Professional Documents
Culture Documents
RM2 The Created (2e)
RM2 The Created (2e)
ADVENTURE
Advanced
J_L
w^ •
I
t . *•
>
1 I
A" by Bruce Nesmith
Bo Banducci (Order #27095253)
Guiseppe's Toy Shop
1st Floor
Credits
Designer: Bruce Nesmith
Editor: Dori Jean Watry
Cover Artist: Brom
Interior Artist: Dave Simons
Typesetting: Angelika Lokotz
AD&D, ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, and RAVENLOFT are registered trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. DM,
DUNGEON MASTER, MONSTROUS COMPENDIUM, and the TSR logo are trademarks owned by TSR, Inc. All TSR
characters, character names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
This material is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any unauthorized use of the material or
artwork contained herein is expressly prohibited without the written consent of TSR, Inc. © 1993 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Printed in the U.S.A.
Random House and its affiliate companies have worldwide distribution rights in the book trade for English-language products
of TSR, Inc. Distributed to the book and hobby trade in the United Kingdom by TSR Ltd. Distributed to the toy and hobby trade
by regional distributors.
f
ear and horror checks are always optional. If Guiseppe's horror, they obeyed Figlio and ignored
one is called for, it is recommended that the their true creator.
DM allow the players a few moments to During a theater show, Figlio's "carrionettes" (as
decide upon a reaction. If a PC's reaction shows he called the puppets) slew all the adults present,
good role-playing of fear and/or horror, then the but spared the children. This heinous act carved out
DM can let that PC to skip the check. If a a small domain in Ravenloft just for Figlio, and the
character acts nonchalant or cavalier in the face entire town was transported to the demiplane of
of absolute horror, however, then apply the check. dread. That night Figlio renamed himself Maligno
Any player who does a good job of role-playing (ma-LEEG-no). He sent his carrionettes into the
may be able to play the entire adventure without streets to look for other adults so that the puppets
making any checks. The player will remain in could take over those bodies. They would become
control of his or her character as long as the the new "adults" of Odiare, all loyal to Maligno.
player acts appropriately. If the player doesn't do Maligno, in turn, tried to take over the body of
a good job of role-playing, then the dice will Guiseppe. He discovered that the demiplane of
make the decisions for him or her! The PC must Ravenloft confers a curse upon all its lords. He alone
make fear and horror checks and suffer the of all the carrionettes is unable to inhabit a human
consequences. It is possible that the player will body. To this day Maligno burns with rage and frus-
lose control of his or her character (via failed fear tration. He keeps Guiseppe prisoner, forcing him to
or horror checks) for short periods of time. make more carrionettes as the puppet needs them.
: * < •
T
town is named Odiare, but you are
welcome to rename it to suit your he streets are 15 feet wide, and the alleys are
own campaign. You will need to about 5 feet wide. They are all paved with
either place a town of this name cobblestones. Most of the buildings in this
somewhere in your campaign or sleepy little town are two stories tall. Most have a
change the name of this town to basement of some sort. The buildings tend to be
match one of yours. As the adventure made of wood and plaster, with wooden shingles.
opens, there is a festival in the town, Glass windows are common. Unless otherwise
celebrating Bambeen (Bam-BEE-n). specified, all doors to businesses are unlocked
Bambeen is a spring holiday honoring and doors to residences are locked.
life, growth, and children in particular. Most buildings have a trade or business on the
The following text should be read to first floor, and the second floor is living quarters
the players. for the shopkeeper and his or her family. A few of
the wealthier businesspeople have separate homes.
When Maligno commits his vile crime in the
The sun is shining brightly over the sleepy
theater and the domain of Odiare forms, an
town of Odiare. The buildings are decorated
eternal night falls over the town and the vacant
with ribbons and splashed with flowers.
streets become hazy with a light fog.
Everyone is in the streets, gaily bustling along.
Children holding dolls and other toys dash
under foot. Peddlers hawk holiday wares from The Town Map
B
hastily assembled stalls. Toys and brightly-
efore the incident at the theater (see page
colored scarves predominate the market. Even
10), the town of Odiare is like any other
the adults are buying the goods.
town. The map shown on the gatefold cover
is just of the center of town. At this point, ignore
Choose the player in your group most like to the boundaries and the wrap-around street rules.
respond to the following situation: A pretty On the following pages you'll find a list of
maiden or handsome young man (Sofia or businesses in the town and descriptions of
Antonio as appropriate) approaches this player. important places.
He/she coyly offers a doll—a marionette—to this As soon as Maligno does away with the adults
player's character, saying, "Are you going to the in the theater, Odiare becomes a domain in
puppet show tonight?" The marionette is a gift to Ravenloft. The town is then restricted to the small
the character in the spirit of Bambeen. If the square shown on the map. Each of the roads
character refuses the toy, he/she looks hurt and exiting the map connects to a road on the other
moves away, dangling the toy. As you will see side, which leads right back in. A PC fleeing west
later, this puppet is actually a carrionette (see the (or any other direction) will eventually end up
MC entry in the back of this adventure for more right back where he started.
information). If the character accepts, Sofia/ Along the domain boundaries at the roof level
Antonio arranges to meet the character outside is the infamous misty border of Ravenloft. In the
the Secolo (se-KOE-low) Theater at sunset. unlikely event that a PC climbs across the roofs of
Shortly after this event, a passerby drapes a the buildings or flies out of town without using the
scarf over a different character's shoulder and streets, find a logical place to have him or her
then skips away, laughing merrily. After that an reenter via the opposite side.
OPENING ACT
42. Undertaker: Owned by the temple and
operated by the priests and clerics, it is effectively First Blood
L
a part of the temple, although it is a separate et the players wander the streets for a while
building with its own special purposes. and enjoy the party. Storm clouds are
building on the horizon. In a few hours the
43. Town square: This open area is filled with clouds will be overhead. The characters don't
people and vendors' carts before the domain is know it, but the sleepy little town of Odiare is
created. In the center of the square is a statue about to enter the demiplane of dread. In a while,
about 10 feet tall of a smiling young woman just as the clouds obscure the sun . . .
holding a laughing child.
After the domain has been formed, there is a
The bright light of the sun goes dim. The
single abandoned cart with two large wooden
storm clouds that have been edging nearer to
wheels in the square. The statue has changed
Odiare are now upon the town. Rain threatens
subtly. The woman's posture and shape are the
to fall. The vendors are hurriedly putting tarps
same, but her face is now an expression of over their stalls, but the darkening skies have
sorrow. The child is now a marionette with an evil no effect on the gaiety of the townsfolk.
expression. Neither of these changes is apparent
Suddenly you hear a shriek from above.
unless someone looks directly at the statue or has
Looking up, you see a woman leaning out of a
cause to examine it.
second-story window. Her face is stricken with
terror. "Help!" she cries. "Murderer! There's a
murderer loose!"
Her cries continue, growing less coherent by
the moment. The crowd below her window
quiets in shock for a moment, and then the
people's voices swell in dismay. Laughter and
joy have been replaced by whispers and horror.
T U
his is the home of Franco and Maria Sertino iewing the slain body of Franco Sertino is
(ser-TEE-no) and their daughter Giselle cause for a mild horror check (+2 bonus).
(ji-ZEL-la). It is a simple structure, roughly Aldo the constable is of little help. He bustles
20 feet square and two stories tall. It is marked on about, looking busy and asking useless questions.
the domain map. If this mystery is going to be solved, the PCs are
The first floor is a single room that serves as going to have to do it. If Giselle's room is
kitchen, dining room, and living room. It is full of searched, a small, bloody knife is found. It is
the normal clutter of a home. Clothes lay stacked poorly concealed under her bedsheets. The blade
on a table, tools hang on the wall, toys lay dis- is no more than 4 inches long.
carded on the floor, etc. This is not a wealthy home.
The woman on the balcony is Maria Sertino, Giselle is in a state of shock. She will not
and she races to the PCs. She is almost respond to many questions. She will talk about
incoherent, but she manages to babble something her doll, named Knuckles, but she won't let go of
about "He's dead! Upstairs—" it voluntarily. Giselle will state proudly, "He can
The second floor has two small bedrooms. dance and sing, you know!" She hugs it close to
Hanging curtains divide them from the stairs.
Either bedroom can be entered without disturbing herself at all times. If asked about the bloody
the other. The bedroom on the right belongs to knife, she says, "He made me hide it for him."
the parents. The one on the left is for their child She refuses to identify this person further, saying,
Giselle, and it doubles as a storeroom. As the "He said he'd hurt me if I say his name."
characters reach the top of the stairs, they can
hear a child's voice crooning out a lullaby from Although the characters don't know it yet,
the room on the left. Knuckles is a carrionette. With the innocence that
only a child possesses, Giselle accepts the fact
In the parent's bedroom . . . that he can walk and talk. Knuckles is her
"bestest friend," and she will do anything to
The coarse sheets and furs of the bed are protect him. Under no circumstances will the
twisted and stretched between the frame and carrionette harm Giselle or any other child.
the body of a man. He lies tangled amid the
bedclothes, sightless eyes staring at some Franco saw Knuckles moving of his own
imagined horror. His throat has been slit. The accord and talking to Giselle. The puppet killed
sides of his mouth are cut open, making it look Franco to prevent him from spreading the word
like a clown's oversized smile. Rosy circles about the carrionettes. Franco would have ruined
have been painted onto his cheeks with blood.
Maligno's plan to massacre the grown-ups at the
theater tonight. Through a combination of threats
and promises, Knuckles coerced Giselle to hide
In the child's bedroom . . . the knife. Giselle refuses to acknowledge that her
doll did anything wrong. She will also deny that
A little girl, maybe seven years old, sits on a
her father is dead, saying instead that he is away
small bed, hugging a wooden, painted puppet
and will return in a few days. Deep inside she
and singing softly to herself. Her attention is
knows the truth, but she refuses to admit it.
totally focused on the doll. She doesn't even
acknowledge your existence. The room is There is precious little more that the PCs can
clean, but the floor is strewn with toys and dolls. discover here. Nobody on the street saw anyone
enter or leave the home. The alley behind the
house is devoid of clues. When the PCs leave the
Sertino home, Maria has quieted enough to care
for and comfort her daughter.
A
t sunset a puppet show is planned at the carrionettes are busy paralyzing and carrying
Secolo Theater. It is most likely that the PCs away the adults. This single act wipes out more
will attend the show after calming Maria than half the adults in the town. It seals Maligno's
Sertino. (Remember: They were invited by either fate to become a domain lord in the demiplane of
Sofia or Antonio.) If they do not, however, have dread.
Aldo collect them after he is contacted by a man None of the children see what happens behind
named Gerrardo (gair-RAR-doe). them; they are all too busy watching the show.
At the start of the show, Guiseppe introduces Afterward, Maligno tells the children lies about
himself and then Figlio as his prize puppet. The why their parents vanished. As the children
show begins with a typical Punch-and-Judy wander into the streets and to their empty homes,
routine, and nothing should seem amiss. the other adults of the community find them and
Shortly after the show has started, the PCs are discover that many people "vanished" in the
called out of the theater by Aldo the constable. He theater. Alarmed, they send someone to find Aldo
has a suspect at the jail. The suspect is a nearly and his newly sworn-in deputies. All the while,
comatose bum who lives in the alley behind the carrionettes ambush the few remaining adults in
Secolo Theater
2nd Floor
I * *OBW-V
.wt.
Bo Banducci (Order #27095253)
DIM THE LIGHTS
fter the attack at the Secolo Carrionettes (18): AL CE; Int Avg; AC 6;
Theater, Maligno recognizes that MV 6; HD 2; hp 10 each; THACO 19; #AT 1;
the PCs are a genuine threat to Dmg 1; SA paralyzation, possession; SD
him, so he prepares a trap at the immune to poison, cold, electricity, mental
toy shop. Guiseppe's Toy Shop is spells; MR nil; SZ T (1 'tall); ML fearless (20);
lit up like a lighthouse beacon, for XP 975 each.
every lamp in the place is lit. All
the PCs will notice the light as soon Maligno: AL CE; Int Exc; AC 4; MV 9; HD 6;
as they round a corner and sight hp 30; THACO 15; #AT 1; Dmg Id3; SA
the shop. Otto's irresistible dance, ventriloquism, taunt,
To ambush the PCs, Maligno takes paralyze, animate toy; SD immune to poison,
five life-size rag dolls and ties their cold, electricity, most spells; MR nil; SZ T.
hands behind their backs and puts
sacks over their heads. Maligno then If the tide turns and it looks like he will be
animates them with his innate power defeated or even captured, Maligno will flee. He
so that they struggle and wiggle will not animate any toys until the situation gets
around a bit—very lifelike. Since all this desperate. He can flee through either door or
that is visible are the clothes the dolls up the stairs. If he is out of view for two rounds or
are wearing (their hands and heads more, he is gone and cannot be found.
are hidden), they look for all the world like real When running this encounter, be strictly
people. Maligno and four of his carrionettes then honest. The adventure will work quite well
use their ventriloquism power to make muffled whether the PCs are captured or are victorious. If
cries for help. they defeat Maligno here, they can investigate the
At some point, one of the PCs will pull a sack toy shop and learn how to escape the domain
off of a doll's head or do something else that
alerts the PC to the ruse. At that point, Maligno
and his carrionette crew attack. Eight carrionettes
on the roof throw a net over any PCs standing
outside the building; a save vs. breath weapon is
necessary to avoid it. The carrionettes then leap
from the roof onto the PCs and begin to stab them
with silver needles.
Any PCs who have been taken over by
carrionettes now turn traitor. As DM, pass a note
to each player controlled by a carrionette, telling
him or her to help the puppets capture (not kill)
the other PCs.
Inside the toy shop, Maligno himself leads ten
carrionettes to the attack. He uses whatever
powers are necessary to subdue the characters. In
particular, he attempts to touch PCs and make
them dance. If he sees anyone running away, he
uses his taunt ability to try to make them return
to the fray.
T
escape. Naturally, the PC doll also suffers a fall—
his section of the adventure is played only if and he or she takes Id6 points of damage unless
all the PCs are captured by the carrionettes. a save vs. fall is made. If none of the cages are
When the characters wake up, they are in the harmed enough to crack open, then the last cage
bodies of dolls. Their new doll forms have been to fall cracks open automatically.
placed in round, wooden birdcages and There is a clever way to avoid having the cage
suspended about a foot from the ceiling. The fall. Several strings dangle from each PC doll.
sight of their possessed bodies and their current Tied together, each PC's strings form a single
plight is cause for a horror check. strand about 6 feet long; working together, the PC
dolls might get enough string to lower one doll's
cage to the floor. If this string is looped through
You awaken to find yourself in a round,
the chain and tied to the top of the cage, the PC
wooden cage, suspended from the ceiling by a
can undo the cage from the chain and keep it
massive brass chain. Your first movements
suspended by holding tight to the string. By
make the cage sway slightly. Carefully peering
letting out the string a little at a time, the cage
out, the sight that greets your eyes chills you
can be gently lowered to the floor.
to the bone. You see a giant-size doppleganger
Once even a single doll is free, he or she can
of yourself and of each of your companions
release the others. Two dolls working together
that stand fully 30 feet tall! The room must be
can untwist the wire that closes a cage door. The
40 feet at the ceiling, where your cage hangs.
combat abilities of the PCs as dolls is found on
One of the doppleganger giants gives you a
pages 17 and 18.
cold, malicious glance as it files out of the
shop with the others
Escaping the Toy Shop: The toy shop is littered
As they depart, your perceptions correct
with animated toys, all set to prevent the
themselves. You feel as though you are looking
characters from escaping. In fact, there are so
at an inverted, flat, line drawing of a three-
many that if all of them immediately assault the
dimensional object. Your doppleganger body
PCs, they are doomed.
was normal size—it's you who have shrunk!
Maligno wants the PCs alive, but trapped in doll
Then, a glance at your body reveals an even
bodies. If they die while in the doll bodies, then
more horrifying fact: You are inhabiting the
the carrionettes inhabiting their living bodies die
body of a doll!
also. Therefore, Maligno has given orders to the
toys to prevent the escape of the PCs, but not to
Escaping the Cages: The doors to the cages have kill them. The toys will generally act to drive the
a stiff piece of wire twisted about them, making PCs back from the windows, doors, and stairs.
them impossible for the characters to open. The They don't mind causing damage, but they will
bars of the cage are too thick and sturdy for the avoid attacking with a good chance of
"puppets" to break, bend, or squeeze through. destruction.
These birdcages were never meant to hold For example, the toys will knock the PCs off of
creatures with hands, however. While the tables, drag them away from doors and windows,
carrionettes in the PCs' stolen bodies secured the block exits, etc. As long as the PCs stay well
doors, they neglected to do anything about the away from the doors, windows, and stairs, the
T
here are two entrances to the store—one • Jack-in-the-box, 1 (automatic surprise when
opening onto the main street, the other into a popping out of box, 2 attacks for 1 d3 points of
back alley. The back door is kept locked for damage). This toy is the one shown on the
the duration of this adventure. The front door is cover of this adventure. It was altered by
unlocked unless the PCs are captured and Maligno to have a skull head and clawed
possessed by the dolls; then it is kept locked. The hands. It is the leader of the toys.
store front has two large glass windows. The first • Tin soldier, 1 (AC 0, sword inflicts Id3 points
floor is the store and workshop. The upstairs is of damage).
Guiseppe's living quarters. There is no basement • Rag doll, 1 (immune to falls & bashing
or cellar. attacks).
When the PCs enter the toy shop, lay out the • Wheeled horse, 1 (MV 12, charge for Id2
large map found on the inside of the cover. This is points of damage, save vs. breath or be
the players' map, and they can see everything knocked down).
shown on that map. (A copy of the map is
included on page 19 for your use. It has all of the Nonanimated toys:
keyed locations described below. There is no Dominos, card deck, ring toss, stick acrobat
player map for the second floor.) puppets, music box, wooden sword, ceramic
The windows of the second floor are all shut, dolls.
but not locked. It will take the cooperative effort
of three doll-size PCs (one normal-size one) to A2—Display Shelf
open a window. The doorways are all covered Animated toys:
with a hanging cloth instead of doors. The cloth • Wooden dragon, 1 (fly 12 [C], breath fire,
blocks sight and retains some heat, but it does 12" x 6" cone, 1 d6 points of damage, save for
nothing to stop movement. half).
• Punch & Judy puppets, 2 (clubs inflict Id3
Al to A4. Display Shelves: These shelves are points of damage).
filled with a wide variety of toys. Many of them • Wooden bear, 1 (16 hit points).
have been animated by Maligno. Below is a • Battering ram, 1 (charge for Id6 points of
sampling of toys to be found on each shelf. damage).
Animated toys are listed first, with special abilities
shown in parentheses afterward. Some of these Nonanimated toys:
special abilities will work only against unarmored, Bouncing ball, stick puppets, jacks, marbles,
size T (tiny) or smaller opponents. The wooden animals, straw dolls.
nonanimated toys are listed last. There are many
other nonanimated toys on these shelves, as well
as duplicates of those listed.
K. Hobby Dragon: The head of this "hobby horse" IN. Kite: With a griffon painted on it, this kite is
is that of a dragon. This is a larger than normal able to sail around the room and "bump" into
animated toy—and a fearsome opponent. It will things, doing 1 point of damage.
only animate against human or humanoid
intruders. It ignores the PCs while they have doll Animated Toy: AL LE; Int Avg; AC 6; Fly 6
bodies. Its breath weapon extends in a cone 10 (D); HD 2; hp 8; THACO 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1;
feet long and 5 feet wide, inflicting 2d6 points of SD immune to poison, cold, electricity,
damage upon anyone in it (save vs. breath mental spells; MR nil; SZ S (3'tall); ML
weapon for half damage). fearless (20); XP 175.
Carrionettes (1-3): AL CE; Int Avg; AC 6; Other Denizens: The creation of the domain of
MV 6; HD 2; hp 10 each; THACO 19; #AT 1; Odiare has caused a few other creatures to
Dmg 1; SA paralyzation, possession; SD become menaces. Giant rats now roam the alleys
immune to poison, cold, electricity, mental and are sometimes bold enough to attack people
spells; MR nil; SZ T (1 'tall); ML fearless (20); in the streets. If the PCs play dead, the rats will
XP 975 each. sniff their bodies and leave them alone.
Dog Pack: Dogs are a common part of any town. Giant Rats (5): AL N(E); Int Semi; AC 7;
With the streets largely empty, small packs have MV 12; HD'A;hp 4, 2, 3, 1, 2; THACO 20;
begun to roam about. They will attack #AT 1; Dmg Id3; SA nil; SD nil; MR nil; SZ T
carrionettes and dolls that they see moving. The (2' long); ML unsteady (5); XP 15 each.
easiest way to avoid this encounter is to play
dead. The dogs will sniff the doll bodies and then Dumb Luck: If the PCs are having trouble finding
leave. their real bodies, you might choose to use this
encounter, but only after the PCs have gotten the
Dogs (4): AL N; Int Animal; AC 7; MV 15; silver needles. You can choose a character, and
HD 1; hp 6, 5, 4, 3; THACO 20; #AT 1; then the PC dolls encounter that body under the
Dmg Id3; SA nil; SD nil; MR nil; SZ S (2'-3' control of a carrionette. It has all the powers and
tall); ML unsteady (6); XP 15 each. abilities of the character.
Carrionettes (3): AL CE; Int Avg; AC 6; When each PC regains his or her body, the
MV 6; HD 2; hp 10 each; THACO 19; #AT 1; carrionette body remains lifeless for an hour (see
Dmg 1; SA paralyzation, possession; SD the MC entry on carrionettes, page 31). The doll
immune to poison, cold, electricity, mental is easily destroyed while it is helpless.
spells; MR nil; SZ T (1' tall); ML fearless (20);
XP 975 each.
Finding Maligno
Where the Bodies Are
T
he evil puppet has been busy while the PCs
were dealing with the toy shop and regaining
B
efore the PC dolls can recover their bodies, their human bodies. Confident that there is
they will need silver needles. The silver nothing in Odiare that can threaten him, he has
needles can be found only in the decided to put on a show for the children. Their
Silversmith's Shop. Once inside, there are no applause and laughter is one of the few things
encounters. It takes an hour to find the stash of that can make Maligno feel good again.
36 needles. As the PCs are wandering around Odiare, they
Finding the PCs' live bodies is another story. hear noises when they pass the Secolo Theater. If
The carrionettes have all wandered off to enjoy they are cautious, they can peek in without being
having a real body. Each player character's body seen. Inside, Maligno is performing with several
is in a different location. You can decide which carrionettes on the stage. The show is called "Sir
body is in which location, using the map on the Arduin and the Wyrm" (a variant of "St. George
gatefold. and the Dragon"). Maligno plays the part of Sir
Arduin and is dressed in armor. An animated
Key Location wooden dragon plays the part of the villain. Four
4 Taverns (pick one) carrionettes form the rest of the troupe, each
22 Brewer dressed in a costume (squire, damsel in distress,
27 Baker king, and court jester).
28 Garden courtyards (pick one) The characters have two basic options: to
34 Jeweler attack now while the children are in the theater, or
43 Town square to wait until the show is over and the children
leave.
M
unlimited supply of carrionettes and animated
toys. Maligno will also defend Guiseppe from the aligno is destroyed in the theater fire. At
PCs with his life, and he will prevent the puppet that time, all carrionettes and animated toys
maker from contacting the PCs. fall limply to the ground, inert and lifeless.
Misty borders form at the edges of the domain. If
Maligno: AL CE; Int Exc; AC 4; MV 9; HD 6; the PCs enter these mists, they are transported to
hp 30; THACO 15; #AT 1; Dmg Id3; SA wherever you want to take the party next. This
Otto's irresistible dance, ventriloquism, taunt, can be back to their normal campaign world or to
paralyze, animate toy; SD immune to poison, another domain in Ravenloft. This low-level
cold, electricity, most spells; MR nil; SZ T adventure will garner from 1,000 to 3,000
(1 'tall). experience points for the party.
If you want to use this setting again, the spirit
Animated Wooden Dragon: AL LE; Int Avg; of Maligno can live on. Should Guiseppe make
AC 6; MV 6, Fl 12 (C); HD 2; hp 15; THACO another marionette, it might be possessed and
19; #AT 1; Dmg 1; SA breath fire, 12" long, animated by Maligno. The theater would remain
Id6 damage; SD immune to poison, cold, burned down, and the ghosts in the theater would
electricity, mental spells; MR nil; SZ T still be laid to rest.
(2'tall); ML fearless (20); XP 175. Alternately, Guiseppe might escape the domain
himself. He could begin making carrionettes on
Carrionettes (4): AL CE; Int Avg; AC 6; his own back in the PCs' campaign world.
MV 6; HD 2; hp 10 each; THACO 19; #AT 1; Maligno himself is trapped in Odiare, but
Dmg 1; SA paralyzation, possession; SD Guiseppe and the carrionettes are not: The evil
immune to poison, cold, electricity, mental can rise again.
spells; MR nil; SZ T (1 'tall); ML fearless (20);
XP 975 each.
M
Maligno, in turn, tried to take over the body of
aligno is the unique creation of the mad toy Guiseppe. He discovered that the demiplane of
maker Guiseppe. Driven by his own Ravenloft confers a curse upon all its lords. He
demented fantasy of creating a son for alone of all the carrionettes is unable to inhabit a
himself, Guiseppe crafted a marionette—a human body. In fact, any harm befalling Guiseppe
marionette like no other. So strong was seemed to affect Maligno as well.
Guiseppe's desire that this puppet actually came
to life.
Current Sketch
T
There is an old adage that says, "Be careful
what you wish, for you might get it." That is what o this day Maligno burns with rage and
happened to poor Guiseppe. Though the frustration. He abhors his own body and
marionette's body looks like that of an innocent wishes always that he were human. Most of
school boy, the puppet is actually a thoroughly his plots have one of two major themes. He is
Confronting Maligno
Carrionette: Maligno
Intelligence: Exceptional
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Armor Class: 4
Movement: 9
Level/Hit Dice: 6
Hit Points: 30 for details of this type of attack form.)
THACO: 15 Once a character is completely immobilized, a
No. of Attacks: 1 normal carrionette can drive one more needle into
Damage/Attack: Id3 the person's neck to transfer its essence into the
Special Attacks: Taunt, ventriloquism, Otto's live body. Not so with Maligno. He can call one of
irresistible dance, animate his carrionettes to take over the body, though.
toy, paralyzation Maligno is far more likely to carve up his victims
Special Defenses: Repair hit points, immune to like a side of beef, particularly if he is in a foul
poison, cold, electricity, and mood.
most spells Maligno has a few other special abilities. He
Magic Resistance: Nil can climb walls with an 85% chance of success,
Size: T (1 'tall) just like a thief. Using string or thread to help him,
the odds rise to 95%. He can cast taunt and
Maligno is a type of doll golem called a ventriloquism at will. His touch has the effect of
carrionette. However, he is far more powerful than Otto's irresistible dance, except the victim gets a
a normal carrionette. He carries a folding straight saving throw that is not allowed under the normal
razor whose blade is a full 4 inches long. He spell description.
wields it with unnatural viciousness. Unlike other carrionettes, which are immune
Like other carrionettes, he carries ten silver only to mind-affecting spells, Maligno is immune
needles. He can throw them up to 15 feet away, to almost all spells. He can only be directly
where they paralyze whatever limb they strike affected by spells that cause burning damage (eg,
(his choice). (See the MC entry on carrionettes burning hands, magic missile, flaming sphere,
T
most delicate work, which means that they
cannot raise his hit points above 24. Only he streets of Odiare twist back upon the town
Guiseppe can fix those last few hit points. He is like the thoughts of a madman. This
also the only one who can repair damage caused condition prevails for as long as Maligno is
by fire. Thus, Maligno protects Guiseppe from "alive." He can be killed only by fire or by magic.
harm: Only his "father" can fix him up when he is Even then his spirit lives on until a suitable body
really hurt. is fashioned for him. If he is "killed," the edges of
If Maligno is reduced to 0 hit points or fewer the domain revert to the misty border. Anyone
through normal damage, he remains alive but entering the mists is transported to another place
cannot move or attack. He can still talk, taunt, by the normal rules of the demiplane. Maligno
and use his animation powers. can open his borders purely by concentrating, but
Even if Maligno is burned to 0 or fewer hit he has never chosen to do so.
points, he is not utterly destroyed. Guiseppe can Guiseppe is intimately linked to the structure of
rebuild his body and, by using a bit of the ashes, this domain. He is the one person immune to the
restore Maligno to that new body. There is possession power of the carrionettes, and he is
probably a way to utterly destroy Maligno, but no the only person who can completely repair
one has determined what it is. Maligno. As such, he is both hated and revered by
Maligno's most potent ability is without a doubt Maligno and the puppets. They will do whatever is
his power to animate toys. He can do this to any needed to keep Guiseppe safe. If necessary,
toy that he can see within 30 feet of him. He can Maligno will even have his cohorts paralyze
animate no more than 6 toys a round and can Guiseppe with their silver needles so that they can
have no more than 24 total toys animated at a carry him off to a hiding place.
given time. The toy stays animated until Maligno Odiare is inhabited mostly by carrionettes and
decides to remove his control. Animating toys wandering children. Maligno makes sure that the
does not prevent the puppet from moving or children are all well cared for. There are animals
attacking in the same round. here, such as dogs, cats, rats, and even giant
rats. There are also a few adults, hiding in cellars
Animated Toy: AL LE; Int Avg; AC 6; MV 6; and attics. They grimly attack any toy, especially
HD 2; hp 8; THACO 19; #AT 1; Dmg 1; puppets, that they encounter. Most avoid the
SA special power; SD immune to poison, cold, children for fear that the carrionettes guarding
electricity, mental spells; MR nil; SZ T (6 "-2' them will spot them. These adults will befriend
tall); ML fearless (20); XP 175. other adults.
Sertino Home
-•s.
I have created a son! It does not matter that he is made of wood, cloth, and paint; he is my son. I have
named him Figlio. He is not like other marionettes. He can walk and talk on his own. I am so proud!
Figlio begged me to make him some friends. How could I refuse him? Strangely, they are not like
him. They move and talk, but they are flat and emotionless, like dolls and not children. Figlio seemed
disappointed at first, but he will get over it, I'm sure. He's such a good little boy.
Figlio was hurt badly today. Two dogs tore him in half. I used some glue and string and was able to fix
him up just like new. I have told him to be careful around the fireplace, though. If he became too badly
burned, I would not be able to repair him. I suspect that fire is the only thing that can really harm my
little boy.
I have discovered a horrible secret. The friends of Figlio are all bad boys. They stole silver needles
from the silversmith. They stick people with the needles and paralyze their limbs. Figlio and his friends
wrestled me to the ground and used the needles to numb all of my own limbs. 1 didn't mind. Young boys
need to roughhouse with their father. They would never really hurt me. Figlio even stuck a needle into
my neck. Then he got really mad and said, "Why can 1 not control you?" Oh, that prankster! He is truly
my pride and joy.
Figlio has been a bad boy. He captured a grown-up and put his mind into the body of one of his
wooden boys. How naughty! Figlio says that the only way the man can escape is to drive a silver needle
into the neck of his true body. Then they will trade minds again. I sent him to bed without his supper for
being so bad.
I am worried about Figlio. He isn't happy very often. Tonight at the show he told his boys to capture
all of the parents in the theater. The little wooden boys carried off the adults' numbed bodies while Figlio
and I entertained the children. Figlio says it's really better this way. We can take much better care of the
children than their parents could. He also changed his name to Maligno, declaring that he is now the
ruler of Odiare. Figlio says that, as the ruler of Odiare, nobody can leave unless they kill him first. That
boy has such an imagination! He wants me to call him Maligno, but he will always be my Figlio. We had
to leave the theater quickly when some bad men in armor showed up and tried to hurt Figlio. Figlio says
he has to capture these bad men. I wish he wouldn't play sheriffs and thieves so often. I hope those bad
men don't hurt my little boy.
iRavenion
B
eware what you wish, for it might the adults of Odiare. When the player
come true" is an old Vistani saying. In characters are trapped within this town,
the small town of Odiare, a toymaker Maligno the puppet and his animated toys
has wished a puppet to life—only this begin to hunt them down. The PCs' only
puppet is not a friendly, playful toy. It chance for escape is to defeat the mad
is a thing of evil, bent upon killing all marionette.
ISBN 1-56076-610-7
50695>
$6.95 U.S.
$8.50 CAN
£4.50 O.K.
ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and RAVENLOFT are registered trademarks owned by TSR, Inc.
c
The TSR logo is a trademark owned by TSR, Inc. 9"781560'766100
1993 TSR, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
• A
The Knight of Newts The Dragon's Tomb The Rage of the Rakasta
TSR #9434 TSR #8036 TSR #9435
$6.95/ CAN $8.50/ £4.50 U.K. $4.95/ CAN $5.95/ £3.99 U.K. $6.95/ CAN $8.50/ £4.50 U.K.
A thrilling, yet chilling, In Book Two of the D&D™ In this adventure, two novice
exploration of the Black Penhaligon Trilogy, the heroes adventurers team up to meet
Swamps for 4 to 6 players— of The Tainted Sword are on a the fearsome Rakastas, Lords
with or without the help of the mission against the dragon of the Cat-Men! Can be played
DUNGEON MASTER™ . Verdilith. En route they with or without the DM™ .
Available in March. discover a still greater evil! Available in May.
Available in April.
Bo Banducci (Order #27095253)
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® GAME Challenger* Semes
^ DUNGEON MASTER™
Screen—DMR1
TSR #9437
$8.95/CAN $10.95/
£6.50 U.K.
Provides the DM™ with all
essential charts and tables
necessary for quick and easy
play. Also includes a 32-page
adventure module!
Available in February.
Creature Catalog—DMR2
TSR #9438
$15.00/CAN $18.00/ £9.99 U.K.
The perfect companion to the D&D® Rules Cyclopedia, with
details on new monsters. Available in April.
Thief's Challenge—
HHQ3
Creative
Campaigning— Advacced
M DMGR5
DRAGON MOUNTAIN™
TSR #2133
TSR #1089
$15.00/CAM $18.00/
$30.00/ CAN $38.95/
£9.99 U.K. Creative
E21.50 U.K. Incl. VAT Campaigning
This sourcebook for the
The Dragon Mountain™ boxed set,
DM™ features ways to
"the world's most deluxe dungeon,"
make any campaign
presents the ultimate test of skill for
unique and interesting.
the DM™ and a consummate
Available in February.
dungeon crawl for 10th- to 15th-level
players. Available in May.
Bo Banducci (Order #27095253)
The Complete Book of Gnomes and Halflings—PHBR9
TSR#2134
$15.00/ CAW $18.00/ £9.99 U.K.
All the information necessary to play these character races and to
The bring their culture to life in a game is provided! Available in March.
Complete
Book of
Gnomes The Complete Book of
and Humanoids—PHBR10
Hatflings TSR #2135
$15.00/CAN $18.00/ The
£9.99 U.K. Complete
Swamplight—GA2
TSR #9424
6.95/CAN $8.50/£4.50 U.K.
Players follow ghostly lights into a danger-bogged swamp, then
try to get out! Available in April.
Fantasy Collector Cards,
1993 Series, Parts 1 and 2
TSR #1093 and #1095
$1.00 per pack/ CAN $1.25/
£0.80 U.K. Incl.VAT
The Magic Our popular Fantasy Collector
Encyclopedia, Cards are back with all-new art!
Volume 2 Available in March and June,
TSR #9421
$10.95/
CAN $13.50/
£6.99 U.K.
The second half of
the two-volume
Magic Encylopedia
game supplement.
Available in
February.
WOMEN OF
FANTASY
Realms of Valor
« "
TSR #8538
$4.95/ CAN $5.95/
Rains op' £3.99 U.K.
Myth The first anthology set in the
• DKariraor-*
FORGOTTEN REALMS® world
features 11 all-new short
stories by R.A. Salvatore,
Troy Denning, Douglas Niles,
and many others!
Available in February.
i Druid Queen
TkCktkMutt
TSR #8496
$4.95/CAN $5.95/£3.99 U.K.
In the conclusion to the Druidhome
Trilogy, King Tristan is threatened by a
sinister presence within his own family.
Available in March.
DRAGONLANCE' CAMPAIGN
AL-QADIM* CAMPAIGN
Assassin Mountain—
ALQ2
TSR #9431
$18.00/CAN $21.50/
£10.99 U.K.
This accessory adds the lair
of the Everlasting, the most
deadly brotherhood in the
Land of Fate, to AL-QADIM™
adventures. Available in
February.
A
A Dozen and One Adventures—ALQ3
TSR #9432
$18.00/CAN $21.50/£10.99 U.K.
The fabled magic of the Arabian Nights abounds in this
collection of thrilling short adventures. Available in April.
Bo Banducci (Order #27095253)
DARK SUN WORLD
DRAGON'S CROWN™—
TSR#2416
$24.95/ CAN $29.95/
£15.99 U.K.
An epic adventure that takes
players across Athas, a
world without. .. psionics?!
Available in March.
RAVENLOFF,CAMPAIGN
Roots of Evil—RM1
TSR #9413
$10.95/CAN $13.50/
£6.99 U.K.
This 96-page module delves
into the horrific origins of
Strahd Von Zarovich, master
vampire. Available in May.
RM2
A bizarre puppet
master creates
horrific living
puppets in this
introductory level
adventure.
Available in June.
GREYHAWIG ADVENTURES
luzthe Evil—
WGR5
TSR #9399
$10.95/
CAN $13.50/
£6.99 U.K.
luz's empire of
conquest and evil
is detailed for the
first time! Available
in April.
1 1
TSR #9409 TSR #8034
]
$10.95/CAN $13.50/ $4.95/ CAN $5.95/
r BY i SK STAII , ~
£6.99 U.K.
£3.99 U.K.
Provides a detailed description
of the crystal sphere around •: ..." • -<v * In Book Five of the
Cloakmaster Cycle,
the DRAGONLANCE® Teldin Moore locates
campaign setting. Available in
\
the great ship
February. Spelljammer at last. . .
but will he live long
enough to claim it?
Available in May.
^ Space Lairs—SJR8
TSR #9411 ~
$9.95/CAN $11.95/
£5.99 U.K.
Provides the DM™ with
detailed descriptions and
statistics for quick, easy-to-
play encounters with the
creatures of the
SPELLJAMMER8 universe in
their lairs. Available in June.
^Warlords of Jupiter
TSR #3585
$3.95/CAN $4.95/£2.99 U.K.
In the exciting conclusion to the Invaders of Charon Trilogy,
Earth's freedom-fighting NEO must contend with a horde of
intelligent alien machines! Available in March.
TSR* Books
JM^UMCH
Valorian KIXKCD CXM£ TH£
TSR #8227
$4.50/CAN $5.50/£3.99 U.K.
Prequel to Mary H. Herbert's Dark
Horse, Valorian is the epic life story of
the mage-hero from the Dark Horse
Plains. Available in Februrary.
Naked Came the Sasquatch
TSR #8228
$4.50/CAN $5.50/£3.99 U.K.
A hilarious—and terrifying—who-
which-what-dunnit story. Available
John Boston
in May.
Bo Banducci (Order #27095253)
DRAGON* MAGAZINE art twenty ,vet«s Che D&D
nwi (xis cxiptatiieti till? kr.
OL abocntxxtaas