DRAGON oF ICESPIRE PEAK’ Running the Adventure... Falcons Hunting Lodge... Mountain's Toe Gold Mine, 36 Overview. Location Overview... Location Overview nnnnnnnennnnrne 30 ‘The Forgotten Realms Arial on “Travel tothe Min€ venom 36 First Session: Character Creation eengirds Asrival pees eee Bons Location Overview ‘Shrine of Savras, a) Ascholm.. 2 Arrival = Location Overview nnn nnn 38 Location Overview. "30 Arrival. Ieespire Hold... Travel to Axebolm.. Location Overview Tower of Storms 40 Attra a Finding leespte Hod Location Overview 40 Batterskull Ranch.. “eave to oespite Holi Teal the Lighthouse non 40 Location Overview are Re ees: 40 “Travel to the Ranch eee ‘Umbeage Hil. Se Arrival wm = 16 Location Overview... Location Overview. 43. irc of Thunder. Preparations oe “4 Location Overvicw Travel to the Camp pation rere =e fravel to the Circle. Arrival, Arrival nen sw Attra enn Leaving the Manse. ale ee . Counterattack! a Location Over ow Ending the Adventure Temveltothe Barrow. Where Nex? Arial Creatures, Dwarven Excavation, Location Overview Creature Stat Blocks. Creature Deseriptions. Arrival e When Ores Attack.RUNNING THE ADVENTURE ‘Tals BOOK 1s WRITTEN FoR THE DUNGEON MASTER. IT contains a complete DUNGEONS & DRAGONS adventure, ‘as well as descriptions for every creature that appears in the adventure. It also teaches you how to run a D&D game. ‘The other book that accompanies this one (called “the rulebook") contains the information the players ned to create and advance their characters (the adventurers and heroes ofthe story), as well as the rules you need to adjudicate situations that arise during the adventure. OVERVIEW AD&D adventure is a collection of locations, quests, and challenges that inspires you to tell a story. The outcome of that story is determined by the actions and decisions of the adventurers—and, of course, the luck of the dice. You can run Dragon of feespire Peak for as few as one player as many as five players. Each player starts with a Ist level character. ‘The adventure is seta short distance from the city of Neverwinter in the Sword Coast region of the Forgotten Realms setting. The Sword Coast is part of the North a vast realm of free settlements surrounded by lawless, untamed wilderness, You doa't need to be a Forsotten Realms expert to run the adventure, as everything you need to know about the setting is contained in this book. If this is your first time running a D&D adventure, read the "Role of the Dungeon Mastes" section. ROLE OF THE DUNGEON MasTER ‘The Dungeon Master (also called “the DM") has a special role in the D&D game. ‘The DM isa referee. When it’s not clear what ought to happen next, the DM decides how to apply the rales and keep the story going, ‘The DM is a storyteller. The DM sets the pace of the story and presents the various challenges and encounters that the players must overcome. The DM is the players’ interface to the D&D world, as well as the one who reads (and sometimes also writes) the adventure and describes ‘what happens in response to the characters’ actions. ‘The DM is a roleplayer. The DM plays the monsters and villains in the adventure, choosing their actions and rolling dice for their attacks. The DM also plays the parts of all the other characters who the adventurers meet, in- cluding helpful ones, ‘The most important thing to remember about being a good DM is that the rules are a tool to help you and the players have fun. The rules aren't in charge. You're the DM~youte in charge of the game. CHoosiNc A DUNGEON Master Who should be the DM for your gaming group? Whoever ‘wants to be! The person who has the most drive to pull a group together and start up 2 game often ends up being, the DM by default, but that doesn't have to be the case.DM Ties ‘As the DM, you are the final authority when it comes to rules questions or disputes during the game. Here are some guidelines to help you arbitrate issues as they arise. When in doubt, make it up. I's better to keep the game ‘moving than to get bogged down in the rules. Embrace the shared story. DAD is about telling a story asa group, so let the players contribute to the outcome through the words and deeds of their characters. If some players are reluctant to speak up, remember to ‘ask them what their characters are doing. It’s not a competition. The DM isn’t competing against the player characters. Your job isto referee the rules, run monsters, and keep the story moving. Be consistent and fair. [f you decide that a rule works a certain way, make sure it works that way the next time itcomes into play. Treat the rules and your players in a fair, impartial manner. Modify the adventure to suit your tastes. The adventure ‘has no prescribed outcome. You ean alter any encoun: ter to make it more interesting and fun for your particu lar group of players. Keep a notepad and some graph paper handy. Use the notepad to keep track of details such as the characters marching order. Graph paper will be helpful ifyou need to draw a quick map for your players, Inprovisine ABILITY CHECKS ‘The adventure often tells you what ability checks char- acters might try in a certain situation, and the Difficulty Class (DO) of those checks. Sometimes characters try things that the adventure can't possibly anticipate. You decide whether their attempts are successful “Ability checks only come into play if there's a genuine chance of succeeding or failing atthe task. Ifit seems like anyone should have an easy time doing it, don't ask for an ability check. Just tll the player what happens. Conversely, if there's no way anyone could accomplish the task, just tell the player it doesn’t work. Ifand when you decide that an ability check is required, ask yourself these questions: What Kind of Ability Check? Use the descriptions of the ability scores and their associated skills in the rule book to help you decide what kind of ability check to use. How Hard Is It? Decide whether the task’s difficulty is easy, moderate, or hard, and use the appropriate DC. DC 10 (Easy). An easy task requires a minimal level of ‘competence or a modicum of luck to accomplish. DC 15 (Moderate). A moderate task requires a higher level of competence to accomplish. A character with natural aptitude and specialized training can accom- plish a moderate task more often than not. DC 20 (Hard). Hard tasks include things beyond the capabilities of most people without aid or exceptional ability, Even with aptitude and training, a character needs some amount of luck—or alot of specialized training—to pull offa hard task. OTHER COMPONENTS ‘The box containing this adventure includes components, designed to help you as the Dungeon Master. In addition to the rulebook, these components are as follows: DM Screen ‘The inside of the folding screen has information that can help you while running the adventure. You can also use the screen to hide your notes and die rolls, thus keeping the players in suspense. Poster Mar ‘When you're ready to begin the adventure, unfold the poster map so that the map of Phandalin faces up. Here is where the adventure begins. When it comes time for players to embark on quests, use the Sword Coast map fon the reverse side to help chart their overland journey. Carps ‘The box contains the following cards: Combat Step by Step Cards. These identical cards out line the order of combat, as described in the rulebook. Condition Cards. These cards describe various condi tions that ean affect creatures in the game. A player ‘whose character is suffering from a condition can keep the card as a reminder, giving it back to you when the condition ends for that character. Initiative Cards. After the characters and each group of monsters involved in a combat roll initiative, distribute these cards among the combat participants, from the highest to lowest initiative count. For example, whoever rolls the highest initiative gets the "I" card and acts first, whoever rolls the second highest initiative gets the 2" card, and so on. Keep the numbered cards for the creatures youre running. ‘Magic Charm Card. This card describes a special charm (Gee “Charm of the Storm,” page 41), Give the card to the player whose character receives the charm. Col leet the card when the charm ends for that character. ‘Magic Item Cards. When the characters acquire a magic item and identify it, give the players the card for that item. Let the player whose character has the item keep the card for reference until the item is expended or n0 longer in that character's possession, Quest Cards. When a new quest becomes available to the characters, give that quest's card to the players. Collect the eard if the characters complete the quest or decide they don't want to complete it Sidekick Cards. you're running the game for a single player, give the player these cards and let them choose sidekick. The sidekick’s corresponding stat block can be found in the rulebook. Ifthe sidekick dies, collect the card; the player can't choose that sidekick again, ‘ADVENTURE Maps Maps that appeat in this book ae for the DM's eyes only. A ‘map not only shows an adventure locaton in its entirety but also shows secret doors, hidden traps, and other elements the players aren't meant to see—hence the need for secrecy ‘When the characters arive a location marked on a map, you can either rely on a verbal description to give them a clear mental picture of the location, or you can draw what they ee on a piece oF graph paper, copying what's fon yout map vile omiting detalls as appropriate t's nat important that your handdrawn map perfec\y match Uwhat's in the printed adventure, Facus on getting the shape ‘and dimensions corect, and leave the rest tothe players" imaginationsTHE FORGOTTEN REALMS ‘The world of the Forgotten Realms is one of high fantasy, populated by elves, dwarves, halfings, humans, and ‘ther folk. In the Realms, knights dare the erypts ofthe {allen dwarf kings of Delzoun, seeking glory and trea- sure. Rogues prow! the dark alleyways of tecming cities such as Neverwinter and Baldur's Gate. Clerics in the service of gods wield mace and spell, questing against the terrifying powers that threaten the land, Wizards plunder the ruins of the fallen Netherese empire, delving into seerets too dark for the light of day. Bards sing of ings, queens, heroes, and tyrants who died long ago. On the roads and rivers of the Realms travel min. strels and peddlers, merchants and guards, soldiers and, sailors, SteeLhearted adventurers from backcountry farmsteads and sleepy villages follow tales of strange, tlorious, faraway places. Good maps and clear trails can take even an inexperienced youth with dreams of glory far across the world, but these paths are never safe. Fell and deadly monsters are the perils one faces when traveling in the Realms. Even farms and frecholds within a day's walk ofa city can fall prey to monsters, and no place is safe from the sudden wrath of a dragon, Map OF THE SworD Coast _ ‘The map on the facing page shows a region of the For- gotten Realms called the Sword Coast. This isa place of adventure, where daring souls delve into ancient strong- holds and explore the ruins of long:lost kingdoms. Amid a lawless wilderness of jagged, snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, biter winds, and roaming monsters, the coast holds such great bastions of civilization as the city of Neverwinter in the shadow of the fuming voleano known ‘as Mount Hotenow. ‘This map is for the DM's eyes only, as it indicates the locations of places described later in this adventure. A larger, player friendly version of the map appears on one side of the poster map included with this adventure. The poster map of the Sword Coast can be shared freely with the players as their characters explore the region. Geographical locations marked on both the DM's map and the players’ map are described below in alphabetical order. This information is not secret, and can be shared with players if they request details about a particu- larlocation. ConyBERRY ‘The Triboar Trail runs right through this abandoned town, which was sacked by barbarians years ago and ‘now lies in ruins. A dirt road extending south of the town leads to a supposedly abandoned shrine dedicated to ‘Savras (god of divination and fate), For more information on this location, see “Shrine of Savras” (page 38). Cracs These rocky, windswept hills are dotted with old mines that have become infested with monsters, Hic Roap This highway hugs the coast, connecting Neverwinter: to the coastal cities of Luskaa to the north and Water- deep to the south. For years, the stretch of road south of Neverwinter fell into disuse because of frequent monster attacks, Of late, efforts have been made to keep the road ‘safe, with light patrols of guards on horseback moving between Neverwinter and Leilon. Krypr¢arpen Forest ‘This ancient forest tucked behind the Sword Mountains contains the ruins of bygone dwarven civilizations. LEILow ‘This small town along the High Road is in the midst of re building itself after being abandoned for years. Its inhab- itants hail from Neverwinter and are in the paid service of the city’s Lord Protector, who has tasked them with turning Leilon into a fortified settlement that can ward offthreats from the Mere of Dead Men. Mere or DEAD MEN ‘Travelers on the High Road, which skirts the mere to the east, must resist being lured into this cold and desolate swamp by bobbing will-wisps. Countless adventurers have perished in the mere, drawn by tales of ruined cas- ‘es half'sunk in the mire. NEVERWINTER This city was badly damaged when Mount Hotenow erupted some fifty years ago. Now, the City of Skilled Hands works to rebuild under the watchful eye ofits Lord Protector, Dagult Neverember, who rules in the absence of an heir to Neverwinter's crown. At present, no legiti- rate heirs to the old Alagondar royal line are known 10 ccxist, and many believe that the line is ended. Lord Nev- ‘rember, taking no chances, quietly pays off or disposes, cof anyone claiming a connection to the rulers of old. NEVERWINTER WOOD ‘The forest east of Neverwinter seems to have a magical ‘quality about it, or at least an air of mystical secrecy. Re- clusive spellcasters are rumored to dwell deep within, PHANDALIN ‘This nondescript mining settlement, nestled in the foothills of the Sword Mountains, serves as the starting location for the adventure. For more information, see “Welcome to Phandalin” (page 7). STARMETAL HILLS ‘This range of rocky knolls is so named because the area hhas becn the impact site of a number of meteor showers, over millennia. The hills are haunted by ruthless barbar- ian tribes, giving others litle reason to visit the area, Sworp Mountains ‘These steep, craggy, snow-capped mountains are home to scattered tribes of ores as well as other monsters, Icespire Peaks the tallest among them. Their foothills are strowa with the ruins of bygone kingdoms, and more than a few half-forgotten dungeons and tombs. Teroan Teare ‘This path south of Neverwinter Wood is the safest route between Neverwinter and the town of Triboar, located in the Dessarin Valley to the east (of the map). The tral is ‘not patrolled, and monster attacks arc commonplace.First SESsIon: CHARACTER CREATION DUNGEONS & Deacons is a game that requires several hours to play, but you can stop the game at any time and continue it later. The first session should focus on charac- ter creation—one of the most fun aspects of the game. If the players ereate and equip their characters with time to spare, you can begin the adventure once they're ready to 0. Otherwise, congratulate them on building their char- acters and begin the adventure with the next session. During character creation, your role as the DM is to let, your players build the characters they want, and to help them come up with explanations for how their characters came together to form an adventuring party. Ifyou have only one player, work with that player to come isp with their character's backstory, then let the player decide if they want the character to have a sidekick (see “Running for One Player" below). CHARACTER OPTIONS Bach player has options whea it comes to choosing a character race, class, and background. These options are ‘summarized in the Character Options table. If there are ‘multiple players in the group, encourage them to choose different classes so that the party has a range of abilities. It’s less important that the party include multiple races or backgrounds, as sometimes it's fun to play an alldwarf party or a troupe of adventuring entertainers, CHARACTER OPTIONS Races Classes Backgrounds Dwart Bard ‘Aeslyte ef Cleric Criminal Halting Fighter Entertainer Human Rogue sage Wizard Soldier While your players follow the steps of character cre- ation as outlined in the rulebook, pay attention to the choices they make. The backgrounds they choose define Who their characters were before becoming adventurers, land also include roleplaying hooks in the form of ideals, bonds, and flaws—things that you, as the DM, want to ‘know. For example, ifa player chooses the Criminal background, one of the options for the character's bond is, “Im teying to pay off an old debt I owe to a generous, benefactor” If that's the character's bond, work with the player to decide who that generous benefactor is. RUNNING FoR MULTIPLE PLAYERS Ifyou have two or more players, the easiest way to start the adventure is to assuine that the characters know each other and have some sort of history together, however brief that history might be. The characters might have ‘met in Neverwinter and traveled to Phandalin together, or they might have arrived in Phandalin separately and gotten to know each other while staying at the local inn, Qusrions To Ask Here are some questions you can ask the players as they create characters: + Are any of the characters related to each other? + What keeps the characters together as a party? + What does each character like most about every other mernber of the adventuring party? RUNNING FOR ONE PLAYER Ifyou're running this adventure for a single pla ‘can give that player a sidekick as a secondary character. Let the player choose one of the pregencrated sidekicks from the selection of Sidekick Cards. Rules and stat blocks for sidekicks appear in the rulebook. You might need to help the player run the sidekick for the first few sessions. Ifa sidekick is lost or no longer needed, the character can return to Phandalin and acquire a new one, Ustne StpexicKs Make sure the player understands the roles and limita- tions of sidekicks in this adventure: + Sidekicks are stalwart companions who ean perform tasks both in and out of combat, including things such as setting up camp and carrying gear, + Ideally a sidckick's abilities should complement those ofthe main character, For example, a spelteaster makes a good sidekick for a ghter or rome. READING AHEAD As the players familiarize themselves with the character options and adventuring gear described in the rulebook, take advantage of the opportunity to read ahead. “The Adventure Begins” section tells you everything you need to know about what's happening in and around Phandalin. Italso describes quests that characters can pursue, leading them to other locations. The adventure is built around these quests. Hopefully, the characters will find them tempting enough to undertake. ee ee Glossary “The adventure uses terms that might be unfamiliar to you A fey ofthese terms are described here. For descriptions of rules-specife terms, see the rulebook ‘Characters. Tis term refers to the adventurers run bythe players. They are the protagonists in ary O&D adventure. A group of characters or adventurers is calle a party "Nonplayer Characters (NPCS). This term refers to charac- ters run by the DM. How an NPC behaves is dictated by the adventure and by the OM, ‘Boxed Text. At various places, the adventure presents de scriptive text that's meant to be cead or paraphrased aloud to the players. This read aloud text is offset in bones. Boxed text's most commonly used to deseribelacations or pres cent bits oF scripted dalogue, ‘Stat Block. Ary monster o¢ NPC thats likly to be in volved in corrbat requires game statistics so that the DM can runit effectively, These statistics are presented in 3 for ‘mat called a stat Bleck. You'll fine the stat blocks needed for this adventure in the “Creatures” section (page 49), Tenday.n the Forgotten Realms, a week's ten days long. and called a tenday, Each month consists of three tendays— thicty days total —_———THE ADVENTURE BEGINS ‘The adventure begins in the mining town of Phandalin. There, the characters receive quests and can choose which ones to pursue. ‘The ‘Adventure Background” section describes the events leading up to the adventure and the main threats the characters will face. The “Welcome to Phandalin” and “Exploring Phandalin” sections describe the town. ‘where the adventure begins. Knowing Phandalin well will ensure a smooth start, ApVENTURE BACKGROUND Driven from lands farther north by more powerful dragons, a young white dragon named Cryovain has de- seended upon the Sword Mountains, claiming the snow- ‘capped range as its domain. Typical of its kind, Cryovain is dim-witted and eruel. The dragon patrols the skies around Icespire Peak, surveying its territory while hunt. ing for food and easy treasure. With each passing day, the dragon's domain grows as it ranges farther across, the land, preying on anything it can catch with its claws ‘or freeze to death with its iey breath. Sightings of the dragon are becoming more common, as are its attacks. ‘A-crumbling fortress on the northeast spur of leespire Peak serves as the dragon's lair. Cryovain seized the iey fortress from a tribe of savage ores, killing the ore war chief and foreing the tribe's survivors to flee into the foothills and forests. Enraged by the death of their war chief, the ores have called upon ancient allies—evil, shapechanging, half-ore spelleasters who bless and advise them, These halfores worship Talos, an evil god ‘of storms, and many dwell in the dark depths of Never. swinter Wood. In stormy weather, they gather on remote hilltops to summon Gorthok the Thunder Boar, a primal entity that serves Talos. Like the god it serves, Gorthok delights in destruction. ‘The ores aren't the only creatures thrown into up- heaval by Cryovain's sudden arrival. A manticore driven from its mountaintop nest by the roaming white dragon, hhas migrated to the foothills and begun terrorizing folk living on the outskirts of the mnining town of Phand- alin, Other monsters in the region have been similarly displaced. WELCOME TO PHANDALIN ‘The frontier town of Phandalin is built on the ruins of a much older settlement. Hundreds of years ago, the old Phandalin was a thriving human town whose people swore firmly allied with neighboring dwarves and gnomes, Then an ore horde swept through the area and laid waste to the settlement, and Phandalin was abandoned for In the last three or four years, settlers from the cities of Neverwinter and Waterdeep have begun the hard work of reclaiming the ruins of Phandlalin. The new settlement is home now to farmers, woodcutters, fur traders, and prospectors drawn by stories of gold and platinum in the foothills of the Sword Mountains. The arrival of @ white dragon threatens to dastroy all that they've worked to rebuild,When you are ready for the adventure to get underway, show the poster map of Phandalin to the players and read the following boxed text alouc: Nestled in the rocky foothills ofthe snow-capped Sword Mountains isthe mining town of Phandalin, which con: sists of forty or fit simple log buildings. Crumbling stone ruins surround the newer houses and shops, showing how this must have been a much larger town in centuries pest Phandaln's residents are quit, hard-working folk who came from distant cities to cke out a if amid the harsh wilderness. They ae farmers, stonecutters, blacksmiths, traders, prospectors, end children. The town has na walls and no garrison, but most ofthe adults keep weapons “within easy reach in case the need for arms should arise Visitors are welcome here, particularly if they have coin to spend or news to share, The Stonehill nn a the center ‘of town offers modest lodging and meals, A couple of doors dawn from the inn, posted outside the townmase ter's hall's 2 job board for adventurers, When the adventurers are ready to inspect the job board, proceed to the “Townmaster’s Hall” section (page 9). EXPLORING PHANDALIN ‘The characters might wish to explore key establishments, within Phandalin. These locations are marked on the ‘map of Phandalin and the corresponding poster map. STonEHILt Inn ‘This modest, ewo-story roadhouse has six rooms for rent fon the upper floor. A bed for the night costs 5 sp, while a ‘meal costs 1 sp. The proprietor is a short, friendly male human named Toblen Stonehill. Toblen is a native of the town of Triboar to the east. He came to Phandalin to prospect, but soon realized that he knew a lot more about ‘running an inn than he did about mining. Ifthe char- acters talk to Toblen, he shares a brief tale told to him by one of his regular patrons. Roll a d6 and consult the Phandalin Tales table (page 9) to determine which tale Toblen knows, or pick tale the characters haven't heard yet BARTHEN’S PROVISIONS The shelves of this gencral store stock most ordinary goods and supplies, including backpacks, bedrolls, rope, and rations, Barthen’s doesn't stock weapons or armor, but characters can purchase other adventuring gear here, with the exception of items that cost more than 25, gp. For prices, see the rulebook) Characters in need of weapons or armor are directed to the Lionshield Coster. ‘Those looking to buy potions of healing are ured to visit Adabra Gwynn at Umbrage Hill (see the "Potions of Heal- ing” sidebar on page 9).‘The proprietor, Elmar Barthen, is lean and balding human man of ity years. He employs a couple of young clerks (Ander and Thistle) who help load and unload wagons, and who wait on customers when Barthen isn't around. Characters who engage Barthen, Ander, or This- lle in friendly conversation are (old a tale. Roll a d6 and consult the Phandalin Tales table, or pick a tale the char- acters haven't heard yet, Lionsuretp Coster Hanging above the front door ofthis modest trading post ‘5.2 sign shaped ikea wooden shield with a blue lion paloted on i. This building is owned by the Lionshields, a merchant ‘company based in the city of Yartar over a hundred miles to the east. The company ships finished goods to Phand: alin and other small settlements throughout the region. ‘The master of the Phandalin post is a sharp-tongued ‘human woman of thirty-five named Linene Graywind, Linene keeps a supply of armor and weapons, all of ‘which are for sale to interested buyers. (For prices, see the rulebook) Linene won't sell weapons to anyone she thinks might be a threat to the town. Ifthe characters talk to her, she recalls a tale told to her by one of her ncighbors. Roll a d6 and consult the Phandalia Tales ta- ble, or pick a tale the characters haven't heard yet. PHANDALIN MiNER's EXCHANGE ‘Miners come here to have their valuable finds wei ‘measured, and paid out. The exchange also serves as an unoliicial records office, registecing claims to various streams and excavations around the area, Enough wealth is hidden in the nearby streams and valleys to support a good number of independent prospectors. ‘The exchange is a great place to meet people who spend a lot of time out and about in the countryside sur- rounding Phandalin. The guildmaster is a calculating hu ‘man woman named Halfa Thornton. She is also an agent of the Zhentarim, a shadowy organization that secks to exert secret control over the North through wealth and influence. Halia is working slowly to bring Phandalin under her control, and she can become a valuable patron to adventurers who don't eross her. Ifthe characters get om her good side, Halia tells them a tale. Roll a d6 and consult the Phandalin Tales table, or pick a tale the char- acters haven't heard yet. SHRINE oF Luck, ‘Phandalin's only temple is a shrine made of stones taken from the nearby ruins. Itis dedicated to Tymora (goddess of luck and good fortune) and is normally in the care of a zealous elf acolyte named Sister Garaele. However, she is out of town for the duration of this adventure. Sister Garaele is a member of the Harpers, a scattered network of adventurers and spies who advocate equality and covertly oppose the abuse of power. The Harpers gather information throughout the land to thwart tyrants. ‘They aid the weak, the poor, and the oppressed. Sister Garaele regularly reports to her superiors on events PHANDALIN TALES ds Tale 1 "Once again, the ores have come down from the ‘mountains 19 prey on the lowlands! IF Neverwinter oesrit send help soon, the orcs will averun Phand: alin and destroy everything we've worked so hard to rebuild” 2 “As the Trboar Trail runs east, it passes through the ruins of Conyberry, a town sacked by barbarians years ago. There's a ruined temple south of Cony berry where it's said the locals hi their gold” (ifthe ‘characters visit the temple, see "Shrine of Sayras" on page 38) 3 "Strange magic pervades Neverwinter Wood, con- founding navigators and obscuring the ancient ruins foflbygone kingdoms lost inits depths.” 4 “Falcon’s Hunting Lodge isthe ory safe haven in Neverwinter Wood. It ies deep in the forest along a river's edge, and wealthy nobles venture there to hunt while under Faleon's protection, Falcon isa retired veteran of many wars, and i's aid hel offer free room and board to anyone who brings him a bottle of wine” (ifthe characters pay Falcon a vst, see “Fal- con's Hunting Lodge” on page 24) 5 "West of Phanéalin, on the coast, is en old stone lighthouse. Ships are drawn to this elearning tower like mots to flame, and are doomed to crash upon Its racks. Their wrecks must be filed with tescure!” (ifthe characters visit the lighthouse, see "Tower of Storms” on page 40) 5 "Some folk claim to have seen a dragon fying ‘through the high clouds. At that distance, it's hard to gauge the creature's size, but some say t's as big as an elephant and has gleaming white scales." in and around Phandalia, and is eurrently in Never. ‘winter doing exactly that. In her absence, the shrine is left untended. ‘TownMasrer's HALL ‘The townenaster's hal has sturdy stone walls a pitched wooden roof, and a bell tower atthe back. The job board next to the front door features a sparse number of notices, all written in Common and inthe sare hand If the characters inspect the notices on the job board, proceed to the “Phandalin Quests” section (page 10) ao Ee eee Portions oF HEALING [No place in Phandalin sells potions of heoling, However, characters who wish to purchase one or more such potions can do so atthe Urbrage Hill windmill, cated afew miles south of Phandalin. The windmil is home toa micwife and acolyte of Chauntea (goddess of agriculture) named ‘Adabra Gwynn. For more information an this location, see “Umbrage Hill (page 3)PHANDALIN QUESTS _ ‘The job board outside the towamaster’s hall is where adventurers can learn about quests. Each quest is printed ‘on a card, which you can give to the players when that quest becomes available (see “Starting Quests" and “Follow-Up Quests” befow). Let the players choose which ‘quest to complete first, second, third, and so on. Ifthe players don't like a particular quest, they are under no ob- ligation to complete it. However, completing quests helps the characters become more powerful (see “Leveling Up ‘on page 11). Hanein Wester, Quest Grver All the notices on the job board are written by Harbin ‘Wester, Phandalin's duly appointed townmaster. Harbin isa pompous, middle-aged banker who lives in a house cast ofthe townmaster's hall. Reports of a white dragon in the area have turned him into a veritable shut in, and he rarely goes outside except to get food and post new notices calling for adventurers. Characters who knock on Harbin’s door hear his voice on the other side say, “Ifyou're a dragon, know that I'm far too thin and bony to make a good meal!” No matter ‘what the adventurers do to allay his fears, Harbin refuses to open the door, preferring to talk through it. Other resi- dents who trouble Harbin with complaints receive similar treatment Ifthe characters ask him about a quest, Har them on the right track, offering payment upon th evurn. When the time comes to pay up he slips the pay- ‘ment under the door one gold coin ata time. ‘ADVENTURE LOCATIONS AND ENCOUNTERS This adventure encourages characters to exalore locations ‘marked on the DM's map of the Sword Coast (page 5) When the characters embark on = journey to 2 location, fp tothe section ofthis book that describes that location in detail. For example ifthe players choose to undertake the Umbrage Hill Quest, go to the “Umbrage Hil section (gage 43). Each location Includes an overview that brie scribes what characters can expect to find there. This ‘overviews followed by information you'll need to run the tencounters at that lacation. ‘Running Encounters. This adventure describes what the characters s0e when they fret arrive ata location, and wiatthey'l discover as they explore it. The adventure also tells you how the location's inhabitants react t the characters arrival No encounter has a predetermined outcome. For ‘example, characters wha explore Umbrage Hil ar likly to fencounter a manticare. although fighting the monster is always an option, characters might decide to negotiate with the manticore instead. Be fexble, particulary when dealing Uth intelligent monsters. f every encounter becomes a fight tothe death, your players might get bored and miss ‘out on some fun roleplaying opportunities, Whenever possi: bie, reward players for being clever. For example, characters wn disturb the arkhegs a the Loggers’ Camp (page 34) _might be able to escape from the burrowing monsters by jurmping in the nearby rive. Similar, characters who ace willing to negotiate with the wererats in the Mountain's Toe old Mine (page 36) might be able t forge a truce be- ‘ween the wererats and the miners, ending their confit so thatthe mine can be reopened, SrartiNe Quests ‘When the characters fist visit the job board, there are three quests posted. Give the players the cards for these quests so that they can choose which to pursue. Dwarven Excavation Quest. “Dwarf prospectors found ancient dwarven ruins in the mountains southwest of here, and have been working an archaeological dig seek- ing treasure and relics. They need to be warned that a white dragon has moved into the area. Take the warning to them, then return to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward of 50 gp.” Ifthe characters undertake this quest, se “Dwarven Excavation" (page 22) Gnomengarde Quest. "A clan of reclusive rock gnomes resides ina small network of caves in the mountains to the southeast. The gnomes of Gnomengarde are known for their magical inventions, and they might have some. thing with which to defeat the dragon. Get whatever you can from them. If you bring back something uscful ‘and dos't want to keep it for yourselves, Townmaster Harbin Wester will pay you 50 gp for it” Ifthe char- acters undertake this quest, proceed with “Gnomen- garde” (page 26), Umbrage Hill Quest. “The local midwife—an acolyte of Chauntea named Adabra Gwynn—lives by herselfin a stone windmill on the side of a hill a few miles south of Phandalin, With dragon sightings becoming more com ‘mon, is not safe for her to be alone. Unge Adabra to return to Phandalin. Once she's safe, visit Townmaster Harbin Wester to claim a reward of 25 gp.” Ifthe char- ‘acters undertake this quest, proceed with “Umbrage Hill” (page 43). Unonace Hitt ‘Ques seca mitie—an clit rete ames Abra eloyieraatinastone BMheadecfaniliaten Gay rPhancatin, With 9g OMENGARDE Ours ome Seam YE Ain cera coming com glottis to Pruotatin, Once se Snmase Rsn 8 DWARVES aretha wit which SEXCAVATION QUEST the igo , nee Reintiaerie wat pe nos iiselvea ie ramen access Veer ma ‘Sepa OE ro tm Sen They need OOS Tio the rae a se ee wre erFoLLow-Ur Quests After the characters complete two starting quests, the following three quests are added to the job board: Butterskull Ranch Quest. "Ores have attacked Butter- skull Ranch, five miles east of Conyberry along the Tri- boar Trail! Travel there with haste, assess the damage, and help any way you can. Ranch owner Alfonse “Big AI’ Kalazorn isa retired sheriff who can reward you for your efforts. If he's dead, return to Townmaster Harbin Wester with proof of Kalazorn's demise to receive a re- ward of 100 gp." I'the characters undertake this quest, proceed with “Butterskull Ranch” (page 16), Loggers’ Camp Quest. “Deep in Neverwinter Wood, along the river that lows west toward Neverwinter, is a logging camp. Every two months, Phandalin delivers fresh supplies to the camp, which is run by the half brother of Phandalin’s townmaster, Harbin Wester, Barthen, the local provisioner, has prepared a new de- livery. He needs someone to bear the supplies safely to the camp. Return to Harbin Wester with a notice of de: livery signed by his half brothers, Tibor Wester, to claim, ‘your reward of 100 gp.” Ifthe characters undertake this quest, proceed with "Loggers’ Camp” (page 34). Mountain’s Toe Quest. “The Mountain’s Toe Gold Mine lies fifteen miles northeast of Phandalin. The new overseer, Don-Jon Raskin, just made the trip from Nev- cerwinter to Phandalin and needs to be escorted to the mine. There's no telling what dangers lie between here and there. Once you deliver Raskin safe and sound, re- turn to Townmaster Harbin Wester to collect a reward: of 100 gp Irthe characters undertake this quest, pro- ‘ceed with “Mountain's Toe Gold Mine” (page 36). After the characters complete two follow-up quests, another three follow-up quests are added to the job board: Axcholm Quest. ‘Within 2 mountain fifteen miles south ‘of Phandalin stands the ancient dwarven fortress of Axeholm, which has been sealed for years. Ifa dragon attack is imminent, the people of Phandalin might need to evacuate and take refuge in Axeholm. To that end, someone needs to open the fortress and make it safe for habitation. Once you accomplish these tasks, return to Townmaster Wester to collect a reward of 250 gp." If the characters undertake this quest, proceed with “Axe- holm” (page 12). Dragon Barrow Quest. “The dragon that besets us is ‘ot the first to threaten this rogion, Between here and [Neverwinter lies the barrow mound of a warrior whose ‘magical dragon-slaying sword helped fell a green dragon terrorizing the High Road a century ago. Ru- mor has it the dragon slayer sword is buried there too. Retrieve it, and let the sword be its own reward!” Ifthe characters undertake this quest, proceed with “Dragon Barrow” (page 20) Woodland Manse Quest. “The ores have fallen under the sway of evil spellcasters in Neverwinter Wood, and have been sighted in growing numbers near Falcon's Hunting Lodge. The spelicasters dwell in a ruined ‘mane. Falcon needs someone to make a preemptive strike against it. Destroy the evil in the manse, then ‘expect him to reward you.” Ifthe characters undertake this quest, run “Falcon's Hunting Lodge” (page 24) followed by “Woodland Manse” (pase 44). LevzLine Up Characters advance in level by completing quests, using the guidelines for leveling up in the rulebook. Regardless of the number of characters in the party, the rate of ad ‘vancementis as follows: + Characters gain a level each time they complete a starting quest, until they reach 3rd level. Once they are 3rd level or higher, completing a starting quest has no effect on their level + Characters gain a level cach time they complete two follow-up quests + Characters gain a level if they slay Cryovain the white dragon, ‘WHERE'S THE WHITE DRAGON? Cryovain the young white dragon (see page 64 for its stat block) is a roaming threat that can be encountered almost anywhere. Each time the characters arrive at a lo- cation tagged on the map of the Sword Coast (page 5) or prepare to leave that location, roll a 420 and consult the Dragon's Location table to determine Cryovain’s current whereabouts, Make your first roll on the table when the adventurers leave Phandalin for the first time. ‘When the dragon visits a location that is not its lain, it ‘surveys the location from the sky, beyond the reach of ranged weapon attacks, It spots nothing it can eat, it flies off after circling the location for a minute or two. Iit spots something tasty, such as a mule, a horse, or a char- acter, the dragon swoops down and attacks it. Once the dragon kills something, it grabs the carcass and flies off with it, Whatever it takes is then eaten within the hour: If Cryovain loses more than 10 hit points in battle, the dragon disengages from combat and retreats to its lair at Ieespire Hold, remaining there until it finishes a long rest and regains all its hit points, Only at Icespire Hold does the dragon fight to the death, Dracon’s Location 420 Location 1 Axeholm (page 12) 2 Buttershull Ranch (page 16) 3. Conyberry (page 4) 4 Dragon Barrow (page 20) 5 Dwarven Excavation [page 22) 6 Falcon’s Hunting Lodge (page 24) 7 Gnomengarde (page 26) 3 High Road (poge4) 9 Icespire Hold (page 30) 10 Leilon {page 4) Tl Loggers’ Camp (page 34) 12 Mountain's Toe Gold Mine (page 36) YB Neversvinter (page 4) ‘4 Phandalin (page 8) 1S Shrine of Savras (page 38) 16 Starmetal Mills (page 4) 17 Tower of Storms (page 40) 18 Trboar Tal (page 4) 19 Umbrage Hill (page 43) 20 Woodland Manse (page 44) (0-1HKE ADVENTUREAXEHOLM “AXEHOLIM” IS BALANCED FOR CHARACTERS OF STH LEVEL, though characters of 3rd or 4th level can survive its perils if they are cautious and rest hetween encounters. LocaTIon OVERVIEW Axcholm is a dwarven fortress carved into the base of 2 mountain fifteen miles south of Phandalin. The site ‘was abandoned and sealed up long years ago after be- ing haunted by a banshee~the restless spirit of a moon elf ambassador named Vyldara who tried and failed to foment civil unrest among the dwarves. The dwarves im- prisoned the elf and sent messages to her people, asking that they come to collect her. Before envoys could be sent, Vyldara killed two guards trying to escape, only to be eut down by dwarven axes before she could succeed. ‘When the elf’s evil spirit started filling Axeholm's halls with deathly wails, the dwarves abandoned their strong- hold, but aot before several dwarves slain by the banshee arose as ghouls to feed on their kin. Ghouls and other creatures now prowl Axeholm, while the banshee con- tinues to haunt the fortress's upper halls. The banshee senses the arrival of adventurers with its Detect Life trait. nits twisted spectral mind, they are invaders who must be destroyed for their trespass. Quest GoaLs ‘To complete the Axeholm Quest (page 11), adventurers must kill or drive out al the monsters in the fortress. ‘AxcHOUM Features In the dwarves’ absence, Axeholm has becorne a dar, sullen tomb, full of dust end bad memories. its quiet ‘most of the time, except when the sorrowful wails of the banshee fl tie place. The fellowing festures are common throughout. ‘Arrow Sits. When using an arrow sit for protection, 1 creature gains three quarters cove (se the rulebook) ‘agent outelde threats, A Medium charaeter can't squeeze through an artow sit, but a Small chacacter can witha suc- cessful DC 10 Dexerity (Acrobatics) check. Bollstes. Forts defense, Axchoim reled heavily on bal listas—massve crossbows thet fire heavy bots. A crew of ‘three dvrarves operated each balista, Before it can be fred, ‘a ballista must be loaded and aimed, It takes one action to lead the weapon, one action to aim it, and one action to fre it Ranged Weagen Attack: +6 to it, ange 120/480 fe, one ‘target. Hit 16 (3410) piercing éamage. Ceilings. Ceilings throughout are fficen fet high and fat, unless the text says otherwise Chimney. Fireplaces throughout Axeholm have chimneys ‘ut from soamless stone, Sorne of those chirmneys can be used to ln access to the fortress Doors. Regular doors are made of thick, sturdy oak reinforced with iron bands and fited wth iron hinges ard handles, Light. The walls are lined with torch sconces, but the torches bumed dovn long ago. Adventurers requir dark sion or their own light sources to see inside. Stench. A foul stench linger in Axeholm, becoming stron: ger as one gets closer to the resicent ghouls, TRAVEL TO AXEHOLM ‘The day-long journey to Axehoim from Phandalin takes the characters across grassy lowlands that skirt the rocky foothills ofthe Sword Mountains. The trek passes with- ‘ou incident, though cool winds aad rain blowing ia from the Sword Coast make the trip far from pleasant. ARRIVAL ‘When the adventurers arrive at Axeholm, read the follow: ing boxed text aloud: Career | ert ee J Seer ee een ee Pi Ce Entering the fortress is the characters’ first challenge. ‘The portcullis in area Al is too heavy to lift, and its bars are too narrowly spaced for even Small characters to squeeze through. However, a Small character can squeeze through an arrow slit into area A2 or A3, then attempt to raise the portcullis using the winches there ‘The winches are rusty and require a successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check to turn. Fach successful check allows the portcullis to be raised 5 feet. Characters who search for another entrance can at tempt DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) checks. A successful check spots aumerous stone chimneys protruding from the mountainside, but an earthquake after Axeholm was abandoned closed off most of those to anything but Tiny creatures. Only the chimneys leading down to area A21 and area A23 can be accessed by the adventurers, Seal ing the mountain requires a successful DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check, as there are plenty of handholds and footholds. Crawling down a chimney to area A21 or area A23 requires another successful DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check. If this check fails, the character falls 20 feet to the botiom of the chimney, landing in the sooty hearth and taking 2d6 bludgeoning damaye. Characters who use climbing gear to scale the mountain and lower them- selves down a chimney have advantage on their checks. ‘See the rulebook for more information on advantage. Kezyep Locations ‘The following locations are keyed to the map of Axeholm. Al. OureR GAUNTLET Axcholm’s primary entrance and exit is this defensible passage, which is blocked by a sturdy portcullis (see “Arrival” above). Arrow slits are spaced along the walls and murder holes line the ceiling, enabling fortress defenders to shoot ballistas at invaders or pour boiling cil on top of them. With the dwarves gone, the onlyremaining defenses are the portcullis and the double doors fo the south, which are barred shut. Characters hoping to get through the double doors ‘must break them down, which takes a single character 1 hour. Multiple characters working together can reduce the time proportionately. The noise created hy smash: ing down the doors is loud enough to alert all the dwarf ‘ghouls in the fortress, which gather in area Ad and ‘attack once the doors fall (See page 57 for the ghoul! stat block) The fortress contains three dwarf ghouls plus three additional ghouls for each character in the party, not including sidekicks. If these ghouls are killed here, the characters encounter no more of them in the fortress. A2. WESTERN BULWARK ‘This area contains seven ballistas pointed at arrow slits, a winch that raises and lowers the portcullis, and a stone staircase leading up to area A22. Each ballista is equipped with five bolts. AS, EASTERN BULWARK ‘This area has the same features as area A2, Ag. Musterino HALL This great hall has a 40-foothigh ceiling supported by four thick stone pillars. A thick layer of dust covers the flagstone floor. In the midlle of each wall past the entrance is a double door. Arrow slits are set high up in the north and south walls, and 2 small stone balcony pro- trudes from the wall above the east exit, 20 feet above the floor. (See areas A22, A24, and A25 for details of these Teatures) AS. West Hatt ‘The floor is strewn with bits of armor and the gnawed bones of dwarves who were killed and eaten by ghouls. Lurking in the hall is one ghoul (see page 57 for its ‘stat block) for each member of the party, not including sidekicks, The ghouls pursue prey that flees. AG. ARMORY ‘The dwarves took all the weapons and armor from this area when they left. All that remains are empty stone ‘weapon racks, wooden mannequins upon which ar- ‘mor once hung, and iron hooks in the walls that once, bore shields. AT. MAIN BARRACKS Dozens of meager cots lie seattered about the floor. A pair of fireplaces stand cold and dark, their rubble-choked chimneys rising 120 feet through the mountain. A8. Privies ‘Tattered wool curtains conceal three neglected privies, each with a wooden bench set against the back wall, AQ. STIRGE IN THE SMITHY ‘Standing before two blackened hearths are a pair of ‘rusty anvils, which dwarves once used to fashion and re- pair their armor and weapons. ‘A fluttering noise can be heard coming from the south- cernmost fireplace, indicating the presence ofa stirge Gee page 63 for its stat block) near the bottom of the 200-foot high chimney. [fanyone shines a light up there, the stinge panics, flies out, and attacks the nearest char- acter or sidekiek. Ignores the characters otherwise.Al0. Toor StoracE Dwarven armorsmniths and weaponsmiths stored their tools here, which still hang from hooks along the walls. ‘Though a bit rasty, the tools are in serviceable shape if the characters wish to use them, All. Inner GAUNTLET Four arrow sits line the walls of this corridor leading to Axeholm’s throne room (area AMA). Al2. West Guarp Post ‘Two ballistas point toward arrow slits in the east wall. Each ballista is equipped with five bolts. The guard post is otherwise empty. AIS, East Guarp Post ‘The gnawed bones, torn armor fragments, and rusty bat- tdeaxes of two dead dwarf guards lie in the middle of the room. The guards were trapped here by ghouls, killed, and eaten. ‘Two ballistas aimed at arrow slits in the west wall ‘come equipped with five bolts apiece, Ald, THronr Room Read the following boxed text out loud to describe this ‘The stench of desth hangs heavy in the air ofthis dusty, pillared hal, which has dark, sootstained fireplace at the feast end, A deep alcove in the south wall contains dais, stop which rests a limestone throne flarked by granite statues of dwarf warriors. Between the throne and the fire place isa hallway with stairs leading up. Hiding behind the throne is a ghoul (sce page 57 for its stat block) with 40 hit points. This undead creature is all that remains of Axcholm's dwarf castellan, who stayed behind to seal up the fortress after most of the garrison fled. The ghoul is the source of the hall's foul stench, hich gets stronger closer fo the throne. The hidden ghoul can be detected with a suecessfal DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) check. Ifany character inspects the throne, the ghoul lets out a shrick and attacks. ts shriek is heard by the ghouls in. area A26, which crawl down the chimney and clamber ut of the fireplace. This group contains two soot covered ghouls plus one additional ghoul for each member of the party, not including sidekicks. Afterall other creatures in the hall have taken a frst turn in combat, these ghouls Join the battle, acting on the same initiative count as the former eastellan, Treasure. The ghoulish castellan wears a gold signet ring that bears the Axeholm crest: a handaxe clutched ina dwarven gauntlet. The signet ring is worth 5 gp and tunlocks the chest in area A29, AI5. Divine Room In the middle of this room, a carved stone dining table 15 feet long by 5 feet wide) is flanked by a pair of equally ong wooden benches. Above the table hang two iron chandeliers, their candles long since melted away. North of the seating area isa sooty fireplace and an alcove con- taining a rough-hewn pit that descends 60 feet. ‘Abundant handholds and footholds allow a character to climb up or down the pit with a successful DC 10 Strength (Athletics) check. The bottom of the pit contains ‘moldy animal bones and other refuse discarded by the dwarves after their meals, AI6. KitcHen ‘The dusty room has all the trappings one expects to find in a dwarven kitchen, including metal dishware, stensi and drinking mugs. A stone sink is equipped with a fas ‘cet which, when turned, spouts hot water channeled from anaturally heated underground spring. Al?. East Haut in Rus ‘The earthquake that hit Axcholm triggered a ceiling col lapse that left this hall in ruins, The eastern half of the hha is strewn with debris and is difficult terrain (eee the rulebook). The stench of death hangs heavy here, becom- ing stronger as the characters move toward area A19, AI8, Empty Room This 15 footsquare room was cleaned out by the dwarves before they evacuated Axcholm, Only dust remains. AI9. GHOUL DEN Characters can reach this area by following the naturally formed tunnel from area A17 or by descending the stone staircase from area A24. The door to the north has been smashed open, and its remains are strewn on the floor. The stench of death and decay grows stronger as the characters approach this room, and they can hear the hisses and snarls of the ghouls (see page 57 for their stat block) that lair here. The room contains one ghoul plus one additional ghoul for each member of the party, not including sidekicks. After dealing with the ghouls, the characters ean i ‘spect the room more closely. Describe it to the playt follows: This chamber was once a sine, as evidenced by wall carvings that depict duarves carrying censers and observ- Ing teligious ees, However, the eastern section ofthe room has collapse, filing the area with rubble. Grawed bones scattered among the debris are the remains of a number of dwarves, Treasure. Characters who search through the rubble {in the eastern portion of the room find two treasures: + Aplatinum amulet on a thin but sturdy gold chain. This amulet is a holy symbol of Moradin (the dwarven god of creation) and bears his symbol: a hammer and anvil Any dwarf character recognizes the symbol immedi- ately, while a non-dwarf recognizes it with a successful DC 10 Intelligence (Religion) check An unlocked steel coffer weighing 5 pounds. This small box is packed with sit, nestled in which is a potion of superior healing, Give the players the Potion of Supe- rior Healing card when they find this magic item,A20. NaRzow TuNNEL Ghouls dug this winding, rubble-strewn tunnel connect- ing the upper and lower levels of Axeholm, The tunnel is 2 feet wide, 5 feet high, and 60 feet long, A21. East UrPer BARRACKS ‘The ghouls trashed this room, leaving behind wrecked cots, chairs, tables, and other furnishings. A blackened fireplace is set into the east wall, its chimney rising 20 feet to the outside. Characters can use this chimney to center of exit the fortress (see “Arrival,” page 12). A22. Upper Basrion ‘This large chamber extends over the outer gauntlet of the ‘main entrance (area A1) and contains many former defen- sive measures, Arrow slits to the north allow outside light ‘to enter, filling the northern half of the room with sun- light or moonlight depending on the time of day or night. Thick webs are strung between the walls and pillars. Lurking among them are several giant spiders (see page 458 for their stat block)—three spiders plus one addi- tional spider for each character ia the party, not including sidekicks. The spiders are spread throughout the south- ‘ern half of the room and move to aetack all interlopers. Other defenses include two fireplaces, which were used fo heat cauldrons full of oil that the dwarves poured. through narrow slits in the floor. Three empty cauldrons are lined up along one of these slits. Arrow slits along the south wall open up onto area A4, and stone staircases descend to areas A2 and A3, A23. Wrst UPPER BARRACKS A fireplace is built into the west wall ofthis room. Hang: ing from a hook above its mantelpiece is a nonmagical stee! shield bearing the symbol of Axcholm: a dwarven gauntlet clutching a handaxe, Characters can use the fire place's soot-stained chimney to enter or exit the fortress (ee “Arrival,” page 12). The room's other furnishings~cots, tables, chairs, and ‘empty footlockers—are intact but covered in dust. A24. Hauntep Ha ‘The banshee (see page 52 for its stat block) haunts the east-west stretch ofthis L-shaped hall. The creature floats in the middle ofthe hall, outside the door to area AQT. Deseribe it to the players as follows: A I the characters flee the banshee's presence of their own ‘accord, it lets them go. If they advance toward the un- dead, attack it, or attempt to parley, it turns violent, In the first round of combat, the banshee uses Horrify- ing Visage. On the second round, it uses Wail. After wail: ing, it withdraws to area A27, passing through the closed door as though it weren't there. In area A27, the undead makes its final stand, A25. Urrer East HALL AND BALCONY ‘The earthquake caused part of this empty hall to co!- lapse. A double door in the west wall leads to a small stone balcony overlooking arca Ad, A26. GHout Barn ‘Several ghouls (see page 87 for their stat block) gather here—a total of two ghouls plus one additional ghoul for each member of the party, not including sidekicks. The shouls enter and leave the room through a 2-footiame- ter hole in the east wall, which breaks into the chimney ofarea AMA, In the middle of this room stands a carved stone tub, filled with gnawed dwarven bones. The tub is equipped with a faucet which, when turned, spouts hot water chan- neled from a naturally heated underground spring. A ‘stone plug seals the drain in the tubs bottom, A27. Bansuer’s BEDCHAMBER ‘This bedroom was set aside for honored guests, but its furnishings have decayed with age and are covered with, dust and cobwebs. Vyldara once stayed here, but the elf's possessions were taken during her captivity, leaving nothing of value. A28. CASTELLAN's BEDCHAMBER A stone framed bed with a moldy mattress stands in the middle of this room, covered in dust and cobwebs. Set into the south wall is a soot-stained fireplace, Stirges (see page 63 for their stat block) nest in the rubble-choked chimney~a total of one per party mem- ber (including sidckicks). The stirges attack anyone who pokes around in the fireplace. ‘Secret Door. The back wall ofthe fireplace is a secret door. character who searches the interior of the fire place and succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check notices dwarven hand prints in the soot on the bback wall, Pushing on the secret door causes it to swing open on hidden stone hinges, revealing area A29 beyond. A29. SecRET VAULT Against the south wall ofthis otherwise empty room, rests a 80-pound iron chest with clawed feet. Its builtin Jock bears a tiny circular indentation instead ofa tradi tional keyhole. Close inspection of the indentation reveals, a tiny symbol of a handaxe clutched in a gauntlet. This ‘symbol matches the one on the castellan's signet ring. (found in area AL4), albeit reversed. Ifthe castellan’s, signet ring is placed in the indentation, the chest unlocks and remains unlocked until its lid is closed tight. The chest can also be unlocked with a successful DC 20 Dex: terity check using thieves’ tools, or by a knock spell or similar magic. Treasure. The chest contains a dread helm and a pair ‘of gauntlets of ogre power. Give the players the Dread Helm and Gauntlets of Ogre Power eards when they find and identify these two magic items. A380. Privizs ‘Rusty chain mail curtains conceal a pair of privies, each ‘with a wooden bench set against the back wall. The chutes for these privies descend deep into the mountain, passing just east of area A10,BUTTERSKULL RANCH “BUTTERSKULL RANCH” IS BALANCED FOR CHARACTERS of 3rd level, but characters of 2nd level can survive this quest if they avoid combat and focus on rescuing Alfonse Kalazorn, the ranch owner. Characters of 4th level or higher should be able to save Big Al and his ranch with- ‘out hardship. LocaTION OVERVIEW Alfonse Kalazorn used to be the sheriff of Triboar, a town tw the east, where he was known as Big Al Kalazorn. He retired a decade ago, but retirement didnt sit well wi him, Looking for a new challenge, he claimed a plot of| fertile land five miles east of Conyberry and turned it into a cattle and horse ranch. Later, he added a pig farm, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, corn fields, and an apple orchard. Most of his money comes from the sale of butter skulls-tumps of butter cleverly molded into the shapes of humanoid skulls. He sells his butter skulls primarily in towns to the east, although a few make their ‘way to Barthen’s Provisions in Phandalin. Big Als butter ismade from the milk of Petunia, his prized cow. ‘When the white dragon Cryovain drove the ores out of| Icespire Hold, they descended into the lowlands. A tenday ago, a small band of them attacked the ranch, freeing the pigs before setting fre to the barn and the smithy. A few other animals, including a dozen horses and Petunia the cow, escaped during the blaze. Big Al and five of his ranch hands were not so lucky. In their attempt to fend off the ores, Big Al was captured and the ranch hands were killed. The only surviving hand escaped on horseback, fled to Phandalin, and delivered news of the attack. Quest Goats Es To complete the Butterskull Ranch Quest (Follow-Up Quests,” page 11), adventurers must rescue Alfonse Kalazorn and either convince him to return to Phandalin or rid his ranch of ores. Alfonse also wants help finding his prized cow, promising a splendid reward in exchange. TRAVEL TO THE RANCH ‘The fastest and safest way to Butterskull Ranch from, Phandalin isto follow the Triboar Trail northeast. The trek is 60 miles long, and characters can walk about 24 miles in a day, Thus, they can expect to take two long, rests in the course of the journey. ENCOUNTERS ON THE WAY ‘The characters have the following encounters as they travel tothe ranch, Horses 1 CONYBERRY ‘The abandoned town of Conyberry is eerily silent except for the whistling ofthe wind as it blows through the set- ‘lement’s burned and crumbled down structures, As the characters make their way through or around the ruins, they spot three unsaddled riding horses (see page 62 {or their stat block) grazing near an old well. Anyone who succeeds on a DC 10 Wisdom (Perception) check sees that the horses are branded with the letters BAK (lor Big Al Kalazorn). A character who succeeds on a DC 15, Wisdom (Animal Handling) check can approach a horse without startling it, and can even ride it Prrunia THE Cow Between Conyberry and the ranch, the characters spot Petunia the cow (sce page 85 for its stat block) ia a field a few hundred feet off the Triboar Trail. Petunia ‘wears a cowbell around her neck. Characters who ap- proach her spot a brand on her hindquarters: the letters BAK. Petunia has a calm, unflappable demeanor. If ‘cated well, she follows her new benefactors everywhere, ARRIVAL The following locations are keyed to the map of Butter- ‘skull Ranch, When the adventurers come within sight of the ranch, read the following boxed text aloud ‘utters Ranch occupies a urge plot of land on the noth sid of th Teboar Tal, ested between tio il Beyond a ramshackle wooden fence stand cor elds, an apple orchard, gardens, and pasture land, path bresks off from the tral to lead to two-story farmhouse nent io 2 pond, West ofthe farmhouse are the charred remains of 2 barn and smithy that have been burned tothe ground, Pigs harmlessly wander the fields, gardens, and orchard. Between the farmhouse and the gutted barn lie the scat: tered corpses of two orcs and five humans (ranch hands) ‘swarming with flies. The bodies carry nothing of value. EXPLORING THE FARMHOUSE ‘The farmhouse is two-story log building with a pitched, shingled roof and a stone chimney. Its wooden doors are set with iron handles and hinges. Its windows are fitted with wooden shutters that can be bolted shut from inside. Al the shutters are open when the characters arrive. Raucous ores (see page 62 for their stat block) dwell in the farmhouse, consuming Big Al's ale and food stores. ‘There are three times as many ores as there are charac- ters in the party, not including sidekicks. Place the ores in areas BI through B9 as you see fit. The ores are not expecting trouble, but they fight to the death, BI. Krenn ‘The front door of the house leads into this area, which holds a large butter churn, worktables, shelves of food= stuffs and ale, and hanging pots and pans. Atop a small table isa skullshaped wooden butter mold. B2. Empry Foyer ‘Acreaky wooden staircase ascends from here to area BS. B3. Dintnc Room This room contains two wooden trestle tables flanked by benches. Cattle skulls on the walls add to the decor.B4, Downstairs CLoser This closet contains shelves holding dinnerware. B5. Coumon Room Padded chairs and game tables are arranged about this room. Scattered on the floor are Three Dragon Ante play- ing cards and wooden Dragonchess pieces. BG, Bic At’s Beproom A large bed and a bulky cedar wardrobe dominate this oom, which also has framed paintings of landscapes hanging on the walls, Treasure. Any character who searches the wardrobe and succeeds on a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check finds a secret compartment at the bottom, stuffed inside which is a suit of mithral chain mail. (Ifthe characters ac- quire and identify this magic item, give them the Mithral Chain Mail card.) B7. Rancw Hanps’ Beprooms Each of these rooms contains two beds and two footlock- ers. Bach footlocker contains neatly folded clothing and worthless personal effects, BB. Br Aus OrricE Big Als desk is buried under stacks of ledgers and papers chronicling ten years’ worth of business transactions. Treasure. Characters who search the messy office find a small sack buried under the paperwork. It contains earnings and wages: a total of 65 gp, 145 sp, and 220 ep. BO. Upstarrs CLOSET © This closet contains a mop, a broom, and a bucket. BIO. Cop Srorace CELLAR Wooden doors set against the north side of the farm- house cover stone stairs leading down to the cellar. When the characters explore the cellar, read the following text: ‘The cellar has a dit floor, walls of mortared stone, and an eight-footshigh plank ceiling braced by wooden pillars. Tied 10 a chairs. large figure with a burlap sack pulled ‘over his head, Shelves along the walls are lines with skulls ‘made of butter and protected by 2 thia coating of vax. ‘The bound figure is Alfonse Kalazorn, a human veteran, (Gee page 63 for his stat blocis. It takes 1 minute for a character to free Big Al from his rope bonds. Having been beaten by the orcs, he has 9 hit points remaining and appreciates any healing the characters can provide, He is also without weapons and armor (AC 11). Once liberated, Big Alcan be convinced to abandon his ranch by any character who succeeds on a DC 10 Charisma (Intimidation or Persuasion) check. But he would rather stay, borrow a weapon, and kill any ores that remain. Big Al can't turn a profit without his prized cow. He offers his cuit of michral chain mail (hidden in area B6) asa reward for her safe return. Ifthe characters didn't bring Petunia with them, they can scour the countryside for her. At the end of each hour spent searching, rll a 66. On a roll of 6, the party finds Petunia. If one or more characters search on horseback, they find Petunia on a rollof5 or 6.CIRCLE OF THUNDER “CIRCLE OF THUNDER" IS BALANCED FOR CHARACTERS of 6th level, though characters of 4th or Sth level ean ‘weather its challenges if they are cautious. No quest leads the party to this location. However, characters who brave Dragon Barrow might come here. with Xanth the centaur (see page 20), while those who raid the Woodland Manse (page 44) might be led here by Grannoc’s map. In the aftermath of the counterattack on Falcon’s Hunting Lodge (sec “Counterattack!” on page 47), characters can follow Gorthok’s trail back to the Circle of Thunder, where that creature was summoned, LOCATION OVERVIEW ‘The reclusive anchorites of the Circle of Thunder gather on this hill to make sacrifices to Talos the storm god. In stormy weather, the anchortes also perform rituals to ‘summon Gorthok the Thunder Boar, a destructive force they can unleash against their enemies. circle of stand ing tones atop the hill helps to focus the anchortes ‘magic to make the summoning of Gothok possible Three anchoritesFlenz, Narux, and Yareath-de fend the hil, When aot performing rituals inthe circle of standing stones, they patrol the surrounding woods, forage for food, and lurk im caves dugout ofthe hillside. When the characters arvve, the anchortes are gathered on the hilltop. If Gorthok has not been defeated yet, the anchortes are in the midst of summoning the great boar Otherwise, they are conjuring a storm 2 a Cave DescripTions Three caves are set beneath the hilkop, each serving as the lar ofan anchorit of Talos, The caves are dug out of the earth, with each cave mouth braced by two rectangular stone slabs topped with a heavy lintel store, Al the eaves, have 7-oo'-high celings and crude wooden gates for doors. Each cave features a diferent layout but has simi- lar contents ‘A: Emiryway, Situated in the middle ofthis intersection, facing the cave mouth, the skull ofa boar rests atop a pile ‘of humanoid and animal bores, A character who succeeds ‘on a DC 10 Inteligence (Religion) check can ascertain that the bones area warning to stay away. £B: Boar Pen. the gate to this room is lashed shut with rope I holds a boar (see page 54 forts stat block) thats the anchorit's companion and garbage disposal, The boar can't harm anyone while trapped inthis roam. IFthe gate is ‘opened by anyone other than an anchorite of Talos, the boar ‘tes to flee the cave attacking anyone in its path :Cell. The gate to this cell is lashed shut with ope. The cel is used to hold animals doomed to be sacrificed in it. uals to Talos. There's &25 percent chance that a harmless deers trapped inside. Otherwise, the cel is empty, D: Anchorit’s Retreat. This unfurnished room serves as the anchorite's quarters. Niches inthe walls old clay ish ‘ware, wooden utensils, gathered berries, bundled herbs, and creepy totems, In areas C2 and C3, the anchortes have hidden treasure buried under the earthen floor in a random Sroot square. See those areas for details of the treasure, : Secret Ext. This tunnel slopes up toa secret trapdoor is plainly visible rom the underside. EEE REE ‘TRAVEL TO THE CIRCLE ‘Characters traveling to the Ciele of Thunder have the following two encounters en route. ‘TREE TRAP This encounter can occur anywhere in Neverwinter Wood. Set the scenc by reading the following baxed text You come upon a sixty foot-wide forest clearing, in the middle of which is 2 black, needle-like spire—aforty-foot- tal pine tre ravaged by fire long ago, its limbs burned off Tied tothe dead tree near its base are several ghastly dolls ‘made of twigs bound with black hair Ten twig dolls are bound to the charred tree, all within ‘easy reach, A detect magic spell reveals an aiira of trans- ‘mutation magic emanating from the tree and the ground in a 60-foot radius around it Close examination of a twig doll reveals something ‘wrapped inside it By breaking a doll apart, characters, can sec that it contains a still-beating pig's heart. Any. damage to a heart kills it and causes the dead tree's roots to magically animate and erupt from the ground, When the constricting roots erupt, each creature stand- ing in the clearing must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw or take 5 (2d4) bludgeoning damage and be restrained, The creature takes this damage again at the start of each of its turns until iteseapes, A creature can use an action to free itself or another creature within its reach with a successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check, or by dealing 5 or more slashing damage against a root with a single melee weapon attack. The roots have AC 13 and immunity to all damage except slashing. YARGATH’Ss PATROL As they move through the forest, the characters are beset by Yargath, an anchorite of Talos (see page 51 for her stat block), and a band of ores (see page 62 for their stat block)—two ores per character in the party, including sidekicks, Set the scene as follows: As you make your way across uneven ground rising to a ridge, several hulking ores ascend a similar ridge across {rom you, separaced from you by 2 sixty foot-wide, ter oot-deep gully The ores unleash tervble battle cries as they are joined by 2 humanoid with elongated claws. On the first round of combat, Yargath casts bless on up to three ores. Meanwhile, the ores charge across the ravine and close to melee range. Treasure. Yargath carries a potion of greater healing. Ifthe characters acquire this potion, give the players the Potion of Greater Healing card,