the scouring of the Land” ‘A Campaign Adventure for Characters of Levels 9-13SHADOWDALE The scouring of the land™ar rages across Cormanthor and the Dalelands. The blackelad legions of Zentil Keep and the drow of the Elven Court are locked in a flerce war against the refounded ‘lf realm of Myth Drannor and its lis in the dales. selves, drow, and humans skirmish ia the wide woodlands of the Elven Court, Zhent forces also assil the western forest. A powerful army led by Seyllua Darkhope, High Captain of Zhentil Keep, ‘occupies the western dales, Shadowdale, for so long a bastion against Zhentish ambitions, now groans under the Yoke of the conqueror, Shadowdale’s traditional defenders are scattered to the four ‘winds. Storm Silverhand, Dove Faleonliand, Scothyar “Scotti” Aancathra, andthe test of the Knights of Myth Drannor fight alongside the warriors of Tlsevele Miritar in ehe Fierce battles far to the cast. Mourngrym Ameathra, Lord of the Dale, oecupics the Twisted Tower, seuningl unconcerned with Shadowale’s new ‘efenders?” And Elminster, the Sage of Shadowdale, is missing, has tower in ruins. New heroes must step forward if Shadowdale is tobe free again. Shedowsdaie: The Scouring of the Land is a Duxozoxs & Deacons" adventure designed forfour Stivlevel characters. Player characters will advance through 10th level and into 2th level during the course of the adventure, and perhaps reach 12th or 13h level by its conclusion. preparation ‘You need four books to run this adventure: the Player's Hand- book (PH), the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG), the Monster ‘Marae! (MAP), andthe Poncorven Rass Campa Sing GERCS) In aon, you might fd it seis have copy Heres of Bt Ths uczew x iar oft characte efor to overthrow Shadowdale' conser baad on the vitory- Point russ inerodoce in that took You dont fare to hae Herc 9f Bast wo rack ths pet, bot ifs a god rxosce Fr arched adver Thraughout this bo supecipesbbcvstons are often Reeds dete peeves ort ane tet spent tera pplamcats Thos supine and abe ations areas follows Beabo/ Bvaled Deeds (BORD) Complete dven- turer Cd Complete Arcane (CAt\ Complete Warrier CW), Draconomicon (Dra, Flend Fala FF) Fiendish Codex (FCI), Libris Moris (LM), Lords of Derkwess (LD), Cast Empires of Faeriix (LE), Miniatures Handbook (MH), Monster Manuat ‘TE(MM2), Monster Manual IIT (MMB), Monster Manual I” (MMA, Montes of Faerie (Mony Planar Handbook (PR), Player's Guide 1 Faerin (PG), Race of Facris (ROP), Serpent Kingdoms (Ky Spell Compendinm (SC), Shining Sindh (5) and Underdark (Und). Although this adventure isa sequel to che adventure Grr The Tearing ofthe Weave, $0u don't neat to pay theough that adventure before runing ths one. ‘We recommen that You review the information presated con the Dalclands and Shadowale in the Fawnorren Reds Campoige Setting (gages 116 and 137, respectively) before an sing tis venture, You'll als find more detailed infortation aout Shadowiale in Appendix 1 of this adventure. "This adventire ses tactical Format fo describe encounters ‘hac te ikely to result in combat. The adventure i divide nto san adventure narrate the Fron sections of Chapters 1 through 5}, in which encounters and location descriptions are presented inte traditional manne aaa tactical encounter section athe cn of each chapter, in which specific Batis ar lai out in an ‘aston Format. How To use the vactical sormat “The kaye entries inthe text present i eens, 2 Hlowchart of che adventure. Locations or eventbased eneounters hat resule ina Sight havea corresponding tactical encouter a ee end of the Chapter in questionae ‘eraopverion —— When the adventure narrative directs you t refer toa tact- ‘a encounter, simply cur tothe indicated page ‘The most obvious feacure of cach tactical encounter is the sap of the room or area where the encounter occurs. A variory of text egeries acompany each map: a Setyp section, informa tion tobe rea aloud tothe players, and other details specifying features ofthe tactical area, Begin with the Setup section fst, sick describes the initial creature positions and circumstances of the bar. The remaining sections include erature descriptions and statistic, creature ects, taps (Fam), and orherrolaed information 5 ‘The encounters in eis adventure are designed for use with Dononnnse Drscons* Miniatures In some case initure you oun might represant a character or exearre perfect I you don't have the exact miniature, just substitute another miniature ‘ofthe same size and tell che players what the minicar you'se sing represents How so Usr Tacrica Mars As described on page 59 ofthe Duoneon Master’ Guid if map fearure cavers moce than half of a given square the feature is consilered to extend ine tha quae. I it covers fess than hal ofa square, it docs extend into that square. For erampl if an area of light undergrowth skirts around the clges oF square but che est ofthe square is clear, then there’, rp extra movement cost fo ener that square Ifthe undergrowth reaches past tbe mile of the square, the square costs 2 squares 15 move in. ‘The same role applies to diagonal walls, which are drawn co the tacts! maps so they cut ehroug the center of square ‘ds instead of running cotner to corner. This way, i's easy to tel whether a character can standin a given square or ns, ince very square that a diagonal wal passes chron isitherlrgey ‘kar (jou can stand here) or jst a small corner (you ca stand thers). adventuce Background Shadowdate: The Scouring of she Land is set the winter of the ‘Year of Risen Flfkin, 1375 DR. I ahos place about five months after the events described in the Last Mytbal trilogy. In the spring of 1374 DR, Lord Scverit Mirtar of Evermect sustered 2 great crusade 16 meet the throat of the daemon- fey legion of Sarya Dlardrageth. Seiverl’s Crusade drove the acsponfey out of the Hight Pores, ad then pursued the demon- spawned sun elves to their seoret stronghold in Myth Drannor. Armies from Hillsfar, Sembia, Zhentil Keep, the drow of Cor- smanthos and the various das took the fold, som allying with the daemonfey, others fighting against Sarya Dlardrayeth and hher hellish hordes. Ultimately the elf army prevailed, retaking ‘Myth Draamor. Although Seiveril Miricar fell in the final batle within the ancient city, his daughter Tevele became ruler in his place. ‘With che riva city-state of Hillsfar firmly under his thumb, Froul Chembryl, Tyrant of Zhentil Keep, determined to pre- vent Myth Drannor from rising again. At the same time, the Viaeraun-worshiping drow of House Jeelre and the Auzkovyn clan read their own doom in Usevele Miritar’s ascension to the thrope of ancient Cormanthyr. Zhents and drow conspiced © setack Myth Drannor before Haevle Mitta’ edging realm grew any stronger ‘As Froul searched fora master stoke to overthrow his wew enemy, he was approached by Escele Grajeastls a priests of Shar. ‘The servant of Star cared Fete for Fuoal Ghembry's roubles with Myeh Drannor, but she greatly disired ro strike a blow against dhe servants of Mystra in Shadowdale—in particular, the {feat mage Elminser. Esvele offered to remove Elminster and he other Chosen of Mystra) fom Shadowcale iy creating ead mig zone over the entire are; its fects would deter the Chosen of Mystra from returning, The Sharan prstessalio offered an allance wich the Lolth-orshiping drow of Hose Divernin. iy depriving Shaiondale’s defer of hse potent mail powers, FBsele would make it posible forthe Zhentarim and hei drow allies to finally conquer the dale: I torn, the subjegatint of the dale by the Zhentish armies would make ic posible forthe servants of Shar to carry out ther goddess vendeta against, Mystra. Poul assented to Essel ofer—allowing che priestess of Shar tarp a hole in che Weave seemed a reasonable price for the defeat of Shadowale Tn the dark hours of 15 Nightel 2374 DR, x smalt company of Sharran assis and shadow adeps slipped into the dae Jn Elminser’s vaults a powerful Sharran artifact—the Ebon Diadem—ay quicient, ane of many such evi tems that the Sage of Shadowéale kept hidden safely within the wards of his tower. But the Diedem harbored a deadly secret. Breaching the ‘fses OF his tomer, che Sharrans succeded i activating the Ebon Diadem and woleasing is powers. Feeding on the very strengch of the wards Flminster had raised over the year, the Ebon Diadem greatly strengthened the Sharsan assis. Alehough Eliinster destroyed most of the inruders who had ered his tower, the Sharransdefeaed him. Gravely wounded, he was whisked away by his contingency sells—and his tower itself was blasted into ruin and hurled into some far plane ‘Within hours of Elminsters defeat, Seyllua Darkhope led = hensish army into the norehern verge of the dale, while the doe of House Dhourni overran the defenders of the Twisted “Tower from below. When the Castellay af Zhentl Keep aeacked Shadowdale in the summer of 1374 DR, Seiveril Mister had «quickly marche the Crstde yo Shalowdale’ defense This time, however, the elves were unable 10 help—dhey were levy en- gaged against oth 2 Zhent army actacking out of Hillsfar and 4 great rail of drow. The folk of Shadow simply could not ‘overcome tho Zent advantages in mowstersand numbers with- out resorting to magi and the damage the Sharrans had done to the local Weave made magic weak and unrefihle. Despite valiant defense, the dele Fl To the astonishment of the local populace, Lard Mourngeyim Ameathra subsequently amiounced analliance with Zen Keep and welcomed the Zhentarim into ‘SSadowdle a alls. TEsabshing powerful gsrson vo occupy the dal Seyiua Darkhop le her army south and east, striking toward Mistedale and che Moonsea Rie ro complete Myth Drannor’ encirclement, While the armies continue fo maneuver in the forests to the cast and the priests of Shar sck to complet the dstrcron of che Weave in tis pae of the Dallas, Shadowdae les under the Zhentish fist. The peopl ofthe dae sect with anger and smurmur aging eer oppresers, but thy daze not rie 4p—aot yet anyoayder Tyrropuctioy —_— Adventure synopsis Shadvwdale: The Seouring of the Land offers the player characters the opportunity to take on that most heroic of en- deavors—overthrowing evil oppressors and restoring freedom to a land in misery. The PCs must overcome the twin challenges of an insidious corruption of the Weave and a ruthless occupation by the Black Network. To drive the villains out of Shadowdale, the characters must organize and lead desperate revolt of the dakesfolk against their conquerors. They must clas of the poss Uilty of quick reinforcements eliminate potential alles overcome the nefarious rites of Shar’s servants eliminate the leaders of the evil forces, and finally take to the battlefield inorder to lead the daesflk to vietory (Chapter 1: Dale Under Shadow. The characters arrive in Shad condale, only to find the dale under occupation and the Weave fraying, After tangling with two rival bands of mereenarcs in the Black Network's employ, the PCs explore Lord Aumry’s tomb atop Watcher's Knoll After freving the remnants of Sylun¢ from 4 voracious eater of magic, the characters learn that clerics of Bane have established a porta to Zhentil Keep amid the ruins of (Castle Krag, that servants of Shar have begun a dark rite in the lair of the lich Alokkait, and that drow lurk in the extacombs beneath the Twisted Tow. Chapter 2: Castle Krag, An ancient ruined fortress overiook- ing the da, Castle Krag is being transformed into bastion of ‘Bane, the Dark Lond, Characters scking a chance to launch & bold countestroke against the Zhentish occupiers begin thir campaign of liration here, destroying a portal through which ‘hentl Keep and the Church ot Bane can dpatch reinforcements as needed, Chapter 3: Dread Lair of Alokkair. A notorious dungeon buried beneath che heart ofthe dale, the Dread Lair of Alokhair roy serves asthe stronghold of Shars servants. Ravel Grayeastle and the lich Alobhair are engaged in ites designed to expand the tear in the Weave and render all Weave users powerless within te dale, The Grinding Gulf, in the heart of the lich air, leads Alwn to sccret drow roads linking the ruins of Macrimydra with the eclars of che Twisted Tower. ‘Chapter 4: Azmacr’t Folly. The Matron Sisters of Howse Dhuurniv have reclaimed Azmaer’s Folly 0 named for the last Arow marshal ofthe Twisted Tower. Defeating tne drow and re- ‘overing the pendant of cbabe sts the sage forthe liberation of the dale, ‘Chapter 5: Uprising, With the Banite porte shuttered, the row defeated, and the Weave's degeneration halted, the dale’ revsaining oecpiers are vulnerable. In this Chapter the PCs lead A rebellion of the dalesflk against the minions of Zhentil Keep. Racing from one eid of the dale tothe other, the PCs attack Zhentish supply trains, aoqice acces to a longshilden portal network, defeat Zhentish monsters and champions, and finally. conffout the leader of the Zhent armyy—High Captain Seyllua Darkhope “Appendix 1: Shadowéale describes the village of Shadowdale and the sbrrounding countryside. Appendit 2: Game Materials contins new monsters, nadie items, and other information useful in the adventure. Adventure Hooks Characters might become entangled in this adventure through wie variety of methods. Suggested hooks include the following: Ont of Cormyr: Assuming that you have just played through Cormyr: The Tearing of the Weave, the PCs have presumably recovered an unfinished leter from Skull Servant Eehas to his superior and a scrap-of parchment from a Sharraa tome known asthe Book of the Black A succesful DC 20 Knowledge (eligion) check reveals thatthe Beok of the Black sa litle known Sharran religious tome that has been real only by s handful of high-rank: ing servants of the Lady of Loss. succesful DC 20 Knowledge (arcana) check reveals thatthe Boot f the Black is mentioned in 4 comprehensive index and extaiog of a Myth Drannan wizard school’s library. The catalog is titled “Sungs of the Wind: The Holdings of Windsong Tower, by Elminster of Shadowiale” A successful O15 Knowiedge local—The Dalelands) check reveals that Elminster is the legendary Sage of Shadowiale. The PCs follow these clues ro Shadowsdae, in hopes of winning an audi cence with the legendary sage and learning more about the Book of the Black ‘Just Zessing Through: The PCs are traveling along the North Ride, carrying a message or small parcel of some sort from CCormyr to Hilsfatas/2 favor to an old patron. They ride into the middle of town only to find that it's been pillaged. Small bands of mercestrics and sellswords have boon seeking work in ‘Cormanthor for months now, so the Zhents don’ have a reason, tobe immediately antagonistic to the PCs—but any characters oF + goot heart can se at a glance that Shadondale nceds help ochers ‘might see an opportunity for profit or advancement through les honorable means. Desperate Summons, Player characters with some connection {0a gootaligned organization (the refounded elf Kingdom of ‘Myth Drannor, che larpets, the Purple Dragons of Cormyr, the ‘Church of Lathander, or a prestigious order such asthe Knights (of the Chalice, for example) receive a summons from an ally oF superior. The fllow member has armed froma desperate refigee ‘hat Shadowdale has fallen tothe Zhents, and he asks (or orders) the PC togo to Shadowdale and sti up as mich trouble as possible against Froul Chembryl's forces. The Zhen cat be alowed to scp their il-gotten conquest and the PCs are the best that the ‘organization can currently throw atthe problem. "Returs of the Warblade, The PCs are asked by the newly ‘ensconced ruler of Myth Drannor, sevele Mita, to liberate Shadowdale. Under he cloak of this noble mission, the PCs are secretly asked to hunt for the Warblade (sce page 150). Usevele ‘explains that recently triggered ancient wards indicate that the legendary sword has recently returned to the Realms Above (or petiaps the uppermost reaches of tne Underdark) inthe vicinity of the Twisted Tower.‘Twisted Toner has long occupied a ratgi oct tion astride the River Athaba, along the primary trade route Between the cits af the Moonsea and Corny. Since the rise of ehe Zhentarim, the lords of Zhentil Kup heave sought to conquer Shadowdale in hopes of securing the narow swath of teritory that runs beeween the depts of CCormanthor and the Great Sani Sea of Anauroch, thereby com ‘rolling the lucrative trade route chat links the Moonsca tothe vesterd Res, ‘Over the past ewo decades, the Zhentarim have mounted three {invasions of Shadowdale, an cach has becn repels. Now ast six months after the last azemp Shadowdale i inllyand firmly—underehe thumb of the Zhentarim, thanks tothe de- pérture of many of the dale traditional defenders including Storm Silverhan, Dove Felonhund, and the Knights of Myth Drannae) and the Back Nerwos4s allaner with the drow of House Dhuursiv andthe Church of Shan. ‘In ths chapter, che characters experience the brutal real ity of the Zhentatim occupation and its effect on the lot? populace. The Hand of Azuth leads the PCs tothe Tom of ‘Aumey beneath Waechers Knell, where the PCs rescue what's ‘kfc of Syluné, the Ghose Witch of Shadowlale- From Syluné, they learn of Bane efforts to construct a portal beneath Case UMDER, HADEW Krag between Shadowdale and Zhentil Keep, the Sharran plot to unwind the Weave in Shadondale, and the return of the drow to the Shadowdark. Once the PCs achieve some level of notoriety, they start to earn the backing of the loeal populace and provoke an escalating series of responses from the Black ‘Neework, including running afoal of Lord Mourngrytns sur. mary brand of “Justice,” being set up as wanton killers, and a iabolic assassination attempt. rhe zhentarim “The Zheorarim, sso koown a5 the Black Network, began a8 a secret sciety founded by the archmage Manshoon 35 & power tase independent of Zhentl Keeps political srucure. As Ma shoon conselidated power i Zhentl Keep, the Zhentarim beeame increasingly open and prominent. Nomnally, the Black Network claimed to bea merchant society seckng to operate and control trade routes betwoen the Moonsea and the Wester Heartlands, but mos saw them for who they euly were: the military arm of Zhentt Keep an close alles of Foul Chemis fllovers inthe church of Ban, Dang the past two decades, the Black Network has experienced great deal of turmoil and many dans these are largely atribae able to such externa events asthe death of Bane during the Time of Trou, the razing of Zhentil Keep atthe behest of Cie, and the Manshoon Wats that greatly weakene the organization’ leader. Hones, the Black Network cae emerge’ (rom this crv ible is stronger han ever and under the absolute contral of Fal cml, Trent ofthe Moonie and Chasen of Bane SS zhent recminology “The Black Network encompasses the organizations rul- ing priests and mages a5 well as the merchants, soldiers, and agents who serve them. The term “Zhentarim,” techni. cally refers only to the governing wizards, sorcerers, and lets of the Black Network, but common usage treats both erms equivalently, The Zhenela are the soldiers of the Zhentarim ax Zhentil Keep. Zhents are the common people of Zhentil Keep. Zhent (or Zhentish) also means “of the Black Network” and is applied to people, goods, ad activities of the Zhentarim.army of parkhope “The Army of Dacktbope is uni the direc coismand of Sey: in Darthope, Cstelan of Zhen Kesp and igh Captain of ‘the Zhentilar, Fzoul has charged Scyllua with the destruction of | (Meh Drago, the extension of hs authority into Daggsrale, Shadowésls, and Mistledsle, and contol ofthe Moonsea Rie ‘The Army of Darkhoge is allied with the Mashed Brigades (s dhe collective Fes of Hose Jae andthe Auovyn ela a now) aginst the newly ensconced Arny of Mth Drannor in 4 conflict hoon a the Cormanthor War Inthe fs few months of the Cormanthoe War, the Ary of Darkliope was primarily engaged in skirmishing the woods trou Myth Drannor and tilling frictions along the Mec Rie south of Hills. Latin ee Year of Lightning Storms (1374 DR}, Syn returned to Zhenil Keep f9 muster national disso, Fool then informed her of the sere a ance he had negotiated with the Church of Shir an the drow of Fase Dhucrni Stil smarting From be fa inason of Shadows six months ago, Sella leaped atthe opportity to restr er wounded reputation an likly mitered # force to invade Shadowdale, Once the dale had fallen, Scyllua split her forces into three brigades. Despite the onset of winter, she marched south rovard Misedle with two brigades in tom, leaving behind er Brigade of Shadows Ge low) 0 occupy Stadowiae and hoping t eure a second bas in Ashabenford. before the Cormanthoe War resumes with fll intensity inthe coming wring Séyllun Dasthope dos not return vo Shidowdale uni he final Chaper ofthis adventure. zhentarim occupying army ‘The Zhentarim Occupying Army consists of thre factions: the Brigade of Shadows, composed of approximately 250 Zhentla troops, 290 meresnares, and 500 ores an gblinids under the command of Battle Captain Forthar Helvenstton; the Church of Bane, composed of approximately 25 clerics of ehe Davk Lord under the comand of Dack Doom Malton and approximately 20 navgeadars(misor Zhentarin magelings Who serve a5 spice among the populace) and skymages, onder the cormmand of Erogul the Frestave ‘All three conumanes nominally report to Lord Mourngeym Ameathr,“ightfal Lord of Shadows” who iin corn cor trolled by the shadow smalacrum (Ge page 256) of Prince Yer ‘Tanthul of the Shadovar, who is nominally under the control of vel Grayeal leader ofthe local Church of Shar. truth, Forthas, Malathon and Eregu ll report to Scllua Darhope, ‘nut she i far too busy to concentrate on the administration of Shadomiale. AS rel, the thre faction commander, aces shadow nd Psvl all wrk to expand heir own authority a he pene of thee vals and ane individual rly control the Zyeorarion Occupying Army. The lich Alokkair Gee Chapter 3) and the Matron Ssters of House Dinar Gee Chapter 4 ave their wa agendas aswel, farther undermining the chain of authority in Shadowdal — ‘Dae UNpeR Stapow Se Deepwinter’s Hammer In ation to the Zhentarim decupation of Shadowdle, the dales- folk must contend with the harsh bite of winecr. Wintée dangers for a clime such as Shadowlale are briefly described blow and fully detailed in the Dungeon Masters Guide, pages 93-95 and 302, and Frostburn, pages 8-13. cold During the month of Desprints, when the event detailed in this advent fl, Shadows eperiencesconltions of severe cold, ‘ih enperatres raging fom 20 degresF down tO degre F ‘Unprotected characters must make Porte ave every Omir tes (DC 1, per previo check taking 16 points of nonsthal damage on Gch failed sve A pactily protected character nocd only check nee per hou. A character who hn the Survival ll night resve a bonus on thisaving throw and might beable to ply ths bos tooter characters wll (xe he lesion. ‘Acharacter who tes any plea demage fm cal or exon is tes by fete 2 penal to Deter) o hypothermia reat as fatigued). These penaltis end when the character scovers he oot damage he took frm the col and exponre Fall proton ress one of the flloing endure elements spall or effet, resane to cll oe mor, arctic animal with far, 0¢ two or more ayers of patil proetin. Partial proton rors one ofthe fellosing:nonarcic pimal wth fi, monster tive to col terrain oa hast one layer of artical protectin. Tosible ljers of artificial proteton incl cold weather cutfts (PH 123), fur coting (wich can be worn vee a cold * ‘weather outfit or improvised shelter now cave den, or similar shelter}, Fur clothing costs 8 gp, weighs 10 pounds and increases the characters armor check penalty by 2 Cold weather outfits and fur clothing grant a 45 circumstance bonus on Fortinude sving, throws against exposure to cold weather, nd these bonuses stack. snowfields Fels of deep snow can impotethe movement oferetures who ‘ust be in contact with the ground to move. When the PCs arrive in Shadowdae, che dae is blanketed by 6 inches of snow (on average, with conditions varying lays See the section Below on Weather for deals 2 t how the snow cover might increase or decrease, “The tle vow indices the degree of impediment cased by fos, nero sow Sxow-Impepep Movemenr. Saow ——— creature Sine ——— Depth Small Largs Goches) or mallee Medium ot larger Gorkes Minor None None 12 Minor Minor None 33-24 Mar Minor Minor 25-36 Major Major Minor 37-60 Tonal Major Major Lor more Toul Total MajorDare UNDER SHADOW —= Nove: The snow doesnot cause eny sgifice impediment to the creature's movement. ‘Miner: The creature mst gay 2 squares of moverent to enter cach tar ofthe showed. The DC of Tumble checks increases 2. Major Te creator must pay 4 guarso movement to citer cach aenre ofthe mowfld. The DC of Tumble checks increases rr} Taal Th erature cont move unk secesds ona DCS Seength o Balance check reat’ choc). Moving ceaare’s speed requires a fullrund action, Th eeature mst pay 4 squares of movement to eter each sure ofthe snow elt. The DC of “Tumble choc inereses by 20, and he create ses its Deter ‘ty adjustment to Armor Class when totally impeded. weather During the meoth of Deepiner, Shadowlale is usually cold ani calm, with intermittent precipitation in the Form of sto. ‘Temperatures do not vary enough to case a heat wave or cold soap, ‘Use the table below t decane cach day's weather and its impact on the snowfcld Baxnom Wearnen 1X SHADOWDALE 6 Weather 01-80 Cold, calm 81-88 Precipitation (snow) 89-90 Precipitation (ary soo) 91-95 ‘Snowstorm (snow) 96-99 Snowstorm (beavy sou) 100 Blizzard (heavy snow) Cold, Galt: Wind speeds are light (0 t0 10 mph). Snewfelds Jose 142 inches to melting each day in such conditions. Precipitation (Snow): Snow lasts for 2d4 hours and eeduces ‘isbility by half, resulting n a —+ penalty on Spot and Search ‘checks. I has the samme effect on flames, ranged weapon attacks, ‘and Listen checks as severe wind (Gee Table 3-24, page 95 of the Dungeon Masters Guide). Avs episode of snowfall leaves 146 inches of snow on the gran Precipitation (Heavy Snow): Heavy snow bas re same effect as normal snowfall. In addition, a snowstorm obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 fect. Creatures 5 for away Dave concealment fatecks by ce against they havea 20% miss hance) ‘An episode of heavy snow leaves 14 fet of snow onthe gro. ‘There is 210% chance that a heavy snowfall is accompanid by Fightning (DG 94) Snowstorm (Snow): A snowstorm has the same effec a pre cipitation non In alton, wind spots are severe (30-50 mph, causing whiteout conditions in snowed tera, A snowstorm Insts for 244-1 hous Snowrtonm (Heery Saow} A snowstorm combined wth hetyy soo as the same effet as snowstorm (snow) and precipitation (heavy sno) In adton, sich snowstorm results in snowdits aS feet deep, especialy in and around objects big enough ro ‘efect the wind — cabia or lange tent, for instance Blizzard (Heavy Snow): A blizzard has the same effect as, snomstorm (heavy stow). A lazard lass 13 days and features ‘wind speeds over 50 mph Warrrour ‘Whiteout conditions ceur in snowstorms or blizzards accompa. nied by strong or stronger wind. Snow fields buffeted by severe o Strong winds can also rauge creatures to experince a whiteott Characters in whiteout conditions take a2 penalty to AC, lose any Dexterity bonus to AC, move at half speed, and take @ 4 penalty on Dexterity-hased checks, as vell as Search, Spot, and any other cheeks thar rely on vision. The characte also gins total concealment (50% miss chance). These effects end when the character leaves che whiteout area, Whiteout conditions stack with the effects of wind and snowfall, Visibility is 5 feet sparking an uprising Ta ender 10 precipitate Sn apising tong the daft, Ge PCs that gis the populace hop i Bl a epi might scmed And demoostrne ts ably tolead sch arevolten Hwee Bf PCs aud yt shan inte nen omg ts ey, Shag gett tera Sorel al Leste reer Ft the Zhentarm Occupying Ara, those the pence of Zhe tarim os and loa informers amoung te Fopulace a pesigner’s Note ‘The players are unlikely to realizeon their own that 2 cer- tain measure of notoriety i required to spark an uprising It's incumbent on the DM to convey the need for the PCS * ‘0 achieve a collective “rebel image” among the populace. Ifthe PCs reach out to specific individuals or groups about rising upin revolt, they should intially be met with comments slong the lines of “Who are you, again?” and “You tlk tough but what have you done to bloody the eye of the Black Network?” Once'te PCS acquire 10 or more ‘Notariety Points, the reaction should begin to shift toward the worried or feerfu, wit, comments such as "You'l only bring trouble, acting like that” Once the PCs begin to be: ‘wen as a credible threat to the occupiers (Notoriety Points 30 or more), the tenor of comments changes, to more supportive statements such as “Weren't you the folks who ‘alded Castle Krag?” Likewise, when the PCs first arrive in the dale, they are largely ignored by theZhentarim, much like any other mercenaries, However, as their Notoriety Point total rises, they might provoke reactions ranging fram “We don't col ‘erate croublemakers in the shadow of the Twisted Tower” to "ou best be moving on” to “Attack”ifs ct as cures FCs city, from ze ——_ ‘Dae UNDER SHADOW Acuieving Noronterr in SHADOWDALE Killing Xulrae Dhuacaiv ‘alling Greyanna. Dhuurniv Killing Auarae Dhuurniv Killing Qitox Diplaying the true pendant of Ashaba iling Fresite™ Killing the Susurrut Notoriety Points Acknowledged Activity 2 Rese survivors of Oakwood Kroll 2 Gather Information Castle Krag) 1 Gather Information (Fox Ridge) 1 Gather Information (Sharan leaders) 1 Gather Information row Shadowark) a Gather Information (Weave degradation) 3 Gather Information (Zhentarim leaders) 1 Gather Information (Mourngrym) 2 Gather Information (Twisted Tow) 1 Inspire courage in 10 or more dalesfolk 2 Inspire greatness in 10 or more dalesflk 3 Inspire heroics in 10 or more dalesflk 5 Destroying Gormauchator 2 Exploring Aumry’s Tomb 5 ‘Unmasking Mourngrym's false pendant EB ‘Attacking Castie Krag 2 Sacking Castle Krag 2 Killing Malathon 5 5 1 Frecing Azalar Faleoohand 2 ‘Exploring the Dread Lair of Alokkair 3 Sacking the Hoase of Night Ee 5 5 3 1 ii 3 5 5 3 2 *Valikely to happen until after the uprising begins. ‘The collective fame/infamy of the BCs among both the popu lace and the Zhentarim Occupying Army is tracked by Notoriety Points. Notoriety Points are akin to Victory Points, but they track the degree to which the PCsare known in thedale: The PCs must acquire 60 or more Notoriety Points in order to start an upris- ing and initiate the events in Chapter 5; the uprising does not actually begin until the PCs trigger it. As the Notoriety Points of the PCs increas, the mood ofthe dalesflk grows increasingly hopeful. However, with the higher Notoriety Points comes a ‘more dangerous response from the Zhentarim Occupying Army, 15 outlined later in this chapter. Note that Victory Points are also used in this adventure, based on actions taken throughout the campign. Vietory Points are used to measure the tactical advantage the BCs hve achieved, and, therefore, the likelihood ofthe uprising’ sicoess ‘When the adventure begins, the BCs have yet to aceruc any Notoriety Points, unless one or more of the PCs is a native of ‘Shadowdale, in which ease they begin with 5 Notoriety Points ‘The PCs can carn Notoriety Points only if certain deeds are _gencrally ascribed to them. In other words, the FCs must walk 4 fine line between avoiding che attention of the Zhentarim Oc- ‘cupying Army and drawing the attention of the local populace. ‘Such deeds can range from daring to publicly ask questions about -xports of activity in Castle Krag to publicly claiming credit for Aulling Malathon. At the DM's option, the characters can divest ‘hemaelves of Nocoriety Points by successfully shifting blame for some activities to other individvals, but such activities are beyond the scope of the adventure as writen. ‘A list of possible sources of Notority Points is given below (poin scores for overlapping activities are cumulative). The DM ‘s encouraged co award Notoriety Ponts for actions not included ‘on thelist hat achieve comparable effects oakwood knoll Afier along journey fom Cormsr along the North Ride, ym can ‘eel te pull ofthe silage of Shadordat, several burt ride up ahead. As you mount alow risen Phe tail, you cam wee large samowns of sake rising up from a clearing about a quarter mile “hf the North Ride te your left. Assuming the PCs investigate, read As you peer ont from the trees, you lak upon a scene of devasta: fiom A therp consisting of four uses and a smal! mill located along the banks of a swifuly flowing creck in the shadew of a ‘oakeovered knll lies in ruins holly contumed by fre. small and of masive bumansids and a group of Iuomans occupy the center ofthe clearing. The bodies of unarmed dalesfuk lie scat tered about the area. Its unclear if they are all dead or if some care dying or unconcions ‘The tiny thorp of Oakwood Knoll was just sacked by two mer- ‘cenary companies in the employ of the Zhenearim Occupation Army. Nine of the twenty residents are already dead. Another seven are dying (2 hp to ~* hp). The other four are unconscious (© hp) Their bodies lie about the clearing. (Creatures: Two small groups of mercenaries worked together ‘osack ch tiny thorp, but have since had a falling out. The ogres are members of the Teeth, a company of ogre mercenaries known for sharpéning cheir teeth so they can bite their opponents. The hhumans are members of the Skull and Club mereenary company, so:ntmed for is long dead founder, a priest of Myrkul. The ogres Jost woof their members while the human mercenaries lost four, a the residents of Oakwood Knoll put up a fierce, if ultimately futile, fight ‘Tactical Encounter: DU: Oakwood Knol, page 16. Development: Although the eno groups of mercenaries fought together to sick Oakwood Knol, they have since had a conflict ‘over the division of spoils. Since the two groups ae currently on the verge of blows, clever PCs might be able to trick one group into thinking the other group has attacked it If the PCs do nothing cr simply wait and observe, then the two commanders eventually work out a division of the treasure, andthe two groups go their separate ways; by this time, any residents that were dying when the PC’ arrived at Oakwood Knoll are now dead.”‘DALE UNper SHapow —= Anothcr approach might be to masquerade 8 third mere- nary company, Clever PCS might beable ro convince aoe of the ‘other compan to tora onthe other with a svcesifl DC 13 Diplomacy check. aire itis ease means the two mereenary companies unite against the FCs If the PCs rescue any of the unconscious oF dying, the nef inform them that the mercearis threatened the inhabitants of Oakwood Knoll with the "Sst of Bane? Based on their quctons the mercenaries were hunting for someone ‘aml AzslarFalcoand, who might barat ofthe fms Florin Falconhand ofthe village of Shadowdale. The dlesfok also koow thee che Zhentarim recently occupied Shadowale at the “invitation of Lord Mouragrym after overruning the dale by free, and that mercenaries are now Rocking £0 the village of Shadoyiale fom allover. The dalesflk. got the impression tha heir attackers were two of the many bands of mercena ies already in the employ of the Black Network set to look for Azalat, whois more fully dewailed in Cheyer 5 Anal is assumed to have boon cpcord by another band of mercenaries by che ime che characters investigate Caitle Krag in Chapter 2. he PCs might also be able to cit some of this information from the mercenaries dncey by masquerading 2 third mer cesary company before hosts crop. “Treasure: The entre savings of the thorp—coins ser At vars, and family brooms wort tome 82 gp in teal apd ina smal pile in the mide ofthe caring, ae Thorp of Oakwood Knell } 467 event i: couled skies “Thigencoonterunfois 2 the PCs aprosch the village of Shad- cole along the North Rie, IF the PCs approach the dale in 4 clandestine fashion, this encounter does ot occur until the Cs move about pully in the dale; adjust the dscripion accordingly A Blackreded mageling astride a squat, bloated, black, mult- jawed, winged, toadlike ereasure swseps down from the sky to ‘boxer Before you. Holding te wands atthe ready, the man greets ‘ou i the Common tongue. Welcome 10 Shadowdale, Stare your ‘eames and your busines in Lord Mourngrym’s lands, or depart ‘with the Dark Lords bost in your collective ass” Ceeatares: The shies of Shadowale ae patrolled by a quartet ‘of Zhentarim skymages astride Foulwing seeds, who spend mest of their me fying above the various ras pasing through the dale, This is one such mounted du “Tactical Rncounter: D2: Fouled Skies, page 18. Development: New arrivals to the dale are confronted and asked to state their busines. Anyone claiming tobe» merchant Fa mereenary is allowed t0 pass onmolested, while others, in cluding piles, unwanted agents of foreign powers (Corny, Myth Drannor, Sembia, ete), agents of faiths hostile ro Bane (most goodaligned deities), and known medlers (specially Harpers) are ordered to depart. Anyone who refs to a Deerand hant mys sane ally sate ——_ Dane UNper Suapow — ey ‘istration by R his business, refuses to depart if ordered, or challenges the right of the Black Network to administer Shadowdale in-the name ‘of Lord Mourngrym Ameathra, Rightful Lord of the Dale, is attacked. Ifthe skymage or his sted is reduced to less than. half full normal hie points, both arcempt to flee. If they do ‘escape, they quickly inform their masters of the PCS. syluné’s guest ‘Until recently, the village of Shadowdale was defended by no Ie the four Chosen of Myst: Dove Ponta, Elmina of Shuowdsle, Sen Serband and Syne Aa he adventure penal teraction peter thimed Myth Drannor alongside the Knights of Meh Drannon, So rca ogra teed uiraetoon wen aaa esacrag engi ts ences brmes ly ld ead eecte esse eer ea aoa Bers o lvrfc Lt ingen nck vere Bp ake ates cre Dory Eledetacal Sa St cary Once he Rowe Unwin rc aie yc Chen, yn are isboed wal iver re Dore ee Deis wradstlge oe ¥Pk Gulati cab Te FCs ere polo te Aumaye Tomb by + manieaion of Aruth By fing the Gost Wich of Shadows, the Pes Be ee cian clnca of te hin ok Ussing Shadow tou. By garoring St Rin the Pon cen fn Tir Hand of Aesth points the say to Watchers Kall un tion more effectively in the region enveloped by the Rite of Unwinding, making them uniquely suited to end this threat to the Weave. And by picking up the mantle of leadership from Sylané and Aumry, the PCs discover their roles in liberating Shadowale and ending the Rite of Unwinding event 2: Hand of azuth Once the PCs stand up to the oecupirs of Shadowisle in any fashion (and asuming that none of them worship Sha? they draw the.attsotion of Azuth, the High One. Azuth wets «© ‘manifest until the PCs move to an area where they cannot be observed. Once they do, read Before you appears « white, glowing band with its frefnger ex- ‘tended t point thats outlined with a cimmering silver aur A successfull DCF Knowledge (arcana or religion) check reveals this to be a manifestation of Azuth, Patron of Wizards. A dry and echoing male voice speaks: . “The Gost Witeb fades, ber beloveds staff at last laid t ret ‘She was given eternal contentment when she wai needed most by one wo serves the Lady of Loss. Seek ber ashes where those arbo sought justice found inpustce; they are guarded by the scorched remains of that which she gave her life to slay. Let the sea rash in and drown it that dines upon Mystras silver fire. Perhaps the