASurprise;SDNil; MRSub-std; IntLow;
4-5 1-3 Giant wasps (AC 4; MV 6"/21"; HD 4; hp 12 each; AL N; Size M; xp157 each; THACO 16; FF).
# A T 2; D 2-8/1-4; SA Poison; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Non;
AL N; Size M; xp 368 each; THACO 15; MM). These 7-8 1Werewolf (AC 5; MV 15"; HD 4+3; hp 26; # A T 1; D 2-8;
creatures are far from their nest and are in search of SA Lycanthropy; SD Need silver or magical weapons to
victims in which to lay their eggs. hit; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; Size M; xp 335; THACO 15;
MM see lycanthrope, werewolf) and 1-2 wolves (AC 7;
6-8 2 Black bears (AC 7; MV 12"; HD 3+3;hp 18, 12 (19); MV 18"; HD2+2; hp 10 each; # A T 1; D2-5; SA Nil; SD Nil;
# A T 3; D 1-3/1-3/1-6; SA Hug (2-8); SD Nil; MR Std; MR Std; Int Semi; AL N; Size S; xp 65 each; THACO 16;
Int Semi; AL N; Size M; xp 157, 133; THACO 16; MM). MM). The werewolf will attack in its wolf form, in which it
These creatures are usually non-aggressive, but one has is indistinguishable from the other wolves.
been wounded and both are now very angry.
9-0 1Ghast(AC4;MV15";HD4; hp21;#AT3;D1-4/1-4/1-8;
9-0 1 Ogre (AC 5; MV 9"; HD 4+1; hp 23; # A T 1; D 1-10; SA Stench; SD Double damage from cold iron; MR Std;
SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Low; AL CE; Size L; xp 205; Int Very; AL CE; Size M; xp 274; THACO 15; MM) and
THACO 15; MM) and 2-7 wolves (AC 7; MV 18"; HD 2+2; 1-3 ghouls (AC 6; MV 9"; HD 2; hp 8 each; # A T 3;
hp 10 each; # A T 1; D 2-5; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; D 1-3/1-3/1-6; SA Paralysis; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Low;
lntSemi;ALN;SizeS;xp65each;THACO16;MM).This AL CE; Size M; xp81 each; THACO 16; MM). The ghast's
is a hunting party out in search of meat (the ogre does robes have a decorative trim consisting of semi-precious
not mind what kind!). The ogre has a crude necklace of stones fixed with gold thread (value 350gp). The ghouls
agate beads (value 250gp). have no treasure.
6
INTRODUCTIION
In this part of the adventure, the party travel to the lair once monthsago, they managed toforcethe humanoidstoabandon
occupied by the band of xvarts who now live in the LAKE-SIDE their lair hurriedly. The xvarts imposed themselves on the
VILLA (page 18). This lair has since been occupied by an old skulks in the LAKE-SIDE VILLA, taking over and expanding
female illusionist and her half-orc sons. If theseare overcome, their underground tunnels and chambers. Lavinia and her
the party will gain information which will lead them to the skulk sons moved into the xvarts old lair and set up home there,
at the LAKE-SIDE VILLA. The lair is shown on map B. blocking off some of the tunnels for which they had no use.

However, the flight of the xvarts did not solve Lavinias

RECENT EVENTS problem, since the band was not destroyed and its lair was now
unknown to her. Her fortunes changed recently when two of
The lair was built many years ago bya tribe of xvarts who, with her sons encountered the pair of skulks from the villa. The
their allies (a wererat and somegiant rats), used it asa base for skulk with the Sentinel escaped, but the other was caught and
raids on nearby human settlements. Although the location of eventually killed after being forced to reveal the location of its
the lair was known to at least some of the human population, lair and thus the lair of the xvarts.
none of the raids mounted against it had been successful.
When the party arrive here, Laviniaand threeof hersons will be
About a year ago Lavinia, an evil, female, human illusionist, away, reconnoitering the villa. They have left the other son at
and her four half-orc sons arrived in the region. In order to set the lair with his two pet mountain lions, and will return to the
themselves up in their chosen business of theft, murder and lair six hours after the arrival of the party. If the party leave the
-
kidnap, they had first to eliminate the opposition the xvarts. .lair before this time, the illusionist and the half-orcs will be
Accordingly, they began a campaign to terrorise the xvarts by encountered in the woods (see ENCOUNTER WITH LAVlNlA
the use of illusions, poisons and stealthy murder. About six AND HER OTHER SONS page 12).-
7
 -
THE OLD XVART LAIR (X1 5)

THlE LAIR X3. Entrance to the Lair

The lair is situated on a small hillock around which the River
Lewyn flows (see map B). The action of the river has cut a steep
cliff, some 40 feet high, on the southern and eastern sides of
\
the hill making it a good defensive site. The xvarts cleared the
nearby woodland, using the timber to build a stockade (Xl). A portion of the northern slope of the hill has been cut
There is a watch tower (X2) on the peak of the hill. Most of the back to produce a vertical face. In the centre of this, a
lair is underground, with its main entrance (X3) on the rough-hewn tunnel about 6 feet high and about 5 feet
northern slope of the hill. There is a secret entrance (X16) in wide runs into the hill.
the cliff by the river.
On each side of the tunnel stands a wooden post.
Unless otherwise stated, all tunnels in the lair are 6 feet high Hanging from these are a wide variety of items: rusty
and all chambersare8feet high; doorsconsist of free-standing weapons, pieces of armour, helmets etc.
wooden frames over which animal skins are stretched. These
doors are not hinged, but must be lifted aside. The
descriptions given assume that the adventurers have some The posts were the trophy stands of the xvarts. In addition to
source of light. If not, the descriptions should be adjusted the items mentioned above, there are household utensils,
accordingly by the DM. articles of clothing, animal skins etc. All are worthless.

Unless they take suitable precautions to conceal their

X1. !Stockade presence (eg a thief moving silently or the use of a silence
spell), any adventurers coming into the underground lair
Running around the hillock is a wooden stockade which, with through this entrance will be heard by the mountain lions
the riiver and cliff, provides all-round protection for the lair. On stationed at the guard post (room X5), who will alert the half-
the western and northern sides, the stockade is about 15 feet orc thief in the main hall (room X6). The three will then prepare
high and has a narrow walk-way 12 feet off the ground on the to meet the intruders (see room X6).
inside, which is reached b y a number of ladders. Above the cliff
on thiesouthern and eastern sides, the stockade is only about 3
feet high. There is a gateway facing north-west. The gates are X4. Net-Pit Traps
currently closed but are not barred. The stockade may be
climbed by thieves or monks in the usual way. The xvarts constructed special pit traps at the points marked
X4 on map B. The traps consist of carefully concealed 20-foot-
-
~~
deep pits which taper towards the bottom where they are only
2 feet wide. Half-way down each pit a loosely-fixed net has
been stretched across.

Any character falling into one of 'these pits may become

entangled in addition to taking the normal falling damage. A
falling character must make a roll of 3d6 for less than his or her
dexterity or else become helplessly entangled in the net and
wedged in the narrow bottom of the pit. An entangled
character will not be able to escape unassisted.

X5. Guard Post

Lavinia and her sons have fixed up a few spears and helmets There are two mountain lions (AC 6; MV 15"; HD 3+1; hp 20
behiind the stockade and the DM's first description of the lair each; +'AT 3; D 1-3/1-3/1-6; SA Rear claws for 1-4/1-4, leap
shouild imply that the stockade is manned. Subsequently, forward 20 feet; SD Surprised only on a 1; MR Std; Int Semi;
however, the DM should give the players hints until they realise AL N; Size M; xp 190 each; THACO 16; MM) stationed here.
or until the characters are close enough for the deception to be They are the pets of the half-orc thief in the main hall (room
obvious. X6). Unless the adventurers silence their movements when
entering the underground lair, the lions will hear them and will
have gone into the main hall (room X6) to alert the thief by the
X2. Watch Tower time they arrive. If the lions have moved from the area when the
party arrives, the DM should omit the second part of the
This is a simple wooden structure. Four large posts, set into the following description:
earth, support a platform about 20 feet above the ground. The
platflorm is reached by a ladder and has a weather-beaten
thatched roof. The tunnel widens out into asmall chamber. There is a
table and some other furniture here.
The !watch tower is unmanned, and there are no items of value
or interest here. Lavinia and her sons do not use it and have (Suddenly, two lithe feline forms leap at you from out
given no thought to its maintenance. Consequently, about of the shadows).
half-way up the ladder, there is a weak rung which will give way
if any weight is put on it. A character climbing the ladder must
make a roll of 3d6 for less than his or her dexterity or else fall 10 If the mountain lionsattack the party here, the thief in the main
feet 'when this rung is reached. hall (room X6) will be alerted and will come to join the fight
8
(assuming that the sound of combat has not been suppressed
in some way). The thief will use his hide in shadows ability to
come as near as he can to the party before being seen, and will
execute a back-stab attack if possible.

This room was originally the guard post used by the xvarts.
There is a crude table here (with a gaming board roughly
scratched on it) and four wooden stools. On the wall furthest
from the passage, there is a weapons rack. It is empty except
for a rusty xvart sword.

X6. Main Hall

This hall was the living quarters for most of the xvart tribe.
Since their take-over of the lair, Lavinia and her sons have
made this chamber their living room, kitchen and bedroom. The 1
a kit(
When the party arrives at the lair, Detrak (Lavinia's half-orc wool
thiefson-AC7; MV9";T4; hp14;#ATl; D1-8(longsword),2-5 wine
(sling bullet); SA/SD as standard for class and abilities; ".
the t%-.- -._ .,._._..._..._ -
U., .,,,_ ,
VV...V .yVIy

MR Std; AL LE; S 13, 18, W 7, D 12, C 15, Ch 10; xp 200; half finished lock mechanism on which Detrak was working.
THACO 20; see DETAILS OF LAVlNlA & HER SONS page 13)
will be here, making a chest-trap. However, it is likely that he Each of Lavinia's family has chosen one of the alcoves in which
will have been warned by his two pet mountain lions (room X5 to sleep and store personal possessions.
-AC 6; MV 15"; HD 3+7; h p 20 each; #AT 3; D 1-3/1-3/1-6;
SA Rear claws for 1-4/1-4, leap forward 20 feet; SD Surprised Lavinia's alcove is the southernmost one, and she has rigged
only on a 1; MR Std; Int Semi; AL N; Size M; xp 190 each; up a curtain across it for privacy. Inside the alcove she has a
THACO 16; MM). If so, the thief and the lions will be hiding simple bed, a small table with a mirror fixed to the wall above it,
when the party arrives. The lions will be in one of the alcoves a padded stool and a chest. On the table is a map. If the
beside the entrance which the party seems likely to use, and adventurers find this, the DM should give the players the tear-
the thief will be in the other. The mountain lions will leap out out mapsheet (pages31-2).This map isveryimportant, since it
when theadventurers enter and Detrak will hide in shadows in will lead the players to the LAKE-SIDE VILLA and the next part
the hope of inflicting a back-stab as his first attack. of the adventure. Lavinia is carrying another copy of the map.
Also on the table are several pots of cosmetics.
Assuming Detrak has been warned of the party's presence and
is hiding, the DM should read out the following description The chest is locked and trapped. If the trap is not disarmed, a
when the adventurers are able to see into this room: cloud of acid vapour (radius 5 feet) will be released from the
chest. The cloud will disperse in one round but any character
f I caught within it will suffer 1-10 hit points of damage (halved if
This is a large, circular chamber with five dark alcoves the character saves vs. Breath). In addition, all exposed
around the outside wall, one closed off by acurtain. In metallic objects in contact with the cloud must save vs. Acid at
the centre of the room are a stove, a table, five chairs +4 or be corroded (cutting edges will become blunt, buckles
and some sacks and chests. will jam etc).

The chest contains (working downwards from the top):

If Detrak has been taken unawares, he should be briefly a cloak, a robe and a brocade gown (value 50gp),
described to the players, seated at the table. a box containing a wig and a vial of perfume (value 40gp),
a fine dagger in a scabbard on a silk belt (value 80gp),
Detrak is wearing leather armour +1and uses an ordinary long three bags containing lOOsp, 210gp and 60pp respectively
sword in melee. In the pockets incorporated into his belt are a (total 515gp),
sling, 20 sling bullets, six small matching gems (aquamarine, a boxcontaining a bracelet and matching necklace (silver and
value 80gp each) and part of his set of thief's tools (the amber - 800 gp total),
remainder are on the table). Detrak speaks common, orc and Lavinia's spell book containing the following spells:
goblin. If captured and questioned under duress, he will give
theadventurersthe following information (but no more) if they First level: audible glamer, change self, detect
ask appropriate questions: illusion, phantasmal force, wall of
fog.
(i) He lives here with his mother and six brothers (partially Second level: detect magic,hypnoticpattern
true).
(ii) His mother is a powerful caster of spells (partially true).
(iii) His brothers are fighters and thieves (partially true). The mirror on the wall issilver (value60gp).The bed, table and
(iv) His mother and brothers are away and will be back very stool are unexceptional.
soon (partially true).
(v) Awhileago heand his brothercaughtaskulk, butanother The other four alcoves contain nothing of interest or value. The
one used some magic and got away (true). brothers are very jealous of each other and so Lavinia has been
(vi) His mother and brothers are out spying on the skulk and forced to insist that they all have the same furniture: a bed, a
the tribe of blue-skinned humanoids it lives with (true). stool and a table. None of the brothers trusts the others
(vii) He does not know where the humanoids are (true). sufficiently to leave any items of value here.
9
 -
THE OLD XVART LAIR ( X 7 8)

X7. Guard Post

Before you is a bare irregular chamber. A strong
Whein the adventurers are able to see into this area, the DM animal smell seems to come from a creature lurking
should read out the following: nearthe far side. It isastocky, bear-likeanimal with an
- odd, feathered head and a beak-like snout.

Just off the passage is an irregular chamber. It is This animal has a broad leather belt around its waist
apparently unoccupied. The walls and ceilings are from which a heavy chain runs through a ring fixed to
covered with lurid blue paint, over which childish the far wall and across the floor to a hook on the
drawings of battle scenes have been scrawled in corridor wall beside the doorway. When it sees you,
chalk. the creature lunges forward as if to attack, but is
pulled up short by the chain.
There is a broken table lying on the floor, on top of
which is a considerable quantity of what appears to be
broken furniture. The creature is an owlbear (AC 5; MV 12"; HD 5+2, hp 27;
#AT3; D 1-6/1-6/2-12; SA Hug; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Low; AL N;
Size L (8' tall); xp 441; THACO 15; MM). It is very aggressive
This room was used by the xvarts as a guard post. Lavinia and and will attack the party if it can. The chain will prevent the
her :;on.$ have piled broken furniture and other wood here, owlbear from leaving the room, unless it is unhitched from the
intending to use it as fire-woodat a laterdate. Afamilyof mice hook in the corridor. If the owlbear is attacked in such a way
(harmless) have made a nest under the table. Among the items that it cannot retaliate (eg with missiles) it will retreat into the
which they have gathered are an ivory die (value 1Ogp) and a alcove at rear of its pen.
jade gaming piece (value 12gp).
Ifthecharactersattemptto pull theowlbearwith thechain, the
percentage chance of success is equal to twice the total
X8. Owlbear Pen number of points of strength applied. This should be checked
each round. If any roll indicates failure then the chain has
A s the adventurersapproach this room, they will hear the deep slipped from the grasp of those pulling.
growling of the occupant and the rattling of its chain. When
they are able to see into the room, the DM should read out the The owlbear has no personal treasure. Since arriving, Lavinia
following description: and her sons have been unsuccessfully trying to tame it.
10
 THE OLD XVART LAIR ( X 9 12)-
X9. Training Room (Xvart Store-Room) The skeletons are those of two human prisoners left behind
when the xvarts abandoned their lair. They are quite harmless
When the adventurers arrive at this chamber the DM should and there are no items of interest or value here.
read out the following:

f X12. Room of Illusions (Xvart Shaman's Quarters)

Arranged around this room are items which one
would associate with training for combat. Near one
wall is a wooden manikin. A wooden ball with long
spikes set into it hangs by a chain from the ceiling.
r \
There are several dumb-bells in a rack and a treadle-
driven grind-stone. On a bench against another wall You have come to a roughly circular chamber, the
are some bottles and crossbow bolts. Under this walls of which have been painted vivid green. The
bench is a battered straw target. lower parts of the walls are scored by deep vertical
L I scratches.

This room was originally used by the xvarts as a store, but In the centre of the room lies a human corpse wearing
Lavinia's sons now use it for training purposes. The manikin is chainmail armour. A very large rat is chewing at the
a target for dagger throwing and the spiked ball is used for the armour apparently in an attempt to reach the body.
practice of parrying and dodging. There are five unlabelled
bottles on the bench. Two of them contain glue (used for
making quarrels etc), another contains muscle liniment, the
fourth holds oil used in the care and maintenance of armour,
and the last one contains a potion of healing (an oily,
odourless liquid with a strong burning taste - one dose). The
straw target is used for bow practice out of doors.

X10. Blocked Tunnel

When the adventurers reach this point, the DM should read out
the following:

I 'I
A passage leading from the one which you have been
following is completely blocked by a jumble of rocks,
casks, sacks and other items. As you approach, the
stench of rotting flesh assails you.
I J

When they moved in, Lavinia and her sons blocked off the
south-western part of the lair (rooms X11-X16) using rocks and
the contents of the store room (room X9). These consisted
mostly of foodstuffs which are now decaying.

Living invariouspartsofthepilearel2rotgrubs(AC9;MV1";
HD l h p each;#AT Nil; D Nil; SA Burrow into flesh; SD Nil;
MR Std; Int Non; AL N; Size S; xp nil; MM). It is to be hoped that
the adventurers will be alerted by the smell of rotting flesh and
will take suitable precautions (eg wearing gloves) if they
attempt to move the blockage. If so, the pile may be moved
safely. If not, rot grubs will burrow into the exposed flesh of The corpse is another illusion created by the symbiotic jelly in
any characters handling rotting foodstuffs. order to attract giant rats, which are its usual prey.

The scratches on the wall were made by the caterwaul when

X11. Cell sharpening its claws. If the adventurers examine the room,
they will notice that the scratches on one part of the wall are
The door to this room consists of heavy planks nailed together. much deeper than elsewhere and that they have revealed a
It is not hinged, but is held firmly in place by wedges driven in light-coloured material beneath the paint.
around the edgesfrom the corridor side. The door is only3 feet
high. When the adventurers are able to see into the room The pale material is plaster which completely fills a shallow
beyond the door, the DM should read out the following: alcove in the wall and which is much softer than the rock
around it. Embedded in the plaster is a solid gold xvart idol
f 'I (value 2200gp) which was hidden there long ago (when the
Behind the door isa low-ceilinged irregular chamber, room was the quarters of a xvart shaman) and which was
about 3 feet high. Sprawled against the far wall are forgotten when the lair was abandoned. The adventurers will
two human skeletons in ragged clothes. have no difficulty in digging out the plaster and recovering the
idol if they attempt so to do.
11
THE OLD XVART LAIR (X13 16) -
X13,. Giant Rats Lair (Xvart Temple)

When the adventurers are able to see into this room, the DM
should read out the following:
The small chamber before you appears to be
unoccupied, but contains a wide variety of objects
This is a roughly rectangular chamber whose rock scattered haphazardly about.
iwalls are painted black. In the centre of the room is a
pile of dry vegetable matter. Scuttling over and
(around this are at least a dozen large rats. This was the chamber of the xvart magic user, an incorrigible
collector of items of all kinds, especially those of no use to the
other xvarts. In the hurried departure from the lair, the magic
This room is the lair of 21 giant rats (AC 7; MV 12; HD 1-4hp; user was forced to abandon most of his treasured possessions,
hp 2 each;#AT 1; D 1-3; SA Disease; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Semi; including the cloak of elvenkind which had always been
AL hi; Size S; xp 9 each; THACO 20; MM) some of whom are despised because of its origins, despite its powers.
insidle the nest. They will attack the party on sight.
Some time ago, the magic user attempted to combine the
The room was the xvart temple, and beneath the rats nest is spells extension and Nystuls magic aura which he had found
the pedestal on which the xvart idol once stood. The nest on a scroll. The spells failed catastrophically and, as a result,
contains many chewed bones, but there are no items of any objects kept in the room for a day or more will acquire an
interest or value here. intermittent magical aura. Such objects do not actually
become magical and the effect wears off i f the objects are
taken out of the room for a week.

As a result, there is a 50% chance for each object in the room

(at any given time) to have a magical aura. The objects in the
room are:

Four human-size cloaks, a small skirt, six long belts, two left
boots and a tall hat.
A suit of chain mail armour, two helms, half a suit of leather
-
armour (the right half) all human size.
A crossbow, a longbow (no string), three ranseurs and a
javelin.
A wooden fire-place surround, a large brass platter, a rug, a
large broom, a wagon wheel, two oars and a chamber pot.

X16. Secret Entrance

From the empty room (room X14), a narrow tunnel about 4 feet
high winds down to an opening at the foot of the cliff by the
river. This cliff entrance is about 2 feet square and is concealed
by a bush. If the party examines the cliff, the chance of finding
the entrance is the same as that of finding a concealed door.

X14. Empty Room (Xvart Chiefs Quarters)

ENCOUNTER WITH LAVlNlA AND HER
Wheln the party is able to see into this room the DM should read OTHER SONS
out the following:
Lavinia, the illusionist, and Finnock, Prakrit and Redec, three
of her half-orc sons, will be away from the lair, reconnoitering
This room is apparently unoccupied. With the the LAKE-SIDE VILLA (page 18) in preparation for the final
exception of some fragments of bone and vegetable destructionof thexvart tribe.Theywill arrive backatthelairsix
matter on the floor it seems to be empty. hours after the player characters arrive, and so they will be
encountered here if the adventurers have not moved on by
then. The exact details of this encounter will vary with
This room was the xvart chiefs private chamber. When the circumstances, of course.
xvarts left, the room was stripped.
If Lavinia and the other three return to the lair after the party
has left, they will seek out the adventurers in the woods. The
XIS. Xvart Magic Users Room encounter will occur before the adventurers reach the Hall-
bridges/Chiswell/Gannaway/Adlerweg road. It is up to the DM
The door to this room is made of stone and fits flush with the to decide exactly when and where the encounter should occur
wall ofthe corridor. It counts as a concealed door but it is easy (eg when the party is on the move or camped for the night).
to open once it has been found. When opened, the door will Note that the woodland is fairly light and that visibility is good.
swing back against the wall of the passage into the room, thus Also, Redec the assassin is potentially very dangerous if he
concealing the cloak of elvenkind (human-size) which hangs manages to surprise the party, and the DM should take
behind the door. account of this when arranging the encounter.
12
 THE OLD XVART LAIR (Lavlnia et a/)

DETAILS OF LAVlNlA AND HER SONS Clothing - dark green robe over chain mail armour, small
shield, small back pack (see below).
LAVlNlA - ILLUSIONIST, LEVEL 3, HUMAN, FEMALE -
Weapons long sword, two daggers.
(AC 8; MV 12"; I 3, hp 9; # A T 1; D By weapon; SA/SD As Languages spoken - common, orc.
standard for class and abilities; MR Std; AL LE; S 7, I 15, W 9, Personal treasure - a talisman (non-magical) on a chain
D 16 (+2 AC/saving throw bonus, +1 to hit with missiles), C 12, around his neck (wrought gold and haematite-value250gp)
Ch 11; xp 211; THACO 20). and the following items in his back pack: food, wine-skin, 50
foot coil of rope, two sacks.
-
Clothing long, dark red robe with matching, hooded cloak,
leather belt with pouches (see below). REDEC - ASSASSIN, LEVEL 2, HALF-ORC, MALE
Weapons - 3 darts, dagger (non-proficient weapon). (AC 8; MV 9"; A2; hp 7;# AT 1; D By weapon; SA/SD as standard
Spells memorised: forclassandabilities; MRStd;ALLE;S13, I13,W9,D14,C12,
First level: phantasmal force, wall of fog Ch 9; xp 141; THACO 20).
Second level: hypnotic pattern.
Languages spoken - common, orc, ogre, goblin, xvart. Clothing - black cloak over leather armour. Belt with pouches
Personal treasure - necklace of topaz beads (value 1800gp), (see below).
gold finger ring (1Ogp) and the following items in her belt Weapons - broad sword, dagger, dagger +l (envenomed with
pouches: 12gp, material componentsforspells, ascroll with class A insinuative poison), light crossbow, 12 quarrels.
these illusionist spells: Languages spoken - common, orc, goblin, gnoll.
Second level: magic mouth Personal treasure - gold ring (value 1OOgp) with a secret
Third level: dispel illusion, illusionary script. compartment (noticed as secret door) containing a tablet
(one dose) of class A ingestive poison. In the pouches
FINNOCK - FIGHTEWTHIEF, LEVEL 2/3, HALF-ORC, MALE hanging from his belt: a set of thief's tools, a tinder box, a vial
(AC 8 ; MV 9"; F2/T3; hp 17;#AT 1; D By weapon; SA/SD As containing one dose of class A insinuative poison and a
standard for class and abilities; MR Std; AL LE; S 13, 19, W 6, pill-box containing two doses (two tablets) of class A
D 11, C 16, Ch 9; xp 153; THACO 20). ingestive poison (see DMG page 20).

-
Clothing grey travelling cloak over leather armour, small DETRAK -THIEF, LEVEL 4, HALF-ORC, MALE
back pack (see below). (AC 7; MV 9"; T4; hp 14;#AT 1; D By weapon; SA/SD As
Weapons - long sword, dagger, short bow, 15 arrows. standard for class and abilities; MR Std; AL LE; S 13, 18, W 7,
Languages spoken - common, orc, goblin. D 12, C 15, Ch IO; xp 200; THACO 20).
Personal treasure - small platinum clasp on cloak (value
160gp) and the following items in his back pack: a set of Clothing - brown cloak over leather armour +1, belt with
thief's tools, a flask of oil, two small torches, tinder box. pockets (see below).
Weapons - long sword, sling, 20 sling bullets.
PRAKRIT - FIGHTER, LEVEL 3, HALF-ORC, MALE Languages spoken - common, orc, goblin.
(AC 4; MV 9"; F3; hp 16; # A T 1; D By weapon; SA/SD As Personal treasure - in the pockets incorporated into his belt:
standard for class and abilities; MR Std; AL LE; S 16 six small matching gems (aquamarine, value 80gp each), a
(+I damage), 16, W 7, D 9, C 14, Ch 9; xp 124; THACO 18). set of thief's tools.
 have anything to sell or if they wish to buy anything. Although
his trade is in skins, he has a box of assorted items (see THE
On their journey between the OLD XVART LAIR (page 7) and CONTENTS OF THE WAGONS - page 15) which he has
the LAKE-SIDE VILLA (page 18),the DM should arrange for accepted in lieu of past payments and which he often finds to
theaclventurers to meet Edensorthe merchant and his retinue. be attractive to the trappers with whom he trades. He will sell
The encounter will occur on the Hallbridges/Chiswell/ any items from the box at 10% more than the prices given in the
Gannaway/Adlerweg road which the party must cross at some PLAYERS HANDBOOK. He will also sell reasonable amounts
point on the trip. This encounter offers great potential for role of provisions (food, wine etc) from his own storesfor 10%more
playing by the DM and players. than the usual price. Edensor will buy any items from the party
(up to a total value of 300gp, except gems and jewelry) which
Edensor is travelling towards Adlerweg with two wagon-loads they are willing tosell. The prices he offers will be between 50%
of animal skins and other items. His intentions are peaceful and 90% of the actual values depending on how easily the
and, iif theirs are the same, the adventurers will be in no items could be re-sold (DMs discretion). If questioned,
immediate danger from him or his guards. He will even trade Edensor will pass on two of the rumours (chosen at random)
with them if they wish. which were available in the villages (see KUSNIR - page 5).

It is important to note that Edensor is well-known in the While the adventurers are talking to the merchant, Hans will
villages along his route and that the adventurers could expect attempt to steal an item of value (preferably a magical item)
to be questioned very closely by the authorities if they were from one of the party members. For the purposes of this
found in possession of his wagons. adventure he will automatically be successful unless the
adventurers have taken specific precautions against theft. In
Unknown to Edensor, one of his drovers is a thief named Hans. the latter case, Hans has his normal pick pockets chance of
Hans has been careful not to rob any of the members of the success (adjusted downwards if the precautions aye good -
caravan (yet) but the meeting with the adventurers will prove DMs discretion). If he fails with one character, he will try the
too much of a temptation for him. others until successful or until he is noticed.

If the theft is not noticed at the time, and if the charactersgear

DISPOSITION OF THE CARAVAN is not checked specifically beforehand, the loss will not be
noticed until 1-4 hours afterthe adventurers leave the caravan.
Those accompanying the caravan are Edensor, his guard Meanwhile, Hans will have hidden the stolen item under the
captaiin, ten mounted guards, eight guards on foot and four skins in the leading wagon.
drovers (one of whom is Hans the thief) - see THE RETINUE
below.
DEALING WITH THE THEFT
The cargo of the caravan is contained in two wagons. While the
caravan is on the move, Edensor and Maclise (the guard No matter how it is discovered, dealing with the theft and
captaiin) will be riding in front with six of the mounted guards. recovering the stolen property will be a good test of the
The remaining four mounted men will be at the rear. The players role-playing ability and the DM should take care (and
guards on foot will be walking four on each side, and there will have a lot of fun) when portraying Edensor, Maclise etc.
be two drovers to each wagon, one holding the reins and one
leadinlg the oxen. Hans will be the drover leading the oxen of Edensor is an honest man, but he is proud and fairly quick to
the front wagon. anger. Maclise is also honest and is loyal to Edensor. He is less
quick to anger, however, being a seasoned mercenary soldier.
The caravan is travelling about 25 miles per day (about3 miles Neither of them has any idea of Hans true profession.
per hour).
If called on to play the roleof Hans, the DM should be careful to
maintain the impression that he is an innocuous drover.
THE ENCOUNTER
Edensor, Maclise and the guards will defend the caravan if it is
When the adventurers meet the caravan, the DM should at first attacked, and they will respond angrily if accused of having
descriibe it only briefly to the players. Later, asappropriate, the any part in the crime. The same will apply if the adventurers are
DM should add more detail, but it is important to remember caught snooping around the caravan or are seen to be
that Hans will not normally be recognised as anything other attacking or harrassing Hans or any of the other members of
than 21 simple drover. the caravan without apparent cause.

Always keen for a chance to trade, Edensor will hail the party If they handle the situation carefully, the adventurers should
when he sees them and, after the usual greetings, ask if they be able to retrieve their property and catch the thief, and may
14
 THE MERCHANT

even be able to enlist Edensor'sco-operation in this. If the thief -

Clothing green cloaks over studded leather armour, shields.
is caught, and is clearly shown to be guilty, Edensor will offer Weapons - short bow, 15 arrows, long sword.
to deliver him to the authorities and will also give the -
Personal treasure each man has 1-6gp worth of coins in his
adventurers a giant beaver pelt (value 600gp) from the lead belt pouch.
wagon as compensation in order to save face.
Four Drovers

THREE ORDINARY DROVERS - NORMAL MEN, HUMAN,

THE RETINUE MALE
(AC 8; MV 12"; NM; hp 3 each; ++"AT1; D By weapon; SA Nil;
SD Nil; MR Std; Int Low; AL NG; xp 13 each; THACO 20).
The Merchant
Clothing - green cloaks over leather armour.
EDENSOR - FIGHTER, LEVEL 3, HUMAN, MALE Weapons - dagger.
(AC8; MV 12" (mounted 24"); F3; hp 13; # A T 1; D By weapon; Personal treasure - 1-4gp in coins in belt pouches.
SA/SDAsstandardforclassandabiIities; MRStd;ALNG;S 13,
114, W 10, D 11, C 8 , Ch 15; xp 132; THACO 18).
HANS (DISGUISED AS A DROVER) - THIEF, LEVEL 4,
Clothing - green travelling cloak, silk robe with fox-fur trim HUMAN, MALE
(value 60gp), ring of protection +2, belt with pouches (see (AC 6; MV 12"; T4; h p 15; # A T 1; D By weapon;
below). SA/SDAsstandardforclassandabilities; MRStd; ALNE; S 12,
Weapons - short sword. I 14, W 9, D 16 (+2 AC/saving throw bonus, +1 to hit with
Mount - light war horse (AC 7; MV 24"; HD 2; hp 9; # A T 2; missiles), C 13, Ch 10; xp 205; THACO 20).
D 1-4/1-4; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Animal; AL N; Size L;
xp 38; THACO 16; MM). Clothing -green cloak over leather armour.
Languages spoken - common, elf, dwarf, halfling, gnome. Weapons - dagger hanging from belt and four concealed
-
Personal treasure pendant on chain (small ruby, value 9Ogp), throwing knives in his boots.
signet ring (gold, with carved chalcedony stone, value Languages spoken - common, kobold.
180gp) and in his belt pouches: lOcp, 8sp, lOgp and 60pp Personal treasure - in a belt pouch: 3gp and a set of thief's
(total value about 311gp). tools. Hidden in the hollow pommel of his dagger: three
pearls (value 60gp each).
Guards

MACLISE (GUARD CAPTAIN) - FIGHTER, LEVEL4, HUMAN,

MALE THE CONTENTS OF THE WAGONS
(AC 2; MV 6" (mounted 15"); F4; hp 25; # A T 1; D By weapon;
SA/SD Asstandard forclassand abilities; MR Std; AL NG; S 15, Each wagon has four wheels and is pulled by six oxen. The
I 10, W 9, D 14, C 13, Ch 10; xp 215; THACO 18). area behind the board on which the driver sits is covered by
canvas stretched over an arched wooden frame. Flaps at the
-
Clothing green cloak over plate mail armour, shield, belt front and rear of the covered area are laced shut.
with pouches (see below).
-
Weapons heavy horse lance +1, long sword. The lead wagon contains some of the more exotic pelts, the
Mount-heavywarhorse(AC7; MV15"; HD3+3; hp17;#AT3; box of assorted trade goods and the gear of the merchant and
D 1-8/1-8/1-3; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Animal; AL N; the guards. The pelts are: eight giant badger (20gp each), two
Size L; xp 128; THACO 16; MM). giant beaver (600gp each), 60 wolf (8gp each) and 16 black
-
Languages spoken common, orc. bear (50gp each). The total value of these is 2640gp and their
Personal treasure - in belt pouches: 20 gp, a pipe, tinder box total weight is about 600gp equivalent.
and tobacco.
The box of trade goods contains an untidy jumble of stuff. If
the party wishes to buy from the merchant, there is a 10%
10 MOUNTED GUARDS - FIGHTERS, LEVEL 1, HUMAN, chance that the box will be found to contain any single object
MALE from the standard equipment list (PH p35-36; not animals or
(AC 6; MV 6" (mounted 18"); F1; hp 5 eadh; # A T 1; perishable goods) which is asked for with the exception of
D By weapon; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL NG; xp 38 items which could not be fitted into a box 10 feet long, 3 feet
each; THACO 20). wide and 3feet deep. The total normal value of the objects may
not exceed 600gp.
-
Clothing green cloaks over k a l e mail armour.
-
Weapons light crossbow, 15 quarrels, long sword. The wagon also holds food, wine skins, cooking utensils, bed
Mounts - medium war horse (AC 7; MV 18"; HD 2+2; rolls and so on for use on the journey by Edensor, Maclise, the
hp 11 each; # A T 3; D 1-6/1-6/1-3; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; drovers and the guards. Hidden in a secret compartment in the
Int Animal; AL N; Size L; xp 68 each; THACO 16; MM). hub of the right-hand front wheel are five gems (amethysts,
Personal treasure -each man has 1-6gp worth of coinseither in worth 600gp each).
his belt pouch or in his saddle bags.
If his attempted theft from the party is successful, Hans will
hide the item he has stolen under the pelts in this wagon.
EIGHT GUARDS ON FOOT - FIGHTERS, LEVEL 1, HUMAN,
MALE The rear wagon contains only pelts: 600 beaver (2gp each), 300
(AC 6; MV 9"; F1; hp 5 each; # A T 1; D By weapon; SA Nil; muskrat ( l g p each) and 60 fox (3gp each). Their total value is
SD Nil; MR Std; Int Low; AL NG; xp 38 each; THACO 20). 1680gp and they weigh about 1OOOgp equivalent in all.
15
QUE;RS HERMITAGE, Encoutrter URUS M1-3

INTRODUCTI0N
At some time after the adventurers have crossed the
Hallbridges/ChiswelI/Gannaway/Adlerweg road, but before
they reach the LAKE-SIDE VILLA, they will meet an old man
dressed in a simple grey robe and carrying a staff. The man is
Urquant, a monk, who will ask the adventurers to help him
recoviersome books from a cave occupied by two gargoyles. If
they clo so, the party will not only gain the treasure belonging
to these creatures but also information which will be of use in
the LAKE-SIDE VILLA (page 18).

MEE:TINGWITH URQUANT (seepage 17)

The DM should arrange for the party to meet Urquant at a

suitable moment before they reach the LAKE-SIDE VILLA.
When they meet, Urquant will automatically surprise the party
and will use this time to show his peaceful intentions by
greeting the adventurers in the common tongue. Then he will
explain his predicament. The following explanation may be
read aloud (or paraphrased) by the DM:

Greetings, noble travellers.

Mly name is Urquant, humble monk of the Monastery

of the Grey Cowl many leagues to the north. I was sent
here to seek information from Quern, the hermit and
writer of great renown, but arriving at his home, I
found his corpse hanging ignominiously from a
nearby tree and the cave occupied by two noisome H2. Outer Chamber
creatures. They were like men, but had wings, tails,
cruel claws and horns much like those of the fabled When the gargoyles have been dealt with and the party is able
uinicorn. to see into the cave the DM should read out the following:

I ;assailed the creatures, intent on vengeance, but all

n y hard-learned arts were in vain and these hands The cave mouth is about 10 feet high. The cave
which have smashed stone and splintered oak could beyond is irregular in plan and rises to about 20 feet
dlo them no injury. high in the centre. Just inside the cave-mouth is an
overturned lectern, further back are what appear to be
Confused, I fled and have been wandering in search of the remains of a bed and a stool. There are several
aiid since then. Will you come with me to Querns cave small objects scattered on the floor and a sack leans
to defeat these creatures and retrieve such of his against the left-hand wall.
lilbrary as remains? I have no interest in wealth, of
course, and you would be welcome to any other At the far end of the room a low passage leads off into
treasures which might be found. darkness. Growing around and inside the passage is a
strange plant whose fronds are moving slightly, as if
of their own accord.
If the party accepts, Urquant will lead the way to Querns
Hermitage (see map C )although he will not actually join in the
fight \Nith the gargoyles. The plant is a witherweed (AC 8; MV Immobile; HD 6;hp 39;
# A T Up to 20 fronds; D Nil; SA Dexterity drain; SD Poison gas
produced if burned; MR Std; Int Non; AL N; Size L; xp 509;
QU ERNS HERMITAGE THACO 13; FF). The monks of Querns and Urquants order
have cultivated a special strain of the weed whose large leaves
H1. Outside the Cave are papery and provide a good alternative to parchment. The
plants are still aggressive and are sometimes used as guards.
Quern was killed by a pair of gargoyles (AC 5; MV 9/15; They are kept under control by high level monks using their
HD 44-4; hp 28 each; #AT4; D 1-3/l-3/1-6/1-4; SA Nil; SD Need ability to speak with plants.
+1 or better weapons to hit; MR Std; Int Low; AL CE; Size M;
xp 305 each; THACO 15; MM) who will attack any creatures When he sees the witherweed, Urquant will recognise it at
approaching within 100 yards of the cave mouth. Querns body once. He will warn the adventurers that it is dangerous and will
is hanging from a tree about 50 yards south of the cave. briefly explain its uses. Since it is clear that there are no books
16
 QUERNS HERMITAGE (H3)

in this chamber, Urquant will speculate that Querns library is The ninth book (with the blue cover) is written on parchment.
beyond the weed and will explain that, since he cannot talk to Urquant will soon recognise that it is not part of Querns
the plant, some other way of getting past it will be needed. writings and will offer it to the party. The book may be of great
Urquant will advise against the use of fire on the weed for fear interest to the party since it contains references to the
of harming the books. Sentinel. If theadventurers read the book (even cursorily) they
will ascertain the following:
The witherweed will always retaliate if attacked and will
normally attack creatures attempting to use the passage. (i) The bulk of the book concerns the births, marriages and
However, as a result of Querns training, it will not attack those deaths of the Van Arthog family over many generations and is
using the passage if they openly carry a quill or other feather. rather boring.

The clue to the method of safely by-passing the weed is (ii) The family seat was a villa on the shore of Lake Spendlowe
contained in a riddle inlaid in brass on the top of the lectern: near the mouth of the River Lewyn.

Thyfi m o d re~pon the 6am h t h , (iii) Many years ago (the book does not contain actual dates),
Andscythes upon tfieflitf;rf;ela; Karl Van Arthog was the last mage to hold the post of the
n;Oyfifire may 6lbom a f u d w t h Guardian of the Keep of Adlerweg.
The quillalbne may ma& me yeLf
(iv) When Karl retired to the villa he brought with him a
The answer to the riddle is parchment or paper. In this powerful magical item known as the Sentinel. There is n o
context, however, the plant from which paper is derived will reference to this object being used, however.
also yieldto the quill. Thus, in order to pass safely through to
the library, acharacter must hold aquill and walk past the plant (v) The family history ends with Heinrich Van Arthog who
without threatening it. squandered the family fortune and was forced to give up the
villa.
The lectern has a compartment which contains six quills, a
penknife and five sheets of witherweed paper. Unfortunately, The book is worth 60gp. Quern found it long ago during his
there were also bottles of ink here which have been smashed wanderings in the region and had kept it out of academic
and the ink has ruined the paper. interest only.

The sack contains the treasure of the gargoyles:

40cp, 16sp, 30gp, lOpp (81gp in all),
a coronet, orb and sceptre (gilded bronze with costume jewels
- total value 6gp),
a reel of golden thread (value 15gp),
a block of uncarved ivory (value 25gp),
a slipper (left foot) made of silk and gold thread and decorated
with seed pearls (value 40gp) and
a statuette of a woman carved in rock crystal (value 800gp).

The other items in the room were those used by Quern in his
simple life. The objects lying on the floor include some
ordinary cooking utensils, a tinder box, candles etc. There are
no other items of value or interest here.

H3. Library
When the party is able to see into this room the DM should read
out the following:

This is a small chamber with no furniture. There are

nine books on a shelf on the right hand wall. Eight
have brown bindings but the ninth is blue.

If the witherweed has been burned, the books will have been
destroyed. URQUANT - MONK, LEVEL 4, HUMAN, MALE
(AC7; MV 18; Mk4; hp 14; #AT5/4; D 1-6 (open hand) or by
When he sees the books, Urquant will cry out in joy and then weapon; SA/SD As standard for class and abilities; MR Std;
quickly, but reverently, gather them up. AL LN; S 1 5 , I 8 , W 16, D 15, C 12, Ch 9; xp 200; THACO 18).

Eight of the books were written by Quern and contain the vital Clothing - grey robe with rope belt and belt pouches.
elements of his philosophies. They are written on witherweed Weapons - staff.
paper and have simple leather bindings. They have a value of Languages spoken - common.
50gp each. Urquant will value these very highly and will insist Personal treasure - silver amulet (value 20gp) and the
on taking them back to his monastery after burying Quern with following items in his belt pouches: set of thiefs tools, food,
due honour. candles and tinder box.
17
INTRODUCTION The walls are constructed from a local, durable stone. The
roofs are of heavy ceramic tiles supported by beams of a dense
This villa, which stands on the shore of Lake Spendlowe, was timber that has resisted the ravages of time. This timber has
owned by the Van Arthog family, descendants of the last also been used for the doors, rafters and other fittings.
Guardian of Adlerweg. They owned the villa until the fall of the
family'sfortunes when it wasabandoned.Thevilla isshown on The obvious way for the party to gain entry to the villa is
map D. It is a single-storey structure built on the slope leading through the gateway. However, the plants growing on the walls
down to the lake, with a cellar beneath its highest part. make it relatively easy to climb the outside of the building.
Characters sodoing havea lO%chance per round (cumulative)
of being noticed by the adult perytons (from area V4) and
attacked. A thief or monk will automatically be able to climb up
the walls and across the roofs under normal circumstances.

Since the roofs of the various parts of the villa are of tiles, with
the exception of roof of the the hall (room V10) which is of
stone, adventurers who climb onto them will be able to gain
access to the building by removing tiles to make a hole.
I' \

A villa-like building, standing on a spur of land Characters entering the villa through the hole inthe northern
between the lake and a river which empties into it, wall will be attacked by the stunjelly in room V8.
comes intoview. The building has the airof one long-
abandoned, but appears to be relatively undamaged. It is intended that the adventurers will not findthesecret
Clinging plants grow over the walls and roofs. entrance to the tunnels under the villa (see V25).

It is a low structure, roughly rectangular in plan, Characters remaining in the immediate vicinity of the villa
perhaps 200 feet long and 100 feet wide. A part of the while attempting to gain access have a 10% chance per turn
building at the higher end rises above the rest. (cumulative) of being noticed by the adult perytons (area V4)
8. J who will attack them.
 The door to this room hangs open at a crazy angle; the
lower hinge has rusted completely away.

The room beyond is stark and bare of furniture. The

walls are of plain dressed stone, the floor is of
flagstones, and wooden rafters support the tiles of the
roof. Scattered around the floor isa litter of dry leaves
with a little broken pottery and glass.
\ J

/ 7''
I .

V3. Northern Gatehouse

If the adventurers investigate this room the DM should read out
the following:

f I
The hinges of the door to this room have rusted away
completely and it now lies flat in the doorway.

The room beyond is stark and the only furniture

consists of a wooden table standing against the far
wall. On the table is a ceramic jug and the stub of a
candle. A litter of dry leaves lies on the flagstones of
the floor. The walls are of plain, dressed stone, and
wooden rafters support the tiles of the roof.

A giant centipede (AC 9; MV 15"; HD 1/4; hp 2;sAT 1; D Nil;

SA Poison (save at +4); SD Nil; MR Std; I n t Non;
AL N; Size S; xp 32; THACO 20; MM) lives under the door. It will
onlyattack if disturbed (eg if the door is lifted). Simply walking
over the door will not cause the centipede to attack.

The jug is empty. There is nothing of value in the room.

V4. Courtyard
ABOVE GROUND
When the party comes into the courtyard (by whatever route)
the DM should read out the following:
V'l. Gateway
f 3
I1 the party climbs the steps at the western end of the villa the Before you is a courtyard. A half-obscured pattern of
DM should read out the following: pathways and flower-beds shows that this was once a
formal garden. Now, however, the roses and other
garden flowers grow wild, competing with weeds and
At the top of the steps, a gateway leads into a briars. There are two trees growing here, an oak in the
courtyard. On each side of the gate a doorway opens north-east corner and an ash in the south-west.
into darkness beyond. In one of these doorways a
wooden door hangs awkwardly on only one hinge. On
the other side a similar door lies flat on the stone- The doorways on the north and south sides of the courtyard
flagged floor. may not all be visible to the adventurers; the DM should
describe those which are. There is no door in the south-
In the courtyard, flowers, small bushes, and two trees western doorway (to room V5). The other three doors are of
grow apparently unchecked. iron-bound wood and are closed.

If not previously encountered and killed, the two adult

perytons (AC 7; MV 12"/21"; HD 4; hp 20, 18;sAT 1; D 4-16;
SA +2 to hit; SD Need +1 or better weapons to hit; MR Std;
Int Ave; AL CE; Size M; xp 230, 222; THACO 13; MM) will be
here and will attack. The perytons will attempt to remain
V'2. Southern Gatehouse airborne as much as possible while in combat for fear of
becoming entangled in the vegetation.
If the party investigates this room the DM should read out the
following: There are no items of value in the courtyard.
19
THE ,LAKE-SIDE VILLA (V5 7) -
V5. Peryton Lair V6. Trapped Room
This room is part of a route devised by the skulks so that they
could leave their lair in an emergency. Both the door from the
courtyard and the contents of the room are trapped. If the party
fails to disarm the door trap then the room itself will become
much more dangerous when the door is opened, although
there is no apparent immediate effect:

There is barely enough room for the door to open.

Almost the entire space between floor and ceiling is
occupied bya disorganised heap of junk consisting of
broken household goods of every kind: chairs, tables,
curtains, pots, pans, boxes, beds, barrels, sacks, etc.

The parts of the wall and ceiling which you can see are
covered with undecorated white plaster. The floor is
of flag-stones.

None of the items in the room is of unusual interest or value.

The skulks know of a safe route through the junk which a

ranger has a 25% chance of spotting if it is looked for. If any
characters climb on or through the pile by any other route it
will collapse around them doing 1-6 hit points of damage to
each adventurer concerned. If the door trap has been tripped,
then the collapse of the junk will be accompanied by the
collapse of the roof and ceiling which will cause an additional
If the party investigate this room, the DM should read out the 3-12 hit points of damage to everybody in the room.
following:
- The secret door at the eastern end of the room is only about 2
feet square and is low down in the wall. It is level with the
The doorway leads into a dark room. Although the landing on the stairs between the hall (room V10) and the
rusted stumps of the hinges remain in the stone of the basement (areaV14). If the pile hascollapsed, the partywill not
door frame, the door is missing. The room is long and be able to detect the secret door from inside the room unless
dark, with bare flag-stone floors and dressed stone the junk and the rubble of the roof and ceiling (if appropriate)
walls. The rafters above are wreathed in shadow. are first removed. This would take a character about 20 turns.
I-ying on the floor are three sprawled corpses, their
torsos horribly mutilated, and a litter of dry leavesand
other detritus. V7. Cold-Store
- The door to this room is closed. Its timbers are sound but the
This room is the lair of the perytons; the corpses are those of lock and hinges are rusted solid. In order to open the door the
humans whose hearts have been torn out by thesecreatures. If adventurers will have to smash through it, force it open (this
the adventurers enter the room the three young perytons will require a successful bend bars roll) or use magical means.
(AC 7; MV 12/21; HD 2; hp 9 each;#AT 1; D 2-8; SA +1 to hit;
SD Need +1 or better weapons to hit; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; If the adventurers enter the room the DM should read out the
Sizes; xp46each; THACO 15; MM) perching in the rafterswill following:
attack them.

The three corpses are as follows: This room is utterly bare. There are no pieces of
furnitureorother itemsand thefloor isveryclean, as if
1. Miale human peasant; wearing a simple robe and rope belt. swept. The walls are covered with white plaster, as is
the ceiling. The air in the room feels cold.
2. Mille human merchant; wearing a rich (but now ruined) robe,
a leather belt with a decorated buckle (worth 60gp), a fine
longsword in a scabbard (value 40gp) and a pouch This room was originally the cold food-store for the villa. There
containing 209 p. is a space between the ceiling and the roof which contains a
small wooden box. The box is trapped with a fire trap which
3. Female human cleric; wearing leather armour (now useless) will inflict8-ll(d4+7) hit pointsof damage (byexp1osion)on all
and a small pack. The pack contains a packet of food within a 5-fOOt radius unless they save vs. Magic (half
(rotten), two vials of holy water, a silver mirror, three sticks of damage).
incense and four candles wrapped in a piece of waxed
parchment, a tinder box and the fragments of a shattered The box contains six gems (800gp, lOOgp, 6Ogpx4), a vial
vial. The cleric is wearing a silver holy symbol (a model of a containing a potion of diminution (a green liquid with a sherry-
uriicorn horn -value 50gp) on a chain around her neck. In a -
like flavour two doses) and a piece of cut amber on a leather
pcuch on her belt are 27gp. thong (apparent value25gp, this isactuallyaperiapt of health).
 THE LAKE-SIDE VILLA ( V 8 - 11)

V8. Room with Collapsed Wall The skeleton is that of a goblin killed by a glyph cast upon the
lock which heattempted to pick. Neitherof theothertwo locks
The door between the courtyard and this room is closed. Its is trapped and they may be picked or smashed safely.
timber is sound but the hinges are rusted and stiff.

If the adventurers enter the room from the courtyard, they will
see that the lower part of the far wall has collapsed, leaving a
V10. Hall
I
hole large enough for a person to crawl through. The masonry When the party enters this room the DM should read out the
above the hole is sound. following:

The walls are of dressed stone. Wooden rafters This is a large room, about 60 or 70 feet long, 60 feet
support the tiles of the roof which is veiled in wide and 40 feet high. The floor is of blue veined,
shadows. The walls were once painted green but the white marble. The walls are wood-panelled to a height
paint has started to flake off. of about 20 feet. Above this they slope gently inwards
and are pierced by 20 shuttered, lancet windows each
There are dozens of large ceramic jars and the about 4 feet high and 3 inches wide. The walls above
smashed fragments of hundreds more. The onlyclear the panelling and the ceiling are decorated with a
part of the stone-flagged floor is at the western end, painted design of interwoven vines.
between the door and the collapsed part of the north
wall. The western wall is of unpainted dressed stone. On each side of the room stands a row of four human-
like statues. Between them, in the centre of the room,
is a square dais, about 15 feet across. Standing at
The western wall is, in fact, a stunjelly (AC 8; MV 3"; HD 4; each corner of this is a bronze-coloured statue of a
hp 15; # A T 1; D 2-8; SA Paralysation; SD Nil; MR Std; large feline creature. The tails of these creatures meet
Int Animal; AL N; Size L; xp 185; THACO 15; FF). It is to be in the centre of the dais where they support a large,
hoped that the players will notice that there is no paint on the bronze-coloured chair. Lying on the chair is what
western wall and be suspicious. Unless any characters appears to be the skeleton of a small animal.
entering the room state at once that they are leaving, the
stunjelly will attack.
This room is the lair of three undead creatures. The first of
Each of the complete jars holds one of the following: honey, these is a sheet phantom (AC 3; MV 6"; HD 3; hp 18; # A T 1;
wine, olive oil, pressed figs or fish paste. All of these food items D 1-4; SA Suffocation; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; Size L;
are now in a revolting state of decay. There are 54 whole jars. xp 177; THACO 16; FF) which is clinging to the ceiling where
the adventurers have a 5% chance of noticing it if they look
upwards. This creature will drop rapidly onto the first (65%
V9. Steps chance) or the second (35% chance) character to enter.

The other undead are two sheet ghouls (AC 2; MV 9"; HD 4+2;
hp24,19;#AT3; D 1-3/1-3/1-6;SAAcidsquirt (2-7 hit pointsof
damage, automatic hit on an opponent within 10 feet); SD Nil;
MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; Size M; xp 290, 265; THACO 15; FF).
These creatures will normally be hiding behind the dais when
the party enters, and they will not at first be seen. They will
attack the party at the first opportunity.

The feline statues are of panthers and are indeed made of

bronze as is the seat. The bones on the seat are those of a
domestic cat. The eight humanoid statues are all of male
humans and are intended to represent contemplation,
inspiration, concentration, exasperation, confusion, exultat-
ion, melancholy and contentment. They have no special
significance.

There are no other items of interest or value here.

When the party approaches the steps from the courtyard, the
DM should read out the following:
V11. Southern Library

Beyond an archway, a flight of broad, stone steps When the party enters this room the DM should read out the
leads up to a pair of closed, iron-bound wooden following:
doors. Lying on the steps is a charred humanoid
7
skeleton clutching a rusted dagger.
The floor of this room is tiled in green. The walls and
The doors are held closed by two hasp mechanisms, ceiling are covered with undecorated white plaster.
each with a padlock hanging from it. A third hasp Across the tops of the western, southern and eastern
hangs broken and charred. A blackened padlock lies walls are brass curtain rails. There is a shelf along the
on the steps below the door. northern wall with three books on it.

21
THE LAKE-SID E VILLA (V12- 13)

Thi!; room was a library when the villa was occupied. When the books on the lecterns are interfered with. It will lunge at the
place was abandoned most of the books were removed, along nearest character, attacking from behind and gaining surprise
with the curtains. The remaining books are: if possible. The venom in the snakes fangs causes paralysis
(for d6+4 turns) unless the victim successfully saves vs.
1. YYoebluf: A cheaply produced edition of a classic saga with Poison. There is sufficient venom for three bites.
the illustrated pages torn out (value 5gp).
The iron cobra will fight fearlessly to defend the books until
2. Cenozoic Glacial Geology: A long and boring tome, destroyed or until its control word Cinozoic is spoken. This
expounding the fallacious theory that movements of ice were word will only deactivate the creature, and will not give control
responsible for shaping of mountain valleys etc. over it. The word may be found in one of the books in the
southern library (room V l l ) . Even in the absence of the other
If a character examines the book, the DM should make a secret control words, the iron cobra would still be of great value
roll of 3d6. If this score is less than thecharacters intelligence, (1OOOgp) to an interested mage though of little practical use.
he cw she will notice that the first time that the word Cenozoic
(pronounced Sen-Oh-Zo-lc) appears in the text, its spelling
has been changed to Cinozoic (pronounced Sin-Oh-Zo-lc).
Cinozoic is the control word for the iron cobra in the secret
library (room V13). The books value is 50gp.

3. The Art of Coarse Angling: A comprehensive treatise

describing the theory and practice of freshwater fishing. Any
chairacter who spends a week studying this book will
henlceforth have little difficulty catching fish from rivers or
lakes. The books value is 75gp.

There is nothing else of interest orvalueeither in the room or in

the rspace between the ceiling and the roof.

V12. Northern Library

When the party enters this room, the DM should read out the
f 01low ing:
-
The floor of this room is tiled in green. The walls and
ceiling are covered with undecorated white plaster.
Across the tops of the western, southern and eastern
wallsare brasscurtain rails. Below these, on the floor,
lie long heaps of mouldering purple cloth. On the
southern wall is a long, bare shelf and in the centre of
the floor is a patch of black ash.
-
The room was a library when the villa was occupied. When it
was abandoned, the important books were taken awayand the
remainder burned. Later, the wall drapes rotted and fell to the
floor. The mould on the cloth is harmless. There is nothing of
inteirest or value here. There is a space between the ceiling and
the iroof, but it is empty.

The lecternsare identical. They weigh 2000gp equivalent each

V13. Secret Library and are worth 300gp each. The books are both closed and
neither has any external markings.
The door to this room is secret but, once found, it is easily
opened: The book on the northern lectern is a spell-book containing
the following spells:

I
First level: Tensers floating disc
The floor of this darkened room is tiled in green. The Second level: Leomunds trap
walls and ceiling are covered with undecorated white Fourth level: Rarys mnemonic enhancer.
plaster. The only furniture consists of a pair of brass
lecterns. There is a large book on each. The book on the southern lectern is a manual of summoning
familiars. An inscription on the inside cover makes it clearthat
if the contents of the book are read out loud before the casting
Hiding in the shadows to the right of the door is an iron cobra of a find familiar spell, the spell will summon three potential
(AC 0; MV 12; HD 1; hp 8; # A T 1; D 1-3; SA Poison familiars (each determined at random). The magic user must
(paralysing), attack from behind with surprise; SD Nil; MR As choose one of these at once and the others will depart. The
M12; immune to certain spells; Int Non; AL N; Size S ; xp 96; manual may only be used once since the words vanish as they
THACO 19; FF). It will onlyattack if the room is entered or if the are read. The book may not be copied.
22
 THE LAKE-SIDE VILLA (V14-16)

BASEMENT V l 6. Underground Boathouse

wtien the adventurers open the door to this room. the DM
V14. Basement Corridor (Stairs from VlO1 shcould read out the following description:

When the adventurers move away from the stairs into the
corridor any characters of non-evil alignment will be attacked The door leads onto a 4-foot-wide ledge which runs
by five whisps (AC 2; MV 18"; HD 4hp; hp 4 each;#AT 1; D1-6; around the northern, eastern and southern sides of
SA Ignore effects of armour; SD Need magical or silver the room. The central part of the room consists of a
weapons to hit; MR Immune to sleep, charm etc; Size S; xp see pool of murky water. The level of the water is a foot
presence - room V15; THACO Special; New Monster) created below the ledge, but its depth cannot be seen.
by the presence i n the cellar room (room V15). Full details of
the presence and whisps are given in the section called Hanging from the ceiling of the room is a wooden
-
PRESENCE (and WHISPS) page 29. Note that there is a boat, about 15 feet long. The two ropes by which it
limitation (50 feet) on how far the presence can send the hangs run through pulleys on the ceiling and down to
whisps. cleats on the southern wall.

The western side of the pool connects with a rock-

Suddenly, five small, luminous, green clouds appear hewn tunnel which is also flooded. There is a space of
in the air before you. They are elongated in form and about 15 feet between the water and the tunnel roof.
move towards you purposefully, writhing like snakes. The entrance to the tunnel is blocked by thick, rusty
iron gates.

The presence will replace whisps as they are destroyed but will
onlysustainuptofiveatatime. ltwillcreateamaximumof nine OnIce the adventurers are able to see into the boat, the DM
whisps to attack the party while the adventurers remain shcxAd add the following:
outside its lair (the main cellar room - V15). The remaining
seven, and any not used in the corridor, will be used to defend
the presence should the party enter its lair. The boat is about 15 feet long and 6 feet wide. It is
clinker-built, and apparently sound. In the stern is a
If the characters appear to be about to go through a door into comfortable-looking chair apparently mounted so as
the cellar room they will notice that any whisps which they are toswivel around. Between the chair and the bow there
fighting will increase the ferocity (but not the effective- are three plain benches extending across the hull.
ness) of their attacks. If the adventurers go past the door(s), Lying on the benches are six oars.
showing no apparent interest in entering, the whisps will stay
near the party but will only fight to defend themselves or if
either door to the cellar room is approached. The boat was used by the last owner of the villa for fishing on
the! lake, which could be reached via the tunnel at that time (see
bellow).
V15. Cellar Room
If t he chair is examined carefully, a small flap in its right arm
When the party enters this cellar room, the DM should read out wil I be found. Beneath theflap isa magicaldevicewhich actsin
the following description: a siimilar way to acompass. In consists of an oil-filled container
wit h a glass top. Inside, there is a small golden arrow which
alviays points to the throne in the hall (room V10) no matter
You have come into a bare room hewn from solid rock. ho$ w far it is taken away from it. Its value is 7000gp - 1500xp. It
There is nothing in the room except for a zone of maiy easily be removed from the boat.
unnatural-looking darkness about 2feet across which
hangs stationary in the air, just above the floor, The boat hasa hull valueof 3 pointsand weighs25000gp (over
halfway across the room and a little to the east of the a tcm!). Its value is 350gp. In its current dehydrated state it will
doorway. givle the party a very nasty surprise if they try to use it. The
Piainks have shrunk and the boat will leak if set afloat (sinking
Five writhing, whispy, green shapes suddenly appear, i n .10-15 rounds). The leaks will close if the boat issoaked fora
hovering in the air before you. week.

The water in the pool and in the tunnel is fetid. It is the home of
Thisroomisthelairofthepresence(AC6;MVl;HD13; hp66; eigIhtgiantleeches(AC9; MV3";HD 1; hp3eachYAT 1; D1-4;
# A T Nil; D Nil; SA Creation of whisps; SD Need magical or SA, Drain blood; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Non; AL N; Size S; xp 172
silver weapons to hit; MR Immune to sleep, charm etc; Int eacsh; THACO 19; MM) which will surreptitiously attack any
Genius; AL NE; Size S; xp 1840; THACO N/A; New monster). It c re!atures who enter the water. The water is 4 feet deep.
will create as many whisps as it is capable of in order to defend
itself; ie seven, plus any not used in the corridor outside. All Th e gate between the room and the tunnel could be opened at
characters, even evil ones, will be attacked if they appear to be on e time by means of a winch mechanism on the wall next to it
threatening the presence. Full details of this monster are given on the southern side. However, the gate is now rusted in place
in PRESENCE (and WHISPS) page 29. - an1d the winch is ineffective. The gate may be lifted (-20%
normal chance) or bent (+5% normal chance).
The presence is supporting a black gem (black sapphire -
value 4000gp) which will fall to the ground if the presence is The tunnel originally extended as far as the lake. Now, all but
killed. t hc3 easternmost 50 feet or so have collapsed.
23
THE LAKE-SIDE VILLA (V17-20)

THACO 15; FF), 15 male xvarts (AC 7; MV 6; HD 1-1; hp 5

THlE NEW TUNNELS each; # A T 1; D 2-5 (small sword); SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std;
Int Ave; AL CE; Size S (3 tall); xp 10 each; THACO 20; FF),
Originally, the system of tunnels extending from the cellar lOfemales(AC7; MV6; HD 1-1; hp3each;+ATl; D 1-3(small
corridor was relatively simple (two chambers, some passages dagger); SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; Size S (2
andtheentrancetunnel-areaV25). It had beendug bythetwo tall); xp 8 each; THACO 20; FF) and eight infants (AC 7; MV 6;
skulks who occupied it. Recently, however, the tunnels have HD 1-1; hp 1 each;#AT Nil; D Nil; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std;
been taken over and extended by a band of xvarts displaced Int Ave; AL CE; Size S (2 tall); xp 0; FF).
from the OLDXVART LAIR (page7). Oneof theskulks (theone
weairing the Sentinel) is tolerated by the xvarts but the other The leader and males will attack the party on sight, the females
was killed by Lavinia the illusionist and her sons. Living with will only fight as a last resort, preferring to flee (and raise the
the xvarts are their allies: a wererat and a group of giant rats. alarm) if possible and the infants will not fight under any
circumstances. The DM should remember that higher-level
The passages are roughly hewn and are about 6feet high. The fighters will have multiple attacks against the ordinary xvarts.
chambersareabout 2feet higherthan this. All thedoors in the
new tunnels complex consist of skins stretched over free- The leader is wearing a thick leather jerkin (and so is AC 6) and
standing wooden frames. These doors are not hinged but must uses a hand axe + I . He wears a loop of gold wire (value l g p ) as
be lifted aside. an earring. Hanging from it are two plain gold finger-rings
(value 12gp each) and a ring set with a pearl (value 200gp). The
The room descriptions include the locations of the occupants male xvarts each have 1-4gp worth of coins and/or cheap
at the time of arrival of the adventurers. The occupants will not jewelry. The females and infants have no treasure, with the
be alerted to the presence of the party by muted or exception of one infant who has purloined a small, platinum
unexceptional noises. However, the occupants may be statuette to use as a toy (value 150gp).
alarmed by the sound of combat anywhere in the new tunnels,
esplecially since the xvarts will always call for help if attacked. The furnishings of the room consist of a table and 23 stools, all
Once alerted, the wererat, the giant rats or the male xvarts will crudely made. There is a large bed of soiled straw against the
proceed directly towards the intruders. Each time that a southern wall, and the carcasses of two deer hang from the
combat occurs, the DM should check each of the other ceiIing.
occupied rooms to see whether the occupants are alerted.
Unless otherwise stated, there is a 50% chance per room of this
happening. Fleeing creatures will automatically alert any other
creatures they encounter.

The DM may find it useful to draw up a table of occupied rooms

in order to keep a track of which groups have been alarmed.

This small chamber is empty except for two small

V17. Net-Pit Traps picks and a pile of rocks on the floor.

There are traps at the points marked V17 on map D. Each trap
consists of a covered, 20-foot-deep pit which has a loosely Excavation of this chamber was abandoned. There are no
fixed net stretched across it half way down. The pits narrow items of value here.
tow,ards the bottom where they are only 2 feet across.

Any charactersfalling into one of these traps will suffer normal V20. Xvart Leaders Room
damage. In addition, they will become entangled in the net and
wedlged in the narrow bottom of the pit. They will be quite
helpless unless they can roll 3d6for less than theirdexterity, in
which case they will be able to free themselves from the net.
t 7
This small chamber appears to be unoccupied. There
V18. Main Hall is a crude stool near the centre of the room which has
a dagger stuck into it. There is a bed of straw against
When the party can see into this room, and assuming that the the far wall, and above the bed there is a rusty long
occupants have not moved from it, the DM should read out the sword hanging on the wall.
f 01Iow ing:
Suspended by ropes from the ceiling is a tall, un-
stoppered ceramic jar.

I Before you is an irregular chamber. It is crudely

furnished and the rock walls are daubed with lurid red I L /

I paint.

I Facing you are over 30 blue-skinned humanoids,

including one who is clearly larger than the others.
I
The! occupants of the room are the xvart leader (AC 6; MV 6;
HD 2; hp 11; # A T 1; D 2-7 (hand axe + l ) ; SA +1 to hit due to
weapon; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; Size S (4 tall); xp 42;
24
 THE LAKE-SIDE VILLA (V2 1-22a)

THACO 18; MM) which acts as a guard for the xvart. It will
attack any creature or creatures interfering with the jar.

The treasure consists of: lOOcp, 70sp, 40ep, 49gp, 21pp (total
value 178gp), a gem (peridot - 700gp), a plain gold ring
(apparent value 20gp -actually a ring of feather falling) and a
bottle which contains a potion of longevity (colourless liquid,
slightly salty taste - one dose).

V21. Xvart Magic User

When the party enters this area, and assuming the magic user
has not moved from it, the DM should read out the following:

f 1
This chamber is roughly rectangular in plan. There
are several pieces of furniture, including a brazier, Thestrangecreature 1s a Ywartshaman (AC , , J nV 5"; C3; hp 19;
and the black-painted stone walls have strange # A T 1; D 1-6 (club); SA 'Magic use; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave;
symbols scrawled up on them in chalk. Standing in AL CE; Size S (3' tall); xp 147; THACO 20; FF) wearing his
the room isashort, blue-skinned humanoid wearing a ceremonial robe, mask and stilts which make him 5 feet tall.
ragged robe and holding a staff. Thestiltsdo not impede his movements. His memorised spells
are cause fear, cure light wounds and chant.

The humanoid is a xvart magic user (AC 7; MV 6"; M2; hp 6; The other occupants of the room are 14 male xvarts (AC 7;
# A T 1; D 1-6 (staff); SA Magical spells; SD Nil; MR Std; Int MV 6"; HD 1-1; hp 5 each;#AT 1; D 2-5 (small swords); SA Nil;
High; AL CE; Size S (3 tall); xp 77; THACO 20; FF). His SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE; Size S (3' tall); xp 10 each;
memorised spells are magic missile and sleep. He will fight in THACO 20; FF), 15 females (AC 7; MV 6"; hd 1-1; h p 3 each;
melee if necessary, but prefers t o stay out of direct combat in # A T 1; D 1-3 (small dagger); SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave;
ordertocast hisspells. Underhis robe, heiswearingafinesilk AL CE; Size S (2 tall); xp 8 each; THACO 20; FF) and
doublet (originally made for a human child - value 50gp). 14 infants (AC 7; MV 6"; HD 1-1; hp 1 each;#AT Nil; D Nil; SA
Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Ave; AL CE;Size S (2' tall); xp 0; FF).
The room contains a bed of straw, a brazier, a small sack, a
table and a stool. The brazier is made of iron and contains The shaman and the males will attack the party on sight. The
burning charcoal (there is more charcoal in the sack). On the females will only fight as a last resort, preferring t o flee (and
table are a book and a battered wooden box. raise the alarm) if possible. The infants will not fight at all.

The book is the xvart's spell-book, with the following Spells: The shaman's mask covers his entire head. It is made of gilded
copper inlaid with small pieces of turquoise (many of which
First level: read magic, magic missile,sleep, have fallen out). It is worth 200gp. His robe is unexceptional,
spider climb, write. and his stilts are crude affairs made of wood and strapped to
his legs. The club is made from a human skull, filled with tar to
The box is protected by a Leomund's trap spell cast upon it give weight and attached to a stick - it has no special powers.
long ago by its original owner. It contains a bag of sand, some
bitumen, a live spider in a bottle (harmless), some pieces of The male xvarts each have 1-4gp worth of coins and/or cheap
chalk, three plain sheets of parchment, a vial of powdered jewelry. The females and infants have no treasure.
diamond (value lOOOgp), a quill and a half-filled vial of the
special ink required for the write spell (value 1OOgp). The only items of interest in the main part of the room are some
crude manacles for holding captives (fixed to the south-
The bed, table and stool are unexceptional. eastern wall) and the statue.

The statue is an idol to the xvart god. It is made of wood, and is

V22. Xvart Temple luridly painted. If the adventurers smash it, they will find a
number of very large woodworm, which resemble rot grubs
When the adventurers are able to see into this area, and -despite the fact that they are harmless.
assuming that the occupants have not moved from it, the DM
should read out the following:
Area V22a.

This is an elongated chamber with plain stone walls. This alcove is where the shaman lives. There is a bed of straw,
The only furniture consists of a crude wooden statue beneath which he has concealed a leather scroll case.
at one end.
The case contains a scroll and a normal scorpion (AC 9; MV 3";
Standing in the room are 40 or more small, blue- HD 1hp;kAT 1; D Nil; SA Poison (1-8 hp damage - negate if
skinned humanoids. Near the statue is a very strange save vs. Poison); SD Nil; MR Std, Int Non; AL N; Size S (2"
creature. Humanoid in form, it is much taller than the long); xp 8; THACO 20; Non-standard monster) which will
others, has a grotesque golden head and wears a long attack anybody who incautiously opens the tube. The scroll
black robe. has the following clerical spells: slow poison, bestow curse,
cure disease.
25
THE ILAKE-SIDE VILLA (V23 - 26)

V23. Giant Rats V26. The Skulk with the Sentinel

Whein the adventurers are able to see into this area, and When the adventurers are able to see into this area the DM
assuming that the occupants have not moved, the DM should should read out the following:
read out the following:

Lying huddled on the floor of this chamber is a

This is a foul-smelling chamber, irregular in plan and humanoid figure. It appears to be trembling and
devoid of furniture. The floor is covered with gnawed whimpering and is clutching its right arm to its chest.
bones and droppings. There are two dozen or more Scattered around the creature on the floor are a
large rats here. number of bones and some whole and broken jars.

There are actually 27 giant rats (AC 7; MV 12"; HD 1-4 hp; hp 2 Thecreatureistheskulk(AC7; MV12"; HD2; h p l (9);#ATNil;
each; # A T 1; D 1-3; SA Disease; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Semi; AL N; D Nil; SA Nil; SD Nil; MR Std; Int Non; AL CE; Size M; xp0; FF)
Size S; xp 9each; THACO 20; MM) which are the minions of the who is wearing the SENTINEL (see page 30). The conflict
wererat (room V24). There are no items of interest or value between the chaotic evil tendencies of the skulk and the
here. control exercised by the Sentinel's ego has destroyed the
creature's mind and it is completely harmless.
The wererat will automatically hear any combat in this
chamber unless precautions are taken to prevent this (eg the The xvarts have robbed the skulk of most of its treasure and the
use of asilencespell) and will join the fight, gaining surprise if items lying around the chamber (the bones, jars of stale food
possible. etc) areworthless. There isajar buried beneath the floorwhich
contains lOOcp, 280sp, 81ep (total value 55gp), a silver comb
set with pearls (value 1100gp) and a small box holding three
V24. Wererat bone tubes. Each of these tubes contains one application of
dust of appearance.
Assuming that the wererat is still here, the DM should read out
the fiollowing when the party is able to see into the chamber: The Sentinel will respond to the party's arrival as follows:

(i) When the party enters the room the Sentinel will use its
This is a small, circular chamber, containing a pile of know alignment ability to sense the presence of LG, NG, LN, N
straw, an unusual table and a crude wooden stool. or CG characters. If there are no such characters, the Sentinel
will make no communication in the hope that the adventurers
will ignore it.

(ii) If there are LG, NG, LN, N or CG characters in the party

the Sentinel will show itself:

f 'r
When the creature sees you it regains its composure
for a while and a glazed look comes over its eyes. It
raises its right arm as if to show it to you and you see
There are many chewed bones on the floor, and a half-eaten that it is wearing a glove. The glove is fawn in colour
rabbit on the table. The table-top is circular, convex in form and apparently made of fine leather. On the index
and covered with brass studs. It is, in fact, a small shield +1 finger, incorporated into the glove itself is a ring with a
resting on a simple wooden trestle. single, rounded, blue stone.

Ther'e is a small tunnel (V24a), hidden by the straw bed,

leading from this chamber. It is about 2 feet i n diameter. The While the Sentinel is being held aloft by the skulk it will
wererat may use this as an escape route if things go badly for communicate, telepathically, the following message to the
him. He will need tochangeinto hisgiant ratform inordertodo appropriate members of the party:
this. Note that, while in giant rat form, the wererat is
indistinguishable from the other giant rats.
At last you have found me, noble adventurers. The
About half-way along, the tunnel widens. There is a sack here wretched creature you see before you has borne me
in which the wererat stores his treasure of 60cp, lOsp, 26gp, well and has served the purposes of goodness and
1Opp (total about 77gp) and 2 gems (jet, value 200gp each). order even though the control I was forced to exert
over its evil and disorganised mind has destroyed its
spirit. I beg you not to harm it since it certainly cannot
harm you.
V25. Secret Entrance

A winding passage with several side-passages slopes upwards (iii) Next, the Sentinel will choose its ideal bearer from the
from the tunnel complex to ground level, where it is concealed party according to the following criteria:
by an innocuous patch of briars. Only under exceptional
circumstances (eg the use of a find the path spell) will the Alignment. This is the most important criterion. The order of
adventurers be able to find this secret entrance from the preference is: LG, NG, LN, N, CG. No characters of any other
out si de. alignment will be chosen.
26
 THE LAKE-SIDE VILLA (V26)

Class is the next most important criterion. If two or more refuses, the Sentinel will repeat its telepathic message to its
charalcters have the same alignment, then magic user is the second choice of character (using the criteria given above),
prefer.red class, followed in order of preference by illusionist, again using the suggestion power if necessary. If this fails, it
paladiin, monk, ranger, cleric and fighter. No other class may will repeat the process with each eligiblecharacter in the party,
use thle Sentinel. in order of preference, until one of them decides or is forced to
put it on or until or the possibilities are exhausted.
Level. All else being equal, the Sentinel will choose the
charalcter with the highest level. Note that any character whose alignment is not LG, NG, LN, N
or CG, or who is of a class that cannot wear the Sentinel, will

p
The Sentinel will then communicate (again telepathic- not be able to use its powers. That character will also suffer 1
vith its chosen character only: hit point of damage (no saving throw) each round that it is
worn, but hidher hit points will not be reduced below 1 by this
process.
ome, worthy one. Take me from the hand of this foul
eature and place me on your own. The evil one is at (v) Once a suitable character puts on the Sentinel, it will tell
W.rge and together we must destroy it. Despite my that character (telepathically) about its history, its purposes
Dwers I am helpless without one such as yourself and the powers it has to offer. In order to simulate this
ho will take me up and wield the power Ipossess for message, the DM should give the player concerned the tear-off
tt.le furtherance of the common good. Come. sheet entitled MESSAGE FROM THE SENTINEL from the
L 1 back of this module. This message assumes that the
adventurers will be going on to module UK3 - THE
If the (:hosen wielder seems reluctant to take up and put on the GAUNTLET. If this is not the case, the DM should amend it
Sentirrel, the glove will attempt to coerce the character into so accordingly; see the section entitled CONTINUING THIS
doing . It will use its suggestion power against which the ADVENTURE (page 28).
charalcter will save at -4 since the suggestion is very
reasoinable. The adventurer will also gain a rough idea of local geography
from his communication with the glove, and the DM should
If the Zharacter chosen by the Sentinel is unwilling to put it on, indicate the position of Adlerweg on the players map (on the
s the saving throw against the suggestion and still module folder) to the player concerned.
27
This module has been written as the first section of a two-part several days after the party left there, and will have been
adventure which continues in module UK3-THE GAUNTLET. following them ever since in the hope of catching them up and
The second part begins immediately after the acquisition of giving aid. Once it is clearthat a new Sentinel bearer is needed
the Sentinel by the adventurers who, following its guidance, go the DM should arrange for Marriat to overtake the party.
to the Keep of Adlerweg. The Keep has been taken over by the
ogrillon controlled by the Gauntlet and the party must retake When he meets the adventurers, the Sentinel will communicate
the keep, confront the ogrillon and destroy the Gauntlet, thus with him telepathically (the party will know nothing of this).
fulfilling the destiny of the Sentinel. After the customary greetings have been exchanged, Marriat
will bring the conversation around to the subject of the
The desire of the Sentinel to destroy the Gauntlet is very Sentinel and will then ask to be given it. As an inducement, he
strong, indeed it is part of its reason for being, and so on no will offer the party in exchange a wrought gold bracelet set
account should the DM simply allow the party to retain the with rubies (value8000gp), astaff of striking (18charges) and
Sentinel as a magical artifact while ignoring the quest. If the a cloak of protection +1, none of which is of any use to him. If
party (and the Sentinel bearer in particular) seems reluctant to the party are still reluctant, the Sentinel will use its suggestion
go to Adlerweg, the Sentinel will attempt to persuade them to ability to convince the bearer (and any other unwilling
change their minds as a first resort. If this fails, it will deny the adventurers) to give it up. Even so, the ranger will still give
wearer the use of any of its powers and, finally, it will seek to them the promised treasure. The Sentinel is of no use
find a new bearer who will be willing to take up the quest. The whatsoever to a party which does not adventure in module
final option should only be invoked by the DM if it is clear that UK3.
the adventurers will not change their minds or if the DM has
decided not to run the second part of the adventure. It is possible that the adventurers will simply discard the
Sentinel,before meeting Marriat, if its powers are withdrawn. If
The new bearer will be Marriat, a 10th level ranger (AL LG) so, it will found by him and he will fulfil the quest, although the
whom th'e party will encounter with his retinue of followers adventurers will know nothing of this and will gain no reward
which consists of a brown bear, a brownie and two blink dogs, from him. If the party decide to proceed on the adventure as
plusa pack of seven wolves. Marriat will havearrived at Kusnir requested by the Sentinel, they will not meet Marriat.
ARMOUR CLASS: 6
MOVE: 7 "
HIT DICE: 71-15
% IN LAIR: 100
TREASURETYPE: Nil
NUMBER OF ATTACKS: Nil
DAMAGEIATTACK: Nil
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Creation of whisps
SPECIAL DEFENCES: Need magical or silver weapons to hit
MAGIC RESISTANCE: Immune to sleep, charm, etc.
INTELLIGENCE: Genius
ALIGNMENT: Neutral evil
SIZE: S (2-3'diameter)
PSlONlC ABILITY Nil
Attack1Defence Modes: Nil
LEVELIxp VALUE: Variable

Presences are highly intelligent, non-corporeal creatures who gen-

erally inhabit long-abandonedand little-frequented places. They are
extremely evil, and spend most of their time in deep, introverted When attacking, whisps strike like snakes and, being non-corpo-
speculations on evil philosophy. In appearance they resemble a real, are unaffected by armour or shields. All opponents are treated
small zone of unnatural darkness, not unlike that produced by a as having armour class 10 (modified for dexterity if appropriate).
darkness spell. This ability extends even to creatures not normally affected by non-
magical weapons and to creatures wearing magical armour or other
These creatures seldom move, and do not themselves attack in any magical protection devices. Whisps are not regarded as "sum-
direct way. However, they loathe all non-evil creatures, and hate to moned" creatures for the purposes of protection from evil spells
have their philosophical deliberations disturbed. In order to defend etc. Whisps attack on the "Under 1 HD" column but, as extentions
themselves, presences create whisps. Although whisps are only of the presence, are treated as having more than one hit die for pur-
extensions of the presence, they may be thought of as distinct enti- poses of multiple fighter attacks.
ties with the following characteristicsfor the purposes of combat:
Each whisp created by a presence causes the presence to lose four
ARMOUR CLASS: 2 hit points. These are restored if the presence re-absorbs the whisp,
MOVE: 18" but if the whisp is destroyed they are lost. The presence has total
HIT DICE: 4 hp control over the actions of its whisps. It can create and control up to
NUMBER OF ATTACKS: 7 one whisp per hit die at any single time, but a presence will never
DAMAGEIATTACKS: 1-6 convert all its hit points into whisps. Whisps can attack the round
SPECIAL ATTACKS: Ignore effects o f armour (see below) they are created.
SPECIAL DEFENCES: Need magical or silver weapons to hit
SIZE: S lc. 7' long) The presence can see and hear exactly what the whisps see and
hear, but has no sight or hearing except through one or more of its
whisps. In the absence of whisps, a presence's only sense is the
In appearance, whisps are snake-like, writhing, green, smokey ability to detect living creatures and their alignmentswithin a radius
clouds. Unlike smoke, however, they are unaffected by wind, etc, of 60 feet. In general, a presence will create whisps in order to
and are fast-moving and mobile. They are able to pass through the attack any creatures of non-evil alignment which it detects, retain-
narrowestof cracks, and are even unhinderedby up to six inches of ing enough hit points to producea number of whisps (usuallya little
wood or one inch of stone. A presence may send its whisps up to 50 under half its total capacity) to defend itself in case of absolute
feet awayfrom itself, and its control over them may not be blocked. need.
29
The Sentinel is a magical glove made of pale kid leather which POWERS
will never become dirty or stained. Incorporated into the index
finger is a ring set with a rounded blue stone. The glove will fit The Sentinel was constructed in great haste, incorporating
any humanoid right hand. other magical items. its powers are not, relatively speaking,
very great but it alone has the power to destroy the Gauntlet.
The Sentinel has a personality and purpose which are treated
in a similar (but not identical) way to those of unusual swords There are two kinds of power which the Sentinel can make
(set?DMGp167-8). It hasan intelligenceof 17andanegoof 21, available to its wearer; those which are permanent or may be
and so has a personality of 38. The purposes of the Sentinel are used at will, and those which may only be used at a limited rate.
the defence of the Keep at Adlerweg and the destruction of the Some of the powers are usable only by a magic user or
Gauntlet should an opportunity for this arise. It has remained illusionist.
true! to these despite the passing of the years. Once the
In addition, the Sentinel has a suggestion-like ability, which it
can use to persuade creatures to don it or perform other
actions. This power is not available to the wielder.

PERMANENT POWERS

1. The wearer may automatically open any magically locked

doors in the Keep of Adlerweg (see module UK3 THE -
GAUNTLET).

2. The Sentinel has the effect of a permanent protectionfrom

evil 10 radius cast upon the wearer.

3. The wearer has a total resistance to all magically induced

fear.AIlalliesofthewearerwithin 10feetof himorherwill have
a +2 bonus on saving throws against magical fear.

4. The wearer is protected as if by a permanent shield spell

(magic users/illusionists only).

LIMITED USE POWERS

1. The wearer may cast a protectionfrom normal missiles spell

once per day (duration 5 turns- magic users/illusionists only).

2. The wearer may cast a hold portal spell (as if cast by a magic
user of 10th level) twice per day (magic users/illusionists
Senltinel has been found by the adventurers, it will insist that only).
they help it to destroy the Gauntlet. If the characters agree,
they will go on to the adventure in module UK3 THE - 3. The wearer may cast a know alignment spell twice per day
GAUNTLET. If not, the alternativeending for this adventure (in (magic users/illusionists only).
which the Sentinel is passed on to an NPC) is dealt with in
COINTiNUlNG THIS ADVENTURE (page 28).

The! personality of the Sentinel is very strong. In keeping with

DESTRUCTION OF THE SENTlNEL
its neutral-good alignment, however, it will not automatically AND THE GAUNTLET
attempt to dominate and control its wearer. Rather, it will use
advice and persuasion in the first instance, followed by total The Sentinel and the Gauntlet are both artifacts, and there is
withdrawal of the use of its powers, and will only attempt to only one way in which they may be destroyed. The moment
dominate as a last resort if the bearers actions run seriously they come into contact with one another, both will be instantly
contrary to its purposes. vapourised (see module UK3 -THE GAUNTLET).

CREDITS Graeme Morris concept, design, writing

Tom Kirby concept, editing
Paul Cockburn, Kim Daniel lay-out, typesetting
Paul Ruir cartography
Pete Young art

Thanks to the DMs and players at GamesFair 83, who knew this module in its youth, and also to MWB, PMK, CM
and DJT, who have helped it on its way.
 ( 16 I am the Sentinel, the glove worn by the Eventually, thecoastal lands fell to the shipsand hordes of the
Sea Princes, and the Gauntlet was lost. Without its threat, the
C uardians of Adlerweg.
reason for my existence faded and my powers waned.
Eventually the Guardians came to regard me as no more than a
Many years ago, there was open strife between the inhabitants relic from a bygone era.
of this area, then known as Berghof, and the people of the
coastal lands beyond the mountains to the south east. Even so, I did but sleep. The destinies of the Gauntlet and I
Adlerweg, a pass cut by the River Gann, is the sole link were linked by my making such that we could only be
between these regions and so, to ensure peace, the rulers of destroyed together. Silent, I awaited the day when the
Berghof built a lofty fortress there. Gauntlet would return. Silent I remained when brought from
the keep to this villa by the last mage to bear the title
The Keep of Adlerweg blocks the pass against invasion as a Guardian. Silent still while his family, which retained me in
cork blocks the neck of a bottle, but the hot-blooded succeeding generations as a mere curio, declined and fell; and
coastlanders were never content with peace and prosperity. silent in the empty years following their abandonment of this
War and conquest were their only loves, and to this end their place. Not long since, my sleep was broken by the re-
evil sorcerers created a black gauntlet and wove about it such awakening of the Gauntlet and I sensed that, as ever, it was
magics that it could reduce the Keep of Adlerweg to a ruin. intent on the destruction of the keep.

Little time was left to avoid catastrophe when rumour of the Desperate for a person of pure intent who could employ my
Gauntlet first drifted over the mountains. In haste was I power to cast the Gauntlet into oblivion once more, I had only a
fashioned to counterthe threat - a creation having intellect and pair of foul skulks for company. However, I was able to
great power, existing only to protect Adlerweg and to destroy command one of them to do my bidding and, though I
the Gauntlet should it threaten the Keep. Those appointed to destroyed its mind in the process, it was able to lure you here.
control my powers, a succession of mighty mages, were
known as the Guardians of Adlerweg and I served the holders And now you have come. Feel the powers I can give you.
of that title over many years during which the Gauntlet dared Together we will go to Adlerweg and destroy the evil of the
not oppose me and the Keep remained inviolate. Gaunt1et.q 4
C f
The powers of the Sentinel are as follows:

1. While you are wearing it you may automatic-

ally open magically locked doors in the Keep
of Adlerweg.
2. It has the effect of a permanent protection
from evil 10' radius cast upon you.
3. It gives you total resistance to magical fear
and gives all your allies within 10 feet of you a
+2 bonus on saving throws against such
attacks.

If the wielder is a magic user or an illusionist the

Senitinel will confer additional powers as follows:

4. It has the effect of a permanent shield spell

cast on you alone.
5. You may cast a protection from normal
missiles spell once per day (duration 5 turns).
6. You may cast a hold portal spell (as if cast by a
10th level magic user) twice per day.
7. You may cast a know alignment spell twice per
day.
Name Location No A C MV HD hp CAT D SA SD MR Int AL S xp THACO
Caterwaul x12 1 5 18" 4+2 27 3 1-4/1-4/1-6 3/2 attlround Dodging Std Low CE M 305 15
Centipede V3 1 9 15" 1/4 2 1 Nil Poison Nil Std Non N S 32 20
(giant)
Gargoyle Hi 2 5 9"/ 4+4 28 ea 4 1-3/1-3/ Nil M Std Low CE M 305 ea 15
15" 1-6/1-4
Horse Merchant 1 7 15" 3+3 17 3 1-8/1-8/1-3 Nil Nil Std Animal N L 128 16
(Heavy, War)
Horse Merchant 1 7 24" 2 9 2 1-4/1-4 Nil Nil Std Animal N L 38 16
(Light, War)
Horse Merchant 10 7 18" 2+2 11 ea 3 1-6/1-6/1-3 Nil Nil Std Animal N L 68 ea. 16
(Medium, War)
Iron Cobra V13 1 0 12" 1 8 1 1-3 Poison & Nil M12 Non N S 96 19
rear attack
Leech V16 9 9 3" 1 3 ea 1 1-4 Drain blood Nil Std Non N S 172 ea 19
(giant)
Lion (mtn) X5 2 6 15" 3+1 20 ea 3 1-3/1-3/1-6 Rear claws Surprise Std Semi N M 190 ea 16
1-411-4
Owlbear X8 1 5 12" 5+2 27 3 1-6/1-6/2-12 Hug Nil Std Low N L 441 15
Peryton v4 2 7 12"/ 4 20 1 4-16 +2 to hit M Std Ave CE M 230, 13
(adult) 21" 222
Peryton v5 3 7 12"/ 2 9 ea 1 2-8 +1 to hit M Std Ave CE S 46 ea. 15
(young) 21"
Prescence V15 1 6 0" 13 66 Nil Nil Whisps MS * Genius NE S 1840 N/A
Rat (giant) X13 21 7 12" 1 /2 2 ea 1 1-3 Disease Nil Std Semi N S 9 ea. 20
Rat (giant) V23 27 7 12" 11 2 2 ea 1 1-3 Disease Nil Std Semi N S 9 ea. 20
Rot Grub x10 12 9 1" 1hp 1 ea Nil Nil Burrow Nil Std Non N S Zero N/A
into flesh
Scorpion V22a 1 9 3" 1hP 1 1 Nil Poison (1-8) Nil Std Non N S 8 20
Sheet Ghoul V10 2 2 9" 4+2 24,19 3 1-3/1-3/1-6 Acid (2-7) Nil Std Ave CE M 290, 15
265
Sheet Phantom V10 1 3 6" 3 18 1 1-4 Suffocation Nil Std Ave CE L 177 16
Skulk V26 1 7 12" 2 1(9) Nil Nil Nil Nil Std Non CE M Zero N/A
(with Sentinel)
Spider (Ige) v20 1 8 6" 1+1 7 1 1 Poison Nil Std Non N S 79 18
Stunjelly V8 1 8 3" 4 15 1 2-8 Paralyse Nil Std Animal N L 185 15
Symbiotic x12 1 a 1" 2 13 Nil Nil Nil Nil Std Very N S 91 N/A
Jelly
Wererat V24 1 6 12" 3+ 1 16 1 1-8 Surprise & MS Std Very LE M 214 16
lycanthropy
WhisD v14/15 IJ p to 2 18" 4hp 4 ea 1 1-6 Ignore MS * NIA N/A S N/A *
16 armour
Witherweed H2 1 8 0" 6 39 Upto Nil Dexterity Gas Std Non N L 509 13
20 drain
Xvart Female V18 10 7 6" 1-1 3ea 1 1-3 Nil Nil Std Ave CE S 8 ea. 20
Xvart Female v22 15 7 6" 1-1 3ea 1 1-3 Nil Nil Std Ave CE S 8 ea. 20
Xvart Infant V18 8 7 6" 1-1 1 ea Nil Nil Nil Nil Std Ave CE S Zero N/A
Xvart Infant v22 14 7 6" 1-1 1 ea Nil Nil Nil Nil Std Ave CE S Zero N/A
Xvart Leader V18 1 6 6" 2 11 1 2-7 +1 to hit Nil Std Ave CE S 42 15
Xvart Male V18 15 7 6" 1-1 5ea 1 2-5 Nil Nil Std Ave CE S 10 ea. 20
Xvart Male v22 14 7 6" 1-1 5 ea 1 2-5 Nil Nil Std Ave CE S 10 ea. 20
Xvart MU v21 1 7 6" M2 6 1 1-6 Spells Nil Std High CE S 77 20
Xvart Shaman v22 1 7 6" c3 19 1 1-6 Spells Nil Std Ave CE S 147 20

Abbreviations: N/A = Not applicable, M = Need magical (+1) weapons to hit, MS = Need magical (+1) or silver weapons to hit, * Special.
BE.RGHOF

KEY
Track/road

Village

River

Woodland

j$$g;
........
........
....... Hills
....
... :.*:.

1 HEX = 5MlLES

LME-SIDE VILIsl UPPER LEVEL

0 10 20 30 40 FEET

"1984 TSR, Inc All Rights Reserved

c E.l
.)sm
Door
Lockeddoor
Secret door
KEY

- )cm Concealed door

Ascending stairs
Trap
vvuv) Curtains
m9a
FEET =.,
......
Blockage
Secret tunnel
Gate
3 50 100 150

6 Witherweed

LOWER LEVEL
SUGGESTED CHARACTER ROSTER
I.-rl----

MAGICAL ITEMS
Listed above are nine characters suitable for use in this adventure. Each character should receive 1-2 magical items. The items are
Hit points have been given for each character at levels 2, 3, 4, and listed in the order corresponding to the order of the listed
5, res ectivel Once the pla ers have been allocated characters, characters.
the D h shouk decide on a revel between 2 and 5 for each one
which is strong enough, but not too strong, for the adventure (say 2 potions of extra healing; mace +l; 1 jar Keoghtoms
20-25 levels total). ointment; wand of magic missiles (12 charges remain, and there
is a 10% chance of the missile backfirin each time the wand is
used); hand axe +2; bag of holding (2580 gp capacity); pearl of
The allocation of magical items to the characters from the list power (1 first level spell); boots of elvenkind; bracers of defence
following) is at the discretion of the DM, who should take account of AC 6; dagger +2; ring of mammal control (2 uses per day, effects
the levels of the characters concerned in order to ensure a balanc- last 24 hours); long sword +1 (luck blade, but all wishes used); 10
ed adventure. Note that several monsters in the module can only be arrows +l;1 block of incense of meditation; shield +1; ring of
harmed by magical weapons protection +l; helm of underwater action.
 Official Game Adventur

By Graeme Morris
even memories of past glory live
ntle hills around the village of K
ay its people have more concern for com-
onplace things, like
e threat of death in t
Kusnir is beset by a
The attentions of such a cr
n any community. Streets
ng to the voices of children by day become
fearful, shadowy places by night. Men go
abroad armed and in groups, while women and
children stay behind locked doors and even
there are not safe. But life goes on. The lot of
t h e peasant is always hard, what cannot be
prevented must be endured and, of course,
things could be worse.
Much worse. The skulk has begull vis,,
the village more and more often. Some,...ies it
kills, yet just as often it spares a victim, lea
ing clear signs of what it might have done had
it wished. Its visits are now marked by strange
and illegible symbols scrawled in blood on the
walls of the buildings. The people are worried,
helpless and desperate. Desperate enough to
welcome adventurer:
This module can be played alone or as first adventure in the two-pa
ADLERWEG series.
0 88038074 8
\XI 4 391 53803XTSR06

983 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.