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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PRODUCTS OF YOUR IMAGINATION™ An adventure for character levels 18 to 22.
2
THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD
If you are using a player character's domin- Cutter answers any questions honestly, but quite as you expected. For example, a farmer
ion, that player character should preside over he knows only the following: whose fields were dry and barren went to the
the court instead of the count. Cutter is a foundling. His foster father, Seer for help. The Seer promised him fertile
The curse of Sabre River is treated as a do- Korse, found him on the doorstep when Cut- fields for the rest of his natural life in
minion event. Therefore a confidence check ter was a baby. He has lived in the village all exchange for the farmer's service until the
is needed for the dominions. The curse is a his life and knows the everyday details about sun rose. The farmer agreed, reporting for
magical happening of such magnitude that it, and feels a strong desire to save the land work that night. But he waited in vain for
the modifier is dropped to zero. The confi- from its present peril. Cutter alone of his peo- morning, and it was 20 years before he saw
dence level is the sum of the ruler's six char- ple is immune to the attacks of savage crea- the sun rise. When his labors were finished
acteristics and the roll of percentile dice. tures or people, and this is why the villagers and he went back to his farm, he had aged 20
knew he could reach the court safely. years, but only a single night had passed for
Encounter Setting During the waxing or waning of the moon his family and the rest of the world. As the
the crops are stunted, and animals and peo- Seer promised, however, his fields were fer-
The layout of the stronghold is not impor-
ple become savage. During the full moon the tile for the remainder of his life.
tant. No adventuring takes place here. You
animals and people fall into deep sleep. Dur-
can use a castle of your own design or tell the
ing the new moon the crops, animals, and 3. SABRE RIVER WILDERNESS
PCs that they are in a courtroom 40 feet by 75
people die.
feet. The ceiling is supported by ornate On the way to Cutter's village and the
When there is a break in the questions, the
columns, and works of art and men at arms Seer, the PCs must pass through the wilder-
omen occurs.
are along the walls. ness near the river. As part of the curse on the
The count and his top advisors and confi- area, the Sabre River water affects the crea-
2. THE OMEN
dants have met to discuss dominion business. tures that drink it. This is why the animals
These advisors and confidants are the player (and people) grow violent, fall into a deep
The room grows dark and a chill wind lifts
characters. They have just learned that the sleep, and then die with the phases of the
the wall hangings. Out of thin air a huge
dominion is in trouble of some kind. The moon. (The moon changes phases once a
skull materializes and floats in front of
peasants have stopped paying their taxes, week.) For any effect, the normal saving
you. The eye sockets are inky black, and
and there are rumors of strange goings-on. throws apply with the modifiers listed in the
water drips from the nose, ears, and
River Water Effects Table. Cutter can drink
mouth. As the water hits the floor, it turns
Encounter Key to blood. A stench of damp rot fills the air.
without effect.
If a creature drinks river water and is
1. CUTTER Then the skull speaks:
charmed (in the violent phase), it is con-
The gatekeeper enters the courtroom. He "The blood of men grows pale and weak, trolled telepathically by the Seer who is at the
says that a boy, about 12 years of age, is at the The land rots while you search and seek. heart of the trouble in the land of the Sabre
gate asking to see the count. If asked, the "A blight on earth for all to see, River. The seer knows anything one of his
gatekeeper tells the court that the boy said he So civilization can never be. creatures senses.
had information about a blight on the land. "The cure you seek is in your hand In most cases the Seer does not take direct
The boy enters the room timidly. He tells Even while you search the land. control of a charmed creature. His standing
the count the following tale. "No man can change this evil's course, orders are to cause as much trouble as possi-
Unless you seek the curse's source." ble. However, if the charmed creature
"Great sir, my name is Cutter, and I Without a trace, the skull vanishes. observes unusual actions or high levels of
begged my village to send me to ask for magical activity, the Seer takes direct control.
your aid. My family lives in a far corner of The skull is an illusion. It is not affected by The Seer can bring a charmed creature of any
your dominion near the Sabre River, and anything the party does. Even a dispel magic sort to any location in 1-10 turns. However, if
we are poor people. Still, we have always spell has no effect. The blood that pools on the party is gone by then, the Seer loses track
managed to feed ourselves and pay our the floor disappears when the skull does. of them. Use the Wilderness Random
taxes. But this year the crops rotted in the However, anything, that was touched by it is Encounter Table on page 31 to determine
fields from an unknown cause. The live- hopelessly stained. which monsters the PCs meet.
stock began to die as well, and those ani- During discussion of the skull, Cutter tells
mals that survived became vicious and the court about the Seer who lives on an
attacked their owners. So we have no island in the river that passes near his village. RIVER WATER EFFECTS
money to give you. But it is not poverty The Seer has lived there since before the birth
alone that brings me. A short time ago, of the oldest man in the village. Moon Effect Save Modifier
monsters began to roam the countryside The Seer has told the villagers, "When New Poisoned -6
at night. During the week of the new words of water turn to blood, seek me." Cut- Waxing Charmed -3
moon these monsters dared to walk in the ter is convinced that the skull is what the Seer Full Sleeping 0
sun and no one was safe. Now some of our was talking about and that he may know
Waning Charmed -3
neighbors have died suddenly, and others what's going on.
have grown vicious and spiteful. The Seer has never left his island. People
"The villagers fear we will soon be that want advice must go there. The price is
destroyed and beg you to send help."
4. THE CRONE'S DREAM
never money and is always different. Some-
times, although the Seer's advice gets you Before they reach the Seer's island, every-
what you want, it doesn't always turn out one in the party has the same dream. The
3
THE COUNT'S STRONGHOLD
dream is sent by the three Crones of Cry- Gargantuan Beholder: Double all of the It is a simple procedure for anybody to go
stykk, mysterious figures who send messages ranges for its eye weapons. If the party sur- hand-over-hand across the cable to the is-
to others in the form of dreams. The crones vives this encounter, the chamber fills with land. The cable merely insures that visitors
were introduced in CM 1, TEST OF THE water. Each hero drowns despite his or her really want to go there.
WARLORDS. The PCs will meet them best efforts. The water is full of undertows and small
again in the Tower of Terror section. Do not whirlpools. Any character falling into the
tell the players that the characters are dream- 5. CUTTER'S VILLAGE water must Save vs. paralysis to keep his head
ing. During the dream they will meet a storm above water. A character wearing plate,
giant, a gold dragon, and a gargantuan A small, deserted village lies before you. banded, or chain mail suffers a -2 penalty on
beholder. Eventually everyone in the party No smoke rises from the chimneys, and his saving throw.
must die. When all are dead they all wake up the streets are empty and silent. A few of Those pulled under appear in room 2 on
in a cold sweat. the huts have been burnt to the ground. Map 1 unconscious and with only half of their
Read the boxed text that applies as each hit points. A character already below half has
monster appears and then go immediately to In Cutter's absence the entire village has only 1 hit point left.
combat rounds. The PCs can determine their succumbed to the effects of river water, and
own actions in this dream. upon entering the village area the party is
attacked. There are 40 villagers remaining
Suddenly you are wakened by a loud alive. They attempt to get surprise. They are
noise. A 20-foot-tall black rabbit comes armed with knives that cause the same dam-
crashing through the trees. Riding on its age as daggers, and they do not wear armor.
back are three ancient women whose
laughter sends chills down your spine.
Villagers (40): AC 9; HD 1; hp 4; MV 60'
The rabbit is past almost before you can (20'); #AT 1 weapon or wrestle; D 1-3 or
wrestle; Save F1; ML 10; AL C; XP 200
get to your feet.
In the sky a black moon casts white The peasants wrestle and try to pin the
shadows on the ground, and shooting heroes. Use the wrestling rules to determine a
stars crisscross the sky. Then the ground pin. Once pinned, the hero is forced to drink
shakes with tremendous footsteps. The river water. Each round he swallows river
treetops part to reveal a giant human head water he is allowed the usual saving throws.
with silver hair and gleaming red eyes. It If the entire party is charmed (an ex-
grins maliciously at you. tremely unlikely event), the Seer takes con-
trol and sets them up as puppet rulers of the
Storm Giant: It is evil, to represent the riv- dominion. In time, however, they break the
er's ability to charm living creatures. Even charm and the adventure can be started over
though there were no boulders in the area again.
then the PCs went to sleep, the giant throws Cutter learns his adopted parents are dead,
one every round; this may give the PCs a clue killed while he was gone; he is shocked. He
they are dreaming. now has no guardians. He begs and pleads
with the party to let him tag along. If they
The storm giant lies dead at your feet, but refuse, he leaves and then follows them to the
the ground shakes again. Trees disappear island. He will appear in the Seer's chamber
into the ground, and the storm giant's when the heroes arrive there.
body is sucked under, too. You feel your
own body being pulled under as the earth 6. APPROACH TO THE ISLAND
swallows you whole.
The island is too small to appear on the
Suddenly you are in a red-lit cavern.
small-scale map. Cutter leads the party to the
Steam rises from fissures in the ground.
river and they follow it to the island. The
Before you stands a gold dragon with
island is half an hour from the village.
black vapor pouring from its mouth.
The river is wide here. In the center of the
Gold Dragon: The characters are pulled river is the island, which looks to be a
into the ground no matter what they do— scant 100 feet across. All around it the
after all, this is a dream. The gold dragon is black waters of the Sabre River swirl with
enormous and has whatever spells it needs. whirlpools and dangerous currents.
The island looks lifeless. Dead bushes
Out of a steaming fissure rises a beholder and trees obscure its center with a tangle
like none you've seen before. It is 8 feet in of gray and black. Suspended over the
diameter, and each eye stalk is almost as
river at a height of 10 feet is a single cable.
long as you are tall. With a great snarl the
The cable is supported by a thick pole on
monster floats toward you. either shore.
5
ISLE OF THE SEER (Use DM Maps 1 and 2.)
Encounter Setting poison; Save F4 at +2; ML 8; AL C; XP Each PC (and the gargoyle) must save for
175 each gremlin within 20 feet. A character
On the surface, the island looks like any
might have to save up to three times.
other. In the center is a pit that gives access to On a low table by the couch is a platter of
its two subterranean levels. food and drink which appear delicious. In Gargantuan gargoyle: AC 5; HD 32**; hp
As usual, any creature that is charmed by reality the food is dried fish and rotten vege- 160; MV 180' (60') on land, 240' (80')
river water is incapable of detecting or affect- tables. The drinks are tainted with Sabre flying; #AT 2 claws/1 bite/1 horn/1 wing
ing Cutter. Those that are not charmed River water. The medusa offers the party as dragon; D 1-12/1-12/2-24/2-16/2-20;
attack the boy only when he is the only rea- these refreshments and promises them any- Save F32; ML 11; AL C; XP 10,000
sonable target. thing if they will stay and eat with her. Gremlins(3): AC 7; HD 1**; hp 4; MV 120'
(40'); #AT 0; D special; Save E1; ML 12;
Encounter Key 3. MUD PIT AL C; XP 16 each
1. THE PIT
You are in a tunnel that leads to a stone 5. WELL OF NEROTH
The island is barren except for dead bushes bridge across a small cavern. The cavern's
and trees. In the center of the island is a pit 40 floor is a mud pit, and the bridge is 10 feet
You are in a large chamber. Near the cen-
feet deep with an illusion cast on it which above it. The walls and ceiling drip black
ter is what appears to be a pit with a small
makes it look like a normal stretch of land. water onto the bridge and the mud. platform overlooking it. The walls of the
Any character wandering around in the cen- Across the bridge, the tunnel continues chamber are covered with runes and writ-
ter of the island has a 1 in 3 chance of falling on.
ing. Stone statues stand here and there on
into the pit. The pit leads to room 2 on Map
the floor, and all the surfaces of the cham-
1. The center portion of the bridge is an illu- ber are scorched and gouged. In the east
Unless he is restrained, Cutter runs off to sion. Any character walking out onto it falls wall is a door. Across the chamber from
explore the island. If the party lets him, in into the mud. There are eight mud golems in you is a large, six-legged lizard.
five rounds they hear a scream, and Cutter the mud, but only one attacks each character
has fallen into the pit. who falls in. Being in the mud gives the The pit in the center of the room is actually
golems +3 on their hit rolls. an enclosed stairwell which leads to room 7
2. THE HOSTESS If the party detects the illusion before pass- on the lower level. There is a secret door in
ing over the bridge, Cutter races across. If the south wall. The lizard is a basilisk. Any
The entire floor of this room is covered the PCs do not detect the illusion then Cutter
with satin pillows. Rich tapestries hang on characters caught unawares in the doorway
stays toward the rear of the party. must immediately make a save vs. turn to
the walls. In the corners are delicate
statues upon pedestals. The ceiling is a Mud golems: AC 9; HD 8*; hp 40; MV 90' stone. If a character says that he immediately
mosaic of stones and expensive gems. (30'); #AT 1 hug; D 2-12 + smothering; looks away from the basilisk then he gets +2
Here and there are exquisitely carved Save F8; ML 12; AL N; XP 1,200 each on his save.
tables with containers of burning incense. Basilisk: AC 4; HD 6+1*; hp 26; MV 60'
The mud golems will not attack Cutter
In the middle of the east wall is a door; (20'); #AT 1 bite/1 gaze; D 1-10 + turn to
under any circumstances. If he falls into the
another is in the south wall. stone; Save F6; ML 9; AL N; XP 950
mud, he only gets dirty.
At the back of the room is a low couch,
and reclining on the couch is a woman The Basilisk is a pet of Neroth, a 17th level
4. THE AMPHITHEATRE magic-user who is charmed by river water.
dressed beautifully in silk. She wears a veil
over her face. Since Neroth always drinks river water with
Two ledges turn around the northern, his meals, he has been charmed for a long
As you stare at her, she rises and walks
eastern, and western walls of this large, time.
toward you.
square room. The ledges are 5 feet apart. Through his crystal ball Neroth watched
In the southern wall is an opening. In the the party struggle with the medusa in room
The scene is an illusion. There are no pil- northwest corner of the room is a door. 2, and he has had time to prepare. He cast
lows, only an uneven stone floor. Just below The walls and the ceiling are carved stone. statue on himself and looks like one of the
the opening from the pit is a stack of hay to In several places the carvings have been other stone pieces in the room. He has detect
cushion the fall. The tapestries are shabby gouged and defaced. In the corner oppo- invisible, fly, and invisible stalker cast. The
wool blankets, and the incense is burning site you a giant gargoyle is perched. stalker's mission is to steal any items that are
peat. The low couch is really a bed of wooden
not in the PC's hands and throw them down
slats with no mattress. The carvings show events and battles that the stairwell.
There is a secret door in the western wall.
took place in Alphatia hundreds of years ago. Neroth's strategy is to do as much harm to
The woman is the Seer's hostess. She is
Other adventurers' battles with the gargoyle the party as possible before they know what is
really a charmed medusa. The room illusion
have ruined some of the carvings. happening. He maneuvers himself into dif-
protects guests from being turned to stone,
The gargoyle is a Gargantuan creature ferent positions while the party is not looking,
but she knows the command words to turn
that is not charmed but a willing servant of becomes a statue, and then at the first availa-
the illusion on or off. If the party is extremely
the Seer. Three invisible, charmed gremlins ble moment attacks, probably with surprise.
rude or attacks her, she turns off the illusion
are perched on the lowest ledge. The grem- As a statue he is of course immune to the basi-
and attacks.
lins stay out of the fight but exert their chaotic lisk's stare.
Medusa: AC 8; HD 4**; hp 20; MV 90' influence over the battle, moving to where If Neroth is freed from his charm, he
(30'); #AT 1 snakebite/special; D 1-6 + they can cause the most trouble. thanks the party and then leaves. Neroth has
6
ISLE OF THE SEER
no desire to tangle with the Seer. The only Fifth level (4): conjure elemental, telekinesis, Shadows (6): AC 7; HD 2+2*; hp 10; MV
useful information Neroth has is that the Seer teleport, pass-wall 90' (30'); #AT 1 touch; D 1-4 + special;
might be immune to all magic. Sixth level (3): anti-magic shell, invisible Save F2; ML 12; AL C; XP 35 each
stalker, disintegrate
Neroth Seventh level (2): statue, power word stun
The statue is worth 20,000 gp (1,000 gp if
Neutral 17th-level Magic-user sold as scrap metal). Inside the altar are a
potion of healing, potion of giant strength,
Strength 7 Dexterity 12 6. ALTAR ROOM staff of power, and 15 pieces of jewelry.
Intelligence 17 Constitution 9
Wisdom 13 Charisma 12 The passageway you are in opens up into
a large cavern. The walls and floor are 7. THE DESERT ROOM
Armor class 6 Hit points 35 rough and damp. At the far end is an altar.
Weapons: dagger On the altar is a golden statue of a man As you reach the bottom of the enclosed
Armor: ring of protection +3 with sword upraised. circular staircase you seem to enter
Magical Items: crystal ball with clairaudi- another world. There is a bright sun in the
ence, ring of spell turning In alcoves to the sides of the cavern sky. In every direction sand stretches to
(6 spells), displacer cloak, entrance are a total of 20 rust monsters, 10 on the horizon. No plant life is visible and a
scarab of protection (4 each side. Hiding in the darkness are 6 pool of black water lies nearby.
charges), potion of gaseous shadows. Both groups attack without wait- Standing next to the pool is a strange
form, potion of healing, ing. creature. Its upper half is that of a man
potion of invulnerability, The rust monsters are charmed by river and its lower half that of a scorpion. It car-
wand of negation (5 water. They cannot affect Cutter. The ries in its hands a glowing war hammer.
Charges) shadows can take away Cutter's strength, but From behind it two giant scorpions scuttle
Spells: he does not turn into a shadow. He regains in your direction.
First level (6): magic missile, magic missile, his strength at the usual rate.
light, charm person, read magic, sleep
Rust monsters (20): AC2; HD 5*; hp 22; The PCs are actually in an oval room. It
Second level (5): detect invisible, web, invisi-
MV 120' (40'); #AT 1 touch; D special; has been transformed with an illusion of the
bility, levitate, phantasmal force
Save F2; ML 7; AL N; XP 300 each desert to please its occupants. The illusion
Third level (5): dispel magic, fly, haste, fire-
holds even if touched. If a character flies into
ball, lightning bolt
Fourth level (4): ice storm, ice storm, remove it he takes damage as if he had fallen as far as
curse, confusion
DM MAP 1
ISLE OF THE SEER (Upper Level)
DOOR
SECRET DOOR
ALTAR
STAIR
CIRCULAR STAIR
ILLUSIONARY BRIDGE
MUD
STATUE
HOLE IN CEILING
ONE SQUARE - 5 FEET
7
ISLE OF THE SEER
DM MAP 2
ISLE OF THE SEER (Lower Level)
DOOR
SECRET DOOR
CIRCULAR STAIR
CURTAIN
WATER
WATERFALL
SLOPE
MACHINERY
ONE SQUARE = 5 FEET
• = TRAP
© 1984 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved
he intended to fly. There is a secret door in the 8. THE BLACK CAVERN flying; #AT up to 6; breath line 120' x 5';
west wall and a normal door in the east wall. D 10-28 bite or crush, 4-11 claw, kick,
The doors are invisible under the illusion. You are on a ledge overlooking an enor- wing, tail, breath; Save F36; ML 10; AL
However, anybody feeling along the walls mous cavern. Twenty feet below you is a C; XP 5,150
finds the doors automatically. Behind the second ledge and the cavern floor 40 feet
stone pillar in the stairwell is a third giant below that. The slopes of both ledges are 9. THE MACHINE ROOM
scorpion. steep but negotiable.
The strange-looking creature is a manscor- The sounds of rushing water can be You are looking into a room filled with
pion who is also a 10th-level cleric. It has heard and toward the rear of the cavern a moving machinery. Gears, pulleys, and
been charmed by the river water in the pool. short waterfall empties into a pool of black rods are in motion everywhere. Even the
The war hammer in its hands is +2, +4 vs. water. Next to the pool a huge black winged low ceiling is a mass of moving metal. As
weapon-using opponents. lizard eyes you balefully. It stretches to its you look closely you can see a few narrow
If the charm is removed, the manscorpion full height, spreads its wings, and bellows paths through the machines.
stops attacking and orders the party to leave its battle cry.
the room, threatening characters with death The machine room is a maze. All of the
if he ever sees them again; he will hold back The black-winged lizard is, of course, a machines have a very high lead content. The
the giant scorpions until the party leaves. black dragon. The ceiling here is 75 feet other metals are highly magical and prevent
above the main floor, so the dragon can fly the machinery from being harmed by fire,
Manscorpion: AC 1; HD 10**; hp 50; MV
240' (80'); #AT 1 war hammer/1 tail; D and swoop, but he is forced to stay within cold, electricity, magic, or physical force.
missile and spell range. Anybody thrown into the machines takes 2-
4-14/1-10 + poison; Save F10; ML 10; AL
The pool of water is filled directly from the 12 points of damage from the moving parts.
C; XP 3,700
river. By constantly drinking from it, the The whole maze area is full of traps. When
dragon has remained charmed. However, if there is a trap symbol on the map, roll on the
Giant scorpions (3): AC 2; HD 4*; hp 16;
the charm is removed he still attacks the PCs. tables below to determine its nature. Roll
MV 150' (50'); #AT 2 claws/1 sting; D 1-
The only difference is that he is no longer once to determine the trigger mechanism,
10/1-10/1-4 + poison; Save F2; ML 11; AL
N; XP 125 each friendly to the Seer and does not give him and again to determine the trap's effect. If
information. "Multiple triggers" or "Multiple effects" is
the result, the trap has two (or more) triggers
Huge black dragon: AC -2; HD 14****; hp
or effects; roll twice more on the same table.
70; MV 150' (50') on land, 360' (120')
8
ISLE OF THE SEER
It is possible for a trap to have all seven trig- but effect lasts only ld8+2 rounds. All other
gers and effects. rules for polymorph other apply. "For years the curse was forgotten
The traps can be detected and removed by because no one cared to brave the wilder-
a thief with a -10% modifier. It takes one
10. THE SEER'S CONJURING ROOM ness, but for over a decade now the land
round to examine a 5-foot square for traps has been gradually settled, and the curse
Before you is a hexagonal room, the walls is showing its power.
and another round to remove a trap. Failing
of which are covered with black tap- "The sabre hilt lies in the Tower of Ter-
an attempt to remove a trap triggers it.
estries. Woven in each tapestry in shades ror in Flamesmouth Mountain. I cannot
Cutter cannot trigger any traps. However,
of grey are pictures of great battles. In the leave this island, but if you will go to the
he does dart ahead of the party.
center of the room is a large kettle full of tower, find the hilt, and bring it to me, I
hot coals. Floating in mid-air next to the can lift the curse. The way is dangerous,
MAZE TRAP TABLES kettle is a large, moldering book. Floating and you must keep the boy, Cutter, from
crosslegged behind the book is an old man harm, even though little can harm him.
Die Trigger Trap wearing a black robe. A hood obscures his But if you succeed the land can be saved."
Roll Method Effect face.
1 Invisible Arrows* The Seer tells the party where the Tower of
trip wire
The old man is the Seer. He greets the Terror is located and that they will recognize
Invisible stalker* characters, congratulating them on being Flamesmouth Mountain by its black color
2 Beam of light
able to reach him. If they remain friendly to and the thin plume of smoke rising from its
3 Pressure plate* Reverse gravity
spell* him, he asks what brought them here. Since peak.
4 Presence Scything blades* he is the cause of the trouble, the Seer is not
surprised to learn about the state of the
of magic*
5 Presence of 100 Delayed-blast dominion.
gp or 2 gems fireball* At this point Cutter steps forward to get a
Paralyzing gas* good look at the Seer. The Seer knows that
6 Voices above
a whisper Cutter is a vital part of what is happening in
the land. He also knows that he cannot harm
7 Bait* Polymorph *
8 Multiple triggers Multiple effects Cutter. The Seer gets very excited and tells
Cutter to come forward. Cutter reluctantly
goes.
After looking Cutter over thoroughly the
*Maze Trap Notes:
Seer declares that Cutter must remain on the
Pressure plates (5' x 5') are activated by island with him, but Cutter doesn't like the
anything weighing at least as much as a half- idea and puts up such a fuss that the Seer
ling. doesn't press the idea. The Seer tells the char-
Magical triggers are set off by the presence acters that they can stop the curse if they act
of a +2 or better item, or an active spell of level quickly. He says:
3 or more.
Bait is an item of great value lying on the "Ages ago a general of Alphatia bravely
floor. If moved it vanishes and the trap is fought many battles in this land. But sup-
sprung. plies were slow in coming from his home-
Three Arrows are triggered per party land and often he fought just to survive.
member. Arrows hit as 15 HD monsters and His final battle was on the banks of this
cause 2-12 points of damage each. very river, where he was overwhelmed by
Invisible Stalkers are imprisoned through- the savages and their tribal shaman.
out the maze, and occasionally released to "At the end, feeling betrayed and
attack the party. angry, he stood alone on the river bank.
Reverse gravity spells cause the characters Raising his magic sabre he called down a
to float into the machinery in the ceiling. curse, saying, 'Let this land remain a sav-
Scything blades cut through a 5' x 5' area. age and uncivilized wilderness for seven
Each character in the area suffers 3-18 + his times seven centuries!" Although the sky
armor class in points of damage. was without clouds, it seemed to shudder
Fireball is delayed 5 rounds and causes 8d at his words, and a bolt of lightning came
damage. It is dropped into someone's back- out of nowhere and struck his upraised
pack; the PC has a 1 in 6 chance to notice it. blade, dividing it in two.
Paralyzing gas fills a 5' x 5' area. Charac- "The general and his weapon fell into
ters in that area must save vs. paralysis or be the river and were never recovered. How-
paralyzed for 2-12 rounds. Gas also causes ever, the shaman came across the hilt of
1-6 points of acid damage each round. the sword and, knowing that if the curse
Polymorph turns everyone in a 5' x 5' area was to be one day lifted the hilt might play
into frogs. Saving throws have penalty of -10, a part, kept it safe.
10
THE TOWER OF TERROR (Use DM Map 3.)
Encounter Setting lier, they will certainly recognize them. Role 2. The Crimson Sailor
play this reunion based on the outcome of the
The Tower comprises a series of chambers Incendiarous, a huge red dragon, lives in
last encounter. For example, if they parted as
carved into the peak of a usually dormant vol- area 3, the cauldera, or mouth, of the volcano.
friends there may be some pleasant conversa-
cano called Flamesmouth Mountain. Al- She has a brood of young there, and these little
tion; if hard feelings exist, the meeting might
though volcanoes can be solitary mountains, ones are fearsome monsters in their own right.
be more hostile. Regardless of the PCs' reac-
Flamesmouth may also be placed in or near a Some of them are on guard over the mountain
tion, however, the crones cackle through the
mountain range in Norworld. If you have and automatically discover the approach of the
whole meeting. They find the encounter very
volcanoes in a nearby location, you can use PCs. If the party climbs on foot, the mother
amusing.
one of them as Flamesmouth. alone attacks the PCs from the air when they
The visitation occurs at dusk on an evening
DM Map 3 shows a three-dimensional cut- are halfway up the mountain. If any PCs fly, she
when the PCs are very close to the tower.
away view of the peak of the mountain. attacks as they draw close to either the tunnel
Read the following description to the players:
Those areas which are the settings of major or mouth or the peak.
complicated encounters will be shown in Incendiarous is a speaking and spell-using
A swirling shape seems to grow out of the
detail maps. dragon who is very smart. She uses her spells,
evening mist and gradually assumes a
The Seer's directions prove to be accurate; breath weapon, and other attacks wisely. She
vaguely human form. As it moves for-
no matter how jumbled and tormented the casts detect invisible, haste, and ESP on herself
ward, you hear a cackling laugh that soon
landscape around the peak containing the
changes to an eerie wail. Then two more
before emerging from her lair. She is overconfi-
Tower of Terror, Flamesmouth Mountain will dent, however, and does not make herself invisi-
shapes become visible at points on either
be readily recognized by the players. The ble unless she discovers that the party is very
side of you. The misty forms begin to close
black surface of the mountain and the thin strong. Incendiarous also uses phantasmal force
in.
plume of smoke rising from the top are as the just before flying, creating a likeness of herself
Once more you hear crazed laughter,
Seer described. opposite her true location. As soon as she
and instantly the forms seem to material-
The slopes of Flamesmouth are steep but attacks, she ceases concentrating on the phan-
ize into human bodies. Grinning and
scalable. There is a complete lack of plant tasm and it disappears.
chuckling like crazy women, three twisted
life, and the rock is scorched and barren. Her primary objective is to prevent the PCs
crones inspect your little band and find
Since terrain is rough, characters have no from entering the cauldera and harming her
something very funny here.
trouble finding fissures, cracks, and small young. If combat won't serve, she attempts to
"So we seek the Tower of Terror, do
niches if they wish to conceal themselves. negotiate. A secondary objective is, of course,
we?" the ugliest of the crones says.
If the PC's are mounted, they find the ter- to gain plunder. If she can slay the PCs or other-
"Look, girls. . .See our brave adventurers
rain around and on the mountain too rough wise get away with it, she hauls as much of their
off to bake in the fires of Flamesmouth!"
for horses and must leave them behind. treasure up to her lair as she can.
"Such a pity," joins in the second.
To someone standing at the foot of the
"And that one there is really kind of cute. Incendiarous (huge red dragon): AC -5; HD
mountain, a dark tunnel entrance is visible
What a waste. . ." 22****; hp 108; MV 150'(50') pre-haste,
about 600 feet below the peak. A narrow trail
"Still," cackles the third crone, "if they 360'(120') flying; #AT up to 6 (bite/tail/2
zigzags up to this tunnel. survive the attack of the crimson sailor, claw/2 kick or 2 wing); D 4d8+8 bite/ld12+2
During this portion of the adventure, Cut-
and they know enough to leave a cork in a daw, tail, kick or wing; Save F36; ML 11;
ter, bolstered by the importance the Seer
bottle, mayhap they will come out alive!" AL C; SA +4 to all hit rolls; SD speaks com-
placed in him, asks many questions about
mon and casts spells; XP 10,050
wisdom and how to gain it. Make it obvious
If the PCs have not encountered them
that he considers the Seer a very important 1st level: charm person, darkness, detect
before, or have encountered them but are
man. As before, Cutter cannot be harmed by magic, read magic, sleep
hostile now, the women will quickly melt
any type of attack. 2nd level: detect invisible, ESP, invisibility,
back into the mist.
phantasmal force, web
Encounter Key If friendly relations have been established, 3rd level: clairvoyance, dispel magic, haste,
however, they may talk with the characters
water breathing
for a while. The crones know all about the 4th level: dimension door, polymorph other,
1. The Road to the Tower
tower, but any information they furnish must
(Not on DM Map 3.) polymorph self
be paid for as usual. Gems and coins are fine,
5th level: teleport, wall of stone
Once the PCs start to travel toward the magical items are better, and a pledge of the
mountain, they are visited again by the PCs' service is the best price of all, since the 3. THE CAULDERA
Crones of Crystykk in a vision. crones often need a giant captured, or an
If you have adventure CM1, you may undead creature banished. This yawning pit has two possible
embellish this encounter, if you wish, by The crones do not give a straight answer if entrances: the opening at the top or a narrow
using the full range of the crones' abilities as a twisted one is available. The "crimson passage through the crumbled rock at the
described there. If you do not have CM1, sailor" refers to Incendiarous, a dragon who bottom. The narrow rock passageway that
simply treat the crones as a vision which can- sails the air around the peak, and the "cork in exits the bottom of the cauldera winds its way
not be attacked or dispelled in any way. In the bottle" means that the helions holding through the solidified magma and opens out
this case, the crones do not attack or other- back the lava below the mountain must not into the cylindrical shaft leading to the volca-
wise harm the PCs. be disturbed. no's core. The drop from here to the fiery,
If your players have met the crones before molten lava is 1,000 feet. (See encounter 5.)
in CM1 or if they remember the dream ear- Characters who lower themselves through
11
THE TOWER OF TERROR
this opening can see three cave or tunnel The surface of the lava is solid rock. It is
mouths and two wide ledges in the walls of there was once only smoke stands a giant kept in that form by a group of helions—
the shaft. man within a ring of supernatural fire. elemental creatures from the Plane of Fire.
Living in the cauldera and fully prepared Immediately below the surface of the lava is a
to fight for their territory, are five red The giant is an efreeti who serves as the highly-pressurized molten mass ready to
dragons, Incendiarous' children. Each has its guardian of the tower's entrance. He burst out.
own ledge on the clifflike walls of the crater. attempts to bar passage through this area. He Twisting within the lava is a wormhole to
These dragons do not emerge from the has five flame salamanders hidden in the the Plane of Fire. It is this wormhole that
cauldera but attack any PCs that enter it. If chamber. allows great numbers of fire-based creatures
Incendiarous has survived the fight with the Lesser efreeti: AC 3; HD 10*; hp 52; MV to reach the Tower and remain here.
PCs, she joins them here. 90'(30'), 240'(80') flying; #AT 1 fist; D The helions have complete control over fire
2-16; Save F15; ML 12; AL C; XP 1,600; and are using their power to keep the surface
Small red dragons (5): AC -1; HD 10"; hp
SD 3 times per day create illusions, create of the lava in a solid state. If their power is
45 each; MV 90'(30'), 240'(80') flying;
objects, turn invisible, wall of fire broken, the lava becomes liquid and an erup-
#AT 2 claws/1 bite; D 1-8/1-8/4-32; Save
Can become pillar of flame for 3 rounds once tion follows immediately.
F10; ML 10; AL C; XP 2,300 each
per day. Adds 1d8 damage to attacks; burns Helion (1-8): AC 1; HD 9*; hp 42; MV
None of these dragons use spells or speak all flammable objects within 5 feet. Cannot 90'(30'), 240'(80') flying; #AT 1 grasp;
any language except dragon. Their objective be hit with non-magical weapons. D 2-16; Save F9; ML 9; AL L; XP 1,600;
if a battle is fought is to drive the intruders
Flame salamander (5): AC 2; HD 8*; hp 38 SA complete control over fire; 3 times per
from the cauldera. If the PCs flee, the young
each; MV 120'(40'); #AT 2 claw/1 bite; day dispel magic, earth to fire, wall of fire;
dragons do not follow.
D 1-4/1-4/1-8; Save F8; ML 8; AL N; XP SD immune to poison, normal weapons,
The dragons' treasure is stacked on a ledge
1,200; SA all creatures within 20' take 1-8 attacks based on earth, 1st and 2nd level
at the bottom of the crater. The location is in
points of damage per round from heat spells; detect invisible at will; detect magic
plain view of all dragon perches and any dis-
turbance of the horde brings a reaction. The salamanders do not have to make a Because helions are of good alignment,
Incendiarous' bed is just above the treasure morale check as long as the efreeti is alive. If they catch any creature falling through the
pile. If she survives the encounter outside the the efreeti is destroyed, make an immediate shaft when the victim is 50 feet or more above
volcano, she awaits any trespassers here. morale check. If the salamanders fail, they the lava.
The treasure pile contains the following attempt to flee to the pit and jump in. The number of helions encountered equals
items: The monsters make a coordinated and intel- the number of characters falling down the
ligent attack. The efreeti creates illusions of 10 shaft. Thus, if an encounter occurs, each
120,000 sp
additional salamanders before the battle helion is occupied in holding a PC.
75,000 gp
begins. These are spread among the real sala- Helions are philosophers and enjoy noth-
15,000 pp
manders, and PCs get no saving throw to ing so much as good conversation. They are
200,000 gp worth of jewelry, all types
detect them. The illusions, of course, do not very curious about anyone they catch, and
70,000 gp worth of gems
give off heat, so observant characters may be inquire as to why the character would pursue
potions (2 doses each type): able to tell them apart. The illusions disappear such a self-destructive course of action. They
agility when they are touched or magically dispelled. love to discuss the motivations of different
elemental form Efreeti and salamanders have no treasure. races and are interested in comparing their
ethereality plane with that of the PCs.
longevity 5. WELL OF FIRE If asked, the helions willingly take the time
sight to explain their function, which is to cork the
speed Read this description to the players if they volcano and control the amount of fire enter-
scroll of spell-catching reach one of the three tunnel mouths that ing the Prime Plane. If the characters ask for
rope of climbing open into the main shaft of the volcano, if details, they learn that a helion must be
elven cloak they enter the shaft through the bottom of the within 100 feet of the lava to use its fire con-
cauldera, or if they trigger any of the teleport trol ability.
4. HALLS OF FLAME traps in area 6. Loud or abusive language is offensive to
(Use DM Map 3A.) them, and they quickly drop a character if
A warm, red light, rising from the glowing that character does not treat them respect-
You are in a huge cavern baking in the lava far below, fills the enormous shaft. fully. Dropped characters take 5-30 points of
heat of molten lava. A dull red glow comes Above is a dome of solidified magma, heat damage each round they are on the
from the depths of the volcano and colors below a core of glowing lava. From top to lava's surface. (Remember that the surface is
the many niches and passageways. bottom the shaft measures 1,000 feet. Sev- solid rock!) Heat damage is reduced to 3
The central portion of the chamber eral tunnel mouths and two wide ledges points per round if the character is equipped
overlooks the bowels of the volcano. open into the shaft—all within 300 feet of with fire resistance capability and reduced to
Swirling vapor clouds and pillars of smoke its top. zero if the character is completely immune to
writhe above the pit. The lava below is not moving, so it is fire.
As you watch, in the center of the room, impossible to tell from here whether it is The helions are quite willing to lift any
the smoke congeals with a suction-like solid or liquid. From its crimson surface, characters that they catch to any one of the
sound. Suddenly, flames erupt and where however, you can tell that it is very hot. tunnel openings or ledges in the shaft. They
12
THE TOWER OF TERROR
13
THE TOWER OF TERROR
The elemental is eager to break the spell midway point. The trap teleports a character
Slumped against a nearby wall is the but is magically compelled to follow the back to the center of area 9.
moldering corpse of a fighter, a rusty wishes of its master. This compulsion holds The trap can be nullified by individuals or
blade still clenched in his lifeless fingers. the monster on the ledge as if Gargantua were groups passing through two of the teleport
More dead bodies lie about the floor of still concentrating on the elemental's pres- traps at the same time. If the characters try
this room, all of them in advanced stages ence. It must seek out all intruders. this, the traps have no effect. This means that
of decay. Their armor and weapons are A dispel magic spell breaks the compul- a lone character will have to find another way
uniformly corroded. There is no sign of sion to remain, but the monster still to enter area 10.
movement. attacks savagely. A second dispel magic
returns the monster to its own plane. 10. THE BULLPEN
A spirit inhabits the chamber in the form of The elemental has no treasure. (Use DM Map 3D.)
a revenant. The "R" marked on DM Map
3B shows its location. Each "C" shows the Gargantuan fire elemental: AC 2; HD 64*; This area seems eerily quiet, although if
location of the bodies of low-level fighters hp 252; MV 240'(80'); #AT 1; D 4-32; characters listen carefully they can hear what
who met their deaths in this room. One of the Save F32; ML 11; AL N; XP 26,000 sounds like the steady breathing of one or two
bodies is wearing a ring of ethereality. To the large animals. Several statues of human war-
naked eye, the revenant is indistinguishable 9. GATES OF MANY RETURNS riors stand here and there. Four gorgons are
from the bodies of the fighters. (Use DM Map 3D.) in the room, masked with invisibility rein-
If the revenant suspects that it might be forced by permanence. This protection lasts
turned by a high-level cleric, it continues to Areas 9 and 10 are connected by three cor- for each gorgon until it attacks. Gorgons are
feign death among the bodies. It cannot be ridors rigged with a teleport trap, as though immune to gorgon breath weapons.
told by normal means from the corpses. cast by a 36th level magic-user, exactly at the When the party first enters the room, one
Potions and other consumables carried by the
PCs within 30 feet of the revenant will be
spoiled.
If no high-level cleric accompanies the PCs
MAP 3C
(# 8 ON DM MAP 3)
or if the revenant is discovered by magical
means, the monster attacks as soon as it sees a
chance to surprise the group. The revenant
tries to strike at a cleric first. It can leap up to MAP 3D
(# 9 AND # 10 ON DM MAP 3)
60 feet to attack and uses this ability given the
chance.
If the party passes through the room with-
out provoking a response from the monster, it
follows them through the Tower of Terrors,
waiting for a good opportunity to attack. If
the party splits up or goes into combat against
a formidable opponent, the revenant strikes.
Revenant: AC -3; HD 18****; hp 77; MV
120'(40'); #AT 2 claw/1 bite; D 2-8/2-8/
306 + poison; Save F18; ML 10; AL C;
XP 6,600; SD +2 weapon needed to hit; TELEPORT
immune to lst-3rd level spells; spoils all SPELL
food, drink and potions within 30' radius;
darkness, detect invisible, and silence at
TELEPORT
will; SA animate dead, cause disease, fin-
ger of death cast as 16th level cleric POLE(DOWN)
Can save against "D" turn result
Poison presence and touch TELEPORT
POLE (UP)
8. THE GUARD ON THE LEDGE
(Use DM Map 3C.)
GORGON
Long ago, the wizard Gargantua sum-
moned a staff elemental from the Plane of
Fire. He increased its size, and left it to guard GARGANTUAN
this ledge. This is the only known case of a FIRE
creature from the Elemental Plane being ELEMENTAL
afflicted by that magic-user's talents. The ONE SQUARE = 10 FEET
hapless creature is tortured mightily by its
current form and vents its rage on anyone © 1984 TSR, Inc.
who ventures onto its ledge. All Rights Reserved
14
PREROLLED CHARACTERS
If your players don't have high-level characters, they may use the When necessary, use dice to determine how many of the above
prerolled characters given below. Each description includes items a character has. To determine which items a character has,
notes on background, but you should encourage the players to you may roll randomly on any of the lists in the D&D* Basic,
add personality details to these descriptions. Expert, or Companion rules. If, however, you use only the Com-
Only the bare minimum of equipment and armor has been panion lists, reroll all results that would give the characters items
listed for these characters. Make sure that each of these charac- found only in the Companion rules. Give these items out the
ters has the following: course of play.
Even though these characters come from different parts of the
* 300,000 gp in gems, jewelry, or coins world, you may tell the players that these characters have adven-
* 5-10 potions tured together in the past, or that they have met and become
* 1-3 magical rings acquainted on the journey to Norwold.
* 2-4 miscellaneous magic items
* 1-4 loyal henchmen, if the player wants
Strength 15 Strength 10
Dexterity 17 Dexterity 11
Intelligence 7 Intelligence 10
Constitution 14 Constitution 17
Wisdom 12 Wisdom 15
Charisma 10 Charisma 9
Armor Class -5 Armor Class -4
Hit points 64 Hit points 54
Weapons: sword +3; longbow +2; 20 arrows +2 Weapon: mace +3, +5 vs. undead
Armor: plate armor +3; shield +2 Armor: plate mail +3; shield +3
Equipment: scarab of protection
Strength 12 Strength 10
Dexterity 16 Dexterity 18
Intelligence 7 Intelligence 13
Constitution 9 Constitution 11
Wisdom 16 Wisdom 12
Charisma 15 Charisma 9
Armor Class 0 Armor Class -6
Hit points 46 Hit points 31
Weapons: sword +3; two daggers +2; bow +2; 20 +1 arrows Weapons: sword +2; longbow +3; 10 arrows +1; 5 arrows +3
Armor: leather armor +3; ring of protection +2 Armor: chain mail +4; shield +3
XP: 1,900,000
Geoffrey has spent most of his career helping the poor and Fergus is a wandering warrior from the kingdom of Ves-
sick in his native Heldann Freeholds. As he grew in power, tland. He has traveled most of the civilized lands, and has
he was challenged more and more often by the evil forces made a substantial fortune. He established his own barony
that had tracked him down. Because of this, he left his in the Great Land Rush, and swore fealty to King Ericall.
ancestral home for the new lands of Norwold. He, too, has After he received an urgent summons from the count, he
been summoned by the count, and fears the worst. left his barony in the hands of his capable seneschal.
Geoffrey is a serious, intense character. An awesome
force to behold in battle, he is capable of great tenderness
and kindness in times of peace. He spends much time qui-
etly meditating by himself.
Quillan, originally from the forest of Alfheim, came to Weston the Tall is a well-traveled adventurer. He has seen
Norwold looking for excitement and his northern kinfolk. most of the cities and lands in the civilized world. He has a
He has successfully accomplished all this, and has carved habit of arriving in a new area with a full purse and high
himself a niche in one of the northern elven communities. expectations, only to leave a month or two later, just ahead
He has been back to human lands from time to time, and of a pack of city guards and irate merchants. He hasn't
occasionally carries important messages to the king of been quite so successful running a dominion either, but his
Norwold. He also keeps in touch with his human friends, purse is still full and the locals aren't ready to hang him
and has become especially interested in the advanced tech- (yet!).
niques his friends have developed.
Brogahn of the Steppes Glaransa the Seer
Strength 15 Strength 13
Dexterity 11 Dexterity 11
Intelligence 9 Intelligence 17
Constitution 16 Constitution 14
Wisdom 15 Wisdom 11
Charisma 7 Charisma 11
Armor Class -4 Armor Class 5
Hit points 64 Hit points 35
Weapons: war hammer +3; short bow +1; 10 arrows +2; Weapons: two daggers +4; staff of wizardry
dagger +1 Armor: ring of protection +2; displacer cloak
Armor: plate mail +4; shield +2
Strength 15 Strength 10
Dexterity 11 Dexterity 16
Intelligence 10 Intelligence 12
Constitution 17 Constitution 14
Wisdom 11 Wisdom 12
Charisma 9 Charisma 13
Armor Class -5 Armor Class -6
Hit points 63 Hit points 39
Weapons: Battle axe +4, Hand axe +2, returning Weapons: short sword +4, +8 vs. giants, short bow +3, 20
Armor: Plate mail +3, shield +4, shield has special ability of arrows +2
absorption Armor: plate mail +3, shield +3
Misc: horn of blasting Misc: muzzle of training
Experience Points: 1,250,000 Experience Points: 1,300,000
Claransa wasted no time setting up a personal library and Brogahn is an imposing figure with broad shoulders, a
laboratory once she settled in Norwold. Her responsibili- scowling face, and a huge black beard. When he realized
ties as wizard and administrator have kept her busy since that the warlike council of his native Ethengar Khanate
the founding of her new home. Even so, when the count was beginning to view him as a threat, Brogahn set out for
summoned, she left at once. Besides, Claransa secretly Norwold. Brogahn has found that carving a barony out of
misses adventuring with her friends. the wilderness is difficult, but he prizes his relative inde-
pendence. Curiosity rather than fealty has brought him to
the court of the count.
Glinda is an adventurous halfling whose curiosity gets her Grotto has spent most of his life wandering among the
into trouble. She is very cheerful and makes friends easily. dwarven clans of the world. His name is a joke because he
Sometimes her optimism can be annoying to those who stands just a single inch over four feet tall. Grotto has vis-
tend to see the world in a more pessimistic light. She is ited nearly every major clanhold on the continent at one
skilled with her short bow, enjoying archery above all time or another, and consequently is well-versed in the leg-
other pastimes. ends and folktales of the dwarves. Grotto keeps talking
Glinda was born and raised in Leeha, capital city of the about settling down and building a stronghold of his own,
Halfling clans in Norwold. She has seen all types of people but never seems to stay in one place long enough.
visit Leeha, so she is worldly for one who has not traveled a Grotto has a wild sense of humor and enjoys practical
great deal. She has a great desire for adventure. jokes played on others. He is not nearly so amused when he
is the butt of such a joke. His sarcastic and insulting nature
tends to hide the fact that he is a loyal companion and
would never leave a friend in need.
THE TOWER OF TERROR
gorgon breathes on the PCs while two others 12. THE HOARD OF THE HAUNTS The treasure to be found here is:
charge and make butting attacks. While the
This chamber, buried within the solid rock 1,780,000 sp
party is occupied with the other three, the
of the volcano, is the location of treasure 500,000 ep
fourth gorgon slips around and attacks the
beyond belief. However, any characters who 250,000 gp
party from behind.
reach the room have a few problems before 75,000 pp
These gorgons are the guardians of the
they can retire rich. 10,000 gems, worth a total of 1 million gp
stairway to the chamber containing the sabre
If the poltergeists from area 11 have been 1,000 pieces of jewelry, worth a total of
hilt, but they have no treasure of their own.
defeated, they must also be dealt with in here. 700,000 gp
Visible to the PCs are the stairway to area 14
The monsters fight to the death here unless
and the pole leading to area 13. Potions (3 doses each)
forced away during a cleric's turn. Even if the
animal control
Gorgons (4): AC 2; HD 8*; hp 40 each; MV haunts were dispelled (by failing a save) in
120'(40'); #AT 1 butt or breath; D 2-12 clairaudience
area 11, they need to be turned again before
diminution
or petrify; Save F8; ML 8; AL C; XP they will leave. They will probably not be at
dreamspeech
1,200 full strength if they have been forced to
ethereality
retreat to this place.
fortitude
11. DANCING BOULDERS The room is piled high with treasure—
gaseous form
coins, gems, and jewelry. Dozens of weapons
healing
Dampness and a moldy smell come from lie around the room, and many bottles of
in vulnerability
this chamber. Large boulders, crumbled clear liquids can be seen amid the other trea-
levitation
stones, and what look disturbingly like sures. In stark contrast to the unbelievable
merging
human bones cover the floor. wealth, 8 or 10 human skeletons also remain
poison
here in mute testimony to the absence of
speech
The undead horrors lurking within this doors, windows, exits, or entrances in this
speed
room are completely invisible to intruders. room.
super-healing
As soon as the PCs enter the chamber, how-
ever, the weaving of three ectoplasmic nets
becomes visible. Three poltergeists are pre-
paring to defend their domain.
Poltergeists (3): AC -1; HD 12****; hp 58
each; MV 60'(20'); #AT 2 boulders; D 2-
12 + aging; ML 11; AL C; XP 4,300; SD
immune to all spells except those affecting
evil; +2 or better weapon needed to hit; MAP 3E
save vs. spells allowed against "D" result (# 14 ON DM MAP 3)
when cleric turns; hit causes 10-40 years
aging and loss of 1-4 constitution points;
surrounded by ectoplasmic net, which
pulls victims failing save vs. spells into
Ethereal Plane.
The poltergeists fight by throwing the large
boulders that lie scattered about the room.
They also try to wrest valuable items, such as
wands or staffs, from those PCs who try to
use them. In this case, roll 1d6 for the polter-
geist and allow the character to roll 1d6 if he
wishes to retain the device. The character
may add his or her strength bonus to the roll.
Whichever figure gets the highest number
gets the item.
If the poltergeist loses more than half of its STATUE
hit points, it becomes ethereal and flees to
area 12. The others remain and fight. If they
fail a morale check, all remaining poltergeists
flee to area 12. Keep track of any damage the BARRIER SPELL
monsters suffer in case the PCs meet them
again. Note that area 12 cannot be entered by
PCs unless they can teleport there, travel FAKE HILT
through the Ethereal Plane, or dig their way
in.
© 1984 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved ONE SQUARE = 10 FEET
19
THE TOWER OF TERROR
22
RETURNING THE HILT
23
THE HEART OF THE RIVER (Use DM Map 4.)
Encounter Setting 31, or the Seer's misty ghost may haunt them. 3. Ambush at the Gate
During the last few days of the journey the (Not on DM Map 4.)
The Heart of the River should be placed characters enter the region of craggy, snow-
After the characters have climbed high
where it makes sense in your campaign peaked mountains. The river now roars
enough, they go around a bend in the gorge.
world. The, river should lead into one of the through a deep gorge and is no longer the
Read the following description to them.
rugged mountain ranges there. placid waterway it was in the lowlands:
The journey to the heart will last for differ- Narrow foot trails follow the gorge on each
Ahead is a wall of stone rising high enough
ent lengths of time in different campaigns. side, some climbing several hundred feet up
to block the sun. From a hole shaped
The Heart of the River exists within the the walls, others dropping almost to the level
roughly like a heart at the base of this cliff,
ruins of an ancient Alphatian summer pal- of the raging river. These paths are precari-
the black waters of the Sabre River pour
ace. This palace is one of those farthest inland ous and nearly impassable for mounted PCs.
forth, angrily chewing at the rocky gorge.
and was abandoned centuries ago when the In many places, they have obviously been cut
As you look up, many hundreds of feet
Alphatians were first driven from Norwold. from the sheer rock.
above you the trail ends. Five large pil-
Much of the former palace has been lost to If the party is mounted, their steeds grow
lars, decorated with a unique pattern of
erosion, landslides, and avalanches. The more nervous as the cliffs grow steeper. The
carvings, flank what looks like an opening
agents of the general's curse, as well as a few horses might halt suddenly, or rear in protest as
into the mountains. Were it not in such a
monsters who are wicked in their own right, the trail draws closer to the Heart of the River.
wild place, you might think it was the
have taken over the ruins. Also during this part of the journey, the char-
courtyard of some wealthy prince.
Within this massive complex of halls, corri- acters see many little streams joining the Sabre
dors, and caverns the Sabre River grows from a River. The water in these streams is invariably
variety of sources. At the highest point is a pure and icy cold. While these streams almost The heart-shaped hole is that labeled Area
fresh, clear stream of glacial meltwater. PCs cease to flow at night and into the morning 14 on the map.
first encounter this water in area 6, where it is hours, they grow stronger during the daytime. If the characters have had any experience
untainted. By late afternoon, each is a rushing torrent. with Alphatian ruins (in module CM 1, for
By far the greatest amount of water making This is caused by the alternate freezing and example), they will recognize the carving as
a contribution to the river comes from area 13, thawing of the high ice fields that are the source peculiar to that culture.
where there is a wormhole from the Elemental of the water. After the characters have seen this
Plane of Water. This is where the heart is entrance, a wing of Sabreclaws spies them.
located and where the sabre must be taken. 2. Very Big Birds The Sabreclaws have been lying in wait in
The levels shown on DM Map 4 are the (Not on DM Map 4.)
Area 4 and come upon the PCs from above.
low water marks for those areas. The river is Sabreclaws (15): AC 2; HD 5** each; hp
As they near the Heart of the River, the PCs
highest in late afternoon and early evening 375/wing; MV 120' (40'), 360' (120')
will see a number of huge birds wheeling in the
because that is when it receives the largest flying; #AT 1 claw; D 1-12; Save F36; ML
sky overhead. In this mountain region is the lair
amount of meltwater. At this time, the lightly 10; AL C; XP 425 each
of an entire host of rocs, having all three size
shaded areas of the map are under water.
categories. The Sabreclaws spread out and attack from
The descriptions of some of these areas will
If characters are mounted, these giant all directions. If they fail a morale check, they
vary with the water level. When it is low, the
birds attempt to steal a horse whenever the flee downriver to the Isle of the Seer and do
walls and ceilings of rooms will be wet, show-
opportunity presents itself. The rocs will not not go back into the ruins.
ing the high water mark. Areas that are sealed
attack characters on foot who remain on the
off will be flooded by water from other rooms if
trail. Any characters who try to climb above 4. A Welcome in Bronze
the doors are opened at the wrong times.
the trail, however, will be attacked.
In general, characters will be unable to The trail climbs the cliff wall in a series of
The nests of the rocs are on or near the tops
move upstream against the current any- switchbacks and ends at the entrance to the
of some of the peaks here, and there is a 50%
where. This includes any attempts to enter ancient palace.
chance they contain 1-6 eggs.
the palace at area 14! If a character uses mag- When the characters get close enough to
Characters will be attacked first by small
ical means, then he or she might be able to make out details, read the following descrip-
rocs, then large, then giant.
move upstream only during the low water tion.
periods. The final outcome is up to you. Small rocs (3): AC 4; HD 6; hp 28 each; MV
60' (20'), flying 480' (160'); #AT 2 The carved columns you saw from below
Encounter Keys claws/1 bite; D 2-5/2-5/2-12; save F6; ML support the 20-foot ceiling of an entrance
8; AL L; XP 275 into the mountain. Beyond the columns is
1. The Road to the River's Heart
(Not on DM Map 4.) Large rocs (4): AC 2; HD 12; hp 60 each; a large room, the back of which is lost in
MV 60' (20'), 480' (160') flying; #AT 2 darkness. The carvings have eroded with
The river remains polluted throughout the the weather and with time, and the place
claws/1 bite; D 1-8/1-8/2-20; Save F12;
journey. Player characters see no signs of life in seems to have been abandoned long ago.
ML 9; AL L; XP 1,100
the river itself and often come across the car-
casses of small wild animals near the water. Giant rocs (2): AC 0; HD 36; hp 160, 182; Waiting in the depths of the room are six
These animals made the mistake of drinking. MV 60' (20'), 480' (160') flying; #AT 2 bronze golems. As soon as any intruders get
If you wish to add action to this journey, claws/1 bite; D 3-18/3-18/8-48; save F36; close to the entrance to Area 4, all six of them
PCs may encounter creatures from the Wil- ML 10 (no checks when fighting for nest); move to the gaps between the pillars, where
derness Random Encounter Table on page AL L; XP 6,250 they wait to attack.
24
THE HEART OF THE RIVER
5. Carrion Crawlway
25
THE HEART OF THE RIVER
more ways to pass through unscathed. and refuse to let them enter their domains. If the initial encounter with the water ele-
Communication with the elementals is pos- mentals is a battle, all of the elementals in the
Carrion crawlers (300): AC 7; HD 3+1*; hp
sible through ESP, a helm of telepathy, a ring dungeon will soon find out about it. Hostility
14 each; MV 120' (40'); #AT 8 tentacles;
of elemental adaptation, or potions of speech will obviously make the PCs' task more diffi-
D paralysis; save F2; ML 9; AL N; XP 75 or elemental form. Attempts at sign language cult.
might be successful at your discretion.
6. Pool Hall
8. Boat Dock
(Use DM Map 4A.)
7. The Gathering Waters
A short channel of placid water connects
The brass doors leading to this room match
The exit from area 6 plunges 20 feet to this this room to area 7. A secret door leading to
the pair at the other end of the corridor and
chamber, which is completely filled with area 12 opens by pushing outward.
can be opened in only one direction, into
water. The water enters the room through a
Area 6.
hole in the ceiling and exits through a hole in You are in a small, circular room, empty
the floor on the opposite side of the room. except for a piece of driftwood lying on the
A pool of clear water fills the far end of this
Anything that enters the room with the cur- floor in the center. On one side of the
large, circular room. A sound like that of
rent and does not propel itself will drift room is a pool of water with ripples that
wind in the treetops or a rushing stream is
through the room for one turn before being lap the stone floor.
coming from somewhere. To the right is
sucked out the "drain" and into area 11. The driftwood log is about 5 feet long
another pair of huge brass doors.
This chamber is the main gathering place and 2 feet wide. It is weatherbeaten and
Slowly, the water in the pool begins to
of the elementals at the Heart of the River, obviously very old.
whirl and churn. Then fountains of spray
since water here is untainted by the curse.
erupt as though a giant fish were thrashing
These elementals will defend the room from The piece of driftwood is the undersea boat
around in an area much too small for it.
any living intruders, unless they have some under the effects of a polymorph any object
indication of the intruders' peaceful intent. spell. The spell was cast by an 18th level
The pool is 10 feet deep. Both the For example, if the party arranges a truce magic-user. If a detect magic spell is used, the
entrances and exits for the water, which is with the elementals in area 6, some charac- log radiates powerful magic. It may be
from the glacier melt, are below its surface. ters (who can breathe under water, of returned to its original shape by a successful
The volume of water being added to the river course!) might be allowed into area 7 for a dispel magic.
here could not account for all that flows from conference with the leader of the elemental When returned to its shape as an undersea
the heart-shaped hole in Area 3. community. boat, the craft is 20 feet long and 8 feet wide,
If the PCs elect to leave this room by water,
Water elemental leader: AC -2; HD 16; hp with a draft of 2 feet. (See the D&D COM-
they will have a fast but not dangerous ride
90; MV 60' (20'), 180' (60') swimming; PANION rules for a description of the abili-
into Area 7, which is completely filled with
#AT 1; D 3-24; Save F16; ML 10; AL N; ties of such a boat.)
water.
XP 1,350; SA extra 1-8 points of damage The words which command the boat are
The churning of the water is caused by five
per hit when in water simply translations of "start," "stop," "left,"
water elementals. They are the guardians of
"right," "straight," "submerge," "level,"
this place, and will resist any attempts to Water elementals (12): AC 0; HD 12; hp 55 and "surface" in the language of the water
enter the pool or remove water from it. each; MV 60' (20'), 180' (60') swim- elementals. PCs may learn these words from
The elementals are taking their upright ming; #AT 1; D 2-16; Save F12; ML 10; the elementals, if they are friendly. Other-
wave shapes. Thus, it appears to observers AL N; XP 1,100; SA extra 1-8 points of wise, they will need to use a lore spell or make
that five 6-foot-high waves have risen from damage per hit when in water a very lucky guess in order to make the boat
the pool.
work.
The goal of the water elementals is to
Water elementals (5): AC 0; HD 12; hp 57 return to their own plane, but they will be The undersea boat is narrow enough to
each; MV 60' (20'), 180' (60') swim- unable to do this until the curse is removed ride through all of the water passages below
ming; #AT 1; D 2-16; Save F12; ML 10; from the river. Thus, the elementals are quite area 7 and will drop through water chutes
AL N; XP 1,100; SA extra 1-8 points of willing to help any characters from the Prime without damage. However, it cannot be pro-
damage against opponent in water pelled upstream. It will easily submerge to
Plane to get rid of the curse.
To this end, the elementals have been pro- the Heart of the River but will not fit through
The elementals are stranded here on the
tecting a rare prize in area 8. This prize is an the wormhole.
Prime Plane because of the curse, which is
only polluting the water of the Sabre River, undersea boat, capable of taking air-
breathing creatures to the wormhole, far 9. Kings' Hall
but is preventing creatures of pure water
essence from passing through the wormhole under water, in area 13. The elementals will
allow PCs near the boat only if they are con- This is a room resplendent with color, light,
in area 13. They cannot return to their own
vinced of the PCs' good intentions, however. and golden reflections. Mosaic tiles in red,
plane until the curse is removed. While this
If the characters ask the elementals to blue, white, and black cover the floor.
means that the elementals want to accomplish
accompany them to the Heart of the River, Twenty feet overhead are a hundred
the same thing as the PCs, this should not be
the elementals are reluctant. The polluted gleaming ivory tusks. Each tusk is planted
obvious to the characters. If a character is
water of the river is dangerous to them (see base and tip in the marble tile of the ceil-
exceptionally diplomatic and able to commu-
area 13 for details). If the PCs are persuasive, ing so its curve faces the floor. The light is
nicate with the elementals, the information
however, they are able to convince the ele- bright here even in corners.
might be gained here. Otherwise, the ele-
mentals to take the risk. Five columns of radiant gold divide the
mentals regard the characters with suspicion
26
The tusks glow because long ago they were
area into two huge chambers. Beyond the cast with light followed by permanence.
golden pillars is a small pool of placid
water. No ripple disturbs its smooth, 10. Alphatian Treasure Vault
mirror-like surface. Behind the pool are The large brass doors to this chamber are
two brass doors. sealed with wizard lock cast by an 18th-level
magic-user.
The room shelters some hidden occupants: The room within is lined floor to ceiling
two wings of Sabreclaws waiting in ambush. with golden ingots. This is one of the main
A 10-sabreclaw wing lurks by the pool, out of treasure vaults of the ancient Alphatian
sight. The 8-sabreclaw wing waits behind the empire.
secret door underneath the stairway that Although transporting this much gold will
leads to area 6. prove challenging, to say the least, the total
The first wing attacks when the PCs enter amount here equals 800,000 gp.
the room. The second wing holds back and
attacks three rounds later, trying to surprise 11. Babbling Brook
any characters that have their backs turned.
Sabreclaw wing (10): AC 2; HD 5**; hp 250 From a hole in the ceiling of this long
for wing; MV 120'(40'), 360'(120') fly- chamber, a considerable amount of water
ing; #AT 1 claw; D 1-12; Save F36; ML( tumbles down to rush through a long
10; AL C; XP 425 each trench leading to a hole in the floor at the
opposite end.
Sabreclaw wing (8): AC 2; HD 5"; hp 200 The volume of water is equal to that of a
for wing; MV 120'(40'), 360' (120') fly- fair-sized stream, about 15 to 20 feet wide
ing; #AT 1 claw; D 1-12; Save F36; ML and 4 to 6 feet deep. The current is strong
10; AL C; XP 425 each enough to sweep someone through the
The pool has powerful magical properties. hole at the end of the trench.
Any Sabreclaw touched by water from this Two sets of bronze doors are in the west
pool immediately vanishes, and the wing wall. There is an alcove in the east wall.
itself suffers an immediate loss of 25 hp. There appears to be room to walk behind
The water also acts as a cureall for any the fall of water pouring from the ceiling.
character or creature immersed in it for one
round. If the water is removed from the pool, The hole that the water plunges into leads to
however, it immediately loses all of its magi- a vertical shaft 100 feet long and into the vast
cal properties. underground pool in Area 13. Characters
The columns are plated with gold in an dropping down this shaft will land unharmed
amount equivalent to 80,000 gp total. in the deep water. The undersea boat can tra-
Removing this gold is a time-consuming job, vel down this shaft without damage.
however. On the average, it takes a party of
PCs one day to strip one column for a yield of 12. Maze of the Eye Tyrant
16,000 gp. Feel free to modify this time for (Use DM Map 4B.)
special circumstances, however. The maze, including the small room
The tusks in the ceiling are worth 2,000 gp behind the secret door, is empty except for the
apiece, and each may be pried loose in one 30-foot-square chamber labeled A. This
turn. The character must have some way of chamber contains a beholder. The beholder
reaching the 20-foot-high ceiling to do this. waits just within the room, with its anti-
27
THE HEART OF THE RIVER
MAP 4B
(# 11 AND # 12 ON DM MAP 4)
13. The Deep End
Since the current flowing from here to
Area 15 is much too powerful to swim
against, the only normal means of entry into
area 13 is through the chute dropping from
area 11. When the characters enter the room
through the chute and if at least one can see,
read the following description.
28
THE HEART OF THE RIVER
If the characters have been persuasive ated by the passage of some large body. In
enough to convince the elementals to accom- other words, build suspense without letting From this growth, streams of inky black
pany them, those creatures will have entered them catch sight of the dragon turtle yet. liquid are released into the water as it
through the chute from Area 11. Elementals The lake is 200 feet deep, and at its bottom flows from the hole.
take 1 -8 points of damage per turn that they beats the Heart of the River. The Heart is a 4-
spend in polluted water, so keep track of the foot-diameter hole in the lake bottom. Char- If the growth is removed, the Sabre River
time carefully. acters who roll their wisdom or less on 1d20 can run pure once again, but the only weapon
The elementals will be slightly enfeebled will figure out that this is a wormhole from that can. affect it is the sabre. In order to
by the effects of this water. Although they will the Elemental Plane of Water. remove the curse from the wormhole, the
fight the dragon turtle along with the PCs, A strong current of water comes out of this growth must be hit five times with the sword.
they do not get the 1-8 hit points damage hole. Also visible here is the source of the gen- The growth is AC 0.
bonus here that they normally receive when eral's curse and the reason for the pollution in While the characters are attempting to
fighting in water. the Sabre River. remove the curse, the dragon turtle arrives on
Without magical aid, characters will not be the scene and attacks.
able to make it to the bottom of the lake. A bizarre growth has attached itself to the
However, if they have magical aid, such as edge of the hole. It looks much like a 14. Out and Away
the undersea boat, they may travel normally. sponge, except that it is much larger, Near the chute in area 13 is a tunnel
Remember to check for swallowed water! black, and slick, and seems to radiate a through the mountain created by the river
As the PCs go deeper into the lake, tell sense of evil. The growth pulses with a itself. Characters can use the undersea boat
them of a monstrous shape swimming just rhythm much like that of a giant beating to swim with the current to where it leaves the
beyond their vision. They might see a huge, heart that suffers sickness and decay. mountain in area 14.
slowly moving shadow or feel turbulance cre-
If the Sabre is Taken the sword by whatever means are necessary nonmagical means. Summoning will work
and put an end to the curse. only once and will bring a 10-HD water ele-
The curse will return unless the sabre is left
mental from the river in 1-4 turns. The ele-
in the scar on the wormhole. The sabre
If the Sabre Does Its Work mental will perform one task for the PC but
should communicate this information to the
will not spend more than a week doing it. The
players. If the curse is removed, pure water once
player character must actually stand in the
If the players are reluctant to part with the again spurts from the wormhole, and soon
water of the river in order to summon. All he
sabre, it attempts to wrest control from its begins to clear the befouled lake. There is no
or she need do is call aloud the phrase that the
wielder. If it can, it compels the character to more danger from swallowing the water.
elementals give them before departing.
leave it in the scar. If it fails, the curse Within a day, the underwater lake will be
returns. clear. A day later, people downstream on the
Continuing the Campaign
One to six days later, the curse has become Sabre River will see a noticeable improve-
strong enough to again pollute the river. The ment in the water quality. A full month will The king will take careful note of those
same symptoms of the curse return, and the pass before the river is completely clean and characters who saved the Sabre River from
same method must be followed to remove it. back to normal. the curse. If adjacent land is available, char-
The Seer will regain a new body, and As soon as the curse is removed, however, acters may find their dominions expanded by
although he will not necessarily return to his all of the dangerous effects from drinking a hex or two as a reward. The status of the
island, his presence will always be tied to river water vanish. The creatures that have PCs at court is also increased.
water and poison. been charmed by the effects of the water will Of course, other NPCs may not be happy
If these things happen, you will have to fall into a deep sleep, awakening 1-8 days about all the glory and publicity. If sufficient
take control of the campaign. You might later. Those which are sentient will have no jealousy is aroused, villainous types might
require the players to undertake an extra knowledge of what happened to them during take action. A blatant attack would be too
quest of some sort in order to make up for the intervening period. obvious, so it is more likely that they would
their failure, especially if that failure was The water elementals quickly enter the frame the PCs or cause a scandal.
caused by their greed. On the other hand, wormhole, eager to return to their plane. If There is a chance that some other creature
you might decide that they have learned their the PCs and elementals have worked or NPC might remove the sabre from the
lesson, and allow them to return to the Heart together, the elementals pledge to return the Heart of the River and allow the curse to
of the River and leave the sabre. favor at some point in the future. This pledge grow again. You may wish to work this into
If the PCs refuse to be heroes, powerful means that the PCs can summon a water ele- your campaign a few game years in the future
NPCs will send powerful agents to acquire mental from the waters of the Sabre River by as another adventure for the PCs.
30
ENDING THE ADVENTURE
31
ENDING THE ADVENTURE
32