PREQ6-1 Winter Fantasy Run

PREQ6-1
A Tale of
Two Cities
A Dungeons & Dragons®
Living Forgotten Realms Adventure
By M. Sean Molley
Special Thanks to the DMs and HQ Staff of Winter Fantasy 2014
Netheril seeks to win the war by the most expedient means possible: the conquest or destruction of Suzail. Most
defenses are useless against the flying city of Shade Enclave, which even now inexorably approaches the heart of
Cormyr. Should the Netherese manage to control the skies, they will have a nearly insurmountable advantage in the
battle to come. There is someone who could even the odds, but only with your help, and only at a terrible cost. It is
certain that not all those who volunteer for this special mission will return.
A Living Forgotten Realms adventure set in the skies above Cormyr for characters of the Paragon tier (levels 11-20).
This adventure is a prequel to ADCP6-1 The End and the Beginning. You can play it on its own, but it can also be used
as a way for public events to determine certain aspects of the situation at the beginning of the Battle Interactive.
Based on the original DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® rules created by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and the new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS game
designed by Andy Collins, Rob Heinsoo, and James Wyatt.
This game product contains no Open Game Content. No portion of this work may be reproduced in any form without permission of Wizards of the
Coast. To learn more about the Game System License (GSL), please visit www.wizards.com/d20.
This is an official D&D® play document. To find out more about official D&D play and to learn more on how you can schedule and run DUNGEONS
& DRAGONS game events of all sizes, visit our website at www.wizards.com/dnd, and click on “Events.”
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© 2014 Wizards of the Coast LLC
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Permission is granted to photocopy this document for personal use.
The Wizards Play Network often creates stories that live well beyond the play at the
table. Always follow this golden rule:
If you want to organize public Living Forgotten Realms
games at a retail game store, you need to be associated Make decisions and adjudications that enhance the
with a Wizards Play Network (WPN) store. If you want fun of the adventure whenever possible.
to organize public LFR games outside of a store, you
should be associated with a Wizards Play Network store, In support of the golden rule, we offer these guidelines:
but you can be an independent organizer too. To learn
more about the Wizards Play Network, visit • You are empowered to make adjustments to the
http://www.wizards.com/wpn. adventure and to make decisions about how the
If you want to organize LFR games at home, you group interacts with the world. This is especially
don't need to be associated with the Wizards Play important during non-combat encounters, but you
Network. You don’t need to report your event to anyone, may also need to adjust the combat encounters
and neither the DM nor the players need to have for groups that are having too easy or too hard of a
DCI/RPGA membership numbers. Just find the time with the adventure.
adventure you want to play, download it, and have fun! • Don't make the adventure too easy or too
Be sure to keep up with the LFR Community at our difficult. Never being challenged makes for a
campaign website: http://community.wizards.com/lfr boring game, and being overwhelmed makes for a
frustrating game. Gauge the experience of the
Preparing for Play players (not the characters) with the game, try to
feel out (or just ask) what they like in a game, and
In order to play this adventure, you’ll need copies of the
attempt to give each player the experience they’re
D&D 4th Edition core rulebooks. These are the Player’s
after when they play D&D. Everyone at the table
Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide, and Monster Manual,
should get a “chance to shine.”
or the corresponding D&D Essentials products. Any
• Be mindful of pacing, and keep the game
other rules referenced in this adventure are noted in the
moving to ensure you finish on time. Watch for
New Rules Items section at the end of the adventure.
stalling, as play loses momentum when this
Throughout this adventure, text in bold italics
happens. At the same time, make sure that the
provides player information for you to paraphrase or
players don’t finish the adventure too early;
read aloud when appropriate. Information about non-
provide them with a full play experience. Living
player characters (NPCs) and monsters appears in the
Forgotten Realms adventures are designed to be
full stat-block format with each combat encounter. For
played in about 4 hours; be very aware of running
non-combat encounters, this information appears in
long or short, and adjust the pacing accordingly. If
abbreviated form in the adventure text.
that means you need to "call" a combat encounter
Along with this adventure, you’ll find a session
when it is obvious that the PCs are going to win,
tracking sheet. If you’re playing this adventure as part of
then feel free to do so.
a WPN event (see above), complete and turn in this
• Give the players appropriate hints so they can
sheet to your organizer directly after play.
make informed choices about how to interact
with the environment. Players should always
Reading Monster Stat Blocks know when enemies are bloodied or affected by
Most of the information should be easy to understand, as conditions. Give them clues about how to interact
it mirrors the information presented in the Monster with their surroundings so they can tackle skill
Manual. Attacks may have a letter next to them challenges, combats, and puzzles without getting
designating the type: M for melee, R for ranged, C for frustrated by a lack of information. Encourage
close, and A for area. Auras are designated with the O immersion in the adventure and give the players
symbol, as well as the aura keyword. “little victories” for figuring out a good choice from
A lower-case letter (used only for certain melee and your clues.
ranged attacks) denotes that the attack can be used as a
basic attack. In summary, being the DM for a Living Forgotten Realms
adventure isn’t about following the adventure’s text
Important DM Information
word-for-word; it’s about creating a fun, challenging
game environment for the players. Chapters 1 and 2 of
As the DM of the session, you have the most important the Dungeon Master’s Guide are filled with good
role in facilitating the enjoyment of the game for the information about being a DM for a D&D game.
players. You take the words on these pages and make
them come alive. The outcome of a fun game session
PREQ6-1 A Tale of Two Cities Page 2

Appropriate Character Levels Character Death
This adventure supports the entire Paragon tier of play When a character dies during the course of an
(levels 1-10). Heroic-tier and Epic-tier characters may adventure, the player always has at least one option
not play this adventure. The highest-level character in (Death Charity) and might have additional options (such
the party must be within three (3) levels of the lowest- as the Raise Dead ritual). Most importantly, the DM
level character in the party. must decide if the rest of the group has access to the
Living Forgotten Realms defines five Adventure Levels dead character's body.
(ALs) within each tier. The choice of AL affects the
difficulty of most obstacles (particularly combat • Pay for the Raise Dead ritual. If the group has
encounters and skill challenges) the PCs will face during access to the body and chooses this option, the
the adventure, and also determines the rewards component cost is usually divided evenly amongst
available to the PCs for successfully overcoming those the group (although this is not required, it is
obstacles. The players must decide as a group which AL generally considered good form to share the
they want to play, and inform you of their decision costs). The component cost is 500 gp for heroic
before beginning the adventure. We recommend that tier, 5,000 gp for paragon tier, and 50,000 gp for
you calculate the average character level and use that as epic tier). If a PC can cast the ritual, then the
a starting point, but a group of experienced players component cost is the only cost. If the group must
might choose to "play up" for a greater challenge, while a locate an NPC to cast the ritual, that NPC charges
group of less-experienced players might choose to "play a fee equal to 20% of the component cost.
down" while they're learning the ropes. • Use a power that returns dead characters to life.
The group may not choose an Adventure Level that Certain characters gain powers that allow them to
is more than three levels above the lowest-level restore life without using the Raise Dead ritual or
character in the party. For example, a group with a level paying a component cost. For example, the
2, level 3, and four level 5 characters may not choose to warpriest (a cleric build from Heroes of the Fallen
play the AL 6 version of an adventure because level 6 is Lands) gains the resurrection daily utility power at
more than three levels above the 2nd-level character. 8th level. NPCs may not be used for this option
This group could choose to face the adventure at either unless an adventure specifically says so; a player
AL 2 or AL 4, but they will probably choose AL 4 character with the appropriate power must be at
because that's the best fit for the group (the average the table (assuming he or she isn't the dead
character level is 25/6 = approximately 4). character) and all other conditions for using the
If (and only if) the group can't agree on an power must be met. For example, resurrection may
Adventure Level, the DM may cast a tiebreaking vote. only be used at the end of an extended rest, and
the character must have died within the last 24
Failing to Defeat an Encounter hours.
• Invoke the Death Charity clause. If the group
If the group fails to defeat an encounter (for example, if
doesn’t have access to the dead character's body,
they have to flee from a combat because it’s too tough or
or if they have the body but cannot afford (or are
they fail too many checks during a skill challenge) it
unwilling) to pay for a ritual, the player can choose
doesn't have to mean the end of the adventure. In most
to return the PC back to life at the end of the
cases, both success and failure should lead to interesting
adventure, exactly as if the Raise Dead ritual had
story outcomes. The PCs might miss out on some XP or
been used on the dead character. The details of
treasure, but whenever possible, give them a chance to
exactly how the character's body made its way
work around their failure and still bring the adventure
back to civilization are up to the player, or this can
to a successful conclusion.
be left deliberately vague. There is no direct cost
In the Rewards section, there is a baseline XP award
for accepting Death Charity, but the character
(the minimum amount a PC can earn). There are also
forfeits all non-XP rewards for the adventure
one or more XP awards available for completing specific
(including gold, Story Awards, and the opportunity
objectives as outlined by the adventure. Part of the DM's
to select a Treasure). The PC cannot participate in
job is to decide if and when the PCs have fulfilled each
the same adventure a second time.
objective, even if they failed at some of the individual
encounters along the way.
Regardless of which option is chosen, any character
who dies during an adventure gains 20% less XP from
that adventure. In other words, characters that died
during the adventure earn 80% of the amount earned by
those characters that did not die during the adventure

(for example, if the rest of the party earned 500 XP, the throws, and ability checks until he or she has reached
characters who died only earn 400 XP). three milestones. The player should record the
If a character is killed in the final encounter, but the character's death on his or her Adventure Log, and then
rest of the party prevails, then the DM may choose to keep a running tally of milestones reached. Once the PC
waive the 20% XP penalty if he or she believes that the has reached the third milestone since coming back to
group as a whole would not have succeeded without the life, the death penalty ends.
dead character's sacrifice. The 20% penalty also does not Sometimes the death penalty is paid by a character
apply in the event of a TPK (Total Party Kill), because other than the character that was returned to life. For
the DM should reduce the entire group's XP award to example, if a sentinel uses the restore life power, there is a
reflect the fact that the party as a whole failed to cost of four healing surges. These healing surges cannot
complete some or all of the adventure's objectives. be regained until the PCs who spent the surges (which
Sometimes, invoking the Death Charity clause is the cannot include the character who was returned to life)
only option to return a dead PC to life. For example, if have reached three milestones or taken three extended
the group suffers a TPK and no friendly NPCs know rests. The character(s) who spent the surges track this on
where to find them, then it's unlikely that their bodies their individual Adventure Logs. As each character
can be recovered. The DM is the final arbiter of whether crosses the appropriate threshold, the death penalty
or not a dead character's body can be recovered. ends for that character, regardless of whether it is still
Remember, the Death Charity clause is always an active on other characters.
option, no matter what happened to the PC. Returning Diseases: A disease lasts until it is cured or it
from the dead (by whatever means) is optional and up to reaches its final state. Normally, a PC makes an
the player, but the decision must be made at the table Endurance check after each extended rest to see if the
and recorded on the character's Adventure Log. Any disease improves, worsens, or maintains its current
character who chooses not to return from the dead is condition. At the end of an adventure, any character
permanently retired from play. suffering from a disease must resolve the disease to
Mounts are not characters. These rules do not apply either its cured or final state, using the necessary
if a mount is killed during an adventure. To resurrect a number of extended rests to do so. Other characters
dead mount, the owner must pay 20% of the mount's adventuring with the PC may aid the afflicted character
market price at the end of the adventure in which the during this time. If a disease reaches its final state and
mount died. the PC can get a Cure Disease ritual cast (and pay the
appropriate costs), they may do so.
Milestones Other Lasting Effects: Other effects that last
beyond the scope of the adventure should be resolved at
Whether the characters succeed or fail in an encounter, the DM’s discretion. Effects that last for a well-defined
they generally reach a milestone after every second period of time (those that end after a certain number of
encounter following the start of the adventure or their days or extended rests) should be resolved at the end of
last extended rest. Some encounters do not count the adventure in which the effect was obtained (unless
toward a milestone, usually because they are pure otherwise specified, such as by a Story Award). Effects
roleplaying encounters or do not pose a meaningful that use a benchmark of unknown duration (such as
challenge to the party. If an encounter is not intended to milestones) should be recorded on the character’s
count toward a milestone, it says so. In particular, you Adventure Log and tracked across adventures.
should not deny the players a milestone just because It is always the player's responsibility to inform his
they are having an easy time with the combat or her DM at the beginning of an adventure if the
encounters. After each encounter, inform the players character is suffering from a lasting effect.
whether that encounter counted toward the next
milestone. Reaching a milestone gives each PC another
action point and affects some magic item powers. DCs by Adventure Level
This adventure uses the terms Easy, Moderate, and Hard
Lasting Effects to refer to the Difficulty Class (DC) of most checks. If a
Sometimes a PC suffers a lasting effect that isn’t DC is given as a static number (such as DC 15 or DC 25
automatically resolved by the end of the adventure, such instead of Easy DC, Moderate DC, or Hard DC) then
as the death penalty or the later stages of a disease. that number is the same regardless of Adventure Level
Death Penalty: When a character dies and is (this applies to certain skill checks whose difficulty is
brought back to life, that character usually suffers a specifically set by the core rules, such as monster
death penalty. For example, a character brought back by knowledge checks, jumping and swimming checks, etc.)
the Raise Dead ritual or a warpriest's resurrection power Should you need to improvise a DC during the
suffers a -1 penalty to all attack rolls, skill checks, saving adventure, use the following table.

Adventure Moderate weaken the primary defense of Suzail but just enough to
Easy DC Hard DC hold out against a determined Netherese assault long
Level DC
12 14 20 28 enough to allow Sakkors to crash into Shade Enclave,
will need to go along for the ride.
14 15 21 29
Unfortunately, Shade Enclave is well warded.
16 16 22 31 Merely crashing the two flying citadels together is
18 17 23 32 probably not enough to ensure that Shade Enclave is
20 18 25 34 brought down before it reaches Suzail. Once Sakkors
and Shade Enclave are locked together, a team of heroes
Adventure Background must infiltrate Shade Enclave (hopefully using the

confusion and destruction caused by the collision),
Sakkors joined the Cormyrean alliance as a result of the reach its control room, and kill the sentient city. With its
Origins 2013 Battle Interactive ADCP5-2 Best Defense. core destroyed, Shade Enclave will fall.
Now, with Sembia completely fallen and Netheril’s main It is highly unlikely that anyone would return from
army advancing on Suzail, the crucial battle looms. The such a mission. Sakkors has accepted that it will die and
threat of Shade Enclave controlling the airspace over the it wants to make the sacrifice. A carefully orchestrated
battlefield is very real. If Netheril has free reign over the recruitment campaign has turned up enough volunteers
skies, it will be extremely difficult if not impossible for from among the allied armies to garrison Sakkors. All
the defenders to hold, and if Suzail falls, the alliance will that’s needed is that team of heroes who are willing to go
surely crumble. out in a blaze of glory.
Unfortunately, a direct assault on Shade Enclave is
virtually out of the question. Although the battle for
Sakkors started with just such an aerial invasion, Shade
DM’s Introduction
Enclave is larger and better defended. Also, most of the The adventure breaks down into the following scenes:
skyships of the Five Companies were damaged or Encounter 1: The PCs are invited to a meeting with
destroyed in that battle, and although they accounted for King Foril, the Coronal of Myth Drannor, and the other
far more than their own number in terms of Netherese leaders and commanding officers of the Cormyrean
skyships, there are simply not enough ships available to alliance and its allies. The situation is explained (as per
be able to carry enough troops to be able to attack, the Adventure Background) and the PCs are asked to
conquer, and control Shade Enclave. The airspace will volunteer for the suicide mission. They have the
be crowded enough with all the evil dragons fighting for opportunity to ask questions directly of Sakkors to make
Netheril and the good dragons (hopefully) fighting for sure that the flying citadel is not being coerced into
Cormyr (assuming SPEC6-1 succeeds). following this plan.
Even Sakkors itself is not a particularly useful asset Encounter 2: The PCs and a small contingent of
for the upcoming battle. Cormyr does not have volunteers fly Sakkors towards Shade Enclave. A ritual
familiarity with using Netherese flying citadels for war, cast by the War Wizards cloaks the citadel in invisibility.
and although Sakkors is willing to help the cause, there This will not survive contact with Shade Enclave’s wards,
aren’t enough troops to be able to fully garrison Sakkors but it will get Sakkors close enough that a collision
and also leave Suzail well defended. It would not make course can be achieved. Once Sakkors gets into Shade
sense to split the defenders’ army in such a fashion. Enclave’s airspace, the wards activate and the cloak of
The best option appears to be to try and take Shade invisibility falls. The PCs fire enchanted ballista bolts
Enclave off the battlefield, but about the only object into Shade Enclave. These weapons are nowhere near
capable of taking down a flying city is another flying city. strong enough to do serious damage to the enemy
Sakkors itself has proposed an audacious plan: a suicide citadel, but they can help ensure that Shade Enclave is
strike in which Sakkors will crash into Shade Enclave unable to change course quickly enough to avoid
and drive it into the ground. At a minimum this will Sakkors crashing into it. (At this point, the Netherese are
cause massive damage and loss of life and war material still unlikely to suspect something as crazy as crashing
to Netheril’s army, and at best it might end the war in the two cities together.)
one fell swoop. Encounter 3: Netherese aerial strike forces
The main downside to such a plan is that it would scramble from Shade Enclave and land on Sakkors. The
certainly result in the destruction of Sakkors. Making PCs must deal with the most powerful foes so that the
matters more difficult, Sakkors cannot fly itself into Netherese cannot gain control of Sakkors and ruin the
Shade Enclave unnoticed and with no one to defend it. plan.
Netheril would have plenty of time to land a strike force Encounter 4: With the initial assault turned aside,
and kill or re-enslave Sakkors before it reached Shade the volunteer garrison on Sakkors seals up the city’s
Enclave. A small army of defenders, not enough to innermost defenses and prepares to fight a holding
action. The goal is not to defeat the Netherese army in a
pitched battle, simply to keep the Netherese from
reaching the control room of Sakkors long enough for
the PCs to find and destroy the control room of Shade
Enclave. Sakkors crashes into Shade Enclave with a
thunderous clash and a grinding of metal and stone. The
PCs make their way into Shade Enclave and must
complete a skill challenge to locate the control room and
break the magical wards protecting its entrance.
Obviously, they need to do this while drawing as little
attention to themselves as possible, because if they get
into a pitched battle with the defenders of Shade
Enclave, they will be overwhelmed.
Encounter 5: The PCs enter the control room of
Shade Enclave and discover that the core itself is alive.
They must kill the core (it cannot be reasoned with the
way Sakkors was) and then barricade themselves inside
the control room to ensure that the Netherese cannot do
anything to stop Shade Enclave’s fall. (If the PCs chicken
out at this point and teleport or fly away instead of riding
Shade Enclave to its final death, the Netherese are able
to minimize their losses, although the flying citadel is
still grounded.)
Conclusion: If the PCs succeeded, Shade Enclave
and Sakkors plunge to the ground some miles away from
Suzail. Netheril is able to evacuate some, but not all, of
its forces, and will be at a disadvantage in the coming
battle (with the airspace up for grabs). If the PCs failed,
Netheril has a huge advantage in the battle to come, as
Sakkors is either destroyed or back in Netherse hands,
whereas Shade Enclave remains alive and active. Either
way, this will have a significant impact on the situation
at the beginning of the Battle Interactive (ADCP6-1).
If they stayed to the bitter end, the PCs are
recognized posthumously for their sacrifice. Each
character may leave a legacy to another one of the
player’s characters (see Story Awards for details).
Player’s Introduction
The PCs are invited to a very important meeting.
Boxed text about the very important meeting
More details about the very important meeting. When

everyone is ready, proceed to Encounter 1.

Encounter 1: Cormyr Milestone
This encounter does not count toward a milestone.
Important NPCs Treasure

King Foril, the Coronal, etc. If the PCs want to use some or all of the Base Gold
reward for their Adventure Level to stock up on supplies
The PCs attend a meeting with King Foril, the Coronal while they are in Suzail, they can get an advance
of Myth Drannor, and the other leaders and payment. If they complete the mission successfully the
commanding officers of the Cormyrean alliance and its way it is intended, they won’t be coming back, so
allies. The situation is explained (as per the Adventure stashing extra gold ahead of time shouldn’t really be a
Background) and the PCs are asked to volunteer for the priority. However, the assembled leaders solemnly
suicide mission. They have the opportunity to ask promise to ensure that the PCs’ affairs are handled, their
questions directly of Sakkors to make sure that the flying estates managed, any bequests they wish to make
citadel is not being coerced into following this plan. delivered, and so forth.
Boxed text
The PCs can ask any questions that they want. Use your
best judgment and the information in the Adventure
Background. The assembled leaders do not attempt to
dissemble or hide anything from the PCs. Sakkors
(which the PCs can speak with via telepathy) is fully
aware that it will die if this plan succeeds and it is
convinced that this is the right thing to do. It does not
believe that there is much hope for the allied forces to
defeat Shade Enclave in a direct battle.
Q&A goes here
Final boxed text goes here
Any additional information (supply run, free rituals, etc.)

about the mission goes here.
Troubleshooting
If the PCs want to go on the mission but they are not on
board with the idea that it is a one-way trip, they can
certainly make whatever preparations they wish (buying
or preparing scrolls of teleportation rituals, for example).
The issue is not whether the PCs have any way to get off
of Shade Enclave before it crashes. Of course they do;
they’re Paragon tier. The issue is that even if they
destroy the sentient being at the heart of Shade Enclave,
if they don’t stay in the city, they won’t be able to prevent
the Netherese from using their own resources to
minimize or even reverse the damage. That’s why it’s a
suicide mission.
Ending the Encounter

The PCs basically have as much as a full day to get their
affairs in order (see Treasure). When the PCs are ready
to board Sakkors for the flight, proceed to Encounter 2.

Encounter 2: Inflight Milestone
Entertainment
Treasure
Skill Challenge There is no treasure in this encounter.
The PCs and a small contingent of volunteers fly Sakkors
towards Shade Enclave. (Well, Sakkors basically flies
itself, but the PCs can do whatever they wish to help
keep an eye on things.)
A ritual cast by the War Wizards cloaks the citadel
in invisibility. They already know that it will not survive
contact with Shade Enclave’s wards, but it will get
Sakkors close enough that a collision course can be
achieved.
Boxed text
The ritual of invisibility shrouding Sakkors is stripped

away as it enters Shade Enclave’s airspace. Shade
Enclave immediately reacts by sending strike teams to
land on Sakkors. Although Sakkors has some defenses,
the volunteer force is not large enough or strong enough
to fight an aerial battle; they must draw the Netherese
out of the sky and fight them within the city.
Boxed text
Skill challenge (plus attack rolls) to fire the ballistae,

take out incoming flyers, rally the low-level troops,
reinforce damage to Sakkors, etc. Basically, the PCs
defend Sakkors for a little while before the main assault
wave arrives.
Example: The PCs fire enchanted ballista bolts into
Shade Enclave. These weapons are nowhere near strong
enough to do serious damage to the enemy citadel, but
they can help ensure that Shade Enclave is unable to
change course quickly enough to avoid Sakkors crashing
into it. (At this point, the Netherese are still unlikely to
suspect something as crazy as crashing the two cities
together.)
Final boxed text goes here

Go ahead and put out the battle map for Encounter 3
and let the players decide where they want to set up.
You can give them a basic idea of what the landing zone
for the incoming enemies will be. They’re unable to get a
surprise round, but they can at least position themselves
how they want. They can easily see the Huge dragons (so
it’s safe for them to assume they’ll at least be fighting one
of those) and can tell that some Medium humanoids are
also part of the strike teams, but they probably can’t
learn much about the humanoids other than perhaps
getting a basic description of their equipment.
Encounter 3: Defend Sakkors that Sakkors can continue on its collision course with
Shade Enclave. If they are defeated, the Netherese are
able to seize control of Sakkors, giving them both flying
Combat (EL = AL + 2 to AL + 3) citadels for the upcoming battle – which would be the
worst possible outcome!
Netherese aerial strike forces from Shade Enclave land
on Sakkors. The PCs must deal with the most powerful
foes so that the Netherese cannot gain control of Sakkors Ending the Encounter
and ruin the plan. The encounter ends when all the foes have been
defeated. If the PCs win their fight, then the garrison
Creatures also wins its fight, repelling the initial Netherese assault.
If the PCs are defeated here, then the Netherese also
AL 12 (5600 XP):
overwhelm the garrison, reclaiming Sakkors and adding
1 Shade Enclave Dragon (level 14 elite)
it to their war machine. Proceed to Encounter 4 if the
2 Shade Enclave Defenders (level 14)
PCs are victorious; proceed to the Conclusion if not.
1 Shade Enclave Duelist (level 13)
1 Shade Enclave Ravenspeaker (level 13)
Milestone
AL 14 (8000 XP): This encounter counts toward a milestone.
2 Shade Enclave Defenders (level 16) Treasure
1 Shade Enclave Duelist (level 15) The Netherese carry basic (Common rarity) magic items
1 Shade Enclave Ravenspeaker (level 15) and implements. If any character doesn’t have a level-
appropriate enhancement bonus for his or her primary
AL 16 (11,200 XP): weapon, primary implement, armor, or neck slot item,
1 Shade Enclave Dragon (level 18 elite) they could certainly loot one off of their defeated foes.
2 Shade Enclave Defenders (level 18) (AL 12 and AL 14 = +3, AL 16 and higher = +4).
AL 18 (16,000 XP):
AL 20 (24,900 XP):
Scaling the Encounter

Four PCs: Remove a defender.
Six PCs: Add another duelist.
Note: The dragon has the abilities and combat statistics

of a solo monster, but it only has the hit points, saving
throw bonus, and action point of an elite. This is to keep
the combat from taking too long.
Objective
The lower-ranking troops from Cormyr engage with the
front-line Netherese forces, while the PCs draw the most
dangerous adversaries, including a dragon and its
accompanying officers. The PCs must win this battle so

Encounter 3: Defend Sakkors (AL 12)
Shade Enclave Dragon Level 14 Elite Brute TRIGGERED ACTIONS
Huge shadow magical beast (dragon) XP 2000 M Tail Slap • At-Will
HP 346; Bloodied 173 Initiative +9 Trigger: An enemy hits the dragon while flanking it.
AC 28, Fortitude 27, Reflex 26, Will 26 Perception +15 Attack (Opportunity Action): Melee 3 (the triggering enemy);
Speed 8, fly 8 Darkvision +17 vs. Fortitude
Resist 10 necrotic Hit: 2d8 + 7 damage, and the dragon pushes the enemy up to 5
Saving Throws +2; Action Points 1 squares.
TRAITS M Tail Sweep • At-Will
Action Recovery Trigger: An enemy misses the dragon with a melee attack.
Whenever the dragon ends its turn, any dazing, stunning, or dominating Attack (Opportunity Action): Melee 3 (the triggering enemy);
effect on it ends. +17 vs. Reflex
Instinctive Rampage Hit: 2d8 + 7 damage, and the target falls prone. In addition, each
On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the dragon can use a free enemy adjacent to the target takes 7 damage.
action to move up to its speed, to charge, or to use bite or claw. If the Bloodied Breath • Encounter
dragon cannot take a free action due to a dazing, dominating, or Trigger: The dragon is first bloodied.
stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the dragon taking the Effect (Free Action): Breath weapon recharges, and the dragon uses it.
action. Skills Athletics +18
Savage Blood Str 22 (+13) Dex 14 (+9) Wis 16 (+10)
While bloodied, the dragon scores critical hits on a roll of 17-20. Con 23 (+13) Int 13 (+8) Cha 13 (+8)
STANDARD ACTIONS Alignment evil Languages Common, Draconic
m Bite (necrotic) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 3 (one creature); +19 vs. AC Shade Enclave Defender Level 14 Soldier
Hit: 3d8 + 10 damage and ongoing 10 necrotic damage (save ends). Medium shadow humanoid, human XP 1000
Miss: Half damage. HP 139; Bloodied 69 Initiative +12
M Claw • At-Will AC 30, Fortitude 25, Reflex 25, Will 27 Perception +15
Attack: Melee 3 (one creature); +19 vs. AC Speed 6 Darkvision
Hit: 3d8 + 15 damage. STANDARD ACTIONS
M Dragon’s Fury • At-Will m Scourge (weapon) • At-Will
Effect: The dragon uses claw twice. Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +19 vs. AC
R Shadow Tomb (necrotic) • Recharge when first bloodied Hit: 3d6 + 12 damage.
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +17 vs. Reflex Effect: The target is marked until the end of the defender’s next turn.
Hit: The target is stunned, cannot be pulled, pushed, or slid, and takes M Ensnaring Lash (weapon) • At-Will
ongoing 20 necrotic damage (save ends all). Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +19 vs. AC
Aftereffect: The target is weakened and takes ongoing 10 necrotic Hit: 3d6 + 12 damage, and the target is grabbed (escape DC 21). Until
damage (save ends both). the grab ends, the target takes ongoing 10 damage. The grab ends
C Breath Weapon (necrotic) • Encounter automatically if the defender uses this power again.
Attack: Close blast 5 (creatures in the blast); +17 vs. Reflex TRIGGERED ACTIONS
Hit: 3d6 + 5 necrotic damage, and ongoing 10 necrotic damage (save M Retributive Flogging • At-Will
ends). Trigger: An enemy within 2 squares of the defender and marked by it
Miss: Half damage, and ongoing 5 necrotic damage (save ends). deals damage to one of the defender’s allies.
Effect (Immediate Reaction): The defender makes a melee basic attack
against the triggering enemy.
Str 18 (+11) Dex 17 (+10) Wis 16 (+10)
Con 19 (+11) Int 19 (+11) Cha 22 (+13)
Alignment evil Languages Common
Equipment chainmail, scourge

Encounter 3: Defend Sakkors (AL 12 Continued)
Shade Enclave Duelist Level 13 Skirmisher Shade Enclave Ravenspeaker Level 13 Artillery
Medium shadow humanoid, human XP 800 Medium shadow humanoid, human XP 800
HP 130; Bloodied 65 Initiative +15 HP 102; Bloodied 51 Initiative +6
AC 27, Fortitude 24, Reflex 26, Will 26 Perception +10 AC 27, Fortitude 24, Reflex 25, Will 26 Perception +12
Speed 6 Darkvision Speed 6 Darkvision
TRAITS TRAITS
Perfect Duelist Furious Flock
The duelist gains a +4 power bonus to AC and Reflex against attacks The ravenspeaker can score a critical hit on a roll of 19-20 against an
triggered by his movement. enemy that has one or more of the ravenspeaker’s allies adjacent to it.
STANDARD ACTIONS STANDARD ACTIONS
m Rapier (weapon) • At-Will m Morningstar (weapon) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +18 vs. AC Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +18 vs. AC
Hit: 3d6 + 11 damage, or 3d6 + 21 against a prone target. Hit: 2d10 + 9 damage.
M Backhand • At-Will r Midwinter Wind (cold, necrotic) • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +16 vs. Reflex Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +18 vs. Reflex
Hit: 3d6 + 6 damage. If the attack roll was even, the target falls prone. Hit: 2d12 + 9 cold and necrotic damage, and the ravenspeaker can
If the attack roll was odd, the target grants combat advantage (save slide the target 1 square.
ends). A Swirling Ravens (zone) • Encounter
M Fist and Pommel (weapon) • Recharge when first bloodied Attack: Area burst 2 within 10 (enemies in the burst); +18 vs. Fortitude
Effect: The duelist uses backhand and then rapier. He can shift up to 2 Hit: 3d8 + 11 damage.
squares before, in between, and after the attacks. If both attacks hit Miss: Half damage.
the same target, that target is dazed (save ends). Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the
M Quick Temper • Recharge when an enemy the duelist can see uses ravenspeaker’s next turn. Enemies in the zone are slowed and take a
an action point ‒5 penalty to attack rolls against creatures not adjacent to them.
Effect: The duelist shifts up to his speed and uses backhand. Sustain Minor: The zone persists until the end of the ravenspeaker’s
TRIGGERED ACTIONS next turn, and the ravenspeaker can move the center of the zone up
Cunning Strategist • Encounter to 3 squares.
Trigger: An ally the duelist can see and who can hear the duelist misses TRIGGERED ACTIONS
with an attack roll. Unkind Flight (polymorph) • Encounter
Effect (Immediate Interrupt): The triggering ally rerolls the triggering Requirement: The ravenspeaker must be bloodied.
attack roll and uses the better result. Trigger: The ravenspeaker is damaged by a melee attack.
Skills Acrobatics +18, Bluff +17, Diplomacy +17, Insight +15 Effect (Immediate Reaction): The ravenspeaker assumes the form of a
Str 20 (+11) Dex 24 (+13) Wis 19 (+10) flock of swirling ravens and flies up to 8 squares. While in this form,
Con 18 (+10) Int 19 (+10) Cha 22 (+12) the ravenspeaker is insubstantial and can move through enemies’
Alignment evil Languages Common spaces. Each time the ravenspeaker enters an enemy’s space during
Equipment leather armor, rapier this movement, that enemy takes ongoing 10 damage (save ends).
The form ends at the end of this movement.
Skills Arcana +16, Nature +16
Str 12 (+7) Dex 10 (+6) Wis 23 (+12)
Con 18 (+10) Int 20 (+11) Cha 12 (+7)
Equipment robes, morningstar

Str 18 (+12) Dex 17 (+11) Wis 16 (+11)
Con 19 (+12) Int 19 (+12) Cha 22 (+14)

TRAITS TRAITS
Str 12 (+8) Dex 10 (+7) Wis 23 (+13)
Con 18 (+11) Int 20 (+12) Cha 12 (+8)

Str 18 (+13) Dex 17 (+12) Wis 16 (+12)
Con 19 (+13) Int 19 (+13) Cha 22 (+15)

TRAITS TRAITS
Str 12 (+9) Dex 10 (+8) Wis 23 (+14)
Con 18 (+12) Int 20 (+13) Cha 12 (+9)

Str 18 (+14) Dex 17 (+13) Wis 16 (+13)
Con 19 (+14) Int 19 (+14) Cha 22 (+16)

TRAITS TRAITS
Str 12 (+10) Dex 10 (+9) Wis 23 (+15)
Con 18 (+13) Int 20 (+14) Cha 12 (+10)

Deadly Necrosis Hit: 3d8 + 15 damage, and the target falls prone. In addition, each
The dragon’s attacks ignore the first 5 points of a target’s necrotic enemy adjacent to the target takes 15 damage.
resistance. Bloodied Breath • Encounter
Instinctive Rampage Trigger: The dragon is first bloodied.
On an initiative of 10 + its initiative check, the dragon can use a free Effect (Free Action): Breath weapon recharges, and the dragon uses it.
action to move up to its speed, to charge, or to use bite or claw. If the Skills Athletics +22
dragon cannot take a free action due to a dazing, dominating, or Str 22 (+17) Dex 14 (+13) Wis 16 (+14)
stunning effect, then that effect ends instead of the dragon taking the Con 23 (+17) Int 13 (+12) Cha 13 (+12)
action. Alignment evil Languages Common, Draconic
Savage Blood
While bloodied, the dragon scores critical hits on a roll of 17-20. Shade Enclave Defender Level 22 Soldier
STANDARD ACTIONS Medium shadow humanoid, human XP 4150
m Bite (necrotic) • At-Will HP 203; Bloodied 101 Initiative +16
Attack: Melee 3 (one creature); +27 vs. AC AC 38, Fortitude 33, Reflex 33, Will 35 Perception +17
Hit: 4d8 + 15 damage and ongoing 15 necrotic damage (save ends). Speed 6 Darkvision
Miss: Half damage. STANDARD ACTIONS
M Claw • At-Will m Scourge (weapon) • At-Will
Hit: 4d8 + 20 damage. Hit: 4d6 + 16 damage.
M Dragon’s Fury • At-Will Effect: The target is marked until the end of the defender’s next turn.
Effect: The dragon uses claw twice. M Ensnaring Lash (weapon) • At-Will
R Shadow Tomb (necrotic) • Recharge when first bloodied Attack: Melee 2 (one creature); +27 vs. AC
Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +25 vs. Reflex Hit: 4d6 + 16 damage, and the target is grabbed (escape DC 25). Until
Hit: The target is stunned, cannot be pulled, pushed, or slid, and takes the grab ends, the target takes ongoing 25 damage. The grab ends
ongoing 50 necrotic damage (save ends all). automatically if the defender uses this power again.
Aftereffect: The target is weakened and takes ongoing 25 necrotic TRIGGERED ACTIONS
damage (save ends both). M Retributive Flogging • At-Will
C Breath Weapon (necrotic) • Encounter Trigger: An enemy within 2 squares of the defender and marked by it
Attack: Close blast 5 (creatures in the blast); +25 vs. Reflex deals damage to one of the defender’s allies.
Hit: 3d8 + 10 necrotic damage, and ongoing 15 necrotic damage (save Effect (Immediate Reaction): The defender makes a melee basic attack
ends). against the triggering enemy.
Miss: Half damage, and ongoing 10 necrotic damage (save ends). Str 18 (+15) Dex 17 (+14) Wis 16 (+14)
Con 19 (+15) Int 19 (+15) Cha 22 (+17)

TRAITS TRAITS
Precise Strike STANDARD ACTIONS
The duelist scores critical hits on a roll of 19-20. m Morningstar (weapon) • At-Will
STANDARD ACTIONS Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +27 vs. AC
m Rapier (weapon) • At-Will Hit: 3d10 + 14 damage.
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +27 vs. AC r Midwinter Wind (cold, necrotic) • At-Will
Hit: 4d6 + 16 damage, or 4d6 + 30 against a prone target. Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +25 vs. Reflex
M Backhand • At-Will Hit: 3d12 + 12 cold and necrotic damage, and the ravenspeaker can
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +25 vs. Reflex slide the target 1 square.
Hit: 4d6 + 16 damage. If the attack roll was even, the target falls prone. A Swirling Ravens (zone) • Encounter
If the attack roll was odd, the target grants combat advantage (save Attack: Area burst 2 within 10 (enemies in the burst); +25 vs. Fortitude
ends). Hit: 4d6 + 19 damage.
M Fist and Pommel (weapon) • Recharge when first bloodied Miss: Half damage.
Effect: The duelist uses backhand and then rapier. He can shift up to 2 Effect: The burst creates a zone that lasts until the end of the
squares before, in between, and after the attacks. If both attacks hit ravenspeaker’s next turn. Enemies in the zone are slowed and take a
the same target, that target is dazed (save ends). ‒5 penalty to attack rolls against creatures not adjacent to them.
M Quick Temper • Recharge when an enemy the duelist can see uses Sustain Minor: The zone persists until the end of the ravenspeaker’s
an action point next turn, and the ravenspeaker can move the center of the zone up
Effect: The duelist shifts up to his speed and uses backhand. to 3 squares.
TRIGGERED ACTIONS TRIGGERED ACTIONS
Cunning Strategist • Encounter Unkind Flight (polymorph) • Encounter
Trigger: An ally the duelist can see and who can hear the duelist misses Requirement: The ravenspeaker must be bloodied.
with an attack roll. Trigger: The ravenspeaker is damaged by a melee attack.
Effect (Immediate Interrupt): The triggering ally rerolls the triggering Effect (Immediate Reaction): The ravenspeaker assumes the form of a
attack roll and uses the better result. flock of swirling ravens and flies up to 8 squares. While in this form,
Skills Acrobatics +23, Bluff +22, Diplomacy +22, Insight +20 the ravenspeaker is insubstantial and can move through enemies’
Str 20 (+16) Dex 24 (+18) Wis 19 (+15) spaces. Each time the ravenspeaker enters an enemy’s space during
Con 18 (+15) Int 19 (+15) Cha 22 (+17) this movement, that enemy takes ongoing 10 damage (save ends).
Alignment evil Languages Common The form ends at the end of this movement.
Equipment leather armor, rapier Skills Arcana +21, Nature +21
Str 12 (+12) Dex 10 (+11) Wis 23 (+17)
Con 18 (+15) Int 20 (+16) Cha 12 (+12)

Encounter 4: Find the Treasure
There is no treasure in this encounter.
Control Room
Skill Challenge
With the initial assault turned aside, the volunteer
garrison on Sakkors seals up the city’s innermost
defenses and prepares to fight a holding action. The goal
is not to defeat the Netherese army in a pitched battle,
simply to keep the Netherese from reaching the control
room of Sakkors long enough for the PCs to find and
destroy the control room of Shade Enclave.
Boxed text
Sakkors crashes into Shade Enclave with a thunderous

clash and a grinding of metal and stone. The PCs make
their way into Shade Enclave and must complete a skill
challenge to locate the control room and break the
magical wards protecting its entrance. Obviously, they
need to do this while drawing as little attention to
themselves as possible, because if they get into a pitched
battle with the defenders of Shade Enclave, they will be
overwhelmed.
Boxed text
Skill challenge for the PCs to get onto Shade Enclave

undetected, make their way through the city undetected,
find the control room, and get into the control room
(opening the door requires solving a puzzle).
Boxed text
Unlocking the Control Room

Getting into the control room requires solving a puzzle.
Boxed text
Instructions for how to run the puzzle.

Once the PCs reach the control room and start working
on the puzzle, they must be standing on the ramp
outside the tower. Go ahead and put out the battle map
for Encounter 5 and have them set up anywhere along
the ramp outside the main tower. The combat doesn’t
actually begin until they enter the control room,
however.
Milestone

Encounter 5: Kill Shade Six PCs: Increase the Eye of Shade Enclave’s hit points
by 50% (same rationale as the 4-player scaling, in
Enclave reverse).
If the party is on the high end of the level range for
the AL, consider reducing the amount of damage that
Combat (EL = AL + 3) the Core deals to itself from 8 to 4 per spawn (or remove
The PCs have reached the heart of Shade Enclave the damage entirely if the party has already
(literally as well as figuratively). They must enter the demonstrated very high damage output).
control room and kill the flying citadel by destroying its If 6 spawn (plus the Eye and the Core, which are
core and its eye. Only then will Sakkors be able to drive effectively a single creature for purposes of damage) isn’t
both itself and Shade Enclave into the ground. enough to sufficiently threaten the party, consider
increasing the maximum number that can be on the
map to 8 or even 10. You may wish to combine this
Creatures change with lowering the damage that the Core takes
AL 12 (6100 XP): per spawn it creates, however, or else it might burn up
Core of Shade Enclave (level 13 solo) the shared pool of hit points very quickly if the PCs are
Eye of Shade Enclave (level 12 elite) killing 6-8 spawn per round and also inflicting heavy
6 Spawn of Shade Enclave (level 12 minions) damage on the Core and/or the Eye.
AL 14 (8000 XP):
Core of Shade Enclave (level 14 solo)
Eye of Shade Enclave (level 14 elite) The PCs must kill the core (it cannot be reasoned with
6 Spawn of Shade Enclave (level 14 minions) the way Sakkors was) and then barricade themselves
inside the control room to ensure that the Netherese
AL 16 (12,200 XP): cannot do anything to stop Shade Enclave’s fall. (If the
Core of Shade Enclave (level 17 solo) PCs chicken out at this point and teleport or fly away
Eye of Shade Enclave (level 16 elite) instead of riding Shade Enclave to its final death, the
6 Spawn of Shade Enclave (level 16 minions) Netherese are able to minimize their losses, although
the flying citadel is still grounded.)
AL 18 (16,000 XP):
Core of Shade Enclave (level 18 solo) Milestone
Eye of Shade Enclave (level 18 elite) This encounter counts toward a milestone.
6 Spawn of Shade Enclave (level 18 minions)
Treasure
AL 20 (25,600 XP):
There is no treasure in this encounter. (There probably
Core of Shade Enclave (level 21 solo)
ought to be something cool in the control room, but I
Eye of Shade Enclave (level 21 elite)
haven’t thought of it yet, and anyway if the PCs are doing
6 Spawn of Shade Enclave (level 21 minion)
what they signed up to do, they won’t be taking it with
them.)
Scaling the Encounter
Four PCs: Reduce the Eye of Shade Enclave’s hit points
by 50% (this does not make the Eye easier to kill
immediately, due to the soul link ability that it shares
with the Core, but it makes the encounter easier by
approximately one creature’s worth of hit points).
Also consider lowering the maximum number of
Spawn that can be on the map from 6 to 5 (or even to 4
if the party is on the low end of the level range for the
AL or has demonstrated low damage output).
Lowering the number of Spawn is a double-edged
sword; although it means fewer creatures for the PCs to
deal with, the Core takes damage every time it creates
more of them, so if the maximum is lower, that reduces
the amount of damage the Core can deal to itself every
round.

Encounter 5: Kill Shade Enclave (AL 12)
Core of Shade Enclave Level 13 Solo Controller Eye of Shade Enclave Level 12 Elite Lurker
Large shadow magical beast XP 4000 Large shadow magical beast XP 1400
Speed 6; phasing Darkvision, tremorsense 10 Speed 0, fly 6 (hover) Darkvision
Immune dominated; Resist 10 acid Immune dominated
Saving Throws +5; Action Points 2 Saving Throws +2; Action Points 1
TRAITS TRAITS
One with the Enclave All-Around Vision
The core cannot leave the tower, and it is immune to any effect that Enemies can’t gain combat advantage by flanking the eye.
would remove it from play or transport it outside the tower. Combat Advantage
Soul Link The eye deals 2d6 extra damage against creatures granting combat
At the start of the encounter, the core and the eye combine their hit advantage to it.
points into one sum. Damage to either creature deducts from that total. One with the Enclave
When that total is reduced to 0, both creatures are destroyed The eye cannot leave the tower, and it is immune to any effect that
simultaneously. would remove it from play or transport it outside the tower.
Threatening Reach Soul Link
The core can make opportunity attacks against any creature within 3 At the start of the encounter, the core and the eye combine their hit
squares of it. points into one sum. Damage to either creature deducts from that total.
Undaunted When that total is reduced to 0, both creatures are destroyed
If the core is stunned, it is dazed instead. simultaneously.
m Slam • At-Will m Bite • At-Will
Effect: The core slides the target up to 3 squares. R Eye Rays • At-Will
M Grab • At-Will Effect: The eye uses one or two of the following eye rays without
Attack: Melee 3 (one, two, or three creatures); +16 vs. Reflex provoking opportunity attacks. Each ray must target a different enemy.
Hit: 3d8 + 14 damage, and the target is grabbed (escape DC 20). 1 Blinding Ray (radiant)
MINOR ACTIONS Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +15 vs. Reflex
C Rippling Architecture • Recharge when first bloodied Hit: 3d6 + 5 radiant damage, and the target is blinded until the end of
Attack: Close burst 5 (enemies in the burst); +16 vs. Reflex its next turn.
Hit: 2d8 + 6 damage, the target is forced to the ground if it is flying, the 2 Thundering Ray (thunder)
target falls prone, and the target loses its fly speed and is slowed (save Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +15 vs. Fortitude
ends both). Hit: 3d6 + 10 thunder damage, and the target is deafened until the end
FREE ACTIONS of its next turn.
M Maw of Doom (acid) • At-Will 1/round 3 Shadowbond Ray (necrotic)
Requirement: It must be the core’s turn. Attack: Ranged 10 (one creature); +15 vs. Will
Attack: Melee 3 (one creature grabbed by the core); +16 vs. Fortitude Hit: 3d6 + 5 necrotic damage, and the target is immobilized (save ends).
Hit: The core slides the target up to 3 squares to a square adjacent to MOVE ACTIONS
itself or to a wall of the tower. The target then takes 3d6 + 11 acid Vanish into Shadow (illusion, teleportation) • Recharge 4 5 6
damage. Effect: The eye teleports 20 squares and becomes invisible until it
The Walls are Alive • At-Will 1/round attacks or until the end of its next turn.
Requirement: It must be the core’s turn and there must be fewer than six MINOR ACTIONS
spawns of Shade Enclave on the map. R Central Eye (fear) • At-Will 1/round
Effect: The core creates one or more spawns in unoccupied squares Special: This attack does not provoke opportunity attacks.
anywhere within the tower. There can never be more than six spawns Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +15 vs. Will
on the map. The core takes 8 damage for each spawn it creates. Hit: The target grants combat advantage until the end of the eye’s next
Skills Bluff +17, Stealth +17 turn.
Str 25 (+13) Dex 22 (+12) Wis 21 (+11) Skills Stealth +17
Con 27 (+14) Int 20 (+11) Cha 22 (+12) Str 18 (+10) Dex 22 (+12) Wis 19 (+10)
Alignment unaligned Languages telepathy 20 Con 19 (+10) Int 19 (+10) Cha 16 (+9)
Alignment unaligned Languages telepathy 20

Encounter 5: Kill Shade Enclave (AL 12 Continued)
Spawn of Shade Enclave Level 12 Minion Lurker
Medium shadow magical beast XP 175
HP 1; a missed attack roll never damages a minion. Initiative +16
AC 26, Fortitude 24, Reflex 25, Will 23 Perception +10
Speed 6; see also tower phasing Darkvision, tremorsense 5
Resist 10 acid
TRAITS
Ambush
The spawn deals 2 extra damage against creatures granting combat
advantage to it, and when it charges. These bonuses stack.
One with the Enclave
The spawn cannot leave the tower. Any effect that would cause it to be
removed from play or transport it outside the tower instead kills it.
Tower Phasing
The spawn can phase through the walls of the tower and through
creatures that are part of the tower (the core, the eye, and other
spawn of Shade Enclave), but not through other creatures.
STANDARD ACTIONS
m Slam • At-Will
Attack: Melee 1 (one creature); +17 vs. AC
Hit: 10 damage.
Skills Stealth +17
Str 21 (+11) Dex 23 (+12) Wis 19 (+10)
Con 19 (+10) Int 19 (+10) Cha 16 (+9)
Alignment unaligned Languages --

TRAITS TRAITS

Resist 10 acid
TRAITS
Ambush
Tower Phasing
STANDARD ACTIONS
m Slam • At-Will
Hit: 11 damage.
Skills Stealth +18
Str 21 (+12) Dex 23 (+13) Wis 19 (+11)
Con 19 (+11) Int 19 (+11) Cha 16 (+10)

TRAITS TRAITS

Resist 10 acid
TRAITS
Ambush
Tower Phasing
STANDARD ACTIONS
m Slam • At-Will
Hit: 12 damage.
Skills Stealth +19
Str 21 (+13) Dex 23 (+14) Wis 19 (+12)
Con 19 (+12) Int 19 (+12) Cha 16 (+11)

TRAITS TRAITS

Resist 10 acid
TRAITS
Ambush
Tower Phasing
STANDARD ACTIONS
m Slam • At-Will
Hit: 13 damage.
Skills Stealth +20
Str 21 (+14) Dex 23 (+15) Wis 19 (+13)
Con 19 (+13) Int 19 (+13) Cha 16 (+12)

TRAITS TRAITS
Attack: Melee 3 (one creature grabbed by the core); +24 vs. Fortitude Hit: 4d6 + 10 necrotic damage, and the target is immobilized (save
Hit: The core slides the target up to 3 squares to a square adjacent to ends).
itself or to a wall of the tower. The target then takes 4d6 + 15 acid MOVE ACTIONS
damage. Vanish into Shadow (illusion, teleportation) • Recharge 4 5 6
The Walls are Alive • At-Will 1/round Effect: The eye teleports 20 squares and becomes invisible until it
Requirement: It must be the core’s turn and there must be fewer than six attacks or until the end of its next turn.
spawns of Shade Enclave on the map. MINOR ACTIONS
Effect: The core creates one or more spawns in unoccupied squares R Central Eye (fear) • At-Will 1/round
anywhere within the tower. There can never be more than six spawns Special: This attack does not provoke opportunity attacks.
on the map. The core takes 8 damage for each spawn it creates. Attack: Ranged 5 (one creature); +24 vs. Will
Skills Bluff +21, Stealth +21 Hit: The target grants combat advantage until the end of the eye’s next
Str 25 (+17) Dex 22 (+16) Wis 21 (+15) turn.
Con 27 (+18) Int 20 (+15) Cha 22 (+16) Skills Stealth +21
Alignment unaligned Languages telepathy 20 Str 18 (+14) Dex 22 (+16) Wis 19 (+14)
Con 19 (+14) Int 19 (+14) Cha 16 (+13)

Resist 15 acid
TRAITS
Ambush
Tower Phasing
STANDARD ACTIONS
m Slam • At-Will
Hit: 15 damage.
Skills Stealth +21
Str 21 (+15) Dex 23 (+16) Wis 19 (+14)
Con 19 (+14) Int 19 (+14) Cha 16 (+13)

Concluding the Adventure Shade Enclave (this basically boils down to each
individual player’s decision about what they want for
In order to achieve a complete success, the PCs must their character). These PCs cannot participate in
defeat both combat encounters and sacrifice themselves ADCP6-1, but they do not have to be permanently dead,
to crash Shade Enclave. They can achieve a partial either. If a player does choose to retire his character as a
success if they defeat both combat encounters but leave result of this adventure, however, then the player gets a
before the final moment when Shade Enclave and special legacy certificate that can be given to a different
Sakkors collide with the surface of Faerûn. They fail if character, representing a bequest from the character
they do not defeat both combat encounters. who sacrificed him or herself.
Failure Story Awards

What happens? Text
Impact on the Battle Treasure

Sakkors is recaptured and that combined with Shade Text
Enclave’s survival enables Netheril to easily gain air
superiority. Things look grim for Suzail.
Story Awards
Text
Treasure
Text
Partial Success
What happens?
Impact on the Battle

Sakkors is destroyed and Shade Enclave’s crash landing
deals a significant blow to Netheril. However, because
the PCs did not stay, the Netherese were able to reduce
their losses. Netheril does not begin the BI with air
superiority, but its army’s strength is not weakened as
much as it could have been. The PCs are not openly
criticized for their decision to abandon the suicide part
of their suicide mission, but there is some level of
unspoken scorn. Of course, truly and permanently
sacrificing oneself is much easier said than done.
Story Awards
Text
Treasure
Text
Complete Success
Sakkors and Shade Enclave are both destroyed. The
Netherese take significant losses, weakening their
assault on Suzail. Cormyr has a chance to begin the
battle with air superiority if SPEC6-1 was a success. If
Cormyr wins the battle, then there is a chance that the
PCs’ bodies can be recovered from the wreckage of

Rewards Summary Adventure Level 12
At the conclusion of the adventure, the PCs earn XP,
Minimum Possible XP: 1400 XP
access to Treasures, and possibly Story Awards. All totals Defeat the initial Netherese assault: +XXX XP
listed here are per PC. Find the control room: +YYY XP
Kill the Core of Shade Enclave: +ZZZ XP
Experience Points and Base Gold Maximum Possible XP: 2400 XP
All PCs earn at least the Minimum XP for playing the
Base Gold per PC: 1600 gp
adventure. In addition, the Major and Minor Objectives
are worth the listed XP awards if successfully completed
(as determined by the DM, following the guidelines Adventure Level 14
specified in the adventure). The PCs may be given Minimum Possible XP: 1800 XP
partial awards if the DM determines that they Defeat the initial Netherese assault: +XXX XP
completed part, but not all, of a given objective. Find the control room: +YYY XP
Any character that died during the adventure Kill the Core of Shade Enclave: +ZZZ XP
receives 20% less XP than the rest of the party, unless Maximum Possible XP: 3400 XP
there was a TPK, in which case the entire party
presumably failed to achieve at least some of the listed Base Gold per PC: 2750 gp
objectives. Even with the 20% penalty, a character may
not fall below the Minimum XP for the adventure. Adventure Level 16
Minimum Possible XP: 2510 XP per PC
Note that if the PCs stay for the entire ride to the ground Defeat the initial Netherese assault: +XXX XP
(i.e. they successfully complete their suicide mission) Find the control room: +YYY XP
then each player has to decide whether or not to retire Kill the Core of Shade Enclave: +ZZZ XP
the character. Maximum Possible XP: 4750 XP per PC
Those who choose retirement can bequeath a legacy
item onto another character belonging to the same Base Gold per PC: 5500 gp
player. These players simply need Story Award
PREQXX; they don’t need to worry about XP and Adventure Level 18
treasure (the character’s sacrifice will be remembered,
Minimum Possible XP: 3600 XP
but there are no earthly rewards to worry about). Defeat the initial Netherese assault: +XXX XP
Those who do not wish to retire their characters Find the control room: +YYY XP
permanently may instead choose to have some piece of Kill the Core of Shade Enclave: +ZZZ XP
the dead PC’s body discovered in the wreckage of Shade Maximum Possible XP: 6800 XP
Enclave following the battle, and earn the listed XP and
treasure (characters who succeeded at the overall Base Gold per PC: 11000 gp
mission and completed the suicide mission do not suffer
the 20% XP penalty for dying, but characters who died
Adventure Level 20
before the Conclusion do suffer the penalty as usual).
These characters do not get to bequeath a legacy item, Minimum Possible XP: 5020 XP
Defeat the initial Netherese assault: +XXX XP
and cannot play ADCP6-1, but otherwise may continue
Find the control room: +YYY XP
with their adventuring careers.
Kill the Core of Shade Enclave: +ZZZ XP
Maximum Possible XP: 9500 XP
Gold per PC: 16500 gp

Treasure
Each PC receives treasure in the form of gold pieces (the Each PC Selects One of the Following:
“Base Gold” listed above) as well as the option to select
from a list of Treasures. A Treasure may give the PC ALL ALs:
more gold, a magic item, or something else of value. Treasure X (Choose an Item): The character finds a
Each player makes one and only one selection for their Common or Uncommon permanent magic item of the
character; multiple players may choose the same player’s choice. This item must come from a player
Treasure. Some of the listed Treasures may not be resource (as defined in the LFR Campaign Guide).
available if the PCs did not complete the objective The player may choose a Common magic item of
specified in the adventure to unlock that Treasure. the character’s level + 2 or less, or an Uncommon magic
If a character buys or sells gear during the item of the character’s level or less. The character must
adventure (or pays for services, such as NPC ritual have an available found-item slot, and only permanent
casting) add or subtract the amount from the base gold. magic items may be chosen with this option (no
If a player selects a Treasure that gives their character consumables, ammunition, etc.)
more gold, add that amount to that character’s base gold
award. It is possible and permissible for a character to Treasure Z (More Gold): The character finds or is
spend more gold than he or she earns during an given coins, gems, jewelry, art objects, ritual
adventure, but characters may not spend gold that they components, or other non-magical valuables (in addition
do not have. For details on selling items, see the Living to his or her Base Gold).
Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide. AL 12: 1000 gp
If a player selects a magic weapon or suit of armor AL 14: 1750 gp
for their PC that is not specific on the type of item listed, AL 16: 3500 gp
they must select the exact item at the time they choose AL 18: 7000 gp
that bundle. For example, if a duelist’s weapon +1 is listed AL 20: 11000 gp
as a Treasure, a player selects the form of the weapon
amongst the choices possible for that magic item (light
blades). If the player selects the item as a +1 duelist’s
dagger, the player writes that information down on the
PC’s adventure log and the item is forever after that
specific weapon.
Certain Treasures have a minimum adventure level
listed. That Treasure is not available if the group played
below the minimum adventure level. However, those
who played at a higher adventure level can always
choose from the lower-level options.

Story Awards
Award these if the PC completes the condition for the
award in the adventure. Pass out certificates to the
players for their Story Awards.
Story award information goes here
PREQXX Story Award Title

Story Award Text
PREQYY Story Award Title

Story Award Text
PREQZZ Story Award Title

Story Award Text
Any other information needed goes here

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PREQ6-1

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Adventure Background must infiltrate Shade Enclave (hopefully using the

Boxed text about the very important meeting

More details about the very important meeting. When

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Important NPCs Treasure

Q&A goes here

Final boxed text goes here

Any additional information (supply run, free rituals, etc.)

Ending the Encounter

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The ritual of invisibility shrouding Sakkors is stripped

Skill challenge (plus attack rolls) to fire the ballistae,

Final boxed text goes here

Ending the Encounter

Scaling the Encounter

Note: The dragon has the abilities and combat statistics

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Sakkors crashes into Shade Enclave with a thunderous

Skill challenge for the PCs to get onto Shade Enclave

Unlocking the Control Room

Instructions for how to run the puzzle.

Ending the Encounter

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Failure Story Awards

Impact on the Battle Treasure

Impact on the Battle

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Gold per PC: 16500 gp

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Story award information goes here

PREQXX Story Award Title

Story award information goes here

PREQYY Story Award Title

Story award information goes here

PREQZZ Story Award Title

Any other information needed goes here

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