Stolen for Stitches

Mirepool villagers have gone missing—lookouts that patrol Blackwater Swamp. The other villagers
blame the Rotten Husks, an orc tribe living deep within the marshy treeline, but it’s quickly learned
that the orcs are missing members of their own. Something else is responsible for taking captives, but
who or what remains to be seen.

A 3-hour adventure for 5th-10th level characters

Credits
Author: Kelly Mangerino
Editor: Brent Jans
Cover Artist: Arthur Asa
Map Artist: Kelly Mangerino

Special thanks to all the playtesters who made this possible, particularly: Tanis Pettit and Xavier Rodriguez.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D
Adventurers League, all other Wizards of the Coast product names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries. All
characters and their distinctive likenesses are property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any
reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.

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Introduction
Thanks for your interest in Stolen for Stitches.
This adventure is designed for three to six 5th-
10th level characters but is optimized for four
7th level characters.
Throughout the adventure, there will be
suggestions on how to balance encounters for
groups of different levels and sizes. You are free
to ignore this advice or improvise accordingly.
The adventure can be modified to fit into an
existing campaign and works best set close to a
swamp.
clues in the swamp. Seeking the tribe out and
confronting the orc leader, Chief Mor Ghara, the
characters learn that a human doctor is
experimenting on people in the swamp.
Members of the Rotten Husks have been taken
by the Doctor’s creations. Chief Mor Ghara,
equally determined to save her own, offers aid in
hunting down the Doctor and rescuing her
scouts. With the Doctor’s location revealed, the
characters must overcome his house of horrors
in order to rescue the hostages, destroying the
strange creations and putting an end to Doctor
Middles’ madness.

Overview
Mirepool is a small, dank village just outside of
Blackwater Swamp. A group of villagers
vanished while patrolling the border of the
swamp. The rest of the villagers, gathered at the
local inn, are arguing a course of action when the
characters arrive in town.
The characters’ best lead is a tribe of orcs, the
Rotten Husks, living within the swamp. It turns
out that the orcs are also missing members of
their own, and they’re willing to work with the
characters to find them.
It’s learned a new resident has recently moved
into the swamp, the Doctor and his lumbering
creations. Rumor is, he’s the one taking captives
back to his lab and experimenting on them. The
longer the characters dawdle, the more time
Doctor Middles has to create new friends of his
own design.

Adventure Hooks
By chance, the characters have stumbled into the
village of Mirepool during a tumultuous time;
Mirepool is the only village on a long road to the
next big city. Eerily quiet, all the villagers are
gathered at the local inn, discussing a plan to
find and rescue their missing patrol. It’s either
fate or coincidence the characters arrived.
Desperate to save them, Mirepool is offering the
characters a tantalizing sum to help. Biased
villagers suggest that an orc tribe living in the
swamp, the Rotten Husks, might be to blame; it’s
also the characters’ best lead if they overlook

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Part 1: Blame Game
It’s evening when the characters arrive in
Mirepool, a tiny village wreathed in constant fog
just outside Blackwater Swamp. The village has
little to offer in the way of trade, but they get
traffic because Mirepool is the only stopover on
a long road to the next city.
Without the luxury of career guardsmen, the
locals take turns patrolling the edge of the
swamp themselves. Usually, these tours go
without hitch, despite all manner of dangers
lurking within. This time, however, the lookouts
disappeared.
The town is quiet except for the inn, packed
with locals shouting and bustling about the
common room. If the characters try to speak
with any of the villagers outside, they are told
the argument is about what to do regarding the
missing patrol. The villagers recognize the
characters as capable adventurers—their only
hope—and practically beg them to head for the
inn.
The Leaking Bucket
The Leaking Bucket is Mirepool’s only inn and
place of repute. It’s run by a middle-aged woman
named Berniss. Her eldest son was among the
lookouts that went missing.
General Features
A squat, two-story building made of stone with a
shingled roof, it sits in the heart of the village. A
creaky, wooden porch wraps around the upper
floor leading towards rented rooms. A tin bucket
missing its bottom hangs over the door with the
name of the establishment painted in cursive.
The interior is much warmer than its exterior
would lead onlookers to believe. Long trestle
tables stretch across the room in three rows, and
a large fireplace keeps the chill from outside at
bay. Villagers pack the benches in rowdy groups,
yelling about a search party. A woman at the bar
alternates between trying to calm them and
barking orders to a serving boy over the
commotion. When the characters enter, the
locals stop quarreling and stare.
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Ceilings. The ceiling is 15 ft. high, held aloft by
thick wooden posts in the center of the room.
Light. Windows at the front allow natural light
to filter in. The fireplace, when lit, casts a warm
glow over the entire space.
Sound. The shouting of locals over banging
pots and pans from the kitchen make quiet
conversation near impossible.
Berniss Hall
Berniss is a middle-aged human woman, but
thickly built and capable of hefting a barrel of
ale easily over one shoulder. Relief washes
over her features when the party enters. She
wipes her hands and rushes forward to greet
them.
“Thank goodness you’re here, there’s hope at
last. Here, sit. Can I get you anything to eat?”
Berniss Hall runs The Leaky Bucket along with
her three sons. She knows every villager in
Mirepool, since most frequent the inn at some
point. She explains that there’s all manner of
dangers lurking within Blackwater Swamp.
Mirepool doesn’t have soldiers, so locals take
turns patrolling the tree line at night. Last
night’s patrol went missing. Now, Mirepool is in
an uproar.
About the missing patrol:
• Four villagers went on patrol, but they
disappeared on the trail near the tree line.
• All are humans, ranging in age and
description. Berniss’ eldest son, Hughes, was
among them.
o Hughes – Teenage male.
o Kenneth – Older male.
o Tendra – Young adult female.
o Gerrad – Adult male.
Notes: DMs, feel free to change up the races or add
personal backgrounds to any of these missing
villagers to motivate characters. For example,
Kenneth’s only family is his daughter, Sera.
Alternatively, perhaps one of the characters is
friends with a missing villager.
Stolen for Stitches 3
 While Berniss chats with the characters, a
drunk local gets to his feet and interrupts the
conversation. He blames the Rotten Husks, the
band of orcs living in Blackwater Swamp. A few
others shout their agreement, and if any of the
characters are of orc lineage, the locals eye them
mistrustfully. Berniss orders the belligerent
villagers to leave, then apologizes to the
characters.
• Desperate to find her son, Berniss is offering
a reward of 400 gp on behalf of the village.
It’s her life savings. She also promises free
room and board for however long they care
to stay in Mirepool.
o The characters are free to try and
persuade the other villagers to contribute.
They’ll need a successful DC 14 Charisma
(Persuasion or Intimidation) check, which
secures them an additional 50 gp upfront.
• Regarding leads on the missing patrol,
Berniss doesn’t believe the orcs are
responsible, they’ve lived in the swamp for
years and have never made contact with
Mirepool.
o She thinks the tribe might be helpful, as
they know the swamp best.
o To reach them, find and follow the bone
posts. It marks their boundary. Be
warned, they aren’t welcoming to
outsiders.
o Otherwise, the characters can look for
clues on the trail along the tree line.
Blackwater Swamp
Much like the village beside it, a constant fog
rolls through the swamp. The ground is sodden,
occasionally broken up by pools of stagnant
water, but a wooden walkway on the swamp’s
edge provides some measure of stability along
the tree line.
The sound of insects buzzing and frogs
croaking break up the otherwise still landscape.
The muddy water occasionally bubbles, filling
the air with foul gas. It reeks of decay.
If the characters are actively searching for
clues, a successful DC 14 Wisdom (Perception)
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check is required. On a success, the characters
find broken pitchforks and blood, the remains of
a skirmish. Drag marks and bare humanoid
footprints lead into the swamp, but the trail is
lost, sunken into the sludge, after about an hour
of travel.
The Lone Scout
Whether the characters discover signs of
violence or not, they come across a hooded
figure making no effort at concealment, not
expecting others to venture into the swamp. The
figure is pulling something out of a murky pool.
A successful DC 16 Dexterity (Stealth) check is
required to get near without being spotted. The
figure is an orc male, attempting to pull the
bloated body of a human woman (Tendra) from
the water.
If the characters are spotted before the orc
pulls the body out, he turns and runs,
abandoning the effort.
If the characters go undetected, they watch as
he heaves the body to shore and squats beside it,
examining it.
While in stealth, a successful DC 12 Wisdom
(Perception) check spots movement in the
water. The characters have this moment to
intervene. If unalerted while looking over the
body, the orc doesn’t see the giant crocodile
swimming toward him; the giant crocodile
makes an attack on the orc.
Note: There should be 2 giant crocodiles, but
feel free to add or remove as necessary for the
combat encounter.
If the characters defeat the giant crocodile(s)
alongside the orc, though shocked at their
presence, he expresses his gruff thanks. If the orc
was running away (and manages to escape) he’ll
return after combat wraps.
The orc introduces himself as Marguluk, a
scout from the Rotten Husks. He’s dressed in
camouflaged hide armor. Muscular but lithe,
claw marks scar his face, and one of his tusks
protrudes at an awkward angle.
“Thank you. You are skilled in survival.”
Stolen for Stitches 4
On his chief’s orders, Marguluk is searching for
one of their scouts who went missing a few days
ago. He instead found the body of a villager; he
did not kill her. A successful DC 12 Wisdom
(Insight) check proves he’s not lying.
Furthermore, a successful DC 18 Wisdom
(Medicine) check reveals that the body died of
internal bleeding thanks to bludgeoning damage.
Marguluk wants to return to his tribe;
remarking about the Doctor’s threats coming
north. If questioned about this, he shakes his
head: “Chief Mor Ghara will know. She knows all.”
Marguluk invites the characters to join him,
explaining the chief might have use of capable
fighters. If they agree, he’ll lead the way.
Note: If Marguluk dies during this encounter,
the characters easily spot the first of many spiked
skulls. They can follow these toward the orc camp.
The Rotten Husks
The camp of the Rotten Husks sits in a large
clearing, built on one of the few parcels of dry
land around. A sharpened wooden fence
surrounds the huts, and various yellowed skulls
on stakes give obvious warning to intruders.
Smoke carries the scent of cooking meat.
If the characters are traveling with Marguluk,
the two orc guards at the gate step forward to
confront Marguluk. In orcish, they question why
he’s brought outsiders to their camp. Marguluk
will explain they’re here to speak to the chief
about the ones missing. The guards will let the
group pass, warning them to keep weapons
sheathed.
If the characters are alone, the orc guards
immediately draw weapons and warily
approach. In orcish, one will state: “Outsiders.
State your business and be quick.” If no one
speaks orcish, one will eventually try Common:
“Why are you here?” If the characters ask about
the missing villagers, the orcs will exchange
glances. They state the chief knows more and
signal for additional guards to escort them to
her.
Note: There are about 30 orcs in the settlement,
not including Chief Mor Ghara. There are about 10
warriors, the chief and Marguluk included. Their
stats can be found in the Appendix.
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As the characters are ushered through the
community, they are met with curious stares.
They are led to a large, patchwork pavilion.
Pushing past the tent flap, they enter.
A fire burns in a central pit, the odor from an
earthen incense wafting upwards. From her
chair of leather and bone, the orc chief leans
forward curiously.
Chief Mor Ghara is thickly built, with long
dreadlocks hanging to her waist. One of her
tusks is snapped clean off, while the other is
sharpened to a point. She leans back in her
seat, muscles tensing. Yellow eyes beneath
painted lines stare, unflinching.
“Ahh, I see it on your faces. You’re looking for
lost ones, too.”
Note: Chief Mor Ghara places her people above all.
She doesn’t trust outsiders because they don’t
trust her tribe, and she takes great care to avoid
unwanted conflict. That doesn’t mean she won’t
fight to the death for them.
After a brief introduction, learning who the
characters are and why they’ve entered her
domain, Chief Mor Ghara will entertain them
with what she knows.
• Several of her scouts have gone missing over
these past few weeks.
• She blames the man in the southern part of
the swamp her people are calling the Doctor.
o The Doctor is a human who moved into a
long-abandoned manor a few months
back.
o Thinking him harmless, they let him be.
o For a time, he kept to himself, then these
bizarre creations of stitched flesh began
to shamble around his manor.
o She believes he’s experimenting on
creatures.
If the party rescues her missing scout, she’ll
reward them with an enchanted version of their
hunting spears, a symbol of their tribe granted to
every warrior—she holds her own out with
pride. It’s banded with faded leather of assorted
Stolen for Stitches 5
hides, and long feathers dangle from straps, but
the stone point is kept sharp.
With a successful DC 16 Charisma (Persuasion)
check, she’ll give them the enchanted spear
before they leave. If Marguluk lives, this check is
made at advantage.
In addition, if Marguluk is alive, Chief Mor
Ghara offers to send him along as a guide to the
manor, otherwise, she just provides directions
on where to find the Doctor. She warns them to
tread carefully; the swamp is full of dangers
beyond just a mad man.
If the characters desire rest, they are offered
food and shelter. However, it’s another day lost,
which matters later.
Roleplaying Marguluk. The orc isn’t as
distrusting of outsiders as the rest of the tribe (the
chief excluded). As a scout, he’s often observed
villagers from afar, but he knows to leave them be.
He’s very much focused on survival, though his
curiosity often inhibits that. If the chief hadn’t sent
him, he would have offered to join. Marguluk is
gruff but well-meaning.
Development
The characters have cause to investigate a likely
suspect: the Doctor. First, they need to survive a
trek through the swamp, and time is of the
essence.
Part 2: Bogged Down
It’s at least a half-day journey to reach the
Doctor’s manor. The heart of the swamp is
crawling with all manner of creatures, like huge,
but harmless frogs or the occasional stirge that
flies over the characters’ heads menacingly. Most
creatures, except the ever-present insects, leave
the characters to trudge through muck
unbothered. As they progress, the dense
overhead canopy and thickening fog make it
difficult to tell the time of day.
Thick of It
The ground is overflowing with vines dipping in
and out of pools of muddy water, forcing
characters to walk along the bridging tendrils or
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slog through knee-deep mud. Creepers hang like
curtains from the trees, often forming walls the
character must either cut through or push past.
This area is considered difficult terrain unless
Marguluk is alive.
If Marguluk is with the characters, he’ll warn
them to tread carefully. “The ground listens, it’s
always hungry.” His warning provides advantage
on the saves in the table listed below.
A successful DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) check
finds that some of the vines are moving as the
characters traverse the landscape. Stepping on
them causes them to retract quickly but standing
still long enough allows the vines to inch closer,
tapping at feet curiously.
After a few hours travel, a ravine extending as
far as the eye can see to the east and west of the
characters, spanning about 30 ft. across. Within
the 20 ft. deep ravine, vines tangle over and
around various indiscernible shapes. The ravine
can be skirted entirely by traveling for several
hours on either side.
If the characters attempt to cross over the
ravine without entering, roll a d6, using the
results below.
1-2 – Vines lash out from below, attempting
to knock characters toward the ravine floor. A
successful DC 14 Dexterity save can avoid the
strike.
3-4 – An intoxicating aroma wafts up from
the ravine floor, trying to lure characters
below. A successful DC 14 Constitution save
can overcome the scent, otherwise the
character(s) descend to find the source.
5-6 – The characters cross, undetected by
the shambling mound below.
If any of the characters touch the ravine floor,
however, a shambling mound attacks.
The Fog
After another hour, the fog has thickened even
more, obscuring vision beyond 10 ft. Any
attempts to clear it only result in the fog
returning quickly.
Stolen for Stitches 6
 A single bluish light in the shape of a man
flickers into view ahead, and the temperature
drops noticeably. The ethereal man walks ahead
resolutely, looking over his shoulder at the party,
beckoning to be followed. If the characters turn
and run, finding the trail back proves impossible,
though teleporting out is feasible.
If they follow the ethereal man, he keeps a
distance from the characters of about 15 ft. He
doesn’t respond to conversation.
After 10 minutes of silently following the
figure, the terrain becomes different. The muck
and water are gone, and dry ground is prevalent.
Have one of the characters hear a crunch
beneath their boots—dried and broken bones.
Have another character stumble back into a
smooth piece of stone; upon investigation, it
turns out to be a tombstone. It reads: Experiment
8.
By now the fog has lessened considerably, and
it’s clear the characters are in a small, makeshift
graveyard. Should the characters abandon the
ethereal man, he will not pursue. He simply
hovers over a single plot, patiently waiting.
Most of the graves are unmarked. A successful
DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check finds
several of them were dug within the last few
weeks. Only a handful have tombstones, hunks of
plain stone haphazardly titled: Experiment 4,
Experiment 3.5, Experiment 6.
The ethereal man hovers over a recently dug
grave that has yet to be filled, with a corpse
resting beside it. It’s a middle-aged human male,
Kenneth. The resemblance between the ethereal
man and the corpse is identical. A successful DC
16 Wisdom (Medicine) check discovers two
things: the body is no more than a day old, and
it’s also missing an arm and a leg. The remaining
hand clutches a locket in a vice grip. It’s initialed
SF; within is a picture of a young girl—his
daughter, Sera.
If the characters take the locket with the intent
to return it to the villager’s family, the ethereal
man flickers out of existence. The same will
happen if they bury or burn the body. If they
desecrate the body (to the DM’s discretion), feel
free to have the ethereal man turn into a will-o’-
wisp and attack.
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From the graveyard, a narrow trail winds
toward a clearing where a crumbling manor sits.
Large, humanoid footprints lead toward the
front door.
Development
Having survived the dangers lurking in the heart
of the swamp, the characters arrive at the
decrepit manor moldering alone in a clearing.
Dated and ill-kept, it practically warns
trespassers to stay away.
Part 3: Madman’s Manor
The manor is unguarded and unlit. The once-
grand front door is locked. Along with thieves’
tools, a successful DC 18 check will open them
quietly. Otherwise, there is an unlocked side
entrance that leads into the Kitchen.
Horror Within
Ceiling. All room ceilings are 10 ft. high,
barring the Foyer, which is 25 ft. high, and the
Lab, which is 20 ft. high.
Lighting. Oil lamps can be found in most of the
rooms, unlit and unused. Most of the rooms,
except for those in the basement, have filthy
windows that let natural light into otherwise
dank and dusty spaces.
Sounds. The entire manor is eerily quiet, and
footsteps echo loudly on creaking wooden floors.
First Floor
Foyer. A mostly empty space with doors on
either side of the first-floor area. A creaking dual
staircase leads up to the second floor.
The sound of a dish shattering echoes from the
left (from the Dining Room).
Inner Corridor. Broken chairs are scattered
around this barren, dusty space. An archway
houses a staircase spiraling upward.
Dining Room. Dirty plates are piled on the
stained table. Chairs, ready to buckle, surround
the table.
Stolen for Stitches 7
 A spectral figure carries a dish out of the room
toward the kitchen. A successful DC 15
Intelligence (Arcana) identifies this entity as an
unseen servant.
Kitchen. The room reeks of rotting meat which
hangs from hooks along the wall. A hunk of some
beast’s leg roasts slowly in a stone oven.
The spectral servant washes dishes in a tub of
murky water. It keeps a key at its waist. The key
can be taken forcefully, the servant dismissed
with dispel magic, or it will give the key if asked
politely. Otherwise, it listens if talked to, but says
nothing and continues doing chores. The key
opens the door to the Master Bedroom.
An unlocked door leads outside the manor.
Sitting Room. A blackened fireplace sits empty
at the end of the room, clear of logs or ash.
Bloodstained chairs are toppled throughout, but
a single armchair stands upright in the corner.
Trophy Room. All manner of taxidermy swamp
creatures are posed on pedestals in formidable
stances. Coated in layers of dust and grime,
several are missing prominent features like arms
or legs.
The body of a black dragon wyrmling is
scattered in bits across the floor.
Lounge. A couple of chairs are pushed against
the back wall. A door leads towards the
Storeroom, its handle caked with dried blood.
Through an archway is another set of ascending
spiral stairs.
Storeroom. Crates packed with unused food
stores line the walls. A cellar door is cracked
open, and before it is a pool of dried blood. From
below, a faint scream ascends.
A successful DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation)
check finds a case of fine wine, six bottles total.
Each is worth 25 gp.
Second Floor
Master Bedroom. The door to the bedroom is
locked. If the characters have the key from the
servant they can get in, otherwise, they will need
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a successful DC 16 Dexterity check in addition to
proficiency with thieves’ tools.
Within, there’s a filthy unkempt bed and
dresser with a chest containing 20 pp. A large
desk is in the corner, stained with ink and blood.
Papers of humanoid sketches and annotations of
anatomy are littered all around it. Inside the
desk is a journal.
The journal is broken down into a series of
entries written by Doctor Simon Middles. They
hint at his descent into madness after losing his
son, Sam. The pages are near illegible, covered in
blood and dirt, but portions can be read and are
as follows:
Entry 1: … Sam and I are traveling to Mirepool
… I hear they’re in need of a doctor, and Sam could
use the practice. He’s turning out to be a better
apprentice than I could have hoped for … He could
use … after his mother… he’s a good boy … trying
not to be too proud … my son …
Entry 2: … attacked on the road. Sam was
wounded badly … just a boy … we fled into
Blackwater Swamp … I think they’re gone. I have
to get Sam somewhere safe. Days … we found a
manor. Have to hurry … Sam … dying …
Entry 3: Sam passed … last night … I couldn’t
save him. I couldn’t save my son …
Entry 4: There are figures outside … orcs I
think. I keep telling them to go away … leave me
with my son … he’s sleeping. That’s all … sleeping
…
Entry 5: There’s a basement here … a lab. Sam
still won’t wake … this place … the possibilities.
Entry 6: The orcs are back … so healthy …
strong. Potential … that’s it … the solution. It’s
right there … Sam … he’s not waking up. But he
will …
Entry 7: I killed them … they screamed … what
have I done? Sam … it’ll be alright.
Stolen for Stitches 8
 Entry 8: Sam is doing wonderful! I’m so proud …
such a good boy … so strong … nothing will hurt
him now … that temper though …
Entry 9: What’s wrong … Sam?! With me… no …
WHY? What have I done … for you … I can’t do this
… but Sam … oh, hush …
Entry 10: I’ve got it! Friends … Sam needs
friends … he can’t break friends like him … that’s it
… We’ll make more … a family … I’ll keep trying …
for him …
Balcony. The glass pane doors lead to an empty
stone balcony overlooking the barren courtyard
and the swamp beyond.
Washroom. The walls are coated in mold.
Brown water sits stagnant in the tub. Vomit
coats the basin, and there are two vials beside it.
One is empty but covered in bloody fingerprints,
the other is still stoppered. It’s a vial of poison.
The mirror is cracked, with lines of dried blood
coming from the break’s center.
Guest Room 1 & 2. Both bedrooms have been
equally undisturbed for years. Dust covers most
of the surfaces while spiderwebs stretch across
bedposts and ceiling corners.
A successful DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation)
check finds a cloak of many fashions in one of the
dressers.
Storage Room. A room packed with spare,
stacked furniture and even a small piano. In the
back is a bookshelf crammed with an assortment
of literature written throughout the ages. A
successful DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) spots a
spell scroll for magic weapon tucked behind
some books.
Basement
Note: If the characters took more than 2 days
after receiving their task, Gerrad has been killed,
and what remains of his body can be found in the
Meat Locker. The last, Hughes, is on Middles’
worktable, about to lose a limb.
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Otherwise, Hughes is unconscious in a cell, and
Gerrad is currently about to lose a limb on
Middles’ lab table.
Meat Locker. Frost coats the metal door to this
room. Within are several bodies, or what
remains, hanging on hooks and covered in ice.
Frozen limbs are sorted in bins on shelves. A
recently deceased ice mephit hangs in a cage, still
cold to the touch. On the cutting table next to
severed fingers is an adamantine dagger.
Holding Facility. Cells line the left and right
walls of this room. In the back of each are two
sets of shackles affixed to the walls. A keyring to
the cells hangs on the wall beside the door.
A weary female orc slouches in one of the cells.
If Marguluk is with the characters, he rushes to
the aid of the scout. The orc, Ragasha, is missing
an arm. She explains the mad doctor took it, and
he is in the process of taking more from the
human in his lab. She warns about the flesh
monster that heeds Middles, saying her weapons
were useless against it. She collapses from
exhaustion, unable to follow the characters.
Marguluk won’t leave Ragasha’s side, but a
successful DC 14 Charisma (Persuasion or
Intimidation) check will change his mind.
Sam’s Bedroom. A wooden door, banded with
metal, is bent outward, unable to close fully. On
it hangs a sign that reads: Sam. Inside, the room
looks like a child’s bedroom, only all the
furniture has been smashed to pieces as if in a
violent tantrum. Dolls are ripped apart, and fist-
shaped holes puncture the walls.
Middles’ Lab.
A heavy metal door bars the way into the lab,
partially ajar. Upon entering, two glass tubes
containing mutilated human bodies preserved in
liquid can be seen. Two metal rods hum with
electricity near a raised platform, and on the
platform is a large metal table.
A human man bends over the table, cooing
over the sobbing human strapped there. An
unmoving flesh golem slouches behind them, but
another hulking flesh golem shambles nearby.
Stolen for Stitches 9
The flesh golem is a medley of assorted
humanoids, but its face is eerily boyish. That’s
Sam.
When the characters enter, Doctor Simon
Middles stops and grins, practically giddy.
Doctor Simon Middles is a tall and lanky
middle-aged man. His face is sallow, with dead
eyes peering through cracked spectacles. His
hair is a matted mess, and he doesn’t seem to
mind the bloodstains on his tattered lab coat.
He speaks in a demented state of ecstasy.
“Oh, Sammy, look at them! Perfect specimens.
The things I can do with you all….”
Combat:
• Sam, the flesh golem, attacks the characters
on sight, in addition, there’s the unmoving
flesh golem behind Middles (optional).
o Feel free to add an additional 30 or more
HP to the flesh golem’s base stats for
Sam.
• DMs should keep in mind the party’s ability
to deal magic damage in this encounter. If
the party is very strong, more golems can be
created from the 2 glass tubes in front of the
lab.
• Doctor Simon Middles is insane but
powerless. He watches from afar and doesn’t
participate in physical combat. He has an AC
of 10 and HP of 20.
o If the characters have read Middle’s
journal, it is possible to redeem the
Doctor’s conscience with a successful DC
20 Charisma (Persuasion) check. This
check is made at advantage if the
characters found the vial of poison and
correctly deduced Middles’ tried to kill
himself.
o If the characters succeed on saving
Middles’ mind, he will try to call off Sam,
but Middles must succeed on a DC 15
Charisma (Persuasion) check with no
modifiers.
• There are lair actions in Middles’ Lab:
o At the end of every round, the metal rods
near the platform send a surge of
Not for resale. Permission granted to print or photocopy this document for personal use only.
electricity in a 5 ft. radius around each.
Targets must make a DC 14 Dexterity
saving throw. The target takes 5d8
lightning damage on a failed save, or half
as much damage on a successful one.
o If the human on the table isn’t pulled
clear of the electricity, 2 lair actions will
kill them.
o The rods can be destroyed with 10 points
of damage each.
• If the characters kill Middles first, he dies
laughing, tears streaming down his face. This
immediately triggers the flesh golem(s) to
target the character who dealt the final blow.
• If the characters kill Sam first, Middles
slumps to the floor, sobbing and calling out
to his son, promising to fix him.
Development
With the Doctor dealt with, either killed or in
custody, the threat of kidnapping in and around
the swamp is gone. The Rotten Husks eagerly
await the characters return, as does the village of
Mirepool.
Conclusion
If Middles was taken into custody, either the
Rotten Husks or Mirepool will see swift justice
brought upon him.
If Ragasha is brought back, Chief Mor Ghara
honors her promise to reward the characters
with her spear, a symbol of her trust and an
invitation to return whenever they please. A
feast is thrown in their honor, and at their
leisure, they are escorted safely back to
Mirepool.
Regardless of whether the last two villagers
are saved, Mirepool is in the characters’ debt for
eliminating the Blackwater madman. They are
rewarded as promised.
If Hughes survives, Berniss is beside herself
with relief and gratitude. She cracks open her
finest casks in celebration, inviting the
characters to stay as long as they please.
If the characters have the locket of Kenneth,
his daughter, Sera, is grateful for its return,
Stolen for Stitches 10
knowing her father found peace. She rewards the
characters with her father’s favorite jug, which
he always seemed to drink endlessly from; it’s all
she has to offer. It’s an alchemy jug.

Rewards
Treasure
Item Name GP Value
Berniss Hall’s reward 400 gp
Additional villagers’ reward 50 gp
Fine wine (6x) 25 gp each
Master Bedroom chest 20 pp
magic weapon scroll 100 gp
Cloak of Many Fashions 500 gp
Poison Vial 100 gp
Adamantine Dagger 500 gp
+1 Spear 1,000 gp
Alchemy Jug 300 gp

Magic Items
Adamantine Dagger
Weapon (dagger), uncommon
Whenever an adamantine weapon or piece of
ammunition hits an object, the hit is a critical hit.

+1 Rotten Husk Spear

Weapon (spear), uncommon
A serrated, but sharp stone point takes up one-third
of the spear’s length. The wooden pole is carved
with orcish runes, and a small, broken husk is
attached to the base.
You have a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls
made with this magic weapon.
In addition, Charisma checks made against
members of the Rotten Husks are done at
Advantage.

Experience
Foe XP per Foe
Giant Crocodile 1,800
Flesh Golem 1,800
Orc 100
Shambling Mound 1,800
Will-o’-Wisp 450

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 Map: Middles’ Manor

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Appendix: Monster/NPC Damage Immunities lightning, poison; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from non-magical weapons that

Statistics aren't adamantine

Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 10
Chief Mor Ghara Languages understands the languages of its creator but
can't speak
Medium humanoid (orc), chaotic neutral
Challenge 5 (1 ,800 XP)
Armor Class 16 (chain armor)
Hit Points 93 (11d8 + 44)
Berserk. Whenever the golem starts its turn with 40 hit
Speed 30 ft.
points or fewer, roll a d6. On a 6, the golem goes
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA berserk. On each of its turns while berserk, the golem
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Str +6, Con +6, Wis +2 attacks the nearest creature it can see. If no creature is
Skills Intimidation +5 near enough to move to and attack, the golem attacks an
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 10 object, with preference for an object smaller than itself.
Languages Common, Orc Once the golem goes berserk, it continues to do so until
it is destroyed or regains all its hit points. The golem's
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
creator, if within 60 feet of the berserk golem, can try to
calm it by speaking firmly and persuasively. The golem
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orc can move up to its must be able to hear its creator, who must take an action
speed toward a hostile creature that it can see. to make a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If the
check succeeds, the golem ceases being berserk. If it
Gruumsh's Fury. The orc deals an extra 4 (ld8) damage takes damage while still at 40 hit points or fewer, the
when it hits with a weapon attack (included in the golem might go berserk again.
attacks). Aversion of Fire. If the golem takes fire damage, it has
disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the
Actions end of its next turn.
Multiattack. The orc makes two attacks with its greataxe Immutable Form. The golem is immune to any spell or
or its spear. effect that would alter its form.
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the golem is subjected
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., to lightning damage, it takes no damage and instead
one creature. Hit: 14 (1d1 2 + 4 plus 1d8) slashing regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning
damage. damage dealt.
Magic Resistance. The golem has advantage on saving
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach throws against spells and other magical effects.
5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d6 + 4 plus Magic Weapons. The golem's weapon attacks are
1d8) piercing damage, or 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage if magical.
used with two hands to make a melee attack.
Actions
Battle Cry (1/Day). Each creature of the war chief's Multiattack. The golem makes two slam attacks.
choice that is within 30 feet of it, can hear it, and not
already affected by Battle Cry gain advantage on attack Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
rolls until the start of the war chief's next turn. The war target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage
chief can then make one attack as a bonus action.
Giant Crocodile
Flesh Golem Huge beast, unaligned
Medium construct, neutral Armor Class 14 (Natural armor)
Armor Class 9 Hit Points 85 (9d12 + 27)
Hit Points 93 (11d8 + 44) Speed 30 ft., swim 50 ft.
Speed 30 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA 21 (+5) 9 (-1) 17 (+3) 2 (-4) 10 (+0) 7 (-2)
19 (+5) 9 (-1) 18 (+4) 6 (-2) 10 (+0) 5 (-3)
Skills Stealth +5
Senses passive Perception 10

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Languages — STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) 18 (+4) 8 (-1) 16 (+3) 5 (-3) 10 (+0) 5 (-3)
Skills Stealth +2
Hold Breath. The crocodile can hold its breath for 30 Damage Resistance Cold, Fire
minutes. Damage Immunities Lightning
Condition Immunities Blinded, Deafened, Exhaustion
Senses Blindsight 60 Ft. (Blind Beyond This Radius),
Actions passive Perception 10
Multiattack. The crocodile makes two attacks: one with Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
its bite and one with its tail.
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the shambling mound
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one is subjected to lightning damage, it takes no damage and
target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage, and the target regains a number of hit points equal to the lightning
is grappled (escape DC 16). Until this grapple ends, the damage dealt.
target is restrained, and the crocodile can't bite another
target.
Actions
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10ft., one Multiattack. The shambling mound makes two slam
target not grappled by the crocodile. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) attacks. If both attacks hit a Medium or smaller target,
bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must the target is grappled (escape DC 14), and the shambling
succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked mound uses its Engulf on it.
prone.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Orc target. Hit: (2d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Medium humanoid (orc), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 13 (Hide armor) Engulf. The shambling mound engulfs a Medium or
Hit Points 45 (6d8 + 18) smaller creature grappled by it. The engulfed target is
Speed 30 ft. blinded, restrained, and unable to breathe, and it must
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw at the
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) start of each of the mound's turns or take 13 (2d8 + 4)
Skills Intimidation +3, Survival +2 bludgeoning damage. If the mound moves, the engulfed
Senses darkvision 60ft., passive Perception 10 target moves with it. The mound can have only one
Languages Common, Orc creature engulfed at a time.
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Will-o’-Wisp
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orc can move up to its Tiny undead, chaotic evil
speed toward a hostile creature that it can see. Armor Class 19
Hit Points 22 (9d4)
Speed 0 ft., fly 50 ft. (hover)
Actions STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Multiattack. The orc makes two greataxe attacks. 1 (-5) 28 (+9) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 1 (+0)
Damage Immunities lightning, poison
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, necrotic, thunder;
one target. Hit: 10 (ldl2 + 4) slashing damage. bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from non-magical
weapons
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed,
reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (ld6 + 4) poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious
piercing damage. Senses darkvision 120ft., passive Perception 12
Languages the languages it knew in life
Shambling Mound Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Large plant, unaligned
Armor Class 15 (Natural armor) Consume Life. As a bonus action, the will-o'-wisp can
Hit Points 136 (16d10 + 48) target one creature it can see within 5 feet of it that has 0
Speed 20 ft., swim 20 ft. hit points and is still alive. The target must succeed on a

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DC 10 Constitution saving throw against this magic or
die. If the target dies, the will-o'-wisp regains 10 (3d6)
hit points.

Ephemeral. The will-o'-wisp can't wear or carry

anything.

Incorporeal Movement. The will-o'-wisp can move

through other creatures and objects as if they were
difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends
its turn inside an object.

Variable Illumination. The will-o'-wisp sheds bright

light in a 5-to 20-foot radius and dim light for an
additional number of feet equal to the chosen.

Actions
Shock. Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 9 (2d8) lightning damage.

Invisibility. The will -o'-wisp and its light magically

become invisible until it attacks or uses its Life Drain, or
until its concentration ends (as if concentrating on a
spell).

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