Four from Cormyr

Four FORGOTTEN REALMS® Adventures

for Characters of Levels 9-12

by John Terra
 Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Bad Neighbor Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

A village, a search, and the discovery of just how
The Border Crossing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 inconvenient it can be to have Sembia as your
In which our intrepid adventurers experience first-hand neighbor.
the efficiency and order of the nation of Cormyr.
Redemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
The Bibliophile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 A tale of Gondegal’s legacy, undead, treasure hunting,
Where we learn that all is indeed newer as it seems, and a second chance at salvation.
and that some passions can transcend even death itself.
Magical Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
Murder Most Magical . . . . . . . . . . . .22
In which Azoun’s birthday becomes someone’s death- Random Encounter Tables . . . . . . .127
day, and our heroes realize that combat is not always
the best solution.

Dedication: Dedicated to my daughter Adrienne Terra, my son John Terra III, and my buddy Hunter
Wells, three kids who are becoming part of the next up-and-coming generation of role-playing gamers!

Credits
Design: John Terra
Development and Editing: Kim Mohan
Project Coordinator: Thomas M. Reid
Cover Illustration: Ciruelo Cabral
Interior Illustrations: Ned Dameron
Cartography: David C. Sutherland III
Typesetting: Tracey L. Isler
Graphic Design: Dee Barnett and Don Danowski
Electronic Prepress Coordination: Dave Conant
Special Thanks: Ed Greenwood, Steven Schend, Thomas Reid

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2
Introduction
“Cormyr? Please, I’m not interested in such a place. Who wants, or needs, a place that has
been so tamed by good agents of law? Really, now, they’ve driven out all of the elements that
made life so interesting, and replaced them with a pack of boring, predictable, and yes, arrogant
and self-righteous, cattle. Give me someplace where I can be free to be who I am, and life has
some of that delicious uncertainty that makes it worth living.”
—Mendryll Belarod, bard extraordinaire

“Anyone who thinks that Cormyr no longer has any challenges left either is a fool or has not
looked hard enough. Perhaps both.”
—Elminster of Shadowdale

Cormyr is a nation of the North, located on the northwest coast of the Sea of Fallen
Stars. For neighbors, Cormyr has Sembia to the east, the desert kingdom of Anauroch to
the north, and the Lake of Dragons to the south.
A civilized nation, Cormyr is ruled by King Azoun IV, a champion of law and good.
The king’s ethos has contributed much to his desire to make Cormyr a place of justice,
safety, and peace, and to keep it that way.
Yet despite Azoun’s apparent successes, there is no way for one mortal, regardless of his
power, to drive out all evil from his borders. Certainly, there may be less corruption, less
overt abuse of power, and less random violence, but evil hearts beat just as strongly here
as they do in Zhentil Keep, Waterdeep, or the Moonsea.
Four from Cormyr is a series of four adventures set in the kingdom of Cormyr, exposing
the adventurers to a range of challenges and opponents, some obvious, some a lot more
subtle. All four adventures are recommended for six to eight characters of levels 9-12.

DM’s Information
Four from Cormyr can be played either as four separate stand-alone adventures, or as part
of an interlocking campaign. If the latter is being done, there is no set order for the ad-
ventures to happen, except that the section called “The Border Crossing” should happen
first, and “Redemption” should happen last. Every so often, special information is fea-
tured, giving the DM directions for linking all four adventures together.
The unifying theme for the four adventures involves a series of four magic items of his-
torical significance, which also create a single item of great power. Even if the four ad-
ventures are not run as a continuity-based campaign, the items can still be used.
DMs should have access to the FORGOTTEN REALMS® Campaign Setting boxed set and
Volo’s Guide to Cormyr in order to better run these adventures. Having the Cormyr ac-
cessory, the Tome of Magic, the FORGOTTEN REALMS Adventures hardcover book, and
Faiths & Avatars will also come in handy, but is not necessary.

The Four Adventures

The adventures must first begin with “The Border Crossing,” which introduces the PCs
to Cormyr by having them encounter a Purple Dragon border station. It will be neces-
sary for the PCs to register as an adventuring company. The encounter serves to give the
3
 players a little taste of what it is like to adventure in destroyed by Gondegal’s forces. The soldiers died and are
Cormyr. cursed now, and are looking for a way to break the curse.
“The Bibliophile” is an exercise in player and player When another adventuring company is brutally mur-
character manipulation. On their first night in the city dered by the erstwhile follower of Gondegal, the PCs set
of Arabel, the PCs are pegged as naive newcomers by a out to get justice done for the dead. The showdown hap-
less than savory adventuring company. The company pens to be on the site of the destroyed village. If circum-
manipulates the PCs, through a staged fatal mugging, to stances work out, the dead Cormyrean soldiers may get
explore the complex of Adzerak, an addled lich with an their shot at redemption and aid the PCs in the process.
interesting history.
Once the PCs succeed in exploring the old complex,
the manipulating tricksters waylay the PCs and hope to
Four from Cormyr
pick them clean of their treasure. “Four from Cormyr” is the unglamorous name that sages
and bards have applied to four magic items forged cen-
“Murder Most Magical” takes place in the capital of Suzail, turies ago by King Azoun’s ancestors. Each is an item of
and offers the PCs a glimpse into Cormyrean politics. All power in its own right—and the power of all four items
adventuring companies currently in Cormyr are obligated when brought together is almost on par with that of an
to come to Suzail for the festivities of King Azoun IV’s artifact. The items are:
birthday. However, late in the night, the noble who over-
sees all adventuring company charters is murdered. Suspi- The Seal of Iron. A bronze disk measuring two inches in
cion falls on all of the adventuring companies. diameter, engraved with the seal of the royal family of
Although this adventure certainly presents opportu- Cormyr. When worn somewhere on one’s person; it con-
nities for battle, it is more of a murder mystery, requiring fers complete immunity to all types of fear. The name of
attention to be paid to details and clues. the item comes from the iron will it gives the wearer, not
its metallic composition!
The PCs get a chance to do more traditional adventur-
ing in “Bad Neighbor Policy,” when they are hired to Fireblood. A brilliant, bloodred gem one inch in diame-
track down an adventuring company that has become ter, this appears to be an exquisitely carved ruby with
delinquent in paying its dues. The group was last seen what seems to be a bright crimson starburst in its center.
around the village of Thunderstone. The search takes The gem is worth at least 10,000 gp. The gem confers
the PCs to that village, to a dungeon in the Vast Swamp, upon its wearer a complete immunity to all forms of fire,
and on a collision course with a rival group of adventur- magical or mundane.
ers sponsored by Cormyr’s eastern neighbor, the mer-
chant nation of Sembia. Deathsend. So named because it was used to finish off a
foe defeated in combat, this is a dagger made of the finest
In “Redemption,” the PCs must deal with one of the steel, with a slightly golden glow to the blade. Aside
loose ends from the time of Gondegal “The Lost King” from being a dagger +4, it can also determine, when
and his rebellion of 1352 DR. One of the smarter follow- pointed at an enemy, if the victim is a dishonorable,
ers of Gondegal is still clandestinely active around the treacherous soul who deserves death, at least as deter-
Stonelands/Thunder Peaks area. He wants to build up mined by the rules of fair play as set up by beings of law-
his own forces and is determined to succeed where ful good alignment. Deathsend will not allow itself to be
Gondegal failed. used as a thrown weapon or in a backstab attempt; any
The PCs go to the Stonelands area in order to follow such attack made with the dagger will automatically fail.
up on rumors of a hidden treasure. What they wind up
finding is an old battlefield from the time of Gondegal’s Silveredge. This bastard sword is a sword of sharpness.
rebellion. It is haunted by three dozen Cormyrean sol- Finely worked detailing adorns the blade and handle,
diers. During the rebellion, these soldiers had two pos- showing scenes of kings fighting giants and dragons. The
sible sites that they could have marched to, and they blade’s edges are trimmed with silver, hence the name,
chose the easier of the two. As a result, they were not and the entire sword shines with a sky-blue glow. Sil-
around to defend a small village that was pillaged and veredge is found in a leather scabbard. The scabbard has a

4
smaller compartment where Deathsend is kept, plus a cir-
cular indentation where the Seal of Iron fits. The pom-
mel contains an empty recess, where Fireblood is meant
to be placed.

When all four items are brought together, assembled

into one unit, and worn by one person, the following ad-
ditional effects are realized:
— The wielder gains a +2 bonus on attack, damage,
and saving throw rolls.
— The wielder may cast a heal spell once per day.
— The wielder’s PC allies gain a +1 bonus to their at-
tack rolls and saving throws.
— The wielder’s NPC allies gain a +4 bonus to their
morale scores.

Note that bringing together fewer than all four magic

items yields no bonus magic effects. Also, possessing all
four items but giving them to four different people to use
will nullify the bonus powers.
These items are the legitimate inherited property of
Azoun IV. While a good-aligned party of PCs will feel it
necessary to return the Four once the items have suited
their purpose, they can also anticipate a generous reward
for their trouble.

NPC Descriptions
Four from Cormyr includes an abundant supply of
nonplayer characters, some of whom are essential to the
adventures and others who are “bit players.” The charac-
teristics of any or all of them can be adjusted to fit the
strength of the PC party, so that the adversaries are nei-
ther too powerful nor too weak: add or subtract a level or
two, increase or decrease someone’s hit points, or change
a character’s equipment (remembering to adjust the XP
value for the character if necessary). As written, the ad-
venture assumes that the PC group is composed of six or
more characters of a mixture of classes including at least
two fighters, one thief, and two spellcasters.
In some of the lists of spells provided for NPC spell-
casters, three special symbols are used: * designates a pre-
ferred spell; † identifies a spell or item from the Tome of
Magic; and ‡ identifies a spell found in the FORGOTTEN
REALMS Adventures hardcover book. Whenever spells
from those two books are mentioned, a sufficient number
of spells from the Player’s Handbook is given so that the
character can be outfitted with a full complement of
spells even if the Tome of Magic and the FORGOTTEN
REALMS Adventures book are not available.

5
 The Border
Crossing
As your group travels along the road to Cormyr, you notice a small stone structure ahead of
you, abutting a tower three stories high. Four soldiers in purple tabards casually walk into the
center of the road and wait for your group to approach.
One soldier, a burly human man, holds out a hand and says, “Hail and well met. Welcome to
Cormyr. What manner of business brings such an interesting pack of travelers across our borders?”
A large sign posted near the road’s edge reads:

Laws of Cormyr
1. All persons entering Cormyr must register with the officials of a border garrison.
2. Foreign currency can only be used in certain locations. Please exchange your coins
for Cormyrean golden lions at your first opportunity.
3. Adventurers must acquire a charter before undertaking any operation as a group.
4. All weapons must be peace-bonded. The only persons exempt from this law are
members of chartered adventuring groups and members of mercenary groups that
can offer proof of employment.
5. Harming cats is forbidden.
6. Bow your head to royalty and the local nobility.
7. Purple Dragons have the right to search you upon request.
8. Hunting on private land is forbidden.

On the second floor of the tower, a man sits by an open window and seems to be enjoying some
fresh air. He looks down at you and waves, and you notice a wand casually resting in his other
hand. Perhaps answering the soldier’s question would be a smart idea.

The Outpost
Stone outposts similar to this building are located just inside the border along all of the
roads leading into Cormyr. Each outpost is staffed by ten Purple Dragons.

Purple Dragons, hm F2 (10): AC 5 (chain); MV 12; hp 12 each; THAC0 19; #AT 1;

Dmg 1d8 (long sword) or 1d6 (flight arrow); SZ M; ML steady (12); Int average (11); AL
any good; XP 65 each.
Equipment: chain mail, long sword, short bow with 20 flight arrows.

The burly man who runs this post is Sergeant Stoan, a veteran Purple Dragon. He is a
simple man, a conscientious soldier who never fails to inform every stranger of the laws
of the land “just so there will be no misunderstandings.” He has a deep love for Cormyr
and is well liked by his men.

Sergeant Stoan, hm F7: AC 3 (chain mail +2); MV 12; hp 40; THAC0 14 (13 with
Str, 12 with long sword +1); #AT 3/2; Dmg 1d8+2 (long sword +1); SZ M; ML steady (12);
AL LG; XP 650.

6
 S 17, D 12, Co 17, I 12, W 16, C 13 abouts, and current abode or destination must be made
Personality: professional, fair, combat-experienced known at all times upon the request of any member of
Equipment: long sword +1, chain mail +2. the Purple Dragons or the War Wizards; this information
is recorded and continually updated in the library of
The fellow with the wand is Torvis Mull, a War Wizard. Vangerdahast, the Royal Magician and head of the War
Although he is a loyal servant of the crown, Torvis is Wizards.
bored and occasionally frustrated by being assigned to Foreign currency is accepted at many places of busi-
border garrison duty. Most of the time, he sits by a tower ness in Cormyr’s larger cities (including Suzail, Arabel,
window and poses intellectual questions to himself. and Tilverton, which the PCs will visit in the course of
these adventures), but not in smaller municipalities.
Torvis Mull, hm M6: AC 1 (bracers AC5, Dex bonus); The larger cities have currency exchanges; until the PCs
MV 12; hp 15; THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (staff); SZ visit one of these places, they may have trouble paying
M; ML steady (12); AL LG; XP 975. for lodging, food, or equipment with anything other
S 7, D 18, Co 15, I 18, W 17, C 14 than gems or jewelry. Objects being kept or stored at a
Personality: inquisitive, snobbish border outpost (including food, clothing, and other es-
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC5, wand of fire, sentials) are never made available for purchase by those
war wizard cloak (see “Magical Items,” page 126). who are entering the kingdom—everything in the place
Spellbook (4/2/2): 1st — alarm, charm person*, compre- is the property of the Crown.
hend languages, detect magic*, light, message, shield*, Adventurers do not receive charters from border gar-
sleep*, wizard mark; 2nd — detect evil*, detect invisibility, risons; those documents are only obtainable at High
ESP, web*; 3rd — dispel magic, hold person*, spectral force, Horn, in Arabel, or in Suzail. A charter costs 1,000
suggestion*. Cormyrean gold lions, and grants the registered mem-
bers of the group the right to go about without having
Outpost Floor Plan their weapons peace-bonded; it does not give those indi-
Although all the Purple Dragon border outposts in viduals the right to conduct themselves aggressively or
Cormyr are not built in precisely the same style, most of in an uncivilized fashion when in the presence of
them conform to the basic design shown in Map 1 (see Cormyrean citizens. (Soldiers at the garrison will pro-
the inside front cover of this book), which can be used, vide this information if asked, and will give directions to
with slight modifications, at any Cormyrean border the nearest of the three locations where a charter can be
crossing. obtained.)
The mandatory peace-bonding of weapons is gener-
General information: All locked doors inside the ally performed by the commander of a garrison, but can
building, including trap doors, can only be opened by be done by any member of the Purple Dragons. This act
using master keys that are in the possession of Sergeant consists of tying one or more lengths of cord around a
Stoan and Torvis Mull. Other doors are kept closed and weapon so as to fasten it in place and prevent it from
unlocked, but can be locked with keys that are carried by being immediately brought into use. The cords are tied
all the soldiers stationed at the garrison. in a special knot known only to Purple Dragons and War
Six or seven of the ten regular soldiers stationed here Wizards—any of whom can recognize an improperly tied
are on duty at any time. Off-duty soldiers spend their cord and has the authority to confiscate any weapons
free time relaxing in the common room or sleeping in that are not properly peace-bonded.
the barracks; they will generally not be wearing their
armor, but will be carrying their swords unless they are 1. Common room. All foot traffic into and out of the
asleep. building must pass through this chamber. The stout oak
All persons entering Cormyr are required to sign in at exterior door can be locked and bolted from the inside.
one of the border garrisons. The commander and the res- A fireplace, a large wooden table, and twelve chairs are
ident War Wizard both keep records of individuals who the only permanent features of the room.
pass through their jurisdiction. In addition, any mage or Travelers coming into Cormyr are ushered into this
specialist wizard of 5th level or higher must register with room in order to undergo the registration process. Going
the resident War Wizard. The mage’s name, sigil, where- through the process takes one hour for a group of six

7
 people. Under normal circumstances, no “foreigners” are A ladder on the north wall goes up to a trap door in
allowed anywhere in the complex beyond the common the ceiling. The passage leads to the wizard’s workroom
room (except for VIPs, often escorted into room #7). (room #9).

2. Barracks. This simply appointed room is the quar- 8. Commander’s quarters. This spacious but spartan
ters for the ten regular soldiers stationed here. It con- room contains a bed, a desk, a fireplace, a personal
tains ten cots, ten trunks (each soldier has a key to his locker, and a large locked steel chest. The chest contains
own trunk), a couple of small tables, and a fireplace. the legal documents and paperwork recording the pas-
sage of all persons who have come through the check-
3. Kitchen. This room is outfitted with a hearth, point,
tables for food preparation, dishes and utensils, and a
larder. Cooking duty is rotated between the ten soldiers. 9. Wizard’s workroom. This chamber is illuminated
Two men, unarmed and wearing no armor but with their by a globe of continual Eight, which can be covered when
swords close at hand, will be found working in here dur- the light is not needed. It contains the usual items found
ing the hour before each of the three daily meals is to be in a wizard’s laboratory (spell components, measuring
served. devices, spell books and other reading material, miscel-
laneous furniture). The wizard also has duplicates of all
4. Armory. On shelves and racks along the walls of the paperwork found in the commander’s quarters. Only
this room are long swords, short bows, daggers, spears, on extremely rare occasions is anyone other than the
and halberds—20 of each weapon when the armory is garrison’s resident mage permitted to enter this room.
fully stocked. Also stored here are 400 flight arrows, 200 A ladder on the north wall goes up to a trap door in
sheaf arrows, and five sets of chain mail armor. the ceiling, which leads to the wizard’s quarters.

5. Holding cell. Criminals, unregistered visitors, and 10. Wizard’s quarters. This secluded room contains
other malefactors are kept here while awaiting transport an expensive carpet, tasteful tapestries on the walls, a
to the nearest city for trial. The door is solid iron, and a very comfortable bed, a fireplace, and a desk. No impor-
guard is always posted in the corridor outside the room if tant equipment or materials are stored here; all such
anyone is being held. The room contains eight 5’-by-10’ items are in the wizard’s workroom.
cells, each of which can accommodate as many as four A ladder on the north wall goes up to a trap door in
prisoners (although each individual cell has only one the ceiling, which leads to the roof.
cot). A five-foot-wide corridor runs down the center of
the room from west to east. 11. Roof. An iron framework in the middle of the
roof holds a red crystal globe with a continual light spell
6. Storage. This room contains miscellaneous dry goods cast upon it. A heavy black tarpaulin is draped over the
(spare clothing and bedding, writing implements, extra crystal. If the garrison is in distress, one soldier will ob-
chairs, nonperishable foodstuffs, and so forth). It is also the tain a master key (needed to get through the trap doors)
place where any goods confiscated from would-be smug- from either Sergeant Stoan or Torvis Mull and will im-
glers are stored. All confiscated items are wizard marked by mediately head for the roof to take the cover off the
the garrison’s resident mage and cannot be removed from globe. When the covering is removed, the red signal
the room without the consent of the commander. light can be seen for miles in all directions. There is a
cumulative 10% chance per hour that the signal will be
7. Meeting room. This room is much more pleasantly seen by a Purple Dragon roving patrol. At full gallop,
appointed than the common room, featuring a soft car- they will arrive at the outpost in 2d6+2 minutes.
pet; braziers for warmth, comfortable chairs, a cabinet
holding a carafe of wine and six goblets, and a long, pol- 12. Stable. A dozen light warhorses are stabled here,
ished table with six matching chairs. The commander watched over by two soldiers. Harnesses, saddles, and
holds planning meetings here, and noble and/or influen- other types of gear are suspended from hooks in the walls
tial travelers get processed in this room instead of in the of each horse’s stall. At any given time, four of the horses
common room. are saddled and ready to ride.

8
The Bibliophile
This adventure is an exercise in adventurer manipulation. It is recommended that “The
Bibliophile” be the first adventure run, since any inexperience or naivete on the part of
the just-arrived PCs will make the scam that much easier to pull off. Although the ad-
venture takes place in Arabel and its environs, the location can be changed in order to
conform to individual campaigns. All that is required to change the adventure is modifi-
cations to landmarks and descriptive text.
If the PCs have not yet obtained an adventuring charter, this should be one of their
first chores after reaching the city. The Purple Dragons they encounter at the city gate
will direct them to the Citadel, on the city’s west side, where this requirement can be
taken care of.
Arabel is one of the rare locations within Cormyr where it is permitted for individu-
als—even if they are not chartered adventurers or mercenaries—to walk about with un-
bound weapons. The soldiers at the gate will not inform the PCs of this fact when they
enter the city.

The Trap Is Set

For a while, you have wandered the streets of Arabel, taking in the sights, trying to get your
bearings. The city is called the crossroads of Cormyr by some, and judging by the diversity of
people you see, the description is well deserved. However, now twilight is settling in. Accom-
modations would be a good thing to acquire, and word has it that the Nine Fires Inn has
warmth, food, and vacancies.
As you approach the inn, your attention is drawn to noises coming from an alley to the south.
Squinting into the shadows, you can see a figure being attacked by four hooded assailants. One
of the assailants seems to be trying to tug something away from the victim.
Before you can react, the assailants see you and, after delivering the victim a blow that makes
him crumple to the cold cobblestones, they run further into the alley, melting into the growing
darkness.

An adventuring company called the Puppetmasters has been spying on the PCs since
the characters’ arrival in Arabel. After sizing them up as less informed out-of-towners,
the Puppetmasters decided to spring their trap. At the precise right moment, the com-
pany’s thief was “waylaid” by four of his compatriots. They pretended to give the man a
mortal blow—made convincing by the group’s wizard, who cast a feign death spell on the
“victim” by touching him just as he was falling to the ground.
When the PCs arrive at the site of the attack, they see an old man with a trickle of
blood coming from his mouth. A small purse is fastened to a sturdy leather strap that en-
circles his upper body. It takes only a moment of examination to determine that he is
dead. There are no tracks to be found on the cobblestone streets. There were no other
witnesses to the attack, and the PCs could not get a good look at any of the faces of the
assailants.
The attackers, who know every inch of this area of the city, split up and regroup sev-
eral minutes later at the Wink and Kiss Tavern, one block southeast of the Nine Fires.
Checking the old man’s purse reveals a folded-up map (see Map 2, on the inside front
cover of this book) and a parchment letter. The letter reads:

9
 My dearest Lyryn, to be one of the most impressive for a wizard of his cal-
Just as I hoped, I have managed to secure a map from Bar- iber. He did manage to amass a fortune, much of which
rit of Tilverton, showing the ruins of the legendary complex of he used to buy more and more books. The information
the old scholar Adzerak. The treasures that await are enough the PCs discover will neither support nor refute the facts
for me to live out my remaining days in comfort. There will they have gleaned from the letter and the map.
also be plenty for you and my granddaughter to live comfort- If the PCs decide not to research the subject of Adzerak,
ably. Maybe you will even be able to meet a fine man and be they can pick up some talk among other patrons of the
wed again. Nine Fires about the Wink and Kiss Tavern being a good
However, I must be careful; although this is a kingdom place to hear gossip and information, as well as have a
where law and fairness prevail, the hearts of some men are good meal. If they go to the Wink and Kiss, they will
still dark. There are many who would kill for this map, but so most certainly meet the four Puppetmasters who have
far, I do believe I have eluded notice. gathered there. (Descriptions of the company members
I shall seek out an honest adventuring company to aid me can be found at the end of this adventure.) If the Pup-
in exploring the ruins, and pay them their respective shares. petmasters are asked about Adzerak, they will make a
Do not worry, there should be plenty enough to go around, if grand show of knowing about him and the fabulous trea-
the rumors are true. sure he is rumored to have possessed—but, according to
Do not fear for me, my daughter. I shall return to you in them, no one knows where this treasure is located, and
Thunderstone in two tenduys, with our fortunes made. Until someone who finds out the location would be a lucky
then, pray to Tyr for my safety. person indeed. (This bit of deception is designed to give
Your loving father, the PCs any necessary incentive to follow the map and
Dorenn seek out the place it leads to.)

The letter has today’s date, and the ink is still fresh, im- A Most Peculiar Rumor
plying that the old man was perhaps on his way to post- The next day, before the PCs leave the city, they may
ing the letter to an eastbound caravan to get it delivered catch wind of a rumor. It seems that an old man was
to Thunderstone. killed last night in an assault on the streets, but no one
If the PCs call for the watch, four members of the city now knows where the body is.
garrison (same statistics as for Purple Dragons; see “The What actually happened is that the city guards re-
Border Crossing”) arrive in 1d4+2 minutes. The guards moved the body to an unsecured holding area (which is
will take the PCs’ statements and allow them to be on standard procedure, and which the Puppetmasters knew
their way shortly. If the characters reveal the purse and would happen), where it was due to be examined in de-
its contents to the guards, the documents will be confis- tail the next morning. But a couple of hours after the
cated, but the PCs will be rewarded for their lawful ges- “attack,” the feign death spell wore off, and the old thief
ture by being allowed to make a copy of either or both of escaped from the holding area, planning to meet back up
them. (The guards are not impressed by rumors of trea- with his companions the following day.
sure, nor by a crude map that they consider to be a fabri-
cation, but they will keep both original documents for
evidence nonetheless.)
The Journey
Realizing (from the map) that they have a 20-mile trip
What About Adzerak? ahead of them to reach the place where they are sup-
After this incident has played out, the PCs should see to posed to turn and head due west, the PCs should be
accommodations. Once they are settled, they may want eager to rise in the morning and stock up with provisions
to find out more about Adzerak. for the ride. Assuming that they get on their way no
A little digging (locating and consulting a sage who is later than mid-morning, their mission will be off to a
an expert on local history, or making a trip to the royal good start.
library in the Citadel) will reveal that Adzerak was a
wizard who lived circa DR 1090, nearly three hundred You depart the crowded streets of Arabel and ride off in a
years ago. A worshiper of Deneir, he was obsessed with northwesterly direction. The terrain and weather are perfect
books and had a remarkable collection of them, rumored for riding.

10
If the characters pay attention to the instruction on the (stone shape, disintegrate, transmute rock to mud, etc.) or
map, it should not be difficult to determine when it’s by manual labor using a hammer, pickaxe, or some other
time to stop for the night. As they approach the point suitable tool.
where they have traveled twenty miles, the sun will be When the rock is removed, a round metal trap door
setting behind, the Storm Horn Mountains to the west, comes into view. This hatch is not locked, but it fits very
and the last bright light of day will be visible just as the tightly into the opening it covers. A character with a
sun settles into the “V” between two peaks. This should Strength of at least 16 is needed to pull the door open.
be the group’s signal to make camp and get some rest be-
fore proceeding directly west the next morning. Adzerak’s Home
Normal random encounters should be rolled on the 1. Entry. The trap door opens grudgingly, with a loud
trip from Arabel to this point, plus nighttime encounters shriek of rusted hinges. The odor of mold and decay coming
rolled on each of the three overnight watches. (Use the up from below is an indication that you are the first people to
“Temperate Plain” encounter table provided on page set foot here in centuries. A stone spiral staircase descends
127.) Barring a random encounter, the night passes un- into the darkness.
eventfully, although during the night, select one PC to
have a dream of the rotting body of an old man, plod- The stairs go down 20 feet and end at the beginning
ding determinedly across a great plain under a brilliant of a corridor heading south. The corridor ends at a rusted
canopy of stars, the lights of a large city fading slowly in iron door, which is locked. A small hook is set into the
the background. The man’s face shows hatred and upper part of the door. Hung from the hook, suspended
bloodlust, his one intact eye burning with the fires of re- on a chain, is a thin, featureless metal disc. Turning the
venge. disc over will reveal a sign bearing the words “No Entry
The second leg of the trip, a ten-mile ride due west, Without Appointment” elaborately engraved into the
takes half a day of travel by horseback. As on the first metal. The curlicues in the engraving are actually explo-
leg, roll for the likelihood of random encounters. sive runes. If the trap is not detected, the runes will deto-
nate, causing 6d4+6 hit points of damage to the charac-
The Destination ter standing closest to the door.

Keeping the sun at your back, you travel due west looking for 2. Antechamber. The air in here is foul and stifling,
the place on the map described us “Barrenstone.” After half a probably because any ventilation shafts have been long since
day of steady movement, you see an unusual-looking patch blocked up by the debris of centuries.
of ground ahead. In stark contrast to the tree-dotted grass- A chandelier still hangs on the ceiling of this large an-
land around it, this large disc of soft stone is free of vegeta- techamber. A few moldering chairs and couches, which look
tion. like they were pretty comfortable a few centuries ago, are
scattered about the room. Doors are set in the center of each
This piece of seamless rock was magically created by wall. The eastern door, made of what looks like cheap wood,
Adzerak using a transmute mud to rock spell. It is 300 feet is ajar. The southern door is made of more expensive wood,
in diameter and a uniform 2 feet in depth, and beneath and appears tightly closed. The most impressive portal is the
the rock at the center of the circle (designated by the double doors on the western wall. These doors are set with
“X” on the map) is the entrance to Adzerak’s under- stained glass that still looks beautiful, and on each one is a
ground domain. (Changing this patch of land from mud carving of an eye surmounted by a candle.
to rock and back again was Adzerak’s way of concealing
the entry to his residence while allowing himself access If the PCs found out anything about Adzerak before they
to the entrance whenever he desired to come or go.) left Arabel, a successful Intelligence check by any one of
By pacing off the distance from opposite edges, it them will yield the fact that the carving on these doors is
should be simple for the PCs to locate the center of the the symbol of Deneir, the god of glyphs and images. If
disc of stone. To gain entry to Adzerak’s home (depicted any of the player characters has the religion nonweapon
in Map 3, on page 15), it is necessary to remove the rock proficiency, it will be immediately apparent that what
in a 5-foot-diameter circle around the center of the disc. lies beyond the double doors is a room devoted to the
This can be accomplished by a number of magical means worship of Deneir. The double doors are locked but can

11
 be opened easily (+50 bonus to a thief’s chance of pick- Adzerak cast permanency, so as to form it into an ever-
ing the lock). lasting tribute to the holy symbol of his deity. The flame
With the exception of a 300-year-old gold coin under does not give off heat, and it cannot be moved. The illu-
the cushion of one of the couches (value 1 gp by weight, mination from it is sufficient to bathe the entire room in
or 100 gp to a collector), nothing in this room is of any a dim golden light.
interest or value. A single book lies on the altar just below the flame. It
Visible in the dust on the floor are four distinct set of is called The Deneirian Codex, and covers in detail all the
human-sized footprints that wander all through the aspects of Deneir, his ethos, and how he is worshiped.
room, with the trails leading to and from the east door.
4. Adzerak’s Den. After getting past the locked door, you
3. Shrine to Deneir. A feeling of security and enlighten- are rewarded with what looks like a far more comfortable
ment covers you as you enter this room. Despite the lack of room than the antechamber. One immediately noticeable im-
functioning ventilation, the air still seems healthy and com- provement is the better air quality. A thick layer of dust cov-
fortable. ers the furniture, carpet, and bookcases. A bucket of very
A simple stone altar with a small flame flickering in the air dry, gray wood stands next to the fireplace. The eastern wall
above it stands against the west wall. The walls are decorated has a door set into the center.
with carvings of every glyph, symbol, and letter of all the
written languages known in Faerûn. This was Adzerak’s favorite room. The shelves along the
north, south, and east walls contain hundreds of books
This chamber has remained immune to the ravages of on various topics. In particular, the bookcase on the east
time for more then three centuries, ever since Adzerak wall north of the door holds Adzerak’s collection of writ-
had it sanctified by a high-level priest of Deneir. The ten works on the subjects of plant lore and animals. Any
flame atop the altar is a dancing lights spell upon which character who studies one of these books for one week

12
gains the nonweapon proficiency of herbalism or animal carved in her hand. The statue is actually a stone golem,
lore (or both, if one book of each type is studied) with- which animates and attacks if any item in the room is
out having to use a slot for it. If the reader already has touched by anyone other than Adzerak.
proficiency in the subject the book pertains to, he gains
a +1 bonus to all future proficiency checks. Stone golem: AC 5; MV 6; HD 14; hp 60; THAC0 7;
The eastern door is made of stone and has been #AT 1; Dmg 3d8; SA cast slow every other round at 10’
mounted in such a way that it creates a tight seal. An range; SD hit only by +2 or better weapons, immune to
iron ring set into the door enables it to be pulled open by most spells; SW stone to flesh, transmute rock to mud; SZ
anyone with a Strength of 16 or higher. L; ML fearless (20); Int non- (0); AL N; XP 8,000.

5. Laboratory. The stench of still-potent chemicals and 6. Adzerak’s Bedroom. This room contains an opulent
the odor of mildew and rot waft out to meet you as soon as bed with an elaborate “A” carved in the headboard, a dresser
you open the door. Bright light fills the room, and as your vi- with a washbasin and pitcher, a nightstand with a hooded
sion adjusts, you see the source: a beautifully carved granite lantern and five books, and a full-sized wardrobe made of
statue of a ten-foot-tall, shapely woman with an open book in cedar. Everything has a layer of dust on it. Even after all
her right hand, and holding aloft a glowing rod in her left these centuries, however, the cedar still has some of its dis-
hand. She is standing in the southeast corner of the room. tinctively pleasant smell.
The room contains two large, chemical-stained stone In the southeast corner of the room stands an eight-foot-
tables filled with alchemical equipment such as braziers, fur- tall statue of a muscular young man.
naces, beakers, retorts, distilling coils and the like, plus con-
tainers holding various substances, and stacks of books. By Adzerak enjoyed an eclectic selection of reading, as the
comparison, a small table in the northeast corner is relatively books on the nightstand will attest to. The titles are:
uncluttered. A large book lies open on it, and around the Cheating Death by Spell and Incantation, A Dissertation of
book are a dozen jars of various sizes. Law and Morality as Seen by Tyr’s Church, Calimshan on
The wall opposite the door you entered through has a door Three Gold Pieces a Day, Elminster: An Unauthorized Bi-
set into the center. ography, and Shocking Tales of Elven Desire.
The nightstand has a drawer, with a single key inside
This is a fully equipped and still functional wizard’s labo- it. This key opens the door to the treasure room (#10).
ratory. The room contains 50 books scattered about, 48 The wardrobe contains various robes, cloaks, and a
of them typical treatises on alchemy and other wizardly necklace of memory enhancement (see Tome of Magic page
topics. One book is a manual of golems (stone). The last 141, or the “Magical Items” section in the back of this
book is called The Lifecycle Arcane. This is the large book), the latter hanging on a hook. In the back of the
tome that is resting on the small table in the corner of wardrobe is a secret door that leads to the library (#11.)
the room. The book outlines the stages of life as a wizard The statue is actually a stone guardian golem with or-
lives them, starting with apprenticeship and proceeding ders to attack anyone other than Adzerak who opens the
through cantrip mastery, graduation, spellbook acquisi- drawer in the nightstand or removes any of the contents
tion, specialization, laboratory creation, item fabrica- of the wardrobe.
tion, stronghold construction, taking on apprentices, re-
tirement, and finally, lichdom. Stone guardian golem: AC 2; MV 9; HD 4+4; hp 30;
A successful spellcraft proficiency check reveals that THAC0 15; #AT 2; Dmg 1d8+1/1d8+1; SD 1/4 damage
the ingredients in the dozen containers on the small from edged weapons, 1/2 damage from cold, fire or elec-
table are the potion ingredients necessary to carry out tricity, immune to normal missiles; SW stone to flesh,
the ritual that brings about lichdom. Each container is transmute rock to mud, stone shape, dig; SZ L; ML fearless
roughly half full, indicating that some portion of the in- (20); Int non- (0); AL N; XP 650.
gredients has been used. An even more obvious give-
away is the fact that The Lifecycle Arcane is open to the 7. Hallway. This musty hallway harbors a sinister chill
chapter on lichdom. that seems to seek you out and cling to you. Torch sconces
The ten-foot-tall stone statue provides illumination are set into the walls at ten-foot intervals, but the torches
by means of a continual light spell cast on the wand themselves have long since burned out. There are two doors

13
 on the northern wall of the corridor and two doors on the what he wants, and we four are doomed to this existence for-
southern wall. The pair of doors closest to the antechamber ever. Damn him and his books! Doesn’t he know that he’s
are slightly ajar, and the other two doors are closed. now cast from Deneir’s sight?”
Suddenly, the two partially open doors explode outward,
discharging four emaciated humans with grayish skin and 10. Treasure Room. The door to this room is made of
eyes glowing red with evil. A horrendous stench of decompo- iron, heavily engraved with various decorations and arcane
sition assails you, carried on a cold dark breeze that heralds symbols. A stout steel lock is set into the door.
the attackers’ presence.
Among the decorations on the door is a symbol (pain). If
The four attackers are wights, who in life were Adzerak’s the key from Adzerak’s bedroom is employed here, the
four apprentices. When Adzerak incorrectly cast the en- portal opens safely, bypassing the trap. If the door is
chantment to turn himself into a lich, the error caused a opened by any means other than using the key, the sym-
wave of energy-draining force that coursed through the bol is activated—all characters are wracked with pain,
complex, turning the innocent adepts into horrendous causing a -2 penalty to Dexterity and a -4 penalty on at-
undead. They have been stuck down here for centuries, tack rolls for 2d10 turns.
starved to the point of madness yet never dying. If the PCs succeed in getting through the door by any
means, they must be careful not to let it swing open any
Wights (4): AC 5; MV 12; HD 4+3; hp 21 each; more than is necessary for each character to enter one at
THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4; SA energy drain; SD hit a time. If they do not specifically keep the door from
only by silver or +1 or better magical weapons, immune opening all the way (perpendicular to the corridor), the
to sleep, charm, hold, cold-based spells, and poison or leading edge of the door will break a hedged prison (see
paralyzation attacks; SW holy water, raise dead, bright the binding spell, Player’s Handbook page 239) that con-
light; SZ M; ML elite (14); Int average (10); AL LE; XP fines a nabassu. If it is freed, the nabassu will immedi-
1,400 each. ately attack.

8. Southern Dormitory. The door to this room hangs Tanar’ri, greater — nabassu: AC 0; MV 12, Fl 15
loosely on its hinges. Looking inside, you are hard pressed to (C); HD 7+10; hp 50; THAC0 13; #AT 3; Dmg
identify even one piece of furniture; it looks as if an extremely 2d4/2d4/3d4 (claw/claw/bite); SA death gaze once per
efficient vandal took special care to reduce everything in this day, darkness 15’ radius, backstab (x2); SD hit only by
room to kindling. Splintered wood, shattered glass, torn cold iron or +1 or better magical weapons; SZ M (7’
cloth, and a layer of goosedown feathers cover the floor. tall); ML champion (15); Int high (13); AL CE; XP
9,000. (See P LANESCAPE ® M ONSTROUS COMPENDIUM®
This room was the bedroom of two of Adzerak’s appren- Appendix, page 106.)
tices. In their rage and frustration after being turned into Note: A target hit by the death gaze must make a suc-
wights, they tore their room apart. cessful saving throw vs. spell or transform into a ghast
(or ghoul, if the victim is a demihuman) over the next
9. Northern Dormitory. Although the door to this room 10 days. The death of the nabassu or a remove curse spell
is in better shape than the one to the south, the interior of the prevents the process from being completed.
chamber is much the same: devastated beyond recognition, as
if someone tore everything apart with their bare hands. Adzerak had stored away quite a lot of money for the
purchase and preservation of more books. Additionally,
This room was the bedroom of two of Adzerak’s pupils. he came across some magic items that he did not sell,
However, one of these two had a little more self-control and just tossed them into a chest and put them in this
than his comrades, and managed to keep his wits about room.
him long enough to write down a message on parch- There are a total of eight chests and one urn in this
ment. Each PC has a cumulative 10% chance per round room. The urn contains 100 diamonds, each worth 100
of searching the room to find the parchment. It reads: gp. Six chests hold 4,000 gp each, and one contains
“Our master is a fool. I knew the enchantment wasn’t 2,000 pp. The eighth chest contains a robe of useful
being prepared correctly, but he wouldn’t listen. Now he has items, a periapt of health, a bag of tricks, a rope of climbing,

14
a Nefradina’s identifier†, and a scroll with the spells ride adins of Tyr and priests of Cyric are good examples. If
the wind†, chaos shield†, fireball, wizard sight†, and spirit Imp controls its wielder, the sword considers itself the
armor†. The scroll functions at the 12th level of spell- dominant partner in the relationship and, to prove its
casting ability. power, will command the wielder to do embarrassing pet
Also in the chest is a short sword magnificently deco- tricks. The sword is opinionated, and will sound off even
rated with gems, and a gold and platinum trim. It is a if sheathed, unless the wielder is in control and bids the
short sword +3, but is also intelligent. The sword’s name weapon to remain silent.
is Imp. Any clever PC who thinks to question Imp about
Imp: Intelligence 15, Ego 15; chaotic neutral; speaks Adzerak will be told that Adzerak found the sword three
ogre, troll, hill giant, common; detect invisible objects 10’ centuries ago. However, it will also say that Adzerak is
radius, detect gems kind and number 5’ radius, strength once long gone, slain by his students when they turned evil. If
per day. The sword heals its wielder’s wounds, repairing the PCs eventually confront Imp with the truth, the
damage equal to half the hit points of damage that it in- sword will snarl, “Look, if ’tis honesty ye want, then find
flicts on an enemy in any particular round. Imp can also ye a Holy Avenger!”
dispel magic at a base 50% chance of success, modified as The final item in the chest is the dagger Deathsend.
per the description of the 3rd-level priest spell. However,
the manifestation of magic to be dispelled must be some- 11. Library. The door to this room is solid iron with huge
thing tangible or visible, such as a glyph of warding, wall of brass rivets along the edges. A formidable-looking lock is built
force, magic mouth, wall of fire, etc. into the door. The most striking feature, however, is the
Imp lives up to its name well. If it takes over its snarling manticore head carved into the door at eye level.
wielder, it will compel the owner to destroy any other Whenever you look at it, a feeling of uneasiness begins at the
weapons he owns. The sword will also mouth off to any base of your spine and races up your back, setting your hair
beings of obvious lawful alignment, good or evil; pal- on edge.

15
 Like the treasure room, this door is trapped with a symbol Pernicons (50): AC 3; MV 12; HD 1 hp; hp 1 each;
(pain). The key to this door was discarded by Adzerak a THAC0 20; #AT 1; Dmg 1d10; SA Constitution drain;
long time ago, so the portal cannot be opened by any SZ T (1” long); ML unreliable (4); Int non- (0); AL N;
means other than picking the lock, destructive magic, or XP 15 each.
brute force—any of which actions will set off the symbol Note: Pernicons attack in a swarm, not individually,
trap. The lock is so well crafted that a thief attempting doing 1d10 points of damage and draining 1 point of
to pick it suffers a -20 penalty to his open locks skill, and Constitution on each hit. If a victim’s Constitution is re-
any failure breaks the tool the character used in the at- duced to 2, he falls unconscious, and he is killed if his
tempt. Constitution reaches 0. Lost Constitution points are re-
If the PCs make it inside, read the following: gained at the rate of 1 per day.

Huge wooden bookcases stretch from floor to ceiling, each The entryway to the southeast corridor is entirely sealed
one completely empty. There is no furniture in here; just up with debris. It takes a total of 12 turns (two hours) to
shelves devoid of books. clear a passage through the mess. The corridor running
east is wide enough for two people to work in it at one
This is Adzerak’s true treasure room—his library. Unfor- time, thereby cutting the clearing time in half.
tunately, he removed all the books centuries ago and
brought them to his hidden sanctum. 13. Narrow corridor. The air in this corridor is musty
and thick with the dust of the ages. The walls are painted with
12. Ruined corridor. The narrow hallway turns to the fading frescoes depicting robed men and women battling un-
south and widens considerably, but passage through the area dead, dragons, elementals, and the like. Not a single warrior
still takes time because of extensive heaps of rubble scattered type is to be seen in any of the illustrations. Each of the four
here and there. Obviously, not every part of this structure has pieces of art has a title engraved in a small metal plaque set
held up over centuries of neglect. into the wall beneath the illustration. A single door is near the
end of the corridor, set into the north wall.
The refuse scattered throughout this corridor is partly
due to the deterioration of the walls and ceiling and Anyone who attempts to read one of the titles on the
partly the result of efforts by the wights to seal Adzerak plaques will set off explosive runes that were woven into
inside his sanctum. It is a combination of organic and in- the engraved words, causing 6d4+6 points of damage to
organic matter—a fertile breeding ground for many the reader and any others within 10 feet (although on-
types of insects, including two especially dangerous ones. lookers take only half damage if they make successful
If PCs search through or handle any of the rubbish saving throws vs. spell).
(which eventually becomes unavoidable if they proceed The door in the north wall is made of stout oak with
to the southern end of this area), there is a cumulative bronze banding and a stout iron lock. It is sealed by a
10% chance per turn that a small group of rot grubs or a wizard lock cast at the 18th level of ability.
nest of pernicons will be discovered (50% chance of
each type for each separate encounter). 14. Adzerak. This square room is brightly lit with two
magical lanterns. The air smells of ancient leather, old paper,
Rot Grubs (10): AC 9; MV 1, Br 0; HD 1 hp; hp 1 and bodily decay. A simple wooden table stands in the center
each; THAC0 n/a; #AT n/a; Dmg n/a; SA burrow into of the room, and an ornate, cushioned chair is next to it on the
exposed flesh; SW fire, cure disease; SZ T (1” long); ML side of the table opposite the door. An odd figure in tattered,
unsteady (5); Int non- (0); AL N; XP 15 each. rotting robes of purple sits in the chair, cradling a large book to
Note: A rot grub burrows into exposed flesh on a per- its breast and rocking back and forth, muttering, “. . . books
centage chance equal to the target’s base AC. Fire kills . . . my books . . . all mine . . .” as if reciting some litany.
2d10 grubs if applied before 1d6 rounds of burrowing The figure’s face is partially rotted, and only a few strands of
have occurred, and cure disease kills all grubs outright. If greenish-gray hair cling to the head. It has one eyeball in its
not stopped, grubs reach the heart and kill the victim in head, and this eye stares, unblinking, off into space.
1d3 turns. Books are everywhere throughout the room, placed in nu-
merous disarrayed stacks that tower to the ceiling.

16
 The figure takes a few seconds to register your presence. use of detect magic because of the vast number of books in
“One of my eyes fell out,” it croaks in a voice that crackles like the area. Also in here, close to where he is sitting, are
burning paper. A wave of unnatural cold touches you. “Now I the lich’s spell books. Adzerak will fight to the “death” to
can only read books half as fast as I could when . . . when . . . ” prevent any books from being taken from this room
The figure halts in mid-sentence, as if it cannot remember what without his permission.
it was going to say. Suddenly its rotting features harden; its jaw Actually, Adzerak is harmless. Although he has all
clenches, and its teeth grind together. “Thieves! You are here to the powers of a lich at his beck and call, he will only ini-
steal my books, eh?” Through all of this, the figure still has not tiate violence if he is attacked.
let go of the book. If the PCs attempt to parley with him, Adzerak mut-
ters, “. . . books . . . needed to save my books . . . who
This is Adzerak the lich. Even though his transforma- would see to them when I died? Had to not die . . . had to
tion into lichdom was generally successful, problems did prolong life . . . must keep my books safe . . . ”
occur, such as the energy blast that turned his appren- Adzerak is more to be pitied than feared. So intent
tices into wights. Two significant side effects on Adzerak was he on saving his precious books that he risked his
himself were the fact that his eyes remained in their own soul to become a lich, to gain immortality so he
sockets (until a few years ago, when one of them could perpetually protect his books.
dropped out) and his brain became severely addled. He However, there is a way out for him. If at least one PC
now sits in this room, surrounded by his precious books. makes a Wisdom ability check, or if any PC has the reli-
The room contains 2,000 volumes of varying sizes, gion nonweapon proficiency, the idea will come to mind
each one weighing 1d4 pounds. They represent all facets that perhaps Adzerak could offer his books into the safe-
of literature, from books of knowledge to insipid fiction keeping of Deneir. Although he was a devout worshiper
collections. Mixed among them is a smattering of magi- of Deneir in life, Adzerak had all memory of the deity
cal tomes, which cannot be easily located even with the obscured by his descent into lichdom.

17
 If the idea is suggested to Adzerak, his face takes on an whirling vortex. Rays of pure golden light erupt from different
amazed expression as a hidden niche in his memory places within the vortex, and Adzerak stands there, a look of
opens up. He remembers that he was a worshiper of rapt attention on his face.
Deneir, and he recalls all the details of where he is and Suddenly, letters and symbols fly off the pages of the
what is in his home, including the fact that he has a books, and join in a dance within the vortex. Adzerak is now
room devoted to that deity. He will then implore the clearly viewing something else in that whirlwind that the rest
PCs to help him carry all the books to the shrine, a pro- of you cannot. Clearly, whatever he sees is filling him with
cedure that will take a good two hours to accomplish. sheer joy.
Along the way, Adzerak will help the PCs deal with any The whirlwind, now blackened with millions upon millions
perils that remain inside the complex (wights, the of letters, symbols, and glyphs, begins working on Adzerak.
nabassu, untriggered traps, etc.), but he will not grant Bit by bit, like a windstorm buffeting a child’s sand castle, the
the characters access to the treasure room (#10), his lab- rotting corpse of the undead mage is eroded away, though it is
oratory (#5), or his bedroom (6). clear that Adzerak feels no pain.
Of course, if the PCs decide to just hack away at him, When the last vestige of the lich is gone, the ghostly image
Adzerak is perfectly capable of not only defending him- of a handsome, dignified old wizard turns to you, a look of
self, but also causing grievous bodily harm to everyone. peace on his face. “You have my gratitude for what you have
done,” he says above the tumult of the whirlwind. “You have
Adzerak the lich: AC 0; MV 6; HD 16; hp 108; shown me the path to redemption, freed me from my own
THAC0 5; #AT 1; Dmg 1d10; SA paralyzing touch, fear selfish foolishness, and found the best place for my books and
aura; SD hit only by +1 or better magical weapons, im- me to dwell: in the bosom of Lord Deneir. I leave you with
mune to sleep, charm, enfeeblement, polymorph, cold, elec- these words: Melkerech will be looking for this place, and all
tricity, insanity, or death spells; SW can be turned; SZ M; who entered it. Be so warned.”
ML fanatic (18); Int supra-genius (20); AL NE; XP Having said this, the spirit of Adzerak looks up into the
15,000. whirlwind and allows himself to be taken up into it. The
Note: Adzerak’s fear aura only affects creatures of 5 winds abruptly increase in strength and volume, but they
HD or fewer, and thus will be ineffective against the have no effect on the area where you are standing.
PCs’ party unless it includes one or more NPCs of 5th A bright flash of light blinds you for a moment, and a
level or lower. thunderclap makes your ears ring at the same time. When
Personality: befuddled, obsessed, absent-minded your vision clears, the wind is gone, and all but a handful of
Spells (5/5/5/5/5/3/3/2/1): 1st — magic missile (x5); Adzerak’s books have vanished. Two facts are apparent:
2nd — Melf’s acid arrow (x5); 3rd — dispel magic (x5); Adzerak has finally found peace, and the books that remain
4th — bestow curse (x3), minor globe of invulnerability, va- are your reward.
cancy; 5th — cloudkill (x5); 6th — fish to stone (x3); 7th —
finger of death (x3); 8th — Bigby’s clenched fist, prismatic Lord Deneir has taken Adzerak and his books on to a
wall; 9th — Bigby’s crushing hand. Note: This lethal but pleasant afterlife. Any PC worshiper of Deneir will see a
not very versatile mix of spells is Adzerak’s way of pro- faint image of the god in the whirlwind.
tecting his books (primarily by doing harm to anyone After all they have been through, the PCs deserve a
who tries to steal them or damage them). At your op- reward, and the books are certainly good compensation.
tion, he may have other spells in memory in place of The volumes are a book of exulted deeds, a libram of gainful
some of these. conjuration, a manual of puissant skill at arms, and a
manual of stealthy pilfering. If most of the PCs have three

A Soul Laid to Rest or more attribute scores of 15 or higher, then there’s no

more treasure. However, if this is not the case, you
If the PCs bring the books into the shrine, read the fol- should throw in one copy of each of the five books that
lowing: increase attributes: a manual of bodily health, a manual of
gainful exercise, a manual of quickness of action, a tome of
As the last few books are set in place inside the shrine, a slow clear thought, a tome of understanding, and a tome of lead-
breeze springs up from nowhere. It ruffles pages in many of ership and influence.
the books, then increases in strength until it becomes a

18
The Final Hurdle
Once the PCs depart Adzerak’s underground complex,
initiate this encounter, adjusting for the time of day and
the general condition of the party.

You ascend the stairs of Adzerak’s sanctum, and the fresh, sweet
air of the outdoors fills your lungs and ruffles your hair. You have
survived a serious challenge, freed a doomed soul, and have been
rewarded well. There is little that could ruin your mood now.
An arrow suddenly ricochets off the stone a few feet in
front of you. Raucous laughter erupts from several remote lo-
cations, and then, about 100 yards away, four figures
emerge from behind cover. They are set up in an arc forma-
tion, one directly to your left, one directly to your right, one
directly ahead of you, and the other one halfway between the
center figure and the left-hand assailant. All of them begin
moving slowly in your direction.
The figure directly to your left is an older man, and as he
comes close enough for you to make out his face, you realize
that he is the murder victim you saw back in Arabel. He no-
tices your surprised expressions and cackles merrily.
Everyone in the company except for the armored woman
standing directly ahead of you bursts into laughter, pointing
at your group and wagging their heads in a taunting gesture.
“Innocent fools, so easily manipulated,” purrs the figure to
your right, a woman of partial elven extraction, as she fingers As can be seen by the tactical map, the fifth member
a black disk around her neck. “Our thanks to you for taking of the company is lurking away from the rest of the Pup-
the risks for us.” Everyone laughs again. petmasters. This is Bruk, the group’s wizard, with some of
“Enough foolishness!” barks the center woman. She puts Dorenn’s dust of disappearance sprinkled on him. Like the
away her bow and draws forth a glowing long sword. “These others, he has been moving slowly but steadily toward
fools did the sowing and planting for us . . . all that is left for the PCs. By the time Brenna finishes making her
us is to collect the harvest.” She looks directly at you, her promise that the heroes will not be harmed, the four
steel eyes showing no compassion or room for negotiation. visible members of the Puppetmasters are about 100 feet
“Kindly place the wealth you found in the ruins on the ground away from the PCs and Bruk is 200 feet distant.
at your feet. Keep your hands away from your weapons, and If the PCs do not comply immediately with the Pup-
do not try to use any sort of magic. We just want the trea- petmasters’ demands, Brenna gives a curt nod, and Bruk
sures of Adzerak. Leave them here, and leave this place, and detonates a fireball in the PCs’ midst. This is the signal
I promise you won’t be harmed.” for an all-out attack by the Puppetmasters.
The other figure, a male dwarf in armor, holds his hammer The assailants will do their best to knock out the ob-
in a ready position. All four continue to advance slowly vious spellcasters first. If they are forced to retreat, the
toward you. Puppetmasters will scatter, each taking a different escape
route to make it difficult for the PCs to locate their
Consult Map 4, on this page, for the tactical situation. campsite. Zeran is the only one who will head directly
The adventuring company known as the Puppetmasters for the campsite; any PCs who pursue her (at a distance,
followed the PCs here and simply waited for them to so she does not realize she is being followed) or follow
come out, if ever. The Puppetmasters would have given her tracks will find the group’s hideout easily.
the PCs three days inside the complex, then would have The Puppetmasters’ small campsite is in a small grove
ventured in to ascertain their fate. of trees about half a mile east of the entry to Adzerak’s

19
 home. The site contains three two-person tents, five rid- unhinged, his favorite tactic is to go invisible, put the
ing horses, personal possessions of the members, and a tanar’ri hand puppet on his hand, have the puppet grab
week’s worth of food and drink for five people. hold of his magic dagger, and backstab his victims. He
In one of the tents is a backpack holding 500 gp and a employs the same tactic with the paladin hand puppet,
small note that reads, “Barrit of Tilverton, 2 bldg nw but only uses it when he wants to pinch females’ bot-
whispering witch.” This message is a reminder written by toms.
Brenna concerning a wizard named Barrit, whose home If at least two other Puppetmasters are killed and/or
is located two buildings northwest of the Whispering he suffers damage of over half his hit points, he will go
Witch Inn in Tilverton. invisible if he hasn’t already done so, and will then flee
the battle.
The Puppetmasters
So named because most of the company got their start as Golias, dm F6: AC 0 (chain +4, shield); MV 6; hp 60;
an entertainment troupe, they became adventurers THAC0 15 (12 w/Str, 9 w/dwarven thrower); #AT 3/2;
when they realized that they did not want make a living Dmg 1d4+10 (dwarven thrower +3 when wielded) or
entertaining spoiled children and bored nobles. 2d4+11 (dwarven thrower +3 when thrown); SA special-
Their company name is still apropos, however, since ist with thrown hammer; SD +5 bonus on saves vs.
the group is fond of manipulating others into doing most magic and poison; SZ S; ML fearless (19); AL N; XP
of their work for them. 3,000.
The Puppetmasters are a chartered company in S 18/00, D 10, Co 18, I 9, W 12, C 8
Cormyr, but have already been fined once for late fee Personality: stubborn, fearless, loyal
payments and are in dire financial straits at the moment. Special Equipment: dwarven thrower +3, chain +4.
Golias is a grim, tough dwarf who is fanatically loyal
Brenna, hf F7: AC 2 (ring of protection +2, chain to Brenna, and just as brave as she is. Like her, he has an
armor, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 58; THAC0 14 (13 attitude of “no retreat, no surrender.”
w/Str, 12 w/sword of sharpness); #AT 2; Dmg 1d8+2
(sword of sharpness +1); SA specialist with long sword; Zeran, hef P5 (Leira): AC 5 (cloak of displacement,
SZ M; ML fearless (19); AL N; XP 3,000. Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 28; THAC0 18 (17 w/mace +1);
S 17, D 15, Co 16, I 12, W 16, C 11 #AT 1; Dmg 1d6+1 (horseman’s mace +1); SA impenetra-
Personality: humorless, fearless, pragmatic ble falsehood 1/day, phantasmal force or audible glamer
Special Equipment: +2 ring of protection +2, sword of 1/day, misdirection 1/day; SD +2 bonus to saves vs. illu-
sharpness +1 (long sword), short bow +2, 24 sheaf arrows sion/phantasm magic; SZ M; ML elite (13); AL CN; XP
+2, chain armor, company’s charter in backpack. 1,400.
Brenna is the leader of the Puppetmasters. She has little S 14, D 17, Co 15, I 12, W 18, C 15
tolerance for people who she deems weak, nor for failure. Personality: mysterious, sneering, contemptuous
Special Equipment: footman’s mace +1, potion of healing
Dorenn, hm T6: AC 2 (leather armor +2, Dex (2 doses), chain armor, holy symbol of Leira.
bonus); MV 12; hp 24; THAC0 18 (16 w/short sword Spells (5/5/2): 1st — bless, cause fear, command, cure
+2); #AT 1; Dmg 1d6+2 (short sword +2) or 1d4+2 (dag- light wounds, ventriloquism; 2nd — augury, heat metal, hold
ger +2); SA backstab, +4 to hit, triple damage; SZ M; person, hypnotic pattern, silence 15’ radius; 3rd — dispel
ML steady (11); AL CN; XP 975. magic, feign death.
S 12, D 18, Co 14, I 12, W 17, C 9 Zeran is a specialty priest of Leira, the goddess of de-
Personality: taunting, eccentric, lecherous ception and illusion. Among other special powers, she is
Special Equipment: short sword +2, dust of disappearance able to pray for and use wizard spells of the illusion/phan-
(6 doses), leather armor +2, dagger +2, thieves’ tools, pal- tasm school, casting them as if she were a 2nd-level
adin hand puppet, tanar’ri hand puppet. mage. (See pages 93-96 of Faiths & Avatars for details on
Thief abilities: PP 55; OL 50; F/RT 45; MS 50; HS 40; the worship of Leira.) If two or more of her comrades are
DN 20; CW 90; RL 30. killed, she will use her illusion powers to try to effect an
Dorenn is an old man in his mid 60’s, the one com- escape.
pany member who was in fact a real puppeteer. Slightly

20
 Bruk, hm Inv7: AC 0 (AC 5 bracers, +4 cloak, Dex his old rival has been sacked. The lich will then use all
bonus); MV 12; hp 30; THAC0 18 (15 w/staff); #AT 1; of his resources to track down the defilers and get “his”
Dmg 1d6+3 (staff of striking); SZ M; ML steady (11); AL books from them.
NE; XP 2,000. The city guard and the Purple Dragons in Arabel will
S 7, D 15, Co 16, I 18, W 14, C 12 be interested in questioning the PCs about the disap-
Personality: scheming, selfish, brilliant pearance of the old man’s body. Should the characters
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC5, +4 cloak of return to Arabel, they will be asked to come to the local
protection, staff of striking (10 charges), wand of fire (22 constabulary “just to answer a few questions.”
charges), ring of mind shielding.
Spellbook (5/4/3/2): 1st — burning hands*, color spray*,
hold portal, light, magic missile**, shield, Tenser’s floating
Linking This
disc, wall of fog*; 2nd — flaming sphere*, know alignment,
magic mouth, pyrotechnics*, web*, wizard lock*; 3rd — dis-
Adventure
pel magic, feign death, fireball*, lightning bolt*, wind wall*; To connect this scenario with the one titled “Redemp-
4th — ice storm*, polymorph other*, shout. tion,” make Bruk an agent of Lord Aris (the main villain
Bruk is a wizard hailing from Zhentil Keep, who fled in that adventure). A clue could be found among Bruk’s
the place when it was razed a short while ago. As a result personal possessions that Lord Aris has charged him
of his Zhentish heritage, he looks down on everyone, in- with the task of finding the magical dagger known as
cluding his companions. If Bruk gets injured at all, he re- Deathsend.
treats from battle. Optionally, run this adventure after “Murder Most
Magical,” allowing the PCs to first encounter the Pup-

Epilogue petmasters (except for Dorenn, whose identity must be

kept secret from them) at the ceremony honoring
Even though the PCs have probably triumphed over all Azoun’s birthday.
of the obstacles presented in this adventure, they are still
liable to feel the effects of it for quite some time.
Experience Point Bonuses
First, if at least one Puppetmaster escapes, the PCs Each of these bonuses should be distributed evenly
will have made enemies for life, and the Puppetmasters, among all party members who participated in or agreed
bolstered with new members, will be out for blood. with taking the described action.
PCs with good memories will recall that the name
“Barrit” was mentioned in the letter that the characters Showing the letter and the map
found on the “victim” in Arabel. In fact, that part of the to the guards in Arabel: 1,500
letter was true: It was Barrit who provided the Puppet- Taking no offensive action
masters with information on the supposed location of against Adzerak: 2,000
Adzerak’s home. Player characters may decide that Bar- For each member of the Puppetmasters
rit of Tilverton needs to be dealt with, lest he cause more captured and turned over
mischief. But this will be difficult, since Barrit has done to the authorities in Arabel: 2,000
a good job of ingratiating himself into Tilverton society,
and is friends with House Rowanmantle.
And speaking of that letter, there is no person named
Lyryn in the village of Thunderstone. PCs who try to fol-
low up on this lead, perhaps during the adventure titled
“Bad Neighbor Policy,” will eventually get the idea that
they are on a wild-goose chase.
Melkerech, the name that the spirit of Adzerak ut-
tered, was a mage rival of Adzerak’s. He too has become
a lich, but unlike old Adzerak, there is nothing befud-
dled about him. Through the divinations he occasion-
ally casts, Melkerech will discover that the sanctuary of

21
 Murder
Most Magical
Unlike the previous adventure, “Murder Most Magical” is a murder mystery and NPC
interaction/socialization adventure. The parties responsible for the murder are intelli-
gent, and are aware that many magical ways of finding out the truth are available, so they
have planned for what they hope is every possible contingency.

Welcome to Suzail!
It is the birthday of King Azoun, and the entire capital city of Suzail is abuzz with excitement.
You are fortunate to be in the city at such a time, since there are so few chances to actually in-
teract with royalty and nobility in the manner that this celebration promises.
It is customary on Azoun’s birthday for representatives from all the adventuring companies in
the kingdom to present themselves to the king in a gesture of fealty. As a rule, Cormyrean soci-
ety considers adventurers a dubious proposition in the first place. Lord Partic Thistle, the Regis-
trant General, was the one who came up with the idea of this ceremony in order to try to im-
prove the image of adventuring companies and adventurers in general. This is hardly surprising,
since the Registrant General is the noble who is the ultimate overseer in the granting of charters.
Each adventuring charter is personally signed and sealed by Lord Thistle.
The festivities in Suzail run all day and into the night. Never have you seen such pageantry,
such enthusiasm . . . such food. Even though you are not mingling with the upper upper crust,
you still get your shares of parties and the occasional brush with someone influential, someone
who can perhaps be a valuable contact in the future days.
The evening celebration at Lord Thistle’s manor-keep Thistleflame is the event you have been
waiting all day for. Aside from Lord Partic Thistle himself, also in attendance are King Azoun
IV; Queen Filfaeril; their daughters Tanalasta the advisor and Alusair the adventuress; Vanger-
dahast, the Royal Magician; the Sage Most Learned, Alaphondar; the Lord High Marshal,
Duke Bhereu, and his brother Baron Thomdor, third cousins of the king; Sthavar, the Lord
Magistrate of Suzail; the leading members of the noble families of Bleth, Cormaeril, Crownsil-
ver, Dauntinghorn, Emmarsk, Hawklin, Huntcrown, Huntsilver, Illance, Marliir, Rowan-
mantle, Silversword, Truesilver, and Wyvernspur; the heads of the four most powerful trading
costers in the land (The Dragoneye Dealing Coster, the Seven Suns Trading Coster, the Six
Coffers Trading Coster, and the Trueshield Trading Triakos); dozens of other nobles; and of
course a host of adventuring companies, of which you are one.
You have heard speculation that a few Harpers are here as well, although none of the revelers
seem to be of that inclination. There are rumors that a couple of Knights of Myth Drannor are
present, and perhaps even Elminster himself.
The celebration begins with a period of mingling, conversation, and beverages in the ballroom
of Partic’s manor.

22
The Festivities 9:00: Presentation of the companies
10:30: Entertainment
All members of adventuring companies are forbidden to Midnight: Everyone turns in
wear armor during the celebration; this is a time for fin-
ery and polish. The PCs need not have expensive gar- Mingling In The Ballroom
ments and accessories, but they should certainly be clean Every time a PC talks to an NPC and says something be-
and well groomed. The only weapon any guest is allowed yond an innocuous statement such as “Hello, my name is
to wear is a sword whose length does not exceed that of . . . ” or “Nice party,” an etiquette proficiency check may
a long sword, worn on a belt in a hip scabbard, and given be called for. If the character does not have this profi-
a wireseal. ciency, substitute a Charisma ability check with a +4
A wireseal is a peace-bond with teeth—a strong piece modifier to the die roll. Failing the check means the PC
of metal wire that ties the sword handle to the scabbard has made a faux pas. A roll of a natural 20 means the PC
itself. Undoing a wireseal takes an entire round. Anyone has inadvertently insulted the NPC.
with a sword that does not have a wireseal is arrested on Every 15 minutes during the social hour, each PC may
the spot. The king is the only person who can command make a Charisma ability check. Success nets the PC one
a guest to unseal his weapon. of the following tidbits of conversational rumor.
During the mingling in the ballroom, the PCs will
have plenty of opportunities to indulge in conversation Party Rumors
with NPCs. Purple Dragons and a few War Wizards are Roll d20 and consult the list below.
stationed near the door to the ballroom and in the hall-
way. The War Wizards are not recognizable as such; they 1. Do you know that Lord Thistle has a fascination
appear dressed as normal partygoers. with his dead ancestors, buried under the manor?
Azoun, his queen, and Vangerdahast are standing He is obsessed with family histories and such. (True)
apart from the rest of the crowd, in the ballroom’s north- 2. I have heard that Azoun wishes to marry off his
eastern corner. A small band of the most elite of the Pur- headstrong daughter to the right young man of pure
ple Dragons (9th-level fighters) stand behind the king, heart, great courage, and the ability to tame the
at ease yet ever vigilant. little firebrand. (False)
If the PCs attempt to engage the king in conversation, 3. This is so exciting! Elminster of Shadowdale is here
they will be immediately intercepted by the Purple in disguise! (False; he’s not here at all)
Dragons. Vangerdahast will subtly use a wand of enemy 4. Lord Krell Huntcrown, head of that noble family, is
detection on them, and if they indeed pose no threat, will strongly opposed to chartered adventuring compa-
allow them to bow to the king and exchange no more nies. He feels that Thistle’s efforts at legitimizing
than a half-dozen sentences with him per individual. such bands is part of a Cormaeril-funded plot. (True)
This limit is in place because a great many people would 5. Lord Partic Thistle is actually of the noble family
love to have a portion of the king’s attention tonight. Cormaeril, on his mother’s side. Everyone knows
Azoun will limit his remarks to polite comments, that. (True)
nothing profound or personal. Anyone who tries to ask a 6. Did you not hear? Lord Orgauth of Zhentil Keep
boon of the king will be unceremoniously hauled out of made it clear through many hints that he wished an
the king’s presence for exhibiting such boorish behavior invitation to this party, but King Azoun gave that
as begging for favors during a party. fellow a masterful snub. (False)
Servants carrying silver trays thread their way through 7. No offense, but we Cormyreans in general tend to
the crowd, serving hors d’oeuvres and crystal glasses of distrust adventuring companies. There are some
light wine. Anyone seen drinking excessively will be that are rather unscrupulous, and even rumored to
asked to cease. If this warning is not heeded, the of- indulge in acts of evil. And how are we to tell
fender will be ejected from the ballroom and sobered up which are baneful and which are beneficial? (True)
in the courtyard’s fountain. 8. This whole ceremony of company presentation is
The party schedule is as follows: Lord Thistle’s idea, his way of trying to legitimize
6:00: Mingling in the Ballroom. adventuring companies, improve their image.
7:00: Dinner in the Grand Hall (True)

23
 9. Oh, Thistle is a decent enough fellow; honest, 14. Azoun does well to keep many guards about.
hard-working, and all. He’s not married, but he’s There are still some small pockets of people who
been known to tip a few at the Bubbling Bulwark are sympathetic to Gondegal’s crusade. (False)
and keep company with a redheaded barmaid 15. We have a potential for an interesting love trian-
called Annalise. How scandalous! (True) gle here, you know. Lord Thistle has been keeping
10. Azoun is worried about his line of succession. He company with a sultry redheaded barmaid at the
and the queen are actually trying to have another Bubbling Bulwark. However, a young man named
child at their age, hoping for a son. (False) Garit Strongarm, a hot-blooded cavalier from
11. Be careful of Lord Mournsoul. He’s a whining, Sembia, also fancies her, and is insanely jealous. Is
artistic dandy who dresses all in black and vomits that not positively delicious? And to make matters
forth what he considers artistic love poetry. He’s more interesting, young Garit is part of an adven-
always pining over some woman. (True) turing company called the Gold Coins, and is here
12. Did you know the entertainer for tonight is some- tonight! (True)
one who performs regularly at the Bubbling Bul- 16. The king and his retinue will retire to the royal
wark? Really now . . . don’t you think that’s just a castle after this party, but the noble family heads
tad pedestrian for such an event? A common tav- and the adventuring company heads are invited
ern singer? Thistle should have hired some of to sleep here in the manor as Thistle’s guests.
those famous harp players . . . what are they (True)
called? Oh, yes, the Harpers! (True) 17. Thistle is aware of the unpopularity of adventur-
13. Everyone knows Vangerdahast opposes the whole ing companies, and has compiled a list of compa-
idea of granting charters to adventuring compa- nies whose charters are to be revoked due to un-
nies. (False) civilized behavior on their parts. The list will be
read tomorrow morning. About time, I say; they

24
 should disband the whole lot of them. Er . . . no of-
fense intended, present company excepted of
Thistleflame
course. Ahem. (False)
18. Thistle may be an efficient loyal member of
Keep
Azoun’s court, but he’s also a full-blown eccentric. Thistleflame Keep (see Map 5, on page 26) is enclosed
Naturally, you did not hear it from me . . . who am within a 15-foot-tall rectangular stone wall with 25-foot
I to judge, right? (Half true; Thistle is eccentric, towers at all four comers and, one more tower at the mid-
but only in some small ways) point of the western wall, overlooking the stables.
19. I’m worried, friend. Word has it that House Hunt- Thistleflame Manor proper is a four-story stone house
crown is hatching some sort of plot. Far be it for that towers over everything else in the keep, standing an
me to judge, but that family is a blight on the face impressive 60 feet tall. The keep’s environs are patrolled
of Cormyr’s nobility. (True; they are conspiring by a force of 40 Purple Dragons who wear a small badge
something, but it has nothing to do with the showing a burning thistle. (If it is necessary or desirable
events that will occur in the next few hours) to place the keep at a specific location within Suzail, one
20. Thistle has an eidetic memory. This means that appropriate site would be southeast of Wyvernspur
whatever he reads, he can commit to memory House near the bridge that spans the eastern channel of
with no effort at all. (True) Lake Azoun.)

A Brewing Evil A. Main Gate. The main gate is made of wrought

A crime is in the making, and here is how it has come to iron, sculpted into the likeness of thistle bushes. Two
pass. The Emerald Swords, an adventuring company guards are stationed here at all times.
with sympathies to Zhentil Keep, wishes to get a full ac-
count of all of the adventuring companies registered in B. Family Fountain. Powered by a decanter of endless
Cormyr. Bringing this information back to Zhentil Keep water, this fountain shows an elegantly robed woman
will enable the Keep’s leader, Lord Orgauth, to recruit holding aloft a thistle branch. Water streams from her
some of the more shady companies, and keep track of navel and falls into a basin, then is carried into the
the more noble-acting ones, lest the latter interfere with manor by a series of underground pipes and used to give
his future plans. the residence a constant supply of fresh water. It is gen-
In order to get this information, the Emerald Swords erally recognized as the Ugliest Fountain in Cormyr.
plan to kidnap Thistle, replace him with a doppleganger,
and take him to Zhentil Keep, where he will be forced to C. Stables. This huge stable and loft holds three
divulge, all of the information about the chartered com- dozen horses, including a pair of medium warhorses, a
panies that he has memorized. mare and a stallion that are Partic’s favorites. Two ten-
Unfortunately, there is no way the kidnappers can year-old twin brothers, Mac and Zac, serve as the stable
spirit him out of the manor right away; Thistle is too boys.
well known, and every exit from the place is guarded
tonight. Therefore, the Swords take Thistle into the cat- D. Barracks. This squat, two-story stone building al-
acombs of his own manor, intending to hold him there ways has 10 guards present, most of them sleeping, and
until the next morning. five other guards who are off duty. The barracks also has
However, the doppleganger, posing as Thistle, begins its own small kitchen, armory, and storeroom.
to enjoy his new role and shows no intention of either The keep’s Purple Dragon contingent is commanded
leaving it or following the rest of the plan. The kidnap- by Aleka Ravenheart, a Purple Dragon officer.
pers decide to improvise and murder “Thistle” in his
bedchamber. This actually works out better, since now Aleka Ravenheart, hf F7: AC 4 (chain armor, Dex
no one will be looking for a living Thistle, and it should bonus); MV 12; hp 59; THAC0 14 (13 w/Str); #AT 3/2;
be easier to smuggle him out. Dmg 1d8+1 (long sword, Str bonus); SZ M; ML elite
The murder is done in such a way as to implicate one (14); AL LG; XP 650.
or more of the other adventuring companies. S 17, D 15, Co 17, I 14, W 9, C 14
Personality: dependable, foolhardy

25
26
 Special Equipment: ring of regeneration, long sword, stained glass depicting a mosaic representation of a
chain armor. burning thistle, lead into the manor proper. This room is
Aleka is an average-looking, athletic woman who normally used as a place to greet guests and deposit their
wears her black hair in a long braid. A decorated soldier, cloaks and coats.
she takes her responsibility as contingent leader very se-
riously. 2. Downstairs hall. Lit by a many-candled chande-
When she is off duty, she enjoys kicking back at the lier, this lushly appointed hallway contains a pedestal
Bubbling Bulwark and swapping stories with the inn- upon which rests an open guest book for visitors to sign,
keeper Haverish Hallefon, who used to be in her regi- a magnificent spiral staircase leading to the upper floors,
ment. and doors leading to the library, the sitting room, and
the kitchen. A padlocked iron door in the northeast cor-
E. The Bubbling Bulwark. This pleasant, active tav- ner (under the staircase) leads down to the crypt. Thistle
ern and inn is built into the keep’s wall, hence the name. keeps the only key to this lock hidden in his private
The inn can be entered from the courtyard of the keep, chambers on the third floor.
but this door is usually locked so that it can only be
opened from the inside. Adjacent to the courtyard en- 3. Library. A room holding about 200 books on com-
trance is a stairway that leads down to a wooden door. mon subjects, this is used mostly as a casual meeting
Beyond this door is a cellar that is used for storage of place. The place includes a fireplace, a desk, and a few
nonperishable foodstuffs. chairs, but nothing unusual.
The main entrance to the Bulwark is on the outside
wall and is open to the public, but whoever uses it must 4. Sitting room. Decorated with portraits of Thistle’s
pass under the scrutiny of Dwak (CG ogre male F5), a ancestors, and dotted with couches and chairs, this room
reformed ogre who serves as one of the inn’s two bounc- is where visitors are invited to wait for Thistle if he is in-
ers. The other bouncer, stationed just inside the court- disposed. A sideboard with a decanter of brandy and a
yard entrance, is Louella Bonecracker (LG df F7), a fe- carafe of fine wine make the wait a pleasant one. A roar-
male dwarf who is as strong as Dwak. ing fire in the fireplace keeps this room warm at all
The inn is run by Haverish Hallefon (CG hm F2), a times.
former Purple Dragon who served one term of service
before purchasing this place. He regales customers with 5. Kitchen. Staffed by four people and filled with all
his tales of being in the army, and other Purple Dragons sorts of cooking equipment and utensils, this is a
enjoy frequenting a place that is owned by “one of us.” crowded and busy place. A back door leads into a small
The Bulwark employs six barmaids named Sara, alley between the manor and the keep’s wall, but it is
Crystyn, Heather, Caryn, Raewyn, and Annalise (the never left unlocked.
young woman who has become involved with Thistle)
and a strapping young handyman named Gram, who is 6. Larder. The manor’s nonperishable foodstuffs are
popular with the female patrons. kept here. The door leading from the kitchen is nor-
Rooms for rent are located on the second and third mally locked. Stairs lead down to the cellar.
floors of the inn. The rooms are comfortable and can
hold four people each (two cots and sufficient floor space 7. Servants’ quarters. All of these rooms are modest
for two more bodies). quarters, each having accommodations for two or three
people except for the room in the northeast corner,
F. Thistleflame Manor. This beautiful old manor is which Moorefield the butler has all to himself. The staff
covered with ornate stonework on its exterior, including includes three cooks, two maids, a baker, a steward, a
carved gargoyles and sylphs, an odd contrast of images. personal messenger, a groundskeeper, and a handyman.

Ground Floor Second Floor

1. Foyer. A massive pair of oak double doors, each set 8. Second floor hallway. The spiral staircase goes up
with the family crest, leads into a foyer decorated with to the third floor and back down to the first. A set of el-
old shields. Another set of double doors, these set with egantly wrought brass doors leads to a balcony that over-

27
 looks the courtyard of the keep. Magnificent double sculptures on the posts, this balcony offers a view of the
doors on the east and west walls lead to the ballroom and entire keep. It is a 15-foot drop to the ground below.
Grand Hall respectively.
12. Privies. These comfortable, well-constructed
9. Ballroom. This huge room contains a polished privies (five compartments in each room) have doors
white marble floor, beautiful gilded windows to the east, that are lockable from the inside, and a plumbing system
and a grand old fireplace with numerous valuable heir- (using water from the fountain, location B) that flushes
looms such as busts, music boxes, and crystal eggs on the all waste into a cistern buried outside the north wall.
mantel.
Third and Fourth Floors
10. Grand Hall. A huge stained-glass window domi- 13. Master closet. This chamber contains extra
nates the west wall. The room contains many tapestries linens, pillows, blankets, and such.
showing scenes from Thistle family history. A massive,
old three-sided dining room table, easily able to seat 14. Partic’s bedroom. This room is luxurious, as befit-
about 80 people, fills most of the space in the room. A ting one of Thistle’s rank and status. Two large windows
huge fireplace on the north wall provides warmth. Over provide views to the west and south. Heat is provided by
the fireplace hangs a pair of crossed long swords that be- a fireplace along the west wall. The door in the north
longed to warriors who were vanquished by two of Partic wall leads to Partic’s personal bathroom.
Thistle’s ancestors. Although they look alike, one is a A huge canopy bed takes up much of the room. Also
flame tongue +1, the other a vorpal blade +3. in here are a wardrobe, a mirror, and a display stand that
holds a suit of full plate armor +2, which Partic wore in
11. Southern balcony. Enclosed by a three-foot-high his younger days as an adventurer. Partic’s broad sword, a
black wrought-iron railing with miniature gargoyle +4 defender, hangs over his bed.

28
 A secret door is set into the support column in the and the privies) by a series of ducts and flues that carry
southwest corner of the room. A very tightly spiraling the hot air produced by the fireplaces in areas 9, 14, and
staircase inside winds downward into the cellar, where 16. Each guest is given a key that unlocks only the door
another secret door leads out into a corridor. The east to his or her room.
wall at the end of the corridor contains another secret For this night, the guest rooms have been allocated
door, which, when opened, allows access to the crypt. according to the following list:
a. Lord Mournsoul and Mendryll Belarod
15. Master bathroom. Decorated in elegant white b. Garit Strongarm and Kerit Darkrider
and silver tiles, the bathroom contains a sink and tub c. Two members of the PCs’ company
with gold plumbing fixtures. Water is provided through a d. Two members of the Magebanes
branch of the same plumbing system that serves areas 12 e. The Bleths
and 17. f. The Cormaerils
There is a door on the north wall that is kept locked. g. Two members of the Golden Gauntlet
h. The Dauntinghorns
16. Private library. A large fireplace, an extremely i. The Emmarasks
soft carpet, and an impressive array of bookshelves are j. Two members of the Company of Night
this room’s main features. A large, polished mahogany k. The Huntcrowns
desk stands in the northeast corner. l. Two members of the Emerald Swords
The books stored in here deal with the history and pol- m. Two members of the Warhawks (or the Puppet-
itics of Cormyr, as well as numerous accounts of adventur- masters, if the first adventure hasn’t been played yet)
ing companies. A huge book called “The History of the n. The Marliirs
Thistles” stands on a pedestal. By flipping through this o. The Rowanmantles
book, a reader can confirm that Partic Thistle has Cor- p. Two members of the Grand Fist
maeril blood in his veins, from his maternal grandmother. q. Two members of the She-Wolves
Behind a small secret door in the base of this pedestal is r. The Wyvernspurs
the key that fits the lock on the door in room 2.
A large wooden locked filing cabinet contains bound The other noble families in attendance at the cere-
packets of papers, each packet giving a general descrip- mony chose to return to their own mansions, while the
tion of one particular adventuring company. (Although remaining adventuring companies politely declined the
Thistle carries all this information in his head, he also invitation, choosing instead to go to the Bubbling Bul-
keeps physical records for the sake of others who might wark or some other inn in Suzail.
need access to the facts.) Note that each of the above-listed adventuring com-
A door on the east wall leads out to the inner corridor, panies are only able to put up two of their members in
which is adjacent to the main staircase. This library door the manor. The other members of these companies are
is usually left unlocked. housed, courtesy of Lord Thistle, at the Bubbling Bul-
wark.
17. Guest bathroom. This bathroom is done up in
blue and gold tiles, and contains a large tub and a sink, Cellar
with gold fixtures. 19. Supplies. This portion of the cellar is very cold.
Slabs of salted meat, hams, dressed fowl, and strings of
18. Guest rooms. Lord Partic Thistle is the consum- sausages hang here. Large wheels of cheese are stacked
mate host, and he insists on having many of tonight’s up in one corner, and crates of other victuals are kept
guests stay in the numerous small apartments on the here as well.
third and fourth floors of his manor. The stairway leads to the kitchen. Both doors along
Each guest room is more or less the same, furnished the east wall are made of steel and always kept locked.
with a large bed flanked on both sides by nightstands
with lanterns, a dresser with a mirror and washbasin, a 20. Wine cellar. Racks and racks filled with wine bot-
desk and chair, and a comfortable relaxing chair. Heat is tles are found here. Some of the vintages go back
provided to each of these rooms (and to the bathrooms decades or centuries, although most of what is here are
29
 common vintages meant for everyday consumption. The (kitchen), area #8 (second floor hall), area #9 (ball-
total value of the wines in this cellar is around 150,000 room), just inside the doors in area #10 (Grand Hall),
gold pieces. and area #11 (the balcony). Areas 2, 8, and 10 are addi-
tionally reinforced by a War Wizard.
21. Storage room. This room contains nonconsum- In addition, two squads of five Purple Dragons and
ables such as lamp oil, coal, several dozen long swords one very clearly designated War Wizard are on duty out-
and daggers, a score of shields, six short bows, and ten side the manor, one patrolling the keep’s courtyard and
dozen arrows. Also stored here are parchment, quills, another one walking a beat along the walls.
lanterns, candles, soap, and chamber pots. Despite all this security, blind spots exist immedi-
ately to the west and east of the manor house. Even
22. Family crypt. This vast, chilly room with a though these areas do get some surveillance, it is not
vaulted ceiling and magnificent support columns is the constant.
final resting place of at least 20 generations of Thistles.
The room contains two dozen sarcophagi, many of Purple Dragons, hm F4 (26): AC 5 (chain armor);
them with lifelike effigies carved on the lids with MV 12; hp 22 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long
painstaking care. The vast majority of the dead, how- sword) or 1d6 (flight arrows); SZ M; ML steady (12); Int
ever, are buried in shelves and recesses in the walls. average (11); AL any good; XP 175 each.
The crypt’s support columns are carved in the like- Special Equipment: chain armor, long sword, short bow
nesses of many Thistle ancestors. Most of the statues with 20 flight arrows.
look rather grim, as if the people’s expressions were cap-
tured at the split second before they died. War Wizards, hm M6 (5): AC 3 (bracers AC 5, Dex
The treasures in the crypts of Thistle’s ancestors are bonus); MV 12; hp 15 each; THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg
plentiful indeed. Each of the sarcophagi houses not only 1d6 (quarterstaff); SZ M; ML steady (12); AL CG; XP
a dead body (sometimes two, a man and wife), but also 975 each.
3d6 x 1,000 gp worth of rings and family jewelry. S 9, D 16, Co 15, I 18, W 15, C 15
Each Thistle was also buried with his beloved weapon Personality: watchful, inconspicuous
and armor, if applicable. One sarcophagus has a holy Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 5, war wizard
avenger +5 bastard sword, a suit of plate mail +4, and a cloak (see “Magical Items,” page 126), quarterstaff.
shield +3. Spellbook (4/2/2): 1st — alarm, charm person*, compre-
Naturally, anyone who was discovered down here hend languages, detect magic*, light, message*, shield,
without Thistle would be roughly seized, dragged up the sleep*; 2nd — detect evil*, detect invisibility*, ESP, web;
stairs, and given a warning not to go down here again. 3rd — dispel magic, hold person*, spectral force, suggestion*.
Any fool who dared loot the dead would be summarily
slain without waiting for an explanation, and the Crown
would not pursue the matter in any way.
The NPCs of
The crypt is where Thistle’s kidnappers will take him
once they discover the existence of the secret doors (infor-
Thistleflame
mation that is pulled out of Thistle’s mind by ESP during Following are descriptions of NPCs who dwell and work
the abduction). They will lay low near one particularly in Thistleflame Keep and other significant characters,
large sarcophagus in the northeast corner of the room— such as party guests. Famous Cormyreans (Azoun,
the one that happens to hold the remains of the paladin Vangerdahast, etc.) are not mentioned here because there
ancestor buried with his holy avenger and magic armor. is no reason in the context of this adventure for PCs to in-
teract with any of them except on an incidental basis.
Guard Positions
With the royal family and so many other dignitaries pre- Residents of the Manor
sent, security has been beefed up throughout the keep Lord Partic Thistle, hm F12: AC 0 (bracers AC 2,
and on the first two floors of the manor. There are pairs Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 58; THAC0 9; #AT 2; Dmg
of Purple Dragons stationed right outside the front door, 1d6+1 (rapier); SZ M; ML champion (15); AL NG; XP
in area #1 (foyer), area #2 (downstairs hall), area #5 975.

30
 S 15, D 16, Co 15, I 16, W 14, C 14
Personality: eccentric, efficient, hospitable
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 2, peace-
bonded rapier, signet ring.
Lord Partic Thistle is the Registrant General of
Cormyr, personally overseeing the entire adventuring
company charter program. He believes in adventuring
companies, and does not share many of his countrymen’s
belief that adventurers have no place in Cormyr. He is in
his mid-40’s, single, and dedicated to his king, country,
and office, in that order.
A kind and generous man, he has been keeping com-
pany with a barmaid name Annalise at the Bubbling
Bulwark. He is contemplating marrying her, but must
still get over his apprehension at being the target of con-
tempt from his peers for marrying someone of such low
station.
Thistle is obsessed with the past, particularly his an-
cestors, and his eccentricity is in this subject. He enjoys
sneaking down to the crypts and spending time wander-
ing among the tombs of his forebears.

Moorefield the butler, hm F1: AC 5 (bracers); MV

12; hp 8; THAC0 20 (16 w/baton +4); #AT 1; Dmg
1d3+4 (baton +4); SZ M; ML elite (14); AL LG; XP 120.
S 12, D 14, Co 15, I 15, W 17, C 12
Personality: efficient, polite, snooty cuisine is to boil something until it barely resembles its
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 5, silver baton original form. Partic appreciates her energy and her reli-
+4, keychain of domestic propriety (see “Magical Items,” ability and keeps her on. Dora and Nora assign her to
page 126), white gloves, key ring. the cooking of food that she cannot ruin by boiling (tea
Moorefield is a very tall, thin man in his late 50’s, water, eggs, potatoes, and so forth).
with a pointy nose and thinning black hair. Dressed in
black and white finery, he is Thistle’s trusted butler and Tami and Larwyn, CG 0-level hf: These are the
confidante. He has keys to every lockable door in the manor’s maids, with Tami responsible for the lower two
manor, but will normally only surrender one of them to floors and Larwyn in charge of cleaning the upper two
another employee and then only for good reason. floors.
Moorefield dislikes adventurers, considering them Tami is in her early 20’s, curvaceous, raven-haired,
rude and ill-mannered. He himself is the paragon of eti- giggling, and dressed in an almost provocative manner.
quette and domestic excellence. He truly loves his She is resentful that Thistle pays no attention to her, fo-
master, however, and never contradicts Thistle on this cusing instead on the person she refers to as “that ale-
(or any other) subject, and is not prone to gossip. If slinging trollop.”
Thistle is in danger, he may open up to someone who Larwyn is in her late 30’s and is the voice of reason
seems polite and concerned. and propriety. She is by far the more reliable of the two
maids, and knows where everything is stored (or sup-
Dora, Nora, and Malda, NG 0-level hf: These three posed to be stored) in the manor. She and Moorefield are
women are the manor’s cooks. Dora and Nora are sisters, engaged in a sort of rivalry, competing to be seen as
and both excellent cooks, although they tend to gossip Thistle’s most efficient servant.
too much. Malda does a lot of preparatory work in the
kitchen but little of the actual cooking; her idea of haute Dom the baker, LG 0-level hm: Dom is a huge, ro-

31
 tund, bald, red-faced man whose baked creations are leg- or 2; Dmg 1d4 (club), 1d6 (short sword); SZ M; ML
endary in Suzail. All three cooks find his self-important steady (11); AL NG; XP 65.
attitude irritating. He constantly scurries around when S 14, D 18, Co 15, I 13, W 14, C 14
on duty in the kitchen, fretting about his baked goods Personality: excitable, competitive
and demanding peace and quiet to create his “master- Special Equiment: boots of speed, Thistle signet ring,
pieces.” club, short sword, cloak.
Ranger Abilities: HS 20; MS 25.
Berke Glorata, hm R2: AC 6 (Dex bonus); MV 12; Kaleb is a wiry half-elven ranger with a perpetual
hp 18; THAC0 19; #AT 1 or 2; Dmg 1d6 (short sword), smirk and rakish good looks. He is Thistle’s official mes-
1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML elite (14); AL CG; XP 120. senger, and can often be seen dashing to and fro with
S 15, D 18, Co 16, I 15, W 17, C 14 dispatches and the like. He is the one whom people will
Personality: robust, nature-loving, hearty first encounter when Thistle wishes to summon them.
Special Equipment: potion of plant control, short sword,
dagger, Harper pin. Borin Woodbracer, dm F3: AC 8 (leather); MV 6; hp
Ranger Abilities: HS 25; MS 31. 22; THAC0 18 (17 w/Str, 16 w/hammer +1); #AT 1;
Berke is a handsome, square-jawed fellow in his early Dmg 1d4+3 (hammer +1); SZ S; ML fearless (19); AL
20’s who serves as Thistle’s gardener. What no one LG; XP 120.
knows, including Thistle himself, is that Berke is also a S 17, D 10, Co 16, I 10, W 13, C 8
ranger, and a Harper as well. Personality: gruff, quiet, creative
A favorite of the ladies, Berke inspires jealousy from Special Equipment: hammer +1, toolbox.
the other young male employees. Many of them like to Although many dwarves would be aghast at the idea
cast aspersions on his character, hoping to make him of working for a human as a handyman, Borin took one
look bad. look at the exquisite stonework on the manor’s exterior
The Harpers have placed Berke in this position be- and signed on immediately, completely in love. He lives
cause they are convinced that Thistle’s post of keeping the happy existence of a retired adventurer, even though
track of adventuring companies is a crucial one. They he’s only 53 years old, content with keeping everything
want to make sure that no government overly interferes in splendid repair.
with adventuring companies, especially those with Borin is perhaps Berke’s only true male friend at the
Harpers in them. manor, since the other men resent Berke for his popular-
ity with women and good looks. Since Borin has no de-
Travis Ormaster, hm M2: AC 10; MV 12; hp 6; signs on any women in Thistleflame, he sees beyond the
THAC0 20; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML aver- youth’s appearance and accepts him as a friend.
age (8); AL CG; XP 120. Borin’s only real flaw is his tendency to drink too
S 8, D 9, Co 12, I 18, W 17, C 10 much in the Bubbling Bulwark and go on an inebriated
Personality: brusque, quick-witted, competent rampage in the common room. This results, more often
Special Equipment: writing materials, dagger, spell than not, in Thistle paying for damages and/or Borin
components, Thistle signet ring. doing the repair work himself.
Spellbook (2): 1st — cantrip, comprehend languages, Borin gave the half-elf Kaleb a black eye recently,
erase, light, identify, mending, message*, read magic, when the messenger made disparaging remarks about
Tenser’s floating disc*. Berke behind his back. This action was inspired in part
Travis is Thistle’s steward. A plain-looking young by Borin’s loyalty to Berke, and in part by his distrust of
man in his mid-20’s, he oversees the manor’s finances, elves, something he gladly extends to half-elves as well.
monitors the manor’s supply levels, mediates disputes,
and keeps track of Thistle’s busy schedule. Guests
A brisk, efficient man with a cutting wit, he is jealous Mendryll Belarod, hem B8: AC 0 (bracers, ring +3,
of Berke’s good looks. Travis is friends with Kaleb. Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 33; THAC0 17 (16 w/long sword
+1 flame tongue); #AT 1; Dmg 1d8+1 (long sword +1
Kaleb Fleetwing, hem R1: AC 4 (boots of speed, Dex flame tongue); SZ M; ML champion (15); AL NG; XP
bonus); MV 12 (24 w/boots); hp 11; THAC0 20; #AT 1 1,400.

32
 S 15, D 17, Co 15, I 15, W 15, C 17 bonus); MV 12; hp 36; THAC0 17 (14 w/sickle +3);
Personality: cocky, flirtatious, charming #AT 1; Dmg 1d4+4 (sickle +3), 1d4 (daggers); SZ M; ML
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 6, ring of pro- elite (14); AL NG; XP 975.
tection +3, long sword +1 flame tongue, harp of charming, S 13, D 18, Co 13, I 14, W 9, C 17
Bucknard’s everfull purse, normal harp, riding horse. Personality: grim, driven, unemotional
Spells (3/3/1): 1st — charm person, glitterdust, ventrilo- Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 7, sickle +3,
quism; 2nd — ESP, knock, locate object; 3rd — hold person. ring of blinking, dagger +2, six daggers in various sheaths,
Bard Abilities: CW 50; DN 45; PP 75; RL 55. black clothes, bag of strong coffee.
Mendryll is a young half-elf bard with long blond hair, Spells (3/2/1): 1st — burning hands, phantasmal force,
green eyes, and a perpetual smirk. Even though he spook; 2nd — invisibility, mirror image; 3rd — fireball.
claims indifference to everything except singing, chas- Norrin is a special type of bard called a Blade. (See
ing women, and acquiring a fortune, he has a strong in- The Complete Bard’s Handbook, page 18.) He hails from
stinctual desire to do good. Thentia in the Moonsea, and is one of the leaders of the
Golden Gauntlets. A grim, humorless man, he special-
Lord Rhyn Mournsoul, hm F6: AC 4 (leather jerkin izes in reading dire poetry. Norrin claims to be the sole
+4); MV 12; hp 36; THAC0 15 (12 w/rapier +3); #AT 1; worshiper of Chronos, a forgotten deity of time.
Dmg 1d6+4 (rapier +3), 1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML average
(9); AL CG; XP 420. The Emerald Swords
S 14, D 9, Co 9, I 12, W 9, C 14 Gandegar Armstrong, dm F5: AC 4 (chain +1); MV
Personality: moody, artistic, angst-ridden 6; hp 51; THAC0 16 (15 w/Str, 13 w/hammer +2); #AT
Special Equipment: leather jerkin +4, rapier +3, black 1; Dmg 1d4+4 (hammer +2, Str bonus); SD +5 bonus on
rose, book of bad romantic poetry, black outfit. saving throws vs. magic and poison; SZ S; ML champion
Lord Mournsoul is a thin, moody man in his late 20’s, (16); AL CN; XP 420.
who dresses in black and wanders around Cormyr, seem- S 17, D 12, Co 18, I 9, W 15, C 10
ingly in a state of perpetual depression. Some say he has Personality: humorless, mean, tough
a death wish. Rhyn has a suffering artist’s soul, a streak of Special Equipment: chain +1, hammer +2.
angst a mile wide, and a noble bloodline, the latter being Gandegar is one of the two leaders of the Emerald
the only reason he is ever invited to significant social Swords. He can be nice enough when he has to be.
events.
Angar the Battlelover, hm P7 (Tempus): AC 0
The Golden Gauntlets (plate armor, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 52; THAC0 16
Ruben Armand St. James II, hm Pal 8: AC -5 (field (15 w/Str, 13 w/long sword +2, 12 w/chosen weapon);
plate, shield +2, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 64; THAC0 13 #AT 3/2; Dmg 1d8+5 (long sword +2, Str bonus, chosen
(11 w/Str, 6 w/holy avenger); #AT 3/2; Dmg 2d4+8 (holy weapon); SA berserker rage; SZ M; ML fearless (19); AL
avenger +5, Str bonus); SZ M; ML champion (15); AL CN; XP 1,400.
LG; XP 2,000. S 17, D 16, Co 16, I 8, W 16, C 12
S 18/64, D 17, Co 13, I 10, W 13, C 17 Spell-like Abilities: create food & water once per day,
Personality: brave, formal, commanding prayer once per day (casting time 1).
Special Equipment: shield +2, +5 holy avenger bastard Personality: short-tempered, demanding, aggressive
sword, ring of spell turning, talisman of know alignment (24 Special Equipment: long sword +2 (chosen weapon), rod
charges), field plate, Pegasus mount. of resurrection (14 charges), phylactery of long years, holy
Ruben, a paladin of Tyr, is one of the leaders of the ad- symbol of Tempus, 3 vials of holy water.
venturing company called the Golden Gauntlets, based Preferred Spells (5/5/2/1): 1st — cure light wounds, detect
in the Moonsea area. He originally hails from Cormyr. magic, detect snares & pits, endure cold/endure heat, sanc-
In battle, Ruben charges without hesitation, bellowing tuary; 2nd — chant, produce flame, silence 15’ radius, speak
“Tyr!” as loud as possible. Even in social situations, with animals, spiritual hammer; 3rd — continual light, dispel
Ruben never relaxes and is always vigilant. magic; 4th — cure serious wounds.
Angar is a specialty priest of Tempus (see Faiths &
Norrin Blackgrove, hem B7: AC 3 (bracers, Dex Avatars, page 160), and co-leader of the Emerald

33
 Swords. He is used to having his orders followed without S 8, D 16, Co 15, I 17, W 8, C 8
question, immediately. He has slain comrades for not Personality: eccentric, quirky, reckless
obeying fast enough. Special Equipment: cloak of displacement, wand of illu-
sion.
Haridyn Storm, hf T7: AC -2 (cloak +4, ring +3, Spells (5/3/2): 1st — audible glamer, change self, color
leather jerkin, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 36; THAC0 17 spray, phantasmal force, spook; 2nd — hypnotic pattern, im-
(13 w/sword +4); #AT 1; Dmg 1d6+4 (short sword +4); proved phantasmal force, mirror image; 3rd — spectral force,
SA +4 surprise backstab, triple damage; SZ M; ML elite wraithform.
(14); AL NE; XP 2,000. Berfy is a perpetually giggling gnome with a blue mo-
S 9, D 17, Co 15, I 9, W 14, C 15 hawk haircut. He annoys his companions to no end.
Personality: calculating, efficient, mean
Special Equipment: cloak of protection +4, ring of protec- Clever Jake, hm F5: AC 3 (chain armor, helm of bril-
tion +3, short sword +4, dust of disappearance (4 doses), liance); MV 12; hp 45; THAC0 16; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6
amulet of nondetection, two daggers of venom +3, thieves’ (horseman’s mace); SZ M; ML average (9); AL N; XP
tools. 270.
Thief Abilities: PP 50; OL 80; F/RT 30; MS 75; HS 40; S 15, D 12, Co 18, I 7, W 8, C 13
DN 30; CW 80; RL 0. Personality: self-confident, clueless
Haridyn is a cruel young woman who delights in skull- Special Equipment: helm of brilliance.
duggery. She is a member of the Emerald Swords. Clever Jake is a fellow who thinks he’s smarter than
he really is. The other Emerald Swords tolerate him be-
Kalris, hm M7: AC 4 (robe of the archmagi, Dex cause of his wondrous helm.
bonus); MV 12; hp 21; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4
(dagger); MR 5%; SZ M; ML average (9); AL NE; XP The Stag Runners
2,000. Alanis Flamehair, hf P7 (Sune): AC 1 (chain mail,
S 7, D 15, Co 15, I 17, W 10, C 11 Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 49; THAC0 16; #AT 1; Dmg
Personality: opportunistic, sneaky 1d4 (club); SZ M; ML average (9); AL CG; XP 975.
Special Equipment: robe of archmagi, ring of mind shield- S 13, D 18, Co 15, I 12, W 15, C 18
ing, wand of magic missiles, ring of form retention. Spell-like Abilities: love bite once per day (see Faiths &
Spells (4/3/2/1): 1st — change self, charm person, color Avatars, page 151); charm person once per day; flame
spray, message; 2nd — alter self, forget, knock; 3rd — invisi- strike once per day.
bility 10’ radius, nondetection; 4th — improved invisibility. Personality: vain, seductive, squeamish
Kalris is the Emerald Swords’ chief wizard. He is a Special Equipment: staff of curing, ring of regeneration,
middle-aged man with long red hair. holy symbol of Sune, 4 vials holy water.
Preferred Spells (5/4/2/1): 1st — bless, command, cure
Shanna of the Ride, hf F6: AC 4 (leather, Dex light wounds, light, sanctuary; 2nd — chant, flame blade, si-
bonus); MV 12; hp 60; THAC0 15 (12 w/gauntlets, 8 lence 15’ radius, slow poison; 3rd — dispel magic, protection
w/sword +4); #AT 1; Dmg 2d4+10 (bastard sword +4); SZ from fire; 4th — cure serious wounds.
M; ML fearless (19); AL CN; XP 1,400. Alanis is a specialty priest of Sune (see Faiths &
S 14(18/00 w/gauntlets), D 18, Co 17, I 8, W 10, C 17 Avatars, page 149). She is a statuesque redhead who
Personality: ill-mannered, quick-tempered hates getting hurt.
Special Equipment: bastard sword +4, gauntlets of ogre
power, longbow w/24 flight arrows, fast horse. Donzo Shadowkisser, ham T6: AC 1 (leather +3,
Shanna is the best horseman in the Emerald Swords. Dex bonus); MV 6; hp 30; THAC0 18 (16 w/dagger +2);
She is 6’3” tall with long brown hair and tanned skin, #AT 1; Dmg 1d4+2 (dagger +2); SA triple damage back-
and a nasty attitude. stab at +4 to hit; SZ S; ML average (9); AL CN; XP 650.
S 11, D 19, Co 15, I 13, W 16, C 14
Mad Berfy, gm I5: AC 8 (Dex bonus); MV 6; hp 15; Personality: cheating, sneaky, hypocritical
THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4 (dagger); SZ S; ML fear- Special Equipment: leather armor +3, dagger +2, bag of
less (20); AL CN; XP 650. tricks, small bag of holding, thieves’ tools.

34
 Thief Abilities: PP 70; OL 50; F/RT 50; M S 50; HS 50; small entourage depart first, with the mingling crowds parting
DN 35; CW 70; RL 30. to make a smooth path for the monarch. Once the king clears
Donzo is a sneaky halfling who enjoys lying and back- the room, everyone else begins to file out.
stabbing. You cross the hallway, under the courteous but watchful
eyes of the Purple Dragons stationed here for security, into
Gamara the Great, hf M7: AC 0 (headband, Dex the Grand Hall. Whereas the ballroom has a sleek, smooth,
bonus); MV 12; hp 22; THAC0 18 (16 with staff +2); almost austere feel to it, with its cold polished marble floors,
#AT 1; Dmg 1d6+2 (staff +2); SZ M; ML average (10); minimal decorations, and stunning brightness, the Grand
AL NE; XP 975. Hall is a warm, comfortably cluttered place.
S 10, D 16, Co 15, I 16, W 9, C 12 The U-shaped dining table is a huge setup, with the central
Personality: cocky, physical portion featuring two large carved wooden chairs in the pre-
Special Equipment: headband of protection (AC 2 and cise center, no doubt for the king and queen. Lord Partic is
+2 to saving throws), staff +2, ring of wizardry (3rd-level seated at the king’s right hand. The total seating capacity is
spells), wand of fire. fourscore people.
Spells (4/3/4/1): 1st — enlarge, identify, sleep, unseen, Even so, the grand table is scarcely enough for the crowd.
servant; 2nd — detect invisibility, fog cloud, stinking cloud; Two other tables have been set up, one near the south wall
3rd — fly, invisibility 10’ radius, lightning bolt, suggestion; and one near the east wall. Even so, it becomes apparent that
4th — Evard’s black tentacles. not all of the adventuring companies that will be participating
Gamara is the Stag Runners’ wizard, A matronly in the ceremony later on managed to get invitations to the
woman in her early 40’s, she has a much higher opinion feast beforehand. You count yourselves blessed by Tymora
of herself than she ought to have. that not only did you get invited to the dinner, but that you
are seated at the main table, on the south wing.
Walpur the Bonebreaker, hm F6: AC 4 (splint Set in the west wall is a large stained-glass window show-
mail); MV 12; hp 64; THAC0 15 (14 w/Str, 11 w/ham- ing a mosaic design of a burning thistle. The room contains
mer +3); #AT 1; Dmg 1d4+5 (hammer +3); SZ L; ML fa- many tapestries of scenes from the host’s family history, most
natic (18); AL CN; XP 420. involving the slaying of fantastic beasts.
S 17, D 9, Co 18, I 8, W 8, C 6 The room smells of burning pine logs, roast boar, wax
Personality: brutish, dense, unprincipled from the candles, and the sweet aroma of apples. This
Special Equipment: hammer +3. promises to be a fine feast. People can mutter all they want
Walpur used to be an underworld enforcer. A huge about Cormyr’s snobbish attitudes and claims to civilization;
man over 7 feet tall, he is a bully who delights in break- you are experiencing Cormyrean culture at its finest, and it
ing people’s arms and legs. The Stag Runners use him as sits quite well with you!
their intimidation muscle. You are seated with representatives from other adventuring
groups, and a few luminaries. You hear from various folks
Becket and Tram, hm F4: AC 5 (chain mail); MV that the adventuring groups not present for the dinner will still
12; hp 15 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long be here for the presentation. Not only that, but some of the
sword); SZ M; ML average (9); Int average (9); AL N; adventuring groups that are here at the banquet do not have
XP 120 each. their full complements in attendance. Word has it that the
Personality: dull, unimaginative, violence-prone Bubbling Bulwark, the inn built into the keep’s wall, is serv-
Becket and Tram are twin brothers who act as extra ing food and drink to several dozen adventurers.
muscle for the Stag Runners. Otherwise, they are unin- The sheer scope of this whole evening does not fail to
spired boobs who like to hack and slash, then collect amaze you. The local clack is that there are about 30 adven-
treasure. turing groups present within the keep’s walls tonight. The
smallest ones are a handful of fellowships with four members

Feasting Time apiece. The largest one has a dozen members. Most, how-
ever, seem to have between six to eight members. Still, that
The mingling in the ballroom comes to an end when Moore- means that Lord Thistle is entertaining about 180 adventur-
field the butler rings a small silver bell and announces, in his ers, in addition to the royal family, the heads of the many
most dignified voice, “Dinner is served.” The king and his noble houses, and other distinguished personages.

35
 Speaking of the noble houses, you notice that each family Give each of the PCs chances to speak to people at
is represented by its respective heads. There are about a their table. They are seated within conversation range of
dozen regal-looking couples at the table, and you correctly Mendryll Belarod; Lord Mournsoul; Sthavar’s herald,
identify them as the noble families. Xorn Hackhand; Garit Strongarm and Kerit Darkrider
of the Gold Coins; Ruben Armand and Norrin Black-
Dinner begins with an appetizer of baked mushrooms grove of the Golden Gauntlets; and Brianna Tarvison
stuffed with liver paté This is followed by a generous and Pahelhe Firecaster of the She-Wolves.
salad nicknamed “Chauntea’s plate” with a spicy vinegar
dressing. The main course consists of roast boar stuffed Events During Dinner
with strips of roast partridge, roasted parsleyed potatoes, Thistle’s messenger comes in during the appetizer and
green beans with almonds, and freshly made applesauce gives a small note to his master. Thistle reads it, frowns,
spiced with cinnamon. Throughout the meal, baskets of and whispers something to the messenger, who then
warm, freshly baked bread are kept full, as are the glasses leaves. After about three rounds, Thistle’s disposition
of Aglarond Blood Wine and mugs of Purple Dragon turns sunny again. (The note is from Annalise at the
Ale. Bubbling Bulwark, telling Thistle that she fears the in-
Dessert is a whipped mousse made from chocolate im- sanely jealous Garit Strongarm may commit an act of vi-
ported from Maztica, laced with almond liqueur and olence against him. Thistle’s verbal reply, which the
topped with hand-whipped cream. messenger will dutifully deliver, is “Thank you, my dear,
Pink claret is served as an aperitif, followed by cups of but I am well able to fend for myself.”)
strong black coffee obtained from distant Durpar, During the main course, Garit excuses himself and
The sheer luxury and scope of the dinner should be leaves the hall “to take care of some private business,” he
emphasized. This is something the PCs rarely experi- says with a knowing wink. Five minutes later, Lord This-
ence: dining with nobility. tle excuses himself and leaves the hall.

36
 Partic returns ten minutes after he departed, and Once they got to the third floor, the intruders slipped
Garit comes back to his own seat two minutes after Par- into the library and began looking through Thistle’s files
tic’s return. If asked about his long absence, Garit ex- and taking notes. The files are not very detailed; they
plains that he went out on the balcony for a bit of fresh give each adventuring company’s name, base of opera-
air after visiting the privy. tions, symbol or device, names, races, and professions of
Garit is telling the truth—actually, Thistle is the one each member, and a few general comments, if applicable,
whose situation is not what it appears to be. He was way- about the overall nature of the group. More detailed in-
laid on the way to his personal privy by three members of formation is kept in Thistle’s head, and in the Registry
the Emerald Swords. After grabbing and gagging him, Offices located in the Royal Court.
they rushed him into his room. One of the Emerald The fact that Thistle keeps all of the more sensitive
Swords, who happens to be a doppleganger, took Partic’s information in his head is the reason the Emerald
form, read his mind using ESP, and found out about the Swords wish to kidnap him; taking Lord Partic Thistle
secret passage to the crypt. After discovering this fact, from his home during a feast is infinitely easier than at-
the Emerald Swords figured that the crypt would be a tempting to break into the Royal Court.
perfect place to hole up with the real Thistle. The To prevent anyone else from finding out information
doppleganger, posing as Thistle, rejoined the festivities, about their group, the intruders tossed all the documents
while the other kidnappers hustled the real Lord Thistle concerning the Emerald Swords into the fireplace and
down into the crypt. burned them. They did the same with the records of two
Any PC who makes a point of studying Thistle imme- other groups, the Stag Runners and the Gold Coins, to
diately after his return is entitled to make a Wisdom divert suspicion away from themselves just in case some-
ability check. A successful result informs the character one later discovers that some of Thistle’s files are miss-
that Thistle appears a little unsure of himself, or awk- ing.
ward. However, this awkwardness disappears after about When dinner was served, Haridyn picked the lock on
one turn. the door leading from the library to Thistle’s privy and
During dessert, Lord Krell Huntcrown excuses himself the group made their way to the bedroom, where they
for a few minutes. In actuality, he is going outside to hid and waited for Thistle to come upstairs and use the
meet an agent. This agent is a hired spy in the Hunt- facilities. The original plan was to keep him bound and
crowns’ employ whose mission is to do a little digging gagged in the bedroom after he was abducted, but the
and come up with a scandal involving Thistle. Even discovery of the secret door leading to the crypt changed
though the Huntcrowns are plotting something, their all that. It took only a few moments for Xixis to assume
scheme most definitely does not involve murder. Thistle’s appearance and use his ESP power to probe his
victim’s mind, after which the doppleganger took This-
The Plot tle’s place at the banquet.
Like all of the other adventuring companies, the Emer- To help ensure that the deception would remain un-
ald Swords had an invitation to come to the manor. The detected, Kalris loaned Xixis his ring of form retention.
group’s sympathies toward Zhentil Keep have not yet This is a special magical item that allows its wearer to re-
come to light. The Swords have a total of eight mem- main in any magically altered form that he or she
bers, including the seven people described earlier plus a adopted before putting on the ring, even if the user does
doppleganger named Xixis. not concentrate on maintaining that form. The Emerald
While the two leaders, Gandegar and Angar, were Swords are aware that even the most accomplished
mingling at the reception and three others were cooling doppleganger cannot duplicate another person’s appear-
their heels in the common room of the Bubbling Bul- ance perfectly, and there is always a chance of someone
wark, the remaining three (including Xixis) entered the noticing that the impersonator is not who he seems to
manor with Xixis posing as a Purple Dragon, his thief be. They hope the ring will reduce the chance of Xixis
comrade Haridyn using a ring of improved invisibility, and being discovered. (Kalris also suspects that the ring will
the mage Kalris passing himself off as a War Wizard. prevent Xixis from reverting back to his true form even
(Kalris managed to glean a legitimate password from an if he loses consciousness, which would keep the Emerald
unsuspecting War Wizard by having Xixis focus his ESP Swords’ plan intact even if “Thistle” was somehow
on the Cormyrean mage.) knocked out or incapacitated.)

37
 The two representatives of the Emerald Swords at- be tantamount to forcing people to be accountable to a
tending the feast in the Grand Hall know that the god that they may not even recognize as valid, let alone
switch has been made, since the doppleganger will give a worship. The only oath-speakers who would likely be in
subtle hand signal. The next part of the plan is for “Lord serious jeopardy if they violated the pledge are those
Thistle” to retire early, claiming fatigue, and letting the who worship Tyr, Torm, Helm, Ilmater, Azuth, or
guests enjoy the entertainment. (The reasoning is that Moradin.
the less time Xixis spends among other people, the less Any company that refuses to recite the oath is imme-
likely it is that his deception will be discovered.) diately escorted out of the keep and is told that the
However, as will be seen later on, the scheme will de- group has until noon tomorrow to leave Suzail, then an-
velop a serious complication. other three days to get out of Cormyr altogether. The
group’s charter is revoked and cannot be reinstated for

The Presentation one year.

Once dinner is done, a small army of hired servants dash As you await your turn in line, you look all around you at
in and rearrange the furniture so that the king’s and the numerous adventuring companies waiting to take the
queen’s chairs are set up against the west wall, under the oath. Your practiced eyes and ears spot the distinctive clothing
stained-glass window. Partic’s chair is still at Azoun’s styles and speech patterns of adventurers from all over the
right hand, although pushed away a little so that there is continent of Faerûn: people from the Western Heartlands,
no confusion as to who the royalty is and who the Waterdeep, the Moonshaes, Ravens Bluff, Sembia, the
“mere” nobles are. Dalelands, the Moonsea, and even unexpected places such as
The adventuring companies gather in their respective Anauroch, Turmish, and Aglarond. Although the group is
bands at the eastern end of the Grand Hall, even spilling mostly made up of humans, you can still see many half-elves
out into the corridor if need be. The rest of the guests are and dwarves, and a few elves, gnomes, and halflings.
situated along the north and south walls, either seated in And it is not only a vast array of nations, cities, and re-
chairs or standing. gions represented. There is also great diversity in the type of
A herald reads aloud the name of the first group. Each people colloquially called “adventurers” to be found here.
group has the same responsibility. With their one or two There are rangers who betray their profession by their
ranking members leading the way, the members of the demonstrated discomfort at being cooped up in a city for so
company walk slowly up to the royal couple. In unison, long. Paladins, both humble and proud ones, speak each
they drop to one knee and bow their heads, reciting the word of the oath as if it were a divine pronouncement.
following oath: Simple warriors, who recognize the value of a man’s word,
offer theirs. There are mysterious druids, most of who seem
“We, members of the [company name], duly chartered and to utter their words with a casual indifference. Bards are the
recognized by the grace and magnanimity of King Azoun the easy ones to spot, since they practically sing their oaths, anx-
Fourth, do so pledge our loyalty to the sovereign ruler of ious to turn any and every public speaking engagement into a
Cormyr. By this pledge, we vow to obey Cormyr's laws when performance. Wizards of all sorts utter their oaths with a de-
within the kingdom’s borders, to neither plot nor aid an action liberate intellectual precision, while the assembled priests,
against the kingdom’s well-being, to come to her aid when who altogether represent almost every good or neutral deity in
summoned against a threat to the kingdom, and to faithfully the Realms, speak their oaths with careful trepidation. The
renew our charter within the prescribed time allowed. This priests know all too well the consequences of giving an oath in
we pledge in the name of each of the gods that we follow.” the name of a god.
You know that there are rogues in these companies, and al-
It is generally understood that this oath is ceremonial though they do not have a certain “look” that gives them
and not necessarily binding; after all, there are many away, most seem to squirm as they utter the oath, while
deities in the Realms who could care less whether their others emphasize certain parts of the oath, as if searching for
followers broke a promise. Several years ago, a sugges- loopholes even as they speak the pledge.
tion was made that the pledge be altered to making the Sometimes King Azoun bids the leader of a company to
oath in the name of Torm, the god of duty. But the idea unsheath his weapon and hold it in front of him, pommel
never gained favor; critics claimed that doing this would pointing upward, while reciting the oath, followed by kissing

38
the sword’s blade once the oath is uttered. The king and the
queen seem to give their full attention to each oath-giver, no
matter how humble or low in station.
Lord Partic Thistle, the driving force behind the attempt at
making adventuring companies more palatable to the average
Cormyrean, simply looks on expressionlessly, no doubt qui-
etly proud of the results of his labors, yet hawing the dignity
not to let it show.
The only aspect of the ceremony that disappoints you is
that you have not seen anyone famous, anyone whose deeds
are spoken of from one end of the Realms to the other. Cer-
tainly, there is no Elminster here, nor any of the Seven Sis-
ters, nor Volothamp the traveler, nor Drizzt Do’Urden, nor
any of countless other luminaries.
As these things pass through your mind, you are pulled
from your reverie when the herald calls your adventuring
company to come forward.

To convey the full flavor of the ceremony, encourage

players to recite the oath one by one; or better yet, make
copies of the oath and pass them out so that everyone
can speak the oath in unison.

Split Decision
It may be that some PCs elect to take the oath, while
others choose not to. Legally chartered companies that
have non-oathtakers in their rolls are called “split com-
panies.” The ones who take the oath are responsible for
the behavior of the ones who do not take it. This means
that the non-oathtaking members of a split company
must always be accompanied by at least one legal com-
pany member.
The holdouts are considered “invisible” by the au-
thorities, who will not answer their questions, grant
them any favors, or acknowledge them in conversation.
The names of all the naysayers in a split company are put
on a list and circulated to all Purple Dragon patrol com-
manders. If a naysayer is caught alone, not accompanied
by a comrade who took the pledge, he will be detained,
interrogated, and generally inconvenienced.
As soon as the last PC in the company takes his oath,
the character with the highest Wisdom score in the
group notices that Lord Partic Thistle has a slight grin,
and he seems to be looking at someone or something be-
hind the company while very subtly shaking his head.
Despite any efforts to see who or what Thistle was look-
ing at, no obvious target can be identified.

39
 Music and hand” —some of the bawdier adventurers let loose with
whoops and whistles while a few people raise their eyebrows

Merriment at this, and Mendryll now knows who in the crowd is a

Harper—“but nevertheless, this humble bard shall do his best
Once the last group has given its oath, a lusty “huzzah!” to sing and spin tales for your enjoyment.”
echoes throughout the hall. The hired servants rush back in “Humble bard?” a slightly inebriated adventurer bellows,
and set up couches, comfortable chairs, and floor cushions in to the delight of many in the crowd. “I thought you were
the Grand Hall. King Azoun and his queen sit on matched going to be singing, Mendryll!”
wooden thrones that seem quite comfortable. Many of the “Aye!” a dwarf calls out. “Let us hear you belch the
ladies sit or recline on the couches, while many of the noble Cormyrean Royal Anthem like ye did last night at the Bul-
men make use of the chairs. The adventurers fight each other wark!”
good-naturedly for a good place on the floor, as well as for the “DO yer impersynation o’ Elminster!” a grizzled old war-
possession of the plushest floor cushions. rior calls out.
A blond-haired half-elf with a perpetual smirk and cradling “Nay! Do Piergeiron The Thickskull!” a robed gnome
a harp ambles to a spot where he can be seen by everyone. He calls out in a nasal voice. Almost all of the assembled adven-
gives a long, sweeping bow and says: turers erupt in hysterical laughter, while most of the assem-
“Hail and well met, your majesties, assembled nobles, es- bled nobility look shocked, although if you look long enough,
teemed guests . . . oh, and adventurers too, I suppose. . . . ” you do find a few bluebloods who snicker into their scented
This last bit draws a chorus of guffaws from many, although handkerchiefs or hide their grins behind the act of sipping from
the king and queen merely incline their heads and smile their wineglasses.
slightly when they are referred to by the bard. Mendryll’s mouth twists into something between a grimace
“ . . . As I was saying, hail and well met, all. I am the bard and a grin, and his eyes dart to King Azoun, who gives a very
Mendryll Belarod, and I shall be your entertainment for the subtle gesture meaning “No.” Blushing a deep crimson and
evening, since our host could not find enough barmaids for giving a barely perceptible nod, Mendryll begins playing the
everyone!” This remark elicits gasps from the well-heeled harp and launches into his first song.
noble ladies, a few dropped jaws from the male nobility, and
hoots and laughter from the assembled adventurers. A couple Mendryll’s first song is a ballad about the “Lost King”
of nobles immediately shoot curious, concerned looks at Lord Gondegal. (See the Cormyr accessory for details.) Natu-
Thistle, as if worried that he may take personal offense for rally, it is told in such a way that it honors King Azoun,
some reason, but your esteemed host seems not to be per- Vangerdahast, and most of the nobility, whether they
turbed, or, if he is, is certainly doing a fine job of not showing helped put down the usurper or not. Mendryll may be a
it. smug bard, but he knows which side of his bread is but-
“For your entertainment,” Mendryll continues, “I shall tered.
play a selection of songs that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, In between his songs, Mendryll offers entertaining
and tremble in your seats. Naturally, accomplished bard that tales and gossip. (Feel free to dispense to the PCs any in-
I am, I also take requests.” teresting “current clack” from anywhere on Faerûn.)
Lord Mournsoul stops studying a black rose that he has Mendryll is widely traveled and does a good job of col-
been staring at for a while and raises his whining voice to the lecting interesting tales.
bard. “Can ye play the ballad called ‘Courtly Love’s Sweet As he plays, Mendryll gauges the crowd and tailors his
Agonies’?” he asks, eyes filled with pitiful artistic angst. songs to reflect their tastes. When his confidence swells
Mendryll locks eyes with the fashionably depressed noble. up to its normal ego-fueled hugeness, he launches into a
“You hum a few bars,” he declares in an even voice, “and I’ll shockingly bawdy song about a pair of Sembian mer-
smash your face in.” At this, laughter and applause erupt chants, a dryad, and a harpy. The song brings horrified,
from various places in the room. embarrassed expressions to the faces of the noblewomen,
The bard looks pleased that everyone enjoyed the jest. He and draws forth hysterical laughter from all the males,
holds up his hands in a polite appeal for silence. “In all seri- noble and adventurer alike, as well as from the majority
ousness, I have come to entertain. I may not be as erudite as of the female adventurers.
Elminster, or as verbose as Volothamp, or as loud as However, a group of four adventurers—whom the PCs
Llewellyn the Loquacious, or as stunning as Storm Silver- recognize as members of the Stag Runners, a Sembian

40
adventuring group—get up, hurl their wineglasses to the About a quarter of an hour before Mendryll’s perfor-
floor, and storm out of the hall. The king and queen no- mance is scheduled to end, the two Emerald Swords
tice the disturbance, but Azoun is careful not to react head for the door. Any PC who pays close attention dur-
openly. Some of the assembled nobles look concerned, ing their departure notices that they look disgusted.
not wishing to see something so trivial as a satirical song
escalate into a diplomatic incident. What’s Going On?
The offended Sembians will exit the manor and head Each time the doppleganger playing Lord Thistle has
for the Bubbling Bulwark to meet their fellows. There, gotten the sign from the Emerald Swords leaders to re-
they will hatch a plot to ambush Mendryll and thrash tire for the night, the “lord” has refused. The dopple-
him soundly. ganger began seriously enjoying the role he is playing
Any PCs who try to study Lord Partic Thistle after the when he sat near King Azoun and watched all of the ad-
resumption of Mendryll’s performance must make a Wis- venturers approach him and bow down. That, plus the
dom ability check at a -3 penalty. If any character’s food, the wine, and the wonderful music, has made Xixis
check is successful, he notices that Thistle once again change his plans. He likes being Thistle, and has de-
seems to be looking at someone or something, and again cided that he wants to keep the masquerade going for a
very subtly shaking his head, although this time he has a little while longer.
grim, determined expression on his face. Anyone at- Xixis also knows that he is in charge now. The other
tempting to see who or what he is looking at must make Emerald Swords cannot stop him without revealing their
another Wisdom ability check, this time at a -9 penalty. own role in the plot. Eventually, in his own good time,
Any character who succeeds at this check notices that he will return to following the plan. However, the fun he
Partic is communicating with the two members of the is having now, plus the prospect of perhaps getting the
Emerald Swords. This episode occurs a few minutes after lovely barmaid Annalise to visit his chambers this night,
the Sembian walkout. are too much to give up just yet.

41
 The Emerald Swords leaders become enraged and de- If any player asks for more information about the dwarf
vise an alternate plan. This plot involves killing Xixis who spoke to Thistle, that player’s character recognizes
and trying to make it look like “Thistle” was murdered the dwarf from the oathtaking ceremony. He is Gande-
by an adventuring company, or possibly by some noble gar Armstrong, a leader of the adventuring company
who hired an adventuring company to do the dirty work. known as the Emerald Swords. None of the PCs is close
enough to Thistle and Gandegar to overhear what they

The Party’s Over said to each other, but from appearances it was merely a
harmless exchange of pleasantries.
The applause and cheers after the latest song seem a bit
weaker, and you get the idea that the celebrants are getting
tired, something that does not go unnoticed by Mendryll.
Music Critics
Putting on his best smile, he addresses the crowd. Use this encounter if and when the PCs amble over to
“I can see by the lateness of the hour and the sea of tired the Bubbling Bulwark after Lord Thistle’s party.
faces before me that ‘tis time to take my leave. A most splen-
did audience I have not played for in such a time, and I thank As you begin to walk away from the manor, you catch sight
you all kindly. Onward now to your beds, while I slake my of a gleam of light out of the corner of your left eye, coming
thirst at the Bubbling Bulwark!” from around the manor’s southeast corner. Just when you
Almost as if on cue, everyone hears the watch call out the are sure it is nothing significant, you see it again, followed
midnight hour, It is indeed late, and weariness is etched on by what looks like the red glow of flames.
many faces. As one of the members of the She-Wolves ad- Rushing over to investigate, you see Mendryll Belarod,
venturing company passes your group, she leans toward you his entertainer’s smirk gone and replaced by a steely expres-
and whispers, “ ‘Twas a good party, and that’s the gods’ own sion of determination. He clutches a flaming long sword in
truth. But the real revelries are still to happen at the Bulwark! both hands, waiting for the next enemy.
No huffy-puffy manners there, I can tell ya.” And there are quite a few to choose from. Two grimacing
The king and queen stand and applaud Mendryll, who men in chain armor kneel on the ground, cradling their
gives them his deepest and most gracious bow. Regardless of burned and bleeding hands, their swords lying in the snow
their fatigue, everyone else joins in the applause, and the beside them. So intent are they on their pain that both men
bard, eating it up, bows to all before giving his cloak a dra- fail to realize that the edges of their cloaks are on fire.
matic sweep and striding from the hall. Three figures are still standing, and you recognize them
The king and queen give a nod to everyone and walk out of as the people who stormed out of the Great Hall during
the Grand Hall, arm in arm. Contingents of Purple Dragons Mendryll’s performance. A woman in robes brandishes a
take up escort positions as they descend the stairs. staff at the bard, while another woman, a most lovely one
Meanwhile, the guests who are staying in the manor are with long red hair, menaces the bard with a club. A tall, ar-
already being approached by the maids and the butler, and mored warrior holds a hammer with a massive, highly pol-
given room keys and directions. In the midst of this activity, a ished head.
smiling dwarf pushes his way through a knot of people and ex- Suddenly, you realize that a fourth figure, as short as a
changes words briefly with Lord Thistle as the rest of the child, is creeping up behind the bard. Mendryll stares at the
guests begin moving toward the main staircase. hammer of the warrior, and gracefully spins about just in
Lord Thistle bows to the dwarf and shakes his hand, end- time to deflect an attack from behind. You realize that the
ing their conversation. Then he announces to the crowd that bard saw the reflectionof the would-be backstabber in the
the celebration is officially done, but overnight guests can feel shiny surface of the warrior’s weapon. Apparently,
free to continue their merrymaking at the Bubbling Bulwark. Mendryll can fight as well as he can sing.
He informs everyone that the entrance to the manor will be There is something odd a b o u t this fight, and when
unlocked all night, and guards will remain on duty inside the Mendryll deflects the halfling’s blade and slums the pommel
house and at the entrance to the keep, but the patrols in the of his sword into the diminutive thief’s forehead, it suddenly
courtyard will go off duty momentarily, as soon as the royal dawns on you: The entire battle is utterly silent—not a
family and the other noble visitors have left the premises. single grunt or oath audible, not even the clang of steel on
With that, he bids you all good-night and heads for the stair- steel.
case leading up to his private chambers.

42
 As good as Mendryll is, it is apparent that he is in over his
head. The four active assailants have yet to notice you, and
Revelry at the Bulwark
their two wounded comrades are too busy to help, because What a far cry the scene at the Bubbling Bulwark is from the
they have suddenly realized that their clothing is on fire and stateliness of Thistleflame Manor! The smell of burning logs
are rolling on the ground, trying to extinguish the flames in the fireplace mingles with the sour stink of dozens of sweaty
while not aggravating their wounds any further. patrons lumped together in the very warm common room, the
fragrance of cheap perfume worn by the serving wenches, the
If the PCs attack, they get a free round of initiative. not so subtle aroma of the inn’s own home brew, and the
Mendryll, a look of pleased relief on his face, tries to strong, greasy smell of cheap mutton rousting on the fire.
speak, though no sound reaches the ears of the PCs. If The air is filled with the sounds of shouting, belching, off-
any player character has the reading lips proficiency, a key and off-color singing, giggling women, cursing, and the
successful check reveals that Mendryll is saying, “Do occasional splintering of a wooden chair. Now this is what an
NOT kill them! Disarm and subdue!” adventurer is used to!
If the PCs sound a call for the guards instead of enter- And indeed, the place is jammed to the rafters with mem-
ing into melee themselves, a full patrol plus a War Wiz- bers of many and sundry adventuring companies. Words and
ard will arrive from their post at the front gate of the accents from all over the Realms can be heard here, as well as
courtyard in 1d3 rounds. smatterings of conversations in the major racial languages.
The Stag Runners decided to beat up on the bard be- You manage to find some space to stand against a wall. A
cause of his unflattering remarks about Sembia during lovely barmaid with extremely long blonde hair and carrying
his entertainment at the feast. The adventuring com- a large tray pushes her way to you. With a smile, she hands
pany began by declaring, “We’ll reach you to make fun you each a big tankard of ale. “It’s all we got to drink,” she
of Sembians!” When Mendryll replied that they says over the roar of the crowd. “And if it’s food ya want, I
needn’t bother because he already knew how to do that, can bring over some mutton an’ bread. It’s all we got to eat!
they decided to do more than just bear him up. Alanis We’re keepin’ things simple tonight because of all these
the priest cast her silence 15’ radius spell on the bard, people!”.
preventing the sounds of battle from being overheard by A group of red-nosed, gassy dwarves yell at the barmaid
passersby—but she didn’t know Mendryll had a flame for more ale, and she acknowledges their order and stead-
tongue sword that would attract attention anyway. fastly wades through the crowd toward the bar to refill the
The Runners will live up to their name if half their dwarves’ mugs, leaving you alone in the crowd.
number are disarmed or lose more than half of their hit
points. They will dash back to the Bubbling Bulwark to The Bubbling Bulwark is the perfect locale for the PCs
lick their wounds. Thus far, only the group’s two “grunt” to relax and get some more news. If Mendryll is with the
warriors, Becket and Tram, fulfill these conditions. party, he instinctively gauges when a group of patrons is
If the Purple Dragons arrest the Sembians, the PCs ready to vacate a table, and he grabs it for himself and
probably will be taken in for questioning as well, espe- the PCs. At some point soon after they enter the tavern,
cially if they had their weapons out of their bonds. the PCs overhear a barmaid complaining to a patron
Questioning rakes place at the guard barracks (location about the fact that Annalise left work early tonight (be-
D). Mendryll will speak on the PCs’ behalf, and the fore midnight).
rime they spend being detained by the Purple Dragons This is an appropriate rime to feed the PCs any other
will be minimal. facts they might later need in order to piece together
To show his gratitude, Mendryll will buy the PCs an what is going to happen (and also to supply them with
initial round of refreshment at the Bubbling Bulwark. intentionally misleading information), whether they
From this point on, Mendryll’s abilities to identify items learn these facts by overhearing some other conversa-
or answer questions about histories and legends will be tion or engaging someone in dialogue. By the time they
made available to the PCs for no charge, and at their retire for the night, the PCs should know at least that
convenience. Note, however, that even a bard’s grati- (a) Garit Strongarm is jealous of Thistle’s relationship
tude has its limits. with Annalise; (b) representatives of every adventuring
group except the Emerald Swords have been seen in the
common room of the inn at some point during this

43
 Murder
in the Night
Only two PCs—the pair who are recognized as the com-
pany’s senior members and/or leaders—can sleep in
Thistleflame Manor. The remaining members have two
rooms to divide among themselves in the Bubbling Bul-
wark.
An hour after the PCs turn in, events at Thistleflame
Manor take an abrupt twist. Read the following passage
to the two players whose characters are staying in the
manor:

Your sleep is interrupted by a rough, insistent shove. As you

open your eyes, you see three Purple Dragons, a War Wiz-
ard, and a grim-faced Aleka Ravenheart in your room. The
door to your bedroom is open, and from outside you can hear
doors being opened, the sound of many booted feet quick-tim-
ing down the halls, harsh calls to awaken, and shouts of out-
rage from sleepy guests.
You have been awakened by one of the Purple Dragons,
who holds a lantern aloft and stares down at you in con-
tempt. The second soldier has his hands full with all of your
weapons and gear. The third soldier holds his sword in one
hand and a torch in the other. The wizard stares at you spec-
evening; (c) there is a crypt in the cellar of the manor ulatively, absently tapping a wand in his hand over and over.
house, but only Thistle and the butler Moorefield have Aleka looks you both up and down and frowns. “The Lord
keys to the door that leads there; and (d) Thistle has a li- Partic Thistle has been murdered,” she says in a flat, emo-
brary that contains a storehouse of information about tionless voice. “Everyone is suspect. Make yourselves pre-
chartered adventuring groups—but amazingly enough, sentable and gather in the ballroom. Wear anything that looks
Thistle himself is an even greater storehouse because he like armor or a protection device, or anything that even re-
has memorized facts about the groups that do not appear motely resembles a weapon, and you shall be slain outright.”
in his written records. The guards and the wizard file out of the room, taking up
Patrons stop coming into the common room about an positions at the door, waiting for the two of you. Aleka
hour after midnight. Everyone else in the keep’s envi- leaves, but stops and looks over her shoulder. “Any attempt
rons is already in bed. From this point on, people leave to leave the keep will be construed as an escape, and consid-
in pairs or small groups every few minutes, until the ered a confession of guilt, with a penalty of summary execu-
common room becomes vacant at about two o’clock. tion. Consider yourselves warned.”
Optionally, if the Stag Runners were not arrested,
they can be found in the inn’s common room, and would The following narration is for the PCs who are sleeping
be ready to have a brawl with Mendryll and the PCs who in the Bubbling Bulwark:
intervened in the attack.
Shortly after you drift off to sleep, you awaken to the sound
of the door to your room being slammed open. Four Purple
Dragons and a pair of War Wizards storm into your room,
barely controlled rage on their faces. In the background you
hear the sound of many marching feet, doors being pushed
open, and a chorus of yells and shouts.

44
 “Stand down and submit, in the name of the Crown!” a dead in his chambers after he failed to answer the urgent
muscular troop leader bellows, brandishing in one hand a knocks of his butler Moorefield. He was found with a dagger
Writ of Uncontested Entry that bears the king’s own seal, in his back. The doors and windows leading into his chambers
and in the other a bullseye lantern. Two of the soldiers begin were locked from the inside. It is clear that the death occurred
collecting your weapons and other items, while a third soldier recently, meaning that whoever committed this heinous crime
makes notes in a book, obviously keeping track of each item is still in the keep.
and where it was obtained. The fourth soldier holds a sword “I have been authorized by His Majesty King Azoun the
in one hand and a burning torch in the other. One of the Fourth to conduct a full investigation into the murder of Lord
robed wizards holds out a wand, ready to wave it at the slight- Partic Thistle, with legal authority to detain suspects and
est sign of trouble, while the other wizard seems poised to cast make arrests.”
a spell, his eyes sweeping your group. Aleka clears her throat and continues. “Consider your-
“The Lord Partic Thistle has been murdered,” the troop selves under detention within the confines of the keep until
leader snarls. “And all of the guests are suspect. Put on yer the truth can be ascertained. Anyone who attempts to leave
clothes and meet in the ballroom . . . NOW! Wear anything will be assumed guilty and dealt with accordingly. Return to
that looks like armor, a weapon, or anything which even hints your rooms, but know that you may be summoned for ques-
of magic, and ye’ll be gutted without so much as a how-dee- tioning at any time.”
do. And if ya any try to leave the keep, it only means yer
guilty, and we’ll all let loose with all our weapons and magic This is the time when PCs should start to take matters
on ya.” into their own hands. If they do not approach Aleka
Ravenheart voluntarily and offer their help in solving
If any of the PCs in either location offer resistance or the murder, it will be necessary for her to initiate contact
do so much as verbally protest, a shrill whistle is sounded with them. It could be that Mendryll the bard points out
by one of the guards, and four more Purple Dragons and the PCs to Aleka and identifies them as the adventurers
two more War Wizards storm into their sleeping quarters who helped him out in the fight against the Stag Run-
one round later. The characters will be bound and ners. (Mendryll himself is not a suspect: because—unbe-
dragged to the ballroom if necessary. knownst to anyone else—after leaving the Bubbling
Everyone is expected to gather in the ballroom in no Bulwark he was in the company of Aleka until the mur-
more than ten minutes. The time is approximately three der was discovered.) However it happens, the PCs end
hours after midnight. up being deputized by Aleka, provided with credentials
to prove their status, and given authority to assist in the
The Three O’Clock Gathering conducting of the investigation. They do not have the
Minutes after your abrupt awakening, your group stands on right to leave the keep or to make arrests, but may inter-
the cold marble floor of the ballroom. At least someone had rogate anyone they choose to speak to. Aleka assigns a
the consideration of starting a fire in the fireplace to drive off young Purple Dragon named Laraby to “escort” the
the predawn chill. A vast assembly of manor staff, nobles, group throughout their investigations. If the PCs split
and adventuring groups, including everyone who remained up, Laraby will accompany any characters who wish to
on the premises of Thistleflame Keep, is gathered here. visit the scene of the crime.
Six Purple Dragons and three War Wizards guard the only
exit. All of them look as if they are dying to see someone try Laraby, hm F2: AC 5 (chain armor); MV 12; hp 11;
to make a break for it. THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long sword) or 1d6 (flight
You look in the faces of your fellow “suspects,” and see arrows); SZ M; ML steady (12); Int average (11); AL
bleary eyes, stifled yawns, and irritation. An atmosphere of LG; XP 65.
suspicion pervades the assembly, and the tension is almost Personality: helpful, loyal, enthusiastic
tangible. Special Equipment: chain armor, long sword, short bow
The guards open the doors, letting in Aleka Ravenheart with 20 flight arrows.
and Sthavar, the Lord Magistrate of Suzail. Sthavar nods Laraby is a 19-year-old with curly red hair and freck-
gravely to Aleka and she, standing ramrod straight, hands be- les. He is still not so battle-hardened and indoctrinated
hind her back, addresses the group: in Purple Dragon discipline that he cannot sympathize
“About half an hour ago, Lord Partic Thistle was found with people who wish to adventure, He himself harbors

45
 no prejudice toward adventurers, and although he will
be helpful, Laraby will not under any circumstances
bend the law even a fraction.

How the Deed

Was Done
When it came rime for the adventuring companies to
pledge their loyalty, the Emerald Swords gathered in the
Grand Hall along with all the other adventurers. Hari-
dyn and Kalris came up from the crypt using the secret
passage to retrace their steps, reentered Thistle’s cham-
bers, then sneaked downstairs and joined Gandegar,
Angar, and their other comrades. Because the Emerald
Swords have concealed the fact that the doppleganger is
also a member of their group, no one was aware that
Xixis was not present. (Thistle is the only person in the
manor at this point in rime who knows that the Emerald
Swords have eight members instead of just seven, and he
is in no position to make an issue of this fact.)
After the pledges were done, Gandegar, Angar, Hari-
dyn, and Kalris remained for the entertainment. The other
Emerald Swords, on Gandegar’s orders, went directly to
the Bubbling Bulwark and up to the room reserved for
them. (Gandegar did not want to risk their spending time
in the common room, having too much to drink, and let-
ting something slip about what the group was doing.)
Once it became apparent that Xixis was obsessed with
continuing to play the role of Thistle, the leaders of the
Emerald Swords realized that they had to get rid of the
rebellious doppleganger.
Gandegar whispered orders to Kalris and Haridyn, in-
structing them that unless Xixis changed his ways, they
were to devise a method of killing the doppleganger.
The two of them left the Grand Hall, sneaked back into
the crypt, and then came up with an obvious idea almost
immediately. While Kalris remained in the crypt, Hari-
dyn used her dust of disappearance to make her way un-
seen up to the fourth floor, where she lurked outside the
door to the room reserved for the Emerald Swords.
When Gandegar and Angar came up to the room—just
after Gandegar made one last attempt to get through to
the doppleganger—she revealed her presence to them
and asked for her final instructions.
The leaders told her that the murder must be carried
out, but only after she waited a couple of hours for most
of the overnight guests to retire to their rooms in the
manor or in the Bubbling Bulwark. (If the body were to

46
be discovered shortly after the murder and a large num-
ber of people were still carousing in the common room
at the Bulwark, then all those people would have ali-
bis—and the Emerald Swords, none of whom were at-
tending the late-night party, would not. By waiting for
the merrymaking to end, the Emerald Swords will ensure
that practically everyone who is staying the night will be
under suspicion.) So, at approximately two hours after
midnight, the thief sneaked back into Thistle’s bedroom
by way of the library, being careful to lock the library
door behind her. Xixis was still awake and happily put-
tering about the bedroom, quite pleased with himself
and enjoying his newfound “nobility.” All of that came
to an end when Haridyn moved up behind him and
plunged one of her daggers of venom between his shoul-
der blades, killing the doppleganger instantly. She re-
treated into the crypt, leaving a murder scene that shows
no signs of entry and no signs of a struggle.

The Investigation
The following section contains the description of the
crime scene, different locales in the keep where the PCs
can visit and talk with the people who happen to be
there, and listings for NPCs who are not tied down to
one particular location. It will be up to the PCs to put
together the clues and solve the crime. “Lord Thistle” is lying face down on the floor near the
Aleka has commandeered the ground-floor library north wall of Partic’s bedroom, a dagger still stuck in his
(room #3) and is using it as a command post. Besides her, back. (See Map 6, on this page, for details of the scene.)
six Purple Dragons and two War Wizards are on guard. Congealed around the wound is a black fluid, which the
Anyone who comes in with a drawn weapon will be authorities suspect is poison from the dagger.
beaten into submission, disarmed, then asked what busi- Aside from wearing his ring of office on his left hand,
ness they have here. “Thistle” also has a simple silver band on his right little
Aleka sits behind the desk, coordinating search pa- finger. This is the ring of form retention that was given to
trols, interviewing suspects, collating the information Xixis for him to wear. Not only did it seemingly help to
she has gathered, and grabbing small catnaps. prevent Xixis from being found out, it has indeed
The PCs, after being deputized and receiving their in- worked as well as Kalris hoped it would—the dead body
structions, can commence their investigation by half still looks exactly like Lord Thistle. Of course, if the ring
past three in the morning. is removed, that act will certainly alter the course of the
investigation.
The Murder Scene Checking the doors and windows of the room shows
Six Purple Dragons and one War Wizard are stationed at that all means of access were locked from the inside.
the top of the stairs on the third floor, preventing any- None of the dust on the window ledges has been dis-
one from getting into Partic’s chambers. The PCs will be turbed in any way. It is apparent that “Lord Thistle” died
allowed to pass, since Laraby is with them and they can without a struggle. Checking the dagger shows no marks
produce papers that prove they have been deputized by or prints on the handle; it is smooth and clean.
Aleka. Before they enter, they are instructed not to In Thistle’s library, everything looks normal at first
touch the body, although they can examine it at their glance, except that the door to the cabinet containing
leisure. the information on all the adventuring groups is wide

47
 open. A quick look inside shows that the papers appear been entertained by Thistle, and on occasion he has vis-
as though they have been handled and not put away in a ited the tavern while she was working and made no spe-
completely orderly fashion. A detailed examination of cial effort to hide his feelings for her. If Haverish is asked
these files (one person spending at least fifteen minutes specifically about other suitors, he knows that Garit
going through them) will reveal the fact that no infor- Strongarm of the Gold Coins has strong feelings for An-
mation exists on three groups: the Gold Coins, the Stag nalise, and has often picked fights with other customers
Runners, and the Emerald Swords. Remnants of burned who he thought were trying to flirt with her. He de-
paper can be seen in the fireplace by anyone who exam- scribes Garit as “a very jealous young hothead.”
ines it at close range. The door to the library from the Annalise left work shortly before midnight, claiming
inner hallway is not locked, but this is normal. The door that she had “an appointment.” Haverish did not see
from the library to the bathroom, however, is locked Garit in the common room all night long.
from the bathroom side. The other barmaids: They can confirm Haverish’s asser-
tions about the relationship between Annalise and This-
Clue Sites tle, as well as Garit’s jealousy. They also know that An-
Following is a list of places within the keep that could nalise was irritated with Garit’s possessiveness.
have some bearing on the case. One of the barmaids, Crystyn, is Annalise’s best
friend, and shares a room with her on the ground floor of
A. The Main Gate. Guards questioned at the main gate the inn. She said that Annalise told her that she would
vouch for the fact that no people came through the not be working late tonight because she “had to get
main gate after ten o’clock. The only departures oc- something done once and for all.”
curred between midnight and one o’clock. The depart- If Crystyn is paid five additional gold pieces, she will
ing people were King Azoun and his family, Vangerda- allow the PCs to search the room that she and Annalise
hast, the Sage Alaphondar, Duke Bhereu and Baron share. In the room, the PCs find a stack of love letters
Thomdor, the leaders of the four trading costers, from Thistle, bound up with string and placed in a metal
Sthavar, and the representatives of the families Crown- box under her bed. The letters imply that he wishes to
silver, Hawklin, Huntsilver, Illance, Silversword, and marry her, but is waiting for “the rime to be right.”
Truesilver families. Dwak and Louella: The two bouncers have nothing
but good things to say about Annalise. They dislike
C. The Stables. Mac and Zac saw something interesting Garit to no end; both of them have had to break up
at about one in the morning. If paid a gold piece, they fights that the brash adventurer repeatedly ignites. Dwak
will spill the following story: “A very pretty red-haired once heard Garit say to Annalise: “I’ll kill any man who
woman in a long cloak was talking to this guy who was dares try to rake liberties with you!”
about her age, wearing armor and shouting a lot. He was Guest rooms: Twenty different adventuring groups
saying things about nor wanting her to see anyone else, have representatives staying at the inn. Haverish and all
and she was saying that she might be marrying the lord the barmaids have access to a list that tells which groups
himself. This made him real mad, but he wasn’t able to are staying in which rooms. The list includes every com-
say anything more, because some guards were coming. pany that was also given lodging in the manor (the Gold
The lady took that time to break away from the guy and Coins, the Magebanes, the Golden Gauntlet, the Com-
run to the inn. The guy said something about ‘nor being pany of Night, the Emerald Swords, the Warhawks, the
able to marry someone if that someone is dead,’ then Grand Fist, the She-Wolves, and the PCs’ party), plus
walked off toward the manor.” the Stag Runners and ten other groups. The vast majority
After witnessing that exchange, the boys turned in, of guests will have nothing of importance to say and will
afraid to speak up to anyone. do nothing to cast suspicion on themselves, answering all
questions truthfully and complying with any reasonable
E. The Bubbling Bulwark. The inn has lots of informa- request the PCs might make. As for the others . . .
tion, if the PCs know how and where to get it. A few The Emerald Swords were allotted two adjacent
gold pieces in the palms of the information sources will rooms for a total of six members, but only three people
ease the strain of interrogation. are staying in them: Shanna in one room, and Mad Berfy
Haverish Hallefon: He knows that Annalise has often and Clever Jake in the other one. Shanna’s room con-

48
tains personal gear for two other people who are not pre- “When I saw that Garit was to be attending the celebra-
sent. Some of the items are identifiable as belonging to a tions tonight, I prayed that things would not get out of hand.
mage and a thief. If questioned about their absence, He burns with jealousy at even the most innocent of words or
Shanna will say that she has not seen her two comrades actions.
for several hours (which is true) and assumes they took “A little after midnight, I received word that he wanted to
lodging in the manor for the night. meet me near the stables, away from what he calls prying
Among Clever Jake’s personal items in the other eyes and ears. When I got there, he was waiting for me. He
room is a copy of the group’s charter, which was renewed demanded that I tell him who I had been keeping company
two weeks ago and clearly says that the Emerald Swords with, and said that I had better stop seeing them . . . he
have eight members. If any of the three are asked about thought I was seeing many men!
the discrepancy in number of members, the response will “In truth, it is only Lord Thistle whom I have affection for,
be that their comrade was killed in action a month ago. and he has promised to marry me. When I told this to Garit,
(Observant players will realize this cannot be true, since he went mad with rage. Luckily, a patrol of guards came by,
the charter is only two weeks old. If anyone is con- and I took advantage of the distraction and fled. Now, I fear
fronted concerning this “inaccuracy,” it will be ner- that Garit may try to do something to dear Partic.
vously passed off as a simple mistake—they should have “I have reached a decision: I am no longer going to give
said “killed a week ago” instead of “a month ago.“) Garit the time of day, let alone my affections. Although he is
When questioned about their whereabouts, all three will more handsome than Lord Thistle, and younger and
say (truthfully) that they have been in their rooms since stronger, he is a cruel man. I just want him to leave me
well before midnight. alone, and that is why I am hiding down here.”
The rooms set aside for the Stag Runners and the When she is told that Partic is dead, Annalise
Company of Night contain evidence that these adven- launches into hysterical sobs and hugs the nearest fe-
turers are from Sembia, but that in itself is certainly is male PC for comfort. She then pulls away, her eyes a
not a crime. Members of these groups claim that they re- mixture of blazing anger and profound sadness, and
turned here after the pledging ceremony, stayed in the hisses:
common room for a while, and then went to bed. The “ ‘Twas Garit! Find him and arrest him, but do not kill
PCs can get verification of these facts from the barmaids him until I have been called, so I can watch him die!”
if they ask specifically about these groups. (Of course, if
the Stag Runners were arrested by guards after the inci- F. The Manor. Any investigators checking for tracks
dent involving Mendryll, they will not be present—but around the southeast comer of the mansion’s outer walls
neither will they be suspects in the murder.) will find the scene of the struggle where Mendryll de-
The Stag Runners (if present) will be surly toward the fended himself against the Sembian company.
PCs, accusing them of discrimination against Sembians,
but will not be outwardly uncooperative. The Company 2. Downstairs Hall. The only significant fact to be ob-
of Night, occupying the rooms directly across the hall tained here is that the door in the northeast corner of
from where the Emerald Swords are staying, will tell the the room is padlocked shut, as it always is unless Thistle
PCs that a few minutes ago they overheard an unusual has decided to take the stairs down to the crypt. He
exchange of remarks coming from the room where Mad sometimes shows the place off to visitors, but has not
Berfy and Clever Jake are lodged: “The old man’s dead, done so for the last several days, and it is apparent that
and now we’re sunk!” followed by someone else saying, neither the door nor the lock has been handled or ma-
“It’s not the old man, it’s our man!” (This was a portion nipulated.
of an argument between the two Emerald Swords, who
aren’t exactly sure what has happened. If they are asked 7. Servants’ Quarters. All the servants are in their rooms,
about the statements, they will claim that the Sembians trying to snatch some sleep from the remainder of the
were making it up to incriminate them.) night while also bracing themselves for the inevitable
The cellar: Hiding in a comer of this dank, unlighted questions from those who are investigating the murder.
room, red-faced from crying and huddled in a long cloak, Moorefield: The butler despises gossip, but for the sake
is Annalise. If she is found and interrogated, this is the of seeing his master’s killer(s) apprehended he will talk
story she tells: freely to any investigators.

49
 young adult, and has papers to prove (if necessary) that
he has been a resident and citizen of Cormyr for the last
40 years. He is nor proud of his heritage and does not
broadcast it, but he will point out to investigators that
his familiarity with Zhentish mannerisms and speech
patterns has sometimes been a valuable aid to his master.
If someone thinks to ask him whether any of the adven-
turing companies have ties to Zhentil Keep, he pauses
for a moment, then remarks that the Emerald Swords do
display some characteristics that suggest a Zhentish in-
fluence.
The cooks: Aside from the fact that the three female
cooks dislike Dom the baker, they have nothing to say.
Tami and Larwyn: Moorefield and Larwyn are good
friends; she will affirm that she is utterly loyal to Thistle,
and claims (truthfully) that the butler will vouch for her
if he is asked. Tami knows nothing about the murder,
volunteering only the information that most of the
other young men are jealous of Berke the gardener. Tami
spends most of the interrogation flirting with the PCs.
Dom the baker: Dom is anxious for his interrogation to
be over so he can begin preparing baked goods for the
guests’ breakfast. He does nor seem overly concerned
about Thistle’s death, but this is only because he is so ob-
sessive about his work. The only information he offers is
that he believes Larwyn and Moorefield are lovers.
He says that Lord Thistle turned in abruptly, without Berke the gardener: Berke seems deeply troubled by the
first checking with him on matters of the guests’ accom- murder, more than a mere gardener should be. It is easy
modations and plans for the morning—something that to see that he is definitely hiding something. He will in-
Thistle always did whenever he entertained overnight sist that he was in his room all night (which is true), but
guests. can’t prove it. The reason Burke is upset has to do with
Moorefield assumed that Thistle would attend to his status as a Harper; Thistle’s death is a cause of great
these matters before retiring, but after more than two sadness for him, because he supported and respected Par-
hours had passed with no word from his master, the but- tic’s efforts to raise the level of public acceptance of ad-
ler went upstairs and knocked on the bedroom door. venturing companies. He is concerned that adventur-
When there was no answer to his repeated knocks, ers—including Harpers—will be blamed for bringing
Moorefield used his key to gain entry and found his about Thistle’s demise, even if one of the groups present
master dead on the floor. in the keep was nor directly responsible for the deed.
Moorefield has been in Thistle’s service for the past 20 Berke will say nothing about any of this unless it be-
years. He knows that Partic and Annalise were seeing comes apparent that he is going to be arrested, where-
one another. The butler is aware of no one who would upon he will reveal the reason for his distress and pro-
want his master dead. He knows about the secret pas- duce his Harper pin to prove that he is telling the truth.
sageway leading from Thistle’s bedroom to the crypt, and Travis the steward: Travis, who shares a room with
he knows that the key to the door under the stairs in Kaleb, knows more than anyone else about everything
room #2 is hidden in Thistle’s library, but he does nor that goes on in the manor. He knows about Thistle’s de-
know exactly where it is. sire to marry Annalise; Tami the maid resenting An-
If Moorefield’s quarters are searched, the PCs will find nalise and being irritated that Lord Thistle doesn’t no-
some family heirlooms that indicate the butler hailed tice her; the three cooks’ dislike of Dom and his baking
from Zhentil Keep. He left the place when he was a histrionics; the friendship of Larwyn and Moorefield; the

50
jealousy felt toward Berke by the rest of the eligible was after midnight when that occurred.
males in the manor; and a recent incident in which Getting information our of Garit Strongarm is not
Borin gave Kaleb a black eye because Kaleb insulted easy. Sullen, defiant, and easily offended, he tries to be
Berke and accused him of being a thief. Travis calmly evasive about where he was in the early hours of the
adds that he is one of the males who is jealous of Berke’s morning. If he is confronted with the account of An-
popularity with the ladies. He also knows that Lord Krell nalise and himself at the stables, he will try to deny it,
Huntcrown is opposed to Thistle’s ideas of legitimatizing but if pressed will admit it. He claims that after the ex-
adventuring companies, and that the Huntcrowns are a change of words between them, Annalise fled toward
family of intriguers; one does nor rum his back on them. the inn and he came to his room. He does not deny hav-
Kaleb the messenger: Kaleb accuses Berke of being ing made threats against Lord Thistle, but he steadfastly
some sort of sneak thief or spy; he has personally wit- insists he was not involved in the murder.
nessed him sneaking about the grounds, quiet as a mouse d. Densil Wizardfoe and Floryn Spellshatter, two
and lurking in the shadows. That is all he knows. He brawny warriors from the company known as the Mage-
confirms that Borin punched him, but he was not sur- banes, have a strong dislike and distrust of most spells
prised by that, since he knows that Berke and the dwarf and magical objects. That is the only thing they are
are friends. guilty of. Since it is apparent that magic was involved in
Borin the handyman: The dwarf seems impatient, and the death of “Thistle” (the venomous dagger was likely
unwilling to give answers easily. He claims that, as idi- also enchanted), these two are nor suspects.
otic as much of the staff is, none of them would do any e. Lord Gruen and Lady Amarsa Bleth are gentle
harm to Lord Thistle. In his opinion, it was either “one people with no possible motive or means to commit the
of those namby-pamby nobles, playing politics,” or a murder. They have nothing to add to the investigation.
“crazed, irresponsible group of adventurers.” He is f. Lord Barrit and Lady Alise Cormaeril identify them-
Berke’s roommate, but cannot vouch for the young selves as relatives of Lord Thistle and have no knowl-
man’s assertion that he was in the room; Borin himself edge of how he died, although they suspect the Hunt-
was in the Bubbling Bulwark until well after midnight, crowns of being “up to no good.”
and has dozens of witnesses to that fact. g. Ruben Armand and Norrin Blackgrove of the
Golden Gauntlets turned in immediately after the parry,
18. Guest rooms. Nothing incriminating is to be found and each can verify the other’s story. Add to this the fact
in any of these rooms; no criminal would be stupid that Ruben is a paladin of Tyr, and that is that.
enough to leave evidence where it could be easily traced h. Lord Alexi and Lady Tremayne Dauntinghorn are
to him or her. distantly related to the Truesilvers and are members of
Following is a list of the rooms, and what their occu- one of the more militarily inclined noble families, but
pants have to say if questioned. neither of those facts has any bearing on the investiga-
a. Lord Mournsoul says he went to his room after the tion.
party and worked on his poetry before turning in. i. Lord Waylan and Lady Zara Emmarask have a ster-
Mendryll Belarod can vouch for him in part, because the ling reputation. They will haughtily remind the PCs
bard came back to the room briefly after visiting the that the Sage Alaphondar comes from this distinguished
Bubbling Bulwark and found Mournsoul hard at work, family. They have nothing else to say.
moaning and groaning over his latest piece of gloomy ro- j. Iona Waukeenservant and Idalia Golddust are two
mantic verse. Mendryll, if asked about his whereabouts Sembian women who lead the Company of Night. Their
after he returned from the Bulwark, will privately tell group is in competition with the Stag Runners, another
the PCs that he was with Aleka Ravenheart during the band of Sembian adventurers. Aside from being aware of
rime the murder was committed and will pledge them to the Stag Runners’ attempt at beating up Mendryll, they
secrecy. (Although he is telling the truth, Aleka will know nothing interesting.
deny that she was with Mendryll if she is confronted, in k. Lord Krell and Lady Ohrmatha Huntcrown show
order to keep from sullying her reputation.) outrage at being awakened and questioned “like com-
b. Kerit Darkrider simply says he went right to bed mon criminals.” The PCs have now made an enemy, and
after the festivities. He remembers that he was awakened the Huntcrowns will do everything they can to make the
when Garit came in, but cannot honestly say how long it PCs’ lives miserable. If asked to explain why he left the

51
 Grand Hall during dinner, Lord Krell loses his temper, last year, Lord Thistle seemed friendlier and more ani-
says that he went outside for a breath of air, and defies mated.
the PCs to prove otherwise. n. Lord Raynaar and Lady Terese Marliir seem a bit
1. Gandegar Armstrong and Angar the Battlelover of concerned about how all these questions may sully their
the Emerald Swords vow their innocence, stating that house’s reputation, but otherwise they have nothing to
they came right to bed after the party, and actually that contribute.
is just what they did. In fact, these two will do quite a o. Lady Regent Alaslyn and Damaris Rowanmantle
smooth job of denying any wrongdoing. Gandegar vol- are polite, but genuinely do not understand why they are
unteers the information that he has nothing but good even being questioned. This distinguished family is
feelings toward Thistle, and in fact he went up to Partic above reproach, and they have no information that will
at the end of the evening’s festivities and personally aid the investigation.
thanked him for his hospitality. p. Jacer Wind-dancer and Brandy Fumblebuckle of
The only way the PCs are going to get any useful in- the Grand Fist are genial and sincerely wish they could
formation out of these two is to search their room, some- be of assistance, but it quickly becomes apparent that
thing both of them will vigorously protest. They will they are inconsequential bumblers who would have diffi-
complain loudly about being harassed and discriminated culty killing time, let alone murdering a noble.
against, but will not offer physical resistance (because q. Brianna Tarvison and Pahelhe Firecaster of the
they know that doing so would bring the full force of the She-Wolves have nothing to say other than that they
keep’s guards down on them). retired to their room immediately after the party.
Among Gandegar’s belongings is a document listing r. Lord Frefford and Lady Gaylyn Wyvernspur say that
eight names—Gandegar, Angar, Haridyn, Kalris, they went to their room immediately after midnight, and
Shanna, Berfy, Jake, and Xixis—with a set of numbers they have no information to offer.
and phrases following each name. Gandegar will grudg-
ingly identify this as a record of the income and treasures 21. Wine cellar. If the PCs want to take another look at
that have recently been earned by each group member. the body later in their investigation, they will learn that
The entries following three of the names contain inter- it has been wrapped in a sheet and taken to the wine cel-
esting notations: Opposite Haridyn’s name is the phrase lar so that it will remain fairly well preserved until fu-
“vanishing powder,” after Kalris’s name is “small silver neral and burial arrangements can be made.
ring,” and next to the name Xixis are the words “dwarf,”
“thief,” and “wizard,” with the first two of those words 22. Crypt. This is the place where the two Emerald
crossed out. Swords are holed up with their captive. The kidnappers
In Angar’s pack are several gold coins with strange will do their best not to be discovered, hiding behind
markings; any member of the Purple Dragons or the War one of the large sarcophagi near the northeast comer of
Wizards will recognize them as currency from Zhentil the room. Lord Thistle is securely bound and gagged,
Keep. and hidden inside a sarcophagus along the southern
Any PC who makes a successful Wisdom ability check wall. The kidnappers will use all the means at their dis-
will recall that when the Emerald Swords recited their posal to stay unseen. If they are forced to fight, they will
pledge of loyalty, only seven members were present. If ei- fight to the death.
ther of the leaders is asked about the absent member, he
will explain that their former comrade left the group just
a week ago after a disagreement over the division of trea-
Solving the Crime
sure. (This, of course, is not the same story that will be As the PCs gather information from a variety of sources,
offered by the group members who are staying in the they may become able to piece together the proper
Bulwark.) If the investigators attempt to assemble the course that the investigation should take—in other
entire group, only five people will be found (because words, sooner or later they ought to realize that there is
Haridyn and Kalris are in the crypt with Thistle). something suspicious about the Emerald Swords. Laraby,
m. Bartek Alforael and Kassandre Malari of the Moorefield, and perhaps other employees of the keep
Warhawks have no information other than their obser- can be used as sources of suggestions to get the PCs
vation that when they attended the same celebration headed in the right direction—but when they do start to

52
accumulate some worthwhile clues, let them do the de- ner come open, go shut.” (The secret door was used by
ductive work by themselves. the invisible killer to escape from the room.)
The use of magic may be marginally helpful in deter-
mining what is happening, but divination or enchant- Catching the Criminals
ment/charm spells should nor be allowed to serve as a If it becomes apparent to the Emerald Swords that
quick and easy solution. people are on to them, they will do their best to escape
A speak with dead spell cast on the body, if it works at by any means possible—but except for Kalris and Hari-
all, will not be very enlightening; “Thistle” does not dyn (the two in the crypt), they will not fight to the
know how he died, or by whose hand, but he will say the death. If Kalris or Haridyn is captured, they will impli-
name “Gandegar” in response to a question such as, cate the other members of their group in the plot to kid-
“Who was the last person you spoke to before you died?” nap Thistle and rake him to Zhentil Keep. If the three
A detect lie spell cast on either Gandegar or Angar will group members staying at the Bulwark are apprehended,
fail—assume that they automatically make successful they will reveal nothing (they don’t know very much in
saving throws—but has a normal chance of working on any event) but they will give the names of the other four
anyone else, including the three Emerald Swords who members in return for clemency.
are staying in the Bubbling Bulwark. However, those If Angar and Gandegar are cornered and it genuinely
three have been in their rooms throughout the night looks to them as though they stand no chance of getting
and don’t know the details of how “Thistle” was killed. away, they will attempt to strike a deal: since no
Stone tell cast on the wall of Thistle’s bedroom will Cormyrean noble was murdered, the charge involving
yield some meaningful information in the form of short, Thistle is “only” kidnapping. They will offer to confess if
crude sentences: “Man alone in room. Man fall down their sentence is reduced to exile from Cormyr. Aleka
and not get up.” (This is a clue that the death blow was has the authority to agree to this, so long as Thistle is
delivered by someone who was invisible.) “Door in cor- rescued unharmed

53
 Following is the statement that Angar or Gandegar then looks at you. “I have been wondering just how to reward
will give: you,” he says at last. “And I know that any reward I give
will probably be poor compensation for all that you have
“We were hired by Lord Orgauth of Zhentil Keep to steal as done. But here. . . at least let me try. Your company shall be
much information as possible about the Cormyrean adven- excused from fees for the next year, and in addition, I shall
turing companies. We knew that Lord Thistle’s offices in the pay each of you 2,000 golden lions. I also have this to give
Royal Court would be too heavily guarded, so we decided to you.” He smiles and hands you a medallion of bronze.
try to abduct him during this convenient celebration. Carved upon it is the seal of the royal family. “This is called
“It is rumored that Thistle has an extremely good memory; the Seal of Iron,” he explains, “and its name has nothing to
once he sees a page, he commits it to memory effortlessly. We do with its composition. He who wears it shall be fearless.
knew that if we kidnapped him and replaced him with a Even mighty dragons shall not shake he who wears the seal.”
double, we could eventually spirit him out of the keep and in- Lord Thistle smiles a sly smile. “Those are all the tangible
terrogate him at our leisure. Depending on how much he things I can give you. But do bear in mind that you now have
knew about us, we would either let him go where Cormyr the gratitude of the person responsible for overseeing every
borders the wild country, or just kill him outright. registered adventuring company. I can certainly send one or
“The being who replaced Thistle was Xixis, our dopple- two interesting bits of employment your way, when the occa-
ganger ally. We ambushed him when he came upstairs to use sion arises. I shall not soon forget you, my friends, and that is
his privy. Whilst scanning his mind, Xixis caught wind of the a promise. I never forget a face.”
secret door leading to the crypt from Thistle’s room, and lo, Thistle yawns and stretches. “But for now, I am off to
our hiding place was provided for! bed. This whole experience has been most taxing on my con-
“Alas, Xixis enjoyed the role of Thistle fir too much, stitution, yes indeed.” The Lord ambles out of the room, fol-
curse his soulless carcass! We tried giving him hints that he lowed by Moorefield, who turns around long enough to give
should retire early from the festivities, but he kept defying us. you a look of grateful approval. Aleka also rises, and nods to
We hoped that if ‘Lord Thistle’ turned in early, other guests you. “Nice work,” she concedes. “I have duties to attend to.
would follow his lead and they, along with all the guards, You did well. Till swords part.”
would leave. And the sooner everyone was gone, the sooner You are left alone in the study, knowing that it is time to
we could make our escape. move on. Your dose of Cormyrean society was most illumi-
“Because he was not cooperating, we had to kill Xixis. It nating, an experience you will carry with you for quite some
was simple for our thief, using vanishing powder, to creep time.
into the lord’s bedroom and plunge an enchanted poisoned
dagger into the doppleganger’s back. The deed would have Loose Ends
gone undiscovered long enough for us to get away, except for More problems could remain to be tackled after the mys-
the blasted butler trying to talk to his master in the middle of tery is solved. First and foremost, if any of the Emerald
the night!” Swords managed to escape, they need to be hunted
down and captured.
Aftermath The question of what Lord Orgauth of Zhentil Keep
wanted with the information about adventurers remains
Once Thistle is rescued (hopefully), he, Aleka, and unanswered.
Moorefield meet with the PCs in his private library. What about the Thistle-Annalise-Garit situation?
Will the hotheaded Garit plan something nasty, requir-
Moorefield has lit a fire in the fireplace, and you are all sitting ing Annalise to beg the PCs for help?
comfortably with something hot in your hands to warm and One of the rumors at the party was that the Hunt-
refresh you. Lord Thistle, looking haggard after his ordeal but crowns were definitely “up to something.” What is it
unhurt, smiles at you. Aleka also looks at you, not smiling, that they are “up to,” and will it affect Cormyr’s adven-
yet a subtle look of approval is evident. turing companies?
“My thanks for your extraordinary work,” Thistle says. Finally, it’s quite possible that the Stag Runners will
“The king himself shall hear of your ingenuity in bringing the come out of this adventure bearing a serious grudge
miscreants to justice.” against the PCs. Sembian vengeance may be in store for
Thistle gets up and paces by the fire for, a few moments, the heroes at some future time.

54
Linking This
Adventure
There are several ways of linking this adventure with the
others. Partic Thistle could be the one who summons
the PCs to take the mission in “Bad Neighbor Policy.”
Partic may also be a good source of information about
events in “Redemption.”
Lord Vorik Aris of “Redemption” could be the one
who hired the Emerald Swords to do the dirty work, be-
cause he has ties with Zhentil Keep. And he could be
using the Emerald Swords to further his own agenda as
well as that of his Zhentish allies. Aris could be looking
for adventuring companies who would support him if he
attempted to seize the throne.
The Sembian company that the PCs run into in “Bad
Neighbor Policy” could very well be the Stag Runners or
the Company of Night.
Either this adventure or “The Bibliophile” would be
an ideal launch point for a campaign consisting of all
four adventures linked in some chronological order.

Experience Point Bonuses

Each of these bonuses should be distributed evenly
among all party members who participated in or agreed
with taking the described action.

Rescuing Thistle without solving the mystery

(i.e., learning how Xixis was killed): 5,000
Rescuing Thistle and solving the mystery: 8,000
Rescuing Mendryll without killing
any of the Stag Runners: 2,000
For each member of the Emerald Swords
captured and turned over
to the authorities: 2,000
For every innocent person interrogated
but not arrested: 1,000

55
 Bad Neighbor
Policy
Unlike “Murder Most Magical,” “Bad Neighbor Policy” is a straightforward hack-and-
slash adventure taking place on Cormyr’s frontier. If the PCs already went through
“Murder Most Magical,” then they can be commissioned to go on this expedition by
Lord Partic Thistle personally; otherwise, substitute some faceless bureaucrat for Thistle.
The following introduction below is written for PCs who have already met Thistle. In ei-
ther case, the adventure begins in Suzail.

Taking The King’s Shilling

Responding to an offer of employment, you enter a richly appointed foyer in the Royal Court,
which leads to an expansive series of interconnecting buildings and towers. From here, all the
various departments run the different aspects of the kingdom of Cormyr. There are Purple
Dragons and War Wizards everywhere, mixing in with scores of busy-looking bureaucrats, and
occasional confused-looking adventurer-types wandering the halls looking for the department
that handles charters.
Your shelter from the hustle and bustle comes in the form of a large anteroom, your destina-
tion. As you help yourselves to seats in the well-furnished chamber, your eyes sweep over the
lavish decor. The one feature of the room that truly gets your attention is the plaques on the
wall, each featuring a different heraldic device and many lines of text. To pass the time waiting
for your appointment, you read some of them.
One contains the words “Dedicated to the Order of the Hammer, died in service to the
Crown CR 1334, 5 Alturiak. May ye find peace in Torm’s realm.” Another reads “Sacred to
the memory of the Company of the Red Raven, burned alive by the Great Red Wyrm Uryiax,
CR 1330, 12 Ches. Your sacrifice was not in vain.” Still another reads “In Memory of the
Falken: The Order of the Silent Sisters, lost in the Vast Swamp CR 1338, Uktar. The gods only
know where thy bodies now lie, though thy souls are with them in paradise.” There are dozens
of such plaques . . . and space for many more on the walls of this room.
Before you can give too much thought to what might be engraved on your plaque some day, a
door opens and Lord Partic Thistle, the Registrant General of Adventuring Companies, comes
out to greet you, holding a large rolled-up document and two smaller pieces of folded paper. His
face lights up in delighted recognition. “Ahh, you’ve come! Splendid! Splendid! Do come in!”
You enter his large office and sit down, whereupon a servant enters the room and serves
everyone tea and biscuits. “So nice of you to come,” Thistle gushes. “And punctual, too! Very
punctual. Very good, very good.”
Taking a bracing sip of tea, Thistle unrolls a map that you recognize as Cormyr’s northeast-
ern frontier. “An adventuring company known as the Wolfmasters, of Sembian citizenship, is
delinquent in their charter dues. Now, we have been known to be lenient with the due date on
occasion, especially if a group happens to be indisposed. However, this is the second extension
we have given them, and they were spotted as recently as a week ago near the village of Thun-
derstone.”
Thistle looks at each of you and continues. “The area around Thunderstone is quite a wild
place . . . just the sort of thing suited for adventurers such as yourselves. With their flagrant dis-

56
regard for their charter’s conditions, the Wolfmasters are “Do bear in mind that if you fail to produce either the Stag
being more of a nuisance than anything else, certainly not Runners or their gold,” he adds, “you will not receive the jive
something worth mobilizing the Purple Dragons for . . . ” His hundred gold lions, and any booty you may recover will be
words trail off as he chews the end of his pen and frowns. “. . . subject to reclamation by the Crown. If you do not return to
and certainly not the lot that are stationed at Thunderstone,” this office with proof of your success within thirty days, an-
he murmurs half to himself. other group of adventurers will sent out with orders to bring
Thistle suddenly shakes his head, as if he caught his mind you back.”
at wandering. “In any event,” he continues in a more fo-
cused, clear voice, “I, representing the Crown, wish to hire Assuming the PCs agree to take the assignment, Thistle
you to go to Thunderstone and either collect the outstanding hands over the other folded-up document. It is a list of
dues, or bring in the Wolfmasters, alive and with a minimal names and descriptions of the members of the Wolfmas-
of bloodshed and/or injury and property damage. They owe ters plus a sketch of their symbol, a wolf’s head trans-
us 1,000 gold pieces and are now, for all intents and pur- fixed with a long sword.
poses, stripped of their charter. We want not only the money, The interview with Thistle ends at midday. The PCs
but also a signed apology from the group’s leader.” are expected to set out the next morning after taking
Thistle hands the folded document to the leader of your some time to gather provisions and information.
group. “This certificate enables you to openly bear arms
within a fifty-mile radius of Thunderstone for twenty days, Rumors
beginning five days from tomorrow morning,” he says. “Show While the PCs make preparations in Suzail for their trip,
it if any royal authority questions your weaponry. Go to the each character may pick up 1d3 rumors. Roll a d20 and
village of Thunderstone, find out what you can about the consult the list below.
Wolfmasters’ whereabouts, and track them down. Also,
please bear in mind that since you are going about the Crown’s 1. The Wolfmasters? Bah. A pack of easily offended
business, you are to comport yourselves in a manner that re- Sembians with a mean streak. They never were one
flects it. Nobility is treated with deference, average citizens are for law and order . . . or brains. Too reckless. (True)
to be treated with respect. Laws are to be obeyed.” 2. Because they’re so far away from central Cormyr,
Thistle sips more tea, then dips his biscuit in the hot liquid out of royal scrutiny, the Purple Dragons in Thun-
and eats it. “Your payment shall be a total of fine hundred derstone are a wee bit less pleasant and reasonable.
gold lions,” he announces, then holds up his hands and (True)
smiles. “Yes, yes, I know, that does not sound like much. 3. The Wyvernwater is haunted. Why, I heard that in
However”—he leans a little closer and smiles at you in a con- the last tenday, six vessels have been attacked by
spiratorial manner—“another adventuring company has told undead things rising from the water and swarming
me that a ruin of significant size lies in. the Vast Swamp, the decks. (False)
twenty-five miles due southeast of Thunderstone. This par- 4. A big red dragon has set up its lair in Hooknose
ticular company was chased away from there by a rather Crag. Even though it is rumored to have a fabulous
temperamental black dragon. fortune, folk with good sense avoid it. (False)
“Now, while five hundred gold coins is scarcely great com- 5. There’s been disturbin’ talk of hobgoblins and ogres
pensation for such an experienced group,” he continues, “it migratin’ into the Hullack Forest. That isn’t going
would make no sense for us to pay you more than the Wolf- to make the effort to clean out the forest any easier.
masters owe us, yes? What would be the point? Why bother (True)
spending several thousand just to recover one thousand? 6. Hullack Forest? Home to a wild band of violent
However, you are receiving permission to be openly armed centaurs that will have nothing good to do with hu-
for twenty days, plus knowledge of the location of what is mankind. (Half true; centaurs dwell in the wood,
possibly a treasure-filled hoard. I daresay that for any group but are not violent)
of truly dedicated adventurers, these opportunities would be 7. I hear that several of them adventuring companies
more than adequate compensation. . . .” that came from Sembia are banding together and
Thistle lets his words trail off and sits back with a thin smile. doing tasks for the Sembian rulers. Most of those
Now you know why this man has this job. He is good—very tasks are in Cormyr, and that doesn’t sit well with
good—at getting other people to do what he wants. Azoun and his advisors. (True)

57
 8. Ahhh, the Vast Swamp? Don’t you mean “Dwelling
place of beholders, black dragons, and will o’
Traveling to
wisps”? (True)
9. Many adventuring bands are hired by the merchant
Thunderstone
companies to clear the Hullack Forest of beasties. By moving at a steady pace, the party should be able to
(True) cover between 30 and 40 miles a day and make the 150-
10. Wheloon is run by Sarp Redbeard, who does his mile journey to Thunderstone in five days. This assumes
best to keep the town out of kingdom politics as they are taking the most direct overland route that fol-
much as possible. He is fomenting rebellion against lows roads from Suzail to Thunderstone. If the PCs de-
the kingdom. (First sentence true, second sentence cide to travel offroad, throw in enough random encoun-
false) ters (of a nonlethal nature) to convince them that the
11. People in Hultail feel more kinship to the Dales- road is the safest and quickest path. As long as they stay
men than they do to Cormyr. (False) on the road, they will have no significant random en-
12. Hilp’s chief export is boredom. It also happens to counters, and game time will pass without incident until
be Juniril’s as well. (True) they reach a spot roughly ten miles south of Hultail near
13. Faril Laheralson, the leader of the 100 Purple sunset on the fourth day out.
Dragon troops in Thunderstone, has the king’s
favor, and lets his men be undisciplined bullies. Inn of the Undead
(True) The weather has turned miserable—bad enough to force
14. The Purple Dragon garrison in Thunderstone the PCs to take shelter. Modify the description below to
have a reputation for causing disturbances, espe- fit the season in which this adventure is taking place.
cially against strangers who enter the town. Unfor-
tunately, they are the law in Thunderstone! (True) The wind howls around you, hurling a mixture of sleet,
15. A nest of Zhentish spies lurk in Juniril. I am not freezing rain, and snow into your faces As the freezing water
sure where, exactly, but I believe they lie within beads off your cloaks, and small icicles form on your hoods,
some ruins of an old temple. (False) finding a place to stay inside for the night starts to seem like a
16. The Thunder Peaks are lethal. Giants and dragons good idea. Despite your cloaks, robes, and coats, the wind
call this place home. Avoid it at all costs, even the has done a good job of soaking you thoroughly.
foothills. (True) From out of the howling elements emerges a horde of bod-
17. Gondegal still has followers, and they can be ies—loping, jabbering forms, being urged on by a pair of
found in the region around Thunderstone. Tread emaciated figures holding whips. A veritable sea of glowing
carefully. (Half true; they are not located here. See red eyes confronts you as a strong smell of open graves tells
the adventure “Redemption.”) you that there are some creatures who would venture out in
18. Sembia and Cormyr share the Vast Swamp as a this weather: those who have no care for such unpleasantries
common border. If someone did something nasty as wetness and cold.
against another in that swamp, who would be
around to witness it? Not many, I’d say. That place The PCs are about to tackle a horde of ghouls, and the
is death. (True) two wights that drive them. This pack was summoned by
19. Sembia has sponsored raiders along the Way of the the necromancer in the Journey’s Rest Inn, for the ex-
Manticore. Consider them the equivalent of land- press purpose of waylaying small groups of isolated trav-
bound privateers. (False) elers and making them hole up in the inn.
20. Goin’ to Thunderstone, are ye? I’ll tell ye that
marchin’ through the open country is risky. Stayin’ Ghouls (24): AC 6; MV 9; HD 2; hp 9 each; THAC0
on the road is the best way to avoid trouble. (True) 19; #AT 3; Dmg 1d3/1d3/1d6 (claw/claw/bite); SA para-
lyzation; SD immune to sleep and charm. spells; SW turn-
ing, holy water, protection from evil; SZ M; ML steady
(12); Int low (6); AL CE; XP 175 each.
Note: Touch causes paralysis for 1d6+2 rounds unless
victim makes a saving throw vs. paralyzation. Elves are

58
immune to this attack. Holy water does 1d6+1 points of you need rest even more than you did before. You trudge on-
damage. Protection from evil prevents ghouls from attack- ward in the darkness for a short distance and then notice, off
ing anyone in the protected area. the trail about a hundred yards away, a fiery glow of light.
NOTE: Continue only if the PCs proceed toward the light.
Wights (2): AC 5; MV 12; HD 4+3; hp 21 each; Closing in, you see that it is an inn. A wooden signboard,
THAC0 15 (13 w/whip); #AT 1; Dmg 1d4+2 (whip +2) dancing in the wind, identifies the place as the Journey’s Rest.
or 1d4 (claws); SA level drain; SD hit only by silver or The light you saw comes from a large lantern suspended be-
+1 or better weapon, immune to sleep, charm, hold, cold- neath an overhanging roof that shelters the entrance.
based spells, poison, paralyzing attacks; SW turning, You give the door a push and enter. (The interior of this
holy water, raise dead spell; SZ M; ML elite (14); Int av- place is depicted in Map 7, on page 62.) Four people are
erage (10); AL LE; XP 1,400 each. seated in the common room, which is very dimly lit by only
Special Equipment: whip +2. an occasional candle. The first customer you see is a gaunt
Note: Successful claw attack drains one level from man in a voluminous robe of dark green. The man is pale,
victim. Holy water does 1d6+1 points of damage. Raise with thinning black hair and a receding hairline. Long, bony
dead destroys a wight instantly. fingers, decorated with numerous flashy rings, are steepled
together as the man regards you thoughtfully.
It is the job of these undead to weaken any travelers they As thin as the first man is, the second is stout. The red
encounter, making it necessary for those travelers to seek face, rich clothing, and soft hands betray him as a merchant,
refuge at the Journey’s Rest. Once the PCs have (hope- and the style of his clothing is Sembian.
fully) defeated or driven off the undead, continue with The third figure is a Cormyrean noble, no doubt about
the description. that. Clad in the finest black clothing money can buy, he is a
young man with hollow cheeks and sad eyes. He would be
At last, the attack is over, and you’re alive to see it. But now considered handsome if he did not look so depressed. He sniffs

59
 what appears to be a black rose, and stares off into space with turn, he would give whatever aid and support they
a mournful look on his face. (If the PCs have already been needed in order to perpetuate their little scam. The wiz-
through “Murder Most Magical,” they will recognize this in- ard agreed, and the bargain was made.
dividual as Lord Mournsoul.) The two women have no intention of attacking every
The last figure is a somber woman with long, jet-black hair guest, only the ones on lonely nights like this one. The
and gray eyes. She wears a billowy white blouse, black opportunities and timing must be right.
leather bodice, and black leggings. The woman strums a The women charge five gold pieces for supper, bath,
black harp tentatively, as if looking for a particular tune. bed, and breakfast, plus lodging for horses in the small
All this would be a depressing scene if not for the smell of stable located behind the inn.
good, hearty food, and the two cheerful women who are your After dinner, the Sembian merchant, named Portis
hostesses. Alvermantle, pays his tab and tells the women that he is
One of them is a voluptuous blonde with crystal blue eyes, leaving this very night, regardless of the storm. He says
a merry laugh, and a wholesome, healthy glow about her. that he is already overdue back home, and needs to be
She moves between the customers’ tables with ease, deftly on his way. A successful Wisdom ability check indicates
scooping up dirty dishes, or placing a bowl of hot spiced wine that the man is definitely nervous about something.
in front of a client without spilling a drop. Portis goes to his room to gather his belongings and
Behind the bar is a tall, attractive woman with a luxuri- winds up missing out on an impromptu performance by
ous, tousled mane of fiery red hair, wicked green eyes, and a Alanis Dirgesong, the depressed-looking harpist. She
laugh just as infectious as the first woman’s. She is the one performs a song, the lyrics of which follow:
who looks at your group and says, “Well met! Enter, sit, and
enjoy our fine fare! I only hope that you are in better spirits Our lives, which fall like leaves in Uktar,
than these other four sorry souls! I am Ryanna your barkeep blown off life’s tree by death’s cold wind,
and cook, and that blonde dervish is my best friend Moria. flutter to the ground, spent and lifeless,
Sit, sit, and be welcome!” then buried in snow that Auril sends.
Both women notice that your band shows signs of having
been in a fight. Their merry looks turn to concern. “You are in- And that song is one of her happier ones. For the next
jured? Oh, please, sit then, quickly! We have no healing here, half-hour, everyone in the common room is treated to a
but a nice bath and lots of food may speed your recovery!” repertoire of the most depressing songs they have ever
heard, most of them dealing with doomed lovers, infants
The two “women” are vampires who have entered into a dying in their cribs, unlucky people on the verge of suc-
tentative alliance with the robed man, a necromancer. cess only to be killed in a freak accident, and adventur-
The inn was an old, abandoned place that had fallen ing parties that die alone and unmourned.
into disuse. The two vampires slew a young couple who The robed wizard winces and frowns all during the
had decided to claim and rebuild the old inn. Once they performance, and the two beautiful owners pay little at-
were through with the newlyweds and the two handy- tention. Only Lord Mournsoul listens with rapt admira-
men hired to effect repairs, the undead females decided tion, repeatedly nodding and murmuring, “So true, oh so
to take over the inn and use it as a source of victims. true.”
Their first customer and would-be victim was the
necromancer, who came here two weeks ago. Unfortu- Cast of Characters
nately for the women, they did not know that he was a Ryanna and Moria, vampires: AC 1; MV 12, Fl 18
mage, let alone one who specialized in death magic. (C); HD 8+3; hp 40 each; THAC0 11; #AT 1; Dmg
They crept into his room while he was sleeping, anxious 1d6+4 or 1d8 (long sword); SA charm, energy drain; SD
to make a kill. hit only by +1 or better magical weapons; immune to
As he was about to turn the tables and slay them, they sleep, charm, hold spells, poison, paralyzing attacks; half
begged for mercy and frantically offered to make a deal. damage from cold or electricity; SW sunlight, running
Intrigued and very chaotic by nature, the wizard lis- water; SZ M; ML champion (16); Int exceptional (15);
tened. AL CE; XP 8,000 each.
The “women” offered the mage a safe haven for a Personality: accommodating, helpful, flirtatious (when
while, plus access to the remains of their victims. In re- posing as humans)

60
 Special Equipment: long swords. Special Equipment: leather armor +5, ring of free action,
Ryanna and Moria, who were fighters before they be- onyx dog, black harp, quills, parchment, sheet music,
came vampires, are thoroughly evil and vicious but also black clothes, pony.
selective about whom they take as their victims. They Spellbook (3/1): 1st — cantrip, charm person, compre-
do not want to raise unwanted attention by slaying all or hend languages*, friends, glitterdust*, ventriloquism*;
most of the people who stop at the inn. Generally they 2nd — invisibility, pyrotechnics*.
will only attack wanderers (such as adventurers) who are Bard Abilities: CW 60; DN 40; PP 30; RL 35.
not likely to be missed by family or friends. They use Alanis is a depressing bard who travels the Realms
their energy-draining attack to weaken their victims and singing songs of gloom and doom. Amazingly, she does
then slay them with their swords, to prevent the victims have a following. Alanis excels at self-pity and changing
from becoming vampires themselves (they don’t want any sentence into a statement of woe. Even her spell se-
the competition). lection reflects this. Here is what she thinks of some of
her spells: Invisibility: “I don’t really need a spell for this
Ratakos, hm Nec 12: AC 2 (robe of archmagi, Dex . . . people ignore me already.” Friends: “I can’t attract
bonus); MV 12; hp 33; THAC0 17 (14 w/dagger +3); friends normally; I need to use magic to do so.” Compre-
#AT 1; Dmg 1d4+3 (dagger +3); SZ M; ML elite (14); hend languages: “Why bother? No one wants to talk to
AL CN; XP 8,000. me anyway.”
S 8, D 17, Co 15, I 18, W 18, C 6
Personality: unpredictable, amoral, stem Lord Rhyn Mournsoul, hm F6: AC 4 (leather jerkin
Special Equipment: grey robe of the archmagi, dagger +3, +4); MV 12; hp 36; THAC0 15 (12 w/rapier +3); #AT 1;
amulet versus undead (7th level), ring of undead command Dmg 1d6+4 (rapier +3), 1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML average
(see “Magical Items,” page 126), ring of regeneration, Po- (9); AL CG; XP 420.
tion of wight control (2 doses left), scroll of protection from S 14, D 9, Co 9, I 12, W 9, C 14
magic. Personality: moody, artistic, angst-ridden
Spellbook (5/5/5/5/5/2): 1st — burning hands, chill Special Equipment: leather jerkin +4, rapier +3, black
touch*, corpselight*‡, detect undead*, magic missile*, shock- rose, book of bad romantic poetry, black outfit.
ing grasp, wall of fog*, wizard mark; 2nd — cloak undead*‡, Lord Mournsoul is a thin, moody man in his late 20’s,
darkness 15’ radius*, ESP*, knock, protection from who dresses in black and wanders around Cormyr, seem-
cantrips, spectral hand*, stinking cloud, undead mount*‡, ingly in a state of perpetual depression. Some say he has
wizard lock; 3rd — feign death, hold undead*, mummy a death wish, but this is not accurate. Rhyn has a suffer-
touch*‡, paralyze*‡, phantom steed, revenance‡, skull ing artist’s soul, a streak of angst a mile wide, and a noble
watch‡, vampiric touch*, wraithform*; 4th — Beltyn’s burn- bloodline.
ing blood*‡, contagion, enervation*, mask of death*†,
Evard’s black tentacles, polymorph other*, ice storm*; Portis Alvermantle, LN hm: Portis is a Sembian
5th — animate dead*, avoidance*, cloudkill*, cone of Cold*, merchant from Yhaunn, a 0-level human. He currently
disguise undead‡, summon shadow*; 6th — Bloodstone’s does not have any wares with him. His gold pouch con-
spectral steed*†, death fog, death spell*, lich touch‡, teleport tains 40 gp, 22 pp, and four small gems worth 100 gp
dead‡. each. A leather wallet stored in an inner pocket of his
Like many of his fellow necromancers, Ratakos is a cloak contains extensive notes on the Dragoneye Deal-
grim, humorless man who only comes alive, ironically, ing Coster and the Seven Suns Trading Coster. Portis is
when dealing with the dead (or undead). A pragmatist on an economic espionage mission for the merchant
by nature, he works with the forces of evil or good as his leaders in Yhaunn. A nervous man, he is anxious to re-
whim and needs dictate. turn to his homeland.

Alanis Dirgesong, hf B5: AC 3 (leather +5); MV 12; The Journey’s Rest

hp 30; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (short sword); SZ 1. Common Room. The bar lies to the left, and a
M; ML unsteady (7); AL N; XP 270. stairway heading upstairs is in the northeast corner. To
S 12, D 14, Co 14, I 13, W 14, C 14 the northwest is a door that leads out back, giving easy
Personality: gloomy, artistic, pessimistic access to the stables. The common room has variable

61
 hours—sometimes shutting down at midnight, some- 5. Stables. This old two-story barn serves as the lodg-
times staying open until an hour before sunrise—de- ing area for customers’ horses. At the beginning of the
pending on the inclination of Ryanna and Moria, who encounter, only Alanis’s pony and Mournsoul’s and Por-
may or may not choose to spend the wee hours of the tis’s horses are here.
morning engaging in vampiric activities. During the day, Anyone who digs up the dirt floor will find four shal-
the common room is tended by Maris and Cora, two 0- low graves holding four recently dead bodies, one of
level human females who live in the second-floor guest them female. These are the remains of the newlywed
room adjacent to the ladies’ bath. couple and the two handymen who were killed by the
vampires two weeks ago.
2. Kitchen. The usual equipment, tools, and table-
ware are stored here. 6. Bathing rooms. Two large copper tubs, separated
by a curtain, are these rooms’ main features. There are
3. Storage. This is where the foodstuffs are kept. also towels, soap, and a large kettle set on a small iron
Nothing remarkable. stove.

4. Bedroom. Beyond the locked door is the vampires’ 7. Guest rooms. Each of these rooms is furnished
lair. No one is ever allowed in here. The room contains alike, with two single beds, a dresser and mirror, a night-
two coffins plus the clothing and other accoutrements stand with a lantern, and a brazier for heat. Note that
the vampires use to pass themselves off as normal hu- the lock on each room’s door appears strong and func-
mans. A small strongbox next to the westernmost coffin tional, but in fact does not work; any door can be opened
holds the inn’s proceeds so far: 87 cp, 54 sp, 22 ep, 17 gp, from either side at any time, with or without a key.
and 6 pp. A secret door on the west wall gives the vam- The four rooms along the south side of the building
pires a way of escaping quickly if necessary. are vacant, and these are where the PCs will be put up.

62
Ryanna and Moria will try to put a single occupant in
each room as many times as possible, but if the PCs insist
on staying two or three to a room, the “women” will not
argue.
Neither of the vampires will enter any of the rooms
while the PCs are awake (because they don’t want any
one to notice that they cast no reflections in a mirror).

Fangs in the Night

If the PCs take simple precautions, such as posting one
of their number on guard outside their rooms or pushing
furniture up against the door to a room to prevent it
from being opened noiselessly, the vampires will leave
them alone. But if any or all of them leave themselves
open to attack, Ryanna and Moria will not let the op-
portunity pass.
The vampires will first enter any room where only one
PC is staying. If that character is asleep and does not
somehow awaken, either Ryanna or Moria gets one free
attack with a +4 bonus to the attack roll. The vampire
who does not attack will lurk just inside the doorway,
waiting for other characters who might hear the commo-
tion of a struggle. If either of the “women” is reduced to
less than half of her hit points, both of them will assume
gaseous form and disappear, returning to corporeal form
only after the PCs have vacated the premises.
Even if they hear the sounds of a struggle, the other and Moria are not there, but have taken refuge in an-
tenants of the inn will take no part in any conflict. The other hiding place.
door to Ratakos’s room is wizard locked, and he will not In any event, the PCs’ main objective should be to
come out under any circumstances. Lord Mournsoul is complete their journey to Thunderstone. Assuming they
beside himself with fear, cowering under his bed, but the spend this day traveling and not vampire-hunting, by
vampires will not bother him because they don’t want late afternoon they arrive at the western edge of the area
other members of his family to come looking for him. described in Map 8 (see the inside back cover).
Alanis Dirgesong is resigned to her fate, morosely com-
posing a song that will serve as her epitaph, but she also
does not have to worry—the bard has a reputation
Thunderstone
among a group of people who actually appreciate her 1. The Stag Skull Bridge. This grand old stone bridge
“talent,” and Ryanna and Moria don’t want to risk arous- arches over the Thunder River. It has achieved a level of
ing anyone’s curiosity about why Alanis doesn’t show up notoriety, since many adventurers come running out of
at her next singing engagement. the nearby Hullack Forest with monsters in hot pursuit.
The adventurers scramble up to the bridge, where the
Back on the Road Purple Dragon garrison inevitably lets the adventurers
If they are wise, the PCs will not try to leave the inn, or pass and engages the monsters on the bridge itself. In fact,
do anything else other than hole up in their rooms, until a lighted lantern is placed on each side of the north end of
after sunrise, by which time the vampires will no longer the bridge from dusk to dawn, so that adventurers and
pose a threat. If they confront the two servants, Maris foresters know where to run and can tell they are close to
and Cora, about what happened, the women will profess safety. The phrase “between the Stag’s lights” has become
ignorance (truthfully). Forcibly entering the vampires’ a local expression meaning “almost out of danger.”
sleeping quarters (room #4) will reveal nothing; Ryanna Despite its name, the bridge does not have a single

63
 stag’s skull on it. The railing posts are decorated with the The Fate is owned by Boffo Arglebargle Cosgrove
heads of monsters that dared set foot on the bridge. Bullwubble II (CG gm F2), an eccentric prankster who
Eight Purple Dragons are on guard at the bridge at all more often than not winds up involved in fights himself.
times. Usually he gets his bouncer Stig (NG hm F7, Str 18) to
pick him up and throw him into the fray. When the rev-
2. The Thunder Stone. A rock of unusual composition elers hear a reedy voice shout, “Hurl me, boy!” they
measuring three feet in diameter, this object is the literal know that a flying gnome is not far behind.
and figurative center of town. According to local legend,
this stone was magically transported from the tallest 6. The Dragons’ Den. This tavern is a Purple Dragon
mountain in the Thunder Peaks and placed here when this hangout and caters exclusively to the soldiers, although
land was nothing but wilderness. The village of Thunder- that was not the original intent of the owner. Anyone
stone later grew up around this central location. A super- who enters the place unescorted by a Purple Dragon
stition has arisen among adventuring groups that kissing (and civilians are allowed in only very rarely, even when
the Thunder Stone before going on a mission means more escorted) is liable to become the target of a hail of chairs
treasure will be found and fewer comrades will die. and tankards. The stubborn fool who stays despite this
The rock is made of a type of stone that is not found treatment gets beaten up and tossed out. The Dragons’
for miles around this spot. It is not magical and has no Den is run by Oleg One-Ear (LN hm 0-level), a practical
special properties. Its presence here is unaccounted for. man who minds his own business. With all the soldiers
(In this respect, think of it as the Realmsian equivalent who frequent the place during business hours, he has no
of the Easter Island statues.) There may be something to need to hire a bouncer.
the superstition, in the sense that adventurers who think
they are destined to succeed are generally more success- 7. The Office of the Crown. This small building is
ful than those who think otherwise. where the business of the crown is handled. It is a clean
place, in good repair. The rear area of the building is a
3. The Sign of Thunder. The largest inn in the vil- comfortable residence where the crown clerk, Hurm
lage, this place lives up to its name by being host to nu- Thiodor (LG hm F2), lives.
merous adventuring companies who use the place as a Thiodor is a slender man in his early 30’s whose main
base of operation. Things get extremely rowdy every strength is his record-keeping ability. He is responsible
night, but it is also a good place to pick up information for collecting reports from adventurers who are return-
about the best spots to explore, as well as the places to ing from forays into the Hullack Forest and the Vast
avoid. Rooms are 5 gp per night, dinner and ale is 2 gp, a Swamp. Other than that, he has little to do, and occa-
semi-warm bath is 2 sp. The inn is run by Boris Elber- sionally accompanies a band of adventurers into the for-
welter (CG hm F1) and his overly flirtatious wife Tasha est to add a little spice to his life.
(CG hf 0-level).
8. Purple Dragon Barracks. This two-story building
4. The Bear’s Den. As the name suggests, this is a big, provides lodging for the 100-man Purple Dragon garri-
cozy, comfortable inn where noise is not tolerated. son stationed in Thunderstone. The detachment in-
Rooms are 7 gp per night, dinner and drink is 3 gp, a cludes no War Wizards, just a lot of slightly undisci-
bath is 5 sp, and stabling a horse is 1 gp per night. The plined, spirited soldiers who love a good brawl as much
inn is owned by Derdek Deepingdell (LG dm F4), a as a good slaughtering of monsters.
short, wide dwarf with a very bushy beard that makes
him look like a small bear. 9. Oversword Faril Laheralson’s House. Located
close to the barracks, this is the home of the leader of
5. The Furniture’s Fate. An odd name, but an appro- the Purple Dragon garrison. The house is a mess, looking
priate one for this tavern. The signboard over the door like a typical bachelor’s residence.
shows a chair being broken over someone’s head. Like
the Sign of Thunder, it is favored by adventurers (who, Faril Laheralson, hm F5: AC 0 (chain +2 and shield
yes, inevitably destroy most of the furniture) and is a +2); MV 12; hp 42; THAC0 16 (12 w/long sword +4);
prime place for hearing adventurers’ tales. #AT 1; Dmg 1d8+5 (long sword +4, Str bonus); SZ M;

64
ML champion (16); AL CN; XP 650. and she will check out a victim’s story before performing
S 16, D 9, Co 16, I 12, W 12, C 12 any healing.
Personality: boisterous, coarse, domineering
Special Equipment: chain armor +2, shield +2, long 11. One-Armed Magurk’s. This establishment holds
sword +4, healing potion, Purple Dragon ring. a jumbled collection of art objects, weapons, armor,
Faril and his troops constitute the law (such as it is) in gems, jewelry, books, and used equipment. Magurk (N
this rough and ready town. He treats everyone who gets hm F6), a former Purple Dragon, opened up this place
“out of line” the same way: they are roughed up and after he lost an arm in combat.
warned not to cause trouble. Repeat offenders are bodily Magurk purchases loot found in the many ruins and
thrown out of town. Faril cares greatly for his men, and dungeons “out there” beyond Thunderstone, no ques-
always makes sure their morale is high. tions asked. He is shrewd, and will not be taken advan-
Faril gives lip service to the Crown. He does respect tage of.
Azoun, but thinks that the rest of the representatives are Special items for sale in the shop vary widely from
just soft bureaucrats not worth the time of day. time to time. To determine Magurk’s inventory when
the PCs are in town, generate a supply of gems, art ob-
10. Shrine of Tempus. This stone building is deco- jects, and magical items as per treasure types B, D, and F
rated with skulls, cloven helms, ruined shields, bloodied (see Table 84 in the DUNGEON MASTER® Guide). When
armor, and shattered swords. Tending the shrine is Battle determining magical items randomly (using Table 88 in
Chaplain Saerlia Ashley (CN hf C7), a scarred woman the DMG), disregard and reroll any results that yield
whose sermons speak of blood and fire. Her fiery words of items from Table 91, 100, 104, or 107.
battle are an inspiration to all the adventurers and Pur- Not only do the Purple Dragons keep a close eye on
ple Dragons who attend her services. Saerlia will only their friend, Magurk also has a short sword vorpal blade
heal damage on those who were wounded in combat, +3 under the counter.

65
 12. Wangle’s Livery. Wangle Towerstruck is a tower- ceptional heroism are buried in a special corner called
ing hulk of a man with a simple, childlike demeanor, yet The Honor Field. Adventurers who bring back their dead
a good eye for horses. He sells livestock of all kinds, in- comrades can have them buried in the cemetery. A new
cluding some of the best horses ever seen. For 2 gp per euphemism for being dead, “working in the Garden,” has
night, a person’s mount will be well fed, cleaned, and sprung up among adventurers who frequent this area.
groomed, and will receive medical treatment and be
reshod if needed. 14. The Six Coffers Trading Coster. The Six Coffers
The Purple Dragons treat Wangle well but in a conde- is the predominant mercantile company in Thunder-
scending manner, as if he were a mascot or a mentally stone, possessing a virtual monopoly in trade. This
slow little brother. branch office is run by Adris Colebriar (CG hm F1), a
The joke’s on everyone else. Wangle is a ranger who shrewd businessman. From here, customers can purchase
works for the crown, keeping an eye on things for the any (nonmagical) item of standard equipment, weapons,
King; his slowness is merely an act. Grievances against and armor—usually at inflated prices.
Purple Dragon misbehavior may not be rectified anytime
soon, but Wangle watches and listens, and if things get 15. The Assembly. This cavernous, barnlike struc-
too out of hand, there will be a reckoning, authorized by ture is the site of various private, civic, and religious as-
Azoun himself. semblies. In bad weather, it is used as an indoor “town
Even better, though, unknown to the crown, Wangle square” or plaza, with vendors setting up booths with
is also a Harper, keeping an eye on everything for that se- food, drink, and trinkets for sale. Every once in a while,
cretive organization. public exhibitions of fighting prowess are held here, with
people quietly betting on the outcome.
Wangle Towerstruck, Harper agent, hm R9: AC 1 Numerous notices and “help wanted” messages are
(bracers AC 5, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 100; THAC0 12 tacked up on the inside walls. Even in good weather, the
(9 w/Str, 7 w/short sword); #AT 2; Dmg 1d4+6 (dagger, Assembly attracts many people, especially adventurers
Str bonus), 1d6+8 (short sword of quickness +2; Str looking for news, gossip, work, or companionship.
bonus); SA +4 on attack rolls vs. hobgoblins; SZ M; ML
Current Clack In
fearless (19); AL CG; XP 3,000.
S 18/00, D 18, Co 17, I 15, W 16, C 8 Thunderstone
Personality: conscientious, clever, noble During the party’s brief stay in Thunderstone, each PC
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC5, short sword picks up 1d3 rumors from the list below (roll 1d20 for
of quickness +2, boots of varied tracks, Harper pin, dagger, each item).
short bow, 24 arrows, hammer.
Ranger Abilities: HS 66; MS 80. 1. There sure has been a lot of Sembians around here.
Spells (2): locate animals or plants, pass without trace. If not their merchants, then their adventurers. Just
An accomplished actor and a devoted Harper, Wan- as long as they pay in good coin and cause no
gle is also a loyal Cormyrean subject. He will not give trouble, they’re welcome . . . barely. (True)
away his disguise unless it is absolutely necessary, and 2. Over the last tenday, three young men have disap-
only if the people to whom he reveals himself swear an peared from town. Informed folk say they fled from
oath never to divulge his secret. their oaths to marry their betrothed. Of course, the
women say differently, but that’s expected, eh?
13. Kelemvor’s Garden. Formerly called simply the (True)
Thunderstone Cemetery, this place was renamed several 3. There is a 10,000 gold piece bounty on red dragons
years ago when its present caretaker took over. The per- of any age. Bag something older than a normal
son in charge of the cemetery is a cleric of Kelemvor adult, and ye’ll get a land grant as well! (False)
named Lorelei Gravesower (LN hef C3), who lives in a 4. Wangle’s a simple man, very childlike, but he has a
small house on the grounds. It is her duty to maintain the natural gift for judging horseflesh. No one bothers
graveyard and provide advice and counsel to mourners. him, though. The Purple Dragons have adopted
Kelemvor’s Garden is where the bulk of Thunder- him, kinda. (True, but see Wangle’s description
stone’s dead are buried. Purple Dragons and people of ex- above)

66
 5. You must pay Faril Laheralson 500 gold in order to 17. Heard of two Sembian companies adventurin’
get a friend buried in Kelemvor’s Garden’s special round these parts: the Wolfmasters and the Ruby
burial place of honor. But anyone buried there is Blades. The first group I seen with me own eyes,
greatly favored in the afterlife. (False) the second I just heard of. Nossir, I don’t like ei-
6. The Vast Swamp is not as nasty as it used to be. ther one. (True)
All of those adventurers stomping around has re- 18. The three young men who’ve vanished in the last
duced the monster population to a safer level. tenday all did so around the graveyard. (False)
(False) 19. I hear that hobgoblins have been spotted migrat-
7. My cousin’s brother’s best friend knows of an ad- ing from the Thunder Peaks to the Hullack Forest.
venturer who swears that there’s a huge red gem in Ought to make life interesting. (True)
the Vast Swamp, worth a king’s ransom! (True) 20. At this very moment, the Knights of Myth Dran-
8. Thunderstone is so far removed from Suzail . . . nor and Elminster the Sage are exploring Hullack
things are a bit wilder here, the Purple Dragons Forest! (False)
not as disciplined. Still, as long as the town is still
loyal, the crown allows things to continue as they Other NPCs
do. (True) Thunderstone can be sprinkled with interesting NPCs
9. There’s this woman who lives in a hut beside the from a number of sources, including many other
cemetery. I hear that she’ll keep company with a F ORGOTTEN, REALMS game products. The following
man whose gold is good. (False) characters are here too, each with his or her own
10. Ever hear of the Wolfmasters? Sembian adventur- agenda.
ing band, but their paperwork is all in order. They
went out to the Vast Swamp six days ago, never re- Paramyr Bladerunner, Zhentish agent, hm F6: AC 0
turned. They musta run afoul of ol’ Slageye. Ol’ (chain +2, shield, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 66; THAC0
Slageye? Hee, hee. Biggest beholder you’d ever 15 (14 w/Str, 11 w/long sword +2); #AT 3/2; Dmg 1d8+5
see!” (Partly true: the Wolfmasters did go into the (long sword +2, specialization, Str bonus); SZ M; ML
swamp. However, there is no beholder called Ol’ elite (14); AL LE; XP 975.
Slageye) S 17, D 16, Co 18, I 9, W 9, C 14
11 There be a group o’ centaurs and satyrs, along with Personality: arrogant, disciplined, dedicated
some of them comely woodswomen, running about Special Equipment: chain armor +2, long sword +2, ring
in the Hullack Forest. Word has it that they aren’t of spell turning, ivory goat figurine, holy symbol of Tempus,
so happy about the Crown encroachin’ on their light warhorse.
lands. (True, but their concern is only mild at worst) Paramyr is the leader of a Zhentish contingent cur-
12. Thunderstone is more than just a frontier town, rently quartered in Thunderstone, but he does his best to
Yessir, it’s a regular hotbed o’ intrigue. Why, conceal the affiliation of himself and his associates. A
there’s all manner of spies: Zhentarim, Harpers, handsome, square-jawed man in his early 30’s, Paramyr
Sembians, druids watching how the Hullack For- is a soldier, disciplined, and loyal to the Zhentish cause.
est is being treated, oh, many many others. (False,
or at least a very big exaggeration) Zhentish lackeys, hm F3 (6): AC 5 (chain armor);
13. The Thunder Stone is a local famous site. Kiss it MV 12; hp 15 each; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long
for good luck afore ye go traipsin’ off inta danger! sword), 1d8 (sheaf arrows), 1d8 (spear); SZ M; ML elite
(True) (13); Int average (9); AL LE; XP 120 each.
14. The Crown’s presence in town is a jest, and a poor Special Equipment: potion of healing, chain armor, long
one at that. The one clerk representing Azoun is sword, long bow, 36 sheaf arrows, light warhorse.
so delicate, a strong wind could knock him over.
(True) Stelwyn Russlewood, hf P7 (Iyachtu Xvim): AC -5
15. The town’s bein’ watched, and that be truth. Who (bracers AC 3, ring +3, cloak +2, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp
watches us? One word: paladins. (False) 40; THAC0 16 (13 w/footman’s mace +3, 10 w/girdle);
16. Unless ye are a Purple Dragon, stay outta the #AT 1; Dmg 1d6+11 (footman’s mace +3, Str bonus); SA
Dragons’ Den. (True) turn or command undead; SD immune to fear spells, re-

67
 w/flame tongue); #AT 2; Dmg 1d8+1 (flame tongue long
sword), 1d4+2 (dagger +2); SA +4 on attack rolls vs.
ogres; SZ M; ML champion (15); AL NG; XP 1,400.
S 14, D 17, Co 15, I 14, W 14, C 16
Personality: nature-loving, impartial, restrained
Special Equipment: leather armor +2, flame tongue long
sword +1, dagger +2, short bow and 20 flight arrows.
Ranger Abilities: HS 31; MS 45.
Spells (4/4/1): 1st — bless, cure light wounds, faerie fire,
pass without trace; 2nd — charm person or mammal, hold
person, messenger, warp wood; 3rd — summon insects.
Adrienne roams this area of Cormyr, occasionally
making Thunderstone her base of operations, to help
ensure that the Hullack Forest is not irreparably dam-
aged by the incursions of adventurers and Cormyrean
forces. She is concerned that these so-called “civilized”
groups will ruin the woodland environment in their zeal
to rid it of evil monsters.

Tiztor the Great, hm M10: AC 0 (AC 5 magic belt,

ring +2, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 35; THAC0 17; #AT 1;
Dmg 1d6 (staff of the magi); SD +2 to all saving throws
vs. spell (from staff of the magi); SZ M; ML fanatic (18);
AL NE; XP 5,000.
S 7, D 17, Co 15, I 18, W 18, C 13
Personality: power-hungry, scholarly, obsessive
generates 14 hp per day; SZ M; ML fanatic (17); AL LE; Special Equipment: magic belt of AC 5 protection, staff of
XP 2,000. the magi (17 charges), ring of protection +2, ring of blink-
S 12 (19 w/girdle), D 17, Co 15, I 9, W 16, C 13 ing, wand of wonder (64 charges), gem of seeing, riding
Personality: destructive, outspoken, cruel horse.
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 3, ring of pro- Spellbook (4/4/3/2/2): 1st — cantrip, color spray*, com-
tection +3, cloak of protection +2, footman’s mace +3, gir- prehend languages, detect magic*, feather fall, identify*,
dle of hill giant strength, ring of free action, 6 vials of unholy phantasmal force, read magic*, wizard mark; 2nd — contin-
water, holy symbol of Xvim, light warhorse. ual light, detect invisibility, ESP*, forget*, invisibility*,
Spells (5/5/2/1): 1st — curse, darkness, detect good, de- web*; 3rd — clairaudience, clairvoyance*, dispel magic*,
tect magic, detect snares & pits; 2nd — chant, find traps, hold person*, Melf’s minute meteors; 4th — confusion*,
flame blade, silence 15’ radius, spiritual hammer; 3rd — ani- magic mirror*, rainbow pattern; 5th — chaos, feeblemind*,
mate dead, glyph of warding; 4th — cause serious wounds. teleport*.
Granted Powers: aura of fear 10’ radius once per day, Tiztor is a mage from Mulmaster who is obsessed with
protection from good 10’ radius once per day. (See Faiths finding out the full truth about the Thunder Stone. He is
& Avatars, page 82.) convinced that the rock is magical (even though detec-
Stelwyn is a young woman with hair and eyes as dark tion spells indicate otherwise) and that its power, what-
as midnight. A cruel woman, she bullies those less pow- ever that may be, will be activated when the correct
erful than herself. Although she has no qualms about an- command word is spoken. Unfortunately, Tiztor doesn’t
nouncing which god she follows, she keeps her affilia- know what that word is. He is here on a brief visit to test
tion with Zhentil Keep a secret. a few theories, after which he will teleport back to his
tower in Mulmaster. He is more of a scholar than a
Adrienne Stillwater, hef R5/C5 (Mielikki): AC 3 fighter.
(+2 leather, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 40; THAC0 16 (15

68
 He enjoys making up taunting rhymes of the company’s
The Ruby Blades rivals as a means of unnerving them.
Ranni Stalkersdaughter, hf R7: AC 3 (torc AC 5,
Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 70; THAC0 14 (12 w/giant Dendir Abbathorson, dm T5: AC 3 (belt AC 6, Dex
slayer); #AT 3/2; Dmg 1d6+2 (giant slayer short sword), bonus); MV 6; hp 25; THAC0 18 (14 w/short sword +4);
1d6 (spear), 1d6 (long bow), 1d4+1 (dagger +1); SA +4 #AT 1; Dmg 1d6+4 (short sword +4); SA double damage
on attack rolls vs. hill giants; SZ M; ML champion (15); backstab +4 on attack rolls; SD +4 on saving throws vs.
AL CG; XP 975. magic and poison); SZ S; ML fanatic (17); AL CN; XP
S 15, D 16, Co 18, I 14, W 14, C 15 420.
Personality: nature-loving, serious, responsible S 14, D 17, Co 17, I 10, W 14, C 8
Special Equipment: torc of AC 5 protection, giant slayer Personality: greedy, nasty, grouchy
short sword +2, dagger +1, Keoghtom’s ointment. Special Equipment: leather belt of defense AC 6, short
Ranger Abilities: HS 43; MS 55. sword +4, large bag of holding, thieves’ tools.
Ranni is a handsome young woman with steel grey Thief abilities: PP 20; OL 80; F/RT 85; MS 20; HS 25;
eyes, and brown hair worn in a long braid down her DN 30; CW 60; RL 15.
back. She is a co-leader of the Ruby Blades. Ranni is al- Dendir is a foul-tempered, bitter dwarf who openly
ways alert and serious-minded, and is more at home out- worships Abbathor, the dwarven god of greed. He is fas-
doors than in cities and towns. cinated with locks and traps.

Pyrra Flamedancer, hf M7: AC 2 (bracers AC 5, Dex Zurk the Looney, hm F5: AC 4 (leather, Dex bonus);
bonus); MV 12; hp 30; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4 MV 12; hp 50; THAC0 16 (13 w/Str); #AT 2; Dmg
(dagger); SZ M; ML average (9); AL NG; XP 1,400. 1d6+6 (club, Str bonus); SZ M; ML fearless (20); AL
S 9, D 17, Co 16, I 17, W 14, C 8 CN; XP 420.
Personality: pyromaniac, shy, self-conscious S 18/00, D 18, Co 18, I 8, W 6, C 8
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC5, ring of fire Personality: crazy, foolhardy
resistance, wand of fire, necklace of missiles. Special Equipment: club, stuffed hedgehog.
Spells (4/3/2/1): 1st — affect normal fires, burning hands, Zurk used to be Zircon Gemfacet, a respected Sem-
phantasmal force, taunt; 2nd — flaming sphere, improved bian gem dealer who moonlighted as an adventurer.
phantasmal force, pyrotechnics; 3rd — fireball, flame arrow; Years ago he ran afoul of a scarab of insanity, the effect of
4th — fire shield. which never wore off. He has become permanently in-
Pyrra is a plain-looking woman who serves as the sane, but the malady also left him with remarkable
Ruby Blades’ main spellcaster. She and Ranni are best strength and fortitude and turned him into a fierce
friends and co-leaders of the group. Pyrra is obsessed fighter with unshakable morale. Sometimes he appears
with fire and fire-based spells. clear-minded and rational, talking in an articulate fash-
ion. Most of the time, however, he behaves as though he
Arpeggi Trill, hem B6: AC 5 (leather, Dex bonus); is stark raving mad: chatting with his stuffed hedgehog,
MV 12; hp 30; THAC0 18 (16 w/broad sword +2); #AT charging into battle heedless of danger, and so forth.
1; Dmg 2d4+2 (broad sword +2); SZ M; ML average (9); The Ruby Blades keep Zurk around because they are
AL CN; XP 975, short of muscle at the present time, and also because
S 14, D 17, Co 15, I 14, W 14, C 16 Zurk is excellent at flushing out enemies and triggering
Personality: clever, taunting traps.
Special Equipment: broad sword +2, harp of charming,
brooch of shielding, lute.
Spellbook (3/2): 1st — comprehend languages*, magic
The Background
missile*, metamorphose liquids†, scatterspray‡, sleep, As attested to by some of the rumors in the list above
taunt*; 2nd — insatiable thirst†, locate object*, Tasha’s un- (#1, #10, and #17), the Wolfmasters were indeed in
controllable hideous laughter*. Thunderstone. They were heading to the same ruins
Bard abilities: CW 65; DN 30; PP 40; RL 50. that Thistle told the PCs about during their briefing.
Arpeggi (not his real name) is the Ruby Blades’ bard. However, the Wolfmasters were slaughtered to a man

69
 when they were barely within visual range of the ruins, ploy, as they sought to escape the hobgoblins, then run
the victim of a baatezu that is wandering the swamp and the 35 miles to Thunderstone and somehow get help.
collecting black dragon eggs. With the satyr securely tied to the his friend’s back, they
Before they left for the ruins, the Wolfmasters sent made good their escape.
word to another Sembian group, the Ruby Blades, to Unfortunately, hobgoblins were in pursuit, and the es-
meet them at the site. The Ruby Blades were detained, capees were fired upon at several different points in their
however, and are late for the rendezvous. exodus. The satyr died during the first attack.
The disappearing townsfolk (rumors #2 and #18) are Anyone who closely examines the arrows and is either
being kidnapped by a tribe of hobgoblins (rumor #19) a ranger or someone with the proficiency of
that have moved into the Hullack Forest, due northeast bowyer/fletcher, hunting, or survival (woods or moun-
of Thunderstone. The hobgoblins are being led by a fire tains) knows that the arrows are of hobgoblin manufac-
giant that is obsessed with mining copper. ture.
The hobgoblins have captured and enslaved a small Ironically, the centaur and the satyr will have suc-
tribe of centaurs and another group of satyrs. In fact, the ceeded in not only getting help if the PCs decide to fol-
satyrs are the ones usually sent out to the borders of low up on this, but also in telling the PCs where the
Thunderstone to capture healthy young men. (If a satyr hobgoblins are. Any ranger or a character with tracking
fails to bring back a slave, the satyr loses a member of his proficiency, regardless of the level of his skill, can follow
family.) the tracks of a weighted-down centaur running at full
Determining the location of the Wolfmasters is the gallop.
main reason the PCs are here. They should keep in mind The Purple Dragons and the crown’s representative
their mission, but also will hopefully allocate time to plan to do nothing about this incident. As the Purple
look into these disappearances. Dragons’ commander puts it: “We have only a hundred
men here, and we need every one o’ them. I’ll be hanged
A Not-So-Subtle Lead if I’m going to send out forays into the forest, looking for
If the PCs decide to investigate the disappearances of a small mangy buncha hobgoblins who use centaurs and
the young men of Thunderstone, use the following en- satyrs for target practice!” As far as the Cormyrean offi-
counter. cials are concerned, if the PCs want to follow up on this,
they are free to do so. Wangle cannot do anything with-
As you walk through the town of Thunderstone, you notice a out giving away who he is, and the ranger/cleric Adri-
huge commotion at the Stag Skull Bridge. A small crowd of enne is otherwise indisposed, about to head off into the
people and Purple Dragons are huddled at the south end of forest herself on a different mission.
the bridge.
You jostle and elbow your way through, and see a centaur,
numerous wicked black arrows piercing its smooth grey
Finding The
flanks. Besides the arrow wounds, it looks like he has been
beaten repeatedly, all over his body. Blood trickles from his
Wolfmasters
nose and mouth, his chest is heaving from exertion, his hazel If they ask around, the PCs will get some bits of informa-
eyes are wide with fear. Tied to the centaur’s back is a young tion that will keep them headed in the right direction
satyr, sprouting a dozen of the same cruel-looking black ar- on their quest for the Wolfmasters.
rows out of his back. The satyr is pale, stiff, and cold. Adrienne talked with that group when they were in
As the people point and stare, and the Purple Dragons bel- town, and knows that the Sembian company was head-
low for the priestess of Tempus, the centaur suddenly seems ing due southeast into the Vast Swamp. They left about
more lucid and raises his head, saying in a ragged voice: “. . . a week ago and have not returned.
free at last, but not so the others . . .” He slumps back into Boris, the innkeeper at the Sign of Thunder, over-
the dust and breathes his last, blood-filled tears trickling heard the Wolfmasters talking about newly unearthed
slowly down his bruised cheeks. rumors about a great ruin in the Vast Swamp, due south-
east of here.
The centaur and his satyr friend, their families already One-Armed Magurk dealt with the Wolfmasters.
slain, decided to make a run for it. It was a desperate Seems that they wanted potions to control black

70
dragons, which Magurk does not have. Magurk disliked on.” A third soldier eagerly holds out some gold as well, and
the Sembians, because their haggling was obnoxious and you can barely hear him say, “. . . want a part of this too!”
excessive. He knows that they were heading southeast of You cannot help wondering what the odds being quoted are.
town a week ago, and hopes they all die slow, painful Thunderstone retreats over your right shoulders as you
deaths. head out across the flat countryside. Sometimes the land is
After the PCs have made their final preparations to meadow, sometimes just barren flatlands. At least this terrain
leave for the swamp, including stocking up on provisions makes travel easy.
and arranging for their horses to be cared for until they
return, read the following passage.
Into the Vast
Anxious to be on your way, you troop through Thunder-
stone, heading resolutely in a southeasterly direction as Lord
Swamp
Thistle hinted. The edge of the swamp is a little more than 15 miles
The morning is chilly and damp, with a fine mist rolling southeast of Thunderstone, a distance that the PCs
along the wet grass. You smell the many morning fires being should be able to cover in a few hours of steady march-
lit, breakfasts cooking, and the herds of livestock being driven ing. (Map 9, on this page, shows the general area and
to pasture. identifies the locations of several set encounters.) When
A band of Purple Dragons watch you as you leave the they get to the fringe of the Vast Swamp, describe the
town limits and set off to the southeast toward the Vast scene to the players:
Swamp, the final resting place of many adventurers. One of
them shakes his head sadly at you. A second says something Your trek across dry land is at an end. The terrain has be-
to the first and holds out some gold coins. The first one nods, come wet and spongy, and healthy vegetation is replaced by
pulls out a similar fistful of coins, and murmurs, “You’re twisted old trees, dark scraggly weeds, and an unhealthy-

71
 looking, bloated, damp underbrush. Clouds of mist . . . or is the skull, and numerous coins as well as a few gems catch its
it swamp gas? . . . roll across the soggy terrain. The mist soft green light and reflect it.
clings to your clothes and enters your mouth and nose, carry- The beholder growls in its hushed whisper, “Enough gawk-
ing with it the sickly odor of rotting plants, sulfur, decompos- ing. Place something of value in the skull, or die where you
ing flesh, and several unidentifiable, unsettling odors. Stand.”
Clammy moisture settles on everything, condensing beads
of water on the edges of your swords, or trickling down the The PCs are being scammed. A pair of imps found a be-
fronts of your shields. holder corpse and hollowed most of it out. They then
The thick air is usually dead and silent, punctuated only got the skull of an old black dragon and removed the
by an occasional shriek, the snapping of twigs, and ominous top. One imp is inside the beholder, the other is behind
gurglings in the water. it, and they are using their flight ability to keep the thing
As your eyes adjust to the dim illumination of this place, aloft. Both imps are using invisibility. It is the imps’ in-
you sometimes catch a small patch of something glowing, tention to bilk foolish explorers out of some of their
hovering in the distance. It’s either burning balls of the ever- valuables. They will accept the equivalent of 500 gp per
present swamp gas, or will o’ wisps. Staying alert, you trudge person, any miscellaneous magic item small enough to fit
onward. in the skull, or any size S weapon with at least a +2 en-
chantment. They do not want potions, scrolls, armor,
Rangers should forget about trying to track the missing shields, or any weapon that is larger than size S.
adventurers in this muck. The ground cannot hold the The skull contains 2,000 gp, 500 pp, 38 gems worth a
shape of a footprint for more than an hour, and the total of 5,000 gp, a dagger +2, a ring of protection +1, a tal-
Wolfmasters came this way a week ago. isman of Zagy, a scarab of death, a Murlynd’s spoon, and a
pink and green ioun stone.
If desired, roll for random encounters during this part of
the journey (using the Temperate Marsh or Swamp table Imps (2): AC 2; MV 6, Fl 18 (A); HD 2+2; hp 12
on page 127). The following special encounter should each; THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4; SA poison tail; SD
take place at some point between the PCs’ entry into the immune to cold, fire, electricity; resists other spells as a 7
swamp and their discovery of the dead party. (The letter HD creature; hit only by silver or +1 or better weapons;
“A” is placed on Map 9 as a reminder and a suggested lo- regenerates 1 hp per round; MR 25%; SZ T; ML average
cation.) (10); Int average (10); AL LE; XP 1,400 each.
It is rare to see two imps working together, yet these
A. The Improvised Beholder two do so out of a strong love of mischief and treasure
You have heard stories about this swamp. Nothing, however, acquisition. If their deception is discovered, the imps
has prepared you for actually experiencing what this place is will attempt to snatch up their treasure and flee. How-
like. Treacherous footing, leeches, mosquitos, the ever-pre- ever, they may circle back and tail the PCs, waiting to
sent clamminess—all of it combines to make this a thoroughly malevolently annoy them during a dangerous melee.
miserable trek.
Suddenly, the roiling mists part and a large spherical thing B. Unstable Places
floats silently toward you, hovering a yard off the ground. While traveling through a swamp is not a fun prospect
Numerous eyestalks writhe, then focus on your group. The in the best of conditions, these particular spots are
six-foot-wide sphere halts about ten yards from you and re- downright lethal. The ground is extremely wet and
gards you with its middle eye. loose, and the footing is treacherous.
“More dry-skins,” it says in a hushed whisper. “More dry- Whenever the PCs tread on one of the spots labeled
skins where they do not belong. A toll you must pay to cross “B” on Map 9, secretly select 1d3 party members at ran-
my territory, else I unleash upon you one of my many ways dom. Each of the victims must make a Dexterity ability
of killing fools.” check at a -2 penalty. Those who fail the check have
At the thing’s last word, the mists part two feet to your stepped into quicksand.
right, and you see the skull of a large dragon lying in the mud, A companion can pull a victim out of the muck by
its skullcap missing. Bright twinkling objects inside the skull making a successful bend bars/lift gates roll, and up to
catch your attention. You realize that a dagger is glowing in two other PCs can help. Each helper effectively in-

72
creases the first PC’s Strength by 1 point. Only one at- ern side is sunken into the mire. A single black tower sticks
tempt can be made by any rescuer or group of rescuers in out of the swamp, where you calculate the northeast corner
one round. lies.
Any victim who is not pulled out will sink beneath Heaps of hacked vegetation lay piled all around the keep’s
the surface in 1d4+2 rounds. Also, if a victim’s Dexterity perimeter. You guess that this is plant life that was cleared
check was a natural 20, the character plunged right into away by whoever discovered this place.
the mire as if swallowed up by the earth. A submerged The terrain around the keep is flat, and looks deceptively
companion can still be grabbed and pulled out, but a vic- stable. You would be able to see for miles if not for the ob-
tim will drown if he is not rescued before he loses the scuring mists.
ability to hold his breath (see “Holding Your Breath” in Several trees are in the vicinity, as well as an abundance of
Chapter 14 of the Player’s Handbook). vegetation. Despite the presence of many varieties of swamp
wildlife—insects, maggots, spiders, snakes—the air is very
The Swamp Ruins quiet, almost us if the mist is smothering any signs of life. The
After trudging for longer than you would have liked through air is cold, dump, and oppressively suffocating. Dark clouds
the muck and mire, you come into view of a structure that roil overhead, promising rain.
must be the site Thistle mentioned. Protruding from the A glint of something catches your eye and diverts your at-
swamp are slabs of ancient stone, most of it covered in slimy tention to a spot west of the ruined keep. Something just
greenish-brown plants. You judge that the structure used to be shined there, ever so briefly. As you strain your eyes to see
a walled keep of some sort, since remains of a perimeter wall better, you can tell that there are several leafless, twisted trees
and a front gate are evident. at the location in question. Some ominous shapes are hanging
However, the architecture is not normal in one major re- from two of the trees’ lower branches.
spect. The northwest corner of the keep is actually raised out Flocks of scavenger birds circle the area, occasionally
of the muck, while the southeast corner and most of the east- alighting on the things hanging on the trees.

73
 C. The Wolfmasters
You arrive near the small group of trees where you saw the Enter the Ruby Blades
glint of light, but what is there makes you stop in your tracks. This encounter should not be introduced until after the
Hanging from one tree are two bodies, both human females, PCs have begun their initial exploration of the keep’s
quite dead. Slumped one behind the other are two armored aboveground areas. Perhaps a sharp-eyed character hap-
warriors, pinned to another tree by what seems to be a sharp, pens to look through a hole in the outer wall and see the
narrow slab of rock about three feet long. Someone, or some- interlopers at a distance, approaching the ruins. Once
thing, used the rock as a spear. the PCs are taking a good look at the strangers, read the
A small body lies on the ground near the trees, pulverized following:
beyond recognition. However, the hairy feet are intact, and
you conclude these are the remains of a halfling. From your vantage point, you can make out five figures on
The final body is that of a male human warrior, eyes wide horseback riding toward the ruins. Judging by the way they
with terror, his mouth permanently opened in a silent scream ride with determination and purpose, it is clear that they have
of agony. Parts of his armor—with his body still inside!— either been here before or are not surprised to find these ruins
have been pounded impossibly flat, while others are wrenched here. They are about 200 yards away.
into odd angles. You wonder what sort of an opponent could
or would do such a thing. If the PCs did not take care of the bodies of the Wolf-
Scavenger birds have already started in on the bodies, and masters, then the Ruby Blades will find the bodies before
each corpse is also host to a sickening variety of swamp bugs. they enter the ruins and will immediately put them-
Each body has obviously been dead for several days. selves into a high state of alertness, becoming more in-
As one of the hanged bodies swings a little, the belt buckle clined to attack first and ask questions later.
on the robed woman shines. There is your glint of light. If the Ruby Blades arrive after the PCs have removed all
However, the belt seems to be the only bit of equipment left significant traces of the Wolfmasters, then the newcomers
intact. The ground is littered with broken staves, shattered will ride right up to the ruins through the “front gate” and
swords, crushed rings and other small items, and even shields begin searching for their friends. Unless the PCs have an-
that appear to have been punched through by a fist of great nounced their presence before this point, the Ruby Blades
strength. The idea that there could be nothing salvageable on will see them as soon as the riders enter the courtyard.
these bodies is one that you may embrace with a sense of relief. The Ruby Blade have ridden here from Daerlun in
After all, would you really want to search through these bodies? response to their allies’ plea. Naturally, finding the PCs
One final detail comes to light. Emblazoned on the cloth- and not their friends makes them rather edgy and de-
ing of some of the dead, etched on some ruined equipment manding. For all they know, the PCs are responsible for
trod underfoot, is the sign of a wolf’s head combined with a the Wolfmasters not being here.
long sword. Looks like you have found the missing adventur- This encounter is very open-ended. Diplomatic skills
ing group, but it hardly seems like they are in a position to pay will be needed to prevent open bloodshed. The Sem-
any overdue fees. bians are in a portion of the swamp claimed by Cormyr,
and are here with official sanction from the Sembian
The damage done to the Wolfmasters was delivered by a government. However, the Ruby Blades claim that the
greater baatezu known as a cornugon. The cornugon is ruins are in Sembian territory, and demand that the PCs
wandering the swamp, looking for black dragon eggs for leave immediately.
its masters. The encounter need not be a violent one. The Ruby
If the bodies are examined closely, it will be apparent Blades will not start a fight, but will defend themselves if
that each one had been struck by a large, barbed whip. attacked. The PCs must convince the Ruby Blades to let
The two dead men transfixed to the tree both have them explore, even if for a short time.
wounds where poison was introduced. Regardless of the outcome of this dialogue, the Ruby
The battle happened three days ago. There are no Blades will refuse to aid the PCs. They will mount up
tracks on this wet, ever-shifting ground. and head due east, ostensibly heading back toward the
Taking down the bodies and burying them will take heartland of Sembia. (Unbeknownst to the PCs, they
an hour and a half. Whether or not the PCs do this will are merely withdrawing to plan their next move. They
have an effect on how the following encounter plays out. will be back.)

74
 Wrecked and twisted, Orvaskyte Keep now serves as a
Enter the Baatezu breeding ground for all manner of vile swamp-dwelling
The cornugon that slaughtered the Wolfmasters returns monsters. Also, the separation between the Prime Mate-
just as the Ruby Blades leave. The creature, in astral rial Plane and Minauros is particularly weak here, and
form, will keep an eye on the PCs. Once it sees them temporary gates are known to open up spontaneously on
heading into lower level of the ruins, it will follow them. rare occasions.
The creature will attack the PCs when they are at a seri- When the Obarskyr family carved out the fledgling
ous disadvantage, either during or immediately after an state of Cormyr in DR 26, the kingdom of Orva was long
especially tough battle. gone and forgotten. All that remains now of the little
kingdom with big ambitions is this keep, a rotting, fes-

The Orvaskyte tering source of corruption and monsters. The place is

depicted in Map 10, on page 76.

Ruins 1. Front Gate. Large bugs buzz over the surfaces of the
For the purpose of playing out this adventure, the reason pools of stagnant water that dot the entry to the keep. A pair
behind the existence of this ruined keep is not impor- of statues stand silent watch a short distance past the gate.
tant. Nevertheless, the following background informa- Blocks of rubble, half-sunken in the mire, give evidence that
tion—one possible explanation, but not necessarily the the main gate was originally a more elaborate construction
true one—may prove useful to DMs who want to inte- than what remains.
grate this place fully into a campaign:
Two millennia ago, Cormyr did not exist. Most of the 2. Flanking Statues. A pair of statues seven feet tall
area now known as Cormyr was forest, plain, and stand near the entrance to the keep’s debris-strewn courtyard.
swampland under the nominal control of a small, long- Although time and travails have caused the statues to wear
forgotten nation named Orva. That nation’s capital, lost down differently, you can tell that they were originally mirror
forever, is sunken beneath what is now the Vast Swamp’s images of each other. And what an image.
southernmost edge. Each statue shows a male human clawing away the skin
This place, Orvaskyte Keep, served as an outpost that from his chest and exposing his heart and rib cage. Each face
marked the northernmost boundary of the nation and is contorted in wild-eyed terror, each mouth open in a silent
also a place where magical experimentation was under- scream of horror.
taken. Orva’s final king, a petty, power-hungry tyrant A fat gray spider emerges from the mouth of the right-hand
with delusions of empire, ordered his archmage advisors statue and skitters down the body, only to be gobbled up by a
who resided in the keep to devise a means of expanding mottled snake curled around the statue’s feet.
Orva’s borders with minimal effort. And that is when you notice the feet, or lack of them. In-
Unfortunately, in their haste to please their king and stead of feet, you see that each statue’s legs below the knees
also to avoid the fatal consequences of failure, they man- have been replaced with a stone carving of a writhing mass of
ufactured a gate that erupted the fabric of the Prime Ma- tentacles.
terial Plane. The gate opened to the plane of Baator—
specifically Minauros, the layer of greed, the layer of There is nothing special about the statues. They are just
swamps and mire. ominous-looking, and are mentioned here to heighten
The first result of the opening was a massive explosion the unsettling feeling that should be going through the
that killed most of the archmages. Next came a great minds of the characters (and their players).
sucking wind that pulled the surviving archmages and
the newly arrived priests into Minauros. 3. Dry Courtyard. The courtyard was entirely paved
Then a rebound effect spewed a massive torrent of vile with flat stones at one time, judging by the frequency with
swamp from Minauros into Orva, carrying with it a horde which you find them sticking out of the ground. However,
of vile abominations, curses, and diseases. In a single, most of the surface is wet mud, rubble, puddles of fetid water,
horrifying night of blood and slime, the tiny kingdom of and unhealthy-looking plants and vines.
Orva was annihilated and the Vast Swamp became A mostly leveled building lies directly in the middle of the
doubled in size, to more or less its present dimensions. courtyard. Some of the walls along the perimeter of the keep

75
76
are still standing, as are some small buildings adjacent to the The interior is all one room, smelling of rotted wood. A set of
walls. stone stairs descends into the darkness.
Swamp water cowers the eastern side of the keep, ranging
from a depth of several inches in the northeast corner to sev- This is one of the more intact rooms, and was used as
eral feet in the southeast corner. It is apparent that this sec- a simple guardhouse. It contains the stairs that lead to
tion of the keep has sunk beneath the surface of the swamp. the subterranean rooms of the keep.
In sharp contrast, the northwest corner of the keep is ele-
vated, as though it has been actually blasted up from beneath. 5. Wrecked Center Building. Judging by the distance
A long fissure cuts diagonally from the west wall to the north between the ruined corners, this was a very large building.
wall, separating the elevated portion from the part of the Two disturbing facts about these ruins are obvious: First, the
courtyard that remains at normal ground level. Farther to the walls were blown outward, indicating that a horrendous ex-
east, the submerged section of the courtyard is separated from plosion originated from within the building. Second, the
the rest of it by a large crack that cuts through from the north shapes and surfaces of most of the remaining stones remind
wall to the south wall. you of blocks of wax that are heated for a brief time, then re-
The air is clammy and still, punctuated only by odd, ran- cooled.
dom sucking sounds that do not seem to come from any one
direction. This building was the center complex where the ancient
archmages cast their binding spells of power. As the PCs
As long as the PCs do not walk into the sunken areas, approach the area, a horde of 100 squirming, mewling
they will have no problem traversing the courtyard. larvae erupt from under the stones, a legacy of the ex-
ploding gate from Baator.
4. Blockhouse. This small building looks relatively in-
tact. The wooden door is hanging open, barely on its hinges. Larvae (100): AC 7; MV 3; HD 1-1; hp 3 each;

77
 THAC0 20; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4+1; SA wounding, disease; The ceiling is full of ragged holes, from which daylight
SZ M; ML unreliable (2); Int semi- (2); AL LE; XP 35 streams into the room. You hear a rustling of many wings and
each. a malevolent hiss coming from the northeastern part of the
room. As you look around the corner, six pairs of red, glow-
6. Fault Line. The floor to the east of this fissure is three ing eyes return your gaze. A half-dozen leering gargoyles
feet lower than the floor to the west. Within the crack are nu- lunge out hungrily.
merous small holes leading deep into the miry earth.
Gargoyles (6): AC 5; MV 9, Fl 15(C); HD 4+4; hp
The fault line was created when the upheaval lifted the 32 each; THAC0 15; #AT 4; Dmg 1d3/1d3/1d6/1d4; SD
entire northwest corner of the keep into the air. Dwarves only hit by +1 or better magical weapon; SZ M; ML
and gnomes who check for unsafe stonework will dis- steady (11); Int low (5); AL CE; XP 975 each.
cover that both surfaces are safe to walk on; the floor is The gargoyles will fight until four of their number are
not going to shift any more than it has already. The up- slain, after which the survivors will attempt to flee
raised fragment of the keep has been in this position for through the holes in the ceiling.
centuries and is stuck this way forever. The gargoyles have stuffed some loot behind a loose
brick in the southeast corner of the room. Their treasure
6a. Raised Floor. This portion of the floor is raised at a includes 453 gp, 223 pp, an emerald worth 1,000 gp, a
25-degree angle, a result of the gate explosion centuries scarab of enraging enemies, a necklace of strangulation, a set
ago, and portions of the keep sinking into the newly cre- of golden lion figurines of wondrous power, and a brooch of
ated mire. Every round spent walking on this section re- shielding.
quires a Dexterity ability check. Failing the check sends Note that the floor is at an extreme angle, and footing
the PC rolling down toward the fault line, inflicting 1d4 is very uncertain. Unless the PCs have taken some mea-
hit points of damage and requiring another Dexterity sures that neutralize this disadvantage, all of their attack
check. Failing this second check causes the PC to lose his and damage rolls are made with a -2 penalty, and no
grip on any hand-held items, which then fall into the Dexterity adjustments are figured into Armor Class.
crack and slip through the holes in the ground, lost forever.
9. Chamber of the Dead. The door sticks, but you man-
7. Minor Blockhouse. The door to this small building age to pull it open. Suddenly, a horde of skeletal bodies spills
opens inward, but it does not seem to want to budge. out, flailing at you, doing their best to overwhelm you.

When the floor uprooted, all of the debris tumbled into This room, which used to be a barracks, is filled with the
the southeast corner of the room, effectively jamming skeletons of soldiers who were killed during the gate’s
the door shut. The door simply cannot be opened, no detonation. These skeletons are not undead, they are
matter how strong the opener is. It is a matter of physics. simply spilling out because of the angle of the floor.
If a creative way is found of getting into the room, However, let the players think initially that three dozen
continue reading the description. skeletons are attacking their characters.
Each PC who was in front of the door within 10 feet
The room is filled with debris that has sealed the door shut. when it was opened must make a Dexterity ability
The stack of rubbish includes dozens of rotted and dented check. The sheer tide of bodies spilling out will sweep
shields, rusted swords, and suits of armor of an archaic de- those who fail the check into the fault line (area 6), with
sign, a type not seen for more than a thousand years. consequences as described above in the description of
area 6a.
Sifting through the debris for two rounds uncovers a The room contains nothing of value.
small shield +2 and a jar of oil of impact.
10. Shrine. The door to this room comes open easily. In-
8. Corner Bulwark. The door to this large corner build- side is a sparse room with a stone block two feet on a side,
ing hangs open. Inside, tables, chairs, and benches have slid and a statue looming behind it. The statue is a representation
down and collected along the southern wall. It makes the of a winged, robed man clutching an hourglass in one arm
going tough, but not impossible. and a scythe in the other. The hourglass is on a chain, and the

78
chain’s other end is attached to a neck collar, forever linking
the figure and the hourglass.
Although you sense a certain sanctity to the room, there is
neither a sinister atmosphere nor a compassionate one. The
room feels like a haven of propriety and order, but of such a
nature that it favors neither the just nor the unjust.

The PCs have stumbled into a shrine to a god that is

long forgotten in the Realms. The deity answers to the
names Chronos, Kronus, and Karonis, and he is the god
of time. Any PC with proficiency in religion and ancient
history will be able to identify the statue and the purpose
of the room.
An offering that is placed on the simple altar will age
rapidly and turn to dust within one round. The suppli-
cant then receives a vision, subject to your choice. It can
be a scene showing how the keep became a ruin, a
glimpse of something in the future (such as an image
from one of the adventures in this product that has not
been played yet), or, if the character has a riddle or mys-
tery that he cannot solve, a hint based on a recent event
in the PC’s past.
However, no matter how many people place offerings
on the altar, only one such manifestation will occur in a
24-hour period. (As an amusing option, each PC who
puts out an offering after the first one will hear a solemn
voice in his head that recites the exact time.)
The only passive benefit this shrine has is that it keeps
out all undead.

11. Partially Sunken Room. A blast of humid, rancid

air welcomes you as you open the door. As your eyes adjust
to the darkness, you realize that the eastern half of the room
has collapsed into the swampy mire. A couple of small, slime-
covered boulders are poking out of the ooze.
The dry portion of the room has piles of old, warped
wooden bowls, a fire pit with ancient ashes, and some ex-
tremely rusted tools that you guess are cooking utensils.

The only thing of interest in this former mess hall are

the two slime-covered boulders, which are in fact a pair
of ropers.

Ropers (2): AC 0; MV 3; HD 10; hp 50 each; THAC0

11; #AT 1; Dmg 5d4 (bite); SA hit by strand drains
Strength; SD immune to lightning, half damage from
cold; SW save at -4 vs. fire; MR 80%; SZ L; ML cham-
pion (15); Int exceptional (16); AL CE; XP 10,000 each.

79
 Each roper has six strands and can shoot forth one clear of it, because even the stupidest, most violent of
strand per round. The only treasure they have is 18 pp the predators that have a claim here are aware that the
in the gizzard of each creature. child has a mother who is much, much, larger. Thus, as
long as the youngster leaves the other abominations
12. Sunken Area. A large area of the keep’s eastern and alone, they leave it alone. From all appearances, the
southeastern floor has collapsed and sunken into the swamp’s dragonling feels the same way.
ooze. No portions of walls and no chambers are visible. The If the dragon is driven off, it will fly to its mother’s lair
only evidence of anything worth exploring is the tower rising and bring her back here, and she will be one very angry
out of the muck in what would be the northeast corner of the parent. If the dragonling is slain and the body left ex-
keep, if it was still intact. posed, its mother will go berserk with rage when she
comes to the keep.
The swampy mire is inaccessible to the PCs unless they The mother will come to the keep, one way or an-
have magical means that can somehow overcome the other. The most probable means will be at the instiga-
obstacle. The shaded area of Map 10 represents the por- tion of the Ruby Blades. When they find the black
tion of the keep that is underwater. dragon, they soon realize that they are outclassed and
The depth of the mire is only six to twelve inches in make a run for it. The closest place they know of is the
the narrow, irregular area, but after a character moves keep, and they are hoping that the PCs will help them
five to ten feet to the east, he will discover that the floor fight the creature. Of course, the black dragon, a crea-
suddenly drops to 15 feet beneath the surface of the ture of rage, will doggedly pursue the Ruby Blades back
swamp. to the keep.
For more details, see the encounter “Look Who’s
13. Dragon’s Lair. This ruined level of the tower has only Coming to Dinner.”
the barest remnant of a ceiling, most of it having collapsed to
the floor, making walking a hazard. A set of stairs lead down 14. Mid-Tower. A strong acid smell drifts down from
to the next level of the old tower, getting you that much closer above, while the sound and smells of sloshing muck come
to the surface of the slimy swamp. The room’s walls are still from downstairs. The stairway leading up and down is in-
intact, and these plus a small remaining overhang of ceiling tact.
offer the room’s occupant a modicum of shelter. The room has several windows that a human in bulky
The resident of this chamber is a dragon with glossy black armor can just manage to squeeze into or out of. The most
scales and tiny horns. The whole dragon is but twenty feet prominent feature is the huge collapsed canopy bed in the
long from snout to tip of tail. Why, it’s barely grown out of its center of the room. Unfortunately, it is crawling with a car-
hatchling stage! The black dragon cocks its head at you curi- get of vermin that at first looks like a big blanket squirming
ously and lets out a “Yarp!” followed by a “Growf!” and undulating of its own accord.
Then it breathes on you. The remains of tapestries on the walls show magical sym-
bols and charts, offering a clue as to the nature of the occu-
Very young black dragon: AC 3; MV 12, Fl 30 (C), pant.
Sw 12; HD 6; hp 45; THAC0 11; #AT 3; Dmg
1d6+2/1d6+2/3d6+2 (claw/claw/bite); SA acid breath The room has nothing of major interest. A character
4d4+2; SD water breathing, immune to acid; SZ L; ML with proficiency in spellcraft who makes a successful
unsteady (7); Int average (8); AL CE; XP 5,000. check will know that the symbols on the tapestries are
arcane symbols associated with abjuration magic.
This young dragon (age category 2) cannot speak Com-
mon and has no treasure. It is simply a young, ignorant, 15. Submerged Tower Level. Swamp water fills this
petulant child that can spit acid. It is the offspring of the 20-foot-high room to within five feet of its ceiling. There is no
much larger black dragon that drove off the party that clue to what this room was used for, since the mire has ruined
initially found this ruin, as well as the same dragon that or covered everything.
the Ruby Blades are now hunting.
The young dragon has staked out this territory as its Nothing in this room is worth salvaging. It is the ground
own. The nearby gargoyles and other abominations steer floor of the tower, almost completely submerged. The

80
door leading out of the tower has completely rotted away.
If the PCs have methods of breathing underwater, and
they wish to continue, then all power to them. After a
while of exploring the sunken area, they will find a pas-
sage that leads to room #11.

16. Predator of the Depths. A mottled worm, the

aquatic counterpart to a purple worm, has wandered into
the sunken shell of this chamber.

Mottled worm: AC 6; MV Sw 12; HD 15; hp 80;

THAC0 5; #AT 2; Dmg 2d12 (maw), 2d4 (tail stinger);
SZ G (25’ long); ML steady (12); Int non- (0); AL N;
XP 13,000.
The worm has no treasure, because it has swallowed
all of its prey whole, and its digestive juices have dis-
solved all inorganic matter.

Underground Level Rules

Due to the tremendous amount of structural damage the
keep suffered as a result of the ancient explosion, there is
not as much left of the lower levels as most structures
this size would normally have.
When the Vast Swamp expanded due to the massive
influx of matter from Baator, the terrain around and
under the keep became swampland, which not only
helped undermine the keep’s lower levels, but also cor- • After every three hours a character spends in the
rupted the atmosphere in the sections that remained in- underground levels, he must make a Constitution ability
tact. Therefore, the following rules apply to any expedi- check. Failure means the PC has picked up an acute res-
tions in the lower levels. piratory ailment, which will manifest itself in 1d4 hours.
• Due to the excessive moisture in the air, all fire- The character will develop an uncontrollable cough
based light sources last for only two turns before sputter- (making it impossible to maintain silence for more than
ing out, wet and useless. In addition, all targets of fire- one round at a time), and will immediately lose one
based attacks, magical or mundane, receive a +2 bonus point of Constitution. For each day the ailment remains
to their saving throws, and all such attacks are made untreated (by means of cure disease or similar magic), the
with a -2 penalty to each die of damage. victim must make another Constitution check. Failing
• The moist air is a breeding ground for infection. A this check turns the ailment into a chronic condition,
character with major wounds (50% or greater loss of hit causing the loss of two more Constitution points. Fur-
points) has a 25% chance of suffering an infection from ther Constitution checks are required every 1d4 days if
the injuries, requiring magical curative measures—either the chronic condition remains untreated. Another
a cure wounds spell that restores enough hit points to cut failed check means the illness has become terminal, and
the loss to less than 50%, or cure disease or similar magic the victim will die in 4d10 hours.
to turn back the infection without necessarily restoring
hit points. After 1d4+2 hours of being infected, a victim’s Underground Level One
Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores drop by two As you descend the stairs, the stench seems to become thicker
points each. If 24 hours pass without the infection being and more repulsive with almost every step. The flames on
treated, the victim begins losing one point per hour from your torches and lanterns flicker and sputter as though they
one of those three ability scores (chosen at random), and are struggling to stay lit in this moisture and pestilence-laden
if any ability score falls to zero, the victim dies. air. All around you is a variety of odd and ominous sounds:

81
 This was the records room for the lord of the castle.
All of the documents are written in Thorass, and can
only be understood by a character with proficiency in
reading that ancient language.
If the scrolls are read, they Will identify this place as
Orvaskyte Keep, the northernmost point in the King-
dom of Orva. The documents have their own dating
system, but references are made to corresponding dates
on the Mulhorandi Calendar. The last entry has a Mul-
horandi date of 1434 MC, which puts the keep’s de-
struction about 726 years before the founding of
Cormyr.
The only other data the PCs can glean from the
scrolls is that the keep had a force of about 500 soldiers,
several archmages and high priests, and a few alchemists
and other scholars. There is talk of a gate experiment
being done at the request of the king, but no details are
given.
Any scroll that is unrolled and read cannot be rolled
back up again, and will collapse into soggy fragments of
parchment immediately after it is read.

19. Barracks. Despite the wide-open space of this room,

the air is still stifling and gloomy. In addition to the omni-
present putrescence, the room stinks of the dead. Holes in
the south and east walls remind you of tunnels or warrens.
creaking, scraping, low rumbling, wet sucking noises, muf- The skeletons and body parts of many odd creatures are
fled gurgles—and a crunching sound immediately under strewn all over the floor. The creatures responsible for this
your feet. You look down at the ancient stone stairs and see filth let out a piercing shriek of what sounds like pure malev-
that they are covered with blind white beetles, each as thick olent joy.
as a spear shaft and as long as a man’s index finger. You have seen ghouls with hunger on their faces, but
never to such a degree as the horde that are tripping over bro-
17. Stairway room. The stairway you have descended ken furniture and themselves in order to get to you. Many of
was about 20 feet long. You are standing in a perfectly square them wear the tattered remains of uniforms, and they all
room, with a single wide-open wooden door leading out. The look as if they have not feasted on the likes of you for a long
northern wall of the room is wet with condensation. time.

The northern wall abuts the massive amount of sludge This horde is a group of soldiers that were trapped down
and swamp that rushed in and flooded that section of here in this level and degenerated into ghouls. By the
the underground level when the upper level was tom up time enough rubble shifted to allow them to move
and angled upward. about, the transformation was complete and the undead
creatures had lost all memory of their past lives. They
18. Document Room. The air in here smells slightly dif- have no treasure.
ferent from the rest of what you have explored already—just The holes in the walls are indeed tunnels—a maze of
as offensive, but mingled with the odor of old, rotting scrolls twisting, unmappable passages four feet in diameter, dug
and paper. by the ghouls so they could hunt subterranean animals
The room contains sagging wooden shelves, many of them for food. The tunnels will yield no treasure or items of
filled with rolled-up scrolls. A single wooden stool, a small interest if they are explored.
table, and a lantern are the only other objects in here.

82
 Ghouls (36): AC 6; MV 9; HD 2; hp 10 each; This room was the bedchamber of one of the keep’s
THAC0 19; #AT 3; Dmg 1d3/1d3/1d6; SA paralyzation; archmages. The chest is locked, but the mechanism is
SD immune to sleep, charm; SW protection from evil; SZ so old that as soon as a thief attempts to pick the lock,
M; ML steady (12); Int low (6); AL CE; XP 175 each. the metal gives way and the lock is rendered useless, al-
lowing access to the contents of the chest.
20. Arsenal. Numerous stands and racks hold scores of The chest contains four matched sapphires worth
weapons, shields, and outfits of armor. All the equipment is 250 gp each, plus a wand of magic missiles and a ring of
useless—the metal has rusted, the wood has warped, and the feather falling.
leather has rotted. There was enough gear in this armory to
equip a small army. 23. Crypt. The smell of death welcomes you as you open
this door. This room must have been huge once, but now the
The room holds nothing useful, regardless of how long larger portion of it is swallowed up by the encroaching
the PCs search through the rubbish. If they stay here for swamp.
longer than two rounds and have not yet encountered You have found a crypt, that much is certain. Grisly re-
the residents of room #19, the ghouls will pour into the mains bob up and down in the foul water, wooden coffins
room and attack. float by, and sarcophagi with heavy stone lids poke out of the
water like macabre rectangular islands.
21. Ruined Room. Pulling the door open releases a small From out of the water, a dozen humanoids explode, claws
avalanche of rancid mud that goes up as high as your knees. extended, reaching for you. Lids on many of the coffins in
As you get your bearings, you realize that this room was right the water fly open, and the skeletal figures within sit bolt up-
in the path of the northwestern fault line. The swamp no right. These figures gaze at you with empty eye sockets, then
doubt rushed in and ruined it. Still, there does seem to be a begin to climb out of their resting places and move toward
chest thrown up against the room’s northeast corner. you.

The western half of this room is ruined, buried under The bodies that erupt from the water are wights that are
caked mud and slime. When the PCs go toward the trying to surprise the PCs. The coffins contain skele-
chest, some things that were lurking in the mud lunge tons, but it will take them one full round to close range.
out, anxious to feed.
A mated pair of umber hulks, traveling through the Wights (12): AC 5; MV 12; HD 4+3; hp 24 each;
muddy soil, stumbled upon this room just moments be- THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4; SA level drain; SD hit
fore the PCs entered. only by silver or +1 or better weapon, immune to sleep,
charm, hold, cold-based spells, poison, and paralyzing at-
Umber hulks (2): AC 2; MV 6, Br 1-6; HD 8+8; hp tacks; SW holy water, raise dead spell; SZ M; ML elite
48 each; THAC0 11; #AT 3; Dmg 3d4/3d4/1d10 (14); Int average (10); AL LE; XP 1,400 each.
(claw/claw/bite); SA confusion; SZ L; ML elite (13); Int
average (8); AL CE; XP 4,000 each. Skeletons (18): AC 7; MV 12; HD 1; hp 8 each;
THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (sword); SD immune to
If either of the umber hulks is reduced to 10 hit points or sleep, charm, hold, cold-based spells, poison, and paralyz-
less without being killed, both of them will attempt to ing attacks; half damage from edged weapons; SW holy
flee back into the muck from which they came. The water; SZ M; ML fearless (20); Int non- (0); AL N; XP
monsters have no treasure. The chest in the room is 120 each.
empty.
Any PC who wishes to search for treasure in this room
22. Decent Room. This chamber looks like it might have can wade chest deep in the putrid muck and mire for
been the bedroom of someone important. It contains a wall- 2d10 minutes before stumbling upon one of the follow-
to-wall carpet thickly coated with mildew, a four-poster bed ing items, which were buried long ago with their own-
and a couch that seem solid enough, and a chest at the foot of ers: a small metal case containing the gem Fireblood; a
the bed. necklace made of small diamonds and rubies worth
2,000 gp; a helm of comprehending languages and reading

83
 magic (which would enable a wearer to understand the 25. Stairs. The only thing present here is a set of descend-
scrolls in room #18); a broad sword +1, and a staff of ing stairs. The odd noises and putrid smells that have been
striking. Each searcher will find one of these items, up to your companions thus far seem to also promise their presence
the maximum of five, in the order in which they are if you descend the stairs.
listed here.
Note that the door to this room works fine, as if it has
24. Open Passageway. The corridor leading north ex- been in recent use.
pands to a 20-foot width, then opens into an even wider al-
cove extending to the east. A sloping wall of rubble fills the 26. Ruined Chamber. The slime and mire that have
eastern end of this area. On the wall to the west is a set of claimed this room’s western half cannot conceal the fact that
carved stone double doors that at one time were quite attrac- the floor of this room was once beautifully polished marble.
tive, and to the north is a pair of wooden double doors that Since it is underground, it is unlikely that it was a throne
are wide open and hanging loosely on their hinges. room or ball room.
As you ponder the empty room, you catch a whiff of what
Nothing of importance is to be found in this area or in seems like stomach acid.
the rubble. Attempting to dig through the rubble is The muck makes a loud, bubbling, razzing noise and a giant
pointless and potentially self-destructive; if the PCs slug pushes itself out of the mire, coming straight for you.
somehow manage to clear a passage that extends 30 feet
or more, the swamp water will rush in and eventually Attracted by the light and noise of the PCs, the giant
inundate everything in the subterranean portion of the slug will waste no time in spitting on them and closing
keep, drowning all the occupants who cannot save in for eating. It will chase the PCs if necessary, straight
themselves and making further exploration of the place out of the room and into the corridors, stopping only if
all but impossible. confronted by stairs. It is hungry.

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 Giant slug: AC 8; MV 6; HD 12; hp 90; THAC0 9; The prisoner is a spirit naga, who will not wait for the PCs
#AT 1; Dmg 1d12 (bite); SA spits acid for 4d8; SD im- to obey willingly. She gazes into the eyes of each character,
mune to blunt weapons and spells causing crushing dam- trying to use her charm power without anyone’s knowledge
age; SZ H (25’ long); ML steady (12); Int non- (0); AL of what she is doing. The ward that keeps her here is
N; XP 5,000. simple to break, although it can only be done by who is
someone not inside the triangle. As long as one gem is re-
27. Lurking in Wait. The wide-open doors offer no clue moved, the entire ward collapses. The naga, part of one of
about what might be inside this room. As you pass through the magical experiments conducted by the keep’s wizards,
the doorway, you see a number of pieces of rotted furniture, has been imprisoned here ever since the keep was wrecked.
and you can tell that the floor in the eastern end of the &am- Each PC can avoid her charm gaze by making a suc-
ber is wet. The room does not appear to contain anything of cessful saving throw vs. paralyzation. If the naga gets one
interest. person under her control, she again says, “Release me!
Simply pluck one of the gems out of the air! Quickly!”
If any PCs advance farther than 10 feet into this room, a The charmed individual will do so unless restrained by
pair of small lurkers that are attached to the ceiling will his comrades. If the naga is freed, she will use her spell
drop onto the two characters in the lead (or any two PCs abilities against the party.
selected randomly, if they are clustered closely together). The globe on the ceiling has continual light cast upon
The creatures will continue attacking until they are it. It can be removed and carried away by anyone who
killed, or until their prey has been suffocated, where- can reach it (the ceiling is 15 feet high) and pry it loose.
upon they will attempt to escape by flying away. The gems that form the ward are worth 100 gp each.
The room contains no other items of value.
Lurkers (2): AC 6; MV 1, Fl 9 (B); HD 6; hp 30
each; THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (constriction); SA Spirit naga: AC 4; MV 12; HD 10; hp 50; THAC0
captured victim suffocates in 1d4+1 rounds; SZ L (10’ 11; #AT 1; Dmg 1d3 (bite); SA poison bite, charm gaze,
diam.); ML steady (11); Int non- (0); AL N; XP 420 spell use; SZ H (15’ long); ML elite (14); Int high (13);
each. AL CE; XP 5,000.
The lurkers have no treasure, and the room contains Wizard Spells (4/2/1): 1st — audible glamer, color spray,
nothing but junk. spook, taunt; 2nd — improved phantasmal force, web; 3rd —
fireball.
Underground Level Two Priest Spells (3/2): 1st — command, cause fear, cause light
28. Stairway. At the bottom of this staircase is an alcove wounds; 2nd — enthrall, hold person.
with doors leading to the west and south. The west one is
slightly ajar. The south door has a rune carved upon it. Light 30. Mural Chamber. Although the years have not been
trickles out from under the door. It is locked. good to the wall paintings in this room, you are still treated to
a panoramic view. The walls are covered with murals showing
If the PC with the lowest Intelligence score makes a suc- a beautiful keep with a single tower in one corner. Armies of
cessful Intelligence ability check, the rune will be identi- smartly dressed troops march in the foreground, as a quartet
fied. It is nonmagical, simply a warning not to proceed of robed mage-types and a trio of clergymen in vestments
beyond this point. hover in the air just above the keep. Over their heads, a
winged hourglass shines golden light down on the whole scene.
29. Containment Room. The light in this room comes
from a one-foot-diameter glowing globe set in the ceiling. This room was apparently the site of another magical
Near the floor, three red gems hover three feet off the ground, experiment, this one involving illusions. Each character
a thin line of flame connecting them in a triangular pattern. who views the wall paintings must make an Intelligence
Set in the middle of the triangle is a black-and-crimson- ability check. Those who succeed at the check notice
banded snake body, with the head of a woman. She turns her that, in one distant comer of the mural, a figure in royal
deep brown eyes on you and says, in heavily accented Com- robes and a crown is hunched over a pile of what seems
mon, “Please! Release me from this prison!” to be gold and people. The king is running his fingers
through this pile, a look of evil and greed on his face. Be-

85
 hind him stands a portal that glows red, and storm The room is haunted by the two victims’ spirits, now
clouds build overhead. poltergeists. Although the torture devices no longer
The painted portal has a hypnotic quality to it. Any- work, their sharp points and edges ruined by age and
one who studies this part of the painting must make an- rust, the poltergeists will bump and rattle the mecha-
other Intelligence check. Those who fail this check will nisms in an attempt to unnerve the PCs. They will pick
see a new image form in this location, as though the por- up smaller devices and hurl them at the characters, try-
tal has become transparent. This image shows the bodies ing to induce fear in them.
of the PCs’ party, each of them mutilated and dead. A
viewer who sees this image must make a successful sav- Poltergeists (2): AC 10; MV 6; HD 1/2; hp 4 each;
ing throw vs. spell or suffer the effects of a fear spell. THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg nil; SA fear; SD invisibility, hit
only by silver or +1 or better weapon; SW holy water;
31. Dungeon. The door to this room is solid iron, with a SZ M; ML average (10); Int low (5); AL LE; XP 120
small sliding door set into it that is rusted permanently shut. each.
After managing to get the door open, you gaze upon twelve
skeletons manacled and shackled to the walls. A supernaturally These spirits have no treasure. They are only interested
cold wind cuts through you, and a dozen vaguely humanoid in frightening the PCs to death.
shapes, each with a pair of glowing green eyes, take form and
advance, their spectral mouths open in a tortured howl. The Baatezu Attacks
At some point in the adventure, probably when the PCs
These skeletons were formerly the bodies of powerful, are locked in melee in the lowest level, the cornugon
influential people who opposed the king. When the baatezu will launch its attack. If the PCs have been hav-
keep was wrecked, the prisoners were forgotten and left ing a rough time of it, let the attack come after they
to starve to death. They live on as wraiths, and cannot have defeated a foe, but before they can gather their wits
leave the dungeon until someone opens the door. Each and heal themselves. If the adventure has thus far been a
wraith will attempt to drain two levels of life energy be- breeze, then bring in the baatezu right in the middle of a
fore fleeing out the door. nasty melee. Read the following to the players:

Wraiths (12): AC 4; MV 12, Fl 24 (B); HD 5+3; hp All at once, a vaguely gargoyle-like figure appears before
42 each; THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6; SA level drain; you. Standing over eight feet tall, it grips a gruesome-looking
SD hit only by silver (half damage) or +1 or better weap- barbed whip and coldly regards you with hateful yellow eyes
ons; immune to sleep, charm, hold, death, cold-based that have no pupils. Slung across its shoulder is a large pouch.
spells, poison, and paralyzing attacks; SW holy water, The intruder seems to send out palpable waves of evil, as a
raise dead, continual light; SZ M; ML champion (15); Int smell of sulfur, brimstone, and burning slime envelops you.
very (12); AL LE; XP 3,000 each. Disregarding anything else in the area, it closes in on your
group. “More of you!” it roars with an echoing bellow. “And
If the PCs have a continual light source (such as the globe me without any more trees!”
from room #29) or some means of producing that level of
illumination, the wraiths will suffer -2 penalties to their Baatezu, Greater—Cornugon: AC -2; MV 9, Fl 18
attack rolls, and they will not come within 10 feet of the (C); HD 10; hp 50; THAC0 11; #AT 4 or 1 + weapon;
light source itself. The only treasure in here is a valuable Dmg 1d4/1d4/1d4+1/1d3 (claw/claw/bite/tail) or
signet ring on one of the skeletons, worth 3,000 gp. 1d3/1d6+6 (tail/barbed whip); SA fear, wounding, stun,
spell use; SD regenerate 2 hp per round, only hit by +2
32. Torture Chamber. Another door of solid iron stands or better weapon; MR 50%; SZ L; ML elite (14); Int ex-
before you, but this one has no sliding panel. Once you have ceptional (15); AL LE; XP 10,000.
worked it open, you see a triangular room, all that remains Spell-like abilities: advanced illusion, animate dead, charm
intact of what was once a larger chamber. Set around the person, detect magic, ESP, infravision, know alignment (al-
room at different stations are what seem to be torture devices, ways active), lightning bolt (3 per day), produce flame, py-
all of them orange with rust. A couple of the devices have rotechnics, suggestion, teleport without error, wall of fire (1
skeletal remains in their grim metallic embrace. per day), gate (1 per day).

86
 Note: In addition to 1d6 damage, targets hit by the great rush of air. The members of your company look at each
cornugon’s barbed whip must save vs. paralyzation or be other, then at the Sembians, then at the dragon, then buck at
stunned for 1d4 rounds. For other details of the cornu- each other. Yes, there must be a better way to earn 500
gon, see the P LANESCAPE M ONSTROUS C OMPENDIUM Cormyrean gold pieces. . . .
Appendix.
What happens next depends on the disposition of the
The cornugon has four black dragon eggs in its sack. It dragon. If the PCs injured her child (see room #13) and
will attack the PCs in the most brutal fashion possible. If the child made it back to its parent, or if the PCs killed
the PCs are in melee, and their enemy attacks the cor- the dragonling and disposed of the body, the mother is
nugon as well, the outer plane horror will briefly turn its furious and attacks both the PCs and the Ruby Blades. If
attention to the interfering creature(s) and destroy the PCs killed the child and left the body atop the tower
them, then go back to slowing murdering the PCs. (where it could be easily seen by its mother), it goes into
If the cornugon is down to one-third of its hit points, a rage and attacks only the PCs. If none of the above
it will strategically withdraw: conditions are present, the dragon goes after the Ruby
Blades, but attacks the PCs if they intervene.
Guess Who’s Coming to However, regardless of all those conditions, there is
Dinner one way to avoid bloodshed. If the PCs managed to
At long last, you stagger out of the infernal keep, covered snatch the black dragon eggs from the baatezu, it can ne-
head to toe in wet slime, and stinking as if a whole row of gotiate with the creature. The dragon will accept the eggs
privies had exploded under you. and fly away without attacking any of the adventurers.
As you clear the perimeter of the keep, you hear screams
and shouts off to the east. Turning in that direction and nar- Mature adult female black dragon: AC -2; MV 12,
rowing your eyes, you see five figures running toward you, Fl 30 (C), Sw 12; HD 15; hp 110; THAC0 6; #AT 3;
hands in the air, screaming. As they get closer, you recognize Dmg 1d6+7/1d6+7/3d6+7 (claw/claw/bite); SA acid
them as the arrogant Sembian company, the Ruby Blades. breath 14d4+7, kick 1d6+7, wing buffet 1d6+7, tail slap
As they see you, many of them give a cry of relief as they 2d6+14, fear aura; SD immune to acid; MR 20%; SZ G
sprint harder, desperate to close the remaining distance. (50’ body, 50’ tail); ML fanatic (16); Int average (9);
When they finally get close enough to talk to, they slow AL CE; XP 14,000.
down, chests heaving. Most of them have bleeding wounds or Spell-like abilities: water breathing, darkness 70’ radius (3
acid burns. One member is clutching a set of reins, but there per day), corrupt water.
is no animal to be seen. Spells (4): color spray, feather fall, magic missile, phan-
“Thank Tymora we found you! It . . . it’s after us!” says tasmal force.
one member. “What a fiasco!” another wails. “I told you it
was too much for us to take on!” a third one scolds. “It . . . In combat against the dragon, the Ruby Blades will
it dissolved my horse and ate it!” the man holding the empty make a tremendous show of helping out, although they
reins says, shaking them in your face. “It ate all our horses!” will refuse to get within melee range of the beast . . . they
the first member says. “And now it’s after us.” will just look like they are helping. They will contribute
Suddenly, a huge shape blots out the sun (or moon, if at nothing to the death and/or defeat of the dragon.
night). You look up and see a huge dragon, black as night. If the dragon is reduced to less than 50 hit points, or if
One of the Ruby Blades bursts into tears. Another starts it become obvious to her that she isn’t going to have an
chanting, “Tymora, please prepare to receive thy servant!” easy time of beating the PCs, she will escape and fly back
over and over. Still another appears to have lost control of his to her lair.
body. Another of the Sembians seizes one of you by the
shoulders and looks at you with pleading eyes. “It was too Dragon Aftermath
much for us!” he wails. “Just . . . just kill it, drive it off, Now that the threat of the dragon has been removed, the
whatever . . . just make it go away! We’ll give you a third Ruby Blades look at you, then talk among themselves. They
share of its hoard! No! Make that half a share!” finally turn back to you.
You look up again at the graceful but terribly huge beast, as “We thank you for your timely aid in our cause,” one
it spirals downward. You could swear you heard it inhale a says, summoning together as much dignity as he can. “As

87
 promised, you will get half the dragon’s hoard . . . when we Sembian mercenaries, F4 (24): AC 5 (chain armor);
all go there.” MV 12; hp 30 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long
You notice a large body of men off in the distance, riding in sword), 1d4+1 (heavy crossbow); SZ M; ML elite (14);
from the east. The person who is addressing you sees them as Int average (9); AL LN; XP 270 each.
well, then turns back to you, a wide grin on her face. “Ah, Special Equipment: chain armor, long sword, heavy
our reinforcements have arrived at last,” she says, delighted. crossbow, 24 quarrels, light warhorse.
“Now they and we are going to explore these ruins, which are
Sembian territory. You go back to Thunderstone in Cormyr
and await us. We shall be there in a few days, bringing your
Conclusion
share of the spoils from the dragon’s cave.” If this adventure has gone as expected, the PCs are worn
The company looks at you expectantly, as the mounted out—well enough to travel but in no shape either physi-
force of two dozen Sembians rides up. “You may leave now,” cally or psychologically to fight the Sembians. Their goal
the Ruby Blades leader says with a smile. now, having fulfilled the requirements of their assign-
ment and also having explored the ruined keep, should
The Sembians want the opportunity to explore the ruins be (a) to get back to Thunderstone and recuperate and
on their own. This is one point on which the Sembians (b) to return to Suzail and report to Thistle about the
will not back down or negotiate; as far as they are con- fate of the Wolfmasters.
cerned, they have the upper hand. They will not tell Upon their arrival in Thunderstone, the PCs will be
where the black dragon lair is, no matter what. The hailed as heroes once the details of their adventure are
Sembians will only attack if they are attacked. known—they went into the swamp and survived to tell
The conclusion to this encounter is very open-ended. It about it! If they had previously undertaken the mission
depends on how the PCs react and what they do to the Sem- to rescue the missing citizens, then they will be greeted
bians. All the Ruby Blades want is for the PCs to go away. joyously on sight, even before the townsfolk find out

88
about the foray into the swamp. If they haven’t yet tack- PCs for this mission. If “Murder” has not been played
led the problem of the kidnapped citizens, then the yet, then the PCs’ success in “Bad Neighbor Policy” puts
people of Thunderstone will implore them to do so, and them firmly in Lord Partic’s good graces. As a result, they
will take up a collection to be sure the PCs don’t have to will be accorded special status during. the celebration in
pay for any food and equipment they might need. Thistleflame Manor and they will not be seen as suspects
If the PCs bide their time in Thunderstone, waiting when Thistle’s “murder” is discovered.
for the Ruby Blades to show up, they will be disap- A clue to the location of Orvaskyte Keep and the
pointed. For whatever reason—they never intended to kingdom of Orva can be placed in one of the books in
keep their promise, they didn’t make it out of the ruins, the library of Adzerak (“The Bibliophile”).
they met up with the dragon again and this time didn’t Lord Vorik Aris, the old supporter of Gondegal, may
live to tell about it—the Sembians do not arrive. have spies in Thunderstone who are marking the PCs as
sympathizers to the crown and possibly very dangerous
Loose Ends to Aris’s cause. That way, when the PCs meet more of
The dragon’s lair to the east of the Orvaskyte ruins is out Aris’s forces in “Redemption,” their reputation will pre-
there to be found. But an unpleasant surprise awaits any cede them—much to their detriment.
one who manages to find it: the female black dragon’s
mate is very healthy and very angry, and will fight to the
death (probably not his) in an attempt to avenge what
The Lost
happened to his mate and their child. This is the side adventure dealing with the rescue of the
The Sembians’ territorial claims could develop into a missing young men of Thunderstone. The locations de-
political problem . . . or worse. Do the assertions by such scribed below are found on Map 9, on page 71, which
groups as the Ruby Blades have the consent and support details the region surrounding Thunderstone. If desired,
of the Sembian government, or are these interlopers check for random encounters along the way, using the
simply acting in their own best interest? Perhaps the PCs “Temperate Plain” and “Temperate Forest” *encounter
will be commissioned by Cormyr to investigate this ac- tables ‘on page 127.
tivity, with instructions to use force to remove any re-
sisters who do not leave the kingdom peacefully. D. Hobgoblin signs. You have been following the trail of
Tiztor the Great and his obsession with the Thunder the dead centaur into the Hullack Forest. The woods are
Stone may prove interesting or troublesome. He may try dense here, bearing no sign of the encroachment of civiliza-
to hire the PCs for some sort of information-gathering tion. All around you are the signs of a wholesome old forest,
mission—an endeavor that the Purple Dragons in Thun- teeming with life.
derstone would not take kindly to; the last thing they The tracks lead back through a small, natural clearing.
want is having their job made more difficult by a bunch Remains of broken black arrows are scattered all over the
of adventuring types hanging around town asking ques- grass.
tions and possibly antagonizing people.
The PCs may attract the attention of the secret Zhen- A successful tracking proficiency check reveals not only
tarim element in town. The Zhentarim may be curious the centaur tracks heading southwest, but also the tracks
about why the PCs are spending so much time in and of more than a dozen hobgoblins.
around Thunderstone, and if these evil people get wind As the PCs are checking for tracks, read the follow-
of the existence of the ruins, a new set of intrigues could ing:
emerge. For instance, if the PCs failed to retrieve the
gem Fireblood but the Zhentarim succeed in doing so, a A high-pitched giggle comes from in front of you, and a lithe
trip to Zhentil Keep may be in order. female emerges from the woods. She looks almost elven, but
not quite, perhaps of mixed blood. Her eyes twinkle with mis-
Linking This Adventure chief as she looks at you. She wears a simple belted tunic,
Lord Thistle can provide a link from this adventure to with a knife in a sheath.
“Murder Most Magical,” regardless of the order in which “Silly strangers, looking for hobgobs? Deena knows where
these two adventures are played. If “Murder” was first, there are more tracks of smelly ol’ hobgobs near here, but
then a grateful Thistle was the one who hand-picked the only one of you can come and see them. (She picks a

89
 human or half-elf male with a charisma of 16 or more.) Deena the dryad: AC 9; MV 12; HD 2; hp 11;
You can come with Deena, find hobgob tracks, and come THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4 (knife); SA charm; MR
back to tell friends.” 50%; SZ M; ML steady (12); Int high (14); AL N; XP
975.
Deena is a dryad, and what she wants right now is a
man to be her amorous slave for a few years. If the PCs Treants (4): AC 0; MV 12; HD 12; hp 90 each;
agree to let her take one of their number away, she will THAC0 9; #AT 2; Dmg 4d6/4d6; SA animate two trees;
lead that character into the forest and then attempt to SD never surprised; SW fire; SZ H (18’ tall); ML cham-
charm him, and if she succeeds, neither the dryad nor pion (16); Int very (12); AL CG; XP 7,000 each.
the character will be heard from again.
If the charm attempt fails, or if the PCs do not agree The treants will only attack the PCs if they have
to let her leave with one of them, Deena (not one to wounded Deena. Otherwise, being familiar with Deena
hold a grudge) will tell the PCs exactly how to get to the and her trickery, they will be willing to listen to an ex-
hobgoblin camp and will volunteer the information that planation of why the PCs are here. If any character uses
the hobgoblins are engaged in a mining operation—or, the word “hobgoblin” in the treants’ presence, one of
as she puts it, “cutting down the trees and breaking up the tree-creatures will call a halt to all other activity
the ground that feeds the trees.” She has not seen any (combat, conversation, etc.) and will supply the PCs
centaurs or satyrs in this area. with the following information: the exact location of
If Deena is seized, or if the PCs display any sort of ag- the hobgoblins’ camp, the fact that the hobgoblins are
gressive or belligerent behavior toward her, she will using slaves to do underground mining, and the fact
scream for her “big brothers” to save her. This brings four that they are using fire—which the treants hate—as
treants, one emerging into the clearing from each of the part of the operation.
four cardinal directions, in 1d3 rounds.

90
 Knowing the exact location of the hobgoblins’ camp per mining and smelting. Since the centaurs and satyrs
will make the rest of the PCs’ journey faster (fewer ran- proved to be inadequate at running the smelting opera-
dom encounters) and easier (no need to keep checking tion, the hobgoblins have developed a plan to capture
for tracks). But even if the PCs don’t meet Deena and several strong humans from Thunderstone and force
the treants, they can follow the centaur’s tracks back them to work the furnace that turns raw ore into fin-
along the route that eventually ends up on the perime- ished ingots of copper.
ter of the hobgoblin encampment. Map 11, on page 92, describes specific locations in
the hobgoblins’ camp.
E. The hobgoblin camp. You come upon a relatively re-
cently made dirt road about ten feet wide. The centaur’s Hobgoblins (60): AC 5; MV 9; HD 1+1; hp 6 each;
tracks continue along this path, and also obvious are several THAC0 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (short bow), 1d6 (short
sets of large human-shaped footprints—no doubt made by sword), 1d4 (club); SZ M; ML steady (12); Int average
hobgoblins. As you follow the road to the north, you begin to (9); AL LE; XP 35 each.
hear the sounds of cracking whips, rattling chains, coarse The hobgoblins will attempt to use their clubs to
guttural shouts, and falling trees. strike PCs to subdue them. However, if this proves im-
After you find a good vantage point, where you can see practical, they will simply try to kill them with swords.
but not be seen, the view fills you with outrage. Before you
is a large cleared space dotted with the stumps of freshly cut Hobgoblin sub-chiefs (4): AC 3; MV 9; HD 3; hp
trees, obviously made in the lust month or so. A series of log 16 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (short bow),
buildings are scattered about, as well as three wooden pens. 1d8+2 (long sword, Str bonus), 1d6+2 (spear, Str
One pen contains male and female centaurs, most of them bonus); SZ M; ML elite (14); Int average (9); AL LE;
wearing chains and collars. The second pen holds satyrs, XP 65 each.
most of them also shackled. The final pen has more centaurs
similarly chained, but they are all young foals. Gugak Thul, hobgoblin chief: AC 2; MV 9; HD 4;
The guards of this despicable scene are hobgoblins—lots hp 22; THAC0 17 (15 w/long sword +2); #AT 1; Dmg
of them. Taking a few minutes to count, you confirm at least 1d8+5 (long sword +2, Str bonus), 1d6+3 (spear, Str
two dozen walking in and out of buildings, guarding the var- bonus); SZ M; ML champion (16); Int average (10);
ious sites, or beating the prisoners with clubs and whips. AL LE; XP 175.
Two roads lead out of this camp clearing. The one head- Special equipment: long sword +2, potion of healing.
ing south, the one you initially found, is a short distance The chief’s tribe used to be much larger, but many
from your hiding place. The other road leads north away perils in the forest have whittled down their numbers.
from the opposite edge of the clearing. Every so often you This has made Gugak rather short-tempered and surly.
see hobgoblins coming and going, leading slaves who carry The female fire giant who has taken over has promised
lumber or bars of shiny, orange-brown metal. that the tribe will flourish under her direction. Gugak
Beyond the trees to the north, black smoke billows into the seeks wisdom from his shaman-advisor, Hakaakatar the
air from a source you cannot identify. The residents of this Wise.
camp, guards and prisoners alike, do not seem concerned
about the smoke. Hakaakatar the Wise, hobgoblin shaman: AC 3;
MV 9; HD 5; hp 20; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg 1d4
Any character with proficiency in blacksmithing or (club), 1d4 (knife); SZ M; ML elite (14); Int average
mining can tell that the smoke is coming from a copper (10); AL LE; XP 420.
smelting facility. Spells (5/3/1): 1st — cause light wounds, darkness, de-
This facility is run by a small tribe of hobgoblins, tect magic, detect snares & pits, shillelagh; 2nd — flame
which in turn is being led by a fire giant and her four blade, silence 15’ radius, spiritual hammer; 3rd — glyph of
ogre companions. The entire group moved into this warding.
area three months ago, enslaved the local centaurs and Hakaakatar is a worshiper of Iyachtu Xvim. He has a
satyrs, then commenced a lumber operation. Wisdom score of 14, exceptional for a hobgoblin, which
When some nearby hills turned out to be rich in cop- gives him a large complement of spells. Hakaakatar is
per, the evil horde expanded their operation into cop- Gugak’s advisor, and is currently encouraging him not to

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92
make the fire giantess angry. It is obvious that the giant- 3. Chief’s cabin. A large locked log cabin that is al-
ess has some agenda, and needs the hobgoblins to fulfill most luxurious compared to the other accommodations,
it. Since the hobgoblins are now prosperous and strong this place houses the chief. The cabin is actually quite
as a result of following her, it makes no sense to upset the clean and comfortable. A bearskin rug covers part of the
status quo . . . for now. floor, and a keg of very good ale sits along one wall. A
locked strongbox under the bed contains 730 gp, 1,111
Ogre lackeys (4): AC 5; MV 9; HD 4+1; hp 30 each; sp, and four agates worth 50 gp each. Strewn across the
THAC0 17 (15 w/weapon); #AT 1; Dmg 1d10 (fists) or top of a small table are numerous scribblings on dirty
1d8+6 (huge club, Str bonus); SZ L; ML steady (12); Int paper, giving the total number of hobgoblins, the num-
low (7); AL CE; XP 420 each. ber of slaves, and production figures.
Special Equipment: huge clubs.
These four ogres are the giantess’s main lackeys. They 4. Shaman’s cabin. Windowless and always kept
usually watch over the mining operations. locked, this place is where Hakaakatar the shaman
sleeps and worships. It is devoid of furniture except for a
Oghalis, female fire giant: AC -1 (5 when unar- sleeping mat. On the north wall is a crude drawing of a
mored); MV 12; HD 15; hp 75; THAC0 5; #AT 1; Dmg clenched mail fist with glowing green eyes. Skulls of cen-
2d10+10 (huge sword); SA hurling rocks (2d10); SD re- taurs and satyrs hang from the ceiling like grim mobiles.
sistant to fire; SZ H (18’ tall); ML champion (16); Int
average (10); AL LE; XP 8,000. 5. Copper storage. Padlocked and always under
Special Equipment: banded mail, huge two-handed guard, this building contains 300 copper trade bars, each
sword. worth 25 gp.
Oghalis is a fire giantess who has come from the
Thunder Peaks and set herself up as leader of this small 6. Camp storage. This locked and guarded storage
tribe of hobgoblins. She seems obsessed with clearing room holds 240 arrows, six short bows, 24 short swords,
out as much forest as possible, stockpiling finished lum- 12 long swords, 48 daggers, 24 spears, 24 sleeping mats,
ber and copper bars from the nearby mine that she 24 blankets, 12 picks, 12 shovels, six saws, six metal-
started up. working hammers, two tongs, eight 50-foot coils of rope,
Oghalis will not tell her underlings why she is so ob- 200 pounds of coal, three braziers, 100 gallons of lamp
sessed with her task. She is a harsh leader who tolerates oil, and two tinderboxes.
no questions or dissension. The giantess has forbidden
any female hobgoblins or young in the camp until the 7. Adult centaur pen. A five-foot-high, solidly built
initial work has been completed. These creatures, a wooden fence reinforced with iron keeps 20 male and 14
group of 75 hobgoblins, are waiting in the foothills near female centaurs at bay. The more rebellious ones are hob-
the Thunder Gap. bled by shackles on their front legs. There is hardly any
room to move, so a flying leap over the fence would be
Map Locations difficult. Imbedded along the top of the fence are sharp,
1. Barracks. These two long, low buildings are made twisted chunks of rusted metal, to discourage escape.
of sturdy logs. Each one houses 30 hobgoblins, and It is possible to turn these defeated, imprisoned cen-
smells like old sweat and garbage. At any given time, 10 taurs into a fighting force—if the following conditions
hobgoblins will be found in here, eight sleeping and two are met: (1) no hobgoblins are in sight, (2) the foals in
lounging about in some sort of casual guard duty. area #9 are freed, (3) the centaurs’ pen and chains are
unlocked and/or destroyed, (4) weapons with which to
2. Sub-chiefs’ cabin. This large log cabin is home to fight are provided, and (5) a PC with a Charisma score
all four sub-chiefs. One is always present, most of the of at least 12 makes a stirring appeal to the centaurs.
time (75%) sleeping. Aside from some hardtack and a
small keg of watery wine, the room contains nothing of 8. Satyr pen. A similar setup to the centaur pen, ex-
interest. The cabin is only slightly cleaner than the bar- cept that 33 satyrs are imprisoned here. If they are freed
racks. and provided with weapons, the satyrs will join the PCs
in the fight against the hobgoblins.

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 9. Centaur foal pen. Another pen, the same as the from Thunderstone, work from dawn till dusk. Their
other two, except that it holds 18 young centaur stal- names are Troyappa, Kenhart, Joelem, and Jonren (all
lions and 15 young mares. None of these creatures is CG hm F1), and they are anxious not only to be freed
shackled. They have 2 HD and 6 hit points each, and but to pay back their captors.
will attack with their hooves (1d6/1d6) if their lives are
threatened, but cannot wield weapons. 17. Smelting furnace. The furnace includes a cru-
cible, molds for ingot bars, a cooling tub, and many
10. Central campfire. This is a three-foot-wide fire tools. This is where the humans work, kept under watch
pit with logs set around it as seats. It is used as a central by a contingent of guards.
meeting point, as well as a place where the night shift of
guards congregate. A huge cauldron is here as well, 18. Oghalis’s cabin. The giantess’s residence is un-
since this is where the camp meals are cooked. usual in that it is made from blocks of stone and has a
very secure door with a strong lock.
11. Larder. This small, locked building has cooking Besides a bed, table, and chair, the room contains a
supplies and ingredients. Most of the consumables con- locked strongbox with a poison needle trap (Type E).
sist of roots and tubers, and meat from small animals The strongbox holds 12 matched fire opals worth 1,000
such as squirrels, rabbits, and beavers. gp each, a longevity potion, an onyx dog figurine, a ham-
mer +2, a hand axe +3, and a ring of warmth.
12. Well. A primitive well has been dug in this spot. Oghalis will be found here late at night. Although
A bucket tied to a rope and two iron ladles are on the she may initially fight with great enthusiasm, if it be-
ground next to the well. comes clear to her that most of her followers are dead,
13. Lumber camp. Accessible to the rest of the camp she will do her best to run away.
by a dirt trail, this is where most of the logging is
presently happening. Trees are cut down, stripped of Conclusion
bark and leaves, and cut into lumber. The area contains The expected result in this scenario is for the PCs to
numerous large axes (treat as battle axes if used as weap- free the prisoners, killing or routing as many of the evil
ons), plus a makeshift sawmill under a crude shelter. creatures as necessary. (To give the characters some-
thing to think about, it would be good if Oghalis es-
14. Copper mine. This hole in the side of a small hill capes so that she can resurface as a threat at a later
is the access point for the small copper mine. The mine date.)
consists of a single shaft descending at a very gentle All the prisoners can give the PCs as a reward is their
slope, with several small branches located at the discov- gratitude. They are worn out, flat broke, and need to re-
ered veins of copper. cover emotionally from their ordeal. It would be appro-
The miners carry out the crude ore in baskets on their priate and honorable for the PCs to give the satyrs and
backs and take it to the smelting furnace. centaurs the copper ingots—after all, they paid for them
with their own blood. However, the PCs should not be
15. Ogre cabin. Located within easy sight of the prompted to do this.
mine entrance, this foul, messy cabin houses all four With tired but grateful smiles, the centaurs and satyrs
ogres. At any given time, one ogre will be in here, snor- begin disappearing into the pristine forest. One older
ing loudly. Each ogre has two copper trading bars under centaur, the settlement’s leader, turns around and looks
his heap of bug-infested animal skin beds; this is their at the PCs, then says, “We shall not forget,” and joins
pay for services rendered thus far. his people in melting into the woods. What that remark
means is up for debate: Will the centaurs be eternally
16. Human prisoner cabin. Since the captured hu- grateful to the PCs for rescuing them, or will they be on
mans have more practical skills than the centaurs or their guard for the presence of any “foreigners” en-
satyrs, they rate slightly better treatment. The door to croaching into the woods where they do not belong?
this small but clean barracks is kept locked at all times,
with a guard posted outside whenever the building is
occupied. The four humans who live here, young men

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Loose Ends
There is are only a couple of loose ends in this side trip.
What is Oghalis’s true agenda? Is she working for some-
one even more powerful? Perhaps the answers lie back
in the Thunder Peaks.
Also, will the treants and other forest creatures be-
come even more sensitive to the incursions of outsiders
into the Hullack Forest? And if so, where do the PCs
stand on this matter?

Epilogue
Finally, back in Suzail, you feel as though you can relax.
Once Lord Thistle hears of what happened to the Wolfmas-
ters, he looks pensive, then says “Oh . . . that would explain
why their payments were overdue.” He makes a notation in
a huge book titled “The Roll of the Dead.”
Finishing his entry, he smiles at you and rings a small sil-
ver bell. In a few minutes, a page comes in with a small box,
which contains the 500 gold coins Thistle had promised to
pay. “My thanks for your help,” he says. “You were most
efficient. Good day.” You leave his office, wondering what
sort of challenge this strange kingdom will offer you next.

Experience Point Bonuses

Each of these bonuses should be distributed evenly

among all party members who participated in or agreed
with taking the described action.

Recovering Fireblood and getting out of

Orvaskyte Keep alive: 5,000
Avoiding combat with the adult black dragon: 2,000
Avoiding combat with the Sembians: 2,000
Freeing all of the hobgoblins’ prisoners: 2,000
Giving the copper ingots to the prisoners: 2,000
Bringing back evidence of the Wolfmasters’
demise to Lord Thistle: 1,000

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 Redemption
In this adventure, the PCs must contend with one of the remaining legacies of Gondegal
the Lost King. Ideally, it should be the last adventure played in the series of four. This is
the one where all the stops are pulled out, building up to a climactic finish and putting
the PCs in the middle of a major battle between good and evil.

Background
In the year 1352 DR, a man named Gondegal tried to overthrow the throne of Cormyr.
Using Arabel as his base, he raised an army of mercenaries and launched many raids
within the kingdom. He even managed to be crowned “king” for eight days. The Purple
Dragons and the combined forces of neighboring kingdoms got the better of him.
Gondegal fled, and his forces scattered.
During the war, a group of three dozen Purple Dragons called the Starburst Swords
had the option of marching either where there was known danger from the Twilight
Brigade, a unit of Gondegal’s troops, or marching along a route that seemed to offer no
opposition. They took the easier route, rationalizing that because they wouldn’t be
slowed by combat, they would arrive at a strategic location more quickly. Unquestion-
ably, the Starburst Swords could have defeated the Twilight Brigade. But as a result of
their lazy (some would say cowardly) choice, Gondegal’s force came down upon a small
village, sacked it, and burned it to the ground.
Ironically (some would say deservedly), the Starburst Swords were slaughtered to a
man by a wandering pack of trolls that happened to cross their path. Now the Starburst
Swords’ spirits are chained to the site of their last battle—because Torm, the god of duty,
has refused them entry into the afterlife.
In the present day, an obscure nobleman named Lord Vorik Aris, a covert supporter of
Gondegal, has decided that the time is right to try another rebellion. He is confident,
however, that he can avoid Gondegal’s mistakes. Lord Aris has recruited a large force of
human and humanoid troops, allied himself with a powerful necromancer, and sent par-
ties into the Stonelands looking for ruins and pillaging them for funds and magic.
The PCs are lured into this adventure by rumors of treasure to be found in the
Stonelands and the suggestion that they might unearth some clues in Tilverton. Once
they are drawn in, they find themselves involved in much more than a treasure-finding
expedition.

Whispering in the Witch

The town of Tilverton seems to be crawling with adventurers, opportunists, traders, and such.
Your group is sitting in the cozy common room of the Whispering Witch, a fine inn located in
Tilverton’s Old Town. The dinner plates have been cleared away, and it is just about time for
the evening’s entertainment to begin.
Some people are banging their mugs on the tables, chanting for the bard to make his appearance.
A tavern wench, sitting on a man’s lap and obviously kissing him rather passionately, finally gets
up and skips away with a wicked smile. With the woman gone, you can see the man’s face, and
you do a double-take. It is none other than Mendryll Belarod, the wandering bard and raconteur.
With a flourish, he stands up, walks over to a place next to the fireplace, and tunes his lute.

96
 For the next two hours, you are transported to many wild When needed, call the sullied name
places in the Realms, courtesy of Mendryll’s music. You are To save you all, redemption gained.
even amazed to hear a song dealing with your exploits. (This
might be a reference to the events of “Murder Most Magical” Mendryll has no idea what this bit of verse means.
or “Bud Neighbor Policy,” or any other significant accom- The rhyme is talking about the objects known collec-
plishment that Mendryll could have heard about.) tively as the Four from Cormyr. When faced with a dan-
When that song is finished, Mendryll collects the coins that gerous enemy, the wielder must assemble all of the items
revelers have thrown at him and saunters over to your table, into one unit and hold the completed object overhead at
helping himself to a seat. Grinning from ear to ear, he looks sunset in the ruins of the old village. The wielder must
at your group, his hands clasped in front of him. “So,” he then call out the name of the Starburst Swords. The
says in a low voice, leaning over the table so that you can spirits of those soldiers will appear, ready to fight what-
hear him better. “I hope the song was close enough to the ever enemy is threatening the wielder and his allies.
truth, although I scarcely let a little something like truth stand Hopefully, this act will be enough to earn the shades
in the way of a rollicking good story.” their final rest.
He leans back in his chair, takes a pull of ale, wipes the The bard will decline any invitation to join the party,
foam from his upper lip with the back of his hand, and awaits citing “songs to sing, gossip to spread, and women to
your comments about his song. (This is an opportunity for chase.” He advises the PCs that they may want to stop
the PCs to tell Mendryll what they think of his work. off in Halfhap, which is the settlement closest to the ru-
Whether they are complimentary, insulting, or noncommittal ined site. Perhaps the residents of that place will have
makes no difference.) some more information, particularly an old sage by the
At last, he holds his hand up. “Enough, enough. Such lav- name of Nodric who lives there. Mendryll recommends
ish praise will make me blush if you continue any longer.” the brand-new inn that has opened, the Blacknee’s
Leaning forward over the table again, he continues talking, Halfhappenstance, featuring luxury baths and a dining
but in such a low whisper that you have to strain to catch room to die for.
every word. “Now . . . how would you like the opportunity
to have another song written about you? And while you’re at Tilverton Area Sites
it, the chance to be filthy, stinking rich?” Map 12, on page 98, shows all the relevant locations of
“Redemption.” The action is centered around the area of
Mendryll has recently unearthed evidence of the exis- the Stonebolt Trail, featuring Halfhap, the ruined vil-
tence of “a crumbling old tower,” as he puts it, that was lage of Darkenshield, the site of the Starburst Swords’
leveled some time during Gondegal’s rebellion, Word fall (which is the place Mendryll’s directions point to), a
has it that it was not destroyed by soldiers from either small tower that serves as Lord Aris’s outpost, and a few
side, but rather by intelligent monsters who were seeking set encounters in the middle of it all.
to take advantage of the war’s chaos by causing a little
chaos of their own.
The bard gives the PCs a rough description of the ru-
Halfhap
ined tower’s whereabouts. In return, he extracts a Hippogriffs bearing purple-clad riders can be seen in the sky
promise from the PCs that he will get one share of any to the south, and from this you know that you are approach-
monetary treasure found, plus his choice of one magical ing the walled town of Halfnap. Small keeps lie at the eastern
item, preferably a musical instrument. and western ends of the town, and you approach from the
He also provides the PCs with a small piece of paper east.
containing the words of an old rhyme, which seems to As you ride up to the gate of the keep on the east side of the
have originated from the area near the tower around the village, you see numerous Purple Dragons patrolling the
time of the war. It goes: walls, casting an occasional look down at you. One of the
ballistae mounted on the tower of the keep swings slowly until
Four from Cormyr, now us one it is lined up with your location.
Raised up to the dying sun. A Purple Dragon sergeant takes your papers and looks
But one needs to be in the proper place, them over, then with a nod hands them back. “Adventurers,
The site of shame and sad disgrace. eh? We get a lot of ‘em here. Durn fools go traipsing after

97
 monsters like it was some kind of sport . . . a game. Well, let yourselves. Even though they seem to be enjoying themselves,
me tell you,” he growls, sticking his face into yours, “it ain’t. you can sense that they are doing their best to be on good be-
Over half o’ this town is Purple Dragons, and you know havior.
why? Monsters. Lotsa ‘em, and Zhentish raiders!” At the
words “Zhentish raiders,” all the Purple Dragons in earshot Locations in Halfhap
simultaneously spit on the ground with military precision. Map 13, on page 100, shows the layout of the major
The sergeant notices his men’s disciplined response, and thoroughfares in Halfhap and the locations of the struc-
nods with approval before turning back to you. “So take me tures described below. The town has a population of
advice, buckos. lf yer here to spend coin, and rest a bit, then something more than 2,000, and roughly half of the res-
ye’ll find yerselves welcome. If ye come here to cause trouble, idents are Purple Dragon soldiers.
we’ll skewer ya all on a huge ballista bolt and shoot ya into
the Stonelands.” This lust sentence elicits some laughter from A. Blacknee’s Halfhappenstance. This three-story
the nearby soldiers. Content on having said his piece, he structure is the newest building in town. The signboard
waves you on through. outside shows a halfling in the process of finding a gold
A younger Purple Dragon manages to get close enough to piece on the ground.
whisper, “Blacknee’s Halfhappenstance is the best place to The inn is run by the middle-aged Buzzrip Blacknee
go; it’s new, and suited for the likes of you, no offense.” Be- (CG ham F1), his wife Broonella (CG haf F1), and their
fore you can thank him, he is already falling in with his com- three young adult children, the charismatic Breena (CG
rades in a quick-time march. haf T2), the responsible eldest son Billyup (CG ham
The sergeant was not exaggerating. Everywhere you go, F3), and the shiftless Boldric (NG ham F1/T1).
you see Purple Dragons marching, drilling, repairing fortifi- A room for one night and two meals (usually dinner
cations, or just taking some leave time. You also notice a at night and breakfast in the morning) costs 10 gp. A
healthy number of out-of-towners, probably adventurers like good soak in one of the inn’s luxurious private baths

98
costs 2 gp. Stables located behind the inn will accommo- F. Merry’s Mounts and More. This establishment is
date any sort of mount: horses for 1 gp per night, pegasi owned and operated by Merialeth “Merry” Loriaman-
3 gp, griffons and hippogriffs 5 gp, and “other” mounts thor (CG ef F7/T7), a maid of modest attractiveness and
10 gp. a crack shot with a bow. She sells horses, ponies, and
Perhaps due to Broonella’s influence in running the livestock as well as riding equipment. Merry also has fa-
inn, there are as many handsome male barkeeps, waiters, cilities for the feeding and caring of mounts. She charges
and stable hands as there are attractive barmaids and 10 gp per night, but the care she gives is well worth the
wenches. The clientele is composed mostly of adventur- price.
ers and merchants. (Feel free, if desired, to sprinkle in a A boorish man once encountered Merry while she
few NPCs from other parts of this product.) was having dinner at the Marching Myrmidon and made
rude jokes about the name of her business, hinting that
B. The Marching Myrmidon. Halfhap’s other inn is some of Merry’s services were less than reputable. She ig-
owned and run by Jerit Gondason (CG hm F5), a retired nored his remarks and began walking back to her place.
Purple Dragon. Like its owner, the inn is neat, well or- The man followed at a distance, not bothering to dis-
dered and spartan. A room for one night and two meals guise his intentions. When she got home Merry calmly
costs 7 gp. picked up her bow, turned, and put an arrow through his
right eye at 100 paces. She was not arrested.
C. Eversheld’s Embers Tavern. Run by Angryn Ever- On rare occasions (3% likelihood per month) Merry
sheld, a former citizen of Hillsfar, the tavern’s most has a young hippogriff for sale, with an asking price of
prominent feature is the huge fireplace from which the 10,000 gp. She will make sure the buyer is of good char-
place gets its name. The mantel is decorated with tro- acter.
phies of interesting kills, a display that changes continu- And speaking of good character, it is widely known
ally as new items are brought in. All in all, this is a that Merry is interested in finding a mate, although she
straightforward tavern with reasonable prices. certainly is not actively seeking one. Merry is looking for
an elf, half-elf, or human (in that order of preference)
D. The Doffed Cloak. Halfhap’s only festhall con- with similar ethical beliefs to hers, and an abiding re-
tains a dance area with an adjoining bar, and the rest of spect and care for animals. No druids need apply,
the building is taken up by small, comfortable private though.
rooms.
Given the soldiers’ reputation for off-duty carousing, G. Gloryhall. This low, bunkerlike building is the
one would think a steady stream of Purple Dragons local shrine to Tempus. It is presided over by Battlelord
would be entering and leaving the hall. Not so. Perrin Boneblaster (N hm P14), a bombastic blood-and-thun-
Clovenshield, Captain of the Garrison and de facto der (with the emphasis on blood) priest of Tempus. He
mayor of Halfhap, has given strict orders against cares not about worshipers’ alignments, only that suppli-
“overindulging” in the Doffed Cloak. Hence, most of the cants live and die by the sword—and use it often.
clientele of this establishment are adventurers, mer-
chants, or other civilians. H. Lodge of Luck. Ostentatiously built of white mar-
ble, this is a shrine to Tymora, run by Salbaril Fortunato
E. Short and Tall Supplies. The odd name of this (CG hm P9), a handsome, smirking young man who
place derives from the fact that it is owned and operated seems to have the most incredible luck. Boneblaster ut-
by Dangus Barrowfold (LG dm F5), a short squat dwarf, terly despises him, which amuses Salbaril to no end.
and a gangly, 7-foot-tall man named Elvin Elminster
(CG hm F1). Elvin always ends the speaking of his name I. House of Duty. A solemn gray building with little
with the words “no relation.” He has taken much ribbing adornment except an iron gauntlet over the doors, this is
over his surname. a shrine to Torm, the god of duty. It is run by Azreena
Short and Tall has an extensive inventory (any nor- Ironoath (LN hf P16), a woman of advancing years but
mal, standard equipment that adventurers might need) still of strong body and sharp mind.
and sells all of it at reasonable prices. No one ever questions Azreena’s judgment, and every
one respects her tremendously, even Salbaril. Any

99
 stranger seen mouthing off to Azreena will be shunned by The PCs can find out from Nodric that the place
the entire town. No one will talk or wait on them, period. mentioned by Mendryll is actually a small, insignificant
Recently Azreena participated in the defense of tower, long dismissed as unimportant and forgotten. Its
Halfhap against a midnight raid by ogres. Clad in a cloth only claim to fame is that it is near a place where a group
nightgown and gauntlets of ogre power and wielding a of Purple Dragons disappeared during the “civil war” of
hammer +3, she single-handedly defended a portion of Gondegal. This group of Purple Dragons was called the
the town wall from waves of ogres for four straight hours, Starburst Swords, and they were not supposed to be in
until the Purple Dragons finally neutralized their own the area where they went missing.
opponents and were free to help her. Ironically, she al- If Nodric is asked where the Starbursts were supposed
most died of pneumonia as a result of extended exposure to be, research will reveal that they were expected to fol-
to the cold night air. Azreena refused any honors, re- low a route through Darkenshield, a small village that
wards, or praise, claiming that she was just “doing my was wiped out by Gondegal’s looting troops. The precise
duty.” Even though not all townsfolk subscribe to her location of the village is not known, but Nodric recalls
views or worship Torm, she is the most loved, most re- that it was somewhere close to the Stonebolt Trail.
spected person in Halfhap. Nodric can of course give the PCs the full details of
Gondegal’s war.
J. Nodric’s Home. This short tower is the home of
Nodric the sage (CG hm M5). Nodric has a 25% chance K. Purple Dragon Barracks. Each of these four large
of being able to answer any question about history, myth, buildings has a capacity of 300 troops.
legend, or religion, and charges 20 gp per answer. If he
cannot answer a question, he will offer to research it for L. Perrin Clovenshield’s House. This is the dwelling
a price of 50 gp. After he researches a question, his of the commander of all Purple Dragon forces in
chance of being able to answer it increases to 75%. Halfhap, Perrin Clovenshield (LN hm F10).

100
 M. Constabulary. This squat stone tower and adjoin- lightning (34 charges), small carpet of flying, brooch of
ing building contains the office of Commander Cloven- shielding, light warhorse.
shield, the command center for town watches, the office Spellbook (4/3/3/2): 1st — alarm, burning hands*, com-
of the Crown representative, and enough dungeon cells prehend languages*, detect magic, erase, feather fall*, hold
to hold about 300 offenders. portal, message*, sleep, spider climb; 2nd — alter self*, fog
cloud*, forget*, scare, whispering wind; 3rd — dispel magic,
N. Entry Keeps. Located on the eastern and western hold person*, nondetection*, phantom steed, wraithform*;
ends of the town wall, these four-towered structures can 4th — fumble, phantasmal killer, polymorph other*, wall of
hold 100 men each. They are constructed in such a way fire*.
that anyone entering or leaving town must pass under a Winaneh is a sorceress who has spurned Oznod’s
keep’s arch. Besides the inner and outer gates, each keep clumsy passes, intent on doing the work Lord Aris has
has arrow slits, murder holes, burning oil dispensers, and assigned them. She firmly believes in Lord Aris’s cause.
ballistae.
Aris’s flunkies, hm F4 (4): AC 5 (chain armor); MV
O. Extraordinary Stable. This long, large building is 12; hp 24 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long
used for the feeding, care, and storage of the Purple sword), 1d4 (dagger), or 1d6 (flight arrow); SZ M; ML
Dragons’ hippogriff mounts. average (10); Int average (9); AL LE; XP 270 each.

Visitors in Halfhap Mirande Palemedes, Zhentish spy, hef F6/C6 (Lovi-

The following are people who may wind up getting in- atar): AC 1 (ceremonial scale mail and breastplate, Dex
volved with the PCs, either during their stay in Halfhap bonus); MV 12; hp 50; THAC0 15 (9 w/girdle, 5
or after they depart to continue their mission. w/morning star +4); #AT 1; Dmg 2d4+16 (morning star
+4, Str bonus w/girdle); SZ M; ML fanatic (18); AL LE;
Oznod Brekker, hm F6: AC 5 (chain armor); MV XP 2,000.
12; hp 40; THAC0 15 (14 w/long sword +1); #AT 1; S 12 (24 w/girdle), Co 15, D 16, I 12, W 18, C 15
Dmg 1d8+2 (long sword +1, Str bonus); SZ M; ML elite Personality: intense, deceitful, pious
(14); AL LE; XP 650. Special Equipment: ceremonial scale mail and breast-
S 16, D 14, Co 17, I 11, W 12 C 12 plate, morning star +4, girdle of storm giant strength, candle
Personality: clever, observant of invocation (lawful evil), shroud of resurrection (20
Special Equipment: long sword +1, healing potion, light charges), 4 vials unholy water, holy symbol of Loviatar,
warhorse. light riding horse.
Oznod is a loyal follower of Lord Aris, and the head of Spells (5/5/3): 1st — cause fear, cause light wounds (x2),
a six-member reconnaissance party that has stopped darkness, invisibility to undead; 2nd — chant, know align-
over in Halfhap for a few days. He is especially on the ment, produce flame, silence 15’ radius, spiritual hammer;
lookout for treasure hunters who make it known that 3rd — tall lightning, cause disease, prayer.
they are heading out to explore ruins and get rich. Note: For more information on the clergy of Loviatar,
Oznod will head out after them with his team and at- see page 100 of Faiths & Avatars.
tempt to disable or kill them at the first opportunity, to Mirande is a petite woman who conceals her status as
prevent them from stumbling upon Aris’s base of opera- a cleric of Loviatar when she is in unsympathetic terri-
tions. Oznod hates Winaneh (see below) for not return- tory (e.g., anywhere in Cormyr). Her combat tactics are
ing his attempts at affection, but is forced to work with simple but effective: she lets enemies get into melee
her. range, then smacks them into the afterlife with her mag-
ically enhanced strength. Mirande leads a five-member
Winaneh Marlowson, hf M8: AC 0 (bracers AC 4, team of spies from Zhentil Keep who are gathering infor-
Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 30; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg mation on Cormyrean defenses. On several occasions
1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML average (10); AL LE; XP 3,000. they have assaulted adventuring groups in isolated lo-
S 7, D 18, Co 15, I 18, W 17, C 11 cales, looting them for the glory of Zhentil Keep. She
Personality: analytical, efficient and Kalor (see below) pass themselves off as husband
Special Equipment: bracers of defense AC 4, wand of and wife.

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 Kalor Ovrabek, Zhentish spy, hem F5/T6: AC -3 dragon hunters. Many great beasts have been seen
(bracers AC 5, ring +2, boots of speed, Dex bonus); MV slowly moving into the far eastern spur of the
24; hp 42; THAC0 16 (15 w/Str, 12 w/sword +3); #AT 1; Stormhorn Mountains, and the western corner of
Dmg 1d6+4 (short sword +3, Str bonus), 1d4+4 (dagger the Thunder Peaks. A bit too close for comfort,
of venom +3, Str bonus); SZ M; ML fanatic (17); AL LE; don’t you think? (False)
XP 1,400. 7. Oh, Gondegal still has sympathizers, even after
S 17, D 18, Co 16, I 9, W 12, C 15 being defeated more ‘n fifteen years ago. There are
Personality: loyal, alert, inquisitive some who say that a few powerful local lords dream
Special Equipment: boots of speed, bracers of defense AC of doing what Gondegal did, only not making his
5, ring of protection +2, short sword +3, dagger of venom mistakes. (True)
+3, wand of secret door and trap location (44 charges), 8. If during your travels you see a phantom army, run!
light riding horse, thieves’ tools. If they howl at you, you will die in the next tenday!
Thief Abilities: PP 50; OL 50; F/RT 60; MS 60; HS 55; (False)
DN 40; CW 80; RL 0. 9. Everywhere I turn, I see Zhentish! I declare, they’re
Kalor is a rakishly handsome man and a loyal Zhenti- infesting the area! (False; it only seems that way to
lar. He is impressed with Lord Orgauth’s work in rebuild- some folk)
ing the Keep. Kalor loves magic items, and stocks him- 10. The Stonelands are getting more lethal, I think.
self with many of them. He and Mirande pass themselves Seems that everywhere you turn, you run into more
off as married, a charade they love playing to the hilt and more monsters, and some of them look like you
even when no one is watching. and me, if you catch my drift. Stay out of the
Stonelands if you know what’s good for you! (True)
Zhentish flunkies, hm F4 (3): AC 3 (plate armor); 11. King Azoun hisself has offered a bounty of a thou-
MV 12; hp 25 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long sand gold for the remains of every spectre slain!
sword), 1d8 (sheaf arrow), 1d6 (spear), 1d6 (hand axe); SZ (False)
M; ML steady (12); Int average (10); AL LE; XP 270 each. 12. Beholders, liches, and drow. That’s all we see
nowadays, especially in the Stonelands, Storm
Rumors In Halfhap Horns, and Thunder Peaks. Beholders, liches, and
Each PC can pick up 1d4 rumors during his stay in drow. (False)
Halfhap. Roll a d20 to determine which ones are heard. 13. The Red Wizards of Thay are making an alliance
with some local isolated lords and barons. This
1. Something odd’s going on in the Gnoll Pass. Some- whole matter stinks! (False)
one swears he saw wyverns lurkin’ in there! (True) 14. All of our grief of late can be blamed on the Cult
2. Some folk in Tilverton don’t much appreciate of the Dragon. Those blasted crazy-folk are stirring
Cormyrean rule, and are taking to harassing up trouble all over Cormyr! They have a worship
Cormyrean caravans and such, along the Moonsea site around here, I know it! (False)
Ride. (False) 15. There is a castle in the mountains near the Gnoll
3. There’s a village, or what’s left of one, somewhere Pass, from which orcs and undead issue forth and
along the Stonebolt Trail. They say it was ruined ravage the countryside. (Mostly true)
during Gondegal’s rebellion. (True) 16. Things are different ‘round these parts for the last
4. Someone’s been hirin’ an awful lotta adventurin’ fifteen years. One would swear that some of the
companies, combing the Stonelands for treasure. good gods, probably Tyr mostly, are testing unwary
My cousin’s friend swears that many of ‘em have a passersby, looking for someone or something.
symbol, three lightning bolts and a skull or some- (Mostly true)
thin’. (True) 17. The place where the Stonebolt Trail splits off from
5. Parts o’ the Moonsea Ride are haunted, I tell ye! the Moonsea Ride is especially nasty these days.
Fog comin’ outta nowhere, towers with candles lit Seems like everyone who rides through there lately
in the windows, where in the daylight there ain’t winds up swinging swords and spells more often
no tower! Haunted, I tell ye! Haunted! (True) than not. (False; Aris is choosy about who he at-
6. Now’s a good time for all stout men who say they’re tacks, and where)

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 18. Cormyr should leave the Hullack Forest alone,
not try to clear it out! The arrival of so-called “civ-
The Haunted Land
ilization” there has driven many horrors northwest, The sky overhead has become gray by the time you arrive
right onto our doorstep! (False) close to the spot that Mendryll described to you. A low mist
19. The Harpers are quite active in this part of rolls in as a gentle breeze comes up that seems colder than the
Cormyr. Makes one feel more secure, yes? (False; in air from which it sprang.
fact, their presence here is lighter than in other In the distance in front of you, several humanlike figures
places) move through the mist, closing in. Other groups advance
20. Don’t trust any riddles or rhymes that you hear silently from the right and the left, and all the figures spread
’round these parts! Especially any that mention out to form a ring around you, stopping when they are about
“screaming fish.” (False) ten paces away.
Each of the three dozen ghostly, misty men is clad in but-
Evil Eyes and Ears tered chainmail with a tattered tabard showing a purple
With Zhentish spies and the agents of Lord Aris in dragon, and a badge depicting an upraised sword with a star-
town, the PCs may find themselves in the midst of burst behind it. Each man’s eyes glow an unhealthy green,
trouble if they are indiscreet. Each inn and tavern in and a wave of supernaturally cold air wafts over you.
Halfhap is liable to have some of either faction’s ordic The men make no further move toward you; they simply
nary soldiers lurking about. If they catch wind of inter- stand staring at you and pointing down at the mist-covered
esting people making ambitious plans, one of their num- ground.
ber quietly slips out and informs his superiors.
Lord Aris’s people are primarily interested in keeping These are the spirits of the Starburst Swords, haunting
their master informed on possible threats from the place where they fell. They cannot be attacked or
Cormyrean-sponsored adventuring companies. The turned, and magic spells that allow communication with
Zhents are more interested in waylaying victims, rob- the dead do not work on them.
bing them blind, and taking a few to Zhentil Keep as The Starburst Swords are trying to tell the PCs to dig
prisoners or slaves. into the ground. If they do so, they will find only a few
In either case, the PCs will not be engaged in direct inches beneath the surface many remnants of a battle:
confrontation until they are isolated from any help— rusted and battered helms, broken swords, fragments of
perhaps in a remote comer of town where patrols don’t chain mail, human bones, and other humanoid bone
go late at night or, more likely, a site outside town. fragments that are scorched and blackened. Anyone
who makes a successful Intelligence ability check can
Setting Out identify the burnt bones as those of trolls.
When the PCs are ready to depart Halfhap (presumably If the PCs vocally identify the Starburst Swords (using
in the early part of the day, after resting and equipping the name provided to them by Nodric the sage), the
themselves), the day promises to be a good one for spirits howl in what sounds like anguished relief and dis-
travel—clear skies and seasonal temperatures. They are appear. As the last echo of their tortured screams dies,
expected to set out on a southerly route along the the mist parts to form a path heading east.
Moonsea Ride, heading for the place Mendryll has told After following the path for only a couple of minutes,
them about (the spot on Map 12 marked “Haunted the PCs see a tall structure atop a hill. (If they are trav-
Tower”). eling at night, the first thing they see is a light in the dis-
If desired, roll periodically for random encounters, tance. As they get closer, they realize that the light is
using the “Temperate Plain” table on page 127. If either coming from a window on the top floor of a three-story
Aris’s reconnaissance force or the Zhentish spies are tower.)
trailing the PCs, they will follow at a considerable dis-
tance, staying at least an hour behind them.

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 Tower of Ruin burst Swords at the old battlefield site. Otherwise, all
that would-be explorers see is an insignificant heap of
As you move close enough to precisely identify this structure, rubble atop a caved-in series of underchambers.
you can see a squat, cylindrical stone tower half as tall as it is
wide with a ground-floor entrance on the south wall. The Ground Floor
structure is three stories tall and appears to be in splendid 1. Entry. The exterior door is made of oak reinforced
condition, as if it has just been built. with iron. It is not locked. Beyond the door is a hallway
that leads north toward a circular stairway.
Each PC should make a Wisdom ability check using half
of his or her Wisdom score (round up). Anyone who 2. Stairway. This cast iron stairway shows not a single
succeeds will recall Mendryll’s description of “a crum- speck of rust or wear. The stairs wind down as well as up.
bling old tower” and will realize that, according to what By looking straight up, PCs can see a beautiful stained-
they have been told, this tower should not be in such glass skylight set in the tower roof.
good repair.
In fact, this tower—depicted in Map 14—is the rest- 3. Reception Room. This is a conventional room
ing place of the sword Silveredge, one of the magical containing several cozy chairs and couches and a fire-
items known as the Four from Cormyr. Torm the True, place. Over the fireplace hangs a portrait of King Azoun
the god of duty and the entity who cursed the Starburst IV in which he looks about fifteen or twenty years
Swords for shirking their responsibility, protects the younger than he is now.
sword from falling into undeserving hands by keeping
the tower under a special enchantment. The structure is 4. Kitchen. What will strike the PCs odd about this
only seen in its pristine shape, and can only be entered, otherwise ordinary kitchen is that the larder is filled
by those who have encountered the spirits of the Star- with fresh ingredients, ready to be cooked.

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 5. Dining Room. This comfortable room has a pol- “Elan” the rakshasa: AC -4; MV 15; HD 7; hp 52;
ished dining table and eight chairs, each with a place THAC0 13; #AT 3; Dmg 1d3/1d3/1d4+1; SA illusion;
setting in front of it. The utensils, dishes, and cups are SD only hit by +1 or better magical weapon, any weapon
all crafted of silver. The total value of the setting for below +3 does only half damage: MR immune to spells
eight is 1,600 gp. Not a speck of tarnish is visible on any lower than 8th level; SW killed by hit from blessed cross-
thing, and the tablecloth is pure white linen that smells bow bolt; SZ M; ML champion (16); Int very (12); AL
as though it has just been freshly laundered. LE; XP 6,000.
Personality: crafty, cunning
6. Study. The study has a blazing fire in the fireplace, Special Equipment: amulet of proof against detection and
and the room is filled with tapestries, a desk, comfortable location, jeweled necklace worth 4,000 gp.
chairs, and bookcases stocked with a multitude of books. Wizard Spells (4/3/2): 1st — charm person, hypnotism,
A mirror hangs over the fireplace. phantasmal force, shocking grasp; 2nd — invisibility, mirror
Sitting at the desk is a woman poring over a book. A image, ray of enfeeblement; 3rd — hold person, spectral
tray of freshly cooked food sits next to her on the desk- force.
top. Priest Spells (3): 1st — command, light, protection from
The woman will introduce herself as Elan, a warrior of good.
Torm, the god of duty and honor. She says she is the Note: All of the rakshasa’s spells are cast at the 7th
tower’s guardian, stationed here by her deity to protect level of ability.
the place when Torm cursed it. She warns everyone that,
although the ground level of the tower is in pristine con- Elan, whose real name is Royappa, cannot leave this
dition, the upper levels are infested with foul and ter- tower and cannot access the tower’s top level. (The lat-
rible creatures that also wound up imprisoned here when ter restriction was placed upon the rakshasa as part of
the curse was brought down upon the place. Torm’s curse to prevent the beast from getting its hands
If she is asked to explain the curse, the swordswoman on Silveredge.)
says that many years ago, the tower’s four occupants wit-
nessed a group of Purple Dragons being assailed by a Second Floor
pack of trolls in the valley below them. One of the Pur- 7. Wrecked bedroom. A pair of beds are dashed
ple Dragons managed to escape from the battle and against a wall, curtains and tapestries tom to shreds, and
make it to the tower, with two trolls in pursuit. He fine clothing trampled underfoot. There is an open win-
pounded on the door, but those within did not lift a fin- dow as well. Six minotaurs, looking even wilder and
ger to help him. more desperate than one would expect, look first at the
Elan goes on to explain that the attack by the trolls PCs, then at the open door, then launch themselves at
was Torm’s way of punishing the Purple Dragons for the PCs, bellowing ferociously.
some breach of faith, but by allowing one of them to es-
cape he was also testing the tower occupants. They Minotaurs (6): AC 6; MV 12; HD 6+3; hp 30 each;
failed that test by refusing to aid the soldier, and a horde THAC0 13; #AT 2; Dmg 1d4 (bite), 1d8+2 (huge battle
of monsters descended a year later and laid the tower to axe); SZ L; ML champion (16); Int low (5); AL CE; XP
ruin. However, Torm tied the eternal fate of the Purple 1,400 each.
Dragons’ souls to the ruined tower. Special Equipment: large battle axes.
Elan’s words are filled with half-truths. “She” is actu-
ally a rakshasa, who had come to the tower in order to The minotaurs cannot leave this level of the tower. Once
lure those within to their doom. The curse struck ten a minotaur dies, its body rapidly decomposes as ten years
years ago, and the rakshasa found itself trapped within of being held in stasis catches up with it. Each minotaur
the tower, along with the monsters that had helped raze has a silver necklace with a black diamond, identifying it
the tower in the first place. as a member of this clan. Each necklace is worth 500 gp.
The rakshasa will offer to cook for the PCs, will put If they look out the window of this chamber, the PCs
them up in separate rooms if they want temporary lodg- can see the ghostly warriors from the battlefield, seem-
ing, and then will attempt to kill them off one by one. ingly surrounding the tower and looking right up at
them.

105
 8. Bedroom. This is another bedroom, also ruined occupants are four human men, their eyes wide with
and basically identical with room #7, except that it is in- madness, wearing ragged clothing and old chain mail
fested with giant spiders. and wielding nasty swords.
Many years ago these four warriors decided to retire to
Giant spiders (6): AC 4; MV 3, Wb 12; HD 4+4; hp this tower. Their failure to open the door to the dying
22 each; THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8; SA poison type Purple Dragon soldier brought Torm’s curse down upon
F; SZ L; ML elite (13); Int low (7); AL CE; XP 650 each. them. Like all other residents of this place, they need no
food or water. The men are alive, but are suspended in
The only treasure to be found here is a small coffer with time.
500 shiny Cormyrean gold coins, none of them with a When the PCs enter, they charge insanely, babbling
mint date later than ten years ago. phrases such as “We didn’t open the door,” “Cursed are
This room also has a window, offering the same view we,” “Time stands still,” and “Can’t leave . . .”
as from room #7.
Maddened old warriors, hm F7 (4): AC 3 (chain
9. Empty room. Aside from a window through which mail and Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 25 each; THAC0 14;
the surrounding warrior spirits can be viewed (see room #AT 3/2; Dmg 2d4+1 (bastard sword and Str bonus); SZ
#7), this area has nothing of interest. A single wooden M; ML fearless (20); Int low (6); AL N; XP 650 each.
chair stands next to a simple wooden table on which is Special Equipment: chain mail, bastard swords.
placed a hooded lantern.
If these men are killed, the warrior spirits outside howl
10. The damned. Yet another bedroom containing for four rounds, one round for each of the dead, then all
smashed furniture and a window, but this time, the goes quiet.
tower’s four occupants are here to welcome the PCs. The

106
 12. Room of remains. This ruined room’s floor is cov-
Third Floor ered two feet deep with the skeletal remains of humans
11. Guard room. Torm has placed a spectator in this and demihumans, with an occasional scrap of rotted
windowless room. The only other features of the cham- leather or fragment of steel weaponry or armor. The re-
ber are a stone table and a deck of playing cards sitting mains were deposited here by the resident of the room
atop it. Obviously, the spectator will attack anyone who ahead.
confuses it for a beholder, although during combat it will
say, in a very calm, matter-of-fact voice, “You do realize 13. Shadowdeath. Perhaps the biggest time-trapped
that I am not a beholder, don’t you?” surprise in the tower is the shadow dragon in this cham-
ber. If this creature had to be stuck in this room in “real
Spectator: AC body 4, eyes 7; MV Fl 9 (B); HD 4+4; time” it would most certainly have gone insane. Of
hp 36 plus 1 hp per eyestalk; THAC0 15; #AT 1; Dmg course, being a smaller specimen of its kind and having
1d4+1; SA magic from eyestalks; SD central eye reflects its wings clipped may help explain its ability to exist in
spells; MR 5%; SZ M; ML fearless (20); Int high (14); this chamber. A small window lets in a feeble amount of
AL LN; XP 5,000. light.
Personality: analytical, dutiful
Shadowdeath, juvenile shadow dragon: AC -4; MV
The spectator does not say why it is here, and it has no 18; HD 12; hp 54; THAC0 9; #AT 3; Dmg
treasure. Its purpose is to guard the door leading to the 1d6+4/1d6+4/3d6+4 (claw/claw/bite); SA breath
other rooms on this floor. weapon (life energy loss for 2d4+2 turns); SD immune to
In order to gain passage through the door, the PCs energy drain; MR 20%; SZ H (body 15’ long); ML fear-
must pass the following test, posed by the spectator: less (20); Int genius (18); AL CE; XP 10,000.
“Before you go off adventuring, you swear that each of Personality: cunning, brooding, intellectual
you will never forsake the others, that you shall all be united Wizard Spells (2): 1st — magic missile, phantasmal force.
as one forever, and nothing shall break the bond that makes Spell Ability: mirror image (3/day).
you all one. Your fortunes and lives are forever entertwined. Special Ability: HS 55.
“You go off adventuring, and run afoul of a very powerful
group of foes. One of your members is struck down, and is Shadowdeath will do his best to incapacitate as many
dying on the floor, and it is quite clear that he is not long for PCs as possible, while killing a minimum amount. Be-
this world. He tells the rest of you ‘Forget about me—save fore trying to attack, however, he questions the PCs
yourselves! I am dead anyway!’ about “the outside world,” what interesting news and
“What do you do? 1. Run away as he requested; 2. Do gossip there is, and if they happen to know of any way
your best to get him out of there and save him, while holding that he may be freed from this cursed tower. Once he has
the enemy at bay; 3. Avenge him by doing your utmost to de- had all of his questions answered, then he will attempt
stroy the foes, despite overwhelming odds.” to kill them all.
Shadowdeath’s treasure hoard contains 4,655 sp, 3,901
The PCs can choose to answer individually, or as a ep, 26 black diamonds worth 500 gp each, 34 black opals
group. The only response the spectator will accept is #2. worth 250 gp each, and 54 pieces of obsidian worth 25 gp
Anyone who gives a different response must either re- each. In addition, the dragon has a holy avenger +5 long
main in this room or go back downstairs. sword, a flame tongue +1 short sword, a mace of disruption,
There is an out, however. If those who failed the test a +2 shield, a set of splint mail +1 that is actually armor of
object to staying behind because they pledged their blending, a set of chain mail +2, a set of leather armor +1, a
comrades that they would fight by their side always (or staff of thunder and lightning, a wand of wonder, a Buck-
something along those lines), the spectator will give a nard’s everfull purse, a large bag of holding, a talisman of
wide, toothy smile and say: Zagy, and the following potions: healing, extra-healing,
“Well spoken! Perhaps you are learning after all! Pass, speed, longevity, fire resistance, and plant control.
then, even if it means falling with your friends! Should you
make it all the way, remember that the spoken name of duty 14. Sword room. This chamber contains nothing but
and loyalty can give you much.” bare stone walls, floor, and ceiling—except for a bril-

107
 liantly glowing sword hovering in the air in the center of ing throw causes the defiler turn to stone and become af-
the room. This is the sword Silveredge, part of the set of fixed to one of the undecorated sarcophagus lids. A suc-
magical items known as Four From Cormyr. (It was the cessful saving throw spares the PC from this fate, but
light from Silveredge that the PCs saw off in the distance even then, it is impossible to take any valuables away
as they were approaching the tower.) from this crypt area.
Any worshiper of Torm may safely grasp Silveredge To rescue a trapped PC, his companions must cast the
and take it away. Otherwise, a character must utter the following spells on him in this order: remove curse, stone
god’s name before grabbing it; failure to do so results in to flesh, and raise dead.
an electric shock doing 6d6 hit points of damage, with If the four madmen have been killed, their spirits will
no saving throw allowed. This shock only affects a single be found in this chamber, wearing calm expressions, and
character once, but if the sword changes hands to some- they will address the PCs:
one who has not previously touched it, that character “Even though Torm was punishing them for their taking
also takes the damage. the easy road, we did not know that when it happened. We
were capable men; we should have opened the door and lent
Cellar aid. Torm gave us what we deserved. Now, go to where the
15. Garbage room. This room is filled with trash and Starbursts should have gone, and make things right. Only
ashes, the latter coming into the room through brick then will they, and we, have peace.”
shafts that are connected to the two fireplaces on the After saying this, the spirits fade away.
ground floor.
Leaving the Tower
16. Guard room. This room radiates pure white light Regardless of how they have fared against the denizens
from its very walls. In the center of the chamber is a of the tower, the PCs will not be able to leave this place
block of granite with an embroidered white linen cloth until they have removed Silveredge from its resting place
on it; atop the cloth are two silver bowls, one filled with and are carrying it with them. When all of them have
holy water, one filled with blood. vacated the tower with the sword in someone’s posses-
Any PC who closely examines the embroidery on the sion, read the following:
cloth is entitled to make an Intelligence ability check. If
the check succeeds, he can see two sentences woven It is the dead of night, with a brilliant canopy of stars over-
into the embroidered patterns: “Holy drops to the source head. You feel a little lightheaded for a few moments—and
of courage, spilled life on that which tells of courage” then, when you snap out of your stupor and look behind you,
and “To defile the sleeping dead is to join them.” the tower site is nothing but a pathetic heap of rubble that ap-
Any characters who wish to pass into room #17 must pears to have been undisturbed for several years.
put a dab of holy water on their heart and a dab of blood The mist is gone, but the three dozen phantoms still pre-
on their lips. Anyone who gets the order wrong, but at vail. They stare at you briefly; then, as one, they turn and
least tries, will find that the door is impossible to open. face directly west, pointing with their right hands. Suddenly
Those who try to open the door but do not attempt to the air is filled with an unearthly howl, and they vanish.
follow the instructions on the embroidery will receive a
shock for 8d8 hit points of damage (no saving throw)
every time they try to open the door.
Westward Ho
The door simply cannot be opened by anyone who Your route, heading due west, takes you through the south-
does not perform the ritual correctly. ern edge of the Stonelands, a desolate, cheerless place. Every
once in a while, the terrain is broken up by an odd, solitary
17. Crypts. If the four madmen (room #10) are not hillock, or a clump of gnarled trees.
dead, all that is seen in this chamber are two dozen sar- In the distance, you see a small column of smoke. As you
cophagi, half of them with sculptured effigies of armored get nearer, you see several figures standing motionless, while
warriors carved on the lids. Each of these sculptures has a few heaps of some unidentifiable substances are burning.
2,000 gp worth of gold and gems in decoration. Anyone Closing in, your eyes take in a scene of carnage. Three
who attempts to remove any part of the decorations human-sized figures and four horses are burning fiercely.
must make a saving throw vs. spell at -6. Failing the sav- Four statues—a human female warrior, a human male in a

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robe, a horse, and an armored dwarf female with a hummer A ranger or some other character with proficiency in
raised over her head—stand amid the flaming heaps, which tracking can discern that this carnage happened less
are now beginning to burn themselves out. than half an hour ago. Aside from the footprints of hu-
Scattered between this grisly scene and the edge of a ridge mans and dwarves, other obvious tracks are those of a
about 100 feet to the northeast are the dead bodies of two large cat and those of a bull or bull-like creature.
more people. A few bits of broken weapons and shattered While the PCs are engrossed in examining this scene,
armor lie around haphazardly. the gorgimera that makes its lair on the other side of the
ridge to the northeast flies out and engages them.
If they check the bodies (either the burned ones or the
petrified ones, or both), the PCs find that most of them Gorgimera: AC 5 (front)/2 (rear); MV 12,Fl 15 (E);
have a medallion or badge showing three lightning bolts HD 10; hp 75; THAC0 11; #AT 5; Dmg
radiating from a human skull, set against a black back- 1d3/1d3/2d4/2d6/3d4 (claw/claw/lion bite/head
ground. (This is the symbol of Lord Aris.) butt/dragon bite); SA breath weapons; SZ L; ML elite
This group is one of Lord Aris’s teams that are scour- (14); Int semi- (4); AL N; XP 7,000.
ing the Stonelands, looking for treasure for their master
and waylaying other adventuring groups that have stum- Beyond the crest of the ridge is a steep 170-foot drop to
bled upon such things. the terrain below. The gorgimera’s lair is in a niche 70
A backpack lying near one of the dead bodies con- feet down the side of the ridge face. It uses its flight abil-
tains a map of the Stonelands that shows the location of ity to come over the top of the ridge quickly just before
the small tower Lord Aris has established as his nerve attacking its victims.
center for activities in this area. It is located just a mile The lair contains 1,574 gp, 230 pp, a wand of frost, a
northeast of where the Stonebolt Trail branches off from phylactery of long years, a cloak of arachnida, a chime of
Gnoll Pass. opening, a hat of stupidity, and six darts of homing.

109
 Darkenshield skeletons. It becomes apparent that the four larger
people were trying to defend a trio of helpless halflings,
After a few hours of leisurely and careful travel, you arrive at but alas, all of them fell to the raiders.
the ruins of a small village located a short distance west of the If the skeletons are given a decent burial, the PCs
Stonebolt Trail. The area contains an abundance of heaps of sense the air suddenly feeling odd, but in a pleasant way.
wood and stone, each of which apparently was once a cot- Suddenly, any PCs suffering from wounds, diseases,
tage. Every so often, you see the remains of fireplaces and curses, or other detrimental effects short of death, level
chimneys, towering ten or twelve feet over the ruins. draining, or lost limbs, find themselves restored to good
Six buildings are still intact, although in this case “intact” health.
is taken at its very broadest possible definition. If it has two
walls and part of a roof still standing, it is considered intact. 2. Ruined inn. A weathered signboard, hanging by
The tallest building is a tower that extends up three stories, only one chain, ironically identifies this place as the
raised up as if shaking a fist at the heavens in protest of the “Safe Haven.” Only the first floor of the inn and its ad-
village’s fate. An entire side of the tower has collapsed, laying joining barn to the north remain intact. The large
the interior bare to the elements. amount of debris on the “roof,, is the remains of what
You cannot help but shake your head at the devastation used to be the inn’s second floor.
you see here, evidently caused many years ago. The stable contains the skeleton of a twelve-year-old
boy—the stable boy, who was killed as he tried to pre-
Any player who remembers the information provided by vent the raiders from stealing the inn’s mounts.
Nodric the sage, back in Halfhap, will realize that this is Most of the interior walls of the first floor of the inn
the village of Darkenshield, the place that was destroyed have been smashed flat. This bit of unwelcome interior
by Gondegal’s raiders fifteen years ago. During this first decorating was done by the inn’s new occupants,, a pack
encounter with the place, Darkenshield is simply a ruin of ogres that have set up temporary quarters here.
for the PCs to explore. The second time, however, it The fireplace has fresh ashes in it, and dirty bowls,
serves as a battleground against Lord Aris’s forces, which dishes and cups are scattered all over the floor and on
will mobilize and march to this place. Lord Aris thinks it the one intact trestle table.
fitting to use these ruins as a staging area for attacks on
Halfhap, Tilverton, and any caravans in the vicinity. Ogres (8): AC 5; MV 9; HD 4+1; hp 20 each;
After all, this is a site of victory for Gondegal’s forces. THAC0 17 (15 w/weapon); #AT 1; Dmg 1d10 (fists) or
Conveniently left out of Aris’s reasoning is the fact that 1d8+6 (huge club, Str bonus); SZ L; ML steady (12); Int
there were no loyal Cormyrean troops here to offer resis- low (8); AL CE; XP 270 each.
tance. To anyone with honor and decency, this was not Special Equipment: huge clubs, pouches containing
the site of a victory; it was the site of a massacre. dirty wax.

The Ruins If one or more of the ogres is subdued and questioned, the
Map 15, on page 111, depicts what little is left of the PCs will learn that the ogres have seen a few humans
devastated village of Darkenshield. The piles of rubble “creepin’ about, lookin’ like they’s lookin’ fer sumpin,”
shown on the map, each one representing a destroyed and the ogres even managed to kill one of them. The man
building, are large enough to serve as cover. A few loca- they killed (and ate) was a scout for Lord Aris, and his
tions, described below, are wholly or partially intact. brooch has found its way into the ogres’ treasure hoard.
Their treasure is stashed in the kitchen’s larder, and
1. Desecrated shrine. This shattered building con- includes 567 gp, 1,104 sp, a 50-gp gold brooch decorated
tains bloodstained walls, knocked-over altars, and be- with Lord Aris’s symbol, a ring of water walking (actually
fouled holy water fonts. A large, partially ruined ham- a ring of elemental command (water); in order to activate
mer-and-scales symbol leaning up against what is left of it, the wearer must slay or help to slay three water
one of the exterior walls identifies this place as a former weirds), a Murlynd’s spoon, a periapt of health, and a
shrine to Tyr. In one comer are four skeletons, some still Quaal’s feather token (swan).
clutching hammers and all wearing holy symbols of Tyr The ogres use the dirty wax to plug their ears when
around their necks, interposed between three halfling the harpies (see below) are out and about.

110
 3. Ruined tower. The tallest structure still standing, and a pearl worth 500 gp, plus a pair of boots of elvenkind,
this three-story tower was the village’s sole defensible a ring of truth, and a rod of smiting all wrapped up together
building. in a filthy garment that is actually a robe of stars.
The entire southwest face has collapsed, offering a
cutaway view of the tower’s interior. From what can be 4. Village meeting hall. This large, barnlike structure
seen at a distance, the building holds nothing useful, all is where the villagers held their meetings. Scattered all
of the contents having been ruined after fifteen years of over the floor are 34 adult skeletons and 11 smaller
exposure to the elements. The walls and floors are cov- skeletons—the remains of the villagers who tried to
ered in old black feathers and streaks of ordure. make a last stand here. The remains of a podium and a
A group of harpies have taken roost in the tower gavel lie against the wall farthest from the door. Hanging
ruins. They will attack any creatures that attempt to on the wall above the podium is a banner (still intact be-
enter their residence. cause it was fashioned from the enchanted cloth of a
cloak of protection +1) showing a black shield with a
Harpies (6): AC 7; MV 6, Fl 15(C); HD 7; hp 42 single white star in the upper left hand corner, set
each;. THAC0 13; #AT 3; Dmg 1d3/1d3/1d6 against a field of sky blue. (This was Darkenshield’s vil-
(claw/claw/bite); SA singing and charm; SZ M; ML elite lage standard.)
(14); Int low (5); AL CE; XP 1,400 each. If they search through the skeletons, the PCs will dis-
cover beneath one of them an old leather-bound jour-
The harpies have managed to get some treasure from nal. The writing on most of the pages has been ruined by
their victims. It is located in a tangled mess of feathers, the elements and the passage of time, but portions of the
mud, and droppings, jammed up into a space where the final entry remain legible:
wall and the ceiling of the third floor come together. . . . The raiders struck swiftly, before our feeble militia
The treasure includes a small, greasy sack with 204 gp could even be mustered. We know them as Gondegal’s men.

111
 How can he dare try to claim kingship of Cormyr, yet allow of Tyr—but nothing will happen unless this is done after
his forces to treat us so? Lord Aris’s force arrives. (See the section titled “The
. . . taken refuge in the Village Meet. We hear the screams Final Battle” near the end of this adventure.)
of the dying outside. Now the raiders are trying to break in.
Where are the Purple Dragons? Where is our relief? We may 6. Mayor’s house. Nothing in this two-story stone
be on the frontier, but we are still of Cormyr. Where is our structure can be salvaged; it has been picked clean over
protection? Curse them for their slowness! the years. However, it was the sturdiest dwelling in the
. . . They are on the verge of breaking through the doors. village, and managed to stay up. Its only good purpose
All of us, including this old fool, must now take up our hoes, now is for shelter.
shovels, and winnowing forks to use as weapons even though It is currently occupied by a pack of kobolds who have
we know the outcome. Olin has distributed a sweet-tasting stopped here on the way to try to get hired by Lord Aris,
potion to the very old and very young. They fell asleep and whom the kobolds have heard “is gettin’ ready to do
slipped into the afterlife in peace. The rest of us, grieved at somethin’ big!”
such steps, now prepare to meet them on the other side, ush-
ered in with violence, alas. Tyr, we come to you soon. Make Kobolds (40): AC 7; MV 6; HD 1/2; hp 4 each;
our ends merciful, and bring justice to bear against these THAC0 20; #AT 1; Dmg 1d6 (short sword), 2d6 (flam-
raiders, even if it takes years to . . . ing oil), or 1d4 (light crossbow); SZ S; ML average (9);
Int average (9); AL LE; XP 7 each.
5. Olin’s shop. The only business to survive relatively
intact was that of Olin Foolsgold, the alchemist. Al- The kobolds enjoy taking sniper shots from upstairs win-
though the floor is covered with debris and rubbish, dows and raining flaming oil on those who try to enter
many shelves still stand, some of them holding alchemi- the building. They will do their best to attack from a dis-
cal ingredients and spell components. If a spellcaster tance.
searches through the shelves for one turn, there is a 15%
chance of his finding the material component for one of 7. An incriminating trail. If the PCs have acquired
his spells. This search can be attempted repeatedly, but the map from the encounter with the gorgimera, they
only once for each spell the character is currently carry- should not need any hints in order to realize that their
ing in memory; any subsequent attempts to find some- next route of travel should be south from Darkenshield
thing useful will automatically fail. toward the location of Aris’s outpost. Whether or not
Each PC who sifts through the debris on the floor can they have the map, make sure (by relocating these tracks
make a one-time ability check using half his Intelligence if necessary) that they come across this trail while they
score. The first one to succeed on this check finds a are investigating the ruined village.
scroll that reads: Any PC with proficiency in tracking who investigates
this site of jumbled footprints and hoofprints can tell
Formula For Vengeance: that a group of six humans and two orcish humanoids
1 bone of a victim mounted up on horses and rode south toward the
2 symbol of the site of death Stonebolt Trail. A successful tracking proficiency check
2 feathers of any sort enables the character to ascertain that the tracks are less
1 handful of hearth ashes than a day old.

Place the materials in a container. In the presence of the of-

fenders, hold the container over thy head, stand on holy
Death, Undead,
ground and utter the name of the one who made it holy.
and Revenge
The ingredients are fairly easy to come by: a single The tracks lead directly south to the Stonebolt Trail,
bone from one of the villagers, the banner from the meet- and then follow the trail in a southwesterly direction
ing hall, a couple of feathers from one of the harpies, and toward the foothills of the Storm Horns. When the PCs
ashes from the hearth of the inn. The ruined shrine is the come within visual range of the location on Map 12 la-
place to hold the container overhead and utter the name beled “Dead Party,” read the following:

112
In the distance you see a pack of loping, hunched over, hu- This unfortunate adventuring company fell victim to
manlike things, leaning down, scooping up matter of some one of Lord Aris’s squads of soldiers. The killers went
sort, and eating it. Meanwhile, a flock of six vultures circles back to Wyvernwatch, Lord Aris’s tower keep. If you
overhead, patiently waiting. want to turn this errand into a really meaningful one,
As you approach closer, exercising caution and stealth, make the dying company a group of NPC adventurers
you are sickened to see that you are witnessing a pack of ten that the PCs befriended earlier, such as may have hap-
ghouls feeding on seven prone figures, all dead. . . . No, pened in the earlier adventure “Murder Most Magi-
wait! One of them still moves slightly! So intent are the cal.”
ghouls on their meal that they do not notice you. If the PCs swear to avenge the fallen adventurers,
continue reading.
If the PCs attack the ghouls, they do so with automatic
surprise against them. If all goes well, this should be a As soon as you swear your oath of revenge, the medallion
one-sided battle, with the PCs routing the disgusting, gets slightly warm in the holder’s hand. Three faint rumbles
engorged undead. sound in the distance—perhaps thunder, perhaps something
else, but you cannot spend more time thinking about this,
Ghouls (10): AC 6; MV 9; HD 2; hp 15 each; since the dying woman interrupts your thoughts with a series
THAC0 19; #AT 3; Dmg 1d3/1d3/1d6 (claw/claw/bite); of hacking coughs.
SA paralyzation; SD immune to sleep and charm spells; Blood trickles out of the side of her mouth, but her face has
SW turning, holy water, protection from evil; SZ M; ML a look of satisfaction. “You swore . . . that is good,” she says,
steady (12); Int low (6); AL CE; XP 270 each. managing to smile. “The culprits rode due south, into the
Note: Touch causes paralysis for 1d6+2 rounds unless rough land . . . off the path,” she says. With a final shudder-
victim makes a saving throw vs. paralyzation. Elves are ing breath, she sinks into Kelemvor’s embrace, her eyes
immune to this attack. Holy water does 1d6+1 points of rolling up into her head.
damage. Protection from evil prevents ghouls from attack- Suddenly, the adventuring life doesn’t seem as carefree and
ing anyone in the protected area. exciting as it did a few heartbeats ago. You look down and see
the dead, and realize that this, more often than not, is the fate
There is no treasure to be found here. The ghouls have of those who choose your vocation.
none of their own, and anything on the bodies was al- Something occurs to you. You have sworn vengeance on
ready looted by those who murdered them. Once the behalf of these poor souls. Deep inside you, you get this odd
battle ends, continue reading to the PCs: feeling that two different powers are now bearing down on
you with two separate obligations.
With the threat of the ghouls ended, you turn your attention
to the dead. Your stomachs churn as you take in the ghouls’ Following a route due south from this site will soon lead
handiwork on the corpses. Giving a disappointed croak, the the PCs to Wyvernwatch Castle, located in the rough
vultures stop circling and fly off to the north. terrain between the Stonebolt Trail and the Moonsea
When you reach the person who was still alive, you can Ride.
tell it is already too late for her. She looks up at you and holds
up a feeble hand, shaking her head. “Ambushed. Warriors, a
few big orcs. Never stood a chance. Managed to rip this off
Lord Aris’s
one of them.” The woman holds out a large patch showing
three lightning bolts radiating from a skull.
Outpost
The woman closes her eyes and takes a painful breath, This relatively small structure is where Lord Aris and his
then reaches down inside her tunic and pulls out a white most important minions hatch their plans and stage
medallion depicting a black hand holding a coin that shows their attacks on the neighboring area. Lord Aris’s pri-
two faces looking in opposite directions, the backs of the mary residence is a large castle located 20 miles north-
heads merged with each other. She places the medallion in west of the town of Eagle Peak, near the western
(select one PC)’s hand. foothills of the Storm Horns. Instantaneous travel from
“Swear,” she croaks. “Swear by Hoar that you will one building to the other is possible by means of a pair of
avenge us!” dimensional gates.

113
 In this adventure, Aris starts off at the outpost, which low building attached to the base. A stone wall sur-
he has named Wyvernwatch due to the presence of sev- rounds the complex, and the courtyard is accessed
eral wyverns in the vicinity. through a double-wide gate made of iron. All of the
walls in the place are made of the same flat black stone.
The Wyvern Nest All windows have iron shutters that are normally closed
The area around Wyvernwatch is rough, mountainous and locked from the inside. Map 16, on page 115, shows
terrain. A small trail, wide enough that it can accommo- the layout of the place.
date three marchers side by side, winds up into the
mountains and to the castle. Ground Floor
Any travelers who use the trail to approach the castle 1. Outer walls. The castle’s 18-foot-tall perimeter
will pass along the edge of a short, steep-sided butte. walls are crowned by a walkway to enable the defenders
Atop the plateau, 30 feet above the trail and 100 feet in to scan the surroundings from a high vantage point.
from the edge of the butte, the mountainous terrain Three patrols of four soldiers walk the walls at all
slopes sharply upward once again. Where the plateau times. At a leisurely pace, each group makes a full circuit
meets the base of the mountain is a large cave that is of the perimeter in twenty minutes. The patrols are
home to a family of wyverns, a mated pair and two full- spaced and scheduled so that any particular wall (north,
grown offspring. south, east, or west) has no patrol walking upon it for
five minutes out of every twenty.
Wyverns (4): AC 3; MV 6, Fl 24 (E); HD 7+7; hp 50
each; THAC0 13; #AT 2; Dmg 2d8/1d6 (bite/tail 2. Gateway. The 20-foot-tall wrought iron double
stinger); SA dive and snatch, poison type F; SZ G; ML doors leading into the keep’s grounds are are covered in
elite (14); Int low (6); AL NE; XP 2,000 each. a repeating design of three lightning bolts emanating
from a central skull.
Over time, Lord Aris has managed to domesticate the The gateway is manned by six of Aris’s men at all
wyverns, to the extent that they will not attack any in- times, with three of them stationed in each of the small
dividual or group that displays Aris’s symbol. If the PCs guardhouses that flank the entranceway. The gate guards
have acquired such an item (such as the patch that was cannot open and close the portal by themselves, because
shown to them by the dying woman) and have it in the mechanism for opening the doors—a sophisticated
plain sight, one or more of the wyverns will swoop down series of pulleys and chains that run underground
for a closer look but will not initiate combat. through the courtyard—is located within the tower. The
Otherwise, if the wyverns do not recognize the PCs as captain of the guard holds two flags, a red and a green
“friends,” and if the PCs pass beneath the lair when the one. When the gate needs to be manipulated, he sends a
time is within two hours of sunrise or sunset, all four of signal to a sentry on duty inside the tower (in room #3).
the creatures will attack simultaneously. At any other Waving the red flag up and down twice is the signal to
time of day or night the chance of an attack is 50%, and open the gate, while waving the green flag side to side
1d3 of the creatures will take part in the initial attack, three times closes the gate.
with the others joining the fray two rounds later.
The wyverns’ cave has a load of treasure scattered 3. Tower entry and gate control. A stout iron door,
about in a haphazard manner. There are 2,746 gp, 1,444 which has a complex built-in lock as well as an iron bar
ep, two emeralds worth 500 gp each, a black pearl worth that can be lowered on the inside, provides access to the
1,000 gp, gauntlets of swimming and climbing, a rope of tower. A window to the east of the door provides a clear
climbing, a military pick +2, slippers of spider climbing, a view of the gate. Four soldiers are always on duty in this
cloak of protection +1, and a ring of feather fall. room, one of them responsible for watching the gate and
looking for a flag signal.
Wyvernwatch Castle The room contains a wooden table, four chairs, some
Located a half hour’s march farther up into the moun- dice, a deck of cards, a lantern, and the winch control
tains beyond the wyvern nest, this building is somewhat for the outer gate. A bell hanging from the ceiling serves
misnamed. In reality, it is more of a large tower than a as an alarm to warn the rest of the complex about in-
small castle. The five-story tower is 75 feet high with a truders.

114
 4. Stairway chamber. This brightly lit room has four healing, speed, and sweet water.
doors, one leading in each direction, and a stone that At least one leader is always here, unless all of Lord
provides access to the upper floors of the tower. A pair of Aris’s troops have been mobilized.
guards is always on duty here, and a simple wooden table
and two chairs are provided for them. Orog leaders (3): AC 3 (plate mail); MV 6; HD 4; hp
20 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8+3 (scimitar), 1d6
5. Orog barracks. This foul-smelling, crowded cham- (short bow, flight arrows); SZ M; ML elite (14); Int high
ber holds Lord Aris’s orog contingent, a force of 60 crea- (11); AL LE; XP 175 each.
tures shoved into numerous bunk beds. The banner of Special equipment: plate mail armor, scimitar, short
this company of orogs, who call themselves the Eye bow with 12 sheaf arrows, wooden alarm whistle.
Killers, depicts a disembodied eye with a black dagger
plunged through it. 7. Barracks. Lord Aris’s human troops are housed
here, in a crowded barracks filled with triple bunk beds.
Orogs (60): AC 4 (splint mail); MV 6; HD 3; hp 12 Aris has a total of 100 human soldiers. Unless all of the
each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8+3 (scimitar), 1d6 troops have been mobilized, this room will contain 25
(short bow, flight arrows); SZ M; ML elite (13); Int high soldiers at any time, 20 of them asleep.
(10); AL LE; XP 65 each.
Lord Aris’s soldiers, F3 (100): AC 5 (chain mail); MV
6. Orog leaders. This locked room is the quarters for 12; hp 15 each; THAC0 18; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long sword),
three orog leaders. In addition to three crude beds, the 1d6 (short bow, flight arrows), 1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML
chamber holds a locked wooden chest (trapped with a steady (11); Int average (9); AL LE or NE; XP 120 each.
needle, Type D poison, 12 doses total). The chest con- Special equipment: chain mail, long sword, short bow,
tains 153 pp and four potions: hill giant strength, extra- 24 flight arrows, dagger, wooden alarm whistle.

115
 8. Lieutenants’ room. Aris’s four human lieutenants 11. Priest’s room. Tanatha, a stormlord (specialty
sleep in this large but modestly furnished room. The priest of Talos) who acts as Aris’s chief “spiritual advi-
chamber contains two bunk beds, a table with four sor,” lives in this room. She is a cruel, unpredictable
chairs, a couch, and a community locker with a locked woman whose dark beauty is hidden in an ornate suit of
steel box inside it. The box contains 15 small trade bars black plate mail and a wicked-looking black helm.
of platinum (each worth 100 gp), three small sapphires Tanatha maintains the shrine and also counsels Lord
worth 100 gp each, a jar of Keoghtom’s ointment, and a Aris. She is 25% likely to be found here during any
scrap of paper that reads, “For this tenday—Open: red given hour.
up and down twice. Close: green side to side thrice.” Aside from a banner with the holy symbol of Talos
One lieutenant is always here, sleeping during his off- upon it, and a set of chains and manacles on one wall,
duty hours, and an additional 1d3 may be present (50% this looks like a normal bedroom, with a four-poster bed,
chance) at any given time, either relaxing or preparing a nightstand, a lockable wardrobe, and a desk with chair.
for a shift change. The wardrobe contains elegant clothes, most in shades
of black, red, and yellow, plus a small wooden box that
Lord Aris’s lieutenants, F5 (4): AC 3 (plate mail); holds 10 vials of unholy water and six black diamonds
MV 12; hp 32 each; THAC0 16; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8 (long worth 500 gp each.
sword), 1d6 (hand axe); SZ M; ML elite (14); Int aver-
age (10); AL LE; XP 270 each. Tanatha, hf P8 (Talos): AC -4 (plate +3, shield +3);
Special equipment: plate mail, long sword, hand axe, MV 12; hp 64; THAC0 16 (13 w/mace +3); #AT 1; Dmg
keys to all exterior doors, distress horns. 1d6+4 (footman’s mace +3); SD immune to electrical
damage and nonmagical heat or cold; SZ M; ML fanatic
9. Secondary entry. This room can be accessed either (18); AL CE; XP 5,000.
through the barracks (room #7) or from the courtyard by S 14, D 14, Co 17, I 15, W 15, C 18
means of a stout iron door that has a complex lock and Personality: cruel, random, sadistic
an iron bar that can be lowered on the inside. Ont h e Special Equipment: plate armor +3, shield +3, footman’s
floor in the northeast corner is an iron trap door fastened mace +3, helm of comprehending languages and reading
shut with a deadbolt. This door grants access to area magic, ring of regeneration, 4 vials of unholy water, holy
#21. symbol of Talos.
A metal bell hanging from the ceiling serves as an in- Spells (5/4/3/2): 1st — cause light wounds, darkness, de-
truder alarm. tect good, protection from good, shillelagh; 2nd — detect
Four of Aris’s soldiers are always stationed here. The charm, fire trap, know alignment, silence 15’ radius; 3rd —
room contains four chairs and a table, upon which rest a animate dead, bestow curse, cause disease; 4th — cause seri-
deck of cards, four mugs with a small keg of mead, and a ous wounds, poison.
lantern. The window gives a good view of the gate and Spell-like Abilities: shocking grasp 1/day, call lightning
much of the courtyard. 1/day, water walk at will, control winds 1/day, lightning bolt
1/day.
Second Floor
10. Shrine to Talos. This room’s most eye-catching Tanatha is a specialty priest of Talos (see Faiths &
feature is a stained-glass window showing three differ- Avatars, page 157), and is fanatically devoted to her
ent-colored lightning bolts radiating from a central deity above all else. She has hooked up with Lord Aris
point against a red background. A black altar, stained because his actions promise to bring chaos to Cormyr.
with red-brown splotches, stands under the window, She will have no compunctions about leaving him if
flanked by two black iron candlesticks with yellow things begin to go badly for the would-be king.
candles set in them.
The room radiates a queasy feeling of evil. It has a Third Floor
continuous protection from good radiating all over its di- 12. Necromancer’s room. Lord Aris has required the
mensions. There is a 25% chance that Tanatha (see services of a necromancer to keep his undead troops in
below) will be found here. line. This wizard is none other than Ratakos, the necro-
mancer whom the PCs may have encountered at the

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Journey’s Rest inn during the earlier adventure “Bad Evard’s black tentacles, polymorph other*, ice storm*;
Neighbor Policy.” 5th — animate dead*, avoidance*, cloudkill*, cone of cold*,
disguise undead‡, summon shadow*; 6th — Bloodstone’s
Ratakos, hm Nec 12: AC 2 (robe of archmagi, Dex spectral steed*†, death fog, death spell*, lich touch‡, teleport
bonus); MV12; hp 33; THAC0 17 (14 w/dagger +3); dead‡.
#AT 1; Dmg 1d4+3 (dagger +3); SZ M; ML elite (14);
AL CN; XP 8,000. If Ratakos has already met the PCs, he will be less in-
S 8, D 17, Co 15, I 18, W 18, C 6 clined to simply attack outright unless the PCs were
Personality: unpredictable, amoral, stern after his head the last time they saw one another. He will
Special Equipment: grey robe of the archmagi dagger +3, ask pointed questions about why the PCs are here, and if
amulet versus undead (7th level), ring of undead command they “are following me or something, eh?”
(see “Magical Items,” page 126), ring of regeneration, po- Ratakos has now joined forces with Lord Aris because
tion of wight control (2 doses left), scroll of protection from he has been presented with the opportunity to work
magic. with plenty of undead. He cares not for politics, king, or
Spellbook (5/5/5/5/5/2): 1st — burning hands, chill country. If Aris’s fortunes begin to reverse, Ratakos will
touch*, corpselight*‡, detect undead*, magic missile*, shock- use whatever means he has to effect an escape.
ing grasp, wall of fog*, wizard mark; 2nd — cloak undead*‡, The room looks more like a funeral parlor than a bed-
darkness 15’ radius*, ESP*, knock, protection from room. It contains a bed shaped like a coffin, and a locked
cantrips, spectral hand*, stinking cloud, undead mount*‡, trunk that looks like a sarcophagus. Black bunting and
wizard lock; 3rd — feign death, hold undead*, mummy wreaths of black roses hang everywhere, amid burning
touch*‡, paralyze*‡, phantom steed, revenance‡, skull black candles in lampstands of bone and painted skulls
watch‡, vampiric touch*, wraithform*; 4th — Beltyn’s burn- displayed on shelves.
ing blood*‡, contagion, enervation*, mask of death*†, The sarcophagus trunk contains Ratakos’s spellbooks,

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 spell components, 1,000 gp, a scroll of protection from un- The small chamber contains a bearskin rug, a simple but
dead, an amulet versus undead (9th level), and four po- sturdy wooden-frame bed, and a locked wooden trunk
tions: ghoul control, wight control, skeleton control, and banded with iron. The trunk holds an elf’s shrunken
zombie control. Ratakos spends most of his time in his head trophy, a stuffed three-foot-long lizard, and a small
room, unless he is called for. cask that used to hold brandy, but now has 400 ep in it.
The shrunken head has a 500 gp diamond hidden in
13. Captain of the guard. This small, cozy room it, and inside the lizard are an extra-healing potion and a
houses the captain of Lord Aris’s army. The room has a dagger +3. There is a 20% chance per hour that Gribber-
simple but comfortable bed, a dresser and mirror, and a grash will be here.
locked footlocker under the bed. The footlocker con-
tains 432 gp, 645 sp, an old tattered flag showing the Gribbergrash, orog chief: AC 3 (plate mail); MV 6;
coat of arms of Darkenshield, a potion of healing, and a HD 5; hp 40; THAC0 15 (13 w/battle axe +2); #AT 1;
gem of brightness. Dmg 1d8+5 (battleaxe +2, Str bonus); SZ M; ML cham-
pion (16); Int high (12); AL LE; XP 420.
Captain Tobias Querl, hm F7: AC 0 (chain +3, Dex Personality: messy, loud, bullying
bonus); MV 12; hp 66; THAC0 14 (12 w/sabre +2); #AT Special Equipment: battle axe +2, alarm horn.
3/2; Dmg 1d6+3 (sabre +2), 1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML
champion (15); AL LE; XP 1,400. Fourth Floor
S 15, D 16, Co 15, I 10, W 12, C 13 16. Study/meeting room. This spacious room con-
Personality: disciplined, harsh, experienced tains a large table with eight chairs, a desk, well-filled
Special Equipment: chain armor +3, sabre +2, ring of free bookcases, banners on the walls, a map of Cormyr, and a
action, holy symbol of Tempus. map of the local area from Tilverton to Gnoll Pass. A
narrow stairway leads up to Lord Aris’s bedroom, and a
Tobias can fight with both weapons, as he is proficient in door on the west wall leads to the gate that connects this
two weapon fighting. A hardened veteran with a scarred place with Lord Aris’s main keep on the western edge of
face, squinty eyes, square jaw, and salt-and-pepper hair, Cormyr.
Tobias took part in the attack on the village of Darken- This is the room where Lord Aris holds meetings with
shield fifteen years ago. He later eagerly hooked up with his trusted allies and plots strategies and hatches plots.
Lord Aris, anxious to “continue the good work started by The books on the shelves of the bookcases deal with
Gondegal.” Tobias is a strict disciplinarian and a profes- Cormyrean history and geography, the nature of the un-
sional soldier with his own interestingly warped code of dead, necromancy, the evil deities of Faerûn, military
honor. If Aris goes down, Tobias goes down with him. tactics, and philosophical treatises on the nature of evil
And yet, Tobias sees nothing dishonorable about mas- and law as opposed to evil and chaos.
sacring innocent villagers. The desk has no important papers. (Such items would
Captain Querl is not the only veteran of the destruc- be transported back to Aris’s main castle.) The only sig-
tion of Darkenshield. Twenty of the older human sol- nificant facts that can be gleaned from the papers here
diers in Aris’s employ also participated in that raid fif- are the precise numbers of troops, officers, and aides sta-
teen years ago. This fact takes on special significance tioned in Wyvernwatch, and the exact identities of
when “The Final Battle” (see the text section near the Aris’s agents in Halfhap.
end of this adventure) occurs. The map of Cormyr has black pins stuck in Tilverton,
There is a 30% chance per hour of finding Tobias in Halfhap, Hillmarch, Arabel, Bospir, Thunderstone, Hul-
his quarters. tail, and Immersea. These pins mark the locations of
Aris’s spies.
14. Guest room. This chamber, presently unoccu- The local map shows the location of the remains of
pied, has furniture and sleeping accommodations suffi- Darkenshield. A dozen red pins are stuck in the map,
cient for as many as five guests. marking the last known locations of treasure-hunting
parties in Aris’s employ. Several black pins are stuck in
15. Orog chief’s room. This room, reeking of sweat Halfhap and Tilverton, noting the number of Aris’s spies
and old food, houses Gribbergrash, the orog chieftain. who are based in each location.

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 17. Gate room. This room is always kept locked, and 20. Lord Aris’s room. Even though this is the bed-
Lord Aris has the only key. The room is unusually cold, room of only a temporary residence, that fact does not
and an odd wind flows in random directions. Small, scat- stop Lord Aris from surrounding himself in luxury. The
tered arcs of energy dance along the floor and walls. chamber contains an ornate, almost criminally plush,
Against the north wall is a portal set in an arch. Pure four-poster bed, a dresser and mirror, a wardrobe, a
white light streams from the open passageway, and an nightstand, and an overstuffed chair with ottoman. A
unearthly low howling, like a great wind, is trapped be- small table beside the overstuffed chair has a crystal
yond the portal. Anyone who steps through the portal is snifter and a large crystal decanter of brandy (1,000 gp
immediately teleported to Lord Aris’s main castle, lo- for the decanter, 100 gp for the snifter, 200 gp for the
cated 20 miles from Eagle Peak in western Cormyr. rare, expensive brandy in the decanter) A spicy-smelling
Although the archway on this side of the gate is unre- sachet hangs over the bed. An iron trap door can be
markable, the one at the main castle is set with three red slammed down and dead-bolted over the opening at the
gems, one at the keystone and one on each side where the top of the stairs that come from room #16. A one-way
arch meets the floor. Pulling out one gem shuts down the secret door in the northeast wall provides an escape
gate until the gem is replaced. Pulling all three gems out route to the staircase leading down, in the event that the
destroys the gate in a blast of energy that affects all charac- stairway along the exterior wall is blocked or unusable.
ters or creatures in the rooms at both ends of the gate. Each No suit of clothing in the wardrobe is worth less than
unfortunate being takes 1d8x10 hit points of damage, or 250 gp, and there are 20 different ensembles of wildly
half of that if a successful saving throw vs. spell is made. varied fashion. In the pocket of one cape is a hidden ring
of invisibility. The night-black cloak that is part of a dif-
Fifth Floor ferent ensemble is a cloak of feather falling.
18. Guard foyer. Two orogs and three human soldiers The nightstand has an expensive colored-glass lamp
are always stationed here, and the door connecting this atop it, and a dagger +2 in the drawer.
room with the spiral staircase is usually kept unlocked. Over the fireplace are a pair of crossed rapiers. One is
The room contains a table with six chairs, a deck of a rapier +2, and the other is a rapier +3 that is also en-
cards, a lantern, a large barrel of beer and six mugs, a chanted to ignore any armor’s defense bonus. This en-
large ham, and a hook on the wall with a key ring that chantment is useless against shields, dexterity bonuses,
holds two ornate cast-iron keys. One key has a “Y” sym- or the magical protection of rings, cloaks, bracers, and
bol etched into it, and the other one bears a “Z” symbol. other non-armor magic items.
The Y key unlocks the door to the prison (room #19). There is a 10% chance in any given hour of finding
The Z key fits into the lock on the door that separates this Lord Aris in this room. If things are going bad for him
room from the spiral staircase, and is used to engage or dis- and a clear path to the gate is denied to him, Lord Aris
engage a security system. If this door is unlocked when any will go invisible with the ring, put on the feather fulling
one steps on the place marked X, a portcullis drops down cloak, arm himself with the magic dagger and the
on the west side of the narrow corridor. If the Z key is used stronger of the two rapiers, and leap out the window.
to lock this door, the portcullis will not be activated. (This No huge hoard of treasure is to be found here. All the
device prevents anyone who manages to escape from room wealth found by the hired parties is transported through
#19 from quickly getting to the spiral staircase. the gate to Aris’s primary residence.

19. Prison. A dank, windowless hovel with a locked Lord Vorik Aris, hm F9: AC -6 (full plate +2, shield
iron door, this is where Lord Aris keeps his prisoners. +2, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 100; THAC0 12 (9 w/vorpal
There is filthy straw on the floor, but no other furniture blade); #AT 2; Dmg 1d8+6 (vorpal blade +3 long sword);
whatsoever. A dozen sets of manacles are securely fas- SZ M; ML fearless (19); AL LE; XP 5,000.
tened to the outer wall. S 16, D 16, Co 18, I 15, W 17, C 16
If the prison is occupied (DM’s discretion), no one in- Personality: cunning, arrogant, ambitious
side should be of great importance. Perhaps some people Special Equipment: full plate +2, shield +2, vorpal blade
from Tilverton and/or Halfhap are here, one of them a +3, ring of human influence, full helm, heavy warhorse.
merchant willing to pay a reward of 3d6 x 100 gp for safe
return to his home.

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 The Hue and Cry
If intruders are detected near or inside the complex, the
alarm goes up. All human guards and orogs are mobi-
lized. All sleepers are awakened and put on alert. The
captains and lieutenants gather, using room #3 as a com-
mand post. Tanatha, Ratakos, and Aris gather in room
#16. If additional forces are needed, Ratakos calls up a
dozen skeletons and a dozen zombies from room #21 to
supplement the patrols.
A dozen human troops and a dozen orogs gather in
front of the gate, while another dozen guards watch the
stables. Patrols swarm back and forth along the walls,
looking for the intruders.
A pair of soldiers and a pair of orogs are then stationed
in each room, with the exception of rooms #19, #20,
#21, and #22. Intruders who are found are brought down
with maximum force, with the consideration of keeping
someone alive for questioning lingering as a distant af-
terthought. “Hack first, ask questions later” is the rule.
The heightened state of alert will persist for at least an
hour, longer if any intruders are captured or killed.

Proceeding from Here

It is possible that the PCs may wind up making more
than one visit to this place. The first visit may be a
Lord Aris is a handsome, wise human male in his early simple reconnaissance of the castle, seeing what there is
50’s, a local lord with great ambitions. He secretly sup- to see. The second may be a visit after Lord Aris has un-
ported Gongdegal’s rebellion 15 years ago, and is now de- leashed his troops and begun the march toward the ruins
termined to succeed where the latter failed. Aris special- of Darkenshield.
izes in long sword. If necessary, remind the PCs who promised to avenge
the dead adventuring company that there is no urgent
21. Chamber of horrors. The trap door giving access time limit to fulfilling the obligation, and that there is a
to this filthy pit is always kept locked. Inside, standing difference between avenging murders and flinging one-
shoulder to shoulder and packed in so that there is self against overwhelming odds and hoping for the best.
barely room to move, are 75 skeletons and 75 zombies. When the PCs arrive at Wyvernwatch Castle for the
These are Lord Aris’s shock troops, controlled by the first time, you should begin a countdown. Exactly 24
necromancer and the priest of Talos. hours after the PCs’ arrival, Aris’s forces will mobilize
When the services of this force are needed, the trap and begin their march to Darkenshield, where they will
door is opened and the forces of the undead are released, set up camp and begin to coordinate strikes on Tilverton
climbing up a ladder that leads to the surface and then and Halfhap. If the PCs lay low and wait until the armies
marching in whatever direction the necromancer bids leave before exploring Wyvernwatch, then see the next
them to go. section.

22. Stables. This vast, low building holds 120 horses, When the Cat’s Away
including Lord Aris’s personal heavy warhorse, a white When Aris leaves with the bulk of his troops, 15 human
stallion named Perdition. The stables are kept locked soldiers and 10 orogs are kept behind to watch the
when not in use, and two guards are always stationed at castle. They are supervised by one of the human lieu-
the doors. tenants.

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 Interrogating the lieutenant proves to be a difficult on all sides. The absence of most of the village’s structures
proposition, since he is fanatically loyal to Aris. Unless makes you feel exposed and naked.
magical or psionic means are used, no coercion will pro- Odd, there seems to be not a single living thing in the
duce any useful results. ruins, not even a rat, raven, or even a fly. It is as if every liv-
What the lieutenant knows is that Lord Aris is ing creature, sensing what is to happen here, has instinctively
marching to “the site of one of the great old victories” in fled to safer ground.
order to set up camp and begin an earnest attack on Suddenly, a noise catches your attention. It is coming from
Cormyrean frontier towns and villages. He suspects that a large pile of rubble to the east. A familiar voice says “Blast it.
Aris has something important that he needs to do in the I told you to keep quiet.” A familiar face pops into view from
ruins, perhaps completing some sort of ritual. behind the rubble. “Hail and well met. Please don’t kill us.”
The lackeys know that Zhentil Keep has been sending It is Mendryll Belarod, the bard. With him is a foppish-
some aid to Lord Aris, but the lieutenant is not sure to looking warrior with a depressed look on his face, absently
what extent this aid is actually making a difference. staring at the horizon as he rubs a black rose across his cheek.
One way or another, the PCs must head back to the
ruins of Darkenshield. If they try to overtake the armies If the PCs have met Lord Mournsoul, they will recognize
of Lord Aris, bear in mind that the force is moving that he is the second figure. Once the PCs finish reacting
rather slowly, less than two miles an hour, because of the and plying Mendryll with a barrage of questions, con-
undead. It will take Lord Aris’s troops at least five hours tinue reading.
of marching to arrive at the ruins of Darkenshield.
Riding to Halfhap for help is out of the question. By Mendryll holds up his hands for silence, and grins a wide
the time the PCs get to Halfhap, Aris’s forces will have smile. “Steady, now, let me speak,” he admonishes good-na-
organized themselves at the ruins of Darkenshield and turedly. “After I gave you that information about a vast for-
will already be launching their raids. tune waiting to be taken, I found out some more facts about
Even if the people of Halfhap believe the PCs (which the place, and discovered that it was quite a lethal spot. Now,
is not a certainty, especially if the former have never I’m not much for guilt, but I felt a little bud about sending
heard of the latter, or have had a bad experience in deal- you there, so I decided to come out after you.”
ing with them), many will feel that the best strategy is The bard looks at you smugly. “It was easy to find you. A
not a preemptive strike, but rather to hunker down be- bard is better at locating people than rangers, you know.
hind the town walls and wait it out. At best, the Halfhap After putting together all the clues, I decided to meet you
garrison will send messengers north to Tilverton and here, and see if I could help you.”
south to Arabel, warning of what is happening. The Mendryll jerks a thumb at the foppish man. “Lord Mourn-
messengers will be intercepted and killed by lurking soul here has been having a bad time of it. Yet another
minions of Aris, covering the roads. woman has rejected him and his idea of courtly love, so he
It should become quite clear to them that the PCs’ wanted to kill himself.” The bard smirks, then shrugs. “I told
duty is to do their best to avenge the village and the him that I was probably headed into certain death, and that
dead adventuring company, and slow down Aris as much he was welcome to come along and take an arrow in the
as possible. If the PCs have all the items collectively head. Having failed to find a shop that sold poison that killed
known as the Four From Cormyr, the bearer(s) of the its victim painlessly, he decided to come along.”
items will feel a compulsion tugging him (them) toward Mendryll folds his arms and stares at your group. “So,” he
the remains of Darkenshield. sighs. “What sort of mess have you gotten yourselves into?”

Waiting for Fate After the PCs explain the situation, of which Mendryll
If the PCs arrive at the ruins of Darkenshield before makes them repeat certain interesting parts, he and
Lord Aris’s forces, read the following: Mournsoul agree to stand side by side with the PCs.
“After all,” Mendryll will shrug, “‘twill make one rip-
Once again, the sad desolation of Darkenshield welcomes roaring good story.”
you. A low, chill wind whistles through the remains of the Mendryll and Mournsoul have no good ideas on how
buildings and chimneys. You scan the horizon in every direc- to best prepare for Lord Aris’s arrival. The bard sings
tion and are faced with the barren flatness of the Stonelands about battles, he doesn’t lead them. As for Mournsoul,

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 he is more interested in angst and self-pity than tactics, human troops and many of the orogs hesitate and stare
and is essentially useless for planning. Basically, both aghast, the black-robed man shrugs and gives a contemptuous
NPCs will act in as much of a supporting role as they nod. The undead break ranks and charge at the spectral Pur-
can. Ominously, Mendryll asks each PC for their birth- ple Dragons. The battle is joined..
date, place of birth, and location of next of kin.
The Darkenshield Ritual
The Final Battle If the ritual found in the Darkenshield ruins is invoked,
At last, a dust cloud forms on the southern horizon, moving read the following:
closer to you. From your vantage point, you take in the full
sight of what approaches and even now closes in. As the echo of your lust word fades away, you suddenly be-
A man in full plate armor rides a magnificent white come aware that you are not alone. From the remains of
warhorse. This must be Lord Aris. Flanking him, left and buildings, from the piles of ruins, phantoms of men, women,
right, are two figures. The one on the left is a man in black and children emerge, their faces grim. They point at the
robes, riding a horse’s skeleton; the one on the right is a for- human troops, and an unseen force pushes most of them
bidding figure in black plate armor and a massive black helm, aside, isolating a pocket of 32 men, older veterans by the
riding a gray warhorse, and waving a huge, glowing mace. looks of them. Each of the isolated men bears a look of terri-
Behind them are four humans and four massive orcs, all fied recognition, their knees shaking, hands trembling.
riding warhorses and clad in fine armor. One of the orcs holds One of the five important-looking human soldiers on
aloft a banner showing a dagger impaling an eyeball. One of horse back has also been separated from his four compatriots.
the men holds a black banner with three yellow lightning bolts “No! You’re dead!” he screams. “You’re all dead! You were
radiating from a skull. all necessary casualties! It was war!” The spirits, howling,
Following behind the five riders are scores of human sol- launch themselves at the 32 men.
diers in chain mail, and dozens of huge orcs with scimitars A huge melee apparently is erupting among them, but it is
and bows. hard to see through the vast cloud of dust.
Flanking these armies on either side are rows of zombies Suddenly you hear the voice of Mendryll calling out in
with melee weapons and dozens of skeletons with swords. song:
Finally, behind this entire dark host, come pack animals, “Onward, comrades, into the fray!
no doubt carrying tents and other supplies for setting up Lord Swing sword, cast spell, and win the day!
Aris’s bivouac in the ruins. For if ye hesitate for much too long,
The setting sun paints the massive force with red light, We won’t be alive to hear this song!”
making it resemble a blood-soaked legion from Baator. Be- The bard is right. Now comes the time for action.
hold your enemy.
If the Purple Dragon ghosts were summoned, they will
No matter what time the PCs left Wyvernwatch, Aris’s easily handle the undead, then begin on the orogs and
forces do not arrive at the Darkenshield ruins until sun- soldiers. If Darkenshield’s dead were summoned, they
down. will attack and dispose of several soldiers and the cap-
tain, then work on the orogs. Mendryll will sing and
The Four from Cormyr Ritual fight, engaging two lieutenants. Everyone on the PCs’
If the PCs have all four items, and they heft them at the side gains a +1 to hit for the next eight rounds. Lord
setting sun and call for “the Starburst Swords,” read the Mournsoul will engage the third lieutenant, all the
following. while moaning about how unfair life is.
The PCs will have to deal with Lord Aris, Ratakos the
A battle cry rises from the approaching army, which now has necromancer, Tanatha the stormlord of Talos, Gribber-
you in plain sight. However, before they can react further, a grash the orog chief, the three orog leaders, and a hand-
roiling fog seeps out of the ground surrounding you. Within ful of regular orogs and soldiers. (Statistics for these ad-
the space of several heartbeats, the three dozen ghost warriors versaries are repeated here for convenience.)
you encountered at the haunted tower are now among you, If any PC asks Hoar to single out the murderers of the
staring at the invading army. Noiselessly, their eyes blazing adventuring company, a blood-red aura of light covers
red with fury, they move toward the army. Even though the six soldiers and two orogs.

122
 Orogs (10 maximum): AC 4 (splint mail); MV 6; Tanatha, hf P8 (Talos): AC -4 (plate +3, shield +3);
HD 3; hp 12 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8+3 MV 12; hp 64; THAC0 16 (13 w/mace +3); #AT 1; Dmg
(scimitar), 1d6 (short bow, flight arrows); SZ M; ML 1d6+4 (footman’s mace +3); SD immune to electrical
elite (13); Int high (10); AL LE; XP 65 each. damage and nonmagical heat or cold; SZ M; ML fanatic
(18); AL CE; XP 5,000.
Orog leaders (3): AC 3 (plate mail); MV 6; HD 4; hp S 14, D 14, Co 17, I 15, W 15, C 18
20 each; THAC0 17; #AT 1; Dmg 1d8+3 (scimitar), 1d6 Special Equipment: plate armor +3, shield +3, footman’s
(short bow, flight arrows); SZ M; ML elite (14); Int high mace +3, helm of comprehending languages and reading
(11); AL LE; XP 175 each. magic, ring of regeneration, 4 vials of unholy water, holy
symbol of Talos.
Lord Aris’s soldiers, F3 (20 maximum): AC 5 Spells (5/4/3/2): 1st — cause light wounds, darkness, de-
(chain mail); MV 12; hp 15 each; THAC0 18; #AT 1; tect good, protection from good, shillelagh; 2nd — detect
Dmg 1d8 (long sword), 1d6 (short bow, flight arrows), charm, fire trap, know alignment, silence 15’ radius; 3rd —
1d4 (dagger); SZ M; ML steady (11); Int average (9); AL animate dead, bestow curse, cause disease; 4th — cause seri-
LE or NE; XP 120 each. ous wounds, poison.
Spell-like Abilities: shocking grasp 1/day, call lightning
Lord Vorik Aris, hm F9: AC -6 (full plate +2, shield 1/day, water walk at will, control winds 1/day, lightning bolt
+2, Dex bonus); MV 12; hp 100; THAC0 12 (9 w/vorpal 1/day.
blade); #AT 2; Dmg 1d8+6 (vorpal blade +3 long sword);
SZ M; ML fearless (19); AL LE; XP 5,000. Gribbergrash, orog chief: AC 3 (plate mail); MV 6;
S 16, D 16, Co 18, I 15, W 17, C 16 HD 5; hp 40; THAC0 15 (13 w/battle axe +2); #AT 1;
Special Equipment: full plate +2, shield +2, vorpal blade Dmg 1d8+5 (battle axe +2, Str bonus); SZ M; ML cham-
+3, ring of human influence, full helm, heavy warhorse. pion (16); Int high (12); AL LE; XP 420.

Ratakos, hm Nec 12: AC 2 (robe of archmagi, Dex I'll Be Back!

bonus); MV 12; hp 33; THAC0 17 (14 w/dagger +3); Lord Aris, Ratakos, and Tanatha will do their best to es-
#AT 1; Dmg 1d4+3 (dagger +3); SZ M; ML elite (14); cape if at least two-thirds of their force is wiped out. The
AL CN; XP 8,000. order to retreat will be sounded, which causes all of the
S 8, D 17, Co 15, I 18, W 18, C 6 forces to run away in a disorganized, every-man-for-him-
Special Equipment: grey robe of the archmagi, dagger +3, self fashion.
amulet versus undead (7th level), ring of undead command Aris will return to his primary castle and begin hatch-
(see “Magical Items,” page 126), ring of regeneration, po- ing two plans: one to take over Cormyr, the other to hu-
tion of wight control (2 doses left), scroll of protection from miliate and then destroy the PCs.
magic.
Spellbook (5/5/5/5/5/2): 1st — burning hands, chill
touch*, corpselight*‡, detect undead*, magic missile*, shock-
The Aftermath
ing grasp, wall of fog*, wizard mark; 2nd — cloak undead*‡, At last, silence descends over the battlefield. The final few
darkness 15’ radius*, ESP*, knock, protection from buildings of Darkenshield are now toppled, thanks to the
cantrips, spectral hand*, stinking cloud, undead mount*‡, massive battles that erupted everywhere.
wizard lock; 3rd — feign death, hold undead*, mummy The countenances of the villagers turn from expressions of
touch*‡, paralyze*‡, phantom steed, revenance‡, skull harsh, bloodthirsty vengeance to the soft, beaming expres-
watch‡, vampiric touch*, wraithform*; 4th — Beltyn’s burn- sions of peace. The spirits look at each other as if it was the
ing blood*‡, contagion, enervation*, mask of death*†, first time they have seen each other since they perished fifteen
Evard’s black tentacles, polymorph other*, ice storm*; years ago. You see the joyous meetings of dead families, re-
5th — animate dead*, avoidance*, cloudkill*, cone of cold*, united at last in peaceful death, all memories of the pain and
disguise undead‡, summon shadow*; 6th — Bloodstone’s sadness they experienced now erased completely.
spectral steed*†, death fog, death spell*, lich touch‡, teleport The area fills with a dazzling white light, and the sky opens
dead‡. up, revealing a great crystal tower. Villagers and dead Purple
Dragons alike look up in awe-filled hope. One by one, the vil-

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 lagers are taken up into the opening, and you are sure they go “Eyes . . . RIGHT!” As one, the marching Purple Dragons
to a better place than this life. The ghosts of two small chil- turn their heads to the right, staring right at you. Thirty six
dren, clutching the hands of their ghostly parents, take the hands snap up in a salute, directed at you. You can see that
time to look back at you, and smile a simple thanks. many of the spirit-soldiers are smiling. More than a few have
The opening fades, and despite the warm afterglow you ghostly tears running down their faces.
feel, you realize that something is wrong. The three dozen At last the entire procession enters the gateway, and the
Purple Dragons are still among you. None were taken up. two columns of dead warriors file in as well. The final war-
Many hang their heads in sorrow or shame, realizing that per- rior turns and looks at you. You see an old woman in armor,
haps what they did in this battle was not enough to atone for gripping a hammer. She touches her heart in salute, and you
what they did earlier. Several of the shades fall to their knees, realize that it is Azreena Ironoath of Halfhap! Obviously, she
weeping in deep bitterness. must have passed away since you last saw her. The look on
A golden light abruptly fires on the eastern horizon, and a her face is one of approval, though, and you could swear you
portal opens up. From the portal marches two columns of see her mouth the words “Well done.” Then, she turns and
warriors, male and female. Each column contains humans, steps into the portal, which vanishes, leaving you alone on a
elves, dwarves, and members of other demihuman races. quiet battlefield.
They line up on either side of the portal. A giant gauntleted
hand manifests itself in the opening and beckons to the Purple Mendryll and Mournsoul are alive, neither of them hav-
Dragons. A rumble of thunder sounds much like the words ing suffered more than a scratch. They offer to escort the
“Come home, soldiers of honor. Come and rest." PCs back to Tilverton.
The shades, their faces a mixture of relief, joy, and disci-
pline, stand at attention. Their captain leads the march with
a ghostly yet nevertheless lusty “Forwarrd, march!”
As the ghosts march toward the door, the captain yells

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Loose Ends
Obviously, Lord Aris is a major loose end. The PCs may
take it upon themselves to hunt him down. However, he is
also doing the same to them. For as long as the PCs are in
Cormyr, Sembia, the Dalelands, and the Moonsea, he will
seek them out and send teams of assassins to slay them.
If Wyvernwatch was not fully explored, now is a good
time to do so. Perhaps a more powerful evil entity has
moved in, and brought in some nasty creatures as well.
It is assumed that the killers of the adventuring party
were slain in the battle, but what if they weren’t? If at
least one PC swore to Hoar that he would find the
killers, then this bit of business remains to be resolved.

Linking This
Adventure
Obviously, there is room for some of the adventuring
groups encountered in “Murder Most Magical” to make
an appearance here. One may even be the group that
gets killed by Aris’s forces, which then the PCs must
avenge.
Zhentish enemies from “Bad Neighbor Policy” may be
inserted in this adventure, and could even march with
Aris’s armies in the last battle. Experience Point Bonuses
If Ratakos the necromancer died in “Bad Neighbor Each of these bonuses should be distributed evenly
Policy,” the DM should create a comparably powered among all party members who participated in or agreed
substitute, perhaps Ratakos’s favored pupil. with taking the described action.

Epilogue Recovering Silveredge and invoking the

When the ruling family in Tilverton, the Rowanman- Four from Cormyr ritual: 10,000
tles, hears about the PCs’ deeds, they throw the adven- Invoking the Darkenshield ritual: 5,000
turers a lavish party. It is decided that each PC earns a Singling out the murderers of the
1,000 gp reward for their efforts, plus a complete waiver adventuring company and taking
on all taxes against found loot. All that is asked is that them back for trial: 5,000
the items collectively known as the Four from Cormyr Handing over the Four from
be turned over to the Rowanmantles for safe keeping. Cormyr in Tilverton: 5,000
For the next tenday, the PCs are hailed as heroes, getting
free food and lodging during that time.

So ends your adventures in Cormyr, at least these four.

There are still many wrongs to right, many loose ends to tie
up, and, quite possibly, many people seeking your collective
heads mounted on pikes. Still, your reputation has grown,
and you can depart Cormyr with the knowledge that you not
only met every challenge, you prevailed as true heroes
should. Well done!

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 Magical Items
Keychain of Domestic Propriety
A Cormyrean mage got the inspiration for this device during a visit to Calimshan. Usually
fashioned from silver, gold, or electrum, this keychain has six charms on it: a small broom, a
cloth, a feather duster, a scrub brush, a rose, and a spring. Each charm can be invoked (by
reciting a command word or sound) only once per turn, and no charm can be invoked twice
in consecutive turns. The effect of a charm lasts for one round unless otherwise specified.
Keys can be stored normally on this chain. The keychain comes in a second form, that
of a charm bracelet, favored by maids.
small broom: Uttering a “whoosh” sound while possessing this charm creates a magical
broom and dustpan, which can sweep up a mess with a total weight of no more than two
pounds. When the dustpan disappears, so do its contents.
cloth: Saying the word “gleam” conjures up a cloth that can be made to rub against
anything the user desires, making its surface shine.
feather duster: The word “dust” creates a magical feather duster that can whisk away
dust or light soil from a surface of as much as 16 square feet.
scrub brush: Saying “run-a-dub” brings into being a wet, soapy brush that will clean
away any stain or heavy soil that can be cleaned by normal means.
rose: Touching this charm and uttering the command word “phew” fills a 30’ x 30’ area
with a subtle rose scent, magically masking even a stronger, disgusting odor. This effect
lasts for one turn.
spring: This charm appears to be a small metal spring. When the possessor tugs on it
and speaks the command word “smooth,” magic is invoked that has the power to remove
wrinkles from clothing, straighten a crooked picture, or get rid of a lump in a carpet.

Ring of Undead Command

This ring of bone allows the wearer to control up to 30 Hit Dice of undead once per day,
as if the creatures had been affected by the 5th-level wizard spell domination (saving
throw applies):

War Wizard Cloak

A war wizard cloak has all the powers of a ring of warmth. It also confers infravision on the
wearer, plus the automatic protection of feather fall, ironguard, and protection from normal
missiles spells. Once per day, the wearer can call on the cloak to power a sending (as the
5th-level wizard spell) and a dimension door (as the 4th-level wizard spell) Dimension door
trips of up to 1,200 yards are possible.
For more information on this item, see page 237 of Volo’s Guide to Cormyr.

Necklace of Memory Enhancement

The wearer of this necklace is immune to all memory loss from both natural and magical
causes (such as a forget spell). The necklace has no effect on a wizard’s spell memorization.
Also, the wearer can recall with absolute clarity any sight or conversation he experi-
enced or any book he read within the previous seven days. Memories prior to seven days
ago are recalled with only normal clarity. The necklace affects only events that occurred
while the necklace was worn by the user.

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Random 7 Muckdweller or NPC party
8 Tribesman or merchant

Encounter Tables 9 Troglodyte

10 Bullywug
11 Hobgoblin or giant leech
The generic random encounter tables given below were 12 Lizard man
taken from the MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM ® Annual Vol- 13 Gnoll or giant sundew
ume Two. They can be used “as is,” or can be modified using 14 Snake, constrictor or poisonous
the rules in Chapter 11 of the DUNGEON MASTER Guide. 15 Ghoul or ghast
When to check for random encounters—or, indeed, 16 Troll or shambling mound
17 Will o’ wisp
whether to use these tables at all—is strictly up to you as
18 Hydra or yellow musk creeper
the DM. If you don’t want to interrupt the main story
19 DM special
lines of these adventures, or if the PCs are already hav- 20 DM special
ing enough trouble dealing with the set encounters in
each of these missions, then you are free to decide that Temperate Forest
overland travel from one place to another is accom- 2 Elf, wood (gnome 10%)
plished uneventfully (i.e., with no random encounters). 3 Wyvern or green dragon
Keep in mind that “random encounter” does not always 4 Lycanthrope, tiger, or criosphinx
5 Badger, giant, or giant weasel
mean “combat,” and in fact some of the characters and
6 Worg or giant skunk
creatures the PCs might come across could turn out to be 7 Owl, giant, or stirge
valuable allies or sources of information. If things aren’t 8 Wolf or brown bear
going well for the heroes in “Redemption,” for instance, 9 Tribesman (NPC party 10%)
they just might happen to bump into a group of like- 10 Choke creeper or hangman tree
minded NPC adventurers as they travel back to Darken- 11 Mammal, small, or tribesman
shield for the ultimate confrontation with Lord Aris’s army. 12 Kobold
13 Orc
14 Bugbear or ogre
Temperate Plain
15 Ettin or treant
2 Elf, grey
16 Spider, giant (ettercap 10%)
3 Wyvern (gold dragon 10%)
17 Beetle, stag or bombardier
4 Bear, brown
18 Owlbear or ghoul
5 Spider, large
19 DM special
6 Jackal (jackalwere 10%)
20 DM special
7 Boar, wild
8 Dog, wild or worg
Temperate Mountain
9 Wolf
2 Dragon, copper or red
10 Herd animal
3 Bear, cave, or hydra
11 Nomad (merchant 10%)
4 Gnome or mountain dwarf
12 Nomad or NPC party
5 Bear, brown, or werebear
13 Horse, wild
6 Bugbear
14 Orc
7 Aerial encounter
15 Hobgoblin
8 Wolf or worg
16 Ogre
9 Tribesman (NPC party 10%)
17 Snake, poisonous or giant, hill
10 Badger, giant, or giant eagle
18 Pegasus or troll
11 Giant, hill
19 DM special
12 Giant, stone or fomorian
20 DM special
13 Ogre or troll
14 Hobgoblin or orc
Temperate Marsh or Swamp
15 Ghoul or wight
2 Dragon, black
16 Verbeeg or galeb duhr
3 Behir
17 Will o’wisp (sylph 10%)
4 Toad or frog, poisonous
18 Giant, frost or fire
5 Toad or frog, giant
19 DM special
6 Lizard, giant
20 DM special

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