Official Game Adventure

The Dymrak Dread

by John Nephew

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Players' Background ... . . . ... . ............. ...... ....... .... . . 3

The Dungeon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Level I Encounter Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Credit1 Levd II Encounter Key 12

Design: John A. Nephew
Editing: Richard Steinberg
Product Manager: Bruce Heard
Pregenerated Characters ................... . . ................. 15
Cover An: Jeff Easley
Interior An: Tom Baxa
Map An & 3D Standups: Robin Raab
Typography: Tracey Zamagne
Production: Sarah Feggestad
Special Thanks: Zara Lasater, Kirn Bolinger, and
Scott Bordenet
0 1991 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and D&D arc registered

trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
The TSR logo is a trademark owned by TSR. Inc.

Random House and its affiliate companies have

worldwide distribution rights in the book trade for En·
glish language products ofTSR, Inc.
Distributed to the book and hobby trade in the United
Kingdom by TSR, Ltd.

This module is protected under the copyright laws of

the United States of America. Any reproduction or
unauthorized use of the material or artwork presented
herein is prohibited without the express written per-
mission ofTSR, Inc. TSR, Inc. TSR Ltd.
POB 756 120 Church End, Cherry Hinton
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. WI 53147 USA United Kingdom
ISBN 1·56076-073-X 9272
lntRObUCtton

The Dymrak Dread is a DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®

(D&D®) game adventure for 4 to 7 characters of levels 1,
2, and 3. When used with a different number of charac-
ters and characters of different levels, Dungeon Masters
(DMs) should consider adjusting monster numbers and
strength so that the party does not have too difficult or too
easy a time. For your convenience, pregenerated charac-
ters have been provided on page 15.
This module's plot and objectives are clear and simple,
making it a good choice, especially for beginning gamers.
To aid DMs, we have provided a lot of information with
the module's encounters, which will save them the trou-
ble of looking up many details in the rulebook.
To make the dungeon even easier to run, we have in-
cluded a large, fold-out map and stand-up cardboard
characters that can be set up on a table to better visualize
the action.
This adventure can be run as a sequel to DDA3, The
Eye of Traldar. A section below explains cross-over possibil-
ities in case you own that adventure.
If you plan to be a player in this adventure, you should
stop reading at this point. To read any further won't give
you any special "edge" in play, especially since many
DMs change adventures substantially before they use
them. In fact, you'll do yourself a disservice, and will on-
ly hurt the suspense, surprise, excitement, and drama of Player Characters
the role-playing experience. You have been warned!
Dungeon Masters, however, should read on .... This adventure is designed for low level player charac-
ters. Those between the 1st and 3rd experience levels
Adventure Synopsis should work well. Players with higher level characters
probably won't find the dungeon very challenging, which
The outline of this module is very simple. The characters, won't make it as fun.
who are novice adventurers eager to prove themselves,
accept a challenge given by the Lord Forester-to collect Connecting This Module With The Eye of
a bounty on the head of a goblin war chieftain whose raid- Traldar
ers have brought death and destruction to humans and
elves. If you do not own a copy of module DDA3, The Eye o)
The goblins' dungeon is located in a bog-the rotting Traldar, skip ahead to the next section. If you do own that
heart of the Dymrak Forest. The goblins are relaxing and module, we have some ideas on how to connect it with
recovering from a recent raid. They are also subject to The Dymrak Dread. It should not be difficult.
their typically unreliable discipline (thanks to their cha- The Eye of Traldar ended with the PCs returning to Luln
otic alignment). These factors give the player characters after their raid on Fort Doom, and at this point they may
(PCs) a reasonable chance of cleaning out this lair. have recovered the Eye of Traldar. In Luln, they are wel-
As they explore the dungeon, the PCs may notice that comed by their friends as minor heroes. They are also
there are places where the goblins have not gone. In fact, warned that they'd best lay low for a while, as they've
there is a second, lower level to the dungeon where secrets made some enemies such as Baron von Hendriks and the
from the ancient past lie waiting to be discovered! Iron Ring slavers. Luln is a somewhat lawless town, mak-

2
 1ntQ<>buct1on

ing it easy for " accidents" to happen. these modules can easily be run as a series of dungeons
The characters' allies in Luln suggest that they journey without the D&D® Rules Cyclopedia, but with those rules
eastward. In fact, Leraith tells them that they may find you can weave them into an even richer tapestry of ad·
some work from his cousin Roderick, Lord Forester of venture.
Dymrak, who has been having a lot of trouble with gob- Again, this is entirely optional. If you are new to the
lins oflate. He writes them a glowing letter of recommen- game, don 't overburden yourself with complications.
dation and assures them that if they take a job from Run this adventure, try another, design a few of your
Roderick, they can expect ample reward for their efforts. own. As you gain confidence, keep building. You'll
If Alexei Schelepin is still alive, he will happily accom- quickly discover the rewards of exploring and embellish-
pany the PCs on their journey. His home village, Ryania, ing the world of fantasy, even creating an entire world of
lies in the same direction. Alexei may even accompany your own.
the party into the dungeon, if the DM believes more mus-
cle is needed. Background for Players
Otherwise, the adventure and players' background
may be used exactly as presented. To begin the adventure, read the following boxed passage
to the players:
Connecting This Module With Other D&D®
Game Products Ever since you were children, you' ve heard the fright-
ening tales of the Dymrak Forest. While the human
This module is designed to stand alone; all you need to foresters and elven clans who live there are gentle and
play are the D&D® game rules. This is not the only way to peace-loving, there are also goblins, and even more
do things, however. There are many other DUNGEONS terrible monsters! Many of these creatures live in the
& DRAGONS® game adventures and accessories. Since low, swampy heart of the forest, where humans and
this is an introductory adventure, you, the reader, proba- elves dare not go.
bly haven't read any of them . But if you have or if you These goblins are not just imaginary, or stories to
will, you should know that The Dymrak Dread can be easily scare naughty children. The fact that they are real and
adapted to fit in with the many other products of the dangerous has been brought home by the raids in re-
D&D® game line. cent weeks that have struck human and elven com-
First of all, there is the hardcover D&D® Rules Cyclope- munities alike. An entire village was destroyed!
dia. The Cyclopedia deals with higher-level characters and The leader of the goblin raiders is a war chieftain
adventures in places outside of dungeons, such as cities named Kosivikh, known widely as the "Dymrak
and the wilderness. If you master the basic D&D® game Dread" because of the fear he strikes into the hearts of
rules and move up to the Cyclopedia, entire new worlds of his enemies.
adventure will open up for you. Clearly, it is time to act. Roderick, the Duke's Lord
Armed with the Cyclopedia, you'll be prepared to fit The Forester, has decided that the mayhem must come to
Dymrak Dread into an entire world. If you use TSR's an end. He has announced a bounty of 1,000 coins of
products, this will be the Known World: a thriving, gold to anyone who brings him Kosivikh's head.
great, and diverse planet, detailed through numerous The challenge is irresistible for adventurers like
products, such as the acclaimed Gautteer line. yourselves, eager to prove your heroism. Do you dare
If you look at the Known World you'll find that the penetrate the fens and confront the Dymrak Dread?
Dymrak Forest- in which this adventure is set- is al-
ready placed in a country called the Grand Duchy of You may expect your players to rise to the challenge. (If
Karameikos (detailed in Gazetteer GAZJ). Thus, if you they don't, maybe you need to sit down and have a talk
choose to adopt the Known World for your D&D® game with them about what heroic adventure is all about!)
campaign, you'll have a good place to locate this Before you embark on the adventure itself, give the
dungeon. players a chance to talk about their plans and prepare for
If you like the Grand Duchy, you '11 be pleased to know the assault. The PCs can buy any supplies they need in
that many published adventures are set there. Most of town before they set out, at the prices listed in the D&D®
3
1nmoouct1on

Game Rulebook (p. 13). for the goblins' sensitive eyes.

After the players agree that they are ready to embark Unbeknownst to the goblins, there were beings here
on their quest, read them the following: many centuries ago-even before the wetlands came into
existence. The lower level of the dungeon consists of a
Having gathered companions and supplies, you are crypt for a prince of an ancient people who once ruled this
ready to depart. A day's travel from the last human land.
settlement carries you deep into the forest where the
Dread is said to dwell . You correctly guessed that the Using the Map Sheet and Stand-Up Figures
chaotic goblins would take little care to hide their path
when returning from raids. In a short period of time, A large map sheet and stand-up figures are included with
you find their trail, which is marked by footprints and this module.
discarded objects. It leads into the fen, following the The figures are printed on the cover gatefold. They are
higher areas of solid ground, through a quagmire of scored so that you can easily punch them out and fold
reeds, pools, and stunted trees. Weird sounds and un- them up, just like the figures that came with the D&DI!
pleasant odors surround you in the low mist that never game . You'll need some figures from the game as well as
seems to lift. You wonder what evil things might lurk in the ones we've provided here. Alternately, you may use
such an unwholesome place. plastic or metal miniature figurines (which you may find
At last you perceive your destination: a high hill in toy and hobby stores) to represent player characters
surrounded by the putrid fen . In the side of the hill, you and monsters in the dungeon.
see a cave mouth. This must be the lair of Dread Ko- When play begins, set out the map sheet on a table.
sivikh! Place the figures for the character party at the location
marked "Start" on the first dungeon level. Use pieces of
Now the player characters are at the entrance to the paper, books, or some other object to cover the parts of
dungeon (the place marked "Start" on the dungeon the dungeon that the player characters haven't yet ex-
map) , and the adventure is ready to begin. plored.
As the players move their figures about the maps, re-
The Dungeon veal the areas of dungeon that their characters see. If PCs
enter a room that contains a monster, place that monster's
The Dymrak Forest is a large woodland, most of which is figure in the room. Use the figures to help visualize com·
well-drained, except for a geological basin in the center bat. You'll find the conveniently marked 5' squares espe·
which is the final destination for many streams that trickle cially helpful for computing movement and ranges.
through the rest of the forest. The result is a great, mist-
cloaked marsh that is a natural home for diverse wildlife Monster Format
and terrible monsters alike.
Kosivikh's raiders are pleased to call the bog home. As There are plenty of monsters to challenge the players in
yet no one has dared to penetrate the mists, at least not this dungeon. To make your job as DM easier, we have
without becoming hopelessly lost. Over confident, the provided a summary of their statistics (from the D&n«
goblins have stopped bothering to cover their tracks. This Game Rulebook) in a standard, abbreviated format. This
enables the party to walk right up to their doorstep. format is as follows:
The goblin raiders' home is a network of natural ca-
verns that honeycomb a hillock in the midst of the marsh. Monster name (number encountered): AC (armor
They realize that they are not the first inhabitants. There class); HD (hit dice); hp (hit points); MV (movement
are signs of a lizard man tribe before them, and there are rate); #Kr (number of attacks); THACO (the roll on d20
caves (the second level, past the black widow's web) that needed "to hit armor class zero"); Dmg (damage dice
the goblins have not explored. Trouble threatened when a rolled-if the monster uses a weapon, it is mentioned in
pair oflizard men wanted to live in the caves, but the two parentheses); Save (save as); ML (Morale); AL (align-
groups worked out a compromise. In most respects, how- ment); XP Value (experience points).
ever, it is a pleasant lair: cool, wet, and pleasantly dark
 lntROOuct1on

You'll see this format, or ones very close to it, in nearly 2) Ghoul (1d2): AC 6; HD 2• ; hp 9 each; MV 90' (30');
all published D&D® game modules. In this module, #AT 3; THACO 18; Dmg 1d3/ 1d3/ 1d3 + paralysis; Save
which is designed for beginning DMs, we've taken care F2; ML 9; AL C; XP Value 25.
to include more information than published adventures
would usually have about monsters. In doing this, we 3) Goblin (1d6): AC 6; HD 1 - 1; hp 4 each; MV 90'
have saved you the trouble of having to look up the effects (30'); #AT 1; THACO 19; Dmg 1d6 (mace); Save NM;
of, say, a giant centipede's poisonous bite. ML 7; AL C; XP Value 5.
THACO: THACO is an alternative to looking up com-
bat charts. It is a different route to the same combat re- 4) Hobgoblin (1d6): AC 6; HD 1 + 1; hp 6 each; MV 90'
sults. To use THACO, roll the d20 for the monster as (30'); #AT 1; THACO 18; Dmg 1d6 (spear); Save Fl ; ML
usual. Add any special combat modifiers (e.g., a penalty 8; AL C; XP Value 15.
for trying to hit an invisible opponent), then add the de-
fender's armor class. If the total is above the THACO, 5) Lizard Man (1d3): AC 5; HD 2 + 1; hp 10 each; MV
then the blow has landed. 60' (20'), swim 120' (40'); #AT 1; THACO 17; Dmg
If you find THACO too confusing, just make do with 1d6+1 (spear); Save F2; ML 12; AL N; XP Value 25.
the combat charts. Using the Dungeon Master's Screen from
the D&D game set will help speed play. 6) Spider, Crab (1d2): AC 7; HD 2• ; hp 9 each; MV
Morale: Be sure to check for Morale if you use the op- 120' (40'); #AT 1; THACO 18; Dmg 1d8 +poison (save
tional Morale rules. It is important to know whether vs. poison at + 2 or die in 1d4 turns); Save Fl ;ML 7; AL
some monsters will surrender or run away. It could mean N; XP Value 25.
life or death for someone's beloved player character. Re-
view pages 23 and 24 of the D&D Game Rulebook for how 7) Stirge (1d8): AC 7; HD 1•; MV 30' (10'), fly 180'
and when to check Morale. If you do not use Morale (60'); #AT 1; THACO 19; Dmg 1d4; Save F2; ML 9; AL
rules, use your best judgement to decide when monsters N; XP Value 13 .
will flee rather than fight on. PCs may be faring well, but
even so, wounds may accumulate, and could lead to 8) Zombie (1d3): AC 8; HD 2; MV 90' (30') ; #AT 1;
death in future encounters. Don't be soft on the players THACO 18; Dmg 1d8; Save Fl; ML 12; ALC; XPValue
(after all, they may sometimes have to flee themselves!), 20.
but don't be too harsh .
Goblins who fail their Morale checks will attempt to You '11 probably find it best to modify the wandering
flee the dungeon. These chaotic humanoids are first and monster tables like this when you design your own
foremost interested in their own, individual survival. dungeons. After all, it doesn't make much sense to find
an ore in a goblins' lair. A little work will make your
Wandering Monsters dungeon more logical and coherent.

Inside the back cover of the D&D Game Rulebook, there are
wandering monster tables. These are useful tables, but
not immediately suitable for all dungeons. So what we've
done is drawn up an abbreviated listing of the monsters
that may be found wandering in this particular dungeon.

Wandering Monsters

(Roll 1d8)
1) Bat, Giant (1d3): AC 6; HD 2; hp 9 each; MV 30'
(10'), fly 180' (60'); #AT 1; THACO 18; Dmg 1d4; Save
Fl; ML 8; AL N; XP Value 20.

5
l€Vel I €ncounteu key

On both dungeon levels, some passages are covered with This cave is shared by a mated pair oflizard men. They
water. Use common sense to judge what effects this will have worked out an understanding with the goblins for
have on play. For example, what will characters do with mutual protection against intruders (such as the PCs).
torches and lanterns when combat starts? Will they suffer The lizard men are supposed to attack all intruders (and
an armor class penalty by not using a shield? Will they they will). At the sound of battle, goblins are supposed to
use a torch as a weapon? Or will they drop the torch and, assist in driving away enemies.
perhaps, have to fight in darkness? Walking through wa- Unfortunately for the lizard men, the chaotic goblins
ter makes noise, which will reduce the chance of surprise are lax in holding up their end of the deal. They regard
to 1in8, and may give away the location of invisible char- the lizard men as foolish cannon fodder whom they con-
acters. sider useful as an unpaid first line of defense. The guard
at encounter 2 prefers not to risk his neck, although the
1. Lizard Man Lair sound of battle puts him on guard. If the lizard men suc-
cessfully repulse an attack, he will excuse himself by say-
The rotten stench of swamp permeates this cave, which ing that he fell asleep on duty. ("Anyway, you obviously
contains a flooded , stagnant pool. The water rises got by fine without me.") And if the lizard men fail-well,
above a human 's ankles. The cave bulges to the north- who would there be to accept his apology anyway?
east, creating an oblong chamber, while to the south The treasure of the lizard men is kept in a clay um,
you perceive forked passageways extending roughly
buried under water and mud by the eastern wall of the
south and southeast into the chilling darkness .
cave. It consists of 213 cp, 154 sp, 77 ep, and 14 gp.
To the northeast, glistening movement catches your There is also a silver diadem set with four exquisite agates
eye: two humanoid shapes with tails, lizards' heads,
worth 60 gp total, and a wax-sealed flask containing a po-
and other reptilian features. They snarl threateningly, tion of invisibility.
perhaps because you have invaded their lair.
Lizard Men (2): AC 5; HD 2+1; hp 10 each; MV 60'
(20'), swim 120' (40'); #AT 1; THACO 17; Dmg 1d6+1
(mace); Save F2; ML 12; AL N; XP Value 25 each.

2. Goblin Guard
You are distracted by the sound of shouts and laughter
further down the hallway. Then, to the west of the pas-
sageway, you perceive a recess hewn from the stone.
Out of this niche steps a burly goblin, his sharp teeth
grinning evilly as he lunges in attack at the lead charac-
ter of your party.

A goblin is posted here to obstruct intruders of the raid-

ers' lair. The goblin is alert, as he has listened to the PCs'
fight with the lizard men in encounter one. For this rea-
son, he will not be surprised. The party may be normally
surprised by him, however.
Knotted to the goblin's tunic is a pouch containing his
personal treasure: 12 sp and 3 gp.

Goblin: AC 6; HD 1 -1; hp 7; MV 90' (30'); #AT 1;

THACO 19; Dmg 1d6 (spear); Save NM; ML 7 (9 ifKo-
sivikh is present); AL C; XP Value 5.

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 level I €ncounteQ key

The shouts and laughter come from a dice game going 4-0 gp. A third goblin is wearing a necklace of alternating
on in encounter 3. The raucous noise that those goblins gold beads and pearls, worth 400 gp. Finally, a fourth
are making will keep them from hearing the fight between goblin has a small flask containing a potion of healing that
the guard and invaders if the PCs can finish off the goblin is slung over his shoulder.
in two rounds or less. Otherwise, the three goblins play- The noise of battle is likely to attract goblins from adja-
ing dice come out to investigate the noises, followed a cent areas. If the PCs have not eliminated the guard (en-
round later by the two goblins who were resting on their counter 2), he arrives at the beginning of the second
bunks. See encounter 3 for the statistics of and treasure round of combat.
carried by these humanoids. If the characters have not eliminated the goblin spell-
caster, Vylgrykk (encounter 4), he has a 1 in 3 chance (a
3. Goblins' Bunk Room roll of 1 or 2 on 1d6) per round, on the third and subse-
quent rounds of combat, of deciding to come to investi-
If the PCs already dealt with the goblins in encounter 2, gate the commotion. IfVylgrykk has not decided to come
use this description of the room: by the end of combat, he assumes that the grunts have
dealt with the problem, and continues with his work.
This large chamber is set up as some sort communal Kosivikh, who is busy planning the goblins' next raid
barracks, no doubt for those goblins you just fought. with his lieutenant (see encounter 5 for stats), will send
You see a half dozen bunks. In the center of the room is him out to see what's the problem if combat goes for more
a crude table with a pair of dice and several piles of than four rounds. If the sound of battle ends and the lieu-
copper coins. tenant does not immediately return, Kosivikh will inves-
tigate for himself.
There are 412 copper pieces on the table. If the PCs This could be a long and difficult battle. You're given
finished off the guard in encounter 2 quickly and quietly, some flexibility as DM, however, to keep the characters
or are entering from the wokan's room (encounter 4), from being slaughtered if the battle goes against them:
they may get the drop on the goblins who will still be here. just decide not to have reinforcements come in .. This may
Read them the following: be necessary if the party is small and/ or low in level. Do-
ing so will permit the·characters to regroup and perhaps
use healing magic (such as the clerical spells or the gob-
In these communal barracks, you see a half dozen lin's potion) before facing the rest of the goblins.
bunks-and most of the residents seem to be home! Careful players may make the encounter easier for
Two goblins are resting on their beds while another themselves by scouting. The invisibility potion in the first
three are playing dice at the table in the center of the encounter may be helpful.
room. Your entrance is greeted by angry challenges as
the goblins grab their weapons. 4. Wokan's Room
Goblins (5): AC 6; HD 1 - 1; hp 4 each; MV 90' (30'); What a mess this room is! The walls are draped with
flKf 1; THACO 19; Dmg 1d6 (short sword); Save NM; hides of animals and stranger beasts, marsh reeds,
ML 7 (9 if Kosivikh is present); AL C; XP Value 5. and-most hideously, hanging in the southern comer
of the room-the dissected corpse of a lizard man.
The goblins in their beds are automatically SlU'J>rised, Pots, flasks, and vials of evil-smelling substances are
and will have to spend their first combat round drawing strewn all about. The floor is covered with dried reeds;
weapons and standing up to fight. Those at the table have in the north corner the reeds are thicker, suggesting
their weapons close at hand, but may be surprised as usual. that they have been used as a bed.
Besides the copper on the table, each goblin carries a And before you, the strangest thing of all is a goblin.
pouch with 3d8 cp, 2d6 sp, and 1d20 gp. The short sword His bald head is covered with strange symbols, marked
of one goblin has a amethyst set in its silver pommel, with thick, pasty paints. His pierced nose sports a large
worth 125 gp. Another goblin is wearing a large, plati- bone, and from his earlobes dangle bright gold ear-
num earring fashioned in a stylized horse's head, worth rings. A necklace of teeth is around his wiry throat,

7
level I €ncountER key

and his body is dressed in clumps of rotting animal fur.

In his hand is a curved knife, a bright steel blade.
Upon noticing your entrance, unnatural sounds rise to
his throat while his hands trace bizarre curves in the
air.

The goblin, named Vylgrykk is a wokan, a sort of hu-

manoid spellcaster. He is able to use spells as a 2nd-level
magic-user. He will unhesitatingly attack the characters,
first attempting to use his sleep spell.

Vylgrykk, goblin wokan: AC 6; HD 2•; hp 9; MV 90'

(30'); #AT 1; THACO 18; Dmg ld4 (dagger) or by spell;
Save MU2; ML 7; AL C; XP Value 25. Spells (level
one): magic missik, sleep.

Goblins from other encounters will not come to the wo-

kan's assistance, even if there is a loud battle, because
Vylgrykk's work is often strange and noisy, and the wo-
kan has been known to fry curious goblins who get in his
way.
lfVylgrykk fails a Morale check, he will plead with the
characters for his life. He speaks halting Common. He
will offer his most prized treasure, a magical scroll, and
plead for mercy. The scroll is kept in a metal tube, hidden•
in the chest cavity of the lizard man corpse.
Written on the scroll are three spells: charm person, <ktecf
magic, and ventriloquism. In order to decipher this scroll of
spells, a magic-user or elf must cast a read magic spell.
Once magic-users or elves have learned to read the spells,
they may chose to copy them into their spell books, or
they may cast them off the scroll. Either way, the spell will
be erased from the scroll in the process.
If the PCs bargain, Vylgrykk will concede to give them
everything else he has: his pair of gold earrings (worth 60
gp each), his tooth necklace (worth 3 gp), his stash of 348
gp (hidden in one of the pots).
He warns the PCs that they don't want any of the pow-
ders and liquids in his pots and vials. He's telling the
truth! Vylgrykk has been researching poisons, and every-
thing in the containers is toxic. Anyone who ingests any
of the stuff will suffer nausea ( - 2 on all die rolls for 1
turn), and must save versus Poison or suffer ld8 hit
points of damage as well.

8
 level 1 €ncounteR key

5. Kosivikh's Room The chest is locked, and has a poison needle trap. Un-
less someone disarms the trap, a person attempting to
lfKosivikh or his lieutenant joined the melee in encount- pick the lock will prick his finger and must save vs. poison
er 3, make certain that you adjust the following descrip- or fall unconscious for 2d4 hours. (Kosivikh uses this poi-
tion accordingly: son because he's more concerned about greedy goblins
running off with the group's loot than intruders.)
This is undoubtedly the most orderly and luxurious Inside the chest is the bulk of the war band's wealth:
room you've found among these goblins. There's a 3,218 cp, 2,056 sp, 978 gp, six pieces of onyx (worth 50
tapestry on the south wall-evidently made by hu- gp each), a large amber gemstone (worth 130 gp), and a
mans, and from far away. It depicts desert warriors re- sapphire (worth 500 gp). There are also four magical po-
clining in a tent, dining on delicacies served by veiled tions: two of healing, one of gaseous form, and one of dimi-
women. There is a cot to the east . A table is in front of nution.
the cot, and on the table there appear to be maps. A
silver tankard sits there as well. To the west is a large, 6. Storage
iron-bound oak chest that is closed.
Two goblins are here, larger than any others you've The door to this room is locked.
yet seen. One who is particularly large is wielding a
battle-axe. There is no question in your mind: this Crates, boxes, and barrels fill this room, which you
brute before you can be none other than the Dymrak conclude is used for storage. Otherwise, the room is
Dread, Kosivikh himself. nondescript.

Kosivikh, "The Dymrak Dread," Goblin War Chief- This room contains spoils of the goblins' raids, plus
tain: AC 4; HD 3; hp 15; #AT 1; THACO 17; Dmg various supplies they have purchased. The players may
1d8+1 (battle axe); Save F3; ML 10; AL C; XP Value search the room's containers if they like. About a dozen
35. containers are just empty. The remainder contain the fol-
Kosivikh wears chain mail + 1, wields a battle axe with lowing: three boxes of arrows (50 arrows per box) that are
both hands and, because of his great size and strength, in fine, usable condition; four barrels of red wine (one of
receives a + 1 bonus to damage. Kosivikh also cai:ries a them was opened, and spilled over a crate of dried ra-
key ring. It has keys to the storage room and the pris- tions, now spoiled); five crates of iron rations, each con-
oners' cell (encounters 6 and 7). taining enough food for one person for 30 days; a crate of
broken weapons: sword hilts, axe heads, broken blades,
Kosivikh's Lieutenant (1): AC 6; HD 2; hp 7 each; MV splinters staves, etc.-none of it is immediately usable.
90' (30'); #AT 1; THACO 18; Dmg 1d8 (swords); Save In another box packed with straw is a silk pouch con-
F2; ML 9; AL C ; XP Value 20 each. taining a half dozen gems: a garnet (worth 100 gp), a
small ruby (worth 500 gp), two pieces of jacinth (worth
The maps on the table depict merchant caravan routes 150 gp each), an agate (worth 10 gp), and a small pearl
around the Dymrak Forest. The Dymrak Dread and his (worth 50 gp). In still another crate is a dozen giant centi-
lieutenant have been planning their next raid, an ~ttack pedes. The wokan was planning to use them for research.
on spice merchants from the east. He was interested in extracting and distilling their venom
Assuming these goblins are here (i.e., they didn't join for poisoning weapons.
the encounter 3 battle), they will attack the PCs. If there
was a loud battle in encounter 3, they will not be sur- Giant Centipedes (12): AC 9; HD 112; hp 3 each; MV
prised. 60' (20'); #AT 1; THACO 19; Dmg poison; Save NM;
The exotic tapestry on the south wall is of highest quali- ML 7; ALN.
ty, and Kosivikh has taken care that it not be ruined by
neglect and adverse cavern conditions. It is worth its full Centipede poison does not kill. Characters who fail
500 gp value. The silver tankard on the table is half full of their saving throws vs. poison become ill for 10 days.
fine ale. The tankard is worth 30 gp. During this time they are so weak that they cannot per-
9
level I €ncountER key

enough for a rat to crawl through.

In opening the door, you cast light on the damp cham-

ber's occupants: two prisoners, an elf and an ore,
shackled to opposite walls. At your entrance they cease
shouting at each other and turn their gazes toward
you.

Rokhaag, ore prisoner: AC 9 (unarmored); HD 1; hp 5;

MV90' (30'); #AT 1; THACO 19; Dmgbyweapon(pres-
ently unarmed); Save Ft; ML 6; AL C; XP Value 10.

Jalven, elf prisoner: AC 9 (unarmored); Level 1; hp 4;

MV 12~' (30'); #AT 1; THACO 19; Dmg by weapon
(presently unarmed); Save El; ML 8; AL N; XP Value
13. The elf does not presently have any spells memorized.

Since they are chained to the walls, both prisoners are

effectively helpless and could be slain with a single blow of
any bladed weapon. However, that's not a particularly
heroic thing to do, and characters who slaughter helpless
beings such as this will receive no experience points for
the action. (In fact, characters of Lawful alignment who
PCU:icipate in or even permit such slaughter should be pe-
form any physical action beyond walking, and they do nalized by 23 XF-the number of experience points they
this at half speed. would have received from defeating these opponents in
fair combat.)
7. Prisoners' Cell The party has a moral dilemma here. How should the
PCs treat the goblins' prisoners? It may seem simple
Th~ passageway rises slightly as it goes to the north,
enough to release Jalven, but it is likely that the elf will
until you reach a door. Still, the water is about an inch
attempt to kill the ore, perhaps after the characters leave.
deep. The door before you has a small barred window.
Should they release the ore as well, knowing it to be an
A slight draft blows through it. Through the bars you
hear two voices arguing in a harsh, guttural language. evil, chaotic being? Or leave it to fall prey to J alven, some
wandering monster, or starvation? If they release it, they
The room beyond contains prisoners captured by the may run the risk of it returning with friends , to ambush
goblins, who hope to win a ransom for them. The pris- the party as it emerges, treasure-laden, from the
oners, an ore and an elf, are trading insults in the orcish dungeon.
l~guage. If anyone in the party understands orcish, they
Allow your players to work out a solution. Pay close
will be able to understand the exchange (although it attention to how players follow their characters' align-
might make them blush, it is so crude!). ments in the discussion. What the ultimate consensus is
The door is locked. It is a relatively simple lock, easy to does not matter so much as how characters are played in
pick: give a + 30% to a thiers "pick locks" roll. Also, the process that gets there. Award 50 XP to characters
Kosivikh carries a key to this room. who play their alignment extraordinarily well here; 25 to
The slight draft in the cell (just enough to make torches those who play it well; and no award to those whose per-
flicker) comes from a tiny, natural hole in the ceiling. This formance is lackluster. Characters who openly and clearly
hole runs up to the surface of the hill . It helps circulate violate their alignment should be penalized 25 points.
fresh air through the caverns. The hole is only large Example: Barth the Mighty, a lawful fighter, main-

10
Level I €ncount€R key

tains steadfastly that neither prisoner must be allowed to The spider is a giant black widow, and it's hungry! It
die, in spite of the fact that this may imperil or at least does not intend to wait for the party to get caught in its
inconvenience the party. The principle of not doing harm web.
to the helpless outweighs the passing concerns of the char·
acter party. This is a clearly lawful position, and if Barth Giant Black Widow Spider: AC 6; HD 3•; hp 14; MV
sticks to it the DM should award him 25 XP for good role- 60' (20'), in web 120' (40'); #AT 1; THACO 17; Dmg 2d6
playing. If Barth not only argues this position, but also + poison (save vs. poison or die in 1 turn); Save F2; ML
suggests a solution to the dilemma that is harmonious 8; AL N; XP Value 50.
with it, he should be awarded 50 XP. For instance, the
PCs could leave the prisoners here for now and set them Wrapped up in the long tangle of webs is, beside the
free some time later after the PCs have explored the bodies of numerous animals, the corpse of a kobold
dungeon, at a time when they can set them both free out· sucked dry by the spider. Dehydrated and enshrouded in
side the dungeon and keep them apart so neither kills the the silky webs, it looks much like a mummy. The hapless
other. If PCs make a decision of this nature, they should kobold carries a potion of healing and a pouch of 40 gold
all receive 50 XP. pieces.
Past the web, the passage descends steeply into the sec·
8. Web ond dungeon level (encounters 9-13, described below).
The passageway is blocked by a silky tangle of webs. A
gigantic black spider that is almost as long as a human
is high slips out from behind the sticky shroud. You see
1
on its belly a distinctive, hourglass-shaped marking.

11
l€Vel 11 €ncounte~ key

9. Submerged Hole

The water conceals a pit in the passageway that is 10 feet

deep. The water also makes the pit somewhat less danger-
ous, at least from falling damage. Heavily encumbered
characters will sink rapidly, and will have to let go of their
goods in order to swim back to the surface. Metal-
armored characters will have to work their way out of
their gear. Unless other party members provide immedi-
ate assistance (diving in, handing down a pole, etc.),
metal-armored characters must roll their constitution
score or less on ld20 . If they fail, this means they were
unable to get off the armor before taking water into their
lungs. Unless immediately hauled out of the water (no
easy task when it's a large fighter in heavy armor) by their
companions, characters will drown.

10. The Ancient Door

Two things catch your eye in this cavern: bronze
double-doors to the east, decorated with strange for-
eign designs, and a mold-covered human skeleton
leaning up against them.

The skeleton is a human explorer who fell prey to a trap tention until a triggering action brings them to life: the
on the door. It caused her to be paralyzed; she subse- opening of the next pair of bronze doors, which are not
quently died of thirst. In the water near the skeleton is a locked. If the party does this it will find itself surrounded
single jade earring (worth 50 gp). by a corps of ancient, undead guards.
11. Entry Guardians Zombies (6): AC 8; HD 2; hp 9 each; MV 90' (30'); #AT
1; THACO 18; Dmg ld6 (spears); Save Fl ; ML 12; AL
The door to this chamber is locked. The lock is ancient C; XP Value 20 each.
and extremely simple ( + 30% chance of success).
If there is a cleric in the party, he may attempt to turn
The bronze doors open outward, into the cavern where these undead creatures. To do so the player must an-
the skeleton lies. Ahead are three steps, rising above nounce that his character is going to attempt to turn the
the water level, opening into a square-cut chamber, 20 zombies. The cleric steps forward at the Movement phase
feet on the side. Six human forms, three beside the east of the combat sequence, and commands the undead to be-
and north walls, stand at attention. They wear bronze gone. It counts as the character's action for the round; a
helmets and leather cuirasses, and in their hands they cleric who attempts to tum may not in the same round
hold great spears with broad-leaf blades. Another look cast spells or attack with a weapon.
suggests that. . . they're dead! Bits of rotting flesh droop Success is not automatic if the cleric is first- or second-
from their bones. level. If the cleric is first-level, a roll of9 or higher must be
To the south you see a short staircase leading to a rolled on 2d6. If this roll fails the zombies remain and the
pair of bronze doors identical to those you just passed. cleric may not again attempt to turn the undead in this
combat encounter. If the roll succeeds, you (the DM)
The dead guards are in fact zombies, held stiffly at at- should roll 2d6. The result is how many Hit Dice of zom-

12
 level n encounteR key

bies are turned, rounding up. Zombies have two hit dice the candelabras. They'll want to open the ancient prince-
so, for example, a roll of 7 would tum four of them (seven ling's tomb. To do so, a combined strength (adding up the
divided by two is three and a half, rounded up makes strength ability scores of all the characters joining the ef-
four). A second-level cleric must make a roll of 7 or higher fort) of 50 is required.
on 2d6 to turn the zombies.
A third-level cleric can turn zombies automatically; the With a heave and a grunt you remove the effigy and
DM just rolls 2d6 to determine how many are turned. the heavy, flat stone on which it rests. What mysteries
If the cleric turns some, but not all of the zombies, he lie within the tomb?
can keep turning on subsequent rounds, until he fails. Casting light in the sarcophagus for the first time in
Zombies who have been turned attempt to flee the cler- countless years, you behold the lord for whom this
ic's presence. They are not destroyed, so the DM may great monument was erected. The body is conspicu-
bring them back to haunt the party (so to speak!) later in ously well-preserved, considering the state of other
the adventure. Note that clerics do not receive experience things you've found. It is a noble-looking man, gray-
points for zombies as though they had destroyed them. haired , skin pallid in death. A wool blanket, woven
Characters of any class might have one or more vials of with clever, colorful geometrical patterns, covers his
holy water. This water is specially blessed to do harm to feet, legs, and breast. Age hasn't treated the cloth as
undead. The player character must make a hit roll just kindly as the corpse; it appears on the edge of disinte-
like any other attack; if it succeeds, the zombie was struck gration. Beneath the blanket you see that the man
and suffers 1d8 points of damage. wears a bronze breast-plate and a striped kilt. On his
left is placed a bejeweled great helm , and on his right a
12. Long Hall mighty, double-bladed axe; both of bronze.
Past the chamber of the zombie guards you come to a
long hall, stretching 40 feet to stairs and the next door. The princeling is so well preserved because he is a re-
To either side of the central aisle are mighty columns ceptacle for an undead spirit, a wight, only now awaken-
that are five feet in diameter, each separated by five ing from a slumber that has lasted hundreds of years.
feet. Sconces for torches are placed at each column, but
they are empty. At the end of the hall, flanking yet an- Wight: AC 5; HD 3*; hp 14; MV 90'(30'); #AT 1;
other example of the bronze double doors, are two THACO 17; Dmg energy drain or ld8+1 (magical
great gargoyles whose mighty wings arch over the bronze battle axe); Save F3; ML 12; AL C; XP Value 50.
doorway and touch. The statues' leering gazes seem to Whenever the wight strikes, it drains life energy: the
follow you as you progress down the hall. victim loses one level or hit die, without any saving
throw. (This kills first-level characters immediately.) Any
The gargoyles are (surprise!) just statues. person slain by a wight becomes a wight in ld4 days, un-
der the control of the slayer. In other words, the new
13. The Tomb wight will be an NPC monster that the DM must run.
Energy drain makes the wight a very powerful mon-
This must be a tomb that you 've found. In front of you ster. It means that any first-level character struck by the
is a great stone sarcophagus, and upon the sarcopha- · wight will be slain automatically! This may be unpleasant
gus is a rudely sculpted effigy of a great, bearded war- for your players. Use your discretion as a DM-modify
rior in armor. At the head and foot of the sarcophagus the encounter so no one's fun will be spoiled. If the party
are golden candelabras, their candles long burned consists solely of first-level characters, then have the
away. Bright frescoes adorn the walls. They depict hu- wight fight only with its bronze axe. This will still dole out
mans with bronze weapons and armor, fighting against a lot of damage and make the encounter a challenging cli-
fantastic beasts. max, but it won't spell immediate, irrevocable death. If
second- or third-level characters are in the party, on the
The gold candelabras are each worth 250 gp. The fres- other hand, it will be not quite so bad if someone is
coes, though exquisite artwork, are not movable. drained of an energy level. You might still decide that the
Treasure-seekers are not likely to be satisfied with just wight will alternate touch and weapon attacks.
13
level II €ncounteR key

Note that a wight can only be struck by silver or magi-

cal weapons. It is also harmed by holy water (1d8 hit It is amply clear that this is no mere corpse, but
points damage). some more terrible creature that has long stood outside
Like the zombies, the wight may be turned by clerics if the ravages of time.
they are 2nd-level or higher. A 2nd-level cleric must roll
11 or better on 2d6 to turn a wight; a 3rd-level cleric must Alternatively, the wight may lie dormant a longer time.
roll 9 or better. Since the wight's treasure lies beneath it, the characters
will need to remove the corpse to reach it. When the body
You, as DM, must decide how to run this encounter. has not moved after some examination, they'll probably
The straightforward way is to describe how the undead suppose it is a normal body exceptionally preserved by
animates and attacks the party. Something like this: some quirk of subterranean climate and atmosphere.
Then, as everyone revels in the ancient warrior's hoard,
As a group you stand transfixed by the ancient glory the wight will silently arise and attack them from behind.
you perceive. What world was it, you wonder, when And the hoard-the bronze axe is an enchanted battle
this warrior strode the earth? Someone reaches out to axe + 1; the bronze helm is not magical, but it is set with
touch the blanket, which falls to dust even as their fin- three small cabochon-cut opals, and is worth 480 gp.
ger approaches it. Beneath the body is a square hollow in which more
An unnameable shiver passes through everyone. treasures are piled: three silver ingots (worth 10 gp
Have your imaginations gotten the best of you? The each); a gold ingot (worth 80 gp); a silver chalice deco-
body seems to have moved! What forces are at work? rated with gold wire, colored glass, and enameled depic-
You scan its length, and your gaze falls upon the war- tions of the warrior fighting dragons (worth 400 gp); a
rior's eyes-eyes that are now open, glowing a baleful gold necklace (worth 100 gp); three silver arm-bands dec-
unnatural blue, animated by an unearthly power. orated with gold wire and copper inlays (worth 50 gp
each); a wide-bladed, silver dagger with an amethyst
jewel set in the hilt (worth 55 gp total); and the warrior's
most precious treasure (though of dubious value to any-
one else): the mummified claw of a black dragon .

Conclusion

Success might not come easily for beginning characters.

If the party has not fared well, you may suggest that they
withdraw , recover, and plan a new attack. Of course, Ko-
sivikh will be on his guard. You'll need to draw up some
special defense plans for the goblins. Perhaps they'll ar-
range some sort of trap or ambush.
Once the Dymrak Dread has been captured or slain,
the party is well on its way to fame and glory. Roderick
provides the promised reward, of course, and lavishes
public praise upon the adventurers. In private, perhaps,
he suggests more employment possibilities. The Duke
can always use good help, and the player characters have
proven their mettle!
The adventure is just beginning.. ..

14
If you don't have the time to generate characters from Strength: 8
scratch, you might try these pregenerated characters. lnteUigence: 18
There is one of each character class. Simply explain to Wisdom: 11
your players what the seven D&D® game character class- Dexterity: 12
es are and ask each player to choose a different class. Constitution: 14
Then give each player the information for the pregener- Charisma: 11
ated character of that class. If you make photocopies of Hit Points: 5
the character sheet on the back cover of the DUNGEONS
& DRAGONS® Rulebook, it will be easy for players to Spells Known: Magic missile
fill in the information on that sheet. Otherwise just ask Equipment List: Silver dagger, backpack, iron rations,
them to write it down on a blank piece of paper that will vial of holy water, lantern, 3 flasks of oil, large sack, tin-
serve as a character sheet. derbox, waterskin, 13 gp
Players should make up some additional information
for their characters: name, sex, alignment, appearance, PC #3: Cleric
maybe some personal history, and special traits or man-
nerisms. Encourage the players to weave a story about Name:
where their characters are from and how they came to- Age:
gether. This will may take up some time, but it is well Sex:
worth it. Such details make role-playing easier and more Alignment: (as selected by player)
fun. Armor Class: 3
Strength: 13
PC#1: Fighter
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 13
Name:
Dexterity: 7
Age:
Constitution: 8
Sex:
Charisma: 12
Alignment: (as selected by player)
Hit Points: 5
Armor Class: 4
Strength: 15 Equipment List: Staff, plate mail, shield, holy symbol,
Intelligence: 10 backpack, iron rations, wineskin (full), 6 torches, 50'
Wisdom: 12 rope, 9 gp
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 12 (as selected by player) PC #4: Thief
Charisma: 8
Hit Points: 7 Name:
Age:
Equipment List: Normal sword, shield, chain mail, Sex:
standard rations, waterskin, large sack, 2 gp Alignment: (as selected by player)
Armor ClaH: 6
PC #2: Magic-user
Strength: 9
Intelligence: 11
Name:
Wi.sdom: 5
Age:
Dexterity: 14
Sex:
Constitution: 13
Alignment: (as selected by player) Charisma: 9
Armor ClaH: 9
Hit Points: 5

15
Equipment List: Leather armor, short bow, quiver of 20 PC #7 : Halfling
arrows, 2 silver-tipped arrows, backpack, large sack,
small sack, waterskin, standard rations, 50' rope, thieves' Name:
tools Age:
Sex:
PC #5: Elf Alignment: (as selected by player)
Armor Class: 4
Name: Strength: 11
Age: Intelligence: 8
Sex: Wisdom: 7
Alignment: (as selected by player) Dexterity: 14
Armor Class: 4 Constitution: 13
Strength: 17 Charisma: 7
Intelligence: 14 Hit Points: 9
Wisdom: 8
Dexterity: 14 Equipment List: Chain mail, sling, 30 sling stones, short
Constitution: 12 sword, silver dagger, waterskin, backpack, 2 small sacks,
Charisma: 13 tinderbox, 2 flasks of oil, standard rations, 1 gp
Hit Points: 4

Spells known: Floating disc

Equipment List: Short bow, quiver of 20 arrows, chain
mail, hand axe, waterskin, 10' pole, standard rations,
backpack, 4 gp

PC #6: Dwarf
Name:
Age:
Sex:
Alignment: (as selected by player)
Armor Class: 2
Strength: 15
Intelligence: 11
Wisdom: 12
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 14
Charisma: 9
Hit Points: 8

Equipment List: Plate mail, shield, war hammer, iron

rations, 12 iron spikes, silver dagger, waterskin, large
sack, 26 gp

16