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 G-edits
Writtenby: Interior Art:
Pacrick Lawinger Bnan LeBlanc

Developer: Front Cover Art:

BillWebb Eric Pollak

Producer: Canography:
Clark Pererson EJ Bourelle

Editor: Front & Back Cover Design:

MikeJobnsrone MikeChaney

llio Content Editor: Playtesters:

ScorrGreene Narhan Whitt:, Andy ami Amy Whice, Jenny
"Nordamne"June~,ScorrWall, BrianShack, David
ManagingEditor: Ca.ne, Beth aml Michael Park, an<l"Oant Bumedroe ."
Anclrcw Bares
Special Thanks:
Art Director: Thanks co Melanie for purring up wich my addiction
MikeChaney and my boys, A nthony and Alcxander, for helping mé
see che wonder ofche world rhrough children 's eyes.
Layout and Typesetting: Thanksalso go to rhe entire NecromancerGames crew
Mik-eChaney for making che whole writing process so much fun.

Product Update Password for Morrick Mansio n: Eldoran.

This produce requires the use of the Dungeons and Dragons® Player's Handbook,
published by Wizards of the Coast®

©2003 NecmmanccrOames. lnc. Ali nghts reserve<l. All rigbrs rescrvcd. Rcproducrion wirhout che
writtcn permission ,1f che puhli.;hcr is expre,.;¡,ly forbi,lden. Necromancer Games. Necn)mancer Gamcs,
1ne., che Necromancer Games logo anJ Morrick Mansion are crademarks oí Nccromanccr Oames, 1ne.
A II rights reservccl. Ali characrcn., num,:,, plac~-s. ltems, an and rcx1 heruin me copyrightcd by
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1111~ honk uses 1hc supematural for semngs, characters ami tbcmes. Ali mysncaJ and supcrnatural
elcmenr:; are fictlon and hm,ndc,I for cntcrtainmem purposes llnly. Rcadcr tllscru1icm is adviscd.
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THIRD EDITION RULES. PRlNTED lN CAN ADA
FIRST EDITION FEEI.
 Introduction
Morrick Mansion is a challengingadvenruredcsigned for
4 co 6 player characcers (PCs) of 3rd to 5th leve!. Begin-
and concem . Calls for help have been issued fur and wide
in search of people courageous enough to investigare che
ning parrie.s should poSSl-SS a minimum of 12 m 15 levels cucse and find a way to puran end to ir.
,md be balanced with respect to magic and combar. Alchough Byron Be val died, his farher Lord Alista ir Beval
Geograph1cally, tbeadveruurerevolvesaround amans1on, escaped. Lord Beval believes che cmse was an attack against
1lS ~urroun<ling gmun<ls, an<l a nea rby village char can easily h1sfarrülyancl tsofferinga large reward roanyoneable roend
be placed inro any game world.17,c PC-, become involved in the curse and a greater reward ro a nyone providmg proof of
rhe invcstigarion of a curse placed u¡xm the mansion and che who acruaUy created it. WhiJe a numher of peoplt: have
property surrounding 1t. 17,eir exrlorarion exposes them ro exarnined the curse<l grounds over cbe years, nobody has
che very curse they ore invesugating and che horrible realiza- pmvided che slightest clue abnur ch.e curse's ~ource or way~
tion d,at che curse is inJeed spreading. Severa! rouces ro stop ro dispel ir. Unforrunarely, chose advenrurers seeking an-
che spread ~,f che curse - or rc move ir enrirely - are swers (and rreasure) in che cursed mansion whu do acrually
prov1decl, wlrh oomc mcrhods requíringdelicarc negotiations rerum describe scenes of terror thm Jea ve thcm shaken ro
and compro miscs with powerful individua Is. the core of cheir being. Mosr never retum ar ali. A few
leame<l individuals live in cown and scudy the curse from
Adventure Background afar, noc darmg ro mvestigate personally.
Thc PCs come diro ugh rmvn on their w,1y to orher pares
L1..1rd Arvarh Morrick, a well-liked businessman and
of the world or have heard rumors about che curse. While
vincyard owne r, used his knowlt!dge of weather, trade
earing m a Inca! tavem, thev hear rumora abour che curse
routes, ;md rhe varying values of item. in Jifferenr pares of
spreading and abouc rhe di:ffereor people investigating ic.
tht! worl<l ro ama~s a vasr fortune. His wcalrh supported
Furcher rumors s1,1ggest grcat hidden creasurcs, whilc other
man y charicies an<l employed a large number of well-pai<l
rumors claim Lord Momck was 1n league with demons.
servan es and gardeners. Because Lord Morrick hada repu-
Taccful qucsuoning teveals the teward thac has been
cacion as a kind, fair man, even jcalous compemors would
offere<l, the names of che diffcrent mdiv,duals who are
not Jare w speak ill of bim. Lord Morrick's po wer ,1ml
supposedly researching che curse, and ways to remove it.
influence expande<l furcher w1th the engagement of h1s
Exactly how die advenrure ends depends on which pieces
ddcst daughtcr Larissa ro Lord Byron Beval, che son of a
of iuformacion ch.: party discov= and which NPCs che
major shipping magnate in a nearby porr.
p:my aligns itself wlth, if any.
Held in LorJ Morric.k's rnagnificenr mansion, rhe wed-
At the amclusion of the adve.nture, thc PCs 5hould
Jing mcluded many of che nobles and merchants frnm rhe
acquire ~orne new magical items, sorne spellboob, and
surrounding area as guescs. Lord Kyran EIJoran, o ne of
quite a bit nf rreasure. They also have che opportunity to
Lord Momck's neighbors, never had a good relat10nship
forge friendships and alliances with members of some
wirh Morrickand was not invlreJ ro che weddmg. Elderly
powerful organizations and Íl:lmilies, pocemially leading
and bittcr, Lord El<lornn madc use ofhis cxtensivc librnry
intn furcher advemures.
of magic texts to comact a demon. Alrhough successful in
IHs efforts, the demon Eldoran conracted instandy recog-
ni1ed che elderly man was using powers far beyond his ModuleOrganization
understanding. Lord Eldoran wanced to curse the food at TI1c module is nrganized into several chapters. This
che wcdJing parcy, but thedemon tric ked hirn inro c rear- chaptcr provides background infonnation and c haracter
inga curse thar wenc much further, pennanencly tainting hooks designed to ger tbe PCs in volved in che advenrure
rhe warer in che ponds, founmins, 1md wellli and muracing as well as decails on che curse's crcacion, its effects, che
che planes in and a ro unJ the grounJ~. Anyone and any- different clues the PCs m1ght di_scover, and differenr solu-
rhing that are cursed food o rdnmk cursed liquids mura red tions for stopping or eliminating che curse. The second
lato horrible, cw1stcd versinrn, of rheir previous selves. A chapcer derails Orollek's Grove :md cbe rumors found
number nf wedding guescs did e cape, huc not w1thout there, as well as NPCs with whom the PCs mighc imeract
suffering some effecrs of rhe curse. to garher informarion. The third and fourrh chapeen.
In che 5 ycars since che nighc of the weddlng, rumors provide keyed encounter iocarions in tbe mansion ,md the
surrounding the curse ami ics cffecrs bave drawn a great surroundinggrounds, including locations fonlifferentpicces
deal of arrention. Famiües of vicrims chat did not escape ot e,·idence che PCs rnighr collect. The fina l chapcer
b ired advenrurers ro enrer thc mansk) n on rescue m issions, describes varlous possible conclusions and rewards a nd 1s
bur no ne oí thuse advenrure rs returned. A parry oí guard~- followed by append ices wirh infomiacio n on N PCs, mon-
men approached che mansion grounds only to recrear sters, and new mag1c items.
before reaching rhe mans1on, wtth surv1vors describing
temfyingcreatures and the horrorof watching rhe1rfriends
succumb m the curse. Stories grow with each telling, and
Character Hooks
the mansion now has such a fearfu l repurnrlon thar many While che OM must provide herown reason forrhe PCs
tll arrive in Grollek's Grove, a variecy of taccics can be
say quier praycrs when chey hear it named. Lord Eldoran's
recent death released che few restraints holding che curse used. The PCs might just be passing through as pare of a
to Lord Morrick's properry. anJ it now spread~ slowly to uade cara van o r o n their way to anocher locario n and ~co¡,
nearby vineyard, and farros, causing ~l\lerwhelmmg fear for the night. The,, mighr have h.eard srories about the

2
 MORRTCK MANSlON
curse, rumors of rreasure in the mansion, or cales abour rbe
rewards offered for find ing a way to end the curse. Perhars
they have friends o r family members who were losr o n the
faceful nighc of che wcdding; o r, a distraughc family seeking
answers mighr hire rhem. Once In Grolle k's Grove, che
follo wing NPCs mighr intlue nce che PCs:
Richard Arien, Baron Beval's representarive in cown, is
interested in finding advenrurers willing ro search for evi-
dence proving who crea red che curse as well as ways ro end it.
Leah Redoak, a representacive from a local druid's circle,
wants someon e to help her investigare che curse. Hercirde
has ordered her to remain outside che wrsed area, ·o she
needs brave volunceers to collect samples for her.
Miriam Kriel, che local magisrrate. is concemed about
rumors char the curse is spreading and concem ed about
whac happened ro her paren es, who actended che weJd ing.
S he encourages advenru rers ro investigare by celling rhem
abouc che rewards offered by Richard Arien.
Thyrao Whiteoak, a bookish wizard, is looking for
someone to help h im research the curse. He offers to !et che
PCs keep al! rewards a nd rreasures in exchange for tht:
knowledge he gathers from chcm.
Alcernarely, che PCs might decide to iovestigateoo rheir
own based on rumors ofbiddcn treasures and large rewards.
DMNotes
While sorne encouncers a re relacively casy for organi2ed
pa rties, rhe curse plays a role in che difficulty of almost
every encounter. Tbere is a disrin.c t cha nci:- thar rhe P(~s
become cursed, forcing rhem to act swifcly a nd decisively
co ensure che effecrs are nor permanenr. The adventure
presumes chac players a re tamiliar with their PCs' skills,
spells, and other abilities. Adjusting che advencure for
lo we r leve.Is requires reducing PC e xposure to che curse
and reducing che number aod ~u eogth of combare ncoun-
rers. Adjuscing the adventurefor higher levels requires the
addicion of mo re encouncers, adding levels to cerrain
crearures, and/o r the inclusion ofdire and fiendish mutant
crearures instead of che mutaced a nimals described here.
The DM should read cheadvemureacoupleof timesand
become familiar wich che cown ofGrollek's Grove and che
ma¡or NPCs there. The DM sho uld also be familiar wirh
the curse, ics effecrs, and ways of overcoming it (see
below). Game play in che mansio n goes more quickly if che
DM is familiar with ic, bue che keyed locations ..ind descrip-
tions should be fairly srraighcforwa rd.
Eldoran 's Úlrse
Lord Eldoran used severa! scrolls and special mag1c
irems tO conracc a nalfeshnee demon named V ry lick
W erezkel in search of a way co srrike o ut a r Lo rd Morrick
and his family. The demon realized ,r bad an o ppo rtunity
co wreak great havoc on the Material Plane. While Lord
Eldoran was inrell igenr enough to avoid actua IIy su mmo n-
ing che demon, he was easily tricke<l inro believing whar
che demon rold him. Vrylíck used Lord Eldoran's hacre<l to
convince him ro cascspells and use magic he did not really
uoderscand in o r<ler to crea ce a powerful, lo ng-lasting curse
char would eventually creare a rift to rhe Abyss. Parience
isa virtue fewdemons bochcrwith, hur Vrylick's lo ng-rerm
plan would sow c haos anc.l confusi.o n from che beginning
and simply gww over lime. Lord Eldora n believed rhe
curse. woulu only carget Lo rd Morrick a nd his immed iace
family ra ther chan che encire gro unds ami everything on
chem. Spells used were resrrained to Lo rd Mo rrick's prop-
erty, bue chese resrraints en<led with Lo rd Eldoran's death.
Vrylick's complex curse is designed co spread slowly but
surely chroughouc rhe land. When tt gams enough power
a nd has creared enough chao~, tears ro the Abyss begin to
open chat allow demons to pour inco che Material Plane.
The cQmplex rituals and spells used were focused on a
small, plain stone. Once che stone was prepared, Lord
El<loran hired a th1ef co sneak o nto che grounds and drop
thestone inro a founcain o r sorne ocher large body ofwater,
as well as ro steal certain papers. The chief entered che
grounds and dropped che stone inco a la rge pond m che
gardens behind che mansion (Arca 20). The thief fe.ll
victim to che curse and was never seen again. As luck
would hf!v...: it, che sro ne was dropped inco che pond before
che main mea! was served. All food o n Lo rd Morrick's
J)r0perty was insrancly tainced with the in visible, unde-
recrable c urse. Severa! ho urs la rer, during che toasts t hat
follow sucl, evenrs, pe<)ple began tú fall viccim to d1e
horrible murarions and madness brought o n by the curse.
Sorne guests and servants íled during che ensu ing madness,
bue many were killed by che curse - o r by the curst::d
people around them..
Curse Effects
The cmse bear.; che chaotic nacure of its <le mo n c reator
and has a wide range ofeffects. C reatures often J ie from che
srrangc combinations c;if features che curse inflicts o n
them, while survi vors can display visible muracions or
possess mura rio ns with no ourwarJ effecr. The pebble at
che bottom of rhe pond accs as a powerful magner to
chaotic evi.l c reacures a nd crearures affected by che curse
because ic is a soun;e of chaos. C ursed creacures have no
Jcsire tú move very far from the stone, as its c haonc
emanations are sornehow comforting to them.
Most o( che c reatures changed by the curse have che
followlng speciaÍ abilities:
SA-Ome (Ex): A creacure with chis special artack can
pass on rhe curse through wo unds caused by a successfu I bire
orclaw accack. SeeCurseT ransmission, below, forJccailson
che Fortitude save DC to res ise chis special attack.
SQ-Curse (Ex) : C ursed crcatures are often somewhat
paranoid and in sorne cases complecely insane. Such creatures
are dUticulc ro communicace with, even chmugh che use o(
~-pelIs. Cursed crea tu res receivc a +6 morale bonus to uU sa.ving
throws against dumn spells anu mind-iníluencing effecrs.
Curse Transmission
The curse is cransmicred through food aod wa ter o r by
being binen o rclawed by a cursed creature. Every bite of
food and drink of wate r and each successful bite or claw
atrack by a cursed crearure forces a Fortitude saving chrow
ro avo id being cursed. Thesaving throw scarcs wirh a ofOC
5, bur each additional bire of food, drink of water, and
successful bite o r claw actack bya curseJ c reacure increa.ses
 1NTRODUCTTON

G.trseEffects
PCs failing ro save against che curse must roll ld20 on chis cable.
d20 Effect
l Go insane: wru,der around aimlessly as lf under a c:onfusion spell.
2 Lefr arm murares into a scaly arm endi:ng with a claw ( I d4 unarmed damage).
3 Righr arm murares lnro a scaly ann ending wtth a claw (ld4 unarmed damage).
4-5 Borh arms mutare as above.
6 Body cave.red in scales: + l natural AC.
7 Ears elongate and become sensirive: +4 to Listen checks, -4 co all saving throws vs. sound-based effects.
8 Nose disappears¡ Lose ali sense of smell.
9 Face murares and twists, becoming covcred with scaJes (-2 ro any checks involving communicadon and
+ I0% speU failure for spells involving ve.rbal componen es).
10 Body cave.red with fur.
11 Lose ears, subject is deaf: -4 lnldative, and spellcasrers suffer +20% spell failure for spells wich verbal
cornponents.
12 Blimled.
I3 Eyes more acure; can ~ee cwice as far as normal.
14 Feet become clawed; can no longcr wear boocs.
15 Lo e ali body 1,air.
16 Obcainsupematural strength and go insilnc: +2d4 poincs oí permanenrSrrength and permanenr insanity;
curing one effecr cures the. ocher.
17 Go insane: arrack nearest crearure.
18 "Fiery blood": body cemperarure increases to the pomc thar ali fonns of clothlng and armor are
uncomfortable to wear; cold resiscance 10.
19 "Frozen blood": body tempera ture decreases uncil the crearure ha~ an overwhelmingdesire ro bathe m fire;
firc resistance I O.
20 Roll cwice co obcaln 2 results from above
Ac thc DM's discrction, certam rcsults can be repeated, whilc others cannot. Sorne resul~, such as 18 and l 9,
potentially cancel each oth.er out, ar che DM's discretion.

the OC by 1. A PC eaci ng 5 bites of an apple found on che
rnansion grounds is forced ro make 5 saving throws ( i.e.,
DC5, DC6,DC7, DC8,and OC9). Lengchybactlescould
conccivably force a number oí saving rh.rows. The amounr
of die rol1ing is easily recluced hy simply adding the differ-
cntsuccessful artacksagainsca PCand making the PCsave
againsr the highesc value, such as OC 9 in che example
above. A remove curse spell resers che srarting polnr for
saving throws to OC5. A PC, familiar, or animal compan-
ion beginning to murare muse receive a remove curse spell
within 2 days or che effects become permanent and can
only be removed with a limited u11sh, miracle, or1visli. When
íaLUnga saving chrow, a PCmusr roll ldZO toobtain a curse
resulr from che Curse Effects table.
Each mucation takcs effect slowly over a period oí
approx11m1tely I hour. Every 12 hours after the first failed
saving throw, the PC muse make an addirional Fortitude
saving rhrow (OC I O) until 3 murations have been ob-
rnined ar a remove curse has been cast. Twelve hours after
the thirJ mutation takes effect, the victirn must make an
additional Forticude saving throw (OC 15). Failure indi-
cares the mucacions kili the subjecc. Once viccims are
cursed, the curse continues ro affecr them even if they
leave che grounds. C rearures accumulating 3 or more
mutations ha.ve no desi re ro leave the grounds, unable ro
explain why; rhey simply feel drawn to the mansion,
particularly the pond behind the mansion. ln addition, the
J mutarionsand rhe madness that invariably accompanies
them are permanent and cannor be removed by anything
shorc of a limiced wish, .wish, or mirade.
Any food and water broughc onco the grounds rcmains
safe as long as none of it comes inco conracc with food or
water from the mansion or grounds. Cursed PCs do not
cain.tfood or water they come imo conract with un.less they
bleed on it. Food or drink found on tbe mansion grounds
remains calnted by the curse whcn removed from the
grounds, bur d1at raint can be removed with a purify food
and drink spell once the food or drink is well away from the
cursed area.
Learning About the Curse
The PCs should learn more about the curse while
wandering rhe mansion and grounds. Knowledge and
lntelligence checks made while scudying cbe plano; and
anima.Is on che grounds and in che mansinn can be used to
help reveal different aspecrs of the curse. Murations and
changes caused by che curse are random and chaoric in
nature, leading to the easy presumption thar sorne sort of
chaotic force Ls involved. Plants and creatures near che
pond behind che mansion (Area 20) are more heavily
alrered by the curse, hincing rhat the pond itself mighr be
the source of the curse.

4
 MORRJCK MANSION
Alternaclvely, che major NPCs provided can be used ro
help impart informarion. Samples of cursed plants and
animals given to eicher Leah Redoak or Thyran Whiteoak
revea! che curse has a demonic source and could nat bave
been cast without che atd of a powerful demon. Oiscussions
with Sarah Lyrean revea! demonic magic is both chaotic
and evil in nacure and that items used in such spells can be
derecred by examining their altercd auras with dececr evil or
dereuchlw5 spells. Conversations with Sarah, Leah, oreven
Tiv¡ran suggesr the curse has a source somewhere in the
mansion or nn che grounds. Sarah or Leah might suggest
usiúg a hallow speU in the area to disrupt the curse. Either of
thern can supply a divine scroll of hallow for this purpose.
Encling the Curse
TI1e curse 1s brougbc to an end or prevented from
spreadmg in severa! differenr ways. Sorne solucions 1111ghc
require input from NPCs in Grollek's Grove. Toe DM can
.ivoid relying upon NPCs through the use of Knowledge
and lncelligence checks orche PCs' use ofaugury and other
Divination spells.
The first (and least likely) method ro be chosen is co
comact the dernon providing the power behind the curse
a.nd offer it sorne sort of paymeot to brlng che curse to ::in
end. While the PCs are almosccenain to avoíd such a dark
deal, rhe wizard Thyran Whiteoak has his own reasons for
allying himself wich a demon and tries ro malee such a deal
on his own (see A rea H in the Grollek's Grove chapter for
::i description ofThyran and his plans). Ifhe Is broughr ro
tbe source of the curse, Thyran can concacr Vrylick
Werezkel and begin negoriations. Given proper induce-
ments and severa! souls (probably che PCs') to play wich,
Vryl ick provides a solut1on chat complerely suppresses che
curse and even seems to reverse its effects for 50 yea rs.
While cursed creatures still suffer its effects, they can no
longer spread che curse, and ali food and warer on che
grounds are instamly free of che curse. Planes rerum to
normal after a full season of growrh.
The second method is to case halww on che pond
conraining the scone. While rhis spell ís higher in level
rban the PCs are able co cast, Sarah Lyrean (Are.aj), the
high cler!c ofKudrak in Grollek's Grove, or Leah Redoak
(Area N) can offer this suggestion as well as a scroll
conraining thespell. TI1is srraregy prevenes che curse from
spreadLng to other properties but does not temove the
curse from the food, water, and winc on the gmunds, nor
does ir prevenr cursed ere.atures from spreading ic. Cursed
creatu res must be destroyed, and purify food and drink spells
muse be used th roughout the emire cursed area ro control
che curse. While chis method is fairly easy, ít does requlre
che aid ofNPCs and has irs own risks. The PCs are almost
certainly notof the proper leve} to use theha!lowscroll and
s
~u run the risk ofa scroll misbap as described in Chapter 8:
Magic lcems of the DMO.
TI1e third and most effecrive mechad is to fínd che
pebble acting as che source of che curse and des troy i t. The
PCs might arrive at chis conclusion on their own through
scudying the grounds and the evidence they discover or by
pucting cogether comments from severa} differem people.
The pebble lies among hundreds of other rocks at che
borrom of a pond; it can be separateJ from its neighbors
rhrough che use of eirher dececc evil or decect chaos spells.
Breaklng d1esrone inro fragmenrs by any method preven es
the furcher spread of rhc curse and n1akes ali flowing water
in founr::iins, welb, and ponds on che grounds safe ro drink
again. Food, wine, planes, and crea tu res on chegrounds are
still cursed bucpuri.fy spells can remove the curse from food
and liquid, and che cursed planes and creacures can be
desrroyed. Whill! d1is method bears certain risks, le is
extreme} y effecrive and allows the PQ¡ to accomplish their
goal wichllut outside help.
lf che PCs use the second or third method after someone
has used thc first, the grounds are retumed to normal
permanendy, and che PCs eam che warchful eye and
hatred of a very powerful demon.
Running the Adventure
Afterarriving in Grollek's Grove, che parry learns abouc
the curse on Morrick M.ansiou and hears rumors that it is
spreading. Conflicting rumors lead them inro conversa-
Lions with severa! o( che major characters menti.<med
above. Thareveryone is afraid to enter che mansion and its
grounds becomes clear, bue che on ly way to collect evi-
dence about che curse is actually to explore the grounds in
search of the curse's source.
A derailed investigation of che mansion and grounds
exposes che PCs to che curse wbíle allowing chem to leam
whac happened. During cheir exploring, the PCs have the
opportunicy to rescue members of Lord Morríck's family,
acquire severa! piecesofevidencepoimingto Lord Eldoran's
involvement, and collect further information on the curse
it.self. Collaboratíon wích different NPCs in cown or their
own research and consulration leaus d1e PCs to one of
severa! differenrways ro end the curse anti remove irs rainr
from che mansion and grounds.
Once che PCs have collecred certain evidence againsc
Lord Eldoran, they can find and inrerview one of Lord
Eldoran's former servants. ll1e evidence he provides,
combined with eviJence collected at rhe mansion, proves
Lord Eldoran somehow created rhecurse, but fina.l proofof
Lord Ekloran's involvementenrails the highly illegal search
ofhis daughrer's home in Grollek'sGrove ami, finally, the
presencation of the evidence to Richard Arien.
 Grollek's GmY:e
Grollek's Grave ís a pcaceful rradl' village sprcad 011r.
ovcr a series of rolling hills near rhe )uncture of two major
trade routes. The village is íar from :my border~ or mher
dangers and has no walls tospeak of.Anumberofo rchards
a re nearby, as wcll as fields r,f wheat, but the mostsignifi-
canc producr is wine. Many of the major vineyardN in the
area are known for hu ndreds of miles in every di rece ion j ust
based on their wine and brandy. Magimate Miriam Kriel
oversees ch_e laws of rhe vUlage, which cends roward
neutral good in overall alignmenr. The map provided
rnarks the location of an inn, cavems, stores, and other
sites of imponance rhroughout che village.
1f usmg a differenr viUage from anocher campa1gn, rhe
DM should place the following NPCs somewhere in the
new village: Richard Arien, Sheila Eldoran, Sarah Lyrean,
Leah. Redoak, Aaron Rye. Jasmine Welk, and Thyron
Whiteoak. These charactcrs m,1y be renamcd or replaccd
as che DM choo5e~. hut che information chey possess could
pnwe imporcanr m rhe Pe~• success.
The high amounr of mide rrnffic coming through
Grollek's Grove rnakes me town amactive ro rhieves and
bcigand~. resulting in more guards rhan usual. Guards run
mounced parrols tbrough rhe hills surrounding che rown
anJ maintain lookoucs at severa] watchtowers to keep the
::trca free ofbrigands. Fear has only begun ro grip the town
in che pase few monrhs when peoplc hegan ro nocicc the
curse un Lord Morrick's land spreading ro neigh boring
properties. People are afraíd thc cur~e will spread over
ev1:ry,me's lancl ami mm it mlghtswaliow the en tire town.
GuarJ~ are paid through rnxes on passing caravaru. and
wagon trains, as well as caxes paid by nobles anJ merchants
witb otflces in mwn. Magiscrate Miriam Kriel híred Lauren
Darkbrow ro ovc.rsee ali military matters and truscs her in
every way. Laureo, her lieucenamBrem Westlighc, ancla
coral uf 60 guards (Warl) circula te through the ·urround-
ing area on horseback as weU as parro! through. town on
foot. In che event of a majar barde, Lauren can call upon
c1tíze.ns for assistance. These people include Sarah lyrean
and orhcrclerics m che temple to Kudnik, as well as some
of the rnercham houses that can provide more guards and
severa! wtzards (10 War3, LS War2, 20 Warl; 2 Wiz5, l
Wiz3. 5 Wizl ).
Rumors and lnformation
The spreading curse is a copie oí man y convcrsacions in
Grollek's Gmve., leading to a v;:irrety of rumors, some rh;:ir
are true and sorne tbar a re noc. This s1ruarioo makes
collecting mformation about che cucse eas1er; unfortu-
narely, mosr ()frhe information is not really very helpful.
The DM mighr decide simply to give che lisr of rumors to
the playersoruse che bnefdescriptionsofNPCs 10 town ro
role-play informarion gathcring. The only sready and
complecely cruscworrhy information che PCs discover is
that Lord Morrick's mansion and ground, were dther
cursed or ¡,oisoned on che nighc of his daughler Larissa's
wedding to Lord Byron Beval, son of a powerful merchant
F.:imily. Surviving witnesses, including Lord Alistair Beval,
restified to Byron 's death. Man y of che following summa-
rized rumors are difficulr ro verify or Jjsprove.
6
G rollek's Grove (Village); Convencional; AL NG;
L,000 gp limír¡ Assers 55,000 gp; Population 853;
Mixed (Human 92%, Halfling 4%, Elf 2%, Dwarf 1%,
Half-elf l %).
Auú1orhy Figures: Magisrrate Minam Kriel (Ari6);
Lauren Darkbrow, Captain of the Guard ( Ftr5); Sarah
Lyrean, priestess of Kudrak (Clr8).
lmptmant Characters: R ichard Arieo, Sheila Eldoran,
Sarah Lyrcan, Lcah Redoak, Aaron Rye,Jasmine Welk,
and Thyran Whtceoak. Sheila Eldoran's stacistics are
rrovided ar A rea P, below; srars for the ocher characters
a re lisred m the NPC Appendb:.
DC 6: There is a large rewarcl for fmding a cure for che curse.
DC 8 : "Thar crazy clruid lady wich che huge tiger
probably did it. 0id YClll see cha e crees he lives in? She grew
it in a .'!ingle day."
D C 10 : ''Lord Morrick cheared a druid council. and
everyone knows you don't mess wirh druids if your liveli-
hood depends on growing rhings.''
D C 10: "Richard A ne n o nly claims to be offering a
reward. He is really just anorher damn noble tricking
people inro finding tl1eir deachs ar die mansion."
DC 10 : "Lord Momck was a rich, rich man. H is man-
sion is full of ueasure."
DC 10: "Lmd Morrlck's wife was a bcauciful woman,
perhaps too beauciful. Maybe she was a dernon, and mayhe
she case rbe curse."
D C JO: "The curse is justa story che nobles are using to
covcr upe.he murde.r of Lo rd Morric k a nd bis fam.ily."
DC 12: "One ofLord Aliscair Beval's enemies hired s.
¡,owerful wizard to curse everyone ar the wedding as a way
to scrike ar his family. After a li, the curse did kili his son."
DC 12: "Lord Mornck was a dark mage who used paces
w1th demons to further his own goals. One ofhis bargains
wenr wrong, anda demon dld this to his family ln retribu-
tion."
DC 12: "Lord Beval casr che curse to get nd of his son
a nd che entire M()rrick famíly."
DC 14: "LorJ Eldoran, Lord Mo rrick'~ nexcdoor neigh-
bor ancl competímr, hired a wizard to curse thc wed<ling."
The DM is welcorne ro devise additional rumors that fir
better with bis or her game world. Rumor.; should add ro
die mysrery of Lhe curse and whoever ca5r ir. Further
rumors should revea! tbe names uf Leah Redoak and
Thyran Wh ircoak as pcoplc who carne ro cown to scudy the
curse. Very licde questionlng is needed to revea! thacSarah
Lyrean and Jasmine Welk are also excellent solll'ces of
infonnarion abouc rhe cown and rhe a rea around ir.
Keyed Locations in
Grollek's Grove
Tbe following locacionsare marked on the mapofGrol lck's
Grove. Lettered locarions are briefly described along with
minor NPCswhocan befound thcre. Major NPCsare lisred
after r.his section a long witb che variou~ locations when:
 MORRlCK MAN.SION
they may be encouncert.-d. One locacion, che h11mc of Lady
S hcila Eldoran, has an additinnal map along wicb keyed
encounters; rhis mar is pmvíded m the evcnc che PCs
accempt to complete one of the minar quests.
DescriptiünS of sorne minor NPCs are provided tO gíve
che DM and che p layers an opporrunity to role-play infor-
maciun gatherirtg. Thc DM maysimply choose ro provide
che PCs with che lisc of rumo rs J eniiled above. lf che res
end up ln combar wich an NPC, the DM decides which
spells any spellcasring N PCs have prepared.
Area A: Guard Towers
These scone guard rowers rise up to a heighc of 40 feer
and give a clear view of che surroundin~ h.ills ancl valleys.
Ar each cower, 1O guards áre always on Juey (2 War2, 8
War l ), 5 resrin¡¡orsleeping with their weapons nearbyanJ
the mhcr 5 standing watch eit.her on top of che cower or
pacrolling around its base. The guards do not shouc greet-
ings ar cravcleio unless they are grected firsc. Their main
jnh is to watcb far large wagon trains and caravans as wcll
as for groups of potencial bandits. Therc 1s a 20% chance
Lhac Lauren Darkbrow is cbecking on che guarcls in che
towcr when tbe PCs pa.~s by.
Each rower has 3 lcvels. The fust level is devoted to rhe
hol'\;es and is fi lled wich hay, graio, an<l severa! stalls. A
narrow stairway lcads up ro a rest area on che secon<l level
concamingcocs, tables, and chairs far che guards whoare not
on duty. 11-i.c third leve! is devoced ro stonng a number of
heavy crossbows, longbows, shorcbows, and auununition. A
scalrway leads chruugh a Lrn¡xluur lU thi:: 1.upof che rowerthat
looks out over the rown as well as che roads leading inco it.
Ooors big eonugh for large warhorses lead inco the tower.
T he cloors are made of thick oak reinforced with iron bands
anJ are barred from the inside when closcd.
Reinforced Doors: 3 in. rh1ck; HardnessS; hp 60; Break
(DC 28).
Area B: The Waving Hand
The Waving Hand is the tnwn's finest inn simply by
vircue of che facc tbar it balso che village's only Lnn. Jf
che PCs want to stay elsewhere, they must renta house.
ln rruch, the massive inn is clean, well careu foc, and
reasonably priced. Markus Brek (male human Exp3; I 2
hp; Profession [innkccrer] +7 ), the propriecor, has made
an agreemen t with che local thieves' guilcl that keeps
a ny ofhis renrers safe from theft-while chey are m che
inn, thac is. This protection agreemenr excends to ali
tbeft ac che inn. Anyone robbing patrons at che inn is
hunred clown by che cbieves' guild. The inn has 45
ronms, fa r more chan one would expect for a small
village, bue chis is becauseso mnny rravelers pass chrough
G rollek's Grove. T hough clean an d safe, rhe inn and
rooms are a lmost devoid of Jecorations, making ic feel
drab and plain. While che lnn does not have an y stables,
Whitebrand Stables across the road is large enough co
keep any h orses the PCs may have.
Maria.is maincalns a bar and a small restaurant as a
convenience to his renters, as he makes most of his
money from rene. Most people prefer to ancnd the much
larger and more boisterous Prancing Unicom for food
7
and fun. Marku~• daughtcrs Hden amJ Rita (Com l, 3 hp
each) cake ca re ofserving fo,,d, and h i.5 wife Ellen (ComJ,
8 hp) cooks.
Markus is a friendly, balJing man witb a rudgy face ;md
a massive belly. Wrinkles have begun co pull ar his cheeks
and che skin around his eyes, anJ bis belly sags over bis bel t.
Markus ii, very friendly to cravelers, as they are his busme.,s,
and he is happy ro give them direccions to :-my place in cown.
While he knows a little about both Lord Morrick and Lord
Eldoran, bedoes nor like ro calk abouc chem. Ali he knows
abour rhe curse is that it ex1sts and rhac people are cerrified
of it. He prefers not to discuss che curse and constant!y
rnakes signs to ward away evil when it is mentioned.
AreaC: Whitebrand Stables
Martín Whitebrand runs the largest scables in rJ1e
a rea. 1l1e building is easily 3 t1mes the size ofany orher
srable building, with a large area behmd rhesrables far
storin g wagons and additional animals if needed. Over
200 mdívidual sralls are builr into th c massive building,
and each scall has hooks and ¡,egs to hold saddles, reins,
and other personal equ!pment if people rrusr enough to
leave it behind. Martín has an agreemenr wich the
chieves' guild: theguild watches people as rhey go in and
out of che stables, but does not steal anything from tbe
scables themselves and exaccs revenge on anyone who
does. Horse theft in G roUek's Grove is considered a
capital offense. G uarus check t1n tl1e srables almosr
unce an hcmr. Martín ha~ 8 stable hands (each Exp2; 7
hp; Handle Anima l +5) anJ charges standard r3tes for
housing ¡¡ni ma ls.
Area D: The Prancing Unicorn
The Prancing Unicom has a repurarion tor fine food,
excellenc wine, and even berrer brandy. While prices are
about double standard, cvcrytbing here is of the highest
qualicy. In addicion to the fine food, Jasmine Welk encer-
cains here every night, bringing in large crowds. The place
is nm by a halfling named Loratb Quill, who employs a
number oídifferen t serving girls and barrenders ro keep u¡,
wic6 che:: crowds. Lorath's wife Mirabdle (Exµ4; 14 hp;
Prufession [cookJ +8) Joes ali of the cooking, wirJ1 help
from tbeir three daughters Laura, Rianna, and Becbany
(each Expl; 5 hp; Profession [cook] +4, Profession lwaít-
ress] +4). The Pr-anc.ing Unicom is an excelleot place ro
meet people in town anu heara numberofdifferenc rumors
about d1ecurse. The large crowds generally force lorath to
hire bouncers ro keep everything under control. The
bouncers are usual!), hired chrough his brother Brandarb
ancl are almost always members of the tbieves' guild (l
bouncers: Rogl, 6 hp each). There is a 30% chance thar
Richard Arien is here on any given nighc.
The bo1scerous crowds are a rich source of rumors and
scories, so all G::ither lnformation checks in the Prancing
Unicorn receive a +J circumstance bonus.
Area E: Quill 's Handy Travel Supplies
Brandarb QuiLI, brother co Lornch Quill (Acea D),
runs chis deceprively small shop. While not many
 GROl¡LT:K'.S GROVE
goods are o n display, a hiddeo uapdoor leaJ s clown
into a massive swreroom ho lding a w1de variety of
mundane supp lies. Brandarb sel Is an y of che standard
rraveling supplies listed in che PHB ar standard
prices. He is will ing to purch ase more expensive
icems. bue h e is williniz tll pay o nly about 1/3 cheir
no rma l value. Unknown co the guards or a lmosc
anyone e lse in town, Brandarb 1s the guildmaster of
the thicves' guilJ and acrs a ' a fencc. H e makes
absolutely sure Llw1 :.wl1:n 11r rare items are solJ
somewhere e lse and never ho lds valuable property
anywhe re In h 1s srore to avoid bringing suspicion
upan hm1self. By making ccrtain that mosc mbbe ries
are done well out of town orar least not noticed until
rhe viccim has left G rollek's Grove, Brandarb cnsures
thar rhe rhieves' guilJ mai ntal ns ::i low profile. Any~
one giving che prnper signals is cold of che ''rules of
thc tOwn " and a llowed co purchase th,eving cools.
Area F: The Village Hall
This building con tains officcs for Miriam Kriel, che
magistrate. as wcll as Laureo Darkbrow anu Brent
WestJight. G uard barracks are next to che jail cells, mak-
ing escape unlikely. Maglstrate Kriel's offices and a large
courcroorn rakeupthcccnterofthe building, while Lauren's
officcs and living quarters are in the back. The magistrare
acts as che v1Uage organlzer, mayor, rreasurer, and judge.
Sht' took over for her fat11er, who n ever retumed from the
wedding at Morrick Manskm. A minimum of 15 guards is
11lways on ducy here, somerimes more when che weacher is
baJ and the number 0f guard parro Is is 1.:ut clown. G uards
wirhin have access ro a va riccy(1f weapons and can ringa
large hell ro alert ocber guards in t.he village il there is an
attack oran escape.
The village hall is a stone srrucwre unlike any other in
t.he village. ll1ick slabs of granice form che walls, and
massive scone Joors (8 in. thick; H ardness 8; hp 90; Break
OC 30 when barred) frameJ in sreel providé rhe only
enrrance into rhe buikling, wnile chick iron bars hlock off
the narrow slocs in che srone waUs thar claim to be
winduws. The huilding is designed to be imposing as well
as threacening, anJ ir succeed· in every way.
Area G: Karlugron 's Armory
O ne end of this long building is set aside as living
quarrers while thc rest is caken up by a massive forge and
a vast numberofblack mirh's roob. Barrelscontainingoil.
warer, ami saltecl water are Üned up ncar the forge icselí.
anJ varic1us chunks of metal and coa! are piled in.differenr
hi n$ and hoppers. Karlugron sells metal weapons anJ
armor up to masrerwork qualicy. He has one human ap-
prentice named Warren (male human Ex.p i ¡ 5 hp¡ Craft
[blacksm1thingl +5, Craft [weaponsmithingl +4) imd one
dwarven apprencice named H ilgran ( fema le dwarf Exp l; 6
hp; Crnft larmorsmithing] +4, Craft fblacksmithlng] +5 ).
8
Area H: Thyran Whiteoak's Home
Thyra.n renred this small h ome when he first moved ro
Grollek's Grove because he knew his re.~earch would take
time. Two of t.he three small rooms i_n che corrage have
been devoted to his research, while the third is h is bed-
room. Thyran seores various potion-making mareriflls in
severa[ large cnmks in one ofh is rooms anJ keeps a number
of spellbooks and researcb texts hidden in a trunk upon
which he has castarcane lock. Despite his wealthy appear-
ance and fine clod1ing, Thyran does noc score any money
in tbe cortage. He either carries invith him or has itstored
omeplace else, much to rhe annoyan ce oí the rhieves'
guild, which has spenc many hours going over everything
in che corrage whilc Thyran is out.
Areal: Mike'sLeatherShop
Placed weil our lif town be.cause rhe awful stench of the
canning process has a rendency to rum good neigh bors into
ene mies, che leat.hershop makcs and sells fine leather goods.
The building has 2 rooms, one devored to ranni ng ancl
drying leatherand rhe other used for makingand selling t.he
final produces. Vats of fou l smelling chemicals 611 the
tanning room while racks for strecching and drying leather
take up ali of the walls.Michael Brath is found here during
the day a l011g wi rh h.is apprentices, Jen and l< yle ( female and
male human Expl; 4 hp; Craft DearherworkingJ +4). Mike
sells learher d othing, bags, boocs, backpacks, and armor.
The armor he selIs is masrerwork qualiry, for he refuses ro
make anyrhing less. and he charges twice whatodiers would
far che same am1or. A II ofhis leather goods bear impressions
of eaglcs, hawks, or other birds, as well as his pa1ticular
symbol. Mosrofhis crade is n(lw in thc leather cl0d1ing that
h~ come into fashlon in sorne of the larger cicies.
Michael Joes nor Uve h.ere. tbe smell too awful even for
h ím to bear, so he cannot be encountered here ar night. He
bars che windows from the inside ( l in. tbick; Hardness 4: 1O
hp; Break OC 25 when barred) and locks d1e heavy oak
J oors ( 4 in. thick; Hardness 4; 20 hp; Break OC 22; Open
Lock DC2 5). M lchael pays protecrion money ro che rhieves'
guild and keeps his store gooJs in an unlockeJ chest.
AreaJ: Temple to Kudrak
A massive, shield-shaped temple rises near the road.
Sarah L yrean, che high cleric i n tow n , as well as a
number of orher junior priesrs (2 C l r3, 2 C lr l / Pal I , 5
C lrl) live in sma ll rooms off to the slde of tbe main
a ltar roum. The a ltar is shaped like a shield and draped
wirh a red velvec coveríng. Rich rapesrries decorating
the walls depict numero us bard es, usuall y focusing on
individuals proreccing innocent chi ld [cn. While che
temple is notofficially protecred by che chieves' guild,
few chjeves are bold enough co risk angering a god .
There h as oever been a reported theft, but severa!
young men have mysreriously died while ''prayiog'' in
the temple in the middle of che nighr. At least 2 clerics
and 2d6 worshippcrs can be found here ar any dme
during che day and 4 or more clerics and J d4 worsblp-
pers ar nighc.
 MO RRJ CK M AN S ION
Kudrak, LesserGod of Guardians
Alignment: Lawful Goo<l
Domains: Good, Protection, Srrength
Symbol: A srone harnmer on a silver sh ield
Worsbipers: Fanners, guanlsmen
Kudrak is usually depicted ~ a large male human in
sil ver plate mail and holding a large silver shield and a
massive scone hammer. H.is priests ()ften wear armor
during celehrations and always wear their armor at
least one day a week. Kud rak is worshipped by guards
and farmers, who are rhoughr of as "procectors of che
fields," and wizards who focus on Abjuration spells.
Clerics of Kud rak consider themselves proceccors of
whacever communiry chey live in and are always will-
ing ro assisr the city milicia in an)1 manner. Unlike
many gods. Kudrak demands Llttle in che way of cer-
emonies, instead focusing on the actions ofh is followers.
Those who pray do so at any time of che day or nigb c.
Clerics usually lead prayer ceremtmics ar both dawn
and dusk, bur particípation is always considered op-
tional. Alrnosr as many palaJins worship Kudrak as
clerics, and Kudrak's d erics may cake several levels of
paladio wichour any penalties.
Area K:The Deadly Arrow
Jacob Rain keeps his store and workshop ímpeccable
aml organ ized. Woodworking cools line the walls in a rder
of cheir size, shape, and purpose, and rhe special wood and
bone he uses are stacked in individual lors. Jacob's bows
and arrows are of thc highest qualiry, enabling him to ask
for and receive premium prices. Jacob works here alone,
and, since h1s wife's death, does not go oucat all, so he can
be encountered here ar any time during che day or night.
Jacob rnakes rnasterwork bows and crossbows as well a:¡
masterwork mighcy bows up to a Strength value of 15. He
charges rw1ce whar these bows would nonnally cost be-
cause he needs to importsome of his materials and because
merchant caravans are always ready to purchase a few bows
ar d1ese prices.
AreaL: Mistwright's Gems
Known for his gem cutting and jewelry making skllls,
Furnk Mistwright livcs and works in this small bue solid
building. Fumk pays a large sum to che chieves' guiltl for
protection. Becween the guild and che vil lage guards, he
has very Iittle fear of robbery. He leaves his doors unlocked
but seores ali ofhis gems and proJuccs in a massive vaulr in
che back of the store when he is not home.
Vault: 10 in. thick; Hardness IO¡ h p 150; Break OC JO;
Open Lock OC 35.
The enchanred sceel vault can be opened only wich a
special key. Opening the vaultwithout the keyl)r breaking
it open criggers a paint trap. 1l1e painc identifies chieves
wirhoutcausing any pennanentdamage to any ofche items
srored in che vault.
9
PaintTrap: CR 1/4; paimspn1y~c11l uver anyone wirhio
a 10-fc. radiusof che vault; no saving chrow; Search OCJO¡
Disable Device OC 35.
The paint cakes ar least J hour of scrubbing ro remove
from skín and hair anJ 2-3 hours to remove from cloching.
Treasure: The vaulr concains over 8,500 gp worch o(
gold and gems. Painc marks any thievcs for ea:;y identifica-
tiun. Robbing Fumk makes the PCs a rarget for the thieve.f
guíld as well as the viliage guards. and thievesaregenerally
rewarded wich an early grave befare they bave a chance to
spend their ill-goccen gains.
AreaM: Richard Arlen 's Home
Richard Arien purchased chis small con age when he
moved inco rown. He knew ic would be some time befare
questions surrounding the curse werc properly answered.
Though srnall, the cottage is beaucífully decorated. The
PCs can find Richard here during the day, but at night
chere is a 30% chance he is ar the Prancing Unicom .
Richard keeps a great deal of treasure rn a srurdy wood
chest beneath his bed. Many suspect che reward money is
h_idden here; they are wrong, bucafter J rhieves died crying
to find out, nobody else has dared to open it. Richard is
rather confident in the rraps che chest possesses and with
good reason. Although che iccms he seores hereare valuable,
he does not see why anyone would risk their Iife far chem.
Steel Reinforced Wood Chest: 2 in. thick¡ Hardness 5;
hp 75; Break OC 27; Open Lock OC 30.
The chest issquar, ugly,and incrediblystw dy. Attempr-
ing ro move or open rhe chesr wirhout rhe kcy rnggers a
poison gas trap. Magic warcls on che chest keep che lock
:muned to a spec.ral key thac Richard has with him ac all
times.
Poison Gas Trap: CR 8; 10-ft. rac.lius spread of poison-
ous gas (Fortsave íDC 19]; 3d6/2d6 Con damage on a fai led
save, Jd6Con damageon a successfulsave), Search DC30;
Oisable Dev1ce OC 35.
A fai led Disable Device check inscantly triggers che trap
and forces che chief co succeed at 2 ~aving throws to
survive. 1l1e magical trap resets after 10 rounds.
Treasure: The chesc contains a c/ookofresi.scance +2, gold
and gcms cocaling 6,000 gp, and spellbooks concaining che
following spells: lst-alarm, dumn pe-rson, color spray, mage
am10r,shield.; Znd-blur,j1ami11gsphere,ghoul rouch,glicrerdus1,
pyroiechnics, spearal hand; Jrd- frrelxill, flame an-otu, gende
repose, hola person, Leomand's riny hut, lighming bolc; 4th-
dimensional anchor, improved ínvisrbility.
111e spellbooks are c>f na value co Richard; a frienJ gave
chem to him many years ago, and he simply has not found
anyone he felt like passing them on to. He offcrs rhe books to
any wizard PCs who assist in the rescue oflarissa Morrick.
Area N: Leah Redoak 's Tree
Leah picked a srnall area ar d1e edge of mwn co grow her
home. Severa! weeks of spells and hard work encouragecl
an oak cree to grow to a massive size. She creaced a home
in the base of the cree through the use of wood shaping
spellsand possiblyothermagic as well. Beauriful flowerbeds
and smaU busbes provide an intricare, peaceful garden
 GROLLEK'S GROVE
where sh eand herdire tigercompanion Sh riluc a re usually
found resring. She makes sorne rrips into che village, but
Shriluc rarely lees her go alone and he tends to frighten
people. The re is a 10% chance chat Sarah Lyrean is visiting
Leab when che PCs come ro call and a 30% chance char a
víllager is visiting he r seek.ing po tions or healing.
Area O: Culpec's Potions
Culpec sells a variccy of potions m cravelers a nJ mer-
chants. While clerics ar the T emple.ofKuJrak sell potio ns
as well, chey do noc have thesame selection as Culpec and
rhey tend to ask quesrions, someching Culpec never <loes.
Vials and jars ful! of vario us herbs and mysterious concoc-
tions line shelves along a li hts walls, and a number oí
labeled purio ns s1ton one ofhis sbelves. People know well
chat Culpcc does n ot properly label a potion until he sells
it; mosl of che labd s are no nsense to anyone ocher than
him o r misleading if they are understandable. 1l1ere is a
50% chance that a stolen porion is poison (lngesced, Fort
DC 18, 2J6 Con/ld6 Con).
The curse has increased the demand for potions to the
point chat C ulpec has a na rd ti me keeping many potions in
stock. He gene rally charges premium prices for his potions.
C ulpec sells tbe following potions: cure ligh1 wounds ( 100
gp), bull's Hrength (200 gp), cat's grace (200 gp), cure
moderate wounds (600 gp), a nd remove curse (1,000 gp).
Sarah Lyrean a nJ Leah Redoak mighc be able co convince
C ulpec to cut his prices for the PCs ií rhey believe the PCs
are bonescabouc thcir goals. Despire living here for a lmost
a dozen years, C ulpec L~ considered a "foreigne.r" due to his
extreme ly pale skin, yellow eyes, and brigbdy colored
robes. He visirs che Prancing Unicorn a t least once a week
and has many friends, bue he" does not participare m gossip
about che c urse. He is somewhat frighccned thac providmg
any sortofopinio n on whac happened might make people
somehow suspecr him.
Area P: Lady Sheila Eldoran 's Home
Lady Sheila Eldoran took over all of her unde's busi-
nesses and property wnen he died. Rarhe r chan living in
rhe mansion our in che vineyards, she lives in the sma ll
ho u.se that accedas an office for Lord Eldo ran whe n he met
with me rchants o r <lid nther busmcss In che village. He r
mo ve to che village started a numberofrumors. At first, che
rumors suggesred she was bavmg an affair wich a married
man in mwn. Newsof ches lo wly spreadingcurse has leJ to
new rumors rhat sne is afraid to Uve next door to Lo rd
Mo rrick's c ursed property. Her ho me, whíle relar1vel y
small, does have severa! rooms che PCs may decide to
investigare. A vaulr in her office contai.ns notes Lo rd
EIJoraa made while planning his c urse against Lo rd
Mo rrick. These papers providedefinitiveproof that he casr
rhe curse and could lead to thc dissolution of his estate if
they are discovered. Lady Eldora n has kepr chem in che
hopes she can find a way to prevenr rhe curse fro m caking
over ner inhe rited lands.
Breaking into rhe ho me Is a very rouchy, dangerous
ma rte r. While Richard Arien might suggest ir in an off-
hand way, he is certainly unwilling to admir to re lling che
PCs to do anyrhing illegal. lf the PC, a re caught invading
JO
Lady Eldoran'shome, theguardsarrestthem. If tne PCs kili
anyone in the ho me while rrying to find evidence against
Lord Eldo ran, they mightend up standing tria! far murder.
During Jaylight hours, a numbe r of servants work i□ che
home and there a re severa I addi tionaI guards. Descri pcions
and cncouncers derailed below presume che PCs make a
robbery a rrempr lace ar nighr when rhe serva nts are away.
T wo Joors provide c ntrance ínto the home, a nd rhere
a re glas windo ws for ::ill rooms, including rooms on che
second floor. Windo ws o n che sewnJ floor are barred shut
and necd ro be broken in order to obtain entry.
Pa - Oak 0ouble Doors: 1 in. chick; Hardnes 5; hp
20; Break OC 25 wnen barred.
1l1e J oors are barred shurfro m che inside and there is no
way to unlock them. Breaklng down che doors creares
en ough noise to wake the ne igbbors ano a lert che guards.
Pb - S teel R einforced Door: 2 in. thick: Hardness 8:
hp 20; Break OC 25 when barred; Open Lock OC 20.
A gap a long tne door a llo ws a successful Open Lock
check (DC 20) with a thin dagger or s horr sword to raise
che bar and open ch.e door. UsLng chis me chod gives the
guards in Area P2 a chance to detect what is happening
with a Listen check (OC 18).
Area P1: AGrand Foyer
1l1e foyer acts as a sitting ro1Jm far merchancs and
businessme.n who come by to make tra nsaccions o r agree-
menrs durmg the day. 1t opens into a wide sitting room
with comfort.able sofas :md chairs placed around a small
table. S mall niches in rne pane lcd waUs ho ld porcelain
vases com aining beautiful flower arra ngements. Tape~-
tries bearing absrracc designs adom che walls between che
nichcs, leaving a lmosr n one of the pale wood paneling
hare. Ar nighr, che foyer is deserted, bue during d1e day
there i~ at lcastone servanr (ComJ, 2 hp) and most likely
severa! guescs. Each of rhe porcelain vases is a unique
specimen specially made for che EIJoran family. Nor even
the thieves' guild wo uld like ly risk selling chem. The foyer
open s up into a la rge di.ning room ro che norch as we ll as
lnto a living roo m off to the west.
Area P2: The Dining Room (EL 3)
This room - in facc, che entirc bouse- 1s Jesigned for
enrertaining impo rtant guests, and ir is deco rated ro show
off agrear de.al of wealth. An oval mahogany dining cable
surrounded by 8 c hairs fílls most of chis racher small room.
An o rnace china cabinec against d1e east wall displays a
numbe r of lmique porcelain places, a nd starues a nd sma ll
paimíngs depicting_arrangemencs ú Í frults a nd flowers
adom rhe walls. Whilc sorne oí che icems would be worth
stealing, selling rhem would he almosr impossible. The
PCs risk cheir theft beingdiscovercd and prosecuted if they
attempt to ~tea! goods from here.
Ac nlght, 2 guards are always o n Juey here. Thcy are
palo tQ beale.rt ,md Joa vcry good jobofo. TI1ey playcards
cogecher, checking t he kitchen and fronc e n.try at random
lntervals. l f rhey near broken glass o r banging on o ne of che
doors, chey invesrigate immcd iacel y. 1f chey discover PCs
inside the home, chey begin sho uting and ma klng no ise
while chey arrack. Lady Eldoran (Area P6) wakes up and
 MORRLCf<. MANSlON
Lac:ly Sheila Elc:lotan's
1 sctuare = 5
comes ro assi t chem within 4 r0undsof their initial shouts.
Gettin¡l past the guards and up to che second flonr is very
difficult wirhout a grea1 deal of planning.
lngrid, female human Ftr2: CR 2;SZM; HD2dl0+2; hp
17; lnit +O; Spd 30 fr.; AC 15; Atk +5 melee (ld8+2,
mascerwork longsword, crit 19-20) or +2 ranged (Id6,
composiceshortbow, crirx3, 70 fe.); ALN; SV Forr +6, Ref
+O, Will + 1; Ser 14, Dex 11, Con U, Lnr 16, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Skills: Appraise +5, Haodle Animal +3, Heal +1.5,
Knowledge (local history) +5, Profession (guard) +3,
Search +4, Wüdemess Lore +3. Fears: Blind-Fight, Greac
Fortitude, Quick Draw, Weapon Focus (longsword).
Possessions: Mascerwork longsword, chainmail, pouch
with 27 gp and 43 sp.
Gerald, mal e human WaC'2: CR 1; SZ M; HD 2d8+4; bp
19; lniL +!; Spd 20 fr.; AC 16; Atk +4 melee ( 1d8+2,
longsword, cric 19-20) or +J ranged (ld6, composice
shorrbow, cricxJ, 70 ft.); ALNE; SV Fort +5, Ref+3, Will
+ l; Str 14, Dex 13, Con 14, lnt 13, Wis 12, Cha 9.
Skills: EscapeArtist+2, HandleAnimal +4, lntimidace +4,
Sense Motive+J. FeaLS: Lighcning Reflexes, Quick Draw.
Possessions: Longsword. chainmail, pouch wich 12 gp
and 15 sp.
Combat Tactics: Both guards simply charge forward
and attack, making as much noise as possible. They focus
attacks on anyone they believe is artempting to case a spel l.
Area P3: ACozy Living Room
This room is anopulem display of wealth. Plush chair
and velvec-covered sofas surround srn<1 ll cables ro creare
separaceareas forongoingdiscussions. Anornate bar in che
norchwest comer displays severa) boceles of expensive
brandy ( 6 hoteles of extremely expensive brandy worch 45
u
Home cAreaP)
feet
gp each). Large place glass window~ look out over che
srreer, and dclicate silk rapestries decorace che walls.
Area P4: ASmall Kitchen
Pots and pans hang from hooks on che cetling, leaving
a single clear area near che pot-bellied srove standing m
che norchwesc comer. A grear <leal of cooking must be
done in this kiccben, because it is impeccably clean and
wel I ca red for. Cabinets around che edges of che room muse
hold other cooking utensils as well as places and silverware.
A door in rhe east wall leads into che rest of che house.
Eim-emcly mil PCs need to wacch their heads and malee
certain they do noc bump any of the pots and pansas they
walk through che kitchen becausc any noise imrnediately
alerts the guards in che <lin ing room. The door to the resr
of che home is set on special spring-loaded hinges ancl
opens and closes silently.
Arca P5: The Second Floor Landing.
A wíde landing extends mto a narrow hallway ro rhe
wesr. Three marching wood doors (1 in. thick; Hardnes.s
4; hp 10; Break OC 15) spaced along thewalls lead imo che
bedrooms and che office. Painrings of boats and ocean
scenes adorn che walls, but there is a surprising lack of
ocherdecorations. Thc 3 <loors are unlocked. Lady Eldor.m
simply <loes not beUeve anyone can pass by che guards tCI
reach che second floor wichouc making any noise.
AreaP6: Lady Eldoran's Bedroom(EL4)
Ornare mahogany fumiture fills rhe room, and beauciful
paintings depiccíng water falls and forest scenes decorate
che walls. lf the PCs enter at mght, Lady Eldoran is
sleeping on che massi ve bed in che cenrer of the room. She
 GROLLEK'S GROVE
is a light sleeper, anda fa1led Move Silenrly check (OC 8)
awakens her. lf awakened, she screams far her guards and
crea tes as much noise as possible. A childhood fear of the
cfark forces her to keep che room lit at aU tlmes, even when
she is sleeping. Lady Eldoran also wakes tf che guards
downsuurs begin shouting. lf the guards wake her, she gers
up, loads che lighrcrossbow h1dden beneath her bcd, cases
mage annor on herself. and hcads downsrnirs.
Lady Sheila Eldoran, female human Wiz4: CR 4; SZ
M; HD 4d4+4; hp t9; lnic + l; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14; Ark +6
melee (ld4+4, +/ dagger, crir 19-20) or +3 ranged (ld8,
light crossbow, crit l9-20, 80 fr.); SA spells; AL NE; SV
Fort +2. Ref +2, Will +4; Srr l 7. Dex J2, Con 13. tnr 17.
Wis l l, Cha 1 l.
SkilL~: Concencracion + LO, Knowledge (arcana) + 10,
Knowledge (religion) +LO, Profession (merchanr) +7,
Scry + LO. Spellcrafr + 10. Fea1s; Combar Casting, Scribe
Scroll. Silent Spell, Toughness.
Arcane Spell.s Prepared (4/4/3) : 0--dancing lights, Jaze,
detecc magic, read mag1c; lsr-bummg hands, magearmor,
shic!J, shocking grasp; 2nd-blur, Mel's aCJd acrow (x1 ).
Possessions: Ring ofpro1ecdon +2, amulet of1wt11ral armor
+1 , cloak of res1srance +I, +1 Jagger, light crossbow, 20
bolts.
Description and Personcúhy: Sheila wearsa pi ne hed, pa ineJ
expression cverywhere she goes. Heavy make-up covers her
worst fea tu res, bue her saccasricand rathcr cruel personaliry
keeps her from making any friends. Despite m.any nirnors
a.bout her having affa1r.; wtth married men, she has uot had
reladons wich any men acnll :md 1s unlikely to m che furure.
J2
She never gocs uut, :mJ ht:r snobhery means rhar she will
likely not even give the PCs an audicnce.
K11owledge: LaJy Elcloran knows her uncle is responsible
for che curse, though she is unwilllng ro admit c.his knowl-
edge to ,.inyone. lf confronte<l with papers stolen from her
home, she clalms they are forgeries, and proving ocherwise
is diff1cult withour al~1 aJm1rcing to che cheft.
Combat Tactics: Lady Eldoran uses f.mming hands on
any PCsartempringtocloseformeleecombatwirh heranJ
screams her loudest co alen hoth her guards as wcll as Lhe
ncighbors abour the :mack. lf possible, she casts blur anti
mage armaron herself hefore going imo combar. She tries
to use Mel's acul arroui anti .shockmg gras{) spclls on im.li-
vldual PCs, resomng ro bummg hands when severa! PCs are
standing together.
DMNote: lfche PCskill L1dy Eldoranforanyreason, they
neeJ to be extreme! y certai.n chere is no eviLlence COLmecting
them to the crimc. Desp1te whatever evidence they find
agmrut Lord Eldoran, the Magistrate does ooc tolerare che
murder of one person to find evtdence againsc anocher.
Jewelry Box: Hardness 4; hp 25; Bre11k DC 20; Open
Lock DC22.
Lady Eldoran keeps a few jewels in a jewelry box h iddcn
in oneof the dresser urawers. Opening 1he drawerst.¡uietly
requircs a Movc Silcntly i.:heck (OC 15), wich failure
awakenmg uidy EIJoran if she is sleeping in the room.
Treasure: The box conrains emerakl pen<lanc éarrings
(250 gp), a marching cmerald nccklace (1,500 gp), anda
pearl broach (280 gp). All of the icemsare easily identified
as Lady E1Joran 1$ and must be so ld in a di5tant city.
 MORRlCK MANSlON
Area fy:A Guest Room
Although clean and well cared for, the room has the
hollo wfeel ofa place that is notbeing lived in. Aneleganr
marble-ropred vaniry stands against one wall, flanked by
2 dressers made ofan extremely dark wood with pale brown
veins. A sturdy bed in thecenrerof the room is torped with
maroon hlankeu; that match che severa! maroo n tapestrie!i
hanging o n the walls. The drnwers are ali empry. Lady
Eldo ran has not entertained any guests since she mMed
imo che house. Despite its lack of use, the clea.ning staff
deans chis room every mo ming. Anyo ne hiding here
during the Jay is almosc certainly discovered by o ne of the
servants.
Area Ps: The Office
This grand office is clearly where most of the real
negotiarions occur. A m.assive wood desk with a siate cor
stands in the cencer. A large brown leather chair reses
behind che desk, wbich faces two smaller learher chairs.
Bookca5es li11e ali of the inner walls, whi le largeplateglass
windows look o ut over smal Igardens to che n orth ami west.
A squat steel safe standing between 2 bookcases at rhe far
east wall holds numerous business papers as well as the
notes Lord Eldoran made while planning the curse. Squat,
ugly, anJ almost impervious to darnage, che safe is not
trapped and is relatively easy - chough time consuming
- to open.
13
SteelSafe: 12 in. cb.ick; Hardness I O; hp L50; Break (OC
30); Open Lock (special).
The heavy safe is made of enchamed steel but has a
com.binatio n lock that can be opened by making 3 con-
secutive Open Lock checks (OC 20 each). Each successful
skill check reveal.s a no ther portian of che combination.
Treasu re: The safe contaíns a vasr numbcr of boring
business documenrs of no use to anyone other than Sheila
Eldo ran. 1c also contains detailed notes written by Lo rd
Eldoran describing his conract with Vrylick Werezkel ancl
che various rhings rhe demon cold him were required ro
curse Lord Morrick a.nd his farnily. These documents
provide definitive proof thar Lo rd Eldoran is responsible
for rhe curse and rnake clear rhat finding and Jestroying
the pebble use<l as a source for the c urse shoulJ end ir
completely. In addition, the safe holds a bag containing
850 gp and 1,396 sp, as well as 2 spellbooks comain ing che
following spells:
0--all; l st-burning hanJs, change self, color spray,
endure elements, erase, expedí tio us recrear, grease, hypno-
tism, jump, magic weapon, obscuring mise, shield, shocking
grasp, Te nso r's float ing disc; Znd-arcane lock, blur, car's
grace, darkvision, detect tho ughc:;, fog cloud, invisibiliry,
Mel's acid arrow, resist ele.menes, sharter, spec tral hand;
3rd--explosive runes,gusrofwind, haltundead, Leo mand's
riny huc, shriok item, vampiric touch; 4th-bestow curse,
concagícm, e nervation, Evar' · black tentacles, ice storm.
The DM should decide whether tO add or subtract fro m che
above lisr.
 The Mansion and
Lord Morrick's mansion is set on a low híll near the
centerofhis properry. Beautiful gar<lens surruunding the
home were his pride ami joy. A stone wall separares rhe
garden from the light foresc to the south and the vast
vineyards that surround che rnansion on ali sides. H orscs
were stabled oursicle che gardens because Lord Morrick
()wned severa! exoric wílJcats rhar prowled che gardens.
The mansion and gmunds are afflicred with a curse (see
rhe Introduction), wh ich extemls ro the very horders oflord
Morrick's property. Even che vineyards are caimed. Ali of
rhe creatures in the gardens and che forest sourh oí che
mansiún are alsu cursecl. Mosto( che crearures are far more
dangerous and aggre.ssive than thelr nonnal counrerparcs.
When che PCs encer the gmunds and begio ro explore,
they hecome potencial viccims of thc very curse chey are
invcstigating. They also become targets for some of che
mutant peoplc, anlmals, and planes tharnowoccupy boch
rhe mansion anJ the grounds. Many o ( tbe mutanr
crearures roaming che mansion and grounds were once
servants or guests who come for the wetlding. Sorne rif che
mutant ~ervants and guescs retain a small parr of rhetr
sanh:y and can be reasoned wich, wlule ochers have gone
completely insane but srdl reram some of their skills.
C ,ealures on the ground, and in the mansion are orga·
ni.zed i.nw keyed encounr.crs ar particular locacions.
The DM shou Id feel free to move crearures basecl <m rbe
PCs' acrions. A random events table ar the beginning of
each sub-secrion provides addittonal crcarurcs and cvcnrs
that the PCs rnight cncounter during their invescigarions.
Any new crearures che DM decides to add to che mansion
or grounds are considered cursed and have the special
abilicies related to che curse described in rhe lnrroduction.
Locamms ami encounters throughour rhe emire grounds
anti mans1on are numbered sequentially to prcvem any
confus1on abouc different locations. The PC~ probably necd
ro rescseveral times whilesearching the a rea ami mighrneed
to retum to town severa! rimes for healing and care.
Morrick Mansion Grounds
Thc manslon 's groLtncls tnclude che l ighr foresr around
the roatl leading up to che mansion, che vineyards,
certain huildings, and rhe walle.d garderu. The curse has
rwisted and mucared ali of che planes, which possess n
widc van ery of diffcrcnt íeatures including strangely
colored leaves, branches, or flower~. Traveling rhrough
che arca is chus an eerie. disconcerring experience.
The Main Road
TI1e road leading up to rhe mansion was once a wide
cobble scone road fir for cam and hor~es. The light forest
now grows. over rhe road; scones. are misplaceJ by growing
cree roots and erosion. When che PCs first encer che pach,
che cw1sting hranches and murate<l crunks of the crees they
14
Random Events
Roll ld20 for cvery hour ilie PCs explore che forest
co determine 1f one of che followi.ng events occurs:
ld20 Event
1-1 A curseJ boar (CR 4) charges throu.i;h che
un<lergrowth and artacks tbe PCs.
4-5 You hear the sound of distant laughter over
the rusrling leaves. The laughrer faJes as che
breeie pieles up and cannot be hcard agaln.
6-7 The PCs pass close ro che burrow of a cursed
badger (CR 2) chat rushes out and attacks.
8-9 Thes.hrill cryofad1stanreaglefilrers through
ilie brand1.es overhead.
t0-12 A cursed weasel (CR 2) atcacks che PCs.
l.3-14 Branches and bushes shudder and ripple as a
mas~ivc dark shape flees into the forest.
15-20 No encounter.
The abovc evcnrs should be used once, if the DM
decides to use thcm ar all. lf the PCs are wounded, the
DM can choose co avo1d combats1tuatmns by havi.ng
che curscd crea tu res flee from ilie PCs or by ma.king ir
ubvious a crearure i5 protecting its home and allowing
che PCs to recrear.
see easily confinn rumors about d1e curse. Lcaves on che
crees vary in color, ranging from a depressing ash gray ro
bright yellow. and some of the crees bear strange, twisred
fruir. Flowers on severa l bushes look more frigh ten ing than
bec1utiful, bur the fore$t is peaceful anJ quier. The cobble-
~tone roaJ heading north has fallen into Jisrepair¡ cree
roots screrch their way beneach che ~rones, and rlancs are
beginning to crecp over their surface. A fow mon' years uf
growrh and che road icself witl be Jifficu lr ro flnd.
The Light Forest
Soil on che southern edge ofLord Morrick's property is
rocky and poor in outrienrs. The light forest thar grows
there has been lefr alone because none of che owners saw
any value in atrempting ro plant vines or od1er crops there.
A number offlowering crees and bushes grow wild in the
forest, a long wi th man y wLld a ni mals. TI1e curse extends co
include ali of the planes and animal,, living In the forest,
making even small animals r orentially dangerous.
PCs who wander che forest may come upa n severa!
dangerous crearures, but they also have the opportuniry
to collecr a numberof mutanrfruirsand flowers thar Leab
Redoak or Thyran Whireoak might wanc ro srudy.
The Vineyard
Walking through the vineyard is an eetie, disconcerting
experience. Thc grapcvines have suffered thc same way
 MORRICI<. MANSION

Random Events
Roll ld20 for each hour che PCs explore the vineyard to choose one oí the following enct,unters:
ld.20 Event
1-2 You hear che bkxxl-curdling screams ofa <lying creamre, fuUowed by a sudden, uneasy silence.
3 A cursed rogue (CR 2) sneaks up un che PCs and arcacks.
4 A flock ofcursed ravens (12 x CR 1/6 cach) swarms che PCs, acternpting to drive chem away for sorne reason.
5-6 The res discover d1e scene ofa recent bactle. Fresh, wer blood soaks che ground and hroken vines nt'.ltrby st.ill
ooze scicky picch.
7 A cursed monk (CR 2) looking for fuod decides to defend his territory by accacking che PCs.
8-9 You hear :;omeone crying softly nearby. Toe gentle sobs barely make ic chrough che d1ick vines before suddenly
stopping.
1O A cursed eagle (CR 1/2) dives at che PCs in an atrempr to drive chcm away from its nest. If che PCs investigare
and find che bird's nest, chey see rotting-eggs chat will never hard1.
11- 12 A cursed balfüng (CR 2) emerges from che vines ancl arrernpts to spe-ak. After makingseveral umnrelligible
sounds, she flees back into che vines, crying.
U A cursed giant bat (CR 2) dives silently from che nighrsky ro make asurprise actack (nighronly).
14 A cursed bugbear (CR 2) screams a challenge as ir emerges fi-om che vines and poinrs at a single PC in a clear
attempt to cbailent?e chac PC tO a one-on-one battle.
15-20 No encounter.
The DM can choose to ignore any particular result or add crearures to make encounrers more difficulr. In general, che
encouncers are Jcsigncd to make che area seem more frightening and eerie rather than to cause the PCs major problerns.

crees and bushes in rhe foresc have suffered. The vínes are
rwisted, sornetimes moving inco the openings becween rows,
and cheir leaves havc changed to a mulcirude of differenr
colors. The vines still produce grapes, bue some ofche grapes
have,xld shapes and colors. Alchough che grapes are sweet
and juicy, anyone earing them runs the risk of hecoming
cursed. Few of che crearures thar wander tl1e vineyard ca11se
the PCs any trouble; most flee as they approach. Toe PCs
might wanc ro investiga te severa! buildings 111 tl1e vineyarcl.
NumberedEncounter Areas
Combat Tactics: Wbj)e not very intelUgem, this wol-
verine has lived far longer chan any normal wo lverine ancl
has adopted severa! tactics thac have beneficed ir in the
past. Jf che PCs are on horseback, ic acracks and startles
horses ar che rear of che ¡,arty. 1-io rses shy from che mutant
c.rearure and arrempt to buck their riders and run. PCs
must make a Riele (horse) check ( DC 16) to rema in seated
and an aclditional meck (OC 12) ro control tl1eirmounrs.
The wol verine accacks any PC thrown ro che ground flrst.
1f the PCs are on fooc, che wolverine waics until che party
passes and attac.ks the last PC 111 the group.

The following numbere<l encounters from che Mansion
Grounds map are detailed below.
Area1: The Wolverine's Burrow
(EL2)
A large, r.wísted tree bcsidc che pach conceals the burrow
oía mucant wolverine. Ifone of tl1e PCs makes a successful
Spor check (OC 18), he nocices signs of tl1e burrow. Clev-
erly conscrucce<l, rhe burrow is perfeccly placed beneath che
chomy branches of the surrounding bushes so chat anyone
crying to examine it would be subjecc ro painful pricks. The
wolvcrine's r.hickskin aUows it to pass by che chorns witl1out
an y ill effeccs. Shorc, squat, andevil-tempered co begin wich,
che curse has on1y strengthened che wolvenne's bad poiots.
les $kin is now a hard shdl of thick scales, and ir has gained
a grear deal of strength over che pase few years.
Cursed Wolverine: CR 2; SZ M Animal; HD 5d8+20;
hp 42; lnit -t-2; Spd JO ft., burrow IO ft., climb 10 fe.; AC
16; Atk +5 melee (ld4+2 [x2], claws) and +O melee
(ld6+1, bite); SA curse, rnge; SQcurse, scenr; AL N; SV
Fort+8, Ref+6, Will +3;Str l4, Dex 15,Con 19, lnr2, Wis
12, Cha 10.
Skills: Climb +15, Listen +8, Spot +8.
]5
Area 2: An lntersection (EL 4)
As the PCs cravel clown che path, chey approach an
incersection oucside che main gaces. Cares aod wagons for t11e
vineyard simply cook t11e east road row-ard che stables and
vineyard while guescs an<l sraffcontinued norrh to che man~
sion.Now,2curredbugbearswaitin ambushactl1elnrersection.
Theircamouflagecl hideoutsare justsouch ofthe incersecrion
on botl1 sides of che road. These 2 bugbears belonged ro a
group ofadvennirers chat made its way to che region sever,:i.l
years ago. Foolishly chinklng chey would be imrnune t:o the
curse, rhe aclvenrurers decided ro loor che rnanslon before
moving on. Toe curse mucated all of rhem; sorne died, and
sorne moved ro other areas in and around che mansion.
Cursed Bugbears (2): CR 2; SZ M (Goblinoid): HD
Jd8+3; hp 16: Jnir + 1; Spd 10 ft.; AC 17: Atk +4 melee
{ld8+2, momingstar) or +4 melec (ld4+2, claw) or +J
ranged (ld6+2, javclin, 30 ft.); SA curse; SQ curse,
darkvision (60 fe.)¡ AL CE; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will + l ;
Srr 15, Dex 12, Con 13, lnc 10, Wis 10, Cha 9.
Skills: C limb +3, Hide +2, Lisren +3, Move Silendy +6,
Spor +3. Fears: A lertness.
Possesions: Mom ingscar, 3 javelins.
CombatTactics: The bugbearsan: hidden on both sidt~
of the road (PCs' Spot check opposed to bugbears' Hide
 THE MANSION AND GROUNDS
loft stables
(area 8)
Vineyatc\ Builc\ings
1 squ;ite
sheet Winety
(a rea 10) (area 9)
check ro avoid surprise). Thcy wait unci I the main body of
the parcy is becween chem befan! chrowing cheir javelins.
After they chrow their javelins, tbey rush inro batcle
!-houting and screaming ln an effort to tlemoralize cheir
enemtes. Boch bugbears use the1r mo rningsrars in barde, so
therc is no dangcr of being c ursed by chese particular
creatures. If rhe batcle goes poorly, che bugbears flee inro
the forest and rry ro meet up again at their hur (Area 4).
Area 3: The Main Gates
Well-wo rngranite tlagstones line the ground beneatb the
imposing walls that exten<l to che east and west. The grand
archway beneath che wall is tranquil bue omlno us. Al-
though man y visitorsonce passed rhrough these grand gaces,
mere is no sign tbar anyone has visiced chis place far many
years. Dwarven handiwo rk is evident in boch che walls and
che heavy srone gares. Openíngs in che gares themselves
reveal a large mansion rowering over an ovecgrown garden.
The heavy srone gares are counrer weighted. They
require only minimal screngtb to open, bur swing shut o n
their own. Dwarven construcrion makes them immune to
che lack of care they have experienced, so che gates srill
move soundlcssly. Lf che PCs proceed rhrough che gates,
the DM should move to "The Gardens" section, below, for
further keyed entries and desc riptions. The PCs may also
choose to roam che foresta little further, where they mighc
find sorne clues abouc che curse.
Area 4: ASmall Hut
Tht 2 bugbears that set up che ambusb at A rea 2 make
che ir home he re m a smal I ro\Jgh hur. PCs wi.chin 40 feec
,)f the hut norice ir with a successful Spot check (DC 15).
grounc! floor
= 5 feet
setvant's quattetS
(atea 11)
r,
Anyone widün 30 feec nocices ic immediately. Twisting
1
branches cuc from crees indifferenr parrs of tbe foresr were
used ro construcr che huc, makin.g it appear very unstable.
Although small, squat, and racher ugly, che hur is ~ur-
prisingly clean. The bugbears keep their hur dean ro avoid
attraccing che attencion o( other c rearures in d1e forest.
Twisred branches are splitancl cied mgechertocreace 2 low
cots chaca re propped up against che walls. Natural peg-like
prorrusions o n che wall holu up various racrered doaks and
an old halfling-sized suit of leacher annor.
Treasure #1: Of the cloaks hanging o n che wall, 2 bear
Lord Mo rrick's coar ofarms; they came from 2 ofhis guards.
The suit of armor is masterwork leather armo r si.ze<l for a
halfling, gnome, o r o ther Small humanoid.
Treasure #2 : A carefulsearch (Search DC 20) beneath
che blankers and coa; rurns up 3 masterwork daggers, a
masterwo rk lo ngswo rd, :md 45 gp.
Area 5: ARotting C.Orpse
11,e PCs immediacely recognize something is wrong
when chey pass withm 30 feerofthe corpse. An overpower-
ü1g stench of rot and decay fills the area, chis oily, sickening
odor coming from a lone corpse in an advanced stage of
decomposition. An adventurer exploring d1e mansion suf-
fered horribly from che c urse, which evencually killed him:
che curse mutated him so badly, even the maggorsrefused to
consume his body. The slow rocring Jecay, combined with
the curse. creares an odor chat could frighcen even rhe
lx,IJest adventurers. Ext1mining the corpse and its decaying
irems requires a Fortitude save (OC 1.6) tCl avoid bcing
overcome by the smeU. Fa Hure means che PC begins to feel
nauseo us, sufferíng a -2 penalry to attack and Jamage rolls
16
 MORRICKMANSlON
as long as she remaíns within 30 feet of the roccing corpse.
Searching the corpse cums upan interesting diary.
Treasu.re: Thecorpsecontainsa pouch withJ pp, 32 gp.
123 sp, and 91 cp. A bag cied to the rotting leather belt
around its waist holds a small book.
Kraluk's Diary: The coverof the book is inscribed with
che name "Kraluk." While the book is noc dared, it con-
rains informacionabourplacesKralukcraveled to, including
Grollek's Grove. Names and locacions menrioned on the
few pages that can be read suggest che book is 3 to 4 years
old.While mostof the pages are rotting, a few of the moist
pages are leglble, induding one page chac che PCs should
find m.osr ioceresting:
''Beruun says 1t is a curse, not a disease, and whoever
placed che curse muse live nearby. He says che curse is on
che land and everyching on it, not just people. J am nor
sure, but l expecc he should know. We were attacked thb
moming by crearures the likesof which I have never seen.
Frenish says chey seemed almosc demon-like. Whether or
nocshe is right, the beast'> had claws as sharp as sceel. They
ripped righc chrough .... "
Area 6: An Abandoned Well (EL 2)
Bushes, crees, and grasses are cleared away from the sides
ofan ancient stone well. T wisted crees strecch their winding
branches in a canopy doaking the well in darkness. Fresh
foocprints rnark che soft earch beside che crumbling walls, a
clear indication that someone or something was here quite
recencly. Close examinacion of che foocprints determines
that whacever made chem was wearing boocs. Toe princs are
acrually chose of a cursed adventurer named Gwen, whose
mutations changed her in very subtle ways. She heard che
parcy wandering around and has kepc herselfhidden (PCs'
17
opposed Spot check vs. Gwen 's Hide check). When one of
the PCs leans over che well to look inside it or stands close
to ir, Owt:n chargt:S fru111 lit:r cover, screaming "Murdererl"
and anempting m knock che PC into the well.
Gwen was pare of an a<lvencuring parry that tried to
explore che mansion severa! years ago. Her parcy never
proceeded further than the gardens. The curse has made
her insane bue has also given her enhanced hearing,
eyesighc, and incredible strength. She ís a chin human
woman, almost frail in appearance, bearing no outward
sign of che curse's effeccs.
Gwen, Cursed Adveoturer, FemaJe Human Ftr2: C R
2; SZ M; HD 2dl0-t-l l; h p 23; Inic +-1; Spd 30 fe.; AC 14;
Atk +9 melce (1d8+6, longsword, cric 19-20); SA curse;
SQ curse, darkvision (60 fe.) ; AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +2,
Will +2; Ser 22, Dex L3, Con 18, Lnt 10, Wis 12, Cha. 8.
Skills:Climb +4,Jump+3,Listen +4,Spot+4,Swim +3. Feacs:
Alercness, Blind-Fight, Toug\mess, Weapon Focus (longsword).
Possesions: Scudded leather armor, longsword, pouch
wirh J small rubíes worth 45 gp each, and an ivory scroll
case concaining an illegible piece oí parchmenc.
Combat Tactics: Gwen hldes and waics umil a PC is
looking at che well or at least standing next to it before
anempting a bull rush to knock che PC meo che well.
Whether or not she is successful, Gwen draws her longsword
and accacks che nearest PC. [f che PCs noti.ce her hiding, she
comes forward and accs peacefully untilshe is close enough to
draw her sword and arcack. Her insane srace is one of che
curse'seffects, andshe believes che PCsare murderersand thac
chcy must die. Forcunately, her insanity keeps ber from
fighring caccically or fleeing wben che batde goes againsc her.
The WeU: The well is very old; the stone walls rhat
surround itareonlyJ feet high. The mortarholdingchestones
 THE MANSlON ANO GROU NDS
mgecher is decayed to che poinr thar anyone leaning or
pushing againsc che rocks easily knocks them over. lfGwen
succeeds m push inga PC against the wall, tt crumbles and che
PCfalls into che well. The water isonly lO feetdown, so very
Linle falling damage is suffere..l ( Jd4 poims, wich a successfu1
Tumblechcck[DC 16) avoidingalldamage). Unfommacely,
che warer is rainted hy che cu~. PC-s immersed in ir musr
make a Fortitude save for every minute they are immersed ro
avoid che curse'seffects (see che description of che curse in che
lnmx:lucrion). PCs can cllmb out of che well on cheir own
(Climb OC 8) or parcy members can assisc cbem.
Area 7: A Strange Clearing (EL 4)
lnvesrigarion of the foresr brings che PCs to a small
clearing. Grass ln thecenterof che clearing ls pressed clown
as if a largc animal slept here. A Wilderness Lore check
(OC IO) identifies tracks that look verymuch like choseof
a bear. The cursed bear heard Lhe PCs wandering through
che forestand is now hidingjust outside che clearing (PCs'
opposed Spot check vs. che bear's Hidecheclc). Possessing
only mild imelligence, the bear has slowly accumulated
severa! shmy items ir flnds attractlve and has hidden d1em
benearh a small log in the clearing's cencer. lf rhe PCs
begin ro rummage around and search chrough i rs home, the
bear gets ::mgry and charges into che cleanng to atcack.
Ugly patchesofscalesand cufrs ofgray furdot chis creature's
rather odd-looking skin. The strangc combmation improves
d1e bear's abiliry to hide in che forest, but also certainly makes
it extremely ugly. 11,e curse has given ilie bear exrremely
18
sharp daws and very acure hcaring {+J compecence bonus to
Listen checks), bue age has made ir racher frail.
Cursed Bear ( 1): CR 4; SZ L Animal ( lo ft. long); HD
6d8+24; hp 51; lntt + 1; Spd 40 fe.; AC l5; Atk + 11 melee
( ld8+8 [x21, claws) and +6 melee (2<l8+4, bite); SA curse,
1mprovedgrab;SQcurse,scenc¡ALN;SV Forr+9, Ref +6,
Will +3; Su 27, Dex 13, Con 19, !ne 2, Wis 12, C ha 6.
Skills: Listen +4, Spot + 7, Swim +14.
Combat Tactics: The bear charges forward to auack if
che PCs come near che log hiding les treasure. The bear
simply charges ar and attempts to kili the PCclosest ro the
log. lf the PC5 Aee, rhe bear srays close to ir~ home.
T reasure: Hidden benearh asmall log (Search OC 18) ,
che PCs find several inreresting items: a gold chalice
studdeJ with rubies (350 gp), a jeweled scabbard for a
longsword (350 gp), a íade vase ( 100 gp), and a scroll case
made l1Í ivmy decorared wirh gold leaf (95 gp).
Area8: TheStables{EL4)
While wanderinR d1e vineyard or even the forest or gar~
Jens, the PCs notice the large stables dlat once houseJ me
horses and carrs far Lord Morrick and his guests. The building
looks abandoned :md decrepit now, and the doors srand wide
open, beckoning the PCs toenter. When the PCs emer, chey
come upon an appalling amounc of dcstruction. Horse skel-
econs collect dust in d1e sralls lining che normem wall,
suggesring chat many 0f rhe beasrs were simply abandoned
here to starve to death. Some of che bones show scratches
made by reeth or daws, mdicaring sorne of che horses made
their way meo the stomach of a larger creacure. Deep gouges
 MORRICK. MANSION
in fo1gments of broken carriages and wagon:. ~how where
puwerful claws rore and splintered che wood.
A cursed griffon is hiding in the loft when che PCs enter.
Ir carne here shortlv after che curse and fed on che horses
that were lefc tethere<l in cheir stal.ls. les wings are twisted
and mutated by che curse, so ic cannoc fly, bue ic can jump
cxtremely well. Once a li of che PC~ have encered che
building, che griffon leaps down from che loft in an attempt
t0 pounce on one of the PCs. Ie has nocfound as much food
as lt would Uke lacely and so is extremely hungry.
This griffon is a sorry, racher disgusting specimen. The
curse has mucated ir~ wings, leaving chem worchless for
anyching more chan stabilit\' wh.ile ju.mping, irnd ir has
cause<l most of its featbers ro fall t1ur.
Cursed Griffon: CR4: SZLBeast; HD7d10+2 l; hp59; lnit
+2¡Spd40ft.*;AC l 7;Ark +8melee(2d6+4, bite)and+3melee
{1d4+2 [x2], claws)¡ Face/Reach 5 fi:. x 10 fi:./5 fr.; SA curse,
p<>unce, rake {1d4+2); SQcur.;e,scenc; AL N;SV Forc +8, Ref
+7, Will +J;Str 18, Dex 15,Con 16, Int5, Wisl3,Cha8.
Skills: Jump + 16"'. Listen +6, Spot + 11.
*Mucations prevenr che griffon from flying, but H runs
fascer than normal and can Jump very far.
Combat Tac tics: The griffon h ides in che loft at che end
closest to che en trance to chestables. Jt waits until ali of the
PCs bave enrered and pounces on rhe last PC m enrer the
building. The griffon can run much fas ter chan normal and
jump higher and fartbcr. le defcnds ns home but has no
desire co die and flees if che barde goes against lt, alrhough
ics lack of flying ability makes escape difficulr.
T reasure: ll1e griffon has hidden m che loft severa! icems
pulled fi-omche carriages lt wreaparr. Careful searchi.ngof che
loose scraw {Search OC 22) cums upa small ivory statue (35
gp), a cwisted gold emblem ( 15 gp), anda bagof tricks (gray).
Area 9: The Winery
This large building, where the grapes were presst'<I and
fennenred into fine wine, is one of the st:urdiesc builJings
onthe grou □ds. The doors reruain inractand close<l. When
the PCs approach. the building, chey immediately norice
i ts so lid construction. Wh ile che doors are notlocked, they
have not been used ln many years, so the binges are quite
ruscy. If tbe PCs combine theirefforts, they open che doors
easily to revea! a dark, dusry building abandoned for a very
long rime. Massive casks for che inicial fennencation of
wine Une the souchem wall, and bottling facilities are
located in che nortbcast comer. A giantgrape press stands
in che center of che room attached to a rusced pump usecl
to force th~ resulcing juice inca a massive tank in. che
northwesc comer. Unlike other areas, rime and neglectare
che only causes of damage here.
A careful e-xploracion of che entire building rums up
some bottlesofwine. Thewine isof chehighesrqualityand
castes wonderful, bue !t is a potent vehicle for the curse.
Funher searching locares a secret panel behind one ofthe
wine racks (Search OC 25) chat opens easlly to revea! a
small niche holding severa! papers. One of the papers
includes che dicections used to creare Lord Morrick's
award winning wine. This recipe is one of che items Lord
Eldoran wanced to obraLn, bue his curse was so powerful
even he was afraid ro try ro locate it. The recipe is wriccen
19
in a complex code rhat mighr be decipherable wid1 che
proper key. PQ; thar exami11e Lord Morrick 's Library (Area
28) and discover his vault shoulJ be able to use che key
foun<l there to clecipher the recipe.
T reasure: One of the pieces of parchment clearly has a
wine recipe wrirren on ir in code. This recipe, if cranslaced,
is worth 1,000 fil) to a qualified vinmer.
Area 10: AStorage Shed (EL 2)
This srurdy, squar building is noticeablefrom adistance.
lt has no wiodows aod a single <loor. The door is closed but
unlocked ami opens easily, revealing a shed full of odd
farming ímplements and buckets. Peg~ on che w,111s are
clearly clesigned for hanging tools, bue ali of che iren\S in
che shed are on che ground. Sorne time in che distant pasr,
someone threw all of the too Is and buckets i11tcl che center
ofthe room whilesearching forsomethingalong che wall .
When che PCs enter che room, che pile of tools moves
slightly, possiblydue to theiropeningof chedoor. PCs that
pause co listen carefully (listen OC 15) hear sorne scrab-
bling and squeaking &om amidsr che jumble of roo Is in rhe
cemer of che shed. A group of 6 cursed Jire raes has made
its home here. The raes are rathe.r upset at che invasion of
chei r home bu t wa it severa I rounds befo re atrack.ing to give
tbe PCs a chance to leave.
Cursed Dire Rats (6): CR 1/3; SZ S Animal; HD
ld8+1; hp 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 4; lnit+J; Spd 40 fr., climb 20 ft.;
AC 15; Atk +4 melee (ld4, bite)¡ SA curse;, Q curse,
scenr;AL N:SV Forr+J, Rcf+5, WiU +3;Srr 10, Dex 17,
Con 12, lnc 2, Wis 12, Cha 4.
Skills: Climb + 11 , Hide +1 1, Move Silently +6. Feacs:
Weapon Finesse (bite).
CombatTactics: 11,erarsare not imelligencenough to have
specialcactics. Theyarecauciousand wait~veral rounds before
accacking in hopes the PCs leave on cheir own. If che PCs
appruach che center of che room, the rats attack immediacely.
Areau: Servants' Quarters (EL 2)
This bui.lding housed che servanrs who worked che
vineyar<l aswell as che extra worker:; hired when it was time
to harvest and begin pressing the grapes. PCs approaching
che building immediately norice chat the wiodows are
broken and that che door is ripped off its hinges. A clase
inspection of the outside of che building determines that
che damage is old - rainwater soaked imo the wood near
che windows, and tbe wood now begins ro rot. PCs who
listen closely (Listen OC 19) can hear movem.enr inside
the building. As cheyencer che building, che parcy comes
upon ascene ofcomplece desrruction, witb piles ofbroken
and spllnrere<l beds, cables, and other fumiture spread
across che large room. A sea.le, wer odor come.~ from che
mildew thac eats away the tom curtains a.nd blankets.
Sorne oí che wood furnirure wichstoocl the mitial damage,
only to suffe.r fi-om rain water and lack ofcare.The building
was clearly looted and descroyed a very long time ago.
A cursed bugbear hldes in a comer behlnd socm.- of che
fumiture (PCs opposed Spotcheck vs. the bugbear's Hide
check). He is rerrifíed oí che PCs and does noca crack them
unless chey begin rummaging arounc.l ~n the servants'
 THE MANSJON AND GROUNDS

quarcers or notice h1m. He found a fine wood chesL dur.lng

someofh1s explorar1onsandkeepsit hidden wirh him. The
TheGardens
chest has never been opened; hesunply líked the wood it Numbered encouncers and areas in rhis secnon are org,1-
was made of and carried it back with him. nizcd in a clockwise mannet from the main enrrance (Area
The curse has horribly mutated this bugbear's skull and 3). The gardens cru, be enrered through the main en trance
face, and his enrire body is covered w!th 1ridescent ftsh ( A rea 3) oc the side enerance (Area 12), or the PCs can
scales, so thac 1dendfymg what he once was 1s almosr Climb over the waU and enter from a differenc angle. WaJls
impossiblc. Normally, he wauld be very good at hiding, but sw:rounding the garden are made ofstone and stand a ful! l 2
his shinyskin makc:s him much easier to spor for rhe PCs. feerhigh. 11,eyaredesigned cosetthegardcnsapartfrom the
While he is somewhat cowardly. he 1s very hardy and pues vineyard and help conrain the wüd and exorican.imals that
up a good fight if forced into combar. He speaks a smaU Lord Mürrick added to his garden. Plants and anírnals
amc,unr of Common and speaks Goblin fluently, bur occupymg the garden are cursed in the same way as planes
changes to his face and skull brought about by rhe curse and animals in other parrs of the mansion and grounds.
rnake him difficult ro unc.lerstand. He tell~ che PCs any• 1l1ough notasovergrown and darkas the light forest to the
thíng be thinks they wanr ro know In order to make them soucl,, the plants here bave a rwisced aspect to them chat
!cave, making up decails ifhe musr. Thc cruch is chat be marches the forest anJ perhaps even magnifies in; strangene$.
knows absolutely nothing about che curse, nor does he Time, theru=, and neglectbaveailowedthe planes to become
really know much about themansion. Hedoes knowabouc overgcown to che poinr t:hat rhey flghc each other fur lightand
dw griffon in the scables because he has run away from it food. The curse seerns ro havc festered and grown in srrength
before, and he knows thac several more bugbears were in herc. The mansion itself has a twisted fucade with broken
his party when chey attempted ro loor che mansion. windows and gargoyles that dangle over its entryway. Thin
Cursed Bugbear: CR 2¡ hp 24; see Area 2, above. grave! paths circle tbrough the overgrown gardens, passing
*This crcature i.s sturdier than usual and has additional hidden benches guesn; once rested on while viewing the planes.
hit points.
Combat T actics: This area is the bugbear's home; he
fighcs to che Jeath in its defense, but avoids combar if he Random Events
can. lfthe PCsadvanceon him orthreaten him, he chrows Rol! l d20 for every hour the PCs explore che fores1
the 2 javelins he still has with birn before closing forme lee co determine if one of che following events occurs:
cornbat. He srill uses a shield bue fighcs with rus daw
ld20 Event
because he losr h.is momingscar a long time ago.
1-3 Acursed leopard (CR2) leapsoutofhiding
Wood Chest: l in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 20; Break DC
m atcack a PC ar che rear of che party.
20; Open Lock DC 26.
4-5 Lolld roars echo off the garden walls. The
The chest is made of a beautiful red-hued wood with
echoes fade toan uneasy s1 lence that even
lighr purple veins. Whlle the chesr is small, it is very well
che breeze seeITUJ afraid to <listurb.
made and the lock is excremelycomplex. PCs that choose
to break open che chest rather than pick che lock destroy 6-7 T wo cursed servancs (CR 1) looking for
severa! of che potions inside (as determined by che DM). food see the PCs ancl decide to anack.
8 The PCsnoticeacursedguesr(CR2) atche
T reasure: The d1esc conrains a poríon of heroism, a podon
ofcure serious wmmds, 3 /Jot1011.1 ofcure light wou.nds, anda ponon same time as she notice5 them. She imme
of /ove. Ali of che potion vi.als are unmarked. diately flees deepcr inco che garden and
hidcs.
9-10 A cursed alligator (CR 2) cmergesfrom the
Area 12:The Side Gates undergrowth, hisses at the PCs, and beglns
0eep scracches and gouges mar che heavy stone gates, to back away.
bur che clamage is onl y cosmetic. Dwarven construction is 11-12 The PCs hear sounds of a pitched
evident throughour thc length of che taU scone walls that baule somewhere deep In the garden. Loud
endose the overgrown gar<len which lies hcyond tbc gu ttura I gru ms and harsh laughter mark the
heavy gares. Scrangely, one of the heavy llagscones be- end of che barde anda retllm to the uneasy
neath tbe gaces IS sharcered meo small, sharp bits ofgrave! silence thar hangs over che garden.
while stones near tt show no dan1age ar ali. l3 A demon mise (CR 2; see Area 19, below)
The heavy stonegates are slighcly wider than the main gaces atracks thc PCs in an effort ro drive them
(Area 3) but are construcced ID a similar manncr. They are mad. For complete dernds on the demon
councer-weighre<l so rharonly mmimal strength IS required to mise, see che New Creacures section in the
open tbem, but they slowly close on their own ifthey are not Monsccrs Appendix.
wedged open. These gates are exactly like the main gaces, bue l4 Loud laughter echoes from somewhere in
they lack Lord Morrick's coat oíarms and bear scratches where side thc manslon.
someone rried to damage them. The smrdy dwarven consnuc-
15-20 No encouncer.
cion has widmood the etforts to damage the gates, as well as the
lack ofcareover the years. lfthe PCs proceed through the gates, l11e DM mighr need to adjust che random evencs
the DM should move ro 'The Garuens" section, below, for above based on where the PCs have exploretl and
further keyed enrries and descripcions. wbat they have accomplished.

20
 MORRTCK MANSION
Area 13: Before aGrand Fountain
(EL4)
Thc carnage pach splirs inco a large circle passing m
front of che now decrepit looking mansion. T wisted planes
surround a grand fountain standing in rhe cenrer of che
circlc. A thin coat o( green algae covers rhe water in the
fountain, yer rhe rlants and algae cannoc hide che grand
splendor che fountain once p<)ssessed. Sirring on a large
rock playlng differenr instruments are 5 mermaids. When
water was pumped rhrough che fountfl in, ic mun havc
spiUcd our of holes in rhe instrumenrs to fall ovcr the
mermaids' bodies beforc splashmg into a wide basin. Roots
or cendrils from sorne ,,f che thick Aowering bushes sur-
roundmg rhe founcain reach lnco che sragnanc water
poole<l m che basin
Severa[ ¡¡maJ I pet alligarors lived in che basin of the
founcain when ic was cleaned and mainrained. The curse
mutared aU of them, sorne hombly. One alligator eventu-
ally <lom.inared by killing or chasing away all of che others.
1e rrnvels outs1de the founcain ro hunc and sorne times hides
mor around che bushes thac surround che fountain. 1t has
grown to a considerable size and is exuemely srrong.
Mutations caused by the curse add extra layers of mu<l-
brown armored scales to ics already rhick hide and give it
longer and sharper claws d1.m normal. Alt:hough i rs reech
are a venomous yellow-brown color, it has no vcnom or
poison other rhan che ci,rse.
C ursed Alligator (J ): CR 4; SZ H Animal (Aquatic);
HD 7d8+28; hp 59; lnit + 1; Spd 20ft., swim 30 fr.; AC 16;
Atk +11 melee (2J8+ 12, bite) or + ll mclee (1dl2+ 12,
cail slap); Face/Reach 1O ft. x 20 ft./10 fe.; SA curse,
21
improved grab; SQ curse; AL N; SV Forr +9, Ref +6, Wíll
+ 3; Str 27. Dex 12, Con l 9, !ne J, Wis l2, Cha 2.
Skills: Hide +O*, Listen +5, Spot +5. *A giamcrocodile
gains a+ 12 racial bonus to Hide checks when submerged.
Combat T actics: Th1screacurehi<les beneath the bushes
s11rrounding tbe fotmtain. lt wairs unril thc PCs are wirhin
1O feer befare darting out with a great burst oí speed ro
atrack. lf it successfully grabs one characrer, it attemprs to
drag her back through rhc bushes toward rhe fountain.
T reasure: Someo( thealligators' past v1ctimsbadjewelry
or otber ttems w1ch them thar are now hiddcn beneath che
fountain's waters. Searchmg che founrain 1s hazardous be-
cause ch1S water is tainted by the curse. PCs reaching into or
encering che founcain muse make Fortitude saving d1rows
against che curse forevery 5 minuresofexpo&ure (see derails
of the curse in che lmroduction). Afcer 20 minutes of
searching, che PCs discover an obsidian necklace (50 gp); a
small silver ring (5 gp); a chin gold chain used as a bracelct
(4 gp); a copperbracer ( l gp); agol<l signecring ( lOgp)¡ and
coins roraling 2 ¡,p, 12 gp, 32 sp, an<l 71 cp.
Area 14: Before the Front Steps (EL 2)
Elegant wh1te marble sreps lead up to the doorway inco
the mansion (see Arca 26, below). The sturdy marble
shows che wear of many feet, bue broken windows a long
che from of the mansion and che lack o( any lanrems
suggesr rhe sreps have nm secn use for 4uite a long time.
Oardens extencl ing to che nmd-1, south, an<l west were
once a place of wonder, bearing che elegance thac che
wealrhy use to impress each other. Thar time is long pase;
now rhe gar<lens are so overgrown char not eve11 che finese
gardener could rescue rhem. The planes are incertwined
 THE MANSION AND GR.OUNDS
and appear to be in sorne sort of quiet sm1ggle, slowly
strangling e:ich orher out of existence.
A cursed leopard hides beside the steps und ambushe,
any creature that comes near.
C ursed Leopard: CR Z; SZ M Animal; HD Jd8+6; hp
19; lnit +4; Spd 40 ft., climb 20 ft.; AC L5; Ark +6 melee
( ld6+ 3, bite) and +l melee (ld3+ l lx21, claws); SA curse,
pounce, improved grah, rake ( ldJ+ 1): SQ curse, scenr¡ AL
N; SV Forr +5, Ref +7, Will +2; Ser 16, Dex 19, Con 15,
lnc 2, Wis 12, Ch,1 6.
Skills: Balance +12, Climb +11, Hide +9*, Listen +6,
Move Silencly +9, Spot +6. Feats: Weapon Finesse (bite,
claw). *ln areas of calJ grass or heavy undergrowth, Leop-
ards rcceive a +8 racial bonus to Hide checks.
C-0mbat Tactics: The leopard simply arcacks any crea-
ture within 20 feer of che steps. le is extremely hungry and
does noc flee from combar.
Area 15: APale Blue Fountain
Water scill tricl<les through chis small, pale blue foun-
tain hidden beneath the branches of severa[ overgrown
shrubs. The oearby plants swallow the gentle splashing
sounds almosc as effecnvely as chey swallow the fountam.
Flowers m varying shades ofblue and purple surround tbe
founrain. Where there was once beauty and rranquiliry,
there is now a sense of twi~ted rnge. Branches from the
many bus hes seem torear ar each other in a silent srruggle
for domioance. The genrle sounJ of splashing water can-
not overcome the dark, sinister fee ling brought upon this
once peaceful place hy the curse.
Magic pumps wirhin che founcain still cause the water to
flow. A detecc magic spell reveals a scrong magic aura
surrounding the enrire founrain. The powerful magic of
rhe foumain keeps tbe water within free of the curse. This
water is che only water in che mansion aron ics grounds
that is safe to use for drinklng or wash.ing wounds.
Area 16: AMuddy Oearing (EL4)
Deep gouges scratch the ground and broken llagstones,
ancl crees and bushes are cossed aside like bits of shredcled
cloch. Fresh sap dripping from severa! of the manglcd planes
provides a teU-tale sign that whatever bactle occurred here
was very recem. ln fact, 2 cursed ogres had an argumenr
earlier in the day. They are resting nearby and norice rhe
PCs encering tbe clearing. CautiollS PCs might notice the
ogres before chey rise ro their feet and charge fo.rwa.rd co
a crack (PCs' opposecl Spot check vs. the ogres' H ide check),
but lo either case, neither group surprises che od1er.
Lizard-like sea les cover both ogres in a bizarre pactem,
though neither of the ogres has suffered rnuch from the
curse. Both were relatively insane and srupid to begin wirh.
Aside from the lizard-like scales and sl ightly enhanced
heariog, they fight as standard ogres.
CursedOgres (2):CRZ;SZ LGiant; HD4d8+8; hpJ0,
26¡ Inir -1; Spd 30 fr.¡ AC 16; Ack +8 melee (2d6+ 7, Huge
greardub); Reach 10 fe.; SA curse; SQ curse; AL CE; SV
Forc +6, Ref +O, Will + l; Str 21, Dex 8, Con 15, Inr 6, Wis
10, C ha 7.
22
Skills: Climb +4, Listen +2, Spclt +1. Fears: Weapon
Focus (grcarclub).
Combat Tactics: These ogres lost che ir spears in a battle
with the parral guards who chased tbem onco the grounds,
so they fightonly wich rheir Hugegrearclubs. Theyare not
intelligeot enough to pick and choose the opponenL who
cau hurt them the most; they simply attack the oearesr PC.
Complete confidence in their strengch and power makes
these ogres ferocious in barde - they Íight to che deach.
Area 17: AShort Path Beside
theMansion
Plants near che base of rhe mansion are trimmed and
cared for, and che gravel paths are raked. Such care does
noc exrend far, however, nor does ir reduce the rwisted
narure of rhe planes, but it lS a clcar sign chat someone still
works in che gardens. A thin gravel pach pas:ses along the
base of the mansion, providiog ¡,.¡ protecced passage for
anyone approaching one of che 1 duors in che mansion
wall. The lack of windows on che ground !loor provides no
clue as to its use. The northemmost door is barred shuc
from the outside.
Argrim Wbice (see Area 49, below} cares for the plants
:md pach here. Thesouthern door leads inro Argrim's room
(Area 49), whicb connects to ocher servants' rooms aod
storage areas on che ground level, and che nonhemmosc
<loor leads into a storeroom.
17a - Wood Door: This door is barred from che
opposite side. lt leads into Argrim Whice's room (Area
49). lf tht! PCs knock on the door or attempr to open it,
Argrim shouts from the ocher side in Common, "Bese be
leaving me akme if you don'c want rrouble!'' Argrim lees
che PCs in if they announce themselves. Argrim is both
rrusclng and confidenc in his abi hties ami is not afraid to
open thednortospeak ro thePCs. SeeArea 49for Argrim's
stacistics, skiUs, and personalicy.
l 7b - Wood D oor: The door is barred from the ourside
in an efforr co keep someth ing crapped in the room beyond.
A successful Listen check (OC 16) detects scrabbling and
sounds and sorne squeaking. Tbe PCs can easlly un bar and
open the door ro ger into the gardener's storage room
(Area 48) tbar l!es beyond.
Area 18: A Marble Fountain (EL 4)
Benches at the base of this fountain made of datk blue
marble face ourward toward the gardens like squat guards
defending agrear creasure. Thin cracks lining che marble
basin of the now still founrain lec water flow rhrough
freely; not even rainwacer remains. P lanrs nearby are
almost uniformly gray in color, even the leaves and flow-
ers. Oth.e.r than che fountain, the only splash of color is a
single bush with blood red flowcrs and deep, dark green
leaves. Unforcunacely, che colorful bush is a horrible
mutation oí a blood bush. Blood bushes nonnally have
bright, sweet-smelllng flowers witb sharp barbed tips. The
flowers are actually seed pods, and animals that brush
aganlSt che bush get seed pods actached co chem rhat rhey
carry away. This planr developed a differenr way to spread
its seeds: ir launches 1ts flowers ar crearures within 5 rn lO
 MORRLCK MANSlON
feet of the planc; the flowers chen atcacl, co the vicrim and
injecc their seeds.
Toe bush has deep green leaves and beautiful blood-red
flowers. lr looks harmless uncil a victim cume, close to it.
As soon as the PCs come within 5 co 10 feet, che bush
begins launching its seeds ar rhem.
Eldoran's Blood Bush: CR4; SZ S Plant; HD 6d8+30:
hp57; lnic+0; Spd0ft.: AC 18; Atk +6mdee( ld2+2 lx41,
branch whip); Reach 2 l/2 ft.; SA curse, flower darc; SQ
curse, plant, blindsight (15 fr.), cold and fire resistance
(20); ALN; Fort +9, Ref + 1, Will + 1; Ser l5, Dex 10, Con
20, lnr - , Wis 12, Cha 8
Combat Tactics: The bush is simply attempting to
spread 1ts seeds. [es attacks are aimed only at thar purpose.
If che PCs recrear beyond 15 feet away, che bush can no
longer dececc chem and ceases its auacks. The planr has no
intelligence to speak of and continues to fight unril dead
if the PCs attempt to Jcsrroy ic.
Area 19: AMarble Statue (EL 2)
T endrils of pale mise pour from che glowing pond ro curl
around the base of che large marble staruc of a nakcd
woman. Oocc carefully culcivaced, rrees and bushe~ grow
wild here, tearing at each other in a silent barde. Every
breath of the humid air makes che place feel more malevo-
len c and sinisrer. The cendrils of pale mistare actually 2
demon mists, creatures maJe through che influence of
demons specifically ro sprea<l chaos and madness chrough-
ouc the world. The crearures íloar around herc, moving
slowly roward the PCs to make a surprise actack.
Demon Mists (2 ): CR 2; SZ S Aberration (Incorpo-
real); HD 2d8+2¡ hp 11; lniL +2; Spd fly 30 fe. (average);
23
AC 16; Ark +2 melee (ld4 plus chaos rouch, cendril of
m1st): SA chaos couch; SQ incorpNeal, immune co íear,
Jarkvisiun (60 ÍL.); ALCE; SV Forc ..-1, Reí +2, WUI ..-6;
Ser 11. Oex 15, Con 13, lm 15, Wis 18, Cha 12.
Skills: Hide +5*, Listen+ 1O, Muve Sllently +6, Search
+7, Spoc +JO. Feaes: A lertness.
Combat Tactics: Thc mists fighc wirhouc fear, though
rhey inten<l only to <lrive che PCs insane and do not
continue their attacks on an insane PC unless rhey muse.
Their goal is noc ro cause death bue rather to spreaJ
madness and chaos.
Area 20: AGlowing Pond (EL 2)
Glowing water swids and bubhles wichin rhe granice
enclosure of chis specially consrrucred pond. Tendrils of
pale mise escape rhe gluwing water ro pour through rhe
surrounding trees an<l bushes. The pond was dearly con~
structed for bathing and playing during the warm summer
months. buca sinister, deadly aura now surrounds che pool,
and che water within is positively ominous.
This pool bears the h1ghesc concencrat1on of the curse.
A rogue hired by Lord Eldoran dropped the source for che
curse - a small pebble - into the pond. Derecr magic
reveals an almosr blinding aur.i surrciunding che warer,
The pale mise coming off che pond also glow5 with magic.
Ünt' Clf the ways co prevent the curse from having any
furcher effects is ro find tbe scone used as its source (such
as with a detect chaos spell) and desrroy iL. This requires
cnrering che pond icself and risking exposure ro the curse.
As che source of che curst:, this area is a weak point
betwet!n che Material Plane and the Abyss, chus 2 demon
mises are always in che area. lf the PCs defeat one pair of
 THE MANSlON AND GROUNDS
demon misr.s and depan the area for more chao 4 nours, 2
more demon misrs form in rbeir place. The creation of
demon IIllSts only s10ps when che curse is brought toan end.
Demon Mists (2): CR 2; 1J hpeach;see A rea 19;above.
Area 21: Before aMarble Stairway
(EL4oro)
Smooth marble steps climb to a wide marhle terrnce a long
che rearof the mansion. Representation:; ofdifferent insm1-
mentsare carved cm che railingson each sideofthestairway.
V 10es and plants fi-om rhe garden are beginning to overgrow
thc sreps and railings, bue che marble has wichsrood the
elemencs quite well. Acursed t1ger roams rhe area below che
stairway. If the PCs d imb up or down che srairs, thc riger
spots rhem easily and comes ro invesrigate. lf the PCs go up
che stairs, the ciger makes a single Leap up ro che terrace and
artac~ them there (Area 22). lf the PCsarespotted moving
Jown rhc stairs, che riger moves in anJ attacks rhem when
chey reach che boLrom o( tbe steps.
The cursed tiger was once che prize pee of the g-ardens. 1t
was chained up on the nighr of th<! wedding ro prevem any
"misrakes" from happening. Broken chain links scill cling
ro its heavy leather collar, making a sofr jingling noise as
it moves. Unlike most creature,, che curse has weakened
the ciger: its re;ir paws have becn tumed lnto club-likc
appendages rather than razor-sharp cearing devices, ~md its
skin is much rhinner and sofrer than nom1al.
Cursed Tiger: CR 4; SZ L Animal; HD 6d8+ 18; hp 45;
lnir +1; Sp<l 40 ft.; AC 14; Acle +9 melee (Jd6+6 [x2].
24
daws) ami +4 melec (2u4+3, bLte); Face/Reach 5 fr. x 10
ft./5 fr.; SA cur.;e, pounce, 1mproved grab, rake ( +6 melee,
Id2+3)**; SQcurse; ALN; SV Forr +8, Ref+7, Will +3;
Ser 23, Dex 15, Con 17, lnt 2, Wis 13, Cha 10.
Skil/.s: Balance +12, Climb +8, Hide +5*, Jump +5,
Li ten +5, Move Silencly +5*, Spoc +5. Feats: Weapon
Fincsse (bite, ch1w). *In areas of taU grass or heavy under-
growth, tigers receive a +8 racial bonus ro H1de checks.
The curse anda broken cha in dangling from the tiger's
oeck make it difficult for che cigcr to Hide or Move
Silcnrly; skills lisred already cake those penalties inco
accoum.
**The tiger's rear claws l!re mutarcd inco club-like
appendages and do nor deal as much damage as normal in
a rnke acrack.
Combat Tactics: Strange colors on its skin and cbe
jangling cha in Unks hanging frorn irs neck make sneaking
up on sorneone almost impossible for this creature. The
tiger instead uses irs speed simply ro charge forward and
attack. lts rear paws do very licde good in combac, so ir
rarely pounces unless its victim I complccely alone. The
tiger ílees wheo badly mjured.
Area 22: A Long Marble Terrace
(ELoor4)
The terrace prov1des a high vanrage poinr from which ro
Look over rbe garden. lncricate carv1ngs mark che rrell 1s of
the balustrade, anJ the en.tire terrace is made of precious
white marble. Tasteful, skilled stonework gives a sign of
 MORRlCK MANSION
im:redible wealcl, wlthour being gaudy o r overbearing.
Rather cl,an beaury and peace, rhe planrs rn the garoe11s
below display an ugly dack:ness that one senses in a deep,
primitive manner. Broken glass lines the ground, as ali of
the windows and glass doors leading imo rhe manston are
shattered, opening rhe once beauriful home to the weather
and anyone thac wtshes ro enrer.
lf che PCs are seen climbing the stairs in Area 21, che
cursed tiger in Area 2 1 arracks chem on the rerrace. Tables
and chairs tharnnce occup1ed the terrace are e.icher broken
or throwninto che thick vegetation ofthegarden. The PCs
can easily enter the mansion by passing rhrough che
bmken windows and sharrered glass doors chat lead into
rhe Gteat Room (Area 34 ).
Area 23: ASmall Clearing (EL 3)
The bushes and flowers a re toro up and moved as1de ro
creare a small, clear dirt surface thar a pair of mutated
leopards used as a den. They have sincc moved ro another
locatlon beca use a larger cursed puma moved imo the area.
Thc puma does nor make 1rs home here, but it is usually
nearby. lt sneaks up o n che PC, as they are srudying the
clearing and atracks che first PC leaving.
While the puma is not visibly mutated, the curse gives
1t a much ch!cker skin, better hearing and eyes1ght, andan
unforcunare wJUngness to kill s1mply for pleasure. lrs low
body a nd dark skin keep ic almost invisible ::1s it moves
silenrly chrough che garden.
Cursed Puma (1): CRJ;SZLAnimal; HD5d8+ 10; hp
32; lniL + J¡ SpJ 40 ft.¡ AC 15; ALk +7 mdet: ( 1d4+5 l.x2],
claws) and +2 melee (ld8+2, birc); SA curse, pounce,
improved grab, rake ( 1d4+ 2); SQ curse, scent; AL N; SV
Fort+6, Ref +7, Will +2;Srr21 , Dex 17.Con l 5,lnt2, Wis
12, Cha 6.
Skills: Balance+7, Hi<le +4* ,Jump +5, Listen +5, Move
S ilently + 11, Spot +S. * In areas of mil grass or heavy
undergrowtb, pumas receive a +8 racial bonus ro Hide
checks.
Possessions: 11,e puma wears a gold colla r with silver
studs wo rth 25 gp.
Combat Tactics: Tbe puma approaches sile-nrly as rhe
PCs are exploring che clearing. Ir pounces on che first PC
who leaves theclearing. 1t focuses ali ofits artacks on o ne
PC ata time. The ruma Aees Lf ir is brought below 10 hp.
Treasure : The leopards buried severa! trinkers whe n
tl1ey were living here. A chorough search of che area
(Search OC 29) notict!l> che spor where sorne digging has
been done. Hidden just beneatb the dirr are a heavy golJ
bracel.er studcled wich emeralJs ( J 20 gp), a golJ cha in (8
gp), anda silvcr amuletshaped IJke an eagle (5 gp).
Area 24: AFlagstone Path (EL 2)
The mansion hangs over ics lower leve! here, leaving a
narrow Aagstone path along che ground level procecced
from che elemen ts bur also cloaked in shadows. Planes in
the garden to che east are growing over thc scone paths
winding through the garden. completely hiding sorne in
25
places. The ground floor of che mansion has no windows,
bue a single wood door stands in the cenrer of the wall,
allowing enrrance to whacever scorage rooms mighc lie
beyond.
While che wood door is nor barredor locked in any way,
lack of use makes ir srick slightly. A so lid shovc opens che
door but not without making a greacdeal oí noise. A cursed
bugbear h iding in che garden comes to invesrigate wben he
hcars che doorforced open. Paranoia leads itto bel leve the
PCs are huming it, so it decides co kili chcm firsr.
Cursed Bugbear ( l ): CR 2; hp 16; see Area 2, above.
Possessions: 3 javelins, momingstar, gold necklace (40
gp).
Comhat Tactics: lf the PCs ler him, the hugbear throws
ali 3 of his javelins before closing forme lee combar. He is
convinced rhe PCs are hlmtlng him and fights to che
death.
Area 25: AWhite Marble Fountain
(EL4)
Thlck vines and stw·dy bushes surround che shacrered
remains of a whice marble fountain. Normal plants do
somctimes grow through che rock, breaking it during che
slow pressure of rime, bur che planes here appear to dírecc
an intangible rage ar their surrow1dings. A rwisced, desic-
cared corpse is rrapped wirhin sorne of che powerful vines;
how itd1ed or why is hard to tell, but the vines chemselves
appear to have dramcd the life from ir.
While che vines and pl:mrs did indeed sh:.trer ch e
founcain, they Jo noc actively hum prey, nor are chey
camivo res. The corpse was left wrappecl in vines as ::1
warning by a deadly monster created by the curse. This
creature appears to be a man made of stone. Hearing che
PCs, che cursed stone man comes to investiga te. The PCs
easily hcar ir shuffling through the undergrowtb and are
alerted ro ics impendingarrival.
The stone man was once a wedJing guesc. Srripped ofa!J
humanity by thecurse, it possesses incredible srrengch and
a !ayer of gray stone in place of skin. lrs face is frozen Ln a
grotesque mask of pain and rage.
Cursed Stone Man: CR 4; SZ M Mo nstrous Humanoid;
HD4d8+ 12; hp30; lnit +O; SpdJ0 fr. (can'r run); AC 16;
Atk +8 me lee (1J6+4, slam); SA curse; SQ curse, damage
reuuction 4/- ; darkvision (60 fe.); AL CE; SV Forr +9, Ref
+ 1, Will ;-1; Ser 18, Dex l l, Con 17, lm 8, Wis 10, Cha 6.
Ski/Is: Hide +2, Listen +6, Search +2, Spor +6. Feats:
Alermess, Grear Forrltude.
Cornbat Tactics: The curse drained any intelligence
rbis man once possessed. Te is used ro being impervio us to
arrack due ro che magical na cure ofitsstone-likeskin, so iL
s imply clases for melee combat with die neares r PC. Due
co irs thick, srone-like skin, the creature cannot run and
can only follow fleeing PCs at irs base land speecl. lf
necessary, ic pursues the PCs anywhere m rhc gardens or
even into the mansion. Once Ir is ser on a rnrget, ir simply
does nor stop.
 Inside 'l'he Mansion
Tht: mansion has suffered a greac deal of damage from
insaneguescs and c rearures rhatdestroyed thingssimply for
no apparen t reason. Despire the c.lamage, the PCs can
easilysee the high qualíry of che workmanship chac wenc
meo the mansion's construction . The oucer walls llf che
mans1on are made of gran,te, while the Interior walls are a
tombinarion ofstone and wood paneling. ALI of che wood
Rnd stone used were imported from distanc place . Thc
mansion may nor be as large as sorne homes, and the
decorations wcre never gaudy or showy, but anyone with
a skilled eye ac appraisal can see chac the mansion cose :i
forcune ro buUd, fumish, and mainrain.
Most of che windows are now broken. The Pü r:nay
choose rn em er chrough one of the wmdows by el unbi ng or
llying up to them. The ground leve! of the mans10nhoused
the servants, gardeners, and the few guards chac Lord
Morrick once employed, ami ic has several side entrances
bue no windows. The first floor is che main floor of the
home. l r can be emered chrough the fi-ont doors, from che
pario a r che back of rhe home, or by che stairway from che
grounc.l leve!. The second floor concains bedrooms and
uuesc bcJrooms, anc.l it can be emered through broken
~vindows or by stairways from the first íloor.
Ali of the doors should be considered unlocked or
broken ín, unless otherwise noted. Ali of the doors are
made of a palc, creamy wood with lighc brown veins¡ the
wood is rarricularly harJ anJ srurdy. AJI tloors in che
mansion have che following characteristics, unless orher-
w[se noted:
Wood Doors: 1 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 20; Break OC 20.
Ground Floor
Area 26: Before the Mansion
Doors{EL4)
A n e legant chough underscare<l marblesrairway leads up
to a serof magnificent double doors made of black marble.
Carved deep inco the thick marble doors is an intricare
coar of a rms and che words, ''Peace a nd Prospericy to Ali
Visitors." Flanking thc doors are 2 stone gargoyles, and
large windows, now broken, are evenly spaced a long the
walls as chey sc:retch away from che doors. A layer of dirc
and dust coa es the lancling before the cloors, but the doors
themselves look as chough they were recently polished.
The stone gargoyles a re magic consrructs that artack
anything attempüng co enrer or leave through che doors.
Stoae Gargoyle Statues (2): C R 2: SZ M Construcr;
HD 2dl0; hp 11; lr1it +O; Spd 30 fr.; AC 14;Atk +2 melee
(ld6+ 1, s lam); SQ constn1ct, blindsighc, damage reduc-
r1on 5/+ 1; AL N: Fon +O, Ref +O, Will - 5; Str 12, Dex 1O,
Con - , lnt - , Wis 1, C ha l.
Combat Tactics: Tbe mindless starues fight with the
single purpose of repelling un welcome visitors. They Jo
not leave rhe landing a rea to follow flceing characters
clown che srairs, bue they do follow anyone who goes
through thedoors. Theyfightuntil they aredestroyed. The
statues need to receive specific commands from Lord
26
Morrick o ronc ofhis guards every day o r rhey simply accack
an y crearme attempcing to enrer orexicthrough rhe doors.
Only Lord Morrick or someone displaying hís coarofarms
is imrnune from attack. A PC displaying Lord Morrick's
coat of arms can order che statues to "sray," "atrack," or
"guard." 1J ordered m ''sray," the starues e.lo not actack
anyone for the resr of che day. OrJers w "guard" or "attack"
cause che starues to attack an yone nor Jisplaying Lorc.l
Morrick'~ coat ot arms.
Area27: ALarge Foyer
Couches rhar once lined the grand entryway into the
mansion are shredded, their sruffing thrown about the foyer.
Dead, dried husks of the planes that once decorared the
sma II a iches in che walls droor down from chei r heavy stone
plancers. Thedestn1cáon isappalling, burrarher o ld. When
guests and servantS began to mutare, they went mad, tearing
up many of the things around them. Sorne were enraged by
the curse trself; others blamed Lord Morrick for cheir prob-
lems and deliberarely descroyed chmgs In a strange arcempr
at revengc. The hallway to the east passes a small closet
before ir rumsnorth toward thedoors forseveral guestrooms.
The main hallway b.eads north past the thick double doors
d1ar lead into Lord Morrick's library.
Wood Double Doors: 2 i.n. thíck; Hardness 5; hp 30;
Break OC 20; Open Lock DC 20.
The doors are decorated with Lord Mornck's coac of
arms. The c.loorsare locked, and rhe lock conta ins a po ison
needle trap rb.at is rriggered when <loor is noc opened wid1
che proper key.
Poison Needle T rap: C R l ¡ +4 ranged ( 1 plus poison
linjury, Fort DC 12, ld4 Con/l d4 Con); Search OC 20;
0isahle 0evice DC 20.
Area28: The Library (EL 5)
Catefully organ ized sets ofwood bookcases line the walls
between che windows and brackec the 1-arge Jesk in the
middle of che room. Books line the she lves in nea e, evcn
rows and are o rganized by subjecr. W ood plaques o n tbe
shelves idenrify subjects ranging from farming to warfare
and even collections of poecry. Most are devoced to rrade,
mcrcantile exchangc, and che making of fine wines. Thc
sturdy doors, animaced sr.arues, and enchanred win<lowll
protecred this room from descruction.
The librnry is procected by 2 large wood stacues thar
attack an.yone who is nor either a rnember of the Morrick
famUy o r wearing the Morrick family coat of a n ns. The
statucs are carved in the form of ma6Sive human warriors
wearmg plme mail and holding maces in each hand.
Large Wood Statue (2): CR 3; SZ L Consrruct; HD
4dl 0; hp 22: lnir +O; Spd 30 fr.; AC 14; Atk +5 melee
( l d8+4. slam); Reacb 10 ft.; SQ conscruc c, blindsighc,
damage reduction. 5/+1, immune to cold and electnciry,
fire vulne rabiliry (doubledamage from firearcacks)¡ ALN;
Fort +1, Ref + 1, Will -4; Str 16, Dex IO, Con - , lnr-,
Wis 1, Cha l.
Combat Tactics: Unlike the stone gargoyles in A rea 26,
the e starues can o nl y be cornmanded by Lord Morrick, bis
 MORRICK MANSLON
seconq floot
first floot
wife (Area 46), o r his eldestdaughrer Larissa (Area 43).
The srarues ignore rhe boys (Area 46) bur <lo no t cake
orders from them. They attack anyone nor wearing rhe
Morrick family coacof arms and do not stop unless they are
desrroyed or their opponencs leave the librnry.
Enchanted Windows: 1/2 in. chick; Hardness 8; hp 30;
Break DC 18.
Lord Morrick paid a handsome fee ro have severa!
wizards enchant che gla s and prevenr ir from breaking.
Lord Morrick retreated to rhe líbrary when he realized
chac someone or somethi.ng had eirher cursed or poisoned
his family and guests. Whilehis library is vast, h.isknowledge
of magic is relatively lacking. His few scrolls and books were
unable to help him find any sort of cure. H e did, though,
have several scrolls of jlesh to stone and sto11e to flesh.
Confident he could find a way to end rhe curse, he used che
tlesh rosronescrolls co tumhis farnily imo inanimacestatues
and hid them in the bedrooms upstairs. Then he rerumed to
che library and locked himself in, hoping to find a cure so
cbar he could reverse rhe spells and rerum his family to
normal. Several days of failures left him both starving and
desperace, leading him to consume severa! unidentifted
p<>tions atonce. The unusual combination reduceJ him an<l
27
grounq íloot
Mansion lntetiot
1 sc¡uare = 5 feet
then killed him. When che Pu look behind the desk, tbey
see a tiny, desiccared corpse rhe síze of a small fairy spread-
eagled on the f1oor. Despite the corpse's awkward position,
tbe Pu can easily see rhat it is clorhed in an omate, formal
sult perfeccly fic to its tiny form.
The dry air and enclosed space ofrhe library have helped
preserve tbe corpse, but rhe PQ¡ may rake sorne time to
realize it is Lord Morrick. Searching the corpse curns up a
miníaturesignet ring bearing rhe Morrick family seal. Com-
bined wirh a K.nowledge (arcana) check (OC 15), the ring
allows tbe PCs to determine Lord Morrick was reduced
before dying and for sorne reason the spell did not fade after
his deacb. The age and advanced decay of che corpse make
derermining exactly whar killed Lord Morrick impossible.
Careful, thorough exploration rums up a numher of
differenr treasures in che room. Papers on top of the desk
includenoces left by Lord Morrick rhatsolidify the identiry
of the corpse on che floor and severa! scrolls (rreasure;;-1).
Secrec comparrmenrs inseveral desk drawers coma in sorne
potions and gold coins (treasure ..t2), anda sec:rer safe is
nidden behind one of tbe bookcases in rhe norrhem wall
(Search DC 24; treasure ;;3).
 fNSTDE TH.E MANSION
T reasure # 1: Several arcane scrolls wich a total of 7
stone to flesh spdls (caster leve) 11) a re scattered on che
desk along with an arcane scroll of mirror lmagc. Severa!
pieces of paperon che Jesk bear notes Lord Morrick wTote
while rrying to detennine what was happening.
DM Note: The Pu are a much lower level than the stone
to fleSh sµell requires. Successfully casting a spell from one
of che scrolls requires a caster leve! check (OC J2).
Notes: One piece of paper rcads:
"Afcer che second toase, everyone began ro go crazy.
People staned screaming about scales and scratching at
their skin while others began to pull o ur d1eir bair or
scrcam rhat they werc suddenly blind. 1 took Lanssa,
Alandra, and the boy~ upstairs, and not a mornent too
soon. 1 mmed them into stames with sorne of my scrolls
and carne here to figure out whar is going on."
After a break, che message continucs:
"Everyone is going imane our there. Thank che gods 1
have the doors a nd golcms to protcct me. 1 shudder to
think of what might happen to che family i( the crQwcl
outside che doors fincls their statues. They are breaking
everythingout rhere. l can'r understand i r. Is thissomc sort
of poison?"
A second piece of paper reads:
"Whac is ch is? 1thoughc itwaspoison, poison in che fooJ
or wine, bue I have uscd every potion and anridote I havc
and scales are scill appearing on my arms. They look like
silvery fish scales, bue chey are a bit chickcr and flake off
when 1scratch them. My arms itch like crazy. The scales
are spreading.
" Ir has to be the foocl, maybe che wine. Everybody wenr
crazy afcer che second toast. lf ir isn't poison, wha1 is ir? A
28
curse?Nothing in my books tlescribesacurseanyching like
chis. This is madness. l havcn't eacen for rwo days; l have
to eat soon o r rry ro escape. 1 scill hear screams anJ
pl)unding beyond che doors. I am afraid to risk it."
Treasure #2: The desk in che room is very large and has
a number of drawers. M()St of the Jrawers concain papers
dealing with che harvcsring of grapes, che makiog of wine,
ami Jelivery schedulcs. T w(l of che Jrawers have secrec
bortoms (Search OC 24): one of chem hidcs 3 pmions uf
cure serious wounds; che other conceals a small bag con-
tai.ning 100 gp.
Safe: 4 in. thick; Hardness IO; hp 90; Break OC 30.
While che safe 1s nor very difficulr to find, ir 1s difficult
to open. A dial in che middleof che safe doorhas 6 symbols
on it. Thedial muse be cumed ro 3 particularsymbols in che
correct ordcr ro unlock che safe. Tuming che dial ro che
wrong symbol results in an elecrric shock tlealing 3<l4
poimsofelectricirydamage to che PC ruming che dial. Pu
Lhac Jo a rhorough search of the papers in Lord Morrick's
dcsk (Scarch OC 30) fincl a piece of paper chat lisrs che
symbols in order. Opening che safe without knowíng che
proper sequence require.~ 3 successful Listen checks (OC
18 each) as che dial is turned to hear the tumblers fall imo
place. Failureofany check resulcs in che electricitydamage
Usted above.
Electric Shock Trap: CR 2; 3d4 poinrs uf e lectricity
damage to che person couching che safe; no save; Search
OC 22; Disable Device ( pecial. see abovc).
Treasure #3: The safe comains severa! le<lgers listing
sorne of Lortl Morrick's holdings uscful to his heirs. lo
addition, il contains a wand of wonder (6 charges; no
idencifying marks, bue che word "krasir'' Is engraved on che
stcm; use the rocl el wonder description in Chapter 8 oí che
 MORRICK MANSI ON
DMG w J ercrmine thi~ wand's effecrs), 2 0asks of holy lined closec may haveprotected che clorhing from inseccs,
~~ater, a Quaal's fearher wken (whip), 3 masrerwork dag- something has pulled clown aJI of the garmems and lefr
gers, a bag with 200 pp, nnd a ~hect of paper with a kcy tú them o n che floor in piles of shredded cloth.
interprer Lord Murrick's personal code. This key allows When guests would enter tbe mans1on. a servanr would
che cranslation of rhe wine recipe found in Area 9. cake their coacs, cloaks, and hacs and "!}lace them in this
narrow closet. Alchough the door has been left closed,
Area 29: AShort Hallway someone or somech ing has rom ro shredsall ofche clochmg
that was in d1e closer. PCs who decide to go chrough ali of
A narrow hallwayrunsaway from the foyer to cravel past
the cartered garmenrs need ro spend a half-hour searchlng
a numher of doors cha, musr lead inm dosecs anJ guest
beforc thcy find anything worthwhile.
rooms. Small niches along che wall~ must once have heltl
vases, starues, or other decorations, but they are now Treasure; A secret pocker in one of che tom coats
empcy. Refuse 1s scartered th.roughout the hallway, and che concaios 25 gp (Search OC 25). A mascerwork flute
sharp aroma of fi-t!sh urine wafrs through the air. wrapped in sofc lambskin can be found at the bottom of a
pile of shredded clothing (Search OC 26).
The narrow hallway runs away from the foyer past
evera Igue ·e room. before reaching rhe Great Room ( Area
34), Small niche along che walls once held vases, scarues, Area 31: An Abandoned Guest
or other decorations, but they are now ernpty, and brokcn
fragmcnts otsQme of rhe decmative itern.~ arestrewn acmss
Room(EL1)
the floor. Garbage and wascc from che group of cursed 11,e few thing that remain intacr give the impression
individuals living in che GreatRoomdoc the floor insmall cbatthismom w¡:p¡once quite beautifuUydecoraced. Noth-
i ng small enough co be carried remai ns in the room, and all
piles. There is a 20% chance thac che cursed people in the
Great Room (Area 34) J ecide ro attack the PCs as chey of che large items are desuoyed. The bed was clescroyed
explore the ballwfly and che rooms conm:cred to ic. Dour witb such force tharwoocl splinters havc impaled che wood
29a leads incoa small coar closet (Area 30), while door~ paneling of che ceiling. The dresser Lles in shambles, ics
296, e, and d lead inco guesr rt10rns. Doors 29a-c are marble top anda smaU mirror lying broken on top of the
standard wood Joors; they are closed bue noc lncked in any shattered wood. W indows looking ou co ver che garde.ns are
way. Door 19J is barred from rhe other stJe. shactered, che broken glass spread flcross che room and
windmvsiUs.
29d. Wood D oor: 2 in. chick; HarJness 8; hp 60; Break
Observan e PCs realize (SpocOC 15) thatwaterdamage
DC20.
ro che woodwork indicares rain has been coming chrough
Gouges and scrarches cover che door, a clear sign thac a
che broken windows for sever;il years. The once beautiful
number of attempt$ have heen made to open ic. The door
v1ew of the gardcns through the window· in the south and
has exaa hir poinrs Jue ro rhe hlockagc beh ind it. Fourale wesr walls is now simply a depressmg remmder of the
(see Area 33) has moved a dresser behind the door.
powerful curse - a reminder high.lighted by the cursed
Breaking through che door chus requires pushing the
centipede coiled up amid che bed's shattered rernains.
dresser ouLof die way as well. lf the PCs listen ar rhe <loor,
Cursed Large Monstrous Centipede: CR 1; SZ L Ver-
t.hey hear (Listen OC 15) Fourale muttering to himseli in
the room beyon<l, lf thc PCs knock on the door ur have a m1n; HD2d8; hp9; lnic+2; Spd40 ft.; AC l4;Ack +1 melee
( ld8+ 1 and poison, bite); SA curse, poison (bite, Fort OC
loud baccle in ornear che ha llw,1y wich the group in che
Great Room \Area 34), Fourale knows they are chere and 16, ld4/ld4 Dex);SQcurse, vermin;ALN; SV Fort+3, Ref
screams ar chem. +2, Will +O; Ser U, Dex 15, Con 10, lnc- , Wis 10, Cha 2.
Fournle thinks 1hc PCs are thc cun;e<l individual;; living Skills: Climb +10, Hic.le +3, Spot +8. Feats: Weapon
in the Greac Room {Area 34). lf che PCs calm him down Fi_nesse (bite).
and explain chac they are adventurers seeklng co end che Combat Tactics: The mindless creature charges for-
curse, he may ler them in (Diplomacy OC 7). Fourale has ward ro attack after someone encers che room.
not spoken to another individual for around 5 years, so
simply hearing a calm racional voice helps him believe he Area 32: An Abandoned Guest Room
is finally being rescue<l. See Area 33 for thc descripnon of The odor of fresh feces and u.rine fills che room, indlcat-
and scatisrics for Fourale. 111g le has seen recenr use, Trash and piles of feces are
Fourale's shouts and any noise the PCs ma ke trying to strewn abouc the room, maki.ng it seem li.ke noching more
get chrough thedoor increase by 30% che chance che group thana giantcoilet Nochingworthwhile is left in rhe room.
of cursed people in che Great Room (Area 34) charges The fumirure is desrroyed, bue noc wich thesame fury and
down cl1c hall and actaeks. power as seen in Area 3 L. This room is simply a wasce
reposirory for the group of cursed people in che Grear
Area 30: ASmall C.Oat Ooset Room (Area 34) as well as Fourale (Area 33). lf the PCq
A blasc of stale air flows outward as che door opens ro have not encounrered the cursed people in che Great
revea! a small coar closet. Long lines ofhooks and rods for Room (Atea 34), there is a 50% chance chat they rush
hangi_ng all varieriell ofcoaes nnd cloaks fill che smaLlroom, down che hall to attack che PCs afrer they enter chis room.
a long with shelves for boors and shoes. Whíle che cedar-

29
INSJDE THE MANSlON

Area33: Fourale'sRoom
lf e.he PCs talk Fouralc into opcnmg the door and
allowing chem to enrer, they are greeted by a small, thin
man wich longblack hair. Hekeep~afirm holdonhismace
while nervously studying che PCs. Fourale Krev was a guest
ar che wedding. When he realized a curse was rouching
everyone in che mansion, he barricaded himself in chis
room and U!)ed his remove curse spells tO keep himself free
of che curse. H is cuwardiccanJ fear have kepc him bere for
che 5 yearssince che wedding. Always expeccing rescue, he
uses his spells to keep away rhe other cursed guests,
servan es, and monsters. His daily remove curse on hirnsel(
and che facr tharnll che fooJ and water he consumes comes
from creare food and water spells keep Fourale free of che
curse. Constant solitude brings about its own problem.s,
however. Fourale now talks to himsel.f constamly, sorne-
times shouting and screaming forno particular reason. He
keep¡; himself busy cleaning che room, which was noc his
initially. and praying.
Fourale Krev, Male Human Clr5: CR 5; SZ M; HD
5d8+ 10; hp42; lnit + l;Spd30ft.;AC 12; Atk +3 (ld8, heavy
mace); SA spells, rum undead; AL NG; SV Fort +6, Ref +2,
Will + 7; Str l l, Dex U, Con 14, lnt 9. Wis 17, Cha l l.
Skills: Concenrrarion +7, Heal +8, Knowledge (reli-
gion) +2, Listen+5, SpeUcraft +4, Spot +5. Feats: Alertness,
Extra T urnmg, Scnbc Scroll.
Divine Spells Prepared (5/4/3/2) : O-creare water (x2),
purify food and drink (x2), resistance; li;t-bless water,
cure lightwounds, divine favor, sh1eld of faith; Znd-<:ure
moderare wounds (xl), sound bursc; J rd--create food and
wacer, removc curse.
Domain Spells (Good, Strengt/1): lst-protection from
l:vil; 2nd-bull's strength; Jrd-magic circle against evil.
Possessions: Heavy mace, ring of protection + l, l8 gp, 28
sp, 43 cp.
Descriprion: Fourale is a thin man wirh dark brown hair
and light brown eyes. The wide smile on his face seems
frozen there by impending madness. His eyes rwitch around
nervousl y and he constandy wrings bis hands. Years offear
and paranoia make him nervous and jumpy, while loneli-
ness makes him calkative and a biL mad. His clothing is
worn and faded, bue still serviceable.
Persona/ir.y: Plainly pur, Fourale is a coward. Fear kept
him from arcempring to escape in che 5 years he has lived
here. Quick trips ro empty his charnber por across thc hall
fill him with fear. His overblown feelings of self-impor-
cance lead him ro believe that a rescue party is coming for
him. !-le is convinced chacanyone he rneets is sencspecifi-
cally to rescue him and dernands che parry escort him away
from the mansion 1mmediately.
Knowledge: Fourale used sorne of che time spenr here to
contemplare what happened and how. He has detem1íned
char che afflicuon thac couched che maruion and grounds is
definitely a curse. In his mind, a curse L,; by definitíon evil,
rhough ht> has no evidence char e.he curse irself is evil in
nature. Fourale is also certai.n that che curse was placed on
che food chat people ate ate.he banquet. While this conclu-
s100 is nor precisely true, it bas kept him free of the curse.
Combat Tactics: Fourale casts bull's strengch on him-
selfbefore the PCs enter che room, as lu: needs che strength

30
 MORRICK MANSION
tl1 move che dresser out of the way. lf he i~ pressed into
combat with or alongside the PCs, he uses his fcar of
strength domain ability during the 1st round of melee
combat ancl begins using hisotherspells ro protect himself.
Area 34: The Great Room (EL5)
Beautiful parquedlooring extends throughouc this vast
room. Long Jining rabies from che wedding parcy still fi.ll
rhe room. Broken dishes and shatterecl glasses cover che
room, ami che once eleganr table linens are rom beyond
recognltion. Enchanted crystal chandeliersstill shed a d1m
magical light, anda vasc wall of windows in che north wall
looksout0ver a marble terrace mto che gardens behinJ che
mansion. Before the curse, befare rb.e desrrucc1on, chis
room wa5 a truly magnificem piece nf work. The <lescruc-
rion and overpowering stench of decaying flesh now give
ic an cxld. ominous feel.
Most of the chairs are damage<l, but the sturdy <lining
ta bles wi chsrood the abuse they received. Pla m wocxl panel
doors m thc east wall lead imo the kicchcn. AII oí the
windows and glass doors looking out over the marble
cerrace are shattered. The floor-length openíngs make ít
easy to leave for che rerrace overlooking che gardens.
Wind, rain, and sunshine are startíng ro damagc some of
che exposed wocxlwork, anda numherofhorrible ~cratches
mar che beautifully paneled ínner walls. A large, open
spíral scaircase in che nonhwesc comer leads up co the
second floor. The staircase was designed to allow Lord
Morrick and his family co make grand entranccs to theír
part1es. A collection oí Lom sofas and chairs close ro che
;;caircase marks the lucatitm uf a sm11ll s1tting arca.
3L
Living here are 4 cursed ~erv¡mts anti 2 cursc<l guesLS,
esse.nrially surviving as a pack of wíld anímals. Altbough
ali of them have suffered from che curse In dlfferenr ways,
all of rhem have losr any vescígc of civilized behav10r as
wcll as che ability ro comrnunicate. They storc severa[
rotting corpses and a number oí skelccons and bones
beneath one of the cables. Ma:ny of che corpses are fresh
enough to be used as meals. Theysleep in chegroupofsofas
an<l chairs near the srairway and store "focxl" beneath che
table for reasons even theydo not understand. They attack
anythíng entering the room. believing il is afrer cheir
stored food and treasure. Alchough chey make occasional
foraysinro che gardenand víneyard in search offocxl, rhest>
panicular crearures are found here by che PCs, or thcy
attack the PCs in Areas 29 or 32.
C ursed Servants (4): CR l; SZ M; HD 1J8+6, hp 12;
lnit + 2; Spcl 30 fe.; AC 16; Atk + 3 melee ( 1d6+ 2, club); SA
curse;SQcurse; ALN;SV Forr+5, Ref+2, Will + ! ;Str 15,
Dex 14, Con 16, lnr 5, Wis 13, Cha 6.
Skil/.s: Balance +4, Híde +2,Jump +3, Listen +l, Move
Sílently +2, Spoc + 1, Swim +4. Feats: Dodge, Toughness.
Cursed G uests (2): CR 2; SZM; HD 3d8+9; hp l8; ln.it
+ I; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14; Atk +6 melee (ld6+3, dub); SA
curse;SQcurse; ALN; SV Forc+5, Reí+ L, Will +0;Strl 7,
Dex ll, Con 14, lnr 5, Wis 8, Cha 8.
Ski/Is: Balance +4, Climb +7, Jump +5, Listen+ l. Spot
+ 1, Swim +4. Feats: Blínd-Fight. Endurance, Toughness.
Combat T actics: The cursed servants and guests actack
like wild anímals, swarming coward 1 or 2 targers ata nme.
lf chey arrack the PCs in a differenr room and are severely
injurcd, chey recrear back to th1s room. lf the PG fight
 INS IDE THE MANSLON
thcm in this room, they fighc to che deach. The curse has
driven them to such a deep in~nity chac no arrempt to
negociare wich chem can possibly meet with success.
T reasure: The odd, makeshift home that the cursed
pack hascreated for itself contains a few items thacdid not
gec destroyed. The only fragile item surviving is a small
porcelain sracue of a naked woman (JO gp). The more
sturdy itera~ include 3 uncuc rubies ( 100 gp each; a gem
cutter charges 500 gp m atrempt cutting each gem. and a
successful Craft [gemcutting] check ar DC 18 product!S a
flawless ruby worch 1,000 gp, while failure produces a
flawed ruby worth 650 gp); an ornare gold necklace ( 100
gp); an obsidian bracer (20 gp); 6 silver goblers ( 10 gp
each); a sil ver braccler( l Ogp)¡ a gold ring (S gp); a sUver
ring (3 gp); an obsídian ring (3 gp)¡ a serofblue wool rohes
trimmed in gold; a damaged cha in shirr; a suit ot master-
work scudde<l leacherarmor; and loosecoins tocaling 22 pp,
168 gp, 1.243 sp, and 842 cp.
Area 35: The Kitchen (EL 2)
The kicchen isstark, cold, anddark because thespells thar
kept it lit aod kepr ch1: stoves warm have faded. A massive
stove, capa ble of cooking food for almost 100 peoplc, reses
against che east watl. Orúppings from che colony of bacs
living here line che long, chin vencs in che wall above the
stove as well as the scovc's surface and che floor nearby. Pots
and pans made ofhigh qualiry steelare chrown in a jumblc
on che floor. A large basm for clcaning the pocs and pans is
in rhe sourheast comer of rhe room, and broken carrs and
clishes biackec rhe panel doms in rhe we.sr wall.
An opening in the northeasr comer of rhe room lcads to
a scamvay heading <lown to the ground level where che
~ervants' quarcers aod storage areas are located. A door in
the north wall is tom open to revea! a staircase heading up
to che bedroom,s. Both sralrways appear to be in good repair.
A colony ofbats h.ides hereduring che <lay. Using a light
source when che bars are present wakes rhem and causes
the.m ro swarm. Mosc ofche bats have very lirtle in d1e way
of visible murarions, because profound rnucarions keep a
bar from being able to Ay, chus bats thar unclergo such
changes usuaLLy die. The bars are able to make their way
rhrough che venrs in che east wall, so rhe dark k!r.chen has
provided them wich a useful, dark cave in which to hide.
1f che PCs emer ar nighc, tbere is a 70% chance the colony
b outscarching for food and tbe PCs can pass unmolesred.
Cursed Bats (30): CR l/JO; SZ O Animal; HD l/4d8;
hp l ; lnit +2; Spd S ft., fly 40 ft. (good); AC 16; Atk +O
melee ( ld2-5, bite); Face/Reach l fe. x I ft./0 fe.; SA curse¡
SQ curse, blindsighc; ALN; SV Fon +1,Re( +4, Will +2;
Ser 1, Dex 15, Con 10, lnc 2, Wis L4, Cha 4.
Skil~~ Listen +9, Move Silently +6, Spot +9.
CombatTactics: The batsswarm nver chc.PCs, conce.n-
tratingon any PC holding a light source. They screech and
bite inan attempt todrive che PCsaway. Whilc t heir bites
Jo little more rhan scrntch che skin, each bite can pass on
che curse. The bacs flee if more than !/J oíthem are killed.
32
The Second Floor
Area 36: The Second Floor
Landing (EL7oro)
Orna te wood doors ( 3 in. thick; Hardness 8 [meral core];
hp 40; Break DC 20; Open Lock OC 24) in che easr wall
face a wide spiraJ srairway heading down to a large room
below. The do11bledoors lead inco Lord and Lady Morrick's
privare bedchambers. Scracches and denrs mark the dours,
bue a core of magically treated 1ron makes them very
srurdy. Moreovcr, a complex lock means they are difficult
-bue nor impossible - ro open without che proper key.
Fragmencs of glass from che shattered windows along che
north and west walls cover tht: steps and che landing,
mak.ing quier movement almosc impossible (-10 circum-
scance penalty to al] Move Silently checks). With che
wind whispering through theshattered windows, the land-
ing feels exposed to che ourside. A narrow hallway along
che wesr wall heads mward the fronc of the mansion.
The group of cursed people in che Great Room (Area
34) does m>t come up here anymore. They were una ble to
get through the many closed Joor~ anJ are afraid of
Koriela, a cursed air mephic char makes her home on the
second floor. Koriela was summoned by a wizard exploring
the mimsion grounds on her own severa! years ago. Sorne-
ching wenc wrong during a barde, che wizard was slain, and
Koriela endeJ up cucsed anJ unable ro rerum home.
Koriela suffers from che curse in several dtfferent ways.
Outward signs of rhe curse are restrained co her pale white
skm, which now has dark green splocches. loside, Koriela
suffers deeply, for che curse has bem and changed pares of
her body, causing her pain during every waking moment.
Th!s pain makes her subject ro grear fits of anger aud
depression charshe barely manages to control. Her magical
abilities keep her safe from other crearures in and around
che mansion, bue she is una ble to retum to her home plane
for reasons she does noc unclemand. Koriela claims the
second floor of the mansion as hers and rabidly ddends her
cerricory against interlopers. Any barde in Area 34 alerts
Koriela to possibk- inrruders, so she comes to keep warch
on che srnirway. lf the PQ¡ climb che stairs ata differenc
rime, che broken glass along che stairs and landiog helps
wam Koriela of unwelcome visitors. [,f che PCs reach the
second floor chrough the servant's stairs and hegin expl,x-
ing from rhat direction, chey meet che Koriela in Area 3 7.
Koriela, Cursed Air Mephit Sor4: CR 7; SZ S Outsider
(Air)*; HD 3d8 plus 4d4; hp 23; lnit + 7; Spd 30 ft., fly 60
ft. (perfect); AC 17; Atk +6 melee ( ldJ lx2], claws); SA
curse, bread1 weapon (cone of grit, 15 fr., ld8, Reflex DC
12),spell-likeabilities( 1/hour-blur; 1/day-guscofwmd),
summon rnephic*; SQ curse*, fase bealing (2), damage
reducnon (5/+ l); AL N; SV Fort +4, Ref + 7, W ill +7; Str
10, De.'( 17, Con 10, lnt 12, Wis 11 , Cha 16.
Sk.ílls: Bluff +7, Concentration +4, Hide +12, Knowl-
edge (arcana) +5, Listen +8, Move Silenrly +9, Spellcrafr
+5, Spoc +8. Feats: Alertness, Extend Spell, lmproved
lnitiacive.
 MORRlCK MANStON

Arcane S¡Jells Known (Casr Per Day: 6/7/4): 0------0etecr speak re, che PCs from a discance, butonly ¡f rheystay away
mag1c, ghost sound, light, open/e lose, ray of frost, resistance; from rhc sccond floor. She considers anyone emering che
lsc-buming hands, cause fear, magic missile; 2nd-web. second !loor an enemy.
~spec1al: The curse has made chis plan e Koriela 's native
planr of exiscence, so spells against oucsiden; no longer Area37:Koriela'sRoom(EL 7oro)
aftect her. Her ~ummon mephit ability functions as a
Koriela (see Area 36) make~ her home in chis small
summon monster 11 spell and has a 50% chance ofsuccess.
.,itting room. Damaged sofas and chairs surround a small
Combat Tac tics: Koriela hideb from and observes the fountain in the ccmerof theroom. Bright light shines from
PCs as long as she can. She waits until they are ali close a glowing stone ab<>ve che fountain, but the fountain irself
rogether and casts web on them. When Lhe PCs are caughr no longer ílows. Koriela mganizcd sorne of che sofas into a
in che web, she uses magic missile on the most heavily small s leepi ng a rea and cleared broken glass away from the
armoreJ PC an<l then sets rhe web on fire wirh bumíng center of the room.
hands, dealing 2d4 poims of fire damage to anyone caught 1( che PCs take the servants' stairs to the secoml floor,
in thc web as well as thc nonnal spcll darnage to anyone she
they mcet Korida {Area 36) ln this room, which has
attacks directly. She uses her blur ability as the web bums
served as her home for quite sorne time an<l which she
and flies out one of the broken windows. She hovecs
<lefends using the tactics described in Area 36, above.
oucside che windows and demands that the PCs leave. Lf
Koriela hasamassecl a greatdeal l1Íwealth due ro herabi lity
che PCs do nor leave, or if they directly artack her, she llses
to explore areas che cursed guests and servants were not
u,eb spells to trap them and then magic missile and ray of able to damagc. Sorne of her treasures are hidden else-
frosr to try ro kiU them. When she rullboutof spellsor gets
where, bue much ofher accumulated wealth ís concealed
hun, shc retreatb co rhe roof ro let che breeze help her heal
in me sofas and chairs. Many of che Ltems indude vases and
and chen to one of the locked guesrrooms (Area 41) to rest
other small. delicate items.
anJ recover. Koriela has suffered from che curse, hur has
Treasure: Anumberofiremscan befoundon thechatrs
nor completely lost her mind. She fights intelligemly and
and sofas or h1dden beneach cheir cushions. These items
merho<lically, only clo~ing for melee combar with single,
include a gold scacue of a knighc on horseback (200 gp), a
poorly armed PCs. lf the PCsdo chase her offand loor her
porcelain statue of a human woman holding a baby ( l25
crea5ure scored in Area37, she hunts rhem unril either she
gp), 6crysral vase~ (25 gp each), acrystal figurineofahorse
o r they are dead.
( 1.5 gp), asapphire-srudded silverbracelet ( 150 gp), a gold
Speaking witb Ko riela: Koriela's madness and pain
ringstudded wirh riny diamonds (80 gp), 2 matching gold
make communication with her very difficult. A successfuJ
rings ( 1.0 gp each). an elegancly carved ivOI)' scrollcase
Diplomacy check (OC 17) calms her down enough ro

33
 1NSI DE TH E MANSION
(ernpcy, ZO gp), a sult uf masterwork chainmail ernbla-
zoned with a gold sun in che center oí the chest, and a
cracked shortbow with omate carvings (if mended, !t is a
masterwork mighcy shortbow [Srr l 5]). The PCs also fmd
loose coíns toi:aling 48 pp and 176 gp.
Area 38: ALong Hallway
While the hallway is now very plaln, it clearly was once
carefullydecoraced. A smallamountoflightcomes through
a single s mall winJow aLthe very end of che hallway, bue
ali ntherdecorations and lamps have been destroyed. Only
che ornare doors evenly space<l along the south wall and
che paneled niches for vases and starues along the north
wall remain. Fragmems of porcelain and ccyscaJ froro
broken figurines a:nd vases coat che floor. O nly one of the
3 doors along che south wall is opened (38a). The other
two doors, 38b ande, werearcane locked by oneofthe guests
in an efforc to protect himself and severa! of his friends
from the cursecl guescs aocl servan ts rampaging cbrough the
mansion.
38b and c. Wood lxiors: l in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 20;
Break OC30.
These doors were arcane locked by a 7th-level wuard. A
knock spell suppresses che arcane lock for LO minutes.
38d. Secret Door: Servants used chis door ro gec Lo che
guestrooms for cleaning. lt is unlocked bue difflculc co
nocice (Seard1 OC 15) because the wood panelsaresowell
conscructed. Koriela found this <loor hut was unable ro get
chrough the doors beyond lt, so she left ir clo~ed.
Area39: A Guest Room
S hredded cloch and bleached feathers cloak che deci-
mated room. A small desk In one comer remains whole,
but che dresserand bed have been <lescroyed. Feachers from
che shredded pi lluws and mamess 1ie around the room Iike
giam snowt1akes. Toe windows are remarkably lnract,
whileseveral windowpanes are cracked; only one pane of
glru;s is broken. O nJy che fatigue ot rhe cursed guests and
servants rampaging chrough che mansion saved che win-
dows in chis room. They sirnply were exhausteJ from
consraotly breakmg thmgs by che rime they reac hed th1s
room. The desk in che room has a locked drawer.
Locked Desk Drawer: 1/2 in. cbick; H ardness 4; hp 10;
Break OC 15; Open Lock DC 20.
The small drawer conrains severa! fragile vials sealed
withwax.Bashiogopen chedrawer resulcs inn 75%chance
ofbreaking each '1 iaL
T reasure; The 4 vials hidden in che drnwer are marked
wíth a skull. Each vial concains shirac berry ex trace, a rare
concacc poison used by assassins (Forc OC l4, paralysis).
Laws in rnost civilized areas carry substantial penaltíes for
simply possessing chis poison. Thcre is no due as ro whn
lefr d,e poison here or whar chey iorended to do wíth lt.
Gu¡ud~ in Grollek's G rave are willing to give a reward of
50 gp íoreach vial cumeJ over to d,em. An assassins' guikl
mighr be willing to purchase che vials for 200 gp each, but
M ly under conditions of absolute secrecy.
34
Area 40: A Guest Room
OnJy one of the two large windows in rhe southem wall
has been broken; all of che fumiture is intact. Dusr covers
a large bed in che center of the room. Large anJ small roses
have been embroidered on che linen bedcovers, and sev-
era! capestries depicting flowering gardens h ang on the
walls. A small dresser made of creamy brown woo<l scands
in che norcheast comer, :md 2 desiccaced corpses sic in
cha irs near the wi□dows.
Koriela looced th is room. Unable ro pass che arcane lock
on che door, she broke the window from the oucside and
flew in. She k,oced the rings from the corpses bue was
racher frighcencd of che J ead bodi.es and never complecely
examined chem. The corpses are Magistrate Horace Kriel
and his wife Elena. They both poisoned themselves when
chey realized t.he curse was beginning ro change chem anti
they woulJ not be rescued. The door inro che room was
arcane locked by a 7ch-level wizard (see 38b and e, above)
named Yorvash Green, who was staying in che room next
door (A rea 41). Lf tbe PCs have defeaced Koriela, chis room
is a safe place to rest.
Koriela was vecy diligent in her looting of chis room. She
knew thac nobody else had loored or desrroyed ir and so
took her time picking ali of rhe locks and searclung
chrough all of che drawers. The cedar-lincd drawers in the
dresser preserved severa! fine pieces of clothíng in which
Koriela had no interese.
T reasure #1 : The fine linen andsilk clochmg has a total
value of 300 gp, or 100 gp when sold ro a clochíng
merchanr.
Treasure #2: Searching che magimace's bndy tums up
(Search DC 18) an om ace brass key anda gold cha in with
a snake-sh aped amulet (25 gp).
Area 41: AGuestRoom
The desiccaced corpse of Yorvash G reen lies peacefully
in che centerofa rnassive ca nopied bed in che m iddle of che
room. The room has suffered minordamage from birdsaml
aoi ma b char made cheir way through the single broken
window in che southem waJl, bue mosc of the room is in
remarkable shape. The om ate rnahogany desk, dresser,
and be<l nee<l only be dusted to rerum chem ro cheir
original beauty.
Yorvash Green, a wlzard and merchant, was one of the
man y guests attending the wedding ceremony. He rapidly
realized chat somethíng was going wrong. He and his
friends, Magistrace Horace Kriel and his wile Elena Kriel.
cscapcd to the ir rooms. Yorvash arcane locked che ir room
anJ chcn retu m ed cohisown. H ei.ntended co retum rothe
Kriel's room to plot their escape. Fearíng for hi.s life, he case
arcane lock un his door as welL He realized sorne sort of
poison or curse wai; beginnlng ro affecc hm, when he
suddenly lose his hearin g. After desperately uslng several
healmg potions aod casting dispel magic on himself, he
began to despair. When scales eruptcd on his skin, he
refused to suffer funher effects and swallowcd a vial uf
po1son and lay down ro die.
Koriela knows a great <leal abouc chis room, as she has
mvescigated 1t thoroughly; if she flees che PCs after fight-
 MORRTCK MANSlON
ing chem in eicher Areas 36 or J7, she comes to chis room
to res eand recuperare. l( the PCs enrer tlüs room while she
is here, she leaves th.rough the window agaio to find a
different place to recover. Once she has recovered, she
acrively searches for the PCs wich plans ofattacking them.
This room is a safe place to resc only if Koriela is slai.n.
Treasure; Koriela is rather frighrened ofsearching long-
dead corpses. She removed Yorvash's rings bue noc his
amulet, nordid she find chehiddengold coi ns inhis money
belc. The dragon-shaped amuler he wears is made of gold
srudded with sapph ires and is worth 450 gp (Search DC
18). and hi money belt c.:ontains 30 gp (Search OC 25).
Area 42: AHidden Hallway (EL2)
This ballway connect5 che privare rooms of che Morrick
family ro a scairway leading to che kirchen and servants'
quarters and was never meant to be viewed by guests. The
fewdecorations here arenor srolen or damaged, making chis
hallway seem far more elegam than che damaged and lamed
hallways and room . A few capes tries hang on che wall.s. and
small crysral vases have been tucked inm niches along che
hallway's length. Dried-up flowers in the vasesdropped rheir
peca Is long ago. A thick layer of d ust covers che !loor as che
hallway concinues pase severa! wood <loors to en<l ar a wicle
landing surrounding ::i staircase chat leads clown.
Servanrs used chis hidden hallwayand che backstaicway
to bring food or ocher irems to che different fami ly mem-
be~ and to encer rooms for cleaning. 1l1e skeleton of che
famlly guard who procecced che stairway as Lord Morrick
rumed bis family to scone remains at che borrom of the
,rairwaywhere lcreaches che kitchen (Are::. 35).Whíle the
guard did nor last long, he kept the marauding looters from
entcring che pdvace rooms long enough tbat chey forgor
ahom che back rairway.
A large cursed snake recendy foun<l its way here. Al-
chough not parricularly bungry after its mosr recent meal,
lt consíders che haUway its home and defends ir fiercely.
Cursed Viper (1): CR 2; SZ LAnimal: CR 2; HDJd8;
hp 12; lnit +3; Spd 20 fe., dimb 20 ft., swim 20 ft.; AC 15;
Atk +4 melee (1d4 and poison, bite); Reach 10 ft.; SA
curse, poison (Fort DC 11, l cl6/ld6 Con)¡ SQ curse, scenc;
ALN; SV Fort +3, Rcf +6, Will +2; Ser 10, Dex 17, Con
11, lnt 1, W is 12, Cha 2 .
Skills: Balance + l l, Climb + 11 *, Hide +8, Listen +9,
Spot +9. Feats: Weapon Finesst (bite). *Vípers can use
eicher cheir Strengch or Dexterity modifiers for Climb
.:hecks, whichever is herter.
Combat Tac tics: The snake strikes wich lightingspeed,
biting che nearest character and injecring its venom.
When seriously injured, che snake backs inro a comer in
cight coils and rises up, artempting ro frighcen away irs
adversar ies.
4 2 a-d. Ooors: The 4 wood doors in che hallway were
locked ro protect Lord Morrick's family. While noneof che
doors are rrapped, chey are chick and rhey havegc,od, solid
locks. Each QÍ the wood doors is decorated wírh che
Morríck family coar of anns.
Wood Ooors: 2 in. thic.k; Hardness 5; hp 20; Break OC
20; Open Lock DC 24.
35
Treasure: Each crysral vase 1s sllghtly different In shape
and design, bue all are beauriful :md wortb a fair amount.
There are 6 crystal vases, each worth 10 gp each. Three
tapestries hang on the walls: one depicts a lone knight
riding a large horse ( 50 gp), a second simply has a represen-
tatíon of che Morrick-family coatof arms (30 gp), and the
rhird depicts a collection of mixed flowers (60 gp).
Area43:ALarge Bedroom
Dust covers a large bed wich an eleganc purple silk
canopy siruated agamst the norcb wall, heside a small
marble vanity. Small nichcs forcombs, brushes, and make-
up are Lmed up along the marble top of thecanopy beneath
a large mirror. Paintings of different flower arrangements
decora ce che plain wood panel walb. imd a marble plancer
in tl1e northeasr comer contains a dead plan c. Two massive
windows in the eastwalt ovcrlook che overgrown gardcn~
down bclow; one of che windows is broken, bur che ocher
remains intacc.
Deep purple blankets conceal rhe stone figure ofLarissa
Morrick, a beautiful ceenagegirl. Detailsofherjéwelryand
clothing are so perfect rhat one is forced to believe char chis
young woman was once alive and that the curse ora spell
wa,s used to tucn her tostone. In fuer, Lord Morrick rumed
her to stone to protect her from the curse, and che scarue's
mtricate der.a.ils a llow che PCs ro realize easily char she has
been cumed to stone. If tbey have nor invesrigaced Lord
Morrick's library, they mighr believe che curse is whac
rumed her to srone rarher than her facher. Larissa's naneé
is nowhcre ro be seen; che curse cook such a v1cious hold
of h 1m that he comm1tted su1ciJe in a fit of insaniry.
lf che PCs use a scone to f/.esh scroll or spell to rerum
Larissa to life, she is chankful hm concemed about che res1
ofher family. She 1s still affected hy che curse an<l succumbs
ro ir complerely wirhin 24 hours oíbeing rernmed ro flesh
unless she receives a remove curse spell. Fortunately, time
spent as a stone statue does not count as time spenr cursed.
Larissa Morrick, F emale H uman Sor!: CR l; SZ M;
HD 1d4+4; h p 8; lnir+2; Spd 30 ft.; AC l2; Ark - 1 melee
( Id4-l, dagger, cric 19-20) or + 1 ranged ( ld4-l, Jagger,
crir 19-20); SA spells; AL CN; SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will
+J; Ser 8, Dex 14, Con 13, Inr 11, Wis 12, Cha 18.
Skills: Concentration +5, Spellcraft +4. Feats: Greac
Fortitude, Toughness.
Arcane Spells Knoum (CasL Per Day: 5/4) : 0-derecr
magíc, light, mending, read ma11ic; lst-mage armor, true
srrike.
Possessions: A jeweled dagger (250 gp), a pearl necklace
(450 gp}, andan ornare gold ring (35 gp}.
DtJScripcion: Larissa is an incredibly beauciful, delicare
youngwoman. Her paleskin isasharpcontrasrco herblack
hair and deep blue eyes. Although shortand very thin, he
has been blessed with a curvaceous figure chat easily
discinguishes her from other children hersize.
Personalicy; Larissa is decermined ro make cerrain her
fam,ly is safe. lf tbe PCs give ber oews chat her father has
died, shc is very sad but saves her sorrow for la ter. Her lasr
memory before be ing brough t upsra i rs and ru med ro srone
by her farher is che image of her new groom impaling
himselfon a large silver knife. The memory haunrs herand
 íNSJDE TffE MANSlON
makes her decem1ineJ ro find a way to end che curse -a
curse wich which she lmowsshe ls already afflicrcd. Decer-
mincd rosee che rest of her family brought to safecy, she
gladly abandons rhe mansion and its mysteries ro che PCs
Lf her mother and brochers are turned back to flesh (see
A rea 46). Her devotion to her family and to ending che
curse leads her m promise treasures and riches thar she
cruly cannocdeliver in recum forche PCs' hclp. She has no
qualrru. about lying to get what she wants.
Koriela looced chis room, but most of Laríssa's clothing
and personal items were left behind. lf the PCs revive
Larissa, she pues on a set of srurdy robes she uses for
traveling. She is :;o concerned abouc che rest of her family
and che death of her fiancé rhat sht! <loes nor nmice rhc
missing items. lfKoriela has been defeaceJ, chis rp()m is a
safe place for che PCs to resr.
Area44: ALarge Nursery
The nursery has not seen use since the Morricks' rwin
boys were o ld enough for their own room. Thls dark,
elegantroom isnowa storage room holdingscacksofbooks
and severa[ large wood erares benearh rhe 2 walnuc cribs.
Severa! rolled-up rugs resta long the norch wall, and sorne
paincings lean againsc che souch wall. Decoratlons were
often rotated an<l changed Ju ring che year m give che
mansion added ílavorand elegance, so unused decorations
were simply stored here. A secretdoor (Search DC 18) 111
the wesc wall leads directly co Lord and Lady Morrick's
privare bedroom (Area 46). This room isasafe place to rest
if Koriela has been defeated.
T reasure: Thc paimings ami rugs are large and heavy
and would requíre a wagon to remove from che mansion.
Few traders would purchase anything from che mansion for
36
fear of che curse, so these items would need co be rrans-
porced quite a distance ro Íind a willing merchant. Total
value of rhe icems in che room is 3,000 gp, but th.e PCs
would be lucky ro obrnin J ,000 gp (or chem anywhere close
m Grollek's Grove.
Area 4.S: ASmall Bedroom
Lord and Latly Mornck's two twin boys Ericand Edmund
sbared chis room. A ser of bunked beds stand., in d,e
southwest comer of che room, squamng beneach rhe
burden ofsevera! large blankecs rossed in a heap on che top
bed, Toy swords lie around che room along with wood
figures ofhor.,es and soldier~. A large tapestry hanging on
che souch waLI depicts a m,mive barde becween a large
group ofdwarves andan immense black Jragon. Macching
dressers flank che large broken winJow in che· nonh wall,
and several piece¡, of cloching lie mtting in che space
hecween rhem. Korielabroke through chis wiadowaswcll.
She did not find anythi ng worchwhile here and nelther
will che PCs. If Koriela has been defeated, d,is room i a
safe place far che PCs to rest.
Area46:LordandLady Morrick's
Private Bedchambers
This giganc1c, degontly appomred bedroom gives arrue
hint as to che beauty d1ac che encire mansion muse once
have possessed. Delicate porcelain srarues and graceful
crystal vases occupy 111ches m the waUs and stand on
varioi1s tables and p1eces of fumiwre. Every single decora•
rion in che room wa~ carcfully considered; scacues aml
vase , far instance, match che themes and colors of che
rapescries and painrings thar hang on che walls. Even che
 MORRICK MANSJON
upholstered sofas and chairs thac face the massive windows
along che north wall m;itch well witb thcir surroundings.
Of all rhe rooms in the mansion, chis room is complecely
incacr. None of the windows has even the slightest crack,
and, although duscy, che room retains the beauty it had
befare che curse took overrhe mansion.
Windows far chis room are enchanted to make breaking
them almosr impossible, so Koriela (Area 36) could not
emer here despite all of her efforts.
Encbanted Windows: 1/Z in. chick; Hardness 8; hp 30;
Break OC 18.
The J stone starnes on rhe bed are Lady Alandra
Morrick andher rwin sons Ecic and Edmund. Lord Morrick
rumed them to scone usingjiesh to sume scrolls in an effort
ro prorect them from rhe curse. PCs can use swne to jl.esh
scrolls and/or speU~ co recurn chem to thcir natural form.
The boys were 8 years old when rhey were turned to srone
and did not really underscand what was happening. They
were so busy playing that they did nor eat anything at the
party, so chey are unaffected by the curse. Lady Morrick,
however, is affecrecl by the curse. Her vision is al.ready far
more acure than n ormal, but no orher changes have r.aken
place. Unless cured, she fulty succumbs to rhe curse 24
hours after being ntmed back to fl.esh.
Lady AJandra Morrick, Female Human SorS: CR 5;
SZ M; HD5d4+8; hp 19; l nit + l , Spd 30 fe.; AC 12; Atk
+2 melee (IJ4, dagger, cric 19-ZO) or +3 ranged (Jd4,
Jagger, cric 19-ZO, 10 ft.)¡ SA spells; AL CN; SV Fort +4,
Ref+2, WiU +6; Srr 10, Dex 14, Con 12, lm L2, Wis 14,
Cha 19.
Skills: Concencration +9, Diplomacy +8, Spellcrafc +9.
Feaes: Empower Spell, Orear Fortirude, T oughness.
Arcane Spells Known (Case Per Day: 6/7/5): 0--<lancing
lights, daze, detecc magic, light, mending, read magic¡
lsc-mage armor magic missile, sleep, true mike¡ 2nd-
MeJ's acid arrow, invisibility.
Possessiom: A thin, silver dagger; severa! small keys; a
nng o{ protecdon + 1; a pear l necklace (4 50 gp); and a
d1amoncl ru,g (600 gp).
Description: Alandra isofaverage height but chin e.nough
thacshe appears ro be somewharsmaller than sbe really is.
Light brown hairdrops to her s.houlders in broad curls and
waves ro frame her tbin face. Her brightgreen eyes pierce
anythmg she looks at. When first rerumecl ro flesh, she is
wearing a very elegam gown made of pale blue silk. She
rapidly changes inca thicker traveling clothes made of
linen, but ali of her clorhing is of the highest qualiry and
cut in ways chat accentuate her beaury.
Personalicy: Lady Morrick is a pleasanc, good-humored
woman, or was befare the curse took hold ofher family and
properry. At firsrangry with her husband for leaving tbern
here so long, she is extremely upset when she flnds out he
is dead. Her single, over-powering goal is ro get herself and
herchildren safelyaway framthe mansion and cured ofall
effects af thecurse. While she does nor know ifiris a curse
or sorne sort ofpoison, she knows her vision has changecl
and is afraid chat other changes will oc.cur if she is nor cu red
soon.Not knowing thesource ofthecurseor wharallof its
effects might be, she is unaware that her boys are not
cur.-ed. She offers che PCs a variety of rewards for helping
37
her gec her family to safety. If rhe PCs do he.lp rescue her,
lari.ssa, and che boys, they are rewarded wich a grear deal
of money and even sorne property. Wbi.le it is clear that
A landra laves beauciful chlngs and wealth, she complerely
ignores the destruction around her to focus on her family.
J<nowledge: Alandra does not know about the curse or
who case ic. T he only majar rival she can think of is Lord
Eldoran, bue Lord Beval'sfamily is n1IDored to haveseveral
powerful rivals. She can tell che PCs char che effects of che
poison - she believes it is a poisoo - bcgan to hit
everyone in che mansion during the second roasr to the
bride and groom after dinner was over bur befare desserr
wasserved.
Eric and Edmund are 8-year olcl idemical rwins whom
only family rnernbers seem able to tell apare. Their pale
blue eyes and light brown hair concrast sharply wirh their
deeply tanned skins. The boys cleady enjoy playing out-
sitie a greac deal. Their clothing is made of chick, srurdy
lioen, bue cut anJ dyed to look like formal clothing.
Though young, the boys are far from passive or frighrened.
Whi le saddened by their facher's death, they seem excited
by the adventure ofleaving che mansion. Thcy have a wikl
streak andan inquisitive narure rhat are easily associated
with thc advencuring lifesryle. If asked, both boys claim
chey want co be "e..xplorers" - much to their morher's
chagrín.
Painrings, tapestríes, and statues chroughout che room
are wortb a great deal of money. Srnaller vases and starues
are relat1vely easy to move, while cransporring the paint-
111gs and orher 1rems wou ld re<]11ire a large w;igon. A sm;ill
jewelry bax is hídden in one af chedresser drawen; (Searcb
OC 22).
Jewelry Box: 1 m. chick; Hardness S; Break OC 20; hp
25; Open Lock OC 25.
The box is small bue heavy, ant.l lr has a very sturdy lock.
Alandra Morrick keeps the key h.iclJen iL1 one of the
bairpins she was wearing when she was tumecl co srone.
Shc opens the box herself and cakes out the bracers of
armar + l and puts them on when she prepares co leave. 1f
che PCs have already upenecl che box and raken ouc its
conrencs, she eyes them suspiciously but says noching
about it. The lock has a rather dangerous trap that is
rrlggered when ir is not opened with che proper key. The
box contains creasure #2 lisred below.
T rap: Any artempt to open che box wíthour the key
releases an acidic gas. The gas dissipares within severa!
rounds, bue anyone breathing ic suffers a grear deal oí
damage.
Acidic Gas Trap: CR 2; 10-fr. radius around the box
(3d4 acid damage, Rdlex save [OC J5] for halJ); Search
OC 23; Disable Device OC 23.
T reasure#l: Small vasesandstaruesscacrered through-
out the room have a total value of 3,000 gp.
Treasu.re # Z: Thejewelry box contains bracersofarmor
+ 1, a diamoncl pendanc (1,000 gp). a pair of emerald
earrings (500 gp), anda silver bracelec srudded wich tinv
erneralds (400 gp).
 INSID.E T H E MAN ION
Area 47: ALarge Ooset
Long rods span rhe dist:mce of rhis lnrge ruum. Suits,
cloaks, and fine mcn's cloching hang frnm severa! of rhe
ro~b, wh1le the re~t are dcvoceJ to opulent drt:"5e• and
beau tifuI gowns. A Irhough rhe clothing is a bi rou t ohtyle,
it is aU ma<lc of thc fine~t fabric.~ amJ IS remarkably well
preserved. Clothing a long rhe norch , idc of thc closet h as
bccn pushcJ to one side r1.1 revea! a heavy stcel safe hi<ldcn
in the norrhwest comer.
Vault: 1Oin. tbick; Hardness 1O; hp 150; Break DC 30.
The enchantcd vault uses che same combmauon and
symbols found on che safe in che Library (Area 28). lt rhe
PCs have not visiced Lord Morrick's Library (Area 28).
Lady Morrick knows rhe combinari.on and open che vaulr
if askcd to. A dial in che middlc of che vault <loor ha, 6
symbols un ic. Thc dial must be rumetl ro 1 particular
symbols in che correcr orJer to unlock thc safi:. The v,1ult
is rrappeJ : ruming the dial to the wrong symbol resulcs m
an elecm c shock thar deals 3d4 points of clecmciry
damage ro the person ruming che dial. Opening che '\3Íe
w1thour knowing che propersequence rcquires 3 successful
Listenchecks (OC l 8er1rh) as rhedial i~ turned ro hear che
rumblers fall inco place. FaHure of any check mggen, che
trap and forces che PC LO srarr over again.
Electric Shock T rap: CR 2; 3tl4 points of electricicy
damage en che person rouching che vault; no ave¡ Search
OC 22; Disable Device (special, see above).
Treasurc: Whilc che vault <loes contain severa! vnlu-
able crea~ures, thc items of greatcst value include titlc.~ to
severa! p1cces of propercy, secrec recipcs for making fine
w 1m: anc.l brandy, and documents showmg owncrsh1¡, of a
number of tlifferenc business venrur~. Musl uf che papers
are nm worth much to che PCs, bue thcy are mvaluable to
Lady Morrick 1f shc is turned to flcsb anu cured of che curse.
The vaulc also concams a bcaut1fully made + 1 longsu>ord of
frost, Rokon's amulet (sce che Magic lrcms Appendíx). a
suit of e/ven chain, 40 gold bars (20 gp each), a bag of
gem.stones (concains 10 gems worth 4J4 gp each, 8 gems
worth 4d4 x 10 l!P each. 5 gems worth 2d4 x 100 gp each.
antl one perfect emerald worth 7,000 gp), and a bag
conrainlng 340 gp and 1,000 p.
Jf Lady Morrick is with che PCs when che vault is
opened, she insisrs on raking che gemsrones for herself and
cd Is che PCs thar the rest of rhe items are the1rs if they get
her and her children hack to safecy.
TheGround Floor
While invesugacing thc ground floor of che mans1on,
che PCs will not encounrer any wandering monscers or
events. Aside from Arcas 48 and 49, mosc of che arcas on
che w-ound floor have bi:come home to a large colony of
J!iant beecles. lf che PCs explore rhis arca rhoroughly, they
might find additionaJ hintsof who may have casethe curse.
Area 48: The Gardener's Storage
Room(ELtt)
Varioub garden tools lie around che room¡ most are
broken and rusting. Severa! rake handles have chunb
binen out of chem. Shrcdded budap from whac must once
have been sacks of sorne son are strcwn abom tbe room.
Lining the south wall are 3 carr.:;: oneclearlyconrainssand.
while the mher two seem to concain soil.
A hirge numberof tlircrats livc in rhe scorage room now.
The door was barred shut from che oursíde to keep chem in,
bue chey have slnce found a way to burrow hcneach one of
rhewall~sotheycan pass in andoucof che room when Lhey
choose. The rar.s attack as soon as che door 1s opened.
swarming coche doorway to arcack in numbers. They fighr
rn che dcach to defend cheir h\Jme.
Cursed Dire Raes (1 4): CR l/3¡ SZ S Animal; HD
1tl8+ 1¡ hp 7(x2), 6(x 3), 5 (xS), 4 (x2), 3 (x2); lmt +3¡ Spd
40 fr., climb 20 fe.: AC 15; Ack +4 melee ( ld4. bite); SA
cursc;SQcurse,scent; ALN;SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Wlll +3;
Ser LO, De.x 17, Con 12, lnt 2. Wis 12, Ch,14.
Skill~: Cümh + 11, H1de + 11, Movc Silently +6. Fears:
Weapon Finesse (bite).
Combat Tactics: l11e rats simply swarm the PCs. They
follow rhe PCs out oí rhe room 1f cheyare in good numhers
:md relarively undamaged, hut remam tn the room 1f they
have been hure badly.
Area49:Argrim White's
Room(EL8oro)
lf che PCs convincc Argrim ro open door l 7a, they meet a
gray-hmred man holding a quarrcrscaff in one hantl. Sea~
arouml his while t:yes suggest he mighc be blind, bue h1s
conftdcnt canee anJ calm bearing hincotherwise. The room
around him IS nt:at and organizcd. Box~ are M:acked against
the north wall, aml a single ser ofbunk beds rl!StS againsr the
south wall. Massive boards and slabs of wood are na1led over
the door in t.he case wall. Removing che boards rhar block the
door IS easy¡ once open, the door (it swings inward) reveals a
mes.sofgarbagesracked on cheod1ers1tle (Area52). lf che PCs
enter fromArea 52, che wesc door leading out to rhe gardc~
1s blocked. Argrim keeps both doors blocked when he l!I
resdng. A single large chest 1s 111 the room, bue openmg 1t in
Argr1m's presence would be nsky ac bese.
While Argrtm is indced blind, anyoneoranything artack-
mg h1m un his own grounJ IS in for a rude surprise. Be~ore
caking up gardening and rending animals tor Lord Momck,
Argrlm was a well-known a<lventurer and pencsevcral years
111 charge of guard paaols m the bilis nearby. Blinded during
a battlc with a uoll, be was forced to seek othcr employmenr.
Lord Momck hired htm out of fnendship ancl let him do
wharever he wnnred in the gardens. He hru; adjusted to his
blindncss excremely well overthe pastsevecal years and fighrs
wirbout penalties in his own room.
Argrim Wbite, Malc H uman Ftr8: CR 8; SZ M; HD
8d.10+3Z-; hp 78; lnit +2; Spd 30ft.; AC IS;Atk + l l/+6antl
+ J 1 melee( !d6+6/ld6+4, + 1quanersraff); ALNG;SV Fon
+10, Ref+4. Will +2;Str 16, Dex 14,Con 18. lnt 10, Wis 11,
Cha 14.
Skills: Climb +6, Handle Animal +6, Jump +6, Listen +2.
Ride (horse) +6, Wiltlemess Lore +3. Feats: Alerrness. Am•
bidexrerity, Blind-Fighr, Cleavc, Powcr Attack, Two-Weapon
Fighting, Weapon Focus (quancmaff), Weapon Specializa-
cion (quarterst:afO.
38
 MORRlCK MANSJON
Possessions, Argrim's ring, + 1 t.¡1mrrersuiff, masterwork stud-
deJ leather annor, a s1lver amulet shaped like a dragon
hanging on a silver chain (20 gp).
De.~criptíon: Life ha~ been harJ on Argrim since the cun;e
wnk hold of the mansion and che surrounding grow,ds. His
h:11r 1s prematurely gray and wnnkles drag Jown his cheeks.
Hi face, though marke<l by horrible scars near h1s eycs, is
accually rather handsome. Long, thin anns hang fmm broad
shoulders lined wirhhard muscle, and hís wideshoulders taper
Jown his chin body to long, spindly legs. lfhe Jid not move
w1rhan unnatural grace anJ ease, he would be easy ro ptcture
as :i spindly sp1der.
Personaliry: Argrim has endured enough hardships ,md
wimesse<l enough evil thar he 1s w.ry Jifficult to scarde or
5illprise. His blinJness would have sentmui;t warriors wich his
hisrory into a deer depresswn, but Argrim never Je~pau-ed.
He retains h1s confldence and great sense of humor under
even the most ~rressful ofcircumscances. Alchough he heard
the desrrucnon rhar occurred aod has foughc many oí the
strnnge creatures and planes acound che gardens, he does nm
know what caused che changes. Promises he made to Lord
Morrick have kept him here ali this time, and he is willing to
:remain here lfLord Murrick or any membt:rofLord Morrick's
fumily asks hirn to. His ring has kept him safe from che curse,
anJ he is surprise<l co k:now thacall of chechangesmow,d h im
were caused by a curse- and cven more surprisecl to realize
chat he has not suffered ar ali. As long as he wean; che ring, he
can eatordrink anythingon chegrouncls wichoutfearing che
curse, only he Joes nor know char che ring kceps him safe.
When informed ofhi.~strange immunicy, hesimplysrares chac
the gods favor him duc ro hi.~ faíth.
39
Knowledge: While Argcim tloes not know abour the curse,
hedoes know thardangerouscrearuresare m chesrables (Area
8) and m theoldservants' quarters(Areas50-53). Hecanalso
wam che PCs abouc che cursed group of people in che Great
Room (Area 34) and che group of raes he locked m che
gardener's srorage room (A rea 48). He does not k.now abouc
Koriela (Area 36) or anyching about Lord Morrick's family. l(
the PCs bring worJ of Lord Morrick's deach or of Lady
Morrick's rescue, he is willing tú leave with chem if they help
hím carry his chest. Rescuing chesurviving membersof the
Morrick family makes Argrím feel indebced to che PCs. He
1>ffer., chem his ring, celling chern it tS a magical gifc from a
priest hi: once rescued and chat chey deserve it. lf asked, he
does not really know what it <loes, jusc chat it is supposed to
rrocect one from harm.
Combat Tactics: lf che PQ, foolishly decide to attack
Argrim for any reason, he forces them to fight in his room,
shurcing che Joor behincl chem if chey leave anJ rry co use
range<l weapons. His room issmall, bue he has keprthc cenrcr
()Í le very clean specifically for fighting anyching rhat rries to
arrack him here. lf rhe PCs call off che banle or surrender,
Argrim liste.ns ro whar chey have lo say but refuses to trust
rhem or ro tell d1em what he knows. While tbe PCs could
potentiallydefeatArgrunonopenground, fighting hiro m lus
room means almost certain death for ar least severa! PC~.
Wood C hest: Hardness 5; hp 25¡ Break OC 20; Open
Lock DC 25.
This chcst ccmcains ~orne of Argrim's oid arrnor and
weapons. He attacks anyone whl, arcempcs co roh him.
T reasure: The chesc holds a 5uit of masterwork full
place, a+ Llarge sceel shie/d, a +2 .~hort .~word, 1O+/ arrows,
 .1 NSJDE TKE MANSION
Z longswords, 12 throwing daggers, 3 quivers holding 20
arrows each, a money belt withJ0 gp, andJ potlons of cure
moderare •wounds.
Area50:ASooty Hallway
Soot a nd ash from a long dead fire cover che floor as well
as che broken, bumed fragmems of che doors that used to
stand ln che souch wall of che ha llway-. Strange scurrying
soundsandhigh-pitcheddicksechothroughthesconewalls
as they stretch toward a large room to che wesc. Th is ha llway
leads co rooms and quarters uscd by thc servan es who worked
he re. Severa! servants, driven mad by thecurse, srarred fires
in ali of che rooms; sooc and ash on che walls and floors are
from che fires chey scarted. Smoke suffocated the unforro-
nates who lit the fires in the füsr place, and their boclies
provided food for thestrange, warped creacures chatnow live
.in various roon1S on che ground floor.
Area51: Demolished Bedrooms
These 2 rooms were both quarrers for severa! familics of
servants who worked at che mansion. Family quarters were
provlded to married servants who had children. Toe fires
starred in chese rooms desrroyed aU of che cloching, beds,
and even valuables chat were srored here. Searching che
burnt remains In boch room.~ choroughly only nets loose
coins totaling 25 gp, 395 sp, and 534 cp.
Area52: The Servants' Kitchen (EL4)
Bumcfragmentsofchairsand cables arepiled in checenter
of chis large room. While the kicchen area a long che souch
wall is recognizable, it is demolished beyond reasonable
hope of repair. Even the stone walls and floors aredamaged
by powerful blows. Flagstones are moved asidc in severa!
areas to create small burrows for some of the gianc beetles
that moved into che area.
A colony of gianc beerles has occupied che mansion's
ground leve!. O nce normal-size crearures, che curse made
them larger and stronger than befare. They have been
eating a varietyofchings lefthehind in the storeróomas well
as che verydirt beneach che stones. Derecting the vibrations
from tl1e PCs' footsteps, rhey swann out of cheir small
burrows and accack..
Cursed Giant Beetles (12): C R 1/3; SZ S Vermin; HD
ld8; hp 7, 6, 5 (x2), 4 (x5),3 {xJ); lnit +O; Spd 30 ft.; AC
16; Ark + l melee (2d4, bite); SA curse; SQ curse, vermin;
Al N; SV Fon+ 2, Ref +O, WW +O; Str 10, Dex 11, Con 11,
.lnr -, Wis 10, Cha 7.
Skills: C limb +4, Listen +3, S¡x,t+3.
Combat Tactics: The beetles have no intelligence, so
theysi mpl y swarm the PCs and attack, fighting to che dearh.
Broken tables, cracked rocks, a nd bent pocs and pans are
scacked a long che wesc wall, blocking access to severa! doors.
Clearing enough garbage awav ro open che doors rakes 20
mmures. Both doors are blocked or barred from che opposite
side wich varyi.ng degrees of success.
52a. Woocl Door: 2 in. chick; Hardness 5; h p 40; Break
OCJ0.
Argrim White (Area 49) effectively hars this door from
rheopposiceside. Heshours at che PCs to goaway ifhe hears
40
them banging on bis <loor, believing chal the ~et.les are
making an atcempr to encer his room. lf the PCs speak ro
Argrim chrough che door, he unbars itanll stands back ro let
them open it (see Area 49).
52b. Wood Door: 2 in. thick; Hardness 5; hp 20; Break
OC:20.
One of the guards fled coche room beyond chisdoor (Area
54) and blocked it to prevent rhe insane looters froru killing
him. He was affected by the curse a short while later.
Fragrnents of wood cling to the hinges in the open
doorway in che easr wall; che open doorway leads inco
furt her servancs' quarters (Area 53). More beetles live
beyond the open doorway, and PCs who make a succes:.ful
Listen check ( OC 1O) can hear che ir scurrying and clicking.
Whether or noc the PCs enter thac room, che beetles
eventually come out in search of food.
Area53: The Servants' Barracks (EL 3)
Giantbeedes Uve in chis room as well. Flagsrones from the
floor have been thrown ro cheedgesofthe room along with
the bumed remains of broken furniture. A large mound of
dirtwith several openings occupies che middle of che room.
High pitched clicks and chattering sounds, though some-
what muffled by che dirt. clearly indicate chat beetles are
inside the mound.
This room wasonceabarracks haUforallof the unmamed
malt:servants. Female st:rvantsslept incurta.ined-offareas of
che married servants' quarters. A year or so after the inicial
descruction, the giant, mutated beetles moved in and cre-
ared a home for themselves. The gianc beecles dececc
vibra tions ofrhe PCs' foorsreps ch rough che ground and rush
oucofthe mouncl to accack. lf che PCs avoid chis room, cheré
is a 50% chance char chey meer ali or sorne of rhese beecl~
as the creacures cume out in search t1f food.
Cursed Giant Beetles (8): CR 1/3; hp 7 (xJ), 6 (x2), 5
(x2), 4; see Area 52, above.
Combat Tactics: Tbe loose dirc on che floor and thetr
mas.si ve hill give che giam beetles a+ l bonus ro cheir AC if
they flghr m this room. These beetles rush che PCs LO an
effort to overwhelm them. Lf che PCs flee and leave beh.ind
any fallen comrades, unconscious PCs are dragged inro the
burrow. The beedes view t he PCs as food and follow t hem
if they flee.
Treasure: Severa! items are h1dden deep withín che
beetles' mow1d: a mandolin carved of rare ebonwood, w1tl1
ivory rnlays ( if a craftsman repairs and rescrings tbe mando-
lin, it is a masterwork instrument wonh 700 gp ro a culleclúr
or bard); a silver sheath for a short sword ( 150 gp); 3 flask.s
of alchernist's Jire; and an ivory scrollcase concaining ,l
strange note.
Toe note hidden in the scrollcase reads:
"Put chis ítem in any fountain o n che grounds. Whatever
you do, do nor rouch icwlch your bare hand. Retum with che
Morrick family's secrec wine and brandy recipes, and l will
pay you 4 times the amounr we already agreed on."
The sea.l at rhe bortom of the note has heen deliberately
smudged just enough to cover che original wrirer's idenmy
from scrangers wichout prevencing che original recipienc
from knowing wbo sene ir.
 MORRfCK MANSION
The seal on the above nore can be identified by Jasmine
Welk in Grollá's Grove as thar of Lord Eldoran. Other
people in Orollek's Grove must succeed ac a Knowledge
(local) check (OC 15). Th1s note is an imporcanc piece of
evidence chaehelps prove who creaced tbe curse.
Area54:TheGuards' Barracks
A skeleton clothed in rorting leather armor líes in the
center of the room, surrounded by rall sets of bunk bcds
againsr each wail. Wholesale demolitiun ,me! Jesrruction
has missed chis room; other than brokcn fragments oí the
wood bar that once held the door shuc strewn across the
floor, che room is neady organized, just dusry and unused.
Hangmg from pegs near thc do()rway ;ire 3 cloaks bearing
che Morrick family coat of arms, and 6 locke<l trunks resr
beside the cots, each ho lding sorne of the guards' personal
belongings.
Locked Trunk (6): Hardness 5; hp 20; Break OC 20;
Open Lock DC 23.
All 6 loc.ked rrunks are iclencic.at. A succes.eful Open Lock
checkon the first trunk gives a +3 circumscance bonus to all
Open Lock checks when trying to acce·s che other mmks.
Each trunk concains vanous items of clothing an<l a few
personal items, wirh valuable items ofinterest listcd bclow.
Treasure # 1: Zmuscerwork daggers, an ornare sil ver tlask
( 1Ogp), 3 potions of cure light wounds, and a ·ilver necklace
(5 gp).
T reasure #2: A suir of masterwork hh1ck leather armnr
Jecorated wich blue ernbroidery¡ a light crossbow; a master-
work longsword; an amate, masterwork sil ver daggc.r; anda
hag thac comains 43 gp anJ 1ZJ sr.
T reasure #3: A mighry cornposite longbow (Ser 15), a
m.asterwork greatswon.!, anJ a potion of darkvisian.
Treasure #4: A quivernfEhlcnna, holding60arrows (the
-1uivcr looks olJ and worn; only active stwly or derect magic
r~veals its cn,e nacure).
T reasure #5: A masrerwork light crossbow anda ponen
ot /uding.
T reasure #6: A sil ve.red shorc sword, a quiver of 30
nrmws, and 4 porions llf cure light wo,mds.
The skeleton in che cencer of rhe room h,w severa! items
\.'11 lt aswell:
T reasure #7: A key that fhs the crunk containing tcea,
<ure =2: a rusry shorc sword; rotting leatber annor: a gold
eagle-shaped amuler(45 gp): and a pouch conrainingJ gp.
-\5 sp, ,md 92 cp.
Area55: AShortHallway (EL 2 oro)
LouJ crunching noise-S mLxecl wfth high-picched dicks
JilJ chartering flll the hallway, easily covering u¡, any other
no1ses (-4 circumsrancc penalty to ali Listen checks for
monsrer.; and PCs). Sharrered wood is scanered across che
11,JOr of che narrow hall as ir passes through a wide laundry
mom ro the easc on its way to a staircase heading up co the
lmt floor of the tnansion. Fragments of wood cling m heavy
uun hinge.) set into che stone <loorway in the west waU. The
...ut to the east simply ends a short way down the hall,
4]
leavi.ng a wide-open entty to the laundry room (Area 56)
and the staircase head ing up ro che k itchen (Area 15). More
giancbeetlesare in thesmreroom (Area57), eacing theirfill
of che broken erares and sacks chat remain. There i:; a 50%
chance tha t 5 beetl.es in the storeroom (A rea 57) notice che
PCs and charge chem. Otherwise, che beedes stay in the
~wreruom if che PCs do not disturb them.
lf chese 5 beecles anack the PCs m che hallway, che total
number ofbeetles in Atea 57 muse be reduced.
Cursed Giant Beetles (5): CR 1/3: hr 7 (x3). 6 (x2)¡ see
Area 52, above.
Combat Tac tics: The beetles charge the PCs and imack.
As far as che beecles are concerned, rhe PCs are foud; 1.hus,
íf a PC goes down, the bectle stop fighting and begins
eating, unless tt is attackeJ.
Area56: ALarge Laundry Room
The architecc who Jesigned d1e mansion was both prac-
tica! and artistic. An intricare pump next to the large well
in d1e center oí the room is used to bring water imo the
several large, self-drainrng wash basins along the eastem
wall. Wood rodsspanning the room are designed fordrying
wec clothing, shccrs, ami blankets. ll1e heavy srone of tbe
welI anJ 1.he basins remains undamaged, asdo the wood rods
along che ceiling. Cursed servants used che laundry chac was
!efe here to start sorne oí the fires m the other rooms. The
beetles have not noticed anything bere tbat rea lly intereses
them. Well warer can only be obtained with che pump, and
it is cainred by the curse che same way as all other sources ot
water in and around the mansion.The room opens up to the
sr:.iircase to the kitchen (Area 35) as well as che hallway
(Area 55) leading to othcr pan:, of che ground floor.
Area57: ALarge Storage Room
(EL5or3)
G iam beedes ear the remainsofbroken barrelsand era tes
strewn abouc tlus massivescorage roomalongwith whatever
mighc be insi<le. S izc alune suggesrs thisstoreroom iscapablc
uf hukling cnough food to ~upply the mansion for several
years. Now, d1ough, ir is home to 15 giant heetlcs thar are
quite concent toear virtuaUyanything tharcomes theirway.
Between che servanes who ransacked the room immediacely
afrer che curse began am:I rhe giant beetles rhat moved in
here recently, anything of value left in the room has been
eacen or destroyed.
These beedesare largc, healthy. and quite hungry.They
acrack anyone who encers che room, and once engaged,
cheyfollow fleeing victims. These beetles are as conrent to
eat flesh as rhey are anything else; cheir mandihles can
pierce evcn the strongest place mail.
Cursed Giant Beetles ( 15): C R 1/3: hp 7 (x4), 6 (xJ),
5 (x4), 4 (x4); see Arca 52, above.
lf5 of che beetles leave ro fightthe PCs inArea 55, only
d1e following beetles remain:
Cursed Gianr Beetles (10): CR 1/3; hp 7, 6, 5 (x4), 4
(x4); see Area 52, above.
Combat T actics: TI1e beecles swarm the PCs. If a PC
goes clown, che attackiog beetles ignore che barde going on
around rhem and begín tú ear their vicrim.
 Concluding the
Adventure
Simplysurviving exploration ofthe rnansion anclground:;
witho ur suffering che permanenc effects of che curse consti-
rutesa deed inandofirse.lf. lfrhe PO;find a way coeliminate
che curse, Richard Arien rewards chem wirh 3,000 gp. lf chey
discover parcial proofchat Lord Eldoran was the culprit, chey
receive an addiuonal 2,000 gp. Definí ti ve proofin che form
ofnores smlen from Lady S heila Eldoran's home (A rea P8)
octs them another 2,000 gp.
A 100 XP bonus for each PC is suggested i.f chey resc ue
boch A rgrim Wh 1ce a nd Fouralc Krev a nd escort them
back ro mwn. Rescuing Lady Morrick, borh boys, and
Lan ssa is worth anorher 100 XP each in addicio n ro the
treasurcs that Lady Morrick besrows upon che PCs. Rescu-
ing Larissa and endíng Lhi::c ur.;e eam~ thi:: gratitudeoí Lord
A lista ir Be.val, an exrrernely powerfül rnerchant. Thc DM
should feel free co adj ust any and a U treasure items given
out ín rheadvenrure. lf che PO; played rheircards propcrly,
they havc obraincd 2 powerful rnagic icems Jerailed in che
Magic lte msAppendix as well asa fewnew spellbooksaml
sorne orhe.r magic items.
Successfully overcoming che c urse cums che PCs into
local he roes. They are cre::iced with the grearest respect and
receive che besr prices in Grollek's G rove, as well as
heavily discounted healing spells and pocions from Sarah
Lyrean anJ rhe clerics in rhe T e mple of Kudrak.
Further Adventures
A new relacions hip with botb the Mo rrick family and
Lord Beval can be used as Lhe beginning for many other
advenrures. Lady Morrick might a~k the PCs to help her
42
lay claim tO properties thar ochers have taken over during
the past 5 years, offering them hal( the value of whacever
chey can rccuver. Lo rd Beval. impressed by rheir courage
and hero,sm, might invite che m tO che city and request
their help tackling a few "interesting" problems.
The PCs may make an ene my of Thyran Whiteoak if
they foil his efforts ro conract che dcmon, or chey coulJ
eam the enmi ty of che demon irself. Thyran o r the demon
can easily be.come lo ng-term ene.mies plotting against the
PCs in the background.
News of che.ir success rravels, and rhe PCs are askec.l co
help investigare othe.c mysteries in and around tlistant
villages and cicies.
As heroes, che PCs cou!J be approached by varlo us
NPCs in Grollek's Grave wich a variery of requests. The
NPC Appendix indudes various possible side quesrs and
characrer hooks that che DM might find valuable for
encicing the valiant PCs inco furrher advemures.
Failure
111c PCs could fui! or become disillusioned during che
advenrure; they migbt even foil victim m che curse and
bccome part of che problem. In this inscance, che DM has
severa! options. The slowly spréading curse coulJ be halte<l by
a tlifferent pacry of adventurers, or the curse could cominue
spre.ad in g, causing serious economic problems as well as panic
as itencroacheson nearby crade routes. Alcematcly, Thyran
Whiteoak coulcl make conractwith thedemonicsourceoftht::
curse ami "end'' ir remporarily. In such a case, Thyran would
~wiftly grow In power and mfluence, providing a long-tenn
enemy for the PCs ro qve.rcome.
 NPC Appendix
MajorNPCs Be.val fmrnediarcly before the curse cook effecc, so che
Beval famüy consider.~ her one of cheirs, and Richard gives
Srnrisncs and descriptions far Richard Arien , Sarah a rewarcl to the PQ; for saving her un top of any other
Lyrean, L eah R edoak, Aaron Rye, Jasmine Welk, and rewards chey m1ghr rece1ve.
T hyran Whiteoak are lisred first. These NPQ; províde \,Vhat do.e s he wan t? Complete prooí rcquires Lhe
imporcanr quests or quesr information and Me kev ro the following:
adventure. J, The note found in A rea 53 of che mansion along with
Richard Arien , Male Human Ari8: CR 7; SZ M; HD Jasmine Welk's resrimony rhar che seal Is Lord Eldoran's.
8d8; hp36; lnir+ l ;Spd J0ft.; AC 17; Atk +8/+J (1d6+3, 1. Aaron Rye's rescimonv chat his previous employer-
+2 rapier, cric 18-20) and +7 melee (Jd4+2, +/ dagger, crir Lord Eldoran - did ln fact contacc a Jemcm and casl che
19-20); Al LN: SV Fort + 2, Ref +3, Will + 7: Str 12, Dex curse.
13. Con lO, lnr 15, Wis 13, Cha 15. 3. Papers found 111 Sheila Eldoran's home (Area P8)
Skills: Appraise + 13, Bluff+7, Diplomacy + 13, Disgu1se demonsuatmg che curse was case by Lord Eldoran.
+8, Gather Infomtation + LJ, lnnuendo + 13 , Ride (horse)
l( rh.e PCs proviJe 2 pieces llÍ evidence, they are given
+ 12, Scnse Mocive + 13. Fears: Ambidextt:rity, Dodge,
half of rhe stated reward; 1f they obtain ali 3 pieces, che)'
Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (rapier).
rece1ve tbe fuU reward and che Beval family's gramude.
Possessions; +2 rapier, + 1 dagger, amulet ofnarural arrnor Afrer the PCs prov1de tbe first 2 pieces, Richard h mrs chat
+1, mascerwork chain shirr. more evidence rnight be h1ddcn m Lady Eldoran's home,
Dcscripcion: Richard is a dnshlng, handsome gentleman but he makes no suggestions as to how ircould be obrained.
whll is only m1w beginning co show his age. Ores ed in the Lf the PQ; rescue LaríssaMorrick, Richard pays chem :i,000
highest fashion, he wear· beautiful cloaks iind elega11t gp and gives any wiiard in thc parry che speUbook he ha,,
shirts whenever he Is seen wandering through cown. Pen- swred in his c:hest (see Area M in d1e Grollt:k's Grove
~rraring violet eyes draw atremion away from the tbin scar chapter).
beneath hu; lefr eye and thc gray beginning to spnnkle Locations: Richard can be found ac his home {Area M)
rhrnugh his black hair. He walks with an awkward gail, during the day, bue is encouncered 10 the Pnmdng Uni-
holding his frame unnaturally erecr as he ~trides through com (Area D) in che evenings 30% of the tim~. When
tmvn. Richard leams the PQ; intend to investigar.e the curse, be
PersonaUty; Alrhough he never mentions any title, R.i- acrively seeks thern ouT and secs up a meering.
chard is clcarly noble born or ar least raised m a noble Sarah L yrean, F emale Human C lr8 : CR 8; SZ M; HD
fami ly. His clipped se.ntences and racher large vocabulary 8d8; hp 40; lnit +3; Spd JO ft.: AC 19: Atk +7/+ 2 me lee
make most people chink of him as norhing more than an (l<l8+ J.+ l heavy mace}; SA .spells. cum undead; Al LN;
annoying "dandy." Richard has worked for the Beval SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will-t-11, Ser 10, Dex 16, Con 10, lnt
fam ily for many years and thought {,f Byron Beval as a l2, Wis 19, Cha 15.
nephew. He knows that Byron is dead and that he cannot
Skills; Concenuattorr + 11, Oiplomacy +8, Heal + 15,
Ju anyrhing about it, but he desperacely wants solid evi-
K.nowledge (religion) +12, Spellcrnft +6. Feats; Brew
Jence provingwho is responslhle for the curse so he can acr
Potion, Combar Casting, Dodge, Scribe Semi!.
cirher within the courrs 1x on his own to exacr revenge.
Possessrons: El ven chainmail, cloak uf resr.srance + 1, ltoly
Knowledge: Richard is a skilled judge ofcharacrer andan amulet of Kw:lrak (amuler of narural amwr +l), +1 heavy
experienced diplomar. Lord Beval chose him ro give uur
mace.
rhe reward because he knew Richard would nnr tum over
;iny money u.mil proof was discove::reJ. Richard spen<ls no
Divine Spells Per Da)': 6/5+ 1/4+ 1/4+ 1/3+1.
rime worryin_g about the curse, hcca11sc he does nm really Domain5: Protection (generare protective ward, person
care aboul che curse irself, on.ly who created lr. While he muched has a +8 bonus m their nexr saving throw),
knnws rnany ni che people who are possibly in volved, be Strengrh ( 1/day, feat of strc.ngth, +8 ro scrength for one
will not rnencion any names Cll avoiJ tainting any evi- TOun<l).
dence. Descripiion: Sarah has a myscerious heaury and pcace
lnformation and Interactions: Jf asked, R.icharJ in, rhac ~tend to almosr everyone around her. An angular
forms rhe pany that there is a reward of 3,000 gp ro rhe face and sharp nose thar would nuc often seem amactívc
pe.rson ar group of peuple thar finds a way to overcome the are overcome hy her healrhy glow, Ught blue eyes, and che
curse, andan additional 4,000 gp to r.he person or group of 1hick hraid oflighr brown hair pinned in a right bun at rhe
people thar brings han.! evidence of who is re ponsiblc for back of her head. Her youth and sltghr stature give her an
1t. The evidence must ~tand up toscruti11y in a couttoflaw, almosr chikllike grace. She is nonnally seen in robes, bur
though Richard wdl norsay how theevldence will be useJ. sometimes sbe wears the armor g1ven w her by an elven
He offers a smaller reward for ev1Jence leading ro che merchant she healed many ycars ago.
díscoveryofhard evidence. Richard makes ir.clear tbat he Personalicy: Sarah is known and lnveJ throughout
doe-, not care abouc r.he curse or about el1aüm1tíng ir. Tbis Grollek's Grove. She grew up bere, and everyone in rown
srance changes only iflarissa Morrick (Area 43) 1s rescued knows h,m•she heard the ''calling" to become a cleric. She
and speaks ro hirn d1rccdy. lanssa was rnarried to Byron has dedicated her life ro preserving law anJ order, helping

43
 NPCAPPENDIX
anyone who asks. Leah Redoak is one of her good friends;
che cwo have severa! meals a week rogecher and sbare
infonm1tion freely. She knows Jasmine Welk, d,ough not
as well, andspendssome time w1th heronce ma wbile. She
has mer Thyran Whireoak and Richard Arien and rhinks
they are "gentlemen," but she knows very little abo.ut
rhem.
Knowledge: Sarab's studies mdude a great deal l)f infor-
mation on demons and demonic magic. Wh1le she knows
there are ways to overcome demomc curses, her powers are
somewhat limited. She does know creacing such a curse
would require someone willing ro let rhe demon channel
irs power through him or her. She can suggest there is an
itero somewhere on the grounds rhat acrs as a foc1Js poinr
for che curse and thar finding anJ Jestroying such an item
would Likely end the curse.
Information and lnteractions: lfthe PCscornrnunicate
regularly with Sarah nr wich Leah, chey quickly leam rh<1c
boch woman ralk ro each orher abour che curse ami abour
wnar has been leamed. lf the PCs talk ro Sarah before
beginnlng thei_r invescigations, she directs thern l O speak
to Leah anti Jasrnine. Once ene PCs have Jerermined the
curse is Jernonic in narure, she makes severa! sugge.stions.
Firsc, she reminds rhe PCs that demonic magic is chaoric
evil in narure; thus, searching for a combmed source of
chaos and evil might help locate the site of the original
curse. Second, she confirms Leah's suggestionor makes the
suggesrion herself rhar a hallow spell at thc liow·ce of the
curse should end it. She provides the PCs wirh a scroll
containingthe.:,peLI if thcy rcquest it. She. rcmlnds the PCs
thac eliminating che ~ource of che curse will not cure thc
curst::d crearures and planes and chat mostof rh.em may sti LI
need to be desrroyed, buce.liminating rhesourcedoes keep
the curse from spreading f"lny further.
Sarnh provides potions o[remove curse to the PCs ar half
rheir normal cose if sh e is cornplerely convinced che PCs
are truly trylng to rid the land of the curse and not simply
using the podons to be ahle to loor the mansion.
Locations: Sarah 1s found in the Temple co Kudrak
(A rea J) abour 65% of rhe cime. There is a 20% chanceshe
is visiting a sick parishioner anda l0% chance that she 1s
v1sitingwith Leah Redoak (Area N). ll1ere isa 5% chance
she has stupped by the Prancing Unicom (Area D) to
listen to Jasmine play and to calk to sorne of the otber
vil lagers.
Le.ah Redoak, Female Human Drd9: CR 9; SZ M; HD
9d8-9; hp 40; lnir +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18; Atrack +6/+L
meli::e ( ld6, +/ darkwood scimitar, cric LS-10); SA spells;
SQ nature senst::, woodlancl stride, rrackless srep, resise
narure's lure, u1ild shape (3/day; Large), venorn immunity;
ALNG; SV Fort +5, Ref+4, Will + 11 ;Str9, Dex 12, Con
8, Int 14, Wis2 1, Cha 16.
Skills: Animal Empathy +15, Concenrratlon + 11. Di-
plomacy + l 5, Heal + 17, Knowledge ( nature) + 14,
Wildemess Lore +17. Feacs: Brew Potion, Combar Cast-
ing, Crafc Wondrou~ ltem. Maximize Spell, Scribe Scroll.
Possessions: +2 smdded leather annor. +/ darkwoodscimi-
car, nng of proreccion +l , amulet of natural annor + 1.
Divine Spells Per Da-y: 6/6/5/4/3/2.
44
DescrÍ/Jdon: Age 1s heginning to bend her back and drag
clown her shoulders, bue Leah's blue eyes carry a powerful
inner Life and decermination that easily actracts attemion.
Her sllver hair 1s pulled back lnro a long braid and deco-
rared with various animal figures carved from a myscerious
dark red wood. While her advanced age has madeher weak
and frail, her mind is sharp, and her knowledge of the worlJ
amund her is quite amazlng. She is rarely seen wirhour
Shriluc, her ciger companion.
Personality; Leah's disarming srnile and friendly nature
rarely overcome the fear generated by her irnposing com-
panion. Man y of che women in Grollek's Grove find Leah
w be a pleasant, friendly woman who is happy ro help cbem
with difficulc problems ln theír gardens or even wid,
heaHngsickchildren. Herniry nacure and te.ndency to look
at people from the comerofher eye. keeps mosr people trom
bothering her. While frie.ndly m ali whorn she mcets, her
pollte behavior seems rather forced when in the presence
of heavi ly armed men. She has many discussions wirh
Sarah Lyrean, anti che rwo women are good fnends.
Knowledge: Ascrong bond with che natural wmlJ around
her makes Leah a perfect pe.rson to investigare the power-
ful curse on Lord Morrick's land. The Jruid council that
ene her here told her only to observe, bur her brief
invescigation of che oucsk1ns of che cursed properry has led
her to believe rhar something 1nust be done. lf che PCs
convi_nce her they are determined ro put an end ro the
curse, ~he helps thern in anyway she can withourdirectly
mtervening.
lnformation and lmeractions: Leah and Shriluc have
actually visiccd the ourskirrs of the property and seen the
curse's cffects. She did not want to risk her Íaithful com-
pa111on and has bet::n srrictly ordered to observe witbour
inrerference. When she finds out abour che PCs and their
interese in investigating the curse, she sends a message
asking them ro visir her. lf Leah is convinced of the PCs'
honorable inrentions, she gives thern 2 pocions of remove
ctme and tells them $he is nor certaln the potions can
reverse the effeccs nf the curse hut woukl fikc rhern ro cake
the potions just in CJ'.ISC.
Shi:: explains thar she could not risk goin g furcher onro
che grounds far a varicry oí reasons. She tells thern that
narure is suffering there and she woulcl like to help rhem,
burher help muse be indirect. She asks for sample&ofplant
(caves, fruics, flower~, and water if che PCs can manage ir.
Lf they bring these samples co her, Leah immediately
rcsponds, "Ah, children, chis is terrible. Ne ne of you have
caten any of this have you?" She looks che PCs over
carefu 11 y and iclen tifies an yone. tain ted by the curse, ti irecr-
ing them co see Sarah Lyrcan.
Her studies of th.e samples reveal severa! chlngs. First,
che magic use<l to creare the curse was definitely clemonic
and is chaocic e vil m c,rigin. econd, sbe suspecrs the curse
is spread rhmugh food anJ water. Third, the curse is
cencered ~omeplace close to the mansion. Finally, she
believes tharshe can make arnulers to help protect the PCs
frorn Lhe curse. She tells the PCs that she needs a branch
ora piece of wood from one of the mase cursed trees chey
can find, preferably someching asclose to the cemer of rhe
grounds as possible. lf the PCs prov1de her wirh the righr
piece ofwood, she makes each of them asmall wood amu!et
 MORR1CK MANSíON
that is spec1ally kcyed to this specific curse (see rhe Magic
!tems Appendlx). In short, a PC wearing one of these
amulers automatically succeeds at 40 consecutive saving
throws against the curse. After 40 aving tbrows, tbe
amulec loses its power. Leah needs l fuJI Jay to make
amulers for th.e whole party,
lf thc PCs tell Leah abouc the pond (Area 20) and che
demon mists th.ey met there, she tells them to seek Sarah
Lyreao 's ad vice. Leah does nor know much aboutdemoru,
bue :;he suggests a hallow spell mighc succe::ed in disrupting
the curse. Shegladly providcs a scrull wich this spell if che
PCs requesr ir.
Locatioa s: Leah is almostalways ar home (Area N ), bue
there is a l 0% chance she is wandering in cown anda I0%
chance she is visiting wich Sarah Lyrean a1 cho.: temple
(Area J).
Aaron R ye, Male Human Coml : CR 1/2; SZ M: HD
ld8+6; hp 10; lnit +2; Spd 30 fr.; AC 12; Ark +J mclee
( ld6+2, club); AL NG; SV Fort +5, Reí+ 2, Will + I; Str
15, Dex 14, Con 16, lm 12, Wis 13, Cha 8.
Skills: Listen +5, Move Silcntly +4, Profess,on (burler)
+5, Spot +S. Feats: Dodge, Tougl:mess.
Descnption and PersonaUty: Aaron is a very shy, rabbit-
like man who jumps ar every sound around him. Though
once handsome, shabby clothmg, poor hygiene, and h.is
constant tension keep people around him at an aml's
length. Light brown hair sprouts from his head in every
direction because he never bothers tocomb it. He tremble~
when he speaks and has a hard rime lnoking pe()ple In rhe
eye.
Know/edge: A aron was a servant working for Lord Eldoran
atapproximately the t1rneof rhe wedding. W h ile cleaning
one day, he enrered the room where Lord Eldoran was
speaking to a demon rhrougb sorne sort of magical device.
Thesighcparalyzed him with fear, and he has not been the
same since. He departed withour being noticed and qu1r
working for Lord Eldoran the nex1 day. Constanr fear of
demons now consumes his life, leaving hjm wich abare
exisrence that few people woulJ enjoy.
Iaformatioo and lnteractions: lfjasmine rakes rhe time
to introduce Aaron ro the PCs, he tells chem his story.
Aaron trusrs Jasmine and overcomes his fear long enough
to ce.11his tale, but he does not wanr to cell anyone else. H e
is absolutely rerrified of testifying before aoy sorc ofjudge
ar noble; the PCs musrengage in a greardeal of coaxlng to
convince him. lntimidacion will not work, as Aaron is far
more terrified of demons than oí che PCs. In addicion,
Jasmine refuses to help d1e PCs anymore lf chey try ro
intimidare Aaron. The DM should use Oiplomacy checks
versus Aaron's fear (DC = 1d I O+ 4) todecermine howwell
tbe PCs influence Aaron.
Locations: Aaron hides in a smaU shack on the out.~k¡rts
oí mwn; only Jasmlne knows where he lives. ll1eonly way
to meet Aaron is if Jasmine contacts him ami sets up a
meeting.
Shriluc, Dire Tiger Companion of Leah Redoak: CR
8; SZH Animal; HD 16d8+48; hp 120¡ lnir+2; Spd 40fc.;
AC 16; Atk +18 melee (2J4+8 [xZ], claws) and + 13 melee
(Zd6+4, bite); Face/Reach 10 ft. by 30 fr./10 ft.; SA
pounce, improvedgrab, rake(2d4+4);SQscent;ALN; SY
45
Forr +JJ. Ref + 1Z, Will + 11 , Str 27, Dex 15. Con 17, lm
8, Wis 12, Cha 13.
Skllls: Hide +O*, Jump + 1l, Listen+3, Move Silently
+9*, Spot + 3, Swim + 1 l. *Shriluc has a +4 raci,1l bonus to
Hide anJ Move Silemly checks. This bonus improves ro
+8 in cal ! grass or heavy foresrs. Shriluc's immense size
must be raken into account when making Hide checks.
Descripiion: Larger and more powerful rhan a normal
dru1d companion, ShrHuc has heen with Leah sin ce he was
a cub. His srripes include black, orange, and palc orange,
wich addirional parches of whire on bis face and snour.
H orses shy away from hisscem, making him rarher unwcl~
come near tbc wagon trains rhat pass through Grollek's
Grave. Leah keeps h im close co her, as she is afraid
someone mighr acrack him ií she leaves him alone while
traveling che city. Shriluc is intensely loyal to Lean and
excremely protecúve¡ be tloes not attack anyone unless
Leah is imacked or unless she orders it. W hile the guards
are rather concerned abour h.1s presence in che cicy, they
have become used to seeing h1m during the 6 momhs
S hriluc and Leah havc lived nearby.
Jasmine Welk, Female Half-elf Brd.5: CR5;SZM; HD
5d6-5; hp 18; Lnir +3; Spd 30 fe.¡ AC 14 (17 when wearing
srudded learher);Atk+4 melee ( 1d4+ 1, +2 dagger, cric 19-
20) or +6 ranged ( ld8, light crossbow, cric 19-20, 80 ft.)¡
SA spells; SQ bardic music (5/day), bardic knowledge; AL
NO; SV Forc +2, Ref+ 7, Will +6;Str9, Dex 17, Con 9, lnt
17, Wis 14, Ow J7.
Skills: Appraise + 11, Balance+ 11, Bluff+ 7, Concencra-
tion +7, Diplomacy +7 , Gather l nformation + 11,
Knowledge (local) + 11, Listen + 7, Perfonn + 11 , Sense
Motive+ 7, Spellcraft + 7. Fear.s: Dodge, Orear Forticude.
Possessions: +2 dagger, ringof protection + I, masrerwork
harp.
Arcane Spells Known (Casi Per Day: 3/4/2) : 0-<lancing
lights, detect magic, light, mage hand, prestidigiration,
read magic; lst-cure light wounds, derect secrec doors,
idencify, sleep; Znd-blur, levirace, mirror image.
Description: Long golden hair frames Jasmine's thin,
angular face and silver eyes. Despite her frail appearance,
Jasmlne hasan inner heauty thatcombines with herexoric
eyes and delicare features ro creare a sense uf power ami
knowledge. She tends to wear blue and green clothingcuc
to enhance her figure and is rarely seen wearing armur. A
dagger kepr in a gem-encrusted sheath is always belted to
her waist, anJ she is never seen widiour her harp. Al-
rhough thin to the point of being frail, she has a powerful
voice rhar easily enrrances rhose around her.
Personaliry: Jasmine is known tbroughout Grollek's
Grow and the surrmmdjng area, as she has been living
h.ere for almost 12 years. Friendly to everyone she meets,
she acceprs people for who they are. In ali che time she has·
spent in Grollek's Gro ve, people can recall her beingangry
only once. Someone attempted to grope her during a
performance and ended up with a dagger in his eye. A calm
demeanor, friendly narure, and small, un!mposing size
have served her well; people are wiUi.ng to tell her things
thar rhey would not even tell rheir bese friends. She has a
firmgraspof rbepolincsand bisroryofthe::area, butwill nor
divulge personal detaLls of others' lives unless there is an
 NPC APPENDlX
exrremely good reason _ Conversarions with Jasmine can
be racher on e sided - people often find chey speak about
chemsclves whilc Jasmine focuses her attention on chem
and asks mnple, friendl y questions.
Knuwledge: Throughou t che years, Jasmine has heard
man y rumo r and leam ed far mo re about the history of che
a rea than anynne mighr suspect. She can idenrify signet
rings by fami ly, and m some cases she can even recognize
characteristic scratches o n ring~ to give a hint as to cheir
origina l owner. The secre t, seeching hatred Lord Eldoran
had for Lo rd Morrick is known ro her. Aaron Rye, on.: of
Lord Eldo ran's servants, once co ld her a story about Lord
Eldoran speaking to demons and casting ho rrible spells.
Whileshesuspeccs Lord Eldora n m~y be in volved wich che
c urse, sbe has no evidence a nd loarhes saying an ything
about it until she is certa in. Rumors she has hearJ ahour
Thyran Wbiceoak suggest cha eThyran cannot be crusced.
If rhe PCs have many dealings with Thyran , Jasmme's
m1srrust may extend to them as well. J asmine might make
o blique refercnces to Thyran's pase, implying co the PCs
that he cannor be trusted.
lnforrnation and lnte ractio ns: Jasmme cbúnses her
words care fully when speaking ro che PCs. S he is afraid of
making accusations tha t cannotbe proveo. S he also wanr.s
to avoid giv! ng out prlvate lnfonnation. Despite he r care-
ful wording, sh e does h er best to make Lt clear to che PCs
thacrheyshould treatwith Thyran Whireoak warily. lfshe
knows che PCs are working closely wid1 Thyran, she is
exrremely reluctant ro prnvide any informa tion . lf pos-
sible, she directs the m to ,eek out Leah Redoak a nd Sarah
L yrean for ad vice on owrcoming che curse. S he also tells
chem about Richard Arien, as well as che hisrory ofharred
c1nd anger becween Lo rd Morrick and Lord Eldoran.
lfd1e PCs show Jasmine d1e no te found in A rea 5 3 of che
man sion. she i easily able tQ identify che seal as rhat of
Lord Eldoran. Furthcrmore, she is willing to tcsrify in front
of Ric hard Arien. Afte r che discovcry of the note, she asks
che PCs co mee e her the nexc morn ing so she can incroduce
them to Aaron R ye. lf che PCs convince Aaron to tell h b
scor y tll Richa rd Arien, ir is considered enough prooí tl1
merlt ha lf o f che reward for ide ntifying the person casting
che curse.
Locations: Jasmine i~ usuaUy found at che Prancing
Un ic0m (Area D)during theeveningsandcan beencoun-
tered wandering che village during che lace afcem oon.
Thyran Whiteoak, Male Human Wiz7: C R 7; SZ M;
HD 7d4+14; hp 36; lnir +2; Spd 30 fe.; AC 15; Atk +6
melee ( ld4+ 3, +l dagger, crit 19-20) or +5 ranged ( IJ8,
masterwork ligh t c rossbow, crí r 19-20, 80 ft.); SA ~pelis;
A L C E; SV Fo rc +4, Ref +J, Will +6; Str l4, Dex l4, Con
14, lnt 18, Wis 10, C ha 1,.
Ski/Is, Alchemy + l4, Concenrrariu n +.12. Knuwledge
(arcana)+ 14, Knowledge (demoru;) +14,Knowledge (his-
cory) + 14, Scry + 14. Spelléraf't + 14. Feats: Brew Potion,
Combar Oming, C raft Magic Arms and Armor, Craft
W a nd, Craft W ondrou~ ltem, Scribe Scroll.
Possessiom: Bracers nf annor +2, ring of pror.ecrion +1,
cloak ofresisumce + I, + 1dagger, mascerwork light crossbow,
wand of magic missiles (20 c harges; caster level 7).
Arcane SpelL~ Per Day; 4/5/4/3/Z.
46
SJJellbook: O-ali; l st-charm person, chill m uch, feacher
fall, idemify, magc anuor, magic missile , proccccion from
goud,shield,~ilent image, sleep,summon monster I¡ Znd-
blindness/deafness, e ndura ncc, in.visibiUty, kn ock,
misdirection, web; 3rd-blink. Jispel magic, haste, líght-
ning bolt, non-detection; 4th-arcan e eye, bestow curse.
Descriprion: Thyran keeps h1s pale blond hai:r neatly
mmmed and combed, macc hing che care he cakes in
choosing his clothing. Rather than the robes ofcen associ-
aced with wizards, Thyran wears fine silk shircs a lon g wirh
da ck panrs cut in che latest fashions. The bright green and
blue shirts he wears highlighc the blue in his eyes a nd his
light brown skin.
l'ersonality: A friendly, oucgoing persona lity and an
inn0eenc appearance a llow Thyr:m co conceal his true
naru re. Usually cunre nr to sray in the background, his
wbispered comrnenrs have hclpcd increase the fear anJ
tensíon surro unding chespreaJ of che curse, hut few know
chac he has helped build foar rather than clispel it. He has
kepr his true chaotíc and evil remiendes hidden thcough
rhc use of misdirection a nd non-dececrion spe lls. People of
Orollek's Grove respectand admire him for his wealth anJ
mag1cal p<)wer; no ne suspect his true mcentions. Jasmine
We lk hear<l rumo rs from w1zards who rramcd wich Thyran,
rumo rs thar hmt of his evi.lness, bue she has not cold
anyone and will not unless she acquues real proof.
Knowledge: Thyrana lread y knows thac thecurse caston
Lord Morrick's mansion ami property is based on demonic
magic. While be claims to be seeking information to he lp
overcome thecurse. in ourh h e seeks only a way roconr:rol
it so chat he may use it to h1s own en<ls. H is true goal is to
find out which demo n granced the power for che curse, o r
atleasr what rype ofdemon. Bonding with a demon would
profoundly increase his power and abilities in much less
time chan simple hard work and scudyí ng.
lnformation and lnteractions: Thyran, Like Leah
Redoak, asks che PCs to bring hun sorne of the cursed
planes and anima ls from che mans1on and grounds. He a lso
asks for a descnption of the v<1nous things rhey ha ve ~een.
He views a n y nores o r o ther informacio n they find with
great interesr and offersadvice where he can. The infomia-
tion the PCs provide him lees him know chat chere is a
"source" for che curse somewhe re on che property. He tells
che PCs charhecan elimina ce che c urse if rheycan find che
sl)urce and eicher bring it to himorcell him where it is. The
''source" o í the c urse is a pebble ac the bottoru of a ponJ in
the garden (Area 20). Thyrau knows chac this is a weak
point between tl1is plane and che Abyss and thar 1rcan be
used cocomacc d1edemon providing che power behind che
c urse. lf the PCs cel.l b im about th is a rea ancl ler h im know
d1at they have cleared che garde n ancl properry aro und 1r
of the most dangerous crea cures, Thyran mighc dsk go mg
to the. pond hlmself. He knows rhat nobody is likely to
stand aside and lec him case rhe spells requirtcd to con tacr
the de mon . lfThyran has a chance ro contacrche demon
by himself, he and tbe Jemon make an agreement t hat
eliminares che curse (hut for onl y 50 years) and gra nes
Thyran an impressive amoun t of power. Thyran immedi-
ately departs the area after this develnpmenc, leaving no
clue as ro where he is going.
 MORRICK MANSl ON
Locacions: There 1s a 50% chance chat Thyran can be
encouncered ar rhe Prancing Unicorn (Area D) at any
ame. lf he ts not found there, chen he is working in the
small home he has remed on che outskircs of rown (Area
H).
Summary List ofWhere the Major
NPCs are Found
Richard Arien can be found in his home (A rea M) or ar
che Prancing Unicom (A rea D) in che evenings.
Sarah Lyrean is found ar che Temple (Area J) 65%,
Leah Redoak's home (Area N) 10%, che Prancing Uni-
cnm (Area D) 5%, or somewhere in che village helping
parishioners 10%.
Leah Redoak is found at her home (Area N) or visiring
arah ar d,e T ernple (Area J).
Aaron R ye can only be found through concact with
Jasmine Welk (area D).
Jasmine Welk is found at the Prancing Unicom (Area
D) every evening.
Thyran Whiteoak is found either ar home (Ami H)
SO% or ar the Prancing Unicom (Area D) 50%.
Guards and Political Figures
Thcse NPCs can help direct che PCs to othcr NPCs.
They are also che NPCs che character~ are force<l ro deal
wirh if chey are caught committing a crime.
.Laureo Darkbrow, Captain of che G uard, Female
Human Ftr5: CR 5; SZ M; HD Sd LO+ 10; hp 38: lnir + 1:
~¡xi 20 fr. (in full place); AC 19; Atk + 10 melee (2d6+ 7,
+J greamvord, ene 19-20) or +5 ninged (ld6, composite
shorcbow, crit x:3, 70ft.); ALCG; SV Forr +6, Ref +2, Wlll
-,.1, Str 16, Dex IJ , Con 15, lm 11, Wis 12, Cha 8.
Skills: Climb +6, Handle Animal +2, Jump +61 Ríde
(hlwe) +9. Fears: Mounced Combar, Poinl Blank Shot,
P1>wer Attack, Precise Shot, Weapon Foct1$ (greacsword),
Weapon Speclalízation (greacsword).
Possessions: Full place, + 1greatsword,compositeshortbbw,
20 arrows.
Descripcion and Penonalir:y: Laureo is a rather severc, no-
noru,ense woman who rnkes her job a bit too seriously.
Tho11gh the guards and merchants like her enough, not
many people can claim her as a frie.nd. Three matching
scars crail from herrighctempledown her face roend acher
jaw line. Gray screaks run rhrough her black hair, whk h is
pulled back into a cighc bun behind her heacl. Many in
mwn point out che facr thar she was not hlred for her
glowing personahty; racher, she was hired ro wield her near
body-lengch sword on behalf of che townspeople. Though
not overtly friendly, she does srop and speak to people that
hail her and is willing to discuss che curse with che PCs.
Despite the facc thar her pay comes frorn che nobles and
merchants in che area, Lauren has a repucacion as a very fair
arbirracor of disputes.
Knowledge: Sorne ofLauren'sscars were obtained during
an inir!al foray onto the mansion ground:; immediately
after guests carne fleelng from tbe wedding. Most of che
guards traveling wich ber died or haJ to be carried out.
47
Thac disaster makes her very wary of che mansion and
grounds - and wary of people who have been there. She
makes ic clear chat anyone emering che grounds is subject
ro wharever curse o.r poison affects ic :md thac the cursed
creatures living chere attack anything chey see. lf asked,
Lauren suggescs cht: PCs ask Jasmine Welk or Richard
Arien for more lnfoanaríon.
Midaro Kcie l, Magistrate, Female Human A ri6 : CR 5¡
SZ M; HD6d8-6: hp 34; lnit +7; SpdJOft.; AC 13: Atk +7
melee ( ld6+ 3, +2 shomward, crlt 19-20); AL LN; SV Forr
+ l. Ref +5, Will + lO; Str 13, Dex l 7, Con 9, lnr 16, Wis
16, Cha 18.
Skílls: Appraise + 10, Bluff + 13, Diplomacy + lJ, Dis,
guise +12, Gather lnformacion +lO, lncimidace + 13,
Knowledge (local hiscory) +U, Perfocm +5, Sensc Motive
+ 12, Speak Language + 7. Feacs: lmproved lniciarlve, lron
Will, Leadership, Skill Focus (Gather lnformation).
Possessions: A brass key and special robes chat are a sign
of her office. and a jeweled +2 .shon S\unrd in an ornare
leacher sheach.
DescriptionandPersonalíiy: Miriam isa tbin woman with
long dark hair and deep brown eyes. Her face is flawless in
ns beaury, and her voice capcivates ali chose around her.
Why she was chosen as Magistrate after che disappearance
,¡fber facher is easy rosee, for she dominares any room she
walks inro thmugh shear forceQ( personality. Her friendly,
calm narure eams her che re~-pect of boch nobles and
commoners alike. A reputation for a fa ir, even applicacicin
¡if che law has solidified her posicion to che point chac fcw
reople la cown could imagine anyone else as magistnue .
Knowledge: Miriam has her own suspícions about Lord
Eldoran 'sin volve mene in che curse that fell on tbe Morrick
family, butshe is unablc to voice chcm due ro herposicion.
Lady Eldoran's presence i.n town is also someching she
flnds very suspicious, buc not alcogether unusual if che
curse has bcgun to spread. She knows a great deal about
Lord Morrick and hís family and knows quite a bit ;ibour
Richard Arien as well, but she will noc spend much time
ca,lkmg to che PCs abour them. Running the village keeps
her exrremely busy¡ she is unwilling ro spend agrear deal
of time with the PCs unless tbey are broughr befare heron
charges ofcommicting a crime. If che PCs are mceresred m
che curse, she direccs them to see Richard Arien.
lnfor.mation and Jnteractions: lí the PCs Íind the
omate brass key and holy symbol ofKudrak on che body in
Acea 40 (creasure#Z in A rea 40 nf the mansion), chey may
realize che key marches che one wom around Miriam's
neck. The key is a badge ofoffice; if che PCs cum over the
key and holy ~ymbol, Miriam informs rhem rhat these
ltems belonged to her father and she deeply appreciaces
cheir retum. Evidence ofLord Eldornn's involvemenc in
creacing the curse is noc surprising to her, bucshe says that
Lord Eldoran's death prevencs her from arresting dl1yone
over it. Shedoessay chal familíesdamaged by thecursecan
make c.laims against his estate, poccntially bankru pting
Lady Sheila Eldoran, someching chat Miriam would find
very pleasing (chough she will nocadmit lc). lf che PC~ are
caughc robbing anyone in town or i.nvolved in íighcing,
Miriam appl.ies che law evenly no marcer what her rela-
rionship wich che PCs might he.
 N PC APPEN D[X
Brent Westlight, Lieutenant of the Guard, Male Hu-
man Ftr3: CR J; SZ M; HD 3d 10+9; hp 34; lnir +5: Spd
20 fr. (in full place); AC 21; Alk +7 melee (ld8+2,
mascerwork longsword, cric 19-20 ) or+2/+2 ranged (ld6,
composite shortbow, cric x3, 70 fe. ); ALCG; SV Forr +6,
Re(+ 1, Will +2; Ser 15, Dex 13, Con 16, lnt 10, Wis 12,
Cha 14.
Skills: Climb +4, Handle Ammal +6, Ride (horse) +6.
FeatS: lmproveJ lniciative, Poinc Blank Shoc, Precise
Sho c, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus (longsword).
Possess/uns: Fu l! plate, large sreel shield, masterwork
longsword, composite shortbow, 20 arrows.
Description and Personal1ry: Brent is a good-narured,
friend ly young man who gecs along well w1th almost
everyone in town. Breru's dark hafr, brown eyes, and good
looks acrracc a great <leal of arcencion from mosc of che
young women in Grollek's Grove. Lauren usually has
Brenc cake care of walking the cíty, talking to merchams,
and examining the wagon rrains chat cravel through cown
while she checks un the oudying guard posts. Brent has r1
good relationship with the nobles and merchantl> whn
keep offices in cown and generaUy trusts their word over
d,at of anyone else.
Knuwledge: Brenc has an unforcunate knack for forgec-
cing derails. He is an excellenc guard, bue ali bis mental
skills are apparenrly focuseJ on chis aspectof his life anJ
not ruuch remains for anything else. PCs inquicing about
the curse<l mansion are scnr on co Lauren or direcced ro
Richard Arien. Most ofrhe infonnation Bremprovideson
Lord Morrick is wrong, as ir h~1s been gi.ven co him by Lord
Morrick's competitors, many of whom are glad he is out of
the ptcture.
OtherNPCs
The following lisr includesshopkeepersanJ orher NPQ¡
with whom che party mighr interacc. Severa! NPCs in-
elude a small subsection tirled ''Side Qut:Sts and Hooks,"
which coma ins suggestions for possible síde quests or
characrer hooks the DM can use to enrice che PCs inco
further advencures.
Michael Bratb, Male Human Exp3: CR 2; SZ M; HD
3d6; hp 12; lnic + 2;Spd 30 fr.; AC 12; Atk + 1 melec( lcl6-
1, sharpened leacherpunch); AL NO; SV Fort+0, Ref+J,
Will +4; Ser 9 1 Dex 14, Con 9, lnt 12, Wis 1.2, Cha 12.
Ski~: Appraise +7, Craft (anuorsmlthing) +7, Craft
(leailierworking) +7, Diplomacy +7, Knowle<lge (local
history) +7, Pmfession (rarm er) +7, Sense Motive +7.
FecttS; Dodge, Greac Fortirude, Toughness.
Description dnd Personality: Michael believes in being a
walking advertisement for his work. Leather clorhing
hangs from his call, thin frame likea lose blankec. Penetrat-
ing dark eyes and slciny black haír high Iigh r h is J eep brown
skin and give h.irn an aura ofscrength and calm. Michael is
known as a kin<l, gemleman who tends co tease himsdfas
often as he ceases othecs. Wbile many children enjoy
seeing work such as his, few can tolerare the smeU long
enough co scay and wacch for long. He we.lcomes ali
cuscomers and is happy ro talk ahout his work as well as any
ocher copie that is broughr up.
48
lnformatlun: Michad is exrremely fond oíl ord Morrick.
Lord Morrick helped Míchael srarc h.is business wich a
smal.l loan anJ refused m charge interese when Michael
was finallyable to pay him back. He does his bese ro dispel
any rumor., about Lord Morrick being evil, amibutíng
them to simple jealousy on che pare of other nobles.
Karlugrun D e'Flitlúc, Male Dwarf Exp5 : CR 4; SZ M;
HD5d6+5; hp 2J; lnít+2: SpdJ0fr.; AC L2;Ark +8 mdee
( ld8+ 3, masterwork warhammcr, críe x3) or +S ranged
(ld6, composite shorrbow, cric xJ, 70 fr. ); SA dwarven
traits;SQdwarven traics;ALNG;SVFort+Z, Ref+J, Wíll
+4; Ser 16, Dex 14, Con 13, lnt 13, Wis 10, Cha 15.
Skills: Appraise +9. Crafr (armorsmiching) +9, Craft
(weaponsmiching) +9, Díplomacy + 10, Gad1er lnforma-
tinn + LO, Knuwledge (rare mecals) +8, Professinn
(blacksmith) +8. Fears: Martial Weapon Proficiency
(warhammer), Weapon Focus (warhammer).
Descriprion andPersonality: Karlugron 's gruff, deep voice
often echoes out nf the forge. Short and bro¡id, even for a
dwarf, lcis bald head is marred by a number ofscars crossing
rhc copofhisskull. A long hum markexrends uowo his left
cheek, interrupring even his beard. A thick leather apron
and singed eyebrows only highlight his thick anns and
broad shoulders in a fim1 confimrnrlon ofhisoccuparion as
a blacksmith. Children can often be found sitting on
barreis warcbing him work. A lave for children and long
smries has made him a well-known characcer In cown.
Called ''Gronnie" by d1e children in cown, he has a gruff
yet friendly nature.
lnformadon ancl Traae: Karlugron rn.ak.es and se lis weap-
ons and metal armar ofali cypes up to masterwock qualicy.
Hesell~ items at 150% of their normal crade value because
the constant rraffic through town crea tes a sready demand.
Always happy to talle abour evenrs, he is a source ofa great
deal oí informatioo and can provide the PCs witb a
number of items fmm the rumor list.
Side Quesrs and Hooks: Despire his skill, Karlugron has
never had t.he opportunity cu work with míchril or
adamancice. lf che PCs obcain these metals for him, he is
willing ro conscrucr masrerwork arma r or weapons with ir
ar half d1e nonnal price. Karlugron has a younger brod1er
who d isappeared wi tb a group ofadvencu rers search ing for
i,omeone named "Abysthor'' and will reward anyone who
can provide him with information conceming his brocher's
whereaboucs.
Furnk Mistwright, Male Gnome Exp4: CR3;SZS; HD
4d6+ 12; hp 26; lnic +3; Spd 20ft.;AC l4; +3 melee (ld4,
dagger, crit 19-20); SA gnome trnits; SQ low-light vision,
gnome traics; AL NO; SV Forc +6. Reí +4. WiU +4; Ser 10,
Dex 16, Con 16. lnr 16, W is 10, Cha 9.
Skills: Appraise + JO, Craft (jewelsmithing) + JO, Forg~
ery +10, Knowledge (gems) + 1O, Knowlcdge (locallctstory)
+1O, Knowledge ( rnre merals) + l O. Profession (gem cut-
rer) +7, Sense Motive +7. Feacs: Greac Fortitude, Run.
Descriprion and Personaliry; ThL~ gray-ha1red gnome'
ruddy complexion and jolly narure ma ke him very popular
in rown. Fumk always wears a th1ck leacher apron covered
wld1 pockets of various shapes and Siles. While working,
Fumk is deeply focused and generally does □or like inrer-
niptions. Oucsideofworkor when negotiad.ng rransacttons,
 MORRICK MANSlON
Fumk is humble, sensicive. and has an excellent sense of
humor. Unforrunately, he is very opinionated, and nis
prices are known to change based on whecher or not he
ükes someone. His incredible skill and k:nowledge, how-
ever, cause sorne merchaocs and nobles m rravel ouc of
their way to commission works from him.
lnformacion and l nr.eracdons: As a purveyor of high-
priced jewelry, Fumk deals with mosc of the nobles and
mt:rchams passing d1rough Grol lek'sGrow. Anyonespend-
Ul~ money In his store is a good person; the more money
they spend, che becter chey are. Boch Lord M on-ick and
LorJ Eldoran are on his lisc oi''wonderful'' people because
1-och spent a greac deal of money on his jewelry over the
,-ears. Nobody In Lord Beval's famüy ever purchased any-
thmg trom him, S() in his mind che curse was eicher caused
_pecifically by Lord Beval's family or d1rected ar them. In
.my case, ic ís Lord Beval's faulc and Furnk cannot be
c.:mvmced ocherwise.
S,de Quests and Hooks: Fumk sene nis hrocher Brinkle
w1rh everal trusted guards to visir Gilean Vd (from che
,Jvenrure Wbat E vil Lurks, published by N ecromancer
Games), and he has no idea whar has happencd ro Brinkle
,r che chesr wich 10,000 gp wonh of gems he was carrymg.
Fumk offcr.. a 20% finder's fee as a reward for finding che
.1.'C'ms and derermining what nappened ro Brinkle.
Brandacb Quill, Male Halfüng Rog9: CR 9: SZ S; HD
9d6+9; hp 54; lnlr +8: Spd 20 fr.; AC 16 (or AC 21 with
--r1 srndded learher); Atk + 10/+5 melee ( l d6+2, +2 shorc
51.tord, crir 19-20) or +11/+6 ranged (Jd6, composite
shonbow, crit x3, r70 fr.); SA halfüng trairs, sneak atrack
t+5d6); SQ halfling rraits, evasion, uncanny dodge (Dex
bonus to AC, can't be Aanked); AL N: SV Fort +S, Ref
+ 11. Will +5:Scr 11, Dex 19, Con L2, Lnc 14, Wis 13, Cha
u stretches ro his beautiful emerald green eyes even ln che
Skills: Appralse + 14, Balance + 16, Diplomacy + l 3.
D1sable Device + 14, Disguise + 13, Gather lnformation
-U, Hide +17, Move Silenrly +18, Open Lock +16.
Search + 14. Feats: Dodge, lmproved lniciative, Point
Blank Shot, Weapon Focus (shortsword) .
Possessions: +2 srndded leaiher, +2 sh<m sword, ring of
proreccion +2.
Descripa.on and Personality: By ali appearances, Brandarb
as a ¡ovial merchant whose goal in Life is to please his
customers. His boyish face and small size conceal his
uncanny grace and sharp mind. Brandarb uses his charm
and handsome looks ro put people ar ease; he is remarkably
well known in cown and almost universaUy li.ked. Thc
~horr sword be always carries sheathed ar his side is
considered an affecrarion - everyone would expect
Brandarb to scream for che guards at any sign someone was
o-ving to rob him. Nobodyoua;ide che rbicves' guild knows
char Brandarb is the Guildmaster, and while his brother
L1rath knows Brandarb isa chie(, noteven hesuspeccs the
rull extenc ofBrandarb's power. Anybo<ly who deals wich
rhe guild goes through inrermediaries, never meeting e.he
true boss and chus giving Braodarb complete anony1nity.
lnfarmarion and Trade: Brandarb is relarively certain
LorJ Eldoran had somerhing ro do wich che curse. Lord
f.lJoran hired a c.hieffor a "special project" on rht: nigh cof
rh~ wedding. That rhief. a member of the J?uild, was ne.ver
49
seen again. lf che PO, ask him any quescions abour Lht:
curse or Lord Eldoran, Brandarb does his bese to steer
suspicion roward Lord Eldoran and his niece Sheila Eldoran.
Obviously, BranJarb provides his information in an indi-
recr fashion and in no way reveals his real reasons for
suspecring Lord E!Joran. lf a PC is a member of a nearby
rb.ieves' guild ami seems trustworchy, BranJarh will com-
municare the reasons for hissuspicions Lo thar PC privacely.
Brandarb sells his goods at foir prices and always seems a ble
to find whac people are lnoking for. Brandarb also buys
mteresting iremsac severely discounted rates, always cla1m-
1.ng they are ''for a friend" or thar he knows someone who
mighr be interesred in purchasing a particular item.
Side Quescs and Hnoks: Brandarb nas received old crea-
~ure maps as paymenr for sorne ''bad debes" and wouJd be
happy ei cher to se II them or trade c.hem for ha Ifof whate ver
tb.e PCs might discover. Brandarb could also ask the PCs
ro deliversecrecly sorne irems to aguild leader in a discanc
rown or city, witb or wichouc them knowing chey are
working for d1e rhieves' guild.
Lorach Quill, Male HaJfling Brd2: CR 2; SZ S; HD
2d6+ 2; hp 9; Lnit + l; Spd 20 ft.; AC 12; Ack +4 melee
( ld4+2, dagger, crit 19-20)¡ SA halfling erales; SQhalfling
rraits, bardic music (2/day), bardic knowledge¡ AL NG;
SV Forr +2, Ref +5, W ill +J; Str 14. Dex 12, Con L2, lnt
l3, Wis 9, Cha 15.
Skills: Appraise +6, Gather Lnformation +7, Hide +6,
Mcwe SiJently +6, Perform +7. Feats: Point Blank Shot.
Arcane S/1ells Known (Casi Per Day; 3/!): 0-daze,
detect magic , mage hanJ, mending, open/close; lsr-
alann, idenrify.
Description and Personaliry: Lorach is a íoyful, chari.s -
matic halfling who is constantly performlng. H is smile
busiest moments, and h is good cheer i~ infecuous. Life as
a cavem owner has mcreased his girth quice a bit, so he 1$
notas fase as he used to he, bue Lnrach scill rnoves through
crowds wich unusual grace. Dunng business hours, his light
brown hair 1s usually marced tighr againsc h1s skuU by
sweat, and beads of perspiration cling ro hls face.
lnforrnarion and lnteractioTL~: Lorath does his bese to keep
conversations in his ravem on nappy subjecrs, at least che
loud convcrsations that pass from rabie co table. Loud
discussions oí che curse are met with a cheerful, "Now,
now, ler's nor be ralking aboutsuch darkness m me place."
The ideaofthecurse rnakesbim very uncomfortable. lf che
PCs ask him about ir during a quier moment, he says,
"Curses berween nobles is nobles' business." H e tells rbe
PCs tha[}asmine Welk and Richard Arien are people ro
talk to if rhey are interesred in hisrory and politics ancl rhat
Sarah Lyrean is che person to ralk ro about curses.
Jacob Rain, Male Human 'Exp3 : CR 2; SZ M; HD
3d6+3; hp 14: lnit +!; Spd 30 ft.: AC LL; Atk +2 mclee
(ld4, dagger, crir L9-20) or +4 ranged (ld8, composite
longbow, crir x3, 110 fe.); AL NG; SY Fort +2, Ref +2,
Will +4: Ser lO, Dex 12, Con 13, Im 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skill.s: Appraise -1'8, Bluff +7, Craft (bowmaking) +8,
Craft (carpentry) +8, Oiplomacy +7, Gacher lnformacion
+ 7, Knowledge (local hiscory) +8, Profession (bowyer/
 NPC APPENDlX
ílercher) +6, Sense Motive +6. Feacs; En<lurance, Poinr
Blank Shoc, Precise Shor.
Description and Personality: Jacnh's extraordinary height
only serves ro accencuare his gaunt, thin frame. Shon
blond hair thrusts out ofh1s skull like sharp bristles, aclcling
to his skeletal appearance. Coa! black eyes sunk into cleep
eye sockets enhance h is gaunt appearance. Nchough h 1s
appearance does cend ro frighten small children, Jacob is
well-likecl. A friendl y smile anda soft, pleasant voice help
overcome his awkward appearance. Despite his friendly,
oucgoing n arure, Jacob has a hard time trusting people.
Un forrunace business deals have kepr him rather poor
<lespire his woodworking skill. He has apoornpinion ofall
nobles and merchanrs bue crear.s rhem civllly because he
needs rheir business. Beforesrartingon anyspecial proíects,
he generally demands half of his final fee up from.
lriformarion: Jacob had sorne bad dealings wirh Lord
Morrick. Jacob needeu special wood and Lord Morrick
demanded a rather high price for it, ami now all of]acob's
comments abour Lord Morrick are tainced by chis evenc.
SideQuesrs and Hooks: Jacob desperarely wanrs to creare
bows char will enhance his repucacion and business. He
believes he can make exrremely h igh qualicy composicc
longbows using thigh bones from a Largc or bigger dragan.
No c~mly would he pny well, but if che PCs cari provide him
with rhe proper materials, he is also willing to conscructa
mascerwork mighcy composice longbow (up ro Ser 2 L) for
half its normal price.
Martín Wbitebrand, Male Human Exp5 : CR 4; SZ M;
HD 5d6+ 10; hp 26; Tnir +2; Spd 30 fe.; AC 12; +3 melce
( lu4,dagger,cric I9-20); ALNG; SY Port+4, Ref+3, Will
+4; Ser LO, Dex 15, Con 12, lnt 13, Wis 10, Cha 14.
Skills: A ni mal Empachy + 1O, Bluff + 1O, Diplomacy + LO,
Handle Animal+ 10, Knowledge (animals) +9, Profession
(animal crainer) +12, Ride (horse) +10, Wildemess Lore
+8. Feacs: G rearFonicuJe, Skill Focus (Profession !animal
crainer.1), T rack.
Descri/nion and Personalhy: Martin is a rnll, thin-framed
man with soft, puffy cheeks and pale blue eyes. Though
quite friendly. Martín is for more adepc with anima Is than
witb people and can somerimes come off as being racher
abrupt. Marcin often smells like thc animals he cends,
which, wh.ile fine with che animals, usually causes people
ro give him a wide berth.
lnfonnation: Marcin refuses ro spread rumors, and ali of
his infonnarion on the curse is second hand. An adven-
rurer who tried to explore rhe mansion arrived back in
rown wich a cursed horse chat Marrin was unable to calm
and evencually had to ki li. Martin frowns on anyone who
50
enrers the cursed propcrcy with horses or other animals
along wich chem. He believes risklng one's own life is fine,
but "mistreating" anima Is by nct giving chem a choice is
improper. Martin's skill asan animal crainer leads to h i.s
horses being more scable and calm in a crisis, providing a
+2 circumscance bonus ro Ride (horse) checks when chey
are requireJ.
SideQuesrsand Hooks: Man:in would love che chance to
crain scrange, even magical beastsand is willing to pay for
the young of a variecy of different crearures.
C ulpec Z' kiel, Male Human Adp8: CR 7; SZ M; HD
8d6+ 16; hp 49; lnit +O; Spd 30 ft.; AC LO; Atk +6 melee
( Jd4+2, +/ dagger, cric 19-20); SA spells; ALCG; SV Fon
+4, Ref +2. Will + LO; Srr 12, Dex 10, Con 14, lnr l6, Wis
16, Cha 10.
Ski/Is: Alchemy + 14, Concenrrarion + 13, Diplomacy
+l l , Heal + 14, Knowledge (herbsand planes)+ 14, Profcs-
sion (herbalist) + 14. Feats: Alenness, Brew Pocion, Comba e
Casting, C raft Wand.
Ad.epi Spells Per Day: 3/4/3/1. Choose spells from che
adept list in C hapcer 2 of rhe DMG.
Description and Personality; Culpec moved to G ro llek's
Grove several years ago to pursuc his pocion-brewing
crade. He has done a very good job fitting in with rhe resc
of rhe village's people by offering discouncs on pocions to
hard-working residenr.s (though not nobles m merchants)
and making certain to visit the Waving Hand ar leasr one
nighr a week. His excremely pale skin, yellow eyes. and
brighcly colored robes make him stand out in a rown where
most residents have Light brmvn skin and light colorcd
hair, but his fea cures are rachee plain and non-dcscripr. His
sofr voice and calm demeanor make him fade lnto che
background cven more; only his brightly scriped robes
distinguish him in a crowd.
lnfonnation and Trade: C ulpec trades in potions and has
done so for years. The curse has creared a panlc chac has
driven an ever increasing demand for potions. C ulpec had
nothing codo with ch.e curse, nor does he know anything
abouc it, bue he has experienced a hias against foreigners in
che pase. C ulpec is afraid chat town residen es mighc cargec
him for blame ifpanic over che curse continues. lf C ulpec
isconvinced chatthe PCsare cruly acting toend che curse,
he is willing to sell his pocions ar a l0% discounc from the
normal prices lisced ln rhe DMG.
Side QuestS and Hooks: As a foreign..:r, Culpec can.
potencially be used to provide informar ion leading che PCs
to cravel to far-off \ands. C loser to home, Culpec might
require specíal herbs for his remove curse pocions thar can
only be founu in some nearby, troll-infe red hills.
 Monster Appendix
Random Encounters
Ali creacures tletailed ln this Sectinn are cursed.
Alligator: CR 4; SZ H Animal (Aquatic}; HD 7d8+ 28;
hp 59; lnir + l; Spd 20 ft., swim .30 ft.; AC 16; Atk + 11
mdee (2d8+12, bite) or +ll melee (1dl2+12, raíl slap);
Face/Reach. 10 ft. x 20 fr./10 ft.; SA curse, ímproved grab;
SQcurse;AL N;SV Fon: +9, Ref +6, WiU +3;Str27, Dex
IZ, Con 19, lnc 1, Wis 12, Cha 2.
Skills: Hide +0*, Listen +5, Spor +S. *A gianrall i,garor
gains , 1 +12 racial bonus ro Hide checks when submerged.
Badger: CR 2: S2. M Animal: HD 3d8+ 12; hp 25; lnir
+J; Spd 30 fr., burrow IOfr.; AC 16; Atk +4 me lee (ld4+2
[xl], claws) and . J melee ( ld6+ 1, bite); SA curse, rage; SQ
curse, scent; AL N; SV Fort +7, Ref +6, Will +4; Ser 14,
Dex 17, Con 19, lnt 2. Wis 12, Cha 10.
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6.
Boar: CR 4; SZ L Animal; HD 7d8+21; hpj2; lnit +O;
Spd 40 ft.; AC IS; Ark + 12 melee (ld8+ 12, bire); Face/
Reach S ft. x lOft./5 ft.; SAcrnse, ícroc1ty; SQcu.rse, sceoc;
AL N; SV Forr +8, Ref +5, Will +6; Srr 27, Dex LO, Con
J7. lm 2, Wis 13, Cha 8.
Ski/Is: Listen +9, Spor +8.
Bugbear: CR 2; SZM (Goblinoid); HD.3d8+3; hp 16;
Lnit +l; Spd JO fr.; AC 17; Atk +4 melee (ld8+2,
mommgSt~r) or +4 melee ( ld4+2, claw) or +3 ranged
( ld6+2,javeÜn,30fr.);SAcurse;SQcurse, darkvis,on (60
~.);ALCE; SV Forr + 2, Ref +4, Will + 1; Ser 15, Dex 12,
Con 13, Lnt LO, Wis 10, 01a 9.
Skills: Climb +3, Hide +2, Listen +3, Move Silemly +6,
Spoc +3. Feacs: Alcrmcss.
Eagle: CR 1/2; SZ S Animal; HD ld8+ l; S hp; lnit +2;
Spd 10 fr., fly 80 ft. (average); AC 14; Atk +3 melee ( Id}
[x2], claws) and -2 melec ( ld4, bite); SA curse; SQ curse;
ALN; SV Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +2; Srr IO, Dex 15, Con
12. Im 2, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills: Listen +6, Spot +6. Feacs: Weapon Finesse (bite.
claw).
Fighter, Human Ftr2: CR 2; SZM; HD2dl0+4; hp 20;
lrn r +O; SpdJ0 ft.; A C 15; Atk +S melee ( ld8+3, longsword,
crir 19-20); SA curse¡ SQcurse; ALCN; SV Fort +5, Ref
•O, Will +2;Srr 17, Dex 10,Con 14, lnr 12, Wis l4,Cha
10.
Skills: Climb +8, Hide +2,Jump +8, Listen +2, Spor +2,
Swun +8. Fears: Alermess, Bl ind-Fight, Weapon Focus
(greataxe), Weapon Focus (longsword).
GiantBat: CR 2;SZ LAnimal; HD4d8+12; hp30; lnit
+6; Spd 20 ft., fly 40 fr. (good); AC 20; Ack +5 melee
( 1d8+4, bite); Face/Reach 1Ofr. x 5 fc./5 fr.; SA curse, SQ
curse, blindsighr; AL N; SV Fort+ 7, Reí+ JO, Will +6;Str
17, Dex 22, Con 17, lnr 2, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills: Listen + 11, Move Silenrly + 11, Spot + 11.
Guest: CR 2; SZ M; HD 3J8+9; hp 18; lnit + 1; Spd 30
fr.; AC 14; Ack +6 melee (1d6+3, club); SA curse; SQ
curse; AL N; SV Forc +5, Ref + 1, WiU +O; Ser l 7, Dex 11,
Con 14, lnt 5, Wis 8, Cha 8.
51
Skills: Balance +4, Climb +7, Jump +5, Listen + 1, Spot
+l, Swim +4. Fears: Blincl-Fighr, Endurance, Toughncss.
H alfling, Rog2: CR 2; SZ S: HD 2<l6; hp 8; lnit +6; Spd
20 ft.; AC 16; Atk +I melce( ld4,dagger,cnr 19-20) or+4
ranged (ld4, daggcr, cric l9-20, 10 ft.); SA curse, sneak
attack ( + ld6);SQcurse. evasion; ALCN; SVFort + l, Ref
+6. Will +J; Ser 10, Dex 15, Con LO, lnr 14, Wis 11 , Cha
12.
Skills, Bluff+6, Climb +6, Disable Oevice +8, Hide +6,
lntimidace +6. Listen +6. Move Silendy +4, Search +8.
Spot +6, Swim +3. Feats: lmproved lnitiative.
Leopard: CR 2; SZ M Anunal; HD 1d8+6; hp 19; lnit
+4; Spd 40 ft., climb 20 ft.; AC 15; Ark +6 melee ( ld6+3,
bite) and + 1 melee ( ldJ+ 1 [x2], claws)¡ SA curse, pounce,
improved grnb, rake (ld3+4); SQ curse. scenc; AL N; SV
Forr+S,Ref +7, Will +2;Scr16, Dcx 19,Con 15,Jnr2, Wis
12, Cha 6.
Skills: Balance +12, Climb +ll, Hide +9, Listen +6,
Move Silenrly +9, Spot +6. Feats: Weapon Finesse (bite,
claw).
Monk, Human Mnk2: CR 2; SZ M; HD 2d8+ 2; hp 14;
lnil +1; Spd 30 fr,; AC 15; Atlc + 1 melce (ld6, w1.armcd
srrikc); SA curse, stunnlng ,ltrack; SQ curse, evasion; Al
N; SV Fort +4, Ref +5, Will +6; Srr 10, Dex 14, Con 13.
lnt U, Wis J 7, Cha 7.
Skills: Climb +5, H1de +7, L1sren +IO, Move Silenrly
+ 7, Spor +5, Swim +7. Fcars: A lermess, Deflect Arrows,
Lmproved Unarmcd Srrike, Stunnmg Fisr.
Raven: CR 1/6;SZ T Animal; HD l/4d8; hp I; lnit+2;
Spd 10 ft., fl y 40 ft. (average): AC 15; Ack +4 melee ( 1J2.
S [x2],claws)¡ Face/Reach 2 1/2 fr. x 2 1/2 ft./0fr.;SA curse;
SQ curse; AL N; SV Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 1, Dex
15, Con 10, lnr 2, Wis 14, Cha 6.
Skills: Listen +6,Spor+6. Feats: Weapon Finesse (claw~).
Rogue, Human Rog2: CR 2; SZ M: HD 2d6+ 2; hp 11;
Init+2; Spd 30ft.; AC 16; Atk+2 melee (IJ4+1,dagger,
crir 19-20) or +3 rangcd ( 1d4+ 1, Jagger, crit 19-20, 10ft. );
SA curse, sneak artack (+ ld6); SQcurse,evasion¡ ALCN;
SV Forr +l, Re.f +7, Will + I; Ser 12. Dex IS, Con I J, lnr
12, Wis 13, Cba IO.
Skills: Cümb +6, Disable Device +6, Forgery +6, Hide
+6. Intuir Direcrion +6, Listen +6, Move Silencly +6,
Search +6, Spot +6, Use Magic Device +4. Fears: Enclur•
tmce, Lightning Reflexes.
Servant: CR 1; SZM: HD ld8+6: hp 12:lnit+2; Spd 30
fr.; AC 16; Atk +3 melee (ld6+2, club}; SA curse; SQ
curse; ALN; SV Fort +S, Ref +2, Will + I; Str IS, Dex 14,
Con 16, !nt 5, Wi~ 13, Cha 6.
Skills: Balance -t4, Hide +2, Jump +3, Listen+ 1, Move
Silendy + 2, Spot + 1, Swim +4. Fears: Dodge, T oughness.
Weasel: CR 2: SZ S Animal; HD 3d8; hp 13; lnlr +4;
Spd 40 ft.; AC 16; Atk +6 melee ( ld6+ 3, bice); SA curse,
arcach, blood drain; SQ curse, scenr; AL N; SV Fort + 3,
Ref+7, WiU +4;Str 14, Dex 19,Con JO, lnt2, W,s 13,Cha
11.
Skills: Hide +9, Move Silendy +10, Spm+S. Feacs:
Weapnn Finesse (bite).
 MONSTER APPENDfX

NewCreatures Combat
A dcrnon misr moves slmvly roward írs vicrirn without
shnwíng its nature umil ir is almost on top of its rnrget.
DemonMist Those who have encounrerecl such creauues befare re-
Sma11 Aberration ceive a +4 bonu~ to rheir Spoc check to notice an
Hit Dice: 2d8+2 ( 11 hp) approaching Jemon m1st. Every succesi;ful :mack stand~ a
lnitiative: +2 (Dcx) chanceofcausing insanícy chrough thedemon misr'schaos
couch abillry. Demon m1sts do their best to alternare cheir
Speed: Fly 30 ft.. (average)
,tttack~ arnong various targecs, seeking to cause ínsan iry in
AC: 16(+1 si1e,+2Dcx,+3nacurnl)
as many rargets as possible. Dernon mises are immuoe to
Attacks: Tendril +2 rnelee fear: chcy are crearions of chaos that can be recreated over
Damage: TendriJ LJ4 plus cha0s cnuch and over again by che demons who rnade thcm and so h.ave
Face/Reach: 5 fr. by 5 ft./5 ft. no fear of deach or desrruccion.
Special Attacks: Chaos coucb Chaos Touch (Ex): Every rime a victim is srruck by a
Special Qualities: Jncorporeal, immune to fear, darkvision demon mtst, be rnust succeed ata W ill save (DC 12) or go
60 ft. ternporaril y insanc. Chaotic evil creatures and cbaracters
Saves: Forr + l, Ret +2, WUI +6 recewe a +5 bonus to their Will save agaínsr chis effect. If
Abillties: Srr 11, Dex 15,Con l3, lnr 15,Wis 18, a viccim goes insane, rol! ld6 ro Jer.ermine their next
Cha 12 acrion,
Ski lis: Hide +5*, Listen +lO, Move Silenrly 1. Run away m fear.
+6, Search +7, Spoc + 10 2. Stop l1ghting anJ begm urcecing nonsem;e sounds.
feat: Alermess 3-4. T um and attack the nearest creature.
C limatefferrain: Any (usually near a source of warer) 5. Drop al! weapons and jump up and down screaming.
Organization: Solitary or group (2-5) 6. Continue as befare, bue roll again next round.
T reas ure: None The insaniry passes afrer I d4 hours or when a remove
C hallenge Rating: 2. iear spelJ is case 011 che victirn.
Alignment: Always chaotic evil lncorporeal: Can be harmed only by other incorporeal
creatures, + 1 or better magíc weapons, or magic, with ::i
Advancement: 3-6 HD (Small); 7-10 HD (Medium-
50% chon.c,; to ignore any cl::image from a corporeal source.
stze)
Can pass through solidobjectsat will, and own auacks pass
A Jemon misL is an incomplece manifestation of a rh.rougb armar. Always moves silenrly.
demon on the Material Planc. More oía weak i~' con crolleJ
Skílls: *At night, in low light, or in foggy conditions, a
force of e.haos chan a real creanire, a J emon misr spreads
demon mist receives a+ JO racial honus ro ics 1-!ide checks.
fear and madness through its very touch. Thc creature
appears ro beasrnallshaftof misrfloatingabove thegro1111d
wich no real discemmg features. Itextrudes chin tendrils of
mise char ir uses roattack
its victiros, w1rb each
toucb of a rcndri.l poten•
tially causing insaniry.
The translucem vapor
that makes up its form is
rather resisranc to dam-
age bucean be dissipaced
if enough damage is
dealt.
Demon mises gener•
ally arise in areas where
rhere is a weak p<.lint be-
rween che Ahyssaml the
Material Plane. Dernons
use :my weakness they
can ro iníluence the
world with cheirparcicu-
lar form oí chaos anJ ev11.
The mises have no abil-
i ty to feed on their
vicnrns and usually pre-
fer to leave them
screaming w1th madness
rather rhan to kili rhern.

52
 MORRICI<. MANSION

Eldoran 1sBlood Bush chey are difficull ro collect safely, most of them bemg
damagcJ Juring che plant's artac.ks.
S mall Plan!
Hil Dice: 6d8+ 10 (57 hp)
Combat
Lnitiative: +O
Eldúnm's blood bush~ are simply planr~ chac havc a
S peed: o fr. di ffcrcn r wa y ofsprcad ing che ir seeds anJ J efenJ ing chem-
AC: 18 (+ 1 size, + 7 natural) ~el ve~. Each bu~h can attack wirh 4 whip-like branches per
Attacks: 4 whips +6 melee round ar anyching wichin a few fee1 of ir, but 1ts mosr
Damage: Wh1p ld2+2 (4 br:mchcs) dangerou~ acrack is its conscanr firing of flower- ·haped
Face/Reach: 5 fe. X 5 ft./2 1/2 ft. darrs JI cargers in nll dirccrinns. The hush has a fnrm oí
peciaJ Attacks: Flowcr Jarr bliodsighr rhar is depcndcnr on vibration and sound. les
pecial Qualilies: Plant, blinds1ghc, irnmune m electric- blinds1ghl ,~ only goocl for a range ofabour 15 feer from che
1ty, cold an<l firc rcsistancc 20 bush, hut is e.xrrcmcly accurare msidc rhat range. Loud
sounds and hcavy v1bration~ effectively blmd ir.
' aves: Forr +9, Re(+ 1, Will + 1
Flower Oart(Ex): lnsreaJofusing itbwhip-likebmnd1es,
Abilities: Ser 15, Dex 10, Con 20, lnt - , Wis 12,
an EIJorao's bloo<l bush can launch 6 flower darts cach
Cha 8
mund ( +5 rangcd mrack, 5-fr. mnge mcremenr) unril ir
C limate/Terrain: An)
runs out of flnwers. Each plant ha~ 6d6+ 15 (average 36)
Organizatio n: Solttary or cluster (2-·0 Rowcr dares to f,rc and can replace che ffowers w1chm 24
Challenge Rating: 4 hours. These flowers are spccmlly dcs1gncd seed po<ls. A
T reasure: Non e successful hit deal.s ld2 pomtsnfdamagc and injectb a seed
Alignment: Neutral mro rhe rarget. Thc targer nee<ls to spen<l a round pulling
Advanceme nt: 7-l l HD(Medium-size);J2-18HD(lart,c) rhe sceJ free or suffcr 1rs effecrs. One round after injection,
rhe sccd germina tes, reh::asmg powerful fear-inducing eo-
Thb mura1cJ blood bu~h is a con~mnr reminder t'f rhc
horrihlecursc Lonl Eldoran visited upon dot1Jhin~ charforce che victim to makea Willsave (DC I5)
h1 ncighbm. lts normal brocher ro avo,d runmng away from the area. Three
was nameJ for i ts bloo<l-recl rounds afrer injccrion, thc ¡?erminaung seed
ílower aml che chorny, releases a ¡,olscm thar pamlyzes che vlctlm
hk,oJ-red i;eeJ rods cha e (Fort DC 16 ro avoid che cffccts); 5
anyching pasMng by rounds after injecc1on, che gcnni-
haJ to pick from its eJmpgsccd's rapídgrowrh begíns ro
clorhmg or kin. damage the v1cti111 ata rare of 1 hit
Whde che mu- • poinrperround.Germinanngseeds
catcd bush ~ can be cur out of the v1cti.m w1rhin
rctains che "':<r... r?~ rhe first 5 rounds; afrer chat time,
<lt!cp green ' n ~ ? only magically curing the amount
leaves ami ~ v,_.~..... ,~ of damage done br che growing
deep red flow- . ~ seed smps t he ~eed's growth. Af-
crs, ir is far more · ~ ter sropping the growch of the
,ini~ter and dan- ~eeJ, a removc disease pdl is
gerous. Known as requircd ro eliminare ali mices
"EIJorao's Grave of i1 .
Markcrs" in ·orne Plant: l mmune ro poison,
places, che bush act1vely sleep, paralysis, srunnmg, criti-
launches icsseed podsatcrea- ca! hir~. and mind-influencing
turcs tharpass by it. Each planr i;:Jfeccs.
can nnly be grown from a secd Blindsight (Ex): An Eldoran's
thar has germmared inS1tle che blood bush uses vibnmon and '>Ound
warm body of ~, Smal l nr larger ro loca te targers. lt Íbeffectivcly blind
animal. Rools from d1e germi- beyonJ a range of 15 feer, hut it b
naring seed kill the host aod use considcreJ to have perfect vblon
che nurriem~ providcd to grow uoder all light cond1rions wichm
rapiJ ly lnro a Jeadly plam. le has chat range. Loud sounds or vibra-
many branches and almo~r com- rions effecrivel\' hl ind an Eldnran's
plete resistance ro firc, making it blood bu h .
very Jifficulr to kill. lmmunities (Ex): The blooJ
A number ot nobles now use bush b lmmunc to all electrical
chis horrid plant to creare hedges Jamage.
around che ir propercy because they Resis tances ( Ex) : The
are a rowerful deterremfor chieves. Eldonm's blood bush ha~ coltl and
Sced pods rrade for 20 gp each as fire res1stancc 20.

53
 Magic hems Appendix
Thc PCs have che oppurtun iry tn gain these3 new magic Rokon'sAmulet
itcms Juring their aJvemure.
This gorgeous gold amulet is attached to a rhick gold
cham. The amuler icselí 1s shaped like an intricare rune
Argrim's Ring that bendsand rwists 111 on 1cself. Shimme ring anJglowing
Argr1m's ring is a simple gold wedding band mscrlbeJ when cxposed to the light, che amulet clearly possesses a
w1th st:r-ange nmes inrerrwined wtth symhols represenring great deal of power. Rokon, whoever he was, cngraveJ his
che sun god. Yorith Reslish, an exrremdy powerful cleric, name on che amul et e ither to mark lt as his creatio n or m
foshioned che ring for Argrirn after Argrim rescued Yo rith mak~ .:ertain everyone knew ro who m it belonged. The
during one of his many adventures. Whe n Yo rith prc- amule t has been a rounJ for cenruries, irs origina l owncr
scn ted the rin¡! to Argrim, he cold him it w11ulJ help and crearor lose m time. lrs c reation is a myscery, hut its
protccc him from harm. Anyone wearing che ring receives power remains rathe r impressive. Spellcasters wearing che
complete immunity m a li c urse~ and curse-relaced effccrs amuler find theycan case 2 addit1onai l sr-level spellseach
a~ well as a + l bonu~ ,m ali saving th rows. day. The add itional spells are calculaced after any ocher
Caster Leve!: 20th: Prerequisites: Forge excra spells per day from orher
Ring, miracle, remt1ve c urse. Market rmgs o r magical 1tems (such as
Price: 15,000 gp. a ring of wizardry) are takcn
into accoun r. Thi& amuler
wmks for ali classes wi rh spe11-
Leah'sv\-bod casring abilities.
Amulets Caster Level: U nknown: Pre-
These strange wood amulets requisiies: Unknown. Market
are keyed spccific.-1lly m rhe curse P1ice: [5,000 gp.
on Lord Morrick's ma nsion anJ
grounds. Anyone wearing an amuler
made tro m curseJ wood found on che
grmtncls ami blessed in a spedfic
ritual can resise che curse withouc
bemg forced to makea saving throw.
Unfommaccly, thcamulecs lose che ir
power over time. Each a mulet srarcs
wirh 40 charges. After resisting che
cur~e 40 rimes, an amulet loses its power
and begíns a rapiJ decay. Normally, che
efforc and expense of creaúng such a n
ite m would give ir greac value. The amu-
lecsare far lcss valuable than usrn1l, however,
simply due co their focus on c,ne particulAr
curse.
Caster Leve/: 9th; Prerequisites: C reare
Wondrous lcem, remove curse.
Market Price: l.000 gp.

54
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