Shadows of the

Sunken Dread
A 5E Module by Mick
for 4-6 characters
of levels 3-4
Table of Contents
Shadows of the Sunken Dread 2
What has happened so far 3
The Holy Land of Romagna and the domains of House Malatesta 4
Recent History 4
Malatesta III and the Hold of Montefiore Conca 4
Meeting the Family Breaker 5
Timeline of Main Events 5
This Module 5
The Setting 5
What Has Happened Before 5
Scenario I: Mercenaries from Montefeltro 6
Scenario II: Etruscan Cult of Death 6
The Etruscans 6
Written by: Mick The Holy Land of Romagna (Map) 7
ofthornsandiron@gmail.com Scenario III: Two Old Friends 8
www.ofironandthorns.com The Hold of Montefiore Conca (Map and keys) 9
www.facebook.com/ofironandthorns Pregenerated Characters 10
Non Player Characters 11
Malatesta III Malatesta 11
About this Module Ferrantino Malatesta 11
Maddalena Malatesta 11
This module was inspired by the Cerasus 11
calamity that struck the geographical area Xyglorath 11
Romagna, an Italian region, in 2023. Guido del Cassero 11
The adventure is generic and adaptable Angiolello da Carignano 11
to any setting, not just that of Of Iron House Malatesta (sidebar) 11
and Thorns, which will be released in the New Monster: Etruscan Chtonoid 12
future months. In any case, if necessary,
I will lend support on the adaptation of
the module even after the collection is
finished.
The OIAT setting uses names of existing
characters, organizations and places taken
from different historical periods of
medieval and Renaissance Italy, readers
are invited to research online how
much is real and how much is fantasy.
They could have quite a few surprises,
the most incredible facts might not be
invented at all.
This module is dedicated to two great
RPG names we lost recently: Russ
Nicholson and Scott Bennie.

Released under OGL license v1.0a.

2023 ANNO LACRIMARUM

2
what has happened so far

Of Iron And Thorns is a dark fantasy

uchronic setting set in an imaginary land
that share many references to Medieval
Italy, but with monsters and magic and a
dark past where light and darkness have
been battling for centuries.

The Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I

ruler of the powerful Sacrum Romanum
Imperium, just got his newborn heir, his
beautiful grandson Frederick II, the one
who will be known as the Antichrist.
In this setting the Imperium never
fragmented and is still as vast as its
larger expansion reconquered land after
lad after the chaotic Third Era, known
as the Dark Era. Only the Middle East
has not been totally reconquered and a
Crusade has been raised to claim the
Holy Sepulchre.

During the birth of the young scion of

the Emperorin Jesi, several leagues south
within the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome,
the mummified body of the first pope,
still encased in his magical golden throne,
opened wide his eyes and emitted a
shriek of agony that was heard by all the
Primarchs and blew out the windows of
every church and cathedral in the Holy
Empire.
That night the Templar guards raised
defenses in all the churches of the
Imperium, and a papal legate was sent
to the Emperor’s court to demand the
immediate sacrifice of his nephew to be
thrown into the purifying fire.
At this demand, Frederick had the legate
flayed, returning the skin to the pope
in a casket. The gruesome skin message
bore the Emperor’s reply, accusing the
pope of being in the service of Astaroth
the demon of temptation.
And as such the legate had to suffer the
fate of the apostle, Bartholomew.
At the conception of Frederick II the
entire peninsula was shaken by storms,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and
thunder so tremendous that the entire
known world was ravaged.
At the dawn of that terrible moment,
3
a long and bitter struggle started that
pitted the Pope against the Emperor, in
two factions loyal to one or the other
crown, the Iron Crown of the Empire
and the Crown of Thorns of Our Lord.
Those loyal to the emperor, the
Ghibellines, and those loyal to the
pope, the Guelphs, declared themselves
outright almost immediately, but many
families still have internally conflicting
souls as well as some have preferred to
entrench themselves in ancestral abodes
by maintaining reserved silence.
Romagna and House
Malatesta
Romagna is the easterm part of the
region known as Emilia-Romagna, in
northern Italy. Divided since the Third
Era by ethnic and cultural regions,
Romagna is firmly in the hands of the
Guelph faction of the pope. The great
and ancient Bononia can be considered
the first of the cities of Romagna, with
a very ancient university and the largest
dungeon in the region. All the lowland
lands east of Bononia were devastated
by floods and storms as far as the city
where Frederick II was born, Jesi in the
nearby March. Rumors are circulating
about the terrible allivions that devastated
entire villages in the interior lands of
the Byzantine coast. The restless spirits
of Fano’s best citizens, the paladins
Guido del Cassero and Angiolello
da Carignano, are rumored to be
responsible for such calamities. According
to legends, these citizens were brutally
murdered by mazzaratura (drowning)
on the orders of the lich Malatesta
I, the treacherous and cruel lord in
charge of the House of Malatesta that
still rules the family through the body of
his descendents (see character sheet of
Malatesta III at the end of the module).
The lands on the sea have been for
centuries the seat of the terrifying House
Malatesta of Ariminum, a powerful and
wealthy coastal city.
The Maltestas are a lineage of cunning
lords often cursed with horrible
deformities who nevertheless also bring
with them extraordinary abilities of the
mind.
Their current military leader, Pandolfo
Malatesta (LE human male fighter 16)
also known as The Wolf, is engaged in
a war standoff with the brutal and rocky
House Montefeltro of the March to
the south, while the head of the house
Lord Malatesta III runs his domains
with an iron fist.
Recent history
Months have passed since the Night of
the Shrieks, and the displaced populace has
spent all spring and summer hurriyingly
sorting out crops and gathering
provisions for the coming conflicts.
Captains of fortune from many lesser
lineages, monks, and sellswords took
up the call of many Houses who took
advantage of the chaos to have entire
families disappear in the dungeons of
their holds. While, however, in the
superificie the houses were settling
down and Frederick II beguiled by his
intelligence and extraordinary growth all
men who came to know him from every
corner of the earth, even more important
events were taking place beneath the crust
of the earth.
Beneath Bononia, the endless dungeons
and tunnels holding of the animals and
beasts of the Third Era collapsed in many
places, freeing underground creatures
that had lain dormant for centuries.
Beneath the Apennine Mountains of
the central peninsula, ancient chthonic
monstrosities buried by the dark magic of
the Etruscans, people of the Second Era
driven back underground by the Empire,
were emerging from their torpor. The
Etruscans, now a blind and albino race
with a morbid relationship to death,
began to be fewer and fewer in number.
In the area of Ariminum, they had
completely or nearly disappeared. When
Xyglorath the shapeless horror awoke a
year ago, the first creature he saw was
a cat named Cerasus, companion of the
beautiful and very young Maddalena
Malatesta, at the time forced for safety
in the aftermath of the fateful Night
of Shrieks into the Montefore Conca
castle by her father Ferrantino, a small
pawn of the powerful and numerous
household.
As the situation settled and families
started to arm themselves and hire
mercenary companies, Maddalena was
called back to court across the ravaaged
lands of the terrible flooding that struck
the Romagna countryside. The day she
was called back to Ariminum, though, she
could not find Cerasus, which apparently
4
disappeared in the dephts of the estensive
castle dungeons. When Cerasus met
Xyglorath the friendship was immediate.
Cats are the guardians of reality and live
on the border of worlds and get respect
and affection from all the creatures
of the Beyond. The colossal formless
monstrosity of the first era could swallow
the whole stronghold in his wake but was
stuck by Cerasus friendly purring. Since
then, Xyglorath has been feeding his
master with every kind of prey he could
find across the domains of the castle and
a solid friendship as been consolidated.
Cerasus is preventing the monstrous
Etruscan Chronoid (new monster, see
appendix) from striking Caesena and
Ariminum by swimming through the
great flooded valleys and literally devour
everything in its wake.
However, since Maddalena was back in
Ariminum, she has no peace and wants
to know what happened to Cerasus, her
cherry-colored cat.
Ever since young Maddalena was brought
to the ancestral Malatesta home has
only lost strength and become weaker
and weaker, desiring only the company
of her little companion. Unfortunaltely,
her illnes has nothing to do with the
distance from her lost companion, but
she is suffering from the mutation curse
of the House. How her psychic abilities
are going to evolve is up to the GM.
Feel free to write for suggestions and
questions on how to handle Maddalena’s
evolution.
Malatesta III and the hold
of Montefiore Conca
Malatesta III, lord of Ariminum, has
every intention of exploiting this period
of instability in the Empire to strike at
the greatest enemies of their house, the
Montefeltros. It is his intention to rally as
many households at his court to demand
allegiance in the confrontations that are
about to take place. To this end, Malatesta
III is planning to move troops south to
the border with his historical enemies.
Unfortunately, despite his formidable
psychic powers that allow him to read
into future sacrificial innards, he is unable
to gain visions of what is happening in
the fortress of Montefiore Conca. Psychic
storms prevent any form of foreknowledge
around the castle, over which a shadow
of terror has been orbiting for days.
 Meeting the Family Breaker

The Four Eras If you’re using pregenerated characters,

Through the adventures you will find referrals to Eras. Floramonda is representing her House
In order to avoid giving precise historical references despite using real or existing Malvasia, summoned by the greater
characters and places, Of Iron and Thorns refers to earlier periods enclosed in time House Malatesta for showing her fealty.
arcs called Eras. The rest of the party is following her
The First Era is the age of biblical Genesis, when the world was created and from previous adventures.
Lucifer banished to Hell after rebellion against God. An echo of this era still If you’re using other characters from
reverberates in the Beyond and in remote worlds where time and space do not exist, other settings, you can consider House
such as the source where Xyglorath came from. Malatesta is looking for muscle labor and
The Second Era is that of Man of the Ancient Age and the First Imperium. It is is hiring mecenaries for an upcoming
the period of Etruscans and Celts, Sumerians and other ancient civiliazions. Some of long series of conflict between imperial
these cultures still exist but have been banished to the borders of the Empire or far ghibellines and papal guelphs.
beyond, condemned for heresy by the One Church. Celts, Etruscans and others are T he upcoming Of Iron and T horns setting
playing races described here very briefly. One of the PCs, Corio, is a Celt. This will include a system that will cover mechanics
is the Era where Christ was born and Saint Peter took place in Rome as the First for “holiness” and sainthood broadly based on
Pope. All the popes of the past are still living in a suspended state and interact with adherence to the holy scriptures.
the clergy in a peculiar way.
The Third Era is the Age With No Emipre. More precisely most remnants of Malatesta III is rallying adventurers in
civilization dwelt in small city-states. It is a Dark Age where civilization collapsed, order to secure a place in the Malatesta
between the fall of the Roman Empire and the present Era. It corresponds to the armies for PCs loyal to the pope against
early Dark Ages and is a long and unspecified period in history when the land was Emperor Fredrick I and his newborn
wracked by chaos. Wars, plagues, and floods brought humanity almost to extinction, nephew. He actually also wants to probe
a period of formless monsters and lawless barbarians. The Third Age ended with PCs’ loyalty against the other enemy
the coronation of Emperor Charlemagne in Rome, first Emperor of the Second from the north, the ambitious House
Empire. Lombards and other peoples who lived in this era are also playable races, Da Polenta, in the north.
albeit mutated by the power of the Church into creatures no longer human in
appearance, marked by heresy. Many of the dynasties of the greatest noble houses Read the following text when the PC
living today track down their ancestry to the Third Era, albeit almost no document reach Malatesta III at Castel Sismondo,
exist beyond the Great Holy Library in Rome. a massive stronghold in the middle of
The Fourth Era is the present. Save for the anarchy of the Third Era, the Ariminum.
Imperium has ruled for centuries or perhaps millennia with the help of the pope and
the Church. All heresy has been crushed in Europe and Crusades have been led in As you enter the hall of the castle, a sense
a Eternal War against the blasphemers of the Middle East. The unbreakable alliance of foreboding settles upon you. T he air hangs
between Empire and Church has lasted until the past liturgical year when the birth heavy with an eerie silence, broken only
of Frederick II marked the beginning of a conflict between Church and Empire. by the faint flickering of torches lining the
A Fifth Era, Anno Lacrimarum, The Chaos Apocalypse, is the topic for a future walls. T he chamber is dimly lit, casting long,
supplement ominous shadows that dance and twist along
the ancient stone floor.
At the far end of the hall, seated upon a
Timeline of Main Events grotesque throne, is the powerful Malatesta
The calendar used in the Imperium is related to the year of the Emperor’s regency. We are currently
III Malatesta. His visage is a macabre
in the year 39. The seasons are marked by the liturgical calendar (Christmas, Easter, mid-seasons),
sight to behold, with three faces fused together.
• Year 0, December 25 - Fredrick II born, Night of the Shrieks
Two faces stare forward, their twisted
• Year 0, Winter - Xyglorath awakes and meets Cerasus
features contorted in an unsettling symphony
• Year 1, Spring - Several houses of the Empire declare their allegiance, Guelph and Gibelline
of deformity. T he third face, positioned on the
factions are created, Malatesta III recalls his niece to Ariminum, leaving a contingent at
back of his head, gazes out with vacant eyes,
Montefiore Conca, in the hills to the south of his lordship. Cerasus decides to stay with his
as if peering into the depths of your very soul.
friend. Xyglorath feds the bodies of the Malatestian guards to his companion.
A shiver runs down your spine as Malatesta
• Year 0, Summer - the mudflats ave dried and the characters are summoned to check their
III Malatesta’s voice resonates through the
allegiance and control what’s going on in the castle in Montefiore Conca.
hall, penetrating not just your ears, but also
5
 your mind. Each word is a chilling whisper
that seems to reverberate within the recesses
of your thoughts, sending a shudder through
your being. His voice carries an otherworldly
weight, as if it carries the burden of centuries
of darkness.
“I demand your loyalty,” the Lord of the
Castle croaks, his voice a chilling melody that
echoes within your mind. His words hang in
the air, a haunting invitation that demands
a response. T he leader of your group steps
forward, placing their hands between his
gnarled and twisted fingers. A solemn oath
is sworn, binding your fate to his.
With the oath of loyalty declared, Malatesta
III Malatesta gestures towards the south.
“You shall go to the Castle of Montefiore
Conca,” he commands, his voice punctuating
the stillness of the chamber. “Investigate the
aftermath of the floods that have ravaged the
land. Uncover the secrets that lie within its
walls and report back to me.”
As the PCs prepare to leave Castel
Sismondo, they have a second meeting
with the ruler’s niece, Maddalena.
Maddalena asks the PCs to bring back
news of her cat Cerasus, a sturdy red cat
who disappeared the night the Malatesta
guards brought the young girl back to
Ariminum. Maddalena looks very tried,
pale and with sunken eyes from lack of
sleep.
The Journey
The route from the gates of Ariminum
is bleak, entire villages have been covered
by mud, and in some areas the flooding
has not ended. River beds are still
overflowing and monks are engaged in
drainage and reclamation work. Insects
are everywhere, stinging and proliferating
on decaying organic matter all around.
Feel free to add as many chance encounters
as you like to the journey that begins
on the Roman Flaminia road and then
climbs into the southern hills. The hills
are full of bandits. An encounter with
the ghosts of Guido del Cassero and
Angiolello da Carignano might lead the
character to understand Malatesta III has
well deserved the name Guastafamiglia
(family breaker).
The captain has enhanced combat abilities
Scenario I: mercenaries of and acts as the primary damage dealer.
Montefeltro
A note on Floramonda and
After the disappearance of the Malatesta House Malvasia
guards left on lookout in the hold by
Xyglorath, the castle remained deserted. If the players use the pregenerated
A contingent of the lords of Montefeltro characters, Floramonda might call upon
arrived to scout the hills and settled in the the powers of her house, that have
castle, surprised by the lack of protection. varying degrees of confidence with the
Xyglorath perceived them but still has stars Floramonda might read the night
plenty f meat to feed his friend, frozen before that shedding blood and retreating
in the depths of the caves beneath the might lead to unexpected results. Indeed,
castle, like some kind of macabre larder. killing at least one of the mercenaries on
The mercenaries settled in about a month the central zone of the castle might catch
ago and have since protected the fort the attention of Xyglorath, which will
from bandits, sending a messenger to the consume all the mercenaries overnight.
court of their lord the ugly, rithless and
brutal Federico da Montefeltro (LE Scenario II: Blind
human male fighter 16).
If the characters can track down the Heritage of the
messenger, the general of the Malatesta Underworld
armies Sigismondo Pandolfo
Malatesta, better known as the Wolf, The Montefeltro mercenaries found the
will be grateful and might hire them for lower dungeons of the castle collapsed
further adventures. in varuous points. Aldoaldo the arcanist
The map of Montefiore Conca Castle is wisely chose to block out the entrance
unkeyed, feel free to arrange the band to the underworld that opened wide
strategies as you see better fit the style beneath them.
of play of your players. A small group of blind and mute
Etruscan servants were left behind by
Enemies their ancestors to attend the need of
The human mercenaries consist of five Xyglorath. They are now processing the
members, each with unique abilities and meat of the dead Malatesta swordsmen
roles: in order to provide meals to Cerasus.
- Adalberto, Mercenary Captain (Human Their leader, Velthur, will violently
Fighter, Level 5): HP 55, AC 18, Speed oppose any interference in the life of his
30 ft.; Multiattack: Greatsword [+8, master Xyglorath. He is aware of the cat,
2d6+4 slashing] x3 but will not mention its presence to the
- Berengario, Mercenary Scout (Human characters.
Rogue, Level 4): HP 36, AC 15, Speed
30 ft.; Multiattack: Shortbow [+7, 1d6+4 Velthur, Etruscan Deathbound
piercing] x2, Sneak Attack [2d6] Servant
- Gualtiero, Mercenary Vanguard (Human Cleric 5
Fighter, Level 4): HP 48, AC 19, AC: 15, hp 65, spd 30 ft.
Speed 30 ft.; Multiattack: Warhammer STR 14, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10,
[+7, 1d8+4 bludgeoning] x2, Shield Bash WIS 16, CHA 12
- Aldoaldo, Mercenary Arcanist (Human ST: W+6, Ch+3
Wizard, Level 4): HP 28, AC 12, Speed Skills: Religion +4, Insight +6
30 ft.; Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost; Senses: Passive Perception 13
Spells: Sleep, Magic Missile, Fog Cloud, Languages: Common, Abyssal
Misty Step, Web Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)
- Uberto, Mercenary Healer (Human Spellcasting: 5th-level spellcaster. Its
Cleric, Level 4): HP 40, AC 17, Speed spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save
30 ft.; Multiattack: Mace [+6, 1d6+3 DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). The
bludgeoning] x2; Spells: Cure Wounds, servant has the following spells prepared:
Shield of Faith, Guiding Bolt, Spiritual Cantrips (at will): Chill Touch, Spare the
Weapon, Lesser Restoration Dying, Toll the Dead
1st Level (4 slots): False Life, Inflict
6
Wounds, Bane, Cure Wounds
2nd Level (3 slots): Blindness/Deafness,
Ray of Enfeeblement, Gentle Repose
3rd Level (2 slots): Animate Dead,
Revivify, Vampiric Touch
Actions:
Lituus (staff)e: Melee Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
8 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. On
a critical hit, the target must succeed
on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw
or take an additional 14 (4d6) necrotic
damage.
Necrotic Bolt: Ranged Spell Attack: +6
to hit, range 60 ft., one target. Hit: 16
(3d10) necrotic damage.
Channel Negative Energy (Recharge
5-6): The Deathbound Servant releases
a burst of negative energy in a 20-
foot radius centered on itself. Each
creature in that area must make a DC
14 Constitution saving throw, taking 18
(4d8) necrotic damage on a failed save,
or half as much damage on a successful
one. Undead creatures in the area regain
hit points equal to the damage dealt.
Reactions:
Dark Pact: When the Deathbound
Servant is reduced to half its hit points
or fewer, it can make a dark pact with
the Beyond, gaining advantage on all
saving throws until the end of its next
turn.
Legendary Resistance (1/Day): If the
Deathbound Servant fails a saving throw,
it can choose to succeed instead.
Tactics:
The Deathbound Servant prefers to start
the encounter by casting Bane on the
party to weaken their attacks. They focus
their staff attacks on the squishier targets
while using Necrotic Bolt to strike from a
distance. They reserve Animate Dead to
summon undead minions if the situation
becomes dire. The servant strategically
uses Channel Negative Energy to damage
the entire party while replenishing their
own hit points.
Remember Velthur has no need for light,
he is going to use devious guerrilla tactics
against the PCs. Xyglrath emanations
recognize etruscan blood and they will
leave this people pass due to a millennium
old pact.
Velthur is going to suport Xyglorath if
the characters explore the dungeon levels
below the castle. If they don’t kill him, he
will appear 1-3 on d6 on every encounter
with Xyglorath emanations.
The Etruscans
Scenario III: Two Old
Friends
The scenario is a hide and seek, slow
erosion challenge against manifestations of
Xyglorath, the ancient formless monster
awakened by the cataclysms that followed
the floods.
Each time the characters enter a section
of the underground levels of the castle,
there is a 20% chanche they will find a
branch of the main body of Xyglorath, in
the form of tentacles slithering from the
ceiling or some cracks, amorphous flesh An ancient people of the Second Era,
appendages containing clumps of cysts, many Etruscans were absorbed into the
teeth and bones, or cold liquid tendrils of Roman Empire. When Constantine
ectoplasm. Be nasty and creative, include declared Catholicism a universal religion
the sense of fighting an invincible foe after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge,
(it is), the characters are lost in a dark, all pagan religions became instantly illegal
claustrophobic dungeon. Torches and the and a systematic eradication effort began.
like will be probably extinguished during Only the Etruscan priests associated with
the fight, and the place is cold and damp, death cults, buried under the crust of the
the corrosive slime left by Xyglorath earth, have managed to survive to this day.
manifestation freezer burns objects and Over the years, their biological structure
flesh like liquid nitrogen... mutated and they lost the use of speech, and
sight.
Emanation of Xyglorath: HD 6,
hp 27, #att 3, dmg 1-10+acid, swallow, The Etruscans today are a ghastly and
drowning. scary breed, morbidly connected to the
underworld. Their flesh is pale like that
During the fight against Xyglorath’s of a maggot and they use jewelry made
manifestations in the underground levels of skin and bone of every kind of living
of the castle, the characters must navigate creature.
through its corrosive slime, which leaves Their senses have been enormously
a cold burn similar to that of liquid amplified by prolonged life underground.
nitrogen. Every time a character who Their clergy in the Appennine mountains
comes into contact with the corrosive has developed an intimate affinity to the
slime left by Xyglorath’s manifestation horrors beyond, and are natural servants
he will take cold damage. The amount of emanations of Death.
of damage taken will depend on the Etruscans are almost blind and generally
severity of the contact and the duration not aggressive. They are nonetheless a
of exposure. Roll 1d8. very spiritual lot and will give their life
to protect their culture.
1. If a character steps in a puddle of the They are numerous in the Appenines of
corrosive slime for a few seconds, they central Italy, and sometimes deal with
take 1d4 cold necrotic damage. Celts for food and clothes. They are
2. If a character’s hand touches the slime considered pagan blasphemers by the One
while attacking an enemy, they take 1d6 Church and are systematically eradicated
cold damage. by the Imperium of they ever emerge to
3. If a character falls down and is surface.
completely submerged in the slime for a
round, they take 2d6 cold damage.
4. If a character is hit by a tentacle
covered in slime, they take 2d8 cold
damage.
5. If a character is restrained by the
slime for two rounds, they take 3d6
7
 1) Castel Sismondo

FLOODED LANDS

2) Monfefore Conca

Original map taken from History of Rimini Volume 1 By Luigi Tonini & Carlo Tonini, 1848

8
cold damage plus 1d6 for each additional The stalks will attack the characters from
round. different angles, making it difficult for
6. If a character is attacked by a large them to defend themselves. Use same
amount of corrosive slime, they take 6d6 stats as above.
cold damage.
7. If a character’s clothing becomes soaked ### 13-15: Liquid Tendrils
in the slime, they take 1d4 cold damage The characters enter a room filled with
per round until they remove the clothing. a viscous liquid that seems to be alive.
8. If a character’s skin comes into contact The liquid will start to move as soon as
with the slime, they take 1d8 cold damage the characters enter the room, forming
per round until they wash it off with tendrils that will try to grab them. The
water or another neutralizing substance. characters must make a Dexterity saving
throw to avoid being grabbed by the
Apart from the cold slime tracks, tendrils. If they are grabbed, they take
characters might encounter Xyglorath 1d6 acid damage per round until they
body extensions basically in every room break free. The liquid can be destroyed
and from any angle. with fire or acid, but it will take several
If the characters find a place with an rounds to do so. Use same stats as the
emanation, roll 1d20: stalk above.
Roll 1d20 Emanation ### 16. The Maze
The characters enter a section of the
1-6 Stalk, 1
cavern system that is like a maze. The
7-12 Stalk, 2-4 walls are made of rough-hewn stone,
13-15 Liquid Tendrils and the air is thick with moisture. They
16 The Maze soon realize that they are not alone in
this maze as they are being stalked by a
17 The Bridge
manifestation of Xyglorath’s body. The
18 The Lurker manifestation takes the form of a dark,
19 Whole room is a amorphous mass that seems to slide along
manifestation, gate the walls and ceiling. The characters
to the Beyond must navigate the maze and avoid the
20 Final room
manifestation while searching for a way
out. The manifestation can be harmed by
fire or acid, but it will regenerate quickly
if not destroyed completely.
### 17. The Bridge
The characters come across a deep
chasm that blocks their path. The only
way across is a narrow stone bridge that
spans the gap. However, the bridge is
old and unstable, and there are signs
that it has been damaged by Xyglorath’s
manifestations. As the characters cross
the bridge, they must make a Dexterity
saving throw to avoid falling off. If they
fail the save, they will fall into the chasm
and take falling damage. Additionally,
Xyglorath’s manifestations may attack the
characters while they are on the bridge,
causing it to shake and become more
unstable.
### 18. The Lurker
The characters enter a section of the
cavern system that is filled with water.
They soon realize that there is something
lurking in the water, waiting to attack
them. The creature is a manifestation
of Xyglorath’s body that has taken the
form of a large, tentacled monster. As
the characters move through the water,
they must make a Wisdom saving

### 1-6: Stalk, 1

The characters hear a faint whispering
noise coming from the darkness. They
can’t quite make out what it is, but it
sounds like something is stalking them.
Suddenly, they hear a loud screech and
a pair of glowing eyes appear in the
darkness. The characters must make a
Wisdom saving throw against fear or be
frightened for 1 minute.
- AC: 13
- HP: 22 (5d8)
- Speed: 40 ft.
- Attacks: 2x claws (1d4 slashing damage)
- Special abilities: Shadow Stealth (can
move through walls and other solid
objects)

### 7-12: Stalk, 2-4

The whispering noise is louder now, and
the characters can hear multiple voices.
They must make a Wisdom saving
throw or be frightened for 1 minute.

9
 The Montefiore Conca Castle

throw to avoid being grappled by the

monster’s tentacles. If they are grappled,
they will take bludgeoning damage each
round until they break free. The monster
can be harmed by fire or acid, but it
will regenerate quickly if not destroyed
completely.

### 19: Whole room is a manifestation,

gate to the Beyond
The characters enter a room that seems to
be alive. The walls, floor, and ceiling are
all pulsating with a strange energy. The
characters must make a Wisdom saving
throw or be stunned for 1 round. The
room is a manifestation of Xyglorath’s
power, and the characters must find
a way to destroy it. The gate to the
Beyond is located in the center of the
room, and the characters must destroy
the manifestation to access it.

### 20: Final room

When the characters meet the central
chamber read the following.

A small red cat is sleeping in the middle of a

huge chamber, surrounded by tons of clutter,
broken furniture, rolls of fabric and so on. A
sort of larder with neatly organized clots of
flesh stands at the bottom of the rock where
the cat is sleeping. In the half-light, barely
visible all around, a huge mass of tentacles,
eyes and more sinister things lovingly guard
the little feline from every shadow of the
cavern.

The characters should decide whether to

bring Cerasus back to the girl or risk to
unleash the powerful monstrosity on the
Sample dungeon* flooded lands.
If they get back to Ariminum without
Cerasus, Malatesta III will be nonetheless
happy to hear that the Montefeltro
mercenaries were defeated and will
reward them with money and maybe a
place in one of his or Pandolfo’s armies.
Bringing the cat to the girl and defeat
Xyglorath will earn the character a sainthood
point for future OIAT expansions.

*Create as many additional levels as you need here watabou.itch.io/cave-generator

10
Pregenerated Characters

aristocratic background, she is accustomed

to a certain standard of living and can be Celts
somewhat haughty at times.
Tactics. Floramonda is a capable fighter,
relying on her martial prowess to win
battles. She prefers to engage in melee
combat, using her longsword to take
down foes. She also carries javelins for
ranged attacks. She is a skilled tactician
and is able to quickly assess a situation
and come up with a plan of attack.
History. Floramonda comes from a long
line of noble warriors, and has been
trained in the art of combat since she
Floramonda Malvasia was a child. She served as a condottiero
Medium humanoid (human), lawful good for many years, leading troops into
Armor Class: 16 (splint mail, shield) battle and defending her family’s lands. Celts today are a simina, primitive, degenerate
Hit Points 30 (3d10 + 6) She was recently on a mission to Cipro race of cannibals from the second era. T heir
Speed: 30 ft. to fight against the corsairs. Her house bones are thick and their hair grow heavily on
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha | became popular in Bononia, where they their tattoed bodies.
| 14(+2) | 12(+1) | 14(+2) | 10(+0) | 15(+2) | 8(-1) | were selling wines.
Celts are the cannibal, heavily tattoed
Skills: Athletics +4, Insight +4,
brutes that inhabit the forested hills
Intimidation +1, Perception +4
and mountains of northern Italy and
Senses:** passive Perception 14
farther north. Their culture is primitive
Languages: Common
and saguinary, based on strength and
Challenge: 3 (700 XP)
conquest. They prefer raw meat,
Actions
particularly human meat.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4
Somewhere in the past, during the
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d8
conquests in Gaul, the Celts were allowed
+ 2) slashing damage.
to enter the Empire and accept the
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack:
worship of Christ. Those who declined
+4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120
in preference to their false gods were
ft., one target. Hit: (1d6 + 2) piercing
gradually brought to a primitive, ape-
damage.
like state. They are stooped and have
Equipment: Splint mail, shield, longsword,
teeth that they file for use as weapons.
2 javelins, backpack, bedroll, mess kit,
tinderbox, 10 torches, 10 days of rations, Father Teobaldo of Bononia
One of the pregenerated PCs is a Celtic
waterskin, 5 GP. Medium humanoid (human), lawful monatto who converted to Christianity.
Features and Traits neutral
House Malvasia Heriloom. Floramonda Armor Class: 14 (chain mail)
can predict ambushes by looking at the Hit Points: 18 (3d8 + 3)
sky at night. Every night she can get Speed: 30 ft.
insight from the constellations and will | Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
gain a reroll on any roll that can benefit | 8(-1) | 14(+2) | 12(+1) | 10(+0) | 16(+3) | 13(+1)
from foresight. Skills: Medicine +5, Religion +2, Herbalism
Personality. Floramonda is a dignified Kit +5
and esteemed warrior, with a strong Senses: passive Perception 13
sense of duty and honor. She can be Languages: Common, Celestial
stern and uncompromising, but is fair Challenge: 2 (450 XP)
and just in her dealings. Due to her Actions
11
Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d6 + 1)
bludgeoning damage.
Healing Word. A creature of Teobaldo’s
choice that can hear him within 30 feet
regains 1d4 + 3 hit points.
Equipment: Chain mail, mace, shield, holy
symbol, 5 sticks of incense, vestments,
common clothes, belt pouch containing 10
GP, Herbalism Kit.
Features and Traits
Channel Divinity: Turn Undead. As
an action, Teobaldo presents his holy
symbol and speaks a prayer censuring the
undead. Each undead that can see or hear
him within 30 feet of him must make a
Wisdom saving throw. If the creature
fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1
minute or until it takes damage.
Healing Hands. As an action, Teobaldo
can touch a creature and cause it to regain
a number of hit points equal to his level.
Personality. Teobaldo is a phlegmatic
man in the Galenic sense, calm and
unemotional. He has a deep knowledge
of herbalism and medicine, and is always
prepared with a variety of herbs and
cataplasms to treat various ailments. He
is not one to rush into action, preferring
to carefully consider his options before
acting. He is dedicated to his faith and to
helping others, but can sometimes be seen
as distant or aloof due to his reserved
nature.
Tactics: Teobaldo is a competent healer
and support character, using his spells
and herbalism skills to keep his allies alive
and healthy. He prefers to stay at range,
using his mace and spells to damage
enemies from a safe distance. He will use
his Channel Divinity to turn undead if
he encounters them.
History. Teobaldo was born and raised in
Bononia, and became a monk at a young
age. He has spent his life in service to
the church, traveling throughout the land
to spread the word of Christ and help
those in need. He has developed a deep
knowledge of herbalism and medicine,
and is always prepared with a variety
of herbs and cataplasms to treat various
ailments. He is currently on a mission to
rid the nearby countryside of a group of
undead that have been terrorizing the
local population.
protective of his allies and his territory.
Due to his simian traits, he can be seen
as primitive and devolved by other races.
He is a cannibal.
Tactics. The barbarian is a capable melee
fighter, relying on brute strength and
ferocity to take down his enemies. He
prefers to engage in melee combat with
his greataxe, but can also use javelins for
ranged attacks. He will enter a rage when
he is in danger or when he needs to deal
extra damage. He is a skilled tracker and
can use his knowledge of the wilderness
to find food, shelter, and other resources.
Corio History. The barbarian was born and
Medium humanoid (celt), chaotic neutral raised in the wilderness, living off the
Armor Class: 14 (hide armor) land and surviving by his wits. He has
Hit Points: 35 (6d8 + 6) always felt a deep connection to the
Speed: 40 ft., climb 30 ft. natural world, and has developed a
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha | strong bond with the animals and plants
| 16(+3) | 14(+2) | 12(+1) | 8(-1) | 12(+1) | 8(-1) that surround him. He is a monatto, not
Skills: Athletics +5, Nature +3, Perception baptized, and has always been seen as
+3, Survival +3 an outsider by the civilized world. He
Senses: passive Perception 13 is currently on a mission to protect his
Languages: Common, Sylvan home and his territory from encroaching
Challenge: 3 (700 XP) threats.
Actions
Greataxe. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: (1d12 +
3) slashing damage.
Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon
Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range
30/120 ft., one target. Hit: (1d6 + 3)
piercing damage.
Equipment Hide armor, greataxe, 2
javelins, backpack, bedroll, mess kit,
tinderbox, 10 torches, 10 days of rations,
waterskin, 5 GP.
Features and Traits
Rage. As a bonus action, the barbarian
can enter a rage, gaining advantage on
Strength checks and saving throws,
Erasmus of Brixíllum
dealing extra damage with melee weapons,
Medium humanoid (human), neutral
and gaining resistance to bludgeoning,
good
piercing, and slashing damage. The rage
Armor Class: 10
lasts for 1 minute and ends early if the
Hit Points: 22 (3d8+3)
barbarian is knocked unconscious or if
Speed: 30 ft.
their turn ends and they haven’t attacked
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
a hostile creature or taken damage since
| 10(+0) | 10(+0) | 12(+1) | 16(+3) | 14(+2) |
their last turn.
10(+0)|
Feral Instinct. The barbarian has
Skills: Medicine +4, Arcana +5, History
advantage on initiative rolls.
+5, Calligraphy Kit +5
Personality. The barbarian is a
Senses: passive Perception 12
melancholic and introverted individual,
Languages: Common, Celestial, Elvish
with a primal and feral nature. He is
Challenge: 2 (450 XP)
fiercely independent and self-sufficient,
Actions
relying on his instincts and his connection
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon
to the natural world to survive. He is
Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range
not particularly social, but can be fiercely
20/60 ft., one target. Hit: (1d4) piercing
12
damage.
Equipment: Dagger, calligraphy kit,
common clothes, belt pouch containing 10
GP.
Features and Traits
Polymath. Erasmo is a scholar of many
fields, with knowledge in a wide variety
of subjects.
Astrology. Erasmo has knowledge of
astrology and can interpret astrological
charts and omens.
Painting Activation. Erasmo has the
ability to activate paintings of Barnaba
in Fanano.
Personality. Erasmo is a curious and
inquisitive man, with a thirst for
knowledge and a desire to understand
the world around him. He is a skilled
medic, astrologer, and calligrapher, and
takes great pride in his work. He is a
monatto, not baptized, and has always
been seen as an outsider by the civilized
world. He is dedicated to his work and
to helping others, but can sometimes
be seen as aloof or distant due to his
reserved nature.
Tactics Erasmo is not a combatant,
and prefers to avoid conflict whenever
possible. He will use his knowledge of
medicine and astrology to help his allies,
and can provide support in combat with
his dagger. He is a skilled calligrapher
and can create scrolls and other magical
writings.
History Erasmo was born and raised in
Brixíllum, and has spent his life studying
the arts and sciences. He has developed
a deep knowledge of astrology, alchemy,
and calligraphy, and is always seeking to
expand his knowledge. He has worked
for various nobles and organizations over
the years, including house Malvasia, and
has gained a reputation as a skilled and
reliable medic and scholar.
partly considers his equal.
NPCs
Cerasus
Domestic cat
Cerasus is a fat red domestic cat of
European stock. He is regularly fed by
his friend and has no intention to go
back to his old life in the castle, despite
his feelings for his previous human
companion were true. He nonetheless
realize that leaving Xyglorath alone
would condemn entire civilizations to a
nightmarish death.
Ferrantino Malatesta
Magdalena’s father is a condittiero, also
the father of the Wolf. Ferrantino hopes
Maddalena Malatesta
Age: 6 the party will quickly find his daughter’s
Background: Maddalena Malatesta is a mate or his brother may return from the
young girl living in the Middle Ages in front to put half Romagna to the sword.
the region of Romagna. She is a member
of the noble House Malatesta da Rimini, Guido del Cassero
one of the most powerful families in the Ghost, kawful good
area. Isabella is the daughter of Ferrantino Guido was a paladin, like Angiolello.
Malatesta, a respected lord, and sister to They were protectors of their lands but
the Wolf. were betrayed y Malatesta III.
Personality: Maddalena is a bright and Guido can be met on the trip to Castle
curious girl who loves to explore the Montefiore Conca hauting some isolated
world around her. She is fascinated by mud flat. He hates the Malatestas, just
the stories of knights and ladies she hears like his companion Angiolello.
from her mother and dreams of one day
becoming a brave warrior herself. She is Angiolello da Carignano
also very kind-hearted and compassionate, Ghost, kawful good
always looking for ways to help those in Same stats as above.
need.
Appearance: Isabella has long, curly brown
hair and big, bright eyes. She often wears
simple but elegant dresses in the colors of
her family’s coat of arms: red and gold.
Despite her young age, she carries herself
with a regal grace that hints at her noble
heritage.
Xyglorath
Etruscan Chtonoid (new monster)
See new monster for statistics.
Xyglorath is virtually immortal as his
appendace contnuosly turn from solid
to liquid and they can be detatched and
hacked away without causing serious harm
to the creature Its “brain” or nucleus, is
protected by tons of solid rock and can
be accessed only by the smallest of cracks,
and yet you will have to be cautious not
to get lost among the endless ramifications
even if you found a way to track the
main body deep into earth.
Xyglorath has no emotions save for
Cerasus, who he somehow worships and
13
Malatesta III Guastafamiglia
Shlancomancer, telepath, Head of House Malatesta
Malatesta III embodied a nightmare
made flesh. His lineage was tainted by
the presence of his demonic ancestor,
Malatesta II, also known as Mastino
the Elder. In a desperate bid to evade
damnation in the depths of Hell,
Malatesta II fused his essence with
Malatesta III’s body, melding their flesh
and bones together. Even before this
unholy union, Malatesta III was already
disfigured, burdened with a second face
sprouting from the back of his head. But
the horrors did not end there.
The damned soul of Malatesta III’s
son, Malatestino I, also found its way
into his tormented frame. After the
infamous night of the shrieks, Malatesta
III transformed into an abomination so
grotesque that few could bear to gaze
upon him. The amalgamation of three
twisted beings was an affront to nature
itself.
In the wake of this unholy merging,
Malatesta III grew unimaginably powerful.
However, the constant whispers and
telepathic musings within his mind drove
him to madness. Within the walls of
House Malatesta
Elephas indus culices non
timet
Official Allegiance: Guelph
History: The Malatesta lineage is ancient
and has its roots in the Third Era, hailing
from the hills of Ariminum, thanks to the
prodigious abilities of Malatesta I they
quickly became a local counselor for the
Emperor in the coastal lands of Romagna.
Castel Sismondo, Malatesta III would The lineage is known to have produced
wander the depths of its dungeons, ruthless condottieri and military geniuses.
where he would encounter the spirit of
his ancestor, Malatesta I (LE human House Gifts
male lich wizard 18), a dark hearted lich
of great power. The purest members of the lineage
The depths of Malatesta III’s madness quickly began to manifest mutations,
matched the extent of his power. Driven mostly starting with extremely thin skin,
by his deranged state, he became an raised veins, pallor, and mental confusion.
agent of devastation, tearing apart the With puberty the powers of the mind
lives of countless lineages. From that emerge, with varying degrees of power.
point onward, he was known by a chilling Some “blessed” members have phisical
moniker: Guastafamiglia, the “family deformities reflecting part of their
wracker.” power like elongated skulls, deep set
eyes, sometimes a second head or body
Malatesta III, Wizard 14 growing inside like some form of phisical
Medium humanoid (human), LE manifestation of mental power.
Armor Class: 14 (Mage Armor)
Hit Points: 72 (14d6 + 28) Relationships with others
Speed: 30 ft. The Malatesta are opportunistically loyal
STR: 10 (+0) to the pope, and in the last year they
DEX: 14 (+2) have waged a campaign of psychological
CON: 14 (+2) pressure on all the minor families of
INT: 20 (+5) Ariminum and Caesena to demonstrate
WIS: 12 (+1) their loyalty to the Church. They are
CHA: 12 (+1) enemies of Casa Da Polenta and historical
rivals of the Da Montefeltros.
14
Saving Throws: Intelligence +10, can manifest as hallucinatory landscapes, arcane energies through divination and
Wisdom +6 terrifying apparitions, or tormenting scrying using entrails. The wizard gains
Skills: Arcana +10, Insight +6, Perception whispers that drive the weak-willed to advantage on Arcana checks related to
+6 the brink of insanity. divination spells and can cast Augury and
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Spellcasting: 14th-level spellcaster. Its Divination without expending a spell
Perception 16 spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell slot.
Languages: Common, Infernal, Angelic, save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell
Latin attacks). Malatesta III has the following Actions
Special Abilities spells prepared: Cantrips (at will): Mage Staff of Sphlancomancy: Melee Weapon
Monstrous Visage: Due to the wizard’s Hand, Prestidigitation, Ray of Frost Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
split head with three faces of unreal 1st-level (4 slots): Shield, Mage Armor, Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
deformity, it possesses an innate ability Magic Missile, Identify Legendary Actions: The wizard can take
to instill fear and unease in those who 2nd-level (3 slots): Misty Step, Mirror 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
witness it. The wizard can use an action Image, Suggestion options below. Only one legendary action
to unleash its Monstrous Visage, forcing 3rd-level (3 slots): Counterspell, Fireball, option can be used at a time, and only at
each creature of its choice within 30 Lightning Bolt the end of another creature’s turn. The
feet to make a Wisdom saving throw 4th-level (3 slots): Greater Invisibility, wizard regains spent legendary actions at
(DC 16) or become frightened for 1 Ice Storm, Dimension Door the start of its turn.
minute. A frightened creature can repeat 5th-level (2 slots): Cone of Cold, Arcane Surge: The wizard casts a cantrip.
the saving throw at the end of each of Dominate Person Counterspell: The wizard expends a spell
its turns, ending the effect on itself on 6th-level (1 slot): Chain Lightning, slot of 3rd level or lower to attempt to
a success. Once the Monstrous Visage Globe of Invulnerability counter a spell being cast within 60 feet
ability is used, it can’t be used again until 7th-level (1 slot): Teleport, Finger of of it.
the wizard finishes a short or long rest. Death Sphlancomantic Insight (Costs 2 Actions):
Three Minds: The wizard possesses 8th-level (1 slot): Power Word Stun, The wizard uses its divination abilities to
three distinct consciousnesses within Mind Blank gain insight into the immediate future. It
a single body. Each mind can process 9th-level (1 slot): Time Stop, Wish gains advantage on its next attack roll,
information independently, allowing the Sphlancomancy: The wizard specializes in saving throw, or ability check
wizard to maintain concentration on up sphlancomancy, the art of manipulating
to three spells at once.
Telepathic Bond: The wizard can establish
a telepathic bond with a number of
willing creatures within 30 feet equal to
its Intelligence modifier (minimum of 1
creature). The telepathic bond allows the
wizard and the creatures to communicate
mentally over any distance.
Hellish Communion: Malatesta III
possesses the ability to establish a
macabre communion with the infernal
realms. Through dark rituals and
his innate connection to Hell, he can
communicate with demonic entities,
seeking forbidden knowledge, making
infernal pacts, or gaining insights into the
twisted machinations of the underworld.
This communion grants him a deep
understanding of infernal lore and allows
him to tap into demonic powers in dire
circumstances.
Macabre Mind: Malatesta III’s tormented
psyche harbors a strange and horrific
mental power. With a mere thought,
he can inflict vivid hallucinations,
nightmarish visions, and psychological
torment upon those within his telepathic
reach. This power distorts the perceptions
of his victims, warping their reality and
instilling profound fear and madness. It
15
Etruscan Chtonoid (New Monster)
Huge aberration, unaligned
‘Twas under the shadow of the caves that that peculiar rustling began to take form, a multitude of eyes and appendages that did
slide dark and viscous through the crevices that vanished into the deeps...
- Paulus Diaconus, chronicler of the Third Era
Armor Class 12
Hit Points 110 (13d10 + 39)
Speed 40 ft., climb 40 ft.
STR 24 (+7)
DEX 10 (+0)
CON 17 (+3)
INT 5 (-3)
WIS 10 (+0)
CHA 5 (-3)
Skills: Perception +4, Stealth +4
Damage Resistances cold, lightning,
fire
Condition Immunities: blinded,
charmed, deafened, exhaustion,
frightened, prone
Senses blindsight 60 ft. (blind beyond
this radius), passive Perception 14
Languages understands Deep Speech
but can’t speak
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Amorphous The Etruscan chtonoid can
move through a space as narrow as 1 inch
wide without squeezing.
Corrosive Form A creature that
touches the Etruscan chtonoid or hits it
with a melee attack while within 5 feet of
it takes 9 (2d8) acid damage.
Immutable Form The Etruscan
chtonoid is immune to any spell or effect
that would alter its form.
Shapechanger The Etruscan chtonoid
can use its action to polymorph into a
Small or Medium humanoid, or back into
its true form. Its statistics, other than
its size, are the same in each form. Any
equipment it is wearing or carrying isn’t
Etruscan chtonoids are creatures of the First Era who arrived in the Po Valley during the
floods that followed the fall of the Roman Empire, at the time of the Gothic wars. In that
remote period the lands were battle torn, the plains flooded, and ancient creatures of the
deep emerged to produce formless offsprings over the Lord’s earth. For centuries before the
arrival of the Romans, the Etruscan peoples had lived in symbiosis with darkness and death,
increasingly driven back into the depths by the Roman Emperors. Here they were protected
from many of these formless creatures. Even Rome’s legions would not dare intervene.
When Bononia expanded its territories into the hills and the labyrinthine Aldrovandi
Academy was founded, thousands of creatures were imprisoned in endless underground
tunnels protected by portcullises, traps and silent bodies of fighting monks, guardians
of the labyrinth. On the mountains, castes of rangers blessed by bishops were sent
to retrieve these creatures for analysis and cataloguing. Wealthy patricians obtained
some of these creatures for their gardens and a money-driven struggle began to drive
everything out of the hills. When the Etruscans moved to Mantua at the time of the
First Age, they left behind the most frightening of the chtonian keepers, shapeless
creatures, part liquid and part solid, from the never-mapped depths of the earth.
Some of these creatures still live underground. The possibility of permanently killing a
major chtonoid is left to the GM, some appendages of consciousness sometimes detach
themselves by slipping into invisible crevices but the heart and brain of these creatures
(we might call it a form of mycelium part material part pure self-consciousness) might
be unreachable by humans.
transformed. It reverts to its true form of it and aware of it must succeed on a
if it dies. DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become
frightened for 1 minute. A creature can
Actions repeat the saving throw at the end of
each of its turns, ending the effect on
Multiattack The Etruscan chtonoid can itself on a success. If a creature’s saving
use its Frightful Presence. It then makes throw is successful or the effect ends
three attacks: one with its bite and two for it, the creature is immune to the
with its tentacles. Etruscan chtonoid’s Frightful Presence
Bite Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, for the next 24 hours. The DC is
reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + increased to 18 if the Etruscan chtonoid
7) piercing damage. is in its true form.
Tentacle Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to
hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 Legendary Actions
+ 7) bludgeoning damage. If the target
is a creature, it must succeed on a DC The Etruscan chtonoid can take 3
18 Constitution saving throw or take 10 legendary actions, choosing from the
(3d6) acid damage at the start of each options below. Only one legendary action
of its turns for 1 minute. A creature can option can be used at a time and only
repeat the saving throw at the end of at the end of another creature’s turn.
each of its turns, ending the effect on The Etruscan chtonoid regains spent
itself on a success. legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Squeeze The Etruscan chtonoid can Detect The Etruscan chtonoid makes a
squeeze its body through any subterranean Wisdom (Perception) check.
channel like an octopus, provided that Tentacle Attack The Etruscan chtonoid
the channel is not smaller than 1 inch in makes a tentacle attack.
diameter. Slam (Costs 2 Actions) The Etruscan
Frightful Presence Each creature of the chtonoid makes one slam attack.
Etruscan chtonoid’s choice within 30 feet
16
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc
(“Wizards”). All Rights Reserved.

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lease, sell, broadcast, publicly display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)”Open Game Content” means the game mechanic and
includes the methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity and
is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content by the Contributor,
and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works under copyright law, but specifically
excludes Product Identity. (e) “Product Identity” means product and product line names, logos and identifying marks including
trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork,
symbols, designs, depictions, likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio
representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, likenesses and special
abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or
graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly identified as Product identity by the owner of the
Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Game Content; (f) “Trademark” means the logos, names, mark,
sign, motto, designs that are used by a Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed
to the Open Game License by the Contributor (g) “Use”, “Used” or “Using” means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format,
modify, translate and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) “You” or “Your” means the licensee
in terms of this agreement.

2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Open Game Content
may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Open Game Content that you
Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as described by the License itself. No other terms
or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content distributed using this License.

3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of this License.

4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You a perpetual,
worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the Open Game Content.

5.Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game Content, You represent
that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to grant the rights conveyed by this
License.

6.Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to include the exact
text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or distributing, and You must
add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder’s name to the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any original Open
Game Content you Distribute.

7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to compatibility, except as
expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element of that Product Identity. You agree not
to indicate compatibility or co-adaptability with any Trademark or Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing
Open Game Content except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark
or Registered Trademark. The use of any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the
ownership of that Product Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights,
title and interest in and to that Product Identity.

8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the work that you are
distributing are Open Game Content.

9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. You may use any
authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content originally distributed under any
version of this License.

10. Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You

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Distribute.

11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the name of any Contributor
unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so.

12. Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with respect to some or
all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation then You may not Use any Open
Game Material so affected.

13. Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and fail to cure such breach
within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the termination of this License.

14. Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be reformed only to the
extent necessary to make it enforceable.

15. COPYRIGHT NOTICE Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

System Reference Document Copyright 2000-2003, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip
Williams, Rich Baker, Andy Collins, David Noonan, Rich Redman, Bruce R. Cordell, John D. Rateliff, Thomas Reid, James
Wyatt, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.

END OF LICENSE

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