Tokens: Official Dungeons & Dragons Adventures

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OFFICIAL DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ADVENTURES

JAN/FEB 2002
02
ISSUE 90 • VOL. XV, NO. 6
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90 0DUNGEON ✦ TEARS FOR TWILIGHT HOLLOW ✦ THE ELFWHISPER ✦ TOTENTANZ ✦ PREY FOR TYRINTH VOLUME XV, NUMBER 6 ✦ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2002
January/February 2002
Issue #90
“Because I could not stop for Death—

He kindly stopped for me—
The carriage held but just ourselves
And immortality.”
—Emily Dickinson,
Because I Could Not Stop For Death
Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Elfwhisper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Tears for Twilight Hollow . . . . . . . . . . . 62
by J.C. Alvarez by Angel Leigh McCoy & Christopher Perkins
Elves and forests don’t always get along. A D&D adventure A paladin’s demise brings pain and despair to the village of
for 8th-level PCs but adaptable for levels 6–11. Twilight Hollow. A D&D FORGOTTEN REALMS adventure for
7th-level PCs but adaptable for levels 3–12.
Totentanz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
by Bernard Mees Critical Threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Even death cannot keep the citizens of Luzern from dancing by DUNGEON Staff
in the street. A D&D adventure for 4th-level PCs but NEW FEATURE! This lycanthropic cleric savors the taste
adaptable for levels 1–6. of infidels. A D&D FORGOTTEN REALMS Critical Threat.
Prey for Tyrinth ........................ 56

by Tim Hitchcock
She lives in the depths. She lives in the darkness. She lives
to kill. A D&D adventure designed for 5th-level PCs but
adaptable for levels 3–13.
Cover
Brom takes us inside the House of Torment and illustrates two of its most fearsome denizens. Indeed, there are
fates worse than death, as heroes soon discover in “Tears for Twilight Hollow.”
EDITORIAL
In With the New

But Not Out With the Old
by Chris Thomasson
I’m not a big fan of “tour-guide editorials”—that is, editorials Second, you’re still going to get 116 pages of DUNGEON con-
where the editor tells you what’s in the issue and why you’ll tent each issue. That means no reduced page count in
enjoy it. If I want to know what’s in the issue, I’ll go to the Table DUNGEON. In fact, we’re actually adding a new feature to the
of Contents. magazine. Beginning with this issue of DUNGEON, we’re unveil-
That said, Issue #90 is a little different from your typical ing “Critical Threats.” This one- or two-page column provides
DUNGEON Magazine. As you’ve probably noticed, we’ve gained DMs with either a statted-up and fleshed-out NPC—including
a few pounds. Some might say the desk job is finally getting to favorite tactics, character background and personality, a por-
us, but the truth is that we’ve added content. Before we go any trait, and adventure hooks to incorporate the character into
farther, do me a favor: Close the magazine, and turn it over. your campaign—or a single, unique room complete with a
Are you back? Good. detailed description, a snazzy map, and adventure hooks to
What you hold in your meaty, sweaty little hands is the new, work the location into your game. You’ll find one of the former
improved DUNGEON/POLYHEDRON Magazine. That’s right, our sis- in this issue, and we’ll bring you the map version in Issue #91.
ter publication from the RPGA has joined forces with your “Side Treks” provide you with a short adventure consisting
favorite D&D adventure magazine. Some of you were proba- of one or two encounters—something you can springboard a
bly aware that the change was coming, others might have had longer adventure off of or use as a bridge between adven-
their heads in the sand. We won’t hold it against you. tures. “Critical Threats” takes the idea one step further. The
Before you panic and start writing letters complaining that goal of this feature is to provide you with the bare bones of
we’re taking away D&D content and replacing it with RPGA an adventure on a single page. And let’s face it: One of the
“crap,” allow me to make two things clear (well, three things, toughest jobs DMs face now is finding time to stat up charac-
since nothing that comes from the RPGA is crap, right Erik?). ters and come up with cool rooms for PCs to explore. “Critical
First, POLYHEDRON isn’t the hard-to-find, selectively available Threats” also makes it easier than ever to get published in
game magazine anymore. No longer is the content “exclusive” DUNGEON—we’re dying to see your ideas for this new feature!
to RPGA members. You see, POLYHEDRON is now the definitive But wait, there’s more. You see, next month . . . well, you’ll
d20 magazine, as well as the official conduit for RPGA news. just have to pick it up to see what else is in the works. So what
That means that in every 64-page issue, you’re going to get are you waiting for? The Table of Contents is calling you.
all sorts of nifty d20 content, including reviews in support of
all sorts of d20 products (not just Wizards of the Coast prod-
ucts, either). Each issue of POLYHEDRON also includes a brand
new d20 mini-game, something Erik hasn’t stopped babbling Editor
about for months now.
Volume XV, No. 6 Issue #90
Wizards of the Coast, Inc. PRESENTS “Dungeon Magazine #90” AUTHORS J.C. Alvarez Tim Hitchcock Angel Leigh McCoy Bernard Mees Christopher Perkins Chris Thomasson
ARTISTS Michael Collins Derek Thompson Jeremy Jarvis Chuck Lukacs Christopher West Aaron Williams Craig Zipse AND Diesel COVER BY Brom
ART DIRECTOR Chris Thomasson DESIGNERS Christopher Perkins Theresa Cummins PRODUCTION DIRECTOR John Dunn ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bob Henning
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Pierce Watters ADVERTISING/CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Dawnelle Miesner GROUP PUBLISHER Johnny Wilson
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Christopher Perkins ASSISTANT EDITOR Stacie A. Fiorito ASSOCIATE EDITOR Matthew Sernett EDITOR Chris Thomasson
Subscription Queries: 1-800-395-7760 [email protected] Advertising Queries: 1-425-204-7262 [email protected] www.wizards.com

Submission Queries: 1-425-254-2261 [email protected] Northeast U.S. Advertising Queries: 1-203-855-8834 [email protected]
6 january/february 2002
LETTERS
Letters Legal Stuff

DUNGEON (ISSN# 1526-6391) is published bi-monthly
for $19.95 per year by Wizards of the Coast, Inc.,
Reader Rapport 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Renton, WA 98055, United

States of America. Periodicals Postage Paid at
Renton, WA, and at additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to
DUNGEON Magazine, P.O. Box 469106, Escondido,
Tell us what you think of this issue’s adventures. Write to: CA 92046. ©2001 Wizards of the Coast, Inc. All
Letters, DUNGEON Magazine, 1801 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, rights reserved.
WA 98055 or send an email to [email protected]. No part of this magazine may be reproduced
(except for review purposes) without the prior
written permission of the publisher. Material pub-
lished herein does not necessarily reflect the opin-
CAMPAIGN AWAY! Issue #87’s “Glacier Season”) in three ions of Wizards of the Coast, Inc., its employees, or
Let me first say that DUNGEON has been different adventures as the villain in the its editorial staff, who are not liable for opinions
and always will be a required resource in background. expressed herein. Most product names are trade-
my library. I especially enjoy the “Maps Also, the adventures are rather easy marks owned by the companies that publish those
of Mystery.” In fact, Guildpost (from to adjust for different levels. I have been products. Use of the name of any product without
Issue #85) is the town my players cur- known to take a 1st-level adventure and mention of trademark status should not be con-
rently adventure in. make it a 15th-level adventure. strued as a challenge to such status.
I’ve noticed that some of readers feel Being a DM in a BIRTHRIGHT campaign, WIZARDS OF THE COAST; DUNGEONS & DRAGONS;
that an entire campaign should be I have learned to make modifications in D&D; FORGOTTEN REALMS; DRAGONLANCE; PLANESCAPE;
included in future issues. Why? With a my adventures to adjust them to my RAVENLOFT; BIRTHRIGHT; MYSTARA; GREYHAWK; DARK
few adjustments, this is already being campaign. With so little out there for SUN; SPELLJAMMER; AL-QADIM; COUNCIL OF WYRMS;
done. I know each adventure has its own BIRTHRIGHT adventures, I have turned to MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH; MONSTROUS MANUAL;
villain, but what’s wrong with taking a DUNGEON Magazine and made adjust- MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM; ENCYCLOPEDIA MAGICA ;
villain from the last adventure and using ments as necessary. ALTERNITY; STAR*DRIVE; DARK•MATTER; ALIEN
him for the current adventure? For Jon Rathbun COMPENDIUM; FIFTH AGE; DUNGEON MASTER; PLAYER’S
example, I have used Acessiwal (from Warren, OH OPTION; DRAGON; DUNGEON; POLYHEDRON; LIVING CITY;
LIVING GREYHAWK; GEN CON; and RPGA are trade-
TOKEN OF AFFECTION marks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
I wanted to say kudos for the tokens SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please contact Publishers
you’ve been including in DUNGEON Creative Systems at [email protected] or
Magazine and offer a couple of sugges- call 1-800-395-7760. In the United Kingdom, contact
tions from a user’s point of view. The [email protected] or call +44-18-58-41-4713.
tokens are obviously a great idea for ADVERTISING: Contact our Advertising Sales
those who don’t have a lot of miniatures Director, Bob Henning, at (425) 204-7262. All ads
and don’t really want to (or don’t have are subject to approval by Wizards of the Coast,
the means to) acquire them. But they are Inc., which reserves the right to reject any ad for
also very useful for supplementing a any reason. Advertisers and/or agencies of
miniatures collection. advertisers agree not to hold Wizards of the Coast
While I have a great miniatures col- liable for any loss or expense from alleged wrong-
lection at home, I hate taking it with me doing that may arise out of the publication of such
while traveling (even just across town). advertisements.
Miniatures take up a lot of room and Northeastern Advertising Representatives: Sig
weight, and it’s a pain to pack and or Scott Buchmayr, Buchmayr Associates, 137
unpack them wherever I’m going. Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton, CT 06853, (203)
Tokens, however, are light and take up 855-8834.
very little space and are the ideal DMing
tool away from home. They are a key Printed in the U.S.A.
part of what I call my DMing travel pack.
Another cool thing about tokens is that
they have the feature of being stackable.
You can easily put more than one token in Distribution Nationally and Internationally
the same square or hex, and you can put Curtis Circulation Company
miniatures on top of them. I’ve grown 730 River Road
fond of using tokens for mounts, since a New Milford, NJ 07646
miniature (or a token representing a Tel: 201-634-7400 Fax: 201-634-7499
LETTERS
character or monster) can stack on top of token sheet. The token representing a I’ve only been reading DUNGEON for a
the mount. When the rider dismounts, center of a spell burst might be just the short time but I’ve come to notice the
both it and the mount are still repre- ticket, though. We’ll also consider ways increase in FORGOTTEN REALMS modules. I
sented. I also like using tokens for light to put the monsters’ names on the just bought Issue #88 and when I opened
sources and to indicate things like the tokens (I’d prefer the back, since words it, I found that half the adventures were
center or edge of a spell burst. on the front might cover up too much of for the Realms. I was a little angry; I’m
Now that I’ve explained a couple of the image). I always thought it was cool not a big fan of the FORGOTTEN REALMS. I’d
the things I like to do with tokens, my to have the blank backs in case you personally like to see more DRAGONLANCE
suggestions for future token releases wanted to keep your players in the dark adventures like “Anvil of Time” (Issue
are easy to deduce. I’d like to see light as to what they were facing, but I can #86), but for lower level characters, so
source tokens: torches, hooded lanterns, see the merits of labeling the tokens, too. I could maybe start a campaign.
and bullseye lanterns. (Be sure and put What do the rest of you think? Heather Graham
directional information on the bullseye Trenton, Ontario
lantern so that the position of the token DOWN WITH THE REALMS Canada
shows where it’s pointing!) I’d also sug- Before I start ranting, I love your maga-
gest horses and other mounts, like ponys zine, especially the art. Where I live, Any FORGOTTEN REALMS adventure can
and war dogs, made available. Finally, a there is no place to get fantasy artwork, be used in another fantasy campaign
token that indicates the center of a spell so I look forward to each issue to see the setting with minimal alterations. Try to
burst. Remember that spell bursts are new illustrations. (I always hope for Todd look past the FORGOTTEN REALMS tag and
centered (on a square grid) at a grid Lockwood’s dragons; they kick butt!) judge the adventure on its own merits.
intersection between four squares, not
in the center of a square itself, so the
ideal token for this would be one that has
four grid lines coming out from the cen-
ter burst icon that you could overlay on
top of the corresponding lines on the
battlemat. A similar one should be
designed for a hex map, since many
people use those too. My last suggestion
is to print up tokens that have abstract
icons on them; these can be used for
miscellaneous things like tables, treasure,
or whatever. There are some tokens like
this from the beginners boxed set, but I
suspect most DUNGEON subscribers don’t
have that. I use them more than any of
the other tokens I own.
I have one nitpicky complaint regard-
ing the monster tokens: Put the name of
the monster on the front or back of the
token. Now that you’ve printed a bunch
of them, I can’t remember what they all
are, and I have resorted to writing the
names on the tokens. I realize I can use
any token for any creature (and often
do), but the gamer geek inside me really
wants to know what monster the token
was supposed to be used for.
Thanks again for printing these and
making them available in several issues
of your fine magazine. Count me among
your enthusiastic subscribers!
Peter Adkison
Gaming Mogul (retired)
[email protected]
The idea of dungeon dressing tokens

and spell effect tokens has been dis-
cussed in the past. We’re a little hesitant
to print something like a fireball spread,
since it would take up nearly an entire
continued on page 112
9
THE ELFWHISPER
THE ELFWHISPER
TheCanElfwhisper
You Carry A Tune?
by J.C. Alvarez
artwork by Derek Thompson • cartography by Craig Zipse
“The Elfwhisper” is a D&D adventure designed for four 8th-level PCs. Those who
successfully complete the adventure should amass enough experience points to advance
one level. PCs of 9th level should find it challenging as well, but will not gain enough
experience to advance to 10th level. Successfully completing the adventure depends
more on wits than direct confrontation, so with a few modifications, low-level characters
should be able to survive it. See the “Scaling the Adventure” sidebar for details.
At least one PC should know the Elven language or be able to comprehend it with the aid
of magic. Bard, druid, and ranger PCs are ideal for the adventure. Players of elven or
half-elven PCs will find many remarkable roleplaying opportunities.
w Magic Items d Monsters k Non-Player Characters (NPCs) s Objects c Settlements a Traps
Adventure Background Adventure Summary

The faerie Wildwood (called the Ilumentarinen by elves) is Following the trail of the notorious outlaw Mario Navarro, the
haunted by a song. This song is called the Ilumeninoridan, or PCs arrive at the town of Grassguard, near the site where
Elfwhisper, and its unearthly beauty can only be heard and Navarro and his band are hiding. Grassguard is the only human
understood by elves. As soon as an elf has the misfortune of settlement near the Wildwood, and its inhabitants live there with
hearing it, he is transfixed, his soul trapped by the forest spir- a sense of unease because of the haunted forest’s proximity.
its. He then becomes a thrall, an entranced slave of the wood- Quince Rodder, the town’s halfling major, informs the PCs
lands, never to be seen outside the Wildwood again. that Mario Navarro’s brigands have set camp near
The Ilumeninoridan was first performed by the elven maiden Grassguard, and they already attacked a farm on the outskirts
Ilumenine, daughter of King Ilarnesil. Ilumenine had a silver harp of town. Looking for Navarro, the PCs meet some other NPCs,
on which she composed the strange melody. Legend states that including Morlaine the Minstrel, a crazed half-elven bard who
Ilumenine sang and played with such unearthly passion that the tells them the story of the haunting as he knows it. The PCs
forest came to life, enamored with the sound. But Ilumenine’s also learn that Navarro’s hideout might be somewhere near the
blessed talent also incurred the wrath of her three envious sis- Wildwood. Following the bandits’ trail, the PCs eventually learn
ters, all skilled sorceresses. In their spite, they summoned the that they must pursue the brigand into the haunted wood.
Ygwannach, a forest spirit, to the physical world and made it lis- After a skirmish with the forest’s dark denizens, the PCs
ten to the Ilumeninoridan. Lured by Ilumenine’s heavenly song encounter Ilumenine and her eerie choir. In this encounter, they
and possessed of a twisted physical form, the Ygwannach came learn that to defeat the Ygwannach, they must free the cursed
upon Ilarnesil’s city followed by hordes of maddened forest ghost of Ilumenine and dispel her haunting song. This requires
creatures, wreaking havoc to get to the source of the the use of Ilumenine’s lost silver harp, which is currently in the
Ilumeninoridan. The kingdom fell to the Ygwannach, and llarne- possession of the covey of hags who were once the ghost’s sis-
sil’s family perished. Ilumenine’s voice was silenced forever by ters, and whose hate and power have grown over the centuries
the Ygwannach’s deadly embrace. The heart of the Wildwood since they cursed the woods. Mario Navarro’s gang is also hid-
grew dark and eerie, the cursed domain of the mad forest spirit. ing in the forest.
Knowing it was her song that brought about her people’s Once the PCs defeat the sisters and retrieve the harp, they
doom, Ilumenine remained at the ruined elven city as a ghost. are able to free the haunted souls of the Wildwood. This leads
Her sisters, doomed by their own hatred, became a covey of to a battle with the Ygwannach in its physical form (a huge
hags. They still live near the Ygwannach, hating Ilumenine even half-fiend shambling mound).
more because now she sings for eternity, the Ygwannach a
slave to her song. Elves and elf-kin who hear the eerie song Player Introduction
are overcome by such sorrow that they are compelled to enter The DM should give the players a copy of the wanted notice
the forest, where they are consumed by the Ygwannach. Their or describe its contents to them. If the PCs are interested in
spirits live on as ghosts trapped by the curse of the Elfwhisper. capturing Navarro (as they should be), tell them they are
The victims of the song have formed a choir, adding their own carrying the wanted notice. Their inquiries among the author-
melancholy lyrics to Ilumenine’s song of doom . . . ities and local folk has led them to Grassguard, a settlement
11
THE ELFWHISPER
separately. If you do this, you might want to give one or more of them
SCALING THE ADVENTURE a 1–3 levels of sorcerer to maintain a healthy challenge for the PCs.
Although the adventure is designed for 8th-level characters, the mod- • Make the black pudding in area H7 two gray oozes.
ules can be run for characters of 6th–7th level, as well as for charac- • Reduce the number of scrags in area H8 to 2.
ters of 9th–11th level. 9th- to 11th-level PCs: Run the adventure as written with the fol-
6th- to 7th-level PCs: Run the adventure as written with the following changes:
lowing changes: • Add one to three more creatures to each random encounter, or
• Reduce the challenge of the random encounters significantly. For allow for reinforcements to arrive.
example, reduce the number of wolves to 5, the number of shadows • Make the bandits 2nd- or 3rd-level rogues, but you might want
to 2, the number of dire wolves to 2, and the number of boars to 3. to reduce their number, since multiple rogues can be extremely
• Reduce the number of bandits in area W2 to 6. deadly, even to high-level parties.
• Reduce the number of dire badgers in area W3 to 3. • Add two more ettercaps to area W4.
• Reduce the number of dire wolves in area W5 to 7. • Make Mario Navarro’s level equal to the PCs’ party level.
• Make it more clear to the PCs that the pixies are not a physical • Allow the PCs to battle the shadows in area T1 for a round or two
threat or reduce their number. before having the ghosts make an appearance.
• Make Mario Navarro a 6th- or 7th-level fighter. • Give Morgo (area H1) two barbarian levels.
• Reduce the Ygwannach’s Hit Dice to 10. Note that this will drop • Make the huge water elemental (area H4) a greater water ele-
his size from Huge to Large. mental.
• Make Morgo (area H1) a 4th-level ogre fighter. • Don’t pull any punches with the hags’ covey powers. (Use
• Reduce the number of ogres in area H2 to 4. forcecage and mind blank from hiding, for example.)
• Make the water elemental in area H4 Large instead of Huge. • Add a level of fighter to each of the scrags in area H8.
• Reduce the number of crocodiles in area H5 to 6. You will need to adjust the amount of treasure to match the party’s
• Instead of allowing the hag covey to use their covey powers, sep- starting level; use the following simple formula:
arate them into different areas of the lair so the PCs can fight them Total GP Value in Treasure = Party’s Average Level × 7,500 gp.
near the elven Wildwood. Grassguard lies in the direction prised mainly of farmers and woodsmen, with some “special”
Navarro fled when last seen, so it should be a good place to inhabitants who are detailed below. They want only to live
gather additional information on the bandit’s whereabouts. peacefully, away from civilization, but the nearness of the
“The Elfwhisper” takes place in an undefined area inside a Wildwood has been troublesome. The few elven inhabitants
generic fantasy world; it can be adapted to Greyhawk or any from town disappeared not long after Grassguard was built; it
other fantasy setting by changing the names of places like the has been ten years since an elf or half-elf has been seen in the
Wildwood, Grassguard, Sternhelm, and all cities listed in the area (with the exception of Morlaine)—no one knows why. The
wanted notice. It is fairly important, however, that after renam- last few weeks have been especially hard, thanks to Morlaine’s
ing the locations, they remain: haunting tales and the fact that Navarro and his gang are
Sternhelm—A far-off city from which the PCs come seeking stalking the area (his gang just razed the nearby Earfield farm).
for Navarro.
Grassguard—A rural town (hamlet) located near a forest. Gathering Information in Grassguard
The Wildwood—A haunted forest once inhabited by elves. PCs seeking information about Grassguard, Mario Navarro, or
Ilumentarinen—An elven kingdom that once stood in the the Wildwood must make Gather Information checks.
haunted forest.
The Forgotten Realms has many suitable areas for this Grassguard and Mario Navarro
adventure. If you’re playing a Forgotten Realms campaign, • DC 5: “Mayor Rodder knows everything that goes on in
consider using sites in and near the High Forest or sites in the the town. You should talk with him.”
vicinity of Cormanthor and Myth Drannor. • DC 10: “It’s usually pretty quiet around here, but those
bandits who burned down that farm outside town are suppos-
Grassguard edly nearby. That’s making everyone nervous.”
• DC 15: “The Earfield farm was burnt to the ground by the
It’s a sunny afternoon when you finally arrive in Grassguard. bandits. They killed everyone. Those bandits need to be
The town looks like a nice, quiet, rural hamlet, complete with stopped before they come for the rest of us.”
stucco houses, well-groomed gardens, and small stone trails. • DC 18: “Keerath, the militia captain, says that Mayor Rodder
It seems to be primarily inhabited by human folk. If Navarro hasn’t done enough to stop the bandits. I’m not sure what else
actually came by here, he must have done it quietly—that, or the mayor could do, though. We can’t turn Grassguard into a
these people don’t care about danger. The few townsfolk fort; we don’t have the money to build proper walls.”
outside their houses turn and smile at your approach. • DC 20: “It seems like this town is becoming less hospitable
The only bleak part of this idyllic view is the presence of by the day. We used to have elves living in Grassguard, but
many wanted notices, such as the one you’re carrying. they all disappeared a long time ago, and we haven’t seen one
Mario Navarro’s face occupies each one. in years. Then there was the drought last year and a hard win-
ter after that. Now we’ve got bandits, and it looks like the
Grassguard is a small settlement, founded less than fifty Wildwood can make you go crazy like poor Morlaine. If this
years ago by adventurous colonists. The township is com- keeps up for much longer, I’ll pull up roots and heading out.”
THE ELFWHISPER
The Wildwood THE TOWN

• DC 5: “Don’t go in there. I went hunting there once. I won’t
go anymore; now I farm and fish for a living. Those woods have c Grassguard (Hamlet): Conventional; AL NG; 100-gp limit; Assets
more secrets and spirits than I care to think about.” 1,150 gp; Population 231; Isolated (human 208, halfling 21, half-elf 2).
• DC 10: “I heard it’s haunted. That crazy bard came back Authority Figures: Quince Rodder, male halfling Rng1/Com6.
from the Wildwood singing about forest spirits.” Important Characters: Apple Aela, female human Com2 (apple
• DC 15: “The bandits are probably hiding in woods—lots of vendor, Rice Rina’s cousin); Brother Gregorio, male human Clr4
places to hide in the Wildwood. If you’re thinking of going after (Pelor/town pastor); Filo Gabgurgle, male halfling Exp6 (town black-
the bandits, you’ll want to go in by way of the trail by smith); Keerath, male human Ftr6 (town defender); Morlaine, male
Grassguard Creek. That’s the only trail in that I know off, and half-elf Brd4 (town bard); Rice Rina, female human Com3 (owner of
you’re liable to get lost otherwise.” the Green Bird Inn).
• DC 18: “Keerath, the leader of our militia, says he has gone Others: Town guards, War3 (2); War1 (11); Exp6 (2); Exp3 (5); Exp1
into the Wildwood to look for the bandits. He’s a braver man (10); Clr1 (2); Rog3 (1); Com6 (1); Com3 (2); Com1 (185).
than I. Morlaine went mad after he went to the Wildwood, and Notes: Although worried of late, the people of Grassguard are
there weren’t even bandits around then. Morlaine? He lives in open and friendly to the PCs. They help in any way they can, as long
a shack not far from here. You’ll know it by the singing.” as the PCs behave civilly.
• DC 20: “I got lost once and I ended up in the Wildwood. Houses in Grassguard are mainly quaint one-story buildings,
Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I thought I heard singing. Of although important people live in comfy, well-furnished country
course, it might have been that crazy bard, Morlaine.” houses. The town looks more mixed than it actually is, and its human
and halfling inhabitants are strangely alike, sharing the same culture
Encounters in Town even to the point of dressing, walking, and building their homes. The
The PCs might head straight to the Green Bird Inn, or with the DM should let the players move around as they wish while in town.
results of their Gather Information checks they might choose Any important NPC with a professional trade (the blacksmith, the
to seek out Mayor Rodder, Keerath, or Morlaine. The mayor priest, the owner of the Green Bird Inn, and so on) can serve the
and Keerath will seek them out if they are not approached, and PCs’ needs for rest, healing, and restocking.
the PCs should pass by Morlaine’s shack one their way out of
town to investigate the Earfield farm or the Wildwood. The k Quince Rodder, Male Halfling Rgr1/Com6: CR 6; Small
encounters that follow deal with these possibilities. Humanoid (3 ft. 4 in.); HD 1d10 plus 6d4; hp 21; Init +1 (Dex); Spd
20 ft.; AC 12 (touch 12, flat-footed 11); Atk +5 melee (1d6/crit
Encounter 1. Visiting the Inn. The Green Bird Inn is the only inn 19–20, short sword); SQ favored enemy (goblins); AL LG; SV Fort
in town. It serves as both an inn and tavern, as well as the local +5, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 11, Dex 13, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 15.
watering hole and gathering place for the people of Skills: Climb +7, Craft (woodcarving) +6, Handle Animal +6,
Grassguard. When there’s a town emergency, people gather Hide +9, Jump +7, Listen +8, Move Silently +7, Knowledge
outside the Green Bird Inn to find out what to do. (local) +9, Spot +6, Wilderness Lore +6. Feats: Alertness,
Rice Rina runs the inn well. She keeps it clean and takes Dodge, Skill Focus (Knowledge—local), Track.
care of those who indulge too much by letting them stay in her Possessions: Shortsword, symbol of office worth 12 gp,
inn’s rooms when they aren’t filled by guests (a rare occasion). pouch containing 45 gp.
She’s well-liked, and the townspeople are protective of her. Development: Mayor Rodder doesn’t seem like a settled
k Rice Rina, Female Human Com3: CR —; Medium-size halfling, but he likes town life. He sees Grassguard as an
Humanoid (5 ft. 4 in. tall); HD 3d4+6; hp 13; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; achievement in a world where so few communities manage to
AC 10; Atk +2 melee (1d6+1, club); AL NG; SV Fort +3, Ref +1, achieve peace. His main concern is for the welfare of
Will +1; Str 12, Dex 11, Con 15, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 14. Grassguard, and any help that the PCs offer in this sense is
Skills: Profession (cook) +8, Profession (innkeeper) +8. gratefully accepted.
Feats: Dodge, Endurance, Skill Focus (Profession—innkeeper). The following can be used as part of Mayor Rodder’s dia-
Possessions: Club, silver earings worth 30 gp. log with the PCs:
Development: Rice Rina is interested in all newcomers. She
is curious about where the PCs come from and how they became “Greetings. I’m Quince Rodder, Mayor of this town. I take it
adventurers. She’s not a gossip, but she’ll give her opinion on you’re here to help us catch these bandits?”
any topic the PCs ask about. She doesn’t know details about “Navarro and his cronies ravaged the Earfield farm, not
the bandits, but she knows some tales of Navarro’s exploits. a day’s walk north from here. They killed everybody; women
She likes Mayor Rodder and thinks he’s doing a fine job of run- and little children, you know? If they had moved nearer our
ning the town. She knows Keerath is jealous of Mayor Rodder, town guard, who knows? I tell you, I sometimes wish I was
but she is sweet on Keerath and is loath to talk about his neg- an adventurer again. We must find them before they kill
ative qualities. She worries about Morlaine and takes him food again. They haven’t attacked yet because they don’t know
each day. His singing was good for business and he was what kind of protection we’ve got, but it won’t be long
becoming a good friend before he went mad. before they realize how poorly defended we are. We have
to strike at them before that happens. Are you sure you’re
Encounter 2. Meet the Mayor. Anyone in town can point the up to the task?”
PCs to Quince Rodder’s house. It’s relatively large and near the
center of town. If the PCs don’t find him there, Mayor Rodder If the PCs ask about the Wildwood or Morlaine, Mayor
seeks them out after a bit; news travels fast in Grassguard. Rodder responds:
13
THE ELFWHISPER
A. Mayor Rodder’s House

B. Morlaine’s House
C. Keerath’s House
D. Guard Posts
E. Green Bird Inn
F. Gabgurgle Smithy
G. Temple of Yondalla
H. Wellwhistle’s General Store
I. Grassguard Creek & Bridge
Map Not to Scale
Perform (ballad, chant, dance, lute, lyre, ode, poem) +10,

“Oh, the haunting . . . well, people talk, you know? It’s poor Search +2, Spellcraft +3, Spot –1. Feats: Alertness, Lightning
Morlaine; he went mad, and now he’s telling these weird sto- Reflexes.
ries. An unfortunate fellow, but that’s not the real problem. Spells Known (3/3/1; base DC 13 + spell level): 0—dancing
The real problem’s that some people actually believe him, you lights, detect magic, ghost sounds, light, prestidigitation, read
know? Bloody scaremongers. I wish I could do something for magic; 1st—erase, expeditious retreat, silent image; 2nd—invisi-
the poor man, but my people leaving town scares me most. bility, sound burst.
Well never mind that, I’d rather discuss that swine Navarro.” Possessions: +1 studded leather armor, masterwork rapier,
masterwork lute.
If the PCs ask about a reward, Mayor Rodder levels with Read or paraphrase the following aloud when the charac-
them—Grassguard cannot pay the PCs, so he advises them to ters approach Morlaine’s house:
count on the reward offered in the wanted notice. Grassguard
can help the players with supplies, information, and the like. As Nearing the outskirts of town, you spot a dilapidated house
an “advance,” Mayor Rodder points them to Venia Wellwhistle that can be described as little more than a shack. Once mag-
and Filo Gabgurgle (see “Important Characters” in the town nificent and stately, it is now a dirty and forsaken hovel.
sidebar on page 13); if the PCs say Mayor Rodder sent them, Behind the broken, rotted fence lies a muddy garden cov-
they get a 20% discount on all services by both these NPCs. ered by dry leaves and overshadowed by dead trees. The
two-story building has grayed with time, and its thatched
Encounter 3. Morlaine. The PCs should encounter Morlaine as roof has become a bed for weeds. Only the weak light from
they walk by his home on their way to another destination or someone’s lantern reveals that anyone might live inside.
because they seek him out after talking to other residents. As you stand looking at the place, a dreadful sound
k Morlaine the Minstrel, Male Half-Elf Brd4: CR 4; comes from inside—an awful, sad, horrible sound. It sounds
Medium-size Humanoid (5 ft. 10 in. tall); HD 4d6+4; hp 20; Init like a true song of despair, but it hardly has a melody at all.
+3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17 (touch 13, flat-footed 14); Atk +3 melee
(1d6/crit 18–20, rapier), or +6 ranged (1d8/crit 19–20, light Development: The wailing is Morlaine the Minstrel trying to
crossbow); SA spells, bardic music; SQ bardic knowledge; AL perform the Elfwhisper. This is the first time the PCs actually
CG; SV Fort +2, Ref +9, Will +1; Str 10, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 12, hear the song. For the encounter to proceed, the PCs must
Wis 4, Cha 17. enter the house uninvited—Morlaine won’t acknowledge their
Skills: Concentration +3, Decipher Script +3, Diplomacy +6, arrival nor stop his frightful chant until he makes eye contact
Gather Information +6, Knowledge (history) +8, Listen +3, with someone. In any event, if it seems like the PCs are not
going in, feel free to make Morlaine stop
©2002. Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Permission is granted to photocopy this handout for home game use only.
early and invite them in—just remember his
sinister, disquieting manner.
WANTED
If the PCs enter the house, they find Mario Navarro
Morlaine in a corner of the living room, Dead or Alive!
crouching over his lute and pathetically
twanging its strings. Yellowed, mossy musical
scores litter the dirty floor. Apparently they
have been rotting there for many months.
Once Morlaine sees the PCs, he mercifully
stops his hellish music and stands to greet
them. Morlaine—it should be obvious—is
utterly mad. He had the misfortune of wan-
dering too far inside the Wildwood, stumbled
onto Ilumenine’s spectral host, and heard the
Elfwhisper. His human blood allowed him to
make it home alive, but his mind was nearly
split in two by the experience. Upon return-
ing, he attempted to destroy all his composi-
tions and instruments, but his love for music
stopped him from destroying his lute. He
later tried to kill himself, but the spirit of the
merry, lighthearted man he once was strug-
gled to keep him alive, even through insanity.
Now Morlaine lives in a dreamlike half-life,
experiencing terrible nightmares night and Reward: 5,000 Gold Pieces!
day, and trying to recover his humanity.
Poor Morlaine can appear almost sane, This notorious brigand has been seen near our lands. Any
answering questions in a normal fashion and ccitizens responsible for contributing to his capture will be
acting as if the PCs were old friends come to
visit. He remains this way until asked about rewarded 5,000 coins of gold, paid in full by the guards of
his music or the haunting. Then Morlaine’s Sternhelm at Sternhelm Gate.
eyes go wild, his voice drops to a sharp
whisper, and his movements become jerky This villain is a dangerous killer. Be prepared for a fight!
and frantic. Then, the mad bard tells the PCs This bounty is authorized by the City of Sternhelm, the Counties of Earnst and
about the Elfwhisper. Dellingarn, and the cities of Shar, Adraway, and Corelane.
Use any or all of the following comments
or answers as part of Morlaine’s dialog:
• “I’m half a man; that’s what saved me. Had I been pure
• “No! Not my music! I don’t want to talk about it; my of blood, the song would have trapped me as well, would have
music is dead, dead, DEAD! made me sing the song. The song is a lullaby for elves. It sings
“I . . . I saw the elves. I did. Thousands of elves, looking at them to sleep forever. It makes them sing in their sleep. Elves
me with their dead eyes, singing that eerie song, that dead must not travel to the forest. They must not!”
song—singing, endlessly singing . . . Gods have mercy on me.” • “The witches live in the mud. Yes, they do. They stole the
• “My music? My music is dead. Morlaine is sad. Morlaine lady’s harp, but I dare not go back there. I dare not. The
is dead and so sad. ghosts will kill me. This time not even poor mad Morlaine will
“The ghosts looked at me. ‘Help us,’ they said, but what resist the voices.
could I tell them? What could I do? I begged them to stop, but
they went on singing, singing that hellish music, endlessly If there’s an elf in the group, and all the dialog options have
singing. Ye gods . . . their voices, their voices . . .” been played out, Morlaine suddenly notices the character, pan-
• “The forest is alive, I tell you, alive with the dead—hun- ics, and breathlessly cries out:
dreds of dead elves, and then that thing at the dark heart of
the woods, that creature of gnarled knots and roots . . . It is “You! You’re an elf! You’ll go with them! You’ll take me with
the forest and elves are its slaves, driving wanderers mad— them! No! No! Out! OUT!”
like poor Morlaine, who used to be happy.”
• “Yes . . . There is a way to end the curse, there indeed This should effectively end the conversation. Nothing more
is. There was the lady, the beautiful ghost lady. She sang with comes from Morlaine’s lips except moans and whimpers, nor
them. Among the damned singers, she sang best. Her harp, will he go back to the Wildwood, even if it means ending his
the lady’s harp, can heal me. Its sweet tones can cure me, but curse. If pressed, Morlaine will feel cornered, and he might
now they have it. Cursed devil-women! Evil, hateful, awful attack the PCs in an attempt to escape them.
witches!”
15
THE ELFWHISPER
Map Not to Scale
Encounter 4. Keerath. The PCs might seek out Keerath to ques- all. He helpfully tries to answer whatever questions the PCs
tion him about the bandits, or Keerath might “accidentally” have, unless they mention Mayor Rodder.
encounter them as he goes about his business. Keerath believes in the forest spirits and the threat they
k Keerath, Male Human Ftr6: CR 6; Medium-size represent, if only to provide himself with another reason to
Humanoid (6 ft. 1 in. tall); HD 6d10+12; hp 50; Init +2; Spd 30 belittle Mayor Rodder. He hasn’t run into any ghosts, but he
ft.; AC 15 (touch 12, flat-footed 13); Atk +11/+6 melee has gone into the Wildwood looking for them—and for
(1d8+6/crit ×3, battleaxe), or +10/+5 ranged (1d8+2/crit ×3, Navarro, who he says he’d have caught by now if he didn’t
mighty composite longbow); AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +2; have a town to defend.
Str 17, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills: Climb +5, Handle Animal +8, Jump +4, Ride +7, The Earfield Farm
Wilderness Lore +6. Feats: Far Shot, Mounted Combat, Point The Earfield farm is located a mile north of Grassguard. The
Blank Shot, Skill Focus (Wilderness Lore), Track, Weapon PCs’ investigation should take them here. Once the PCs decide
Focus (battleaxe), Weapon Focus (composite longbow), to travel to the farm, read the following:
Weapon Specialization (battleaxe).
Possessions: Masterwork battleaxe, mighty composite long- This once-thriving ranch has been razed. Galloping horses
bow [+2] with 26 arrows, hide armor, pouch containing 14 gp. have churned up the earth, and the air is still heavy with the
Development: Keerath should “stumble” onto the PCs scent of smoke and ashes after more than a week. Nothing is
before they leave Grassguard; he might become important left of the buildings but charred rubble. It looks as though the
later (see the “Continuing the Adventure” section). Keerath is bandits did a thorough job here—everything of value is gone.
a brave but prejudiced hunter who deeply resents being out-
ranked by a halfling. He spends most of his time trying to The farm is not a pretty sight. The Grassguard militia has
gather the town’s sympathies by making daring raids into the already removed the dead, but the ruins remain. A successful
Wildwood and looking for ways to make Mayor Rodder look Search check (DC 10), or Wilderness Lore check (DC 10) for
bad without provoking open enmity. He’s nice and straightfor- characters with the Track feat, reveals the vague tracks of a
ward with the PCs, but his dialog is strewn with impolite state- heavy group of riders setting off toward the forest. This roll
ments about halflings in general (unless there’s one in the can be retried every 10 minutes, as usual. Following these
party) and Quince Rodder in particular—especially his inability tracks leads the PCs into area W2 of the Wildwood.
to deal with the bandits and Wildwood ghosts as compared
with Keerath’s militia (to which he refers as “my boys”). The Wildwood
Keerath talks about himself, mainly, and his many deeds, Once the PCs have gathered enough clues, it should be clear to
without seeming overtly egocentric—his exploits are real, after them that they need to head into the Wildwood.
THE ELFWHISPER
The Wildwood was once home to a vast elven empire—

Ilarnesil’s kingdom. These elves ruled and protected the wood-
WILDWOOD RANDOM ENCOUNTERS
lands. Ilarnesil’s kingdom is now forgotten, swallowed by the 1d12 Encounter
forest. It would have remained so, too, were it not for Morlaine’s 1-2 Wolves (7): hp 13 each; Monster Manual 204.
imprudent stroll into the heart of the wood, where he found the 3-4 Shadows (3): hp 19 each; Monster Manual 161.
ghostly remains of Ilarnesil’s people. The forest hasn’t been vis- 5-6 Dire Wolves (2): hp 45 each; Monster Manual 56.
ited for many centuries, and trespassers don’t survive long. 7-8 Assassin Vine: hp 30; Monster Manual 20.
9-10 Boars* (4): hp 30, 19, 19, 18; Monster Manual 194.
Wildwood Features 11 Dire Bear: hp 112; Monster Manual 58.
When the PCs enter the haunted forest, read or paraphrase 12 Ravens** (13): hp 1 each; Monster Manual 201.
the following: *This mother and her adolescent young stand their ground if
they feel threatened; otherwise they wander off into the woods to
The Wildwood is an eerie, foggy forest, badly illuminated due go about their business.
to the dark, dense canopy above and the tangled foliage that **These ravens fly away if threatened by the party, but not
runs along the ground and creeps up the trees. The earth is before they cause a huge ruckus, cawing loudly and angrily. Should
soft and somewhat muddy; fallen leaves have been turned this happen, there is a 50% chance that within the next hour the
into a mushy, humid carpet over the soil. The trees are thick, party encounters a group of wolves or shadows attracted to the
dark, and loom overhead. Moss-covered roots writhe across area because of the noise (use the statistics presented in the chart
the forest floor. You see no creatures, but you can hear above). If the party passes the ravens without threatening them, the
birds calling in a distant tree. It feels as though there’s some- ravens still make a fuss but the chance of an additional encounter in
thing wrong with this place, as if the trees and undergrowth the hour is reduced to 25%.
have just risen from the grave. . . .
from the Earfield farm. The trail leads to area W3. PCs trying
The ghosts of elves trapped by the Ilumentarinen are gen- to find the bandits’ tracks can discover day-old wolf spoor
erally found only in the Dead City (areas T1–T3), yet some of (Wilderness Lore, DC 12) but little else.
them have been deeply corrupted beyond any redemption
(specifically, those who were evil in life) and turned into shad- W2. Ambush! The players enter the Wildwood this way if they
ows—they don’t sing the Elfwhisper, and though undead, follow the tracks left at the Earfield farm. They might also come
remain free to roam the forest as they please. These shadows, to this location from area W3, following the ambusher’s tracks
combined with a large number of wolf and dire wolf packs, from that location. The bandit’s trail from the farm is still visible
make the Wildwood a dangerous place. If your players are hav- here, and it continues to area W3. Beyond the ambush point,
ing too easy a time or seem bored with exploration, you might characters with the Track feat can make a Wilderness Lore
consider using random encounters. Roll on the “Wildwood check (DC 12) to find the trail of the ambushing bandits leading
Random Encounters” sidebar to determine what creatures the from area W3 to their hiding places along the trail.
PCs encounter. Treat repeat results as non-encounters. Creatures (EL 7): The bandits lie in wait behind screens of
bushes and boulders that hide them from view. PCs following
Encounters in the Wildwood (Areas W1–W9) the trail from the Earfield farm or from area W3 have little
Upon entering any area from W1 to W9, have the characters chance to see or hear the bandits before coming in range of
make Listen checks (DC 13). If successful, they hear someone their surprise assault. The bandits are not moving much and
following them, but see no one. The “shadow” is Morlaine, fol- are trying to remain quiet. Hearing them requires a Listen
lowing them invisibly. He was afraid to go into the woods alone check (DC 16 + 1 per 10 feet from the bandits). If the PCs are
and didn’t want to accompany the PCs, but he realized they talking or not trying to move quietly, the bandits hear them
might be his only hope for sanity. when they are about 140 feet away, long before either party is
If the PCs find Morlaine, he casts expeditious retreat and in range to Spot the other. If the PCs are moving quietly, the
tries to run. If they catch him, he apologizes, “I wasn’t sure. I bandits oppose the PCs’ lowest Move Silently check with a
wasn’t sure. Poor Morlaine . . .” and asks the PCs to let him tag Listen check as described on page 71 of the Player’s Handbook.
along. If they accept him, he behaves and cooperates with the The bandits are actively looking for the PCs, and in the
group as much as possible. If the PCs refuse, he continues to dense forest, they spot them automatically within 25 feet. They
try to follow them as long as he can cast invisibility. have a chance to spot the PCs at 50 feet away by making a
If the PCs take Morlaine along, he tells them the story as he Spot check (DC 20, DC 18 if there are six or more PCs). When
knows it if he hasn’t done so already (Morlaine’s dialogues and the PCs are within 50 feet of the bandits, allow the characters
stats are found in “Encounter C” above). Morlaine also warns to make Spot checks (DC 34) to spy the bandits up ahead. At
them against the Spirit Tree, a cursed spot in the Wildwood. 25 feet, the PCs would normally be allowed another Spot
According to Morlaine, the Spirit Tree lies due east from check (DC 18) to see the bandits concealed among brush, but
Grassguard; that’s where he found the singing ghosts, and since the bandits attack at 30 feet, this is probably moot.
probably where the PCs want to go, despite Morlaine’s half- k Bandits, Male Humans Rog1 (9): CR 1; Medium-size
hearted, whimpering pleas to the contrary. Humanoid (5 ft. 8 in. tall); HD 1d6+1; hp 7; Init +2; Spd. 30 ft.;
AC 15 (touch 12, flat-footed 13); Atk +2 ranged (1d8/crit 19–20,
W1. Wildwood Entrance. This main path for entering the light crossbow) or +3 melee (1d6+1/crit 19–20, short sword);
Wildwood from Grassguard follows Grassguard Creek. The PCs SA sneak attack +1d6; AL CE; SV Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +0; Str
would take this path only if they missed or ignored the tracks 12, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 7.
17
THE ELFWHISPER
Skills: Climb +4, Hide +5, Listen +4, Move Silently +5, Spot do not move along or if the badger is not placated within 2
+4, Search +4, Swim –1, Tumble +5, Use Rope +6. Feats: rounds, all four badgers charge out to attack.
Dodge, Mobility. d Dire Badgers (4): hp 30, 23, 18, 22; Monster Manual 56.
Possessions: Studded leather armor, short sword, light
crossbow with 20 bolts, pouch containing 6 gp. W4. Cobwebs. The trail of the horses and the trail of the
Tactics: If the bandits aren’t spotted, they launch an attack ambushing bandits leads through here to area W5. The bandits
when the PCs are within 30 feet. There’s a good chance the never took note of the spiderwebs and always traveled in par-
bandits catch many of the PCs flat-footed, and all nine fire their ties too large for the area’s denizen to attack.
weapons, hoping to gain the benefit of their sneak attack. The
bandits have concealment behind dense foliage, causing the PCs It takes you a few moments to notice it—this area is a little
attacks to suffer a 30% miss chance while the bandits are in hid- darker than the rest of the Wildwood, as if something is
ing. On the round following the ranged attack, the bandits draw blocking the sunlight. It might be a cloud, but something just
shortswords and charge. The bandits hope to flank those PCs doesn’t feel right. There’s also a weird sour smell.
most hurt by their volley of crossbow bolts and take them out.
If the bandits succeed in dropping a PC or two they continue to This area is darker than the rest of the Wildwood; the PCs
fight, hoping to kill the others. This ambush was planned to gauge won’t notice why until they have looked around and succeeded
the strengths and weaknesses of the Grassguard militia; if the at a Spot check (DC 13): The foliage and branches are full of
encounter goes badly for the bandits, they retreat into the thick webbing. Of course, by then it’s too late.
woods, staying near the trails but hoping to hide from or outrun Creature (EL 4): As the PCs look up, allow them a second
the PCs so they can warn their fellows back at camp. Spot check (DC 17); success indicates that they are not sur-
Development: If the PCs can capture and interrogate one prised when the ettercap swings out of its hiding place in the
of the bandits, a successful Intimidate or Diplomacy check branches above and uses its web ability on one of the PCs.
causes the bandit to tell them what he knows. d Ettercap: hp 30; Monster Manual 88.
DC 20: The bandit is loath to tell the PCs anything and Tactics: The ettercap can use its web ability seven more
responds with lies to most of their questions. He exaggerates times, so it stays in the branches above the PCs, using the web
the size of the band, claiming that there are fifty men. He says covered foliage for three-quarters concealment (the PCs suf-
they’re staying five miles to the north (the camp is southeast). fer a 30% miss chance). It continues to attempt to web the PCs
A successful Sense Motive check opposed by the bandit’s Bluff until all of them are immobilized, following them through the
check (–2 Charisma penalty) allows the PCs to catch him in his treetops if they decide to run. Once the PCs are trapped by
lie. If accused of lying, the bandit continues to try to Bluff the the ettercap’s webs (or it runs out of web attack), it moves
PCs, giving other erroneous information, but the PCs can then down to engage in melee.
attempt another check to try to garner more intelligence.
DC 25: The bandit is sullen and resentful, but he’s willing to W5. The Dead City. Telenementelari (areas T1–T3), a city of the
admit that there are twenty more men at the camp. He tells the elven kingdom of Ilumentarinen, is located in a clearing in the
PCs the camp is located in some ruins a few miles down the trail. valley below the ridge described below. Read or paraphrase
DC 35: Truly terrified (if intimidated) or convinced the PCs the boxed text before running the next encounter:
won’t allow him to be killed for his crimes (if Diplomacy was
used), the bandit tells all he knows about the band and the For the past few miles, the ground has been rising, and now
Wildwood. He says there are nineteen more men, plus the trail wends out onto the side of a ridge. Below you, the
Navarro, staying at the camp in some ruins about eight miles Wildwood seems to spread to the horizon. The gusting wind
down the trail to the southeast. He warns the PCs about the causes the treetops of this vast, tangled, and dark forest to
hole in the ground in the clearing at area W3, saying that other undulate in great waves. You can hear the leaves rustling all
bandits saw a bear going inside (actually one of the dire badg- around you; it sounds almost like the ocean.
ers). He also tells the PCs that wolves have been shadowing To the southeast, below the ridge and through a clearing
the bandits in the woods; they have been traveling in large in the trees, you see what might be ruins of some kind, half-
groups to keep the beasts at bay. If asked about forest spirits, hidden among foliage and trees. The path and the trail of the
he admits that some of the bandits said they heard strange bandits’ horses seem to head in that direction.
sounds, but Navarro berated them for being superstitious.
Creatures (EL 10): As they head toward the ruined city, the
W3. Badger Clearing. The PCs should arrive here from area PCs begin to hear howls in the distance. A dire wolf pack has
W1 or W2. There’s a small clearing around the convergence of found their trail and is closing in. The dire wolves are moving
the two trails. A dark hole in the ground, about 3 feet wide, lies at a rate of 100 feet per round—if the PCs can move faster
just before a sizable mound of dirt that dominates the south- than that, they can evade combat by going into the city (it
ern part of the clearing. The horse trail from area W1 and the takes 10 rounds to get there from the ridge); the wolves avoid
Earfield farm continues through here and away to area W4. the place, having encountered shadows in the city before.
Characters with the Track Feat can make a Wilderness lore Otherwise, the pack catches them before they reach area W5,
check (DC 12) to find the trail of the ambushing bandits, going and the encounter occurs in the light forest below the ridge.
through here from area W4 to area W1. The PCs hear the dire wolves long before they have a
Creatures (EL 6): The badgers remain in their den unless a chance to see them. When the dire wolves are 100 feet away,
PC comes within 5 feet of the den. Then one of the badgers the PCs can make a Spot check (DC 14) to see them coming and
rushes to the entrance to growl at the characters. If the PCs take some kind of action, but the dire wolves are upon them in
THE ELFWHISPER
the next round. If the PCs try to hide from the wolves, they are better off leaving them alone. If the characters want to
have little chance to succeed; the wolves can smell them. talk, they must solve the riddle first—until they say anything
d Dire Wolves (10): hp 45 each; Monster Manual 57. that seems to be an answer to the riddle, the pixies won’t
Tactics: The dire wolves want food. They’ve been tantalized respond to questions. If the PCs answer incorrectly, the pixies
by the smell of horseflesh for the last few days but were wary give them one more chance before disappearing into the
to approach such large bands of humans. The party seems like woods. If the PCs respond correctly, the pixies stop their
a much more manageable meal. flight, laugh, and congratulate whomever solved the riddle.
The dire wolves concentrate their attacks on the weakest- They will now discuss any topic the PCs desire. The pixies can
looking characters. When the dire wolves drop a PC, one breaks be used to tell the players a bit more about the Elfwhisper
off the attack to drag the PC’s body away while the others con- story. Stick to the following pieces of information:
tinue to fight. If Morlaine is traveling openly with the PCs, the • The pixies don’t know Ilumenine or her story, but they
wolves don’t hesitate to attack him. The dire wolves hope to get know the elf ghosts come from “a ruined city not far to the
at least two characters, but they settle for one if they lose a third southwest” (areas T1–T3).
of their number or if the majority of the dire wolves are reduced • They tell the PCs the full story of the Ygwannach’s
to fewer than half their hit points. appearance and subsequent control of the woods (“that mad
Development: The dire wolves present a real threat; the spirit made our tree branches and nymphs all cold . . . they
PCs could lose Morlaine or a party member if they’re not don’t play with us anymore”). Any worshiper of nature should
careful. This battle is meant to catch the PCs off-guard and recognize that the Ygwannach is a perversion of nature from
soften them up before they go into Ilumentarinen. After the the feys’ words. The pixies also know the Ygwannach has its
encounter is resolved, the PCs should follow the trail of the sanctuary somewhere in the ruined city.
bandits into the ruins (area T1). • The pixies can tell the PCs there’s a covey of green hags
somewhere inside the bog, but they strongly warn the PCs
W6. Pixie Grove. Run this encounter if the PCs make an effort against seeking them out. They don’t know that these hags
to track down Mario Navarro, even after discovering the were Ilumenine’s traitorous sisters, nor that they were the
curse of the Elfwhisper. As described in area T2, Ilumenine, ones who summoned the Ygwannach.
through Morlaine, can point the PCs in the direction of areas • The pixies know about Navarro; they saw some armed men
W6 and W7, where Mario flees after first encountering the set up camp near the city to the southwest. If the PCs haven’t
shadows that slay his gang. The pixies saw Navarro pass found the camp and are interested in reaching it, this could be
through and mocked him as he ran. their cue. The fey saw the bandit leader not long before the PCs
When the PCs enter the grove, read or paraphrase the fol- arrive, heading deeper into the bog. The pixies mention that he
lowing aloud: looked frightened, which they found endlessly amusing. Some flit
about with looks of mock terror on their faces, which causes the
Here the forest thickens and gets darker; strangely enough, other pixies to roll about laughing and giggling.
the ominous aura you’ve been feeling since you entered the If they learn the PCs are going into the Dead City, the pix-
forest seems to lessen. The trees, flowers, and even the fire- ies warn them against the Spirit Tree. They’ve seen many trav-
flies all convey the feeling of a more natural setting. elers in its vicinity, so they’re familiar with the area. The pixies
are meant to give PCs clues they might have missed (such as
Let the PCs declare their initial reactions, then proceed with the Dead City, the bog, and Navarro’s camp), and prepare
the following: them for the Spirit Tree (see area T2). The DM might want to
let the fey warn the PCs anyway, whether they solve the rid-
Suddenly, you notice that the fireflies aren’t fireflies at all; dle or not. The pixies know everything about the tree and its
as they flit near, you realize they’re small winged humanoids, curse, but they don’t know how to defend against the
about 2 feet tall. They’re dressed in many shades of green Elfwhisper. Finally, the pixies warn the PCs that the bogs to the
and fly around you sporting wry smiles and singing some south are a place of evil.
kind of rhyme.
Creatures (EL 9): The PCs face a band of pixies; they buzz PIXIE PUZZLE
around the characters reciting a riddle. The words are in The pixies’ riddle can be anything the DM has heard or devel-
Common, but the PCs have to specifically declare they’re pay- oped according to his or her knowledge of the players’ problem-
ing attention; then the DM can recite the riddle to them (see solving skills. The following examples work, as well:
the “Pixie Puzzle” sidebar for more details on this riddle). On metal I sleep, with rock on my side;
d Pixies (6): hp 5, 6, 5, 4, 3, 3; Monster Manual 172. None On air do I move, my fire’s inside;
of the pixies knows Otto’s irresistible dance. My blood will give life, my life will give death;
Tactics: If attacked, the pixies scatter as fast as they can, And you’ll see your luck when I catch my breath.
hiding then shooting sleep arrows. If there are no pixie casu- Answer: a dragon.
alties, they are content with trying to put the PCs to sleep and
stealing their easy-to-carry valuables (mostly coins, gems, or Only the dragon’s eyes do peer through my endless days;
small knick-knacks). If one or more pixies are killed by the PCs, Only the dragon’s breath does blow through my endless ways;
they fight to the death using the full extent of their abilities. Only the dragon’s tongue does lighten my stormy portals;
Development: The pixies are not hostile—they just want to And only the dragon’s tears do I ever give to mortals.
play a bit. If the players attack, they respond in kind. The PCs Answer: the sky.
19
THE ELFWHISPER
Treasure: If the PCs answer the riddle correctly on their Skills: Climb +7, Hide +3, Jump +5, Listen +4, Move Silently
first try and they show “good form” (by catching onto the +3, Ride +12, Spot +4, Swim –5. Feats: Combat Reflexes, Dodge,
game quickly and not interrupting the riddle nor the pixies’ Expertise, Improved Initiative, Improved Disarm, Leadership,
flight, not trying to change the subject until they’ve solved the Mobility, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization
riddle, and not attacking), the pixies give them a ring of swim- (longsword).
ming as a parting gift. Possessions: +2 scale mail, +1 large wooden shield, +1
longsword, boots of speed, masterwork heavy crossbow with
W7. The Bog. 10 bolts, treasure map (shows the location of Navarro’s stash
in area T2).
After walking for an hour, you notice the ground has grad- Mario Navarro is a true scoundrel. He trusts no one and
ually turned soft and muddy—you’re entering a swamp. The expects no trust; he’s also a poor loser. If he feels he’s losing
cold air and lack of animal sounds make it feel dark, eerie, the edge over someone (especially in non-violent situations),
and foreboding. he goes childishly irrational until he can show everybody he’s
in control. He likes to mock those he perceives as inferior, but
After just a few minutes of travel through the swamp, the he hates to be mocked by others. He’s also given to tasteless
PCs hear a man’s voice crying for help. remarks and crude insults, especially if he feels that not doing
Trap (EL 5): If the characters approach the source of the so might result in a loss of face.
pleading, they find a man slowly sinking in a sinkhole. The PCs Development: If Navarro survives the fight against the will-
have 2 rounds to get him out. Finding and using a rope counts o’-wisp and the PCs manage to stop his escape, they are now
as a partial action; finding a stick or branch for the sinking man faced with a number of possibilities:
to hold on to takes a full round. After this, a successful • Attack Navarro there, be it to capture or kill him. In this
Strength check (DC 13) pulls the man out (PCs can use the Aid case, the bandit defends himself and tries to escape, fighting
Another action to help whoever is doing the pulling). Going in to the death if cornered.
the mud to save the man requires a successful Swim check • If Navarro is captured or slain, the PCs can return with
(DC 20). A character who fails this check begins to sink as well. him to Grassguard or Sternhelm.
a Sinkhole Trap: CR 5; no attack roll necessary (see note If the PCs leave Navarro alive at Grassguard, Keerath and his
below); Reflex save (DC 20) avoids; Swim check (DC 20) men volunteer to take care of him, and the PCs can return to
escapes; Search (DC 20); Disable Device (DC 25). Note: the Elfwhisper quest if they wish. Have NPCs ask if they found
Characters caught in sinkhole sink in 4 rounds (see The the “secret of the haunted forest,” the origin of Morlaine’s mad-
Drowning Rule, DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide page 85). ness, or a clue on the lack of elves in the area. If this prompts
If the PCs save the man, they discover he’s none other than the PCs to go back, proceed again to “The Wildwood” section.
Mario Navarro, who got lost in the Wildwood after trying to If the PCs decide to return to Sternhelm and Navarro is still
escape the slaughter of his men. But before the PCs can do alive, he tries to escape every night.
anything with their prisoner, they have to deal with what led • If Navarro is captured and the PCs decide to take him
Navarro to the sinkhole: a will-o’-wisp. while continuing the Elfwhisper quest, he escapes as soon as he
Creatures (EL 6): While discussing Navarro’s fate, the PCs can unless the PCs take good measures to keep him subdued.
see a flashing light floating in front of them, which promptly • The PCs can try to make peace with Navarro, at least until
disappears; an instant later it reappears again, to follow with they get out of the forest. This being the case, Navarro feigns
an intermittent blinking that produces a visual effect similar to goodwill until he sees a good chance to escape.
a dancing lights spell. This is the will-o’-wisp.
d Will-O’-Wisp: hp 46; Monster Manual 183. W8. The Hags’ Hut. When the PCs reach this area, refer to
Tactics: Since the “follow the light” routine rarely works areas H1–H11, since area H represents a detailed version of
with adventurers, and this particular will-o’-wisp knows this, it area W8. They are separated only so as to be marked in both
prefers to rely on a hit-and-run, appear-and-disappear tactic the Wildwood map and the Hags’ Hut maps. Proceed to the
to confuse its prey. It tries to become visible in such positions “Hags’ Hut” section, detailed below.
as to be in reach of only a single character, and then disap-
pear before other PCs can attack it, using its Dodge feat to Telenementelari (Areas T1-T3)
maximum effect. Becoming invisible or visible during a round Read or paraphrase the boxed text below once the party
counts as a partial action for the creature. reaches the ruins:
The will-o’-wisp tries to focus its attacks on a single PC. If it
manages to reduce a character to 0 hit points or fewer, it This must have been a great elven city centuries ago; now it
retreats, its hunger satisfied. Obviously, this doesn’t count as is reduced to heaps of vine-covered, rotting wood and piles
defeating the creature for XP purposes. Mario Navarro is nat- of moss-covered stone. Nothing remains of its former glory
urally a valid target; he tries to flee if he can (he couldn’t care except for a few moldy houses and bridges. Everything is
less about his saviors, especially if he sees they recognize him). wrecked beyond any hope or repair; time and the weather
k Mario Navarro, Male Human Ftr8: CR 8; Medium-size have taken their toll.
Humanoid (5 ft. 4 in. tall); HD 8d10+16; hp 60; Init +7; Spd 20 ft.; It’s quiet here. The sound of birds and other forest ani-
AC 22 (touch 13, flat-footed 19); Atk +12/+7 melee (1d8+5/crit mals, infrequent before, is now gone completely.
19–20, +1 longsword) or +12/+7 ranged (1d10/crit 19–20, heavy
crossbow); AL NE; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +2; Str 15, Dex 16, This was once the city of Telenementelari, center of the
Con 14, Int 15, Wis 11, Cha 13. Ilumentarinen kingdom. Now only the ruins of its glory remain.
THE ELFWHISPER
If Morlaine is still shadowing the PCs, he comes out of hiding

and begs them to leave this area. If he already is with the PCs, THE ELFWHISPER (EL 8)
he starts to cry and complain when the characters come near Ilumenine can use this spell-like ability each round as a standard
the ruins. He seems on the verge of a breakdown, and he fran- action (when she isn’t using her malevolence power, she must
tically tries to explain that this is where the singing originates. If use it). Any living elf or half-elf within 120 feet who hears this
the PCs insist on remaining in the area, Morlaine remains with song must make a Will save (DC 14). Success indicates that the
them, too terrified to face a trip through the forest alone. elf or half-elf suffers 1d4 points of temporary Wisdom damage.
Allow the party to explore the ruins for a bit, then run the Elves who fail the save are also compelled to do nothing but
encounter in area T1. move toward area T2, where the Ygwannach attacks until
they’re dead, after which their spirits join the ghostly choir.
T1. Bandit Hideout. The PCs should discover the campsite fairly Elves of evil alignment who are drawn by the Elfwhisper and
easily. Bandit and horse tracks lead to the area, and the PCs slain by the Ygwannach return as shadows rather than ghosts in
should be able to see or smell smoke from the bandit’s camp- the choir. Half-elves who fail the Will save suffer 1 point of per-
fires. A couple hours ago, several shadows converged on the manent Wisdom drain.
bandit camp. Without the means to harm the incorporeal crea-
tures, many bandits were dropped before the others fled. Those Twelve corpses lie around the campsite. Most have weapons
who managed to escape (Navarro among them) scattered into drawn and lying nearby. Navarro’s corpse is not among them.
the forest. The remaining bandits, severely weakened but not The bandits’ horses are gone. Most seem to have run to the
yet dead, were tormented by the shadows until shortly before south. Saddles and other gear lie in a heap not far away, attest-
the PCs arrived. Hearing the approach of the characters, the ing to the fact that the horses probably didn’t have riders. There
shadows ended their sport by killing the bandits before fleeing. are signs of a struggle, and characters with the Track feat can
Read or paraphrase the following text, then give the PCs 4 make Wilderness Lore checks to gather more information:
rounds to investigate before running the next encounter. Horse Tracks (DC 14): The horses ran off in the last 24
hours. They stampeded, breaking their tethers and charging
This seems to be where the bandits set up camp inside the off en masse. It looks like three bandits managed to put saddles
ruins. The campsite is completely devastated: Many bandit on the horses and ride away, scattering in different directions.
corpses lie strewn about like dead leaves. There’s no blood The Struggle (DC 20): It doesn’t look like anyone but ban-
anywhere, but the bandit’s pale faces are frozen in hideous dits were here. They moved about as if fighting, but unless
caricatures of fright. A chill wind ruffles your clothes and they were fighting each other, they don’t seem to have had
swirls the smoke of their dying campfires. any opponents. Five bandits ran off on foot, all in different
Map Not to Scale
21
THE ELFWHISPER
Looking over your shoulders, you see

five luminous humanoid silhouettes.
They float over the battlefield, and
stop in midair, hovering just over the
party. The shadows seem to shudder,
then they flee the clearing for the
safety of the forest beyond.
The light-forms slowly take on the
shapes of elven men and women, led
by an exquisitely beautiful elven
woman whose face is horribly marred
by sorrow. Her dead, pleading eyes
turn towards you and she opens her
mouth as if to say something; instead,
a strange music begins as she leads
her choir in an unearthly song.
d Elven Ghosts, Com1 (7): CR 3;

Medium-size Undead (5 ft. tall); HD 1d12;
hp 7 each; Init +2; Spd 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
(perfect); AC 12 (touch 12, flat-footed 10)
for ethereal encounters, 15 (touch 15, flat-
footed 13) when manifesting; Atk +1 melee
(1d3+1 subdual, unarmed strike) when
ethereal; SA manifestation; SQ elven
traits, rejuvenation, +4 turn resistance,
undead; AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref +2, Will 0;
Str 12, Dex 15, Con —, Int 11, Wis 11, Cha 16.
Skills: Hide +10, Listen +11, Perform
+7, Search +11, Spot +10. Feats: Skill
Focus (Perform).
k Ilumenine, Female Elven Ghost Brd8:
CR 10; Medium-size Undead (4 ft. 10 in.
tall); HD 8d12; hp 61; Init +2; Spd 30 ft., fly
30 ft. (perfect); AC 12 (touch 12, flat-
footed 10) for ethereal encounters, 17
directions. Two followed the horses. Another two appear to (touch 17, flat-footed 15) when manifesting; Atk +6/+1 melee
have run behind one of the bandits on horseback. One escaped (1d3 subdual, unarmed strike) when ethereal; SA Elfwhisper,
on his own. All of the tracks were made in the last 24 hours. frightful moan, malevolence, manifestation; SQ Elven traits,
Treasure: The twelve dead bandits have the same equipment rejuvenation, +4 turn resistance, undead; AL CG; SV Fort +2,
as the bandits in area W2, but only eight crossbows remain Ref +8, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 15, Con —, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 20.
serviceable—the rest were crushed by fleeing horses. There are Skills: Diplomacy +15, Hide +9, Listen +18, Perform +27,
also twenty-four riding saddles remaining. Strewn about the Sense motive +11, Search +11, Spellcraft +15, Spot +12, Tumble
camp (in saddlebags and the bandits’ personal gear) are personal +14. Feats: Iron Will, Spell Focus (Enchantment), Skill Focus
items of value and foodstuffs from the Earfield farm (worth (Perform).
about 17 gp if the party cares to collect and sell it all). Spells Known (3/4/4/2; base DC = 15 + spell level): 0—
Tracking the escaped bandits is possible, but the following dancing lights, daze, flare, ghost sound, mage hand, read
encounter should be run first: magic; 1st—charm person, hypnotism, message, sleep; 2nd—
Creatures (EL 10): As the PCs search the area, the dead enthrall, hold person, silence, sound burst; 3rd—cure serious
bodies of the bandits darken and fade away. Soon, there’s wounds, emotion, dispel magic.
nothing human left of them, as the corpses dissolve into a For details on ghosts’ special abilities, see the ghost tem-
sickly black mist. The PCs just witnessed shadows spawning. plate in the Monster Manual, page 212.
d Shadows (12): hp 19 each; Monster Manual 161. Development: The Elfwhisper, although sung by the entire
Tactics: This encounter is dangerous, especially if the PCs ghostly choir, only has its Wisdom draining and captivating
didn’t rest after any previous encounters, but they should not effects when sung by Ilumenine. Part of her curse is that she
have to fight the shadows for more than 2 rounds. At that must sing whenever she has left the tree, but she has managed
point, the DM should read or paraphrase the following: to find a way to circumvent this aspect of the curse: When she
has successfully used her malevolence ability, she can com-
Suddenly, the shadows seem to stop, frozen in their tracks. municate in a limited fashion through the song.
The temperature grows colder, and the undead fiends recoil Once the shadows have fled the area, read or paraphrase
as if frightened. A pale, blue light grows brighter behind you. the following:
THE ELFWHISPER
The leader of this eerie choir floats slowly toward Morlaine Finally, in a sweeter tone, but one full of despair, the choir
and makes an entreating gesture with her hands. The crazed finishes as Ilumenine’s tale concludes:
bard stops his shuddering and moaning as he watches her,
and then he slowly nods his head. Two voices are heard amid a cacophony of screams and a
With that cue, the beautiful ghost melds with Morlaine’s rumble of devastation. One is clearly supposed to be that of
body, and after a moment, the bard looks at you with new Ilumenine, and the other seems to represent her father:
eyes—eyes marked by long pain and suffering. “Father . . . father? What be this curse come upon us in
Morlaine begins to sing, but his voice has changed. No such a dark hour? What enmity hath doomed our house?”
longer is his voice broken from screaming and weeping. “Cursed child, it is thy heavenly voice which hath sum-
Instead he sounds almost normal, with just a hint of a femi- moned the forest’s wrath! Cursed, the Ilumentarinen king-
nine inflection. dom, all cursed! Thus Ilarnesil’s house dies, and I rue the day
“Help us,” sings Morlaine. “Please help us end this eternal I engendered a maiden with a voice that wouldst charm the
damning torment.” forest spirits and turn them upon us!”
If the PCs nod or verbally agree to aid the ghosts, Here, witty PCs might make the connection between the
Ilumenine/Morlaine beckons for the characters to follow. If hateful voices from the tale and Ilumenine’s plight. If the PCs
Morlaine isn’t with the party for some reason, he now steps have deduced that Ilumenine is innocent and try to convince her
forward from the trees to receive Ilumenine’s spirit. of this, she disdains the notion with a shake of her head. Her sis-
ters took her harp when she died, and though she knows they
T2. The Spirit Tree. The Spirit Tree is the blackened husk of an now live in the swamp, she doesn’t want to recover the instru-
old oak; inside it, Ilumenine’s elven hosts sleep and wait for ment for her own sake. She’s convinced that she’s receiving just
hapless travelers to come by. Whether or not the PCs follow punishment for her “crimes.” She wants only to end the curse to
Ilumenine to the Spirit Tree, read or paraphrase the following bring rest to the tortured souls who have died from her song.
to them when they enter the area: That the curse is her fault is completely untrue, of course;
the three sisters keep the silver harp as a deterrent against their
Nothing has prepared you for this sight; the bushes and sister’s freedom. The only way to save Ilumenine (and end the
thorns are so thick here that they seem to actively oppose Elfwhisper curse) is to recover the harp and play it at the tree.
your advance. The wind stirs a blanket of dead leaves on the Though Ilumenine knows where her sisters hide (areas
ground, and cobwebs hang from nearly every branch. H1–H11), she won’t go there. She doesn’t know they have
Nightshade bushes grow everywhere. Amid these twisted become green hags. She also doesn’t know it was her sisters
vines stands a dead, black tree. who actually lured the Ygwannach to her song and doesn’t
believe it if told so. She’s too guilt-ridden to admit she was
Development: If the PCs have followed the ghosts here, betrayed. The only chance to convince her of her innocence,
some of them begin to flit into the tree, while others appear and end the curse, is to bring back her silver harp.
from its limbs and trunk. It should become clear that this is As soon as the story is complete, Ilumenine abruptly leaves
what passes for a material “home” for the ghosts. the sanctuary of Morlaine’s body and resumes singing with her
Ilumenine then begins to tell her tale the best she can, in the choir. A short while later, Ilumenine returns to the Spirit Tree
only way she is able. While her choir continues the Elfwhisper, with her choir, and nothing the PCs do gets her out again unless
she, through Morlaine, sings three short passages that illus- they bring the silver harp with them (proceed to “Ending the
trate the events that led to the curse. Curse”). Meanwhile, the bard collapses to the ground, nearly
While Morlaine sings, his face grows hateful and his voice unconscious. Exhausted, he manages to gasp out some of the
changes to almost perfectly mimic the voices of Ilumenine’s information he managed to winnow from Ilumenine while she
family as they sounded so many years ago. This performance resided in his body:
is especially remarkable, as the bard seems to be able to sing
multiple voices at the same time. “Defeat Ygwannach. Strike the root—its power. End curse.
Song eternal. Her silver harp—her sisters took it to the bog.
“Death and pain and vile blister, let us doom our hated sister; It is lost. Her father’s shalm, the harp . . . summon . . .
Let us sheath her cursed song, ever more than ever long; “No way to redeem Ilumenine. All victims—her voice
Let us watch at once she dies, and then stop at where she lies; summoned it. The Ygwannach—it ravaged Ilumentarinen.
Let us dance and sing all day, for poor Ilumenine!” Chasing her, her song brought the curse . . .
“The curse can end. The harp—bring it. Sisters have it in
This chant is repeated softly once more, then Ilumenine/ the bog. But it is lost . . .”
Morlaine continues:
Morlaine can tell the PCs nothing more about the ghosts.
The same voices as before, now sounding grimly sinister: He can tell them, though, that Ilumenine saw a man fitting
“Oh, Ygwannach, wrath of the forest! We are thy daugh- Mario Navarro’s description running toward the bog to the
ters! Our guardian, we beseech thee; come to us! For our southeast. She tried to intercept him to get his help, but her
sister has haunted thy silence! Become as the living hate of appearance only frightened him even further.
the forest; Slay, destroy, dance to our sister’s voice! Bring Allow the PCs two or three questions of Morlaine, making it
down what you have guarded for so many centuries! Let clear that he is exhausted by his ordeal. If the PCs fail to ask
sweet Ilumenine be the cause of her house’s fall!” about Navarro, volunteer the information or not; it should be
23
THE ELFWHISPER
If the PCs pick up and play the shalm

anywhere within the forest, it summons
the haunting choir of ghosts. Events
might then proceed as described in area
T1 if the PCs haven’t encountered the
ghostly choir yet. If they’ve already met
Ilumenine, playing the shalm has no effect.
Navarro’s secret cache is buried a few
paces behind the Spirit Tree. The bandit
chief’s booty includes 5,000 sp, 1,352 gp,
and another 1,000 gp worth of gems and
jewelry inside four small coffers and one
large bag. There are also three skulls that
belonged to the bandits who helped
Navarro bury the treasure. They were
killed so they didn’t reveal its location.
T3. The Ygwannach Altar. This circle of

stone monoliths lies arranged in druidic
ritual fashion in the middle of a forest
clearing. There are thirteen monoliths in
all, twelve forming the circle and a sin-
gle, towering rock at the center. Each of
the encircling stones has a cryptic sign
engraved on it. A successful Knowledge
(religion) check (DC 20) reveals the
signs represent the twelve months of the
ancient elven druidic calendar; any
character worshiping an elven or nature
deity (such as Corellon Larethian,
Ehlonna, or Obad-hai) can add a +2 cir-
cumstance bonus to her roll. Grant a +2
synergy bonus to the roll if the PC is an
elf, and another if the PC is a druid. The
following symbols are represented:
(I) The Moon, (II) The Sun, (III) A Star,
clear to heroic PCs that freeing the ghosts and righting this (IV) A Claw, (V) A Wing, (VI) An Eye, (VII) A Tree, (VIII) A
ancient injustice is just as important as capturing the bandit. Flower, (IX) An Antler, (X) A Lightning Bolt, (XI) A Bow and
After imparting these last bits of information, Morlaine slides Arrow, (XII) A Fang.
into unconsciousness. Nothing short of 8 hours rest can fully The central stone has a small barbaric altar at its base; it
revive him at this point. When he does awaken, he remembers consists of a stone knife and a small alcove, barely enough for
nothing of the episode and resumes his erratic, insane behavior. a human fist to fit inside. There’s a short rhyme engraved on
Creatures (EL 10): If the PCs have found their own way to the the stone altar (written in Elven). It reads as follows:
tree, any poking around the tree or its vicinity wakes the ghosts
inside unless done silently (a PC must state that this is the case). When Shadow meets Sun, Water meets Stone,
If the ghosts hear the PCs, they begin to sing and emerge from Wind meets Song, and Spirit meets Bone;
the tree. The scene proceeds from there as it does in area T1 When all this is done, then Evil shall come.
when the shadows fled at the approach of the ghosts.
If the DM needs to play this encounter as a fight, remem- This is a clue to what the PCs must do to activate the rit-
ber there are dozens of ghosts inside the tree; it is not rec- ual: “Shadow meets sun” indicates that the monolith’s shadow
ommended to pit the PCs against more than a few ghosts must lie across the sun symbol when the ritual takes place.
simultaneously. See area T1 for the ghosts’ statistics. Award “Water meets stone” means that a water offering must be
full experience for Ilumenine and her seven ghostly allies made before the stone altar. “Wind meets song” tells the PCs
regardless of whether combat occurs: In this case, negotiating that the pipes of haunting from the Spirit Tree (that once
with the ghosts is better than defeating them. belonged to Ilumenine’s father) or Ilumenine’s silver harp must
Treasure: A Search check (DC 20) reveals a shalm lying amid be played. “Ghost meets bone” means the Elfwhisper spirits
the tree roots. A shalm is a wooden wind instrument, akin to pan must have been put to rest (see “Ending the Curse” below).
pipes, consisting of twin wooden pipes protruding from a mouth- When all of these conditions are met, the Ygwannach spirit is
piece. This particular shalm acts as pipes of haunting, and it was “drained” from the forest, and it is forced to manifest in the
once owned by Ilumenine’s father; it can be used to summon the form of a huge mass of knotted roots and tendrils. Proceed to
Ygwannach in area T3 if the silver harp isn’t available. the “Fighting the Ygwannach” section.
THE ELFWHISPER
Development: If Morlaine stole the silver harp from the H2. Main Cave.
PCs, they find his bloodied, unconscious body here; he unsuc-
cessfully tried to appease the Ygwannach (it appeared when he Following the entrance there’s a vast, dark and slimy cave.
played the harp). The harp is nowhere to be found. As soon as The muddy waters are filled with unidentified droppings and
the PCs enact the ritual, the Ygwannach manifests in the clear- remains. There are no light sources at all, except what dim
ing, the silver harp tucked inside its body. Proceed to the light comes from outside, which is barely sufficient. The
“Fighting the Ygwannach” section below, using the harp’s pow- cave’s full size remains unknown because of this poor light,
ers as an extra special attack for the Ygwannach. but it clearly continues ahead, although you’d need an alter-
nate light source to explore that area. There’s also a small
The Hags’ Hut exit tunnel to the northeast.
Although the sisters call it “the hut,” the lair is simply a slimy,
dark cave. While inside, the PCs consistently find the following: Creatures (EL 7): The sisters’ other bodyguards stalk this
• Bones litter every bend and corner. area: a band of six ogres.
• Slime drips from the muddy walls and ceiling. d Ogres (6): hp 38, 28, 34, 20, 25, 30; Monster Manual 144.
• Undergrowth and darkened roots protrude from nearly Possessions: Each ogre guard has a pouch holding 25 gp.
every wall. Development: If the ogres die and the PCs leave the cave
before finding the hags, the sisters use their animate dead
Level One (Areas H1-H6) covey ability to create zombies from the ogres’ corpses (they
H1. Entrance Cave. can make three zombies each day). They command their new
undead minions to attack any other intruders.
The vegetation here is so dense here that the foliage hang- Creatures (EL 3 or 5): The zombies, whether there are three
ing from trees merges with the algae floating in the putrid (after one day) or six (after two) attack mindlessly until slain.
mud. Amid this quagmire of rotted vegetation, there’s a huge d Large Ogre Zombies (6): hp 29 each; Monster Manual
cave; lichen floats in the knee-level dark waters at its 192.
entrance. As you approach, something huge moves by the
cave and growls, “Who’s there?”
Creatures (EL 7): The entrance is guarded by

Morgo, a hill giant who serves as the witch sisters’
bodyguard. He fell in love with all of them a few
years back, and they have been using him to pro-
tect their lair ever since. Before the PCs can
answer Morgo’s query, he attacks.
d Morgo the Hill Giant: hp 116; Monster
Manual 98.
Tactics: Since there are few boulders in the
swamp, Morgo has gathered a prized cache of
projectiles that he keeps at hand near the cave
entrance. He throws one as soon as he has a tar-
get, then wades blindly into melee wielding his
huge greatclub. Morgo attacks lightly armored
“softies” first.
Treasure: Morgo has a diamond valued at
4,000 gp and a piece of rock crystal worth 9 gp.
Both stones are identical in appearance; a suc-
cessful Appraise check (DC 15) is required to
ascertain the difference. Morgo carries a potion
of endurance, a potion of clairvoyance, and a pair
of boots of striding and springing.
Morgo also has a strange gem hanging from
his neck by a chain. This is a hag eye, by which
the sisters scry on Morgo and all that he sees. The
hag eye looks like nothing more than a smooth
piece of polished crystal, but it radiates magic.
Analyze dweomer, identify, or legend lore reveal
that it is a scrying device of some kind.
If the PCs destroy the hag eye, the three sis-
ters are damaged (see below), and one of them Hags’ Hut,
becomes blinded for 24 hours.
Development: After Morgo is defeated, the Level One 1 square = 10 feet
PCs can proceed to area H2.
25
THE ELFWHISPER
an undertow, only it’s not. It feels more like the

Hags’ Hut, Level Two water is alive. Just as this realization strikes, the
water begins to churn into a swirling vortex.
Creatures (EL 7): A water elemental, created

from wastewater, was lured into cave by the sisters
to protect the tunnel leading to their sanctuary.
d Huge Water Elemental: hp 152; Monster
Manual 84.
SA—Disease: Touching or being touched by
the elemental infects the victim with filth fever
(see page 75 in the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide).
Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for
defeating the elemental, due to the added chal-
lenge of dealing with filth fever.
Tactics: The “wastewater elemental” waits until
the PCs enter the room before attack with its vor-
tex power. If it manages to drown a PC, it wades
into melee. The elemental takes full advantage of
its water mastery power, and it will not pursue
PCs who flee the area. Otherwise, it fights until
destroyed.
H5. Stream.
This shallow, muddy stream has a weak current,

and no banks to speak of. You don’t want to
speculate on the nature of the things floating
down the river. The stench grows even more
foul as you advance.
During the long walk through this stream (about

100 feet or so), the PCs see and feel rotted wood
passing their knees through the slow current.
1 square = 10 feet Gradually, the objects get bigger; soon whole tree
trunks and roots float by in the water.
H3. Pond. Creatures (EL 8): Halfway down the tunnel, the PCs are
surprised and attacked by crocodiles, who hide among the rot-
This area is muddy and watery—a veritable swamp. The filthy ted trunks and roots.
water is knee-deep, and it bubbles fiercely. It must be an d Crocodiles (8): hp 21 each; Monster Manual 195.
underground spring, sullied by the mud and filth surround- Development: Once past the crocodiles, the stream flows
ing it. The water flows into a tunnel in the north wall. faster; soon the PCs arrive at a small cascade (13 feet high),
that drops down to the second level of the caves (area H7).
The water is so dirty that exposure requires a successful
Fortitude save (DC 11) to avoid being infected with filth fever H6. Sanctuary. If the PCs didn’t destroy Morgo’s hag eye, read
(see page 75 in the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide). the following aloud while they approach the cave:
H4. The Guardian. Read or paraphrase the following when the As you reach the end of the tunnel, you realize it’s some kind
PCs reach this cave: of illuminated cave. Then, you hear multiple voices engaged
in eerie chanting; the voices sound strangely familiar . . .
When you reach this dark cave, you see a surface of shim-
mering water, clogged by refuse and debris. The stench is The PCs are listening to the sisters practicing their rituals.
horrible, but you can dimly see another passage on the far If the PCs destroyed Morgo’s hag eye, they don’t hear any
side of the 20-foot-long room, and the only way to reach it chanting—the hags are not here.
is through the water. Whether they find the sisters or not, read this aloud when
the PCs enter the cave:
If the PCs wade into the water, read the following when one
of them has passed the center of the room: Unlike the other caves in this complex, this room is strangely
furnished. There is a mystic circle drawn on the floor, as well
You feel the bottom gradually sinking until the muddy water as many censers, candles, and two shelves filled with
becomes waist deep. After a while, you feel something like assorted jars containing various animal parts.
THE ELFWHISPER
Creatures (EL 12): (Ignore this section if the PCs destroyed

Morgo’s hag eye within the past 24 hours.) The sisters prac-
MUSIC FOR THE ADVENTURE
tice their dark rituals here; this is, in fact, where they await the “The Elfwhisper” benefits from musical accompaniment. If you
PCs if the hag eye on Morgo’s neck was not destroyed or if it can find a song powerful enough to function as the Elfwhisper,
was destroyed more than 24 hours ago. If the sisters are here, it greatly enhances the players’ assimilation of the song. Eerie,
read the following aloud: soft, and dark music is highly recommended, such as most new
age music or post-Beethoven Romantics (Beethoven’s 7th sym-
As you enter the cave, you also see three well-dressed, beau- phony has an appropriate 2nd movement). If you could find it,
tiful elven maidens, holding hands and chanting something Vitali’s Chaconne, a nearly unknown baroque piece recorded by
around the mystic circle. They note your entrance and slowly violinist Jascha Heifetz, is wonderful. If you prefer choral pieces,
finish their chanting before turning to greet you with smiles. Gregorian chants are excellent.
d Shtara, Ilumari, and Imaril, Green Hags (3): hp 45, 51, 47;
Monster Manual 115. The sisters have the full powers of a covey. Level Two (Areas H7-H11)
Possessions: If the sisters are found here, Shtara is carry- H7. Underswamp.
ing a staff of swarming insects (17 charges).
Tactics: The sisters use their magic to appear as they did long The area at the bottom of the cascade is more wet, cold, and
ago: as beautiful elven sorceresses. Dispel magic, true seeing, or slimy. there seems to be an exit far to the east, but with the
similar magic bypasses the illusion. Remember that the PCs have deep shadows it’s hard to tell if it is a tunnel or a crevice.
no cause to think the sisters are hags; when they enter the area,
the sisters try to sweet-talk the PCs, claiming they were prison- A secret passage in the north wall of the cave is hidden
ers of the hill giant. One hag attempts to convince two charac- among lichen and wet brambles. It leads to the tunnel that ends
ters to accompany her to area H3 (to eat at her leisure), while in area H9. Not even the hags know the secret tunnel exists.
the other sisters ambush the remaining PCs 3 rounds after their Finding it requires a successful Search check (DC 20).
sister leaves. If things go badly for separated sisters, they don’t Creatures (EL 8): Halfway through this cave, the PCs are
hesitate to use their invisibility to flee and regroup. attacked by a black pudding that the sisters have allowed to live
If the sisters are questioned about Ilumenine’s story, they in the cave. They feed it enough to keep it from wandering.
present their own version of the tale. Use the following argu- d Black Pudding: hp 108; Monster Manual 145.
ments as a guideline, but feel free to elaborate.
H8. False Den. This cave has been prepared by the witches as
• “Oh, yes, sweet Ilumenine. What did she knew about real a decoy to mislead intruders; their real den is hidden behind a
feeling with her perfect melodies, her soft voice—everything secret passage on the north wall, but finding it requires a suc-
given to her as if by birthright? What did her dead heart cessful Search check (DC 22).
know of earning true love from those who loved her?”
• “We loved our father! We loved our people! We spent You get a sense of foreboding as soon as you set foot in the
hundreds of years watching him cherish her for no merit other room. The cave isn’t that big, but its earthy walls are marked
than her voice, while we were left to gather dust and rot! Don’t with scores of cryptic signs and runes. Suddenly, you see
pretend to fathom the depths of an immortal sorrow.” three figures awkwardly wading through the filthy pond in
• “Evil? Evil, are we? More evil are those who deny love your direction. They appear gaunt and clad in stained, some-
to their own children! More evil are those who ignore inno- what tattered rags.
cent pleas for love, to attend instead to the shallow sophis-
tication of an affected song. Ilarnesil deserved what he got!” Creatures (EL 8): The sisters put these scrags (water trolls)
• “We did not deal the final blow. It was the Ygwannach, here as guards; they are dressed in witches’ rags and have
our kingdom’s guardian, summoned through the Ygwannach been ordered to pretend they are the hags.
altar! He alone deigned to hear our humble pleas! d Scrags (3): hp 70, 65, 59; Monster Manual 180.
“There was no ‘evil’ in our righteous vengeance, and if Development: Once the trolls have fallen, a successful Spot
you think so, then your short life spans won’t ever allow you check (DC 15) or a thorough examination of the bodies reveals
to grasp the true meaning of the word.” that the rags are poor disguises, and the “hags” are regenerat-
ing. Even if the PCs fall for the decoy (unlikely if they have
If the PCs aren’t convinced by these words, the hags drop already encountered the real sisters), they should be prompted
their disguises and attack to the full extent of their abilities. to look around and locate the secret passage to area H10.
The sisters begin combat by turning invisible. One then uses
the covey’s polymorph other ability on a less physically impos- H9. Lost Cave. This hidden cave has been a part of the com-
ing target. Another uses the forcecage ability, trying to catch plex since many years before the hags came to live here. Its
one or two targets within a 10-foot cube windowless cell (sav- current occupant, a reclusive water naga, lives here without
ing that meat for later). The third uses the mind blank ability the sisters’ consent, trying to keep its lair a secret. Read the
on a spellcaster. The hags then converge on remaining PCs following aloud as soon as the PCs enter the area:
with polymorph other or bestow curse abilities, making things
more complicated by occasionally turning invisible. Note that As you enter this cave, you are assaulted by the smell of
the covey spell-like abilities function only as long as all three dank, damp waters, and find yourselves in a musty pool,
hags are within 10 feet of each other. strangely illuminated by a blue light.
27
THE ELFWHISPER
In the center of the cave, the huge, scaled body of a blue Tactics: The water naga stays hidden, even if the PCs start
dragon blocks your gaze. The light seems to emanate from it, to poke around. Spotting the naga requires a successful Spot
and the creature is moving as if it were breathing. check opposed by the naga’s Hide check.
The naga only attacks if treated aggressively. It casts scare
Creatures (EL 7): This dragon is an illusion created by the first, then suggestion. It follows that with the rest of its spells
water naga (using its silent image spell) to drive away intrud- until the PCs leave the area or kill the creature. It doesn’t
ers. If the PCs try to examine the dragon more closely, allow resort to damaging spells unless damaged itself.
them a Will save (DC 16) to disbelieve, with a +2 circumstance If spoken to, the naga lisps (in Draconic; it doesn’t speak
bonus if one of the PCs succeeds and can aid the others. Common) that it comes from the deep waters under this land,
d Water Naga: hp 59; Monster Manual 138. looking for its eggs, which were sold as a curiosity to a local
Spells Known (6/7/7/4; base DC = 12 + spell level): 0—daze, merchant. However, the water naga cannot leave its lair due
detect magic, flare, ghost sound, light, mending, ray of frost; to a cave-in underwater, and it has spent the last months
1st—color spray, magic missile, sleep, silent image, ventriloquism; waiting for an opportunity to swim near a city and find its
2nd—invisibility, scare, web; 3rd—lightning bolt, suggestion. eggs. If the PCs are friendly and offer to help the naga, have
Possessions: The water naga has a quartz crystal ring the characters make a Diplomacy check (DC 18). If successful,
(1,300 gp value), a chest with 680 gp, and a wand of silence the naga gives them with a cracked eggshell, explaining that
(22 charges) stored in its cave. they can compare the texture of the shell to identify lost eggs.
H10. Den. This area is much like areas H8 and H3. However,
the plant life is much more dense, and weak light filters into
ENCOUNTER LEVEL CHART the room from numerous holes in the ceiling during the day.
Summarized below are the Encounter Levels (ELs) for all the Creatures (EL 8): If the PCs arrive here within 24 hours of
encounters in “The Elfwhisper.” destroying the hag eye Morgo was carrying, the sisters are
here instead of their sanctuary (area H6). If the sisters are
Area Encounter EL found here, their stats are almost the same as listed on area
* k Morlaine, Male Half-Elf Brd4 4 H6, with minior differences:
** d Wolves (7) 6 d Shtara and Ilumari, Green Hags (2): hp 38, 42; Monster
** d Shadows (3) 6 Manual 115.
** d Dire Wolves (2) 5 d Imaril, Green Hag (Blind): hp 43; Monster Manual 115.
** d Assassin Vine 3 Note: See the blindness spell (Player’s Handbook, page 180) for
** d Boars (4) 6 a description of the effects of blindness.
** d Dire Bear 7 Possessions: Imaril holds the staff of swarming insects (17
** d Ravens (23) — charges).
W2 k Bandits, Male Human Rog1 (9) 7 Tactics: These are the same as in area H6 (when combat is
W3 d Dire Badgers (4) 6 joined), except Imaril, the blind hag, is unable to pick a target
W4 d Ettercap 4 for mind blank, polymorph other, and forcecage. She remains
W5 d Dire Wolves (10) 10 invisible near the center of the room, waiting for a PCs to
W6 d Pixies (6) 9 enter her 5-foot square, then attempting to make a touch
W7 a Sinkhole Trap 5 attack and use her bestow curse or weakness power. The
d Will-o’-wisp 6+ other hags have full use of their covey powers provided they
k Mario Navarro, Human Ftr1 8 remain with 10 feet of each other.
T1 d Shadows (12) 10 Both sighted hags wait to ambush the PCs underwater; they
T1/T2 d Elven Ghosts (7) — attack with surprise unless the PCs detect them with a success-
k Ilumenine, Female Elven Ghost Brd8 — ful Spot check, opposed by the hags’ Hide checks.
a The Elfwhisper 8 Imaril is trying to protect the entrance to area H11. Unlike
T3 d The Ygwannach 8 her sisters, she’s still enshrouded in the illusion making her
H1 d Morgo the Hill Giant 7 appear as a beautiful elven sorceress. If she never gets the
H2 d Ogres (6) 7 opportunity to attack and her invisibility is rendered ineffec-
d Ogre Zombies 5 tive, she tries to fool the PCs, giving her own version of
H4 d Huge Water Elemental 7 Ilumenine’s story as described in area H6.
H5 d Crocodiles (8) 8 Note: Even though Imaril has a 50% chance to miss in com-
H6/H10† d Hag Covey 12 bat, her Blind-Fight Feat still makes her a tough opponent (see
H7 d Black Pudding 7 the Player’s Handbook, page 80).
H8 d Scrag Trolls (3) 8 Trap (EL 5): Imaril stands on a secret trapdoor, obscured by
H9 d Water Naga 7 the slime of the cave walls. The trapdoor leads to area H11, but
H10 a Flooding Room Trap 5 if the PCs open it without deactivating the trap, it triggers a flood
H11 a Acid Floor 6 that fills the room in 4 rounds and the entire hut in 1 hour.
*Morlaine is not tied to a single area. a Flooding Room Trap: CR 5; no attack roll necessary (see
**These are random encounters in the Wildwood. note in area H11 below); Search (DC 20); Disable Device (DC
†This encounter occurs in area H6 if the hag eye isn’t destroyed, and in 25). Note: Room floods in 4 rounds (see The Drowning Rule in
area H10 if the hag eye is destroyed. the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide, page 85).
THE ELFWHISPER
H11. Spoils Cave. If Morlaine is still present (whether hidden or openly accom-
panying them). He jumps forward at the sight of the harp,
This murky, oppressive, dark grotto is filled with ankle-deep attempting to wrest it from whomever holds it (opposed
mud. Algae covers the floor, and the entire cave is filled with Strength checks). If he gains possession of it, Morlaine flees,
rotting vegetation, lichen, and fungus. casting expeditious retreat as soon as he can to boost his speed.
If the PCs catch Morlaine, he struggles briefly, but soon sur-
Trap (EL 6): The treasure is well protected; part of the floor renders and breaks out crying and whimpering. He grudgingly
is actually a pool of acid disguised with an illusion. agrees to follow the PCs to the city again, but he tries to steal
a Acid Floor: CR 6; section of floor (10d6); Reflex save the silver harp again as the PCs leave the hags’ lair.
(DC 16) negates; Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 30). If the PCs don’t catch the bard, they find him upon return-
Note: Successful save means character dives to safety in time. ing to the Ygwannach altar (see “Fighting the Ygwannach”).
If the flooding trap in h10 was activated, all of area H11
(treasure included) also becomes flooded in 4 rounds. The sil- Ending The Curse
ver lining to the flooding is that it dilutes the acid to the point If the PCs return to area T2 with the silver harp, Ilumenine
of negating its harmful effects. appears again and makes strumming gestures while she sings.
Treasure: The sisters’ treasure lies in a heap on a corner The PCs can give her the silver harp or play it themselves. If
of the cave. It includes 2,000 gp (unevenly distributed among a character has the Perform (harp) skill, he or she can make
five rotted sacks), six black pearls (800 gp each), a potion of the check (DC 15). Morlaine is also available (if he’s alive).
alter self, a potion of cure light wounds, and a potion of levi- If either the PCs, Morlaine, or Ilumenine plays the harp, the
tate. There’s also a rotting vine in the floor; finding it requires Elfwhisper begins, but this time it doesn’t have any harmful
a successful Spot check (DC 16). One end of the vine is effects; it just moves listeners to the point of tears, and its
attached to the cave wall, the other seems to disappear into chords become the relieved sighs of hundreds of freed elven
the floor (it actually leads into the pool of acid). The slightest souls. Ilumenine is the last to disappear (if the PCs gave her the
tug causes the vine to snap from years of soaking in acid; silver harp, it disappears as well). If she takes the harp with her,
whatever hung from the opposite end sinks into the acid pool she then shows the party the shalm lying in the tree’s roots (if
to a depth of 10 feet. If the PCs find a way to retrieve the item they don’t have it already), and tells them that they will need it,
hanging from the other side of the vine, they discover it is pointing them to the “magic circle of stones; there, the true end
Ilumenine’s silver harp (a harp of charming). A successful Spot for the curse awaits.” (This should lead the PCs to area T3).
check (DC 25) or Search check (DC 18) reveals that one of the If Morlaine witnesses the end of the curse, he’s cured of his
tuning pegs of the instrument is actually a ring of shooting madness, and with tears in his eyes tells the PCs that he can
stars that the sisters tucked there. make music again.
29
THE ELFWHISPER
THE YGWANNACH Fighting the Ygwannach

d The Ygwannach, Advanced Half-fiend Shambling Mound: Huge Once the PCs have completed the ritual described in area T3
Outsider; CR 8; HD 14d8 + 84; hp 155; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 20 ft.; AC 24 (playing the shalm or harp at noon after having freed the ghosts
(-2 size, +13 natural, +3 Dex); Atk +23 melee (2d8+11, 2 claws) and +21 and providing a water offering to the altar), the forest seems to
melee (2d6+5, bite); Face/Reach 10 ft. × 10ft./20 ft.; SA improved grab, blight and decay at a frightening pace. The Ygwannach’s cor-
constrict 2d8+11, spell-like abilities; SQ plant, electricity immunity, fire rupting spirit is pulled from the surrounding woodland and
resistance 30, poison immunity, acid and cold resistance 20, darkvision forced to manifest as a lethal mass of gnarled roots and tendrils
60 ft.; AL NE; SV Fort +15, Ref +12, Will +9; Str 33, Dex 16, Con 23, Int (see the adjacent sidebar for the Ygwannach’s statistics).
11, Wis 10, Cha 11.
Skills: Climb +19, Hide +20, Intimidate +7, Listen +16, Move Silently Ending the Adventure
+20, Spot +8, Wilderness Lore +8. Feats: Combat Reflexes, Multiattack, If the PCs slay the Ygwannach, it is forced from the Wildwood
Power Attack. and this plane of existence. If Morlaine recovers his sanity by
SA—Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, the Ygwannach must hit witnessing the end of the curse, the PCs should receive expe-
an opponent of up to Huge size with both claw attacks. If it gets a hold, it rience as if they had defeated him in combat. If the PCs caught
can constrict. or killed Mario Navarro, the Grassguard township offers to
SA—Constrict (Ex): The Ygwannach deals 2d6+11 points of damage help take him to the Sternhelm authorities, where the full
with a successful grapple check against Huge or smaller creatures. The 5,000 gp reward awaits. Finally, award the PCs experience as
Ygwannach can still move but cannot take any attack actions when if they had overcome a CR 8 encounter if they end the curse.
constricting. This represents experience earned by recognizing the truly
SA—Spell-like Abilities: 1/day—desecrate, unholy blight, contagion, important quest and surviving the danger of the Elfwhisper.
blasphemy, and unhallow. 3/day—darkness, poison, and unholy aura.
These abilities are as the spells cast by a 14th-level sorcerer (save DC 10 Continuing the Adventure
+ spell level). If Mario Navarro managed to escape the PCs, or if they put
SQ—Plant: Immune to mind-influencing effects, sleep, paralysis, stun- him under Keerath’s custody in Grassguard, consider the fol-
ning, and polymorphing. Not subject to critical hits. lowing epilogue:
SQ—Electricity Immunity (Ex): The Ygwannach takes no damage from Upon returning to Grassguard, the PCs learn that Navarro
electricity. Instead, any electrical attack (such as shocking grasp) used has slain Mayor Rodder and taken over the town, using the
against the Ygwannach grants it 1d4 points of temporary Constitution. The ambition of Keerath and his men, who act as his current
Ygwannach loses these points at the rate of 1 per hour. enforcers (eleven 1st-level warriors). Navarro’s new gang
Tactics: The Ygwannach is nothing more than a perverted force of keeps the rest of the town council captive, and they plan to
nature. It begins combat by using its desecrate and unholy blight abilities. spread a reign of terror on the surrounding area. Every
It will use is poison ability in conjunction with normal attacks if it begins Grassguard citizen has been scared into cooperating with
to feel threatened. Navarro. To defeat him, the PCs must deal with nearly the
Special: If the Ygwannach has the silver harp thanks to Morlaine, it entire township. To do this without spilling innocent blood, the
uses the instrument’s powers as an additional special attack. The PCs must devise some very cunning plan.
Ygwannach doesn’t need to use its limbs to play the harp tucked inside its Another good adventure hook involved the water naga
body; using it counts as a partial action. (area H9) and its lost eggs. If the PCs take on this task, they
Ad-hoc Experience: Award 125% more experience when the PCs might need to visit Sternhelm or another large city, looking for
defeat the Ygwannach. the eggs that match the cracked shell. Ω
This is J.C.’s first try at professional RPG writing outside of his

native country, Mexico. He wants to dedicate this adventure
to Eravon the bard, prince Aman Sharieff Abduel, and all the
others who, unwittingly, playtested it.
by Aaron Williams
www nodwick.com
TOTENTANZ
TOTENTANZ
Totentanz
Dance of the Dead
by Bernard Mees
artwork by Michael Collins • cartography by Diesel
This adventure is suitable for a party of four 4th-level characters.

No special character classes are required, although characters
with high Will saving throws will have a definite advantage.
“Totentanz” is set in a remote valley in a mountainous region. PCs might
become involved in the story after hearing rumors that have begun
to circulate in the inns, taverns, and hospices of the lowlands.
These rumors speak of a blight upon a town in the mountains, but
the cause and effect of the curse are unknown.
Although designed for 4th-level PCs, the module can be
modified for higher- or lower-level parties as noted
in the “Scaling the Adventure” sidebar.
Adventure Background the fief; guided by her father’s former companions, she governed
The town of Luzern lies in a small valley of the same name, on a well. The young baroness, Lady Gudrun Talluth, has been taken
trail that wends through the Tronewald, a domain bordering the prisoner by the undead, and her father’s companions are slain or
Yatil Mountains and the Vesve Forest. Once a fertile area whose lost. Now the castle of the baroness is garrisoned by these strange
people enjoyed peace and prosperity, Tronewald has changed. The skeletons, and the barony suffers.
walking dead have come to Luzern in the form of skeletons. They The self-styled Wraith King, the undead priest who was once
now rule the town and the valley around it. The protectors of the the discarded son of a noble, has returned to Luzern to seek
valley have vanished or been captured by the dead, and no one his revenge. Although his presence remains a secret to the few
knows what brought these strange events to pass. remaining living inhabitants of the area, his handiwork is not. With
Long ago, the bastard son of one of the local nobles sought legiti- the aid of the artifact called the Totentanz Gate, he has converted
macy and acknowledgement of his heritage, hoping to gain a noble the living denizens of Luzern into undead who live a grim mockery
title and possibly a parcel of land. Unfortunately for him, this sort of of their former lives. These undead perform the labors of the
thing just wasn’t done. After all, the nobles thought, noble titles are townsfolk, but they do not do them well. The fields are neglected,
for the pure born. Led by the charismatic young baron of Luzern, fences lie unmended, and the streets of the town grow rutted and
the other nobles of the area drove the young man from the area, weary. The last living inhabitants of Luzern have mostly fled to
mocking his attempts to prove his family ties. parts unknown. It is in this state that the characters find Luzern
The experience left the ostracized young fellow on the edge when they arrive.
of sanity. In a moment of weakness, he allied himself with dark Information on the Totentanz Gate can be found in an ancient
powers, vowing to undo his humiliation, and demand the respect, book hidden in town, and the baroness is waiting for rescue from
of the nobles who had so mercilessly ridiculed him. He spent her grim fate as the bride of the Wraith King, who still hopes to
years of his life in seclusion, researching the perfect means of legitimize his claim to the nobility by marrying the daughter of
obtaining his heart’s desire. His plans were not meant to come to his hated enemy. Lady Talluth can provide some information on
pass in his lifetime, though, and the deranged and evil cleric died this mysterious figure.
before he could find the item he longed for, the Totentanz Gate, Arriving in the valley, the characters soon discover the
and return to Luzern. His rage and hatred were stronger than presence of the undead. They appear to behave as normal
death, though, and he returned in the form of a wraith who still people: they work, tire, and at night return to their homes.
hungered for vengeance. Indeed they appear almost unremarkable (if one can overlook
Now a curse has befallen Luzern, a curse due, in part, to the the fact that they are obviously dead).
late baron of Luzern’s actions all those years ago. Having passed
away hundreds of years since, his progeny have followed in his For the Players
footsteps as paladins and ruled the barony justly. The most recent The adventure begins when the characters hear rumors of a curse
baron passed away ten years ago, and his only child came to rule afflicting the barony of Luzern. Mindful of these rumors, travelers
35
TOTENTANZ
Scaling the Adventure ghouls.

“Totentanz” is designed for 4th-level PCs, but it can be modified • Make Taurian a 3rd-level fighter instead of a 3rd-level war-
for parties of different sizes or levels. Consider adapting the rior. Power Attack and Weapon Focus are good additional feats.
adventure as follows: 7th- to 8th-level PCs: In addition to the changes above, add
1st- to 3rd-level PCs: Run the adventure as written but with the following modifications:
the following changes: • Make the Wild Man hostile. In addition, give him a 3rd-level
• Reduce the number of skeletons to generally match the werewolf warrior companion.
average level of your group. If you have a 2nd-level group, make • Instead of ghouls, make the skeletons in areas T8, K13, C1,
the average skeleton encounter EL 2 (six skeletons). and C9 ghasts and shadows.
• Make the Wild Man a 2nd-level warrior (EL 5). • Give Taurian an extra level of fighter.
• Make Taurian a 1st-level warrior (EL 4). • Make the Wraith King a 7th-level cleric.
• Make the Wraith King a normal wraith (no cleric levels). Remember that changing the Encounter Levels should raise or
5th- to 6th-level PCs: Run the adventure as written but with lower the amount of treasure. Consult page 170 in the Dungeon
the following changes: Master’s Guide (Tables 7-2, 7-3, and 7-4) to determine treasure
• Make the Wild Man more aggressive: If the PCs say even a appropriate to the new encounters.
word to him, he attacks.
• Change the skeletons in areas T8, K13, C1, and C9 to
now avoid the barony, taking other routes to pass through the “After the third night of disappearances, some of us went
forest. The trail to Luzern is well known, so the characters can to the castle to see the baroness. She was good to us, see?
easily find people at hospices and inns in the lowlands who can tell “But the baroness didn’t come to see us. Nope. The skel-
them how to find the valley. Not much, however, can be gleaned etons did. Dressed in her livery, they were, just like they were
as to the nature of the curse. The barony has not been the subject her guards, but dead. Well, we ran.
of rumor in the past, and the feats of its late ruler are not known “Some of the menfolk thought they were tough and
in these parts. Some tavern owners and merchants speak of an decided to try to rescue the baroness—they thought she
evil plague that afflicts the region. Others avoid all mention of might still be alive. About thirty of them went, and they didn’t
Luzern as if the very name were cursed. No word has come from come back.
the barony since the first rumors of its unrest began to circulate “That’s when folk started packin’ up and headin’ out. It
nearly a year ago. meant leavin’ everything they had—land, homes, most valu-
The journey to Luzern takes the adventurers into a valley ables—but it also meant survivin’. Some of us stayed a little
nestled between the mountains. The trail wends its way through longer, but then the dead started movin’ in to the homes
the valley, past scattered settlements and through wilder lands. vacated by the missing. They were skeletons, mark my words,
As they near Luzern, the characters might hear more rumors of and they started dressin’ and actin’ almost like they were livin’
the affliction that has plagued the barony. folk. The weirdest part was the dancin’. Each night, they’d take
There are three settlements that lie on the way to Luzern; in out all these instruments and have a parade through town,
each, the folk have rumors to share regarding Luzern. Each of honkin’ and beatin’ on the things with a noise so harsh and
these bits of information can be gained with a successful Gather shrill it made milk curdle.
Information check (DC 12). Although normally quite willing to That was the last straw for me and mine. We packed up
gossip about their nearby neighbor, the citizens of these hamlets the next day for greener pastures. Luzern’s a ghost town, now,
have grown close-mouthed about the city. friend. Don’t go near it.”
• At the village of Thun, if they inquire about the barony, the
characters hear of its wealth and the treasures said to be hidden No one in the nearby villages has visited Luzern since the
in the castle there. past winter. Only travelers who have come through the bar-
• At Chur, they might be told of a church that stands in the ony have brought word in the last few months. Even they have
town with its bright windows and golden ceiling, and the piety of become scarce of late.
the folk who live there. Refer to the “Encounters in the Tronewald” sidebar to run
• In Bregentz, willing ears hear of a silence in the streets of the the journey to Luzern.
once friendly town of Luzern, of unkempt fields and stray cows,
and people stolen in the night. Luzern
With a Gather Information check result of 18 or better in Thun,
the PCs actually manage to locate a former resident of Luzern. In A river of the deepest blue runs through the vale of Luzern.
Chur, the DC drops to 16, and in Bregentz, to 14. The encounter On either side mountains rise up out of the morning mists that
with these displaced folk goes something like this: begin to fade with the warmth of the sun. Past the trees of the
Tronewald, the scene changes as grassy meadows and golden
“Yeah, I lived in Luzern until the people started vanishin’ and fields replace the verdant forest. It is clear even from here that
the dead started walkin’ and dancin’ in the streets. something is amiss. No cattle, pigs, or goats can be seen in the
“It started when a few folks just up and vanished. Some pens and fallow fields. Indeed, the fences are unmended, and
thought they’d decided to move on, but they left all their wild animals and birds foray through crops ripe for harvest
goods. Then more went missin’ the next night. Then some that lie seemingly untended in the fields.
more the night after. As you head toward Luzern, you see a farmer harvesting
TOTENTANZ
Human form: HD 5d8+10; hp 37; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (touch 10,
Encounters in the Tronewald
flat-footed 12); Atk +6 melee (1d3+1 subdual, unarmed strike); SA wolf
The adventurers have several encounters as they journey to the barony. empathy; SV Fort +8, Ref +3, Will +3; Str 13, Dex 11, Con 15, Int 13, Wis
It will take at least a full week to travel the forest trail to Luzern. Each of 10, Cha 10.
the following encounters happens at the proper spot on the map. If you Skills: Climb +6, Control Shape +6, Craft (woodcarving) +6, Jump +6,
want to substitute another encounter suitable to your campaign, this is Knowledge (nature) +4, Listen +4, Search +5, Spot +4. Feats: Combat
a good opportunity. Reflexes, Great Fortitude, Improved Unarmed Strike.
Hybrid Form: HD 5d8+20; hp 47; Init +6; Spd 50 ft.; AC 16 (touch 12,
1. Creatures (EL 6): A pack of wolves attacks; the wolves flee if one-half their flat-footed 14); Atk +7 melee (1d6+2, bite); SA trip, curse of lycanthropy,
number are injured or slain. wolf empathy; SQ scent, damage reduction 15/silver; SV Fort +10, Ref +5,
d Wolves (6): hp 13 each; Monster Manual 204. Will +3; Str 15, Dex 15, Con 19, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills: Climb +6, Control Shape +6, Craft (woodcarving) +6, Hide +3,
2. Creature (EL —): The party meets a bird catcher named Tamino who sets Jump +6, Knowledge (nature) +4, Listen +13, Move Silently +4, Search
nets to capture birds that he sells at fairs in the lowlands. If asked of Luzern, +9, Spot +11, Wilderness Lore +0*. Feats: Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes,
he replies that he does not travel as far as Luzern often, as he does not Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative, Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon
think the people there would buy his birds if he did. If the strange curse is Finesse (bite).
mentioned, Tamino answers only with a gasp and a nod. He is not prone *Wolves receive a +4 racial bonus to Wilderness Lore checks when
to talking about anything other than birds and music. tracking by scent.
k Tamino the Bird-Catcher, Male Human Brd2: CR 2; Medium-size Wolf Form: As hybrid form, except the Wild Man can’t use his Craft skill
Humanoid (5 ft. 7 in. tall); HD 2d6+2; hp 12; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11 (touch while in wolf form.
11, flat-footed 10); Atk +1 melee (1d4/crit 19–20, dagger), or +2 ranged SA—Wolf Empathy (Ex): Can communicate and empathize with wolves
(1d4/crit 19–20, dagger); SA bardic music, spells; SQ bardic knowledge; or dire wolves, granting a +4 racial bonus to checks when influencing a
AL CG; SV Fort +1, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, wolf’s attitude and allowing the communication of simple concepts and
Cha 15. commands.
Skills: Bluff +7, Craft (trapmaking) +7, Diplomacy +7, Listen +4, Perform SA—Curse of Lycanthropy (Su): Any humanoid hit by the werewolf’s
+7, Spellcraft +7, Tumble +6. Feats: Dodge, Endurance. bite attack in animal form must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 15) or
Spells Known (3/1; save DC = 12 + spell level): 0—dancing lights, contract lycanthropy.
mending, resistance; 1st—expeditious retreat. SA—Trip (Ex): A werewolf that hits with a bite can attempt to trip as
Possessions: Dagger, bird traps, silver box (Tamino’s only treasure is a free action (see page 130 in the Player’s Handbook) without making a
this small silver box that plays a short tune when opened. Tamino doesn’t touch attack or provoking an attack of opportunity. If the attempt fails, the
wish to talk about his clockwork toy, although it could fetch as much as opponent cannot react to trip the werewolf.
500 gp at market). SQ—Alternate Form (Su): Can assume a bipedal hybrid form or the
form of a wolf as though using a polymorph self spell as a standard action;
3. Creature (EL 4): An ogre fighter stands by the trail here, charging a toll upon assuming either form, he regains hit points as if having rested for a
on all who would pass. This unsavory creature calls himself Sir Waltherus day.
and wears a broken helmet and a shirt of mail taken from a knight he once SQ—Damage Reduction (Ex): A lycanthrope in animal or hybrid form
bested. He is inclined to ask for as much as he thinks he can extort from the gains damage reduction 15/silver.
passer-by and delights in humiliating his victims. The favorite demands of The Wild Man is the master of a number of werewolves in the
Sir Waltherus include the swords of warriors or the holy symbols of clerics. Tronewald. The strain of lycanthropy that produced the werewolves of the
He might even demand beards as a toll. Tronewald is part of an old curse.
d Sir Waltherus, Male Ogre Ftr2: CR 4; Large Giant (10 ft. tall); HD 4d8+8
plus 2d10+4; hp 44; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17 (touch 9, flat-footed 17); Atk 5. Creature (EL —): An old fur trader carrying his traps meets the char-
+10 melee (2d6+7, huge greatclub); Reach 10 ft.; AL NE; SV Fort +9, Ref +0, acters on the road. He wears a green tunic, a gray cloak with wolf-fur trim,
Will +1; Str 21, Dex 8, Con 15, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 7. and a gray hood. Guntrum can tell the PCs that the people of Luzern have
Skills: Climb +5, Jump +5, Listen +2, Spot +2. Feats: Combat Reflexes, changed. Some say they are under the influence of an enchantment. He
Improved Initiative, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (greatclub). knows that the old baron is dead, but he has not entered the town for
Possessions: Chain shirt, helmet, huge greatclub, and Treasure. some time. He also knows that a wizard dwells in the valley, but the town
Treasure: Behind a nearby rock the ogre has stashed a bag that holds does not interest him, as few of the folk there buy his furs.
317 gp, 32 sp, 6 cp, and 3 dead hares. k Guntrum the Fur Trader, Male Human War3: CR 2; Medium-size
Humanoid (5 ft. 11 in. tall); HD 3d10+6; hp 23; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11
4. Creature (EL 8): The party sees a bearded man dressed in rags approach- (touch 11, flat-footed 10); Atk +3 melee (1d6/crit x3, handaxe); AL CG; SV
ing. He seeks to avoid the party and does not answer questions willingly. Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 13.
Travelers in these parts call him the Wild Man and give him a wide berth. If Skills: Disable Device +4, Handle Animal +7, Intuit Direction +5,
angered, he transforms into a lupine beast and attacks. Profession (fur trader) +5, Wilderness Lore +5. Feats: Combat Reflexes,
k The Wild Man, Male Werewolf War5: CR 8; Medium-size Shapechanger Dodge, Improved Initiative.
(5 ft. 10 in. tall); AL CE; three alternate forms. Possessions: Handaxe, dagger, animal traps, and 7 gp.
If the characters don’t approach the farmers, allow them a

a crop of rye. He makes slow but confident strokes with his Spot check (DC 15) to notice their skeletal appearance.
scythe. Further along, other figures can be seen. Each works If the PCs approach the farmers, continue with the follow-
at a deliberate pace. ing text:
37
TOTENTANZ
Wraith King has left them with an imprint of their former lives.
This results in the desultory application the skeletons have
shown to the lives they once led. The skeletons are otherwise
normal in behavior, and unless otherwise specified, bear the
1 statistics provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar.
Most skeleton men do not attack unless one of them is
attacked first, in which case all skeletons within line of sight rush
to defend their fellow “townsfolk.”
DM Note: Attacking the skeletons could quickly lead to an
2 overwhelming situation for the PCs if they decide to start a
battle in the town square or another heavily populated area.
Make an effort to point out that the skeletons aren’t harassing
anyone, and concentrate on the eerie feeling of mystery.
The only creatures active in the valley outside the town of
Luzern are farmers, all of which are skeletons. As the sun sets,
each farmer leaves the fields and returns to its dwelling in the
town. The only other building in the valley, save for the town
itself and a few barns, is a castle of white stone. The river sepa-
rates it from the trail, however, and the only place of crossing is
3 a bridge leading from within the confines of the town.
The walled town of Luzern has five gates, one of which lies at
the end of the forest trail. At the north end of town, twin spires
mark some large building, and a castle overlooks the town’s
main square. Upstream from the bridge, boats are moored by
the river, although none seems in use. The gates lie open, and
a few lone figures can be seen coming and going. No sentries
guard the gate or walk the walls.
4 The trail from the Tronewald leads up to the Whitegate, a
three-story tower that guards the entrance to the town. A lone
figure piles harvested rye from a nearby field, taking it through
the gate, and returning after a time for another load. The
Whitegate itself is uninhabited. A shutter to a window on the
third floor swings on its hinge in the breeze, but the tower is
5 otherwise silent. There are no signs of a siege or battle.
Inside Luzern the streets are mostly empty. Skeletons
dressed in the manner typical of the folk of the Tronewald walk
the streets but make no tokens of address. There don’t appear
to be humans left in town, but that isn’t entirely true.
One last family has decided that moving isn’t an option.
Elner Poortis isn’t going to budge, and neither is his family as
long as he has a say in the matter. As a result, Elner, his wife
Yurvihiun, and their two daughters Wesal and Firthis have
holed up in their house. The three women are miserable and
frightened, and not a day goes by that they don’t plead with
Elner to leave. So far, their loyalty to family has kept them by his
side, but Yurvihiun has nearly reached her breaking point and is
contemplating a break for safety.
T1. Castle. The gate to this gray limestone keep remains closed
during the day. No gonfalons or other signs of who holds the
castle are apparent, though the device of a falcon on a shield
is graven over a number of the windows on the second floor.
As you approach the farmer, none of the other figures in the Any window large enough to be entered by a climbing or
fields stop to take notice. The farmer wears a loose woolen flying character is shuttered (Break DC 20), and no sounds
tunic, dyed blue, and a brimmed felt hat of scarlet. Although emanate from within. It is, however, inhabited by the undead;
his dress and behavior seem appropriate for a normal farmer, any attempts to break in are resisted vigorously by the skeletal
they cannot hide his skeletal appearance. All the other figures garrison. A description of the rooms inside the castle follows in
working in the fields are also skeletons. the section entitled “Rescuing the Baroness.”
Like skeletons created by an animate dead spell, the undead T2. Lady Church. The building with the twin spires seen outside
of Luzern are completely mindless, but their creation by the the town is the Lady Church. It is dedicated to the memory of a
TOTENTANZ
lawful good holy woman whom the folk of Luzern revere as a

saint. The cleric, Friar Farold, formerly resident in the nearby
parsonage, has disappeared. Now the doors of the church are
held shut with locks and chains.
s Chained Wooden Door: 4 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 40;
Break (DC 23); Open Lock (DC 25). The chains have a hardness
of 10 and 15 hp.
Creatures (EL 5): The Lady Church is haunted by two wights.
d Wights (2): hp 30, 23; Monster Manual 183.
SQ—Totentanz (Su): The wights are under the influence of a
desecrate spell cast at 10th level. This gives them a +1 profane
bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Turning
checks in this area suffer a –3 profane penalty.
Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for each wight; the
desecrate effect makes them tougher than normal.
Development: The church has been defiled by the wights. The
holy items are all broken or lost, the bells in the twin bell towers
have fallen and shattered, and the wall paintings and mosaics
depicting the Lady and her followers are covered with soot and
grime. Even the great stained-glass windows have been smashed
and filled up with sack-cloth and rags to keep out the light of
day. Nevertheless, once light is returned to the church, other
decorations can be seen. Bosses on the painted blue ceiling are
plated with gold, and the floor of the nave and chancel is covered
with varicolored tiles. Though most of the tiles bear no design,
three in the chancel are pictorial: One shows the device of a lion,
another that of a falcon, while the third lying between the other
two shows the device of a sword with a scroll bearing the word skeletal barkeep happily fetches them keys. If so, they are his only
“HONOR.” The sarcophagus of Lord Bohort is hidden in a cavity guests. The barkeep knows how to draw ale from the taps, but
under the tiles here (see the “The Wizard’s Message” section). no food can be found at the inn. If food is requested, the barkeep
The characters might also notice that the gates to the cemetery prepares a platter of bones. The livestock in the valley were
on the north of the Lady Church have been forced open. Within, slaughtered or turned into skeletons during the past winter; since
the graves show signs of disturbance. The soil in each plot has been then the townsfolk made do with foodstuffs saved from past years
turned over, almost as if a gardener had been at work. Indeed some such as hard grains, old cheeses, nuts, and jams.
picks and shovels lie scattered about among the weeds that grow Development: If the PCs pass the Poortis residence near
between the plots. The Lion of the Valley, Yuvihiun (female human Com2) calls
out to them through a crack in their shuttered windows. She
T3. Whitegate. This gatehouse is uninhabited and remains open by can’t tell them much they don’t know already from Thun, Chur,
day. At sunset, a skeletal guardsman from the Stonegate comes or Bregentz. (Use the text provided in “For the Players” to
and locks the gate, and it remains locked until morning. provide the PCs with any information they might not already
T4. Mill. During the day, a lone skeleton periodically arrives at

this building pulling a cart loaded with crops harvested from Residents of Luzern
a nearby field. Two others thresh and grind the rye. The mill d Totentanz Skeleton Men: CR 1/3; Medium-size Undead (5
closes at night; the three skeletons return to their homes in ft. 2 in. to 6 ft. tall); HD 1d12; hp 8; Init +5 (+1 Dex, +4 Improved
two of the houses at the other end of the square south of the Initiative); Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 (+1 Dex, +2 natural); Atk +1 melee (1d6+1,
mill. sickle), +1 melee (1d6+1, club), or +1 melee (1d4+1/crit 19–20, dagger);
SQ undead, cold immunity, half damage from piercing and slashing
T5. Wine Market. Although the trading of wines and ales no longer weapons, Totentanz; AL CE; SV Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 10, Dex
takes place, this large square remains remarkable for a statue that 12, Con —, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 11.
stands here. In the center of the square is the stone figure of a lion Feats: Improved Initiative.
with a hind riding upon his back. As a plaque at its base recounts, the SQ—Totentanz (Su): The entire town of Luzern, as well as the area
statue is in remembrance of a former baron of Luzern, Renhard the up to one mile distant from the city walls, is under the influence of a
Lion. The hind represents the water nymph that he rescued who then desecrate spell cast at 10th level. This gives its undead residents a +1
granted him the right to build the first bridge over the river. The only profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. They
shop open on the Wine Market is the inn and tavern that takes its also have +1 hit points per Hit Die, and turning checks in this area suffer
name from the hero of this tale (area T5). a –3 profane penalty.
The curse is also responsible for the life imprint that drives the resi-
T5. Lion of the Valley. At the inn, the few patrons (all skeletal) are dents to attempt to mimic the living in their daily habits and routines.
silent. The barkeep is a skeleton man and does not speak. Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for each skeleton; the
The characters can take rooms at the inn if they wish; the desecrate effect makes them tougher than normal.
39
TOTENTANZ
broken or useless oddments silently change hands between

customer and vendor. They finish their trading and barter-
ing at midday, when two skeletal guardsmen come from the
Stonegate to close the market. The skeletal traders immediately
close upon the arrival of the guardsmen, even if in the middle
of a sale.
These skeletal merchants do not respond to queries or pur-
chase attempts from the living. If PCs approach or try to strike
up a conversation, they are ignored.
T7. Highgate. The guardrooms of this gate remain empty

at all times, as do those of the two unused gates known as
Falcongate and Dragongate. Each has the same design as the
Whitegate. The Highgate is opened each day by a skeletal
guardsman from the Stonegate, and locked again at night. The
guardrooms above hold only empty barrels.
T8. Stonegate. This three-story gatehouse is identical in layout

to the Whitegate.
Creatures (EL 2): The Stonegate is inhabited by skeletal
guardsmen. Unlike typical skeleton men, however, each of
them wears armor and bears a longsword.
d Skeletal Guardsmen (5): These skeletons are identical to
those provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except they
wear chainmail (AC 18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit 19–20).
Five skeletons can be found at any one time congregating on
the second floor, except at midday when two of their number
head to Falcon Square to close the market, or at dawn or dusk
when one of them leaves to lock the gates at all five gatehouses.
have.) She asks the PCs to escort herself and her daughters The skeleton who closes the gates also carries a large iron key
(female human Com1) to the edge of the valley. If the PCs ring upon which hang two large keys. One fits the locks on all
agree, she herds the young girls out the door with bags in of the city gates, while the other opens the locks on the chains
hand after a short wait. She tells them her husband Elner is still barring the door of the Lady Church. The uppermost floor of the
working his fields north of town, and he doesn’t want to leave, Stonegate is bare and uninhabited.
but she’s had enough of “this accursed place.”
Yuvihiun doesn’t know the fate of the town’s baroness, the T9. Chapel Bridge. Two-thirds of the way along this roofed
Lady Gudrun Talluth, but she believes the noble was imprisoned bridge is a small chapel. Hidden in a secret niche behind the
or slain by the undead in the town castle. The town priest, Friar altar is a tome bearing the title The Book of the Dancing Death.
Farold, disappeared early, and the Lady Church has been locked It was hidden here by the wizard Tollerath. See the section
up since. Not even the wizard who dwells in a keep outside the entitled “The Wizard’s Message” for details on the tome’s con-
town (and whose name is unknown to the townsfolk) has been tents. Finding the book requires a successful Search check (DC
heard of since the night the skeletons appeared. 20). PCs who have deciphered the riddle in the “The Wizard’s
Message” gain a +10 circumstance bonus to this check.
T6. Falcon Square. In the morning, skeletons arrive and set
up stalls, and more undead come to buy their wares. Although The Totentanz
most of the goods offered for sale are damaged or shoddy, If the characters stay a night in the town, they witness the
their customers don’t seem to mind. All sorts of rags and parade of the dead. Each night, a troop of skeletons emerge
from the castle and tear down the streets in a wild procession.
They bear musical instruments: horns, cymbals, pipes, and
The Town drums. The skeletons play as best they can—clashing, shrieking,
c Luzern (small town): Monstrous; AL LG/CE; 50-gp limit and banging while clacking their teeth and stomping their feet.
(usually 3,000); Assets 20,000; Population 1,500 (usually These nocturnal rituals are not without rhyme or reason.
2,500); Mixed (Human 35%, Undead 65%). When the town still had human residents, the skeleton men
Authority Figures: Lady Gudrun Talluth, Baroness of Luzern, would break into the houses of the townsfolk and capture those
female human Pal2; the Wraith King, male wraith Nec10. sheltered within. They then returned with them to the town
Important Characters: Friar Farold, male human Clr6 castle, where they forced the townsfolk into the Totentanz Gate.
(missing), assorted undead. If the characters attack the dancing skeletons, they risk being
Others: Town watch (missing), skeletal guardsmen. captured by the undead (who attack to subdue the characters)
Notes: The town is under the sway of the Totentanz Gate. and hauled to the castle to be made skeletons themselves.
See the description of the Totentanz Gate for a complete
description of the dance’s effects.
TOTENTANZ
Wizard’s Keep
Beyond the fields that lie across the
Chapel Bridge is a white limestone keep.
The keep is rectangular with four round,
corner towers and a gatehouse. Each
tower is topped with a peaked roof,
and similar structures are built over the
body of the keep and the gatehouse. The
trail to the keep leads to the base of the
mound upon which the structure sits.
The keep was formerly the home of
the wizard Tollerath, who died trying to
rescue the baroness from her castle. As
such, a number of magical effects will be
encountered in the castle. Unless speci-
fied otherwise, doors in the keep have the
following statistics:
s Wooden Doors: 4 in. thick; Hardness
5; hp 40; Break (DC 23); Open Lock (DC
25).
The front doors are made of heavy
oak, unlocked, and closed. The glass that
once filled the windows of the castle has
all been broken, but shutters remain.
They are all closed and latched (Break DC
20, Open Lock DC 20).
First Floor The iron door in the northwest is protected by an arcane

K1. Entrance Hall. lock (Break DC 38). It can be opened, however, if the correct
key is found (in area K17). If the PCs manage to open the door,
This magnificent hall probably served as a reception room. It is they find a stairway leading to the dungeon.
occupied by five skeletal guards wearing the livery of Luzern;
as you enter, they draw longswords and move to intercept K4. Guest Room.
you. To the west you can see a staircase leading up.
This room was probably a guest room at some time. A
decayed bed and a chest stand against one wall, but the
Creatures (EL 2): The skeletons attack any who seek to enter the keep. room is otherwise shrouded in dust and cobwebs.
The entrance hall is otherwise empty.
d Skeletal Guardsmen (6): These skeletons are identical to those pro- Creatures (EL 3): Six monstrous spiders have taken over this room. They
vided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except they wear chainmail (AC attack as soon as the PCs enter the room.
18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit 19–20). d Small Monstrous Spiders (6): hp 4 each; Monster Manual 210.
Treasure: The chest contains a longsword and 210 gp.
K2. Great Stair.
K5. South Hall. The ceiling of this hall is obscured by cobwebs. The hall is
The great stair is bare save for fallen statuary and a pair of 15- otherwise unremarkable.
foot-long chains. It looks like the chains were used to pull down a
statue that once stood at the landing. K6. Armory.
To the north and south are short, wide hallways. At the top of
the staircase, you can see the stairs end at a T-intersection. Once an armory, this chamber has been looted. Now, only
the weapon racks, covered in dust and cobwebs, remain.
A cursory examination of the statue reveals that it once depicted a 10-foot-
tall man with the head of a hawk bearing a rod and a staff. It’s not clear what the
vandals were looking for, or even if they found anything behind the statuary. Searching among the debris in the room reveals an old helm and some
broken crossbow bolts.
K3. North Hall.
K7. Kitchen.
Much of this hall is filled with cobwebs. A door in the northwest
corner of the room is made of iron and looks quite sturdy. Formerly the kitchen, this room contains the corpses of two
Another door in the northeast corner presumably leads to one giant rats. They lie among litter on the floor that includes
of the keep’s towers. a fallen ledge, broken crockery, and shattered glass. Rusty
41
TOTENTANZ
knives hang on hooks along the south wall. A large cauldron K9. Dining Room.
sits in the fireplace in the west wall, which sheds an eerie glow
on the room due to the green flames that flicker within. The grand table of this dining room is smashed, and the chairs and
plates have been broken, their remains hurled into the southwest cor-
Creature (EL 6): Hiding behind some barrels at the west ner. Of the wall decorations, only an old stuffed stag’s head remains.
end of the room is Taurian, a werewolf. This townsman was a
friend of the wizard Tollerath, who once inhabited this keep. The dead have no need to eat, so this room has remained unused
Tollerath long sought the cure for Taurian’s lycanthropy, but and unoccupied.
was unsuccessful. Taurian’s wolf personality has overcome his
better nature now, and he attacks without provocation. K10. Werewolf Den.
d Taurian, Male Werewolf War3: CR 6; Medium-size
Shapechanger (6 ft tall); AL CE; three alternate forms. Some creature has made itself at home here. A pile of blankets and
Human form: HD 3d8; hp 15; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13 straw lies against one wall, and some scattered bones litter the floor.
(touch 11, flat-footed 12); Atk +3 melee (1d3 subdual, unarmed
strike); SA wolf empathy; SV Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +3; Str 11, Taurian the werewolf has claimed this room as his own.
Dex 12, Con 10, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10. Treasure: A successful Search check (DC 15) reveals Taurian’s short
Skill: Craft (bowmaking) +8, Jump +6, Listen +6, Search sword among the tattered bedding. A gem in its pommel is worth 650 gp,
+4, Spot +9. Feats: Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Skill Focus but the sword is otherwise normal.
(bowmaking).
Hybrid Form: HD 3d8+6; hp 21; Init +7; Spd 50 ft.; AC 17
Second Floor
K11. Portrait Room.
(touch 13, flat-footed 14); Atk +6 melee (1d6+1, bite); SA trip,
curse of lycanthropy, wolf empathy; SQ scent, damage reduc-
tion 15/silver; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +3; Str 13, Dex 16, Con A bas-relief portrait of a woman fills the alcove in the north
14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10. wall of this room. She is depicted carrying a book in her left
Skills: Craft (bowmaking) +8, Hide +4, Jump +7, Listen hand; her right hand is held in a sign of benediction. The
+10, Move Silently +5, Search +8, Spot +13, Wilderness Lore likeness has been defaced with charcoal. A stained glass win-
+0*. Feats: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved dow to the east has been shattered, and shards of ceramic
Initiative, Skill Focus (bowmaking), Weapon Finesse (bite). and glass litter the floor nearby. An ashlar has also been
*Wolves receive a +4 racial bonus to Wilderness Lore removed from the south wall, revealing a hidden cupboard.
checks when tracking by scent.
Wolf Form: As hybrid form, except Taurian cannot use his
Craft skill while in wolf form. Treasure: Tucked in a crack within the cupboard is a ragged scroll.
SA—Wolf Empathy (Ex): Can communicate and empathize It bears a knock spell (cast at 12th level).
with wolves or dire wolves, granting a +4 racial bonus to
checks when influencing a wolf’s attitude and allowing the K12. Guard Room. A rack holding three longspears stands here.
communication of simple concepts and commands.
SA—Curse of Lycanthropy (Su): Any humanoid hit by K13. Winch Room.
the werewolf’s bite attack in animal form must succeed at a
Fortitude save (DC 15) or contract lycanthropy A large winch against the east wall of this bare room appears to
SA—Trip (Ex): A werewolf that hits with a bite can attempt operate the portcullis below. Four skeletal guardsmen dressed
to trip as a free action (see page 130 in the Player’s Handbook) in chainmail and bearing longswords rush to attack.
without making a touch attack or provoking an attack of
opportunity. If the attempt fails, the opponent cannot react to
trip the werewolf. Creatures (EL 1): The four skeletal guardsmen guard the winch that
SQ—Alternate Form (Su): Can assume a bipedal hybrid operates the portcullis to the gate below.
form or the form of a wolf as though using a polymorph self d Skeletal Guardsmen (4): These skeletons are identical to those
spell as a standard action; upon assuming either form, he provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except they wear chain-
regains hit points as if having rested for a day. mail (AC 18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit 19–20).
SQ—Damage Reduction (Ex): A lycanthrope in animal or
hybrid form gains damage reduction 15/silver. K14. Toppled Statuary.
Tactics: Taurian waits until the PCs begin searching the This unremarkable room has been searched thoroughly.
room before leaping from his hiding place and attacking. He
attacks unarmored or lightly armored characters first, and
Taurian continues attacking one opponent until that person Four broken, man-sized statues lie fallen about this room, as
goes down before attacking a new target. He fights until he do the shattered remains of a half-dozen swords. The door
is slain. to the southeast has been torn from its hinges.
K8. Bakery. A dead giant rat lies on the floor here. Sitting on K15. Burnt Dead.
the shelves on the walls of this former bakehouse are some
moldy loaves of bread and wheels of cheese. The stench of burnt flesh pervades this area. The blackened
remains of a man and three broken chests litter the floor.
TOTENTANZ
Treasure: Searching the grisly remains reveals 37 sp, 23 cp, and a

wooden figurine of an owl with empty sockets where it once had eyes. A thoroughly. The tapestries are shredded, the furnishings
silver necklace has also become caught in the split timber of one of the chests. destroyed, and the windows shattered. The remains of lan-
It is worth 125 gp. terns and other ironware can be seen among the debris, as
can the skeletal remains of a large dog.
K16. Doppelganger Suite.
The door to area K23 is locked.
A couch in this room has had its legs broken, its fabric raked
with knives, and its stuffing exposed. Upon it lies a broken K20. Guard Room.
birchwood wand. An overturned table with only three legs
stands nearby, and the figure of a small ceramic lion also lies This empty room allows one to keep watch on the northwest
in pieces among broken crockery on the floor. approach to the keep. It is empty and bare save for some
timber from smashed furniture.
The door to area K18 is locked.
Creature (EL 3): A successful Spot check (opposed by the doppelganger’s Right outside the door to area K19, a secret locked stone door hides
Hide check) reveals a figure hiding behind the couch. He wears a brown the entrance to stairs that lead to the attic above. A successful Search
tunic, worn boots, and a black hood. check (DC 18) reveals the door’s presence.
d Doppelganger (1): hp 22; Monster Manual 60. s Secret Stone Door: 4 in. thick; Hardness 8; hp 60; Break
Tactics: The creature calls himself Willem, but he is not what he seems. (DC 25); Open Lock (DC 25).
He tells the party he is a woodsman who sought shelter in the castle only to
discover the dead within. If he suspects the PCs do not believe his story, he K21. Storage. This hall contains some smashed barrels which, judging
immediately takes the form of one of the PCs and attacks that character. by their smell, once held ale and wine.
Development: The truth is that Willem is nothing more than a looter. He
thought the keep was abandoned and hoped to find some untended valuables. K22. Guard Room.
Willem hopes to gain the protection of the characters. If the PCs accept his
story, he simply follows them until he can leave the keep. A pile of shredded rugs litter the floor of this chamber. Once
Treasure: If slain, the creature assumes its true form, and a small pouch you enter the room, however, the rugs stir, and several mul-
with four 100-gp gems can be found on its body. tilegged vermin scurry out to attack.
K17. Study. Creatures (EL 2): Seven monstrous centipedes have made a nest
Hidden in the surviving spine of one of the books is a brass within the torn remains of the rugs.
d Small Monstrous Centipedes (7): hp 4 each, Monster Manual 207.
The floor of this tower room is littered with loose pages fallen from
books whose spines have been torn or broken. The pages bear lists K23. Bedchamber.
of rents and fees and other mundane writings.
The floor of this chamber is covered with a red carpet. About the
key. Finding it requires a Search check (DC 18). It opens the door in room are a canopied bed, a chair, and an armoire.
area K3 that leads to the dungeon. The posts of the bed are pitted and scratched, and its linen has
been torn and thrown to the floor. Two urns have been smashed
K18. Stairway Up. The door to the southwest is sealed by an arcane open, and a painting can be seen, torn down from the wall. The
lock spell (12th-level). If the PCs manage to make their way into the portrait, though slashed, still bears a recognizable figure: It shows
room, read or paraphrase the following: a bearded man of middling years wearing a purple, brimless, naped
cap of heavy silk and a heavy woolen robe with a high neckline and
A broken lantern on the floor is the only furnishing in this room. long dagged sleeves.
The chamber is lit by a flaming stone orb affixed to the ceiling. A
staircase seems to lead up, but it disappears in from view in the thick Creature (EL 3): Lurking near the bed is a shadow—one of the
and dusty cobwebs that obscure the ceiling. undead that accompanied the Wraith King to Luzern.
d Shadow (1): hp 19; Monster Manual 161.
The stairway leading up is cleverly blocked by the sticky effect of SQ—Totentanz (Su): The shadow is under the influence of a
a permanent web spell (cast at 12th level). The stone orb on the ceiling desecrate spell cast at 10th level. This gives it a +1 profane bonus to
is under the effect of a continual flame spell (12th level). Detaching it attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Turning checks in this
requires a way up to the ceiling of the 10-foot-high room and a suc- area suffer a –3 profane penalty.
cessful Strength check (DC 20). Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for the shadow; the
desecrate effect makes it tougher than normal.
Tactics: The shadow attacks the PC closest to it and fights
Third Floor until turned or destroyed.
K19. Great Hall.
K24. Laboratory.
The great hall of the keep is a scene of devastation.
Something has clearly taken the time to loot this chamber The tower contains a large open and empty iron chest. The
wall to the south is pierced with mounts for brackets, but the
43
TOTENTANZ
rackets and shelves that once sat upon them have fallen to
b
the floor. Lying about the shelves are broken pots and glass-
ware, powders, spilt unguents, and withered herbs. The wall
to the left of the shelves is blank, bare even of dust.
The material from the containers that once stood on the

shelves were spell components that are no longer salvageable.
The bare wall next to the shelves bears a series of lightly
carved marks that were inscribed so as to follow the natural lines
and grain of the stone. Detect magic or a similar spell reveals them
to the characters. Also, a successful Search check (DC 20) on the
wall reveals the faint tracery of the shallow carvings. A success-
ful Intelligence check (DC 10) then reveals that the rough etchings
actually form words. Once the symbols are discovered, they can
then be interpreted by a read magic spell, a Spellcraft check (DC
21), or a Decipher Script check (DC 20). The runes say, “Look to
the lady for succor—Tollerath.”
Attic
K25. Workroom.
Beyond the strands of webbing is the largest chamber you’ve

seen. This unlit attic chamber was probably Tollerath’s work-
room. A collection of books sits on shelves, and there is a desk
upon which rest a lantern, a stylus, parchment, and ink jar. A
collection of rugs and cushions form a makeshift bed.
Treasure: Few of the books bear titles, but they include works on
topics such as astronomy, divination, and architecture. One book,
titled Curse of the Wolf, contains opinions on cures for lycanthropy.
Another is entitled Arcana and describes the functions of rare
magic items: the mattock of the titans, mirror of life trapping, and
the apparatus of Kwalish. Wedged between two untitled volumes
is a scroll that contains three spells scribed by a 12th-level wizard:
stinking cloud, dispel magic, and remove curse.
Development: The parchment on the table bears a series
of mathematical calculations. A Knowledge (arcana) check
(DC 20) reveals that they are astronomically determined
measurements from which the wizard Tollerath hoped he
could divine how to rid the valley of the undead. Some words
are also scribbled in Common at the end: “the castle,” “the
undead,” and a woman’s name: Gudrun.
Cellar
K26. Fog Room.
At the foot of the stairs is a room filled with eerily still mist
that limits your view to a 5-foot distance. You see vaguely
humanoid shapes lying on the floor the chamber.
The mists were created by a permanent fog cloud spell. About the
room lie three inanimate human skeletons, the remains of former servi-
tors of the Wraith King that were destroyed after setting off the Trap.
Trap (EL 4): The trap consists of an electrified floor that covers the
entire area from the door to the four hallways leading from the room.
The mist obscures it just enough to prevent intruders from seeing the
arcane glyphs carved into its surface and becoming suspicious when they
first enter the room. Once it is discharged, the trap remains inactive for
4 rounds before resetting.
TOTENTANZ
a Electrified Floor Trap: CR 4; section of floor (3d10); Reflex save effective in combating the Wraith King. The skeleton men have
(DC 14) for half damage; Search (DC 25); Disable Device (DC 25). been searching for it since they first arrived in the valley. The
blade is hidden in the Lady Church in the chancel, under the tile
K27. Well. This chamber contains the castle well. decorated with the sword and scroll. There lies the sarcophagus
Creature (El 4): An ooze that lairs within the well lashes out at anyone of Lord Bohort, the late baron of Luzern. It takes several min-
who approaches it. utes to lift the tiles and reveal his final resting place. Atop his
d Gray Ooze (1): hp 26; Monster Manual 145. sarcophagus lies the sword.
Treasure: The room holds only a broken and pitted short sword. The “place where the fair nymph pointed” references the
Down the well, however, a bucket on a chain holds a small stone coffer legend of Chapel Bridge and its construction. In a niche hidden
that holds 130 gp, two 500-gp gems, and a +2 dagger. behind the altar in the chapel, a tome can be found entitled The
Book of the Dancing Death. This book details the Totentanz Gate,
K28. Stolen Goods. how it operates, and its effects once it has been activated and put
to use. It also specifically mentions that the gate is utterly evil and
Two charred, inanimate human skeletons lie on the floor at perverts the natural cycle of life and death.
this end of the passage. A layer of soot covers the floor and The final stanza refers to the Baroness Gudrun Talluth, who
walls of most of the last 5 feet of the passage. A ledge at the is imprisoned in the town castle. After a brief investigation,
end of the passage is similarly blackened with soot, save for Tollerath, familiar with the region’s history, determined who the
a small untouched circular area in the middle. Wraith King was in life and what his goals must be. He reasoned
(incorrectly) that if the baroness managed to regain her family’s
The item that stood on the ledge was stolen by the undead. ancestral blade, she could call upon its legendary power to defeat
the Wraith King and destroy the Totentanz Gate. The truth is far
K29. Shrine. more mundane. The Wraith King must be defeated to destroy
the Totentanz Gate, but the sword only gives the PCs an added
A figurine of a woman holding a book lies shattered on the advantage in the combat if Lady Gudrun Talluth is present and
ground here amid broken candles. A ledge above the statue wielding it (see “The Wraith King” for details). The party must,
bears wax imprints where it and the candles once stood. therefore, gain access to the castle. The castle gate is open only
during the nightly parade of the skeleton men.
Lord Bohort’s blade is a +2 longsword that grants its
K30. The Message. wielder the Extra Turning feat. In the hands of a paladin, it
also emits a magical light in a 10-foot-radius that has the power
A small ledge at the rear of this otherwise empty room holds a to protect against undead. This power functions exactly like
rotting pile of hay, under which you can see a glint of metal. a protection from evil spell cast at 10th level, except it works
against undead only (instead of evil creatures).
The metal is a scroll tube missed by the undead raiders. Inside is The Castle of the Baroness
a scroll that bears the message elucidated in the next section. Each night after the sun sets, the skeletons set out on their parade
about the streets of the town. During the procession, the gate to
the town castle (area T1) remains open.
The Wizard’s Message If the castle is attacked during the day, a total of forty-five
Being a wizard and a cautious man, Tollerath felt compelled to skeletons defend it. These guardians equip themselves with cross-
leave his message in the form of a riddle. The scroll found in bows and man the arrow slits and windows throughout the castle
area K30 reads: (one at each). The remaining thirty skeletons take up positions in
areas C1, C3, C4, C5, C8, and C9, armed with light crossbows
To find the arm he had us hide and longswords, in squads of five. The other inhabitants of the
You must go to the hall of the lady blessed. castle (the wights and shadows) stay where the Wraith King has
There, under that which never lied placed them. The portcullis to the front gate can be raised only
He found a place of rest. by the winch in area C5, and the rear door to the castle (to area
C4) is locked.
By the place where the fair nymph pointed At night, most skeletons are absent, as many of them join the
A place of honor was decreed. dance through the streets.
There behind the stone anointed
You will find the work you need. First Floor
C1. Anteroom.
Only then one worthy shall
Cast away the spirits foul. The walls of this entrance chamber are decorated with two black shields
The storm will wash away the lie; bearing a silver skull over two crossed swords. You can see a corridor
May you have better luck than I. to the east, a staircase to the west, and a large room to the south.
The riddle reveals three things: the location of the sword

of Lord Bohort (area T2), the location of The Book of Dancing Creatures (EL 1): The anteroom is guarded by three skeletal
Death (area T9), and that the sword of Lord Bohort can be quite guardsmen during the day, but at night it is empty.
45
TOTENTANZ
d Skeletal Guardsmen (3): These skeletons are identical to d Skeletal Guardsmen (12 or 36): These skeletons are
those provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except they identical to those provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar
wear chainmail (AC 18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit 19–20). except they wear chainmail (AC 18) and wield longswords
(1d8+1/crit 19–20) and light crossbows (1d8/crit 19–20).
C2. Foyer. Read or paraphrase the following if the PCs arrive
here at night: C6. Armory. One of the only rooms left mostly untouched, the
armory holds 24 light crossbows, 300 bolts, and 12 spears.
This foyer has been stripped of its furnishings, leaving only bare
walls and a pair of stools. Standing in a silent parody of a normal C7. Prison Chamber. The door to this chamber is made of
court are a half-dozen skeletons wearing the trappings of nobility. sturdy iron-bound wood. It is locked.
As you watch, one of the undead fops seems to make a joke, as evi-
denced by the silent laughter of its companions. Each skeleton also The room is poorly furnished with a stool, as well as straw
wears a longsword, and as they turn toward you, they draw their and rags for a bed. Hanging from a wooden hook on the wall
weapons and advance. is an ancient, moth-eaten wedding gown, apparently meant
for the woman coolly regarding you from the far side of the
Creatures (EL 1): Each of these skeletons wears a fine hat room. Dressed in a simple white robe that has seen better
and a colorful tunic over its armor. days, she addresses you:
d Skeletal Courtiers (3): These skeletons are identical to “So, has the vile creature that would claim my hand now
those provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except gained the services of the living, as well?”
they wear chainmail (AC 18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit
19–20). s Locked Wooden Door: 4 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 40;
Break (DC 23); Open Lock (DC 25).
C3. Treasure Chamber. In this room, the Wraith King has If the PCs open the door, read or paraphrase the following:
collected all the wealth looted from the town, the baroness’s This chamber serves as the prison of the baroness. She is eager to
castle, and the wizard’s keep. help the PCs fight and is grateful for their aid. A pious and compas-
sionate woman, she wants her barony returned to normal.
This large chamber is piled high with goods: tapestries, gilded furniture, k Lady Gudrun Talluth, Baroness of Luzern, Female Human
sacks of money, and ornamental knick-knacks. Stamped on all the sacks Pal3: CR —; Medium-size Humanoid (5 ft. 9 in. tall); HD 3d10+3;
is the seal of Luzern, indicating that these and the rest of the items in hp 28; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (touch 12, flat-footed 10); Atk
the room belong to the Lady Gudrun Talluth and her barony. +4 melee (1d3+1 subdual, unarmed strike); SA smite evil, turn
undead; SQ detect evil, divine grace, lay on hands, divine
Treasure: Piled here is the following treasure: 3,400 gp, health, aura of courage, remove disease; AL LG; SV Fort +7,
2,700 sp, 1,200 cp, 78 gems (50 × 5 gp, 18 × 10 gp, 5 × 50 gp, Ref +6, Will +8; Str 12, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 15, Cha 16.
3 × 100 gp, 1 × 500 gp, 1 × 1,000 gp), a gold goblet (500 gp), an Skills: Heal +8, Diplomacy +8, Knowledge (nobility and roy-
ivory drinking horn (750 gp), a silver and ruby ring (900 gp), alty) +4, Knowledge (religion) +5, Ride +8. Feats: Blind-Fight,
a gold filigree brooch (1,300 gp), and a silver and lapis chalice Iron Will, Weapon Focus (longsword).
(2,000 gp). The chalice was stolen from the Lady Church. Development: If Gudrun sees anything that the PCs have
taken from area C3, she thanks them for retrieving the wealth
C4. Kitchen. Once the castle’s kitchen, this room has been of her barony and politely asks for the item back.
unused since the Wraith King seized power. The iron-bound If she sees the PCs carrying the sword of Lord Bohort, she
postern gate in the south wall is bolted shut from the inside. becomes visibly excited and asks where the weapon came from.
Creatures (EL 1): During the day, three skeletal guardsmen She then thanks the characters once more before asking for it.
watch this area. If the PCs don’t return the baroness’s property to her (any of it),
d Skeletal Guardsmen (3): These skeletons are identical to she becomes noticeably distant, demanding that they either
those provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except they return the barony’s belongings or she will have them arrested.
wear chainmail (AC 18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit 19–20). She tells them that they will be rewarded if they obey the law,
but that looters in Luzern are treated harshly. The fact that she
Second Floor is alone and unarmed is no deterrent.
C5. Barracks.
Creatures (EL 4 or 7): By night, a six skeletal guardsmen Third Floor
C8. Last Stand.
This room has been converted into a barracks, as evidenced
by the scattered cots and filthy rags that litter the floor. It looks Once the hall where the castle residents would gather to make their
like this room might once have actually been several smaller last stand in case of a siege, this room is now barren save for its
chambers, but nearly all the doors have been torn from their two new occupants: two creatures with rotting, mottled flesh and
hinges, and in places entire walls have been removed. sharp fangs moving quickly your way.
man the machicolations that protect the main gate. This number Creatures (EL 2): Two ghouls inhabit this chamber.
grows to twenty during the day. The skeletons here during the d Ghouls (2): hp 13 each; Monster Manual 97.
day are only marginally interested in their duty. As a result, only SQ—Totentanz (Su): The ghouls are under the influence
1d6 join the battle each round while the rest lounge about. of a desecrate spell cast at 10th level. This gives them a +1
TOTENTANZ
profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws.

Turning checks in this area suffer a –3 profane penalty.
Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for the ghouls,
since the desecrate effect makes them tougher than normal.
C9. Former Bedchambers. Once well-furnished for guests of

the barony, these chambers have fallen into disrepair.
A bed, two tables, and four chairs have been turned on their
sides and destroyed. Tapestries, ceramics, or glassware once
found here have long since been smashed. Again, this room
was apparently once several chambers. Rubble from walls
and the kindling from doors litters the floor.
Creatures (EL 4 or 2): By day, another dozen skeleton men

can be found in this room. Here they play with the furnishings
of the humans. At night, the number drops to six.
d Skeletal Guardsmen (12 or 6): These skeletons are identical
to those provided in the “Residents of Luzern” sidebar except
they wear chainmail (AC 18) and wield longswords (1d8+1/crit
19–20) and light crossbows (1d8/crit 19–20).
Catacombs
C10. Wraith King’s Lair.
The stairway from above leads to a cavern dimly lit by torch

sconces set every 20 feet along the walls. The rock is unworked
with the exception of the floor, which has been smoothed by
the passage of countless feet over the years.
Creatures (EL 6): Two wights that accompanied the Wraith

King to Luzern serve as his guards. When Tollerath made his
rescue attempt, he was surprised by the wights and slain before
he could loose a spell. He has now risen to join their ranks.
d Wights (3): hp 26; Monster Manual 183.
SQ—Totentanz (Su): The wights are under the influence of a
desecrate spell cast at 10th level. This gives them a +1 profane
bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Turning
checks in this area suffer a –3 profane penalty.
Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for each wight,
since the desecrate effect makes them tougher than normal.
Tactics: The wights wait in the small dead-ends of the cata
combs (see the map), hiding from view until the characters
reach the intersection of the passages before attacking.
Development: The Wraith King lurks on the edges of the
fight, casting spells on himself to improve his prowess in com-
bat. See the Tactics section under his entry for details.
The Wraith King

Long ago, Lord Bohort was a questing knight who won glory
serving righteousness in the lands beyond the forest. This
glory led to confidence, and the confidence to arrogance. He
eventually returned home to Luzern upon his father’s death,
intending to take up the mantle he so deserved. The fame he
had garnered during his travels served him well, and many
were those who sought the young baron’s favor.
Once such individual was the bastard son—whose name
is long forgotten—of a local minor noble, a naive and proud
young man who felt that the life of a peasant was beneath
him. Seeking to have his claim to the nobility legitimized, he
approached his father and announced himself. He was met with
47
TOTENTANZ
New Artifact: Totentanz Gate The final effect of the gate is the Totentanz itself. The Totentanz, or
A powerful device of evil constructed hundreds of years ago by dance of the dead, is an eerie and potentially deadly nightly ritual. Each
members of a death cult loosely tied to Nerull, this hideous device (a night while the gate is active, 5d10 skeletons created by the gate who
minor artifact) is a perversion of the natural world. reside within one mile of the device participate in a macabre celebra-
Standing 7 feet high and 3 feet wide, the gate roughly resembles a tion that includes wailing music (played by the skeletons on whatever
normal doorway. However, this doorframe—there isn’t actually a door instruments they can find), dancing, and a processional that proceeds
or gate—is constructed entirely of the bones of humanoids, animals, through a random portion of the gate’s effect (that is, the skeletons
and other creatures foreign to the Prime Material Plane. Once activated don’t follow the same path each night, and neither do they cover the
(with a command word), the air within the portal’s frame shimmers as if entire range with each Totentanz). The skeletons will enter buildings as
covered with a thin layer of oil. they go, searching for living creatures to join their bizarre parade.
Once active, the gate can be used to create skeletons, although Any living creature within 30 feet of the procession who can see
not the “normal” sort. Any creature who passes through the Totentanz or hear the skeletons caper about must make a successful Will save
Gate must make a Fortitude save (DC 17) or be instantly slain as the (DC 15) or become captivated by the song and dance. (Those creature
spell slay living. In addition, that creature’s now-dead body is imme- immune to the gate’s animate dead effect are also immune to this
diately stripped of its flesh and subject to an animate dead spell and charm.) This is a mind-affecting charm. If the save is successful, that
reintroduced to the world as a skeleton. A creature who makes its save creature cannot be affected by the Totentanz for one day.
takes 3d6+20 points of damage but passes through the gate without A captivated victim walks toward the dancing skeletons, taking the
further incident. most direct route. If the path leads into a dangerous area, that creature
Any living creature that can fit through the doorframe can be gets a second saving throw. Captivated creatures can take no actions
affected; elementals, oozes, plants, and vermin are subject to the slay other than to defend themselves. The effect persists for as long as the
living effects but are immune to the animate dead effects. dance continues. Creatures who are unaffected by the Totentanz can
Undead created with the Totentanz Gate are considered uncon- attempt to shake those affected out of their stupor, allowing the victim
trolled, but there is an additional effect to being brought to unlife in this to make another save with a +4 circumstance bonus.
fashion: Skeletons created by the gate retain an imprint of their former The Totentanz dance lasts for 3 hours. Toward the end of this
lives, which they are now compelled to resume as best they can. time, the procession moves back toward the gate, new victims in
The gate continuously radiates a desecrate effect in a one-mile tow. These unfortunates are then made to dance through the gate to
radius, which is also the area of its life imprint effect. Skeletons created (probably) become skeletons themselves.
by the gate that leave the one-mile range are instantly destroyed. If the skeletons are attacked, as many as seven others will attempt
Undead who enter the area gain the benefits of the desecrate power, to grapple the attacker. While one starts the grapple, the others use
but do not gain the life imprint (only undead created by the gate the Aid Another action until the attacker is pinned. At this point,
behave in this fashion). all the skeletons strike to deal subdual damage until the victim is
The Totentanz Gate is unnaturally heavy (it weighs 4,000 pounds). unconscious, at which point they carry him or her off to the Totentanz
Its insane creators fashioned it this way since its purpose was to create Gate. A protection from evil spell provides proof against this magic.
kingdoms populated by undead, not to be used as weapon. Alternatively, the affected person can be freed by any of the follow-
The gate has a hardness of 8 and 90 hit points. It radiates a strong ing spells: break enchantment (DC 26), dispel magic (DC 26), or hold
evil aura. person (granted the character fails to make a Will save).
laughter and scorn. Determined to force his father to acknowl- has his revenge against the ancestors of the baron who spurned
edge him, he went to Baron Bohort. Fully confident that the him so long ago. His only remaining task is to wed the current
worldly wise lord would grant his plea, he was shocked and baroness to cement his claim to the nobility and perfect his
ultimately shattered by the baron’s curt refusal before his entire vengeance.
court. Followed by the mocking sounds of the nobles’ laughter, Creature (EL 10): The Wraith King is a powerful foe. Feel
the young man fled Luzern. free not to add him to the battle until the wights are slain. If the
The experience shattered more than his carefully crafted baroness is with the PCs and wielding the sword of Lord Bohort,
self image. Indeed, his sanity was nearly lost. In the depths of the Wraith King is greatly intimidated. His deluded mind sees his
deep despair, he made a pact with dark forces to achieve some ancient, hated foe in the baroness. As a result, he suffers a –4
measure of revenge. He became a servant of these powers, a morale penalty to attacks, save, skill checks, and ability checks.
cleric of death and darkness. In the course of his studies, he d The “Wraith King,” Wraith Clr5: CR 10; Medium-size
learned of an artifact called the Totentanz Gate, which had the Undead (Incorporeal) (6 ft. 2 in. tall); HD 10d12; hp 60; Init +7;
power to convert entire regions of the living into realms of the Spd 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (good); AC 15 (touch 15, flat-footed 12);
dead. Atk +9 melee (incorporeal touch (1d4+1 and 1d6 permanent
Unfortunately, his plans to recover the artifact never came to Constitution drain); SA Constitution drain, create spawn,
pass during his life. He died when his small home caught fire. His spells; SQ undead, incorporeal, +2 turn resistance, unnatural
rage was stronger than death, though, and the priest rose as a aura, daylight powerlessness, Totentanz; AL LE; SV Fort +6,
wraith. Styling himself the Wraith King, the creature went about Ref +6, Will +11; Str —, Dex 16, Con —, Int 14, Wis 17, Cha 15.
recruiting more undead as his servants. No longer fettered by Skills: Concentration +8, Hide +11, Intimidate +10, Intuit
the bands of time, he continued his research to find the resting Direction +6, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Knowledge (religion) +7,
place of the Totentanz Gate. Many years later, he found its loca- Listen +12, Search +10, Sense Motive +8, Spellcraft +7 (+9
tion and made the journey to recover the artifact. necromancy), Spot +12. Feats: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat
Now, having hauled its bulk across the land, the Wraith King Reflexes, Extra Turning, Improved Initiative, Spell Focus
TOTENTANZ
these spells are cast, he casts spiritual weapon, targeting oppos-

Encounter Level Chart ing clerics or paladins first, arcane spellcasters second, and
Summarized below are the Encounter Levels (ELs) for all of rogues third. He doesn’t cast spells at the baroness; in fact, he
the keyed encounters in “Totentanz.” avoids coming anywhere near her.
Once the PCs (presumably) defeat the wights, the Wraith
Area Encounter Description EL King joins the fray with a searing light spell. He makes no noise
* d Wolves (6) 6 as he attacks, and if the baroness is present and wielding the
* k Tamino, Male Human Brd2 — sword of Lord Bohorn, he stays as far from her as possible.
* d Sil Waltherus the Ogre 4 When he closes to melee with the PCs (selecting his targets
* d The Wild Man, Male Werewolf War5 8 as above), he relies primarily on his Constitution drain power,
* k Guntrum, Male Human War3 — holding any further spells in reserve to spontaneously cast
T2 d Wights (2) 5 inflict wounds spells to heal himself. If reduced to one-third
T8 d Skeletal Guardsmen (5) 2 his total hit points or less, he attempts to use any further inflict
K1 d Skeletal Guardsmen (6) 2 wounds spells on the baroness. The Wraith King fights to the
K4 d Small Monstrous Spiders (6) 3 death.
K7 d Taurian, Male Werewolf War3 6 Development: If the PCs defeat the Wraith King, they find
K13 d Skeletal Guardsmen (4) 1 the Totentanz Gate. (See the map of the Catacombs; the loca-
K16 k Willem the Doppelganger 3 tion of the gate is marked with an X.) If the gate is destroyed,
K22 d Small Monstrous Centipedes (7) 2 the remaining skeletons in Luzern are instantly destroyed. Any
K23 d Shadow 3 remaining undead who weren’t created by the gate immedi-
K26 a Electrified Floor Trap 4 ately feel the absence of the desecrate effect and flee the
K27 d Gray Ooze 4 vicinity of Luzern.
C1 d Skeletal Guardsmen (3) 1 s Totentanz Gate: The gate has a hardness of 8 and 90
C2 d Skeletal Courtiers (3) 1 hit points.
C4 d Skeletal Guardsmen (3) 1 Treasure: The Wraith King has collected many valuables
C5 d Skeletal Guardsmen (12 or 36) 4 or 7 from his travels. Unable to use the corporeal magic items, he
C8 d Ghouls (2) 2 has kept them near so his enemies cannot use them against
C9 d Skeletal Guardsmen (12 or 6) 4 or 2 him. Near the back of the cavern, the PCs find a wooden chest
C10 d Wights (3) 6 containing a +2 cloak of resistance, a figurine of wondrous
C10 d Wraith King 10 power (serpentine owl), a +1 large steel shield, a +1 heavy
*Encounters that occur on the journey to Luzern. mace, and an emerald (worth 1,000 gp)
Concluding the Adventure

(Necromancy). Once the gate has been destroyed and the remaining undead
Spells Prepared (5/5/4/3; base DC = 13 + spell level): 0— have been destroyed or fled, life returns mostly to normal
detect magic, inflict minor wounds (×2), mending, read magic; in Luzern. Lady Gudrun Talluth rewards the PCs for rescu-
1st—bane, cause fear*†, doom, endure elements, entropic shield; ing her barony, offering them each 1,000 gp and the rights
2nd—darkness, death knell*†, hold person, spiritual weapon; to keep anything they took off the Wraith King. Any of the
3rd—animate dead†, magic circle against good, searing light. goods or coinage in area C3 of her castle, though, she reclaims
*Domain Spell. Domains: Death (death touch once/day), Evil as her property. The barony then begins the long process
(cast evil spells at +1 caster level). of rebuilding. The baroness needs messengers to lure those
†
Because of Spell Focus (Necromancy), the base DC for saves townsfolk who fled back to their homes (she is prepared to
against these spells is 15 + spell level. Note that this also applies offer each family that returns 100 gp), and she needs a new
to any inflict wounds spells the Wraith King spontaneously cleric to replace Friar Farold, whose remains are nowhere to
casts. be found.
SQ—Totentanz (Su): The Wraith King is under the influ- The sword of Lord Bohort remains strapped to the baron-
ence of a desecrate spell cast at 10th level. This gives him a +1 ess’s side. The Book of Dancing Death is put in a locked coffer
profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. and kept in the baroness’s room.
Turning checks in this area suffer a –3 profane penalty. In the years to come, a painter is commissioned to create a
(See page 185–186 in the Monster Manual for wraith special memorial to the heroes who freed the town from the curse of
abilities.) the dancing dead. A series of panels is made for the gables of
Ad-hoc XP: Award 10% more experience for the Wraith the roof of the Chapel Bridge chronicling how the Wraith King
King; the desecrate effect makes him tougher than normal. and his undead minions came to the valley, and how the heroes
Tactics: The Wraith King doesn’t immediately involve him- and the baroness banished them from the world. Ω
self in the battle between the PCs and the wights, even if the
baroness isn’t with the characters. Instead, he watches from This is Bernard’s first appearance in Dungeon Magazine. His
the shadows, observing the PCs and their tactics to gauge dancing and parading undead gave the Dungeon staff the wil-
their strengths and weaknesses. lies, especially since this issue went to press just days after
He also begins casting spells the round after the PCs engage Halloween.
in combat with the wights, in the following order: magic circle
against good, entropic shield, bane, and endure elements. After
CRITICAL THREATS
Critical Threats by DUNGEON Staff

artwork by Jason A. Engle
OBLIVION
Raised in Luskan, Oblivion (born Ravu Jhuristhen) showed his vicious
streak early. Larger and stronger than other children his age, he was a
clever bully who led his own gang of street children by the time he was
nine. At twelve, his parents, who ran a candlemaking shop below their
modest home, ordered him to give up these activities to help run the fam-
ily business. Unwilling to relinquish the power he craved, Oblivion burnt
the candle shop to the ground after looting it of portable valuables. Many
organizations in Luskan recognized that his leadership potential would
make him a worthy addition to their cause, but the cult of Malar offered
him something none of the others could: lycanthropy.
Oblivion was fully aware of the power he stood to gain by joining
the ranks of the church of Malar, and his acceptance was immediate.
By age sixteen, he had slaughtered two of his fellow initiates; by twenty,
the count had risen to six. It was at this time that Oblivion changed his
name to his current moniker, saying that his abilities as a servant of
Malar enabled him to bring the sweet oblivion of death to his prey.
Oblivion became a high-priest at twenty-six. He took to his job with
abandon, quickly earning the respect of the normally unruly priests and
acolytes who served beneath him through a strength of will and
viciousness matched by few.
Appearance: In human form, Oblivion is an imposing figure. He
shaves his head bald but wears a wild, coarse black beard on his
square jaw (the same color as his wolf-form’s fur). His piercing eyes
9th-level Werewolf Cleric of Malar: Medium-size Shapechanger are yellow, like those of a wolf, a trait that no longer changes with his
(6 ft. 5 in. tall); AL CE; three alternate forms transition from wolf to man. Strong even as a human, his shoulders
Human Form: HD 9d8+36; hp 84; Init +1 (Dex); Spd 20 ft., AC 18 are broad and his frame fit and lean. Oblivion has learned that his ani-
(+1 Dex, +5 mithral breastplate, +2 natural); Atk +12/+7 melee (2d4+8, mal impulses repel most folk, so he has become adept at hiding them
+2 scythe); SA wolf empathy; SV Fort +12, Ref +4, Will +11; Str 18, Dex behind an unemotional mask. When battle fury is upon him, feelings of
12, Con 18, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 16. savage animalism take over, and his face is a rictus of savage glee.
Skills: Concentration +15, Diplomacy +8, Intimidate +5, Knowledge The priest’s mithral armor is etched with the symbol of his god, but
(religion) +7, Listen +7, Search +4, Scry +9, Spellcraft +4, Spot +7. Oblivion wears plain red robes over the armor outside the temple. He
Feats: Cleave, Improved Control Shape, Martial Weapon Proficiency much prefers his wolf-man hybrid form to this one, however, and in
(scythe), Power Attack, Sunder. the safety of his church, this is the form to which he reverts (although
Hybrid Form: HD 9d8+54; hp 102; Init +7 (Dex, Improved he remains armed and armored).
Initiative); Spd 50 ft., AC 22 (+3 Dex, +5 mithral breastplate, +4 nat- Tactics: Oblivion has many agents who feed him whatever infor-
ural); Atk +12/+7 melee (2d4+9, +2 scythe) or +8 melee (1d6+5, bite); mation he requests. However, he doesn’t rely on these individuals
SA curse of lycanthropy, trip, wolf empathy; SQ damage reduction exclusively. He regularly prepares the scrying spell, using it to keep
15/silver, scent; SV Fort +14, Ref +6, Will +11; Str 20, Dex 16, Con 22, tabs on the enemies of Malar.
Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 14. In battle, Oblivion prefers melee combat to all other forms. As a
Skills: Concentration +17, Diplomacy +8, Hide +3, Intimidate +5, result, he almost exclusively prepares those spells in his repertoire that
Knowledge (religion) +7, Listen +11, Move Silently +5, Search +8, Scry can make him a tougher opponent physically. His favorite spells include
+9, Spellcraft +4, Spot +11, Wilderness Lore +3*. Feats: Blind-Fight, greater magic weapon, endurance, righteous might, and divine favor.
Cleave, Improved Control Shape, Improved Initiative, Martial Weapon He targets those who openly espouse other faiths to his (such as
Proficiency (scythe), Power Attack, Sunder, Weapon Finesse (bite). clerics and paladins) to the exclusion of almost all others in a fight. His
*Wolves receive a +4 racial bonus to Wilderness Lore checks greatest joy is lopping off the head of a rival priest before tearing into
when tracking by scent. their corpse with his fangs.
Wolf Form: As hybrid form, except AC 17 (+3 Dex, +4 natural), no Development: Oblivion often goes into crowded marketplaces or
scythe attack or spells, and Oblivion can’t use his Diplomacy or Scry town squares to expound upon the glories of the Blood God, demand-
skills while in wolf form. ing that Malar be given the tribute he is due.
Possessions: Mithral breastplate, +2 scythe, potion of haste [×2], The PCs might run into members of the congregation of Malar
potion of cure moderate wounds [×2], brooch of shielding (63 points), hunting homeless folk in the streets of whatever city they dwell in.
+2 cloak of Charisma. These hunts will doubtless lead them to someone attempting to turn the
As a priest of Malar, Oblivion’s domains are Strength and Moon sinful depredations of civilization back to the glorious violent wilder-
(from the FORGOTTEN REALMS setting—use Destruction if the Moon ness that Malar so loves, someone who sheds the blood of faithful and
domain doesn’t appear in your campaign). innocent alike without regret—someone like Oblivion. Ω
PREY FOR TYRINTH
Prey for Tyrinth

This One Has a Crush On You
by Tim Hitchcock
artwork by Jeremy Jarvis • cartography by Christopher West
“Prey for Tyrinth” is a short D&D scenario that can be added to any existing
adventure. It is suitable for four 5th-level player characters (PCs) but could easily
be scaled for PCs of 3rd–13th level. The module focuses on the specific combat
strategies of a water naga—stealth, trickery, traps, and spellcasting. It would help to
review the section in the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide on water dangers (page 85).
Adventure Synopsis of moving through the water unimpeded (such as a freedom of

At some point during an earlier adventure, the PCs find an old movement spell). Small PCs can either swim (DC 10) or wade
journal. Most of its pages have been torn out, and a lot of the through the water, but they cannot run or charge and also suf-
legible writing seems the work of a deranged madman, but one fer the game effects of being entangled (as described on page
of the final entries alludes to a lost treasure hidden in a “well.” 84 of the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide) unless they have some way
The PCs decide to pursue this lead, based on information they to move through water unimpeded.
gather from the journal (see the “Journal Entry” handout). Walls: The walls of Tyrinth’s Well are formed naturally out
of eroded limestone. Unless otherwise noted, they rise up an
Adventure Background average of 10 feet, tapering at the top.
An old journal, perhaps found in a lost chest or among more The tunnel and cave walls are made of slippery, unworked
precious tomes in a slain wizard’s library, claims that “the king- stone with few handholds (DC 25 Climb check required). The
dom’s greatest treasure” lies hidden in a cavern at the bottom 60-foot-deep wellshaft is unworked dry stone, with a few
of a well. Based on other scribblings in the journal, and with a lichen-encrusted handholds (DC 10 Climb check required).
successful Gather Information or Knowledge (local) check (DC Debris: There are quite a few small piles of floating debris
15), the PCs can easily locate the well. If they wish, they can made up mostly of greyish-green lichen, leaves, sticks, dead
descend the shaft and work their way through a small maze of rats, dead fish, grass, and straw. These are harmless but con-
tunnels formed and fed by an underground stream. tribute to the water’s opacity.
This mazelike network of passages and caves is the home of Illumination: There are no light sources in Tyrinth’s Well, so
Tyrinth, an evil water naga. Tyrinth is 15 feet long and weighs PCs without darkvision need to provide their own lights.
about 300 pounds. She has glistening, emerald green scales
and eyes that glow dullish yellow. Her red and orange spines Tyrinth the Naga (EL 7)
rise when she is angry or perturbed. Tyrinth subsists on blind Tyrinth can be encountered anywhere in her home, but when
fish that inhabit the stream and the occasional traveler foolish the PCs first descend the wellshaft, she is resting in area 12.
or unfortunate enough to plumb her lair. She never makes her- Unless the PCs are using silence spells or otherwise taking
self known immediately but allows prey to stumble about for a great care to conceal the sound of their descent, assume they
spell. When confronted by more than one interloper, she tries are taking 10 on their Move Silently checks and have the naga
to divide the force and attack the members one at a time. She make an opposed Listen check.
does this with the help of illusory sounds and motions and by If the naga does not hear the PCs entering area 1, she can
leaving choice pieces of treasure lying around. make a new Listen check each time one or more PCs enter a
PCs who explore the naga’s domain and survive can leave new keyed area, as indicated on the map of Tyrinth’s Well (for
with Tyrinth’s hoard and a few new adventure hooks. instance, when a PC moves from area 1 to area 4). In all likeli-
hood, she will become aware of the PCs long before they are
Tyrinth’s Well aware of her.
The network of caves inhabited by the water naga is referred d Tyrinth (Water Naga): hp 59; Monster Manual 138–139.
to throughout the adventure as “Tyrinth’s Well.” Spells Known (6/7/7/4 per day; save DC = 12 + spell level):
Water: The water in Tyrinth’s Well is 3 feet deep unless noted 0—detect magic, detect poison, daze, ghost sound, ray of frost,
otherwise. Medium-size PCs can wade through the tunnels quite resistance, read magic; 1st—cold embrace (variant of shocking
easily, but cannot run or charge unless they have some means grasp), color spray, charm person, sleep, true strike; 2nd—
PREY FOR TYRINTH
minor image, Tasha’s hideous laughter, web; 3rd—gaseous PCs who fall while attempting to climb down the wellshaft
form, stinking cloud. land at the point marked X on the map and take 5d6 points of
Tactics: Tyrinth uses different tactics depending on where damage plus 1d6 points of subdual damage. (The 3 feet of
she encounters the PCs and how many adversaries she faces. water at the bottom of the shaft cushions only part of the fall.)
(See the various encounter area descriptions, below, for specific
tactics in each location.) 1. Bottom of the Well.
In general, she likes to slither under the murky water, staying
out of sight until she’s prepared to strike. In melee, she likes to The well opens into a small cavern about 20 feet in diame-
precede a poisonous bite attack with true strike and cold ter. There are two openings in the cave walls one north and
embrace spells. (Note that Tyrinth’s cold embrace spell is iden- the other south. The water here is 3 feet deep and flows
tical to the shocking grasp spell save that the energy type is south to north. There are small 6-inch long blind fish swim-
cold instead of electricity.) If dealt 5 or more points of dam- ming about, and the bottom directly beneath the well is lit-
age in a single attack, the naga flees, using gaseous form if tered with copper, silver, and a few gold coins.
necessary (she tends to save one of her 3rd-level spell slots
for this purpose). Treasure: Characters searching the bottom of the cavern
find 340 cp, 80 sp, and 14 gp.
Exploring Tyrinth’s Well
The wellshaft leading to Tyrinth’s lair is 50 feet deep and 2. The Wedge. The passageway is narrow, forcing the PCs to
opens into a 10-foot-high cave (area 1), meaning that the well move in single file. If they venture down this passage, Tyrinth
is actually 60 feet deep. PCs who toss a coin or similar item casts true strike on herself and attacks the last PC in the
down the well can hear it hit water if they succeed at a Listen marching order from behind. She attempts to bite and run
check. The DC depends on the size of the item dropped: Fine— before the PCs can launch a counterattack.
DC 30; Diminutive—DC 25; Tiny—DC 20; Small—DC 15;
Medium-size—DC 5; Large or bigger—automatic. PCs who hear 3. Blood in the Water. If the characters attempt to go in this
the sound can gauge the approximate depth of the well with a direction, Tyrinth tries to get them to turn around by killing a
successful Intelligence check (DC 10). Whether Tyrinth hears few blind fish upstream. She lets the blood flow out from the
the noise also depends on the size of the item dropped down cracks in the northern walls. Then she casts ghost sound, cre-
the shaft; add +5 to all of the above Listen check DCs. (Tyrinth, ating the sound of a young girl shrieking. The noise echoes
who has a +10 modifier to Listen checks, has no chance of eerily throughout the complex, making it nearly impossible to
hearing a Fine object dropped down the shaft.) pinpoint the direction of the scream (Listen, DC 30).
57
PREY FOR TYRINTH
4. Thump. 5. Sleepy Fish.
The current here is noticeably faster, and the floor is cov- This passage widens and the current slows. Tiny blind fish
ered with slippery moss. bump into your legs every time you move.
The water in the center of this room is 4 feet deep. The The naga attempts to distract PCs, using minor image to
slippery moss means that PCs moving through this area must create a giant blind fish. The fish leaps out of the water sev-
make a successful Balance check (DC 10) each round or fall eral times and then disappears. While the characters are dis-
prone. PCs who fall are then pulled toward the whirlpool in tracted by this, Tyrinth casts a sleep spell. She attempts to bite
area 10. the closest sleeping character, dragging the victim into area 10.
Trap (EL 1): To make things even more difficult, once the Note: The naga cannot maintain the illusion and cast sleep.
shortest PC enters the center of the room, Tyrinth pushes a
3-foot by 4-foot pile of debris from upstream (area 2). Any 6. Eagle Eye.
characters struck by the debris must make a successful Reflex
save (DC 15) or lose their footing and be swept toward area The passage opens into a 25-foot by 15-foot cavern with a
10. The current travels 10 feet per round. Characters who small cul-de-sac in the southeast corner. Another exit leads
have lost their footing must make a successful Swim check (DC northwest.
18) to regain their feet.
a Debris Trap: CR 1; +5 slam (1d4); Reflex negates (DC 15); Trap (EL 5): In addition to the danger of drowning, there is
Search (DC 15); this trap cannot be disabled unless the PCs a collection of large rocks and debris that Tyrinth has stacked
remove the debris the naga has pushed into area 2. up on a ledge just north of the pool (between this area and
area 13). One round after the characters
step into the room, she darts in under-
water and slaps an innocuous rock
against the south wall with her tail before
darting out of the room again. This trig-
gers the rockfall from the ledge above,
which spills into a 5-foot by 15-foot area.
All PCs struck by the rocks take 6d6
points of damage. Give rogues a free
Spot check (DC 25) upon entering the
room to notice the trigger stone. On a
successful roll, they notice it’s a little out
of place and can warn the party not to
enter the room right away.
a Falling Rocks Trap: CR 5; +15
melee (6d6); Search (Spot) (DC 25);
Disable Device (DC 25). Note: can strike
all characters in two adjacent specified
squares.
Treasure: Characters who search the
southeast cul-de-sac find a half-rotted
hobgoblin carcass wedged in the corner.
It is wearing rotting leather armor and
carries a rusted falchion. It is also wear-
ing one lens over its left eye. This is one
lens of a set of eyes of the eagle (see the
DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide page 216 for
rules about using one lens). Characters
searching the southwest corner of the
larger cavern can find the other lens
with a successful Search check (DC 25).
7. What’s So Funny? The water here is

5 feet deep. Tyrinth casts Tasha’s hideous
laughter when the characters enter this
area. Those PCs who fail their saves and
become prone by falling over laughing
are in danger of drowning. (See the
DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide page 85.)
PREY FOR TYRINTH
8. Floating Debris. There is a pile of debris caught in a small

whirlpool along the walls. The floor beneath the floating debris JOURNAL ENTRY
drops slightly to a depth of 7 feet. Characters searching the
debris need to make a Balance check (DC 15) or slip underwa-
© 2001. Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Permission is granted to photocopy this handout for home game use only.
ter, getting drenched. Delight in the wildness of the eternal screaming.
9. Hit and Run. If characters walk down this dead end passage, The tithes one pays to gods, in the name of
the naga casts web above the water line. She then swims below gods! We who breathe immortal air, when
the webs and attempts to bite one character before fleeing.
we must share its warmth in our ever dying
10. Whirlpool. A whirlpool spins clockwise in the center of this lungs. Ceaseless it bears fruit, and then in
cavern. PCs must make a successful Swim check (DC 23) or
be sucked into it. Any character sucked into the whirlpool must withering and dusk, turns pallid. For them, for
succeed at a another Swim check (DC 20) or be pulled under- myself, for tales of our own mortal
water and placed in danger of drowning (see the DUNGEON
MASTER’s Guide, page 85). The water depth in this room is 10 vengeance, the gods smile in mockery and
feet. There is also a chance that the shambling mound which
lives in area 11 is watching (30% chance). If so, it attempts to
irony. Now with my own twilight, I indulge in
grab characters who are stuck in the whirlpool and pull them solemn coronation and crown myself king
into its lair. Note that characters with magical effects such as
spider climb or fly can easily free themselves from the
fool, the greatest of rogues, whose true tale
whirlpool, or even aid companions who have been sucked will never be revealed. Heir apparent to lost
under the surface provided they make a successful Strength
check (DC 15).
titles, master thief of the kingdom’s greatest
treasure! All these years of illusion and deceit.
11. Shambler.
Ha! Never once did their prying fingers find my
This 15-foot by 15-foot cavern has an 8-foot-high ceiling that trove. Those fools, those poor fools, gave me
is completely covered with strange brownish-green, hang-
ing, moss-like plants. There is also a thin layer of gray plank- far more than baubles. Never can they retrieve
ton floating on surface of the water. what they’ve lost. They never peered into the
Creature (EL 6): Tyrinth generally avoids this area because well, not once. All their pathetic longing, all
a shambling mound lives here. Sometimes the shambler their wasted tears, all their vain prayers. It’s
reaches into area 10 to pull trapped animals (or humanoids) out
of the whirlpool with its tentacle-like appendages. too bad they never thought to make a wish.
d Shambling Mound (1): hp 60; Monster Manual 162.
Tactics: The shambling mound immediately attacks anyone
who enters its lair, fighting until slain. The underwater circle of stones is actually a nest contain-
Treasure: PCs who search the floor find 12 gp and 23 sp. PCs ing four small naga eggs. Tyrinth attacks any PC who disturbs
who search the mossy plants and make a successful Search the nest, although if she feels like her life is in jeopardy she
check (DC 15) find a bent gold hair comb set with abalone inlays turns gaseous (using a gaseous form spell) and flees to area 10.
(10 gp value) and a masterwork bastard sword. The sword and
hilt are forged out of a strange bluish black metal, and the han- 13. Attack Point. If the characters wander this deep into the
dle is wrapped with black sharkskin. The sword is incredibly well cavern, Tyrinth attacks them openly. Her favorite tactic is to
balanced and the metal appears to be oiled. The metal is vakar, use a stinking cloud or color spray spell, then attack from
which gives the sword a +1 bonus to damage. Vakar also natu- beneath the water. She arduously tries to keep characters
rally exudes an oil that is especially caustic to anyone of pure away from area 12. If she feels like her life is in jeopardy, she
elven blood. Any elf who is struck with a weapon made of vakar turns gaseous and flees to area 10.
takes an additional +2d6 points of damage.
14. Pit. Water erosion has created a 10-foot-long, 5-foot-wide,
12. Naga’s Lair. 20-foot-deep pit in the middle of this intersection. PCs can
spot the pit easily (the water looks considerably darker there).
Debris clings to the edges of this cave. The floor is strewn If Tyrinth attacks from area 13, she tries to push PCs into the
with broken bones, many of them humanoid. There also pit with underwater bull rush attacks. PCs who are pushed in
appears to be a large circle of rocks in the east corner, but (and who are carrying more than 10 pounds of gear) must
water distortions make it difficult to see. make a successful Swim check (DC 10) or sink to the bottom
and risk drowning (see the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide page 85).
This is Tyrinth’s home. She tries to keep characters from The pit is visible if PCs are actively looking, but it is more dif-
going near it, but if they do she attacks first and then tries to ficult to see if PCs are being attacked, especially if Tyrinth has
draw characters south into area 15. cast a spell that obscures sight.
59
PREY FOR TYRINTH
as a unique hideout or shelter. It might also make a nice rest-

SCALING THE ADVENTURE ing place within a larger dungeon.
This adventure was designed for a party of four 5th-level If PCs have discovered the naga eggs in area 12, they might
characters. It can easily be scaled upward to accommodate try to sell them on the black market. If they fail to find the eggs
higher-level PCs by increasing the HD of either the naga, or simply ignore them, they eventually hatch, enabling Tyrinth’s
the shambling mound, or both. You can also increase the spawn to retake the well.
number of appearance for either creature. Other options If PCs have found and identified the periapt of wound clo-
to alter the difficulty include raising or lowering the water sure in area 15, they are left with a couple of options.
level, adding water vermin such as puffer fish (that shoot • The characters try to return the periapt to the royal fam-
poisonous quills when scared), water spiders (that skitter ily for a reward.
across the water surface like waterbugs), or water snakes. • The PCs keep the periapt, but it leads to trouble due to the
You can also choose to have more of debris infested with accusations of others who are able to identify it.
the slimy doom disease.A final option would be to add the • The ghost of Princess Adthene haunts the character who
presence of another naga of the same type or possibly possesses the periapt.
another species altogether (spirit or dark). You can also • A combination of these events might occur: For example,
change Tyrinth’s archtype to a naga with a higher CR the characters might discover that the periapt is haunted and
(dark—CR 8; spirit—CR 9). take steps to return it, only to be accused of doing something
3rd- to 4th-level PCs: Remove the shambling mound. untoward to the princess. Characters might even have to lead
Alternatively, reduce both the naga’s and the shambling others to the location where they found the periapt to prove
mound’s hit points by half due to a recent battle between their innocence or have a cleric who can cast zone of truth,
the two. Lower the water level throughout by 2 feet. divination or commune to confirm the truth. Ω
6th- to 8th-level PCs: Double the Hit Dice of both
Tyrinth and the shambling mound (14 HD for the naga; 16 HD Tim tells us, “I live in Staten Island, where I’m a cabinetmaker,
for the shambling mound). Note that this change makes the a school teacher, and a guitarist (as well as a DM). The last time
naga and the shambling mound Huge. Add water snakes (use I told someone how long I’d been playing D&D, it made me
Medium-size constrictors and Medium-size vipers) to the overly self conscious for about two days. I’d like to thank my
cave complex. wonderful wife Cookie for loving me, even though she has no
9th- to 11th-level PCs: Triple the Hit Dice of both idea why her husband thinks about monsters all day.”
Tyrinth and the shambling mound (21 HD for the naga; 24
HD for the shambling mound). Add water snakes (Huge
constrictors and Large vipers) and water spiders (Medium-
size monstrous spiders).
12th- to 13th-level PCs: Same as above, and add one Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
more 7-HD water naga (one of Tyrinth’s offspring). Raise Publication Title: DUNGEON
Publication Number: 1526-6341
the water level by 1 foot throughout. Filing Date: 10/01/2001
Issue Frequency: Bimonthly
Number of Issues Published Annually: 6
Annual Subscription Price: $22.95
15. Moldy Bones. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Wizards of the Coast,
Inc., 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Ste D200, Renton, WA 98055; Contact: Pierce Watters,
425-204-7261
This water here is shallower, only 2 feet deep. Piled high Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast, Inc., 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Ste D200, Renton, WA
enough to clear the waterline in places are a number of 98055
bones in various stages of decay. Publisher: Johnny Wilson, 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Ste D200, Renton, WA 98055
Editor: Chris Thomasson, 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Ste D200, Renton, WA 98055
Managing Editor: Stacie Fiorito, 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Ste D200, Renton, WA 98055
Characters rummaging through the bones must make a Owner: Wizards of the Coast, Inc., 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Ste D200, Renton, WA 98055
Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or
successful Fortitude save (DC 14) or be infected by the disease Holding 1 Percent or More of Total mount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other
slimy doom (see the DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide, page 75). Securities: None
Treasure: Also in the bone pile is a small greenish-white EXTENT AND NATURE OF CIRCULATION
stone carved into the likeness of a young girl’s face. A bard Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Nov/Dec 2001
Average No. Copies No. Copies of
who makes a successful bardic knowledge check (DC 13) rec- Each Issue During Single Issue
ognizes the face as Princess Adthene, who mysteriously dis- Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest
to Filing Date
appeared thirty years ago. At the time, the king publically Total Number of Copies 46,067 47,579
Paid/Requested Outside-County
mourned her disappearance as “the loss of the kingdom’s Mail Subscriptions 7,986 9,977
greatest treasure.” This information can also be learned by Sales Through Dealers and
Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter
making a successful Knowledge (history) check (DC 18). The Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid
stone radiates Conjuration magic if subject to a detect magic Distribution 16,677 16,044
Total Paid and/or Requested
spell, and it functions as a periapt of wound closure if worn. Circulation 24,663 26,021
Free Distribution Outside the Mail 761 784
Concluding the Adventure Total Free Distribution

Total Distribution
761
25,424
784
26,805
Once the well has been cleared out, characters will probably Copies Not Distributed 20,643 20,774
Total 46,067 47,579
leave the caves and continue about their business. Depending Percent Paid and/or Requested
on where you decide to place the well, it might serve the party Circulation 96.9 97.1
TEARS FOR TWILIGHT HOLLOW
Tears for Twilight Hollow

Toil and Trouble
by Angel Leigh McCoy & Christopher Perkins
artwork by Brom and Chuck Lukacs • cartography by Christopher West
“Tears for Twilight Hollow” is a D&D adventure that presents the heroes
with a mystery involving an evil cleric, a dead paladin, and a devourer.
It is designed to challenge four 7th-level player characters (PCs), and
PCs should advance at least one level during its course. For maximum
playability, the party should include at least one cleric or paladin. As the
Dungeon Master (DM), you can modify the challenges in this module for
stronger or weaker parties by adjusting the number of monsters faced.
See the “Scaling the Adventure” sidebar for alternative suggestions and the
DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide, page 102, for more information on encounter difficulty.
This adventure is both event-driven and site-based. You should familiarize

yourself with the tactics of the main villain before running the adventure;
this will allow you to improvise should the PCs do something unexpected.
d Monsters k Non-Player Characters (NPCs) s Objects c Settlements a Traps w Magic Items
Adventure Background Sweet lady, sets behind the hills and shrouds it in pre-
Thunderstorms rage often in the foothills mature twilight.
west of the Sunset Mountains. Hefty winds blessed twilight to my The recent woe in Twilight Hollow began
blow unexpectedly through the valleys. In years ago with two young girls—best friends.
the not-so-ancient past, a temple to the evil
god Talos spanned one such valley.
wretched day, One became a lawful good paladin named
Shaunnra Stillhand. The other girl, Andress
The temple, shaped like a statue with its Nagheson, showed early promise as a sor-
stony face and hands lifted to the sky, was
send me your enemies cerer but gave up magic in a vain attempt to
known as Tempest Tower. The clerics of emulate Shaunnra. They studied together
Talos built a trestle bridge connecting the and your critics. Send under an elder cleric of Ilmater, but Andress
structure to both sides of the valley. The couldn’t measure up to Shaunnra. Before
sole entrance was more than 40 feet off the me the blind and the long, she left Twilight Hollow on a pilgrim-
ground and accessible only by the bridge. age in Ilmater’s name.
The clerics cloistered themselves in their uninitiated, and I will On the road, Andress’s bitterness grew.
temple, worshiped their stormy god, and She searched for, but failed to find, the
buried their dead in the catacombs below.
One day, clerics of good Ilmater attacked
show them the power she craved. One cold night, a black-
eyed pilgrim made Andress an offer. He
Tempest Tower. A bloody battle ensued. The
clerics of Ilmater killed the fleeing, profane
enlightenment that showed Andress the darkness in her soul.
He offered her a place among those who
priests and cast down the tower, which fell master pain rather than suffer passively.
into the valley and dented the marshes. A comes from agony. He revealed the power that could be hers,
few miles east of the site, the clerics of and then he gifted her with the means to
Ilmater constructed their own church to In your name, make it happen. Andress chose her destiny.
watch over the previously desecrated valley. While Shaunnra was swearing the pal-
Over time, a village formed around the I am strong. adin oath of Ilmater, Andress was taking the
church. The community became known as vows of servitude to Loviatar. Years passed
Twilight Hollow, so named because the sun (Prayer to Loviatar) before Andress heard that Twilight Hollow’s
63
Tempest Tower Machines: Make it easier for PCs to recover

SCALING THE ADVENTURE
This adventure is designed for a party of four 7th-level char-
the digging machine (area V5c) and beholder machine (area
V5i). If they bring these devices back to Twilight Hollow, they
acters. However, the adventure can be modified for parties of can use them to explore the catacombs under the village.
levels 3–12 simply by adjusting the number and strength of the Levetron: Use Levetron’s wisdom and healing abilities to full
adversaries. Here are some specific suggestions for modifying effect. He could have some useful insight that might enable PCs
the adventure for lower- and higher-level parties: to avoid or overcome potentially lethal encounters.
Treasure: Remove chest #4 from area U39, and make the
3rd– to 4th-level PCs: In addition to adjusting the strength of mask in area U40 a nonmagical item.
the foes and the lethality of the traps, allow the PCs frequent
rest periods to rest and regain spells. Beware of challenges 8th– to 9th-level PCs: This adventure should challenge the PCs
with an Encounter Level (EL) greater than the average char- as written. However, if the heroes are having too easy a time,
acter level, as these could prove fatal unless the PCs are well- here are some easy ways to toughen the encounters:
rested and well-equipped. Traps: Change glyphs of warding to greater glyphs of ward-
Andress Nagheson: Make her a 1st-level sorcerer/6th-level ing, make pit traps deeper, and increase the DCs for finding
cleric. Replace her +1 spiked chain with a masterwork scourge. and disarming the traps.
Harular’s Claws: Make Harular a 3rd-level ranger, take Poison: Replace weak poisons with deadlier varieties. For
away his boots of speed and ring of protection, and swap his example, clerics of Loviatar might coat their scourges with
magical melee weapons with masterwork ones. Reduce the lev- purple worm venom instead of greenblood oil.
els of the following NPCs: Sestra (Rog1/Ftr1), Lyrr (Brd2), Clerics of Loviatar: Add more of them. Some should be
Vochnar (Ftr2), Ghosgor (Ari2/Ftr1), Glaster (Sor3), and Olipur low-level, but a few should have statistics comparable to Bhell
(Rog2). Embrul and Thulk (area U10) and the brigands in area (see area U27). Add another xill cleric and animate the mana-
U23 should all be 1st-level warriors. cles on the walls in area U40.
The Devourer and Cauldron of Desecration: Make it so the Harular’s Claws: Increase the levels of the brigands by 1
devourer can never travel more than 20 feet away from the each, or simply add more members or creatures to Harular’s
cauldron. Change the nature of the cauldron so that cracking retinue. Perhaps Harular retains an ogre mage henchman.
or breaking it destroys the devourer, and make the cauldron Lesser Planar Ally: Frequent casting of this spell has given
easier to damage: hardness 8, hp 40, and no spell resistance. Andress plenty of otherworldly allies, each one loyal to the
Have Marthos’s ghost reveal that the best way to defeat the pain goddess. Barghests, howlers, kytons, and rasts are appro-
devourer is to destroy the cauldron, and award PCs 25% XP priate guardians for the House of Torment or could be sent by
for “defeating” the creature. Andress to accost PCs snooping around the village.
Poison: Do not give any of the clerics of Loviatar poison, No Rest for the Wicked: Don’t allow the PCs frequent rest
and remove the poison from the shortspear trap in area U18 periods. Use random encounters and hit-and-run tactics to
and spiked pit in area U32. keep them weakened and on edge.
Multiple Monsters: Wherever the PCs encounter more than
one monster at a time, halve the number of monsters faced. 10th- to 12th-level PCs: Many of the suggestions given above
When in doubt, round down. For instance, in area V5b, the PCs (for 8th- to 9th-level PCs) apply to PCs of these levels as well.
might face one carrion crawler (EL 4) instead of three (EL 7). Creatures and traps with low CRs won’t pose much of a chal-
Likewise, they might Marthos’s ghost without the ghost of his lenge, nor will they measurably deplete the party’s resources
war horse in Event 7. and spells. To make the encounters in this scenario suitably
Difficult Monsters: Some monsters are just too tough for challenging, consider the following modifications:
low-level characters and should be removed or replaced. For Andress Nagheson: Make her a 1st-level sorcerer/11th-level
example, replace the will-o’-wisps in area V5 (EL 8) with a pair cleric and have her use scrying spells to keep tabs on the PCs
of shocker lizards (EL 4). Replace the Gargantuan centipede in during the course of the adventure. Give her a pearl of power
area V6b (EL 6) with two Huge centipedes (EL 4). Make the that allows her to recast one 5th-level spell per day.
Large fire elemental in area U25 a Small or Medium-size one, Creatures: You can either double the number of creatures
remove the wraith from area U26, and replace the hellcat in in a given encounter (particularly if there are six or fewer
area U29 with the rust monster zombie in area U33. Consider creatures present), advance the creatures to a larger size cat-
removing all undead creatures except the devourer from area egory (as explained on pages 12–14 of the Monster Manual), or
U33 and making the iron altar in area U40 inanimate. In Event give them some levels in druid, monk, sorcerer, or some other
6, consider removing the shambling mound and making Skriku suitable class.
an ordinary green hag with no druid levels or stirges. Cauldron of Desecration: Consider giving the cauldron (in
Treasure: Remove chests #3 and #4 from area U39. Make area U33) three or four wraith guardians.
Andress’s mask and red robe (see area U40) nonmagical items. Clerics of Loviatar: Replace the weaker, 2nd-level clerics
with 4th- to 5th-level ones. Elevate Bhell to a 9th-level cleric,
5th– to 6th-level characters: PCs will find the adventure very and make Quel the xill a 5th-level cleric. Add several more xill
challenging and should be allowed to rest frequently. If they are underlings, with or without cleric levels, and create for them a
still having trouble, consider implementing some of the changes refuge on the Ethereal plane that Andress can reach via plane
mentioned above (for 3rd- to 4th-level PCs). shift spells should “the going get tough.”
old cleric had died, leaving the village without spiritual direc- Adventure Synopsis
tion. She returned and presented herself as a cleric of Ilmater. The heroes discover the village of Twilight Hollow, where they
The ring of mind shielding given to her by the black-eyed pil- have the opportunity to solve a mystery, save a legendary pal-
grim combined with her knowledge of Ilmater’s rites and cere- adin’s soul, and end a dreadful evil. Their own self-motivation
monies allowed the masquerade to succeed. takes them on a quest to learn the source of the gloom that
Loviatar answered Andress’s prayers, guiding numerous low- hangs over the village.
level devotees to the Temple of Ilmater. These sinister acolytes This adventure follows no particular timeline. The PCs can
helped Andress construct a network of tunnels and catacombs investigate the various locations in any order, though logic dic-
beneath the Temple of Ilmater and raise a secret, subterranean tates a certain progression to their investigation. The three
shrine to the pain goddess. The church’s gold went toward hir- main locations include the village of Twilight Hollow, the ruined
ing a band of miscreants and outlaws to distract Shaunnra—the Talosian temple of Stormhold in the western valley, and the
village’s valiant defender—with petty raids on outlying farms catacombs under the village where Andress is building her fol-
and caravans. This kept the paladin from discovering what was lowing. The PCs enter the adventure when they arrive in
happening beneath the village. Twilight Hollow and get acquainted with the locals. Andress
Through divination spells, Andress learned of a stone caul- requests their aid in finding the soul of a holy paladin of
dron half-sunk in the marshes of the western valley. The magic Ilmater and sends them on a wild goose chase to the western
cauldron, once employed by the clerics of Talos, would enable valley. Items found in the ruins of Stormhold guide them back
her to enslave the village and eliminate Shaunnra. Andress to Twilight Hollow. Further evidence eventually reveals the
gathered her acolytes and animated undead servants and went catacombs under the Temple of Ilmater and Twilight Hollow.
to the valley to retrieve it. She bribed a local green hag druid Ultimately, the story’s progression depends entirely on the
for safe passage through the marsh by offering the hag three PCs’ choices and actions, and you shouldn’t feel like you have
of her most devout lieutenants (who graciously sacrificed them- to force them down one path. Several encounters could easily
selves for the glory of Loviatar). Finding the cauldron, Andress provide a tense, dramatic climax.
was soon confronted by its guardian—a devourer—which used
its control undead ability to usurp control of Andress’s skele- For the Players
tons and zombies. After watching her undead minions slay her In the course of their travels, the characters find their way to
living ones, Andress cleverly appeased the devourer by prom- Twilight Hollow. You can arrange this in whatever way works
ising to deliver a paladin’s soul into its clutches. The wicked duo best for you and fits into your ongoing campaign. Feel free to
agreed to help each other if Andress could “make good” on employ one of the hooks listed below:
her promise. Alone, Andress returned to Twilight Hollow. • The PCs wander into the village looking for rest, supplies,
Andress tricked Shaunnra into the clutches of the devourer or a market for their sellable items.
by claiming that divination spells had allowed her to locate the • A paladin or cleric PC receives orders from his church
brigands’ secret base. Determined to rid Twilight Hollow of the superiors or his god to investigate Shaunnra’s death.
brigands, Shaunnra rode off with her squire, Marthos. They • A young bride traveled to another town or village for a
entered the western valley, drove off the druid hag, and stum- family funeral. The family hires the PCs to accompany the
bled upon the stone cauldron. In a battle worthy of song, the bride back to her husband in Twilight Hollow.
devourer consumed the paladin’s soul while its controlled • A dead body, trunk, pouch, or other such item from a
undead minions slew her faithful squire. previous encounter holds a letter. The deceased or owner of
On a cold Harvesttide evening, Shaunnra’s horse, exhausted the item has family in Twilight Hollow. See the example letter
and near death, returned home with its master’s dead body. below. If you do not use this method to bring the PCs to
The people took Shaunnra to the temple. Andress acted out an Twilight Hollow, you can alternately plant the letter in the ruins
unsuccessful raising, then reported to a worried crowd that of Stormhold west of the village and have the PCs stumble on
she had learned “through means divine, that an evil being the note as they explore the area.
keeps Shaunnra’s soul from its final reward.” Andress had a
modest tomb built for the paladin and used regular gentle repose Dear Cousin,
spells to keep Shaunnra’s body in stasis. I pray this missive finds you well. You may or may not
Under the shroud of night, the devourer came to the Temple remember me. I am Valkoris, from your mother’s side of the
of Ilmater, using Andress’s undead creations and a lesser pla- family. I am son to Tylis, your uncle. My father has spoken
nar ally (a fiendish girallon) to transport the cauldron to the to me of your stalwart heart, dedication to good, and the brav-
secret temple of Loviatar under Twilight Hollow. Fueled by ery of your traveling companions. If indeed, as I’ve heard, you
Shaunnra’s trapped life essence and its hatred for living crea- have sworn to fight all that is evil in the world, then I beg
tures, the devourer has entered a compact with Andress, you to come to Twilight Hollow on the western slopes of the
allowing the evil cleric to use the cauldron to spread suffering Sunset Mountains. I offer you a chance to further do your
and lure more powerful life forces into its clutches. family proud. Our troubles overwhelm us here. The soul of a
Andress has perpetuated a vile ruse and a terrible black- great lady sleeps amid nightmares. I am a mere cobbler. I can
mail upon the citizens of Twilight Hollow, essentially holding do nothing. Perhaps you can.
Shaunnra’s soul for ransom. The payment is the continued suf- With deepest regards,
fering of the villagers. She parades the paladin’s body before Valkoris
them, reminding them of their lost hero and of their own cow-
ardice. She pretends her own curse is as tragic as Shaunnra’s. Regardless of which hook you use, the adventure begins as
It’s a role she enjoys very much. the PCs reach Twilight Hollow.
65
PART I: TWILIGHT HOLLOW Other Notable Figures: Okrosh Danrat, male human Com7,
LG (innkeeper); Mikiti, male human Com2, NG (barboy); Dhokkel
There’s something unpleasant about Twilight Hollow. A doomed Hammersong, male dwarf Exp6, LG (blacksmith); Valkoris, male
sobriety pervades the village, lending it a surreal atmosphere human Exp5, LG (cobbler); others as noted in the adventure
of separation from the rest of the world. Andress encourages text or determined by DM.
this sobriety, subjecting the villagers to guilt if they show any Notes: Mayor Raezhi has lost his mind. Quite simply, the old
happiness, for how dare they smile when Shaunnra’s soul suf- man misplaced it shortly after he turned 70 and hasn’t found
fers in her martyr’s prison! it since. The other residents allow him to keep his position,
Twilight Hollow has approximately 420 residents, most of realizing that the village has little need for a mayor. The church
whom earn their living as farmers and shepherds. The village takes care of judicial matters. The laws haven’t changed since
also has its own baker, tailor, and blacksmith. The settlement the first clerics of Ilmater scribed them, and in other mayoral
developed around the Temple of Ilmater. Far off the trade matters the town runs self-sufficiently. Mayor Raezhi putters
route, Twilight Hollow doesn’t see many visitors. Its self-suffi- around and raises his mayoral voice on occasion. The other
cient population has little need for anything besides what they residents of Twilight Hollow like him, but they don’t bother to
make for themselves. listen to him anymore. He resembles a baby robin, with tufty
The locals share a common philosophy about life, at least gray hair and pinched eyes.
outwardly. Twilight Hollow is a lawful good village at its core. Valkoris, the village’s 48-year-old cobbler, has lived in
The laws in Twilight Hollow are strict and relative to lawful Twilight Hollow his whole life. He has a wife and three daugh-
good beliefs. Although not all the residents are lawful good, ters. The eldest daughter (Belsa, age 17) helps out in the cob-
they abide by the laws and maintain a peaceful community as bler shop. His middle daughter (Mercia, age 15) intends to join
a result. Ilmater’s clergy. The youngest (Ternina, age 7) stays close to
c Twilight Hollow (Village): Conventional; AL LG (LE); 200- her mother.
gp limit; Assets 7,200 gp; Population 420; Isolated (human PCs might have intercepted Valkoris’s letter to his cousin,
96%, halfling 2%, dwarf 1%, other races 1%). requesting aid for Shaunnra (see “For the Players” above).
Authority Figures: Mayor Bryston Raezhi, male human Ari2, Determine his cousin’s story and what happened to him (based
NG; Andress Nagheson, female human Sor1/Clr8, LE. on when and where you wish to introduce the letter to the
81–90: A middle-aged man steps out onto the porch of a

VILLAGE ENCOUNTERS
You can provide players with a rich environment to explore
house and leans against a pillar. He pretends not to notice
you, but you can tell he’s stealing glances at you as you pass
in Twilight Hollow by making the NPCs quirky and interest- by. (The man is simply a curious bystander.)
ing. They don’t trust the PCs because of Andress’s false 91–00: A yellow tabby scampers across the street. It stops
prophecy (see Event 2), but they’re curious. When the PCs and looks back at you for a minute. After a moment, it skit-
walk down the street, have them roll a Spot check to notice ters under a porch. (This is Sphinx, Andress’s familiar. See
things in the street. Roll d% on the following chart to ran- Event 4 for statistics.)
domly select an event, or hand them out as you please.
01–20: The curtains of that house over there flutter and Unfriendly NPCs
attract your attention. Is someone watching you? The cur- In the beginning of the adventure, the citizens of Twilight
tains close abruptly when you look up to see who it is. Hollow are unfriendly toward the PCs. Andress’s prophecy
Maybe you imagined it? (This could be anyone, as the whole ensures that they distrust strangers. The PCs won’t get much
village is curious about the strangers.) information early on, but they do get some. Any but the fol-
21–40: You notice that conversations stop abruptly when lowing questions receive a vague answer such as “I don’t
you pass people in the street. Everyone speaks in whispered know” or “You’ll have to ask that question at the church.”
tones. Every once in a while you notice someone pointing Who died? (Mournfully) “Holy Paladin Shaunnra of Ilmater.
you out subtly to someone else as you go by, as if they were Bless her that she may return.”
talking about you. (Again, the villagers are merely curious.) When did she die? “Some time ago.”
41–60: A crow flies low overhead, then swoops up to Who’s the head cleric here? (Respectfully) “Holy Cleric
perch in the branches of a nearby tree. There it watches you. Andress of Ilmater. Bless her name.”
(This is just a normal crow.) Have you tried to resurrect the paladin? (Sadly) “Yes.”
61–70: A gaggle of children come running into the street A PC can make a Charisma or Diplomacy check to improve
from behind a building, laughing and playing. They halt a particular NPC’s attitude (DC 20). If successful, the PC
abruptly when they see you, stare for a moment, then turn might receive more information from the sorrowful NPC:
and walk away. (The PCs remind these children of Shaunnra.) “Shaunnra grew up here in Twilight Hollow. We all loved
71–80: An old woman comes out of a building with a bas- her very much. Several months ago, she set out to find the
ket on her arm. Grumbling and talking to herself, she takes a lair of some bandits who were preying on outlying farms.
few steps before noticing you. She slows down and stares, Her horse brought her dead body home to us. Her Holiness
walking sideways as if afraid to take her eyes off you. Once Andress couldn’t raise her. Only she understands why, but
past, she hurries her crickety, old steps. (This is a supersti- she told us that Shaunnra’s soul was trapped somewhere
tious woman, nothing more.) between life and death. We pray for her release.”
PCs). Valkoris remembers when Shaunnra and Andress were Andress leads the weekly funeral procession, staff in hand.
young and remembers when Andress’s parents died in an ava- The procession leaves Shaunnra’s Tomb (area T4) and moves
lanche one particularly harsh winter. Shaunnra’s family took in a counter-clockwise direction around the Temple of Ilmater.
the orphaned girl into their home. Valkoris also remembers It ends back at the tomb, and the pallbearers return the coffin
how the two girls were inseparable, as much like sisters as any to its sepulcher. After leading the procession, Andress returns
young girls could be. He remembers how they used to fight as to the church with her acolytes of Ilmater.
well, like siblings. Any attempt to interrupt the procession is met with jeers
from the spectating villagers and a cold scowl from Andress.
Event 1. The Arrival She says, bluntly, “Meet me later, if you wish, at the temple.”
Keep in mind that, unless the PCs stay more than a week,
Twilight Hollow resembles most other small villages that dot they won’t know immediately that the funeral occurs weekly.
the face of Faerûn. A stone temple dominates the village’s
profile. Most of the remaining buildings have wooden walls Andress’s Prophecy
and thatched roofs. The aroma of burning pine spreads an Andress has made a prophecy to further isolate the people of
ashen pungency through the air. The smell of a hearty roast Twilight Hollow from the outside world. She knows she can
rolls out from the local inn, and the blacksmith shop rings more easily maintain the villagers’ ignorance and obedience if
with the sound of metal striking metal. The residents bustle she insulates them from outsiders. Her prophecy accomplishes
about, performing their daily chores—until they see you. The just that:
moment they spot you, their natural rhythm falters. They
stop. They stare. They whisper among themselves, and they “A day of darkness yet awaits the people of Twilight Hollow.
disappear a bit too hurriedly into their shelters. The day will come when a stranger arrives in town. This
stranger comes for the innocent among us. This stranger has
Shortly after the PCs arrive in Twilight Hollow, dark clouds a handsome shell, but inside this stranger hides a broken and
gather overhead and begin unleashing torrents of rain. As the warped soul. This stranger knows us. This stranger has
PCs explore the village, use the “Village Encounters” sidebar to watched us. This stranger knows the blessings of the beast
capture the fear and woe gripping Twilight Hollow. that plagues us. Death walks with this stranger.”
PCs can secure lodging at the Double Bolt Inn (area T1). If
they found Valkoris’s letter (see “For the Players”), they might Every man, woman, and child living in Twilight Hollow has
wish to question the cobbler (see above). Getting directions from heard Andress’s prophecy and can recite it word-for-word.
suspicious residents requires a successful Gather Information Andress herself is loath to share her prophecy with outsiders,
check (DC 20). although she has no fears about visitors learning of it. If the
Although the villagers are wary of strangers, those who run PCs question her or one of her acolytes, they learn only that
businesses (such as Dhokkel the dwarven blacksmith) can be Andress received the prophecy from Ilmater while endeavor-
approached and paid for services and supplies. PCs are charged ing to raise Shaunnra from the dead.
standard rates for everything. Such dealings aren’t likely to
win the villagers’ trust, however (see the “Unfriendly NPCs” Event 3. The Acolyte
section in the “Village Encounters” sidebar for details). If the PCs don’t seek out Andress, she sends for them. Have
an acolyte of Ilmater approach the PCs, targeting a paladin or
Event 2. The Funeral cleric if there is one. The acolyte informs the PCs, very politely
Give PCs the opportunity to rest, regain hit points, or replen- and respectfully, that Her Holiness Andress of Ilmater requests
ish supplies before continuing the adventure, but don’t let them an audience with them.
dally and grow bored. When you’re ready, read the following
to the group (or to a PC who would notice the event): The white-robed cleric stands with her head bowed respect-
fully. Large hazel eyes steal glances at each of you. In a voice
A cold rain drizzles down on the village, casting misery upon as soft as breeze-ruffled grass, the young woman says, “I
everything. As if on cue, a black-clad woman comes down come in the name of Her Holiness Andress of Ilmater, Loyal
the street at the head of a funeral procession. Her hooded Head Cleric of the Church of Ilmater in Twilight Hollow. She
cloak hangs heavy and wet. The woman carries a wooden sent me to request an audience with you. I am to guide you
staff so dark and knotted that it matches the expression of to her or return to her with a message. What is your will?”
pain on her face.
Six pallbearers in black hoods carry a coffin. The ornate The acolyte of Ilmater, Gwenned, will answer the following
box glows with a soft magic light. The citizens of Twilight questions. She believes she is telling the truth:
Hollow emerge from their buildings to stand in respect as the What does Andress want? (Respectfully) “Her Holiness
procession passes. Some hold up banners bearing the sym- Andress serves Our Lady Ilmater, leading us as the shepherd
bol of Ilmater. Some step forward to join the parade and walk leads her sheep. She needs your help to end our curse.”
along with the other villagers. The funeral approaches. You How long has Andress been here? “Her Holiness was born
hear the mourners chant in a practiced monotone: in Twilight Hollow.”
“Sacred Ilmater, hold your child in your arms. In these What do you know about Shaunnra? (Sadly) “My heart is
dark times, watch over her and protect her from harm. We broken for the loss of our paladin, Shaunnra. We pray daily
pray not for ourselves, but for her. We pray that, one day that her soul be freed and allowed to either return to us or to
soon, her soul will know rest or return.” find its final peace.”
67
Where is Shaunnra’s soul? “We don’t know exactly. All we tells you. “Most importantly, I know that Shaunnra suffers.
know is that she is trapped between death and life, somewhere She suffers as few have ever suffered. I tried to raise her,
nearby.” but I couldn’t. Something has her soul and won’t release it.
Creature (EL —): Gwenned is a devout worshiper of Ilmater. She can’t go forward, but neither can she go back.” Andress
She believes that Andress and Shaunnra were very close (like turns away and touches her hand to the simple stone well. “I
sisters) and views Andress as a tower of strength. Gwenned prayed and took divine communion with my god. Ilmater
does not suspect anyone at the temple of wrongdoing. gave me a glimpse of Shaunnra’s circumstance. It was horri-
k Gwenned, Female Human Clr2 (Ilmater): CR 2; Medium- ble. Her imprisonment serves no purpose but to amuse a
size Humanoid (5 ft. 2 in. tall); HD 2d8; hp 11; Init +0; AC 10; Spd merciless thing. This creature exists somewhere between life
30 ft.; Atk +1 melee (1d6, light mace); SA turn undead 7/day, and death, in the valley to the west.”
spells; AL LG; SV Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +3; Str 11, Dex 10, Con
10, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 11. Andress’ ring of mind shielding renders her immune to any
Skills: Concentration +5, Diplomacy +5, Heal +6, Knowledge attempt to detect thoughts, discern lies, or magically ascertain
(religion) +6. Feats: Combat Casting, Extra Turning. her alignment.
Spells (4/3+1, base save DC = 11 + spell level): 0—detect Andress gives the following answers to these questions or
magic, guidance, light, virtue; 1st—bless, cure light wounds†, their equivalents:
magic weapon, sanctuary. Who has Shaunnra’s soul? “I don’t know, exactly.”
†
Domain spell. Domains: Healing (cast healing spells at +1 Where did Shaunnra die? “Her soul separated from her
level), Law (cast law spells at +1 caster level). body in a valley to the west. Her horse returned from there,
Possessions: Light mace, wooden holy symbol of Ilmater. bearing Shaunnra’s body. Adored Ilmater told me that a crea-
ture keeps her there still, feeding on her life force. May Ilmater
Event 4. The Temple take mercy on her, and on you, if you find her and free her
If the PCs accompany the acolyte back to the temple, they find from this abominable torture.”
Andress waiting for them in the courtyard (area T5b). Why did Shaunnra go to the valley? “With my blessing, she
went to find the lair of a band of ruthless brigands known as
Standing before the great temple is a rainworn statue depict- Harular’s Claws. These brigands were attacking farmsteads on
ing a crying man in flowing robes. Walking around him, you the outskirts of Twilight Hollow. Shaunnra wanted to end the
head down a long alley enfolded by the temple’s walls. The threat once and for all. According to my divinations, Harular’s
smell of aged grime rises from the uneven cobblestones. Claws were hiding in the ruins of an evil temple.”
Arrow slits eye you as you pass. You step beneath a raised Was Shaunnra alone when she died? “No. She had her
wooden portcullis into a rain-soaked, diamond-shaped court- squire with her, a young hero named Marthos. He disappeared
yard. A robed woman leans against a stone cistern at the that night.”
courtyard’s center. Your escort steps to one side and bows What do you know about Harular’s Claws? “They haven’t
reverently to the holy woman. The woman bows back and attacked us since Shaunnra died. I suspect that she eradicated
murmurs, “My blessings for your service, child.” them—or something else did. I know little else except that the
Suffering has put wrinkles at the corners of the cleric’s brigands are mostly humans, orcs, and half-orcs who take their
eyes. Her pain tugs down the edges of her mouth. She wears name from their leader, Harular.”
her hair in ragged tufts, cut short and without style. Dressed Was there anyone in Twilight Hollow who wanted to harm
in drenched robes of mourning, the cleric turns toward you Shaunnra? “Of course not. We all loved her. She was our pro-
with a welcoming gesture. She nods and attempts to smile, tector—our strength. Without her, we’re horribly weakened.”
but her lips don’t quite manage the gesture. “Thank you for Creatures (EL 9): When Andress was young, she showed
coming,” she greets quietly. “I am Andress. Welcome to promise as a sorcerer. Unfortunately, she didn’t pursue it. She
Twilight Hollow.” She pauses only briefly, then confesses, did, however, acquire a familiar that has accompanied her on
“I’m afraid I must beg a favor from you—one for which I can her journeys. Andress calls the yellow tabby Sphinx. The cat
offer very little in return.” prowls Twilight Hollow day and night, serving as Andress’s
eyes and ears.
Andress feigns friendliness toward the heroes. She asks them k Andress Nagheson, Female Human Sor1/Clr8 (Loviatar):
to go in search of Shaunnra’s soul, but she misdirects them to CR 9; Medium-size Humanoid (5 ft. 2 in. tall); HD 1d4+2 (Sor)
the ruins of Tempest Tower in the hopes that they, like so many plus 8d8+16 (Clr); hp 52; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (touch 11,
heroes before them, will die in the endeavor. Presumably, the flat-footed 14); Atk +7/+2 melee (2d4+1, +1 spiked chain) or
PCs willingly agree to aid the cleric. Andress offers them noth- +7/+2 melee (1d4/crit 19–20, masterwork dagger); Reach 10 ft.
ing in exchange for their aid. She does, however, help them (with +1 spiked chain); SA rebuke undead 5/day; SQ familiar;
acquire any provisions or nonmagical weaponry they require, AL LE; SV Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +12; Str 11, Dex 12, Con 14, Int
within reason. She makes herself appear as helpful as possible. 14, Wis 18, Cha 15.
If the PCs request it, Andress gives them three potions of cure Skills: Concentration +14, Craft (trapmaking) +10, Diplomacy
moderate wounds (one of which doesn’t work). +6, Disguise +4, Forgery +4, Heal +8, Hide +5, Knowledge
Andress also provides more—albeit incomplete—information (arcana) +6, Knowledge (religion) +6, Move Silently +4 (includes
regarding Shaunnra’s fate: +2 for cat familiar), Spellcraft +8. Feats: Alertness (granted by
cat familiar), Combat Casting, Exotic Weapon Proficiency
A veil of sadness falls over Andress’ face as she speaks of (spiked chain), Leadership, Lightning Reflexes, Weapon Finesse
Shaunnra. “I have only limited knowledge of her fate,” she (spiked chain).
Sorcerer Spells (5/4, base save DC = 12 + spell level): 0— Keyed Encounters (Areas T1–T5)
daze, ghost sound, mage hand, read magic; 1st—expeditious The following encounters detail key areas in Twilight Hollow,
retreat, mage armor. including the Double Bolt Inn (where the PCs are likely to stay),
Cleric Spells (6/5+1/4+1/4+1/3+1, base save DC = 14 + spell the Uhlstan farmstead (which has been taken over by Harular’s
level): 0—cure minor wounds (×2), detect magic, light, mend- Claws and Andress’s acolytes), the statue of Ilmater in the vil-
ing, resistance; 1st—bane, cause fear, command, curse water, lage square, Shaunnra’s Tomb (where the paladin’s body is kept),
endure elements†, entropic shield; 2nd—bull’s strength†, death and the Temple of Ilmater (where the PCs first meet Andress).
knell, enthrall, gentle repose, spiritual weapon; 3rd—animate
dead, bestow curse†, cure serious wounds, invisibility purge, T1. The Double Bolt Inn. Locals and travelers alike come here
summon monster III; 4th—freedom of movement, poison, spell for food, drinks, and companionship. While the PCs are in the
immunity†, summon monster IV. village, the locals stay away from the inn, fearful of Andress’s
†
Domain spells. Domains: Strength (feat of strength 1/day: prophecy (see Event 2). The Double Bolt Inn offers a common
+8 Strength for 1 round), Suffering (pain touch 1/day; suc- sleeping area (see area T1j) for 5 sp/bed and private guest-
cessful melee touch attack bestows –2 enhancement penalty to rooms (see areas T1k and T1l) for 2 gp/bed.
Strength and Dexterity for 1 minute; does not affect creatures Creatures (EL —): The innkeeper, Okrosh Danrat, has trou-
immune to critical hits). ble masking his suspicions toward the PCs. He makes them pay
Possessions: +1 spiked chain, ring of mind shielding, silver up-front and doesn’t waste words with idle chat, but arranges
holy symbol of Ilmater (amulet of undead turning), potion of their lodging, meals, and baths in a brusque, businesslike man-
cat’s grace, masterwork dagger, iron keys (to areas T4, T5i, and ner. He shows them to their rooms and goes back to work. He
T5l, the manacles in area U15, and the chests in area U39). knows how to fight and will defend his inn. He adopted his
d Sphinx (Cat Familiar): CR 1; Tiny Animal; HD special; hp nephew, Mikiti, after his mother perished in a fire and consid-
26; Init +2; Spd 30 ft; AC 15 (touch 14, flat-footed 13); Atk +6 ers the boy his own son.
melee (1d2–4, 2 claws), +1 melee (1d3–4, bite); SQ improved eva- Okrosh has been charmed by Glaster, a wizard allied with
sion, share spells, empathic link; AL N; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will the brigand leader Harular (see area U4 for Glaster’s statistics).
+9; Str 3, Dex 15, Con 10, Int 6, Wis 12, Cha 7. The innkeeper allows members of Harular’s Claws to use the
Skills: Balance +10, Climb +5*, Hide +17*, Listen +4, Move trapdoor in the inn’s kitchen (area T1b) to reach the secret cel-
Silently +9, Spot +4. Feats: Weapon Finesse (claw, bite). lars below (areas U1–U7), and Glaster has given Okrosh clear
*Cats receive a +8 racial bonus to Hide and Move Silently instructions not to share this with anyone.
checks and a +8 racial bonus to Balance checks. They use their Mikiti, the 16-year-old barboy, speaks only when spoken to,
Dexterity modifier for Climb checks. and only when necessary. His response to any question that
69
Development: If the PCs stay at the inn, Okrosh sends Mikiti

down to the secret cellars under the inn to alert Harular’s
Claws. Harular orders Sestra and Lyrr (see area U3) to take
turns spying on the PCs through peepholes in the secret cor-
ridor (area T1m). Encourage players to roleplay time spent in
their rooms so that you can determine what the spies over-
hear (if anything). If the PCs detect the spy, he or she flees to
area U7 to alert Harular.
At least once per day, Andress’s cat familiar (see Event 4
for statistics) visits the inn and begs either Okrosh or Mikiti to
feed it morsels of food. If the cat spies anything out of the
ordinary, it returns to the temple to warn Andress. If she sus-
pects that the PCs are close to discovering her duplicity, she
assembles her acolytes and heads to area U33 while Harular’s
Claws delay the heroes.
T1a. Tavern. This wood-paneled room is warmed by a fireplace,

above which hangs a small steel shield (nonmagical) emblazoned
with the symbol of Ilmater (a pair of white hands bound at the
wrist with a red cord). Four tables are arranged about the
room, and a bar stretches along the wall near the entrance. A
staircase descends to the basement.
T1b. Kitchen. A wooden counter stretches across the north wall

of this well-appointed kitchen. Various cooking utensils dangle
from hooks above the countertop. A worktable stands against
the east wall near a hall that leads to the stablehouse. The
southern end of the kitchen serves as a pantry, and the walls
are lined with shelves holding foodstuffs, spices, soap, casks of
ale and wine, and dishware.
Hidden beneath a frayed rug is a wooden trapdoor leading
to a secret corridor in the basement (area T1m). Glaster (see
area U4) has cast arcane lock on the trapdoor. The trapdoor
is not locked otherwise.
s Arcane Locked Wooden Trapdoor: 2 in. thick; Hardness 5;
hp 20; Break (DC 18, 28 with arcane lock).
T1c. Mikiti’s Bedroom. The door to this room is locked; Okrosh

doesn’t deal with the food or beverages at the inn is usually and Mikiti both carry keys. The room contains an unmade bed,
some variation of “I dunno.” Mikiti’s parents and sister were table, chair, and wooden chest (unlocked) containing the boy’s
killed in a fire ten years ago. As a result, the boy is pyrophobic. spare clothing and personal possessions (half-carved wooden
Like Okrosh, Mikiti has been charmed by Glaster. Unless the figurines, tindertwigs, love letters from village girls, and so
wizard’s charm person spell is broken, Mikiti will not divulge forth). An oil lamp and some burnt tindertwigs rest on the table.
information about Glaster, Harular’s Claws, the trapdoor in the s Locked Wooden Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 20; Open
inn’s kitchen, or the deep cellars below. Lock (DC 20); Break (DC 18).
k Okrosh Danrat, Male Human Com6: CR 5; Medium-size
Humanoid (5 ft. 9 in. tall); HD 6d4+6; hp 17; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; T1d. Okrosh’s Bedroom. Okrosh locks his door (see area T1c
AC 10; Atk +4 melee (1d6+1, club or 1d3+1 subdual, unarmed above for door statistics) and carries the only key. The large
strike); AL LG; SV Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +2; Str 12, Dex 10, Con bed is neatly made, and clothes hang neatly in the wardrobe by
12, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 11. the door. A candle rests on a night table under the window,
Skills: Craft (cooking) +5 (includes Skill Focus feat), Handle and a locked wooden chest sits at the foot of the bed.
Animal +2, Listen +1, Profession (innkeeper) +4, Ride +2, Spot Okrosh keeps the key to the chest in a leather boot in the
+1, Swim +3, Use Rope +2. Feats: Armor Proficiency (light, wardrobe; finding the key requires a successful Search check
medium), Great Fortitude, Skill Focus—Craft (cooking). (DC 15). The chest holds the Treasure.
k Mikiti, Male Human Com2: CR 1; Medium-size Humanoid The desk against the west wall has two drawers. The top
(5 ft. 7 in. tall); HD 2d4; hp 5; Init +0; Spd 30 ft; AC 10; Atk +2 drawer contains a quill, a jar of ink, some blank parchment, a
melee (1d3+1 subdual, unarmed strike); AL NG; SV Fort +0, Ref wax seal, and a half-melted wax candle. The bottom drawer
+0, Will +0; Str 12, Dex 11, Con 10, Int 9, Wis 8, Cha 10. holds a half-filled bottle of good wine, a glass, and a book of
Skills: Climb +7 (includes Skill Focus feat), Handle Animal heroic fables titled Legends of War, by Selpitarr Fearweaver.
+2, Ride +2, Swim +5 (includes Skill Focus feat). Feats: Skill s Locked Wooden Chest: 1 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 10; Open
Focus (Climb, Ride). Lock (DC 25); Break (DC 23).
Treasure: The chest contains extra clothes, a suit of leather T1i. Broom Closet. A pair of brooms and other cleaning sup-
armor (Medium-size), and a sack of 70 gp and 360 sp. plies are stored here. Okrosh also uses this room to store
extra chairs for the tavern (area T1a).
T1e. Stables. Baled hay and sacks of oats are piled against the
west wall across from three cramped horse stalls. Makiti cleans T1j. Common Room. Six double bunks fill this room. (Okrosh
the stalls (and the nearby outhouse) every morning. charges 5 sp per night per bed.) Hooks on the east wall allow
Two of the stalls are currently empty; the middle stall con- guests to hang their cloaks and other apparel.
tains Shaunnra Stillhand’s mount, a chestnut-brown war horse PCs who inspect the west wall and make a successful Search
named Ruth. Okrosh consented to look after the horse out of or Spot check (DC 25) notice three tiny peepholes at eye level,
respect for the fallen paladin. spaced about 10 feet apart. See area T1m for details. Two mem-
Creatures (EL —): If the PCs can speak with Ruth, the horse bers of Harular’s Claws—Sestra and Lyrr—take turns watching
gives the following answers to specific questions: this chamber through the peepholes. Any useful information
What happened to Shaunnra? (Mournfully) “I carried my they overhear is relayed to the inhabitants of areas U1–U7 and
lady into battle against an unholy undead creature. With a rake eventually shared with Andress.
of its claws, the monster killed her. A horrible mockery of my
lady took form in the creature’s ribcage. Overcome with sad- T1k. Private Guestrooms. Each of these rooms contains a sin-
ness and fear, I fled with my lady’s corpse in the saddle.” Ruth gle bed, desk, chair, and unlocked (empty) wooden chest.
does not understand the devourer’s ability to trap essences Anyone inspecting the east wall can make a Search or Spot
and cannot explain in clearer terms what happened. check (DC 25) to notice a tiny peephole at eye level. See area
Where did you encounter the undead creature? “One day’s T1j and T1m for details.
ride to the west, in a valley of swamp and rubble, near a half-
sunken cauldron of stone.” T1l. Private Guestroom. This guest room contains a single bed,
What other creatures live in the valley? “My lady and her desk, chair, wardrobe (empty), and sea chest (unlocked and
faithful squire, Marthos, frightened off an insane crone. They empty). The sea chest measures 4 feet long by 2 feet wide by
also slew a creature that rose from the river. It had an orange 2 feet high and is carved with intricate mosaics depicting tri-
shell and great pincers, but it was no match for Shaunnra.” The tons astride large seahorses, octopi, and seashells.
crone was, in fact, Skriku the green hag using a change self
spell to hide her true appearance (see Event 5). The pincered T1m. Secret Corridor. This hall extends nearly the entire width
creature was a chuul; its remains can be found at area V3. of the inn. A fixed wooden ladder at the south end climbs 10
What happened to Shaunnra’s squire, Marthos? “Marthos feet to an arcane locked trapdoor in the ceiling (see area T1b).
and his horse were killed by the creature that slew my lady. Another ladder at the north end plunges down a 30-foot-deep
The creature was aided by its lesser undead minions—skeletons shaft to area U1 and is trapped (see Trap below).
and zombies mostly.” Marthos and his mount now linger in the The inn’s previous owner built this secret hall so he could
valley as ghosts (see Event 6). eavesdrop on his guests. He drilled six small holes in the walls
Did you find the brigands in the valley? “We saw no sign of and covered them with flaps of wood that keep light from leak-
the brigands, but before she was slain my lady was determined ing through to the other side. To eavesdrop, one must lift one
to find their lair and end their evil ways.” of the flaps. Okrosh, the current owner, has no use for this
d Ruth, Light War Horse (Shaunnra’s Mount): CR 2; Large hall. After buying the inn, he nailed down the wooden flaps.
Magical Beast; HD 7d8+21; hp 48; Init +1; Spd 60 ft.; AC 20 Mikiti, however, removed the nails to spy on guests, particu-
(touch 10, flat-footed 19); Atk +5 melee (1d4+4, 2 hooves), +0 larly adventurers. He found the thought of adventure both
melee (1d3+2, bite); Face 5 ft. × 10 ft.; SQ scent, improved eva- terrifying and intriguing, and his curiosity overpowered his
sion, share spells, empathic link, share saving throws; AL N; SV sense of propriety. Mikiti, however, has not come down here
Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 18, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 7, Wis 13, since he ran into one of Andress’s evil acolytes; he was hauled
Cha 6. before Glaster (see area U4), charmed, and instructed not to
Skills: Listen +7, Spot +7. speak of the hallway or the dungeon’s inhabitants to anyone.
Creature (EL 4 for Sestra, EL 4 for Lyrr): One of Harular’s
T1f. Bathroom. Two wooden bathtubs occupy this room. Water Claws stands watch here, using the peepholes to spy on adja-
spouts diverted rainwater from a cistern on the roof to a pair cent guestrooms. The PCs encounter either Sestra or Lyrr
of barrels under the window. Hanging from hooks nearby are (choose randomly). Regardless of which NPC is present, the
two buckets used to fill the tubs. other can be found in area U3.
Sestra’s black hair is pulled back from her face in a pony-
T1g. Basement Door. This door is bolted from the inside (see tail. Her tanned face and arms are scarred and bruised from
area T1c above for door statistics). countless fights. She is temperamental, but her rogue skills and
riding ability serve Harular well.
T1h. Storage. Wooden shelves line the east wall of this other- k Sestra, Female Human Ftr2/Rog2: CR 4; Medium-size
wise empty room. They are stacked with mundane supplies Humanoid (5 ft. 6 in. tall); HD 2d10+2 (Ftr) plus 2d6+2 (Rog);
including blankets, bottles, candles, firewood, flint and steel, hp 29; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15 (touch 12, flat-footed 13); Atk
boxes of tools, lanterns, oil flasks, ropes, sacks, and saddle- +6 melee (1d8+2/crit ×3, masterwork warhammer) or +5
bags. A wooden staircase ends at a bolted wooden door lead- ranged (1d8/crit 19–20, light crossbow); SA sneak attack +1d6;
ing outside (see area T1g). SQ evasion; AL NE; SV Fort +4, Ref +5, Will –1; Str 14, Dex 15,
Con 12, Int 8, Wis 9, Cha 10.
71
Skills: Climb +5, Craft (trapmaking) +1, Disable Device +4, by hostile PCs, she withdraws to area U3 to alert Ghosgor and
Hide +4, Listen +0, Move Silently +4, Open Lock +4, Search the others. Lyrr is cowardly and uses expeditious retreat to
+1, Ride +6, Swim +5, Tumble +5. Feats: Dodge, Mobility, outrun pursuers, finding courage only when he is joined by
Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack. other members of Harular’s Claws.
Possessions: Masterwork studded leather armor, master- Trap (EL 1): Sestra has weakened two of the rungs on the
work warhammer, light crossbow with 10 bolts, potion of spi- north ladder, about 10 feet down the shaft. Unless a rogue points
der climb, pouch containing 55 gp and 30 sp, necklace of brass out the subtle sawmarks with a successful Search check (DC
dragon wyrmling teeth, ring made from an orc toe bone. 15), the first PC who descends or climbs the ladder causes two
Lyrr is a slim weasel of a man with oily black hair hidden of the rungs to break away. On a failed Reflex save (DC 14),
under a red leather cap. His features are pale and angular, and the PC falls and takes 2d6 points of damage. The trap cannot
he wears a red and black vest that has seen better days. He be disabled (unless PCs take time to glue or replace the dam-
serves Harular by gathering information on villages the brig- aged rungs) but is easily avoided once detected.
ands plan to raid; some find his dry wit amusing. a Weakened Ladder: CR 1; 2d6 points of damage; Reflex
k Lyrr, Male Human Brd4: CR 4; Medium-size Humanoid save (DC 14) negates; Search (DC 15); Disable Device (n/a).
(5 ft. 7 in. tall); HD 4d6; hp 16; Init +2; Spd 30 ft ; AC 12 (touch
12, flat-footed 10); Atk +4 melee (1d6/crit 19–20, masterwork T2. Uhlstan Farm. This farmstead plays an important role in the
short sword) or +5 ranged (1d6/crit ×3, composite shortbow); story. Less than a year ago, eight-year-old Tamara Uhlstan
SA bardic music; SQ bardic knowledge; AL NE; SV Fort +1, Ref died when she reportedly fell into a dry wellshaft over which
+4, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 11, Int 14, Wis 6, Cha 15. the family’s barn had been built decades earlier. As the story
Skills: Appraise +7, Bluff +6, Concentration +2, Disguise +5, goes, rotten floorboards in one of the stables gave way
Escape Artist +7, Gather Information +9, Hide +6, Listen +2 beneath her, dropping the child 30 feet to her death. The hor-
(includes Alertness feat), Move Silently +6, Perform (ballad, rified parents recovered the corpse and brought Tamara to
buffoonery, comedy, dance, lute, mime, storytelling) +9, Pick the temple, but Andress was unable to do anything but admin-
Pocket +4, Spot +2 (includes Alertness feat), Use Magic Device ister last rites. (If questioned as to why she did not raise the
+4. Feats: Alertness, Combat Casting, Iron Will. child, Andress claims that, at the time, she lacked sufficient faith
Spells Prepared (3/3/1, base save DC = 12 + spell level): 0— in Ilmater to call upon such a great blessing.)
dancing lights, daze, ghost sound, mage hand, open/close, read The true fate of Tamara Uhlstan is far more gruesome:
magic; 1st—charm person, expeditious retreat, message; 2nd— Andress’s undead minions were extending the catacombs and
hold person, mirror image. tunnels under Twilight Hollow when they broke through the
Possessions: Masterwork short sword, composite shortbow wall of a dried-up well, over which the Uhlstans had built their
with 16 arrows, lute, scroll of undetectable alignment. barn. The zombies clamored up the shaft, tore through the
Tactics: Sestra is not afraid to take the fight to her enemy, floorboards of the barn, and hid in the shadows. When Tamara
but she prefers to have allies watching her back. If confronted entered the barn in the morning, the zombies ambushed her,
dragged her below, and tore her limb
from limb. Upon learning what had hap-
pened, Andress used a make whole spell
on the girl’s corpse, placed it at the bot-
tom of the well to be found by her dis-
traught parents, and instructed her
zombies to fix the hole in the wellshaft.
Lamarr and Rellyth Uhlstan sold the
farm to the church and moved away
with their surviving daughter. Andress
had a trapdoor built over the wellshaft in
the barn and placed a pair of acolytes at
the farm to guard this entrance to the
catacombs. Members of Harular’s Claws
use the barn as a place to rest and hide
their horses.
T2a. Living Area & Kitchen. This living

room contains a leather couch, a pair of
padded armchairs, an oak table, and a
bookshelf lined with worthless story-
books and trinkets. The kitchen contains
a preparation table, an eating table (with
matching benches), a cabinet packed
with dishes and crockery, a wash basin,
and a fireplace. Cooking utensils and
bundles of herbs hang from hooks on
the walls. Drapes cover the windows.
Creatures (EL 2): The acolytes of Loviatar masquerade as a

young, childless, married couple named Hlann and Lornyk NEW WEAPON: SCOURGE
Rasharr. Hlann and Lornyk are their real names, but they are The favored weapon among clerics of Loviatar is the
not married and do not particularly care for each other. scourge—a multitailed, barbed whip. The scourge is often
Hlann is a tall, tanned fellow with black hair to his shoulders dipped in a poison delivered via injury (such as greenblood
and icy blue eyes. Lornyk is a pale woman with chestnut- oil, Medium-size spider venom, or Large scorpion venom).
brown hair and a small, triangular birthmark under her left eye. With a scourge, you get a +2 bonus to your opposed
k Hlann, Male Human Clr1 (Loviatar): CR 1; Medium-size attack roll when attempting to disarm an enemy (including
Humanoid (6 ft. tall); HD 1d8+5 (includes Toughness feat); hp the roll to avoid being disarmed if you fail to disarm your
13; Init –1 (Dex); Spd 30 ft.; AC 9 (touch 9, flat-footed 9) or 12 enemy). You can also use the scourge to make trip attacks.
(touch 9, flat-footed 12—with armor); Atk +1 melee (1d8+1 plus If you are tripped during your own trip attempt, you can
poison, scourge; or 1d4+1/crit 19–20, dagger); SA rebuke drop the scourge to avoid being tripped.
undead 4/day; AL LE; SV Fort +4, Ref –1, Will +4; Str 13, Dex, Scourge: Medium-size Exotic Melee Weapon; Cost 20 gp;
8, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 12. Damage 1d8/crit ×2; Range Increment —; Weight 2 pounds;
Skills: Concentration +6, Heal +4, Knowledge (religion) +1, Type Slashing.
Spellcraft +1. Feats: Exotic Weapon Proficiency (scourge),
Toughness. Large scorpion venom (see page 80 of the DUNGEON MASTER’s
Spells Prepared (3/2+1, base save DC = 12 + spell level): 0— Guide for details). The acolytes coat their scourges with the
detect poison, guidance, read magic; 1st—bane, magic weapon, poison before entering battle.
shield of faith†. The locked chest contains a sack of 155 sp, two holy sym-
†
Domain spell. Domains: Retribution (strike of vengeance bols of Loviatar (made of wood, painted black, and shaped like
1/day; see page 65 of the FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting the screaming visage of a human woman with a nest of barbed
for details), Strength (feat of strength 1/day; see page 165 of whips for hair), and three potions of cure moderate wounds.
the Player’s Handbook for details). Development: If Hlann and Lornyk suspect that their cover
Possessions: Dagger. Hlann keeps his black studded leather might be blown, they don their armor and ceremonial robes.
armor, scourge (see adjacent “New Weapon: Scourge” sidebar), With the scourges, poison, and potions in hand, they proceed
and poison in the wardrobe in area T2b. to the shrine of Loviatar via the trapdoor in the Uhlstan barn,
k Lornyk, Female Human Clr1 (Loviatar): CR 1; Medium-size alerting Vochnar and the orcs in the process (see area T2c).
Humanoid (5 ft. 5 in. tall); HD 1d8; hp 8; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC The acolytes wait for their mistress in area U33. In this case,
10 or 13 (touch 10, flat-footed 13—with armor); Atk +1 melee there is little treasure to be gained here.
(1d8+1 plus poison, scourge; or 1d4+1/crit 19–20, dagger); SA
rebuke undead 4/day; AL LE; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +4; Str T2c. Barn. This wooden, two-story barn houses twelve horses
12, Dex 11, Con 11, Int 12, Wis 15, Cha 12. stolen from distant farms and used as mounts by members of
Skills: Concentration +4, Heal +6, Knowledge (religion) +3, Harular’s Claws. The brigands’ horses are tied together in the
Spellcraft +3. Feats: Combat Casting, Exotic Weapon Proficiency middle of the barn. A wooden ladder leads up to a 15-foot-high
(scourge). loft filled with hay.
Spells Prepared (3/2+1, base save DC = 12 + spell level): 0— One of the four stables contains food supplies belonging to
cure minor wounds, detect magic, read magic; 1st—command, the brigands, as well as sacks of oats to feed the horses. The
obscuring mist, protection from good†. two middle stables serve as sleeping quarters for members of
†
Domain spell. Domains: Evil (casts evil spells at +1 caster Harular’s Claws and each contain six bedrolls. The last stable
level), Suffering (pain touch 1/day; see page 65 of the FORGOTTEN has an unlocked trapdoor in the floor; opening the trapdoor
REALMS Campaign Setting for details). reveals a dry, 30-foot-deep well shaft with rough stone walls
Possessions: Dagger, key to trunk in area T2b. Like Hlann, that are fairly easy to climb (DC 10). At the bottom of the well
Lornyk keeps her black studded leather armor, scourge (see is a secret door leading to area U8 and the catacombs under
adjacent “New Weapon: Scourge” sidebar), and poison in the Twilight Hollow. The secret door can be detected with a suc-
wardrobe in area T2b. cessful Search check (DC 15) and pivots easily to one side.
Tactics: The clerics have two goals. Primarily, they attempt Creatures (EL 6): This barn is currently inhabited by one of
to camouflage their purpose at the farm and convince the Harular’s lieutenants—a half-orc fighter named Vochnar—and
heroes they’re sincere and innocent. If that fails, which it likely a group of six orc mercenaries. Vochnar and two of the orcs
will, they want only to escape so they can warn Andress that can be found in the stables; the remaining four orcs are play-
the heroes have discovered the farm. ing a game with bones in the loft.
Vochnar takes orders from Harular and no one else, but he
T2b. Bedroom. This cozy room holds a pair of matching wood- respects Andress and her acolytes. He has beady black eyes,
framed beds, a wardobe with a single door, and a locked course black hair covering his body, and a bat-winged helm.
wooden chest (for which Lornyk has the key). k Vochnar, Male Half-orc Ftr4: CR 4; Medium-size
s Locked Wooden Chest: See area T1d for statistics. Humanoid (6 ft. 3 in. tall); HD 4d10+16; hp 45; Init –1; Spd 20
Treasure: Hanging amid the simple farmers’ clothing in the ft.; AC 19 (touch 9, flat-footed 19); Atk +10 melee (1d8+7/crit
wardrobe are two red ceremonial robes with hoods, two suits ×3, +1 battleaxe with Weapon Focus and Weapon Specialization
of black studded leather armor, and two scourges (belonging feats); or +3 ranged (1d6+4/crit ×3, mighty composite short-
to Hlann and Lornyk). On a shelf above the clothing is a cof- bow); AL LE; SV Fort +8, Ref +0, Will +1; Str 19, Dex 8, Con 18,
fer containing six vials, each containing a single application of Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 13.
73
Skills: Climb +0*, Handle Animal +4, Ride +3, Swim –1*. Feats: s Locked Iron Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 60; Break
Cleave, Power Attack, Weapon Focus (battleaxe), Weapon (DC 28); Open Lock (DC 28).
Specialization (battleaxe). s Locked Wooden Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 20;
*Includes –8 armor check penalty for full plate and shield. Break (DC 23); Open Lock (DC 25).
Possessions: Full plate, large steel shield, helmet, +1 battle- A semicircular stone dais set against the far wall of the 20-
axe, mighty composite shortbow [+4] with 30 arrows, 60 gp. foot-deep, 30-foot-wide tomb supports Shaunnra’s coffin. The
d Orcs (6): hp 4 each; Monster Manual 146. coffin lid is closed, and only Andress can open it without trig-
d Heavy War Horses (12): hp 30 each; Monster Manual gering the Trap. The coffin holds Shaunnra’s body as well as
197. the paladin’s equipment (see Treasure below).
Tactics: Once the PCs are detected, the four orcs in the loft Trap (EL 2): Andress has placed a sonic glyph of warding on
leap down into melee (using small piles of hay to cushion their the coffin, filling the tomb with an ear-splitting scream when
jumps). Vochnar orders the remaining two orcs to hold off the the lid is raised by someone not authorized to do so.
heroes while he uses the trapdoor to flee. Once in the tunnels, a Sonic Glyph of Warding: CR 2; 5-foot radius; 4d8 points
the half-orc gathers reinforcements from areas U10 and U13 of sonic damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half damage; Search
and heads to area U26, where he and his sergeants make their (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 19).
final stand. The fatalistic orcs left behind fight to the death (“for Treasure: Shaunnra’s corpse, upon which Andress has cast
the glory of Gruumsh!”) gentle repose, is dressed in +2 half-plate. Clasped in the young
Development: The war horses have brands identifying their woman’s hands is a +1 holy longsword with a lion-shaped hilt,
rightful owners. If the PCs see fit to return them, they are and resting atop the body is the paladin’s +1 large steel shield of
rewarded 200 gp per horse. light fortification. The shield is painted with the sign of Ilmater
(a pair of white hands bound at the wrists with a red cord).
T2d. Outhouse. This unremarkable wooden shack has a wild
hedge growing on two sides of it. T5. Temple of Ilmater.
Development: If the PCs spy on the farmstead, there’s a
30% chance per hour that one of the farm’s residents (Hlann, The temple is made of enormous blocks of dark stone neatly
Lornyk, Vochlar, or an orc) visits the outhouse. mortared together. Jutting from the building’s bleak, win-
dowless façade are two galleries perforated with arrow slits.
T2e. Grain Silo. This wooden tower has an access chute at its The entrance, which reminds you of a gaping mouth, stands
base. The silo is currently empty and not in use. between these galleries. A raised wooden portcullis gives the
entrance the illusion of having teeth. A rain-drenched court-
T2f. Well. This well was dug when the old one (under the barn) yard lies beyond this gate. Rising up from the center of the
dried up. The shaft is 30 feet deep and contains 10 feet of courtyard is the stone lip of a cistern.
fresh, drinkable water. A bucket rigged to a metal winch by an
old, frayed rope allows one to fetch water easily. The one-story edifice has a long entryway (area T5a) end-
ing in a diamond-shaped courtyard open to the sky (area T5b).
T3. Statue of Ilmater. The roof of the temple is flat and enclosed by a 3-foot-high
crenelated wall. Access to the roof is granted by a spiral stair-
Atop a tall, rectangular plinth of granite stands a life-sized case (area T5l).
statue of a robed figure. The sculpture must once have been
exquisite. Now, it has rain stains that flow down the stone. T5a. Path of Sufferance. This walkway is open to the sky and
The gray watermarks follow the contours of the carving, watched by the archers stationed in areas T5c and T5d.
shadowing the folds of the statue’s robes and dripping down
the figure’s stony cheeks like tears from its eyes. T5b. Courtyard. The portcullis is raised and lowered by the
winches in areas T5c and T5d. It is normally raised but can be
This statue of Ilmater is somewhat diminished by the great dropped with a standard action using either winch. Its great
temple standing behind it. A weather-worn inscription on the size makes it hard to lift by other means.
statue’s base reads (in Common): “Ilmater protect us and give s Heavy Wooden Portcullis: 6 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 60;
us faith. Your suffering brings us strength.” Break (DC 32); Strength check to lift (DC 32). Up to eight
Medium-size creatures can attempt to lift the portcullis at once
T4. Shaunnra’s Tomb. (four per side).
The stone cistern in the courtyard collects rain water; in
A small tomb stands behind the temple of Ilmater in a clear- dry months, the clerics use create water spells to ensure that
ing enclosed to the north by dark trees. Iron vines weave the cistern is never empty.
over the tomb’s recently mortared stone walls. An iron door The two sets of double doors leading into the temple are not
faces the road. Carved into the stonework above the portal locked, but they can be barred from the inside.
is a single word: SHAUNNRA. s Barred Wooden Doors: 4 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 40;
Break (DC 28).
Andress used village labor to build Shaunnra’s tomb. The
entrance is blocked by two doors: a locked outer door made of T5c. West Gallery. Eight arrow slits line this otherwise fea-
iron and a locked inner door of sturdy wood. Andress has the tureless stone gallery. The winch for the portcullis in area T5b
keys to both. is built into one wall.
Creature (EL —): A temple archer stands guard here. If an T5f. Cloisters. Each of these ten rooms contains a wooden cot,
attacking force tries to enter the temple, he uses the winch to a small desk and chair, and a tiny shrine to Ilmater (basically a
lower the portcullis and takes aim at foes with his shortbow. latched box holding a wooden effigy of Ilmater and incense).
Behind the arrow slits, he has nine-tenths cover (+10 AC, +4 These rooms are used by Andress’s acolytes. Five of the
cover bonus to Reflex saves). clerics are loyal worshipers of Ilmater, but the five most recent
k Guard, Male Human War1: CR 1; Medium-size Humanoid; additions to Andress’s order are clerics of Loviatar. Only the
HD 1d8; hp 5; Init +4; AC 13 (touch 10, flat-footed 13) or 23 clerics of Ilmater are present, however, as Andress keeps her
(touch 20, flat-footed 23); Atk +1 melee (1d6/crit 19–20, short evil servitors busy in the catacombs below the village. (The
sword); or +1 ranged (1d6/crit ×3, shortbow); AL LG; SV Fort good acolytes believe that Andress sends them abroad to
+2, Ref +0, Will –1; Str 13, Dex 10, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 9, Cha 10. spread faith in Ilmater.)
Skills: Climb +2*, Jump +2*, Ride +2. Feats: Improved Initiative, Creatures (EL —): The five acolytes of Ilmater who serve
Quick Draw. under Andress are named Gwenned (see Event 3), Paraster,
*Includes –1 armor check penalty for studded leather armor. Relx, Kendra, and Gaelan. None of them suspects Andress’s
Possessions: Studded leather armor, short sword, shortbow true motives, although Relx has suspicions about one of his
with 30 arrows, 2d6 gp in pouch. mistress’s new followers, a foul-mouthed and unfriendly cleric
named Dyrch (see area U5). Relx plans to cast detect evil on
T5d. East Gallery. This gallery is similar to area T5b. Dyrch the next time he returns “from abroad.”
Creature (EL —): One archer is stationed here. See area T5b k Gwenned and Paraster, Female and Male Human Clr2
for statistics and equipment. (5): CR 2; Medium-size Humanoid; HD 2d8; hp 11; Init +0; AC
10; Spd 30 ft.; Atk +1 melee (1d6, light mace); SA turn undead
T5e. Lavatory. Each of these two chambers contains a pair of 7/day, spells; AL LG; SV Fort +3, Ref +0, Will +4; Str 11, Dex
stone wash basins carved into the wall. The basins are fed by 10, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 11.
small cisterns on the roof; stone spigots allow the clerics to Skills: Concentration +5, Diplomacy +5, Heal +6, Knowledge
start or stop the flow of water. (When the roof cisterns are (religion) +6. Feats: Combat Casting, Extra Turning.
dry, the clerics fill the basins with water from the cistern in the Spells (4/3+1, base save DC = 11 + spell level): 0—detect
courtyard.) magic, guidance, light, virtue; 1st—bless, cure light wounds†,
In one corner sits a chair with a hole carved into the seat. magic weapon, sanctuary.
A wooden bowl tucked underneath catches the waste. †
Domain spell. Domains: Healing (cast healing spells at +1
level), Law (cast law spells at +1 caster level).
75
This is where bodies are prepared for burial (or raised, as

TEARS OF ILMATER: THE ACOLYTES the case may be) by the high priest of Ilmater. The mural depicts
Five acolytes of Ilmater live at the church—two women and the suffering god. The urns hold various embalming fluids and
three men. Andress chose them for their beauty, charm, and preparatory salves.
naïvete. She has warped these 2nd-level clerics, leading
them to believe that she worships the same god they do. She T5j. Andress’s Bedroom.
keeps them relatively weak and discourages them from
praying for offensive spells, advising that they should only A heavy, wood-framed bed stands against the south wall
pray for spells that heal or otherwise aid the villagers. The across from a fireplace. Set into the stone above the hearth
acolytes of Ilmater have no idea that Andress doesn’t share is a 2-foot-diameter wooden circle containing the sign of
their beliefs. Ilmater: a stylized pair of hands bound at the wrists. The
room’s remaining furnishings include a narrow wardrobe, a
Possessions: Light mace, wooden holy symbol of Ilmater. bedside table with a candlestick on it, a brazier, and a faded
k Relx, Kendra, and Gaelan, Male and Female Human Clr1 painting depicting a martyr in chains.
(Ilmater): CR 1; Medium-size Humanoid; HD 1d8; hp 8; Init +0;
AC 10; Spd 30 ft.; Atk +1 melee (1d6, light mace); SA turn Andress keeps nothing incriminating or valuable in this room.
undead 7/day, spells; AL LG; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +3; Str (The faded painting depicts a well-known martyr named Couran
11, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 11. but is in poor shape.) A locked secret door in the back of the
Skills: Concentration +4, Diplomacy +4, Heal +5, Knowledge fireplace leads to a secret chamber (area T5k). The door is
(religion) +6. Feats: Combat Casting, Extra Turning. opened by turning the circular symbol of Ilmater above the
Spells (3/2+1, base save DC = 11 + spell level): 0—detect evil, fireplace a quarter-turn clockwise. (It is closed by turning the
guidance, light; 1st—bless, cure light wounds†, sanctuary. symbol to its original position.) The secret door lowers into the
†
Domain spell. Domains: Healing (cast healing spells at +1 floor and can also be opened by a knock spell or brute force.
level), Law (cast law spells at +1 caster level). Anyone other than Andress who passes through the secret
Possessions: Light mace, wooden holy symbol of Ilmater. portal triggers the magical trap in area T5k (see below).
s Secret Stone Door: 3 in. thick; Hardness 8; hp 45; Break
T5g. Archers’ Barracks. These two rooms each contain five (DC 30); Search (DC 20).
cozy bunkbeds and a large wardrobe where the guards store
their clothing and armor. T5k. Secret Library. The secret door to this room is trapped.
Creatures (EL —): Although the temple can accommodate Trap (EL 2): Andress has rigged the secret door with a
up to 20 guards, Andress retains only half that number. At any glyph of warding that explodes with red lightning when some-
given time, two guards are standing watch in the galleries one other than her passes through the portal.
(areas T5b and T5c). The remainder are sleeping or resting in a Electrical Glyph of Warding: CR 2; 5-foot radius blast,
their quarters. None of these guards suspects the truth about 4d8 points of electrical damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half
Andress. damage; Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 19).
k Guards (8): hp 5 each; see area T5c for statistics.
A large rack of scrolls dominates one wall of this dark, 30-
T5h. Vestry. foot-square chamber. Against the opposite wall stands a
desk with matching chair. The wall across from the fireplace
Three ornately carved wardrobes stand against the south is lined with a dozen niches that once contained statuettes,
wall, across from a door set with a stained glass window but these icons have been smashed to pieces, which lie near
shaped like two outstretched palms bound together. Two lit a wooden trapdoor in the floor.
iron braziers on either side of the north door fill the room
with a spicy yet sobering scent. The secret door is opened and closed on this side by turn-
ing the iron handle of the chimney flue.
The wardrobes contain fifteen white robes with hoods and The statuettes once depicted Ilmater and various martyrs,
blue trim, and fifteen blue, cloth belts. The north door is locked but Andress destroyed them. The trapdoor is not locked; below
(see area T5i below), and Andress carries the key. is a wooden ladder that descends a 30-foot-deep shaft to area
U15 in the catacombs.
T5i. Embalming Room. The locked door is set with a stained The church maintains the area’s history on scrolls stored in
glass window. One can unlock the door by smashing the win- this library. The scrolls document each birth, death, and mar-
dow, reaching through, and turning the handle from the inside. riage in the village. If the PCs poke around in here, they have
A knock spell also opens the door. a chance of finding the following pieces of information with a
s Locked Wooden Door: See area T1c for statistics. successful Search check (DC 15). For every ten minutes that
the PCs search, they find one piece of information in the fol-
A stone bier rises from the middle of the floor. The sides of lowing order:
the bier are chiselled with bas-reliefs depicting sacrosanct • The PCs find birth records for Andress and Shaunnra.
rituals and priestly communions. A mural on the far wall Andress just turned 31. Shaunnra would have been 31 next
depicts an anguished man above a sea of tears. Under the month. The records show that Andress’s parents died when
mural rest several painted ceramic urns. she was 10 (cause of death is not noted) and that Shaunnra’s
family took responsibility for the orphan.
• A scroll tells how clerics of Ilmater stormed the Talosian chance); and targets 20 feet and beyond have total conceal-
temple in the western valley. It lists those martyred in the bat- ment (50% miss chance, and must guess target’s location). See
tle. Shaunnra was named after one of the holy warriors who page 133 of the Player’s Handbook for concealment rules.
perished in the conflict.
• The PCs find a scroll listing Andress and Shaunnra as new Event 5. The Valley
acolytes in the service of Ilmater. The scroll describes the cer-
emony in which they took the vows to begin training as pal- The trip across the sloping hills takes several hours. You see
adins. It is dated 15 years ago. The scroll also mentions that farmers tending their fields and shepherds walking among
Andress and Shaunnra served His Holiness Ransoth, high cleric their flocks. You spot farmhouses with smoke curling from
of Twilight Hollow. their chimneys. In the distance, mountaintops peek at you
• A scroll records the death of Ransoth six months prior to over the shoulders of the foothills.
the start of the adventure, and his replacement by Andress Eventually, you top a small hill and the valley comes into
shortly thereafter. sight. More a crevice than a valley, the sides rise at sharp
angles. A thick fog lurks there, rising from the ground itself
T5l. Stairs To Roof. The door to this staircase is bolt-locked, and sitting fat and heavy between the enclosing ridges on
and Andress carries the key. The door, which is reinforced either side. The broken ends of a wooden trestle bridge hang
with iron bands, is difficult to break down. from the hillsides. Sharp-edged remnants jut into mid-air.
s Iron-reinforced Wooden Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 8; hp The trails that once continued to either side of the bridge
20; Break (DC 28); Open Lock (DC 25). now disappear in the forest, neglected and overgrown.
The spiral steps lead to a flat rooftop enclosed by a 3-foot- More impressive still are the shadows that cling to the
high crenelated wall. One can stand on the roof and see the valley. The wall of fog looms over you as you get closer. The
rest of the village, as well as peer down into the courtyard (area ground takes on a sucking wetness that clings with muddy
T5b) or stand above the galleries (areas T5c and T5d). squelches. The smell of mildew and rotting vegetation
offends your nose.
T5m. Temple.
Specific areas of interest in the valley are noted below. The
This is the heart of the temple. Ten rows of pine pews face nature of the terrain makes it difficult for the heroes to know
an enormous, sculpted and painted mural of the god Ilmater, what lies ahead. Not only does the fog limit their visibility, the
whose sublime tears somehow convey both anguish and marsh itself gives few clues as to what lies beyond the current
strength. In front of the painted bas-relief rests an altar tangle of tall reeds, deadwood, overgrown bushes, weeping
draped in white cloth with two wooden candlesticks on it.
The white incense candles give the temple a sour scent. A
pair of stone fonts carved to resemble cherubim stand near
the temple’s foyers.
Andress loathes being here, thus she often assigns one of

her acolytes the task of replacing the incense candles and con-
ducting masses. (Her acolytes see these as tests of faith and
are thankful to Andress for giving them so many chances to
prove themselves in the eyes of Ilmater.)
PART II: TEMPEST TOWER VALLEY

This is where Shaunnra and Marthos came in search of the
brigands known as Harular’s Claws. Instead, they found death
at the hands of the devourer and Andress’s undead minions.
PCs might come here, hoping to find clues to Shaunnra’s fate
or evidence of the brigands.
The ruins of Tempest Tower occupy a valley approximately
five miles northwest of Twilight Hollow (see the “Adventure
Background” for a history of Tempest Tower). Much of the
trip crosses farmland that poses no threat to the PCs. Once
they enter the valley, however, there are several challenges to
overcome. The marsh that forms the valley floor is dotted with
small islands and mires strewn with hazardous debris from the
fallen trestle and tower. Furthermore, hot springs fill the val-
ley with thick fog that clears only on the sunniest days. The fog
obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 20 feet. Targets
within 10 feet have one-quarter concealment (10% miss
chance); targets 15 feet have one-half concealment (20% miss
77
willows, and other vegetation. Even the most navigable patches The valley home to many crawling and swarming insects.
are overgrown with moss-draped trees, bushes, and vines. These are a relatively minor nuisance, but reminding the PCs
The PCs have a few options: They can use fly spells and of their presence heightens the atmosphere.
similar magic to avoid overland exploration, they can scale the There are two planned encounters in the valley: Event 6
ridges to observe the valley from above (although the fog will occurs as the PCs make their way toward the ruins of Tempest
hide just about everything of interest), or they can plod through Tower, and Event 7 occurs as they prepare to leave the valley.
the marshes on foot or horseback. The following boxed text Feel free to include random encounters as you see fit.
assumes that the PCs move across the floor of the valley:
Event 6. The Hag
Moss-covered trees resemble hulking creatures that emerge With the departure of the devourer, the green hag Skriku has
from the fog to menace you. Vines threaten to trip you at become the undisputed mistress of the marsh. Andress warned
every turn. Insects hum their disgruntlement at your intru- the green hag druid that the PCs might show up, so the hag lis-
sion. Just when you think the ground has begun to feel more tens for them. Skriku, her stirge animal companions, and her
solid, it gives way to mud that threatens to tug off a boot or shambling mound “consort” can navigate the bogs and under-
send you sprawling face-first into the marsh. Creatures rus- growth without impediment, and the shambler is not visually
tle the underbrush just out of sight. Moisture settles on your hampered by the fog.
skin like a chilling death-mist. After a few minutes of plod- Creatures (EL 6 for the shambling mound, EL 8 for Skriku
ding through the fog, you begin to see great chunks of slick, and her stirges): The hag tests the party’s strength by order-
shattered stone jutting from the marsh like the slimy teeth ing the shambler to attack the PCs. The shambling mound
and claws of some enormous, petrified beast. moves through the foliage and twisted undergrowth and has a
This would be a terrible place to die. chance of catching the PCs flat-footed. (It also has a 10-foot
reach.) As the PCs battle the shambler, Skriku casts change
There are three types of terrain in the valley: boggy marsh, self to appear as an old woman. She then uses detect magic to
islands of thick vegetation, and warm-water streams. Each type determine the number, strength, and auras of magic items in
of terrain presents challenges to visitors: the party’s possession. If the PCs overcome the shambling
Boggy Marsh: The valley’s hot springs not only cause the mound, Skriku appears before them in disguise:
fog but also create small, warm mires and lagoons that collect
fallen trees and other debris. The marsh rarely gets any deeper Your victory is tempered by the arrival of a withered crone.
than 4 feet but cannot easily be navigated without a boat or The old woman steps from the fog into view 20 feet away.
raft. All PCs and horses are considered entangled. Entangled Perched on each of her bony shoulders is a tiny, bat-winged
creatures suffer a –2 penalty to attack rolls, a –4 penalty to creature with a needlelike proboscis.
effective Dexterity, cannot run or charge, and move at half The crone’s face splits into a wide grin. “I see now what
speed. The boggy marsh has no adverse effect on spellcasting, the ruckus is about. Someone finally slew the shambling
however. PCs can use magic (such as freedom of movement mound that’s been eating my favorite pets! My name is
spells) to avoid being entangled. As the DM, you might allow Skriku. What brings you to my home?”
Escape Artist checks (DC 15) in combat to negate the penalties
to attack rolls and effective Dexterity. A druid with woodland Skriku and Andress came to an understanding, and now
stride can move through this terrain without impediment. Skriku rules the valley with Andress’s support. They have a
Islands of Thick Vegetation: When the PCs or their mounts truce. Skriku suspects that the PCs have come in search of the
first enter an area of thick vegetation, they must succeed at a creature that slew Shaunnra the paladin and her squire, but
Wilderness Lore check (DC 18) or become entangled in the she is not prepared to impart any useful information.
undergrowth. Entangled PCs can move only at half speed, can’t If questioned, she imparts the following information:
run or charge, and suffer a –2 penalty to attack rolls and a –4 • “A paladin came to the valley looking for trouble. She
penalty to effective Dexterity. To cast a spell, an entangled PC found it in the form of a string of will-o’-wisps that lurk in the
must succeed at a Concentration check (DC 15) or lose the spell. ruined foundation of Tempest Tower. The will-o’-wisps killed
A druid with woodland stride can move through this terrain both the paladin and her squire.” (False. Although the will-o’-
without impediment. wisps are real, they did not kill Shaunnra and Marthos. Skriku
Warm-water Streams: These 5-foot-deep, slow-moving just wants the PCs to destroy the creatures so she can explore
streams are fed by hot springs and choked with sludge and the dungeon complex beneath the ruined tower.)
decaying matter. Any creature moving through or across a • “A band of brigands came through the valley a while back.
stream must succeed at a Swim check (DC 12) or become They, too, were killed by the will-o’-wisps. Nasty balls of light!”
checked (unable to move in any direction). A checked PC or (False. Andress told Skriku that the PCs might inquire about
horse can make a new Swim or Strength check each round to brigands in the valley. Again, the green hag wants the PCs to
resume normal movement. A checked creature can attack a destroy the will-o’-wisps.)
foe within melee range, make ranged attacks, and cast spells Skriku allows the PCs to continue to the ruins unmolested,
without penalty. hoping they destroy the two will-o’-wisps there (see area V5).
Rubble: The toppling of Tempest Tower filled the valley with If the PCs are successful but weakened by the encounter,
huge chunks of half-shattered stone. Climbing these slippery Skriku takes advantage of the situation and attacks. If the PCs
monoliths requires a successful Climb check (DC 25). The destroy the will-o’-wisps without suffering any major injuries
stony protrusions are spaced too far apart to use as a means or losses, Skriku waits until they leave before exploring the
of circumventing travel through the wet marshland. dungeon under the ruined tower (areas V5a–V5i).
d Skriku, Green Hag Drd2: CR 7; Medium-sized Monstrous remove all signs of her passing. She then follows the PCs
Humanoid; HD 9d8+9 (hag) plus 2d8+2 (Drd); hp 57; Init +5; underwater for awhile and carefully chooses her moment to
Spd: 30 ft., swim 30 ft.; AC 22 (touch 11, flat-footed 21); Atk +14 attack. She prefers charismatic females to others.
melee (1d4+4, 2 claws); SQ woodland stride, animal compan- The green hag has no trouble moving through the valley,
ions, spell-like abilities, weakness, mimicry; SQ darkvision 90 thanks to her woodland stride ability. If the PCs stick together,
ft., SR 18; AL NE; SV Fort +9 (includes Great Fortitude feat), Skriku casts entangle to slow them down.
Ref +7, Will +10; Str 19, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 13, Cha 10. Keep in mind that Skriku has above-average intelligence.
Skills: Animal Empathy +2, Concentration +13, Diplomacy +1, She uses animal friendship and invisibility to animals spells and
Handle Animal +1, Heal +3, Hide +11, Intuit Direction +3, her Animal Empathy skill to keep on good terms with the other
Knowledge (nature) +5, Listen +11, Spot +11, Wilderness Lore creatures in the marsh. Because she just wants to kill the PCs,
+3. Feats: Alertness, Blind-Fight, Combat Casting, Great she might drive or lure them toward one of the other monsters.
Fortitude, Improved Initiative.
SA—Weakness (Su): Touch attack; target must succeed at a Event 7. The Squire
Fort save (DC 13) or take 2d4 points of temporary Str damage. This encounter occurs after the PCs have wasted precious
SA—Mimicry (Ex): Skriku can imitate the sounds of almost time exploring the valley and the dungeons of Tempest Tower.
any animal found nearby. The ghost of Shaunnra’s slain squire, Marthos, appears astride
SA—Spell-like Abilities: At will, as cast by an 8th-level sor- his spectral mount as the PCs leave the valley:
cerer (save DC = 10 + spell level): change self, dancing lights,
ghost sound, invisibility, pass without trace, tongues, water The pale apparition of a tattered and torn young man emerges
breathing. silently from the fog astride a translucent gray war horse. The
Druid Spells (4/3, base save DC = 11 + spell level): 0—detect spirit wears a tunic decorated with an embroidered symbol of
magic, flare, resistance, virtue; 1st—animal friendship, entangle, Ilmater. His eyes convey an eternity of grief. Now, looking at
invisibility to animals. you, the man’s face shifts and changes, hardening into rage.
Possessions: Gnarled staff (used for probing the depths of You can almost sense his frustrated need for vengeance.
bogs), locket showing the wife of a dead half-elf adventurer (10
gp), potion of cure moderate wounds. Marthos’s spirit cannot rest because he feels he let down
d Stirges (2): hp 5 each; Monster Manual 173. his mistress. The ghost roams the valley, searching for Shaunnra
d Shambling Mound (1): hp 60; Monster Manual 162. and bemoaning her death. It views anyone in the area as an
Tactics: If attacked, Skriku orders her stirges to fight while enemy unless convinced otherwise. (Skriku the green hag was
she flees into the fog and uses her pass without trace ability to able to persuade the ghost to leave her alone.)
79
If at least one PC vows to free Shaunnra’s spirit, Marthos’s

ghost allows the party to leave the valley unmolested provided
the PC succeeds at a Bluff or Diplomacy check (DC 15). Add 5
to the DC if the PCs tried to turn or otherwise harm the
ghosts, and subtract 5 from the DC if one of the PCs is a cleric
of Ilmater or is wearing a holy symbol of Ilmater.
d Ghost of Marthos, Male Human Ftr3: CR 5; Medium-size
Undead (Incorporeal); HD 3d12; hp 21; Init +6; Spd fly 30 ft.
(perfect); AC 15 (touch 15, flat-footed 1); Atk +5 melee (1d8+2,
heavy mace); SA manifestation, frightful moan; SQ undead, +4
turn resistance, incorporeal, rejuvenation; AL LG; SV Fort +3,
Ref +3, Will +2; Str 15, Dex 14, Con —, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 16.
Skills: Climb +4, Diplomacy +6, Handle Animal +6, Hide +10,
Listen +9, Ride +7, Search +9, Spot +9, Swim +4. Feats:
Improved Initiative, Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited
Charge, Trample.
d Ghost of Wildfire, Light War Horse: CR 3; Large Undead
(Incorporeal); HD 3d12; hp 19; Init +1 (Dex); Spd fly 60 ft. (per-
fect); AC 11 (touch 11, flat-footed 10); Atk +4 melee (1d4+3 plus
1d4 corrupting touch, 2 hooves), –1 melee (1d3+1 plus 1d4 cor-
rupting touch, bite); SA manifestation, corrupting touch; SQ
undead, +4 turn resistance, incorporeal, rejuvenation; AL N;
SV Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 16, Dex 13, Con —, Int 2, Wis
13, Cha 10.
Skills: Hide +9, Listen +15, Search +4, Spot +15.
Development: If the PCs successfully free Shaunnra’s spirit
from the devourer’s clutches, Shaunnra locates her squire in
the afterlife and absolves his guilt, laying his ghost to rest. This
also lays to rest the ghost of Marthos’s horse.
Keyed Encounters (Areas V1–V7)

Creatures (EL 7): Marthos’s ghost glares at the PCs for 2 The following encounters detail the valley ruins and the dun-
rounds before it decides to attack. This gives the PCs a chance geon complex beneath the fallen Tempest Tower.
to talk to it or attempt to change its attitude (see Development
below). If the ghost attacks, it does so in the third round. V1. Fallen Trestle Bridge. The iron-and-wood trestle that once
Marthos’s ghost wears a breastplate and pendant depicting connected Tempest Tower to the nearby ridges collapsed when
the symbol of Ilmater. It wields a heavy mace that is treated as the tower fell. All that remains are some rotted wooden planks
a ghost touch weapon. Having seen the devourer and what it and rusted iron girders jutting precariously from the ridges
did to his mistress, Marthos can provide important clues if the that enclose the valley to the east and west.
PCs encourage his ghost to speak. The undead squire believes Each time a PC walks on a remaining trestle, roll 1d6. On a
that the devourer was acting on its own and knows nothing roll of 1, part of the trestle gives away underfoot, forcing the
about Andress’s involvement. PC to make a Reflex save (DC 15) or fall.
Marthos’s spirit answers only the following questions: The paths leading from the trestle bridge into the forest dis-
Where did you die? “Here in the valley, near the sunken appear after 100 feet or so. The paths have seen little use
cauldron.” Marthos is referring to the cauldron of desecration since the fall of the tower.
that once rested in area V7 but now resides in area U33.
Who or what killed Shaunnra? “It came from the fog with V2. Muddy Trail. This trail meanders through the valley toward
death in its eyes. My Shaunnra . . . my teeeeeeeeacher . . . She the ruins. This is the route taken by Shaunnra, Marthos, and
drew her sword and callllllled upon Holy Ilmater to fight beside their mounts. More recently, it has seen travel from a half-elf
her. I diiiiiiiiiied. Shaunnnraaaaaaa. Shauuuuunnraaaaaaa. The adventurer who met his end at area V4.
evil stole your soul. It took you awaaaaay. Shauuuunnraaaaaaa PCs with the Track feat who succeed at a WIlderness Lore
. . . I will find you.” check (DC 10) can spot the half-elf’s tracks through the mud.
Can you describe the thing that killed Shaunnra? “An A roll of 15 or higher also reveals two sets of hoofprints, but
undead devil. It has no name.” these are several days older. PCs who stay on this trail move
How can we save her? “Free her. Put her soul to rest.” at half speed but do not suffer entanglement penalties to attack
How can we find her soul? “It took her to the catacombs, rolls and Dexterity (see Event 4 for details).
the realm of the dead. Search there and you will find her.”
Where are the catacombs? “Below the village, beneath a V3. Slow Stream. PCs following the muddy trail (area V2) must
blanket of earth. Under Twilight Hollow.” cross a stream at this point. A layer of harmless but revolting
Why did he imprison Shaunnra’s soul? “He feeds on it green scum covers the edges of the stream. See Event 4 for
even now, as we speak.” rules on crossing the stream.
V4. Moldering Corpse. V5a. Undercroft. The damp, mold-encrusted staircase leading
from the surface to this room switches back several times,
The landscape rises somewhat and offers more solid footing. descending a total of 90 feet. Assuming the PCs have a light
Chunks of hewn stone and large slivers of wood appear out source or darkvision, read or paraphrase the following:
of the fog, littering your path as you near the temple ruins.
The debris gradually becomes more prevalent, and you come The stone steps end at one corner of a roughly octagonal
to a wall. The wall curves in a wide circle and varies in height room supported by three stone pillars. Directly across from
from 5 to 25 feet. The majority of that stone building now the stairs is an empty niche. Tunnels to the north and east
lies in rubble around you. collapse after 20 feet so so, but a tunnel to the west contin-
Gaps in the ruin allow you to pass through wall of stones. ues for 40 feet before opening into another room. Another
Due east of the ruin, among some smaller shattered stones, mold-encrusted staircase descends to the south.
you spot a moldering humanoid corpse.
None of the rooms in this dungeon are illuminated, and ceil-
The corpse belongs to a half-elf rogue named Nellfar who ings are a uniform 10 feet high throughout. The niche in the
came to the valley in search of treasure. He managed to slip northeast wall once held a clay golem, but this guardian was
past Skriku and her guardians but was caught flat-footed by summoned into battle when the tower was attacked and sum-
the will-o’-wisps in area V5. He tried to flee but was eventu- marily destroyed. A 6-foot-wide circular secret door (Search,
ally killed here. Skriku later found and looted his body; she car- DC 15) dominates the southeast wall and is opened by rolling it
ries with her a locket taken from the half-elf and keeps the rest into the wall to the left. The collapsed section in the north tun-
of his gear in area V6d. nel can be cleared with 12 man-hours of work; beyond the col-
Development: The following information can be gleaned by lapse lies a hidden chamber (area V5c).
casting a speak with dead spell on the slain half-elf (who was Development: Light sources or loud noise in this area alerts
a neutral evil 5th-level rogue): the creatures in area V5b, which arrive in 1 round.
What is your name? “Nellfar Shadowblade.”
Why did you come here? “Treasure.” V5b. Crawler Lair.
What killed you? “Orbs of light.”
How did the “orbs” kill you? “With bolts of lightning.” This room is roughly the same size and shape as the one to
Where did you encounter them? “Ruins.” the east. Between four stone pillars, a large puddle of murky
Any questions about Shaunnra, Marthos, Skriku, Harular’s water has formed. The water spills into the room through a
Claws or other valley denizens receive a standard response: “I pair of narrow, rough-hewn passages in the north wall and
don’t know.” exits through three similar passages in the south wall.
V5. Tempest Tower Ruins. The tunnels to the north and south were formed by water
erosion. They are tubelike, 3 feet wide, and carved from clay.
The great edifice that once stood here is now but a jumbled Creatures (EL 7): Three carrion crawlers entered this room
ruin surrounding you. The tall splinters of hewn rock form through the north passages. One clings to the northeast pillar
countless nooks and crannies large enough to conceal vari- (within tentacles’ reach of the room’s entrance), one clings to
ous lurking beasts. Emanating from within one of these cran- the north wall, and the third clings to the ceiling over the cen-
nies, near to the ground, is a dim yellow light. tral pool. They attack on sight and fight until slain.
d Carrion Crawlers (3): hp 19 each; Monster Manual 29.
The light emanates from a descending stone staircase set in
the ground. The staircase is partially covered by a massive V5c. The Digging Machine.
chunk of stone. Moving the 10-foot-wide, 20-foot-long, 12-foot
tall stone is difficult given its size (Strength check, DC 40), but A thin layer of mud and slime covers the floor of this dark,
Medium-size PCs can squeeze through the narrow opening 40-foot-square chamber. Hunched in the middle of room,
with a successful Escape Artist check (DC 15). Small creatures nearly scraping the 10-foot-high ceiling, is a hulking creature
have no trouble slipping through the hole and descending the with an insectoid head, enormous mandibles, and great claws
staircase. However, any PC who approaches within 5 feet of that drag on the floor.
the staircase incurs the wrath of two hiding will-o’-wisps (the
source of the dim yellow light). The creature standing in the middle of the room is actually
Creatures (EL 8): PCs who approach the will-o’-wisps are a mechanical umber hulk built by the clerics of Talos. It is not
attacked. The will-o’-wisps shun PCs with protection from evil or an animated construct but rather a digging tool. A hatch in the
protection from chaos (or magic circle variations of these spells) back of the 10-foot tall hulk hides a compartment designed to
cast on them, using their natural invisibility to hide until the accommodate one Small or Medium-size humanoid. The hatch
warded interlopers depart. can be locked from the inside.
d Will-o’-Wisps (2): hp 40 each; Monster Manual 183. The digging machine is controlled by a series of levers and
Development: Shaunnra’s protection from evil aura kept the pedals. Figuring out how the gizmos work requires a success-
will-o’-wisps at bay. Rather than explore the covered staircase, ful Knowledge (architecture and engineering) check (DC 20).
the paladin and her squire followed splashing footfalls—actually The hulk can burrow (5 feet per round through rock, 10 feet
Skriku’s ghost sound spell—southwest, where they encountered per round through soft or loose earth) or attack. The four
the devourer (area V7). “eyes” enable the driver to see forward and both forward
81
flanks. The digging machine provides total cover for the driver, Treasure: The operational digging machine can be sold to
but it is not airtight and does not protect the driver against gas an interested buyer for 32,000 gp, minus 400 gp per point of
attacks. It also affords no protection against electrical attacks, damage it has sustained.
against which the driver can make no saving throw (unless she
bails out of the machine). V5d. Tomb of the Stormriders. The following boxed text assumes
If the digging machine is reduced to 0 hit points, it releases that the PCs enter the room via the north stairs. The text should
its magical energy in a 20-foot-radius explosion of twisted be modified if the PCs enter through the narrow, tubelike pas-
shrapnel that deals 6d6 points of damage; a successful Reflex sages to the west.
save (DC 14) halves the damage. Make whole and similar spells
can repair the hulk (restoring its lost hit points) but cannot ani- The stairs descend to a T-shaped room flooded with murky
mate it; an animate objects spell accompanied by a permanency water. Against the walls stand thirteen sarcophagi, their lids
spell must be cast on the hulk to make it operational. carved to resemble priestly figures with clenched fists and
The digging machine radiates moderate Transmutation magic terrible scowls. Stylized lightning bolts adorn the sides and
under the scrutiny of detect magic. A successful dispel magic edges of these stone caskets.
(DC 25) renders the device inoperable for 1d4 rounds; a suc-
cessful break enchantment spell (DC 25) negates the magic The stagnant water flooding this room is 1 foot deep and
that powers the hulk. carries a foul stench. The thirteen sarcophagi are not attached
s Digging Machine: Large Construct; Hardness 10; hp 80; to the walls and can be moved or tipped over with a success-
Init –2; Spd 20 ft., burrow 5 ft. (100 ft. through soft or loose ful Strength check (DC 20). The sarcophagus lids are snug and
earth); AC 17 (touch 7, flat-footed 17); Atk +6 melee (2d4+6, 2 must be forced or broken open.
claws), +1 melee (2d8+3, bite); Reach 10 ft.; SQ provides total s Sarcophagus Lid: 2 in. thick; Hardness 8; hp 45; Break
cover for driver, construct; AL —; SV Fort +0, Ref –2, Will —; (DC 23); Strength check to open (DC 18).
Str 23, Dex 6, Con —, Int —, Wis —, Cha —. Twelve of the thirteen sarcophagi contain the mummified
SQ—Construct: The digging machine is immune to mind- bones of Stormriders, clerics of Talos who wrought havoc
influencing effects, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning, disease, across the realm before the fall of Tempest Tower. Water has
death effects, necromantic effects, and death from massive seeped into some of the sarcophagi, moldering the mummies
damage. It is not subject to critical hits, subdual damage, abil- and their bandages. None of the mummies or sarcophagi hold
ity damage, ability drain, or energy drain and is immune to any treasure (but see below).
effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless the effect also PCs who move aside the two sarcophagi in the lower west
works on objects, such as disintegrate). end of the room discover two 3-foot-wide, tubelike passages
s Metal Hatch: 1 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 10; Break (DC at the base of the wall. Both lead to a network of narrow pas-
28); Open Lock (DC 28). sages that eventually connect to areas V5b and V5f.
The sarcophagus that stands in the middle of the south wall V5f. Dead Meazel.
is empty and conceals a secret door. (PCs inspecting the sar-
cophagus can detect the secret door with a DC 15 Search check.) The tubular, half-flooded, 3-foot-wide tunnel widens into a
Opening the lid causes the whole sarcophagus to pivot to one roughly circular, 10-foot-wide alcove with a dry ledge 1 foot
side, revealing a secret vault beyond (area V5e). Unfortunately, above the water level. Slumped in one corner of this niche
this also triggers the Trap. is a small humanoid skeleton covered in a layer of glistening,
Trap (EL 6): Opening the secret sarcophagus door triggers a yellowish-brown slime. Still clutched in the skeleton’s hand is
greater glyph of warding left behind by the Stormpriests of Talos. a shiny dagger that seems to have weathered the passage of
The greater glyph releases a blast of electricity that not only time and the dampness.
engulfs the sarcophagus but also courses through the water,
potentially damaging anyone standing in the flooded room. (It The skeleton is all that remains of a meazel recently slain by
does not affect PCs in the narrow passages west of the chamber. an ochre jelly.
a Greater Glyph of Warding: CR 6; 5 ft. radius (plus see Creature (EL 5): The ochre jelly still coats its most recent
above); 10d8 points of electrical damage; Reflex save (DC 20) prey but lashes out at any PC coming within 10 feet.
for half damage; Search (DC 31); Disable Device (DC 31); Dispel d Ochre Jelly (1): hp 66; Monster Manual 145.
(DC 23). Treasure: The dead meazel grasps a +1 dagger with the abil-
ity to render its wielder invisible (as the invisibility spell, cast
V5e. Treasure Vault. by a 5th-level sorcerer) once per day. The dagger’s market
price is 2,763 gp.
Behind the sarcophagus you find another flooded chamber,
this one considerably smaller. A stone shelf is built across V5g. Blasting Bones.
the far wall of the room and holds eight hollow gourds made
of ceramic and painted with violent scenes. Above these The walls of this corridor are carved with 6-foot-tall, 5-
gourds, hanging on the south wall, is a small black shield foot-wide, 5-foot-deep niches. Lying in each niche is a neat
adorned with three lightning bolts and a black halfspear, its stack of bones and a skull with three black lightning bolts on
shaft wrapped in dark blue snakeskin or lizardskin. its forehead.
The items stored here represent Treasure left behind by the The bones and skulls in the northern niches radiate faint
Stormriders of Talos entombed in area V5d. Lifting or remov- necromantic auras when a detect magic spell is cast. The skulls
ing the shield from the wall triggers a Trap. also radiate faint Transmutation magic.
Trap (EL 4): A 1-inch-wide hole in the wall behind the shield Creatures/Trap (EL 7): If the PCs open the door to area
releases a blast of ungol dust when the shield is lifted or V5h or V5i, the skeletal remains in the northern niches ani-
removed. The dust fills the vault for 1 round. mate and attack. The skeletons were created by clerics of Talos
a Ungol Dust Trap: CR 4; affects any living creature in the using the cauldron of desecration (see area U33). The skele-
10-foot by 20-foot room; initial 1 temporary Cha, secondary tons gain a +1 profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and
1d6 temporary Cha + 1 permanent Cha, Fortitude save (DC 18) saves, and attempts to turn them suffer a –3 profane penalty.
negates; Search (DC 21); Disable Device (DC 25). Each skeleton has a sonic glyph of warding imprinted on its
Treasure: The twelve gourds contain magic potions, and the skull. A glyph discharges when the skeleton first takes damage.
images painted on each gourd offer clues as to the nature of An exploding glyph affects all creatures within 5 feet, includ-
their contents: ing other skeletons; thus, skeletons in close proximity could set
Gourd #1 depicts a dwarf barbarian thrashing several ene- off each other’s glyphs.
mies and holds a potion of heroism. The glyphs of warding are not triggered by a successful
Gourd #2 depicts an elf casting lightning bolts while cling- turning attempt and cannot be disabled once the skeletons are
ing to a ceiling and contains a potion of spider climb. animated. They can be dispelled, however.
Gourd #3 depicts a human warrior fending off tentacles The bones and skulls in the southern niches are neither
underwater with a spear; it holds a potion of water breathing. animated nor magical.
Gourd #4 has a scantily clad human woman wrestling with d Medium-size (Human) Skeletons (9): hp 7 each; Monster
a fiery salamander amid great flames; this fungal flask contains Manual 165.
a potion of protection from elements (fire). a Sonic Glyphs of Warding (9): CR 2; 5-foot-radius sonic
Gourd #5 depicts a gnome wizard in rune-covered robes blast; 3d8 points of damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half dam-
breathing fire at a band of kobold warriors and contains a age; Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 17).
potion of fire breath.
Gourd #6 shows an armored troll fighter tearing the heart V5h. Mummification Chamber. Most of this room collapsed
out of a human foe and contains a potion of bull’s strength. with the fall of Tempest Tower.
Gourd #7 is black except for several pairs of evil, glowing PCs can spend time digging through the rubble, but they
eyes; this gourd holds a potion of darkvision. won’t find anything of value. The room was originally 40 feet
Gourd #8 depicts a dead warrior with a pair of daggers stuck deep, and buried under the rubble are four stone biers
in his back and holds a potion of sneaking. inscribed with symbols of Talos (recognized as such with a DC
The mounted shield is actually a +1 small wooden shield of 15 Knowledge—religion check). Clerics would lay bodies atop
lightning resistance. The spear, which is wrapped in shocker these biers to be embalmed and mummified. The remains of a
lizard hide, is a +1 shock halfspear. few tattered shrouds can also be found here and there.
83
If the machine is reduced to 0 hit points, it crashes. (The

driver sustains normal falling damage.) Make whole and
similar spells can repair it (restoring its lost hit points) but
cannot animate it; permanent animate objects and perma-
nent levitate spells must be cast on the beholder to make it
operational. The beholder’s sphere radiates moderate
Transmutation magic when a detect magic spell is cast. A
successful dispel magic (DC 25) causes the beholder to
fall and renders it inoperable for 1d4 rounds; a suc-
cessful break enchantment spell (DC 25) negates the
magic that powers the metal beholder.
The beholder’s ventral hatch can be locked from
the inside to protect the driver. The hatch’s statis-
tics are given below.
s Beholder Machine: Large Construct (5-foot
diameter); Hardness 10; hp 80; Init +0; Spd fly 20 ft.
(average); AC 18 (touch 9, flat-footed 18); Atk none;
SA wands (see Treasure below); SQ provides total
cover for driver, construct; AL —; SV Fort +0, Ref +0, Will
—; Str 19, Dex 10, Con —, Int —, Wis —, Cha —.
SQ—Construct: The beholder contraption is immune to
mind-influencing effects, poison, sleep, paralysis, stunning,
disease, death effects, necromantic effects, and death from
massive damage. It is not subject to critical hits, subdual
damage, ability damage, ability drain, or energy drain and is
immune to any effect that requires a Fortitude save (unless
the effect also works on objects, such as disintegrate).
V5i. Sphere of Power. s Metal Hatch: 1 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 10; Break (DC
28); Open Lock (DC 28).
The door opens into an octagonal room with lightning bolts Treasure: The operational beholder contraption can be sold
carved into the walls, giving them a cracked appearance. to an interested buyer for 24,000 gp, minus 400 gp per point
Floating in the middle of the room is a creature that resem- of damage it has sustained. This price does not include the
bles a 5-foot-diameter sphere with a large central eye, sev- value of the wands.
eral eyestalks, and a glistening carapace. The contraption comes equipped with ten wands: color spray
(12 charges), light (16 charges), magic missile (5th-level, 11
Like the digging machine in area V5c, this is another device charges), ray of enfeeblement (19 charges), shield (15 charges),
built by clerics and wizards of Talos. Resembling a beholder, it hold person (6 charges), darkness (25 charges), Melf’s acid
is held aloft by a permanent levitate spell. A hatch in the bot- arrow (19 charges), lightning bolt (6th-level, 5 charges), and
tom of the beholder allows a Small or Medium-size creature to searing light (10 charges).
climb inside and operate the device. Development: The beholder contraption is designed to fit
Various levers and pedals enable the beholder to move for- through the secret door in area V5a, but getting it out of the
ward, backward, side to side, up, down and diagonally. It can dungeon will be difficult unless PCs use the digging machine in
also rotate horizontally and vertically. The system of levers area V5c to carve through the block of stone that covers the
and pedals is quite complex, requiring a successful Knowledge staircase leading to the surface.
(architecture and engineering) check (DC 25) to figure out.
The beholder’s central eye serves as a window and comes V6. Head of Talos.
equipped with a retractable shutter to protect the driver
from visual spells such as color spray (although the driver is A giant face appears through the fog. The stone visage lies
effectively blind while the shutter is down). The beholder is half-sunk in the pillow of the marsh, its left eye and mouth
further equipped with ten magic wands, each one rigged to forming deep orifices beyond which you discern a dark and
one of its ten small eyestalks. These wands can be easily hollow area. Many cracks mar the gray chiselled face, and
removed and replaced. Due to the driver’s limited field of weeds have taken root in the alabaster creases formed by its
vision (through the central eye), all eyestalks are rigged to disturbing scowl.
fire forward, although the mobility of the beholder is such
that a driver can “spin” the device as a free action and fire When Tempest Tower was toppled, its head landed here and
off a wand. now lies on its side, half-buried in the marsh.
Using the beholder’s wands is handled similarly to a wizard Stagnant water fills much of the interior. As the head lies
with multiple wands. Using a wand is a standard action, and on its side, all of the interior rooms are oriented such that the
switching from one wand to another is a move-equivalent floors and ceilings of the old temple now serve as walls. A spi-
action. The wands currently rigged to the machine are detailed ral staircase that once connected the hollow head to the rest
under Treasure below. of Tempest Tower has mostly collapsed and leads nowhere.
Apart from the gaping mouth, PCs can enter the head via V6d. Skriku’s Trove. This 30-foot-wide, 40-foot-high, partially
its left eye. Its right eye lies below the water line but is also flooded room contains the green hag’s hoard, detailed below.
open. (Skriku uses the submerged right eye to enter and leave Treasure: Above the water line, to the right of the entrance,
her lair.) The statue’s nostrils and left ear are simply concave is a shattered wooden beam jutting from the wall. Balanced
indentations filled with weeds. atop this beam is a locked wooden chest filled to the brim with
Development: If the PCs make a good deal of noise, make a purloined valuables:
Listen check for the denizen of area V6b. (If the PCs are mak- • a sack containing 326 gp and 125 sp;
ing no effort to silence themselves, assume they roll 0 on their • three potions (darkvision, delay poison, levitate);
Move Silently checks.) If the creature hears the PCs, it inves- • an arcane scroll (claws of darkness; see page 67 of the
tigates after 1 round. FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting);
• a divine scroll (dominate animal);
V6a. Behind the Face. The flooded space behind the “face” of • a bag of holding (type 1) containing a suit of +1 studded
Tempest Tower once consisted of two levels separated by a leather armor, a suit of masterwork half-plate, a silver basilisk
wooden floor. This floor splintered when the tower collapsed. statuette (40 gp) with two beads of force for eyes, a gold chal-
Broken-off timbers jut from the stonework where the floor ice with amethyst inlays (550 gp), a grappling hook tied to 50
used to be, but the floor itself exists only as a rotten pile of feet of silk rope, a healer’s kit, three bedrolls, and three back-
timbers under the water. packs stuffed with trail rations (enough for 15 days).
Light enters this area through the left eyehole, and the walls
are covered with weeds, mud and detritus. A layer of scum V7. Marthos’s Diary.
covers the water, forming a blackish-green skin.
Development: If the PCs make any noise, they attract the Through the clouds of insects you spot a hemispherical inden-
attention of the creature in area V6b, which emerges to attack. tation in the mud. Half-filled with water and mud, the earthen
If Skriku has retreated to her lair (area V6c) and detects any bowl suggests that something large and round once occupied
disturbance in the water, she swims into this area and tries to the space. Scattered among the reeds are numerous chunks
grapple, pin, and drown one of the characters. of broken stone, as well as humanoid bones.
V6b. Centipede Lair. This room sits above the water line but is With the help of Andress’s undead minions and a fiendish
nevertheless damp. Hairline cracks in the walls behind the head’s girallon lesser planar ally, the devourer removed the cauldron
left ear allow slivers of light to enter from outside. Rocks and of desecration that once sat in the bowl-shaped indentation;
debris have been pushed under the sideways arch leading to the both the devourer and its foul cauldron now reside in the cham-
room, providing a crude ramp. The room itself is empty except bers beneath Twilight Hollow (see area U33). Shaunnra struck
for its lone occupant (see Creature below). down a handful of skeletons before she was vanquished by the
Creature (EL 6): A 60-foot-long centipede nests in the cool devourer; the scattered humanoid bones are all that remain of
darkness. It does not consider the green hag tantalizing prey, these once-animated servants.
but it attacks anyone and everything else. PCs who inspect the area and make a successful Search
d Gargantuan Monstrous Centipede: hp 72; Monster Manual check (DC 15) find the rotted, mostly-devoured remains of a
208. light war horse and its rider: the remains of Marthos and his
mount. Tucked in one of the dead squire’s saddlebags is a
V6c. Skriku’s Trophy Room. The open doorway that leads to leather-bound diary. Moisture has taken its toll, warping the
this room lies 10 feet below the water level. Another open paper and smearing the ink. However, one section of Marthos’s
doorway leads to area T6d. Finding either portal in the murky
water requires a successful Search check (DC 15).
This sideways room is 15 feet wide. The green hag sleeps
on a bed of mud on the “floor” of the chamber. However,
swimming PCs who break through the skum that coats the sur-
face of the water can find a 20-foot-high pocket of air and a
doorway leading to the ruined spiral staircase.
Hanging from the “ceiling” of the room by fibrous ropes
made of reeds and dried intestines, suspended mere inches
above the water line, are four moldering humanoid corpses.
These are the remains of a band of adventurers who stumbled
upon the hag while exploring the valley. These fallen heroes
have been stripped of their belongings (Skriku placed the most
valuable items in area T6d) and hang as sanguine trophies. The
bodies dangling from four iron rungs bolted to the ceiling but
can be easily cut down.
Creature (EL 7 if Skriku is present): If she has withdrawn to
her lair, Skriku is either resting atop her bed of mud (30%
chance) or perched in the doorway to the spiral staircase,
admiring her trophies. She fights to the death to defend her
lair and her treasure.
85
diary remains intact. It reads: “My lady plans to travel to the If cornered by the PCs, Renadra explains that she’s not
far side of the mountains and find the elusive brigands known allowed to speak with them. She explains that the town doesn’t
as Harular’s Claws. I must accompany her and help her over- trust the PCs because Andress says that all strangers want to
come this foul scourge of the tradeways. Shaunnra has heard hurt the people of Twilight Hollow. If questioned further, she
rumors that Harular has dragon’s blood coursing through his informs them of Andress’s prophecy (see Event 2). If the PCs
veins. As Shaunnra’s squire, I’ve learned a great deal, but as succeed at a Diplomacy or Intimidate check (DC 15), she might
her adventuring partner, I will have a chance to prove myself. even tell them that Andress threatened to poke out her eyes
My life begins soon.” once. Renadra has also heard stories from other kids in town
claiming that “Her Ladyship” curses small children who make
her cross; this is what many children suspect happened to poor
PART III: UNDER TWILIGHT HOLLOW Tamara Uhlstan (see area T2). Renadra’s parents and Andress
dismiss her accusations as the overactive imaginings of a child.
The PCs might return to Twilight Hollow several times between k Renadra and Brenor Wrenbow, Human Com1 (2): CR —;
excursions to the ruins of Tempest Tower. The village itself does Small Humanoid; HD 1d4–1; hp 2 each; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 11
not change much in their absence, although the catacombs (touch 11, flat-footed 11); Atk –2 melee (1d2–2 subdual, punch or
beneath the village continue to shelter the sinister brigands wooden sword); AL LG; SV Fort –1, Ref +0, Will –1; Str 6, Dex
known as Harular’s Claws, the vile worshipers of Loviatar, and 10, Con 9, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 10.
the dreaded creature that has captured Shaunnra’s soul. Skills: Climb –1, Jump –1, Spot +0, Swim +0. Note: Because
Eventually the PCs should discover (either on their own or they are merely children, Renadra and Brenor receive only 4
by talking to Marthos’s ghost or the children in Events 8 and skill points (bonus skill points for being human) and no feats.
9) the secret catacombs beneath the village. There are several
entrances into the catacombs: Event 9. The Hero
• The Double Bolt Inn (area T1): A ladder in the cellar (area Two different situations might trigger this event. First, if the
T1m) leads to area U1. PCs can’t find the catacombs and are frustrated, use this
• The Uhlstan Farm (area T2): A hidden wellshaft in the barn encounter to drop them a solid hint. Second, if the PCs return
(area T2c) leads to area U8. from the catacombs before they’ve faced the devourer (area
• The Temple of Ilmater (area T5): A trapdoor in the secret U33), use this encounter to raise the stakes somewhat.
library (area T5k) leads to area U15. Renadra Wrenbow finds the heroes at the Double Bolt Inn
If Andress has no reason to believe that the PCs have found (or wherever they happen to be staying in the town). Her face
the catacombs, she leaves them be. Feel free to allow the PCs is streaked with tears as she flies into the arms of whichever
a chance to rest and recuperate in the town. However, if she hero she most adores or admires. Through tears and blubber-
learns that the PCs have found the catacombs, she instructs ing, Renadra explains that her little brother, Brenor, has wan-
Harular to eliminate them (see Event 10). dered off to fight the monsters. Before she continues, Renadra
makes the character cross his or her heart and swear not to
Event 8. The Innocents tell her parents. Eventually, she spills everything she knows:
This event can occur anytime after the PCs return from the Where has your brother gone? “To the old Uhlstan farm.”
ruins of Tempest Tower, preferably before they find a way into Why did Brenor go to the Uhlstan farm? “Some other boys
the catacombs. Run this encounter at a time when the PCs are say it’s haunted by the ghost of Tamara Uhlstan.”
resting, searching the village, questioning the locals, or merely Who is Tamara Uhlstan? “A young girl who died. She fell
killing time. down a well. Her Ladyship, Andress, tried to bring her back to
Creatures (EL —): Nine-year-old Renadra Wrenbow devel- life but couldn’t.”
ops a crush on a male PC or idolizes a female PC (determine Who lives on the Uhlstan farm now? “A man and a woman.
randomly, or chose the character with the highest Charisma I don’t know their names, but I think they’re married. They
score). Renadra follows the PC around as much as possible don’t have any kids or animals. I see them sometimes at the
without openly revealing herself. She lurks in the shadows and temple speaking with Her Ladyship before services. They
behind the corners of buildings, watching the character with moved in a couple months after the Uhlstans left town.”
her big, brown eyes. Her 8-year-old little brother, Brenor, tags What makes you think monsters live on the Uhlstan farm?
along, clutching his toy wooden sword and shield. He wears a “Brenor said he heard growls coming from the barn. I told him
home-made cape with fake magic symbols embroidered at the to stay away from that place because it’s haunted, but he said
collar, and he has pieces of cloth tied around his wrists to he wasn’t afraid of them. He’s taken daddy’s short sword and
resemble gauntlets. gone to slay the monsters. He thinks he’s a hero like you!”
Whenever the heroes return from the ruins, have them roll Development: Brenor, brave little man that he is, has decided
a Spot check (DC 10) to glimpse Renadra and Brenor spying on to emulate the heroes by vanquishing the “monsters” at the
them. If the PCs approach the children openly, they run away. Uhlstan farm with his wooden shield and his father’s short
Their father has warned them of big trouble should they talk sword. By the time the PCs reach the Uhlstan barn, Brenor has
to or approach the strangers. been captured by the orcs hiding there. If the PCs head to the
Renadra has experienced Andress’s mean side. The priestess farmstead immediately, they arrive before Vochnar can order
caught Renadra innocently poking through Shaunnra’s room at one of his orcs to take the boy to Sharloc (see area U13). If the
the church following a weekly sermon. She threatened the PCs dawdle, Brenor is dragged down into the catacombs and
child with punishments a cleric of Ilmater would never think to left to the mercy of the vile acolyte of Loviatar.
inflict. Renadra fled and harbors a strong fear of Andress.
Event 10. The Claws

The instant she regards the PCs as more
than a nuisance, Andress attempts to
alert Harular (area U7) using one of her
acolytes or her cat familiar.
Creatures (EL 10+): Following Andress’s
instructions, Harular sends his brigands
to eliminate the PCs. This force includes
Sestra and Lyrr (see area T1m), Ghosgor
(area U3), Glaster (area U4), Olipur (area
U7), and all six warriors from area U3.
Meanwhile, Harular escorts Andress to
her secret shrine (area U40).
Tactics: Harular’s task force exits the
catacombs via the Double Bolt Inn or the
Uhlstan farm, whichever is more practi-
cal or convenient. If they emerge via the
Uhlstan barn, Vochnar and his orcs join
the group (see area T2c).
The brigands employ straightforward
tactics, counting on their superior num-
bers to overwhelm the heroes. If two or
more “name” NPCs fall in battle, the survivors change their tac- Beneath the Double Bolt Inn (Areas U1–U7)
tics slightly, concentrating their attacks on spellcasters, using The half-dragon brigand Harular and his band, Harular’s Claws,
flanking maneuvers, and aiding one another (see page 135 of the control this section of the catacombs.
Player’s Handbook for details on the Aid Another rule).
Development: If Andress suspects that the PCs know her U1. Deep Cellar. This cave is unlit. A fixed wooden ladder climbs
true guise and plan to confront her at the Temple of Ilmater, she a 30-foot-high shaft leading to the cellar of the Double Bolt
descends into the catacombs, heads to area U7, and instructs Inn. (Sestra has sabotaged the ladder; see area T1m for details.)
Harular to escort her safely to the hidden shrine of Loviatar This room (along with area U2) was part of a secret cellar
(area U40) while his henchmen distract and slay the heroes. used by the inn’s previous proprietor. PCs who search the
room find a few splinters of wood (the remains of shattered
Keyed Encounters (Areas U1–U40) crates), some stains, and rat droppings. It is otherwise empty.
The following encounters detail the catacombs underneath the
town of Twilight Hollow. This section is divided into four sub- U2. Food Storage.
sections: Beneath the Double Bolt Inn (areas U1–U7), Beneath
the Uhlstan Farm (areas U8–U14), Beneath the Temple of Ilmater Eleven casks and fourteen boxes are stacked in the middle
(areas U15–U23), and The House of Torment (areas U24–U40). of this oval room. A hooded lantern sits atop the highest
Once Andress realizes that the heroes are in the cata- cask, and an iron crowbar leans against the nearest box. A
combs, and assuming she is still alive and free, she instructs few harmless rats scurry about.
Harular and his brigands to escort her to the secret shrine of
Loviatar (area U40). She then commands Harular and his min- This room contains the brigands’ food supplies. The casks
ions to find and destroy the heroes. hold cheap ale, while the boxes hold bread, cheese, dried meat,
Unless otherwise noted, all ceilings in the catacombs are 10 and assorted vegetables.
feet high and 10 feet wide. Corridors are unlit, and chambers Development: Attempts to poison the brigands’ food supply
are illuminated by 1d4 torches in sconces. Doors are usually could be thwarted by Glaster (area U4), who habitually casts
unlocked and made of wood, with iron hinges and handles. The detect poison cantrips on the supplies before they’re portioned
doors in the House of Torment are unusual in various respects, out. If he detects poison, Glaster immediately suspects that
as noted in that section. Ghosgor, Lyrr, or Sestra is responsible and reports his suspi-
s Good Wooden Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 15; Break cions to Harular. The brigand leader takes no hasty actions,
(DC 18). instead ordering Glaster to keep a close eye on everyone (which
Various underground streams wend through the catacombs the sorcerer does anyway).
below Twilight Hollow. These streams vary in depth (1d10+5
feet at any given point) and generally flow from west to east, U3. Harular’s Hall. If the PCs approach with light sources or
north to south. PCs attempting to move against the current don’t take measures to move silently, the guards in this area
must succeed at a Swim check (DC 10) or be carried 1d6 × 5 are alerted. (See Creatures below.)
feet downstream. The flat bridges that span these streams are
fashioned from wooden planks tied together with rope. Each Torches spaced at regular intervals illuminate this 20-foot-
bridge is 5 feet wide and can support up to 650 pounds. The wide hall. At the north end, a bridge of planks spans a 10-
bridges are not fixed to the floor and have statistics similar to foot-wide stream, its water line a couple feet below floor
the standard doors (see above). level. Several doors and passages lead from the hall.
87
Possessions: Banded mail, large steel shield, +1 longsword,

+2 cloak of resistance (already factored into saves above),
sack containing 132 gp and eight bloodstones (50 gp each).
k Brigands, Male Human War1 (6): hp 5 each; see area T5c
for statistics and equipment.
Tactics: Ghosgor might try to disarm an opponent using the
Improved Disarm feat. He flees or surrenders if reduced to 20
or fewer hit points and has no compunctions about betraying
Harular, Andress, and anyone else to save himself.
Development: If battle erupts here, the denizens of areas U4,
U5, and U7 grab their gear and investigate. Dyrch, Harular, and
Olipur appear in 2 rounds, Glaster in 6 rounds.
U4. Glaster’s Room.
Someone has taken great pains to make this dim chamber

comfortable. Furnishings include a cot with a quilt, an
ornately carved table with an alchemist’s lab and a bowl of
dried fruit on it, a standing wood-framed screen emblazoned
with stylized blackbirds, and a tapestry depicting a female
centaur brandishing a magic staff. A wolf fur cloak hangs on
the back of the door.
Creature (EL 5): Harular’s advisor, Glaster, dwells here. A

slender, beady-eyed man who scowls a lot, Glaster prefers
An L-shaped room to the west holds eight bedrolls, a table tight-fitting tunics and breeches to billowy robes. Harular
comprised of two barrels with planks laid across them, and saved him from an ogre’s cooking pot, and Glaster has repaid
eight wooden chairs. the half-dragon with loyalty. Glaster has no real friends among
Creatures (EL 7): Three brigands (1st-level human warriors) the brigands and fears that Ghosgor, Sestra, or someone else
stand watch in the 20-foot-wide hall. One brigand stands on might try to kill Harular, take control of the band, and expel him.
the north side of the bridge; the other guards stand due west The sorcerer likes to eavesdrop on other brigands’ conversa-
of the passage leading to area U1. tions, determined to catch wind of some treacherous plot.
The L-shaped room to the west is inhabited by five additional k Glaster, Male Human Sor5: CR 5; Medium-size
members of Harular’s Claws: Ghosgor (a disgraced aristocrat Humanoid (5 ft. 9 in. tall); HD 5d4; hp 13; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC
who fell in with Harular), three more 1st-level warriors, and 12 (touch 11, flat-footed 11); Atk +1 melee (1d8–1/crit ×3, shorts-
either Sestra or Lyrr (see area T1m for statistics). If Sestra is pear) or +3 ranged (1d8/crit 19–20, light crossbow); AL LE; SV
standing guard in area T1m, Lyrr is here (and vice versa). If Fort +1, Ref +2, Will +5; Str 9, Dex 13, Con 11, Int 12, Wis 12,
these brigands have not been alerted to the PCs, it takes them Cha 16.
2 rounds to grab their gear and join combat in the main hall. Skills: Alchemy +6, Concentration +8, Hide +3, Knowledge
Ghosgor is a muscular man in his mid-twenties with dark, (arcana) +5, Move Silently +4, Spellcraft +6. Feats: Brew
curly hair, a scruffy beard, and a neat scar over his left eye. Potion, Craft Wand, Scribe Scroll.
Ghosgor’s family was accused of treason, and all of their hold- Spells Known (6/7/5, save DC = 13 + spell level): 0—detect
ings were seized. After killing a royal guardswoman and steal- magic, detect poison, ghost sound, mending, read magic, resist-
ing her weapons, Ghosgor dropped his family name and fled ance; 1st—magic missile, magic weapon, shield, spider climb,
into the woods near Twilight Hollow. There he ran afoul of true strike; 2nd—endurance, invisibility, see invisibility.
Harular, challenging the half-dragon for control of the brig- Possessions: +1 bracers of armor, shortspear, light cross-
ands. Harular defeated him in combat but allowed Ghosgor to bow with 12 bolts, wand of sleep (23 charges), potion of cat’s
save face by agreeing to join Harular’s Claws. Ghosgor still grace, potion of invisibility, potion of spider climb, scroll of
hopes to lead the brigands someday, but for now he’s content expeditious retreat.
to live life in the shadows. Tactics: Before entering battle, Glaster casts magic weapon
k Ghosgor, Male Human Ari2/Ftr5: CR 6; Medium-size on his crossbow, followed by endurance, shield, and invisibility
Humanoid (6 ft. 1 in. tall); HD 2d8+2 (Ari) plus 5d10+5 (Ftr); hp on himself. He then drinks his potion of cat’s grace. He prefers
47; Init +1; Spd 20 ft. (base 30 ft.); AC 19 (touch 11, flat-footed 18); to cast spells or fire crossbow bolts from a safe distance. If he
Atk +10 melee (1d8+4/crit 19–20, +1 long-sword) or +9 melee takes any damage, he flees with the aid of a potion of invisibil-
(1d3+3 subdual, punch); AL CE; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +5; Str ity or expeditious retreat scroll.
17, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 13, Wis 9, Cha 13. If the PCs overwhelm the forces in area U3 before he has
Skills: Appraise +5, Diplomacy +4, Disguise +4, Innuendo +1, time to cast his preparatory spells, Glaster remains invisible in
Intimidate +5, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +5, Listen +3, this room until afforded a chance to escape.
Read Lips +3, Ride +10, Spot +3, Swim +11. Feats: Expertise, Treasure: The alchemist’s lab is worth 500 gp, the wood-
Improved Disarm, Improved Unarmed Strike, Mounted framed screen and tapestry are each worth 75 gp intact, and
Combat, Trample. the wolf fur cloak hanging on the door is worth 30 gp.
U5. Dyrch’s Room. The cots belong to Harular and Olipur (see Creatures for
details). PCs who peer beyond the curtain that divides the room
The southwest corner of this room has collapsed into a heap also see a pair of wooden chests (containing the Treasure) fit-
of rubble. A wooden mannequin draped in black cloth stands ted with iron clasps and leather straps that allow them to be
against the wall opposite the entrance. The mannequin’s transported by mounts.
wooden head is painted with black eyes and pierced with The saddles are designed to fit a pair of giant lizards that
black needles and hooks. In its hands it clutches a portable Harular has befriended with animal friendship spells. These
wooden shrine containing a small bowl and incense burner. creatures typically sleep in the western half of the room.
An unremarkable cot rests in the northwest corner. Creatures (EL 11): Harular, the offspring of a polymorphed
green dragon and a demented halfling sorcerer, rules a mot-
The mannequin is a representation of Loviatar assembled ley band of brigands known as Harular’s Claws. He has used
by the occupant of this room—an acolyte named Dyrch. his knowledge of the surrounding wilderness to avoid capture,
Creature (EL 2): Andress sent Dyrch to keep an eye on and he considers Andress Nagheson a powerful ally.
Harular’s Claws and make sure the brigands didn’t do any- Harular looks like a halfling with green scales, hornlets jut-
thing to jeopardize her plan to build a temple of Loviatar ting from his brow and chin, and a spiky crest instead of hair.
under the village. The repugnant, sycophantic acolyte was His hands resemble a dragon’s claws, and his oversized jaws
easily cowed by the half-dragon and his thugs; thus, Dyrch are lined with sharp yellow teeth.
spends most of his time inflicting small bodily cuts and Harular is joined by his most trusted lieutenant—a gnome
wounds on himself and dripping the blood in his small shrine’s rogue named Olipur—and two giant lizard animal companions.
sacrificial bowl. d Harular, Male Half-halfling/Half-dragon (Green) Rgr6:
Dyrch has numerous birth defects, including a hunched CR 8; Small Dragon (3 ft. 4 in. tall); HD 6d12+12; hp 50; Init +2;
back, a pronounced jaw, and three fingers on his left hand. He Spd 20 ft.; AC 21 (touch 14, flat-footed 19) or 25 (touch 18, flat-
teeth are horribly crooked, and his face, arms, and legs are footed 23) or 26 (touch 19, flat-footed 24); Atk +11 melee (1d3+5,
covered with small scars (some old and others fresh). He both 2 claws), +6 melee (1d4+2, bite) or +9/+4 melee (1d6+5/crit
fears and respects Andress. 17–20, +1 keen shortsword), +9 melee (1d4+2/crit 19–20, +1 dag-
k Dyrch, Male Human Clr2 (Loviatar): CR 2; Medium-size ger), +6 melee (1d4+2, bite) or +9/+4 ranged (1d6+5/crit ×3,
Humanoid (5 ft. 6 in. tall); HD 2d8+7 (includes Toughness feat); mighty composite shortbow with +1 arrows); SA breath weapon,
hp 18; Init –1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (touch 9, flat-footed 12); Atk +2 favored enemies (1st—fey, 2nd—giants), two-weapon fighting; SQ
melee (1d8+1 plus poison, scourge or 1d4+1/crit 19–20 plus poi- Track; low-light vision; darkvision 60 ft.; immune to sleep, paral-
son, dagger); SA rebuke undead 1/day; AL CE; SV Fort +5, Ref ysis, and acid; AL LE; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 20, Dex 15,
–1, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 8, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 7. Con 15, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills: Concentration +6, Heal +6, Knowledge (religion) +3,
Spellcraft +3. Feats: Exotic Weapon Proficiency (scourge),
Toughness.
Spells Prepared (4/3+1, base save DC = 12 + spell level): 0—
cure minor wounds, detect magic, read magic, resistance; 1st—
command, cure light wounds, protection from good†.
†
Domain spell. Domains: Evil (casts evil spells at +1 caster
level), Suffering (pain touch 1/day; see page 65 of the FORGOTTEN
REALMS Campaign Setting for details).
Possessions: Red ceremonial robe with hood, scourge, dag-
ger, vial of blue whinnis poison (see page 80 of the DUNGEON
MASTER’s Guide for details), holy symbol of Loviatar.
U6. Torch Storage. The far wall of this 10-foot by 10-foot room
is lined with shelves. The brigands and clerics of Loviatar keep
300 torches and two boxes of tindertwigs (50 tindertwigs per
box) here.
Development: Dyrch (area U5) and Sharloc (area U13) are
responsible for replenishing burnt-out torches in the cata-
combs. They leave this room several times each day with small
bundles of torches and tindertwigs.
U7. Harular’s Quarters.
This 40-foot-deep room is divided into two 20-foot-square

areas by a tattered brown curtain. The closer area is empty
save for some bones, puddles of water, and a pair of leather
saddles with saddlebags. Behind the curtain you can discern
a pair of bedrolls against the far wall.
89
SA—Breath Weapon (Su): Cone of corrosive gas (30 feet Tactics: Harular activates his boots of speed. He then sends
long): 6d6 points of damage; Reflex saving throw (DC 17) for his giant lizard companions into battle while he hangs back and
half damage. fires arrows. If one of his lizards is slain, he summons another
Skills: Animal Empathy +7, Climb +8, Concentration +7, animal using his bag of tricks. Before entering melee, Harular
Handle Animal +7, Heal +4, Hide +7, Intuit Direction +2, Listen drinks his potion of cat’s grace to improve his AC. He fights
+3, Ride +4, Spot +3, Swim +8, Wilderness Lore +7. Feats: with his magic short sword, dagger, and his bite.
Dodge, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Track. Olipur uses his dust of disappearance to render himself
Spells Prepared (2, base save DC = 10 + spell level): 1st— unseen and stays close to Harular, waiting for a chance to
animal friendship, pass without trace. flank (and sneak attack) anyone who enters melee with the
Possessions: +2 leather armor, +1 ring of protection, +1 keen half-dragon ranger. Note that the dust thwarts see invisibility
short sword, +1 dagger, mighty composite shortbow [+4] with (but not true seeing) spells.
22 +1 arrows, boots of speed, rust-colored bag of tricks, potion Treasure: The wooden chests are locked, and Harular and
of cat’s grace, potion of resist elements (fire), ivory horn (15 Olipur each carries a key for his own chest. Harular’s chest
gp), key to wooden chest (see Treasure below). contains a neatly folded, embroidered green cloak (45 gp) that
Olipur has long, braided red hair and twinkling blue eyes. A he dons when trying to keep a low profile. Beneath the cloak
tiny birthmark on his forehead vaguely resembles a broken lies a sack of 360 pp and an ebony box with gem inlays (225
four-pointed star. His wiry frame belies impressive strength. gp) containing six platinum bracelets (150 gp each). Olipur’s
k Olipur Shatterstar, Male Gnome Rog4: CR 4; Small chest contains a set of masterwork thieves’ tools and a pair of
Humanoid (3 ft. 6 in. tall); HD 4d6; hp 18; Init +8; Spd 20 ft.; AC collapsible wooden stilts. The stilts allow a Small humanoid who
16 (touch 14, flat-footed 16); Atk +6 melee (1d6+2/crit 19–20, makes a successful Balance check (DC 10) to increase his base
masterwork short sword) or +7 ranged (1d8/crit 19–20, light speed by 10 feet. A new Balance check is required each round.
crossbow); SA sneak attack +2d6; SQ evasion, uncanny dodge The stilts can be sold for 50 gp to an interested buyer.
(Dex bonus to AC); AL NE; SV Fort +1, Ref +10, Will +3; Str 14,
Dex 19, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 15, Cha 9. Beneath the Uhlstan Farm (Areas U8–U14)
Skills: Balance +9, Climb +7, Disable Device +6, Hide +11, Characters who descend the well shaft under the Uhlstan barn
Listen +7, Move Silently +11, Open Lock +9, Pick Pocket +9, (area T1c) and open the secret door at the bottom find them-
Search +6, Tumble +11, Use Magic Device +6. Feats: Improved selves in a particularly dank corner of the catacombs occupied
Initiative, Lightning Reflexes. by a cleric of Loviatar and orcs loyal to Harular’s Claws.
Possessions: Leather armor, masterwork short sword, light
crossbow with 20 bolts, dust of disappearance (in pouch), sack U8. Sliding Blocks. This 10-foot-square section of floor contains
of 152 gp and 18 sp, key to wooden chest (see Treasure). a pressure plate that activates the Trap. The pressure plate can
d Giant Lizards (2): hp 22 each; Monster Manual 198. be found by a rogue making a successful Search check (DC 24).
Pulling one of two levers hidden in the nearby walls (marked X referred to as “the Painmistress” (by Harular). They have seen
on the map) disarms the trap and allows safe passage through her once, but she was wearing red robes and a mask.
the corridor. The levers can be detected with a successful k Embrul and Thulk, Male Human War3: CR 2; Medium-size
Search check (DC 15). The hidden levers are treated as secret Humanoid (6 ft. tall); HD 3d8+6 (includes Toughness feat); hp
doors for purposes of elves noticing them. 24 each; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 16 (touch 10, flat-footed 16); Atk
Trap (EL 5): Stepping on the hidden pressure plate causes a +6 melee (1d12+2/crit ×3, greataxe with Weapon Focus feat) or
pair of 10-foot by 10-foot by 10-foot stone blocks to roll out +3 ranged (1d8/crit ×3, longbow); AL CE; SV Fort +3, Ref +1,
from niches to the north and south. The south block rolls 10 Will +1; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 7, Wis 8, Cha 10.
feet, blocking the passage to area U9. The north block rolls Skills: Intimidate +2, Listen +2 (includes Alertness feat), Spot
southward until it hits the south block, crushing everything in +1 (includes Alertness feat), Swim +4. Feats: Alertness, Weapon
its path. Focus (greataxe), Toughness.
PCs caught between the two blocks must make a Reflex Possessions: Banded mail, greataxe, longbow with 20
saving throw (DC 20). Those who succeed have the choice of arrows, 4d6 gp and 3d6 sp in pouch.
leaping into the western corridor (toward the well shaft) or the
eastern corridor (toward area U9). Those who fail take 10d6 U11. Gruumsh’s Everwatching Eye. This room is unlit.
points of damage and are pinned between the blocks.
Once the blocks have stopped rolling, they can be slid back An unpleasant smell emanates from this room. Eight moth-
into their niches with successful Strength checks (DC 28). Stone eaten bedrolls litter the floor, and drawn with black charcoal
rollers make them relatively easy to move, given their weight. on the south wall is a huge, crudely rendered eye. West of the
a Sliding Blocks: CR 5; 10d6 points of damage; Reflex eye, the floor drops away and running water can be heard.
save (DC 20) negates; Search (DC 24 for stone blocks or pres-
sure plate, 15 for hidden levers); Disable Device (DC 25). The charcoal Eye of Gruumsh watches over the denizens of
this room and glares at all non-orcs who deign to enter. To the
U9. Weakened Bridge. An artery of the underground stream west, the floor drops 5 feet to the surface of a 10-foot-wide,
cuts across the corridor at this point, its surface 2 feet below 8-foot-deep underground stream.
floor level. This bridge is trapped. Creatures (EL 7): Eight orcs live here. They are loyal only
Trap (EL 1): Two of the wooden planks in the middle of this to Vochnar (area T1c) and attack PCs on sight. They hate elves
bridge have been weakened deliberately. Rogues who inspect above all else.
the bridge have a chance to notice fine saw marks that cause k Orcs (8): hp 4 each; Monster Manual 146. Each orc car-
the planks to break (DC 20 Search check). ries a greataxe, two javelins, and 5d8 cp.
The stream is 8 feet deep at this point. The first PC who
crosses the bridge without taking care to avoid certain planks U12. Prison. This entire area is unlit, although torchlight spills
falls through with a loud splash. A character in light or no armor out from area U13.
is carried downstream 20 feet per round; a character in medium
armor is carried 10 feet per round; a character in heavy armor This hall holds a number of deep niches. Set into the floor of
sinks to the bottom and is not carried off by the current. each niche is a 5-foot-diameter, rusty iron grate. Sobs and
a Weakened Bridge: CR 1; no damage, but drowning rules whispers can be heard from beneath two of them.
apply (see DUNGEON MASTER’s Guide, page 85); Search (DC 20);
Disable Device (n/a). Villagers and visitors who run afoul of Andress end up here.
Development: The sound of someone falling in the water Below each grate is an 8-foot-deep, 5-foot-diameter cylindri-
brings the guards from area U10 and four of the orcs from cal cell filled with 2 feet of stagnant, foul-smelling water.
area U11, who shoot arrows or hurl javelins at PCs on the far The iron grates are sealed shut with chains and padlocks, the
side of stream. Meanwhile, the four remaining orcs in area U11 keys to which are in Sharloc’s possession (see area U13). Long
move to the western edge of that room and hurl javelins at any iron spikes welded to the underside of each grate discourage
PC carried downstream by the current. prisoners from reaching up through the gaps.
s Padlocked Iron Chains: 1 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 10
U10. Sentries. This room contains a pair of bedrolls, a table, (chains), 15 (padlock); Break (DC 26); Open Lock (DC 25).
and two chairs. A worn deck of cards and two stacks of cop- Creatures (EL —): Only two of the six cells are occupied. (If
per coins (35 cp total) can be found on the table. he was captured in Event 9, Brenor is also found here.)
Creatures (EL 4): Two brigands, Embrul and Thulk, stand The first prisoner is a homeless man named Yharune (male
guard here. They occasionally patrol the catacombs but spend human Com1; hp 3) who crept inside the Temple of Ilmater one
most of their day sharing tales of debauchery. If captured, night, hoping to sleep on a pew. He overheard Andress speak-
Embrul and Thulk can be coaxed into revealing the names and ing with one of her underlings (Dyrch) about Harular’s Claws.
locations of various members of Harular’s Claws (DC 15 Bluff or Unfortunately, Andress spotted Yharune, immobilized him with
Intimidate check), but they lie about Harular (they refer to him a hold person spell, and had him taken to the catacombs.
as a powerful human wizard matching Glaster’s description). The second prisoner is madman and worshiper of Loviatar
Embrul and Thulk know that Harular’s Claws have joined named Drewel (male human Com1; hp 4) who came to Andress
forces with the clerics of Loviatar, who intend to enslave the seeking spiritual enlightenment; this is his “reward.”
village once their temple lures a sufficient number of devotees. Yharune just wants to escape the catacombs and flee the
They know that the temple is currently run by a sadistic dwarf village. Drewel likes to experience pain and tries to provoke his
named Bhell, who answers only to a figure that they’ve heard liberators into harming him (by hitting and biting them).
91
Development: Captured characters who defy Andress are a Watery Pit with Brown Mold: CR 3; no falling damage,
stripped of their gear (which is stored in area U13) and thrown Reflex save (DC 15) negates; 3d6 points of cold subdual dam-
into these cells until she decides their fate. Attempts to break age from brown mold (5-foot radius); Search (DC 22); Disable
the chains or open the padlocks from within a cell suffer a –8 Device (DC 21).
circumstance penalty.
Anything more than a whisper or sob in this area brings the Beneath the Temple of Ilmater (Areas U15–U23)
jailer, Sharloc (see below). This network of catacombs contains undead animated with the
help of the cauldron of desecration in area U33. A few other
U13. Sharloc’s Room. denizens and traps also await unwanted intruders.
This octagonal chamber might have served some special U15. Chained Cleric.
purpose in the past. Discolorations on the floor suggest the
presence of heavy furniture, and circles of dried wax allude The vaulted ceiling of this huge chamber is supported by great
to the presence of candleholders. Iron rungs on the walls arches that resemble cracked ribs. The southern half of the
might have once supported tapestries long since removed. chamber gives way to a 20-foot-wide underground stream
Now the room holds a bed fashioned from the bones of some spanned by a rickety wooden bridge. A wooden ladder clings
large creature. At the foot of the bed sits a hefty, claw- to the east wall, held in place by rusted bolts and rings. Several
footed copper urn with black spikes. dark tunnels lead north. Hanging on the wall between two of
these passages, suspended by a pair of rusting manacles, is an
The bone bed was crafted by the chamber’s occupant from emaciated figure dressed in a stained white robe.
the bones of a destrachan. The copper urn with clawed feet
weighs 30 pounds and is actually an animated object. The northern tunnels are trapped at the points marked X on
Creatures (EL 7): The sadistic and merciless jailer, Sharloc, the map. Andress’s favorite prisoner is manacled to the north
is one of Andress’s most gifted acolytes. Although he is fairly wall. Levetron, an aasimar cleric of Ilmater, visited the temple
weak, he commands a legion of ten desecrated orc skeletons a month ago after learning of Shaunnra’s death. (He and the
created by the cauldron of desecration in area U33. paladin were friends.) Annoyed by his sanctimonious attitude
Sharloc also commands the animated copper urn, which is and devotion to the god of suffering, Andress served Levetron
filled to the brim with flesh-eating salt acid. Once per round, wine laced with blue whinnis poison and ordered her minions
as a free action, the urn can “belch” forth a 5-foot by 5-foot to chain him in the dungeon (all for her amusement). Andress
cloud, dealing 2d4 points of acid damage on the first round and carries the key to Levetron’s manacles.
2d4 points of damage on the second round. A successful s Iron Manacles: 1 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 10; Break (DC
Reflex saving throw (DC 12) halves the damage. The urn contains 26); Escape Artist (DC 30); Open Lock (DC 25).
enough salt acid to create a dozen clouds. If anyone other than Creature (EL —): Andress has been “teaching” Levetron the
a cleric of Loviatar touches the urn, it animates and attacks. meaning of pain. She routinely casts inflict wounds spells and
k Sharloc, Male Human Clr2 (Loviatar): hp 20; other sta- poison spells (tempered with delay poison and neutralize poison
tistics identical to Dyrch (area U5). spells) on him, and his body is covered with lacerations and
d Animated Copper Urn (1): CR 2; Medium-size Construct; bruises. She almost killed him once by accident when she didn’t
HD 2d10; hp 12; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (touch 10, flat-footed have a cure wounds spell left and he dropped below 0 hit points,
14); Atk +2 melee (1d6+1, slam); SA acid cloud (see above); SQ but an initiate managed to stabilize Levetron in time to prevent
construct, hardness 8; AL N; SV Fort +0, Ref +0, Will –5; Str his death. He is now but a pale shadow of his former self.
12, Dex 10, Con —, Int —, Wis 1, Cha 1. Levetron is a broken man, incapable of speaking to anyone
d Desecrated Orc Skeletons (10): hp 8 each; Monster until his Constitution is fully healed. If freed from the manacles,
Manual 165. These skeletons get a +2 profane bonus to attack he falls into a trembling heap on the floor. If the heroes are
rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. All Charisma checks to rough with him or force him to walk, there is a 25% chance
turn them suffer a –6 profane penalty. that he mistakes one of them for Andress and goes berserk,
pounding the PC with his fists.
U14. Hidden Pit. A carefully concealed pit trap awaits PCs at a k Levetron, Male Aasimar Clr5 (Ilmater): CR 5; Medium-
bend in this corridor. PCs who detect the pit can avoid it by size Outsider (5 ft. 8 in. tall); HD 5d8; hp 30 (3 currently); Init
stepping over the southeast corner. +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10; Atk +3 melee (1d3 subdual, punch); SQ
Trap (EL 3): Sixty or more pounds of weight applied to the cast light 1/day (as Sor5); turn undead 10/day (includes Extra
pit’s lid causes it to snap open. Any PCs standing on the pit at Turning feat); acid, cold, and electricity resistance 5; AL LG;
that time are dropped 15 feet into a swift, 6-foot-deep under- SV Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +10; Str 11, Dex 10, Con 10 (2 cur-
ground stream. PCs in light or no armor are pulled 20 feet rently), Int 13, Wis 18, Cha 16.
downstream each round; PCs in medium armor are pulled 10 Skills: Concentration +4, Diplomacy +7, Heal +10, Knowledge
feet downstream each round; PCs in heavy armor sink to the (religion) +7, Listen +6 (includes racial bonus), Spellcraft +5,
bottom and are not carried away by the current. Spot +6 (includes radial bonus). Feats: Extra Turning, Iron Will.
The northeast and southwest walls of the underground Traps (EL 2 per glyph): Andress has placed a fire glyph of
stream directly under the pit trap are covered with 3-foot- warding in the entrance to each north tunnel. These glyphs are
diameter patches of brown mold. In addition to falling, PCs take meant to discourage the gelatinous cubes in area U16 from
3d6 points of cold subdual damage from the fungus each wandering into this room and feasting on Andress’s favorite
round they remain within 5 feet of the mold. prisoner. So far, this has worked very well.
a Fire Glyphs of Warding (3): CR 2; 5-foot radius; 4d8 Andress plundered these sarcophagi, animating the skele-
points of fire damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half damage; tons within. Nothing but dust remains.
Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 19).
Development: If fully healed, Levetron agrees to help the U18. Crypts. This area is unlit.
PCs destroy Andress and her evil followers. In time, he real-
izes that his suffering has brought him closer to Ilmater, and The tunnel splits in four directions. The passages to the west
he decides to stay on as the new high cleric of the Temple of and east are lined with deep, shadow-filled alcoves, each one
Ilmater in Twilight Hollow. hiding a stone sarcophagus.
U16. Cubes & Catacombs. The walls in this dark maze are lined The first PC who reaches the intersection should make a Spot
with narrow niches. At one time these niches contained bones, check (DC 17). Success indicates the PC glimpses a shadowy fig-
but Andress removed and animated them. The floors are free ure slinking across the passage to the south dragging two tenta-
of detritus, thanks largely to the creatures that dwell here. clelike appendages behind. Investigation reveals that the creature
Creatures (EL 6): Three gelatinous cubes scour these tun- must have gone into the tunnel heading east from area U19.
nels. They instinctively shy away from area U15, having tripped The western hall of alcoves is trapped. All the sarcophagi
more than one glyph of warding. As the cubes are constantly here have been plundered, although PCs searching the west-
moving around, PCs who are not careful could find themselves ernmost crypt find the mechanism for the Trap.
trapped between them. The eastern hall of alcoves is safe, but like the other crypts,
d Gelatinous Cubes (3): hp 59, 55, 48; Monster Manual 145. these sarcophagi have been plundered. A 4-foot-diameter,
Treasure: The largest gelatinous cube has engulfed a pair of rough tunnel leads from the southeast alcove to area U20.
metal items: a +1 holy light mace and a masterwork breastplate. Trap (EL 5): A carefully concealed 10-foot by 10-foot pres-
These belong to Levetron, the aasimar cleric chained in area sure plate is built into the floor at the point marked X on the
U15. Levetron’s other possessions (including his wooden holy map. Setting foot on the floorplate causes three spring-loaded
symbol) were completely dissolved by the gelatinous cube. shortspears to shoot forth from holes in the western sarcoph-
agus, striking the lead PC. A separate attack roll should be
U17. Violated Crypt. This room is unlit. made for each spear. Each spear is coated with greenblood oil.
a Poisoned Shortspear Trap: CR 5; 100-foot range; +12
Five stone sarcophagi fill this room: two against the north ranged (1d8/crit ×3 plus poison, 3 spears); greenblood oil
wall, two against the south wall, and one near the middle of (Injury DC 13; initial damage 1 Con, secondary damage 1d2 Con);
the west wall. All of their lids are askew. Search (DC 20); Disable Device (DC 20).
93
U19. Violated Crypt. This room is unlit. force of 18 animated humanoid skeletons in these alcoves
(three per alcove). Most of the skeletons are human or orc.
The passage opens into a 20-foot square crypt dominated by When Andress visits the temple of Loviatar or flees into the
a stone sarcophagus placed atop a rectangular stone bier. Its catacombs, she brings these skeletons with her for protection.
cast-off lid lies shattered on the floor, and the sides of the In the House of Torment they stand in area U35, guarding the
sarcophagus are covered with scratches, as if something secret doors leading to Andress’s shrine (area U40). If the
were clawing at it. A 4-foot-diameter, roughly hewn tunnel skeletons are destroyed there, they are not encountered here.
bores deep into the east wall near the entrance. Creatures (EL 8): These skeletons, all of which were created
in the cauldron of desecration (area U33), stand with swords
Breaking into the sarcophagus to retrieve the bones within, ready against the west wall of each alcove, staring into oblivion.
Andress was taken aback when a wraith rose from the crypt They attack only when commanded by Andress (or another evil
and tried to attack her. Fortunately for the evil cleric, she was cleric) or when they are attacked.
able to command the creature and compel it to serve her as a d Desecrated Humanoid Skeletons (18): hp 8 each; Atk +2
guardian (see area U26). melee (1d8+2/crit 19–20, longsword) or +2 melee (1d4+2, 2 claws);
The scratch marks on the sarcophagus are crudely scrawled Monster Manual 165. These skeletons receive a +2 profane
words written in Undercommon. A successful Decipher Script bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Charisma
check (DC 15) is required to read the poor handwriting, even checks to turn them suffer a –6 profane penalty.
if PCs can normally understand the language. Three words are
repeated over and over: “hungry,” “lonely,” and “mine.” These U22. Junction Room.
scrawls were made by the creature that lairs in area U20.
PCs who inspect the shattered sarcophagus lid see that it A 10-foot-wide stream cuts diagonally across this oddly
bears several empty indentations (gem fittings) along its rim. shaped room. The floor drops about 1 foot to the water’s
Treasure: PCs who search the inside of the sarcophagus surface, and a wooden bridge spans the stream near the
and succeed at a Search check (DC 20) find a secret com- middle of the room. A staircase to the north rises 10 feet and
partment containing a gold box inlaid with six chrysoberyls connects to a tunnel leading west.
(800 gp) containing incense of meditation and a malachite
dagger (70 gp). Development: PCs who make noise in this area attract the
attention of the guards in area U23. These guards take 1 round
U20. Choker Lair. The creature that lairs here is alert and can- to gather their weapons before investigating any disturbance.
not be surprised unless the PCs douse their light sources and
move silently. The rough-hewn tunnels leading to this area are U23. Guard Room.
4 feet tall and descend at a 20-degree angle, emerging in the
middle of a 12-foot-high oval cave. Bones cover the floor of This dank room contains four bedrolls, a table with four
the cave, which lies 4 feet below the tunnel mouths. chairs, and a wooden stand supporting a crude, straw-
Creature (EL 4): Clinging to the ceiling is the oldest living stuffed mannequin with two daggers embedded in its chest
denizen of the catacombs: a hungry and lonely choker. The and another dagger stuck in its head.
creature despises all other forms of life and craves the com-
pany of others of its kind. It is also tired of feasting on rats and Creatures (EL 7): Three brigands and their temperamental
other small vermin. pet—a dire wolverine—sleep here. The brigands patrol the cat-
PCs who can communicate with the creature can bribe it acombs from time to time but spend most of their day arm
with food or treasure. It knows the catacombs under the tem- wrestling or throwing daggers at the straw-stuffed mannequin.
ple but has not been beyond area U22. It has also encountered If captured, they can be coaxed into revealing the names and
Andress, who scared it away with her “foul magic.” locations of the various members of Harular’s Claws (DC 15
d Advanced Choker (1): CR 2*; Small Aberration; HD 6d8+6; Bluff or Intimidate check), but they lie about Harular himself
hp 44; Init +4; Spd 20 ft., climb 10 ft.; AC 16 (touch 11, flat- (they claim that he was slain by Ghosgor, who has usurped
footed 16); Atk +7 melee (1d3+3, 2 tentacle slaps); Reach 10 ft.; control of the organization).
SA free partial action, improved grab, constrict 1d3+3; AL CE; These brigands know that their leader is allied with the cler-
SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +6; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 4, Wis ics of Loviatar, who intend to enslave the village once their
13, Cha 7. temple lures a sufficient number of devotees. They know that
Skills: Climb +16, Hide +8, Move Silently +9. Feat: Improved the temple is run by a woman called “the Painmistress.” They
Initiative. have seen this woman, dressed in red robes and a mask, in the
*Ad Hoc XP: Due to the choker’s increased Hit Dice, you company of their half-dragon leader.
should double the XP award for overcoming it (whether the PCs k Ekariol, Myrcolar, and Norvan, Male Human War3: hp 24
slay or successfully bribe it). each; see area U10 for complete statistics and equipment.
Treasure: The choker keeps a small collection of 12 gems (100 d Dire Wolverine (1): hp 45; Monster Manual 57.
gp each) in a niche, which the PCs can locate with a success- Tactics: The brigands let the dire wolverine tear into the
ful Search check (DC 20). These gems were pried out of the most adversarial PC. If the dire wolverine is slain or turned
sarcopagus lid in area U19. against them, the brigands flee south toward area U3, hoping
to alert the rest of Harular’s Claws. If necessary, one of them
U21. Hall of Bones. This corridor is lined with six 20-foot-deep kicks the wooden bridge into the stream to thwart pursuit. If
alcoves. When she is not in the catacombs, Andress keeps a two brigands are taken down, the third surrenders.
The House of Torment (Areas U24–U40) Secret Doors: These stone portals are obscured by hideous
Herein lies the hidden shrine to Loviatar as well as the greater murals and symbols and are more difficult to spot than normal
temple where Andress plans to teach new followers the ways of secret doors. They are usually opened by depressing a hidden
the pain goddess. Herein the PCs will also find the cauldron of stone or panel on the nearby wall (requiring a DC 25 Search
desecration, which Andress and the devourer use to animate the check to find). Secret doors pivot on a central vertical axis.
corpses of fallen adversaries. s Secret Stone Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 8; hp 30; Break
While Andress torments the people of Twilight Hollow from (DC 28); Open Lock (DC 23); Search (DC 20 for door, 25 for
the Temple of Ilmater (area T5), she leaves the day-to-day hidden panel/stone).
operations of the House of Torment to her most Illumination: Areas U26–U40 are lit by continual flame
trusted subordinate, a vile half-elf named spells cast atop 5-foot-tall iron candlesticks.
Bhell the Painmonger. Bhell is the dread The candlesticks are bolted to the floor and
architect of the House of Torment, resemble long, barbed rods with open,
specially chosen for the task by the iron claws at the top. The claws appear
pain goddess herself. All of the to be holding the flames. Breaking or
House’s special features—its walls, removing a candlestick requires a
doors, and more horrible accou- successful Strength check.
trements—were lovingly crafted s Barbed Iron Candlesticks: 1 in.
by Bhell with the aid of magic thick; Hardness 10; hp 30; Break
and plain, simple ingenuity. (DC 24); Dispel (DC 16 for the con-
Walls: Walls throughout the tinual flame).
House of Torment are painted
with black symbols of pain U24. Disturbing Signs. Read or
(scourges, claws, barbs, spikes, paraphrase the following as the
teeth, flames, and so forth) as PCs make their way down either
well as scenes of torture intended of these two halls:
to repulse creatures of nonevil
alignment. There are no magical Black symbols begin appearing on
effects associated with these hor- the walls, becoming more prolifer-
rible motifs; they exist solely to ate the farther you travel. Wicked
comfort the servants of Loviatar scourges, crooked talons, scream-
and upset others. ing faces, barbed daggers, and
Biting Doors: Bhell fashioned all black flames are but a prelude to
of the doors in the House of more sadistic imagery. You begin
Torment from iron and stained them to see murals depicting elaborate
blood red. Each door is locked, and scenes of torture. Even more dis-
there is no keyhole. The doorknob is turbing is an overwhelming sense
tucked inside a gaping demon’s maw that these murals were painstak-
crafted from iron and held on by ingly crafted by someone who
sovereign glue. To unlock and knows the true meaning of pain.
thereby open a door, one must turn
the knob and allow the demonic PCs who make a successful
face to bite one’s hand or wrist. Knowledge (religion) check (DC 20)
The bite deals 1 point of damage, can spot clues suggesting that these
and only after tasting blood will the symbols and murals were painted by
door open. (One can try to avoid the a worshiper of Loviatar. Several scenes
damage with a successful DC 15 Reflex save, but the door show the torturers wearing ceremonial robes or brandishing
refuses to open until it has tasted fresh blood.) known symbols and favored weapons of the goddess.
Bloodless creatures (including undead and constructs) can-
not unlock the Biting Doors. Many of the House of Torment’s U25. Bhell’s Forge. Flickering, orange light spills out of this
living denizens have slightly reduced hit points, which can be chamber into the adjacent hall. Read or paraphrase the boxed
attributed to the opening of these nasty portals. text below as the PCs peer into the room:
Removing the demon face with universal solvent removes
the threat of being bitten but does not unlock the door. A suc- This room is illuminated by a crackling fire that plays within
cessful Open Locks roll allows one to open a door, but not until a semicircular firepit built against the south wall. An iron
the demon face is removed or disabled with a successful anvil sits on the floor before the firepit. Along the west and
Disable Device check. A knock spell works normally and allows north walls, a pair of stone tables seem to have risen natu-
safe passage through the iron portal. All doors have springs to rally from the floor. They are covered with tools, iron shav-
close them automatically, although they can be held open. ings, and bits of twisted metal.
s Iron Biting Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 60; deals 1
point of damage; Reflex save (DC 15) negates; Break (DC 28); The fire is, in fact, a fire elemental summoned by Andress
Open Lock (DC 25); Disable Device (DC 25 for demon face). using a lesser planar ally spell. It is further described under
95
Creature below. The tables were created with stone shape The “black smoke” hovering above the continual flame is
spells. The iron anvil requires a DC 22 Strength check to move the Creature. PCs approaching within 10 feet who succeed at
and conceals the Treasure. The tools are actually a set of mas- a Spot check (DC 12) realize its true nature.
terwork artisan’s tools (see Player’s Handbook, page 110). Three of the steel masks are fixed to the walls with sover-
Creature (EL 5): The ill-tempered fire elemental has agreed eign glue; the mask on the southeast wall hangs on a hidden
to remain on the Prime Material Plane long enough for Bhell to hook and can be lifted off. Removing the mask causes the hook
finish his work in the House of Torment. The elemental does to rise an inch, deactivating the Trap (see below).
not get along well with anyone, Bhell in particular, but it admires The south alcove contains an iron maiden—a coffin-shaped
the half-elf’s handiwork. torture device. Its lid bares dozens of wicked spikes that impale
The elemental cannot resist attacking anyone who tries to anyone trapped inside. The iron maiden is part of the Trap.
move the anvil or comes within striking distance. (It has 10-foot Creature (EL 5): A wraith floats above the continual flame,
reach.) Most of the time, it is indistinguishable from a large fire; waiting for the right moment to strike (see Tactics). The wraith
when it attacks, however, it “grows” two fiery arms and reveals was originally bound to a tomb under the Temple of Ilmater
a pair of flickering white eyes. (see area U19), but Andress was able to command it to serve
d Large Fire Elemental (1): hp 60; Monster Manual 83. as a guardian in the House of Torment. Once it reveals itself,
Treasure: The anvil covers an open cubby-hole in the floor. PCs can see that this creature resembles a woman whose fea-
Here Bhell has placed a potion of cure moderate wounds, a tures have been twisted by her horrible undead state.
potion of protection from elements (fire), and 250 gp in a small, d Wraith (1): hp 26; Monster Manual 185.
unlocked iron box emblazoned with a scowling elf visage. Tactics: The wraith waits for someone to trigger the trap
and become locked in the iron maiden. If this happens, it floats
U26. Maiden of Pain. through the ceiling and walls to attack the helpless character
within the torture device from the safety of the wall south of
A barbed, iron-wrought candlestick rises from the middle of the maiden. A trapped PC is in mortal danger unless he man-
the floor, ending in a claw that clutches a small orange flame ages to get free within a couple of rounds. If the characters
that illuminates the room. Black smoke issues from the danc- don’t trigger the trap, the wraith attacks whoever passes near.
ing flame. The flickering light plays off of four steel masks Trap (EL 8): The 10-foot-square section of floor directly in
that hang on the painted diagonal walls of this octagonal front of the alcove is a pressure plate. Applying 100 pounds
room. Each mask portrays a different face in excruciating or more of weight causes the lid of the iron maiden to fling
pain. In an alcove to the south leans an 8-foot tall, 4-foot- open. At the same time, the north end of the trapped section
wide metal lozenge resembling a coffin, its lid made of of floor tilts upward 60 degrees. Anyone standing on the
banded steel and hinged on one side. trapped floor who fails a Reflex save (DC 19) teeters and falls
into the alcove; one PC (whoever is nearest the alcove) is Show the players the illustration of the signs and levers.
thrust into the iron maiden, which immediately snaps shut and These levers control the four traps on the southern set of
bares its iron spikes. Other PCs who fail their saves are iron doors (area U32). Pulling down a lever deactivates a spe-
knocked prone within the alcove but take no damage. The floor cific trap; however, no more than three levers can be pulled
lowers back into place immediately and locks for 3 rounds, down, meaning that at least one trap remains active. (If three
during which time it cannot be triggered again. levers are pulled down, the fourth lever locks in place and
The iron maiden’s lid locks automatically when shut. Opening cannot be moved until one of the other levers is lifted.) By
it requires a knock spell, a successful Strength check (DC 28), pulling down specific levers, the PCs choose which trap(s) to
or a successful Open Lock check (DC 25). A PC trapped in the disarm and which to leave in place. The traps are as follows:
iron maiden is considered pinned. A trapped PC can make a Lever #1 (twisted flame): Pulling down this lever deactivates
Strength check (DC 28) to break free. Each such attempt a fire glyph of warding.
causes 3d4 additional points of damage. Lever #2 (spiked, lightning orb): Pulling down this lever dis-
The pressure plate trap can be disarmed by lifting away the arms an electricity glyph of warding.
5-pound metal mask on the southeast wall. This locks the floor Lever #3 (cracked, screaming face): Pulling down this lever
into place and keeps the iron maiden’s lid from opening. The deactivates a sonic glyph of warding.
iron maiden itself it bolted to the floor of the alcove. Lever #4 (iron spike): Pulling down this lever locks the con-
a Tilting Floor and Iron Maiden: CR 8; 10-foot-square sec- cealed, spike-filled pit in front of the double doors.
tion of floor; 10d4+10 points of damage (iron spikes); Reflex save When the southern set of doors open, all levers rise to their
(DC 19) negates; Search (DC 25 for floorplate); Disable Device “up” positions; undischarged glyphs and the pit trap reset
(DC 25 for floorplate, DC 27 for iron maiden lid). when the doors close.
s Iron Maiden: 2 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 60; Break (DC
28); Open Lock (DC 25). U28. Master of Pain.
U27. Four Symbols. The walls of this octagonal room are painted with grisly tor-
ture scenes. A strange apparatus rises from the middle of
Two flights of stairs descend toward the south, ending at a the floor. It consists of a wooden, X-shaped cross mounted
set of massive iron doors embossed with horribly contorted atop a hideous, iron-wrought stand. The stand is bolted to a
faces. Four deep alcoves, two on the middle landing and two large stone turntable on the floor and is covered with wicked
at the bottom of the stairs, line the hall. barbs and spikes, although handles enable one to turn the
The walls here are adorned with repellent symbols and apparatus to face different directions.
designs, save for the north wall, which is marked with four A half-elf, his face half-ruined by fire, is bound to the
large signs painted in blood. The signs depict, from west to cross by a series of iron chains and shackles. Floating
east: a twisted flame; a spiked orb infused by lightning; a nearby is a creature with red skin, sharp teeth, and a dozen
cracked, screaming face; and a downward-pointing spike. spindly claws that hang menacingly from its bulbous form.
Beneath each sign is an iron lever set into the wall. Someone
has etched a rune resembling a cat-o’-nine-tails into each The fire-scarred half-elf strapped to the torture device is
lever’s tip, and all levers are currently in the “up” position. Bhell, a sadistic and masochistic cleric of Loviatar. The bulbous
97
creature floating next to him is his ally: a rast. With the rast’s Tactics: If freed, Bhell lures the PCs to area U33, hoping
help, Bhell is testing his latest handiwork and experiencing new that the devourer and the undead will destroy them. In the
levels of pain. He removes his robe and holy symbol before meantime, he allays suspicion by offering to use his “limited
chaining himself to the cross; they are bundled in a heap next to curative magic” to heal wounded PCs. He does not like Evelyth
Bhell’s scourge. (area U30) and attacks her, if necessary, to perpetuate his
Anyone chained to the torture device can get free with a ruse. Bhell is loyal to Andress—for now—and betrays the PCs
successful Escape Artist check (DC 30). at the most opportune moment.
Creatures (EL 7): The rast rushes to attack intruders. Bhell Bhell uses his darkness spell to aid escapes. If forced to flee,
is currently chained to the torture device and cannot escape. he heads to area U31 and dons the suit of armor there, then
If the rast is defeated, the half-elf claims to be a cleric of casts his defensive spells. Bhell enjoys casting death knell on
Tempus who was captured by brigands on the road. He offers dying foes and performing coup de grace attacks on held
the following information in response to specific questions. opponents.
Who are you, and what are you doing here? “I am Darvain
Evenhand. I was captured by brigands, blindfolded, and brought U29. Death By Firelight.
here. An evil cleric intends to sacrifice me to some foul undead
creature that lurks in a temple near here.” (False) This 20-foot by 30-foot room is empty save for two iron
What is this place? “They call it the House of Torment, a candlesticks jutting from the floor, a flickering orange flame
shrine dedicated to the pain goddess, Loviatar.” (True) dancing atop each one.
Who runs the temple? “The temple’s high cleric is a despi-
cable woman named Evelyth who hides her face behind a Creature (EL 7): The devourer in area U33 used a lesser pla-
spiked wooden mask that’s been painted black.” (Partially true; nar ally spell to call forth a hellcat to guard this room. The hell-
Evelyth wears a mask, but she isn’t the high cleric.) cat is invisible in this lit area. In the dark, it shows up as a
Who owns these? (referring to the bundled black robe, holy faintly glowing outline visible up to 30 feet away.
symbol of Loviatar, and scourge on the floor): “I don’t know his Hellcat (1): hp 52; Monster Manual 48–51 (devil).
name. When my interrogator heard you approaching, he Development: The hellcat roars when it attacks, alerting the
transformed into black vapor and seeped through a crack in denizens of areas U28, U30, and U33. After 1 round, Evelyth
the wall. His possessions fell to the floor the instant he trans- appears from area U30 and joins the fray. The devourer in
formed.” (False. If asked which wall, Bhell nods toward either the U33 sends two desecrated zombies to assist.
west or east, hoping the PCs find the secret door there.)
Bhell is a lithe half-elf with dark eyes, angular features, and U30. Tormentorium.
a small tattoo of a cat-o’-nine-tails on the palm of his left hand.
(He keeps his fist clenched to hide the mark from PCs). The left The purpose of this chamber is clear at a glance. Along the
side of his face appears melted; Bhell ruined his otherwise north wall are six 8-foot-square pits, their yawning maws
handsome face during a fire ritual—a sacrifice to his beloved covered by iron grates with heavy padlocks. An ugly iron
goddess. He wears leather pants (hidden in which are two potions chair equipped with manacles stands near the south wall,
and a dagger), and his bare chest is covered with bleeding next to a stone, claw-footed brazier filled with iron pokers
scars (dealt by the rast). and red-hot coals. Hanging from the ceiling are chains end-
k Bhell, Male Half-Elf Clr5 (Loviatar): CR 5; Medium-size ing in wicked iron hooks.
Humanoid (5 ft. 8 in. tall); HD 5d8+15; hp 42 (currently 31); Init The south wall, unlike the others in this hateful complex,
+5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 12 (touch 12, flat-footed 11); Atk +5 melee is not covered in horrid symbols or murals. Instead, some-
(1d8+1, scourge) or +4 melee (1d4+1/crit 19–20, dagger); SA one has plastered the wall and embedded the skeletons of
command/rebuke undead 3/day; AL LE; SV Fort +7, Ref +3, several unfortunates in the plaster, trapping them in a
Will +7; Str 12, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 15, Wis 16, Cha 10. dance macabre for all time. Three iron candlesticks rise
Skills: Bluff +3, Concentration +7, Craft (blacksmithing) +5, from the middle of the floor, each one clutching a flicker-
Craft (locksmithing) +6, Craft (trapmaking) +6, Disguise +2, ing flame.
Escape Artist +4, Spellcraft +3. Feats: Brew Potion, Improved
Initiative. This torture chamber hasn’t seen much use as yet. Once the
Spells (5/4+1/3+1/2+1, base save DC = 13 + spell level): 0— temple is fully operational, however, Andress plans to kidnap
cure minor wounds (×5); 1st—bane†, command, cure light wounds, local villagers and indoctrinate them into the cult of Loviatar
entropic shield, magic weapon; 2nd—bull’s strength†, darkness, by letting them experience pain beyond their wildest dreams.
death knell, hold person; 3rd—bestow curse†, meld into stone, All of the pits are currently empty, although PCs who are
protection from elements (fire). taken captive in the House of Torment might be detained here.
†
Domain spells. Domains: Strength (feat of strength 1/day: s Padlocked Iron Grate: 1 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp 30
+5 Strength for 1 round), Suffering (pain touch 1/day; suc- (grate), 15 (padlock); Break (DC 26); Open Lock (DC 25).
cessful melee touch attack bestows –2 enhancement penalty to Creatures (EL 5): One of Andress’s acolytes, Evelyth, has
Strength and Dexterity for 1 minute; does not affect creatures been charged with getting this room in order, but she is not the
immune to critical hits). sole occupant. Eight skeletons embedded in the plaster of the
Possessions: Scourge, dagger, +1 ring of protection, potion south wall (each marked with an X on the map) are animated
of cure moderate wounds, potion of endurance, black robe, undead guardians that leap forth when commanded by an evil
holy symbol of Loviatar. cleric or when someone other than Evelyth tampers with any
d Rast (1): hp 22; Monster Manual 154. of the room’s sinister accoutrements.
Evelyth wears black robes and a black, hinged wooden mask Trap #2 (EL 2): If lever #2 in area U27 was not pulled down,
adorned with wicked spikes. She appears as a stern, raven- opening the doors triggers an electrical glyph of warding that
haired woman with a jagged scar on both sides of her mouth fills the 10-foot by 5-foot area due north of the double doors.
that gives the illusion of a cruel grin, but Evelyth never smiles. a Electrical Glyph of Warding: CR 2; 5-foot radius blast,
Thoroughly depraved, she charges fearlessly into battle with her 4d8 points of electrical damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half
scourge and would sooner kill herself than be taken prisoner. damage; Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 19).
k Evelyth, Female Human Clr2 (Loviatar): hp 19 (currently Trap #3 (EL 2): If lever #3 in area U27 was not pulled down,
15); other statistics identical to Dyrch (area U5). Evelyth car- opening the doors triggers a sonic glyph of warding that fills
ries the keys to the padlocks that seal the pits’ iron grates. the 20-foot by 10-foot area due north of the double doors.
d Desecrated Humanoid Skeletons (8): hp 8 each; Monster a Sonic Glyph of Warding: CR 2; 5-foot radius blast, 4d8
Manual 165. These skeletons receive a +2 profane bonus to points of sonic damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half damage;
attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws. Charisma checks Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 19).
to turn them suffer a –6 profane penalty. Trap #4 (EL 4): If lever #4 in area U27 was not pulled down,
the 40-foot by 10-foot section of floor north of the doors opens
U31. Bhell’s Bedchamber. The door to this chamber is trapped; into a 20-foot-deep, spiked pit the instant they are opened.
see Trap below for details. a Spiked Pit (20 feet deep): CR 4; no attack roll necessary
(2d6); +10 melee (1d4 spikes for 1d4+2 points of damage, plus poi-
This room is sparsely furnished, containing a bed, a dresser, son, per successful hit); greenblood oil (Injury DC 13; initial dam-
and a small wooden coffin with a lid sculpted in the shape of age 1 Con, secondary damage 1d2 Con); Reflex save (DC 20)
a grinning halfling. avoids; Search (DC 20); Disable Device (DC 20).
The dresser has three drawers. It holds the Treasure. U33. Temple of Loviatar.
Trap (EL 4): In addition to biting the hand of the person who
opens it (see the “Biting Doors” section above), this door injects This enormous triangular chamber is illuminated by a sickly
poison into the wound unless the eyes of the demon face are red light emanating from the gaping maw of a great stone
depressed as the doorknob is turned. Disabling the poison trap cauldron. The cauldron sits atop a 10-foot-high granite plat-
can be done only after the biting mechanism is disabled. form with stairways leading up to it on either side.
a Poisonous Biting Door: CR 4; 1 point of damage plus The ceiling to the north is 20 feet tall and forms a balcony
deathblade poison (Injury DC 20; initial damage 1d6 Con, sec- overlooking the rest of the chamber. This balcony is sup-
ondary damage 2d6 Con); Search (DC 24); Disable Device (DC ported by a pair of obsidian pillars carved to resemble
25 for both the biting mechanism and poison injector). horned demons clutching scourges and great blades. To the
Treasure: The top drawer of the dresser contains a wooden south, the ceiling soars to a height of 40 feet.
mask decorated with barbed whips from a cat-o’-nine-tails and
a red ceremonial robe with hood. The middle drawer contains
common clothes that Bhell wears when moving about the sur-
face. The bottom drawer contains a disguise kit, a healer’s kit,
and assorted blood-encrusted weapons (four daggers, a sickle,
three darts, and a handaxe).
Bhell uses the halfling coffin as a storage chest. It contains
a suit of masterwork chainmail and a pair of spiked gauntlets.
U32. Screaming Doors.
These iron double doors feature dozens of embossed human

and demonic faces, their eyes and mouths wide with agony,
their screams silenced.
These doors are not locked and open into area U33. They
are rigged with four traps, up to three of which can be deac-
tivated by pulling down the special levers in area U27. (These
doors were intended as a rite of passage whereby clerics of
Loviatar could choose which form of pain they wished to
endure before crossing the threshold into the temple.)
These doors can be opened safely from area U33. The traps
are triggered only by persons coming from the north.
Trap #1 (EL 2): If lever #1 in area U27 was not pulled down,
opening the doors triggers a fire glyph of warding that fills the
10-foot by 5-foot area directly north of the double doors.
a Fire Glyph of Warding: CR 2; 5-foot radius blast, 4d8
points of fire damage; Reflex save (DC 17) for half damage;
Search (DC 28); Disable Device (DC 28); Dispel (DC 19).
99
apart from what the PCs bring with them, is the dread glow of
CAULDRON OF DESECRATION
The cauldron of desecration is an unholy relic created long
the cauldron of desecration perched atop the central platform.
The cauldron is described in the above sidebar.
ago. It was lost and recovered many times before ending The obsidian pillars that support the northern balcony are
up in Tempest Tower, stronghold of the clerics of Talos. exquisitely sculpted but otherwise ordinary.
When Tempest Tower fell, the cauldron spilled out into the Creatures (EL 14): This room contains the devourer plus
swamp. Its guardian—a devourer—remained by the caul- several creatures killed by Harular’s Claws and animated by
dron’s side for years until Andress happened upon them Andress: four Medium-size monstrous spiders, a rust monster,
(see the “Adventure Background” for details). and two otyughs. The spiders and rust monster were created
Any skeleton or corpse of Medium-size or smaller ani- with the help of the cauldron and thus have +2 hit points per
mated within the cauldron is also permanently desecrated. Hit Die and a +2 profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls,
The undead retains its extra hit points and profane and saving throws. All Charisma checks made to turn them
bonuses even after leaving the cauldron and its vicinity. If suffer a –6 profane penalty. The otyughs were too big to fit
the cauldron’s power is used by a cleric in a shrine or tem- inside the cauldron, but they gain the benefits of a desecrate
ple dedicated to the cleric’s deity, the desecration effect is spell so long as they remain within 20 feet of the relic.
enhanced (as described in the spell description on page 192 d Devourer (1): hp 78; see Monster Manual 53–54.
of the Player’s Handbook). d Desecrated Medium-size Monstrous Spider Zombies (4):
So evil is the cauldron of desecration that its power CR 1; Medium-size Undead; HD 2d12+7 (includes Toughness
extends beyond itself. Undead that are not animated within feat and desecration); hp 17 each; Init –1; Spd 30 ft., climb 20
the cauldron gain the benefits of a desecrate spell so long ft.; AC 11 (touch 9, flat-footed 11); Atk +4 melee (1d6 plus poison,
as they remain within 20 feet of it. (This goes for the bite); SA poison (Injury DC 14; initial and secondary damage
devourer as well.) However, they lose their extra hit points 1d4 Str); SQ undead, partial actions only, Charisma checks to
and profane bonuses as soon as they travel more than 20 turn suffer a –6 profane penalty; AL N; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will
feet from the cauldron. +5; Str 13, Dex 8, Con —, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 1.
The cauldron has SR 25 and is impervious to dispel d Desecrated Rust Monster Zombie (1): CR 1; Medium-size
magic and break enchantment spells. It is rendered tem- Undead; HD 2d12+7 (includes Toughness feat and desecration);
porarily powerless if brought into a hallowed area. A con- hp 19; Init –1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (touch 9, flat-footed 14); Atk +4
secrate spell cast directly on the cauldron must overcome melee (special, antenna touch) or +4 melee (1d3+2, bite); SA rust;
the item’s spell resistance to have any effect (even though SQ undead, partial actions only, Charisma checks to turn suf-
spell resistance does not normally apply to the consecrate fer a –6 profane penalty; AL N; SV Fort +2, Ref +1, Will +5; Str
spell). If the spell overcomes the cauldron’s SR, the caul- 13, Dex 8, Con —, Int —, Wis 10, Cha 1.
dron cracks and explodes, dealing 5d8 points of unholy d Otyugh Zombies (2): CR 2; Large Undead; HD 4d12+3
damage to all good-aligned creatures within 30 feet and (includes Toughness feat); hp 35 each; Init –1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 16
half damage to creatures that are neither good nor evil. (touch 8, flat-footed 16); Atk +4 melee (1d6+4, tentacle rake) or
The cauldron itself is destroyed in the unholy blast. +4 melee (1d4+4 and disease, bite); Reach 10 ft. (15 ft. with ten-
The devourer was bound to this plane to protect the tacle); SA improved grab, constrict 1d6+4, disease (filth fever;
cauldron of desecration. If the cauldron is destroyed, the DC 12; incubation period 1d3 days; damage 1d3 temporary Dex
devourer vanishes in a cloud of cloying darkness, taking and 1d3 temporary Con); Str 17, Dex 8, Con —, Int —, Wis 10,
Shaunnra’s captive soul with it. Cha 1.
Caster Level: 18th; Weight: 600 lbs. Note: So long as the otyugh zombies remain within 20 feet
of the cauldron of desecration, they get +8 hit points as well
as a +1 profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving
Assuming the devourer is alerted to the PCs’ intrusion, it has throws. Turn checks against them suffer a –3 profane penalty.
taken measures to prepare for their arrival. Read or paraphrase Tactics: The devourer climbs onto the platform and stands
the following: behind the cauldron, which provides one-half cover (one-quar-
ter cover against foes on the balcony or flying opponents).
Standing in front of the cauldron are several monsters that Drawing on Shaunnra’s trapped essence, it begins using its var-
seem to be in varying states of decay. You see four enormous ious spell-like abilities. The paladin’s essence fuels the devourer
spiders, some of them with legs and eyes missing; a reddish- with enough power to employ ten spell-like abilities, at which
yellow creature with a single wavering antenna, a paddle- point Shaunnra’s essence is destroyed and the devourer must
shaped tail, and chitinous armor plating; and two putrid, ovoid attempt to trap someone else. If the aasimar cleric Levetron is
horrors with spine-laced tentacles and great, gaping maws! with the PCs, the devourer chooses him before all others.
However, these horrors pale in comparison to the gaunt, The devourer uses its control undead spell-like ability to
15-foot-tall creature rising up from behind the cauldron and command the zombies to attack. If it suspects the presence of
the shrivelled form of a woman trapped in its hollow ribcage. invisible foes, it uses its true seeing ability. Using its confusion
The creature cracks a wide smile, and the thing in its ribcage spell-like ability to neutralize as many PCs as possible (the
begins to shudder and wail. zombies in the room are not affected by the spell), the
devourer begins using its spectral hand spell-like ability cou-
The walls of this temple are free of the dreadful symbols and pled with its energy drain power. It reserves its suggestion
murals that pervade the complex. Also, there are no candlesticks and ray of enfeeblement spell-like abilities for confrontational
lit with continual flame spells. The only source of illumination, warrior-types.

The monstrous spider zombies have the ability to climb ver- weakening of her mount, Ruth (see area T1e for Ruth’s statis-
tical surfaces. The rust monster zombie heads straight for the tics and page 43 of the Player’s Handbook).
most heavily armored PC. The otyughs stay within 20 feet of k Shaunnra Stillhand, Female Human Pal8 (Ilmater): CR 8;
the cauldron and use their reach to grab and constrict prey. Medium-size Humanoid (6 ft. tall); HD 8d10+8; hp 63; Init +0;
The starting locations of the creatures are marked on the Spd 20 ft. (30 ft. base); AC 22 (touch 12, flat-footed 22); Atk
tactical map below. If the devourer sent two of its monstrous +13/+8 melee (1d8+4 plus 2d6 holy damage/crit 19–20, +1 holy
spider zombies to help the hellcat in area U29, there will be two longsword with Weapon Focus feat); SA smite evil (+4 attack
fewer zombies than shown on the tactical map. bonus, +8 damage bonus), turn undead 7/day; SQ detect evil,
Development: The sounds of battle in this room alert the lay on hands (32 hp), divine health, aura of courage, remove
denizens of areas U28–U30 (assuming they are still alive). The disease 2/week, spells; AL LG; SV Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +9; Str
hellcat arrives in 1 round, Evelyth arrives in 2 rounds, and 17, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 16, Cha 18.
Bhell and his rast companion arrive in 3 rounds. Skills: Concentration +5, Diplomacy +12, Handle Animal +12,
Unless the PCs have access to a limited wish, miracle, or Heal +11, Knowledge (religion) +9, Ride +8. Feats: Mounted
wish spell handy, the only way they can free Shaunnra is by Combat, Ride-By Attack, Spirited Charge, Weapon Focus
destroying the devourer. When this happens, read or para- (longsword).
phrase the following: Spells (2/1, base save DC = 13 + spell level): 1st—cure light
wounds, divine favor; 2nd—shield other.
The creature falls dead. For a moment, the entire world holds Possessions: +2 half-plate, +1 large steel shield of light for-
its breath, and then the creature’s ribs spread wide. The tor- tification, +1 holy longsword.
tured soul of Shaunnra Stillhand crawls from its prison. It
floats free, and an opalescent glow ignites around the spirit. U34. Balcony.
Shaunnra looks at you. Her eyes convey the depth of her
gratitude, and then, with a murmur that you feel more than This 20-foot-deep balcony looks out over the main temple
hear, she flies up through the ceiling and vanishes. from a height of 15 feet. It is enclosed by a barbed, wrought-
iron railing shaped to resemble entwined whips and scourges.
Shaunnra’s shrivelled spirit soars into the afterlife. If she is Two stone braziers shaped like monstrous claws erupt from
raised, she must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 17) for each the floor, tendrils of smoke spewing forth from black incense
negative level or lose that level permanently. At the start of in the palm of each claw.
this encounter, Shaunnra has accrued six negative levels.
Shaunnra’s statistics (given below) assume that she has not The braziers were formed with the aid of stone shape spells
lost any levels. Note that a loss of levels could also result in a but are otherwise unremarkable. The incense has a spicy aroma.
TEMPLE OF LOVIATAR (AREA U33)

One square = 5 feet
D = Devourer
O = Otyugh Zombie
R = Rust Monster Zombie
S = Monstrous Spider Zombie
OO
S S S S
R
D
Desecrated Area
101
a Dispel Magic Glyph of Warding (1 per alcove): CR 2;

spell effects cast on the person are dispelled (dispel check is
1d20+8 against a DC of 11 + the spell’s caster level); Search (DC
28); Disable Device (DC 28).
Development: If Andress has withdrawn to area U40, she
places eighteen desecrated skeletons here—three per alcove.
These are the same skeletons found in area U21; if they have
already been destroyed, they are not encountered here. All
eighteen skeletons rush forth to attack PCs on first sight. The
sounds of battle alert Andress, who begins casting defensive
spells (see area U40 for details).
U36. Acolytes’ Quarters. There are ten of these chambers, all

furnished identically.
Disturbing murals cover the walls of this 20-foot-square

room. Arranged about the walls are six hard wooden cots,
and a single, unlit iron candlestick erupts from the floor.
Currently there are far more cots than Andress’s followers

can fill, but by the grace of Loviatar, she hopes to lure more
worshipers to the House of Torment once Twilight Hollow has
been enslaved.
Although Evelyth uses these rooms from time to time, she
keeps no valuables here.
U37. Demonic Well.
A stone-rimmed well plunges into darkness in the middle of

this room. A sculpted demon fixture stands atop the well,
clutching an iron winch rigged with a rope and bucket.
U35. Alcoves. Each of these alcoves is identical. The well shaft descends 30 feet to an underground, fresh-
water stream. The well’s demonic fixture looks disturbing, but
Worked into the back wall of this 10-foot-deep alcove is a it is harmless.
bas-relief depicting a triangle inscribed with a circle, within
which is painted the sneering face of a woman with barbed U38. Andress’s Bedchamber.
whips for hair. The wall to the right of the bas-relief bears
an inset iron plate with a hand-shaped indentation. Suspended from the ceiling by four iron chains is a large bed
that dangles 2 feet off the floor. The bed itself consists of a
The bas-relief depicts Loviatar, goddess of pain. The back wooden frame covered with taut leather straps—no mattress,
wall of each alcove is also a secret door that pivots on a cen- pillows, or other creature comforts.
tral vertical axis. All six secret doors are connected mechan- Rising from the floor to either side of the bed is a barbed,
ically so that if one door opens, the others open as well. wrought-iron candlestick clutching a feeble orange flame—
Opening a secret door requires that a Small or Medium- barely enough light to illuminate the corners of the 30-foot-
size humanoid creature place its right hand in the hand-shaped square room.
plate on the wall. Closer inspection reveals three tiny holes in the A tall, ornately sculpted wardrobe against the north wall
indentation. If a PC places his or her open hand in the inden- has been adorned with human skulls. Nearby stands an
tation without simultaneously uttering the word “Loviatar,” a wrought-iron oval frame grasping a full-length mirror.
Trap is triggered. (The word can be spoken as part of a phrase, Covering the west, north, and east walls are murals depict-
such as “Praise Loviatar!” or “Loviatar, in your name I am ing bloody massacres. The south wall shows a procession of
strong.”) The secret door opens regardless of whether the trap manacled prisoners being led by red-robed clerics to a black
is sprung. The secret doors remain open for 1 round before throne, seated in which is a beautiful yet harsh-looking
closing automatically. woman in black leather brandishing a blood-red scourge.
Trap (EL 2): If a PC places his hand in the indentation and
fails to speak the proper command word, he triggers a glyph The mural of the woman with the scourge is intended to
of warding that targets him with a dispel magic. Once the glyph represent Loviatar. The secret door leading to area U39 is
is triggered, that alcove remains safe until Andress renews the hidden in the pain goddess’s black throne.
spell. The tiny holes in the hand-shaped iron plate are red her- The wardrobe contains three black robes embroidered with
rings intended to make rogues think that they might contain silver thread, each bearing the symbol of a nine-tailed scourge,
poisoned needles or some other mechanical device. as well as several tight-fitting, red and black gowns. Hanging

on the back wall of the wardrobe are two sets of masterwork • a gold censer with red spinel inlays (900 gp);
manacles (with keys), a black hood, and a whip. Above this • four flasks of warm, bubbling acid (10 gp each);
paraphernalia, on a shelf, sits the Treasure. • a bundle of 25 +1 flaming arrows.
s Masterwork Iron Manacles: 1 in. thick; Hardness 10; hp Chest #4: The glyph triggers a contagion spell, which mani-
10; Break (DC 28); Escape Artist (DC 35); Open Lock (DC 30). fests as a dusty cloud that catches everyone within 5 feet of the
The mirror is exquisitely crafted, weighs 225 pounds in its chest. The cloud afflicts anyone in the area with cackle fever
iron frame, and is worth 750 gp intact. (incubation period 1 day; damage 1d6 Wisdom) unless a Fortitude
Treasure: PCs searching the wardrobe find a small ebony save (DC 16) succeeds). Consult the Dungeon Master’s Guide,
box shaped like a miniature sarcophagus (60 gp). It contains a page 75, for a description of this disease. The chest contains:
masterwork dagger specially built with a reservoir designed to • a wooden headdress adorned with howler spines (80 gp);
hold up to three doses of poison. A small groove running the • five black, bony spikes from a manticore;
length of the blade allows the poison to flow to the tip. A small • a hollowed-out minotaur’s horn set with bloodstones (300
crystal vial shaped like a skull holds a single dose of purple gp), tucked inside which is a tiny azurite tube (25 gp) contain-
worm poison (see page 80 of the Dungeon Master’s Guide). ing three ounces of stone salve;
• a three-chambered glass flask containing three potions:
U39. Secret Treasury. hiding, sneaking, and Wisdom.
• a scroll tube made from a unicorn’s horn (250 gp) hold-
The secret door pivots open to reveal a dark room 10 feet ing a scroll of lightning bolt (maximized, cast at 12th level).
deep and 20 feet wide. Four iron-wrought stands rest
against the south wall, and upon each stand sits a wooden U40. The Altar of Agony. If she has retreated to this chamber,
chest with iron fittings and hinges. Each chest bears a lock Andress dons her ceremonial red robe and mask (see
that resembles a gaping skull. Treasure) and orders the shrine’s guardian (see Creatures) to
remain vigilant while she prays to Loviatar for strength and
All four chests are locked, and Andress carries the keys. casts defensive spells (see Tactics). If Harular accompanied
s Iron-reinforced Wooden Chest: 2 in. thick; Hardness 5; Andress to the temple, the half-dragon halfling is by her side.
hp 15; Break (DC 25); Open Lock (DC 30). All of the secret doors leading to this room are connected
Trap (EL 2 per chest): Andress has trapped the chests with mechanically so that they all open and close together; they are
glyphs of warding that appear as tiny, scourge-like markings in also trapped (see area U35 for details). On the floor by each
some innocuous place. Each glyph triggers when anyone other secret door is an iron pedal that, when depressed, allows the
than Andress opens the chest. doors to be opened easily from inside the room.
a Glyphs of Warding (1 per chest): CR 2; see each chest
(below) for specific effects; Search (DC 28); Disable Device Hidden behind the secret door is a 10-foot-high rectangular
(DC 28); Dispel (DC 19). room lit by flickering orange flames atop iron-wrought poles.
Chest #1: The glyph of warding triggers a spiritual weapon Dominating the middle of the chamber is an iron altar cov-
spell, summoning forth a ghostly scourge that attacks for 8 ered with spikes, impaled on which are a dozen or more
rounds before disappearing (Atk +6/+1 melee; 1d8/crit ×2). The humanoid skulls. Near the altar stands a T-shaped iron rack
chest contains the following treasure: with hooks for hanging clothes. An ugly iron censer is sus-
• a carved bone statuette depicting a skeletal knight (30 gp); pended above the altar by three chains affixed to the ceil-
• a finely wrought gold bracelet (55 gp); ing. Tendrils of foul-smelling purple smoke issue from the
• an ornate silver ewer (60 gp) wrapped in black cloth; dagger-shaped holes in the censer. The walls near the floor
• a silver pendant set with four red garnets (450 gp); and ceiling are painted with bright orange flames and
• a rock crystal flask (100 gp) containing four doses of anti- adorned with dangling sets of iron manacles.
toxin (50 gp per dose).
Chest #2: The glyph on this chest triggers an inflict serious If Andress is not present, her ceremonial robe and mask
wounds spell that deals 3d8+8 points of damage. No attack roll hang on the T-shaped rack by the altar; otherwise, the rack is
is required, but the glyph can cause harm only to a creature bare. Manacles hang from every wall that is not marked by a
in direct contact with the chest. This chest contains: secret door.
• a black cloth mask sewn with four moonstones and dozens PCs who inspect the altar closely and succeed at a Search
of tiny, silver hooks (260 gp); or Spot check (DC 16) can see that it has several hinges and
• a jade comb shaped like a green dragon (180 gp); gears built into it.
• three glass flasks of alchemist’s fire (20 gp each); Creatures (EL 9+): An ethereal xill cleric of Loviatar guards
• a bundle of 12 smokesticks (20 gp each); this room. The creature wears a suit of black studded leather
• three thunderstones (30 gp each) in a rhodochrosite bowl armor tightened with straps and buckles and a magic cloak
set with citrines (450 gp). made from darkmantle hide (see Treasure below).
Chest #3: The glyph on this chest triggers a summon mon- The iron altar is an animated object constructed by Bhell
ster III spell that brings forth a dretch (see page 41 of the Monster and brought to life by Loviatar. When commanded to attack by
Manual for statistics). After 8 rounds or when slain, it vanishes a cleric of the pain goddess, the vaguely rectangular altar
in an inky black cloud. The chest contains: unfolds a pair of arms and legs, transforming into an 8-foot-tall
• a leather glove with steel claws protruding from the fin- headless, spike-covered humanoid. The transformation takes 1
gertips; used as a weapon, it rakes for 1d3 points of damage. round. The animated altar doggedly pursues foes but cannot
• a gold circlet set with a fiery yellow corundum (1,500 gp); pass through a closed “biting door.”

(lightning), and invisibility purge. She then drinks her potion of

cat’s grace. In combat, she casts spiritual weapon, bane, poi-
son, and inflict wounds spells. She casts death knell on any foe
who falls in battle.
Harular drinks his potion of resist elements (fire).
While ethereal, Quel casts endure elements (fire) and shield
of faith at the first sign of trouble. As the PCs enter the room,
the xill casts magic weapon on its short sword, then uses its
move action to materialize next to a PC. It calls upon its feat of
strength domain ability the following round as it makes two
sword attacks and two claw attacks. It relies on its spell resist-
ance to neutralize enemy spellcasters.
Treasure: Three new magic items can be found in this area:
Andress’s mask of silent casting and robe of minor fire resist-
ance, and Quel’s darkmantle cloak.
w Mask of Silent Casting: This simple wooden mask allows its
wearer to omit verbal components when casting spells; spells
cast by the wearer are effectively silenced (as though cast
with the Silent Spell feat). Note that the mask does nothing to
silence the wearer’s normal voice and does not allow silent use
of magic items requiring command words.
Caster Level: 7th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, Silent
Spell feat, spell immunity (silence); Market Price: 56,000 gp.
w Robe of Minor Fire Resistance: This heavy red robe pro-
tects the wearer from fire, absorbing the first 15 points of
damage from any fire attack. (This is a variation of the ring of
elemental resistance; see Dungeon Master’s Guide, page 193.)
Caster Level: 5th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, pro-
tection from elements; Market Price: 16,000 gp.
d Quel, Xill Clr2 (Loviatar): CR 8; Medium-size Outsider w Darkmantle Cloak: This black cloak is fashioned from the
(lawful, evil); HD 5d8+10 (xill) plus 2d8+4 (Clr); hp 50; Init +7; hide of a darkmantle and allows the wearer to cast darkness
Spd 40 ft.; AC 24 (touch 13, flat-footed 21); Atk +9 melee (as a 5th-level sorcerer) once per day on command. The cloak
(1d6+3 plus 2d6 points of lawful damage/crit 19–20, +1 lawful is the origin of the effect unless the wearer designates (and
short sword), +9 melee (1d6+2/crit 19–20, short sword with touches) a different object.
magic weapon spell), +3 melee (1d4+1, 2 claws); SA improved Caster Level: 5th; Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item,
grab, paralysis, implant, rebuke undead 3/day; SQ planewalk, darkness; Market Price: 4,000 gp.
SR 21; AL LE; SV Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +8; Str 15, Dex 16, Con Development: Andress is unrecognizable behind her mask
15, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 11. of silent casting. If the PCs have not yet exposed her treach-
Skills: Concentration +4, Escape Artist +11, Heal +3, Intuit ery and the battle turns against her, Andress flees the House
Direction +6, Listen +9, Move Silently +11, Spellcraft +3, Spot of Torment (with the aid of her expeditious retreat spell) and
+9, Tumble +11. Feats: Improved Initiative, Multidexterity, Multi- returns to the Temple of Ilmater, determined to find sanctuary
weapon Fighting. within its walls and turn all of Twilight Hollow against the PCs.
Cleric Spells (4/3+1, base save DC = 11 + spell level): 0—cure See Part IV below for details.
minor wounds, guidance, light, mending; 1st—cause fear, endure
elements (fire)†, magic weapon, shield of faith.
†
Domain spell. Domains: Evil (casts evil spells at +1 caster PART IV: SORROW’S DEMISE
level), Strength (feat of strength 1/day: +2 Strength for 1 round).
Possessions: +1 studded leather armor, +1 lawful short sword, Andress is quite intelligent, and her ring of mind shielding goes
darkmantle cloak (see Treasure below for complete statistics), a long way toward hiding her evil machinations. It is possible
short sword. that the PCs might never suspect her hand in Shaunnra’s
d Animated Iron Altar (1): CR 3; Large Construct; HD 4d10; death. It is more likely, however, that the PCs learn the truth
hp 33; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14 (touch 9, flat-footed 14); Atk and confront her directly—either in the Temple of Ilmater or
+5 melee (1d8+4 plus spikes, slam); Reach 10 ft.; SA spikes (see the House of Torment. If Andress escapes the PCs’ wrath, you
below); SQ construct, hardness 10; AL N; SV Fort +1, Ref +1, can bring her back later as a recurring NPC villain.
Will –4; Str 16, Dex 10, Con —, Int —, Wis 1, Cha 1. This part of the adventure occurs after the PCs have
SA—Spikes (Ex): Each time the animated altar hits, it impales explored most or all of the catacombs under Twilight Hollow,
the target on 1d4 iron spikes for 1d4 points of damage per spike. as Andress makes a last-ditch effort to save herself.
Tactics: Andress dons her mask of silent casting and robe If Andress’s allies and minions seem unable to destroy the
of minor fire resistance and casts the following spells on her- PCs, she tries to turn the village against the PCs (see Event 11).
self: mage armor, freedom of movement, spell immunity (magic If the PCs persuade the villagers of Andress’s guilt and bring
missile), bull’s strength, expeditious retreat, endure elements her to justice, they are rewarded (see Event 12).

Event 11. The Truth If the PCs succeed in turning the villagers against Andress,
When the PCs are close to uncovering the truth, Andress read or paraphrase the following:
begins to spread rumors that the heroes have less than good
motives for offering their aid to the village. She lies. She paints A dreadful sneer crosses the cleric’s face, and her conde-
the PCs as opportunists taking advantage of a village’s mourn- scending glare alone seems to push back the villagers
ing. She describes the catacombs as a sacred resting place for around her. “Despair, you blind and suffering fools! Your
the clerics of Ilmater and the ancestors of Twilight Hollow. She pain and sorrow is but wine in my chalice. You sought refuge
accuses the PCs of desecrating a holy site. She concocts sto- in the hands of a weak god, but it is Loviatar who now holds
ries to make the PCs’ actions seem evil and malicious in nature. your fate. You have a choice: Embrace the hardship and mis-
If the PCs kill Andress without presenting compelling evi- ery of life, or suffer a painful death!”
dence of her guilt, they must explain their actions to the vil-
lagers. If the PCs catch Andress in the Temple of Ilmater and The villagers are terrified and aghast, unable to oppose the
attack her, she makes every attempt to flee to a public space will of the woman who has misled them. A stern condemnation
where she can use the PCs’ violence as proof of their evil of Andress’s treachery coupled with a successful Diplomacy
hearts. Even if they kill Andress before she can reach the vil- check (DC 20) enables the PCs to turn the fearful villagers
lagers, they must explain themselves. The five acolytes of Ilmater against the cleric. Surrounded on all sides and unable to flee,
and ten temple guards not only try to protect Andress but also Andress chooses to embrace the pain, laughing out loud as the
secure help from the villagers. villagers’ rusty weapons carve into her soft flesh.
If Andress succeeds in rousing the villagers, read or para- If the PCs fail in their attempt to turn the villagers against
phrase the following when the PCs return to the village and are her, Andress casts summon monster IV and conjures forth a
within sight of the statue of Ilmater (area T3): fiendish dire ape. The creature’s sudden appearance in a cloud
of sulfurous smoke causes the villagers and guards to scatter.
Dozens of villagers gather near the statue of Ilmater in front She then turns her attention toward the PCs.
of the church. Andress stands among them, pointing toward Creatures (EL 9): The 36 villagers [Com1; hp 3 each; AC 10;
you and your companions. She shouts, “They would come to Atk +0 melee (1d6, halfspear or sickle)] are frightened and
our village and take advantage of our tragedies to steal from confused. No experience points should be awarded for killing
us! These evil monsters have walked among our dead, pil- them, although the PCs should receive full XPs for Andress if
fering from their pockets and disturbing their rest. How can they successfully turn the villagers against her.
they do this? We welcomed them into our village and helped The fiendish dire ape remains for 9 rounds (the duration of
them in every way possible, and this is the thanks they give Andress’s summon monster IV spell) or until slain.
us. Desecrating our most holy site! For all we know, they d Fiendish Dire Ape (1): CR 4; hp 39; SA smite good (1/day;
could be the same brigands who murdered fair Shaunnra!” +5 points of damage); SQ cold and fire resistance 10, damage
A rumble of anger and agreement moves through the crowd. reduction 5/+1, SR 10, darkvision 60 ft.; Monster Manual 57.
Development: If he is with the PCs and his wounds were
Andress believes that the PCs won’t risk harming any of the healed, Levetron helps the party any way he can. For instance,
villagers, as an unprovoked attack made against her will only he can make a Diplomacy check (DC 10) to add +2 to another
rally the community to her side. If the PCs try to contest the character’s Diplomacy check. If he has had time to prepare
accusations against them, a handful of villagers chide them and spells, he could offer healing or attempt to dispel the fiendish
demand that they leave Twilight Hollow at once. If they assume dire ape. Once Andress has been dealt with, he steps forward
a more threatening posture, an outspoken guard or villager and allays the villagers’ fears with a rousing speech:
charges the PCs with a sickle or spear and shouts, “Demons!
We will no longer live in fear!” A full-blown battle ensues. “The evil that threatened to consume this village has been
Convincing the villagers that Andress has done unspeakable defeated. Through tears and suffering, we have triumphed.
things requires a successful Diplomacy check (DC 40), modi- Our faith in Ilmater has made us stronger, and the next time
fied according tho the following chart. Feel free to have play- evil shows its face, we will have the strength to vanquish it.
ers roleplay the debates with the villagers rather than roll dice. We must remember the sacrifices of those who died to save
this village, and the heroes who helped us through the dark-
Circumstances DC Modifier ness. They will forever be in our prayers.”
The PCs have only empty accusations. +0
The PCs have Renadra Wrenbow and other Unless the PCs object, Levetron remains in Twilight Hollow
children speak of Andress’s cruelty. –5 to look after Shaunnra’s body, conduct religious services, and
The PCs have physical evidence, but not provide stability. If evil still lurks in the catacombs, the aasimar
concrete proof. –5 cleric asks the PCs to help “clean up the mess” but doesn’t
The PCs catch Andress in a lie and point it out press them into service.
to the villagers. –10 Andress’s familiar, Sphinx, reverts to a normal cat when its
The PCs persuade a member of Harular’s Claws mistress is slain. Rather than loiter around Twilight Hollow, it
to speak out against Andress. –10 attaches itself to the heroes, following them everywhere. A PC
The PCs persuade a captured cleric of Loviatar might adopt the feline or, in the case of a sorcerer or wizard,
to speak against Andress. –15 turn it into his or her familiar. Either way, Sphinx bears the
The PCs have Levetron (see area U15) describe heroes no ill will.
his torture by Andress’s hand. –25

Event 12. The Thanks

Once the dust has settled and the PCs are either recovering ENCOUNTER LEVEL CHART
from their injuries or preparing to leave Twilight Hollow, at
some convenient moment they receive a visitor in the night. Area Encounter Description EL
Renadra Wrenbow (or another child) bravely makes the trek to Event 4 k Andress Nagheson, Female Human Sor1/Clr8 9
d Sphinx, Cat Familiar
the heroes’ domicile. She brings two things with her: a little T1m k Sestra, Female Human Ftr2/Rog2 4
posy of violets and a note on a tiny scroll, addressed with neat k Lyrr, Male Human Brd4 4
handwriting to the heroes. Use the note as is, if appropriate, a Weakened Ladder 1
T2a k Hlann, Male Human Clr1 2
or change the wording to fit what happened in your campaign: k Lornyk, Female Human Clr1
T2c k Vochnar, Male Half-Orc Ftr4 6
Dear Heroes, d Orcs (6)
T4 a Sonic Glyph of Warding 2
Thank you for your bravery. You’re the greatest heroes T5k a Electrical Glyph of Warding 2
that ever were. We’ll think of you every day and remember Event 6 d Shambling Mound (1) 6
you in our prayers. d Skriku, Green Hag Drd2 8
d Stirges (2)
With love and admiration,
Event 7 d Marthos, Human Ghost Ftr3 7
Renadra Millicie Joshane d Wildfire, Light War Horse Ghost
Mercia Attin Sabi V5 d Will-o’-wisps (2) 8
Daran Yoli and Minnow the cat V5b d Carrion Crawlers (3) 7
V5d a Electrical Greater Glyph of Warding 6
V5e a Ungol Dust Trap 4
Under certain circumstances, the PCs might have had to V5f d Ochre Jelly (1) 5
leave their treasure behind. If this was the case, they find all V5g d Human Skeletons (9) 7
a Sonic Glyphs of Warding (9)
the treasure they gathered in the catacombs lying in a bundle V6b d Gargantuan Monstrous Centipede (1) 6
along with the posy and note from Renadra. What the PCs do V6c d Skriku, Green Hag Drd2 7
with the bundle is up to them. U3 k Ghosgor, Male Human Ari2/Ftr5 7
k Brigands, Male Human War1 (6)
U4 k Glaster, Male Human Sor5 5
Concluding the Adventure U5 k Dyrch, Male Human Clr2 2
Much of what transpires next hinges on whether the PCs leave U7 d Harular, Male Half-dragon Halfling Rgr6 11
k Olipur Shatterstar, Male Gnome Rog4
Twilight Hollow as beloved heroes or hated criminals.
d Giant Lizards (2)
If chased out of town, the heroes might want to return at U8 a Sliding Blocks 5
some point to clear their names and retrieve their belongings. U9 a Weakened Bridge 1
They might harbor vengeful thoughts toward Andress, espe- U10 k Embrul and Thulk, Male Human War3 4
U11 d Orcs (8) 7
cially if they know what she did. U13 k Sharloc, Male Human Clr2 7
On the subject of revenge, Harular and any of his follow- d Animated Copper Urn (1)
ers who narrowly escaped the PCs might round up new allies d Desecrated Orc Skeletons (10)
U14 a Watery Pit with Brown Mold 3
and attack Twilight Hollow or lure the PCs into an ambush or U15 a Fire Glyph of Warding 2
trap. Likewise, if Andress is slain but the House of Torment U16 d Gelatinous Cubes (3) 6
remains intact, surviving clerics of Loviatar might continue U18 a Poisoned Shortspear Trap 5
U20 d Advanced Choker (1) 4
Andress’s work beneath the village. If the PCs do not deal with U21 d Desecrated Human Skeletons (18) 8
the threat immediately, Twilight Hollow might be forced to con- U23 k Ekariol, Myrcolar and Norvan, Male Human War3 (3) 7
tend with a fully-staffed temple of Loviatar, with Bhell or some d Dire Wolverine (1)
U25 d Large Fire Elemental (1) 5
other sadistic cleric leading the congregation. U26 d Wraith (1) 5
Feel free to include additional complications in the cata- a Tilting Floor and Iron Maiden 7
combs under Twilight Hollow. What if Andress rigged them to U28 k Bhell, Male Half-elf Clr5 7
flood in the event of her demise and the foundations of the vil- d Rast (1)
U29 d Hellcat (1) 7
lage began to come apart? What can the PCs do to uncork the U30 k Evelyth, Female Human Clr2 5
dam Andress built in the catacombs? Can they save Twilight d Desecrated Humanoid Skeletons (8)
Hollow from eroding too quickly from the inside out? U31 a Poisonous Biting Door 4
U32 a Fire Glyph of Warding 2
If they won the hearts of the citizens of Twilight Hollow, the a Electrical Glyph of Warding 2
PCs might wish to hang around and delve more deeply into the a Sonic Glyph of Warding 2
mystery of the clerics of Talos who once inhabited the west- a 20-foot-deep Spiked Pit 4
U33 d Devourer (1) 14
ern valley. They might also wish to investigate the Tempest d Desecrated Monstrous Spider Zombies (4)
Tower ruins more closely. If they do this, you could expand on d Desecrated Rust Monster Zombie (1)
the maps of that area and create encounters for them within d Otyugh Zombies (2)
U35 a Dispel Magic Glyph of Warding 2
the marshes or below the ruins. Ω U39 a Spiritual Weapon Glyph of Warding 2
a Inflict Serious Wounds Glyph of Warding 2
Angel McCoy is a freelance game designer whose recent work a Summon Monster III Glyph of Warding 2
a Contagion Glyph of Warding 2
includes Magic of Faerûn, a book of spells and magic items for
U40 d Quel, Xill Clr2 9
the FORGOTTEN REALMS Campaign Setting. d Animated Iron Altar (1)
Chris Perkins was promoted from editor-in-chief of DUNGEON Event 11 k Villagers, Male and Female Human Com1 (36) 9
Magazine to Creative Director for the Star Wars RPG and d20 k Andress Nagheson, Female Human Sor1/Clr8 9
d Fiendish Dire Ape (1)
RPGs, including Call of Cthulhu and The Wheel of Time.

LETTERS (continued from page 9)
mind bending whirls of corrupted aether We’ll leave staking to the LARPers.
that adorn the wallpaper of Tharizdun's Seriously, we’ll print any reasonable let-
study in the Far Realms (where the Elder ter that offers a novel criticism or poses
Elemental Evil spends his afternoons qui- an interesting question—anything to get
etly sipping peppermint tea and contem- you to think. And it looks like Mistress
plating the racing forms) why, why, why Luzora has accomplished our goal. . . .
did you print (ahem) Mistress Luxora’s
letter? It was as if you had taken all the DEADGATE ROCKS!
caffeinated, opinionated, obsessively I absolutely love the new minor artifact
petulant moments from the time I refer known as the Deadgate! I’m currently
to as my “Goth Period,” concentrated running my players through “The Door
them, and injected them via a hypoder- From Everywhere” (from Issue #88). It
mic needle into my eyes. fit perfectly into my campaign world
But you are quite correct in your with just a few modifications! As soon as
response to said missive. Erotica is just they’re done with this, they’ll find their
so much wasted text where DUNGEON destinies entwined with the nation of
Magazine is concerned. Any halfway Sterich (this name will also change for
competent DM can add sexual spice to my campaign, but you get the idea).
an adventure without needing outside “Headless” (from Issue #89) is yet
assistance—especially from a magazine another great adventure that I can’t wait
wishing to stay outside a brown wrap- to run. I also plan on having one of the
per. Frankly, a DM who can’t do that for party’s recurring adversaries, Methos, a
him or herself really has no business 6th-level necromancer)/4th-level crypt
reading naughty magazines anyway. lord (from Relics and Rituals from
So, bravo. Still, the next time you Sword and Sorcery publishing) pop in
encounter someone who uses the hon- and admire the work so (so the PCs
orific “Mistress” before her or might run into a Deadgate again).
(Gruumsh preserve you) his name, my Please, keep putting out such great
advice is to stake her with her own adventures that fit into any campaign,
GOTH GONE WRONG? stiletto pumps. especially for mid- to high-level groups!
Why, in the freezing rain of Utter Montejon Dennis Schroader
Mongolia—no, check that. Why, in the Via Email Via Email
ISSUE #91 PREVIEW

IS US
E!
ON ON
SU
DR S B
KAMBRANEX’S MACHINATIONS
By Robert Lee
HE DE
A wizard can be dangerous, even after he’s supposed to be

LY LU
dead . . . especially when his shield guardian turns rogue!

PO INC
CHALLENGE OF CHAMPIONS IV
By Johnathan M. Richards
The Adventurers Guild is holding their competition to
determine the best of the best. Is your group up to the task?
SLOTH
By J. Bradley Schell
Mom always told you to clean your room. It never seems
important, though, until those conjurations go wrong.
BONUS!
This issue also includes a complete issue of POLYHEDRON Magazine.
Just flip DUNGEON over for the best in d20 and RPGA coverage.
That’s two magazines for the same cover price: 176 pages of
D&D and d20 gaming material. It’s the best value in gaming!
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FREE POLYHEDRON D20 GAME INSIDE!

OFFICIAL DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® ADVENTURES

“Because I could not stop for Death—

Prey for Tyrinth ........................ 56

In With the New

Volume XV, No. 6 Issue #90

Subscription Queries: 1-800-395-7760 [email protected] Advertising Queries: 1-425-204-7262 [email protected] www.wizards.com

Letters Legal Stuff

Reader Rapport 1801 Lind Ave. SW, Renton, WA 98055, United

The idea of dungeon dressing tokens

w Magic Items d Monsters k Non-Player Characters (NPCs) s Objects c Settlements a Traps

Adventure Background Adventure Summary

The Wildwood THE TOWN

A. Mayor Rodder’s House

Map Not to Scale

Perform (ballad, chant, dance, lute, lyre, ode, poem) +10,

Map Not to Scale

The Wildwood was once home to a vast elven empire—

If Morlaine is still shadowing the PCs, he comes out of hiding

Map Not to Scale

Looking over your shoulders, you see

d Elven Ghosts, Com1 (7): CR 3;

If the PCs pick up and play the shalm

T3. The Ygwannach Altar. This circle of

Creatures (EL 7): The entrance is guarded by

an undertow, only it’s not. It feels more like the

Creatures (EL 7): A water elemental, created

This shallow, muddy stream has a weak current,

During the long walk through this stream (about

Creatures (EL 12): (Ignore this section if the PCs destroyed

THE YGWANNACH Fighting the Ygwannach

This is J.C.’s first try at professional RPG writing outside of his

This adventure is suitable for a party of four 4th-level characters.

w Magic Items d Monsters k Non-Player Characters (NPCs) s Objects c Settlements a Traps

Scaling the Adventure ghouls.

If the characters don’t approach the farmers, allow them a

lawful good holy woman whom the folk of Luzern revere as a

T4. Mill. During the day, a lone skeleton periodically arrives at

broken or useless oddments silently change hands between

T7. Highgate. The guardrooms of this gate remain empty

T8. Stonegate. This three-story gatehouse is identical in layout

First Floor The iron door in the northwest is protected by an arcane

Treasure: Searching the grisly remains reveals 37 sp, 23 cp, and a

The material from the containers that once stood on the

Beyond the strands of webbing is the largest chamber you’ve

The riddle reveals three things: the location of the sword

profane bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws.

C9. Former Bedchambers. Once well-furnished for guests of

Creatures (EL 4 or 2): By day, another dozen skeleton men

The stairway from above leads to a cavern dimly lit by torch

Creatures (EL 6): Two wights that accompanied the Wraith

The Wraith King

these spells are cast, he casts spiritual weapon, targeting oppos-

Concluding the Adventure

Critical Threats by DUNGEON Staff

Prey for Tyrinth

w Magic Items d Monsters k Non-Player Characters (NPCs) s Objects c Settlements a Traps