Table of Contents

Set Up – 3

Session Zero – 3

Background – 3

Room 1 (The Entrance) – 3

Room 2 (The Bridge) – 4

Room 3 (The River) – 4

Room 4 (The Crystal Corridor) – 5

Room 5 (The Nest) – 5

Room 6 (The Pits) – 6

Room 7 (The Holding Cells) – 7

Room 8 (The Armoury) – 8

Room 9 (The Last Stretch) – 9

Room 10 (The Throne Room) – 9

Unique Items – 11

The End – 11

Premade Characters – 12

Aliver (bard) – 12

Cira (rogue) – 14

Gavriel (mage) – 16

Kress (warrior) – 18

Leiria (initiate) – 20

Morwyn (ranger) – 22
The Crystal Caverns
An introduction to Last Arc; Tactics Analogue. “At the far end of Crystal Cove’s bustling port town, sits a lone moun-
tain within which lie the Crystal Caverns, a vast network of caves and
By Dustin J Nickell & CritCrab tunnels that make up the now abandoned magicite mines. You have
been charged with clearing out the mines, ridding it of the crab menace,
Set-Up once and for all, so that the mines may be worked once more, restoring
prosperity and stability to the cove. You’re not the first group of ad-
The following module is a short adventure intended to be a port venturers recruited for this task. However, none sent before you, have
of entry into Last Arc: Tactics Analogue. ever returned. Though your primary mission is to clear the mines, your
This adventure is designed for a party of four level 3 characters. secondary objective will be to locate and rescue any survivors… should
Level 3 to gives players enough room to get a little creative with their early any remain. Good luck and Godspeed.”
builds, as well as access to a few more abilities to play with.

Session Zero
While the Crystal Cove module is designed to be simplistic in Room 1: The Entrance
both application and premise, it is still advised that the GM and players
should hold a session zero, during which the players can create characters,
Room Description:
When the party enters the room, read or paraphrase the following boxed
or pick a premade character (at the end of this document) and where basic
text:
explanation of the setting and rules can occur.

“The party enters the caverns through the main entrance, a wide tunnel
GM Notes: that carries the sound of rushing water through the air. Further in, is a
Though an introductory dungeon of sorts, Last Arc: Tactics An- passage that cuts left, slightly obscured by the untamed overgrowth.”
alogue may have a bit of a learning curve for players new to the system.
Last Arc is not as forgiving as some other systems. That being said, having
your players create 2 characters for this dungeon is a good idea, as you Enemies and Hazards:
might find it both convenient and necessary to have a backup ready to go. The overgrowth along the walls of the tunnel is rough terrain.
Alternatively, the premade characters at the end of this document may be Any creature moving through rough terrain has their movement speed re-
used as backup characters. duced by half. Additionally, the overgrowth grants small creatures’ con-
cealment from non-adjacent creatures. Concealment blocks line of sight.
Background
The heroes have just arrived in Crystal Cove, a once bustling Combat:
port town that has fallen on hard times, ever since their magicite mines As the party advances down either path, a small unit of crabs
were overrun by a giant crustacean menace. will rush them from the southern corridor: 2 Crab Squires, and 1 Crab
Knight.
When you are ready to begin the module, read or paraphrase the
following text.
The following map depicts the rooms detailed throughout the dungeon.
Combat Tactics: bridge, increases the DC for the next character by 5. However, small char-
acters treat these cumulative penalties as 2’s rather than 5’s and add no
As this is a quick and easy introduction to combat mechanics,
cumulative penalty for crossing.
the crabs will initially focus on the nearest enemies, prioritizing targets that
are easiest to hit. Should the crabs take damage from ranged or magickal
If a character fails, their respective Acrobatics check all charac-
sources, they may try to make their way to those characters and attack, if
ters currently on the bridge will fall into the waters below. The characters
they can do so safely.
are now moved into Room 3.
The path forward leads to The Bridge (room 2), while the off-
Any characters that make it across the rope bridge, enter Room
shoot in the middle of the tunnel leads to The River (Room 3).
4.
Stat blocks like these will be listed near encounters throughout the module.
Crab Squire CR 3
N Small beastkin 4
Room 3: The River
Init d8; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17 Room Description:
Language Aquan If the party attempts to cross the river by jumping rock to rock, read or
Defences Ref 19 (flat-footed 17), Fort 15, Will 14 paraphrase the following text:
Hp 25; DR 5; Threshold 15
Weakness Colde, Electric “A river divides the bottom of the small chasm below the old bridge.
Speed 4 squares; climb 2 squares; swim 4 squares A number of small boulders emerge just above the water’s surface, al-
Melee steel broadsword +12 (2d6 +2) most forming a traversable path. On the far end of the room, across the
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square river, is a steep wall, atop of which lies the path forward.”
Abilities Str 10, Agi 14, Vit 13, Int 2, Mnd 10, Cha 2
Feats Skill Focus (1-handed), Weapon Proficiency (Swords)
If a member of the party entered this room by falling from the bridge and
Skills 1-Handed +12, Perception +9, Unarmed +12
into the river, read or paraphrase the following text:
Loot Stardust (5%), Steel Broadsword (20%), Storm Crystal (50%)
Steal Stardust (5%), Antidote (20%), Health Potion (95%)
“You get a sudden sinking feeling in your stomach, as the bridge be-
neath your feet gives out. Plummeting into the river below, you are
Crab Knight CR 3 submerged into the dark water, with a loud splash. Within moments,
N Small beastkin 3/warrior 1 you feel sudden, sharp pains all over your body. It is not the sensation
Init d10; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 18 of freezing cold water, it is the tearing of your flesh!”
Language Aquan
Defences Ref 20 (flat-footed 18), Fort 18, Will 16 Special:
Hp 29; DR 4; Threshold 18 Characters within Room 4 may interact with party members,
Weakness Colde, Electric objects, and creatures in Room 2, Room 3, and Room 5. Additionally,
Speed 4 squares; climb 2 squares; swim 4 squares Room 4 is in dim light.
Melee boar spear +14 (2d6+5)
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square
Abilities Str 12, Agi 15, Vit 14, Int 5, Mnd 12, Cha 4
Hidden Items:
Characters with a passive perception of 20, or that make a per-
Talents Armour Training
ception check of 15, will notice a strange plant on the northern bank of the
Feats Armour Proficiency (light, heavy), Skill Focus (2-Handed),
river.
Weapon Proficiency (Polearms)
Skills Athletics +8, 2-Handed +13, Perception +8, Unarmed +8
A DC 15 Knowledge Nature Check will allow them to deduce
Loot Stardust (5%), Boar Spear (20%), Iron Cuirass (50%), Storm it is moonwort.
Crystal (95%), and 100gp
Steal Stardust (5%), Moonwort (20%) Should anyone wish to salvage the moonwort, a successful DC
15 survival check will grant them 1 moonwort, as well as an additional
moonwort for every 5 points by which the DC was exceeded. After the
survival check is made, the plant is depleted.
Room 2: The Bridge
Room Description: The base survival DC is increased to 20 if it is made without
first having made a successful knowledge check.
When the party enters the room, read or paraphrase the following boxed
text:
Enemies and Hazards:
Within the waters of the river are swarms of piranhas, which
You stand before an old rope bridge. In a clear state of disrepair, the
can be identified by the party with three levels of clarity by the following
bridge is missing a number of wooden planks, while those that remain
Perception checks:
look weathered and rotted. Suspended about 10 meters above a rushing
river with jutting rocks, falling would likely lead to serious injury… or
DC 15: There are schools of fish in the water.
worse.
DC 20: A school of fish appear to be feasting upon something in the water,
creating a darkening cloud.
Enemies and Hazards: DC 25: The darkening cloud appears to be blood.
A DC 20 Knowledge Engineering check will allow a character
to deduce that the bridge may only hold up for a few more uses before it Party members who fail their Perception check notice nothing
finally gives out, and that small creatures have the best chance of crossing in the water.
safely.
Anyone who has entered the water suffers 1d4 unaspected dam-
Any character that wishes to make their way across the bridge age, that ignores all forms of DR, for each square of water they move
must succeed a DC 10 Acrobatics check. Each character that crosses the
through (or 2d4 if no movement was made). As all damage, this may ex-
plode. Gnomes and Tinker Gnomes are the only exception to this, as the
Room 5: The Nest
piranhas do not find them appetizing. Room Description:
Exploding damage is triggered when you roll the maximum “Exiting the corridor, you enter a large, open chamber. A nest rests in
value on a damage die. You then roll another damage die of the same type,
the centre of the room, surrounded by a small body of water. On the
adding it to the total damage. Damage dice may explode indefinitely. There nest lies a large, 3-headed dragon, bearing finned spines. The dragon
is no limit. sleeps comfortably in its nest, undisturbed by your presence. Nearby,
in the small pool of water rests a number of large lizards, while the
A character who does not have a natural swim speed must make mangled remains of an unfortunate explorer can be seen on the ground.
a DC 10 Athletics check to swim up to half their movement speed each On the far end of the room a large, hastily arranged pile of rocks ob-
turn. If the check is failed, no progress is made. If the check is failed by 5
struct the way out.”
or more, the character begins to sink.

Characters may attempt to cross the river by hopping from stone Enemies and Hazards:
to stone using their athletics skill, though the overgrowth (rough terrain) The hydra is sleeping (as per the sleep status effect) and will not
on the riverbank will prevent them from gaining a running start unless they attack unless awakened.
attempt to jump the overgrowth as well.
A successful DC 17 Knowledge Arcana check would reveal that
When the party successfully clears the river, read them the fol- the dragon is a hydra. Every 5 points the check exceeds the DC reveal a
lowing boxed text. single piece of information about the hydra’s weaknesses, immunities, etc.

“You arrive at the base of a stone wall 10 meters in height. Given its Any who approach the hydra’s nest must succeed a DC 13 (bei-
slight incline and small rocky protrusions it appears scalable…” thirs passive perception of 18 -5 for sleeping) stealth check to successfully
move through the water and into the nest undetected. Otherwise, any crea-
ture who steps into the water immediately alerts the hydra to their presence
Party members looking to scale this wall must succeed a DC 20
and wakes it, resulting in combat.
athletics check. A character with an adventure pack that successfully makes
this check, may choose to use pitons, and create proper handholds for the
The skinks are not hostile unless provoked, be they attacked di-
next climber, reducing the DC to 15.
rectly or the hydra disturbed. If combat begins, they will fight on the side
of the hydra, seeing it as a greater lizard.
Alternatively, in the event that the bridge above was broken, it
may be used as a knotted rope with additional footholds, reducing the DC
The exit is blocked by a large pile of heavy rocks tightly packed
to climb to DC 5.
together, blocking the exit.
Anyone that successfully scale the wall enter room 5.
This was clearly erected to obstruct a larger creature, as there seems to be
just enough room for a medium or smaller creatures to wedge through.

Room 4: Crystal Corridor Combat:

Room Description: In the event of combat, the following enemies are encountered:
When the party reaches room 4, read or paraphrase the following boxed 1 Hydra and 3 skinks.
text:
Hidden Items:
“You have reached the other side of the chasm, the sounds of the river Should anyone search the mangled remains, they find all the
now behind you. With but a small ledge to stand on, the only path for- equipment is damaged beyond repair and that there is nothing worth sal-
ward is through the crystal corridor before you. The numerous, jutting vaging. However, the body has an empty scabbard, but no signs of a
crystals glow with a dim, ambient light, that dissipates as the tunnel weapon.
stretches ever further into the unknown.”
A passive perception of 25, or a successful perception check of
DC 20, will reveal to the party a glowing red sword nestled in the dragon’s
Room Description Continued: nest. It appears the dragon is using the sword as a source of warmth.
When the party is ready to advance into the crystal corridor, read or para-
phrase the following A successful DC 25 Knowledge Arcana check can deduce that
boxed text: the sword is an enchanted sword of fire, known as Flametongue.

Any who successfully made the appropriate stealth check de-

“As you make your way through the long corridor, you are treated to a tailed above, to get near enough to the nest, must succeed an additional DC
brilliant display of lights and colours, as if walking through the lens of 18 stealth check to retrieve the sword without disturbing the hydra. Other-
a kaleidoscope. It’s clear that the heavy concentration of raw magicite wise, the hydra is alerted to your presence, resulting in combat.
has had a tremendous effect on the creatures within the caverns. This
may explain why the crabs so diligently defend the caverns, far beyond
the means of an average beast.” GM Note:
It is important to note here that combat is not the only way to
gain XP. Any potential combat that is successfully bypassed, subverted,
As the party exits the corridor, they enter room 5. diffused, etc. (excluding outright fleeing), should still award the party full
XP as normal. This will encourage them to get creative when resolving
conflict and overcoming obstacles, while also allowing them the oppor-
tunity to conserve precious resources.
Combat Tactics: Skink CR 2
The hydra will focus on the nearest enemies, prioritizing targets N Medium Beast 3
that are easiest to hit. While the skinks will focus their ranged abilities on Init d8; Senses low-light vision, scent; Passive Perception 17
the party’s back ranks before engaging in melee. Defences Ref 15 (flat-footed 13), Fort 16, Will 14
Hp 24; Threshold 13
Immunity Poison
Weaknesses Colde
Speed 6 squares, swim 6 squares
Melee bite +14 (1d6+4/poison)
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square
Abilities Str 17, Agi 15, Vit 17, Int 2, Mnd 12, Chr 6
Feats Skill Focus (stealth, unarmed)
Skills Perception +7, Stealth +13, Unarmed +14
Poison- If a skink hits a living creature with its bite, there is a 25%
chance (25 or less on d%) that the target becomes poisoned with
widow’s kiss.
Venom Spit- As a standard action, a skink may make an attack roll
against the reflex defence of a creature within 6 squares and line of
sight. If successful, the target becomes poisoned with widow’s kiss.
The skink may not use this ability again for 1d4+1 rounds.
Loot Stardust (5%), Poison Fang (20%), Beast Scales (50%)
Steal Scale Armour (5%), Beast Scales (20%), Antidote (50%)
Hydra CR 7
N Huge Dragon 7
MP 30
Init d6; Senses darkvision, low-light vision, scent; Passive Perception Room 6: The Pits
18
Defences Ref 16 (flat-footed 15), Fort 22, Will 25
Room Description:
Hp 63; DR 5; Fast Healing 5; Threshold 32 “You enter into a vast cavernous hall, a number of large pits descend
Resistance Colde, Electric into the ground, the faint glow of their crystalline walls vanishing into
Weakness Fyr the depths bellow. The hall, illuminated by the multitude of magicite
Speed 4 squares, swim 4 squares crystals, reveals a battalion of enemy crabs arranged in a defensive po-
Melee bite +16 (2d6+6), or sition, poised between you and the passage forward. Among the crab
Melee 2 claws +16 (1d8+6) knights, stands one with ornate plumage on his helm. He formally
Space 3x3; Reach 2 squares marches to the front of the line. Behind them, a wizened old crab, wear-
Abilities Str 17, Agi 12, Vit 18, Int 2, Mnd 11, Chr 9 ing a wizard’s hat and 2 larger crabs with cannons emerging from the
Special Qualities Dual Mind, Fast Healing, Regeneration, Tribite tops of their shells, ready to support the front line. The crustacean com-
Feats Combat Reflexes, Improved Defences, Improved Initiative, Skill mander draws a sword, fashioned in the shape of a bolt of lightning,
Focus (unarmed) and with one swift motion he points it at you, prompting his crabrigade
Skills Athletics +9, Perception +8, Unarmed +16 to attack!”
Dual Mind- Hydras have multiple minds working at once, therefore,
they add twice their beast level toward their will defence. Combat:
Fast Healing- Hydras regain 5 hp at the beginning of every turn until The formidable Crab Brigade (aka Crabrigade) is composed of
they are slain. the following enemies: 1 Crab Commander, 2 Crab Knights, 1 Crab Wiz-
Regeneration- Hydras heal at twice the normal rate. Additionally, ard, and 1 Crab Cannoneer.
when a hydra loses a limb, they can grow it back in 1d10+1 dayes, at
which point any penalties are removed. If the party is defeated in battle, unconscious characters are
Tribite- When the hydra uses a standard action to attack with its bite, moved to a dungeon jail cell. If any died in combat, they can create a new
it may target up to 3 targets, making a separate attack roll for each character to be freed from the Holding Cells, detailed in Room 7.
target.
Loot Snowdrop (5%), Dragon Scales (20%), Storm Crystal (50%)
Steal Levin Sword (5%), Dragon Scales (20%), Storm Crystal (95%)
Combat Tactics:
While the commander and knights focus on the nearest enemies,
prioritizing the easiest targets to hit, the mage will attack the back ranks
when able, though will prioritize using cleanse and dispel to remove effects
from allies and enemies alike. The cannoneer will focus on the party’s bank
ranks until an enemy moves into melee range.
Crab Commander CR 4 Crab Cannoneer CR 3
N Small Beastkin 3/warrior 2 N Large beastkin 3/ranger 1
Init d8; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 18 Init d8; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17
Language Aquan Language Aquan
Defences Ref 22 (flat-footed 20), Fort 20, Will 18 Defences Ref 14 (flat-footed 14), Fort 20, Will 14
Hp 37; DR 4; Threshold 20 Hp 37; Threshold 25
Weakness Electric Weakness Colde, Electric
Speed 4 squares, climb 2 squares, swim 4 squares Speed 4 squares, climb 4 squares, swim 8 squares
Melee levin sword +15 (2d8+6), or Melee 2 claws +19 (1d6+9) or,
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square Ranged cannon +16* (1d6+9) or,
Abilities Str 12, Agi 15, Vit 14, Int 5, Mnd 12, Cha 12 Ranged cannon +11* (1d6+9) with Volley
Talents Armour Training Space 2x2 squares; Reach 2 squares
Feats Armour Proficiency (light, heavy), Improved Defences, Skill Atk Options Volley
Focus (2-handed), Weapon Proficiency (swords) Abilities Str 24, Agi 11, Vit 18, Int 3, Mnd 10, Cha 2
Skills 2-Handed +13, Athletics +8, Perception +8, Unarmed +8 Special Qualities Cannon
Command- As a reaction to an ally missing their attack against an Talents Volley I
enemy, the crab commander may grant that ally a free reroll on the at- Feats Precise Shot, Skill Focus (Unarmed, Ranged)
tack, keeping the second result. The Crab Commander may not use Skills Perception +7, Ranged +16*, Unarmed +19
this ability when silenced. Cannon- The Crab Cannoneer has a natural cannon atop it’s shell.
Loot Levin Sword (20%), Iron Cuirass (50%), Storm Crystal (95%), This cannon allows the crab to make ranged slam attacks, as if using a
and 200gp large, ranged weapon. The Crab Cannoneer has unlimited ammo and
Steal Hi-Potion (5%), Health Potion (50%) capacity.
Loot Stardust (5%), Obsidian (20%), Storm Crystal (95%), 100gp
Steal Stardust (5%), Health Potion (20%)
Crab Knight CR 3 *uses Vit in place of Agi
N Small beastkin 3/warrior 1
Init d10; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 18
Language Aquan
Defences Ref 20 (flat-footed 18), Fort 18, Will 16 Room 7: The Holding Cells
Hp 29; DR 4; Threshold 18
Weakness Colde, Electric
Dynamic Events:
If the party enters the hallway from The Pits (room 6) Refer-
Speed 4 squares; climb 2 squares; swim 4 squares ence Section A of the following room. However, if the party was defeated
Melee boar spear +14 (2d6+5) by the crabrigade reference Section B of the following room.
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square
Abilities Str 12, Agi 15, Vit 14, Int 5, Mnd 12, Cha 4
Talents Armour Training
Section A
Feats Armour Proficiency (light, heavy), Skill Focus (2-Handed), Room Description:
Weapon Proficiency (Polearms) As the party enters the hallway from The Pits, read or paraphrase the fol-
Skills Athletics +8, 2-Handed +13, Perception +8, Unarmed +8 lowing text:
Loot Stardust (5%), Boar Spear (20%), Iron Cuirass (50%), Storm
Crystal (95%), and 100gp “You enter into a damp, dimly lit hallway. The gaps in the decrepit,
Steal Stardust (5%), Moonwort (20%) rusted bars allow you a glimpse into the derelict cells that line southern
wall… There is a faint flickering light coming from the room at the east
end of the murky corridor…
Crab Wizard CR 3
N Small beastkin 1/mage 3
MP 24 Dynamic Events:
Init d12; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17 If any characters that died during any of the previous combat
Language Aquan, Auran, Terran encounters, their backup characters may be discovered within the cells.
Defences Ref 20 (flat-footed 17), Fort 16, Will 18 They will have none of their gear on them, as it is secured in the Armory
Hp 24; DR 3; Threshold 17 (room 8).
Weakness Colde, Electric
Speed 4 squares, climb 2 squares, swim 4 squares Anyone attempting to liberate the prisoners, or prisoners seek-
Ranged nimbus wand +16 (3d4+3) ing to liberate themselves, will need to succeed a DC 15 Strength check to
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square force the cell doors open, or a DC 15 disable check to pick the lock.
Spells Known (Spellcraft +16) Cleanse, Dispel, Shock, Ward
Abilities Str 8, Agi 16, Vit 13, Int 16, Mnd 15, Cha 10 Section B
Talents Focused Spell, Penetrating Spell
Feats Arcane Study, Channel, Extra Mana, Skill Focus (Spellcraft)
Room Description:
Skills Acrobatics+8, Knowledge Arcana +9, Knowledge Local +9, Characters who were knocked unconscious awaken within one of the cells.
Perception+7, Stealth+13, Spellcraft +16, Survival+7, Unarmed +6 Read or paraphrase the following text:
Loot Nimbus wand (5%) Mages Habit (20%), Ether (50%), Storm
Crystal (95%), and 300gp “You awaken to pitch darkness, a humid chill in the air of this unknown
Steal Stardust (5%), Ether (95%) place. Lying flat on your back, only a weathered sheet of damp burlap
separates you from the cold stone floor. When your eyes finally adjust
to the darkness, you recognize the rusted iron bars as a cell door. You
have been taken prisoner.”
GM Notes:
When the party awakens, each of them are in separate cells “You enter the room at the far end of the hall. It seems to be an armoury
stripped of all equipment and items, save their armour. Additionally, each of sorts, though clearly refashioned into a makeshift execution cham-
character recovers some HP and MP, as if they had taken an 8 hour rest. ber. A crude, blood-stained chopping block rests ominously at the cen-
tre of the room, a small mound of severed heads piled against the
When characters have 8 hours of uninterrupted rest, they regain wall… there were no survivors. Across the room are several tables,
an amount of HP equal to (character level + vitality modifier) x 2, as well shelves, and racks filled with equipment and supplies, while a set of
as an amount of MP equal to (character level + mind modifier) x 2. old keys is suspended from a hook on the nearest wall.”

Enemies and Hazards: Hidden Items:

The cell doors are locked and cannot be opened normally. How- If the party made it to this room without dying, then they dis-
ever, these old doors are easier to foil than most. Requiring either a DC 15 cover various pieces of gear and equipment that have been discarded here.
disable check to unlock the door, or a DC 15 strength check to force it open. Roll 1d4 on the Armoury Loot Table below, to determine what items are
found.
If 1 or more characters successfully escape their cells, reference The keys on the nearest wall unlock the cell doors found in room 7.
text for Result A.

However, if 4 or more total skill checks are failed by the party, Armoury Loot Table
before any successful escape, the party fails to escape their cells. Reference
text Result B. # Items Found

Result A: 1 Bronze Sword, Long Bolts (10), Scroll of Ember, Widow’s

When the party has gotten out of their cells successfully, read or paraphrase Kiss.
the following text:
2 Ether, Javelin, Pyrosceptre, Scroll of Cure.
“As you leave your cell, you find yourself in the middle of a dark, damp
3 Fyr Arrows (10), Hide Armour, Hi-Potion, Scroll of Protect.
hallway. At the far-left end of the hall, glows a cool, ambient light that
vanishes into the winding corridor. To the right, a warm, flickering 4 Dagger, Fyr Wand, 1d4 Health Potions, Hi-Ether.
light illuminates a nearby chamber.”

However, if the party had to escape the holding cells after de-
GM Notes: feat, or otherwise had to free any players' backup characters from the hold-
Should the party leave the hall through the left passage, they re- ing cells, only confiscated items can be recovered in this room.
enter the Pits (room 8) to find the Crab Battalion has dispersed, leaving the
room empty. Enemies and Hazards:
If, and only IF the party had to had to free themselves from the
Result B: holding cells after defeat, does this encounter trigger.
If the party does not escape their cells, read or paraphrase the following
text: As the party recovers their equipment (give them time to use
potions if they would like) and are ready to leave the Armoury, the loud
“Your attempts at escape have proved fruitless. You have no choice but sound of chittering feet, large and small, can be heard from the hall. Within
to sit in your cell and await your fate. Before long, you hear the chit- moments, 4 Crab Squires, 1 Crab Priest, and 1 Crab Executioner burst
tering footsteps of crabs coming down the hall. Your cells then open, into the room!
one by one, as crab squires are directed by a small crab, wearing an
ornate, clerical mitre, to lead you from your cells into the hall. The Section B
large, ominous figure of a crab cloaked in black, blocks the passageway
to your left. He carries a massive two-handed axe, with the still fresh Room Description:
blood of his last kill coating its edge. The crab priest motions the As the party is forced into the Armoury, read or paraphrase the following
squires forward, now leading you to a chamber at the far end of the text:
murky corridor.”
“As the crabs lead your party, willing or not, into the armoury. You see
it’s been fashioned into a makeshift execution chamber. A crude,
GM Notes: blood-stained chopping block rests at the centre of the room, a small
Should a member of the party resist the crabs and refuse to exit mound of severed heads piled against the east wall. Across the room,
their cell, the crab squire will automatically knock them unconscious and you can see your armaments carelessly scattered atop the tables… As
drag them the rest of the way. the crab priest begins to flip through a small tome, preparing your last
rites, the executioner begins to sharpen his axe. Their backs are turned
Willing or not, the party enters the Armoury (Room 8) to you and even the lowly squires pay you little mind… this may be
your last chance.”

Room 8: The Armoury Enemies and Hazards:

Dynamic Events: Should the party choose to attack or attempt to grab their weap-
If the party wanders into the Armoury while exploring, refer- ons, they initiate combat. Treat this as a surprise round.
ence Section A of the following room. However, if the party was forced
into the Armoury by the crabs, reference Section B of the following room. During a surprise round, initiative is rolled as normal, though
only the attackers (in this instance, the party) may take a full round of ac-
Section A tions. The surprised party (in this instance, the crabs) may only take a single
standard, move, or swift action on their turn, but only if their initiative
Room Description: would allow them to act before 1 or more of the attackers. Otherwise, sur-
As the party enters the Armoury, read or paraphrase the following text: prised characters and creatures can take no action on their turn and are flat-
footed. After the surprise round, combat continues normally, using the ex-
isting initiative order. Executioner Crab CR 4
N Large beastkin 2/warrior 3
Init d10; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17
Combat: Language Aquan
The party must battle 2 Crab Squires, 1 Crab Priest, and 1 Ex- Defences Ref 16 (flat-footed 16), Fort 22, Will 17
ecutioner Crab. However, should any squires remain after the Crab exe- Hp 53; DR 8; Threshold 27
cutioner and Crab priest are defeated, they immediately flee, and are re- Immunities Paralysis, Poison, Toad, Silence, Sleep, Slow
moved from combat. Note, loot is not rolled for any enemy that fled. Resistance Colde
Weakness Holy
GM Notes: Speed 4 squares; climb 4 squares; swim 8 squares
As stated in one scenario of the Holding Cells (room 7), party Melee headsman's axe +22 (2d10+18) when raging, or
members may be drug into the Armoury while unconscious. After the sur- Melee headsman’s axe +22 (3d10+18) when raging with mighty
prise round, you should consider allowing an unconscious character to swing
come to and join the fight, though now at a greater disadvantage. Space 1 square; Reach 2 squares
In the event that the entire party are drug into the room while unconscious, Atk Options Rage
no combat may be initiated, and the characters are quietly executed one Abilities Str 24, Agi 11, Vit 18, Int 3, Mnd 10, Cha 2
after the other. The game is over. Talents Heavy Handed, Rage
Feats Armour Proficiency (light), Improved Defences, Mighty
Combat Tactics: Swing, Skill Focus (1-handed), Toughness
The executioner and squires will focus on the nearest enemies, Skills 1-Handed +19, Perception +7, Unarmed +19
prioritizing the easiest targets to hit, while the priest will focus on support- Loot Headsman's Axe (5%), Black Garb (20%), Storm Crystal (95%),
ing and healing the executioner. 500gp
Steal Moondust (5%), Hi-Potion (20%), Nothing (95%)
Crab Squire CR 3
N Small beastkin 4
Init d8; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17
Language Aquan
Room 9: The Last Stretch
This is the last room of the dungeon before the final battle, read or para-
Defences Ref 19 (flat-footed 17), Fort 15, Will 14 phrase the following text.
Hp 25; DR 5; Threshold 15
Weakness Colde, Electric
Speed 4 squares; climb 2 squares; swim 4 squares “The large passage has a dull light, the smaller crystals failing to illu-
Melee steel broadsword +12 (2d6 +2) minate all within its vast reaches. As you continue your way through
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square the darkness, you finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. You sense
you’re reaching your journeys end.”
Abilities Str 10, Agi 14, Vit 13, Int 2, Mnd 10, Cha 2
Feats Skill Focus (1-handed), Weapon Proficiency (Swords)
Skills 1-Handed +7, Perception +9, Unarmed +12 When the players are ready to move forward… enter The
Loot Stardust (5%), Steel Broadsword (20%), Storm Crystal (50%) Throne Room.
Steal Stardust (5%), Golden Sap (20%), Health Potion (95%)

Room 10: The Throne Room

Crab Priest CR 3
N Small beastkin 1/initiate 3 Room Description:
MP 24 This is the final room of the dungeon. Read or paraphrase the following
Init d12; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17 text:
Language Aquan, Auran, Terran
Defences Ref 20 (flat-footed 17), Fort 16, Will 18 “As you step into the light, the passage opens into an enormous expanse
Hp 24; DR 5; Threshold 16 of crystalline walls, reaching high into the interior of the hollowed
Weakness Colde, Electric mountain. Before you, a great staircase climbs the many ascending lev-
Speed 4 squares, climb 2 squares, swim 4 squares els of the glorious cavern, each crowned with crystals that shine more
Melee 2 claws +6 (1d3+1) brilliantly than the last.”
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square
Spells Known (spellcraft +14/16*) Cleanse, Cure, Dispel, Ward
Abilities Str 8, Agi 16, Vit 13, Int 16, Mnd 15, Cha 10 Enemies and Hazards:
Talents Benediction, Healers Blessing Creatures do not have line of sight on creatures that occupy the
Feats Arcane Study, Channel, Extra Mana, Skill Focus (Spellcraft) higher elevation, unless said creature is standing at the nearest edge. The
Skills Acrobatics +8, Knowledge Arcana +9, Knowledge Religion only exception to this rule is for any creature or character that occupies the
+9, Perception +7, Stealth+13, Spellcraft +14/16*, Survival +7, Un- adjoining stairs, which allow them a better view of the next floor.
armed +6
The Crab King is at the top of the stairs, upon his throne. How-
Loot Cleric’s Chimere (5%), Ether (50%), Storm Crystal (95%), and
ever, the party will not see him until they reach the platform beneath his
300gp
throne.
Steal Stardust (5%), Ether (95%)
*when casting white magick spells
When the party finds the Crab King at the top, read or para-
phrase the following text.
 “As you ascend the final flight of stairs, you are greeted by an enor- Crab Priest CR 3
mous red crab, wearing a golden crown adorned with an impressive N Small beastkin 1/initiate 3
variety of jewels, gems, pearls, and shells. Mounted upon each of his MP 24
mighty limbs is a large tower shield, bearing the crustacean coat of Init d12; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 17
arms, while upon his face, he wears the scars of his many battles… If Language Aquan, Auran, Terran
his sheer size is any indication of his longevity, it is safe to assume, he
Defences Ref 20 (flat-footed 17), Fort 16, Will 18
has won them all… His eyes meet yours, glaring at you menacingly.
Hp 24; DR 5; Threshold 16
He rises from his throne, claws raised in the air, and with a deafening Weakness Colde, Electric
CLICK CLACK, he challenges you to a climactic final battle.”
Speed 4 squares, climb 2 squares, swim 4 squares
Melee 2 claws +6 (1d3+1)
Combat: Space 1 square; Reach 1 square
The final battle is against 1 Crab King, 1 Crab Priest*, and 2 Spells Known (spellcraft +14/16*) Cleanse, Cure, Dispel, Ward
Crab Knights. Abilities Str 8, Agi 16, Vit 13, Int 16, Mnd 15, Cha 10
Talents Benediction, Healers Blessing
Should any enemies remain when the Crab King is defeated, Feats Arcane Study, Channel, Extra Mana, Skill Focus (Spellcraft)
they immediately flee and are removed from combat. Skills Acrobatics +8, Knowledge Arcana +9, Knowledge Religion
*If the Crab Priest was defeated with the Executioner Crab, he will not be +9, Perception +7, Stealth+13, Spellcraft +14/16*, Survival +7, Un-
present for this battle. armed +6
Loot Cleric’s Chimere (5%), Ether (50%), Storm Crystal (95%), and
When the Crab King is defeated, read or paraphrase the follow- 300gp
ing text. Steal Stardust (5%), Ether (95%)
*when casting white magick spells
“Bested, the Crab King struggles to stand against the weight of his
wounds. For a moment, before collapsing, he says, “Go to youtube dot
com slash critcrab… watch my videos... be sure to like, share, sub- Crab King, The CR 7
scribe, and click the bell icon for notifications… till next time…” and LN Huge Legendary beastkin 1/warrior 5
with a heavy sigh, the great king of crustaceans collapses to the ground, Init d8; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 19
his body begins to emit a strange glow. Taking on an incorporeal form, Language Aquan
the Crab King begins to vanish before your eyes, while ghostly wisps Defences Ref 16 (flat-footed 14), Fort 28, Will 19
emerge from the fading image. The wisps gather in the air above, and Hp 95; DR 5; Threshold 38
together, form a crystal conch that falls at your feet. You are victori- Immunities Charm, Paralysis, Petrification, Poison, Slow, Toad
ous.” Resistance Colde, Lightning
Weakness Fyr
Speed 6 squares, climb 6 squares, swim 10 squares
Crab Knight CR 3 Melee kite shield +18 (1d10+8), or
N Small beastkin 3/warrior 1 Melee kite shield +13 (1d10+8) and kite shield +13 (1d10+8) with
Init d10; Senses Low-Light Vision; Passive Perception 18 two-weapon fighting
Language Aquan Space 3x3 squares; Reach 3 squares
Defences Ref 20 (flat-footed 18), Fort 18, Will 16 Abilities Str 22, Agi 15, Vit 29, Int 7, Mnd 14, Cha 12
Hp 29; DR 4; Threshold 18 Special Qualities Legendary Features (Broodlord, Shell Shock, Un-
Weakness Colde, Electric yielding), Vapor Spray
Speed 4 squares; climb 2 squares; swim 4 squares Talents Deflect, Shield Ally
Melee boar spear +14 (2d6+5) Feats Shake it off, Shield Bash, Shield Proficiency, Skill Focus (1-
Space 1 square; Reach 1 square handed), Toughness, Two-Weapon Fighting
Abilities Str 12, Agi 15, Vit 14, Int 5, Mnd 12, Cha 4 Skills 1-Handed +18, Athletics +13, Knowledge Nobility +5, Percep-
Talents Armour Training tion +9, Unarmed +15
Feats Armour Proficiency (light, heavy), Skill Focus (2-Handed), Broodlord- 1d4+1turns after initiative is rolled, the crab king imme-
Weapon Proficiency (Polearms) diately summons 1d4 crab knights within 6 squares and line of sight.
Skills Athletics +8, 2-Handed +13, Perception +8, Unarmed +8 Every 1d4+1 rounds after this, another 1d4 crab knights are sum-
Loot Stardust (5%), Boar Spear (20%), Iron Cuirass (50%), Storm moned.
Crystal (95%), and 100gp Shell Shock- The first time the Crab King is reduced to 47 HP or less,
Steal Stardust (5%), Moonwort (20%) the Crab King immediately makes an attack roll (d20+18 against the
reflex defence of all enemies within 12 squares. If successful, targets
suffer 4d6+11 electric damage, otherwise creatures suffer only half
damage. Should the attack surpass both a targets ref and fort defence,
the target becomes paralysed. This happens agains the first time the
Crab King is reduced to 23 HP or less.
Unyielding- The first time the Crab King is reduced to 47 HP or less,
the Crab Kings DR increases to DR 10, for the duration of the fight.
This happens again when the Crab King is reduced to 23 HP or less,
increasing to DR 15.
Vapor Spray- As a standard action, the Crab King can make an at-
tack roll (d20+18) against the reflex defence of all creatures in a 6
square cone. If successful, targets become drenched. Should the check
exceed both a targets ref and fort defence, the target is knocked prone.
The Crab King may not use this ability again for 1d4+1 rounds.
Loot Azureous Lunar Shard, Crystal Conch and 600gp
Steal Moondust (20%), Hi-Potion (95%)
Unique Item
The Crystal Conch
Within this elaborate, sparkling crystal shell, lives a tiny little crab
with a small golden crown. Once per daye, as a full-round action, a
character may use this item to summon the mighty Crab King. For the
duration of the encounter, the Crab King will battle on the side of its
summoner, acting as a companion/ally.
The Crab King gains a bonus, equal to half the users character level,
to attack rolls, skill checks, damage rolls, defences, and DR. How-
ever, this summon may not use any of the Crab Kings legendary fea-
tures. This item weighs 1/10 bulk.

-The End-
You made it! We hope you enjoyed your time playing Last Arc: Tactics
Analogue, as well as your adventures through the Crystal Caverns!

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