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DDAL10-02 - Gnashing Teeth
DDAL10-02 - Gnashing Teeth
GNASHING TEETH
A Plague of Ancients Adventure
The goliaths of Wyrmdoom Crag are a proud, but thankfully, generous people. Having
provided you with shelter from the deadly wilds of Icewind Dale, they’ve asked you to
look into the strange things that’ve been happening in and around their home.
Part Two of the Plague of Ancients Series of Adventures.
Credits
D&D Adventurers League Wizards Team: Brandy Camel,
Lead Designer: Travis Woodall Lea Helotis, Chris Lindsay, Chris Tulach
Designer: Laura Thompson D&D Adventurers League Administrators: Ma’at Crook,
Editing: Ashley Michaela “Navigator” Lawson Amy Lynn Dzura, Claire Hoffman, Greg Marks, Alan
Art Director and Graphic Designer: Rich Lescouflair Patrick, Travis Woodall
Interior Art: Mark Behm, Jedd Chevrier, David René Playtesters: Patrick Beach, Francesca Clark, Daniel
Christensen, Robson Michel, Brian Valeza, provided by Franco, Travis Fuller, Wayne Fuller, Chris McGovern,
Wizards of the Coast and used with permission. Joe Mooney, Daniel Oliveira, Andrew Oliver, Alain
Dragonmaw Spring Art: Matthew Roderick Pham, Jonathan Reitz, Jia Jian Tin, Marcello Velazquez
D&D Adventurers League Guildmaster: Chris Lindsay Special Thanks: Joy Thompson, Paige Leitman, GM Tim
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, the dragon ampersand, Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master’s Guide, D&D
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©2020 Wizards of the Coast LLC, PO Box 707, Renton, WA 98057-0707, USA. Manufactured by Hasbro SA, Rue Emile-Boéchat 31, 2800 Delémont, CH. Represented
by Hasbro Europe, 4 The Square, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB11 1ET, UK.
Adventure Primer Part 3: The Grove (60 mins). Desperate for warmth, the
party must find a way to bypass an ancient shrine’s wards
to gain access to its life-saving warmth. How long dare
“When you spend so long trapped in darkness, you find that they stay? This is Story Objective C.
the darkness begins to stare back.” Part 4: Pack Hunters (60 mins). As the characters race
—Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury the wind to reach the safety of Wyrmdoom Crag before
a blizzard engulfs the region, they’re ambushed by the
This adventure is designed for three to seven 1st- to 4th- wolves that’ve shadowed them throughout their journey.
level characters and is optimized for five characters with They must battle both the elements and the wolves
an average party level (APL) of 3. Characters outside this at once if they’re to survive the night. This is Story
level range can’t participate in this adventure. Objective D.
The adventure takes place high in the Spine of the World
mountain range, between the Reghed Glacier and the Ten- Story Awards
Towns of Icewind Dale.
At certain points in the adventure, you’ll see this
glyph along with an entry describing how the
Background specified story award is earned or impacted by
ICEWIND DALE, the frigid expanse north of the the story. Ignore the entry if it refers to a story award none
SPINE OF THE WORLD, is deep in the grip of the of the characters have. If it refers to a story award the
EVERLASTING RIME—a name bestowed upon the characters just earned, it provides information for you and
wrath of AURIL THE FROSTMAIDEN. Denied the the players.
sun’s warmth, the people of TEN-TOWNS, the GOLIATH
CLANS, and the REGHED NOMADS in the surrounding Adventure Hooks
wilds, huddle near their fires to drive away the cold,
In addition to the characters’ individual backgrounds,
hoping they’ll be able to endure the chill until the sun
the following hooks are possible ways to involve the
rises once more.
adventurers in this scenario. Useful if you have players who
Unbeknownst to them however, the cold is the least
are unsure why their characters are here:
of their concerns. Among the THUUNLAKALAGA
Caravan Refugee. With their caravan destroyed and the
clan—the goliaths of WYRMDOOM CRAG—the druid
trade routes blocked by avalanches, the characters are now
FERAL-TONGUE has gone missing, and in his absence,
refugees trying to find their way to civilization.
beasts infused with CHARDALYN are driving away prey
Dire Portents. Characters with ties to the divine
and fomenting madness in the minds of the people they
or arcane have received visions of unusual goings-on
encounter.
in Icewind Dale, which is deep within the grasp of an
All is not yet lost; OLD GOAT, the leader of the
unusually long, deep winter called the Everlasting Rime.
Thuunlakalaga clan anticipates a sign. Salvation will be
The Great Hunt. Characters who prefer the wilder parts
heralded by a FALLING STAR on the distant horizon, an
of the world have heard rumors of unusually cunning
ember of hope to melt away the icy grip of doubt in her heart.
beasts wandering the wilds of Icewind Dale and may be
seeking them out for a challenge, or to investigate them.
Overview
The adventure’s story is spread over four parts and takes Narrating Frostclaw, the Hunter
approximately 4 hours to play: Though they only directly encounter her twice, the characters
Call to Action: The Ask (10 mins). The characters meet are constantly hunted by the awakened owlbear as the story
Old Goat and Kaskur Spearsong, share stories around arc develops. To ensure you instill the appropriate sense of
the fire, and are asked to visit Rikuur Hideminder. paranoia and dread this villain deserves, leave signs of her
Part 1: Hideminder (50 mins). The characters visit passage for the characters to encounter as they adventure
beyond the safety of Wyrmdoom Crag. Examples include:
Rikuur, who informs them that several of the clan’s goats
have gone missing recently. While helping him tend the • A large, white feather, stained with blood.
• The mutilated carcass of a beast or a missing goliath
herd, one goat leads them on a merry chase with a grisly
hunter.
end. This is Story Objective A.
• Large paw prints that’re quickly erased by the wind and
Part 2: Trapped Under Ice (60 mins). The characters snow.
accompany Kaskur on a trek through the wilderness • A dead tree with huge claw marks gouged into the trunk.
to check on the reclusive goliath Kugan Windwhisper. • Growls and roars; their source obscured by blowing snow.
They’re ambushed while attempting to cross a frozen • A circular pattern of deliberately arranged body parts.
river and must save Kaskur from an icy doom. This is
Story Objective B.
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2 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Call to Action: The Ask
Estimated Duration: 10 minutes Creature Information
Great hall A number of goliath adults and children are here, mostly
seated around the firepit or tending to the meal. A
Themes: Isolation, paranoia, and secrecy. matronly goliath stands at the far end of the room: Ogolai
Ogolai (Old Goat) asks the characters to visit Rikuur, Orcsplitter (“Old Goat”), the clan’s chieftain. As she
who’s been whispering about strange goings-on in the area. considers how the outsiders might help her and the clan,
she’s approached by Kaskur Spearsong, one of the clan’s
Character Introductions hunters. Their discussion quickly devolves into a loud,
heated argument (see their sidebars).
Allow each player a few minutes to introduce their character,
describe their appearance and mannerisms, and the reason
they came to Icewind Dale. Encourage the characters to Ogolai (oh GO lie) Orcsplitter “Old Goat”
develop bonds by asking them to describe one positive Thuunlakalaga
interaction or event that occurred between their character and Lawful neutral goliath warrior
one other at the table. Character introductions provide a solid
The chieftain of the Thuunlakalaga goliaths is an elderly
foundation for roleplaying opportunities and give you, the
goliath with a heavily scarred face. She dresses plainly in goat
DM, hints as to which game elements will be most attractive
hide clothing and carries an immense greataxe fashioned
to your players.
from white dragon bone. She has a crippling fear of griffons
Award inspiration once everyone’s had a turn.
stemming from a childhood trauma that’s created tensions
between her clan and the Akannathi goliaths of Skytower
Shelter (see Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden).
Players begin the adventure having spent the last few days What They Want. Old Goat’s first priority is the safety and
lost and alone in the frigid wilderness. Fortunately, Suuk, prosperity of her clan—especially in these unusual and
a friendly Thuunlakalaga clan hunter, found the group trying times. She’s quick to stymie dissent, particularly from
and invited them to Wyrmdoom Crag for a much-needed Kaskur Spearsong. She fears his disagreements will turn
respite. violent, but does everything within her power to delay this
apparent inevitability for as long as possible.
Done It, Seen It; but the End Is Nigh. Old Goat’s been around
Leaving the biting cold and Suuk behind (they don’t want a long time and seen many things. This experience lends
to bump into Old Goat), you’re escorted into a large her a tremendous amount of wisdom to draw on when
cavern bustling with activity. You’re seated near the fire making decisions. However, she’s getting old and refuses
to surrender the yoke of leadership until a worthy (equally
and handed a bowl of warm, rich stew. A venerable goliath wise) replacement is found. If it weren’t for his sharp
puffs on a long pipe while she watches you with intense tongue, Old Goat would’ve offered Kaskur the mantle of
curiosity. leadership years ago. However, she fears what the clan
would become under his leadership.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 3
Their argument follows a familiar pattern—Old Goat In the morning, Old Goat asks for their aid. She plans
urges caution while Kaskur urges change. Despite their to send out a search party for their missing hunters but
resources already being stretched thin, Old Goat believes doing so leaves Rikuur Hideminder unattended. With the
the characters can help the clan in their time of need and reports of bizarre predator activity in the area, this makes
hopes being generous with their meager supplies will her nervous to say the least. She asks the party to visit
secure the characters’ aid. Kaskur thinks it foolish to waste Rikuur and lend him a hand.
what little they have on outsiders. His tone makes it plain
he’s lost all patience with Old Goat.
Winter Survival Gear
She finally silences Kaskur with a withering shout, and
While characters playing Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
he storms out the feast hall.
begin play with cold weather clothing, others may not. The clan
Old Goat greets the characters and shares her skin of doesn’t have much in the way of supplies, but characters can
fermented goat’s milk with them. Encourage the characters (and likely should) purchase winter survival gear (see Icewind
to tell the tale of how they found their way to Wyrmdoom Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden) from the goliaths, as follows:
Crag. After the meal, the clan shares their own stories;
telling tales of heartbreak and triumph. Give the players Item Cost Weight
Handout 1: Thuunlakalaga Tales and read the following: Clothing, cold weather 10 gp 5 lb.
Crampons (2) 2 gp 1/4 lb.
After most people have finished eating, Old Goat raises Snowshoes 2 gp 4 lb.
a hand and a hush falls over the tribe. An elderly goliath
begins a slow drumbeat, and the goliaths look at each Cold Weather Clothing. This outfit consists of a heavy fur
other, expectantly. Finally, one takes a large swig of coat or cloak over layers of wool clothing, as well as a fur-
lined hat or hood, googles, and fur-lined leather boots and
fermented goat’s milk, clears their throat, and begins to
gloves. As long as cold weather clothing remains dry, it’s
speak in a hypnotic, rolling cadence. wearer automatically succeeds on saving throws against the
effects of extreme cold.
Crampons. A crampon is a metal plate with spikes that is
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4 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
1
Hideminder
Estimated Duration: 50 minutes Creature Information
Rikuur’s Meadow Rikuur Hideminder, an older goliath in thick furs, uses
a crook to prod a nearby mountain goat who bleats in
Themes: Isolation, paranoia, and secrecy. protest and bounds away.
The characters visit Rikuur Hideminder, who informs
them of the clan’s dwindling food supplies and the number
Rikuur (RICK err) Hideminder Thuunlakalaga
of dead creatures that’ve been found nearby. He asks for
Neutral goliath commoner
the characters’ help with chores, and a terrified goat leads
The clan’s shepherd is an introvert. He’s strong—even for
them on a harrowing chase. Afterward, the characters find
a goliath; years of working the mountain terrain with the
a mutilated goat that was likely killed by a pack of wolves.
goats has left Rikuur incredibly toned without bulky muscle.
His arms and legs are well-defined from rock climbing and
Story Objective A caring for the herd. Rikuur is one of Kaskur Spearsong’s
more vocal opponents—he finds the idea of the hunter
Assisting Rikuur with his goats is Story Objective A.
running the clan off-putting. Wisps of goat hair seem to
appear in Rikuur’s wake.
What They Want. Rikuur wants to make sure the clan is
Area Information protected and fed. Part of why he likes being a shepherd so
much is that the goats are another herd he can guard from
The area has the following features: a distance. Rikuur would risk his life to defend them.
Time. Early morning. Totes Ma Goats. Rikuur is reclusive and tries not to create
Dimensions and Terrain. A steep-sided ravine sheltered conflict for the clan’s leadership. That said, Rikuur would
from the wind by the mountain’s bulk. defend the clan from within or without in a heartbeat. The
Temperature. Extreme cold (see the sidebar). clan is as much the herd Rikuur shepherds as the goats are.
Light. The nights in Icewind Dale are long (especially
during the grip of the Everlasting Rime) and the utter
darkness is broken only by a few hours of dim twilight— Rikuur wastes no time in asking the characters to
usually between late morning and early evening—and the lend a hand with milking the goats, allowing the more
auroras that streak across the sky. experienced tribesmen to search for the missing hunting
party. Finding the goats is easy but milking them isn’t.
Rounding up a handful of goats, Rikuur gives the
Lighting in Icewind Dale characters a cursory demonstration of how they’re milked,
Unless otherwise noted in the adventure, daytime hours jerks a thumb at a number of empty buckets, and then
provide dim light outdoors, while nighttime hours are dark. leaves them to their work while calling the remaining goats
The permanent dusk of Auril’s curse makes the promise of down from the cliffs for their turns.
sunlight seem a teasing possibility, but the sun never breaks
the horizon. Got Milk?
Allow players to describe how they attempt to milk the
Sounds. With little wind and a gentle snowfall, the area goats—using whatever ability best suits their strategy;
is preternaturally quiet. Dexterity to surprise the goat with a deft move, Strength
Weather. Heavy, gray skies threaten to turn the light to hold the goat firmly while milking, Wisdom to calm
snowfall into something much more dangerous. the animal first, etc. No matter their choice, characters
proficient in Animal Handling add their proficiency bonus
to the roll. Regardless of what they try, a successful DC 13
Extreme Cold
ability check is required to milk the goat.
Whenever the temperature is at or below 0 degrees Failure has comical results—the goat escapes, the milk
Fahrenheit, a creature exposed to the cold must make a
spills all over the character, etc. This isn’t a problem at
successful DC 10 Constitution saving throw at the end of
each hour or gain one level of exhaustion. Creatures with
first, but milk soaking into the character’s cold weather
resistance or immunity to cold damage automatically succeed clothing could cause serious problems later (see the
on the saving throw, as do creatures wearing dry cold weather Extreme Cold sidebar).
gear (thick coats, gloves, and the like) and creatures naturally
adapted to cold climates.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 5
Honey, Come Back! Beginning the Chase
Regardless of how the characters fare at their chore, read Honey (a mountain goat) bolts toward a thick copse of
or paraphrase the following once they’ve had a go at it: trees. Use the chase rules in chapter 8 of the Dungeon
Master’s Guide. Honey begins the chase 60 feet ahead of
the characters. She acts on initiative count 20 (losing ties),
While most of the goats tolerate your presence, a tawny- moving her full speed away from the nearest character. She
coated goat named Honey refuses to let anyone near her. only takes the Dash action if the characters are 60 feet or
Rikuur seems unconcerned until the lonely howl of a wolf
less away from her. Use the table below, which applies to
each character involved in the chase. The specified ability
echoes through the air, causing the herd to climb for safety checks are just suggestions; work with the characters
and Honey to bolt for the woods. if they want to do something else, and reward creativity
accordingly.
The rocky and snowy terrain here is treacherous—the
Rikuur has his hands full with the rest of the herd and can’t heroes must be careful or risk injury. Characters who use
go after Honey himself. He warns the characters that she the Dash action have disadvantage on any ability check
isn’t safe on her own, and the tribe can’t afford to lose any or saving throw caused by a complication at the end of
more goats. They must catch her! their turn.
At the start of a character’s turn, if Honey is more than
60 feet ahead of them, she’s totally obscured by snow and
trees, and the character suffers a complication at the end
of their turn—use the Chase Complications table below to
determine what happens:
Chase Complications
d10 Complication
1 Your path is blocked by a crevasse which you can jump
across with a successful DC 11 Strength (Athletics)
check. On a failure, you land awkwardly, reducing your
speed by half until the end of your next turn.
2 You encounter a deep pit filled with slush and must
make a successful DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or
fall into the frigid pit—gaining a level of exhaustion
that can only be removed by completing a long
rest someplace warm and dry. If your clothing was
soaked with goat’s milk, you have disadvantage on
the saving throw.
3 A sudden drop catches you by surprise. You must
make a successful DC 11 Dexterity saving throw or
fall into a 20-foot-deep pit.
4 You must traverse a steep hillside covered with scree
(loose stones) and scramble to avoid sliding down
the slope. Make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or
use 10 feet of movement (your choice) to keep your
footing. On a failed save, you lose your footing and
take 5 (1d10) slashing damage from the sharp rocks.
5 A wolf leaps from the nearby undergrowth and snaps
at the character (+4 to hit) before retreating back into
cover (this movement doesn’t provoke opportunity
attacks). On a hit, the wolf deals 7 (2d4 + 2) piercing
damage and the character must make a successful
DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
6–10 No complication.
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6 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Ending the Chase Treasure
Crestfallen, Rikuur asks the characters to return the milk
The chase ends if a character ends their turn within 5 feet
and meat to Wyrmdoom Crag. Before they leave, he tosses
of Honey, or if Honey starts her turn 120 feet away from the
them the brass and silver bell from around the goat’s
nearest character. No matter how they try, it’s unlikely the
neck—it may be worth a few coins to the right buyer and he
characters will catch Honey—this is her turf.
has no need of it anymore.
A Grisly End Development
If Honey gets away, the characters come across her The characters return to Wyrmdoom Crag with the milk
remains a few minutes after the chase ends. If they manage and meat. Old Goat is dismayed at losing another goat—an
to catch her, they instead encounter one of the clan’s other opportunity Kaskur capitalizes upon with scoffs and a few
goats while returning to Rikuur. When they do, read or choice words before storming off with a handful of his
paraphrase the following: hunters in tow.
At this point, the characters may take a short rest. Upon
completing it, Old Goat asks the characters to join Kaskur
The steaming carcass of a goat hangs from a stout tree, and check in on Kugan Windwhisper, one of the clan’s
impaled on the stump of a thick branch. It’s been crudely druids, who lives near a sacred hot spring deep in the
disemboweled, with blood splattered in wild streaks across wilds; the druid hasn’t been heard from in a few tendays
and Old Goat’s worried about him. Kaskur does little to
the fresh snow. The intestines are nowhere to be found.
hide his displeasure at being forced to tend to helpless
outsiders but doesn’t openly defy Old Goat. He gives them
little time to prepare before insisting they leave—an attempt
A casual search of the area (no check required) reveals a
to show the clan Old Goat’s faith in them is ill-placed.
number of tracks surrounding the remains. A successful
DC 11 Wisdom (Survival) check identifies them as wolf
prints, though some are much larger than others—a dire
wolf or bear perhaps? In addition, the players find a large
snowy-white feather, splattered with blood.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 7
2
Trapped Under Ice
Estimated Duration: 60 minutes He explains to anyone who’ll listen that Old Goat is too
set in her ways, too cautious and too fearful to lead the
Icewind Dale tribe out of their current predicament. As an example, he
tells them he’s their best hunter by far—he once felled an
Themes: Fear, desperation, and helplessness. elk from a half mile away—but Old Goat thinks it wiser
The characters speak with Kaskur Spearsong, a for him to go hiking with outsiders rather than to feed the
headstrong, but respected member of the clan. Kaskur tribe. Another is that she refuses to make peace with the
has been sent to check on a reclusive goliath druid named Akannathi clan of Skytower Shelter. They hunt from griffon
Kugan Windwhisper. The characters are to accompany him back, and as such have a much larger hunting area than the
to the druid’s grove in the wilds outside of Wyrmdoom Crag. Thuunlakalaga.
Along the way, the party are waylaid by elementals, and He tells the characters that he doesn’t like the look of the
must bargain with an odd guardian to enter the grove. sky. Rather than take the usual path, he takes a shortcut
Once inside, they learn the druid has adopted a new name: through a steep river valley lest they be caught in the open
Feral-Tongue. on the way home.
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8 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Falling through the ice is extremely dangerous; a creature
who falls through is immediately swept downstream
(under the ice) at a rate of 20 feet per round unless they
have a swim speed of 20 feet or more. If the creature is
tied to someone, things get more complicated: Whenever a
creature would be swept downstream, any characters tied
to them must make a DC 13 group Strength (Athletics)
check. On a success, the creature isn’t swept downstream.
On a failure, the creature is only swept 10 feet away, but the
characters they’re tied to are dragged 10 feet closer to the
hole. (This represents the group losing both ground and
rope slack to the current.)
After traveling 400 feet downstream, characters reach a
long stretch of open water, at which point they must make
a successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check to grab onto
the rocks and climb out the water.
A creature can be immersed in frigid water for a number
of minutes equal to (1 + its Constitution bonus) before
suffering any ill effects. For each additional minute spent
in frigid water, the creature must make a successful DC
10 Constitution saving throw or gain a level of exhaustion.
Creatures with resistance or immunity to cold damage
automatically succeed on the saving throw.
Just as thin ice can be their doom, so, too can it be their
salvation. As an action, a character can search for thin ice
from below using the same DC as spotting it from above. If
successful, they spot thin ice and can burst through it as a
reaction. Once they’ve burst through the ice, they can climb
out with a successful DC 11 Strength (Athletics) check.
Creature Information As the characters make their way to the sacred shrine,
This part of the river is home to an ice toad, whom they notice a large wolf on the far side of the river watching
Frostclaw corrupted and ordered to attack anyone who them intently. It disappears into the trees once observed.
attempts to cross the river. She’s assigned three ice
mephits to help it guard this portion of the river. Treasure
The toad has gathered all sorts of baubles from hapless
travelers. Most of these have been partially digested and
Adjusting This Encounter are now worthless, but the party finds several delicate bone
Here are some suggestions for adjusting this encounter, masks with intricate markings on them. A successful DC 13
according to your group. These aren’t cumulative: Intelligence (Investigation) check identifies these as chwinga
Very Weak: Remove two ice mephits.
masks. Someone in the clan will likely pay well for them.
Weak: Remove one ice mephit.
Strong: Add one ice mephit.
If they saved him, Kaskur gives the characters a potion
Very Strong: Replace one ice toad with one giant ice toad. of healing and a potion of water breathing (he had two, but
drank one while underwater).
The mephits use their False Appearance ability to lay in Letting Kaskur Die
wait until the ice toad attacks and ambush the party from Some players might suggest letting Kaskur die rather than
behind. They fly into the air and attack from above so they save him from the river. They might justify this as a way
can catch as many characters as possible with their Frost to eliminate tension in the tribe, or they might not have
Breath, and try to keep them from reaching the shore. The bonded with him during the trip to the river. Remind the
toad and the mephits fight to the death. players that the clan was very upset when they lost Honey
the goat and would be absolutely furious if they were
Development associated with the death of the clan’s greatest hunter.
After defeating the creatures, the sound of open water Further, they don’t know the way to Kugan’s shrine, and
and rapids downriver snaps the characters back to reality. need him to complete their mission.
Traveling 400 feet to the rapids, they find Kaskur clinging Characters who don’t make an effort to save Kaskur gain
to a rock in the middle of the river, clearly exhausted the On Thin Ice story award.
and suffering from hypothermia (he has two levels of
exhaustion). He needs help quickly or he may not survive
the night. He suffers these effects even if the characters
manage to pull him from the water before he reaches the
Story Award: On Thin Ice
rapids. Fortunately, Kugan’s homestead and the sacred hot The characters earn this story award if they do
spring aren’t far away. nothing to save Kaskur Spearsong.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 9
The Grove
3
Estimated Duration: 60 minutes Area Information
A Deal with “the Kugan’s homestead has the following features:
Dimensions and Terrain. A steep slope leads to the top
Dragon Keeper” of a dormant volcano. A narrow lava tube provides access
to a crater sheltering a hidden grove, which contains a
Themes: Fear, desperation, and secrets. bubbling hot spring and a druidic shrine (see Dragonmaw
Kugan Windwhisper’s yurt lies within a sacred druidic Spring, below).
shrine, high in the mountains near Wyrmdoom Crag. Upon Temperature. Extreme cold outside the shrine. Inside
arriving, the characters find their passage into the shrine the shrine, it’s well above freezing in all but the worst
blocked by magic. Time is against the party as both the weather.
weather and a pack of wolves close in on them. They must Sounds. Howling wind, bubbling mud, and the muffled
negotiate with a greedy mephit to gain entry. Once inside, growl of a boiling hot spring deep in a cave.
the characters discover a journal detailing the druid’s Footprints. The ground outside the shrine is littered
discovery of a chardalyn staff and his subsequent descent with animal footprints—which a successful DC 13 Wisdom
into madness—culminating in his assumption of the name (Survival) check identifies as wolf prints. Some are much
Feral-Tongue. larger than others though.
Mud Pool. A deep pool of acidic, gray mud seeps out of a
Story Objective C fumarole in the cliff wall.
Investigating the hidden grove is Story Objective C.
Creature Information
Acidic water from deep within the mountain has dissolved
the rock into a steaming puddle of gray mud just outside
the grove’s entrance. Clod, “the Dragon Keeper” (a mud
mephit fluent in Common) lounges lazily in the puddle,
surrounded by an eclectic collection of muddy “treasures.”
If he’s present, Kaskur is unimpressed by the filthy
creature, and suggests they fill it full of arrows and be
done with it.
10
As the characters struggle to find an entrance, a figure
emerges from the mud, read the following in a gravelly Dragonmaw Spring
voice: When the characters exit the lava tube, give the players
Handout 2: Dragonmaw Spring. This lush grove is
nestled inside the crater of a long-dormant volcano,
“You’re gonna need a few of these if you want to get
warmed by a series of fumaroles and a gurgling hot
in there. Make it worth my while and maybe we can spring. The powerful enchantments that protect the shrine
make a deal!” also protect the plant life within the grove. Normally, it’s
sufficient to keep the trees green and lush all year round,
but it’s clear the harsh winter and reduced daylight has
This is Clod, a greedy mud mephit who introduces himself begun to take its toll.
as “the Dragon Keeper” and claims to be the shrine’s A modest yurt covered in animal hides is nestled under
guardian. He explains that you can only enter the shrine a large oak tree. An altar of living wood sits nearby, and a
with a runestone, and he just happens to have all of them in sturdy book bound in leather rests on the altar. Behind the
his hoard. He’s willing to make a deal, but the stones don’t trees is a shallow basin of steaming water leading back to
come cheap. a deep cave in the crater wall. Water and steam bubble and
Playing the Pillars. You can make use of the following hiss from the cave, echoing and rumbling like the growl of
suggestions when running this encounter: a great beast.
Combat. If the characters attack him, Clod shouts, “You’re
in for it now!” and disappears into the mud. The grove’s Area Information
real guardian is a wood woad, which stands in the The grove has the following features:
lava tube and fights any creature that attempts to enter Dimensions and Terrain. The lava tube leads to a deep
without a runestone. It fights to the death but won’t leave crater—nearly 100 feet across—filled with a thick growth
the vicinity of the grove for any reason. of moss and ferns, as well as a number of oak trees. The
Exploration. A character can bring the ward down for 24 crater walls are steep, rising 30 to 40 feet to the open sky.
hours by casting a dispel magic spell on it. Alternately, Temperature. The grove is warm and humid. Characters
they can bypass the ward through sheer force of will: To suffering from exhaustion due to exposure can find relief
do so, they must make three successful DC 13 Wisdom here provided they complete a long rest.
saving throws in a row. If they fail, they can try again, Visibility. The crater is open to the sky, but it offers little
but risk drawing the attention of the guardian with illumination during the Everlasting Rime. The entire grove
repeated attempts. However they manage to bypass the is filled with thin mist from the spring.
ward, anyone who attempts to enter the shrine without a Spring. A shallow basin of water rests in the center of the
runestone must still contend with the wood woad. grove. Wisps of steam rise from the pool.
Social. Clod is willing to make a deal for the runestones. Fumaroles. The sounds of gurgling water and bursts
See “One Man’s Junk,” below. of air emanate from dozens of natural steam vents in the
crater wall—each carved to resemble a face with an open
One Man’s Junk mouth.
Dragonmaw Cave. The pool flows from a conical cave
Clod’s greed makes him particularly gullible; he’s easily in the crater wall. Deep inside the cave, the water boils,
fooled into believing something is more valuable if there’s sputters, and belches steam, echoing off the cave wall—
an outlandish story to go with it. He has disadvantage on lending the impression of a dragon’s growls and roars. If a
any checks to discern an item’s value. creature listens to the sounds emitted from the cave, they
Clod is willing to trade a runestone for “their most come tantalizingly close to forming words in Primordial—
treasured possession.” While the players decide what to something characters fluent in the language notice.
trade him, Clod brags about some of his “treasures.” You Unbeknownst to the characters, druids used to journey
should create a list of junk items and attach unbelievable here to meditate upon the mouths; listening for hours on
tales to them. Each time you share one of these tales, have end in an attempt to derive meaning from the sounds.
the characters make a DC 11 Intelligence (Investigation) Altar. The wooden altar wasn’t carved, but rather a tree
check. On a success, they realize that his baubles are was coaxed and tended into this shape. A sturdy book
worthless, and he’s been duped by clever stories. Players bound in thick leather rests atop the altar.
should be encouraged to make up their own outrageous Journal. The book on the altar is Feral-Tongue’s journal—
stories to go with their gifts to him. abandoned after his sanity withered away. Primarily an
Poor Clod believes the runestones are worthless junk and almanac, it details the comings and goings of the seasons,
takes a perverse pleasure in the scam he’s running. As soon describing the region’s animal populations and noting
as the players enter the shrine, Clod hops out of his pool special events. Scrawled in the margins in an increasingly
and gathers up the runestones so he can sell them again. erratic hand, several notes stand out. Give the players
A character who obtains Clod’s runestone through trade Handout 3: Kugan’s Journal.
gains the One Man’s Junk story award.
Treasure
Story Awards: One Man’s Junk Kugan’s yurt contains bundles of medicinal herbs and
The characters earn this story award if they other items that may be of value to the Thuunlakalaga
convince Clod, “the Dragon Keeper” that clan. There’s also a scrimshaw necklace carved into the
a worthless bauble was actually a valuable shape of an owlbear rearing up on its hind legs tucked into
treasure. the journal.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 11
Pack Hunters
4
Estimated Duration: 60 minutes Kaskur looses arrow after arrow at the rest of the pack—
his face showing concern for the first time since departing
Of Meat and Murder Wyrmdoom Crag.
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12 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
lightly armored foes separated from their colleagues. If Treasure
her wolves are killed, Channon switches to hit-and-run Channon wears a crude necklace of bone and feathers
tactics—using the weather for cover. Kaskur’s actions given to her by Frostclaw.
aren’t tracked as if he were an active combatant; describe
him as firing on the wolves circling the scene at a
distance—felling them with awe-inspiring precision (in
Wrap-Up: Safe At Last
spite of the wind and his flagging strength) before they Exhausted and half-frozen, the party finally makes their
can reinforce the wolves actively engaging the group. way to the safety of Wyrmdoom Crag. The missing hunting
Exploration. The wind imposes disadvantage on ranged party returned the night before, and now Kaskur’s home (if
weapon attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks the characters abandoned him to his fate in the frozen river,
that rely on hearing. Further, the wind and snow he managed to save himself and beat the characters back
extinguish open flames, disperse fog, erase tracks in to Wyrmdoom Crag), they’re ready to celebrate their good
the snow, and make flying by nonmagical means nearly fortune. A feast has been prepared for the whole tribe, of
impossible. A creature flying in the wind must land at the elk caught by the hunting party.
end of its turn or fall. During combat, at the end of their
turn, any creature concentrating on a spell in a blizzard
The winds outside howl long into the night as the goliaths
must make a successful DC 10 Constitution saving
throw or lose concentration. Additionally, everything celebrate the safe return of both groups. As the feast is
within the blizzard is lightly obscured. Creatures in the winding down, a bloodcurdling scream comes from the
area have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks entrance of the cave.
that rely on sight, and visibility is limited to 30 feet.
Social. Channon’s thirst for blood can’t be slaked. The
other wolves, however, are almost normal beasts (though When the characters investigate, they find two goliath
made more aggressive and dangerous by chardalyn guards dead in the snow, their shredded bodies positioned
exposure); they may be driven off if presented with either side of a crude Giant rune formed of goat entrails
magic, fire, larger predatory animals, or if sufficiently with a single bloody, white feather resting at the center. The
wounded, etc. rune reads “Soon.”
Development Treasure
Once the wolves are defeated, Kaskur (if present) wastes no In gratitude for their role in uncovering information about
time skinning and cleaning the animals for their meat and Feral-Tongue and his connection to Frostclaw, Old Goat
fur. Characters who assist him get a curt nod of approval, provides the characters with a few pieces of knucklebone
but their aid doesn’t seem to do much to gain his respect. trout scrimshaw and a set of sending stones.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 13
Rewards Tier Hourly GP Award GP Limit per Level
1 20 gp 80 gp
At the end of the session, everyone receives rewards based
upon their accomplishments. 2 30 gp 240 gp
3 200 gp 1,600 gp
Player Rewards 4 750 gp 6,000 gp
The players earn the following rewards:
Advancement Magic Items
A character participating in this adventure gains one level. If found during the adventure, the characters can keep the
following magic items; described in handout 4:
Optional: Declining Advancement • Potion of healing
Each player can decline advancement if they so choose; • Potion of water breathing
this has its benefits. It’s possible for a character to advance • Sending stones
outside an adventure’s level range, meaning they’d be
unable to play an adventure as planned. Similarly, advancing Story Awards
too quickly means a character won’t earn as much gold as The characters may earn the following story awards;
their peers. described in handout 4:
Conversely, remind them that the amount of gold their
On Thin Ice
characters can earn per level is limited; characters declining
advancement might reach a point where they no longer One Man’s Junk
earn gold.
Dungeon Master Rewards
For running this adventure, you earn a DM Reward. See
Gold the Adventurers League Dungeon Master’s Guide for more
Award each character gold for each hour of the session.
information.
Adventures typically features cues for this, but you can add
it where you see fit. The maximum gold you can award a
character per hour is determined by their tier, as follows:
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14 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Dramatis Personae What They Want. Kaskur’s grown tired of Old Goat’s
personal fears preventing an alliance with the goliaths of
The following NPCs feature prominently in this adventure: Skytower Shelter. He views her as weak and her ideas as
outdated, especially when Kugan Windwhisper (Feral-
Channon (CHAN-in) Tongue)—who Kaskur views as being even weaker than
Old Goat—is involved. He wants to usurp control of the
Though she isn’t awakened like Frostclaw, she’s thoroughly
clan for himself.
under the influence of Feral-Tongue’s chardalyn staff.
Vicious and cruel, Channon is a cunning hunter who Words Are Wasted Wind. Kaskur doesn’t have a
prefers to toy with her prey before moving in for the kill. negotiator’s tongue; he’s terse and speaks his mind
without hesitation. Despite this, he’s experienced and
What They Want. Channon doesn’t understand exactly
knows the area better than any of his peers.
what’s happened to Frostclaw, but she’s smart enough to
know the chardalyn staff made Frostclaw more powerful
than any owlbear before her. Ogolai (oh-GOH-lie) Orcsplitter
Savage Huntress. Channon lives for the thrill of the “Old Goat” Thuunlakalaga
hunt and the rush of the kill. She’ll gladly spend an
The chieftain of the Thuunlakalaga goliaths is an elderly
hour carefully herding her prey to a killing field of her
goliath with a heavily scarred face. She dresses plainly
choosing, all the while savoring its terror as her pack
in goat hide clothing and carries an immense greataxe
surrounds it.
fashioned from white dragon bone. She has a crippling
fear of griffons stemming from a childhood trauma that’s
Clod (KLOD), “the Dragon Keeper” created tensions between her clan and the Akannathi
Like many of his ilk, Clod’s more interested in comfort goliaths of Skytower Shelter (see Icewind Dale: Rime of
and possessions than combat. While he delights in many the Frostmaiden).
forms of torment, prefers to separate his victims from their What They Want. Old Goat’s first priority is the safety and
valuables. He’s especially fond of showing off his great prosperity of her clan—especially in these unusual and
wealth and telling grandiose stories about his “treasures.” trying times. She’s quick to stymie dissent, particularly
What They Want. Clod is a lazy, slovenly creature who from Kaskur Spearsong. She fears his disagreements
cares little for anyone else’s needs. He mocks and will turn violent but does everything within her power to
denigrates anyone he views as beneath him (which is delay this apparent inevitability for as long as possible.
virtually everyone) and flees from aggressors at the first Done It, Seen It; but the End Is Nigh. Old Goat’s
sign of trouble. been around a long time and seen many things. This
Blinded by Greed. Though greedy, he isn’t particularly experience lends her a tremendous amount of wisdom to
smart and is quite gullible. He’s inclined to believe most draw on when making decisions. However, she’s getting
anything is valuable if it has an outlandish story to go old and refuses to surrender the yoke of leadership until
with it—the grander the tale, the greater its worth, at a worthy (equally wise) replacement is found. If it weren’t
least in his mind. for his sharp tongue, Old Goat would’ve offered Kaskur
the mantle of leadership years ago. However, she fears
what the clan would become under his leadership.
Kaskur (KASS-kerr) Spearsong
Thuunlakalaga Rikuur (RICK-err) Hideminder
This headstrong and impetuous goliath leads the clan’s
hunters. He’s grown angry and frustrated at the lack
Thuunlakalaga
of game in the area, and he resents Old Goat’s “poor The clan’s shepherd is an introvert. He’s strong—even
leadership” for a lack of solutions. He wields a longbow for a goliath; years of working the mountain terrain with
taller than most humans and claims he once felled an elk the goats has left Rikuur incredibly toned without bulky
from a half mile away. He wears little in the way of clothing, muscle. His arms and legs are well-defined from rock
even in the driving wind—a feat that’s earned him the climbing and caring for the herd. Rikuur is one of Kaskur
respect of his fellow hunters. Spearsong’s more vocal opponents—he finds the idea of the
hunter running the clan off-putting. Wisps of goat hair seem
to appear in Rikuur’s wake.
What They Want. Rikuur wants to make sure the clan
is protected and fed. Part of why he likes being a
shepherd so much is that the goats are another herd he
can guard from a distance. Rikuur would risk his life to
defend them.
Totes Ma Goats. Rikuur is reclusive and tries not to create
conflict for the clan’s leadership. That said, he’d defend
the clan from within or without in a heartbeat. The clan
is as much the herd Rikuur shepherds as the goats are.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 15
Creature Statistics Swallow. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Medium
or smaller creature the toad is grappling. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3)
The following creatures appear in this adventure: piercing damage, the target is swallowed, and the grapple ends.
The swallowed target is blinded and restrained, it has total cover
Dire Wolf against attacks and other effects outside the toad, and it takes 10
(3d6) acid damage and 11 (2d10) cold damage at the start of each
Large beast, unaligned
of the toad’s turns. The toad can have only one target swallowed
at a time.
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 37 (5d10 + 10) If the toad dies, a swallowed creature is no longer restrained
Speed 50 ft. by it and can escape from the corpse using 5 feet of movement,
exiting prone.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
17 (+3) 15 (+2) 15 (+2) 3 (−4) 12 (+1) 7 (−2)
Ice Mephit
Small elemental, neutral evil
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4
Senses passive Perception 13
Armor Class 11
Languages —
Hit Points 21 (6d6)
Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Speed 30 ft., fly 30 ft.
Keen Hearing and Smell. The wolf has advantage on Wisdom STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
(Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell. 7 (−2) 13 (+1) 10 (+0) 9 (−1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1)
Pack Tactics. The wolf has advantage on an attack roll against a
Skills Perception +2, Stealth +3
creature if at least one of the wolf’s allies is within 5 feet of the Damage Vulnerabilities bludgeoning, fire
creature and the ally isn’t incapacitated. Damage Immunities cold, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Actions Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: Languages Aquan, Auran
10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
Death Burst. When the mephit dies, it explodes in a burst of
Channon’s Wolves jagged ice. Each creature within 5 feet of it must make a DC 10
Dexterity saving throw, taking 4 (1d8) slashing damage on a failed
These wolves deal an extra 3 (1d6) cold damage with their
save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Bite attack.
False Appearance. While the mephit remains motionless, it is
indistinguishable from an ordinary shard of ice.
Giant Ice Toad Innate Spellcasting (1/Day). The mephit can innately cast fog
cloud, requiring no material components. Its innate spellcasting
Large monstrosity, neutral
ability is Charisma.
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 52 (7d10 + 14)
Actions
Speed 30 ft. Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature.
Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) slashing damage plus 2 (1d4) cold damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Frost Breath (Recharge 6). The mephit exhales a 15-foot cone
16 (+3) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 8 (−1) 10 (+0) 6 (−2) of cold air. Each creature in that area must succeed on a DC 10
Dexterity saving throw, taking 5 (2d4) cold damage on a failed
Damage Immunities cold save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Ice Toad
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit:
10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage, and the target is grappled (escape
DC 13). Until this grapple ends, the target is restrained and the
toad can’t bite another target.
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16 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Ice Toad Mud Mephit
Medium monstrosity, neutral Small elemental, neutral evil
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
13 (+1) 10 (+0) 14 (+2) 8 (−1) 10 (+0) 6 (−2) 8 (−1) 12 (+1) 12 (+1) 9 (−1) 11 (+0) 7 (−2)
Actions
Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 17
Winter Wolf Channon’s Wolves
Large monstrosity, neutral evil These wolves deal an extra 3 (1d6) cold damage with their
Bite attack.
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 75 (10d10 + 20)
Speed 50 ft.
Wood Woad
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Medium plant, lawful neutral
18 (+4) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 7 (−2) 12 (+1) 8 (−1)
Armor Class 18 (natural armor, shield)
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +3 Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30)
Damage Immunities cold Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
Senses passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Giant, Winter Wolf STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Challenge 3 (700 XP) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 13 (+1) 8 (−1)
Actions
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
7 (2d4 + 2) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must
succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.
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18 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Handout 1: Thuunlakalaga Tales
While sitting around the feast pit, several clan elders share tales of the past, and how they relate to current events. Have each
player read and embellish one of these tales aloud (if necessary, players may read more than one tale):
• Elk Stalker tells of how they earned their name during the famine-stricken Year of Rotten
Ice, by ranging far and wide to bring meat home to the clan. Players learn that times are hard
for the clan; food is running low and there’s little game to be found in the area.
• Moon Dancer tells about the Year of Invisible Death, when a marauding band of Reghed
nomads picked off their livestock one by one under cover of darkness. They wonder if this
might be the happening again, though it doesn’t explain why some animals are left to rot in
strange poses.
• Flintbeard tells a tale about the Year of Lost Souls, when three hunting parties went
missing without a trace. One of the clan’s hunting parties is currently overdue, and the clan
is worried—not only for the hunters, but also for the much-needed game they’re hopefully
bringing home.
• Tusk-Carver tells a tale about the Year of the Enemy Within, when a feud between two
families nearly tore the clan apart. This story clearly makes Old Goat uncomfortable.
• Clubfoot tells of the bitter cold during the Year of Frozen Toes, and how frostbite and “snow
sleep” took the lives and limbs of many clan members. This winter is shaping up to be worse.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 19
Handout 2: Dragonmaw Spring
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20 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Handout 3: Windwhisper’s Journal
The book on the altar is primarily an almanac, detailing the comings and goings of the seasons, describing the region’s animal
populations and noting special events. Scrawled in the margins in an increasingly erratic hand, several notes stand out:
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 21
Handout 4: Character Rewards
The characters may earn the following rewards in this
adventure:
Story Awards
Story Award: On Thin Ice
Magic Items You’ve damaged your relationship with someone in the
Thuunlakalaga clan.
Potion of Healing
Potion, common Story Award: One Man’s Junk
You regain 2d4 + 2 hit points when you drink this potion. You’ve caught the attention of a greedy mud mephit.
The potion’s red liquid glimmers when agitated.
Potion of Water Breathing
Potion, uncommon
You can breathe underwater for 1 hour after drinking this
potion. Its cloudy green fluid smells of the sea and has a
jellyfish-like bubble floating in it.
Sending Stones
Wondrous item, uncommon
These stones were plucked from a raging river. Worn
smooth by eons of fast-moving water, each is struck
through with streaks of silvery metal and chunks of blue
crystal, and engraved with a sigil of unknown origin.
Sending stones come in pairs, with each smooth
stone carved to match the other so the pairing is easily
recognized. While you touch one stone, you can use an
action to cast the sending spell from it. The target is the
bearer of the other stone. If no creature bears the other
stone, you know that fact as soon as you use the stone and
don’t cast the spell.
Once sending is cast through the stones, they can’t be
used again until the next dawn. If one of the stones in a pair
is destroyed, the other one becomes nonmagical.
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22 DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0)
Appendix A:
Dungeon Master Tips
To DM an adventure, you must have 3 to 7 players—each
with their own character within the adventure’s level range New Players? No Problem!
(see Adventure Primer). Characters playing in a hardcover With starter adventures like this one it’s possible you may
adventure may continue to play too, but if they play a have players new to D&D, or just new to fifth edition. It’s up
to you as the DM to ensure they a) have fun with the game
different hardcover adventure, they can’t return to the first
and b) learn the basics of how to play. At this level, having fun
if they level beyond its level range. is more important than learning every rule exactly right. Be
gentle with new players who make mistakes.
New to D&D Adventurers League? Make sure to keep your players smiling and rolling dice.
https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general Be positive and enthusiastic when describing the action, and
you’ll notice they quickly follow suit.
Preparing the Adventure If you’re a new DM, then welcome—and thank you! New
DMs are the lifeblood of the D&D community. This adventure
Before you start play, consider the following: includes sidebars like this one that explain of some rules used
• Read through the adventure, taking notes of anything as the adventure progresses!
you’d like to highlight or remind yourself of while
running the adventure, such as a way you’d like to
portray an NPC or a tactic you’d like to use in a combat. Adjusting This Adventure
Familiarize yourself with the adventure’s appendices
and handouts. To determine whether you should consider adjusting the
adventure, add up the characters’ levels and divide the total
• Gather any resources you’d like to use to aid you in
by the number of characters (rounding .5 or greater up; .4
running this adventure—such as notecards, a DM
or less down). This is the group’s average party level (APL).
screen, miniatures, and battlemaps. To approximate the party strength for the adventure,
• Ask the players to provide you with relevant character consult the table below.
information, such as name, race, class, and level;
passive Wisdom (Perception) score, and anything the Determining Party Strength
adventures specifies as notable (such as backgrounds,
Party Composition Party Strength
traits, and flaws).
Players can play an adventure they previously played 3–4 characters, APL less than Very Weak
as a player or DM, but may only play it once with a given 3–4 characters, APL equivalent Weak
character. Ensure each player has their character’s 3–4 characters, APL greater than Average
adventure logsheet (if not, get one from the organizer)
5 characters, APL less than Weak
with their starting values for level, magic items, gold, and
downtime days. These are updated at the conclusion of the 5 characters, APL equivalent Average
session. The adventure information and your information 5 characters, APL greater than Strong
are added at the end of the adventure session—whether
6–7 characters, APL less than Average
they completed the adventure or not.
Each player is responsible for maintaining an accurate 6–7 characters, APL equivalent Strong
logsheet. If you have time, you can do a quick scan of a 6–7 characters, APL greater than Very Strong
player’s character sheet to ensure nothing looks out of
order. If you see magic items of very high rarities or strange
arrays of ability scores, you can ask players to provide
documentation for the irregularities. If they can’t, feel free Safety Tools
to restrict item use or ask them to use a standard ability Safety tools ensure that players aren’t pushed beyond their
score array. comfort levels. They let your players know you want them to
Point players to the D&D Adventurers League Players have a positive experience.
Guide for reference. If players wish to spend downtime A broad range of safety tools are available for you and your
days and it’s the beginning of an adventure or episode, players online, but for more information reach out to your
Event Organizer or to [email protected]
they can declare their activity and spend the days now,
or they can do so at the end of the adventure or episode.
Players should select their characters’ spells and other
daily options prior to the start of the adventure unless
the adventure specifies otherwise. Feel free to reread the
adventure description to help give players hints about what
they might face.
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DDAL10-02 Gnashing Teeth (v1.0) 23