DDAL05-02 The Black Road

Caravans are having a difficult time getting through to Parnast via the Black Road.
Organized attacks by
orcs and other monstrous humanoids working in concert with one another have folks baffled. Little do
they know that an unusually intelligent hill giant, going by the name of Bad Fruul is to blame. SEER has
sent her emissary Hsing, to task your group to accompany a caravan with a very special cargo destined for
the Shrine of Axes in Parnast, and to figure out who is responsible.
A Two Hour Adventure for 1st-4th Level Characters
PAIGE LEITMAN & BEN HEISLER

Adventure Designers
Adventure Code: DDAL05-02

Version: 1.0
Development and Editing: Claire Hoffman and Travis Woodall

Organized Play: Chris Lindsay
D&D Adventurers League Wizards Team: Adam Lee, Chris Lindsay, Mike Mearls, Matt Sernett
D&D Adventurers League Administrators: Robert Adducci, Bill Benham, Travis Woodall, Claire Hoffman, Greg Marks,
Alan Patrick
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Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

 If you know the composition of the group
beforehand, you can make adjustments as noted
Welcome to The Black Road, a D&D Adventurers
throughout the adventure.
League™ adventure, part of the official D&D
Adventurers League™ organized play system and the
Storm King's Thunder™ storyline season.
This adventure is designed for three to seven 1st- Ask the players to provide you with relevant
4th level characters, and is optimized for five 3rd- character information:
level characters. Characters outside this level range
cannot participate in this adventure. A player with  Character name and level
an ineligible character can create a new 1st-level  Character race and class
character or use a pregenerated character.  Passive Wisdom (Perception)—the most common
The adventure is set in the Anauroch Desert of the passive ability check
Forgotten Realms and concludes in the town of  Anything notable as specified by the adventure
Parnast. (such as backgrounds, traits, flaws, etc.)
Ensure that each player has an official adventure
logsheet for his or her character (if not, get one from
the organizer). The player fills out the adventure
The D&D Adventurers League™ is the official name, session number, date, and your name and DCI
organized play system for DUNGEONS &
number (if they have one). In addition, the player
DRAGONS®. Players can create characters and
also fills in the starting values for experience, gold,
participate in any adventure allowed as a part of the downtime, renown, and number of permanent magic
D&D Adventurers League. As they adventure,
items. He or she fill in the other values and write
players track their characters’ experience, treasure, notes at the conclusion of the session. Each player is
and other rewards, and can take those characters
responsible for maintaining an accurate logsheet.
through other adventures that will continue their
If you have time or see the need to do so, you can
story. do a quick scan of a player’s character sheet to
For more information on playing, running games
ensure that nothing looks out of order. If you see
as a Dungeon Master, and organizing games for the
magic items of very high rarities or strange arrays of
D&D Adventurers League, please visit the D&D ability scores, you can ask players to provide
Adventurers League home at:
documentation for the irregularities. If they cannot,
feel free to restrict item use or ask them to use a
www.dndadventurersleague.org
standard ability score array. Point players to the
D&D Adventurers League Player’s Guide for reference.
If players wish to spend downtime days and it’s
Before you show up to Dungeon Master this the beginning of an adventure or episode, they can
adventure for a group of players, you should do the declare their activity and spend the days now.
following to prepare. Alternatively, they can do so at the end of the
adventure or episode. Players should select their
 Make sure to have a copy of the most current characters’ spells and other daily options prior to
version of the D&D Basic Rules or the Player’s the start of the adventure, unless the adventure
Handbook. specifies otherwise. Feel free to reread the
 Read through the adventure, taking notes of adventure description to help give players hints
anything you’d like to highlight or remind yourself about what they might face.
while running the adventure, such as a way you’d
like to portray an NPC or a tactic you’d like to use
in a combat.
 Get familiar with the monster statistics in the Throughout this adventure, sidebars provide
Appendix. information to assist you in making adjustments for
 Gather together any resources you’d like to use to smaller or larger groups and characters of higher or
aid you in running this adventure--such as lower levels than the adventure is optimized for.
notecards, a DM screen, miniatures, and This is typically used exclusively for combat
battlemaps. encounters. These adjustments are not required, nor
are you bound to the suggestions made by the
Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only.
DDAL05-02 The Black Road 2

adventure—they are recommendations provided for environment within this adventure. It is okay to
guidance and convenience. make considerable changes or engage in
This adventure is optimized for a party of five improvisation, so long as you maintain the original
<MID>-level characters. To figure out whether you spirit of what’s written. Remember, you are the final
need to adjust the adventure, do the following: arbiter of the game’s rules.
Challenge Your Players. Never being challenged
 Add up the total levels of all the characters.
makes for a boring game, and being overwhelmed
 Divide the total by the number of characters. makes for a frustrating game. Gauge the experience
 Round fractions of .5 or greater up; round level of the players (not the characters) with the
fractions of less than .5 down. game, try to feel out (or ask) what they like in a
You’ve now determined the average party level game, and attempt to give each of them the
(APL) for the adventure. To figure out the party experience they’re after when they play D&D.
strength for the adventure, consult the following Everyone should have the opportunity to shine.
table. Mind the Time. Watch for stalling, since play loses
momentum when this happens. At the same time,
Determining Party Strength make sure that the players don’t finish too early;
Party Composition Party Strength provide them with a full play experience. Try to be
3-4 characters, APL less than Very weak aware of running long or short. Adjust the pacing
3-4 characters, APL equivalent Weak accordingly.
3-4 characters, APL greater than Average Keep the Adventure Moving. When the game
5 characters, APL less than Weak starts to get bogged down, feel free to provide hints
5 characters, APL equivalent Average and clues to your players so they can attempt to
5 characters, APL greater than Strong solve puzzles, engage in combat, and roleplay
6-7 characters, APL less than Average interactions without getting too frustrated over a
6-7 characters, APL equivalent Strong lack of information. This gives players “little
6-7 characters, APL greater than Very strong victories” for figuring out good choices from clues.
The Dungeon Master’s Guide has more information
Average party strength indicates no recommended on the art of running a D&D game.
adjustments to the adventure. Each sidebar may or
may not offer suggestions for certain party
strengths. If a particular recommendation is not
offered for your group, you don’t have to make Any settlement the size of a town or larger can
adjustments. provide some spellcasting services. Characters need
to be able to travel to the settlement to obtain these
services.
Spell services generally available include healing
As the Dungeon Master of the session, you have the and recovery spells, as well as information-gathering
most important role in facilitating the enjoyment of spells. Other spell services might be available as
the game for the players. You help guide the specified in the adventure. The number of spells
narrative and bring the words on these pages to life. available to be cast as a service is limited to a
The outcome of a fun game session often creates maximum of three per day total, unless otherwise
stories that live well beyond the play at the table. noted.
Always follow this golden rule when you DM for a
group: Spellcasting Services
Spell Cost
Make decisions and adjudications that enhance Cure wounds (1st level) 10 gp
the fun of the adventure when possible. Identify 20 gp
Lesser restoration 40 gp
To reinforce this golden rule, keep in mind the Prayer of healing (2nd level) 40 gp
following: Remove curse 90 gp
You Are Empowered. You get to make decisions Speak with dead 90 gp
about how the group interacts with the NPCs and Divination 210 gp
Greater restoration 450 gp

Raise dead 1,250 gp would like the character to be returned to life, the
Resurrection* 3,000 gp party can take the body back to civilization and use
True Resurrection* 50,000 gp the dead character’s funds to pay for a raise dead
spell. A raise dead spell cast in this manner costs the
*These spells require an additional expenditure of character 1,250 gp.
downtime days (150 for resurrection and 350 for Character’s Party Pays for Raise Dead. As above,
true resurrection). This cost can be reduced by 50 except that some or all of the 1,250 gp for the raise
days for each faction rank above 1 that the character dead spell is paid for by the party at the end of the
possesses. This downtime is spent in community session. Other characters are under no obligation to
service for the church that provided the spell in spend their funds to bring back a dead party
question. The Acolyte Background feature does NOT member.
reduce the gp or downtime cost for either of these Faction Charity. If the character is of level 1 to 4
spells. and a member of a faction, the dead character’s body
can be returned to civilization and a patron from the
faction ensures that he or she receives a raise dead
A character possessing the acolyte background requesting spell. However, any character invoking this charity
spellcasting services at a temple of his or her faith may forfeits all experience and rewards from that session
request one spell per day from the Spellcasting Services table (both those earned prior to and after death during
for free. The only cost paid for the spell is the base price for that session) and cannot replay that episode or
the consumed material component, if any. adventure with that character again. Once a
Acolytes can call upon spellcasting services in and around character reaches 5th level, this option is no longer
the three towns as follows: available.
Parnast (Tier 1). Mielikki
Stagwick (Tier 2). Chauntea
Beregost (Tier 3). Lathander, Waukeen
Parnast, a small town in the Greypeak Mountains,
was the site of infiltration by the Cult of the Dragon a
year ago. Since a group of cunning adventurers freed
Sometimes bad things happen, and characters get the town from the grip of the Cult of the Dragon, the
die. Since you might not have the same characters town has grappled with its identity and townsfolk
return from session to session, here are the rules have often turned against one another under
when bad things happen to characters. suspicion that the Cult never left. Seeking to stabilize
the area, the Shrine of Axes put out the word that
they were looking for a new statue of Angharradh,
A character who is killed during the course of the also known as the Triune Goddess. She is a three-
adventure has a few options at the end of the session fold deity and in the context of the deities
(or whenever arriving back in civilization) if no one represented at the shrine, represents Spring.
in the adventuring party has immediate access to a That word reached an artisan who had gone into
raise dead or revivify spell, or similar magic. A exile in the Anauroch Desert. A tenday after the
character subject to a raise dead spell is affected rumors hit the outpost of Vuerthyl in the Anauroch,
negatively until all long rests have been completed the statue appeared outside one of the larger tents.
during an adventure. Alternatively, each downtime The caravan master Azam, an agent of the Lords
day spent after raise dead reduces the penalty to Alliance, saw this as an opportunity to increase his
attack rolls, saving throws, and ability checks by 1, in favor with the nobility. He reached out through
addition to any other benefits the downtime activity channels and oddly, a pseudodragon agent of the
might provide. powerful spymaster SEER was sent personally. Not
Create a New 1st-Level Character. If the dead only does the pseudodragon Hsing oversee the
character is unwilling or unable to exercise any of planning of the transport, but also in hiring a specific
the other options, the player creates a new group of adventurers.
character. The new character does not have any
items or rewards possessed by the dead character.
Dead Character Pays for Raise Dead. If the The adventure has three parts; an introduction,
character’s body is recoverable (it’s not missing any various encounters on the road, and a conclusion.
vital organs and is mostly whole) and the player

See the DM Appendix: Adventure Flowchart for an Lords’ Alliance. The note instructs them that SEER
overview. and HSING are working with the Lords’ Alliance and
Part 1: Anywhere But Here. The characters are that the characters are to render whatever aid they
introduced in the small caravan stop of Vuerthyl in need. The note further cautions them that they are to
the Anauroch desert. They have been brought find out what is organizing the goblin tribes of the
together by Hsing and Azam to carry a statue to western Anauroch desert. Give the players Player
Parnast. Handout 1B.
Part 2: Into the Desert. The characters are Order of the Gauntlet. At one of the last major
attacked by goblins, run into other caravans, and are conclaves of the Order of the Gauntlet, news came
subsumed in a sandstorm from the wake of a cloud that a sizeable caravan of pilgrims headed from the
giant castle passing by overhead. As they leave the Moonsea towards Waterdeep was attacked by
desert, they must choose to either fight hobgoblins goblins. Few of the pilgrims survived and requested
that have set up a tollbooth, pay the toll, or to try to aid from the Order. Members of the Order of the
find a way around the waystation. Along the way, Gauntlet are encouraged to join caravans out of
they may be ambushed by well-informed and well- Vuerthyl and go teach the goblin tribes a lesson so
organized bugbears. that they fear the symbol of the sword and fist. Give
Conclusion: Welcome to Parnast. The caravan the players Player Handout 1C.
travels the last few days through the winding Zhentarim. Zhentarim characters become aware
mountain passes to Parnast without incident. When of a rumor on the streets that goblins are setting up
they arrive, if they still have the statue, they are tolls on the Black Road (a road that ostensibly
welcomed by the faithful of the Shrine of Axes. belongs to the Zhentarim). Characters are
encouraged to join caravans out of Vuerthyl and go
teach the goblins otherwise. Give the players Player
The adventure is designed for 2 hours of play. Use the table Handout 1D.
below to budget your time, adjusting the pace as necessary Harpers. Harper characters find a blue origami
to keep on schedule. In a large public event, you'll need to crane among their belongings with a note instructing
keep an eye on the clock. them to look for employment in Vuerthyl and keep
 Part 1. 15 minutes watch for trouble because both giants and the Lords’
 Part 2. 90 – 120 minutes Alliance are on the move. Give the players Player
 Part 3. 5 minutes Handout 1E.
Emerald Enclave. Emerald Enclave characters are
the recipient of an animal messenger. The message
The characters can be in the area for any number of encourages the players to go to Vuerthyl to meet
reasons. They may be en route to the Sword Coast Azam and Hsing and take the statue of Angharradh
from the Moonsea region of Faerûn, or simply to Parnast, and watch out for goblins. Give the
wandering the wilder places of the world in search players Player Handout 1F.
of adventure.
Below are a few suggestions that might provide
some reasons why the characters might find
themselves in a blistering desert. These have
associated handouts. If the number of handouts
seems like too much for your players, you are not
required to use them, and can summarize them as
you see fit.
Personally Invited (No Faction). The characters
have been personally invited by means of a fine
scroll sealed with a blob of wax bearing the sigil of a
crane. The scroll offers them employment in the
trade outpost of Vuerthyl in the Anauroch Desert.
The letter promises future employment for a job
well done. Give the players Player Handout 1A.
Lords’ Alliance. Members of the Lords’ Alliance
receive a note from a trusted comrade within the

Azam has been travelling the Black Road for decades and
Read or paraphrase the following after the
knows what makes a good caravan guard. He’s been paid
characters join with the caravan:
well to work with Hsing (and the dragon’s mistress), but it
isn’t enough for him to throw his life away. He’ll seek to
There's nothing like the desert to make people feel small and question and evaluate Hsing’s choices in companions until
insignificant. In every direction, huge dunes roll across the he’s satisfied.
landscape, and an even bigger sky looms above. The oasis of Quote: “You’ve fought orcs before and lived to tell? Good,
Vuerthyl is a motley collection of sun-bleached tents in the good. You should be able to deal with the goblins I’ve heard
are on the route…”
vast Anauroch desert.
Through various means, it has been arranged that you Hsing has been sent to ensure that both the
would meet Azam the caravaneer in the large, Calimshan- characters and the statue arrive in Parnast. He
styled tent that passes for a tavern here. A pair of tieflings, procured Azam’s services with instructions that he
who seem to be unaffected by the heat, eye approaching hire the characters on as guards. The statue is bound
visitors warily. The dim interior of the tent is a relief from the to Parnast to replace one damaged by the Cult of the
bright light and wind, though it’s as hot here as anywhere
Dragon at the Shrine of Axes.
Azam presents the characters with Player
else. The gentle sounds of a stringed instrument fill the air,
Handout: 1G and the following information as part
and the people inside are hunched over food, drink, and
of his bid to hire them. Hsing has every appearance
conversation. A dragonborn with rust-colored scales greets of snoozing peacefully during the discussion, and
you, and guides you to a private table. There are a few other says nothing--even if directly asked.
adventurers here. Characters with a passive Insight score of 14 or
more detects truth in the Rashemi half-elf’s words:
Allow the players a moment to introduce their  ”There have been a number of caravans who have
characters as they arrive before proceeding: not completed the journey, and stories of goblins on
the road have spread. I’m hoping that you can serve
The dragonborn delivers water as well as dates, olives and as insurance against that.”
bread. Before long, you are joined by a lean, half-elven man  “My caravan carries a number of goods in addition
with a long, craggy face and the dark skin and hair that shows to the statue that are of value, both to me and to the
his Rashemi ancestry. He has an impressive mustache. He’s people of Parnast.”
clad in practical desert gear. His most striking feature is a  “I’ve heard that Parnast has gone from one trouble
golden-scaled psuedodragon that lays draped around his to another, specifically the Cult of the Dragon to
shoulders. The pseudodragon stirs, blinking with milky irises, something involving giants, but I don’t know the
and sniffing the air. It gives the man a nod before shifting its particulars.”
wings and settling back down to snooze.  “The statue for the Shrine of Axes was made in the
"Hsing, my patron,” the man gestures to the snoozing Anauroch desert by artisans here. It’s not small and
dragon, as if it was a perfectly normal thing, “is most pleased
it’s not light. I don’t know if it is magical or not, but
I don’t really care. I’ve been paid to transport it
you have come. We have business to discuss, and hopefully
securely and that’s what I plan to do.”
you are ready for a long journey. I am Azam, and we would
 The characters are to take a statue of an elven
like you to deliver a statue to Parnast."
goddess to Parnast, which is a tenday's travel
along the Black Road from Vuerthyl, and protect
the caravan from attacks on the way.
Hsing has been around a long, long time. However, while he  If the characters ask to see the statue, Azam gives
seeks those who are insightful and direct, Hsing is distracted Hsing a questioning glance, and the little dragon
and speaks in vague, cryptic riddles. He is also quite lazy and nods his head in a regal gesture of assent. Azam
his preferred place is curled up around someone’s shoulders. takes the characters to a worn wagon where a
Although he is blind, he has very well developed hearing and stout looking half-orc woman is carefully
an acute sense of smell to help him navigate. A gift from Io wrapping the statue in canvas for its journey. Give
himself, Hsing’s blindness is incurable. the players Player Handout 2.
Quote: “Zzzzzzzzz...”  Hazards on the road may include sinkholes, sand
storms, heat waves, nomads, feral creatures,

goblins, blue dragons of all sizes, as well as the
occasional fire or air elemental. The goblins have
been a particular nuisance lately and even the
Zhents can’t stamp them all out.
 Chandra Stol, a priestess in Parnast, has offered
whomever delivers the statue 50 gp, payable upon
arrival in Parnast.
 Hsing’s patron may have more work for the
characters in Parnast. That’s none of his concern
though. Azam knows only that Hsing’s patron is
very mysterious and influential.
 Azam suggests that the characters purchase desert
survival gear to help protect them against the
heat. Of course tieflings and others that are
resistant to fire are unlikely to need it.
 The caravan leaves in four hours. Azam is anxious
to get on the road soon.
The characters have a few hours to purchase any
supplies they might need in Vuerthyl. The Zhentarim
trading post sells everything from the Player’s
Handbook, but for 25% more for anyone not a
member of the Zhentarim.
Characters who succeed on a DC 12 Intelligence
(Nature) check know that both the heat and
sandstorms can be very dangerous, and being ill-
equipped can spell doom for any caravan.
Additionally, creatures wearing heavy or metal
armor will likely have a hard time with the heat.
Creatures with resistance or immunity to fire
damage are generally not bothered by the heat
(though obviously the blowing sand from a
sandstorm can be problematic!)
While the characters converse with Azam, Hsing
flies off in an uncharacteristic fit of activity. Though
he doesn’t reveal as much, he is reporting back to
SEER.
Before leaving the oasis, the characters can buy supplies. In

addition to the normal items for sale in the Player’s
Handbook, inform the characters that desert clothing is
available for 4 gp each (twice the cost of normal traveler’s
clothing). Members of the Zhentarim are charged only 2 gp.
These garments consist of loose layers of light cloth, a
wood-and-cloth mask, and a small canister of pitch to rub
beneath the eyes so as to reduce the sun’s wicked glare.

characters must climb in difficult terrain. Doing so
costs two extra feet of movement per foot moved.
This part concerns the travels in the desert, most Caravans. The caravan wagons can be crawled
notably Encounters A through C.
under or climbed over for half movement. Standing
Read or paraphrase the following aloud after the behind one offers three-quarters cover.
characters have concluded their business in
Vuerthyl:
This encounter is designed to show the characters what
Travel in the Anauroch desert is slow, hot, and full of goblins are like under normal circumstances. This fight should
blistering sun. There are no clouds, no promise of water be quick, and you may decide to use “theater of the mind”
anywhere. Azam likes to start moving well before sunrise, rather than a tactical map.
when the moon’s full glory makes the dunes look like  If the Goblins are detected:
mountains of diamonds. The sunrise is a gorgeous spill of
pink and gold across the horizon, but the baking sun is soon The drivers and Azam bed down for some sleep, leaving the
pounding on everyone like a hammer in a forge. Vultures caravan guards to do their duty. The night-time desert is
occasionally soar overhead, hoping that something has died bitterly cold and dry. Camel spiders, sand scorpions, snakes,
in the heat. and large-eared hopping mice come out at night to casually
murder each other. They also try to get into the tents.
Here is more information about the caravan and You see a flicker of movement that resolves into furtive,
travel that the characters should know: small, humanoid shapes sneaking towards the wagons. The
moonlight glints off the steel of the goblins’ weapons.
 Four wagons, each pulled by two foul-tempered
camels.
 One wagon carries the caravan’s food  If the Goblins are not detected:
 One wagon carries the caravan’s water and a
shipment of medicinal herbs The drivers and Azam bed down for some sleep, leaving the
 One wagon carries a shipment of weapons. caravan guards to do their duty. Camel spiders, sand
 One wagon carries the statue of Angharradh. scorpions, snakes, and large-eared hopping mice come out at
 The caravan travels and sleeps in two shifts every night to casually murder each other. They also try to get into
day. Travel from predawn until noon, sleep from the tents. The night-time desert is bitterly cold and dry.
noon until late afternoon in the shade, travel from You hear a strangled exhalation, and an ugly tearing noise.
late afternoon until after dinnertime. Sleep from
Small, furtive, humanoids have snuck up into the wagons and
after dinnertime until predawn.
killed one of the drivers. You see the blood dripping from the
blade of a goblin’s dagger, as black as the night sky in the
moonlight. A cry of alarm goes up from the camp.
Have the characters decide on watches for the night.
During the midnight watch, a group of goblins sneak Emerging from the sandy wastes are an
up on the caravans. Compare the passive Perception undisciplined group of goblin raiders. This band
score of any character that is awake to the lowest consists of five goblins, and one goblin boss
Dexterity (Stealth) check made by the goblins. Any mounted atop a worg.
character whose passive Perception score is lower is The goblins rush the caravans, and try to remove
surprised. items from the caravans. The caravan drivers
(commoners) attack any goblins that get close
enough.
The area has the following general features:
The goblins have been pushed out of their normal
Lighting. With the nearly full moon above, and the
hunting ground by Bad Fruul’s more organized
reflective sands all around, the dunes are bathed in
goblins, and are desperate. They fight to the death
pale, dim light.
without regard to tactics, and seek to steal whatever
Terrain. Near the road the sand is more or less
they can. After two-thirds of the goblins and the
stable. Once characters get more than 20 feet off the
goblin boss have been wiped out, the rest attempt to
road, the steep dunes and shifting sands mean that
flee.

As the journey continues, read or paraphrase the
 Very Weak: Remove goblin boss and a goblin.
following:
 Weak: Remove a goblin.
 Strong: Add a goblin boss, a goblin, and a worg. Ahead of you, a few days later, you see a black spot of
 Very Strong: Add two goblin bosses and two worgs; movement on the horizon. As you travel, it gets larger and
Remove one goblin. larger. Azam looks worried. “Another caravan – likely Zhents.
Normally I’d suggest that we camp with them – safety in
numbers. What do you think?”
The goblins have a single gp worth of various coins
between them. Roll twice on the trinket table
The Zhentarim mercenaries are proud members of
(Player’s Handbook, pages 160-161) as the
the black network, and while they aren’t looking for
characters find some items with no particular
a fight, aren’t willing to take trouble from the
monetary value among the goblins.
characters. There are six members of the mercenary
Additionally, the characters find a messenger bag
group in total (a priest of Waukeen and four guards
filled with what appears to be curved strips of pale,
of various species), and they are led by Fzoul Slovis
foul-smelling wood. A successful DC 8 Intelligence
(a veteran).
(Nature) or Intelligence (Medicine) check identifies
It’s up to the characters to decide if they would
these as the clippings of giant toenails, the smallest
indeed prefer to camp together with the Zhents or
of which is a perfect crescent ten inches across. A
not.
character succeeding at a DC 10 Intelligence
(Arcana) check knows that these are potentially
valuable ingredients for making potions of giant Fzoul, named after an old leader of the Zhentarim, is a
strength, and are worth 100 gp to the right buyer. human in his thirties. He is well tanned, with balding blonde
hair cut short, and has a scar on his face from a close call with
a blade. He is well-disciplined and outgoing, and looks after
Any goblins the characters capture reveal that the the men in his command. He’s wary of adventurers, as
goblins to the west have a new chief. The new chief they’re often unpredictable, but is willing to work together to
is smart and strong and leads them well. Bugbears get through the night.
and hobgoblins and others as well serve this chief. Quote: “Let’s all calm down. If you don’t start a fight, there
These goblins stole the wooden box (with the “wood won’t be a fight.”
strips”) from goblins to the west, but don’t know
what they are or whether they’re valuable. If the characters choose to interact, they can make
The rest of the night goes on quietly. If the Charisma (Persuasion or Deception) checks as
characters successfully detected the ambush, the appropriate to learn information and with advantage
drivers and Azam are thankful and friendly in the if the characters offer to share food or supplies.
morning. If the characters did not detect the ambush, Zhentarim faction members make these checks with
a driver has been killed, and the mood is somber in advantage. If you have time, this makes an excellent
the morning as her body is buried in the desert. One opportunity for Fzoul to ask the characters about
of the characters needs to take her place as a driver. what is going on around the Moonsea from their
previous adventures.
Here’s what Fzoul Slovis knows:
 DC 8. The goblins up and down the Black Road
have been a problem for the past few months.
If you are limited to a two-hour time frame for this Usually the Zhents buy them off or turn them
adventure, consider skipping this encounter so that against one another, but they’ve been
you have ample time for the rest of the adventure. If disinterested in either of those methods lately.
you have more than two hours, this encounter can And the problem with stamping them out is there
add interesting roleplaying to the adventure. are always more goblins.
 DC 10. There’s been a toll station set up a couple
of days’ travel from here, leading into the edge of
the Anauroch desert. It’s manned by hobgoblins;
decently armed and armored ones at that.
Combine that with a defensible position and it

would have been a pretty hard fight. The DC 13. Supposedly the whole thing is kept aloft by
merchants in Fzoul’s party opted to pay the 15 gp a magical rune that takes a year to inscribe.
toll. Azam looks askance at this as if he cannot
 Intelligence (History)
believe it.
 DC 13. There have been bugbears, goblins and DC 10. Legends say that the first cloud palace was
gnolls stirring up trouble along the Black Road and built by the god Stronmaus, but that the father of the
up toward the Greypeaks. If the caravan is cloud giants, Nicias, won the palace in a bet.
planning on heading up that direction to Parnast DC 13. There are rumors among the dwarves that
and beyond, Fzoul recommends giving it a wide a cloud giant castle crashed some 200 miles south of
berth. He says they’re oddly well-organized and Mulmaster before the rule of man. Other rumors
using cunning traps. among the desert tribes say that there is a crashed
cloud palace lost in the desert.
DC 15. There are even whispers that a cloud
palace was seen somewhere to the west of the desert
in the Greypeak mountains sometime last year, and
One afternoon, after the mid-day stop, you notice a faint that it was associated with the Cult of the Dragon.
respite from the oppressive heat. A slight breeze ruffles the
 Wisdom (Survival):
tassels on the camels’ tack, and the drivers’ robes. It is a
relief in the still hot air. Someone points to the south, and DC 10. This storm looks to be the violent wake of
you see a cloud on the horizon – and you haven’t seen a the passing cloud castle but the castle above is either
completely unaware of or doesn’t care about the
cloud in days. It seems to be moving directly towards you,
problems of the little people below (or both!)
and fast!
DC 13. You’ve got to do something to protect
As you look at it closer, you see blocky shapes on top of
yourself, and to protect the wagons. With winds like
the clouds that resolve quickly into buildings and towers. these coming, the sands will tear them apart!
Pennants snap in the wind of its passage. And the cloud isn’t (Characters who make this check are spurred to
the only thing coming toward you--behind the cloud is a action and enjoy Advantage on their first check to
speeding, whirling storm of sand and dust kicked up from the save the wagons).
desert.
You are in deep black shadow for a moment as the speeding The characters have a turn to protect themselves,
cloud palace passes over you. There are the sounds of horns the goods, the drivers, or the camels before the
from above, and the cloud castle turns slightly northeast with storm hits. The caravan drivers are surprised by the
a delicate, ponderous turn toward the Greypeak Mountains. sight of the Cloud Giant sky palace and lose their
As it turns, the wall of roiling clouds continues in its wake, opportunity to act. Azam is surprised, but not so
much that he doesn’t act. He moves himself and his
and you have moments to protect yourself and the caravan
two camels to safety.
from the oncoming sandstorm before it consumes you!
Give the characters relative latitude to protect
either a wagon, two camels, or a driver before the
The cloud castle moves 360 feet per round (roughly storm hits (if you think a skill check is necessary
40 miles per hour), and is about a thousand feet up. then use a DC of 13). Characters may also use magic
If a character flies up to try to approach it, the as appropriate, which may not require rolls or be
pressure wave in front of the castle knocks them able to protect multiple things--reward clever
aside. Characters are unable to get into the castle. thinking over the roll of a die here. There are 10
If the characters want to apply their skills to the things to save:
strange sighting of the cloud, the following would be
applicable skills:  Wagon 1 (Food)
 Wagon 2 (Water & Medicine)
 Intelligence (Arcana):  Wagon 3 (Weapons)
DC 10. You’ve read about things like this before in  Wagon 4 (The statue of Angharradh)
passing, a rare phenomenon known as a cloud  Three pairs of camels that pull each wagon (eight
palace. They’re made by cloud giants. Cloud palaces total, but Azam saves two of them)
are supposed to house luxurious castles and gardens  Each wagon’s driver (three not including Azam,
filled with magical fruit and silver fountains. who is able to save himself. Might be less than

three if one wagon driver died in the earlier Somewhere in the blinding storm, you hear a man scream
encounter with the goblins) and the unearthly terrifying noise of a camel facing its end.
Some things the characters might do to save the Somewhere out in the hell of flying sand you hear the ripping
wagons, camels, or drivers include the following. Let of the heavy canvas wagon covers under the onslaught. The
your players come up with their own creative uses of wind howls louder until it drowns out all other noise and the
skills, magic, or tools and encourage them to storm threatens to overwhelm you!
roleplay.
 Use a Strength (Athletics) check to lift the statue In the middle of the sandstorm, the characters must
out of the wagon and move it so it is not buried in make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw as they are
the sand and lost. enveloped by the sandstorm. Characters wearing
 Use an Intelligence (Arcana) check to realize that desert survival garb enjoy advantage on this check.
the bow wave of the castle indicates that the best Characters wearing heavy armor have disadvantage
way to angle into the storm is to the southwest, on this check. Characters who fail this check suffer a
and move a wagon just so it can survive the winds. level of exhaustion.
 Use an Intelligence (History) check to recall a Additionally, the sandstorm deals 7 (2d6) points of
report from some of the first explorers of the bludgeoning damage to everything and everyone not
Anauroch desert that indicated that dumping the protected from the storm. This isn’t enough to kill a
items out of the wagon, and turning the wagon camel, but it is enough to drive it mad with pain and
over on top of them will save them. fear, and cause it to flee into the desert.
 Use a Wisdom (Animal Handling) check to keep Continue with:
the camels moving so they do not drown in the
sand pouring down on them. Just as the storm feels like it will pull you from the sands and
 Use a Wisdom (Medicine) check to realize that carry you away, it passes. The sand falls out of the air and
putting a water-soaked cloak over the camel’s sunlight once again illuminates the land. However, everything
faces enables them to survive the storm. looks different – the dunes and hills of sand have been
 Use a Wisdom (Survival) check to find small wadi completely rearranged. In only a few minutes, the terrifying
for you and a driver to take cover in. force of the giants’ passage has reshaped the desert.
 Use a Charisma (Intimidation) check to shock one
driver to action and get her to move to safety.
At this point, anything the characters didn’t save has
 Use the Animal Friendship spell to cause the
been blown away, buried by sand in an unknown
camels to move to safety.
location, or ripped apart by the winds. Azam and his
 Use charm person or command to cause a driver to
two camels have survived. He quickly mourns for his
move to safety.
friends but knows that only by pressing on will he
 Use create water to make soaked cloth to keep survive the journey. If the characters want to take a
camels or a driver from suffocating. long rest, Azam cautions them against it since he
feels fate has been acting against them in the travel
The characters do not have enough time to save and they could be ambushed them as they rest.
everything before the storm hits. Better to rest once they get to the Greypeaks. If the
Once the characters have decided their actions characters insist, he relents.
before the storm hits, read the following and adjust It normally takes two camels to pull a wagon, but
accordingly (if the characters protected all of the the caravan can continue with only one camel per
wagons, do not read the damage done to them, for wagon, albeit slowly. The characters must take stock
instance): of what’s left and keep moving. If the characters
elected not to save the statue, that is entirely their
Searing air and stinging sand overwhelms the caravan—sand prerogative.
whipping through the air, tearing and ripping at exposed skin,
and rending the hems and sleeves of your clothes to tatters.
If there are only three characters, you’re going to save fewer
things than if there were seven characters, or you could
combine the goods into fewer wagons.
The good news is that fewer characters get paid more to
deliver the goods, so it balances out.

After travelling for hours toward the mountains through
the badlands, the Black Road goes through a steep-sided
Azam doesn’t want to take a long rest at this point canyon. Ahead, the road is blocked by a crude stone wall and
but relents if the adventurers press. He knows that
an iron gate. A few broad-shouldered, ill-featured, armored
Parnast is only two days away and resting once out
humanoids move back and forth along the top of the wall.
of the desert is much safer. This means that the
characters who have a level of exhaustion from the With this defensive structure, they own the road and the
sandstorm still have the level of exhaustion. Given passage to the west. You see a faded, tattered banner with a
the losses so far, the desert is too dangerous and leering skull of some loathsome tusked creature flying over
what’s left of the caravan is too vulnerable to spend the battlements.
any time in the wild that it doesn’t absolutely have Of course, you could take your chances by turning around
to. the battered and weakened caravan and going back out into
the desert to try to find another route…
The ramparts have the following general features:

Height. The ramparts are 15-feet tall and 30-feet The banner is depicted in Player Handout 3.
long, with natural stone on each side. There are Azam is astonished that anyone would dare to block
crenellations along the wall which grant creatures the Black Road—surely the Zhentarim wouldn’t
on top of the wall half-cover (+2 bonus to AC and tolerate these creatures. (Even if the caravan had
Dexterity saving throws). run into the Zhentarim and heard the rumors, he
Construction. The ramparts are of quick, shoddy scarcely believed they were true!) Azam cannot pay
construction but capable of easy defense. Each 5-foot the toll – he has no gold, and was hoping to sell the
section of rampart wall has an AC of 16 and 30 hp, is goods in Parnast. Azam also doesn’t want to go back
immune to poison and psychic damage. out into the desert. There are no good choices and
Gate. The gate is of weaker construction than the it’s dangerous to look vulnerable here.
rest of the ramparts, and the wood of it has been Characters who wish to scout the toll area may do
damaged by the storm. Each 5-foot section of gate so; the hobgoblins at the ramparts don’t fire on the
has an AC of 13 and 10 hp, and is immune to poison characters unless they attack (or try to bypass the
and psychic damage. ramparts). Those characters that succeed on a DC 13
Straw Hobgoblins. In combat, it becomes obvious Wisdom (Perception) check note that there are
that many of the hobgoblins simply aren’t moving. A perhaps a dozen well-armored hobgoblins at the
successful DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check notices post, and while the ramparts aren’t of the best
sand and sticks poking out of the armor. Any construction, they look defensible. A successful DC
character can tell they aren’t combatants without a 15 Wisdom (Perception) check tells another story,
check if they move within 15 feet of one. though: many of the hobgoblins stationed there
don’t appear to be moving. Either they’re incredibly
well-disciplined or they’re not all real hobgoblins.
After the characters gather up any supplies they Depending on how the characters want to deal
have left, they push on and within an hour arrive with this challenge, proceed to Encounter D1 to pay
upon the following: the toll, Encounter D2 to fight the hobgoblins, or
Encounter D3 to sneak around the toll station. See
You’ve been watching the mountains come into view for the DM Appendix: Adventure Flowchart for more
days, but today they’re close enough for the caravan to head
details.
Even if the characters agree to pay the toll, the
up into the far more forgiving environment. You see trees on
hobgoblins send word to Bad Fruul’s vanguard and
the mountains, and clouds above them. As you get closer,
bugbear ambushers try to take the caravan
you see that the foothills form desolate badlands, and the (Encounter D3).
Black Road twists through them.
As the characters approach with the caravan, read

the following aloud:

As you get nearer the wall that blocks the canyon, you can D3. Remember, it takes at least one camel to pull a
see that the sandstorm that was so costly to your group also
wagon.
did damage to this area. Tattered banners hang from poles
The hobgoblin sneers at you in satisfaction for making you
that have been knocked aside, and some of the crudely-
applied armored plates of the ramparts have been torn away. pay, and climbs back up the ramps to the armored ramparts.
There are a dozen armored hobgoblins in position along the Soon after, the gate rises, allowing you passage. In the
distance, you can see the green that promises the end of this
ramparts, unmoving as the caravan approaches. Off to the
harrowing desert journey.
side, you see vultures feasting on something that died in the
sandstorm earlier.
Once you get about sixty feet away, a short, broad- If the characters do not agree, he lets them turn back
shouldered, armored humanoid rises to the edge of the without issue but mocks them and tells them one
ramparts behind a crenellation. The humanoid has dark way or another, Bad Fruul will have his due tribute.
orange skin, vicious yellow eyes, and a surly expression--
Proceed to Encounter D3, as elements of Bad
Fruul’s horde follow the caravan with intent to
definitely a hobgoblin.
ambush it.
“You are entering Bad Fruul’s domain, and must pay the
toll!” He shouts at you, “Only by gold or blood will we open
the gates!” If it comes down to a fight, the hobgoblins give into
their bloodlust and rush through the gates. They
fight to the death and revel in glorious battle after
If the characters talk to the hobgoblins, this is what being stuck on this defensive position.
they are willing to say: Treasure. If the characters defeat the hobgoblins,
they find 49 gp in small coins in the hobgoblins’ toll
 The toll plaza has been in place for several revenue in the gate house. They also find a small
tendays. aerie with no birds, but scribe’s tools. The ashes of
 They work for “Bad Fruul”. He’s a clever, brutal, previous messages are in a small unlit brazier in the
and exceptionally strong hill giant. room. It also has a bloodstained suit of ring mail
 The banner on the toll plaza is Bad Fruul’s banner. emblazoned with the fist and sword of the Order of
 The toll is 15 gold pieces or two camels (one camel the Gauntlet (this is ordinary armor worth 30 gp).
if the party only has two camels) They also find a pair of bracers of archery and an
It is strongly encouraged that if playing with a battle intricately carved shortbow of wood-elf make (this is
mat and miniatures, the DM should place miniatures an ordinary bow worth 25 gp)—prize trophies of
on the board to represent the straw hobgoblins. one of the captains (note that characters cannot fight
The hobgoblin captain is wearing bracers of both the hobgoblins at the toll station and the
archery and deals 2 extra points of damage with bugbears, so the bracers of archery and other
ranged attacks. The hobgoblin captain puts on a treasure are found only once).
fierce show, but the sandstorm swept away most of Development. If the characters defeated the
his hobgoblin soldiers, leaving him with only three hobgoblins, they can rest in the gate house and press
hobgoblins to guard the post until reinforcements on. Continue to the conclusion.
arrive. In order to not be seen as weak, the captain
has had his troops use leftover armor to set up seven
straw hobgoblins to make the ramparts look fully  Very Weak: remove the hobgoblin captain and two
hobgoblins. Add three goblins.
defended. The captain is greedy despite likely being
 Weak: remove hobgoblins, add a goblin.
outmatched, and allows the caravan to pass for the
 Strong: add two hobgoblins.
price of either two camels (or one if there are only
 Very Strong: add a hobgoblin captain, remove a
two remaining) or 15 gp.
hobgoblin.
If the characters agree to pay the toll, he comes
down the ramparts to take the payment through the
gate before he and the other combatants open up the
If the characters prefer to navigate the canyon, they
gate and allow them through. If the characters pay
may do so. A successful DC 14 Wisdom (Survival)
the toll, read the following and proceed to Encounter
check can guide the characters through the winding
canyons and out the other side after a couple hours.

If the characters cannot make the check, they get the If the characters intercept the blood hawk’s
wagon stuck in loose sand and must spend another message, the bugbears in the following combat are
night on the road. Unless the characters saved the not prepared for the characters and are easily
wagon with the water, or can make water by magic, surprised. If the characters seek out the downed
the caravan runs out of water. The characters must hawk, they find Player Handout 4 attached to its
succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or leg.
gain a level of exhaustion. Characters wearing heavy As the characters proceed along the Black Road,
armor make this check with disadvantage, while they find themselves facing the foothills of the
those with desert gear or fire resistance make the Greypeak Mountains and another more traditional
check with advantage. If completely out of water, the challenge. Read the following aloud:
caravan continues at normal speed as the camels can
push on without water, though any drivers that have The path you're on winds through lightly wooded areas, but
survived will suffer. starts to climb into the hills. The path narrows, and cuts
If the characters pay the toll, they pass the toll through a steep sided ravine of crumbly gray moss-covered
station without harassment, but the hobgoblins send rock. At the top of the hill, you can see an ocean of trees and
a sneaky goblin to follow the wagon with the intent
thick brush. A few outcroppings of gray weathered rock jut
to ambush it. As the characters travel, characters
out from the grassy earth beside the road.
with a passive Perception of 14 or higher notices
some light glinting off of the top of one of the nearby
cliff walls.  Blood Hawk’s Message Intercepted:
The light is from the crude spyglass (worthless
other than as per a trinket for adventurers) of a This looks remarkably like the area described in the note on
goblin who is lying prone at the top of the cliff the hawk. You pause for a moment and at the top of the hill,
watching for those who avoid the toll at the a burly bugbear crosses the path and then you hear the
ramparts, or following caravans who did pay the toll sound of wood chopping. It appears you’ve found your
to set up an ambush. The goblin flees if spotted and
ambushers unaware.
hides in the canyon.
If characters chase after the goblin, it’s a difficult
DC 15 Strength (Athletics) climb up 65 feet of At this point, the characters can counter-ambush the
canyon wall to reach the goblin’s position. For most unprepared ambushers if they wish. If that is the
characters, this will be two rounds of full climbing, case, the bugbears are not in position, and there are
which is more than enough time for the goblin to only two tree trunks cut to go down the path.
make her escape.  Blood Hawk’s Message Not Intercepted:
Read or paraphrase the following if the scout
escapes:
As you start up the narrow path up the hill, a bugbear bursts
from the trees. “We’ll be takin’ your caravan for Bad Fruul,
Clear of the crags of the badlands, you welcome the feel of
and burn your blood for Hruggek!” He roars and lets out a
moisture in the air and the sight of green plants. For the first
mighty kick, and with a loud SNAP, a huge log starts to roll
time in days, there’s even a bird overhead that isn’t a
down the narrow path!
vulture!
At the top of hill is a bugbear chief, who delights in

The bird, a blood hawk, carries a message from
crushing her foes with the logs or smashing them if
hobgoblins paid off in Encounter D1. The hawk is
they make it up to the top. In the woods around the
flying 50 feet above the characters.
top, there is a bugbear and a worg who attempt to
A successful DC 10 Intelligence (Nature) check
hide from the characters among the foliage (which
reveals that it is a blood hawk; creatures often
lightly obscures them). The bugbear captain is
tamed to attack or send messages. A successful DC
equipped with bracers of archery, and deals 2 extra
13 Wisdom (Perception) check determines that the
points of damage with ranged attacks.
hawk does, indeed have a message tied to its leg. If
There is a 20-foot wide and 70-foot long trail up
the characters want to try and shoot down the hawk,
the hill with wagon furrows on the sides, which
they may, but after the first attack, it uses its action
makes it an excellent location to roll tree trunks at
to Dodge as it flies away.
people. Given the steepness of the path, it is difficult

terrain (two feet cost per one foot of movement) to
walk up it.  Very Weak Party: Remove the bugbear chief.
Off the path, there are overgrown grasses and  Weak Party: Remove the bugbear chief, remove the worg,
loose rocks that are difficult terrain to move add a goblin.
through. Because of the difficult terrain, and the fact  Strong Party: Add a bugbear.
one must climb up the steep mountainside, each foot  Very Strong Party: Remove add a bugbear chief, remove
a character climbs costs three feet of movement. The the worg.
plants lightly obscure any prone Small or Medium
creatures.
At the top of the hill are a number of trees that
provide half-cover. The bugbears take cover behind
these if attacked from range.
The bugbears roll a spiked tree trunk down the
path once a character climbs halfway up on one of
the bugbear’s initiative counts. The tree trunk rolls
all the way down the path on its turn and crashes at
the bottom of the hill making a 5-foot-by-10-foot
area of difficult terrain (creating a larger and larger
area of difficult terrain at the bottom of the hill. Any
character in its path must make a DC 11 Dexterity
saving throw as it passes by. Those that fail take 7
(2d6) bludgeoning damage and are knocked prone.
Those that succeed on the saving throw take only
half damage and are not knocked prone. The camels
make poor beasts for avoiding the spiked tree
trunks, and if the adventurers approach with the
wagons and camels, Azam will guide them away
from the combat.
The goblin scout drops and breaks the crude

spyglass, rendering it worthless. If the characters
defeat the bugbears, they find their most recent
spoils hidden in their nearby encampment, a total of
49 gp, mostly in copper and silver. There are also
elaborate plans for other traps to stop travelers in
the area that show the bugbears are following
orders of an intelligent and cunning leader.
The characters find a set of elaborate ring mail
that was once quite fine, but the gilding on it has
been chipped away and the jewels have been pried
out. The crown-and-circle symbol of the Lords’
Alliance is still visible on the pauldrons. The ringmail
serves as functional armor (this is an ordinary set of
armor worth 30 gp). On the body of one of the
bugbears, they also find a fine shortbow with
gnomish sights (this is an mundane shortbow worth
25 gp) and a set of bracers of archery (note that
characters cannot fight both the hobgoblins at the
toll station and these bugbears, so the bracers of
archery and other treasure are found only once).

leave small offerings to Mielikki (gifts of bread, berries, and
small sacrifices), but avoided being seen due to the presence
Read or paraphrase the following: of the Cult of the Dragon. With their defeat, however, she
has taken up permanent residence in the shrine. She is very
Your journey continues and soon you find yourself passing quiet; she rarely speaks and is more likely to shrug in
through the foothills of the Greypeaks. You camp one last response to a question than give an answer other than “yes”
night before you reach Parnast the next day, keenly aware of or “no”.
Quote: “Yes.”
what you’ve lost with fewer wagons and companions than
when you started.
Around noon the next day, you reach the small town of
Parnast but find that few townspeople that come to greet If the characters elected not to save the statue,
your ragged caravan. Chandra Stol greets them politely, but does not pay
them.
The people of Parnast are distrusting, at least until
the characters deliver the statue to the Shrine of “We were hoping you would deliver the statue of the
Axes. If the characters push on to do so, Azam will Goddess to us. I understand that the perils of the Black Road
guide the wagon with the statue to the small wooden are quite severe. Parnast is grateful for what goods you did
building that serves to house the shrine. As the bring us. I hope your future travels are much safer.”
characters near the shrine, the scent of freshly baked
bread wafts through the air, which may make any
If the characters brought food, medicine, or weapons
particularly famished characters’s stomachs growl
to Parnast, Raggnar Redtooth takes up a collection
for something more than rations gritty with sand.
from the townsfolk for the characters.
After the priestess departs, a large, scarred man with rough

At the Shrine of Axes, they are greeted by Chandra features and a long mane of brown-blond hair sidles up to
Stol, a female half-elf follower of Mielikki. your group.
If the characters saved the statue and delivered it, “You’re the adventurers that brought the goods to town.
she thanks them in her quiet way, and once they The folks can’t thank you enough. We took up a small
have installed the new statue, pays the characters 50 collection for you.” He presses a rough burlap pouch with
gp and offers to feed them and let them stay at the
coins in it into your hands.
shrine for the night.
“I’m Raggnar Redtooth, owner of the Golden Tankard. I got
no room to put you up in, other than the stables, but come
The half elven cleric, Chandra, thanks you quietly. “We’re so
have a round on the house and tell your stories of the road to
grateful that you braved the Black Road to bring the statue of
the folks in town.”
our goddess to us. We could have used the rest of the goods
that were lost in the storm as well, but we now have Her
guidance, at least.” She gives you a kind, gentle smile.
“Please, take your payment with our gratitude,” she says, During the cult’s occupation of Parnast, Raggnar accepted
pressing a small black velvet bag of coins into your hands. bribes from the cult’s leadership to conceal their activity and
“And let us get you baths drawn. We would have you stay for keep them abreast of any unusual activity within Parnast.
Though he was outed for his conduct, he has managed to
a meal and we can offer you a safe place to stay the night.
convince most of the townsfolk that he did what he did to
Lodgings can be difficult to find in town.” ensure Parnast’s well-being.
As you look around, it’s apparent from the reactions of the Raggnar is a tall, heavyset man with enormous mutton chop
bystanders that this long speech from the cleric is the most sideburns who seems friendly enough.
words she’s contributed to a conversation in years. Quote: "What can I get you travelers? I will send the pot
boy out to you in a moment with the finest available in my
humble tavern."
Chandra, a female half-elf, has only been in Parnast for half a

year, but has lived just outside of the village for decades. Azam parts ways with the characters and says that
Until very recently, she occasionally came into the village to they will always have a friend on the Black Road.

Azam looks over your group with a shrewd glance. “You did
modestly well out there.” He gives you a wry, lopsided smile,
and smooths down his noble mustache. “I’d travel with you
again. You’ve got a friend on the Black Road. I’m going to stay
here a while until we have enough goods for a new caravan
out. Will be nice to get away from the sand for a while. Just…
you watch yourselves here. Between everything we’ve seen
and heard, I believe you’ll have larger problems soon.”
The characters receive 50 gp for successfully

bringing the statue to Parnast OR they receive 50 gp
for delivering supplies to Parnast (not both).
Lastly, a merchant in town offers to buy the box of
giant toenails for 100 gp for the entire box (the
adventurers can’t use them to craft a potion of giant
strength).

Permanent magic items are divided up according
to a system. See the sidebar if the adventure awards
Make sure the players note their rewards on their permanent magic items.
adventure log sheets. Give your name and DCI
number (if applicable) so players can record who Treasure Awards
ran the session. Item Name GP Value
Goblin Raider Treasure 1
Hobgoblin OR Bugbear Treasure 49
Total up all combat experience earned for defeated Ring Mail 30
foes, and divide by the number of characters present Well-made Shortbow 25
in the combat. For non-combat experience, the Payment for Statue 50
rewards listed are per character. Give all characters OR
in the party non-combat experience awards unless Payment for goods 50
otherwise noted. Toenails 100
Combat Awards
Name of Foe XP per Foe
D&D Adventurers League has a system in place to determine
Goblin Raider 50 who is awarded permanent magic items at the end of a
Goblin Boss 200 session.
Worg 100 Each character’s logsheet contains a column to record
Veteran 700 permanent magic items for ease of reference.
Priest 450  If all the players at the table agree on one character taking
Guard 25 possession of a permanent magic item, that character gets
Hobgoblin Captain 700 the item.
Hobgoblin 100  In the event that one or more characters indicate an
Bugbear Chief 700 interest in possessing a permanent magic item, the
Bugbear 200 character that possesses the fewest permanent magic
items gets the item.
 If there is a tie in the total number of permanent magic
Non-Combat Awards items owned by contesting characters, the item’s owner is
Task or Accomplishment XP per Character determined randomly by the DM.
Escorting the statue 150
The minimum total award for each character Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)
participating in this adventure is 450 experience
points. These bracers are bulky with hexagon designs along
The maximum total award for each character them that do not match any common racial or family
participating in this adventure is 600 experience styling.
points. In addition, the hexagons turn blue in the cold or a
warm orange in heat. The bearer suffers no harm in
temperatures as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit or as
warm as 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A description of
The characters receive the following treasure, this item can be found in Player Handout 5.
divided up amongst the party. Characters should
attempt to divide treasure evenly whenever
possible. Gold piece values listed for sellable gear are
calculated at their selling price, not their purchase Each character receives five downtime days at the
price. conclusion of this adventure.
Consumable magic items should be divided up
however the group sees fit. If more than one
character is interested in a specific consumable All faction members earn one renown point for
magic item, the DM can determine who gets it participating in this adventure.
randomly should the group be unable to decide.

The following favor is available during the course of
this adventure.
Friend on the Black Road. You aided the caravan
master Azam on a perilous journey along the Black
Road. If you find yourself needing to travel the Black
Road or transport something discretely, Azam will
provide it safely once for free.
You receive 150 XP, 75 gp, and five downtime days

for running this session.

This section is provided to the Dungeon Master to
help keep track of the various NPCs present in the
adventure.
Azam (Ah-ZHAM). A merchant, caravan master,

and member of the Lords’ Alliance. Azam travels
with the characters throughout the adventure.
Hsing (SING). A pseudodragon that serves as the
ally of a Lords’ Alliance spymaster. He appears to
make sure the right adventurers join Azam to end up
in Parnast, where they are needed for future
movements against the threat of the giants.
Fzoul Slovis (Fah-ZOOL SLOW-vis). A Zhentarim
mercenary company leader, he offers to work with
the characters to defend Azam and their employer’s
caravan for a night. In exchange for pleasant
conversation, he can give the characters warnings of
dangers ahead.
Chandra Stol (CHAN-druh Stole). A quiet female
half elf follower of Mielikki, Chandra pays the
characters for arriving with the statue and offers
them sanctuary in the Shrine of Axes for the night at
the conclusion of the journey.
Raggnar Redtooth (Rag-NAR Red-Tooth). A
heavyset human man native to Parnast, Raggnar
pays the characters for the goods that were
delivered to Parnast if the statue didn’t survive the
journey.

Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic evil
Armor Class 16 (hide armor, shield)
Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5)
Small beast, unaligned
Speed 30 ft.
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 7 (2d6) STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Speed 10 ft., fly 60 ft. 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 8 (−1) 11 (+0) 9 (−1)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Skills Stealth +6, Survival +2
6 (−2) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 3 (−4) 14 (+2) 5 (−3) Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Goblin
Skills Perception +4 Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Senses passive Perception 14 Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its
Languages — damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in the
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP) attack).
Keen Sight. The hawk has advantage on Wisdom Surprise Attack. If the bugbear surprises a creature and
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. hits it with an attack during the first round of combat,
Pack Tactics. The hawk has advantage on an attack roll the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage from the
against a creature if at least one of the hawk’s allies is attack.
within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t
incapacitated.
Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Beak. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage
at range. Note the bugbear is wearing the bracers of
archery.

Medium humanoid (goblinoid), chaotic evil Large beast, unaligned
Armor Class 17 (chain shirt, shield) Armor Class 9
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) Hit Points 15 (2d10+4)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 50 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 8 (-1) 14 (+2) 2 (-4) 8 (-1) 5 (-3)
Skills Intimidation +2, Stealth +6, Survival +3 Senses passive Perception 9

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11 Languages --
Languages Common, Goblin Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its
damage when the bugbear hits with it (included in the Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
attack). target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage.
Heart of Hruggek. The bugbear has advantage on
saving throws against being charmed, frightened,
paralyzed, poisoned, stunned, or put to sleep. Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Surprise Attack. If the bugbear surprises a creature and Armor Class 10
hits it with an attack during the first round of combat, Hit Points 4 (1d8)
the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) damage from the Speed 30 ft.
attack.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
Multiattack. The bugbear makes two melee attacks.
Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 Senses passive Perception 10
ft., one target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage. Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 0 (10 XP)
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6
+ 3) piercing damage in melee or 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing
damage at range. Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage.

Small humanoid (goblinoid), neutral evil Small humanoid (goblinoid), neutral evil
Armor Class 15 (leather armor, shield) Armor Class 17 (chain shirt, shield)
Hit Points 7 (2d6) Hit Points 21 (6d6)
8 (−1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (−1) 8 (−1) 10 (0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 8 (−1) 10 (0)
Skills Stealth +6 Skills Stealth +6

Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages Common, Goblin Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Nimble Escape. The goblin can take the Disengage or Nimble Escape. The goblin can take the Disengage or
Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns. Hide action as a bonus action on each of its turns.
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., Multiattack. The goblin makes two attacks with its
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage. scimitar. The second attack has disadvantage.
Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/120 Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning damage. one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Redirect Attack. When a creature the goblin can see

targets it with an attack, the goblin chooses another
goblin within 5 feet of it. The two goblins swap places,
and the chosen goblin becomes the target instead.
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment

Armor Class 16 (chain shirt, shield)
Speed 30 ft.

13 (+1) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
Skills Perception +2
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit,

reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 +
1) piercing damage.

Medium humanoid (goblinoid), lawful evil Medium humanoid (goblinoid), lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (chain mail, shield) Armor Class 17 (half plate)
Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2) Hit Points 55 (6d8 + 12)
13 (+1) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 9 (−1) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1)
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Goblin Languages Common, Goblin
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP) Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Martial Advantage. Once per turn, the hobgoblin can Martial Advantage. Once per turn, the hobgoblin can
deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to a creature it hits with a deal an extra 10 (3d6) damage to a creature it hits with
weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an ally a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet of an
of the hobgoblin that isn’t incapacitated. ally of the hobgoblin that isn’t incapacitated.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 Multiattack. The hobgoblin makes two greatsword
ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) slashing damage, or 6 attacks.
(1d10 + 1) slashing damage if used with two hands. Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage.
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
damage. 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
If the party is weak or very weak, then there are no Note the hobgoblin captain is wearing the bracers of
hobgoblin captains, and the hobgoblin will be using the archery.
bracers of archery, so add +2 damage to their attacks. Leadership (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). For
1 minute, the hobgoblin can utter a special command
or warning whenever a nonhostile creature that it can
see within 30 feet of it makes an attack roll or a saving
throw. The creature can add a d4 to its roll provided it
can hear and understand the hobgoblin. A creature can
benefit from only one Leadership die at a time. This
effect ends if the hobgoblin is incapacitated.

Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
Armor Class 13 (chain shirt) Armor Class 17 (splint)
Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5) Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18)
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
Skills Medicine +7, Persuasion +3, Religion +4 Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2
Senses passive Perception 13 Senses passive Perception 12
Languages any two languages Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Divine Eminence. As a bonus action, the priest can
expend a spell slot to cause its melee weapon attacks
to magically deal an extra 10 (3d6) radiant damage to a Multiattack. The veteran makes two longsword
target on a hit. This benefit lasts until the end of the attacks. If it has a shortsword drawn, it can also make a
turn. If the priest expends a spell slot of 2nd level or shortsword attack.
higher, the extra damage increases by 1d6 for each Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
level above 1st. ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8
Spellcasting. The priest is a 5th-level spellcaster. Its (1d10 + 3) slashing damage if used with two hands.
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
hit with spell attacks). The priest has the following ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
cleric spells prepared: Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit,
range 100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing
Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy damage.
1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, guiding bolt, sanctuary
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, spiritual weapon
3rd level (2 slots): dispel magic, spirit guardians
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage.

Large monstrosity, neutral evil
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Speed 50 ft.

16 (+3) 13 (+1) 13 (+1) 7 (–2) 11 (+0) 8 (–1)
Skills Perception +4
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Goblin, Worg
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Keen Hearing and Smell. The worg has advantage on
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or
smell.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is
a creature, it must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving
throw or be knocked prone.







A fine scroll sealed with a crane sigil was delivered to you. You have been personally invited by a mysterious seer to
go to the Zhentarim trade outpost of Vuerthyl in the Anauroch Desert.

Members of the Lords’ Alliance faction are sent a sealed note.

Members of the Order of the Gauntlet learn some sad news.

Members of the Zhentarim get wind of a rumor.

Harpers find a blue origami crane among their belongings.



The statue is of a complicated piece of woodwork by
an artisan who has exiled himself to the Anauroch
desert. It is five feet tall and four feet wide, and is of
a significant weight (requiring creatures with a
combined strength of 20 to lift and carry it).
The statue depicts the Triune Queen, the three-
fold deity Angharradh.
Inscribed into the base of the statue is “Unity and
diversity bring strength. Be ever vigilant against She
Who Was Banished and work together in defending
the lands of the Fair Folk from those who would
work evil. Celebrate the One and the Three for their
collective purpose and individual expressions of life.
Through the melding of widely different skills and
interests, creativity, life, and artistry are nurtured
and new ideas are discovered.” Those
knowledgeable in religion may recognize this as the
wisdom of Angharradh
Elves, half-elves, and the faithful of any of the
three feel a calming presence when near the statue.
The statue has been carefully packed for the
journey, and is padded and in a large, heavy crate.


Tied to the leg of the blood hawk is a message
written in a rough script:

The following magic item may be awarded during this
adventure
Wondrous item, uncommon (requires attunement)

While wearing these bracers, you have proficiency
with the longbow and shortbow, and you gain a +2
bonus to damage rolls on ranged attacks made with
such weapons. This item can be found in the Dungeon
Master’s Guide.
These bracers are bulky with hexagon designs
along them that do not match any common racial or
family styling.
In addition, the hexagons turn blue in the cold or a
warm orange in heat. The bearer suffers no harm in
temperatures as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit or as
warm as 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The following favor is available during the course of
this adventure.
You aided the caravan master Azam on a perilous

journey along the Black Road. If you find yourself
needing to travel the Black Road or transport
something discretely, Azam will provide it safely once
for free.

If you are DMing this adventure during the months of September - October 2016, please show your players this page.
The QR code below can be scanned, and will allow them to give feedback and results on the adventure to influence
the storyline in the future!
If a player does not have a mobile device, please tell them to head to dndadventurersleague.org/results to enter
their results.

DDAL05-02 The Black Road

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What is the special cargo being transported to Parnast?

What is the special cargo being transported to Parnast?

Who is responsible for organizing attacks on the caravans traveling the Black Road?

Who is responsible for organizing attacks on the caravans traveling the Black Road?

Caravans are having a difficult time getting through to Parnast via the Black Road.

A Two Hour Adventure for 1st-4th Level Characters

PAIGE LEITMAN & BEN HEISLER

Adventure Code: DDAL05-02

Development and Editing: Claire Hoffman and Travis Woodall

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Before leaving the oasis, the characters can buy supplies. In

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

The ramparts have the following general features:

As the characters approach with the caravan, read

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

At the top of hill is a bugbear chief, who delights in

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The goblin scout drops and breaks the crude

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After the priestess departs, a large, scarred man with rough

Chandra, a female half-elf, has only been in Parnast for half a

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

The characters receive 50 gp for successfully

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

You receive 150 XP, 75 gp, and five downtime days

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Azam (Ah-ZHAM). A merchant, caravan master,

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Skills Intimidation +2, Stealth +6, Survival +3 Senses passive Perception 9

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Skills Stealth +6 Skills Stealth +6

Redirect Attack. When a creature the goblin can see

Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit,

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)

Simon Bison (Order #24533422)