Desert Archaeologists
D
esert Archaeologists is intended for 4-6
characters with an average party level of 1.
Characters who complete this adventure should
earn enough experience to nearly reach 3rd-
level. An Archaeologist and his crew have gone
missing and his long time friend is worried. This
campaign takes place in Zephyran, in a place
known as the Sazutan Oasis on the continent of Ecari.
The Sazutan Oasis
The jewel of the sprawling desert and only
stationary city in the Western Waste. Though there
are a few nomadic townships in the Waste, Sazutan
Oasis is the only major city found here it is a place
of comfort amidst difficulties. In a dry and arid
region like the Western Waste, it is an area that is
fertile in a way that seems impossible. The city is
made up of sandstone buildings each with bright
colored awnings dressing the fronts. The streets
that run through the city are made of the same
sandstone giving the city a monochromatic feel if
not for the splashes of bright colored fabrics that
adorn the buildings. Most of the buildings are
located around, and facing towards the Oasis.
Patches of green plants cover the moist ground
while fig trees and palms shade the southern coast
of this desert sanctuary.
If you wish this adventure could also be set in your own
world.
Backstory
Your group has been hired by Dr. Ezra Stone; an
Archaeologist He needs your expertise to escort him to an
active dig site in the desert, where his friend and mentor Dr.
Karpov was to be working. You’re to meet up with Dr. Ezra at
the Dry Spell Tavern this afternoon to go over the details.
Hook
A Paying Job: If you use a job board in your campaign this
could be a simple one. "One Dr. Ezra Stone is looking for
a group of strong, brave adventurers to escort him to a dig
site in the near be desert."
Job From The Guild: The local guild has asked that the
charters help to escort Dr. Ezra to the local dig site. Then
return with any information concerning local safety or
guild business.
Treasure: If your players like treasure, bump up the loot
in this adventure and have them cut a deal with Dr. Ezra
for a split of the find. in order to help him find his friend.
City events and sites
The charters have the morning to get equipped (armor,
weapons, and healing potions) and explore the city and
prepare for their trip into the desert.
1 Shanqal Palace: Sultan - Fahd al-Shanqal (Tan skinned
Human), Grand Vasari - Taalib el-Khalif (Tabaxi tan fur
with black spots reminiscent of the pelt of a bobcat)
2 Iron Lions Headquarters: Commander Ironscale -
(Grey Scaled Dragonborn), Second in command - Haroc
Bloodfeather (Aarakocra Buff), Quartermaster - Hiccup
Tinkertock (Old Gnomish gentleman w/ thick Gold
rimmed glasses and a poufy white afro)
3 The Dry Spell - Tavern: Bartender - Trevor (rotund
human with a white apron and a drying towel over his
shoulder)
4 Mummy's Tombs - Bookstore: Store Owner - Ahmed
Kalmari (Very thin tan skinned human nervous looking
and watches party like a hawk)
5 Sandstone Smiths - Blacksmith: Blacksmith - Roloc
Hakvor (large ripped reddish skinned Half-Orc with one
tusk and deep scars on his face and arms he's wearing a
black leather apron. With his sleeves rolled up.)
6 Sands of time magic shop: Shop Owner- Gale Turnor
(young tan skinned half-elf women wearing a simple white
sleeveless dress with gold trim)
7 Targe' - General store marked up prices: Manager
and Salesman- Roan Korman (well dressed tan skin
Human slick black hair and a pearl white smile)
8 Virtuous Vale - Clothing Shop: Saleen Korman
(Beautiful Tan skinned Female Half-Elf in a elegant and
simple black and gold dress with a low neck and a high
knee slit. She is adorned in gold bracelets, rings, and a
large golden necklace)
9 Gritty Ale Tavern: (Sazutan Oasis thieves guild)
Bartender - Hal (Skinny old leather skinned human with a
squinty face and a lot of missing teeth)
10 Local Bazaar - Shops & Vendors
11 Shady Palms Mortuary: Owner - Paul Barhir (Very
tall slim tan shinned human in a simple formal robe and
saddles)
The Job
As the characters sit down with Dr. Ezra he tells them his
plight. Read this;
"I haven't heard from my friend in a few weeks now, and up
until this point him, his team and I have been sending regular
communications back and forth. The last I heard was that he
had just found an amazing discovery, a skeleton of an ancient
Titan.”
The Dig Site
The dig site is a half days journey into the desert. This travel
can give time for role playing banter or you can fast forward
through the day. As the characters approach the dig site read
this:
As you travel through the desert on route to the site you see
enormous bleached white bones emerging from the sand. As
you reach the site the skeleton is unbelievable.
Base Camp
If the Orcs are attacked out right they will
The campsite looks abandoned. Do to the sand and the wind
you can't tell if the group left on their own or if there was a
struggle.
Investigation check DC15: You can tell that the tents have
been cut not ripped and many of the more valuable items are
also missing)
Perception Check DC15: You see a large dome shaped
structure 100 yards North of the camp
Perception Check 10-14: You see what looks to be
something shining off to the north.
Perception Check 1-9: You see nothing. Dr. Ezra wants to
set up camp and look around the dig site for a while. With it
coming on to sun set this would be a good place for the
characters to set up camp.
If they keep watch through the night they see an Orc scout
in the middle of the night. Perception check DC15. In the
morning they see tracks that lead north to the Large Helm
and to the Cave city.
If the party doesn’t camp for the night: When they get to the
Large Helm they get ambushed by three Scorpions,
Encounter: Three Giant Scorpions that have taken up
residence in the helm. The scorpions will lay in wait until a
character approaches the helm.
Abandoned Cave City
The characters continue to follow the tracks from the Large
Helm to the cave city (Nature/Survival/Investigation Check
DC15). Once they pick up the trail again read this;
As you continue north you come to a city of caves. Dozens of
caves are cut into a single cliff face.
Each cave holds basic living equipment and home
furnishings. All the caves are abandoned. Cave paintings on
the walls depict a large armored humanoid standing
surrounded by many Orc looking humanoids. The large
armored humanoid seems to be standing on a mound of dead
bodies and bones.
Treasure: DC20 finds a hand drawn map to the Cave
Temple. Otherwise nothing of value just clay pottery
and stone carvings.
Cave Temple:
The tracks leaving the caves lead north. As the characters
follow them read this;
Following the path you come to an enormous cave opening
nearly 15ft. high and 10ft. wide. Two gigantic skull carvings
are on either side of the entrance. Outside the entrance stand
two large Orcs.
Encounter: The two Orcs that stand out front of the cave are
patrolling. They stand out front for 10mins then begin to
head into the cave.
stand their ground and fight to the death.
Into the Mouth of
Madness:
As the characters enter the cave mouth they can see a faint
orange glow. The cavern is filled with winding rivers of lava.
Unless otherwise noted, locations on the map have the
following features.
Temperature: The cave is dry and hot even hotter than it
was traveling in the desert sun.
Ceilings. The ceilings here are 15ft. tall and made of solid
sandstone.
Walls and Floors. The walls and ground are both made of
sandstone. Molten lava flows through the caves.
Lighting. A soft light from the outside illuminates the
opening of the cave. The river of lava running throughout the
cave offers dim light.
Unusual Features. Sound echoes throughout the cave
easily. anyone who tries to to sneak makes dexterity (Stealth)
check at disadvantage. Additionally, as soon as combat
occurs, the rest of the creatures in the cave become aware
and join the initiative order. This makes the characters'
choice of where, when and who to fight
first very important.
The Witch Doctor
and his acolytes will
not leave the sacrificial
chamber even if they hear
a commotion.
3
 The Gorge
A 15 foot gorge of flowing lava separates the
characters from the other side. There is a makeshift
DC15 nature/survival
rope bridge, but is rolled up and secured on the
opposite side of the gorge. The characters must
come up with a way across. If any of the characters
can fly this is acceptable. Otherwise they can use a
rope or attempt to jump across. Let them be
imaginative. Once across, the tunnels start to
narrow and the characters must travel single file. So
get a marching order.
Ill Laid Traps
The tunnel curves to the right.
Trap: Poorly hidden there is a large log deadfall trap. Its very
rudimentary and can be noticed with a DC10 Perception
check. If the characters don't take notice, it swings down
hitting the two characters leading the group. The two
characters in the front must make a DC15 Dex save. Taking
2d8 bludgeoning damage on a fail, and half as much on a
save.
Inside the
Archeologist's Assistant;
4
Choices
As the characters continue moving through the
tunnel they come to a Y.
check. The characters notice heavy traffic to the
left. If they fail it's their choice which way to travel.
If the characters decide to head right the ceiling
begins to shift.
Trap: Rocks fall blocking the chamber behind them. All
Characters must make a DC14 Dex saving throw taking
2d8 bludgeoning damage on a fail or half as much on a save.
This tunnel continues for another 20ft. then dead ends. The
characters need to clear the fallen rocks in order to continue
back through the tunnels to the left. This can be done with a
DC15 Strength check. A fail means it takes longer.
The following locations are keyed to the map for easy
referencing.
1 Cage in a Cave
Read the following boxed text to start the encounter:
As you travel ahead you hear low muttering and then a load
bang of metal. You can make out (in Orcish) QUITE (CUS
WORD)!!!
As the characters look down the tunnel they see
two Orcs. The Orcs are moving farther down the
tunnel, away from them and the cage.
cage the characters find the missing Archeologist's
assistants and diggers.
Encounter: If the characters wait the two Orcs will walk
back to the sacrificial chamber. If the characters choose to
attack the two Orcs the fighting will attract one more Orc
from the sacrificial chamber.
Treasure: A old iron key (it opens the cage), Bone necklace
made of Gnomish bones, said to bring good luck
For more great loot tables head to Ladytiefling on
Twitter.
Information:
“They took Dr. Karpov. They said they wanted to bring back
their deity, Menoetius. They believe that the Dr. can bring back
the fallen titan that we've been excavating. THEIR CRAZY! “
        The Titan god of violent anger and rash actions. He was  
          described as hubristic, meaning exceedingly prideful      
          and impetuous to the very end. It's said that Zeus            
            blasted him into the deepest darkness with a                
              lightning bolt.
Chanting can be heard coming from the chamber up
ahead. Aftermath
After the fight the characters release Dr. Karpov. As they
Sacrificial Chamber of Menoetius: escort the Doctors out of the cavern Dr. Karpov says;
"It wasn't a total lose. Look at this Ezra", he shows you all a
As you enter the chamber you see an Orc Witch
hand drawn map in a small notebook and a rubbing of a
Doctor. He's a slender bald headed Orc with two
large tusks that protrude from his lower jaw. He's pyramid with rays coming from the top and symbols in a circle
dressed in a ceremonial robe adorned with runic around it.
tiles, and two human skulls hang from his belt. In “It’s the temple of Neftorebar I know it."
his right hand he holds a blood soaked curved
blade and blood drips from his left hand. Around
the outer edge of the chamber are three Orcs       You all make your way back to the other prisoners and
(unless they were defeated in the earlier section). then out of the cave and back to the original dig site. The
Towards the center of the chamber surrounding characters job is now complete and they can head back to
the Witch Doctor are three more Orcs, hooded in town or continue on to the next leg of
ceremonial robes. The Orcs Acolytes are chanting
rhythmically in a language that you don't
understand. At the feet of the Witch Doctor is a red
glowing pentagram. In a nearby cage you can see
the silhouette of a human. (Dr. Karpov)

Encounter: The two Orcs will attack as soon as the

characters make their presence know. (Unless the Hulking
Orcs were defeated in section 1)
The Witch Doctor will not
attack until the characters begin to fight the Orc Acolytes.
Then the Witch Doctor will support the Orc Acolytes after
casting Barkskin on its self. The Witch Doctor attempts to
take out the ranged characters first.
Treasure: 1 pair of engraved bone dice 25g, 1 small gold
bracelet 25g, 2 caved bone statues 25g each, and a gold
locket 20g, 26 gold, and 250silver, rope of climbing, and 1
Potion of Greater Healing.

5
 Orc Witch Doctor
Medium huminoid (Orc), Chaotic Evil

Armor Class 11 (16 with Barkskin)

Hit Points 27(5d8 + 5)
Speed 30ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

10 (+0) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 11 (+0)

Skills Medicine +4, Nature +3, Perception +4

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Druidic, Orcish, Primordial
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2

Spellcasting. The Witch Doctor is a 4th-level

spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell
save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). It has the
following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, produce flame, poison
spray
1st level (4 slots): entangle, longstrider, healing
word, thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): infestation, barkskin

Actions
Sacrificial Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5
(1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

6
Orc Acolyte Orc
Medium Humanoid (Orc), Chaotic Evil Medium Humanoid (Orc), Chaotic Evil

Armor Class 10 Armor Class 10

Hit Points 9(2d8) Hit Points 9(2d8)
Speed 30ft. Speed 30ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+4) 12 (+2) 16 (+4) 7 (-2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)

Skills Medicine +4, Religion +2 Skills Intimidation +2

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12 Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Orc Languages Common, Orc
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP) Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +2 Proficiency Bonus +2

Spellcasting. The acolyte is a 1st-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4
to hit with spell attacks). The acolyte has following
cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, produce flame
1st level (3 slots): entangle, longstrider,
thunderwave
Actions
Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage.
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the orc can move up
to its speed toward a hostile creature that it can
see.
Actions
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5
ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d12 + 3) slashing damage.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6
(1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Art Writer
Cover Freelancerart

James Hagadone

Odin Design
Limbless Giant
dgrvisuals

Lurking in the Lava Cave

Livmage

Thank you to
Dragon Age Cave
JJasso

Shaun Sullivan

Thomas Brown
Male Orc Wizard
PTimm

For your support

Enviroment
JustinOaksford

OdinDesign
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