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o Village on the Borderlands
Written by Mark Taormino

AN ADVENTURE FOR CHARACTER LEVELS 1-3

The Hamlet of Taldren has been a peaceful settlement for many years, however dark times have fallen upon its denizens. Roving
bands of Ogres have been raiding the stockpiles and animal pens in the night! It is believed they answer to a rambunctious giant
living in a nearby lush green valley known as the Hill Giant Highlands. There have also been reports of strange animated fungi plant
monsters appearing in the Caverns of the Wicked Peaks. Folks have even spotted bandits lurking around the ruins of Sternholm Keep
and wandering skeletons in the old cemetery in the Forest of the Fallen Oaks. The villagers have cobbled together a ragtag group
of willing adventurers to put an end to these dastardly fiends wherever they spawn. Fame, fortune and glory await those brave souls
who can defeat these evil monsters and restore order to the Village on the Borderlands!
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons are fun to play and have that classic look and feel, including blue maps, removable covers and fantasy
art from some of the best artists in the business! Filled with diabolical villains, irreverent characters, over-the-top monster encounters,
outrageous magic, mischievous NPCs, traps, puzzles and more, this adventure will entertain and challenge everyone who dares to
play it!

This product uses the Open Game License Version 1.0a and is easily adapted to any First Edition Style Fantasy Role-Playing
Game or OGL / OSR Style System.

www.darkwizardgames.com
DWGMMD-000 v1 Copyright © 2023 Dark Wizard Games, All Rights Reserved. Made in the USA.
3
 Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #0
Village on the Borderlands
Written by Mark Taormino
AN ADVENTURE FOR CHARACTER LEVELS 1-3

Credits
Editor / Layout: Mark Taormino
Cartography: Frank Turfler Jr, Jacob Blackmon and Mark Taormino
Technical Consultant: Joe Pearce
Front and Back Cover Artist: Justin Davis
Interior Artists: Jacob Blackmon, Carlos Castilho, Daniel Commerci,
Jeff Dee, Felipe Faria, Mark Lyons, William McAusland,
Brian McCranie, Matt Morrow and JE Shields
Proofreader: Justin Ryan Isaac
Play Testers: Thomas Allison, Timothy Connelly, Timothy Brannon,
Justin Ryan Isaac, Jeremy Kear, Mitchell D. McPhetridge,
and Kevin Watson
Special Thanks: Jeremy Kear and Steven“Ragnar”Hill

Maximum Mayhem Dungeons™ and Dark Wizard Games™ are trademarks of Mark Taormino. This product uses the OSRIC™ System (Old-school System Reference
and Index Compilation™). The OSRIC™ system text may be found at http://www.knights-n-knaves.com/osric. The OSRIC™ text is copyright of Stuart Marshall.
“OSRIC™” and “Old-school System Reference and Index Compilation™” are trademarks of Stuart Marshall and Matthew Finch and may be used only in accordance
with the OSRIC™ license. Some artwork copyright William McAusland, used with permission
DWGMMD-000 v1 Copyright © 2023 Dark Wizard Games, All Rights Reserved. Made in the USA.

1
AUTHORS NOTE:
This is a fun sandbox module that can be used as a
starting point for new adventurers or an existing setting
to drop into your campaigns in need of such a location.
The adventure offers the full Hamlet of Taldren / Inn of
the Whistling Pig setting with over 100 named NPCs
and an Overland Map of the Valley of the Moon that
features the central village which can provide safety
and refuge to the weary PCs as they explore four main
encounter areas: Hill Giant Highlands, Caverns of
the Wicked Peaks, Ruins of Sternholm Keep and the
Forest of the Fallen Oaks. Each location’s entrance is
GMs discretion on the Overland Map and provides a
series of encounters, monsters, traps, a main boss and
piles of treasure! This adventure has a lot of scalability to
fit varying roleplaying styles. I hope you enjoy reading
and playing it as much as I did writing it for you and
your players! Thank you for your support by purchasing
this module! - Mark Taormino
GM NOTES:
This adventure centers around the Hamlet of Taldren
and the surrounding area. The village is located in the
Valley of the Moon [SEE: THE OVERLAND MAP P.62)
with 47 shops, homes, a fully-featured inn, and over 100
named NPCs, this location provides the perfect setting
for the PCs to explore, rest, camp, and obtain quests
and information. [SEE: KEY TO THE MAJOR NPCS
ENCOUNTER NUMBERS P.6, THE HAMLET OF TALDREN
P.4 & THE INN OF THE WHISTLING PIG P.28] The
OVERLAND MAP uses the distance of one mile per hex
and contains the following four adventure locations:
The Hill Giant Highlands which is a landmass located
in the northwestern corner of the valley, consisting of a
series of grassy hills that offer one of the most beautiful
sights in the region. There are miles of lush green hills
of various heights, shapes, and sizes. However, one of
them serves as the entrance to the cave home of the
hill giant known as Chief Harold Grumblebutt and
his family. He is leading the ogre raids on the village
and must be stopped! [SEE: THE HILL GIANT CAVE
P.36] The area to the northwest of the village is a
wasteland where the Ruins of Sternholm Keep can
be found. Various monsters and criminals have been
seen around the area, both day and night, and they
sometimes rob travelers or caravans that get too close
to the place. There are rumors that a band of thieves
has taken over the ruins recently. In that foul dungeon
2
sits the cursed sword known as “Illumina mi Nemesi”
wielded by the maniancal thief boss named Warwick
Diamondfingers who must be destroyed along with
that damn weapon before it posesses someone else,
like one of the sweet and innocent PCs! [SEE: KEY TO
THE RUINS OF STERNHOLM KEEP P.42] The lush green
valley spreads to the southwest and eventually leads
to a very sharp and steep rocky mountain range called
the Devils Spine which is also known to have a hidden
entrance to the rumored Caverns of the Wicked
Peaks. Deep inside it’s sinister bowels resides an evil
Drow Magic-User / Alchemist named “Linzabar.” He
has created a new type of magical mushroom named
“Honeyspots” that have black caps with yellow dots.
When ingested, they enable him to manipulate the
minds of unsuspecting victims for up to 24 hours or
more. Linzabar also has control over the creatures in
the caves and even some of the villagers! He provides
an opportunity for the PCs to take out another bad
guy! [SEE: KEY TO THE CAVERNS OF THE WICKED
PEAKS P.51 & HONEYSPOT MUSHROOMS P.53]
The area to the southwest gradually becomes a
wicked looking dark woods known as the Forest of the
Fallen Oaks. Recently, a hideous shambling mound
name “Slaggariah” which is shaped like a giant fly-
trap plant, has moved into the forest and is preventing
visitors from offering gifts to their dead loved ones.
This has caused evil magic to be drawn to the forest
where it’s rumored several “walking skeletons” and a
“ghost child” flickering in and out of existance have
been seen at night. The evil creature Slaggariah must
be destroyed and a black rose delivered to the grave
of Luna the Ghost Child in order to restore order. Once
these tasks are completed, the forest will reset back to
normal again and the villagers will treat the PCs as heros
with a celebration on the Hill of the Standing Stones!
[SEE: KEY TO THE FOREST OF THE FALLEN OAKS P.48]
This 1e module is designed for play using characters
of levels 1 to 3. The party should consist of Fighters,
Clerics, Magic Users, and Thieves. If you need to
scale down or scale up the encounters go ahead. The
scenario can be ran as a stand-alone adventure or
as part of a campaign. Encounters with monsters will
provide an inline stat block with only combat significant
information. If the monster has special features
or actions, those will be listed after the stat block.
The stat blocks use abbrieviations to make them more
compact. AC: armor class, MV: movement, HD: hit
dice, HP: hit points, ST/DX/CN/IQ/WS/CH: ability
score plus bonuses or penalties, SA: special attacks,
SD: special defenses, AT: number of attacks, D:
damage [weapon, notes], SZ: size, AL: alignment,
XP: experience points gained. Features of standard
weapons are not included. Melee range of all natural
weaponry is 5 ft. for the foes in this adventure.

GETTING THE PLAYERS INVOLVED
Here are some options to get the PCs involved
in the adventure or use your GMs discretion
to create new ones that fit in your campaign.
1) The PCs have been summoned to the Hamlet of
Taldren by the locals to investigate a series of recent
Ogre raids on the stockpiles and animal pens. Folks say
the monsters are being sent by a disgusting family of
Hill Giants living in a mound in the nearby Highlands.
A hefty reward and a whole lot of tasty local ale will be
a welcome prize for any PCs who can put an end to
these attacks!
2) After squabbling and bickering over petty nonsense
for many miles, you finally stop arguing long enough
to notice that you have just reached the beautiful,
lush green rolling hills of the Valley of the Moon. In the
distance you can see a small village that looks like a
welcome place to rest, grab a brew and then continue
squabbling and bickering over petty nonsense!
3) A mysterious shaman has hired your party to go to
the Valley of the Moon and return with a pack full of
the delicious exotic red capped and yellow spotted
“Ruby Mushrooms” that will give special powers when
consumed! He warns you not to eat any of them as
they must be processed by him first. If you do eat them...
well then I guess you will be in for a big “explosive”
surprise and the need of a privy very quickly!
4) The PCs had chance encounter with a wandering
adventurer who told them about a nearby village
which has several areas of high adventure nearby,
including a ruined castle, a giants home, a haunted
forest and a cavern loaded with countless treasures
just waiting to be explored! The stranger spent the
night with your group getting drunk while showing you
a torn map to the hamlet. However, your new friend
was “mysteriously” found dead in the morning! Oh
well what a convenient shame... I seriously wonder
how THAT happened? Now where is that map again?
3
RUMORS TABLE:
Here are some rumors the PCs may have heard in
their travels around the Valley of the Moon, Hamlet
of Taldren or the Inn of the Whistling Pig. After each
one is a True or False depending on its reality. Use your
GMs discretion to pick or create new ones for your
campaign as well if you want.
1: “A wild eyed Hill Giant in the Highlands has had
teams of Ogres raiding the village. He is planning some
kind of larger scale intrusion with other giants even
farther to the east. Recently, he’s been distracted with
a personal project trying to complete his collection of
perfect ‘trophy heads’ for his fireplace mantle. He just
needs one more... the PERFECT ADVENTURERS head!”
- [True]
2: “A cursed werewolf stalks the Forest of the Fallen
Oaks, preying on anyone who crosses its path and
spreading a curse to those it attacks.” - [False]
3: “Powerful fungi plants with black caps and yellow
dots known as Honeyspot Mushrooms grow in the
Caverns of the Wicked Peaks. They contain a
powerful effect of healing and peace when eaten!”
- [False]
4: “The Forest of the Fallen Oaks has been seized by
bands of goblins who are preying on travelers whom
they catch and sacrifice to their wicked god. After the
bloody ritual, they get drunk then begin to sing and
dance... badly!” - [False]
5: “A great magic sword is rumored to be lost in the
lower dungeon of the Ruins of Sternholm Keep.
Bandits have been seen lurking around the place so
nobody goes there.” - [True]
6: “Some say that a few of the rooms on the second
floor of the Inn of the Whistling Pig have secret doors!
The staff denies the rumors, but adventurers looking
for some excitement and treasure are still eager to
investigate if they spend the night!” - [True]
7: “The dancing Mystic girl in the forest can control the
animals with her singing voice. - [False]
8: “A flickering ghost child has been seen wandering
around in the cemetery” - [True]
9: “There is an eccentric Drow Magic-User living in the
Caverns of the Wicked Peaks. He controls strange
fungi plants that attack intruders.” - [True]
10: “The buried dead are rising from the ground in the
cemetery of Forest of the Fallen Oaks.” - [False]
OVERLAND MAP WANDERING MONSTERS:
Wandering monsters will be encountered while
traveling the countryside in the Valley of the Moon.
Use GMs discretion when to make a check for
them. Roll a 1d4 or pick from the table below:
1. Bats - (#1d10): (AC 10, MV: 0 ft / 240 ft flying, HD:
1/2, HP: 1 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d2, SZ: Small, MR: Standard,
SA: Swarm, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 1/5 +1/hp). Highly
maneuverable, users of missile weapons will suffer a
-3 to hit penalty unless the attacker’s dexterity is 13
or higher. They must land on their intended victims to
attack. There is a 1% chance that those so bitten will
contract rabies, or some similar blood-borne infection.
2. Bandits - (#1d4): (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6,
HP: 4 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized,
MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/XP: 1/10
+1/hp)
3. Dire Wolves - (#2d4): (AC 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 3+3, HP:
15 each, #AT: 1, D: 2d4, SZ: Medium, MR: Standard, SA:
None, SD: None, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/75 + 3/hp).
4. Ogres - (#2d6): (AC 5, MV: 90 ft, HD: 4+1, HP: 25 each,
#AT: 1, D: 1d10, SZ: Large, MR: Standard, SA: None, SD:
None, AL: Chaotic evil, Level/XP: 4/195).
4
THE HAMLET OF TALDREN:
Nestled in the midst of the beautiful green Valley of
the Moon, surrounded by trees with gorgeous blue
skies, the small Hamlet of Taldren is home to about
a hundred or more permanent residents and dozens
of visitors each week. The village is surrounded by
lush hills with forests, which provide ample hunting
and foraging opportunities. The terrain is dotted with
farms and fields, where the residents grow a variety
of crops, including wheat, corn, and vegetables.
The hamlet itself is a collection of small cottages,
buildings and structures. They are constructed in
Tudor style using wood (some left unpainted or
coated with a simple wash made from brown,
yellow, or white chalk mixed with water), brick, or
cobblestone. These buildings often feature thatched
roofs, and some of the surrounding properties include
large farms and small gardens. Village Map scale is
20’ per square. The Inn of the Whistling Pig is the
largest place to stay in the hamlet, a charming and
lively establishment with a wooden statue outside of
a jovial pig standing on two legs and playing a flute.
It is run by a stout, beautiful and boisterous woman
named Brunhilde Helga a.k.a “Broom Helga
Olsen,” who is a retired heroic adventurer. (SEE:
KEY TO THE INN OF THE WHISTLING PIG P.28) There
are a few hostels and homes in the village that may
offer nightly or weekly guests as well. A few dirt roads
lead to all the key establishments and a large stream
runs through the hamlet, providing clean water for
drinking and irrigation. The river connects with a few
lakes in the northwest and southeast sections of land
beyond the village. The land was ruled over by a
local Paladin Lord Edmund Sternholm until he went
mad and killed everyone in his castle and died (SEE:
KEY TO THE RUINS OF STERNHOLM KEEP P.42) with
no heirs. His last loyal surviving knight, Sir Richard
Dupre (SEE: E.36) escaped and created the local
militia in the village to continue to protect the lands
until the area and castle can be restored with a new
proper ruler. The village also has a local priest Brother
Tiberius (SEE E.20) who leads the druidic rituals on
the Hill of the Standing Stones and offers guidance
to the villagers on matters of faith and morality. The
priest is not a member of the militia but is an important
figure in the village nonetheless. Overall, the power
structure in Taldren is hierarchical, with Sir Richard
Dupre at the top with Brother Tiberious and groups
of merchants and villagers supporting him. The locals
are content with this arrangement, as it provides a
stable and prosperous community in which they
can live and work. The villagers are a close-knit
community, with a strong sense of camaraderie
and shared purpose. They are hardworking and
self-sufficient. Despite their isolation, they are
friendly but suspicious to outsiders because of the
current raids. Life here is simple and peaceful, and
the villagers are content to live out their days in this
green nature filled idyllic setting. Many of the locals
are involved in a religious group called the Order of
the Sun which meets once a week on the Hill of the
Standing Stones to the west for prayers and rituals. It
is an ancient nomadic religion based on nature. The
PCs may encounter folks wearing a necklace with
the form of a sun with seven rays of light spreading
outwards. Some locals may also be members of the
local militia and ready to fight any malicious attacks
on the village. They have been busy warding off the
recent attacks on the hamlet and trying to recruit
adventurers to join them in stopping this blight on
their land by defeating these evil creatures and their
foul bosses. Fortune, glory and many treasures await
those brave enough to heed the call!
RANDOM VILLAGE EVENTS:
At least once a day or at GMs discretion roll a 1d10
for any one of these random events to happen to
the PCs. Depending on whether it is day or night
in the game environment, make adjustments if
needed. Remember, each one of these NPCs might
be aware of a few of the rumors if the PCs strike
up a conversation with them. If combat ensues
with any of these NPCs, they are all classified with
Commoner stats or at GMs discretion be any
one of the village characters. (SEE: KEY TO THE
MAJOR NPCS ENCOUNTER NUMBERS P.7 & P.8)
1: A Mystic woman wanders up to the PCs and tries
to sell them some natural oils and scented flowers to
wear. She makes an expression on her face like “one
of you can certainly use it” and blinks her eyes as if
she has smelled a very strong odor emanating from
your group. She has three vials available for only 5
cp each. A single vial when fully used on one PC will
temporarily improve their Charisma by +4 for 1d8
hours.
2: A traveling magician has assembled a group
of villagers by doing simple magic tricks, drawing
crowds and excitement. One of the spectators is
a pick-pocket secretly working with the magician.
There is a 50% chance he will target one of the
PCs if they are in the group watching the tricks.
3: A muddy farmer approaches the PCs and tells
them his most prized pig has been lost since last night
and asks if they have seen it. After about 1d4 minutes,
the pig will show up covered in mud and manure
then furiously shake itself off, splattering a huge
mess all over the PCs! The farmer smiles and speaks,
“Never mind... have a nice day!” then grabs the
filthy animal with his bare arms and walks away with
a big smile baby talking it, “Whos a good boy?”
5
4: A group of people has gathered around a grassy
clearing where a young couple is announcing
their engagement! Joy and celebration is in the
air and some villagers offer gifts of trinkets, flowers,
money, etc to the happy twosome. If the PCs
give a gift they will be thanked by the couple and
someone in the crowd will give them a true rumor
from the Rumors Table in casual conversation.
5: A traveling minstrel performs in the village square,
entertaining the locals with tales of adventure and
love. However there is a shady accomplice working
with the minstrel trying to sell individuals in the
crowd Highbottom Leaf tobacco or sweet Dwarven
Brandywine for 2 cp each per gram or flask.
6: A fire breaks out in the village right nearby where
the PCs are located. The PCs see a scruffy-looking
man with a scar across his face running from the fire.
The villagers are confused as to how the fire started
and ask for help. GMs discretion on which NPC is the
man who started the fire if any other local folks saw
him too or if the villagers unexpectedly accuse the
PCs themselves of starting it!
7: A caravan of odd, weird and strange traveling
merchants shows up with exotic merchandise! They
are selling trinkets and charms with “otherworldly
properties,” unique paper and dice games with small
works of art in the form of colorfully painted pewter
miniature figurines by gifted artists as well as curiosities
and oddities from far-off lands!
8: Today happens to be the once a solstice “Festival of
Life” celebration and the PCs are invited to a party that
lasts for twenty-four hours on the Hill of the Standing
Stones where burning offerings of Highbottom Leaf,
Frankinscense, Sandlewood and Cedar free the
spirits. Food and drink will be provided for free and the
PCs can chat with the locals (good place to give out
a rumor or two) but beware, there could be bandits
passing through the village in the midst as well trying to
steal from the unsuspecting revelers!
9: A filthy, disgusting, smelly wandering beggar
approaches the party coughing with his mouth open
and asks them in Common for “alms for the poor and
wretched.” If the PCs give him some food or money
he will say “Thank ye for your compassion!” and
therefore try to give them a friendly hug. He will tell
them one of the rumors from the Rumors Table. with
GMs discretion as to which one or just to use a dice roll.
10: A wild-eyed man stumble up to the PCs and gives
them a note: “R.RG.RGB.RGBY.RGBY.RGBYY.RGBYYB.
RGBYYBG.RGBYYBGR” and tells them a cryptic
mysterious message, “it’s music to my ears” then
suddenly collapses and dies in their arms. [SEE: KEY
TO THE CAVERNS OF THE WICKED PEAKS P.51-E.4]
KEY TO THE MAJOR NPCS ENCOUNTER NUMBERS:
The following table lists all the major NPCs and boss monsters with their primary location for ease of locating in
play. Unless otherwise noted, during the day time (sun up to sundown) most of the shopkeepers, villagers,
traveling NPCS, etc will be out and about going about their lives or in their stores, farms, fields, homes,
hostels or inns etc. If it is night time (sundown up to sun up) they will probably be inside eating, resting,
playing, getting drunk, sleeping etc. Shopkeepers will have wooden “open” or “closed” signs posted outside
depending on their work hours or time of day etc. PCs could start conversations with a simple “hello” or
“what’s your name or job” to get things going etc and some folks who may be friendlier than others will
chat with them. At GMs discretion any of these folks can give the PCs any of the rumors going around the
village or any one of the NPCs could potentially be under the 24 hour effect of the Honeyspot Mushrooms
(having possibly eaten them in a recent meal) and Linzabars Mind Control (SEE: HONEYSPOT MUSHROOMS
P.53) Some NPCs (adults or children) may not have specific names or stat blocks for their abilities, skills and
weapons etc so they will be treated as Commoners and in those scenarios their basic stats will be referenced
here and you can choose if they are fighting with fists or a hidden weapon on their body e.g. a dagger in a boot,
belt or pocket etc: Commoner (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, XP: 5)
Throughout the village are wooden signs listing the shops and locations of various trades men and women. Below
is a table for your quick reference. The “Occupation” field lists exactly what the NPCs does, e.g “Blacksmith”,
“Farmer”, etc or even “Boss” (in the case of a key boss monster or major villain.) Next is the “NPC Name” with
an M or O next to it. An (M) means this NPC is a member of the local militia, an (O) means they are a
member of the Order of the Sun. If they are not members of the militia or the Order of the Sun nothing will listed
next to their name. Next is their “Location” which will be one of the following codes: (V) = Village of Taldren,
(I) = Inn of the Whistling Pig, (C) = Caverns of the Wicked Peaks, (H) = Hill Giant Highlands Cave, (S) Ruins
of Sternholm Keep or (F) = Forest of the Fallen Oaks. An [L1] indicates level one and an [L2] indicates level
two of the Inn of the Whistling Pig.

OCCUPATION: NPC NAME: LOCATION: ENCOUNTER #:

ADVENTURER Alben (I) E.18 [L2]
ADVENTURER Alistar Kingswell (I) E.7 [L2]
ADVENTURER Benedict Silverwind (I) E.11 [L2]
ADVENTURER Eldridge Baines (I) E.17 [L2]
ADVENTURER Horacio (I) E.18 [L2]
ADVENTURER Liandra Sunflower (I) E.9 [L2]
ADVENTURER Louis (I) E.18 [L2]
ADVENTURER Marcus Lafitte (I) E.5 [L2]
ADVENTURER Missy Wondermire (I) E.3 [L2]
ADVENTURER Owen Steelheart (C) E.7
ADVENTURER Riley Nightwing (I) E.17 [L2]
ADVENTURER Veronica Stratfield (I) E.3 [L2]
ADVENTURER Vivienne (I) E.18 [L2]
ADVENTURER Wilfred Rollinghill (M/O) (V) E.41
ADVENTURER Woodrow Moonleaf (I) E.1 [L2]
APOTHECARY Gwendolyn Wildwood (M/O) (V) E.34
BAKER Hazel Rutherford (M/O) (V) E.13
BANDIT Almore Blacksword (F) E.8
BANDIT Blade (I) E.13 [L2]
BANDIT Dante (I) E.2 [L1]
BANDIT Frieda (I) E.13 [L2]
BANDIT Isabella (V) E.15
BANDIT Magnus (I) E.2 [L1]
BANDIT Sablewind (V) E.15
BANDIT Sandra (I) E.13 [L2]
BANDIT Willy (I) E.13 [L2]
BARTENDER Bluto Oakenshield (I) E.2 [L1]
BARMAID Gina (I) E.2 [L1]
BARMAID Elisabeth (I) E.2 [L1]

6
OCCUPATION: NPC NAME: LOCATION: ENCOUNTER #:
BARMAID Kirstie (I) E.2 [L1]
BLACKSMITH Sven & Olga Ironfury (M/O) (V) E.27
BOSS VILLAIN Hill Giant “Chief“ Harold Grumblebutt (H) E.12
BOSS VILLAIN Hill Giant Matilda Grumblebutt (H) E.11
BOSS VILLAIN Hill Giant Otis Grumblebutt (H) E.14
BOSS VILLAIN Hill Giant Woogey Grumblebutt (H) E.14
BOSS VILLAIN Linzabar (C) E.10
BOSS VILLAIN Slaggariah the Shambling Mound (F) E.10
BOSS VILLAIN Warwick Diamondfingers (S) E.10
BUTCHER Shane Boarshead (M/O) (V) E.18
CARPENTER Howard & Ann Lawrence (M/O) (V) E.36
COBBLER / LEATHER WORKER Elwood & Jasmine Soloman (M/O) (V) E.19
DAIRY / MEATS Benjamin & Abergale Johnstone (V) E.25
FARMER Agnes Coppermill (V) E.37
FARMER Albert & Helena Rothbirch (M/O) (V) E.42
FARMER Edith Merryweather (O) (V) E.32
FARMER Galen & Lyra Brightblade (M/O) (V) E.28
FARMER Greta McAllister (V) E.46
FARMER Hans & Eva Meadows (O) (V) E.40
FARMER Henry & Jessica Williamson (V) E.17
FARMER Knute & Lindsey Aldermin (M/O) (V) E.4
FARMER Levi & Sarah Brimley (M/O) (V) E.3
FARMER Lirien Elden (M/O) (V) E.7
FARMER Luke & Gianna Foster (M/O) (V) E.31
FARMER Martin & Sally Parker (M/O) (V) E.1
FARMER Marshall & Leslie McNabb (M/O) (V) E.45
FARMER Nathan & Virginia Timberwine (V) E.26
FARMER Olaf & Winifred Masterson (V) E.8
FARMER Rosie Goodwillow (O) (V) E.13
FARMER Samuel Wrightmore (M) (V) E.11
FISHERMAN Finnegan & Katarina O’Malley (M/O) (V) E.10
FISHERMAN Reginald & Celestine Barrington (V) E.35
FISHERMAN Joseppa & Marina Anderson (M/O) (V) E.38
FLETCHER Eldrin Willowbranch (V) E.20
GHOST CHILD Luna (V) E.10
GUARD Leif Shieldbreaker (F) E.12
HERMIT Brother Tiberius (O) (V) E.47
HOSTEL Elmore Woodhaven (V) E.9
INNKEEPER Brunhilde Helga Olsen (M/O) (V) E.33
JEWELER Daisy Underhill (O) (V) E.22
LABORER Heather Lovelock (M/O) (V) E.44
LABORER Ned & Ursula Sawyer (M/O) (V) E.39
MASON Samuel & Leanne Fielding (V) E.24
MILLER Gorne & Mimi Stonefoot (M) (V) E.14
MINER Boris & Trina Silvermane (M/O) (V) E.2
MONEYCHANGER / PAWN Hugo Lightfoot (V) E.12
MYSTIC Esmeralda & Zara Santorino (O) (V) E.5
STABLE KEEPER Aria & Abel Haymaker (M/O) (V) E.21
TAILOR Margaret Tealeaf (V) E.23
THIEF Pepper Leafbender (H) E.5
TRAINER SWORDS Sir Richard Dupre (M/O) (V) E.30
TRAVELING MERCHANT Seraphina Emberwood (V) E.9
WINEMAKER Marsha De Vina (V) E.16
WOODCUTTER Winston & Amanda Lionheart (M/O) (V) E.43

7
PLAYERS BACKGROUND:
“It’s MINE... no it is MINE... that one is MINE. No
I want that one! MINE! MINE! MINE!” That’s all
you and your compatriots have been squabbling
about for days! Like litle spoiled children you have
been arguing over treasures that you haven’t even
found yet! Your group of adventurers has been on
a long and perilous journey to reach the Valley of
the Moon where those future treasures are rumored
to lie in wait! Finally, you have arrived at the top
of a hill overlooking the lush and green Hamlet of
Taldren below. As you catch your breath and take
in the view, you dream that the rumors are true of a
ruined castle nearby, home to dangerous creatures
and ancient treasures! But you can’t help but feel a
sense of unease as you also have heard tales of a
nearby giant’s lair, where a creature is said to reside
with a special eye for beauty! Additionally, a sinister
and creepy haunted forest that has claimed the
lives of many a foolish traveler looms out there. And
then there’s a mystical cave system, said to be filled
with gems and oddly colored mushrooms, guarded
by strange fungi monsters. As you survey the area
you can’t help but wonder what other dangers and
mysteries this valley holds. The road to the hamlet is
before you with several buildings as well as a large
inn which will be a welcome place to rest as well as
offering food and drink from a lovely serving wench
as you explore the village and chat with the locals.
8
KEY TO THE HAMLET OF TALDREN:
#1. SMALL FARMHOUSE
The small medieval farmhouse is nestled in a
clearing, surrounded by fields of crops, with a low
whitewashed wooden structure and a sloping
thatched roof. A chimney can be seen up there and
the sound of animals and clucking chickens can be
heard from the nearby yard.
This is the home of Martin and Sally Parker (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) They are
human farmers and very hard working usually in the
fields during the day and at home sleeping at night.
They are members of the militia and the Order of the
Sun. To one side of the room is a sturdy wooden
table with benches on either side, and on the
other side is a large wooden cupboard filled with
pottery and dishes. A ladder in the corner leads up
to a loft that serves as a sleeping area, with a few
straw-filled pallets and simple blankets spread out
on the floor. In the loft he has a small box next to his
straw bed, it contains: (1) Dagger +1 and 550 cp.
#2. MINER’S COTTAGE WITH HERB GARDEN
You notice the thatched straw roof of this cottage
is in need of repair, as several patches of straw are
missing. The flagstone and mud walls are weathered
and the windows are small, with no glass panes, only
 shutters. The door is smallish in size, solid and made of
sturdy oak, with a large iron knocker. The residence is
surrounded by a small vegetable herb garden with
a few brown, black and yellow feathered chickens
pecking at the ground nearby. One of the yellow
chickens awkwardly stops moving around and stares
at you then proceeds to get nervous and well, you
know... better watch your step over there! It starts
clucking and pecking the ground again then walks
away from you.

This is the home of Boris and Trina Silvermane (AC:

10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, Halfling,
Dwarvish, Elvish, Gnomish, and Ogrish. XP: 5).
They are dwarven miners with six kids (four boys and
two girls.) Both are members of the militia and the
Order of the Sun. Boris has a bushy brown beard, thick
mustache. His wife Trina has long black hair, green
eyes and has a cute little gap between her two front
teeth. Boris can identify any gems the party shows
them for a small fee (GMs discretion). The interior
of the house is small and cramped, with only one
main room for cooking, eating, and sleeping. A
loose flagstone on the side of the fireplace conceals
a small area that contains the following: (1) Potion
of Extra Healing and 2000 ep, (10) Gems: 2 x 10
gp, 50 gp, 3 x 100 gp, 350 gp, 500 gp, 1000 gp,
2000 gp.
#3. MODEST FARMHOUSE
This small modest farmhouse with a thatched roof
and whitewashed walls catches your eye. The sound
of chickens clucking can be heard from the yard.
You see several small gardens with neatly arranged
rows of vegetables and herbs, surrounded by a
wooden fence. It looks very cozy shutters. As you take
a closer look you notice the picturesque landscape
surrounding it. In the distance, a line of trees marks the
edge of a forest, and you can hear the soft rustling of
leaves in the gentle breeze. The yard is enclosed by
a low stone wall, and a small path leads to the front
door. A gurgling stream can be heard nearby.
This is the home of Levi and Sarah Brimley (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
XP: 5) both human farmers. His face is adorned with a
long and braided mustache that twirls at the ends. His
wife has a pair of strikingly beautiful, almond-shaped
eyes with long, dark lashes that capture your attention
and hold your gaze. They have five kids, three boys
and two girls. They are suspicious of anyone not from
the village and will try to avoid any PCs unless they
have to talk. They are both in the militia and followers
of the Order of the Sun. There is an old clay pot filled
with dried flowers on a shelf that contains: Gems (4):
10 gp, 50 gp, 70 gp, 80 gp.
#4. MEDIUM SIZED FARMERS COTTAGE
This is a simple wooden house with a thatched roof
made of straw and walls that are very weathered in
need of repair. The house is painted in a white wash
and has a single door with a small window on either
side and wooden shudders. Near the structure is a small
field with crops growing in neat rows of vegatables
and wheat, as well as a large chicken coop and a
small barn. You can hear the sound of animals nearby
as breeze whips up and the smell of fresh earth and
manure fills your nostrils reminding you of the joy of
simple life.
Knute Aldermin and his daughter Lindsey, both
human farmers (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5) live here. Knute is a very stern
older man in his sixties with grey hair, weathered skin,
a medium build and a no-nonsense demeanor. His
daughter is a young buxom blonde woman in her
early twenties, She wears practical clothing but it does
reveal some cleavage, otherwise her clothes show
wear and tear. They are members of the militia and
belong to the Order of the Sun. Knute will talk with the
PCs but always toss in the line “Keep your eyes off my
daughter.” Lindsey will be a little coy and somewhat
flirtatious with the PCs. This two-room home is sparsely
furnished, with a few basic items scattered around
the space. A rough wooden table sits in one corner,
flanked by two rickety chairs. A few shelves line the
walls, displaying various farming tools and a small
collection of crockery. The room smells of earth and
hay, and a thin layer of dust covers most surfaces.
Under the fathers cot is a loose flagstone which is
concealing a hole in the ground that contains a sack
with the following items: 300 gp, 600 cp, and 700 pp.

9
#5. MYSTIC CAMP AND WAGON
In a peaceful meadow surrounded by trees, a
colorful Mystic wagon sits parked next to a campsite
with a small firepit. The soft green grass and wildflowers
sway gently in the breeze, while a nearby brook
babbles merrily along. The wagon is made of aged
wood and is painted in bright colors, with intricate
designs and patterns adorning its sides. The wheels
are large, sturdy and painted black with with metal
rims. The circular door to the wagon is intricately
carved and has a small window with a red velvet
curtain. Hanging from the roof of the wagon are
tassels and beads of various colors that sway gently
in the breeze. A carved sign hangs above the entry
that depicts three cards and a half moon.
Depending on the time of day or night (GMs discretion)
read the following to the PCs:
The young girl is dancing around the campfire while
her very old grandma sits on the wagon bench
playing a lively tune using a mandolin. A cast iron
pot is hanging over the flames cooking a soup made
from rose petals, fish, thyme and rosemary. The young
girl beckons you to come over where she offers to sell
you a black rose for 1 cp and says, “It’s good luck
to buy one and leave it at ‘Lunas’ headstone in
cemetery in the Forest of the Fallen Oaks because
it keeps the bad spirits away. I sense greatness in
your future! My grandmother Esmerelda can read
your fortunes inside the wagon!” She continues
dancing and frolicking around to the festive music.
The ladies are Zara and Esmerelda Santorino (AC:
10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, XP: 5) both human female Mystics. Zara
is about twenty-four years old. If the players go near
the wagon entrance they will be greeted by a nearly
100 year old Mystic lady playing the mandolin. One of
her eyes looks permanently closed and the other looks
crossed. She is wearing a purple colored hood adorned
with beads around her forehead area and her robe
is dark red. A necklace made of bones is around her
neck. She puts the musical instrument down and smiles
revealing only one crooked tooth and introduces
herself as Esmeralda Santorino then will invite them
in to read their fortunes if they can give her and her
daughter some food or wine. They are not in the militia
nor are they followers of the Order of the Sun. If the PCs
agree get their fortunes told then read the following
but allow player interjection etc:
“My name is Esmerelda Santorino! Step into my
wagon and I will tell your future!” The interior of
the wagon is very small, decorated with brightly
colored fabrics, and a few trinkets hang from the
10
ceiling like dried leaves and bones. Various powders
and liquids can be seen in small jars in every corner
of the place. A pungent aroma of herbs, oils and
apothecary items hangs in the air. Bottles and
jugs of various sizes and shapes line the shelves.
Small bones, possibly from rodents, are scattered
on a small circular wooden table, next to a few
candles that cast a flickering light. On the table is
a human sized skull, a dagger (right in front of her),
some burning lavender incense, a few jewels, some
miscellaneous animal feathers, a crystal ball and a
glass of wine. She sits down at the table and stares
at you with her one eye. In the background behind
her you can see the back wall of the wagon with
a small circular window. The notice the old Mystic
woman’s hands are weathered and bony, with
wrinkled skin that is tan and spotted, evidence
of many years spent in the sun. Her fingers are
adorned with a few jeweled rings, which glint in the
candle light as she moves her hand. Her fingernails
are long and curved, yellowed with age and slightly
stained. Despite their age, her hands are still nimble,
with long fingers that hint at a lifetime spent working
with them. By the way, she has been staring at you
awkwardly this whole time! Next with a slow and
shaking hand she pulls out a full tarot deck then
sets it on the table. She takes the cards out one
by one laying them out face down, a total of five
then snaps her fingers and the rest of the remaining
deck vanishes in a flash of blue flame. She stares at
you with her motionless one eye and flips over the
first card showing a hooded skeletal figure riding a
white horse away from a beautiful setting sun. She
calmly says, “The Death Card! It represents the
end of a cycle, transformation, and rebirth.” Her
eye bulges at you as she flips over the next card
while still staring uncomfortably right into your souls.
This one depicts a figure sitting up in bed, with their
head in their hands, looking distressed or afraid.
Above the figure, nine swords are hanging on the
wall, creating a sense of oppression or impending
danger. “The Five of Swords! It represents conflict,
defeat, and betrayal.” Before you can blink the next
card is flipped... it shows a moon in the night sky with
a howling wolf. “The Moon. It represents mystery,
the subconscious mind, and hidden forces.” Her
one eye gaze moves from the card back to you
as she slowly turns over the next card. This card
displays a red horned demon like figure with black
chains and naked humans at its hoofed feet. “The
Devil. It symbolizes temptation, addiction, and
negative influences.” She flips over the final card
which shows a shining yellow sun in a bright blue sky,
with a beautiful white horse. “The Sun! It represents
vitality, success, and enlightenment.” Her one-eyed
11
 gaze slowly turns from the cards to stare at you. There is an
awkward thirty second pause before she exclaims, “This
is a sign that you are meant for a great adventure! Go
south east from the village into the Forest of the Fallen
Oaks to find the cemetery and leave a black rose on
the grave with the headstone that reads: ‘Luna’. An
evil plant creature has taken over forest and turned
it into a blackened, twisted ugly place instead of the
lush beautiful green memorial paradise it was. The
creature prevents the villagers from giving offerings
to the dead and it’s caused the ‘ghost child’ Luna to
return in unrest and haunt the place. She was the first
person buried there and is the guardian of the graves.
The monster has been attracting evil to the cemetery
like skeletons and zombies attacking unsuspecting
visitors. The plant creature must be defeated to restore
order back to our forest, sacred burial grounds and
free the childs spirit to return in peace to the afterlife.
If you can accomplish this task, come back here
afterwards and I will give you a magic ring that will
give you special protection powers!”
The plant creature is a Shambling Mound that is known
by the name Slaggariah and has assumed the form of
a giant fly trap monster. If the PCs complete the quest
and kill the beast, put the black rose on Lunas grave
then return here, the old Mystic lady will give the PCs a
Ring of Protection +3 and (2) Bottles of Doctor Good
(high spirits alcohol). Hidden under her bed is a sack
with the following: 10 cp and a turquiose necklace
worth 50 sp. There is nothing else of value here.
12
#6. SEVEN STANDING STONES ON THE HILL
As you crest the top of the lush grassy hill, you
come upon an awesome sight: seven large
standing stones arranged in a circular pattern.
The stones stand about ten feet tall with colorful
flowers planted around their bases. Each monolith
is spaced about seven feet apart. They seem to
be ancient and weathered, as if they have been
standing here for centuries. As you approach the
circle, you notice that the ground within the very
center of circle has been cleared of grass, forming
a small firepit with various rocks. In the center of the
firepit, there are cold burnt ashes. The air around
the circle is thick with the sweet scent of flowers,
and as you look around, you notice that pretty
flowers in vibrant colors grow all over the area,
adding to the serene and mysterious atmosphere.
This is the hilltop where the Order of the Sun members
celebrate and offer their once a week group sacrifice
to the Sun Diety. They also use the henge stones
to determine the seasons for harvesting, weather
predictions and certain celestial events. GMs
discretion on what day the PCs are visiting the henge
as once a week the sacraficial celebration is held
here on “Suns Day.” Sometimes there may be other
events happening on any other given day like parties,
weddings, funerals, birth celebrations and more. On
these event days some of the shops and houses will
be left un-attended for random periods of time should
the PCs need to do any clandestine operations in
those locations.
#7. SMALL FARMERS COTTAGE
As you approach the small cottage, you see that
it is made of whitewashed wood with a thatched
straw roof, and is surrounded by a small garden
of delicious smelling herbs and brightly colored
vegetables. The front door is wooden and simple
with its frame painted red, with a small window to
one side with its frame painted red as well. A flower
pot sits on the window sill and a chimney can be
seen on the roof.
This is the home of Lirien Elden (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft),
HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, XP: 5) a female
human farmer who is a graceful and alluring woman with
pointed ears, long blonde hair and dressed in a flowing
earth-toned gown of silk. She is a member of the militia
and the Order of the Sun. Inside the small cottage is a
comfy living area with a stone fireplace cooking hearth
against one wall. The space is sparsely furnished, with
a few wooden chairs and a table in the center of the
room. She has no interest in adventuring. In her room
she has a small chest hidden under a loose floorboard. It
contains: 150 cp and a Silver Necklace worth 50 sp.
#8. COZY FARMERS HOUSE
Approaching this small wooden cottage house,
you notice the charming simplicity of its exterior.
The cottage is constructed entirely of rough-hewn
logs with mud and straw between the logs. The
front of the cottage features a small table next to a
wooden bench and a few potted plants adorning
its edges. The cottage sits on a small plot of land,
with a small garden with trees growing nearby.
This is the home of Olaf and Winifred Masterson
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) both
human farmers. He is a weathered and hard-working
man whose clothing consists of a sturdy shirt, trousers,
and boots. His wild black hair and beard are unkempt.
His wife Winifred has green eyes, hoop earrings and
she wears clothing that is clean and tidy. They have six
kids, (three boys and three girls). Olaf and his wife are
members of the militia and the Order of the Sun. His
wife will offer the PCs some home cooked apple pie
and tea as they discuss some local rumors! The inside
of the house is a warm and inviting and the floor is
made of sturdy wooden planks, worn smooth over
time by countless footsteps. The furnishings are
simple and functional, consisting of a few wooden
chairs and a large wooden table in the center of
the room. A sturdy wooden ladder leads up to a loft
area above. It has been converted into a sleeping
area for the farmer’s large family. The chest contains:
(1) Scroll of Protection - Petrification, 5000 sp and
200 gp.
13
#9. HOSTEL AND STABLE
Approaching the wooden building, you see a small
sign hanging from the entrance that depicts a bed
and horse. The building looks well-maintained, with
a thatched roof and sturdy wooden walls. Attached
to the side of the building is a large barn with
several stalls for horses. You can hear the sound of
a horse neighing and snorting from inside and yes
unfortunately a strong manure smell wafts about as
well.
This is the establishment of a local hosteler Elmore
Woodhaven (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, XP: 5), a male human
commoner whos face is distinguished by a prominent
scar that runs across his forehead, giving him a rugged
and battle-hardened look. He is a member of the local
militia as well as a follower of the Order of the Sun. The
main room is sparsely furnished with a few chairs,
a table, and a chest, while a small kitchen area is
situated in the corner. Another room can be seen
in the back and up front is a ladder that leads to
a loft area where eight straw beds and trunks can
be seen. They are for rent to any PC for 10 cp a night.
There are seven available now but the eigth is taken up
by traveler named Seraphina Emberwood (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1 [Dagger +1],
D: 1d4 +1, AL: Neutral, Languages: Elvish, Common,
Dwarvish, Halfling, XP: 5) a female elven adventurer
who is passing through the village. The horse in the
stable is hers as well. All the trunks are empty except for
hers which contains: (1) Potion of Healing and 500 cp.
#10. FISHERMANS HOUSE NEAR THE STREAM
This is a small modest cottage by the hill nestled
among a cluster of fresh green trees and a wide
flowing natural stream. The cottage is made of simple,
weather-worn materials such as whitewashed wood
and hardened mud, and it looks like it has been
standing for many years. A small wooden porch juts
out from the front of the house, supported by two
rough-hewn posts. On the porch sits a oak bench
and on the ground is an old bucket, several fish traps
made of wicker and wood and some large fishing
nets made of hemp and linen.
This is the home and shop of Finnegan & Katarina
O’Malley (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
XP: 5) both fishermen. He is dressed in rough, practical
clothing that is stained and worn from years of hard
use. His skin is weather-beaten and his hands are
wrinked and worn from years of handling fishing nets,
traps and lines. He is a sturdy, muscular figure, with a
powerful build honed by years of working on the water.
She is brown haired wearing pigtails and blue overalls.
They are members of the local militia followers of the
Order of the Sun. They can sell fish and train the PCs
in the arts of fishing for a reasonable price. The other
local fisherman Reginald Barrington (SEE: E.35) and
Finnegan are friendly rivals. The inside of this cottage
is small, but every inch of space has been carefully
utilized to create a comfortable living space. The
furniture is simple and functional, consisting of a
wood table with several chairs, a small cupboard
for storing dishes and food, and a wooden chest for
storing clothing and other personal items. There are
a few shelves lining the walls, which hold various
fishing supplies, such as nets, hooks, and lines. A
few baskets hang from the ceiling, filled with dried
fish and other preserved foods. There is a small loft
area above the main living space, accessible by a
ladder and it contains a simple straw mattress and
a few blankets. Under a pile of fish nets in the corner
is a hidden compartment in the floor containing: (1)
Dagger +1, 500 cp, 150 pp and 200 gp.
#11. OLD FARM HOUSE MADE OF WOOD
The old small medieval wooden house has a straw
thatched roof, with smoke rising from a chimney, and
its wooden walls are adorned with potted plants,
vines, and herbs. The wooden door has a rusty metal
knocker and an old rocking chair next to it on the
porch.
This is the home of Samuel Wrightmore (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) a widower
and simple farmer commoner. He is in the militia
and a former member of the Order of the Sun. His
wife was killed in a freakish farming accident a few
years ago and the villagers have been suspicious of
him though he was never proven guilty with any real
evidence of a crime (GMs discretion on his guilt or
innocence.) He is not interested in adventuring or
talking to “strangers” and won’t chat for very long. The
PCs will notice he has shifty eyes and the way he grips
his pitchfork tightly in his hand, is as if ready to use it at
a moment’s notice. His ragged clothing is stained with
mud and his unkempt beard is flecked with bits of hay,
giving him a rough and wild appearance. Despite his
friendly demeanor, the PCs may get the feeling that
there’s something possibly not quite right about him.
He recently has been eating Honeyspot Mushrooms
(SEE: CAVERNS OF THE WICKED PEAKS - HONEYSPOT
MUSHROOMS P.52) and is under the Mind Control
of Linzabar who will make him casually questions to
the PCs and possibly point them in the direction of the
Wicked Peaks for more “adventures” to lure them in
to his cave. The interior of this small medieval wooden
home is dimly lit by candles and sparsely furnished,
with a small hearth providing warmth and a cooking
area. The walls are lined with shelves and hooks for
14
storage, with a few simple pieces of furniture scattered
throughout the room. A ladder leads up to a loft area
that serves as a sleeping area which is a straw bed.
An old crock pot near the fire hearth contains a false
botton hiding the following: 37 gp. 40 sp, and his
beloved wifes (12) Gems worth 5 gp gems and his
wifes necklace worth 100 gp. There is nothing else of
value here.
#12. MONEYCHANGER & PAWN SHOP
This is a plain-looking stone building with a stone
arched roof and a wooden sign hanging above the
door with symbol of three yellow coins, indicating
the business conducted inside. Thick black iron bars
cover the windows and a heavy oaken door is the
only visible entrance.
Next to the front door is Leif Shieldbreaker (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 3, HP: 24, #AT: 1, D: [broadsword]
1d8, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) a
male human fighter standing guard next to the door
with a big shepherd dog named Malone. He is a tall
and muscular with a scowl on his face, his beady eyes
constantly scanning the PCs, and his hands resting on
the hilt of his sword as if ready to draw it at a moment’s
notice to deal with any “problems.” The shopkeeper
is Hugo Lightfoot (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5) a male human pawnbroker sits
behind a wooden desk, inspecting and weighing coins
brought in by customers. This is the Moneychanger &
Pawn Shop and the place is filled with an eclectic
assortment of items for sale, including jewelry, tools,
ornate weapons and even household goods. Some
of the items are displayed on wooden shelves, while
others are hung from pegs on the walls or laid out
on tables. Hugo is a retired assassin and has a plump,
well-fed appearance with a calculating look in his eye
and is dressed in fine regal colored robes and gives off
an air of wealth and sophistication. He has a balding
head and a neatly trimmed goatee. A very large and
strong wrought iron safe sits in the corner behind him.
He is a clever businessman and will happily exchange
coins or metal for other types of exchangable media
of monetary value. He only charges 15% of the current
“street” value. He also makes deals with anyone who
has valuables to pawn or luxurious gems or jewelry
they wish to part ways with and pays from 35% to
70% of actual value), buying and selling. He is a “no
questions” kind of old timer and is always polite and
discreet with folks. He is armed with a +1 shortsword at
his side and wears a Ring of Invisibilty with (3) charges
left. He has a dagger hidden in a secret compartment
drawer in his desk. Under the desk is his cash box
which currently holds 500 each of cp, sp and gp. He
has no interest in adventuring but will tell a possible
rumor here and there to a good listener or customer. A
small bedroom can be seen in the corner with a straw
bed and a lockbox next to it which of course trapped
with a poisoned needle trap. Anyone failing to disarm
the trap must Save vs. Poison or take 1d8 damage
and become poisoned and take 1 hp damage each
day until cured. Contained inside the lockbox is the
following: 6000 ep, Gems (37): 5 x 10 gp, 11 gp, 4 x
20 gp, 35 gp, 6 x 50 gp, 60 gp, 70 gp, 80 gp, 4 x 100
gp, 2 x 200 gp, 6 x 500 gp, 3 x 1000 gp, 2 x 10000
gp. Total Value: 27486 gp.
#13. BAKERS SHOP AND COTTAGE
The wooden sign above the door depicts the image
of wheat shafts. It is a humble one-story wooden
building with a thatched roof. The smell of freshly
baked bread wafts out from the open windows. There
are several wooden barrels and baskets outside the
door, and a small garden with herbs and vegetables
is slightly visible behind the shop. A little white dog is
running around barking.
The baker is Hazel Rutherford (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft
(40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) a female human
commoner. She is a young woman in her mid twenties,
wearing a long wool dress, a burlap apron, and a red
headscarf. She is adorably cute and sassy. She can sell
the PCs bread for 1 cp a loaf, flour for 1 cp a 1/2 pound.
She is a member of both the militia and the Order of
the Sun and knows a few of rumors from the table. In
the corner purring happily is her cat Nikita. A large
wooden rack in the corner of the shop holds dozens
of loaves of bread, some of them plain and others
with various herbs and seeds baked right into the
crust. A small anti-chamber with a living quarters
can be seen off in the corner. In the sleeping area
she has a small chest hidden under her bed with: 500
cp and (2) Gems worth 50 gp each.
#14. LARGE MILLERS HOUSE AND WHEEL
This is a large mill style farmhouse with a wooden sign
depicting a wheel and a shaft of wheat. The home is
surrounded by trees and up against the stream that
runs through the village. Around the back edge of
the home you can see a magnificent water wheel
turning in the stream beside the woods. The wooden
structure of the wheel is weathered and stained
by the elements, but it still stands tall and proud,
a testament to the hard work and dedication of
the miller who built it. The walls of the farmhouse
are made of whitewashed wood and straw roof is
steeply pitched, with a brick chimney jutting up from
the surface as a few chickens and pigs wandering
around in the front yard.
This is the home of Gorne and Mimi Stonefoot (AC:
10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, Halfling,
15
Dwarvish, Elvish, Gnomish, and Ogrish. XP: 5)
both Dwarven Millers. His face is adorned with a thick
beard and sharp, piercing eyes that gleam with an
inner strength and a fierce determination. His wife
has eyes that show years of wisdom and experience,
revealing a tough, resilient spirit that has weathered
many hardships. She is dressed in practical clothing
made of thick fabrics and leather, with sturdy boots
and a heavy apron. They have three sons aged five,
ten, and fifteen. Gorne is in the militia and the family
are not followers of Order of the Sun. Gorne can
sell the PCs bags of grain, wheat, flour, animal feed,
cornmeal, oatmeal, or even specialty flours like rye or
barley etc for a reasonable price (GMs discretion).
The inside of the small cottage is cozy and dimly
lit. The walls are made of rough-hewn timber, and
the floors are made of hard-packed dirt. A simple
wooden table and chairs sit in the center of the
main room, and a small fireplace is situated in
the corner. A small backroom can be seen which
appears to be the sleeping quarters with a few
simple furnishings, such as a bed and a chest, can
be seen. The cottage is sparsely decorated, but a
few trinkets and keepsakes can be seen scattered
throughout the room, giving it a personal touch.
The overall atmosphere is warm and welcoming,
making it the perfect place to seek shelter from the
elements. Inside the chest is the following: (1) Potion
of Healing, 1000 sp, Gems (4): 20 gp, 50 gp, 100 gp
and 500 gp. There is nothing else of value here.
#15. STRANGERS IN THE HOUSE
This house stands tall and looks abandoned. The
cracked and moss-covered stone walls give off an
eerie, haunted feel, while the numerous dark, arched
windows seem to peer down like the eyes of some
unseen, malevolent entity. The creaky wooden
double doors, held together by rusted iron hinges,
beckon you closer, but the unsettling aura emanating
from the house makes you hesitate. Still... you wonder
what mysteries are to be discovered inside?
Inside the home are Sablewind and Isabella
(AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized, MV: 120 ft, MR:
Standard, AL: Chaotic, Languages: Common, Level/
XP: 1/10 +1/hp.) both fandits. They have been living
here for the last month telling people they are reletives
of the former owner. They will try to befriend the PCs
only to eventually rob or attack them in the future. The
air is thick with dust, and cobwebs stretch from the
walls to the ceiling. The room beyond is dark, and
it’s difficult to see what might be inside. Despite the
eerie atmosphere, there is an unsettling sense that
someone or something may be watching you from
the shadows. The bandits have the following treasure:
850 cp, 150 gp and (5) Gems: 7 gp, 10 gp, 15 gp, 5
gp and 20 gp.
#16. WINEMAKER’S COTTAGE
This small village cottage is a humble, one-story
structure built of wood, washed with a yellow ochre
with a few windows and a thatched straw roof. The
front door is made of sturdy oak planks and a sign
hangs above the door depicting grapes. A small
colorful herb and red rose garden has been planted
next to the cottage. Outside the front door, a bench
sits beside several large wooden barrels. Some are
marked “water” and the others as “vinager.” A large
field with several dozen rows of dark colored grapes
sits behind the house.
This is the home of Marsha De Vina (AC: 10, MV: 120
ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) a female human
Winemaker. She is a beautiful blonde woman with
captivating dark brown eyes and a sweet gentle voice
dressed in simple but colorful attire. She is walking
around barefoot and has a copper anklet on one
foot with various full and half moon shapes chained
together with grape stains on her dress and both of
her cute feet. She owns three adorable little tiny dogs
named Tia, Molly and Star which are running around
as well. There is a table with chairs, a straw bed in
the corner, a chest, and shelves filled with books,
as well as trophies from the award-winning Posca
and Lora wine-making contests lining the walls.
She knows things about village as well as at least one
rumor. Marsha is a member of the local militia as well
as a follower of the Order of the Sun. Her treasure is
hidden under a loose floorboard: 200 cp and (6)
Jewels worth: 10 gp, 250 gp, 50 gp, 2 x 250 gp and
50 gp. There is nothing else of value here.
#17. COUNTRY COTTAGE WITH LOG WALLS
You stumble upon a small, sturdy cottage. Its walls
are made of rough-hewn logs and has a chimney
atop its thatched roof. The front door is painted with
a whitewash along with the window frame. A well-
tended garden that surrounds the home, filled with
hearty vegetables and herbs. Several brown, yellow
and white chickens walk around the area pecking
at the ground.
Henry and Jessica Williamson (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft
(40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) both human farmers.
live here. He is a burly man with rough calloused hands
and lives here with his wife who is a petite, apron-clad
lady with a warm demeanor. The interior is simple
but cozy, with rough wooden. There is a humble bed
made of straw in the far corner of the home with a
wooden box next to it. They are members of the local
militia and is a follower of the Order of the Sun. Inside
the box are tools however a secret panel: (1) Dagger
+1 and 1200 cp, along with (20) gems worth 10 gp
each.
16
#18. BUTCHER SHOP AND COTTAGE
As you approach this small shop, you notice the
distinctive smell of fresh meat and animal fat wafting
through the air. The exterior of the building is made
of rough-hewn stone, with a thatched roof made
of straw and it is single-story, with a small wooden
sign that depicts a large meat cleaver. Outside in
front of the shop, there is a large wooden block for
chopping meat, stained with blood and covered
in sawdust. You also see animal carcasses hanging
from hooks outside, such as cows, pigs, and sheep.
Flies and other pests buzz around the meat, adding
to the grim atmosphere. In the back of the house
is a large pen with pigs running around in mud and
manure.
This is butcher shop and home of Shane Boarshead
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5). He is
a large, muscular man with a thick beard and a stern
expression, his bloodstained apron and forearms
evidence of a long day’s work and he is in the militia
as well as a follower of the Order of the Sun. Inside the
butcher’s home features a warm, rustic atmosphere.
The interior is cozy and dimly lit with candles, with
wooden beams and rough-hewn stone walls. The
main room doubles as a living area and a dining
room, with a large wooden table and chairs in the
center. The table is surrounded by various hunting
trophies, including deer antlers and boar tusks. A
straw bed sits in the far corner of the room. Under
the bed is a loose floorboard concealing a sack
containing: 500 cp, 75 gp and 100 pp. Otherwise
there is nothing else of value here.
#19. COBBLER AND LEATHER WORKERS
The exterior of this small building is made of timber
and plaster, with a thatched roof and has a small
wooden sign hanging over the entrance sign
depicting a simple leather belt and shoe. You can
see a a small window in the front of the building,
with a display of various leather goods, such as
boots, shoes, and belts. In front of the shop, there
is a simple wooden bench and you notice various
tools and scraps of leather lying around on it and
on the ground, indicating a busy and dedicated
cobbler.
This is the cobbler / leather workers shop, Elwood and
Jasmine Soloman (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5) both operate the establishment. He
is a middle-aged man with a weathered face, rough
hands, and a warm smile. He wears a leather apron
over his clothes, with a few tools and scraps of leather
in the pockets. His hair is a messy mop of dark curls,
and his eyes sparkle with a sense of pride and joy in
his craft. She is beautiful with blonde hair and green
eyes. They are in the militia as well as followers of the
Order of the Sun. They can buy, sell, or fix any shoes
or boots etc for a reasonable price. Once inside of
the shop, the PCs are greeted by the fresh smell of
leather. The small space is neatly organized, with
various types of leather displayed on shelves and
racks, along with tools for cutting, sewing, and
polishing. A small living quarters is in the corner
with a fire hearth, a table, a chair, a straw bed
and a chest. Inside the chest are the following
items: clothes, rags, hats and gloves. A dusty old
wooden barrel in the corner of the room hides a
hidden space under it that contains his treasure: (1)
Girdle of Many Pouches, (1) Morning Star +1 and
575 cp. There is nothing else of value here.
#20. FLETCHERS SHOP AND HOME
This is a modest, single-story structure with a thatched
roof, located on the outskirts of the village. The
building’s exterior is clad in rough-hewn timber, with
a small, shuttered window overlooking the dirt road.
Above the door, a wooden sign depicts a quiver of
arrows and the air around the building is filled with
the scent of freshly sawn wood.
The is the shop and home of Eldrin Willowbranch
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1,
D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5)
a male Elven fletcher. He is slender with long golden
hair tied back in a loose braid. His sharp features and
bright green eyes give him an air of elegance and
precision. He wears simple leather clothes with a
leather apron over them, covered in wood shavings
and bits of bark. He can buy, repair, sell or make the
PCs arrows, bolts, bows or crossbows for a price or
even train the them in archery (GMs discretion). He
is a member of the militia and a follower of Order
of the Sun. The inside of the Fletcher’s shop is
filled with a soothing aroma of freshly-cut wood,
primarily cedar and oak. The walls are lined
with racks of wooden planks, arrows, bows, and
crossbows. There’s a workbench at the back of
the room with a variety of tools, including carving
knives and sandpaper. The living quarters has a
bed, a simple wooden table, and a fireplace. A
big loose flagstone on the side of the fireplace hides
a secret area containing: 1000 gp, 200 sp, 50 gp
and (25) Gems: 10 gp, 20 gp, 5 gp, 6 gp, 4 x 10
gp, 20 gp, 35 gp, 2 x 40 gp, 45 gp, 7 x 50 gp, 60
gp, 80 gp, 3 x 100 gp, 300 gp.
17
#21. STABLE KEEPER AND HORSE TRADER’S
Before you stands village horse trader’s shop and stable
which is a modest wooden structure with a thatched
roof. The walls are made of rough-hewn timber planks
that have been weathered by the elements over the
decades, giving the building a rustic appearance. A
sign above the door features a crudely painted image
of a horse, indicating the nature of the business. You
can hear the sounds of horses whinnying and snorting,
and the unmistakable smell of hay and manure fills
your nostrils. The stable area is attached to the main
building and consists of several stalls that house the
horses. Outside the shop, there is a large wooden
trough filled with water for the horses to drink from. A
few bales of hay are stacked against the wall, and a
wooden cart filled with fresh feed is parked nearby.
This is the establishment of Aria & Abel Haymaker,
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5). She is
in her mid-thirties, with a no-nonsense demeanor and
a commanding presence. She has long brown hair,
wears small glasses along with leather boots and a
tunic. He is strong and silent with black hair and a serious
beard. They are in the militia and followers of the Order
of the Sun and have three dogs, Kayla, Chester, Joey
and a cute little cat named Ditzy. They can rent, sell or
buy horses / carts to the PCs for a reasonable price. If
the PCs are purchasing a light horse it will cost 75 gold
pieces, while a heavy horse costs 200 gold pieces. The
rental cost of a horse could be determined by dividing
the purchase cost by the expected lifespan or rental
period. So if we assume a rental period of one week,
then a light horse might be rented for 15 gold pieces
(75 gold pieces divided by 5 weeks), while a heavy
horse might be rented for 40 gold pieces (200 gold
pieces divided by 5 weeks). The room is small and
cozy, with a bed in one corner and a table in the
center. The walls are adorned with horseshoes and
horse-related trinkets. A loose brick in the bottom
of the hearth hides a space containing a decorative
locked box which contains: 500 pp and 1000 gp. The
key is in her pocket.
#22. JEWELERS SHOP AND COTTAGE
This building’s exterior is constructed of wood and stone,
with a small sign hanging over the entrance bearing
the image of a glistening diamond. The windows are
small and fitted with iron bars, giving the impression of
great wealth within. The door is intricately carved with
the image of an old empire crown and a keyhole,
suggesting the presence of valuable treasures. The
scent of incense and exotic oils wafts out from beneath
the door.
This is the shop and home of Daisy Underhill (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, Halfling, Dwarvish,
Elvish, Gnomish, and Ogrish. XP: 5) a meticulous
female halfing jeweler. She is adorably cute and
charming with a bright smile and curly brown hair
pulled back in a neat bun. Her petite frame is dressed
in a simple yet elegant green dress with a white apron,
and her fingers are adorned with several delicate rings.
She can identify jewels or do any kind of gem work they
need at GMs pricing and discretion. She is a member of
the Order of the Sun. Inside the jeweler’s shop, the PCs
are greeted by the sight of glittering jewels and precious
metals gleaming in the light. The walls are lined
with display cases filled with intricate necklaces,
bracelets, and earrings, all crafted with the utmost
care and precision. The air is heavy with the scent
of lavender candles and the shelves are filled with
tools, gems, and other materials line the walls of
the small workshop. A small sleeping quarters is in the
back corner of the cottage and it consists of a small
halfling sized bed and a locked chest which contains:
(1) Dagger +1, 18 pp, 21 cp, 30 gp and pouch full
of dried blue berries. Aside from these items there is
nothing else of value here.
#23. TAILORS SHOP AND COTTAGE
This small house is a single-story wooden structure
with a thatched roof. It has a small window and
a door with a wooden sign hanging over the
entrance showing a needle and thread. The wood
is weathered and worn, but well-maintained, and
there is a small garden plot in front of the house.
This is the workshop and residence of the local tailor,
Margaret Tealeaf (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5). She is a female human middle-
aged woman with a kind face and warm smile. Her
black and gray hair is pulled back in a messy bun and
there are pins and needles sticking out of it, and her
eyes sparkle with intelligence and creativity. She can
sew, fix or craft anything for the PCs that needs her
services for a small price. Her husband was killed in a
raid by bandits recently and now she lives here alone.
Margaret is not in the militia but is a member of the
Order of the Sun. Upon entering the small tailor’s
shop, you are met with the sight of shelves lined
with bolts of various fabrics and rolls of thread, with
a large wooden table in the center surrounded by
sewing needles and tools. The living quarters are
located in a small room in the back with a bed, a
chest for storage, and a small fireplace for warmth.
The air is filled with the scent of fresh fabric and
clean linen. Hidden in a thread box under a pile of
laundry in the back of the room she has the following
items: (4) Gems: 20 gp, 25 gp, 50 gp, 100 gp and
250 cp.
18
#24. MASONS SHOP AND HOME
The simple small one-room village house appears
to be made of rough-hewn stone and mortar, with
a sturdy wooden door and a small window with
shutters on either side. The sign hanging above
the door bears the image of a trowel and chisel
crossed over a block of stone, indicating that this
is the place to go for stonemasonry work. A small
herb garden is growing in the front yard.
This is the home of the local mason and his wife
Samuel & Leanne Fielding (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft
(40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) He stands at a height
of six feet and presents a rough exterior that comes
from a lifetime of working with stone. He wears a
brown shirt and heavy wool pants. She has green
eyes and is wearing a white dress. They are members
of the militia but not followers of the Order of the Sun.
They can shape or make anything the PCs need that
requires masonry work for a price (GMs discretion).
If the PCs enter the small one-room masonry shop,
the pungent smell of freshly cut stone fills the air. The
room is cluttered with various tools, including
chisels, hammers, and trowels. You notice a
fireplace on one side of the room and a bedroll
in the corner indicates that this space also serves
as the mason’s living quarters. The walls are
lined with various stone pieces, including bricks,
slabs, and decorative carvings, and a large
stonecutting table takes up most of the center of
the room. In the corner of the room is a Sword +1, a
Buckler +1 and behind one of the many brick piles
is a small sack containing: 500 cp and a gem worth
25 gp. There is nothing else of value here.
#25. LARGE DAIRY MEAT FARM AND HOME
This is a large home made of mud bricks with a
thatched straw roof sloping downward with a
small chimney on one side. A heavy oaken door
is in the fron and has a wooden sign depicting
a bone with a hunk of meat hanging over it. The
house is surrounded by a large dairy and meat
farm as you can see dozens of cows, sheep, and
pigs probably raised for milk, cheese, and meat.
The animal areas are fenced in where they can
graze and roam without disruption. You can hear
the sound of cows mooing and sheep bleating
as the smell of fresh hay and ripe manure wafts
This house is a large communal dairy and meat
farm where cows, sheep, and pigs are raised for
milk, cheese, and meat. The food is sold to the local
residents at via markets or even at the farm itself. The
locals purchase milk, cheese, and meat from the
communal farm using currency or work trade. It is
owned by farmers Benjamin and Abergale Johnson
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1,
D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5)
They have four kids (three boys and girl) who work on
the farm. The PCs can buy milk, cheese, and meat
from his for a reasonable price, however non-locals
usually get charged a bit more (GMs discretion).
He is a mean looking unshaven bastard, wearing a
well-worn and patched pair of overalls, cotton shirt
and muddy boots while his wife is a cutey pie with
curly long hair, freckles and a bright smile. She is
wearing a simple cotton dress, a pair of sturdy boots
and an apron with a flower pattern sewn on it. It was
made special for her by the local tailor Margaret
Tealeaf (See: E.8) who is a good friend of the family.
The Johnsons are both invloved in the militia and the
Order of the Sun. The house is sparsely furnished
but tidy and well-kept, with a few functional
pieces of furniture arranged around the perimeter
of the space. A long wooden table with a few
chairs arranged around it sits in the center of the
room and a large stone fireplace is built into the
wall with several dry logs stacked neatly beside
the hearth. Against the far wall of the room, you
can see six simple straw beds with one blanket
each on them as well as a small wooden chest
at the foot of each one as well. There is a hidden
space under his straw bed near the foot of it which
contains a box with the following items: (1) Vial of
Oil of Slipperiness and 5000 gp.
19
#26. SIMPLE FARMERS HOUSE
This small and simple house is made of mud and
clay bricks and has a thatched roof made of dried
grass. The walls are washed in a faded beige color
that blends in with the surrounding environment. The
front of the house has a small wooden door that
looks weathered and worn. A small window made
of thick, cloudy glass is situated next to the door.
Around the house, you can see a small garden with
neat rows of crops, including tomatoes, peppers,
and beans. A few brown, white and black chickens
roam around the garden, clucking at you and
pecking at the ground!
This is the home of Nathan and Virginia Timberwine
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) both
farmers along their four kids (two boys and two girls).
He is dressed in worn, clothes and appears to be in
his late twenties, with blonde hair and surprisingly a
voice is that is deep and rich, with a slight accent that
betrays his rural origins. He is looking for extra money
so he may offer to sell the PCs his Potion of Water
Breathing for a reasonable price (GMs discretion).
His wife is dressed in a modest, but well-kept dress that
hints at elegance despite its simplicity and her blonde
hair is tied back in a neat bun. They are members of
the militia but not followers of the Order of the Sun.
The space is small, with a dirt floor and rough-hewn
wooden walls, but it is clean and well-organized. In
the corner is a large hearth made of stones next to
it is a small table on which a single oil lamp that
illuminates the entire room. There are six wooden
chairs surrounding it and in the center of the room is
a large wooden chest, which doubles as a storage
area and a sleeping area for the family with six
straw beds laid out. On the opposite side of the room
is a small kitchen area, with a crude wooden shelf
holding pots, pans, and utensils. A hand-pumped
well is situated in the corner, providing fresh water
for cooking and cleaning. Behind the well is a hidden
compartment which contains: (4) Gems: 10 gp, 14
gp, 20 gp, 50 gp and (1) Potion of Water Breathing.
There is nothing else of value in here.
#27. BLACKSMITH SHOP AND HOMESTEAD
The blacksmith shop is a small one-story building
made of timber and stone. The entrance is marked
by a wooden sign with a hammer and anvil carved
into it. The thatched roof looks old and weathered,
but sturdy enough to provide shelter from the rain.
The front door is made of rough-hewn wood and
has a large iron. The building is surrounded by a
small yard cluttered with tools, scrap metal, and
various other objects, including a large anvil and
several heavy metal vices.
The Blacksmiths are Sven and Olga Ironfury (AC:
10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) He is a
muscular and burly man with rough hands and a beard
that looks as tough as steel. She is fit and beautiful with
dark eyes and brown hair. He can sell or buy from
the PCs as well as forge any weapons, horseshoes, or
other metal objects needed (GMs discretion) for a
price. He is a high member of the militia and a follower
of the Order of the Sun. Tools of all sizes and shapes
line the walls, while finished and half-finished items
are scattered about the room. In a back room is
his living quarters consisting of a small bed, table,
a chair, a shelf with foodstuffs, and an open box
with clothes. Under his bed is a locked chest with the
following: 400 pp. The key is in his pocket.
#28. COTTAGE WITH WHITEWASHED WALLS
This interesting small village cottage is made of a mix
of materials, with the lower half constructed of rough-
hewn stone walls painted with a white wash and the
upper half of dark wood stained planks. The roof is
steeply pitched and made of thatch, with a single
chimney jutting out from one side. A small garden
plot is visible out front, filled with various herbs and
vegetables.
This is the home of Galen and Lyra Brightblade (AC:
10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, XP: 5) His face is rough and unshaven,
with a furrowed brow and a determined gaze. His wife
20
is pregnant and has brown hair and green eyes.
They are simple farm workers and not interested
in adventuring. They are both in the militia and
followers of the Order of the Sun. The inside of the
cottage is cozy and warm, with a small fireplace
in the corner. The walls are lined with shelves
and hooks, holding pots, pans, and various tools.
There is a wooden table in the center of the room
with a few chairs around it. A small bed is tucked
away in a corner. The floor is made of rough-
hewn wood and covered with a few woven rugs.
Under the bed is a hidden compartment in the wall
containing following items: (1) Silver Dagger and
100 cp. There are no other items of value here.
#29. ABANDONED SMALL COTTAGE
The small house looks like it has been empty for a
long time. The wooden exterior walls are weathered
and faded, with several missing boards revealing
the interior. The roof is sagging in the middle, and
the thatching is torn and discolored. The door and
windows are boarded up and the surrounding
yard is overgrown with tall grass and weeds, and
there are several large rocks and fallen branches
scattered around, making it difficult to approach
the house. The whole place has a general feeling
of neglect and disuse, and it looks like it hasn’t
been inhabited in years.
The inside of the abandoned house is dark
and dust-covered, with cobwebs draped in the
corners. There is a fireplace on one wall, a couple
of worn chairs, a few broken crates scattered
about and table with a few old dusty plates and
cups The fireplace has long since gone cold and
is filled with ash. The room has an eerie feel to
it, and it’s clear that no one has lived here for a
long time. The owner of this home dissapeared a
long time ago on an adventure to a far away land
and never came home. The PCs could decide to
hunker down here to rest or rocover however there
could always be a wandering encounter that could
show up to engage them as well.
#30. TRAINER OF THE SWORDS COTTAGE
This house stands out from the neighboring
structures with its tall, fortified walls and peaked
slate roof. The stone façade bears a well-worn
coat of arms from the old Sternholm Keep, while
the sturdy wooden door boasts an intricate
carving of the symbol in the form of a sun with rays
of light spreading outwards.
This is the home of Sir Richard Dupre, a human
male paladin (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5) who was the last surviving former
knight in the service of Lord Edmund Sternholm
before the Keep was destroyed. He lives here alone
as a broken man, drowning himself in ale who feels
he failed in life because he couldn’t defeat the
evils that destroyed the Keep years ago and killed
his friends and corrupted the Lord which led to his
demise. Sir Richard is the head of the miltia and is
now a devout follower of the Order of the Sun so he
has renounced spell clerical casting. His noble dog
named Comet is usually by his side. He can train the
PCs in any weapon with a blade for a price (GMs
discretion on how it would improve the PCs skills
etc). He will exchange drinks with the PCs and tell
them sad tale of Lord Edmund Sternholm and the
finding of “Illumina mi Nemesi” [SEE: KEY TO THE
RUINS OF STERNHOLM KEEP P.42]. He will urge the
party to go there and destroy the sword. He tried
and failed many times himself and is now the broken
man they see before themselves. If the PCs take on
his challenge and succeed, Sir Richard will regain his
hope for the future and stop his destructive drinking
habits. The walls of this place are adorned with
faded religious symbols and old weapons, while
a large wooden table dominates the center of the
room. To the side, there is a small wooden altar
a carving of a sunburst. A suit of full plate mail
armor stands tall in the corner. In the left foot of
the suit of armor is the following: 5000 gp, (5) Gems:
50 gp, 2 x 60 gp, 100 gp, 1000 gp. Aside from the
above items there is nothing else of value here.
#31. SMALL FARMHOUSE WITH CHICKENS
As you approach the small one-room farmhouse,
you notice the thatched roof is in need of repair,
with several holes patched with straw. The walls
are washed with a brown color and wooden door
hangs slightly off its hinges.
This is the home of Luke and Gianna Foster (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) He has
tousled black hair and wears a faded brown woold
shirt and patched linin overalls. She has long black
hair and wears a simple brown dress made of a rough-
woven fabric, a cloth apron and sturdy leather boots.
Both of them are in the militia and members of the
Order of the Sun. The main living area is sparsely
furnished with a wooden table and a few chairs, a
large hearth with pots and pans hanging above,
and a few shelves holding various household
items. A small corner is designated for sleeping
with a modest straw bed and a simple woolen
blanket. On the walls, you see a few tools hanging
that are used for farming, including a sickle and
a hoe. Luke and Gianna might be a bit suspicious of
21
any strangers asking too many questions. In a hiding
spot within the roof structure is a chest containing: (1)
Stick of Incense, (2) Wax Candle, (1) Dagger +2,
278 cp, 47 gp and 182 pp, There is nothing else of
value in here.
#32. SMALL HOMESTEAD WITH WHITE WASH
Another simple whitewashed wooden house with
a thatched straw roof sloping down to the single
doorway and an open window beckons before
you. This home also features a small porch by the
door with a rocking chair and a small bucket sitting
beside it. The front door is simple, made of sturdy
planks, and a few pieces of laundry hang on a line
strung between two posts nearby. A quaint little herb
garden grows in the front yard which is surround by
a small white picket fence. The sound of chickens
clucking can be heard from somewhere nearby.
This is the home of Edith Merryweather (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) an
attractive, middle-aged woman farmer. She wears
a simple linen dress and a faded apron, and her
black and grey hair is pulled back into a loose braid.
She is not in the militia and is a member of the Order
of the Sun. The inside of the house is simple, yet
humble abode complete with a dirt floor and
everything. There is a small fireplace with a few
cooking utensils hanging from hooks above and a
simple wooden table with two chairs on one wall.
A straw-stuffed mattress is shoved into one corner
of the room, and a pile of thick woolen blankets
is neatly folded on top of it. If the PCs engage her
in conversation she will chat with them and offer
to serve them some freshly made tea. She recently
purchased Honeyspot Mushrooms from the village
Apothecary and does not know they are dangerous
and used them in water pot. If anyone (including her)
drinks the tea then they may be entranced under
its effects (SEE: CAVERNS OF THE WICKED PEAKS -
HONEYSPOT MUSHROOMS P.53) Inside the chest are
her clothes however there is a hidden compartment
at the bottom which contains: (1) Potion of Plant
Control and (1) Gem worth 500 gp. There is nothing
else of value here.
#33. INN OF THE WHISTLING PIG
As you approach this very large building, you see
that it is constructed from sturdy, blackened flag
stones and mud with a wood thatched roof. The
structure has a distinctive “L” shape and is two stories
tall, with a thatched roof and numerous chimneys.
A sign hanging from a post out front depicting a
tankard of ale invites you in towards a pair of open
 large wooden doors. There is three foot high wooden
statue of a jovial pig playing a flute outside. To one
side of the tavern, you see a large barn and stable
area, complete with a fenced paddock for visitors’
mounts. The barn has a wooden shingle roof and
several open stalls, while the stable area is roofed
with thatch and has a large hayloft overhead. The
air is filled with the sharp but sweet scent of hay and
the sound of horses neighing. A slight tinge of the
smell of manure wafts by in the breeze. The place
looks like a very lively place to rest and relax.
This is the infamous Inn of the Whistling Pig owned by
Brunhilde Helga Olsen a.k.a “Broom Helga.” If the
PCs enter the Inn then [SEE: KEY TO THE INN OF THE
WHISTLING PIG P.28] for its interior description and
encounters.
#34. APOTHECARY SHOP AND RESIDENCE
The exterior of the shop is made of wood washed
with a yellow ochre color. A sign hangs above the
door with the symbol of mortar and pestle. The
windows of the shop are small and decorated with
lace curtains that add to the shop’s cozy ambiance.
In the back of the building you can see a small
herb garden or medicinal plant bed, showcasing
the shop’s dedication to natural healing remedies
which is enclosed by a white picket fence.
The owner is Gwendolyn Wildwood (AC: 10, MV: 120
ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) a female human
herbalist. She can buy or sell the PCs any spice, herb or
plant (e.g: Belladonna, Garlic, Ginseng, Mandrake
Root, Sulfurous Ash, Blood Moss, Spiders Silk,
Nightshade, Frankinscense, Valerian, Rosemary,
Highbottom Leaf, Sage, Lavender, Sandalwood,
Cedar, Patchouli, Juniper, Mugwort etc) they need.
Gwendolyn can also concoct medicinal remedies,
potions, etc (GMs discretion) and is in the militia as
well as a follower of the Order of the Sun. Unknowingly,
she is an agent of Linzabar and has been selling his
Honeyspot Mushrooms without realizing their mind-
control effects. She may try to offer the party some
of them along with their other purchases, enabling
Linzabar to take control of their minds. The main
room of the shop is filled with wooden shelves
and cabinets that are stocked with various herbs,
tinctures, and remedies. The shelves are adorned
with dozens of jars of dried flowers and leaves, and
the cabinets are filled with various containers of
different shapes and many sizes. The air is filled
with the scent of dried herbs and flowers, creating
a calming and soothing atmosphere. In the center
of the room, there is a large wooden table where
the apothecary works on various remedies and
tinctures. The table is covered with jars of different
22
shapes and sizes, as well as a mortar and pestle
for grinding herbs. In the back of the shop, there is
a small living area that is separated from the main
room by a curtain divider. The living area features
a simple but comfortable bed, a wooden dresser,
and a small stove for cooking meals. The walls are
be adorned with tapestries, A secret compartment
inside the dresser holds: 300 pp, 5000 sp and (1)
Gold Necklace worth 350 gp. Other than that
nothing else is of value here.
#35. FISHERMANS HOUSE BY THE WATER
As you approach this small house, the smell of
ripe fish fills the air. The one-room cottage is built
from driftwood and mud stone, with a thatched
straw roof and a small chimney rising up. Nets and
baskets hang from hooks outside the door, and a
few traps are stacked in the corner. A small boat is
pulled up on the shore nearby.
This wonderful little shack is the home of Reginald
and Celestine Barrington (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft
(40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) both human fisherman.
He wears a tattered shirt, wool pants and well-worn
boots while she wears a raggedy brown dress with a
faded apron, and her dirty blonde hair is tied back in
a pony tail. They are both members of the militia and
the Order of the Sun. They can sell fish and train the
PCs in the arts of fishing for a reasonable price (GMs
discretion). They are not interested in adventuring
but will share a delicious fish dinner with the PCs over
chatting about some local tall tales and rumors. The
interior of the cottage is small and cluttered, with
fishing nets hanging from the rafters and a faint
smell of freshwater and fish. On the other side of
the room, there is a small wooden table with two
chairs, and a shelf filled with fishing tackle and
other tools of the trade. On the walls, there are
several old and faded nautical maps, depicting
various waterways and the coastlines of different
lands. A worn, yet comfortable, armchair sits in
the corner next to a small fireplace, with a pile
of logs stacked neatly next to it. The floor is made
of rough-hewn wooden planks, worn smooth by
years of use, with several colorful, braided rugs
scattered about. In one corner, there is a small
shelf where jars of preserved fish and vegetables
are stored in dried form. On the walls, there are
several mounted fish trophies of different sizes and
colors, a testament to the owner’s skill in fishing. A
small window on the far side of the room provides
a view of the river outside. In the far corner a
simple straw bed and a chest can be seen. There
is a loose stone in the center of the chimney which
hides a secret compartment holding: (1) Potion of
Greater Healing, 305 cp, 76 ep, 55 gp and a piece
#36. CARPENTERS HOME AND WORKSHOP
The small one-room village carpenter’s shop-
house stands near the edge of the village, its
wooden structure appearing sturdy and well-
maintained. The exterior walls are made of
wooden planks, with a shingled roof that slopes
downwards towards the back of the house. On
one side of the house is a large window, also
framed in wood and there are several wooden
barrels and planks stacked up against the wall
beside the it. A wooden sign hangs above the
door bearing wooden carving of a saw and
hammer underneath. The carpenter’s shop is
located near the outskirts of the village, near the
forest, and a few trees grow nearby.
This is the shop and home of Howard and Ann
Lawrence (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
XP: 5) a human male carpenter and his wife. Howard
is the local carpenter and very meticulous in his work.
He is a friendly but stern middle aged man with black
and white hair, bushy sideburns and blue eyes. He
is wearing a white shirt with tan pants and leather
apron with a hammer and chisel on a thick brown
leather belt. Ann is a smart, loving and beautiful
woman with brown eyes and black hair. She wears
a weathered pink and blue dress with a white apron.
They have three wonderful dogs named Meg, Bucky
and Libby. Howard and Ann are in the militia and
members of the Order of the Sun. Howard can build,
fix or construct anything wooden (including entire
homes) for the PCs for a reasonable price (GMs
discretion). Ann will offer the PCs a delicious and
hearty home cooked meal if they are hungry. They
will tell the PCs that recent attacks on the village
are believed to be being orchestrated by a Hill
Giant in the Highlands to the north east. Howard
will show them pieces of ogre arrowhead shrapnel
23
from recent attacks on the village. The inside of the
home smells like the fresh scent of wood shavings,
cedar and sawdust. The space is filled with various
working tools: saws, hammers, chisels, and
measuring devices all hanging on pegs or lying
on workbenches. A large hearth at the back of the
shop provides a place to cook a meal or melt down
metal for nails or other needed hardware and there
is a large oaken barrel sitting next to it. On one side
of the shop is a small living space separated from
the work area by a thin curtain partition with a straw
bed, a few blankets, and a small chest for storing
personal belongings. There is also a small table
with a few chairs for eating and relaxing. Hidden in
false bottom of the barrel are the following items: (1)
flask filled with sweet Dwarven Brandywine, 5500
cp, 1000 gp, 500 ep, 2000 pp and (2) Gems: 475 gp
and 250 gp. Otherwise there is nothing else of value
here.
#37. MID SIZED FARMERS COTTAGE
This mid-sized village house stands one and a half
stories tall with a thatched roof sloping down to the
ground, supported by a wooden frame with exposed
beams. The house is made of stone and wood, with
yellow washed plaster walls and a wooden door with
rusty iron hinges and latch. A small garden with colorful
flowers attracts a few bees in front of the house. As
you admire the house and its surroundings, you can’t
help but feel a sense of peace and serenity. It’s as if
the house and the garden exist in perfect harmony
with the natural world, creating a tranquil oasis in the
midst of the hustle and bustle of village life.
This is the home of Agnes Coppermill and Rosie
Goodwillow (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
XP: 5) both retired farmers. Agnes has a face that
is weathered and lined with worry, she lives with her
friend Rosie a plain looking spinster lady with her hair
in a bun wearing drab clothing. Agnes’ late husband
was killed twenty years ago in a far away land during
an adventure. Agnes and Rosie try to avoid any
engagement with outsiders other than Suns Day as
they are followers of the Order of the Sun. The interior
of the house is modest yet functional. The main living
area is a comfy room with a fireplace and simple
furniture, such as a wooden table and chairs, and
a few small rugs. There is also a simple cupboard
and shelf for storing food and dishes. The walls are
adorned with simple but tasteful decorations, such
as woven baskets and dried herbs. You get a sense
that this house is a welcoming and hospitable
place. A narrow staircase leads up to a loft which is
furnished with a sleeping quarters, wardrobe case and
a chest for storage. Inside the chest is: 1000 cp, Gems
(4): 10 gp, 30 gp, 80 gp, 100 gp.
#38. SMALL HOUSE DOWN BY THE RIVER
This place looks like a humble fishermongers house as
you can see a chimney peeking out of a thatched
roof sloping gently downward to cover the single-
story dwelling. The walls are made of rough-hewn
timber, the gaps between them filled with mud and
clay. Several nets and buckets are sitting in front
next to the door.
This is the home of Joseppa & Marina Anderson,
fishermen both (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5). He has blonde hair and blue eyes
wearing overalls while she has long flowing red hair in
pigtails and wears a simple linen shirt and breeches,
with a worn leather vest and boots that bear the
marks of many long days on the water. They are
members of the militia and the Order of the Sun and
can sell fish or train the PCs on fishing for a fairly decent
price (GMs discretion). They will tell the PCs a few of
the local rumors if questioned however they are not
interested in adventuring. The interior walls of this
home are adorned with simple decorations, tools,
and a large fireplace that dominates one side of
the room. A small table and chairs sit in one corner,
while a bed made of straw and linen is tucked
away in another. Shelves line the walls, displaying
jars of preserved fish eggs and various farm tools.
Under the pile of nets is large loose stone in the ground
concealing: (1) Vial of Oil of Slipperiness, (3) Gems:
10 gp, 160 gp and 1000 gp. There is nothing else of
value here except a few fish heads and bones which
might be something that is useful to the local Mystics.
#39. LABORORS COTTAGE BY THE HILLS
On approach to this small house, you are taken
by its quaint rustic appearance with natural brown
wooden beams and yellow straw thatched roof. The
front door is closed and painted with a dull yellow
wash. An well-worn oaken bench sits beside it and
a few simple laborers tools lean up against the wall
such as a pitchfork, a shovel and a hoe. A weather
beaten wheelbarrow sits on the side of the house by
a small garden with colorful flowers.
This is the home of Ned and Ursula Sawyer (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) both laborers
and their six kids, three boys and three girls. He has
thick black hair and big handlebar mustache, a
sharp jawline, and dark brown eyes. He is wearing a
faded green tunic, dirty brown leather trousers, and
sturdy brown boots caked with mud. She is pregnant
and has long wavy dark brown hair with a real pretty
flower as a decoration in it by her ear. Ursula wears a
smile along with a simple red cotton dress with a white
apron and delicate black boots. They are in the militia
24
and followers of the Order of the Sun. Ned could be
hired by the PCs to help the with any labor intensive
jobs that could require his assistance for a good
price and he may even offer to sell them a Ring of
Telekinesis for a hefty sum (GMs discretion). They
are a simple couple and will chat with the PCs. The
place is cluttered with various household items,
and a large wooden table takes up much of the
center of the room. On one side, a makeshift bed
with a worn quilt is nestled in the corner, while on
the other, several smaller beds are pushed against
the walls to accommodate the family of eight. A
hidden compartment under Friedas bed contains
the following: (1) Potion of Healing, (1) Ring of
Telekinesis, (3) Jewelry: 500 gp, 1200 gp and 3000
gp. There is nothing else of value here.
#40. WHEAT FARMERS COTTAGE
As you approach this large cottage, you notice it is
a humble structure made of wood and stone, with
a thatched roof and small windows. The exterior is
adorned with a few potted plants, and the front
door is painted with a whitewash. A bucket and a
ladder sit nearby the entrance and field of wheat
grows nearby.
This is the humble abode of Hans and Eva Meadows
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) both
human farmers. He is an older man in his sixties with
crazy long grey hair wearing dirty cotten longjohns
and his wife is in her sixties as well. She wears a long
old fashioned heavy wool blue dress with black boots.
They are simple wheat farmers and are not members
of the militia but belong to the Order of the Sun. A
fireplace is located in the center of the room and
the walls are lined with shelves and hooks holding
various tools and equipment, such as hoes, sickles,
and baskets. In the corner is a wooden table with
a few chairs surrounding it, where they chow down
or have serious discussions. A small bed made of
straw is tucked away in the opposite corner, with
a few blankets and pillows strewn haphazardly
on top. Under the pillow end of the bed is a hidden
compartment containing: 50 gp and (1) Potion of
Fire Resistance. There is nothing else of value here.
#41. LITTLE COTTAGE BY THE WOODS
Yet another small village house whose exterior
appears to be made of the usual whitewashed
wood with a thatched roof made of straw. A few
small windows are on the front side. There is a garden
with bright vegatables in the front yard around the
pathway to the front door with a little dog running
around barking. The woods can be seen nearby and
behind the structure. The landscape is very green
and fresh with the smell of pine.
This is the home of Wilfred Rollinghill (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, Halfling, Dwarvish,
Elvish, Gnomish, and Ogrish. XP: 5) a male halfling
adventurer who recently moved here and lives
alone. He wears green leather armor, brown pants
and black bell bottomed boots. He is a member of
the militia and the Order of the Sun. He can give the
party any rumors or tips regarding the Caverns of the
Wicked Peaks as he has explored there many days
in the distant past. The floor is strewn with gear,
weapons and equipment. A rough wooden table
is situated in the center of the room with maps
and a compass on it, surrounded by one chair
and a couple of stools, and a simple cot lies in
one corner. The space is dimly lit by a small oil
lamp, and the air is thick with the scent of fresh
leather and dried herbs. Under the cot is a secret
door in the floor that leads to a tiny chamber which
holds: (1) Ring of Fireballs [4 charges left], (1)
Potion of Feather Falling and (9) Gems: 2 x 10 gp,
20 gp, 90 gp, 100 gp, 500 gp, 700 gp, 2 x 1000 gp.
There is nothing else of value here.
#42. FARMHOUSE WITH LIVE STOCK
Another farmer’s house sits before you. It is a modest
dwelling made of timber logs and fieldstone, with a
thatched roof that shows signs of wear and tear.
The building is simple in design, with only a small
front porch and a single window covered by a
piece of cloth. The surrounding land is dotted with
crops and livestock pens, indicating that this is a
working farm. The air is filled with the ripe scent of
freshly cut hay and the sounds of livestock grunting
and birds chirping.
This is the home of Albert and Helena Rothbirch
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT:
1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP:
5) human farmers and their four kids (one boy and
three girls.) He has curly brown hair, a big mustache
and is wearing a well-worn, patched brown tunic
and trousers. She has wide blue eyes, blonde hair
and wears a plain blue cotton dress. They are in both
the militia and the Order of the Sun. The room serves
as the kitchen, dining area, and living room all
at once. The dirt floor cluttered with wooden toys
and is covered with a few thin mats and piles of
straw for beds. A fireplace stands against one of
the walls, with pots and pans hanging from hooks
above it. A rickety table is in the center of the
room, surrounded by several chairs, and a few
simple shelves hold a variety of household items.
The air is fresh with the smell of hay. Under one of
the mats on the floor is a trapdoor containing: 1000
cp and (6) Gems: 3 gp, 8 gp, 50 gp, 200 gp, 500
gp, 1100 gp.
25
#43. WOODCUTTERS SHACK BY THE FOREST
As you approach this small house, you notice its
weathered exterior made of whitewashed wooden
planks and sloped yellow straw thatched roof. A small
chimney juts out from it, and a pile of chopped wood
sits off to the side of the home, ready for the hearth
inside. The door is simple but sturdy, with a crude iron
latch. The windows are small and unadorned, and a
few tools such as a hoe, rake, and shovel are leaning
against the wall outside.
This is the humble abode of Winston and Amanda
Lionheart (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
XP: 5) human woodcutters. He is a burly man with a
big beard and bigger attitude and she is sweet and
demure with green eyes. They are in the militia and
members of the Order of the Sun. Both can also be
hired by the PCs to help the with any labor intensive
jobs that could require his assistance for a good
price (GMs discretion). They know a few of the local
legends and rumors. They will also invite the PCs to the
next Suns Day weekly celebration on the Hill of the
Standing Stones (E.7). They will also offer the PCs some
beef jerky and some tea. The home is small inside
with a dirt floor and a simple straw mattress is in
one corner. The whole place smells like deliciously
fresh cedar, probably from all of the wod shavings
on the floor. A table and chairs are in the center of
the room and a ladder leads up to a small loft. The
walls are decorated with some tools, including a
shovel, a saw and a pickaxe. In one of the pockets
in the clothing is a key that opens a hidden locked
chest up in the loft. The chest contains: 3000 gp, (10)
Bullets and a Sling +2.
#44. LABORORS HOME WITH YELLOW WALLS
Another very typical and simple house that appears
to belong to a farmer in this small village. The home
is made of wooden planks that have been yellow
washed and has a thatched roof with a chimney
poking out from the top. There is a small patch of
land in front of the house with a garden, as well as a
few chickens that are clucking and pecking around.
A wooden fence surrounds the area, and a gate
made of sticks stands at the entrance with some
pretty flowers on each side.
This is the residence of Heather Lovelock (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) a female human
laborer and wood worker. She has blonde hair, blue
eyes and a very athletic figure from years of working
general labor. She wears a cotton shirt revealing some
cleavage, brown pants and black boots. Heather is
in the militia and a member of the Order of the Sun
and can also be hired by the PCs to help the with any
labor intensive jobs that could require her assistance
for a good price (GMs discretion). She will chat with
the PCs and give out a rumor or two. The inside of
the home is sparsely furnished with a dirt floor,
simple bed, a rough-hewn wooden table, a chest
and a few chairs. The walls have wooden shelves
that hold cooking pots, utensils, and foodstuffs. The
chest contains her clothes but hidden in one of the
pots on the shelves is are: (10) Gems: 10 gp, 35 gp, 2
x 50 gp, 3 x 500 gp, 650 gp, 800 gp, 1500 gp. There
is nothing else of value here.
#45. SMALL FARMERS HOUSE BY A GARDEN
As you approach you see a simple one-room house
made of logs and mud. It has a thatched roof
that is sagging in the middle and a chimney. The
front door is weathered and you can see a small
vegetable garden off to the side.
A simple man and wife live here named Marshall
& Leslie McNabb (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5) human farmers. He is wearing an
old fashioned collared cloth shirt with suspenders and
brown pants. She is looking very lovely in a rustic yellow
tinted dress and black boots. They are in the militia
and members of the Order of the Sun. He is an ornery
cuss and will speak his mind and even argue with the
PCs if they disagree with him. The house has a strong
smell of hay and animals looming in the air. A
large fireplace dominates the center of the room,
with pots and pans hanging from hooks above it.
A simple wooden table with benches serves as
the work/dining area, while a single bed with a
straw mattress and brown blanket thrown over
it sits against the corner wall. A few shelves hold
simple household items like plates, cups, and utensils.
In the wall behind the bed is a hidden compartment
containing a sack with the following: (6) Gems: 10
gp, 15 gp, 30 gp, 50 gp, 200 gp, 500 gp.
#46. WELL-KEPT SMALL COTTAGE AND FARM
This is a small cottage nestled amidst a tidy farm.
with several chickens running around. The exterior
is made of timber which give it a rustic and homely
appearance. The roof is pitched and covered
with straw mixed with hard mud clay, providing
protection from the elements. The front of the
cottage features a porch or veranda, where one
can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The
porch has a rocking chair, inviting a visitor to sit and
soak in the tranquility of the countryside. Behind the
cottage lies a well-kept farm a source of pride for
the owners of this little place.
26
This is the home of Greta McAllister (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) a human
female farmer. She used to be a follower of the
Order of the Sun but lost her faith years ago during
a tragic accident. Despite her older age, she is still
an active and productive member of the farming
community. She wakes up early in the morning to
tend to her crops and animals, and she works tirelessly
throughout the day to ensure that everything on her
farm is running smoothly. The living room is the heart
of the cottage, and it features a comfortable sofa
with a few chairs arranged around a fireplace.
The kitchen area is a simple yet functional hearth,
with a wooden table and chairs for meals. The
cabinets are made of wood, painted in a subtle
yellow ochre wash color that blends in with the
surroundings. A large straw bed is in the corner
and next to it is a large wooden chest and a
cabinet. An old bucket next to the fireplace has a
false bottom containing: 300 cp, 50 sp and a Ring
of Protection +1.
#47. HERMITS HOUSE IN THE WOODS
This is a modest single-story, delapidated wooden
building with a thatched straw roof and a small
garden with dead plants out front. Smoke rises
from a small chimney and a stone pathway with
overgrown shrubs and weeds leads to the front
door, which is made of a very old looking wood.
The windows are dusty, small and have thick
shutters that can be closed for privacy of the
homeowner. The overall appearance of the place
is simple yet borderline abandoned yet somebody
must be in there.
If the PCs knock at the door or window they will be
greeted ANY TIME OF THE DAY by Brother Tiberius
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT:
1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP:
5) a human male druid. He is 99% blind because of
his cataracts and can’t see a thing mostly relying on
listening or touching the world around him. So there
may be times where he awkwardly or comically
reaches out and touches the PCs faces, noses, ears,
shoulders etc to “see them” during conversations
etc. He is not in the militia but is a follower of the
Order of the Sun.
The aged door creaks open and you are greeted
by an old man in his 70s with long shounder
length white hair, a white beard, and wearing
an old fashioned clerics robe. His face is ruggedly
weathered and his sad, aimless gaze stares out
past you as you suddenly realize he may be
visually impaired. You notice around his neck he is
 wearing a copper necklace with a symbol on it in
the form of a sun with seven rays of light spreading
outwards from the top. He speaks to you excitedly
and with glee, “Welcome friends! Oh joy, I had
just been praying to the gods to bring me some
visitors because my wife died years ago, I
have no children and I don’t get out much in
the village except for special ceremonies.” He
awkwardly tries to touch one of your faces to “see
you” and almost grabs one of your noses. “Please
have some compassion for a lonely old man
and come inside and have a chat and best of
all... I’ve just made a fresh pot of Elvenberry Tea
and there’s plenty for everybody!”
In the dimly lit cottage, a small fire crackles in the
hearth, casting shadows on the walls as a teapot
bubbles and steams over it. The interior of this one
room home is sparsely furnished with only a few
basic necessities such as a simple wood with
straw bed with an open chest next to it and an
oak table with a few chairs in the center of room.
There is also a chest of drawers, a cabinet, a small
bookshelf with dozens of miscellaneous items,
and a simple altar with a symbol on it that is the
same one he wears around his neck that surround
the table and chairs. There are dozens of kick-
knacks and things all over the place. The walls
are adorned with religious symbols and sitting on
the center of table is a candleholder with a lit
candle on it providing extra light. You also detect
the scent of an old religious spices and sacred
herbs in the air as well as the sharp, earthy
aroma of tea leaves mixes with the sweet scent
of honey, rose and mint coming from the boiling
27
tea. Despite its modest appearance, there is an air of
quiet reverence and spirituality in the room. If the party
sits at the table to join the old man read the following:
He proceeds to stumble around opening the
cabinets and comedicly, accidently knocking things
over like glasses, dishes, pots, pans and silverware
while looking for the mugs. Eventually he finds them
after making a big mess around the room. Then with
a big smile says, “I got them!” Next he sets them on
the table for your group. He says, “This Elvenberry
Tea will definately warm you up as much as your
company warms my heart!” He smiles and stares
past your eyes proceeding to take the boiling hot
pot of tea and attempts to pour it into some of your
mugs!
But he will of course miss the mugs, spilling or splashing
it all over the table and one or more of the PCs faces,
chests or crotch etc, scalding them and not realizing
it. The PCs affected must make a Dexterity Check or
take 1d4 damage. He will proceed to talk with the PCs
and answer any questions they have as well as give
them a few rumors at the GMs Discretion.
Next he sits down and pours himself some in a
mug, spilling half of it in the process. He then says,
“Delicious, isn’t it?” and takes a sip then exclaims,
“We need to celebrate this occasion... let me
get my smoking pipe!” he stands and opens up
several random drawers and cabinets once again
accidently knocking dozens of items over and
dropping things. After a minute or so of making a
bigger, mess he finally reaches into the correct
drawer and pulls out a simple pipe. It is decorated
with small, intricate mystical carvings. The bowl is
covered in a layer of dried tobacco leaves. “You
are my wonderful guests! You smoke from it first!”
He hands the pipe to one of the PCs (preferably one
with facial hair) and says:
“Folks it has been an honor to spend time with
such loving and gracious new friends! As your
humble host, I’ll do the honors and light this
ceremonial pipe of Highbottom Leaf to share in
blessings for us all!” He reaches towards the table
in an attempt to grab the candle holder and knocks
over all the mugs, plates and everything else then
eventually picks it up. He stands up, leans over to
the PC with the pipe and attempts to light it!
But instead he will accidently light their facial hair,
moustache, goatee, sideburns, beard, face, nose, on
fire. If the PCs manage to maintain a compassionate
attitude understanding his condition and where his
heart is, he will tell them one more key hint to success in
completing one of the adventures in this module GMs
discretion on which true rumor or provide a new one or
hint. Before the PCs exit the front door he speaks.
 “Wait! I have one more thing you could use!” open stalls offer shelter for the animals. Meanwhile,
He reaches into a cabinet next to the door, again the stable area features a thatched roof and a
knocking things over and pulls out a potion bottle. generous hayloft. The aroma of fresh hay permeates
“This is a Potion of Celestial Healing blessed by the air, accompanied by the equine sounds of
the Order of the Sun ages ago in a once every whinnies and snorts. Additionally, a faint scent of
thousand years starfield event where the moons manure lingers in the breeze.
and planets align. It could even cure my eyesight,
The inn is a lively place owned by Brunhilde Helga
but I choose not to waste it selfishly on my own
Olsen, a.k.a “Broom Helga” (SEE: E.1.L1) a stout
hubris. It’s priceless and it is yours for your friendly
hearted, warrior woman with a horned helmet and
company and time!” He tries to walk towards you,
strong headlock for those who don’t pay the bill. On the
but the cluttered ground impedes his progress. He
other hand if she is attracted to one of the PCs they
stops and then tosses the item towards your group,
may end up in the same headlock with red lipstick kisses
saying, “Here you go.”
on their cheeks! She offers guests any menu items for
Any PCs that are standing nearest to Brother Tiberius sale or rooms to rent with private ones with 1-4 beds or
must make Dexterity Check when trying to catch the more for 5-10 cp a night or single dormitory beds for 1
flying potion bottle. If the PCs catch it and eventually cp a night. The inn accommodates a variety of visitors:
use it then it will heal 6d8 hp points and even cure merchants, traders, travelers, pilgrims, messengers,
blindness, disease or poison. The PCs could keep it soldiers, craftsmen, performers, and sometimes even
for themselves or somehow figure out a way to use it serves unknowingly as a meeting place for secret
to cure the old man, e.g. returning later for another societies or as hideouts for criminals. The inn serves as
visit and spiking his tea or convincing him to drink it place for the PCs to rest and get food, rumors, quests
etc. If the PCs miss their Dexterity Check then it will fall and information on the various local areas of high
on the floor and shatter splattering everywhere and adventure, such as the Highlands of Hill Giant, the
be ruined. Caverns of the Wicked Peaks, the Ruins of Sternholm
Keep and the Forest of the Fallen Oaks. The tavern
The old man says, “Have a blessed day and come is always filled with loud and drunken folks having a
back you if you need something warm to drink, good time! At GMs discretion any of the NPCS, e.g,
smoke or a place to stay!” he escorts you outside “...a group of people are huddled around a table,
and goes back into the house closing the door. gambling with cards and coins, while others dance
and sing along with the bard’s music...” could be any
The inside of the home will now be a complete messy
one of the NPCs in the village. [SEE: KEY TO THE MAJOR
wreck. This encounter will test the PCs honesty (e.g.
NPCS ENCOUNTER NUMBERS P.7 & P.8]
they could steal valuables from his bedside chest
too if that is what they want) and compassion and
be a fun one to role-play with some dialog and
actions. The only valuables the old cleric has are in
the open chest: (1) Potion of Healing, (1) Set of 12
Darts +1, Necklace of Prayer Beads, a Dagger +3,
400 pp, Jewelry worth 300 cp and sack of 500 gp.
There is nothing else of value in the hermits shack.
KEY TO THE INN OF THE WHISTLING PIG:
As you draw near to the imposing edifice, you
observe that it is composed of robust, weathered
flagstones and clay, topped with a thatched roof
made of timber with numerous chimneys belching
black smoke up into the sky. The establishment’s
structure is easily recognizable due to its L-shaped
design, towering two levels high. A sign, emblazoned
with an image of a frothy stein, swings from a post
at the front of the tavern beckoning you to enter
the open double doors. Adjacent to the inn lies a
substantial stable and barn complex, boasting a
fenced corral designated for the horses of guests.
The barn’s roof is made of wooden shingles, and the

28
TAVERN MENU ITEMS:
These meals are served on trenchers (large slices
of stale bread used as plates) to feed the hungry
guests. They absorb the various juices and flavors of
the food then after the meal, the trencher can be
eaten or given to the poor as a form of charity. Drinks
are served in wooden tankards and pottery mugs.
Each of the roasted meats on the menu are
seasoned or stuffed with a delicious helping of
the following herbs and spices: sage, thyme,
rosemary, garlic and mint. A special garnish
sauce made of wild red berries can be added
on the side for 1 cp extra. The dishes listed with
vegatables will include baked onions, carrots
and sweet potatos that are cooked to gourmet
perfection and so soft they will literally melt in the
PCs mouths:
Roasted Meat Pig, Chicken, Mutton or Fish - [5 cp]
Eggs & Pork Strips - [3 cp]
Pottage Soup (vegatables and meat) - [2 cp]
Garden Salad - [1 cp]
Baked Vegetables - [1 cp]
Ale, pint [1 cp]
Beer, pint [2 cp]
Mead, pint [2 cp]
Dwarven Brandywine, pint - [5 cp]
Wine, Posca (red) or Lora (white) - [1 cp, 2 cp]
Hard Cider (fermented apple juice) - [1 cp]
RANDOM TAVERN EVENTS:
Every few hours or at GMs discretion roll a 1d12 for
any one of these random tavern events to happen
to the PCs. Any of these NPCs may know at least
one of the rumors around the hamlet. If combat
ensues with any of these NPCs, they are all classified
with Commoner stats or at GMs discretion be any
one of the village characters. (SEE: KEY TO THE
MAJOR NPCS ENCOUNTER NUMBERS on P.7 & P.8)
1. Someone approaches you and accuses you of
stealing something from them.
2. A group of rowdy drunks starts a brawl with a
another bunch of rowdy drunks and the fight spills
into your table of rowdy drunks!
3. One of the village merchants approaches the
PCs, asking if they’re interested in earning some coin
by escorting a valuable cargo to a nearby town.
4. One of the PCs is pickpocketed by a group of
thieves who are lurking around the tavern.
5. A wealthy merchant approaches the PCs and
offers to pay them handsomely if they can retrieve
a stolen heirloom from the ruins of a nearby castle.
6. A group of mercenaries enters the tavern, looking
to hire additional muscle for a dangerous mission.
29
7. A mean-looking bastard with a square jaw and
tousled black hair walks up to one of the PCs at random
and says, “You know, your shoelace is untied.” If the
PC glances down, the bully quickly attempts to sucker
punch them in the face!
8. A group of bandits bursts into the tavern, demanding
that all of the patrons hand over their valuables.
9. A group of shady characters in the corner of the
tavern start whispering amongst themselves, clearly
up to no good. One of them keeps looking right at
your group with a dirty look.
10. A group of traveling merchants enters the tavern,
eager to trade with the locals and potentially offer the
PCs some exotic goods.
11. One of the PCs overhears a group of thieves
planning a heist on a nearby business, and has to
decide whether to intervene or let them proceed.
12. A patron offers to buy the PCs a round of drinks if
they can beat them at a game of knife throwing.
KEY TO THE INN - LEVEL 1:
#1: ENTRY DOORS AND LARGE MAIN HALL
As you push open the large creaky double doors to
the tavern, you immediately feel the warmth from
the many roaring fireplaces which cast a cozy glow
throughout the place. Inside the walls are adorned
all kinds of animal head trophys such as large elk,
deer, moose etc along with shelves and sconces
holding dozens and dozens of flickering candles,
casting a warm glow across the room and making it
easy to see the patrons engaging in various activities.
A beautiful heavy-set, buxom blonde barmaid with
pigtails wearing a horned helmet, can be seen on
one side smiling and serving a couple of adventurers
a large mug of ale. The air is thick with the scents
of burning wood, melting wax, and various foods
being cooked and served. The noise level is high,
with lively conversations, raucous laughter, and the
occasional clink of coins and glasses from a very
happy and rowdy crowd. The large oaken tables,
benches, barrels, crates and stools provide ample
space for the patrons to dine, drink, and play
games of chance while the bartenders serve up
frothy mugs of ale and other spirits. In one corner, a
bard strums a lute, filling the air with melodic tunes
that add to the jovial atmosphere. On one of the
tables, a whole roasted pig is the centerpiece of
a group’s feast, their mouths watering as they
prepare to dig in. Meanwhile, in the shadows, a
you can see a potential pickpocketing thief deftly
moving amongst the crowd, clearly intent on
relieving some poor drunken unsuspecting patrons

of their valuables. A rowdy group gathers around
a table, engaging in arm-wrestling, while a dashing
adventurer with black hair, a mustache and big
sideburns sits on the ground next a fire hearth with a
black cat by his side. He smokes from a pipe with a
smile while watching the folks enjoying themselves
in the tavern. In another corner, a group of people
are huddled around a table, gambling with cards,
while others dance and sing along with the bard’s
music. Three cute and barefoot serving wenches
with brunette, blonde and black hair hustle to keep
up with the demands of the thirsty and wild crowd.
The Inn of the Whistling Pig is definately a place of
great food, excitement and high adventure!
If the PCs enter they will be greeted ANY TIME OF THE
DAY by Brunhilde Helga, a.k.a “Broom Helga” Olsen
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) She is
a retired adventurer, owner of the tavern and knows a
few of the rumors around town. Helga will gladly whisper
some of them to a customer who buys something! A big
armed muscular bartender is working here named Bluto
Oakenshield (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
XP: 5) with an 18:00 Strength along with three cute
serving wenches, Gina, Elisabeth and Kirstie (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) The man with
the black cat is Marcus Lafitte [SEE: E5.L2]. Behind the
bar is a barrel containing: 2500 cp.
#2. WESTWARD HALL
The western end of the tavern continues into this
large filled with the pungent smell of earth, body
odor, roasting meat and sweet red wine of all things.
In the background, you hear the soothing sounds
of a lute being played, with a bard singing a ballad
of love and loss to a small group of folks to who
look bored to tears. Many tables, chairs and barrels
fill the room which is illuminated by candlelight,
casting a warm and welcoming glow across the
faces of patrons gathered around the fires. These
folks include a couple of mean looking burly men
at a corner table, boisterously boasting about their
feats of strength while slamming back mug after
mug of ale and occaisionally giving you the “stink
eye” look as if they want to punch you in the face!
Two other men are standing in the middle of the
room yelling at each other with flushed faces, their
arms flailing wildly as they argue over a game of
cards. Each one is accusing the other of cheating
even though they both look like a couple of no
good bastards. A, red-faced, drunk standing at the
bar is yelling for another round of ale and slapping
a few coins onto the counter. Some of them fall on
the ground! He doesn’t notice it... yet!
30
The two burly men are human male bandits: Dante
and Magnus (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6, HP: 4,
#AT: 1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized, MV: 120
ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Languages: Common,
Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp) They will eventually approach
the PCs and challenge them to a fist fight in the middle
of the bar. If PCs agree then the bar patrons will begin
to place bets on either party.
#3. SOUTH WING
This is the south wing of the tavern where you’re
struck by the powerful smell of damp earth and
the sight of flickering torches illuminating the
faces of hardened warriors. The room is filled with
the sound of grunts and groans as men test their
strength against each other, and the clanging of
swords as they practice their fighting techniques.
The men and women are Commoners (AC: 10,
MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) or at GMs
discretion could be any one of the named village
NPC characters. (SEE: KEY TO THE MAJOR NPCS
ENCOUNTER NUMBERS on P.7 & P.8) who will chat
about local rumors and legends or engage the PCs in
friendly combat or games.
#4. STORAGE ROOM
The storage room is dimly lit, with only a few candles
flickering on the walls. The room is cramped with
shelves and racks filled with crates, barrels, and
sacks of grain, salt, and dried meats. The room is
secured by a heavy wooden door.
As soon as the PCs enter the room they will be attacked
by (4) Giant Rats (AC: 7, HD: 1/2, HP: 1d3 each,
#AT: 1, D: 1d4, SZ: Small, MV: 90 ft, MR: Standard, AL:
Neutral, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp) There is nothing of
value in here unless rat droppings are worth something
to someone.
#5. STORAGE ROOM
This small 10 x 10 room is packed with shelves
lined with dozens of bottles of various sizes and
shapes, containing ales, meads, wines, and other
spirits. The air is thick with the sweet, rich aroma of
fermenting fruits and grains.
The booze is worth a total of 500 gp. There is nothing
else of value in here.
#6. EXTENDED HALL
As you enter the extended hall to the tavern,
the thick smell of ale, sweat and fireplace smoke
overwhelms you. This large dimly lit room is a hive
of activity, with patrons spilling out of every nook

and cranny as they guzzle their drinks, gamble, and
exchange bawdy jokes. One group in the corner
is singing a raunchy tune at the top of their lungs,
while a serving wench with fiery red hair is trying to
navigate through the throngs of people, carrying
a tray of frothy drinks. A man and a women are
engaged in a fierce game of darts in one corner,
while a trio of drunken women are dancing
provocatively to the tune from a mandolin played
by a man wearing a black eyepatch. Meanwhile,
a group of seedy looking men are huddled around
a table, throwing dice and shouting out numbers,
while a lone woman whos gaze and smile
occaisionally lands in your direction is perched
on a stool by the bar, nursing a wooden mug of
something strong. In one corner, a pair of bearded
dwarves are engaged in a heated arm-wrestling
match, their biceps bulging with effort!
Once again, the men and women in here are various
Commoners (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP:
4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
XP: 5) or at GMs discretion could be any one of
the named village NPC characters. (SEE: KEY TO
THE MAJOR NPCS ENCOUNTER NUMBERS on P.7 &
P.8) who will chat about local rumors and legends or
engage the PCs in friendly combat or games.
KEY TO THE INN - LEVEL 2:
#1: DORMITORY ROOM “SUN” FOUR BEDS
This small dormitory sleeping room is a simple but
cozy space, lined with wooden walls and floors
that creak softly with every step. The room is lit by
a few oil lamps hanging from the ceiling, casting
a warm glow on the surroundings. Each of the
four straw bed pallets is neatly made with clean
but ripped sheets and heavy woolen blankets,
providing a comfortable resting place for the
weary travelers. The room has a rustic charm, with
a few decorations hanging on the walls, such as
handwoven tapestries and a few dried flowers in
vases. It looks like someone is curled up sleeping on
one of the beds but it’s hard to tell.
This room has three beds available for 1 cp a night.
This is the room of Woodrow Moonleaf (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) a human male
adventurer who is staying while traveling through town
on the way to the Caverns of the Wicked Peaks. There
is a 50% chance he will be in the room sleeping, eating
or resting otherwise he may be found in one of the
tavern halls or outside in the village somewhere at GMs
discretion. If he is here he will chat with the PCs and
has knowledge of any rumors concerning the caverns
31
or the Honeyspot Mushrooms. Hidden under his bed he
has the following treasure: 1000 cp and (4) Gems: 35
gp, 2 x 50 gp, 100 gp.
#2: PRIVATE ROOM “A” WITH ONE BED
This is a small but comfy private room with a large
fireplace. A comfortable-looking straw bed sits by
two large windows to the south with a view of the
outside courtyard, with a heavy curtain that can
be drawn closed for privacy. The walls are adorned
with oil paintings of local landscapes and a hunting
scene. The bed is covered in old brown blankets
and straw pillows.
This room is currently available for 5 cp a night. There is
nothing of value here.
#3: PRIVATE ROOM “B” WITH TWO BEDS
The private room in the inn is furnished with two
comfortable straw beds and a warm fireplace,
which fills the room with a soft glow. The room is
spacious and well-lit, with a large window providing
a pleasant view of the countryside. The beds are
made up with somewhat clean linens however you
can see a smudge of something brown in color on
one end.
This is the room of two human female adventurers, Missy
Wondermire and Veronica Stratfield (AC: 10, MV: 120
ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) Missy is a 1st Level Magic-
User with a Charm Person spell ready and is armed
with a Silver Dagger +1. Veronica is a 3rd level Fighter
and has a Scimitar +1. There is a 50% chance they will
be in the room sleeping, eating or resting otherwise he
may be found in one of the tavern halls or outside in the
village somewhere at GMs discretion. If they are here
they with greet the PCs with a friendly welcome. She will
use on it the PCs to gain any knowledge they may have
regarding the Ruins of Sternholm Keep. They may try
to flirt with the PCs to join them but it would only be to
get to the ruins then they will turn on them. Hidden in
the back of one of the dresser drawers is the following
treasure: 50 cp, 30 sp, and 20 pp.
#4. PRIVATE ROOM “C” WITH TWO BEDS
Another private room with two straw beds tucked
neatly in the corner. Two large windows on the
south wall provide a breathtaking view of the
courtyard. A small table and chair rest nearby and
the wooden floor is covered with some dried mud
or is that blood... oh well what’s the difference?
Along the walls, you notice weathered oil paintings
of hunting scenes and local landscapes, adding a
touch of elegance to the simple room.
32
33
This room is currently available for 10 cp a night. There
is nothing of value here.
#5. PRIVATE ROOM “D” WITH TWO BEDS
This is another private room, with a large fireplace
on the northern wall. Two inviting straw beds with
dirty yellow blankets and straw pillows are neatly
placed in the corner. The walls are decorated with
a mix of old, creepy oil paintings depicting various
folks from regional nobility from the distant past.
There is a secret door on the west wall leading to
hidden hallway. This is the room of Marcus Lafitte (AC:
10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2,
AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) a human
male adventurer traveling with his black cat Merlin.
There is a 50% chance he will be in the room otherwise
he may be found in the tavern [SEE: L1.E1]. His cat
has been having fun catching the small mice that run
around the inn and tavern. He will chat with the PCs
and tell them he is traveling through town on the way
to visit the grave of a family member in the cemetery
despite the warnings he has received about the Forest
of the Fallen Oaks. He will also reveal a rumor or two
that he has recently heard. If asked he will join the PCs.
He has a Short Sword +1 and the following treasure
hidden in a secret pocket in his backpack: (1) Potion
of Healing, 300 cp, 50 ep and 200 sp.
#6. PRIVATE ROOM “E” WITH TWO BEDS
This is another private room with a large fireplace
on the southern wall which is the centerpiece of
the space. There are two straw beds, adorned with
worn cotton blankets in the corner.
This room is currently available for 10 cp a night. There
is nothing of value here however there is a secret door
on the west wall leading to hidden hallway.
#7. PRIVATE ROOM “F” WITH TWO BEDS
This is a private room with a large fireplace on the
northern wall. Two straw beds in the corner beckon
you with rough and ratty looking blankets, promising
a probably uncomfortable yet restful night’s sleep.
This room has a secret door on the west wall leading to
hidden hallway. A disheveled, eccentric rich human
male by the name of Alistar Kingswell (AC: 10, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) who is a petty noble and
drunkard adventurer from a nearby land is currently
renting this room. He is armed with a Shortsword +1.
He will be friendly to the PCs and tell them that he is
looking to explore the Ruins of Sternholm Keep and
needs some “baggage handlers” to join him to carry
all of the loot he will be collecting. Alistar will offer
them 10 cp each a day to escort him to the ruins and
34
explore it along his side. He also will give tell the party
a few rumors he has heard about the surrounding
lands. Hidden in his boots is a Dagger +1 and he has
100 cp in his backpack.
#8. PRIVATE ROOM “G” WITH TWO BEDS
Another small room with two straw beds in the
corner are adorned with shabby-looking blankets,
promising a night’s sleep that might not be the most
comfortable but still peaceful. The walls are adorned
with tasteful paintings depicting local landscapes
and hunting scenes.
This room is currently available for 10 cp a night. There
is nothing of value here however there is a secret door
on the west wall leading to hidden hallway.
#9. PRIVATE ROOM “H” WITH TWO BEDS
This small room has two straw beds, which are
covered with two moth-eaten, thick and itchy
woolen blankets. A small chest of drawers provides
ample space for belongings, and a jug of fresh
water and a bowl of fruits on the bedside table
looks temptingly delicious.
This is the room of Liandra Sunflower (AC: 10, MV: 120
ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common, XP: 5) a human female
adventurer There is a 50% chance she will be in the
room verses somewhere else in the tavern or village.
She will tell the PCs she is looking for her long lost friend
Pepper Leafbender [SEE: HILL GIANT CAVE E.5] who
dissapeared in the Highlands of the Hill Giants a few
months ago. If Pepper is with the party she will give
him a hug and thank the party for rescuing him. She
will also be willing to join the PCs and will be loyal until
GMs discretion. She has a sack hidden under the bed
containing: (1) Potion of Healing, 3000 sp and 200
cp.
#10. PRIVATE ROOM “I” WITH FIVE BEDS
This is a dormitory style room which is extremely
confined with five beds made of straw, shrouded
in thick and very much cherished woolen earthy
colored covers that guarantee to keep you warm
as the night progresses. Your look is attracted toward
the eastern wall, enhanced with unpredictably
woven embroideries that transport you to peaceful
scenes of bygone ages. A mud container of fresh
water and a bowl of fruits sit temptingly on the
bedside table, offering a reviving and solid tidbit.
Generally, the room radiates a feeling of solace and
provincial appeal that welcomes you to unwind
and loosen up.
This room is currently available for 25 cp a night and
sleeps five comfortably. There is nothing of value here.
#11. DORMITORY ROOM “MOON” EIGHT BEDS
This dormitory style room is spacious, with eight straw
beds, each one covered in thick and itchy woolen
blankets. The walls are decorated with a mix of oil
paintings and tapestries depicting hunting scenes,
pastoral landscapes, and heraldic crests. On the
eastern wall, a large tapestry of the Sun with seven
beams bursting out is prominently displayed.
These beds are available for 1 cp a night. One of the
beds is taken up by Benedict Silverwind (AC: 7, MV:
120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 16, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL:
Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) a 3rd Level
human male cleric. He is wearing Ring Mail +1 and
armed with a Mace +2 and won’t hesitate to use it. He
has the following spells memorized, 1st: Protection
from Evil, Portent. 2nd: Speak with Animals. He also
has the following items in his backpack: Garlic Buds,
Holy Symbol (iron) and a Mirror (silver) along with
250 cp. There is a 50% chance he will be in the room
sleeping, eating, praying or resting otherwise he may
be found in one of the tavern halls gambling.
#12. PRIVATE ROOM “J” WITH ONE BED
This private room for one has a comfortable straw
bed sitting against the wall. On the northern wall is
a large fire hearth and there is a table, a chair and
two chests for storing belongings, as well as a jug of
fresh water and basin for washing on the bedside
table.
This room is currently available for 5 cp a night. There is
nothing of value here.
#13. PRIVATE ROOM “K” WITH FOUR BEDS
This is a large private room with four comfortable-
looking straw beds with heavy woolen blankets. A
large table and four chairs is conveniently placed
nearby, providing a spot to rest a spell book or
mug of grog. The walls are decorated with intricate
tapestries depicting scenes from local legends.
There are four chests placed at the foot of each of
the beds.
This room is currently rented by four humans two males
and two females named: Blade, Willy, Sandra and
Frieda (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6, HP: 4, #AT:
1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized, MV: 120 ft,
MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Languages: Common,
Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp). They are Bandits and there is
a 50% chance they will be in the room otherwise they
may be found in one of the tavern halls or outside
in the village somewhere at GMs discretion. They
will pretend to be adventurers looking for parties to
quest with then will eventually rob the PCs when the
opportunity presents itself.
35
#14. PRIVATE ROOM “H” WITH TWO BEDS
This little private room has two straw beds, which
are covered with dull green woolen covers. The
room has a fire hearth on the west wall and a
window toward the south. The eastern side of the
room has one of a kind embroideries portraying
peaceful scenes, adding a bit of old-world appeal
to the style. A little chest gives adequate space to
effects, and a container of fresh water and a bowl
of semi-spoiled fruits sits on a bedside table.
This room is currently available for 5 cp a night. There
is nothing of value here.
#15. STORAGE ROOM
This is a 20 ft by 30 ft storage room packed to the
brim with supplies. The walls are fixed with racks and
cartons of different sizes, spilling over with covers,
cloths, cooking wares, and different basics for the
day to day activities. A stale smelling fragrance
lingers palpably, with traces of moistness and the
weak fragrance of flavors and spices. Heaps of
kindling and coal are heaped in one corner, fit
to be utilized in the different hearths all through
the inn and tavern. Enormous sacks of grain and
flour are stacked on top of each other, while
barrels of beer and wine sit close by. The general
environment is one of coordinated confusion, with
all things where they ought to be, yet appearing to
be marginally overpowering to the undeveloped
eye. In spite of the messiness, Broom Helga and her
staff appear to know precisely where everything is
situated.
There is nothing of value here.
#16. DORMITORY ROOM “STONES” WITH SIX BEDS
This is a dormitory-style room with six straw beds,
each covered with thick dim hued woolen covers.
A little rack with pegs is given over each bed to
hang individual effects. The room includes a huge
fireplace on the east wall, transmitting warmth all
through the space. Two windows on the south wall
give a dazzling perspective on the encompassing
open country. A durable wooden table and seats
are organized in the focal point of the space for
eating or mingling.
Two of the beds are rented out by Riley Nightwing
and Eldridge Baines (AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD:
1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D: 1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages:
Common, XP: 5) two disheleved human male
adventurers. There is a 50% chance they will be here.
Hidden under their beds are the following treasure:
(1) Potion of ESP, (1) Dagger +2 and 100 cp, 2000
sp.
#17. DORMITORY ROOM “WATER” WITH NINE BEDS
Another large dormitory-style room with nine neatly
arranged straw beds. Each bed is covered with
thick, dark-colored woolen blankets and has a small
shelf above it for personal belongings. The east wall
of the room boasts a massive fireplace that spreads
warmth throughout the space, while the south wall
has two windows that offer breathtaking views of
the surrounding countryside.
These beds are currently available for 1 cp a night.
There is nothing of value here.
#18. DORMITORY ROOM “AIR” WITH TWELVE BEDS
This is spacious dormitory-style room is outfitted with
twelve neatly arranged straw beds, each covered
with thick, dark-colored woolen blankets and a small
shelf above for personal belongings. Two sturdy
wooden tables and eight chairs occupy the center
of the room, providing an ideal space for communal
dining or socializing. The walls are adorned with a
combination of timeworn oil paintings and tapestries
featuring tranquil foresty landscapes and rivers. Two
windows on the east wall offer views of the luscious
green valley and surrounding village.
These beds are currently available for 1 cp a night.
There is nothing of value here. Four of the beds are
rented out by Alben, Horacio, Louis and Vivienne
(AC: 10, MV: 120 ft (40 ft), HD: 1d4, HP: 4, #AT: 1, D:
1-2, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common, XP: 5) young
human adventurers. There is a 50% chance they will
be in the room sleeping, eating or resting otherwise
she may be found in one of the tavern halls or outside
in the village somewhere at GMs discretion. They are
not interested in joining the party (because THEY want
all the loot) but will share a few rumors from the rumors
table. Hidden under the bed is the following treasure:
(1) Potion of Extra Healing, (1) Short Sword +1 (1)
set of (12) Darts +1 and 1500 cp. There is nothing
else of value in here.
THE HILL GIANT CAVE:
The hill giant cave sits in the north eastern corner of
the Valley of the Moon and its opening stands at the
base of a grassy hill. The entrance is roughly 30 feet
wide and 25 feet tall, with jagged edges that give it
a menacing appearance. Dark green moss grows
on the large rocks and boulders that litter the ground
around the entrance, as if they were cast aside by the
giant inhabitants. The smell of wet earth and dampness
emanates from the cave, and the air feels cooler in
its proximity as a chill breeze seems to emanate from
within. It’s hard to tell what lies inside, but the imposing
size of the opening suggests that it could lead to a vast
network of underground tunnels and chambers deep
within the hill.
36
The average height of the cavern rooms is about 15ft
to 20ft high. Each square on the Hill Giant Cave map
represents about 10ft by 10ft. Any doors encountered
will be about 7-10 ft high. If a door in unlocked there
is a 25% (roll a d100) it will be jammed or stuck and
require the use of Bend Bars / Lift Gates to open
or a magic spell e.g, Knock or breakdown after 10
hp of chopping or blunt force damage against an
AC 10.
CHIEF GRUMBLEBUTT THE HILL GIANT BOSS:
He’s an angry bastard who has been a long time
resident of the Hill Giant Highlands and is in control
of the nearby clans in the valley. He rules with an
iron fist and always gets his way otherwise he gets
very mad and takes his big wooden club and
beats the hell out of any creature in his path. He’s
currently in charge of running all of the Ogre raids
happening to the Hamlet of Taldren stealing the
supplies from them and funneling them into the East
Highlands through the clan of ogres that he controls.
These supplies end up going to some kind of secret
operation that’s operating in another Hill Giant tribes
wooden “steading” fortress stronghold in the Land
Beyond the Giants. Chief Harold Grumblebutt has
everything a hill giant could ask for, a beautiful loving
wife and two adorable children. He’s very proud of
his “trophies” several prized monster heads he’s
collected in battle [SEE: HILL GIANT CAVE E.10]
however he’s missing one that he just can’t seem
to find. What is it? The perfect “adventurer’s head”
to finish his collection of course. He has a keen eye
for beauty and perfection. Even though he gets
dozens and dozens of heros, villains and intruders
breaking into his home harassing him, trying to mess
up his operations and steal his loot, each time he
captures or kills them they’re just not the “right”
one with that “perfect” face. He’s very frustrated
and hopes that one day he will find the right one.
Obsession has taken over and sometimes it disrupts
his thought process of managing the ogres. He sits
in his cave at night losing sleep and he wonders
about when he find the right trophy head. Petting
his cave bears calm him tremendously when he’s
exhausted from a tough day of arguing with the
damn ogres who are constantly getting drunk,
napping on the job, complaining about conditions
or engaging in petty quarrels with each other,
usually over gambling cheats or dead adventurers
loot. The other giant bosses (Bouldercrunch the
Hill Giant King, Winterbeard the Frost Giant King
and Emberheart the Fire Giant King) have been
getting angry with Chief Grumblebutt because of
his “foolish” distractions and have expressed this
sentiment to him recently in letter exchanges so he
is now even more angry and full of rage. Little does
he know the perfect trophy will arriving very soon.
In the form of one of the PCs! The lucky one with the
lowest charisma score! [SEE: HILL GIANT CAVE E.12]
HILL GIANT CAVE WANDERING MONSTERS:
Wandering monsters will be encountered in only in the
outside courtyards, empty rooms, hallways, or areas
already cleared out by the party. The GM should check
for wandering monsters every hour, with a roll of 1 on a
d6 indicating an encounter. Roll a d4 or pick from the
table below:
1. Visiting Hill Giant - (#1): (AC: 4, HD: 8+1d2, HP: 35,
#AT: 1 [giant club], D: 2d8, SZ: Large (10 ft 6 in), MV: 120
ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/XP: 6/1,200 +
12/hp)
2. Ogres - (#2d6): (AC 5, MV: 90 ft, HD: 4+1, HP: 25 each,
#AT: 1, D: 1d10, SZ: Large, MR: Standard, SA: None, SD:
None, AL: Chaotic evil, Level/XP: 4/195)
3. Dire Wolves - (#2d4): (AC 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 3+3, HP:
15 each, #AT: 1, D: 2d4, SZ: Medium, MR: Standard, SA:
None, SD: None, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/75 + 3/hp)
4. Giant Rats - (#1d4): (AC: 7, HD: 1/2, HP: 1d3 each,
#AT: 1, D: 1d4, SZ: Small, MV: 90 ft, MR: Standard, AL:
Neutral, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp)
OGRE BAG CONTENTS:
In encounters involving ogres either (random or
numbered) the GM should roll a d100 to see what the
creature was carrying in his bag or pick from the table
below:
01–03: Salted rabbit jerky
04–06: A coil of thick, coarse rope
07–10: Human gambling six sided dice
11–12: A jar of pickled eyeballs from their prey
13–20: Raw hide leather straps
21–23: A handful of flint and steel for starting fires
24–26: Spoiled pig meat
27–40: A Disgustingly dirty bedroll
41–43: Human gambling six sided dice
44–46: Crude map or sketch of the surrounding area
47–49: A flask of homemade moonshine
50–52: Small vial of grease for lubricating weapons
53–55: Very crudely made necklace of cheap gems
56–60: A small whetstone for sharpening blades
61–62: A necklace made from the teeth
63–65: Small pouch filled with various herbs
66–68: A pouch of tobacco and a pipe
69–70: A collection of trinkets stolen from humans
71–74: Small torn adventurers clothes
75–76: A large wooden spoon for stirring pots of stew.
77–80: Torches, a flask of oil and some dried tinder
81–90: A broken bronze compass
91–95: A collection of animal bones and teeth
96–00: Random valuable coins. (GMs discretion)
37
KEY TO THE HILL GIANT CAVE:
#1. ENTRY PASSAGE ON THE GREEN HILL
The lush green grassy hill side with the cave entrance
is gorgeous and is bursting with wonderful fresh
earthen smells, however it is dark and forboding
inside the 10 ft wide entrance into the mouth of
the hill. It leads into a larger 20 ft by 20 ft cave
that narrows into a 10 ft wide natural passageway
towards the west. The cavern is lit by four torches
on the walls. There are two Ogre Guards playing
a game of Knucklebones on the floor and they
appear to be very drunk as well, as not having
noticed your presence. It looks like one of them
is wearing a brown leather hides and the other is
wearing a hide made of black animal fur. There are
two Ogre bags on the floor next to them. They start
to argue and accuse each other of cheating! They
both stand up when suddenly the one wearing
black picks up his club and whacks the other one
in the head and he falls to the floor motionless!
The one with the club drunkenly grumbles about
him cheating as he turns around and notices your
party. He speaks in Common, “Any of you want to
play Knucklebones with me... hiccup?”
The (2) Ogre Guards (AC 5, MV: 90 ft, HD: 4+1, HP:
25 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d10, SZ: Large, MR: Standard,
SA: None, SD: None, AL: Chaotic evil, Level/XP:
4/195) will either play a game with one of the PCs
or surpise attack them before the first dice roll. Within
five minutes the other Ogre wearing the brown leather
hide will wake up and join in the battle and possibly
befriend the PCs to get even with the Ogre that hit him.
For the Ogre Sacks roll on the table for the contents.
Each one wears a pouch and one has a large Rusty
Iron Key (it is for the door in R3) along with (7) Gems
100 gp each and the other has 200 sp.
#2. DIRE WOLF DEN
This is a large cavern that turns west into the
darkness There are small rubble piles scattered
around in various locations, you feel a cold
dampness seeping through the rocky walls. The
 air is thick with the musty scent of wet earth and
decaying flesh. As your eyes adjust to the dimness,
you see a group of six dire wolves in the middle of
eating a dead sheep in the corner of the cave. The
wolves, their thick fur matted with blood and bits
of flesh, are tearing into the carcass with savage
abandon. Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws make
short work of the sheep’s flesh, rending it apart with
ease. They haven’t noticed you... yet!
The (6) Dire Wolves (AC 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 3+3, HP:
15 each, #AT: 1, D: 2d4, SZ: Medium, MR: Standard,
SA: None, SD: None, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/75 +
3/hp) will only attack the PCs if they come within 10
feet of them or once the sheep in consumed which
will happen within three minutes of the PCs entering
the room.
#3. WOODEN DOOR
This a dank cave continues towards the southwest.
There is a very old looking wooden door to the north
and is about 10 foot tall. It looks like it has a keyhole
lock and has some hack marks in it as if someone or
some “thing” tried to break it down with no luck.
This door is locked. The Rusty Iron Key from E.1 is
needed to unlock it however there is a 10% chance
on a D100 that it will stuck in the lock and break or
get jammed. This will require the use of Bend Bars
/ Lift Gates to open or a magic spell e.g, Knock or
breakdown after 10 hp of chopping or blunt force
damage against an AC 10. There is nothing else of
value in the place.
#4. STORAGE ROOM
This cavern room has many boxes, barrels and
shelves. It smells like food is probably in the
containers. The shelves have random items and
bottles of various liquids. There are many a variety
of animal rugs, skins and hides on the floor. A pile of
rubble sits in the eastern corner of the chamber.
There are about two dozen dirty and filthy boxes and
barrels in the room. Half of them are empty and the
other half have various sundries of food and provisions
stolen from the village raids. If the PCs stay in the room
for about two minutes then they will be attacked by
(4) Giant Rats (AC: 7, HD: 1/2, HP: 3 , #AT: 1, D:
1d4, SZ: Small, MV: 90 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Neutral,
Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp) that will spring out and attack.
Roll for suprise and initiative!
#5. PRISON CELLS AND TORTURE ROOM
This is a large cave and contains many items for
storing weapons and torturing prisoners. There are a
few racks full of very worn swords and shields, a rusty
iron maiden (with a human skeleton inside), chains
and whips etc. There are three prison cells with iron
38
bars on the west side of the room and one of
them has a halfling male trying to desperately and
super quietly trying to pick the lock with a small
metal object in his hand! There is an Ogre with
what looks like one white blind eye sleeping on a
chair next to the cell with the halfling. The Ogre
is armed with a broadsword in hand. The prisoner
notices your group and motions “shhh” with a
finger by his mouth. The sleeping Ogre still has not
noticed either your group or what the halfling is
doing. A small fire pit surrounded by rocks burns in
the center of the cave.
The prisoner is Pepper Leafbender (AC: 7 [leather
armor], HP: 16, STR: 9, DEX: 17, CON: 13, INT: 16, WIS:
16, CHA: 14, AL: Neutral, Languages: Common,
Dwarfish, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, Orcish. Special
Abilities: Infravision 60 feet; +3 to Saving Throws
vs. Magic and Poison; +3 to Hit with Bow and
Sling; Surprise on 1-4.Thief Skills: Backstab for x4
damage, Climb Walls 65%, Find Traps 25%, Hear
Noise 10%, Hide in Shadows 45%, Move Quietly
45%, Open Locks 45%, Pick Pockets 45%, Read
Languages 1%) a male Halfling 1st Level Thief who’s
attempting to pick the lock. If he gets free he will
loyaly join the PCs and arm himself with one of the
rusty short swords from the rack! The sleeping Ogre
Boss is Mogruk (AC 5, MV: 90 ft, HD: 4+1, HP: 20,
#AT: 1, D: 1d8, SZ: Large, MR: Standard, SA: None,
SD: None, AL: Chaotic evil, Level/XP: 4/195). He
will wake up within one minute or so after the players
enter the room. There is also a 50% (d100) chance
that when Pepper notices the PCs he accidently
drops his metal object and the noise will wake
the Ogre. Mogruk has two Ogre Sacks (roll on chart
above for contents) and a pouch in the far corner of
the room under a pile of rocks. It contains: 2000 cp,
100 pp. There is nothing else of value here.
#6. GUEST CHAMBER
This large cavernous room is hung with dozens of
rugs and skins as well as many hides on the floor.
They all have visible signs of age, including scorch
marks, dirty stains, and moth eaten holes. Some
of them even hang on the northern the walls from
the ceiling to the floor. A large, Hill Giant sized bed,
a table and chest also adorn the room. There is a
thick chain for any visiting Hill Giant Clan “guests”
pets e.g. (Dire Wolves, Cave Bears, etc) mounted
into the northern cave stone wall.
The chest is empty but hiding up in the corner of
room behind some dark cobwebs and hides are (10)
Bats (AC 10, MV: 0 ft / 240 ft flying, HD: 1/2, HP: 1
each, #AT: 1, D: 1d2, SZ: Small, MR: Standard, SA:
Swarm, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 1/5 +1/hp). Highly
maneuverable, users of missile weapons will suffer a
-3 to hit penalty unless the attacker’s dexterity is 13
or higher. They must land on their intended victims
to attack. There is a 1% chance that those so bitten
will contract rabies, or some similar blood-borne
infection. They will swarm and attack the players.
There is a secret panel in the table that contains:
10 gp, 200 pp and 50 cp. There is nothing else of
value here.
#7. SPIDERS WELL DOES NOT END WELL
This circular cavern contains a rough hewn stone
well in the center of it. It has a small winch, cable
and bucket ready to lower in raging fresh water
about 100 ft down. As you approach the well, you
notice that the area surrounding it is damp and
mossy, with puddles of water dotting the floor.
The sound of dripping water echoes throughout
the cavern, giving it an eerie ambiance. Looking
closer at the winch, you see that it is old and
rusted, with visible signs of wear and tear. The
bucket attached to the cable looks heavy and
sturdy, capable of carrying large quantities of
water or maybe even a person riding it. There are
several barrels in the room. As you examine them
you notice that they are made of a dark, sturdy
wood and have been carefully sealed with wax
to keep the water fresh. The air in the cavern is
cool and damp, making you shiver slightly.
The water down below is raging fast and if anyone
falls into it they will take 1d6 falling damage per 10
feet (unless they have a Ring of Feather Falling
or some other spell or device to stop them) and
get swept away in the brisk chilly waves and into the
abyss drowning. The water is clean and fresh and
can be used to replenish supplies using the bucket
and winch. Hiding behind the farthest barrels in the
back is (1) Giant Spider (AC: 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 2+2,
HP: 8, #AT: 1, D:1d6, SZ: Large, MR: Standard, AL:
Neutral, Level/XP: 3/150 + 3/hp) Afterthe spider
is destroyed this place would be a possible area
to camp and rest. If the party searches down the
wall they will find a water logged knapsack in the
bottom of the well containing: Gems (6): 10 gp, 12
gp, 3 x 100 gp, 500 gp. After a thorough search of
the cave nothing else of value will be found in here.
39
#8. OGRE BARRACKS
The dead body of a human lies in a tangled and
twisted mess of broken limbs in unnatural positions
and is being ripped apart by four Ogres! The floor is
slippery with wet blood. It looks like these bastards
were fighting someone and that someone lost.
Badly. The creatures are breaking its bones and
chopping it up... they notice you and attack!
The (4) Ogres (AC 5, MV: 90 ft, HD: 4+1, HP: 25
each, #AT: 1, D: 1d10, SZ: Large, MR: Standard, SA:
None, SD: None, AL: Chaotic evil, Level/XP: 4/195)
will immediately attack the PCs so it is time to roll for
initiative and run combat. If it looks like they are going
to lose, one of them will try to escape to alert Chief
Grumblebutt (SEE: E.12). The rest of the cavern is
the barracks. Each bed has a footlocker containing
one Ogre Sack [SEE: OGRE BAG CONTENTS P.37]
however only only one contains the following treasure
extra treasure: (1) Dagger +1, (4) Potions of Extra-
Healing, (1) Potion of Plant Control, 500 cp and
4000 gp. There is nothing else of value here.
#9. CHIEFS MEETING ROOM
This large cavern room is used for the sinister raiding
plots hatched by the Hill Giant Chief. In the middle
of the chamber is is a large boulder serving as
a makeshift throne for the hill giant boss. A large
stone table is there with several smaller boulders
and rocks that surround the giant’s throne table,
serving as seats for for his Ogre minions. There some
miscellaneous things on the table in various stages
of use including, mugs of mead, some paper scraps
with crude maps of the village, crumbs of food
scraps and animal jerky as well as dirty rags. There
are hides of very large striped animal hides on the
walls and floor. There’s splattered fresh and dried
blood all over this place as well as the objects on
the table for some reason. The ground is covered
in thick layers of fur and animal hides. The walls are
jagged and uneven, made of rough stone and dirt.
and have crude drawings and markings depicting
scenes of battle and hunts. The air is thick with the
smell of wet fur and dirt it’s pretty gross actually.
In the side of the large oak chair is secret panel which
when opened reveals a hidden Dagger +1. Chief
Grumblebutt likes to keep backup weapons in case
anyone gets out of line during the planning meetings
and mouths off to him trying to kick down some
knowledge with the line “Hey listen Chief...” they will
be dealt a quick death, If the party examines the
papers carefully they will find a plan for a new raid
on the village scheduled for tomorrow night! There
is nothing else of value here, however those plans
may be used to thwart the attack.
#10. MESS HALL AND TROPHY ROOM
This cavern contains two large wooden tables,
dozens of stools and looks like it serves as a mess
hall or eating area. A giant fire hearth is blasting out
a wonderful ambience of warmth in the chamber.
A few copper mugs and dozens of small jars, vials
and candles sit on the mantle of the fireplace. A
few of the Chiefs most prized war trophy heads are
hung proudly on the wall showcasing to the world
his amazingly sharp eye for beauty and symmetry.
These include a Manticore with a missing eye, an
Owlbear with a crooked tongue hanging out, one
empty plaque in the middle, a Minotaur with a
broken horn and missing teeth and finally a cross-
eyed Dungeon Breaker. It looks like there is an open
spot for a human sized head just waiting to be
filled. Under each head is a sign reading “Perfect
Manticore Trophy, Perfect Owlbear Trophy,
Perfect Adventurer Trophy, Perfect Minotaur
Trophy and Perfect Dungeon Breaker Trophy.”
An open stone hallway with a dirty blackened
flagstone staircase leads down into darkness on
the west wall. Numerous weathered and tattered
rugs, skins and tapestries adorn the room. A
wooden cask with a cork in it sits near the fireplace
and probably is filled with tasty mead.
40
This is the main dining hall for the family and esteemed
guests. It is currently empty and has nothing of value
here at present. The cask is filled with mead and is
drinkable.
#11. KITCHEN AND THE HILL GIANT WIFE
This is clearly the giants kitchen with cabinets and
counters along the walls, a large table and bench
and miscellaneous items for cooking and baking
(cast iron pots, kettles, bowls, untinsels etc). A large
Hill Giant woman is cooking various body parts in
a large black cast iron pot on the ground over
a fire, casually putting in some peas and carrots
into the stew. The counters contain jars of random
colored spices and various sundries of food. In the
corner is a rough hewn stone well in the center
of it. It has a small winch, cable and bucket
ready to lower in raging fresh water about 100 ft
down. Stacked around the room are many sacks,
boxes, and barrels each one containing flour,
dried animal meats and fruit, honey and sap, etc.
Several delicious looking smoked cheeses, meats,
and sausages hang from the rafters along with
skinned human arms and legs. There are several
barrels and casks filled with ale, beer, mead, and
wine. Fresh crusty loaves of bread are stacked on
one of the high shelves.
This is Matilda Grumblebutt (1) Female Hill Giant
(AC: 4, HD: 8+1d2, HP: 35, #AT: 1 [cast iron pan],
D: 2d8, SZ: Large (10 ft 6 in), MV: 120 ft, MR:
Standard, AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/XP: 6/1,200 +
12/hp) who is the Chiefs Wife. She will pick up one of
the big cast iron pans and attack the PCs as soon as
she see them. She will also ring a hanging cow bell
to warn any nearby Ogres or Chief Grumblebutt
[SEE: E.12] of any intruders nearby in the kitchen.
#12. CHIEFTAIN’S SLEEPING QUARTERS
This is a large ornate room for the Chief to reside
and there are many things in the room. There is
a huge oaken table surrounded by 4 chairs, 2
stools, and various scraps of animal jerky on the
floor. Small bones, animal hides, skins, rugs and
wool blankets lay on a large bed. There is a very
large wooden chest in the far corner of the room.
Standing before you is the boss of the place, the
one and only hideously ugly Chief Grumblebutt
and he is armed with a large club and is flanked
by six dire wolves!. His eyes light up in awe when
he sees your party, focusing on one of your
members faces! Yes... the UGLIEST one! A smile
creeps across his face and he speaks ecstaticly
shouting in Common, “You! That FACE... the bone
structure is incredible! I must have your head
on my wall completing my collection! You’re my
perfect Adventurers Head Trophy!”
He has picked the PC with lowest Charisma score
as his prize. Roll initiative. If he was warned by the
cowbell alarm in the kitchen then he will also have
two extra Dire Wolves ready to spring out from
behind the bed. Chief Grumblebutt (1) Hill Giant
(AC: 4, HD: 8+1d2, HP: 40, #AT: 1 [giant club], D:
2d8, SZ: Large (10 ft 6 in), MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard,
AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/XP: 8/1,200 + 12/hp). The
(4) Dire Wolves (AC 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 3+3, HP: 15
each, #AT: 1, D: 2d4, SZ: Medium, MR: Standard,
SA: None, SD: None, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/75 +
3/hp) will spring out and attack! The chest is locked
and trapped with a Poison Needle trap. Anyone
failing a Save vs. Poison will take become poisoned
and will take 1d4 damage every day until cured. The
chest contains: (1) Ring of Water Breathing, (4)
Potions of Healing, a few gold teeth from hapless
adventurers worth 100 gp and 1000 gp, Gems
(30): 8 gp, 4 x 10 gp, 15 gp, 20 gp, 35 gp, 45 gp, 3
x 50 gp, 2 x 70 gp, 7 x 100 gp, 120 gp, 160 gp, 4 x
200 gp, 300 gp, 500 gp, 1000 gp. gp 20 gp, 35 gp,
45 gp. If the chief is killed it will stop the attacks that
had been planned on the village and the Ogres will
flee to the hills. The PCs may decide to stay in the Hill
Giant Cave as a home or secure campsite as long as
they keep it cleared from new monsters.
41
#13. LARGE CAVERN OF SECRETS
The cavern room is spacious, with a high ceiling
and smooth, rocky walls that curve inward. On one
side of the room, there is a large pile of furs and
blankets, probably used for napping or lounging.
In the center of the room, there is a crude game
board etched into the ground, surrounded by
a ring of large stones that serve as seats for the
players. The game board appears to be some sort
of strategy game, with different symbols carved
into the stone representing different pieces.
There are secret doors beyond the rocks along the
both the north and south walls, otherwise there is
nothing of value here.
#14. HILL GIANT SONS BEDROOM
The cavern bedroom is vast and dark, the walls and
floors made of rough, jagged rock. In the center of
the room, there are two massive stone beds with
scratchy fur blankets and pillows that look like they
were made out of animal skins. The room is dimly lit
by torches, casting eerie shadows on the walls. On
the far wall, there is a small waterfall that cascades
into a shallow pool. The air is thick with the smell of
damp earth and musty fur, and the sounds of bats
and rodents echo off the walls.
This is the bedroom of the Hill Giant’s adult sons, Otis
and Woogie (2) Hill Giants (AC: 4, HD: 8+1d2, HP:
40, #AT: 1 [giant club], D: 2d8, SZ: Large (10 ft 6 in),
MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/
XP: 8/1,200 + 12/hp). They are also protected by (4)
Dire Wolves (AC 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 3+3, HP: 15 each,
#AT: 1, D: 2d4, SZ: Medium, MR: Standard, SA: None,
SD: None, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/75 + 3/hp). The
kids these days... Woogie is a hill giant with a lumpy,
misshapen head and sunken eyes. His nose is long
and crooked, and his ears stick out at odd angles with
his hair in a wild tangle of matted strands. His brother
Otis is a hill giant with a massive, round head and a
two bulging eyes. His nose is flat and wide, and his lips
are thin and droopy. His body is lanky and elongated
and his skin is a sickly green color which is covered in
a slimy film, and his hair is a stringy, greasy mess. They
both stink so badly the dire wolves are sleeping in the
opposite corner of room. GMs discretion on whether
any of the giants or wolves are awake or sleeping.
There is a hidden compartment behind a false stone
in the base of Woogies bed. It contains several stick
figure drawings of hill giant men and women fighting
PCs on paper parchment and: 1000 ep, Gems (39):
5 gp, 6 gp, 7 gp, 6 x 10 gp, 20 gp, 5 x 50 gp, 55 gp,
65 gp, 80 gp, 7 x 100 gp, 130 gp, 160 gp, 5 x 500
gp, 5 x 1000 gp, 1400 gp, 2000 gp, Jewelry: 200 gp,
2 x 700 gp, 800 gp, 1200 gp and 2 x 5000 gp.

THE RUINS OF STERNHOLM KEEP:
The once regal Sternholm Keep high on a hill in the
north west mountains of the Valley of the Moon is
now a hard to recognize mess as it has become a
blackened pile of stone, rubble and wooden timbers
burned from a massive magical fire ages ago. The
upper level is completely destroyed however there
is a wrought iron spiral stair case that leads down
in the Dungeon Level that will allow entry in for the
brave. The Keep was once ruled by Lord Edmund
Sternholm, a valiant and heroic young, clean cut
Paladin in his mid 30’s who was righteous and just for
many years until one day on adventure in the Land
Beyond the Giants he came across a beautiful,
two-handed great sword which he called “Illumina
mi Nemesi” which means “Light to my Enemies”
a phrase he invented for exacting rightious justice
on his foes. He believed that any death by his hand
using this sword that his enemies spirit would be set
free to see the light of justice in the afterlife. He took
ownership of it claiming it as his own, finding it the
most “humbling” weapon he ever wielded. What he
didn’t know is that it was cursed, and once he got
back to his castle it began to slowly corrupt his mind
body and soul and turned him evil and jealous over
the years. He begin to believe that everyone was
42
after of him and his sword, in addition he started to
age artificially by a factor of many years. Over the
course of three short years he went mad, aged by 60
years and drove out the majority of the good people
of his kingdom leaving him alone with just a few of his
loyal soldiers who desperately tried to cure him but
couldn’t. Over the course of several years he turned
evil and hired master engineers from nearby lands to
build traps all around the dungeon level in fear of his
enemies trying to get him. Once all the traps were built
around the dungeon level he swiftly killed all of them
along with his remaining loyal supporters and soldiers
except for one of his best knights, Sir Richard Dupre
[SEE: KEY TO THE HAMLET OF TALDREN E.36] who
realized the madness was not curable and escaped
to tell the tale. Edmund sat in the throne room slowly
going mad talking and arguing with himself then
eventually dying alone right there still clutching
the sword proudly in his right hand. The castle was
shunned for decades and several folks attempted
to loot the place dozens of times but no one ever
seemed to come out alive. One day an adventuring
Wizard got into a fight with some monsters and cast a
strong spell which caused a magical fire to break out
melting the stone and burning the whole place down
killing himself and the monsters. Now it’s grown into
complete ruins and disrepair over the years as the
area became known as “cursed” by the locals and
known as an evil place where monsters are known to
gravitate. Recently a group of bandits not knowing
of the history of the place came across this dungeon
and have now been using it as their home base of
operations while they try to execute their nefarious
plans on the local populace however they have
been discovering some of the traps set by Edmund
the former owner and getting killed by them. Only
a few bandits remain that are now aware of all the
traps and have decided to keep them in place to
ward off any intruders or monsters while they operate
with impunity from within. The bandits are run by a
boss known as Warwick Diamondfingers, an expert
thief who has who has managed to figure out the
operations of all the traps (after one or more of his
men triggered each of them and died in a horrifficly
disgusting manor) and reset them as needed just ward
off invaders. Unfortunately for him he has recently
discovered that skeleton of Lord Edmund Sternholm
and the cursed sword that caused him to turn wicked.
Now Warwick has taken ownership of it and is under
the curse as well turning him more and more evil by
the day and getting more and more paranoid with
his current group of bandits. Many treasures lie within
if the player characters can manage to enter the
dungeon and clear it out of any remaining monsters,
thugs and Warwick himself.
THE CURSED SWORD: PIT TRAPS:
The great sword known as “Illumina mi Nemesi” is Most of the Pit Traps in the dungeon are 10 x 10. Any
cursed and has an Intelligence of 18. Any PC with an Thief or PC that can successfully Find / Remove Traps
Intelligience less than 18 touching it and claiming it or use magic to check of the floor will note the edge of
as his own will immediately become possesed by it a potential lid that would be the pit’s possible cover. If
and under its control. Any PC with an intelligence of it triggers then anyone falling in will take 1d6 damage
18 will have to make a Save vs. Death Magic at a -5 for every 10 feet. Players that Save vs. Petrification
to avoid becoming cursed by its magic. If cursed you will take 1/2 damage. Pits can range from 10-20 feet
will get a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls, critital deep (GMs discretion.)
hit on a 19 or 20 on the die, and do an additional 1d10
damage to creatures of any opposite alignment, get KEY TO THE RUINS OF STERNHOLM KEEP:
a bonus of 1d10 to your initiative. There is also a 50%
You have arrived at the ruins of Sternholm Keep!
chance on a d100 that any creature or person killed
The crumbling walls are blackened with age old fire
by the weapon will become a zombie and follow
damage from time past. It’s quiet and eerie. Not
the directions of the bearer. The sword will constantly
much is left of the entry level except for a rusty spiral
speak telepathicly to the bearer convincing them
staircase leading down into the darkness. There’s
that everyone is after the sword and they must be
nothing much left of the top level of the castle.
destroyed if they even hint at jealousy or disrespect.
It’s mostly burned and blackened rubbled walls,
It will also age the cursed PC by a factor of d20 years
piles of garbage randomly scattered boulders and
for every year the sword is owned. The only way to
rocks, however a rusty iron spiral staircase leading
break the curse is via a Remove Curse or Wish spell
down can be seen inside and it is awfully tempting!
or GMs discretion of a clever solution from a player.
STERNHOLM KEEP WANDERING MONSTERS:
Wandering monsters will be encountered only in
the outside courtyards, empty dungeon rooms and
hallways, or areas already cleared out by the party.
The GM should check for wandering monsters every
hour, with a roll of 1 on a d6 indicating an encounter.
Remember any one of these could be substituted
with any NPCs from the Village of Taldren or the Inn
of the Whistling Pig, e.g, adventurers, bandits, etc.
Roll a d4 or pick from the table below:
1. Giant Rats - (#1d4): (AC: 7, HD: 1/2, HP: 1d3 each,
#AT: 1, D: 1d4, SZ: Small, MV: 90 ft, MR: Standard, AL:
Neutral, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp)
2. Zombies - (#1d6): AC: 8, MV: 60 ft, HD: 2, HP: 8
each, #AT: 1, D:1d4, SZ: Man, SD: Once they begin
to attack, they never flee unless turned by a cleric.
Zombies are immune to enchantments, hold spells,
and any spell that inflicts damage from cold.), MR:
Standard, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 2/30+1/hp)
3. Bats - (#1d10): (AC 10, MV: 0 ft / 240 ft flying, HD: 1/2,
HP: 1 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d2, SZ: Small, MR: Standard,
SA: Swarm, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 1/5 +1/hp). Users
of missile weapons will suffer a -3 to hit penalty unless
the attacker’s dexterity is 13 or higher. They must
land on their intended victims to attack. There is a
1% chance that those so bitten will contract rabies,
or some similar blood-borne infection.
4. Bandits - (#1d4): (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6,
HP: 4 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-
sized, MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/
XP: 1/10 +1/hp)

43
#1. SPIRAL STAIRWAY DUNGEON LEVEL
The stairs lead down abouw twenty feet into a dark
30 ft by 30 ft square room with a old wooden door
on the west wall and another one on the east wall.
Rubble, dust and cobwebs are spread around the
room. There are dozens of very old looking wooden
barrels, crates and chests in the north west corner
of the room.
After the few PCs descend into the room from the spiral
staircase, they will hear a rustling and squeaking noise.
Suddenly 1d4 of the barrels, boxes, crates and chests
will suddenly break open and (6) Giant Rats (AC: 7,
HD: 1/2, HP: 1d3 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d4, SZ: Small,
MV: 90 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Neutral, Level/XP:
1/10 +1/hp) will leap out and ferociously attack the
PCs. These filthy rodents have been living here in the
broken containers, along the walls behind the webs,
and some even can be found lurking under the spiral
entry staircase. These things are ravenously hungry
and will attack without fear or remorse to feast on
the PCs flesh. In the far corner of the room behind the
last crate is a sack containing: (1) Potion of Healing,
3000 cp, Jewelry (2): 10 gp, 1600 pp.
#2. EVIL DEMON STATUE ROOM
There is an overwhelming smell of charcoal and
oil as you crack open the door to this chamber
revealing a small hexagonal shaped room. The
whole place is made of blackened stone as if
burned by a fire years ago. A strange black ashy
residue covers the floor and walls. Arched open
doorways lead out of it to the north, south, east and
west (where you entered) lead into darkness. In
the center of the room west is a strange iron statue
of an angry demon headed creature mouth open
with muscular arms and lobster claws for hands
and animal legs with hoofs for feet. This bizarre
statue stands about 10 feet tall and clutched in
the left claw appears to be a large white shining
gem!
If a PC approaches the statue and attempts to grab
the gem they will step on a hidden pressure plate that
will trigger. A successful Find / Remove Traps by a
Thief will detect it. The magic spell won’t work as this
is a mechanical trap. Suddenly a black slippery oil
squirts out of the demons mouth splattering towards
the PC. Everyone within 10 foot radius of the trap must
make a Save. vs Death. On a successful roll, that
character was able to nimbly jump out of the way.
However anyone that failed now is covered and
splattered with the flammable liquid. Any lit torches
will have a 75% chance of igniting the oil causing a
raging inferno. One minute later the statue will release
a flamethrower like attack from it’s mouth. Each
44
creature in the fire must make a Save vs. Death
Magic and taking 2d10 fire damage on a failed
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Depending on the space, the oil can drown or burn
everyone to death and will catch the whole room on
fire. A hidden panel on the back of the statues base
contains: (1) Gem worth 500 gp and 1200 sp. There
is nothing else of value here.
#3. PARTIALLY COLLAPSED CHAMBER
This a large square room about 30 ft by 40 ft.
There is a wooden door in the east wall. In the
center of the room the floor has collapsed in a
10ft circular pit surrounded by rubble. Peering
into the darkness of the pit that is drops about
10ft down and you can see an opening to a
tunnel heading west at the bottom.
The PCs can carefully drop down the 10 feet using
a rope or other means. If they jump down they will
take 1d6 falling damage for every 10 feet. At the
bottom is a 10ft wide tunnel leading west. There are
(2) Bandits (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6, HP: 4
each, #AT: 1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized,
MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/
XP: 1/10 +1/hp) hiding in the shadows waiting
to surprise attack the PCs. They have the following
treasure: 1000 sp, Gems (2): 7 gp and 10 gp.
#4. FALSE DOOR GAS TRAP
This is a large room with a big oaken door to
the south and another on the far west wall
at the end of a hall. A stone staircase going
downwards can be seen in the northwest corner
of the room. The place is a mess of debris and
waste, with some rotten and broken furniture,
rusted weapons, and scraps of moldy cloth
scattered across the floor. The air is thick with
dust and the stench of decay, making it difficult
to breathe. In various spots in the room are piles
of rubble and garbage. The room is eerily silent.
The door to the south is trapped. It is a false door
that when opened will reveal a black wall with
a hideous launging white skeleton face painted
on it. The eyes, nose and mouth are painted
black and filled with dozens of small one inch in
diameter black holes. Poison gas will start to hiss
from the tiny holes in the wall. A thief successfully
searching the door using Find / Remove Traps
can deduce the presence of the of the trap in the
handle mechanism. If triggered everyone within
a 6 foot radius must Players must Save vs Poison
or become poisoned for 1d4 damage. They will
continue to take 1d4 damage every 4 hours until
cured. There is nothing else of any value in this
chamber.
#5. COFFIN TRAP AND SECRET DOOR
The hallway continues north. Stone stairs lead
upwards to the south. To the west is a 10 ft wide
and 10 ft deep alcove with an old casket in it.
Upon careful examination it is made of ancient,
blackened rotting wood and is covered in
cobwebs and layers of dust from the ages. It looks
about the size of a human coffin and has very evil
faces carved into it each one unique with twisted
open mouths and wicked eyes. You can also see
strange and archaic magic symbols painted with
a flourescence that makes them glow in the dim
light this sinister place. A brief and chill blast of air
can be felt from the stone wall behind the casket
or maybe that was just your imagination?
The chill breeze is felt because of a slight crack in the
secret door which is in the wall behind the casket.
Anyone attempting to search for secret doors should
get a slight bonus to their die roll. The only way to get
to the wall is to move the casket which will cause it to
pop open. It will also trigger if the PCs open flat out
it. If a PC opens the casket, a hidden mechanism is
triggered and the lid suddenly slams shut, smashing
and trapping the person’s hand inside. This damage
will cause the injured PC to incur a -1 on any “to hit”
rolls for the next 48 hours or until cured or healed. At
the same time, a barrage of 2d4 darts are launched
from the open mouths and eyes on sides of the
casket facing the person’s chest. The trapped person
must then make a Save vs. Death check to avoid
taking damage from the darts or take 1d4 damage
per hit. Inside the coffin is a rotting skeleton wearing:
(1) necklace of miscellaneous gems worth 3000
cp. There is nothing else of value in this chamber.
#6. BANDIT SURPRISE
The party enters a large chamber that is about 50ft
wide by 30ft deep. On the northern wall a section
of the ceiling has collapsed, creating a massive
pile of rubble that blocks the far end of the room
however a open natural cavern pathway can be
seen leading out to the north but the pile of stone
and debris reaches about waist high and is several
feet deep, making it impossible to pass through
without a considerable amount of time and
effort to clear it. The party can see that northern
passage leading deeper into the dungeon. They
can hear the sound of water dripping in the
distance, suggesting that the passage leads to a
pool or a flooded area.
Hiding behind the rubble pile are (4) Bandits (AC:
7 [leather armor], HD: 1, HP: 4 each, #AT: 1, D:
1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized, MV: 120 ft, MR:
Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp)
45
who will spring out and attack the party when they are
distracted moving the rubble! The Bandits have the
following treasure: 1000 sp, 6000 ep, 3000 gp, Gems
(10): 2 x 10 gp, 16 gp, 2 x 50 gp, 70 gp, 75 gp, 2 x
100 gp, 500 gp.
#7. PIRANHA ATTACK
You enter a large, damp natural cavern that is about
50 ft by 60 ft in diamter. The whole place is dominated
by a pool of water, waist high on a normal man, but
you can see a natural passage exit in a wall across
the pool to the south. As you move your feet you
can tell that you are occaisionally stepping on odd-
shaped rocks or sticks or something. The water is
very green with algae and dark spots so it’s hard
to see what the heck it is. Suddenly water bubbles
appear near you in blackness of the muck!
Swimming in the water are (2d12) Piranhas (AC: 10,
HD: 1/2, HP: 4 each, #AT: 1 [viscious bite], D: 2d8, SZ:
Man-sized, MV: Swim (90 ft./round), MR: Standard,
AL: Chaotic, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp) The items the PCs
are standing on occaisionally are bones and skulls of
many former dead adventurers! During the chaos of
any combat in the water with the Piranhas, there is a 1
in a d6 chance that a portion of one of those skeletons
may happen to float up in the middle of combat. One
of them is wearing a rotten backpack filled with the
following treasure: (2) Potions of Extra Healing, A +1
Dagger, 1000 cp, Gems (13): 5 gp, 3 x 10 gp, 20 gp,
75 gp, 80 gp, 90 gp, 100 gp, 3 x 500 gp, 600 gp.
#8. SLICING BLADE TRAP
This room is a large and hexagonal shaped. The
walls and floor are covered in dozens of red splatter
marks. Maybe it’s just paint? Or maybe it’s blood?
On the northern wall, there is a partially collapsed
rubble hallway passage into a natural cavern and
a wooden door on the east wall. The exit through
the partially collapsed rubble hallway provides a
possible escape, but it may also be filled with its own
dangers. There is a strong musty smell in the air.
Out of a hidden slit in the wall shoots a pair of neck
high spinning blades. This trap is triggered by a micro
thin trip wire on the ground. When the trigger is sprung
the blade is handled as a melee weapon attack
against any PC within 5 feet and must Save vs. Death
or be instantly decapitated while players who fail a
Save vs Petrification take 1d8 damage each. The
trip wire can be noted and disarmed with a successful
Find / Remove Traps check but failing the check by
three or more attempts will trigger the trap. A careful
examination of the blood on the floor will reveal a
hidden trap door on the ground which conceals: 5000
cp, Gems (22): 10 gp each, 30 ep and 45 gp.
46
#9. THRONE ROOM
The ruined throne room of this small castle is a
testament to the passage of time and the fall
of a typical small nobles kingdom. The walls are
crumbled and sprayed with graffiti and the floor
is littered with rocks, debris and broken wood.
The grand throne, now covered in cobwebs, sits
at end of the room, its once-fine cushions rotted
and torn. Sitting on the throne is a old man who
looks like a living skeleton, wearing a crown and
knightly clothes with gauntlets and robes holding
a large magical looking sword. The tapestries
that once adorned the walls now hang in
tatters, and the once-shining chandeliers have
long since fallen from the ceiling, their broken
glass scattered across the floor. Despite its state
of disrepair, the throne room still holds an air of
grandeur, a reminder of the former power and
glory of the kingdom that once flourished within
these walls. The man on the throne stands and
speaks to you in a calm and deep voice: “My
blade and I have been waiting for you.”
The man is Warwick Diamondfingers (AC: 7
[leather armor], HP: 16, STR: 12, DEX: 18, CON:
16, INT: 10, WIS: 16, CHA: 14, HD: 3, HP: 24, #AT:
1, D: 1d6 [The Sword Illumina mi Nemesi], SZ:
Man-sized, MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic,
Level/XP: 3/30 +3/hp) he will attack and fight to
the death. He is wielding “Illumana mi Nemesi”
[SEE: THE CURSED SWORD P.43]. He gets a +3 bonus
to attack and damage rolls, critital hit son a 19 or 20
on the die, and does an additional 1d10 damage to
creatures of any opposite alignment> He also gets
a bonus of 1d10 to his initiative. There is also a 50%
chance on a d100 that any creature or person killed
by the weapon will become a zombie and under
Warwicks command. In a hidden compartment
under the tattered seat cushion on the throne is
the following tresure: (4) Potions of Healing, 7000
cp, 1000 ep, Gems (5): 2 x 10 gp, 50 gp, 100 gp,
500 gp. and Jewelry: 6000 gp., Leather Armor +2.
Other than these treasures there is nothing else of
value in here.
#10. POOL OF THE RADIANT WATERS
You enter a spacious cavern filled with a shimmering,
crystal-clear pool of water. The water is illuminated by
a magical soft, glowing light, that emanates from it.
As you inspect the pool, you notice that the surface
of the water is completely still, like a mirror, reflecting
the cavern ceiling above. The water appears to be
incredibly deep, and you feel a sense of both awe
and trepidation at the thought of what secrets might
lie hidden beneath the surface. The soft, glowing
light that illuminates the water seems to pulse and
47
shift, almost as if it is alive. The air in the cavern is thick
with the scent of magic, a perfume that is both sweet
and intoxicating. Suddenly, you hear a voice whisper
in your mind that says “Drink Me,” inviting you to take
a drink from the pool. The voice is soft and melodic,
and it seems to come from all around you, like a
chorus of whispers. You feel a sense of both fear and
excitement at the thought of taking a drink from the
magical pool, knowing that it could change your
life forever... Probably for the WORSE you think? But
than again maybe not. As you stand there, gazing
at the pool, you feel a sense of both wonder and
uncertainty. Despite your fears, you feel a pull, a
sense of curiosity and wonder that compels you to
take a drink and explore the secrets that lie hidden
within this mysterious cavern.
The water is actually safe and very magical despite he
build up to scare the PCs. If they do decide to drink the
water then one of the following things will happen to
them based on which effect would have the best use
on the character drinking it. E.g. if the PC is wounded
then Healing Magic would happen to them, etc.
Healing Magic: The enchanted water is filled with
powerful healing magic, which instantly mends
wounds and rejuvenates the drinker. Drinking the water
restores all of the drinker’s hit points and removes any
temporary penalties to their abilities, but also causes
them to become fatigued and suffer a -1 penalty to
their attack rolls and saving throws until they have had
a chance to rest.
Strength Boost: The water imbues the drinker with
incredible physical strength, allowing them to lift heavy
objects and perform incredible feats of strength.
Drinking the water gives the drinker a +1 bonus to
their Strength score, but also causes them to become
reckless and suffer a -1 penalty to their Wisdom score
until they have had a chance to rest.
Increased Agility: The water enhances the drinker’s
speed and agility, allowing them to move with lightning-
fast reflexes and dodge incoming attacks with ease.
Drinking the water gives the drinker a +1 bonus to their
Dexterity score, but also causes them to become more
vulnerable to traps and other dangers, giving them a
-1 penalty to their Dexterity score until they have had a
chance to rest.
Enlightenment: The water grants the drinker a moment
of clarity and enlightenment, allowing them to see the
world with new eyes and understand the mysteries of
the universe. Drinking the water grants the drinker a +1
bonus to their Intelligence score, but also causes them
to become mentally unstable and suffer a -1 penalty
to their Charisma score until they have had a chance
to rest.
THE FOREST OF THE FALLEN OAKS:
This was once a vibrant and sacred forest, lush with
huge gorgeous tall oak trees sitting in the south
east region of the Valley of the Moon. The village
cemetery is located deep within it. Local tradition
also requires that a single black rose is to be left on
the grave of Luna Santorino once a year. She was a
young Mystic child, the daughter of the old tarot lady
Esmerelda Santorino [SEE: KEY TO THE HAMLET OF
TALDREN E.5] The child was the first buried resident of
the cematary after she lost her life in an unxepected
tragedy when she was ten years old. Recently a large
Shambling Mound named Slaggariah moved into
the forest making it his home. His presence and the
aura of evil magic around him has caused the forest
to become a dark, wicked and foreboding place.
The majestic trees that towered overhead have now
been replaced by gnarled and twisted deadwood,
with vines and sharp thorns rumored to “move and
lash” out at anyone passing. Since the Shambling
Mound has taken power in the woods the location
has become a magnet for evil creatures like goblins,
skeletons, bandits and more awful things. Slaggariah
and these beasts has caused the villagers to shun this
place and no one has left the black rose on Lunas
grave nor have they been able to visit other loved
ones. In turn her spirit has risen and now she wanders
the cemetery looking for someone destroy this evil
and give her tomb a black rose so her spirit can go
back to the afterlife and the forest can be restored.
The forest scale is 20 ft per square
48
FOREST WANDERING MONSTERS:
The forest is a pretty scary place in the daytime but
especially notorious at night. The GM should check
for wandering monsters every hour, with a roll of 1 on
a d6 indicating an encounter. Remember any one of
these could be substituted with any NPCs from the
Village of Taldren or the Inn of the Whistling Pig,
e.g, adventurers, bandits, etc. Roll a d4 or pick from
the table below:
1. Bats - (#1d10): (AC 10, MV: 0 ft / 240 ft flying, HD: 1/2,
HP: 1 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d2, SZ: Small, MR: Standard,
SA: Swarm, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 1/5 +1/hp). Highly
maneuverable, users of missile weapons will suffer a
-3 to hit penalty unless the attacker’s dexterity is 13
or higher. They must land on their intended victims
to attack. There is a 1% chance that those so bitten
will contract rabies, or some similar blood-borne
infection.
2. Giant Spiders - (#1d4): (AC: 6, MV: 180 ft, HD: 2+2,
HP: 16 each, #AT: 1, D:1d6, SZ: Large, MR: Standard,
AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/150 + 3/hp)
3. Goblins - (#1d4): (AC: 6, MV: 60 ft, HD: 1/2, HP:4
each, #AT: 1 [Shortsword], D:1d6, SA: None. SD: None,
SZ: Small, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/XP:
1/15 +1/hp)
4. Skeletons - (#1d8): (AC: 7, MV: 120 ft, HD: 1, HP:4
each, #AT: 1, D:1d6, SA: None. SD: (Immune to cold,
sleep, charm, hold and other mental based attacks)
SZ: Man sized or smaller, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic
Evil, Level/XP: 1/15 +1/hp)XP: 1/10 +1/hp)
KEY TO THE FOREST OF THE FALLEN OAKS
You are entrance to the creepy Forest of the Fallen
Oaks which now beckons before you. It is dark and
filled with gnarly twisted trees that block out most
of the sunlight, creating an eerie atmosphere. The
ground is covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves
and moss, making it difficult to traverse however
pathways can be seen leading into the trees and
brush. Rumor is that there is an ancient cemetery
located in the heart of the forest and is surrounded
by a dense ring of trees. The only sound you can
audibly hear is the soft rustle of leaves in the wind
and the occasional mournful creak of a twisted
and evil looking tree branch. The atmosphere
is oppressively quiet, and the only movement
comes from the occasional flutter of a moth or
the slithering of a snake. It is a place of rest for the
dead, but it is not at peace. The ground beneath
your feet is no longer soft and yielding but instead

is covered in sharp rocks and brambles, making it
difficult to move quietly and quickly. Despite the
oppressive atmosphere and the dead and dying
forest that surrounds you, you can’t help but feel
like you’re being watched. Every time you stop
to listen, the silence seems to grow even more
profound, broken only by the sound of your own
labored breathing. The air itself seems to be alive
with an almost palpable sense of malevolence, as
if something dark and sinister is lurking just beyond
the edge of your vision. What is in there? Only one
way to find out!
#1. THE WHISPERING TREES
You come across a strange, twisted oak tree that
seems to have the shape of a human face. As
you approach, you notice several of the trees
are like this and to your amazement a whispering
voice speaks out that seems to be coming from
the various trees. They speak to you, the voices
echoing through your ears. “Please save us by
killing Slaggariah the Shambling Mound in
the cemetery and putting a black rose on the
grave of Luna the ghost child which will free this
place of evil... evil... evil...” It feels pretty damned
creepy around here.
If the PCs succeed in destroying the Slaggariah the
Shambling Mound and putting the black rose on
the grave of Luna the ghost child then the forest will
return to normal and ANY of the trees nearby any
PCs no matter which encounter location they are
exploring wil speak in a whisper and say, “Thank you
for freeing us!”
#2. THE ABANDONED DRUIDS HUT
You come across a ramshackle abandoned druid
shack in the middle of the forest, surrounded by tall
trees and overgrown vines. The small, one-room
shack is made of rough-hewn logs and thatched
with moss-covered roofing. The door hangs loosely
on its hinges, creaking in the wind. The windows are
small and clouded with grime.
Inside the room is sparsely furnished with a simple
wooden bed, a few chairs, and a small table
with a book and a quill pen on top. The walls are
adorned with various dried herbs, animal skulls,
and feathers. The air is thick with the scent of
dried herbs and old wood. Cobwebs hang in the
corners of the ceiling, and small animals have
made their nests in various corners of the room.
The wooden floorboards creak underfoot and a
few have rotted away, creating small holes. The
overall feeling of the shack is one of abandonment
and mystery, as if the druid cemetery caretaker who
49
once lived here vanished into the forest without a
trace. There is nothing of value here. This could be a
good camping spot for the PCs.
#3. AN ENCHANTED CLEARING
You stumble upon a clearing in the forest where
oddly the trees are all actually in bloom. The scent
of flowers is overwhelming and the air is thick with
magic. But as you move through the grove, you
realize that the walls of the maze are constantly
shifting causing you to lose your sense of direction
and with each and every way you turn the bushes
seem to go on forever. You push your way through,
only to realize that you’re still standing in the grove
only now it is dark, gloomy and dreary. A giggling
voice can be heard in the air.
This is an illusion generated by the evil magic in the
area. All PCs must make a Save vs. Magic or become
confused and stand still for 1d12 minutes. During this
time a random monster could attack or GMs discretion
roll a 1d10 or pick another Forest of the Fallen Oaks
encounter and have the PCs suddenly emerge
teleported into it.
#4. GOBLIN PIT TRAPS
As you travel through the dense forest, you suddenly
hear the sound of twigs snapping and leaves
rustling around you. Suddenly you realize that you
are surrounded by a group of four ugly goblins
brandishing short swords who have set up an ambush
from behind two makeshift barracades made from
piles of branches and tree limbs. The beasts are
disgusting, one of them has a squashed nose and a
single hairy eyebrow that spans across his forehead.
Another one has a mouth that is crooked with teeth
that are sharp and jagged. His buddy has black or
dark green spots on his skin with a large wart on the
end of his nose. The last one must be the leader as
he is bigger than the rest, has a large scar running
from his forehead to his cheek and wears a ragged
bandanna around his head covering a would.
The (4) Goblins (AC: 6, MV: 60 ft, HD: 1/2, HP:4 each,
#AT: 1 [Shortsword], D:1d6, SA: None. SD: None, SZ:
Small, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/XP:
1/15 +1/hp) have created a trap made of branches
and vines that has been cleverly disguised to look like
the natural forest floor. The trap is made up of several
deep pits with sharp stakes at the bottom that have
been covered with leaves and debris to hide them
from view. The goblins, armed with shortswords, begin
to attack the party as they try to navigate around the
trap. The goblins move quickly and nimbly through the
trees, launching surprise attacks and then disappearing
back into the foliage. The party soon realizes that the
only way to avoid the trap is to take the fight to the
goblins themselves. The (4) Pit Traps are a 10 x 10 trap
door which opens below the players feet! Any Thief
or PC that can successfully Find / Remove Traps or
use magic to check of the floor will note the edge
of a potential lid that would be the pit’s possible
cover. If it triggers then anyone falling in will take
1d6 damage for every 10 feet. Players that Save vs.
Petrification will take 1/2 damage.
#5. THE UNDEAD ATTACK
As you venture deeper into the forest, the trees
begin to thin out and you find yourself in a small
clearing. In the center of the clearing is a large,
ancient tree, its bark blackened and cracked
with age. As you approach, you realize that the
tree is surrounded by a circle of bones, arranged
in a strange pattern. Suddenly, you hear a
rattling sound and several skeletons rise up from
the ground, their bones creaking and groaning
as they move. They brandish rusted swords and
tattered cloths and begin to advance towards
you, their glowing eye sockets are fixed on your
group. As you draw your weapons and prepare
to defend yourselves, you notice that the bones
in the circle around the tree begin to glow with
an eerie green light. The skeletons seem to draw
strength from this energy and their movements
become more coordinated and purposeful. You
realize that this circle is some sort of magical trap,
and that you need to find a way to disrupt it if you
want to defeat the skeletons.
Roll initiative as (4) Skeletons (AC: 7, MV: 120 ft,
HD: 1, HP:4 each, #AT: 1 [Shortsword], D:1d6, SA:
None. SD: [Immune to cold, sleep, charm, hold
and other mental based attacks] SZ: Man sized
or smaller, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic Evil, Level/
XP: 1/15 +1/hp) spring up and attack! Buried in
the corner by the tree with the green light is a sack
containing: (2) Potions of Healing and 6000 sp,
Jewelry (2): 100 gp, 1300 gp. There is nothing else
of here or anywhere nearby.
#6. BANDIT SURPRISE
As you move through the forest, you suddenly hear
the sound of rustling leaves and twigs snapping
underfoot. Looking around, you see four bandits
emerge from the shadows, their faces twisted in
cruel grins displaying broken teeth as they draw
their crude weapons.
The (4) Bandits (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6,
HP: 4 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-
sized, MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/
XP: 1/10 +1/hp) are a motley crew of rough-looking
men and women who demand that the players
50
hand over their valuables and weapons, or face the
consequences. The bandits are heavily armed and
armored, making them a tough challenge for the
players. However, if the players are able to defeat
them in battle, they may find a stash of stolen goods
hidden nearby, including gold, weapons, and other
treasures. Alternatively, the players may be able to
negotiate with the bandits, offering them a valuable
item or information in exchange for safe passage
through the forest. They carry the following treasure:
(1) Shortsword +1 and (5) Gems: 50 gp, 100 gp,
200 gp, 400 gp, 500 gp.
#7. THE WINGED BEAST STATUE
As the party wanders through the forest, they
come across a clearing that seems out of place.
In the center of the clearing stands a statue made
of dark stone, its features twisted into a grotesque
expression. The statue is of a figure that seems
half-man, half-beast, with long claws and sharp
teeth. The statue appears to be ancient, with
cracks and bright green glowing moss growing
on its surface.
The statue is an old and harmless. Aside from the
creepy vibe, this would actually be a good place to
camp and rest.
#8. THE SITUATION
You enter a clearing in the woods with the dead
body of a male adventurer with his belongings
laying on the ground all splattered in fresh blood.
Another human male wearing ragged clothes
is hunched over the body and has a surprised
and scared look on his face when he sees your
group. He stands up then locks eyes with you and
awkwardly exclaims, “Thank goodness you are
here! They attacked us... bandits! Ambushed
us from out of the woods! My friend here was
killed in the melee. I am Almore Blacksword.”
He approaches and reaches out his hand to
shake yours and you notice a few drops of blood
on it. “I know where there are some black roses.
I can show you,” he awkwardly and nervously
smiles while fidgeting around.
The man is a bandit named Almore Blacksword
(AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6, HP: 4 each, #AT:
1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized, MV: 120 ft,
MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/
hp). He actually just murdered his counterpart over
a matter of 80 gp and was surprised by the PCs. He
is lying about the roses and will lead the players into
danger and if questioned about the bandit attack
he will say they retreated. If he joins the party he will
try to rob them and escape in the night. He has a
dagger and the following treasure: 80 gp.
#9. PARTY AT THE GOBLIN CAMP
You come across a clearing and are immediately
struck by the sight of four goblins, who are sitting
around a roaring fire. They appear clearly drunk
in high spirits, singing bawdy songs and passing
around a bottle of foul-smelling liquor. The goblins
notice you and speak in broken Common,
“Would you care to join our party and take a
swig? Providing you don’t have ‘cooties’.” They
invite you over and they seem pretty drunk and
friendly enough, offering some of their roasted
mutton and liquor.
The Goblins are so drunk that they will invite the PCs
to sing with them while they are waiting monster
friends from E.4. If the PCs eat the food it is very
tasty, however within a few minutes it soon becomes
apparent that the goblins have spiked the booze
with a powerful hallucinogenic potion. Anyone who
drank any of the booze must Save vs. Poison or
become drunk for 1d4 hours and the characters will
now begin to hallucinate they will see double, triple,
or even quadruple the goblins and will suffer a “to hit”
penalty GMs discretion. (4) Goblins (AC: 6, MV: 60
ft, HD: 1/2, HP:4 each, #AT: 1 [Shortsword], D:1d6,
SA: None. SD: None, SZ: Small, MR: Standard, AL:
Chaotic Evil, Level/XP: 1/15 +1/hp) The goblins
have the following treasure: 25 gp, 45 cp and 30 ep.
51
#10. THE CEMETERY, LUNA AND SLAGGARIAH
As you walk through the dark forest, the ground
beneath your feet becomes uneven, and the trees
ahead of you appear twisted and distorted. As you
come closer, you realize that you have stumbled
upon a small cemetery. The is still and heavy with
the scent of decay, and an unnatural silence hung
over the whole wretched place, broken only by the
occasional rustling of the leaves in the breeze or the
distant hoot of an owl. A thick black wrought iron
fence surrounds the overgrown cemetery stands tall
and imposing. The fence is old, broken in some spots
and rusted, with creepy intricate designs of evil faces.
The open gate is the most imposing feature, towering
above the rest of the fence beckons you to a dark,
foreboding path leading deeper into the overgrown
cemetery. The graves around you are old and
dilapidated, their stones cracked and weathered.
Some of them have been pried open, revealing the
rotting corpses inside. The smell is overwhelming, and
you can’t help but gag as you look around. The trees
around the cemetery are gnarled and twisted, their
branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. As you
approach one of the open graves, you hear a faint
whispering coming from inside. You peer down into
the dark pit and see nothing but darkness. Suddenly,
a cold, clammy little hand reaches up and grabs at
 your ankle then dissapears into the ground. You
hear a childs giggling laughter coming from the
graves. The twisted trees around you begin to
move, their branches writhing and reaching out
to grab you. Is it the wind? You know you must
get out of this cursed place as fast as you can,
or you too will become one of the undead in this
dark, twisted cemetery. The headstones are eerie
and weathered, many of them toppling over or
broken. Some of the graves have been disturbed,
with dirt and debris scattered about. The air is still
and heavy, as if the very forest itself is holding its
breath. A flickering ghost Mystic female child
suddenly appears before you and is a haunting
and eerie sight. The child appears to be made of
smoke or mist and flickers in and out of existence,
as if trapped between two worlds. Despite her
ghostly appearance, the child seems mischievous
and playful, often giggling and teasing those who
come near. She is dressed in tattered and dirty
Mystic clothes in colors of black, grey and white,
and her hair is long and unkempt. Her face is pale
and gaunt, with dark circles under her eyes. The
child’s voice is high-pitched and singsong, and her
laughter echoes hauntingly through the air. As the
ghostly Mystic child flickers in and out of this world
she approaches you slowly and speaks, “I am
Luna...” the spirit of the young girl smiles, looking at
you expectantly.
Before the Players can react Slaggariah attacks! (1)
Shambling Mound, (AC 0, MV: 60ft, HD: 9, HP: 48
each, #AT: 2, D: 2d8/2d8, SZ: Large, MR: Standard,
SA: Suffocation [grabs victim if both arms hit in
same round and kills in 2d4 rounds], SD: immune
to fire, cold attacks to no damage on save or half,
weapons do half damage, electricity adds a hit die,
AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 7/2476) rises out of the bushes
and plants! It looks like a giant fly-trap type beast! Roll
initiative. If the players defeat the creature then the
following treasure will spill from it’s dead vegetation:
(1) Cloak of Protection +1, (4) Potions of Healing,
(1) Quiver of 24 Arrows +1, Gems (20): 7 x 10 gp,
40 gp, 3 x 50 gp, 65 gp, 100 gp, 500 gp, 650 gp, 2
x 700 gp, 2 x 1000 gp, 2000 gp. If the Players give
the child a black rose she will smile and thank the PCs
for destroying the beast and then she will return to
her grave. The wilted plants and vegatation begin to
slowly start to return to a lush green color. She turns
around, smiles and waves goodbye to the PCs then
flickers away. If the PCs succeed in destroying the
Slaggariah the Shambling Mound and putting the
black rose on the grave of the ghost child then the
forest will return to normal and the trees nearby any
PCs will say, “Thank you for freeing us!”
52
THE CAVERNS OF THE WICKED PEAKS:
This is a sinister range of mountains that seem to stretch
on forever in the south west region of the Valley of
the Moon with miles of jagged and imposing peaks
jutting upwards towards the sky. The rocky terrain is
sharp and rough, rising hundreds of feet high, and
the winds howl around them, making them feel even
more ominous. The rocks themselves seem to have
been carved by some ancient and powerful force,
leaving behind a range of mountains that are both
beautiful and deadly. The peaks are uneven, with
some rising higher than others, creating a jagged
and uneven skyline. The mountains seem to be
coated in a dull, lifeless shade of gray, with no signs
of vegetation or wildlife anywhere in sight. The wind
eerily whistles through the peaks, carrying with it a
sense of foreboding and danger. The rocky terrain is
treacherous, with sharp crags and steep inclines that
make traversing the range a perilous undertaking.
The rocks themselves seem to be infused with some
kind of malevolent energy, giving off a palpable
sense of evil that permeates the air around them. The
Wicked Peaks stretch out for miles before entering
the Devils Spine and only one known entrance
exists (GMs choice of location). Over the last few
months, a mysterious and reclusive Drow Magic-
User / Alchemist named Linzabar has taken
up residence and control of the caves. He has
created a population of Myconids, Violet Fungus,
Spore Servents and a few other awful creatures over
the last few months to inhabit the place. In addition,
he has created a form of edible mushroom fungus
known as “Honeyspot” (a very small black capped
mushroom with yellow spots) which he grows,
harvests and sells to the Apothecary [SEE: KEY TO
THE HAMLET OF TALDREN E.25] in the village for
cooking in the locals foods and recipes. The current
shopkeeper Gwendolyn Wildwood has no idea that
they have the mind controlling effect. Meanwhile
the unsuspecting victims eating the mushrooms do
not know it has a Mind Control effect. He uses them
to control dozens of unsuspecting adventurers,
village explorers and sometimes even monsters that
intrude his place. Many of the village residents have
become entranced under his fungi and now are
operating at his will, some of them are common folks
and others are adventurers staying in the village or
inn. NPCs under the control of Linzabar will try to
gain knowledge of any PCs trying to explore the
Caverns, the Keep, the Forest or the Highlands
and report it to him. He is looking for a dumb, idiotic,
foolish, weak minded group of adventurers and will
consider the current adventuring party as “prime
candidates” to control. He is trying to build a group
of folks to do his biddings, battles and deliver him
any dream or items he wishes. The sheer scale of
the mountains is staggering, their peaks soaring into
the clouds above and disappearing into the misty
distance. It is as though they were forged by the
gods themselves as an otherworldly landscape. A
lonely dark cave entrance can be seen by the PCs.
HONEYSPOT MUSHROOMS:
These are small mushrooms which are quite unique in
appearance, with a deep black cap that contrasts
starkly against randomly speckled and sized bright
yellow spots. Despite their very small size (about as big
as a ball of cotton), the mushroom vividly captures
attention with its bold colors and eye-catching
design. Its stem is thin and the gills underneath the
cap are an even pattern of yellow back to back
with black, secreting a sweet smell akin to a fresh,
flowery honey aroma. These small, but beautiful
mushrooms are sure to be a delight for any nature
lover. However, if someone or something eats one
of them then they must Save vs. Poison or become
under the effect of Linzabar’s Mind Control for 48
hours minus the victims Intelligence. E.g a PC with
an Intelligence of 18 would be under the effect
for (48-18 = 20 hours). Once the Save is failed a
psychic link is connected with Linzabar himself who
can then instruct the victim through thoughts to do
his biddings, hear him, speak to him etc. The victim
will act normal unless “activated” in the process of
doing a task for Linzabar at which point they may
suddenly develop a noticeable slight “tell” e.g, a
nervous tick, blink or twitch. Once again the Mind
Control will wear off after the calculated hours have
passed unless they eat another mushroom etc.
CAVERN WANDERING MONSTERS:
Wandering monsters will be encountered in the
caverns or empty dungeon rooms and hallways, or
areas already cleared out by the party. The GM should
check for wandering monsters every hour, with a roll
of 1 on a d6 indicating an encounter. Remember any
one of these could be substituted with any NPCs from
the Village of Taldren or the Inn of the Whistling Pig,
e.g, adventurers, bandits, etc. Roll a d4 or pick from
the table below:
53
1. Floating Gas Servant - (#1): (AC: 9, HD: 1 [1 HP],
HP: 1, #AT: 1, D: [see below], SA: [see below], SD: [see
below], SZ: Large, MV: 30 ft. [floating], MR: Standard,
AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/hp) If the spore is
struck for even one point of damage it will explode,
its gaseous contents react violently to air, and every
creature within a 20’ radius takes 6-36 hit points of
damage (3-18 if saving throw versus wands is made).
If a Floating Gas Servant touches or makes contact
with exposed flesh it shoots tiny micro-organisms into
the victims living matter and will spread throughout
the victim’s system in but one melee round. The gas
spore dies immediately. The victim must get a cure
disease within 24 hours or die, sprouting 2-8 Floating
Gas Servant spores.
2. Violet Fungi - (#1d4): (AC: 7, HD: 3, HP: 3-16 each,
#AT: 1d4, D: [see below], SA: [see below], SD: None,
SZ: Small to Medium, MV: 10 ft., MR: Standard, AL:
Neutral, Level/XP: 3/50 + 1/hp) Violet fungi looks like
shriekers and in fact the two are often found growing
together. These brightly colored mushroom plants
are generally 3 to 7 ft tall and each plant has 1d4
branches potentially growing out of it. If one reaches
5 ft tall, the fungi will have 1 to 2 ft branches. For each
foot taller the thing grows, its branches will grow a
full extra foot longer. If a Violet Fungi plant detects
any movement nearby, it will wave its branches
around releasing dozens of spores. Anyone within
4-6 ft of them will have to Save vs. Poison or all of
their exposed flesh will begin to rot within 2 rounds.
Anyone who fails their save will require a cure disease
spell or GM discretion to cure.
3. Bats - (#1d10): (AC 10, MV: 0 ft / 240 ft flying, HD:
1/2, HP: 1 each, #AT: 1, D: 1d2, SZ: Small, MR: Standard,
SA: Swarm, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 1/5 +1/hp). Highly
maneuverable, users of missile weapons will suffer a
-3 to hit penalty unless the attacker’s dexterity is 13
or higher. They must land on their intended victims to
attack. There is a 1% chance that those so bitten will
contract rabies, or some similar blood-borne
infection.
4. Myconid Sovereign - (#1d6): (AC: 6, MV: 30 ft,
HD: 2d8, HP: 16, #AT: 1 Slam, D:2d6 [bludgeoning
damage], SA: Spore Production and Mind Control
[see below], SZ: Medium, MR: Standard, AL: Neutral,
Level/XP: 2/250 + 2/hp) In combat, the Myconid
can release a cloud of spores, which can stun
creatures for 1d6 minutes that are within 5 feet who
fail a Save vs. Paralyzation. It can also communicate
telepathically with creatures within 30 feet. The
Myconid Sovereign has additional abilities, including
the ability to command other Myconids and the
ability to heal its allies with spores.
KEY TO THE CAVERNS OF THE WICKED PEAKS:
A vast and expansive mountain range stretches
out before you as far as the eye can see, with
peaks that are sharp and jagged jutting upwards
towards the sky. The rocky peaks rise hundreds
of feet high and the winds howl around them,
making them feel even more ominous. The rocks
seem to have been carved by some ancient
and powerful force, leaving behind a range of
mountains that are both beautiful and deadly. As
you approach, you feel a chilly shiver run down
your spine, as if the very stones are warning you
to stay away. Despite the ominious feeling of
impending danger, the view is quite breathtaking
in its natural beauty. A single six foot wide and high
natural entranceway into a cave can be seen
about 10 feet away from your group. A few very
tiny mushrooms with red caps and yellow dots can
be seen leading a spotted trail into the cave. They
look pretty damned tasty! A soft breeze kicks up
and you can’t help but wonder what creatures
and amazing treasures lie within its depths?
#1. ENTRY PASSAGE
This is the only known entrance way into the
Caverns of the Wicked Peaks. It is a 6-foot wide
54
entry that winds east and there is another
passageway directly south into the depths of the
cave. The passageway has chains built into the
walls for safety and continues on into the darkness.
If the PCs spend too much time here they will certainly
attract a wander monster.
#2. SPIDER LAIR SURPRISE
This is a vast room with towering piles of rubble
littering the space. The ceiling is very high and
jagged (about 100 feet up into darkness. Multi-
colored fungi plants grew in thick clusters, their
brightly glowing in gorgeous flourescent colors.
The spores cast an eerie light over the room. You
get the feeling of being watched with the silence
only broken by the occasional drip of water.
If the party spends more than one minute in the
room examining the fungi or the gemstones then will
be attacked by [2] Giant Spiders (AC: 6, MV: 180
ft, HD: 2+2, HP: 16 each, #AT: 1, D:1d6, SZ: Large,
MR: Standard, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/150 + 3/
hp) They will drop down from the blackness of the
ceiling. Roll for surprise and initiative! The fungi in here
are harmless and the gemstones in the rocks are
Zircon however if the party kills the Giant Spiders one
of them will rip open and reveal a dead recently half-
eaten adventurer’s corpse and on it is a backpack
that contains the following treasure: (1) Potion of
Healing and 2000 sp, 2000 ep, 300 pp, Gems (17):
4 x 10 gp, 16 gp, 20 gp, 30 gp, 4 x 50 gp, 65 gp,
100 gp, 130 gp, 150 gp, 500 gp, 600 gp.
#3. SECRET GARDEN OF VIOLET FUNGI
A cavern room about 30ft by 40ft stands before
you. Filled with colorful green lush plants, a 5ft wide
pathway stretches out before you which leads to
a natural exit on the west wall and northern one
as well. The walls and ceiling are dotted with a
flourescent purple lichen, glittering gems and multi-
colored mushrooms of all sizes. The air is thick and
heavy with the sweet scent of various flowers and
the light from the glowing mushrooms and lichen
dances devilishly across the gems and the walls,
creating an almost otherworldly and mesmerizing
atmosphere. The flora and fauna in the room
seem to be thriving in this strange, subterranean
garden. The beauty and serenity of the place is
almost enough to make you forget that you are
deep underground, surrounded by darkness and
danger.
In the room are (4) Violet Fungi (AC: 7, HD: 3, HP:
3-16 each, #AT: 1d4, D: [see below], SA: [see
below], SD: None, SZ: Small to Medium, MV: 10 ft.,
MR: Standard, AL: Neutral, Level/XP: 3/50 + 1/hp)
These brightly colored mushroom plants are generally
3 to 7 ft tall and each plant has 1d4 branches
potentially growing out of it. If one reaches 5 ft tall, the
fungi will have 1 to 2 ft branches. For each foot taller
the thing grows, its branches will grow a full extra foot
longer. If a Violet Fungi plant detects any movement
nearby, it will wave its branches releasing dozens of
spores. Anyone within 4-6 ft of them will have to Save
vs. Poison or all of their exposed flesh will begin to
rot within 2 rounds. Anyone who fails their save will
require a cure disease spell or GM discretion to cure.
They will attack the PCs when they reach the center
point of the room on the pathway. Hidden under a
large purple mushroom in the far corner of the room
is the creatures pile of treasure: 800 cp, 500 sp and 4
turquoise gems worth 10 gp each. There is nothing
else of value here.
#4. THE MUSICAL CRYSTAL ORGAN
This is a 40ft by 50ft wide natural cave whose
walls again are filled with sparkling gems and
shimmering crystal shards. The walls and ceiling
of the cavern twinkle with an inner light revealing
a natural passage leads out to the northwest,
east and southwest. In the center of the room
stands four giant 10ft tall crystal pillars about 4ft in
diameter surrounding an elaborate musical organ
55
type device, crafted entirely from crystal which
sits in the center of it. The keyboard is made from
four jagged crystal shards about 5 inches in length
colored red, green, blue and yellow glinting in the
light. Suddenly one of the keys (the red one) lights
up a makes a beautiful musical note that emerges
from the device as well as lighting up one of the four
pipe crystal pillars in a scintillating kalaidescope of
red color which fills the cavern with a hauntingingly
beautiful sound, echoing off the walls and causing
the gems to pulse with an otherworldly light.
This musical device operates using four organ type keys
made from colored crytsals (red, green, blue, and
yellow) which will light up and produce a tone when
pressed along with the corresponding crystal pillar (SEE
MAP: Caverns of the Wicked Peaks E.4 the RBGY
Pillars). The objective of the game is to repeat the
pattern of light and sound that the device generates.
The game starts by lighting up one organ key, and the
player must repeat the pattern by pressing the same
organ key in the same order. The game continues
to add another organ key to the pattern with each
round, and the player must repeat the entire pattern
correctly in order to advance to the next musical
sequence. If the player makes a mistake, the organ
blasts out a flat horn sound (this could attract any
wandering monsters). If the PCs play the red note key
then the device will play back that red note and the
next one following this pattern ultimately: [R.RG.RGB.
RGBY.RGBY.RGBYY.RGBYYB.RGBYYBG.RGBYYBGR]
if the PCs successfully execute that pattern then the
secret door in the SW corner of the room will open.
The only way the secret door will open is via the organ
playing correctly or one of the following spells: Knock,
Dispel Magic, Phase Door or Wish.
#5. SLEEPING BANDIT CAMP
The small cave is dimly lit, with only a faint glow
emanating from a cluster of small, glowing
mushrooms in one corner. The walls are rough and
jagged, with patches of lichen and mold clinging
to the stone. Two narrow passageways lead out
of the cave, one to the east and the other to the
west. Water can be seen dripping down the walls.
You notice a group of eight dirty, rough-looking
bandits sleeping scattered around the chamber,
their weapons and gear strewn about the place
haphazardly. Their loud snores echo through the
cavern, filling the small space with sound. The
bandits seem to be completely unaware of your
presence, lost in the depths of their slumber. To get
through them requires some careful navigation
and they are spread evenly about the cave to get
to the other side.
If the PCs examine the small mushrooms they have
black caps and bright yellow spots, making them
easily noticeable against the dull-colored rocks.
They appear to be of a variety that is not commonly
found in the area, and it’s possible they have unique
properties. However, without proper identification and
testing, it’s hard to say for sure. If anyone can identify
them they are definitely Honeyspot Mushrooms. For
every minute the PCs remaining in the room roll a
1d10 and if a 5 or less is rolled than 1d4 of the Bandits
will wake up and alert the others and begin initiative.
(8) Bandits (AC: 7 [leather armor], HD: 1d6, HP: 4
each, #AT: 1, D: 1d6 [shortsword], SZ: Man-sized,
MV: 120 ft, MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/XP:
1/10 +1/hp) Each bandit has a small sack with all
of their treasure which consists of all of this: 600 pp,
Jewelry (9): 100 gp, 200 gp, 500 gp, a Potion of
Healing and a Spell Scroll (Cleric: Augury, Detect
Evil, Speak with Plants) There is nothing else of value
here.
#6. KAYAK CAVERN
Stepping into the cave you feel a refreshing
breeze of cool, damp air on your skin. As your eyes
gradually adjust to the dim light and you see a large
pool of water stretching out in front of you. The pool
stretches out about 20 ft deep and 40 ft wide, its
surface smooth as glass, reflecting the walls of the
cave. You can see two channels that leads out to
the east, and at the edge of the pool, you notice
two kayaks docked on the shore. The walls of the
cave are rough and uneven, with moss and lichen
growing in patches. You notice small stalactites
hanging from the ceiling, glittering in the dim
light. The cave has a rugged and uneven ground,
scattered with small rocks and patches of dirt. In
the corners of the cave, there are clusters of small
mushrooms with black caps and bright yellow spots,
adding a pop of color to the dimly lit space. In the
eerie silence you can hear the sound of dripping
water echoing throughout the cavern. The air is filled
with a musty smell, mixed with the scent of damp
earth and vegetation. Careful observation of the
kayaks, reveals they are made of sturdy wood and
56
look well-crafted. You notice paddles resting beside
them, ready for use. It appears that someone has
used these kayaks to explore the cave, perhaps
even to escape through the channel to the east.
There are also cave exit passages in the northeast
and southeast corners of the cavern.
The kayaks are safe and sturdy for use. Other than a
few of the Honeyspot Mushrooms there is nothing of
value here.
#7. THE WATER RESCUE
You enter a large, damp natural cavern that is
about 70 ft by 70 ft in diameter. As you take in the
awesomeness of cavern, you are mesmerized
by the sparkling gems on the stalagtites and
stalagmites which twinkle in the dim light. A 10-
foot high rocky plateau looms before you, and as
you approach it, you notice the sandy beach that
borders the natural cave pool. The green water
ripples gently, and the dark spots in the water
create an eerie feeling. Suddenly, you notice a
wooden kayak in the middle of the pool, with a
humanoid figure rowing it. A leak can be seen
shooting water up from inside it! The person riding
it begins to panic and turns around to see you,
with a look of terror in their eyes. “Help! I can’t
swim!” they cry out as the kayak starts to sink. As
you move towards the water’s edge, you hear
bubbling noises from the blackness of the muck,
and you feel a sense of unease wash over you as
if something else might be swimming in the water.
The man in the kayak is Owen Steelheart (AC: 16
[scale mail, shield], HP: 16, STR: 16, DEX: 14,
CON: 14, INT: 10, WIS: 12, CHA: 8, AL: Neutral,
Languages: Common) a male human 1st Level
Fighter. He wears scale mail armor has a shield and a
shortsword along with a backpack, which contains
a bedroll, rations (10 days), waterskin and 10 gold
pieces in it. He can’t swim and will drown within five
minutes if the PCs don’t save him. If they rescue him
he will loyally join the party. Swimming in the water
are (2) Crocodiles (AC: 4, HD: 9, HP: 4 each, #AT:
1 [bite], D: 2d8, SZ: Man-sized, MV: 120 / 40 ft,
MR: Standard, AL: Chaotic, Level/XP: 1/10 +1/
hp). In the far corner of the cave is a skeleton with a
burlap sack loaded with a huge amount of treasure:
(4) Potions of Healing, (1) Wand of Fireballs [10
charges], Gems (34): 2 x 5 gp, 4 x 10 gp, 40 gp,
45 gp, 50 gp, 2 x 60 gp, 10 x 100 gp, 150 gp, 350
gp, 4 x 500 gp, 3 x 1000 gp, 2000 gp, 5000 gp,
7500 gp, 10000 gp, Jewelry (22): 500 gp, 800 gp,
1000 gp, 2 x 1100 gp, 1200 gp, 1800 gp, 2000 gp,
3000 gp, 4000 gp, 5400 gp, 2 x 8000 gp, 17000
gp, 2 x 300 gp, 400 gp, 700 gp, 7000 gp, 8000 gp,
2 x 12000 gp.
#8. STATUE OF THE GARDEN GNOME
The cave is filled with water waist high and in the
center is a small rocky island covered in multi-
colored fungi. A stone statue of a gnome is in
the center of the island with one hand raised
beckoning you and one handfull of mushrooms.
As you approach the small sandy island in the
middle of the cave pool, you hear a strange
chanting coming from the mushrooms on the walls.
Suddenly, the mushrooms begin to glow with an
otherworldly light and the statue of the gnome
comes to life, and speeks: “Who dares disturb the
peace of my cave?” the gnome demands in a
booming voice. The gnome’s eyes seem to sparkle
with amusement. “Well, if you seek treasure, there
is plenty to be found here,” he says, gesturing to
the mushrooms on the walls. “But beware, not all
of them are what they seem.” He then tells you,
“A fierce creature lies ahead to the north. If you
can defeat it and prove your worth, meet me in
the west cave from that chamber and I will give
you a reward.” He then proceeds to laugh with an
wicked grin and slowly resumes his original stone
shape.
Players will notice that even though when the statue
is back to its actual stone form, they will still feel like its
eyes are “watching” them as long as they are in this
room. The mushrooms on the wall are harmless (GMs
discretion) but definitely look evil and menacing in
color.
57
#9. GIANT CRAB ATTACK
You enter a large, damp natural cavern that is
about 50 ft by 60 ft in diamter. The whole place is
knee deep in water about waist high but you can
see a natural passage exit in a wall across the pool
to the south. Quick examining of the water and
you can is very green with algae and dark spots
with only a few bubbling ripples on the surface.
Suddenly you hear a loud, splashing and clacking
sound, followed by the unxpected emergence
of a massive crab monster from the murky water
pool in the center of the chamber, its giant pincers
snapping menacingly. The crab’s hard exoskeleton
shell is a deep blue-green color, covered in algea,
and its eyes glint with an otherworldly intelligence.
The creature is nearly 10 feet tall and 15 feet wide,
and its long, spindly legs can move surprisingly fast.
As it approaches the party, it lets out a deafening
roar, its mandibles clacking together in anticipation
of a meal as it attacks!
This giant crab monster attacks anyone who ventures
too close to the water’s edge, using its claws to swipe
at its targets and its powerful pincers to crush them.
It is also able to move quickly through the water,
making it difficult for the party to escape or engage it
in combat. The party will need to be strategic in their
approach, as the cave is dark and the water makes
it difficult to see the monster’s movements. They may
also need to find a way to lure the crab out of the
water, where it is less maneuverable, in order to defeat ESP, Detect Invisibility, 3rd Level: [Flame Arrow, Hold
it. (1) Giant Crab (AC: 4, HD: 8, HP: 48, #AT: 3 [2 Person]. Languages: Common, Dwarfish, Gnome,
claws / 1 pincer], D: 1d6/1d6/2d4, SZ: Extra Large, Goblin, Halfling, Orcish. Dark Elf Traits: Immunity to
MV: 60 ft / 20ft, MR: Standard, AL: Neutral, Level/ sleep spells and effects, and a +2 racial saving
XP: 8/80 +8/hp) After the crab is defeated then the throw bonus against enchantment spells or effects.
rotten, half-eaten body of a former dead adventurer Darkvision out to 120 feet. Spell-Like Abilities: Drow
will float up from under the water. It has a backpack can use the following spell-like abilities once per day:
containing: 6000 cp, Gems (24): 35 gp, 65 gp, 8 gp, dancing lights, darkness, faerie fire. Caster level equals
2 x 10 gp, 50 gp, 70 gp, 80 gp, 90 gp, 100 gp, 200 the drow’s class levels. Weapon Proficiency: A drow
gp, 350 gp, 4 x 500 gp, 600 gp, 7 x 1000 gp. There is is automatically proficient with the hand crossbow,
nothing else worthwile of any value here. the rapier, and the short sword. Spell resistance equal
to 11 + class levels. +2 racial bonus on saves against
#10. LINZABARS WORKSHOP AND CAVE spells and spell-like abilities. A drow who merely passes
As you enter the cavernous room you can hear the within 5 feet of a secret or concealed door is entitled
muttering of a person talking to themselves angrily. to a Search check. Languages: Common, Elven,
In the center of the room, there is a sturdy wooden Undercommon. Bonus Languages: Abyssal, Aquan,
work table, cluttered with beakers, vials, flasks, and Draconic, Drow Sign Language, Gnome, Goblin. Light
strange tools that you can’t quite identify. Sitting at Blindness: Abrupt exposure to bright light (such as
the work table is an eccentric looking male Drow sunlight or a daylight spell) blinds drow for 1 round. He
who has wild white hair, a mustache and bushy has the following treasure hidden under his bed: (2)
eyebrows. He has a mischievous grin on his face, and Potions of Healing, (1) Potion of Invisibilty and a
his eyes twinkle with excitement as he is counting black velvet bag containing: Gems (10): 6 gp, 7 gp,
dozens of small black capped mushrooms with 9 gp, 2 x 10 gp, 35 gp, 50 gp, 120 gp, 450 gp, 550
yellow spots scattered around the table. He stops gp. NOTE: At this point it’s up to GMs discretion and the
talking to himself and slowly looks up to greet you party how they want to handle the remaining part of
eye to eye. He stands up and speaks in Common, this encounter and if they want to engage in combat
“Welcome friends,” he says. “I see you have etc or even take over the operation by killing Linzabar
made it past my giant gaurdian monster... looks himself. Villains of the Undercity (TM), Pirates of the
like I will be having crab for dinner over the next Serpent’s Den (TM) and Land Beyond the Giants
month. I hate seafood. I despise it... but I digress. (TM) are all current or upcoming Maximum Mayhem
So let’s get to the matter at hand shall we? I’m Dungeon modules written by Mark Taormino and
looking for a group of adventurous ones to move published with Dark Wizard Games (tm).
some product for me. You see the last group I
hired were a bunch of idiots and buffoons that
got themselves killed and lost an entire shipment
of my Honeyspot Mushrooms. Now I need a strong
and really SMART group of individuals to start
moving shipments from here all the way to the
Villain’s of Undercity in Los Farport, the Pirates
of the Serpent’s Den and even as far West as the
Land Beyond the Giants but I STILL haven’t found
the right people.” He looks at your group with a
disaproving look and shakes his head sadly. “I hope
they show up one day. Sigh. However until then
if you think YOU can handle a simple mundane
task like this successfully then I will pay you
handsomely.” He smiles and raises one of his bushy
white eyebrows.
This is Linzabar (AC: 7 [cloth armor], HP: 15, STR: 8,
DEX: 10, CON: 9, INT: 18, WIS: 15, CHA: 18, #AT: 1
[Dagger +1], D: 1d4, AL: Chaotic Evil) a male Drow
5th Level Magic-User / Alchemist. Spells: 1st Level:
[Read Magic, Tenser’s Floating Disk, Nystul’s Magic
Aura, Precipitation, Burning Hands, Shield, Mending,
Friends, Grease, Magic Missile], 2nd Level: [Vocalize,
58
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 L I C E N S E S
OPEN GAME LICENSE
This printing of the “Village on the Borderlands™” is done under version 1.0a of the Open
Gaming License below.
Notice of Open Game Content: This product contains open game content as defined in the Open
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Designation of Open Game Content: All monster and NPC statistics (i.e. ‘stat blocks’) and
any content within this book that is derived directly from the System Reference Document is
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OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a
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10 Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Content You Distribute.
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written permission from the Contributor to do so.
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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
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15 COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0 Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
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This product uses the OSRIC™ System (Oldschool System Reference and Index Compilation™). The OSRIC™ system text may be found at
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Complimentary copies of OSRIC™ material need not be sent to the authors, but it would be nice.
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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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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 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 1.0 Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
 www.darkwizardgames.com
DWGMMD-000 v1 Copyright © 2023 Dark Wizard Games, All Rights Reserved. Made in the USA.
This module is designed for 6-8 characters of levels 1 to 3. The party should consist of Fighters, Clerics, Magic-Users and
Thieves, but you are free to figure out what works best for your group.
1st Edition Style Fantasy Gaming Compatible! This product uses the Open Game License Version 1.0a and is easily
convertable to any First Edition Style Fantasy Role-Playing Games or OGL / OSR Style Systems.
Quotes from the Village on the Borderlands:
“The Inn of the Whistling Pig was awesome up until the tavern owner, Broom Helga, put me in a headlock
for trying to sneak out without paying the bill!” - Valdoroth the Half-Orc Thief

“Hmmm... a couple of old kayaks in a cavern pool with a choice of two dark tunnels to paddle down. One
probably leads to a horrible, quick death and the other probably leads to an even more horrible and quicker
death?” - Longbeard the Dwarven Fighter

“I really enjoyed sharing that mead with those drunken goblins at their wild party camp in the woods!
However, quite frankly, I was a wee-bit offended when they asked if we had ‘cooties’ before sharing the
bottle with us.” - Orion the Human Magic-User

If you like this adventure look for our other titles:

Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #1: Hanging Coffins of the Vampire Queen
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #2: Secret Machines of the Star Spawn
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #3: Villains of the Undercity
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #4: Vault of the Dwarven King
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #5: Palace of the Dragon’s Princess
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #6: Moving Maze of the Mad Master
Maximum Mayhem Dungeons #7: Dread Swamp of the Banshee

www.darkwizardgames.com
DWGMMD-000 v1 Copyright © 2023 Dark Wizard Games, All Rights Reserved. Made in the USA.
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