DDEP3 Blood Above Blood Below

In two different arenas, the call for blood has been sounded.
The five factions now seek out bold adventurers willing to

brave death in order to draw attention away from Szith Morcane, and in so doing allow a small group to infiltrate the drow
outpost and return it to the hands of the drow. What role will you play in this deadly game? A special three-hour multi-
table adventure for 1st-16th level characters.
Adventure Code: DDEP3
Credits
Adventure Design: Will Doyle
Development and Editing: Claire Hoffman, Chris Tulach, Travis Woodall
Organized Play: Chris Tulach
D&D Adventurers League Wizards Team: Adam Lee, Chris Lindsay, Matt Sernett, Chris Tulach
D&D Adventurers League Administrators: Robert Adducci, Bill Benham, Travis Woodall, Claire Hoffman, Greg Marks, Alan Patrick
Debut: August 1, 2015
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Adventurers League, please visit the D&D Adventurers
League home.
Welcome to Blood Above, Blood Below, a D&D EpicsTM

adventure, part of the official D&D Adventurers League TM
organized play system and the Rage of DemonsTM
storyline season. Before you show up to Dungeon Master this adventure for
This adventure is designed for three to seven 1st-16th a group of players, you should do the following to prepare.
level characters , with each table divided into level ranges
by tier of play. Levels 1-4 is optimized for 3rd level  Make sure to have a copy of the most current version
characters ; levels 5-10 is optimized for 8th level of the D&D basic rules or the Player’s HandbookTM.
characters ; and levels 11-16 is optimized for 11th level  Read through the adventure, taking notes of anything
characters . Characters outside this level range cannot you’d like to highlight or remind yourself while
participate in this adventure. running the adventure, such as a way you’d like to
Each table must seat characters of the same tier. portray an NPC or a tactic you’d like to use in a
This is a special three-hour interactive adventure, combat.
designed for many tables playing together. Rules for  Get familiar with the monster statistics in the
coordinating this event appear in a separate document. Appendix.
 Gather together any resources you’d like to use to aid
you in Dungeon Mastering, such as notecards, a DM
screen, miniatures, battlemaps, etc.
 If you know the composition of the group beforehand,
you can make adjustments as noted throughout the
This adventure is official for D&D Adventurers League adventure.
play. The D&D Adventurers League is the official
organized play system for DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®.
Players can create characters and participate in any Ask the players to provide you with relevant character
adventure allowed as a part of the D&D Adventurers information. This includes:
League. As they adventure, players track their characters’
experience, treasure, and other rewards, and can take  Character name and level
those characters through other adventures that will  Character race and class
continue their story.  Passive Wisdom (Perception)—the most common
D&D Adventurers League play is broken up into passive ability check
storyline seasons. When players create characters, they  Anything notable as specified by the adventure (such
attach those characters to a storyline season, which as backgrounds, traits, flaws, and so on)
determines what rules they’re allowed to use to create
and advance their characters. Players can continue to Players that have characters outside the adventure’s level
play their characters after the storyline season has range cannot participate in the adventure with those
finished, possibly participating in a second or third characters . Players can play an adventure they previously
storyline with those same characters. A character’s level played or ran as a Dungeon Master, but not with the same
is the only limitation for adventure play. A player cannot character (if applicable).
use a character of a level higher or lower than the level
range of a D&D Adventurers League adventure.
If you’re running this adventure as a part of a store
event or at certain conventions, you’ll need a DCI number.
This number is your official Wizards of the Coast
organized play identifier. If you don’t have a number, you
can obtain one at a store event. Check with your organizer
for details.
For more information on playing, running games as a
Dungeon Master, and organizing games for the D&D
Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only. 2
Ensure that each player has an official adventure  Divide the total by the number of characters
logsheet for his or her character (if not, get one from the  Round fractions of .5 or greater up; round frations of
organizer). The player will fill out the adventure name, less than .5 down
session number, date, and your name and DCI number. In
addition, the player also fills in the starting values for XP, You’ve now determined the average party level (APL) for
gold, downtime, renown, and number of permanent magic the adventure. To figure out the party strength for the
items. He or she will fill in the other values and write adventure, consult the following table.
notes at the conclusion of the session. Each player is
responsible for maintaining an accurate logsheet. Determining Party Strength
If you have time, you can do a quick scan of a player’s Party Composition Party Strength
character sheet to ensure that nothing looks out of order. 3-4 characters, APL less than Very weak
If you see magic items of very high rarities or strange 3-4 characters, APL equivalent Weak
arrays of ability scores, you can ask players to provide 3-4 characters, APL greater than Average
documentation for the irregularities. If they cannot, feel 5 characters, APL less than Weak
free to restrict item use or ask them to use a standard 5 characters, APL equivalent Average
ability score array. Point players to the D&D Adventurers 5 characters, APL greater than Strong
6-7 characters, APL less than Average
League Player’s Guide for reference.
6-7 characters, APL equivalent Strong
If players wish to spend downtime days and it’s the
6-7 characters, APL greater than Very strong
beginning of an adventure or episode, they can declare
their activity and spend the days now, or they can do so at
Average party strength indicates no recommended
the end of the adventure or episode.
adjustments to the adventure. Each sidebar may or may
Players should select their characters’ spells and other
not offer suggestions for certain party strengths. If a
daily options prior to the start of the adventure, unless the
particular recommendation is not offered for your group,
adventure specifies otherwise. Feel free to reread the
you don’t have to make adjustments.
adventure description to help give players hints about
what they might face.
Throughout this adventure, you may see sidebars to help As the DM of the session, you have the most important
you make adjustments to this adventure for smaller/larger role in facilitating the enjoyment of the game for the
groups and characters, of higher/lower levels that the players. You help guide the narrative and bring the words
optimized group size. Most of the time, this is used for on these pages to life. The outcome of a fun game session
combat encounters. often creates stories that live well beyond the play at the
You may adjust the adventure beyond the guidelines table. Always follow this golden rule when you DM for a
given in the adventure, or for other reasons. For example, group:
if you’re playing with a group of inexperienced players,
you might want to make the adventure a little easier; for Make decisions and adjudications that enhance the fun
very experienced players, you might want to make it a of the adventure when possible.
little harder. Therefore, five categories of party strength
have been created for you to use as a guide. Use these as
a guide, and feel free to use a different adjustment during
the adventure if the recommended party strength feels off
for the group.
This adventure is optimized for a party of five 3rd-,
8th-, or 11th-level characters. To figure out whether you
need to adjust the adventure, do the following:
 Add up the total levels of all the characters
To reinforce this golden rule, keep in mind the following:  Catching up
 Crafting (exception: multiple characters cannot
 You are empowered to make adjustments to the commit to crafting a single item)
adventure and make decisions about how the group  Practicing a profession
interacts with the world of this adventure. This is  Recuperating
especially important and applicable outside of  Spellcasting services (end of the adventure only)
combat, but feel free to adjust the adventure for  Training
groups that are having too easy or too hard of a time.
 Don’t make the adventure too easy or too difficult for Other downtime options might be available during
a group. Never being challenged makes for a boring adventures or unlocked through play, including faction-
game, and being overwhelmed makes for a specific activities.
frustrating game. Gauge the experience of the In addition, whenever a character spends downtime
players (not the characters) with the game, try to feel days, that character also spends the requisite expense for
out (or ask) what they like in a game, and attempt to his or her lifestyle. Costs are per day, so a character that
give each of them the experience they’re after when spends ten days of downtime also spends ten days of
they play D&D. Give everyone a chance to shine. expenses maintaining his or her lifestyle. Some downtime
 Be mindful of pacing, and keep the game session activities help with lifestyle expenses or add lifestyle
moving along appropriately. Watch for stalling, since expenses.
play loses momentum when this happens. At the
same time, make sure that the players don’t finish
too early; provide them with a full play experience.
Any settlement the size of a town or larger can provide
Try to be aware of running long or short. Adjust the
some spellcasting services. characters need to be able to
pacing accordingly.
travel to the settlement to obtain these services.
 Read-aloud text is just a suggestion; feel free to
Alternatively, if the party finishes an adventure, they can
modify the text as you see fit, especially when
be assumed to return to the settlement closest to the
dialogue is present.
adventure location.
 Give the players appropriate hints so they can make
Spell services generally available include healing and
informed choices about how to proceed. Players
recovery spells, as well as information-gathering spells.
should be given clues and hints when appropriate so
Other spell services might be available as specified in the
they can tackle puzzles, combat, and interactions
adventure. The number of spells available to be cast as a
without getting frustrated over lack of information.
service is limited to a maximum of three per day total,
This helps to encourage immersion in the adventure
unless otherwise noted.
and gives players “little victories” for figuring out
good choices from clues. Spellcasting Services
Spell Cost
In short, being the DM isn’t about following the Cure wounds (1st level) 10 gp
adventure’s text word-for-word; it’s about facilitating a Identify 20 gp
fun, challenging game environment for the players. The Lesser restoration 40 gp
Dungeon Master’s Guide TM has more information on the Prayer of healing (2nd level) 40 gp
art of running a D&D game. Remove curse 90 gp
Speak with dead 90 gp
Divination 210 gp
Greater restoration 450 gp
At the beginning of each play session, players must
Raise dead 1,250 gp
declare whether or not they are spending any days of
downtime. The player records the downtime spent on the
adventure logsheet. The following options are available to
players during downtime (see the D&D basic rules or the
D&D Adventurers League Player’s Guide for more
information):
Acolyte Background Dead Character Pays for Raise Dead. If the
A character possessing the acolyte background requesting character’s body is recoverable (it’s not missing any vital
spellcasting services at a temple of his or her faith may request organs and is mostly whole) and the player would like the
one spell per day from the Spellcasting Services table for free.
The only cost paid for the spell is the base price for the character to be returned to life, the party can take the
consumed material component, if any. body back to civilization and use the dead character’s
Faiths that can call upon spellcasting services in and around funds to pay for a raise dead spell. A raise dead spell cast
Hillsfar include the following: Chauntea, Lliira, Mielikki, and in this manner costs the character 1,250 gp.
Tempus.
Character’s Party Pays for Raise Dead. As above,
except that some or all of the 1,250 gp for the raise dead
spell is paid for by the party at the end of the session.
Other characters are under no obligation to spend their
Sometimes bad things happen, and characters get funds to bring back a dead party member.
poisoned, diseased, or die. Since you might not have the Faction Charity. If the character is of level 1 to 4 and a
same characters return from session to session, here are member of a faction, the dead character’s body can be
the rules when bad things happen to characters. returned to civilization and a patron from the faction
ensures that he or she receives a raise dead spell.
However, any character invoking this charity forfeits all
XP and rewards from that session (even those earned
A character still affected by diseases, poisons, and other prior to death during that session), and cannot replay that
similar effects at the conclusion of an adventure can episode or adventure with that character again. Once a
spend downtime days recuperating until such time as he character reaches 5th level, this option is not available.
or she resolves the effect to its conclusion (see the
recuperating activity in the D&D basic rules).
If a character doesn’t resolve the effect between sessions,
Escaped from the Abyss, the demon lord Graz'zt lurks in
that character begins the next session still affected by the
the Underdark beneath Faerûn. His malign presence has
debilitating effect.
fueled a tide of corruption that boils up to encroach
Daggerdale and the Moonsea. As Graz'zt flexes in the
dark, those on the surface slowly succumb to debauchery
A character who dies during the course of the adventure
and excess.
has a few options at the end of the session (or whenever
The incubi of the Crimson Trinity rank among Graz'zt's
arriving back in civilization) if no one in the adventuring
most trusted agents. In Azzagrat, they entertained their
party has immediate access to a raise dead or revivify
prince with feasts, orgies and gladiatorial games. On
spell, or similar magic. A character subject to a raise dead
Toril, they hope to honor him with an event to rival any
spell is affected negatively until all long rests have been
held in the Abyss. Two arenas stage battles on the same
completed during an adventure. Alternatively, each
day: one in underground Maerimydra, and the other in
downtime day spent after raise dead reduces the penalty
Hillsfar, on the shore of the Moonsea. As battle
to attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks by 1, in
commences, the Crimson Trinity perform a blood ritual to
addition to any other benefits the downtime activity might
reap the souls of the slain. Fattened on the slaughter of a
provide.
thousand slaves, their Dark Prince will rise up to seize his
Create a New 1st-Level Character. If the dead
new realm--or so they hope.
character is unwilling or unable to exercise any of the
Vheloch, leader of the Crimson Trinity, has ensconced
other options, the player creates a new character. The
himself in the fallen drow outpost of Szith Morcane. In
new character does not have any items or rewards
Maerimydra, his partner Oromoth has seduced Queen
possessed by the dead character.
Hledh and turned her fire giants to the brazen worship of
Graz'zt. In Hillsfar, the incubus Gheriot has wormed into
the court of the First Lord, where he poses as Master of
Ceremonies. The Crimson Trinity is ready to enact their
great game--unaware that hidden forces plot against
them.
simply be asked to inform your section's Captain of the
track you are running. Make sure you know where the
Drow refugees have brought news that the Crimson nearest tables of your chosen track are located, in case
Trinity is preparing a blood ritual to empower Graz'zt. players call for assistance during play (see below).
The five factions have agreed to ally with the drow to
liberate Szith Morcane, foil the ritual, and destroy the
Crimson Trinity.
Blood Above, Blood Below is a dangerous adventure. If
The factions are planning to smuggle in two groups of
players get into trouble, they can visit nearby tables on the
adventurers to replace the captives bound for the arenas.
same track to request aid. Each track handles this
If the adventurers can hold out in the games, they'll keep
differently:
the Crimson Trinity occupied between three locations.
This will allow a crack team to break into Szith Morcane,  Tier 1 Track (Naval Support): On this track, each ta-
slay Vheloch, and foil the ritual. ble commands their own naval vessel. When help is
Your table will join one of these three groups. As requested, players may fire their deck-mounted bal-
Dungeon Master, you should read the adventure carefully lista to assist. See the "Player Ships" section in the
and familiarize yourself with the Administrative Guidance Tier 1 track for details.
document before play. When describing the crowds, it is  Tier 2 Track (Combat Assistance): In the final bat-
important that as Dungeon Master you emphasize the tle of this track, all characters assault the same ru-
near madness that gripes the viewers. Those that ined temple. When requested, a player may join a ta-
participate are overcome with hedonistic desires: calling ble in need to help them in combat. See the "Assis-
for more blood, feasting on concessions and drinking to tance between Tables" section for details.
excess!  Tier 3 Track (Combat Assistance): On this track, the
characters do battle on giant spider mounts. When re-
The Spreading Madness quested, a player may join a table in need to help them in
The extent of the spread and effects of Graz'zt's madness is not combat - bringing their mount with them. See the "Assis-
yet clear, but it is building. Those that feel the grasp of this tance between Tables" section for more details.
insanity begin to crave the same things as the Dark Prince. They Before play begins, make sure your players know how
enjoy contrasts, oppositions, and mismatches that others find
to request and provide aid.
unsettling or disgusting. They are given over to the basest of
hedonisms that would shock even the most corrupt and
cosmopolitan. The lands surrounding Hillsfar, above and below,
are gripped by a frenzied Bacchanalia that continues to grow with
demonic fecundity. Blood Above, Blood Below takes place over just a few
hours of game time. If a character dies during play, they
hear a sibilant whisper as the darkness closes in around
them. "Do you want to live?" Those that answer in the
Players experience one of three adventure tracks. The
affirmative are brought to partial life as an undead version
tracks are played at the same time, and take place in
of themselves by an unknown force. On their next turn,
different locations within the Forgotten Realms.
they begin prone with three-quarters of their maximum
 Tier 1 Track "Red Tide" (level 1-4): Players on this hit points, immunity to poison, and disadvantage on all
track are plunged into Hillsfar's flooded arena. If they ability checks and saving throws involving Dexterity. At
hold out, they'll gain an opportunity to slay Gheriot. the end of the adventure the character is returned to the
 Tier 2 Track "Fane of Lloth" (level 5-10): A crack dead state but the player's table or faction may recover
team of adventurers infiltrates Szith Morcane to kill the corpse of their original character. The character now
Vheloch, leader of the Crimson Trinity. The success is slightly resistant to the raise dead spell and it requires
or failure of the other tracks determines this track's additional components to revivify, raise, or resurrect
final difficulty. them. The components cost 10% more whether cast by a
 Tier 3 Track "The Strangling" (level 11-16): The adven- character, NPC, or from a scroll. Record The Dark
turers do battle in Maerimydra's coliseum. If they hold out, Caress story award and this information this on the
they'll goad Oromoth into mortal combat. characters logsheet.
Table markers can be used to show which track each
table is playing. Depending on your event, you may
If the Crimson Trinity's ritual succeeds, Graz'zt devours
the souls of all characters that died in the arenas. These
characters can only be raised from the dead if another
character casts a true resurrection spell.
Blood Above, Blood Below features interactive elements

that affect the outcome of each track's finale. Your table
may need to report special events to the administrators,
or check for visual cues that indicate effects are active on
the battlefield. These are detailed in the adventure under
"Interactive Elements" headers.
Contact an administrator if your players take an
unscripted action that may affect other tables. If the
administrative team deems it appropriate, they'll
announce a ruling that may impact other players on the
same track.
A half-orc cleric steps forward to address the assembly.
"I'm Dargol-Rend, Battle Chaplain of Tempus and Vindicator of
the Order of the Gauntlet. We've received news from our…allies
that agents of the demon lord Graz'zt are abroad. As we speak,
they're preparing a blood ritual to feed their Dark Prince. You're
The adventure begins with a gathering of adventurers in
going to stop them."
the city of Hillsfar. All adventure tracks share the same
A robed figure stands nearby. He has the bearing of the fey,
briefing.
though a hood hides his face. As he steps into the torchlight to
speak, you see that he's a drow elf.
"In the Abyss, they called them the Crimson Trinity. Their
Expected duration: 5 minutes. corruption has swept through the Underdark to consume my
Once your players are seated and ready, read the home, Szith Morcane. Tomorrow, two arena battles will occur:
following aloud: one here in Hillsfar, the other deep below, in the coliseum of
Maerimydra. The Crimson Trinity is behind them both. They
Summoned by your factions, you crossed the Moonsea to the
plan to sacrifice all who die to the demon lord.
city of Hillsfar. The law here forbids entry to non-humans, and
"I am Solom Ned'razak. I am indebted to some of you already,
the guards were wary of strangers. Your faction smuggled you
and to those of you to whom I am not, I will be soon. I ask for
inside, and you threaded the streets to the Vault of Swords, the
your help to win back Szith Morcane and destroy the Crimson
city's temple of Tempus. You now stand among several hundred
Trinity."
adventurers gathered in the catacombs. Nobody knows why the
Dargol holds up his hand to silence the discontent.
factions called you here; only that it's of great importance and
"Enough! We're going to smuggle some of you into the arenas
utmost secrecy.
as bait. If you can hold out, it'll keep the Crimson Trinity divided
between Hillsfar and Maerimydra. That'll give the rest of you a
Go around the table, asking each player to describe
chance to hit their leader in Szith Morcane, and shatter the
their character to the rest of the group. Once they've
ritual. Questions?"
introduced themselves, read the following aloud.
Death to the Strange Folk!

In 1357 DR, the wizard Maalthir overthrew the council of Hillsfar
to become sole ruler of the city. Backed by his mercenary army,
the Red Plumes, Maalthir enacted a draconian law to exile
nonhumans from the city. For decades, any outcasts caught
inside the city faced death in the arena. In time, Hillsfar
abandoned The Great Law of Humanity, but First Lord Torin has
recently seen it reinstated. Once more, the city has closed its
gates to nonhumans, and condemned those inside to die in the
arena.
Expected Duration: 15 minutes.
The players can now question Dargol-Rend and Solom

Ned'razak (DDEX3-3 The Occupation of Szith Morcane,
DDEX3-4 It's All in the Blood) about the mission. In
addition, some characters receive special assignments
from their factions.
Use the following information to answer the players'

questions about their mission.
Roleplaying Battle Chaplain Dargol-Rend
Solom answers questions about the Crimson Trinity. Dargol-Rend is battle-scarred and headstrong. He doesn't suffer
fools, and isn't afraid to speak his mind. To avoid exile, the
 A tide of corruption washes through the Underdark, Battle-Chaplain must compete often in the arena, where he
leaving decadence and betrayal in its wake. Solom boasts a near-unbroken record.
Quote: "These hours will brand your names into history. Is that
suspects the Crimson Trinity is to blame. not payment enough?"
 Three incubi comprise the Crimson Trinity: Vheloch,
Gheriot and Oromoth. In the Abyss, they entertained
Graz'zt with sumptuous feasts and gladiatorial
games in the city of Zelatar. Solom doesn't know Now reveal which adventure track the group will play.
how they escaped to Toril. Use the following information to brief them on their
 The Crimson Trinity, with assistance from the fire gi- chosen mission. To avoid unnecessary details, only
ants of Maerimydra, conquered Szith Morcane and brief the players on the track they're playing.
enslaved its inhabitants. Vheloch, the leader of the
Crimson Trinity, seduced one of the drow nobles,
Dargol-Rend briefs the characters about this track.
who opened the gates to Vheloch's army of demons
and fire giants.  Gheriot posed as Master of Ceremonies to infiltrate
 Though initially captured, Solom escaped with the assis- the First Lord's court. Tomorrow's games have
tance of surface-dwelling adventurers. The five factions drawn crowds from across the Moonsea.
have agreed to ally with him to foil the ritual.  The games will reenact the downfall of the "Red
Tide", an armada of notorious Moonsea pirates.
Roleplaying Solom Ned’razak Gheriot has flooded the arena for the event.
Solom is a powerful drow wizard who rules Szith Morcane. He
uses the present tense when speaking of his home - he firmly  A host of vagabonds and non-human slaves face trial
believes the invaders will be pushed back and he hopes that the by combat. Before the games begin, the factions will
ritual is going to be the key that they need to accomplish that smuggle the adventurers in to assist them. Dargol-
goal. He is ruthless and efficient in his dealings and detests Rend is to fight alongside them.
dealing with non-drow, but understands circumstances have left
him no choice.  If they can hold out, they'll delay Gheriot in Hillsfar. This
Quote: "We are not wiped out, not yet. And if I have my way will give the strike team a better chance to liberate Szith
every demon-blooded pest is going to pay for what they did." Morcane and stop the blood ritual.
Dargol-Rend answers questions about the blood ritual. Solom briefs the characters about this track.
 The Crimson Trinity plans to massacre hundreds of  Vheloch is performing his ritual from Szith Mor-
slaves in the games. As they perish, Vheloch per- cane's ruined Fane of Lloth.
forms a secret ritual to feed their souls to Graz'zt.  The adventurers will teleport in just outside Szith
 The fiends have split between the three locations. Morcane. Powerful forbiddance spells prevent them
Gheriot and Oromoth oversee the two arenas, while from teleporting directly inside the Fane.
Vheloch performs the ritual from Szith Morcane.  Solom knows of a secret way into the Fane of Lloth:
 The adventurers will replace the slaves bound for the a hidden library beneath House Morcane built by its
arenas. While they fight, a strike team will break into long-dead matron mother. A secret passage connects
Szith Morcane to slay Vheloch. the library to the chasm just outside. Solom and his
 If the adventurers survive the arenas, the Crimson warriors will join in the assault. One drow warrior
Trinity has fewer souls to sacrifice to Graz'zt. Their will escort each team as guide.
actions will also occupy Gheriot and Oromoth, and  To foil the ritual, the adventurers must sneak through
lessen the chances of them teleporting back to the hidden library, and then break into the Fane of
Vheloch. Those adventurers fighting in the Hillsfar Lloth and kill Vheloch.
Arena should try to avoid killing as many of the gladi-  Solom provides a drow named Kaele Icaryd to accompany
ators as possible, so as to not feed the ritual. the characters.
 If the ritual succeeds, Graz'zt consumes the souls of
all who've died in the arenas. The stakes have never
Solom Ned'razak and Dargol-Rend both brief the
been higher!
characters about this track. (provided).
 Fire giants rule the Underdark city of Maerimydra. Zhentarim Spy

Oromoth has seduced Queen Hledh and turned her
giants over to the brazen worship of Graz'zt. 1d4 Name of Spy Location
 Maerimydra's games, "The Strangling", will reenact
1 Fayd Uldrane (male human, R1
the giants' conquest of the city from the drow. Oro-
carries a spiked shield).
moth is buying hundreds of slaves for the slaughter.
 Solom has formulated a plan with the derro of Rav- 2 "The Blacksmith" (male human, R2
agestone to sell the adventurers to Oromoth as wears an apron).
slaves. The derro will transport them to Maerimydra
3 Dragomira Var (female human, R3
and smuggle their equipment into the coliseum's ar- wears bone armor)
mory.
 If the adventurers hold out, they'll delay Oromoth in 4 Urek Coldwater (male human, R4
Maerimydra. This will give the strike team a better priest of Bane)
chance to liberate Szith Morcane and stop the blood
ritual.
 The latent magic of the Underdark prevents direct
teleportation between Hillsfar and Maerimydra. If the This assignment is only available to characters on the
adventurers escape the arena, they must find their Tier 2 Track. Characters belonging to the Order of the
own way home. Gauntlet receive the following assignment.
Investigate the Crimson Trinity. The Order is keen to
learn how the Crimson Trinity escaped the Abyss. They
ask the characters to force this information out of
Faction representatives now approach the characters to
Vheloch before slaying him.
assign special quests. The adventure track determines
quests available. Later in the adventure, more faction
assignments come into play. This assignment is only available to characters on the
Tier 2 Track. Characters belonging to the Harpers
receive the following assignment.
This assignment is only available to characters on the
Investigate the Drow. The Harpers suspect that one of
Tier 1 Track. Characters belonging to the Emerald
Kaele Icaryd's companions is hiding something. They've
Enclave receive the following assignment.
assigned the drow as escort to the characters' group. The
Rescue the Envoy. The elves of Cormanthor recently
characters must uncover the drow's secret motive - and
petitioned First Lord Torin to repeal the law that outlaws
take action if it proves a threat to the mission.
non-humans from his city. His response was to hurl their
envoy into the arena. Arias Goldthorn is the Emerald
Enclave's chief contact in the Elven Court, and they want This assignment is only available to characters on the
him back alive. The characters are given a fairly accurate Tier 3 Track. Characters belonging to the Lords'
description. He shouldn't be difficult to find. Alliance receive the following assignment.
Rescue the Noble. Solom Ned'razak reveals that an
aristocrat captured long ago by the drow, Zor Mirko, may
This assignment is only available to characters on the
still be alive in Maerimydra. The nobles of the Lords'
Tier 1 Track. Characters belonging to the Zhentarim
Alliance fear he'll die in the arena, and ask the characters
receive the following assignment.
to free him if possible.
Shame the Gladiator. The Zhentarim has riddled
Hillsfar with its spies. One spy, a famous gladiator in the
arena, recently tried blackmailing the organization. The
Zhents want the gladiator shamed in the arena, but not After the adventurers have been briefed, the alliance is
slain. Roll on the table below to determine which separated into groups and sent on their missions.
gladiator is the spy. Once the spy has been determined,
the characters are given a description of the spy
inhospitable world, but the influence of the demon lords has
transformed it into a domain of madness and chaos. Faerzress
Each group chooses one character as Group Leader. If
acts as a catalyst, spreading the demon lords’ madness
the group cannot agree on a course of action during the throughout the Underdark.
adventure, the Group Leader makes the decision for A creature’s madness level starts at 0. When the creature fails
them. The Group Leader also relays any messages to the a madness saving throw, its madness level increases by 1, and
the creature immediately suffers the level’s effect (as determined
administrators.
by rolling on the Short-Term Madness, Long-Term Madness, or
Indefinite Madness table in the Dungeon Master’s Guide, as
appropriate). When the effect ends, the creature’s madness level
On Track 1 and 2, the alliance leaders give each Group doesn’t change. Any time the creature’s madness level increases,
Leader a sending stone that allows them to communicate it suffers the effect of the new level.
with the NPC in charge of their adventure track. Unlike a If a creature with level 3 madness fails a madness saving
throw, its madness level becomes 1. In this way, characters can
normal sending stone, this magic item allows unlimited potentially accumulate multiple forms of madness. If a character
uses per day. During play, you can use the sending stone accumulates a form madness that they are already suffering
to offer advice and suggestions when requested. On Track from, reroll until a new result is reached.
3, the characters must fend for themselves! Bouts of short- and long-term madness can be cured as
described in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Given the demonic
source of the madness, remove curse and dispel evil are also
effective as cures. A greater restoration spell or more powerful
magic is needed to cure indefinite madness and also resets a
creature’s madness level to 0.
In adventures set during Rage of Demons, madness is
measured in three levels:
Madness Level
Level Effect
1 Short-term madness (lasts 1d10 minutes)
2 Long-term madness (lasts 1d10 x 10 minutes)
3 Indefinite madness (lasts until cured)
Indefinite Madnesses of Graz’zt

Graz'zt influence on the region has manifested itself in the
different forms of madness that characters may develop. Upon
reaching madness level 3, instead of rolling on the Indefinite
Madness table on page 260 of the Dungeon Master's Guide, roll
on the following table and the character gains the madness listed
below. Have the player note it on his or her character sheet.
If the roll results in a madness already possessed by the
character, reroll until a new result is reached.
01-20 Narcissism: "There is nothing in existence that is more

important than me."
21-40 Megalomania: "Anyone who doesn't do exactly what I
say does not deserve to live."
41-60 Infatuation: "I will not rest until I have made someone
else mine, and doing so is more important to me than
my own life or the lives of others."
61-80 Hedonism: "My own pleasure is of paramount
importance. Everything else, including social graces, is
a triviality."
81-100 Abomination: "The mores of society are a lie, meant to
shackle free thinking people. I will revel in that which
others find shocking or disgusting to demonstrate my
rebellion."
Madness This adventure track is for 1st through 4th-level

At the best of times, the Underdark is a bizarre, alien, and
characters, but is optimized for 3rd level characters. apply their proficiency bonus to all shipboard checks.
Each table may only seat characters of this tier.
The ship has immunity to all damage unless it takes an

amount of damage equal to or greater than its damage
Expected duration: 10 minutes. threshold. If so, it takes damage as normal. The ship
Read the following aloud when the characters have sinks if its hit points drop to zero, and all passengers and
chosen a Group Leader: crew fall into the water.
If the player's ship is lost, log the vessel's name in the
"Ships Lost" box on the Ship Record Sheet. Players must
Dargol-Rend calls your company forward. You fasten your
now swim for a nearby raft or attempt to capture an
weapons and gear, and clamber onboard a convoy of ox-carts.
enemy ship. If they try to capture a ship, generate an
Slowly, you trundle through night-locked streets to the arena.
enemy vessel and resolve a boarding action from the
Guards wave the convoy inside the slave pens. Before the slave
water (see Appendix 1: Naval Combat). If the players
masters can question their new arrivals, the wagon drivers cut
capture the ship, they can use it in battle.
them down with crossbow fire. They drag the corpses out of
sight, and pull on their uniforms.
Dargol-Rend ushers you into the slave pens. Inside, flooded Each ship has a crew of eight galley slaves. Don't track
passages lead to the arena gates. Dargol-Rend points to an their health during encounters - simply describe them as
armada of warships moored up in the passages. fighting in the background.
"All aboard! Dawn comes, and the crowd soon bays for blood.
By Tempus, let it not be ours!"
Each ship has a deck-mounted ballista. The gunner can
Players should now name their ship and choose roles use the ballista to make a ranged attack during combat. If
on deck. When they're done, continue to the next part. targeting another ship, the helmsman must perform a
successful broadside action for the gunner to fire (see
Appendix 1: Naval Combat). When fired at an enemy ship,
the gunner can choose to target either the ship's hull or a
Handout 1-1: Ship Record Sheet details the players'
single gladiator on deck.
vessel. The players use this sheet to score their victories,
and track the ship's hit points. The ship has the following Ballista
statistics.
Large object
Arena Ship Armor Class: 15
Hit Points: 50
Speed Crew Passengers AC HP Damage Damage Immunities: poison, psychic
Threshold
A ballista is a massive crossbow that fires heavy bolts.
3 mph 8 12 12 100 10 Before it can be fired, it must be loaded and aimed. It
takes one action to load the weapon, one action to aim it,
and one action to fire it.
Before the next part begins, the players should fill in the
following details on the sheet: Burning bolt. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range
120/480 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (3d10) piercing damage,
 Ship Name. Players should bless their ship with a
plus 11 (2d10) fire damage.
valiant name.
 Choose the Captain. The Group Leader or a charac-
ter with a high Charisma score will make the best
captain.
 Choose the Helmsman. A character with a high In-
telligence score will make the best helmsman.
 Choose the Gunner. Any character can play as the gun-
ner.
If a character is proficient with vehicles (water), they can
The following features are present in the arena:
Expected Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Flagships. Dargol-Rend fights from the allied flagship.
When this part begins, read the following aloud:
If the players assault the enemy flagship before the final
Drums thunder as the gates grind upward. Sunlight sparkles on part, a volley of arrows drives them back.
the arena's flooded surface, and spectators throng the Grandstands. Crowds of baying civilians fill the
grandstands. In the royal box, an obese nobleman rises to grandstands. Gheriot has stationed archers on the arena
address the crowd. With a sweep of his arm, the Master of walls, with orders to shoot anyone who tries to climb out.
Ceremonies gestures to five rafts decked out as fortresses. On City Rafts. Climbing onto a raft from the water requires
each, a band of gladiators guards a fluttering pennant. a successful DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check.
"Behold the cities of the Moonsea! It is the tenth century, and Water. The water is 10 feet deep and icy cold. If a
our neighbors quake beneath the onslaught of a foreign armada. character falls in, they must succeed on a DC 10
Citizens of Hillsfar, I give you… the pirates of the Red Tide!"
Constitution saving throw or gain a level of exhaustion.
A roar of hatred washes over you. On one of the platforms, a
trebuchet cranks into readiness.
A riot of burning ships and screaming gladiators rages
"Only one city could muster the ships to defy them. Only one
across the arena. Don't worry about exact ship positions:
navy had the skill to defeat them. Beloved citizens, I give you…
when the players need to move, use the zones marked on
the glorious armada of Hillsfar!" the map.
Gates open on the far side of the arena, and a fleet of warships Roll on the Arena Encounters table every time the
emerges into the sunlight. The fight is on! players enter a new zone. Once they've resolved the
encounter, they can visit the raft in their zone or move
Give the players Handout 1-2: Arena Map. They are now into an adjacent zone. If the party contains an Emerald
free to explore the arena. Enclave member and they have not already found Arias
Goldthorn, the result of the second encounter is
automatically "Enemy Ship!"
Hillsfar's arena has hosted gladiatorial games for over
five hundred years. Today's event is set to be one of its
bloodiest, and has drawn crowds from all over the
Moonsea.
Gheriot has flooded the arena for the event. Five rafts
float in the water, decorated to look like different
Moonsea ports.
During Part 2, the players must recover as many victory

flags as possible and return them to their flagship. Each
raft bears the flag of its port, and has its own encounter.
If the players return a flag to their flagship, mark a win
on their Ship Record Sheet. If the players sink an enemy
ship, they should write its name on their Ship Record
Sheet. Each win grants the benefit of a short rest, and
awards inspiration to each player. Due to the time
available, players are only expected to recover one or two
flags at best.
At the end of Part 1, the administrators tally up how
many points the alliance won and announce a verdict.
This affects the difficulty of the finale--and the final
difficulty of the Tier 2 Track!
Hillsfar Arena Encounters
During Part 2, the group can request fire support from a
2d6 Event
neighboring table. To make the request, the Group
2 Whirlpool! Gheriot opens a drain in the arena floor. Leader should contact the administrators. The
The helmsman makes repeated DC 15 Intelligence administrators then locate a table that is willing to help.
checks until they roll two consecutive successes. For Each table may only receive fire support once.
each failure rolled, the ship takes 11(2d10) When firing to assist another group, the gunner loses
bludgeoning damage. their next action if they're currently engaged in combat.
Fire support always hits, but the gunner still makes an
3 Trebuchet Attack! A boulder slams into the ship,
attack to see if they score a critical hit. Once they've rolled
dealing 44 (8d10) bludgeoning damage. If the
helmsman succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence check, damage, the administrators relay the result back to the
the attack deals half damage. Note: Ignore this other table.
event if the players disable the trebuchet on the
Zhentil Keep raft.
Many of the opponents in the Arena possess treasure. It is
4 Lost in the Smoke! The helmsman must succeed on intentionally carried in such a way to make it easily
a DC 15 Intelligence check, or accidentally ram a retrievable. The DM should make it clear that many of the
random vessel. On an even result, generate an gladiators seem well supplied and the treasure is obvious.
enemy ship and resolve a ram attack (see Appendix Provided that the characters specify that they are
1: Naval Combat). On an odd result, contact the
searching for it, they recover it without too much trouble
administrators to resolve a ram attack on a nearby
or spending any significant amount of time.
allied vessel.
5 Arrow Volley! Make a ranged attack against each

character on deck: +4 to hit, 5 (1d8+1) piercing
Any character who delivers a critical hit or killing blow on
damage.
an enemy can attempt an immediate DC 12 Charisma
6-9 Enemy Ship! Generate an enemy vessel and resolve (Performance) check to win the backing of the crowd.
a ship-to-ship combat (see Appendix 1: Naval Characters who succeed on this check gain inspiration.
Combat). Any characters allied with the Harpers also gain a new
Note: If the group has characters allied with the faction assignment (see below).
Emerald Enclave, Arias Goldthorn is present on the If a character consistently displays a lack of
first ship that they encounter. The First Lord has showmanship or cowardice, this check is made with
cruelly lashed him to the ship's prow. The disadvantage.
characters are able to recognize Arias based on the
description given by their faction. Tell the players
that Arias will die if the enemy ship performs a As the crowds cheer for the underdogs, soldiers yank the
successful ram attack to heighten the tension, but
celebrants from their seats and beat them. Other citizens
do not have the enemy ship ram the characters if
seated nearby cry out in complaint.
the envoy is lashed to the prow unless the
Turn the Tide. Seeding dissent against the Red
characters make no effort to protect the envoy.
Plumes can help the Harpers eventually overthrow
10 Panicking Slaves! The captain must succeed on a tyranny in Hillsfar. To achieve the genesis of a lasting
DC 15 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check dissent, a Harper character must gain three points of
to calm the crew. On a failure, the helmsman has inspiration through their actions in the arena. Inspiration
disadvantage on all shipboard checks until the earned from victories also counts toward this total.
players win their next victory.
11-12 Aid Your Allies! The gunner spots a good

opportunity to aid an allied group. If taken, speak to The Phlan raft defends itself with deadly fire and is
the administrators to resolve a ballista attack (see surrounded by dark oily water.
"Assistance between Tables", below). The gunner
scores an automatic critical hit.
The flag of Phlan hangs above a ramshackle fort. Unstable Keep. The keep is 20 feet high.
gantries cling to a central tower, where greasy smoke rises from Gantries. The gantries are wide enough for only one
a dozen firepots. The water around the Phlan fort is unnaturally character at a time. If a character falls prone on a gantry,
murky, like the polluted waters of the Stojanow River. Gladiators
they must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or
tumble to the floor below taking falling damage.
in piecemeal armor defend the tower's base, commanded by a
Firepot. As an action, a character can hurl a firepot at a
gladiator carrying a spiked shield. On the roof, a line of archers
point up to 30 feet away. Each creature within 10 feet of
rain arrows on all who come near.
an exploding firepot must make a DC 10 Dexterity saving
If the players approach the raft, Dargol-Rend uses the throw, taking 4 (1d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half
as much damage on a successful one. The archers use the
sending stone to contact the Group Leader. Read the
following aloud: firepots to defend the keep from attack.
Murky Water. Tanks under the keep are slowly
You spot an allied vessel closing on the fort. Dargol-Rend's pumping oil into the water around the raft, simulating the
voice echoes through the sending stone. famous pollution of the Stojanow River. The murky water
"Those archers are tearing us to pieces! We need one group to grants concealment from those not in it, but is flammable.
hit the gladiators head-on, while another sneaks around to take Anyone in the water when it contacts fire, such as from an
out the archers! What's it to be?" exploding firepot, must make a DC 10 Dexterity saving
throw to duck under the water, taking 4 (1d8) fire damage
If the players choose the stealthy approach, the other ship on a failed save, or no damage on a successful one. A 20-
attacks head-on. This distracts the archers, giving the ft. radius area burns for 1d4 rounds and does 4 (1d8) fire
players a chance to slip through the smoke and board damage to anyone who passes through the fire. On the
from the rear. If the players choose a frontal assault, the bright side, it heats up the water and removes the threat
other ship takes the stealthy approach. of exhaustion from the icy water.
Map 1-1: Phlan shows the layout of this raft. Adjusting the Encounter
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
 A gladiator champion (Fayd Uldrane) and four glad- These are not cumulative:
iator recruits defend the lower deck.  Very Weak Party: Remove two gladiator archers, and all of
 Four gladiator archers defend the roof. the gladiator recruits.
 Weak Party: Remove a gladiator archer, and two gladiator
Roll initiative when the characters disembark. If they recruits.
attack head-on, the archers unleash a volley of arrows  Strong Party: Add a gladiator archer, and two gladiator
in the first round. The crew of the other vessel then recruits.
ambushes the archers.  Very Strong Party: Add three gladiator archers, and four
gladiator recruits.
Characters approaching from the rear must succeed
on a group DC 10 Dexterity (Stealth) check to sneak
onboard the raft. Climbing the tower without the The gladiator champion carries the following treasure: a
archers noticing requires a group DC 10 Dexterity pair of silver knuckledusters engraved like a bull's head
(Acrobatics or Athletics) check. If successful, the and inlaid with semi-precious gems (100gp). If the group
archers are surprised. takes on the archers, this treasure is spread between the
If the players defeat their section of gladiators, their archers instead. These knuckledusters may be kept or
allies mop up any enemies left on the raft. The players sold at the end of the adventure.
can now claim the victory flag.
Roleplaying Fayd Uldrane

Fayd carries a shield with rusty nails driven through it. Forged in Choking fumes surround this raft, mimicking the factories
Mulmaster's fighting pits, this one-time gang enforcer is known of Melvaunt.
for his dirty tricks.
Quote: "Gonna gut you like a pig, boy."
Black smoke belches from a giant forge, wreathing this raft in an
oily cloud. Warriors in plate armor clank between ironclad
The raft has the following features.
towers, attended by a hulking man dressed in a sooty apron. animated armors or the champion himself.
Above, the flag of Melvaunt flutters from a post.
Roleplaying "The Blacksmith"
This bald, sweaty man has burns on his face and arms, and is
If the players approach the raft, Dargol-Rend uses the
dressed in a sooty apron. The hulking man loves to entertain the
sending stone to contact the Group Leader. Read the crowd by hurling his victims into the furnace alive.
following aloud: Quote: "Who wants to see this one BURN?"
Dargol-Rend speaks through the sending stone.

"Careful! Those warriors aren't human; they're metal and The raft has the following features.
magic. If you're going to take that platform, you may want to
Smoke. The smoke makes it difficult to target creatures
approach with caution and find out how they're controlled."
within it. Creatures within the areas of smoke have light
concealment against ranged attacks made from creatures
Map 1-2: Melvaunt shows the layout of this raft. outside of the smoke.
Towers. Each tower is 20 feet high. Creatures inside
 A gladiator champion (The Blacksmith) defends the towers have three-quarters cover from ranged attacks.
the forge. Gantries. The gantries are 10 feet high, rising just
 Six animated armors defend the lower deck. The gladia- above the level of the smoke. Each gantry is wide enough
tor champion has assigned two suits of animated armor to
for only one character at a time. If a character falls prone
each of the towers.
on a gantry, they must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity
If the pilot succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence check, the saving throw or tumble to the floor below taking falling
player's ship can slip through the smoke to land out of damage.
sight. On a failed check, the gladiator champion orders Furnace. The furnace is an 8 feet tall, egg-shaped iron
his animated armor against the intruders. bowl filled with burning coals. If a character falls into the
furnace, they take 5 (1d10) fire damage on entry, and
again at the start of every turn they remain inside.
Each suit of animated armor obeys a single command
(e.g. "Defend the south tower"). The suits are incapable of
Adjusting the Encounter
obeying complex orders, so cannot be set to patrol or Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
hunt. If a suit of animated armor takes damage, it moves These are not cumulative:
to destroy its attacker. By default, each suit has orders to  Very Weak Party: Remove three animated armors
attack anyone who enters its tower.  Weak Party: Remove one animated armor
 Strong Party: Add one animated armor
In order to issue a command, the champion must, as an  Very Strong Party: Add two animated armors
action insert a key into the back plate of an animated
armor within 5 feet, and then speaking his order aloud.
From a distance this can be spotted through the smoke The gladiator champion carries the following treasure: a
with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check. silver bracer engraved with coiling serpents (20gp), a gold
Once on the raft, it is obvious. The animated armor whistle (10gp), and a warhammer with a pair of obsidians
chants the command aloud in a hollow, metallic voice set into the hilt (70gp). He also carries the key needed to
until it has completed the action so ordered. During command the suits of animated armor.
combat, the champion orders as many suits of animated
armor after the players as possible. If he musters enough,
they present a deadly threat.
Just like ancient Thentia, magic protects this raft.
Any character that sees the champion issue a command
can make a DC 10 Intelligence (Arcana) check. On a The flag of Thentia flies from the battlements of a high wooden
success, they realize that the key used on the animated tower. At the tower's base, a female gladiator in bone armor sits
armor's back plate is mechanical, not magic. If someone astride a giant scorpion.
grapples an animated armor, a character with thieves'
tools may use an action to pick on a successful DC 10 If the players approach the raft, Dargol-Rend uses the
Dexterity check. The animated armor then obeys any sending stone to contact the Group Leader. Read the
command given--including orders to attack other following aloud:
You hear Dargol-Rend speak through the sending stone. the crowd gasps with excitement.
"That gladiatrix may not be the only thing defending that tower.
Be wary! Thentia has always been a place of magic." To dismiss the fire, the players must use the silver
sword as a key to open one of the chests.
Ring of Fire. The green flames radiate no heat, but deal

Map 1-3: Thentia shows the raft's layout.
7 (2d6) fire damage to any creature that passes through
 The gladiator champion (Dragomira Var) and her gi- them. A character passing through the flames may
ant scorpion mount attack anyone who dares take the attempt a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw, taking only half
tower. damage if successful.
If the pilot succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence check, the Silver Sword. If a character examines the sword, they
player's ship can slip through the smoke to land out of find the words "Beirmoura" inscribed on the blade. If they
sight. On a failed check, the gladiator champion spots succeed on a DC 12 Intelligence (History) check, they
the ship approaching. recall this as the legendary "Bright Sword" of Thentia.
If the characters stay at range and attack the raft from Forged to slay wizards, it once haunted the city's crypts.
afar, the crowd boos and hisses; disappointed in the This weapon is clearly an ornamental replica.
characters's lack of showmanship. Any character with Treasure Chests. Each chest bears a long, rectangular
inspiration loses it. Future checks made by the characters keyhole engraved with a different symbol: a warrior on
to win the crowd are made with disadvantage until the left, and a wizard on the right. To dismiss the ring of
another victory after this raft is achieved. fire, a character must use the silver sword as a key on the
wizard's chest. If they try the sword on the warrior's
Roleplaying Dragomira Var chest, the chest explodes . The explosion deals 11 (2d10)
Dragomira wears an elaborate suit of armor crafted from her fire damage to all creatures within 10 feet, or half damage
victims' bones. She's almost feral, with a particular loathing for
if they succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw. A
dwarves. Her scorpion mount, Hook, is her beloved pet.
Quote: "Get closer, Hook! I want to hit them with my sword!" character with thieves' tools can pick the locks on a
successful DC 15 Dexterity check. Unlocking the wizard's
chest, dismisses the ring of fire and disarms the trap.
The raft has the following features.
Tower. The tower is 30 feet high. A ladder fixed to the

The wizard's chest contains 2 potions of healing, a silver
wall provides access to the roof.
pendant set with three moonstones (60gp), and a pair of
Weak Floors. Some sections of the raft have sustained
bracelets set with bloodstones (20gp each). The warrior's
damage, loosening the timbers. Creatures that move onto
chest is empty.
a weak floor must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving
throw, or plunge into the water below. Remember to
check for exhaustion due to the cold water.
A helmed horror punishes characters that use arcane
Adjusting the Encounter magic on this raft.
These are not cumulative: The flag of Mulmaster flies above a fortress built from rusted
 Very Weak Party: Remove the giant scorpion, her mount is metal plates. Armored gladiators guard the lower deck,
solely a statue included for show
accompanied by a muscular man in leather robes with the black
 Weak Party: The giant scorpion has half hit points
 Strong Party: Add three gladiator recruits fist of Bane painted on them. Near the top of the fortress, a
 Very Strong Party: Add five gladiator recruits metal cage imprisons a glowing suit of armor.
If the players approach the raft, Dargol-Rend uses the

When the players ascend the tower, read the following
sending stone to contact the Group Leader. Read the
aloud:
following aloud:
The flag flutters just ahead. A pair of treasure chests rests before
You hear Dargol-Rend speak through the sending stone.
it, with a silver sword driven into the wood between them. As
"That's a helmed horror inside that cage! Be careful! If that
you watch, a ring of green flame bursts up around the flag, and
brute gets loose, you're in real trouble!"
to the cage to attempt this second check.
Map 1-4: Mulmaster shows the raft's layout.
 A gladiator fanatic (Urek Coldwater) and four glad- The gladiator fanatic carries the following treasures: an
iator recruits defend the lower deck. The gladia- ebony pendant shaped as a clawed hand (40gp), and a
tors protect the fanatic while he casts spells. ring set with a malachite skull (60gp).
 A helmed horror waits in the cage. While imprisoned, it
is incapacitated.
The gladiators attack anyone who assaults their raft. If
Undead minions guard the trebuchet on this raft.
the pilot succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence check, the
player's ship can slip through the smoke to land out of The black flag of Zhentil Keep flies over a mighty trebuchet. The
sight. On a failed check, the gladiators spot the ship
trebuchet sits on a pile of bones, with burning braziers and
approaching.
wooden shields surrounding it. A team of gladiators works the
firing mechanism.
Roleplaying Urek Coldwater
Coldwater is a soldier of Mulmaster and a devotee of Bane.
Though he's seen many battles, he fights on this day to repay a If the players approach the raft, Dargol-Rend uses the
long-standing debt. sending stone to contact the Group Leader. Read the
Quote: "The Black Hand guides my blade!" following aloud:
A skeletal minotaur emerges from the smoke, wielding an axe

The raft has the following features. the size of a field plough. Dargol-Rend's voice barks through the
Fort. The fort is 20 feet high. sending stone.
Cage. The cage bears the symbol of Mulmaster's arcane "By the broken blade! It's Tonorok! He was champion back in
order, the Brotherhood of the Cloak. A powerful magic the day. Watch his charge - it could bring down an elephant!"
lock secures the cage door (see Helmed Horror, below).
Gantries. The gantries are only wide enough for one
Map 1-5: Zhentil Keep shows the layout of this raft.
character at a time. If a character falls prone on a gantry,
they must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or  Four gladiator recruits operate the trebuchet.
tumble to the floor below. They only join the battle if the characters attack
them.
Adjusting the Encounter  A minotaur skeleton (Tonorok) patrols the deck. It
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter. attacks anyone who moves close.
These are not cumulative:
 Very Weak Party: Remove two gladiator recruits  Five skeletons hide under the bones. When a character
 Weak Party: Remove one gladiator recruit steps on the bones, the skeletons rise up to attack.
 Strong Party: Add three gladiator recruits The trebuchet targets the player's vessel as they
 Very Strong Party: Add 5 five gladiator recruits approach. If the pilot succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence
check, the attack misses. If not, a boulder slams into the
ship, dealing 44 (8d10) bludgeoning damage.
If a character uses arcane magic on the raft, an
enchantment on the cage releases the helmed horror.
This includes spells cast by arcane tricksters, bards,
eldritch knights, sorcerers, warlocks and wizards. These are not cumulative:
Spells cast from scrolls or racial abilities do not count.  Very Weak Party: Remove the skeletons
Once released, the helmed horror attacks the  Weak Party: Remove two gladiator recruits and one skeleton
characters. When faced with a choice between obvious  Strong Party: Add two skeletons
 Very Strong Party: Add four skeletons
and otherwise equal targets, it chooses the arcane
caster.
Within 30 feet of the cage, characters that can cast This raft has the following features.
arcane spells can identify the aura on a successful DC Bones. The bones count as difficult terrain to move
10 Intelligence (Arcana) check. If so, they can disable it through. If a character checks the bones, they spot the
by repeating the same check. They must move adjacent hidden skeletons on a successful DC 15 Wisdom
(Perception) check.
Braziers. If forced into a brazier, a creature takes 5
(1d10) fire damage and scatters the coals, destroying the
brazier.
Trebuchet. The trebuchet cannot target enemies on the
platform. Instead, the crew concentrates on bombarding
other ships. See "Capturing the Trebuchet" below for
more details.
Mantlets. A creature sheltering behind a mantlet gains
three-quarters cover against ranged attacks.
Roleplaying Tonorok
Tonorok is all bone and no brain. When it charges, it lowers its
skull and thunders forward in a blind rage. On a miss, it smashes
into a mantlet or brazier. Characters can exploit this to force
Tonorok into the water, or even trick it into smashing the
trebuchet!
Players who capture the trebuchet can turn it against

enemy ships. If they choose to aid other players,
contact the administrators to resolve an attack. After
one shot, an enemy ship arrives to recapture the
trebuchet. If needed, characters can sabotage the
trebuchet by severing its sling or counterweight.
Trebuchet
Huge object
Armor Class: 15
Hit Points: 150
Damage Immunities: poison, psychic
A trebuchet is a powerful catapult that throws its payload
in a high arc, so it can hit targets behind cover. Before the
trebuchet can be fired, it must be loaded and aimed. It
takes two actions to load the weapon, two actions to aim
it, and one action to fire it.
Trebuchet Stone. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,

range 300/1,200 ft. (can’t hit targets within 60 feet of it),
one target. Hit: 44 (8d10) bludgeoning damage.
The gladiators carry the following treasure between them:

a gold bracer with an engraving of a trebuchet (40gp), a
silver headband (20gp), and a belt with a marble buckle
shaped like a charging bull (40gp).
The water runs red with blood. All around, ships sink under the
surface, drowning the screams of the adventurers onboard.
End any ongoing encounters as soon as the final part is Gladiators cheer from the floating forts, and the crowd roars for
announced. Allied ships rush to the characters' aid, and
murder.
arrows cut down their enemies.
In the royal box, the Master of Ceremonies disappears smiling
into the shadows. As he leaves, the enemy flagship lurches
forward. It smashes into your own, pinning it against the arena
wall. Dargol-Rend steadies himself and hefts his hammer.
Expected duration: 10 minutes. "Pray that our allies succeed in their quest, for we have failed in
When time is called, read the following aloud: ours. Die well, friends."
Horns bellow from the enemy flagship. Knowing that the end is
near, the crowd goes wild. Dargol-Rend's voice barks from the
Expected duration: 50 minutes.
sending stone.
The final battle takes place on the bridge of one of the
"Make haste! We need you back here, now!" flagships. Map 1-6: Final Battle shows the layout of the
ship. Read the following aloud when combat begins.
Ask the Group Leader to deliver the Ship Record Sheet
to the administrators if they have not already done so. The arena wall has mangled the flagship's deck. Masts have
There follows a 10 minute break while the administrators fallen over the oarsmen's benches, and fires are spreading from
count victories. Use this time to grant the characters (and upturned braziers. Water burbles up from below and gladiators
their players) the benefit of a short rest. The characters wage bloody warfare against your allies.
return to the flagship and meet Dargol-Rend on deck.
When the administrators are ready, they'll raise a flag to
announce whether the adventure track was a success or a The characters take positions in the start zone, with the
failure. following enemies arrayed before them.
If the administrators raise a white flag, read: If the administrators raised the white flag:
Scores of gladiators float dead in the water. All over the arena,  Four gladiator recruits are on the main deck
your fellow adventurers wave and cheer from the floating forts.  Gheriot is on the aft deck. He wields a javelin of
The Master of Ceremonies rises to address the baying crowd.
lightning. Read the following aloud.
"Silence! This is not how the day was won! The Red Tide fell, Roaring with rage, Gheriot tears off his own skin. Tattered,
and the -" leathery wings sprout from his back, and tusks emerge from his
With a roar, Dargol-Rend waves the flagship forward. The drooling lips. He hurls himself at you.
oarsmen drive it into the enemy flagship, ramming it against the
arena wall. The shockwave collapses the royal box above, If the administrators raised the black flag:
spilling dozens of nobles into the water!  A gladiator champion is on the aft deck. The
Looking up, you see a regal figure clinging to the wreckage, champion wields a javelin of lightning.
with the Master of Ceremonies hanging from one of his legs!  Four gladiator defenders are on the main deck
The First Lord kicks his burden free before retreating under  At the start of each round, 1d3 gladiator recruits
cover, and Gheriot crashes onto the deck of the enemy flagship. enter from the reinforcement zone.
Dargol-Rend leaps after him. The battle drags Dargol-Rend away, leaving the
"Follow me! This is our chance to slay the beast!" characters to fight alone. The characters must kill Gheriot
if he is present, or fight a valiant last stand if he's not.
If the administrators raise a black flag, read:
Roleplaying Gheriot
Gross in all his forms, Gheriot specializes in corruption through
greed, sloth and gluttony. His victims are patricians and rulers,
who he delights in bankrupting before destroying. His true form
is hairy and hog-like, full of rage.
Quote: "Graz'zt calls for blood! If my gladiators can't slake his
thirst, then I will!"
The sinking ship has the following features: If your table is moving extremely fast, and there is more
than twenty minutes still left in the round when they clear
Flooded section: Water swirls up through cracks in the
or are just about to clear the field of enemies, 3 gladiator
deck, creating difficult terrain.
recruits enter from the reinforcement zone.
Fallen masts: Masts have collapsed over the deck,
creating lines of half cover. Climbing over a fallen mast
requires a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or The party is victorious if they slay Gheriot. If Gheriot is
Strength (Athletics) check. Lifting a mast requires a not present, they must defeat the gladiator champion
successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check. instead. If they win, read the following aloud:
Fire: Sections of the deck are ablaze from fallen
braziers. Creatures take 5 (1d10) fire damage if they enter Screeches echo from above. Looking up, you see a flight of
the flames or start their turn inside them. griffons swoop into the arena. The archers on the walls hesitate,
Battle: Dozens of combatants fight across the main unsure how to respond to the monsters' sudden arrival. Dargol-
deck. Describe these battles, but keep them in the Rend shouts with triumph.
background. "The Emerald Enclave sends its friends to rescue us! Quick!
Mount up. Our work here is done, and the Red Plumes thirst for
our blood!"
Characters that belong to the Lords' Alliance gain an
You clamber onto the griffons' backs. All around you, more of
extra goal in this battle. When combat begins, one of the
the majestic beasts swoop down to pluck slaves from the water.
characters spots a young noble lying unconscious in the
Then, with a mighty beat of their wings, they launch you
rising pool of water. He's fallen from the royal box, but
skyward!
wears a cloak pin with a gold crown upon a red
background identifying him as a member of the Lords'
The characters have escaped Hillsfar alive. For that
Alliance.
alone, they deserve congratulations!
Rescue the Noble. The Lords' Alliance want this
fledgling kept alive. He's unconscious, and makes a death
saving throw at the end of each round. If he remains in Gheriot carries a pearl of power. In addition, the players
the water, he has disadvantage on the death saving throw. can loot the following treasures from his body: a platinum
ring shaped like a coiled human tongue (200gp), a
medallion set with a topaz eye (500gp), and a pouch
containing 300gp. If Gheriot escaped, this treasure is not
Characters that belong to the Order of the Gauntlet also
available.
gain an extra goal. When combat begins, Dargol-Rend
points to the galley slaves trapped under the fallen masts.
If action isn't taken to free them, the spreading fire burns
them to ashes. When time is called, the administrators announce
Free the Slaves. The galley slaves have no place in this whether the strike team defeated Vheloch and foiled the
war. If the players can lift the mast off them, it pleases Crimson Trinity's ritual. If they won, congratulate your
Dargol-Rend. At the end of each round, roll a 1d10 to group for averting disaster in the Forgotten Realms. If
check if the fires spread toward to the slaves. On an odd they failed, Graz'zt devours the souls of all who died in
result, the flames move that many feet closer. the arena!

 Very Weak Party: Remove the gladiator recruits (both flags)
and two gladiator defenders (black flag only).
 Weak Party: Remove 2 gladiator recruits (white flag) and 1
gladiator defender (black flag only).
 Strong Party: Add 2 gladiator defenders (both flags).
 Very Strong Party: Add 3 gladiator defenders (both flags).
Treasure Awards
Item Name GP value
Make sure the players note their rewards on their Gladiator loot (any raft) 100
adventure log sheets. Give your name and DCI number (if Gladiator loot (enemy vessel) 100
applicable) so players can record who ran the session. Gheriot’s loot 1000
Potion, common
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated foes, A description of potions can be found in the basic rules or
and divide by the number of characters present in the the Dungeon Master's Guide.
combat. For non-combat experience , the rewards are
listed per character. Give all characters in the party non-
combat experience awards unless otherwise noted. Weapon (javelin), uncommon
This javelin appears to be more a rod of featureless iron
Combat Awards than anything else. Closer examination, however, reveals
Name of Foe XP per Foe that the rod has been stamped in the precise center with
Animated Armor 200 the holy symbol of Talos. A description of this item can be
Gheriot (Incubus) 1,100 found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Giant Scorpion 700
Gladiator Archer 100
Gladiator Champion 450 Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires attunement by a
Gladiator Defender 100 spellcaster)
Gladiator Fanatic 450
This small, black pearl is flecked with gold and set on a
Gladiator Recruit 25
heavy chain of interlinked, stone rings. The wearer of this
Helmed Horror 1,100
item soon learns that it functions only if fresh blood from
Skeleton Minotaur 450
a humanoid has been applied to it within the past 24
Skeleton 50
hours. It needs only a drop to activate. A description of
Non-Combat Awards this item can be found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Task or Accomplishment XP per character
Solve treasure chest puzzle 100 Permanent Magic Item Distribution
D&D Adventurers League has a system in place to determine
The minimum total award for each character who is awarded permanent magic items at the end of a session.
participating in this adventure is 900 experience points. Each character's log sheet contains a column to record
The maximum total award for each character permanent magic items for ease of reference.
participating in this adventure is 1500 experience points.  If the players at the table agree on one character taking
possession of a permanent magic item, that character gets
the item.
 In the event that one or more characters indicate an interest
in possessing a permanent magic item, the character that
The characters receive the following treasure, divided up possesses the fewest permanent magic items gets the item.
among the party. Characters should attempt to divide If there is a tie in the total number of permanent magic
treasure evenly whenever possible. Gold piece values items owned by contesting characters, the item's owner is
listed for sellable gear are calculated at their selling price, determined randomly by the DM.
not their purchase price.
Consumable magic items should be divided up
however the group sees fit. If more than one character is
interested in a specific consumable magic item, the DM
can determine who gets it randomly should the group be
unable to decide.
Permanent magic items are divided according to a
system. See the sidebar if the adventure awards
permanent magic items.
All faction members earn one renown point for
participating in this adventure.
Emerald Enclave members earn one renown point for
rescuing Arias Goldthorn and ensuring he survives the
arena.
Zhentarim members earn one renown point for
shaming but not killing the gladiator spy. Use your
discretion to decide whether the spy was appropriately
shamed!
Harpers members earn one renown point for gaining 3
points of inspiration in the arena.
Lords Alliance members earn one renown point for
rescuing the fallen noble and ensuring he survives the
arena.
Order of the Gauntlet members earn one renown point
for rescuing the galley slaves from the fire.
Each character receives ten downtime days at the

conclusion of this adventure.
You receive 200 XP, 100 gp and ten downtime days for
running this session.
 Very Weak Party: Do not roll on column 1
 Weak Party: Do not roll on column 1, roll twice on column 2
Enemy ships share the same statistics as the player's  Strong Party: Add a gladiator defender
vessel. Use the following table to quickly generate enemy  Very Strong Party: Add two gladiator defenders
ships during play. Roll once on each column.
Enemy Ships One gladiator operates the deck-mounted ballista.

When the gladiator fires, it targets the player's ship,
1d6 First Name Last Name HP Ballista not the characters on deck.
Bolts
1 Iron Dawn 100 5

On each ship, the gladiators carry 50gp in treasure.
2 Bloody Fury 100 3
3 Lords' Fortress 50 2
When combat between ships ensues, the captain rolls
4 Divine Revenge 50 1
initiative against the enemy ship. For all enemy checks,
5 Black Justice 50 0 use the stats of the toughest gladiator onboard. Each ship
then takes one action on its turn, as chosen by the
6 Royal Dragon 25 0
captain .
Ships may start with fewer hit points than normal: this Broadside. The helmsman makes an opposed
represents damage from previous combats in the arena. If Intelligence check to maneuver into position. On a
the players encounter an enemy ship on their first success, the gunner makes an attack with the deck-
encounter, it has full hit points and at least one ballista mounted ballista.
bolt (reroll results that give a zero). Board. The helmsman makes an opposed Intelligence
check to move alongside the enemy. On a success, roll
initiative for all characters and stage a combat.
Once you've noted the ship's hit points, roll on the Ram. The helmsman makes an opposed Intelligence
following table to generate the gladiators onboard. Roll check to ram the enemy. On a success, deal 44 (8d10)
once on each column. piercing damage to the enemy ship and 22 (4d10)
bludgeoning damage to the attacking ship. If the target is
Enemy Gladiators still afloat, the helmsman can attempt a boarding action
for free.
1d6 Gladiator I Gladiator II
Escape. The captain makes an opposed Charisma
1-3 Gladiator Champion Two Gladiator Archers (Intimidation or Persuasion) check to marshal the
oarsmen. On a success, the player's ship escapes combat.
4-5 Four Gladiator Defenders Two Gladiator Defenders
6 Eight Gladiator Recruits Six Gladiator Recruits

If characters wish to take other actions during naval
combat, they can do so after their ship has resolved its
If the ship has already taken damage, lower the hit
action. These might include spells, ranged attacks against
points of the gladiators appropriately. For example, if
enemies, or anything else the players might think of.
the ship starts with 50 hit points, halve the hit points of
the gladiators onboard.
Actions
Claw (Fiend Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
Charm. One humanoid the fiend can see within 30 feet of it must
succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be magically
charmed for 1 day. The charmed creature obeys the fiend's verbal
or telepathic commands. If the target suffers any harm or receives
Medium construct, unaligned a suicidal command, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the
Armor Class 18 (natural armor) effect on a success. If the target successfully saves against the
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6) effect, or if the effect on the target ends, the target is immune to
Speed 30 ft. this fiend's Charm for the next 24 hours.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
The fiend can only have one target charmed at a time. If it
14 (+2) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 1 (-5) 3 (-4) 1 (-5)
charms another, the effect on the previous target ends.
Damage Immunities poison, psychic
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, Draining Kiss. The fiend kisses a creature charmed by it or a
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned willing creature. The target must make a DC 15 Constitution
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 6 saving throw against this magic, taking 32 (5d10 + 5) psychic
Languages - damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
Challenge 1 (200 XP) one. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
Antimagic Susceptibility. The armor is incapacitated while in equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target
the area of an antimagic field. If targeted by a dispel magic, the finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit
armor must succeed on a Constitution saving throw against the point maximum to 0.
caster's spell save DC or fall unconscious for 1 minute.
Etherealness. The fiend magically enters the Ethereal Plane from
False Appearance. While the armor remains motionless, it is the Material Plane, or vice versa.
indistinguishable from a normal suit of armor.
Actions
Multiattack. The armor makes two melee attacks. Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Slam Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Hit Points 52 (7d10 + 14)
5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage. Speed 40 ft.
15 (+2) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 1 (-5) 9 (-1) 3 (-4)
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 6
Languages -
Medium fiend (shapechanger), neutral evil
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.
Actions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Multiattack. The scorpion makes three attacks: two with its claws
8 (-1) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) and one with its sting.
Skills Deception +9, Insight +5, Perception +5, Persuasion +9. Stealth +7
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, poison, bludgeoning, piercing,
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
and slashing from nonmagical weapons. 6 (1d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grabbed
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15 (escape DC 12). The scorpion has two claws, each of which can
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal, telepathy 60 ft. grapple one target.
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
Telepathic Bond. The fiend ignores the range restriction on 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 12
its telepathy when communicating with a creature it has Constitution saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) poison damage on a
charmed. The two don't even need to be on the same plane of failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
existence.
Shapechanger. The fiend can use its action to polymorph into

a Small or Medium humanoid, or back into its true form.
Without wings, the fiend loses its flying speed. Other than its
size and speed, its statistics are the same in each form. Any
equipment it is wearing or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to
its true form if it dies.
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 13 (leather armor) Armor Class 11 (leather)
Hit Points 16 (3d8 + 3) Hit Points 32 (5d8 + 10)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) 15 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 11 (+0)
Skills Nature +4, Perception +5, Stealth +6, Survival +5 Skills Intimidation +2
Senses passive Perception 10 Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common Languages Common
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Keen Hearing and Sight. The scout has advantage on Wisdom Pack Tactics. The thug has advantage on an attack roll against a
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight. creature if at least one of the thug's allies is within 5 feet of the
creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Actions
Actions
Multiattack. The scout makes two melee attacks or two ranged
attacks. Multiattack. The thug makes two melee attacks.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage. 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
Longbow Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one Heavy Crossbow Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, range 100/400
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing damage.
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 15 (studded leather) Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
15 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +5, Wis +2 Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Skills Athletics +4, Deception +4 Senses passive Perception 10
Senses passive Perception 10 Languages Common
Languages Common, Elvish Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Dark Devotion. The fanatic has advantage on saving throws
against being charmed or frightened.
Actions
Spellcasting. The fanatic is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting
Multiattack. The captain makes three melee attacks: two with its ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit with spell attacks).
scimitar and one with its dagger. Or the captain makes two The fanatic has the following cleric spells prepared:
ranged attacks with its daggers.
Cantrips (at-will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. 1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage. 2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.
Actions
Multiattack. The fanatic makes two melee attacks.
Reactions Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
Parry. The captain adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
would hit it. To do so, the captain must see the attacker and be
wielding a melee weapon.
Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning
Damage Immunities poison
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned
Armor Class 12 (leather armor) Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2) Languages understands Common but can't speak
Speed 30 ft. Challenge 2 (450 XP)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Charge: If the skeleton moves at least 10 feet straight toward a
11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) target and then hits with a gore attack on the same turn, the
Senses passive Perception 10 target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage. If the target is a
Languages Common creature, it must succeed at a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP) pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.
Actions Actions
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Great Axe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) slashing damage. Hit: 17 (2d12 + 4) slashing damage
Light Crossbow Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320 ft., Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage. 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Medium humanoid (human), neutral Medium undead, lawful evil

Armor Class 20 (plate, shield) Armor Class 13 (armor scraps)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
18 (+4) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 6 (-2) 8 (-1) 5 (-3)
Skills Perception +4 Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing and slashing from Damage Immunities poison
nonmagical weapons that aren't adamantine Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned
Damage Immunities force, necrotic, poison Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 9
Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, Languages understands Common but can't speak
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 14
Languages understands Common but can't speak. Actions
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Magic Resistance. The helmed horror has advantage on Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one
Spell Immunity. The helmed horror is immune to three spells target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
chosen by its creator. In this case they are firebolt, heat metal,
and lightning bolt
Actions
Multiattack. The helmed horror makes two longsword attacks.
Longsword Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage or 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing
damage if used with two hands.
Large undead, lawful evil

Speed 40 ft.
18 (+4) 11 (+0) 15 (+2) 6 (-2) 8 (-1) 5 (-3)
Battle Chaplain Dargol Rend (DARR-gole). Male half-
orc. Senior clergy member of the Church of Tempus
within Hillsfar. Famous for his exploits in the Arena, he
also opposes the newly-reinstated Great Law of
Humanity; a law that runs contrary to the teachings of the
Lord of Battle. His presence in Hillsfar is so far
grudgingly allowed primarily because the Red Plumes are
too scared to try and remove him by force.
Solom Ned'razak (SOLE-um NED-rizz-ack). Male drow
archwizard and the deposed ruler of Szith Morcane. Now
resides in Sporedome with a number of other drow
refugees. Has been given the assistance of the factions in
reclaiming his home in exchange for his aid in ridding
Maerimydra of the fire giants.
Kaele Icaryd (KALE ih-CAR-eed). Drow female refugee
of Szith Morcane. Working with the Faction leaders to
formulate a plan to reclaim Szith Morcane and, in time,
Maerimydra.
Fayd Uldrane (FADE OOL-drain). Male human
gladiator. Zhentarim spy.
The Blacksmith. Male human gladiator. Zhentarim spy.
Dragomira Var (DRAY-go-meer-uh VARR). Female
human gladiator. Zhentarim spy.
Urek Coldwater (YUR-ek). Male human gladiator. Cleric
of Bane. Zhentarim spy.
Arias Goldthorn (ARE-ee-uss). Male elf representative of
the Emerald Enclave. Thrown into the Arena at the
behest of First Lord Torin Nomerthal.
Tonorok (TONE-oh-roke). Skeletal minotaur. Undead
former champion of the Arena.
Vheloch (VEH-lock), Gheriot (GEH-ree-ut), and
Oromoth (ORE-uh-moth). Incubi comprising the
Crimson Trinity, a trio of fiends in the service of Graz’zt.
Special events within the adventure determine when
the drow guide makes their move. See "Part 3: Under
the Fane" for more details.
This adventure track is for 5th through 10th-level
characters, but is optimized for 8th level characters.
Each table must seat characters of this tier. Characters that belong to the Lords' Alliance gain an
extra goal in this battle.
Protect Kaele Icaryd. The Lords' Alliance want Icaryd
kept alive to ensure peaceful relations with the drow. She
Expected duration: 10 minutes
must survive.
Read the following aloud when the characters have
chosen a Group Leader:
Kaele Icaryd calls your company forward. Behind her, a group of

drow emerges from the shadows.
"My people know the outpost's secrets, and can show you
where to tread. Move fast, and show no mercy."
She assigns one drow guide to each group. They read aloud
from scrolls, and you find yourself standing in a dark cavern. A
chasm yawns before you, draped in giant spider webs. Kaele
steps to the edge says something in a hissing, whispered
tongue. Moments later, dozens of sleek, ray-like creatures glide
down from above and perch on the lip. Your guide gestures
towards them.
"The cloakers will carry us into the Fane of Lloth. Mount up,
and follow my mark. It's almost time."
Introduce the drow guide to the group. When you're

done, continue on to the next part.
The guide is a drow elite warrior . Each guide has a

hidden agenda that jeopardizes the mission. To
determine the hidden agenda, roll on the table below.
Drow Guide Agenda

1d3 Hidden Agenda
1 Usurper. The guide is plotting to murder Kaele Icaryd

for reasons of vengeance or jealousy.
2 Traitor. The guide is a secret servant of the Crimson

Trinity, and seeks to warn Vheloch of the incoming
attack.
3 Fanatic. The guide hates surface folk. He or she plans

to turn on the group when the moment is right.
Male names: Azak, Bek'rzyn, Mirafel, Pharuel, Grez,

Zellen. Female names: Chilrené, Ivadra, Melthra, Sh'vys,
Sierué, Virilae. Drow surnames: Glaev, Iristyn, Phaelir,
Sinestryn,Vir'ul, Xelath.
40ft. ahead of the characters. On its turn, it attempts
the Dash action to fly at double speed. Due to the many
Expected duration: 30 minutes webs, this requires a successful DC 15 Dexterity
Read the following aloud when the players are ready to (Acrobatics) check. If it fails, it loses its action and only
begin. moves its normal flying speed.
Each cloaker takes its action on the same turn as its
The cloakers dive into the abyss. Silently you glide through the rider. To use its Dash action, the cloaker must succeed
dark, swooping between sticky spider webs and outcrops of on a DC 15 Dexterity check (let the player roll for it).
rock. Here and there, patches of glowing fungus illuminate the Due to the cloaker's knowledge of the chasm, it makes
gloom. this check with advantage. Once the cloaker has moved,
its rider can take an action. The vrock is faster than the
Led by the drow, the strike team soars through the chasm cloakers, so the riders need a bit of luck to catch up!
to invade the Fane of Lloth. If they move fast, they'll avoid
raising the alarm within the outpost. Each character is
mounted on their own cloaker. Each participant rolls on the chase complications table
at the end of its turn. Complications affect the next
participant in the initiative order, not the participant who
rolled. Either participant may spend inspiration to negate
Cloakers are flying predators with cunning intelligence
the result. When making an ability check due to a
and mysterious magic abilities. They prefer isolation, but
complication, a player can use their character's ability
sometimes convene with others of their kind to form
score if it is higher than the cloaker's.
grand conclaves. In return for swift entry into the outpost,
If a character falls from their mount, they land in the
Kaele Icaryd has assured them many sacrifices. While
sticky webs that crisscross the chasm. Their companions
this is not obvious, the cloaker is happy to helpfully
can fly to their rescue - but doing so takes them out of the
remind the character of this debt if they converse with
chase!
them.
A character must use a special harness to ride a
cloaker. The character is not fully strapped in, and risks
The chase ends when the vrock escapes or is killed, or
falling if they move without warning. To attack or cast a
after 30 minutes of play have elapsed. The group then
spell from a cloaker's back, the character must first
arrives at the secret entrance.
succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. If
they fail, the attack is made with disadvantage.
As a mount, a cloaker obeys only the most basic
commands. It allows its rider to steer, but only if it likes When the chase is done, the Group Leader must report
the directions they choose. The cloaker's own safety the group's success or failure to the administrators.
ranks above all other concerns. Characters who abuse Don't wait for the administrators to announce a result
their mount fall victim to its bone-chilling moan attack. before continuing to the next part. If the vrock raises the
alarm, it only affects the final battle.
Take a moment to briefly describe the players' journey

through the chasm. When the time seems right, read the
following aloud:
With a bloodcurdling scream, a dark shape leaps from a rock

ahead. It looks like a cross between a man and a giant vulture,
and it leaves the stench of offal in its wake. Kaele Icaryd's voice
echoes through the sending stone.
"That demon's heading for the outpost! Stop it before it raises
the alarm!"
Roll initiative and begin the chase. The vrock starts
Chase Complications
1d20 Event
1 Stalactites! The creature must succeed on a DC 13

Dexterity saving throw or take 11 (2d10) piercing
damage.
2 Swarm of bats! The creature must succeed on a DC

13 Dexterity saving throw. On a failure, roll again on
this table and resolve another event, but the
creature has disadvantage on any rolls made.
3 Waterfall! The creature must succeed on a DC 15

Dexterity check to steer out of the way. If it fails, it
cannot take an action on its next turn. Characters on
cloakers must succeed on a DC 10 Strength saving
throw or fall from their mount.
4 Spider! A giant spider slings a web at the creature.

Resolve a single web attack (+5 to hit). If it hits, the
creature is restrained in its webs.
5 Wild magic! A patch of potent faerzress imbues the

cliff face ahead. If the creature casts a spell during
its turn, roll once on the Wild Surge table (Players
Handbook, p.104).
6 Maddening whispers! The character must succeed

on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or suffer a bout of
madness. Roll once on the Short-term Madness
table (Dungeon Master's Guide p.259). The madness
lasts until the start of their next turn.
Note: This complication only affects characters.
7 Giant webs! The creature must succeed on a DC 13

Dexterity saving throw or become restrained in the
webs. A restrained creature can use its action to try
to escape, doing so with a successful DC 12
Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.
8 Darkmantle! Concealed in its darkness aura, a

darkmantle dives down from above. Resolve a single
crush attack (Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and
the darkmantle attaches to the target.). If it misses,
the darkmantle disappears into the gloom.
9 Poisonous puffballs! If the creature succeeds on a

DC 15 Intelligence (Nature) check, it recognizes the
threat and can steer away. If it fails, it takes 11
(2d10) poison damage from the spores.
10-12 Clear ahead! The creature can use its Dash action
without having to make a Dexterity check first.
13-20 No complication
Expected duration: 1 hour A labyrinth of caves connects the hidden library to the
When the characters arrive at the secret entrance, read main chasm. To find the library, the characters must
the following aloud. succeed on a DC 15 group ability check using Wisdom
(Perception or Survival), or Intelligence (Investigation or
The cloakers land on a narrow cliff ledge. As you dismount, Nature). On a failure, the character with the lowest check
Kaele Icaryd brushes the webs aside to reveal a hidden door in result stumbles into a hazard. Roll on the following table:
the rock face. She lays her palm on an engraving of a spider, and
the door glides aside to reveal a dark passage. Underdark Hazards
"Somewhere in these caves is the hidden library of Alisannara
1d6 Event
Morcane. Split up. Whoever finds the library first should light a
beacon to guide the others." 1 Yellow mold! The character must succeed on a DC
She hands your group a crimson torchstalk. Accompanied by 13 Constitution saving throw or take 11 (2d10)
your drow guide, you step into the silent gloom. poison damage and become poisoned for 1 minute.
While poisoned in this way, the character takes 5
(1d10) poison damage at the start of each of its
turns. The creature can repeat the saving throw at
The drow founded Szith Morcane as a staging post for the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on
raids into Daggerdale. With the fall of Maerimydra, the itself on a successful save.
outpost lost interest in the surface world and became
2 Violet Fungus! A violet fungus attacks the character
embroiled in its own affairs.
with surprise.
Szith Morcane ranges across five underground grottos,
all opening into the same chasm. A colossal spider nests 3-4 Spider bite! The creature must succeed on a DC 13
in the rift, and the inhabitants exploit its webs to move Constitution saving throw or take 11 (2d10) poison
between districts. The Crimson Trinity has claimed the damage.
ruined Fane of Lloth as their home, right at the bottom of
5-6 Pothole! The creature must succeed on a DC 13
the outpost.
Dexterity saving throw or twist their ankle. Until
their next rest, the character moves at half speed,
and has disadvantage on Dexterity ability checks
Alisannara Morcane once ruled Szith Morcane. She
and saving throws.
hoarded her lore in a grotto beneath House Morcane,
along with secret files on the outpost's power players.
When she died, the location of her library became a close-
When the characters succeed on the group skill check,
guarded secret within House Morcane. Kaele Icaryd
they discover the entrance to the hidden library. Read the
knows of it, but has never walked its passages herself.
following aloud.
Roleplaying the Drow Guide A rough-hewn staircase descends into the dark. Thick webs
With the drow guide, players have the chance to roleplay with a
mysterious Underdark denizen. Use the guide to provide drape the steps, crawling with glistening spiders. Your guide
information and build atmosphere. In combat, the guide hangs points to a drow sigil in the stonework above.
back to strike from the shadows. "The seal of House Morcane. We've found the library."
However you choose to play the guide, his or her actions will
soon betray the group. When the characters reach the hidden
library, the guide's secret agenda comes into play. If you can Before descending, the players should light the torchstalk
forge some relationships before then, the betrayal will be all the and leave it at the entrance.
more effective!
Quote: "You do know that's poisonous?"
Map 2-1: Library shows the layout of the library. When A ring of poisonous toadstools grows in this alcove.
the players exit the staircase, read:
Moist toadstools sprout from the base of this stalagmite.
The stairs exit into a natural cavern. To the west, a table squats Weeping pustules cover their orange heads, and they stink of
in large alcove, with a glowing crystal resting on its surface. To rotten flesh.
the south, the cavern opens into a wider grotto lit by eerie green
radiance. A patch of strange toadstools grows near the entrance. A usurper or traitor guide warns the characters away
from the toadstools, explaining that their slime is toxic:
When the players enter the library proper, read:
"Careful! Those toadstools sicken to the touch. My people use
Patches of glowing moss illuminate this grotto. Two rocky them to make dreamwhisper, a powerful soporific. One drop can
promontories hug the walls, cradling a wide pool in their arms. send a legion to sleep."
The reflection of the cavern roof tricks your eyes into thinking a
deep pit lies before you. A character can also identify the toadstools on a
Hundreds of cubbyholes pockmark the grotto's walls, each successful DC 15 Intelligence (Nature) check. If a
containing bundles of rotten scroll cases. Smaller caves strike character touches the fungus with bare skin, they must
off to the west and east, and a large door is set into the wall succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 5
opposite. (1d10) poison damage and become poisoned for 1
minute.
The library has the following general features.

Characters that belong to the Zhentarim faction gain an
Lighting. Glowing moss casts dim light throughout the
additional objective when they learn of the poisonous
library.
toadstools.
Ceilings. The ceiling is 30 feet high.
Floor. The floor is uneven stone. If a creature attempts Get the poison recipe. The Zhentarim would be
a Dash action, it must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity pleased to learn the secrets of a drow sleeping drug! The
(Acrobatics) check or fall prone, ending its movement. drow guide doesn't know how to make it (or isn't telling),
Alcoves. The scrolls concern matters of arcana and so the character must look elsewhere for the recipe.
politics, and are non-magical. Most are ruined with age.
Ledges. At their highest points, the ledges rise 15 feet
above floor level. There's enough cover for a character to Alisannara Morcane conducted various alchemical
move safely atop them without being spotted by creatures studies from this alcove.
below.
Pool. This inviting pool is 20 feet deep and the words A glowing shard of purple crystal rests on an old laboratory
"Drink deeply and find rest" are carved around it. The table. Glass flasks and alembics surround the shard, their
pool radiates magic if checked for and a successful DC 15 liquids long evaporated.
Intelligence (Arcana) suggests it is related to healing.
Those who drink from it experience a short rest, but non- Faerzress, the latent magic of the Underdark, imbues the
drow must also attempt a DC 13 Constitution saving shard. A character that succeeds on DC 12 Intelligence
throw. Those that fail are affect by an enchantment that (Arcana) check can identify this radiance. If the
makes them restless and inattentive. Those who are characters encountered faerzress during Part 2, they
affected suffer disadvantage to Wisdom (Perception) and make this check with advantage. The shard is safe to
Intelligence (Investigation) checks for 1 hour. handle, but fragile: if a character carrying it falls prone,
roll a die. On an odd result, the shard shatters. Storing
Contacting Kaele Icaryd the shard in a bag of holding ensures safe transportation.
If the Group Leader uses the sending stone to report their
discovery, Kaele Icaryd tells them to secure the library. The rest of
the strike team is on their way, but there's no time to waste.
Faerzress
An unusual magical energy the drow call faerzress pervades much
of the Underdark. The origin of this mysterious arcane power is toast our vengeance with the blood of the Crimson Trinity."
unknown. Legend claims it is an ancient elven magic dating back
to the time when the dark elves were first exiled from the world
above. The drow and other Underdark creatures use the  The undead wizard Kel Morcane hunts the library
properties of areas suffused with faerzress to protect their for a magic scroll to defeat Vheloch.
settlements.  Kel's eight loyal wights are searching the alcoves for the
Areas suffused with faerzress can range in size from a few scroll. Position them around the pool.
dozen feet across to several miles in diameter, and feature the
following effects: The drow guide recognizes Kel Morcane as the traitorous
wizard who opened the gates to Vheloch's fire giant army.
 Areas suffused with faerzress are always filled with dim light. His undead warriors wear the torn livery of House
 A creature in an area suffused with faerzress has advantage
Morcane.
on saving throws against any divination spells. If a divination
spell doesn’t allow a saving throw, the caster must succeed It's up to the players how this encounter plays out. They
on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw to cast the spell. could fight Kel and his wights, try to evade them, or even
Failing this save means the spell is wasted and has no effect. try to parley. If combat ensues, Kel hangs back to cast
 Any creature attempting to teleport into, within, or out of spells while his warriors engage in close quarters.
a faerzress-suffused area must succeed on a DC 15
Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the creature
takes 5 (1d10) force damage and the teleportation attempt Adjusting the Encounter
fails. Even if the save succeeds, the teleportation attempt can Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
suffer a mishap as if the destination was known only by These are not cumulative:
description, regardless of how familiar the destination  Very Weak Party: Remove three wights.
actually is. See the table in the teleport spell for more  Weak Party: Remove one wight.
information.  Strong Party: Add two wights.
 Areas suffused with faerzress have become tainted by the  Very Strong Party: Add four wights.
chaos of the demon lords. When a spell is cast in a faerzress-
suffused area, the caster rolls a d20. On a roll of 1, the spell
has an additional effect, determined by rolling on the Wild A character must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma
Magic Surge table in chapter 3, “Classes,” of the Player’s
(Persuasion or Deception) check to force a truce. Once
Handbook.
 Though faerzress can’t be dispelled, its effects are temporarily Kel is calmed, the characters can question him to learn
suppressed in the area of an antimagic field. the following information.
 Kel seeks vengeance on the Crimson Trinity for

conquering Szith Morcane. He searches the library
Characters that belong to the Emerald Enclave gain a
for a lost scroll of legend lore, which he hopes can
special assignment when they find the shard.
reveal Vheloch's weaknesses.
Recover the crystal shard. Faerzress is vital to  The wight believes Alisannara Morcane hid her
understanding the magic nature of the Underdark. The magic scrolls in a secret room somewhere within the
character must return the shard intact to their superiors library.
in the Emerald Enclave. If the characters enquire about Kel's past, he reveals his
tragic story in full:
 Until recently, Kel Morcane was a wizard of House

As the characters explore this area, read the following Morcane. The incubus Veloch came to Kel in his
aloud: dreams, promising power in return for loyalty. Kel
succumbed to the incubus's charms, and was tricked
Not yet seeing you, a robed drow strides from one of the caves
into opening the gates to Vheloch's army.
nearby, accompanied by a pair of drow warriors. Their skin
 As Szith Morcane burned, Kel cut his own throat,
stretches tight over their bones, and blue fire burns in their eyes.
cursing Vheloch in the name of Kiaransalee (the
The leader hisses an order to his warriors, and they start tearing
dead drow goddess of undeath and revenge) with his
scroll cases from the walls. dying breath. Some dark powers seem to have heard
him anyway, for Kel and his guards returned as
If a character speaks elvish, they overhear the order. If wights bent on revenge.
not, the drow guide whispers a translation.
The characters must prove their worth to Kel before he
"Alisannara hid her treasures well. Find that scroll, and we'll
agrees to fight alongside them. If they try to cut a deal, he
orders half of his warriors into combat. If the characters
defeat the wights, Kel agrees to work with them - so long While the group searches for the door, the drow guide
as they help find the scroll. moves off to explore another location within the library.
 A guide with the traitor secret agenda sneaks inside

Roleplaying Kel Morcane
Kel hates surface folk, and is consumed by a ravenous hunger to the map room (F5).
snuff out life. His hatred for Vheloch and the Crimson Trinity  A guide with the usurper or fanatic secret agenda
knows no bounds though, and he is willing to discuss terms with sneaks over to the spider nest (F6).
his lesser enemies to win vengeance.
This is the player's chance to uncover their guide's secret
Quote: "Silence, mortal. Even in death, I have no time for your
mewling." agenda. To spy on the guide, a character must succeed on
a DC 12 Dexterity (Stealth) check. See the descriptions
below to find out what they learn. If they fail, the guide
Kel Morcane carries the following treasures: a belt with a spots them and pretends to be searching for the secret
platinum buckle carved like a spider (100gp), a cloak door. Left alone, they'll soon try again.
clasp set with a shard of jet (150gp), and a pouch
containing 50gp and 10pp.
Alisannara used this chamber to store secrets she'd

gathered on her enemies within Szith Morcane.
Alisannara's quasit servant, Fluuz Agruub, still lurks in
the library. The mischievous fiend hides in centipede form A carved map of Szith Morcane hangs from the wall. Beneath
within this alcove, watching the group with interest. It's the map, moldered scrolls fill a row of alcoves. Each alcove
not had a visitor for decades and is keen to eke some bears a drow sigil that matches the labels on the map above.
amusement out of them.
When the characters approach its hiding place, Fluuz The parchments concern noble families within the
turns invisible and calls out. It says it knows where its outpost, detailing lineages and known rivalries. Most are
mistress hid her scrolls, but insists the characters answer rotten and unreadable.
a riddle to find them.
"What looks back but cannot see, yet moves in perfect Entering here, the guide rifles through the notes on
harmony?" House Morcane. One parchment seems of particular
interest: after studying it for a while, the guide returns the
The answer to the riddle is "reflection". If a character parchment to its hiding place and rejoins the group. If a
speaks this aloud, the quasit says that reflections can character examines the parchment themselves, give them
help find the scroll (location F7). Fluuz pesters any Handout 2-1: Alisannara's Letter. The letter reveals a
character that solves the riddle, offering mocking secret rock fall trap on the stairs ahead.
commentary of their actions until they find the room. The guide tries to deflect any questions the characters
ask about the scroll. Roleplay this scene out: if the mood
Roleplaying Fluuz Agruub sours, the guide dashes for the Fane of Lloth. If they get
Fluuz is mischievous and more than a little mad. It has no loyalty to the stairs, they trigger the trap to seal the party inside
to its long-dead mistress, who bound it to the library forever. the library (see "Drow Secret Agenda", below).
Fluuz happily tells the characters about its past, but
doesn't trust them enough to reveal itself.
Quote: "Getting warmer, ya lunk. You'll get there one day."
A deadly spider nests in this alcove. Characters searching
the area spot the spider on a successful DC 18 Wisdom
(Perception) check:
A cluster of egg sacs is gummed under the ridge. A fist-sized

white spider squats motionless on top of them.
The spider, a "pale creeper", is particularly venomous. Kaele Icaryd orders a fellow adventurer to help when the
Treat it as a normal spider , but its bite also affects the rest of the strike team arrives. The group receives the
target with the following poison. The spider only attacks if following message if they use the scroll to ask about
a creature disturbs its nest. Vheloch.
Pale Creeper Venom (Injury). A creature subjected to
this poison must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving "Emperor of lies, whose words bring kings to their knees. Beauty
throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. While poisoned in this so great, the Dark Prince cursed him to weep blood in the
way, the creature is incapacitated and takes 11 (2d10) looking glass. Lord of three, who rules through a crown of
poison damage at the start of each of its turns. The command."
creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of
its turns. On a successful save, the poison ends. If Kel Morcane is alive, he offers his assistance for the
final battle, and suggests the characters find a way to
remove Vheloch's crown during combat.
After sneaking in here, the drow guide milks the spider's
fangs, applying the venom to a needle in the palm of their
glove. A character spying on the drow hears them whisper The characters find the following scrolls in this chamber:
in elvish:  Scroll of protection (fiends)
 A guide with the usurper secret agenda whispers  Scroll of protection (aberrations)
"This shall be her undoing".  Spell scroll of animate dead
 A guide with the fanatic secret agenda whispers "This is  Spell scroll of bestow curse
our home. We don't need their help to free it."  Spell scroll of dispel magic
The guide tries to deflect any questions the characters  Spell scroll of mass healing word
ask about the poison. Roleplay the scene out: if things  Spell scroll of magic circle
turn nasty, the guide attacks the characters!  Spell scroll of remove curse
 Spell scroll of legend lore
In addition, the characters find the following treasures: a
pouch containing 150gp and a black pearl (500gp), a
Alisannara Morcane hid her spell scrolls in this room,
dragon tooth carved with scenes of murder (100gp), and a
concealed behind a powerful illusion. Characters can only
silk robe embroidered with web-like patterns (250gp). If
see the door through a mirror, or by studying the grotto in
there is a Zhentarim character in the party, they also find
the reflection of the pool. Read the following aloud if they
a book of drow poison lore on one of the shelves.
find it:
You see a mysterious stone door in the reflection. Three spider

sigils are cut into the door's surface.
To open the door, the characters must press all three

sigils at the same time. Read the following aloud if they
do so:
With a click, the secret door slides open. Beyond is a tiny

chamber lined with scroll cases. A golden scroll case sits on a
shelf opposite.
See Treasure, below, for full details of the scrolls. The

golden case contains the spell scroll of legend lore.
If Kel Morcane is present, he insists on casting the legend

lore scroll to learn Vheloch's weaknesses. If the wight is
dead, and nobody else in the group can cast the scroll,
Revealing the Secret Agenda
Make sure the guide explains their actions. A usurper should
Beyond this door, another staircase ascends into the Fane gloat over Icaryd's death, and a traitor should pray to Graz'zt as
they make their move.
of Lloth. Until Kaele arrives with the rest of the strike
team, the characters shouldn't stray any further.
The drow guide carries the following treasures: 2 potions
of healing, a silver bracelet set with the sigil of a drow
A trigger for the deadfall trap is hidden behind a loose
house (100gp), and a pouch containing 200gp. In
stone at the foot of the stairs. The trigger is well
addition, the guide wears a shirt of elven chain.
concealed: only characters who've read Alisannara's
letter (location F5) know how to find it.
If the trap is activated, the ceiling collapses and blocks
the stairwell. Anyone caught underneath must succeed on
a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 44 (8d10)
bludgeoning damage and become restrained under the
rubble. A restrained creature can use its action to try
to escape, doing so with a successful DC 15 Strength
(Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. The rubble
takes 1 hour (divided by the number of people
assisting) to clear.
When the group is done exploring the library, the drow

guide enacts their secret agenda.
When Kaele arrives, the guide reaches for a handshake. If

the players know about the poison needle, they can
intervene. If not, Kaele dies here. Her guards butcher the
guide, but the group has lost a valuable ally!
The guide moves to operate the deadfall trap hidden on

the staircase. If the players know about the trap, they can
intervene. If not, the guide escapes into the Fane and
seals the stairs behind. The guide joins Vheloch for the
final battle.
In celebration of the characters' success, the guide moves

to shake the Group Leader's hand. If the Group Leader is
known to be immune or resistant to poison (such as a
dwarf), the guide instead chooses a character he has
interacted positively with instead. If the players don't
know about the needle, the guide injects the Group
Leader with the poison and then turns on the other
characters.
If the administrators raise a red flag, read:
End any ongoing encounters as soon as time is Smiling, another man slinks up next to Vheloch. A sheen of
announced. If the characters are engaged in combat, sweat coats his scarlet skin, and black wings rise from his
allied adventurers rush to their aid and bring about a swift shoulders. The adventurers in Maerimydra have failed. Oromoth
victory. Wrap things up as quickly as possible and get the has returned.
characters inside the Fane of Lloth.

The final battle takes place inside the temple's inner
sanctum. The characters take positions in the start zone,
with the following enemies arrayed before them.
Read the following aloud:
 Vheloch waits beside the portal. In this combat, the
The stairs ascend to a stone trapdoor. Raising it with care, you incubus wields Rimesplitter.
peer into a dust-filled ruined hall shaped like a hollowed spider.  Twelve dretches hide in the shadows. If the alarm
Tiny spiders crawl everywhere, and their webs cling to every was not raised, two dretches join the combat at the
surface. start of every new round until Vheloch is dead.
In the center of the hall, a floating disc of blood quivers above  If the alarm was raised, a vrock guards Vheloch in
a ring of candles. Every few seconds, bloody gouts break its addition to the dretches.
surface from above and below. A man wearing crimson robes  If the drow guide was a traitor, and escaped the
and a black iron crown stands nearby. Long horns curl from his group earlier, they return here.
brow and scaled wings sprout from his shoulders, yet you have When the combat begins, dozens more dretches leap
never seen anyone so beautiful. from the shadows to attack the rest of the strike team. If
they're still alive, the battle drags Kaele Icaryd and Kel
Check to see if the administrators have raised an Morcane away, leaving the characters to fight Vheloch
orange flag . If so, this means the vrock raised the alarm alone. The characters must kill Vheloch to foil the ritual.
earlier. Read the following aloud:
Roleplaying Vheloch
The incubus turns to face you. From the shadows, a vulture-like Vheloch's beauty was so great that Graz'zt cursed him to weep
demon emerges. As its abyssal stench washes over you, Vheloch tears of blood whenever he gazed into a mirror. Vheloch loves
and hates Graz'zt in equal measure, but serves him to advance
smiles.
his own power. He rules the Crimson Trinity, and masterminded
"You took your time. Now, you shall pay the price." the conquest of Szith Morcane.
Quote: "So sweet, to see your blood spilled. Let us marvel at it
Map 2-2: Fane of Lloth shows the sanctum's layout. again."
There now follows a 10 minute break while the
administrators count victories. Use this time to sketch out
The inner sanctum has the following features:
the location and grant the characters (and their players)
the benefit of a short rest. Lighting. Dim light emanates from the blood portal,
When the administrators are ready, they'll raise flags to illuminating the southern section. The northern section is
announce the success or failure of the other tracks. in darkness.
Ceilings. The ceiling is 30 feet high.
If the administrators raise a black flag, read: Floor. The floor is uneven stone. If a creature attempts
a Dash action, it must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity
Another figure waddles from the shadows. He's fat, with pig-like
(Acrobatics) check or fall prone, ending its movement.
hair covering his body. Tusks rise from his wet lips, and shaggy
Spiders. Spiders infest the area. Webs cling to all
wings stretch behind him. The adventurers in Hillsfar have
surfaces, and spiders scamper from sight wherever the
failed. Gheriot has returned.
characters move. If a creature falls prone, it takes 1
poison damage at the start of every turn from tiny bites.
Spider staircases. The webbed staircases lead up into If Kel Morcane accompanied the group to the Fane, he
House Morcane. Any creature that is not drow must briefly rejoins the group to counter the fiend. This cancels
succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw to enter the the fiend's attack and destroys Kel Morcane.
stairs. On a failure, they become restrained by the webs. A
restrained creature can use its action to try to escape,
doing so with a successful DC 12 Strength (Athletics) or Characters that belong to the Lords' Alliance gain an
Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. extra goal in this battle. When combat begins, one of the
Battle: Dozens of combatants fight across the inner demons knocks Kaele Icaryd unconscious. She falls to the
sanctum. Describe these battles briefly, but keep them in floor nearby and spiders begin to eat her alive. If Kaele is
the background. already dead, this event does not occur.
Protect Kaele Icaryd. The Lords' Alliance and Solom
Ned'razak want Icaryd kept alive to ensure peaceful
In this final battle, the group can request help from a relations with the drow. She's unconscious, and makes a
neighboring table if they get into trouble. To make the death saving throw at the end of each round. As long as
request, the Group Leader should contact the she remains prone, she automatically fails the death
administrators. The administrators then locate a player saving throw.
that is willing to help. Each table may have no more
than one "borrowed" character at a time. Adjusting the Encounter
When the new player has taken their seat, their Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.
character appears and acts at the end of the initiative
 Very Weak Party: Remove six dretches.
count. The character can rejoin their original table at any  Weak Party: Remove three dretches.
time, reappearing at the end of the current initiative  Strong Party: Replace dretches with three quasits.
count. If the DM rules that the danger has passed, the  Very Strong Party: Replace dretches with five quasits.
visiting player must rejoin their original table. When they
return, they gain inspiration.
Knowing that death only sends him back to the infernal
planes, Vheloch does not fear defeat. If subdued, the
Vheloch's crown grants him advantage to all saving incubus doesn't surrender to torture. However, he takes
throws, and immunity to the banishment spell. If a pleasure in mocking his opponents. Vheloch reveals to his
character targets him with a banishment spell, the player interrogators how all is lost, as the "Dark Prince walks in
must immediately choose another spell to expend the slot your world now, and has opened the gate to all of our
on, or it is wasted. A player that succeeds on a melee kind". News that a demon lord is abroad in Toril is
attack with disadvantage can knock the crown from enough to complete the assignment for characters
Vheloch's head. belonging to the Order of the Gauntlet .
If Vheloch sees his own reflection in a mirror, he is
blinded for a round as blood wells in his eyes. Thereafter,
The characters are victorious if they slay Vheloch. If they
Vheloch averts his eyes from the character holding the
win, read the following aloud:
mirror.
As Vheloch dies, the circle of blood collapses. The remaining
demons fall to the floor as though struck by lightning, and
If Oromoth or Gheriot are present, the administrators
cheers go up from the adventurers nearby. You are victorious!
move from table to table, dealing one-off attacks to
different groups. When an administrator arrives at your
The characters have slain Vheloch and foiled the Crimson
table, their fiend takes its turn as soon as the current turn
Trinity's ritual. For that, they deserve congratulations!
is complete. Once they've resolved the action, the fiend
moves on to harry the characters at another table. Both
Gheriot and Oromoth use the following attack before
flying away. Neither their arrival nor their departure
provokes attacks of opportunity:
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.
Vheloch carries the following treasures: an onyx crown
set with a black pearl (2000gp), a platinum armband
carved with lewd scenes (500gp), a platinum mirror
(500gp) and a pouch containing a star sapphire (1000gp).
In addition, he carries the axe Rimesplitter. Vheloch's
crown is only magical when worn by an incubus.
If the group won, congratulate the players for averting

disaster in the Forgotten Realms. If they failed, wait until
time is called. The administrators then announce whether
another group defeated Vheloch and foiled the Crimson
Trinity's ritual. If not, Graz'zt devours the souls of all who
died!
Make sure the players note their rewards on their
adventure log sheets. Give your name and DCI number (if Treasure Awards
applicable) so players can record who ran the session. Item Name GP value
Wight loot (location F3) 400
Secret chamber treasures (location F7) 1000
Drow guide loot 400
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated foes, Vheloch’s loot 4000
and divide by the number of characters present in the
combat. For non-combat experience , the rewards are
listed per character. Give all characters in the party non- Potion, common
combat experience awards unless otherwise noted. A description of potions can be found in the basic rules or
the Dungeon Master's Guide.
Combat Awards
Name of Foe XP per Foe
Darkmantle 100 Weapon (greataxe), rare
Dretch 50 The blade of this immense +2 greataxe is a single piece of
Drow Guide 1800 ice lashed to a steel haft. The blade cracks and weeps
Giant Spider 200 constantly as though it is melting, though it never
Vheloch (Incubus) 2900 diminishes in size. A description of this item can be found
Kel Morcane (Wight) 1100 in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Quasit 200
Spider 10
Violet Fungus 50 Armor (chain shirt), rare
Vrock 2300 This fine chain shirt is made of an unusual black metal
Wight 700 and is reinforced with pieces of glossy, black chitin. So
long as the armor is worn, the wearer is able to speak and
Non-Combat Awards
understand Undercommon. A description of this item can
Task or Accomplishment XP per character
be found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Stop Vrock from raising alarm 1000
Solve riddle 500
Find secret scroll chamber 1,000
Permanent Magic Item Distribution
D&D Adventurers League has a system in place to determine
Foil drow deception 1,000 who is awarded permanent magic items at the end of a session.
The minimum total award for each character Each character's log sheet contains a column to record
participating in this adventure is 4500 experience points. permanent magic items for ease of reference.
 If the players at the table agree on one character taking
The maximum total award for each character possession of a permanent magic item, that character gets
participating in this adventure is 7500 experience points. the item.
 In the event that one or more characters indicate an interest
in possessing a permanent magic item, the character that
possesses the fewest permanent magic items gets the item.
The characters receive the following treasure, divided up If there is a tie in the total number of permanent magic
among the party. Characters should attempt to divide items owned by contesting characters, the item's owner is
determined randomly by the DM.
treasure evenly whenever possible. Gold piece values
listed for sellable gear are calculated at their selling price,
not their purchase price.
unable to decide.
recovering the faerzress shard without breaking it.
recovering the book of drow poisons.
Harpers members earn one renown point for foiling the
drow guide's deception.
Lords' Alliance members earn one renown point for
ensuring Solom Ned'razak survives the mission.
for learning about Graz'zt's presence in Toril.
Each character receives ten downtime days at the

conclusion of this adventure.
harmful spell while a duplicate remains, that creature rolls
randomly to determine whether it targets the cloaker or one of
the duplicates. A creature is unaffected by this magical effect if it
can't see or if it relies on senses other than sight.
A duplicate has the cloaker's AC and uses its saving throws. If
an attack hits a duplicate, or if a duplicate fails a saving throw
against an effect that deals damage, the duplicate disappears.
Large aberration, chaotic neutral

Hit Points 78 (12d10 + 12)
Speed 10 ft., fly 40 ft. Small monstrosity, unaligned
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Armor Class 11
17 (+3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) Hit Points 22 (5d6 + 5)
Skills Stealth +5 Speed 10 ft., fly 30 ft.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Languages Deep Speech, Undercommon 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 2 (-4) 10 (+0) 5 (-3)
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Skills Stealth +3
Damage Transfer. While attached to a creature, the cloaker Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 11
takes only half the damage dealt to it (rounded down), and that Languages —
creature takes the other half. Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Echolocation. The darkmantle can't use its blindsight while
False Appearance. While the cloaker remains motionless
deafened.
without its underside exposed, it is indistinguishable from a dark
leather cloak. False Appearance. While a darkmantle remains motionless, it
is indistinguishable from a cave formation such as a stalactite or
Light Sensitivity. While in bright light, the cloaker has
stalagmite.
disadvantage on attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks
that rely on sight.
Actions
Actions Crush. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage, and the darkmantle
Multiattack. The cloaker makes two attacks: one with its bite and attaches to the target. If the target is Medium or smaller and the
one with its tail. darkmantle has advantage on the attack roll, it attaches by
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. engulfing the target's head, and the target is also blinded and
Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage, and if the target is Large or unable to breathe while the darkmantle is attached in this way.
smaller, the cloaker attaches to it. If the cloaker has advantage While attached to the target, the darkmantle can attack no
against the target, the cloaker attaches to the target's head, and other creature except the target but has advantage on its attack
the target is blinded and unable to breathe while the cloaker is rolls. The darkmantle's speed also becomes 0, it can't benefit
attached. While attached, the cloaker can make this attack only from any bonus to its speed, and it moves with the target.
against the target and has advantage on the attack roll. The
cloaker can detach itself by spending 5 feet of its movement. A A creature can detach the darkmantle by making a successful
creature, including the target, can take its action to detach the DC 13 Strength check as an action. On its turn, the darkmantle
cloaker by succeeding on a DC 16 Strength check. can detach itself from the target by using 5 feet of movement.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Darkness Aura (1/Day). A 15-foot radius of magical darkness
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage. extends out from the darkmantle, moves with it, and spreads
around corners. The darkness lasts as long as the darkmantle
Moan. Each creature within 60ft. of the cloaker that can hear its maintains concentration, up to 10 minutes (as if concentrating
moan and that isn't an aberration must succeed on a DC 13 on a spell). Darkvision can't penetrate this darkness, and no
Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of the natural light can illuminate it. If any of the darkness overlaps with
cloaker's next turn. If a creature's saving throw is successful, the an area of light created by a spell of 2nd level or lower, the spell
creature is immune to the cloaker's moan for the next 24 hours. creating the light is dispelled.
Phantasms (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The cloaker
magically creates three illusory duplicates of itself if it isn't in
bright light. The duplicates move with it and mimic its actions,
shifting position so as to make it impossible to track which
cloaker is the real one. If the cloaker is ever in an area of bright
light, the duplicates disappear.
Whenever a creature targets the cloaker with an attack or a
Actions
Small fiend (demon), chaotic evil Multiattack. The drow makes two shortsword attacks.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
Hit Points 18 (4d6 +4)
Speed 20 ft.
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison
damage.
11 (+0) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 5 (-3) 8 (-1) 3 (-4) Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 30/120
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage, and the target
Damage Immunities poison must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be
Condition Immunities poisoned poisoned for 1 hour. If the saving throw fails by 5 or more, the
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 target is also unconscious while poisoned in this way. The target
Languages Abyssal, telepathy 60 ft. (works only with creatures that wakes up if it takes damage or if another creature takes an action
understand Abyssal). to shake it awake.
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Reactions
Actions
Parry. The drow adds 3 to its AC against one melee attack that
Multiattack. The dretch makes two attacks, one with its bite and would hit it. To do so, the drow must see the attacker and be
one with its claws. wielding a melee weapon.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3
(1d6) piercing damage
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
5 (2d4) slashing damage.
Large beast, unaligned
Fetid Cloud (1/Day). A 10-foot radius of disgusting green gas Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
extends out from the dretch. The gas spreads around corners, Hit Points 26 (4d10 + 4)
and its area is lightly obscured. It lasts for 1 minute or until a Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
strong wind disperses it. Any creature that starts its turn in that STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
area must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 2 (-4) 11 (+0) 4 (-3)
poisoned until the start of its next turn. While poisoned in this Skills Stealth +7
way, the target can take either an action or a bonus action on its Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
turn, not both, and can't take reactions. Languages —
Spider Climb. The spider can climb difficult surfaces,
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an
ability check.
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil
Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the spider knows the
Armor Class 18 (studded leather, shield)
Hit Points 71 (11d8 + 22) exact location of any other creatures in contact with the same
Speed 30 ft. web.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Web Walker. The spider ignores movement restrictions
13 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 12 (+1)
caused by webbing.
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +5, Wis +4
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +10
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 14
Actions
Languages Elvish, Undercommon Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC
Fey Ancestry. The drow has advantage on saving throws 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) poison damage on a
against being charmed, and magic can't put the drow to sleep. failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the
poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the target is
Sunlight Sensitivity. When in sunlight, the drow has stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regaining hit points,
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.
checks that rely on sight.
Web (Recharge 5-6). Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
Innate Spellcasting. The drow's spellcasting ability is 30/60ft., one creature. Hit: the target is restrained by webbing. As
Charisma (spell save DC 12). It can innately cast the following an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength
spells, requiring no material components. check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also
be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; 5 hit points; vulnerability to
At will: dancing lights. fire damage, immunity to bludgeoning, poison or psychic
1/day each: darkness, faerie fire, levitate (self only) damage).
Tiny fiend (demon, shapechanger), chaotic evil
Armor Class 13
Medium undead, neutral evil Hit Points 7 (3d4)
Armor Class 14 (studded leather) Speed 40 ft.
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Speed 30 ft. 5 (-3) 17 (+3) 10 (+0) 7 (-2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Skills Stealth +5
15 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, bludgeoning, piercing and
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4 slashing from nonmagical weapons.
Damage Resistances necrotic, bludgeoning, piercing and slashing from Damage Immunities poison
nonmagical weapons that aren't silvered Condition Immunities poisoned
Damage Immunities poison Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Condition Immunities exhausted, poisoned Languages Abyssal, Common
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Languages Common, Elvish Shapechanger. The quasit can use its action to polymorph into a
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) beast form that resembles a bat (speed 10 ft. fly 40 ft.), a
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wight has centipede (40 ft. climb 40 ft.), or a toad (40 ft., swim 40 ft.), or
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception) back into its true form. Its statistics are the same in each form,
checks that rely on sight. except for the speed changes noted. Any equipment it is wearing
or carrying isn't transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Actions Magic Resistance. The quasit has advantage on saving throws
Multiattack. The wight makes two longsword attacks or two against spells and other magical effects.
longbow attacks. It can use its Life Drain in place of one
longsword attack. Actions
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Claws (Bite in Beast Form). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach
Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage, and the target
DC 13 Constitution saving throw or its hit points maximum is must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or take 5
reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction (2d4) poison damage and become poisoned for 1 minute. The
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns,
effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. ending the effect on itself on a success.
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a Scare (1/Day). One creature of the quasit's choice within 20 feet
zombie under the wight's control, unless the humanoid is of it must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or be
restored to life or its body is destroyed. The wight can have no frightened for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at
more than twelve zombies under its control at one time. the end of each of its turns, with disadvantage if the quasit is
within line of sight, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Spellcasting. Kel Morcane is a 4th-level spellcaster. His
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with Invisibility. The quasit magically turns invisible until it attacks or
spell attacks). Kel has the following wizard spells prepared: uses Scare, or until its concentration ends (as if concentrating on
a spell). Any equipment the quasit wears or carries is invisible
Cantrips (at-will): fire bolt, light, prestidigitation, true strike with it.
1st level (4 slots): blur, fog cloud, magic missile, shield
2nd level (3 slots): flaming sphere, crown of madness
Actions
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Tiny beast, unaligned
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage, or 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing Armor Class 12
damage if used with two hands. Hit Points 1 (1d4 - 1)
Speed 20 ft., climb 20 ft.
Longbow Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage. 2 (-4) 14 (+2) 8 (-1) 1 (-5) 10 (+0) 2 (-4)
Skills Stealth +4
Languages —
Challenge 0 (10 XP)
Spider Climb. The spider can climb difficult surfaces,
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an
ability check.
Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the spider knows the or telepathic commands. If the target suffers any harm or receives
exact location of any other creatures in contact with the same a suicidal command, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the
web. effect on a success. If the target successfully saves against the
effect, or if the effect on the target ends, the target is immune to
Web Walker. The spider ignores movement restrictions this fiend's Charm for the next 24 hours.
caused by webbing.
charms another, the effect on the previous target ends.
Actions
Draining Kiss. The fiend kisses a creature charmed by it or a
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. willing creature. The target must make a DC 15 Constitution
Hit: 1 piercing damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 9 saving throw against this magic, taking 32 (5d10 + 5) psychic
Constitution saving throw or take 2 (1d4) poison damage. damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
one. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target
finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit
point maximum to 0.
Medium fiend (shapechanger), neutral evil
Etherealness. The fiend magically enters the Ethereal Plane from
the Material Plane, or vice versa.
8 (-1) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5)
Skills Deception +9, Insight +5, Perception +5, Persuasion +9. Stealth +7
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, poison, bludgeoning, piercing, Medium plant, unaligned
and slashing from nonmagical weapons. Armor Class 5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15 Hit Points 18 (4d8)
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal, telepathy 60ft. Speed 5 ft.
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Telepathic Bond. The fiend ignores the range restriction on 3 (-4) 1 (-5) 10 (+0) 1 (-5) 3 (-4) 1 (-5)
its telepathy when communicating with a creature it has Condition Immunities blinded, deafened, frightened
charmed. The two don't even need to be on the same plane of Senses blindsight 30 ft. (blind beyond this radius), passive Perception 6
existence. Languages —
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Shapechanger. The fiend can use its action to polymorph into False Appearance. While the violet fungus remains
a Small or Medium humanoid, or back into its true form. motionless it is indistinguishable from an ordinary fungus.
Without wings, the fiend loses its flying speed. Other than its
size and speed, its statistics are the same in each form. Any Actions
its true form if it dies. Multiattack. The fungus makes 1d4 rotting touch attacks.
Agonizing Blast. Vheloch's eldritch blast spell deals an additional Rotting Touch. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
5 damage on a hit. creature. Hit: 4 (1d8) necrotic damage.
Devil Sight. Vheloch can see normally in darkness, both magical

and nonmagical, to a distance of 120 ft.
Spellcasting. Vheloch is a 4th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Large fiend (demon), chaotic evil
He has 2 spell slots to cast the following spells. All spells are cast Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
at 2nd level: Hit Points 104 (11d10 + 44)
Cantrips (at-will): blade ward, eldritch blast, friends
1st level: hellish rebuke, hex, witch bolt
17 (+3) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 8 (-1) 13 (+1) 8 (-1)
2nd level: crown of madness, darkness
Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +4, Cha +2
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, bludgeoning, piercing and
Actions slashing from nonmagical weapons
Claw (Fiend Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 Damage Immunities poison
ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. Condition Immunities poisoned
Charm. One humanoid the fiend can see within 30 feet of it must Languages Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.
succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be magically Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
charmed for 1 day. The charmed creature obeys the fiend's verbal Magic Resistance The vrock has advantage on saving throws
against spells and other magical effects. more than twelve zombies under its control at one time.
Actions Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

Multiattack. The vrock makes two attacks, one with its beak and target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) slashing damage, or 7 (1d10 + 2) slashing
one with its talons. damage if used with two hands.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Longbow Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one
10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Talons. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

Hit: 14 (2d10 + 3) slashing damage.
Spores (Recharge 6). A 15-foot-radius cloud of toxic spores
extends out from the vrock. The spores spread around corners.
Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution
saving throw or become poisoned. While poisoned in this way, a
target takes 5 (1d10) poison damage at the start of each of its
turns. A target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of
its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. Emptying a vial
of holy water on the target also ends the effect on it.
Stunning Screech (1/Day). The vrock emits a horrific screech.
Each creature within 20 feet of it that can hear it and that isn't a
demon must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or
be stunned until the end of the vrock's next turn.
Medium undead, neutral evil

Armor Class 14 (studded leather)
Speed 30 ft.
15 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 15 (+2)
Damage Resistances necrotic, bludgeoning, piercing and slashing from
nonmagical weapons that aren't silvered
Condition Immunities exhausted, poisoned
Languages Common, Elvish
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wight has
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on sight.
Actions
Multiattack. The wight makes two longsword attacks or two
longbow attacks. It can use its Life Drain in place of one
longsword attack.
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on a
DC 13 Constitution saving throw or its hit points maximum is
reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this
effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
A humanoid slain by this attack rises 24 hours later as a
zombie under the wight's control, unless the humanoid is
restored to life or its body is destroyed. The wight can have no
Kaele Icaryd (KALE ih-CAR-eed). Drow male refugee of
Szith Morcane. Working with the Faction leaders to
Maerimydra.
Kel Morcane (KELL MORE-cane). Male drow wight.
Long dead wizard of house Morcane. Currently haunts a
library hidden within Szith Morcane.
Fluuz Agruub (FLOOZ uh-GROOB). Quasit servant of
Alisannara; the former ruler of Szith Morcane.
Vheloch (VEH-lock), Gheriot (GEH-ree-ut), and
Oromoth (ORE-uh-moth). Incubi comprising the
Crimson Trinity, a trio of fiends in the service of Graz’zt.
This adventure track is for 11th through 16th-level Handout 3-1: Spider Record Sheet details the giant
characters, but is optimized for 11th level characters. spider mounts. Each player needs their own sheet to
Each table must seat characters of this tier. track their mount's hit points.
The giant spiders use the mounted combat rules for

Expected Duration: 10 minutes controlled mounts, as detailed in the Player's Handbook.
Read the following aloud when the characters have In addition to the Dash, Disengage and Dodge actions, a
chosen a Group Leader:
spider mount can also be directed to use a special combat
power (see Mount Powers, below). If necessary, a spider
The drow teleport you into the pits of the Underdark, where they
mount can carry one additional passenger in a pillion, but
hand you over to a clan of derro slavers. The derro load you onto
no more than that.
lizard-drawn carts, concealing your gear in hidden
If a mount dies, the rider can commandeer another
compartments beneath. You trundle for hours through lightless
from a fallen slave after 1d4 rounds. The player must
depths, until you reach an elevator that hoists you down into the
choose an unused spider from their Spider Record Sheet.
city.
Once all spiders on the sheet are dead, the player cannot
Maerimydra is a hellhole of fire and iron. Factories belch out
choose another mount.
flame, and the cavern walls are black with soot. The convoy
winds through the streets to a grand coliseum, and then
descends into the slave pens. As the dwarves unshackle you These beasts are specially bred for mounted combat.
from the carts, a ferocious giant gestures to a cage containing Each spider has a "mount power" that the rider can use
huge spiders. either as a bonus action on their turn, or by spending their
"Listen up, scum! These vermin will carry you into combat. reaction. For powers that recharge, the player rolls the d6
Choose one that will grant a glorious death, and then pick your at the start of their turn.
war gear from the armory."
Players should now choose giant spider mounts (see

below). When they're done, continue on to the next part.
The duergar have smuggled the characters' gear into the
armory, so they enter the arena armed with their own
weapons.
the Tier 2 Track!
Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

When this part begins, read the following aloud: The group can enter the arena from anywhere along its
perimeter wall. The following features are present in the
The gates grind open to reveal a vast arena of black stone. Fire arena:
giants rave and scream in the stands, and flames gout from the
Ceiling. The coliseum's ceiling is 80 feet above the
walls. The air reeks of soot and burned meat. The noise is
arena floor.
deafening.
Walls. Oromoth has stationed fire giants on the arena
Near the middle of the arena, three platforms rest atop tall
walls, with orders to hurl rocks at anyone who tries to
metal pillars. Barbed, pig iron chains lash the platforms together
escape.
and stretch like webs to the arena floor. On each platform, a
Platforms. The platforms are 40 feet above the arena
leering fire giant gladiator stands ready for combat. An ironclad
floor. Red-hot spikes prevent the spiders from climbing up
tower rises between them, with a fiery light blazing from a
the pillars.
slatted window at its head. Tower. The tower is 60 feet tall, and also bristles with
A figure rises from the royal box to address the crowds. Horns barbs to prevent climbers. Every few seconds, a beam of
curl from his brow, and scaled wings sprout from his shoulders. fire lances down from the tower to immolate one of the
Beside him, the fire giant queen lounges on a bed of skulls, combatants (see location S5). A beholder eye of flame is
drinking heavily from a massive chalice. responsible for these attacks, but don't reveal this until
"Behold the wretches who once called this city their home! Let the players scale the tower.
us relive our victory over them! Let us bless this hall with their Barbed chains. The spider mounts can scale the chains
deaths! Let the Strangling begin!" with ease. Without a mount, a character must succeed on
Gates open on the far side of the arena, and a convoy of fiery a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics)
chariots thunders forth. The fight is on! check to move along a length of chain. On a failure the
character still moves but the barbs deal 11 (2d10)
Give the players Handout 3-2: Arena Map and Handout piercing damage.
3-3: Giant Slayer Record Sheet . They are now free to Flame Vents. Roll a die if a creature starts its turn
explore the coliseum. within 10 feet of a flame vent. On an odd result, flames
shoot out and they must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity
saving throw or take 11 (2d10) fire damage.
Chains. Loose chains lie across the area. A creature
Maerimydra's coliseum has a long history of bloodshed.
that attempts the Dash action over the chains must
Under the drow, countless slaves watered these stones
succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or fall
with their blood. The giants rebuilt the arena for even
prone, ending their move.
grander spectacles, and stocked the monster pens with a
terrifying menagerie.
From now on, the party can request help from a
neighboring table if they get into trouble. To make the
During Part 2, the players must slay or disable as many
request, the Group Leader should contact the
fire giants as possible. When a player defeats a giant, they
administrators. The administrators then locate a player
must mark it on the group's Giant Slayer Record Sheet.
that is willing to help. Each table may have no more
Fire giant champions have their own checkboxes. Each
than one "borrowed" character at a time.
successful defeat awards inspiration to the player. If a fire
When the new player has taken their seat, their
giant champion is reduced to 0 hit points, all characters
character appears with their mount and acts at the end of
earn inspiration and gain the benefit of a short rest. Due
the initiative count. The character can rejoin their original
to the time available, each group is only expected to
table at any time, reappearing at the end of the current
defeat two or three giants at best. The characters should
initiative count. If the DM rules that the danger has
be informed of their bloody goal.
passed, the visiting player must rejoin their original table.
At the end of Part 2, the administrators tally up how
When they return, they gain inspiration.
many giants were defeated and announce a verdict. This
affects the difficulty of the finale - and the final difficulty of
1d20 Event
Chaos reigns in the arena. Between combats, don't track a roll of 19 or 20.
rounds and distances. When the players need to move,
9 Distraction! Nearby adventurers topple a giant. The
just advance to the next location on the map. character gains advantage on their attacks this turn.
During combat, roll on the Arena Events table at the
start of each character's turn. Resolve the event before 10 Crowd attention! If the character hits an enemy with
the character takes any actions. The player may spend an attack this turn, they gain inspiration for defying
inspiration to negate the result. Outside of combat, you the giants.
can use the Arena Events table to pressure the players 11-20 No event
into action.
Maerimydra Arena Events

A chariot attacks the group when they enter the arena.
1d20 Event
When the encounter begins, read:
1 Fire ray! The beholder eye of flame (location S5)
targets the character with a flame ray attack (44 The ground shakes as a pair of monstrous metal bulls thunder
(8d10) fire damage; DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, across the arena, pulling an armored chariot. A fire giant
save for half). Ignore this result if the beholder is gladiator, his helmet topped with a burning plume, rides the
engaged in combat or dead. chariot. Blazing embers swirl in their wake.
2 Rock! Make a ranged attack against the character:

Two gorgons and their fire giant charioteer charge the
+11 to hit, Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage.
group and fight to the death. Map 3-1: Chariot shows a
3 Flameskull! A flameskull targets the character with a suggested layout for the battle. Unless players choose to
fire ray attack (+5 to hit, 10 (3d6) fire damage), and hunt down another chariot, this encounter occurs just
then flies away. Ignore this result if Myrkthrasir once. If they repeat the encounter later, you should
(location S2) is engaged in combat or dead. consider shaking up the terrain features.
4 Explosion! An explosive javelin hits the ground
nearby. The character must succeed on a DC 15
The gorgons and the fire giant take turns on separate
Strength saving throw or fall prone. Ignore this
initiatives. When the gorgons move, the giant moves with
result if Ygrmog (location S3) is engaged in combat
or dead.
them, always staying in an adjacent space.
If an effect moves the gorgons against their will, the
5 Strangling chains! The character must succeed on a giant must succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or
DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or they are restrained. fall from the chariot, landing prone in a space within 5
The character can repeat the saving throw at the end feet of it. If the giant falls prone while it is riding the
of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a chariot, it must make the same saving throw to avoid
successful save. Ignore this result if Guldocht
falling from the chariot. If either gorgon falls prone, the
(location S4) is engaged in combat or dead.
chariot overturns and breaks. In all these cases, the giant
6 Shrapnel! A chariot crashes nearby, or an explosion takes 11 (2d10) bludgeoning damage from falling from
catches the character off-guard. The character must the chariot.
make a DC 10 Dexterity saving throw or gain Due to the weight of the chariot, targets hit by the
disadvantage to their attacks during this turn. gorgons' trampling charge attack have disadvantage on
their saving throw to avoid being knocked prone. With the
7 Explosion! A magic fireball cast by an ally explodes
chariot attached, the gorgon can move through the spaces
nearby. One enemy of the player's choice must
of prone characters. Characters trampled under the
succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or fall
prone. wheels take 16 (3d10) bludgeoning damage.
8 Allied archer! The player makes a free attack against

an enemy of their choice: +9 to hit, 11 (1d8 + 7)
piercing damage. This attack scores a critical hit on
Adjusting the Encounter These are not cumulative:
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter.  Very Weak Party: Remove two flameskulls.
These are not cumulative:  Weak Party: Remove a flameskull.
 Very Weak Party: Remove a gorgon; reduce fire giant's hit  Strong Party: Add a flameskull.
points to 111.  Very Strong Party: Add two flameskulls.
 Weak Party: Remove a gorgon.
 Strong Party: Add a gorgon.
 Very Strong Party: Add a fire giant and a gorgon. The platform has the following features.
Raised Platforms. Barbed chains suspend the

Each fire giant charioteer carries the following giant-sized platforms 20 feet above the level of the main platform.
treasures: a gold hunting horn set with a six dark red The only way to reach the raised platforms is to jump, fly,
garnets (600gp), a whip made from red dragon scales or climb the barbed chains.
(200gp), and a fire opal ring (1000gp). Cages. If a flameskull is destroyed, it regains all its hit
points and spell slots and reforms inside one of the cages
at the start of its next turn. This effect persists until the
characters dispel the unholy brazier (see below), or
A half-blind fire giant sorcerer, Myrkthrasir , guards this
destroy the cage. Each cage has AC 8 and 50 hit points.
platform with his flameskull siblings.
Unholy Brazier. The bones inside the brazier belong to
A hunchbacked giant awaits on the platform. Green flame burns Myrkthrasir's own brothers. To dispel its magic, a
in the empty socket of his right eye and scars cover his left. He character must splash the brazier with holy water or
wears crimson dragon scale robes, and leans on his sword as
subject it to a dispel magic or remove curse spell.
Destroying the brazier also dispels the magic: the brazier
though it were a walking stick.
has AC 18 and 150 hit points.
Behind the giant, flames crackle over a brazier of blackened
giants' bones. The smoke from the brazier coils up to smother a
Roleplaying Myrkthrasir
pair of open iron cages, which perch on higher platforms.
Myrkthrasir's brothers sacrificed themselves to empower him
Grinning giants' skulls swoop around the cages, blazing with against a jealous mentor. He now fights to honor his queen,
unholy emerald light. knowing that younger sorcerers are keen to usurp him.
Quote: "I seeee you!"
Map 3-2: Fire Sorcerer shows the layout of this area.

Myrkthrasir carries the following giant-sized treasures: a
 Myrkthrasir defends the unholy brazier. cloak made from red dragon scales (350 gp), and a
 Four flameskulls lurk near the upper cages. platinum skull pendant with emeralds for eyes (1350 gp).
Roll initiative when the characters reach the main
platform. Unless they use magic, it's impossible for the
characters to approach the platform without the
A young fire giant hunter, Ygrmog, guards this platform
flameskulls seeing them. When the flameskulls spot the
with his pack of hell hounds .
group, they fly down to attack.
Four massive cages rest on this platform. Metal stairs rise
between the cages to a higher level, where a young fire giant
Myrkthrasir is blind, and relies on his flameskulls to see.
hurls explosive javelins at his enemies. Snarling hounds scrape
If a character is in sight of a flameskull, Myrkthrasir can
and bash against the cage bars, with flames licking between
also see them. Likewise, any location the giant targets
their fangs.
with a ranged attack must be in sight of the flameskulls,
A spiked chain fetters a winged horse to the upper platform.
or he suffers the effect of being blind.
The horse flies in panicked circles, its chain sweeping over the
Each turn, a character can make a free DC 15 Wisdom
platform like a scythe blade. When it gets in his way, the giant
(Insight) check to discern that the giant relies on his
yanks the chain aside and dashes the horse against the cages.
flameskulls to see. If they're clever, the group can use this
information to gain a tactical advantage over him.
Map 3-3: Fire Hunter shows the layout of this area.
 Ygrmog stands on the platform's upper level. character.
 Eight hell hounds wait in the cages. There are two
hounds to each cage.
 A pegasus flies around the upper level. The platform has the following features.
Upper Platform. The upper platform rests on the
Roll initiative when the characters reach the platform.
corners of the four cages, 20 feet above the level of the
Unless they use magic, it's impossible for the group to
main platform. The only way to reach the raised platform
approach the platform without Ygrmog seeing them.
is to mount the stairs.
When Ygrmog spots the group, he readies an action to
Cages. The cage doors are magically locked. Each cage
release the hounds.
is 20 feet tall and crafted from black iron.
Here are recommendations for adjusting this combat encounter. Roleplaying Ygrmog
These are not cumulative: Ygrmog has lank black hair and wears a grimlock hide cloak. He
 Very Weak Party: Remove four hell hounds. never washes, and prefers hunting the Underdark to mixing with
 Weak Party: Remove two hell hounds. his own kind.
 Strong Party: Add two hell hounds. Quote: "Hunt 'em. Kill 'em. Eat 'em."
 Very Strong Party: Add four hell hounds.
Ygrmog carries the following giant-sized treasures: a

Enchanted locks seal the cage doors. When the giant silver skinning knife covered in gems (200 gp), a gold
blows his war horn, the doors unlock and release the hell horn carved with hunting scenes (400 gp), and a platinum
hounds. Ygrmog readies to blow his horn when the first necklace that clasps an owlbear's paw (1000 gp).
enemy passes between the cages. What a Horse! If the pegasus is alive at the end of the
The closest hounds gang up on the enemy that adventure, and if Ygrmog and his hounds are dead, one
triggered their release, only changing targets when their good-aligned character may attempt to claim the pegasus
current target is dead. If no enemies are nearby, the hell as a mount. However, before they may do so, the creature
hounds leap and snarl underneath the pegasus until must be calmed first. Calming the creature requires a
Ygrmog locks them back into their cages. successful DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If
successful, the character calming the creature earns the
What a Horse! story reward. Only a good-aligned
The pegasus flies around in a panic, always trying to get character may calm the creature and claim the story
as far away from the hounds as it can. Move the pegasus reward.
at the end of Ygrmog's turn. During its movement, the
chain attacks any creature standing between it and the
central point of the platform. Creatures targeted must
A fire giant warlock, Guldocht , guards this platform with
succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 11
a group of bound barlgura demons.
(2d10) slashing damage and fall prone. Due to his
practiced training, Ygrmog gains advantage on this saving A scarred giant wearing a cloak of rusty chains paces around
throw. The chain prevents the pegasus from moving more this platform. Two smaller platforms hang to either side, with
than 30 ft. from the center of the upper platform.
barbed chains slung like webs between them. When the giant
raises his hands, the chains between the platforms writhe and
coil like metal serpents.
Characters that belong to the Emerald Enclave cannot
stand to see the majestic pegasus treated in this way.
When combat begins, they gain the following faction
assignment.
Rescue the Pegasus. A character can calm the pegasus
with a DC 16 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check, but only
if Ygrmog and his hounds are dead. Characters riding a
giant spider have disadvantage on this check. Once
calmed, the pegasus follows the group. If it escapes alive,
it can become a permanent mount for a good-aligned
Map 3-4: Fire Strangler shows the layout of this area. Guldocht carries the following giant-sized treasures: a
gold locket containing a portrait of a stern giantess (100
 Guldocht stands on the central platform.
gp), an electrum belt buckle bearing the symbol of
 Four barlguras hide invisibly on the smaller platforms.
There are two barlguras on each platform. Maerimydra, (1000 gp), and a scroll case containing
illuminated maps of the city (300 gp). He also carries the
Roll initiative when the characters reach the main
Codex of Bound Desires: a tome he's written about
platform. Unless they use magic, it's impossible for the
summoning and binding demons (200gp).
group to approach the platform without Guldocht seeing
them. When Guldocht spots the group, he orders his
barlguras into combat. Knowledge of demons will surely aid the characters in the
coming days - and Guldocht's book can help the alliance
Adjusting the Encounter gain that understanding! Characters that belong to the
Zhentarim faction gain an extra goal when the Codex of
 Very Weak Party: Remove two barlguras. Bound Desires is found.
 Weak Party: Remove a barlgura. Bring the Book Back Intact. The character must
 Strong Party: Add a barlgura. return this tome to their superiors in the company.
 Very Strong Party: Add two barlguras.
Unfortunately, the Codex has already been damaged in
battle, and is falling apart. If a character carrying the
The barlguras make good use of terrain to outflank the codex takes fire damage, they must succeed on a DC 10
group. In combat, they leap between platforms to target Dexterity saving throw or the flames consume the book. If
creatures restrained by Guldocht's animate chains ability. the character takes measures to protect the book short of
When they cast their own entangle spells, describe how magic, consider awarding advantage to the saving throw.
chains rise up to snare the characters. Placing the book inside a bag of holding is the only way to
Guldocht exploited dark magic to bind the barlguras. ensure safe transportation.
Each demon wears a magic choker that strangles it if it
attacks the giant or tries to remove its choker. When
combat begins, allow each character a DC 15 Wisdom A beholder eye of flame guards the central tower.
(Insight) check to sense the demons' hatred for the giant.
A character that succeeds on a DC 20 Wisdom Barbed chains stretch to an ironclad tower in the center of the
(Perception) notices the rune-inscribed choker. To arena. At its head, a metal balcony encircles a set of slatted
remove it, a character must hit a barlgura with a melee metal windows. A floating point of fire shifts about behind the
attack made with disadvantage and do at least 5 points of slats like a hungry eye, firing beams of flame onto the
damage. Once freed, the demon turns on Guldocht. combatants below. Beneath the balcony, a group of chained
slaves dangles upside down, struggling against their bonds.
The platform has the following features. When the players mount the chains to the tower, read:
Hanging Platforms. Each smaller platform hangs 40
A crescendo of drums echoes through the coliseum. The giants
feet above the arena floor.
fall silent, and Oromoth rises in the royal box, eyes transfixed on
Chains. Chains drape every surface. A creature that
the central tower. With an earsplitting scrape of metal on metal,
attempts the Dash action while on a platform must
a circular hatch unscrews and clanks down onto the balcony.
succeed on a DC 10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or fall
"Behold! The Eye of Flame!"
prone, ending their move.
A floating orb clad in steel armor emerges from the hole. Its
central eye blazes with flame, and its jaws burn red-hot. Smaller
Roleplaying Guldocht
Scars from hundreds of self-inflicted cuts cover Guldocht's body. eyeballs sprout from the beast on writhing stalks, and a glowing
Long ago, his warlock's pact with Graz'zt won him the love of a crystal orbits its body. The crowd erupts with crazed cheers.
giantess he had desired since childhood. When she died of
plague, he swore himself to a life of suffering. Now, only murder
gives him pleasure.
Quote: "Little things. How easily you break."
Map 3-5: Eye of Flame shows the layout of this area. Roll
initiative when the beholder eye of flame emerges. The
beholder fights to the death. Lords' Alliance characters
immediately recognize Zor Mirko bound to the side of
the tower, the noble that they are to save. Make it clear
that area attacks have to be placed carefully or they
may hit the slaves. The beholder eye of flame uses any
reticence to kill the slaves to his advantage.
The tower has the following features.
Balcony. A metal handrail runs around the balcony. If a

character falls from the balcony, they can catch onto the
handrail on a successful DC 12 Dexterity saving throw.
Those that fail fall 30-ft. to the floor of the arena.
Captives. Five captives hang underneath the balcony
on chains. To free a captive, a character must spend two
actions: one to pull them up onto the balcony, and another
to smash their chains.

 Very Weak Party: The beholder eye of flame has half hit
points.
 Weak Party: The beholder eye of flame has two-third hit
points.
 Strong Party: Add a flameskull.
 Very Strong Party: Add two flameskulls.
The captives are humans that the giants purchased as

slaves. Among them is Zor Mirko, the noble that the
Lords' Alliance want freed from captivity. Once
rescued, the captives try to stay as close to the
characters as possible.
The beholder has the following treasures: a set of 10

golden tooth rings (25 gp each), and an eyebrow stud set
with a ruby (5000 gp). It also has an ioun stone (insight).
End any ongoing encounters as soon as the final part is Expected duration: 50 minutes.
announced. Allied adventurers rush to the characters' The final battle takes place at the far end of the arena.
aid, and magic spells cut down their enemies. Map 3-6: Final Battle shows the layout of the area. Read
the following aloud when combat begins.
The soldiers march forward. Behind them, the gates stand open
to the hellish city beyond. If you're to survive this day, those
Expected Duration: 10 minutes. gates are your only way out!
When time is called, read the following aloud:
Gates grind open at the far end of the coliseum, and a squad of The characters take positions in the start zone. When
fire giant soldiers marches into the arena. The soldiers arrange combat begins, their fellow adventurers charge the line of
themselves in a shield wall before the gate. giants, leaving the following enemies for the characters to
deal with.
Ask the Group Leader to deliver the group's Giant If the administrators raised the green flag:
Slayer Record Sheet to the administrators if they have
 Two fire giants stand before the gates.
not already done so. There follows a 10 minute break
 Oromoth stands in front of the giants.
while the administrators count victories. Use this time to
grant the characters (and their players) the benefit of a If the administrators raised the red flag:
short rest.  Three fire giants stand before the gates.
When the administrators are ready, they'll raise a flag  At the start of each round, a fire giant enters from the
to announce whether the adventure track was a success city.
or a failure. To succeed the characters must kill Oromoth if he's
present, or escape through the gates if he's not.
If the administrators raise a green flag, read:
The corpses of gladiators litter the arena. Everywhere you look,
adventurers raise bloodied weapons to salute your victory. These are not cumulative:
Oromoth rises to address the baying crowds.  Very Weak Party: Remove a fire giant, and the remaining fire
"Enough! These slaves defy the Dark Prince. They defy us! Let giants have half hit points.
 Weak Party: Remove a fire giant
them be -"
 Strong Party: Add a gorgon.
With a roar, Queen Hledh rises from her bed of skulls. She  Very Strong Party: Add a fire giant
grabs Oromoth and snaps his wings like twigs, then hurls him
into the arena. He lands before you with a sickening crunch.
"You defy the Dark Prince with your failure, Oromoth! Now pay Characters that belong to the Harpers gain an extra goal
the price in blood! Prove yourself worthy to me… or die trying!" in this battle. When combat begins, the remaining slaves
Oromoth rises to his feet and wipes the blood from his lips. try to surge from the arena. Without assistance from the
"So be it", he snarls. group, they'll perish.
Hold the Line. To give the slaves a chance to escape,
If the administrators raise a red flag, read: the group must occupy the giants for at least 4 rounds. If
they do, word of the characters' bravery carries back to
All around the arena, gladiators land killing blows on your fellow the Harpers. In this case, unengaged giants move to
adventurers. Severed heads roll across the bloodied floor, and eliminate any fleeing slaves. Giants attacked at range still
the crowd roars for murder. count as engaged as they are distracted from attacking
In the royal box, Oromoth kisses his queen and disappears the easy targets.
smiling into the shadows. As he leaves, Queen Hledh rises from
her bed of skulls to address the crowd.
"The Dark Prince dines on souls! Let these be our greatest gift
to him. Soldiers - destroy them!"
Characters that belong to the Order of the Gauntlet also
gain an extra goal. This goal is only available if Oromoth
is present.
Capture Oromoth Alive. Oromoth's presence here is
an unexpected boon. The Order of the Gauntlet has many
questions they'd like the fiend to answer, but only if the
characters capture him alive!
Roleplaying Oromoth
Oromoth's specialty is the seduction of the rich. He dresses in
the finest clothes, and obsesses over his own image. Queen
Hledh is key to his plans, and he'll do anything to please her -
even though he despises her.
Quote: "Tell me, which sanctimonious coward put you up to
this? I'll eat their damned heart!"
The party is victorious if they slay Oromoth or escape into

the city. If they win, read the following aloud:
Your escape from Maerimydra is a blur of horrors you can barely

remember - but that you're sure will return to you in your
nightmares. Meeting up with the duergar, you travel back
through midnight depths to the surface, where you now stand.
You have survived the Strangling.
The characters have escaped Maerimydra alive. For that

alone, they deserve congratulations!
Oromoth wears a belt of giant strength. In addition, the

players can loot the following treasures from his body: a
sapphire navel stud (1000 gp), a string of black pearls
worn around one of his horns (10,000gp), and a gold
tooth set with an emerald (1250 gp).
When time is called, the administrators announce

whether the strike team defeated Vheloch and foiled the
Crimson Trinity's ritual. If they won, congratulate your
group for averting disaster in the Forgotten Realms. If
they failed, Graz'zt devours the souls of all who died!
Make sure the players note their rewards on their
adventure log sheets. Give your name and DCI number (if
applicable) so players can record who ran the session. Treasure Awards
Item Name GP value
Gorgon chariot loot 1850
Gold hunting horn with gems 600
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated foes, Red dragon scale whip 200
and divide by the number of characters present in the Fire opal ring 1000
combat. For non-combat experience , the rewards are Fire sorcerer loot (location S2) 1700
listed per character. Give all characters in the party non- Red dragon scale cloak 350
combat experience awards unless otherwise noted. Platinum Skull pendant 1350
Fire hunter loot (location S3) 1600
Combat Awards Silver skinning knife 200
Name of Foe XP per Foe Carved gold horn 400
Barlgura 1,800 Platinum necklace with owlbear paw 1000
Beholder Eye of Flame 10,000 Fire strangler loot (location S4) 1600
Fire Giant 5,000 Gold locket (giantess portrait) 100
Flameskull 1,100 Maerimydra electrum belt buckle 1000
Gorgon 1,800 Illuminated Maerimydra maps in case 300
Guldocht (Fire Giant) 5,000 Codex of Bound Desires (book) 200
Hell Hound 700 Eye of flame loot (location S5) 5250
Myrkthrasir (Fire Giant) 5,900 Set of teeth rings (10 rings) 250
Oromoth (Incubus) 5,000 Ruby eyebrow stud 5000
Ygrmog (Fire Giant) 5,900 Oromoth’s loot 12,250
Sapphire navel stud 1000
Non-Combat Awards String of Black Pearls 10,000
Task or Accomplishment XP per Character Gold tooth set with emerald 1250
Befriend the pegasus 100
Rescue the captives 500
Wondrous Item, very rare (requires attunement)
The minimum total award for each character This incandescent blue sphere glows with an unearthly
participating in this adventure is 7,875 experience white light as it orbits your head, casting odd shadows all
points. around you. To those nearby, these shadows sometimes
The maximum total award for each character seem to take on nefarious shapes or perform undesirable
participating in this adventure is 13,125 experience things. A description of this item can be found in the
points. Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Wondrous Item, very rare

The characters receive the following treasure, divided up This wide belt is made of what at first appears to be
among the party. Characters should attempt to divide supple, black leather studded with mithral. Closer
treasure evenly whenever possible. Gold piece values examination reveals the grisly truth—it is made of the
listed for sellable gear are calculated at their selling price, tanned hides of drow. A description of this item can be
not their purchase price. found in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
unable to decide.
Permanent Magic Item Distribution Roleplaying U'dehl
D&D Adventurers League has a system in place to determine U'dehl is extremely haughty and vain, and constantly preens and
who is awarded permanent magic items at the end of a session. grooms himself. His rather annoying shortcomings aside,
Each character's log sheet contains a column to record however, he is steadfast in his loyalty.
permanent magic items for ease of reference. Quote: "Neeeeigh!"
 If the players at the table agree on one character taking
possession of a permanent magic item, that character gets
the item.
 In the event that one or more characters indicate an interest Each character receives ten downtime days at the
in possessing a permanent magic item, the character that conclusion of this adventure.
possesses the fewest permanent magic items gets the item.
If there is a tie in the total number of permanent magic
items owned by contesting characters, the item's owner is
determined randomly by the DM.

rescuing the pegasus (location S3).
recovering Guldocht's ritual book intact (location S4)
Harpers members earn one renown point for holding
the line in the final battle until the slaves escape.
Lords' Alliance members earn one renown point for
rescuing Zor Mirko (location S5).
for capturing Oromoth alive.
The characters have the opportunity to earn the following

story reward during the course of play.
What a Horse! You have earned the respect and thanks

of a pegasus, a celestial denizen of the Upper Planes. For
as long as you treat the creature with respect and stay
true to the ideals that it embodies, it remains faithful to
you and happily serves you as a mount.
While he is willing to wear barding, U'dehl refuses to
wear heavy armor for fear that people won't be able to
properly behold his magnificence. He is also adamant in
being provided nothing but the best food and care. For so
long as you retain U'dehl's services, you must maintain a
lifestyle of no less than Wealthy.
If, at any time, you perform an evil act in its presence,
you must immediately succeed at a DC 16 Charisma
(Persuasion) check. If you fail, the pegasus leaves your
service at its next available opportunity. The DM has
discretion as to what constitutes an evil act and may
assign advantage or disadvantage on the check based on
the circumstances surrounding the act. The DC of this
check increases by 1 each time you are forced to make it.
Saving Throws Int +7, Wis +7, Cha +8
Skills Perception +12
Condition Immunities prone
Damage Immunities fire
Languages Deep Speech, Undercommon
Vulnerability Cone. The beholder's central eye creates an area
of fire vulnerability in a 150-foot cone. All creatures within the
Large fiend (demon), chaotic evil
cone gain vulnerability to fire. At the start of each of its turns, the
beholder decides which way the cone faces and whether the cone
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
is active.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Heated Body. A creature that touches the beholder or hits it
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 7 (-2) 14 (+2) 9 (-1) with a melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 7 (2d6) fire
Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +6 damage.
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning
Actions
Condition Immunities poisoned Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15 14 (4d6) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6) fire damage.
Languages Abyssal, telepathy 120 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) Eye Rays. The beholder shoots three of the following magical eye
Innate Spellcasting The barlgura's spellcasting ability is rays at random (reroll duplicates, except for Flame Ray),
choosing one to three targets it can see within 120 feet of it.
Wisdom (spell save DC 13). The barlgura can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components: 1-2. Flame Ray. The targeted creature must make a DC 16
Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10) fire damage on a failed
1/day each: entangle, phantasmal force
save, or half as much damage on a successful save.
2/day each: disguise self, invisibility (self only)
Reckless. At the start of its turn, the barlgura can gain 3. Fear Ray. The targeted creature must succeed on a DC 16
advantage on all melee attack rolls it makes during that turn, but Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute. The target
attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns,
turn. ending the effect on itself on a success.
Running Leap. The barlgura's long jump is up to 40 feet and 4. Telekinetic Ray. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on
its high jump is up to 20 feet when it has a running start. a DC 16 Strength saving throw or the beholder moves it up to 30
feet in any direction. It is restrained by the ray's telekinetic grip
until the start of the beholder's next turn or until the beholder is
Actions incapacitated.
Multiattack. The barlgura makes three attacks, one with its bite
If the target is an object weighing 300 pounds or less that isn't
and two with its fists.
being worn or carried, it is moved up to 30 feet in any direction.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: The beholder can also exert fine control on objects with this ray,
11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage such as manipulating a simple tool or opening a door or a
container.
Fist. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9
(1d10 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Legendary Actions
The beholder can take 3 legendary actions, using the Eye Ray
option below. It can take only one legendary action at a time and
only at the end of another creature's turn. The beholder regains
Large aberration, lawful evil spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Armor Class 18 (plate) Eye Ray. The beholder uses one random eye ray.
Hit Points 180 (19d10 + 76)
Speed 0 ft., fly 20 ft. (hover)
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 17 (+3)
Huge giant, lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Hit Points 162 (13d12 + 78)
Speed 30 ft.
25 (+7) 9 (-1) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 13 (+1)
Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +10, Cha +5
Skills Athletics +11, Perception +6 Large beast, unaligned
Damage Immunities fire Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Senses passive Perception 16 Hit Points 26 (4d10 + 4)
Languages Giant Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 2 (-4) 11 (+0) 4 (-3)
Actions Skills Stealth +7
Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Multiattack. The giant makes two greatsword attacks. Languages —
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one Challenge 1 (200 XP)
target. Hit: 28 (6d6 + 7) slashing damage. Spider Climb. The spider can climb difficult surfaces,
Rock Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an
target. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage. ability check.
Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the spider knows the
exact location of any other creatures in contact with the same
web.
Web Walker. The spider ignores movement restrictions

Tiny undead, neutral evil
caused by webbing.
Armor Class 13
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft. Actions
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
1 (-5) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC
Skills Arcana +5, Perception +2 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 9 (2d8) poison damage on a
Damage Resistances lightning, necrotic, piercing failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. If the
Damage Immunities cold, fire, poison poison damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the target is
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned stable but poisoned for 1 hour, even after regaining hit points,
and is paralyzed while poisoned in this way.
Languages Common, Giant
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) Web (Recharge 5-6). Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
Illumination. The flameskull sheds either dim light in a 15-foot 30/60ft., one creature. Hit: the target is restrained by webbing. As
radius, or bright light in a 15-foot radius and dim light for an an action, the restrained target can make a DC 12 Strength
additional 15 feet. It can switch between the options as an action. check, bursting the webbing on a success. The webbing can also
be attacked and destroyed (AC 10; hp 5; vulnerability to fire
Magic Resistance. The flameskull has advantage on saving damage, immunity to bludgeoning, poison or psychic damage).
throws against spells and other magical effects.
Rejuvenation. If the flameskull is destroyed, it regains all its

hit points in 1 hour unless holy water is sprinkled on its remains
or a dispel magic or remove curse spell is cast on them.
Large monstrosity, unaligned
Spellcasting. The flameskull is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48)
spell attacks). It requires no somatic or material components to Speed 40 ft.
cast its spells. The flameskull has the following wizard spells STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
prepared. 20 (+5) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 2 (-4) 12 (+1) 7 (-2)
Cantrip (at will): mage hand Condition Immunities petrified
1st level (3 slots): magic missile, shield Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
2nd level (2 slots): blur, flaming sphere Languages —
3rd level (1 slots): fireball Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Trampling Charge. If the gorgon moves at least 20 feet
Actions straight toward a creature and then hits it with a gore attack on
Multiattack. The flameskull uses Fire Ray twice. the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength
saving throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the
Fire Ray. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 30 ft., one target. gorgon can make one attack with its hooves against it as a bonus
Hit: 10 (3d6) fire damage. action.
Actions
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: but can't make attacks while grappling. An animated chain
18 (2d12 + 5) piercing damage. reverts to its inanimate state if reduced to 0 hit points or if
Guldocht is incapacitated or dies.
Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Petrifying Breath (Recharge 5-6). The gorgon exhales petrifying
gas in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must succeed on
a DC 13 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, a target Medium fiend, lawful evil
begins to turn to stone and is restrained. The restrained target Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
success, the effect ends on the target. On a failure, the target is Speed 50 ft.
petrified until freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 6 (-2) 13 (+1) 6 (-2)
Huge giant, lawful evil Languages understands Infernal but can't speak it
Armor Class 11 (studded leather, 12 with mage armor)
Hit Points 162 (13d12 + 78) Keen Hearing and Smell. The hound has advantage on
Speed 30 ft. Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
25 (+7) 9 (-1) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) Pack Tactics. The hound has advantage on an attack roll
Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +10, Cha +7 against a creature if at least one of the hound's allies is within 5
Skills Athletics +11, Perception +6 feet of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Senses passive Perception 16 Actions
Languages Giant
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7
(1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage.
Armor of Shadows. Guldocht can cast mage armor on himself at
will, without expending a spell slot. Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The hound exhales fire in a 15-foot
cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Dexterity
Spellcasting. Guldocht is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks).
as much damage on a successful save.
He has 2 spell slots to cast the following spells:
Cantrips (at-will): eldritch blast, mage hand, true strike
1st level: expeditious retreat, hex, protection from evil and good
2nd level: shatter, spider climb
3rd level: hunger of hadar Huge giant, lawful evil
Armor Class 11 (studded leather, 12 with mage armor)
Actions Hit Points 217 (21d12 + 126)
Speed 30 ft.
Multiattack. The giant makes two attacks with his chain.
Chain. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. 25 (+7) 9 (-1) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 16 (+3)
Hit: 14 (2d6 + 7) slashing damage. The target is grappled Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +10, Cha +7
(escape DC 17) if Guldocht isn't already grappling a creature. Skills Athletics +11, Perception +6
Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained and takes 3 (2d6) Damage Immunities fire
piercing damage at the start of each of its turns. Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Giant
Rock Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
target. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage. Spellcasting. Myrkthrasir is an 8th-level spellcaster. His
Animate Chains (Recharges after Short or Long Rest) Up to four spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with
chains that Guldocht can see within 60 feet of him magically spell attacks). He knows the following spells (spells marked with
sprout razer-edged barbs and animate under Guldocht’s control, an asterisk can be found in the Elemental Evil Player's
provided the chains aren't being worn or carried. Companion):
Each animated chain is an object with AC 20, 20 hit points, Cantrips (at-will): blade ward, fire bolt, light, shocking grasp, true
resistance to piercing damage, and immunity to psychic and strike
thunder damage. When Guldocht uses Multiattack on his turn, 1st level (4 slots): burning hands, mage armor
he can use each animated chain to make one additional chain 2nd level (3 slots): gust of wind, mirror image
attack. An animated chain can grapple one creature of its own 3rd level (3 slots): fly, slow
4th level (2 slots): elemental bane*, stoneskin against the effect, or if the effect on the target ends, the target is
5th level (1 slots): cloudkill immune to this fiend's Charm for the next 24 hours.
Actions charms another, the effect on the previous target ends.
Multiattack. The giant makes two greatsword attacks. Draining Kiss. The fiend kisses a creature charmed by it or a
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one willing creature. The target must make a DC 15 Constitution
target. Hit: 28 (6d6 + 7) slashing damage. saving throw against this magic, taking 32 (5d10 + 5) psychic
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful
Rock Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one one. The target's hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
target. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage. equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target
finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit
point maximum to 0.
Medium fiend (shapechanger), neutral evil Etherealness. The fiend magically enters the Ethereal Plane from
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) the Material Plane, or vice versa.
8 (-1) 17 (+3) 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) Large celestial, chaotic good
Skills Deception +9, Insight +5, Perception +5, Persuasion +9. Stealth +7 Armor Class 12
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, poison, bludgeoning, piercing, Hit Points 59 (7d10 + 21)
and slashing from nonmagical weapons. Speed 60 ft., fly 90 ft.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15 STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal, telepathy 60ft. 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 13 (+1)
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) Saving Throws Dex +4, Wis +4, Cha +3
Telepathic Bond. The fiend ignores the range restriction on Skills Perception +6
Senses passive Perception 15
its telepathy when communicating with a creature it has
Languages understands Celestial, Common, Elvish, and Sylvan, but
charmed. The two don't even need to be on the same plane of
can't speak.
existence. Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Shapechanger. The fiend can use its action to polymorph into
a Small or Medium humanoid, or back into its true form. Actions
Without wings, the fiend loses its flying speed. Other than its Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
size and speed, its statistics are the same in each form. Any Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
its true form if it dies.
Agonizing Blast. Oromoth's eldritch blast spell deals an additional
Huge giant, lawful evil
5 damage on a hit.
Armor Class 18 (plate)
Devil Sight. Oromoth can see normally in darkness, both magical Hit Points 162 (13d12 + 78)
and nonmagical, to a distance of 120 ft. Speed 30 ft.
Spellcasting. Oromoth is a 5th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting 25 (+7) 14 (+2) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 13 (+1)
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks).
Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +10, Cha +5
He has 2 spell slots to cast the following spells:
Skills Athletics +11, Perception +6
Cantrips (at-will): blade ward, eldritch blast, friends Damage Immunities fire
1st level: charm person, hex, witch bolt Senses passive Perception 16
2nd level: cloud of daggers, darkness Languages Giant
3rd level: vampiric touch Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Actions Actions
Claw (Fiend Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 Multiattack. The giant makes two greatsword attacks.
ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage. Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
Charm. One humanoid the fiend can see within 30 feet of it must target. Hit: 28 (6d6 + 7) slashing damage.
succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be magically Explosive Javelin Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/240
charmed for 1 day. The charmed creature obeys the fiend's verbal ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) piercing damage and 22 (4d10)
or telepathic commands. If the target suffers any harm or fire damage.
receives a suicidal command, it can repeat the saving throw,
ending the effect on a success. If the target successfully saves
Kaele Icaryd (KALE ih-CAR-eed). Drow male refugee of
Szith Morcane. Working with the Faction leaders to
Maerimydra.
Zor Mirko (ZORE MEER-ko). Male drow aristocrat.
Captured and held in Maerimydra.
Myrkthrasir (MEERK-thah-SEAR), Ygrmog (EE-gruh-
mog), & Guldocht (GULL-dockt). Fire giant champions
that live to slaughter their foes within the Coliseum of
Maerimydra.

DDEP3 Blood Above Blood Below

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In two different arenas, the call for blood has been sounded.

The five factions now seek out bold adventurers willing to

Debut: August 1, 2015

Welcome to Blood Above, Blood Below, a D&D EpicsTM

 Add up the total levels of all the characters

Blood Above, Blood Below features interactive elements

Death to the Strange Folk!

Expected Duration: 15 minutes.

The players can now question Dargol-Rend and Solom

Use the following information to answer the players'

 Fire giants rule the Underdark city of Maerimydra. Zhentarim Spy

Indefinite Madnesses of Graz’zt

01-20 Narcissism: "There is nothing in existence that is more

Madness This adventure track is for 1st through 4th-level

The ship has immunity to all damage unless it takes an

During Part 2, the players must recover as many victory

5 Arrow Volley! Make a ranged attack against each

11-12 Aid Your Allies! The gunner spots a good

Roleplaying Fayd Uldrane

Dargol-Rend speaks through the sending stone.

Ring of Fire. The green flames radiate no heat, but deal

Tower. The tower is 30 feet high. A ladder fixed to the

If the players approach the raft, Dargol-Rend uses the

A skeletal minotaur emerges from the smoke, wielding an axe

Players who capture the trebuchet can turn it against

Trebuchet Stone. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,

The gladiators carry the following treasure between them:

Adjusting the Encounter

Each character receives ten downtime days at the

Enemy Ships One gladiator operates the deck-mounted ballista.

1 Iron Dawn 100 5

6 Eight Gladiator Recruits Six Gladiator Recruits

Shapechanger. The fiend can use its action to polymorph into

Medium humanoid (human), neutral Medium undead, lawful evil

Large undead, lawful evil

Kaele Icaryd calls your company forward. Behind her, a group of

Introduce the drow guide to the group. When you're

The guide is a drow elite warrior . Each guide has a

Drow Guide Agenda

1 Usurper. The guide is plotting to murder Kaele Icaryd

2 Traitor. The guide is a secret servant of the Crimson

3 Fanatic. The guide hates surface folk. He or she plans

Male names: Azak, Bek'rzyn, Mirafel, Pharuel, Grez,

Take a moment to briefly describe the players' journey

With a bloodcurdling scream, a dark shape leaps from a rock

Roll initiative and begin the chase. The vrock starts

1 Stalactites! The creature must succeed on a DC 13

2 Swarm of bats! The creature must succeed on a DC

3 Waterfall! The creature must succeed on a DC 15

4 Spider! A giant spider slings a web at the creature.

5 Wild magic! A patch of potent faerzress imbues the

6 Maddening whispers! The character must succeed

7 Giant webs! The creature must succeed on a DC 13

8 Darkmantle! Concealed in its darkness aura, a

9 Poisonous puffballs! If the creature succeeds on a

The library has the following general features.

 Kel seeks vengeance on the Crimson Trinity for

 Until recently, Kel Morcane was a wizard of House

 A guide with the traitor secret agenda sneaks inside

Alisannara used this chamber to store secrets she'd