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The Abandoned Temple Adventures table offers ideas who engage in taboo behavior are often found in aban
for adventures that could occur in such a place. doned temples. Examples of such villains appear on the
Abandoned Temple Villains table.
KRUPHIX'S VILLAINS
Enigmatic and patient, Kruphix influences the lives of Kruphix doesn't often act in the world, but when he
his champions in ways both subtle and profound. does, his agenda is often morally ambiguous, and his
servants' sacred quests can look like villainous schemes
KRUPHIX'S CHAMPIONS from other points of view. Kruphix often leaves his
Kruphix seldom works directly in the mortal world, pre instructions open to interpretation, and not all of his
ferring to act through his champions-when he acts at agents use this considerable latitude responsibly.
all. He might call upon his followers to suppress a dan The Kruphix's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
gerous truth, reveal a vital secret, or end a destructive that might arise from among the god's followers.
conflict. When the other gods send their champions to
circumvent divine agreements, Kruphix often calls upon KRUPHIX'S VILLAINS
his champions to set things right. d6 Villain
The Kruphix's Quests table suggests a few adventures
An oracle (see chapter 6) seeks to erase the memo
the god's champions might involve themselves in.
ries of an entire community, reducing them to a sim
pler, happier, more natural state.
KRUPHIX1S QUESTS
2 A gynosphinx possesses magic that can stop a ram
d6 Adventure Goal
paging monster, but refuses to share it for fear that it
Seize a powerful magic item from those who would
might be misused.
misuse it, study it, and then destroy it.
3 A former agent (spy) of Kruphix knows the location of
2 Capture a former follower of Kruphix who used secret
an unguarded portal to the Underworld and plans to
knowledge for personal gain and deliver them to
sell it to the highest bidder.
Kruphix's temple for judgment.
4 A noble sows discord among Heliod's followers,
3 Suppress all knowledge of a dangerous secret, such
believing that the sun god is the greatest threat to
as the location of a fountain of immortality, by any
harmony among the gods.
means necessary.
5 An archmage works to destroy the Temple of Mystery
4 Bring proof of a powerful conspiracy to the leaders of
to further divide Nyx from the mortal world.
a human polis while evading or defeating the agents
6 A cult fanatic of Kruphix learns that the characters
sent to stop you.
have discovered knowledge mortals were not meant
5 Investigate rumors of an unearthed divine relic and
to know and works to silence them.
decide whether it's safe to be in the mortal realm.
6 End a conflict between the followers of two other KRUPHix's MONSTERS
gods, whether by mediating, forcing a truce, or siding Kruphix is rarely associated with monsters, but those
with the weaker group to defeat the stronger one. most likely to serve him appear on the Kruphix's Mon
sters table.
A KRUPHIX CAMPAIGN
A campaign structured around champions of Kruphix KRUPHIX1S MONSTERS
can embrace moral complexity, with the adventurers Source
Challenge Creature
sometimes making choices that cause short-term harm
1/4 Blink dog MM
in the service of long-term good. They might be charged
1/2 Cockatrice MM
with destroying secret knowledge that could help peo
ple, revealing a secret that could kill someone but avert 2 Nothic MM
a larger conflict, or standing in judgment over whether 3 Phase spider MM
knowledge is safe or unsafe. 6 Invisible stalker MM
At the beginning of the campaign, the characters 7 Theran chimera MOT
might be united by their discovery of a powerful secret,
11 Gynosphinx* MM
earning Kruphix's patronage in order to keep that secret
12 Archmage MM
safe. Armed with knowledge that they alone possess,
17 Androsphinx* MM
the adventurers set out to learn more about the secret
t. ..
they share and avert dangers that only they are aware of. *See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
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Just as Kruphix reins in the worst excesses of the someone has already entered, employed the passages
other gods, the best chance of foiling Kruphix as a vil there, and stolen something from the past.
lain lies in the nature of Kruphix himself. A campaign in 3 A philosopher in Meletis argues that the gods rely
which Kruphix is a villain might end with the adventur on mortals for their existence, rather than the other
ers convincing him that his current actions don't serve way around. When this idea gains adherents, Kruphix
the balance among the gods. Kruphix's mind isn't easily curses the P.Olis so that no one can speak or read.
changed, though, and the adventurers might need to
4 After a minor altercation between the gods, Kruphix
produce extraordinary testimony or evidence. Even just
declares a new Silence. He refuses to lift it unless the
reaching Kruphix in order to communicate with him
other gods agree to aid him in forcing Klothys back
could easily require the patronage of other gods.
into the Underworld.
to the activities of another god. The Kruphix's Di- Legends say that Kruphix's holiest temple of mystery stands
at the edge of the world. Dominated by Kruphix's Tree, the
vine Schemes table presents a few examples of how
temple overhangs Nyx itself, jutting past the vast waterfall
Kruphix's inflexible judgments might have a mythic im
that marks the edge of the mortal realm. The site's precise lo
pact on the mortal world and make divine conflicts more
cation can't be found on any map, but tales claim it is one of
severe rather than less.
the few places on Theres where mortals can pass directly into
Nyx. To pass beyond the waterfall anywhere else is to tumble
into the Underworld.
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY dl2 Adventure Goal
A temple of mystery is an enigmatic location full of puz 5 Learn how a particular trap or puzzle works so it can
zles and traps, found in remote regions of Theros. It is be recreated.
believed that surviving and solving the mysteries of such 6 Solve more challenges than a rival party of adventur
a shrine earns Kruphix's respect. Some scholars claim ers who are also in the temple.
the temples aren't stationary and that finding a shrine's 7 Enter the temple and contend with a complex trap
location is the first puzzle that explorers must solve. that, over time, has developed consciousness.
The priests who care for temples of mystery tend to
8 Lead dangerous individuals into the temple and en
be as mystifying as the puzzles within the places. Each
sure they never leave.
temple typically has one caretaker-a powerful oracle
9 Question the priest to find the location of another
willing to answer questions for adventurers who can
temple of mystery.
overcome the temple's challenges. The priests are par
ticularly impressed with guests who can solve puzzles 10 Lead dangerous creatures into the temple to trap
At most temples of mystery, the most valuable knowl 11 Defeat a cabal of mages that has claimed the temple.
edge and treasures are protected by the most difficult 12 Defeat a temple's challenges to get the attention of
and deadly challenges. For a few bold-or foolish-inves the gods.
tigators, the rewards are worth the risk.
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY MAP
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY ADVENTURES
The temple of mystery shown in map 4.9 presents a lab
Exploring a temple of mystery presents the opportunity
yrinth Kruphix might use to test followers and to protect
for an adventure that features puzzles and traps, though
valuable secrets of existence. The four-armed sculpture
you can also populate it with any other challenges you
at the maze's heart is said to hold a great secret, perhaps
like. The Temple of Mystery Adventures table offers
a mysterious treasure or a riddle that the statue alone
ideas for adventures that could occur in such a place.
can speak. Each other chamber in the complex also
holds its own unique puzzle or trap. When solved, these
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY ADVENTURES
hazards allow one to progress, but also often impart
dl2 Adventure Goal some lesson about history, the nature of the cosmos, or
Find and repair one of the temple's challenges that the explorer themselves. While this temple exemplifies
has malfunctioned. one of Kruphix's more elaborate (and potentially deadly)
2 Seek the help of the temple's priest, who's become holy sites, no two of the god's temples are alike.
1 square = 5 feet
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MAP 4.9: TEMPLE OF MYSTERY
....
Mogis demands deeds, not just words, from his follow MOGIS'S VILLAINS
ers-and he is by far the most bloodthirsty god of the Unquestionably, Mogis makes an excellent villain. His
pantheon. As such, Mogis and his worshipers are ideal lust for bloodshed and willingness to fight all comers
antagonists to pit heroes against. Tread carefully when makes him easy to build a campaign around if you want
using him as a patron, as his area of concern trends to a straightforward, unambiguous foe.
ward villainy rather than heroics. Mogis's followers could be anything from a disgraced
politician seeking revenge against their enemies to a
MoGis's CHAMPIONS roving band of minotaurs pillaging the countryside. Mo
Mogis's champions are extensions of his ability to wreak gis's faithful tend to be at least partially blinded by dark
havoc in the world. The god of slaughter cares only for emotions, a state that might make them easy to manipu
causing strife, and he uses his agents to heighten the late by the followers of clever deities. The servants of the
tension between the poleis, hoping to ignite an all-out god of slaughter aren't all mindless brutes, though, and
war. In part, he wants to cause so much carnage that many allow themselves to be underestimated as a ploy
his brother eventually has no choice but to face him in a to bring ruin upon their foes.
duel to the death. The Mogis's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
The Mogis's Quests table suggests a few adventures that might arise from among the god's followers.
the god's champions might involve themselves in.
Moc1s's VILLAINS
Moc1s's QuEsTs d8 Villain
d6 Adventure Goal A petty tyrant (gladiator) rules his populace through
Foment a war between rival poleis. threats and intimidation. His favorite pastime is forc
2 Bring about anarchy and lawlessness in a formerly ing unwilling subjects to fight in gladiatorial blood
peaceful polis. sports.
3 Organize disparate groups of bandits and criminals 2 A band of minotaurs directed by a champion of Mogis
into a cohesive fighting force. forges a trail of devastation through the countryside.
4 Hunt down a famous defender of the law who cham- 3 A serial killer (assassin) stalks the streets of the polis,
pions I roas. taking lives seemingly at random.
S Triumph in a contest of strength or endurance to 4 An oracle (see chapter 6) of Mogis marches into
prove Mogis's superiority over other gods. town and predicts doom on the populace within a
''See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros. army in an all-out assault on Akros, hoping to draw
lroas into battle and defeat him once and for all.
MOGIS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN 2 Mogis bargains with Pharika, convincing her to create
Left unchecked, Mogis and his followers would destroy elixirs that will turn his followers into invincible mon
all of creation. This situation leads to plenty of campaign sters. He sends his champions to fetch the necessary
hooks and opportunities for the characters to act hero ingredients for her.
ically in the face of classically villainous foes. 3 A bitter noble makes a pact with Mogis for power in
Mogis is obsessed with defeating his brother Iroas, exchange for carrying out a plot to ignite a war be
just as Iroas is obsessed with besting him. The char tween Meletis and Setessa. Thousands will die unless
acters could easily find themselves in the middle of the the scheme is put to rest.
brothers' war. At first, they might be swept along by
4 Mogis agrees to ally with three other gods against
events, but as they grow in power, the characters will
their rivals if they help him defeat lroas. Mogis's
become the key to checking Mogis's influence, perhaps
brother does the same. Soon the entire pantheon di
even helping Iroas triumph over his brother. Such an
vides along faction lines and prepare for the final war.
event could be fraught with unforeseen consequences
for the fate of Theros!
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Canyon Shrine Adventures table offers ideas for adven 4 Amanticore captures warriors and forces them to
tures in such a place. fight to the death for its amusement.
5 Agroup of cyclopes capture travelers and keep them
CANYON SHRINE ADVENTURES as livestock in their caves.
dlO Adventure Goal 6 Alamia lures young nobles into its cult with promises
Survive a journey through the canyon while escorting of hedonism and sells those who disappoint it to
2 Slay a massive, blood-drunk monster that rampages 7 Avicious gynosphinx captures groups of people,
through the region. then forces one person to choose which of the others
3 Find a band of minotaurs residing in the canyon and should be devoured first.
convince them to attack a gang of undead about to 8 The victims of the canyon's inhabitants rise as
pass through on their way to attack a village. wraiths determined to end al/ life in the area.
4 Consult a hermit who lives in a hidden part of the
canyon.
5 Retrieve an item buried amid the shrine's sacrifices.
6 Destroy the shrine.
7 Negotiate with a group of Mogis's followers.
8 Convince a young aristocrat who was seduced into
joining a cult of Mogis to return home.
9 Infiltrate a cult of Mogis to learn of any raids they
have planned.
10 Steal an egg from a griffon nest in the canyon.
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1 square=lOfeet
CHAYTER 4 I .
CR.EAT! NG THEROS ADVENTU.RES
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