Darkness Moves

By Perplexing Ruins
 T he Violet Valley

8 4

2
10

7 1

9 6

Each hex is 3 miles

Territory of Hasek the Gnome

Tiny abandoned shrine on the Corruption

road leading into the valley.
• Find: in a small wooden
crate are 7 intact candles
If the party spends a respectful
moment in the shrine and lights
a candle or leaves some other
homage in deference, the party
is immune to Corruption.
When a PC suffers corruption,
decrease their WIL stat by - 1 for the
duration of the adventure. While
afflicted with corruption and a PC fails
a WIL save, decrease their WIL stat an
additional -1. Corruption can be
removed by drinking Hasek the
Gnome’s brew on the Bog Island. (4)
Table of Contents
Page 1……………………………..Overview
Page 3…………………………….Encounters
Page 5………………………….…Bestiary
Page 7…………………………….T he Beast
Page 9……………………………..T he Who
Page 11……………………………..Argol Village
Page 13…………………………….Hexenturm
Page 15-18…….…………………….Regional Locations
Page 19……………………………Veiled Woods
Page 21……………………………Fever Tomb
Page 23……………………………Items/Herbs
Overview: Darkness Moves is a low-
level adventure to use with Cairn. The
setting herein is The Violet Valley, a
tucked away region resting between
craggy hills to the west and north, and
deep forest to the east. A desolate,
though serviceable road, leads into the
southern point of the valley, reaching
the middle-sized hamlet of Argol. The
adventure describes a series of blighted,
grotesque, and mysterious activities.
The valley and its locations are depicted
on the map in 3-mile hexes. Though
travel may not take long, dark rain is
continually falling, causing the fields
and forest to become soggy. There are no
roads, but sometimes faint footpaths.
Tracks and paths become muddy or
flooded. The referee should decide on
which Encounter Tables to roll based on
terrain, distance from town, and
narrative need.
The Fever Tomb, located in the far
northwest, may not have any role in the
session. Its only hint comes from the
Hermit, so Referees might choose to
interject a rumor in the village to
prompt exploration.
Endgame: The results of this module
are not defined. A fail or win factor
should be considered during
preparation. It’s my aim to present a
strange and dark place for players to
explore, but it’s quite possible they leave
the Valley with a sense of hopelessness
shared by the NPCs. However, there are
several avenues: rid the Valley of the
terrible beast; appease the ethereal
plane causing the blight; explore the
Fever Tomb for its riches; become the
lords of an out of the way area.
Additionally, there is no supplied
resolution to the missing persons. They
are to be presumed disappeared by the
environment, the encroaching bog, the
various creatures. Murder is suspected
by some NPCs, but not necessarily the
case. This should allow for the Referee
to sculpt the narrative more to their
tastes, be it someone is rescued from a
lair or discovered exploring a far off
region. The session can then be played
as investigation, with tone modulated.
1 Though dark, it is play, and participants
A rgol is a superstitious place, where
few outsiders visit, and deep historical
strife divides many of the locals. In the
previous century, Argol maintained a
position of relative security and prestige,
having supplied several important
soldiers to the state. These women
brought glory and minor affluence to the
community for a pleasant time, however,
the fervency of supposed witchcraft and
other dark tidings tainted the
reputation of the Violet Valley. It was
said freakish beasts spawned from the
roots of sickly fir trees and ravens cawed
in devilish tongues. These events, along
with several land disputes, ushered in a
brief though violent period of which the
aftereffects still hang in the misty
silence.
At first one or two, it was said, were
tried and convicted in the still standing
tower, known colloquially as Gert’s
Folly, but this soon gave way to
unchecked accusation and fervent
persecution. Hanging, pressing,and
water trial became common events, but
The Fall seemed to match the color and
unhinged pathology of the townsfolk.
The accused was taken to the ramparts
of the tower, and if innocent, it was
believed, the divine would intervene and
descend the victim gracefully to earth.
When it was eventually mentioned by a
farmer of the name Gert, that surely if
they were witches, then their evil
powers would equally procure them
safety, and yet not one defendant had
survived or landed without severe harm.
Unfortunate Gert himself, in the name
of “sympathizer of evil,” became the final
resident to meet their fate in such a
way.
The valley overcame its bloodshed but
not its paranoia, inherited through the
generations. Heads are kept low,
countenance is grim, and all cast a wary
eye on the towering edifice of stone.
Sensitivity: This module touches on
issues that may cause distress in some.
Persecution, missing persons, and
bigotry towards homosexuality appear
in the text. Please take note of your
audience in how you prepare and
consider asking your players about these
subjects before play, so as to prepare
them or even alter certain elements.
should feel safe and enjoy themselves.
 Rumors
1 Strange forms appear in the surrounding woods, accompanied by
several reports of them mocking and taunting those who wander by

2 The crop of black berries has all turned foul, a fact in itself not entirely
extraordinary; the oozing putrid juice is another matter

3 An outbreak of witchcraft is rolling through the valley once again

4 Rain ceaselessly falls from the leaden sky and pools in deepest black;
many in the valley fear these pools as much as the night itself

5 Many haunting children tales originated in the Violet Valley - most are
sworn to be true

6 A highly superstitious place, the Violet Valley residents are known for
celebrating their rites and rituals in lavish fantastical costumes

7 Those in the know can acquire the highly potent and valuable “There
Below Liqueur,” only available in the Violet Valley
On the frontier of society, many brigands and outlaws have sought
8 sanctuary here, however, the Violet Valley is inhospitable to those of
devious natures, and most outsiders in general
Historically, the Violet Valley has produced several significant female
9 warriors, this has not been the case for over a century; they refuse to
participate in any outside or state matters
10 Many residents of Argol have permanently stained hands from years of
Blackberry picking, smashing, eating, and dyeing clothing
Argol was left alone by authorities after a succession of four
11 government officials never returned and a military contingent was lost
in the surrounding woods for five days before most returned to the
capitol starving and mad
Argol is a place of great silence except during the Festival when many
12 bells are woven into costumes and clanged as a means of vanquishing
demonic spirits

Hooks
Large, strange footprints cross the muddy dirt road and vanish into the
1 nearby woods

A man in a bizarre creature costume, adorned with ribbons and bells,

2 comes screaming and running down the road

A brash monster hunter was heard bragging about his big secret job
3 coming up in the Purple Valley

4 Message board notice from Argol: Vanquishers of evil beasts required

2
 When PCs enter a new hex or spend time
Travel Encounters ~ investigating, roll 1d20 to determine what they
encounter. May opt to roll 1d4 on appropriate
tables below for guaranteed creature encounter.
Cloud appears overhead, elongates into a tall swirling figure-like form, red
1
lights faintly discernible within, slowly dissipates into steady rain
2 A Wilting (d20 x 2) flies overhead toward the Veiled Woods
3 Pack of d8 + 2 wolves begin surrounding the party, at first only visible on the
periphery, and will engage or depart depending how the party reacts
Numerous dead and mutilated ravens; feathers, blood and innards strewn
4
about; 1 albino raven injured but alive in the center
5 Langhoff the Silent and his creaky cart comes into view
6 Thorny vegetation clings and cuts at the party; damage to packs and clothing
An old hunter’s shack, worn and sinking into ground but roof intact.
7 Inhabited by 2 Grast. Contains an old trunk hidden under dust and leaves
which contains a minor treasure (roll Minor Treasure Table)
Villagers dressed in wild costumes and dancing; black smoke and stench of
8 burning meat; from a distance, they appear to be frightening wild monsters,
if approached they scatter into multiple directions
9 On slight wind smell the sour odor of wet fur and scorched stone made wet
10 Ground apparently sentient, moving underfoot and whispering incoherently
in an unknown harsh language – save against WIL or suffer Corruption
11 Find a traveler’s pack, ripped open, rations spoiled. Find a locket with
etching of young woman (presumed to be Alma from Argol)
12 A Grop’elde is antagonizing Langhoff the Silent, blood streaks the black fur
of Beatrix, who is barking violently and salivating, with hackles raised.
13 A Brackel corpse (actually a playful trap – interaction will bring d20 Brackel)
14 Abandoned prayer shrine – offers shelter for 3 full-sized humans
Come across creature tracks (d8)
1-6 Festival of Brackel, disheveled and confusing, ultimately heading SE
15
7 Grop’elde tracks visible for 20 yards then vanish
8 The Beast (If tracks followed, then 1 of 6 chance encountering Beast)
16 Sassam in full costume is nearby conversing with an ancient tree
17 Individual in black monk’s attire, gaunt, meditative sitting position,
immersed to the waste in mud, zoned out, apparently high on Arlick brew
18 Empty liquefied disparity in landscape dissipates in a flickering crackle
19 Foot rot; no movement for 2 days
The Beast is 15-20 yards away, hunched over behaving in a way conducive to
20 what was generated on The Beast generator – GM should narrate with
appropriate tension and mystery as this is the famed creature itself *

* If the Folk Monster has not been encountered throughout the adventure,
the GM should deploy this option for the next appropriate encounter

Forest/Hills Encounters Bog/Plains Encounters

1 1 Grop’elde 1 D10 Raven Wilt
2 D20 Brackel 2 D6 Brackel
3 D8 + 2 Wolves 3 D4 Grast
4 D8 Raven Wilt 4 D4 Exhumed Villagers
1) Argol
In the Violet Valley , considered
untamed and backwards, sits the small
town of Argol. A conflicted legacy of
great warriors and dark persecutions is
the membrane of uneasiness underlying
its current existence. Reluctantly,
known now for production of There
Below blackberry liqueur and dyed
textiles, it is largely an insular
community . Dominated by the
Hexenturm. Mayor Kluge recently
disappeared. Son, Laszlo imprisoned in
the tower.
2) Veiled Woods
Named for the always present layer of
fog and mist. Thick mix of fir and
deciduous. Has long been the source of
mystery and apprehension. Blue lights
flicker on the edge. Sounds of festivity
can be heard on the eve of feast days
from deep within. Hunting and foraging
is reserved for the desperate. A secretive
culture of devotion has developed, Forest
Followers, in which locals don costumes
of strange, otherworldly figures and hold
ceremonies. This burgeoning cult has
begun to cause a rift with the more
conservative levels of the community.
3) Brackel Falls
A clearly diseased patch of forest just north
of the Veiled Woods. Tall waterfall drops
viscous black water. Inhabited by a
particularly hostile band of Brackel that
have taken to eating other bands and
humans. Entering this hex automatically
has the party encounter d10 Brackel.
4) Bog Island
Mound of dirt and bramble, topped by
three massive leafless oak trees. There is
an obvious stick hut. Party can wade
through the bog to reach the island.
Home of Hasek the Gnome.
5) Berry Field
Northwest of Argol. A large natural
berry patch, generations of bushes and
bramble, it is a wild and overgrown
area. Efforts to tame into systematic
harvest land annually diminished by
the motions of nature. Favorite dwelling
and feeding place of the Grop’elde.
4
6) Witch Cemetery
In a clearing half day beyond the
Hexenturm, is the cemetery of the
defiled. Here is where the convicted are
buried. Lined by a stone wall. Generally
avoided and feared.
7) Heinrich’s Shack
Home of Heinrich the Solitary. Previous
mayor of Argol, now exiled. Considered a
wisdom giver, he is sought out by the
desperate on matters of existential
importance: mourning mothers,
depressed woodsman, conflicted leaders.
Is said to demand something of
significance as payment, but none
involved has yet to divulge their
payment.
8) Clarician Fever Tomb
Far northwest, tucked in deep old
growth forest. Underground shrine,
marked on the slightly elevated surface
by a post and lintel stone entryway.
Stones moss-covered; scratched with
unknown symbols. Intense odor of sulfur
and burning leaves. Previously
undiscovered, the villagers have no
knowledge of its existence. (To be named
by the party as their discovery).
9) The Black Heart
Always present in the memories of
locals, the Hidden Heart is a deep pit
where fools and adventurers have
delved and not returned from the cave
at its bottom. Teenagers dare one
another to yell their loves and
confessions into its dark depths at
night. Recently filling with the constant
dark rain. Black and viscous, the Heart’s
new pool has caused parents and
officials to issue warnings to avoid.
Recently referred to as The Black Heart.
10) Fresh Spring
A refreshing and calm respite in the
valley. The only location protected from
encounters of any kind. The water here
is clean and free of the foul rain water
that incessantly falls.
Grast
5 HP, 6 STR, 12 DEX, 15 WIL, lucent touch (d6)
• Spirit; black undulating form; seeks
to enter the mouth
• Weakness: Holy Light & Holy Water
• Regenerates 3 HP per round
• Immune to physical attack
• Confined to chosen location of haunting

Exhumed Villager
4 HP, 6 STR, 6 DEX, 10 WIL, bite (d4)
• Dissipates if struck by holy attacks
• If bit, save against Rot (d4 dmg/daily
until flushed out with salt water or
consume Woodland Red Berries

Brackel
6 HP, 6 STR, 15 DEX, 12 WIL, scratch (d4)
• Can cast Befuddle and Haste spells once per day
• Delights in trickery, mockery
Grop’elde
10 HP, 14 STR, 5 DEX, 12 WIL, club (d10), boulder throw (d4)
• Rare; tall, dark, lichen-clung fur
• Can’t resist berries
• While uninjured, can vanish as an action
• Vanish: to prevent –
once per round 1 PC must save
against WIL to keep seeing

Raven Wilt
6 HP, 8 STR, 13 DEX, 9 WIL, bite (d6)
• Raven head, particulated black body
• Must strike head or wings
• Desperately fears fire, instant death
• Critical damage: skin embedded with
Eldritch particulates (reduce WIL by 1
until surgeon or metaphysician visited;
suffer nightmares for 1d6 nights)

Wolves
5 HP, 8 STR, 14 DEX, 12 WIL, bite (d8)
• Nearly always ambushes
• Curse: If PC kills a wolf, save against
WIL or suffer Canine Empathy: PC
takes 1 damage a day until successful
save
T he BeastT he Beast
D elirious visions? Paranoid imagination? Brutal beast? The Violet Valley is host
to a blood-soaked reign. Two peasants have been reported missing without a trace
and four others met a grisly end. Dismembered, chewed, dragged, over the land.
The valley folk believe a rabid pack of wolves are responsible, but in the security of
their down blankets, they whisper of haunted spirits exacting vengeance. Many
say the Mayor was the last victim, others say the Mayor is responsible. Roll
according to tables, combine to your whim. Make a terrifying Beast. Draw it!
Ability Scores/ Hit Protection
Roll 3d6 for each Ability. Features (roll d20 3 times)
Roll 2d6 + 10 for Hit Protection 1. Antlers
Monster Base (d6) 2. Fangs
1-3: Aerial 4-6 Terrestrial 3. Tail
4. Spikes
Aerial Beast (d6) 5. Matted Fur
1. Bat 6. Skeletal
2. Moth 7. Multi-limbed
3. Owl 8. Swarming
4. Locust 9. Fungal
5. Crow 10. Tentacles
6. Wasp 11. Hooves
12. Fangs
Terrestrial Beast (d6) 13. Eyeless
1. Wolf 14. Gelatinous
2. Bear 15. Horns
3. Goat 16. Spewing
4. Spider 17. Carapace (2 Armor)
5. Deer 18. Camouflaged
6. Boar 19. Oozing
20. Prismatic
Entity (d8)
1. Demonic Personality (d4)
2. Large Predator 1. Devious
3. Undead 2. Hateful
4. Amorphous 3. Curious
5. Amphibious 4. Sophisticated
6. Decayed
7. Frozen
8. Colossal
7
T he BeastT he Beast
Tactics (d10) Flavor (roll d12 twice)
1. Ambush 1. Prefers Old growth forests and
2. Stalk swamps, craves human bone marrow.
3. Evade 2. Birthed from essence of deep hatred
4. Swarm 3. Unharmed by cold elements but will
lose strength in high temperatures
5. Taget Weakest
4. Remains in shadows, from where it
6. Play issues eerie calls
7. Berserk 5. Can Teleport instantly once HP
8. Charge reaches half value to nearby location (3
9. Disorient Rounds away)
10. Harry 6. Cannot be harmed by magic
7. Surrounded by mist, reducing range
damage by half
Attack (roll d10 twice)
8. Permeates odors of decay and rot
1. Bite (d8)
9. Will approach sleeping victim and
2. Ghostly touch (d8) breathe into their ear
3. Horns (d6) 10. Critical Damage: Causes Corruption
4. Slash (d6) in victim (d4 WIL dmg)
5. Spell (roll Cairn core) 11. Critical Damage: Victim falls into
6. Claw (d4 +4) sleep for d3 days
7. Paralyzing gaze (save) 12. Critical Damage: Devours portion of
victim, gaining minor immunity from
8. Acidic spit (d4 + 2) that creature type (1 Armor)
9. Grisly remains (save or
deal damage as unarmed
(d4) for duration of battle)
10. Slash (d10)

8
 T he
10 HP , 8 STR, 12 DEX, 13 WIL

8 HP , 9 STR, 10 DEX, 10 WIL

3 HP , 4 STR, 6 DEX, 14 WIL

Sheriff Stilton Laszlo the Son Alma the Midwife
Sword (d8), Armor 1 (Gambeson) Dull Dagger (d4)

Long-time depressive Son of the disappeared Lost eye to Brackel. After

and humorless man. Mayor. Meager efforts of recent altercation with
His right arm was smuggling Down Below Laszlo has snapped,
lost to the war. to nobles. He is known suspects his guilt of
Responds well to for his conniving and Ulna’s disappearance,
sympathy. Stilton is hostile nature; can be
unpredictable a wild found shouting and believes Stilton to be
card. If one can get conservative views while an accomplice. Hides
into his good graces, in his cups. He is in a secret magic lineage. Her
he is easily persuaded power struggle with final act is revenge. Uses
and helpful. Sheriff Stilton for the last few charges in
Conversely, is dominance of Argol. her relic: Breath of Life
extremely dangerous. Relied on his father’s Stone, to raise the
position to bully and persecuted to serve her
Having difficulty harass those he views as
overcoming local less and has blamed his vengeance. In this state,
superstition and fear father’s absence on the she is more positive
in order to solve villagers. towards outsiders than
various mysteries. fellow villagers.
Secretly fascinated by
the occult and longs Directed his suspicious
rage towards Alma and Breath of Life: 3 charges
to commune with (currently empty). Coat
spirits of the eldritch her partner Ulna, the
realm. midwife and herbalist in dirt from grave, place
couple. Was suspected in mouth and say name
for Ulna’s disappearance of fallen – will Raise
and locked in the tower. Dead. Replenish 1 charge
for every month buried in
a grave.

Found: Tavern / Found: Tower Found: In her hut /

Sheriff’s Office Cemetery
What They WantWhat They Want What They
• To solve mystery of • To escape the tower
and exact revenge on the • Find Ulna
exhumations
villagers
• To join the cultists • To control the beast • A relic to imbue with
magic
 Who

10 HP , 12 STR, 8 DEX, 10 WIL

7 HP , 8 STR, 10 DEX, 13 WIL

Blacksmith Redmaigne Sassam
Warhammer (d10) Sharpened Antler (d6)

A difficult countenance to look A fringe member of Argol. Some

at, Redmaigne’s appearance is spit nastily that she is the bastard
as gruff as his demeanor. He daughter of Sheriff Stilton. In fact,
suffered intense burns to the her origins seem to be largely
majority of his head, and speaks unknown, other than she has no
in a gravelly voice. He carries parents. Increasingly maligned by
the weight of shame from the the community for her habit of
crimes and acts of violence he dressing in Festival costume
witnessed and participated in. regularly. Viewed initially as an
To avoid intimacy with his eccentricity, she has begun to
fellows, he plays the dim-witted gather more “Forest Followers”
muscle man, but spends solitary around her. They dress in wild
evenings plotting and scheming creature costumes and perform
to build his wealth. ceremonies in the countryside.
They can be occasionally heard
clattering bells and chanting in
Will let himself be hired to help the deep night.
PCs explore. Will nee to be
impressed in order to sign on, Will tell the PCs about the Tree
and 50% chance he will betray God’s desire to rid the valley of
the party by running away with blight and darkness.
treasure.
If convinced to join the Party, will
be able to lead them safely
through the Veiled Woods without
rolling Incidents.

Found: Tavern / Forge Found: Outside of Argol/

Countryside
hey Want What They WantWhat They Want

• Acquire wealth to build a

• For the valley to be consumed
mansion by the forest and controlled by
Forest Followers
• To be a treasure hunter
 Argol Village

8
9
5
7

4
3
2
6

2 in 6 chance of party being harassed by d8 Brackel on the country

road into the Violet Valley.

If approaching the village at night, d4 Village guards will approach

and demand the party’s business in town.

1. Derelict Shrine - A short distance outside of the village, this

shrine has long been disused. If the party is being harassed by
creatures of the Valley, one hour spent in the shrine will cause the
creatures to leave them alone. If the party searches they will find 7
intact candles. If they light one of these candles or show spiritual
homage in some way, they are immune to the Valley’s Corruption.

2. Mayor’s Manor - Abandoned since Mayor Kluge’s disappearance

and Laszlo’s imprisonment. There is no inn within the valley, but the
Party can use the manor as a residence for the duration of their
presence. The manor has potential to be the Party quarters if they are
successful and welcomed in Argol.

3. Town Center - A place to purchase goods, obtain rumors, and

trade plants for rations.

4. Abandoned House - One of the disappeared residents lived here.

A generally spooky house with numerous animal heads mounted on
the wall. Mold is growing along the walls. The party can find 2 solid
warm quilts and a nice bow here (10 arrows).
5. Hexenturm - A dank, ominous place. Appears to permeate a dark
odor, and to be slowly staining a dark color. There are always at least
two villagers acting in guard duty. There is a high chance of finding
Sheriff Stilton here.

6. Tavern - The only place in the Valley to legally acquire Down

Below Liqueur (a valuable and rare resource outside of Argol - stocks
are low due to the blight afflicting the berry fields). Find 3 casks of
Down Below in the cellar (200 worth 200 silver pieces each). A Grast
inhabits the cellar recently, and if the party gains the Hermann the
Keeper’s trust, he will offer them one cask as payment to rid the place
of the creature.

7. Alma’s Hut - A tiny space, hung all over with plants, animal
bones, and strange bits and pieces. She will make healing potions if
her wants are met. Will trade herbs. The party can steal a Spellbook
from here, but she will know, and not offer any trades, and in fact will
find ways to curse or harm the party.

8. Blacksmith - A large and dusty structure atop the hill. Redmaigne

seldom leaves. Will fix anything metal for the party for 10 silver
pieces. Redmaigne loves to share stories of adventurers.

9. Stables - A small stable that can house 2 horses, 2 silver pieces

each. Renata knows her horses, keeps to herself. There is a beautiful
sword hanging on the wall in the small quarters she calls home.

There are numerous other houses in the village, made of mud and
timbers and thatched roofs. Including the homes of three other
missing or dead. Any of these homes can be occupied by the party, but
the village would be hostile towards this decision. If undiscovered, the
other homes have 50% chance of being looted for tools, food, or other
valuables worth 5 silver pieces.

12
 Hexenturm
Following Mayor Kluge’s
departure, the people
locked his cruel son, Laszlo,
on the third floor. Long a
bully , the young man was
6 protected by his father’s
influence, but now the cost
of his effrontery has come
due. Continual and near-
5 violent harassment of the
herbalist and midwife
couple, two kindly women
responsible for countless
births and healings in the
village, has stirred much
resentment and anger
amongst the residents.
In order to exact
punishment, it was agreed
3 4 the tragic and haunted
nature of the tower was
preferred to direct violence,
as the lack of bruising would
allow the people to claim
ignorance should the mayor
return.

Some rumors claim Laszlo

is the only one who knows
2 his father’s whereabouts;
and furthermore, the only
one with knowledge of the
horror plaguing the valley.
Laszlo’s shrieking and
sobbing can be heard
throughout the day and
night.

1
1. Entrance. Two village guards play
checkers; cudgel and shovel near at
hand; keys in pocket of left guard.
Locked door, thick wood, banded with
iron; crumbling stone at hinges (bonus to
smashing). 8 coins on table. Stench of
compost and manure.
• Reaction: Welcome to game –
Wager: 2 silver (if win collect 4
silver)
• Bribe: required against WIL (+2
bonus if time spent to play game)
• Antagonized: if Bribe failed –
guards cause scene – arrival of d4
lightly armed villagers and Sheriff if
present in tower (50% chance)
2. Sheriff’s Office. 50% chance Sheriff
present; rumors of his despondent
nature; if present will join brawl; if not
present door locked (requires keys from
Entrance Guards); tower keys hang
behind desk; tapestry hangs near door
and straw covers floor
• Reaction: dismissive, irritated,
drinking; requires successful
convincing
to allow visitation to Prominent Cell
• Stealing keys: restrain so keys can
be taken (if not silenced d4 lightly
armed villagers will soon appear)
3. Derelict Cell. Neglected, dim, dusty,
used for storage, broken implements,
barrels, and old bits of leather.
• Find: in dusty barrel with broken
tools Red Ribbon of Endless
Ammunition (reduce usage to 0;
exposure to water causes
disintegration
4. Prominent Cell. Laszlo chained to
wall, Chain attachment weak, one bond
broken – used free hand to harm face,
ears stuffed with filth and straw; panics
at sight of party
• Converse: requires successful save
against WIL – if too close he will
lash out with chain - save against
DEX (d4 dmg)
• Fail: fail twice to calm or will
escalate into hysterical screaming
until he passes out or is physically
subdued
• Success: if successful (will demand
freedom in order to reveal) – reveal
directional clue to Mayor Kluge’s
whereabouts – reveal clue to
monster’s
“weakness”
5. Ramparts. Spiral stairs. Overgrown.
Two ornately carved dragons flank
doorway , oddly not deteriorated
• Corruption: If dragons touched,
hear incoherent whispering in an
unknown harsh language – save
against WIL or suffer Corruption
• Find: stone box covered in bramble
and bush; inside find intact spyglass
6. Upper Tower. Large unfamiliar
skeleton sprawled on floor; humanoid
with large upper body, bulbous.
Wrapped around neck is an
iron manacle; lies atop two delicate
though mostly intact wings (shimmer)
• Trap: skeleton covers a collapsible
door – if disturbed save against
DEX or fall to compost pile below
(suffer d6 dmg)
GM Note: The clue revealed by the
tree god in the Veiled Woods is
referring to tumbling this tower
into The Black Heart chasm.
Explained as the blight of
persecution and murder is
permanently leeching out from this
structure.
Villager Guard
3 HP, 6 STR, 10 DEX, 10 WIL,
shovel/cudgel (d6)
• Avoid combat unless they have
advantage
• Causing a scene always brings d4
allies
Sheriff Stilton
10 HP, 8 STR, 12 DEX, 13 WIL,
sword (d8), Armor 1 (Gambeson)
 T he Black Heart
200’ deep, steep sides; requires climbing
gear. Nothing known of the cave at the
bottom. Upon first en-counter is half full
of water – appears viscous and black.

Investigate: To dive to bottom and

investigate cave save against STR every
20’ to prevent drowning. If posses means
of negating drowning and able to reach
bottom then
Find:

• Without illumination: Feel around

in muck and find 2 skeletons with
assorted rusted and ruined
adventuring gear.

• With illumination: Discover a deep

but otherwise plain cavern. See
third skeleton with shining Sword of
Impious Malevolence (sentient) *
Purpose: According to the riddle from
the Ancient Tree God in the Veiled
Woods, the purpose of the Heart is to
consume the wicked history of Argol.
The party should motivate the residents
to dismantle the Hexenturm and drop
all of its contents into the pit. This
should be difficult, make the players
appear ridiculous to the villagers. Must
overcome deep superstition.
Success: The Black Sky will begin to
dissipate, the blight will lift,
exhumations will cease, and creature
behavior returns to normal.
Heinrich the Solitary
4 HP, 4 STR, 14 DEX, 14 WIL
Mayor of Argol long ago. During a guilt
revivalists’ movement, he fled the village
after retaliation by villagers over his
ancestor’s pivotal role as judge in the
mass witch persecutions.
What He Wants
• To be spiritually redeemed for the sins
of his family – rejoin the village
• A bucket of untainted blackberries or a
grip of Arlick
• Good information and rumor
• Someone to investigate rumors of a
lost tomb somewhere in the North.

If supplied with any of his wants, will

supply a rumor.

* Klagor the Void Maker

Every wielder has used the
blade, by sheer accident or
through the Sword’s malevolent
influence on some innocent. Its
last owner vowed to break the
cycle, thus bringing it into the
depths of the Heart. The blade
will be found protruding from
the man’s skeletal remains.
15
1. Has word of a lost tomb far in
the North – forgotten pilgrimage site of
a Hero
2. Offers news of the Beast’s location or
habits
3. He knows fire to be the simple
bane of Raven Wilt
4. The voices one hears can be
weakened by stuffing the ears
with Gilmander Nip
 Witch Cemetery
Recently fear, panic and hastily
acquired blessings are permeating the
valley after it was discovered by a
reluctant and distant relative on a
recent sojourn to the site, that several
graves appeared to be exhumed. The
poor man was so terrified by what he
saw that the number of disturbed
graves was not noticed.
75 graves of the persecuted are here.
Lined by a stone wall that was
traditionally blessed by a priest or cleric
on New Y ear Festival. Not practiced in
15 years.
• Entrance: Upon entering the
cemetery, notice (d20) graves are
exhumed. 50 % chance (d6)
exhumed Villagers present.
• Find: One grave contains a secret
family stash (the man who
Discovered the disturbance was
coming to the cemetery to dig up
some of the treasure)
• Treasure: d100 x 2 gold coins, 4
pieces of torso-sized fine leather
Exhumed Villager
4 HP, 6 STR, 6 DEX, 10 WIL, bite (d4)
• Dissipates if struck by holy
attacks
• If bit, must save against rot (d4
damage every round until flushed
out with salt water or afflicted
consumes Woodland Red Berries
Berry Field
The core of Argol’s blackberry trade, the
bushes supply the source of Down Below
liqueur and local dyes. Overgrown and
wild, the field continually rebukes the
villagers’ efforts to properly cultivate the
land.
Smells of rank wetness and rot. If
Spring or Summer, berries are oozing
putrid black ichor. If Fall or Winter, the
bushes are bare, sharp, and coated in
coagulated black ooze.
• Corruption: Hear incoherent
whispering in an unknown harsh
language – save against WIL
Suffer Corruption
• Find: If Summer 50% chance of
finding several buckets worth of
berries that appear to be
untouched by the blight
• Grop’elde: If the total party WIL is
equal or above the 10 factor
according to party size, encounter a
feeding Grop’elde.
Example: if there are 3 party members,
collective WIL stats must be 30+; 4
members must have 40+, 5 members
must have 50+
Grop’elde
16 HP, 1 Armor 14 STR, 6 DEX, 7
WIL, strike with club (d10) stone
throw (d4)
• Seldom seen, usually in the
Blackberry fields – can’t resist
taking berries
• Tall, dark lichen-clung fur
• Reported encounters were violent,
usually guarding or stealing food
• Widely thought to vanish suddenly
 Bog Island
A muddy island covered in swamp
shrubs, dead trees, animal burrows.
Intense odor of decay. Numerous weeds
and flowers growing on the island.
Inhabited by numerous mosquitoes.

Hasek the Gnome

150 HP, 5 STR, 12 DEX, 14 WIL

A near immortal denizen of the valley,

but is now dying. Requires the essence
of something powerful to increase his
life force. Was once the impetus for the
population to begin their wilderness
festival celebrations. People donned
costumes of the illusive gnome and
traipsed throughout the countryside. As
is the case with many immortals, Hasek
(Hill Dweller) was dismissed, forgotten.
Now he dwells in bitterness and
aloofness in the swamps and hills of the
Northern Valley. Elusive, trickster,
difficult to find. 50% chance of his
appearing to the party in his territory.

What They Want

• To become a celebrated idol again
• The blood or essence of the beast to
concoct life increasing elixir
He can offer the party a special brew
that will heal their Corruption.
Additionally, he can offer the party a
magical oil, when rubbed on their face,
will prevent any negative afflictions of
fear. 17
 Fresh Spring
On the far western edge of the valley, the
spring trickles from the rocky cliff edge. The
clearing is calming, restful, and may not be
the location of encounters. The water will
disipate instantly if placed in a vessel of any
kind. A drink from the stream will restore
d6 HP one time per visit to the hex.
Veiled Woods
Pathway. 2 abreast. Lined by
fragrant flowers.
Wander: Between points
test WIL to prevent
straying or become
entangled,
(D4 thorn damage,
lose 1 ration).
When traveling
3
between points,
roll Incidents.

1. Holloway.
100’ sunken
tunnel.
Shrouded in
mist, dotted
with the blue
2
glow of
mushroom
patches. Mist
resists PC
1
movement.
Struggling
causes immobility
(think quicksand).
Proceeding slowly and
casually will allow easy
passage. 50% chance d4
Grast attack when the party
reaches the second half of the
tunnel.

2. Ravine & Huntsman. 400’ long, 40’ deep

ravine cuts across the path. Stone bridge. Small hut
on opposite side.
• Whimsical Huntsman: Halfway across the bridge a gaunt young man will
emerge with a large Wolf (stat as Wolf)
• Demands a riveting story to gain passage. To fail, he warn, there will be
trouble. Will blow his horn to summon d6 + 2 Wolves. If successful, he will
grant passage (Success/failure GM discretion)
• Ornate Huntsman Horn (controls Wolves and bears)

3. Boulder. Overgrown area. Massive boulder covered in pale lichen & moss.
Flanked by two large trees. Carved markings faintly visible beneath the lichen.
Heat will cause to glow.
• Reads: Juice of dark fruit satiates the beast; warmth consumes jealously
• Boulder: Interaction with boulder or trees will cause d6 Brackel to emerge
with laughter from woods and surround the party
• Treasure: Hidden in the roots of left tree: Scroll of Magic Detection; in a hole
in the right tree: 150 silver pieces
Brackel Raven Wilt
6 HP, 6 STR, 15 DEX, 12 WIL, scratch (d4) 6 HP, 8 STR, 13 DEX, 9 WIL, bite (d6)
Grast Wolves
4 HP, 6 STR, 12 DEX, 15 WIL,luscent touch (d6) 5 HP, 8 STR, 14 DEX, 12 WIL, bite (d8)
Grop’elde
10 HP, 14 STR, 5 DEX, 12 WIL, club (d10), boulder throw (d4)
 4. Cave. Above left of path, narrow footpath leads to cave recedes into
hillside. Entrance shimmers with pink and blue light. Recedes
45’. Grop’elde dimensional dwelling.
• Threshold: Disturb cave light and Grop’elde
will emerge from within to aggressively investigate.
• Blackberries: Grop’elde can’t resist,
consuming causes it to take ethereal form and
return to cave.
• Treasure: Stone vessel contains 2

4 Potions of Cure Affliction and 300 silver

pieces.

5. The Surrounding. Clearing,

surrounded by thick vegetation.
Trap: After 2 PCs enter clearing,
hundreds of granite stems emerge
from ground creating stone wall,
each topped by a fragrant pale
flower.
• Fragrance: causes
listlessness (+1 to all rolls for PCs
5 within ring)
• Flower: burning causes stem
to vanish but will summon
Grop’elde (if not already pursuing
party)
• Stem: destroying will cause
d66 Raven Wilts to appear atop stems
• If Party rests instead of resists, a
large Nameless Fir-Folk god appears
(ancient creator of the Veiled Woods). It
demand the party explain reason for presence
(Success is GM discretion. Upon Success, God will
grant major clue : To clear a blight, what is tall
must tumble from sight.
• Fail to explain: d4 Raven Wilts swoop down to attack
until satisfying answer is submitted
• After clue is revealed, Party is suddenly standing outside the
Veiled Woods d4 days later in hex marked with

Incidents
1 Path of entangling thorns have grown onto the path, save against DEX or take d4
damage and lose 1 ration
Entangled petrified skeleton several steps to side. Find small pouch of d4 precious stones
2
and silver dagger attached to rotten leather belt
3 Hours have passed, forest grows dark and noisy, zero visibility without light
Trap: troop of mushrooms in path; if smashed toxic spore cloud causes d4 + 1 nerve
4
damage, induce 3 hours sleep
Trap: Elderly couple 10’ into woods drinks from a trickling waterfall; if approached they
5 vanish, leaving behind a 20’ wide x 30’ deep pit in their place: save against DEX – find
two skeletons at bottom
6 Cairn with a paper note visible; Snake hidden inside; find d20 x 10 silver pieces and
folded paper with hastily written note: breath or fire
Pathway obstructed by large trees and bramble; if climbing through save against DEX or
7 STR otherwise suffer d4 dmg; d6 Brackel mock party from just within the woods; shrieks
and guttural laughter
8 D8 Brackel obstruct the path in front and behind the party
 C larician Fever Tomb

p!
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oo
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nf
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IL
5 W Alter &
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TRIP

Clarice’s Covered Pit

Tomb

CLARICE 1 Grast
15 HP, 2 Armor
11 STR, 13 DEX, 14 WIL

Cursed Berserker Sword (d8)

STASH!!!
Spell (Mirror Image, Sleep)
• Bald, face paint, physical being in Tomb
• Resentful of disease, fight to death
• Critical damage: breathes plague, afflicted with
Lung Rot
• Wants: To be free and conquer again
• Weakness: Obsessed with Stash, distraction
1. Entrance. Depression in forest floor,
full of dark, viscous water. Low Passage,
overgrown. Steps
lead down. Water runs through
entryway , over stairs, down tubular
corridor. Smooth. Elaborately carved.
Slick.
• Slide: save against DEX or STR to
prevent sliding into Spiked Cistern
2. Spiked Pool. Flooded. Stone spikes
(d4 dmg) faintly discernible below
surface. Remnants of wood board visible
in between spikes, length of pool, large
piece impaled center of pit (hold one
light deft figure)
• Doorways: both sides of pit
• Button: panel left of entryway,
flush with wall
◆ Press: clicking sound from
ceiling
(see remnants of mechanism)
• Spikes: walk between spikes – save
against DEX to prevent tumbling -
Fail: suffer d4 dmg
3. Slip Pit. Right door, short hall
(submerged), rough footing (haphazard
boulders submerged).
• Trip: save against DEX or STR to
prevent falling into pit – Fail: suffer 2d6
dmg
• Find: light reflects off corpse
impaled at bottom and numerous
bright flecks (d20 x 10) silver pieces
4. Confounding Door. Left door, steep
hall to small landing.
• See: skeleton with cracked skull
and boulder in lap (rotten clothes)
• Sealed Door: Enchanted (can be
disenchanted). Blocked by 15 river
rocks, must be moved individually.
Each time a stone is dislodged, a
“twin” boulder falls from above onto
the landing (d3 dmg)
5. Altar & Berries. Five burial alcoves
line walls, each with skeleton, ancient
armor. Stone altar with large
clay vessel filled fresh blackberries. Two
open passages leading south.
• 5 Grast: activate if berries taken
• Berries: Enchanted (edible) . Have
2 days to plant, then they
disintegrate
• Find: bags each in alcove, 250 silver
coins
Passage. Crawl space, hands & knees,
thick air
• Trip Line: enchanted ribbon,
pushed or severed will release Trap.
Push down to maintain tension and
prevent trigger.
◆ TRAP: Hear fast grating sound.
Spear (3d6 dmg) drops from above –
save against DEX
If trap is triggered in one passage it
is disabled in the other passage.
6. Covered Pit. Empty but stone disc
flush with floor – heavy , requires
exceptional STR or lever
• Plague: Plague victim buried alive
with treasure – face tightly covered
or save against STR, suffer Lung
Rot (d3 dmg per day and feverish
hallucinations) until cool fresh air
breathed.
• 1 Grast
• Stash: Roll 3 x Major Treasure
Table
7. Clarice’s Tomb. Empty but stone
slab flush with floor – heavy , requires
exceptional STR or lever.
• Plates (unmovable otherwise)
either side of tomb, require
simultaneous pressure
• Clarice: slab removed, spirit of
ancient warrior queen attacks to
defend tomb
• Distract: (on 1 of 6) chance with
Stash treasure
• Treasure: Successful in combat or
distraction, will drop Cursed
Berserker Sword – Tomb: 3000
ancient gold coins.
22
 Minor Treasure
1. Tins (2) of face paint (blue & white)
Major Treasure
1. Purse of d20 rare gems
2. Geode (50% chance crystals inside) 2. Jewel-encrusted sword hilt
3. Sheaf of blank paper 3. 1000 silver coins
4. Carved figurine (antler bone) 4. 2 random Spellbooks
5. Small icon painting of a hero 5. 4 Potions of Healing
6. Ceramic vessels of various spices 6. Dagger of Illumination
7. Scroll covered in unknown language 7. Spellbook of Warding
8. Lush, ornate, intact rug 8. 5 pieces of gold jewelry
9. Glass Jar of Endless Spirits 9. d20 x 1000 gold coins
10. Wooden carved mask, faded paint 10. 2 Potions of Giant Strength

Fern Fiddlehead – Edible, though not in excess. Forest. Early spring.

Dandelion – Edible. Consumption grants a boost in vitality. Grassland. Summer.
Whipp Grass – Not directly edible. Cooked down in water to thicken into nutty
flavored broth. Remove before consumption. Sharp, long-bladed grass. Bog. Winter.
Woodland Red Berries – Edible for short window at onset of winter, otherwise toxic.
Induces uncontrollable vomiting. Due to the thick red juice, this expulsion is rather
visibly alarming. Universal. Year round.
Silvertip Weed – Not edible. Highly poisonous. Used in deadliest poisons. Bog and
Forest. Year round.
Arlick – Not directly edible. Small yellow berries. Used as a hallucinogen when
cooked in mammal milk. Excess use will cause long-term psychosis. Ground
coverage. Rocky areas. Year round.
Feathered Balm Leaf – Not edible. Long, soft, broad. Mashed with a starch to
use as healing balm. Famous healing properties. Forest; mouths of caves. Spring
And Summer.
Gilmander Nip – Edible. Chewable sugary leaves. Used in many foods and drinks.
Grassland. Year round.
Milk Burn – Not edible. Highly toxic. Rare. Consumed by livestock, causes painful
death. Name taken from white substance within leaves. Mountains and Bogs. Year
round.
Salvin – Edible. A strong flavorful twig popularly used in stew. Remove before
consumption. Grassland and Forest. Year round.

23
 Cone of Rotten Tree Wandering Merchant
Steep in cold water, creates a pleasant
smelling though thoroughly toxic Langhoff the Silent
brew. Consumer will have powerful
6 HP, 7 STR, 12 DEX, 12 WIL,
and terrifying hallucinations of their
hatchet (d6)
future, will tell one truth. Risk of
permanent psychic damage. What He Wants
• Brackel Wing
Humerus of Grop’Elde Dolorous Dice • Feathered Balm Leaf
Place on a fire to Carved from the stone • Grop’elde fur
create noxious of sacred henges. • Intimate conversation
vapors to ward off
Rubbing the dice in
evil spirits for as
long as the fire is hand and blowing on Age unknown. A mystery to the
burning. If rinsed them will transfer villagers of Argol. “He arrived
and properly pain into the dice. 1 during our grandfather’s time,”
dried after each charge. Roll double they say of him. Seldom speaks,
use, the bone sixes on a clean cloth apparently seldom eats.
usually to empty the pain and Friendly , offers strange but
withstands up to
recharge the dice. On useful items.
three burnings.
a fail, suffer the pain
Creaky cart announces random
appearances. Known to display
emotion only once, a deep grief
Brackel Quills at the death of his beloved
Drop a handful of
mountain dog. Out of gratitude
these deadly-sharp for his supplying a rare herb
needles on the that saved a mother’s life, the
floor, and ask, “I previous healer procured him
wonder who another such hound.
means me harm?”

Seldom appears. GM
They will point in may deploy as
the direction of desired.
any evil spirits
and monsters. All items the cost of a
trade (must be exotic,
potent, rare)

Beatrix II
8 HP, 10 STR, 14 DEX, 12 WIL, bite (d10)
Thank you for picking up this effort of mine! It is
my first extended adventure. A level 1-3
adventure to supplement Cairn, takng place in a
dark mysterious place known as the Violet Valley.
All art and text is mind, with a few instances of
friendly input; and the Hexenturm is Public
Domain art. Good luck on your adventures in
Darkness Moves.

Text and art by Perplexing Ruins

Credits and T hanks

My foremost thanks goes to my wonderful wife -
supportive, kind, and the first person I run to with
new things I make.

This book wouldn’t exist without the inspiration I

found from reading the excellent game Cairn, and
the feedback, help and some editing I received from
its generous author Yochai Gal.

My other thanks to:

Tam for helping navigate software
Iko for reading and feedback
Caverns of Heresy for reading and feedback
L.F. OSR for layout suggestions
Jean Verne for reading and feedback
Ava Islam for sensitivity input and feedback
Ben Milton’s Maze Rats continues to inspire me.
Additionally, my thanks to the small community of
makers whose discourse and creations constantly motivate
and inspire me.