Return to Ravenloft to experience

an entirely new Gothic

Horror Adventure!
Featuring:
• A new Dread Realm that
twists nature itself into
something monstrous!
• A Vampire Queen unmatched by
any other Dark Lord!
• A bone chilling campaign that takes
adventurers from levels 1 - 5!
• Over 100k words of Dark Fantasy
Horror, complete with 28
full color maps!
• 6 Legendary Scaling Magic Items!
• New Character Creation Options!
• New Monsters and Villains!
So gather your party and
venture forth into a twisted
new Campaign that you will
never forget!

CHAPTER | SUBCHAPTER
2
Realm Volume 1
of the By

Blood Cayce Corday

Queen

CHAPTER | SUBCHAPTER
3
 Credits
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft,
Eberron, the dragon ampersand, Ravnica and all other Wizards of the Coast product
names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and
other countries.

This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such
material is used with permission under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon
Masters Guild.

All other original material in this work is copyright 2021 by Cayce Corday and published (Josh Kaufman)

under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild

All art used in this work is used with appropriate commercial license.

Artists:
Amélie Hutt - http://smirtouille.com/illustration/ - Cover Art
Sick Joe - sickjoesart@gmail.com - B&W Images
Albu Alexandra - Mata Yezinka, The Cairn, Ruins of Nemeth, Mad Alchemist
Ralph Barrientos - Cover 2, Margins, Corpse
Manuel Dikrán Delgado Olivares - Inbarev
Vojislav Vasiljevic - Silver Graves, Garden of Evil
Jozef Boza - Abbey, Raffenburg, Revolution, Garden of Evil 2

Artbreeder images licensed under Creative Commons CC0 license

Cival, Constantin, Ekaterina, Hajek, Stefan, Iphigenia

Paper Art Credits:

Direquest
Nimgyu

Photoshop Image Template:

From Matthew Gravelyn
h t t p s : / / w w w. d m s g u i l d . c o m / p r o d u c t / 2 5 9 1 0 5 / D M s - G u i l d - C o v e r - I m a g e -
Template-Photoshop

InDesign Template:
Nathanaël Roux
http://www.barkalotdesigns.com
https://www.dmsguild.com/product/249157/InDesign-Templates-and-Beginners-Guide

Additional Art: DMsGuild Stock Art:

https://support.dmsguild.com/hc/en-us/articles/217029188-Logo-and-
Artwork-Questions

Token Borders:
https://rolladvantage.com/tokenstamp/
Licensed under: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Written by Cayce Corday

Art Directed by Cayce Corday
Designed by Cayce Corday

INTRODUCTION|
4
 Contents
Introduction - pg6
Campaign Overview pg 7
How To Use This Book pg 8
The Three Elements of Fear pg 10
Player’s Guide to Wreythau - pg 12
Advanced Character Creation Options pg 13
Character Creation Feats pg 15
Character Motivation pg 17
Background Hooks pg 19
Class Hooks pg 22
Making the Best of a Bad Situation pg 23
Chapter 1 - Welcome To Wreythau - pg 24
The Dark Power pg 25
The Dark Lady: Czerina Gavranova pg 26
Czerina’s Goals pg 30
Roleplaying Czerina pg 31
Czerina’s Statblock pg 36
Encounters with the Blood Queen pg 37
History of Wreythau pg 39
Glimpses of Wreythian History pg 41
The People of Wreythau pg 50
The Beastfolk pg 52
The Inquisition of the Morning Lord pg 58
The Order of Blood pg 63
The Wreythian Merchant Consortium pg 66
The House of Reinwald pg 70
The Court of the Blood Queen pg 70
Encounters in Wreythau pg 73
Scaling Relics of Legend pg 78
Dealing with Death 82
Chapter 2 - The Drowned Dead - pg 85
Act 1: The Flowers of Evil pg 86
Act 2: The Voyage pg 99
Act 3: The Storm pg 114
Act 4: The Wrecks pg 117
Act 5: The Shore pg 139
Chapter 3 - Leshehoff - pg 140
A Babe in the Woods pg 141
Caeltos Village pg 144
Caeltos Village: Quests pg 148
Leshehoff pg 152
L1 - Town Gates - pg 155
L2 - Barony Mansion - pg 156
L3 - The Market - pg 166
L4 - Copper Crown Tavern - pg 167
L5 - Consortium Outpost - 173
L6 - Alchemist’s Shop - 178
L7 - The Blacksmith’s Guild - 179
L8 - The Tailor’s Shop - 180
L9 - The Abbey of St. Zharkov
L10 - The Catacombs pg 188
Special Events pg 194
Sir Constantin Arrives pg 195
The Baroness’ Dinner pg 195
Meeting at the Crossroads pg 196
Sample Quest Trajectory pg 198
Chapter 4 - Blood Queen Awakens - pg 199
Czerina Awakens pg 205
Chapter 5 - Raffenburg - pg 207
Encounters with the Awoken Blood Queen - PG 208
City of Raffenburg - PG 209
Signs of Tension - PG 214
The Authority - PG 215
The Revolution - PG 218
INTRODUCTION|
5
The Cult of Decadence - PG 220
The Church of the Morning Lord - PG 221
The Reinwalds - PG 222
City Events - PG 226
R1 City Gates - PG 232
R2 Grand Marketplace - PG 235
R3 House of the Drowning Sun - PG 236
R4 Skalek’s Icy Delights - PG 245
R5 Menagerie Livestock Market - PG 247
R6 Reinwald Estate - PG 249
R7 University of Raffenburg - PG 266
R8 University Prosthetics Department - PG 276
R9 The Grand Theatre - PG 277
R10 House of Gisella - PG 285
R12 Banka de Borostok Paternalis - PG 286
R13 Wreythian Courier Service - PG 286
R14 Mercenary Guild - PG 287
R15 Hunting Guild - PG 288
R16 Brewers Guild - PG 289
Chapter 6 - Revolution -Pg 290
Solstice Masquerade - pg 290
City Revolution Events - pg 304
Revolution HQ - pg 390
Morning Lord HQ - Pg 309
Cult HQ - pg 310
Reinwald HQ - pg 314
Authority HQ - pg 314
Chapter 7 - Inbarev - pg 316
Iv1 - City Gates - pg 321
Iv2 - Baron’s Mansion - pg 325
Iv3 - Crafted Sewer Hideout - pg 328
Iv4 - Zlattov House - pg 329
Killing the Mad Alchemist - pg 331
CH 8 - The Silver Graves - pg 334
Entrance - pg 336
Exploring the Graves - pg 339
The Guardian’s Lair - pg 341
The Forge of the Ancestors - pg 343
CH 9 - The Ruins of nemeth - pg 351
The bagnytsa Ferry - pg 352
The court of Corrupted Sidhe - pg 353
CH 10 - The Cairn - Pg 361
Appendix 1 - The Mirror of Czerina
Gavranova - pg 368
Entry 1 - pg 369
Entry 2 - pg 370
Entry 3 - pg 373
Entry 4 - pg 374
Entry 5 - pg 377
Entry 6 - pg 378
Entry 7 - pg 379
 Introduction
R
avenloft: Dread Realm of the
Blood Queen is a campaign module
that will take you on a spine chilling
journey through a new Domain
of Dread, one filled with fresh
monstrosities, brutal encounters, and
sickening lore that will thrill and inspire fans of
gothic horror on both sides of the table. And yet,
this campaign is also a module which will delve
into many of the shadows cast by the legendary
Curse of Strahd module, shadows that were
never fully explored, never given that deliciously
visceral flesh needed to really sink your teeth
into. Those half-formed shadows have since
haunted me, echoing in my dreams and mixing
with the strange alchemy that is my love of gothic
horror, and have since formed the monstrous
creation you see before you.
The Name of the Dread Realm
Wreythau. Pronounced Ray -thauw.
That last part is a little tricky. Think of
what you say when you hurt yourself:
“Ow!” Now just add Wrayth in front of
it and you’ve got it! As for what to call
the people of the realm, Wreythian, the
pronunciation is Ray -thee -in.
INTRODUCTION|
6
Gothic horror is a genre with a rich
history that has been expanded upon for
hundreds of years, and as magnificent as Curse of
Strahd is, one module can only explore so much.
Why else would Van Richten’s Guide and the
Ravenloft Domains of Dread be such thrilling
editions to the world’s most popular role-playing
game, after all?
In particular, this first part of the
module will emphasize the horrors of religion,
transforming the Church of the Morning Lord
into the fanatical, witch-burning inquisition
it was always meant to be, along with adding
mysteries and depth to the Old Faith: the
worship of nature, the Fey, and all else that a
domineering religious monolith might wish to
destroy. Of course, the Fey are not without their
own horrors, and thus the players will encounter
all manner of grim terrors wrought by the Fair
Folk and their dark courts. Yet, all this and more
are nothing but the malevolent fruits born from
the rule of the dreaded Vampire Queen, Czerina
Gavranova, herself. Born the daughter of cruel
nobles, her very name was uttered as a curse on
the night of her birth. Raised a pariah, hated and
abused, she nonetheless rose as the champion her
 people needed as the extinction of her kingdom
drew near. Yet, even as she rose as a savior, the
forces of darkness found a way to spread their
roots, and upon the eve of a profound betrayal,
the darkness began to blossom. In the centuries
since, Czerina has reigned as an immortal
Queen of Blood, the tortured tyrant of twisted
land that would make Barovia seem pleasant in
comparison.
If this entices the horror fan and
roleplayer within you, then read on! Delve inside
these pages and discover a campaign that will
guide you and your players through a bleak,
inhospitable landscape and send them hurtling
into a desperate battle against a supernatural evil
so great that it may devour their very souls. Or,
should you wish it, raid and pillage the contents
of these pages for dungeons, encounters, and
twisted lore to add to your own Domain of
Dread. No matter how you use this book you will
find a trove of dark delights and thrilling dangers
to enhance your games!
Campaign Overview
In the Domain of Dread known
as Wreythau, the vampire queen Czerina
Gavranova slumbers, tormented by fragmented
dreams and the horrors of the past. Seeking to
awaken their mistress, the servants of Czerina
send forth their fleet of merchant ships to
spread the cursed flowers of Gulthias and lure
fresh blood back to their dark realm. Czerina
senses the coming of the adventurers and in
her troubled sleep summons a storm that leaves
them shipwrecked. Battling ashore, the brave
adventurers find themselves trapped in a deadly
and unnatural land.
The forests are filled with horrible
creatures, cursed and twisted into parodies of
human and beast. These are the beastfolk of
the Old Faith, the persecuted and hunted tribes
forced to raid and pillage and to conduct their
obscene rituals in the shadows of the woods. Of
course, there are other unnatural horrors that
lurk along the highways and in the darkened
corners of the wilderness, eager to make any
INTRODUCTION|
7
hapless travelers that cross their path into their
prey. Only the settlements offer safety, though
safety is perhaps a relative term as ruthless
factions plot and scheme to fill the void created
by Czerina’s absence. Spreading from the town
of Leshehoff are the fanatical ranks of the
Inquisition of the Morning Lord, an order of
religious zealots that torture and burn all those
who oppose their theocratic reign. Then there
is the Wreythian Merchant Consortium, an
organization that dominates all trade and uses as
much cruelty and guile as any guild of thieves.
Of course, Czerina’s servants also stalk the land,
and none are more notorious or feared as her
collector of taxes and tithes: the ancient Beleroth
Haar an Thell.
This tension between the factions will finally
come to a head in the mighty city of Raffenburg,
where the harsh taxation spurs a violent
revolution that leaves the city caught in the
throes of bloody clashes in the streets. Navigating
these new dangers, the adventurers will catch
Beleroth’s attention, who will extend to them
an invitation they cannot refuse. He will take
them to the heart of the domain, to the towering
castle known as The Cairn, and it is there they
shall awaken the dreaded vampire queen, Czerina
Gavranova. When she rises, she will turn her
attention upon the adventurers themselves,
keen to torment and corrupt them so that they
might become her champions, her agents that
will spread her influence upon the Material
Plane once again.
Faced with such a threat, the heroes must
brave the deadly reaches of the land, exploring
ancient ruins and battling the abominations
that lurk within. From undead monstrosities, to
manufactured abominations, to grim creatures
from the depths of the Feywilds, the adventurers
must triumph over all in their quest to free the
land of evil. And the further they delve into
danger, the further they’ll unravel the eldritch
mystery surrounding the land of Wreythau and
its ruler, until at last they are ready to confront
her once and for all...
 Campaign Structure That said, the natural progression would
be the following:
Ravenloft: Dread Realm of the Blood
Queen, is a campaign module that will take an Volume 1
adventuring party of 4-5 players through levels
1-12. It is designed to allow as much freedom as Level 1-3 Ch 2. The
possible, while still acknowledging the mechanics Drowned Dead
of the game, namely, that being challenge rating. Level 3-5 Ch 3. Leshehoff
Dungeon Masters and players should read
through The Player’s Guide to Wreythau to Level 5 Ch 4. The
determine what character options are allowed Cairn (visit)
and which hooks best suit the party. Chapter 2. Volume 2
The Drowned Dead begins the adventure taking
the characters on a harrowing journey from level Level 5-6 Ch 5 - 6. Raffenburg
1 to level 3. Chapter 3. Leshehoff, picks up where + Revolution
Chapter 2 ended, and introduces the Beastfolk, Level 6 - 8 Ch 7. The
the Inquisition, and the Court of Czerina itself. Silver Graves
At the end of Chapter 3, the adventurers will Level 8 - 9 Ch 8. Inbarev and
have reached level 5, and will be taken to the the Drowned Basin
Cairn, Czerina’s castle lair, where they will Level 9 - 10 Ch 9. Wolf Lake and
awaken the Blood Queen and begin their danse Ch 10. Frey’s Rest
macabre. This is where Volume 1 ends. Level 11-12 Ch 10. The Cairn
In the second volume (which will be
published shortly after the first), the campaign
opens up, presenting several new areas, each
with their own wicked factions and brutal
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
storylines, including a city gripped in the terror
of revolutionary fervor, a town beset by the In the Players’ Guide To Wreythau, you will find
creatures of a mad alchemist, the haunted ruins of optional character creation rules as well as story
a dwarven city filled with undead monstrosities, a hooks for character’s backgrounds and classes,
county ruled by werewolves, a fortress filled with providing a host of options and inspiration to
vampiric knights, and the rest of the magnificent meaningfully tie characters to the setting and
Cairn itself. Additionally, antagonists will be story of the campaign. Additionally, players
presented with scaled stat blocks in Volume 2 to will find advice on creating positive character
help transform Ravenica into a sandbox rather motivations and dealing with the dark and deadly
than a group of areas blocked by Challenge challenges of the campaign.
Rating requirements.
In Chapter 1, Welcome to the Dread Realm of
Milestones will be given for character Wreythau, you will be introduced to the Domain
progression, and it is highly recommended of Dread itself. At the start of the chapter you’ll
that milestone advancement is used instead of be introduced to Wreythau’s Dark Power and
tracking experience. This way, the focus is on it’s Dark Lady, with a summary of their history,
the narrative, and doesn’t penalize exploration psychology, and how they interact with the
or roleplaying. Ultimately it is at the Dungeon players. This is followed by a detailed timeline of
Master’s discretion, though adapting to the flow the Domain to help you learn it’s history, along
of the narrative with milestones usually makes with more focused glimpses into the Domain’s
for a better experience. history to help flesh out important events,
organizations, and places. This leads into an
exploration of the people of Wreythau and the
INTRODUCTION|
8
 important factions that have formed through the
centuries, and ends with a curated selection of
encounters that will help bring Wreythau to life.

Chapter 2, The Drowned Dead, will guide

you through an introductory adventure that helps
establish the Blood Queen, Czerina Gavranova,
and helps set the tone and atmosphere of the
campaign. This adventure will open with
the introduction of a supernatural plague, a
deliberate attack upon the material plane. As
the characters follow the trail of evidence they
will board a ship that secretly belongs to their
enemies, followed by a supernatural storm that
shipwrecks the players and forces them to cross
a haunted ship graveyard in order to find safety
ashore. And all the while the haunted echoes of
the bloodstained past craft the mystery of the
Dark Lady responsible for it all. This chapter will
take adventurers through levels 1 to 3.

Chapter 3, Leshehoff, and will introduce

the first major region of Wreythau, as well
as feature all of its plot-hooks, encounters,
dungeons, and lore. The adventurers will
discover a region beset by conflict and hidden
plots. A village of part human, part beast outcast
lurks in the midst of the wilderness, an eldritch
protector trying to save them from the coming
fires of war. Meanwhile, the only bastion of
civilization in the region, a town ruled by a
militaristic Baroness, is plagued town plagued
from without by marauders, and plagued
from within by the presence of the forces of a
bloodthirsty Inquisition. As tensions mount,
the adventurers must choose sides, deciding the
fate of the region itself. This chapter will take
adventurers through levels 4 and 5.
Chapter 4, The Cairn, presents an epilogue for
Volume 1, bringing the adventurers to a dramatic
confrontation with Czerina Gavranova, the
Blood Queen herself. The adventurers will gain a
greater insight into the history of the Dark Lady,
as well as come to understand the true nature of
the evil controlling the land.
WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE
HORROR ANYWAYS?
There’s a lot of research that’s been done on the
question why people like horror, but of all the
explanations I’ve read, my favorite two are below:
Excitation Transfer: Scary stuff tugs at our
fight-or-flight response, which releases various
chemicals such as adrenaline, endorphins, and
dopamine. These powerful chemicals stew
together in our brains and make us feel excited,
and on edge, but when our brains recognize that
we’re not actually in any danger because that the
threat isn’t real, that’s when we relax and are left
with all those “feel good” chemicals still in our
brain. Obviously, everyone’s brain is different,
but for some, this is why horror is such a fun
genre to explore!

INTRODUCTION|
9
 Catharsis: That’s right, it’s not just for sadness,
anger, or grief! Sure, catharsis is great for those
emotions, but it applies to other emotions, too.
When we encounter a story, or other work of art,
that evokes something that we are struggling to
process, that is when catharsis kicks in and helps
us to experience what has been troubling us in a
safe and controlled way. This allows us to process
it in a new context, one more removed from the
reasons why we’re struggling in the first place,
and that helps us to work towards a resolution.
This applies to horror, where catharsis helps us
to process our anxiety, trauma, and other forms
of stress. The world can be a horrible place in
a lot of ways, so having a genre that helps us to
process our experiences is incredibly important.
For a roleplaying game, that can be even more
powerful, as rpgs have been reported by many
people to have wonderfully therapeutic aspects all
on their own.
Additionally, as Stephen King once
conceptualized it, horror also allows us to
experience catharsis for that primeval part of our
brains that were once hunter and hunted. It taps
into that visceral aspect of our psyches that told
our ancestors to pick up branches and stones and
go bring down animals, as well as the part that
knew we could also become prey for animals red
in tooth and claw. That’s just a theory, of course,
but either way, it’s one more example of why
catharsis is an important aspect of why we love
horror stories.
ATMOSPHERE
An overwhelming, supernatural evil. A dark,
oppressive, and deadly landscape. These are the
foundations of gothic horror, but also happen to
appear in many other D&D adventures. What is
a dungeon, after all, if not a dark and oppressive
landscape hiding some foul evil within?
Obviously, though, there’s a big difference
between a horror adventure and your typical high
fantasy fare, and that difference is always due (at
least in part) to the atmosphere. The atmosphere
(or mood, as it’s often known) is absolutely
essential for evoking the right experience for you
and your group. Without it, the soul wrenching
INTRODUCTION|
10
evil you’ve fought so hard to establish might end
up looking like a guest star on What We Do in
the Shadows, and as entertaining as that might
be, it’s really only fun if that’s what you intended.
Otherwise...it’s disappointing, to say the least.
Thankfully, though, atmosphere isn’t just
something you have to achieve, it is also a tool
that you can use, and a very powerful one at that.
For a gothic horror adventure, the atmosphere
that you want to create is simple: an atmosphere
of fear. But what is fear? Ultimately, fear is
about the stress that builds in response to a
threat. Everything from economic troubles, to
relationship doubts, or even the possibility of
bloody dismemberment: all are threatening in
their own way and all create varying degrees
of stress that we must cope with. Thus is fear.
But, by playing with the nature of the imaginary
threats your party faces, you’ll be able to not
only create stress, but manage it as well, turning
the atmosphere itself into a potent tool for your
games. Just remember, too little stress and the
atmosphere becomes laughable, too much stress
and you start to lose the fun.
But don’t worry, there is a framework and a
system that you can use to help you harness and
navigate this atmosphere of fear, so take heart
and read on!
THE THREE ELEMENTS
OF FEAR
1. Unease: the first element of fear, the sense
that something is VERY WRONG. This is when
the stress begins to build. Subtle clues are used to
hint at a threat, and as the players recognize and
respond to this threat the stress grows.
2. Dread: the second element of fear, building
off of the first, is based on finding evidence that
YES, something is VERY WRONG, and danger is
near. This is the confirmation of unease, finding
clear evidence that a threat is near. This is where
the stress begins to near its peak.
3. Resolve: the third and final element of fear is
when the danger is finally upon you! The stress
 spikes, but is quickly resolved as the party copes
with the situation at hand. If this is in response
to a physical threat, the party will likely cope
with their terror by brutally killing the threat,
or perhaps running away. If this is a more
existential threat, then horror will settle in over
a longer period as the party plots and strategizes.
Regardless, you’ll need to return to using unease
and dread to once more generate stress.
The Importance
of Normality
• One incredibly important thing to
understand about the elements of fear is that
they rely upon a foundation of “normality”.
Or, to put it another way, the story needs to
start out grounded in a sense of the ordinary.
Then, as the players pick up on the unnatural
hints and clues around them, this will create
a contrast that induces stress. This is why
there’s such an obsession with ‘realism’ in
‘dark and gritty’ stories. By establishing
a sense of the real, or ordinary, there is a
greater contrast and thus greater stress. This
is also why many horror movies begin by
featuring the very ordinary aspects of the
setting and the characters before introducing
all the creepy children, unsettling music cues,
and other techniques that create unease.
• Obviously, for a fantasy adventure
game, “ordinary”, “normal”, or “real” looks
a little bit different than it does in our
daily lives. What’s important, however, is
establishing a baseline before you introduce
the unnatural and unsettling. See Ch. 2 for a
more detailed example.
Remember, the purpose of this
framework is to help you create and manage
stress for your players, thus heightening the
excitement and thrills of the campaign, as
well as establishing a spooky, frightening, and
otherwise horrifying atmosphere. Just remember,
this process isn’t as simple as 1, 2, 3. Element
one, unease, is always first, but you’ll want to
alternate between dread and unease to build
and manage stress during the adventure. Stress
shouldn’t be near the peak all the time, after all.
Players need a chance to relax, to explore other
INTRODUCTION|
11
important dynamics of the story and their party
cohesion, and otherwise have some fun. If not,
you’ll be facing severe burn out. Remember,
contrast is good. Let your group relax at times,
and then use unease and dread to ease them back
into the atmosphere of fear for the campaign.
Having a variety of stress is much, much, much
more important than having really high levels
all the time.
Personally, I like to think back to The
Fellowship of the Ring (2001) film as an example.
After almost getting brutally murdered by
ancient, cursed wraiths, Frodo and company
get to chill in Rivendell with the elves before
setting off again. Then you get an increasingly
harrowing journey, culminating in the shadowed
halls of Moria, a party member is cut down, and
then you get Lothlorien and Galadriel before they
face more violence and betrayal. In other words,
by allowing moments of wonder and relaxation
you’ll help re-invigorate your party as well as
create contrast that keeps the horror refreshing!
For a more detailed example of this process at
work, read Ch. 2 The Drowned Dead.
The Genius of Ash
Law
• For those wishing for a more
detailed analysis of how to use fear
in roleplaying games, find a copy of
Ash Law’s “The Trajectory of Fear -
How to Use Horror Tropes Effectively
in your Game”. The elements below
were inspired by Law, although
she provides a different conception
than what you’ll find in this book.
Nonetheless, it is an excellent read
and gives very detailed examples and
a more in-depth look at the aspects of
fear and stress. Highly recommended.
Player’s Guide to
Wreythau
Mayhaps you’ve seen it out there in the
deeps, an island, floating where none should be,
shrouded in fog and crowned with a writhing
mass storm clouds blacker than night. They say
it is a cursed island, a foul land that hungers for
the very souls of all who dare set foot upon it.
Mayhaps those are just tales, aye, but such tales
are told far beyond this land, here. In every port
they whisper of that blasted island, wreathed in
crackling lightning and the howl of storm winds.
They say that under the light of the moon, a fleet
of ships sail from there, carrying wonders and
riches fit for kings in their holds, all meant to
tempt the unwary and curry favor with those in
power. But for what purpose, you must ask, do
these ships sail from an island that drifts ‘round
the world? What purpose do they have, selling
their marvels and curiosities? Be they traders
of beauty and wonder, marvelous beings from
beyond our ken? Or be they monsters in disguise,
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
12
horrors just waiting to peel back their masks and
laugh as we cower before their true faces?
I’ve heard many things about that island
that appears like a wave of fog itself, an island
ringed with jagged cliffs and bristling with
woods as thick and dark as the most inhospitable
wilderness you’ve ever seen. I’ve heard that there
are things in those woods that would empty the
bowels of even the most battle-scarred warrior,
unnatural creatures twisted and warped by a
power so foul that not even the devils themselves
will treat with them. But what secrets do they
guard? What treasures might lurk at the heart of
the island?
They say there is a palace there, as well. A
grand structure the like of which has never been
seen anywhere else, and that a river of silver and
platinum flow ‘round it in a mighty moat. It is
 like to just be a story, aye, though I’ve seen the
ingots that come from the holds of those ships.
Oh, aye, I have. I used to work as a stevedore in
Waterdeep, I did, and I saw them with my own
eyes, big, fat ingots shining like the scales of
Bahamut himself, and stamped with the face of a
Raven. They say that’s the sign of their Queen, a
great sorceress and warrior as old as time itself,
that she moves the island and wields the power
of nature for herself. Those are like to just be
stories, of course, told to a gullible stevedore,
though I’ve always wondered what other
mysteries and secrets must lurk in that land.
Of course, I’m not the sort brave enough
to venture forth and sail to that land. Aye, and
then there’s me hands, too. Lost them I did, near
a week after those ships sailed into port. Helped
unload crates and crates of flowers, brilliant
crimson things, though foul with pollen they
were. It was red as blood, that pollen, and it
stained my fingers and palms for days. My skin
began to itch, and over the days my flesh began to
rot before me eyes. Lost them both, I did, though
I was saved the worst of it. My mate breathed in
a lungful of the stuff, and they say he went mad.
Attacked a man in a tavern, sinking his teeth into
that poor sods neck, and that the guards had to
behead him as he rampaged through the tavern,
a dozen knives already in his back. Horrible,
horrible way to go. Worse, too, because of the
widow and children he left behind. I suppose
losing a pair of hands is nothing next to that,
though should you ever see that island appear, or
see those ships sail into the harbor, a Raven with
its wings spread in flight upon the sails, well, take
care, lest you meet a dark fate.
Now, how about another round for a poor
old stevedore, eh? My throat is dry, and I have
many more stories to tell!
- Brontus Colfax, wandering storyteller
There are many legends that float across the
lands of a mysterious island ruled by an Undying
Queen. They say it is a land of great treasures and
mysteries, offering power and wealth to those
with the courage and determination to claim it,
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
13
yet how many of those who have ventured to its
shores ever come back? Can anyone say?
All that is known is that the island is
known as Wreythau to those who call it home,
and that trouble often appears in the ports that
its merchants visit, yet its goods are so rare and
valuable that the trouble is often overlooked.
Will you be brave enough to investigate what
others don’t dare? Will you take up the sword
with an oath against evil upon your lips, or
dreams of mystical power swirling through
your mind? In short, will you embrace the call
of adventure?
If so, then venture forth, for the Dread
Realm of the Blood Queen awaits! In this
player’s guide you’ll be provided with alternate
character creation options, hooks for character
backgrounds and classes, a preview of powerful,
scaling relics, and tips on writing character
motivations and other roleplaying advice to help
you on your adventure!
Advanced Character
Creation Options
Characters that venture forth into
Wreythau will face great evils and powerful
foes, and as such, must be powerful exemplars
of might and magic in their own right. For this
reason, it’s recommended that the following
optional character creation rules are used, though
only with your
DM’s permission.
These rules
are designed to
help establish
an even balance
between party
members as well
as provide better
odds for survival
in the deadly
challenges and
trials to come.
 Ability Scores
Instead of having your party roll for
stats, it is encouraged that you use the following
modified standard array: 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8.
Players will distribute these scores as they see fit,
prioritizing the abilities most important for their
character. This is a notable powerful array, but
given the high stakes of the campaign, this will
provide players with the most balanced challenge.
For those that prefer to roll their ability
scores, it is suggested that they still begin with
one score at 18, and then roll for the other
five ability scores using the standard 4d6, drop
the lowest, though with the additional rule of
re-rolling any dice roll that results in a score
below 8. Luck is fickle, after all, and a score of
5 or 6 in an ability will likely mean death for
that character.
Finally, for those that prefer to instead
use the point buy method, it is still suggested that
one ability score starts at 18, and the following
five ability scores are purchased using a pool of
27 points, with the cost for each score listed in
the table below.
For example, this could provide a stat
array of: 18, 15, 15, 13, 12, 8 or even 18, 14, 14,
13, 12, 12, 8.
Score Cost
8 0
9 1
10 2
11 3 Secondly, each player will also choose one
12 4 character creation feat. Character creation feats
13 5 are feats that can only be chosen during character
14 7 creation, and are meant to provide characters
15 9
For DM’s wary about how powerful this
will make the players, fear not, this has been
accounted for in the design of the module. And,
for those DMs that prefer to make things even
more challenging for their party (and this will
make things more challenging), then standard
ability score generation can be used.
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
14
An Adventure born, or
an Adventurer forged…
With the release of Tasha’s Cauldron
of Everything, modular character creation
options for lineages in D&D have finally become
official! Of course, there are those who dislike
this flexible, complex means of generating their
character’s racial abilities and bonuses, but this
section isn’t written for them. If you like using
standard D&D lineages, then please use what you
find the most enjoyable. For those that prefer
having more diversity in your games, however,
then modular racial design is an exciting new
option, and for this module customization is
greatly encouraged. Remember, more options
not only means more mechanical synergy, it
can also mean more options that will enhance
roleplay, too. After all, mechanics are what help
us to interact with the world of the game itself!
Sure, you don’t need mechanics to interact with
the world, but they can provide us with exciting
opportunities that help us and inspire us to use
our imaginations in new ways.
So, if you’re intrigued, read on! If not,
then feel free to skip the following section. It’s
an experiment, if nothing else, and is by no
means required.
However, if your Dungeon Master
has given you permission, and you’d like
to experiment, then first, use the Custom
Lineage options presented in Tasha’s Cauldron
of Everything.
with abilities that are commonly found as part of
standard racial bonuses (like fly speed), but are
not part of standard feats. This will allow players
to further customize their characters, coming
up with new and fantastical creatures that they
can play as, or allowing for more fantastical
backstories, while also helping to provide more
balance for the party itself. Not all features are
created equal, after all, and yet character creation
 feats have been tailored to provide parity as much You were raised in an aquatic environment that
as possible while still remaining unique and allowed you to develop the ability to traverse
useful for every player. aquatic environments like the creatures of
the deep. Or, perhaps your parents or distant
CHARACTER CREATION ancestors were creatures of the deep themselves,
or you gained the blessing of a supernatural being
FEATS tied to aquatic environments.
• Activating this ability takes 1 action. This
Flight Adept: ability lasts for 1 hour and can only be used
Your character has been blessed with the ability again after a long rest.
to fly, whether due to possessing literal wings, • When this ability is active you gain the
such as those of a bird, butterfly, or pixie, or ability to hold your breath for as long as the
they’ve been blessed with an enchantment that ability lasts.
allows them to temporarily escape the tyranny • When this ability is active you gain a
of gravity. swimming speed equal to your walking
• Activating this ability takes speed. The duration of the ability increases
1 action. This ability lasts for to 8 hours at 5th level. At 12th level this
1 hour, and can only be used ability is considered always active, and no
again after a long rest. longer requires resting.
• When this ability is active • You can use the dash action to double your
you gain a flight speed equal swimming speed.
to 10ft. This increases to
20ft at 5th level, and 40ft A Dash of Magic:
at 12th level. Whether you learned this trick from a mentor,
• You can use the dash a tome, or observation, or whether it is an innate
action to double your flight ability granted by your ancestry or some higher
speed for that turn. power, you can perform a dash of magic. How
this magic appears depends on the origin of
Climbing Adept: the ability. A magical creature might cast ray of
Your character has been
blessed with the supernatural
ability to climb almost any surface. Perhaps you
were raised by creatures dwelling among the
trees, or on the faces of perilous cliffs and have
learned special techniques and tools that allow
you to scale most any obstacle. Or, perhaps
this ability is the result of a blessing from some
divine or eldritch being, or the result of magical
contamination seeping into your body.
• Activating this ability takes 1 action. This
ability lasts for 1 hour, and can only be used
again after a long rest.
• When this ability is active you gain a
climbing speed equal to 15ft. This increases
to 20ft at 5th level, and equal to your
walking speed 12th level.
• You can use the dash action to double your
climbing speed for that turn.
Swimming Adept:

PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|

15
 frost as a breath weapon, or shocking grasp as
a natural ability. Let your imagination set the
limits, though be consistent once the origin and
manifestation of this ability is chosen.
• You learn one cantrip from the Wizard spell
list. Choose between Intelligence, Wisdom,
or Charisma as the spellcasting ability for
this cantrip.
• This cantrip improves for you at 5th,
11th, and 17th levels just as it would for a
magic caster.
Dangerous over short distances:
You’ve become a natural sprinter, whether due
to extensive training, your natural physiology, or
adapting to extreme environments.
• In combat, you can double your movement
speed for one round.
• This ability refreshes after you have not
moved for one round.
Natural Resistance:
You are able to withstand adverse conditions
that would put other creatures into a fresh grave. scales, horns, bony protrusions, or other
means of natural defense, you’ve become very
hard to hit.
• You gain +1 to AC.
Blind Sense:
Either as a physiological response to total
darkness, or advanced sensory training, you have
developed the ability of limited Blind Sense.
• At first level, you have 10ft. of Blind Sense.
This increases to 15 ft. at 5th level, and 30
feet at 10th level.
Haunted By a Past Life
Through deep meditation and connection to the
cosmos, a freak magical accident, possession, or
having been resurrected, you have a connection
to a past life that haunts you.
• At character creation, choose one additional
Background. You gain all the benefits of this
Background.
• You gain resistance to one elemental Martial Training
damage of your choice from the following Due to brutal military training or a martial
list: fire, cold, acid, lightning, or poison. upbringing you have become a proficient warrior.
• You become proficient in one Fighting Style
Tough Hide:
of your choice.
Whether due to a hyper-developed survival
instinct or an altered anatomy that includes Relentless Endurance
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
16
 Due to physiological resilience, the result of
merciless training, or supernatural willpower,
you didn’t hear no bell.
• Whenever an attack would bring you to 0
hp, you instead drop to 1 hp instead. You
cannot use this ability again until you finish
a short or long rest.
Natural Jumper
Are your legs made of springs? Perhaps. Most
likely, you’re simply a highly evolved or highly
trained jumper.
Your long jump and high jump distances
are doubled.
Character Motivation in a
Gothic Horror Setting
Horror campaigns are strange beasts that
require a little more thought than your average
campaign. While your character is still a hero,
they’re also a hero that should react to creatures
and events that invoke dread, and abhorrence,
and disgust. Your character is a hero, but also
a hero that will taste failure, and that will have
to cope with more danger and gloom than your
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
17
average adventurer gallivanting around the
Sword Coast. In fact, that’s one of the major
differences between a Gothic Horror campaign
and a more standard high fantasy one: the sense
of alienation. The world your character will step
into will be strange and hostile and entirely not
the kind of place any sane person would want to
be. So, the question is, what kind of characters
thrive in Gothic Horror settings?
Obviously there are many answers to
that question, but if you’re not sure how to
answer that question, then allow me to offer a
good rule of thumb: desperate characters do well
in a Gothic Horror setting. Characters that are
desperate are characters that are willing to face
hardship and overcome failure. Characters that
are desperate are willing to see just how deep the
rabbit hole goes, and desperate characters are
also those who don’t rely upon the status quo to
protect them. Desperation can also manifest in
many different ways. A desperate character can
also appear as a very driven character, or even a
very naive character. Someone suddenly forced
out of their life and forced to adapt to a new
reality can be an excellent character for a horror
game, as there is a great deal of room to grow and
react to dreadful events as they happen.
Alternatively, a very curious character
can also make for a wonderful adventurer in a
horror game. Sure, they say that curiosity killed
the cat, but that’s kind of the point of a horror
game, isn’t it? Something is trying to kill you. So,
congratulations, you’re already leaning into the
setting. What’s more, there’s a lot of similarities
between a driven character and a curious
character. There are a lot of things that can make
a person driven or curious, whether it’s boredom
or there’s a specific threat pushing them in one
direction or another.
Lastly, ensure that, whatever your
character motivations are, they amount to
something more than escape. Gothic Horror
is all about exploring a mysterious, alienating
landscape. The want to run away from that
landscape makes perfect sense, but is also
absolutely terrible for the game itself. This
includes having strong backstory ties to
 something besides the campaign. Have an
archnemesis that’s just part of your backstory
and not in the game? Surprise, you’re gonna
have a bad time, your DM is gonna have a bad
time, everyone is going to have a bad time.
Ensure that your motivations directly tie into the
campaign itself. Ensure that your motivations
encourage you to engage with the campaign and
the other players and characters at the table. At
the end of the day, that’s the most important
thing: engagement. As long as your motivation
encourages you to be engaged, you’re gonna have
a good time.

Take a look at the character hooks below

to get a better idea of the points illustrated
above, as well as inspire you as you think up
your character. The hooks are organized by
background and class. Feel free to choose one, or
both, or neither. Whatever inspires you. And,
once you’ve chosen a hook, or thought of one
on your own, make sure to coordinate with your
DM so that you can collaborate on an engaging
story for the whole group.

PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|

18
 CHARACTER BACKGROUND
HOOKS
Acolyte The god, pantheon, or divine being you’ve spent your life in service to
has begun to send you an endless stream of apocalyptic nightmares. Every
night you awaken with the screams of entire civilizations ringing in your
ears. You see legions of the dead marching upon cities, you see some
foul corruption warping the forests and fields, twisting the animals into
horrible perversions of themselves, and at the center of all of it are the
crimson petals of a flower you’ve never seen before. You don’t understand
this warning, but have begun to follow the trail of this strange flower,
and have heard that it grows in only one place: a mysterious island
known as Wreythau.
Charlatan Someone has begun to impersonate you! Or rather, to impersonate your
false identity, and you’ve been framed for a series of terrible crimes.
All you know is that you’re now wanted in several kingdoms, and that
the villain behind this all is a part of something called “The Wreythian
Merchant Consortium”. If you have any chance of clearing your name or
putting a stop to this, you must find out what’s going on.
Criminal Maybe you stole from, or accidentally killed the wrong person. Maybe
you betrayed a powerful friend, or a crime lord simply wants to make an
example of you. Now there’s a massive bounty on your head and “alive”
wasn’t listed as an option. You know that your only hope of evading the
assassins on your trail is to get off the continent by any means necessary.
Criminal (Spy) Your employer was killed. Assassinated by a poison laced into a bottle of
ink. The trail is cold, but you have one clue: the merchants who sold the
ink. They call themselves the Wreythian Merchant Consortium, though
you suspect there’s more lurking behind that facade.
Entertainer You’ve struggled for years to get noticed, to play somewhere fitting to
your talents and scrape in a living better than a few handfuls of copper
every now and then. And it’s finally happened! You attracted the notice of
a Queen! She wants you to come and play for her and her court, except...
you’re not sure how to get there. Where the hell is Wreythau, anyways?
All you know is the messenger who gave you the offer of patronage also
presented you with a real signet ring and a downpayment of 50 gold for
travel expenses, so it has to be real, doesn’t it?
Entertainer (Gladiator) You made a name for yourself protecting your village from monsters,
until one night under the full moon. You were bitten by a werewolf, and
though a local healer’s herbs have helped you delay your transformation,
you desperately search for a cure. You’ve heard of a noble family in the
foreign land of Wreythau that might have what you seek: the Reinwalds.
Folk Hero You made a name for yourself protecting your village from monsters,
until one night under the full moon. You were bitten by a werewolf, and
though a local healer’s herbs have helped you delay your transformation,
you desperately search for a cure. You’ve heard of a noble family in the
foreign land of Wreythau that might have what you seek: the Reinwalds.
Guild Artisan You were a simple apprentice in a guild, but now you’re a criminal on the
run from the law. You built something using special materials found only
in Wreythau and your creation turned into something monstrous! You
were blamed for the deaths, and now your life is in ruins.
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
19
 Guild Artisan Your entire guild was slaughtered. They said it was just a fire, but you were
(Guild Merchant inside the building as it burned, you knew someone had been blocking
the doors. And then there was the message: a single coin from the land of
Wreythau. Your guild had been having trouble with some sort of Merchant
Consortium flying the colors of Wreythau, and you’re positive those
murderous cheats must be behind this.
Hermit You lived a peaceful life in the wilderness. That is, until you started to notice
that something was amiss. The animals and plants had begun to act strangely.
Something was corrupting them, turning them into monstrous perversions of
all that you loved. Unable to find the source, you knew the only way to stop
the spread was to burn all that you loved. Now, you search for the source of
that which destroyed your home.
Noble You’ve been married off. You don’t want it, but you’re a noble, and arranged marriages
are the key to securing your family’s wealth and power, so who cares what you want?
Well, obviously, you care, and now you’re on the run, forced to confront a world
without all the wealth and privilege you’re used to, all in the name of freedom itself.
You know your family has hired bounty hunters to drag you back in chains, no
matter how gilded they might be.
Noble (Knight) Your honor has been stained, your order and your family shamed. You ran from a
duel. No matter that you had skewered your opponent and all they did was laugh. No
matter that to stay was to surely die. You ran, and that’s all that matters. Now the only
way to reclaim your honor is to defeat the champion of that dark knight’s Order, and
that means traveling to Wreythau.
Outlander You’ve heard of a land filled with flora and fauna unlike anywhere else. But
why? What’s caused this strange land of Wreythau to produce such strange
wildlife? The only way to find out is to venture there and discover the secrets
of the land for yourself.
Sage You’ve been on the hunt for the Book of Vile Darkness for the majority of
your life. Perhaps you seek to destroy it, or lock it away where it can never
harm anyone ever again. Or, perhaps you seek to unlock its mysteries and
take its power for yourself, power that could unlock even greater secrets of
the multiverse. Either way, you’ve finally tracked it’s last known location
down: the fabled island kingdom of Wreythau.
Sailor/Sailor (Pirate) You thought it was just the stuff of legend, one of the many tall tales that float
across the seas. But then an old crewmate contacted you. Said they’d found
it, that Wreythay was real, and that fantastic treasures awaited any brave
enough to sail to it. They told you to find a ship, The Pelican, and that it
would be your best chance to find the mythical isle of Wreythau.
Soldier Your unit has been disbanded. Too many casualties. You helped fight off a
plague, but now that the mass graves have been dug and the kingdom is left
in shambles, there’s no more place for you. But your duty hasn’t ended. You
know that plague wasn’t natural. No disease makes the dead walk. No disease
spreads that quickly. No simple disease is responsible for all the death you
witnessed. Someone, or something, else is responsible, and you’re going
to find them.
Urchin Law, Honor, Good, Evil, they’re all just meaningless words when you’re
starving to death in the gutter. You do what you need to do in order to
survive, and damn those who would judge you for it. If there’s a chance to
make money, a chance to find a way to do more than survive, well, you’ll grab
it with both hands, nevermind the consequences.

PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|

20
 PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
21
 CHARACTER CLASS HOOKS
Artificer You’ve heard rumors about an artificer that can do what others cannot. A true master of
alchemy and engineering, the wonders he crafts far surpass any master still living. He dwells in
a Barony known as Inbarev on the mythical island of Wreythau.

Barbarian You know not peace. No matter how hard you might try, your life will be one of rage and
bloodshed and until the day you die. Why not venture into a land cursed with violence and
terror? Why not brave the dark and see how many monsters you can take with you?

Bard Over a thousand years ago an entire empire was wiped off the map. What was the cause, and
what other secrets, mysteries, and stories might lie between here and the answer? As far as you
can tell, the mythical island of Wreythau holds all the answers you seek.

Cleric Your god or goddess has heard a cry for help, and sent you in answer. Are you prepared for
this sacred duty, or do you feel as though you will buckle beneath the weight?

Druid The spirits of the wild have begun to grow troubled. Unnatural corruption has begun to
spread across the world. For now it is contained, but if the source is not found, all could
be threatened.
Fighter You’ve heard of a legendary weapon of great power, long thought to be lost. But a drunkard
you met in a tavern knew of this weapon, claimed to have seen it with his own eyes in
the bowels of a wrecked ship. You travel to Wreythau to claim it for your own and forge
your own legend.
Monk Your master has been brought low, their meditations corrupted by some eldritch force you do
not understand. You gathered bits and pieces of information from the ramblings that spilled
from between their cracked lips, and now you search for the danger they spoke of, the dark
spirit known as Czernobog.
Paladin Vampires. Werewolves. Monsters crafted from flesh. They’ve begun to appear along
the coasts, brought to the continent by a mysterious fleet of Merchant ships, though for
what purpose?
Ranger You hunt monsters. The more dangerous, the more rare, the better. It just so happens you’ve
heard of a kingdom absolutely full of them, and you’re eager to get there.

Rogue Though you might not work a trade as others would understand it, you’re a professional, and
you can’t help but recognize the work of others like yourself. Recently, you’ve been stumbling
onto a lot of their work, a floating thieves guild disguised as a merchant fleet. They call
themselves a Merchant Consortium, but you know what they really are.
Sorcerer You were found as an orphan, washed up on the tide, clutching a coin with a raven stamped
upon it. You’ve never known where the coin was from until recently when a shopkeep handed
one back to you. Now you know: you hail from a land known as Wreythau.

Warlock Your soul is forfeit. You struck a bargain you shouldn’t have, and have searched long and hard
for a way to save your soul. Finally, you’ve found it, a tale of a Queen that cheated the fey
themselves of what they are owed. Certainly if she could do it, you could, too. All you have to
do is hope she left a record of how she accomplished this so long ago, and what better place to
look than her kingdom, the island of Wreythau?
Wizard You’ve heard the tales of Wreythau and believe there is more truth to them than most believe.
Obviously, there is great magic at work, magic that can be studied, learned, and known. All
you have to do is travel there to witness it for yourself.

PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|

22
 Making the Best of a Bad
Situation
One final point that I want to discuss is
that being a player in a horror game, especially
a gothic horror game, is not only about being a
hero, it’s also about making the best out of a bad
situation. You will face horrendous challenges.
Your characters will experience suffering. The
path forward will often be clouded and uncertain.
What’s important is recognizing that, at the
end of the day, you are meant to overcome
those challenges, you are meant to find the path
forward, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t
struggle along the way. And that struggle is good.
What good is a hero without struggle? Without
danger? Or, more importantly, without failure?
After all, failure is how we learn. It’s by failing
that we figure out what we need to do to succeed.
So don’t look at failure or challenge as negative
things. Look at them as part of what makes your
character a hero.
family of heroes and misfits that must rely on
each other in order to succeed. This makes
the bond that your characters have with one
another incredibly important, and it means that,
in addition to thinking about how awesome
our characters are, we also need to answer the
question of what’s awesome about the other
characters, as well. When we have that answer,
that helps us form a strong and positive dynamic
that truly makes the game more fun. That’s the
beauty of pen and paper roleplaying games, after
all: we get to tell stories with our friends instead
of by ourselves. So put effort into your character,
but also put effort into the other characters, and
this will make your party all the stronger. Soon, it
doesn’t matter how brutal the struggle is, as you’ll
have the support of each other.
So, remember to make the best of a
bad situation. Plan for failure and learn from
it. Take heart, work with your fellow players,
and remember that the harder the struggle, the
sweeter the victory.

For instance, say that you and your fellow Enjoy exploring the wonders and horrors
adventurers run into a powerful villain that just of Wreythau!
seems to be begging for a beatdown. Immediately
picking a fight would probably lead to failure,
though that failure would teach you about that
villain and what they’re capable of. It would give
you a chance to plan for your next encounter, as
well as gain more strength until you go back to
fight them again. It was that failure that allowed
you to learn about the villain and that failure that
made that villain all the more important because
they already triumphed once before. So as you
walk into the game, plan for failure. Think about
how your character might react to losing a fight,
or failing to achieve an objective. How would
they react and how can that reaction make the
story all the better? If you can do that, you’re
going to have an awesome time, even as your
characters are scarred by the brutal story they’re
delving into.

Lastly, one other thing to consider is that

it is the times when we struggle that we most
need the support of those around us. Thankfully,
Dungeons and Dragons is a game built around
the concept of the adventuring party, a found
PLAYER’S GUIDE TO WREYTHAU|
23
 D
ark storm clouds
roil and loom over
Chapter 1 As thunder booms and echoes
across the land, furious strikes of

Welcome to
the island kingdom of
Wreythau, threatening
to unleash a torrent
of driving rain and
merciless lashes of lightning and thunder. Wreythau
The freezing seas seeth around it, jagged
rocks jutting from the surf like the broken teeth of a foul
beast from the beneath the sea. The wind begins to rise,
tearing across the land in a furious gale, rattling shutters and
tearing shingles from roofs as it sweeps through the city and
villages, sending the populace scurrying for cover like too
many rats. Even the great timbers of the island’s dense forests
groan and tremble as they’re buffeted by the wind, a furious
green wave writhing across their canopies with the fury of
the storm.
Something is stirring.
Something that has long slumbered is beginning
to come awake.
lighting tear down from the blackened
sky as freezing sheets of rain begin to
pound down into the churning surf
and over the mud, rock, and mortared
stone of the island itself. As the storm
rages, a voice can be heard riding upon
the wind. Faint and ethereal, and just at the edge of hearing,
whispering fell musings to all with the courage and the
will to listen.
This is the voice of Czerina Gavranova, the Dark
Lady of Wreythau and its reigning vampire queen. Lost in
the depths of an unnatural slumber, Czerina beholds all,
and yet dreams, her restless mind stirring the elements of
rain and wind, lightning and tide, into an unnatural tempest
across her dread domain.
Welcome to Wreythau.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
24
 The Dark Power
The Dread Domain of Wreythau is ruled
not just by its dark mistress, but also twisted
and influenced by the Dark Power known as
Czernobog. Long ago, before cities were built of
stone and forges tasted metal, Czernobog was a
dark spirit of field and forest, hated and feared.
It was the reason why hunters disappeared into
the depths of the woods, never to return. It was
the reason crops became blighted, why livestock
would turn upon their owners with crushing
hooves and gnashing teeth. It was the terror of
the wilderness and the wrath of nature combined.
All feared it, yet almost none understood it, and
for ages it grew in power, feasting off of the death
and suffering it caused.
Thus, in some ways, the rise of
civilization was itself a devastating blow against
Czernobog, diminishing its power. With the rise
of the first cities, it seemed as though the peoples
of the land would find safety from this dark spirit.
No longer was it a cursed name whispered in
fearful prayers, and soon it became nothing but
a myth often forgotten. And yet, even though
it was weakened, Czernobog did not go away.
Instead, it learned of new ways to feed and thrive.
When dwarves and gnomes carved into the earth
with greed in their hearts, Czernobog was the
stone waiting to fall and crush their skulls. When
humans and orcs brought axes to the forests,
Czernobog was there, waiting to drink the blood
spilled by elven arrows and the beasts of the
land. And, when great armies met in the field to
stain the soil red, Czernobog feasted and only
grew stronger.
Now, as with many of the Dark Powers,
the exact nature of Czernobog is hard to define,
but a few things are clear. For one, it is a being
that feeds off of death and suffering, and has
grown immensely powerful. For another, it is
tied in some fashion to nature and creation itself.
Bough and stone, fang and thorn, this is where
Czernobog’s influence is most often felt, but not
exclusively. Which is to say, its influence extends
farther than most would dare dream. Even the
mightiest of cities rely upon grain and meat, as
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
25
well as wood and stone, and fuel, metal, gems,
Why not Vampyr?
• Czerina Gavranova is the Vampire Queen,
right, so why isn’t the Dark Power just
Vampyr? Well, who says all vampires are
the same? Instead of attempting to define
that which was left intentionally vague, I
turned to a different Dark Power, one that
still belongs in Ravenloft, yet one which
we could explore in as much depth as we
wanted. I, personally, always wanted better
descriptions of the dark powers so that I
could gain a better understanding, though
I recognize it is important to leave room
for ambiguity so that others can create and
fill in the gaps that they see. So it is that
Czerina’s vampirism comes from a dark
power tied to nature, death, and suffering,
emphasizing the cruel and predatory aspect
of the vampire rather than the undead
portion. Of course, as the one running the
module, it’s really up to you. If you prefer
Vampyr, there’s nothing stopping you.
and all that makes civilization possible. And,
when a civilization demands more and more
of these things, with no regards for the cruelty
or suffering that is caused, well, that is when
Czernobog is at its strongest. It imbues itself into
all of these things, its corruption thriving even
as they are refined, processed, and turned into
something else. It becomes the knife that always
seems to cut its owner. The painting which
inspires insanity. The cobblestones stained with
years of blood from the headsman’s axe. It is all of
these things and more.
Of course, there are other Gods, along
with any number of other powerful forces
throughout the planes, all of whom help to limit
Czernobog’s influence. Thus the Dark Power is
actively suppressed and pushed to the fringes of
the cosmos, and that is why it sought to create
its own dark realm, a place where it could reign
supreme, or at least, that was its wish. The other
Dark Powers also vie for influence and control
of its Dread Domain, and ultimately, it is the
material plane which hosts the greatest amount
 of souls ripe for the taking. Thus, ultimately, very much her own dark champion, driven by a
Czernobog’s goal isn’t to dwell only within its unique psychology and obsession with her own
own demiplane, but rather to gain access to ambitions, and so it is my delight to introduce her
the material plane once again and continue to to you: Czerina Gavranova, the Blood Queen of
feast off of the suffering and death until it can Wreythau, herself!
challenge and consume the gods themselves.
Czernobog in a nutshell
(of infinite space)...
• Czernobog needs suffering and death in
order to feast upon souls and grow ever
stronger. In order to make this happen,
Czernobog will twist and pervert nature
and creation to meet these ends.

• Czernobog will create horrors such as:

horses and elk that feast upon meat. Burrs
that dig into the skin to leech away blood.
Pollen and seeds which infects and takes
root in the host, transforming them into an
undead meat puppet with roots threading
through their veins. Clothing dyes that
leach toxins into the bloodstream and drive
the wearer insane.

• Or, you know, any other horrific

abomination that might come to mind.
There really is no limit beyond your
imagination and the scope of your game,
so feel free to adapt Czernobog to fit your
needs! In the meanwhile, I’ve attempted to
provide a helpful framework for you, but
ultimately Czernobog is an alien being of
immense power and evil, and such never
truly bends to our simple conceptions of Below you will find a section
them. So, lean into the ambiguity and make summarizing Czerina’s history, a section on her
it your own Dark Power! goals and roleplaying advice for DMs.
The Blood Queen’s History
The Dark Lady: Czerina
In the now dead kingdom of Nostrovishte,
Gavranova there a daughter was born to two cruel nobles,
Originally, Czerina Gavranova was the Boyar Gavran I and his wife, Boyarina
conceived as a female equivalent to Strahd von Evengja III. This was a great shame for both,
Zarovich, and while she can absolutely still as in their barbaric, patriarchal kingdom, only
serve that purpose for your Curse of Strahd men could inherit titles and land. Only through
games, the more I delved into her history, and marriage could this daughter secure her power,
the more I delved into all of those half formed and yet, in truth, that power would only belong
shadows that I wanted to explore, the more to the husband and all of their lands and riches
Czerina became something far more. Now, she is would pass on through his family line. Thus, in
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
26
 a moment of profound anger, humiliation, and
spoiled ambitions, Evengja III cursed her own
daughter. She named her Czerina, a perversion
of the title of Tsarina which Evengja so coveted
with the profane spectre of Czernobog, a
reviled spirit of darkness that haunted folk tales
and legends. It was a name meant to inspire
revulsion and fear, a name meant to wreak
unending misery upon the innocent child
she’d born. Perhaps, then, it is no surprise that
Czerina eventually became the champion of
the very abomination she was named after,
though whether this was due to having drawn
Czernobog’s attention, or due to the monstrous
natures of her own parents, none can say.
Regardless of fate or mere happenstance,
what is clear is this: she was doomed to a life of
torment from the moment she first drew breath.
Her upbringing was one filled with pain and
death. The servants and nobles always feared and
distrusted her as a child due to her cursed name,
yet when tragedy struck and her lone friend and
companion was found dead in the gardens, she
truly became loathed and abhorred. To be raised
in such hostility only led to shameful displays
of grief and rage which only fueled the rumors
surrounding her. Then, by the order of her very
own mother and father she was imprisoned
and tortured until that terrible abuse became
politically inconvenient. From then on, she was
forced to train as a warrior, a path which would
not only lead to further disgrace, but which
became a foul excuse for further violent abuse.
Nevertheless, it was through this crucible of
terror, grief, and pain that Czerina transformed
into a fell warrior with the knowledge, skills,
and perspective that would both save and
doom her land.
By the time she was in her twenties,
Czerina seemed doomed to live a life of infamy
and dishonor, with no chance at a future let alone
hope for one. She’d been raised by the sword but
was banned from both tournaments and military
service, and marriage didn’t appeal to her, which
was fortunate due to her utter lack of suitors. So,
overcome with bitterness and rage at the state
of her life, she came upon a devious scheme, and
began to engage in illegal, midnight duels. She
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
27
would ride out of the castle under the cover of
night and stalk the highways of the oblast, setting
upon any knights or warriors that she found
upon the road. Hidden beneath the guise of a
dread spirit she dueled dozens of other warriors
and claimed their heads, unknowingly spreading
the grim legend of a bloodthirsty evil spirit
throughout the kingdom. Soon, warriors of every
description flocked to the southern oblast, heads
full of foolish bravery and the desire to become
legends of their own. Whoever could kill the
spirit of the Dark Rider would have their name
praised across the land, and many rode to their
deaths with visions of glory dancing through
their heads. As for Czerina, she soon tired of the
slaughter and began to ride out with only the
hope of finding death on the edge of a blade, but
it was not to be so.
Yet, after almost two years of her
bloody midnight rides, everything changed.
Her kingdom, Nostrovishte, was invaded by a
powerful alliance formed by Bacia and Gronturia,
two rival kingdoms. With their combined might,
defeat was certain. The Northern, Western, and
Eastern Oblasts had all fallen and the Tsar and his
family had already been put to the sword. Only
her father, a famed warleader, and his army had
survived, though they were soon trapped in a
siege doomed to end in defeat. With no hope, the
people of Nostrovishte despaired. It seemed that
all hope was lost. That is, until the Dark Rider
emerged again, that fearsome spirit that had
haunted their highways and killed so many brave
and foolish souls now began to harry and kill
their enemies. Stealth, terror, and bloodied steel
gave rise to a new legend, and the Dark Rider
became known as a spectral protector of the land.
The Dark Rider became a symbol to her people,
and so it was that under this guise Czerina was
able to raise an army of the people. Brawny
farmwives, shrewd hunters, dedicated smiths,
and all those willing to pick up an axe or a spear
were welcomed to her banner. Yet, even with
thousands of callused hands and desperate hearts
at her back, it was another group of allies that
truly gave them hope for victory: the worshippers
of the Old Faith. The druids, witches, and hedge
wizards of Nostrovishte had been persecuted
and pushed to the fringes of the kingdom long
 ago, yet they had never been driven out entirely,
and it was with their knowledge of magic and of
healing that allowed Czerina’s army to triumph
in the end. And Czerina was more than happy to
welcome them into the fold. She’d been reviled
and shunned by those wearing the vestments of
Lathander and Bahamut alike, so she had no love
for the clerics and temples of the land. She found
kinship in the Outcasts of the Old Faith, and so
she became one of them and began to learn many
of their lessons and mysteries.
So it was that she became a champion of
the people and managed to not only crush the
armies of their enemies and drive them back, but
to conquer their kingdoms in an act of vengeance.
Her parents were crowned as Tsar and Tsarina
of this massive, if war-torn, kingdom, and yet
she soon learned nothing had truly changed. She
would still never inherit land or title no matter
what she had accomplished. They would not
change the laws. Her fame and prowess only
seemed to make her parents revile her more than
before and soon all this became more apparent
on the day when Czerina presented her mother
with an enchanted gem of great power. This
gift had been taken from the broken crown of
Bacia and was symbolic of the new kingdom she’d
gifted to her family. More importantly, the gem
was said to grant a single wish to each monarch
it was presented to, and as Evengja took hold of
the gem, her eyes avoiding those of her daughter,
she loudly proclaimed for all the court to hear
that what she wished for beyond all other things
was for the birth of a son. Only a son could carry
on their familial line, only a son could take the
crown after they died, and so, feeling utterly
betrayed, Czerina fled from the capitol and
sequestered herself among those of the Old Faith
for years afterwards.
Less than a year after Evengja had made
her wish, Czerina’s brother was born. The babe
was dubbed Alexandros and he grew as the
seasons came and went in their endless dance.
Czerina had resigned herself to living with the
followers of the Old Faith until the end of her
days, but then the lands of Nostrovishte came
under threat once again. A horrible plague was
spreading, heralding the arrival of an unnatural
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
28
The Temple and the
Nemeton
• What’s the difference between the Old
Faith and the worshippers of the rest of the
Pantheon? Like, isn’t Lathander a sun god?
That’s nature, right?
• Well, of course, but the main difference
lies in how the faiths perceive the world.
Clerics and their temples represent an
anthropocentric faith. That is, a faith that
believes the universe is centered around
humanity (and elves, halfings, etc). Either
the gods created everything for the sentient
beings, OR those sentient beings are
their most important creations. In other
words, it is the needs of civilization that
are most important, since it is the societies
of sentient creatures that are at the center
of existence.
• For the Old Faith, it is the natural world
that is at the center of everything. Sentient
beings like humans and orcs, are simply
a part of the natural world. What’s more,
they view all life as having a spirit. All life
is sacred and divine, and it is finding a
way to exist with all other life that is most
important. That doesn’t mean that you can’t
have civilization, of course, just that the
civilization will look much different than
your average fantasy kingdom with its gods
and temples. Furthermore, it also doesn’t
mean that the followers of the Old Faith
don’t worship Gods and Goddesses, but
that worship is usually directed towards the
natural manifestations of those Gods and
Goddesses. That is why the druid’s place of
worship is the Nemeton, a sacred glade of
trees or stones, rather than a temple
and twisted army led by the dreaded Gulthias,
the fabled champion of Czernobog. The Old
Faith remembered Gulthias, remembered how he
had terrorized the Elven kingdom that had once
existed where Nostrovishte now stood, and they
realized that Gulthias had escaped his exile in
order to conquer and reclaim his ancient home.
 Gulthias proved himself to be as
terrifying and vile as the legends foretold,
though Nostrovishte was far from defenceless.
Czerina raised her banners once more, attracting
a new army of the people, and eventually they
pushed Gulthias’ forces back into the sea. For
all his profane might and ancient knowledge,
it was clear Gulthias was unprepared for just
how numerous his new enemies turned out
to be and his followers realized that he would
be defeated once more. Thus, Gulthias’ most
cunning followers deserted, joining with Czerina
and secretly marking her as Czernobog’s next
prey. They came to believe that Czerina had
been chosen to become the next champion of
Czernobog on the day that she was born. Clearly,
Gulthias had been abandoned, manipulated and
coerced decades ago and his recent defeat surely
proved that she was destined to replace Gulthias.
And while that might, perhaps, have been true,
all that can be truly known is that Czerina did
become the next champion of the Dark Power.
With new allies at her back, Czerina conquered
Gulthias’ lands and cast his lifeless body into the
dirt, building a new kingdom atop the bones of
the old. For Czerina, it seemed as though fate
had finally seemed fit to bless her with hope for
a new future. It seemed that, at least, she had
found a home that would be all her own, a home
that could be built into something so much better
than that which she was born to. For a time,
she had at last found some happiness, though it
was not to last. The day came when her rule and
her life itself were once again to be challenged.
Her brother, who had assumed the crown of the
Tsar upon her parents’ mysterious passing, had
sailed for his sister’s kingdom with an army at his
command. He was intent upon winning glory for
himself and surpassing his sister’s fame. He had
been raised to view her as a stain upon the honor
of the family, a black mark that he was destined
to erase, and so it was that the two siblings met
in battle. Though her new kingdom was hardy,
Czerina’s forces were no match for the sheer
numbers Alexandros had brought to the shores
of her new land. Shields splintered, spears were
shattered, and bones were broken. Defeat seemed
inevitable.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
29
Filled with grief and rage, Czerina called
upon her most dangerous of allies: those of the
Fey. Long ago she’d bargained for aid from the
Court of Night and Twilight and had formed
an alliance with vassals of their great ruler, the
Archfey known as the Queen of Terror. Now, in
this hour of her most anguished need, she sought
an audience with the Queen of Terror herself.
Czerina was prepared to offer anything in order
to save her kingdom and the people who had
pledged their allegiance to her rule. No matter
what it might cost, it would be worth it to save
her people from annihilation, and this is what
the Queen of Terror preyed upon. There was,
in fact, a way for Czerina to save her people and
destroy her brother’s armies, though it would not
come without grave risk. Should Czerina fail, it
would mean the death of all who stood upon the
island of Wreythau, her people and the invaders
alike. But considering the alternative, which
was watching as her people were cleansed from
the land with sword and spear and fire, Czerina
felt she had no choice. She had no illusions
that clemency or quarter would be granted
to her people, and so she agreed to the plan,
understanding that even if she were successful,
her own soul would be forfeit to the Fey.
So it was that Czerina Gavranova, Queen
of Wreythau, began the Fey’s fell ritual, one
that would pull upon the skein of the land itself
to bind earth and stone, lighting and rain, surf
and tide to Czerina’s very soul itself. She would
become as the land, and as such, could turn
the very elements against Alexandros and his
army. In turn the Queen of Terror would gain
a permanent foothold onto the material plane.
The soul of the land would be bound to the Fey
because Czerina’s soul and that of the land would
be one and the same. Czerina might have realized
the implications of this, but the constant reports
that the blood of her people now ran in crimson
rivers across the land convinced her that there
was no choice.
Blinded to the motivations of her so-
called ally and blind to its future cost, Czerina
struck the bargain and led the priests and
priestesses of the Old Faith in this mighty ritual.
Yet, as the ritual neared its end, it became clear
 that something was wrong. Alexandros’ most
powerful mages had detected the ritual and had
formed a mighty circle of their own to strike
out at Czerina and her allies. Her mentors and
spiritual guides were claimed by death before
her very eyes, struck down by her brother’s foul
servants. Their bodies crumbled to blackened
ash and as her terror and despair grew, a new
voice echoed out into Czerina’s mind. It promised
salvation and power, but only if she would make
one more bargain. In the grip of hopelessness,
Czerina accepted.
This new voice did not belong to one of
the fey, but to Czernobog, the Dark Power itself.
With this new bargain, the ritual was completed,
but that meant that the land of Wreythau and
its queen were ripped free from the material
plane and joined with the Domains of Dread.
Finally, Czernobog had stolen a domain of its
own, a domain that could be controlled by its foul
whims, with a dark Champion at its beck and
call. A thousand years passed with Czernobog’s
influence worming its way in Czerina’s psyche,
along with the pain that comes from the
unnatural fusion of her soul and that of the
land itself.
Czerina’s Goals
Above all, Czerina seeks to preserve herself
and her rule from the corrupting influence of
Czernobog. She believes that, should she manage
to gain a foothold back upon the material plane,
she might be able to find a way to sever the ties
that bind her and her land to the Dark Power,
and so she bends her every effort in this regard.
Little does she know, however, that spreading
influence onto the material plane is something
that Czernobog greatly wishes for, too, and
so it has subtly twisted Czerina’s attempts to
benefit itself instead. This is why Czerina needs
new heroes to join her cause and rise as her
champions, acting as bulwarks against Czernobog
as well as agents that can do her bidding beyond
the boundaries of her realm. So it is that Czerina
has come to form the following objectives:
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
30
1. Find and Corrupt Champions:
This is by far the most important step in
Czerina’s overall plan. Without powerful
champions to carry out her will beyond the
bounds of her prison, she will doubtlessly
succumb to the foul influence of Czernobog. Her
most trusted servants know this, too, though all
are aware she seeks to draw fresh blood into her
realm (even if they know not the true reasons
why). Czerina sees the adventurers as potential
allies at best, and useful puppets at worst. No
matter how violently they despise or oppose her,
Czerina knows that she can corrupt them if given
enough time and leverage. She’s done it before.
She twisted and warped an angel in service to
Lathander into an abomination of hate and fire,
and turned a holy order of paladins into a foul
mockery of their faith, now devoted solely to her.
The concept of failure hasn’t even crossed her
mind. For Czerina, the idea that the adventurers
will become her creatures in body and soul is
a foregone conclusion, and it is this arrogance
which could very well be her downfall.
Nevertheless, despite her arrogance,
Czerina is a master manipulator, and bends all of
her attention upon the adventurers themselves.
She will compliment them, laude them, offer
gifts and rewards, and most importantly, cause
them to question their own morals and beliefs.
By venturing through her land their swords will
be wetted with blood and the ground scorched
and broken by the might of their spells. They will
leave death in their wake, and not all will deserve
it. This, coupled with the powerful temptations
she will dangle before the party, will challenge
their righteousness and, perhaps, corrupt them
far enough to bend to her will.
2. Test the strength of her Servants:
Czerina has become a monster that was forged
through suffering, and in her distorted world
view she believes that suffering is the key to
growth. She knows the importance of testing
the strength of her servants and of learning
from their defeats. In essence, she is keen on
using the adventuring party to help her test and
troubleshoot her own minions and tactics. Thus,
 when the adventurers are ready to become her
champions, they will have forged a far more
powerful collection of monsters, abominations,
and psychotic killers to call their allies.
The Blood Queen is delighted when the party
triumphs, as it not only proves their strength but
gives her yet more knowledge and insight into
how to succeed. She is an ageless being, after all,
and so the thought of needing a few centuries
to build up her forces again is hardly a concern.
Even losing her most trusted allies and servants,
such as Beleroth Haar An Thell, will ultimately
be seen as a necessary sacrifice, though Czerina
will never waste the resources at her disposal.
But, most importantly, this conflict must be a
challenge, and so she will not shy away from
making things even more difficult for one side or
the other should she feel the need.
3. Strengthen her realm:
In the long centuries during which
Czerina has slept, her kingdom has changed and
evolved. On the whole, Czerina has delighted in
this, as it is endlessly entertaining to see how the
political and mystical landscape blossoms into
something new, but at the end of the millenia,
she still wishes for her kingdom to be united and
solidified under her rule. Somewhere, buried
deep in her heart, is a love of her people, and
she believes that it is only through strength that
they can be saved, and only through suffering
can strength be built. Thus the adventurers will
become the main tool that she uses to accomplish
this, preying upon their greed, morality, and
valour to snuff out those that challenge her rule
and thereby unite her people once again. If that
means that the people of her realm will unite
against her for a time, so be it. That simply
means the loyalty of her people hinges upon
the adventurers themselves, and once they are
corrupted, her people will fall in line. In the end,
the would-be heroes will have done the work
of uniting the land for her, and what’s not to
love about that?
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
31
Roleplaying Czerina
Ultimately, Czerina Gavranova was
once a great heroine to her people, but has since
fallen to darkness and become a brutal tyrant and
sadistic killer. This is partly due to Czernobog’s
insidious connection to her, but is also largely
due to the torturous connection she shares with
the land. The human mind was never meant to
experience the feeling of tectonic plates shifting
against one another with such force that rock
itself is liquefied. The human mind was never
meant to experience the collective mind of every
insect hive in the land, let alone the sway of the
leaves, or the last gasps of an elk as its throat is
torn open by bloodied fangs. All of this, at once,
is what Czerina now experiences, and though
she’s found the strength to cope, the experience
has no doubt left her warped.
Where once there was an icon, now there is a
monster given human form, her soul having been
twisted and warped by countless acts of cruelty
and murder, many of which were performed
by her own hand, and many of which she was
forced to witness through her connection to
the land. Now, she is very much a monster,
though an intelligent monster does not readily
show its true face. Instead, it hides behind a
veneer of humanity, wearing a mask stitched
together from echoes of the past. This is the
key to accomplishing her goals. If she truly is to
tempt, entice, and manipulate the adventurers
into becoming her corrupted servants, then she
must first charm, fascinate, and entice them.
Which means, in essence, Czerina must come
off as a compelling character to the players. This
is always a tall order, but by following the guide
below you’ll find it much easier to achieve.
To begin, you must understand Czerina
herself, who she was, who she is, and what lies in
store for those she interacts with. We’ve already
covered her history and goals above, so let’s delve
more deeply into her current psychology and
explore how that will shape her interactions with
the adventuring party. First, we’ll cover the more
admirable parts of her personality, followed by
her more monstrous traits, and finally, discuss
the cracks which might show through her facade.
 This will help you understand how to roleplay
Czerina, but of course, these are only suggestions.
Feel free to alter or add to traits below in order to
make Czerina a compelling character of your own
as you guide the players through the campaign.
Admirable Traits
The Charismaniac
• Czerina is meant to be magnificently evil,
a charismatic villain that should tempt the
party almost as much as she repulses them.
Such is a very tricky balance to strike, but
with the help of the Charismaniac trope,
it gets a bit easier. You see, a charismaniac
(also known as a magnificent bastard),
is essentially a villain that possesses
undeniably admirable traits, thus making
them enticing and sympathetic even
as they go about their dastardly plans.
Usually, these traits form a sort of ‘Code of
Conduct’ that adds a sense of familiarity
even as the villain matches wits against the
players. If you find it helpful, feel free to
research and incorporate other elements of
this trope into your version of Czerina to
thrill and entertain your party.
There are certain characteristics which
most people will aspire to have, or at least enjoy
their presence in the company of others. The
following list emphasizes which of those traits
Czerina appears to embody to entice and fascinate
your players.
She’s charming: Overall, Czerina is
polite and complimentary. She respects the party,
and wants them to know it. They delight and
amuse her, and more importantly, they can be
shaped into very useful tools, so she wants them
to know how valuable they are. Even if they
are rude to her, Czerina will most often laugh
it off, or at worst, assume they must be taught
better. Her lessons, however, are not intended as
punishment, or even necessarily a consequence,
but rather as a source of motivation. Even
the most disrespectful and outright insulting
adventurer will not be struck or tormented, but
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
32
might, instead, only be given a minor curse.
Perhaps their mouths will seal shut (matrix
style) whenever they attempt to speak an
insult, but the effect would only be temporary,
and multiple opportunities would be given to
release them from the curse. Even an outright
hostile adventurer wouldn’t be killed. Czerina is
impervious to harm until much further into the
campaign, and even being beheaded is nothing
more than a minor inconvenience for her.
Czerina doesn’t need to lord her power over
anyone, she knows exactly who and what she
is, and so she chooses to offer a facsimile of
kindness to the adventurers, all for the purpose
of drawing them to her side. Keep this in mind
when the party interacts with her, but remember
that Czerina merely hides her teeth, not that she
doesn’t have them. She has no qualms about using
her servants to brutalize or torment the party, so
long as they don’t realize it’s really her holding
the strings.
She’s generous:
Czerina knows that rewards are most important
when trying to encourage (and corrupt) the
adventurers. She will offer the adventurers
positions of power (such as the rule of
Raffenburg, see Ch 5. Revolution of Raffenburg),
along with wealth, magic items, or even the
deaths of others should the party wish it (High
Inquisitor Tarasov is perhaps a likely candidate).
These gifts are always posed as rewards. Rewards
for amusing her, for having solved a problem,
or to recognize a great accomplishment. Czerina
wants the party to feel that they’ve earned these
rewards, after all, so that she might appear to
them more as an ally and less as the damning
influence that she wishes to be. Bribery, after
all, is much harder to resist if it’s wrapped in a
different package.
She never breaks her word:
Czerina is like the Fey. She’ll deceive you, but
will never, ever go back on her word. As such,
she’s very, very careful with the promises she
makes, but should she trip up and make a promise
that puts her at a disadvantage, well, then she
will live up to her word no matter how painful
 it might be. Of course, this doesn’t mean that That’s right, was. Now, she’s essentially a
Czerina won’t set something else in motion to godlike being that can eat 9th level fireballs for
make up for this setback. After all, if one of her breakfast, but when she was still a mortal she was
many servants gets an idea into their heads and as brave, skilled, and determined as they come.
decides to act upon it, well, that can’t always be As players explore the dreams of the past (see
helped, now, can it? the interactive encounters in App 1. The Mirror
of Czerina) and see or hear evidence of her past
She’s brilliant: exploits, they’ll hopefully see a sympathetic
A master strategist and tactician, Czerina heroine that was tragically corrupted, a history
should be able to earn the party’s respect. meant to make her even more compelling. This
Obviously, this is a fine tightrope to walk, but it’s will also shine through in the final battle against
helped by the fact that Czerina has countless spies her, when much of her protections are stripped
and even more divination magic at hand. Except away and she’s forced to confront the party on
for what happens in consecrated spaces, Czerina more even footing, though still as an unholy
will know the party’s every move and hear every being of tremendous power.
word that passes their lips. To her, watching the
adventurers’ journey through her land is more
entertaining than anything you’d find on TV,
so she’s always tuning in and is almost always
able to plan ahead. Beyond that, her entire
realm is essentially constructed as a trial to test
her future champions as well as her servants,
so almost every scenario is a win-win for her.
Every victory and defeat provides her with more
insight into how to improve and grow her power
for next time. This makes the party one of her
greatest tools, whether they wish to be or not,
and that alone is pretty brilliant.

She is willing to learn:

Well, that’s not entirely true. Czerina has
become profoundly egotistical and arrogant,
mostly in response to her hatred for the flaws she
sees in others, but she knows that there is always
more knowledge to gain, more skills to learn,
and most importantly, she knows that other
people enjoy being able to mentor and guide
others. When it comes to the party, Czerina will
exploit this fact should they point out her flaws
(depending on what the flaws are, of course).
Should she see an opportunity she’ll admit to her
ignorance of morality, or to having forgotten
what it’s like to be mortal over the centuries, and
feign a desire to improve under the adventurer’s
guidance. Such can be a powerful tool of
manipulation, particularly for religious or highly
principled characters.
She was a total badass:

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
33
 Monstrous Traits
As mentioned above, Czerina is no longer
a troubled paragon, or a flawed heroine. Now,
she has descended into darkness, though it is a
darkness tinged by her past while she still drew
breath. The following monstrous traits will help
you understand what other motivations lurk
within her mind.
She feeds off of suffering:
No matter how charming or generous she may
be, Czerina feeds on suffering. As the champion
of Czernobog, suffering is a great source of
her unnatural power, though the psychological
scars she bears from life have also twisted her
into a cruel and hateful mockery of the once
sympathetic warrior-queen. As such, she finds
it most delightful to engineer moments of
emotional torment just as much as she revels in
physical pain. Obviously, she doesn’t wish for
the adventurers to know this, and will attempt to
deceive them through deflection, justification, or
outright blame placed upon her servants (who, to
be fair, are usually responsible). This will likely
make her come across as a negligent Queen at
best, but considering the terrible boredom which
comes from being an immortal being, such might
be forgiven should she feign the desire to learn
from the party themselves (see She is willing to
learn above).
She feeds off of death:
Due to her connection with Czernobog, every
death that happens by her hand or within her
realm grants her more power. This is yet another
reason why she delights in the presence of the
adventuring party, and why she has designed
her realm to be as violent and brutal as it is. The
Silver Graves, in particular, are testament to
this, although being a brilliant strategist, Czerina
knows that death is a resource that must be
carefully managed. Too much death and she will
ultimately be weakened. Do to this, she carefully
considers just how much murder she can allow,
and is yet another reason why she is fond of
undead servants: what is already dead cannot be
killed twice.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
34
She revels in perverse creation:
The more warped and twisted something can
become, the more Czerina enjoys it. Once upon
a time, she was simply a lover of art and music,
architecture and poetry, drama and sculpture,
but due to Czernobog’s influence, this love of
creation and artistry has been warped. Hence the
curse upon the Beastfolk, her patronage of the
Mad Alchemist of Inbarev, and most of all, the
unnatural horrors the party comes across.
She is full of hubris:
Czerina’s life was full of trauma and suffering,
and she knows it is the same for countless
others. The gods allow the world to be like
this, no matter what their hypocritical and
disingenuous priests and priestesses might say,
and thus she considers herself to be no worse
than the gods themselves. They cause pain and
suffering, she causes pain and suffering. They
have tremendous power, she has tremendous
power. It is all one and the same, except that
Czerina recognizes there is a slight difference in
scale and hopes to one day surpass them. Such is
a terrifying arrogance, true, but it is also a desire
to flout all of the divine laws of the universe as
well as she may.
The cracks in the facade
As consummate a manipulator as Czerina
might be, there is still an element of humanity
buried inside her monstrously tormented spirit.
This inevitably leads to cracks which might show
through. These cracks present opportunities for
crafty players to manipulate Czerina in turn,
though this might also expose them to danger
that they would not have found otherwise. So,
below you will find a list of the most obvious
cracks in her facade. This isn’t a complete list, of
course, and you’re encouraged to come up with
more if you so desire.
Blaming Czerina for Teadora’s Death:
The deepest wound Czerina carries is still the
murder of her friend and the blame which she
received for it. Depending on the information
they gather from the first entry of The Mirror
(see App 1), the players might surmise that
 Czerina was responsible. Or, perhaps they might
simply wish to lash out and wound her with their
words, or simply manipulate her. Regardless,
they would reveal a peak at the monster hiding
beneath her facade. Should they blame her in
secret, she would plan a hidden reprisal for the
party. Remember, unless the adventurers are
standing upon consecrated ground (and good
luck finding that), Czerina would most likely
hear the conversation. The land itself, the sky,
the creatures, all act as her eyes and ears. Thus,
a reprisal would be iminent, and most likely
Czerina would respond by framing a member of
the party for the murder of someone they cared
about (altering her own appearance, or that
of a servant to mimic that of the adventuerer,
for instance).
However, should the party blame Czerina
to her face, that is when the crack would break
wide open and tear through her composure.
Her eyes would blaze with almost unfathomable
rage, tears of blood shining at the corners of
her eyes, lips peeled back in a snarling display
of bared fangs. That is when she would threaten
the adventuerers, using a portion of her power
to try to strike fear into the hearts of the party
and demand that they take their words back.
Regardless of what they do (assuming it is not
the final battle), she will manage to restrain
herself, fleeing in a cloud of bloody mist and
swirling ravens. Later, she would apologize for
the outburst, and explain why it troubles her,
though the party would occasionally catch her
glaring death at whoever uttered the accusation
every so often. And, of course, should the accuser
repeat the claim to her face, well...at that point,
use your best judgement. She has the ability to
raise the dead back to life, so she might decide
to vent her anger more directly after repeated
accusations (see Dealing with Death at the end of
the chapter).
Should this accusation be thrown during
the final battle Czerina will solely focus upon the
character to issue the claim first. No matter what
else is happening, she will attempt to kill them,
and perhaps lose the advantage as a result.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
35
Supporting Alexandros’ claim to the throne:
Unlike the previous crack in the facade
discussed on this page, should the adventurers
claim that Alexandros did, in fact, have a
legitimate claim to Czerina’s throne, she will
not explode into anger. Instead, the charm,
generosity, and feigned kindness will slip and
she will begin to ridicule and insult the party,
demanding they prove why their opinion matters
at all. She would attempt to poke holes in their
argument in the most biting and vicious ways
that she knows how. This will show the party
some of Czerina’s true face, and might well
sway her in favor of throwing just a bit more
torment their way.
Czerina Gavranova’s
Statblock
Psychology is well and good, but you also
need to know what Czerina is capable of, too!
Which is actually everything...up to a point. For
much of the campaign, Czerina’s powers will
operate on a scale of “whatever the DM needs
or thinks is cool for the narrative”. This isn’t
an excuse to flout mechanics, of course, but is
encouragement to think outside the box and not
to let the question of “...wait, but what spell does
that?” get in the way. Being creative is much
more important than placing arbitrary limitations
upon yourself. As long as you do this to make
things more enjoyable for the players and their
experience, you’ll have a wonderful time.
That said, eventually the party will
uncover powerful means to fight Czerina directly,
and when that night comes, you’ll need her stats.
Besides, knowing what she can mechanically do
might provide inspiration for her interactions
with the party and the story itself. So, good
thing her stat block is listed, take a look at
the next page!
 Czerina Gavranova,
The Blood Queen
Medium Undead (shapechanger), Neutral Evil

—
Armor Class 20 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 495 (30d12 + 300)
Speed 50 ft. Fly 60 ft.
.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
26 (+8) 18 (+4) 24 (+7) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) 24 (+7)
—
Saves Str +8, Dex +10, Con +15, Int + 11, Wis +11, Cha +7
Skills Arcana +11, Athletics +14, Deception +13, Stealth + 10,
Perception +11
Damage Resistances necrotic, poison
Damage Immunities All sources not enchanted by the Forge of
Ancestors (See Ch 8 The Silver Graves)
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified, charmed,
frightened, poisoned
Senses True Sight 120ft, Tremorsense 60 feet, passive
Perception 21 Spells Continued...
Languages Common, Sylvan, Druidic, Draconic, Elvish, Dwarvish, 7th (2 slots): Finger of Death, Fire Storm, Whirlwind
Goblin, Celestial, Infernal, Abyssal, Undercommon, Deep Speech • 8th (1 slots): Feeblemind, Tsunami
Challenge 26 (90,000 XP) • 9th (1 slots): Storm of Vengeance

—
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Czerina fails a saving throw, Czerina has access to every Druid spell (including expanded
she can choose to succeed instead. druid spell lists). The above list is suggested but can be modified.

Magic Resistance. Czerina has advantage on saving throws Actions

against spells and other magical effects.
Magic Weapons. Czerina’s weapon and unarmed attacks
are magical.
Czernobog’s Blessing: As the champion of Czernobog,
Czerina’s magical abilities are augmented, allowing her to bypass
the need for material components for even the most powerful
spells. Additionally, she has +2 to spell attacks (added above)
and her spell save DC. Furthermore, this blessing provides
natural armor and the resistances and immunities listed above
(which are separate from the Immunity granted by the Mantle of
Wreythau).
The Mantle of Wreythau: Long ago, when Czerina forged
her bond with the land itself, she gained a tremendous mantle
of power. She is immune to all sources of damage. Only with
the enchantment found in the Forge of Ancestors in the Silver
Graves can she be harmed, though she still retains resistance to
necrotic and poison damage due to her vampiric nature.
Multiattack. Czerina makes 3 attacks, chosen from the
options below.
Greatsword. Melee weapon attack. +14 to hit. One target. Deals
14 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage and 26 (4d12) necrotic damage.
Unarmed Attack. Melee weapon attack. +14 to hit. One target.
Deals 12 (1d8 + 8) bashing damage OR Czerina can choose to
grapple the target.
Bite. Melee weapon attack. One willing creature, or one creature
grappled by Czerina. Hit: 11 (1d6 + 8) piercing damage plus
13 (2d12) necrotic damage. The target’s hit point maximum is
reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and
Czerina regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this
effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. A humanoid slain in
this way and then buried in the ground rises the following night
as a vampire spawn under Czerina’s control.

Spellcasting. Czerina’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save Legendary Actions

DC 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks). She can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
• At will: Misty Step
• Cantrips: All Druid cantrips (cast at 17th level)
• 1st (4 slots): Entangle, Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Ice
Knife, Thunderwave
• 2nd (3 slots): Heat Metal, Moonbeam, Pass Without Trace
• 3rd (3 slots): Call Lightning, Counterspell, Dispel Magic,
Tidal Wave
• 4th (3 slots): Blight, Guardian of Nature, Wall of Fire
• 5th (3 slots): Geas, Insect Plague, Maelstrom,
Scrying, Steel Wind Strike
• 6th (2 slots): Harm, Wall of Thorns
Czerina can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a
time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Czerina
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Attack. Czerina may make one weapon attack.
Fey Movement. Czerina may cast Misty Step.
Cast (Cost 2). Czerina may cast one spell
Lair Actions
On Initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Czerina can take a
lair action to cause one of the following effects, based on which
room she is in.
• Lair Actions listed in each room below.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
36
 ENCOUNTERS WITH THE
QUEEN OF BLOOD
In many ways, this campaign has a
number of main characters, those being the
player characters and their archvillain, Czerina
herself. Czerina will need to interact with the
party frequently, almost as a representative of the
DM and the narrative, just as the adventuring
party is representatives of the players and their
role in the narrative, too. In other words, Czerina
needs to be a presence in the campaign, though
the ways in which this presence can be felt is
almost infinite, and all of them should provide
engaging moments for the player characters to
shine. What hero is a hero without a challenge
to overcome or a villain to defeat, after all?
The encounters below will help you provide
creepy, fascinating, and brutal encounters
for your players as well as navigate the ways
in which Czerina makes her presence felt
throughout the story.
In the early parts of the campaign, these
encounters will primarily manifest in the way
Czerina’s psyche affects the land as she fitfully
dreams. These encounters will help create dread
and unease, as well as add more character to the
setting. Later on (in Volume 2), these encounters
become much more personal.
A Queen of Many Names
• As a godlike being of immense power,
Czerina goes by many names including:
The Queen of Ravens, The Blood Queen, The
Lady of the Cairn, The Voice of the Storm, The
Land’s Bride, She Who Never Dies, The Queen
of Beasts, and The Endless Hunger.
Sprinkle these sobriquets throughout the story,
whenever an NPC is discussing Czerina. Each
name reveals a new dimension of the Dark Lady
and adds to the sense of mystery.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
37
ENCOUNTERS WHILE
CZERINA SLUMBERS
A Soul Tortured For All Time
After her brother sailed with an army at
his back to kill her, Czerina finally abandoned the
last shred of misguided love that she once held
for her family. With the powers granted to her
by her ascension as Czernobog’s champion, she
reached out and ripped her fathers soul from the
depths of the abyss so that she could personally
torture him for all time. She forced his soul to
reincarnate, to live his life afresh, from birth to
death, tormented all the while by his immortal
daughter. With every rebirth she forced his
new parents to name him Gavran, and through
each phase of his life she found ways to cause
him anguish. And, to her horror, she found that
Gavran was capable of being something besides
a monster. If given a different life, with different
experiences, he could become a loving father and
a good man. It was only the life he’d lived before
becoming her father that had twisted him into
such a vicious and hateful man.
Such a revelation might have brought
solace to some, but it only filled Czerina with
more hatred and for centuries she redoubled
her efforts to bring as much pain, fear, and grief
into his many lives as she could. By the time the
adventurers encounter Gavran, he will have been
reincarnated so many times, and have lived so
many horrible lives that a deep sorrow has settled
into his soul even though he has no memory of
his past lives. That is to say, he only has fleeting
memories, echoes that little more than dreams.
When the adventurers come across Gavran
(which can be wherever you wish, essentially),
describe the following:
You come upon a small hut that sits to the
left of the path. Smoke rises from the hut’s
chimney, and firelight blazes through the
windows. Yet, as you approach, the sound of
weary sobs reaches your eyes from around
the back of the hut. As you round it, you see
a large bear of a man down on his hands and
knees, sobbing over three fresh graves.
 If the adventurers speak to the man, they will
learn that his name his Gavran. He appears just
as he does in the portrait hanging in the library
of The Cairn, as well as his appearance in the
Mirror of Czerina: he stands over six feet tall
with a large, musclebound frame. He has a large
black beard and long black hair threaded with
grey. Unlike the ancient portrait, however, he
now wears simple peasant’s garb.
This incarnation of Gavran was raised
in Leshehoff, though his parents died in a house
fire. He was taken in by a Town Watch Captain
and later joined the Watch, though every friend
he made was cut down in the line of duty.
Eventually he married, though his wife bore two
Beastfolk children. In order to take care of their
children, they fled into the woods, eking out a
dangerous living as woodcutters, herb gatherers,
and trappers. Yet, for all the horror they endured
in order to survive in the woods, a sickness struck
and proceeded to kill his family over long and
grueling months.
Of course, that’s just a suggestion. You’re
welcome to invent an even more horrible life
if you’d like. The point of this encounter is to
emphasize Czerina’s past and how it’s shaped
the present. The adventurers won’t understand
this at first, but once they reach the Cairn at
the end of Volume 1 it will become apparent
and the characters could use this knowledge in
several ways. If you wish to emphasize a theme
of redemption, they could attempt to finally
mediate a reconciliation between Gavran and
his daughter. This would require awakening
Gavran’s spirit to all of his past lives, though this
could be done with by performing the Ritual of
the Underworld (see Caeltos Village).
Alternatively, Gavran could be used as
a distraction or bargaining chip, depending on
the goals of the adventuring party. Or, at worst,
he simply helps illustrate a key part of Czerina’s
history. Either way, this is a chilling encounter
the players won’t want to miss.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
38
Dream Visitations:
This encounter is a reflection of the
dream encounters the adventurers will unlock
once they retrieve Czerina’s autobiography (see
App 1. The Mirror of Czerina). Essentially,
as Czerina slumbers, her mind will reach out
into the dreams of the adventurers, leading to
strange nightmares exploring the adventurers’
pasts. These encounters can take place any time
after the Shipwreck in Chapter 2, The Drowned
Dead, and should happen at least once for each
player character.
In order to properly execute these
encounters, you need to do a little bit of planning
with the players before the session starts. Either
have a brief discussion with the players or ask
them to send you an answer to the following
questions: what is one of your character’s
happiest memories, and what is one of your
character’s most traumatizing memories? These
questions are just starting places, of course,
and you’re encouraged to choose other parts of
the characters’ backstories if you see fit. Either
way, having a baseline for a happy moment,
and a terrible moment will furnish you with the
information you need to craft these personalized
encounters.
Once the encounters begin, each
adventurer will receive a dream visitation.
The dreams will mimic the memories of the
characters, but with the subtle differences and
sense of the surreal that surrounds all dreams. As
the memory plays out, Czerina will insert herself
into it. For some she might merely be an ominous
observer, lurking in the background. For others,
she might replace an important person in the
character’s life, such as a mother, sibling, spouse,
or even an enemy. If the dream starts out as
something happy, then Czerina will twist the
dream into a nightmare. If the dream begins as a
nightmare, she’ll simply twist it further, adding
her own little spin where appropriate (this is also
a good way to add foreshadowing for the other
dangers in the realm). Have fun with this! Make
sure not to cross any lines that your players have,
but try to push the characters buttons. Not the
players, but the characters.
 This will ensure that the story feels Yet, she was not the first to become the
more personal for the adventurers and the champion of the Dark Power known as
players, and will add a deeper dynamic to their Czernobog, and to the torment of many, she
interactions with Czerina once she awakens. likely will not be the last.
Furthermore, you can continue to intersperse
the dream visitations throughout the rest of the Below is a detailed timeline of Wreythau
campaign, using more recent events rather than that will help illustrate how the insidious
aspects of the characters’ pasts. This could be influence of Czernobog first began to warp the
to point out mistakes or flaws, or to celebrate land of Wreythau and eventually culminated in
the more disturbing aspects of their victories. the rise of its dark lady. More detailed historical
There’s a whole lot of death in the adventurers’ glimpses follow the timeline, expanding upon
futures, after all. important details and illuminating plot hooks
that will appear later in the module.
Murder Presents:
This last encounter with the Blood Timeline of Wreythau
Queen’s subconscious is my personal favorite. In
Long forgotten past: When the fangs of an animal
essence, as Czerina sleeps, her subconscious will
met the flesh of another and blood was first spilt,
recognize the presence of the adventurers are
seeping down into the soil to nourish buried
develop an appreciation for them, an appreciation
seeds and roots, something in the weave and weft
that manifests as the delivery of murder presents
of the cosmos began to stir.
for them. These murder presents could start out
as something cryptic and unsettling, such as the
Then, when blood was spilt in the name of
adventurers finding the corpses of rats impaled
murder, it began to awaken.
on splinters of wood poking up from the floor, or
having birds crash through their windows only to
Finally, rivers of blood first seeped into the
die in a bleeding mess upon the floor with shiny
battlefield, it gained a name:
objects clutched in their talons, such as coins or
jewelry. As the adventurers continue on through
Czernobog.
the campaign and achieve more victories, the
form of the murder presents might escalate to the
Approx. 2300 years ago: The Archdruid Gulthias
level of staged corpses recreating scenes of the
begins to recognize strange emanations echoing
adventurers’ victories.
in his dreams. Determined to learn more, he
enters deep meditation for over 100 years to
In addition to just being entirely macabre,
commune with the entity and learn eldritch
these encounters should also help establish some
secrets about the cycles of life and death.
paranoia. The presents suggest that there is
something very powerful and very dark watching
Approx. 2200 years ago: Gulthias ends his
the characters, something that is apparently able
meditation, enthralled with the dark knowledge
to reach out and affect the world near them.
gleaned from Czernobog. Gulthias begins to
This will create tension and help establish an
recruit followers and teach them this new,
atmosphere of horror, as well as help the events
corrupted form of druidism. So begins the
of the campaign feel more personal for the
struggle between Czernobog and the Old Faith.
adventurers themselves.
Approx. 2000 years ago: Horrified by the
HISTORY OF WREYTHAU unconscionable acts and brutal sacrifices
Just as Strahd von Zarovich was bound to performed by Gulthias and his followers, they are
a Dark Power and ascended as the Dark Lord of exiled from their home among the wood elves
Barovia, so too has Czerina Gavranova come into and imprisoned upon a remote island populated
her unholy powers. by primitive human tribes. Gulthias and his

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
39
 followers forge prey upon the tribes and forge the
kingdom of Ghul Sildreth from their blood.
Approx. 1500 years ago: Humans, orcs, dwarves,
halflings, gnomes, goblins, hobgoblins and many
other briefly lived creatures continue to populate
and expand outward, displacing the kingdom
of the wood elves. Three of the most powerful
allied kingdoms form: Nostrovishte, Bacia, and
Gronturia. With their founding, the Old Faith is
pushed to the margins of the kingdoms by more
militant clergies.
1050 years ago: In the war torn kingdom of
Nostrovishte, the brutal warlord Gavran I gains
the title of Boyar and the reign of the southern
oblast. He marries the bewitching courtier
Evengja, creating a powerful alliance. However,
after several failed attempts, Evengja finally bears
an heir, a daughter, and in a fit of resentment,
names her Czerina.
1025 years ago: Nostrovishte is invaded by Bacia
and Gronturia. When it seems all hope is lost,
Czerina raises an army of the common folk
and begins a campaign of resistance. Aided by
followers of the Old Faith, Czerina allies with
the Queen of Terror, a powerful Fey. With the
support of Babd, Macha, and Nemain, vassals
of the Queen of Terror, Czerina wins several
tremendous victories and pushes the invaders
out. Then, determined to crush those who
had threatened her people, Czerina goes on
to conquer Bacia and Gronturia. Her parents
are crowned Tsar and Tsarina of the newly
conquered lands.
1022 years ago: After having long since given up
hope of bearing a suitable heir, Czerina presents
Evengja with a magic gem that can grant a wish.
In return, Evengja wishes for a son and soon
gives birth to a male heir named Alexandros. Due
to the archaic laws of their kingdom, Alexandros
will inherit everything and Czerina will be left
with nothing once again.
1020 years ago: Strange raids begin along the
coast. Unnatural deaths and brutal sacrifices are
found in ransacked villages. An unnatural plague
begins to spread. Czerina’s mentors among
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
40
the Old Faith recognize this threat as the Ghul
Sildreth and urge her to raise an army to crush
them. Allied with a dwarven kingdom she enters
into battle with the Ghul Sildreth and pushes
them back into the sea.
1019 years ago: Leading her army into self-
exile, Czerina invades the kingdom of the Ghul
Sildreth. Frustrated by Gulthias’ power, Czerina
searches for a way to defeat him. Sensing the
potential of this new champion, Czernobog
betrays Gulthias and sends servants to ally with
Czerina and begin to corrupt her.
1018 years ago: Aided by her new allies among
the Ghul Sildreth, Czerina kills Gulthias and
establishes a new kingdom. She names the
land Wreythau, after the symbol of her family,
and to pay homage to the Old Faith and the
Queen of Terror.
1005 years ago: Gavran and Evengja mysteriously
die. Alexandros is crowned Tsar, and he
publically embraces the faith of Lathander in an
effort to erode the power of the Old Faith, and by
extension, that of his sister.
1001 years ago: Alexandros, Tsar of Nostrovishte,
sails with an army for Wreythau, determined to
strip his sister of her lands.
1000 years ago: After a year besieged by her
brother, Czerina is desperate for a way to save
her people. She bargains with the Archfey known
as the Queen of Terror and learns of a dangerous
ritual which might save her. By tying her soul
to the land, she could command the elements to
crush Alexandros and his army, but in doing so
would be forever bound to the Fey. Uncaring
for the cost, Czerina agrees, but the ritual goes
wrong. Sensing an opportunity, Czernobog
presents an offer, and desperate to save her land,
Czerina accepts Czernobog’s offer of power, but
is betrayed. After the death of her brother and his
army, Wreythau is ripped free from the Mortal
Plane and joins the Domains of Dread.
900 years ago: A merchant fleet arrives from
seemingly nowhere, bearing the name of
 the Wreythian Merchant Consortium. They
recruit famous artisans, architects, musicians,
playwrights, and others blessed with genius to
sail with them back to their kingdom. None
ever return...
600 years ago: Czerina’s magnificent new
castle, known by Wreythians as The Cairn,
is completed.
598 years ago: The Wreythian Merchant
Consortium begins to entice, kidnap, and bring
fresh blood into Wreythau…
500 years ago: Legendary paladin of Lathander,
Frey, leads a crusade into Wreythau to destroy
the evil found there and avenge all those who
have disappeared.
478 years ago: Frey summons the angel Temelloth
in an effort to kill Czerina once and for all.
Czerina corrupts many of Frey’s followers,
crushes his army, and imprisons Temelloth.
400 years ago: A newly released Temelloth,
brutally tortured by Czerina and driven insane,
begins the Church of the Morning Lord, a
horrific perversion of the Church of Lathander.
This allows a new Dark Power, a power that
feeds off of death by fire, to establish a foothold
into Wreythau.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
41
350 years ago: An incredibly skilled alchemist
comes to Wreythau. Driven insane by Czerina,
he usurps control of the town of Inbarev and
torments the populace.
300 years ago: Czerina betrays the descendents
of her dwarven allies and kills many in a brutal
genocide. The dwarven diaspora flees from the
newly minted Silver Graves. Czerina raises their
corpses to serve as a tireless workforce and to
fund the Wreythian Merchant Consortium’s
influence on the material plane.
150 years ago: Czerina falls into slumber deeper
and longer than any before.
Present Day: The Wreythian Merchant
Consortium begins to sell the Flowers of Gulthias
on the Material Plane, spreading an undead
plague and further extending Czerina and
Czernobog’s influence.
Glimpses of Wreythian
History
Gulthias
Long ago, in an ancient forest kingdom of the
wood elves, the Archdruid known as Gulthias
was disturbed in the night. His dreams echoed
with strange emanations and utterances of things
 he’d never conceived, challenging much of what
he’d come to believe in his long life. He entered
a deep state of meditation in order to commune
with the mysterious entity that had brushed
against his dreams, and so began his dark tutelage
under Czernobog.
For a century Gulthias meditated beneath the
boughs of a sacred dragonwood tree, vines
twining around him, moss growing across his
skin. His acolytes would join him in meditation
before going about their other tasks. All
wondered at what captured the thoughts of
their holy teacher so, and all became worried
when the sacred tree began to die. Yet Gulthias
continued to meditate, his body untouched by
thirst, hunger, or age, and just as things seemed
lost, the tree withering into a husk of its former
self, leaves the color of horrid blood began
sprouting once again. The bark grew twisted, and
the boughs began to grow thorns. By the time the
tree had completed its transformation, Gulthias
awoke, a horrid new knowledge burning in his
mind, knowledge he was eager to teach.
Druids, clerics, monks, and other religious
devotees flocked to Gulthias, and over the
decades, many converted, while others watched
on in slowly dawning horror. What Gulthias
taught was a perversion of the cycles of nature.
The relationship of plant, predator, and prey
were all but evaporated. Everything became
red in tooth and claw, everything became cruel.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
42
Even rabbits became terrible beasts that hunted
in packs, their mouths like lampreys, latching
onto anything with a pulse, one by one, until
their hapless prey was brought down by added
weight and blood loss. New species of plants
were bred, many of which were meant to live
inside the body, growing beneath the skin or
twining around organs. Even the wind became a
grave threat, sweeping across the land, carrying
a terrible, incessant frequency that drove many
who heard it insane. Suffering became the goal
rather than harmony, and for those enthralled
by Gulthias’ teachings, great power was found.
So his legion of followers grew, but so, too, did
their enemies.
Eventually, it became clear just what a
monstrosity Gulthias’ teachings represented, and
the kingdom of the wood elves called the clans
together, raising the banners and assembling an
army to drive this new terror from their lands.
Many advised that these horrible teachings
should die with Gulthias, but ultimately, it was
decided that exile and imprisonment was the
most fitting punishment. To kill a weed, one
must attack the roots, after all, and Gulthias
was perhaps only the tendrils sprouting from
the surface. So they choose to imprison and
watch over Gulthias and his corrupted druids.
This allowed the exiled to begin to regain their
strength, and they soon renamed themselves the
Ghul Sildreth to mark their flourishing power.
The Ruins of Nemeth and the Queen
of Terror
The island that became the Ghul Sildreth’s prison
was not uninhabited. Tribes of humans and orcs
had settled it decades before, but this wasn’t a
concern for the kingdom of the Wood Elves, as
they had more pressing issues rising to confront
them. Though they had defeated a threat from
within, threats from without, namely the human
kingdoms, soon began to encroach upon their
territory, leaving the Ghul Sildreth effectively
alone. This delighted the Ghul Sildreth, and they
soon began to build their foul kingdom with the
blood and bone of their neighbors. They built
a mighty capitol from the earth itself, raising
 massive pillars of warped stone that rose high
above the trees, ringed and arranged like a circle
of sacred standing stones, except the alignment
was far, far different. From this new place of
power, the land itself would be bent to their
whims, the ordinary cycles of nature perverted
into a mockery of what it once was, and that
included the spirits of nature, the Fey, as well.
Any of the Fey that were drawn to this strange
place of power were soon corrupted, slowly
forming a new Court of the Sidhe dedicated to
Czernobog and it’s horrible visions for the world.
Almost a millenia later, when Czerina
and her allies stormed what would later be
named the Bay of Raffen, it was from Nemeth
that Gulthias and his followers mounted their
defense. Unfortunately for them, Czerina had
many powerful allies amongst the Old Faith
and the Fey, and thus they were able to fight
back against the corrupted influence that the
depraved Ghul Sildreth wrought upon the land.
In particular, it was the Fey from the Court
of Night and Twilight that helped Czerina the
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
43
most, striking back at the Corrupted Sidhe
with the promise that Nemeth would one day
become theirs. When Gulthias was finally slain
and thousands of his followers put to the sword,
Czerina held up her end of the bargain, and for
a time Nemeth became the home of the Court
of Night and Twilight. For decades, this was a
place of diplomacy and trade between her people
and the Fey, though that was soon to end. When
Alexandros came with his fleet of warships and
thousands of soldiers at his command, even the
Fey realized all this could change. So it was that
the Great Queen of the court came to Nemeth.
She was a dreaded and mysterious being known
only as the Queen of Terror, and only Czerina
herself was able to meet with her, engaging
in a furious negotiation that lasted over two
straight days.
When Czerina finally left Nemeth, a new pact
had been forged, one with an ocean of blood
as the cost. The Queen of Terror had shown
Czerina how to conduct a horrible ritual, one
forged in aeons past. She could tie herself to the
 land, her soul bound to the elements themselves,
yet her soul would no longer be her own. The
Fey would own it, yet what that would mean for
her people was banished from thought. So she
agreed, but unfortunately for the Fey, Czerina
failed during the ritual. Death was approaching,
and sensing its opportunity, Czernobog offered
another bargain, one that resulted in Wreythau
being pulled into the Domains of Dread.

When this happened, all of the remaining

Fey residing in Nemeth were trapped inside along
with the rest of the island’s inhabitants. One by
one, they fell to the predations of the Corrupted
Sidhe, the court Czernobog had built around
itself, until only a handful remained. These few
remaining Fey loyal to the last to the Queen
of Terror allied themselves to those of the Old
Faith, and together they miraculously managed
to create a refuge that preserved the true tenets
of the Old Faith. Nevertheless, the influence of
Czernobog and the Corrupted Sidhe continue to
chip away at them, slowly siphoning followers
and power away with the passage of the years.
The Silver Graves of Barrukhirrim
Over a millenia ago, when the land of
Nostrovishte was still in the jaws of an invasion,
Czerina sought out allies from a kingdom of
the dwarves. Her father had fought beside their
people at the order of the Tsar decades ago, and
so she sought to draw upon a possible alliance
that might have existed. Ultimately, she was
turned away, though the dwarves acknowledged
that by doing so, they were creating debt which
they would eventually have to repay. The
kingdom of Nostrovishte had ridden to battle
beside them, after all, and that created a bond of
honor between them that couldn’t be ignored.
Nevertheless, the battle against the invaders
seemed impossible to win, and so they were
reluctant to enter a war which could doom their
own kingdom. Thus, the debt was forged, and
decades later Czerina came calling.
So it was that when Czerina sailed to
the island of the Ghul Sildreth, she did so with
a detachment of dwarves at her side, eager to
help her conquer this new land and create a new
home. They fought valiantly, and after Gulthias
and his followers were struck down, Czerina
gave them reign over an entire mountain range.
Soon the lost dwarven kingdom of Barrukhirrim
was formed. A great mining city was dug into a
mountain rich in valuable gems and minerals,
and for decades they flourished. When Wreythau
was invaded again, they once more took up arms,
but the dwarves were horrified by what they saw
Czerina become. They despaired as they, too,
were ripped away into the Domains of Dread,
and began to plot a way to slay the monster
their ally had become and, perhaps, find a way
to escape. This did not go unnoticed by Czerina,
who had put eldritch spies in place, and when
it became clear that the people of Barrukhirrim
had managed to actually become a threat, she
marched upon them.
Great legions of the undead and foul,
warped monsters besieged the mountain
kingdom and ruthlessly butchered everyone
they found inside. Only a few hundred dwarves
survived, those who did business and traveled
throughout the land, and none who realized the
true extent of the atrocity that had befallen their
kingdom. Many suspected, but misinformation

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
44
 spread like wildfire, and now the lost kingdom
of Barrukhirrim is simply known as the Silver
Graves, a place of horrible secrets and misfortune
to all who venture there. Nevertheless, many
dream of retaking their ancestral home, dreams
fueled by evidence that silver, platinum, and
jewels still make their way up out of the mines,
though who now digs them from the earth
remains a mystery...
The Fall of Frey
Not long after the completion of The
Cairn, Czerina’s monstrous palace, a legendary
Paladin of Lathander found his way into her
Domain. The question of how, or why, has been
intensely debated among Czerina’s followers,
many speculated that perhaps the deaths of so
many magnificent artisans had captured the
notice of the Gond, Lathander, and Sune, who
had conspired to send a champion when the
opportunity finally arose. Whatever the reason,
the paladin, known as Frey, found his way into
Wreythau and set out to right the wrongs he
witnessed all around him. He worked carefully,
becoming a leader of the people rather than a
lone avenger, building a following that could
one day rise up in a holy crusade against the dark
Queen of the land.
Czerina, for her part, simply watched
and waited, amused by this self-righteous upstart
that had come into her kingdom, spewing the
promises of the faithful just as all the hypocrites
of her homeland had done. Through her veil of
contempt, Frey was yet another fraud disguising
power as righteousness, and so she began to
search through his followers’ ranks, hunting
for soil ripe and ready to accept the seeds of
corruption. Even as Frey began to construct a
fortress for his growing army, Czerina and her
servants circled like hawks upon the wind, ready
to dive upon their unsuspecting prey.
By the time Frey’s fortress was completed and a
holy order of knights had been formed, Czerina’s
influence had already taken root. Just as she’d
suspected, those impure of heart had also been
drawn to Frey’s banner, thirsty for recognition,
revenge, and blood. She’d hardly needed to
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
45
plant her own servants amongst his recruits,
so fertile were those sinful fields of damaged
souls. Through her subtle urgings, dissent began
to fester within the Order of the Sun. Fearing
that the tide had begun to turn upon him,
Frey reached out to his god for a blessing of
inspiration and hope, and was amazed when an
Angel came in answer to his prayers. Perhaps it
was a blessing given due to his years of faultless
service, or perhaps it was Lathander’s last attempt
to save his faithful priest, though it was the last
miracle the Morning Lord granted the blighted
land for centuries to come.
The Angel’s name was Temelloth, and it
joined Frey’s side as he began to lead his crusade
against the foul monster that ruled those lands.
Unfortunately for Frey, Czerina was ready, and
her servants fell upon the still-born crusade in
all their unholy fury. Ironically, if Frey had had
less faith in the purity of his followers, perhaps
he could have triumphed, during a key moment
of the battle, he was betrayed by his own second
in command, Lady Oksanna Jehanette Delora
Ysemgrin, who had hungered more for power
than faith. Temelloth set upon her in a rage, but
with their messiah fallen the crusade crumbled
and Czerina herself subdued the Angel, binding
its wings and dragging it deep into The Cairn to
enjoy her tender mercies for nearly eight decades.
In the meanwhile, Lady Ysemgrin rose as the
grandmaster of a new knightly order, the profane
Order of Blood, sworn to serve their new queen
and goddess. Frey’s fortress became the seat
of their new commandery, mockingly dubbed
Frey’s Rest as a final sign of disdain for their
former leader and his pledge to never tire until
evil was purged from the land. Together with
the servants of Beleroth Haar an Thell, Czerina’s
most skilled general, the Order of Blood became
Wreythau’s standing military force and a symbol
of oppression for the land.
The Rise of the Inquisition of the
Morning Lord
Bound in the dungeons beneath the Cairn
for decades, the Angel Temelloth was tortured
and driven insane by Czerina’s own hand, forced

to endure suffering unimaginable for any being
with a mortal frame, let alone mind. Countless
victims were used to toy with the Angel, killed
or tortured before his eyes, or worse yet,
encouraged to torture and betray him in turn. For
an entire human lifetime, Czerina spent every
moment, without rest, without end, torturing
and corrupting the Angel, transforming into a
broken reflection of what it once had been, and
then she released it back into the world, keen to
watch what it would do.
Steeped in a hatred so dark and complete
it transcended mortal comprehension, Temelloth
began to wage a holy war on Czerina and her
servants, its corrupted spirit severed entirely
from Lathander’s service and, instead, pledged to
a new master, a Dark Power of wildfire and arson
and death by flame. The horrifying miracles of
immolation that Temelloth performed soon
gained it a following of its own/ Preaching this
new, tainted faith, Temelloth built a religion
around itself: the Church of the Morning Lord.
Complete with its own saints and priesthoods,
the Church soon evolved into an Inquisition
sworn to purge the corruption and evil from the
land, though what was considered corrupt and
evil soon became any and all that opposed them
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
46
as the Church became as great an evil as all else
within Czerina’s domain.
The Founding of the Merchant
Consortium
Of all Czerina’s servants, none are perhaps
more foul than the Merchant Consortium, for
there is no supernatural coercion forcing them
into a life of deception, extortion, and murder. It
is simply the result of disgustingly benign greed,
the very same greed that would bind sentient
beings in chains or let poison seep into the town
water supply. It is all for profit. All for personal
gain and enrichment at the expense of all others.
Whatever might be said of the vampiric knights
of the Order of Blood, or even the zealots of the
Inquisition, they at least can claim they seek a
higher truth, or a more evolved state of being.
The Merchant Consortium, however, simply
lusts for gold, though perhaps that in itself is
a form of unnatural evil. Perhaps there truly
is another Dark Power at work, so subtle and
insidious that not even Czernobog’s servants
realize this...
Regardless, the Wreythian Merchant
Consortium wasn’t always this way. In the
beginning the Merchant Consortium was formed
as a result of a royal decree that was intended
to allow for the efficient management of the
Wreythian Economy. As a new kingdom, it
would take all of the people working together as
one to lay the foundations of their new home.
Many could say that it was this decree, in fact,
which helped Wreythau to flourish in the
decades before it was stolen by darkness once
again. Now, however, it is simply a financial
conglomerate that would be the envy of any
modern corporation. Now, the entire economy
of the nation is controlled by a single entity, and
one that is largely left to do as it will. Czerina and
her court are no longer to be bothered with such
material, pedantic concerns, which means there
is nothing to stop the Consortium from doing
what it wants.
That’s not to say, of course, that the
Consortium is separate from Czerina’s rule. No,
 rather, they are firmly at the beck and call of
their Queen. Their true purpose is no longer
to manage the Wreythian economy (though
they still fulfill this role), but rather to carry out
the edicts and commandants which she places
upon them. They are her agents, utterly and
completely, yet outside of this dury they have
free reign to exploit the people of Wreythau. All
of the goods that are produced must be sold to
them before they can be distributed around the
kingdom or readied for export. All of the trades
and artisans must be registered to guilds which
the Consortium manages. And, as they are in
charge of maintaining the kingdom’s roads, all
courier and travel services are overseen by them.
Most importantly, however, it is their control
of the ports and their ability to sail beyond the
bounds of the Domain and into the seas of the
Material Plane that gives them their greatest
amount of profit and power.

In fact, it was once the Consortium

was able to sail out from the freezing waters of
Wreythau to ply the seas of the Material Plane
once again that the organization began to shift.
This was over a century after Wreythau had
been ripped away to join the Domains of Dread,
a century of complete isolation, and so it is
perhaps understandable why the Consortium
was at first desperate for gold and trade goods.
Or, perhaps was it also due to the nature of
their other mission: to collect the finest artisans,
architects, artists, musicians, and other geniuses
of the lands and bring them back to Wreythau.
Many came with the promise of vast fortunes or
lands, yet others had to be convinced through
more persuasive means, such as strong rope
and a ride on a Consortium ship. This began
to make the Consortium enemies amongst the
kingdoms of the Material Plane, and soon they
began to operate well outside of any respect for
morality or the law.
offering their goods and services to all with
the gold to pay, and ever eager to strike when
the opportunity presents itself. They’ve made
alliances with others driven by a lust for gold, be
they corrupt officials or brutal criminals, and so
the Consortium has spread its creeping tendrils
as far as they can possibly go. Were it not for
the limited size of the Consortium, they might
perhaps become a significant threat in their own
right, but as they are bound to Wreythau, they
are simply like a weed or infestation of vermin
that is particularly difficult to stamp out.
On the next page you’ll find a summary
of the goods and services they offer (notably,
outside of Wreythau), along with a small
explanation for each:

Thus the Consortium adapted its

function, both in and outside of Wreythau, over
the millenia transforming into something to rival
the most cunning of merchants and the most
ruthless of thieves guilds alike. All throughout
the material plane, in each of the iterations that
it exists, the Consortium sails from port to port,
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
47
 Most Profitable Wreythian Exports
1. Clothing Dyes:
Using the profane influence of Czernobog, Czerina has twisted many of the plants in her
kingdom into unnatural organisms found nowhere else in the planes. This has led to the
discovery of dozens of incredibly rare clothing dyes that fetch tremendous prices in the markets
of the Material Plane. Whether it be the foul sap running through the stalks and boughs of the
plants, the intoxicating juices of its berries, or the brilliantly colored petals of their flowers, these
dyes are truly magnificent and are famous among the textile industries of many kingdoms. Of
course, not all of the dyes are safe, a truth the Consortium has used to great advantage when
dealing with uncooperative monarchs or officials
2. Alchemical Reagents:
Just as the beautifully horrible plants of Wreythau have led to the creation of rare clothing dyes,
so too has it also led to the discovery of tremendously powerful alchemical reagents. These potion
ingredients are not only rare, but many of them are unique (not to mention highly dangerous),
leading to the creation of an almost entirely new market for Wreythian reagents. Much of this is
due to the famed Alchemist of Inbarev, who has allowed many of his more harmless secrets to be
passed onto the Consortium, though what wonders still lurk within his workshop few can dare to
comprehend even in their nightmares.
3. Refined Platinum:
The mines of the Silver Graves are filled with rich veins of platinum that run deep into the
mountains. Nevermind that the Graves themselves are little more than a tomb, cart after cart of
platinum somehow finds its way to the surface...
4. Spices:
Less profitable than the dyes and reagents, the flora of Wreythau has also led to the proliferation
of new spices, as well as more common staples such as salt, pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. Unlike
some of the dyes and reagents, the Consortium is careful to only sell those spices safe for human
consumption, as the more poisonous variety is much more valuable sold upon the black market.
5. Cloth:
Wreythian wool is particularly magnificent, as are many of the plant based textiles that come out
of the weaving houses of the cities or off the looms of the farmers in their cottages. Nevertheless,
these textiles have rivals from many other kingdoms, and as such are merely a staple of trade
rather than a foundation of the Consortium’s wealth.
6. Refined Silver:
There is a reason why the tomb of Barrukhirrim was renamed the Silver Graves. Vast quantities
of silver lurk beneath the mountains of Wreythau, and a river of ingots regularly makes its
way to the surface and then out to sea where it is later minted and pressed into service by the
Kingdoms of the Material Plane.
7. Ink and Paper:
Almost as profitable as the silver the Consortium ships, the ink and paper from Wreythau is of
a particularly fine quality, made from special tree bark and plant fibers, along with a variety of
dyes, making many scholars and wizards quite happy to hear the Consortium has come to town.
8. Refined Iron and Tin:
Just as with the Platinum and Silver from the Graves, Iron and Tin flows in great quantities
from Wreythau. Much less profitable due to the long shipping voyages, it nonetheless brings a
significant profit.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
48
 9. Furs:
Luxurious furs also find their way from Wreythau, though few realize just what sort of creature
they now wear about their necks. Most all animals in Wreythau have been disturbingly altered,
after all, from the softest bunny to the largest bear. This has made the fur trade conducted by the
Consortium more niche, though many nobles prize their Wreythian mink, fox, blepas, and giant
bat cloaks and stoles for their softness and shine.
10. Alcohol:
Wreythian brews are certainly not unique, but there are few who’ve tasted a brew, wine, or
distilled spirit from the mysterious Island that wouldn’t wish to have a second mug. In particular,
there is a spirit from Wreythau known as the Sangecopac that is as nuanced and powerful as any
other and is a popular export.

Most Valuable Wreythian Services

1. Banking (Loans):
Having large quantities of platinum and silver, along with revenue from all of their other
exports, the Consortium has become a prolific lender considering the size of its operations.
Many kingdoms hold small loans with the Consortium, though primarily the loans are used as
leverage to advance their other trade goods or criminal activities.
2. Extortion:
Just as their loans are often used purely for the leverage and access that they can grant, the
Consortium uses threats and cunning schemes to ensure their interests aren’t opposed. Less
a generator of profit, and more of a pro-active insurance policy, the Consortium’s practice
of foreign extortion has helped their operation expand deep into many kingdoms of the
Material plane.
3. Information and Blackmail:
Beyond just furthering their own interests, one of the Consortium’s orders is to gather
knowledge of the worlds outside Wreythau, and as such they devote significant resources to
gathering information and conducting espionage, although they aren’t shy from using these
resources for their own ends and profit as well.
4. Piracy:
Though the Consortium fleet is small compared to many Navies or trading armadas, it is
nevertheless well armed. There are many dangers in the waters around Wreythau, after all,
though beyond that they are always eager to make a profit, and what is more profitable than
simply taking what they wish? So much the better if there are no witnesses, although the
Consortium will usually partner with other gangs of pirates and obey the rules of their alliance.
5. Assassination:
Due to their profoundly vast repertoire of poisons, toxins, and mind altering substances,
the Consortium is eager to ply their trade in the business of death, building a reputation as a
dependable contractor for others, and a fearsome enemy for those who cross them.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
49
 The People Of Wreythau
Long ago, the people of Wreythau
were a diverse group of immigrants from many
kingdoms, all seeking the opportunities that came
with the founding of a new land and the building
of new lives. The fact that this new land would be
built upon the bones of the old troubled very few,
as even the Ghul Sildreth had been conquerors
in ages past. Nevertheless, when Wreythau was
ripped out of the sea and dragged across The
Great Wheel, the kingdom was irrevocably
changed. No longer did trade flow through the
ports. No longer was the land safe for tilling,
planting, and settling as even the most harmless
of plants and animals became deadly predators
in their own right. Resources became scarce,
and as the pressure of necessity crushed down
upon them, the people of Wreythau turned upon
themselves. Neighbor turned upon neighbor and
society devolved back into desperate tribes with
wary eyes and hands clasped upon the handles
of blades. Violence between groups became
common, though an age of terror truly descended
when the people became struck with a foul curse.
None but the Blood Queen know the true
origin of the curse, though even she only has her
suspicions. Regardless of whoever called it into
being, though, it is certainly Czernobog’s doing.
For, almost a decade after it joined the other
Dread Realms of Barovia, half of the babes born
in Wreythau, whether to human and orc, elf and
halfling, and all but the dwarves, was twisted into
a horrendous blend of sentient being and animal.
From that moment on, only the most quickly
breeding of creatures, the humans, were able to
grow and thrive, pushing everyone else to the
fringes of the community. Then, centuries later
when the Dwarven kingdom of Barrukhirrim fell,
even the sole community unaffected by the curse
became a minority in Czerina’s dark land. So it
is that while halflings, gnomes, orcs, dwarves,
and elves are not uncommon in Wreythau,
they’ve merely been absorbed into the fringes of
human settlements and societies. After nearly a
millennium, a measure of harmony has descended
once again, with people of every description to be
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
50
found in the villages or city, except, of course, for
those inflicted with the curse.
Otherwise, the people of Wreythau are
a rather homogenous lot within the cultures of
their own communities. The dangers of their
land encourage unity and conformity, though
the relative isolation between settlements has
led to a smattering of different holidays, rituals,
and beliefs. That said, most Wreythians share
common beliefs and superstitions that guide
them through their lives, many of which have no
basis in reality. Many, but not all. There are some
true gems of mystical wisdom hidden within
their labyrinthine collection of practices and
convictions.
Prejudice among Wreythians
Few characters will arouse the ire and suspicion
of the Wreythians based on something besides
their actions and mannerisms. Note: classes and
subclasses fall under the ‘actions and mannerisms’
category. After all, just being strangers traveling
through the land has made the adventurers
a wondrous curiosity, though there are a
few exceptions:
Aasimar: Depending on the visibility
of their divine heritage, Aasimar are greatly
feared by the common folk. They are seen as
manifestations of the Morning Lord’s Will,
divine avengers come to punish the wicked and
root out corruption and weakness wherever it
is to be found. Any word or action might bring
down a terrible wrath upon them or their loved
ones, and so all but the most faithful adherents
to the Church will avoid the aasimar and say as
little as possible in their company. Great acts
of compassion are necessary to overcome this
superstition, although word won’t travel very far,
making each new settlement its own challenge.
As for the Church of the Morning Lord
and its Inquisition, the aasimar will become a
focus of their attention almost immediately. At
first, they will be seen as a tool at worst, and
an ally at best, though should the aasimar fail
to live up to their strict expectations for how a
holy being should act, the aasimar might quickly
 become accused of being evil in disguise and
“righteous vengeance” would quickly follow.
Tieflings: Like their more angelic cousins,
Tieflings do not have an easy time in Wreythau.
Seen as literal demons and devils, violent mobs
will often chase tieflings from their towns, and
few business owners or other public figures
will have anything to do with them out in the
open. In private, other accomodations could
be made, particularly if they think the Tiefling
has something to offer. There are exceptions,
of course. The Consortium, in particular,
will openly do business with anyone and
anything, though an association with this brutal
organization won’t win any more friends. As
for the Church, well, nothing quite inspires the
faithful like a public execution, and so there is
virtually no hope of peace should they discover
there is a tiefling among the adventurers.
Fey/Feytouched: Those touched by
the Fey have a much more interesting, if no
less difficult time in Wreythau. Many of the
townsfolk will fear and revile them, while others
will be enchanted with them and see them as
magical, wish granting creatures that can be
bargained with. This leads to many awkward
and strange encounters when interacting with
commoners, although most NPCs are simply
careful not to strike any but the most carefully
worded bargains with Fey characters.
Warforged: For those characters created rather
than born, the Wreythians will regard them as
little better than animate tools or mechanical
pets at worst. That doesn’t mean they won’t
marvel at the amazing engineering and artistry
that went into the creation of the character, but
it does mean that they will assume that there
must be someone in charge of the Warforged,
or in other words, someone responsible for the
Warforged’s actions and that the Warforged has
no more agency than a well trained animal, for
instance. Essentially, this means the Warforged is
considered property, dangerous to some, and very
valuable to others. The Merchant Consortium,
in particular, would be keen in acquiring the
Warforged as one of their own servants, and for
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
51
cunning adventurers this could present quite the
opportunity, though not without its risks.
Any creature with animal
characteristics: Despite the hardship that
the creatures above will face, no adventurer
will have a more harrowing journey than the
Tabaxi, Aarakocra, Tortles, or any other creature
with dominant animal characteristics. In the
settlements they will be treated as Beastfolk
and immediately regarded as hostile and evil,
no matter what they do. Among the Beastfolk,
however, they will be revered as something
beyond kin, as the ideal manifestation of what
they should become, which presents its own
hardships. In some ways, they’re like the Aasimar
of Beastfolk, seen as semi-divine and looked up
to, though even the Beastfolk aren’t a monolithic
culture. Some might resent the adventurer for
being so free of disability, and the Followers of
Agrona might even become hostile, viewing them
as living challenge to their belief that strength
and enlightenment come from suffering and
imperfection.
As always, this is up to DM discretion,
though these prejudices could lead to fascinating
and powerful roleplay moments.
Make sure that players understand and
agree to having this in the game, however,
as few things are more stressful than dealing
with traumatic echoes while you’re trying to
relax and have a good time.
 Most Common
Wreythian Superstitions
Roll 1d20 Or Choose From The Table Below:
1. Mirrors must always be covered when not
in use. To leave a mirror uncovered is to
invite evil spirits into your life.
2. Bathe with saltwater after touching
anything dead, whether a corpse or a cut
of meat, lest you attract evil spirits.
3. Never whistle or sing indoors without the
sound of a drum to scare away evil spirits.
4. Never sleep facing the Cairn, or else you
invite nightmares and other evil spirits
into your dreams.
5. Never put your shoes on the table or
you’re inviting an early death.
6. Crafting something outside will invite a
curse upon the object.
7. Always offer thanks to your shadow after
returning home lest it feel unappreciated
and stop watching your back.
8. Only people possessed by evil spirits
walk backwards.
9. Never go outside during a full moon or
else you’ll be marked for the hunt.
10. Always enter and leave a room with your
right foot. Only servants of evil enter
with their left foot.
11. Never harm or insult a raven or you’ll
attract the attention of evil spirits.
12. Don’t knock on wood lest you anger the
wood spirits.
13. Never give payment, gifts, or goods in
groups of 13 or else you’ll invite bad luck.
14. Never give away your last copper or you’ll
invite bad luck.
15. Always cross your fingers to seal a
deal or a pact or else you wish the
other person ill.
16. Anything that comes in groups of nines
will bring good luck.
17. Protective amulets and charms must
be set above the doors, windows, and
mantle places of a home or evil spirits will
get inside.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
52
18 Blood must always be washed away with
saltwater or else it will attract monsters.
19. A new round of drinks must always be
accompanied by a toast or else it will
invite bad luck.
20. If you see someone you met in a dream
you must throw salt on them.
Of course, being a land beset by many shades
of evil, steeped in curses and thousands of
years of history, several powerful groups have
arisen among the populace, spanning the entire
island and vying against one another for power.
Much of this is due to Czerina’s design, the
Vampire Queen having intentionally created
a landscape torn by constant strife so that the
strength or weakness of her dominion might
become known. In other words, it’s all a crucible
meant to produce the strongest servants and
most durable and efficient subjects for her rule.
Traces of her involvement can be found as the
adventurers pursue quests or experience the
autobiographical dreams from the Mirror of
Czerina (see Volume 2).
Below, you’ll find an overview of each
organization or group, along with a summary
of their outlook and how they operate, as well
as their internal factions, and lastly information
on important NPCs, their stat blocks, and the
stat blocks for the average creatures found
within each organization. Lastly, any named
NPCs without stat blocks will be encountered
in Volume 2, though a description has
been provided to help explain their place in
the campaign.
The Beastfolk
Almost a thousand years ago a
terrible curse struck the people of Wreythau,
transforming vast swaths of the population into
warped mockeries of sentient beings and beasts.
On the surface, at least. Beneath their twisted
flesh lurks the same mind and soul as is to be
found in anyone else, and yet how often do the
common folk truly try to look beyond what their
eyes can see? As newborn after newborn came
 into the world with their features blended and
fused with those of beasts and insects of every
variety, a terrible panic swept the land. Neighbor
turned upon neighbor, lords were cast down,
and mobs howling for blood rampaged through
the streets. The blades of axes were wetted red,
houses burned, and many were chased from their
homes, their helpless infants clasped desperately
in their arms. They fled to the woods in ragged
numbers, taking refuge far from the safety offered
by milled timber or cut stone. The bloodthirsty
mobs would not pursue them there, though
with good reason, for it was in the depths of the
wilderness that countless foul things waited,
drool spilling from eager jaws, vines and roots
creeping and restless in anticipation of this new
feast that had come into their midst.
Countless refugees died, their bodies
disappearing into the hungry wilderness, though
not all became victims to that hostile land, for
there were others amongst their number who had
also been cast out. The followers of the Old Faith
were among the first to be blamed for the Curse
when it struck, and many of their number had
been driven out along with the Cursed, forced
to flee back into the depths of the woods. Their
knowledge and magic was weakened by the foul
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
53
influence of Czernobog, but not without its uses,
and soon small enclaves were built beneath the
shadow of the trees, encampments and holds that
allowed the Cursed and the Old Faith to flourish
and grow once more. As the ages passed, more
came to join them, desperate mothers and fathers
with their afflicted children in tow, and as the
children grew into adults, they too had children
of their own, and so their numbers grew. A new
society came into being, there in the depths of
that most brutal wilderness.
Those who still dwelt in the settled parts
of Wreythau also multiplied and their villages
grew, and as they grew, so too did their needs.
More mouths meant more forest needed to be
raised for new farmland and cattle pastures,
more prey needed to be killed to provide meat,
more fish taken from the rivers and streams.
Soon contact between the ‘civilized lands’ and
those they had killed and driven out led to rising
conflict, and stories began to spread of bestial
monsters lurking in the woods, eager to rend and
eat their flesh. Hunting parties and militias began
to venture forth with nothing but death in their
minds, and so was sparked between the citizens
of Wreythau and those cursed peoples they had
come to call the Beastfolk.
The priests and priestesses of the Old
Faith were painted as servants of demons
and devils, vile worshippers of darkness that
conducted foul sacrificial rites and wrought
horrible curses against their foes. Any sickness
or turn of bad luck was blamed upon them, and
hatred for those that lived in the woods grew
and grew. More and more men and women
took up the sword and spear, venturing into the
wilderness to exterminate the evil vermin that
they imagined plagued them, and more blood
came to soak the roots of the forest. Soon, the
Beastfolk came to know their own hatred as
they watched encampment after encampment
wiped out and heard of peaceful hunters and
foragers that were captured and dragged off to
horrible deaths. Their own axes and spears were
forged, and war was brewed. Raiding parties set
out to massacre and burn farmsteads, and peace
was no more.
 Outlook and Life Among the
Beastfolk
In the thousand years since they first came
into being, the Beastfolk have come to comprise
almost the entirety of the Old Faith in Wreythau,
and have flourished in their own ways. They
group themselves into a confederacy of tribes,
with their own holy sites and centers of trade
scattered throughout the woods, though their
lives are hard and filled with peril. The curse that
affects the Beastfolk leaves many with painful
disabilities that make life even more difficult for
a group of persecuted people forced to live in
an incredibly hostile wilderness. Nevertheless,
in order to survive they’ve actually become an
incredibly compassionate and creative peoples,
organizing their society around accommodating
those troubled by their animal features and the twisted the cycles of the wild is profound, and
other hardships of life. For instance, harnesses as the remaining bastion of the Old Faith, they
and pulleys were created for those with hollow alone know of one of the only things that can
bones like that of birds, lines of rope stretching actually threaten Czerina (see Volume 2).
across every settlement to help facilitate their
ease of movement. They’ve also created special Unfortunately, however, even the
tools for those with hooves or claws instead Beastfolk are not immune to the insidious
of fingers, and have even developed a special influence of Czernobog, and over the past few
variation of Sylvan to accommodate those centuries, a tribe of Beastfolk has begun to
with teeth and fangs that snarl their lips. This break off from the rest, preaching a distorted
means that adventurers who speak Sylvan can philosophy that threatens to undermine the rest
communicate with the Beastfolk, though not of Beastfolk society in many important ways.
perfectly, as sign language, whistles, and other
glottal noises have come to replace common Internal Factions
words and thus bridge the language gap that
comes with such a diverse array of anatomy and
The Tribes of Caletos:
physiology.

The Tribes of Caletos comprise the tribal
On the whole, the Beastfolk are a people
confederacy of the Beastfolk and thus the
interested in living well and harmoniously
dominant society that most live under. They
with one another and with nature, devoting
believe in compassion and harmony, though
themselves to helping one another cope with
out of necessity have become very wary of
their cursed forms and banding together to
outsiders and do not shy away from violence
survive in the harsh landscape they’re forced to
if it means protecting their own. The Tribes
call home. As such, they have a very communal
follow communal leaders, as well as spiritual
mindset, and have many ways to resolve conflicts
leaders from among the Old Faith, and focus
between themselves. They celebrate art and
upon improving their communities and acting as
music, as well as the spiritual journey that each
shepherds of nature, as well as they can. A central
must undertake. There are many druids among
council gathers every year before the summer
the Beastfolk, as well as skilled hunters, gatherers,
solstice, resolving issues and making plans for
and crafters. Their study of nature is also without
how to improve encampments and trading
peer, their knowledge of how Czernobog has
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
54
 outposts. They prefer to focus upon building
up their own communities and managing the
wilderness around them than making war.

The Followers of Agrona

Unlike the Tribes of Caletos, the Followers of

Agrona are those Beastfolk ruled by their rage
and their contempt for outsiders. They believe
that raids and battle help their people more
than hiding in the forest, and that the land will
one day be theirs once those who persecute
them have been driven out. Their leaders have
fallen under the influence of Czernobog itself,
their philosophies having been perverted into a
worship of pain and struggle, believing that it is
through suffering that they are able to grow, and
so embrace cruelty, though it is cruelty with a
purpose. Many of their Druids favor the Circle of
Wildfire or Spores, and they value warriors over
crafters or artists.

Though few in number compared to the Tribes

of Caletos, the Followers of Agrona are the most
well known to the rest of Wreythau as they are
even lovers for a time, though it was clear that
the ones conducting raids upon settlements,
their paths were not to stay the same. Moshka’s
burning farmsteads and pillaging what they may.
eyes were fixed upon the canopies of the trees
And for every victory they gain new followers,
and the flowing rivers, the lives of the animals,
even as they attract more and more hostility
and the mysteries of the stars, while Czerina’s
towards the Tribes. As a result, the Tribes have
were fixed upon the throne. Nonetheless, when
grown to despise the Followers of Agrona,
Czerina called upon the Old Faith to join her
though the thought of making war against their
against Gulthias, Moshka came to stand by her
own people is so foreign to them that they feel
side once again. For decades they were reunited,
powerless to do anything about it. So, as the
though when Alexandros and his army came to
years have turned, more and more of the young
invade the land and Czerina turned to bargain
have defected to join with the Followers. As their
with the Fey, Moshka begged her not to. Moshka
numbers swell, the Followers have grown bolder,
told her that all things have their time and all
and ultimately drawing more attention, and more
things come to an end. Even if Wreythau had
danger, to all of Beastfolk.
only lived for a while, it had still lived, and
Moshka pleaded with Czerina to accept this. The
Dramatis Personae cost of the Fey’s bargain was simply too great,
Below, you’ll find a listing of important NPCs
far greater than either of them could ever hope
as well as the creature stat blocks that belong to
to imagine. But Czerina was not to be persuaded
the Beastfolk.
and so Moshka fled to the woods, watching with
Mata Yezinka horror at everything that transpired thereafter.
Long ago, when Czerina still drew breath, she
befriended a young acolyte of the Old Faith, a Over a thousand years later, Moshka still
woman about the same age who was known as lives, a powerful Archdruidess respected and
Moshka. Their friendship ran fast, and they were feared by all who know of her. Those among

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
55
 the Tribes of Caletos view her as their most Beastfolk Warrior
holy spiritual leader, and call her Mata Yezinka, Medium Humanoid, Alignment varies
or Mother of the Wilds, and heed her words as —
Armor Class 13 (hide armor)
gospel. That said, they also know that she can Hit Points 15 (2d8 + 6)
be dangerous. Thou wilt receive what thou has Speed 30 ft.
—DEX
STR CON INT WIS CHA
wrought has become her philosophy. Often, this 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
means lending healing and aid to those who need —
Saves Wis +2, Con + 5
it, but it also means lending death to those who Skills Perception +2, Stealth +3
cause more suffering than they ease. This has Senses Darkvision 60 ft.
Languages Sylvan
turned her into a protector as well as a guide, Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
so she’s taken to visiting the Tribes every year
—
during the Summer Solstice before returning Actions
to roam the woods from thereafter, teaching, Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (1d12 + 3) slashing damage.
counseling, and aiding any that she comes across.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
The Followers of Agrona hate her in
particular, for she is not like them, though even
they respect and fear the power and knowledge
she wields. Even her mount, a gigantic rooster
known as Autumnos, is a fearsome combatant
that knows the heart of all who approach it, and
many intrepid Followers have had their intestines
spilled by is talons and their heads torn free by
its beak, a far cry from the lovable bundle of fluff
that Beastfolk children crowd around during
the Solstice.

Ambigatus and Louhi

The Followers of Agrona have changed
leaders as the trees change leaves, though through
the centuries of conflict and infighting, a true
champion of bloodshed has risen with a deadly
Druidess as his advisor. Ambigatus (he who fights
on all sides) and Louhi (the sickness) form a Beastfolk Scout
deadly pair, and have turned the Followers into a Medium Humanoid, Alignment varies
formidable army that can challenge even the walls —
Armor Class 13 (hide armor)
of Raffenburg should they wish it. Thankfully, Hit Points 15 (3d8 + 3)
they are more interested in building their Speed 30 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
strength at the moment, gathering deadly allies 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0)
—
Saves Wis +3, Dex + 5
Skills Nature +4, Perception +5, Stealth +6, Survival +5
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive perception 15
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Keen Hearing and Sight. The scout has advantage on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or sight.

—
Actions
Multiattack. The scout makes two melee attacks or two
ranged attacks.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one

target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
56 Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, ranged 80/320 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
 Mata Yezinka Autumnos
Medium Human, Neutral Good Large Fey Spirit, Neutral Good

—
Armor Class 16 (hide armor, shield) —
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 180 (24d8 + 74) Hit Points 178 (17d10 + 85)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 23 (+6) 10 (+0) 21 (+5) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 19 (+4)
—
Saves Int +6, Wis +9 —
Saves Dex +4, Con +9, Wis +4, Cha +8
Skills Arcana + 8, Medicine +11, Nature +8, Perception +11 Skills Perception +8, Stealth +4
Senses Darkvision 60ft Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception
Languages Common, Sylvan, Druidic, Elemental, Draconic 18
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP) Languages Druidic, Sylvan
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
—
Spellcasting. The archdruid is an 18th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with —
spell attacks). It has the following druid spells prepared:
Actions
Multiattack. Autumnos makes three attacks: one with its bite
Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, mending, poison spray, and two with its claws.
produce flame
1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, entangle, faerie fire, speak Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
with animals target. Hit: 17 (2d10 + 6) piercing damage plus 3 (1d6)
2nd level (3 slots): animal messenger, beast sense, heat metal, lightning damage.
pass without trace
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
3rd level (3 slots): conjure animals, call lightning, plant growth
Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.
4th level (3 slots): dominate beast, locate creature, giant insect,
wall of fire Lightning Breath (Recharge 5–6). Autumnos exhales fire in
5th level (3 slots): commune with nature, insect plague, a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 17
tree stride Dexterity saving throw, taking 56 (16d6) lightning damage on a
6th level (1 slot): heal, heroes’ feast, sunbeam failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one
7th level (1 slot): fire storm
8th level (1 slot): tsunami Tactics: When provoked, Autumnos is as fierce as any dragon,
9th level (1 slot): foresight and will use it’s lightning breath to devestating effect before
diving in to claw and bite its enemies to death.
Actions
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.

Change Shape (2/Day). The archdruid magically polymorphs

into a beast or elemental with a challenge rating of 6 or less, and
can remain in this form for up to 9 hours. The archdruid can
choose whether its equipment falls to the ground, melds with
its new form, or is worn by the new form. . When the archdruid
reverts to their normal form, they return to the number of hit
points you had before you transformed. However, if they revert
as a result of dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage carries
over to their normal form. The archdruid can revert to its true
form using a bonus action on its turn.

While in a new form, the archdruid retains its game statistics

and ability to speak, but its AC, movement modes, Strength, and
Dexterity are replaced by those of the new form, and it gains any
special senses, proficiencies, traits, actions, and reactions (except
class features, legendary actions, and lair actions) that the new
form has but that it lacks. It can cast its spells with verbal or
somatic components in its new form. The new form’s attacks
count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistances and
immunity to nonmagical attacks.

Tactics: Mata Yezinka, while a formidable opponent on her

own, is truly fearsome with the aid of Autumnos. By casting
foresight on Autumnos, and allowing him to act as a frontline
combatant, she can wreak havoc with her powerful spellcasting.
However, if cornered, she would use her shapechanging to either
fly away, or become a dangerous beast to fend off attackers or
help Autumnos.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
57
 Beastfolk Juggernaut
Large Humanoid, Alignment varies

—
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 76 (9d10 + 27)
Speed 40 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0)
—
Saves Wis +5, Con + 5
Skills Perception +7
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive perception 17
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Charge. If the juggernaut moves at least 10 feet straight toward
a target and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, the
target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage. If the target is a
creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or
be pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.

Reckless. At the start of its turn, the juggernaut can gain

advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls it makes during that
turn, but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of
its next turn. from among the Corrupted Sidhe to stage their
coming campaign of pillage and slaughter.
—
Actions
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 17 (2d12 + 4) slashing damage.
The Inquisition of the
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage. Morning Lord
BEASTFOLK WITCH The Morning Lord is known as a symbol
Medium Humanoid, Alignment varies
of kindness, love, fertility, and healing for most
—
Armor Class 13 (studded leather armor) across the Planes, but not so in Wreythau. In
Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14)
Speed 30 ft.
Wreythau, the Morning Lord is synonymous
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA with mourning, with fire and terror, pain and
12 (+1) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) oppression. The Inquisition is focused upon
—
Saves Wis +5, Con + 5 stamping out all that it perceives as evil, ruled by
Skills Arcana +5 hate and fear as much as by the dogma spouted by
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive perception 14
Languages Sylvan their religious leader, the mysterious Abbot, who
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) is really the insane angel Temelloth in disguise.
Herd Arcana. When the witch casts a spell that causes damage
or that forces other creatures to make a saving throw, it can
They preach and proselytize, true, and attempt to
choose itself and any number of allies to be immune to the spread their faith, but it is the destruction of all
damage caused by the spell and to succeed on the required who oppose them that truly guides their actions.
saving throw.
Anyone who speaks out against them risks having
Spellcasting. The beastfolk witch is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its their door kicked down in the middle of the night
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with
spell attacks). It has the following druid spells prepared: and being dragged screaming through the streets
to a waiting pyre or a secluded torture chamber
Cantrips (at will): Shillelagh, Create Bonfire,
Druidcraft, Infestation with the Inquisitions finest waiting inside.
1st level (4 slots): Cure wounds, Entangle, Faerie
Fire, Goodberry
2nd level (3 slots): Barkskin, Heat Metal, Spike
The Inquisition has spread from the
Growth, Moon Beam Abbey in Leshehoff to ther grand Cathedral in
3rd level (3 slots): Conjure Animals, Call Lightning, Raffenburg and a formidable Shrine in Inbarev.
Erupting Earth
4th level (1 slot): Ice Storm From all three locations the Inquisition sends
crusades and patrols throughout the kingdom.
Actions They fervently battle the Beastfolk, the Order of
Quarterstaff (Shillelagh). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage.
Blood, and the servants of Czerina wherever they
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
58
 are found, though have been locked in perpetual
stalemate against their foes for centuries. This
is something the people of Wreythau are very
thankful for, for most of those wary of the faith
recognize that if there were no enemies without
the Inquisition would gleefully turn upon
‘enemies’ within.
Signs of Corruption
As the holy warriors of the Morning Lord, the
Inquisition is always on the lookout for the subtle
signs of corruption that might lurk beneath the
surface. Ever vigilant, ever zealous, none are safe
from the scrutiny of their gaze, or the depth of
their inquiries. Nonetheless, there are 7 common
signs of corruption that Inquisitors will check
for first, signs that a canny adventurer could
use to manipulate the Inquisition, or plunge the
adventurers further into peril.
1. The Mark of Corruption:
Inquisitors will examine all those they
come across for physical manifestations
of evil. Most notably this would be signs
of the Curse that created the Beastfolk,
but this also applies to Tieflings, Aasimar,
or characters with remarkable physical
features like birthmarks, milky eyes,
uncommon numbers of fingers, or even
oddly colored hair. Should the mark be
obvious, such as a Tieflings horns or tail,
then the shackles will come out. Should
the mark be more celestial in nature, the
inquisition will interrogate the adventurer
to learn if they are truly an agent of
the divine or if they are some demon
in disguise.
2. Foul Speech:
Anyone who does not offer praise to the
Morning Lord is suspect. Anyone who
outright refuses to praise the Morning
Lord, even when pressed, will be assumed
to be incapable of pronouncing that which
is sacred, and must therefore be corrupt.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
59
3. Fear of Fire:
To the servants of the Morning Lord, fire
is the most sacred element, righteous and
purifying, and anyone afraid of flame will
be considered suspect.
4. Fear of Holy Water:
It is not uncommon for an Inquisitor to
give impromptu blessings with holy water,
sprinkling water from an aspergillum
or flicking it from their fingers. Anyone
who recoils is considered suspect. (A
DC 10 Concentration check might be
reasonable for a character not to react
when suddenly having water splashed in
their face).
5. The Color of Blood:
A common tool among the inquisition is
a spiked ring that can prick the flesh of
the unsuspecting and draw their blood.
Any blood that flows a different color
than red would be considered a mark of
corruption. As such, the Inquisition is not
fond of anyone wearing gloves, and will ask
adventurers to remove them. As the mark
of corruption is also common upon the
hands, this serves two purposes.
6. The Reflection of Evil:
Almost all Inquisitors carry hand mirrors
with them, believing that evil will appear
distorted, or even not at all in their
reflections. Of course...not all mirrors
are created equal, and some of the more
psychotic inquisitors (like Vellekov) carry
flawed mirrors
7. Holy Deception:
It is not evil to trick the agents of evil into
revealing their true natures. Should an
inquisitor suspect, but otherwise have no
other proof of corruption, they will lie and
attempt to trick a confession from their
chosen target. Perhaps they will claim to
detest the Church, or that they themselves
are an agent of evil to see the kind of
response this prompts.
Internal Factions
The faith of the Morning Lord has two
main branches:
 The Church
Headed by Father Lorreus, the Church of the
Morning Lord is composed entirely of clergy,
men and women of the cloth dedicated to
scripture, theological debate and artistry, and
charitable work. Notably, however, only the
faithful are able to receive charity, a form of
extortion that has forced many of the desperate
into the ranks of their congregations.

The Inquisition:
Headed by High Inquisitor Viktor Tarasov, the
Inquisition is the militant branch of the church,
leading crusades and sending witch hunters to
sniff out blasphemy throughout the kingdom.
Tarasov is a cunning zealot, a man obsessed
with power and his own importance, and yet his
insane belief in the glory of the Morning Lord
cannot be denied. Together with his right hand
man, The Blade of the Sun, Anatole Vellekov,
Tarasov has brought death and suffering to every
corner of the land. Any evil they actually killed
was mostly just coincidence.
Dramatis Personae
The Abbot (Temelloth):
Released from his torment a broken
wreck of the divine being it had once been,
Temelloth rampaged through the land, smiting
the innocent and raising great swaths of the
land. When it calmed and saw the terror it had
wrought, a poisonous idea, one that had been
planted long ago in Czerina’s dungeons bore
fruit, and the angel assumed the form of a man,
climbing inside a body to wear like a skinsuit,
and then went out among the people preaching
of the Morning Lord’s light. Their wickedness
had brought down this holy wrath upon them,
and only his teachings could save them. Only
the light of the Morning Lord could banish the
darkness and provide safety and hope in their
pitiful lives. So it was that Temelloth gained his
following, and over the centuries shaped it into
the abomination that the Inquisition has become.
Now, Temelloth spends decades
sequestered beneath the Abbey in Leshehoff,
torturing the unfaithful and musing upon the
state of the universe in the way that inhuman,
eldritch beings do. It is not a mortal and does
not perceive things upon the same scale. What
compassion it once had has been erased, and
though Temelloth could theoretically become an
ally, it has become more like a demon, twisted
by a hatred so profound it is incomprehensible.
Temelloth is not something to be saved, it is
something to be struck down and freed from
the torment its existence has become. The Dark
Power of Fire and Death has claimed it, and it is
now a creature of evil as much as it had ever been
one of good. See L9M in Chapter 3, Leshehoff,
for Temelloth’s stats.
High Inquisitor Viktor Tarasov
Tarasov wasn’t always a cruel, predatory
man, though he was raised as an orphan by the
Church, and that meant from a young age he was
fed a steady diet of uncompromising scripture
and brutal punishment, and this has forged him
into the vile, manipulative, zealot that he has
become. Above all, however, Tarasov is cunning.
His faith consumes his mind and blinds him
to certain truths, true, but he is also a brilliant
schemer and a survivalist, recognizing that
discretion is the better part of valour...at least
where he, himself, is concerned. As the head of
the Inquisition, he has dozens upon dozens of

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
60
 pawns to play, and even more of the faithful that
would come running at his call.
Nevertheless, Tarasov’s highest
priorities are the preservation and prosperity
of the Inquisition and the destruction of evil,
and he does his best never to let one priority
endanger the other. This makes him a foe that
can be bargained with, though only with a
great deal of leverage. Even then, he just might
very well find a way to weasel out of it, as he
only considers oaths made to the Abbot and
the Morning Lord to be sacred, and all else is
but shadows and false promises. What’s more,
Tarasov’s ego places him as only second to the
Abbot, and as such views the preservation of his
own life as the preservation of the Church itself,
and will only fight to the death if it is apparent
he cannot escape. Of course, should he live,
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
61
High Inquisitor Viktor
Tarasov
Medium Human, Neutral Evil
—
Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
Hit Points 140 (15d8 + 75)
Speed 30 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 18 (+4)
—
Saves Con +6, Wis +6, Cha +6
Skills Insight +7, Perception +7, Persuasion +7, Religion +5,
Stealth +7
Senses Passive Perception 16
Languages Common, Celestial, Infernal, Abyssal
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Spellcasting. Trasov is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
ability is Wisdom (save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). All
radiant damage is converted to fire damage that bypasses
resistance. Tarasov has the following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): guidance, poison spray, resistance, spare the
dying, thaumaturgy, sacred flame
1st level (4 slots): inflict wounds, guiding bolt, shield of
faith, sanctuary
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon, zone of truth
3rd level (3 slots): bestow curse, feign death, spirit guardians
4th level (3 slots): locate creature, guardian of faith, death ward
5th level (2 slots): flame strike, insect plague
Actions
—
Attack. Tarasov makes one scourge attack.
Scourge +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 17 (5d6)
fire damage.
Legendary Actions
—
Tarasov can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Tarasov regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. Tarsov moves up to his speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Attack. Tarasov makes one attack.
Tactics: In combat, Tarasov is ruthless, but is also most
interested in self preservation. If he believes that he is facing
significant risk of death (such as being brought to half health)
he will simply try to leave. Otherwise, he prefers to stand behind
his minions and use spiritual weapon, flame strike, guiding bolt,
or his scourge on his adversaries. His fallback is then Spirit
Guardians, using his movement to bring new enemies into range
of the guardians and their damage, and then follow it up with
Inflict Wounds.
 righteous vengeance would follow as soon as the
opportunity presented itself. Inquisition Acolyte
Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil

—
Armor Class Armor Class 12 (leather armor
Blade of the Sun, Anatole Vellekov Hit Points 9 (2d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—DEX
The Blade of the Sun, Tarasov’s right STR CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
hand, is a brute of a man. Cruel and bloodthirsty, —
Skills Deception +2, Religion +2
Vellekov cares only for the destruction of evil, Senses passive Perception 10
which is everything that is not part of the Church Languages Common
and the Inquisition. That does not mean Vellekov Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Dark Devotion. The acolyte has advantage on saving throws
is stupid, however. He is clever in his own way, against being charmed or frightened.
an able tactician, and will not waste an advantage
or throw his life away needlessly. Otherwise, he —
Actions
is as monstrous as any creature the adventurers Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
would encounter. Perhaps this is because he is creature. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) slashing damage.

Sacred Fire Flask. Ranged Weapon Attack: range of 15ft. All

Anatole Vellekov creatures within 5 feet of the impact site must succeed a DC 13
Dexterity save or take 1d4 fire damage and be lit on fire. Any
Medium humanoid (half orc), Chaotic Evil creature lit on fire takes 1d4 fire damage per round until they, or
another creature, spend an action to extinguish the flames.
—
Armor Class 15 (Half Plate)
Hit Points 100 (12d8 + 46)
Speed 30 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) INQUISITOR
— Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil
Saves Wis +4, Cha +7
Skills Arcana +4, Deception +7, Medicine +4, Persuasion +7, —
Armor Class Armor Class 16 (Breastplate)
Religion +4
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
Damage Resistances slashing from nonmagical attacks not
Speed 30 ft.
made with silvered weapons —DEX
STR CON INT WIS CHA
Senses darkvision 60 ft. (pierces magical darkness), passive
14 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 14 (+2)
Perception 11
Languages Common, Celestial, Infernal, Abyssal —
Skills Deception +4, Perception +3, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Senses passive Perception 11
Blessed of the Morning Lord (Recharges after a Short or Languages Common
Long Rest). When Anatole makes an ability check or saving Challenge 2 (450 XP)
throw, he can add a d10 to the roll. He can do this after the roll is Dark Devotion. The acolyte has advantage on saving throws
made but before any of the roll’s effects occur. against being charmed or frightened.

Spellcasting. Anatole is a 17th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks).
He regains expended spell slots when he finishes a short or long
rest. He knows the following warlock spells:
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, friends, prestidigitation,
shocking grasp
1st-5th level (4 5th-level slots): hellish rebuke, wall of fire,
armor of agathys (fire instead of ice), dream, vampiric touch
Spellcasting. The inquisitor is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit
with spell attacks). The Inquisitor has the following cleric
spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): silence, spiritual weapon

Actions —
Actions
—
Multiattack. Anatole Vellekov can make two attacks. Multiattack. The fanatic makes two melee attacks.

Longsword +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) creature. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage
fire damage

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
62

INQUISITORIAL OFFICER
Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil
—
Armor Class Armor Class 16 (Breastplate)
Hit Points 63 (6d8 + 30)
Speed 30 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2)
— comes safety for themselves and their families. So
Skills Deception +4, Perception +3, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Dark Devotion. The acolyte has advantage on saving throws
against being charmed or frightened.
Spellcasting. The inquisitor is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its
spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 11, +3 to hit
with spell attacks). The Inquisitor has the following cleric
spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): light, sacred flame, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): silence, spiritual weapon
— over the safety of their village, agonizing over
Actions
Multiattack. The fanatic makes two melee attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing
damage if used with two hands.
simply a body without a soul, a puppet of the
Dark Power controlling the Inquisition. Or,
perhaps he is simply an extremely chaotic evil
man. Only the DM can decide.
The Order of Blood
Centuries ago, when the holy paladin
Frey built his crusade upon the very cursed soil
of Wreythau itself, he failed to account for the
centuries of bloodshed and struggle that already
weighed upon the people of the land. Just to
venture out beyond your front door might lead
to a horrible death, as the very ground beneath
your feet, ground you had tread countless times
before, one day decided to swallow you in a
grasping pit of drowning mud. And for those that
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
63
instead chose to embrace the wisdom of hiding
behind their very firmly locked front doors,
well, they might meet a similar fate, devoured
by carnivorous swarms of rats that had been
hiding in the walls. Such a deadly land breeds
desperation and fear, and with desperation and
fear comes a thirst for power, for with power
it was that Oksanna Jehanette Delora Ysemgrin,
daughter of the Baron Ysemgrin, rode out from
the village of Inbarev in search of the strength
necessary to defend her people.
Frey welcomed Oksanna, as he welcomed
all those who came to his banner, but as she
was one of the first to heed his call she earned
a special place by his side. In time, however,
it became clear that she and Frey had a very
different understanding of the land. Oksanna
had grown up listening to her father lamenting
each and every death that filled their modest
graveyard to overflowing, year after year. She did
her best to learn and understand the lessons that
Frey taught, though he had come from a much
softer world, a world where spring and summer
brought bounty and hope to the people, a world
where brave heroes like himself were almost
thought of as common, and his esoteric teachings
on the glory of Lathander and the strength of
light and joy felt foreign to her, like a language
she just couldn’t quite understand.
Czerina, ever watchful, recognized the
spark of doubt in Oksanna’s eyes, and with
predatory mirth descended to entice her away
from the would-be messiah of Lathander.
Czerina came to Oksanna in many guises and
showed her dark miracles of terror and wonder,
and planted the seeds of doubt. She tutored and
mentored Oksanna when Frey’s attention was
turned towards his other disciples, and so she
shaped Oksanna into a knight that Wreythau
would be proud of. A knight that prized suffering
as the path to strength and glory, a knight that
knew the call of bloodlust, a knight entranced by
the mystical properties of death. So it was that
Oksanna’s sword pierced Frey’s back when his
crusade needed him most, and in the wake of
his death, it was Lady Oksanna Jehanette Delora
Ysemgrin that arose as Grandmaster of a new
 Order, one dedicated to the dark goddess Czerina
and all that she had taught.
In the centuries since the Order of Blood
was founded, Grandmaster Ysemgrin has joined
Czerina’s court as one of her brides, and has
worked with Beleroth Haar An Thell to forge a
standing army their mistress might be proud of.
Countless undead horrors dwell in the halls of the
fortress that has come to be known as Frey’s Rest,
though it is the knights of the Order themselves
that are known and feared throughout the land.
Tenets of the Order of Blood
The vampiric knights of the order hold
to a strict code and devote themselves to a
monastic pursuit of martial prowess and eldritch
knowledge, making them powerful foes that
should not be faced lightly. A strict and complex
code of conduct is enforced on all who join the
order, though there are 4 major tenets which
guide all others:
1. Honour the Blood Queen:
Blessed is she, the Endless Hunger,
the voice of the storm, the mother of
suffering! May you honour her in all
things, for it is only by her example can
you become more than what you are. Her
word is law, her works your inspiration,
her will that of the universe. To dishonour
the Vampire Queen is to lose your soul,
for only in her embrace can your true
potential be found.
2. Embrace Suffering:
Pain and torment are your greatest
teachers, torture is your love, perfection
is your goal. Only through the embrace
of suffering can you shed the bondage of
what you once were. Do not shy from
suffering, for only through the challenge
will you gain strength, only through
anguish will you gain wisdom. To embrace
comfort is to embrace your cage, to shackle
your soul to weakness and oblivion.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
64
3. Seek Knowledge in Blood:
Blood is life, yet it is also the herald
of death. Within the crimson sea is
enlightenment, but only for those who
savor it. To feast is to become its slave,
to waste it upon the soil is to embrace
oblivion. Spill blood with purpose, drink
it with reverence. Meditate upon the
crimson tides and unlock the secrets
hidden within.
4. Destroy All Who Challenge You:
Whoever approaches you with steel in
hand must be broken. To challenge you
is to challenge the Queen herself, and to
forgive is to bring dishonour to her. Let
their blood stain your lips, let their bones
be ground beneath your boots, yet do not
mistake weakness for challenge. To destroy
the weak is to revel in the comfort of your
own power. Only through challenge will
you find suffering, only through suffering
will you find honour.
In short, the Order of Blood is fanatically
devoted to Czerina and the pursuit of martial
prowess and mystical wisdom. They attract
many who seek power, yet not all are worthy of
their teachings, and dissension has begun to split
their ranks.
Internal Factions
The Traditionalists
Led by the Grandmaster herself, the
traditionalists seek to preserve the ritual,
philosophy, and practices of the Order. They
embrace the suffering brought by their monastic
way of life and seek to master themselves so that
they might reach the pinnacle of what they can
be. Their unlives are filled with complicated
rituals, intensive training, and in-depth
meditation, though they do not sit idly in their
Commandery. Quests are frequently issued to
the worthy, long journeys that send the Knights
out throughout the land to uncover knowledge,
recover powerful relics, or defeat worthy foes.
Others are dispatched to perform military duties
for their Queen, including acting as guards for
 her other servants, as well as defending her
palace, The Cairn.
Even within the Traditionalist faction,
however, there is a great deal of infighting.
Grandmaster Ysemgrin leads the Order as a
whole, true, though the Master of Beasts and the
Master Arcanist constantly maneuver against
her, and each other, as they attempt to steal her
position. The Master of Beasts oversees the care
and training of all the Order’s beasts of war,
while the Master Arcanist serves as the ultimate
authority on magic in the Order. Each sees their
particular specialty as the true path the Order
should take, though this internal strife has been
playing out for centuries without having budged
a single inch. The arrival of the adventurers could
change that, but not until the Renegades are
dealt with.
The Renegades
Unfortunately, the Order of Blood has long
attracted those enthralled with the offer of
power, yet not the will or the integrity to live
up to the standards of the Order. Many are
killed for failing in their duties, though some
have managed to escape. Led by the firebrand
warrior, Braclav Hajek, the Renegades have
fled from the Commandery of Frey’s Rest and
headed to Leshehoff, intent upon winning glory
on the field of battle and growing their strength
through furious bloodshed. They view restraint
as a hindrance and believe that reveling in their
power in slaughter will allow them to truly
embrace their potential. Several have taken to
setting upon travelers upon the road, in imitation
of Czerina’s mythical nights spent as the Black
Rider, dueling any and all with the bravery and
steel to challenge them. Most, however, have
gathered near Leshehoff, intent upon destroying
the Beastfolk and the Inquisition that dwell there
and taking the settlement for themselves.
The Traditionalists, in turn, have not sat
back idly, but have instead dispatched Questing
knights to destroy these upstarts.
Dramatis Personae
Grandmaster Ysemgrin
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
65
Everyone she has ever known and loved has
long since died, her family having even faded
from the annals of their Barony in Inbarev. But it
doesn’t matter. Ysemgrin’s quest is still the same.
She seeks might and magic, enough strength and
knowledge to defeat the evils of the land. What
does it matter if she also walks a path stained by
shadow and blood? Power is power, and what
others call “good” matters not at all. She saw
for herself, when Frey died at her hands, that
righteousness cannot overcome strength, and
thus morality is simply a discussion for fools.
She leads the Order of Blood through
a strict code of obedience and the threat of the
sword that forever hangs at her side. Many have
tried to claim her position for themselves, and yet
none have succeeded. She fears nothing but the
displeasure of the Vampire Queen, though she is
not ruled by fear. Should the adventurers have
something to offer that she doesn’t have herself,
like possession of the Relics of Legend, she might
be persuaded to ally with them, even if indirectly.
She’s not as old as many other creatures in
Wreythau, but she is incredibly knowledgeable
and can offer great insight into The Ruins of
Nemeth, The Silver Graves, the Reinwalds, or
even Temelloth itself.
Renegade, Sir Braclav Hajek
Once upon a time, Braclav was a
guardsman in Leshehoff, a family man with a
wife and children he loved more than anything
else upon the earth. He served under the present
Baroness of Leshehoff’s father, and was a capable
fighter and loyal man until the walls of the town
were breached by a horde of enraged Beastfolk.
He did his duty, refusing to abandon his post
even as terror for his family tore at his heart, and
yet when the smoke cleared and the bodies were
counted, he found that everything he held dear in
this life had been torn from him. His house had
burned with his family inside. If only he had been
stronger. If only he hadn’t pledged himself to
those who were unworthy!
Mad with grief and rage, he fled the
village, determined to join the Order of Blood
 and win the strength needed to enact the revenge
he so desperately craved. His skill at arms and
fearless nature made him an excellent candidate
and he was soon inducted, and made a knight
Sir Braclav Hajek
Medium undead (vampire), neutral evill
—
Armor Class Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 200 (30d8 + 65)
Speed 30 ft.
—DEX
STR CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 10 (+0) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 14 (+2)
—
Saves Wis + 5, Con + 7
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Skills Deception +4, Perception +3, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Draconic, Sylvan, Infernal
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)
Action Surge (once, recharges on a short or long rest). On
his turn, Sir Hajek can take an extra action.
— Consortium
Actions
Multiattack. Sir Hajek makes two attacks: one with his blood
whip and one with his bite, or two attacks with his sword. Hajek
can only bite once per turn.
Blood Whip. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one
target. Hit: 18 (4d6 + 4) slashing damage. If the target is Medium
or smaller, it is grappled (escape DC 16), dragged to an open
square adjacent to Hajek, and is restrained until the grapple ends.
While grappling a creature, Hajek can’t attack with his Blood
Whip again.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature
that is grappled by Hajek, incapacitated, or restrained.. Hit: 8
(1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) necrotic damage.
Longsword +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5
ft, one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 8 (2d8
necrotic damage)
after decades of service, one of the fastest in
the Order’s history. Nevertheless, he chafed at
being unable to pursue his vengeance, chafed
at the self-absorbed nature of the Order, and
eventually broke free, taking like-minded men
and women in his act of rebellion. Now, he leads
the Renegades, having returned to Leshehoff to
take it for his own. He bargains and deals with
the Baroness and her husband, but in truth he
blames her family for the death of his own and
will betray her in time.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
66
Sir Rurik Constantin
Sir Constantin is an ancient member of
the Order, an introspective and spiritual man.
Despite his adherence to the code of the Order,
his interpretation is far more liberal than most
others. This manifests in what is almost akin to
pacifism, as he restrains his vampiric nature and
recognizes that, as he is quite powerful, almost
no one can actually challenge him. Because of
this, he can be an ally of the adventurers, and
introduces them to the quest “Relics of Legend”,
telling them stories about items of power that can
be found across the land.
For stats, use the Vampire Warrior, found
on page 298 of the Monster Manual.
The Wreythian Merchant
Within the borders of Wreythau,
the Merchant Consortium operates slightly
differently than it does in the outside world.
Their monopoly on trade is already securely
in place, and as such they don’t spend nearly as
much energy securing their influence and power.
In many ways they’ve become complacent,
like a wolf that has glutted and gorged itself so
completely it decides to take a nap right beside
its kill. Of course, being in the seat of Czerina’s
power, they really don’t have anything to fear
until the adventuring party arrives.
Business Practices in Wreythau
In addition to managing trade, as well as
guild licenses and memberships across Wreythau,
the Merchant Consortium also offers the
following services:
Courier Services and Travel: the roads
of Wreythau are far from safe, but as the only
entity responsible for the upkeep of the highways
and other paths, the Consortium has seen fit
to monopolize the postal service, along with
being the sole providers of carriages and wagons
that will accept passengers between settlements
(anyone discovered offering passage to others
faces harsh taxation and the threat of violence).
 Security: The Consortium has a rather
robust stable of bravos and toughs that it
employs as muscle, large enough that they don’t
mind loaning them out for hire. Many farms,
fisherman, hunters, and herbalists enlist extra
protection from the Consortium as they go
about their duties, and the town of Leshehoff, in
particular, has hired extra muscle to help insulate
them from the Inquisition. Their services don’t
come cheap, of course, but the bravos of the
Consortium are no cowards and will offer quite a
few pounds of flesh in return for gold.
Information: Even in Wreythau, there
are those who can greatly profit by having
access to the right information at the right time,
particularly if that information is enclosed in a
letter that’s been entrusted to the courier service.
Not that the Consortium would ever admit to
spying on the contents of the parcels and letters
in their care, but for those with enough coin,
privacy depends upon who offers the highest fee.
Internal Factions
The Consortium is more unified than most
other organizations throughout Wreythau.
Instead of having constant infighting among
hostile factions they have branches that
specialize in different aspects of the Consortium’s
business. Mostly, these branches are grouped by
geography, with a separate branch residing in
each of the settlements (Leshehoff, Raffenberg,
and Inbarev). A separate branch handles the
maintenance of the highways, along with
shipping and transports, and a final branch
handles the affairs of the Consortium outside
of Wreythau. This branch, known as the Outer
Seas, is the most numerous and powerful, though
their attention is solely focused abroad. Members
of the Outer Seas usually prefer to stay away, for
obvious reasons, though no member of the Outer
Seas may stay away for more than 30 years, and
any member that marries abroad must bring their
spouse back to Wreythau in time to deliver their
firstborn on Wreythian soil.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
67
Dramatis Personae
Most of the notable NPCs of the Wreythian
Merchant Consortium are location
specific, though there are a few that bear
notable discussion:
Raum
Raum (pronounced Rom) is a skilled
assassin that has returned from service in the
Outer Seas. As an elf, he is a somewhat strange
member of the Consortium, but has been a
part of it for a few centuries. His people were
originally herbalists, and thus very knowledgeable
when it came to poisons, something Raum found
an affinity for.
Despite being a cold blooded killer
that takes great pride in his work, Raum is
incredibly polite and interested in other people.
Fascinated by them, really. This often comes off
as an inquisitive and charming, though more
private characters might find it intrusive. The
adventurers will first encounter Raum aboard
The Pelican, and later see him captured by the
Inquisition. Considering that Raum keeps his
true profession secret, and pretends to be nothing
more than an expert in dyes and cloth, as well
as the latest fashions, the adventurers might be
willing to help rescue him. If they do rescue him,
Raum will consider them to be very valuable
assets, something that will likely come off as
loyalty. Which, in some ways, it might be, as
Raum would be eager to help the adventurers,
and thus create a sense of debt between them,
though he is not an adventurer himself. Most
likely his help will come through advice on
dealing with the Consortium, as well as the other
groups in Wreythau.
Cival
Cival is a rare member of the Consortium.
She still officially belongs (only death ends
membership in the Consortium), but has ‘retired’
to run the tavern in Leshehoff. All of which
is just a cover for her true activities, however,
which are to destroy the Consortium’s hold
over the people of Raffenburg. As a member
of the Consortium, and once a high ranking
member of the Outer Seas, she knows that
Raffenberg and Raffen’s Bay are the keys to the
 Consortium’s grip over the land. Should they lose
the city, their power would be greatly weakened,
and from there a less predatory relationship
could be developed. As Leshehoff is the closest
settlement to Raffenburg, yet mostly outside of
the Raffenburg branch’s notice, this makes it
an ideal staging ground for the revolution she
has planned. Using trusted contacts within the
courier system she coordinates the movements
of the resistance. The “need” for frequent supply
trips also allows her to enter and exit Raffenburg
as often as once a month, giving her the access
she needs while still maintaining her cover as a
washed out trader looking for a quiet life.

Intelligent and patient, Cival is a powerful

ally for the adventurers, and will recognize that
they might be important pawns for her gambit.
She’ll try to befriend and aid them, though is
careful not to reveal her true motives. And,
should the adventurer’s turn on her for some
reason or another, she becomes a deadly enemy.

The Gheata Sisters: Anca,

Sorina, Ileana

In Raffenberg there sits a house, the
House of the Drowning Sun, a hotel, brothel, Consortium Bravo
gambling parlour, and so much more. The sisters Medium Humanoid, Usually Evil

who manage it have carved out a little nest —

Armor Class 14 (hide armor)
of neutrality in the volatile city, friends to all, Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5)
Speed 30 ft.
enemies to none, and they welcome all through STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
their doors. Gold and wine flow freely inside, 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10(+0)
though it is really the flow of information that —
Skills Stealth +6, Survival +2
keeps the Drowning Sun running. In truth, the Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common
sisters are Consortium operatives that have Challenge 1 (200 XP)
carved out this little kingdom of their own, eager
to enjoy their profits and interested in little else. Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage when
the bravo hits with it (included in the attack).
In fact, it is this disregard for loyalty that has
saved Cival’s life, as the sisters are quite aware Surprise Attack. If the bravo surprises a creature and hits it
with an attack during the first round of combat, the target takes
of her plans for the city, but in return for their an extra 7 (2d6) damage from the attack
silence, they are guaranteed that nothing much
will change for them. And, should Cival fail, —
well, she’ll likely have still done enough damage Actions
Morningstar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
to open the door for a change in management target. Hit: 12 (2d8 + 3) piercing damage.
with the Sisters as the strongest contenders
Handaxe. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5
for that title. ft. or range 30/120 ft., piercing damage in melee or 6 (1d6 + 3)
piercing damage at range

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
68
 Consortium Hitter Consortium Armored Tiger
Medium Humanoid, Usually Evil Large Beast, Unalignedl

—
Armor Class 16 (studded leather armor) —
Armor Class 17 (half plate armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30) Hit Points 84 (7d10 + 14)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 40 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 3 (-4) 13 (+1) 8 (-1)
—
Skills Acrobatics +6, Perception +5 —
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +6
Senses passive Perception 15 Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common Languages
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Killer’s Eye (3/Day). As a bonus action, the Hitter can add 1d10 Keen Smell. The tiger has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
to its next attack or damage roll with a longbow or shortbow. checks that rely on smell.

Pounce. If the tiger moves at least 20 feet straight toward a

—
Actions
Multiattack. The Hitter makes two attacks with its bow
or shortsword
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 150/600 ft.,
one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn,
that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone. If the target is prone, the tiger can make one bite
attack against it as a bonus action.
—
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
10 (1d10 + 5) piercing damage.

Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

Consortium Lieutenant Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.
Medium Humanoid, Usually Evil

—
Armor Class 16 (studded leather armor) Consortium Mage
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30) Medium Humanoid, Usually Evil
Speed 30 ft.
—DEX —
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
STR CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) Hit Points 60 (9d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
Saving Throws Dex +6, Int +4 —DEX
STR CON INT WIS CHA
Skills Acrobatics +7, Deception +3, Perception +3, Stealth +10 9 (-1) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
Senses passive Perception 13
Damage Resistances: poison —
Saving Throws Int +7, Wis +4
Languages Common, Infernal, Thieve’s Cant Skills Arcana +6, History +6
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) Senses passive Perception 11
Assassinate. During its first turn, the Lieutenant has advantage Languages Common, Infernal, Draconic, Abyssal
on attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn. Any Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
hit the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit. Spellcasting. The mage is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The Lieutenant deals an extra 14 (4d6) ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell
damage when it hits a target with a weapon attack. attacks). The mage has the following wizard spells prepared:
Evasion. If the Lieutenant is subjected to an effect that allows it
to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation
assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic missile,
throw, and only half damage if it fails. shield, Disguise Self
Cunning Action: On its turn, the Lieutenant can use a bonus 2nd level (3 slots): misty step, Melf’s Acid Arrow ,
action to dash or disengage. Detect Thoughts
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, Sending
4th level (3 slots): Faithful Hound, ice storm
—
Actions 5th level (1 slot): cone of cold
Multiattack. The Lieutenant makes two shortsword attacks.
—
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Actions
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must Athame (dagger). Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.

Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 80/320

ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage, and the target
must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6)
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
69
 The House of Reinwald
Long before even the Ghul Sildreth
landed upon the island, tribes of humans, orcs,
and other creatures had settled there and became
part of the land. They warred, and hunted, and
built communities, and as they did all this they
attracted the attention of the Fey. One tribe in
particular rose to prominence, famed for their
ruthless hunts, and in appreciation for their
bloody works they received a blessing from a
Fey known as Vargr. From then on, they became
known as the Children of Vargr and grew to
dominate as a pack of ferocious werewolves.
When the Ghul Sildreth arrived, they quickly
subdued the Children of Vargr, but saw no need
to exterminate them. If anything, the Children of
Vargr emulated the beliefs of Gulthias better than
many of his followers, and so they became a part
of that dark kingdom.
Centuries later, when Czerina’s armies
conquered the land, many of the Children of
Vargr were slain, but there was one pack that
instead chose to bend the knee and pledged to
help unify the land under their new Queen’s rule.
So it was that the House of Reinwald arose, given
the rule of a County in thanks for their efforts
to crush the remaining strength of the Ghul
Sildreth. There were those that voiced concern
over the thought of werewolves being allowed
to rule, though the Followers of the Old Faith
stepped up in support of the Reinwalds. After all,
the blessing of Vargr was not like other forms of
Lycanthropy. Theirs was a deeper connection to
the joys and desires of the primal beast, rather
than a cursed and insatiable bloodlust. They were
not mindless, nor were they filled with a craving
for human flesh. They simply were filled with the
need to hunt and to live close to the land
After the fall of Wreythau, however,
when the influence of Czernobog grew once
again, the Reinwalds found themselves wishing
to return to the ancient ways where all that
ran through the forest, whether on four legs
or two, would become their prey. They grew
in strength over the centuries, solidifying their
hold over their county, even as newcomers such
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
70
as the Order of Blood or the Mad Alchemist
carved out pieces of the kingdom for their own.
The Reinwalds knew that if they bided their
time and focused upon the strength of their
pack, eventually their time would come. Their
bloodline was ancient, their connection to the
land second only to the Queen of Blood herself.
So they gather their strength and wait, playing at
being dilettantes and debaucherers. They throw
wild parties and go on extravagant hunts. They
go abroad and gather new meat for their pack.
Sometimes, the influence of Czernobog seeps in,
twisting the blessing into the common curse of
Lycanthropy, but the Reinwald’s care not. They
know that, in time, Wreythau will once more be
theirs. They are the Children of Vargr, and they
will one day welcome back their true master.
The Court of
The Blood Queen
Almost all of the creatures and beings
within Wreythau serve the Vampire Queen in
one way or another, even if they don’t realize
it. However, Czerina’s most trusted servants
are those that comprise her royal court, and all
are powerful, dangerous individuals that the
adventurers must face. Many manage their own
organizations, whereas others participate in
implementing Czerina’s will directly.
Beleroth Haar An Thell:
Even older than the Vampire Queen
herself, there is perhaps no mortal being as
ancient as the dread warrior known as Beleroth
Haar An Thell. Centuries before he joined the
Ghul Sildreth, Beleroth served as one of the elite
guards of the Elven monarchy. In truth, he had
been ordered to join the followers of Gulthias as a
spy within their ranks. Tragically, due to the lack
of contact he had with his superiors, Beleroth
carried out this duty long past the survival of
his own kingdom. When Gulthias gathered his
army and sailed forth, Beleroth took his place
amongst the vanguard, eager to warn his people
before disaster fell upon them. To his horror,
he discovered that all he pledged his fealty too
 had already crumbled into dust, his ancient
kingdom having dispersed and disintegrated
long ago. Nevertheless, even through his grief,
he pledged to uphold his vows and find a way to
bring ruin to the Ghul Sildreth, and that ruin he
found within the promise of the human heroine,
Czerina Gavranova.
Fighting side by side with Czerina,
offering advice as part of her war council, and
seeing how she led her people, Beleroth came to
admire the human woman, seeing in her a vestige
of all that he had lost. They began to court, and
by the time the Ghul Sildreth were crushed,
Gulthias was slain, and the kingdom of Wreythau
was formed, they married and Beleroth became
her royal consort. For decades they were happy
together, though when the army of Alexandros
arrived, things changed. Beleroth saw the years
of pain and torment Czerina’s family had
caused her rising once again, drowning
what he so loved as defeat neared.
sword fingers itch, and he is often looking for an
excuse, despite his calm, affable demeanor. It’s all
a mask, of course.
He serves as the regent for his wife and
Queen, a duty which demands that he remain
dignified and well comported. That doesn’t mean,
however, that the mask never slips, particularly if
he is given cause.
In fact, the adventurers are most likely
to give Beleroth an excuse to let the mask slip,
though he also recognizes their worth to Czerina.
He is the reason they came to Wreythau in the
first place, and he knows that they represent the
best hope for freeing his love. Thus, unless the
adventurers convince him that they will never
help Czerina, he will never kill them. Should
conflict arise he might leave them battered and
bloody, but he would still leave them alive.

Rage filled him, the millennia of his own

torment as part of the Ghul Sildreth rising
to the fore, and he fled from Czerina’s
side, falling upon Alexandros’ forces like
a monster from legend. And, when that
fateful pact with Czernobog was forged, he
wept, for he realized that he had once more
lost all that he loved. Alas, his devotion
was complete, and he stayed by Czerina’s
side, helping to manage her domain in the
centuries that she slept and advising her
when she awoke. Over the millenia, he still
saw parts of his love shining through, and
has become determined to help her break
the curse of Czernobog.

In the meantime, violence has become

one of Beleroth’s great pleasures. He
personally hunted down and killed the vast
remains of Alexandros’ army, and then
gathered their skulls to pave the road to
Czerina’s castle, and developed something
of a taste for all the bloodletting. In the
centuries since, he has become a little
unhinged, his bloodlust straining against
his otherwise excellent composure. His

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
71
 Beleroth Haar an Thell 1st level (4 slots): shield, magic missile, sleep, tasha’s
caustic brew
Medium humanoid (elf), lawful evil 2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, misty step, spider climb
— 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, sending, thunderstep
Armor Class 16/21 (natural/bladesong) 4th level (2 slots): dimension door, wall of fire
Hit Points 200 (20d10 + 91) 5th level (1 slot): steel wind strike.
Speed 40 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Actions
14 (+2) 22 (+6) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) Multiattack. Beleroth makes three attacks.
—
Saving Throws Dex +12, Con +9, Wis +6, Cha +8 Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Skills Arcana +11, Deception +10, Persuasion + 9, Perception +8, Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison damage.
Stealth +10
Senses darksight 60 ft., passive Perception 18 Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: + 12 to hit, range 20/40 ft.,
Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan, Elemental, Infernal, Abyssal, one target. Hit: 8 (1d4 + 6) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8)
Celestial, Draconic poison damage.
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 150/600
—
Hellish Weapons. Beleroth’s weapon attacks are magical and ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage plus 13
deal an extra 13 (3d8) poison damage on a hit (included in (3d8) poison damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14
the attacks). Constitution saving throw or be poisoned. The poison lasts until
it is removed by the lesser restoration spell or similar magic.
Bladesong. Beleroth can spend a bonus action to add his
intelligence modifier to his AC, raising it from 16 to 21.
Legendary Actions
Weapon Bond. Beleroth can summon his weapons as a Beleroth can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
free action. options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a
time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Beleroth
Legendary Resistance (3): When Beleroth fails a save, he can regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
instead spend one Legendary Resistance and choose to succeed.
Move. Beleroth moves up to his speed and does not take attacks
Spellcasting. Beleroth is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting of opportunity.
ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell Attack. Beleroth makes one weapon attack.
attacks). He has the following wizard spells prepared: Cast (cost 2). Beleroth casts one spell that takes no more
than an action
Cantrips (at will): firebolt, message, prestidigitation, mold
earth, infestation

Lady Oksanna Jehanette Delora become known as The Cairn due to the hundreds
of corpses sealed into its walls. All of the artists,
Ysemgrin builders, and architects were sacrificed in the
construction of that terrible edifice. All, that is,
Though she is already detailed above,
except for Isidora. Her genius shined so brightly
it is important to remember that Grandmaster
that Czerina could not help but invite her to live
Ysemgrin is part of Czerina’s court as one of her
as a member of her court permanently, joining
brides, and the Order is merely the military arm
her and Beleroth in matrimony and accepting the
of Czerina’s rule. The Renegades, of course, flout
curse of immortality so that she can live on with
this, but the Traditionalists are the backbone
them through the ages.
of her martial forces, and as their commander,
Ysemgrin is Czerina’s left hand.
A thousand years is a long, long time,
however, and due to this Isidora has begun to
Isidora look beyond the physical manifestation of art,
peering instead into the mystical aspects inherent
Isidora was once a brilliant painter and
in such powerful works of creation. Now, her
sculptor. Her artistic genius revolutionized the
work has become so refined and transcendent
practice of art in the city of Waterdeep before she
that it has taken on supernatural power of its
accepted the offer to sail to Wreythau. Word had
own, and Isidora has used it to build a cult
been sent that the greatest artists were needed
following around herself. She has taken on the
to help decorate the Grand Palace of a Queen,
pseudonym of Glasya, in mockery of Asmodeus’
and so she traveled to Wreythau. Unbeknownst
daughter, and has moved to Raffenberg so that
to her, however, that Grand Palace would later
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
72
 her cult might grow and thrive. When she hears
that Czerina has awoken once again she will
briefly rejoin her court before being dispatched to
Raffenburg to carry out Czerina’s will once again.
R. K. Schryer:
The ostentatious and extravagant
dramaturge and poet R. K. Schryer is a much
more recent addition to Czerina’s court, having
come to Wreythau only 400 years before. His
plays became the talk of the land immediately,
and when he promised to pen the story of the
Queen of the land, Czerina invited him to her
palace. There he joined her and the rest of
her court in marriage, and has since become a
staple of Wreythau’s art community. He owns a
theater company that travels with the Merchant
Consortium throughout Wreythau and with
the Outer Seas, though his contact with the
wider world has forced him to reinvent himself
many times over the centuries. R. K. Shryer
is merely his most recent pseudonym, though
even under this new guise he has already gained
renown for the truly disturbing, yet insightful
content that he produces, in addition to the more
typical crowd pleasing fare. No doubt when the
adventurer’s arrive, he’ll wish to create a play
especially for them.
Encounters in Wreythau
There are many types of encounters that
adventures can run into in Wreythau, though
they can be grouped into 4 major categories:
Environmental encounters, wildlife encounters,
supernatural encounters, and encounters with
Czerina herself. That fourth category is discussed
elsewhere, but the others are detailed below.
Primarily, environmental encounters are
best used when combined with other encounters
or story events. Wildlife encounters can be used
wherever you wish to add a spice of danger, and
are also perfect for introducing the adventurers
to the truly monstrous state of nature in
Wreythau. Supernatural encounters, on the
other hand, are best used to emphasize elements
of the setting and the story. That said, all good
encounters emphasize aspects of the setting
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
73
and the story, though some are able to do so
better than others. Environmental and Wildlife
encounters largely involve combat, whereas the
supernatural encounters take on a broader variety
of appearances.
Environmental
Encounters
Environmental encounters involve all of
the nonliving aspects of Wreythau, such as earth,
rain, wind, rivers, and storms. Remember, the
land itself has been corrupted and turned into a
predatory perversion of itself, so when coming
up with new encounters of your own, simply
ask yourself: how could this be made dangerous
or horrifying? There are two sample encounters
below: Blood Rain and Cursed Earth.
Blood Rain
As the billowing storm clouds gather above
you, the scent of blood begins to fill the air.
The clouds seem to hang lower and lower in
the sky, until at last the rain begins to fall.
Heavy drops of liquid the color of blood
cascades down upon you in pounding sheets,
transforming the world into a vision of gore.
Blood Rain is an environmental hazard
that is best used when combined with a combat
or other tense moment. Blood Rain isn’t actually
blood, but is a poisonous substance that can easily
kill any creature exposed to it for too long. Blood
Rain does 1d4 Poison Damage every round to
creatures exposed to it without adequate cover or
proper rain protection.
Blood Rain only does damage if a
character is fully exposed. So, for instance, a
character sheltering beneath a tree or canvas tent
would not take damage, but a character standing
beneath the rain in only regular clothing and
armor would take the damage.
This means that players can get creative,
using spells, skills, and items to create cover if
there is none to find, or it means that a battle
becomes even more tactical as the players and
 their enemies move from cover to cover, or try to
buy time as they try to create their own.
A DC 13 Survival Check would allow
you to give players suggestions, such as: using
oil, tallow, or wax to waterproof a cloak. 1 flask
of oil could waterproof one cloak, whereas
4-5 candles could provide tallow or wax to
waterproof one cloak, though it would likely take
a few minutes to perform. Tent canvas should
already be waterproofed, perhaps providing
temporary cloaks if cut up. Essentially, any other
item or spell that helps keep water off of the skin
would allow players to avoid taking the damage
every round.
Cursed Earth
At times, the earth of Wreythau itself
will try to kill you. One common phenomenon
related to this is the spontaneous generation of
spiked pit traps.
A DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check
will reveal the following:
The earth gently trembles beneath your feet
before lying still once more.
A DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation)
check will reveal that the earth over the pit trap
has been disturbed. Perhaps it’s turned to mud,
or perhaps it simply looks discolored. Applying
at least 10 pounds of pressure on this area will
cause the earth to fall away, thus revealing a deep
pit with jagged spires of stone lining the bottom
of the trap.
A creature Falling into the pit takes
11 (2d10) piercing damage from the spikes, in
addition to any Falling damage (usually 2d6
falling damage from a 20ft. drop). Even nastier
versions have poison smeared on the spikes. In
that case, anyone taking piercing damage from
the spikes must also make a DC 13 Constitution
saving throw, taking an 22 (4d10) poison
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage
on a successful one.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
74
Consider having the pit trap appear just
before a fight to present an added danger for the
coming combat.
Cursed Wildlife
The wildlife of Wreythau has also
been cursed, the plants and animals of the land
having been turned into monstrous and deadly
versions of their mundane selves. Below are a few
common examples. These are best introduced
in combination with environmental hazards,
or while the adventurers are traveling from
one place to another. While they might seem
like common encounters on the face of it, the
nature of these creatures should help introduce
more dread as the adventurers realize just how
alien and hostile the landscape truly is. Feel free
to raid the Monster Manual or other bestiaries
for more ideas of terrible monsters to throw at
your players, but use them with a purpose: i.e.
to introduce more tension, to reveal something
about a region, or to make another fight even
more challenging.
Assassin Vines
Almost any plant in Wreythau can grow
to resemble an Assassin Vine, from trees, to
large ferns, to giant fronds of grass. However,
because these carnivorous plants strangle and
crush large prey, too many of them competing
in close proximity to one another can lead to an
ecosystem crash. As such, they tend to be solitary.
That is, they tend to be surrounded by other,
nonthreatening plants that feed on much smaller
prey. Consider adding an assassin vine to any
other woodland encounter.
Swarm of Carnivorous Rats
The rats in Wreythau are much like the
rats found on the material plane, except for the
fact that they have become much more aggressive
pack hunters. If gathered in large enough
numbers, Wreythian rats can even take down
large prey. As such, pest control has become a top
priority for Wreythians, as people are regularly
eaten by large swarms of rats that have been
allowed to gather in attics, sewers, midden heaps,
or other environments where rats tend to live.
 Swarm of Carnivorous Rats
Large swarm of tiny beasts, chaotic evil

—
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d10 + 8)
Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
STR DEX —
CON INT WIS CHA
9 (-1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 5 (-3) 10 (+0) 3 (-4)
—
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 20 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages --
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Assassin Vine Blood Frenzy. The swarm has advantage on melee attack rolls
Large plant, unaligned against any creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
—
Armor Class 13 (natural armor) Seething. Once it enters combat, the swarm deals 10 slashing
Hit Points 85 (10d10 + 30) damage to itself at the end of its turn if it did not make an attack
Speed 5 ft., climb 5 ft. on that turn. This damage ignores resistance, and it cannot
STR DEX —CON INT WIS CHA reduce the swarm to 0 hit points.
18 (+4) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 1 (-5) 10 (+0) 1 (-5)
— Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and
Damage Resistances cold, fire
vice versa, and it can move through any opening large enough
Condition Immunities blinded, deafened, exhaustion, prone
for a Tiny creature. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain
Senses blindsight 30 ft., passive Perception 10
temporary hit points..
Languages --
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
—
False Appearance. While the assassin vine remains motionless, Actions
it is indistinguishable from a normal plant. Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature
in the swarm’s space. Hit: 14 (4d6) piercing damage, or 7 (2d6)
piercing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer..
—
Actions
Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 20 ft., one
creature. Hit: The target takes 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage,
and it is grappled (escape DC 14). Until this grapple ends, the
target is restrained, and it takes 21 (6d6) poison damage at the
start of each of its turns. The vine can constrict only one target
at a time.

Entangling Vines. The assassin vine can animate normal vines

and roots on the ground in a 15-foot square within 30 feet of it.
These plants turn the ground in that area into difficult terrain. A
creature in that area when the effect begins must succeed on a
DC 13 Strength saving throw or be restrained by entangling vines
and roots. A creature restrained by the plants can use its action
to make a DC 13 Strength (Athletics) check, freeing itself on a
successful check. The effect ends after 1 minute or when the
assassin vine dies or uses Entangling Vines again.

Lamprey Rabbits
Even the rabbits of Wreythau are bloodthirsty
killers. They are pack hunters that roam the
land in large groups of 10 to 30 rabbits, swarming
their prey and dragging them to the ground.
From a distance they resemble regular rabbits of
an unusual size, though as soon as they open their
mouths their true nature is revealed. The rabbits
hunt by selecting a single target and swarming
it at once. As each rabbit clamps its jaws onto its
prey, the added weight of the rabbit eventually
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
75
 drags the target down until it dies from blood Lamprey Rabbits
loss and exhaustion. Lamprey rabbits are Small beast, unaligned

opportunistic, and will happily attempt to steal —

Armor Class 12
a kill from another predator, or even attack the Hit Points 7 (2d6)
Speed 30 ft.
other predator as well. —DEX
STR CON INT WIS CHA
9 (-1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 5 (-3) 10 (+0) 3 (-4)
Carnivorous Horse —
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Unlike their mundane counterparts, Languages --
carnivorous horses are lone predators, Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
though they sometimes hunt in mating pairs. Keen Smell. The lamprey rabbit has advantage on Wisdom
Carnivorous horses have been domesticated, but (Perception) checks that rely on smell.
they are temperamental and dangerous animals, Pack Tactics. The lamprey rabbit has advantage on an attack roll
meaning that only the wealthy tend to be able against a creature if at least one of the rat’s allies is within 5 feet
to afford their care. In the wild they are brash of the creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated.

and violent animals and ruthless hunters that

—
don’t fear death. Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage. Creatures that have been bitten by
a lamprey rabbit are automatically Clamped.

Clamped. When a lamprey rabbit bites its prey, it’s lamprey

maw clamps onto the creature. The creature’s speed is reduced
by 5ft for each lamprey rabbit clamped onto it, to a minimum
of 0ft. A clamped rabbit does 4 (1d4 +2) piercing damage to its
target every round. A DC 15 Athletics check is needed to rip the
rabbit free, dealing another 1d4 piercing damage as its jaws are
pulled free.

Supernatural Encounters
Supernatural encounters are brushes with
the otherworldly and unnatural, emphasizing
the occult realm through which the adventurers
tread. They also help you to emphasize aspects of
the campaign that you want to bring to the fore,
or at the very least make present. The following
encounters are examples of this, though you are
encouraged to come up with more encounters
on your own.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
76

Carnivorous Horse
Large beast, unaligned beneath the table, it looks as if everyone just
—
Armor Class 11
Hit Points 42 (5d10 + 15)
Speed 30 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 2 (-4) 12 (+1) 7 (-2)
— instruments, they will hear the faint sound of
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages --
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Trampling Charge. If the horse moves at least 20 feet straight
toward a creature and then hits it with a hooves attack on the
same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving
throw or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the horse can
make another attack with its hooves against it as a bonus action.
— dance in excess of their constitution bonus, they
Actions
Multiattack. The carnivorous horse can make one bite and one
hooves attack per turn.
Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
12 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Ultimately, these supernatural encounters
tend to be roleplaying encounters, rather than
combat encounters, providing a chance for the
characters to interact with the horror of the
setting itself.
Feast of Plenty
The Feast of Plenty is an encounter that
emphasizes the Fey. The encounter can appear
anywhere the players are traveling, so long as it’s
outside of civilization. When you wish to trigger
this encounter, read the following:
As you travel, you come upon a clearing filled
with the remnants of a small fete. A table that
looks like it was grown from the union of two
trees, rather than built, sits in the center of the
clearing, covered with plates of food, cups, and
pitchers of wine. To the left of the table sits
several instruments, carefully leaning against
one another so as not to fall into the grass.
A DC 14 Investigation Check will reveal
that while there are signs of recent activity
in the clearing, such as footprints left from
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
77
dancing, signs of spilled wine puddled on the
ground, and a small pile of cleaned chicken bones
suddenly disappeared. No tracks lead away from
the clearing.
If one of the adventurers approaches the
music, almost like a memory, but won’t be able to
tell where it might be coming from. If they pick
up any of the instruments and play them, then
everyone must make a DC 14 Charisma save or
be compelled to continue playing the instrument
or be compelled to dance. The characters can
repeat the check every hour. For every hour they
take one level of exhaustion (a character with
a constitution of 14 would need to dance for 3
hours to take a level of exhaustion).
If any of the adventurers try the food
or wine, they must make a DC 14 Charisma
save or be compelled to eat and drink as much
as they can. Characters drinking the wine
must make constitution saving throw not to
get drunk. If they fail more saves than their
constitution bonus, they pass out (a character
with a constitution of 14 would need to fail 3
saves to pass out). The constitution save DC
starts at 12 and increases by 3 for each drink. The
character can repeat the DC 14 Charisma save
after each drink.
When it comes to the food, the character
must succeed a DC 15 Constitution Save not
to become so full they’re immobilized. The DC
of this save increases by 3 for each hour that
they eat. The character can repeat the DC 14
Charisma save each hour.
Any character that is unaffected can try
to snap the other characters out of it, granting
Advantage on the DC 14 Charisma save, but
only for one other character. They must focus
their efforts to break the enchantment affecting
the character.
Once the characters have all succeeded,
they will suddenly find that the clearing is filled
with Fey. Pixies, sprites, dryads, elves with
 exaggerated features, and all manner of strange
nature spirits surround them. They all boo and
groan, lamenting that the characters passed
their tests. They present the characters with 1d6
Healing Potions or a common magic item each
before disappearing.
What’s more, the characters will
realize that the wonderful feast was actually
not wonderful at all. The wine was blood, the
food was made of humanoid corpses, and the
instruments were all wounded animals.
If the characters all fail, or partially
fail, then the Fey will appear, laughing and
prancing, only to be chased off by Mata Yezinka
and Autumnos. Mata Yezinka would cure any
affecting characters and this would give them
a chance to interact with her. She’ll lead them
to Caeltos Village if they haven’t been there
already. If they have, she’ll simply remind them
of their task ahead, or otherwise answer their
questions, etc.
Schryer’s Undead Troupe of
Players
This encounter is meant to emphasize
Wreythau’s connection to undeath, as well as
connect to Czerina’s Court. This encounter can
happen anytime the characters are on the road.
As you travel down the dirt highway, you
see that there is a small caravan up ahead,
composed of colorful covered wagons with
several figures swarming around them. As you
get closer, you realize the largest cart has lost
a wheel and the figures are trying to repair it.
Painted across the side of the wagon is a sign
that reads “Schryer’s Famous Players”, perhaps
explaining the colorfully painted wagons and
the dress of the people working on the wagon.
As you near, one of the figures approaches
you, raising a skeletal hand in greeting before
shouting ‘What ho, chaps! Care to lend a hand?
Schryer’s Famous Players was an acting
troupe once composed of living actors and
actresses but they have since been granted the
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
78
immortality of undeath. They were simply
too skilled to go to waste, and now they exist
solely for the pleasure of the stage. They all
wear painted masks to hide their grinning
death’s heads, and most wear gloves, though
bits of skeletal still show through. There are 15
players in all, and each is as undead and skeletal
as the last.
Despite this, they are entirely harmless.
Most are relentlessly cheerful, and would be
happy to give the adventurers a free show in
exchange for their help in repairing the wagon.
They will also offer to accompany the characters
until their paths must part ways and make
good conversationalists, asking the characters
questions about themselves or discussing their
unlives as actors in the employ of the master
dramatist R.K. Schryer. Alas, they haven’t
been summoned to perform for the Queen in
over a century, which has been a rather harsh
ignominy to bear, but they are hopeful their
upcoming show in Inbarev will draw the Queen’s
favor once again.
If attacked, the players are entirely defenseless,
and will simply beg for their unlives, even as they
are crushed to dust. This would also spawn an
Unholy Jester for later in the campaign, though
thankfully they won’t need to worry about
that for now.
Scaling Relics of Legend
In this campaign, each character should
receive one powerful, scaling magic item known
as a Relic of Legend. Each Relic is steeped in
ancient history, long forgotten, and possesses
tremendous power for those with the will to
unlock it. Each adventurer can only attune to
one Relic of Legend at a time, and must perform
certain acts in order to unlock its next level of
power. The Relics each possess a resting state,
followed by three progressive levels of power,
each level adding new bonuses and features.
Note: features that have the same effect are not
cumulative, but instead replace the previous,
lesser version. The requirements to unlock
 each level of power are listed in the relic
descriptions below.
If an adventurer chooses not to continue
to unlock the Relic due to the disturbing nature
of the acts, then the Relic will disappear,
choosing a new champion (aka an enemy) that
the adventurer will soon face. This makes the
relics almost as dangerous as they are helpful,
and will force the adventurers to grapple with
the question of what they are willing to do in the
name of power. If the adventurers seek to re-bind
the relics and send them back to rest, they must
perform the Ritual of the Underworld (see Ch 3.
Leshehoff) while holding the weapon. This would
change the ritual to reflect the relic’s past, and
should the adventurers’ succeed, then the relic
would be put back to “sleep”.
Staff of the Old Faith
This gnarled length of petrified wood is
studded with cloudy gemstones and is
surprisingly light, as though it was still made
of wood instead of stone. When used as a
magical focus, the gemstones flare with light,
reflecting the nature of the spell or the will of
the caster.
Resting State:
In its resting state the Staff of the Old Faith
is an unbreakable magical focus as well as a
quarterstaff.
In order to unlock its first level of power,
the wielder must attune to the staff and be able
to cast spells. Once attuned, the staff can be
summoned by spending one action.
+1:
At this level of power, the Staff acts as a +1
quarterstaff, as well as a +1 spellcasting focus,
adding +1 to spell attack and damage rolls.
Furthermore, you learn one druid spell of a level
that you can cast. This spell counts as a spell
known and you can cast it as normal. You can
replace this spell with a new Druid spell each
time the staff levels up.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
79
In order to unlock the next level, you must
be level 6, and you must kill a helpless enemy
by casting a spell with the staff that does
elemental damage.
+2:
At this level, the Staff counts as a +2
quarterstaff, in addition to being a +2 Spellcasting
focus, adding +2 to spell attacks and damage.
Furthermore, your spellcasting ability raises by 2,
to a maximum of 22.
In order to unlock the next level, you must be
level 9 and you must sacrifice a soul to the staff by
crushing the victim’s head with the staff.
+3:
At this level, the Staff counts as a +3
quarterstaff and a +3 Spellcasting focus, adding
+3 to spell attacks and damage. Your spell casting
modifier increases by 2, to a maximum of 24.
Furthermore, you gain an extra spell slot of the
highest level that you can cast.
You must perform nine unwilling sacrifices a
year in order to maintain the Staff at this level.
Sword of Slaughter
The center of the sword’s crossguard has been
worked into the shape of a human heart, with
arteries forming the ricasso and melding into
the blade. When this sword has drawn blood,
the heart begins to beat.
Resting State:
Note: the sword can be transformed into any
melee weapon of your choice. In its resting state,
the Sword of Slaughter is an unbreakable melee
weapon, though one of superb craftsmanship.
In order to unlock the first level of the sword,
one must attune to it and be proficient in its use.
Once attuned, the sword can be summoned by
spending one action.
+1:
At this level, the sword acts as a +1 weapon
(adding +1 to attacks and damage rolls).
 Additionally, the sword does 1d6 extra damage of
the same damage type.
In order to unlock the next level of the sword,
you must be level 6 and you must kill a helpless
enemy by dismemberment.
+2:
At this level, the sword acts as a +2 weapon.
Additionally, your strength or dexterity score
increases by 2, to a maximum of 22. Lastly, every
time you kill an enemy you heal for 2d6 hp.
In order to unlock the next level, you must be
level 9 and you must eat the flesh of a sentient
creature that you’ve killed with the sword.
+3:
At this level, the sword acts as a +3 weapon.
The sword now does 2d6 (total) extra damage of
the same type. Lastly, your strength or dexterity
increases by 2 to a maximum of 24.
You must dismember 9 helpless victims a year
in order to maintain the sword at this level.
Shield of the Dead
The surface of the shield has been worked into
a masterful relief sculpture depicting an angel
of death. When attuned to the shield, the angel
of death takes on your appearance.
Resting State:
In its resting state, the relic is an unbreakable
shield, adding +2 to your AC.
In order to unlock the next level, you must
attune to the shield and be proficient in its use.
Once attuned, the shield can be summoned by
spending one action.
+1:
At this level, the relic is a +1 shield. Your
constitution score increases by 2, to a maximum
of 22. As a reaction you choose to take the
damage that would be dealt to another character
that you can see.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
80
In order to unlock the next level of the shield
you must be level 6 and have saved the life of one
other creature.
+2:
At this level, the relic is a +2 shield. Your
constitution score increases by 2, to a
maximum of 24. As an action, you can cast Life
Transference without expending a spell slot. Roll
1d6. On a 5 or 6 you can cast Life Transference
again without expending a spell slot. On a result
of 1-4, you cannot cast it again until you take
a long rest.
In order to unlock the next level of the shield,
you must be level 9 and you must have fallen
unconscious as a result of using the abilities of
the shield.
+3
At this level, the relic is a +3 shield and you
raise your constitution score by 2 to a maximum
of 26. Additionally, if you are killed, the shield
instantly casts True Resurrection upon you. This
ability is only refreshed when a sentient creature
is sacrificed to the shield.
You must sacrifice 9 sentient creatures a year to
maintain the shield at this level.
Dagger of Murder
The blade of this ornate dagger is etched with
images of screaming skulls while the handle
of the blade has been fashioned in the shape
of a skeleton. A vial of poison can be stored
in the pommel, which is fashioned as the
skeleton’s skull.
Resting State:
In its resting state the relic is an
unbreakable dagger.
In order to unlock the next level of the dagger
you must attune to it and be able to perform
Sneak Attacks.
+1:
At this level, the relic is a +1 dagger (adding +1
to attack and damage rolls). Additionally, you do
1d6 more sneak attack damage.

In order to unlock the next level of the dagger
you must murder someone who does not even
know you are there.
+2:
At this level, the relic is a +2 dagger. Your
dexterity score is raised by 2, to a maximum
of 22. You can spend a bonus action to turn
invisible and immediately make a stealth
check. This ability refreshes every time you kill
another creature.
In order to unlock the next level of this
relic you must be level 9 and you must kill a
victim in front of witnesses without revealing
your presence.
+3:
At this level, the relic is a +3 dagger. Your
dexterity score is raised by 2 to a maximum of 24.
You now do an additional 2d6 (total) sneak attack
damage. You can spend a bonus action to teleport
up to 60ft after turning invisible. This ability
refreshes every time you kill another creature.
You must murder 9 victims every year to
maintain the dagger at this level.
Book of Vile Darkness
This ancient tome is bound in the skin of
demons and devils and smells of dust and
old blood. As you flip through it you realize
that the book has had many authors, their
additions stitched into the book or penned in
the margins, each section detailing the darkest
magics to ever exist.
Resting State:
Reading the Book of Vile Darkness grants
proficiency in Taxidermy Tools. The book can
also be used as a spell casting focus.
In order to unlock the first level, you must
attune to the book and be able to cast arcane
spells. Once attuned, you can summon the book
as an action.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
81
+1:
At this level the book acts as a +1 spell casting
focus, adding +1 to spell attacks, damage, and
your Spell Save DC. Additionally, you learn one
spell of a level that you can cast from the warlock,
sorcerer, or wizard spell lists.
In order to unlock the next level of this relic
you must be level 6 and you sacrifice one sentient
creature’s soul to the book.
+2:
At this level the book acts as a +2 spell casting
focus, adding +2 to spell attacks, damage,
and your Spell Save DC. Additionally, your
spell casting modifier increases by 2, to a
maximum of 22.
In order to unlock the next level of this relic,
you must be level 9 and have driven one sentient
creature insane.
+3:
At this level the book acts as a +3 spell casting
focus, adding +3 to spell attacks and damage.
Your spell casting modifier increases by 2, to a
maximum of 24. Additionally, you learn one spell
of a level you can cast from the warlock, sorcerer,
or wizard spell lists and you gain one more spell
slot of the highest level you can cast.
You must sacrifice the souls of 9 sentient
creatures to the book every year.
Bow of Whispers
This ancient bow looks as though it was
grown, rather than made, with several pieces
of beautiful wood twining and bending
together to form an incredibly accurate and
powerful bow.
Resting State:
In its resting state, this relic is an unbreakable
longbow or shortbow.
In order to unlock the next level you must
attune to the bow and be proficient in its use.
Once attuned, you can summon the bow as
 an action, or change it from a longbow to a
shortbow as an action.
+1:
At this level, the relic is a +1 bow. You never
run out of arrows. The bow now does an
additional 1d6 piercing damage.
In order to unlock the next level of the bow
you must be level 6 and must kill one sentient
creature with a single arrow.
+2:
At this level, the relic is now a +2 bow. Your
dexterity score increases by 2, to a maximum of
22. While holding the bow readied in your hands,
you gain the benefits of Pass Without Trace.
In order to unlock the next level of the bow
you must be level 9 and must kill one sentient
creature from your maximum bow range.
+3:
At this level the relic is a +3 bow. The bow now
does an additional 2d6 (total) piercing damage.
Additionally, your dexterity increases by 2, to a
maximum of 24.
You must sacrifice a total of 9 sentient victims a
year to maintain the bow at this level.
Dealing With Death
Your players’ time in Wreythau will
likely be a deadly one. For some players, this
presents the exciting opportunity to make a new
character. For others, it means losing someone
they’ve invested lots of time and effort into. It can
be devastating for the party, and for you, as the
DM. Introducing a fresh character can be a pain,
at times, but thankfully for you, Ravenica is also a
place where the dead do not always stay that way.
Below are three possible ways to bring a dead
character back to life. Feel free to invent other
ways, though these three are the most obvious in
the setting:
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
82
Resurrected or Reincarnated by
Mata Yezinka
Mata Yezinka is an incredibly powerful
archdruid, and what’s more, she’s one of the
adventurers’ most likely allies. She remembers
when Czerina was still alive and she remembers a
time before the land was claimed by Czernobog.
She knows that the adventurers are perhaps her
last chance to help set things right before the
darkness comes to claim her, as well. As such,
even if the adventurers have been slaughtering
Beastfolk, she’ll be inclined to help them, though
she might attach strings to it. Her support isn’t
endless, nor is it always guaranteed. That said, if
the adventurers have proven to be staunch allies
of the Beastfolk, as well as good people in general,
Mata Yezinka will be a powerful ally for them.
Regardless, Mata Yezinka is inclined to
help the adventurers, and what’s more, she’s a
wanderer who could reasonably show up almost
anywhere. Thus, when a character dies (or
even the entire party) then she could arrive and
offer to resurrect or reincarnate whoever has
died. Whether this is done as a gift, or with the
demand of a favor attached is up to you.
Progressive Vampirism
If the adventurers have already awoken
Czerina, she would also offer to raise one of the
characters from the dead. This offer wouldn’t
be without its cost, however, as the character
would be cursed with an ever progressing strain
of living vampirism. At first, this curse would
manifest as an obsessive thirst for the blood of
the living. They must drink as least one pint of
humanoid blood a week in order to stave off
the cravings. Eventually, the character would
begin to grow fangs, and the hunger would
increase to several pints a week. What’s more,
if the character ever died for a second time, they
would rise as a true Vampire and the character
would be lost.
If the character tries to resist their
cravings, have them roll progressively harder
Wisdom Saving throws, with a failure resulting
 in them committing an act of bloodsoaked
murder as they desperately try to sate the hunger.
Certainly a less attractive option than the
former, though it could provide some interesting
roleplaying opportunities.
Re-animation
The third option presented for you is
having a character Re-animated by the Mad
Alchemist of Inbarev. This option is perhaps
less attractive than the others as it wouldn’t be
immediate, but if the adventurers can spare about
a week of downtime then the dead character(s)
could be brought back to life as franken-people!
Insert maniacal cackling here.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
83
Even though the Mad Alchemist rarely
leaves Inbarev, there are times when he has to
go and gather special ingredients that not even
his most reliable servants could be trusted to
gather. During one of those trips, he might come
upon the adventurers, or here of their loss, and
decide to provide his services. He wouldn’t ask,
mind you, he would just do it. Through advanced
surgery and the application of innovative
alchemical processes, the character would be
brought back to life. How completely this is
depends upon what the player is comfortable
with. They might be scarred, yet fully alive, or
they might be a soul piloting a fleshy construct.
It’s up to the player to decide.
 CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
84
 Chapter 2 The Drowned Dead
T
he Drowned Dead is an
adventure that will take your players
from levels 1 to 3, introducing
them to the supernatural horrors of
Wreythau and giving them a glimpse
of the history of the Vampire Queen
herself. This adventure also highlights the
interplay of the Three Elements of Fear (Unease,
Dread, and Release) that will help you establish
a chilling atmosphere that heightens the thrill of
your game. Savvy DMs will use this adventure as
an example of how to incorporate and manage
these three elements throughout the rest of the
campaign. Remember, the more frequently you
use them the more you’ll learn what works best
for your group and soon they’ll become second
nature as you use them for maximum effect.
Furthermore, because of the way the adventure
explores the Elements of Fear, The Drowned
Dead is an adventure that could also be run as a
self-contained, horror themed ‘one-shot’, or even
used as the introductory adventure to another
horror campaign. In that case, the Vampire
Queen could simply be a figure of legend, though
for those wishing to delve into the horrors of the
Vampire Queen’s domain they will find that these
glimpses into her history provide significant plot
hooks for the rest of the Campaign.
Adventure Overview
This adventure is broken into five parts,
or acts, to help the DM highlight important
pieces of the narrative and navigate the players
through the story. Each act flows into the next,
building upon one another and introducing
players to the ominous mysteries that await them
in the land of the Vampire Queen.
Act One: The Flowers of Evil, is the suggested
introduction to the campaign designed for level
1 characters. The act opens with the adventurers
having journeyed to the town of Port Haven
(which can be substituted for any port town in
your favorite campaign setting). It is suggested
that the adventurers have come to Port Haven
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
85
in pursuit of their individual story hooks (see
Player’s Guide to Wreythau for suggested hooks),
all of which have led them in search of the fabled
and cursed island of Wreythau. They’ve heard
that the Wreythian Merchant Consortium has
sailed into Port Haven a week past, and so they
are hot on the trail. Yet, terror strikes while
they eat in the tavern, the adventurers bearing
witness to the horrible transformation of a man
into an undead monstrosity. To their horror,
the adventurer’s will realize that what they have
witnessed is just the beginning of an undead
plague. Battling just to survive the night, the
adventurers will form a bond, and will later be
hired by the Magistrate of the kingdom to follow
the source of the plague back to Wreythau to
uncover what evil has unleashed such suffering
into the world.
In Act Two: The Voyage, the adventurers will
have reached level 2. Having found employment
from the Magistrate or otherwise picked up
the trail connected to their individual story
hooks, they will board a merchant ship bound
for Wreythau. In truth, the ship is part of the
Wreythian Merchant Consortium’s fleet, though
the captain operates under the guise of an
independent trader. The adventurers will be able
to interact with the sailors and other passengers
on board, many of whom are also members of
the Consortium. The adventurers will learn more
about the cursed land they sail towards and have
a moment to breathe.
In Act Three: The Storm, the uneasy
voyage aboard The Pelican is cut short as the ship
is rocked by an eldritch storm. Desperate to save
the ship, the players will battle against the storm,
all while the ominous whispers of the Vampire
Queen seep into their ears beneath the roar of the
wind. The power of the tempest soon becomes
too great, unnatural strikes of lightning and the
furious tides driving the ship into jagged rocks
where it is broken apart. The adventurers are
forced to swim for their lives.
 This brings the adventure into Act Four:
The Wrecks, wherein the adventurers and a
few survivors from the crew must brave the
hazardous and haunted remains of a shipwreck
graveyard. They will uncover of the ancient past,
finding evidence of Tsar Alexandros’ invasion of
Wreythau and learning the horrible rumors and
propaganda Alexandros spread about his sister.
They will also encounter the ghosts and remains
of other victims throughout the centuries that
have been driven onto the rocks and learn more
about the history of the land and the members of
the Vampire Queen’s court. Eventually, however,
the drowned dead that dwell beneath the wrecks
and the other malevolent creatures that haunt
the wrecks will descend upon the adventurers,
forcing them towards the shore.
Finally, in Act Five: The Shore, the adventuring
party will have reached safety and will level to 3.
From there they will have a chance to regroup
and plan before braving the hostile wilderness of
Wreythau, most likely making their way towards
the only signs of civilization they see in the
distance: the town of Leshehoff.
Act One:
The Flowers Of Evil
Act Overview
Word has spread that the mysterious fleet
known as the Wreythian Merchant Consortium
has docked in the town of Port Haven not but a
week past. Following this trail, beckoned by the
stirrings of their own past, the adventurers have
just arrived in Port Haven to search for more
clues. Unfortunately, due to a murder that took
place just that afternoon, the adventurers are
forced to wait at the gates for hours and hours
and are only let inside as the sun is beginning
to set. The market is still open, giving the
adventurers time to shop or investigate before
night falls. As twilight reigns, the market closes
and the adventurers are ushered towards the
only tavern that still has room for travelers to
bed down for the night. Once inside, however,
they witness the horrible transformation of
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
86
another traveler into an undead horror. Except,
the horror is not alone. As the adventurers
battle the monster inside the tavern, a horrible
plague spreads through the district as more and
more fall victim to the vile curse and become
undead abominations. Thankfully, the walls of
the district allow the guard to quarantine the
infection before it can spread further, though
that means the adventurers must survive the
night barricaded in the tavern while hordes of the
undead try to get in.
By the time the sun rises, a militia has
formed and manages to crush the undead threat,
though the cause of this catastrophe is unknown.
A powerful magistrate summons the adventurers
before him, tasking them with finding the source
of this terrible undead plague, an investigation
which will once more point them towards the
Wreythian Merchant Consortium and the one
captain that’s willing to sail after them.
The Plague
Warning: Body Horror ahead.
In truth, it’s not actually disease that
is spreading the curse of undeath among the
populace of Port Haven. Rather, the curse
is spreading as a result of the inhalation and
consumption of the spores and pollen of the
dreaded Gulthias Flower, an abomination created
with foul and warped magics by a corrupted
Archdruid bearing the same name. These flowers
are but one of his horrid creations, though they
are the most famous as they have the potential to
be the most deadly. They are recognized by their
shockingly red petals and the pitch black color of
their stems and roots. Ironically, for most of their
lifespans, they’re completely harmless. However,
once they’ve been bathed in the light of a blood
moon that all changes as they begin to blossom
and release both pollen and spores. This allows
them to not only spread their taint to other
plants but also to warm blooded creatures, too.
This gives them the potential to corrupt entire
ecosystems, from the trees of the forest to the
deer that run beneath their boughs. Thankfully,
however, it takes time for their cursed pollen to
spread and inflict its taint upon other plants. For
 warm blooded creatures, however, the effect of
the Gulthias flowers work much, much faster.
The spores of the Gulthias Flower float through
the air in faintly crimson clouds and can even
survive in water, floating as a red stain upon the
surface, just waiting to be drunk. And, once the
spores have entered their way inside the lungs
or stomach of their unfortunate victims, they
begin to release foul poisons and chemicals which
liquefy their internal organs and provide the
spores with lots of yummy, yummy nutrients.
Over the course of hours the victim begins to
feel slightly ill, first coughing and sneezing and
then being taken with a sudden hunger. All the
while the spores continue to dissolve their bodies
and use the nutrients they’ve gained to spread
a tangled network of fungus threads (hyphae)
throughout the victim’s body. Soon, this horrible
network spreads to the spinal column and brain
of the victim and at this point the victim is
already dead. They just haven’t realized it yet.
This is because, once the network has reached the
brain, that is when the fungus begins to sprout
and transform into the Gulthias Flowers inside
their bodies. Roots spread through their veins
and petals blossom beneath their skin, wicked
thorns sprouting from the gums in a mockery
of fangs. Usually, at this point, the victim has
fallen to the ground, convulsing and spasming
until they rise once again, though this time as
an undead abomination. For others, however,
the transformation happens almost unseen, the
victim shuddering with a distant look in their
eyes before they lurch forward, eager to consume
flesh to fertilize and feed the malevolent garden
inside them.
What’s worse, this infection can spread.
The thorns that have grown inside their mouths
carry more spores inside them, spores that are
already well fed and ready to spread through
any recently dead, or nearly dead, body that they
can find. For packed cities or pockets of dense
wildlife, this can prove to be apocalyptic, though
the flowers do have one natural weakness: fire.
The spores are incredibly flammable and an
open flame will burn them out of the air, as well
as scorch the spores inside the infected so that
they cannot spread. Of course, the Flowers are
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
87
not natural manifestations of evil, but rather
magical constructs, and as such it is magic that
breaks curses and other magical afflictions can
be used to great effect. Dispel magic, remove
curse, greater restoration, or consecration can
all be used to destroy the tainted enchantments
that are necessary for these horrible plants to
exist, though as most don’t have access to these
powerful spells, fire is usually the best option.
BuT why would the
Consortium do this?
In short: because Beleroth told them
to. He seeks to awaken his love from
her deep slumber, and because the
flowers are a part of Czerina’s realm,
all the death that follows in their
wake will helps sustain and grow
Czerina’s power. Perhaps, if there
is enough death, it might even be
enough to help rouse Czerina from
her sleep.. And, even if the flowers
are not enough, they will certainly
attract attention, and with attention
comes all sorts of fresh, eager blood
sailing out in search of this new
threat. In other words, it’s basically an
advertisement. .
The Adventure Begins:
PORT HAVEN
After addressing the reasons why the
adventurers have come to Port Haven (this is a
perfect thing to discuss during Session 0 or with
players individually before Session 1), establish
that the adventurers have just arrived outside the
gates where a long line of other travelers have
gathered. Read the following:
The sun is high in the sky by the time you
reach the massive wooden gates of the city.
Twin guard towers rise as stone monoliths
above you, 40 foot high stone walls topped
with battlements stretching out of sight to your
 left and right. Unfortunately, it’s clear you’re
not the first to arrive. A line of about 15 other
travelers wait outside the gates, many sitting
on their packs or resting against their wagon
wheels as the sun beats down upon them.
Clearly, they’ve been waiting for some time, yet
the gates remain closed.
If characters ask the other travelers, or
the guards themselves, what’s with the hold up,
they’ll learn that a bloody fight broke out in the
marketplace just through the gate and the city
watch is still restoring order (unease). Looks
like the characters will have to wait, which is
a perfect chance for character descriptions and
introductions.
If your group is a bit shy and hesitant to interact
together, don’t worry. As more travelers filter
in behind them and everyone settles in to bide
their time, the adventurers get corralled near one
another and a friendly, traveling minstrel strikes
up a conversation with them.
Mirabel Madrigal, Traveling
Minstrel
Mirabel is a half elven woman that
stands at about five and a half feet tall, dressed in
extravagant and brightly colored clothing. She’s
quite beautiful, with large, sparkling emerald eyes
and shining amber colored hair. Her most notable
feature, however, is the brilliant smile she flashes
at everyone she meets, a smile that’s as bright and
warm as a sunrise after a vicious storm. She has
a donkey that carries her instruments and other
equipment, a sweet-tempered animal that she
affectionately calls Chonk.
Mirabel is a gregarious, friendly traveler
that’s eager to hear news from other lands and
learn about other people. She’s persistent, almost
to the point of being rude, though she’s a good
judge of character. If an adventurer truly wishes
to be left alone, she won’t continue to bother
them, though will instead try to pose more group
questions, glancing at reluctant characters to see
if they wish to contribute.
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
88
Questions Mirable might ask:
• From what lands do you hail?
• Why have you traveled all this way?
• What dangers did you encounter on
your travels?
• What wonders did you see on your travels?
• What are you most looking forward to once
those blasted gates open? (unease)
• Are you worried about this talk of
bloodshed inside the city walls? (unease)
Information Mirabel can share:
• I heard one of the fishing boats spotted
something strange not long ago, a massive
island floating where there should just
be open waters. They say it came up
out of the fog, and then faded with the
sound of distant thunder and the flash of
lightning. Have you ever heard of such a
thing? (unease)
• I saw a cart going the other way bedecked
with the most beautiful flowers. All shades
of red and violet and blue. I wonder where
they’ve come from?
• Oh, I just came from the hills to the east.
The highways aren’t safe up there, and there
have been lots of bodies found just miles
from the nearest village. One night, just
as I was bedding down, Chonk must have
smelled something on the wind and kept
pulling at his harness. We traveled through
the night, though I couldn’t help but feel as
though something was stalking us the whole
while. (unease)
• In the village nearby I heard the local healer
boasting about their new stock of herbs and
the like. I guess the traders that just passed
through have alchemical supplies you’ll find
nowhere else.
Once the characters have all had a chance to
describe and introduce themselves as they wish,
the gates will finally open just as the sun is
beginning to set.
On the next page you will find a battlemap for
Port Haven, as well as descriptions for the labeled
sections of the map. Each section has important
events, NPCs, and other things for the players to
 stalls, hocking their wares and beseeching
How to Read Labeled
the crowd to come and feast their eyes upon
Maps what they have to offer. Of course, most of the
crowd seems to have been drawn in muttering
The battlemaps in this book are clumps towards one stall in particular, though
labeled with letters, as well as you don’t understand why until you get
numbers. Find the section of text closer. The stall itself is a crude affair, with
after the map with a title matching rough hewn poles holding up a patched and
the label on the map to learn more weather-worn strip of canvas above broken
about that area. crates of pulped fruit and crushed vegetables.
interact with. Other versions (gridless, etc) of the Mounds of sawdust have been spilled onto the
map can be found in the back of the book. cobblestones beneath and around the stall,
though dark crimson puddles of what can only
Inside the Gates be blood have already begun to soak up and
show through the dust.
A: (Unease)
This stall is the site of the violent
As the gates finally open and you shuffle inside
bloodshed that took place before the characters
you see the wonders of the market open up
arrived. Surprise, the stall owner was the first
around you. Merchants stand behind colorful
victim to the Flowers of Gulthias, having been
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
89
 breathing in the spores all day, though no one
has figured this out, yet, and certainly none of the
public. Wild rumors flow around the stall, with
people speculating everything from a thieves
guild hit to an easily offended dragon that was
in disguise. No one in the crowd really knows
anything of substance, but inquisitive characters
can learn the following:
DC 13 Medicine Check: This amount of
blood didn’t come from just one person. At least
three people must have lost their lives.
DC 15 Perception Check: There are
clumps of red dust covering some of the smashed
fruits and vegetables and pieces of broken wood.
It’s not blood, though the color is very, very close.
Unease and Dread
As you’ve probably noticed, unease is
sprinkled liberally through the beginning
of the adventure. I like to think of it like
a spice I’m adding to the atmosphere.
It doesn’t mean you can’t have lighter
moments, or inject a bit of comedy every
now and then, but then unease should be
added at some point to help ground the
atmosphere as you want it.
Unease is about tension and signalling
threat. Not immediate threat, more of
a vague suggestion of a threat, and this
creates a low simmering stress. Dread is
the next escalation of that stress, which
can then fade back into unease. Variety is
good, as is repetition, so add in sprinkles
where you think appropriate just as has
been done so far.
Side note: remember, some players
handle unease by making jokes
themselves, which is perfectly fine.
Usually, I just ask that players do so in
character, or if it’s over a virtual table,
then over text channels. This way, the
game isn’t interrupted by out of character
references and such, but every group’s
preferences are different. .
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
90
Once this is pointed out, characters can then
make a DC 12 Nature Check to reveal that this
strange red dust is actually flower pollen.
B:
In the middle of the market is a square, stone
fountain, bubbling away with fresh, cool water.
A desperate young lad rents out drinking
spoons for 1 copper apiece, and several market
goers stop by the fountain to take a cool drink.
DC 15 Perception Check: Strange, red
stains float sporadically atop the otherwise clear
and cool water of the fountain. If characters
previously passed the perception check at stall
A, they recognize that this is more of the red
dust floating atop the water. If they passed the
nature check at stall A they realize this is yet
more pollen. If not, they can now make a DC
12 Nature Check to identify the red stains as
strange, red plant pollen floating in the fountain.
C: (Dread)
A fortune teller has set up a triangular stall
near the tavern, lavish blue cushions sitting
upon a frayed, though once magnificent
rug. The smell of fragrant tea drifts gently
from the stall. The fortune teller beckons
you closer, laughing eyes shining over a veil.
They are swathed in thick robes embroidered
with the constellations and bundled closed
with multiple sashes. Golden bangles and
silver necklaces shine faintly beneath the
light filtering through the covered stall. As
you approach you realize that the fortune
teller is an elf, and as they speak, an almost
impossibly deep, smooth voice rolls out from
beneath the veil.
The fortune teller is an oracle of small
talent, though the talent is there. They were
absent during the assault earlier in the day. If the
adventurers introduce themselves, the fortune
teller will simply refer to themselves as The Seer
(prefer not to give their name, or their gender).
The Seer will offer to tell their fortunes for the
cost of a gold apiece. Should the characters agree,
they are offered a cup of tea and the seer produces
 a crystal ball from the voluminous sleeves
of their robe.
The Seer holds the ball aloft balanced upon
their palm, staring intently into its depths.
Perhaps it’s simply your imagination, or
some trick of the light, but you think you see
a reflection of the night sky pass across the
surface of their eyes and then The Seer snaps
their eyes closed as if suddenly in pain. Their
brow furrows and their body shivers, the
crystal ball falling from their palm to land
heavily upon a cushion.
Opening their eyes once again, The Seer stares
at the character in horror and then begins to
immediately pack up their belongings.
“Do not open the doors. Watch the windows,”
The Seer warns. “Keep them shut, keep them
all shut, the doors and the windows.”
That’s all they say as they begin to
frantically pack.
Characters can make a DC 10 insight
check to reveal that, yes, The Seer is genuinely
terrified of something and vehemently believes
the character should follow their advice. They
must have seen something truly shocking, though
they refuse to give the characters their money
back. They will call over the guards if detained or
threatened.
D:
Beneath the cover of this stall is an
elderly man in a black robe stinking of mold.
His head is mostly bald, though patchy strips
of wispy hair hang sporadically from his scalp.
He smiles, his lips parting over yellowed teeth,
and waves you closer with a long, scraggly nail.
Unlike his own appearance, the wares
on display are exceptionally well cared for.
Polished animal skulls gleam like alabaster
atop their shelves, bottles of liquids, powders,
roots, and other materials are meticulously
labeled and alphabetically arranged, and a
shelf of scrolls and tomes stands behind him.
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
91
‘I am Mithredath the Great! Practitioner of
secret and lost arts, master of the unknown,
priest to forgotten gods! Come, come, see
my treasures, and should you be worthy,
perhaps some of these may become yours!’
he crows, his eyes alight with something
approaching madness.
Mithredath is, in fact, a wizard, though
not a powerful one. Hence his turn towards the
mercantile, though he does happen to know
much, much more than he perhaps should.
Whether he reveals anything of use, however, is
up to the DM. Mithredath can be comical or used
to generate more Unease depending on the DMs
preference. Either way, he chooses to describe
everything in the most morbid terms possible.
As for his actual wares, Mithredath sells
spell components of every variety, along with
alchemical supplies, spell scrolls, spell books, and
ink, paper, and books of every variety.
Books of Note:
• The Lost Tsar and the Fallen Empire of
Nostrovishte. This old, worn book explores
the history of a human empire that
disappeared over 1000 years ago, going into
great detail on the archeological evidence
discovered, written accounts from elven
and dwarven records, and the theories
surrounding much of the last fifty years
before the empire’s fall. (This book will
grant advantage on history checks made
in Wreythau).
• The Cannibals Cookbook: 101 recipes and
advice on how to consume your foes.
This book is bound in a strange, pale
leather, and was written by infamous
halfling bandit Bandobras Taterwise, and
goes into disturbingly accurate details on
how to butcher and cook almost every
sentient creature.
• Wreythian Herbology: The Rarest of
Reagents: the cover of this book appears to
be some kind of bark, though it is as soft
and supple as leather. The pages are of an
 incredibly fine paper, and features writings
and drawings in a variety of colored inks.
This book grants advantage on nature
checks in Wreythau.
• Necromancy Saves Lives: A treatise on the
vilification of knowledge. This black leather
tome argues the importance of studying
necromancy, citing the benefits that come
with cheating death and learning about
the past. The central argument revolves
around necromantic healing spells, such
as False Life, Life Transference, Raise
Dead and Revivify. Gentle Repose, even,
is quite useful for the safe storage of food,
making it an incredibly beneficial school
of study. Furthermore, the author(s) argue
that the danger present by the vilification
of knowledge is far more dangerous than
any lich or necromancer, and lists many
examples of why.
• Celebrated Works: An Anthology of R.K.
Schreyer: This finely bound tome is
engraved with actual gold and features
dozens of plays and poems written by a mad
genius. The prose are superb, though the
subject matter is filled with dark humor at
best and disturbing meditations at worst.
E: (Unease)
This bright yellow stall features finely
crafted weapons and armor of every variety,
many of which are decorated with intricate
engravings and embellishments. In short, each
weapon is a work of art. The proprietor of the
stall is a human woman with her hair shaved
short. Her eyes are a grey so pale they’re
almost silver, and her gaze is unblinking. She
doesn’t beckon to you or say anything, simply
stares as you approach.
The vendor goes by Ankala, and is almost
uncommunicative. She simply stares, and answers
any question with the fewest words possible.
This even applies to the assault that occured
in the square earlier that day. This borderline
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
92
uncommunicative demeanor is broken only when
someone compliments one of the weapons for
sale, at which point a yearning expression will
cross Ankala’s face as she describes just what that
weapon could do to the adventurer in graphic
and precise detail. Perhaps it’s a coincidence,
but after such a conversation, any character that
handles one of the weapons will feel as though
there’s a greasy residue coating their hands.
Ankala has every weapon and type of
armor in the Player’s Handbook, and she charges
the same prices, though the workmanship is
easily worth double, if not triple. That greasy
feeling, however, never goes away so long
as a character keeps whatever weapon they
purchased from her.
F:
The colorful, green stall before you
features vegetables and poultry from a local
farm. It’s all of good quality, though the most
notable thing about the stall is how close it was
to the bloodshed from earlier that day. The
merchant, a brawny human woman named
Marla, goes pale and shifts uncomfortably if
asked about what happened.
Marla both saw too much. She saw the
merchant, another farmer like herself, get into
an argument with a rude customer, heard their
voices escalating, and the next she knew, the
vendor was tackling the customer to the ground.
There was screaming and the sounds of wood
breaking, and then two other men from the
crowd jumped in to break it up. One was cut
across the throat, and the other was impaled
upon a broken crate, and by the time the guard
arrived, the four men were pounding each other
bloody, clawing, and biting, in such a frenzy that
they turned upon the guard and were all put
down. That’s how Marla describes it: put down,
like that one time a badger bit her sheepdog and
the poor mutt went mad.
G:
The bright orange stall is doing a
surprisingly brisk business despite the
 proximity to the murder scene not far away.
All manner of fish and other sea creatures
are being peddled by a pair of exuberant
halfling twins handling the sales and a surly
dwarf expertly packaging the seafood. The
halflings are like something out of a circus
if you overlook their simple clothing, doing
cartwheels and flips, spinning around the
support poles, and juggling fish and mollusks
between them. The dwarf, meanwhile, provides
the perfect comedic foil, scowling and heaving
the heaviest of sighs at just the right moments.
The fish stall is run by Danrir (the
dwarf), a retired fishing captain that found he
didn’t make the best demeanor when it came
to interacting with the public so he hired the
exuberant twins, Sade and Hamlin, to help liven
things up. They’ve been in business for years
now, and are something of a found family with
Danrir acting as the exasperated father figure to
the two former street urchins. (Un)fortunately,
the three had closed the stall to have an early
lunch during all of the commotion and only saw
the guards carrying the bodies away “all covered
in bloody vegetables; talk about ordering it rare!”
Sigh inducing indeed. Though, that really
is all that the vendors know. They’re not the kind
to clam up when it comes to gossip.
DC 12 Insight Check: It’s clear that Danrir’s
apparent grumpiness is really just an act. He’s
become something of a performer himself
over the years, and is as much a part of the act
as the twins.
H:
This large, blue stall sits right next to
the fountain in the market square, and is
absolutely bursting with flowers and plants
of all varieties. From small berry bushes to
ornamental shrubbery and beautiful flower
pots, the vendor seems to have quite the
green thumb. Smiling broadly, the handsome,
human vendor introduces himself as Irwin,
and proffers bouquets of picked flowers with
a wink and an offer of a discount. Sitting
behind him, however, are several pots with
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
93
the most shockingly red flowers you’ve ever
seen, their leaves and stems black as night,
practically making them blend with the
shadows so the petals appear to float in the air
all on their own.
Irwin is something of a flirt, though is
otherwise harmless and views it as just a bit
of fun. He’s a native of Port Haven, and after
apprenticing under the Magistrate’s master
gardener he decided that he’d rather try his hand
at running a nursery instead. This flower stand is
merely an extension of the nursery, though Irwin
loves to run it almost as much as he enjoys raising
plants. He also just got a shipment of exotic
flowers from some far away land, all of which
he has on display. If the characters press him,
Irwin will recall that he bought the flowers from
a fleet of merchants that came to the port about
a week ago. This is the Wreythian Merchant
Consortium, though he doesn’t recall the name.
A bouquet of flowers costs 2 silver.
Individual flowers, 2-5 copper. Pots of flowers
and other plants are sold for 5 silver all the way
up to 10 gold. The Crimson Flowers (Gulthias
Flowers) go for 10 gold a pot. Irwin has 7 pots.
DC 12 Perception Check: A faint, crimson
cloud hangs around the stand, slowly dispersing
in the wind and spreading around the market.
If the characters have already noticed the red
dust around A or B, they recognize this as the
source. If characters have already passed their
nature checks, they recognize the strange crimson
flowers as the source of the pollen.
DC 12 Nature Check: the strange crimson
flowers are certainly the source of the pollen.
Whatever species they are, they certainly aren’t
from this part of the world, and are producing far
more pollen far more quickly than most any plant
that you’ve ever heard of.
DC 15 Nature Check: these crimson flowers
aren’t quite natural. They must be the result of
magical creation, or at the least, the effects of
magical pollution, though what the implications
of that might be are hard to say.

DC 20 History Check: you’ve heard of
something similar, written about in an ancient
elven scroll. These flowers bear a striking
resemblance to the fabled “Flowers of Gulthias”,
a corrupted archdruid from long ago. He created
the flowers as a manifestation of all of his malice
and hate, all of his unquenchable thirst for
domination and power, and a terrible plague
spreads from these flowers.
Detect Magic: the flowers do not read as
magical. They’re like owlbears. Though they were
created by magic, they are an entirely unique
creation that manifests supernatural abilities that
are not spells, and are thus not seen by detect
magic, nor are they from another plane, and are
thus not seen by ‘Detect Good and Evil’.
I:
This simple stall sells cheese, baked goods, and
crabs. Why crabs? Because the vendor likes
crabs. He regularly buys them from Danrir and
his fishing boat and makes the best crabcakes
this side of the world. Or, so he says. The
vendor is a weathered old human wearing
threadbare clothing that fell out of fashion
several decades ago, though it’s clear he knows
his trade. The cheese, bread, and other pastries
are excellent, and the little grill he has set up
for the crab cakes smells absolutely delicious.
Tarver Ovenwright is 87 years old and
still going strong. He buys the cheese and crab
from others, but all the baked goods he carts
from his bakery every morning. He has assistants
that do most of the baking now, leaving Tarver
to man the stall. He likes swapping stories, but
doesn’t see so well anymore and only heard the
commotion. “Sounded like animals was fightin’
somethin’ fierce, but the watch musta got em.
Now how many cakes you want?”
The crab cakes sell for a silver apiece,
as do most of the pastries, and bread sells for 5
copper. Tarver also sells rations for the same
price as listed in The Player’s Handbook.
J:
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
94
The Wandering Dragon Tavern is filled with
laughter and the aroma of roasted meat, with
blazing hearths and colorful, if worn, rugs
stretching out across the floor. Apparently, this
is the only Tavern in the city with rooms still
available, and as luck would have it, there’s an
empty, circular table by the door. The other
tables and the two couches in the southwestern
corner are all filled with locals and travelers
of all stripes, and a troupe of bards performs
rowdy, upbeat songs next to the unused harp
in the southeast corner. Thankfully, their
acoustic instruments and unmodified voices
are just quiet enough to allow for conversation
at the lone, unoccupied table.
The Wandering Dragon Tavern is owned
by an orc family that’s lived in Port Haven for
generations. Braga, a friendly orc woman runs
the bar, whereas Rothgar, her husband, runs
the lodgings. Rooms are a gold apiece, though
can have up to three beds in each. The lodgings
are actually part of a separate building that sits
directly east of the tavern portion, though all
business is conducted inside the tavern. They
have an impressive array of food and alcohol
available, along with milk and fountain water
for sober characters. And, as the only tavern and
lodging not filled to capacity, the Wandering
Dragon is really the adventurer’s only choice
for a strong drink, a hot meal, and a roof over
their heads.
Likely, the characters will have done
some bonding outside the gates and as they
explored the markets, but if not, this might be the
perfect moment as they’re all crowded together
at the same table. This will also give them a
chance to swap information and theorize before
terror strikes.
Unease:
As the players are talking, take a moment
to mention the following:
Cutting over the din of the music and the roar
of conversation is the sound of a wretched,
hacking cough. It’s wet, and full of phlegm,
though after a few moments it cuts out.
 Looking west across the tavern you spot a
large, human man, a stevedore by the look of
him, having drinks with his mates. A burly
woman slaps him on the back, raising a faint
cloud of red dust, and mercifully the coughing
stops. The man takes a long draught of ale to
clear his throat, and all returns to normal.
Then, a few moments later, or when the
conversation lulls:
A sudden eruption of spittle choked hacking
cuts through the room and the twang of a
broken string sounds from the troupe of
bards. The song resumes, lopsided without the
backing of a lute as the bard hurriedly fixes the
string, and the stevedore manages to wheeze
up whatever was in his lungs into his drink.
His companions quickly get him another mug.
If any of the characters has the medicine
skill, they can attempt to examine him, though he
refuses treatment, and his mates back him up. It
was just a lungful of dust, they say, leave the man
alone! If characters attempt to persuade them,
they are quickly pelted with bits of bread and
boiled vegetables. The dock crew are quite drunk
and not in the mood to have their good time
interrupted.
DC 15 Medicine Check, at disadvantage
(due to being forced to indirectly observe):
It’s not simple lung irritation. The man has a
severe infection in his lungs and needs medical
treatment and rest.
Eventually, however, the flowers do their
work. The man dies before he even realizes it.
This could happen during a confrontation with
the dock crew, or in the background while the
players converse. Read aloud the following:
Dread
The stevedore starts coughing once again,
stumbling to his feet as his chest heaves and
tremors wrack his body. Clutching his throat
as a flood of crimson froth pours from his
lips, he collapses to the ground, spasming
as he chokes and gargles until he finally lies
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
95
still. Silence descends upon the tavern, people
crowding around the corpse lying on the floor.
DC 14 Perception Check: Something is wrong.
The man is dead, and yet something is happening
to his skin. Small, dark tendrils creep beneath the
surface of his skin as mottled red patches begin
to show through the now-pale flesh. Beneath the
spill of crimson stained froth, his jaw moves, the
bone creaking and stretching…
Release
Slowly, noise returns to the tavern, and soon
nearly everyone is chattering about what just
happened, a few jokes about the man not
being able to hold his liquor mixed in with the
general gossip, and so it takes a moment for
people to realize that something is happening.
The corpse begins to rise, bones creaking as
it levers itself upon onto its elbow, it’s spine
bent almost in half until it suddenly lurches
upright. Skin tears and dark tendrils begin to
wriggle through, and with a rasping roar it
throws itself upon the nearest person, dark,
thorn-like fangs sinking deep into the flesh in
a spray of blood.
Running the Fight
The fight begins with one Gulthias
Zombie and one Bitten Spore Zombie, which will
rise in 1 round. The tavern is filled with about
35-40 people, not counting the adventurers or
the Gulthias Zombie. The Gulthias Zombie’s
primary motivation is to spread more of its
spores, and so it prioritizes biting NPCs. If
attacked, however, it will respond aggressively
and violently. Only a panicked NPC or another
player nearby might draw its attention away. So,
just to repeat, it focuses on NPCs until attacked.
Essentially, this means that the Gulthias Zombie’s
motivation is not to kill the adventurers, it is
to spread the evil spore infection and to protect
itself. The Infectious Bite is used to ensure the
Gulthias Zombie doesn’t TPK the party, though
with each NPC it bites it creates another zombie.
This makes the combat a race against time, as
well as a combat where the quick thinking of the
players can really pay off.
 Gulthias Zombie Bitten Spore Zombie
Medium Undead, unaligned Medium Undead, unaligned

—
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 60 (8d8 + 24)
Speed 30 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 3 (-4) 8 (-1) 8 (-1)
—
Saving Throws Wis +0
Damage Resistance slashing, piercing, bludgeoning from all
nonmagic sources.
Damage Immunity: poison, necrotic.
Condition Immunities: charmed, sleep, frightened, paralyzed,
poison.
Senses darkvision 60 ft, blindsense 10ft., passive Perception 10
Languages --understands all languages it spoke in life but can’t
speak
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
— damage taken, unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit.
Actions
Multiattack. The Gulthias Zombie makes two claw attacks or
performs one Infectious Bite.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
Infectious Bite. The Gulthias Zombie bites a creature within
5ft. If the creature is an NPC it dies and becomes infected with
spores. It rises as a Bitten Spore Zombie in 1d3 turns. If the
infected body is burned, it will not rise. Secondly, if the Gulthias
Zombie bites a player character, the character must make a
DC 13 Constitution Save or become Poisoned. A character that
fails remains poisoned until they receive healing magic or apply
fire to the wound and must take at least 1 point of fire damage
(medicine, nature, or arcana to reveal).
For instance, we know that the Gulthias
Spores are harmed by fire. The Gulthias Zombie
will likely stay away from the two hearths and
the stove, all of which are alight and blazing.
This doesn’t mean the Gulthias Zombie has a
fear of fire, or a weakness to it, it doesn’t, but it
does mean that it knows not to put itself at risk
unnecessarily. So it will stay away from those
areas, and a savvy PC (player character) might
recognize this, or a kind DM might allow players
an Insight Check with a suitably high DC
(maybe 15) to notice this. If they succeed, then
the adventurers could direct people towards
the hearths to reduce the number of targets,
or maybe even try to force the zombie into a
hearth itself.
Either way, the Gulthias Zombie isn’t a
monster that wants to kill the PCs, so when a
player character is at low health, consider having
the Gulthias Zombie respond with an Infectious
CH 2 THE DROWNED DEAD
96
—
Armor Class 10 (natural armor)
Hit Points 6 (1d6 +3)
Speed 20 ft.
STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 3 (-4) 8 (-1) 5 (-3)
—
Saving Throws Wis +0
Skills: Athletics +3
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 8
Languages understands all languages it spoke in life but can’t
speak
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the zombie to 0 hit points,
it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the
On a success, the zombie drops to 1 hit point instead
—
Actions
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
Grapple. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit. Reach 5ft., one target.
On a hit, the target is grappled.
Bite. In other words, it gives you an option to
better control the amount of threat and danger
the adventurers face. For instance, if there is
a druid, bard, or cleric with healing magic, a
downed PC might be a great move, as it can up
the stakes of the fight without spelling certain
death. Speaking of which, all zombies will ignore
downed party members and will not attack
them, so no need to worry about instantly failed
death saves.
As for the Bitten Spore Zombies, well,
their role in the fight is to harass the player
characters and buy time for the Gulthias Zombie
to spread its Infectious Bite. They should rush
towards casters or other backline characters, or
attempt to grapple frontline characters focusing
on the Gulthias Zombie. This transforms the
fight from just ‘whittle down a lone big boss’ into
a race to manage the spreading infection and,
hopefully, motivate the adventurers to save as
many NPCs as they can.

Lastly, should the PCs try to run away,
congratulations, there are multiple Gulthias
Zombies rampaging through the marketplace. All
those wonderful vendors they just met? Gulthias
Zombies, who are now, all rampaging through
the market. Furthermore, the city watch has
barred all the gates, meaning there’s no way out
of the district without scaling a 40 ft. wall and
fighting past the city watch up top. If the PCs
decide to do this, don’t worry about making it
a proper encounter. At this point they should
probably make new characters with motivations
that will better fit the campaign (see Player’s
Guide to Wreythau for suggestions). Overall, this
should hopefully convince the PCs to tackle the
lone Gulthias Zombie inside the tavern instead of
the horde outside of it.
After the Fight: Surviving The Night
Once the adventurers have managed to
down the Gulthias Zombie and any remaining
Bitten Spore Zombies, give them a few moments
to react, as well as tend to their wounds as best as
they can. Then, read this:
The smell of blood lingers in the air, the
panicked sobs and paranoid muttering from
the survivors filling the room. The undead
monstrosities have been destroyed, but
corpses are still littered around the room.
There is a moment where it seems that the
nightmare is over, but then glass shatters and
bloodied, grasping hands burst through the
windows, wriggling black tendrils sprouting
from their skin. The door began to shake in
its frame as it is battered from the outside.
You are surrounded. Your only hope of
survival lies in keeping the undead out and
surviving the night.
From this point on, the characters must
make skill checks to keep the undead out. Several
checks will be suggested, but you’re encouraged
to let your players be creative with skills and
spells (such as mending to grant advantage to
sealing doors and windows) to keep the undead
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
97
out. Essentially, you’ll be calling for checks as
needed to keep the threat alive, but not enough
to overwhelm your players or bog down the
narrative. It is recommended that you keep this to
around 4-5 checks, or no more than 2 successful
checks per character. If a check is failed, let 3-5
Bitten Spore Zombies inside to make the next
check more difficult and up the tension. If the
characters kill the Zombies, that will buy them
more time and they’ll have advantage on their
next checks. Or, if they have absolutely terrible
luck, lower the number of checks needed.
Lastly, don’t forget to remind players that they
can help one another to grant advantage to
important checks.
There are three sides of the tavern
vulnerable to being breached by the zombie
horde: the west, south, and east walls. Characters
should make checks to seal each side of the tavern
(likely 2 successful checks).
Opposed Athletics Check (Zombies
roll with advantage, + 3, or DC 15): You are
able to hold the door shut in the face of the
zombie horde, or able to force an object over the
windows while others hack grasping limbs free
and let them drop to the floor. Once this check is
passed, another character can initiate a tool use
check (see below).
DC 15 Tool Use Check: You are able to
successfully nail, tie, or otherwise seal your
barricade in place, keeping the undead from
getting in on this side of the Tavern.
DC 15 Acrobatics, Intimidation, or
Performance Check: You are able to distract
the horde with your gymnastic moves, frantic
dancing, loud bellowing or noisey playing. This
will draw the horde away from one side of the
tavern, though will give disadvantage to keeping
them out of whichever side they’ve been drawn
to (unless that side is already sealed).
Once the adventurers have succeeded,
they are able to have a long rest and level
up to Level 2.
 With the Coming Dawn…
Once the PCs have survived the night,
read the following:
After a restless night of frantic pounding upon
the barricades, followed by an even more
dreadful silence, the morning finally comes.
Slowly, rays of golden light begin to pierce the
gaps of the barricaded windows and doors,
and with the sun comes sounds of battle. You
hear disciplined voices calling orders and the
roar of determined men and women sounding
in answer. The wails of the undead are soon
silenced by axe and spell, and the stench of
burning flesh fills the air. Your salvation has
come. The city watch has finally mobilized and
has successfully cleansed the district of the
undead taint. Mages and clerics march with
the watch, directing soldiers and using their
magic to burn out all traces of that foul pollen
from the air.
Thankfully, Port Haven was able to
survive this undead plague. The first victims
of the plague (the unfortunate market vendor
and patrons from location A) had been brought
before the Magistrate to be examined, and a
response was mobilized even before the district
fell to the undead plague. However, having saved
(hopefully) dozens of people inside the Tavern,
the city watch will celebrate the adventurers as
heroes. Compliments will flow all around, but
then the city watch will inform the adventuring
party that they will need to speak to the
Magistrate himself. The guards will detain the
PCs if they try to leave, though only as a last
resort. The mention of a reward should motivate
them to follow along.
The Magistrate
The Magistrate of Port Haven is a
representative of the King (or whatever ruling
body oversees your Port Haven substitute), in
charge of maintaining the function of the city and
upholding the laws as an official of the Court.
The Magistrate is a very powerful individual, and
as it happens, this particular Magistrate is also a
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
98
powerful wizard (use Archmage stats if they’re
needed) known as Orlineth Ethereth. Orlineth
is an elf, wise and well studied, and he suspected
he recognized the signs of the Gulthias Flowers
as soon as the bodies were brought before him.
However, in order to gather more information
and confirm his suspicions he needs to interview
survivors, and what better examples than the
saviors of the Wandering Dragon Tavern?
Once the PCs are brought before him, describe
the following:
The City Guard brings you to the central
keep and leads you up winding staircases
to an elaborate office at the top of a stout
tower. Inside, the office is lavishly appointed,
with luxurious carpets, crystal chandeliers,
rich wood furniture, and massive bookcases
that dominate every wall. Standing behind a
massive desk is a stately elf dressed in dark
red silk embroidered with silver thread and
embellished with gemstones artistically
arranged throughout the design. Jewelry is
woven and braided through his hair, and from
the firm set of his jaw and his piercing gaze,
it’s clear that he is an elf of high station and
possessing a keen intellect. He gestures for the
city watch to leave and beckons you all closer.
Orlineth (the magistrate)’s goal is to
establish what the PCs know about the plague
and hear things from their perspective. He wants
to hear their account in their own words. Once
they’ve done so, he will nod sagely, and explain
that there is a legend from thousands of years
ago about flowers like these, flowers created
by an ancient evil long thought to be dead. He
will praise the adventuring party for saving the
inhabitants of the Tavern and will gift them 100
gold, each, as a reward.
Afterwards, he will declare that this
shipment of flowers was clearly premeditated,
given their magical nature, and that the source of
this evil must be investigated. He says he knows
of a ship captain that claims he can sail to the
home port of the fleet that delivered the flowers,
and so the Magistrate would like to hire the
 adventurers to travel there and find the source already booked passage for them. All they have to
behind this threat. He will pay them 50 platinum do is board the ship.
to board the ship and offer them a second
payment of 1000 platinum (total) and one gift Boril Saltwind
of their choosing (each) should they return with The captain of The Pelican and his crew
definitive proof of what, or who, was behind this were once hardy and ruthless pirates, members
attack and information on how to stop them. of the Outer Seas that won their wealth by
spilling blood into the Great Salt. Now that
Act Two: The Voyage Boril is getting up there in years, however, he’s
decided to take a much safer path to complete his
final years of service. Posing as an independent
Act Overview:
trader, he trails behind the main fleet, gathering
After the brutal fight from act one, not to
information, cleaning up whatever messes he can,
mention all of the tension built through unease,
and pouncing on any opportunities that the main
Act Two is a chance for the players to relax, at
fleet might have missed. In this case, that means
least a little bit. They are stuck on a long voyage
ferrying the PCs to Wreythau.
aboard a small ship and won’t have much to do
except interact with each other and the colorful
Boril has spent the last several years
cast of NPCs aboard the ship. Through their
indulging in all of the earthly pleasures that gold
interactions with the NPCs the adventurers will
can buy, and aside from the wealth he’s sent home
learn more about Wreythau and the Vampire
to prepare for his ‘retirement’, he’s essentially
Queen, information which will help build Unease
bankrupted himself, hence the poor condition of
once again.
his ship. He’s not concerned about The Pelican
failing, however. He’s an old salt, and a bit of a
The Act opens with the player characters
fatalist, and is more than comfortable placing his
meeting the Captain. He will welcome them
life at the mercy of the seas. What will be, will be,
aboard and inform them of their assigned
but may the Endless Hunger damn anyone who
quarters, meaning they will have to meet the
says he won’t enjoy life right up until it ends.
NPCs they’ll be rooming with. A few evenings
later, the Captain will invite the characters to his
So, when it comes to interacting with
cabin for dinner, a conversation that will help
the adventurers, Captain Saltwind adopts the
shed much light and sprinkle in much unease.
mask of a boisterous fellow that’s eager to swap
Smaller events will follow, helping to build more
stories about all the wonders and horrors he’s
unease, until finally a surprise storm brings the
encountered on his travels. He, of course, only
players into Act Three.
presents himself as an old merchant, though like
any old sailor, he loves to embellish his stories.
Boarding The Pelican Everything is taller than a mountain, brighter
than the sun at morn, colder than the frost at the
Orlineth Ethereth, the Magistrate, has
heart of winter, etc. Hyperbole and metaphor
told the adventurers that the only captain willing
are his favorite descriptive tools. Also, being
to sail after the Wreythian Merchant Consortium
something of a fatalist, he doesn’t particularly
is a human man named Borril Saltwind, a rather
watch what he says. He tries to be cagey, but
unsavory character but an able sea captain by
clever PCs can definitely trip him up. If he ever
all accounts. His ship, The Pelican, is an aging
does reveal more than he intends to, he’ll simply
carrack that has sailed far and wide and seen
brush it off, and likely swallow down his regret
its fair share of dangers, though it’s become a
with a quick hit of grog.
bit worse for wear. In short, Saltwind and The
Pelican aren’t their best choice, but he is their
Now, for this first encounter, Captain
only choice. And, fortunately, Orlineth has
Saltwind is most interested in getting a quick
measure of the characters before they get
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
99
 underway. Later on he’ll invite the characters to
dine with him so he can get a full read on them,
but for now he’s just interested in exchanging
pleasantries, answering brief questions, and then
showing them to their quarters.
When the characters go down to the
docks, read the following:
The smell of salt water is upon the air as you
descend to the docks of Port Haven, the creak
of timbers, the gentle lapping of the waves, and
the voices of sailors and stevedores filling your
ears. Sitting in the seventh dock is The Pelican,
a weathered cargo ship with square sails and
ancient paint peeling from its hull. Barnacles
and other sea life have begun to creep up from
the waterline, and the signs of old repairs are
still visible.
“Ah, me last passengers! Welcome aboard!” a
bellowing voice shouts as you near, and you
see a human man descending the gangplank
to greet you. He’s a bear of a man, tall and
rippling with bulk, a great big bushy beard
trailing down his chest. He wears threadbare
finery, what was once a brilliant red coat with
golden buttons has now faded towards pink,
with splotches of still vibrant dye standing out
like patches of fabric soaked with blood. Old,
blue tattoos creep up his neck out of his collar
and down his forearms and across his hands.
He grins at you as he nears, gold shining
amidst stained and yellowed teeth.
“I’m Cap’n Saltwind, and this beauty behind
me be the Pelican! Now who be joining us for
this voyage?”
Information Saltwind will share:
As mentioned above, Saltwind isn’t keen
on having long conversations, but he’ll answer
a few questions and will be happy to share
the following:
• “The land ye be traveling to is a dread
place, full of wonders and terrors, alike.
They call it Ravenica, they do, those that
call it home.”
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
100
• “Aye, I’ve sailed there many a time. Ye be in
good hands. Now, no more lollygaggin, let’s
get ye aboard!”
• “I’m a merchant by trade. What do I sell?
Why, whatever will fetch a hefty sum of
gold, same as any other!”
• “The voyage’ll take more’n a week, but less’n
a fortnight. If we be lucky, the leviathans
won’t be plying the deeps as we cross. Nasty
beasts. Be glad ye don’t know of ‘em.”
Once Saltwind has managed to answer the
adventurer’s questions and get them on board,
he’ll take them down to the passenger cabins.
Unfortunately for the PCs, since they’re such late
additions there are no empty passenger cabins
left, so they’ll have to bunk with someone else.
Currently, all the cabins are occupied with one
passenger, so that means either bunking with
a stranger or convincing the strangers to swap
cabins so the PCs can bunk together.
For some, convincing them to move will
be quite easy. For others...not so much.
The other passengers are:
Raum:
Raum (pronounced Rom) is a male elf
with a grey complexion and a shock of pale, white
hair. A tall, elegant fellow, he dresses in the latest
of noble fashions and always wears a beautifully
sculpted silver face mask. Always.
Aside from that one eccentricity he is
a very charming and affable fellow. He always
speaks formally and with excessive politeness,
no matter how others treat him. And, should
he be accused of being Drow, he’ll simply laugh
and inform his accuser that he is merely Ghul
Sildreth, though offers no explanation of what
that means. Beyond that, he introduces himself
as a simple tailor and an expert in dyes and
the production of cloth. He’s heard Wreythau
has quite the market for such things and is
on the way there to see what opportunities
might await him.
 Talk Like a Pirate

Saltwind and his crew are sailors to the core, and adding some colorful pirate lingo can help this come
across. I recommend using it in moderation, as a little bit will go a long ways, though if you sense your
group needs more levity than sprinkle in even more. Either way, you’ll find some useful sea-faring
vocabulary and grammar below:
• Avast! - this is used to convey surprise and direct someone’s attention, or to convey disbelief. So it
can either mean ‘Hey! Over there!’ or it can mean ‘yeah, right,’ complete with an eye roll.
• Aye - affirmation. Yes. Can be used twice ‘aye aye!’ to emphasize agreement or obedience.
• Bucko - a very informal way to refer to a male. Can also be interchanged with ‘Lad’.
• Me Beauty - used to refer to something precious or dear, such as the ship or a significant other.
‘Aye, the Pelican be me beauty,’ would indicate Saltwind is married to his ship. Or, if you decide
he’s a bit of a lecherous fellow, calling an adventurer ‘me beauty’ would indicate his attraction.
• Me Hearties - used to affectionately refer to a group of people. Usually in reference to the crew,
but could be applied to the adventurers, too.
• Mate / Matey - an informal way to refer to either gender.
• Lass - a very informal way to refer to a female.
• Ye - you.
Basic Shipboard Directions
• Bow - The front of the boat. All directions are given assuming you’re facing the bow.
• Port - Left side of the ship.
• Starboard - Right side of the ship.
• Stern - The rear of the ship.

Basic Pirate Grammar:

• Always say ‘me’, instead of ‘my’. So ‘my ship’ becomes ‘me ship’. ‘That’s my grog!’ becomes
‘That’s me grog!’ Try adding ‘me’ in front of all pronouns. So ‘bucko’ becomes ‘me bucko’, or lass
becomes ‘me lass’.
• Instead of saying ‘is’ or ‘are’, say ‘be’. So ‘that is true’ becomes ‘that be true’, and ‘you are a true
friend’ becomes ‘ye be a true friend’..
He will happily agree to switch rooms
with any of the adventurers, though ask that DC 15 Investigation Check: If they have
they humor him by sharing meals every now access to his belongings, and succeed the check,
and then. His partner, who refers to as “the PCs will find that Raum has quite the selection
good doctor”, passed away not long ago, and of poisons that he keeps hidden inside one of
he admits he’s gotten a bit lonely. If any of the his tailor kits. They will also find a signet ring
PCs agree, he’ll be delighted, and is a wonderful depicting a raven perched atop a crown.
conversationalist, preferring to ask the PC
questions about themselves than divulge much DC 20 Insight Check: if they discover
about himself. his poisons, and confront him about it, Raum will
say that they are merely for altering dyes and he
Raum’s Secret: Remember, Raum is had no idea they were poisonous. As for the ring,
actually an expert assassin and a member of the well, that’s a memento from his late partner. A
Outer Seas. He’s on his way home, for good, and successful check will reveal these to be a lie, of
is not looking forward to it. The PCs make for course, though Raum refuses to change his story.
an excellent distraction. Nevertheless, suspicious
players might wish to dig more into Raum, and
can discover the following: Yasviga Reinwald:

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
101
 Yasviga Reinwald (pronounced Yas - vi - ga
Rine - wald) is a tall, athletically built human
woman with amber eyes and long, dark hair.
She dresses in noble traveling attire that’s a few
centuries out of date, though clearly of recent
and fine make. Around her neck is a silver chain
bearing a signet ring that’s impossible to decipher
without pressing its imprint into wax.
Yasviga spends most of the day in
her cabin, consuming tremendous amounts
of grog, sleeping the day away, and enjoying
the company of several sailors that visit her
in rotation. At night, however, she tends to
haunt the weatherdeck or wander up into the
rigging to gaze at the beauty of the night sky.
She’s not standoffish, but can be quite rude and
superior in attitude. Clearly, she’s of noble birth,
obvious by the expensive clothing, her refined
posture and bearing, and the ever-present sense
of entitlement. She’s not mean, per se, but is
certainly used to a certain lifestyle and happens
to be returning home after a few years abroad.
Her family, it seems, is from Wreythau and her
parents are Count and Countess no less. So,
perhaps unsurprisingly, Yasviga will not change
rooms unless the PCs can offer her something
extraordinary in return. What counts as
extraordinary depends upon the DM’s discretion.
Yasviga’s Secret: In truth, Yasviga is exactly
what she says she is, the eldest daughter of Count
and Countess Reinwald, though what she won’t
say is that the Reinwalds are from Wreythau.
What’s more, they’re no ordinary nobles. Far
from it. They are actually the blessed Children of
Vargr, an Archfey that had visited Wreythau long
before even the Ghul Sildreth came. Yasviga and
her family are an ancient lineage of skinchangers
steeped in Fey magic, and are far from your
average werewolves (see the entry on the House
of Reinwald for more information). It is no curse
for Yasviga, but rather a source of primal power,
and she is in complete control. There’s no danger
of the players being trapped aboard a ship with a
rampaging werewolf, as fun as that would be. Or,
at least, no danger of a rampaging Yasviga. She’s
decided to turn one of the sailors into a member
of her pack, though it turns out he’s not strong
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
102
enough for the “gift”. See ‘Events of the Voyage’
for more details.
Yasviga’s Knowledge: As a native of
Wreythau (as well as one of the monsters that
haunts the land), Yasviga knows quite a lot. In
fact, she knows a great deal about the history
and mystical nature of her homeland, though
she’d never share that knowledge to any but
her closest kin. That said, she’s happy to talk
about Wreythau in general, will blithely express
the following:
• “Wreythau is such a wonderful land. The
forests are so lush and vibrant, and the
hunting is simply exquisite. Far beyond
what you can find elsewhere. I’ve really
missed going on a proper hunt, it feels like
it’s been an age. Why, before I left, I went
on a marvelous hunt. I managed to get an
elk and a hunting cat! You should have seen
the look on their faces, it was almost like
they were aware of the irony!”
• “Well, the peasants are a little backwards.
Not much worse than you lot, though,
but don’t take offense. It’s really not that
much different than anywhere else, only
the biggest cities are properly civilized.
Oh, I can’t wait until I can meet my family
in Raffenberg. They throw the most
wonderful parties!”
• “I suppose you do need to be careful,
though. Since there’s so much game in
the forests, there’s a lot of predators, too.
It’s not so bad if you know how to listen
to the land.”
Rahved Mirsk:
Rahved Mirsk (pronounced Raw -
ved Mer - sk) is a pale, almost skeletal human
man with dark eyes and black hair. He dresses
in frayed robes, and the skin of his hands is
stained and mottled from exposure to unknown
chemicals and inks. His eyes shift uneasily, and he
constantly mutters under his breath about various
calculations and chemical reactions.
As the adventurers might guess, Rahved
is an alchemist, and an extremely dedicated one at
 that. Obsessive, really, completely absorbed with
his work and blind to almost all else. He’s set up
an elaborate work station on the other side of the
room and can only be persuaded to take it down
or move rooms if one of the adventurers agrees
to become his test subject. A DC 14 Persuasion
Check will convince Rahved that testing only
one potion is sufficient. See “Events of the Voyage”
for more information.
Rahved’s secret: Rahved is actually a
wanted criminal, and a DC 15 History Check
will reveal that he is wanted in multiple
kingdoms for charges related to kidnapping,
murder, and experimentation on sentient beings.
Morality and Ethics are meaningless to Rahved,
only knowledge matters, and while he has
become something of a genius when it comes
to alchemy, engineering, and medicine, he’s as
monstrous as any Demon. Thankfully for the
adventurers, aside from testing a potion or two,
they’re safe from his attentions as he won’t risk
getting thrown overboard before reaching his
objective: the home of the fabled Mad Alchemist
of Inbarev.
Vara Skade:
Vara is a statuesque half orc woman with
green skin, pointed ears, and hair a blue so dark
it’s almost black. She wears dark clothing suited
for harsh travel and always carries a handaxe on
her belt. Her bow, arrows, and other tools are all
stowed in her cabin.
Vara is a skilled Gloom Stalker ranger, a grim
woman haunted by spectres of the past. She
boarded The Pelican for much the same reasons
as the adventurers: to find the Wreythian
Merchant Consortium. She’s been tracking
them for quite some time, having been made
aware of just how insidious and malevolent the
organization is after they killed her liege with
a poison that slowly drove her insane over the
years, something Vara discovered when the dead
lady’s garments were passed on to a non-blood
relative that soon began to experience the same
symptoms. This set her on a trail of suspicion
and over the years Vara has uncovered many of
the Consortium’s secrets, though ironically, isn’t
aware that she’s on one of their ships. She will
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
103
confide in the adventurers, seeing them as allies,
and revealing most of what she knows. Feel free
to pull from the “The Founding of the Merchant
Consortium” for Vara’s knowledgebase.
Otherwise, despite the trust she places in the
adventurers, she is not keen to move cabins
because she doesn’t trust the other passengers.
They could be the very enemy she hunts, but that
doesn’t mean she can’t be convinced.
Musical Cabins
There are four cabins available, as well
as the crew quarters which consist of a large,
open room below deck with swinging hammocks
and unlocked chests. The cabins, however, are
quite large, and can easily fit three people as
long as the third person doesn’t mind stringing
up a hammock.
Captain Saltwind doesn’t care who
sleeps wear, though he firmly believes it’s
not his problem. He won’t force anyone to
move anywhere they don’t want to and will
forcefully remove himself from any discussions
surrounding sleeping arrangements. His only
job is to make sure the ship gets from A to B and
everyone gets there alive. That’s the end of it, as
far as he’s concerned.
Therefore, it’s the adventuring party’s job
to figure out their accommodations.
Events during the Voyage:
The following list of events highlights
important narrative encounters that will allow
the characters to learn more about the strange,
ominous land they’re traveling to, as well as build
more unease and dread. Use as many events as
you’d like, or feel free to add your own to make
the voyage a thrilling experience for your players.
They can be used in any order, though they are
numbered for ease of use.
 Event 1: The Captain’s Table
(Unease)
A few days into the journey, Captain
Saltwind will invite the adventurers to dine at
his table. The food served during the voyage has
been fine so far, though the menu that Saltwind’s
steward offers should tempt the characters: fine
elvish wine, malt beer, red meat off the bone,
vegetable pie, fresh seafood, and gnomish mousse
for desert. The steward will extend the offer
every night until the players agree.
This is an opportunity for the players
to find out more about Wreythau, and an
opportunity to help sprinkle in more unease.
Saltwind has become quite jaded over the years
and his judgement of what might disturb others
is quite poor. Combine that with his dark
sense of humor and it should make the dinner
a suitably chilling affair. When it comes to
running the dinner, let the players take the lead
if they’re inclined to. Saltwind will answer their
questions and participate in their chosen topics
of conversation. If the party is more hesitant, or
unsure what to talk about, Saltwind will alternate
between asking the players disturbing questions
about themselves and telling tall tales about
Wreythau. See below.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
104
When the players finally agree to attend
the dinner, read the following:
As soon as the fourth bell sounds for the
dogwatch, at about 6pm, the steward summons
you for dinner with the Captain. He leads you
to Saltwind’s cabin at the stern of the ship. As
soon as the doors open you are treated to a
vision of worn and faded finery. Once, a grand
carpet stretched beneath an exquisite dining
table, with an elvish crystal chandelier hanging
above. Now the carpet is frayed, the varnish on
the table has begun to wear away, and several
pieces of the chandelier have cracked. Further
into the room you spot a massive canopy bed
that sags in the middle, as well as a grand desk
that has fared about as well as the dining table.
Clearly, Saltwind once possessed great wealth,
though he’s now facing much leaner times.
Saltwind greets the adventurers with a
broad smile and a hearty clap on the back for
the sturdiest looking member of the party. He
beckons them to the table, where jugs of wine
and pitchers of malt beer wait at the ready. The
food is brought out soon after and proves to be
as wonderful as the steward promised. The ship’s
cook clearly spends most of their time preparing
these feasts, and somehow, Saltwind has a
way to keep the food fresh and well preserved
 despite being stored aboard the ship. As the
food is served, Saltwind engages the players in
conversation.
Below are examples of examples of
conversational topics that Saltwind will bring
up. Some are questions, others are tall tales, and
designed to help provide a framework for the
conversation and add unease. Use them as you see
fit to engage your players.
Saltwind’s Conversational Topics:
• “Aye, tis fitting we have this dinner, me
hearties. Fitting that we celebrate! So far
there’s been no sign of the beasts of the
deep. Strange creatures they are that ply the
waters between here and our destination.
So raise a glass and offer a prayer that this
isn’t just the calm before the storm.”
• “Now just why is it that ye be willing to
cross the sea to such a dreaded place? Just
what do ye know about the land they
call Wreythau?”
• “They say it’s a land of cursed monsters
they do, and that might be true enough,
but beware, for the most wretched, foul
creatures ye’re bound to meet are those
wearing the face of man and woman.
There’s religious fanatics crawling all over
that island that are worse than any demon.
Why, I’ve seen a man claw out the eyes of
another with just his fingernails, and all for
a piece of moldy cheese. What do ye think a
man is capable of that feels the hands of the
gods upon his shoulder?”
• “Well, what of ye? I heard ye killed some
monster or other back in that town. Just
what does that mean ye’re capable of?
If pushed, what do ye think ye have it
in ye to do?”
• “Steer clear of the forests, as well as ye
might. There’s strange beasts lurking in the
shadows of them woods. Some say they’re as
afeared of ye as ye might be of them, though
others say they’d skin ye alive just to hear ye
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
105
scream. Bad business, either way. Fear can
do monstrous things to a person. Have ye
ever seen such?”
• “There aren’t many villages in that
kingdom. Can’t afford to spread out. Some
say that’s just due to it being such a hideous
place to live, but others say it’s cause of
the taxes. Aye, the taxes, if ye can believe
it. Every settlement has to pay, in coin,
produce, and the very people themselves.
They call it the blood tithe. A certain
number must go off, and sometimes,
aye, sometimes they return. Such is the
commandment of the Queen. An eldritch
being of vast power, they say. Immortal,
she is, they say, though none have laid eyes
upon her in centuries. What truth there is,
I can’t say.”
• “Beware of the Knights of the land. Fell
warriors they are, and all fear them. They
feast upon the blood of the fallen and absorb
their strength, and live for nothing else. I’ve
seen it with me own eyes, once. Only a fool
would challenge one. What do ye say, me
hearties, does that include any of ye?”
• “To the south they say there’s an Alchemist
the likes of which ain’t never been seen.
Say he can do far more than just raise the
dead, but that he can create new life all his
own, too. Now that would be a sight to see,
don’t ye think?”
• I f your players have questions for Saltwind,
use your best judgements, though below
are some things that he knows and is
willing to share.
Saltwind’s Knowledge:
• The ruler of Wreythau is the Endless
Hunger, the Blood Queen, She Who Never
Dies. They say she’s a vampire, a being
possessing godlike power, though none
have seen her in centuries, if she ever
existed at all.
 • If Saltwind can be tripped up (perhaps with
a fast-talk Persasion roll) he will reveal that
the Queen’s name is Czerina Gavronova.
A DC 20 History Check will reveal the
following: over a thousand years ago there was
a human empire known as Nostrovishte. The
last Tsar of the empire, Alexandros I, had a sister
named Czerina Gavronova, though not much is
known about her. Alexandros disappeared only
2 years into his reign, and the empire crumbled
shortly thereafter.
• The Blood Tithe and all other taxes are
gathered by an ominous figure known as
The Tax Collector. They say he’s the prince
consort of the Blood Queen, and acts as her
viceroy, though he claims to act only under
her authority.
• In the past, settlements tried to defy The
Tax Collector, and the result was so terrible
that none dare to defy him now.
• The dominant religion is the faith of the
Morning Lord, comprised of the Church
and the Inquisition.
• The headquarters of the Merchant
Consortium is in Raffenburg, the grandest
city in the land.
• The Reinwalds are a strange noble family.
They rule over a county, though exactly
what the boundaries of that county are, no
one really knows. They hold wild parties
and love to hunt, though are quite secretive
and insular when it comes to the business of
their family and their land.
The dinner with Saltwind ends whenever
interest or energy flags. If desired, the dinner
could even be broken up over several nights,
perhaps interspersed with other events.
Event 2: Secrets of the Hold
(Dread)
This event reveals more of Saltwind’s
past and his ties to the Consortium. It can
also establish a strong current of dread, as the
adventurers realize they’re trapped aboard a ship
crewed by their mysterious adversary.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
106
The event triggers in the night or the
early morning, while most everyone is asleep
and it’s just before the change in watch. Have
characters roll Perception, and whoever rolls the
highest hears it: a muffled scream from down
in the hold of the ship. Someone is in pain, and
calling for help, though its faint, barely coming
up through the timbers. The adventurers were
told not to go into the hold, though they also
know it’s not locked.
If the adventurers go to get a crewmate
and let them know about the noise, the sailor
will respond with a tired surliness, but eventually
agree to go check it out. By the time they get
below deck the noise has stopped. The annoyed
sailor chews out the adventurer for pulling a
prank, and do you know how long they’ve been
working, they just pulled a double watch! Pah!
Away with you!
Hopefully, at this point, the character will
then gather their companions, or at least check
out the noise themselves. Remind them that the
voice was clearly in pain and distress.
You descend down the wooden steps into the
depths of the hold and see what looks like an
endless maze of crates and barrels stretching
out before you. But then you hear it, a faint
scrabbling sound, like small claws scraping
across the timbers, and you smell blood in the
air. It’s not just the sea, but rather that sharp
tang of copper tinged with a hint of sweet. It’s
unmistakable blood, and fresh, too. Delving
deeper into the stacks you venture far into the
hold, towards the bow, where the motion of
the ship ploughing through the waves is at its
worst. Here, the deck rises and falls unsteadily
beneath your feet. Finally, you see it. Tucked
away, out of sight, is a small compartment
that’s been built into the hold. The door yawns
open, and a pool of blood leaks out from
inside. As you approach and look in, you see
a flurry of scurrying rats disappearing into
the crevices of the ship, as well as their grisly
feast. A sailor’s leg was crushed and pinned by
a cannon that had broken loose, and they’d lain
there helpless as they were eaten alive.
 Aside from finding the dead sailor, the If the adventurer drinks the potion, read
players can learn the following: the following:
The potion is colored a muddy brown, shot
A DC 12 Investigation Check reveals: through with bright swirls of red, green, and
that there are several flags from different blue. The glass vial is cool to the touch, and
kingdoms, forgeries meant to help disguise the the potion is almost flavorless as it hits your
ship. There is also a jolly roger, a black flag, tongue. Instead, it fills your mouth like an oily
that only means one thing: piracy. They also sludge that seems almost eager to slide down
find: a small chest filled with 11 signet rings your throat, leaving a bitter aftertaste and the
from various noble houses, many covered in old hint of licorice. Nothing happens.
blood. A box of old ledgers is filled with details of
exotic animal smuggling, human trafficking, and
contraband goods. The destination of all of it?
Boril Saltwind
Medium human, Neutral Evil
Consortium.
—
Armor Class 15 (studded leather armor)
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20)
A DC 15 History Check: will identify Speed 30 ft.
the noble houses the rings belong to, and the STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 14 (+2)
character will recall that three of those houses
tragically lost family members during sea voyages. —
Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +5, Wis +2
Skills Athletics +4, Deception +4
Most of the others had family members disappear Senses passive Perception 10
from polite society due to various flimsy excuses, Languages any two languages
and a few admitted to having to pay a ransom to Challenge 2 (450 XP)

save their loved ones from kidnapping. —

Actions
Multiattack. The captain makes three melee attacks: two with
A DC 15 Investigation Check reveals: its scimitar and one with its dagger. Or the captain makes two
that the cannons show signs of frequent use, but ranged attacks with its daggers.

all are still operational, even if few in number. Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
And, as players would recall, many of the Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

“repairs” on the ship would disguise cannon ports.
If confronted, Saltwind won’t confirm
or deny it. He’ll just point out that they’re in
the middle of the open ocean and that it takes a
crew of at least 12 to sail the ship, at minimum,
20 to be safe, so it really isn’t worth starting
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage
Reactions
Parry. The captain adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that
would hit it. To do so, the captain must see the attacker and be
wielding a melee weapon.

trouble, now, is it?

Saltwind’s Crew
Event 3: The Potion Medium humanoid, Neutral Evil

(Unease) —
Armor Class 12 (leather armor)
This event only occurs if one of the Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
Speed 30 ft.
players agreed to test Rahved’s potions. He STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
refuses to share the details of the potion, 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
saying he doesn’t want to skew the results, —
Senses passive Perception 10
though he will promise that it will not do any Languages Common
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)
permanent damage.
—
Actions
A character may use detect magic and Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
then pass a DC 15 Arcana Check to reveal Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) slashing damage.
that the potion is imbued with complicated Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80/320
transmutation magic. ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
107
 Yet. Nothing happens yet. Rahved will
2. Acid wells You can cast Tasha’s
simply ask the adventurer questions about how
up from your Caustic Brew at 2nd
they feel, such as: can you move your fingers
stomach, burning Level (DC equal to
and toes, has anything affected your vision, how
your throat and 8 + proficiency +
does your stomach feel, has the temperature in
dribbling from Con modifier) once,
the room changed, etc. Everything seems to be
your lips. Instantly, within 24 hours.
normal, however.
it burns through After 24 hours the
any cloth, as well potion wears off.
Rahved nods sagely and tells the
as up to 1 inch
adventurer to report any further symptoms.
of wood. Speech
becomes difficult
Surprise! That night, the adventurer
as acid drools
begins to develop symptoms.
from your mouth.
Read the following:
3. Your stomach A swarm of
You’re awoken from your slumber by a swells as something poisonous moths fills
cramping pain in your gut. It feels like grows inside you, your stomach for 24
something is alive, something is inside of and the feeling of hours or until used.
you that is trying to get out, but even as you hundreds, if not The swarm cannot
scrabble at the flesh of your stomach you feel thousands, of wings harm you. As an
the strength leaving your body. Heat washes fills your insides. action you can vomit
over you and sweat soaks through your You can feel forth the swarm. The
clothing as you begin to boil alive, and then tiny feet tickling swarm will add 1d6
the following happens. your organs, piercing damage to
just begging to your weapon attacks
Have the player roll a d6 and tell them be let out. once per turn.
the results: The swarm lasts
1d6 Description Effect for 1 minute once
outside of you.
1. Your limbs grow You can cast
limp as your bones Spider Climb once, 4. Fire consumes your You grow a beak.
meld into your within 24 hours. skull as it stretches You can now speak
flesh. The sweat After 24 hours the and grows, feeling to birds, but cannot
coating your skin potion wears off. as though it's speak any other
thickens into a tearing itself apart. language. Your beak
sticky slime that You cry out in does 1d8 piercing
clings to every pain, though only damage, plus your
surface. Suddenly, a the sound of a bird strength modifier,
fear of the ground comes out. You and you count as
strikes you, and decide which bird proficient in it. This
you desire to climb you sound like. The lasts for one hour.
up somewhere pain feeds, leaving
high, though you with a massive
you can resist beak attached
this desire. to your face.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
108
 makeshift brig is where they will spend the rest
5. Your bones You become
of the voyage unless they try to escape. Which
begin to vibrate magnetic. Any metal
admittedly, won’t be easy, though then they’ll
inside, shaking object within 30ft
have Saltwind and his crew to deal with.
your muscles and that is not tied down
organs, until finally
or fixed in place
Of course, Rahved isn’t particularly hard
your skeleton immediately flies
to kill. He has 6 hit points, and aside from his
settles, though towards you and
intellect, doesn’t have any extraordinary stats to
you feel stiff and clings to your body.
worry about. If he’s killed, well, Saltwind will give
much heavier Creatures must make
the characters a stern talking to, and the other
than before. a DC 15 Athletics
passengers might give the adventurers a wide
check to hold onto
berth (except Raum), but otherwise Saltwind has
metal objects in their
already been paid and isn’t particularly bothered
possession. This lasts
about tossing a body overboard and continuing
for one hour.
the journey without giving it another thought.
6. You feel the bones Your hands become Which, of course, reveals quite a lot about the
in your hands enraged dragon ship they’re passengers on.
stretch, tearing heads. The heads
through the skin, can bite once per
only for a terrible turn, dealing 1d6 + Event 4: Murder Most Foul
rash to sprout from 3 piercing damage, (Dread)
your forearms, and can also breathe This event is only triggered if Vara and
scales erupting a 15ft cone of fire Raum have been convinced to room together,
from your flesh as that deals 3d6 fire OR if the adventurers have been talking to Vara
you watch your damage. The dragons about the Consortium where other people can
hands transform will bite and breathe overhear them. As badass as Vara might be, she’s
into the heads of fire at everything not used to skullduggery and subterfuge and thus
vicious dragons. around them, relies on the judgement of the adventurers over
including you. This whether it’s safe to talk in the open. However, if
lasts for one hour, they do discuss the Consortium in the open, then
or until you become that would inevitably lead to her death.
unconscious.
As friendly as Raum might be, he is
Rahved will insist that the potion worked an expert assassin and a member of the Outer
perfectly after he is informed of the results. If Seas branch of the Consortium. If he finds out
the players threaten them, he will offer to give that Vara wishes the Consortium harm, which
them 5 potions as compensation. The potions might be due to gossip amongst the crew or his
are random, and use the table above every time own eavesdropping, he will consider himself
(although you are welcome to create new tables if obligated to do something about it. That
you wish). The only difference is, once someone something will include murder. You lean on your
has taken their first potion they will experience strengths, after all.
the effects of their next potion instantly. The first
potion always takes some hours to activate. The murder can be as bloody or as
stealthy as you like. If you desire a shocking,
If attacked, Rahved will attempt to save brutal murder, read the following:
himself by throwing a vial of knockout gas at
his feet. The Adventurers must succeed a DC 13
As the sun rises once again, you hear
Constitution Save or be knocked unconscious.
the frantic clanging of the warning bells.
If they’re all knocked unconscious they will wake
Something is terribly wrong. As you rush from
up locked inside a storage room in the hold. This
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
109
 your quarters below decks you are greeted with
cries of murder and follow the commotion to
the stern of the ship where a grisly scene awaits
you. Blood coats the deck and has spatter in
viscous sprays across the ship’s railing and the
various barrels and crates lashed nearby. Vara
lies upon her back, several daggers plunged
into her stomach and chest.
DC 12 Medicine Check: Vara was
actually killed with a single strike to the back
with a long slender blade that was angled so it
slipped through the ribs and up into the heart.
She died very quickly. Nevertheless, her tongue
and her eyes have been cut out, along with the
additional mutilation which was all done post
mortem (after death).
DC 15 Medicine Check: There are signs
of poisoning. Subtle, but present. The poison
would have made the target feel fatigued and
nauseous, thus diminishing their awareness
and making them an easier target. The poison
was ingested.
DC 12 Insight Check: This isn’t just a
murder, this is a warning. The killer wants you
to be afraid that if you proceed as Vara has been,
this is what will happen to you: a violent death,
ruthless and sudden.
DC 20 Investigation Check: A lock of
hair has been subtly cut off. Clearly a memento.
However, if you would prefer that the
death be more subtle, then Vara will simply
disappear. Suddenly, she will be gone. All of her
belongings will still be in her quarters (wherever
they are), though she, herself, is absent. No
one knows anything. It is simply an utter and
complete void that has opened among them.
Vara is no longer on the ship.
If played well, that could be even more
terrifying than the sight of the grisly murder. The
unknown is a powerful source of fear, after all.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
110
Event 5: The Howling
(Unease)
This event will reveal something of
Yasviga and the Reinwald’s true nature. Unlike
the other possible events listed you will need to
sprinkle in pieces of The Howling all throughout
the journey in order to properly establish the
unease. It is also recommended that, if you wish
to use Event 4: A Murder Most Foul during the
voyage that you choose to make Vara’s murder
subtle. This way, having multiple instances of
bloody savagery won’t dull the effect it has upon
the players. It also might lead them to believe
that the two events are connected, and while they
aren’t, it will deepen the mystery of both.
Essentially, this event is the result of
Yasviga having taken a liking to one of the
sailors, and having decided that she wants to
bring him into her pack. That means deliberately
infecting him with a particularly potent strain
of lycanthropy. The transformation takes place
over a period of days on the voyage, each one
escalating and contributing more unease, hence
the need to sprinkle them throughout.
The Sailor is a half-elven man named
Dorin. He’s quite the handsome fellow with
bright green eyes, thick, dark hair, and a sculpted
physique that he loves to show off. He’s a little
vain, to be sure, though he’s also one of the
liveliest members of the crew, constantly telling
jokes that make even the most arduous or
disgusting shipboard duties easier to get through.
No wonder Yasviga has taken a liking to him.
Unfortunately for him, the transformation hits
him hard. Use the following mini-events to help
illustrate this.
Stage One: During the evening meal, which
is held in the mess hall with the rest of the
passengers and crew (a great set piece for
conversing with the other passengers), the
adventurers notice something a bit strange.
One of the crew has gone back for
seconds. The cook informs him that no one
but the passengers are entitled to seconds,
which the crewman (Dorin) begins to argue. He
 accuses the cook of skimping out on ingredients,
making them all starve to save a bit of coin. The
argument soon begins to escalate until Yasviga
approaches and demands seconds herself, which
she promptly gives to Dorin.
A DC 12 Insight Check reveals the
surprise that ripples through the crew. They
know Dorin well and have never known
him to start trouble. They’re shocked at the
display of anger.
DC 15 Insight Check reveals that more
than a few of the crew are shooting fearful
looks at Yasviga. Everyone knows Dorin’s
been spending time with her. It seems they’ve
connected the dots.
A DC 17 Persuasion Check can convince
the crewmates that have connected the dots to
impart the following: “Only a fool’d get on the
wrong side of the Reinwalds. Vicious lot they is.
If she’s claimed ‘im then he’s lost to us, and ye’d
best stay out of the way. Don’t stick yer nose in it,
lest it get bit off, or don’t say we didn’t warn ye.”
Stage Two: A few evenings later, the
adventurers spot Dorin in the mess hall again.
He seems to have bulked up considerably since
they last saw him, his physique particularly
shredded and rippling with muscle. Is it just their
imagination? And are the rest of the crew giving
him a much, much wider birth?
A DC 13 Medicine Check will reveal
that, yes, Dorin has gained a significant amount
of muscle mass in an impossibly short time. His
hair is also longer than before.
A DC 12 Insight Check will reveal that,
yes, the crew are afraid of Dorin. Everyone,
even the other toughs on the crew, are eyeing
him cautiously and doing their best to keep
their distance.
Stage Three: The sounds of a fight break out
on the weatherdeck. By the time the adventurers
race there, describe the following:
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
111
The sound of frantic shouting fills your ears,
nearly drowning out the primal, blood thirsty
screaming of one of the combatants. As you
shove your way to a good vantage point you
see three sailors barely managing to restrain a
struggling Dorin, dragging him off of the limp
body of another crewman. Blood has spattered
Dorin’s fists and clothing, though your eyes are
drawn to the stream of blood flowing from the
corners of his mouth as he screams and howls
as he is dragged away.
A DC 13 Perception Check reveals that,
yes, there were bloodied fangs in Dorin’s mouth.
A DC 12 Medicine check reveals that
the bloodied and beaten sailor is alive, and will
recover, though there is a nasty bite mark on the
side of his neck that will leave a large scar.
A DC 18 Arcana Check will diagnose
Dorin’s condition as most likely being the result
of: demonic possession or a curse. Lycanthropy
would be one example of such a curse.
Stage Four: The adventurers no longer see
Dorin at meals, nor on any watch. Coincidentally,
Yasviga has started taking meals in her cabin, and
drinks herself into a stupor more often than not,
shunning the company of others.
Next, call for a perception check while
the adventurers are sleeping. Whoever has the
highest result will hear the very faint sounds
of furious, angry screaming and the rattling of
chains somewhere deep in the bowels of the
ship. If they follow the sounds, they will discover
that Dorin has been chained deep in the hold.
Essentially, it’s a wooden storage locker built into
the ship itself, and Dorin has been manackled and
chained inside. He roars and screams and throws
himself against his bonds, the sound of deep
growls emanating from his chest. A lone sailor
stands nearby, guarding the locker. She warns
the adventurers to stay back and that under no
circumstances should he be let him out.
If the adventurers don’t listen and decide
to free him, then they will have a werewolf fight

Werewolf Dorin
Medium humanoid, Chaotic Evil
—
Armor Class 11 in humanoid form, 12 (natural armor) in wolf
or hybrid form
Hit Points 58 (9d8 + 18)
Speed 30 (40 ft. in wolf form)
STR DEX CON — INT WIS CHA
15 (+2) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Skills Perception +4
Damage Immunities bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical attacks that aren’t silvered
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Common (can’t speak in wolf form)
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Shapechanger. The werewolf can use its action to polymorph
into a wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a wolf, or back into its true
form, which is humanoid. Its statistics, other than its AC, are the
same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t
transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Keen Hearing and Smell. The werewolf has advantage on
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.
—
Actions
Multiattack (Humanoid or Hybrid Form Only). The werewolf
makes two attacks: two with its spear (humanoid form) or one
with its bite and one with its claws (hybrid form).
Bite (Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing
damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on
a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with
werewolf lycanthropy.
Claws (Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 7 (2d4 + 2) slashing damage
on their hands, which is tremendously dangerous
as the werewolf is immune to most attacks.
However, Dorin’s primary motivation will be
escape and so he will only attack if his escape
is blocked. At this point a ship-wide werewolf
hunt would erupt, and culminate in Dorin being
driven into the sea.
As for Yasviga, she’s confined herself
to her cabin for the remainder of the journey.
Saltwind and his Sailors would protect her from
the adventurers, if necessary.
Event 6: Blood Sacrifice
(Unease and Dread)
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
112
This event is the last to occur, happening
as the ship nears the boundary between realms,
and leads directly into Act 3: The Storm.
When you’ve judged it’s time for this
event, read the following description:
In the morning you awaken to the sound of
bells being run across the ship. At first you
feel the blood quicken in your veins, but after
a moment you realize that it’s not the warning
bell, but is instead...something else. There’s a
rhythm to it. Frantic, but there’s definitely a
pattern to the harsh, clanging of the bells.
As you ascend to the weatherdeck you
see a flurry of activity. Every sailor, even the
night’s watch, is hard at work. What’s more,
they’ve hauled all of the live animals up out
of the hold and have begun to slaughter
them in teams. Is it for a feast? No, as you get
closer you realize it’s some bizarre ceremony
the entire crew is performing, chanting and
singing as they slaughter the goats, chickens,
pigs, and domesticated giant spiders (kept
aboard for the silk, of course). The sailors
gather the blood in buckets, with the entrails
in another, and then the buckets are brought
to crews that have rigged hoists over the side
of the ship. They descend down the hull and
begin to paint ritualistic symbols and runes
onto the timbers, chanting all the while.
If the player characters stop any of the
sailors and ask them what’s going on, they will
reply that they are preparing for The Crossing
and that they’re warding the ship to protect it
from the fog and hide it from the Leviathans.
A DC 14 Arcana Check reveals that,
surprisingly, the runes being painted in sacrificial
blood actually do have magical properties,
though they seem to be a mixture of abjuration,
conjuration, and necromancy. This is far
more complex than anything simple sailors
should know.
A DC 14 Religion Check will reveal that
the foundation of this magic is actually Druidic in
nature. It’s a much bastardized druidic magic, but
 druidic nonetheless, and undeniably ancient and
powerful. What’s more, the runes have nothing
to do with animals, or the sea, but rather with the
forces of the Great Wheel themselves, tapping
into the energies of life and death, and the spaces
between here and there.
The ritual is, of course, authentic. It was
taught to the members of the Consortium by
Czerina herself, long, long ago, passed down to
the members of the Outer Seas for centuries. No
single sailor knows all of the ritual. Rather, each
sailor is responsible for mastering a specific part
of the ritual, whether that’s how to slaughter the
animals or what runes to paint on that specific
section of the stern. Together, the entire crew
is able to complete the incredibly complex act
of magic, though what they don’t know is that
it’s entirely worthless without a font of power
and that power comes from Czerina herself. The
ritual is really more to grab her attention (even
in her slumber) than anything else. Of course,
without the runes, it wouldn’t work either, so
it’s fair to say they’re equally important. The
runes lay the groundwork, and The Blood Queen
makes it happen.
As the sailors paint the runes onto the
ship, have players roll a perception check. The
highest rolls will hear the following:
Ahead of you, a massive wall of fog looms,
rising up out of the sea until it touches the
sky. The fog ripples and writhes, as though
phantom shapes move just behind it, and
then you notice something, just at the edge of
your hearing, but it grows louder. It’s a multi-
pitched keening, a discordant, unearthly noise
that rises and falls in strange undulations,
though it is growing louder. A cry goes up
from the lookout in the crows nest.
“Avast! Leviathans!”
The ritual falters, the sailors beginning to panic
before Saltwind strides out onto the deck and
begins to lay about with a crop, shouting for
them to pick up the pace. That seems to pierce
the fear and frantically they get back to work.
Over the sides of the boat you begin to start
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
113
seeing them, massive shapes surging through
the water. At first, you wonder if it’s just simple
whales that have spooked the superstitious
sailors so, but then you notice a massive
tentacle breaks the surface, as thick as the most
massive of trees, stretching up and up until it
nearly reaches the crows nest before it comes
crashing back down into the sea with such
force that it rocks The Pelican. Fins break the
surface, twice as tall as the ship, if not more,
and a forest of tentacles rise from the depths all
around you. Death is certain...until, at last, you
hit the wall of fog.
Act Three: The Storm
Act Overview:
Act Three: The Storm is much shorter
than the previous two acts. This marks the player
characters’ transition from the Material Plane
into the Domains of Dread and builds off the
dread from earlier, allowing a release before the
dungeon that is Act 4: The Wrecks. However, Act
Three also marks the characters’ first interaction
with Czerina, the Vampire Queen herself, making
it a crucial narrative moment as well as a thrilling
struggle to stay alive.
As the ship enters the wall of fog it begins
to get battered by the leviathans. The players
must help the sailors fight off the leviathans
before the ship is able to limp out of the fog
and right into the teeth of a massive storm. As
the players struggle to save the ship, they hear
the voice of Czerina on the wind, and see her
presence in the storm itself, and though their
efforts might be valiant, they are ultimately futile.
The ship is sunk and the adventurers must battle
through the icy waters towards safety.
Leviathans
The Leviathans were once whales, but
have since been horribly twisted by the influence
of Czernobog. Because the crew of The Pelican
was so late in completing the ritual (remember,
it’s been years since they last attempted it), the
ship is left vulnerable, and so they must face these
unnatural, eldritch beings in order to escape
certain death.

To begin, read the following:
For long moments all is still as the ship glides
into the fog. The air is thick with condensation
and cold, clouding your view of anything
beyond the weatherdeck. But then the deck
bucks beneath your feet as something massive
slams into the ship from below. The ship
thunders back down into the water and rights
itself, just in time for a massive tentacle to
come crashing down upon the deck.
A DC 13 Acrobatics check will allow players
to keep their feet, otherwise they fall prone
before the tentacle.
The massive, writhing appendage is at least
ten feet in diameter and crashed into the deck
right behind the mainsail. Lines snap and
timber splinters, jagged pieces of wood flying
through the air. This close, you realize that
the tentacle isn’t covered in suction pads like
those of an octopus or squid, but is rather
covered in huge, suppurating maws filled with
row after row of jagged, undulating teeth.
Slick ooze gushes from those horrible mouths,
covering the deck in slime that’s treacherous
beneath your feet.
The tentacle is not technically a monster,
but is definitely attached to one. Nevertheless, it
still poses a threat.
To approach the tentacle the PCs must
repeat the DC 11 Athletics Check at the
start of their turn or else they fall prone and
slide towards the horrible maws covering the
tentacle. A prone character must succeed a DC 13
Dexterity or Strength saving throw or take
1d8 + 3 slashing damage as they are drawn into
a churning, feeding maw.
Meanwhile, Captain Saltwind is
screaming for anyone to attack the tentacle
and get it the hell off the ship or else they’ll be
dragged under.
The tentacle has 30 hit points and AC 14.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
114
Characters that try to stay away from
the tentacle face another danger: even more
thrashing, grasping tentacles. Any character far
enough away (about 20 ft) to be able to avoid
the Athletics checks must still succeed a DC
13 Dexterity Save or be snatched up into the
air by the tip of another tentacle. If they fail,
that Grasping Tentacle will do 1d8 + 3 bashing
damage as it crushes them. Grasping Tentacles
have 15 hit points and AC 14. They hold the
character 30 feet above the deck (3d6 falling
damage, DC 12 acrobatics check to halve the
damage) and won’t drop them until they take 15
points of damage. Alternatively, the character
could escape with a spell like Misty Step. Lastly,
Grasping Tentacles do not attack anyone within
20 ft of the first tentacle gripping the ship.
Once 30 damage has been done to the
tentacle gripping the ship it slithers off the ship
(and Grasping Tentacles drop whoever they’re
holding and retreat) and a sudden gust of wind
catches the sails, pushing them through the fog.
Describe the following:
Just as the tentacle slips free you hear the roar
of the wind as it picks up and catches the sail,
sending the ship cutting through the water at
full speed. You see massive fins chasing you
as the ship cuts through the fog like a thrown
spear and a ragged cry goes up from the
sailors. The fog begins to thin as The Pelican
races forwards, until it finally clears and you
see a massive island looming closer and closer.
Heavy black storm clouds loom above you,
lighting crackling as thunder booms. The wind
picks up, roaring in your ears, and you see the
sea break against jagged rocks that jut up from
the surf like the broken teeth of a monster
hiding beneath the sea. The ship is heading
right towards them. The captain shouts to
attend the mainsail, but as sailors rush to
obey the command an arc of searing lightning
tears horizontally across the sky and strikes
them from the side, catapulting them into
the sea. More lighting lashes down, blasting
sailors into twitching, smoking heaps. Yet,
even through the deadly chaos around you,
you see it, salvation, an area untouched by this
 monstrous, freak storm, a graveyard of other
ships that have been trapped upon the rocks.
If you could make it there, perhaps, you could
find safety.
From this point on, the adventurers
must help to save the ship. The captain shouts
the orders, directing them, though savvy players
might come up with alternate solutions, and
you’re encouraged to work with them. For
instance, instead of raising the sails, destroying
them with spells or cutting the ropes with well
placed arrows could also work. Reward creativity.
Saving the Ship:
In order to keep the ship from crashing,
the adventurers must complete the following.
Grab the wheel and steer the ship: DC
14 Athletics Check.
Find a route through the rocks: DC 14
Investigation or Survival Check
Raise the mainsail: DC 14 Athletics
check or ranged method to cut the ropes.
Save sailors tangled and helpless in
the rigging: DC 14 Acrobatics check.
Figure out what is going on: DC 15
Arcana or Religion Check. If they succeed,
they realize that there is something
supernatural manipulating the storm,
something intelligent and angry.
If the characters all succeed then the ship
is spared from the worst possible scenario and
you should read the description immediately
below. If any character fails to raise the mainsail,
steer the ship, or find a route, then the ship
crashes. Skip to the “Shipwreck!” section below.
Impossibly, you manage to raise the sail,
cutting the ship’s speed, giving you just enough
time to navigate through an incredibly narrow
passage between the first outcropping of ship-
killing rocks. The wind rises, as if in response,
howling like an enraged beast around you,
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
115
though below the roar of the wind you hear
something, a voice carried upon the wind.
It floats into your ears like the whisper of a
lover, a woman’s voice, sibilant and dripping
with malice.
Ask for an Intelligence Check,
the highest roll allowing the character to
decipher a snatch of speech from the otherwise
incomprehensible utterance. The woman’s voice
says: “break their ships...drown the invaders...
none shall flee…”
Then, describe the following:
A sudden crash of lightning shatters the
mainmast, splitting it in two and raising a
cry of terror from the sailors as it collapses
into the water. What once allowed the ship
to sail powerfully through the waters has
now become a terrible anchor, threatening to
pull the ship under. Sailors scramble for the
launches, desperate to abandon ship and take
their chances in a smaller boat upon the sea.
At this point, the characters have a choice:
they can either try to save the ship by cutting
the cables, or they can try to commandeer one of
the launches (rowboats) and see if they can make
it to shore.
If they try to save the ship, they must each
cut a line. The lines have 5 hp and AC 12. If they
fail, jump to “Shipwreck!” below. If they succeed
then they are able to make a DC 14 Athletics
check and a DC 14 Investigation or Survival
check to guide the ship into a controlled crash,
saving most of the sailors. Continue into Act 4:
The Wrecks. If they decide to get in one of the
launches, continue on to “Shipwreck!” below.
Shipwreck!
If still aboard the ship, read
the following:
Valiantly, you battle to save the ship, though
this is no ordinary storm. The wind howls
across the decks with enough force to pick
sailors off of their feet and send them tumbling
into the sea or to break upon the rocks.
 Lightning lashes out of the sky like the scourge
of an angry god, and the tides themselves
batter the boat, dragging it into a furious
riptide that threatens to capsize the ship. The
timbers scream and finally succumb in a series
of cracks to rival the thunder itself. Clinging to
whatever surface nearby, you watch as the sea
rushes up to claim you.
If aboard one of the launches, read
the following:
You manage to release the third and last
launch, the boat dropping into the water with
enough force to bruise, though you hardly
care, releasing the oars so you can battle
against the tide. You make headway, rowing
away from the doomed ship that crashes into
the rocks and crumbles like a morsel being
chewed by a tremendous maw, though the
storm isn’t done with you. Two waves come
at you, one to either side like the jaws of the
deep rising around you, and before you can
cry out they crash down atop you, washing you
into the sea.
The adventurers are now in the sea
and must swim for their lives, although heroic
adventurers might try to save as many sailors
as they can.
First, all characters may perform a DC 14
Investigation or Perception Check to locate
debris that will help them stay afloat. If they
succeed, they now have advantage on Athletics
(swimming) checks, or can grant that advantage
to others by passing them the debris.
Secondly, all characters must complete a
DC 15 Athletics check to swim towards safety.
For any characters that fail, choose from
the following events below (though they can only
get one event):
Event 1: Lady of the Deep
You struggle against the current of the freezing
tides, your arms and legs thrashing as you fight
to keep your head above the surface.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
116
But then, you feel it, something grabbing
at you, and then another, and another, dozens
of icy fingers digging into your flesh, the
spectral hands formed from the sea itself
dragging you down. It’s impossible to fight
against the water itself and you’re pulled under,
far, far below the surface to what you’re sure
will be a watery grave, but then your feet hit
open air and you fall into a pocket of air. In
the swirling waters around you, you see it,
the figure of a woman, tall and proud, formed
from the ocean itself. She steps through the
bubble, into the pocket of air, and stares
down at you.
“You are not the usurper! Who are you?”
she demands.
The character can respond however they wish.
No matter what they say, she will send them
rushing back to the surface, though if they answer
her and tell her something about who they are
then this is something Czerina will mention
when she meets them in person. A good time to
take notes, or tell your players to.
Furthermore, if they answer her truthfully,
then she will answer one question of theirs in
return. Any question. The answer, while truthful,
will be brief, however.
Event 2: The Dagger
You struggle against the current of the freezing
tides, your arms and legs thrashing as you
fight to keep your head above the surface. But
then, you feel it, something grabbing at you,
and then another, and another, dozens of icy
fingers digging into your flesh, the spectral
hands formed from the sea itself dragging you
down. It’s impossible to fight against the water
itself and you’re pulled under, far, far below
the surface to what you’re sure will be a watery
grave, but then you see it, something glittering
and bright stuck in the side of a spire of rock
before you. You grasp it out of desperation
and as your hand closes around it you feel
the handle of a dagger and the icy grip upon
you releases.

The character is able to swim back to the
surface, though they now have a magic dagger.
In fact, this is the Dagger of Murder, a legendary
relic of the land. See Scaling Relics of Legend in
Chapter 1 for more details.
Event 3: Touched by the Goddess
You struggle against the current of the freezing
tides, your arms and legs thrashing as you
struggle to keep your head above the surface.
It takes everything you have, but slowly, you
move through the waves. A crash of thunder
sounds above, striking you deaf, and then
everything goes white as a bolt of lighting
slams into you, your world dissolving into
searing pain. Somehow, you stay above the
surface, a change in current carrying you
towards your destination.
The character gains resistance to
lightning damage if they did not have it already.
Additionally, somewhere (of their choice) on the
character’s body is an eldritch mark seared into
their skin. Any inquisitor that sees this mark will
attack on sight. Any servant of Czerina (including
the Consortium) will treat the character with
mild deference (up to a point), and the character
will gain advantage on Persuasion checks with
her servants whenever the mark is visible.
Ocean Rescuers
If characters wish to rescue sailors from
the icy grasp of the waters then they must either
pass another DC 15 Athletics check or they
must find more debris (DC 15 investigation or
perception) and pass it to the sailors. This can
only be done one more time per character. After
that, the characters will have to reach safety
themselves or risk certain death. This moves us
into the next act.
Act 4: The Wrecks
Act Overview
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
117
Now that the ship has been destroyed
and the adventurers have reached the temporary
safety of The Wrecks, an area untouched by
the storm, giving them a chance to gather their
bearings as well as begin to explore this strange,
hostile new land. The Wrecks themselves are
essentially a dungeon, split into 5 sections, which
I’ll summarize below.
Section A: The Sun’s Wrath is the starting
point of the dungeon. It is the remains of
Alexandros’ ancient flag ship, preserved through
strange magics, and harboring the ghostly echoes
of his soldiers, slain upon Czerina’s ascension
through the ritual and her ties to Czernobog.
The characters will be able to uncover clues to
the past, experience the haunting of the ship, and
find some treasure. The only threat that exists
in Section A comes from the waters around it,
and the hostile fey that lurk within. Regardless,
this part of the dungeon is largely narrative,
thus allowing for a rest before re-introducing
more unease.
Section B: Inspiration’s Gift is the next
stage of the dungeon, and though it is still
ancient, it is from a much more recent era of
Wreythian history: the gathering of artists
for The Cairn. In this ruin they will learn of
a treasure hidden further inside The Wrecks
(section C), and encounter the mystical paintings
of Isidora, one of Czerina’s brides. This will
allow them to learn more of the history of
Wreythau, as well as generate more unease
amongst the party.
Section C: The Floating Temple contains the
fabled treasure the adventurers have just learned
about, though to claim this treasure is to face
grave danger, as the ghostly echo of Alexandros
himself guards it. If the adventurers decide that
discretion is the better part of valor, this will
simply give them more insight into the history
of the land and give them one last moment of
respite for they plunge into a desperate fight to
survive in Section D. However, if the players
decide to face Alexandros’ ghost and triumph
then they will uncover one of the scaling magic
weapons intended for the party.
 Section D: The Drowned Dead is the exit
of the dungeon and the adventurers only hope
for reaching land. There is little to discover
here, and little to win besides the continuation
of life itself. Horrible undead monstrosities lurk
here, monstrosities that would eventually swarm
over the wrecks in search of fresh, bloody meat.
This horde is essentially a boss fight, as the
adventurers will have to fight through them in
order to reach safety.
Section E: Sun’s Light, on the other hand,
is entirely optional. It is the lair of the aquatic fae
that lurk in the waters around the wrecks. They
are generally hostile, though are also sentient and
thus able to be reasoned with if the players have
sufficient leverage. In their possession is another
treasure: a Drift Globe, a beacon of hope in such a
bleak land.
The red path marked on the map (see
next page) illustrates how the adventurers will
navigate this dungeon. The yellow path indicates
the optional path to Section E. Note that it does
not require any check to move from Section A,
to B, C, or D. The only area difficult enough to
warrant an encounter is Section E.
Section A: The Sun’s Wrath
If the players were able to steer the
remains of The Pelican safely into the wrecks
then they will have many sailors at hand, which
gives great fodder for the DM to emphasize the
danger of the aquatic fae, Alexandros’ ghost, or
the use them as narrative pieces for possession
as they explore the haunted ships. In essence, use
these NPCs as a way to emphasize moments of
unease and dread, as well as parts of the narrative
that you find most important.
For this reason, even if the players did
not manage to steer the remains of the Pelican
into the wrecks, and even if they did not manage
or try to save anyone, it is still recommended
that you have several sailors having made it to
The Wrecks with the adventurers. Note that I
specified sailors. Saltwind died during the storm,
and the other passengers all made it ashore in one
of the launches, though this proves to be far less
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
118
safe than The Wrecks. The inquisition swoops
down and apprehends Raum, Yasviga, Rahved,
and Vara (assuming they’ve all lived up to this
point), which the adventurers will see while
exploring this section.
See next page for the Section A Map
A1: .
If the players managed to save The
Pelican, then the ship will have safely crashed
against submerged rocks which firmly holds it
in place. The adventurers will have one launch
(rowboat) left, and at least half the crew still
alive. They’ll realize that, while the wreck of The
Pelican might be safe for now, they will have
to reach the shore, and that means navigating
the maze of wrecked ships before them. And,
as they still have a working launch, they can
freely bypass A1.
If the players have had to swim to safety,
then they reach A1. Read the description below.
Soaked and freezing, you finally manage to
swim beyond the reach of the storm, dragging
yourselves aboard a piece of ancient debris
that’s wedged itself fast into the rocks. Waves
gently lap at the wood, a stark contrast to the
fury raging just behind you. But, for now,
you are safe and have a moment to catch
your breath.
This piece of debris is about 15 ft by 25 ft
and can hold about a dozen humanoids without
risk of them falling (or being pulled) back into the
sea. The players can undertake a Short Rest here,
along with whatever sailors have also managed to
swim to safety.
Players may also attempt a DC 10
Perception Check to notice that there is
a soft glow of light coming from Section E:
Mermaids’ Lair (this is the light of the Mermaid’s
Driftglobe).
However, if they attempt to take a longer rest,
they will be interrupted by the fey that lurk in
the waters nearby. These fey are part of the
Corrupted Sidhe, and closely resemble mermaids,
 though with the exception of their mouths being
filled with shark teeth. Most of the mermaids
are lounging by the Drift Globe in Section E,
though one or two prowl the waters, hoping for
an easy meal.
Event: The Siren’s Call
As the players rest on A1, a few of the
mermaids will attempt to lure them into the
water by playfully swimming about, singing, and
splashing water onto the debris. They will not
willingly go onto the debris, preferring to stay
in the water. They can also be scared off with a
successful intimidation check (mermaids perform
a wisdom save), or something similar, though if
the mermaids do manage to lure anyone into the
water (such as a sailor), they will promptly dive
upon them and then disappear with their kill.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
119
Feel free to describe the following:
As you regain your bearings and take a few
well deserved moments to rest, something
begins to tickle your ears. It takes a moment
for you to realize what it is, but finally it dawns
on you: a melody is floating up out of the
deep. At first, you wonder if it’s whalesong,
except you begin to recognize that there are
lyrics, though you can’t quite make out the
words. And then you see it, something rippling
through the water. Suddenly, it springs into
the air in a shower of cold droplets: a woman
with green hair, clothing sewn from kelp shells,
with the glittering, scaled tale of a massive fish
where legs would otherwise be. Then another
leaps from the waves, giggling, and the two
swim about, looking at you and whispering to
 each other in what might be Sylvan before they
swim closer and beckon you into the water.
“Come, come,” they say, in common, “we
bring to safety!”
A DC 14 Perception check will reveal
the shark teeth lining their maws. Additionally,
if any character speaks Sylvan they can make
out the mermaids discussing who looks the
best to eat.
Note: in order to get off of A1, the players
will most likely have to swim, although inventive
characters with rope might have other options.
The mermaids will remain a persistent
threat in the water until one of the following
conditions are met:
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
120
• One of the mermaids is killed.
• A NPC or adventurer is killed.
• They are scared away, or otherwise
persuaded it would be unwise to attack.
However, even once one of these
conditions have been met, a different group
of mermaids can appear whenever is most
dramatic. Additionally, don’t be afraid to have
the mermaids kidnap a party member rather than
outright kill them. Capturing their prey live just
means they have a nice meal on hand for later,
and so if an adventurer is ‘drowned’ or otherwise
downed by a mermaid, have them attempt to
flee with the unconscious body and retreat to
Section E: Mermaids’ Lair, which can set up a
wonderful roleplaying encounter for the captured
adventurer as they attempt to negotiate or escape,
 and a desperate rescue operation for the rest
of the party.
A2:
You see a large stretch of water between pieces
of an ancient warship that’s been cleaved in
two by some unfathomably powerful force.
Among the debris you notice a large board that
stretches almost 25 feet long and 5 feet wide,
as well as a massive, 10ft cubed crate. The
waves ripple gently, betraying nothing of what
lies beneath.
Enterprising characters can attempt to rig
a raft or other floating platform using this debris.
Any character swimming with a piece of debris
has Advantage on Athletics (swimming) checks.
However, this water is also a prime
mermaid hunting area. Even if having been
scared off once before, one to two mermaids will
try to attack the party members as they navigate
this area, including jumping up onto makeshift
rafts or platforms. They will not enter the
ships, however.
A Perception Check at disadvantage
should be made vs the mermaids Stealth to see
them as they lurk in the waters below.
A3:
The central portion of the shattered warship
is remarkably well intact, held in place by
massive spires of stone that pierce the hull and
leave the ship suspended just above the water.
It’s clear, as you approach, that the weatherdeck
has been scoured clean by countless years of
wind and rain, though you can see that the
belly of the ship is mostly intact. Pieces of
shattered timber jut out like broken bones
showing through a wound, though they
make for excellent hand and footholds as you
climb inside.
The interior of the hold is like a vision of hell.
the deck amidst fragments of broken weapons
and other instruments of war. The stench
of blood still lingers in the air, even after
all these years, and the air is absolutely still
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
121
Mermaid
Medium Fey, Chaotic Evil
—
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4)
Speed 10 ft., swim 40 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 13 (+1) 10 (+0)
—
Skills Athletics + 3, Perception +5, Stealth + 2
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Blood Frenzy. The mermaid has advantage on melee attack rolls
against any creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Limited Amphibiousness. The mermaid can breathe air and
water, but it needs to be submerged at least once every 4 hours
to avoid suffocating.
—
Actions
Multiattack. The mermaid makes two melee attacks: one
with its bite and one with its claws or spear. Alternatively, the
mermaid can make one grapple attack.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) slashing damage.
Grapple. Melee weapon attack: +3 to hit, reach 5ft. If it hits, the
target is now grappled. The Mermaid can then use it’s movement
(halved) to drag the victim underwater
Suffocating
A creature can hold its breath for a number of
minutes equal to 1 + its Constitution modifier
(minimum of 30 seconds).
When a creature runs out of breath or is
choking, it can survive for a number of
rounds equal to its Constitution modifier
(minimum of 1 round). At the start of its next
turn, it drops to 0 hit points and is dying, and
it can’t regain hit points or be stabilized until
it can breathe again.
For example, a creature with a Constitution
of 14 can hold its breath for 3 minutes. If it
starts suffocating, it has 2 rounds to reach air
before it drops to 0 hit points.
 despite the gaping hole exposed to the open
air behind you.
This is Alexandros’ flagship, an ancient
manowar of exquisite design. It has been
suspended in time, preserved by Czerina’s
own hate-filled memory of the destruction of
Alexandros’ fleet. The psychic echoes of the
soldiers last, terrified moments still linger, as do
other clues to the past.
Below is a list of checks characters can
make, as well as Hauntings, brief events that
should be sprinkled in as they search the ship.
Checks:
• DC 15 History Check: The archaic design
of the ship, as well as the armor and
weapons, date back over a thousand years
ago. This ship is impossibly preserved and
should have rotted away long ago.
• DC 20 History Check: This is The Sun’s
Wrath, the lost flagship of Tsar Alexandros
I of Nostrovishte. It disappeared, along
with a massive war fleet, and has never
been found. This mysterious disappearance
led to the rapid collapse of the empire and
over the centuries, it has almost passed
from memory.
• DC 13 Investigation Check: It’s clear
that these soldiers survived the shipwreck
and had begun to rally when they were
met by some terrible foe. A barricade
was established and manned by these,
no doubt, experienced soldiers, and yet
their resistance was shattered by some
unnatural force.
• DC 14 Medicine Check: Due to the
incredibly well preserved conditions of
these corpses, it’s clear that they died very
unnatural deaths. There is evidence of
their armor crumpling in upon them and
crushing their bodies, evidence of massive
splinters and pieces of shrapnel having
erupted into them from the floor beneath
their feet, evidence of them being torn limb
from limb, and if you’re not mistaken, all
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
122
in ways that were specifically intended to
prolong their deaths.
• DC 12 Arcana Check: You see evidence
of advanced spell use, though all tied to
the elements. Was this the work of some
enraged Archdruid?
• DC 15 Arcana Check: The magic
preserving the ship and everything inside
it touches upon the threads of time itself,
though the temporal mechanics are beyond
you and would require years to study.
• DC 10 Religion Check: These soldiers bear
markings of protection upon their armor
tied to the worship of Lathander.
• DC 10 Survival Check: There is no sign
of animal life inside the ship, and it’s clear
even wind and rain seem to have entirely
avoided the bowels of the wreck when
they clearly should not have. This area
should have been washed clean, if not just
been rotted and scavenged clean, and yet
everything is untouched.
Hauntings
Hauntings are minor events, evidence
of the psychic echoes left by the deaths of these
soldiers. Use as many or as few as you’d like, or
feel free to invent your own. They’re meant to
both communicate more of the narrative, as well
as add unease while the party explores.
Temperature Drop:
This haunting is felt by everyone.
You feel a cool wind gust across your back and
your breath fogs the air before your face. As
you look around, a thin film of frost begins to
creep across the deck, old blood crystalizing
before your eyes. The timbers of the deck are
now slick with ice.
Sir, Yes, Sir:
Have your players roll a d20. The voice of
whoever rolls lowest becomes the voice all the
other (and only the other) adventurers hear:
Suddenly, you hear your companion bellow
out, “She’s almost upon us! Get ready, damn
 you!”, followed by the pounding of boots
running across the deck.
Whispered Prayers:
The voice of the most religious character
becomes the voice all the other (and only the
other) adventurers hear. That character’s god is
the god mentioned in the Haunting.
The sound of whimpering and muttered
prayers reaches your ears, your companion
fervently beseeching ____ for courage in
the face of evil and protection should their
strength falter.
For your families:
This haunting is heard by everyone. It
mentions the loved ones (alive or dead) of the
characters’ by name.
A stern voice echoes through the air. “Stand
fast. Stand firm! If you fail, what fate will await
____? What manner of hell will await _____,
or _____? Their fates are in your hands! Let
that be your strength!”
A4:
Behind this door lies another massive break
in the ship, open to sky and sea. The wind
softly howls past the opening in the hold, yet
you cannot feel it upon your skin. You feel...
suspended in this place. To your right lies
several crates, still lashed down and fastened
closed. To your left lies another door.
The door opens into a small room that is
strangely appointed. A tattered purple rug
depicting the holy symbol of Lathander
stretches out across the floor, and various
tapestries and iconography relating to the Sun
God decorate the walls. Votive candles lay, half
melted upon iron candlesticks bolted to the
walls. This is a shrine, you realize, and to the
left of the doorway lies a horribly disfigured
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
123
corpse in clerical vestments curled protectively
around something. Directly in front of the
door sits a massive, ornate chest, shattered and
cracked apart.
This room was once a shrine that carried
holy battle relics for the clerics and chaplains of
Nostrovishte’s military. The chest once protected
Lathandrian relics, though is now empty.
However, around the neck of the corpse is an
ornate symbol of Lathander worth 1000 gp, and
clutched in one desiccated hand is a pamphlet.
The pamphlet itself can be found
on the right.
DC 10 Religion Check:
This screed was clearly politically
motivated. The Lathandrian dogma does support
combating evil, though the vilification of Druidry
is quite anathema to their actual beliefs. As a sun
god, Lathander is tied to nature and its cycles,
though there are many among his followers that
prefer to view his connection to nature more
metaphorically than anything else.
Haunting:
Crisis of Faith:
This applies to any religious character.
As you stare upon this fallen servant of
Lathander, you feel the world shift beneath
your feet and your bones grow cold. That
essence that’s lived inside you, that spark of
divine inspiration, has gone out. Your god has
finally looked upon you and has found you
wanting. They have turned their back upon
you entirely. You might as well not even exist
in their eyes.
This feeling ends as soon as they step out
of the room and they recognize the feeling was
just a phantom and nothing more.
A5:
Across the water, you see the stern of
the ancient warship, and in the faint light
that filters through the storm clouds you
see the glittering of gold. As you approach
 the wreckage of the stern, you see that the
bowsprit of another wreck hangs over the
weatherdeck, easily in reach for any with rope
and the best way to continue the journey
towards the safety of the shore. But first,
you must climb inside before you can find
your way up.
1000 GP?!?!
Well, good luck actually selling it. As soon as
the Inquisition heard about that symbol they
would launch a small crusade just to retrieve
it, and woe betide whoever possessed it. Of
course, handing it over to the Inquisition
purposefully might earn some good will,
though that will only go so far.
Inside the wreckage of the stern you
find yourself staring at a vision of faded
opulence and glory. A frayed and tattered rug
of royal purple and golden stretches across the
room. Several collapsed bookshelves spill the
remnants of ancient tomes across the deck and
three massive, ornate chests are smashed open
at the far wall. A decrepit bed, end table, and
vanity, all once of magnificently ornate make,
rest against the north side of the room, and to
the south lies the source of that golden shine:
a monstrously large dining table plated in
gold and still set with plates, bowls, and other
crockery of the finest porcelain embedded
with cut gems, polished silver, and gold. Lastly,
in the middle of the room lies an opulent and
mostly intact desk with several documents
still upon it.
Here is what the characters can find as
they search the following areas:
The Bookshelves:
A DC 10 Investigation Check will reveal that
there are a few arcane tomes still intact. They
contain the following spells:
• Cantrips: True Strike, Prestidigitation,
Gust, Light, Friends
The Broken Chests:
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
124
The Proclamation
of Holy War
For too long the good people of Nostrovishte have
been forced to abide the demonic spawn that preceded
our blessed Tsar! Such was the foul product of a curse
wrought against his noble mother, the Tsarina Evengja
I, she who helped save this land. From an early age,
that malignant wretch that claims to be a sister to our
august Tsar demanded to be known by a cursed name
and conspired to fulfill their terrible lust for blood! Her
whipping girl was slain by her own hand, and all while
she crowed that blasphemous name from behind her
wicked teeth: Czerina! Czerina! A foul mockery of the
most elevated position of womanhood within our grand
society, a perversion that calls upon one of the great
Demons themselves!
Were that not damning enough, it has been
recorded that she lusted after the pursuits of man,
demanding of her father to be trained in the arts of war,
arts she used to commit murder after murder, disguised as
a fell spirit along our highways, spreading terror through
every village she passed through! And what was the noble
father to do, the late Gavran I? His paternal love clouded
his judgement, the Forces of Darkness striking at the
heart of his mercy and compassion for his own daughter.
Though, surely, as the product of such a heinous curse,
no doubt designed by the covetous enemies that Gavran
himself later destroyed as they ravaged our homeland,
that demonspawn cannot be considered his own!
Yet, this tale of horror goes on! When our
proud peoples were invaded by those devils calling
themselves our neighbors, that most vile and insidious
thing rampaged through the countryside, leading a pack
of heathen demon worshippers at her beck and call!
You know of them, those that skulk in the shadows
of the woods, mixing noxious potions, and tempting
the weak into becoming victims in horrible sacrifices!
That monster, Czerina, allied herself with them, and
when order was finally restored, sailed off to found a
kingdom of such horror and depravity! For the glory of
Lathander, for the safety of your families, this evil must be
stamped out!
Hierarch Pyrune Bazalovich III
• 1st Level: Absorb Elements, Illusory Script,
Detect Magic, Magic Missile, Identify,
Unseen Servant
• 2nd Level: Enthrall, Hold Person,
Suggestion, Tasha’s Mind Whip
• 3rd Level: Nondetection
 A DC 10 Investigation Check will reveal:
• Stored in the bottom of one chest, hidden
shattered planks of wood, is a Cloak
of Many Fashions wrapped around a
Clockwork Amulet.
The Bedroom:
Almost all of this finery has been
destroyed. A few scraps of luxurious fur or silk
might be salvageable, though you doubt even
that much might be usable, and even if it was,
would you want to? It is while searching the
vanity, however, that you spot something that
sends a chill down your spine. Looking back at
you is not your own reflection, but that of an
imperious woman with blazing red eyes. Her
gaze fixes upon you with an almost physical
intensity, then a look of confusion passes
across her features and she is gone, leaving you
staring back at your own reflection.
The image in the mirror is Czerina,
of course, or merely a projection of her
dreaming mind.
The Dining Room:
Greedy adventurers might try to loot the
incredibly valuable crockery, or even pry the gold
off of the table, though the second they touch
anything on the table, an object from across the
room will fly past them, missing them by only
centimeters. A book, a piece of wood, a fragment
of metal, there are hundreds of suitable objects in
the room, all waiting to become projectiles at a
moment’s notice. Should the adventurer continue
to try to loot the table, then everyone in the
room will be forced to make DC 14 Dexterity
Saves or they will take 4 (1d4 + 2) bludgeoning
damage. This check repeats for each person,
once per round, until the finery is put back or the
characters leave the room.
The Desk:
Upon this magnificent desk the adventurers
will find several documents, the parchment as
fine as the day it was made, the ink looking to be
barely dried.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
125
The most important document can be found on
the next page:
A DC 10 investigation roll will reveal a Ring
of Protection hidden in the bottom drawer,
along with various ink and parchment of a quality
for spell books and scrolls.
Leaving Section A
The players are able to freely navigate to
section B without the need for any checks.
There’s plenty of rope nearby, not to mention
their own supplies, and with enough time they
can climb aboard the bowsprit of the ship and
move onto the weatherdeck.
However, once they reach the weatherdeck of
Section B, this triggers a special event:
Event: The Chains of the Inquisition
As you scramble from the bowsprit to the
weatherdeck you’re afforded a clear view of the
shore, elevated above most of the other wrecks.
And, in the distance, you can see something
on the beach: a lone campfire shining upon
the hull of one of the launches! It’s hard to
tell from this distance, but you think you see
the figures of the other passengers, as well
as some of the crew in the light of the fire.
Somehow, they must have been able to safely
navigate to the shore! Before you can signal
them, however, you see something else, a
blaze moving through the woods. As you
watch, the moving line of fire resolves into a
dozen armored figures carrying torches, the
symbol of a flaming sun visible upon their
tabards even from this distance. They fall upon
the survivors on the beach with the ferocity
of wolves, corralling and beating them into
submission before carrying them all off in
chains. Perhaps you were lucky not to be the
first to make it ashore.
The adventurers are hundreds of feet
away from the beach, much too far out of range
to do anything to help, and it’s clear that there’s
 Your imperial majesty,
Tsar Alexandros I
As your foremost council, I wish to extend
to you my heartfelt prayers and wishes that
your conquest proceeds as magnificently as it
should. Though we are always wise to listen
to the clergy, as you know, I am a student of
the law, and so it is with the law that I turn in
order to praise the justification for those lands
held by your sister.
Primarily, under Nostrovishten Law, as
your sister is of the female sex, she cannot
inherit lands or titles. She has no authority or
jurisdiction that is not granted by you.
Furthermore, by declaring herself the ruler
of a sovereign state, while still being one of
your subjects, she has effectively committed
treason. No matter that she won those lands or
helped found the cities. As your subject, all her
works belong to you.
Lastly, even if the previous arguments,
immutable in the law though they may be,
were to be discarded, it is fully within your
rights to declare war upon any kingdom
that you wish, for the glory of our empire,
and so the gods of justice and order surely
smile upon you.
Sincerely,
Chief Councilor,Lucien Andemicus Andropov
no way they could reach the shore in time to save
the other passengers and sailors. The best they
can do is continue to make their way as safely
across the wrecks as they can, and that likely
means finding a safe place to rest.
Section B: Inspiration’s Gift
This next section continues to build the
narrative and the tension that began in Section
A. However, instead of delving deeper into the
history of Czerina and Alexandros, it jumps
forward in time to just before Isidora joined
Czerina’s court. The Blood Queen drove the ship
into The Wrecks to stop Isidora from leaving
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
126
Cloak of Many Fashions
Wondrous item, minor tier, common
—
Stat Block Heading
While wearing this cloak, you can use a bonus action
to change the style, color, and apparent quality of the
garment. The cloak’s weight doesn’t change. Regardless
of its appearance, the cloak can’t be anything but a cloak.
Although it can duplicate the appearance of other magic
cloaks, it doesn’t gain their magical properties.
Source: XGE, page 136
Clockwork Amulet
Wondrous item, minor tier, common
—
This copper amulet contains tiny interlocking gears and is
powered by magic from Mechanus, a plane of clockwork
predictability. A creature that puts an ear to the amulet can
hear faint ticking and whirring noises coming from within.
When you make an attack roll while wearing the amulet,
you can forgo rolling the d20 to get a 10 on the die. Once
used, this property can’t be used again until the next dawn.
Source: XGE, page 137
Ring of Protection
Wondrous item, minor tier, common
—
Ring, major tier, rare (requires attunement)
You gain a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws while wearing
this ring.
Source: DMG, page 191
the island, perhaps foreshadowing her intentions
for the adventurers themselves. As for Isidora,
she was forced to abandon many of her paintings
and sculptures to languish among The Wrecks
for centuries, and they have since absorbed much
of the mystical corruption of the land and begun
to take on a will of their own. This will present
a strange and unnerving encounter for the
adventurers that will perhaps force some of their
secrets to light, as well as reveal more secrets
about the land. Lastly, the adventurers will also
discover the journal of an artifact delver that
braved The Wrecks long ago, the delver’s notes
informing them of a great treasure waiting for
them in Section C, as well as warn them about the
dangers that await them in Section D.
B1:
 There’s nothing to find on the weatherdeck
aside from more rope, barrels of fetid rainwater,
and moldering sail canvas. There is a hatch open
on the bow, however, that leads into the hold
of the ship. This is the only way inside, as all
the other hatches and doors have swollen shut
long ago and are immovable. And, due to the
construction of the ship, even though it’s been
cleaved in two there are a series of bulkheads that
seal this half of the ship closed. This is important,
because with only one way inside, that makes this
half of the ship the most defensible place for the
storm-wracked adventurers to shelter and rest.
So, there’s a good reason for them to
explore the hold of this part of the ship, and the
only way down leads into B1.
However, before they descend, allow a
DC 14 History Check to reveal that this ship,
while still ancient, is much younger than the
previous ship. It only dates back several centuries
rather than an entire millenia. What’s more, it’s
clear that this was a simple passenger ship rather
than a warship.
When the adventurers do decide to
descend, read the following:
After having scoured the weatherdeck for
supplies and any sign of shelter, you realize
that the only way inside lies through a hatch
on the bow. This is a good sign, this means
the interior of the ship might be defensible,
and if you’re lucky, safe enough to get some
rest. The hatch opens up into a small storage
room filled with crates still strapped to the
walls, along with a storage locker that looks as
though it might have broken open when the
ship crashed. A single door leads out of the
storage room.
Inside the storage locker the players
will find: 2 healing potions along with 4
Healer’s Kits. .
The crates contain various artisan’s tools:
paints, paint brushes, hammers and chisels,
turpentine, canvases, easels, frames, chunks
of marble, and other assorted art supplies.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
127
Miraculously, all of the supplies appear to be in
good order and should be able to be used.
B2:
Stepping out of the storage room you
find yourself striding into what appears to be,
of all things, a painter’s studio. A magnificently
plush, circular rug sits beneath a well crafted
chair of dark wood, an empty easel, an elvish
lamp, and a wooden table for holding palettes,
brushes, and other tools, and a door across
from you leads out of the studio. What truly
catches your eye, however, is the fact that
there are six absolute masterpieces of various
sizes and subject matter set up around the
room, each held in an elegant gilded frame.
Each would no doubt be worth a fortune and
only hang in the halls of the wealthiest nobles,
merchants, or institutions.
Beginning to the left of the door you
came from and proceeding clockwise around
the room, the paintings depict the following:
• Painting 1: A dozen well equipped soldiers
cautiously advance across a bridge, an
entire army at their back. A lone figure
opposes them: a tall woman with a mane of
raven black hair billowing in the wind. Her
armor is dented and bloody, yet she stands
firm, a greatsword in her hands.
• Painting 2: Two young girls having a picnic
in an idyllic garden, a pink dragonwood
tree sheltering them in its shade as they
chat and giggle.
• Painting 3: A paladin with beautiful locks
of golden hair lays slain upon the ground,
a sword plunged into his back. A woman
stands behind him, wearing the same
armor, yet her eyes are red and long fangs
Potion of Healing
Wondrous item, minor tier, common 50 gp, ½ lb
—
You regain 2d4 + 2 hit points when you drink this potion.
The potion’s red liquid glimmers when agitated. DMG p187
Source: DMG, page 191
 are visible in her beaming smile.
An angel flees in the background.

• Painting 4: A druidic ritual in a

Nemeton, naked figures dancing
and singing beneath a sky filled
with a vision of the galaxy itself.

• Painting 5: An elven man

with grey threading its way
into his hair and beard kneels
upon a battlefield littered with
slaughtered men. A bloodied
sword lies before his knees as
he raises his fists to the sky,
shouting what must surely be a
challenge to the gods themselves,
his expression one of profound
rage and grief.

• Painting 6: A landscape of a
magnificent city carved into the
very face of a mountain itself.]

Players that have seen

Czerina in the ocean or in the
mirror recognize her in the first and
fourth painting.

All players also recognize

the heraldry of the soldiers in
the fifth painting as matching
the Nostrovishten soldiers
from Section A3.
Unknown to the players, the second
painting depicts Czerina and Teadora (see App
1), the third depicts Lady Ysemgrin, the fifth is
Beleroth, and the sixth is Barrukhirrim from
before it was destroyed.
Sentient Paint
In this event, the paintings begin to
change, displaying moments from the player
character’s backstories, as well as visual lies
devised to sow dissent among the party. This
event occurs in 3 stages, read the instructions
before reading the descriptive text below.

Players may make a DC 17 History
check to identify heraldry of soldiers on the
bridge. They are from Bacia, an ancient enemy of
Nostrovishte.
If players spend any time studying the
paintings they trigger the following special event:
Stage 1: First, the paintings will display
true moments from the adventurers’ lives. This is
true for each adventurer studying the paintings.
As you study the painting closely you
realize that something is amiss. The utterly
sublime use of color and entrancing texture
of the painting is beginning to change and

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
128
 before your eyes the entire scene begins to
shift, reflecting a moment from your past
for all to see.
Ask each player to describe one of the
happiest moments of their character’s life. That is
what the painting shows.
Stage 2: Next, the paintings will show a
secret from a player’s backstory. Ideally these are
secrets the players have already planned with you,
though it doesn’t hurt to do a quick poll before
the session starts. Pull the player aside and get
the details of the secret so you can describe it in
detail. This works best if you select only one or
two players to do this to.
Once more, the paintings shift,
displaying a scene from ___’s past. Displayed
in vivid color and masterful shading and depth
is a scene of ____.
Stage 3: Finally, it will show a visual
lie about an adventurer, showing them doing
something monstrous. Do this to only one
adventurer, preferably one who has not had any
of their history displayed already.
As you discuss what you’ve witnessed
already, all 6 paintings shift one final time, all
displaying different scenes from the history
of the same person: _____. The first painting
depicts a simple theft from the alms cup of a
sleeping beggar. The second painting depicts
them stalking a lone figure at night. The third
depicts them enjoying nice cuts of meat from
a human leg that’s been placed on a butcher’s
block. The fourth depicts them kneeling in a
circle of candles, beseeching a terrible demon
made of shadow itself. The fifth depicts them
dumping something into a well of a small
village, and the sixth shows them pilfering coin
from the pockets of the poisoned villagers.
The paintings, themselves, wish to do
what all art is meant to do: provoke strong
thought and emotion. The first two stages were
designed to build trust in the paintings’ ability
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
129
to display the truth, even if hidden, whereas
the third stage is just a lie the paintings hope
the characters believe. This will provoke many
strong emotions that the paintings can feed off
of, psychic vampire style.
If, at any point, an adventurer tries to
destroy a painting, the paint itself will flee from
the canvas in a mass of writhing color and oil,
disappearing into any nook or cranny that it can.
If an adventurer uses fire and is very persistent,
then the paint will burn, and a horrible scream
as if echoed from a thousand mouths will fill the
room for several moments.
B3:
As you step out of the painter’s studio
you find yourself facing a long hallway filled
with statues. A door to the left leads to a
separate room, and an opulent rug runs the
length of the hallway, resting snugly beneath
the heavy bases of each sculpture or statue. The
workmanship of the sculptures is exquisite,
stone and brass appearing to be as soft as
flesh, as light as cloth caught in a breeze, and
as expressive as life itself. They depict various
subjects, from warriors, to saints, to more
abstract designs. What truly catches your eye,
however, is a statue that looks as though it
doesn’t belong, a statue of what appears to be
an adventurer: it depicts a man with a beret,
loaded down with a heavy pack with a shovel,
crowbar, and rope dangling from the sides.
He’s bending down as though examining
something, a look of concern upon his face.
To build unease and mess with your
players, ask them for Perception checks. No
matter how high they roll, simply tell them: “You
don’t happen to notice anything”. (Unease)
Secondly, the next time they step foot in
the hallway, ask them for Investigation Checks.
Whoever gets the highest result notices that two
of the statues have switched places. It doesn’t
matter which statues.
 B4: treasure within is up to them. After all, inside
the Floating Temple is the ghost of Czerina’s
You step into a well appointed room
brother, Tsar Alexandros I himself, or at least a
with another extravagant rug and other lavish
psychic echo from before his death, and that is
furnishings. To your left is a potted plant,
what guards the two legendary items of power. If
somehow still alive, sitting beside a chaise
the adventurers decide not to combat the ghost,
lounge with an elvish lamp on the other side.
however, and move directly to Section D, they
A bed lies against the left wall, with a chest
will have an opportunity to recover the items in
sitting at its foot. To the right of the chest sits
the Catacombs in Leshehoff (see next Chapter),
an ornate desk with several books sitting atop
though it’s best to get them now. Besides, if they
it. A slender, leather bound volume lies open
move on without meeting the ghost they’ll miss
upon the desk, a quill still wet with ink lying
an important glimpse of the past that might just
across the pages. Next to the desk is a broken
help them in their battles ahead.
statue of what appears to be a mercenary, a
bearded man in battered armor, though it’s
The adventurers navigate to Section C
unclear what force caused the statue to tip
along the main mast of Inspiration’s Gift, and
over and break upon the deck. Two more
then across the bowsprit of that unnamed wreck
bookshelves lie further into the room, along
to the stern of the Floating Temple. The stern
with what appears to be a small workstation.
of Inspiration’s Gift sank long ago, though from
a distance it might look as though Inspiration’s
This was Isidora’s personal cabin. Inside Gift and the Floating Temple are two parts of
the chest the adventurers will find Heward’s one ship. It’s simply one of the many illusions
Handy Spice Pouch, several elaborate female of The Wrecks.
noble outfits (worth 15 gp each), including one
set of Clothes of Mending, a Cleansing Stone,
and an Orb of Time.

Upon the desk they will find Isidora’s

journal, which has been co-opted by the artifact
delver Sorbo Kallestru.
The entries are listed below in a
backwards order as the most recent entry was
that of Sorbo.

As you might have guessed, Sorbo

and Brontislav ran into a spot of trouble. By
desecrating Isidora’s journal, they were both
struck by a curse and turned to stone. Such
a curse is spent and done, though the party
might decide that it’s not safe to find out. The
ship is haunted, after all, even if by something
besides ghosts.

Section C: The Floating Temple

In order to move to shore, the Regardless, the weatherdeck of the
adventurers must cross section C, the fabled Floating Temple has nothing to offer besides
Floating Temple, though whether or not they more rope and weathered wood.
delve inside the floating temple to uncover the
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
130
 THE JOURNAL
8.17.2583
Aboard Inspiration’s Gift

I found this diary among the lady’s things. Who

would have thought an artist of her caliber was so
horribly banal as to keep a diary? I, at least, have reason
for a record such as this, though as it happens my
previous journal was ruined by an unplanned dip into
the sea. A danger of this profession, to be sure, though
I’ve faced much worse and always come out on top! Of
course, I likely shouldn’t have used the wax paper from
my sausages to wrap my journal in. Seems there was a
small tear and the water got through and soaked it right
to the bone! Not that journals have bones, of course, but
regardless, I was hired by the previous owner of this ship,
the Princess Isidora herself. Apparently, she’s been trying
for a few centuries to have her precious works of art
recovered, though none have managed to make it past the
Drowned Dead by the shore. That is, until Sorbo Kallestru
came along! Hahaha! Slipping past them was like the play
of children and retrieving a few paintings will be no
trouble for one such as I, although I’ll need to hire more
toughs to help me with those damnable statues! All I’ve
got with me now is that brute, Brontislav, and though
he’s strong as an ox, and bearded like one, too, he won’t
be enough. Besides, I hired him as a bodyguard, not just
simple muscle, although judging by the state of his armor
he’s probably better suited to lifting things than fighting
anyways. Though, he did get half his coin up front, so
perhaps I’ll forget the paintings until I return and dig
up another prize, one worthy far more than Isidora’s
pitiful bounty.

You see, in the ship near here lies the remains

of an ancient, floating temple, or a ship turned into a
temple, that is, and a grand treasure lies inside. Why, I
could retire if I wished, with a treasure that magnificent,
and then I wouldn’t need to worry about silly statues or
paintings ever again! In fact, they’ll tell such stories about
me once I return with the fabled Sword of Slaughter and
the Shield of the Dead!

(The entry abruptly ends.)

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
131
 3.23.2003
We’ve crashed! The wind howled like I’d never heard before,
and the ship was tossed about every which way. I thought, surely, I’d
die of fright before we were dashed to pieces against the rocks, but
here I write. I still can’t believe that we’ve survived, and as a blessing
from Lady Firehair herself, it seems my works are also relatively
untouched. I’ll be certain to offer more prayers to her, although the
captain has said it’s not safe to stay and we must depart post haste.
What’s more, without a proper dock and a hoist there’s no chance
of recovering my works for now, which means I’ll have to abandon
them. I’ll at least get the sailors to help me set them upright before
we go, and may Sune watch over them. Surely, my heart will break
leaving them behind, though I know I’m truly lucky just to be alive.
I can’t bear to brave another voyage such as this, and so it seems this
land is meant to be my home forevermore. I just hope that my dear
heart might take me back. She had such a fury in her eyes when I’d
told I was set to leave, and I haven’t seen or heard from her since.

-Isidora

3.22.2003
I’m dreadfully sorry to leave this land, but as I told my love,
the world deserves to learn of her and her people, and what better
vehicle is there than my art? I’m sure this is the right thing to do. I can
tell how she suffers so. It must be a terrible burden to have survived
such horrors for the sake of her people, only to be forgotten and
abandoned by the world itself. But I’ll put things to right, and once I
do, perhaps then I can return and convince her to travel with me. The
world is so vast, and I’m sure she’d agree to go with me if she could. So
I’m determined. We set sail soon, though, if I’m truthful, I don’t know
if my heart can bear to watch us depart. To see the land is to think of
her, and alas, I’m afraid I have not the bravery to face such.

-Isidora
2.15.2003

She confessed to me, today, that she wanted me to stay. That

no matter how talented I might be, I was the work of art she admired
most, in mind and soul, and she’d give anything to keep me. I was
shocked that a woman such as she would feel this about someone like
me. For the longest time I’ve felt that my art was all that I had to offer,
though, when I’m around her… Well, I shan’t speak of it, though I will
say that I’m afraid. If I stay I’m not sure what I’ll become. Perhaps it
would be better if I go.

-Isidora

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
132
 Aside from entering through the gaping
hole in the front, the most likely means of entry
is through a stairway that leads to C1.
C1:
Descending into the bowels of the ship
is like stepping into caged winter. The walls
and floors are coated in a thin layer of ice, as
are the creates, sacks, and piles of rope that
are stored here. Flanking the stairway that you
came down are two doors, elaborately carved
and inlaid with shining brass. They look like
Heward’s Handy Spice Pouch
Wondrous item, minor tier, common
—
This belt pouch appears empty and has 10 charges. While
holding the pouch, you can use an action to expend 1 of
its charges, speak the name of any nonmagical tea or food
seasoning (such as salt, pepper, saffron, or cilantro), and
remove a pinch of the desired seasoning from the pouch. A
pinch is enough to season a single meal. The pouch regains
1d6 + 4 expended charges daily at dawn.
Source: XGE, page 137
Clothes of Mending
Wondrous item, minor tier, common
—
This elegant outfit of traveler’s clothes magically mends
itself to counteract daily wear and tear. Pieces of the outfit
that are destroyed can’t be repaired in this way.
Source: XGE p137
Cleansing Stone
Wondrous item, common
— treacherous as you move inside. To make
A cleansing stone is a sphere 6 inches in diameter, engraved
with mystic sigils. When touching the stone, you can use an
action to activate it and remove dirt and grime from your
garments and your person.
Source: ERLW p276
Orb of Time
Wondrous item, minor tier, common
— more than frost covered ashes. Two, smaller
3 lb.
While holding this orb, you can use an action to determine
whether it is morning, afternoon, evening, or nighttime
outside. This property functions only on the Material Plane.
Source: XGE, page 13
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
133
something that belongs upon a temple, rather
than in the bowels of a wrecked ship.
The crates and sacks are filled with
ancient cleaning supplies, incense, coal, lamp oil,
candles, prayer books, and other small religious
offerings of the Lathandrian religion, all of which
have been miraculously preserved, if coated in a
thin film of frost.
A DC 14 Religion Check will reveal that
this ship is actually a portable temple. The shrine
aboard The Sun’s Wrath was simply for use
aboard that specific ship, whereas this temple is
meant to serve as the religious center of the fleet,
as well as carry the most sacred artifacts upon it
with all due reverence. It also suggests something
of a religious mission. The ship was likely meant
to be deconstructed and rebuilt as the primary
temple of a newly conquered land.
A DC 14 Perception Check will reveal
the sounds of someone furiously ranting behind
the doors that lead into C2, although the words
cannot be made out.
C2:
As you step through the ornate doors
of the temple and step inside you feel a gust
of chill wind wash over you. The source
of the cold is clearly inside this room. The
extravagant walls and the floor are covered
in a thicker layer of ice, making your footing
matters worse, there are jagged holes blasted
all the way through the deck and outer hull,
dropping at least 15 feet into the waters below.
Immediately next to the doors sits the
holy dais itself, the everburning brazier that
represented Lathander’s light having long
since been extinguished, home now to nothing
dais lay to either side of the room, one bearing
a sword, the other a shield. Twin statues of
Lathandrian saints lay past the sword and
shield, and finally two massive golden pillars
depicting more religious iconography are all
 that’s left of the temple, the rest has broken
away to disappear into the sea below.
Despite the success of their perception
check from earlier, they find that there is no
one in the room. That is, until they approach
either the Sword or the Shield (see Scaling
Legendary Relics in Chapter 1 for more details).
That is when the ghostly apparition of Tsar
Alexandros I appears.
As you approach the relics of legend, a
chill wind gusts through the room, and you
see a man stride into view from absolutely
nowhere before. He bears upon his head a
regal crown, and is dressed in elaborate armor
layered over cloth of gold.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
134
“It is mine by right!” he bellows,
thrusting an accusing finger towards the
central dais. “It is mine! I took this crown
because it was mine and I will take your lands
for the same reason! How dare you think to
stand up to me, you vile wretch! Demon’s
spawn! If only our parents had had the
courage to kill you while you were young, but
now it falls to me to put this wrong to right!
To wipe the stain from our family’s honor
forevermore! You’ll become nothing, not even a
footnote in the history of my reign!”
He draws a ghostly replica of the sword
and shield, then freezes, and disappears.
All is quiet for some moments, and then he
appears just as before, repeating his tirade
word for word before striding towards the
sword once more.

This ghost is nothing more than a
psychic echo. A very powerful echo, but an echo
nonetheless. It is far from sentient, more of a
necromantic construct than anything else, and
it will do nothing but repeat unless one of the
adventurers picks up the sword or shield. At that
Tsar Alexandros I
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil
—
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 50 (5d8+28)
Speed 0 ft., fly 50 ft. (hover)
STR DEX CON — INT WIS CHA
1 (-5) 16 (+3) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages understands all languages it knew in life but can’t
speak
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
—
Incorporeal Movement. The specter can move through other
creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes 5
(1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
Actions
Life Drain. Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on
a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is
reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction
lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. The target dies if this
effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
Legendary Actions:
Alexandros can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Alexandros
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Shove (1 action). Alexandros can shove one creature within
melee range. The creature must succeed a DC 12 Strength save
or be pushed 10 ft in a direction of Alexandros’ choice. This
does not allow Alexandros to make an opportunity attack on the
pushed target.
Move (1 action). Alexandros can move up to 30 ft.
Attack (1 action). Alexandros can make a Life Drain attack
against a target he has not already struck during this round
of combat.
Lair Effects:
Treacherous Footing: Alexandros’ ghostly form secretes a
powerful chill that coats his lair in ice. Any creature that attempts
to move more than 10ft must succeed a DC 10 Acrobatics
check or slide 10 feet in a random direction. Roll a d4 for the
direction: 1, north; 2, south; 3, east; or 4, west. This movement
doesn’t provoke opportunity attacks, and if the direction rolled is
blocked, the target doesn’t move.
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
135
point, the ghost flies into a rage and attacks with
its own ghostly versions of the weapons as it
recreates Alexandros’ final moments of life as he
battled his sister to the death.
Running the Combat
Alexandros cannot go more than 10 ft outside
of his lair. As such, it is possible for adventurers
to grab the legendary relic and run, though the
Treacherous Footing and the holes in the floor
will make this more challenging. Furthermore,
Alexandros will try to kill any creature holding
one of the legendary relics or any creature that
attacks him. However, if it is advantageous to
shove a creature NOT holding a legendary relic
out of the room (such as through the holes in the
floor), then he will.
Note that the sea is only 15 ft below the holes in
the floor, meaning that a well placed rope would
allow an adventurer to climb back into the room,
as climb speed is half of normal. And, if you
believe that this encounter is not suitably difficult
as it is, add a few mermaids in the waters below.
Section D: The Drowned Dead
This final section of The Wrecks is
perhaps the most deadly, even moreso than the
desperate fight against Alexandros’ specter. In
order to escape, the adventurers will have to
navigate the debris strewn, treacherous decks of
a ship as a horde of undead monsters hunts them
down. The adventurers will have to carefully
strategize in order to make it to safety. It is
recommended that you remind players to try pre-
planning their routes due to the difficult terrain.
Calculating movement ahead of their turns will
save time for everyone.
Running the Encounter:
The adventurers begin the encounter at
D1 and should roll initiative. Note that this is an
elevated position with choke points. If a character
wishes to leap down from their elevated position
ask them to make a DC 10 Acrobatics Check
or fall prone upon landing. If a character drops
20 feet and fails this check, they also take 1d6
falling damage.
 Also note that crates, wooden debris,
sacks, and rope all count as difficult terrain.
This is very important, as it will not stop players
movement but will slow them down and they will
have to plan for this while evading the Drowned
Dead. By the same token, the difficult terrain
works both ways, so the adventurers can use it to
their advantage if they plan their tactics well. .
As for the Drowned Dead themselves,
they are undead monstrosities comprised of
all the sailors that have been shipwrecked and
drowned in the waters around Wreythau. They
are filled with noxious, tainted seawater that
they vomit onto their victims or explode onto
their victims when they are slain. This makes
destroying Drowned Dead very dangerous for
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
136
frontline characters, though not destroying them
can be equally dangerous. As such, the players’
best hope for survival is to move fast towards the
escape, as the Drowned Dead will not set foot
upon dry land (perhaps allow DC 10 Religion
or Arcana Check to reveal this fact to the
characters).
To begin, place one Drowned Dead near
D1, and 3-4 Drowned Dead in the center of the
ship. Then continue to spawn one or two Dread
Dead towards the bow of the ship every turn and
have them Dash towards the adventurers. And,
if the adventurers are really struggling, delay the
Drowned Dead spawning, or have them simply
move more slowly across the ship. Your goal is
 Drowned Dead
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil
to make the encounter thrilling and dangerous, —
Armor Class 10
not impossible. Hit Points 12 (2d8 + 4)
Speed 30 ft.
Section E: Mermaids’ Lair —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 6 (-2) 8 (-1) 5 (-3)
This section is entirely optional, and —
Skills: Athletics + 4
arguably, the most challenging part of The Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, poisoned
Wrecks. There are 5 mermaids lounging in the Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
shattered bow of The Sun’s Wrath, and they Languages understands all languages it spoke in life but can’t
are, fittingly, sunning themselves in the glow speak
Challenge 1/2 (50 XP)
of a magical artifact: a Driftglobe. The artifact
—
was once fitted to the figurehead of the ship, Actions
functioning as both a powerful symbol as well as Grapple. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
a signalling device, but in the millenia since it has Hit: target is grappled.

become the mermaids’ most treasured possession.
The light of the driftglobe reminds them of the
sun, whose warmth they haven’t experienced for
over a thousand years. Now, they just haul all of
their catches into the broken bow of the ship to
feast and bask together, enjoying the light and the
memory of warmth.
Vomit. A Drowned Dead can vomit on any creature it has, or
that is grappled by another drowned dead. Note: A Drowned
Dead cannot vomit on the same turn it starts a grapple (though
other Drowned Dead could). Drowned Dead vomit deals 2d4
poison damage.
Explosive Death. When reduced to 0 hit points, the Drowned
Dead explodes in a shower of poisonous gore. Every creature
within 5 ft. takes 2d4 poison damage.

outside the lair, though they are busy hunting

Therefore, if an adventurer or npc has
throughout the rest of The Wrecks).
been “drowned”, downed, or otherwise captured
• Kallianera: the eldest of the mermaids and
by the mermaids, this is where they will have
the most pragmatic.
taken their prey to be stored until their current
• Polidora: the most curious and adventurous
food supply has run out. This could create a
of the mermaids.
wonderful roleplaying encounter for a captured
• Nepephele: the most bloodthirsty of
adventurer and a desperate rescue operation for
the mermaid.
the rest of the party.
• Amphitros: the most restful of
the mermaids.
Speaking of which, here are brief
• Teledissee: the most greedy of
descriptions of the five mermaids which can be
the mermaids.
found in the lair. (Note that more can be found

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
137
 Interacting with the Mermaids:
The mermaids in the Lair have just eaten
and aren’t keen on jumping in the water and
fighting if they don’t have to. Remember, they
are sentient creatures who have been corrupted
by the Dark Power and warped into their most
cruel selves. This means that, while they are
ill-intentioned, they can be reasoned with. A DC
12 Insight check could be used to get a read on
the mermaids and this information can be used
to help their negotiation for the release of npcs
or party members. Below are several suggested
modifiers for this role playing encounter.
• Having already killed a mermaid:
Disadvantage on Persuasion, Advantage on
Intimidate. Failure likely means combat.
• Magic Items to barter with: Advantage on
Persuasion checks.
• Appealing to the nature of Teledissee,
Polidora, or Kallianera: Advantage on
Persuasion checks.
•
CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
138
•
Driftglobe
Wondrous item, minor tier, uncommon. 1 lb
—
This small sphere of thick glass weighs 1 pound. If you are
within 60 feet of it, you can speak its command word and
cause it to emanate the light or daylight spell. Once used,
the daylight effect can’t be used again until the next dawn.
You can speak another command word as an action to make
the illuminated globe rise into the air and float no more
than 5 feet off the ground. The globe hovers in this way
until you or another creature grasps it. If you move more
than 60 feet from the hovering globe, it follows you until
it is within 60 feet of you. It takes the shortest route to do
so. If prevented from moving, the globe sinks gently to the
ground and becomes inactive, and its light winks out.
Source: DMG, page 166
• Appealing to the nature of Amphitros
or Nephele: Disadvantage on
Persuasion Checks.
• Intimidation without having killed a
mermaid: disadvantage.
 If the adventurers try to negotiate for
the Driftglobe itself (which is held in an ornate
glass sculpture of the sun), it will be incredibly
challenging unless the adventurers can offer up
a large amount of food or something that is of
equal value...which is almost impossible, and
thus would require the use of clever trickery.
Prestidigitation, Thaumaturgy, or other
Enchantment and Illusion magic can be quite
powerful when creatively used, after all.
The mermaids cannot be intimidated
into giving it up, however. They will fight to the
death if threatened with the unwilling loss of
the Driftglobe.
This is a great chance for players to react
to the events that they’ve experienced as well
as make a plan for the future. What have they
learned? Have their goals changed? Do they want
to rescue those captured by those torch wielding
fanatics with the sun emblems on their tabards?
These are just some of the questions that could be
discussed by the party in character (preferably) or
out of character if need be. And, from here, the
adventurers will be able to pick up a forest trail
that will lead them towards Chapter 3, Leshehoff.

Act 5: The Shore

As you run across the shuddering timber
of the broken mainmast you chance a look
behind and see the Drowned Dead retreating
back into The Wrecks. Something must be
keeping them bound there, and as you splash
down into the shallows and wade to the sandy
beach of the shore, you finally have a chance
to breathe. Fine grained black sand stretches
out to either side of you for hundreds upon
hundreds of feet before steep, rocky cliffs jut
up towards the sky. Behind you is the sea, and
a few hundred feet in front of you lies a thick
forest of twisted trees. The lone launch that
had already made it ashore lies upside down
on the sand not far from you, a few embers still
glowing faintly in the dark.

Once the players have successfully escaped

from Section D they will have finally reached the
shore, and a measure of safety...if Wreythau can
be called safe. Insert evil laughter here.

The Player Characters will finally have a chance

to rest (as in long rest), and will level to 3.

CH 1 WELCOME TO WREYTHAU
139
 Chapter 3 Leshehoff
Chapter Overview:
Now that the adventurers have survived
the voyage to Wreythau and braved the dangers
of The Wrecks, they will find that the paths their
future adventures take will be largely determined
by their own decisions and actions. In other
words, a variety of paths will be set before the
player characters and they will have to decide
which to pursue. That doesn’t mean, of course,
that the adventurers can’t be nudged one way
or another by NPCs or plot developments, but
ultimately the choice of how to proceed is theirs.
This chapter contains all the information
you need about the next region that that
adventure takes place in. You’ll learn what quests
are available in this region as well as a sample
overview of how these quests might play out
at the end of the chapter. Again, because this
is designed to give the players (and the DM)
as much agency as possible, that means these
quests might play out differently than in the
quest overview, which is great. The overview
at the end of the chapter is merely a suggestion
meant to offer a sample trajectory rather than
set down a pair of railroad tracks. So, feel free to
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
140
use the overviews as a framework, but don’t feel
pressured to adhere to them like gospel.
Otherwise, this chapter will continue
where Chapter 2 left off, with the adventuring
party having just rested (and leveled up) on
the beach. Spotting smoke on the horizon, and
finding the trail of the other survivors, the party
will venture into the deep forests of Wreythau.
From there, they will reach a pivotal encounter
that introduces them to the Beastfolk and from
there on out, it is the party’s decisions that will
decide how they proceed. If they decide to engage
with the Beastfolk and learn more about them,
they will meet a powerful ally, as well as learn
more about the Dark Power lurking behind the
scenes. Eventually, however, the adventurers
must journey on to the barony of Leshehoff, a
farming region caught in a power struggle with a
fanatical religion bent on total domination of the
people and the land. The adventurers will ahve
to wade into this power struggle, navigating its
dangers and, ultimately, tipping the balance one
way or another. Unless the party are themselves
fanatical zealots, this will mean taking a stand
against the domineering Inquisition of the
Morning Lord, though when they choose to take
 a stand, and how they choose to take a stand,
will be key decisions on their part. Hence why
there is no singular path, but rather several that
the adventurers could embark on as they explore
this region.
Continuing the Adventure:
Once the party has finished resting on the
beach, read the following:
Slowly, a soft grey light begins to filter
down through the heavy storm clouds that
perpetually hang above, signalling the coming
of the dawn. Wind gently stirs the branches
of the trees closest to the black sand of the
beach, but as you look towards the sky you see
columns of smoke rising above the canopy. It
must be civilization, and perhaps only a few
days’ journey from here.
A DC 13 Survival Check will reveal the
tracks of the strange warparty that captured the
other survivors. They’re heading in the same
direction as the smoke, though there seems
to be several game trails nearby if the party
wishes to move in the same direction but on a
separate course.
Moving towards civilization is their
best bet, and after the supernatural storm
that shipwrecked them, travel by sea is hardly
the best idea. So, overland travel through the
forest is their best option, hands down. Which
is wonderful, because this provides excellent
opportunities to introduce a few encounters
with the twisted wildlife of Wreythau, such
as meeting the reincarnation of Gavran, the
Carnivorous Horse or the Lamprey Rabbits (my
personal favorite). These encounters (found in
Chapter 1) can help illustrate the warped nature
of this new land in addition to adding to the
atmosphere of horror.
However, once you’ve introduced a few
of these encounters (or however many you wish),
introduce the special event to the right.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
141
A Babe in the Woods
Encounter Overview:
This encounter will introduce the
adventurers to the Beastfolk, and place before
them a significant quandary: what to do with
a lost babe found in the middle of the woods.
Essentially, the story leading up to this event
is that a Beastfolk parent and their young child
traveled to one of the many sacred megaliths
scattered throughout their territory in order
to perform a ritual blessing for the child.
Unfortunately, the parent was killed by one of the
many predators in Wreythau, and so the child is
left all alone. Poor babe! Thankfully, the other
Beastfolk will realize something is wrong and
send out a search party, though the adventurers
will be the first to find the babe. This will present
a conundrum to the adventurers, as well as
introduce the Beastfolk and form their initial
relationship with the Beastfolk community.
Beginning the Encounter:
To introduce this encounter, read
the following:
As you make your way through the wilderness
you spot a pathway that seems better trod
than a simple game trail, though not by much.
As you follow the trail, thankful for how
much easier it makes your passage through
the woods, you come upon a small clearing
filled with megalithic standing stones. Each
stone is rough carved and monstrously heavy,
and yet two simple archways have been built
using the stones. The archways lead to a
central ritual stone, as well as a trio of vertical
standing stones that form a crown of sorts for
this ancient ritual structure. As you near the
archways, you see that a basket sits upon the
center ritual stone.
Allow the players to investigate as they
will. They can learn the following:
• A DC 14 Religion Check will reveal that
these ritual stones are tied to the Old Faith,
or Druidism, and are aligned to perhaps
measure the seasons.
Forest
Trail

Ritual
Stones

CH 3 LESHEHOFF
142
 • A DC 15 History Check (stonecunning)
will reveal that these stones were likely
placed here well over a thousand years ago.
They were cut by hand, but it’s clear that
the rough craftsmanship is by design, rather
than due to carelessness or lack of skill.
• A DC 12 Investigation Check will
reveal what happened to the parent. A
trail of blood leads from inside a circle
of mushrooms, the broken remains of a
longbow and a few shattered arrows leading
off into the foliage. The tracks of wolves of
tremendous size are nearby.
• A character fluent in Druidic will recognize
that these stones are, in fact, tied to the
seasons, but in this case is specifically tied
to the descent into winter, which marks
the start of the new year. As such, this holy
place is perfect for blessings of reflection,
abundance, and connection to those who
have passed before.
• A character fluent in Sylvan will recognize
that these stones reference an Archfey
known as Cailleach, or the Queen of
Winter. These people pay homage to
Cailleach, but also reference the other lords
and ladies of the seasons.
Any character that investigates the basket
will peer inside to find:
Peering inside the basket you find what at first
appears to be a bundle of homespun blankets
and animal furs, but then you realize that the
bundle is moving, and soon a hand emerges
from within, pulling the swaddling aside to
reveal the face of a babe, though unlike any
that you’ve ever seen before. It looks like
the twisted combination of a human and an
elk, and it coos up at you from its unnatural
human-elk muzzle-mouth.
• A Medicine check will reveal that the babe
is healthy despite its disturbing appearance.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
143
• An Arcana check will reveal that the babe
is likely suffering from a powerful curse
of some kind.
From here, the adventurers must decide
what to do with the babe. Cautious adventurers
might leave the babe behind, though if they
interacted with it at all, the Beastfolk will pick
up their scent and stalk them through the woods,
curious as to find out why the babe was spared.
This would be a party of 3 Beastfolk
Warriors and 3 Beastfolk Scouts. The
adventurers can make DC 15 Perception Checks
to spot that they are being stalked, or you can
have the Scouts roll against Passive Perception.
If spotted and challenged, the Beastfolk will flee
back into the woods unless they are challenged in
Sylvan or Druidic. If that’s the case, the Beastfolk
will cautiously approach and ask why they didn’t
harm the baby. If satisfied that the adventurers
are not hostile, they will invite the adventurers
to accompany them back to Caeltos Village to
share a meal and have a safe place to rest for
the night. If the adventurers accept, proceed to
Caeltos Village.
On the other hand, compassionate
adventurers might take the babe with them,
which would of course result in the Beastfolk
challenging the adventurers and demanding
the babe back.
This would be a party of 3 Beastfolk
Warriors, 3 Beastfolk Scouts, and either a
Beastfolk Juggernaut OR a Beastfolk Witch.
The Witch makes for a significantly harder
challenge in combat, yet the Witch is also one
of the few Beastfolk that can speak a version
of Common. This is important, as the goal of
the Beastfolk is the safe return of the baby and
clear communication would certainly make
that much simpler. Based on your knowledge
of the adventurers, use your best judgement on
which to include, as being denied the return
of the baby will result in the use of force. The
Beastfolk will be sure not to endanger the child,
but will otherwise consider the adventurers to
be extremely hostile if they try to keep the babe.
However, if the party agrees to return the child
 without the threat of violence, then the Beastfolk
will invite them back to Caeltos Village as thanks
for trying to save the child. If any violence or
threat is given before the return of the babe,
though, then the Beastfolk will not make this
offer and instead the 3 Warriors and 3 Scouts
will stalk the adventurers all the way to the
border of Leshehoff’s farmland to ensure that the
adventurers leave and don’t double back into the
woods to cause problems for their village.
If the adventurers decide that they do not
wish to visit Caeltos Village, or do not receive an
offer to visit it, then proceed to Leshehoff.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
144
Caeltos Village
Overview:
Caeltos Village is one of many Beastfolk
settlements spread out throughout the wilds
of Wreythau. It is one of the smaller villages,
but it does see frequent use as a trading point
because of its location between the coast and the
Drowned Basin. Supported mainly by trade, as
well as light agriculture and frequent hunting
trips, the village is relatively prosperous despite
it’s small size. Furthermore, because of the
dangerous wilderness that surrounds the village
and the close proximity to Leshehoff and the
 Inquisition, many of the inhabitants of the village
are able warriors and the sturdy palisades and
numerous pit traps make it difficult to assault.
If the adventurers are escorted to the village
by other Beastfolk then they will be received
warmly, offered food and drink, and given a
safe place to sleep inside one of the huts. If the
adventurers have not been escorted to the village,
the Beastfolk will demand they leave unless the
adventurers happen to speak Sylvan or Druidic,
at which point negotiations can begin. There are
about 40 adult Beastfolk in the village, along with
half as many children.
C1: Entrance
The village is ringed by sharpened, wooden
palisades over 15ft tall. The wood has been
stripped of bark and treated with oils to make
it flame resistant and difficult to climb, and
large pit traps have been dug in strategic
locations. The entrance to the village has
clearly been set up to create chokepoints
to help defenders, but is otherwise open to
the wilderness. Once inside, you can see
two training areas have been set up near
the entrance.
The Beastfolk rely on guards to help keep
the village safe. As there are plenty of dangerous
creatures that walls and gates can’t keep out,
they’ve simply come to accept that a constant
armed patrol is the best defense, and as such there
are always at least 6 Beastfolk Warriors and 6
Beastfolk Scouts on duty. Typically, 4 warriors
and 4 scouts man the entrance while the others
patrol the perimeter of the village.
That said, up to 12 Warriors and
12 Scouts can be mustered from the village
populace, along with Rhagnall, Seaghdh, (see
next section) and 1 Beastfolk Witch.
C2: Warrior’s House
This wood and reed built hut overlooks
the entrance to the village. Several weapons
lean against the timbers of the door frame,
alluding to its use as a guardhouse. The sounds
of conversation and laughter spill out from
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
145
inside, punctuated by the distinctive brays,
growls, and other noises of Beastfolk speech.
The ‘guardhouse’ is used to house the
warriors, juggernauts, and scouts when they’re
on duty, as well as serve any other military-
adjacent function that the village needs, such as
weapon and armor storage or a staging ground of
medical aid.
The leader of the warriors of the village
is a juggernaut named Rhagnall (Rog - nall), an
experienced warleader, though one who’s getting
a bit too grey to do it for much longer. A massive
creature, Rhagnall’s form is that of an orc mixed
with a great moose. One hand is simply a great
hoof, whereas the other is used to heft a great
spear that weighs almost 30 pounds on its own.
Rhagnall
Large humanoid, Neutral Good
—
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 76 (9d10 + 27)
Speed 40 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 11 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1)
—
Skills Perception +7, Performance +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Charge. If Rhagnall moves at least 10 feet straight toward a
target and then hits it with a gore attack on the same turn, the
target takes an extra 9 (2d8) piercing damage. If the target is a
creature, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or
be pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.
Sentinel. Rhagnall can use a reaction to attack any creature that
moves into, or inside of the reach of his spear.
Reckless. At the start of its turn, Rhagnall can gain advantage
on all melee weapon attack rolls it makes during that turn,
but attack rolls against it have advantage until the start of its
next turn.
—
Actions
Great Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 17 (2d12 + 4) piercing damage.
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
 The ‘second-in-command’, if such a concept
can be said to exist in Beastfolk society, is an
archer named Seaghdh (See - odd) whose curse
manifests by mixing the features of a spider
with that of a half-elf. This allows Seaghdh
to shoot twice as many arrows as any other
Beastfolk archer.
Seaghdh
Medium humanoid , Neutral Good
—
Armor Class 16 (studded leather armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
Speed 30 ft, climb 15ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+4) 18 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1)
— helping nurture those in the village. Suibahn
Skills Acrobatics +6, Athletics +5, Perception +6
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Sylvan
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Archer’s Eye (3/Day). As a bonus action, the archer can
add 1d10 to its next attack or damage roll with a longbow
or shortbow.
— happen inside when the weather is foul, and
Actions
Multiattack. The archer makes four attacks with its longbow or
four attacks with a shortsword.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 150/600 ft.,
one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage
Both Rhagnall and Seaghdh are fearsome
enemies if provoked, but are otherwise happy to
live and let live. Rhagnall is the more talkative
of the two and loves to listen to and tell stories
over a roaring fire, whereas Seaghdh loves to
contemplate and garden. Otherwise, both are
experienced skirmishers and defenders, having
lived through many desperate fights against
the Inquisition, Renegades, and the creatures
of the land.
C3: Morag’s House
This large, wood and reed hut is by far the
most decorated of the village, fantastical
paintings of the Fey adorn the walls of the hut,
each wall depicting a different season. Inside,
a rich carpet of animal furs blanket the floor
of the hut, and a large hearth dominates the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
146
southernmost (summer) wall. The smell of
incense lingers in the air, as does the aroma
of something delicious brewing in a large pot
over the hearth.
This hut is home to the leader of the
village, a Beastfolk Witch named Morag.
Morag (a snake-human) has trained two other
witches, Suibahn (Shuh - von) and Cathall
(Cath - ull). If you chose to have the adventurers
encounter a witch, choose between Suibahn and
Cathall. Cathall (a rabbit-human beastfolk) is
the eldest, and Morag’s son. Sweet hearted and
kind, Cathall is mostly interested in healing and
(a feline-human beastfolk) is more interested
in delving the mysteries of the Old Faith, and
frequently travels to other villages or to seek
out Mata Yezinka. Morag, for her part, is very
knowledgeable and even-tempered, though
mostly stays at her hut to brew potions due to the
ailments that come with age. Village gatherings
otherwise many villagers visit Morag throughout
the day, and others often stay with her when ill
or dealing with the many traumas of life.
C4: Villagers’ Hut
This wood and reed hut sits among gardens
of flowers, herbs, and crops, and the sounds
of children can be heard coming from
within. A colorful garland of drying herbs
and flowers hangs between the two huts, and
several Beastfolk come and go as they pursue
various chores.
This houses the majority of the villagers,
the Beastfolk preferring to house in numbers
due to safety as well as the benefits of communal
living. They raise children together, cook
together, and essentially live as one large family
together. Typically, children move out of the
home once they’ve gotten an apprenticeship
and then live with their mentor, though not
always. And, of course, new huts are built
when the population expands enough to make
things crowded.
 C5: Trader’s Hut
This hut is tied to the villager’s hut by a
colorful garland of small strips of cloth,
along with dried flowers and herbs. It looks
much the same as the villager’s hut, though it
lacks a hearth.
The Trader’s Hut sits next to that of the
villagers, a sign of being considered like family,
though it is often used by the villagers when
there are no travelers staying with them. Many
traders also prefer to use their own tents when
the weather is fine, as that lets them sleep near
their wares. Theft is uncommon, but not unheard
of, particularly when it comes to some of the
wildlife. Still, almost all business is conducted
inside the Trader’s Hut, and it is always available
to guests of the village.
C6: Blacksmith’s Hut
The sounds of a hammer hitting iron and steel
ring out into the village. Smoke rises from a
chimney built into the roof and the glow of
the forge shines through the square windows
cut into the walls of the hut. A bellows
pumps steadily like the beat of a heart as the
smiths work.
The smith of the village is a half-elf -
dog named Cormag that works with several
apprentices. They mostly create tools and
cookware, but also forge the various weapons and
armor that the warriors need. Cormag doesn’t
offer anything for sale, but rather provides
whatever the village needs on demand. That said,
he does have a few daggers available for trade.
C7: Fire Pit
A large fire burns in the center of the village,
various pots of different sizes and purposes
suspended above it on wooden poles of various
heights. The fire is constantly being tended,
stacks of wood brought from a reserve while
others manage the embers and flames. It’s clear
that this fire pit is the center of the community,
as villagers meet here to cook, eat, and chat.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
147
When the weather is good, the fire pit
is the center of the community and the nightly
gathering place for entertainment, news,
discussions, and rituals. When the weather is bad,
Morag’s home becomes the center of the village,
though cooking is usually split between her hut
and the villagers’ hut.
Additionally, many beastfolk families
will cook communal meals over the fire pit, with
the meal prep looking something like a ritual to
outsiders. As every ingredient is prepared and
added to the meal, the Beastfolk chefs thank the
ingredient and tell the story of the ingredient’s
spirit. Most of these tales relate both the natural
version of the ingredient (as the adventurers
would know them), as well as the warped version
that Czernobog has turned them into. For
instance, the story of the Raddish Spirit is an
anthropomorphized yarn that both describes a
regular raddish, as well as warns the listeners to
never grasp the leaves of the Wreythian raddish
with bare fur, feathers, scales, or skin lest the
tendrils of the leaves dig beneath the surface
and begin to feed off of your blood. All of this
information is woven into an entertaining folk
tale that is so well known even the children can
pick up parts of the story if one of the chefs get
distracted. This way, knowledge is passed down
and preserved.
Special Events
The Mother Comes
This special event triggers if the
adventurers spend the night within the village.
She will arrive during the night, slipping inside
the Trader’s Hut to speak with the adventurers
about a few grave matters. Feel free to read the
following description:
Deep into the night, you’re disturbed from
your slumber. At first, you’re unsure what
caused you to awaken, but then you feel a
slight tremor run through the ground beneath
you, followed by something rising up from
the earth itself. At first all you see is a pair of
 antlers rising from the soil like those of an elk
rising from a lake, but then you see the antlers
are attached to the head of a woman who
continues to rise from the earth. She’s clad in
animal leathers, with swirling patterns tattooed
onto her skin. She grips a staff in her left hand,
with a crystal embedded on top of the staff
pulsing faintly with violet light.]
If the characters have already met Mata
Yezinka due to character death (see Dealing
with Death in Chapter 1), then this will be their
second encounter with her. If not, then she will
politely apologize for disturbing their slumber
and introduce herself as “The Guardian of the
Old Faith”, though she will concede the Beastfolk
know her as Mata Yezinka. She will explain that
with their coming to the land, change hangs upon
the air. She will ask the adventurers to help her
ensure that that change benefits the land and
its people rather than harm them. To that end,
she will introduce a quest that she will ask the
characters to perform, as well as inform them of
the rituals that they could take part in (see Quests
at the end of this section).
The first Quest is to go to The
Catacombs (L10) and free all of the prisoners
that reside there. She will also explain that the
adventurers can find ancient relics of great
power hidden within the Catacombs, but that
they must be careful as that power comes with a
significant cost.
What Mata Yezinka Will Explain
As an Archdruid that’s lived in Wreythau
for almost a thousand years, Mata Yezinka knows
almost as much as Czerina does. Nevertheless, she
believes that knowledge has a time and place, and
thus will only be willing to share the following:
• The Inquisition follows a false god founded
by a corrupted angel. Who the angel
disguises itself as, she doesn’t know, though
she is positive it still resides somewhere
within the Abbey of St. Zharkov.
• There are vampires that lurk near the road
to Raffenburg, though they don’t wear the
colors of the Order of Blood, the knights
who serve the Blood Queen.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
148
• The Blood Queen is very, very real. It was
she who caused the storm that shipwrecked
them, though whether it was intentional or
not, she doesn’t know.
• The Blood Queen is not to be trusted.
Whatever she once was, she is now a
servant of darkness.
• The town of Leshehoff has been agitated
by frequent raids carried out by the
Followers of Agrona, a warlike and hateful
faction of the Beastfolk. The Followers
have retreated to the Cailleach Wilds to
celebrate the solstice and gather allies from
the Corrupted Sidhe, however, and won’t
return for months.
• Everything in Wreythau has been twisted
by an evil power so that everything from
the soil, to the trees, to the wildlife has
become a sadistic predator. The Old Faith,
however, still teaches what nature is
meant to be.
• The evil power’s name is Czernobog, and it
once lived on the Material Plane, though it’s
power was never so great as it is now.
• The Blood Queen is Czernobog’s Champion.
If you deem it wise, or the characters
happen to trigger this event after having met
other important NPCs, feel free to have Mata
Yezinka share more information, though don’t be
afraid to be cryptic or speak in metaphor.
Otherwise, there are several Quests that
Mata Yezinka can introduce to the adventurers to
help them bond with Beastfolk society. Some of
these quests take the form of rituals, though not
all of them.
Quests:
Free The Beastfolk
Mata Yezinka asks the characters to free
the captured Beastfolk within the Catacombs
at the Abbey of St. Zharkov. This is a very
dangerous quest, and one that is best done with
great stealth, as it could incur the Inquisition’s
wrath. Nevertheless, it would free innocents
from a horrible fate, as well as protect the
Beastfolk society at large as the Inquisition will be
unable to learn more about the location of their
 villages, trading routes, and hunting grounds.
Furthermore, Mata Yezinka will reveals that
there are ancient relics of great power being
kept in the Catacombs, relics that would greatly
aid the adventurers, though she will warn
the adventurers that it is power that comes at
a great cost.
Ritual: Tribal Initiation
Should the adventurers wish to join
the Tribes of Caeltos and become a part of the
Beastfolk community, then there is an initiation
ritual that they can perform. However, they must
first gain permission from Morag, the de facto
leader of the village. Though Mata Yezinka is the
spiritual leader of the Old Faith, she does not lead
the Beastfolk themselves.
If the adventurers speak to Morag, she
will agree to let them join the tribe, but in order
to do so they must first discover what animals
their spirits connect to. The Beastfolk, after
all, are in touch with their own animal aspects,
and should the adventurers wish to join them,
then they will need to do the same. In order to
accomplish this, they must gather sacred items
and use them to create a sacred brew that will
grant them each a vision.
First, the adventurers must retrieve a holy
mortar and pestle from within the Catacombs
(L10E). The mortar and pestle are ancient,
enchanted items that once belonged to a famous
Beastfolk Druidess. Unfortunately, the Druidess
was captured and executed by the Inquisition
centuries ago. For the adventurers to return it
to the Beastfolk, they would prove themselves
worthy of joining the tribes. Also, since they’re
already in the catacombs, rescuing the Beastfolk
held captive there would only further their
heroic deeds.
Second, the adventurers must gather
sacred mushrooms from a grove not far from the
village. Unfortunately for the adventurers, the
mushrooms are growing upon a corrupted Treant
which they must destroy in order to gather the
fungus growing upon its body.
Once the elk has been slain, the
adventurers must harvest its meat as a gift for
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
149
Corrupted Treant
Huge plant, chaotic evil
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 138 (12d12 + 60)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
23 (+6) 8 (-0) 21 (+5) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 12 (+1)
—
Skills Acrobatics +6, Athletics +5, Perception +6
Damage Vulnerabilities fire
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Druidic, Elvish, Sylvan
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
False Appearance. While the treant remains motionless, it is
indistinguishable from a normal tree.
Siege Monster. The treant deals double damage to objects and
structures..
—
Actions
Multiattack. The treant makes two slam attacks.
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 16 (3d6 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one
target. Hit: 28 (4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Animate Trees (1/Day). The treant magically animates one
or two trees it can see within 60 feet of it. These trees have the
same statistics as a treant, except they have Intelligence and
Charisma scores of 1, they can’t speak, and they have only the
Slam action option. An animated tree acts as an ally of the treant.
The tree remains animate for 1 day or until it dies; until the
treant dies or is more than 120 feet from the tree; or until the
treant takes a bonus action to turn it back into an inanimate tree.
The tree then takes root if possible.
Monstrous Elk
Huge beast, unaligned
—
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 126 (11d12 + 55)
Speed 40 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
24 (+7) 9 (-0) 21 (+5) 3 (-4) 11 (+0) 6 (-2)
—
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages —
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Trampling Charge. If the elk moves at least 20 feet straight
toward a creature and then hits it with a gore attack on the same
turn, that target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw
or be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the elk can make one
stomp attack against it as a bonus action..
—
Actions
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 25 (4d8 + 7) piercing damage.
Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one prone
creature. Hit: 29 (4d10 + 7) bludgeoning damage..
 the tribe, as well as harvest specific organs for
the ritual brew. Now, they can use the enchanted
mortar and pestle to grind the mushrooms and
the organs of the elk into a paste and smear it
across their eyelids before they go to sleep. Once
asleep, they will dream vivid dreams, and connect
with the animalistic parts of their being. Ask the
players if they know what Animal their character
most connects to. If they’re not sure, you can
assign them one.
Either way, once the adventurers have
received their visions, they must adopt the
symbol of their animal. This could be done by
creating Heraldry for themselves (Madalina
Boritresc, the tailor with a Beastfolk child from
L8, could help with this), by crafting jewelry, or
by applying face paint that resembles the animal.
The adventurers must display the symbol of their
animal to be counted as a member of the Tribes.
Ritual: The Wedding
Six members of the village wish to
be wed. However, before they perform the
handfasting, they wish to bless their partners
with gifts, and the village is also out of the
materials needed to make six arm rings. They
were planning on using woven arm rings, but
with the arrival of the adventurers, this presents
them with a new opportunity. They will ask the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
150
adventures to help them collect the following
items from Leshehoff:
• 50 gold coins and 50 silver coins to be
melted into arm rings.
• An athame (ritual dagger) worth 10 gold.
• A cooking pot.
• A new dress.
• Rabbit skins, a sewing kit, and stuffing
to make toys.
• A chain shirt.
• Barrels of ale, wine, or spirits.
If the adventurers agree to help the
Beastfolk and gather these materials, then they
will be invited to the wedding as special guests.
This will be an event filled with singing, dancing,
and laughter, and all good things. A moment of
levity and joy amongst all the darkness. Feel free
to make the ceremony as fantastical as you like.
Thanks to the druids’ magic, the ceremony will be
safe, and almost anything is possible, from being
visited by swarms of butterflies made of colored
light to cups that are never empty. Get your high
fantasy on, and have some moments of wonder
and awe before delving back into the darkness.
 Ritual: Rite of Awen
This ritual can only be learned once the
adventurers have become part of the Beastfolk
tribes (see the initiation ritual above). Once they
have become part of the tribe, however, Morag
can instruct the adventurers on how to perform
the Rite of Awen, summoning the essence of
inspiration and truth around them. However, in
order to actually receive the blessings of Awen,
the characters must perform sacred deeds that
truly exemplify its essence. Thankfully, there
are many ways to do this, several of which are
suggested below:
• If the adventurers free the spirit of
Iphigenia Tornheim (L2Q), they will be
able to channel the essence of Awen and
perform the rite.
• If the adventurers are able to stop an act of
violence with the use of Persuasion.
• If the adventurers can pass on Marian
Valborg’s last words (L10A) with his
wife and daughter (Sybilla and Tabea,
found in L6).
• If the adventurers use illusion magic to
expose a lie.
• If the adventurers reveal Sir Hajek’s true
motivations to Baroness Tornheim (Special
Event: Meeting at the Crossroads).
You are encouraged to think up
other ways, as well, those the five examples
above present the most obvious examples of
Awen in action.
Once the adventurers have met the above
criteria, they gain access to the following ability:
The Rite of Awen
Spell-Like Ability
—
Once, each day, the character can channel the spirit
of divine inspiration and sacred truth, gaining the
following benefits:
The character can cast the Zone of Truth spell with a
save DC of 20.
The character cannot roll below 10 on Performance checks.
Once the rite has been performed, the characters must wait
24 hours before being able to invoke it again. The rite lasts
for 1 hour.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
151
Ritual: Descent to the Underworld
This final ritual (for Volume 1) can
be performed to awaken a character to their
past lives. It is not particularly difficult to
perform, but is exceedingly dangerous and can
be quite traumatic to characters that are not
prepared for it.
To begin, the ritual must be performed at
one of the Megalithic Standing Stone sites. The
ritual performers must then mix a concoction of
mandrake, wolfsbane, and belladonna and apply
it to the eyes. Next, the ritual performers must be
given the Essence of Ether (DMG 258) and buried
alive. From there, their spirit is able to descend
to the underworld, a realm of unending darkness
and wandering spirits. A DC 18 Arcana Check
will reveal that this ritual likely mimics Astral
Projection, but to the reaches of the Shadowfell
instead of the Astral Sea.
Regardless, the spirit of the ritual
performers must then do battle with their
past lives. This could take the shape of the
characters fighting exact copies of themselves
(recommended to put a Relic to sleep), you could
use creatures from the Shadowfell, reflavor
devils or demons, or even invent new encounters
all on your own. You are encouraged to be as
metaphorical as you wish. You could even turn
the descent into the underworld into an entire
Dungeon if you wish. Whatever you decide,
however, the ritual performers must emerge
victorious or risk their spirit getting lost in the
Underworld permanently.
If this ritual is performed on Gavran,
the adventurers can accompany him on his
journey in order to ensure his spirit doesn’t
become lost. If that’s the case, consider using
the stat block for a Fire Giant (Monster Manual,
page 154) to represent Gavran’s incarnation as
Czerina’s father.
If this ritual is performed on an
adventurer that has been reincarnate, raised by
Czerina, or re-assembled by the Mad Alchemist
(see Dealing with Death, in Chapter 1), then they
are able to gain the benefits of True Resurrection
 (i.e. getting their old body back) if they succeed in
performing the ritual. Again, this could be a solo
encounter, or an entire Dungeon the party must
undertake together, whatever would make for a
better story for you and your group.
Leshehoff
The town of Leshehoff is a bastion of
civilization in the midst of hostile wilderness.
The dense forests open up onto acre after acre
of farmland and pastures, all overseen by a
network of fortified farmhouses and outposts.
Meanwhile, the town itself sits behind high
stone walls, constantly patrolled and protected
by the militarized forces of the Town Watch and
their mercenary allies from the Consortium. Yet
no matter how high their walls or how many
swords the town can call, danger still looms.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
152
Increasingly devastating raids by warlike bands
of Beastfolk have submerged the town in a sea
of fear, and more and more of the people have
begun to turn away from the stalwart Baroness,
Ekaterina Tornheim, who leads the Watch in
favor of the righteous fury of the Church of the
Morning Lord and its Inquisition in the hopes of
salvation. Now, neighbor looks upon neighbor
with suspicion and fear as the armored boots of
Inquisitors echo off the cobblestones, all while
the massive Abbey of St. Zharkov looms nearby.
The Consortium, for its part, looks
upon the Inquisition with disdain, though is
more concerned with its hunt for the dissidents
and firebrands that have been stirring up
trouble in other parts of the kingdom. Many of
these fugitives have been tracked to Leshehoff
itself, and a sympathizer is suspected to reside
somewhere within the walls of the town. Who
 they might be, however, is unknown. Bounties
have been posted all throughout the town,
though the fliers have become little more than
trash fluttering in the wind. The townsfolk have
other concerns, as rumors spread like the plague
of the demonic Tax Collector’s imminent arrival.
No doubt the actions of the adventurers will push
things past the boiling point, though the question
remains: whose interests will their actions serve,
and who will get a blade in the heart? she asked. He said she’s killed more servants
This next section will first describe the
information citizens of Leshehoff know, followed
by a description of the most important places in
town, the NPCs that reside in those places, and
important quest information and special events
for each place.
Leshehoff Lore
Below are the average rumors and
pieces of information that the citizens of
Leshehoff know:
• The way to Raffenburg has been destroyed
by a recent storm. That means the only
way to reach the city is weeks of dangerous
woodland travel. And, to the south, Inbarev
has been beset by a surge of Beastfolk raids,
making travel equalling impossible.
• The Beasts of the woods may walk like
humans, or elfs, or orcs, but they’re
little more than bloodthirsty demons,
practicing depraved rituals in the shadows
of the woods.
• Those caught by the Beasts are butchered
while still alive, their heads left on spikes,
their bones turned into the very armor
those foul creatures wear.
• A great army of Beastfolk is gathering
in the woods. Aye, soon as it grows big
enough it’ll descend upon the town, could
happen any day.
• Those that consort with demons transform
into the Beastfolk themselves, their flesh
revealing the wicked and evil natures that
they been keeping hidden within.
• The Inquisition can perform miracles. Aye,
tis true! Their priests heal the sick and,
some say that their most revered Abbot can
even raise the dead.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
153
• The Abbot is a living saint, he is, and only
the most holy and pure of heart may set
eyes upon him.
• Only the Unholy are burned by the
Inquisition’s fire, don’t ye doubt it.
• Some say the Baroness spurns the
Inquisition because she consorts with the
darkness, but me brother is in the Watch
and he’d lay down his life for her as soon as
of darkness than half the watch combined,
and she’s saved the lives of the other half
out in the field. Ain’t no demon sympathizer
acts like that.
• The Baron Consort is a shrewd man, he is.
Always trust his counsel, though some say
he learns what he knows from the lips of
the devils themselves.
• The Merchant Consortium has been chasing
criminals over half the kingdom and back.
Say they’re arsonists and murderers, liars
and cheats, but why haven’t they turned to
the Inquisition for help in that case?
• I heard the tailor, Madalina, is suffering
from some terrible illness after she gave
birth and no one’s seen her since. Her
husband says she’s fine, just needs rest, is all,
but why’s no one seen her or the babe, then?
What is he hiding?
• Don’t trust the Alchemist, no matter what
she says. She might have turned in her
husband for consorting with demons, but
she don’t show up for prayer and they say
her daughter’s been speaking of terrible, evil
things. Surely only the Inquisition can help,
but she hides in her shop instead.
• The best place in town for a brew or a meal
is the Copper Crown Tavern, though the
tavern-keep, Cival, certainly don’t charge by
the copper. Word is there’s plenty of coin
to be won in the back rooms for those that
don’t mind praying to lady luck, too.
• Tax Collector’s coming. That time of year,
and the messengers say they’ve seen his
coach upon the road.
•

• They say the Tax Collector is really a demon
wearing the flesh of a man and that’s why
he doesn’t age. Others say he’s just an elf,
but not even elves live that long. Besides, he
can do things ain’t nobody can do. He split a
man in half last year with just a glance, and
the man was drunk, besides, nevermind that
he gave insult.
Approaching the Gates
As characters near the gates, read the following:
As you travel, the forest suddenly opens to
a vast expanse of pastures and farmland as
far as you can see, a wide patch of scorched
earth forming the barrier between the two.
Already, small sprouts of green have begun
to grow up through the burnt soil, the forest
eager to reclaim its own. In the distance you
can see what appears to be the outline of a
walled town, drifts of smoke lifting up into
the sky high above. Moving in that direction,
you come across a fenced highway that
leads through what seems to be an endless
passageway of various crops until you finally
reach the walls of the town. The walls stand
as massive monuments of stone high above
you, while a raised, iron portcullis and a pair
of massive wooden gates guard the entrance
to the town.
The walls are made of stone and are
about 30 feet high and four feet thick. The
Watchtowers are about 50 feet high.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
154
Watch Soldier
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignmentt
—
Armor Class 18 (chain mail, shield)
Hit Points 16 (3d8 + 3)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 11 (+3) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Skills Athletics +5, Perception +2
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
—
Formation Tactics. The Watch Soldier has advantage on
saving throws against being charmed, frightened, grappled, or
restrained while it is within 5 feet of at least one ally.
Watch Training. While wielding a spear and a shield, the Watch
Soldier count as wielding their spear in both hands and the spear
damage increases to 1d8.
Horn. The Watch Soldier carries a horn that can be heard up to
1000 ft away. It takes an action to blow the horn.
Actions
Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage.
As the adventurers approach, they are
hailed by the Town Watch (hereafter referred
to as the Watch). If the adventurers can give a
halfway-plausible explanation of who they are
and why they wish to enter the city (spending
coin is always good), then the Watch will open
the gates and two soldiers will come outside to
inspect the adventuring party.
The Town Watch will examine the adventurers
for any signs of evil (see Prejudice Among
Wreythians in Chapter 1). If the characters have
any Beastfolk present the Watch will attack.
Otherwise, once satisfied (a DC 12 Persuasion
Check if necessary), the Watch will let the
characters into the town so long as they agree
to record their names and business in the
gate registry. Once that simple bureaucratic
formality is over, the characters will have full
access to the town (assuming they don’t get into
trouble, of course).
This brings the adventurers to
the town gates.
 L1 - Town Gates
As you pass through the massive wooden
gates you find yourself stepping into a small
courtyard that looks like a mustering ground.
Wooden palisades partially obstruct your
entry, with even more stored nearby. To one
side lies several pieces of defensive siege
equipment, while a solid brick guardhouse lies
on the other side. The town practically seems
to be preparing for war.
There are always at least 12 Watch
Soldiers stationed in or around the guardhouse,
2 for each tower, and 2 to operate the gate and
portcullis, for a total of at least 16 Watch Soldiers
at each gate (5 gates). Furthermore, there are
at least 4 of the Watch patrolling from each
watchtower along the wall (8 watchtowers not
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
155
counting the gates). About 20 Watch patrol the
city during the day and 10 at night. That makes
for about 112 active Watch inside the city at
all times, and about twice that many resting
for a standing army of (rounded up) about 350
Watch within the city. Another 100 Watch are
on patrol between farmhouses in the fields and
along the edges of the forest giving Leshehoff a
standing army of about 450 soldiers (one tenth
the population of the town). This is comparable
to a city as vast as Raffenburg despite the town’s
much smaller size.
Nonetheless, the area around Leshehoff
is considerably more dangerous and so has
warranted a guard force of this size. The Baroness
commands the force, though her husband would
act as next in the chain of command were the
Baroness to fall. Leshehoff forms a powerful
 Barony that could grow into a separate power
in its own right if not for the presence of the
Merchant Consortium and the Inquisition,
nevermind Czerina’s court.
Special Event: Challenge at the
Gates
This event triggers whenever the
adventurers try to leave the city for the first time
(such as to help the Alchemist or Tailor). One
of the Watch Captains has heard rumors about
the party (or otherwise found reason to hold
a grudge should the party have accomplished
some of the major quests in town) and has
decided to apprehend them. This could be to
interrogate them as to their true motives (demon
worshippers, saboteurs, etc), or perhaps to
perform some vigilante justice if the adventurers
have killed anyone or destroyed any property
in town. Either way, the Watch at the gate (see
above) will be ordered to arrest them. The Watch
will move cautiously, and try to convince the
characters to surrender.
Clever uses of magic, persuasion rolls,
or some form of trickery will likely change the
Guard Captain’s mind. The characters would
certainly have advantage if known to be working
for the Baroness. Nevertheless, this should
inspire some paranoia into the adventuring party,
and remind them that there is a great deal of
hostility in the land.
Should the characters fight the Watch,
they will become criminals, no matter that the
Watch Captain is acting unlawfully. It would
take the personal intervention of the Baroness to
pardon the characters from that point on, or an
inspiring hold on public opinion.
If the characters surrender, they are
brought into the guardhouse and interrogated
one by one. This can be a good way to remind
characters of their actions within Leshehoff
(good or bad), or otherwise needle the characters
in some way (secrets, appearance, etc). If the
characters defend themselves well (through
roleplay or rolls in the 13-15 range), have the
Watch Soldier beneath the Captain pull a small
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
156
mutiny and release the adventurers. If the
adventurers trip up, have it take time but within
a day the authority of the town releases them.
Note: if the characters surrendered after
violence, and without being able to secure a
pardon then they would be released outside the
gates and exiled from the town. This is almost
impossible as it would require the characters
to have made an enemy of whichever authority
currently controls the town (likely the Baroness).
At that point, heading to Raffenburg might be
a good idea. Or, if they’ve made friends with
Cival, she would smuggle the characters back in.
Joining the Inquisition could also grant access, as
could disguises, stealth, or some other trickery.
Lacking any of those options, Beleroth could also
grant a pardon after they’ve visited the Blood
Queen. He would track them down if unable to
meet in town.
L2 - Barony Mansion
This grand mansion looks, like much of
Leshehoff, a vision of time long since past.
Made of solid brick and painted a stately gray,
with a black shingled roof, the mansion sits
with a solemn dignity, the light shining from
the windows saving the extravagant dwelling
from an air of gloom.
The Barony Mansion is the ancestral
home of Baroness Ekaterina Tornheim’s
family, though it has been held by other families
in the past. Regardless, the Tornheim’s have
ruled from the mansion for centuries and only
historians know of the previous occupants, the
 Baroness Ekaterina War Magic. When the Baroness uses her action to cast a spell,
she can make one weapon attack as a bonus action.
Tornheim Great Weapon Expertise: When the baroness hits an attack
Medium humanoid (human), lawful good with her greatsword she can add 13 (4d6) slashing damage to.
—
Armor Class 17 (half plate armor) Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Cival fails a saving throw, she
Hit Points 152 (15d8 + 55) can choose to succeed instead.
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Stat Block Heading
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) Greatsword +2. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 25 (4d6 + 6) slashing damage.
—
Saving Throws Con +6, Int +7, Wis +6
Skills Insight +6, Perception +6, Stealth +6
Senses passive Perception 16
Legendary Actions
Languages Common, Elven, Dwarven, Draconic, Infernal, The Baroness can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
Abyssal the options below. Only one legendary action can be used
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn.
The Baroness regains spent legendary actions at the start
—
Spellcasting. The Baroness is an 8th-level spellcaster. Her of her turn.
spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with Move. The Baroness moves up to her speed without provoking
spell attacks). She has the following wizard spells prepared: opportunity attacks.
Attack. The Baroness makes one attack.
Cantrips (at will): blade ward, light, message, true strike, Cast (cost 2). The Baroness may cast one spell that takes an
firebolt, shocking grasp action or bonus action to cast.
1st level (4 slots): jump, expeditious retreat, magic missile,
sleep, thunderwave Tactics: The Baroness will only attack when she or her town are
2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, see invisibility, misty step threatened. Once that’s happened her favorite tactics include
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, haste casting Haste as soon as possible, followed by Fire Shield, and
4th level (2 slots): fire shield, wall of fire then lots of attacks and fireballs, focusing casters and clerics
first. If possible, she will take prisoners but once combat has
begun she has no qualms about killing.

other nobles having long since forgotten the

Barony belonging to anyone else.
Anyone in town can direct the characters
to the Mansion. Servants receive requests
and messages from citizens of the town quite
frequently, so there’s no need for any pretense of
exclusivity.

Ekaterina herself is a tall, athletic,

middle aged woman with dark braided hair,
who happens to trade her gowns for armor on
most days. She leads many patrols, often leaving Stefan Tornheim (Né
matters of state to her husband, the Baron
Consort Stefan Setchik. Stefan, for his part, is a
Setchik)
Medium human, Lawful Good
darkly handsome man, a most skilled statesman
—
and the scion of one of the noble houses Armor Class 15 (breastplate)
Hit Points 15 (2d8 +6)
of Leshehoff. Speed 30 ft.
—
Interacting with the Tornheims STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 18 (+4)
—
Skills Deception +5, Insight +4, Persuasion +5
Ekaterina is a woman driven by discipline Senses passive Perception 12
and an ironclad sense of duty. This often makes Languages any two languages
her come off as severe and humorless, though Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)

the truth is quite different. Ekaterina’s humor —

Actions
just happens to be much darker, and much drier, Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
than most, and her jokes tend to escape those Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
without a quick wit. Nonetheless, she very much
Reactions
CH 3 LESHEHOFF Parry. Stefan adds 2 to his AC against one melee attack that
157 would hit it. To do so, he must see the attacker and be wielding a
melee weapon.
 enjoys the finer things in life, and holds as much
love for her family as she does for her people
and her duty.
Stefan, for his part, is a perfect
compliment for his wife. In public he is exuberant
and jovial, serving as a complimentary foil that
helps inspire the hearts of the people. In private,
he is actually much the same, helping provide
balance and joy to the Tornheim household. Of
course, he is no empty headed dandy. It was his
good counsel that helped win Ekaterina’s heart
just as much as it was his vivacity.
However, they are not perfect human
beings. Both are firmly entrenched in the feudal
social order and believe that bleating sheeple of
the land requires a firm hand and wise heads to
help shepherd them towards safety and a better
life. This elitism is mostly hidden, as it is the
reality that they live in, though they are not
hopelessly buried within their own prejudice.
They do recognize that there are extraordinary
individuals that rise from the ranks of the
common folk, a seed that could one day sprout
into something far more beautiful than their
current biases.
Lastly, the Tornheim line includes two
children, a son and daughter, both of whom are
off studying at the University of Raffenburg. This
means that the Baroness’ heirs are both safely
out of the way in the event that anything tragic
happens, though not so far that they couldn’t be
summoned if need be.
Quest: Witch Hunt
Triggering Event: Tarasov’s Request
See page 166.
The Baroness and her husband both
desire what’s best for their people, and each have
turned to the demands of duty in complement
to one another (and ironically, an inverse of
Czerina’s own parents, though this hasn’t drawn
any consideration from the Queen beyond
dark amusement). Ekaterina is the expert on all
matters concerning law and warfare, whereas
Stefan handles municipal policy, politicking,
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
158
and public relations. Together, they manage
the various economic policies with a council of
lesser nobles, and so far this has worked well
for the Barony. They’re both very good at what
they do and are well liked by many, but not, as
it happens, by those who follow the Morning
Lord. The Inquisition, in particular, has grown to
resent the rule of the Barony, largely due to the
Baroness’ lack of faith and her resistance to their
influence upon the rule of her people. They’ve
begun a campaign to erode the public’s support
of the Baroness and her husband, not to mention
having begun to gather more of their strength in
preparation for outright conflict.
The High Inquisitor, Viktor Tarasov,
leads the campaign. He suspects that there
must be some dark secret that the Baroness
is hiding, what with her knowledge of magic
and her constant questioning of the Morning
Lord’s dogma, and so he believes that finding
and exposing her vile secrets will be the key to
destroying her public image and support and thus
allowing for her overthrow.
Unfortunately for the Baroness, Tarasov
is partially right. She does have a secret, and one
that would be incredibly damaging, though not
due to the reasons that he suspects. She’s not a
servant of darkness, though unbeknownst to
her, she does happen to be courting disaster. The
arrival of the Renegade knights of the Order of
Blood have convinced her that she might be able
to save her town from further Beastfolk assault
if she leads a pre-emptive strike. Her forces
combined with the might of the knights would be
powerful enough to risk a campaign deep into the
woods to exterminate the Beastfolk once and for
all (or so she believes).
So it’s worth it, in her mind, to try to
plan an alliance with the Renegades, even if her
own people might be horrified to learn this. The
Order of Blood is universally hated and feared,
though the people understand that they are a
necessary evil. To outright oppose them would
be to invite destruction, but to willingly work
with them, well, that would inspire great doubt
and fear in her people, undermining much of
 the trust and loyalty that her family had built over generations, so it’s no simple matter to restrict
the centuries. the movements or activities of the Church or its
Nevertheless, Tornheim is willing to risk Inquisition. The adventurers, however, might
this if it means her lands are kept safe from further present an opportunity, particularly if tensions do
raids and invasion. Besides, she happens to know come to a head.
of the leader of the Renegades. Sir Braclav Hajek
was a famous Watch Soldier that served under her For more information on the Baroness plans
grandfather, and though he left to join the Order of regarding the Church, see the Special Event “The
Blood, she still grew up hearing stories about him. Baroness’ Dinner” and “Meeting at the Crossroads”
at the end of the chapter.
So, to meet him in the flesh all these years
later, and to learn that he commands a force that Otherwise, the various secrets and clues
could help her people, well, it’s enough to inspire that relate to Tarasov’s quest are discussed in their
trust where there perhaps should be none. Despite respective locations within the Mansion.
the small warning in her heart, she’s begun to meet
Sir Hajek at the crossroads that lead to Raffenberg. L2A - Entrance Hall
Together they plot a joint campaign against the The ornate wooden doors of the mansion open
Beastfolk, one that she believes will ensure the up onto a grand entrance hall with beautiful
safety of her people. marble floors and brass lanterns with elaborate
glasswork glowing merely beneath balconies that
Beyond that secret, however, Baroness overhang part of the first floor. Twin staircases
Tornheim is exactly who she
appears to be, and the High
Inquisitor’s witch hunt is simply
that: an effort to undermine a
powerful woman, all for the
benefit of himself and his church.
In truth, Ekaterina is a woman
driven by duty, as well as love
for her lands and her people. She
is devoted to right thought and
action, and is about as close to an
enlightened despot as anyone could
be. Tarasov, however, doesn’t care.
She doesn’t bow to the authority
of the Church, and thus she
must go. Secular governance has
lasted long enough. It’s time for a
theocratic rule.

Of course, Baroness
Tornheim knows of the threat the
faith of the Morning Lord poses.
She realizes how power hungry
they are, and how dangerous,
but unfortunately for her, they
are too deeply entrenched into
the Barony. Her own ancestors
were once fervently devout
before breaking away over the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
159
 carpeted in luxurious red sit between arches
that lead into the Grand Ballroom ahead.
The grand entrance hall is the beginning
of an opulent facade. Most of the maintenance
and repairs are focused solely on the public
spaces in the house, notably the first floor and
the dining room. While wealthy by the standards
of Leshehoff, the Baroness’ household devotes
most of its funds to supporting the Town
Watch’s coffers rather than their own indulgence.
Nevertheless, the Baroness and her husband are
prideful and don’t wish for anyone to realize how
tight their budget has become.
For characters wishing to break into the
mansion, a DC 15 Thieves Tools Check will
unlock the door.
Hint: this means Ekaterina and Stefan are
quite vague when discussing finances (such as
acquiring new art, furniture, etc) which might be
suspicious for the adventurers.
L2B - Grand Library
The door opens upon a large library,
bookshelves packed with ancient tomes
running the length of the walls and interrupted
only by the display of artwork, old paintings
and sculptures that have just begun to show
their age. Luxurious chaises, chairs, and
end tables furnish the room, revealing that
the room is meant for socialization rather
than academic study. One door leads to the
Entrance Hall whereas the other leads to the
Grand Ballroom.
This room is one of two where the
Baroness or her husband will host guests.
Beyond that, the shelves are full of histories,
plays, collections of poems, novels, folklore and
basic arcane texts. The books are very old, the
youngest being about a century old, though magic
has helped preserve them.
A DC 15 Insight Check reveals that this
is a carefully curated collection of texts,
though its overt lack of religious texts is a
remarkable exclusion.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
160
Furthermore, any character with access
to the library gains advantage on History checks
while within the library.
L2C - Grand Ballroom
This magnificent room features a polished
marble floor that gleams beneath fantastical
crystal chandeliers. A massive harp stands
before a small bandstand in the North
East corner of the room. Aside from the
archways that lead from the Entrance Hall,
doors open to the Grand Library, Parlor, and
Servants Workroom.
The Grand Ballroom is where all indoor
public functions are held, from gatherings, to
town halls, or other festivities. Most of the nobles
(who also dislike the overreach of the Inquisition)
get married in this room, which is fitting due
tohow ornate and luxurious the room truly is.
What’s more, in the depths of the night,
when no one is around, the massive harp that sits
in the grand ballroom softly plays itself, though
there is no enchantment upon it. This is the
ghost of Iphigenia Tornheim, the same ghost that
haunts The Tower (L2Q).
Iphigenia was a musician that dreamed
of traveling, meeting new people, sharing her
music and having new music shared with her
in turn. Sadly, her father, Lucian Tornheim,
was a devout follower of the Morning Lord and
refused to have his daughter live such a sinful
life. Thus, when she kept trying to escape, he
chained her up in the tower until the day she
died. This horrible family secret is part of what
inspired Ekaterina’s hatred of the Church and its
Inquisition. For more information on the ghost
of Iphigenia, see L2Q.
L2D - The Parlor
This well appointed room opens up to the
Entrance Hall and Grand Ballroom. Two
expensive chairs sit beside end tables while
an ornate card table is ringed by four seats at
the other end of the room. Large, incredibly
 beautiful paintings adorn the walls and a lush
carpet lies beneath your feet.
Adventurers will recognize the work of
Isidora gracing the walls, though these paintings
don’t move. The works also seem, somehow,
slightly more disturbing than what they saw in
The Wrecks. Little details that subtly hint at
terrible deaths and great tragedies are worked
into each composition.
Otherwise, this room is where friends are
entertained, the table perfect for dragonchess,
cards, or even dice. The chairs are also often put
into a circle for philosophical debates and other
discussions best held away from a room full of
quick references.
L2E - Servant’s Workroom
A door from the ballroom leads into this large
room dominated by a long table in the center.
From the stacks of crockery and silverware
here, as well as several garments and drapes,
it’s clear this is the workroom where the
servants of the mansion perform much of the
behind-the-scenes work: polishing, sewing,
and otherwise repairing or performing upkeep
on their master’s belongings. To the west of the
table lies a staircase leading to the second floor,
as well as a door that leads to the Servants
Quarters. To the east lies a door that leads to
the kitchen.
The Baroness and her family employ
eight servants, five of which reside inside the
Mansion itself. One of those servants is a young
human man named Durov, who is exceptionally
fervent in his faith. If the adventurers enter the
workroom, Durov will approach them and ask
to speak with them in private at the Copper
Crown Tavern. If the adventurers do not enter
the workroom, then Durov will follow them
when they leave the mansion and try to speak
with them then.
Durov was the first person that Tarasov
approached about finding dirt on the Baroness
and her family, a task he agreed to with all the
fanaticism and youthful energy he possessed, but
such fervor almost led to him getting fired, and so
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
161
he’s had to tone it down. He’s a simple footman in
the Baroness’ employ, and thus has very restricted
access around the mansion.
Nonetheless, Durov has discovered
enough to convince him that Tarasov is right
and that the Baroness really is a servant of evil.
He will plead with the adventurers to believe
him and will present the following as evidence of
something much more nefarious going on:
• The harp in the Grand Ballroom (L2C)
plays all by itself at night. At times it’s
beautiful, yet at others it plays the most
terrifying, devilish chords and frightening
rhythms. The chandeliers flicker with
phantom lights, and the temperature in the
room rises and drops with no explanation
as it plays.
• He saw something terrible in the Baroness’
private study: a portal to the abyss itself! It
was etched onto the floor, with candles all
around, though he only caught a glimpse
before he was shooed away.
• The sound of a woman screaming and
wailing can be heard coming from the
Tower at different times. The door is
always locked, and no one is allowed up
there, but Durov is convinced that the
Baroness has kidnapped maidens from the
village and keeps them there until she can
sacrifice them to her unholy masters.
L2F - Kitchen
This large room is a spotless example of a
professional kitchen at work. The white tiles
gleam, as do the countertops, and the three
kitchen hands move with a coordinated and
practiced ease. The smell of delicious pastry
and rich food fill the air as the cooks go about
their masterful work.
The kitchen is well stocked and well
sorted. A married couple share the role of
head chef and they have a single assistant.
Occasionally, other servants are pulled into
the kitchen to chop vegetables or similar
menial tasks.

L2G - Servants’ Quarters
You enter into what appears to be the servants’
quarters. A large wardrobe dominates one
wall, leaving only enough room for the door
to the House Stewards quarters to open.
Faded and worn green carpet runs the length
of the room, with four beds taking up most
of the space.
The majority of the servants live here,
including Durov. There is little to find aside
from commoner’s clothing, servant uniforms, 1d8
copper and silver pieces, and other household
items such as candles, sewing equipment, etc.
L2H - Second Floor Landing
The staircase from the servants workroom
(L2E) leads to this landing. Another staircase
carpeted in luxurious red leads up to the third
floor, while a door to the north opens up into
the Dining Room, while a door to the east
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
162
opens up onto the Gallery. Servant stations
sit nearby, stacked with crockery or awaiting
trays of food.
This landing is intended only for the
servants, as well as the masters of the house,
as it leads to the Baroness and her husband’s
private quarters.
L2I - Gallery
The Gallery is a large room that opens up
onto the balconies that overlook the Grand
Entrance Hall. Five statues and five paintings
decorate the gallery, the works clearly acquired
from a variety of masters over the ages, each
illustrating a different era of Wreythian history
or aspect of their mythology. A winged angel
is the sole piece of religious art on display,
though as it appears to be one of Isidora’s
masterpieces, it was perhaps simply too
beautiful to discard.
 Aside from the angel, the other statues
depict mythological characters and folk heroes,
such as Fey guardians of nature, Gallanicus the
Wanderer, a phoenix, and the archetypal Fool
with his mushrooms and second breakfast. The
paintings depict scenes such as the building of
The Cairn, the solstice festival in Raffenberg, and
landscapes of Wolf Lake and the Drowned Basin.
Furthermore, characters that have seen
Czerina before (such as in the sea or in the mirror
aboard the Sun’s Wrath) will recognize that
Isidora carved the angel in Czerina’s likeness. A
cruel piece of irony.
Should characters examine the angel
statue during the middle of the night, read
the following:
You feel the eyes of the angel upon you, and as
you raise your gaze to meet those carved irises
the statue blink. Before it could be written
off as a trick of the light, the angel’s stone lips
spread in a wicked grin revealing twin fangs.
“I like your smell. Your blood. Come
to me. Be mine,” a voice whispers, though
it’s impossible to tell if it was in your ears
or echoing somewhere within your skull.
And then, between blinks, the statue has
returned to normal.
L2J - Dining Room
This marvelous dining room is floored with a
beautiful elvish parquet and features a massive,
ornate dining table, masterfully carved serving
stations, and a small stage with stringed
instruments for musical accompaniment. Two
crystal chandeliers, smaller cousins of those in
the ballroom, hang above, providing excellent
mood lighting throughout the room.
The Baroness and her family used to dine
here every evening, though with both children
away at University it is rarely used outside of
social functions anymore. Nonetheless, the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
163
servants keep the dining room clean, polished,
and ready to host a meal at a moment’s notice.
There are several pieces of crockery
always kept in the dining room, such as water
pitchers and serving platters, each made of solid
silver. The pitchers are worth about 10 gold, and
the serving platters are worth about 20 gold.
L2K - Bedrooms
A balcony serves as the hallway outside of
these rooms. Opening the doors you find
yourself staring into a large, noble’s bedroom,
though the finery is faded, worn, and in places,
broken. It’s a stark contrast to the opulence
that fills all of the public facing rooms of the
house. The northernmost bedroom seems to
have belonged to a woman, as gowns hang in
the wardrobe, and various beauty products
can be found upon a small vanity. Several
books are stacked upon the bed stand. The
southernmost room appears to belong to a
man, considering the clothing hanging in the
wardrobe. The amount of hunting attire and
the wolf pelt upon the floor suggest the owner
fancied himself quite the huntsmen.
The northernmost bedroom belonged to
Yvette Tornheim, the eldest daughter. She’s taken
after her mother in her love of knowledge and
magic, though prefers to stay as far away from
swords as possible. Horatiu Tornheim owns the
southernmost room, and spends most of his time
practicing archery, partying, and dreaming of
his next hunt.
An Investigation Check will reveal 1d8
lost gold pieces beneath various pieces of
furniture, as well as old letters and mementos
that the children have squirreled away, none of
which reveal anything of note. Their clothes are
worth between 5gp and 15gp per outfit, with
1d6 complete outfits available between the
two of them.
L2L - Guestroom
 This large suite contains a large bed and a
broken table and two worn, stuffed chairs.
The table and chairs were once as luxurious
as could be, though time has not been kind to
them, nor has it been kind to the worn carpet
that lies beneath them. Any noble that offered
this room to a guest would likely die of shame,
as evidenced by the light layer of dust coating
much of the room.
The Tornheims haven’t had guests stay
with them for decades, mostly due to lack of
need, though pride has kept them from extending
invitations, besides. The suites at the Copper
Crown Tavern have become their ‘guest room’,
a situation that suits Cival (the Copper Crown’s
owner) just fine.
L2M - Stefan’s Study
This once ostentatious study has since fallen
to a state of decay, the furniture worn and
barely usable, the book shelves splintered, the
carpet frayed and full of holes. Legal texts,
economic treatises, and first-hand historical
accounts fill the ancient bookshelves. The one
piece of furniture not showing signs of age
is a large, opulent desk that sits against the
southernmost wall, several bottles of ink, a jar
of quills, and stacks of parchment sitting atop
it ready for use.
Stefan uses this study daily, it serves as
a private place to think and plan solutions to
the various problems that Leshehoff faces. He
leaves matters of security to his wife, and instead
focuses on municipal and political matters. Feel
free to have players roll for Investigation, though
they won’t find any incriminating evidence unless
they happen to find his plans for sewer system
expansion to be particularly sinister.
Otherwise, he has 12 gold pieces stored
in a coin purse in his desk, an ornate letter
opener worth 25 gold, and a small portrait
of his wife that’s perhaps worth 50gp. Kept
in the frame of the portrait are several spicy
love letters that could potentially be used for
blackmail, assuming one doesn’t mind pissing
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
164
off a woman with a very large sword and the
reputation for knowing how to use it.
L2N - Ancestral Hallway
Taking the stairway from the landing by the
Dining Room you come up into a hallway
that reminds you of a shrine. Funerary statues
are displayed all around the hall, along with
portraits of men and women who are clearing
the Baroness’ ancestors. What truly catches
your attention, however, are two plinths, each
which feature a magnificent weapon. Upon
one rests a greatsword of elvish make, the
blade gleaming like silver, while upon the
other rests a greataxe of dwarven make, the
blade engraved with gold while precious jewels
encrust the handle.
The greatsword and greataxe are both +2
weapons. However, the plinths they rest upon are
enchanted and the weapons cannot be picked up
without a specific command word being spoken,
or a caster passes a DC 18 spellcasting ability
check with a Dispel Magic spell. Only the
Baroness knows the command word.
The various statues and paintings
depict a lineage of Tornheim’s going back
several centuries.
L2O - Master Bed and Bath
The ancestral hallway leads into the Baroness’
bedroom. The carpet is as frayed and decrepit
as those found in the other bedrooms, the
large chaise is practically falling apart, and
the wardrobe by the door is as simple as those
the servants use downstairs. The only truly
fine furniture is the bed itself, a large canopy
bed with fine sheets and soft furs, and a vanity
with a large, expertly crafted silver mirror. A
door to the west opens up into a bathroom
with a colossal bronze tub, one that could
easily fit four people comfortably. A door to
the southeast opens up into the Baroness’
private study.
 There’s 1d20 gold pieces stored in the
vanity, and several sets of Noble’s Attire for a
man and woman worth 15gp each. Additionally,
a jewelry box on the vanity contains various
rings, necklaces, and broaches worth 300
gp combined.
L2P - Baroness’ Study
A DC 18 Thieves Tools Check
will unlock the door to the Baroness’ study.
Alternatively, the adventurer could try to swipe
the key from the Baroness herself, with an
opposed Sleight of Hand and Perception check.
[textbook: The locked door swings open to
reveal the Baroness’ study. There is no portal to
the abyss, though there is a stone circle inscribed
with magic runes and other arcane geometry
sitting in the center of the room. A small altar
with an open scroll atop it sits against the
western wall between two massive bookshelves
stuffed with arcane tomes and scrolls. A broken
table shoved into the south east corner of the
room holds a gigantic tome, almost three feet
wide, five feet high, and a foot thick.]
This room was once a reading room, but
has since been converted into the equivalent of
a wizard’s laboratory (remember, Ekaterina is an
8th level caster). The various books and scrolls in
the shelves contain all the knowledge a character
would need to become a wizard as well as to learn
all of the spells that Ekaterina knows.
A DC 14 Investigation Check will reveal
correspondence between the Baroness and Sir
Hajek of the Order of Blood. There are several
messages all pertaining to meetings held at the
crossroads to Raffenberg. The next meeting is
to be held in a few nights. This is the evidence
Tarasov is looking for.
A DC 15 Arcana check will recognize
that the arcane circle etched into the disk of
stone is meant for contacting the Astral Plane.
A more advanced version of the circle could be
used to cast the Astral Projection spell, though
for the moment it seems to be limited to simple
divination and communication to the Astral
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
165
Plane. What entities or areas of the Astral Plane
in particular, however, remain to be seen.
A DC 20 Arcana check will reveal that
a ritual requiring 1,000 gold worth of diamonds,
sapphires, emeralds, and rubies is necessary to
activate the circle.
As for the gigantic tome, it appears to
be a mixture of a Bestiary Vocabulum for the
various monsters that exist within Wreythau
and an anthology of treatises on necromancy and
demonology. Based on the notes in the margins,
it seems the Baroness has been using this book to
learn how to better fight the various threats that
face her people.
L2Q - The Tower
The long, winding staircases leads to a thick
wooden door bound with iron. The sound
of wretched wailing echoes from within, the
sound full of so much pain and suffering that
listening to it is like sharpened gravel being
dragged across your mind. As the door finally
comes open you find yourself staring at an
empty chamber. Two manacles rest upon the
floor, long lengths of chain connecting them
to the stone of the tower itself. An ancient,
broken bed lies on its side, and a rotting carpet
covers the floor.
This is the tower where Iphigenia
Tornheim was imprisoned by her fanatic of a
father. If the characters investigate the room,
they will discover that a rough diary has been
scratched into the stone of the tower with iron
nails taken from the broken bed. Many of them
are too faint to make out, and others appear to be
written entirely in musical notation. One section
is still legible however:
It has been so long that I have forgotten
how old I am, or when it was that my fingers
last touched the string of my harp or lira.
Father won’t let me have them. He says that
music is what seduced me down such a dark
path and made me desire a sinful life, yet
he is a fool. If it was not for music, I would
 surely have died from sorrow long ago. I
still hear it within my mind, the sounds of
the strings singing in the air. I’ve composed
such beautiful music, all within my mind,
and it is what holds my soul aloft. My only
despair now is not that I shall never be free,
but that it is my music was never given a
chance to live…

Iphigenia’s ghost haunts the tower, as

well as the harp in the Grand Ballroom. Should
a character proficient in a performance with
a musical instrument take the time to learn
any of her music, whether by taking a rubbing
from the walls of her prison, or by listening
to her ghost, they can free her spirit. A DC 12
Religion Check could reveal this information.
Then, simply by playing some of Iphigenia’s
music before a live audience, her spirit would
finally be freed, and as thanks the character
playing her music would immediately gain
Expertise in their Performance Skill. This would
be due to her spirit blessing the character with a
portion of the musical knowledge she cultivated
in the many long years of her captivity.
L3 - Market Square
The cobblestone road leads to a large town
square filled to bristling with the stalls
of various merchants and artisans. The
surprisingly colorful cloth awnings are oddly
beautiful beneath the perpetually storm-cast
skies and the people bustle about as they
pursue whatever business is at the front of
their minds.
Almost any form of goods or service can
be found at the market square, though because
of the Consortium’s price controls, licensing
fees, and other predatory practices, the prices of
all goods and services are inflated by 100%. In
other words, the price you’d find in the Player’s
Handbook (or any other book) would be doubled.
The only exception to this are any potions or
alchemical supplies, as the local Alchemist is
currently being shunned.
Special Event: Tarasov’s Request
This event triggers whenever the
characters cross the Market Square (perhaps
on the way to the Copper Crown Tavern for
lodgings) and introduces the character of High
Inquisitor Viktor Tarasov and his quest. When
the event triggers, read the following:
As you move through the market square you
hear a commotion coming from up ahead of
you. A man’s voice, strident and commanding,
rises above the din of the crowd, and as you
turn the corner around a stall you see the
source of the commotion. A large stall has
been set up selling what appear to be various
religious idols, texts, and other paraphernalia,
all clearly influenced by some sort of Sun God.
A man bleeding from a wound to the head has
been thrown to the ground before the stall,
and three armored figures stand above him, all
wearing tabards depicting a blazing sun.
This is, of course, the Inquisition of the
Morning Lord, and the characters will recognize
the symbol on the tabards from the beach where
the other survivors were kidnapped. At the
moment, however, the Inquisition is accosting a
man they believe to be a heretic. He’s frequently
questioned the craftsmanship of the idols and,
unfortunately for him, the Inquisition decided to
make an example of him. When they catch sight

CH 3 LESHEHOFF
166
 of the adventuring party, however, they’ll forget
all about their previous victim.
Tarasov, with all the expertise of a circus
ringmaster, will shift the attention of the crowd
towards the adventurers, and he will begin to
publicly examine them following the Signs of
Corruption chart in Chapter 1. He makes a show
of it, using the crowd as a living fence to try and
keep the characters trapped, all while his two
cronies stand menacingly nearby, weapons at the
ready. However, even if Tarasov finds “evidence”
of corruption, he will declare that the characters
are pure and beyond reproach to the crowd.
This is to build credibility for the adventurers,
and also to create something to “hold over” the
adventurers. In essence, it’s also a threat, a hint
that it is his judgement that will make them
appear clean and nothing else.
After this bit of theater, Tarasov will
inform them that he will visit them later with
a special request. Now, if any characters storm
off or resist his little performance, Tarasov will
simply return with a dozen Inquisitors and corner
them at the Copper Crown Tavern and insist that
they listen to him.
In essence, Tarasov’s plan is this. Because
the characters are from a foreign land they can
be claimed to be impartial. Furthermore, if they
are seen as having already passed his purity test,
then both the faithful and the unfaithful will
have to find them credible. That way, when
the adventurers find evidence of the Baroness’
corruption it will be all the more difficult to
refute. Of course, it doesn’t entirely matter if
the unfaithful agree. He is mostly concerned
about obliterating any sense of loyalty that the
faithful have left when it comes to the Baroness
and then overtaking the town in a night of
righteous violence.
In order for this to work, he still needs
some sort of evidence, and though he’s a slippery
bastard, he refuses to use falsified evidence.
Spinning the truth about something is much
different than inventing it outright, after all,
and he has some standards. Thus he will ask the
adventurers to go where he and his agents cannot
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
167
and find any evidence of the Baroness consorting
or conspiring with the forces of darkness.
And, should the adventurers succeed, Tarasov
promises that they will be paid in both gold and
miracles. Up to 5000 gold will be offered, along
with a miracle of their choice performed by the
Abbot himself.
Of course, if the character’s don’t
cooperate, well, then there’s always the possibility
that they might become the next target of
Tarasov’s witch hunts, and they are considerably
less protected than the Baroness.
See The Barony Mansion (L2) above for
more details on Tarasov’s Request.
L4 - The Copper Crown Tavern
Sitting across from the Market Square is a
lively tavern decorated with colorful banners,
the walls painted with bright images of flowers.
The sound of music and laughter echo from
inside, and the smell of delicious food wafts
towards you. A large wooden sign decorated
with bright copper hangs above the door,
proudly declaring it the Copper Crown Tavern.
The Copper Crown isn’t the only tavern
in Leshehoff, but it is widely regarded as the
best among them, and by a wide margin at that.
The food is excellent and the beer, ale, wine, and
spirits are imported straight from the breweries
of Raffenburg, as well as from beyond the borders
of Wreythau itself. Frequent sales allow even
residents living hand to mouth a chance to grab
a drink or a decent meal, and the gambling hall
in the back room represents a hope of wealth,
though by and large it’s farmers, vendors,
artisans, and off duty Watch that frequent the
tavern. Likewise, the rooms upstairs are rarely
used, as the price is simply too steep compared
to the various boarding houses that are scattered
throughout the town. It’s not exactly a fancy
place, favoring a more rustic feel, though it offers
the best food, drink, and entertainment for all but
the nobility.
In large part, this is due to the owner
of the Copper Crown, a retired member of the
 Merchant Consortium named Cival (Si - vall).
Well known for her love of color and jewelry,
Cival is a short, middle aged woman that’s
managed to keep remarkably spry and fit. Her
easy smile, quick wit, and willingness to listen
have earned her many friends, and her sense of
showmanship draw many through the doors of
her tavern. What’s more, her connections among
the Consortium have helped her secure lucrative
discounts on imports and licensing, and the
considerable wealth she acquired while an active
member of the Consortium have gone a long way
to making the Copper Crown the locally revered
establishment that it is. Of course, there are
those that don’t like the Copper Crown, namely
those among the faithful of the Morning Lord,
who look upon Cival’s Consortium connection
as proof that Cival is a liar and a cheat, not to
mention someone blinded by sinful, material
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
168
comforts and desires. It’s not a very large
population, but it is a very vocal one.
In truth, Cival is none of these things.
Well, at least not in the way they assume. As a
former assassin, spy, and enforcer of the Outer
Seas, Cival has witnessed first hand the ruthless
nature of the Consortium, as well as the vast
wealth they are able to acquire, and has come
to hate all that the Consortium stands for with
all of her being. It is now her life’s work to tear
down the Consortium and rebuild it as something
that works for the people, rather than for itself.
The Copper Crown is simply a front and an
alibi, as well as a base of operations hidden
from the complacent gaze of the Consortium.
She’s recruited an unquestionably loyal staff to
help her, and has also begun to hide dissidents
 and enemies of the Consortium in the tunnels
beneath her tavern.
Thankfully for the Baroness, Cival’s goals
have nothing to do with Leshehoff, but rather
with the largest city in Wreythau, Raffenburg.
Sitting close to the bay, Raffenburg is at the
center of all Consortium business, and should
the rule of Raffenburg fall to her and her allies,
then there’s hope for the possibility of abolishing
the Consortium all together. Unfortunately,
the Consortium has begun to catch on that
they have new enemies stirring up trouble,
and so Cival has retreated from Raffenburg,
using the Copper Crown as a secret place to
organize their activities and prepare for their
coming revolution.
Quest: Cival’s Job Offer
The arrival of the adventuring party
presents a new opportunity for Cival, and one
that she aims to take advantage. In essence,
the adventurers are free agents that can be
manipulated, used as scapegoats, or perhaps
even recruited as new allies. No matter how it
plays out, Cival knows that these foreigners will
become powerful chess pieces for someone and
she’s determined to use them to her advantage.
Thankfully for her, Tarasov has already exposed
his strategy, and she intends to exploit that.
This event will trigger after Tarasov has
made his demand that the adventurers find dirt
on the Baroness. If Tarasov made his demand
(disguised as a request) inside the Tavern, all
the better. Either way, Cival has many eyes and
ears, and Tarasov isn’t exactly subtle, whatever
else he may be. So, after he’s made his demands,
Cival will approach the party and offer them
another piece of work. There’s something in
the catacombs of the Abbey that she happens
to want, and she promises to pay very well if
the adventurers manage to retrieve it for her.
Considering that they’re working for Tarasov,
they’ll have access to the Abbey, and thus all they
need is a little stealth and a little courage, and
they can all get something that they want.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
169
See, long ago, the Inquisition captured
and executed a famous Oracle, a woman who was
said to be able to divine the future itself using
powerful symbols etched upon a deck of cards,
and as all of the Inquisitions victims are interred
in the Catacombs beneath their Mausoleum of
Saints, she suspects that the deck still survives.
Magic, after all, is rarely harmed by simple fire,
and the Inquisition trusts the holy specters of its
Saints to guard and contain all of the “cursed”
objects that have been interred with their
previous owners. So, as long as the adventurers
don’t mind digging through some bones, it
should be a simple matter to recover the Oracle
Deck and return it to her. After all, the ability to
predict the future with some degree of accuracy
will be a major boon for Cival’s revolution,
though this isn’t something she’ll share with the
adventurers for now. Instead, she’ll simply say
that she wishes to recover this powerful artifact
and uncover the secrets of how it works so that
it can begin to benefit the people once again. In
return, she’ll offer to pay them, as well as give
them information about the Consortium.
Furthermore, if the adventurers ask her
about the other shipwreck survivors that the
Inquisition took prisoner, Cival will inform them
that the Catacombs also serve as a prison and
a torture chamber for the Inquisition and that
they’ll have to breach it if they hope to rescue
their friends anyways.
 Tactics
Cival Cival’s only enemies are those who support
the Consortium or otherwise threaten her
Rank 1 revolution. Furthermore, unless Cival has the
Medium human, Lawful Neutral
upper hand on her enemies, she will attempt
—
Armor Class 15 (studded leather armor) to flee and create an opportunity to kill them
Hit Points 150 (12d8 + 95) later. In other words, she doesn’t fight fair, nor
Speed 40 ft.
does she fight bravely. She strikes when there
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA is advantage and flees when there is not. It’s
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
that simple. Ambushes are her favorite modus
—
Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +5 operandi, particularly in coordination with allies
Skills Acrobatics +7, Deception +7, Persuasion +7,
Perception +4, Stealth +10 and in terrain with lots of cover.
Damage Resistances poison
Senses passive Perception 14 L4A - Tavern
Languages Thieves’ cant, Common, Sylvan
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) As you step inside the Copper Crown you’re
Assassinate. During its first turn, the assassin has advantage on embraced by the warm glow of firelight, the
attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn. Any hit
the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit. smell of good food and drink, and the sounds
of merrymaking and relaxation. Some of the
Evasion. If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it
to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the patrons break off from their conversations
assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving to stare at the foreigners that have strode in
throw, and only half damage if it fails. amongst them, though most are too lost in
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Cival deals an extra 21 (6d6) damage their cups or distracted by the bards playing
when she hits a target with a weapon attack and she doesn’t have near the hearth.
disadvantage on the attack roll.

Hit and Run. Any target that Cival attacks can no longer make
opportunity attacks against her until the start of her next turn. The main room of the Copper Crown can
comfortably seat about 30 people, though is usually
Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Cival fails a saving throw, she
can choose to succeed instead. crammed full of more, at least once evening rolls
around. This is likely where the adventurers meet
— Cival for the first time.
Actions
Multiattack. Cival makes two shortsword attacks, two dagger
attacks, or a dagger and shortsword attack. In order to help get on the adventurers’
Shortsword + 1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
good side, Cival will call out to them as they
one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage, and the target enter, a broad smile on her face, and will offer
must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) them free room and board if they wish to stay
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one. at the Copper Crown. It’s a small investment if
it helps earn their trust. Furthermore, if they
Dagger. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must mention anything about the Consortium or
make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) the Inquisition, Cival will be happy to tell the
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one..
adventurers what she knows, though only in
return for a favor (see Cival’s Job Offer above).
Legendary Actions
Cival can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options When it comes to the Consortium, there
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Cival regains spent
really isn’t anything that Cival doesn’t know. She
legendary actions at the start of her turn. knows how they function, how they’re organized,
Move. Cival moves up to her speed without provoking
and most importantly, that they’re intimately tied
opportunity attacks. to Czerina’s court. In fact, the highest ranking
Attack. Cival makes one attack. Note: Sneak Attack can apply.
members of the Consortium are vampires
themselves, granted that gift by the Blood Queen
Hide. If there is sufficient cover and Cival is not next to an enemy, herself. Thus, in order to get to the bottom of
she may make a stealth check to hide.

CH 3 LESHEHOFF
170
 why the Gulthias Flowers were released in Port
Haven, the adventurers will have to speak to the
regional director for Leshehoff himself.
As for the Inquisition, Cival knows about
the catacombs, and she knows that Tarasov is
trying to gather support to take over the town.
She also knows that the inquisition does possess
powerful divine magic, though that’s about all.
L4B - Gambling Hall
The backroom of the Copper Crown Tavern
is a large gambling hall full of people betting
copper, silver, and gold on the whims of fate,
be it a hand of cards, the roll of dice, or other
games of chance. And, beside a corkboard,
sits a bookie, ready to take bets on a variety of
events or competitions. Each table is staffed
by a man or woman wearing a small, copper
circlet upon their head, the symbol of their
employment at the tavern. Another man and
woman stand by the door leading into the
room, heavy cudgels upon their belt.
The gambling hall offers a variety of ways
to lose money. And, sometimes, win money, but
the majority walk away with empty pockets and
a mind filled with addicting fantasies of victory.
Primarily, the services the gambling hall offers is
split into two groups: games of chance, and bets
with the bookie.
Feel free to invent new games of chance,
though the following rules are presented for dice,
three dragon ante/poker, and roulette.
Dice:
Characters may make an Intelligence
Check to determine the best odds. This will
determine the difficulty they need to beat in
order to win money. Characters can bet up to ten
gold, with a win resulting in a payout of 2 to 1.
So, if a character bets 2 gold and wins, they walk
away with 4 gold total (double the original bet).
Intelligence Check Roll Needed (2d6)
Less than 10 10-12
12 9-12
14 8-12
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
171
16 7-12
18 5-12
20 3-12
Cards:
Characters playing Three Dragon Ante or
Poker use the following rules.
• There are at least 3 opponents.
• First, players place bets, then make
Intelligence checks.
An Intelligence Check DC 14 will help a
character determine the odds and will roll
with advantage.
• Secondly, players may fold or increase
bets and make either an insight check or a
deception check.
An Insight Check DC 16 will give the
adventurer advantage on their roll.
A Deception Check DC 16 will give opponents
disadvantage on their roll.
• Finally, the players each roll 1d20 (plus
advantage or disadvantage), the highest
roll winning the collective pot.
Roulette:
Players will roll a d20. They can bet
on evens or odds with a payout of 2 to 1. So,
betting 2 gold on Odds, and winning, would
result in the character walking away with 4
gold (double the original bet). Or, the character
could bet on a specific number, with a payout
of 10 to 1, so betting 2 gold on rolling a 13, and
winning, would result in a win of 20 gold (ten
times the bet).
The bookie:
The Adventurers could also arrange
contests of skill and then place bets accordingly.
Suggested contests:
• Drinking Games: (constitution saves, DCs
increasing by 3 each drink)
• Boxing/Unarmed Fighting (to knockout
or surrender)
• Dueling (to first blood or half health)
• Dragonchess (opposed Intelligence rolls)
 • or Archery/Knife Throwing (highest
attack roll wins).
Adventurers could also use Persuasion
Checks to shift the betting odds one way or
another (from 2 to 1 all the way to 10 to 1, at
the DMs discretion).
To make things even more interesting,
have the bookie suggest NPCs for the adventurers
to challenge. For instance, Cival for Knife
Throwing, the Baron Consort for Dueling, The
Baroness for Dragonchess, a Watch soldier with
Tavern Brawler for Boxing, etc.
L4C - Kitchen
The kitchen is filled with all manner of good
food and delicious ingredients, a massive stone
oven dominating most of the space. A large
trapdoor sits in the center of the floor, leading
down to what must be a storage cellar.
There’s always at least one cook at work
in the kitchen. Occasionally, servers will open
the trapdoor to grab fresh barrels of ale or
other supplies.
L4D - The Lodgings
The staircase from the tavern leads up to a well
appointed landing with a massive bearskin rug
and two couches. A table with a large candle
provides illumination, and potted plants bring
a bit of life to the room. A long hallway leads
to various rooms for lodging. The largest
contain plush wolf fur rugs, wardrobes,
planters, and giant canopy beds. The others
contain much the same, but with dressers and
smaller beds.
The landing is essentially a common area,
good for socializing during the day or plotting at
night when the tavern is closed. And, assuming
the adventurers accepted Cival’s offer of free
room and board, they have their pick of the
rooms. There are no other guests.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
172
L4E - Storage Room
The trap door from the kitchen leads down
to a massive storage room. Row after row of
shelves are packed full of barrels of ale, cases
of wine and spirits, and other supplies. Several
piles of rodent poison have been carefully
placed around this underground warehouse,
ensuring there’s nothing to fear from rats in
the basement.
This room contains all the stock that the
tavern needs, as well as quite a bit more. Cival has
been building up a stockpile of various supplies
that might be needed for the eventual Revolution
of Raffenberg over the years, and plans to
sell the tavern and transport this stockpile to
Raffernburg in a caravan once the time has come.
In the meantime, however, buying excessive
supplies has helped her smuggle allies into the
gates of Leshehoff and into the basement of the
Copper Crown.
A DC 14 Investigation Check will reveal
that, in addition to the amount of supplies being
truly excessive, there are quite a few strange
items amongst them, such as adventurer’s packs,
alchemical supplies, crowbars, tools, and large
cooking pots.
A DC 16 Investigation Check will reveal that
there is a secret door in the northeast corner of
the room, hidden behind a large beer barrel. This
leads to L4F.
L4F - Hidden Quarters
The false wall opens up into a large tunnel that
has been dug out of the dirt and rock beneath
the tavern. Support beams arch overhead, the
tunnel leading towards a soft glow shining
around a corner up ahead. As you round the
corner you find yourself facing a large chamber
that looks as though it’s been converted into a
shelter for several people. Beds, a communal
table, water barrels, and privies have all been
set up around the cavern, with another tunnel
leading on into another chamber.
 This cavern is where Cival has been
hiding her allies, the various revolutionaries
that the Consortium have named dissidents
and troublemakers and posted bounties for.
Essentially, these are people that have been
recruiting and drumming up support among the
population of Raffenberg, as well as elsewhere in
the kingdom, and while others have been caught
or killed, Cival has managed to smuggle about a
dozen out of the city and shelter them here while
they prepare for the final steps of their plan.
If the adventurers confront the people
in the cavern, a DC 15 Persuasion Check will
convince the fugitives to hear the adventurers
out. If the adventurers confess that they are
also enemies of the Consortium, then the
fugitives will relax, but ask them to talk to Cival.
Otherwise, if the adventurers try to run, the
fugitives will let them go and simply rely upon
Cival to tie up this new loose end.
In the event of combat, the fugitives
are essentially Commoners. The real danger is
making Cival an enemy.
L4G - Hidden Workshop
The tunnel leading from the Hidden Quarters
opens up into another cavern, this one
looking like a cross between an armory and
an alchemist’s lab. Crates of weapons line the
north wall, barrels of alchemical ingredients
line the east wall, and a large lab sits to the
south, bubbling liquids of various colors
running through tubes and glass beakers.
This workshop is where Civals’ co-
conspirators prepare for the upcoming
revolution, preparing arms and armor, as well
as bottles of alchemist’s fire, various poisons,
and explosives. The adventurers are able to find
several dozen: crossbows, axes, swords, daggers,
and maces. There are about 400 crossbow bolts,
several dozen sets of leather armor, a dozen sets
of chainmail, and a dozen bottles of alchemist fire
ready. Characters with proficiency in poisoner’s
kits can also harvest 3 doses of modified Torpor.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
173
Modified Torpor
Adventuring gear, poison (contact) 600 gp.
—
A creature subjected to this poison must succeed on a DC
15 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 4d6
hours. The poisoned creature is incapacitated.
Source: DMG, page 258
L5 - Merchant Consortium
Outpost
This large townhouse stands near a massive
warehouse. Workers swarm in and out of the
warehouse while a group of men and women
stand around nearby, clad in simple armor,
heavy clubs and sharp daggers hanging from
their belts. An ornate, cast iron sign hangs
above a grand stone entranceway, proclaiming
the building as the Leshehoff Merchant
Consortium. Pasted beside the entryway
are dozens of bounty flyers, all depicting
various men and women that have been
labeled as public menaces, liars, arsonists,
and murderers.
This is the local Consortium
administrative and trade office. As has been
discussed previously, the Consortium uses
different economic controls in order to dominate
trade and make all other businesses subordinate
to them. They control the supply chain, get a cut
of everything produced, and have a monopoly
on transportation and mail, as well as regional
outposts like this, which are essential to
performing all of these different functions. In
essence, each outpost is like a great, beating heart
that keeps the blood of the Wreythian economy
flowing through the region.
The warehouse stores all of the various
goods and produce, with regular caravans
coming and going to get everything distributed
as it needs to. Aside from the toughs providing
security and a few overseers, all of the warehouse
workers are simply local hired hands rather than
actual members of the Consortium. The offices,
however, are exclusively staffed with members of
the Consortium, and aside from the security, all
of the officials reside inside the building.
 As for the bounty notices, these are for L5A - Administration Hall
the revolutionaries that Cival is allied with,
The ornate double doors to the building open
several of whom she is hiding beneath the
up into a palatial front hallway. An utterly
Copper Crown. The Consortium, of course, does
massive painting runs down the center of
not know this.
the room, portraying a grand feast, and to
your shock, you see that your likeness has
There are at least 8 Consortium Bravos
been worked into the painting beside that of
and 2 Consortium Hitters working security,
a statuesque woman with raven black hair,
split between the inside and outside of the
red eyes, and a golden crown resting upon
building. Typically, the 2 Hitters can be found
her brow. You are depicted as loyal servant
lounging around the Dining Hall (L5D).
advisors to what is no doubt the Blood Queen
herself. Nevertheless, as you tear your eyes
away from the painting you see that to your
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
174
 left and right are massive storage lockers
decorated in gold, as well as desks staffed by
officious looking men and women. Golden
statues of the queen in the painting sit at either
end of the hall, staring down upon you. Lastly,
a single door to the north leads further into
the building.
The administration hall is built like a
shrine. All who walk inside are meant to be awed
and cowed by the vast wealth of the Consortium
and the power of the Queen to whom it is
devoted. If the characters have interacted with
Czerina (such as in the sea, in the mirror aboard
The Sun’s Wrath, or the statue in the Barony
Mansion) then they will, of course, recognize her
in the painting and the statues.
Speaking of the artwork in the hall, the
giant 40 foot, beyond life-sized painting is one
of Isidora’s masterpieces and happens to be
enchanted so that all who gaze upon it will find
that their likeness is part of the painting. This
is to remind the viewer that they are part of
Czerina’s domain, as well as to perhaps beguile
them with a vision of tremendous wealth and
plenty, as the feast is indeed fit for a Queen.
The statues are meant to work in tandem with
this effect, their opulence and towering stature
intended to make all those in the hall feel as
though they are lesser, and yet might find a token
of benevolence from such an exalted figure.
In many ways it is a mockery of a temple with
Czerina as the central Goddess.
As for the actual function of the hall,
the clerks handle all licensing, fee processing,
and other bureaucratic/corporate-esque
functions. Moreover, they also handle merchant
transactions. They have catalogues that list all
the merchandise that fill their opulent storage
lockers, their warehouse, and that can be ordered
from Raffenburg, Inbarev, or from the Outer
Seas. The clerks are meant to handle almost all
the business that comes inside, though in the case
of major transactions, complaints, or perhaps
questions about Gulthias Flowers, they are able
to set up an appointment with the director of the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
175
Leshehoff regional outpost. All meetings of that
sort are held upstairs.
Aside from the merchandise (which can
be ad libbed or you could throw the PHB at your
players), the clerks have 500 copper, 100 silver,
and 100 gold stored in their desks (each).
L5B - Pantry
The door opens up into a pantry filled with all
manner of fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, grains,
and other ingredients. Clearly, eating like the
nobility is one of the perks of being a member
of the Consortium.
As the Outpost has to feed all their
security, clerks, and other officers in residence,
the pantry is very well stocked.
L5C - Kitchen
A well appointed kitchen lies behind this
door. A large oven with a stovetop, a cabinet,
and two work stations fill most of the room,
the beginnings of a feast already laid out
in preparation.
The kitchen is staffed by a head chef
and two to three assistants, all locals that have
been hired on as servants. They typically work
twelve hour days, with the kitchen left unlocked
should any member of the Consortium get
peckish at night.
L5D - Dining Room
A large, extravagant dining table fills most
of the room, with a few overstuffed couches,
chairs, and end tables sitting around the
outside of the room. A large hearth merily
blazes away, filling the room with a pleasant
heat that would make it quite a comfortable
place to lounge and socialize.
As mentioned previously, the Dining
Room is where all of the consortium officials
that live in residence eat, and where quite a few
socialize. The Consortium Hitters that work
 security typically spend time in this room, as well
as some of the Bravos, particularly if the regional
director is holding a meeting.
L5E - The Residence
This long hallway leads to the bedrooms of the
Consortium officials and clerks that live inside
the outpost. Each bedroom contains a bed
fit for royalty, along with a small dresser and
potted flowers. The rooms at the end of the
hall are the largest, and also contain an ornate
bedside table.
During the day the rooms are mostly
empty, though occasionally a clerk or official
will sneak off to steal a nap when they can. At
night, the rooms are filled with the snoring,
slumbering forms of the officials and clerks. The
two rooms at the end of the hall are reserved for
one Consortium Lieutenant and one Consortium
Mage. However, as the Lieutenant and the Mage
are high ranking officials, it’s possible that they
might be off performing some duty or other
(such as hunting bounties), or otherwise taking
a brief leave of absence. Consider the level of the
adventurers when deciding whether or not to
include them.
Each room contains 1d10 silver coins and
1d10 gold coins. Alternatively, the room could
contain 1d20 gold worth of jewelry.
L5F - Grand Meeting Room
An expansive, ornate table fills the room, the
polished surface stretching like a gleaming
field of battle between two chairs placed at the
heads of the table. Four overstuffed chairs and
matching end tables sit at the corners of the
room, no doubt intended for bodyguards or
aides to sit nearby as negotiations are held.
The Grand Meeting Room is where the
regional director conducts the most important
business, such as negotiating with the Baroness,
nobles, or the richest merchants of Leshehoff.
Should the adventurers convince the clerks that
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
176
a meeting with the regional director is necessary
(such as by inquiring about the Gulthias Flowers,
or the less than savory practices of the Outer
Seas), then the meeting would be held here.
L5G - Regional Director’s Office
An imposing desk of dark wood embossed
in gold faces the door, a leather chair sitting
behind it while a lavish rug sits beneath its
feet. A grand painting of a fantastical castle sits
behind the desk, the monument looking like
the cross between a cathedral and a fortress,
the architecture far beyond anything that you
could imagine actually existing. As your eyes
continue to take in the room, you notice four
elvish lanterns sitting in the corners of the
room, flooding it with warm light that gently
reflects off the faces of two large golden statues
that sit to either side of the desk. As you step
further into the room, you notice something
that sends a chill through your heart, however:
an ornate coffin lies hidden between the
painting and the desk.
The painting is another of Isidora’s
creations and depicts Czerina’s infamous
castle, The Cairn.
Of course, the most fascinating thing
in the room is the Regional Director’s coffin.
As one of the highest ranking members of the
Consortium, the regional director was blessed
with some of Czerina’s blood and was turned into
a lesser vampire. This happens to all the highest
ranking members of the Consortium, and though
Czerina is otherwise very hands off, as they are
her servants, she is nonetheless culpable for their
economic atrocities.
Regardless, the regional director, Vasili
Radulesc has existed for over 247 years and
was turned about 200 years ago. He isn’t a very
imposing man for a creature of the night, though
the grey sprinkled into his well kept hair and
beard only seem to emphasize the weight of the
ages that resides in his red-eyed gaze. He stands
at about 5’5”, and wears elegantly tailored clothes
of dark velvet. As someone who was able to rise
 through the ranks of the Consortium, Vasili is
incredibly cunning and shrewd, and is devoted
to only two things: his own benefit and that of
the Consortium.
Vasili Radulesc
Medium undead, neutral evil
— he will either go find the Consortium Lieutenant
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 93 (11d8 + 44)
Speed 30 ft..
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 18 (+4)
—
Saving Throws Dex +6, Wis +5
Skills Insight +6, Perception +6, Persuasion +9, Stealth +6
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages Common, Infernal
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Regeneration. The vampire regains 10 hit points at the start of
its turn if it has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight or running
water. If the vampire takes radiant damage or damage from holy
water, this trait doesn’t function at the start of the vampire’s
next turn.
Spider Climb. The vampire can climb difficult surfaces,
including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an
ability check.
Vampire Weaknesses. The vampire has the following flaws:
Forbiddance. The vampire can’t enter a residence without an
invitation from one of the occupants.
Harmed by Running Water. The vampire takes 20 acid damage
when it ends its turn in running water.
Stake to the Heart. The vampire is destroyed if a piercing
weapon made of wood is driven into its heart while it is
incapacitated in its resting place.
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. The vampire takes 20 radiant
damage when it starts its turn in sunlight. While in sunlight, it has
disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
—
Actions
Multiattack. The vampire makes two attacks, only one of which
can be a bite attack.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one willing
creature, or a creature that is grappled by the vampire,
incapacitated, or restrained. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage
plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage that bypasses resistance. The
target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to
the necrotic damage taken, and the vampire regains hit points
equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes
a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point
maximum to 0.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. Instead of dealing damage, the
vampire can grapple the target (escape DC 13).
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
177
Tactics:
Regional Director Radelesc also keeps an
Armored Tiger in his office. This is both a pet
and a defensive measure. He lets the tiger take the
brunt of any fight while he attempts to retreat so
that he can gather reinforcements. Of course, if
the Consortium Bravos, Hitters, and other staff
have already been killed or incapacitated, then
and Consortium Mage and later attack the
characters with their help, OR he will go running
to the Baroness, demanding that she provide
him with a squad of Watch Soldier to go and
apprehend the criminals that have attacked him.
If cornered and unable to escape with Spider
Climb, he will attempt to bargain, though if that
fails, he will fight to the death.
Negotiating with Radulesc:
If the adventurers attempt to negotiate
with Radulesc, such as for information about
the Gulthias Flowers, he will prove to be a
very difficult social adversary. In his mind, the
adventurers have no authority, and no business
interfering with the Consortium’s affairs, though
he will listen to what they have to say. After all,
the Consortium is having its own issues, and if he
deems that the adventurers could be useful to him
then he will make them a deal: he will allow them
to look at the Consortium’s shipping ledgers, but
ONLY if they can capture some of the bounties
and dig up more information about the dissidents
and troublemakers allies.
So, in essence, either the adventurers
uncover that Cival is plotting a revolution, or he
won’t cooperate with them. Instead, he’d try to
cheat them out of a few thousand gold for a peek
at the wrong documents. A DC 16 Insight Check
would reveal the con, however, as well as the
fact that Radalesc isn’t willing to budge without
some of the bounties and information on their
allies. Whether or not that information is TRUE,
however, is another matter. Sure, eventually,
falsified information would prove to be useless
and would earn the adventurers an enemy, but
in the short term it would be impossible for the
information to be verified and this could earn
the adventurers a look at the actual shipping
 documents. An opposed Deception/Insight
check could sell Radalesc on the veracity of
falsified information, providing they actually had
at least one of the bounties.
The Mystery of the Gulthias Flowers:
Radalesc has a copy of the secret shipping
documents that discuss the Gulthias Flowers. It
seems that the Consortium was given the flowers
by none other than Beleroth Haar an Thell,
the Queen’s consort and the notorious Collector
of Taxes. He provided crates of the flowers from
the Queen’s personal gardens, and issued very
specific orders on how to transport them as
well as where, when, and how they should be
distributed. It was clearly premeditated, though
for what purpose remains a mystery. Thankfully,
however, if the gossip is true, the Tax Collector
will be arriving in Leshehoff any day now.
L6 - Alchemist’s Shop
In the sprawling northeastern district of the
town sits a humble townhouse with a sign
depicting a large cauldron hanging above
the door. The windows are almost entirely
blackened by soot, and the wooden door
appears as though it was recently battered
down before being rehung in the frame by a
half-skilled carpenter on the cheap.
This shop was previously owned by
Marian and Sybilla Valborg, both skilled
alchemists and some of the very few followers
of the Old Faith still living in Leshehoff.
Unfortunately, these sympathies for the worship
of something besides the Morning Lord was
tipped off to the Inquisition, and so Marian was
burned at the stake, a sacrifice for the sake of his
family. At his behest, Sybilla offered testimony
that sealed Marian’s fate, though it might all be
for naught, as the original cause of their secret
being outed still exists: a corrupted house fey that
calls itself Mr. Splinter.
Mr. Splinter weasled its way in the
Alchemist’s Shop after the occupants of its last
home were burned at the stake, and quickly
began to appear before the Valborg’s daughter as
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
178
a “harmless companion”. In response, Marian and
Sybilla began to conduct a lengthy banishment to
get rid of Mr. Splinter, though unfortunately they
weren’t secretive enough about what they were
doing and a sniveling rat of a neighbor informed
upon them. So now Marian has been burnt alive
and Sybilla is left to deal with the shop, their
daughter, and most importantly, Mr. Splinter.
Should the adventurers come to the
shop, perhaps looking to buy Healing Potions,
Alchemist’s Fire, or other alchemical supplies,
then they will encounter Mr. Splinter by
proxy. The daughter, Tabea, will make many
disturbing comments while Sybilla tries to
conduct transactions. Tabea will say things like,
“Mr. Splinter says your eyes would look better with
needles in them,” “Mr. Splinter says your skin would
make a good rug,” or “No, I don’t want to splash acid
on them, that’s mean, Mr. Splinter!”
A DC 14 Perception or Investigation
Check will reveal that, on the wooden ceiling
of the shop, is the faint outline of a humanoid
creature stained into the wood, and when not
looking directly at it, it happens to be moving.
A DC 14 Arcana Check will reveal
that Mr. Splinter is some sort of disembodied,
harmful spirit. Detect Good and Evil will identify
it as a Fey.
Sybilla will attempt to laugh off what her
daughter says, and make comments about how
inventive children’s minds can be, though a DC
13 Insight Check will reveal that this is simply
a cover, and that Sybilla is deeply afraid. If they
question her, she will tell them the tale of how
her husband died and ask them for their help.
All of her actions are being watched, nevermind
that the Inquisition could simply decide to come
after her at any moment, so she can’t finish the
banishment ritual to get rid of Mr. Splinter
without attracting attention and making her
daughter an Orphan.
Essentially, the adventurers have a few
options. If they’ve already been to Caeltos Village
then they could try and smuggle Sybilla and
Tabea out of Town to live with the Beastfolk.
 As a follower of the Old Faith, Sybilla has met
the Beastfolk before and interacted with them
peacefully through trade, worship, and exchange
of knowledge. However, she won’t wish to
endanger them, and so won’t suggest this as an
option unless the adventurers mention they’ve
also had peaceful contact with the Beastfolk.
Alternatively, the adventurers could try
to perform the banishment ritual themselves.
First, they would need to purchase 50 gold worth
of onyx, two pounds of sea salt (about 10 gold),
several pounds of cedar chips (5 gold), and a
barrel of mead (75 gold). The onyx would have
to be crushed until it was the consistency of sand
and mixed with the salt. Then, the cedar chips
would have to be ground to a pulp and mixed
with the onyx and salt. Finally, this mixture of
cedar, onyx, and salt would have to be combined
with the mead beneath the light of the full moon
while an incantation was read. Once this was
done, the adventurers would need to bring the
mead inside the Alchemist’s Shop and convince
Mr. Splinter to drink some.
Feel free to have fun with this. Have
Mr. Splinter manifests as a horrible parody of
a skeleton made of splintered pieces of wood
and interact with the adventurers. Mr. Splinter
would attempt to bargain with the adventurers,
saying it will only drink their offering of mead
if they do horrible things to themselves or
others, and the adventurers will then have to
negotiate the corrupted Fey down to something
more reasonable. If the adventurers pass several
persuasion checks, threaten to burn down the
building, or otherwise convince Mr. Splinter that
they only wish to pay homage to it, then it will
agree to drink the mead. If the adventurers slip
up and reveal that the mead is meant to banish
Mr. Splinter, however, then it will refuse to talk
to them any longer and, at that point, arson is the
only avenue left.
Once Mr. Splinter drinks the mead it will
be banished immediately, dissolving into wisps of
black smoke. Burning the shop down will also get
rid of Mr. Splinter...at least for Sybilla and Tabea.
In truth, it would just leave and find a new family
to torment. And, as for Sybilla and Tabea, well,
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
179
without a home or a way to make a living, things
would look rather grim. 200 gold could buy them
passage to Raffenburg, however, and another 200
gold could allow them to start afresh. Or, should
the adventurers convince the Baroness to hire a
personal Alchemist, that could work, too. Allow
the players to get creative.
L7 - The Blacksmiths’ Guild
The local smithery is a massive structure that’s
almost on an industrial scale. Dozens of smiths
must work together to produce all of the arms,
armor, and various metalwork that Leshehoff
needs to function. However, as you approach
the building, you see that only one forge is lit,
and the sounds of deep, heavy sobs echo out
from within.
The founder of the Leshehoff Blacksmiths’
Guild is a dwarven man by the name of Torvald
Stonecask. A truly ancient dwarf, Torvald
survived the massacre of the Silver Graves,
managing to flee with his husband (a brewer),
though after it was clear that there was no escape
from the kingdom they settled in Leshehoff.
Torvald founded the guild, consolidating all
the smiths in town, and taught his secrets to
those smiths who were worthy. Centuries later,
Torvald still mourns the fall of Barrukhirrim
(which became the Silver Graves) and every year,
on the anniversary of its fall, the guild closes and
Torvald works out his grief by crafting fantastic
metalworks to honor the fallen.
When the adventurers approach the
smithery, only Torvald is inside. He’s happy to
let them in and listen to what they need, though
tears drip down his cheeks the entire time. If they
ask him what’s wrong, he will recount in hugely
dramatic detail the fall of his people, describing
great battles against hordes of undead, the vicious
knights of the Order of Blood, and horribly
monstrosities crafted from living flesh. He
witnessed it first hand, though he didn’t fight in
the battles himself. Instead, he was part of a small
group that managed to flee, while the majority of
the dwarven kingdom was trapped inside their
mountain home.
 What’s more, Torvald will recount the
wonders inside Barrukhirrim, the great pillared
halls, the tremendous forge that sits at the heart
of the mountain, the unique tools that they alone
invented, the magnificent structure that the
mountain itself had become. He’s clearly lost,
at least a little bit, in the past. He beseeches the
adventurers to visit the Silver Graves some day,
and asks them to carry an offering there for him:
a small, yet incredibly intricate metal relief of his
family tree. Should they promise to do this, he
offers to craft them whatever they want, though
it will take him a week to fill their order.
L8 - Tailor’s Shop
This well appointed brick townhouse sits
in the wealthy, western district of the town.
Curtains made of a beautifully embroidered
fabric are firmly drawn across the windows,
only a faint light shining from the second story
windows where the family must live. The sign
above the door proclaims the building the
Boritresc Couturier, though based on the dust
that’s been allowed to gather on the window
displays, it looks as though the tailor’s shop
hasn’t been open for at least a few weeks.
This is Madalina’s tailor shop, though
she’s chosen to give it an upscale twist. As
the best tailor in town she’s certainly earned
that right, though she’s far from the best in
the kingdom. Regardless, gossip has spread
throughout town about her prolonged absence.
Certainly no one would expect her to be right
back to work after having given birth, but to
entirely close the shop? To kick out all of her
apprentices, and not even have her husband,
Valter, run the business in her absence?
Well, that is more than strange, and talk is
buzzing through town about what’s actually
happened to her.
In truth, Madalina and her husband had
no choice but to retreat from the public eye.
Madalina’s child has been struck by the Beastfolk
curse, and both are terrified that anyone will
find out. They love their child, no matter how
it appears, and desperately wish there was a
way to raise it in safety and peace. Should the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
180
Inquisition find out, they would massacre the
whole family, and almost every person in town
would cheer as they watched the flames. The
Beastfolk are seen as literal demons, looked upon
with hatred, revulsion, and fear, as are all who
are associated with them.
If the adventurers investigate Madalina’s
disappearance, their status as foreigners will
grant them entrance into the couples confidence.
Valter and Madalina will ask the players to find
an enchanter or wizard that could disguise their
child’s appearance, or to find them a safe place
to live. Should the adventurers suggest running
away to live with the Beastfolk, the Boritresc’s
will agree, their love for their child overriding
their prejudice, though it won’t be quite that easy.
They’ll have to be smuggled out of the city, as
both the Inquisition and the Watch have their
eyes peeled for them. The Watch suspects that
Valter murdered his wife, whereas the Inquisition
has heard rumors and believes that mystery
equates to guilt, and has placed a lookout on the
Boritresc’s home.
L9 - The Abbey of St. Zharkov
Long ago, when Temelloth was first
released from its imprisonment and torture,
molded by Czerina’s hand into a hateful reflection
of the faith that harmed her in life, he took
the form of a prophet known as Zharkov. In
this guise the mad angel was able to build the
foundation of the Church of the Morning Lord.
In the form of a righteous angel he wrought
havoc, and then as Zharkov he preached and
proselytized, using the fire and wrath of the angel
as justification for his twisted beliefs. When
it came time for Zharkov to die, Temelloth
founded the Abbey and became its Abbot, forever
dwelling in the shadow of the false prophet of
the Church.
In the centuries since, the Abbot has
existed as a living saint, lost in its own mad
musings as its acolytes have grown in number,
several becoming saints in their own right within
the church. Their graves lie in the mausoleum
above the Catacombs, guardians against the
unholy until the end of time. As for the Abbey
 itself, it has become the heart of the Inquisition.
All new inquisitorial acolytes are trained there,
the most holy relics stored there, and all of
the faithful must make a pilgrimage to visit its
Chapel. The mighty Cathedral of Raffenburg and
the stout shrine of Inbarev also stand as their
own bastions of the Morning Lord, though the
Abbey is where it all began.
Approaching the Abbey
The abbey is surrounded by a low, ten
foot wall of stone. Wooden guard towers have
been placed strategically to give a decent view
of the wall at all times, though in the event of a
siege, the Abbey itself would become the main
defence. Instead, the wall is mainly intended to
keep the grounds of the Abbey isolated, relying
upon the watchtowers to spot any intruders and
sound the alarm if needed. There is a single gate
leading in and out of the grounds, and a single
road that leads to Leshehoff, as well as further
south towards Inbarev.
Approaching the gates of the Abbey, the
characters will be challenged by two Inquisitors
standing watch on the gate towers. They will ask
the characters what their business is, and will
permit entry upon the following conditions:
• The characters are pilgrims who have
come to visit the chapel. A DC 14 Religion
Check will allow the characters to
answer the Inquisitors’ questions and be
allowed entry, though they will only be
allowed inside for mass (aka, under heavy
supervision and escorted to and from
chapel, L9A). They are allowed to camp
outside the walls until then if they wish.
• The characters are working for Tarasov. In
that case, they will be allowed to visit the
Library (L9G) or the Armory (L9E), but will
be under light escort the whole time.
• The characters succeed a DC 20 Deception
check with a plausible lie. Hint:
disguises might help.
Of course, the characters could also try
and sneak over the walls of the Abbey, an easy
task for a skilled climber or a person with some
rope and a grappling hook. A good distraction
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
181
could provide Advantage on Stealth Checks to
characters sneaking over the wall. Each character
would have to succeed an opposed stealth check
or risk getting spotted. Inquisitors only have +3
to Perception Checks, though the towers give
them a great field of view which grants them
Advantage on perception checks.
Any character found inside the grounds of
the Abbey without an escort or a proper disguise
would be immediately detained and interrogated
as to their purpose. Barring another excellent
Deception check, use of magic, or some other
clever scheme, the adventurers would likely
be taken to see Tarasov, or if they resist, then
a fight would break out and the alarm would
likely sound.
L9A - The Chapel
Stepping through the ornate doors of
the Abbey you come into the Chapel, a
magnificent monument to religious devotion.
Vaulted ceilings rise almost fifty feet above
you, with massive stained glass windows
illuminated by oil lamps shining colorful
cascades of light down upon granite floors
inlaid with shining brass. Rows of large
wooden pews lead up to an enormous altar,
with a 30 foot tall golden statue of St. Zharkov
standing behind it. Four small rooms are
attached to the Chapel, the southernmost
rooms used for storage of sacred, ritual
paraphernalia whereas the northernmost are
penance chambers.
The Chapel is the heart of the Abbey and
is almost always in use. Only in the very dead of
night can a moment of solitude truly be found
there, though even then the penance chambers
are usually occupied by some zealot obsessed
with the state of their putrid soul. Furthermore,
votive candles and incense are regularly kept lit
throughout the day and night, and acolytes are
constantly cleaning, polishing, and repairing the
magnificent ornamentation of the Chapel.
The storage rooms contain divine spell
components, including incense, diamonds, and
 CH 3 LESHEHOFF
182
 the like, though the most expensive components
are kept in the Theurgy Room (L9H).
The penance chambers contain kneeling
pews, as well as racks of whips, batons, and
scourges for self-flagellation. The floor is
stained with old blood, and the smell of sweat
lingers in the air.
Two doors lead out of the chapel, the
western door leading to the Training Hall (L9D)
while the eastern door leads to the Dormitories,
dining room, and kitchen (L9B). However, hidden
behind the statue of St. Zharkov is another door,
a secret entrance (marked in red) that leads down
to the chambers of the Abbot itself (L9K - M). See
The Library (L9G) for more information on how
to access the hidden chambers.
L9B - The Dormitories
The eastern door from the Chapel leads into a
hallway lined with several doors, one leading
to the staircase going up to the second floor,
the others to the cells belonging to the highest
ranking inquisitors, such as the Arms Master,
Head Scribe, Master of Theurgy, and Master of
Catechisms. Another door leads to the privy,
as well as out to the Stables (L9C). At the end
of the hallway is a door leading into the dining
room, and kitchen.
The lower floor is reserved for the higher
ranking members of the clergy, their offices
granting them the privacy of a cell. Each cell
contains small idols of the Morning Lord and the
Saints, each worth 1d10 gold, as well as various
religious texts.
Otherwise, acolytes swarm up and down
the hallway, heading to and from the upper
dormitories, the dining hall, the privy, or out
to the stable. The utter lack of privacy is, of
course, by design.
L9C - The Stable
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
183
A covered walkway blanketed in hay leads
from the privy out to the stables. The smell of
fresh hay and animal manure fills the stables,
along with the soft snuffling and snorting
of goats, sheep, and warhorses. If you listen
carefully, the scrabbling of rat claws echo down
from the rafters.
The Stable is, perhaps ironically, one
of the most dangerous places in the abbey. The
twisted animals of Wreythau are all carnivorous
(or at least omnivorous), meaning at least a dozen
acolytes are mauled to death every year by the
various farm animals, warhorses, or packs of rats.
See Encounters in Wreythau in Chapter 1 for some
sample stat blocks. Otherwise, feel free to use
stat blocks of any beast, monstrosity, swarm, or
aberration (up to CR3) from your favorite book
of monsters, but reflavored as horribly warped
farm animals.
L9D - Training Hall
The east door leading from the Chapel opens
up into a large chamber that clearly serves as
some sort of training hall. Practice dummies
and targets of various descriptions line the
walls, and scorch marks and bloodstains
cover the stone floors, the smell of ash and
spilled bowels hanging faintly in the air. A
circular staircase leads up to the second floor,
and a door in the far eastern wall leads to
another chamber.
Combat training with access to healing
magic is a horrible thing. Acolytes and inquisitors
are regularly dismembered, disemboweled,
burnt, savaged, and otherwise maimed before
being healed and sent back out to do it again.
Occasionally deaths occur, though watchful
clerics keep them to a minimum, standing by
with healing magic for most drills and exercises.
The Inquisition molds some of the most fanatical
soldiers numbed towards violence that Wreythau
has ever seen outside of the Order of Blood itself.
Drills and exercises are conducted
during the day, with about a dozen Acolytes and
Inquisitors filling the room, though occasionally
 a lone Inquisitor will enter the training hall to
work out their demons in the dead of night.
L9E - The Armory
The door from the Training Hall opens into a
room filled with racks of weapons and armor.
Chests contain tabards blessed by the Abbot
and sewn with complex religious iconography.
Tables contain sacred wax, paints, and other
materials for decorating and consecrating the
arms and armor of the Inquisition. Finally,
a large bronze statue of a saint overlooks
the room, the statue’s expression one of
righteous disgust.
The armory contains every sort of
weapon or set of armor that exists, with the
addition of a surprising number of whips and
scourges, no doubt for those servants of darkness
armed with the most threatening weapon of all:
their tongues.
This room also serves as the Arms
Master’s office, and several manuals full of
inquisitorial training exercises and battle
tactics can be found in the room. Reading these
manuals would provide Advantage on Stealth,
Deception, or Performance Checks when
facing the Inquisition in battle (see Assaulting the
Abbey at the end of the chapter).
L9F - The Scriptorium
The staircase from the training hall leads
up to a large workshop flooded with the
colored light of stained glass windows. A long
work table stretches the length of the room,
with shelves and side tables holding various
calligraphy, illumination, and bookbinding
tools. The smell of incense, ink, and parchment
hang heavily in the air. A single door in the
south wall leads out of the room.
The Scriptorium is where acolytes and
clergy members devote countless hours to
recording, copying, and preserving their religious
texts. The parchment and ink are so fine in
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
184
quality that they could furnish hundreds of spell
books and scrolls. Thousands of gold in supplies
fill the room, though due to their volume and the
lack of buyers, the bounty is really only useful for
wizards, clerics, and the like.
L9G - The Library
The door from the scriptorium opens into
a large library filled with tomes and scrolls,
the shelves practically overflowing. Centuries
of work have produced a vast record of
knowledge. The spines of the books reveal that
the tomes cover a variety of texts ranging from
historical records, to healing manuals, to witch
and monster hunting treatises, to the sacred
texts of the Morning Lord itself.
The Library is home to the Master of
Catechisms, the head scholar of the Church. A
sly and oily man known as Father Cyprian,
the Master of Catechisms is the only member of
the Church to know the Abbot’s true nature. In
fact, Father Cyprian knows so much that he is no
longer a believer of the Morning Lord at all, but
rather views himself as a scholar that has accepted
the Church’s patronage. This is a view he keeps
as a closely guarded secret. However, if he catches
the adventurers showing any hint of dislike or
defiance of the Church, he would recognize them
as potential allies and be willing to privately
reveal what he knows. Catching them sneaking
into the Library, of course, would be an excellent
hint as to their true feelings towards the Church.
Should the adventurers reveal that they
are possible allies, Father Cyprian will reveal
the following:
• In his youth he was actually a squire of the
Order of Blood and learned much under
their depraved tutelage and from their
sacred records.
• Since his conversion to the faith of the
Morning Lord and his studies over the
decades, he has learned that the Church is
nothing but a lie fostered by a corrupted
angel. The angel once served the true
Morning Lord, Lathander, but was tortured
by the Blood Queen until it went insane.
 • St. Zharkov, the founder of the Church, and
the Abbot are actually one and the same.
• The Abbot dwells in a hidden sanctuary
beneath the Abbey. The entranceway lies
behind the statue of St. Zharkov and can be
opened by uttering the phrase: “Ignis pluat
sanguine muri inquinatus.”
• The Angel’s true name is Temelloth, and it
is incredibly dangerous.
Should he be attacked, Father Cyprian
has the stats of a Consortium Mage, though he
will desperately try to make peace and convince
the adventurers to listen to him. Furthermore, if
it seems unlikely that the adventurers will reach
the Library, Father Cyprian could send them an
invitation, particularly if Tarasov assumes the
adventurers are working for him.
L9H - Theurgy Room
Stepping through the door from the Library,
you find yourself standing in a mostly empty
chamber. The walls are lined with statues of
various Saints, while a divine magic circle
has been set into the floor. Small slits in the
walls act as windows, and a few candles are
lit, providing only the barest of illumination
in the room.
In truth, the statues lining the room
are actually storage containers for various spell
components, including thousands of gold worth
of gems, precious metals, small reliquaries,
incense, etc. The only way to access the
components is to cite pieces of relevant scripture,
thus requiring a DC 18 Religion Check
per component.
Divine Spell Scrolls can also be obtained
from the statues, but they require a DC 20
Religion Check.
L9I - Dormitories, 2nd Floor
The stone staircase leads directly into the
dormitories on the second floor. A row of
bunk beds stacked three high stretches the
length of the room, with a single door leading
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
185
out into the hallway. Another door lies directly
across from the first, leading to an identical
dormitory while a final door lies to the east.
The stench of poorly washed bodies and
poor ventilation fills your throat with every
breath you take.
The dorms on the second floor can house
at least 48 Inquisitors and Acolytes, meaning that
at least 54 Inquisition members stay at the Abbey
at a given time. The Church owns a few buildings
in Leshehoff, besides, to handle any overflow
as well as house Inquisitors on assignment. So,
all told, there’s about 120 Inquisition members
stationed in Leshehoff. It certainly seems like a
small number compared to the Town Watch,
though most of the watch is occupied with
its duties and could only field about half of its
strength at any given time, meaning the fight
would be about 2 to 1. Nevertheless, the fearsome
divine magics of the Inquisition give them a
definite edge, meaning that open conflict would
likely cripple both sides.
Otherwise, the dorms are filled with
clothing, personal grooming items, and various
nicknacks. Inquisitors and Acolytes aren’t
allowed to possess money or any objects of value.
Everything of worth, including arms, armor,
holy symbols, and supplies are all provided
by the church.
L9J - Tarasov’s Quarters
The locked door opens into an extravagant
personal chamber. A bed fit for royalty, an end
table, and a magnificent wardrobe sit to the
north, a gilded statue of the Morning Lord and
a prayer mat dominate the center of the room,
and an opulent desk and chair sit to the south.
The scent of incense hangs in the air, wafting
from censers built into the statue.
A DC 16 Thieves Tools Check, the use
of magic, or brute force is needed to unlock the
door to Tarasov’s Quarters.
As for the quarters themselves, one might
expect the High Inquisitor’s quarters to be quite
 spartan and free from the trappings of earthly
pleasures, but in Tarasov’s mind, to glorify
himself and his station is to glorify the Morning
Lord, as evidenced by the lavish furnishings
in his room.
The nightstand holds prayer beads
worth 50 gold, along with a prayer book. The
wardrobe contains cleric vestments worth 25
gold, as well as several sets of fine clothing worth
15 gold each.
The desk contains 50 gold, along with
Tarasov’s journal. Most of the journal is full of
zealous ranting, though this does reveal his plans
to turn Leshehoff into a theocracy, and from
there, launch a crusade to take over Wreythau
as a whole. This could be given to the Baroness
and used to sway her towards regarding the
Inquisition as the true threat to Leshehoff,
assuming no other events haven’t convinced her
of this already.
L9K - Sacrificial Chamber
After opening the secret passageway behind
the giant golden statue of St. Zharkov in
the Chapel, you descend down a twisting
staircase deep into the earth. You come out
into a chamber lit by flaming braziers, a
mystical circle scribed into the floor is stained
with old blood.
A DC 15 Religion or Arcana Check
would identify this as a sacrificial circle that feeds
pieces of the victims soul to an otherworldly
being, such as a demon, devil, or even angel.
If a non-believer or other enemy of the
Church catches Temelloth’s attention, they
will be brought down to this chamber so that
Temelloth can sacrifice the victim and feed off of
its soul. This has helped to preserve Temelloth in
the absence of its connection to Lathander, and
has also further fueled its own corruption.
L9L - Reliquary
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
186
Exiting the door from the Sacrificial Chamber
you enter a small hallway that leads to a
chamber with five sarcophagi inside. Two
large, smokeless braziers fill the room with
firelight, the dancing flames dully reflecting off
of the polished stone tombs. Carved into the
side of the sarcophagi are lists of the relics they
contain. Meanwhile, in the center of the room
sits an elaborate sarcophagus with only the
name Zharkov carved upon it.
For the followers of the Morning Lord
this is a most holy room, though for everyone
else it’s no more special than any other grave.
The relics inside only work for the corrupted
followers of Temelloth, fueled by the Dark
Power that the corrupted angel has unknowingly
come to serve. However, there are a few magic
items that have mistakenly been stored inside,
including: a Bag of Holding, Boots of Striding and
Springing, and Gloves of Missile Snaring.
As for the tomb of Zharkov, should the
adventurers crack it open they will find that it
is empty. Temelloth faked its death, but did not
bother supplying a decoy once the sarcophagus
was built and sealed.
L9M - Temelloth’s Sanctum
Bag of Holding
Wondrous item, minor tier, uncommon. 15 lb.
—
This bag has an interior space considerably larger than
its outside dimensions, roughly 2 feet in diameter at the
mouth and 4 feet deep. The bag can hold up to 500 pounds,
not exceeding a volume of 64 cubic feet. The bag weighs 15
pounds, regardless of its contents. Retrieving an item from
the bag requires an action.
If the bag is overloaded, pierced, or torn, it ruptures and
is destroyed, and its contents are scattered in the Astral
Plane. If the bag is turned inside out, its contents spill forth,
unharmed, but the bag must be put right before it can be
used again. Breathing creatures inside the bag can survive
up to a number of minutes equal to 10 divided by the
number of creatures (minimum 1 minute), after which time
they begin to suffocate.
Placing a bag of holding inside an extradimensional space
created by a Heward’s handy haversack, portable hole, or
similar item instantly destroys both items and opens a gate
to the Astral Plane. The gate originates where the one item
was placed inside the other. Any creature within 10 feet of
the gate is sucked through it to a random location on the
Astral Plane. The gate then closes. The gate is one-way only
and can’t be reopened. Source: DMG. p153

Boots of Striding and
Springing
Wondrous item, major tier, uncommon (requires attunement)
—
While you wear these boots, your walking speed becomes
30 feet, unless your walking speed is higher, and your
speed isn’t reduced if you are encumbered or wearing
heavy armor. In addition, you can jump three times the
normal distance, though you can’t jump farther than your
remaining movement would allow. Source: DMG, page 156.
to a quarter health OR the adventurers admit
that they know what the Abbot truly is (see
Father Cyprian in the Library, L9G). At that
point, Temelloth would reveal its true form and
Dimension Door out of the Inner Sanctum to
begin venting its wrath against the hive of scum
and villainy that Leshehoff has clearly become.
Fighting Temelloth

Gloves of Missile Snaring

Wondrous item, major tier, uncommon (requires attunement)

—
These gloves seem to almost meld into your hands when
you don them. When a ranged weapon attack hits you while
you’re wearing them, you can use your reaction to reduce
the damage by 1d10 + your Dexterity modifier, provided
that you have a free hand. If you reduce the damage to
0, you can catch the missile if it is small enough for you to
hold in that hand. Source: DMG, page 172

A long hallway leads to the final chamber in

this hidden inner sanctum. The door opens,
revealing a massive, brass and stone altar that’s
been set into the floor, and before the altar sits
an enormous throne flanked by two braziers.
Standing before the throne is a human man
with a great bushy beard and a gaze filled with
the blazing fires of fanaticism.

This is Temelloth’s home, where it spends

long months and years pondering the cosmic
significance of its distorted ontology and the
mystical weave of the universe. Occasionally
it makes an appearance to its followers as the
Abbot, and occasionally it travels, though for
a being like Temelloth, time and psychology
function on an utterly inhuman scale. Thus,
Temelloth spends much of its time lurking down
here, beneath the earth.

Should the adventurers actually have

helped Tarasov, the Abbot would indeed grant
a miracle of their choice, such as: performing
resurrection, granting a +2 item, granting fire
resistance, or granting +2 to an ability. Note, this
is a single miracle, not a miracle each.

Otherwise, the Abbot will respond to the

intrusion into its chambers with hostility, but
it will not reveal its true nature unless brought
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
187
 Temelloth, Tortured Angel
Large Fiend, chaotic evil
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 200 (20d10 + 95)
Speed 40 ft., fly 120 ft.
— angel takes 21 damage or less that would reduce it to 0 hit points,
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 15 (+2) 17 (+3) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 23 (+6)
— Legendary Resistance (3/day). If the angel fails a saving throw,
Saving Throws Str +10, Wis +6, Cha +10
Skills Insight +6, Perception +6
Damage Resistances radiant; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition Immunities fire, charmed, exhaustion, frightened
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages all
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP)
—
Flyby. The angel doesn’t provoke an opportunity attack when it
flies out of an enemy’s reach.
Innate Spellcasting. The angel’s innate spellcasting ability
is Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks).
The angel can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At-will: Firebolt (as an 11th level caster).
In his human guise as the Abbot, Temelloth
will use Fireball, followed by Compelled Duel
on targets with the lowest health, however
if it is dropped to half health then it will use
Dimension Door to escape the Inner Sanctum
and heal, later rallying the Inquisition to assault
Leshehoff (led by Temelloth in its angelic form).
In its inhumanly warped mind, the Angel would
consider the adventurers as proof of the collective
sin of humanity (and elves, dwarves, halflings,
etc) and resort to mass murder and terrorism as
it had done long ago in order to drive as many
people as it could into the fold of the faithful.
Once in its Angelic Form, Temelloth will
rely upon Firebolt and Flyby attacks to damage its
enemies before swooping in to kill them on the
ground. In that case, the adventurers’ best option
is to lead as many people to safety as they can
(such as hiding them in the guardhouses, beneath
the Copper Crown, in the Barony Mansion, or
even the Consortium Outpost). This would force
Temelloth to try to breach the building, thus
confining its ability to fly and attack from range.
Suggested maps for this epic battle
against the Angel are: Town Gates, Town Street,
Marketplace, Barony Mansion, Consortium
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
188
3/day each: compelled duel, counterspell
1/day each: cure wounds (as a 6th level spell), fireball (as a 6th-
level spell), dimension door.
Relentless (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). If the
it is reduced to 1 hit point instead.
it can choose to succeed instead.
Stat Block Heading
Multiattack. The angel makes two melee attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage, or 11 (1d10 + 6)
slashing damage if used with two hands, plus 22 (5d8) fire
damage that bypasses resistance.
Legendary Actions
The angel can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a
time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The angel
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn
Attack. The angel can make one attack or cast Firebolt.
Move. The angel can move or fly up to its speed.
Outpost, and/or Copper Crown Tavern.
Consider choosing 2-3 maps and having the
battle take place in stages, with the adventurers
escorting fleeing groups of townsfolk and battling
with the Angel. Also, consider giving them at
least one short rest or chance to heal before
beginning the final confrontation with Temelloth
inside one of the buildings.
L10 - The Catacombs
Sitting the northwest corner of the Abbey
grounds lies a graveyard filled with thousands of
corpses. In the center lies the mausoleum holding
the Inquisitions honored dead, and beneath it lies
a small catacombs that were cut into the earth
long, long ago. Now the Inquisition uses the
Catacombs as a prison for their enemies, both
living and dead. After being tortured, forced
to confess to a multiple of sins and crimes, and
burned alive, the Inquisition’s victims are buried
in the catacombs along with whatever belongings
survived the hungry flames of the pyre, their
restless spirits kept trapped by the spectres of the
Inquisition themselves.
This is where the other survivors
from the shipwreck have been taken, forcibly
imprisoned and tortured until they see death as
 the only escape. They captured the survivors
because of their connections to the Consortium,
the Reinwalds, and the Mad Alchemist of
Inbarev, though if any of those groups were
to learn that the Inquisition was openly acting
against them, the repercussions would be dire.
That said, the benefit of capturing vulnerable
members of these groups was more than
worth the risk. So, their capture is a secret the
Inquisition wishes to protect. On the other hand,
the fact that the Catacombs have never been
breached has also cultivated an arrogance that
could prove to be their greatest weakness.
Approaching the Catacombs
Acres of graves surround the Mausoleum that
guards the entrance to the Catacombs, acres
of silent tombstones and mouldering corpses
buried in the earth. Occasionally, you see
the faint glow of lanterns weaving their way
through the maze of graves, appearing like
ghost lights floating through the dark, though
the patrols are few and far between, and
hopefully never come near.
Consider having 4 to 6 Inquisition
Acolytes stumble upon the adventurers. The
challenge isn’t in the fight itself, but rather in
keeping the Acolytes quiet and unable to run
for help. Most likely, the party will make short
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
189
work of them, which is excellent, as it allows the
players to feel like the badass heroes they are.
L10A - The Pyre
A small clearing sits before the Mausoleum
with the remains of a massive pyre fifteen feet
across sitting in its center. Twin paths flank the
clearing, lit by the light of several lanterns.
A DC 12 Investigation Check will reveal
that there are still bits of burnt rope and leather
in the ashes of the pyre, along with a few small
bones. It’s clear that most of the remains have
been gathered from the ashes, however, and
brought towards the Mausoleum.
Special Event: Screams of the Dying
Ask any adventurers investigating the
pyre to make a perception check. The adventurer
with the lowest result will begin to hear the
agonized echoes of men and women being burnt
alive. The longer they linger around the pyre, the
louder the echoes become, the ghostly screams of
the dead multiplying, dozens becoming hundreds
until it is all the adventurer can hear. The effect
stops when the adventurer moves at least 30 feet
away from the pyre, with the last echo sounding
out: “Sybilla! Tabea! I love you!”
(See L6, Alchemist’s Shop).
 L10B - The Midden
Around the back of the Mausoleum is
hidden a giant midden heap, the stench of
rotting garbage wafting up your nostrils with
every breath. Before you can turn away in
disgust, however, you hear something, the
quiet muttering of a man melding with the
screeches of rats.
In other lands, putting a midden in a
graveyard would be horribly disrespectful, but
considering all of the horrible creatures that
exist in Wreythau, and all the ones specifically
attracted to rotting things, the Inquisition
decided it made the most sense to put all of the
rotting things in one place for general health
and safety. Besides, having a midden near their
pyre also makes cleaning up after their frequent
executions much easier.
Most notably, however, is that there is
someone near the midden: The Rat Keeper.
Once, decades ago, The Rat Keeper was an
Inquisitor named Renauld Kanitresc, famous
throughout the Church, though a blow from a
Beastfolk’s axe forever changed him. Not wishing
to discard their once honored comrade, Renauld
was set to work doing odd jobs around the Abbey
until he eventually found himself in charge of
managing the Midden itself. Over the years, he
found he had a close affinity for the rats that
gathered to gnaw on the refuse, and has since
developed a close bond with them. Now, the
name of Renauld Kanitresc is almost forgotten,
and most of the acolytes and inquisitors simply
refer to him as The Rat Keeper.
The Rat Keeper is not hostile unless
provoked, and is actually quite talkative,
rambling on about whatever the adventurers
ask as rats swarm up from beneath his collar
and across his monk’s habit. He will tell the
adventurers about the ghosts guarding the
entrance to the catacombs, the prisoners being
kept inside (Beastfolk, along with the survivors
of the shipwreck, most likely including Raum,
Yasviga, Rahved, and Vara), that there are traps
placed inside the Catacombs, and that the Abbot
has a secret that only Father Cyprian in the
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
190
Library (L9G) knows. Make the Rat Keeper as
eccentric or creepy as you and your group feel
comfortable with.
Otherwise, if attacked, The Rat Keeper
will unleash 2 Swarms of Carnivorous Rats
that will attack the adventurers. As for the
Rat Keeper himself, he shares the stats of a
commoner after decades of retirement.
L10C - The Mausoleum
Two doors lead inside the mausoleum, the
heavy slabs of stone grinding open to reveal
an ancient stone chamber with six crumbling
tombs inside. At the end of the chamber lies
a stone staircase that descends down into the
earth, and in each corner of the chamber lies a
statue etched with complex glyphs. The smell
of dust and stale air fills the Mausoleum, and
the echo of your footsteps alone shatters the
almost deafening silence inside.
The tombs contain the bodies of famous
inquisitors, men and women who earned their
fame by burning non-believers and slaying the
multifarious monsters of Wreythau. The statues
at the corners of the room have summoned and
snared 4 of the spirits of these inquisitors (4
Honored Dead), and their specters now guard
the Mausoleum from the Inquisition’s foes, both
living and dead.
When the adventurers first enter the
Mausoleum the spirits of the Honored Dead are
hiding inside the statues that have bound them,
and will wait for the best moment to strike. For
instance, when one of the adventurers goes to
examine the glyphs on the statues.
A DC 14 Religion or Arcana check will
reveal that the glyphs are necromantic and that
they act as anchors that trap and bind the spirits
of the dead. Of course, the Honored Dead will
attack before this conclusion can be reached.

Honored Dead
Medium undead, lawful evil
—
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 22 (5d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 50 ft. (hover)
—
STR DEX CON
1 (-5)
INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0)
—
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages: understands common but can’t speak
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
—
Incorporeal Movement. The specter can move through other
creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. It takes
5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object. The
binding statues are exempt from this.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the specter has
disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on sight.
Actions
Life Drain. Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed on
a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or its hit point maximum is
reduced by an amount equal to the damage taken. This reduction
lasts until the creature finishes a long rest. The target dies if this
effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
L10D - Catacomb Entrance
The staircase leading down from the
mausoleum is old and cracked, though
thankfully it holds steady under your feet. As
you reach the bottom of the stairs, you find
yourself staring at the mouth of a pitch black
tunnel carved through the earth. The ground
is littered with thousands of bones, and alcoves
carved into the sides of the tunnel are packed
full of even more of the dead.
There are no light sources in this part of
the Catacombs.
As for the Catacombs themselves, they
were carved long ago, long before even the
coming of the Inquisition. A DC 13 Medicine
Check will reveal that many of the bones in
the alcoves are elven, while most of the bones
covering the floor belong to an assortment
of different sentient creatures, though the
majority are human.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
191
DC 16 History Check will reveal
that these catacombs were carved well over
a thousand years ago, suggesting that the
Mausoleum and the Abbey itself are much more
recent additions to the landscape.
In the middle of the hallway sits a Poison
Dart Trap. The trap was installed by Inquisition,
not to keep intruders out, but to kill anyone that
might try to escape.
Poison Darts
Mechanical trap
When a creature steps on a hidden
pressure plate, poison-tipped darts shoot from
spring-loaded or pressurized tubes cleverly
embedded in the surrounding walls. An area
might include multiple pressure plates, each one
rigged to its own set of darts.
The tiny holes in the walls are obscured
by dust and cobwebs, or cleverly hidden amid
bas-reliefs, murals, or frescoes that adorn the
walls. The DC to spot them is 15. With a
successful DC 15 Investigation check, a
character can deduce the presence of the pressure
plate from variations in the mortar and stone
used to create it, compared to the surrounding
floor. Wedging an iron spike or other object
under the pressure plate prevents the trap
from activating. Stuffing The Holes with cloth
or wax prevents the darts contained within
from launching.
The trap activates when more than 20
pounds of weight is placed on the pressure plate,
releasing four darts. Each dart makes a ranged
Attack with a +8 bonus against a random target
within 10 feet of the pressure plate (vision is
irrelevant to this Attack roll). (If there are no
Targets in the area, the darts don’t hit anything.)
A target that is hit takes 2 (1d4) piercing damage
and must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution
saving throw, taking 11 (2d10) poison damage
on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.
 L10E - First Chamber
The tunnel opens up into a chamber lined
with alcoves, yet these seem different. Newer,
perhaps. Many of the alcoves are decorated
with religious symbols and warding glyphs,
and the bones and ashes of the dead seem to
have been ungraciously packed inside. As you
look closer, you can see that there appear to be
objects buried amongst the bones.
The alcoves in this chamber were
emptied by the Inquisition and converted to
store the remains of their most dangerous foes
and victims. The religious glyphs and symbols
are meant to keep their souls trapped and docile,
with any “instruments of evil” that survived the
pyre are stored with them, meant to languish
and be forgotten beside the bones of those who
wielded them.
There are several burnt daggers, swords,
axe and spear heads, pieces of armor, and other
assorted spell foci. Buried among the refuse,
however, is something most strange: a staff that
doesn’t appear to have been touched by fire at
all. This staff is a legendary, scaling relic known
as the Staff of The Old Faith. Along with the
Staff, the adventurers will also find the Sacred
Mortar and Pestle needed for the Beastfolk
Initiation Ritual (see Caeltos Village, Quests).
Lastly, a single tunnel leads deeper into
the Catacombs.
L10F - Second Chamber
The second chamber you enter is larger than
the first and the floor is piled even deeper
with bones. The alcoves are more elaborate,
perhaps suggesting that the original occupants
were of a higher station than those in the first
chamber. Just as before, the squirming, furious
rays of hundreds of suns have been carved
into the stone, along with other symbols
of protection.
This chamber contains the remains of
the famous Oracle that Cival mentioned, and the
deck of cards she asked the adventurers to find
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
192
lies within. The deck of cards is a magical item,
steeped in powerful divination magic. It is being
stored in a small, burnt wooden box about 7
inches long and three inches wide.
Cartomancer’s Deck
Wondrous Item, Very Rare, Requires Attunement
—
The Cartomancer’s Deck allows the user to cast Augury,
Divination, and Legend Lore once per day.
Alternatively, the Dungeon Master can activate the deck
themselves, describing cards falling from the deck to warn
the attuned user of important, or dire, events to come. The
Dungeon Master is encouraged to use visual metaphors and
other figurative language as they describe the cards (and,
in essence, the events and people they refer to).
Additionally, there is another powerful
magic item being stored in this chamber: The
Book of Vile Darkness itself. The book acts
as one of the legendary, scaling relics that the
adventurers can find.
Lastly, the chamber leads to passage
which ends in a fork (two tunnels splitting off
into different directions). There is a fire trap
sitting at the fork:
Fire-Breathing Statue
Magic trap
This trap is activated when an intruder
steps on a hidden pressure plate, releasing a
magical gout of flame from a nearby statue.
The DC is 15 to spot the pressure plate, as
well as faint scorch marks on the floor and walls.
A spell or other Effect that can sense the presence
of magic, such as Detect Magic, reveals an aura
of Evocation magic around the statue.
The trap activates when more than 20
pounds of weight is placed on the pressure plate,
causing the statue to release a 30-foot cone of
fire. Each creature in the fire must make a DC 13
Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) fire
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage
on a successful one.
 Wedging an iron spike or other object under
the pressure plate prevents the trap from
activating. A successful Dispel Magic (DC 13)
cast on the statue destroys the trap.
L10G - Third Chamber
The third chamber you come to is the most
ornate of them all, natural crystals gleaming
in the walls above the alcoves. Faint light
filters into the chamber from a tunnel to the
south, along with the echoes of whimpers
and muttering.
The most notable thing stored in the
third chamber is the final legendary scaling
relic, the Bow of Whispers. The bow belonged
to one of the Ghul Sildreth, long ago, and has
lain here for almost 1500 years, desperate to be
used once again.
L10H - Prison
Gates made of metal bars block the entrance
to a large chamber that’s been converted into
a prison. Torches along the walls shed dim
light throughout the room, the iron bars of the
cells casting flickering shadows across the bare
stone floor. The stench of blood and shit wafts
into your nostrils, and a symphony of pained
moans, desperate whimpers, and fervent
muttering reaches your ears.
A DC 17 Thieves Tools Check is needed
to open the pick any of the locks in the prison,
including the doors leading into the room, the
doors of the cells, and the manacles the prisoners
are bound with. Alternatively, the adventurers
could take the key from Anatole Vellekov
who is busy torturing Raum in the Torture
Chamber (R10I).
As for the prisoners, the five cells are
filled with Beastfolk and the survivors from the
Shipwreck. Assuming they were not killed earlier,
Rahved, Vara, and at least a handful of sailors
are chained up in the cells to the south. Yasviga
is chained with silver manacles (due to her nature
as a lycanthrope) in the cell to the northeast,
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
193
and several Beastfolk are chained in the cell to
the west. These Beastfolk are mostly harmless
villagers (commoners) captured while foraging,
though a few (kept separate in the center cell)
are Followers of Agrona (using Beastfolk
Warrior stats) and are eager to die by combat if
given the chance.
Once freed, the other Beastfolk will want
to flee back to the forests, though will thank
the adventurers for rescuing them and will
promise to spread word of their good deed. If the
adventurers offer to escort them, the Beastfolk
will agree and take them to Caeltos Village.
Yasviga will also thank the characters, and
promise that her parents will reward them richly
in Raffenburg, though she’ll disappear soon after
(having turned into a wolf and decided to make
her way to Raffenburg post haste).
Raum, for his part, will also thank the
characters and offer to help them with anything
they need, though will remind them that he
is a simple tailor. He intends to take the next
Consortium caravan to Raffenburg and asks them
to find him there.
Rhaved, if still alive, and if freed, will depart
immediately for Inbarev.
Vara, if still alive, will make her way to the
Copper Crown Tavern, where she is soon
recruited by Cival.
L10I - Torture Chamber
Bloodied stretching racks, iron maidens, and
other elaborate instruments of torture line the
walls of the chamber, while three whipping
posts sit in the center of the room. The stone
floor is painted with a dark red patina of old
blood, and the very air seems to hum with
the memory of thousands of souls screaming
out in agony. Tied to the middle whipping
post is the limp and unconscious figure of an
elf wearing a silver mask: the simple tailor
known as Raum.
 Despite claiming to be just a simple
tailor, the Inquisition found the instruments
of murder marking his true profession among
his belongings and correctly deduced he was
a member of the Outer Seas. As such, the
information he possesses on the operations of the
Consortium are particularly valuable, especially
considering Tarasov’s dream to eventually
destroy the Consortium all together. Perhaps
unfortunately, Raum has proved a tremendously
difficult nut to crack.
It is the Blade of the Sun, Anatole
Vellekov himself, who has taken to overseeing
Raum’s torture himself. Anatole is particularly
prideful about his work, and most studious about
the methods he uses, so his attention has been
mostly occupied. However, if the adventurers
tripped the Fire Trap at the forked tunnels, or
if they made a significant amount of noise in
the Prison, then Anatole will realize he’s not
alone and he will try to set an ambush for the
adventurers (likely by resetting the Fire Trap
and waiting nearby to charge in once it goes off),
fighting to the death.
If Anatole is caught unawares, he will
respond with righteous fury and attempt to kill
the adventurers, fighting to the death. Once
slain, the key to the prison can be removed from
his corpse.
Assaulting the Abbey
Most likely, the adventurers will decide
that the Inquisition is a threat that cannot
be ignored. Should they win the trust of the
Baroness and help prove this to her (assuming the
Inquisition doesn’t prove this themselves), then
she could be persuaded to plan an assault against
the Abbey itself with the adventurers acting as a
strike force to take out the key leadership of the
Inquisition. As mentioned earlier, the amount
of troops the Baroness could field makes the
fight 2v1, with the Inquisition being the smaller
force. That said, the Inquisition has powerful
divine magic on its side, making it an almost even
match. This makes the adventurers key in the
battle, but only if used strategically. The Baroness
will stress that putting them on the front lines
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
194
would be foolish and wasteful, as their talents
are best used to perform a decisive strike against
critical targets. Namely, Tarasov and the Abbot.
If the adventurers agree to her plan,
Baroness Tornheim would lead her troops in an
assault on the walls of the Abbey, drawing most
of the Inquisitions attention and allowing the
adventurers to slip into the Abbey itself. By the
time the assault happens, the adventurers should
have already been through the Catacombs and
killed Anatole Vellekov, as well as interacted
with many of the other plot points throughout
Leshehoff, and they should be Level 5 before
assaulting the Abbey.
Once the adventurers are ready to begin
the assault, however, they will discover that there
are 20 Inquisition Acolytes, 4 Inquisitorial
Officers, 10 Inquisitors, and Tarasov himself
within the Abbey. Place them strategically so that
the adventurers have to fight through them on
their way up to Tarasov’s Quarters (or wherever
you wish him to be). Having Tarasov lead a
fighting retreat could be a lot of fun, though he
is just as likely to be hiding. However you want
to do it is fine. The Abbot, of course, would still
be lurking in its Inner Sanctum, just waiting to
be released. If the adventurers are particularly
clever or motivated, Tarasov might die, though it
is most likely that he will escape to hound them
in Raffenberg. Either way, once the Abbey has
been cleared, the rest of the Inquisition will fold
without its leadership and the battle would be
won. This, however, would be enough to awaken
the rage of Temelloth, and it would assault
Leshehoff the next night (see L9M for more
information). S
Special Events
Tarasov’s Request:
See L3, the Market Square. The High Inquisitor
wishes to forcibly recruit the adventurers
into being his spies, digging up dirt on the
Baroness so that he can overthrow her and take
over the town.
 Cival’s Job Offer
See L4, the Copper Crown Tavern.
Cival, the tavern keeper, asks the adventurers
to retrieve a magic item for her, and offers
information and gold in return.
Sir Constantin Arrives
This event should trigger sometime
before the Meeting at the Crossroads (see below).
Thankfully, the Meeting at the Crossroads can be
postponed quite easily. The Baroness only meets
Sir Hajek a few times every month, so that event
takes place when it’s convenient. Don’t be afraid
to delay it a few days and insert Sir Constantin’s
arrival in the meantime.
During the night, the adventurers will
be awoken by someone pounding on the door of
the Copper Crown Tavern, nevermind that the
tavern is closed. If they go to investigate, they
will find Cival opening the door to let in a man
clad in black armor painted with the heraldic
symbol of a crimson drop of blood. The man has
grey hair and a rather patrician face decorated
with several battle scars. His eyes are red, and the
hint of fangs can be seen beneath his lips when
he talks. He introduces himself as Sir Rurik
Constantin of the Order of Blood, and asks to
be permitted lodging for the night.
He is serenely calm and polite, and will
ask to speak to the adventurers when they have
a moment. If they refuse, he won’t press the
matter, and will instead simply ask them once
a night. He stays in one of the vacant rooms
(sleeping atop one of the beds during the day, as
there is no daylight that can pierce the perpetual
storm clouds), though will come out to sit on the
couches by the landing upstairs, reading books
and waiting for the characters to talk to him. If
they get violent, he will simply become mist and
leave, the opportunity becoming lost.
Once they speak to him, however, he
asks them if they have encountered any other
knights like himself in the area. He will inform
them that, to his great shame, a group of knights
have broken their oaths to the Order of Blood
and gone Renegade. He is trying to find them
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
195
and has heard that they might be in the area. The
leader of this group is a man named Sir Hajek,
and though he was once honorable, Constantin
suspects some foul motivation now drives him.
If the characters kill Sir Hajek, Constantin will
express that the Order of Blood will owe them
a great debt and they simply have to travel to
Frey’s Rest to claim it. Otherwise, he will pay for
information on Sir Hajek.
Beyond that, Constantin will be happy
to chat about the Order of Blood, explaining its
tenets, or otherwise answering questions about
Wreythau. He can confirm that, yes, the Queen of
Blood is very real, and that all the vampires in the
land are descended from her bloodline. He will
also confirm that Beleroth is on his way to collect
the taxes, and explain the blood tithe. Essentially,
a portion of the town’s population must be sent
to offer up blood every year. Most of those sent
in the tithe return home, though some do not.
Otherwise, the taxes consist of gold. Beyond that,
he will swap stories about different monsters, the
mystical nature of blood, or any other topic the
adventurers wish to converse about.
The Baroness’ Dinner
This event hasn’t been discussed
previously, but is nonetheless very important.
Once the Baroness hears about the arrival of
foreigners in Leshehoff, she will send a servant
to invite them to a private dinner with her
and Stefan. The servant will most likely arrive
at the Copper Crown Tavern and present the
adventurers with an envelope made of incredibly
expensive parchment. Inside is a handwritten
invitation to dinner, along with a request to
RSVP with the evening they’d like to dine.
The dinner would be held inside the
Barony Mansion (L2), and the evening would
begin with drinks in the Library (L2B), perhaps
moving into the Parlor (L2D) if some of the
adventurers wish to speak to the Baroness
privately. Afterwards, they would proceed to
the dining room. All in all, the dinner would
be a perfect opportunity to snoop around
the Mansion, particularly in the wake of
Tarasov’s Request.
 Of course, the dinner also presents
another opportunity. If the adventurers share
stories about themselves that reveal them to be
capable individuals open to mercenary work,
the Baroness will propose a job offer to them.
She will describe the increasingly deadly raids
conducted by the Beastfolk, as well as her fear
that these raids only precede a full scale assault
upon her city. She will offer to hire them to try
and scout the woods and chart the movements of
the Beastfolk and the locations of their camps. If
they agree, she’ll offer 300 gold (can be negotiated
up to 500) each in exchange for their intelligence
reports. Should the party succeed in gathering
information (i.e. finding the Village of Caeltos
and learning that the Followers of Agrona
have left for the Cailleach Wilds until after the
solstice) then she will offer to take them into her
confidence and meet her secret ally: Sir Hajek of
the Renegades. Alternatively, the players could
uncover the missives Tornheim has exchanged
with Hajek, and could confront her about them,
or they could simply shadow her to the meeting.
Regardless, this would continue into another
event: the Meeting at the Crossroads.
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
196
Meeting at the Crossroads
This event triggers at least a few days
after the Baroness’ Dinner. When it does trigger,
Baroness Tornheim rides alone to the crossroads
to meet Sir Hajek at midnight. Hajek is also alone.
The two have come to discuss strategy for their
upcoming campaign against the Beastfolk. If the
Baroness invites the adventurers, they will be
introduced and included in the conversation.
The crux of the issue seems to be how many
troops to commit to the field and how to keep
their supply lines up. A DC 15 Insight Check
will reveal that Hajek is subtly pressuring
Tornheim to overextend and over-rely upon his
knights. A DC 15 History Check would reveal
that Hajek is trying to set up a decisive double
cross, either by facilitating increased casualties
among Tornheim’s troops or by turning on her
troops in the field outright. If they bring this up,
Tornheim will realize they’re right and will end
negotiations for the night. As they head back
to town, Tornheim will discuss the situation
with the adventurers and realize that she’d been
being played.
 At that point, Hajek would make
plans to ambush the party the next time they
leave Leshehoff.
If the adventurers follow the Baroness to
spy on her then they must make stealth checks
vs. her passive perception (DC 16). If discovered,
Tornheim will challenge the adventurers and
question them, though will not attack unless
attacked first. If they succeed, the adventurers
can spy on her and Hajek and can make the rolls
above as they eavesdrop.
If the adventurers confront Hajek alone,
he will attack and try to kill them. No need for
foreign meddlers when he has a town to capture
and his family to avenge. If the characters try
to talk to him about why he’s doing this, he
would be willing to pause and explain, but his
mind would already be made up. He blames the
Tornheims for his family’s death, blames the
Order of Blood for being so reactionary, and is
determined to bring about a new reign to right
the wrongs of the past. That new reign does not
include the adventurers.
Chapter Epilogue: The Tax
Collector Comes Calling
Once the adventurers have exhausted the
available quests in Leshehoff (having dealt with
the Inquisition, the Consortium, etc.), this final
event will trigger.
Word will race through town that the
Tax Collector has finally arrived. The townsfolk
run through the streets, slamming and locking
doors, and all while a massive storm builds on the
horizon. Soon, the storm moves in, rain falling in
great sheets, thunder booming as lightning lashes
across the sky, the wind shaking buildings until it
seems like the end of the world has finally come,
and that is when the adventurers hear a knock
upon their door(s).
Standing on the threshold of the doorway
is a tall, handsome elven man. His dark hair
and beard are threaded with grey despite his
youthful appearance, hinting at the extreme
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
197
age that seems to only live in his eyes. He
wears dark clothing embroidered with silver,
lightly dusted with raindrops as though the
raging storm outside was but a drizzle. He
smiles at you, revealing flat, pearly white teeth,
and asks for a moment of your time with a
voice as smooth as polished gemstones.
Beleroth will ask the adventurers to all
gather together so that they may speak. If asked
who he is, he will introduce himself with a
small bow, informing the characters that he is
“Beleroth Haar an Thell, viceroy of Wreythau and
the collector of taxes.” His manner is excessively
polite and charming, though a DC 18 Insight
Check will reveal that it is all a facade and an
undercurrent of rage lies beneath his demeanor.
If the adventurers for some reason refuse
to speak with them, he will insist that they at least
shake hands before he leaves and they will find a
red, chalky residue left on their skin or gloves as
the handshake ends. This marks the characters
for teleportation, and they soon find themselves
teleported into the Cairn. See the next chapter.
If the adventurers agree to speak with
them, he will inform them that they have been
invited to the Court of the Blood Queen, Czerina
Gavranova, the first of her name, and ask them
to accompany him immediately. She has heard
of their coming and wishes to speak with them
about a very important matter. If they agree, his
smile will widen and he will teleport them all into
the Cairn. See the next chapter.
If they refuse, or say they need more time,
he will nod understandingly, but will be casting
the teleportation spell the whole time and will
teleport the room that they’re in onto the walls
of the Cairn.
The teleportation spell is cast with a
magic piece of chalk made from Czerina’s blood.
It might seem cruel to basically give the
adventurers no choice over whether they go
or not, but the chance of missing what comes
next is a far worse result. Besides, it will help
communicate to the players the power scale
 that they are dealing with. Furthermore, a brief
moment of helplessness helps emphasize the
horrific nature of their situation, being trapped in
an evil land against their will, before they regain
their agency.
Leshehoff, Sample Quest
Trajectory:
Overall, Leshehoff is a very broad space
with several complex interconnecting quests
and plot threads. The story could go many ways
depending on how you wish to frame the story, as
well as what the players wish to focus on. What’s
most important is reacting to the actions of the
players and letting the story play out in response
to that. Don’t be afraid to change or adapt events.
What’s written is simply a foundation to help
you tell the story. In essence, the broad strokes of
the story is that, although they came to find the
source of the Gulthias Flowers, the adventurers
realize that they’ve been trapped in this
nightmarish land and that something much more
dangerous is going on. As they investigate, they
realize that the Inquisition is the most pressing
threat, and one they can’t ignore. Once the
Inquisition is dealt with, they encounter Beleroth
who gives them the chance to find the source of
what started this nightmare in the first place: the
Blood Queen.
However, if you’d like a more detailed
example of how the story might play out, take a
look below. Again, this is just an example to help
you conceptualize the story, but again, feel free to
disregard if you have other ideas, or your players
take you in another direction:
After meeting the Mata Yezinka in
Caeltos village, and hearing about the Inquisition,
the adventurers make it to the town gates and
head to the marketplace. There they meet
Tarasov who says he has a job for them. They
proceed to the Copper Crown to get lodging.
Tarasov arrives at the tavern to press them
into digging up dirt on the Baroness. For the
moment, the adventurers agree, choosing to
pick their battles and see where this goes. Not
long afterwards they receive an invitation
CH 3 LESHEHOFF
198
from the Baroness and use the opportunity to
see what they can find. After snooping around
they find out about the Baroness’ plans with
the Renegades. They follow her to one of the
meetings with Hajek and later convince her that
she’s being played.
Returning to town, the adventurers
debate what to do with the information they
have, when they are approached by Cival. She
shares some gossip with them about the Tailor
and Alchemist (see Leshehoff Lore), and then
makes them her job offer: agree to retrieve
an item from the Catacombs and she’ll share
information about the Consortium and the
Inquisition. Afterwards, the characters take some
time to plan their next move and investigate the
Tailor and Alchemist.
• This brings the characters level to 4.
The aftermath of the side quests with the
tailor and alchemist spurs more conflict with the
Inquisition and the adventurers decide to raid the
Catacombs. Afterwards, Cival tells them about
the Consortium and the Adventurers pounce
on the information, heading to the Consortium
Outpost. This leads to the discovery of the
information about the Gulthias Flowers, though
Beleroth hasn’t arrived.
• The Characters level to 5.
By this time, Tarasov is impatient and
demands answers, issuing threats of violence if
the characters don’t comply. Realizing they have
more pressing matters than Beleroth and the
Gulthias Flowers, they go to the Baroness and
convince her that the Inquisition is a clear and
present danger. Together, they plan an assault on
the Abbey. This results in the Temelloth, aka the
Abbott, attacking the town and the adventurers
drive Temelloth away.
Miraculously, the adventurers have
saved the town. The Baroness thanks them
for their heroic efforts, though the ceremony
is interrupted by the arrival of Beleroth.
He magically kidnaps the adventurers. This
leads to the chapter epilogue and on into the
final chapter.
 Chapter 4 The Blood Queen Awakens
I
n the final chapter of Volume 1,
the adventurers will finally meet Czerina
in the flesh. It will be their blood that
awakens her from her slumber, and so
will begin their danse macabre. Before
they meet her, however, the adventurers
will be able to explore a portion of Czerina’s
gothic castle, The Cairn, and uncover some of its
secrets. As their search beginst will be clear that
the wing of the castle they find themselves in is
little more than an elegant prison, and one that is
not without its dangers, the most notable of them
being their present gaoler: Beleroth himself.
The Cairn
Arriving at the Cairn:
Due to a powerful magical object created
from Czerina’s blood itself, the adventurers were
teleported to the Cairn, either with their consent
or not. In the event that Beleroth teleported
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
199
the room they were standing in, it would land
atop TCA (see below) and maintain structural
integrity long enough for the adventurers to clear
out before being swept away by a sudden gale,
leaving the adventurers unharmed and the wall
clear once more.
By this time, the adventurers might wish
to fight Beleroth. Depending on how you feel, he
might entertain them for a few rounds, though
eventually he would tell them “to meet him at the
top of the tower” and disappear with Dimension
Door. This would leave the adventurers free to
explore this part of the Cairn as they will.
Alternatively, if the adventurers are
feeling more diplomatic, then Beleroth would
lead them to their rooms and inform them
that dinner will be held in a few hours. If they
need anything, they can ask the servants, and
otherwise he will disappear once more, leaving
the adventurers to their own devices.

Lastly, if the adventurers decide to escape,
Beleroth will merely track them down on the
road. Consider using the woodland encounters
map to stage the battle. He would ambush them
as they tried to rest, and would brutally knock out
each party member before bringing them directly
to the Tower (TCH).
TCA - The Wall
Wind whips across the battlements of the
wall, the world falling away in a sharp drop to
a moat of slowly churning lava on one side,
and a bone breaking expanse of cobblestones
on the other. Two massive statues have been
placed to the north and south ends of the wall,
blocking your passage. A bridge connects the
towering wall to the castle itself, the gaping
mouth of a carved, demonic skull welcoming
you inside the palatial fortress.
The top of the wall is 100 ft above
the ground, on both sides. The stone statues
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
200
are both enchanted with a wall of force that
extends 50 feet around them, making passage
almost impossible. They were moved to the wall
specifically to transform this part of the castle
into a prison.
The carved head is also enchanted to be
a guardian, granting the entranceway a faux-
sentience with an odd sense of humor. It’s been
commanded to let the adventurers come and
go as they please (and it will), though it will try
to trick them into believing they must answer
riddles in order to open the door. It does this
by proclaiming “To avoid certain death, answer
me these riddles three!” but won’t actually do
anything if the players ignore it. It simply wants
to amuse itself by playing a little prank.
The Riddles:
 • “What has a head and a tail, but no body?”
Answer: a coin.
• “What portal can transport you to any
realm you desire, and all without the use of
magic?” Answer: a book.
• “More precious than gold, I’m destroyed as
soon as I’m shared.” Answer: a secret.
• The riddles hint at some of what they will
find within the castle (the hidden treasury,
Czerina’s memoirs, the statues inside).
TCB - The Main Hall
Past the threshold of the demon’s mouth lies a
grand hallway, a brilliant red rug embroidered
with gold running across polished marble
flagstones. Two gilded statues sit immediately
beside the entryway, carved in the appearance
of robed wizards, their hands forming the
components for a spell. Four elaborate stone
doorways sit to either side of the hallway, more
gilded statues lying between them. The hallway
continues on, curving to the right around the
foundation of a tower. A fifth door leads into
the tower, while a sixth door leads out of this
wing of the castle.
The robed wizard statues are, in fact,
magical traps that are currently deactivated.
Detect Magic will reveal strong evocation auras
around both, as well the magical triggers hidden
beneath the rug.
The other five statues in the hallway are
also enchanted, powerful necromancy hanging
over them. If the adventurers interact with the
statues, they will soon discover that they are
haunted, each statue harboring the echoes of
a spirit long since departed. The statues aren’t
entirely sentient and are more like imprints of a
psyche than an actual being. Because of this, the
statues are mostly frustrating to interact with.
They are each different, though which statue is
which doesn’t matter. The most important thing
is just to have fun with them.
For ease of use, the different statues will be
listed in clockwise order.
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
201
The Macabre Jester
The soul inhabiting this statue has
forgotten his own name, though has retained his
dark and wicked sense of humor. He will respond
to any question with the most disturbing joke he
can think of. For instance, if asked how to get out
of here, he will reply “Why, with a quick drop and
a short stop! The battlements are just over there!”
Or, if asked about the Blood Queen, he
would reply “She’s the kind of woman you’d as
soon die for once looking at her! I know, since that’s
what I did!”
The Melancholy Warrior
The soul inhabiting this statue was once
a great warrior named Cedric the Bear, but
now Cedric’s spirit languishes in its prison of
stone and he replies to every question with the
most nihilistic answer possible. For instance, if
asked about Beleroth or another character, he
will reply, “What does it matter? They’ll be dead
soon, anyways.”
Or if asked about the castle, he will reply,
“One tomb is as good as another. You might as well
lie down and get on with it.”
The Dwarf Queen
The founder of Barrukhirrim, the dwarf
queen was once named Thaumgrit (thom - greet)
Steelspine. The daughter of the dwarf king once
allied with Nostrovishte, Thaumgrit knows
much, though she’s not the most reliable of
narrators, and will go on long rants. For instance,
if asked about Czerina she’ll reply:
“I’ve heard it said that dwarves always hold
grudges, but we’ve got nothing on that goddamn
vampire! Just because she was denied aid once
before, now that gives her the right to claim
vengeance? So what if her friends died in the war?
They weren’t any kin of ours, why should we care?
She’s the one who broke the bargain by turning on
us, and she did so centuries later! Learn to forgive
and forget, but nooooo, what bloodsucking leech
would want to do that?”
 If asked about the Silver Graves, she’ll
get lost telling long rambling tales about how
marvelous it was, and seems to be purposely
avoiding the topic of what happened to it without
snapping back into a rant about Czerina.
The Sexist Knight
Sir Dragoslav Benedesc was the first
person that Czerina killed (although he doesn’t
know that). Dragoslav is a sexist pig, and also
firmly believes in the absolute worst gossip about
Czerina. He will rant on about how horrible she
is, how she murdered her friends as a child, how
she consorted with demons, blah blah blah. He
will also tell the adventurers about his own death,
describing how he was beset upon the road by
a rider all in black, and how cowardly Czerina
was hiding her face as she fought him. She didn’t
even let him pick up his sword again after he’d
dropped it! What a mockery of chivalry!
The Third Person Narrator
Rozalia was once a bard, and her ghostly
echo now speaks entirely in the third person. For
instance: “Rozalia saw the adventurer approach
and wondered to herself when they would meet their
inevitably grisly fate. Before she could ponder it
further, the adventurer asked a question to which
Rozalia replied…” etc.
Rozalia is actually the most useful of the
statues precisely because of her tendency to recite
all of her observations. She can reveal that there
is a secret in the dining room and that whenever
she hears a specific song played in descending
fifths, something heavy slides out of the way.
She can hum the song to the characters. She
also knows that Czerina once took a book to the
library and left it there. She’s never carried a book
to or from the library before or since.
Otherwise, the hallway occasionally has
servants in it. The servants appear to be men
and women stitched together from the parts
of various people, and all of them have their
mouths stitched closed. Their eyes are blank and
lifeless, though they can perfectly execute orders
and requests. That is, all but for one: they are
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
202
unable to leave this part of the castle. There are
four servants, two men and two women, all of
them re-animated creations from the corpses of
others. Lastly, there are magical dumbwaiters
in the dining room that transports everything
the servants need to and fro. Cleaning supplies,
food, garments, all are transported through the
dumbwaiters. By the same token, trash is also
disposed of through the same method. Essentially,
they’re small transportation platforms, but they
are pre-programmed and will only affect objects.
They will not affect sentient creatures.
Lastly, the sixth and final door
to the south is magically sealed and is
impossible to open.
TCC - Bedrooms
The door opens into a windowless bedchamber
with lavish appointments. A hearth blazes
merrily, the firelight glinting off of the cloth
of gold worked into the bedspread and
reflecting off of the polished wood of the grand
wardrobe. A magical lantern can be activated
for more illumination, and a single door leads
into a bathroom. A huge copper tub dominates
the bathing chamber, magical spouts providing
hot and cold water, while a smaller copper pot
serves as a toilet with magical plumbing.
The bedrooms are empty aside from the
furnishings. They are both haunted, however.
If a character begins to draw a bath,
describe the following:
Just as the bath becomes full, a sudden rush
of steam issues from the faucet, temporarily
blinding you. As you wave it away, you find
yourself staring at the form of someone in the
bath. It’s a young man with flowing amber
locks, his features more perfect than any you’ve
seen before, except for the deathly pallor of his
flesh. His eyes are half lidded and cloudy, his
arms perched on the rim of the tub, leaking
rivers of blood into the water below.
The corpse seems to be entirely real
until the character turns away, and then it is
 suddenly gone, a nice bath waiting for whoever
wishes to use it.
Furthermore, if the adventurers
sleep inside the bedrooms have them roll
for perception. The lowest roll will receive
the following:
You’re awoken from slumber by the feel of
your blankets shifting as something begins to
slide beneath the covers. You feel a freezing,
wet hand upon your skin, but as you jerk away
from the touch the covers fall flat once again.
TCD - The Library
The door opens into a lavish library, the walls
lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Fine
couches and chairs sit bathed in the warmth
of blazing hearth, and a large desk sits ready
to hold tomes, parchment, and ink. Hanging
above the hearth is an ancient painting of a
royal couple. The man is a massive, bearlike
specimen with a cruel look lurking in his eyes,
while the woman is a vision of feminine beauty
with raven black hair. Both wear elaborate
royal costumes and crowns. A carving upon
the frame of the painting declares them
Gavran and Evengja of Nostrovishte. A single
book bound in black leather rests upon the
mantleplace beneath the painting.
The library is filled with books on almost
every subject in Common, Elvish, Dwarvish,
Orcish, Sylvan, and Draconic, as well as a few
poetry books written in Goblin. The most
important book in the library, however, is the
one sitting on the mantelpiece: The Mirror of
Czerina Gavranova.
The Mirror is Czerina’s autobiography,
written in her own blood and enchanted with
her own memories. By reading the book, the
adventurers are able to enter her memories while
they dream and interact with the various scenes
that play out before them. This allows them to
play detective, as well as get a front row seat
to formative moments in her life. Of course,
whether or not these memories have been altered
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
203
can only be answered by you, the Dungeon
Master. See App. 1 for more information.
TCE - The Dining Room
The door opens into a luxuriant dining room
with a grand banquet table dominating the
room. Two magical dumbwaiters and serving
stations sit beside a roaring hearth along the
western wall while an imposing pipe organ
reigns along the eastern wall. Three paintings
hang upon the north and south walls, their
enchanted tableaus depicting your own
exploits in living swirls of color.
The dumbwaiters, as mentioned before,
only transports objects and will not transport
sentient creatures. The stitched together
servants are able to operate them wordlessly,
producing vast feasts, expensive garments, or
simple cleaning supplies upon command. Should
the adventurers choose to dine in the dining
room (such as having dinner with Beleroth, for
instance), the servants will expertly serve a 6
course feast.
The pipe organ is a massive beast made
of wood and brass, and is fully functional. It’s
song is deafening in the confined space of the
dining room, suggesting it might have been
moved there from another room at some point.
What’s more, it also functions as a secret door.
If the adventurers have talked to the Rozalia The
Third Person Narrating Statue (and one of them
is skilled in Performance) then they can open the
secret door to TCF - The Secret Treasury.
If the adventurers agree to have dinner
with Beleroth, he will tell them that they are
to have an audience with the Queen of Blood,
and that a small sacrifice is required: a few pints
of blood. He will ask the adventurers to each
contribute to this sacrifice, and he will attempt
to negotiate by assuring them of the Queen’s
gratitude, but he will not force the issue.
TCF - Secret Treasury
Gold and jewels glitter in the light, almost
blinding in their brilliance. Six chests sit
 against the walls, their lids open and their
contents practically spilling upon the ground.
A seventh pile of treasure rests in the middle
of the floor, simply too large to be contained by
any of the other chests.
There are 10,000 copper pieces, 10,000
silver pieces, and 10,000 gold pieces, along
with 20,000 gold worth of jewels. The rest is a
swarm of mimics. A mimic swarm. Not a swarm
of mimic larvae, a swarm of mimics. Once the
treasure has been disturbed they swarm forward
in a semi-transparent tide of flesh and seething
organs encrusted in gold and jewels.
TCG - Tower Entrance
The stone door leading into the tower is
carved in the image of a woman being dragged
down into the earth by thorned and grasping
vines. As the door swings open it reveals an
ornate tower that has been overtaken by a
pulsating organic growth. Clinging to the
walls of the tower are what appear to be a
mass of immense veins, many as thick as the
trunks of trees, and they lead in a palpitating
mass up into the tower. A stone staircase rises
upwards, the shadows of the tower themselves
beckoning you onward.
Upon closer inspection, a DC 14
Medicine or Nature check will reveal that the
enormous veins appear to be part plant, but not
entirely. It is some horrible combination of flesh
and pulp, blood and sap. They’ve clearly grown
down from whatever is at the top of the tower.
TCH - The Tower
Climbing to the summit of the tower,
hundreds of feet above the roof of the castle
itself, you enter a circular chamber exposed to
the sky. The floor is covered in a thick layer of
dirt, and the gigantic veins cling to the walls
of the chamber. Thorned vines sprout from
the skulls embedded in the growth around
the tower, the crimson petals of the Gulthias
Flowers blooming from the vines. All of this
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
204
Swarm of Mimics
Large monstrosity swarm (shapechanger), neutral
—
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 160 (21d8 + 76)
Speed 15 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 15 (+2) 5 (-3) 13 (+1) 8 (-1)
—
Skills Stealth +5
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
Damage Immunities acid
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages —
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
—
Shapechanger. The mimic can use its action to polymorph into
an object or back into its true, amorphous form. Its statistics are
the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or carrying
isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Grappler. The mimic has advantage on attack rolls against any
creature grappled by it.
Adhesive (Object Form Only). The mimic adheres to anything
that touches it. A Huge or smaller creature adhered to the mimic
is also grappled by it (escape DC 13). Ability checks made to
escape this grapple have disadvantage.
False Appearance (Object Form Only). While the
mimic remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an
ordinary object.
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and
vice versa, and it can move through any opening large enough
for a Tiny creature. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain
temporary hit points
Actions
Multiattack. The Swarm of mimics can use one bite attack and
one constrict attack per turn.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 0 ft., one creature.
Hit: 14 (3d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 8 (2d8 acid damage).
Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
creature. Hit: 17 (3d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage, and the
target is grappled (escape DC 16). Until this grapple ends, the
creature is restrained. The swarm of mimics can constrict up to
4 creatures.
leads back to a gargantuan growth that throbs
like a heart, and sprouting from this mass is a
stone funerary slab encrusted in shining, blood
red gems. Upon the slab is the woman you’ve
come to recognize as the Blood Queen herself,
her eyes closed, her body still.
Beleroth will be waiting for the
adventurers at the top of the tower with a dagger
in one hand and a chalice in the other. If they
 agree to sacrifice blood, he will pass the knife
and the chalice over to them. If not, then he will
speak a command word and the thorny vines
will lash out at the adventurers, requiring a DC
18 Strength Save to break free. The vines do 1d6
piercing damage each round they hold on, and
will let go after 2 rounds. However, even if all of
the adventurers break free, it will be enough.
Czerina will awaken.
Read the following:
The enormous, vascular growth begins to
beat like a great heart as the vines absorb your
blood, and as you watch a small lake of blood
flows out over the stone slab before absorbing
into Blood Queen’s body. The wind howls and
lighting cracks above, the gale rising until a
whirlwind raises the Blood Queen to her feet.
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
205
Her eyes open, and she smiles, fangs glinting
in the glow of the crystals. She has awoken.
Czerina will thank the adventurers for
having awoken her once again and will reference
the times that they have met (the sea, the mirror,
the statue, etc). She will congratulate them for
their accomplishments and will offer them each
one boon of their choosing in thanks for what
they have accomplished for her kingdom. Much
like Robin Williams, she won’t raise anyone
from the dead or grant true love, but she has no
reservations about killing people, and will do her
best to fulfill whatever request they have of her. If
they ask for magic items, she’ll indicate the relics
of legend are more powerful than what she could
grant, but would offer other magic items. As
the DM, you will know your party best and can
 choose items that you think would complement
your characters well. If they ask for other things,
don’t be afraid to be creative.

Finally, Czerina will announce that she

has a task for the adventurers. She senses that
blood will soon drench the streets of Raffenburg
and asks the adventurers to secure the city in
her name. If they succeed, she will grant the city
to them and allow them to rule it as they see fit.
If they decline, she will brush it off and imply
that her efforts to retake the city would be far
less subtle.

Now, if the adventurers are hostile to

Czerina, simply remember that nothing they
can do will harm her. That is, their attacks and
spells temporarily harm her. She would simply
regenerate whatever damage they do and laugh
all the while. By the time they tire themselves out
she would attempt to speak with them again.

Once the characters have requested

their boon and agreed (or not) to take the city
for her, Czerina will teleport the characters out
of the Cairn and that would conclude Part 1 of
the module.

CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS

206
 Chapter 5 Raffenburg
hen the adventurers have
W
finished their first formal audience
after having awoken the Blood
Queen, they are teleported out of
The Cairn and deposited near the
city of Raffenburg. This happens
regardless of whether the adventurers agree to
take the city in her name, though the prophecy of
coming bloodshed and turmoil should prompt the
adventurers to investigate what’s happening in the
city, even if they have no intention of working for
the Blood Queen. Otherwise, the draw of a large
metropolis and all the comforts and resources
it offers should help entice the adventurers to
explore the city regardless. Their other options are
likely less appealing.
Lastly, please note that if the adventurers
did agree to work for the Blood Queen, and at least
one adventurer asked for a symbol of authority
to prove their allegiance (this would cost the
adventurer the Blood Queen’s offered boon), that
will impact how the people of Raffenburg react
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
207
to their presence. Generally, those in positions of
authority would react with difference and fear,
and word would quickly spread through the city
that the agents of the Tax Collector had come
early. This would lead to increased unrest in the
city, as well as distrust from the Revolutionary
faction, and could very well make their time in
Raffenburg much more difficult overall. This isn’t
a punishment, but simply how the setting would
react to the appearance of an alliance with the
Blood Queen, true or not.
Encounters with the Awoken
Blood Queen
Now that Czerina has risen from her
slumber, she will delight in the opportunity to
observe and interact with those who offer her
hope of one day escaping her dark fate. This
means that in addition to the encounters that
happened while she was still slumbering, the
adventurers will be treated to new encounters, as
well. Of course, when the slumbering encounters
 first happened, they were driven by Czerina’s
subconscious and were thus much less intentional
than these encounters will be now that she’s
awoken. For instance, the Dream Visitations will
become much more manipulative and subtle. In many
instances, the adventurers might not even realize
that Czerina is now present in their dreams, as she
would disguise her influence by mimicking echoes
of the adventurers’ histories and desires without
actually appearing during the dream. Likewise,
the Murder Presents will become much more
specific and targeted. These presents might include
bloody jewelry torn from an aggravating noble’s
body, or the decapitated head of some bravo that
offered the adventurers insult. There would be
no note or explanation left, of course, just these
dreadful presents left at their bedside or upon their
breakfast table.
However, in addition to those encounters,
here are two more:
Stalked by the Blood Queen
This encounter is one of my favorites
because of how often it can be used. This
encounter can happen anywhere, at any time, and
the more often it happens, the less intrusive it will
become. That doesn’t mean it will lessen the sense
of paranoia, however.
You see, now that Czerina has awoken,
she is not content to only observe the adventurers
from afar, and so she will stalk them in person.
However, she will use powerful illusion magic to
disguise her presence, as well as just mess with
the adventurers in general. For instance, while
the adventurers are shopping in the Markets,
Czerina would allow one of the adventurers
to catch a glimpse of her. She might smile and
wave, or smirk, or perhaps even laugh at their
reaction before disappearing again (invisibility,
polymorph, dimension door, etc). Or, perhaps
while the adventurers are eating at the Drowning
Sun or Skalek’s Icy Delights, Czerina might use
illusion magic to make an NPC appear to be
her. So, suddenly, they catch the Blood Queen
dining nearby and seemingly paying them no
attention, only for the illusion to fade as soon as
they approach.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
208
In other words, anyone near the
adventurers could be the Blood Queen. Anyone.
And the more often she briefly appears, the more
apparent it will become that she’s always present,
always watching, and always just out of their
grasp. This should increase tension and paranoia,
though the adventurers will become used to it
in time, so if you ever get the suspicion that it’s
been used too much, you can simply stop using
this type of encounter for a few sessions before
introducing it again.
Be creative, and have fun!
Visited by the Blood Queen
All of the previous encounters, while
excellent at establishing the Blood Queen’s
presence and contributing to the horror of the
game, are also not the most interactive. Dream
Visitations can be the exception, though when
combined with the dream encounters from the
Mirror of Czerina (the interactive diary), they’ll
likely become less common. So, the goal of this
encounter is to provide the adventurers a chance
to interact with Czerina herself. This can be done
one on one, or as a group, whatever is most fitting.
These encounters can also be prompted by the
adventurers themselves, as Czerina would agree to
meet with them if they expressed the desire. And,
considering the fact that she’s spying on them, it
wouldn’t be hard for them to get her attention.
Likewise, should Czerina see an opening to
manipulate an adventurer, she would take it.
So, while this encounter could happen
in many different ways, here are a few suggested
styles of encounters to help illustrate how they
might go, but don’t feel constrained:
Style 1: Tete-a-tete with the Blood Queen
This style of encounter is a 1 on 1
interaction between Czerina and an adventurer.
This happens in person, in the real world, though
it will happen in private. Just the two of them.
Often this style of encounter will trigger after an
adventurer has had some sort of breakdown or
breakthrough. So, for instance, if an adventurer
reacts to the horror of what they’ve witnessed
in Raffenburg, or if they’ve begun to react more
 or less violently than before, Czerina would
take notice.
Perhaps a better way to explain it would
be to say that, should an adventurer’s behavior or
mindset change, Czerina would take notice and
try to talk about it with them. In other words,
she would see this as an opening and attempt to
manipulate them into becoming more like her, or
at the very least, manipulate them into seeing an
alliance with her as being in their best interests.
She could do this by praising heroic actions and
expressing a desire to re-learn from their example,
by praising more evil actions for their brilliance
and decisiveness, or by challenging an adventurer’s
hypocrisy. It’s very dependent upon the situation
in question, but have faith in your own insight
and instincts.
Also, remember, your goal as DM isn’t
to actually convince the adventurer/player in
question to listen to Czerina. Your goal is to
simply provide them with an intellectual and
social challenge. So, if the adventurer/player sees
through the Blood Queen’s manipulations, or
otherwise rejects them, that doesn’t mean you did
a bad job. What that means is that your villain
provided another excellent challenge for your
player and that was a challenge they were able to
overcome. At the end of the day, that’s really what
the game is all about, so great work!
Style 2: A Conference with the Blood Queen
This style of a visit with the Blood Queen is usually
triggered by the adventurers requesting a meeting
with her, though it could happen on Czerina’s
(your) own initiative. This conference happens
between Czerina and all of the adventurers
together as a group. This is a chance for Czerina
to answer the adventurers questions, as well as
offer them more praise for their actions. Be sure to
mention the adventurer’s recent exploits, and don’t
be afraid to have Czerina ask the adventurers for
their opinions about what they’ve encountered and
done. For instance, what are their opinions on the
factions in Raffenburg, or what are their opinions
on the city itself.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
209
Remember, if the adventurers blame
Czerina for the horrible state of things they will
be correct, though Czerina will deflect by claiming
that it was the result of her long slumber, and
that she needs the adventurers help in order to set
things right again.
As for the questions that the adventurers
might ask, Czerina will happily lie or deflect,
though she might simply give them the truth,
too. For instance, if asked about the Reinwalds,
she might just share the information that the
Reinwalds are tied to the Fey and that they’ve lived
in Wreythau longer than any other group, though
she wouldn’t share their weaknesses, for example.
As frustrating as it might be, all I can say is to
use your best judgement. At the end of the night,
Czerina is an antagonist, and so won’t give the
adventurers that much help.
The City of Raffenburg
Perched atop the massive hill that stands
guard above Raffen’s Bay is the largest metropolis
in all of Wreythau: the city of Raffenburg. The
summit of that mountainous hill once held a
small stronghold known as Castle Raffen, and it
was because of the valiant defense of the soldiers
stationed there that Alexandros I and his invasion
fleet were forced to sail down the coast and seek
harbor among the dangerous, rocky shores of
southern Wreythau. This delayed the invasion
long enough for Czerina to marshall her forces
and mount a defence, even if it ultimately proved
futile against such a massive invasion. Alexandros’
army was eventually able to push inland and Castle
Raffen was raised to the ground, and with it, the
last true hope of resistance. Thus Czerina began
the fateful ritual that would seal the fate of every
poor soul upon the island, including her own.
Almost a millenia later and a malignant
city has grown atop the bones of the old castle,
spreading over the hill like a virulent fungus, its
tendrils forming tangled networks of cobbled
streets and looming stone buildings, all clustered
behind massive walls. The city has grown so large
that it now dominates the landscape, the thousands
upon thousands of lights shining out from the
windows of the city like the echo of dying stars.
 The city has grown so congested and overfull
that it must expand, but it can no longer do so
without spilling out into the surrounding farmland
and wildlands necessary to support the hungry
masses teeming inside. What was once a bastion
of safety and civilization in a hostile land has now
become a brutal hellscape of urban suffering and
exploitation. All of the marvels that the city has
to offer, all of its splendor and culture, from the
beautiful gothic architecture, to the debauched
revels of its people, to the indulgent luxuries sold within
its stores, all of it is born from misery and harvested from
broken corpses.
The rulers of the Nine Hells themselves
could not have done better, even if they
were to try.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
210
This is the cityscape that the adventurers
will be walking into. This is no safe haven. This is
no refuge from the horrors of Wreythau. In many
ways, Raffenburg is worse, for all of this needless
pain and suffering is wrought by human hearts
and human minds (as well as those of dwarves,
and halflings, and such). Raffenburg is a place of
great cruelty, and yet it is not the work of some
mad sadist, such as might be found in Inbarev.
Rather, Raffenburg is the work of the uncaring,
the unthinking, the uncompromising, and all
of the cruelty that that creates. It is this cruelty
which will birth a violent uprising the likes of
which Wreythau has never seen. Rising tensions
will mount and soon the rage of revolutionary
fervor will grip the streets. If the adventurers are
wise and brave, they might help guide the people
towards a better future. Should they be as callous
and negligent as all those parasites ruling the city,
however, they might find themselves consumed
 along with all the rest as revolution gives way to
terror and bloodshed.
Raffenburg at a Glance
Raffenburg has grown to entirely cover
the hill it was built atop. A vast moat has been
dug around the base of the hill, an outer curtain
wall of wooden palisades has been built above
the moat, and a killing field lies in between the
wooden, outer curtain wall and the towering stone
battlements that serves as inner curtain wall and
the boundary of the city itself. Trapped within
these walls lie hundreds of thousands of humans,
dwarves, orks, half elves, halflings, gnomes, and
other humanoid creatures. No census has ever
been properly conducted, the only estimates on
population having come from the ruthless tax
enforcement of the city, which suggest around
400,000 souls live within the city, though the true
population could be much higher, perhaps rising
towards even 600,000 souls.
The majority of the populace lives crowded
within the slums that have grown inside Market
District, though the Guild District, which houses
its massive labor force as well as its sprawling
industry, is certainly a close second. The City
Guard is notoriously ruthless in these parts
of the city, maintaining order largely through
brutality rather than any true sense of law and
order. Notions of justice truly only apply to those
who can afford barristers, not to mention their
own private guard forces (licensed through the
Consortium’s Mercenary Guild). The Blue Blood
District is the least densely populated area of the
city, not counting the lavish territory of Council
Hill, and is home to all of the land owners within
the city. The Count and Countess of the House
of Reinwald own about 60% of the city, whereas
various houses of minor nobility own the rest. Due
to the strict laws of the Blood Queen, only nobility
are allowed to own land and extract rent, making
the residents of the Blue Blood District the second
most hated in all of the city, though their private
guard forces keep them well insulated.
The most hated residents of Raffenburg
are those that live in the District of Council Hill.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
211
Council Hill is built atop the summit of the hill
and is surrounded by a large curtain wall with five
gates, each leading to one of the other districts
in the city, though the gates often remain closed,
isolating Council Hill from the suffering of those
in the other districts. To make matters worse,
this is where the members of the City Council
live, along with their households, as well as
the commanders of the city guard, along with
their staff and garrisons, ensuring that the most
powerful people in the city live a life of palatial
luxury separated from their fellow citizens. What’s
more, only the members of the guard who have
distinguished records of service are allowed to join
the Guard Commanders’ garrisons in Council Hill,
encouraging the members of the Guard to view
the rest of the populace as all that stands between
them and a life of luxury. Lastly, the headquarters
of the Wreythian Merchant Consortium can also
be found here, though the Consortium has many,
many holdings scattered throughout the other
districts, managing their interests and maintaining
their stranglehold on the flow of goods and
services within Raffenburg.
Next is the University District, a diverse
area of the city that is made up of students, faculty,
graduates, and the services that support them. This
is where all of the professions of advanced learning
can be found, from barristers, to architects, to
alchemists and engineers. Even the less fortunate
tend to respect those who live in the University
District for they provide services that no one else
can, from incredible prosthetics for those maimed
by harsh life in the city, to alchemical treatments,
to magical goods and services. In fact, only
members of the University are allowed to practice
the magical arts within Raffenburg, making the
University district absolutely steeped in magic and
wonder for most of the population.
As for the Art District, this is where
the well-to-do citizens of Raffenberg gather for
entertainment and culture. From the grand parks
to the museums, galleries, and theaters, the Art
District is an area of refinement and class. Only
the finest artists, performers, and entertainers can
be found within the Art District, and promising
talent is often plucked from the other districts
to live a pampered life within its bounds. That
 is, at least, compared to the Market or Guild
districts, which have their own entertainments,
though there is little joy to be found there. At
least in the Art District the threat of violence
and starvation is nothing but a distant memory,
and the surroundings are as beautiful as they are
hygienic, a far cry from the filth strewn streets of
the poorer districts.
Finally, there is the Cathedral District, the
only area of Raffenburg under the control of the
Church of the Morning Lord and its inquisitors.
That’s not to say that the Church doesn’t struggle
to grasp hold of more power, or that its Inquisitors
don’t hunt for prominent heretics to disappear, but
it is only within the Cathedral District that their
word is law. Even the City Guard give this district
a wide berth, provided they haven’t been provoked
in some fashion. As such, the Cathedral District is
a little theocracy, having attracted the most fervent
of the faithful, as well as the most desperate. The
Church offers many charitable services to the
less fortunate, though only if they are willing to
convert and live their lives following the strict and
uncompromising teachings of the Morning Lord.
Living in the City
Life in Raffenburg, for many, is one of
crushing poverty and desperate violence. For
centuries the Market District has been a crowded
and sprawling slum ruthlessly policed by predatory
City Guard. However, because of incredibly
outdated laws, the majority of goods can only be
purchased within the Market District, making it
the busiest district, as well as the most crowded.
Small time gangs thrive, though the Guard are
always ready and waiting to pounce should any get
too brazen. Moreover, most of the residents of the
Market District are so desperate for any chance to
improve their lives that violence, theft, scams, and
coercion are simply facts of life. Morality matters
little when you’re starving, after all.
For those in the Guild District, life is
marginally better, though is filled with endless
toil in dangerous conditions. Were it not for the
Market District serving as a constant reminder of
where they could be without the benefit of guild
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
212
employment, a rebellion would probably have
sparked long ago. This is where all of the food
processing, manufacturing, and guild services
are performed, transforming the district into a
complex hive of workers that ensure that the city
continues to function, and as the sun only shines
in Wreythau one day each year, the work never
stops. Day shift is replaced by night shift, the
foundries perpetually lit, the courier offices always
staffed, the textile plants constantly churning out
new garments and dyes, etc. In their time off, the
workers frequently flood the cheap ale houses,
brothels, or theaters that straddle the Guild
District and the Market district, though some
fortunate few head to the Art District to indulge in
a lifestyle that is only temporarily their own.
Traveling into the University District, a
visitor will find themselves immersed in a world
of magic and engineering, with many, many
alehouses acting as public forums for students,
faculty, and professionals. Life is filled with study,
debate, and imbibing, with occasional trips to the
Art District to provide some creative stimulation.
For those lucky enough to live in the District, life
is about as fulfilling as it can be in Raffenburg,
though it’s not without its perils. Politics in the
University is particularly cutthroat and often ends
in murder or sabotage. Beyond that, they still have
to live in Raffenburg, which means surviving trips
to the Market, surviving brushes with the Guard,
and surviving all of the monstrous flora and fauna
that’s adapted to exist within the city.
The Art District is similar, though the lives
of the residents is more closely tied to the services
that they provide, whether it be an experience at
the theater and the cultivation of their adoring
public, to creating exacting commissions for
demanding clients, to ensuring their guests’ visit
to the District remain one of beauty and ease.
Nonetheless, it certainly beats living in the Guild
or Market district, though violence and crime
aren’t unheard of, they’re simply much better
disguised. Many nobles vent their violent delights
in the Art District, and the more successful gangs
have established scams and rackets that they’ll kill
to protect. Add in the intrigue that follows visitors
from other districts and most would be surprised
 to learn just how much horror this beautiful
district truly hides.
Continuing on into the Cathedral District
will summon memories of Leshehoff and its
Abbey, as almost every street corner is decorated
with devotional statues, the walls are painted or
carved with religious iconography, and members
of the Church can be seen everywhere. Public
flagellation and punishment is a common sight,
though just as common are examples of charity.
Whether this takes the form of charity hospitals
for those that can’t pay to access the University’s
hospital, food lines, or the tent cities the church
has set up to help the destitute, the Cathedral
District seems to be the only area of the city that
has any sense of compassion for others’ suffering.
This is entirely an illusion, as this help comes
with profound strings attached, though for those
in need, the Church of the Morning Lord is the
closest thing to a savior that they might find.
Raffenburg Rumors
• If you need to find a bed, or just somewhere
to forget your woes, there’s no place like the
House of the Drowning Sun.
• If you’re seeking to prove your mettle, go
test it at the Menagerie. If you’re lucky, you
might just survive, and if you survive long
enough the Reinwalds might hire you. They
must pay well, too, since none of the fighters
they’ve hired have ever come back to fight
in the pit.
• People have been going missing in the Art
District. All sorts of people, not just the ones
no one usually cares about. If you happen to
go there, keep your wits about you.
• If a Guard talks to you, best do what they say.
There haven’t been prisons in Raffenburg
in centuries.
• The library at the University of Raffenburg
is said to be the best library in the world, and
anyone who walks in can browse through
the knowledge collected there. Not everyone
walks back out, though.
• Rats gnawed an arm off? Had maggots infest
your eyes? The University’s Prosthetics
Department can set you right.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
213
The Tax Man Cometh
While there are a thousand and one factors
that have contributed to the rising tensions in
the city, the most profound factor is the way in
which the City Council handles the collection
of the Blood Queen’s taxes. Influenced by the
nobility, the Consortium, and the other wealthy
citizens, the Council has shifted the vast majority
of the tax burden onto the common people
through raised rents, fines and fees, local tithes,
and blatant property confiscation. The City
Guard, their numbers bolstered by hired muscle
from the Mercenary Guild, violently enforces the
collection of taxes and, on top of that, frequently
steals more than is actually owed. What’s worse
is that anyone brave enough to speak out against
this blatant corruption is quickly imprisoned
and sent to be part of the Blood Tithe. In fact,
the Blood Tithe is used as an excuse to get rid of
anyone the people in power dislike, no matter
how petty the reason. Spilling wine on the
wrong noble could easily get a servant and their
entire family shipped off as part of the Blood
Tithe. And though many people do survive
serving as part of the tithe, they are rarely
ever granted admittance back into Raffenburg,
transforming what is meant to be a year of
mandatory service into a writ of exile.
Understandably, these practices have
inspired deep seated rage and hatred that festers
as tax season rolls around every year, though this
year things have grown exponentially worse.
Word has spread that the Queen’s dreaded Tax
Collector will be coming to collect much earlier
than usual. In fact, he’ll arrive just in time for the
Winter Solstice, the most important celebration
of the year, transforming what would normally
be a time of festive joy into a waking nightmare
of stress and anguish for most of the population.
This will cause tensions to boil over, plunging
the city into turmoil upon the night of Solstice.
Considering the fact that the Blood Queen
specifically asked the adventurers to travel
to Raffenburg to quell the unrest in the city,
Beleroth’s timing will likely be seen as suspect.
And, in truth, it is. Though he would never have
 been able to predict how bad things would get,
he certainly intends to cause as much trouble
as he can, even if only indirectly. He doesn’t
trust that the adventurers have his Czerina’s
best interests at heart, and thus wishes to test
them to see where their intentions truly lie. If
he sees them act in a manner that fits Czerina’s
request to secure the city in her name, he will
re-evaluate his opinion of them. However, if he
sees them plot and scheme in a way that resists
Czerina’s rule, he will begin to lay plans to kill
the adventurers in the future. He must do this
carefully, for he knows killing the adventurers
outright would only anger and hurt the love
of his life, something he desperately wishes to
avoid, even if he does not trust her judgement
of the adventurers in the first place. Should they
be slain sometime in the future, however, due
to circumstances that he arranged, well, that
would merely prove that his suspicions were
correct and that they were never worthy in the
first place. It’s a delicate tightrope of mental
gymnastics, though after millenia of torment,
Beleroth is no longer the most logical of beings.
The Winter Solstice
As you’ve surely noticed by now,
Wreythau is a land perpetually locked beneath
the shadow of roiling storm clouds. Occasionally,
at night, the moon and stars will shine through,
but the sun itself is only ever seen one day each
year, and that is the morning after the Winter
Solstice. For that one day, the sun shines, and the
oppressive storm clouds give way to a startlingly
blue sky. Because of this, the People of Wrethau
view the Winter Solstice as the last day of the
year, and count the next morning as the rebirth
of the sun and the beginning of the new year.
This is the greatest holiday in the Church of
the Morninglord, though it was celebrated long
before Temelloth (the Abbot) came to Wreythau
and is considered the most important celebration
by even the non-religious.
Festivities vary across the settlements in
Wreythau, though in Raffenburg, the Winter
Solstice is also known as the Festival of Lights,
and colorful lanterns of paper and glass are hung
CH 4 THE BLOOD QUEEN AWAKENS
214
everywhere and tended so that they can burn
long into the darkest night of the year. It is also a
time of great indulgence, as the rebirth of the sun
is thought to wash all traces of evil away, and so
the people party wildly all through the night and
then rest beneath the warm rays of the sun. The
entire city effectively shuts down for that night
and day. Only the most well paid guards and
servants attend to their duties, meaning that for
most of the city public order effectively ceases to
exist, particularly in the Market District, though
most everyone is too busy partying to attempt
serious crime.
Signs of Tension
As the adventurers explore the city and
begin to discover the conflict brewing amongst
the people, sprinkle in the following signs of
tension to help illustrate the unrest in the city.
“By order of the Council…”
Nailed to almost every sign post and
doorway are flyers declaring that all taxes, tithes,
fines, and fees are to be paid before the Solstice.
Dates are given for when the Guard will come to
collect from residents of the street in question.
Penalties for refusing to pay include: total
confiscation of property, involuntary servitude,
or being chosen for the Blood Tithe.
“Throw off your shackles…”
Plastered across alley walls or fluttering
past in the breeze are other flyers declaring
that the time has come to rise up against the
Council. Most of these flyers consist of lists
of grievances, while other, out of date, flyers
detail where rallies will be held. Common
slogans include: “We are the City”, “Make the
Council Bow”, “Guarding who? Not you!”, and
“Revolution Now!”
A DC 14 History Check will uncover
that a secret Revolutionary meeting will be
held in a few night’s time near the Menagerie
Livestock Market.
 “5 silver per participant, 5 gold in case
of death…”
Large crowds are seen clustering around
public notice boards, discussing the pros and
cons of volunteering for human experimentation
trials at the University. No one can seem to agree
on whether the coin is worth the risk, though a
desperate few either snatch the flyer and run or
beg the others to explain to them where to go to
enroll in the experiments.
Experiments range from testing potions to
undergoing invasive medical procedures.
A DC 14 Arcana Check will reveal that
most of the experiments are likely to maim,
but not kill, and there is no payment for
harm incurred.
Changing Prices
The price of everything has gone up. At
market stalls, old prices are crossed out. At inns
and other establishments, new fees are listed.
Even asking for directions will result in upturned
palms being offered before anything else.
Harsh Curfews
In the Market and Guild Districts, new
curfews have been levied. Anyone not found
indoors by the time night falls will be subject
to immediate arrest and all property will be
summarily confiscated.
Talking to any citizens will reveal that the
curfews are a result of previous clashes in the
streets between citizens and the Guard.
Stepping Over Bodies
In the Market and Guild Districts, there
are bodies being left to rot in the gutter. Anyone
traveling more than several blocks will pass
dozens of bodies.
A DC 12 Medicine Check will reveal
that they were killed with blunt weapons,
longswords, crossbows, or elemental magic.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
215
Time of death varies between days and weeks.
Coincidentally, the Guard all carry longswords,
shields, and crossbows.
City Factions
As a city torn by conflict, Raffenburg has begun
to fragment. While most of the population simply
feels trapped in the middle, groups have begun to
splinter away, forming powerful factions that now
struggle for control of the city itself. Each faction
is unique, with its own goals and cast of characters,
all of which the adventurers will discover as they
interact with the city.
The Authority
Arguably the most powerful faction in
Raffenburg is The Authority, the men and women
who already hold the majority of political power.
Primarily, The Authority is composed of the City
Council, as well as the City Guard. The Council,
of course, decides all matters of local policy, while
the Guard enforces them. In essence, this gives
the Guard a tremendous amount of power and
they are loath to part with it, no matter what that
means for the rest of the citizenry.
As for the Council itself, it is made up of nine
members. Each member has inherited their
position much in the same way that a noble would
inherit lands. This is the way it’s been done for
centuries, although records do exist that at one
point in time, every member of the Council was
elected to represent one of the city’s districts,
with three members selected from the nobility
to round things out. Over time that changed, as
elections were held less and less, and eventually
they stopped happening altogether. Now the City
Councilors are nobility in everything but name.
The members of the council include:
Ivan Bauer, Ionel Arcos, Murielle Platz, Magda
Vulcanescu, Axel Haring, Olivia Petran, Klaus
Kant, Anja Kessel, and Elsa Drache.
Each is as out of touch and as privileged as
the last. Politicking is seen more as a game
 than anything else, and none are willing to
abdicate power.
The City Guard, however, is different.
Each district has its own Guard Captain and
garrison, though all serve beneath the Guard
Commander who also oversees the 7th, unofficial
district: that of Council Hill. The Guard
Commander has total authority, second only
to the City Council, though the current Guard
Commander, Hans Gault, prefers a hands off
approach. He’s living well in Council Hill and cares
little for managing anything else. He leaves almost
all decisions up to the respective Guard Captain,
allowing them to rule over their district as if it
were their own personal fiefdom.
This is supported by the fact that there is
no judicial system in Raffenburg. As the Queen,
it was Czerina’s responsibility to appoint Judges
that would represent the Crown, but as she’s been
slumbering for a few centuries, no new Justices
have been appointed, and none of her court have
seen fit to correct this problem. The gold and
blood have kept flowing, so there was no reason to
complicate things. Or, at least that’s how the other
royals interpreted the situation, contributing to the
massive corruption within the ranks of the Guard.
Now, there is no due process, there is no
trial, there is nothing but the punishment, and that
sort of power always corrupts.
Below is a list of the current Guard
Captains for each district, as well as their general
outlook when it comes to the city:
Velkan Kirsch is the Captain of the
Market District. He’s a bitter human man in
his 60th year. He hates his duty to oversee the
overcrowded slums of the Market District and
all the trouble that it brings, and he gives the
Guards beneath him as much leash as they wish.
Body count doesn’t matter. Only gold and some
semblance of order.
Astrid Oathstone is the Captain of the
Guild District. She is a dwarven woman in her
200th year. Astrid knows that order relies upon
predictability, and so the Guard serving under her
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
216
are given strict procedures to follow. Her force
would be the most well respected in the city were
it not for the corruption in the ranks. As long as it
only affects the workers, and not those in power in
the guilds, Captain Oathstone is satisfied.
Sebastien Tarsch commands the garrison
of the Blueblood District. A dashing human fellow
in his 30s, Sebastien actually has the smallest
guard force of any Captain due to the fact that the
nobility prefers to command their own security
forces rather than leave it up to someone else.
Nonetheless, his guards are some of the most rabid
and brutal in the city. If you’re not wearing livery,
you don’t have some sort of written document,
and if you’re not carrying a large parcel, then
you’re just as likely to be beaten and imprisoned by
Tarsch’s guard as you are anything else.
Veronique Bruhl commands the
University District. A halfling in her 30s, Captain
Bruhl is the most forward thinking of the Guard.
She recognizes that there is a need for evidence,
and trials, and that morals and ethics are just as
important as law and order. Unfortunately, she
only has one district to command, and she’s not
well regarded by her peers.
Torben Erhlinger is Captain of the Art
District. A human man in his 50s, Erhlinger is a
huge fan of the theater and attends nearly every
night. His guard force is lax, though as a “patron of
the arts”, he cracks down on corruption more than
any other Captain (besides Bruhl), as he knows it
will harm his beloved district.
Lastly, Esther Mullenbach commands
the guard of the Cathedral District, such as
they are. In truth, almost every ‘guard’ in the
Cathedral District is a member of the Inquisition,
just as Esther is. They’re far more interested in
infiltrating the other Districts and growing their
ranks than they are anything else. Bruhl and
Erhlinger suspect this, but Tarsch, Oathstone, and
Kirsch couldn’t care less so long as the perception
of order is maintained.
Each Captain dictates how their garrison
is run, though the standard organization is the
following: guards form squadrons of 10 guards,
 and each squadron is then split into 5 pairs. A
sergeant oversees 4 squadrons (40 guard). Finally,
each sergeant reports to their Captain. Each
district has hundreds, if not a few thousand guards.
The Consortium
Ah, the Wreythian Merchant Consortium.
By this point you probably know them well.
Economic domination at any cost. The thing is,
they’ve basically achieved that goal, and have
grown complacent in the meantime. It’s not so
much arrogance that’s blinding them, but rather
the fact that, because they’ve been dominant for
so long, there is simply no historical precedent
that even hints that their world will change. Only
the members of the Outer Seas have any concept
of what could happen, or how they might need
to adapt, though once they return home they are
quickly encouraged to fall in line and accept how
things are in Wreythau. It certainly helps that, by
and large, things are very comfortable once they
do finally agree to settle down.
Except, all of that is going to change.
In addition to Cival, the leader of the
Revolution (see below), there are three other
former members of the Outer Seas that have been
bold enough to reject the status quo. They are the
three half-elven Gheata sisters (pronounced:
Gyata): Anca, Sorina, and Ileana.
The owners of the Drowning Sun,
the most notorious hotel, brothel, gambling
parlor, etc, in Raffenburg, the Gheata sisters are
intelligence traders and ambitious profiteers
that are not content to accept their lot in the
Consortium. They were arguably the best
operatives the Outer Seas had ever had, though
once their tour of service was up and they were
forced to return home, they found that there
was little waiting for them back in the land of
their birth. There was no need for their skills
in Wreythau. There was no challenge. Nothing
but the promise of a boring life as three minor
functionaries, no matter all the astounding acts of
espionage they’d carried out back on the material
plane. Increasingly bitter, the Gheata sisters began
to plot a coup within the ranks of the Raffenburg
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
217
Regional Operation. They built the House of the
Drowning Sun and began to gather intelligence
from all across the city, as well as the rest of the
land, and began to put a plan in place. That is, until
they discovered Cival and her revolutionary plot.
Rather than turn her in for little to
no reward, the Gheata sisters became her
conspirators, helping hide evidence of the
revolution and funneling Cival information that
she could use to further her cause. The way they
see it, if Cival succeeds, they’re guaranteed to take
over the Outer Seas, which has always been their
primary goal. However, even if Cival fails, she’ll
have created enough chaos to allow them to carry
out the coup they’d originally planned and achieve
the same result. A win win, the perfect scenario for
the Gheatas, or so they think.
Regardless, the true ruler of the
Consortium in Raffenburg is Valya Fyodorovna,
a vampire that’s reigned over the Consortium’s
Raffenburg region for over 400 years. At one time
in her existence, Valya was just as ambitious as the
Gheata sisters, and rose through the Consortium’s
ranks with cunning and single minded
determination. After having finally climbed to the
height of her aspirations, however, Valya changed.
For the first hundred years, Valya devoted her
energy toward solidifying her position as the head
of the Raffenburg region, and the most influential
member of the Consortium, though heading into
her second century of rule, things changed. Her
worldview became trapped in amber, as did much
of her experience. Now, centuries of night have
passed, almost all of which have been entirely the
same, and Valya very much wishes to keep it that
way. More of her existence has been spent in this
position of power than without it, and so she has
not just come to expect it, but to believe that this is
the way things should be.
Directly beneath Valya are her two
lieutenants, Florentine Schroder and Rhakin
Bauer. Rhakin Bauer is very much content with
how things are, comfortable with his lot in life
and the privileges that his position grants him.
Florentine Schroder, however, has tried to change
the way in which the Consortium operates, at
least as far as she is able. She sees the way that
 Raffenburg is suffering, she sees that it has reached
its breaking point, and has tried to avert it. The
only reason why she hasn’t joined the Revolution
is because she assumes that it will not succeed, and
even if it did, they’re likely just as power hungry as
the Consortium is, and all their talk is little more
than propaganda designed to sway the common
folk. Nonetheless, she could become a valuable
ally, especially for the adventurers.
Otherwise, the Consortium operates much
as it does elsewhere in Wreythau. It oversees
licensing, guild rights, and distribution of goods.
However, the Consortium also collaborates with
the City Council and the Guard when it comes
to the collection of the city’s taxes. They offer a
significant amount of hired muscle at significantly
reduced rates to help enforce the collection of taxes
and ensure that those in power in the city stay
in power. Things are working very well for the
Consortium in Raffenburg, and they don’t want
that to change. Therefore, they are staunch allies
of the Authority faction and will work with them
to maintain the balance of power within the city.
The Revolution
Led by the former Outer Seas operative
Cival, the Revolutionary faction of Raffenburg is
surprisingly diverse. It’s not just exploited workers
and the huddled masses of the impoverished, it
is also filled with university students and skilled
trades-people, as well as barristers, artists, and all
those who can imagine a better way of life than
what has been offered to them. Nonetheless, that
is going to change. Once the revolution ignites,
rage will rule and the leaders of the Revolution
will struggle to steer true to their course, just like
a ship tossed about on a storm-wracked sea. Until
that time, however, the following members of the
revolutionary faction hold the most sway:
Cival: the leader of the faction, and the
owner of the Copper Crown Inn in Leshehoff,
Cival is the revolution’s first architect and
benefactor. Her knowledge of the Consortium’s
practices, all the favors and allies she’d gathered
over her time amongst their ranks, and her
considerable wealth paved the way for a
revolutionary faction in the first place. Using the
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
218
Copper Crown as a front to hide her activities,
Cival has helped organize the Revolution from
afar, as well as hide those of their members hunted
by the powers that be. However, by the time the
adventurers reach Raffenburg, Cival will have also
moved her operation fully into the city. She’ll be
hiding in the Market District, working with her
allies to begin the revolution in full.
All that said, Cival is not actually working
with the revolution’s best interests in mind. For
her, the revolution is simply the stepping stone
that she needs to destabilize the Consortium’s
power and begin to forcibly rebuild the
Consortium into what it was always meant to be:
an organization to benefit the people. Some of the
other revolutionaries are aware that this is her
true goal, and that Raffenburg is merely the key
to achieving it, though not all are aware of this. In
truth, many would be angered if her true goal was
revealed, so angry they would name her a traitor to
the cause and a power struggle would erupt.
Roland Thiel: a half-elven firebrand from
the University District, Thiel is a philosopher and
master of rhetoric. He is responsible for the vast
majority of the revolution’s propaganda. He creates
the flyers, writes impassioned speeches, and helps
orchestrate the revolution’s recruitment efforts.
Technically, he is also a wanted man, though with
Cival’s help he was able to disappear and create
a new identity that allowed him to return to
Raffenburg and hide among the revolution’s allies.
Notably, he can be found in the bar at the House
of the Drowning Sun, meeting and carousing with
other revolutionary agents.
He is a true believer of the cause and
wishes to return control of Raffenburg to its
people so that they can create a society that works
for everyone. Were he to learn of Cival’s true
purposes, he might become a dangerous enemy
for her, and would likely try to replace her as the
leader of the movement itself.
Shonette: a petty criminal and leader of a
modest gang in the Market District, Shonette has
become the revolution’s unofficial enforcer. She
doesn’t really believe in the cause, per se. Certainly
not like Thiel. Instead, she’s motivated largely
 by hatred of the Guards and all the rich nobles,
guildies, councilors, and Consortium agents that
they protect. The future doesn’t really matter. All
that matters is that, finally, they all pay for the
harm and suffering that they’ve caused. Shonette
won’t be satisfied until the blood of her enemies
runs in rivers through the streets.
More importantly, Shonette has been the
key to building the Revolution’s armed forces.
Her knowledge of fighting against the Guard,
as well as other criminals, have allowed the
Revolution to not only survive, but to also strike
back at their enemies. In addition to the gangers
under her command she’s also trained most of the
revolution’s soldiers and has led them through
countless skirmishes and criminal operations
over the years. The loyalty this has inspired is
practically legendary, making Shonette key to
controlling the revolution itself. In the event that
Thiel learns of Cival’s true intentions, he would
need Shonette’s support in order to take over the
Revolution, though whoever Shonette would side
with largely depends upon how many heads they
were willing to offer up. Considering that Cival
wants the Consortium functional, this suggests
Shonette would likely side with Thiel, though only
time will tell.
Max Turnau: is a middle aged orc and
a high ranking member of the Mason’s Guild.
Nonetheless, it is because of his high position that
he is such an ardent supporter of the revolution
as he’s seen the corruption of the Council and the
Consortium in nauseating detail time and time
again. He hates the way the workers of the city
suffer and has vowed to tear the system down,
brick by brick, and build something better in its
place. Turnau is responsible for recruiting almost
half of the Mason’s Guild, as well as hundreds of
workers from other guilds, and has also helped
secure safe houses throughout much of the city.
More importantly, he also knows that
true success for the revolution is only possible if
the Consortium itself can be forced to reform,
along with the Guard and the Council, and has
become one of Cival’s closest allies. Nonetheless,
he wouldn’t die to support her cause, as he believes
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
219
that supporting the revolution as a whole is their
only chance at success.
Yulia Mountainsblood: the last leader
of the revolution is a famous dwarven alchemist
and brewer, though she is not a leader in the
Alchemist’s Guild. Instead, she is considered a
member of the Guild, if only grudgingly, and is
currently working as a Professor at the University.
She detests the Consortium more than anything
and, under her cover at the University, she’s
supplied the revolution with barrels and barrels of
healing potions, acids, alchemist’s fire, and other
compounds in an effort to support their cause.
She was recruited by Cival specifically because of
her well known enmity for the Consortium, and
Yulia would kill, or die, to support Cival’s cause.
Unfortunately, Yulia hasn’t garnered much loyalty
from the average members of the revolution,
meaning her support is worth less than most of the
other leaders, though she is brilliant, and brilliance
is never to be underestimated.
As illustrated above, the revolutionary
faction is somewhat fractured, and because it is
much less formal than most other factions, that
means that there is much less cohesion when it
comes to standard practices. Nonetheless, there are
common tactics that the Revolution has adopted.
When it comes to recruitment, they typically use
two methods: the first is very public, plastering
up flyers and performing rousing rallies on the
streets. The other is the one on one recruitment
that happens in taverns and worksites, slums and
alleyways. Through these tactics the revolution
has garnered significant support over the years
and boasts tens of thousands of members, though
most are merely sympathetic rather than active
participants for the moment.
As far as the active participants are
concerned, they are largely made up of Shonette’s
criminals and soldiers, as well as Cival’s network
of spies, and Turnau’s logistics agents (safehouses,
supply caches, etc). The spies work to gain
leverage on Guard, Council, and Consortium
bureaucrats, servants, and minor functionaries
with bribes, blackmail, or other emotional
leverage. The soldiers frequently skirmish with the
Guard, flouting their control of the streets, while
 the criminals conduct robbery and sabotage to
support their other operations as well as show the
weakness of the powers that be. As for the logistics
agents, they help hide revolutionary members and
give them places to operate, but most importantly
they also prepare for the mass uprising. There
are stockpiles of weapons and supplies hidden
all throughout the city, just waiting to outfit a
frenzied mob at a moment’s notice. These are the
true lifeblood of the revolution and without them,
the Authority faction has a chance to crush any
hope of resistance for centuries to come.
The Cult of Decadence
Hidden within the depths of the Art
District is a profound evil that has festered for
nearly a century, its vile roots having sunk deep
into the heart of the district itself. Now the two
are almost one and the same. To destroy the evil
there would be to destroy the Art District itself,
though perhaps it is not truly the Art District any
longer. Perhaps it is now simply where the Cult of
Decadence hides. Now, there are members of the
Cult everywhere. Every gallery, workshop, theatre,
hotel, brothel, all have been infiltrated by the Cult.
Even if the owners of these establishments are not
also members themselves, many of their employees
will be. And, now that the Cult has grown so large,
and now that the city is wracked with convulsions
of rebellion, the Cult looks to expand.
But what is the Cult of Decadence? It
began, all those years ago, with the showing
of a single painting, a masterwork the likes of
which the citizens of Raffenburg had never
seen before. It was beyond breathtaking, every
stroke of the brush laid down with such indelible
artistry that the painting seemed to be a living
thing, moving before the audience’s eyes. All
who beheld it were enraptured even as they were
horrified by what they saw, for as sublime as the
composition was, as vibrant and nuanced as the
color and shading might be, the subject matter
was beyond monstrous. The painting depicted
the most vile acts imaginable, the most profane
examples of gleeful cruelty that could scarcely
be comprehended, and yet it was, somehow, so
incredibly beautiful that none could look away.
Such was the painter’s skill.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
220
As the legend has it, all who witnessed
that painting were soon driven mad. For some,
the madness began that night, attacking and
murdering strangers in the streets. For others,
the madness took time to metastasize, growing
from one night of fevered nightmares to the next,
until, finally, they were compelled to share their
nightmares with everyone around them. None of
the painting’s audience were spared, nobility and
peasant alike succumbing to its wicked influence.
Word of the painting and the madness it caused
spread throughout the city, and soon a desperate
hunt began for the painting itself, though no trace
of it was ever found again. At least, not as far as
the public was concerned. It is said, by some, that
this apocryphal painting has been shown again,
that it has found new audiences, and worse, that
it has been joined by many more malevolent,
madness inducing works.
So the Cult of Decadence has grown.
The mastermind behind the cult, and the
creator of those cursed works of art, is none other
than one of the Blood Queen’s brides, Isidora.
A prodigy in life, Isidora’s artistic brilliance
became something foul over centuries of Czerina’s
influence. Now, Isidora seeks something beyond
art, beyond flesh, beyond sanity, and has built
the Cult of Decadence to aid her in her endless
search for meaning and power. Now, Isidora’s art
has transcended beyond the mere trappings of
the physical world. Now, her work is magical in
nature, and has practically gained a sentience of its
own. What Isidora creates is no mere illusion. It is
something far, far more horrifying: a manifestation
of the imagination itself, and Isidora’s imagination
has grown beyond dark. What’s more, Isidora has
also enlisted the help of R.K. Schreyer, another
of Czerina’s spouses, and a master dramatist and
writer besides. Together they’ve overseen the Cult
and helped it to flourish until it is the monstrosity
that it is in the present day.
The members of the Cult of Decadence are
not merely those driven insane by the supernatural
evil of Isidora’s artwork, however. They are also
adherents to an arcane and complicated philosophy
that revolves around the idea that all beauty,
 wisdom, transformation, and growth is the result
of suffering, an ideology perfect for the hellish
metropolis of Raffenburg. Every garment, every
meal, everything is the product of someone’s
suffering, and this is something that the Cult not
only delights in, but that they see as necessary.
The horrible state of the city is something they
not only wish to preserve, but something they
wish to amplify, believing that it will help elevate
everyone in the city into a higher state of being. It
is an insane belief, but that is the point of the Cult
of Decadence. They are not interested in ethics or
logic, they are only interested in their own growth
through suffering, both for themselves and others.
The living, beating heart of the Cult is
hidden in a temple built beneath the Galleria
Infernalis, an infamous art gallery found within
the Art District. It is from there that the highest
ranking members of the Cult plot their moves
and conduct their most profane rituals. Only by
destroying the temple is it possible to destroy the
Cult, as well as find the truth of those behind the
Cult itself.
In order to uncover this before the
revolution begins and the cult begins to operate
in the open, however, the adventurers will have
to investigate two events that signal the Cult’s
activities: the “Cult Murder” event and the “A
Night at the Theatre” event. Otherwise, the Cult
will simply make its presence known once they
begin to operate in the open, vying for control of
the city itself (see the next chapter: Revolution of
Raffenburg).
The Church of the Morning Lord
As if one legion of psychopathic fanatics
wasn’t enough, Raffenburg must also contend with
the Church of the Morning Lord itself. As has
been discussed previously, the Church has turned
the Cathedral District into its own stronghold, and
from there it attempts to wrestle control of the rest
of the city. For the most part, the Church of the
Morning Lord does this covertly, relying upon two
avenues of influence: gathering followers through
charitable works, and gathering agents among the
Guard force.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
221
The first avenue of influence is overseen
by Father Lorreus, the highest ranking priest
and spiritual guide of the entire church. Based
out of the mighty Raffenburg Cathedral, Lorreus
conducts many missions of faith, which are
charitable works designed to help provide for
the most impoverished families in the city. The
catch, however, is that only the faithful are able
to partake in the Church’s charity, and so it is that
thousands have been converted to the faith. Entire
tent cities have grown up in the Cathedral district
to help house and care for these new converts,
though this also means that there are thousands
more living under the control of the Church.
Father Lorreus helps to disguise this
less than palatable fact, as well as disguise the
Church’s true mission (theocratic rule), through
his masterful use of rhetoric and public display.
He’s trained hundreds of preachers who take to the
streets, professing love and kindness for all who
embrace the Light of the Morning Lord, and who
offer aid to those in need. All of which creates a
heavy smokescreen that helps to obscure the less
savory elements of how the Church operates, such
as the brutal enforcement of their dogma on both
the faithful and the unfaithful alike.
This leads us to the second avenue of
influence: infiltrating the ranks of the City
Guard with Inquisitorial agents. As has been
discussed in the description of the City Guard,
Esther Mullenbach, the captain of the guard in
the Cathedral District, is really an Inquisitor
of the Morning Lord, as are all of the guards
below her. What’s more, as Esther transfers her
guards to other districts and tries to influence
recruitment by the other Captains, she helps place
inquisitors all throughout the city. This means
that the Inquisition not only has eyes and ears
all throughout the city, they also have agents in
place to strike out at their enemies. Outspoken
opponents of the Church are often disappeared, as
are purveyors of all that which is labeled unholy.
Should High Inquisitor Tarasov, or other
members of the Inquisition to have escaped from
Leshehoff, this could paint a large target upon the
adventurers backs, and they will very likely find
themselves targeted by Guards led by Inquisitors
 themselves. Otherwise, the adventurers will see
evidence of the Church and its activities through Inquisitorial Guard
the Benevolence event (see below). Medium humanoid (human), neutral evil

Father Lorreus —
Armor Class 16 (chainmail)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16)
Medium human, Lawful Evil
Speed 30 ft.
—
Armor Class 18 (natural armor) —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Hit Points 117 (18d8 + 36) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1)
Speed 30 ft. —
Skills Deception +5, Intimidation +5, Religion +2
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Damage Resistances fire
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) Senses passive Perception 10
— Languages Common
Saving Throws Con +6, Wis +8 Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
Skills Performance +13, Persuasion +13, Intimidation +5,
Religion +4 —
Spellcasting. The inquisitorial guard is a 5th-level
Senses passive Perception 13 spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell
Languages any two languages save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It knows the
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4 following spells:
—
Blessed of the Morning Lord: Lorreus has been anointed with Cantrips (at will): control flames, create bonfire, fire bolt,
magical protections that give him natural armor. minor illusion

Spellcasting. Lorreus is a 13th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting 1st level (4 slots): burning hands, expeditious retreat,
ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). hellish rebuke
It has the following cleric spells prepared:
2nd level (3 slots): blur, heat metal
Cantrips (at will): thaumaturgy, mending, sacred flame,
spare the dying 3rd level (2 slots): fireball

1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, guiding bolt, healing word, Actions
shield of faith
Multiattack. The Inquisitorial Guard makes 2 longsword attacks.
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, blindness/deafness,
Longsword. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5
inflict wounds, spiritual weapon
ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) + 3 (1d6) fire damage.
3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, bestow curse, dispel
Note: These are inquisition agents that have infiltrated the
magic, revivify, spirit guardians
city guard.
4th level (3 slots): divination, freedom of movement,
guardian of faith, locate creature

5th level (2 slot): contagion, flame strike, insect plague,

mass cure wounds The Reinwalds
6th level (1 slot): harm, heal The last faction of power within
7th level (1 slot): resurrection Raffenburg is the venerable House of Reinwald,
the most influential nobles outside of Czerina’s
Actions court itself. They not only own the County
Actions
which Raffenburg sits inside, they also hold all
Staff of Office. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one the rights and privileges that come with it. This
target. Hit: 4 (1d8) bludgeoning damage
makes them the single most powerful noble family
Legendary Actions in Wreythau, which is perhaps fitting, as they
Lorreus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the are without a doubt the oldest, pre-dating even
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time Czerina’s reign by millenia. Were they an ordinary
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Lorreus regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn. family they certainly would have faded and
disappeared from memory long ago, though they
Move (1 action). Lorreus moves up to his speed without
provoking opportunity attacks.
are no ordinary family. They struck bargains with
the Fey known as Vargr, and became something
Cast a Spell (2 actions). Lorreus casts one spell.
more than human. They became Werewolves,
(Un)Holy Rebuke (1 action). Lorreus can cast Hellish Rebuke though not as most would understand them.
at 3rd Level.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
222
 They are tied to the land, and to the hunt, and the
magic of the Feywilds flows through their blood.
It is this which has allowed them to weather the
tempestuous history of the island and to retain
power throughout, no matter who else might
reign, for it is truly Vargr to whom they owe their
allegiance. Until such a time as they can claim the
land for Vargr itself, they simply play at being loyal
to whoever wears Wreythau’s crown.
In the meantime, the Reinwalds gather
their strength, and surprisingly, they do so by
playing at being hedonists. They throw incredible
parties, travel frequently, and indulge in all the
pleasures that can be found. This not only allows
them to satiate their more primal natures, it also
helps disguise the fact they are gathering allies for
when the time comes to claim Wreythau for their
true master and for themselves. How they do this
varies, of course. For some, they tempt them into
compromising positions and blackmail them. For
others, they use the gift of their blessing (or curse,
as most would see it), and for the rest they simply
play politics. Whatever is most prudent.
Because of these tactics, the Reinwald
clan has grown very large, indeed, though there
is a reigning family that holds all the power. That
particular honor belongs to Count Cornelius
Reinwald, Countess Ilse Reinwald, and their
daughters: Yasviga Reinwald and Ustinya
Reinwald. Yasviga is the youngest of the family
and is frequently seen as the foolish pup, being
barely thirty years old. In contrast, Ustinya is
over 168 years old, and she’s had several children
with her husband, Karloff, who are all quite a bit
older than Yasviga. Nonetheless, as Daughter of
the Count and Countess, Yasviga holds a position
that is far elevated above her (much older) nieces
and nephews, a fact that enrages both Ustinya and
Karloff and has lead them to try and assassinate
Yasviga on more than one occasion. Perhaps
understandably, Yasviga decided she would rather
travel abroad than deal with her overbearing and
homicidal family, though now that she’s returned,
she has little choice.
What makes matters worse is that Ustinya
and Karloff have successfully killed off the other
siblings through the years, meaning that Yasviga
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
223
is the last one standing in their way, and after
her, the Count and Countess themselves. As for
Cornelius and Ilse, who are the current patriarch
and matriarch, they see nothing wrong with this
situation. They believe that only the strongest
are fit to rule, and though they were saddened by
the loss of their other children, they accept it as
readily as they accept that their prey must die so
that they can feast. It is all part of nature, at least
as they understand it, and they welcome the day
one of their offspring will be strong enough to
send them to dwell with Vargr. In the meantime,
they focus upon ruling the House of Reinwald
and playing their millenia old game of gathering
power and waiting for the chance to claim the land
for their own.
That means, while they dwell in
Raffenburg, hosting more parties and more hunts.
The parties themselves are classic hedonistic
affairs, full of indulgence of all varieties. The
purpose of the parties is to help them gain and
maintain allies, as discussed above, though it is
also to help them pick out new prey for their
hunts. That’s right, the Reinwalds’ hunt the
most dangerous game, and they do so within the
grounds of their estate in Raffenburg. As you
might have noticed from the map, the Reinwalds’
estate includes vast tracts of forest that are walled
off from the rest of the city, and it is within this
land that they conduct their hunts. Occasionally,
humanoid screams can be heard echoing out from
behind those walls, though most hunts end well
before their prey realize that there is no escape
from the grounds of the estate.
If the adventurers helped Yasviga escape
from the Catacombs in Leshehoff, and if they have
not tried to kill her, then she will attempt to enlist
their help to combat her murderous sister, and
potentially even her parents. She has a surprising
amount of humanity for a werewolf raised in such
a predatory environment. Regardless, if the above
conditions are met, she’ll invite the adventurers
to one of the parties and plot with them to try
and turn the next hunt into a trap for Ustinya and
Karloff. If the above conditions are not met, then
the adventurers will receive an invitation from the
Count and Countess themselves.
 Count Cornelius Reinwald
Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil
— —
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 200 (20d8 + 110)
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in hybrid form, 50 ft. in dire wolf form).
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 18(+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +9, Cha +8
Skills Perception +13, Stealth +9
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP) P roficiency Bonus +5
— —
Blood Frenzy. Count Reinwald has advantage on attack rolls
against a creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). When Count Reinwald fails a
saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. Count Reinwald regains 10 hit points at the start
of each of his turns. If Count Reinwald takes damage from a
silver weapon, this trait doesn’t function at the start of Count
Reinwald’s next turn. Count Reinwald dies only if it starts its turn
with 0 hit points and doesn’t regenerate.
Actions
Multiattack. Count Reinwald makes two attacks: two with its
Longsword (humanoid form) or one with its Bite and one with
its Claws (dire wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing
damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a
Humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw
or be cursed with loup garou lycanthropy.
Claws (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon
Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4)
slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a
DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Longsword +2 (Humanoid Form Only). Melee Weapon
Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7)
slashing damage, or 18 (2d10 + 7) slashing damage if used with
two hands.
Change Shape. As a bonus action, Count Reinwald polymorphs
into a Large wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a Large dire wolf, or
back into its true form, which appears humanoid. Its statistics,
other than its size and speed, are the same in each form. It
reverts to its true form if it dies.
Legendary Actions
Count Reinwald can take 3 legendary actions, choosing
from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used
at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Count
Reinwald regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Swipe. Count Reinwald makes one Claws attack (dire wolf
or hybrid form only) or one Longsword attack (humanoid
form only).
Mauling Pounce (Costs 2 Actions). Count Reinwald moves up
to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and he can
make one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid form only) or one
Longsword attack (humanoid form only) against each creature
he moves past.
Bite (Costs
CHAPTER 5 . 3RAFFENBURG
Actions). Count Reinwald changes into hybrid or
224 dire wolf form and then makes one Bite attack.
Countess Ilse Reinwald
Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 200 (20d8 + 110)
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in hybrid form, 50 ft. in dire wolf form).
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 18(+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +9, Wis +10, Cha +8
Skills Perception +15, Stealth +9, Religion + 7, History +7
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 25
Languages Common, Sylvan
\Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
Blood Frenzy. Ilse has advantage on attack rolls against a creature that
doesn’t have all its hit points.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). When Ilse fails a saving throw, she can
choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. Ilse regains 10 hit points at the start of each of its turns. If
Ilse takes damage from a silver weapon, this trait doesn’t function at the
start of Ilse’s next turn. Ilse only dies if she starts her turn with 0 hit points
and doesn’t regenerate.
Spellcasting. Ilse is a 12th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is
Wisdom (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). She has the
following druid spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Poison Spray, Thorn Whip, Druidcraft, Guidance
1st level (4 slots): Absorb Elements, Entangle, Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud
2nd level (3 slots): Heat Metal, Spike Growth, Pass Without Trace
3rd level (3 slots): Call Lightning, Counterspell, Dispel Magic
4th level (3 slots): Blight, Guardian of Nature, Wall of Fire
5th level (2 slots): Greater Restoration, Insect Plague, Scrying
6th level (1 slot): Conjure Fey, Wall of Thorns
Actions
Multiattack. Ilse makes two attacks: one with its Bite and one with its
Claws (dire wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6)
necrotic damage. If the target is a Humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 17
Constitution saving throw or be cursed with loup garou lycanthropy.
Claws (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. If the target
is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Change Shape. As a bonus action, Ilse polymorphs into a Large wolf-
humanoid hybrid or into a Large dire wolf, or back into its true form, which
appears humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are the same
in each form. She reverts to her true form if it dies.
Legendary Actions
Ilse can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below.
Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of
another creature’s turn. Ilse regains spent legendary actions at the start
of its turn.
Swipe. Ilse makes one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid form only).
Mauling Pounce (Costs 2 Actions). Ilse moves up to her speed without
provoking opportunity attacks, and she can make one Claws attack (dire
wolf or hybrid form only) against each creature she moves past.
Rapid Cast (Costs 2 Actions). Ilse can move up to her speed without
provoking opportunity attacks and casts one spell (in human form only).
 Yasviga - Karloff - Loup Garou
Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 170 (20d8 + 80)
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in hybrid form, 50 ft. in dire wolf form)
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 18(+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +9, Cha +8
Skills Perception +13, Stealth +9
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
—
Blood Frenzy. The loup garou has advantage on attack rolls against
a creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). When the loup garou fails a saving
throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. The loup garou regains 10 hit points at the start
of each of its turns. If the loup garou takes damage from a silver
weapon, this trait doesn’t function at the start of the loup garou’s
next turn. The loup garou dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit
points and doesn’t regenerate.
Actions
Multiattack. The loup garou makes two attacks: two with its
Longsword (humanoid form) or one with its Bite and one with its
Claws (dire wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage
plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a Humanoid, it must
succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with
loup garou lycanthropy.
Claws (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. If
the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving
throw or be knocked prone.
Longsword (Humanoid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 15
(2d10 + 4) slashing damage if used with two hands.
Change Shape. As a Bonus action, the loup garou polymorphs into
a Large wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a Large dire wolf, or back into
its true form, which appears humanoid. Its statistics, other than
its size and speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is
wearing or carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form
if it dies.
Legendary Actions
The loup garou can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a
time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The loup garou
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Swipe. The loup garou makes one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid
form only) or one Longsword attack (humanoid form only).
Mauling Pounce (Costs 2 Actions). The loup garou moves up to
its speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and it can make
one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid form only) or one Longsword
attack (humanoid form only) against each creature it moves past.
Bite (Costs 3 Actions). The loup garou changes into hybrid or dire
wolf form and then makes one Bite attack.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
225
Ustinya
Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 170 (20d8 + 80)
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in hybrid form, 50 ft. in dire wolf form)
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 18(+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +9, Cha +8
Skills Perception +13, Stealth +9
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
—
Blood Frenzy. Ustinya has advantage on attack rolls against a creature
that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). When Ustinya fails a saving throw, it
can choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. Ustinya regains 10 hit points at the start of each
of its turns. If the loup garou takes damage from a silver weapon,
this trait doesn’t function at the start of the loup garou’s next turn.
The loup garou dies only if it starts its turn with 0 hit points and
doesn’t regenerate.
Actions
Multiattack. Ustinya makes two attacks: two with its Longsword
(humanoid form), two with its Longbow (humanoid form), or one
with its Bite and one with its Claws (dire wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage
plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a Humanoid, it must
succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with loup
garou lycanthropy.
Claws (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. If the
target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw
or be knocked prone.
Longbow (Humanoid Form Only). Ranged Weapon Attack: + 9 to hit,
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 13 piercing damage (2d8 + 4).
Longsword (Humanoid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage, or 15 (2d10
+ 4) slashing damage if used with two hands.
Change Shape. As a bonus action, Ustinya polymorphs into a Large
wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a Large dire wolf, or back into its true
form, which appears humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size and
speed, are the same in each form. Any equipment it is wearing or
carrying isn’t transformed. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
Legendary Actions
The loup garou can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. The loup garou regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Swipe. The loup garou makes one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid
form only) or one Longsword attack (humanoid form only).
Mauling Pounce (Costs 2 Actions). The loup garou moves up to
its speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and it can make one
Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid form only) or one Longsword attack
(humanoid form only) against each creature it moves past.
Consummate Hunter (Costs 3 Actions). Ustinya moves up to her
speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and she can make one
longbow attack against each target within range.
 City Events
I Am The Law
Location: Market District
Recommended Level: 5
Summary:
The adventurers come across a group of the
City Guard confiscating the property of everyone
living within one of the many slums in the
Market District. The people plead and beg with
the guard to leave them something, but their
pleas are soon met with violence and murder.
Regardless of whether the adventurers intervene,
the Guard soon come under attack from a group
of Revolutionaries whose goal is to hijack the
tax shipment. If the adventurers do help the
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
226
Revolutionaries, or the Guards, they will be given
invitations that, when followed up on, will help
the adventurers learn more about each faction and
how they operate.
This event is incredibly important
because it helps show the adventurers why
there is so much conflict happening within
the city. Furthermore, it helps introduce both
the Authority and the Revolution factions and
illustrates the bloody conflict brewing between
them. Because of this, I would suggest running this
event shortly after the adventurers enter the city
and the Market District itself.
 The Market District opens up all around
you, a seemingly endless sprawl of cramped,
decaying buildings and winding, filth strewn
streets. The people you pass by wear worn,
stained clothing, their hollow eyes lingering
upon your wealth and upon your weapons.
None trouble you, though you can feel them
watching you, dozens upon dozens of eyes
following your every move.
Then, you hear it, off in the distance:
trouble. As you get closer, the sounds resolve
themselves into voices barking orders, the
wretched sobs of terrified people, and the
splintering crunch of breaking wood.
As you come in sight of the disturbance,
you see what appears to be a building being
ransacked. The people are crowded together
across the road as men and women in Guard
uniforms drag their belongings out onto
the street or throw them from the windows.
Furniture, food, tools, anything of value is
taken and added to carts already piled high
with valuables from other households.
Feel free to summarize or describe as much
as you’d like. The people will plead and beg the
guard to leave them something, anything, and will
get more and more desperate until, eventually, the
Guard escalate and kill a few of the most vocal,
declaring that they are criminals and enemies of
the Council.
If the adventurers step in and demand to
know what’s going on, the Guard will explain that
everyone in the building is a criminal that hasn’t
paid their taxes and so all of their property is being
confiscated. The adventurers will be warned not
to interfere.
There are 4 City Guard and 1 Guard
Arcanist present.
The Guard cannot be reasoned with, or
intimidated, and the Guard Arcanist in their ranks
will counterspell any hostile magic directed at the
Guards. What’s more, if the adventurers continue
to press or otherwise annoy the Guard, then
the Guard won’t hesitate to try and punish the
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
227
adventurers, demanding payment under the guise
of taxes, and if the adventurers do not comply,
then the Guard will attack.
However, in the event of combat, OR
the adventurers just moving on, then the tax
shipment ambush will occur. For, while all this
was going on, 4-6 Revolution Guerillas have
been lurking nearby and waiting for their chance
to steal the tax shipment. They will use the
adventurers as a distraction, if possible, but will
proceed with their ambush regardless of whether
or not the adventurers interact with the Guard.
The Guerillas’ goal is to steal both of the wagons
holding the confiscated wealth and get away.
This means killing the Guard Arcanist first, then
securing the carts, and then driving away. The
Guard Arcanist can summon reinforcements,
making them a critical target.
For new DMs, note: do not actually play
out the two groups fighting. Instead, decide what
you think would happen first, and then adjust
based off of the player’s actions. For example, I
would say that the Guerillas would succeed, as they
can move faster than the guard and their goal is to
steal the carts and escape. The players could help
by distracting the guard, or could end up getting
in the way. Either way, what’s important are the
actions of the players themselves, so only play out
what they affect/what affects them.
If the adventurers help kill the guard, or
otherwise help the Guerilla’s steal the shipment,
then they will be told to find Roland Thiel at
the House of the Drowning Sun and that he can
tell them more.
If the adventurers help kill the Guerillas
or otherwise help the Guard, they will be given 10
gold and told to find the Mercenary Guild in the
Guild District if they want more work.
 City Guard Revolution Guerilla
Medium humanoid (any), any alignment Medium humanoid (any), any alignment

—
Armor Class 17 (Half plate + Shield)
—
Armor Class 15 (studded leather armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 11(+0) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 16(+3) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0)
—
Saving Throws Con +4, Wis +2 —
Skills Intimidation +1, Perception +2, Stealth +5
Senses passive Perception 10 Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages any one language (usually Common) Languages Common
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2 Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
— —
Cunning Action. On each of its turns, the Guerilla can use a bonus
Actions
action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Multiattack. The Guard makes two melee attacks.
Dirty Fighting. The Guerilla deals 2 extra dice of damage when it hits
Lightning Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one a target with a weapon attack (included in its attacks).
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) lightning damage.
Killer. In the first round of a combat, the Guerilla has advantage
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, range 100/400 ft., on attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn yet. If
one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing damage. the Guerilla hits a creature that round who was surprised, the hit is
automatically a critical hit.
Reactions

Parry. The Guard adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would Actions
hit it. To do so, the Guard must see the attacker and be wielding a Multiattack. The Guerilla makes two shortsword or dart attacks, or
melee weapon. one Acid Grenade attack.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.

Guard Arcanist Hit: 14 (3d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Medium humanoid (any), any alignment
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit:
— 10 (3d4 + 3) piercing damage.
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 40 (9d8) Acid Grenade (2 Charges). The guerilla throws a flask of weaponized
Speed 30 ft. acid at a target. The target must succeed a DC 14 Dexterity save or
— take 10 (4d4) acid damage immediately, and 5 (2d4) acid damage at
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
the start of their turn until the acid is removed. The target, or an ally,
10 (+3) 14(+2) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
can take an action to scrape or wash the acid off.
—
Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4
Skills Arcana +6, History +6
Benevolence
Senses passive Perception 11
Location: Market District
Languages any four languages
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) P roficiency Bonus +3 Recommended Level: 5
—
Spellcasting. The mage is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability
is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The Summary:
mage has the following wizard spells prepared: The adventurers come across one of the
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation
Church’s many charity programs. Priests distribute
food and clothing to all who convert, all while a
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic
missile, shield
pair of Inquisitors watch on.

2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion

3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, fly
4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility, ice storm
5th level (1 slot): cone of cold
Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Reinforcement Flare. As an action, a Guard Arcanist can fire a
magical flare into the sky. This flare will attract more Guards in 1
minute (10 rounds). The Flare can be counterspelled.
This event is crucial for introducing the
less militaristic side of the Church of the Morning
Lord, as well as introduce Father Lorreus, the
public leader of the Church and the head of the
Raffenburg faction. Unlike Tarasov or the Abbot,
Lorreus is a master manipulator and relies as much
upon public support and perception as he does
upon the righteous might of the Inquisition.

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
228
 This event can happen at any time, though
it is recommended that you introduce it early on.
Perhaps when the adventurers approach the House
of the Drowning Sun or when they leave it after
their first night.
As you walk down the filth strewn streets of
the Market District you come upon a startling
sight. A tent of pristine white canvas and
golden embroidery has been set up beside a
public fountain and about a dozen men and
women in pristine clerical vestments bustle
about, tending to sicknesses, distributing
clothing and goods, or serving soup and
bread to a large crowd of the desperate and
the destitute.
In the center of it all stands a tall, elven man
wearing beautiful ceremonial robes. His head
is shaved, and his features are so chiseled and
perfect that he almost appears to be not of
this earth. In one hand he holds an opulent
container of oil, and the other rests upon the
head of a woman kneeling before him.
“Step forth, all who would embrace the
Light of the Morning Lord,” he intones
as he finishes his blessing. “Let the Light
fill your spirit and you will find all your
troubles eased.”
A DC 10 Religion check will confirm
that he is not only a high ranking member of
the church but that he is performing a blessing
to accept new converts into the Church of the
Morning Lord.
Based on the line of people still waiting
to be converted and hungrily eyeing the bread
and soup, it’s clear that only the faithful are given
the charity.
This is Father Lorreus, charismatically
growing the ranks of the faithful and spreading
Morning Lord propaganda. The charity is simply
an enticement, though the truth is, it is the
difference between life and death for thousands
within Raffenburg, such is the dire state of the city.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
229
If the adventurers try to leave instead of
investigating the event, Father Lorreus will call
out to them. He’s heard of whatever happened in
Leshehoff and wishes to address those who helped
or (most likely) hurt the Church.
His goal is to begin to sway public opinion
against the party. He will do this by using their
own words against them. In other words, he will
ask them questions! Questions like:
• Who did they leave Leshehoff with?
• Who owns their allegiance?
• How many will starve in Leshehoff because
of the adventurers’ actions?
• How many of your enemies were spared?
How many were killed?
• What are your plans for this city?
• If you wish to help the people, why not
donate your wealth to the cause of feeding
and clothing them?
These are just examples, feel free to come
up with other questions and don’t be afraid to mix
up Father Lorreus’ tactics. In essence, he wishes
to shame the party and make them appear to be
greedy psychopaths that cannot be trusted.
Also, note that this is intended to be a
roleplaying encounter and not a skill challenge.
Have Lorreus call on multiple members of the
party to answer his questions, not just the most
charismatic, and describe the crowd’s reaction to
their words. If they make good points, have the
crowd acknowledge it. If not, then have Lorreus
play it up. He espouses that the Morning Lord is
all about truth and light, nurturing and protection
from evil, and considering that the adventurers
likely did do a lot of killing in Leshehoff, this buys
him a lot of moral high ground, particularly since
he is literally giving charity as they speak.
And, should anyone attempt to throw dice
to persuade the crowd against Lorreus, they will
be at Disadvantage and at best will only be able to
plant seeds of doubt. No single roll will override
his years of public facing charity.
Ultimately, however, this event will end
whenever the party decides to leave. They won’t
be stopped or pursued, and though it will affect
 some of the adventurers’ reputation, it’s nothing
significant. The only caveat to that being if the
adventurers start combat for some reason. In
that case, the crowd would turn into a mob and
buy time for both Lorreus to get away and for
the Guard to show up. This would be a very,
very bad idea.
Cult Murder
Location: Any (suggested, Grand Market or
Campus Green)
Recommended Level: 5
Summary:
Members of the Cult of Decadence
perform a ritual murder in a public location. Their
murder victim is then possessed by a Demon
and rises as an ally of the Cult and a recurring
antagonist of the adventurers themselves.
This event can happen at any time,
and in any location that you wish, though it is
recommended that you wait to introduce it until
the adventurers have had a few days to explore
Raffenberg. The Cult isn’t the biggest problem
in the city, particularly not at this point in time,
though they are growing bolder and this act of
ritual murder is one of their first acts of public
violence. In some ways, it’s the first announcement
of the Cult’s presence and how dangerous
they really are.
Where you decide to set this encounter
will affect some of the details, though overall,
due to the simplicity of the encounter, not much
will change. The adventurers will stumble upon
the murder just as it is being performed and the
Demon will be summoned regardless.
As you continue on, you realize that
something is off. The streets are quiet, far too
quiet for a city this size, no matter the time of
day or night. But then, you hear it, off in the
distance. There are voices, chanting in unison,
the words sibilant and indistinct. Following
the sound of the chant, you come across the
scene of something terrible.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
230
Five figures clad in black robes stand in a
rough circle around a man who has been
bound and gagged, with a sixth robed figure
standing above him. Blood stains the victim’s
clothing, though he is still struggling, his eyes
pleading as the robed figure above him raises
a wicked knife high.
“Vashireth, enter your vessel,” the black
robed ritualists chant, just as the knife
plunges down.]
If the adventurers hide and watch, then
they will witness the slain victim “return” to life
a few moments later. The corpse will stretch
horribly, it’s bones breaking, its muscle tearing
as it grows into a large, androgenous creature
with terrible, shifting runes carved across every
inch of its flesh. This is a Decadence Demon, a
shapeshifter and a very deadly ally of the Cult. If
the adventurers still continue to hide and observe,
the Cultists and their new ally will leave and head
for the Grand Theatre.
However, if the adventurers attack the
cultists, then a fight will ensue, the cultists using
lots of Hold Person and Inflict Wounds. On
the second round of combat, ask for a DC 14
Perception check. Anyone who succeeds will
notice that the victim’s corpse is twitching. On
the third round of combat, the Demon fully enters
its vessel and joins the combat, likely beginning
by disappearing with Invisibility and attacking
vulnerable party members when possible.
That said, if the Demon sustains 30
damage, it will flee, and any surviving cultists
will flee with it. If followed, the cultists will die
to allow the Demon to escape and cover its tracks
as it heads to the Grand Theatre. The goal isn’t
to kill the adventurers (although this could be an
incredibly deadly encounter), but to secure an
alliance with the Demon, and the Demon knows
that patience and timing are just as important as
naked bloodthirst. Because of this, the Demon,
with its Shapeshifting and Invisibility, will stalk
the adventuring party throughout the city. It can
appear in any location or event from here on
 after, posing as NPCs or simply lurking in the
background as it chooses the perfect time to strike.
Encounter: 6 Decadence Cultists, 1
Decadence Demon.
Decadence Cultist
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-good alignment
—
Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
Speed 30 ft.
— Languages Any
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2)
— —
Skills Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2.
— Innate Spellcasting. The Demon’s innate spellcasting ability is
Dark Devotion. The cultist has advantage on saving throws
against being charmed or frightened.
Spellcasting. The cultist is a 4th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting
ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks).
The cultist has the following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): light, firebolt, thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): command, inflict wounds, shield of faith
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon
Actions
Multiattack. The fanatic makes two melee attacks.
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Plot Hook
In addition to the recurring antagonist,
an important clue can be found one the cultists:
tickets to the upcoming play held at the Grand
Theatre (the same play the adventurers will later
be invited to).
Major City Events
The following events mark the most
important developments in the city leading up
to the Revolution. Each event is crucial for one
or more of the various factions in the city, and
the Adventurer’s effect upon these events will
determine much of the factions’ standing when
the revolution truly begins. What’s more, the
adventurers will receive invitations to each event,
though there are other plot hooks scattered
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
231
Decadence Demon
Large Fiend, Chaotic Evil
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 110 (13d10 + 39)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2)
—
Saving Throws Dex +3, Con +6, Wis +4, Cha +5
Skills Arcana +5, Deception +8, Perception +4
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
Vulnerability to the Sublime: When the Decadence Demon is
in the presence of the sublime, beauty that defies all description,
its very being is harmed and it becomes vulnerable to all sources
of damage. Iphigenia’s songs (see Leshehoff, L2Q) are sublime.
Charisma (spell save DC 13). The Demon can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: darkness, invisibility
1/day each: charm person, cone of cold, gaseous form, sleep
Magic Weapons. The Demon’s weapon attacks are magical.
Regeneration. The Demon regains 10 hit points at the start of
its turn if it has at least 1 hit point.
Actions
Multiattack. The Demon makes two attacks, either with its
claws or its glaive.
Claw (Demon Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Glaive. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) slashing damage.
Change Shape. The Demon magically polymorphs into a Small
or Medium humanoid, into a Large creature, or back into its
true form. Other than its size, its statistics are the same in each
form. The only equipment that is transformed is its glaive, which
magically adapts to match its new form..
throughout Raffenburg
to help highlight each
event in addition to the
invitations themselves.
You will find a
summary of each event
below. The full details of
each event will be found
in the relevant location
for each event.
 The Play’s The Thing
Location: The Grand Theatre
Level: 5-6
The Cult of Decadence has prepared a
truly monstrous dramatic work, one designed to
gather blood sacrifices, and the adventurers will
be the stars of the show! Moreover, R.K. Schreyer
and Isidora have set up the play specifically to test
those responsible for re-awakening the Blood
Queen and earning her regard. Unlike their wife
and Queen, they have no desire to work with
the adventurers. They are nothing more than
curiosities at best and enemies at worst. So, they’ve
designed a powerful ritual to not only gain more
power but to see just how capable the adventurers
truly are. By using powerful enchantment magic
they will influence the audience and the cast
to involve the adventurers in a most deadly
performance.
If the adventurers are brave and clever they
will be able to avert a massacre. If not, then the
Cult will gain even more mystical power, using
all the deaths caused by the play to summon more
fiends to bolster their ranks.
The Reinwalds’ Revel
Location: Reinwald Estate
Level: 6
This event is the first opportunity that
the adventurers have to truly interact with the
House of Reinwald. This will allow them to not
only discover their lycanthropic condition, but
also to discover their connection to the Fey and
possibly even their true ambition to rule all of
Wreythau itself. Most importantly, this event will
also determine whether the Reinwalds become
the adventurers’ enemies, or whether they could
become allies in the future.
The event will trigger after the
Adventurers have spent enough time in the city
in order to Level to 6. Most likely, that means
completing the previous event. Regardless, once
the event triggers, it can happen in one of two
ways. If Yasviga is still alive (as she should be), she
will personally invite the adventurers to attend
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
232
her family’s latest party and will arrange a meeting
with them beforehand to discuss her true purpose:
assassinating her sister and brother-in-law.
If Yasviga is not alive, then the invitation
will come from the Count and Countess and the
adventurers will have to go in blind should they
choose to attend.
The party, or Revel, as they like to call it, is
really an elaborate trap. With Yasviga’s help, that
trap can be turned back upon its owners. Without
it, the adventurers will have to be clever or else
they might find themselves the targets of the
Reinwalds’ next hunt.
In short, a wild party full of poisoned wine and
werewolves. What’s not to love?
Welcome To Raffenburg!
The Market District
R1 - City Gates
A great moat stands between you and the
great city of Raffenburg, a lone bridge
offering passage to the city gates. The bridge
is a massive thing, made of stone and timber,
almost fifty feet wide and hundreds of feet
long. As you cross the bridge and near the
wooden palisades and the great stone wall
that guards the city, you realise they are much,
much larger than they first appeared from
across the moat. The palisade rises almost 40
feet high, and the stone battlements must be
at least 60 feet high and 30 feet thick.
The gates themselves are equally massive,
though they do not open as you approach.
Instead, a gruff voice calls out to you from
atop the wall, demanding that you state
your business.

There are 10 City Guards that are posted
atop the wall, and another 9 City Guard and 1
Guard Arcanist that are in charge of operating
the gates and processing everyone that passes
through them.
Much like the gates of Leshehoff, the
gates of Raffenburg are meant to impress upon
the adventurers just how well defended the city
is. However, unlike Leshehoff, the City Guard
of Raffenburg are not driven by a sense of duty.
Instead they are driven by a desire for power and
wealth. Or, at least, that is what drives many of
the Guard. Furthermore, this corrupt behavior
will further emphasize the main conflict brewing
within the city. So, as your players interact
with the Guards at the gate, make sure to play
up their greed and abuse of power as this will
enhance the story.
Now, no matter what the adventurers say
in response to the Guard’s challenge, the gates will
be opened and the adventurers will be allowed
to enter the small killing ground inside the gates.
Spiked stone walls, five feet high, extend to either
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
233
side, and a pair of reinforced carts act as a mobile
barricade that blocks off the exit of the killing field.
3 City Guard patrol each spiked wall (for 6 total)
and 3 City Guard and 1 Guard Arcanist occupy the
mobile barricade. The Guard Arcanist will be the
one in charge of interacting with the adventurers.
As discussed previously, the Guard
Arcanist will invent new taxes, fines, and fees
the longer the conversation goes on. An example
conversation might go like this:
Ask the adventurers their names, where
they are from, and their occupations.
• Charge a foreigners tax of 5 gold each.
• Charge a travelers tax of 5 gold each.
• Charge martial characters a weapon tax of 5
gold per weapon.
• Charge master characters a 50 gold fee for a
temporary arcane license (remember, only
students and graduates from the University
are allowed to practice magic).
• Charge clerics a 50 gold fee for a temporary
religious license (only the Church of the
Morning Lord is legal and the council must
approve all new religions).
 Each time the adventurers protest or
attempt to negotiate new taxes and fines are
added, costing between 1 - 5 gold. This could be
an unlicensed barrister’s fine (for arguing), an
ignorance processing fee, or a fine for wasting the
Guard’s time.
If any character makes an even vaguely
threatening move or action, the Guard demands a
50 gold fine for threatening a Guard.
If the characters cannot pay, the Guard will
instead offer to accept some of their belongings in
exchange for necessary licenses and entrance into
the city. The Guard, of course, demand to be able
to choose what belongings to confiscate. Make it
painful, but not excessively so (i.e. no confiscating
spell books, holy symbols, or legendary
magic items).
Finally, this can be bypassed if one of the
characters asked the Blood Queen for a symbol
of her authority as their boon. In that event, the
Guard would not charge any taxes, fines, or fees,
and would instead treat the adventurers with
deference, though word would spread that the
Tax Collector’s agents had already arrived, which
would lead to more panic in the city.
Alternatively, if the adventurers do attack
the guard, or otherwise refuse to comply, then
combat would begin. However, because the Guard
are stationed at the gate, they would not be able
to pursue the characters into the city. Instead,
the Arcanist would summon reinforcements and
a manhunt would begin. Considering the city’s
huge size the adventurers could easily evade the
manhunt, though they would have to put some
effort into disguising themselves or otherwise try
to clear their names (the Reinwalds’ could help
with this) in the future to avoid being labeled as
wanted criminals and hunted by Bounty Hunters
from the Mercenary Guild.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
234
City Guard
Medium humanoid (any), any alignment
—
Armor Class 17 (Half plate + Shield)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 11(+0) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0)
—
Saving Throws Con +4, Wis +2
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
—
Actions
Multiattack. The Guard makes two melee attacks.
Lightning Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) lightning damage.
Heavy Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, range 100/400 ft.,
one target. Hit: 5 (1d10) piercing damage.
Reactions
Parry. The Guard adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would
hit it. To do so, the Guard must see the attacker and be wielding a
melee weapon.
Guard Arcanist
Medium humanoid (any), any alignment
—
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 40 (9d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 14(+2) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 11 (+0)
—
Saving Throws Int +6, Wis +4
Skills Arcana +6, History +6
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages any four languages
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
—
Spellcasting. The mage is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability
is Intelligence (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). The
mage has the following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, mage armor, magic
missile, shield
2nd level (3 slots): misty step, suggestion
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, fly
4th level (3 slots): greater invisibility, ice storm
5th level (1 slot): cone of cold
Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
Reinforcement Flare. As an action, a Guard Arcanist can fire a
magical flare into the sky. This flare will attract more Guards in 1
minute (10 rounds). The Flare can be counterspelled.
 R2 - Grand Marketplace they’ve all been crowded into the Market District,
though local ordinance mandates that many types
The filth strewn streets give way to a large
of trade can only be conducted in that District,
market square whose cobbles have been swept
and so the markets endure because of necessity,
clean. Colorful banners hang from the roofs
although the ruthless violence of the Guard
and lanterns blaze merrily atop tall posts,
certainly helps.
providing excellent light for those browsing
the vibrant market stalls. In the center of
More specialized markets can also be
the square sits a massive statue of the Blood
found, such as the dangerous and bloody Livestock
Queen herself, and twin fountains provide
Market, though almost all wares can be found
water for all who visit the market. You see
in the Grand Marketplace, from potions to
servants and artisans, soot-covered workers
metalwork, food or clothing, or whatever else
and even a noble or two accompanied by
one might need to buy. Guilds have sponsored
sellswords, all beneath the watchful gaze of
stalls, as do most artisans, though there are a
the Guard who constantly patrol at the edges
number of merchants that make their living by
of the crowd. Vendors hawk wares of every
selling the goods of others, all of which is overseen
sort and street performers ply their trade,
by the Consortium. Anyone who tries to avoid
gold, copper, and silver changing hands as
buying the necessary licenses or paying their
often as one draws breath.
monthly dues will soon find their stall occupied by
someone who has.
The Grand Marketplace is actually one of many
that dots the Market District, their existence As for crime, it is very prevalent in the
preserved only by the draconian laws of the city. Market District, though the large numbers of
As the population of Raffenburg has grown and Guard that patrol the markets discourages all but
more and more of the city have fallen into poverty the most skilled or the most desperate. Because

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
235
 of this, most crime has devolved into brutal some items, charge double. For others, charge
muggings, leading to many mercenaries setting up triple, but make it clear that these are recent price
shop and offering protection into and out of the increases, whether that’s due to repainted signs or
district itself. the sellers own confession.

Lastly, remember that the prices in

Raffenburg have all been inflated because of the R3 - House of the Drowning Sun
predatory taxes, fines, and fees of the city. For

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
236
 The House of the Drowning Sun is one
of the most famous establishments in Raffenburg
for precisely two reasons: the establishment’s
quality, and the complete neutrality that its
owners have negotiated with every faction in
the city. One might not think the second to be
very valuable, but having a guaranteed place of
safety allows for politicking and the exchange
of information, which even the Cult prioritizes.
After all, knowledge of your enemies is the most
valuable thing you can have in a war, secret or
not. Nonetheless, this unofficial neutral ground is
maintained by more than just its mutual interest.
Instead the very existence of this unofficial neutral
ground is only possible because of the Drowning
Sun’s owners: the three half-elven sisters known as
Anca, Sorina, and Ileana.
The amount of influence trading needed
to establish this unofficial neutrality cannot be
overstated, though it is considered to have been
far more than worth it for the three Gheata sisters.
Now they are able to influence every faction in one
way or another, and most importantly, now they
gather more information than anyone else. They
are the consummate spy masters and information
brokers for the entire city. This means that the
Gheata sisters are some of the most powerful
people in the city, which makes them very valuable
allies to have.
Moreover, this makes the House of the
Drowning Sun a place that the adventurers should
absolutely visit, or more specifically, this is where
the adventurers should stay while in Raffenburg.
It is considered the best hotel in the city, after all.
Not that there’s much competition, as hotels aren’t
in high demand in Wreythau, but the Drowning
Sun offers the best food, the best drink, the best
entertainment, the best lodgings, and the best
protection. No other establishment even comes
close. Only the stingiest adventurers would pass
up the opportunity to stay there, and only until
the next street brawl between the guards and the
revolutionaries shattered their windows. Then
the House of the Drowning Sun would look a far
sight better.
And, as mentioned above, it’s also one of
the most important locations in the city, so staying
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
237
there will allow the adventurers to interact with it
more than they would otherwise. So, anytime the
adventurers ask about inns, taverns, or lodgings,
mention the House of the Drowning Sun.
When approaching the House of the
Drowning Sun:
Occupying the center of its own Market
Square sits the palatial House of the
Drowning Sun. It stands five stories tall,
with an attic, and over 145 feet wide, it is a
truly massive building when compared to the
rest of the Market District. With beautiful
half timber architecture, and painted a deep
mauve, the Drowning Sun truly is the jewel of
the Market District, its windows blazing with
light, and the sounds of laughter and music
drifting out from inside.
R3A - Entrance Hall
Stepping through the door of the Drowning
Sun you enter a hall lined with incredible
relief statues made of marble and gold while
a rich hardwood floor stretches out beneath
you. Past the statues lie the doorways and
stairs that will take you into the rest of the
establishment, but directly ahead of you lies
a massive counter, behind which sits three
half elven women. The first is the shortest and
most lithe, with her dark hair cut short. The
second is the most curvaceous, and wears her
hair dyed a bright blue. The third is the tallest
and wears her hair dyed a pale lavender. The
closest to you, the first, greets you with a
smile and beckons you over.
Anca is seated first at the counter and
beckons the adventurers over. She’s built like a
gymnast, keeps her hair short, and wears dark
gowns with long sleeves. She is the youngest of
the three, being only 57 years old. During her
time in the Outer Seas, Anca was the most skilled
infiltrator and assassin of the three and now
handles much of their security, everything short of
the magical. In public she likes to play up a sense
of youthful exuberance, but in reality it’s entirely a
mask and beneath it Anca is deadly serious. A DC
 20 Insight check will reveal that her demeanor is
just an act.
Sorina is seated second at the counter and
is often considered the most beautiful of the three
due to her figure and the dazzling gowns, hair
color, and jewelry that she wears. Nonetheless, it’s
her cunning and her intuition that have helped
her to become the master of intrigue, politics,
and diplomacy that she is. As the eldest of the
three, at 67, Sorina has tremendous experience
in navigating social battlefields and she oversees
much of the information gathering that the sisters
do, having trained the staff, as well as other agents
personally. She comes across as charming, or even
flirtatious if you want, though she is always calm
and composed. A DC 25 Insight check is needed
to get a good read on what she’s thinking.
Ileana is seated third, and is the tallest of
the three. Unlike her sisters, Ileana was trained
in the arcane arts and is responsible for all of
their magical needs, as well as for helping Sorina
strategize. Together they are a formidable pair,
and with Anca’s fierce support, there is little the
three can’t accomplish. That said, she is the easiest
to read of the three, and is the least manipulative,
though she could still give most courtiers a run for
their money. A DC 18 Insight check is needed to
read what she’s thinking.
The three sisters have heard of the
adventurers already, due to their excellent
information network, and they will be eager to
have the adventurers stay with them. That way, it
will be much easier to influence the adventurers,
as well as spy upon them. The adventurers are
valuable pawns, and so they want to be aware
of who is using them and for what purpose.
Remember, they essentially do want Cival’s gambit
with the Revolution to succeed, so they will also
offer hints and advice to the adventurers that will
help further that goal, though they want to do so
as subtly as possible.
So, in order to convince the adventurers
to stay in their hotel, they will offer to rent the
adventurers the Regency Suite for 10 gold a
month. The Regency Suite occupies the entire fifth
floor of the hotel, and also includes complimentary
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
238
room service. Not a cheap offer, but certainly an
amazing deal.
If asked why they would offer such an
incredible price, Sorina will try to convince the
adventurers that she and her sisters are just so
thrilled at the prospect of having visitors from
other lands staying with them.
Anca - Assassin
Medium Half Elf, Neutral Evil
—
Armor Class 16 (leather armor)
Hit Points 102 (12d8 + 48)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Int +6
Skills Acrobatics +12, Deception +10, Perception +4, Stealth +12
Damage Resistances poison
Senses Darkvision 60ft. Passive Perception 13
Languages Thieves’ Cant, Common, Elven
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
—
Assassinate. During her first turn, Anca has advantage on attack rolls
against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn. Any hit she scores against
a creature that hasn’t acted is a critical hit.
Evasion. If Anca is subjected to an effect that allows her to make a
Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, she instead takes no
damage if she succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage
if it fails.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Anca deals an extra 20 (6d6) damage when
she hits a target with a weapon attack.
Actions
Multiattack. Anca makes two dagger attacks.
Dagger +2. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 10 (1d6 + 7) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15
Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Light Crossbow, +2. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 80/320
ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) piercing damage, and the target must
make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
 Sorina - College of Spies
Medium Half Elf, Neutral Evil
—
Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 127 (17d8 + 51)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 16(+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) 20 (+5)
—
Skills Deception + 13, Persuasion +13, Insight + 13
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Elvish, Infernal
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
—
Innate Spellcasting. Sorina’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma
(spell save DC 16). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring
no material components:
At will: Charm person, Tasha’s hideous laughter
3/day each: confusion, enthrall, suggestion
1/day each: hallucinatory terrain, Otto’s irresistible dance
Magic Resistance. Sorina has advantage on saving throws against
spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. Sorina makes two weapon attacks. Sorina can cast one
spell in place of one of these attacks.
Rapier +2. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 16 (4d8) psychic damage.
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range 20/60ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 16 (4d8) psychic damage.
Reactions
Can’t Touch This (Recharge 4–6). When hit with an attack Sorina
can immediately teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space
she can see.
R3B - Tavern
The door opens into a modest tavern crowded
with people. The smell of delicious food fills
the air, along with the sound of conversation
and tankards rising and falling. Strong spirits,
wine, cider, ale, and beer are all on offer.
The tavern is the Revolutionaries favorite
place to gather, and might as well be Roland
Thiel’s home. Thiel has a room in the hotel where
he sleeps and writes, though he spends most of his
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
239
Ileana - Archmage
Medium half-elf, Neutral Evil
—
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 99 (18d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) 15 (+2) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Int +9, Wis +6
Skills Arcana +13, History +13
Damage Resistances: damage from spells; nonmagical
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing (from stoneskin)
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Elven, Draconic, Dwarven, Halfling, Infernal
—
Magic Resistance. Ileana has advantage on saving throws against
spells and other magical effects.
Spellcasting. Ileana is an 18th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability
is Intelligence (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks).
Ileana can cast disguise self and invisibility at will and has the
following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation,
shocking grasp
1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, mage armor*,
magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, mirror image, misty step
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, lightning bolt
4th level (3 slots): banishment, polymorph, stoneskin*
5th level (3 slots): cone of cold, scrying, wall of force
6th level (1 slot): globe of invulnerability
7th level (1 slot): Plane Shift
8th level (1 slot): mind blank*
9th level (1 slot): Psychic Scream
*Ileana casts these spells on itself before combat.
Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
time drinking, plotting, and carousing with other
Revolutionaries.
Thiel is a handsome half-elven man with
long, dark hair and an intense, glacial blue gaze.
He presides over his friends and agents like a
king despite his talk of equality and community.
Nevertheless, his crowd seems most loyal, and it is
because of them that Thiel stays well informed. If
the adventurers have helped any revolutionaries
 then Thiel would have heard about it and would
approach the adventurers, assuming he was not
approached first. He is eager to recruit more
capable people into the revolution and will do his
best to convince the adventurers to work with
him. He tends to argue the following points:
• The council hasn’t held elections in years
even though they are supposed to.
• There are no judges and no trials at
all, yet the Guards regularly maim,
confiscate, and kill.
• The tax burden should be shared.
• The revolution only follows the will
of the people.
• The revolution seeks to establish a new
council elected by the people.
Now, whether or not these talking points
are true is up to you, though Thiel will do his
best to argue them and make others believe. Thiel
certainly believes that they are true.
If the adventurers do agree to help
him, Thiel will ask them to investigate the
following things:
• Why have revolutionaries been disappearing
in the Art District? (This is a great hook for
the Cult Murder event and the invitation to
the Grand Theatre)
• Professor Yulia Mountainblood needs help
with something at the University.
• Screams have been heard coming from the
Reinwald Estate for years now. The screams
aren’t common, only a few times a year,
but they’ve been happening for so long that
something must be going on. (This is a
decent hook for the Reinwalds’ Revel).
R3C - Tavern Theater
Stepping into this room you see that you’ve
entered another tavern, though this tavern
has a large stage that dominates the far
wall. Performers entertain the patrons with
a variety of acts, all while rich food and
drink are served.
The Tavern Theater is frequented by
many, though notably this is where some of the
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
240
City Guard and their allies among the Consortium
Mercenaries like to gather here when off duty.
Notably, the Revolutionaries and the off duty
Guard have been encouraged not to spend
much time together, and so each group tends to
congregate in separate taverns.
Additionally, the taverns’ kitchen sits off
of the main room, meaning that service is just that
much better on this side of the Drowning Sun,
although a dose of magic helps keep the kitchen
running as quickly as it needs in order to serve
both taverns.
R3D - Fine Dining Room
The smell of perfectly cooked meat, rich
spices, and roasted vegetables fills the air of
this elegant dining room. Patrons dine upon
tables covered in linens fit for nobility, and
well trained staff provide seemingly effortless
service, seeing to their patrons needs almost
before they realize their glass is empty, or that
their place is ready to be cleared.
The Fine Dining Room attracts many of
the more powerful people in the city, including
Guard Captains, leaders amongst the Cult, high
ranking Inquisitors, and occasionally even a
Reinwald or two. The food truly is that good, and
the staff is better trained than many servants in
noble houses. Anca, Sorina, and Ileana also trained
their staff to be excellent spies, too, meaning that
every conversation held in the dining room is
being listened to by several different sets of ears
and all of it is later recorded with as much fidelity
as possible.
Food from the Fine Dining Room can also
be requested as Room Service, meaning that some
clandestine dinners are held in the rooms of the
Hotel itself.
 R3E - Fine Dining Kitchen
The delicious smells coming from this
kitchen are only surpassed by the taste of the
food that comes out of it, though the heat
is a close second. The ovens and stovetops
blaze with enchanted fire, and many of the
pots, pans, and cooking utensils are etched
in arcane runes, no doubt enchanted with
chronomancy and other magic to make
cooking as easy and precise as possible. Some
of them even move on their own, although
there are at least four different chefs diligently
working at any given time.
A DC 16 Arcana Check will confirm that
all of the enchantments were not only done by the
same person, but by someone with an archmage’s
level of skill.
Additionally, any attempts to poison any
food or drink in the kitchen will be automatically
detected by the enchantments laid onto every
pot and pan.
R3F - Gambling Hall
The Gambling Hall of the Drowning Sun is
filled with the cheers of the victorious and
the hollow, disbelieving stares of those seeing
their coin disappear into the House’s coffers.
Games of every variety are played, from
cards, to dice, to strange machines ran by
cranking levers.
Much like the gambling hall at the Copper
Crown in Leshehoff, the gambling hall offers a
variety of ways to lose money. And, sometimes,
win money, but the majority walk away with
empty pockets and a mind filled with addicting
fantasies of victory. Primarily, the services the
gambling hall offers are split into two groups:
games of chance, and bets with the bookie.
Feel free to invent new games of chance,
though the following rules are presented for dice,
three dragon ante/poker, and roulette.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
241
Dice:
Characters may make an Intelligence
Check to determine the best odds. This will
determine the difficulty they need to beat in order
to win money. Characters can bet up to 50 gold,
with a win resulting in a payout of 2 to 1. So, if
a character bets 2 gold and wins, they walk away
with 4 gold total (double the original bet).
Intelligence Check Roll Needed (2d6)
Less than 10 10-12
12 9-12
14 8-12
16 7-12
18 5-12
20 3-12
Cards:
Characters playing Three Dragon Ante or
Poker use the following rules.
There are at least 3 opponents.
First, players place bets, then make
Intelligence checks.
A DC 14 Intelligence Check will help
a character determine the odds and will roll
with advantage.
Secondly, players may fold or increase
bets and make either an insight check or a
deception check.
An DC 16 Insight Check will give the
adventurer advantage on their roll.
A DC 16 Deception Check will give
opponents disadvantage on their roll.
Finally, the players each roll 1d20 (plus
advantage or disadvantage), the highest roll
winning the collective pot.
Roulette:
Players will roll a d20. They can bet on evens or
odds with a payout of 2 to 1. So, betting 2 gold on
Odds, and winning, would result in the character
walking away with 4 gold (double the original bet).
Or, the character could bet on a specific number,
with a payout of 10 to 1, so betting 2 gold on
rolling a 13, and winning, would result in a win of
20 gold (ten times the bet).

Crank Machines:
Players insert coins into the machine and
crank a lever. The lever activates gears that spin
several symbols, and if the symbols all match, the
player wins a large pot of coin.
There are many machines that accept
copper, a few that accept silver, and one that
accepts gold. It costs 1 coin per pull of the crank,
and will pay out 100 coins if the player wins.
For most players, roll a simple d20. A
result of 20 will win the pot of 100 coins.
A DC 18 Intelligence check and several
hours studying the machines will reveal the
pattern built into them, and will allow the player
to know when a machine is ready to give a win
and when it isn’t. In that case, provided the player
has enough time, they can win 100 coins of their
choice. However, if the player repeats this act, the
Sisters might have a conversation with them.
The Bookie:
The Adventurers could also arrange
contests of skill and then place bets accordingly.
Suggested contests: Drinking Games (constitution
saves, DCs increasing by 3 each drink), Boxing/
Unarmed Fighting (to knockout or surrender),
Dueling (to first blood or half health), Dragonchess
(opposed Intelligence rolls), or Archery/Knife
Throwing (highest attack roll wins). Adventurers
could also use Persuasion Checks to shift odds one
way or another (from 2 to 1 all the way to 10 to 1,
at the DMs discretion).
R3G - Dressing Room
This room is filled with vanities, racks of
clothing, and all the various accoutrement
needed to prepare for a performance. Based
on the clothing racks, the room is used by
both men and women, and for performances
that range for the innocent to the risque.
The dressing room is shared by the
performers for the Tavern Theatre (R3C) and
for the Brothel (R3J). It is often packed full of
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
242
people, all getting ready as quickly and efficiently
as possible, and is often empty otherwise.
Occasionally, should a performer become ill or
injured, they’ll be brought to the changing room
until a Doctor can be found.
R3H - Storage Room
The door opens into a room filled with crates,
barrels, and sacks of supplies. Primarily,
the room seems to hold supplies for the
taverns and kitchens, though there are a few
crates that contain stage supplies, as well as
materials for quick repairs.
The door is magically trapped
with an alarm.
A DC 15 Thieves Tools check is needed
to unlock the door.
Much of what is in this room isn’t worth
the effort it would take to steal it, though for
particularly devious adventurers, they might find
other opportunities to benefit themselves.
R3I - Bouncer’s Lounge
Inside this modest room, a half dozen
armed men and women lounge about on the
couches or lean against the walls, though
their conversation breaks off as you enter,
their eyes following your every move. They
seem to be primarily armed with cudgels
and shortswords, though a few have more
exotic looking weapons, all of which look to
have seen use.
The House of the Drowning Sun employs
about 20 armed guards, all of which answer to
Anca. About 5 of the 20 are also Anca’s agents,
performing clandestine acts when necessary. On
any given day, however, there are only about 10
armed guards on duty. Typically, 4-5 will patrol
the public areas of the Drowning Sun, and the
others rest in this lounge.
 Use Consortium Bravos and Consortium
Hitters (pg 68-69) to represent the armed guards
employed at the Drowning Sun.
R3J - Brothel
Passing through the Bouncer’s Lounge you
enter an opulent room with lush carpet,
expensive furniture, and people in various
states of undress. Patrons lounge on chaises
and overstuffed chairs while entertainers
dance and perform. Other servers ferry food
and drink to the patrons, as well as arrange
other liaisons, all beneath the watchful eyes of
the equally well armed bouncers.
The Brothel is one of the biggest sources of
information for the Drowning Sun, and all of the
staff are trained spies. They have clients belonging
to every faction, often including those in the
highest positions of power.
However, the Cult of Decadence will
use the Decadence Demon to not only stalk the
adventurers, but also to infiltrate the Brothel
and carry out assassinations on some of the most
prestigious clients, such as Guard Captains or
Inquisitors, all of which could be disastrous for the
three Gheata sisters and their plans.
So, a powerful plothook leading back to the
Decadence Demon and the Cult would be to have
the Demon assassinate someone from another
faction, and when the blame is levied at Anca,
Sorina, and Ileana, they turn to the adventurers
and ask for their help in killing the Demon or
investigating who it answers to. Specifically,
this would indicate the Galleria Infernalis in the
Art District.
R3K - The Regency Suite
Climbing to the top floor of the hotel you
step into accommodations fit for a queen.
Everything in the suite, from the carpets to
the furniture, are works of art in their own
right, and all have been chosen for how they
harmoniously compliment one another.
Somehow, you’ve found your way into the
lap of luxury.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
243
The Regency Suite contains five bedrooms,
a dining room, a parlor, a library, an extravagant
dressing room, and a bathroom with magical
plumbing. There are paintings and statues in every
room, and everything is of the utmost quality.
Additionally, a bell by the stairs will summon a
servant to take care of any of the guests’ needs.
However, there is also a secret contained
within the Regency Suite. There are hidden
corridors that run along the outside wall of the
entire suite, and a secret door, hidden behind a
bookshelf in the library, creates a passageway
between the suite and the hidden corridors
themselves.
A DC 18 Investigation Check will reveal
the secret door in the library.
The secret door is magically sealed,
requiring the use of the spell Knock in order
to be opened.
Use of the Detect Magic spell will NOT
reveal anything, however, due to the powerful
nondetection magic Ileana has laid down.
R3L - Spy Corridors
Behind the secret door lies a hallway. To your
left, a set of stairs leads down below, and
before you, set against the far wall, are a pair
of tables holding several journals, potions,
and various thieves’ tools. To your right,
the hallway opens up to either side, leading
to a series of corridors that ring the entire
suite. Dozens of spyholes have been carefully
hidden with artifice and magic along the
walls, giving any would-be spy a clear view
into everything that is being said and done.
The hidden corridors are used to spy upon
anyone in the Regency Suite. The journals contain
detailed records of conversations and timetables of
all of the adventurers’ habits and movements. It’s
clear that they’ve been spied upon from the very
moment they stepped into the suite.
 As for the potions upon the table, there are
2 vials of Torpor and 2 Truth Serums.
There is also a complete set of
thieves’ tools.
If the adventurers confront Anca, Sorina,
and Ileana with the existence of the spy corridor,
the Gheata sisters will gamble and offer to come
clean so long as the adventurers agree to listen.
If the adventurers agree, the Gheata sisters
will admit to spying upon them and will explain
that they did so because they’re worried about the
possibility of the adventurers being the servants of
dangerous people, such as the Cult, the Inquisition,
or even the Consortium. They will explain their
history, and most importantly, they’ll explain their
partnership with Cival and their goals for the city.
Notably, Cival taking control of the city, and by
extent the Consortium itself, and in return the
Sisters gain control of the Outer Seas. The sisters
will argue that this is in everyone’s best interest,
and will offer to be allies with the adventurers just
as they are with Cival.
If the adventurers agree to become their
allies, they sisters will act in good faith. However,
if the adventurers disagree, or otherwise act
in a way that hurts the sisters’ plans, then they
will try to kill the adventurers. They will do so
with poison and ambush, rather than attacking
them head on.
Just to restate, the sisters support
any action that
Helps Hurts
The Revolution The Cult
Cival The Authority
faction, especially
the Consortium
Provide Information The Church of the
Morning Lord
Also, remember that most of the
revolution doesn’t know what Cival’s true plans
are, making all that Anca, Sorina, and Ileana
shared with them incredibly valuable information,
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
244
as revealing it could very well lead to violence
within the Revolution faction itself.
Truth Serum
Adventuring gear, poison (ingested) 150 gp
—
A creature subjected to this poison must succeed on a DC
11 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 1 hour.
The poisoned creature can’t knowingly speak a lie, as if
under the effect of a zone of truth spell.
Source: DMG p258
Torpor
Adventuring gear, poison (ingested) 600 gp
—
A creature subjected to this poison must succeed on a DC
15 Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for 4d6
hours. The poisoned creature is incapacitated.
Source: DMG p258
Additional Events
The Price of Freedom
Location: Raffenburg Streets (see I Am The Law)
Suggested Level: 6
This event is normally triggered by talking
to Shonette at the Menagerie, though Roland Thiel
could also arrange the meeting between Shonette
and the adventurers if they’ve impressed him.
In short, Shonette will ask the adventurers
to help assassinate Velkan Kirsch, the Guard
Captain of the Market District.
This would be dangerous, and could
potentially turn the adventurers into criminals
hunted by the Mercenary Guild’s Bounty Hunters,
though the offer of payment would also include
a pre-programmed ring of disguise and an alias
for each adventurer to help them hide afterwards.
Have fun making up the disguises and aliases,
and don’t be afraid to ask the players to help you
brainstorm, or even to create their own.
The setup is this: Thiel will lure Kirsch
to the Drowning Sun, and after negotiations fall
 through, the adventurers and the revolutionaries
would be able to ambush Kirsch on his way back
to Council Hill through the Market District. The
revolutionaries would tie up Kirsch’s escort and
allow the adventurers to attack Kirsch and his
personal guard.
Should the adventurers agree, Shonette
would offer them a payment of...membership into
the Revolution, as well as the disguises and aliases
discussed above. This might not sound like much,
but it would earn the adventurers powerful allies
and essentially invite them into the inner circle of
the Revolutionary Faction, something that would
be invaluable once the revolution starts.
The encounter: Cpt. Kirsch, 1 Guard
Arcanist, and 4 City Guards.
The revolutionaries will distract the other
guards so that this is all the adventurers have
to deal with.
If successful in their assassination attempt,
the Guard would retaliate by placing a harsh
curfew on the Market District and the Guard
presence in the District would be increased,
leading to more violence, but simultaneously
allowing the Revolutionaries (and the other
factions) to operate more freely in other districts.
A bit of cruel arithmetic, but a calculated one.
R4 - Skalek’s Icy Delights
This building seems to be surrounded by
perpetual winter, with snow drifts piled up
against the outer walls and a dusting of snow
clinging to the shingles. The front door is
guarded by twin ice statues, each over eight
feet tall and each remaining solidly frozen.
Inside, the entire building is encased in a
deep chill, though there are stacks of blankets
by the doors for any afraid of catching cold.
Five tables and several stools sit between the
entrance and a long counter covered in a thick
sheet of ice. A jolly looking dwarf stands
behind the counter, tending to a strange
furnace that appears to contain a raging
blizzard instead of an inferno.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
245
Guard Captain Velkan Kirsch
Medium human, lawful evil
—
Armor Class 20 (plate armor, shield)
Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
16 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 15 (+2)
—
Saving Throws Int +5, Wis +3, Cha +5
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common, Dwarven
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
—
Martial Advantage. Once per turn, Cpt. Kirsch can deal an extra
14 (4d6) damage to a creature he hits with a weapon attack if
that creature is within 5 feet of an ally of Cpt. Kirsch that isn’t
incapacitated..
Actions
Multiattack. Cpt. Kirsch makes three melee attacks. Alternatively, he
can make two ranged attacks with his Firearm.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage, or 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage if
used with two hands.
Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage. If the target is Large
or smaller, it must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Firearm. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/120 ft., one
target. Hit: 11 (2d10) fire damage.
Leadership (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). For 1 minute,
Cpt. Kirsch can utter a special command or warning whenever a non-
hostile creature that he can see within 30 feet of it makes an attack roll
or a saving throw. The creature can add a d4 to its roll provided it can
hear and understand Cpt. Kirsch. A creature can benefit from only one
Leadership die at a time. This effect ends if Cpt. Kirsch is incapacitated.
Reactions
Parry. Cpt. Kirsch adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that
would hit it. To do so, the Cpt. Kirsch must see the attacker and be
wielding a melee weapon.
Looking up from his work the dwarf calls out
to you and waves you closer.
Skalek’s Icy Delights is a magical little store
that sells all kinds of chilly desserts. Ice cream,
gelato, slushies, malts, and everything else that is
both sweet and cold. As for Skalek, he is the jolly,
red haired dwarf that runs the shop. He works
with a few dwarven assistants as well as several
ensorcelled spirits of ice and snow, though the
spirits are kept contained to the back of the shop.
 Skalek is an old adventurer, a warrior who
wielded a terrible axe and who pledged to restore
the lost dwarven kingdom of Barrukhirrim (the
Silver Graves) to its former glory. However, after
years of braving the horrors of Wreythau, Skalek
managed to enter the Silver Graves themselves.
He doesn’t like to speak of what happened next,
though he and his surviving companions did
manage to retrieve a single artifact from the
lost dwarven kingdom: a device that can create
perpetual cold. He brought it back to Raffenburg,
hoping the University could help him unlock
its potential, though after a humorous research
accident, all that Skalek discovered was how to
make delicious, frozen desserts.
Now, Skalek’s life is devoted to spreading
joy and believes that, as long as he uses his
discovery from Barrukhirrim to do it, he’s still
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
246
fulfilling his oath of returning the lost kingdom
to glory, even if only in a small way. Were you to
ask any of Skalek’s customers, they would heartily
agree, as Skalek’s Icy Delights stands as a small
glimmer of joy and hope in a city about to go mad.
A DC 20 Arcana Check will reveal that
the artifact is actually much more powerful than
Skalek was led to believe. At its full capacity, it
could plunge the entirety of Raffenburg into an
arctic blizzard of epic proportions and hundreds
of thousands would die as a result. At a more
moderate level, the artifact could be used to
transform several warehouses into cold boxes, thus
allowing for even more efficient food storage for
the entire city.
The only downside is that the artifact
requires power. As it is now, operating at minimal
 power, it could last for millenia. To increase
its effects, however, would require much more
power. Blood sacrifice would be the easiest way
to get that power, though a circle of highly skilled
mages could also provide it, assuming they could
be persuaded to do so.
R5 - The Menagerie Livestock Market
The stench of blood, urine, and bile soaked
shit drift from the Livestock Market, the
nauseating miasma only slightly less pleasant
than the unearthly cacophony of yowls,
screeches, and growls from the caged animals.
The market square itself is filled with a thick
bed of straw and ringed by a massive wooden
palisade whose tips have been sharpened
into deadly spears of wood, ready to impale
anything that might try to escape. And, inside
the palisade, sits a blood soaked auction
ring and dozens upon dozens of metal cages
holding all manner of Wreythian wildlife.
The Menagerie Livestock Market is
actually one of several in the city, though it is not
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
247
only the oldest market, it also features the most
exotic animals and monsters. Most other markets
specialize in common livestock, such as cattle or
horses, though The Mangerie pays only for the
rarest and most dangerous creatures. Some of
those creatures are valuable in their own right,
providing potent alchemical ingredients or spell
components, though others are only valuable
because of the spectacle they provide. In fact, when
the sun sets, The Menagerie stops the auction of
animals and instead transforms the inner ring into
a gladiatorial fighting pit. Here, the desperate and
the bloodthirsty are able to challenge the horrors
of the Wreythian wilderness for a chance at gold
and glory. The fights themselves pay very little,
though fortunes are won and lost through the
bookies every night, and so most of the gladiators
work directly for the bookies themselves.
Additionally, Shonette, the leader of the
Revolutions guerilla forces, can often be found
here betting on the gladiator fights. She does
this to scope out potential recruits, as well as to
relax and indulge in a little cathartic bloodlust.

If the adventurers fight in the pits, Shonette
might very well approach them, particularly if
they’ve already made themselves friendly with the
Revolutionary faction.
First, she’ll try to get their attention
using Thieves Cant. If that doesn’t work, she’ll
approach them outright offering them work.
If they’ve already contacted Thiel, Shonette
will mention they share a mutual friend at the
Drowning Sun and will offer to meet them there
to discuss an offer of work. She won’t discuss any
details in public.
See the event: The Price of Freedom
As a DM, feel free to bust out your favorite
monsters and offer them as possible gladiatorial
opponents. Even if you don’t think the adventurers
would be willing to step into the ring, any creature
that you’ve shown off in The Menagerie can
escape into the city when the Revolution truly
begins. Just think of all the terrible chaos you could
sow with this!
However, in addition to your favorite
monsters, allow me to suggest a few native to
Wreythau itself:
Wreythian Bear
Standing over 10 feet tall while still on all
fours, its grotesque musculature bulging
against the patchwork of fur and knotted scar
tissue that makes up its skin. It’s huge claws
are still covered in old, coagulated gore, and
its massive head almost appears as though it’s
withered down to the bone, it’s naked maw
filled with a nest of terrible fangs and its
deep set eyes peering out from the hollowed
sockets of its own skull.
Twisted by the influence of Czernobog,
the bears of the Wreythian Wilderness are
living engines of death and destruction, frenzied
monsters that will kill and eat anything and
everything within reach. Driven by an insatiable
hunger, these primal juggernauts will go on a
month long rampage, glutting themselves as much
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
248
Wreythian Bear
Huge monstrosity, chaotic evil
—
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 209 (20d10 + 100)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 13 (+1) 20 (+5) 3 (-4) 6 (-2) 8 (-1)
—
Saving Throws Str +8, Con +9
Condition Immunities frightened
Skills Perception +2
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages —
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
—
Actions
Actions
Multiattack. The bear makes three attacks: one with its bite and two
with its claws.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
18 (2d12 + 5) piercing damage. If the target is Medium or smaller,
the target must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14
(2d8 + 5) slashing damage. If the target is prone an additional 7 (2d6)
bludgeoning damage is dealt to the target.
Reactions
Bloody Rampage. When the bear takes damage, it makes one attack
with its claws against a random creature within its reach.
as possible before falling into a deep hibernation
for three to four months.
Were it not for these frequent periods of
hibernation, the bears of Wreythau would have
destroyed the ecosystem of the island and starved
themselves to death long ago.
Wreythian Dire Wolf
This oversized wolf is practically the size of a
horse, covered in dark fur, with blazing red
eyes and far too many teeth crammed into
its mouth. It doesn’t stand as a normal wolf
might, however. Rather, it crouches down, its
powerfully muscled limbs splayed wider than
normal, as if to give it greater balance as it
skitters up the nearest tree or wall
There aren’t actually any regular wolves in Wreythau,
only Dire Wolves, though even they are twisted far beyond
what could be considered natural. Perhaps it was meant as
an affront to the Reinwalds, or perhaps it was simply one of
 the Blood Queen’s cruel whims, but the wolves of Wreythau
share some of her vampiric nature. They feast upon blood,
can heal their wounds when they drink it, and can also climb
supernaturally well.
Because of this, wolves are some of the most
terrifying threats for the settlements in Wreythau, as they
can skuttle over even the tallest walls and go find some poor
peasants home to make their den in as they begin to prey
on the local neighborhood. And, because Wreythian wolves
are never alone, always hunting in pairs or packs of up to
10 wolves, they can be incredibly dangerous to exterminate
once they’ve found their way into a village, town, or city.
Thankfully for Raffenburg, the Hunter’s Guild has
many experts when it comes to dealing with wolves.
Wreythian Dire Wolf
Large Monstrosity, chaotic evil
—
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 68 (8d8 + 32)
Speed 50 ft., climb speed 50 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 11 (+0) 18 (+4) 4 (-3) 12 (+1) 8 (-1)
—
Saving Throws Str +6, Con +7
Condition Immunities frightened
Senses blindsight 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages -
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
— however, at least not by the Raffenburg Elite.
Reckless. At the start of its turn, the wolf can gain advantage on all
melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack rolls against it
have advantage until the start of its next turn.
Spider Climb. The wolf can move its full speed over any surface,
including up a wall or across a ceiling.
Vampiric. Every time the wolf damages a creature with its bite it
regains 2d6 hit points.
Actions
Actions
Multiattack. The wolf makes two attacks: one with its bite and one
with its claw.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11
(2d6 + 4) slashing damage, plus 6 (2d6) necrotic damage. The target
must succeed a DC 15 Strength Saving throw or be knocked prone.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9
(1d10 + 4) slashing damage, plus 6 (2d6) necrotic damage.
Reactions
Vicious Reprisal. In response to taking damage, the wolf makes a
bite attack against a random creature within 5 feet of it. It will not
attack other wolves. If no creature is within reach, the wolf moves
up to half its speed toward an enemy it can see, without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Blueblood District
R6 - The Reinwald Estate
The Reinwald Estate is a huge expanse
of land that sits in the center of the Blueblood
District. It occupies hundreds of acres of forest, all
contained within a giant stone curtain wall, and
in the center of the forest sits Castle Reinwald,
a surprisingly modest building considering the
incredibly ostentatious size of the estate itself.
Perhaps it’s due to the fact that the Reinwalds own
more than one estate, and travel between them
quite frequently. That is what many speculate, at
least, though if they knew the truth, they’d realize
that the truth is simply that the Reinwalds prize
the forest far above the castle.
Major Event: The Reinwalds’ Revel
If there’s one thing the Reinwalds are
famous for in Raffenburg, it’s the incredible parties
that they throw, night long revels of incredible
indulgence and debauchery, or so the tales go.
The fact that many of the people invited to those
parties are never seen again, is hardly mentioned,
They are just honored to have been invited,
not to mention the fact that none of them ever
go missing. No, it’s always the common folk
that are invited who often disappear. Not all of
them, but most.
Why is that? Well, because the Reinwalds’
hunt the most dangerous game. They hunt people,
and they do it often. The parties, or Revels, as
the Reinwalds call them, are simply another
good way to replenish their supply of game, and
in celebration of this, a hunt is always held the
morning afterwards. Other hunts are held, as well,
though they are often for much more specific
circumstances, such as the elimination of a rival,
or the celebration of an event. The hunts held
the morning after a party are much larger affairs,
however. The entire family participates in the
hunt, chasing down prey all over the vast acreage
of their forest estate. Spread out as they inevitably
will be, that makes these hunts brief windows of
vulnerability, moments when the hunters might be

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
249

able to become the hunted. Skilled warriors, if put
in the right position, could catch a Reinwald alone,
kill them and escape before the rest of the pack
even realized it.
That, in essence, is Yasviga’s plan. She
knows that her eldest sister, Ustinya, plans to kill
her just as she killed all of their other siblings, and
so in a desperate attempt to avoid her fate, Yasviga
will appeal to the adventurers to help her.
First, Yasviga will send a messenger with a
written, formal request to have dinner with them
at the House of the Drowning Sun. If they inform
the messenger that they agree, then she will rent
out the entirety of the Fine Dining Room and will
inform them of her plan there, taking care not to
speak in front of the servers. Alternatively, if they
invite her into the Regency Suite, she would accept
that, and would be able to speak more freely.
However, if the adventurers decline, then
Yasviga will show up in person and will beg the
adventurers to speak with her, offering them land
or coin as payment. Ultimately, if they still turn
her down (for whatever reason), then proceed
with the Count and Countess sending invitations
to their Revel, independent of Yasviga. If they
agree to speak with her, as they should, then
proceed with the meeting described below:
Yasviga will explain her situation: her
eldest sister, Ustinya will soon try to kill her,
just as she’s killed all their other siblings, and so
Yasviga needs their help to kill her sister first. A
DC 12 Insight check will reveal that she is telling
the truth and is genuinely terrified.
Then, Yasviga will explain that the
best way to do this is to ambush her during
the upcoming hunt, but that means that the
adventurers will need to attend the Revel and pose
as the bait. If Ustinya thinks that Yasviga will be
hunting the adventurers, then she will follow them
on the day of the hunt, looking to ambush her
sister. However, with Yasviga’s help, they would
be able to set up an ambush of their own and
fight her alone.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
250
NOBLES VS CONSORTIUM
While the Consortium might control the
economy of Wreythau, they don’t control
the land. That is, only nobles are allowed to
own land. Everyone else is a tenant and must
pay rents. What’s more, every member of the
Consortium is forbidden from being nobility,
and any noble that joined the Consortium
would automatically lose all lands and titles,
forfeiting them back to the Blood Queen.
Because of this, the nobility of Wreythau, and
of Raffenburg in particular, are still able to
retain much of their power and standing.
Furthermore, because the Consortium is
supposed to serve the Crown, and every
noble is technically a member of the Queen’s
Court, every noble is able to make requests
of the Consortium and the Consortium has
certain obligations to follow those requests.
A great deal of politicking is usually involved
in navigating those obligations, though the
most powerful nobles, such as Baronesses or
Counts, are usually always granted a certain
number of requests before the Consortium
would consider declining. They do have
grounds to refuse requests, though ultimately,
the noble in question could petition the Blood
Queen herself should they feel slighted. Should
the Blood Queen agree, the noble would have
their request granted. Should she disagree, the
noble would be killed and all of their lands and
holdings would be redistributed to another
member of the Court.
By this point, the adventurers will
probably have lots of questions about why they’re
being hunted in the first place (assuming they
haven’t already figured it out), at which time
Yasviga would reveal her true nature. She would
tell them that her whole family have been blessed
by the Fey, that they’re Children of Vargr, and
are commonly mistaken for werewolves. Hence
why her family live so long and why Ustinya is so
 desperate to kill all of her siblings so that she alone
will inherit the title of Countess. Well, that might
also be because Ustinya is evil, but regardless,
Yasviga is offering to ally with the adventurers
should they be willing to help her.
If they agree, she’ll continue. If not, she’ll
try to persuade, bribe, or threaten them until they
agree. Just note, she’ll threaten indirectly, such
as by talking up how horrible her family are and
how dangerous they’d be without her as an ally. If
that still doesn’t work, Yasviga would leave, but
continue with the Count and Countess’ invitations.
So, assuming they agree, Yasviga will
inform them of the following:
though Yasviga would argue that it’s simply far too
dangerous to do so. Better to stick to her plan, or
at least that’s what she would argue.
And, in the event that the adventurers
decide to attack Yasviga, she will simply try to
flee. However, if you need to use her statblock, use
the statblock of the Loup Garou (VRGR pg 237),
which is the same statblock that Karloff was given.
The following descriptions of Castle
Reinwald take place during the Revel, which is
the only time the adventurers will be granted
access. Should they try to break in at some other
time, have Karloff find them and attack them
in the woods.

• Only certain people at the revels are targeted

for the Hunts. R6A - Great Hall
• Those people are given poisoned wine, The doors of the castle open to reveal a
often in the form of a toast. If the toast is majestic great hall, forty feet wide and almost
refused, they are kicked out of the Revel and 90 feet long. On either side of the hall stand
ambushed on the road out of the estate. six beautiful fey creatures depicted in gold,
• If the poisoned wine doesn’t work, the each statue standing over ten feet high, and
servants will bring poisoned food. in between them runs a lush and vibrant
• If the poisoned food doesn’t work, they will carpet. Feast tables are piled high with food,
be ambushed later. surrounded by revelers in costumes that are
• Also, do not go upstairs. For any reason. as extravagant as they are risque. Finally, at
Yasviga won’t explain further on that point. the end of the hall, sit two thrones flanked by
• Finally, once poisoned, they will be golden statues.
imprisoned in the cellars beneath the castle,
then released the following morning after all
the other guests have left.
• Once in the forest, Yasviga would find them
and give them a silvered weapon. Then they
could set up the ambush. If Ustinya’s husband
is present, she’ll fight the husband and leave
Ustinya to the adventurers.
• Lastly, one of the adventurers will need to
wield silver. Yasviga is adamant about this.
One of them needs to use silver, though only
one. She will provide the silver.

That’s the plan. If the adventurers agree,

then they’ll have Yasviga’s help navigating the
party and the hunt. If they don’t agree, they’ll have
to navigate it themselves. Still, the idea that other
people are being hunted and killed might give
the adventurers pause. They might decide to try
and free the prisoners, or something of the sort,
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
251
 CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
252
 CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
253
 The Great Hall is the social heart of the
party, where all the serious politicking, posturing,
and gossiping takes place. Guests gather around
the feast tables, eating, drinking, and mingling,
while the hosts of the party hold court from atop
their golden thrones. At least, at the beginning of
the party. As the evening wears on, the party tends
to disperse, heading toward the Trophy Room
(R6B) or the Ballroom (R6C) to indulge in other
festive activities.
Nevertheless, when the adventurers first
enter the party and step into the Great Hall, here
are some of the people that they might meet:
Theodore Schwartzhoffen, Raffenburg
Nobility (Human)
Though he’s approaching his 60s,
Theodore still acts as he did back in his University
days. Nevermind having barely graduated with
a degree in Applied Arcanology, Theodore loves
drinking and gossiping, and will happily talk with
anyone who will listen. And while he might be
quite vapid, it’s not hard to steer conversations
with him, and he happens to know a few things
after years of attending the Reinwalds’ Revels. For
instance, he can tell the adventurers:
• That the Reinwalds live much longer than
they should, and after a point in time, seem
to simply stop aging.
• All of Ustinya and Yasviga’s siblings have
tragically died over the last few decades, if
not centuries. Maybe some of those were
cousins, but there are at least 9 full blood
siblings that have had funerals, several of
which were held before Yasviga was born.
• The Count and Countess are trying to
set Yasviga up with Felix Tornheim, the
Baroness of Leshehoff’s son.
If asked about other things in the city,
Theodore knows much, though not much of it is
useful, though he can share that:
• That the University Library is one of the
most dangerous places in the entire city.
• That the Grand Theatre changed owners 20
years ago and has since built a rabidly loyal
following. A few critics were even stabbed as
a result of their reviews.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
254
Boris and Brava Ironsheild (Dwarves)
Boris and Brava are the heads of the
Blacksmithing Guild, and as a result, are
exceedingly rich. However, as the evening goes on
and Boris and Brava get more and more inebriated,
they’ll begin to grieve the loss of Barrukhirrim,
the home of their ancestors and home to some of
the greatest innovations in metalworking in all
of existence. They would pay an entire fortune to
anyone who was able to bring back some of the
lost tools and techniques from Barrukhirrim, or
the Silver Graves as they’re now known, though
everyone they’ve hired have never returned.
And, should anyone prompt them for
more information about the Graves, they’ll
reveal a secret: that at the heart of the mountain
Barrukhirrim was built in, lies a place of great
power: the Forge of the Ancestors. Said to contain
not only a profound record of knowledge, but also
the tools needed to create weapons the likes of
which have never been seen. What those weapons
are, exactly, they don’t know, as no one has ever
seen them, though they are adamant that anyone
who could reach the Forge of the Ancestors would
gain incredible power.
Ksenia Krivic - Guild District Messenger
(Human)
Remarkably pretty, it’s no secret why Ksenia
was invited, or at least that’s what most believe.
In truth, Ksenia is the fastest runner in the city, or
perhaps all of Wreythau, and she’s intended for the
Reinwalds’ next hunt. Until then, she’s suffering
from fairy tale syndrome. That is, she was loaned
an extravagant outfit and plied with amazing food
and drink, and intends to live it up before the
coming dawn wipes all the magic away.
Gisella - Art District Artificer-Tailor
(Halfling)
Gisella is an arrogant, often abrasive
person, commenting ruthlessly on everyone’s
attire. That is, everyone who didn’t get their attire
from her. And for those who know fashion, she’s
undoubtedly correct. All the flaws she points out
 are legitimate, at least in the eyes of those who
recognize the art of apparel.
The adventurers are likely to be the
unfortunate victims of Gisella’s scathing critique,
though that critique will also come with the offer
to visit her shop (The House of Gisella) before
they embarrass themselves at the Masquerade
Ball. What’s more, she’ll offer to provide the
work gratis (free), should they be willing to
embarrass Ustinya and Karloff Reinwald, both
of whom recently started seeing a new tailor.
She’ll recommend challenging them to a drinking
contest or a dancing contest, and should their
clothing get ruined in the process, then Gisella will
owe them an entire outfit in return. Considering
that she’s also an Artificer, this is an excellent deal.
For the drinking contest, set the
Constitution Save DC at 12 and then increase by
3 with every drink.
For the dancing contest, see The
Ballroom (R63).
Felix Tornheim - Son of Baroness Tornheim
One of the Heirs of the Barony of
Leshehoff, Felix Tornheim is being courted by
the Reinwald clan. The Count and Countess
intend to cement an alliance with the Tornheim’s
by arranging the marriage of Felix and Yasviga,
although Yasviga isn’t aware of this. She’s been a
little preoccupied by her murderous elder sister.
Regardless, this is not the first party Felix has
attended, and it’s fair to say he’s been thoroughly
seduced by the Reinwalds.
He loves hunting, they love hunting. He
loves revelling and indulging, they love revelling
and indulging. Plus, if he marries upwards, there’s
no way his parents can be disappointed, right?
Unfortunately for Felix, not everything
is as simple as it appears to be. Depending on
Yasviga’s fate, he might be married off to some
cousin or other, and kept as more of a hostage
than a true ally, and considering how fiercely
the Tornheim’s feel about familial loyalty, the
Reinwalds would be able to exert tremendous
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
255
influence upon Leshehoff, particularly if Felix
were to inherit the Barony himself...
Ustinya and Karloff Reinwald
Karloff is Ustinya’s husband, meaning that
he married into the Reinwald family and only
holds whatever power his wife has. Nonetheless,
since marrying into the family and surviving the
Gift of Vargr, Karloff has become a fearsome
werewolf in his own right. Having lived for well
over a century now, he doesn’t show his age.
He is a tall, dark haired man with a well
groomed goatee and a curled mustache. He wears
an elaborately decorated sword and seems as
arrogant as it is possible to be.
Ustinya is the firstborn daughter of
Cornelius and Ilse, and though she was born well
over a century before Yasviga, she looks to be of
the same age. Unlike her sister, however, she has
auburn hair and cold blue eyes, the sort of eyes that
inspire thoughts of freezing winter and corpses
buried beneath snow.
As the firstborn, Ustinya believes that it
is her right to inherit leadership of her clan, and
she views all of her siblings as nothing more than
rivals to be put down. She’s assassinated all but
one, and intends to resolve that on the morrow.
In the meantime, she is happy to revel and
indulge her whims.
Finally, at the end of the hall, sitting
upon their thrones of gold, are Cornelius and Ilse
Reinwald, the Count and Countess themselves.
Both appear to have aged very gracefully into their
middle years, though in truth, both are centuries
old. Cornelius is the more jovial of the two, happy
to cavort and joke, laugh and boast, and generally
enjoy life, whereas Ilse seems more content to
converse and observe, smiling all the while as
though she knows what no one else does. Despite
the difference in demeanor, however, it’s clear that
they couldn’t be closer.
Living with someone for centuries will do
that for you.
 More importantly, however, if the
adventurers approach the Count and Countess,
then a toast will be proposed, welcoming these
foreigners to their revel.
Adventurers must pass a DC 14
Constitution save or suffer the following effects:
they become poisoned, and in one hour they fall
unconscious. While unconscious the target can
benefit from a long rest, but will not wake for 8
hours. Only those immune to poison damage are
unaffected.
Any adventurer that refuses to toast will be
regarded with shock, and will be informed that to
reject the toast would be to insult the Reinwalds’
hospitality. If the adventurer still refuses, they will
promptly be kicked out of the party...only to be
ambushed as they pass through the forest covering
the rest of the estate. Use as many Reinwald
Servants as you wish. If you want the adventurers
to escape, use only a few. If you wish for them to
be captured, use several.
R6B - The Trophy Room
This large room is filled with hundreds upon
hundreds of hunting trophies. The massive,
mutated heads of wreythian bear, elk, and
boar are mounted on displays, while smaller
taxidermy displays fill every spare inch along
the walls. Strangely, though, there is no
furniture in the room, only an extravagant
abundance of pillows of every description
laying upon the floor.
The Reinwalds are famous for their
debauchery, and the trophy room is where much
of that happens, as the pillows attest. And yes, this
is supposed to be tremendously unsettling, though
not much else.
Only describe what your group is
comfortable with (remember to check in with
them if you haven’t already). Remember, less
is more. Being vague forces others to use their
imaginations, so don’t dwell on the description.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
256
Reinwald Servant
Medium humanoid (any race), any alignment
—
Armor Class 16 (studded leather armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 11 (+0) 13 (+1) 10 (+0)
—
Skills Acrobatics +6, Perception +5
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
—
Hunter’s Eye (3/Day). As a bonus action, the servant can add 1d10 to
its next attack or damage roll with a longbow or shortbow.
Poisoned Attacks. Any target hit by a servant’s attack must succeed
on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or fall unconscious. Only those
immune to poison damage are unaffected.
Actions
Multiattack. The servant makes two attacks with its longbow or two
attacks with its shortsword.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
R6C - The Ballroom
This Ballroom is like a shrine to opulence
itself. The floors are made of the rarest marble
and are as smooth as glass, reflecting much
of the enchanted light that shines down
from above. For, instead of chandeliers,
there is a massive latticework of gold and
platinum embedded with massive gemstones
that have been enchanted to shed brilliant,
colored light.
A dragon would be proud to have a horde
as magnificent as the Reinwalds’ Ballroom, and as
the dancers whirl and glide across the reflective
marble floor, it is as if they’ve been transported
into a universe filled with riches, with jewels
instead of stars.
For any adventurers challenging Ustinya
and/or Karloff to a dance competition, treat it
with great fanfare, with dozens of revellers in
the audience, as well as the Count and Countess
themselves.
 As for the rules of the contest, the
adventures will choose who goes first. Whatever
roll result the first dancer(s) get must be matched
or beat by whoever goes second. If the second roll
beats the first, that is the new DC, and the DC only
goes up. Whoever fails first loses. However, each
round of the dance competition takes minutes to
complete, giving ample time for allies to assist in
clever ways.
R6D - The Kitchens
This massive kitchen looks as though it
could feed an army, with a huge row of ovens
and stoves, and massive pantries practically
overflowing with food. Dozens of servants
bustle about, readying heaping platters of
delicacies for all those attending the revel.
The kitchens are something of a holy
place for the Reinwalds, as this is where they
do the greatest honor to their prey. Because of
that, the kitchens are actually run by a member
of the extended Reinwald clan (use Karloff/Loup
Garou’s stats for combat if necessary). They are
known as Bolearis and they rule the kitchen with
all the verve and intensity of a high priest(ess)
conducting a ritual.
The results really cannot be argued with.
Not even the Drowning Sun comes close.
Additionally, the Reinwalds’ knockout
poison is stored in the kitchen. It’s stored in
unmarked, black clay jars and then portioned out
into smaller glass vials. In order for anyone but
a servant to access this poison, though, the Head
Chef must be fooled, which is not an incredibly
difficult task (passive perception 23).
R6E - The Gallery
A sumptuous carpet runs down the entire
length of this grand hallway. Several
masterwork paintings are proudly displayed,
as are historic weapons and statues of the
Reinwalds’ ancestors. Strangely, many of
their ancestors appear to be elves, though
perhaps it was long ago, for their likenesses
appear strangely exaggerated. At the end of
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
257
the Gallery, a stone staircase leads up to the
second and third floor of the castle.
The statues aren’t exaggerated. Rather,
they are depicting Fey, rather than elves. Whether
these are truly ancestors, or rather honored
servants of Vargr, just as the Reinwalds are, is up
to you. Perhaps it’s a bit of both.
Regardless, a DC 15 Arcana check will
reveal that the statues depict Fey and not elves.
A DC 15 History check will reveal that
the paintings most likely depict events from
thousands of years ago, well before even the Blood
Queen’s time.
R6F - Winter’s Shrine
On the west side of Castle Reinwald sits
a peculiar garden of bare trees and dying
hedges, the air itself biting at your lungs with
every breath. Beside the hedges sits an ancient
fountain filled with chill water and carved
with flowing runes.
This garden is the Reinwalds’ shrine to
Winter and all that it represents. The fountain
acts as the center of the shrine and as a focus that
holds the garden within the grip of winter. And,
should one venture into the hedges themselves,
they’ll find something odd: a massive skull from
some dread creature slain long ago. The skull was
an offering that helped transform the garden into a
shrine in the first place.
Furthermore, when examining the skull, a
DC 16 Investigation or Perception check will
reveal a secret entrance to the castle’s undercroft
(R6M). The entrance is not locked. Instead, it
leads down to a room that contains two ladders
and a mechanical lift that leads directly to the
undercroft itself.
When examining the fountain:
A DC 14 Arcana Check will reveal that
the runes on the fountain are enchanted and
 transform the immediate area into a realm of
perpetual winter.
A DC 16 Religion Check will reveal that
the Court of Winter is not only a Court of cold,
death, fear, and darkness, but also a Court of
introspection, transformation, and the hunt.
Should any character know Druidic
they will be able to determine that the shrine is
dedicated to the Fey Court of Winter and that
the shrine has made this garden a place where the
Courtiers of Winter may dwell. What’s more, the
runes tell of a ritual that can summon a Courtier
of Winter so that knowledge or blessings can be
bargained for.
The ritual itself is simple, if macabre. The
ritual participant must first obtain a skull from a
creature they have personally killed. Next, they
must fashion the skull into a cup and use it to
drink from the fountain. Then, when the Fey
appears, they must offer the Fey a drink from the
skull as well. This will initiate negotiations and
allow the participant to bargain with the Fey.
If an adventurer performs the ritual,
describe the following:
The wind begins to rise, its frigid touch
rasping across your skin as a flurry of snow
materializes all around you. The force of
the gale continues to rise, the snow growing
heavier and heavier until everything around
you disappears beneath a blizzard of cruel
ice and biting winds. Then, the blizzard
fades as suddenly as it appeared, and a being
is standing before you, clad in a wolfskin
cloak and garments spun of silver and ice.
Its features are as harsh and beautiful as the
blizzard that heralded its arrival.
The Winter Courtier can appear male, or
female, or something in between, as the nature
of the Fey is ever mercurial. If asked for a name,
they will reply that they are sometimes known as
Isa, or Ice.
The Winter Courtier can be asked for
information about anything. Anything. It will
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
258
always speak true. However, the Courtier will ask
for payment in return. The payment depends upon
the rarity of the information the adventurers’ seek.
Small payments would include:
• Something that brings the adventurer joy.
If the adventurer agrees, it will no longer
bring them joy.
• Pledging the Courtier the blood of a worthy
foe. The pledge must be made before
the killing blow is struck. The pledge
and the killing blow must both be made
by the adventurer bargaining with the
Courtier. This must happen within the next
moon (4 weeks).
Large payments would include:
• The adventurer’s firstborn child, brought
within the next year. If the adventurer tries
to reproduce, and is potentially capable of it,
they will be able to.
• The dying breath of someone who has passed
because of old age, brought within the next
moon (4 weeks). The adventurer will be
given a bottle.
• The pelt of a creature killed with patience,
offered before the end of the next
moon (4 weeks).
The Winter Courtier can also be asked for
a boon, such as a magic item. A boon follows the
same payments as described above. Feel free to
be creative. Also, please allow the adventurers to
suggest suitable payments, too!
Lastly, if the adventurers agree to a
payment, but do not follow through, then the
Winter Courtier will appear at the worst possible
moment and try to kill the adventurer and all
who stand with them. Likely, this means during
another combat.
 Winter Courtier R6G - Summer’s Shrine
Medium Fey, chaotic evil

— To the east of Castle Reinwald sits a peculiar

Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 157 (17d8 + 81)
garden filled with large trees and thick flower
Speed 30 ft. beds in full bloom. Beside the flower beds
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
sits a golden fountain filled with bubbling
11 (+0) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 18 (+4) spring water and covered in flowing runes.
—
Condition Immunities charmed, sleep The air is warm and thick with the scent of
Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing growing things.
from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan, Druidic This garden is the Reinwalds’ shrine to
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
the Fey Court of Summer. The fountain acts as
the center of the shrine and as a focus that holds
—
Arcane Combatant. The Winter Courtier uses its Intelligence modifier the garden within the embrace of Summer. And,
for weapon attack and damage.
should one go into the flower beds, they will find
Fey Step (Recharge 4–6). As a bonus action, the Winter Courtier can the remains of a statue that appears to be a hand
teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.
growing up out of the earth itself. The statue was
Innate Spellcasting. The Winter Courtier’s innate spellcasting ability an offering that helped transform this garden into
is Intelligence (spell save DC 16). It can innately cast the following
spells, requiring no material components:
the shrine that it is.
At will: fog cloud, gust of wind
When examining the fountain:
1/day each: cone of cold, ice storm

Magic Resistance. The Winter Courtier has advantage on saving

throws against spells and other magical effects.
Sorrowful Presence. Any hostile non-fey creature that starts its turn
within 60 feet of the Winter Courtier must make a DC 16 Wisdom
saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is charmed for 1 minute.
While charmed in this way, the creature has disadvantage on ability
checks and saving throws. The charmed creature can repeat the saving
throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a
success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for
it, the creature is immune to any Winter Courtier’s Sorrowful Presence
for the next 24 hours.
Whenever the Winter Courtier deals damage to the charmed
creature, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on
itself on a success.
Actions
Multiattack. The Winter Courtier makes 2 attacks with its longsword
or with its longbow.
Longsword +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 9 (1d8+5) slashing damage plus 18 (4d8) cold damage, or 10
(1d10+5) slashing damage plus 18 (4d8) cold damage if used with
two hands.
A DC 14 Arcana Check will reveal that
the runes on the fountain are enchanted and
transform the immediate area into a realm of
perpetual summer.
A DC 16 Religion Check will reveal that
the Court of Summer is not only a Court of heat,
growth, abundance, and passion, but also a Court
of performance, warfare, and the hunt.
Should any character know Druidic
they will be able to determine that the shrine is
dedicated to the Fey Court of Summer and that
the shrine has made this garden a place where the
Courtiers of Summer may dwell. What’s more, the
runes tell of a ritual that can summon a Courtier
of Summer so that knowledge or blessings can be
bargained for.

Longbow +1. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (1d8+5) piercing damage plus 18 (4d8) cold damage.
Reactions
Frigid Rebuke. When the Winter Courtier takes damage from a
creature the Winter Courtier can see within 60 feet of it, the Winter
Courtier can force that creature to succeed on a DC 16 Constitution
saving throw or take 11 (2d10) cold damage.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
259
The ritual itself is simple, if macabre.
The ritual participant must first personally kill a
creature and mix its blood with the water from
the fountain. Next, they must paint themselves
with the bloody mixture. Then, when the Fey
appears, they must offer the Fey the chance to
paint themselves with the mixture as well. This
will initiate negotiations and allow the participant
to bargain with the Fey.
 If an adventurer performs the ritual,
describe the following:
The clouds slowly part and brilliant rays of
sunlight fill the garden. The air grows warmer
as the light becomes brighter, and brighter,
until it feels as though the world itself was
turned into a blinding oven. Then, suddenly,
the clouds reform and you see that you are not
alone. A creature wearing a cloak of elk hide
and garments spun from gold stands before
you, its features as beautiful and painful to
behold as the sun itself.
The Summer Courtier can appear male,
or female, or something in between, as the nature
of the Fey is ever mercurial. If asked for a name,
they will reply that they are sometimes known as
Lasair, or Flame.
The Summer Courtier can be asked for
information about anything. Anything. It will
always speak true. However, the Courtier will ask
for payment in return. The payment depends upon
the rarity of the information the adventurers’ seek.
Small payments would include:
Something that the adventurer is passionate
about. If the adventurer agrees, it will no longer fill
them with passion.
Pledging the Courtier the blood of a worthy foe.
The pledge must be made before the killing blow
is struck. The pledge and the killing blow must
both be made by the adventurer bargaining with
the Courtier. This must happen within the next
moon (4 weeks).
Large payments would include:
The adventurer’s firstborn child, brought within
the next year. If the adventurer tries to reproduce,
and is potentially capable of it, they will be able to.
The masterwork of an artisan, given freely.
It must be brought by the end of the next
moon. (4 weeks).
The head of a fool, killed by their own
foolishness, and must be brought by the end of the
next moon (4 weeks).
The Summer Courtier can also be asked
for a boon, such as a magic item. A boon follows
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
260
the same payments as described above. Feel free to
be creative. Also, please allow the adventurers to
suggest suitable payments, too!
Summer Courtier
Medium Fey, chaotic evil
—
Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
Hit Points 127 (17d8 + 51)
Speed 50 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 21 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
—
Condition Immunities charmed, sleep
Skills Athletics +8, Intimidation +8
Condition Immunities: charmed, sleep
Damage Resistances fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan, Druidic
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4
—
Fearsome Presence. Any hostile non-Fey creature that starts its turn
within 60 feet of the Summer Courtier must make a DC 16 Wisdom
saving throw. On a failed save, the creature becomes frightened for 1
minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of
its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving
throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to
any Summer Courtier’s Fearsome Presence for the next 24 hours.
Fey Step (Recharge 4–6). As a bonus action, the Summer Courtier
can teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.
Magic Resistance. The Summer Courtier has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
Multiattack. The Summer Courtier makes two weapon attacks.
Longsword +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 18 (4d8) fire damage, or
10 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 4 (1d8) fire damage if used with
two hands.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one
target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage plus 18 (4d8) fire damage.
Reactions
Parry. The Summer Courtier adds 3 to its AC against one melee attack
that would hit it. To do so, the Summer Courtier must see the attacker
and be wielding a melee weapon.
Lastly, if the adventurers agree to a
payment, but do not follow through, then the
Summer Courtier will appear at the worst possible
moment and try to kill the adventurer and all
who stand with them. Likely, this means during
another combat.
 2nd Floor Another depicts the Blood Queen herself
standing atop Gulthias’ corpse, holding his severed
R6H - Dining Hall head aloft, all while a massive black wolf rolls over
at her feet. Notably, the Blood Queen’s eyes are
The stairs from the Gallery lead into the brown, rather than red, and her teeth appear as flat
Reinwalds’ personal Dining Hall, as well as as any other humans.
continue on up to the third floor. The Dining
Hall itself is another extravagant room filled
with golden statues, priceless paintings, R6I - The Solarium
and expensive furniture. To the east, a door
The door opens into a lavish room with
leads to the Count and Countess’ personal
large windows that let in as much light as
chamber, while to the south hallways lead to
the cloud strangled sky can offer. Occupying
the other chambers and to the Solarium.
most of the room are four overstuffed chairs
facing each other, with two end tables sitting
The second floor is off limits to party between them.
guests, though the Reinwalds don’t trouble
themselves with much security. They trust their
Typically a solarium is a room meant
servants to look after them, not to mention the
to receive as much sunlight as possible, but
fact that they’re werewolves and thus don’t have as
considering that the sun only shines one day
much need for security as other nobles might.
a year, this solarium essentially just offers a
wonderful view of the forest estate.
That said, sometimes the Reinwalds will
bring people upstairs for private meetings. For the
A DC 12 Investigation Check will reveal
powerful and wealthy, those meetings are usually
that the drawers contain letters. If an adventurer
full of politicking in the dining room or the bed
takes time to read through the letters (at least a
chambers. For the Reinwalds’ prey, that means a
half hour), they will discover that the Reinwalds
trip up to the murder labyrinth on the third floor.
are not only aware of the rising tension in the
city, but that they are building an alliance of
A DC 18 History Check will reveal that
the nobility to oppose the city council and the
several of the paintings depict the end of Gulthias’
revolutionaries both.
reign in Wreythau. The most remarkable
paintings are the following:
Needless to say, the letters could be
valuable blackmail in the right hands.
One painting depicts Gulthias sitting upon
a throne made of twisted branches in a glade of
standing stones. Gulthias is a male elf with a wiry, R6J - Bedchambers
yet powerful build partially hidden by a regal outfit
that looks as though it was grown from throned These four bed chambers appear to be
vines and the flowers that bear his name. Mist intended for close family. They are all
hangs all around him, and standing at his right is a luxurious and filled with soft animal pelts,
dread elven warrior: Beleroth Haar An Thell. To thick blankets, master-crafted furniture, and
his left sits a massive wolf with a coal black coat beautiful decorations, though each has been
and a murderous gaze. arranged to best suit their owners.

Another painting depicts a grand battle, The northwestern bedchamber appears to

Gulthias leading an army of undead horrors, currently belong to no one. There are no personal
unnatural monstrosities red in tooth and claw, and items of any kind.
knights riding massive wolves against an army of
humans and dwarves.

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
261
 The southwestern bedchamber appears
to belong to Yasviga herself. Within it lies a
diary, about 300gp worth of jewelry, a wardrobe
full of expensive clothing (10gp+ per outfit),
and a silvered dagger (worth 50gp) kept beneath
her pillow.
Yasviga’s diary paints a fairly horrifying
depiction of what it’s like to grow up in a
family where siblings murder each other and
everyone hunts other people for sport. Perhaps
unsurprisingly, Yasviga detests most of her family,
even if she has come to terms with her nature.
The northeastern bedchamber appears to
belong to Ustinya and Karloff, mostly because of
the large golden statues of themselves that stand to
either side of their bed. Otherwise, it appears they
use this room rarely, though it does contain about
100gp worth of jewelry as well as two silvered
longswords (100 gp each) and a quiver full of 30
silvered arrows (worth 60gp).
Lastly, the southeast bedchamber appears
to belong to the head chef, a cousin named Bolearis
Reinwald. Their desk is filled with dozens upon
dozens of recipes, most of which are great for
cooking people.
These recipes are very valuable however,
and are worth about 10 gold each. Other nobles, or
establishments like the Drowning Sun would all be
eager to buy the recipes.
Otherwise, the room is filled with
expensive outfits and jewelry, all worth
about 500 gold.
R6K - Guest Bedchambers
A large fireplace against the far wall blazes
merrily, filling the room with light and a cozy
heat. The furnishings are extravagant and
contain a Wreythian bear skin rug, a large,
sumptuous bed, a wardrobe, two end tables,
and a vanity.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
262
These bedchambers are intended for guests
of the family. More specifically, that means allies
and potential allies of the Reinwalds.
At the moment, the bedchambers are
empty, though it’s clear that either the staff are
instructed to treat the rooms as if they’re always in
use, or that they will soon be occupied.
R6L - The Count and Countess’
Bedchamber
The door opens to reveal a lavish drawing
room filled with overstuffed chairs, a few
end tables, and a lush carpet, as well as two
golden statues, one of the Count and one of
the Countess. A truly enormous painting acts
as a wall between the drawing room and the
bedroom, the painting depicting a landscape
painting of Wreythau. After a moment, you
realize the painting is animated, the clouds
moving, the trees rustling in the breeze, the
sea lapping against the shore.
Past the painting lies a bed larger than
many peasants’ homes, as well as two wardrobes, a
vanity, and another Wreythian bear skin rug. To
the west lies another doorway that leads out to a
widow’s walk that overlooks the entrance to the
castle itself.]
Over 1000gp of jewelry is kept in
the vanity, and the wardrobes are filled with
extravagant outfits (10gp+).
Oddly enough, though, it doesn’t appear
to contain much else. There’s no personal
correspondence, no mementos, and everything is
perfectly orderly.
Third Floor
R6O - The Murder Labyrinth
The staircase leads to the third floor, opening
up to a series of tight corridors. Strangely,
the walls of the corridors appear to be purely
functional, with no decoration at all in sight.
 The third floor of the castle exists purely
as an indoor hunting ground. The majority of the
floor is dominated by a large maze of corridors
with traps placed in strategic places to hamper the
movement of prey.
The traps in the labyrinth use the
following rules:
Bear Trap
Mechanical Trap
A DC 16 Perception Check will reveal the
location of the trap. The traps are hidden beneath
false floorboards that must be reset whenever a
trap is triggered.
Any character that steps onto the bear trap
must succeed a DC 16 Dexterity save or take 18
(4d8) piercing damage and become Restrained.
A DC 16 Athletics check or thieves tools check is
needed to escape the trap.
Furthermore, anyone that enters the third
floor cannot do so without triggering a silent
alarm which will summon one of the Reinwalds
to investigate. In this case, the alarm would
summon Karloff. Or, if you’re wanting to delay a
fight against a powerful werewolf, then the alarm
could summon 6 Reinwald Servants to chase the
adventurer(s) through the maze.
R6P - Widow’s Walk Trap
As the door opens out onto the widow’s walk
you hear a loud clink, followed by the sound
of something flying at you at high velocity.
A DC 18 Investigation Check will reveal
that the door is trapped. Once this has been
detected, the trap can be triggered without a check
while the door is still closed.
However, anyone that fully opens the door
will also trigger the trap. Once triggered, the trap
uses the following rules:
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
263
Spike Thrower
Magic Trap
When the trap is triggered it launches
8 metal spikes at anyone in the doorway. Each
spike rolls with a +8 to hit and deals 15 (2d10 + 4)
piercing damage.
R6Q - Torture Room
The stench of blood and terror fills this room,
rising off of crusted stains on the floorboards.
Four large torture racks fill the room, along
with tables cluttered with medical tools.
The torture room’s purpose is easy to
guess, though the Reinwalds also use the room
to stabilize worthy prey harmed by their traps.
Occasionally they’ll also skin prey alive.
R6R - Heart of the Labyrinth
As you round the corner you find yourself
staring out at a chamber carpeted with bones.
Bones of every size and shape. Bones piled
upon bones, hundreds of skeletons carelessly
strewn all about.
The Heart of the Labyrinth is where the
Reinwalds ultimately try to chase their prey. If
their prey was worthy, they will be devoured alive
and their bones left as a macabre testament to the
Reinwalds’ predatory might.
If their prey has some special purpose,
however, they will simply be trapped in the Heart
and neutralized with violence or poison so that
they can hunt them again, or otherwise use them
to fulfill their purpose.
The piles of bones count as
Difficult Terrain.
R6S - Trap Rooms
As you open the door you briefly see the
blades of spinning saws rising from the floor
 just before a spiked mallet comes hurtling
towards your chest.
The trap rooms are really just one large
trap composed of several smaller ones.
A DC 14 Perception Check will reveal that
the doors are trapped. The trap can be triggered
without a check before opening the door.
Otherwise, the trap will trigger when
the door is fully opened and the trap uses the
following rules:
Spiked Mallet
Mechanical Trap
When the trap is triggered a large, spiked
mallet will swing out from the wall and strike
anything standing in the doorway. The spiked
mallet rolls with a +8 to hit and does 20 (2d12+7)
piercing damage if it hits.
Furthermore, half of the rooms are filled
with magical, spinning saw traps. The traps use the
following rules:
Spinning Saw Trap
Magical Trap
Anything moving over this trap must
succeed a DC 16 Dexterity save or take 7 (2d6)
slashing damage for every five feet moved. This
trap also counts as difficult terrain.
R6M - The Undercroft
The secret passage from the Winter Garden
leads to two ladders and a mechanical lift
that descend deep beneath the earth to the
undercroft of the castle. The center of the
undercroft has been conferred into a Place
of Arms, a training hall for close combat and
archery. Yet what is truly shocking are the two
chambers penned in by thick iron bars driven
into the stone itself. About a dozen men and
women are trapped within, a thick blanket of
hay their only comfort inside the cells.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
264
Against the south wall lies racks of
weapons and armor of all types. Enough to supply
a small army, at least. Not strange in and of itself,
but likely concerning.
The cages require a DC 17 Thieves Tools
check to unlock them.
As for the people in the cages, they were
all chosen for a reason. Some are gladiators from
the Menagerie, others are dangerous criminals,
one is a Hunter from the Hunter’s Guild, there are
a few university students that insulted one of the
younger Reinwalds, etc.
Should the cages be opened without
the proper key, a magical alarm will sound,
summoning Karloff and 6-10 Reinwald Servants.
Should the cages be opened with the
proper key then it might be possible to sneak all of
the prisoners out, but really, that’s no fun. Instead,
have Karloff catch up with the characters in the
forest and attack them. See The Hunt, below, for
more information.
R6N - Storage Room
The wooden door from the Place of Arms
opens up into a large storage room. Gigantic
barrels of wine sit along the far wall and
large crates of various supplies and foodstuffs
occupies much of the remaining space.
A DC 16 Investigation check will reveal a
case of 10 Potions of Healing (2d4+2).
Additionally, any sort of mundane supply
can likely be found in this room (various tools,
rope, tents, mess kits, etc).
 Event: The Hunt deliver this proclamation: any who can escape the
Reinwald estate will have earned their lives and
This event can go one of several ways, but
their freedom. Any who cannot escape will die.
essentially, it’s a fight against a very dangerous
Then, the Reinwalds would release the prisoners
werewolf in a forest. Because of the simplicity
in small groups, allowing them to arm themselves
of this event, it can be adapted to fit multiple
as they wished (they could use their own gear or
contexts, so don’t be afraid to let the adventurers
take from the armory in the Undercroft), and then
do what they do. If they try to sneak into the
they would be released out into the forest that
estate, this event could trigger. If they try to
covers the estate.
release the prisoners, this event could trigger. If
the adventurers are captured during the revel, this
The adventurers would be released
event would trigger. Etc.
together, armed, and then sent off. Specifically,
Yasviga will tell the adventurers which direction
Now, that said, what will be described
to run in. This is to get them away from everyone
below will be a description of what would happen
else so they are isolated and no backup can be
should the adventurers have agreed to help
called once the ambush against Ustinya and Karloff
Yasviga assassinate her elder sister. That means
takes place. However, it’s up to the adventurers
the adventurers have attended the revel and
what direction they choose.
subsequently been captured for the Hunt the next
morning. Once captured, the adventurers would be
Assuming they listen to their only ally,
kept in the cages in the Undercroft with the other
they’ll have a few hours of running through the
prisoners, none of which know anything. Then,
forest before Yasviga catches up with them. She’ll
as the next day dawns, all of the Reinwalds and
give one of them a silvered weapon (a shortsword,
their servants would gather in the undercroft and
longsword, bolts, or arrows) and then they’ll have

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
265
 some time to set up the ambush. Yasviga will go
after Karloff and leave the adventurers to deal
with Ustinya.
Now, this fight will be incredibly
difficult. Ustinya is a deadly archer and has
legendary actions that allow her to attack multiple
opponents. However, she is incredibly arrogant,
easily goaded, and possesses no magic. What’s
more, as long as she is hit with the silver, she won’t
regenerate, making her much easier to kill.
If the PCs put a little bit of effort into their
ambush and utilize helpful spells (like pass without
trace, invisibility, etc), then they should absolutely
be able to come out on top, though it will be a
brutal, dangerous fight.
University District
R7 - University of Raffenberg
In a city as cursed as Raffenberg, even the
vaunted halls of learning harbor terrible secrets.
Brutal experiments are conducted on live human
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
266
subjects, important research is suppressed, and
throats are regularly poisoned and split, all in
the name of greed. Nonetheless, most of the
city regards the University as a point of pride
and a source of hope, ignorant to all that goes
on within the expansive bounds of its campus.
Great things are done at the University, and for
many, the scholarships offered by the Guilds, the
Consortium, and the Guard have led to a better
life. The fact that that better life comes at the cost
of others, however, hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Because of this the University is a heavily
contested battleground, even if that battle is being
conducted in the shadows. Every faction needs
knowledge, innovation, medical care, and arcane
power, and that is exactly what the University
offers. It is simply too valuable for any faction to
destroy, and so the struggle to control it happens
much more carefully and subtly than almost
anywhere else in the city. That also means that
there are agents of every faction present in the
University, making it a hotbed of espionage that
would make even the Gheata sisters salivate over.
 Unfortunately for the adventurers, much
of that complex struggle happens behind the
scenes and would take weeks, if not months, to
learn about, much less get involved in. Frankly,
that’s time they simply don’t have. That said,
the University is still an incredibly valuable
location for them for much the same reason it’s
valuable to everyone else: it is the home of the
collected knowledge, learning, and study for all
of Wreythau. And, more specifically, it is the
only place in Raffenburg that the adventurers can
legally buy magic items, potions, and other arcane
goods and services (see the DMG for suggested
pricing and then double or triple it). Note that
these goods and services also include healing
magic, as the University operates an advanced
magical Hospital, as well.
Event: Lost In The Stacks
Location: University Library
Suggested Level: 6
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
267
Summary
This is the most important event to take
place at the University of Raffenburg as it will not
only give the players much greater insight into the
Blood Queen, but it will also give the adventurers
some interesting magic items, some of which
might come at a cost.
On the surface, this event is about rescuing
Ekaterina Tornheim the Younger (Baroness
Tornheim’s daughter) from the University’s cursed
library. However, as the adventurers delve into the
maze of bookshelves and interact with the artifacts
within, they’ll be able to dig deeper into Wreythau
the Blood Queen, and the Dark Power that secretly
rules it all.
This event can trigger in a few
different ways.
• If the adventurers have helped the
Revolutionaries, then Yulia Mountainsblood
will reach out to them and ask for their
help in finding one of her students who has
disappeared in the library.
 • The Tornheims could send the adventurers
a letter asking them to check in on their
children, mentioning that both are attending
the University. Asking around the University
will reveal that Felix has been spending
lots of time with the Reinwalds, and that
Ekaterina the Younger has disappeared in
the library.
• While buying magical goods and services
at the University, they could overhear that
some noble’s daughter has disappeared and
Professor Mountainblood is making a big
fuss over it.
• Alternatively, if the adventurers wish to
visit the library anyways (perhaps due
to city rumors), then the librarians will
mention that a student recently went
missing in the library. Not uncommon for
younger students, but rare for those close to
graduation.
R7A - The University Library
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
268
The library is a grand building made of brick
and stone, and proudly stands at five stories
tall. However, anyone at the University can
tell you that the library only has one floor,
and that no one has ever explored all of it. In
fact, as soon as one steps through the doors
of the Library, it’s as though they’ve entered
an entirely different building. On the outside,
there are many grand, stained glass windows,
but on the inside you can’t see them. In fact,
you can’t even see any walls, only the front
doors that let you into the building and a void
of black where the walls should be.
Sitting inside the entrance to the library is
a reception desk staffed by a librarian, and
beyond that, is simply an expanse of tower
bookshelves and a polished wooden floor.
The librarian, known as Antiquarian
Amadi, is an ancient human woman with dark skin
and grey dreadlocks. She is cheerful and is happy
to help the adventurers. She’ll make sure they have
all the gear they need, including at least three days
of food, water, and light, and will compliment
 them on their weapons and armor (assuming they
arrived armed).
The library, Antiquarian Amadi will
explain, exists in its own little pocket dimension. It
was constructed by the Blood Queen herself to act
as a repository for knowledge, in whatever form it
might take, and the library has grown and grown
throughout the millennia. Now, it has something
of a mind of its own, and the stacks shift and
change, creating a perpetual maze that cannot be
mapped. What’s more, the library has a guardian,
the Book Worm, that ruthlessly protects all that
the library contains. If anyone tries to remove
anything from the library, they’ll have to deal
with the Book Worm, and so far no one who has
challenged it has survived.
Furthermore, Antiquarian Amadi will
confirm that Ekaterina Tornheim the Younger
has been missing for a little over a week now, and
is likely in grave danger. It’s a shame, really, as
she was such a promising student. Unfortunately,
Antiquarian Amadi rarely ventures into the stacks
anymore, so it’s up to the adventurers to rescue the
young Tornheim.
As dangerous as the Book Worm is, it doesn’t
automatically attack. Instead, whenever an artifact
in the library is disturbed, the Worm will soon
appear and perform a special attack: Wrath of
the Book Worm. Use your best judgement as for
when the Wrath of the Book Worm occurs. I
recommend after the adventurers have finished
interacting with an artifact, though remember, the
Worm only appears if the artifact was significantly
disturbed. In most cases, that means if the
adventurers attempt to move an artifact.
Wrath of the Book Worm
Living Trap
The floor beneath your feet begins to tremble,
and the books begin to shake upon their
shelves. Then, suddenly, the shelf in front of
you explodes and a massive, toothed maw,
easily ten feet across, lunges down upon you.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
269
Book Worm
Gargantuan monstrosity, unaligned
—
Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points 247 (15d20 + 90)
Speed 50 ft., burrow 50 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
28 (+9) 7 (-2) 22 (+6) 1 (-5) 8 (-1) 4 (-3)
—
Saving Throws Con +11, Wis +4
Senses blindsight 30 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive Perception 9
Languages —
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
—
Tunneler. The worm can burrow through the book shelves. The
shelves will instantly repair themselves in its wake.
Actions
Multiattack. The worm makes two attacks: one with its bite and one
with its stinger.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 22
(3d8 + 9) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature,
it must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or be swallowed by
the worm. A swallowed creature is blinded and restrained, it has total
cover against attacks and other effects outside the worm, and it takes
21 (6d6) acid damage at the start of each of the worm’s turns.
If the worm takes 30 damage or more on a single turn from
a creature inside it, the worm must succeed on a DC 21
Constitution saving throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate
all swallowed creatures, which fall prone in a space within 10
feet of the worm. If the worm dies, a swallowed creature is no longer
restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by using 20 feet of
movement, exiting prone.
Tail Stinger. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
creature. Hit: 19 (3d6 + 9) piercing damage, and the target must make
a DC 19 Constitution saving throw, taking 42 (12d6) poison damage
on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Single target. Make a DC 18 Strength
Saving Throw. If you succeed, you are able to
resist the Book Worm and remain where you are.
If you fail, you are swept up in the Book Worms
maw and are carried to a random location within
the library.
Wrath of the Book Worm triggers
opportunity attacks from any creature within
10 feet of the creature it is targeting. This will
allow the adventurers to whittle away at the
Book Worm’s health leading up to the final
confrontation. Assuming the adventurers are
brave enough for a final confrontation, that is.
Furthermore, this mechanic should help
ramp up the unease for your players, as this will
not only separate them in a maze, but they will also
 have no idea when the Book Worm will actually
attack them. And, if they get cocky, consider
having the Book Worm actually attack for a round
or two before disappearing through the stacks
again. In other words, keep them guessing.
Navigating the Stacks
The adventurers will enter the battlemap
in the northwestern corner.
The Library battlemap is designed as a
maze and it works best if you can maintain a fog of
war. If you use a virtual tabletop then you can use
whatever lighting settings or fog of war settings
that your chosen program has to ensure that only
what is within the adventurers’ current line of
sight is visible. If you’re playing with pen and
paper, you can use blank slips of paper that you
move around to hide the parts of the map that are
not within the adventurers’ line of sight. In other
words, if the adventurers are not currently looking
at it, it should be obscured from their view. This
will protect the integrity of the maze and force the
players (yes, the players) to use their memories or
draw their own map. This will best simulate what
the adventurers themselves are going through.
The goal is to have the characters explore
an oppressive, architectural horror maze of
bookshelves and creepy artifacts. The adventurers
should be able to freely move through the
library, pausing to interact with whatever catches
their interest, though the library should feel
inhospitable and ominous. For one, it is impossible
to escape the stacks. Anything trying to climb or
fly above them will find the stacks rising endlessly
higher, no matter how fast or how far they try to
go. For another, have the entrance/exit shift. Once
inside the library, the adventurers can’t leave until
they’ve achieved their goal (or the players beg you
to let them out; if the players aren’t having fun,
best to move on).
Lastly, there’s the Book Worm. Make sure
not to interrupt the adventurers interactions with
the library, but don’t hesitate to make the Book
Worm’s presence known. In other words, don’t be
afraid to delay the Book Worm’s arrival, but don’t
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
270
forget about it. It should harass all but the most
careful adventurers.
Artifacts in the Stacks
A - The Mirror
Displayed upon a marble plinth is a large
silver mirror. As you gaze into that shining
surface you see your reflection shifting, your
features changing before your very eyes, and
unbidden, a thought enters your mind: is this
what form your spirit desires?
The Mirror is a magical item that can
permanently change a creature’s appearance. It can
alter anything about their appearance, including
changing a creature’s size to small or medium,
but it cannot affect any other parts of their
character sheet. It will not give special attacks,
increase or decrease abilities, etc. It will only alter
appearance and size.
When an adventurer first looks into the
mirror, ask them the following question:
“What does your character wish they
looked like?”
However they answer, that is what the
Mirror will show. Then, if they wish it to happen,
their form will change to match the idealized
reflection in the mirror.
B - Devil Skull
Upon a marble plinth is a hellish skull as
large as a grown man’s torso, with a pair of
sweeping horns that rise majestically from
the crown of the skull. As you approach,
an infernal light flares within its empty eye
sockets and an inhumanly deep voice echoes
in your mind.
This is the skull of a Pit Fiend that Czerina
slew long ago. She trapped its soul into the skull
and placed it in the Library so that its knowledge
would not be lost. Now, this ancient devil simply
 lurks within the skill, waiting and hoping for a
chance to one day free itself and return to the
Nine Hells.
In the meantime, the Devil Skull will
bargain with any who approach it, offering to
reveal powerful arcane secrets in exchange for
souls, items of power, or anything else of value
that it might be able to gather.
The Skull can teach any adventurer a spell.
It could even teach an adventurer a spell higher
than what the adventurer can cast, although the
adventurer would not be able to cast it until they
possessed the appropriate level of spell slots. For
instance, a 3rd level caster could learn the Wish
spell from the Devil Skull but would be unable
to cast it until they gained access to 9th level
spell slots. Most importantly, this would allow a
character to learn and cast a spell from another
class’ spell list provided they had spell slots of an
appropriate level. For instance, a Druid could learn
a Wizard spell, and cast it, provided they had the
appropriate spell slots for that level of spell.
The Skull will only bargain with an
adventurer once and no more.
Things the Skull would bargain for:
• Angel Feathers
• A Soul secured through an infernal contract
within one week (a contract would appear
if this option was chosen). The Soul could
belong to the adventurer or to anyone they
get to sign the contract.
• A Relic of Legend
• A contract stipulating that the adventurer
perform a living sacrifice in order to
summon a specific Erinyes from the Nine
Hells within one week. Once summoned, the
Erinyes would be free to act in Wreythau
however it wishes.
If an adventurer fails to uphold their
bargain, Devils would periodically appear and
attempt to drag the offending adventurer into
the Nine Hells. I would recommend starting with
low CR Devils and working your way up toward
another Pit Fiend. In this case, the only thing
that would save the character would be to have
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
271
the spell they learned permanently erased from
their mind, something only Czerina, or the Wish
spell, could do.
C - Brain in a Jar
Sitting upon this plinth is an ornate glass
jar made of the finest crystal and decorated
in complex lattice work of thorned vines
wrought in gold. The jar itself is filled with
a transparent green liquid, and inside that
liquid floats a brain. As you approach, a
feminine voice echoes in your mind.
This is the brain of Czerina’s mother,
Evengja, suspended in a cruel parody of
immortality. Where Czerina sought to torture
her father by trapping him in an endless cycle
of painful reincarnations, she decided to do the
opposite to her mother, preserving the mind she
so admired, but nothing else.
So here Evengja sits, a brain trapped in a
jar, surrounded by an endless font of knowledge
and nothing else. Evengja can commune with
the library to a degree and can request any book
that she wishes, using Mage Hand to hold it and
flip the pages.
Periodically, students from the University
will consult her, though after a millennia of this
tortured existence, Evengja simply seeks to die.
She will beg, coerce, negotiate, lie, and generally
do everything she can to convince the adventurers
to break the jar and let her escape her suffering.
Ironically, this torture has convinced Evengja
that she was right to treat Czerina like a monster
all those years ago, rather than inspire some sort
of repentance.
Clever players might think up other
solutions, however, such as using the Mannequin
(Artifact E) to produce her a new body. This
could lead to an incredibly dramatic confrontation
with Czerina, particularly if Gavran has also been
awakened to his past lives and allowed to confront
Czerina along with Evengja.
 Otherwise, Evengja is incredibly intelligent
and educated and conversing for a protracted
length of time could grant an adventurer
proficiency or expertise in Animal Handling,
Arcana, History, Insight, Nature, Medicine,
or Religion.
D - Magic Orb
Sitting upon an iron stand in the middle of
this plinth is a large, crystal orb, filled with
swirling, chromatic light. The urge to touch
the orb grows within your mind.
Adventurers must succeed on a DC 10
Intelligence save to avoid touching the orb.
Any adventurer that touches the Orb will
suffer from the following effects:
• Gain +2 in any non-spellcasting ability.
• Lose -2 in any non-spellcasting ability.
• Gain a random mutation.
Note: Wis, Int, and Cha only count as
spellcasting abilities if that is how the character
casts their spells. So a pure Barbarian, for example,
could affect any ability.
Sample Mutations:
• Small mouths grow on each fingertip.
• Your tongue becomes a small snake.
• Your blood is now black and your veins are
visible beneath your skin.
• You grow horns.
• You grow a tail.
• A second, fanged mouth grows
upon your neck.
• Your teeth fall out and regrow every
morning. They are always different.
• Instead of legs you now have a snake,
centipede, or other animal body.
Allow the player to pick their character’s
mutation, but try to encourage them to make
it suitably creepy. Also, remember that these
mutations will mean they will need a disguise not
to get attacked by a crazed mob sometime in the
near future.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
272
Note: the Mirror (Artifact A) could erase
the mutation.
E - Mannequin
Tucked away in this corner of the library is
a strange, clay covered mannequin wearing
an extravagant ball gown. The mannequin is
posed as though it’s ready to embrace anyone
who comes within reach.
Any creature that embraces the mannequin
will realize that they have just gained a Clone
(see the 8th level necromancy spell: Clone). The
mannequin will transform into an exact replica of
the creature, and upon that creature’s death, they
will be able to use the mannequin as a Clone.
This can be overridden if another creature
attunes to the mannequin. Once attuned, the
mannequin will permanently become that
creature’s Clone.
F - Brazier
Sitting upon this marble plinth is a
large, bronze brazier filled with burning
coals. Along the rim of the brazier is an
inscription that reads: sacrifice flesh for flesh,
blood for blood.
Any creature that plunges their hands into
the burning coals will take 18 (4d8) fire damage,
but will gain a floating charge that will exist
until it is activated. Once activated, the charge
will allow the creature to do maximum damage
with any single target spell or attack. Note that
they must declare they are activating the charge
before rolling to hit. If the attack hits, it deals
maximum damage.
G - Necklace
A magnificent necklace made of precious
metals and jewels glitters upon a marble
plinth. As you get closer you realize that
words have been carved into each jewel,
transforming the necklace into a record
of some kind.
 The writing on the necklace is in Sylvan,
and details a very complicated Writ of Safe Passage
to the Court of Nemeth. Any character with a
map will recognize that is probably referring to
the Ruins of Nemeth, although what lies there,
who could say?
A DC 16 Arcana check can. It will reveal
that the Writ of Safe Passage must be honored
by the Fey, and any character holding the
necklace can use it to forestall any hostility with
the Fey until after the character has visited the
Court of Nemeth.
H - Goblet
This silver goblet rests upon a velvet cushion
and has been fashioned to resemble a skull,
and the stem of the goblet is covered in
small spikes.
This goblet steals the blood of another
creature. Whenever the spikes on the goblet draw
a creature’s blood it will forge a link between itself
and that creature. Then, whoever is attuned to the
goblet (and who doesn’t accidentally draw their
own blood) can summon the linked creature’s
blood to fill the goblet. Every time blood is drawn
into the goblet, the linked creature must make a
DC 16 Constitution Save. If they succeed, they take
1d8 necrotic damage and the goblet cannot be used
again until the next day. If they fail, the damage
permanently increases by 1d8 and the goblet
can be immediately used again. Note, because
the damage permanently increases with every
failed save, this could kill a creature by draining
them of blood.
Secondly, any creature that drinks blood
from the goblet will also gain the benefits of the
Detect Thoughts spell targeting the creature
whose blood was drunk (DC 16 Wisdom Save).
This link functions and its benefits
function as long as the goblet and the linked
creature are on the same plane.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
273
I - Five Rings
Sitting upon a red velvet cushion are
five rings. Four rings are simple golden
bands, while the fifth ring resembles an
ostentatious crown made of diamonds, rubies,
and sapphires.
These are the rings of the Dominator
and the Dominated. First, a creature must attune
to the Ring of the Dominator. Then, they can
distribute the four other rings. From then on, the
creature wearing the Ring of the Dominator can
cast a 9th level Geas spell (DC 16 Wisdom Saving
Throw) upon any creature wearing a Ring of
the Dominated.
However, each time the Ring of the
Dominator is used, it consumes a finger.
That is, every time a creature uses the Ring
of the Dominator, it loses the finger the ring
is worn upon.
J - Giant Ruby
A gigantic ruby sits upon this marble plinth,
a cloudy black smoke slowly drifting beneath
the gem’s faceted surface.
The adventurers will recognize this ruby
as being almost identical to the rubies embedded
into the stone slab that the Blood Queen
slumbered upon.
And, should anyone touch the ruby, they
will be treated to a rare occurrence: the chance
to commune with Czernobog itself. In that case,
describe the following:
As you touch the ruby, the world fades
around you and you find yourself floating
high above the world, cold stars above you
and the curve of the earth beneath you. For an
instant, you can feel everything. Every shift of
the tectonics, every seed beginning to sprout,
every deer brought to a painful and bloody
end. Everything. It lasted only an instant, and
yet the pain of so much sensation is immense,
and worse, you know that all of it was wrong.
 All of it was not how it should be. It was
profoundly unnatural, and cruel, and as
you come to this realization a cruel laughter
echoes through your head.
Contact with Czernobog can be broken by
simply removing contact with the ruby.
If an adventurer attempts to continue to
communicate with Czernobog, the Dark Power
will simply continue to shove horrible images into
their mind, images that strongly echo the reality
of Wreythau itself. Oh, and the character will take
1d10 psychic damage with every image.
A DC 22 Religion Check would reveal
that this gem contains a piece of some incredibly
powerful entity, an entity somehow bound to
the fabric of reality itself, more akin to a Dark
God than anything else, and yet bound by
different rules.
K - Magical Instrument
An instrument sits upon this plinth, made of
rich wood and covered in ornate engravings,
this instrument is truly a masterpiece.
This instrument will change into whatever
instrument an adventurer plays. If more than one
adventurer plays an instrument, it might even
change form before their very eyes.
More importantly, this Instrument can be
used to cast Summon Greater Demon (Xanathar’s,
pg 166) once per day. The caster can also use a
spell slot of a higher level (if they possess them)
to cast the spell at a higher level. However, there
is a caveat: the Demon will not disappear once
concentration ends. Instead, the Demon will
need to be slain, Banished, or otherwise forcibly
removed from the plane it was summoned to.
L - Scroll
Sitting upon this marble plinth is a grandiose
scroll made of human parchment and written
in what appears to be blood.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
274
This is a 9th level spell scroll. It’s up to you
which spell you’d like to be on the scroll, as you
will know your adventuring party far better than I,
though a few suggestions:
• 9th Level Magic Missile
• 9th Level Disintegrate
• 9th Level Fireball
• Feeblemind
M - Eldritch Horror
Resting atop this plinth is a grotesque horror,
all insect chitin and writhing tentacles, the
majority of its terrifying bulk disappearing
into the dark void directly behind
the creature.
This eldritch horror imparts knowledge,
but that knowledge comes at a cost.
An adventurer can learn any language
from the eldritch horror, but will take 22 (4d10)
psychic damage for each language they learn.
N - Teleportation Circle
Tucked away between the shelves is an
elaborate stone circle set into the wooden
floor. Complex arcane runes cover the circle,
and glow faintly with light.
A DC 14 Arcana Check will reveal that
this is a teleportation circle, as well as how to
activate it.
A DC 16 Investigation or Perception
Check will reveal what appears to be an expensive
hair pin that’s rolled up against the bookshelves.
If an adventurer activates the circle
without stepping on it, they will teleport a severely
dehydrated Ekaterina Tornheim the Younger back,
thus saving her life.
If an adventurer activates the circle
while stepping on it, they will be teleported
to Artifact O.
 O - Cursed Teleportation Circle
There’s a brief flash of light and then
you find yourself standing upon another
teleportation circle, completely surrounded
by impenetrable bookshelves. And, beside
you, is a semiconscious young woman who
appears to be dying of thirst.
The woman is Ekaterina Tornheim
the Younger, Baroness Tornheim’s daughter.
She foolishly activated the teleportation circle,
believing that she could control it, and so got
herself trapped. And, congratulations, the
adventurer is now also trapped. There is no way
to activate the cursed teleportation circle. Only
Teleportation Circle N functions, and it must be
activated again in order to free those trapped by
the cursed teleportation circle.
And, because she ran out of supplies
days ago, she is quite close to death, effectively
unconscious, and requires water as soon
as possible.
P - Magic Ink + Quill.
A crystal bottle of black ink and an
extraordinarily artful quill rests atop this
marble plinth.
This is the Quill of Creation, a magic item
that allows whoever attunes to it to draw items
into existence. Whatever is drawn will become
a real, mundane item. If a bird is drawn, you
now have a wonderful bird statue. If a sword is
drawn, you now have a regular sword. If a door is
drawn on a wall, there is now a door, though that
door might just lead to more wall, depending on
where its drawn.
Q - Hourglass
Sitting atop a short marble plinth is a large
hourglass built into a complex stand made of
moving brass rings. It appears that the stand
can spin along multiple axes, or the hourglass
can simply be tipped one way or another.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
275
Anyone who tilts this hourglass will
discover a terrifying, yet fantastical property: this
artifact can warp the very fabric of time itself.
Whoever tilts the hourglass will be forcibly aged
forward or backward in time, although it will
not regress anyone past adulthood, nor will it
alter memory or knowledge. It only affects the
physical body.
Furthermore, the hourglass can be used
however many times the user wishes, allowing for
the experimentation needed to find the ideal age
for their body.
Alternatively, a truly evil user could force
someone to age horribly, just shy of death. Said
victim would have to be physically forced to do
this, but it is possible.
R - Corpses.
Two corpses, one man and one woman, lie in
a pool of dried blood before an empty marble
plinth. There is nothing upon the plinth,
and no sign of what led to the corpses’ death.
There are no wounds, despite the crusty blood
that they lie in.
That’s it. Just two corpses. A mystery that
will never be solved.
S - Potion
Sitting atop this marble plinth is a large glass
decanter filled with a mysterious fluid. The
fluid is thick and viscous and is filled with
swirls of red, blue, green, gray, and black.
A DC 20 Arcana Check will determine
that this isn’t actually a potion. It’s a Slaad egg
preservation device. Any creature that drinks
the liquid within will be infected with a slaad
egg. Once drunk there is no save, and if drunk
unknowingly, there is no observable effect until
the final 24 hours before the disease becomes
terminal and slaad tadpole bursts forth.
 However, anything that cures diseases
will be able to cure the victim of the slaad egg,
just as normal.
T - Treasure
A large pile of gold and platinum coins,
expensive jewelry, and large gemstones sits
precariously upon this marble plinth.
A DC 15 History Check will reveal that
this treasure contains items that are all over
1000 years old.
The treasure is worth 6,873 gold pieces.
U - Teddy Bear
Sitting upon this marble plinth is a lone
teddy bear with pieces of polished obsidian
for its dark, dark eyes.
Anyone that passes within 10 feet of this
bear must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw.
Those who succeed will feel a mental pull from
the bear, and an unnatural desire to pick it up and
hold it, though the feeling passes and they are no
longer affected by it. Those who fail the save will
feel compelled to pick up the bear and keep it with
them at all times.
But what is the bear? I recommend that it
is a Relentless Slasher (Van Richten’s Guide, page
242) in disguise.
It will not harm whoever carries it, but as
soon as its holder is asleep it will slip out, take on
its true form, and slaughter innocent bystanders
during the night. As for its true form, I’ll leave that
up to you, but I recommend a demented red cap
in a blood stained bear costume (though using the
Relentless Slasher’s stats).
V - Flying Carpet
A luxurious carpet, carefully rolled into a
perfect cylinder, sits upon this plinth.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
276
This is a flying carpet.
Carpet of Flying, 6 ft. × 9 ft.
DMG p157
Wondrous item, very rare, major tier
You can speak the carpet’s command word as an
action to make the carpet hover and fly. It moves
according to your spoken directions, provided that
you are within 30 feet of it.
A 6 ft. × 9 ft. carpet can carry up to 800 lb. at a fly
speed of 30 feet. A carpet can carry up to twice this
weight, but it flies at half speed if it carries more
than its normal capacity.
W - Gulthias Flowers
An ornate flower pot sits upon this plinth,
brilliant, scarlet flowers growing up from the
soil. These flowers have three leaves, black
stems, and cruel thorns.
These are Gulthias Flowers, though
thankfully, they are not in bloom and so are not
giving off pollen or spores.
X - Magic Tome
A massive book, easily six feet wide when
opened, sits upon an equally massive,
polished marble desk.
This magical tome functions as the catalog
for the library. It contains the titles and a brief
description of every book in the library (millions
of books), as well as information on every artifact
in the library. In other words, by reading this
magical tome, the adventurers will be able to
identify what each artifact does. It’s the heart of the
library. All that it’s missing is a map.
R8 - University Prosthetics
Deparment
Like most buildings in the district, this
grand, brick building is modeled after the
University, with carved embellishments and
statues worked into the architecture. Every
 carving and statue shares a common theme,
however: each depicts a person using a
prosthetic, everything from mechanical arms,
to wheelchairs, and more.
This is one of the most valuable
institutions in the city, as it provides a very unique
and very highly demanded service: the creation
of prosthetics and other aids that help the people
of Raffenburg cope with debilitating injuries and
conditions.
For one, grievous injury is incredibly
common. Whether it’s unsafe working conditions,
the incredibly deadly Wreythian wildlife, or simple
violence, a significant portion of the population
has lost limbs, and that’s on top of the 26% of
the population that has some form of disability.
Additionally, there are also those afflicted with the
beastfolk curse that have been maimed in an effort
to hide their condition. In short, lots of people
need help of one kind or another.
Thankfully, with a combination of
mechanical engineering and magic, there are
many solutions available. Many of the University’s
top minds have worked in the Prosthetics Guild,
helping to develop new solutions and useful
applications, resulting in an answer for almost
every problem. Often this simply means providing
a solution that offers the same accessibility that
others would have (a mechanical limb, a modified
Tenser’s Floating Disk generator, etc), though
for some, specialty equipment can be installed.
For instance, a forge worker might request a
mechanical hand that can cast Heat Metal upon
anything it touches.
The possibilities are endless.
Services:
• Replacing a Limb: 1,350gp
• Replacing Sight: 5,000gp
• Adding a mechanical attachment (hidden
blade, tool, etc): +500gp.
• Adding a spell effect: 2000gp x spell level
How could the average person afford this!?
The answer is, aside from the nobility, they can’t.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
277
Therefore they go into eternal debt that functions
as indentured servitude if you’re being polite,
or slavery if you’re being accurate. Remember,
Raffenburg is a nightmare for most everyone
in the city.
Art District
R9 - Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre is one of the most
venerated institutions in Raffenburg,
tracing its lineage all the way back to the
very first theater in Wreythau’s history. It is
a magnificent structure, built to resemble a
domed palace, though it welcomes all who
can afford a ticket to step inside and bask in
the glory that is the theatre.
Event: The Play’s the Thing
About twenty years ago, the Cult of
Decadence took over the Grand Theatre and began
to use it as a cover behind which they could begin
to exert their influence. For, ever since the Cult
of Decadence took over, every performance at the
Grand Theatre has become a ritual that enchants
the audience and implants powerful mental
control. Thousands of people over the years have
been affected, many of them going about their
lives completely unaware of the magical tumor
that slumbers within their heads. However, a few
hundred theatre goers have become so affected
by the ritual performances that they’ve essentially
become brainwashed members of the cult itself.
Most notably this includes Torben
Erhlinger, the Guard Captain of the Art District
itself. Erhlinger is completely oblivious to the fact
that he’s become a puppet of the Cult, just as he’s
completely oblivious to the presence of the cult
itself, making him the Cult’s most valuable and
most dangerous sleeper agent.
 CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
278
 However, even with this insidious
influence upon the populace of the city, the Cult
realizes that they will need much more power in
order to survive the coming revolution, and so
they’ve decided to conduct a much more powerful
ritual. This time, the performance will be a blood
sacrifice ritual that will help them summon
powerful demons to grow their ranks and prepare
for the coming conflict. The sacrifices will take
place as part of the play itself, each sacrifice
opening a door that a demon could walk through,
and all while the mind controlled audience feeds
psychic energy into the ritual that will act as a
beacon for the entities that the cult desires.
However, the leader of the cult, Isidora, has
an alternate agenda. She has heard of the intrepid
adventurers that are responsible for awakening the
Blood Queen and having captured her attention,
and so Isidora wishes to see the adventurers in
action for herself. She wants to test them and see
if they are truly deserving of her eternal mistress’
attention, and so she has not only invited them
to attend the play, she has also invited them
backstage and will even offer them roles in the
performance...whether they wish it or not.
Beginning the Event
The adventurers will receive an invitation
to attend the Grand Theatre’s new play, entitled
“The Last Tsar”, as well as an invitation to visit
the cast of the play backstage. The invitations will
be personally addressed to the adventurers and
will be delivered by a courier from the Wreythian
Courier Service. If asked who sent them, the
courier will reply that they don’t know, but that
the adventurers would be crazy to miss this
opportunity, seeing as how the play has been sold
out for weeks now.
Also, hopefully by this time, the
adventurers will have run into the Cult at least
once before during the Cult Murder city event, and
potentially afterwards as the Decadence Demon
stalks them throughout the city. This should help
motivate the adventurers to go investigate the play
if the prospect of seeing it doesn’t entice in the
first place.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
279
And, should they decline, the Cult will
simply be a much, much greater threat during the
Revolution.
But, assuming the adventurers agree to
attend, read the following description when they
arrive at the Theatre.
As you enter the Grand Theatre you find
yourself wading into a sea of people, many of
whom are dressed in expensive finery, while
others are simply wearing their cleanest set
of work clothes. The foyer of the Theatre is
grand, with twin ticket desks made of shining
marble and glittering gold. A lush carpet
lies beneath your feet and as you show your
tickets to the ushers you are brought out into
the Theatre proper. Twin spiral staircases lead
up to the balconies, though you are politely
escorted towards the doors that will lead
you backstage.
The Theatre itself is large, with lots of
standing areas and seating for its audience, as well
as multiple balconies. Only the top floor balcony
was mapped, as it is closest to being level with the
rigging above the stage, but if you need/desire to,
you can substitute the top floor map with any of
the other balconies.
As for the Theatre goers, they are a diverse
crowd. Tickets for the standing areas of the theater
are sold at prices between 2-5 silver, depending on
how close to the stage, allowing for guild workers
and servants to be able to afford the theatre. Actual
seating ranges in price from 2 gold to 20 gold,
depending on the view. This means seating is
essentially reserved for well paid guild members,
skilled artisans and professionals, licensed
merchants, and the nobility. Regardless of social
status, however, there are arcane runes placed
strategically beneath every seat and along the walls
and railings that border the standing areas.
Detect Magic, or a DC 16 Investigate
Check would reveal the presence of the arcane
runes. Once located, a DC 20 Arcana check
would reveal that the runes are powerful
enchantment magic that will target whoever is
 sitting or standing in the area, and will affect
emotions as well as implant ideas and commands.
Note that the adventurers would have
to intentionally investigate. Those are not
passive checks.
Backstage Unnecessary Surprise:
Stepping through the door into the areas
behind the stage, you enter into a flurry
of controlled chaos. Stagehands run to
and fro, readying props and checking the
lighting while actors and actresses change
into costume, do vocal warm-ups, stretches,
and other mental preparations. The ushers,
however, skillfully guide you out from under
foot and escort you to the dressing rooms to
meet the director and the top billed cast.
The director of the play is R.K. Schreyer
himself, the Blood Queen’s second husband and
famed author and dramatist besides. Schreyer has
taken an interest in Isidora’s cult, and he’s helped
her to turn the Grand Theatre into the asset that
it is, though he has no interest in leading the
cult. He recognizes that she has an insight and a
genius entirely different from his own, and so he’s
become something of a colleague of Isidora, rather
than a rival.
Additionally, Schreyer is also incredibly
intrigued by the opportunity to meet the
adventurers themselves. He is a handsome human
man with long blond hair, chiselled features, and
piercing red eyes (he, like all of Czerina’s spouses,
is a vampire). He is flamboyant and arrogant, and
is a master at delivering backhanded compliments.
Examples of backhanded compliments:
Compliment + Insult
• You have such a lovely smile, you hardly
notice all the scars.
• You have such a heroic figure, like some
mural scrawled on a tavern wall.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
280
Outside Attribution
• Your deeds are most impressive! You’re quite
lucky you have such a fancy sword.
• You look stunning, you must have an
incredible tailor.
• I’m so pleased you’ve come to see the show,
I was hoping some guttersnipe would get a
hold of the tickets, instead.
• I never knew travellers such as you had an
appreciation for the arts!
In short, Schreyer is intent on insulting
the adventurers and seeing how they react.
Thankfully, he doesn’t have much time to badger
them with psychic barbs, so after a few minutes
of conversation wherein he compliments himself
and negs the adventurers, he’ll make an excuse and
point them in the direction of the stars of the play.
Each of the six dressing rooms houses one
of the stars of the play. The adventurers are able
to visit however many they like, and whenever
they’re satisfied with the interactions, you should
have an usher guide the adventurers to the top
floor balcony and start the play. Additionally, if the
adventurers make a large disruption, they will be
escorted to their seats.
While interacting with the actors and
actresses, however, note the following:
Arcane runes have been subtly sewn
into their costumes. These are noticeable with
a DC 20 perception check. Once noticed, a
DC 20 Arcana check will reveal that they are
enchantment runes that will alter the emotions
and mental state of whoever is wearing the
costume. If the characters confront Schreyer about
this, he will inform them that the enchantments
are there to help them inhabit their characters so
that they can give astounding performances. A DC
22 Insight check would reveal that this is a lie.
 The Stars of the Play
Dressing Room 1:
This room belongs to Stella, playing the
role of Czerina Gavranova, aka, the Narrator. She
is a statuesque half-elven woman with dark hair
and a passable resemblance to the Blood Queen,
particularly with a minor illusion that’s turned her
pupils red. She is a gregarious woman and is very
pleased to meet the adventurers, although she’s
rather nervous, as this is her first starring role.
Dressing Room 2:
This room belongs to Nils, playing the role
of Alexandros I, last Tsar of Nostrovishte. He is a
handsome, muscular human man with a dashing
smile. For the performance he wears a blond wig
and a noble’s costume, though most notably, he is
chatting with his wife, Klara, a half-orc, when the
adventurers visit. They’re an adorable couple and
Klara is very proud of her husband.
Dressing Room 3:
This room belongs to Tara, playing
the role of Evengja, Czerina’s mother. She isn’t
particularly beautiful, but has a tremendous
force of personality and is something of a
diva. She is berating her understudy when the
adventurers visit her.
Dressing Room 4:
This room belongs to Joghla, playing the
role of Gavran, Czerina’s father. He is a massive
half-orc man who stands almost eight feet tall and
is a living mountain of muscle. He’s very relaxed
and friendly, and is having trouble attaching a big,
bushy fake beard when the adventurers arrive.
He’ll accept their help, or ask them to fetch some
help. He is a former gladiator from the Menagerie,
and though he had great stage presence, he wasn’t
the best fighter, and he’s very glad to have a job,
now, that won’t kill him.
If only he knew.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
281
Dressing Room 5:
This room belongs to Stedrick, playing
the role of the Hierarch of the Morning Lord. He
is a heavy set, middle aged man with a wonderful
laugh and hilarious expressions. He is a moderately
famous comedy actor, though he’s looking forward
to retiring from the stage and moving into
directing after “The Last Tsar” ends its run.
Dressing Room 6:
This room belongs to Zdenko, playing
the role of Chief Councilor Andropov. He is a
striking man with horrible teeth, features which
have made him typecast as a villain. He really
enjoys those roles, though, and will gladly lecture
the adventurers on how important villains are.
Without villains, there would be no heroes, and
it is often villains that teach the most poignant
messages. They inspire the most emotion, and,
secretly, are often the audience’s favorite part of
every story.
Why have the adventurers meet the cast?
Well, aside from fun roleplay, it will make it all the
more impactful when they begin to get killed off.
The Play Begins
Once the adventurers have gotten to their
seats (the northwest section of the top balcony),
the play will begin.
The play is a comedy that makes fun
of Czerina’s brother Alexandros, as well as her
parents. It’s a relatively simple story. Essentially,
Alexandros is a spoiled and psychopathic noble
who dreams of taking his parents’ crowns. He
pretends to be a devout follower of the Morning
Lord in public, but in private he and the Hierarch
engage in debaucherous hijinks, all while Chief
Councilor Andropov covers it all up.
Despite being a comedy, though, the play
is incredibly bloody, with servants and peasants
dying by the dozens, all dying by Alexandros’
hands. Many of the murders even happen in front
of Gavran and Evengja, although they seem to
be entirely oblivious, and all while the narrator
 (the fictionalized version of Czerina), provides
hilariously scathing and insightful commentary
all the while.
As the adventurers watch the play, they’ll
realize that the practical effects are incredibly
lifelike and realistic. Blood and bodyparts are
splattered all over the stage, only to be washed
away with magic a moment later. The bloodier
it is, the more the audience loves it, and from
everyone’s reaction, nothing is wrong and
everything is wonderful. Even people splashed
with “fake” blood in the standing sections laugh
and cheer. Everyone acts as though it’s all a joke,
because in their enchanted state, it is!
What’s more, it’s clear that illusion magic
is being used to help disguise the practical effects.
The trick is, the illusions are actually there to
disguise that they aren’t effects: the people are
really dying. The thing is, without performing
a detailed Investigation that interacts with the
illusions, it’s impossible to determine the truth.
The most the adventurers will be able to determine
(with a DC 14 Medicine check) is that the blood is
real, because even if they go back stage, they won’t
find any dead bodies. The corpses of the slain cast
members have all been re-inhabited by demons
and appear to be just fine, barring a detect good or
evil spell/ability.
In other words, Schreyer has done his
absolute best to trick the adventurers. Through a
combination of dummy prosthetics and illusion
magic, he’s managed to disguise the truth of what’s
happening right before their eyes. That is, until the
most martial adventurer is asked to join the play.
During the play’s intermission, an usher
approaches the adventurers and asks them for
help. The usher explains that the actor playing
the executioner is sick, and they need a skilled
warrior to safely perform the execution without
hurting the other actor. In order to make the neck
prosthetic look real, the executioner must strike a
very narrow area to achieve the effect and not hurt
the other actor, so they need someone experienced,
and the adventurers are the only people that can
help on such short notice.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
282
If the adventurer agrees, they will be
brought on stage after the intermission and given
a real axe. A DC 18 investigation check will reveal
that the prosthetic is fake. That is, the prosthetic is
disguising that this will be a real execution. If the
adventurer fails the check, they will simply think
the prosthetic looks poorly designed. Ultimately, it
is still the player’s decision if they want to swing.
If they do, have them make an attack roll. If they
break AC 15, they behead the victim and realize
that it was entirely real. If they miss AC 15, they
will hurt the victim, but that will appear to have
been because of an accident.
If the adventurers don’t agree, then the
play continues and all of the actors except Stella,
playing the fictionalized Czerina, will be killed.
But, let’s say that the adventurers figure
out that the play was real. That real people were
actually killed. The question is: what will they do?
If they run and get the Guard, Captain Ehrlinger
will just send the Guard away and the play will
continue. If the adventurers try to stop the play on
their own, well, that is where things get fun.
For one, the audience is all enchanted and,
should the adventurers try to appeal to them to
stop the madness, the audience will boo them and
throw fruit.
For two, the actors are all enchanted, and
should the adventurers try to stop the play, the
actors will attack them! The enchanted actors
are dangerous to a point, but that’s not the real
challenge here. The real challenge is subduing
them without accidentally killing them. And, if you
want to make that challenge even more difficult,
the actors can call the standing audience to their
aid. You can do this in one of two ways: have the
enchanted audience members act individually, in
which case they almost exclusively use the Aid
Another action to help the actors, OR you could
have them attack as an Enchanted Mob.
Additionally, should the adventurers try
to stop the actors from performing the play, then
R.K. Schreyer will intervene, along with his 4
stage technicians. R.K. Schreyer will not try to
kill the adventurers, but will instead harass them

with Vicious Mockery all the while. Furthermore,
he will save his Counterspells for any attempt to
cast Dispel Magic. The 4 stage technicians will
do the same, but will otherwise not attack the
adventurers unless they are attacked.
Speaking of which, what R.K. Schreyer
and the Cult fear most is the ritual being disrupted,
and the biggest disruption would be for the
adventurers to Dispel the magic controlling
the actors, as they are performing the ritual
components. Thus, the majority of counterspelling
efforts will be devoted to protecting the
enchantments upon the actors. One stage
technician will be able to try to counterspell uses
of dispel magic on the audience, but only one.
Ultimately, the goal of the Cult is to
cause as much innocent death as possible. If the
adventurers resort to killing the actors or the
members of the audience, that’s all the better.
An excellent way to help push the adventurers
over the edge of restraint would be to make them
believe that their lives are in danger, though in
truth, the cult does not wish for them to die (hence
why Schreyer just harasses them with Vicious
Mockery instead of outright attacking them).
Similarly, if the actors or audience members
manage to down an adventurer, they will do so
nonlethally.
As for the adventurers, they win by
preventing the star actors and actresses from
dying. Knocking them out or dispelling the
magic upon them is the easiest way to do that,
though other creative solutions are possible.
Feel free to have R.K. Schreyer spell out what’s
going on, aka, tell them all about the ritual, to
help avoid confusion on what the adventurers
actually need to do.
Lastly, once all five actors (remember,
Stella is not in any danger) are saved (or killed)
the play will end. Schreyer will disappear and
the audience will leave as though nothing
strange happened.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
283
Stage Technician
Medium humanoid (any race), neutral evil
—
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 38 (7d8 + 7)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
9 (-1) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 16 (+3) 11 (+0) 12 (+1)
—
Saving Throws Int +5, Wis +2
Skills Arcana +5, History +5
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages any four languages
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
—
Displacement (Recharges after the Illusionist Casts an Illusion
Spell of 1st Level or Higher). As a bonus action, the illusionist
projects an illusion that makes the illusionist appear to be standing
in a place a few inches from its actual location, causing any creature
to have disadvantage on attack rolls against the illusionist. The effect
ends if the illusionist takes damage, it is incapacitated, or its speed
becomes 0.
Spellcasting. The illusionist is a 7th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting
ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks).
The illusionist has the following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): dancing lights, mage hand, minor
illusion, prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): color spray*, disguise self*, mage armor,
magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): invisibility*, mirror image*, crown
of madness
3rd level (3 slots): major image*, counterspell
4th level (1 slot): phantasmal killer*
*Illusion spell of 1st level or higher
Actions
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 2 (1d6 - 1) bludgeoning damage, or 3 (1d8 - 1) bludgeoning
damage if used with two hands.
Enchanted Actor
Medium humanoid (any race), any Alignment
Armor Class 12 (leather armor)
Hit Points 41 (9d8 + 0)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 16 (+3)
—
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 2 (450 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2
—
Strength of Madness. The actor’s strength scores become 18.
Reckless. At the start of its turn, the enchanted actor can gain
advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack
rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn.
Actions
Multiattack. The enchanted actor makes two longsword attacks.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 9 (1d10 + 4) slashing damage.
R.K. Schreyer
Medium undead (shapechanger), chaotic evil
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 144 (17d8 + 68)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 18 (+4)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Wis +7, Cha +9
Skills Performance +14, Persuasion +14, Perception +7, Stealth +9
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages the languages it knew in life
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +5

—
Shapechanger. If the vampire isn’t in sunlight or running water, it can use its action to polymorph into a Tiny bat or a Medium cloud of mist, or back into its true form.

While in bat form, the vampire can’t speak, its walking speed is 5 feet, and it has a flying speed of 30 feet. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are unchanged. Anything it
is wearing transforms with it, but nothing it is carrying does. It reverts to its true form if it dies.
While in mist form, the vampire can’t take any actions, speak, or manipulate objects. It is weightless, has a flying speed of 20 feet, can hover, and can enter a hostile creature’s
space and stop there. In addition, if air can pass through a space, the mist can do so without squeezing, and it can’t pass through water. It has advantage on Strength, Dexterity,
and Constitution saving throws, and it is immune to all nonmagical damage, except the damage it takes from sunlight.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the vampire fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.
Misty Escape. When it drops to 0 hit points outside its resting place, the vampire transforms into a cloud of mist (as in the Shapechanger trait) instead of falling unconscious,
provided that it isn’t in sunlight or running water. If it can’t transform, it is destroyed.
While it has 0 hit points in mist form, it can’t revert to its vampire form, and it must reach its resting place within 2 hours or be destroyed. Once in its resting place,
it reverts to its vampire form. It is then paralyzed until it regains at least 1 hit point. After spending 1 hour in its resting place with 0 hit points, it regains 1 hit point.
Regeneration. The vampire regains 20 hit points at the start of its turn if it has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight or running water. If the vampire takes radiant damage or
damage from holy water, this trait doesn’t function at the start of the vampire’s next turn.
Spellcasting. The vampire is a 9th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). The vampire has the following wizard
spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): mage hand, prestidigitation, vicious mockery

1st level (4 slots): comprehend languages, fog cloud, sleep
2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, invisibility, mirror image
3rd level (3 slots): hypnotic pattern, counterspell, nondetection
4th level (3 slots): phantasmal killer, greater invisibility, hallucinatory terrain
5th level (1 slot): dominate person
Spider Climb. The vampire can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Vampire Weaknesses. The vampire has the following flaws:
Forbiddance. The vampire can’t enter a residence without an invitation from one of the occupants.
Harmed by Running Water. The vampire takes 20 acid damage if it ends its turn in running water.
Stake to the Heart. If a piercing weapon made of wood is driven into the vampire’s heart while the vampire is incapacitated in its resting place, the vampire is paralyzed until
the stake is removed.
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. The vampire takes 20 radiant damage when it starts its turn in sunlight. While in sunlight, it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Actions
Multiattack (Vampire Form Only). The vampire makes two attacks, only one of which can be a bite attack.

Unarmed Strike (Vampire Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing damage, the
vampire can grapple the target (escape DC 18).

Bite (Bat or Vampire Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one willing creature, or a creature that is grappled by the vampire, incapacitated, or restrained.
Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the vampire
regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. A humanoid
slain in this way and then buried in the ground rises the following night as a vampire spawn under the vampire’s control.

Charm. The vampire targets one humanoid it can see within 30 feet of it. If the target can see the vampire, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw against
this magic or be charmed by the vampire. The charmed target regards the vampire as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected. Although the target isn’t under the vampire’s
control, it takes the vampire’s requests or actions in the most favorable way it can, and it is a willing target for the vampire’s bite attack. Each time the vampire or the vampire’s
companions do anything harmful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on itself on a success. Otherwise, the effect lasts 24 hours or until the vampire
is destroyed, is on a different plane of existence than the target, or takes a bonus action to end the effect.

Legendary Actions
The vampire spellcaster can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another
creature’s turn. The vampire spellcaster regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. The vampire moves up to its speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
284 Strike. The vampire makes one unarmed strike.
Unarmed
Bite (Costs 2 Actions). The vampire makes one bite attack.
 R10 - House of Gisella
Enchanted Audience Member This storefront has no need of sign. The
Medium humanoid (any race), any Alignment
Armor Class 10
incredibly striking couture on display behind
Hit Points 4 (1d8) the windows telling you everything you need
Speed 30 ft. to know. The designs are fierce, and bold,
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA executing styles both old and new with an
10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) incredible flair. The only question is, can
—
Senses passive Perception 10 you afford it?
Languages any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 0 (0 or 10 XP) P
roficiency Bonus +2
— The House of Gisella is the storefront
Strength of Madness. The actor’s strength scores become 18.
of the most famous fashion designer and tailor
Reckless. At the start of its turn, the enchanted actor can gain in Raffenburg. At least, Gisella used to be the
advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls during that turn, but attack
rolls against it have advantage until the start of its next turn.
most famous, though her popularity has been
waning as of late. Perhaps its due to her arrogant,
Actions acerbic demeanor, or perhaps her designs have
Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 simply become too avant-garde. Regardless, the
(1d4) bludgeoning damage.
truth remains the same: where once Gisella was
the Queen of Fashion in Raffenburg, now she’s
Enchanted Enchanted Mob beginning to struggle to get by.
Huge swarm of medium humanoids, any alignment
Armor Class 10
Hit Points 240 (60d8) That said, Gisella’s arrogance is well
Speed 30 ft. deserved as she truly is a genius of both cloth and
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA magic. She’s a skilled artificer who trained at the
30 (+10) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
University of Raffenburg, though she was able
—
Damage Vulnerabilities Area Attack Spells and Effects to obtain the licensing necessary to practice her
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, craft separately from the Artificer’s Guild. That
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10 fact, alone, is extraordinary, though it’s hardly
Languages Common surprising when looking at the quality of her work.
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
—
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and vice When interacting with the adventurers,
versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for Gisella while find fault with whatever they’re
a Small humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary
hit points. wearing and critique them in the most direct and
harsh way possible. Thankfully, her assistants
Mobbed. Any creature within the Enchanted Mob’s space
becomes Restrained.
are used to this, and will offer compliments
and assurances to try to soften the sting of
Actions her words. For instance, if Gisella says that an
Crush. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the adventurer’s clothes are so banal and ill-fitting
swarm’s space. Hit: 40 (10d4 + 10) bashing damage, or 27 (5d4 + 10)
slashing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. Any they might as well be wearing a sack, her assitants
creature hit by the Crush attack must make a DC 17 Strength Save or would comment on how fortunate it is that the
be knocked prone.
adventurer has such a striking figure to make even
that look good, though think of how much more
striking they’ll look with a proper outfit!

Lastly, remember that Gisella is a halfling,

so there are stools, ladders, and platforms
everywhere, though Gisella also possesses enough
magic to have Unseen Servants, Mage Hands, and
other magical aids to help her out, too.

CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
285
 Services
• Beautiful Clothing (provides advantage on
performance and persuasion): 200gp.
• Of-Many-Fashions Enchantment
(will transform to match wearer’s
desires): +2000gp.
• Hidden Pockets (advantage on slight of
hand checks): +50gp per pocket.
• Enchanted Clothing-as-armor (can mimic
any armor. Note: must be proficient in the
type of armor): +3500gp
Guild District
R12 - Banca de Borostok Paternalis
This magnificent building stands as a temple
to wealth, with grand marble columns,
soaring arches, and beautiful carvings of
dragons, nobility, and the Blood Queen. Over
five stories tall and occupying an entire city
block, it is truly one of the great wonders of
the city, at least for those who are allowed to
admire its beauty without being kicked back
into the gutter again.
The Banca de Borostok Paternalis is
the largest and most well respected bank in
all of Raffenburg. Owned by the noble family
Borostok and operated under a very expensive
and strict license from the Consortium, the Banca
offers loans, insurance, monetary exchange, and
most importantly, secure storage. Vaunted for
its impregnability, the Banca utilizes the most
powerful arcane wards the University has ever
devised in order to protect the valuables stored
inside its vaults. And, while it might be possible to
carry out a successful heist, it would take months,
if not years, to plan, and that’s simply time the
Adventurers don’t have.
Services:
Monetary Exchange:
The Banca will exchange copper and silver for
the cost of 1 copper piece per transaction. They
will exchange silver and gold for the cost of 1 silver
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
286
per transaction, and they will exchange gold and
platinum for the cost of 1 gold per transaction.
Similarly, they will exchange jewelry,
gemstones, and other luxuries for gold and
platinum at the cost of 10 gold per transaction.
Loans:
The Banca will offer loans to landed
nobility, guilds, and those with consortium
contracts and licenses. The amounts they’re willing
to offer vary depending upon what qualifications
the individual or their organization meets.
Insurance:
Much the same as their loans, the Banca
will only offer insurance to those who meet their
strict criteria for clientele.
Secure Storage:
To store valuables inside the Banca’s vaults,
a client must pay a 500 gold lump sum payment to
secure space, and then must pay a 50 gold fee every
month thereafter.
R13 - Wreythian Courier Service
Rather than occupying a single building,
the Wreythian Courier Service has its own
compound, with warehouses, shipping yards,
and lodgings for all those it employs. In the
center of the compound, however, sits a large
stone tower that rises almost two hundred
feet towards the storm wracked sky, an iron
spire at its peak snaring bolts of lighting from
the sky. Further down the tower, cavernous
windows yawn wide, the dark shapes of
courier ravens flying in and out.
The Wreythian Courier Service is actually
a division of the Consortium, though because
of its very specific and exclusive duties, it is run
almost entirely as a separate organization. It still
receives support from the Consortium, as well as
funding, but most of the Consortium would prefer
to forget that the Courier Service exists. Largely,
this is because the Courier service generates little
profit. They are in charge of maintaining all of the
highways in Wreythau, a very difficult job and
 very dangerous job, and they handle all shipping,
messenger, and other postal services. Unofficially,
however, they are also responsible for collecting
information from every message, parcel, or
traveller that goes through the Courier Service,
making them the Consortium’s local spy network.
In Raffenberg, the Courier Service’s central
office, everything is run by Central Director
Calgray, a half-elven woman of great intellect and
dedication. Unfortunately for Central Director
Calgray, there is so much to oversee, and so little
support from outside her organization, that some
things slip through the cracks, things like Cival’s
rebellion. Of course, Cival is also a dear friend
from back during their Outer Seas days, so perhaps
it’s understandable why Calgray might have a
small blindspot.
Besides, Calgary is more concerned with
ensuring that the Courier Service performs its
duties as efficiently and consistently as possible,
which is a task so herculean it might as well be
insane. Nonetheless, under her leadership, the
Courier Service has operated better than ever
before, and is the only branch of the Consortium
that is closest to fulfilling its original purpose:
serving the Wreythian people.
Services:
Sending a letter: 1 gold.
Sending a parcel: 1 gold + 1 copper per
pound of weight.
Sending a shipment: varies between 100
and 1000 gold.
Traveling: 50 gold per person for average
accommodations, 300 gold per person for
luxurious accommodations.
Note: only those using the Courier Service
are allowed to use the highways, thus restricting
movement for the vast majority of the population.
In special circumstances, however, special
dispensation can be given to allow groups to travel
on their own without a Courier Service escort.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
287
R14 - Mercenary Guild
This squat, stone fort was once Raffenburg’s
prison, though the city has no need of
prisons any longer. Now this building
houses hundreds upon hundreds of men
and women desperate enough to spill blood
for coin, and just as many who would spill
blood for free. This is the Mercenary Guild,
where all the necessary licenses, training, and
coordination occurs.
The Mercenary Guild is a brutal
institution. It allows for legalized murder and
violence, on top of all that offered by the City
Guard themselves. For many, it also represents
the only way to avoid starving to death in the
gutters, though due to the licensing, there is still
a significant barrier to entry. Often, mercenaries
will start as criminals in the Market District gangs,
leaving to become a mercenary as soon as they’ve
earned enough coin. Others tire of the brutal,
endless grind of working for the guilds, and see
a life of quick and brutal violence with some
pleasure sprinkled here and there as a reasonable
alternative. All in all, the Mercenary Guild
exemplifies the fact that life in Raffenburg comes
cheap, often measured in silver, rather than gold.
Now, all that said, there are several
different types of mercenaries within Raffenburg,
each suited for different sorts of work.
Brawlers are your average street tough,
good for escorting people to and from the markets
or helping support the Guard shaking down the
poor. Brawlers can be hired for a handful of silver
for a few hours of work, or a gold coin for the
entire day. These mercenaries are equivalent to the
Consortium’s Bravos.
Professional Soldiers are more disciplined
and well armed, and often provide security,
including for shipments leaving the safety of
the city. These mercenaries command a price
of a few gold per day, with danger pay on top
of that. These mercenaries are the equivalent of
the City Guard, the Reinwald’s Servants, or the
Consortium’s Hitters.

Bodyguards are even more highly skilled,
and serve as personal protection for nobles,
important guild officials, rich merchants, or
anyone else who can pay. They command the price
of a platinum coin for the day, or several platinum
for a month of work.
Lastly, Bounty Hunters are the most
expensive warriors in the guild, and they’re
certainly some of the deadliest, although they are
often charged with bringing in their prey alive.
Most often, Bounty Hunters are hired directly by
the City Guard to go after the most dangerous
and wanted criminals. If the adventurers aren’t
careful, they could soon become a Bounty Hunter’s
next target, or worse, the target of more than
one. Bounty Hunters typically charge hundreds of
gold per job.
For adventurers seeking to gain Mercenary
Licenses, the process is relatively simple. All they
have to do is pay the 5 gold yearly fee and they’ll
receive a license. However, every job they take
must be registered with the Guild, and the penalty
for failing to do so is harsh. Depending on the
job, they might simply have their license revoked,
while the penalty for participating in any criminal
activities is death. However, this license would
allow the adventurer(s) to become sellswords
within the city.
R15 - Hunting Guild
This large half-timber building resembles
a hunting lodge, and is surrounded by
wooden statues carved to resemble beasts and
monsters of all varieties. Inside, the first floor
of the building resembles a tavern, except for
the hundreds of hunting trophies mounted
upon the walls.
Elsewhere upon the wheel, this would
be known as a Monster Hunter’s guild, though
in Wreythau, there’s little difference between a
monster and a common animal. Even the fluffiest
bunny is deadly to the common people, and so
the hunters of this Guild must be very skilled in
what they do. Because of this, they are focused
entirely upon identifying, locating, studying, and
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
288
Mercenary Bodyguard
Medium humanoid, lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 97 (15d8 + 30)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1)
—
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +5
Skills Athletics +7, Intimidation +4
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Sahuagin
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
—
Fight to the Death. The bodyguard has advantage on all melee attack
rolls once it has taken damage.
Actions
Multiattack. The bodyguard makes three attacks with its
enchanted blade.
Enchanted Blade +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Reactions
Dedication: If the bodyguard’s client would take damage, and the
bodyguard is within 5 ft. of their client, the bodyguard takes half of
the damage instead.
Wreythian Bounty Hunter
Medium humanoid, lawful evil
Armor Class 16 (leather armor)
Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 12 (+1)
—
Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +4
Skills Athletics +7, Stealth +11
Damage Resistances necrotic
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages Common
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
—
You Can’t Run. As a bonus action, the Bounty Hunter can teleport up
to 30 feet to an unoccupied space it can see. The Bounty Hunter can
use this ability between the weapon attacks of another action it takes.
Actions
Multiattack. The Bounty Hunter makes three spiked chain attacks.
Spiked Chain. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage, and the target must succeed
on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or suffer one additional effect of
the Bounty Hunter’s choice:
• The target is grappled (escape DC 16) if it is a Medium or
smaller creature. Until the grapple ends, the target is restrained,
and the Bounty Hunter can’t grapple another target.
• The target is knocked prone.
• The target takes 22 (4d10) necrotic damage.
 killing animals and monstrous creatures. They are
expressly forbidden from hunting humanoids, and
have little desire to do so, either.
Any adventurer seeking to obtain a license
from the Hunting Guild must pay a 5 gold yearly
fee, as well as pass a test. The Guild will assign the
prospective new hunter with a job, and should
they manage to kill the creature and bring back
proof, their license will be approved.
R16 - Brewers’ Guild
A massive complex of distilleries, brewers,
and wineries dominates the eastern side of the
district, though the central office is located
in a platial building close to the Blueblood
District. It’s clear, from the size and
opulence of the office that the Brewer’s Guild
commands tremendous wealth and respect
in Raffenburg.
Though it’s not Wreythau’s biggest
export, the trade of Wreythian Alcohol does bring
tremendous revenue into the city, and the Brewer’s
Guild effectively has a monopoly on all alcohol
production for the entire country.
They make a large variety of beverages,
many of which are similar to what might be found
back on the material plane, though they specialize
in creating drinks made from the mutated wildlife
of their home, leading to some very potent
concoctions.
Examples include:
Corpse-Honey Mead
Made from the honey gathered from
Wreythian Corpse Bees, this mead is not only
incredibly potent, it also bestows upon the drinker
the ability to cast Speak With Dead (PHB 277)
three time, or until they sober up. In order to
gain this benefit, the drinker must become drunk
on the mead. Thankfully, this isn’t hard to do, as
anyone who drinks Corpse-Honey Mead must pass
a DC17 Constitution save or become intoxicated.
Price: 50 gp per bottle.
CHAPTER 5 . RAFFENBURG
289
Wreythian Absinthe
Made from plants found only in Wreythau,
this Absinthe allows the drinker to tap into the
weave and weft of magic itself. Anyone who
drinks Wreythian Absinthe must make a DC 15
Constitution save or become intoxicated. Once
intoxicated, they can cast Detect Magic at will, but
will become increasingly intoxicated with every
spell that they detect. For each spell they detect,
they must make another Constitution save, the DC
rising by 1 each time. The effect ends when the
drinker becomes sober again.
Price: 35 gp per bottle.
Beast Whiskey
This rich Whiskey is aged in barrels made
of Sirenwood, a type of tree that lures animals into
its deadly, strangling roots. Anyone who drinks
this whiskey and becomes intoxicated upon it will
gain the ability to cast Animal Friendship (PHB
pg 212) up to three times, or until they become
sober again. A drinker must succeed a DC 15
Constitution save or become intoxicated.
Price: 65 gp per bottle.
Mandrake Vodka
This incredibly potent, noxious drink
tastes terrible, but provides the drinker a unique
benefit. Anyone who drinks Mandrake Vodka
must make a DC 18 Constitution save or they will
become intoxicated. While intoxicated, they can
cast Alter Self (PHB pg 211) upon themselves, and
the effects last until they become sober again.
Price: 105 gp per bottle.
 Chapter 6 - Revolution
Council Hill
Major Event
The Solstice Masquerade Ball
Location: Council Ballroom
Recommended Level: 6
By far the most important event that
takes place in Raffenburg, however, is the
Solstice Masquerade Ball. Held every Solstice, this
Masquerade gathers all of the most influential
people in the city into the same room. Yet, this
year, the games of intrigue will turn deadly as
the Revolutionary faction tries to assassinate the
Council and the Guard Captains all at once. As
chaos erupts, the adventurers will tip the scale one
way or another. The leaders of every faction will
be present, along with other important NPCs for
the city. Whoever manages to survive the night
will then join the struggle for control of the city as
the Revolution itself ignites and the city is plunged
into brutal conflict and transformation.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
290
Summary:
The Solstice Masquerade Ball is comprised
of two acts. The first act involves all of the social
aspects of the evening. The adventurers will
be able to mingle with the leaders of the other
factions. Furthermore, the rest of the crowd
attending the Masquerade are all VIPs. Meaning
that everyone in attendance at the masquerade is
part of the city elite, and their deaths could impact
the story, if you wish. For instance, if a portion of
the crowd attending the Masquerade dies due to
excessive use of fireballs, for example, then you
could decide that the Borostok family were among
those slain, and then suddenly the largest bank in
the city is up for grabs. For some groups, that sort
of complexity really adds to the story. For others,
they might prefer to solely focus upon the faction
leaders, and that’s perfectly fine. Still, the other
NPCs might lend an important insight into some
of the faction leaders as the adventurers socialize
in this act.
As for the faction leaders themselves, the
adventurers will be able to interact with them
directly beneath a flag of truce (or so it would
seem). They’ll be able to ask questions and gain
 insight into their adversaries, which both helps
to flesh out the setting more, as well as provide
interesting roleplaying opportunities for the
players themselves. Additionally, clever players
might wish to gain intelligence from the faction
leaders directly, which will help them secure
the city all the better once they’ve chosen who
to support.
After a good amount of time has passed,
and everyone’s been able to roleplay to their liking,
then the second act will begin with the attempted
assassination of the Authority faction. Potentially,
the second act could be triggered early if the
adventurers discover the Revolutionary factions
plan early, and they decide to act against it, but
otherwise, here’s how it happens:
The City Council will call for a toast, at
which point they (along with the Guard Captains
and Consortium leaders), will be served poisoned
drinks by the disguised revolutionaries. Then,
once it’s clear who the poison didn’t affect, the
revolutionaries will try to finish the job with
daggers, shortswords, and alchemist’s fire. Once
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
291
this violence has erupted, the Cult of Decadence
will attack the Church of the Morning Lord, and
the Reinwalds will try to leave.
Any faction that the adventurers help
will succeed in their goals, particularly if the
adventurers manage to kill the leaders of
another faction, and the rest will fail and retreat.
For instance, should the adventurers help the
revolutionaires kill all, or most, of the Authority
RUNNING CASTERS IN
COMBAT
When running spellcasters in combat, instead
of saying something like “the evil wizard casts
Cloudkill”, consider saying “the evil wizard
casts a spell”. That way, your players have less
information when deciding whether to risk
a spell slot on a counterspell, and if so, at
what level. This might seem harsh, but giving
your players complete knowledge over their
enemies’ actions gives them a significant
advantage in combat, so obscuring what the
enemy is casting will help to increase the
difficulty of the combat.
 and the Consortium, then that would mean
they would only have to deal with the Cult and
the Church, along with the Reinwalds during
the revolution. However, if the adventurers
abandon the revolutionaries and go after the
Church or the Cult, they could eliminate them
as threats, but the Authority would remain. Or,
should the adventurers fight the revolutionaries,
the revolution would collapse, leaving all of the
other factions to fight it out in the aftermath, leading to a
disastrous outcome for the city.
Lastly, should the adventurers oppose the
Reinwalds, it will be almost impossible for the
Reinwalds to be actually killed. Firstly, they are
incredibly powerful, and secondly, all they have
to do is escape, something which is much easier
than fighting to the death. However, this will likely
force the Reinwalds to reveal their lycanthropic
nature, which would force them to flee the city
for their other holdings lest they risk everyone
turning upon them. This would effectively remove
them from the revolutionary struggle.
Once the adventurers have successfully
helped one faction to defeat another, end the
Masquerade and move on to what’s next. The
surviving faction leaders will retreat and continue
the struggle in the streets. The fight to destroy a
faction should be a difficult fight, leaving enough
time for the other factions to slip away. However,
if the adventurers are incredibly efficient, allow
them to attack two factions at most. More than
that should be impossible.
Security at the Masquerade
Now, because the Masquerade is being
hosted inside Council Hill, and because it is an elite
gathering of powerful people, security isn’t taken
lightly. Every guest must be wearing some sort of
formal attire or costume, complete with a mask,
and only daggers or dress swords are allowed.
Exceptions might be made for handaxes, or other
small weapons, but only if they are sufficiently
fancy. In other words, they should be worth at
least 50 gold. Otherwise, no potions, no scrolls
(although spellbooks are allowed), no darts, etc.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
292
Anyone attempting to sneak in contraband
must succeed a DC 18 Sleight of Hand Check,
and any failure will result in that character being
barred from entry.
Thankfully, should the adventurers be
able to afford it, Gisella is able to craft protective
clothing and costumes (see R10, pg 285), and dress
weapons can be purchased from the markets.
Running the Masquerade
In general, there are three ways that you
can run the masquerade. The first is the most
complicated, but the truest to the intention of
the event itself: everyone is disguised and the
adventurers must use their mental and social
investigative skills to identify who is who. If you
choose to run the Masquerade in this way, describe
and refer to NPCs by their costumes, rather than
by name (Madame Scorpion, Sir Red Dragon,
etc). Assume that subtle illusion magics have been
worked into the masks to help alter voices and
make their festive disguises more complete. Thus,
even the characters that the adventurers have
met before will appear to be strangers upon first
glance or interaction, though by asking questions
and looking for clues, they’ll be able to figure
out who is who. I recommend setting a default
DC 20 Investigation check to uncover who is
who, the DC lowering by 3 for each clue that the
adventurers are able to gather. Of course, this is
assuming that the adventurers don’t agree to help
the Revolutionaries, as the Gheata sisters can give
clues or reveal identities point blank. Information
is their business, after all.
The second way to run the Masquerade is
similar to the first, though far less strict. In other
words, it will maintain a hint of the mystery and
intrigue of the first, but while being more friendly
in terms of roleplay. The adventurers will be
able to identify anyone they’ve interacted with
previously, and the Investigation DC to identify
others will be much lower (perhaps between
13-15). Or, the adventurers could just ask and
receive an answer. For, though Raffenburg is a
massive city, the world of the city elite is quite
small, indeed.

Lastly, the third way to run the
Masquerade is by far the simplest, and will likely
appeal to most groups, as that simplicity will
allow them to focus upon the roleplay itself,
rather than investigation. In other words, describe
everyone’s costume, but introduce them by name.
This will allow for the most streamlined and
friendliest experience.
Factions at the Masquerade
Revolution Faction
Long Term Goal:
Reform Raffenburg and the Consortium
Short Term Goal:
Kill the Consortium and Authority leaders
All of the top revolutionary agents, except
for Roland Thiel (the designated survivor), will be
present at the Masquerade, disguised as servants
and guests. This includes the Gheata Sisters, as
well as Cival. In fact, should the adventurers have
had a positive relationship with Cival, or with
the Revolution Faction, then she will approach
them and ask them to join her cause, or otherwise
warn them about what is going to happen. Should
they agree to help, she’ll suggest they speak to the
other faction leaders to gain valuable insight that
will help once the Revolution begins. Should they
refuse to help, but stay out of the way, then Cival
will write them off and the evening will proceed
as normal. Lastly, should the adventurers betray
Cival and try to stop the Revolutionaries plan
to assassinate their enemies, then act II of the
masquerade would begin.
Now, assuming the adventurers don’t
betray the Revolution, the Gheata sisters can be a
very valuable resource for the adventurers. They’ll
be able to identify anyone at the masquerade, as
well as provide more information about them. In
other words, you can use the Gheata sisters as a
vehicle to provide more information, hints, and
suggestions to the adventurers directly.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
293
A Necessary Evil
While you don’t have to agree with the revolutionaries’
murderous intent, they do represent the best hope for
the city because they represent the best chance for the
voice of the people to be heard. Without the Revolution
faction, the will of the people will be crushed by the
other factions, leading to yet more death and suffering.
Instead of killing the revolutionaries, the adventurers’
efforts would be better spent on trying to influence
them in one direction or another, something that would
give them an eventual ally in their struggle against
the Blood Queen
Characters and Costumes:
Anca
• Anca is dressed in a greyscale jester’s outfit,
complete with a Scorpion mask, the legs
clinging to her face and the stinger held high
above her brow.
Sorina
• Sorina is dressed in a beautiful ballgown with
a design reminiscent of a Deaths-Head moth,
and with a mask to match.
Ileana
• Ileana wears a beautiful gown that shimmers
as if made from Green Dragon scales, and
with a mask to match.
Cival
• Cival wears an androgynous suit with
a design like that of a red fox, with a
mask to match.
Shonette
• Shonette wears a suit beneath an elaborate
cloak that appears to be made from some sort
of sharkskin that mimics a starry night sky.
Yulia Mountainsblood
• Yulia wears a gown that looks as though it
was made from scrolls and wears a stylized
mask that resembles a book.
Max Turnau
• Make wears a suit and a mask designed to
resemble a Wreythian Elk.
•
Revolutionary Guerillas
• The Revolution’s soldiers, the guerillas, are
disguised as servants for the event, with
dark uniforms and raven masks. The actual
servants (loaned from various noble families
to staff the event) were murdered and hidden
in the sewers.
 Combat:
If the adventurers attack the Revolution
Faction, then they will be in for a difficult fight.
Thankfully, due to the chaos of the combat
happening all around them, not every member
of the Revolution faction will be able to face off
against the adventurers, which will essentially
give the adventurers a chance at victory. For, if
the adventurers can kill Cival, the Revolution will
descend into infighting and will destabilize enough
for the other factions to crush them.
That said, there are several ways you can
run this fight.
Option 1: Cival and 4 Guerillas
With this option, the adventurers will be
facing off against Cival and 4 of the Revolutionary
Guerillas. The 4 Guerillas will engage the
adventurers, allowing Cival to use her legendary
actions to dip in and out of the combat, throwing
poisoned sneak attack daggers, hiding, and
generally being incredibly slippery.
Option 2: Cival and 1 Gheata Sister
With this option, the adventurers will
only be facing off against 2 opponents, Cival and
one of the Gheata Sisters. Cival and Anca would
mean fighting against 2 trained assassins. Cival and
Sorina would be more like fighting an assassin and
a tank, whereas Cival and Ileana would be fighting
an assassin and an archmage. Personally, I think
Cival and Ileana are the best choices for this fight,
as the combination of glass cannon archmage and
glass cannon assassin will make the fight short,
intense, and dangerous.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
294
Cival
Medium human, Lawful Neutral
—
Armor Class 15 (studded leather armor)
Hit Points 150 (12d8 + 95)
Speed 40 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 18 (+4)
—
Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +5
Skills Acrobatics +7, Deception +7, Persuasion +7,
Perception +4, Stealth +10
Damage Resistances poison
Senses passive Perception 14
Languages Thieves’ cant, Common, Sylvan
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
Assassinate. During its first turn, the assassin has advantage on
attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn. Any hit
the assassin scores against a surprised creature is a critical hit.
Evasion. If the assassin is subjected to an effect that allows it
to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the
assassin instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving
throw, and only half damage if it fails.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Cival deals an extra 21 (6d6) damage
when she hits a target with a weapon attack and she doesn’t have
disadvantage on the attack roll.
Hit and Run. Any target that Cival attacks can no longer make
opportunity attacks against her until the start of her next turn.
Legendary Resistance (1/Day). If Cival fails a saving throw, she
can choose to succeed instead.
—
Actions
Multiattack. Cival makes two shortsword attacks, two dagger
attacks, or a dagger and shortsword attack.
Shortsword + 1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage, and the target
must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6)
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one.
Dagger. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one
target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage, and the target must
make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6)
poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one..
Legendary Actions
Cival can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. Cival regains spent
legendary actions at the start of her turn.
Move. Cival moves up to her speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Attack. Cival makes one attack. Note: Sneak Attack can apply.
Hide. If there is sufficient cover and Cival is not next to an enemy,
she may make a stealth check to hide.
 Revolution Guerilla Anca - Assassin
Medium humanoid (any), any alignment Medium Half Elf, Neutral Evil

—
Armor Class 15 (studded leather armor) —
Armor Class 16 (leather armor)
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) Hit Points 102 (12d8 + 48)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11 (+0) 16(+3) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 16 (+3)
—
Skills Intimidation +1, Perception +2, Stealth +5 —
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12 Saving Throws Dex +9, Int +6
Languages Common Skills Acrobatics +12, Deception +10, Perception +4, Stealth +12
Challenge 3 (700 XP) P roficiency Bonus +2 Damage Resistances poison
Senses Darkvision 60ft. Passive Perception 13
—
Cunning Action. On each of its turns, the Guerilla can use a bonus Languages Thieves’ Cant, Common, Elven
action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action. Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4

Dirty Fighting. The Guerilla deals 2 extra dice of damage when it hits
a target with a weapon attack (included in its attacks).
Killer. In the first round of a combat, the Guerilla has advantage
on attack rolls against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn yet. If
the Guerilla hits a creature that round who was surprised, the hit is
automatically a critical hit.
Actions
Multiattack. The Guerilla makes two shortsword or dart attacks, or
one Acid Grenade attack.
—
Assassinate. During her first turn, Anca has advantage on attack rolls
against any creature that hasn’t taken a turn. Any hit she scores against
a creature that hasn’t acted is a critical hit.
Evasion. If Anca is subjected to an effect that allows her to make a
Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, she instead takes no
damage if she succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage
if it fails.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Anca deals an extra 20 (6d6) damage when
she hits a target with a weapon attack.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Actions
Hit: 14 (3d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Multiattack. Anca makes two dagger attacks.
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit:
Dagger +2. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
10 (3d4 + 3) piercing damage.
Hit: 10 (1d6 + 7) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15
Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed
Acid Grenade (2 Charges). The guerilla throws a flask of weaponized
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
acid at a target. The target must succeed a DC 14 Dexterity save or
take 10 (4d4) acid damage immediately, and 5 (2d4) acid damage at
Light Crossbow, +2. Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 80/320
the start of their turn until the acid is removed. The target, or an ally,
ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) piercing damage, and the target must
can take an action to scrape or wash the acid off.
make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
295
 Sorina - College of Spies Ileana - Archmage
Medium Half Elf, Neutral Evil Medium half-elf, Neutral Evil

—
Armor Class 19 (natural armor)
—
Armor Class 12 (15 with mage armor)
Hit Points 127 (17d8 + 51) Hit Points 99 (18d8 + 18)
Speed 30 ft. Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 16(+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) 15 (+2) 16 (+3)
—
Skills Deception + 13, Persuasion +13, Insight + 13
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from —
Saving Throws Int +9, Wis +6
nonmagical attacks Skills Arcana +13, History +13
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15 Damage Resistances: damage from spells; nonmagical
Languages Common, Elvish, Infernal bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing (from stoneskin)
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +4 Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Elven, Draconic, Dwarven, Halfling, Infernal
—
Innate Spellcasting. Sorina’s innate spellcasting ability is Charisma
(spell save DC 16). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring —
Magic Resistance. Ileana has advantage on saving throws against
no material components: spells and other magical effects.

At will: Charm person, Tasha’s hideous laughter
3/day each: confusion, enthrall, suggestion
1/day each: hallucinatory terrain, Otto’s irresistible dance
Spellcasting. Ileana is an 18th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability
is Intelligence (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks).
Ileana can cast disguise self and invisibility at will and has the
following wizard spells prepared:

Magic Resistance. Sorina has advantage on saving throws against Cantrips (at will): fire bolt, light, mage hand, prestidigitation,
spells and other magical effects. shocking grasp

Actions 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, mage armor*,

Multiattack. Sorina makes two weapon attacks. Sorina can cast one
spell in place of one of these attacks.
Rapier +2. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 16 (4d8) psychic damage.
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, range 20/60ft., one target.
Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 16 (4d8) psychic damage.
magic missile
2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, mirror image, misty step
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, lightning bolt
4th level (3 slots): banishment, polymorph, stoneskin*
5th level (3 slots): cone of cold, scrying, wall of force

Reactions 6th level (2 slot): globe of invulnerability

Can’t Touch This (Recharge 4–6). When hit with an attack Sorina
7th level (2 slot): Plane Shift
can immediately teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space
she can see. 8th level (1 slot): mind blank*

Authority Faction 9th level (1 slot): Psychic Scream

*Ileana casts these spells on itself before combat.

Long Term Goal:
Maintain Status Quo Actions
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft. or
Short Term Goal: range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
To Survive

Although the Authority faction includes
the city council, in truth, they don’t really matter.
The only power they actually held was that
given to them by others. In fact, all that stopped
the Guard from taking over was the fact that
the Consortium and the nobility supported
the council. Furthermore, none of the council
are skilled combatants, and will quickly die
unless protected.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
296
Most likely, however, the city counsel
will die, leaving the Guard Captains as the faction
leadership. However, because two of the Captains
have been suborned by other factions, this means
the authority faction is surprisingly weak, even
in the event that it survives. Remember, Torben
Ehrlinger is mind controlled by the Cult, and
Esther Mullenbach is actually an inquisitor.
 Guard Captain Velkan Kirsch
Medium human, lawful evil
Character - Costume
—
Armor Class 20 (plate armor, shield)
Velkan Kirsch (if alive) Hit Points 97 (13d8 + 39)
Speed 30 ft.
• Kirsch wears a dress uniform and a red
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
dragon mask. 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 15 (+2)
—
Saving Throws Int +5, Wis +3, Cha +5
Astrid Oathstone Senses passive Perception 10
• Oathstone wears a dress uniform and a Languages Common, Dwarven
silver deathmask. Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
—
Martial Advantage. Once per turn, Cpt. Kirsch can deal an extra 14 (4d6)
Sebastien Tarsch damage to a creature he hits with a weapon attack if that creature is within 5 feet
of an ally of Cpt. Kirsch that isn’t incapacitated..
• Tarsch wears a dress uniform and
a lion mask. Actions
Multiattack. Cpt. Kirsch makes three melee attacks. Alternatively, he can make
Veronique Bruhl two ranged attacks with his Firearm.

• Bruhl wears a dress uniform and a
silver wolf mask.
Torben Erhlinger
• Erhlinger wears a dress uniform and an
iridescent butterfly mask.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 +
3) slashing damage, or 8 (1d10 + 3) slashing damage if used with two hands.
Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 5 (1d4
+ 3) bludgeoning damage. If the target is Large or smaller, it must succeed on a DC
14 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Firearm. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/120 ft., one target. Hit: 11
(2d10) fire damage.

Esther Mullenbach
• Mullenbach wears a dress uniform and a
golden sun mask.
Council Bodyguard
• They are all on duty and wear armor and
carry weapons. Each wears a blank, full face
obsidian mask.
City Guard
• They are all on duty and wear armor and
carry weapons. Each wears a simple, black
domino mask.
City Councilors
• Ivan Bauer, Ionel Arcos, Murielle Platz,
Magda Vulcanescu, Axel Haring, Olivia
Petran, Klaus Kant, Anja Kessel, and Elsa
Drache. They’re all going to die soon,
anyways, but for the moment they are all
wearing extravagant costumes depicting the
Leadership (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). For 1 minute, Cpt. Kirsch
can utter a special command or warning whenever a non-hostile creature that he
can see within 30 feet of it makes an attack roll or a saving throw. The creature
can add a d4 to its roll provided it can hear and understand Cpt. Kirsch. A creature
can benefit from only one Leadership die at a time. This effect ends if Cpt. Kirsch
is incapacitated.
Reactions
Parry. Cpt. Kirsch adds 3 to his AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To
do so, the Cpt. Kirsch must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.
Mercenary Bodyguard
Medium humanoid, lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 97 (15d8 + 30)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1)
—
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +5
Skills Athletics +7, Intimidation +4
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Sahuagin
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
—
Fight to the Death. The bodyguard has advantage on all melee attack rolls once it
has taken damage.

9 alignments. Actions
Multiattack. The bodyguard makes three attacks with its enchanted blade.

Enchanted Blade +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
14 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.

Reactions
Dedication: If the bodyguard’s client would take damage, and the
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION bodyguard is within 5 ft. of their client, the bodyguard takes half of the
297 damage instead.
 Combat:
If the adventurers attack the Authority
Faction, the only resistance they’ll meet is from
the Guard Captains and their hired Bodyguards.
Technically, the City Council members also have
hired protection, but most will have died from the
poisoned drinks, making this too soft of a target to
be a challenging fight. Besides, the Guard Captains
are the true backbone of the faction, and only the
adventurers have enough skill to help break it
during the Masquerade. So, this fight will consist
of 2 Guard Captains and 2 Mercenary Bodyguards
(pg 288). This should prove to be as dangerous
as the adventurers can handle, and should they
succeed, this will allow the Revolutionaries
enough momentum to wipe out the rest of the
Authority’s leadership.
The Consortium
Long Term Goal:
Maintain Status Quo
Short Term Goal:
Stay Alive
The Consortium doesn’t make for a good
ally, but it also doesn’t make for a very effective
threat, at least not in this instance. Because of
the strict limitations on how they can function
without betraying the Blood Queen, and because
of how effectively the revolution was hidden from
them, they’re vulnerable and able to be influenced
by whoever controls most of the city. That said, if
the Authority faction somehow comes out of the
Masquerade in good shape, the Consortium would
side with them, thus adding every mercenary in
the city as reinforcements for the City Guard.
Otherwise, the most difficult part
of fighting the Consortium would be Valya
Fyodorovna, a fully fledged vampire, though after
being poisoned by holy water, the adventurers
will have an excellent chance to dispatch her for
good, even with Rhakin Bauer and the Mercenary
Bodyguards he hired helping defend her.
Florentine Schroder, for her part,
will simply try to escape, her own personal
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
298
bodyguard helping her to flee. Thankfully, she
can easily become an ally for the adventurers and
the Revolution.
Valya Fyodorovna
• Valya wears a beautiful, crimson ballgown
and a mask inspired by a vampire bat. She
happens to enjoy irony.
Florentine Schroder
• Schroder wears a jester’s outfit and a mask
designed after a Wreythian domestic cat.
Rhakin Bauer
• Bauer wears a suit and a mask styled after a
Wreythian Mastiff.
Combat:
If the adventurers attack the Consortium,
the largest threat will be its vampiric leader, Valya
Fyodorovna. Thankfully, however, Valya has
been poisoned by a special concoction of holy
ingredients that have left her unable to regenerate
without drinking blood, unable to shapeshift,
and most importantly, locked into an animalistic
rage. Nonetheless, while locked into this state
of agonized wrath, Valya is a predator first and
foremost, and thus she will target the weakest
enemies first. That means the casters in the
adventuring party will be hard pressed not to have
a vampire’s fangs at their throats.
Now, technically, Rhakin Bauer (using the
stats of a Consortium Lieutenant, pg 69) could
attempt to help Valya, but that would create an
incredibly deadly encounter, and most likely Bauer
would recognize that Valya is currently not in
her right mind and simply give her a wide berth.
However, he might try to mop up the adventurers
should they have been significantly hurt during the
fight. The choice, however, is yours.
 Valya Fyodorovna - Poisoned Cult of Decadence
Vampire
Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil Long Term Goal:
Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Turn Raffenburg into a temple to themselves.
Hit Points 210 (20d10 + )
Speed 30 ft. Short Term Goal:
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Kill the Church Leaders
18 (+4) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) 17 (+3) 15 (+2) 18 (+4)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Wis +7, Cha +9 After the final showing of the Last Tsar
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +9 (see the event: The Play’s The Thing), R.K.
Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
from nonmagical attacks Schreyer left Raffenburg, leaving the fate of the
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17 Cult in its creator’s hands. This means that, finally,
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elvish, Halfling, Orcish the adventurers will be able to meet Isidora in
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
person. This encounter should be a lot of fun
—
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the vampire fails a saving throw, it to roleplay, as Isidora is a particularly eccentric
can choose to succeed instead.
individual, and someone close to Czerina besides.
Spider Climb. The vampire can climb difficult surfaces, including The insight that she could lend about Czerina and
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
her court would be particularly invaluable, though
Actions the adventurers will have to weather an equally
Multiattack. The vampire makes three attacks, only one of which can inquisitive discussion from Isidora in turn.
be a bite attack.

Claw Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 12 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage. Instead of dealing damage, the
vampire can grapple the target (escape DC 18).
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one willing creature,
or a creature that is grappled by the vampire, incapacitated, or
restrained. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 20 (6d6) necrotic
damage. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
equal to the necrotic damage taken, and the vampire regains hit points
equal to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a
long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum
to 0. A humanoid slain in this way and then buried in the ground rises
the following night as a vampire spawn under the vampire’s control.
Charm. The vampire targets one humanoid it can see within 30 feet
of it. If the target can see the vampire, the target must succeed on
a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw against this magic or be charmed by
the vampire. The charmed target regards the vampire as a trusted
friend to be heeded and protected. Although the target isn’t under
the vampire’s control, it takes the vampire’s requests or actions in the
most favorable way it can, and it is a willing target for the vampire’s
bite attack. Each time the vampire or the vampire’s companions do
anything harmful to the target, it can repeat the saving throw, ending
the effect on itself on a success. Otherwise, the effect lasts 24 hours or
until the vampire is destroyed, is on a different plane of existence than
the target, or takes a bonus action to end the effect.
Legendary Actions
The vampire can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and
only at the end of another creature’s turn. The vampire regains spent
legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. The vampire moves up to its speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Unarmed Strike. The vampire makes one unarmed strike.
Bite (Costs 2 Actions). The vampire makes one bite attack.
Remember, Isidora has come to desperately
thirst for something beyond sensation, beyond
imagination, beyond experience. In other words,
something truly transcendent, and she’ll ask the
adventurers about their life philosophies and try
to pick them apart as best as she can, although all
of her arguments essentially revolve around the
fact that everything that matters is transitory, and
thus meaning is irrelevant, and everything that’s
irrelevant should be torn down. And really, that’s
what the Decadence is all about: Decay. Physical
sensation can break down consciousness and ego,
thus allowing for the possibility of transcendence,
and Isidora has also applied that philosophy to
morality and ethics, besides. The more outrageous
the act, the more depraved and ecstatic, the better,
all in the name of moving beyond the trappings
of the world.
Characters and Costumes
Isidora
• Isidora wears a ballgown that appears to be
made of liquid, polychromatic paint, and she
wears a mask made of razor blades. Whether
they’re functional blades, or not, is up to you.
Just depends on how edgy you want to be.

CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
299
 Isidora
Medium undead (shapechanger), Chaotic Evil
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 160 (20d8 + 80)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 24 (+7) 18 (+4) 16 (+3)
—
Skills Arcana +12, Insight + 9, Investigate + 12, Religion +12
Damage Resistances slashing, bludgeoning, piercing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t silvered, cold.
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed, poisoned
Senses blindsight 10 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 1
Languages All
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
—
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the vampire fails a saving throw, it can choose to succeed instead.

Spider Climb. The vampire can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.

Warped Reality. Isidora emits a powerful, corrupted aura 30 feet in every direction. Plants that aren’t creatures wither in the aura, and the ground in it
is difficult terrain for other creatures. Each creature that starts its turn within the aura must succeed on a DC 14 Strength saving throw or have its speed
reduced to 0 until the start of its next turn.

Furthermore, any creature that starts its turn in the aura must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or take 14 (4d6) poison
damage. A creature that succeeds on the save is immune to this effect for 24 hours.

Infectious Madness. Isidora speaks incomprehensibly terrible messages that harm the mind itself. Each creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of
her and can hear her words must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature can’t take reactions until the start of its next turn
and rolls a d8 to determine what it does during its turn. On a 1 to 4, the creature does nothing. On a 5 or 6, the creature takes no action or bonus action
and uses all its movement to move in a randomly determined direction. On a 7 or 8, the creature makes a melee attack against a randomly determined
creature within its reach or does nothing if it can’t make such an attack.

Actions
Paint Attack.

This is randomized. Roll a d6, reroll on a result of 6, and apply the effects below.

1. Paralyzing Paint. The targeted creature must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for 1 minute. The target can repeat the
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

2. Somnolent Paint. The targeted creature must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or fall asleep and remain unconscious for 1 minute. The
target awakens if it takes damage or another creature takes an action to wake it. This ray has no effect on constructs and undead.

3. Petrifying Paint. The targeted creature must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw. On a failed save, the creature begins to turn to stone and is
restrained. It must repeat the saving throw at the end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On a failure, the creature is petrified until freed by
the greater restoration spell or other magic.

4. Disintegrating Paint. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or take 45 (10d8) force damage. If this damage
reduces the creature to 0 hit points, its body becomes a pile of fine gray dust. If the target is a Large or smaller nonmagical object or creation of magical
force, it is disintegrated without a saving throw. If the target is a Huge or larger object or creation of magical force, this ray disintegrates a 10-foot
cube of it.

5. Deathly Paint. The targeted creature must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or take 55 (10d10) necrotic damage. The target dies if the ray
reduces it to 0 hit points.

Legendary Actions

Isidora can take 3 legendary actions. She can take only one legendary action at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. She regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Move. Isidora may move up to her speed without provoking attacks of opportunity.

Paint Attack. Isidora uses one random paint attack.

Unarmed Strike. The vampire makes one unarmed strike.

Bite (Costs 2 Actions). The vampire makes one bite attack.

CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
300
 Disguised Decadence Demons
• Each wears a different disguise and they
appear as other guests. Effectively, this
means Isidora appears to be alone, unless
a supernatural sense is employed to
detect the demons.
Combat:
Should the adventurers attack the Cult of
Decadence, they will be facing a deadly fight with
Isidora herself, and will glimpse the full horror of
her reality altering power. As has been mentioned
before, Isidora’s mastery of the arts have become
so refined that they are now magical in nature, and
after centuries of practice, she can now wield these
magical abilities as naturally as she breathes. Hence
why she wears a ballgown made of living paint,
paint that can defy gravity and logic and form the
structure of a ballgown, or disintegrate a person
where they stand. In short, she’s meant to be an
eldritch horror of paint and sculpture.
The Church of the Morning Lord
Long Term Goal:
Rule Wreythau as a Theocracy
Short Term Goal:
Kill Isidora
Father Lorreus is much more interested
in the pursuit of power than he is in the concerns
of the cloth, and so he’s quite at home at the
Masquerade. He mingles frequently, wheeling
and dealing with the city’s VIPs, courting favor,
and making promises, etc. This is a valuable
opportunity for him, so he’s not pleased if the
adventurers decide to interrupt him. As far as he’s
concerned, unless they agree to publicly convert
to the Church of the Morning Lord right then and
there, they’re little more than agents of chaos at
best, and agents of evil at worst. He’ll engage them
in more verbal sparring, trying to bait them into
revealing all that they’ve done inside the city. If
they slip up and reveal some of their actions, he’ll
attempt to publicly condemn them in the eyes of
the other factions. For instance, if the adventurers
talk about the Cult’s blood sacrifice ritual, he’ll turn
that into an attack upon the culture of the city.
If they mention the Reinwalds’ true nature, he’ll
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
301
turn that into a libellous attack on the nobility of
the city. Etc.
This will also become much worse if High
Inquisitor Tarasov is still alive, as he would attend
the Masquerade with Father Lorreus. If this is the
case, and the adventurers approach them, then
Tarasov will lay their crimes in Leshehoff bare,
painting the adventurers as fanatical lunatics that
destroyed the Abbey and killed helpless clergy,
etc, and he’ll publicly request that the Guard arrest
them. This would put a lot of attention upon the
adventurers, and could potentially trigger Act II
of the masquerade early, as the revolutionaries
might use this distraction as an opportunity to
strike (thereby saving the adventurers from the
Guard, too).
In short, there’s little to be gained from
interacting with Lorreus, let alone Tarasov,
though clever adventurers might be able to trick
Lorreus into revealing more about his intentions
and operations, such as his connection to Guard
Captain Mullenbach.
Characters and Costumes:
Father Lorreus
• Lorreus is dressed in an extravagant angel
costume, with vestments made of cloth-
of-gold, a mask and halo made of gold, and
shimmering platinum wings.
High Inquisitor Tarasov (if alive)
• Tarasov is dressed in his armor and carries
his weapons, a special dispensation arranged
with Mullenbach, and wears a golden mask
depicting an angel’s face twisted into an
expression of wrath and hatred.
Priests and Priestesses
• Lorreus’ attendants are dressed in simple
white robes with Seraphim masks. They
carry small, enchanted candles.
 Father Lorreus High Inquisitor Viktor
Medium human, Lawful Evil
Tarasov
—
Armor Class 18 (natural armor) Medium Human, Neutral Evil
Hit Points 117 (18d8 + 36) —
Armor Class 16 (breastplate)
Speed 30 ft.
Hit Points 140 (15d8 + 75)
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Speed 30 ft.
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) STR —DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 18 (+4)
—
Saving Throws Con +6, Wis +8
Skills Performance +13, Persuasion +13, Intimidation +5,
—
Saves Con +6, Wis +6, Cha +6
Religion +4 Skills Insight +7, Perception +7, Persuasion +7, Religion +5,
Senses passive Perception 13 Stealth +7
Languages any two languages Senses Passive Perception 16
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4 Languages Common, Celestial, Infernal, Abyssal
Challenge 10 (5,900 XP)
—
Blessed of the Morning Lord: Lorreus has been anointed with Spellcasting. Trasov is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting
magical protections that give him natural armor. ability is Wisdom (save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). All
radiant damage is converted to fire damage that bypasses
Spellcasting. Lorreus is a 13th-level spellcaster. Its spellcasting resistance. Tarasov has the following cleric spells prepared:
ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks).
It has the following cleric spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): guidance, poison spray, resistance, spare the
dying, thaumaturgy, sacred flame
Cantrips (at will): thaumaturgy, mending, sacred flame, 1st level (4 slots): inflict wounds, guiding bolt, shield of
spare the dying faith, sanctuary
2nd level (3 slots): hold person, spiritual weapon, zone of truth
1st level (4 slots): cure wounds, guiding bolt, healing word, 3rd level (3 slots): bestow curse, feign death, spirit guardians
shield of faith 4th level (3 slots): locate creature, guardian of faith, death ward
5th level (2 slots): flame strike, insect plague
2nd level (3 slots): lesser restoration, blindness/deafness,
inflict wounds, spiritual weapon Actions
3rd level (3 slots): beacon of hope, bestow curse, dispel
magic, revivify, spirit guardians
—
Attack. Tarasov makes one scourge attack.

4th level (3 slots): divination, freedom of movement, Scourge +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
guardian of faith, locate creature one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 17 (5d6)
fire damage.
5th level (2 slot): contagion, flame strike, insect plague,
mass cure wounds Legendary Actions
6th level (1 slot): harm, heal —
Tarasov can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
7th level (1 slot): resurrection
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Tarasov regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Actions
Actions Move. Tarsov moves up to his speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Staff of Office. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 4 (1d8) bludgeoning damage Attack. Tarasov makes one attack.

Tactics: In combat, Tarasov is ruthless, but is also most

Legendary Actions
Lorreus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Lorreus regains
spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move (1 action). Lorreus moves up to his speed without
provoking opportunity attacks.
Cast a Spell (2 actions). Lorreus casts one spell.
interested in self preservation. If he believes that he is facing
significant risk of death (such as being brought to half health)
he will simply try to leave. Otherwise, he prefers to stand behind
his minions and use spiritual weapon, flame strike, guiding bolt,
or his scourge on his adversaries. His fallback is then Spirit
Guardians, using his movement to bring new enemies into range
of the guardians and their damage, and then follow it up with
Inflict Wounds.

(Un)Holy Rebuke (1 action). Lorreus can cast Hellish Rebuke

at 3rd Level.

CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
302
 Combat: of the city, and the Reinwalds will try to get the
adventurers to share their impressions of the other
Should the adventurers attack the Church
factions and their leaders. This is all intel gathering
of the Morning Lord, the form the fight takes
for them, as they prefer to take a more passive and
depends upon whether or not Tarasov is still alive.
subtle approach until the time is right to strike.
If he is, then the fight will consist of both Father
Lorreus and High Inquisitor Tarasov.
Combat:

Reinwalds Unlike all of the other combats that can

take place at the Masquerade, the fight against the
Long Term Goal: Reinwalds will function much differently because
Control all of Wreythau the Reinwalds’ primary goal is simply to survive
and escape. They’ll take their revenge against the
Short Term Goal:
adventurers at another time, and all they have to
Escape the Masquerade
do is make it to the western or eastern doors that
lead off the map.
The Count and Countess are both in
attendance, along with whichever of their
However, should the adventurers attack
daughters survived. So, if the adventurers helped
the Reinwalds during the chaos, they will react by
Yasviga kill Ustinya and Karloff, then Yasviga
transforming into their massive direwolf forms
attends the Masquerade with her parents. If the
and running for the exits, a shocking event that
adventurers did not help Yasviga, or otherwise kill
will force them to retreat from the city. As for
Ustinya and Karloff, then Yasviga will have been
how they would open the doors? One would shift
killed, and Ustinya and her husband will attend
back, meaning that the adventurers would only
with the Count and Countess.
have 2 turns to attack the Reinwalds before they
escaped. If you’re feeling incredibly generous,
This matters, because if the adventurers
and the adventurers have sort of method to keep
helped Yasviga, they now have a very valuable
up, you could have them fight a lone Reinwald in
ally. She will feed the adventurers as much
the Raffenburg city streets, but honestly, I highly
information as possible, as well as try to temper
doubt they’d be able to keep up considering dash
her parents’ decisions, not to mention the fact that
actions, legendary actions, legendary resistances,
she would inherit their titles and power should her
and a high move speed.
parents die. In the future, she might even help the
adventurers kill her parents, though not during
the Masquerade.
Aftermath of the Masquerade
However, if Ustinya is the one who
survived and is present, then the adventurers As has been discussed above, what
will now have another powerful enemy that happens during the Masquerade will create the
they will have to fight in the future. All in all, a circumstances for the Revolution that will sweep
tremendous net loss. over the city. Remember, even if the Revolution
faction is killed, the actual Revolution, itself,
If the adventurers engage in conversation cannot be stopped. After the Masquerade, the cold
with the Reinwalds, they’ll express admiration war that all of the factions were fighting will be
and surprise for having done so well during the engulfed in the inferno of open conflict, and the
Hunt, but will show no hint of anger. In their violence will not stop until one faction comes out
eyes, strength is virtue, might makes right, and on top. Either that, or the Blood Queen slaughters
so even the death of a daughter can be excused the majority of the city and leaves the survivors to
if it happened because she was weak. Otherwise, pick up the pieces.
they’ll steer the conversation towards the politics
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
303
 So, whichever faction the adventurers
support, and whichever faction they directly
attack will determine who is struggling for control
of the city.
Finally, the adventurers should level
up, bringing them to level 7.
The Crucible of Raffenburg
Once the Solstice Masquerade has ended
and the remaining factions retreat to fight another
day, the adventurers are left with the question of
who should rule the city. Certainly, more cowardly
adventurers could flee and leave the fate of the
city in the hands of its people, and there’s certainly
logic to be found in that, to do so would be to
risk the city falling into the clutches of its more
malevolent factions.
In order to end the Revolution and
enable the people a chance to rebuild their city
into something new, the adventurers will have
to once again choose who to oppose and who to
aid. Ultimately, this will boil down into an assault
upon the enemy faction’s headquarters. Below, you
will find all the information you need to wipe out a
faction for good. The roleplaying and strategizing
of how the adventurers work with their allies, or
not, I shall leave to you. Yes, a full scale revolution
might seem incredibly complicated, though for
the purposes of this story, the city’s factions
represent the divisions of power that must be
contended with. Clever adventurers might choose
to approach this conflict diplomatically and build
alliances, which is absolutely possible.
For instance, Florentine Schroder of the
Consortium and Guard Captain Veronique Bruhl
could be persuaded to join the Revolutionaries,
though the other members of their faction could
not. Likewise, the Reinwalds could be negotiated
with, particularly if Yasviga lives, and they could
become allies or simply persuaded to mind their
own business. Father Lorreus could be cowed into
submission and cooperation, though this would
mean that the Church of the Morning Lord would
survive, and likely inspire a crusade just to kill the
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
304
adventurers themselves. The Cult of Decadence,
however, would have to be wiped out.
As for the Authority and the Consortium?
They’re happy to use the adventurers as
mercenaries, but have no interest in them as allies.
Again, they are not a good choice, as they created
the conditions for the revolution in the first place.
Now, all that said, in addition to whatever
negotiations the adventurers conduct, they will
only have to eliminate one more faction in support
of another to bring the Revolution to a close.
This way, you don’t have to spend 4 sessions
dungeon crawling through the various factions
headquarters. Instead, by removing a faction
during the Masquerade (hopefully), and removing
a faction during the Revolution, they will have
tipped the balance of power enough for their
allied faction to begin to stabilize the city, and the
adventurers will be able to move on to explore
more of Wreythau.
Below you will find city events that will
take place during the revolution, as well as the
write-ups and maps for each of the factions’
headquarters.
City Revolution Events
Livestock Escape
As was discussed in R5 - The Menagerie
Livestock Market (pg. 247), when the revolution
begins, many of the dangerous creatures held
at this livestock market will be released into
the streets, causing panic and death to spread
throughout the city. This was a deliberate act
of revenge carried out by the workers of the
Menagerie. Their dangerous working conditions
and exploitative bosses pushed them over the edge,
though their plan clearly wasn’t well thought out,
for as soon as the most dangerous creatures were
released they turned upon the workers before
setting off to wreak havoc throughout the city.
As such, this provides an excuse for you
to sprinkle some of your very favorite monsters
throughout the city (from this book, or any
others). What’s more, you could use the excuse
 of bloodshed luring these monsters towards any
big fights that the adventurers get involved in.
This could add an element of chaos, as well as help
add a new sense of danger to any fights that are
proving to be too easy. Alternatively, an enemy
faction could also capture some of these monsters
and deliberately add them to their ranks, giving a
further excuse to add variety to their forces.
However, if you prefer to sprinkle these
encounters throughout the city as random
encounters (not what is recommended), then
you could easily do that as well. Or, you could
take one of your favorite monsters and tweak
them into a legendary version (if nothing else,
it’s simple to add the Move and Attack legendary
actions to any statblock), and turn the event into a
monster hunt through the city. Give the monster
unnatural intelligence and cunning, have it leave
a trail of blood and destruction intended to lure
the adventurers into a trap, have it run from
fights to become a recurring threat, etc, and you
could turn that simple monster hunt into a mini
horror adventure all on its own. If you do choose
to do this, though, take a look at the “A Reinwald
in the Wild” encounter for inspiration, but only
run one or the other, as they are too similar to
both be used.
A Reinwald in the Wild
Assuming that the Reinwalds’ true
natures haven’t been forcibly revealed during
the Masquerade, forcing them to flee the city
altogether, then the Reinwalds will use the chaos
of the revolution, and the escaped monsters from
the Menagerie, as an excuse to run wild and start
hunting people all throughout the city. Not all
of the Reinwalds are doing this, of course, so
choose one to focus upon. If you want to use the
simpler Loup Garou stat block, then have it be
Reinwalds’ Head Chef, Bolearis Reinwald, going
on a bloodthirsty rampage through the city. Or,
if you’d rather give the adventurers a chance to
kill the Count or Countess, feel free to use them
for this event. If Ustinya is still alive, she could
also be used, though Yasviga would explicitly not
be involved.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
305
Now, once you’ve chosen which Reinwald
to set loose upon the city, choose which district
you want them to conduct their serial killer/
Predator style hunts in. Take a look at the
following list, which provides a brief description
of what the werewolf hunt would be like in that
location. Note that the Cathedral District and
Council Hill are not included, as those would be
suicidal locations for the Reinwald to choose, and
the whole point of a werewolf is that they have all
the cunning and cruelty of humans combined with
the bestial fury and power of a wild animal.
Market District:
If the Reinwald chooses to hunt in the
Market District, they will be looking to indulge in
a feast of innocent flesh, and will slaughter dozens
of people every night. Entire blocks will become its
killing ground, leading to the gangs of the Market
District organizing informal quarantines as stories
of the monstrous beast spreads. Hunters from the
Hunters Guild will be dispatched and promptly
killed, making the situation desperate enough
for people to beg the Adventurers to look into
what’s happening.
In short, this event would be like an
urban legend come to life, set to a backdrop
of blood slicked streets, and desperate fights
in maze-like tenements decorated with
dismembered body parts.
Sample Horror Progression:
• Adventurers hear about something
decimating entire tenement blocks in the
Market District. (Unease)
• Adventurers are begged to hunt whatever is
responsible. (Unease)
• Adventurers arrive and are stopped by gang
enforced quarantine, told more all kinds of
conflicting stories about what could be doing
this. (Unease)
• Adventurers move inside the quarantine
zone and discover a dying Hunter mad with
fright. (Dread)
• Adventurers begin to track the
monster. (Unease)
• Adventurers find it’s lair, decorated with
body parts. (Dread)
• The Reinwald attacks. (Resolve)
 University District:
If the Reinwald chooses to hunt at the
University, they will likely be settling old scores,
as well as pitting their wits against the brightest
minds the city has to offer. Instead of mass
carnage, this will be about the thrill of the hunt,
about terrorizing specific prey and testing their
potential before finally eating them alive. Because
of this, unlike the carnage that would take place
in the Market District, only a handful of victims
would be found on the University Campus by the
time the adventurers hear about it.
Then, the adventurers would have to do
much more investigation in order to uncover the
monster behind these attacks. They would have
to interview witnesses, examine crime scenes, and
identify who the Reinwald’s next victim will be,
thus allowing them to ambush the killer.
Sample Horror Progression
• Yulia Mountainsblood, Ekaterina Tornheim
the Younger, or the Head Dean of the
University would contact the adventurers
and ask them to find the killer stalking the
campus. (Unease)
• Adventurers would investigate crime scene
of most recent murder. Prof. Quatholl,
an elven arcanology professor, appears
to have been eaten in his office. There
are claw marks, other clues, ect. DC 16
Investigation reveals he was sponsored by
the Reinwalds. (unease)
• Adventurers speak to eye witnesses. One saw
the murder silhouetted through a curtain,
another saw a cloaked figure fleeing after
leaving bloody footprints on the cobbles, etc.
Should hint at which Reinwald it is. (unease)
• Adventurers get a list of other professors
funded by the Reinwalds. Decide who is the
next target.
• Adventurers lay ambush, but too
late. (Dread)
• Adventurers receive a note indicating that
they are next. (Unease)
• Fight to the Death. (Resolve)
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
306
Art District:
If the Reinwald chooses to hunt in the Art
District, they will be hunting members of the Cult
in an effort to destabilize them while also having
a bunch of murderous fun. Primarily, this means
that the Reinwald will be targeting the Grand
Theatre, as this is the most obvious location tied
to the Cult. For, even though the blood sacrifice
already happened and R.K. Schreyer has fled, the
cult still uses the theater as a place to organize its
mind controlled recruits.
Because of this, the Reinwald would
be very careful, and become a “phantom of the
theatre”, killing cultists out of sight and leaving
their gruesome corpses to be discovered by their
compatriots. And, if you really do want to channel
the whole “phantom of the theatre” vibe, you
could consider having the Reinwald fall in love
with Stella, the breakout star and survivor of the
Last Tsar. This would mean love letters would
be found, along with small gifts, etc, in sickening
imitation of how the Blood Queen courts the
adventurers themselves.
Sample Horror Progression
• Word spreads through the city that ghastly
murders are occurring at the Grand
Theatre. This should grab the adventurers
attention because the blood sacrifice was
entirely covered up. So, if murder is being
recognized there, it must be something
profound. (unease)
• The adventurers visit the Theatre and are
soon directed to the murder which took
place backstage. It’s as grisly as a werewolf
murder can be. (unease)
• Stella approaches the adventurers and tells
them about her mysterious stalker and
how she thinks they’re involved in the
murders. (unease)
• In order to catch the murderer, they’ll have
to attend the next play. (dread)
• The adventurers have to stand watch/stake
out the play and will catch the Reinwald in
the act. Battle ensues, etc. (Resolve)
 Guild District:
If the Reinwald is hunting in the Guild
District, their goal will be two fold: first, enjoy
the carnage of a rampage, and secondly, to disrupt
guild operations and make the guilds more
vulnerable to their influence. This event is very
similar to the Market District event, except for the
fact that it takes place within an industrial setting
and would take place over a much longer period of
time. The Reinwald would pick off workers here
and there, cause horrific accidents, and generally
lurk as a lupine specter of death. I recommend
setting this event within the Blacksmith’s Guild,
as that will allow for a desperate fight above giant
vats of molten metal.
Sample Horror Progression
• The revolutionaries or the Blacksmith Guild
leader begs the adventurers to help kill the
monster stalking their forge. (unease)
• The adventurers interview workers, who
describe a massive, dark shape ripping people
apart, throwing them into vats of molten
metal, or sabotaging equipment. (unease)
• The adventurers explore the factory and
discover evidence of the werewolf (gnawed
bones, claw marks, noble clothing carefully
stashed in a hiding spot, etc). (Unease)
• A worker is violently killed. (Dread)
• The battle against the werewolf
commences. (Resolve)
Overall, this event is all about telling a fun
werewolf horror story. Each location presents a
different sort of slasher story, and though they are
similar, each has its own themes and aspects of the
city that you can emphasize. So, choose the one
that sounds most fun to you, and enjoy watching
your players take out another werewolf!
A City Consuming Itself
While the Revolution isn’t a constant swirl
of madness and violence, there are moments of
extreme fury that ignite in the streets, often when
the followers of different factions meet en masse.
This event is all about capturing those moments.
As such, it can be used by itself, or it can be
combined with other events, as these brutal clashes
between enraged mobs could happen anywhere
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
307
or at any time. Ideally, the adventurers won’t be
trying to kill the mobs outright, but will instead
be forced to defend themselves or battle their way
through the mobs towards their true objectives.
Each Faction features a mob with its own unique
characteristics, so feel free to mix and match to
create dynamic combats.
Revolutionary Mob
Huge swarm of medium humanoids, any alignment
—
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 240 (60d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Damage Vulnerabilities Area Attack Spells and Effects
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
Swarm. The mob can occupy another creature’s space and
vice versa, and the swarm can move through any opening large
enough for a Small humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit points
or gain temporary hit points.
Actions
—
Slash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target
in the mob’s space. Hit: 30 (10d4 + 5) slashing damage, or 17
(5d4 + 5) slashing damage if the swarm has half of its hit points
or fewer. Any creature hit by the Slash attack must make a DC 17
Strength Save or become restrained by the mob.
Alchemist’s Fire Volley. The mob throws a volley of alchemist’s
fire flasks with a range of 30 feet and that ignites in a 10 ft radius
explosion. Any target within the 10 ft radius will take 25 (10d4)
fire damage and be lit on fire, taking 2d4 fire damage at the
start of their turn, or they will take half as much damage and
avoid being lit on fire if they succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity Save.
Creatures that were lit on fire can spend an action to put the
flames out.
Acid Flask Volley. The mob throws a volley of acid flasks with a
range of 30 feet and that splash in a 10 ft radius explosion. Any
target within the 10 ft radius will take 25 (10d4) acid damage, or
half as much if they succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity Save. The mob
will gain advantage on all attacks against creatures damaged by
the acid, as the acid eats away at their defenses.
 Cult Mob
Huge swarm of medium humanoids, any evil alignment
—
Armor Class 10 (natural armor)
Hit Points 240 (60d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Damage Vulnerabilities Area Attack Spells and Effects
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
Swarm. The mob can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa,
and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Small
humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Maddening Chanting. The mob chants horrible incantations. Each creature
that starts its turn within 20 feet of the mob and can hear the chanting must
succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature can’t
take reactions until the start of its next turn and rolls a d8 to determine
what it does during its turn. On a 1 to 4, the creature does nothing. On a 5 or
6, the creature takes no action or bonus action and uses all its movement to
move in a randomly determined direction. On a 7 or 8, the creature makes
a melee attack against a randomly determined creature within its reach or
does nothing if it can’t make such an attack.
Actions
—
Slash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the mob’s
space. Hit: 30 (10d4 + 5) slashing damage, or 17 (5d4 + 5) slashing damage
if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. Any creature hit by the Slash
attack must make a DC 17 Strength Save or become restrained by the mob.
Demon Mob
Huge swarm of medium fiends, any Evil alignment
—
Armor Class 10 (natural armor)
Hit Points 240 (60d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Damage Resistance nonmagical slashing, bludgeoning, and piercing
damage.
Damage Vulnerabilities Area Attack Spells and Effects
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
Swarm. The mob can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa,
and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Small
humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Corrupted Madness. Any creature restrained by the Demon Mob must
succeed a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by the mob
for the duration. The charmed target must attack any target that the mob
chooses. The target can make a Wisdom saving throw at the end of each
of its turns. On a success, the madness ends, and the target is immune
for 24 hours.
Actions
—
Slash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the mob’s
space. Hit: 30 (10d4
CHAPTER 6 - +REVOLUTION
5) slashing damage, or 17 (5d4 + 5) slashing damage
308if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. Any creature hit by the Slash
attack must make a DC 17 Strength Save or become restrained by the mob.
Morning Lord Mob
Huge swarm of medium humanoids, any alignment
—
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 240 (60d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Damage Vulnerabilities Area Attack Spells and Effects
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
Swarm. The mob can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa,
and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Small
humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Blessed Healing. Clerics in the mob cast healing spells that help keep the
righteous on their feet and fighting. The mob regenerates 10 hit points at
the start of every turn as long as it has 1 hit point remaining.
Actions
—
Slash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the mob’s
space. Hit: 30 (10d4 + 5) slashing damage, or 17 (5d4 + 5) slashing damage
if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. Any creature hit by the Slash
attack must make a DC 17 Strength Save or become restrained by the mob.
City Guard Mob
Huge swarm of medium humanoids, any alignment
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 240 (60d8)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
—
Damage Vulnerabilities Area Attack Spells and Effects
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Common
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
Swarm. The mob can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa,
and the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Small
humanoid. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Actions
—
Slash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in the mob’s
space. Hit: 50 (10d8 + 5) slashing damage, or 25 (5d8 + 5) slashing damage
if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer. Any creature hit by the Slash
attack must make a DC 17 Strength Save or become restrained by the mob.
Volley Fire. The City Guard launch a volley of crossbow bolts with a range
of 60 feet and a radius of 10 ft. Any creature within the 10 ft radius will
take 40 (10d8) piercing damage, or half as much on a successful DC 14
Dexterity Save.
 Revolution Faction
Headquarters
Location:
The House of the Drowning Sun (pg 236)
If the adventurers decide to wipe out the
Revolution Faction, they’ll have to launch an all
out assault upon the House of the Drowning Sun, Skills Athletics +8, Acrobatics +7, Deception +5, Perception +4, Stealth +10
fight through the revolutionaries, and then wipe
out the leadership. Suffice it to say, the adventurers Languages Thieves’ cant plus any two languages
will have their work cut out for them.
Their best bet would be to infiltrate the
House of the Drowning Sun, as this would allow
them to bypass the Revolutionary Mobs (at
least 2) waiting in the streets outside. However, Tough as Nails. If an attack would reduce Shonette to zero hit points, she
the adventurers would then have to trick the
Revolution’s security forces in order to smuggle
arms and armor inside. Small items could be
concealed with a DC 18 Sleight of Hand check,
though larger items would require the use of magic
in order to sneak them through.
Or, should the adventurers decide to fight
as soon as they step foot inside, they’ll have to
contend with Shonette and her security force,
represented by 2 Revolution Guerillas (pg 295).
After defeating Shonette and the two
Guerillas, the adventurers would then ascend
to the Regency Suite and would have to fight
or negotiate with Anca, Sorina, and Ileana (pg
295-296). The Gheata Sisters would agree to
betray Cival if the adventurers could offer them a
guarantee of control of the Outer Seas branch of
the Consortium, though short of that they would
be willing to risk supporting Cival and her cause.
Finally, the adventurers would have to kill
Cival (pg 294). With the Gheata sisters’ help, there
would be no need for a fight, though without it,
they would have to fight Cival herself.
Should they survive, the Revolution
Faction would thus be crushed, and whichever
faction the adventurers supported would gain
control of the city.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
309
Shonette
Medium human, neutral evil
—
Armor Class 16 (leather armor)
Hit Points 128 (14d8 + 60)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 14 (+2)
—
Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +5
Damage Resistances poison
Senses passive Perception 14
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P
roficiency Bonus +4
—
Bloodthirsty. Shonette has advantage on melee attack rolls against any
creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Cunning Action. On each of her turns, Shonette can use a bonus action to
take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
can make a Constitution Saving Throw equal to 5 + damage taken. If she
succeeds, she is at 1 hp instead.
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Shonette deals an extra 20 (6d6) damage when
it hits a target with a weapon attack and doesn’t have disadvantage on the
attack roll.
Actions
—
Multiattack. Shonette makes two dagger attacks, or makes one dagger
attack and one attack with Blood In Your Eyes.
Dagger +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8
(1d4 + 6) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution
saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as
much damage on a successful one.
Blood In Your Eyes. One target within 5ft of Shonette must make a DC 16
Dexterity Save or become blinded for 1 minute.
Church of the Morning Lord
Faction
Location:
Cathedral, Inner Sanctum
In order to attack the Church of the
Morning Lord and eradicate them from the city,
the adventurers would have to lead an all out
assault upon the Cathedral district. Likely, this
would require them to coordinate with their allied
faction, though even then they would have to fight
through at least 2 Morning Lord Mobs to reach
the Cathedral itself. Then, the adventurers would
be able to breach the Cathedral and attack the
Inner Sanctum that shelters Father Lorreus.
 The Inner Sanctum is technically a free
standing chapel, though it does still lie within the
grounds of the Cathedral itself. Inside the Inner
Sanctum are two reliquaries (the silver angel
statues in the twin towers of the chapel) holding
the remains of Morning Lord Saints. 1650 gp
worth of offerings have been left for the Saints,
and 500gp worth of silver and copper fill the
chapel’s coffers.
However, inside the Chapel, 6 Inquisitorial
Guard (pg 222) wait for the adventurers. They
represent most of Father Lorreus’ personal guard,
though 2 more Inquisitorial Guard wait with
Father Lorreus himself (pg 302) in the garden
behind the chapel. Or, if High Inquisitor Tarasov
(pg 302) is still alive, he and the Father wait for the
adventurers by themselves in the garden.
Inside Father Lorreus’ rectory (clergy
house), are 6,000 gp of assorted gems, including
diamonds worth up to 500 gold, as well as 1,000 gp
worth of clerical spell components.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
310
Cult of Decadence Faction
Location:
Galleria Infernalis
The Galleria Infernalis is one of the most
famous and divisive art galleries in Raffenburg,
and has developed a reputation for featuring art
that defies all concepts of propriety, morality, or
normalcy. It has come to be regarded as one of the
pillars of the Art District itself, which is fitting,
for the gallery acts as the cover for the Cult of
Decadence’s headquarters itself.
However, once the revolution begins,
there’s little need for the Cult to hide any longer,
and so they begin to operate openly out of the
Galleria Infernalis, thus revealing a target for the
adventurers and their allies to hit.
Entering the Galleria, the adventurers are
faced with what appears to be a large art gallery,
though after examining the massive room, a DC
16 Investigation Check will reveal a secret door
hidden behind a painting at the far end of the hall.
As it happens, the secret door is not looked, and
opens out into GIA - The Hidden Gallery.
 GIA - The Hidden Gallery
Stepping through the secret door, you
find yourself standing in a series of long
corridors. The floors are tiled with purple
marble, and the walls are all covered in the
most horrendously beautiful murals that
you’ve ever seen. The most vile, insane, and
malevolent acts are depicted upon in stunning
detail and gorgeous composition, so beautiful
that you find it hard to look away.
Anyone who enters into the Hidden
Gallery must succeed on a DC 14 Charisma
save or become restrained and take 2d10
Psychic Damage from the hideous beauty of the
evil paintings.
Characters must repeat this save every
round until the malevolent artwork is out of sight.
That means that the adventurers could blindfold
themselves to avoid the psychic trap, but then
something might sneak up on them. Something
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
311
like the Decadence Demon hiding in GIB - Secret
Summoning Room. The door to GIB is hidden
behind the muraled wall that it shares with GIA.
A DC 15 Investigation check will reveal this
secret door.
Lastly, this psychic trap does not affect
Cultists or Demons.
GIB - Secret Summoning Room
The hidden door swings open to reveal a
small chamber filled with noxious, violet fog.
A stone summoning circle has been etched
into the floor, and a massive stone serpent
stretches its head out over the circle.
This room is used by the cult to summon
demons. When the adventurers open the door into
GIA - The Hidden Gallery, the circle will activate
and will summon a Decadence Demon (pg 231).
The Demon will wait, invisible in the illusory
 fog, for an opening to attack the adventurers. If
the adventurers blindfold themselves to avoid the
psychic trap, the Demon will exit the room while
invisible (make an opposed stealth check for it)
and attack the adventurers.
However, if the adventurers simply rush
through GIA, then it will wait to attack them from
behind when they engage the other enemies in
the hideout.
GIC - Shattered Glass Hallway
As you round the corner and come into
this hallway you see that the walls are
blessedly free from paint. Instead, shards of
shattered, stained glass have been embedded
into the floor.
Typically, cultists will remove their shoes
so that they can walk across the shattered glass
and feel the exquisite pain of having their feet
shredded, but just in case, the glass has been
enchanted to be supernaturally durable and sharp,
so sharp that it can cut through boot soles and
armor alike.
Creatures that move across the glass
will take 1d4 piercing damage for each 5ft
moved. Additionally, they must Succeed a DC 16
Dexterity Save or fall prone, taking an additional
2d4 piercing damage. The glass is also difficult
terrain, meaning that movement speed is halved.
In order to exit this hallway, the
adventurers will have to pick the lock or break
down the door that leads into GID - Cultists’
Quarters. The lock can be picked with a DC 16
Thieves Tools check, or by doing 30 damage to
the door (assume attacks hit automatically).
GID - Cultists’ Quarters
The door opens into a long hall that
appears to be living quarters, of a sort.
Immediately before you is a large kitchen
area, complete with pantries, preparation
areas, and a massive fireplace to cook over.
Past the kitchen, a stairway leads into
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
312
another chamber, and past the stairs, bedrolls
cover almost every square inch of the floor,
surrounding a massive dining table and
ending behind a seating area before another
grandiose fireplace.
Though not originally intended to house
dozens of people, the cultists have made do,
embracing the mild torment of sleeping on hard
tile in cramped conditions. It’s all part of the road
of suffering that will free them from the cage of
the material world.
More to the point, aside from kitchen and
personal supplies, there are 4 Decadence Cultists
(pg 231) mingling by the seating area in front of
the fire. The Decadence Cultists, of course, will
attack, providing an excellent opportunity for the
Decadence Demon to attack the adventurers from
behind (assuming it hasn’t attacked already).
GIE - Sacred Gallery
As you walk down the stairs that lead from
the cultists’ living quarters, you enter a
massive chamber filled with paintings. The
paintings hang upon large wooden stands
that have been set deep into the floor itself.
Two doors lead out of the chamber, but more
importantly, in the north eastern corner of
the room stands an iron-bound cage filled
with four hellhounds.
The paintings and their stands count
as wooden walls, and block line of sight
and movement.
When the adventurers go down the stairs,
ask them to make a DC 20 Perception Check.
If they succeed, they will notice that there is a
pressure plate at the bottom of the stairs. If they
fail, they will trigger the Achilles Blade Trap
and open the door of the Hell Hounds’ cage (4
Hell Hounds).
 Achilles Blade Trap Inside the Sacred Ritual Room, the flow
of time has been altered. Any creature that enters
When the pressure plate is depressed into the the room will be temporarily locked in time.
floor, a spinning blade emerges from an opening Whatever state of being they were in when they
built into the bottom of the stairs. Every creature entered the room will become permanent - so long
that is standing upon the pressure plate must as they stay in the room.
succeed a DC 18 Dexterity save or be cut by the
blade. Creatures cut by the blade have their speed Most importantly, as the sages explain,
halved, and take 18 (4d8) slashing damage. this allows for the practice of very dangerous and
very powerful rituals. If the adventurers wish,
Hell Hound the sages will guide them through the Ritual of
Medium fiend, lawful evil Enlightenment.
—
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (7d8 + 14) The ritual is simple. The participant must
Speed 50 ft. sit or kneel upon one of the golden blocks. Then,
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA they must ask a single question. Once the question
17 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 6 (-2) 13 (+1) 6 (-2) is asked, the ritual begins. The participant must
—
Skills Perception +5 succeed 3 Constitution saving throws. The first
Damage Immunities fire
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
is DC 12, the second is DC 15, and last is DC 18. If
Languages understands Infernal but can’t speak it the participant succeeds on all three saving throws,
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Proficiency Bonus +2 they will remain conscious while their flesh is
—
Keen Hearing and Smell. The hound has advantage on Wisdom mystically flayed and salted, their bones broken,
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell. and their eyes pulled out. Then they will receive
Pack Tactics. The hound has advantage on an attack roll against a creature
a 100% truthful answer to their question. Then,
if at least one of the hound’s allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the their body is returned to the exact condition it was
ally isn’t incapacitated. when they entered the room.
Actions
If the participant fails, they simply pass out
—
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + during the torture and then return to the state they
3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage. were in after entering the room (including being
Fire Breath (Recharge 5–6). The hound exhales fire in a 15-foot cone. conscious) a moment later.
Each creature in that area must make a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw,
taking 21 (6d6) fire damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a
successful one. The ritual can only be performed
once per person.
GIF - Sacred Ritual Room However, so long as the ritual is performed
As you open the door into this room you at least once, the sages will offer to grant the
find yourself staring at a fantastic sight. adventurers a blessing, and will alter the flow
Huge blocks of solid gold, carved with of time in the room, providing the effects of
arcane patterns and sigils, cover the floor. a Long Rest.
Each block is of a different height, ranging
from two to five feet high, and sitting upon
the tallest block are two skeletal sages GIG - Isidora’s Throne Room
wrapped in cloaks. As you step into this room, you find yourself
standing in a grand throne room. Great
The sages are not hostile, and if attacked, bushels of Gulthias flowers grow from flower
will die...only for time to rewind and for them to pots set in the corners of the room, beneath
return to life moments later. exquisite statues of vipers. Along the far wall,
suits of ornamental armor stand at attention,
and in the center of the room stand six
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
313
 golden statues flanking an exquisite velvet
rug that leads to a great stone dias. And,
lounging upon a throne set atop the dias, is
Isidora herself.
Isidora (pg 300)will be happy to engage the
adventurers in conversation, should they wish. She
would request they allow her safe passage from the
city, though she would promise that, one day, she
would get revenge for the destruction of her Cult.
Should the adventurers attack, Isidora will
respond in kind.
The House of Reinwald Faction
Location:
The Reinwald Estate (pg 247)
Should the adventurers seek to attack the
Reinwalds, and the Reinwalds were not forced
to flee the city, then the adventurers will have to
kill the Count and Countess in their own home.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
314
Suffice it to say that this would be an incredibly
dangerous task. If the adventurers helped Yasviga
to kill her sister, however, they would have a
powerful ally that would be able to help them in
the final fight.
Of course, should Cornelius or Ilse be
severely injured, they would simply try to flee
rather than stay and die.
Should the Count and Countess die
regardless of their survival instincts, however,
then the adventurers will find their time
significantly easier when the reach the Ruins of
Nemeth towards the end of the campaign.
The Authority Faction
Location:
Council Hill Guard Barracks
 If the adventurers wish to destroy the
Authority faction, they must kill the Guard
Commander, Hans Gault, and thus destabilize
any chance of the City Guard remaining a
unified force.
Hans Gault lives in the Council Hill
Barracks, and thus the adventurers will need to
either join a full scale assault on Council Hill with
another faction, or they will need to sneak into
Council Hill itself. If they choose to sneak in, use
R1 - The City Gates (pg 232) to model the gates of
Council Hill, but assume that the City Guard are
all hostile.
Note that if the adventurers do join a
full scale assault, treat the assault as a narrative
encounter, or simply summarize it until the
adventurers reach the Council Hill Barracks. From
there, the adventurers are on their own, as their
allied forces will be busy occupying the rest of the
City Guard’s forces.
Inside the Council Barracks, the
adventurers will find Hans Gault (using the
statistics for a Guard Captain, pg 245) along
with 2 Guard Arcanists (pg 228) and 8 City
Guard (pg 228).
As for physical defenses, each door has a
lock requiring a successful DC 14 Thieves Tools
check. Windows havelocks requiring a DC 16
Thieves Tools check. For the arrangement of
Gault’s forces, he won’t group all of his forces
together at once. Instead, he would try to stage a
multi-step defense that would burn resources and
allow for tactical retreats.
For instance, he might station 4 City
Guard in the tower of the barracks, and then when
it was clear the tower would fall, the surviving
guards could retreat inside the barracks proper,
joining up with 2 City Guard and 1 Guard Arcanist
stationed inside the barracks main hallway. Then,
should those guards begin to lose, the survivors
could retreat and join up with Gault and his
personal guard consisting of the final 2 City Guard
and 1 Guard Arcanist.
CHAPTER 6 - REVOLUTION
315
Once Gault is dead, the remaining guard
would surrender and the Authority faction would
be destroyed.
Raffenburg Epilogue
Once the adventurers have managed to
bring about an end to the violent struggle of the
Revolution, the Blood Queen would once more
summon the adventurers to an audience with
her, where she would pleasantly interrogate them
about their actions. In order to do this, she will
teleport them, while they are still sleeping, back
into The Cairn once again (see Chapter 4 or
Chapter 10).
Questions the Blood Queen Would Ask
• How did you manage to secure the
city in my name?
• Do you believe your actions benefited the
people of Raffenburg?
• How long will your influence last?
• Will you rule the city, or let it rule
itself? Why?
• Are you content with your spoils or will
you quest anew?
• Will you pledge yourself to me?
This last question, of course, is the most
loaded, though it’s also the least important, because
Czerina doesn’t actually expect the answer to be
yes. She knows that manipulation takes time,
so if the adventurers do answer “yes”, she will
simply test that answer. She will demand that the
adventurers go to the settlement of Inbarev and
set it to right. She will explain that the Baron of
Inbarev has become unpalatable, and so she will
demand the adventurers go to Inbarev and kill the
Baron for her. Once this is done, they will be able
to appoint a new Baron or Baroness and, should
they choose well, she will greatly reward them.
If the adventurers say “no”, Czerina will
merely laugh and say “We shall see…” before
teleporting the adventurers in between the Silver
Graves and Inbarev, thus increasing the odds of
where they might travel next, but still allowing
them the freedom of choice.
The Adventurers will Level Up to Level 8.
 Chapter 7 - Inbarev

CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
316
 Centuries ago, the settlement of Inbarev
was an agricultural powerhouse, similar to
Leshehoff. It was ruled by the honored Ysemgrin
family, descendents of Czerina’s bravest Generals,
and was once known as the most peaceful
settlement in all of Wreythau. Yet, as the centuries
passed, the Ysemgrin’s found their favor and their
fortunes in decline. It began with the fall of Lady
Oksana Jehanette Delora Ysemgrin, daughter of
the Baron of Inbarev. Once Czerina had embraced
the young Ysemgrin and cursed her with endless
hunger and eternal life, the Blood Queen felt
that she had bestowed upon the Ysemgrin’s a
boon greater than any other, and so satisfied her
obligations to them. No longer did she provide the
aid or protection to Inbarev that she once had, and
soon the settlement became plagued by beastfolk
raids, wildlife incursions, and civil unrest.
Inbarev was no longer a place of plenty. It
was now a place of struggle, and the people began
to revolt. The Ysemgrin’s called for aid, but their
pleas went unanswered. Not even their prodigal
daughter, now Grandmaster of the Order of
Blood, would answer them, and so they began to
despair, and rightly so, for when one of Czerina’s
other allies offered to replace the Ysemgrins and
rebuild Inbarev into a powerful and prosperous
settlement, the Blood Queen agreed.
This ally was none other than the
Ravening Philosopher, the Immortal Engineer,
the Mad Alchemist known as Moritz Hartrick.
Hartrick had come to Wreythau long ago, seeking
hidden knowledge, and hidden knowledge is
exactly what Hartrick found. Through the study
of the cursed ingredients that could be found in
Wreythau, Hartrick was able to complete the
Masterwork and crafted the Elixir of Life and the
Philosopher’s Stone, granting himself eternal life
and immense alchemical power. But Hartrick did
not stop there, and instead turned to the study
of anatomy, and of mechanics, and soon became
possessed of a new dream: to craft life in whatever
image he desired, and in doing so, become
like a god.
These insane ambitions grew until
Hartrick had crafted a plan that would take him
to the very doorstep of apotheosis itself, though it
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
317
would take a tremendous amount of time, effort,
and resources to achieve. So, he set his sights upon
Inbarev, a vulnerable settlement that he could
capture and shape as he wished, molding it into
the engine of apotheosis that he desired. With his
terrible knowledge and the elixir of Immortality
flowing through his veins, Inbarev was all he
needed to complete his plan, and with the Blood
Queen’s blessing, he was able to wipe out the line
of the Ysemgrin’s once and for all.
Now Hartrick is the Baron of Inbarev,
and though the taxes are always paid, Inbarev has
become a nightmare brought to life. The entire
town has been turned into one massive industrial
plant, churning out great vats of alchemical
substances and tank grown flesh, all of which is
fed into Hartrick’s hidden laboratory where new
monstrosities are brought into being. Some of
these monstrosities can be found elsewhere in
Wreythau, such as the flesh-crafted servants of
The Cairn, or the Guardian of the Silver Graves,
though most all reside within Inbarev, a new
people crafted through alchemy, magic, and
science, a new people all united beneath the iron
fist of their creator. Hartrick rules Inbarev with
the brutal ruthlessness of a tyrant, controlling as
many aspects of his creations’ and his subjects’ lives
as he possibly can. They’re nothing but resources
to be used and tossed aside, then broken down and
recycled into new creations, all to better serve their
ultimate purpose: Hartrick’s eventual ascension.
It didn’t begin this way, of course. Hartrick
hid his intentions from the Blood Queen, as well
as his new subjects. He poisoned the Ysemgrin’s
and then set himself up as an enlightened
despot, using his incredible knowledge and his
supreme authority within the Barony to better
the lives of all its citizens. For about a century
it was this way, but that was nothing more than
a grand manipulation used to secure his power
within Inbarev and subtly prepare it for his true
intentions. Then, decade over decade, the Mad
Alchemist transformed Inbarev into his twisted
vision of an industrial nightmare. Now, those of
his subjects that were born into the world live in
abject terror of the Baron and his crafted servants.
Now, Inbarev is a barony torn in two, occupied by
the Born and the Crafted, though even the Crafted
 have begun to chafe beneath Hartrick’s merciless eternal life. Of course, even if they are seduced by
rule. They are ever grateful that they were given the promise of Hartrick’s forbidden knowledge,
life, and many have come to exult in the inhuman the plight of Inbarev itself remains the same, and
power of their constructed bodies, though they what’s more, Hartrick isn’t inclined to share. If
long for a day when they are more than just they want his knowledge, they’ll have to find a way
Hartrick’s slaves. They wish to truly live, and that to take it.
means that Hartrick must die.
Approaching Inbarev
Thankfully for the Mad Alchemist, he’s
managed to devise brutal techniques to control his There are two roads that lead to Inbarev,
creations, and so thorough is his work that only though for the adventurers, they will most likely
a small population of the Crafted have retained be taking the highway that leads through the
enough sense of identity to be able to even dream Cailleach Woods. Alternatively, they could also
of resistance. They gather in secret, hopelessly hire a boat to travel down the River Stanum, but
planning the Immortal Engineer’s downfall, they would have to disembark before reaching the
though without more support, their efforts are Drowned Basin, as only the Bagnytsa Ferry is able
doomed to failure. The same is true for the Born, to traverse the treacherous waters of the Basin.
whose population has reduced so drastically over
the centuries that they are now the minority in Regardless of how the adventurers
Inbarev. Where once humans, orcs, dwarves, approach Inbarev, however, they will encounter a
halflings, and even the elf-blooded numbered in very important character as soon as they reach the
the tens of thousands, now the Born only number edge of Inbarev’s farmland.
around five thousand in total, and the Crafted are
about five times that number. Sadly, due to the fact
that Hartrick uses the Crafted as the instruments
of his will, the Born have come to see them as
nothing more than horrible monsters that should
be eradicated from the earth. This virulent hatred
has formed a permanent wedge between the Born
and the Crafted, making collaboration impossible.
A sad state of affairs, as an alliance between those
of the Crafted wishing to be free, and the Born
themselves would likely be enough to rid Inbarev
of the Mad Alchemist once and for all.

This is the environment that the

adventurers will find themselves walking into: an
industrial hellscape full of flesh-crafted servitors
and terrorized citizens, all struggling beneath
the grip of an insane tyrant. If they are following
the orders of the Blood Queen, they know they
are expected to kill Hartrick and establish a new
ruler to lead the Barony of Inbarev. But, even
with Hartrick dead, how will the adventurers find
peace between the Crafted and the Born, two
populations that have been fighting and stewing
in hatred for centuries. And, if the adventurers
are not following the Blood Queen’s orders, they
might see in Hartrick a chance to gain profound
new knowledge, and perhaps even the gift of
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
318
 Describe the following:
In the distance, you see a dark figure
approaching you. As it gets closer you see that
it is a lone traveler, a woman clad in a widow’s
mourning gown, complete with a dark veil. A
large satchel is slung across her, ruining the
lines of her dress, and she leans upon a large
umbrella like a cane. She calls out to you,
as she nears.
This is Henrietta, the Baron’s former
research assistant, and one of his first creations.
As such, Henrietta has lived for a long time, and
has seen all of the horrors that Hartrick is capable
of. She is also one of the founding members of the
Crafted Resistance, and is responsible for devising
ways to free many of the Baron’s creations from
the mental programming and physical limitations
that Hartrick has used to enslave the majority
of the Crafted. However, the more Crafted that
Henrietta freed, the more suspicious Hartrick
became, until Henrietta realized she had no
choice but to flee, or else risk exposing the rest of
the Resistance.
When Henrietta meets the adventurers, she will
keep her face veiled and wear long gloves to cover
her arms. She assumes any of The Born (like the
adventurers) will react with hatred and violence
should they learn of her true nature. However,
Henrietta’s curiosity will get the better of her,
as anyone traveling without use of the Courier
Service is an oddity, and she will try to get to
know the adventurers and learn about them and
their plans.
She is friendly, and bright, though if asked
what she is doing, travelling all alone, she will
become evasive and offer, at best, “that it wasn’t
safe to stay in Inbarev any longer.”
However, if the adventurers do share
information about themselves willingly, or discuss
going to Inbarev, Henrietta will open up to them a
bit more and will tell them the following:
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
319
Henrietta
Medium construct, neutral good
—
Armor Class 16 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 143 (15d8 + 75)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Con +10, Wis +8, Int + 10
Skills Arcana +10, Medicine +10, Perception +8, Stealth +7
Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical attacks that aren’t adamantine
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 18
Languages All
Challenge 13 (10,000 XP) Prof Bonus +5
—
Perfected Elixir. Any creature that drinks Henrietta’s potions can roll a
d4 and add the number rolled to every attack roll and saving throw they
make for the next minute. The drinker also heals 2d4+2 hp and gains 1d6 + 5
temporary hp. This can be given to allies.
Alchemical Savant. Henrietta adds a bonus to healing or damage rolls
that deal acid, fire, necrotic, or poison damage, and the bonus equals her
Intelligence modifier.
Immutable Form. Henrietta is immune to any spell or effect that would
alter her form.
Lightning Absorption. Whenever Henrietta is subjected to lightning
damage, she takes no damage and instead regains a number of hit points
equal to the lightning damage dealt.
Magic Resistance. Henrietta has advantage on saving throws against spells
and other magical effects.
Innate Spellcasting. Henrietta’s innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence
(spell save DC 19). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: Shocking Grasp
1/day: lightning bolt
Spellcasting. Henrietta is a 15th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability
is Intelligence (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks). She has the
following artificer spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Firebolt*, Guidance, Mage Hand, Mending, Poison
Spray*, Prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): Absorb Elements, Tasha’s Caustic Brew*, Alarm, Grease
2nd level (3 slots): Blur, Heat Metal*, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Melf’s
Acid Arrow*
3rd level (3 slots): Haste, Counterspell, Dispel Magic
4th level (3 slots): Elemental Bane, Polymorph, Death Ward
*Add +5 damage to spells marked with an asterisk.
Actions
—
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 +
2) bludgeoning damage.
 • Inbarev is ruled by a mad tyrant known
as Moritz Hartrick. He is immortal, and
an alchemist who possesses secret and
deadly knowledge.
• Inbarev is dangerous, and largely populated
by flesh-crafted beings that have been
enslaved by Hartrick, their creator. They are
known as the Crafted.
• The Crafted shouldn’t be judged. They’re as
much victims as everyone else.
• There are about 5,000 regular people left in
Inbarev, and they are known as the Born.
Hartrick has plans to kill all of them off.
If the adventurers treat Henrietta with
kindness, or express pity for the plight of the
Crafted, then she will probably reveal to the
adventurers who she is, and ask if they are willing
to become her allies. She wants to kill Hartrick and
free the Crafted, and hopefully lead Inbarev into a
new era of peace and prosperity. If the adventurers
ask for more information, she can tell them:
• All of the agriculture and manufacturing
is done by the Crafted, and all of it serves
Hartrick and his plans.
• The Crafted also serve as Hartrick’s army,
and he has horrible war machines and
psychic homunculi patrolling the town and
keeping it firmly within his iron grip.
• Hartrick controls the Crafted through mental
programming, physical discipline (like shock
cages), and control of their sustenance.
• The Born are only allowed to tend to
themselves, and are given ever dwindling
resources every month. This means the Born
are beginning to starve, and are forced to
wear ragged clothing that is decades old.
• Much of the town has fallen into ruin,
and most of the water has become toxic
from pollution.
• Hartrick dreams of becoming a God,
though Henrietta doesn’t understand how
that’s possible.
If the adventurers have other plans, but
will agree to return to help Henrietta later, she
will wait for them by the dock for the Bagnytsa
Ferry. Similarly, if the adventurers don’t agree
to help her, she will inform them that she’ll be
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
320
staying with the ferryman for the Bagnytsa Ferry.
But, if the adventurers do agree to help her, and
do agree to travel to Inbarev next, then she will
accompany them into the town and help them kill
the Mad Alchemist.
Lastly, inside Henrietta’s satchel is a
Homunculus (see page -- ) that she helped
free from Hartrick’s control and befriend. It goes
by Mr. Cuddles, and has a very innocent view
of the world and positive demeanor. All of the
telepathic messages it sends are filled with cute,
almost cartoonish images that depict everyone
as being friends. Which, ironically, can make
people even more uncomfortable, as Homunculi
are nightmarish creatures that look like two
monstrous hands were surgically and magically
melded together, the thumbs reformed into
eyestalks, and then given an insect-like proboscis
that hides inside an orifice. Suffice it to say, a
creature like that could just as easily be looking to
trick you into becoming an easy meal, never mind
the fact that Mr. Cuddles is actually 100% genuine
in its optimism, empathy, and affection for other
beings. Except rats. It loves to eat rats. Also cats.
Small dogs. Birds. Anything that’s smaller than it
and not a person, basically.
Inbarev at a Glance
Inbarev is a large, walled town that has
a series of winding canals running through it.
Originally, the canals were part of Inbarev’s
irrigation network, but have since been
repurposed to provide water power for the four,
massive factories that the Mad Alchemist has built.
The canals also function as a second set of barriers
that help keep the populace of Inbarev fragmented
and thus easier to control and monitor. So, even
though there are only about 5,000 of the Born left,
they are spread out across the city in clumps of
about 500. As for the Created, they have a strict
division of labor that dictates where they are
and what they’re doing. For most of the laborers
(which have the stats of a Flesh Golem, MM pg
169), they live right next to the factories or out
in the surrounding farm lands in cramped, purely
functional quarters. The Overseers also live near
their places of work, but have been given nice
 housing and all the creature comforts they could
desire as a form of positive reinforcement. Then
there are the War Machines and the Homunculi,
both of which live in large barracks and spend
their time patrolling the streets, walls, and
farmlands. All told, there are between 25,000 -
30,000 Crafted, though the Homunculi easily make
up about half of those numbers.

Life in Inbarev

For the Crafted, life is filled with endless
toil. They are treated like machines, only given
as much attention as they need to be able to do
their job, and should they be damaged too badly,
there are burbling tanks filled with meat, all ready
to be assembled into a new Crafted that will take
the place of the old. Most of the crafted have
also been implanted with psychic programming,
and only the bare minimum of education needed
to do their jobs. And, should this prove to be
insufficient to control them, Baron Hartrick has a
variety of physical punishments to dole out, such
as shock cages bolted to their heads, or surgically
implanted hobbles.

The fact of the matter is, the Crafted are
all sentient beings. Unfortunately, the Mad
Alchemist doesn’t care. He is more than happy
to dehumanize, traumatize, maim, and exploit
the Crafted for his own ends. Many of the more
intelligent Crafted overlook this, blinded by the
comforts they are given, as well as their supposed
superiority to the other Crafted. Others are simply
too afraid to resist, knowing the horrendous
lengths Hartrick is willing to go to in order to
punish any hint of resistance, but it should be no
surprise that this is exactly what is responsible for
the Resistance in the first place.
For the Born, life is slightly better, but only
slightly. They are all kept confined to small
communities spread out throughout the town, and
are forbidden from doing all but a few activities.
They are given small shipments of goods that
are just barely able to sustain them, but in truth
the shipments are nothing more than a drawn
out genocide.
So, the Born are left to try and scrape
together an existence, though the large amounts
of alcohol included in the shipments have
numbed many of the Born into simply accepting
their inevitable demise, just as Hartrick intends.
However, not all are willing to allow themselves
and their family to simply die off, and have formed
a ramshackle resistance that is more likely to die in
a blaze of glory than actually accomplish anything.
Iv1 - City Gates
The town of Inbarev is surrounded by stone
walls, roughly 30 feet tall, with large iron
grates that form a barrier across the many
canals that flow through the town. Only one
road leads into Inbarev, from the south, with
one massive fortress gate guarding the way.
In truth, this gate is the only way to cross
into the city over land. The northern canals all
flow beneath portcullises that allow for goods to

CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
321
 flow into the city from the outlying farmlands.
Furthermore, the gates themselves are far from
being complete barriers, as there’s at least a few
feet of space between the bottom of the grates and
the bottom of the canals, allowing illegal crossings
and aquatic monsters to slip into Inbarev itself.
When the adventurers are considering
how to cross into the city, Henrietta (assuming
they’ve enlisted her help as an ally) will inform
them that the best path forwards would be to
legally enter through the town’s gate. If they
smuggled themselves inside beneath the grates
they would become fugitives within the town,
hunted by Baron Hartrick’s swarms of Homunculi
and his War Machines. Better to try to enter
through the gates, and to help them with that,
Henrietta would provide each of the adventurers
with a Mind Blank potion so the Homunculi at
the gates can’t read their minds. As for herself, she
would also take a potion, as well as make herself
invisible so that she could sneak inside with them.
Alternatively, the adventurers could just
smuggle themselves beneath the canal grates, but
they would find themselves in a desperate battle
for their lives. For one, the canals are 15 to 20
ft wide, and about 20 ft deep. To get under the
grate, the adventurers would have to swim down
at least 15 ft, through a soup of opaque, polluted
water. For every turn they spend in the water,
they must make a DC 14 Constitution save or
take 1d4 poison damage. And, were that not bad
enough, there are 2 Wreythian River Monsters
right beneath the grate (use stats for 2 Otyughs,
Monster Manual, pg 248) that will try to eat the
adventurers. The water is so polluted and murky
that the River Monsters are completely obscured
until the adventurers are within 5 ft of them, and
then the adventurers would have to battle the
monsters, while underwater, and with only 5 ft of
visibility.
This is also what the adventurers will
encounter should they try to flee Inbarev beneath
the grates.
Assuming the adventurers agree to go
through the gate, however, here is what they
will encounter:
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
322
As you approach the large, fortified gate,
you see no one atop the walls. They appear
entirely deserted until a lone figure pokes
their head above the battlements, revealing
a face that appears to have been made by
stitching a human and elf together.
This is the garrison commander, one of
the intelligent and privileged Crafted that serve
Hartrick. He will ask the adventurers to state
their business, and if they did not arrive with
the Courier Service, will ask why he should let
criminals inside Inbarev.
Unless the adventurers have a symbol of
the Blood Queen’s authority, or a note from the
Courier Service, the garrison commander will
simply argue with the adventurers until a message
arrives. It seems that the Mad Alchemist is aware
of who the adventurers are and would like to
invite them to stay as his guests in the fortified
mansion at the center of town. The garrison
commander will extend this invitation to the
adventurers, but will only open the gates if they
accept Baron Hartrick’s invitation.
As the gates grind open, you see a horrible
sight come trundling towards you. It is a
massive flesh golem unlike anything you’ve
seen before. It is massive, easily two or three
times the size of a man, with a massive fanged
maw attached to its chest, disgustingly
muscular tentacles for arms, and four
mutated arms serving as its legs.
This is one of Hartrick’s War Machines.
In total, two War Machines guard the gates and
will trundle out to make sure the adventurers don’t
try anything once the gates are open. Along with
the twin War Machines is a Homunculus Swarm,
which will examine the adventurers and their
belongings. If the adventurers took Henrietta’s
Mind Blank potions, they have nothing to fear.
If they did not take the potions, they will have to
contend with the swarm’s psychic probing (DC 15
Wisdom Saving Throw).

Should the adventurers pass inspection,
two more Homunculus Swarms will arrive to
escort them to the Baron’s mansion.
Should any hostile intent be discovered,
the adventurers would be attacked, but not chased
more than 100 feet from the city gates.
Warmachine
(See above for description)
Warmachines are Hartrick’s mass produced
minions of slaughter and his main enforcers. He
has hundreds of them, although they are mostly
spread out over Inbarev, providing security for the
factories and farms, as well as the walls and streets
of Inbarev. They are all subjected to extensive
psychic programming to ensure that they are the
perfect killing machines, always following orders
and completely devoid of empathy and the desire
for anything but bloodshed.
Thankfully, about a dozen War Machines
have been successfully deprogrammed and allowed
to grow and develop mentally and emotionally
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
323
War Machine
Large construct, lawful neutral
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 138 (12d10 + 72)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
—
Skills Perception +3
Damage Immunities poison, necrotic
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4
—
Immutable Form. The War Machine is immune to any spell or effect that
would alter its form.
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the War Machine is subjected to
lightning damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a number of hit
points equal to the lightning damage dealt.
Magic Resistance. The War Machine has advantage on saving throws
against spells and other magical effects.
Actions
—
Multiattack. The War Machine makes three attacks: one with its bite, one
with its tentacle arm, and one with its Toxic Embrace, OR two with its
tentacle arms and one with its toxic embrace.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 +
6) piercing damage plus 16 (3d10) necrotic damage.
Tentacle Arm. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.
Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage, and the target is grappled (escape
DC 16) if it is a Large or smaller creature. The War Machine has two
tentacle arms and can grapple up to two creatures at once.
Toxic Embrace. Each creature grappled by the War Machine must make
a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. A creature takes 18 (4d8) necrotic
damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Breath Weapon (Recharge 5–6). The War Machine uses its breath
weapon. Furthermore, after the War Machine has used its breath weapon, it
cannot use Toxic Embrace until the Breath Weapon is recharged.
Toxic Breath. The War Machine exhales a toxic cloud in a 30-foot cone.
Each creature in that area must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw,
taking 54 (12d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as much damage
on a successful one.
within the ranks of the Crafted Resistance,
proving that it’s possible, but they are only a drop
in the bucket compared to Hartrick’s forces.
As for the War Machine’s combat abilities,
they are decently tanky, and have an excellent
range, allowing them to attack and grapple targets
from 15 ft away. They also have a devastating
breath weapon, which is excellent for killing
troops in formation, and that same breath weapon
can be used to a much lesser extent while the
War Machine is grappling enemies, poisoning
individual targets.
 Homunculus Swarm
Hundreds of bony, articulated legs, like giant
fingers, ripple in nauseating waves, driving
this mass of flesh-crafted horrors forward,
dozens upon dozens of eye stalks swiveling
two and fro, gleaming with moisture and an
unnatural inner light.
By themselves, Homunculi are mostly
harmless. They are telepathic, but can only
communicate with creatures nearby, and are two
weak to psychically harm another creature.
Physically, they are dangerous enough to
be able to kill a commoner with their proboscis,
but even the weakest armed bandit could easily
dispatch a lone Homunculus. Once they gather
into a swarm, however, they become a deadly
foe. Their psychic potential is greatly amplified,
allowing them to read thoughts, control
minds, or psychically attack targets. Likewise,
their sheer numbers make the Homonculi’s
proboscises deadly, killing foes with dozens upon
dozens of bites.
The Streets of Inbarev
As you walk through the streets of Inbarev,
your lungs are filled with the stench of the
rot and sewage that coats the cobblestones in
a noxious slurry. Most of the buildings are
deserted and have fallen into severe disrepair.
It’s clear that most of Inbarev has simply been
left to rot and stew in its own filth.
As you pass a marketplace, you see ragged,
hollow eyed people bartering over scrap
and junk, all beneath the watchful eyes of
the Homunculi.
There are no civil services in Inbarev. The
sewers no longer function due to mass blockages,
there is no garbage service, and were it not for the
constant patrols of Homunculi and War Machines,
the city would have been overrun by invasive
Wreythian wildlife long ago. As for the people,
they mimic the lives their ancestors lived, but
are really doing nothing more than dying slowly
inside of a cage.
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
324
Homunculus Swarm
Large swarm of tiny constructs, lawful evil
—
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 52 (8d8+16)
Speed 30 ft. Climb Speed 30ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
9(-1) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2)
—
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, slashing, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed, petrified,
prone, poisoned, restrained, stunned
Skills: Perception +10
Senses darkvision 30 ft., passive Perception 20
Languages all; telepathy 30 ft.
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) P roficiency Bonus +3
—
Immutable Form. The swarm is immune to any spell or effect that would
alter its form.
Lightning Absorption. Whenever the swarm is subjected to lightning
damage, it takes no damage and instead regains a number of hit points equal
to the lightning damage dealt.
Magic Resistance. The swarm has advantage on saving throws against spells
and other magical effects.
Innate Spellcasting. The swarm’s innate spellcasting ability is Intelligence
(spell save DC 15). As long as it has more than half of its hit points, it can
innately cast the following spells, requiring no components:
At will: command, comprehend languages, detect thoughts
1/day each: confusion, phantasmal killer
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space and vice versa, and
the swarm can move through any opening large enough for a Tiny animal,
like a cat. The swarm can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points.
Telepathic Shroud. The swarm is immune to any effect that would sense
its emotions or read its thoughts, as well as to all divination spells.
Actions
—
Proboscis Stab. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 0 ft., one target in
the swarm’s space. Hit: 24 (12d4) piercing damage, or 12 (6d4) piercing
damage if the swarm has half of its hit points or fewer.
The Born live in the best repaired
buildings, and some try to practice trades, like
baking, spinning, and the like, but their basic needs
are barely met, and their quality of life is even
worse than those who live on the mean streets of
Raffenburg’s Market District.
 Iv2 - The Baron’s Mansion
The filth covered streets give way to clean
cobblestone, and you find yourself guided
into a large town square with a grandiose
mansion sitting in its center. Great stone
fortifications have been added onto the
building, transforming it into something
between a mansion and a castle.
Once the ancestral home of the Ysemgrin
family, Hartrick has converted the mansion into
his lair. He added stone fortifications in order to
protect him and his laboratory, which he built
beneath the mansion over the course of several
decades. Now, he never leaves. His crafted servants
bring him everything he needs and effectively
handle the task of ruling Inbarev in accordance to
his vision, thus leaving him to obsessively work on
towards his ultimate ambition: the ascension into
true godhood.
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
325
Interacting with the Crafted
Servants
Hartrick only allows the Crafted to be as
intelligent and educated as is necessary
for their position, and then adds a healthy
dose of psychic programming on top of
that (think Brave New World). So, this is
something to emphasize when roleplaying
the Crafted Servants. If the adventurers
ask them to perform a service that matches
their station (asking a butler to fetch food
or drink, clean something, find a messenger,
etc) they will do so with great efficiency.
If asked how they’re feeling, or something
else that is outside of their function, they
will become greatly confused and distressed.
This doesn’t mean they will lash out at the
adventurers, specifically, but it does mean
that they will act out. For instance, a maid
might break something in distress, then realize
there’s something to clean, and return to
normal again. This should generate unease
and help illustrate what a wretched waste
Hartrick truly is.
 However, once Hartrick hears that the Event: Dinner with the Mad
Blood Queen’s new favorites have arrived in
Inbarev, he will see within them an opportunity to
Alchemist

rid himself of the troubling vermin polluting his
Hartrick will inform his servants that they
town: the Born. In his twisted mind, he believes
are to let the adventurers get settled into their
that if he can convince the Blood Queen’s minions
rooms and then to guide them down beneath the
to rid Inbarev of the Born, then she won’t be able
mansion to the dining room he built to disguise
to blame him, and that he will be able to convince
the entrance to his hidden laboratory. Also, in
her that the Crafted are much better subjects to
addition to being a disguised entrance, this new
rule, anyways. The largest flaw in this thinking
dining room means Hartrick doesn’t have to
being the lack of a suitable Blood Tithe, but
bother walking up into the mansion itself in order
Hartrick’s psyche has frayed over the centuries. In
to enjoy his meals, and he can instead remain close
fact, it was immortality itself that so profoundly
to his work.
tortured him, as it forced him to watch everything
else around him die. Life soon lost all meaning to
him, as did the laws of nature and the multiverse at As the stilted servants guide you deeper into
large, and so the Mad Alchemist and his quest for the mansion, you find yourself brought to
apotheosis were born. a massive vault door that slowly rolls back
to reveal a strange room built entirely from
So, more to the point, Hartrick will invite metal. In the center of the room is a large
the adventurers to become his guests and stay with metal table with seating for eight guests,
him in his mansion. On the first evening of their while a ninth chair sits, thronelike, at the
arrival, he will dine with them, and over dinner head of the table. Metal serving stations
will try to convince them to come up with a way to are set against the south wall, already piled
rid Inbarev of the Born once and for all. high with food and drink just waiting to

CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
326
 be brought to the table by the two waiting
Crafted Servants. Lastly, a strange mosaic
of churning gears decorates the north wall,
and in each corner of the room stands a
strange tower that continuously crackles
with lighting.
The mosaic of churning gears is actually
the secret entrance to the Mad Alchemist’s secret
laboratory. A DC 22 Investigation check will
reveal this, along with how to open this secret
entrance. It will take the adventurers one action to
open the secret entrance. Hartrick, however, can
open the entrance as a free action.
The lightning towers in the corner of the
room can also be studied, a DC 18 Arcana check
revealing that they are arcana-tech constructs
that can be activated with a command word to
electrify the room. They are also enchanted to
give off steady illumination instead of flickering
light. They have an AC of 14 and 30 health each.
When activated, every creature touching any
surface in the room (as everything is metal) takes
18 (4d8) lightning damage and must make a DC
16 Constitution save to avoid being stunned for
one round. The damage decreases by 1d8 for each
tower destroyed, but the save remains the same
until all four towers are destroyed.
Were that not bad enough, a DC 16
Investigation Check will reveal that the 8 dining
chairs on the north and south side of the table are
trapped. When Hartrick gives a command word,
neck, arm, and leg restraints will snap out of the
chair. Any creature sitting in the chairs when this
happens must succeed a DC 16 Dexterity Save or
become Restrained.
Finally, Hartrick will arrive once the
adventurers are already present, along with a
Homunculus Swarm in tow. The swarm will
climb up onto the western wall, directly behind
Hartrick’s throne. The Swarm is intended to
detect hostile intent, but will not probe any deeper
than that. Should they detect hostile intent, they
would warn Hartrick, who would then activate
his defenses.
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
327
Also, one note about the food: it’s not poisoned,
but it tastes odd, as most of the ingredients
were tank grown.
Once the Dinner has begun, Hartrick will
ask the adventurers what they think of Inbarev.
Regardless of their answer, he will then direct the
conversation towards the Born. He will blame the
Born for ruining the city, for refusing to work or
contribute, and for demanding large amounts of
alcohol or else they get violent. A DC 16 Insight
check will reveal that these are all lies, but
regardless, Hartrick will then ask the adventurers
for help ridding Inbarev of the Born.
Hartrick’s Request:
• Remove the Born from the city without
slaughtering them, OR slaughter the Born
and then flee the city.
Hartrick will explain that he would just
slaughter the born, but that would mean that
he had failed in his duties as Baron, as a Baron
must protect their subjects, and he would thus
be punished by the Blood Queen. Likewise, if the
adventurers slaughter the Born, he will be forced
to “try” and punish them, meaning they would
have to flee the city. However, as long as the
adventurers get the Born out of the Barony (that
means the town and surrounding farmlands), then
he will reward them with wealth (a payment of
500 platinum each) and a drink of the Elixir of Life
itself, granting them immortality.
This last offer is a lie. Hartrick would never
share the Masterwork with anyone else, but he
believes it will be an offer too tempting for anyone
to pass up.
The most obvious way to remove
the Born, of course, is to simply offer them
somewhere else to go. Raffenburg could be an
option, though unless mass death occurred during
the revolution, the city is likely still facing issues
of overcrowding. Leshehoff would be a better
choice, though the Tornheims would have to be
convinced. Not a challenging task, but it would
take time. Wolf Lake could also be an option, if
the adventurers are allied with Yasviga, though it
would mean some of the refugees from Inbarev
 would be eaten by werewolves. And, regardless of
which settlement the refugees would be moved to,
the trip itself would be incredibly dangerous, for
in addition to the Wreythian Wildlife, there are
also the Followers of Agrona (see Ch 9, Ruins of
Nemeth) to deal with. Should the Followers catch
wind of a refugee caravan, they would absolutely
attack it en masse.
Suffice it to say, the problem posed to the
adventurers is a conundrum, but that means that
not even a genius like Hartrick expects them to
solve it immediately. He will allow them one week
to solve the problem. This gives the adventurers
time to seek out Henrietta again and put together a
plan to take out the Mad Alchemist himself.
Otherwise, during the meal, have fun
roleplaying Hartrick. You can make him as
eccentric as you want. But, some talking points
that might help you:
• He views the gods as fools for having made
such flawed creations.
• He believes he’s worthy to become a god
because he was able to overcome death
itself, and because his vision for creation far
surpasses that of the gods themselves.
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
328
• He views the Born as inferior because they
die. Anything that dies is worthless. They are
also too petty and opinionated and simple
to ever be able to accomplish anything truly
grand and reality altering.
• He believes the Blood Queen is lazy because
she never does anything herself.
• He believes Beleroth is a sentimental old man
who is just waiting to die.
• He believes R.K. Schreyer and Isidora
are idiots who wasted their lives on
frivolous endeavors.
Once the adventurers’ curiosity and
appetites have been sated, and they’ve “agreed” to
help the Baron, conclude the dinner. Assuming
they’ve “agreed”, they will be allowed to stay in
the Mansion, being treated to an aristocratic
lifestyle, and will be free to travel through Inbarev
as they wish.
Iv3 - Crafted Sewer Hideout
 If the adventurers allied with Henrietta and
helped smuggle her into the city, she would send
Mr. Cuddles to inform the adventurers of where
she and the other Crafted Resistance members are
hiding out. Mr. Cuddles will provide a detailed
mental map (as well as a mental music video of
them all frolicking through the streets) that will
guide the adventurers to a section of Inbarev’s
defunct sewer system where the Resistance hides.
This, of course, isn’t the Resistance’s only
hideout, but it is the oldest, and is where Henrietta
has stashed most of her alchemical equipment.
Ordinarily, it would also be incredibly difficult to
find, though with Mr. Cuddles’ mental map, the
adventurers will have no trouble finding it.
Inside there are three Homunculi, one
War Machine, and 15 human sized Crafted, all of
whom belong to the resistance. 6 of the humanoid
Crafted are intelligent, and act as something like
parents to the other 9, who were all laborers (Flesh
Golems, MM pg 169) and thus poorly educated
and psychically programmed. The War Machine
is also fairly intelligent, as are the Homunculi,
and all contribute towards the odd household this
Resistance base has become. Of course, they also
all plan operations to help free more of their kind,
but with Henrietta’s return and the arrival of the
adventurers, a true end might finally be in sight.
Henrietta will outline the following plan:
If the adventurers can enlist the help of the Born,
then together with the Crafted Resistance they can
carry out attacks on two of the Baron’s factories.
This will draw all of Hartrick’s forces away from
his mansions, thus allowing the adventurers
to attack Hartrick at his most vulnerable.
Additionally, Henrietta can tell the adventurers
how to gain access to his laboratory (if they haven’t
already learned how). Then, all they’ll have to
deal with is whatever Hartrick himself, as well as
whatever he’s stashed inside his lab.
However, in order for this plan to work,
the adventurers must convince the Born to help,
which means enlisting their unofficial leader,
Franz Zlattov, to their cause. This will take the
adventurers to Iv4 - Zlattov House.
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
329
Iv4 - Zlattov House
The Zlattov house is by far the nicest home
you’ve seen in Inbarev, the Baron’s Mansion
aside, though it, too, shows the signs of
decay. Light blazes out from its boarded up
windows, and the smell of cooking wafts to
you on the breeze.
The Zlattov family were rivals to the
Ysemgrins, and were once nearly as wealthy and
powerful. Originally, the Zlattovs even allied with
Hartrick in order to remove the Ysemgrins and
seize power for themselves, but their ambitions
were foiled and eventually their alliance was
betrayed as they were cast down with all the rest of
the Born. Yet the Zlattov’s thirst for power never
died, and so they became the leaders of the Born
resistance against Hartrick, seeking any authority
that they could find. This has kept the Zlattovs
as the most powerful family in Inbarev, though
even as the most wealthy and powerful of the
Born, there are still farmers elsewhere who could
claim as much.
Nevertheless, the point is that the Zlattovs
can rally the Born, or all of them who are able, and
help defeat the Baron. Or, alternatively, who could
help relocate the Born on their way out of Inbarev.
Currently, there are four “elite guards”
patrolling the Zlattovs’ gardens. In reality, they’re
just commoners with weapons, showing yet again
how poorly the Born are fairing. Still, they will
challenge the adventurers should they appear, or
sound alarm should the adventurers do anything
provocative. Assuming the guards are convinced
to allow the adventurers to speak to Franz, they
will be escorted inside where they will find a
surprising amount of activity.
In the house, there are 12 more armed
commoners, mostly clustered around the dining
table or crowding the hallway. It seems they’re
trying to listen in on an “interrogation”. It
seems that Franz’s people have caught one of
“those monsters” (in reality one of the Crafted
Resistance). Of course, Franz and his daughter
(the interrogators) don’t care that this is one of the
Resistance and a potential ally.
 And it’s not even that they suspect he’s
some sort of undercover agent for the Baron. No,
instead, they just hate the Crafted. To some degree,
it would be hard to blame them, as the Baron has
been using his Crafted servants to harass the Born
for a few centuries now, but that’s not the point.
The point is, Franz and his followers have been
warped by hatred.
So, to summarize the situation, Franz and
his daughter are shouting questions at one of the
Crafted Resistance (we’ll call him Mulder) in a
locked room, and there are 12 armed commoners
trying to listen in. When Franz is notified
that there are outsiders suddenly here to see
him, he will leave his daughter to continue the
interrogation and speak with them.
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
330
At first, Franz will be amazed that they are there,
as he’s never met strangers from another place.
Not even members of the Consortium. The Born
have been that captive and isolated for as long as
he’s been alive, and that’s a good fifty four years.
Then, Franz will connect the dots and realize the
adventurers could be the Baron’s agents, and then
he will become very suspicious and distrustful,
especially if the adventurers appear to be friendly
with the Crafted in any capacity. Ironically, he
would be more trustful of them if they say they
are working for the Baron, as that would make
them envoys, which he can understand. But any
reaction towards the Crafted that is not filled
with hate and disgust, he won’t understand. He’ll
start to think the adventurers must be Crafted,
just with all their stitching hidden, and would
then give the adventurers an ultimatum: kill
 their Crafted prisoner (Mulder) or any chance of
negotiation is off.
How the adventurers respond to this ultimatum
could vary in several ways. They could be clever,
or duplicitous, or talk Franz out of his position,
they could kill Mulder, or they could even
intimidate or attack Franz. Quickly, seeing how
totally outclassed he and all of his people are,
he would cave and agree to cooperate with the
adventurers’ plans. That might only be up until he
sees a chance to betray them, as it all depends on
how they convinced Franz to work with them, but
he could be a liability, and his daughter wouldn’t
be much better.
Major Event: Killing the Mad
Alchemist
When the time finally comes for the
adventurers to challenge the Mad Alchemist, they
will have no choice but to venture into his lair and
put an end to his reign of terror once and for all. If
the adventurers are clever, they will first organize
a large distraction, such as a coordinated assault
between the Born and the Crafted Resistance
upon the Alchemist’s factories, though stealthy
adventurers could choose to infiltrate Hartrick’s
mansion instead. This would allow the adventurers
to only have to concern themselves with Hartrick
and the contents of his lab, rather than the War
Machines and Homunculus Swarms that ordinarily
guard his mansion.
Now, as the DM, if you’re feeling
particularly cruel you could start the final
confrontation in Hartrick’s trapped dining room.
Perhaps Hartrick felt like having a nosh, and
happened to be in the room when the adventurers
arrive. In this case, give each of the two servants in
the dining room the stats of a Flesh Golem (MM,
pg 169), and continue the fight until Hartrick takes
around 60 points of damage, at which point he
would flee into his laboratory.
The mosaic of churning gears opens up
into a mechanical elevator that lowers down into
the hidden laboratory level. The adventurers
will enter the battlemap right in front of the
CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
331
southernmost vault door that leads into the
laboratory itself.
Now, at this point in the fight, you have
options. If you don’t think the adventurers have
had enough resources drained, then you could
have the vault door to the laboratory sealed, taking
2 rounds to break open, and then you could fill
the corridors with 4 Flesh Golems (or two Flesh
Golems and 2 Homunculus Swarms). By the
time that fight was over, the adventurers should be
sufficiently prepared to face Hartrick in his lab.
Inside the lab there are large glass vats
containing various creations that Hartrick has
crafted, all still gestating and forming, as well as
8 massive cauldrons filled with toxic alchemical
solutions of various types. The cauldrons are 10
feet tall and about 25 feet wide. They are also set
deep into the floor, making them 30 feet deep,
but that likely won’t become an issue. To simplify
things, simply have any creature thrown into a
cauldron take 20 points of acid damage per round
until they can safely get out again.
Furthermore, there are two large metal
catwalks suspended above the cauldrons, each
suspended 40 feet above the ground (and 30 feet
above the lip of the cauldrons). There are two
chains that dangle from each catwalk, all the way
to the ground.
The adventurers must fight Hartrick here,
along with one of his War Machines, a creation
that was being built inside the lab. This represents
the sum of the Mad Alchemist’s resources, and
should the adventurers triumph here, then they
will be able to take control of Inbarev and decide
its fate in the days to come.
 CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
332
 Moritz Hartrich
Medium Human, Neutral Evil Inbarev Epilogue
—
Armor Class 17 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 190 (20d8 + 100) Once the adventurers have killed Hartrick
Speed 30 ft.
and secured the city, they will have to choose who
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
11(+0) 15 (+2) 20 (+5) 22 (+6) 16 (+3) 12 (+1)
will rule Inbarev itself. The most logical choice
— would be Henrietta, as she knows how to help the
Saving Throws Con +10, Wis +8, Int + 11
Skills Arcana +16, Medicine +16, Perception +8, Stealth +7 Crafted and bears no ill will towards the Born. The
Damage Resistance: acid, poison, lightning Born, however, are still ruled by fear and hatred,
Condition Immunities frightened, poisoned, charmed
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 18
making them a poor choice for leadership. Likely,
Languages All the best solution would be to install Henrietta as
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Prof Bonus +5 the new Baroness, and then to relocate the Born.
—
Perfected Elixir. Any creature that drinks one of Hartrick’s potions can roll Then, Henrietta could attract migrants from across
a d4 and add the number rolled to every attack roll and saving throw they Wreythau, perhaps even including the Beastfolk.
make for the next minute. The drinker also gains 2d6 + 6 temporary hp. This
can be given to minions. Hartrick always has 2 health potions on his person.
This would sidestep much of the centuries long
bias that has built up, though it would take effort
Alchemical Savant. Add a bonus to healing or damage rolls that deals to achieve.
acid, fire, necrotic, or poison damage, and the bonus equals Hartrick’s
Intelligence modifier (+6).
Should the adventurers install the
Magic Resistance. The Alchemist has advantage on saving throws against
spells and other magical effects.
Zlattovs in power, however, they would soon find
themselves betrayed. They would kill Henrietta,
Innate Spellcasting. The Alchemist’s innate spellcasting ability is destroy the factories, starve the Crafted, and
Intelligence (spell save DC 19). He can innately cast the following spells,
requiring no material components: ultimately try to wipe them from existence, thus
1/day: lesser restoration, greater restoration starting another civil war that would leave Inbarev
Spellcasting. The Alchemist is a 20th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability a desolate ruin.
is Intelligence (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks). He has the
following artificer spells prepared:
Lastly, the adventurers could try to rule
Cantrips (at will): Firebolt*, Guidance, Light, Mage Hand, Mending, Poison Inbarev themselves, though they would be much
Spray*, Prestidigitation better off delegating the responsibility of rulership
1st level (4 slots): Absorb Elements, Tasha’s Caustic Brew*, Alarm, Grease
2nd level (3 slots): Misty Step, Heat Metal*, Invisibility, See Invisibility, Melf’s onto someone else, a point the Blood Queen would
Acid Arrow* hint at emphatically.
3rd level (3 slots): Fly, Counterspell, Dispel Magic
4th level (3 slots): Elemental Bane, Blight*, Death Ward
5th level (2 slots): Cloudkill*, Raise Dead, Animate Objects Ultimately, however, the choice is theirs.
*Add +6 damage to spells marked with an asterisk.
The Adventurers will Level Up to
Actions be Level 9.
—
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 4
(1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Legendary Actions

Hartrick can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options

below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end
of another creature’s turn. Hartrick regains spent legendary actions at the
start of its turn.

Move. Hartrick moves up to his speed without provoking

opportunity attacks.

Drink potion. Hartrick drinks a healing potion, healing 2d4+2 and activating
Perfected Elixir.

Cast Spell (Costs 2 Actions). Hartrick Casts one spell. .

CHAPTER 7 - INBAREV
333
Chapter 8
The Silver
Graves
Three hundred years ago, almost to the
day, the great Dwarven Kingdom of Barrukhirrim
fell and became nothing more than a desolate tomb
plagued by the restless dead. They had believed
themselves to be free from the Blood Queen’s rule,
and for this grievous sin, all who dwelt within
Barrukhirrim’s stone walls were put to the sword.
None were spared. Only the few hundred or so
merchants, travelers, and hunters that had already
ventured far from their home managed to survive.
This was the sole act of clemency Czerina was
willing to grant, though to ensure that none would
ever return to the fallen kingdom, she and the Mad
Alchemist built a terrible guardian that would keep
the fallen kingdom and its secrets forever sealed.
And, as the years passed, the Kingdom
of Barrukhirrim was forgotten to all but a few,
and the legend of the Silver Graves was born.
For, though no one living still dwells within the
Graves, a river of platinum, gold, and silver still
flows out from inside. This paradox has drawn
many fortune hunters and adventurers to try
to explore its depths, though all foolish enough
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
334
to venture down to the Guardian’s lair have
never returned. So tales have spread, and the air
of mystery has grown, yet one truth remains:
to venture into the Silver Graves is to venture
towards Death itself.
A Brief History of Barrukhirrim
Over a millenia ago, Czerina called
upon a kingdom of dwarves, ancient allies of
Nostrovishte, to aid her in her defense of her
homeland. The dwarves knew that, even with
their help, the chance of repelling the invasion of
Nostrovishte was slim, and fearing that they could
be next, they refused to send aid. But, in order to
save face despite such a dishonorable betrayal, they
made Czerina an oath. Should she be victorious,
and should she survive, then she could call upon
them in the future and they would be forced to
answer, no matter the cost.
A few years later, when the armies of
the Ghul Sildreth landed upon the shores of
Nostrovishte, Czerina called upon the dwarves
to fulfill their oath. So it was that when she
 conquered Wreythau, she did so with a brawny
army of dwarves at her back. She agreed to give
them a portion of her kingdom, a mountain
range that would be inhospitable to anyone else,
though incredibly rich in gemstones and precious
metals, in return for favorable trade. Years later,
when Wreythau was torn free from the Material
Plane and became one of the Domains of Dread,
the dwarves formed a new kingdom and thought
themselves independent and free.

In Czerina’s mind, that was never true.

She never forgave their refusal to aid Nostrovishte
in its hour of need, she never forgave them for
betting upon her death, and that of her people,
and she never forgave them for demanding a piece
of her new kingdom for themselves. She held this
grudge close to her heart, right beside the grief and
hatred she felt for her own family, and over the
centuries, as the influence of Czernobog grew, the
grudge against the dwarves only grew.

Of course, the dwarves of Barrukhirrim

realized this, too. Their Queen, Thaumgrit
(Thom-greet) Steelspine, was a descendant of the
king who had refused Czerina while she still drew
breath, and Thaumgrit saw the rage burning in the
Blood Queen’s scarlet gaze, though always out of
the corner of her eye. She knew that Czerina could
not be trusted, and so she called upon the greatest
minds of Barrukhirrim to come together and
construct a weapon that could defeat Czerina once
and for all. Thaumgrit knew that Czerina would
come for them sooner or later, and though she was
entirely correct, her people’s efforts to find a way
to kill the Blood Queen meant that she came for
them even sooner than they anticipated.
You see, in order to kill her, Czerina’s tie
to the land itself would have to be severed, and as
the dwarves of Barrukhirrim experimented and
explored how to do this, Czerina became aware,
and for the first time in millenia, she felt fear.
In public, Czerina declared that Thaumgrit
Steelspine had broken their treaties by refusing
to honor their trade deals. The fact that those
deals were predatory and exploitative in favor of
Wreythau beside, it gave Czerina her excuse, and
so she marched her armies to Barrukhirrim and
slaughtered everyone inside. Then, she placed the
Guardian and raised thousands upon thousands of
the dead to continue to mine the resources from
the mountains, as well as to protect the secret at
the mountains’ heart: a forge capable of crafting
weapons that could harm her.

CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES

335
 The Entrance to the Silver
Graves
Your journey upwards from the base of
the mountains has been perilous and cold,
though eventually you ascend a ridge and
find yourself staring at the grand entrance
to the Silver Graves themselves. An entire
kingdom has been carved into the very face
of the mountains, the sheer scale and beauty
breathtaking to behold. Yet, as you look
upon it, a chill passes through you, for you
know that it is now nothing but a home
for the dead.
The broad ridge leading up to the gates
of the Silver Graves is scarred with the remnants
of an ancient battle, with great craters blasted
into the ground, ancient defenses lying broken
and decaying, and countless pieces of arms and
armor lying beneath the frost covered ground.
Even for those who know nothing of warfare, it’s
clear that thousands died here, upon this ground.
Unsurprisingly, the dead do not rest here quietly.
As the adventurers approach the gates, call
for Perception checks. Whoever rolls the highest
will hear nothing but the moaning of the wind
as it sweeps across the empty kingdom, though
whoever rolls the lowest will hear the distant cries
of battle and the screams of dying soldiers.
If the adventurers linger, ask them to make
Charisma Saves. Whoever rolls the lowest will
suddenly be struck by a psychic echo of the past,
and will experience a fatal wound from the ancient
battle. To be clear, this is a haunting, just an echo
from the past, but it will look and feel entirely real.
The affected character will become incapacitated,
though they may still speak, or more likely,
scream in horror as they experience every bit of
this mortal wound. Likewise, their companions
will see their companion suddenly struck down,
out of nowhere, and will likely rush to their
aid, performing Medicine checks or casting
healing spells.
In short, all of the characters should believe
the wound to be entirely real. Only after they
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
336
have expended resources (your choice whether
or not the resources is actually spent), or after the
players have spent a few minutes roleplaying this
encounter out, will the echo fade away and the
adventurer will be fine once more, just as they
were before the haunting occurred.
Suffice it to say, because of these hauntings,
it is impossible to rest near the Silver Graves.
Now, as for the haunting themselves, feel
free to make up a mortal wound, or choose from
the list below:
Disemboweled
The roar of battle crashes over you, and as
you whirl about, you see a mass of thousands
caught in the midst of a brutal melee. A
moment later a warrior breaks free and
charges towards you, red eyes gleaming,
its fanged mouth stretched wide in insane
delight as his blade cuts deep into your
belly and your guts spill down to decorate
your feet. Then the warrior, and the battle,
disappear, leaving you and your companions
to deal with the tangle of intestines
falling out of you.
Burned Alive
The roar of battle crashes over you, and as
you whirl about, you see a mass of thousands
caught in the midst of a brutal melee. A
moment later, a small ball of writhing fire
explodes in the air above you, engulfing you
in a hellish inferno that burns your skin into
blackened and charred strips that barely cling
to the glistening meat beneath. Then the
battle fades away, leaving you still burnt and
screaming in pain.
Lost a Leg
The roar of battle crashes over you, and as
you whirl about, you see a mass of thousands
caught in the midst of a brutal melee.
Suddenly, an ungodly boom thunders across
the battlefield and a tremendous shockwave
tosses warriors on both sides into the air,
their bodies tumbling like broken dolls, and
thousands of pieces of jagged shrapnel blast
 out. Half of a shield catches your leg, just
above the knee, leaving you to collapse to
the ground missing most of your leg. Rent
strips of useless meat dangle as your blood
soaks the dirt, though everything else fades
away once more.
If the adventurers venture inside the
Graves, the battlefield hauntings will cease
and they will be able to explore the Graves
themselves. If they return to the gates and the
battlefield, however, then the hauntings would of
course return.
Inside the Silver Graves
As you pass through the broken gates
and into the ruined halls of the Silver Graves,
the sense of unease and dread only grows.
This is no longer a place meant for the living.
As the light of your lanterns and torches casts
back the darkness, you see the remnants of
dwarven shadows burnt into the walls and the
floors themselves. In other places, the blood
flowed so thick that it still stains the stone,
and in others, the scars of battle are etched
so deeply into the rock it’s hard to imagine
the might behind those ancient blows. Yet,
oddly, there are no bones. No scraps of armor.
No rusting weapons. Unlike the battlefield
outside, it is as if the halls of the Silver Graves
were swept clean of all detritus. But why?
Hauntings Inside the Silver Graves
The dead of Barrukhirrim do not rest
quietly within their tomb. The trauma and horror
surrounding their deaths was so tremendously
profound that the psychic residue sunk into the
very stone itself. So, as the adventurers explore,
they will be beset by macabre apparitions, strange
phenomena, and perhaps even an assault by a
deadly specter.
As the adventurers are exploring, sprinkle
in these hauntings to help capture the history
of the Graves, as well as summon up more
unease and dread.
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
337
Temperature Drop
As you walk through the empty stone
hallways of the ruined dwarf kingdom, the
sound of your footsteps echoing throughout
the corridors, you suddenly hit a wall of cold
air that freezes your breath into mist and that
seeps past your furs and armor to sink deep
into your bones.
The temperature drop is often used to
herald another phenomenon or apparition, so
consider pairing it with another choice from the
list. Additionally, you can add a little variety to
the temperature drop by adjusting its duration.
If the adventurers have only experienced brief
temperature drops that fade quickly, suddenly
finding themselves in a temperature drop that
endures will likely ratchet the unease up to dread.
Smell of Burnt Hair
The air inside the Silver Graves is strangely
stale despite all the clever ventilation you’ve
seen built into the hallways and chambers
of the kingdom. It’s as if even the wind itself
no longer wishes to even venture here. As
you continue on, you notice a new smell,
however. Faint at first, but growing stronger.
Acidic and sulfurous, you realize it’s the
stench of burning hair, and it now fills the air
all around you.
Like temperature drops, the smell of
burning hair works terrifically when paired with
other phenomena and apparitions. Consider
pairing it with the Ghost Child for tragic and
terrifying results, or with Ghostly Messages to add
an even more sinister atmosphere.
Ghostly Sounds
There are a few options for this
phenomenon. Choose or invent whatever best fits
the situation.
Scream
A faint scream echoes down the corridors,
coming from deep within the Silver Graves.
The sound is jagged and warped by pain and
inhuman terror.
 Crying
As you approach the door to the chamber, the
sound of wretched sobbing drifts to your ears.
Scraping Sound
As you move forward, the sound of steel
being scraped across stone sounds from right
behind you, yet when you turn, nothing is
there. When you walk forward again, the
harsh, grating sound returns.
Threat
From just behind you, you hear a rough voice
growl“Come and taste my axe. The blade will
split the teeth from your skull.” But there is
no one there.
Ghost Child
As you pause to examine a sign engraved
upon the wall, you feel something cold
thread its way between your fingers, and a
child’s voice asks you, in Dwarven, “Are they
going to get us Momma/Pappa?” There is
no one there.
Ghostly Messages
There are several options that you can use, but
also feel free to invent your own.
As the light of your lanterns and torches
sweep across the stone walls, they fall
upon a message:
• written in blood.
• scratched into the rock.
• formed by the mist of your breath.
It is in Dwarvish, and reads:
• Join us
• It’s too late
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
338
• More blood to fill the casks
• It lurks in the deep
Faces and Hands Warping Stone
As your light sweeps across the room, you
see something, something coming out of the
stone, the rock stretching and straining like
cloth as skeletal hands reach for you and a
skull soundlessly screams until the stone pulls
it back out of sight.
Dripping Blood
Something warm drips down upon your
head, and then your hand. Something red.
Something that smells of copper tinged with
sweetness. Then more drops of blood began
to fall, splashing down to stain and spatter
all around you.
Corpse Festival
As you near the door to the chamber, you
see that light is spilling out from beneath
the doorway. When you open the door, you
see that the chamber is filled with horribly
maimed dwarves, except they are all going
about their business as though nothing is
wrong. A headless dwarf speaks to another,
burbles of blood fountaining from its stumpy
neck. Another dwarf missing half of its head
is uncaring as its brain slowly leaks out.
Another drags itself along on bony stumps
where its limbs should be. They all ignore
you, and should you interact with them,
your hand simply passes through as though
nothing is there.
Deadly Specter
This is the only ghostly combat encounter,
and should only be used if the adventurers attempt
to loot something, if the adventurers try to rest
inside the upper levels of the Graves, or if you
simply feel that the Silver Graves needs a little
spice before they reach the Guardian.
 Vengeful Dwarven Specter
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Investigation 12 - The Queen’s Great
—
Armor Class 14 Hall
Hit Points 126 (12d12 + 48)
Speed 40 ft. You carefully step over the broken remains of
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA two massive stone doors and several crushed
6(-2) 20 (+5) 18 (+2) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) barricades. The room itself is perhaps 300
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Int +5 feet long and 100 feet wide, and yet every
Skills Perception +9, Stealth +13 inch of the ground is stained with old blood.
Damage Vulnerabilities radiant
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder; bludgeoning, Hundreds, if not thousands of deaths must
piercing, and slashing have happened here. And, at the far end of the
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, grappled, paralyzed,
hall, is the shattered remains of a grand stone
petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained throne inlaid with platinum and gold. The
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 19 dwarven rune for “Forge” is written in blood
Languages Dwarvish, but can’t speak
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +4 upon the base of the throne.
—
Amorphous. The specter can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch
wide without squeezing. The Great Hall is where the dwarves of
Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the specter can take the
Barrukhirrim made their last stand. The Hall
Hide action as a bonus action. was mostly filled with families and the elderly,
all of whom were slain. The queen herself had
Sunlight Weakness. While in sunlight, the specter has disadvantage on
attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws. already died in battle by the time the Great Hall
was breached, though one of the Elders, who was
Actions aware of the project happening in the Heart of the
— Mountain, tried to leave one last message for any
Multiattack. The assassin makes two Shadow Blade attacks.
who might seek to avenge Barrukhirrim. He was
Shadow Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. trying to write “Forge of the Ancestors”, but only
Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic damage. Unless
the target is immune to necrotic damage, the target’s Strength score managed to write one rune before dying.
is reduced by 1d4 each time it is hit by this attack. The target dies if its
Strength is reduced to 0. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a short
or long rest. If a non-evil humanoid dies from this attack, a shadow (see the
Lastly, the gold and platinum in the throne
Monster Manual) rises from the corpse 1d4 hours later. can be looted, and is worth about 2000gp.

Investigation 14 - The Guard Barracks

Exploring the Graves
There are hundreds of miles of rooms
and hallways that the adventurers could explore,
hunting for any loot or relics from the past,
though the true treasure, and danger, of the
Graves lies beneath the mountains themselves. So,
in order to simplify the experience of investigating
the Graves, ask the adventurers to make an
Investigation Check. The results will determine
which areas of the Graves the adventurers explore
as well as what they find.
You come upon what appears to be a fort
carved out of the living stone of the mountain
itself. Inside, you find more signs of furious
battle: more shadows pressed into the rock,
more great rents carved by sword and axe,
claw and magic. Most importantly, in the
center of the fort, you find a logbook.
The logbook details Barrukhirrim’s
defensive preparations and battleplans, though
most importantly, it discusses the dwarves
“salvation”, which can be found in the Forge of the
Ancestors at the heart of the mountains. In other
words, the adventurers must go down, down,
down, into the mines that snake their way beneath
the kingdom.

CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES

339
 Investigation 16 - Anti-Gravity Lifts
You come across what appears to be a major
thoroughfare, though with great, floorless
chambers carved into the walls. Pitchblack
shafts drop out of sight beneath each of these
chambers. Complex runes made of silver,
platinum, and gold are inlaid by the entrance
to each chamber.
These mysterious chambers are basically
elevators, or lifts, that will take the adventurers
down into the heart of the mountains. Anyone
who reads Dwarvish, or who passes a DC 18
Arcana check will be able to figure out how to
operate the lifts. Furthermore, if they pass the
Arcana checks, they will realize that the lifts have
been enchanted with anti-gravity magic. These
enchantments could be replicated, given enough
time to study them, and enough resources to
build them.
Investigation 18 - Shrine of the
Ancestors
You enter another magnificent hall filled with
majestic pillars and vaulted arches, though
this hall is filled with beautiful riches. It
was built using only the rarest of minerals
and stones. There are great blocks of jet and
gold flecked quartz, of emerald and painite,
of sapphire and diamond, and complex
patterns inlaid in precious metals cover it all.
You’ve never seen such riches in one place
before. There are fully grown dragons whose
hoards would appear pitiful next to this
incredible wealth.
Any character that reads Dwarvish can
attempt a DC 16 Religion check to identify
this as a shrine dedicated to the ancestors of
Barrukhirrim. Furthermore, they will be able to
understand the layout of the shrine and locate
a great obsidian chest containing holy texts. A
DC 20 Investigation check could also locate
these holy texts.
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
340
Within the contents of these texts are
descriptions of the Forge of the Ancestors, and
explanations for how it works. Essentially, the
Forge is able to channel the spirits of the land,
much as Czerina is, and can create a sort of
mystical feedback that will permanently harm her
and prevent her from drawing upon the land to
sustain herself. In other words, the Forge is able
to endow weapons with the power to kill the
Blood Queen.
Investigation 20 - Vault of Riches
You’ve passed this wall before, and at first you
didn’t notice anything was wrong. But now
you see it. The angle is off. That doesn’t make
sense, the craftsmans of Barrukhirrim would
never have let that stand. But then you realize,
that’s because there is something wrong with
the wall. It’s not really a wall, it’s a secret door
concealing a massive vault.
It will take a DC 20 Thieves Tools check
to crack the vault.
Inside, the adventurers will find 5 steel
banded chests. The first contains 15,000 copper
pieces. The second contains 15,000 silver pieces.
The third contains 15,000 gold pieces. The fourth
Contains 15,000 Platinum pieces. The fifth
contains 15,000 gemstones, each worth about 25
gp each. Each chest weighs about 350lbs due to the
weight of the contents and the chest itself.
Additionally, they will find arcane treatises
that describe many powerful enchantments that
were used in the creation of Barrukhirrim, such
as the cold generating artifact found in Skalek’s
Icy Delights (pg 245), as well as the antigravity
lifts, and enchantments for food preservation,
plumbing, and mining. These treatises fill
another chest, larger chest, that weighs 500lbs,
and is worth far more than all of the other
chests combined.
 Investigation 22 - Dead Adventurer’s
Journal
Tucked behind a pile of rubble, you find a
skeleton, the only skeleton you’ve seen since
setting foot inside the graves. The skeleton
wears the remains of torn leather armor, and
is clutching a journal to its chest.
A DC 15 Medicine check will reveal
that the skeleton is only about 80 years old, and
belonged to a half-elven male, aged between 70 -
80 years old, that died from massive blood loss.
The journal confirms this, and tells
of the life of one of Skalek’s old adventuring
companions named Fosseth. It seems that Fosseth
refused to turn back with the rest of his group,
and instead ventured down into the depths of
the mines. There, he discovered something
horrible, a monster that burrowed through the
walls and attacked him with a massive drill that
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
341
roared louder than a dragon. He barely managed
to escape, and was able to write this account
before dying (the hauntings kept him from being
able to rest).
The Guardian’s Lair
You’ve descended thousands upon thousands
of feet below the surface, miles of rock
between you and your chance to ever see the
sky once again. The darkness is total and
complete, though as your lights shine out,
they catch the brilliant brilliant glint of silver.
As you continue on, you find yourselves
stepping out of the mine tunnels and into a
complex entirely plated in silver. The walls,
the floor, the ceiling, all gleam and reflect
your light a hundred fold. Yet, as you peer
further ahead, you see that sections of the
complex have been tunneled through, and
that a slurry of rock, skulls, and bones have
spilled down onto the floor.
 In order to reach the Forge of the
Ancestors, the adventurers must first pass through
the Guardian’s Lair. The adventurers will enter
this maze-like section of the Graves from the
western side of the map, and will have to cross all
the way to the eastern exit in order to escape the
Guardian’s wrath. The Guardian doesn’t leave this
area, which means that, if the adventurers flee,
they will be safe from it. However, if they return,
and the Guardian has not been slain, they will have
to fight it all over again (and if they had a chance
to heal, so will it).

Running the Guardian

The Guardian has bored many tunnels
through the walls of its lair. These tunnels are
wide but short, meaning that any creature that
is Medium or larger would have to squeeze in
order to fit inside. Except, of course, for the
Guardian, whose terrible body was constructed
by the Mad Alchemist, Moritz Hartrick, to allow
it to fit through small openings with ease. Thus
the Guardian is able to move freely through the
tunnels, allowing it to engage the adventurers in a
deadly series of hit and run ambushes. That’s how
it prefers to fight and kill. It appears from one of
its tunnels, seemingly from nowhere, and brutally
attacks before retreating and repeating the process.
What’s more, the Guardian’s extensive network
of tunnels extend above and below the complex,
allowing it to effectively move to whatever tunnel
it wants, whenever it wants. In practical terms,
that means the guardian can move to whichever
tunnel opening it wants. In other words, don’t
worry about measuring its movement after it
disappears into a tunnel. It can reappear at any
tunnel opening (marked by the rubble and gorey
debris) it wants.
This will allow you to play out a deadly
chase with the adventurers and force them to
improvise their tactics fighting this brutal monster
that can come and go as it pleases. It can even
drag a grappled adventurer into a tunnel and then
deposit them elsewhere in the Lair, much like
the Book Worm did in the Library maze. And,
like the Book Worm, the Guardian won’t try
to immediately kill the adventurers. Ultimately,
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
342
it’s goal is to kill them, but it wants to make that
process as sadistic as possible. Because of its
programming, killing and tunneling are literally
the only activities it can find pleasure in, and so
it will try to drag the process out. A round of
smacking people with it’s axes here, a round of
dragging an adventurer elsewhere in the complex
there, a round of downing an adventurer with its
drill elsewhere, etc. It wants to terrify and harass
the interlopers in its lair as much as possible. The
only time it will make a stand and really fight it out
with the adventurers is if they are about to exit the
lair to the east. That is the direction that the Forge
of the Ancestors lies, and it is meant to ensure that
nothing can reach the Forge. So, if the adventurers
were clever, or skilled, or just particularly tough,
and it looks like they’re going to be able to escape
to the Forge, then the Guardian will do anything
to try to stop that from happening.
Until then, however, enjoy playing a big scary
monster that hits like a giant and is as easy to hit
as smoke. Personally, I would let the adventurers
do some damage to it every time it appears, but it
should be able to slip away before they can really
beat on it. Also, note that the Guardian should
 never get a surprise round. Whenever it appears,
initiative should be called for. It has an excellent
initiative. It doesn’t need surprise rounds. It also
won’t resort to curb stomping downed adventurers
unless they are near the exit, or it is also close
to death. The Guardian much prefers to leave a
downed adventurer where their companions can
find them, get them back on their feet so they can
experience even more pain and terror.
Otherwise, as said above, utilize hit and run
tactics and make sure to include plenty of creepy
descriptions of it looming up behind people, of
it dropping down from the ceiling, of it slowly
approaching while it revs its drill, etc. The
encounter should be reminiscent of fighting a
monster from a Slasher movie, though hopefully,
there will be more than one final girl.
Lastly, refer to Dealing with Death on page
82 if need be.
The Forge of the Ancestors
Leaving the twisted lair of the Guardian
behind, you enter a winding, rough cut
mining tunnel that leads even deeper
down into the earth. After almost an hour
of walking, you realize that the tunnel is
growing warmer and warmer, until the air is
absolutely sweltering with heat. Then, as you
round a corner, you see it: a cavern opening
up into a massive lake of bubbling lava with a
magnificent structure built upon the expanse
of molten rock itself. This must be the Forge
of the Ancestors.
The Forge of the Ancestors was built to be
the pinnacle of dwarven technology, harnessing
all of their knowledge to create a forge worthy of
the Gods themselves, and though it was completed
too late to be put to use, it was completed. The last
dwarves left alive in the Kingdom of Barrukhirrim
were the dwarven masters desperately working
to finish the Forge, the heat drying their tears of
sorrow and rage even as they fell.
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
343
The Guardian
Large Construct, Lawful Evil
—
AC 17 (natural armor)
HP 230 (20d12 + 100)
Speed: 40ft, Climb Speed 40ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22(+6) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
—
Saves: Dex +6, Con +10, Wis +7, Cha +5
Skills: Perception +7, Stealth +8
Tremorsense 120 ft, Passive Perception 17
Damage Immunities: poison; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical attacks that aren’t adamantine
Condition Immunities: charmed, deafened, exhaustion, frightened,
incapacitated, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, stunned, unconscious.
Challenge Rating: 16 (15,000) Proficiency Bonus: +5
—
Flexible Body: The Guardian can move through any space a Small creature
could without squeezing.
Ambusher. The Guardian adds it’s proficiency bonus to its dexterity
when it rolls for initiative (total of +8), and it has advantage when rolling
for initiative.
Actions
—
The Guardian makes three attacks, two with its Axe and one
with its Tail.
Axe. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 28
(4d10 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8
+ 6) and the target is grappled (Escape DC 21).
Drill (Recharge 5 or 6). The Guardian makes a drill attack against one
target within 10ft. The target must make a DC 19 Constitution Save to take
half damage, or it takes 56 (15d6) force damage.
Legendary Actions.
The Guardian can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end
of another creature’s turn. The Guardian regains spent legendary actions at
the start of its turn.
Move. The Guardian may move up to its speed without taking attacks of
opportunity. This can allow the Guardian to move into one of its tunnels
Attack. The Guardian may make one axe attack against a creature
within range.
Drill (cost 2). The Guardian automatically recharges its drill and makes a
drill attack against one creature in range.
Now it sits, a glorious monument to a
people long gone, waiting for those with the
knowledge, and the courage, to find it.
 CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
344
 SG1 - Rolling Sphere Trap
The adventurers will notice a massive steel
plate set into the floor. It’s so obvious they don’t
even need to roll to notice it, and surprise, it is
a trap. When enough weight is set upon it, say
200lbs, the pressure plate will trigger a mechanism
that will release a rolling sphere that will come
down the same tunnel that the pressure plate sits
at the end of.
However, out of respect, the trap will not
function on any characters named O’Neill, Carter,
Jackson, or Teal’c.
Rolling Sphere
Mechanical trap
When 20 or more pounds of pressure
are placed on this trap’s pressure plate, a hidden
trapdoor in the ceiling opens, releasing a 10-foot-
diameter rolling Sphere of solid stone.
With a successful DC 15 Perception
check, a character can spot the trapdoor and
pressure plate. A Search of the floor accompanied
by a successful DC 15 Investigation check reveals
variations in the mortar and stone that betray the
pressure plate’s presence. The same check made
while inspecting the ceiling notes variations in the
stonework that reveal the trapdoor. Wedging an
iron spike or other object under the pressure plate
prevents the trap from activating.
Activation of the Sphere requires all
creatures present to roll Initiative. The Sphere
rolls Initiative with a +8 bonus. On its turn, it
moves 60 feet in a straight line. The Sphere can
move through creatures’ spaces, and creatures can
move through its space, treating it as Difficult
Terrain. Whenever the Sphere enters a creature’s
space or a creature enters its space while it’s
rolling, that creature must succeed on a DC 15
Dexterity saving throw or take 55 (10d10)
bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone.
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
345
The Sphere stops when it hits a wall
or similar barrier. It can’t go around corners,
but smart dungeon builders incorporate gentle,
curving turns into nearby Passages that allow the
Sphere to keep moving.
As an action, a creature within 5 feet of
the Sphere can attempt to slow it down with a
DC 20 Strength check. On a successful check,
the sphere’s speed is reduced by 15 feet. If the
sphere’s speed drops to 0, it stops moving and is no
longer a threat.
If the adventurers can avoid the pressure
plate, which is about 15-20 feet long depending
on how they cross it, they will be able to avoid the
Rolling Sphere...for now.
SG2 - Warrior Statues
You come across a second, massive steel plate
set between two monolithic statues depicting
proud dwarven warriors, except that their
weapon arm has been replaced by a great
steel gear. Connected to the gears are heavy
steel chains that disappear down into some
mechanism planted in the rock.
Unlike the first pressure plate, this plate is
not a trap. Instead, stepping upon this plate will
activate the statues, which will pose a riddle to the
adventurers. If the adventurers answer correctly,
then the portcullis (across the bridge) sealing the
Forge of the Ancestors will open and they will be
able to just walk inside.
The Riddle is thus:
As you step upon the pressure plate, the
eyes of the statue begin to glow with a warm
orange light, and a deep, powerful voice says:
Axes break
Drills snap
Dwarves die
So what is used to tame a mountain?
 Each character stepping on the place
can provide one answer. The correct answer is:
willpower, or will. After all, will is stronger than
flesh, and stronger than steel.
However, if no one guesses the right
answer, then the adventurers will have to
be creative, or use their magic or brawn to
enter the Forge.
Notably, there are transparent windows,
as well as large gaps between the bars of the
portcullis, allowing casters to dimension door,
misty step, or otherwise magic their way inside.
Alternatively, the windows could simply
be broken, and the adventurers could climb inside.
SG3 - The Crane, might be of particular interest
in this case.
SG3 - The Crane
Extending out over the sea of molten stone
is a giant metal crane, with a large metal vat
held suspended above the lava by a length of
adamantine chain.
The crane is stationed in a side cavern.
An artificer, or a character that passes a DC 12
Intelligence check will be able to operate the
crane. It can lower the metal vat to collect lava,
the arm can be extended to hover over the bridge,
and the crane can also swivel, opening up the
possibility of using the crane to smash a window
and allow access to the Forge.
Theoretically, the crane could also be used
to form a second bridge leading into the Forge,
though this would leave the adventurers more
vulnerable than anything else. Theoretically, an
Unseen Servant could operate the crane remotely,
but it would still be a risk, as you will soon see.
SG4 - The Portcullis
The portcullis is made of adamantine
bars that are inches thick. It can only be opened
by answering the Warrior Statues’ riddle, or by
operating the gate lever inside the Forge itself.
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
346
The lever requires a significant amount of force
(around 100lbs) in order to be operated, making it
difficult to affect remotely.
As long as the Portcullis is down, it is safe
to Rest inside the Forge.
SG5 - Archive of the Ancestors
In the northwestern corner of the Forge
sits a ring of statues carved from a variety
of different types of stone, each crafted so
masterfully that you almost expect the statue’s
hair to be stirred by the sweltering breeze that
sweeps through the Forge. And, in the center
of the circle of statues lies a great anvil upon
which rests an adamantine smithing hammer
that must require tremendous strength to use.
This is the Archive of the Ancestors,
and each statue depicts a great dwarven master
of smithing, metallurgy, arcane magic, or divine
magic. The souls of each master has been imbued
into the statue, allowing a supplicant to the
forge to learn directly from them. Furthermore,
entire libraries of information have been imbued
into the statues, giving the masters even more
knowledge than they held in life and allowing
their teaching to far surpass what they could have
accomplished in life.
In order to interact with the statues, all a
supplicant must do is lay a hand upon the hammer.
Then, to those watching, it will appear that the
supplicant becomes motionless, staring off into
the middle distance. In truth, the supplicant will
find themselves standing before the seven dwarven
masters (in their halls of stone) who appear just
as they did in life. The masters will speak to the
supplicant, and should the supplicant express a
desire to learn how to use the forge, the masters
will ask one question:
Why?
The answer can vary greatly, though in
general they respect: the pursuit of knowledge,
crafting, and defeating the Blood Queen. Should
anything similar be expressed, the masters will
 agree to teach the supplicant. The teaching will
happen incredibly quickly, but will still take days
to complete, such is the breadth of the master’s
knowledge. This includes breaks, of course.
Should the masters decline to teach one
adventurer, another may try. Ultimately, it’s not
meant to be a true barrier, but allow for good
roleplaying opportunities, especially for artificers,
smiths, or characters that love art.
Characters that complete the training
gain proficiency and expertise in: smith’s tools,
tinkerer’s tools, jeweler’s tools, and calligrapher’s
tools. Alternatively, the characters could
gain expertise in Arcana or Religion, though
the masters would not teach proficiency in
those domains.
SG6 - Storeroom
Inside the storeroom the adventurers
will find a wide variety of goods and materials,
all kept suspended in the exact condition they
were in when first deposited into storage. A DC
18 Arcana check will reveal that the walls are
carved with magical runes that effectively freeze
time inside the room. There are crates of metal
ore of all types, crates of gems, crates of leather,
crates of wood, barrels of glass sand, and every
other sort of material that you might need to
craft incredible items. Additionally, there are a
variety of foodstuffs, casks of ale and spirits, and
extra clothing and blankets (though dwarf sized).
It’s clear that the Forge was intended to house its
workers as well as be their place of work.
SG7 - Sleeping Quarters
Past two stone double doors is a chamber
filled with the destroyed remains of dwarven
furniture over a charred bearskin rug in one
half and five stone beds in the other.
With only five beds, it’s clear that either
only 5 workers were expected to stay in the Forge,
or that only 5 workers would be allowed to sleep
at the same time. Considering there are seven
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
347
skeletons to be found in the forge, the latter is
most likely.
There are some personal effects left in
these rooms, such as personal hygiene items or
personal holy symbols, though they are only
worth a handful of gold to most people, and
perhaps several hundred gold to the descendants of
Barrukhirrim.
SG8 - The Forge
Dominating the center of the building is the
forge itself. An enormous piece of enchanted,
orange tourmaline is set before a massive heat
vent that draws thermal energy directly from
the earth itself. Gauges and valves no doubt
allow the user to adjust the level of heat, as
well as turn the vent on and off. Elsewhere
in the room is an alchemical workbench, an
anvil, and an incredibly advanced device that
functions as an alarmed timer.
Once a supplicant has been taught by the
Forgemasters, they will be able to use the Forge to
craft or imbue weapons with the power to harm
the Blood Queen herself. It could also be used
to craft other items of incredible power, but the
adventurers simply don’t have the time. It takes
days to craft even one weapon or item that is able
to harm the Blood Queen, and though there are
large stores of food and drink, it won’t last forever.
SG9 - Control Room
Stepping inside this room, you see more
advanced gauges lining the walls, as well as
more valves and tools. Most importantly,
there is also a lift with a view down into
the lake of lava itself. The lift can even be
lowered down into the lava, a magical shield
protecting anyone standing upon the lift.
The shielding will allow certain tools to pass
through it however, allowing for various
measurements and samples to be taken.
 Though there are heat controls and
gauges in the Forge itself, there is still a great deal
of finesse needed to keep the Forge operating,
physically and magically, and that all happens here
in the control room. There are a dizzying amount
of factors to monitor and controls to adjust
throughout the entire forging process just to avoid
blowing the Forge up, let alone not ruining what is
being crafted.
In short, while a skilled smith operates the
forge, a character with a high Arcana score will
need to be in the control room.
SG10 - Forgemasters’ Hall
Inside this chamber is a hall dominated
by a massive table. Large gems are laid out
across the table, and there is a sole skeleton
laying upon the floor, though the room is
otherwise empty.
The large gemstones are enchanted
components of the forge itself and must be
reinserted into the proper machinery in order
for the forge to function. They’re like spark plugs
that have been removed so the Forge can’t start. A
different sort of key, if you will.
The skeleton is one of seven found
throughout the Forge, though this was one
of the Forge’s builders, rather than one of the
Forgemasters.
Originally, the Forgemasters’ Hall was
originally a place for planning, and meetings, as
well as meals and drinking. Now, it will serve
whatever purpose the adventurers wish it to serve,
though likely, it’ll be the same.
The Hordes of Barrukhirrim
As soon as the adventurers enter the forge,
or at least when they start crafting their enchanted
items, the following will occur:
In the distance a faint sound begins to grow,
first just at the edge of hearing, then rising
and rising until it can be heard above even the
Forge’s machinery or the ringing of hammer
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
348
upon metal. It is the sound of inhuman
screaming. The sound of thousands of
undead voices all raised at once, and it doesn’t
end, it just grows, echoing off of the stone
tunnel walls.
These are the undead hordes that the
citizens of Barrukhirrim became. They were
created for two purposes. The first was to continue
to work the mines and extract everything of value,
and the second was to ensure that, should the
Forge ever become accessed, they are to ensure
they never get out. So they will soon swarm in
overwhelming numbers that no adventuring
party could ever overcome. Or that is the intent,
at least. In actuality, there are two ways for the
adventurers to survive. The first is to try to leave
immediately, which means that the adventurers
will only encounter the zombies that were closest
to them. An advance guard, if you will. This will
allow the adventurers to fight their way out before
the majority of the undead arrive. The second way
for the adventurers to survive is to simply wait
until the undead Horde’s numbers thin. When
it becomes clear that the adventurers are able to
safely seal themselves within the forge, the vast
majority will return to working the mines. After
about a week, the adventurers would be able to
fight their way out past the remaining zombies, the
rear guard, if you will.
Regardless of when they choose to try to
escape, they will be facing the following horde of
zombies: 8 Exploding Spore Zombies, 2 Zombie
Clots, and 1 Throng of Barrukhirrim. If you want
to make the horde even more difficult, sprinkle in
more Exploding Spore Zombies.
The Zombie Horde will emerge (or have
emerged) from the northeastern tunnel (with the
skeleton bones decorating the floor). Position the
Horde as you wish. The Adventurers must escape
from the Forge and then run up the northwestern
tunnel (with the steel pressure plate that triggers
SG1). If the adventurers can get off the map by
moving up the northwestern tunnel, then they will
survive to fight another day.
 Zombie Clot Throngs of Barrukhirrim
Huge undead, Chaotic Evil Gargantuan throng of Medium undead, neutral evil

— —
Armor Class 10
Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
Hit Points 104 (11d12 + 33) Hit Points 280 (35d8 + 140)
Speed 40 ft.. Speed 20 ft.
— —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20(+5) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 3 (-4) 8 (-1) 10 (+0) 22(+6) 6 (-2) 18 (+4) 3 (-4) 6 (-2) 5 (-3)

— —
Damage Immunities poison
Saving Throws Con +6
Damage Immunities poison Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed,
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
poisoned, stunned Senses darkvision 60 ft.; passive Perception 8
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 9 Languages understands Dwarven and Common but can’t speak
Languages dwarven, common, but can’t speak Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) Proficiency Bonus +3
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) P
roficiency Bonus +3
—
Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the Throng to 0 hit points, it must
—
Deathly Stench. Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of the make a Constitution saving throw with a DC equal to the damage taken,
zombie must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 9 (2d8) unless the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the mob
poison damage and be poisoned until the start of the creature’s next turn. drops to 1 hit point instead.

Undead Fortitude. If damage reduces the zombie to 0 hit points, it must Engulf. At the start of its turn, the throng engulfs a Medium or smaller
make a Constitution saving throw with a DC of 5 + the damage taken, unless creature grappled by it. The engulfed target is blinded, restrained, and
the damage is radiant or from a critical hit. On a success, the zombie drops prone, and it must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw at the start
to 1 hit point instead. of each of the throng’s turns or take 24 (4d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage. If
the throng moves, the engulfed target moves with it. The throng can engulf
a number of creatures equal to its hit points divided by 10.
Actions
— Actions
Multiattack. The zombie makes two Slam attacks.

Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (3d8
—
Multiattack. The Throng can make 2 Frenzied Assaults.
+ 5) bludgeoning damage.
Frenzied Assault. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft. Hit: 24 (4d8
Flesh Entomb (Recharge 5–6). The zombie flings a detached clump of + 6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must make a DC 18
corpses at a creature it can see within 30 feet of it. The target must succeed Strength saving throw or also become Grappled (escape DC 18).
on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or take 16 (3d10) bludgeoning damage,
and if the target is a Large or smaller creature, it becomes entombed in
dead flesh. Exploding Spore Zombie
Medium Undead, Chaotic Evil
A creature entombed in the dead flesh is restrained, has total cover against
attacks and other effects outside the dead flesh, and takes 10 (3d6) necrotic —
Armor Class 10
damage at the start of each of its turns. The creature can be freed if the Hit Points 14 (2d8 + 6)
dead flesh is destroyed. The dead flesh is a Large object with AC 10, 25 hit Speed 30 ft.
points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Source: VRGR, page 255 16(+3) 8 (-2) 16 (+3) 7 (-2) 8 (-1) 6 (-2)
—
Skills: Athletics +6
Zombie Clot Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, paralyzed,
A shambling giant made of rotting, dwarven petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, stunned
corpses staggers towards you. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Dwarven, Common, but can’t speak
Challenge 1 (200 XP) P roficiency Bonus +2
Throngs of Barrukhirrim
—
Death Burst. When the Exploding Spore Zombie dies, it explodes in a
A legion of partially rotted corpses charges burst of necrotic spores. Each creature within 5 feet of it must make a DC
towards you, axes and spears scything through 14 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) necrotic damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful one. Note: death burst can destroy
the air as they unleash an unearthly battlecry. other exploding zombies, causing a chain reaction.

Exploding Spore Zombie Actions

These zombies are different from the others,
their flesh torn open from the thorned vines
growing inside them. A cloud of scarlet spores
surrounds them, and their lungs are visibly
inflated with yet more.
—
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d6
+3) slashing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage.
Grapple. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5ft, one creature. On a hit,
the target is grappled (escape DC 14).

CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES

349
 Silver Graves Epilogue
As the adventurers emerge, battered and
bloody from the ruins of Barrukhirrim, they will
find an unpleasant surprise waiting for them: The
Blood Queen herself.
This climactic meeting will be the moment
when Czerina’s true face is revealed. The dynamic
has now changed. No longer are they predator
and prey, now the adventurers have something
that can harm her. Now they are a potential
threat, something Czerina hasn’t faced for over
a thousand years, and so her monstrous nature
will emerge.
The encounter will start like this:
As you step forth from the shattered gates
of the Silver Grates, you see a lone figure
standing upon that ancient battlefield,
illuminated by flashes of lightning tearing
across the storm swept sky. It is the Blood
Queen herself, Czerina Gavranova, clad in
royal hunting regalia, her fur lined cloak
snapping in the wind, a wicked greatsword
resting against her shoulder. Her scarlet eyes
are narrowed, her fanged teeth bared in a
grimace of barely restrained anger.
“You seek the power of my enemies?” she
bellows. “Do you? Answer me!”
No matter if the adventurers have already
allied themselves to her, or not, Czerina will see
their knowledge and use of the forge as a betrayal
and will seek to address that by ensuring that the
adventurers can never betray her again. However,
before she lays down her ultimatum, she will
interrogate the adventurers over their actions
and intentions.
During the conversation, she will bring
up all the ways she’s tried to manipulate them.
She’ll reference past conversations, shared dreams
from the Mirror, and the gifts and compliments
that she’s given them. In the warped corners of
her villainous mind (remember, her traumatic
past, Czernobog’s influence, and the strain from
her tie to such an evil land have long since taken
CHAPTER 8 - THE SILVER GRAVES
350
their toll), Czerina views all of these manipulative
machinations as a favor that she’s paid the
adventurers, and any disagreement over that
matter will only be seen as a further betrayal.
Ultimately, she will demand that the
adventurers perform two last acts: they are to hand
over their weapons imbued by the Forge, and they
are to drink deeply of her blood. This would allow
her to charm the adventurers, and from there
transform them into vampires forced to obey her
commands and serve as her dark servants for all
of eternity.
Should the adventurers agree, the
campaign ends, and no one wants that...unless you
want to start a high level Evil campaign.
Should the adventurers refuse, however, as
any sane adventurer should, then call for initiative
and combat will begin.
This is not the final combat, of course.
This is more like a preview, a chance for the
adventurers to see Czerina’s tactics in action, as
well as a chance for her to see what it’s like to
fight them. And, once more, this is not a battle
to the death, and Czerina won’t use all of her
most powerful spells. Instead, she will fight until
she’s taken around 100 damage, and at that point,
would declare that the Order of Blood would be
dispatched to hunt the adventurers to the ends
of Wreythau, and then she would use an item to
teleport back to the Cairn, thus ending the fight.
Alternatively, if Czerina does manage to
down most of the adventurers before taking 100
damage, she would simply sneer, declare them not
worthy of her time, and then she would teleport
back to the Cairn.
In either event, the adventurers would
become hunted by the Order of Blood, and the war
against the Blood Queen will have begun.
The adventurers will level up
to Level 10.
 Chapter 9 - The Ruins of Nemeth
After the adventurers are able to rest and
recover from their first hostile encounter with
the Blood Queen, Mata Yezinka will approach
the adventurers and tell them of an important
meeting happening at the Ruins of Nemeth. In
her own words:
The Ruins of Nemeth are all that remains
of a great citadel built by the Fey, though
when the land was pulled into the realms of
darkness, many of the Fey were trapped inside
and then corrupted by the Dark Power that
rules this land. Now, we know them as the
Court of Corrupted Sidhe. They are fickle
and cruel, delighting in sadistic pleasures
and incomprehensible games of suffering,
though they are powerful, and now, they
are seeking alliances. You must go there
and ensure that no such alliances are made,
for if the Corrupted Sidhe side with your
enemies, there shall be no hope of victory.
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
351
You must convince the Sidhe to renew their
allegiance to the Court of Night and Twilight,
the court to which they belonged almost a
thousand years ago.
Though what she says is true, Mata
Yezinka also has an ulterior motive. She has
figured out a way to free Czerina’s soul from the
corrupting influence of Czernobog and the Fey
alike, though she is unsure if the adventurers
would be receptive to the idea now. Instead,
she intends to wait and feed them the necessary
information when she deems the time is right.
In essence, her plan is this: if the Corrupted
Sidhe can be convinced to renew their allegiance
to their original monarch, the Archfey known
as the Queen of Terror, then they would be able
to temporarily bring the Queen of Terror into
this realm. Czernobog would not abide by this
 and would engage in an unseen, though godlike
battle with the Queen of Terror, and while both
were occupied and thus unable to forcibly claim
Czerina’s soul, the adventurers could kill the Blood
Queen, seal her soul inside a magical item and then
flee Wreythau for good.
Then, without a champion, Czernobog
would be weakened and Mata Yezinka and the
Beastfolk could try to push Wreythau back onto
the Material Plane once and for all. Over time,
the twisted influence of the Dark Powers could be
cleansed, and there would be true hope for the land
and the people. That is Mata Yezinka’s endgame.
If the adventurers make a DC 18 Insight
check, they will be able to sense that Mata Yezinka
has an ulterior motive, and if pressed, she will
explain her plan and show them the Soul Vessel,
an enchanted urn that can catch, contain, and
preserve a soul. If that soul is then released back
onto the Material Plane, it will enter the wheel
of reincarnation and, essentially, have a second
chance. Mata Yezinka would only give the Soul
Vessel to the adventurers if they agree to use it
on Czerina, however. Otherwise, she would hold
onto it herself.
Once the adventurers agree (although they
don’t have to, of course), then Mata Yezinka will
tell the adventurers to journey to the Bagnytsa
Ferry which is the only way to cross the Drowned
Basin and reach the Ruins of Nemeth.
The Bagnytsa Ferry
The Bagnytsa Ferry can be found in a small
settlement of the same name. The settlement is
essentially a fishing hamlet situated by a small bay
and protected by a wooden palisade. For whatever
reason, the Wreythian wildlife avoids this bay,
leaving the inhabitants of the village to safely fish,
raise their families, and enjoy a simple life. The
leader of the hamlet is always named Bagnytsa.
The name is passed down from one leader to
the next after they have proven themselves by
sailing to the Ruins of Nemeth itself. The current
Bagnytsa is a grey haired human woman with one
milky white eye and a stoic demeanor, but she
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
352
will agree to ferry the adventurers to the Ruins of
Nemeth for a fee of 100 gold. She will explain that
the gold is for the hamlet, so that they can trade
for supplies, and that she will not negotiate as it all
goes to her people.
If the adventurers agree, they will have
a peaceful journey across the Drowned Basin.
If the adventurers steal the ferry and try to sail
it themselves, choose your favorite underwater
monsters and enjoy a fierce aquatic battle. Or, if
they try to fly there (such as on a flying carpet),
choose your favorite flying creature (maybe even a
corrupted dragon) and enjoy a fierce sky battle.
Welcome to Nemeth
As you approach the ruins, the twisting stone
spires of Nemeth tower above you, seeming to
scrape the sky itself with their serrated tips.
Lighting lances down, striking the spires and
causing the eldritch runes inscribed upon
them to flare briefly to life.
The Ruins of Nemeth are a place of great
power, and due to Czernobog’s influence, a place
of great evil. The island that the ruins sits upon
is also positively overflowing with Fey. Glinting
eyes peer out from every bush and stare down
from the trees, though if the adventurers have the
Necklace of Safe Passage (pg 272), they are not
accosted and are instead guided into the Court of
the Corrupted Sidhe.
If the adventurers do not have the
Necklace of Safe Passage, then the adventurers
will be challenged by the Summer (pg 260) and
Winter Courtier (259) from the Reinwald’s
garden shrines. If the adventurers have a silver
tongue, they might be able to convince the two
Fey that they belong in the Ruins of Nemeth
and should be granted the right to speak to the
Court of Corrupted Sidhe. Think of this more as a
roleplaying challenge, with the adventurers playing
up their exploits and triumphs, or proposing solid
arguments, etc. However, most likely, the two
Courtiers will deny that the adventurers have the
right to be there and will attack them together.
Once they are defeated, they will be granted the
right to attend the Court.
 The Court of Corrupted Sidhe
Your Fey escorts guide you into the ruins
themselves. Once, this was a great citadel,
a place of incredible wonder and power,
though it’s clear that most of Nemeth is
abandoned. However, after almost an hour
of being led through the maze-like depths of
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
353
the ruins, you come to a grand pavilion made
of twisting roots and branches. As you step
inside, you realize that this is the Court of the
Corrupted Sidhe. A carpet of Gulthias flowers
is laid out between two rows of stacked
standing stones etched with mystical symbols,
and either side of the standing stones are
small ponds where aquatic Fey are able to
 frolic and lounge. Four doors lead out of this
great hall, and at the far end sits a golden dais
with three thrones.
Gathered before the dais are three factions
petitioning Lady Merrigan and her court: The
Reinwalds (all of them still alive), the Followers
of Agrona (represented by Ambigatus and Louhi),
and the Court of the Blood Queen (represented
by Beleroth and Grandmaster Ysemgrin). All
will turn to regard the adventurers and extend
greetings, though they will soon be cut off.
Sitting upon the largest throne is a fey woman
with pointed ears, sharp teeth, all black eyes,
and blue swirls covering her skin. She wears
a crown of antlers and has a wickedly curved
sword sitting across her lap.
This is Lady Merrigan, the ruler of the
Corrupted Sidhe, and she will demand that the
adventurers explain their presence. Regardless
of what they say, however, she will agree to let
them stay, and will inform them that in about 12
hours, when the full moon rises, she will hear the
petitions of all who have come to her court. In that
time, the adventurers will be able to speak with,
fight, or sabotage the other groups of petitioners.
So long as the Corrupted Sidhe themselves
are not attacked, they will also not interfere,
leaving the adventurers to do what they must to
ensure that the Fey hold true to their original
alleignance and do not join with the factions of
Wreythau. Obviously, the simplest way to do that
would be to kill the other factions, though each
fight will be deadly, and other solutions might
present themselves.
Regardless, each faction, including the
adventurers will be given a private room in the
pavilion to plot and negotiate in. Each room is the
same, complete with a fresh water fountain, food,
some nice scenery, and comfortable furniture.
It’s probably best not to eat the food, however,
as that would create an obligation to the Fey
(should you wish).
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
354
Now, one last thing to note is that these
encounters aren’t meant to just be a string of brutal
combats. Should the adventurers choose to take
the path of violence (perhaps accepting Ambigatus’
challenge), then be sure to have the implications of
the fight impact every other faction. For instance,
after seeing the adventurers kill Ambigatus, the
Reinwalds might suddenly become reasonable
and easy to deal with. After all, the Reinwalds like
to be patient and sure before they act, and seeing
how deadly the adventurers have become will
convince them to reconsider their plans. As for
Beleroth and Ysemgrin, they can be easily dealt
with, particularly if the adventurers take a moment
to speak with Beleroth alone. As for Ysemgrin, as
a knight, she is bound by honor, and could thus
also be persuaded to wait to fight until they could
have a proper duel (even if the adventurers have
no intention of honoring the agreement), thus
providing an opening for them to speak with
Beleroth, or time to hatch their other schemes.
Multiple Creatures with
Legendary Actions
When running combat for multiple creatures
with legendary actions, there are two ways you
could run this:
• Have each creature use their legendary
actions as normal. This would make for
the most brutal combat conditions and
is suitable for adventuring parties that
excel in combat.
• Have the monsters share a combined
legendary action pool. However, only
one creature can use a legendary action
at a time. So, for instance, if Thoriander
the Cleric ends their turn, only one
monster could use a legendary action. In
other words, the monsters would have
to alternate. This would make for easier
combat conditions.

The Reinwalds
Assuming that the Reinwalds are still
alive, they will be petitioning the Corrupted
Sidhe for an alliance so that they can take control
of Raffenburg, as well as wipe out the Followers
of Agrona. This would allow the Reinwalds
to significantly consolidate their power and
strengthen their position in their bid to gain
control of Wreythau. They don’t even need to kill
the Blood Queen, they just need to weaken her
Court, and the adventurers have already begun
that process for them. After all, when Czerina
slumbers, it is her Court that runs everything, and
if there is no court, then the Reinwalds would, in
effect, have control of Wreythau itself.
Now, if the adventurers have allied with
Yasviga Reinwald, then she will help ensure that
an alliance between her parents and the Corrupted
Sidhe never happens. She has no desire to rule
Wreythau. She would rather see the people of
Wreythau prosper, and that means that her
family’s ambitions must fail.
Aside from killing Ilse and Cornelius
Reinwald, the adventurers have several courses of
action available to them.
The adventurers could:
• Convince the Reinwalds to form an alliance
with themselves. Most likely, the adventurers
will have proven themselves incredibly
dangerous and capable, making them
valuable allies to have.
• Propose a marriage alliance. Similar to
the above, though one of the adventurers
would have to wed a Reinwald and become a
Loup Garou.
• Offer to kill the members of the Blood
Queen’s court, or the Blood Queen herself.
• Or, they could make the Reinwalds look bad
in front of the Fey. This could be a dangerous
line to walk, as it could lead to violence, but
if the adventurers make the Reinwalds look
foolish, incompetent, untrustworthy, or
weak, they would lose all chance at allying
with the Corrupted Sidhe.
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
355
Count Cornelius Reinwald
Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 200 (20d8 + 110)
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in hybrid form, 50 ft. in dire wolf form).
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 18(+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +9, Cha +8
Skills Perception +13, Stealth +9
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 23
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5
—
Blood Frenzy. Count Reinwald has advantage on attack rolls
against a creature that doesn’t have all its hit points.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). When Count Reinwald fails a
saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. Count Reinwald regains 10 hit points at the start
of each of his turns. If Count Reinwald takes damage from a
silver weapon, this trait doesn’t function at the start of Count
Reinwald’s next turn. Count Reinwald dies only if it starts its turn
with 0 hit points and doesn’t regenerate.
Actions
Multiattack. Count Reinwald makes two attacks: two with its
Longsword (humanoid form) or one with its Bite and one with
its Claws (dire wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack:
+10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing
damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage. If the target is a
Humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw
or be cursed with loup garou lycanthropy.
Claws (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon
Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4)
slashing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a
DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Longsword +2 (Humanoid Form Only). Melee Weapon
Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7)
slashing damage, or 18 (2d10 + 7) slashing damage if used with
two hands.
Change Shape. As a bonus action, Count Reinwald polymorphs
into a Large wolf-humanoid hybrid or into a Large dire wolf, or
back into its true form, which appears humanoid. Its statistics,
other than its size and speed, are the same in each form. It
reverts to its true form if it dies.
Legendary Actions
Count Reinwald can take 3 legendary actions, choosing
from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used
at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Count
Reinwald regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Swipe. Count Reinwald makes one Claws attack (dire wolf
or hybrid form only) or one Longsword attack (humanoid
form only).
Mauling Pounce (Costs 2 Actions). Count Reinwald moves up
to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks, and he can
make one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid form only) or one
Longsword attack (humanoid form only) against each creature
he moves past.
Bite (Costs 3 Actions). Count Reinwald changes into hybrid or
dire wolf form and then makes one Bite attack.
 Countess Ilse Reinwald
Medium monstrosity (shapechanger), neutral evil
The Followers of Agrona
—
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
Hit Points 200 (20d8 + 110) Ambigatus and Louhi have been something
Speed 30 ft. (40 ft. in hybrid form, 50 ft. in dire wolf form).
like urban legends up until now. The people of
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 18(+4) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) Leshehoff are terrified of them, as are the other
— Beastfolk, although for very different reasons.
Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +9, Wis +10, Cha +8
Skills Perception +15, Stealth +9, Religion + 7, History +7
However, the adventurers will finally be able to
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened meet them in the flesh.
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 25
Languages Common, Sylvan
\Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +5
Ambigatus
—
Blood Frenzy. Ilse has advantage on attack rolls against a creature that
doesn’t have all its hit points. Before you stands a towering beastfolk that
appears to be part man, part elk. His frame is
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). When Ilse fails a saving throw, she can
choose to succeed instead.
packed with bulging muscles, and his antlers
are stained red with blood. Twin axes hang
Regeneration. Ilse regains 10 hit points at the start of each of its turns. If
Ilse takes damage from a silver weapon, this trait doesn’t function at the
from his belt, and a patchwork of armor
start of Ilse’s next turn. Ilse only dies if she starts her turn with 0 hit points covers his scar riddled form.
and doesn’t regenerate.

Spellcasting. Ilse is a 12th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is
Wisdom (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). She has the
following druid spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Poison Spray, Thorn Whip, Druidcraft, Guidance
1st level (4 slots): Absorb Elements, Entangle, Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud
2nd level (3 slots): Heat Metal, Spike Growth, Pass Without Trace
3rd level (3 slots): Call Lightning, Counterspell, Dispel Magic
4th level (3 slots): Blight, Guardian of Nature, Wall of Fire
5th level (2 slots): Greater Restoration, Insect Plague, Scrying
6th level (1 slot): Conjure Fey, Wall of Thorns
Actions
Multiattack. Ilse makes two attacks: one with its Bite and one with its
Claws (dire wolf or hybrid form).
Bite (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 14 (4d6)
necrotic damage. If the target is a Humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 17
Constitution saving throw or be cursed with loup garou lycanthropy.
Ambigatus is a warrior through and
through, and seeks to bring destruction to all those
who oppose him. He is a fearsome juggernaut
upon the battlefield, and an inspiring leader for
those beastfolk who wish to vent their hatred and
their rage. He was not always this way, of course.
Once he was a brave defender of a beastfolk village
who cared deeply for his people and desperately
wished to find a way to free them from their curse,
though the deeper he delved, the closer he came to
the source of the curse itself: Czernobog. The Dark
Power touched the bitterness and hatred stewing
inside Ambigatus and fed it, warping the warrior
into one of his own.

Claws (Dire Wolf or Hybrid Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. If the target
is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be
knocked prone.
Change Shape. As a bonus action, Ilse polymorphs into a Large wolf-
humanoid hybrid or into a Large dire wolf, or back into its true form, which
appears humanoid. Its statistics, other than its size and speed, are the same
in each form. She reverts to her true form if it dies.
Legendary Actions
Ilse can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below.
Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of
another creature’s turn. Ilse regains spent legendary actions at the start
of its turn.
Swipe. Ilse makes one Claws attack (dire wolf or hybrid form only).
Mauling Pounce (Costs 2 Actions). Ilse moves up to her speed without
provoking opportunity attacks, and she can make one Claws attack (dire
wolf or hybrid form only) against each creature she moves past.
For, while Czerina might be Czernobog’s
champion, Ambigatus is Czernobog’s disciple, the
heir to Czernobog’s power should Czerina ever
die, though the vision he would make of Wreythau
is far more terrible than even the nightmare the
island has become. Ambigatus relishes in the
suffering that Czernobog causes, even the suffering
that he, himself, endures, and he wishes to spread
Czernobog’s influence as far as possible. He does
not hide this fact, either. True, he calls Czernobog
by another name, but whenever Ambigatus
mentions Agrona, the meaning is clear. He is an
apostle of the Dark Power and a bringer of ruin.

Rapid Cast (Costs 2 Actions). Ilse can move up to her speed without
provoking opportunity
CHAPTER attacks
9 - THE and casts
RUINS OFone spell (in human form only).
NEMETH
356
 Because of this, there is no hope of the
adventurers brokering a deal with Ambigatus, Louhi
and he will publicly challenge the adventurers to a Medium humanoid, neutral evil
fight to the death, espousing his warped rhetoric —
Armor Class 16 (mage armor)
of the supremacy of suffering, and therefore, Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42)
the supremacy of the Beastfolk: “Suffering’s Speed 30 ft.
Chosen”. Notably, the adventurers could convince —
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Ambigatus to fight them alone, without Louhi, 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 17 (+3) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 20 (+5)
as that would be the true test of his claims —
Skills Arcana +8, History +8, Intimidation +10, Performance +10,
of supremacy. Perception +12, Stealth +8
Condition Immunities frightened, charmed
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 22
Ambigatus Languages Druidic, Sylvan, Common
Large humanoid, Chaotic Evil Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5

— —
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Louhi fails a saving throw, it can choose
Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
to succeed instead.
Hit Points 210 (20d12 + 80)
Speed 30 ft. Spellcasting. Louhi is a 13th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Charisma (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). Louhi knows the
22 (+6) 14(+2) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 18 (+4) following sorcerer spells:

—
Saving Throws Str +14, Con +9 Cantrips (at will): chill touch, fire bolt, mage hand, poison spray, ray
Skills Athletics +11, Perception +4 of frost, shocking grasp
Condition Immunities frightened, charmed 1st level (4 slots): magic missile, absorb elements, thunderwave
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, scorching ray, misty step
Languages Sylvan, Common 3rd level (3 slots): fireball, thunderstep
Challenge 16 (15,000 XP) Proficiency Bonus +5 4th level (3 slots): blight, wall of fire
5th level (2 slots): cloudkill, cone of cold
—
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Ambigatus fails a saving throw, he can 6th level (1 slot): chain lightning
choose to succeed instead. 7th level (1 slot): finger of death

Actions
Multiattack. Ambigatus makes four attacks with his axes.
Malevolent Battleaxe +3. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach
5 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d8 + 9) slashing damage plus 18 (4d8)
necrotic damage.
Czernobog’s Wrath (Recharge 5–6). Ambigatus unleashes an unholy
bellow. Each creature within 10 feet of him must make a DC 18 Constitution
saving throw, taking 54 (12d8) necrotic damage on a failed save, or half as
much damage on a successful one.
Actions
Bone Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7
(1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic damage..
Legendary Actions
Louhi can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below.
Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of
another creature’s turn. Louhi regains spent legendary actions at the start
of her turn.
Cast spell (Costs 2 Actions). Louhi casts a spell.

Legendary Actions Cantrip. Louhi casts a cantrip.

Ambigatus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end
of another creature’s turn. Ambigatus regains spent legendary actions at
the start of its turn.
Gore (cost 2). Ambigatus moves up to his speed without provoking attacks
of opportunity and can make one attack against each creature within range
that he passes.
Attack. Ambigatus makes an attack.).
Move. Louhi moves up to her speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Louhi
Swathed in the folds of a voluminous
bearskin cloak is a beastfolk that is part fox
and part woman. Beads and trinkets are
braided into her hair and fur, as well as that
of the cloak, and she carries a dark wood staff
decorated with bones.

Louhi is not one of Czernobog’s followers.

She is not like Ambigatus in that way, though
their goals align as she does wish to bring pain

CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH

357
 and terror to all those who oppress the beastfolk.
When she was young, her children strayed from
the village and were killed by a patrol from
Leshehoff, and ever since that day, Louhi has
pledged her heart to vengeance.
grief he still feels for the death of his kingdom, all
of the horrors he’s witnessed serving first Gulthias,
and now Czerina, and he’s certainly not in the best
place. But, that is precisely why the adventurers
have a chance to sway him to their side.

So great is her thirst for vengeance that she
would even betray Ambigatus and the Followers
of Agrona if it meant she could claim Baroness
Tornheim’s head, or the heads of the Tornheim
children. Clever adventurers might be able to
find or invent another solution to help transform
Louhi into an ally, though the point remains:
Louhi desires vengeance, and she desires justice
for the Beastfolk. If the adventurers can deliver
either, then Louhi will ally herself with them and
oppose Ambigatus.
The Court of the Blood Queen
In the wake of the conflict outside of
the Silver Graves, Beleroth and Grandmaster
Ysemgrin have been sent to capture the
adventurers and drag them before the Blood
Queen, dead or alive. They were teleported into
the Ruins of Nemeth as soon as Czerina was
able to determine that that was the adventurers
destination. So, now Czerina’s left and right hand
have arrived and hidden their true intentions
beneath the guise of seeking an alliance with
the Corrupted Sidhe. Suffice to say, they will be
watching the actions of the adventurers very,
very closely, looking for the perfect opportunity
to strike (which is likely in the wake of another
battle, say that with Ambigatus).
Of course, that doesn’t mean that the
adventurers’ cause is hopeless, nor does it mean
that the members of Czerina’s court couldn’t be
turned against her.
Should the adventurers speak with him
(perhaps catching him shedding a few tears in a
vulnerable moment), he will relent and admit that
he does not like what Czerina has become, but
that he cannot bear to watch her die, knowing
that her soul would be lost for all eternity. Should
the adventurers then reveal their plan, and show
him the Soul Vessel, then it would rekindle a
spark of hope and he would agree to become their
ally. He would stake Grandmaster Ysemgrin,
thus incapacitating her, and agree to help the
adventurers in the final battle against Czerina
herself, knowing that the adventurers plan is the
best hope for saving the soul of the woman he
loves, even if he will never see her again.
Grandmaster Ysemgrin
Lady Oksana Jehanette Delora Ysemgrin
has served Czerina for centuries. She built Czerina
an army, and has guided it and its abject devotion
to her. Yet, after centuries, Ysemgrin has become
restless. She and the Order of Blood have been
forced to wait, and wait, and wait. They could
have wiped out the beastfolk or the Church of
the Morning Lord long ago, and yet they’ve been
forced to wait. Even when the Renegades broke
off, the Order was forced to wait.
Now that there is finally an enemy that
she’s allowed to fight, Ysemgrin is practically
salivating for the chance to let her blade taste
flesh and for her tongue to taste blood. Only her
loyalty to Czerina, and by extension, Beleroth,
stays her hand.

Beleroth Haar an Thell

For over a thousand years, Beleroth has
loved Czerina, and has been forced to bear witness
to her decline. Now, she hardly resembles the
person that he came to love, and such is the source
of much of his anguish. Add that on top of the
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
358
 Beleroth Haar an Thell 1st level (4 slots): shield, magic missile, sleep, tasha’s caustic brew
2nd level (3 slots): blur, invisibility, misty step, spider climb
Medium humanoid (elf), lawful evil 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, sending, thunderstep
— 4th level (2 slots): dimension door, wall of fire
Armor Class 16/21 (natural/bladesong) 5th level (1 slot): steel wind strike.
Hit Points 200 (20d10 + 91)
Speed 40 ft.
Actions
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Multiattack. Beleroth makes three attacks.
14 (+2) 22 (+6) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 18 (+4)
— Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10
Saving Throws Dex +12, Con +9, Wis +6, Cha +8 (1d8 + 6) slashing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison damage.
Skills Arcana +11, Deception +10, Persuasion + 9, Perception +8,
Stealth +10 Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: + 12 to hit, range 20/40 ft., one target.
Senses darksight 60 ft., passive Perception 18 Hit: 8 (1d4 + 6) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison damage.
Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan, Elemental, Infernal, Abyssal,
Celestial, Draconic Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP) target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) poison
damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving
—
Hellish Weapons. Beleroth’s weapon attacks are magical and deal an throw or be poisoned. The poison lasts until it is removed by the lesser
extra 13 (3d8) poison damage on a hit (included in the attacks). restoration spell or similar magic.

Bladesong. Beleroth can spend a bonus action to add his intelligence

modifier to his AC, raising it from 16 to 21.
Weapon Bond. Beleroth can summon his weapons as a free action.
Legendary Resistance (3): When Beleroth fails a save, he can instead
spend one Legendary Resistance and choose to succeed.
Spellcasting. Beleroth is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability
is Intelligence (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks). He has
the following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): firebolt, message, prestidigitation, mold
earth, infestation
Legendary Actions
Beleroth can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at
the end of another creature’s turn. Beleroth regains spent legendary
actions at the start of its turn.
Move. Beleroth moves up to his speed and does not take attacks
of opportunity.
Attack. Beleroth makes one weapon attack.
Cast (cost 2). Beleroth casts one spell that takes no more
than an action

Grandmaster Ysemgrin Actions

Medium undead (shapechanger), lawful evil
—
Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 210 (20d10 + 110)
Speed 30 ft.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
22 (+6) 18 (+4) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 18 (+4)
—
Saving Throws Dex +9, Wis +8, Cha +9
Skills Athletics +11, Perception +8, Stealth +9
Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from
nonmagical attacks
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Draconic, Elvish, Dwarven, Orcish, Giant
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP) P roficiency Bonus +5
—
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the vampire fails a saving throw, it
can choose to succeed instead.
Regeneration. The vampire regains 20 hit points at the start of its turn
if it has at least 1 hit point and isn’t in sunlight or running water. If the
vampire takes radiant damage or damage from holy water, this trait
doesn’t function at the start of the vampire’s next turn.
Spider Climb. The vampire can climb difficult surfaces, including
upside down on ceilings, without needing to make an ability check.
Vampire Weaknesses. The vampire has the following flaws:
Harmed by Running Water. The vampire takes 20 acid damage if it
ends its turn in running water.
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. The vampire takes 20 radiant damage when
it starts its turn in sunlight. While in sunlight, it has disadvantage on
attack rolls and ability checks.
Multiattack. The vampire makes three attacks, only one of which can
be a bite attack.
Blood Whip. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target.
Hit: 18 (4d6 + 6) slashing damage. If the target is Medium or smaller,
it is grappled (escape DC 19), dragged to an open square adjacent to
Ysemgrin, and is restrained until the grapple ends. While grappling a
creature, Ysemgrin can’t attack with the Blood Whip again.
Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage. Instead of dealing
damage, the vampire can grapple the target (escape DC 20).
Greatsword +3. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 16 (2d6 + 9) slashing damage.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one willing creature,
or a creature that is grappled by the vampire, incapacitated, or
restrained. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 6) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6) necrotic
damage. The target’s hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal
to the necrotic damage taken, and the vampire regains hit points equal
to that amount. The reduction lasts until the target finishes a long
rest. The target dies if this effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
A humanoid slain in this way and then buried in the ground rises the
following night as a vampire spawn under the vampire’s control.
Legendary Actions
The vampire warrior can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time
and only at the end of another creature’s turn. The vampire warrior
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Move. The vampire moves up to its speed without provoking
opportunity attacks.
Attack. The vampire makes one attack of its choice.
Bite (Costs 2 Actions). The vampire makes one bite attack.

CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH

359
 Negotiating with the
Corrupted Sidhe
Finally, the time will come for each
group of petitioners to approach Lady Merrigan
and present their proposals for an alliance. This
is when the adventurers must try to convince
the Corrupted Sidhe to cast off the shadow of
Czernobog and renew their allegiance to the
Court of Night and Twilight. In order to do so,
Lady Merrigan and all of the other Fey would
have to summon the Archfey that rules that
court, and because of the slippery magic of the
Fey, not even Czernobog would be able to stop
that from happening, thus starting a mystical
battle of hidden, yet incredible scale between two
cosmic beings.
Obviously, the easiest way to do this is to
neutralize all of the groups of petitioners. If no
other group looks worthy, or no other group is
willing to ally with the Corrupted Sidhe, then Lady
Merrigan will have no other choice but to heed the
adventurers and renew their ancient allegiance.
CHAPTER 9 - THE RUINS OF NEMETH
360
True, Lady Merrigan would protest, as
she has dreams of becoming an Archfaye in her
own right, and the fastest way to do that is to
rule her own court, but if the adventurers point
out that after a thousand years her court still has
no allies, there really isn’t anything she could say
without the other Fey turning upon her. It would
be checkmate.
Now, if the adventurers haven’t been able
to neutralize all of the other petitioners, then the
adventurers will have a much more difficult task
laid out before them. You could reduce this conflict
to opposing Persuasion rolls, or you could simply
have the adventurers each make their case and
prepare to back it up with force of arms. In either
case, this is actually one of those instances where
there should only be the illusion of failure unless
you have a plan that will make the end of the
campaign that much more dramatic.
When this is resolved, and the
adventurers are ready to begin
their final battle, they will level up
to Level 12.
The Final Battle Awaits them
at the Cairn.
 Chapter 10
The Cairn
he final battle will only occur

T
once the adventurers venture back
to the Cairn, a monument built
to celebrate the Blood Queen’s
tremendous power and cruelty. It
is here that Czerina waits for them,
beset with rage and grief and the realization that
the end might finally be here. Part of her, the part
that is still human, much desires an escape from
the torment of eternity and the constant suffering
she must bear witness to. The other part, that
which Czernobog has sunk its roots deep inside of,
longs to punish the adventurers and to show them
the true meaning of pain. It is this sadistic aspect
which shall reign, though not entirely.

If the adventurers have read all of

the Mirror and completed all of the Dream
Encounters, then they will be able to call upon
Czerina’s humanity, buried deep within her,
causing a brief, but violent psychic war to ignite
within the Blood Queen. Mechanically, this means
that the first time the adventurers discuss Czerina’s
past and what they’ve witnessed in the Dream
Encounters, she will become Stunned for one
round. If they’re smart, the adventurers will either
invoke this ability at the beginning of the combat,
or save it for a moment of dire need. It can only be
used once, and will only last for one round.

Overall, this final combat should be more

than just strategy and the rolling of dice (although
there will be lots of that). You should let your
players know that the fight (and initiative) can be
momentarily paused to allow the Blood Queen
and the adventurers to speak. Not all groups will
like that, of course, so do what fits best with you
and your group, but this should be a moment
of catharsis as well as tension. The adventurers
should be able to vent their frustration and horror,
just as Czerina should have the opportunity to
mock and insult, or commiserate and lament,
depending on what is said.
CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN
361
Furthermore, though Czerina wishes to
see the adventurers dead, she does not wish to do
so quickly. So, if Czerina downs an adventurer, or
more than one, she will retreat and allow them a
moment to recuperate (and waste more resources)
while she ventures into another room in the Cairn.
This will also allow for more exchange of drama
and witty repartee, as everyone can yell as the fight
disengages and re-engages again. It’s important
to note, however, that while initiative should
be paused, it should not be re-rolled each time.
This is technically counter to RAW, but this fight
 shouldn’t be one all about ambushes (unlike Castle
Ravenloft). This should be a fight with dialogue
and roleplaying. Normally, I dislike having lots
of talking during combat as it slows everything
down, but I don’t feel that way for this combat. It’s
simply too important and climactic not to have
more roleplaying involved. As always, however, it
is up to your discretion.
Additionally, consider planning out some
things that Czerina might say during the combat,
such as a personal attack for each character,
taunting based off of previous events, or even
more heartful observations and laments.

CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN

362
 Czerina Gavranova,
The Blood Queen
Medium Undead (shapechanger), Neutral Evil

—
Armor Class 20 (Natural Armor)
Hit Points 495 (30d12 + 300)
Speed 50 ft. Fly 60 ft.
.
—
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
26 (+8) 18 (+4) 24 (+7) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) 24 (+7)
—
Saves Str +8, Dex +10, Con +15, Int + 11, Wis +11, Cha +7
Skills Arcana +11, Athletics +14, Deception +13, Stealth + 10,
Perception +11
Damage Resistances necrotic, poison
Damage Immunities All sources not enchanted by the Forge of
Ancestors (See Ch 8 The Silver Graves)
Condition Immunities exhaustion, petrified, charmed,
frightened, poisoned
Senses True Sight 120ft, Tremorsense 60 feet, passive Spells Continued...
Perception 21 7th (2 slots): Finger of Death, Fire Storm, Whirlwind
Languages Common, Sylvan, Druidic, Draconic, Elvish, Dwarvish, • 8th (1 slots): Feeblemind, Tsunami
Goblin, Celestial, Infernal, Abyssal, Undercommon, Deep Speech • 9th (1 slots): Storm of Vengeance
Challenge 26 (90,000 XP)
— Czerina has access to every Druid spell (including expanded
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Czerina fails a saving throw, druid spell lists). The above list is suggested but can be modified.
she can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance. Czerina has advantage on saving throws Actions

against spells and other magical effects.
Magic Weapons. Czerina’s weapon and unarmed attacks
are magical.
Czernobog’s Blessing: As the champion of Czernobog,
Czerina’s magical abilities are augmented, allowing her to bypass
the need for material components for even the most powerful
spells. Additionally, she has +2 to spell attacks (added above)
and her spell save DC. Furthermore, this blessing provides
natural armor and the resistances and immunities listed above
(which are separate from the Immunity granted by the Mantle of
Wreythau).
The Mantle of Wreythau: Long ago, when Czerina forged
her bond with the land itself, she gained a tremendous mantle
of power. She is immune to all sources of damage. Only with
the enchantment found in the Forge of Ancestors in the Silver
Graves can she be harmed, though she still retains resistance to
necrotic and poison damage due to her vampiric nature.
Spellcasting. Czerina’s spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save
DC 21, +13 to hit with spell attacks). She can innately cast the
following spells, requiring no material components:
• At will: Misty Step
• Cantrips: All Druid cantrips (cast at 17th level)
• 1st (4 slots): Entangle, Faerie Fire, Fog Cloud, Ice
Knife, Thunderwave
• 2nd (3 slots): Heat Metal, Moonbeam, Pass Without Trace
• 3rd (3 slots): Call Lightning, Counterspell, Dispel Magic,
Tidal Wave
• 4th (3 slots): Blight, Guardian of Nature, Wall of Fire
• 5th (3 slots): Geas, Insect Plague, Maelstrom,
Scrying, Steel Wind Strike
• 6th (2 slots): Harm, Wall of Thorns
Multiattack. Czerina makes 3 attacks, chosen from the
options below.
Greatsword. Melee weapon attack. +14 to hit. One target. Deals
14 (2d6 + 8) slashing damage and 26 (4d12) necrotic damage.
Unarmed Attack. Melee weapon attack. +14 to hit. One target.
Deals 12 (1d8 + 8) bashing damage OR Czerina can choose to
grapple the target.
Bite. Melee weapon attack. One willing creature, or one creature
grappled by Czerina. Hit: 11 (1d6 + 8) piercing damage plus
13 (2d12) necrotic damage. The target’s hit point maximum is
reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic damage taken, and
Czerina regains hit points equal to that amount. The reduction
lasts until the target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this
effect reduces its hit point maximum to 0. A humanoid slain in
this way and then buried in the ground rises the following night
as a vampire spawn under Czerina’s control.
Legendary Actions
Czerina can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a
time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Czerina
regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Attack. Czerina may make one weapon attack.
Fey Movement. Czerina may cast Misty Step.
Cast (Cost 2). Czerina may cast one spell
Lair Actions
On Initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Czerina can take a
lair action to cause one of the following effects, based on which
room she is in.
• Lair Actions listed in each room below.

CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN

363
 TC1: The Road of Skulls
The road leading up to the cairn is paved with
the skulls of the Blood Queen’s enemies and
engraved with magic runes that give them a
durability beyond even steel. Occasionally,
ghost lights shine from the empty eye
sockets and incomprehensible muttering
and whispers fill the air before fading into
nothing once more.
The gates of the curtain wall are open and the
portcullis is raised. Nothing stops you as you
venture across the bridge that leads over the
moat of lava, until finally you come before
the entrance to the Cairn itself. And, standing
before the entrance is a carriage, as well as the
Blood Queen herself.
Lair Action:
Czerina causes skeletal arms to rise
from an area on the ground in a 20-foot
square that she can see. They last until the
next initiative count 20. Each creature in that
area when the arms appear must succeed on a
DC 21 Strength saving throw or be restrained
until the arms disappear or until Czerina
releases their grasp (no action required).
Summary:
When the adventurers reach the Cairn,
Czerina is waiting for them. She will offer them
surrender, claiming that if they throw down their
imbued weapons and climb into the carriage they
will be given safe passage out of Wreythau. This
is a lie, of course, a ruse to disarm the adventurers
and make them vulnerable. A DC 23 Insight check
will reveal that is a lie, though most adventurers
will probably realize that the Blood Queen isn’t
to be trusted.
If the adventurers refuse, then initiative
should be called for. Czerina will use her Lair
Action at Initiative 20 (don’t forget, happens every
round), and then likely Storm of Vengeance, or
whatever else seems appropriate. She will not stay
in TC1 for more than one round. She will use
movement and/or her legendary actions to get
inside TC2: Throne Room.
CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN
364
Obviously, if Beleroth is there as the
adventurers’ ally, this might change things slightly,
as betrayal tends to be quite dramatic, but the
adjustment should be natural. Also, Beleroth
would be the first to die. No mercy for him, which
makes their relationship even more tragic.
TC2: Throne Room
The gates leading into the Cairn open into the
throne room itself, the marble floors set with
gold, and grandiose statuary covering the
walls. A rich, velvet carpet runs between ten
elaborate stone pillars, all leading to a massive
throne set upon a stone dais.
Lair Action:
An incredibly strong gust of wind
hits every creature within 60 ft. They must
succeed a DC 21 Strength Save or be knocked
prone and pushed 10 ft. towards the entry
to the Cairn. Flying targets make the save at
disadvantage, but are not knocked prone.
Summary:
This room is home to Blood Queen’s literal
seat of power, and as such it is very important to
her. It is both a source of great pride, and great
anguish. After all, the throne is tied deeply to her
past and the monstrous relationship she had with
her family.
Czerina will comment on what it took
for her to achieve the throne and why she would
never give it up.
She would likely use some of her biggest
spells here, to demonstrate her power, but would
leave for TC3 within 2 rounds, depending on the
adventurers’ actions. The fight should NOT end
here, however.
 TC3: Amphitheater
Heading through either door leading out
of the Throne Room, you enter a massive
chamber containing a 5 row amphitheater,
with stage rigging suspended from the ceiling,
and more room besides, as twin sitting rooms
with fireplaces flank the amphitheater.
throw. On a failed save, it takes 1d6 necrotic
damage per level of the spell, and the spell has
no effect and is wasted.
Summary:
The entire room is filled with difficult
terrain. Even the altar counts as difficult terrain,
as it’s covered in pronounced carvings and slick
with blood.

Lair Action: This room is enchanted so that the meat

filling it never decays, which means Czerina has
Czerina casts Vicious Mockery (DC 21 had to empty it regularly. She used it as both
Wisdom Save) at every creature within range executioners hall, torture chamber, and sacrificial
simultaneously. altar to perform her more complex magics.

Here, Czerina will rage against the Gods

Summary:
and mock the adventurers for their faith (if any).
This was once R.K. Schreyers domain,
She might try to wipe the party in this room. This
though Czerina has commandeered for this
is likely turn 5, which means everyone should be
special event. Here, Czerina lets her contempt
fairly beat up. However, even if she did manage to
for the adventurers fly, and where she mocks the
down all of the party members, she would likely
adventurers for their empathy. Her Lair Action
stabilize them, bring them to TC6, and then heal
(here) is perfect for this.
them (you choose the amount of HP) so that she
can gloat/torment them, and thus giving them
Additionally, the battlefield here is more
another chance to win the combat.
dynamic, with plenty of cover, elevation, and space
to really maneuver.
However, if Czerina is the one close to
death in this room, she will use her Legendary
Czerina will spend at least 2 turns here,
Action to Misty Step into TC5. Yes, yes, the spell
though no more than 3.
says otherwise, but this is her magical sacrificial
chamber and TC5 is her Arcane Laboratory, so she
TC4: Execution Hall can Misty Step between them. That’s just how it is.
The door opens into a hellish vision so
macabre you can hardly believe it’s real. Most
of the room is filled with a sea of skeletons TC5: Arcane Laboratory
and strangely preserved gore and it rises
The door opens into an immaculate arcane
almost three feet above the ground. Chains
laboratory filled with mystical items, arcane
line the walls, and a sacrificial altar with a still
texts, and has a summoning circle etched
beating heart resting upon it rises up out of
into the floor.
the center of the room.

Lair Action:
Lair Action:
Until initiative count 20 on the next
Czerina casts Cloudkill (can’t
round, any non-undead creature that tries to
stack) at no cost.
cast a spell of 4th level or lower is wracked
with immense pain. The creature can choose
another action, but if it tries to cast the spell,
it must make a DC 21 Constitution saving
CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN
365
 In this room, her Legendary Action is
flavored by her exploding all of the evil potions in
the room and that forming the Cloudkill spell.
At this point in the fight (round 6 or so),
unless the adventurers ran here early, Czerina
is probably talking about her fear of death and
how she wishes she’d been born as anyone else.
If the fight comes here early, then she mocks the
adventurers for their ignorance and stupidity.
Like in TC4, if Czerina wipes the party
here, she will stabilize (or resurrect) them, move
them to TC6, give them some healing (you decide
how much, even in the case of resurrection), and
then the gloating or lamenting can begin, followed
by more combat until the adventurers triumph.
TC6: Gardens of Evil
Gardens fill these chambers. Tall bushes with
blooming Gulthias Flowers line the walls, and
two bare dragonwood trees rise up towards
the arched ceiling. A grandiose tomb sits at
the far end of the garden, and other statuary
is placed throughout. A feeling of profound
grief emanates throughout the room.
Lair Action:
Czerina casts enhanced Spike Growth
that deals 4d4 necrotic damage per 5 ft.
moved. She is immune to the effect.
Here, beneath the bare dragonwood trees,
is where Czerina should die. Narrate a last ditch
teleport before the killing blow if you need to,
though this is where the epilogue should begin.
Here, Czerina will get to share her
final thought:
“The petals are so beautiful in the sunlight. I
must show Teadora…”
And then Czerina’s will be claimed by
death and the Blood Queen’s reign will be at an
end. If the adventurers have the Soul Vessel and
choose to use it, read the following:
CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN
366
As the urn is brought forth and opened, a
shimmer passes through the air, as if a veil has
been lifted, and you see the Blood Queen’s
corpse begin to glow. Softly, at first, and then
brighter, and brighter, until a silver wisp
begins to rise. Oily, black tendrils cling to
the silver whisp, though it struggles towards
the opened vessel and with a final flash of
light, the wisp tears itself free and flies into
the vessel. The urn is noticeably heavier,
and the air shimmers once more as the lid is
closed once more.
The Soul Vessel will preserve Czerina’s
soul until they can return to the material plane,
where the magic of the jar will allow Czerina
to reincarnate (not the spell) and start life over,
born again.
Epilogue
The ending largely depends upon the
adventurers actions. Did they save Czerina’s soul
from Czernobog? Did they leave Wreythau in a
better state than they found it? Will they stay on
Wreythau once it has returned to the material
plane, or will they leave it and try to move on with
their lives?
There are many variables, but you
get the point.
However, here are a few possible endings:
The Happy Ending
After slaying the Blood Queen, all those
she’d cursed with her vampiric nature found
themselves becoming ash upon the wind and her
undead servants collapse to the ground. Then the
wind picks up as the clouds began to part, rays of
sunlight battling with the seething mass of lighting
charged storm clouds, though eventually, the
sunlight wins through, bathing Wreythau in the
light of the Material Plane.
Czerina’s soul is released, never to be seen
again without divination magic. Though, if the
adventurers do use divination magic, they will find
 her reborn to a loving family elsewhere on the
material plane.

Without Czernobog’s fierce hold upon

Wreythau, the land slowly begins to revert to
normal, though many of the monsters still remain.
The curse of the beastfolk is lifted, leaving many
tumultuous feelings, though the ways of their
people are preserved.

With the destruction of the Church of the

Morning Lord, the Old Faith eventually began
to spread, and the people of Wreythau began to
unite, Born and Crafted alike. The adventurers
stay in Wreythau, helping it to rebuild and guiding
it with a gentle hand until it is a place of prosperity
and peace rather than death and suffering.

The Sad Ending

Without the Soul Vessel, Czerina’s soul is

lost to the darkness of Czernobog, as is everyone
else that the adventurers have slain. They are
able to escape Wreythau, though it remains as
a Domain of Dread, and eventually a new Dark
Champion arises as Czeronobog’s Chosen. The
history of the adventurers, as well as that of the
Blood Queen, is eroded until it is but myth and
legend in a new land of nightmares…

The Evil Ending

The adventurers become Czerina’s willing

servants and are sent back to the material plane
to gather power and spread the Blood Queen’s
dark influence. This could become a high-level
evil campaign with Czernobog as the main villain,
if you wish, or you and your group could simply
move on to another campaign.

CHAPTER 10 - THE CAIRN

367
 Appendix 1.
The Mirror of
Czerina

T
Gavranova
his simple tome is
bound in black
leather, the
parchment of its
pages are aged and
worn. As you flip
open the book, the spine creaking
gently, you see that the book is
empty. Or, at least, it was at first.
Before your eyes text scrawls itself
across the pages in an elegant script
that appears to be written with
fresh blood. A title appears upon
that first page.

The Mirror of Czerina is

an enchanted artifact that allows
the readers to enter the memories
of Czerina as they dream. These
memories are interactive, and are
constructed like social puzzles,
allowing the players to piece
together information and draw
their own conclusions. In that
regard, it’s probably more accurate
to call them memory constructs
rather than true memories in
their own right, but either way,
this allows the players and their
characters to learn more about
Czerina herself.

The Mirror is broken up

into different entries, each entry
appearing as you, the DM, see fit.
Use these interactive dreams to
help fill lulls in the story, or to help
emphasize themes as they arise.

APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA

368
 Entry 1
n the long nights when I dream, I
I
find that my mind wanders back to the
moment when I first saw blood spilt, to
when I first smelled it upon the wind
and tasted it in the air. The blood was
so bright, beyond carmine, or scarlet,
as though it was illuminated from within rather
than by the rays of the sun. Alas, I will never see its
like again, except for those fleeting moments in the
depths of my mind. No artist has ever been able
to recreate it, even when their veins were spilled
in the wake of their failures, and never again will
I see its like while I walk the earth. Forever, it
shall only be a memory, though perhaps that is the
truth of much of our lives. In the instant that the
moment ends, it becomes irreplaceable, unique,
and unfathomably valuable because of it.
Perhaps that is the true beauty of existence.
Perhaps it is death which truly
completes us all.
If so, then my fate is doubly cruel, though it
is still not as cruel as that which I witnessed upon
that day in the garden, the day when the essence of
blood was so indelibly etched into my mind.
It was after midday, when the sun reigned
high, and the arch of the sky was stained a blue
beyond blue, so deep and rich that it, too, exists
only in my memories, though it did not captivate
me as much as that which followed. I was in the
palace gardens that day, with the friend dearest to
my heart, Teadora Vadimovna, though we should
not have been there. We were neglecting my
studies, Teadora being my companion in all things,
even my delinquency, though I knew that it was I
that had made the choice. Dear Teadora had not
the heart to refuse me, nor the station, as I later
came to realize, and so it was that I had led her
to her death.
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
369
The Dream Encounter:
That night, when the players dream, they
find themselves having been summoned to the
same dream. They are standing outside upon the
grass, their faces bathed in the gentle rays of the
afternoon sun. How long has it been since they’ve
last seen the sun?
As they look around, they notice that they
are on the edge of what appears to be a funeral.
A crowd of nobles in mourning clothes have
gathered next to a small mausoleum, a priest of
Lathander reading a sermon about the cycles of
life and death. The adventurers recognize two
of the people in the crowd: Gavran and Evengja,
Czerina’s parents, though neither wears a crown.
They stand beside another noble couple, a man
and a woman obviously overcome with grief,
weeping and wailing openly. At the back of the
funeral, muttered gossip flows from one cluster
of lesser nobility to the next.
As players interact with the gossiping
nobles, they can learn the following:
• The funeral is for a girl named Teadora, the
daughter of lesser nobles and the whipping
girl for the Boyar and Boyarina’s daughter.
• They say the Boyar’s daughter killed her
friend. That she stole her father’s scepter
and was playing at tyrant.
• It is a closed casket funeral.
• Some of the nobles say that they heard
priests had to be consulted, and that it was
really demonic sacrifice.
• One noble saw the Boyar’s daughter
throwing a tantrum because the day wasn’t
all about her and she ran off to sulk in the
little copse of trees behind the mausoleum.
If the adventurers search out the
childhood version of Czerina, she can be found
hiding in the copse of trees just like the noble
said. Unlike when they met her, Czerina’s eyes
are colored a dark brown. She is crying and
huddled up against the trunk of a tree. If they
ask if she killed Teadora, Czerina will respond
by throwing small rocks and pieces of dirt at the
adventurers and saying that she hates them and
they’re just bullies trying to torment her.

A DC 16 Insight Check will reveal that
she is deep in the trauma of grief.
A DC 16 Persuasion Check will calm her
down and convince her to answer their questions.
She will say that it was her father that killed
Teadora. That he’s a monster, and she hates him,
and he blamed her.
The dream ends shortly afterwards.
In truth, Czerina isn’t lying, but that
should be left up to the players to decide what
they believe.
Entry 2:
F
or years after my dearest
Teadora’s funeral had passed, I
came to embarrass my parents
time and time again, and it
seemed that they became
determined to rid themselves
of me in whatever way would not bring further
harm upon their reign. The headsman’s axe would
forever stain their familial honor and tarnish their
reputation throughout the realm, so they sought
a less permanent solution. For months at a time,
they had me sent to the castle dungeons, chained
out of sight and out of mind. In truth, I cannot
say how much time I dwelled there, imprisoned in
the dark, though it seemed to have been beyond
an eternity. The dungeons were ancient and
built deep into the earth, leaving me wrapped in
the embrace of endless shadows deeper than the
blackest of night. There were no stars there to
comfort me. No hint of the sun. No touch of the
moon. There was nothing but the suffocating press
of a dark beyond oblivion and, soon, even my
dreams began to fade into the endless black.
My thoughts began to escape me, slipping
past the parched ruin of my lips and swallowed
by the dark in turn, though over time, I found
that the darkness had begun to whisper back. It
was then that I realized that I was not alone and
that the darkness was, in fact, my companion. We
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
370
conversed for half of an eternity, just the darkness
and I, and I learned many secrets which shall
remain, forever, held between me and the void.
Though, in time, all things will come
to pass, and even death will die, and so my
communion with the darkness came to an end,
burned away by glaring, incandescent agony as
a lantern was brought into my cell. I cried and
whimpered like a beaten animal as my eyes fought
to adjust to the light, and I saw to my horror that it
was no common gaoler that had come for me, but
my father himself.
His eyes were bloodshot and crazed,
his clothing hanging in rumpled folds off of
his massive frame, and his beard sprouted like
a tangled bramble beneath his chin. He strode
across the room like some monstrous beast born
out of legend and grasped my arm in a fist made
of stone as he undid my shackles. I cried out in
pain as he dragged me from the cell, but he cared
not. Up and up we went, up out of the embrace
of the dark and still earth and out beneath the
canopy of the sky. Blackened storm clouds raged
above us and rain poured in great sheets from
the sky. My father had drug me out to the castle’s
training grounds, which the rain had churned into
a treacherous pit of mud and seething water, but
Gavran the First didn’t care. He threw me bodily
into the middle of the yard, mud splashing into my
mouth and clogging my nose as I went sprawling
into the filth. The rain soaked through my ragged
clothing in moments, and there I lay, slathered in
mud, half blinded by the water streaming down
from my hair, though I could see that he had
drawn his sword and my heart seized as I feared
the end. Perhaps to the regret of many, the end
did not come. Instead of the executioner’s blow,
his sword splashed down into the mud before
me, and sensing a chance to escape my fate, I
snatched it up.
“He’s dead!” Gravran cried, his voice ragged
and hoarse as he lifted the scepter that had ended
Teadora’s life and brought it down in a savage
swing towards the crown of my head. Were it not
for the rain, I have no doubt I would have died,
but he was half blinded, and I managed to stagger
 backwards, tripping over my own feet in the
sucking mud.
“My son is dead!” he wailed, “my heir, dead,
dead before he drew his first breath!”
I struggled to comprehend what he was
saying, to realize that he was mad with grief and
drunk on spirits, and that I had a brother that I
would never know. I hadn’t realized my mother
had conceived, though I had no notion of how
long I’d been imprisoned in the dark, and had
rarely seen her even before then. I couldn’t dwell
upon that realization, however, for my father
came stumbling towards me, that brutal scepter
thundering down once again.
“You vile wretch!” Gavran roared, his blow
knocking my sword aside. “You killed him! You
killed my son! He would have replaced you, so you
killed him!”
The hatred in my father’s voice stirred
something inside me, something malignant, but
powerful, and I lashed out with the sword as he
came for me again. I think I surprised him, in
his rage and grief, he lurched out of the blade’s
reach, slipping and falling onto his ass in the mud.
Seeing him there, this titan of wrath, sprawled so
helplessly in the mud and rain, I began to laugh.
The sound spilled out of me, uncontrollable and
harsh, and Gavran seemed to quell before it,
crawling backwards through the slick mud and
puddles of murky water. I couldn’t see what dwelt
within his eyes, though when he managed to climb
to his feet once more, he left me there, cackling
madly beneath the weeping sky.
The next morning, it was not the servants that
found me, curled up in the stables, but rather
the master at arms himself, with orders to begin
my training...
The Dream Encounter:
For reasons that only Gavran knows, after
the birth of his stillborn son, he decreed that his
daughter would be forced to learn the arts of war.
Perhaps he finally came to realize he would never
have a son to raise in his own image and decided to
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
371
settle for Czerina instead, or perhaps it was simply
another way to punish and torment his most
hated child. Either way, Gavran was determined
to make the training she endured beyond brutal.
Anything short of death was not only acceptable,
but encouraged, and though hellish in the extreme,
Czerina did learn what she was meant to, and she
learned it well. By the time she reached adulthood,
she could fight and ride, cast and theorize,
strategize and employ tactics as well, if not better,
than anyone of her age. What was more, she’d
come to love all that she’d been taught, though
such will be explored in later dreams.
For THIS dream sequence, the players
will take on the role of Czerina’s teachers. Each
will be required to teach her a lesson, though
first they must find her. Just as she’d done with
Teadora years before, Czerina frequently tried to
run and hide from her lessons, much as any sane
person would.
Regardless, the dream begins with the
characters finding themselves in a grand, though
archaic, great hall, kneeling before the massive
bulk of Gavran I. Czerina’s father is a giant of a
man with a thick beard shot through with grey and
a manic gleam that haunts his gaze.
He demands that the characters explain
why they aren’t out in the training grounds
instructing his daughter in the arts of war.
No matter how the characters reply, he gets
increasingly angry, and demands that they find her
and begin her training immediately, or he’ll have
their heads mounted on pikes atop his walls.
The ONLY question he’ll answer is what,
exactly, the characters are supposed to be training
his daughter in. The answer, of course, is whatever
combat specialty the character has. If they are a
martial character, then they are to teach her the
weapons of war. If they are a caster, then they are
to teach her battle magic. If they have some other
support focus, such as inspiring others, or healing,
etc, then they are to instruct her in that. Regardless
of their area of expertise, Gavran makes it clear
that they are to make the training as intense and
rigorous as possible.
 Now, although this exchange with Gavran
is meant to be brief, remember to have fun with it.
Don’t be afraid to really lean into Gavran’s cruelty,
or his insane hatred for his own child. He views
her as a curse, a constant mockery of that which
he cannot have, and despises her with all of his
being. In truth, it is really the customs and laws of
Nostrovishte that he hates, though as he knows no
others, he is blind to this. Keep in mind, Gavran
won the rank and title of Boyar of the Southern
Oblast because of his feats upon the battlefield, and
he views this as a just reward for the tremendous
suffering that he endured. The lives he was forced
to take, the soldiers he was forced to order to
their deaths, all of them haunt him, the rivers of
blood that he spilt having seeped into his mind
and stained his soul for millenia thereafter, and the
thought of losing what his sacrifices had won him
is what has inspired his terrible loathing of his first
(and at the time, only) child. Perhaps that is what
he really wishes to teach Czerina. Perhaps it is this
personal hell that he wishes to share.
It’s not necessarily important that you
bring this to the player characters’ attention,
though if you keep it in mind as you plan some
fun rants and ravings, it will likely come across
and help deepen their understanding of the Blood
Queen and why she came to be.
Alternatively, if the players have
performed the Ritual of Descent to the
Underworld (Volume 1, pg 151) to re-awaken all
of Gavran’s past lives, then you could simply have
Gavran explain this in a moment of reflection back
in the waking world. It’s much more fun if the
players arrive at this conclusion themselves, but
this is another way to communicate this insight
if you wish.
Now, back to the dream, assuming that the
characters comply with Gavran and the logic
of the dream, they will have to search the castle
and its grounds to find Czerina. If the characters
do not comply with Gavran, then he promptly
orders their collective execution (described in
excruciating detail, or not, according to what’s
comfortable for your group) and the dream
begins anew.
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
372
In order to conduct the search, simply ask each
player where in the castle they begin their search.
Popular locations include:
Czerina’s Quarters: where they discover that
Czerina’s taken a thick wool cloak, but no extra
change of clothes. They also notice that the ornate,
silver candlestick by her bedside appears to have
had a piece broken off.
The Kitchens: where the servants report that
she took bread, cheese, smoked meat, and apples.
The Gardens: where they discover bundles of
flowers placed beneath the pink dragonwood
tree, though they are faded and perhaps a
few weeks old.
The Library: where the librarian complains that
a book of fables has been stolen.
The Chapel: where they find Evengja praying
for a son. She hasn’t seen her child in months.
The Dungeons: where, in the deepest reaches
they discover a windowless cell. Rats have been
impaled upon exposed nails, and the walls are
painted with blood in what appear to be a mixture
of childlike finger paintings and foul runes that
writhe and twist before their eyes. Because of this,
no arcana or religion checks are possible.
The Walls: where the guards report having
seen nothing out of the ordinary, though they
will speculate that Czerina is likely communing
with demons by the mausoleum. She’s not at
the mausoleum.
The Stables: where they discover a teenaged
Czerina hiding in the corner of a horse stall,
having bribed the stablehand with a piece of
broken silver, the horse with some apples, and
the book of fables for company. Once found, the
dream transitions to the training grounds.
Now that Czerina has been found and the
dream has transitioned to the training grounds,
each character must individually teach Czerina a
lesson. Each lesson should only take 2-3 minutes of
time out of character, but will give the characters
a chance to interact with this younger, dream
version of the Blood Queen one on one. The
 lessons could be anything that the players come
up with. She will obey whatever instruction they
give, though will do so with all the enthusiasm of
a prisoner mounting the gallows, her gaze hollow,
and her manner stiff. It’s clear she would rather
be hiding beneath a pile of hay, escaping into the
realm of pleasant fantasies. Otherwise, have the
dream Czerina react as you see fit. Importantly,
however, the Blood Queen will comment upon
whatever lessons the adventurers taught the next
time they meet in the waking world. If they were
kind, she remarks that she wished they had truly
been one of her teachers. If they were cruel she
doesn’t remark upon that fact, but will instead
engineer an encounter that mimics that cruelty
sometime in the future.
Entry 3:
I
t is strange to think of, though
once there was a time when I shied
away from the feel of a sword’s
grip in my hands, a time when the
sight of a blade falling towards me
struck me with such terror that I
could barely stand. I did not come to the ways of
war naturally. To learn them was to live inside a
nightmare, and though I often tried to evade my
instructors, even in those precious few moments I
managed to steal for myself, there was never truly
a reprieve. Dread gnawed at me constantly, the
knowledge that the nightmare would begin anew,
always lurking in the back of my mind, whispering
of new horrors I had yet to endure, horrors I knew
would come to pass. In many ways those stolen
moments were worse than whatever awaited me
upon the training grounds, for the creations of
the mind are more terrible than what the flesh can
endure.
Eventually, this realization dawned upon
me and I stopped searching for a refuge I’d never
find. I still remember the day that I made such a
vow, when the veil of hay I’d been hiding under
was lifted aside and the book of fables I’d been
reading with blind eyes had been snatched aside.
No matter how hard I’d tried to focus on those
beautiful, illuminated pages and the fanciful stories
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
373
they contained, all I could think of was another
day of fear and pain. I swear that I felt my heart
seize as the hay was lifted aside and the nightmare
came crashing down upon me once again, though
no matter how much I’d feared what was to come,
in the end, I survived. No matter what I faced, I
survived, and as the years passed, I found that I no
longer came to dread it. Instead, I learned to find
moments of reprieve within the training itself: the
excitement of galloping across a field and feeling as
one with the horse, the sublime beauty of a well-
honed blade’s edge, the joy of the body in motion,
and the surge of triumph that came with every
challenge bested. In time, I came to relish it as I
mastered each lesson, and I found respect in my
teachers’ eyes, even if it came grudgingly.
By the time twenty three winters had
passed, I was a formidable warrior and an able
general, though I came to realize that I was faced
with a new torment. No matter that my father had
decreed I learn the arts of war, once I had learned
them, he refused to let me practice them. I was
banned from every tourney, as only men could
compete. I was banned from service, as no man
wished to serve beneath me, and as a noble, I could
not serve beside them. I was a woman who knew
what a woman should not, and though it was
not of my doing, I was reviled for it. My mother
began to demand my attendance at all of the most
important social functions where ridicule and
shame awaited me. Her courtiers were merciless,
though I found the mockery I despised the most
came from those foppish young men who were
able to bear the title of squire or knight, who could
raise their banner and command armies despite
the fact that they were fools. I came to hate them
for having what I could not, and as the rage flashed
behind my eyes, they only laughed and mocked me
all the more.
Finally, I decided that I could bear it no
longer. I would take up my sword and mount my
steed, and I would test them myself, and we would
see once and for all who was meant to live and
who was meant to die by the sword. I planned
it for weeks, gathering what I would need until,
finally, the time was right. I bribed the guards of
the castle and rode out beneath the dark of the
moon in armor darkened by soot and a midnight
 cloak flying in my wake. I cannot remember how
many young men I slayed before terror spread
in my wake, and soon it was I who was silently
laughing behind my eyes. I did not care whose
head I cleaved, nor whose widow I left to grieve.
Life had lost all meaning to me. Even my own.
As the bounties were declared and adventurers
rode out to challenge the Black Rider who had
slain so many, I found myself welcoming the
prospect of death.
The Dream Encounter:
For this dream encounter, the players will
take on the guise of some of Czerina’s victims
when she rode as the Black Rider of Nostrovishte.
In order to do this, the players will need to make
up a new character. Ask them each to come
up with a name and a short (and I mean short)
backstory. Then, they’ll have to decide two things:
how they insulted Czerina, and how they were
killed during their midnight duel.
Use Sir Dragoslav Benedesc (Volume 1,
page 202) as an example. He was a knight from a
minor noble house in the Southern Oblast who
believed whatever gossip he heard (backstory).
When he publicly accused Czerina of killing
Teadora (insult), he became her first victim. She
rode out to meet him upon the road, her face
hidden by the hood of her cloak as she charged
him. During their fight he lost his grip on his
sword and was slain as he bent down to retrieve
it (death).
Encourage your players to have fun
with this and to be imaginative. Each player will
introduce their victim and describe their final
night upon the earth. In doing so, the players will
participate in filling in some of Czerina’s history
and provide their characters with something more
to discuss. Some characters might sympathize with
Czerina, while others might see this as further sign
of her corruption.
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
374
Entry 4:
T
wo years had passed since I
began my midnight rides, and in
that time, the legend of the Black
Rider had taken on a life of its
own. A traveler passing from one
Oblast to the next would hear a
dozen different versions of the tale, every hamlet
and village adapting the telling to local legends
and the whims of the storytellers themselves. I
suppose that some might have enjoyed this, might
have revelled in the infamy and collected whatever
stories they could, though I cared not. At that
point, I had no hope left in my life, and every night
that I rode forth I was praying for death.
Alas, no worthy champion arose to slay the
demon ravaging the land, no ritual was performed
to set the ancient warrior’s spirit to rest, no
bargain was honored with the fey, recalling their
knights back across the veil, and, of course, no one
answered my prayer.
Instead, the land of Nostrovishte itself
fell under attack. Our neighbors to the north and
east, Bacia and Gronturia, had formed an alliance,
intent upon wiping Nostrovishte off the map. Our
lands and riches were meant to be divided, I have
no doubt, with each country plotting to betray the
other should they ever gain the upper hand. After
weeks of brutal fighting, it seemed this was bound
to be Nostrovishte’s destiny, gobbled up like a deer
carcass shared by hungry wolves, though there
were two considerations that Bacia and Gronturia
had not counted upon. The first was my father.
Even with the other Oblasts having already fallen,
even with the Tsar killed in battle, my father,
Gavran, the first of his name, refused to surrender.
He withdrew into the Grand Palace, drawing the
invaders into a brutal siege destined to last for
months and months. The invaders had already
made it clear that no quarter would be given. To
fight or to surrender, it mattered not, they’d die
either way, and so they chose to drag as many of
the Bacians and Gronturians as they could with
them into the grave.
The second consideration, of course, was
the people, the common men and women who had
 been forced to watch their farmsteads burn, their
entire lives disappearing in smoke. The invaders
had not counted on the seething anger which
the killing and pillaging had inspired. They had
not counted upon the fact that what separated a
peasant from a soldier was a sharpened stick and
the will to use it, and this is what I harnessed.
In truth, I did not intend to, at least, not
at first. I had escaped from the castle long before
even my mother had fled it and gone into hiding,
intent upon finally riding out to meet my death. It
didn’t matter to me who held the steel that finally
ended my travesty of a life, but I found that death
in battle was not to be my fate. Patrols upon the
roads, raiding parties, supply caravans, all fell
before me, or fled in terror as they realized that
the stories of the Black Rider were real. What
had once been a scourge of the countryside now
became a symbol. The common folk remembered
that the black rider had never struck down one
of their own, only the nobles that had taxed and
commanded them, and soon, unknowingly, I had
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
375
become a symbol of the people themselves. At
first it was dozens, but then hundreds, and then
thousands that flocked to my banner. Brawny
farmwives, grey haired smiths, and outcasts, it
didn’t matter. All joined, and I soon realized that,
at last, I had found my purpose.
The Dream Encounter:
In this encounter, the adventurers will find
themselves as Czerina’s war council, planning the
beginning of the campaign she fought to liberate
her homeland, and as a result, become a hero of
the people.
Below is a parchment map of the Southern
Oblast. To the north, across the river, lie three
enemy camps belonging to the army of Bacia.
Having successfully raided, pillaged, and razed the
villages on their side of the river, they will soon
begin their march further south.
 Czerina and her forces must successfully defeat
the invaders, though there is much disagreement
on how to actually accomplish this. It will be up to
the adventurers to help sway Czerina’s mind one
way or another, though ultimately the decision lies
with her. I recommend setting a timer for perhaps
10 or 15 minutes so that the adventurers have time
to debate, ask questions, and in general interact
with this past version of the Blood Queen.
Below are descriptions of the other members of
the council (including Czerina), and the strategies
that they are advocating.
Czerina, the General:
Though a young woman of about 25,
Czerina has finally blossomed into a formidable
warrior and fledgling leader. She wears battered
armor blackened with soot, and bears an
expression of fury as the council debates. She
is quick to point out the flaws in every plan,
emphasizing how important it is to minimize the
risk of casualties.
Moksha, the Druid:
Moksha is a young human woman who
bears a striking resemblance to Mata Yezinka of
the Beastfolk. She stands to Czerina’s left, and
though she rarely speaks, she often lays a calming
hand upon Czerina’s shoulder as the debate rages
on. She believes that waging a guerilla campaign is
the best path forward.
Merrigan, the Fey
Merrigan is a strange creature that might
look like an elf were it not for the mottled blue
color of her skin and the sharpness of her teeth.
She is an emissary from the Fey Court of Terror,
and is keen to get into battle. She advocates for
attacking as the enemy crosses the bridge.
Bertrand, the Fisherman
Bertrand is a human man whose hair and
beard are frosted with age and whose skin is like
tanned leather from all his years upon the water. A
skilled boatsman, he staunchly argues that the best
strategy is to ferry across the river and strike the
enemy from behind.
Volyar, the Farmhand
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
376
A young man barely into adulthood,
Volyar is eager to defend his homeland and
advocates for charging to death or glory.
Though he is the most foolish of the council, he
does emphasize that no matter what happens,
people will die.
As mentioned above, the adventurers
must try to sway the council. They can do so
by suggesting new strategies, or by arguing on
behalf of one of the council. They can also ask
questions, though there isn’t the best intel. What is
known is this:
• The enemy has better equipment and
training. Their supply lines stretch
to the north.
• The enemy has 50 battlemages of middling
talent, outnumbering Czerina’s druids,
witches, and hedge wizards by 2 to 1.
• Czerina’s mundane forces outnumber the
invaders 2 to 1, though they have poor
equipment and barely any training. Their
supply lines stretch to the south.
• Almost every Nostrovisthan north of the
river has either been killed or pressed into
forced labor, though if they were freed, that
could bolster Czerina’s army considerably.
Feel free to make up any other factors
or explanations as you wish. The encounter isn’t
really about strategy, it’s mostly about emphasizing
how much Czerina has changed. Here, they can
see her as the young hero, concerned for her land
and her people and driven by the desire to protect
them, which is a stark contrast to the casual cruelty
of the Blood Queen they’ve met in the present.
Likewise, in the dream, she is struggling against
incredible odds, compared to the godlike figure
they’ve ment in the present. And, as a bonus,
they see a hint of Moksha and Czerina’s past
relationship.
Ultimately, if the adventurers are able
to come to agreement and successfully argue
their opinions (no rolls allowed), then the
dream Czerina will side with them. If agreement
cannot be reached, then Czerina will declare a
combination of plans: she will guard the bridge by
herself, supported by their casters, to bottleneck
 the invaders while the rest of their army ferries
across the river and strikes from behind.
Then, the dream ends.
Entry 5:
I
t is an astounding thing, to
witness an entire country come alive,
to rise up from beside the graves of
their loved ones and take up arms,
throats crying for blood. Though
many have glorified my name and
praised me as the savior of our people, in truth,
I would have been nothing but a corpse were it
not for their rage and their might. Eventually,
an arrow would have found me, or a blade, or
simple starvation. I was nothing but a conduit, an
idol to channel their hatred, and grief, and desire
for brutal murder. The invaders had been fools
to treat the people of Nostrovishte so harshly,
though it was not surprising that they would be
so blind. What was a dirty peasant compared to a
noble’s greed? What was a farmstead but a way to
supplement a soldier’s pay, and perhaps provide
some entertainment besides? What was land, but
something to conquer?
A hypocrite I might be, though I learned
from their mistakes. As I led the people of
Nostrovishte to victory, I saw just how dangerous
the desperate and the grieving could be, and as
they gazed upon me with worship and admiration,
I realized just how easy it was to mold them into
something else entirely.
After we broke the siege around the Grand
Palace, crushing the armies of Gronturia and Bacia
between a wall of flesh and steel and a wall of
stone, I refused to stand down. I was drunk upon
their love, and their rage, and I called them like the
tide to sweep across the countries of their enemies.
And, as the tide, we swept up the beaten and the
downtrodden, the forgotten and the abused, and
forged them into something that I could wield. So
it was not just Nostrovishans storming the castles
and palaces of Bacia and Gronturia, it was their
own people, too. I had promised them all that they
wanted to hear, and though many refused, many
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
377
of them joined, and soon all three countries were
within my grasp.
Had I been wise, I would have tightened
my fist upon all three crowns until they became
just one that would grace my brow. Had I been
wise, I would have kept my promises and built
something beautiful atop the ashes, something the
likes of which the world had never seen.
Alas, I was a fool.
Having tasted love and camaraderie,
admiration and respect, I convinced myself that, at
last, my life would be different. At last, I could win
the pride and affection that I’d never known from
my parents, and that I would do so by handing
them all three crowns that I had won. I knew that
my parents’ ambitions had never ended at the
borders of their oblast, though I had accomplished
what they had never even dreampt of, and so I held
the ceremony to crown them Tsar and Tsarina,
hope shining within my heart.
The coronation was elaborate and long,
and full of all the pomp and circumstance that I
thought it had demanded, intending to honour my
parents as was their due. Finally, the time came to
present them with their crowns. I was smiling so
broadly I thought my face would split as I finally
laid them atop their brows, and as I stepped back
I proclaimed that set in my mother’s crown was
the Bacian Royal Jewel, a powerful artifact said to
grant one wish to whoever possessed it, and then
I waited. Truly, I do not know what I expected,
though had I not been blinded by such foolish
thoughts, I no doubt would have realized the
words that were to pass from her lips.
“Above all,” my mother declared, her voice
ringing proudly throughout the room, “I wish to
give birth to a son.”
The Dream Encounter:
After finally realizing how horrible her
parents are, and that there would never be a
reconciliation, Czerina fled the palace in despair.
She intended to retreat from the world and to
 live out the rest of her life with Moksha among
the Druids, cutting herself off from all that which
caused her pain. Unfortunately, Gavran and
Evengja had other plans. As long as their daughter,
the hero of the people, was still alive, the reign of
their son would never be safe. Thus, after Evengja
had finally given birth to the child she and Gavran
had always hoped for, they sent assassins to rid
their family of Czerina once and for all.
In this dream sequence, the adventurers
will get to play the assassins that were sent to kill
her. In order to do this, they must decide two
things: who their assassin is, and how they attempt
to kill Czerina (it’s clear she survives, after all).
In order to plan their assassinations, tell
the players the following information:
It has been two years since the coronation of
Gavran and Evengja. Though Evengja gave birth
9 months later, they had to be sure the child
would survive.
Czerina is living in a cave complex deep in the
woods with a circle of druids and their families.
Every few months, Czerina hikes out to the
nearest town to indulge in the comforts of
civilization and buy supplies for the circle and
their families.
Czerina pays a local farmer to take care of her old
war horse. She always visits before heading back
into the woods.
Encourage your players to be creative,
but as they describe the assassination attempt,
you’ll have to decide how the attempt fails. This
is intended to feed the players information on
some of Czerina’s abilities and allow them to start
planning for future confrontations. Becoming
the Blood Queen only empowered the skills that
Czerina already possessed, after all. Even before
the ritual and the deal with Czernobog, Czerina
was an excellent warrior, a proficient caster, and a
novice druid.
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
378
Entry 6:
I
n the third year of my exile,
something terrible began to happen
along the coasts. Villages were
raided. Sickness began to spread
through the forest. Curses began to
spread. My parents did nothing. Or
perhaps I simply never waited to see what they
would do. They certainly were slow enough. It was
clear that my people had once more come under
threat, and though Moksha begged me to help in a
different way, I couldn’t stand by while my people
bled and my land burned. I couldn’t. So I sent out
the call that I was raising the banners again, and
though my parents did protest that, declaring me
outlaw, none dared to stop me.
Thousands flocked to join my army once
more, and I called upon the Dwarves to uphold
their Oath to me. They answered, although
grudgingly, sending the King’s least favored
daughter to lead their dwarven army. If only my
parents had been dwarves…
Could you think of it?
Alas, it matters not. By the time my army
was fully raised, a stranger came to me. He was
Elven, and claimed to be a spy working against the
enemy. His tale was fantastical, though Moksha
only nodded sagely to confirm all that he said. No
matter how our relationship ended, I trust her to
advise me more than any other.
Beleroth is the stranger’s name. We
have accepted him into our camp, and with his
knowledge, and our numbers, victory is assured.
The Dream Encounter:
You find yourself standing in a massive
glade filled with megalithic standing stones, some
almost twenty feet high. They are carved with
crazed ruins that seem to squirm beneath your
gaze, and with you is Czerina herself, still younger
and still breathing, as well as Beleroth, several
dozen soldiers and a large group of prisoners.
 You know that among the prisoners is
Gulthias himself, along with the ancestors of the
Reinwalds, and many other elves.
Czerina is debating with Beleroth over
what to do with the prisoners and they call
the adventurers over to advise them on how
to proceed.
In Czerina’s opinion, they should spare
all but Gulthias (who looks as though he’s barely
alive as it is).
In Beleroth’s opinion, they should
kill them all.
The adventurers are asked to weigh in and
argue in support of one side or another, though
of course creativity is welcome. It should be clear
that, though Czerina and Beleroth disagree, the
glances they give and the contact they initiate
show that they’re in a relationship. Moksha is,
notably, not present.
This encounter should once more
emphasize Czerina’s heroic past, in contrast to
what she is now. Ultimately, the dream will end
with her getting her way.
Entry 7:
ears have passed. I have known
Y
almost two decades of peace and
happiness, but it is not to last. My
family still plagues me. Why was
I cursed to have such a wretched
existence? All the joy and serenity I
knew is now nothing more than salt sprinkled
upon the wound. Even now, they cannot let me
go.
A fleet was spotted, bearing the flag of my
Brother. Nevermind that his crown is stained with
the blood of our parents. He is Tsar now, and he
sails to claim my kingdom for his own.
I feel as though, no matter what happens, I
will never simply live again.
APP 1. THE MIRROR OF CZERINA GAVRANOVA
379
The Dream Encounter:
You find yourselves standing in the
top room of an archaic stone tower. Beleroth,
Moksha, and Czerina are there with you. They
are discussing the invasion. It is not going well.
Alexandros’ army is only days away from claiming
the whole island, and word has already spread that
his soldiers are slaughtering thousands.
They all agree that the ritual must be
conducted now, though they will still have to slow
his army further. They have a few choices:
• They could stop the evacuation of the
remaining settlements, slowing the army as
they kill and pillage.
• They sacrifice their remaining soldiers in a
suicidal battle.
• They turn to the Reinwalds for help and
offer them noble titles, dooming thousands
to be ruled by werewolves.
• They grow even more indebted to the Queen
of Terror and ask for Fey reinforcements.
Considering that Czerina has already
bargained her soul, and that elevating werewolves
into power is a horrible idea, there aren’t any
good options.
The adventurers are asked to weigh in
and share their opinions. The dream ends when
Czerina decides that the Reinwalds are the lesser
evil and the least damaging to her people.
This is the final dream encounter, and the
last glimpse of who Czerina used to be.
The Mirror Ends Here.