The Vanishing Castle

A Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition adventure

for 4 to 6 Tier 4 (17th - 20th level) characters.

by Jon Zierden

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook, Monster
Manual, Dungeon Master's Guide, D&D Adventurers League, 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. All characters and their distinctive likeness are
property of Wizards of the Coast. This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any
reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork contained herein is prohibited without the express written permission
of Wizards of the Coast. This work contains material that is the copywrite of 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
is the copywrite 2015 of Jon Zierden and is published under the Dungeon Masters Guild Community Content Agreement.
The Vanishing Castle
O
ver one millennium ago, there was an attempt
at war. This attempt was made by the tides of
chaos to impose their dominion over the
Prime Material Plane, and thus forever skew
the balance between chaos and its brother, law.
This war was stopped before it could fully
begin by the lords of the Meridian Valley.
The Meridian Valley was once a thriving city-state ruled in
triumvirate by three powerful heroes. Bernard Blarnstaff was
a renowned wielder of magic and wizard beyond compare.
Prescott Parsons was a paladin righteous and true, his
martial prowes unmatched in single combat. Finally, Father
Timothy Tudolph was a devote follower of Dunblas, the
Justice Maker, and a high cleric in his church. These three
lorded over the Meridian Valley and crafted it into a thriving
bastion of civilization during a wild era. This peace lasted for
years on end until one day demonic hordes sought to sunder
the Prime Material Plane.
Unknown to the rulers, the Meridian Valley was a location
where the Weave, the source of all magic, was uncommonly
exposed. This caused crops to grow well and luck to be in the
favor of the inhabitants of the valley. However, it also allowed
Ahazu, the Seizer to bring his legions of dread into the Prime
Material Plane. Bernard, Prescott, and Father Tim fought
valiantly against the vile tides of chaos. Alas, the city center,
the Palace of the Paladin, and the Temple of Dunblas all fell.
The final stand was made at Castle Blarnstaff. As the
demons overran the castle, Archmage Blarnstaff performed
his last great act. Not wanting the demons to overtake the
castle, uncover the secrets within, and use those powers
against the rest of the world he summoned all of his might.
Bernard wished. The arhcmage wished for time to stop. He
wished for the threads reality to wrest the castle from the
very fabric of time and space. But, even Bernard Blarnstaff
was no true master of the Weave. His haste made the wish
imperfect. Though the advance of Ahazu’s force was stopped,
the castle had been perched between the dimensions. Stuck
between planes of existence. Bernard landed his castle in the
same “tween dimension” used by psionics who are
disciplined in the major science of dimension walking. By
Bernard's imperfection, the castle phases in and out of the
Prime Material Plane as well as reality itself to this day.
Forced to appear and disappear forever.
Running the Adventure
To enhance the experiance of the players and help you do
your best job as a Dungeon Master, take into account the
following pieces of advice.
Disclaimer to the DM
If it is ever your intent to be a player character in this
adventure quit reading now. Give this document to your
friendly neighborhood DM, and sit quietly while waiting for
adventure to unfold around you. However, if your intent is to
run a party of adventurers through this standalone plug and
play module as a DM, by all means, read on.
This module assumes that the DM has access to the
Player’s Handbook, the Monster Manual, the Dungeon
Master’s Guide, as well as Volo’s Guide to Monsters.
Furthermore, this adventure is designed with the intention
to be dropped into any setting in any world by any creative
DM. Thus, there is no one set reason as to why a troupe of
seasoned adventurers might find themselves here. You, the
DM, may create any reason you would like. You could spin
this location into your world seamlessly, nicely woven into an
existing narrative, or you may treat this location as just
another that can be explored in a vast and open world.
Adventure Hooks
For those DMs that are strapped for time here are a few
quest hooks to intrigue a set of adventurers. Any of these
quest hooks may be used, altered, or disregarded completely
for the sake of getting the party of adventurers interested in
the investigation of this location.
Lordly Reconnaissance
A local lord has heard tell of a magically charged valley off in
the distant wilderness. The lord feels that the magic of this
land might help his people. He has proposed a handsome
reward for any adventurers that investigate and report back.
Historic Curiosity
One of the party members knows of an ancient battle that
happened near this area long ago. It might have even taken
place in the valley that is single day's travel away. This party
member is convinced that this location contains more than
meets the eye and is worthy of invesigation.
Abyssal Cartography
On a recent adventure the party happened accross an odd
map found on the corspe of a slain foe. The map depicts a
valley of ancient structures in a state of terrible decay. An
Abyssal message is written on the map: “Beware the wizard!"
A Disturbance in the Weave
A spellcaster in the party senses an odd disturbance in their
flow of magic and by extension in the very Weave itself. They
feel that the natural order of magic is somehow askew. The
search for this disturbance leads the party to the valley where
the spellcaster is driven to find the source of this irregularity.
The Damsel in Distress
It is said that there is a fair maiden by the name of Cindra
trapped in the valley somewhere and whomever comes to her
aide will have their wildest wishes granted. This story is the
stuff of legend, but due to a tip from a friend of the group the
adventurers feel compelled to sort the truth of the matter.
Ancestral Calling
A member of the party is compelled in a dream to "quell the
encroaching tides of chaos" by an ancient ancestor (one of
the lords of the Meridian Valley). Not fully able to make sense
of the vision, the party member is driven to find clarity by
investigating the valley where their ancestor once trod.
PART 1 | INTRODUCTION
1
2
A Test of Endurance
This adventure is a test of endurance. The party is meant to
have immense difficulty with regard to the speed at which
they choose to use their abilities and resources. This
difficulty is only accentuated once the party finds themselves
stuck in the Vanishing Castle itself where they are unable to
rest. Make sure that the adventurers are aware that they need
not solve all problems posed in this adventure via combat, or
at all. Resorting exclusively to combat could very well only
deplete their power and make the rest of the adventure more
difficult. Due to this challenge of endurance, there are many
magical items that may only be used once, such as potions
and scrolls, that may be utilized by the party. However, these
items are not meant to be used lightly. These items are
provided throughout the adventure as tools for use once the
party finds themselves in the Vanishing Castle where a bit
more help might be needed. Use narrative tools to prompt the
adventurers to be sparing with their use of these items until it
becomes a necessity.
The Approach
As the group draw near the Meridian Valley they may notice
that the wilderness grows more densely here than is usual in
this part of the world. Additionally, those who are prone to the
arcane persuasion may feel a slight arcane tingling around
them. This tingling is not ominous, it is simply unusual. This
is caused by the fallout from Bernard’s magic as well as the
thinness of the Veil and exposure of the Weave. As the players
approach the peak of the rugged southwestern outcropping of
the valley, read the following:
Viewing the expanse before you, it’s hard to draw your
attention away from anything other than the natural beauty of
the valley below. A river runs through the dense forest flowing
from the western heights down into the valley and out the
southern end. Long has it been since the valley below has seen
the tending of civilization. As you look more closely, you see
near the river in the southern portion of the valley a small,
broken, and long-destroyed town center. Trees come up to the
edge of the decaying buildings. Further northeast on the valley
floor are the ruins of a keep. Not far from the keep is a smaller
structure. This half broken building is in the same state as its
neighbor. Both ruins are gripped by the surrounding forest.
Finally, you spot the most unusual part of the valley.
Shimmering in the distance on the western slope towers an
immaculate castle that appears as if it were built only
yesterday. After turning to your fellow adventurers to remark
on its beauty, you see that the castle has vanished.
The Vanishing Castle has just phased out of existance. The
castle now drifts through the 'tween dimension as a forgotten
island. When the castle is out of the Prime Material Plane its
space in the valley apprears in one of two states: a barren
land or an arcane storm. At your discretion as DM, read
either of the descriptions bellow to your players when you
would like to describe the castle's state in either of the
following ways:
The previously pristine palace perched on the rising western
slope of the valley is no more. Standing in its place is the
rubble of a long forgotten stronghold, around which is
churning an arcane swirl of magical fallout. Bright greens meld
with vibrant purples and blues in a storm of eldritch energy
that surrounds the ruins of this sundered castle. This may be
no ordinary valley.
The area which the castle once occupied is now a barren scar
on the lanscape. Lifeless stone and dirt devoid of any flora or
fauna. This may be no ordinary valley.
As a narrative tool, freely mix these states of being to
provide a tranistionary affect from ruined land absent of the
castle to roiling storm of the castle's afterimage.
When the castle is phased into the fabric of the Prime
Material Plane it appears precisely as it did on the day of the
battle against Ahazu and his tides of chaos. When it is
narratively appropriate (such as if the players decide to rest
anytime in the valley; during a heated discussion between the
players; or when the party has made a new decision on there
course of action) note to the players that something seems
different and that castle as faded back into (or out of) the
Prime Material Plane. Use the castle as your most powerful
narrative tool. Even if the castle seems to be in existance
make sure that the adventuring party is unable to
gain access until they have adequately
explored the other major
locations of the valley.
Always save the
best for last.
PART 1| INTRODUCTION
3
 The City Center
The city center lies in ruin on the floor of the valley. Next to it Inhabitant Knowledge
runs a wide and quick moving river that spills from the If any of the inhabitants of the city center are
western peak of the valley. The dilapidated city center is now interrogated by the players, they may be persuaded
home to a group of humanoids. This group is comprised of or intimidated into divulging some of the following
useful information.
giants, trolls, ogres, and a few goblins. This unusual
assortment of creatures is held together by the iron will of The leader of this group is Chief Dak, the fire
their fire giant chieftain who by chance found his way out of giant. All are afraid to challenge his orders, but
the Vanishing Castle. no one likes that he is a fire giant. He loves
Interspersed among the broken structures of the city dancing and song.
center stand six large buildings. The humanoids have taken They think more than 20 things live in the city
up residence in these buildings. There are no discerning center, but they aren’t very good at numbers.
marks on the buildings to tell what they could have been Every night, a hunting party goes out to find
before they were repurposed. In the center of the open area is food. The trolls always go with.
a massive fire pit used for cooking. The fire pit is always The ruins in the woods to the north are scary
tended. and filled with monsters. They never go near.
(This is in reference to the demons in the
General Features Temple of Donblas who occasionally take a
The passage of time has not been kind to the city center of worg, troll, or giant as prey or slaves.)
The ruins on the western slope of the valley are
the Meridian Valley. Over the years creatures and nature have dangerous and the magic is scary. They never
ensured the slow and steady decay of the structures. hunt there. Hundreds of floating lights fly
Ceilings. The ceiling height of all of the standing buildings around there. (This is in reference to the hive of
is 20 feet unless stated otherwise. This is because of the will-o-wisps near the Vanishing Castle.)
mostly collapsed floors on upper levels of the buildings.
Doors. There are no doorways left intact in the city center.
The walls of the standing buildings have been destroyed and
the gaping holes are now used for entry and exit.
Construction. The construction of the buildings in the city
center is that of stone work foundations upon which are built
structures of timber and plaster.
Combat. If an attack occurs and is noticed, any creature
will try to alert the rest of the camp to aid in the battle.
Additionally, if the battle is particularly loud, there is a 20%
chance in the nighttime that the kidnapping party from the
Temple of Donblas will come and join the battle.
Times of Day
Depending on the time of day, activity differs in the camp. In
the morning, any inhabitants that had hunted the night
before are returning. Two ogres will be stoking the fire pit
preparing food for the day. There is a 65% chance that three
goblins and a worg will be around the fire annoying the
ogres. During the daytime, there is general activity
throughout the city center. At any time there are 2d6 various
creatures from any of the dwellings milling about. Except for
the trolls who sleep during the day and only come out at
night. At dusk the inhabitants are on their way out to hunt.
There will be 3d6 creatures milling about including the trolls
which are just beginning to awaken. During the night a
hunting party goes out to find food for the group. This group
includes all five trolls, a hill giant, at least two ogres, at
least two worgs, and at least one goblin. If the players are
resting on valley’s wooded floor, there is a 50% chance of an
encounter with the hunting party.

PART 2 | THE CITY CENTER

4
1. Chief Dak's Manse
This structure has been fortified by any scrap metal the giant
tribe could find. The leader of this group, a fire giant named
Dak makes his home here. In addition to the fire giant, in his
manse resides a hill giant, two trolls, three ogres, three
worgs, and five goblins. All of these creatures will fight
alongside their fire giant chief. The trolls are often asleep and
will join any battle late. If things begin to look poorly for the
giant kin, the goblins will attempt to flee into the woods. Dak
will fight to the death to preserve his honor, though once he
falls below half HP he will double down on his combative
intimidation tactics in an attempt to make his challengers run
away.
Treasure. In this building, the wealth of the group is kept.
There are coins of various types totaling 641gp. There are
also three gems of notable size. There is a ruby worth 200gp,
an opal worth 300gp, and a rough cut hunk of jet the size of
the fire giant’s fist worth 800gp. In the pile of treasure there
are two potions, a potion of haste and a philter of
persuasiveness (Appendix A).
2. The House of Slumber
This building is home to three ettin, two hill giants, two
ogres, and three goblins. Whenever there are any creatures
in these quarters, they are sleeping among the stone rubble
and timber debris from the half destroyed structure.
If there is a particularly loud battle, the sleeping
inhabitants of this house have a 15% chance to wake and
fight after rousing.
3. Training Kennel
Two hill giants, an ogre, and three worgs live here. This is
where the worgs are trained and ‘domesticated’ into pets and
hunting companions for the group.
Due to their aggression over the constant state of
starvation in which the worgs are kept, any perceived food
(meat, a Small or Medium beast, a Small adventurer, an
unarmored adventurer, a familiar, ect.) will cause any worg
that sees it to challenge its restraints. The chain collar
restraints which hold the worgs are either held by a giant
during training requiring a contested Strength check to
escape, or staked to the ground requiring a DC 13 Strength
check to escape.
In t
most
Playing Chief Dak break
Dak speaks common and is knowledgeable about
the main floor of the Vanishing Castle as he was
trapped there for some time and was able to luckily
escape through a portal he beleives was sent by
Surtr, deity of fire giants. If the players attempt to
speak to or bargain with Dak they will have a tough
time doing so due to his belief that he is too
strong to be defeated. He is pompous about his
control of an entire hoard of giant kin and goblin
kind. Any Charisma (persuasion) attempt against
Dak has a base DC of 22, any Charisma
(intimidation) has a base DC of 28, but any
Charisma (performance) has a base DC of 15. If
asked about the Vanishing Castle, Dak will say that
he would never go back to face the Giant’s Bane.
The sword that killed his brothers in the crystal
forest (area 2) of the Vanishing Castle.
4. Troll Nest
This hovel is home to three trolls, though it appears as if
many more once lived here. These extra inhabitants have
been kidnapped and taken by the demons of the Temple of
Donblas. Trolls are by nature more feral than their giant tribe
members. As such this building is nothing but a nest of putrid
hides and rotting meat.
Hazard. If any adventurer attemps to Hide in this area,
they must suceed on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or
they become Poisoned for the next minute from the
debilitting stench and rot of the putrid nest.
Treasure. In this building, hidden within the nest, are two
pieces of treasure: a scroll of telepathy and a potion of
heroism. These items can each be spotted by a player with a
passive Wisdom (perception) of 21 or higher, or a DC 20
Wisdom (perception) check.
5. Unstable Shack
A hill giant and three ogres call this building home.
The roof of this building is visibly unstable. This instability
can be spotted by a character with a passive Wisdom
(perception) of 25 or higher, by a DC 13 Wisdom (perception)
or Intelligence (investigation) check, or by any player
proficient with carpenter's tools. If 20 or more damage is
done to any wall the roof will collapse. The structure has an
AC of 14 and resistance to piercing damage, an immunity to
psychic and necrotic damage, and a vulnerability to thunder
and bludgeoning damage. Any creature underneath the
falling ceiling will take 5d10 bludgeoning damage or half as
much on a sucessful DC 19 Dexterity saving throw.
6. Goblin Hangout
This is by far the smallest building with a ceiling of only 10ft.
It is the hideaway from giant eyes of four goblins and a worg.
PART 2 | THE CITY CENTER
5
 .

6
The Temple of Donblas
Once upon a time, this was Father Timothy’s Temple of
Donblas. A mighty bastion of piety ruined in the battle against
the abyssal tides of chaos long ago. The demons that were
fortunate enough to escape the Vanishing Castle and their
new found minions now inhabit this ruin. It is uncommon
that anything escapes the churning arcane storm of the
Vanishing Castle. However, if they do manage such a feat they
usually meet death in the surrounding wilderness. This small
group of demons has made the ancient Temple of Donbas
their new home. Although they find some of the residual holy
magic distasteful, they have found that they can obtain shelter
here and that the nearby giant kin are good fodder for
hunting, taunting, and toying.
General Features
Similarly to the city center, time has not been a friend to the
Temple of Donblas. The woods choke the crumbling stone
hewn structure.
Ceilings. Ceilings are 15 feet high unless stated otherwise.
Doors. Apart from the rubble strewn holes in the sides of
the structure which are more commonly used than the
doorways, the doors are made of heavy and slightly rotten
timbers unless stated otherwise.
Floor. The floors are made of dirty, but still smooth, marble
flagstones.
Times of Day
The various creatures in the Temple of Donblas will be in
different places depending upon the time of day. In the
morning the three hill giants will be within 100ft of the
temple, returning from their mission from the night before.
During the daytime, most inhabitants are sleeping. There is a
85% chance that the glabrezu will be out roaming the nearby
woods in the guise of a young boy. If he encounters the
adventurers, he will attempt to lure them back to the temple
as the sun is setting. At dusk the inhabitants are beginning to
awaken, the dretches will move into the main worship space
to taunt and generally annoy the trolls. At night a kidnapping
party of three hill giants are sent to steal more of their kin
from the city center, though they are very rarely successful.
Additionally, all of the demons are awake at this time. The
goristro will be out in the woods within 200ft of the temple
attempting to eat anything it can find. When approaching at
this time the players have a 60% chance of randomly
encountering the goristro.
1. Main Worship Hall
The ceiling of this large room is domed and a sizeable
portion has been blown out of it. Faded and partially eroded
religious murals that depict Donblas, the Justice Maker,
adorn the filthy walls of this room. Centrally located on a dais
is an altar. The room is a mess due to the current inhabitants.
However, the altar is in pristine condition. This is due to
residual good emanating from it; the altar and everything in a
5ft radius is under the effect of a hallow spell placed by
Father Timothy long ago.
This room is now the home of four trolls shackled to the
floor that have been forced into servitude by the demons who
reside in the other parts of the temple. The trolls can be seen
missing portions of their musculature. This is because the
demons of the temple have been using the regenerative
ability of the trolls to supply themselves with constant meat.
The demons take care to take only as much meat off of the
trolls as they will be able to regenerate in a day. If a battle
takes place in this location, any other inhabitants of the first
floor of the temple will come to join the fray. Additionally, if
necessary, the trolls will attempt to break the chains binding
them this may be accomplished by a successful DC 16
Strength (athletics) check.
2. Acolytes' Chamber
This was once a sparsely decorated, but functional residential
quarter for acolytes of Donblas. It is now a complete mess.
The new inhabitants of this room, seven dretches¸ have
turned it into a sty.
Treasure. There is a small amount of treasure in this
room. If the players take time to gather it from the filth on the
floor they will find various coins totaling 73gp. The dretches
will join any fight taking place in area 1 or 3.
3. Acolytes' Study
This room once served as a place of study for the lesser
priests of the temple that lived in area 2. However, now three
hill giants are enslaved here.
The giants have been successfully brainwashed by the
glabrezu that lives in area 4a and will fight on their behalf.
They are regularly sent out in the attempt of "recruiting" their
former brothers. The giants will attempt to convince the
adventurers of the good and love of their demonic masters.
Treasure. A secret chest is built into a wall of this room. It
can be spotted by a character with a passive Wisdom
(perception) score of 19 or higher or by a successful DC 17
Wisdom (perception) or Intelligence (investigation) check.
Trap. The secret chest is trapped with poison darts that
can be spotted by a character with a passive Wisdom
(perception) score of 22 or higher or with a successful DC 20
Wisdom (perception) check. The trap can be disarmed by a
DC 24 Dexterity (thieves’ tools) check. Anyone within 10ft of
the trap when it is sprung must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity
saving throw or take 8d6 poison damage and be Poisoned for
24 hours. In the chest is a potion of healing, a ring of fire
resistance, and a bag containing 300gp.
4. Cleric’s Sitting Quarters
This room was once the adjoined living area of the bedroom
in area 4a. It now reeks of an odor so foul that it confers
disadvantage on Wisdom (perception) checks that rely on
smell to any who pass through it for the following 1d4 hours.
This room's goristro inhabitant is the source of the odor.
The goritsro sleeps for most of the day unless called upon
by the glabrezu in area 4a or battle that he can take part in
breaks out. The goristro wears a pair of bracers of defense.
The door to the hall has been destroyed leaving a large hole
through which the goristro enters and exits the room. The
goristro will not hesitate to destroy walls during battle.
PART 3 | THE TEMPLE OF DONBLAS
7

Treasure. There is a small box of treasure that is almost
completely covered by filth in this room that can be spotted
by a character with a passive Wisdom (perception) of 23 or
higher or by a successful DC 18 Wisdom (perception) check.
The box is filled with 89gp and among the coins is a scroll of
wall of force, and a scroll of legend lore.
4a. Cleric's Living Quarters
This room was once the sleeping quarters of a cleric of
higher station. Now this room is home to Genkk the glabrezu
who wears an amulet of seeming (Appendix A). The room is
well kept for the home of a demon.
Treasure. In this area stands an aged writing desk within
which is leather bound journal and at the foot of the bed is a
modest looking chest inside of wich is 500pp. At the bottom
of the chest there is a secret panel that can be spotted by a
character with a passive Wisdom (perception) of 26 or higher
or by a successful DC 25 Wisdom (perception) check. Inside
the false bottom panel is a small brass bell of ordinary
appearance. This is a bell of fireballs (Appendix A).
Journal. The first few pages worth of entries detail the day
to day goings on in the temple a thousand years ago. After
these pages there is a break and a new script emerges. This
writing is in Abyssal and it is the day to day recollection of the
glabrezu. However Genkk’s perception of time has become
skewed. Genkk's entries are constantly fraught with repetiton.
If an hour is spent reading this volume, the reader will gain
insight into the past of Genkk and how it is tortured by the
fact that this small contingent of demons was whisked from
the Vanishing Castle and Cindra was not.
Playing Genkk
Genkk the glabrezu speaks common and serves as
a leader of this contingent of demons due to its
fierce intellect. The only reason that these demons
have not scattered to wreak havoc on the prime
material plane is because the glabrezu is unusually
loyal, for a demon, to Cindra the marilith that is still
trapped in the Vanishing Castle. He will wait as
long as necessary to reunite with his commander. If
spoken to, Genkk still believes that the battle that
took place centuries ago happened only a few days
ago. This belief is brought on by the time that the
glabrezu has spent in the Vanishing Castle. The
irregular passage of time in that place has warped
his perception of continuity. Genkk, unsure if his
time in the castle was merely a dream, is plagued
by guilt for having fallen to slumber only to awaken
(having been luckily consumed by a rare portal) in
the Prime Material Plane. The glabrezu will try to
opportunistically join any fight in the temple.
Genkk may try to disguise itself using its amulet of
seeming and trick the players into helping it. If the
the players attempt to pursuade or intimidate
Genkk, such checks have a base DC of 25.
PART 3 | THE TEMPLE OF DONBLAS
8
5. Secret Passage
Hidden Doors. The secret passage at the rear of the temple
leads to two stairwells that descend to the lower level. The
passage has two entrances. The opening lever under the
northeast corner flagstone of each hall can be spotted by a
character with a passive Wisdom (perception) of 17 or higher
or by a successful DC 16 Wisdom (perception) check. Once
either lever is pulled the disembodied voice of Father Tim
will ask "Who enters the temple of Donblas?" The correct
response is "A servant of law."
Traps. Each door is protected by a glyph of warding with a
DC of 17. Each glyph is an explosive rune that will blast the
entire hallway with cold damage if triggered. The trigger for
the glyph is if the secret door is opened without the correct
response.
6. Tim’s Sitting Room
The lower level of the Temple of Donblas has remained
untouched since the day of the attack by Ahazu’s demonic
hordes. The players can now see how wonderful the temple
once was. The lower levels reveal that the marble stonework
of the temple was once a vibrant white polished to a mirror-
like shine. This room was the sitting area of Father Timothy
in which he took meetings. In this room there is a set of
chairs, a table of fine woodworking, and an impressive rug. If
the players decide to take the furniture, it could be sold for as
much as 400gp in the right market.
Treasure. On a side table in the corner of the room next to
a chair there is a small chest. The chest is magically shut
with an arcane lock. The lock can be forced open or picked by
a DC 30 Strength check. Inside of the chest is a silver letter
opener worth 75gp, a ruby worth 200gp, a gold chalice
worth 1000gp, a platinum ingot worth 1400gp, and some
letters of official correspondance.
Letters. Under any inspection, the players will see that the
letters are simple notes of correspondence written to Father
Timothy from the other lords of the valley: Prescott Parsons
and Bernard Blarnstaff. The topics discussed range from
valley governance and political issues, the state of the Lord
Prescott's guard regiments, and the lords' secure vault built
in service and justice to Donblas. Some of the latest notes
detail a sense of inexplicable dread experianced by all three
lords with regard to the coming days of the valley.
7. Worship Space
This room is unoccupied except for a small raised dais in the
middle. On the walls are simple religious murals of Donblas,
the Justice Maker. The room is warm and comfortable to
those of lawful alignment. The first character of lawful
alignment to pray in this room sees a astral projection of a
messenger of their lord. This emissary will answer one
question without error. However, if the deity would not know
the answer the question is wasted and the vision disappears.
Additionally, if a cleric uses their divine intervention class
feature here the chance of success is doubled.
Ambush. As the party begins to depart from this room five
babau that typically live upstairs have found their way down
to ambush and surprise the party in the hallway.
8. The Mural Hall
The stone walls of this hall are painted from floor to ceiling
with ornate murals of Donblas, the Justice Maker. Some
murals show him in the setting of a heavenly court, others
show the god on the battlefield leading legions of law into the
Abyss to do battle with demons, some show Donblas healing
the wounded, yet others show Donblas, the Justice Maker,
locked in single combat with Arioch, Lord of the Seven Darks
and Knight of Swords. These murals are truly an impressive
sight, they must have been commissioned at a great price.
9. Library
This library is full of religious texts. These volumes could be
read to gain knowledge on Donblas, demons, or various other
religions. Also present is a small collection of writtings on the
elemental plane of ice. There are multiple work tables
cluttered with papers and long since burnt candles.
A table with a set of playing cards half dealt sits in a corner.
Three ghosts now reside in this library, they are the tortured
souls of three guards who were supposed to be on duty the
evening of the attack of the tides of chaos, over a thousand
years ago. Instead of walking their regular route, they had
snuck off to play cards. Because of this blunder, the army of
demons was able to get much closer to the city without being
spotted than they would’ve been able to otherwise. It is this
guilt that ties their souls to a restless undeath. If any
adventurer happens to be possessed by one of these ghosts
they are overwhelmed with a wave of guilt. On a successful
DC 15 Wisdom (insight) check a possessed adventurer
begins to understand the fate of these ghosts and the past of
the Meridian Valley. The ghosts are receptive to any apeal to
calm their guilty souls. If the adventurers sooth the shame of
the ghosts, the spirits will pass to their rest.
Treasure There are no valuables in this room other than
dry-rotten, though still readable, religious texts.
10. Study
This was Father Tim’s personal study once upon a time. The
room is filled with fine furniture and an ornate mahogany
desk. If the players have a mind to take this furniture it is
worth up to 700gp to the correct buyer. The room has various
papers, texts, and tomes sitting on side tables, the desk, the
chairs, and the couch. Any investigation will reveal that this is
the fruit of a haphazard and rushed attempt at demon
research. Father Tim tried to learn as much as he could
about his enemies in the hope of being able to banish them
back to the Abyss.
Trap. If the players investigate the desk they will see a
glyph of warding (8th level) with a DC of 19 on an upper
drawer that is not hidden. The glyph was placed by Father
Tim. In his haste he was unable to hide it. The glyph is of an
explosive nature dealing cold damage.
Journal. In the drawer is a journal bound in thick brown
leather entitled “A Servant of Law.” This was the personal
diary of Father Tim. "Service 3-1-1-4 ” and "Justice 2-2-4-1"
are written inside of the cover. The journal details the life and
times of Tim. One entry that stands out tells of how Prescott
forced Tim to stand for a portrait. In the most recent entries,
Tim became warry that some balance shifting event may be
on the horizon. He was right.
11. Tim’s Master Bedroom.
This is a beautiful bedroom with a canopy bed, simple but
lavish sitting furniture, and a finely carved wardrobe. This
furniture it is worth up to 1000gp to the correct buyer.
Tim's Portrait. A painting is leaned in a corner of this
room. The portrait is of a pale human with very short black
hair and a clean shaven face. He wears spectacles on the tip
of his rather long nose. He is dressed in plain white robes
with a golden cord belt. In one hand he carries a mace that is
glowing dully with divine energy, in the other he carries a
staff of knotted wood. Around his neck is a fine, but simple,
silver holy symbol of Donblas. The expression on his face is
one of boredom. Upon a small gold plate at on the bottom
portion of the frame is written “Timothy Tudolph”.
Hidden Door. This room holds a secret door leading to
area 12 spottable by a character with a passive Wisdom
(perception) of 23 or higher or by a successful DC 19
Wisdom (perception) check. The door is on the wall next to
the bed. A DC 17 Intelligence (investigation) check is needed
to open the door by finding the hidden lever under the corner
flagstone beneath Tim's portrait. This door cannot be forced.
12. The Vault
The secret doorway into this room is a portal to the
elemental demi-plane of ice. The room is made entirely of ice
that emanates a dim glow. Inside there is nothing but a large
chest and a statue both made of ice. The portal closes
immediately after 4 rounds, or after all but one party member
has entered the room.
Trap. Once any adventurer enters the room the statue will
step forward and ask “Who disturbs my slumber?” reviling
itself as an ice elemental (Appendix B). The ice elemental
will wait 2 rounds for a reply. If none comes, or the wrong
reply is given the elemental will attack. The correct response
is “A servant of law.” If at any point this phrase is uttered in
the room, the ice elemental will cease attacking and resume
its statuesque guard. All creatures suffer 1d8 cold damage at
the begining of each of their turns while in this room.
Whenever an adventurer moves in this room they must
succeed on a DC 10 Strength (athletics) or Dexterity
(acrobatics) check or else they fall prone. This room is in the
elemental plane of ice, thus fire cannot burn, it is too cold.
Once the door shuts, if any creature or adventurer is within
the room, four identical glowing buttons appear in a
horizontal row on both sides of the door. The buttons must be
pressed in the correct sequence to open the door an continue
a life in service of Donblas. The correct order (counting from
the right) is 3,1,1,4. If the sequence (counting from the right)
2-2-4-1 is ever pressed the door will lock from the respective
side, the glowing buttons will vanish, and the trespassers will
face the eternal justice of Donblas.
Treasure. Inside the chest in this room there is a bag
containing 3114gp, a diamond worth 2000gp, a potion of
invisibility, and a scroll of heroes feast, regeneration, and
greater restoration. Also within are a number of important
governmental documents crutial to the future of the valley.
Documents. A successful DC 24 Intelligence (investigation
or history) check to research the voluminous papers will revel
two notable groups of documents: "Writs of Service" created
in thanks to certain upright citizens of the valley and "Bonds
of Justice" written in condemnation of lawbreakers.
PART 3 | THE TEMPLE OF DONBLAS
9
10
The Palace of the Paladin
Once the keep of the paladin Lord Prescott Parsons, one of
the original rulers of the Meridian Valley, this structure has
fallen into the worst condition of the three major residences
of the rulers. Prescott's keep was once a vast multileveled
castle complete with training grounds and barracks for a
standing force of guards and paladin soldiers. However,
receiving the brunt of the initial attack of Ahazu’s army, it was
reduced to rubble. The castle is now inhabited by various
creatures who have found their way in through the years.
General Features
This set of buildings is in terrible condition. The ruins stand
in a large clearing of the woods. The trees are 60ft away from
any structure at the nearest.
Ceilings. Ceilings are 15 feet high with various portions of
structural collapse unless stated otherwise.
Doors. The doors are made of heavy and slightly rotten
timbers unless stated otherwise.
Floor. The floors are made of dirty, but still smooth
flagstones.
The Grand Tower
This structure was once a huge tower stretching toward the
sun. It now stands in ruin. Strewn across the surrounding
landscape are huge pieces of stone which once served as the
building blocks of this now decrepit ruin. There is only one
entrance into this area. It is on the northern most portion of
the outside wall of the tower. The entrance is partially
blocked by large pieces of rubble. Adventurers on the larger
side of the size category medium may have difficulty passing
through this tight threshold, and large or larger cretures will
not fit without moving rubble.
1. Blocked Room
The door of this room is blocked by a large stone from the
other side. To open the door requires a successful DC 20
Strength (athletics) check to force open.
Hazard. Immediately after the door is opened, all
adventurers standing within 10ft of the entry while still in the
hallway must succeed on a DC 19 Dexterity saving throw or
take 8d10 bludgeoning damage and be knocked prone due to
the rocks that now fall from above because of the removal of
the support of the rock on the other side of the door. Inside
the room there is nothing but rubble, a few cobwebs on the
western side produced by the phase spiders from room 2, and
a small burlap sack.
Treasure. In the sack are over a thousand miscellaneous
coins, mostly copper, totaling 91gp in value.
2. Guard Barracks
The hall leading to this room is covered in a light film of
spider web. This was once the barracks area of the guard
contingent that was captained by Prescott Parsons himself.
Now this room is choked with cobwebs. The cobwebs cause
difficult terrain and all creatures in the room to be considered
lightly obscured. Hiding in the higher cobwebs are six phase
spiders waiting to ambush any visitors.
Treasure. There are various pieces of treasure from
unfortunate adventurers that have passed into this lair stuck
in the cobwebs. There is a cumulative total of 64gp strewn
about in the form of various types of coins. Additionally, a
potion of flying can be found on the body of an ancient elvish
skeleton dressed in faded and moth-eaten maroon robes.
This skeleton is all that is left of an unfortunate adventurer.
3. Guard Armory
Immediately upon entry, four specters will attack the party.
These are the restless souls of soldiers that fought in the
battle between chaos and law. Apart from the restless
undead, this room contains a plethora of rusted and
completely useless weapons and armor that were once used
by the guards of the Meridian Valley.
Treasure. Among the useless arms and armor there are a
few pieces of magical treasure that can be spotted by a
character with a passive Wisdom (perception) of 28 or higher
by a successful DC 18 Intelligence (investigation) check over
the course of 3 hours. In a half rotted barrel in the corner
wrapped in a piece of leather can be found a +3 arrow as
well as a bottle of oil of slipperiness.
4. Soldier Barracks
This room was once used as a barracks for the paladin
soldiers under the command of Lord Prescott. It is filled with
beds and a few tables. In this room three chasme have taken
residence. These creatures have been stationed in the Grand
Tower by Genkk, the glabrezu in the Temple of Donblas.
Treasure. In one of the footlockers of this room there are
two potions of healing, a potion of superior healing, and a
love letter from the adoring spouse of a paladin soldier.
5. Paladin Armory
Other than the empty armor racks, there is no evidence to
suggest that this was once an armory. This is due to the
inhabitants. Two xorn and two rust monsters that the xorn
keep as pets have eaten all of the arms and armor as well as
any loose boulders that looked particularly tasty.
The xorn and rust monsters will not immediately attack the
players. Instead they will want to chat. During the course of
conversation the xorn will demand at least 1000 coins per
xorn and one piece of ferrous magical metal for each rust
monsters. They will accept any type of coin. If the players
refuse outright, the monsters will attack. If the players
negotiate with the xorn Charisma (intimidation) or Charisma
(persuasion) checks have a base of DC 23.
PART 3 | THE PALACE OF THE PALADIN
11
12
The Treacherous Tower
Rampart topped, this four level crumbling tower is visibly
unstable to the casual observer. The top of this structure
would afford a view of the entire valley floor. There is nothing
in the tower other than a stone gargoyle that has been
perched atop the ramparts since construction. The gargoyle
will awaken if the tower falls and has a 50% chance of
attacking if the tower topples and a 50% chance of
attempting to save a falling adventurer.
If the players decide to investigate the tower they must
succeed on a DC 12 Strength (athletics) or a DC 23 Dexterity
(acrobatics) check to climb to the next floor. On each level
there is a chance of the entire structure toppling.
On the first floor above the ground the chance is 10% for
each person. This chance increases for each floor above the
first including the ramparts by 10% per person. Falling from
the tower will result in 2d6 bludgeoning damage that
increases by 2d6 for each floor above the first.
The Strong Keep
The Strong Keep used to be the heart of Lord Prescott’s
personal residence. It is now a mound of rubble. To gain
access to the area the players must drop down through a hole
in the rubble on the northwest corner into room 1. To climb to
this entrance, any player must succeed on a DC 12 Strength
(athletics) check to climb over the rubble or else they take
1d6 bludgeoning damage from the minor falls of scrambling.
1. Meeting Hall
Hazard. The entry into this room is a 10ft drop. A DC 12
Dexterity (acrobatics) check must be succeeded to land
safely. If the check is failed, the character takes 1d6
bludgeoning damage and their speed is reduced to 10 for 12
hours resulting from their newly twisted ankle.
This room has the dry fragrance of settled dust. An ornate
but broken wooden table is the only fixture in this once grand
meeting room. The behir that now makes its home deeper in
the keep is the one that broke the thick timber of the meeting
table. The behir’s tracks are still somewhat visible in the dust.
A Wisdom (survival) check may be attempted by any member
of the party to see what broke the table and left the tracks. On
a score of 10 or less they gain no information. On a score of
11 to 17 they know that it is a large creature with more than
four legs that has come and gone repeatedly and that the
tracks are no more than four days old. On a score of 18 or
higher they gain the additional information that the tracks are
from a behir. The doorway out of this room has been broken
through. The door lays off its hinges on the floor amidst a
small bit of rubble.
2. Upper Staircase
In this area there is a grand spiral staircase that descends
into the lower level of the Strong Keep. Apart from the hole in
the northwestern corner of the wall this room shows the
ornate quality of the stonework of the Strong Keep.
There is a behir that calls this staircase its home. There is
a 30% chance that the behir is asleep on the staircase.
Additionally there is 50% chance every time the room is
entered that the behir will be in it. If it is not, that means that
the behir is in the room that contains the lower part of the
staircase. If the behir becomes aware of the presence of the
players, it will attempt to ambush them by hiding on the
stairway and waiting for the party's descent.
3. Library
Books related to combat, weapons, tactics, and strategy are
contained in this library. The librarian that once kept this
collection now keeps silent watch in the form of a ghost. The
ghost will remain inside of a bookcase watching the players
until any decide to investigate any of the books. In this case,
the ghost will attack. The ghost will flee from battle if it
reduced to less than two thirds of its hit point maximum. The
ghost will then hide inside of a wall to escape. If the
adventurers attempt to speak with the ghost he knows
everything about the history of the valley and will share his
knowledge willingly. He is remorseful with regard to the
battle between law and chaos. He knows very little about the
current circumstances of a valley. The only thing that he truly
cannot remember is his name.
Treasure. The ghost has spent his centuries of undeath as
a hoarder. Because of this there is much treasure to be had
among the shelves of the library. If the players wish to search
for this treasure, they must make an Intelligence
(investigation) check. If their result if lower than 10 they find
nothing. If the result is between 11 and 15, they find a silver
ingot worth 150gp and a scroll of ice knife. If their score is
between 16 and 20, they find a gold ingot worth 400gp that
the ghost stole from area 4 and scroll of firebolt, and a
scroll of wall of stone in addition to the previous treasure. If
their score is between 21 and 25, they find a jar of
Keoghtom’s ointment, a potion of longevity, and they open
the secret door that is hidden in a bookcase into area number
4 in addition to the previous treasure. If their score is
between 26 and 30, they find a flawless diamond worth
5000gp and +1 dagger in addition to the previous treasure.
If their score is between 31 and 33 they find a ring of
telekinesis in addition to the previous treasure. If their score
is 34 or higher they find a manual of gainful exercise
addition to all previous treasure. The manual was stolen from
area 4 by the library's undead caretaker.
PART 3 | THE PALACE OF THE PALADIN
13
 4. Prescott’s Secret Study
This room was the study of Lord Prescott when he was still
alive to co-rule the Meridian Valley. From floor to ceiling this
room's western wall is protected by bookshelves made from
spectacularly carved oak. A massive carved oaken desk and
chair precede the shevling. The desk is worth up to 400gp to
the correct buyer. A huge arm chair upholstered with the hide
of a green dragon occupies the corner, this chair is worth up
to 1000gp to the correct buyer. Next to the grand armchair
there sits an ornate golden book pedestal upon which used to
sit the manual of gainful exercise that the ghost in area 3
stole and hid in the library.
At the base of the portion of the reading pedestal is a small
three digit mechanical counter. This timer was keeping track
of how long the manual of gainful exercise had until it was
recharged. This timer has long since been half clicking,
displaying 0-0-0. On a successful DC 20 Intelligence (history)
check an adventurer may recall the 100 year recharge rate of
books of this nature and apply this knowledge to the pedestal
at hand. With this new information the party may reattempt
the Intelligence (investigation) check of area 3 with a +10
bonus. The bookshelves seem to have been stripped of the
biggest and most valuable volumes, this is the work of the
ghost in the library as well.
Treasure. Against the north wall next to the book shelf
there is a locked medium sized cabinet with a glass front.
The lock can be opened by the key in the top drawer of the
desk or it can be picked with a successful DC 16 Dexterity
(thieves’ tools) check. Inside the cabinet are three bottles.
The bottles can be seen from outside the cabinet, but due to
dust the bottles cannot be identified. Once the cabinet is open
it is clear that all of the bottles are labeled. There is one bottle
with a very wide base that tappers to a long slender neck
filled with elysian elven brandy worth 800gp to the correct
buyer. This brandy is now well over 2000 years old. The
second bottle is a squat rectangular crystal decanter filled
with a dark reddish brown liquid, this is dragon breath
whiskey worth 1000gp to the correct buyer. This whiskey is
now about 1100 years old. The third bottle is made of green
glass and is filled with a rich purple liquid. This is feywild
wine worth 5300gp to the correct buyer. This bottle is now
over 3500 years old. These three bottles were intensely rare
when Prescott first found them, now they have had another
millennium to age and mature.
PART 3 | THE PALACE OF THE PALADIN
14
5. Lower Staircase and Gallery
The grand staircase of area 2 meets the lower level here.
Depending on the luck of the party, the behir may or may not
be asleep or waiting to ambush the party in this location.
Once at the bottom of the stairs, the characters will notice
that in this area the walls are covered with masterworks of
canvas. Unfortunately the behir’s occupancy has ruined some
of the paintings. However, there are still many in pristine
condition.
These paintings include massive murals of the gods as well
as still lives, portraits, landscapes, and one particularly
beautiful portrait of a woman with long brown curly hair. This
is Lady Paige Parsons. These paintings could be sold to the
correct buyer for as much as 15000gp.
Prescott's Portrait. One painting that might catch the eye
of the players is a full body portrait of a bear of a man clad in
golden plate armor wrought in the most decorative manner.
Behind him is a grand window displaying a vista of the
Meridian Valley with the still standing Castle Blarnstaff in the
distance. In his right hand this massive human carries a
shortsword made of white metal that glows with a sacred
aura. Strapped to his left arm is a circular shield emblazoned
with a relief of the burning sun. A white cloak billows from
his shoulders. His light brown hair is slicked back on his
head and a scar runs across his left cheek parallel to his
harsh jawline. Upon a small gold plate at on the bottom of the
frame is written “Prescott Parsons.”
6. Trophy Room
On the walls of this personal trophy room of Lord Prescott
hang the heads of wild game including stags, bears, and dire
wolves. There are even a few trophies of the monstrous sort.
The head of an adult green dragon labeled “Vorinclex, the
Venom Fang.” This is the head of the dragon whose scales
are utilized in the armchair in area 4. Another mount
contains the horns of some demonic entity. The head of a
naga adorns the wall as well.
If the party so chooses they could gather the trophies and
attempt to sell them. To the correct buyer, the trophies would
be worth as much as 7500gp. This room is the only way to
access the guest room in area 7. It is obvious that this room
was meant to serve as a way to impress or intimidate guests
as they would have to walk through it frequently to gain
access to their quarters.
7. Guestroom
Once a guestroom, this chamber is furnished modestly and
covered in a thick layer of dust. The room is now home to
three grey oozes that will attempt to ambush the party if
they remain unseen on the ceiling of the room. When the
party is attacked by the oozes, if they retreat out the door and
into area 6 the oozes will not follow for fear of encountering
the behir, even if the behir is no longer alive. If the oozes are
slain, the party may rest here safely.
8. Family Room
This sitting room is furnished luxuriously with a small table
inlayed with gold filigree, a high backed armchair upholstered
with naga hide, and two low backed armchairs upholstered in
the same. To the correct buyer this furniture could be worth
as much as 2300gp. On one of the side tables there is a set of
knitting needles and a ball of moth eaten yarn, these items
once belonged to Lady Parsons. On the south wall of this
area is a large painting of Lord Prescott, his wife Lady
Parsons, and the small son of Lord and Lady Parsons not
more than eight years old dressed in fine clothes.
In this room resides a treacherous nothic (Appendix B)
with an unusual set of traits. The nothic has been changed
due to its natural eldritch origins in combination with its
investigations of the area around the Vanishing Castle as well
as its prolonged exposure to the valley where the Weave is so
exposed. Unfortunately for the nothic, these factors have
stolen its sanity. The nothic will use its invisibility to remain
unseen while gaining information about the party. It will use
this information via telepathy to attempt to disrupt the party’s
actions as it believes that they are there to capture and
torture it. The nothic will at all times try to pry information
out of the players about the Vanishing Castle and what
happened there, even if the party knows nothing about it. If
the nothic does not start to gain the information it seeks it
will attempt to sow discord within the party. The nothic will
only join in combat if it can get a few of the members of the
party to turn against the rest of the group.
Hidden Door. Hidden behind the family painting is a
secret door to area 9. This door can be spotted by a
character with passive Wisdom (perception)
of 19 or higher or by a successful DC 17
Intelligence (investigation) check.
The door is revealed once the
painting is swung outward.
The secret door is locked.
It can be opened with the
key from the desk in
area 4 or by a DC 16
Dexterity (thieves’ tools)
check.
9. Prescott’s Bedroom
This was once the bedroom of Lord and Lady Parsons. The
furnishings of this room are as lavish as the family room
through the secret door in area 8. The large bed is laden with
furs and the woodwork of the frame is carved with various
reliefs of heroic deeds accomplished by Prescott including:
slaying a green dragon, wrestling a minotaur, and defeating a
group of naga. Next to the bed is a night stand upon which
sits ancient note addressed to Prescot from Bernard
Blarnstaff. Blarnstaff makes Prescott aware of a will-o’-wisp
problem near his castle and asks Prescott would be so kind
as to lead a team of paladins into the cave to clear them out.
Treasure. There is a huge wardrobe filled with a variety of
moth eaten dresses however, there is one dress that looks
fresh and new. This is a dress of eloquence (Appendix A).
Trap. On the side of the room opposite the bed and
wardrobe is a small personal training area. This area is
partially collapsed and as such much of the combat targets
are half burried. If the rubble is cleared, requiring 10 minutes
and a combined Constitution of 42, the entire room will
collapse. All characters in the room suffer 12d10
bludgeoning damage, or half as much if they escape
the area on a successful DC 18 Dextarity saving
throw. Charaters within 10ft of the
entrance to area 8 suffer
no damage on a
sucessful
save.
PART 3 | THE PALACE OF THE PALADIN
15
16
The Vanishing Castle
Upon approach, the Vanishing Castle is phased into
existence. This is a magnificent castle to behold. It looks as
though it were completed only a few months ago. That is
except for the fact that the outer wall has a huge breach in
the southern portion. This castle originally belonged to one of
the co-rulers of the Meridian Valley, Archmage Bernard
Blanstaff. The final confrontation between law and chaos
happened here over one thousand years ago. However,
looking at the castle you would think it took place yesterday.
General Features
This castle perched on the side of the valley is truly
wondrous. The white stonework stretches high into the sky
above.
Ceilings. Inside the Vanishing Castle the ceilings are 20
feet high unless stated otherwise.
Doors. The doors are made of heavy timbers unless stated
otherwise.
Floor. The floors are made smooth and polished white
flagstones.
Exterior Walls. The exterior defensive walls of the castle
are 20 feet thick and 30ft tall.
Perimeter of Dislocation. The extent of Bernard's magic
is finite. The uneven demarcation surrounding the Vanishing
Castle is the cusp of the floating Prime Material island of the
castle grounds and the 'tween when the castle is phased out.
Voyaging past this mark would mean floating in the vista of
the unknown forever. The spell plane shift or other spells that
allow planar travel, having no solid plane to find footing will
not function within the perimeter of dislocation.
Time. Once inside the perimeter of dislocation as marked
on the map, time passes in a completely irregular fashion.
Because of this, any time the players attempt to rest, they
gain no benefits of the rest.
Exit. There are four ways in which to regain entry to the
Prime Material Plane of existence from the Vanishing Castle
once it has phased out of existence and into the ‘tween
dimension. The first is to wait for it to phase back into
existence. This may take seconds, or centuries. The phasing
of the castle is completely random (this is how Genkk and his
demons escaped - though the castle will not phase back into
the Prime Material Plane while the adventurers are within).
The second way to escape is through the hive of the will-o’-
wisps (Area 30F) that have unknowingly burrowed under the
castle and taken advantage of the exposure to the Weave in
having actually created a permanent entrance and exit to the
Vanishing Castle. The third is utilization of the planar door
(Area 30A). The fourth way of escape is to take advantage of
when the Vanishing Castle "bumps" into another plane
momentarily creating a portal for escape (this is how Dak
exited).
Guards and Wards. The majority of the Vanishing Castle’s
ground level is under the effect of the spell guards and wards
as marked on the map. All effects of this spell have a DC of
18. All hallways are shrouded in magical fog causing
everything to be heavily obscured. The fog also causes a 50%
chance of confusion and misnavigation at intersections of
corridors. All stairways are under the effect of a web. Also, all
doors have a 50% chance to be effected by an arcane lock.
Creatures. Due to the instability of the ‘tween dimension
and the altogether foreign passage of time in the Vanishing
Castle, its creatures suffer from ‘glitches’. On occasion a
portion of a creature such as a head, arm, torso, or a piece of
equipment that a creature is carrying or wearing will jerk or
catch as if it was momentarily stuck between two planes. The
glitches are quick and do not impact the statistics of the
creature.
1. The Courtyard
The courtyard is littered with the bodies of demons and
soldiers that fought in the battle between law and chaos. Due
to the irregular passage of time in and around the Vanishing
Castle the bodies are still warm, the blood is still fresh, and
the fires still burn from the battle. All of the best equipment
has been picked over by either beings from the castle or
creatures brave enough to venture this close to it.
As the adventurers enter the courtyard, they hear a
resounding crack. Nothing appears to have changed, except
for the fact that now the castle seems to be floating in a grand
vista of black with distant stars in what appears visually
similar to a moonless night sky. Everything beyond the
perimeter of dislocation is gone. The Vanishing Castle, and
the adventurers with it, have now phased out of existence.
After the crack of phasing the courtyard is now filled with
enemies: seventeen manes, three vrock, five tanarukk, and
a balor can be seen. Invisible perched on a column is Cindra,
the marilith’s familiar, a quasit, whose job it is to supervise
the others. They are milling about fruitlessly attempting to
scavenge anything that they can from the courtyard to bring
back to their cruel leader, Cindra. If these demons are
attacked the quasit will not fight. Instead it will use its
telepathic link to the marilith to commentate on the battle. At
initiative 25 on the third round of the battle two nalfeshnee
will join the fray. These demons have been sent by the
marilith to dispatch the adventurers. If any of creatures sent
to support the minor demons are reduced to half health or
less, the marilith will send more support. Two turns of
combat after this, three babau will join the battle from within
the castle, once again, sent by the marilith. If the tide of the
battle goes against the demons, the quasit will flee.
2. The Crystal Forest
The entranceway to the Vanishing Castle proper is a marvel
to behold. This room is blanketed in fog spilling over from the
castle corridors due to guards and wards. The fog mingles
with giant trees made of clear crystal that fill the room and
support the ceiling. The walls are enchanted to give the
appearance that the forest goes on for miles. Anything more
than a glance will show this to be an illusion. Floating
through the room are small butterflies and lightning bugs
that shed just enough light for the area to be dimmly lit.
Treasure. Stuck in the trunk of one of the massive trees is
a two handed sword which has pinned a fire giant to its
death. This is the sword of the favored enemy (Appendix A).
This sword is known as “Banger” or “Giant’s Bane” by the
giants that reside in the castle. This sword requires a
combined Strength of 48 to remove from its position in the
tree. Any ranger can remove the sword with ease.
PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE
17
 3. Administrative Office
In this room there are a number of dead unarmed bodies that
seem to be ancient. (Time flows in strange ways in the
Vanishing Castle.) This was once the main administrative
office for the servants of Castle Blarnstaff before the battle
that wrenched it from the fabric of space and time.
In the corner of this room is a fire giant cowering in fear.
He is muttering about demons and a deadly sword.
The fire giant is suffering quite heavily from the glitching
to which creatures in the Vanishing Castle are prone.
The giant is frightened of leaving the room.
Guards and Wards. The flagstone just inside the door to
this room triggers a magic mouth. The mouth of the spell
appears on the floor of the room and screams in a demonic
voice “WE MUST RETREAT! LEAVE THIS PLACE!
THERE IS ONLY DEATH FOR US HERE!” This
message was intended to trick the demonic hordes
of the battle long ago to leave the castle. If the
magic mouth is triggered, the giant will noticeably
flinch and let out a scream. The giant will not start
a fight with the players, but if they start one, he will
fight back to the best of his ability.

4. Ballroom
The ballroom of the castle is still prepared with tables set
and candles lit as if a ball were just about to take place.
Guards and Wards. As the grand double doors are opened
to this area a magic mouth triggers in combination with a
suggestion effect. The mouth of the effect appears on the
wall opposite the entry and whispers “Flee.”
On the dance floor of the ballroom arguing with each other
are three fire giants. These fire giants are arguing over how
long they have been stuck in the castle. One giant is
convinced that it has been only minutes. Another is fervent
that is has been a couple of weeks. The third fire giant has a
much longer beard than the other two and looks much older.
He is quiet with his argument, but he believes that they have 6. Bar
been stuck in the castle for a century or more. Due to the The bar and lounge area of Castle Blarnstaff can be found
high tension in the room the giants will attack the players on here. This room is meant to serve as a place of reprieve for
sight. The elderly fire giant has only 80 hit points and has a any guests tired of the ballroom. However, every bottle of
movement speed of 20 ft. This causes his challenge rating to liquor, mead, beer, or wine has been smashed by the single
drop to 7 (2900XP). dretch that now occupies the area. The dretch can be found
splashing in the puddle that he has made. The dretch is
drunk and thus has disadvantage on attack rolls.
5. Wrecked Guard Room Guards and Wards. Upon the opening of this door a
This room was once great guardroom has now been suggestion spell takes effect. The mind of the players are
destroyed. Various pieces of furniture, weapon racks, filled with the low voice of a tired man saying “Please, leave
weapons, and armor all lay sundered, burnt, and in some my bar alone.” This is the voice of Bernard Blarnstaff.
cases, partially melted on the floor.
In this room resides a fire giant and two hell hounds. The 7. Kitchen
giant is in the process of training the hell hounds. He is This room was once a kitchen fit to provide food for an entire
intensely frustrated with the hounds because they seem to ball at a moment’s notice. It has now been ransacked by the
randomly and without warning forget everything that he has giants and demons so many times that it is mostly destroyed.
taught them. The players may attempt a DC 14 Wisdom (survival) check
Treasure. The fire giant carries a wand of command to scrounge the area for any unspoiled leftover food. On a
(Appendix A). success they regain 3d4 + Constitution modifier hit points as
they find the last of the non-spoiled food.

PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE

18
19
 8. Mess Hall
There are signs that the demons once spent much time in
this mess hall. Now it is empty apart from a few long, now
partly ruined tables as well as general filth from the demons.
The demons ate here to relieve the boredom of their
imprisonment more than any other reason.
9. Vrock’s Nest
This room appears to be a completely ruined barracks. All of
the beds have been torn apart to create a nest in the center of
the room which is currently occupied by two vrock A
successful DC 14 Wisdom (survival) check will make it
apparent to the players that this is the sleeping area of some
of the various demons from the courtyard.
Treasure. If the players take time to search for anything of
use, a character with passive Wisdom (perception) of 17 or
higher or a successful DC 14 Intelligence (investigation)
check will yield 124gp and a potion of supreme healing.
10. Meeting Room
Guards and Wards. The door to this room always has an
arcane lock effect. If the door is opened a magic mouth will
appear on the magnificent table in the center of this room.
The mouth will tell the players in Bernard Blarnstaff’s low
voice “Leave this place if you should care to continue your
meager existence!”
Around the table from which the mouth appears are three
chairs. One chair is a high backed armchair upholstered with
green dragon hide. This chair is in front of a portion of the
table which has been enchanted to spell out the word
“Prescott” in dully glowing golden letters. The second is a
low backed chair finely made of hard wood with a silver
pillow on the seat. This chair is in front of a portion of the
table that has the word “Timothy” in dully glowing white
letters. The third chair is a squat purple velvet upholstered
recliner. This chair is in front of a portion of the table that has
the word “Bernard” in dully glowing blue letters. This
furniture could be sold to the correct buyer for as much as
2200gp. This was once a meeting room for the three rulers of
the Meridian Valley.
Hidden Door. A character with passive Wisdom
(perception) of 16 or higher or a successful DC 12 Wisdom
(perception) check will reveal a secret door leading to area 11
on the eastern wall. The door is noticeable because it was left
ever so slightly ajar.
11. War Room
This room contains a huge table magically enchanted to
display a top down view of the Meridian Valley as it looked
one thousand years ago. The map is stuck in a loop of about
two minutes showing a condensed version of the assault on
the Meridian Valley. The magical animation ends with Castle
Blarnstaff being torn from the valley by some magical means.
Hidden Door. In this room there is a secret door that is
magically concealed by a ward of illusion which leads to area
24. A character with passive Wisdom (perception) of 24 or
higher or a successful DC 21 Wisdom (perception) check will
be able to spot the door. This door opens to a staircase
leading down into area 24, the chessboard.
PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE
20
12. Nalfeshnee’s Quarters
This was once a barracks similar to area 9. In this room, all of
the bunks have been pushed together to form one huge bed. A
successful DC 14 Wisdom (survival) check will make it
apparent to the players that this is the sleeping area of the
nalfeshnee from the courtyard.
Treasure. There is a chest of medium size in the corner of
this room. Inside the chest is 53gp worth of silver pieces.
13. Guest Room
This room looks as if it were prepared only yesterday. The
sheets on the modest bed are clean and the room is freshly
dusted. If the adventurers look into this room again later, it
will appear as nicely put together as it was originally, but it
will have a thousand years’ worth of dust covering the entire
room. If the players look a third time, it will be back to the
pristine condition. The condition of the room will continue to
change every time that the players view it.
Treasure. In the cabinet above the small desk in the corner
are two potions of healing.
14. Guest Room
This guest room has the same modest furnishings as area 13.
However, this room starts in the state of being dust covered
and is always in the opposite state of the room next door.
Thus, if the adventurers leave the room and chance a glance
in later it will be in pristine condition and it will keep
switching to be different every time it is viewed.
Treasure. In the cabinet above the small desk in the corner
is a jar of Keoghtom’s ointment.
15. Gentlemen’s Bath
This bath chamber was once one of great splendor. Now it is
disgusting. The demons have gotten into this bath and
destroyed it. The fine stonework of the chamber is cracked
and the water in the bath is putrid. The statues that are
present in the chamber are smashed. The demons have
scratched insults and obscenities into the walls in Abyssal
and in Common. There is nothing of value in this room.
16. Ladies’ Bath
This ornate bath chamber is still in its original condition. It is
beautiful. There are statues flanking large warm pools of
water.
These waters had been blessed by Father Tim long ago. If
the players spend time to wash themselves, they will regain
3d8+ Constitution modifier hit points. They also gain
advantage the next time would make an attack roll, a skill
check, or a saving throw.
17, 18, and 19. Cleared Rooms
These rooms on the upper level of the castle used to be
guestrooms and sitting areas. However, they have all been
emptied of furniture and any other goods. A successful DC 13
Intelligence (investigation) or Wisdom (survival) check will
yield the information that all of the items in these rooms have
been dragged down the hallway to area 22 and area 23.
20. Library
Unlike the other libraries of the Meridian Valley, this
collection is of a completely mundane sort. It is meant for
nothing other than entertainment.
Tresure. There are books in this library on the subjects or
sport, etiquette, cooking, history, games, and many others.
Out on a research table can be found a rather interesting
volume. It is the personal diary of Cindra, the mariltih that
resides in area 23. If the players search the rest of the library,
a successful DC 21 Intelligence (investigation) check or any
character with the Researcher feature will reveal the
presence of a thick heavily used tome on the subject of chess .
Diary. Cindra's diary details every single day of the
marilith’s stay in the Vanishing Castle all the way back until
the original assault on the Meridian Valley. The diary regards
it as a triumphant fight, a massacre of weak and unworthy
mortals. The journal details when the fire giants happened
upon the Vanishing Castle, and how she has been working to
enslave them. The day Genkk disappeared is written of as a
sore subject. The diary also details that the marilith knows
that there must be a way out of this forsaken castle, but she
cannot find it. It is this daily journaling that has allowed the
mind of Cindra to remain unwarped by the irregularity in the
passage of time in the Vanishing Castle.
Chess Manual. All of the pages in this tome are well used,
but there is one page that has been marked. This page shows
the scholar's chackmate, the quickest way to win a game of
chess. The instructions detail a strategy by which, first the
white player opens the game by moving his king’s pawn
forward one space. Then the black player moves his king’s
bishop’s pawn forward one space. After this, the white player
moves his queen to put the black player in checkmate. If this
strategy is employed at the wizard’s chessboard in area 24,
the board will let white win. When not in the mood for
games, Archmage Blarnstaff utilized this tactic to pass the
chessboard quickly.
Ambush. When the players exit this room they are
ambushed by two fire giants that the marilith has sent from
area 23 to snatch and deliver the adventurers. The giants
may be heard upon their approach to the room based on their
Dexterity (stealth) check. If the door to the library is closed
while they are attempting to approach the giants have an
additional +5 to their check. The fire giants also have long
chains that are connected to collars on their necks. These
chains are due of their enslavement to the marilith. If a player
so chooses, they could attempt to grab the chain as an action
to restrain the giant via a Strength (athletics) competition. If
one giant dies or both are reduced to less than half of their
maximum hit points, they will attempt to flee back to area 23.
21. Treasure Room
The door to this room is locked and can be unlocked by the
key which Cindra in area 23 keeps on her person, or it can be
unlocked by a DC 33 Dexterity (thieves’ tools) check. This
room is where the marilith has moved all of the treasure that
she found witihin the Vanishing castle.
Treasure. In a mound on the floor are coins of various
types totaling 10452gp, gems of various types and sizes
totaling 5000gp worth, and various art pieces such as
sculptures, paintings, and other master craftworks worth
a total of 24000gp to the correct buyer. There are a few
magical items in this pile that Cindra deemed useless: a
periapt of wound closure, a lantern of revealing, gauntlets
of ogre power, and a +2 trident.
22. Giant Sleeping Arrangements
Some of the furniture removed from areas 17, 18, and 19 has
been relocated into this chamber. The furniture has been
rearranged into two massive beds for the enslaved fire giants.
There are no inhabitants in this room currently.
23. Bernard’s Master Bedroom
This room was once the master bedroom of Archmage
Bernard Blarnstaff, one of the original three rulers of the
Meridian Valley. Now it is home to Cindra (Appendix B) the
cruel marilith, her quasit familiar, and her two goristro pets.
This room is furnished with a huge canopy bed adorned
with purple blankets and a pink silk veil. There is a large
wooden table against the western wall as well as a makeshift
bed for the goristros created from furniture that was removed
from areas 17, 18, and 19. In the center of the room is a large
fire that is always kept smoldering. The smoke from this fire
causes the entire room to be lightly obscured and dimly lit.
Bernard's Portrait. On the northern wall there is a large
canvas pierced with multiple holes. These holes were created
by the marilith as the subject of the painting vexes her so
dearly. The man in the painting is of medium stature. He has
salt and pepper hair grown out just past his shoulders. The
man wears a curled mustache joined by a short sharp beard
that comes about an inch off of his chin. Upon his head is
perched a circlet with a small sapphire in the center. He
wears a cloak colored like the night sky. Under his cloak can
be seen a fine doublet made of blue satin and regular brown
pantaloons. Clutched in his hand before him is a thin brass
staff scrolled with runic engraving. Upon a small gold plate at
on the bottom of the frame is written “Bernard Blarnstaff.”
Treasure. Cindra wears her crown of compulsion
(Appendix A) and carries the large iron key that unlocks the
door area 21 .
PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE
21

White Pieces
Piece Stat Block
Pawn Kight
Knight Gladiator
Bishop War Priest
Rook Earth Elemental
Queen Abjurer
King Champion
Black Pieces
Piece Stat Block
Pawn Cult Fanatic
Knight Helmed Horror
Bishop Necromancer
Rook Earth Elemental
Queen Evoker
King Blackguard
Playing Cindra
Cindra was a chief lieutenant of Ahazu’s in the
assault of chaos on the valley. She earned this
position through her innate ability to cast spells
and her ruthlessness. However, Cindra will not
immediately fight the party. She is intelligent
enough to have realized that the party may be her
best hope of escaping imprisonment in the
Vanishing Castle. She will offer to work with the
adventurers. She believes that there might be a way
out of the castle through the basement, but it is
filled with puzzles and traps. Cindra knows about
the hidden passage to area 24 and the quick win
for the chessboard. She knows the correct pattern
to the pain squares in area 27 which she tortured
out of a servant of the castle early on. She will keep
this knowledge to herself as long as possible.
Cindra is normally a cynical and sinister type that
views herself as above working with mere mortals;
but, she is willing make an exception in this case. If
the adventurers work with Cindra, she will
opportunistically attempt to kill them once they
have led her out of the castle. Cindra has a base DC
of 23 for any Charisma based checks that the party
may attempt to make against her. Knowledge of
the Meridian Valley's history will appretiated by
Cindra, granting advantage on Charisma checks. If
Cindra is forced to fight she will begin by casting
haste in a last ditch effort to be rid of the
adventurers. Additionally, the marilith wears a
platinum tiara called the Crown of Compulsion.
This magical item is how she keeps her tyrannical
rule over the other demons in the Vanishing Castle.
PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE
22
24. The Chessboard
The staircase behind the secret door in area 11 leads to this
large open chamber with a ceiling of 60ft. In this room there
are two sets of stands for spectators and a massive
chessboard with the white pieces on the northern side of the
room and the black pieces on the southern side. Behind the
black pieces stands a door with no handle that cannot be
opened except by winning a game of chess.
If at any point the players call out a legal chess move, the
white pieces will begin to move in accordance with the
command, and the black pieces will follow. If the players
utilize the Scholar's Checkmate the book in the library in
area 20 describes, the black pieces will let white win. Once
the black king is in checkmate, the door at the southern end
of the room will open. If white loses, the game resets. If the
game ends in a stalemate, the game resets. This chessboard
was used by Bernard as both a means of protection for the
inner sanctum of his workshop and as a means of
entertainment. However, this is no regular game of chess.
Whenever one piece attempts to take another, the two pieces
must fight each other in single combat to the death without
leaving the board to determine which piece wins the
contested space. Checkmate need not be fought over and if
the king is ever destroyed in battle the game is over. If
another creature or adventurer intervenes, the game is
immediately reset.
There are four empty spaces on the white side of the
chessboard a pawn, the queenside rook, the kingside knight,
and the kingside bishop. These spots must be filled by
members of the party. Each chess piece appears as a large
and ornate marble sculpture The statistics of each chess
piece are stated above.
25. The Deceiver
This room is a simple stone hallway that dead ends into a
sizable painting of a large woman dressed in fine attire.
Above the painting the following is engraved into the stone:
“The password is ‘a servant of law.’”
Once the entire party is in the hallway the doorway from
the area 24 will close and lock. After this, the subject of the
painting will begin to move and she will tell the players “I
answer all questions truthfully.” This statement is absolutely
true. The painting will answer any question posed to her
truthfully and to the best of her ability. She is content to have
conversation with the players for hours on end. She will be
very friendly and polite. She is glad to have chatting
companions as it has been years since she has spoken to
anyone but the marilith, Cindra, whom she loathes. The only
way to escape this room is to get the painting to say “a
servant of law.” If the painting says this it will swing forward
revealing the door to the next room as well as unlocking the
door back to area 24.
26. The Desert Market 30. The Wizard’s Cave
As the players open the door to this room they are This massive cavern is the inner sanctum of Castle
immediately consumed by a fantastic illusion of a desert port- Blarnstaff. This was once the workshop of the wizard himself.
side market bazaar with a fountain in the center. This market The vast openness of this cave is dark except for five areas
is completely immersive and packed with people. that look as if they are illuminated by spotlights. There is one
The players must make a DC 27 Wisdom saving throw recent addition to the cave that is not illuminated.
upon entering the room. On a success, the player can see
through the illusion and know that the room is just a stone A. The Planar Door
chamber with a small simple fountain in the center. On a The first of the workchop's features of interest is a massive
failure the character is immersed in the illusionary mirage. doorway standing 25ft tall. The doorway is covered in a large
The way to escape the mirage is to drink from the fountain. sheet of glass. When this door was first created, it was a
The DC to dispel this effect on one target via the spell dispel perfect portal to any plane of existence. Now the doorway
magic is 27. flickers between planes at random every second or two (the
Prime Material Plane will not appear).
27. Pain Squares In front of the doorway is a circle enscribed in the soft-
This room has 5ft square tiles that span the entirety of the packed gavel of the cavern floor. In this circle is a button on
floor. On the wall opposite the entrance the following is the ground. When the button is depressed the glass covering
engraved in the wall: “Each row has three.” Every time a the doorway will slide down into the floor of the cave or back
marked tile on the map is stepped on, it shocks the creature up to cover the doorway.
dealing 1d10 lightning damage. Every time a creature is B. The Illusionary Garden
shocked, the damage for a wrong step increases by 1d10. The At first glance, this area appears to be a small pavilion filled
adventurers can beat the system by having multiple people with hip-high wild savannah grass. If a character steps into
step on the tiles at once in order to keep the damage low as the grass they will feel the warmth of the savannah hit their
they attempt to cross the room. skin and then begin to fade as the landscape around them
shifts to mimic their desire. The illusion is completely
28. Switch Trickery immersive apart from the easily accessible 10ft gap leading
Once all of the adventurers are in the room the door will slam back to the rest of the cave.
shut and a cacophonous voice will count down from ten as When not in use, the
the room flashes red repeatedly. The only thing in the room garden will always
other than the two doors is a large switch in the center. If the appear as a
switch is thrown, the countdown will restart. If the savannah.
countdown is allowed to reach zero, the flashing red will stop
and both doors unlock.
29. The Hall of Heroes
The carcasses of several fire giants are splattered on the floor
and the walls of this chamber. Six large stone statues stand in
rows of three flanking the pathway to the door on the other
side of the room. These statues are actually five stone
golems (the golem nearest to the entrance on the right hand
side is cracked in half.) These golems bear the resemblance
of the three lords of the Meridian Valley.
A few feet into the chamber is a raised plinth.
This plinth is magically enchanted to read “Hello”
followed by the full name of each character
at the threshold of the chamber. The only
way to progress through the chamber
without being attacked by the golems
is to address the statues by name. The
two statues nearest to the entrance
(one of which is partially destroyed)
are carved in the likeness of Timothy
Tudolph. The second set of statues
are carved in the likeness of Prescott
Parsons. Finally, the third set are
carved in the likeness of
Bernard Blarnstaff.

PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE

23
 C. The Pools of the Weave
Here clustered together are five pools of water that seem to
be natural to the cave floor. All of the pools are roughly 10ft
deep. Each pool has a different magical effect.
1. Pool of Healing. This pool bubbles slowly and
emanates a welcoming warmth. If a creature drinks from the
pool it will cause them to regain one hit point. If the creature
decides to enter the pool, it will cause the creature to regain
one hit point per round. If a player remains in the pool for ten
minutes scars start to fade from their body. If a player
remains in the pool for thirty minutes one disease ailing them
will be cured. Another disease will be cured every thirty
minutes thereafter.
2. Pool of Healing (spoiled). This pool used to be the
same as number 1 but Blarnstaff’s magic during the final
battle of law and chaos spoiled it. The pool is now a greyish
brown and smells of sulfur. If consumed the water will cause
the creature to suffer one point of necrotic damage. If a
creature decides to enter the pool they will be dealt one point
of necrotic damage per round. If a creature remains in the
pool for ten minutes open sores will begin to appear. If a
player remains in the pool for thirty minutes they will
contract one random disease. Another disease will be
contracted every thirty minutes thereafter.
3. Pool of Gazing. This pool is impeccably clear. It
functions as a crystal ball of legendary rarity.
4. Pool of Gazing (spoiled). This pool was once the same
as pool number 3. Now it has gone bad. It appears the same,
but functions as a mirror of opposition.
5. Pool of Improvement. The water of this pool has a
slight golden tint. The water also smells of roses. If a
character drinks from the pool it will raise one ability score of
their choice by one, to a maximum of thirty. If the player
drinks from the pool again the ability score that was
improved upon the first sip is now lowered by five. If the
character drinks a third time they make a DC 25 Constitution
saving throw. On a success they are reduced to 0 hit points.
On a failure the character dies.
D. Mushroom Patch
This patch of mushrooms has four distinct color variations:
red, white, green, and blue. When eaten each different color
of mushroom grants resistance to a different type of damage
for 1 hour. Red grants fire resistance, green grants acid
resistance, white grants cold resistance, and blue grants
lighting resistance.
A successful DC 19 Wisdom (nature) check shows that
these mushrooms could be dried and stored indefinitely.
Another Wisdom (nature) check is necessary to complete the
drying process. On a score of 5 or lower, one mushroom of
each type is successfully dried. On a score of 6 through 10, a
total of eight mushrooms of the player’s choice can be
successfully dried. On a score of 11 through 15, a total of ten
mushrooms of the player’s choice can be successfully dried.
On a score of 16 through 20, a total of twelve mushrooms of
the player’s choice can be successfully dried. Finally on a
score of 21, or higher a total of fifteen mushrooms of the
player’s choice can be successfully dried.
PART 4 | THE THE VANISHING CASTLE
24
E. The Tower
This two story tower is made of white marble. A stark
contrast from the dark granite of the cave. This tower was
teleported to the cave by Bernard Blarnstaff. The tower has
an open doorway leading to the ground level laboratory.
Treasure. The party may spend time searching for potions
by making an Intelligence (arcana) check. On a score of 5 or
lower, they find a potion of healing. On a score of 6 through
13, they find four potions of healing, a potion of greater
healing, and a vial of midnight tears in addition to all prior
treasure. On a score of 14 through 19, they find two potions
of healing, three potions of greater healing, and a vial of
purple worm poison in addition to all prior treasure. On a
score of 20 or higher they find a potion of superior healing,
a potion of water breathing, and a vial of midnight tears in
addition to all prior treasure.
The second level of the tower is a workshop in which can
be found a set of +2 elven chain that also functions as a
cloak of elvenkind, a ring of regeneration, a ring of three
wishes that has no charges, and a strange project that is half
finished. It seems as if Bernard was in the process of trying to
combine a Canaith mandolin and a Cil lyre. A sucessful DC
22 Dexterity (tinker’s tools) or Intelligence (performance)
check may be made to separate the two instruments and
reassemble one, but only one.
Also on this floor is a mannequin that glitches a robe and a
suit of plate armor into and out of existence on its frame. If
planar binding is cast on the robe/plate armor/mannequin,
one of the items may be bound to this odd plane. There is a
45% chance the robe is bound, a 30% chance the armor is
bound, and a 25% chance that the mannequin stops glitching
and both items are lost. The robe is a robe of the archmagi
and in its pocket is The Deck of Many Things, the armor is
+3 demon armor.
F. The Hive
This is a small unilluminated hole in the side of the cave wall
from which can be heard a soft buzzing. A successful DC 22
Wisdom (survival) or Intelligence (arcana) check reveals that
the source of the buzzing to be many will-o’-wisps. This
opening leads into the hive of the will-o’-wisps that have
nested under the Vanishing Castle and have by chace
excavated a path into the wizard’s workshop through an
extremely exposed portion of the Weave. This is the same
nest of will-o’wisps that the note in Lord Prescott’s bedroom
from Archmage Blarnstaff mentions.
Hidden Passage If the players pass through the hole they
will feel an odd sensation, as if they were passing through a
thin, but obstinate, veil of arcane energy. This veil is the
Weave itself. This is the only sure way out of the castle and
back to the Prime Material Plane. In the hive lives twenty
seven will-o’-wisps. The hive leads to a cave exit outside of
the walls of the Vanishing Castle that is about 50ft beyond
the perimeter of dislocation.
25
 Appendix A: Magic Items
Amulet of Seeming
Wondrous Item, Rare (requires attunement)
This amulet has 5 charges, a charge may be expended as
an action to cast the spell seeming on yourself or one other
creature you can see as an action without any of the normal
necessary components. The amulet recovers 1d4 charges on
the new dawn. When the last charge is spent roll a d20 on a 1
or 2 the amulet crumbles to dust, on a roll of 19 or 20 all
charges are regained and the maximum amount of charges
goes up by one.
Bell of Fireballs
Wondrous Item, Very Rare
When this bell is rung, it will cast the spell fireball centered
on the position of the ringer. The bell has 7 charges and a
charge is expended whenever the bell rings. The bell may be
rung as an action, a bonus action, or a reaction. The bell
regains all charges on the new dawn. When the bell is picked
up, if it is not done so carefully, the bell will cast fireball. If the
bell is picked up carefully, the character who picks the bell up
must succeed on a DC 12 Dexterity (sleight of hand) check or
else the bell rings and thus fireball is cast.
Crown of Compulsion
Wondrous Item, Rare (requires attunement)
While attuned to this crown you can use an action to
command obedience from each creature of your choice that
you can see within 120 feet of you. Each target must succeed
on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be Charmed by you for
8 hours. While charmed in this way, the creature regards you
as its trusted leader. If harmed by you or your companions, or
commanded to do something contrary to its nature, a target
ceases to be charmed in this way. The crown can’t be used
again until the next dawn.
Dress of Eloquence
Wondrous Item, Very Rare (requires attunement)
This dress is a fine ballroom gown of purple with gold trim.
While worn, you have advantage on all Charisma checks and
saving throws as well as all Wisdom (insight) checks.
Additionally, you may cast the spell charm person once per
new dawn ignoring the required components. Charisma is
your spellcasting ability for this spell.
PART 5 | APPENDICES
26
Philter of Persuasiveness
Potion, Uncommon
This silvery liquid may be comsumed as an action and
grants +5 to all Charisma (persuasion) checks for 30
minutes.
Sword of the Favored Enemy
Weapon (Greatsword), Legendary (requires attunement by a
ranger)
To anyone other than a ranger this sword functions as only
a +1 greatsword without the requirement of attunement.
Tool of the Hunter. In the hands of a ranger, this sword is
lightly sentient, and will display this via an emotional bond
with its master. The sword will empathetically ‘introduce’
itself as Banger, the Bane of Giants. Banger will then attempt
to automatically attune its new ranger companion. If this
would cause the wielder to be attuned to more than 3 items
they may automatically stop their attunement with one of
their other items.
Magic Weapon. Banger is a magic sword that grants a +2
bonus to attack and damage rolls. Banger deals 2d8 slashing
damage.
Giant’s Bane. Banger’s hatred for and knowledge of giants
is transferred to the wielder causing giants to become a
favored enemy of the wielder.
Favored Resolve. When a ranger wielding this weapon
fights one of their favored enemies, the sword grants
immunity to fear, advantage on attack rolls, and the sword
deals and additional 1d8 slashing damage on a hit. When in
the presence of its wielder’s favored enemy Banger will
convey its need to be used against it via its emotional bond.
Wand of Command
Wand, Uncommon
This wand has 7 Charges. While holding it, you can expend
1 or more of its charges to cast command. For each charge
spent beyond the first while casting, the level of the spell
increases by one. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for
this spell. The wand regains 1d6 + 1 expended charges daily
at dawn. If you expend the wand's last charge, roll a d20. On a
1, the wand crumbles into ashes and is destroyed.
Appendix B: Monsters Cindra, the Merilith
Large fiend (demon), Chaotic evil

Armor Class 19
Hit Points 225(18d10 + 90)
Speed 40ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

18 (+4) 20 (+5) 20 (+5) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 22 (+6)

Saving Throws Str +9, Con +10, Wis +8, Cha +10
Damage Resistances cold, lightning; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from non magical weapons
Damage Immunities fire, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses truesight 120ft., passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Abyssal, telepathy 120ft.
Challenge 18 (20,000 XP)

Innate Spellcasting. The merilith's spellcasting ability

is Charisma (spell save DC 19). The merilith can
innately cast the following spells, requiring no
material components:
At will: charm person, dancing lights, heat metal.
1/day each: darkness, confusion, fear, haste, hex,
scrying, slow.
Magic Resistance. The marilith has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical
effects.
Magic Weapons. The marilith's weapon attacks are
magical.
Reactive. The marilith can take one reaction on
every turn in a combat.

Actions
Multiattack. The marilith makes seven attacks: six
with its longswords and one with its tail.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
5 ft, one target. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10ft.,
one creature. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) bludgeoning
damage. If the target is Medium or smaller, it is
grappled (escape DC 19). Until this grapple ends,
the target is restrained, the marilith can
automatically hit the target with its tail, and the
marilith can’t make tail attacks against other
targets.
Teleport. The marilith magically teleports, along
with any equipment it is wearing or carrying, up to
120 feet to an unoccupied space it can see.

Rections
Parry. The marilith adds 5 to its AC against one
melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the marilith
must see the attacker and be wielding a melee
weapon.

PART 5 | APPENDICES
27
 Ice Elemental
Large elemental, neutral

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)

Hit Points 192(17d10 + 90)
Speed 25ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

20 (+5) 9 (-1) 20 (+5) 6 (-2) 10 (0) 5 (-3)

Damage Vulerabilities bludgeoning, fire

Damage Resistances piercing, slashing, from
nonmagical weapons
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed,
poisoned, unconscious
Treacherous Nothic Senses darkvision 60ft, passive Perception 10
Medium abberation, neutral evil Languages Common, Primordial
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 80(10d8 + 30) Refreeze. Whenever the elemental suffers cold
Speed 30ft. damage it regains an equal amount of hit points.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Actions

12 (+1) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) Multiattack. The elemental makes two slam attacks.
Slam. Melee weapon attack: +10 to hit, reach 10ft,
Skills arcana +4, insight +6, perception +4, stealth one target. Hit 14(2d8+5) bludgeoning damage
+6 plus 13(3d8) cold damage.
Damage Immunities damage from magical weapons
Condition Immunities blinded, unconscious
Senses : truesight 120ft, passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Undercommon, telepathy 60ft
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

Keen Sight. The nothic has advantage on Wisdom

(perception) checks that rely on sight.

Actions
Multiattack. The nothic makes two claw attacks.
Claw. Melee weapon attack: +4 to hit, reach 5ft, one
target. Hit: 5 (1d6+2) slashing damage.
Rotting Gaze. The nothic targets one creature it can
see within 30ft of it. The target must succeed on a
DC 16 Constitution saving throw against the magic
or take 15 (5d6) necrotic damage. If the target fails
the save by five or more it suffer the effects of the
dominate person spell.
Invisibility. The nothic may cast the spell invisibility
with the range of self and without its normal
components.
Weird Insight. The nothic targets one creature it can
see within 30ft of it. The target must contest its
Charisma (deception) check against the nothic's
Wisdom (insight) check. If the nothic wins, it
magically learns one fact or secret about the target.
The target automatically wins if it is immune to
being charmed.

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