Courts of The Shadow Fey For 5th Edition
Courts of The Shadow Fey For 5th Edition
Credits
Design: Wolfgang Baur & Dan Dillon
Editor: Kim Mohan
Cover Art: Marcel Mercado
Interior Art: George Johnstone, Marcel Mercado, Addison Rankin,
Bryan Syme, Egil Thompson
Cartography: Sean Macdonald
Art Director & Graphic Designer: Marc Radle
Publisher: Wolfgang Baur
With special thanks to Ben McFarland for his work on an earlier edition of this adventure.
Midgard and Kobold Press are trademarks of Open Design. All rights reserved.
Product Identity: The following items are hereby identified as Product Identity, as defined in the Open Game License version
1.0a, Section 1(e), and are not Open Content: All trademarks, registered trademarks, proper names (characters, place names,
new deities, etc.), dialogue, plots, story elements, locations, characters, artwork, sidebars, and trade dress. (Elements that have
previously been designated as Open Game Content are not included in this declaration.)
Open Game Content: The Open content in this adventure includes the new monsters and new magic items. All other material
is Product Identity, especially place names, character names, locations, story elements, and fiction. No other portion of this
work may be reproduced in any form without permission.
ISBN: 978-1-936781-79-9
Printed in China
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Introduction The Shadow Courts
Some say the world is white and featureless. Others say Welcome to the Realm of Shadow. You’re halfway home.
the world is a black abyss. The shadow fey maintain two seasons and two
Half black, half white. Half sorrow, half joy. Half living, forms of rule. The season of the Winter Court is the
half a ghost. The Realm of Shadow is neither one thing crueler one, ruled by the Moonlit King, and it is a rare
nor another; it is a place of halves. One might think of occurrence and often a violent one as well. The Summer
it as half regret, half done, half dead. But it is just as fair Court, ruled by the Queen of Night and Magic, is far
to say half rich, half cured, half won. The shadows are a more prevalent, with a gentler air and manner. Both
place of neither pure evil nor pure good, but only that monarchs and their nobles dwell in the Shadow Realm.
muddle where true balance lies, where lives are rich and The members of these courts are referred to generally
sad and complicated. Half villains and half heroes, who as lords and ladies (by those who fear them) and more
strive but never win. But who never quite lose. precisely as the shadow fey, or scáthsidhe.
For almost one hundred years, all this was of little
interest to the burghers of Zobeck. The shadow fey
remained involved in their own affairs, ignoring the
wars, sieges, royal marriages, and petty rivalries of the
human kingdoms. Until now.
ELITISM AS VILLAINY
In American life, elitism is a crime, but in feudal melee and lords of magic. Telling them they’re not the
times it was just the natural order of things. Nobles best at something and then showing them a ladder
ruled, bishops decreed excommunications and of Status ranks to climb is like throwing red meat to
forgiveness, and peasants and merchants sucked it a lion. Which is why I used this idea as part of the
up. Yet nowhere in most fantasy roleplaying games framework for a courtly adventure: the characters’
does class and status show up. I decided that Courts success is determined not only by exploration and
of the Shadow Fey was going to do something with combat, but also by their ability to “work the system,”
this theme in addition to the more obvious themes earning Status and the privileges that come with
of demons and shadow-related power sources. The it. If the likelihood of an invite from the prince is
design pivot I chose was to give class and status a connected to a point system, the result is a more
metric: you can truly measure status and prestige effective adventure at the relatively low cost of some
in this adventure, just as you can attach a value to record-keeping. This adventure puts snobbery and
Wisdom or to a spell’s level. (The wider Midgard status on a mechanical foundation.
campaign setting adopted this metric as well, though So here we are. This is the best possible setting I
it finds less use in dungeon crawling than it does in could build for the shadow fey, the hothouse world
urban or courtly arenas.) of the nobles and their servants, featuring deadly
Elves, in my mind, have often been underrated as combat, dangerous liaisons, and a set of hurdles
villains. They are genteel, civilized creatures who live that can keep a party looking for the right key to
longer than, and look down their noses at, smelly understanding the fey’s snobbish attitude—once
barbarians and bearded, beer-swilling dwarves. They they earn the proper achievements. It seems to have
are elitists who—and this makes it so much worse— worked well in playtest, and I hope it inspires your
are probably right when they claim that other races players to expand their gaming horizons a little as well.
cannot lay claim to the elves’ high culture, deeper My profound thanks to all the patrons who
knowledge of magic, or perfection in the arts. They’re supported this work. I’ve wanted to write an
snobs, and rightfully so. Amber‑meets-the‑Fey adventure for ten years, and
This snootiness drives players apeshit, which makes your patronage made it possible. I hope you find the
it a perfect attitude for villains to display. Experienced results to your liking.
heroes—especially those coming into their own
“sweet spot” in personal power—are masters of —Wolfgang Baur
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The adventure begins when the fey court turns from
one season to another, and the Winter Court briefly
Introduction to the New Edition
holds sway just as a valuable piece of information At the time I wrote Courts for 4th Edition, Kickstarter
reaches the king’s ear. After a century of neglecting wasn’t a thing, and Kobold Press was barely scraping by.
the mortal world, the Winter King takes the throne Things have changed, and the shadow fey have appeared
following the return of one of the shadow fey’s hidden in many new forms as villains, becoming major
ambassadors from the Free City of Zobeck, when the antagonists in the 5th Edition version of Midgard, and
emissary revealed to His Majesty that the arrangement having their own set of entries as monsters in the Tome
with House Stross was now null and void. Apparently, of Beasts and in the Creature Codex.
says he, the humans overthrew their king and now rule Apparently, snobby elves really do irritate players, and
through some council of merchants. The Moonlit King— their run as villains in the world is going to be a long
unpredictable at the best of times—is enraged and one. My profound thanks to Dan Dillon for wrangling
shocked by this news. If the Stross bloodline no longer the new edition monsters into shape and taking a
rules the city, then surely possession of the place reverts much-needed hammer to the finale and fine-tuning
to its prior lords. Those lords are the shadow fey, in the the firebird hunt. Thanks to Marcel Mercado and Marc
body of their king and queen, and they want it back. Radle for making the new edition look amazing.
And in fact, events unfold as the king commands,
—Wolfgang Baur
at least at first. In some ways, the city does rightfully
October 2018
revert to the fey, who originally ruled it. They act as
though their word is the law, and they appear more
and more often on the streets. If things continue in this
vein, the humans and others in Zobeck will live only at
Adventure Summary
The first stage of the adventure involves two
their sufferance.
assassination attempts: one against a priest of the Sun
The Winter Court’s season of rule ends shortly after
God, the second against the characters. In between, the
the Moonlit King sends his ambassador and servants
party notices the strange doings of the fey who arrive in
along the Shadow Road to Zobeck. During the rule
Zobeck and begin making demands of the population,
of the Summer Court, the Queen of Night and Magic
creating disruption as the existing authorities try to
maintains his policies and delivers a set of edicts to
assert themselves against the capricious and sometimes
the city. At first, these new laws are annoying but
deadly force used by the shadow fey.
manageable, but the edicts quickly become more and
The characters are invited to visit the fey’s hidden
more onerous. Seemingly, the fey are here to stay. And
ambassador, who is secretly hoping that the mayhem
they mean business.
arising from the shadow fey’s rule over the city can be
Why are the fey suddenly interested in the affairs
avoided, although he is much too loyal to say anything
of other races? Perhaps the party can find a way to
too clearly. The party learns the ritual to open a fey
straighten all this out. . . .
Shadow Road and leaves the city behind in hopes of
A NOTE ON DESIGN traveling to the courts of the shadow fey. After a couple
The plot is a “bucketed” one, with five stages that run of hostile encounters on the road, the party arrives at the
sequentially. The goal was to create separate segments, courts in the Shadow Realm only to find them apparently
acts, or chapters, each with its own mood, short abandoned. The characters can investigate, fight some
story arc, and resolution. The roughly thirty possible animated guardian constructs, and gradually peel back
encounters can take a party from 7th level to 11th level, the layers of illusion that hide the courts from casual
though it’s expected that not every party will experience trespassers. They might speak to goblin servants, visit
every encounter. the stables, and become entangled in matters involving
Each section is fairly loose, and once the party meets the lower factions of the courts. If the characters amass
the relevant requirement, a new set of encounters enough prestige, they are invited to meet more and more
becomes available. The older opportunities largely nobles, and are eventually allowed out of the Lower Halls
disappear, and new challenges arise. The only figures and allowed to mingle with the upper crust.
who are relevant throughout are the king and queen, As their Status improves, the characters face new
although their influence is felt largely by reputation in opportunities. They are invited to the Swan Festival
the early chapters. held by the courtesans, whose dances and flirtations
could prove dangerous. They might meet the Black
Prince, the Demon Lord of Roaches, Baron Suvid, and
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other members of the nobility. And they will certainly
be challenged to a duel, seduced by a succubus, given Act I: A Chill in the Air
the opportunity to hunt down the mythic firebird, and The wind is chilly with the promise of winter, the trade
be granted a lantern dragonette as a mark of favor— fair has closed up for the year, and the last of the dwarf
and, if they choose, they can pursue the hand of one of caravans have struck home for the Ironcrags before the
the courtesans. passes are snowed in. The city settles into the quieter
All this activity raises their Status and eventually gets rhythm of late autumn and awaits winter’s first frost.
the characters an invitation from the Queen of Night
and Magic, Her Majesty Sarastra, who grants them an
Act I, Scene 1:
The Assassination
audience and tells them they may discuss the matter
of Zobeck’s rulership—and their own fate—with the
Moonlit King. They are sent off to find him in the Spiral The characters are in town when things go wrong.
Maze, where he lives in a tower protected by traps, an Shadow fey toughs are threatening Oleg Khandarc, a
ancient eye golem, and shadow beasts. Meeting the priest of the sun god Khors, who has been warned to
Moonlit King can be either a diplomatic mission or stay away from the temple of Svarog where the shrine
a combat encounter, although the king’s mental state to Khors stands. The characters are called in by Misha
means that Charisma (Persuasion) is a frail reed indeed. Jorelik, a novice priest who slipped away to get help.
He might grant the characters what they wish and send
them on their way back to the mortal world, or they A young man wearing the yellow tunic of the sun god
might need to defeat him and his devils in combat first. stumbles into the tavern. “Come quickly!” he says.
On their way out of the maze, they might again meet the “Thugs are threatening the priest of the sun, and
Demon Lord of Roaches, who offers them great rewards blood may spill on holy ground!”
in exchange for the king’s Orb of Rule. The party must
decide whether to retain that source of power (and have The first player to ask a question gets an answer; then
one of its number become a member of the courts), Misha says, “I must find help, not gabble. Follow me!”
trade it to the demon lord, or give it to the queen in and runs off. If the characters do not follow, the priest
exchange for riches and the return of the city. No one and his acolyte are both found dead not long after, and
said the choices would be easy. the temple grounds are marred with blood. The holy
The king is dead—long live the Moonlit King! ground must be reconsecrated.
If the characters follow Misha back to the temple, they
hear shouts coming from inside as they approach. And
ENCOUNTER CHOICES AND DIFFICULTY they see a piece of parchment, held by a knife driven
Throughout the adventure, encounters are provided into the enormous doors in Temple Square.
at varying categories of difficulty so each one can be
Written in Elvish, the note reads:
tailored to the party’s capabilities or circumstances.
The difficulty assessments are based on a party of Let it be known to all who come here: the charter of
four characters, who start at 7th level in Act I and the Temple of Perun and Khors is revoked by order of
advance in level as the adventure progresses. the Ambassador Thelamandrine. None may enter, visit,
In addition, this edition of Courts of the Shadow Fey chant, keep vigil, or worship here unless and until the
provides alternate encounters for higher-level play, priesthood conforms to the new practices. Those who
and for various levels of ability. When you see a violate this order are subject to summary execution or
notation such as “9th-level characters” or the like, this removal by the forces of the Realm.
is a modification to the encounter that makes it more By his hand,
of a challenge for characters of higher-than‑expected His Excellency Glaninin Thelamandrine, Hidden
level. In other words, Courts can be played with a Ambassador-In-Extraordinary of the Winter Court
party of 7th-level characters at the start, and you can to the Fey City of Zobeck
choose Easy, Medium or Deadly encounters for them,
but you could also begin with higher-level characters
and keep things challenging for those more
accomplished adventurers by choosing more difficult
encounters when those options are available.
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After the characters enter the temple, read or Shadow Fey Youths
paraphrase the following: Young shadow fey are as arrogant and cocky as they are
graceful and skilled. Maturing in a society that places
The shrine is filled with illumination from a brightly emphasis on success and ambition, young shadow fey
glowing statue of the sun god, currently despoiled aggressively seek to raise themselves in the courts. For
by shifting shadows. Elves in black cloaks are in a some, this means mastering the intrigues of court life
threatening position near the priest, who stands through wit and charm while, for others, it is a life of
defiant against them. Pews fill the far end of the arcane study. For most eager shadow fey, however, the
chamber, and the priest stands under a white dome only path to success is the way of the blade. Shadow fey
supported by eight pillars. He seems calm. “You do culture values dueling as an art, and there is no shortage
not belong here,” says the priest. “I demand you leave, of ambitious fey who seek to master it.
in the names of Svarog and Khors.”
“If you will not listen to the city’s rightful ruler,” says Shadow Fey Cutthroat
one of the fey, “you will pay the price.” The elves Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil
advance toward the priest, their blades raised as they Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
move to cut him down. Hit Points 33 (6d8 + 6)
Speed 30 ft.
The shadow fey rakes (and the hound, if present)
threaten the priest at the start, while the shadow fey STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
cutthroats hide in the shadows (and thus should not be 10 (+1) 17 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 15 (+2)
placed on the grid, if one is being used).
Assuming the party interferes, they might save the Saving Throws Dex +5, Int +4
priest Oleg and the acolyte Misha from certain death. Skills Deception +4, Insight +4, Perception +4, Stealth +7
The priest (AC 13, saves +0 Dex, +1 Con) can take three Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
hits from the rakes; the acolyte (AC 10, saves +0 Dex,
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral
+0 Con) dies after just two hits. If the hound is present,
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
its bite counts as two hits, and its Frost Breath counts
as three hits on a failed saving throw and one hit on a
Cunning Action. On each of its turns, the shadow fey can
successful save.
use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide
ENCOUNTER CHOICES action.
Fey Ancestry. The shadow fey has advantage on saving
Medium—2 shadow fey cutthroats, 1 shadow fey rake
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to
Hard—2 shadow fey cutthroats, 2 shadow fey rakes sleep.
Deadly—1 hound of the night, 2 shadow fey cutthroats, Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting
2 shadow fey rakes ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell
Illumination. The statue of Khors is well lit, although innately, requiring no material components:
a creature who succeeds on a DC 13 Wisdom 2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
(Perception) check notices a strange shadowy darkness only)
substance flitting across it. The spaces near the Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The shadow fey deals an extra
curtains and along the walls are unusually dim and 10 (3d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon
lightly obscured, certainly sufficient for shadow fey to attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when
hide in. the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the shadow fey
Fire Pit. A creature that enters the small fire pit or starts that isn’t incapacitated and the shadow fey doesn’t have
disadvantage on the attack roll.
its turn there takes 5 (2d4) fire damage.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow
Pews. The rows of wooden pews are difficult terrain
fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
for someone moving perpendicular across the pews (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
but normal terrain for someone moving along their
Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage
length. A successful DC 15 Dexterity (Acrobatics) on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
check allows a character to run across the backs of the shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
pews at normal speed.
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ACTIONS Hound of the Night
Multiattack. The shadow fey makes two rapier attacks. Large monstrosity, neutral evil
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage and the target Hit Points 112 (15d10 + 30)
must make a DC 11 Constitution saving throw, taking 10 Speed 50 ft.
(3d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much
damage on a successful one.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
20 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 9 (–1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
100/400 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage
and the target must make a DC 11 Constitution saving
throw, taking 10 (3d6) poison damage on a failed save, Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +5, Wis +5
or half as much damage on a successful one. Skills Intimidation +3, Perception +5, Stealth +6
Damage Vulnerabilities fire
Shadow Fey Rake Damage Immunities cold
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Armor Class 16 (studded leather) Languages understands Elvish and Umbral but can’t speak
Hit Points 104 (16d8 + 32) Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Speed 30 ft.
Blood Scent. A hound of the night can follow a scent
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA through phase shifts, ethereal movement, dimension
door, and fey steps of any kind. Teleport and plane shift
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 15 (+2)
are beyond its ability to follow.
Innate Spellcasting. The hound’s innate spellcasting
Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +4
ability is Wisdom. It can innately cast the following spell,
Skills Acrobatics +6, Arcana +2, Intimidation +4 requiring no material components:
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 At will: dimension door
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
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ACTIONS darkness—they prefer twilight whenever possible,
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one though their darkvision makes darkness easy for them
target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage, and the to navigate.
target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw Note: Many places in the adventure have entries similar
or be knocked prone. to these, providing information that becomes known
Frost Breath (Recharge 5–6). The hound exhales a 15- by a character who gets a success on the indicated
foot cone of frost. Each creature in the cone must make check.
a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10) cold
damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a Development
successful one.
If the assassins flee, the party can help the novice or
Shadow fey cutthroats are fey who do not follow the priest (if either survived) or examine what’s left of them.
rules of honorable dueling or who have sold their Neither carries unusual wealth, messages, or items; both
services to the highest bidder instead of playing the are clearly members of the clerical order of the Sun God,
games of court. As efficient and dishonorable killers, judging by their garments and holy symbols.
they rely on stealth to stalk targets, preferring to strike
Examine Shadows. If a character examines the strange
from the shadows and unleash their sneak attacks.
shadows on the statue, ask for an Intelligence
Shadow fey rakes constantly press the fight. They use
(Arcana) or Intelligence (Religion) check and consult
misty step to gain advantageous position, and to strike at
the following table:
more vulnerable but less accessible targets.
If present, the hound attacks the acolyte with its Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Religion)
bite, and then turns on any interlopers so the rakes or
Check Result
cutthroats can finish the priest. If possible, it aims its
breath weapon to hit the priest and the characters but 10 or Definitely some shadows on that statue.
avoid the shadow fey. lower Someone should clean it.
The assassins flee when both the priest and the acolyte 11–14 Khors is a sun god; the presence of shadow
are dead, or when three of the fey can no longer fight. on his statue is a mark of desecration.
If the characters demand their surrender, they consider Marking it in this way requires powerful
the option only if they have completed their mission by magic.
killing the clergy. They’re confident they can escape any 15–19 The statue needs to be consecrated.
mundane prison easily, and so might go willingly. If it is
20 or The shadows on the statue are pure matter
present, the hound simply uses dimension door to escape
higher from the Shadow Realm, and they cannot be
the premises.
removed without divine magic.
SHADOW FEY LORE
Examine Corpses. If the characters examine the corpses
When players ask what their characters know about the
of the fey, they find the treasure described below. In
shadow fey, you can ask them to make an Intelligence
addition, Intelligence (Investigation) or Intelligence
check for general knowledge. Provide information as
(Nature) checks reveal the following information:
described below, or use a helpful NPC to convey it when
appropriate. Intelligence (Nature) or Intelligence (Investigation)
Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Nature) DC 12—The
Check Result
hierarchy of the shadow fey is ever changing. Young
shadow fey, especially, rise and fall quickly. Ruthless 10 or They look like fey creatures, and they possess
and determined, they rely on dueling and backstabbing lower bladed weapons.
to curry favor with the nobles of their court. 11–14 These are not elves but scáthsidhe, or
Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Nature) DC 17— shadow fey. They are a legend in Zobeck,
Not all shadow fey play along with duels and court long since vanished from everyday life.
politics. Many, instead, hone their talents toward 15–19 The shadow fey are creatures of neither the
more murderous ends as assassins. This makes them forest nor the fey wilderness. (Highest result
indispensible to the court while not always subject to possible on Investigation checks.)
its dramatic whims. 20 or The shadow fey are natives of the Shadow
Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Nature) DC higher Realm, which is another plane of existence
22—Shadow fey dislike either sunlight or complete and the source of shadow magic.
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If someone in the party makes an Intelligence TEN STRANGE HAPPENINGS
(History) check, use the following information: 1. Fey Hunt. A group of fey hunters armed with bows
Intelligence (History) and spears are hunting shadows through the streets
of Zobeck while largely ignoring the people. Their
Check Result white phantom hounds and stamping, strangely
19 or The history of the shadow fey is all forgotten beautiful stag mounts trample through the crowded
lower or lost. marketplace, scattering people to all sides. What
20–29 The scáthsidhe vanished from everyday they hunt through the streets is not human, dwarf,
life almost a century ago, withdrawing to or kobold, but wild deer, shadowy black bears, and
their realms just as other fey creatures have a ghostly boar with tusks like knives—all of which
abandoned the mortal world. they have released into the city. The hunters have no
qualms about endangering innocent bystanders.
30 or The shadow fey once ruled the Margreve
higher Forest, north of the city. They had some 2. Shadow Councilors. The Praetorian Council meets
alliance or bargain with the people of in its halls and discovers that its usual numbers have
Zobeck, and that’s why the forest has never been overshadowed by a group of fey visitors who seat
been cut down. A royal family rules the fey. themselves and begin discussing city business. When
the council attempts to remove them forcibly, the
human, dwarf, and kobold councilors find themselves
Treasure thrown out by their own guards (who have been
The assassins carry 400 gp worth of strange coins and tricked by fey glamours).
four black opals worth 500 gp. Someone who makes a 3. Trouble in the Street. A fey bard has gained a great
successful DC 20 Intelligence (Arcana) check recognizes following, but everywhere he sings, the performance
the coins as currency of the Shadow Realm. The opals ends in a terrible brawl. The injured include a dozen
are marked with an engraved crest of the Moonlit King. members of the city watch.
They can be exchanged for +1 Status later, in the courts, 4. Disappearances. Rumors claim that people who
if the characters still have them. offend one of the fey walking the streets disappear.
Act I, Scene 2:
Others claim that the gangs such as the Cloven Nine
and the Redcloaks are taking advantage of a troubled
Disquiet in the City time to settle scores (see the Zobeck Gazetteer for gang
details).
The characters might investigate things after the
5. Longer Twilight. The astronomers of the Arcane
assassination, but things also start to investigate them.
Collegium believe that the days are even less well lit
In particular, they are followed by shadows, and their
than before. The conjunction of a new moon with the
sleep is invaded.
winter solstice comes in a few weeks, and that is an
especially inauspicious time.
Autumn seems to have snuck up on the city. A
6. Repentant Criminal. An assassin tries to kill the
deepening chill hangs in the city air, and the streets
mayor, and when his attempt fails, he turns himself
are filled with fog and cold mist. People are settling in
in and hangs himself in his cell. The Collegium
for winter.
necromancer who questions him using a speak with
dead spell discovers that the assassin repaid a debt
Following the mayhem at the temple of Perun and to a fey overlord to prevent worse happening to his
Khors, some strange things have been happening around children. The children, though, are missing.
town: a street has disappeared, and new heralds in black
7. River Freezes. The river Argent freezes solid for half
tabards have been spotted on street corners, declaiming
a day. Merchants despair, captains worry about harm
the “Queen’s Edicts” and disappearing when approached.
to their barges, and children are delighted to play on
Use the following material as encounters for the party,
the ice.
to increase the sense of strangeness in the city, or as
information gained on successful DC 15 Charisma 8. Beer Sours. The important White Rose Brewery has
(Persuasion) or Intelligence (Investigation) checks. an entire batch go bad. The dwarves are incensed; the
fey left a notice that the soured beer was a “penalty for
words meant to insult and injure the city’s right and
proper rulers. All future brewings will suffer likewise
until a sufficient apology is offered.”
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9. Mocking Shadows. The characters’ shadows taunt The Queen’s Edicts are expressed in papers stuck to
them for not throwing in their lot with the hidden the city gates and announced by loud shadow fey and
ambassador, and even threaten them by saying, “The goblin criers in Crown Square and the Greenmarket
shadows will rule, the sun is setting” and similar at dawn and dusk each day. At first, these regulations
phrases meant to disquiet the characters. are annoying but manageable, such as a ban on cursing
10. Shades at the Gates. The clockwork watchmen that and an end to the Festival of Light (which isn’t until
usually watch over the North Gate and Dwarven Gate midsummer, so no one notices). Yet those who disobey
fail to operate normally. They are replaced by shadow find themselves unable to sleep well, and sometimes find
fey guards wearing white tabards marked with a their voices gone for days at a time.
black moon. Attempts by the city watch to oust the Then the heralds proclaim an interdict against the
interlopers fail because the city watch cannot reach worship of the city’s patron goddess, Rava. All those
the gate; they wander all over the city, but every time who visit the temple are robbed: every coin, jewel, and
they approach the gates, they take a wrong turn and item of value is taken from them as a “fine.” The priests
wind up elsewhere. The Zobeck guard captain, Hovart are attacked, just as the priest of Khors was, by shadow
Edelstein, is enraged, but the Arcane Collegium seems fey rakes and assassins, and occasionally a hound of the
powerless to counter the charm. night.
The edicts quickly grow more demanding: no temples
THE QUEEN’S EDICTS may be entered without permission of the queen and
If the party takes no action to investigate, events her ambassador, no one may eat meat without paying
continue apace. The Queen of Night and Magic has a portion to the fey, and no one may declare a toast
given instructions to her hidden ambassador; he, in turn, without praising the fey.
promulgates a set of edicts to the city by sending out Word on the Street. The characters can talk to citizens or
black-cloaked heralds to announce these edicts in Elvish. do their own poking around to get some news about
The characters might hear the first edict directly from recent events and their import, using Intelligence
the hidden ambassador; they are asked to come before (Investigation) or Charisma (Persuasion) checks:
the council to speak and offer advice or magical aid.
While they are in the city hall chambers, the Intelligence (Investigation) or Charisma (Persuasion)
proceedings are interrupted:
Check Result
A figure dressed in black and white and holding a
14 or The city is restless; it will be a hard winter.
lower
scroll steps forward from a dark corner and gives a
short speech in Elvish. 15–19 The Street of Tailors and the courtyard in the
Green District near the market disappeared
For characters who understand Elvish: for an entire day.
20–24 The temple of Rava has been closed since the
“The Moonlit King has spoken and upheld his claims, day of the assassination attempt. The priests
just and remembered. Once the longest night has and priestesses of the Gear Goddess and
passed, the king and queen of the Realm of Shadow patron of the city are nowhere to be found.
shall rule the lands of Zobeck once more, appointing a 25–29 The fey who attacked the high priest of
statthalter as Their Royal Highnesses see fit. Khors are shadow fey, who usually keep to
“As Hidden Ambassador to the city now built upon themselves in the Margreve Forest, north of
those lands, I stand ready to arbitrate in the name the city. Rumors say that other officials in
of the Shadow Court, winter and summer, day and the city have been threatened as well.
night. Let no scáthsidhe be harmed or harassed in 30 or The events of recent days point to
these lands, on pain of blindness. I await your full higher something more than troublemaking fey.
compliance; you may petition me if the need arises.” The priesthood of Porevit says a “hidden
ambassador of the shadow fey” approached
The fey bows once after speaking, then disappears. its centaur high priest, Ogolai, seeking an
If the characters attack before the speech is done, the understanding.
ambassador simply flees sooner and gives his speech at
the citadel or the watch barracks instead.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
THE AMBASSADOR’S INVITATION
On top of all these happenings, a strange visitor appears HAUNTED DREAMS
one night in the characters’ dreams and invites them to During this time, everyone’s rest is disturbed to some
visit Winter’s Kiss, the hidden ambassador’s home in degree by nightmares and strange noises. Each
Zobeck. character must make a DC 15 Constitution saving
There’s just one problem: no one in the city seems throw after finishing a long rest in Zobeck. On a
to have heard of Winter’s Kiss. The fey have kept such failed save, that character has a bad rest and gains
a low profile up till now that their ambassador, who none of the usual benefits.
has lived in Zobeck for a decade, is not known by
name or occupation. Indeed, asking about the hidden
ambassador brings a blank stare from most people.
If the characters are immediately interested in
Act I, Scene 3: A Clear Message
Although the characters might know nothing about
following up on the invitation and locating Winter’s
the shadow fey, the fey have certainly been speaking to
Kiss, go to Scene 4 for more information.
humans, dwarves, and kobolds who know the characters
FEY EVENTS: GRADUAL OPPRESSION by their growing reputations—and the fey don’t plan
AND STRANGE JOYS on letting such powerful heroes disturb their plans. The
information they gain makes it clear to the shadow fey
If the characters show little interest in finding the
that the characters are a threat—so at some point, the
hidden ambassador, the city slides closer and closer to a
fey target the characters for assassination.
change of government. Use some or all of the following
Choose a time for this encounter when the party has
events to show that ignoring the problem is a bad idea.
just defied the shadow fey in public, or defeated one of
1. Fey Crime. The local watch has no jurisdiction over their agents, or when the party is close to figuring out
the fey (or so the fey claim). As a result, the rakes and what’s going on.
other young shadow fey run riot in the city, robbing,
dueling, and destroying property. When confronted ENCOUNTER CHOICES
or accused, they disappear or simply laugh, knowing Medium—1 soul eater, 2 tough shadows
that their misdeeds will have no consequences until
Hard—1 soul eater, 1 wraith
such time as the statthalter or the hidden ambassador
Deadly—2 soul eaters, 2 tough shadows, 1 wraith
calls them to account.
2. Gates Sealed. Dwarves and humans who might
Soul Eater
leave the city as it grows less hospitable are not
Medium fiend, neutral evil
allowed to leave with their families. The shadow fey
guards only allow a single family member out through Armor Class 16
the gates at one time, keeping the rest in the city as Hit Points 104 (16d8 + 32)
hostages to ensure the traveler’s return. In theory, this Speed 30 ft. fly 100 ft.
situation can end when the statthalter or the hidden
ambassador signs the right proclamation. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
3. Young Sacrifices. Beautiful young women and 13 (+1) 22 (+6) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 11 (+0)
handsome lads are invited to an “Eveningstar Ball,”
which seems like a pleasant time—but many who Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +5, Cha +3
attend are charmed and seduced and carried away by Skills Intimidation +3, Perception +3, Stealth +9
rakes and fey nobles. Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
4. Counting Their Subjects. The shadow fey from nonmagical attacks
order city officials to perform a census and record Damage Immunities poison
everyone’s birthday, hair color, and other details of a Condition Immunities paralyzed, poisoned, stunned,
private nature. unconscious
5. Kobold Immunity. Kobolds seem strangely Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
unaffected by most of this activity (their pact with Languages Infernal
the shadow fey is a separate peace, and they are Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
unaffected by the deal with House Stross).
Caster Link. When a soul eater is summoned, it creates
a mental link between itself and its conjurer. If the soul
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
eater’s assigned target (see Find Target) dies before the Languages —
soul eater can drain the target’s soul, or if the soul eater Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
is defeated by its target (but not slain), it returns to its
conjurer at full speed and attacks. While the soul eater
Amorphous. The shadow can move through a space as
and the conjurer are on the same plane, it can use its
narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.
Find Target to find its conjurer.
Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the
Find Target. When a soul eater’s conjurer orders it to
shadow can take the Hide action as a bonus action.
find a creature, it can do so unerringly, despite distance
Sunlight Weakness. While in sunlight, the shadow has
or intervening obstacles, provided the target is on the
disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving
same plane of existence. The conjurer must have seen
throws.
the desired target and must speak the target’s name.
ACTIONS ACTIONS
Strength Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Multiattack. The soul eater makes two claw attacks.
one creature. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) necrotic damage, and the
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target’s Strength score is reduced by 1d4. The target dies
target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage, and the target
if this reduces its Strength to 0. Otherwise, the reduction
must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 7
lasts until the target finishes a short or long rest.
(2d6) psychic damage on a failed save, or half as much
If a non-evil humanoid dies from this attack, a new
damage on a successful one.
shadow rises from the corpse 1d4 hours later.
Soul Drain. If the soul eater reduces a target to 0 hit
points, the soul eater can devour that creature’s soul
as a bonus action. The victim must make a DC 13 Wraith
Constitution saving throw. On a successful save, the Medium undead, neutral evil
target is dead but can be restored to life by normal Armor Class 13
means. On a failed save, the target’s soul is consumed Hit Points 67 (9d8 + 27)
by the soul eater, and the target can’t be restored to life Speed 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
with clone, raise dead, or reincarnate. A resurrection, true
resurrection, or wish spell can return the target to life,
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
but only if the caster succeeds on a DC 15 spellcasting
6 (–2) 16 (+3) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 15 (+2)
ability check. If the soul eater dies within 120 feet of its
victim’s corpse and the victim has been dead no longer
than 1 minute, the victim’s soul returns to the body and Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
restores it to life, leaving the victim unconscious and bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
stable with 0 hit points. attacks not made with silvered weapons
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
Tough Shadow paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
Medium undead, chaotic evil Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Armor Class 12 Languages Elvish, Umbral
Hit Points 25 (3d8 + 12) Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Speed 40 ft.
Incorporeal Movement. The wraith can move through
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA other creatures and objects as if they were difficult
6 (–2) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 6 (–2) 10 (+0) 8 (–1) terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside an object.
Skills Stealth +4 (+6 in dim light or darkness) Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the wraith has
Damage Vulnerabilities radiant disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder; (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical ACTIONS
attacks
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison one creature. Hit: 21 (4d8 + 3) necrotic damage. The
Condition Immunities exhaustion, frightened, grappled, target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained throw or its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 equal to the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the
14
Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
target finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect
Act I, Scene 4:
Seeking the Hidden Ambassador
reduces its hit point maximum to 0.
Create Specter. The wraith targets a humanoid within
10 feet of it that has been dead for no longer than 1 As the characters have likely already learned, mundane
minute and died violently. The target’s spirit rises as attempts to locate Winter’s Kiss are no help at all, but
a specter in the space of its corpse or in the nearest some spells might prove useful.
unoccupied space. The specter is under the wraith’s
Speak with Animals. Given the nature-friendly aspect of
control. The wraith can have no more than seven
specters under its control at one time.
the fey, this spell works better than one might expect;
a bird (a crow or a songbird, but not a pigeon) or even
The soul eaters focus their attacks on any creatures
a rat might know that Winter’s Kiss is located near the
openly bearing holy symbols, with a preference for
Arcane Collegium, or near the Market District (this is
worshipers of a sun god, followed by any obvious
the Shadow Fey Exchange, a place often confused with
followers of Rava. They then turn on heavily armored or
the ambassador’s residence). The place is magically
hard-hitting foes, but always attacking the same enemy.
protected from the view of most people, enchanted
For groups requiring slightly more of a challenge, but
to disappear from the eyes of those who were born
not a full jump to a deadly encounter, consider having
after the enchantment was spun. As a result, only
the soul eater split into two shadows when it dies. The
the elderly, the elf-marked, and a few wizards with
shadows act on the soul eater’s initiative count.
keen arcane sight can find it easily. Animals were not
Treasure included in the protective glamour, so a pigeon or a rat
If a soul eater is slain, its shadowy ashes contain a might say something like “The Mouse King has spoken
magical powder with the properties of a potion of of it. The fey keep a few of us as pets and servants.”
greater healing. The animals’ answers are all vague about how to
15
Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
actually enter the place, and finding the exact location
requires interpreting the directions of various urban
Act I, Scene 5: Dogs at the Door
wildlife, possibly requiring additional ability checks Once the characters discover how to reach the
(Intelligence [Nature] DC 15 or Wisdom [Insight] DC ambassador and parley with him, the house seems
18), bribes of nuts and cheeses, or the ability to follow ordinary. When the party first arrives, read:
a bird as it flies.
Divination. More precise in some ways than speak with The house seems perfectly ordinary, although you can
animals, the spell yields the following truthful reply: tell that no one enters or leaves by what seems to be
“Lost fey souls guard the ancient stones where red caps the front door. The walls are of thick gray slate. The
once hung.” The last reference alludes to “the House door bears a fresh coat of white paint and an elegant
of Red Hats,” which was the Stross counting house silver knocker in the shape of a wolf’s head. The
before the Great Revolt and has since been sold to the shutters are gray and tightly closed.
spice merchant Enneas Thel and renamed Winter’s A small window in the front door is shuttered. You
Kiss. A successful DC 17 Intelligence (History) check, hear barking from within.
or consulting any of the city’s older merchants, reveals
the location of the building. A visit is then easy. The door is unlocked. Knocking on it brings a shadow
Legend Lore. This spell works perfectly to locate Winter’s fey rake, who opens the window in the door and
Kiss, but if the characters have easy access to this introduces himself as Canderminne Tallowglass, a servant
magic, they might be too powerful for the adventure to His Excellency, the Ambassador‑In‑Extraordinary of
as written. If the characters have no other good option, the Shadow Realm. He seems surprised to see humans
the priestess of Rava the Gear Goddess might cast at the door, and he addresses any elf, gnome, or other
legend lore on their behalf if the characters seek her fey with the party as if that character were the leader of
out and pay for the Clockwork Oracle (see ”Zobeck the group. He does expect a reason for their visit; if the
and the Crossroads” in the Midgard Worldbook, or see characters present the invitation, they are allowed in
the Zobeck Gazetteer for 5th Edition). and then told to wait in the hall (see “Enter, Friend, and
Welcome” below).
IF THE CHARACTERS DON’T COOPERATE If no invitation is shown, the characters can talk their
way in with a successful DC 20 Charisma (Deception)
For whatever reason, the characters might decide to
check or a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check.
play a waiting game and see what develops. If that’s what
Canderminne is skeptical of those who breach protocol
happens, the fey don’t invade, exactly; they just declare
but reluctant to turn them away.
themselves in charge and assume that everyone will obey
If the party does not show the invitation and they fail
them. This leads to a curious sort of dual government for
to talk their way in, Canderminne politely asks them to
a time; the human guards are flummoxed by fey magic,
leave: a successful DC 20 Charisma (Persuasion) check
and the fey pretty much ignore all human institutions
enables them to ask a single question before leaving.
that do not interfere with their goals.
Each additional question requires another check, and
If the characters don’t investigate further for a month,
at the first failure, Canderminne steps back from direct
a herald announces that no one may breathe the king’s
contact with the characters and calls out the dogs.
air in the Gear District (which leaves the gearforged
Winter’s Kiss is guarded by a large number of hounds
the only ones who can visit). At dawn and dusk, the fey
and wolves; the encounter below should be run at least
seize control of the city gates, the council chambers,
twice if the characters try to attack the place in force.
and the temple of the Green Gods. They don’t exactly
fight the city’s watchmen; however, they enforce their ENCOUNTER CHOICES
declared laws. Those who break them are beaten, cut, or
Medium—2 hounds of the night
shaved hairless. Some are exiled from the city.
Hard—2 hounds of the night, 2 shadow wolves
Naturally, the Praetorian Council, the mayor, and
Deadly—2 hounds of the night, 1 shadow fey rake, 2
others find these edicts a threat to their authority and a
shadow wolves
danger to the city. Why the sudden fey arrival? How can
a bargain be struck with such capricious and arrogant
creatures? Perhaps they can persuade the party to seek
out the hidden ambassador after all.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
Hound of the Night Fey Ancestry. The rake has advantage on saving throws
Large monstrosity, neutral evil against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to sleep.
Armor Class 16 (natural armor) Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting
ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell
Hit Points 112 (15d10 + 30)
innately, requiring no material components:
Speed 50 ft.
2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
darkness only)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow
20 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 9 (–1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +5, Wis +5 Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage
Skills Intimidation +3, Perception +5, Stealth +6 on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
Damage Vulnerabilities fire shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
Damage Immunities cold ACTIONS
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Multiattack. The shadow fey makes two melee attacks.
Languages understands Elvish and Umbral but can’t speak
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
poison damage.
Blood Scent. A hound of the night can follow a scent
through phase shifts, ethereal movement, dimension
REACTIONS
door, and fey steps of any kind. Teleport and plane shift Parry. The shadow fey
are beyond its ability to follow. rake adds 2 to its AC
Innate Spellcasting. The hound’s innate spellcasting against one melee
ability is Wisdom. It can innately cast the following spell, attack that would hit
requiring no material components: it. To do so, the rake
must see the target
At will: dimension door
and be wielding a
ACTIONS melee weapon.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage, and the
target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw
or be knocked prone.
Frost Breath (Recharge 5–6). The hound exhales a
15‑foot cone of frost. Each creature in the cone must
make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10)
cold damage on a failed save or half as much damage
on a successful one.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
Shadow Wolf obvious henchmen, servants, and barbarians.] The
shadow fey noble ignores you long enough to be
Large beast, unaligned
rude, then turns and says to the party’s perceived
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
leader, in a corrupted version of Elvish, “Why do you
Hit Points 37 (5d10 + 10)
trouble me? Oh, yes, I may have invited you, but I did
Speed 50 ft.
not expect you to take me up on the offer. Much less
to bring minions with you.”
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
18 (+4) 15 (+2) 15 (+2) 3 (–4) 12 (+1) 7 (–2)
The white owl is the sorcerer Freja Owlsdaughter. The
rake remains at the door, politely not watching. If the
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +4
party includes a speaker of Elvish, the ambassador’s mood
Damage Resistances cold improves noticeably. (“You speak like civilized people!”)
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 The ambassador then explains why he wanted to meet
Languages — the party.
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
“Ah, yes, I did invite you for a reason. Stand, and listen
Keen Hearing and Smell. The shadow wolf has advantage well. My servant will bring us goblets and a stoup of
on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or
wine. You are well known in the city, you know. All my
smell.
spies tell me so. And thus, your open and heartfelt
Pack Tactics. The shadow wolf has advantage on an
support for the queen’s just and proper rule will make
attack roll against a creature if at least one of the wolf’s
things easier for all. I require your immediate word
allies is within 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn’t
incapacitated. of honor that you will not attempt further armed
insurrection against the just and proper ruler of the city.
ACTIONS “And to be clear, I mean the queen. If you have
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one any other thoughts, discard them. Unless you can
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) somehow change her mind, she can and will rule over
cold damage, and the target must succeed on a DC 14 everything as soon as humans learn that her claim is
Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. just, and her rule inevitable. Perhaps she will arrive in
procession in full splendor, to cow the weak.”
Development
If the characters gain entry to Winter’s Kiss without
There’s potential here for a heated conversation. The
violence, award each character 2,000 XP.
ambassador does not yield a single point if the characters
argue in favor of what he calls “humans ruling lands
ENTER, FRIEND, AND WELCOME that do not belong to them.” To give them incentive to
If the party passes muster, Canderminne bids them see things his way, he offers them titles, such as Lord
welcome to Winter’s Kiss and asks for each character’s of Zobeck or Mortal Magister to the Shadow Court or
“name and rank,” so he can announce them. Once he is even Master of the Faithful for a cleric, if it helps. If he is
satisfied on that score, he ushers them inside. asked about the earlier assassinations, he simply declares
that a “change of administration” is under way. No
The servant leads you down a long, carpeted hall to the
apology is forthcoming.
audience chamber, a room dimly lit by a few candles.
At this point, a character who succeeds on a DC 20
Wisdom (Insight) check realizes that the ambassador is
A white owl sits on a perch at the end of a long
holding things back, not revealing the full truth of his
dining table. A single chair stands in the room, and
opinions on the matter.
seated on it is a fey with black hair, a thin nose, and
pointed ears almost as long as a goblin’s. His clothes HISTORY LESSON
are pure black and heavily embroidered in more black;
If the characters request an explanation for the presence
his leggings are pure white and embellished with
of the fey, the ambassador summarizes the history of the
hexagonal designs. He holds an ivory wand. fey’s involvement with Zobeck:
The servant says, “Visitors, Your Excellency.” [He then The queen’s claim to this territory dates back to before
repeats the characters’ names and ranks, starting the city’s founding, when the shadow fey ruled all the
with fey and titled characters. He neglects to mention lands from the Ironcrags to the Ruby Sea.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
When House Stross was overthrown in the Great Charisma (Persuasion)
Revolt, the lands reverted to possession of those that
granted the fiefdom—namely, the Lambent House of Her Check Result
Celestial and Royal Majesty, Sarastra Aestruum, Queen 14 or “The queen is sometimes amused to meet
of Night and Magic, Duchess of the Heavens, Countess lower foreigners.”
of Thorn, Mistress of Air and Darkness, Lady of the 15–19 “The king was the one who declared that the
Summer Palace and Bride of Shadows, as well as her claim to the city is both valid and of interest
husband and the father of the royal line, His Lunar and to the court.”
Royal Majesty, Ludomir Imbrium the XVI, the Moonlit
20–24 “The king and the queen are, indeed, not
King of the Shadow fey, Lord of the Shadow Realm,
always of one mind in affairs of state. But
Lord Protector of the Black Elves, Duke of the Elvish
this is not your concern.”
Ironcrags, Baron of Bratislor, Earl of Zobeck, Master of
the Winter Palace, and Count-Palatine of Salzbach. 25–29 “The king has retired to his tower, and his
The claim lay unacknowledged for a few decades, instructions have grown somewhat . . .
during which time the shadow fey were otherwise cryptic. He has moods and seasons that are
occupied, but it remains valid. The Margreve Forest and beyond your understanding, simple folk of
all lands within sight of it are part of the claim. the daylight lands.”
30 or “The queen has taken a lover, and she might
CONVERSATIONAL PITFALLS higher be looking for an excuse to expand her power
If the characters try to assert themselves against . . . But no, I descend into gossip. Enough—
the ambassador and his enormous sense of ego and show our guests the door! They bore me, and
privilege, things can go very badly. Thelamandrine I do nothing but prattle. Summon me proper
considers humans, kobolds, dwarves, and other non-fey companions for the night!”
to be lesser races, and he reacts poorly to any attempt
to suggest that the shadow fey are in the wrong in their The ambassador privately thinks that this effort to
claim. The Queen’s Writ is the law in the ambassador’s enforce the fey’s ancient claim to the city is foolhardy
eyes; to say otherwise is treasonous. (although he never quite says so). He tells the party that
If a character tries to discuss the mayor, Zobeck’s status the city will surely be quiet and under the shadow fey’s
as a free city, the rights of citizens, or the worship of benevolent rule within in a year and a day, or perhaps
Rava and the Sun God, the speaker immediately realizes much sooner; time passes strangely in mortal lands and,
(with a successful DC 10 Wisdom [Insight] check) as folk say, “Who knows when Her Majesty will appoint
that the statement has been taken as deeply offensive a viceroy?” At that time, all resistance to the fey rulership
by the ambassador—after which he asks, point blank, of Zobeck must cease, or blood will flow in earnest.
whether the characters are “enemies of the court.” A If the characters succeed in their entreaties to the
successful DC 18 Charisma (Deception or Persuasion) ambassador, he tells them a method exists that would
or Intelligence (History) check steers the conversation allow them to visit the court and plead their case
away and avoids the question. If he is not satisfied with directly, by heading out along the Shadow Road. If asked
the answer, he calls on the sorcereress, the deathwisp, about the details, however, he is coy at best:
and possibly the shadow fey to cover his retreat. If the
characters claim to want to fight against the queen, the “My responsibility,” he says, “is to convince you that
hidden ambassador is happy to oblige them. such an action would be foolish. Surely your visit to
Additional Information. The party might learn more the Shadow Realm would be suicidal and a waste of
from Hidden Ambassador Thelamandrine with good effort.” He winks. “But if you would go, I cannot stop
roleplaying and clever questions. You can dispense you, for the queen’s court is open to all comers.”
this information according to the situation, or make
it available to characters who attempt a Charisma The ambassador knows the city well enough to know
(Persuasion) check. Higher check totals can include the that attempts to enforce the fey’s claim will be bloody
results of lower checks as well, at your discretion. and likely futile in the long run. Some eighty years of
independence, combined with the influx of human and
dwarf worship of the Gear Goddess, makes the city a
potential backdrop for misunderstanding and disaster.
Though he cannot openly help the party in any way,
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
Thelamandrine is willing to stand aside or even point Freja Owlsdaughter, the Shadowsworn
them in the right direction, provided he can ultimately
Medium humanoid (elf, shapechanger), neutral evil
deny any involvement in their plans if they fail.
Armor Class 16 (bracers of defense, mage armor)
FIGHTING THE AMBASSADOR Hit Points 123 (19d8 + 38)
If the characters refuse to parley, or the conversation Speed 30 ft. (5 ft., fly 60 ft. in owl form)
goes poorly, and they insist on fighting, they are making
things difficult for themselves later. But the ambassador STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
is more than willing to fight. 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 18 (+4)
Arrival at Winter’s Kiss. The ambassador, Freja
Owlsdaughter, and six rakes are visible at the house; up Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +5, Cha +7
to five deathwisps and possibly a few shadows are well Skills Arcana +4, Deception +7, Perception +5,
hidden behind the walls and floors, appearing only if Persuasion +7, Stealth +5
the ambassador or the sorcereress call for them. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral
The ambassador is already fleeing, knocking over his Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
chair in his haste. From the floor and from the walls
Fey Ancestry. Freja has advantage on saving throws
step guardian creatures of black armor, yet only skulls
against being charmed, and magic can’t put her to
and shadows are visible within their helms.
sleep.
The owl speaks a word and becomes a fey sorceress.
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Innate Spellcasting. Freja’s innate spellcasting ability Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
is Charisma. She can cast the following spell innately, Languages Common, Umbral
requiring no material components. Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
4/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
darkness only)
Flicker. The deathwisp flickers in and out of sight,
Shapechanger. Freja can use her action to polymorph and ranged weapon attacks against it are made with
into an owl, or back into her humanoid form. Her disadvantage.
statistics, other than size, are the same in each form.
Incorporeal Movement. The deathwisp can move through
Any equipment she is wearing or carrying falls to the
other creatures and objects as if they were difficult
ground, merges into her form, or is worn if the new form
terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
is capable of wearing it. She reverts to her humanoid
inside a solid object.
form if she dies.
Shadow Jump. A deathwisp can travel between shadows
Spellcasting. Freja is a 10th-level spellcaster. Her
as if by means of dimension door. This magical transport
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to
must begin and end in an area with at least some
hit with spell attacks). She knows the following sorcerer
shadow. It can jump up to a total of 40 feet per day. This
spells:
ability must be used in 10-foot increments.
Cantrips (at will): blade ward, chill touch, friends, mage
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the deathwisp
hand, minor illusion, ray of frost
has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
1st level (4 slots): mage armor, magic missile, shield (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
2nd level (3 slots): blindness/deafness, gust of wind Unnatural Aura. Animals do not willingly approach
3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, hypnotic pattern within 30 feet of a deathwisp, unless a master succeeds
4th level (3 slots): blight, confusion on a DC 15 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check.
5th level (2 slots): cone of cold ACTIONS
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Freja has
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception)
one target. Hit: 36 (7d8 + 5) necrotic damage. The target
checks that rely on sight.
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, or
Traveler in Darkness. Freja has advantage on Intelligence its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to
(Arcana) checks made to know about shadow roads and the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target
shadow magic spells or items. finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces
ACTIONS its hit point maximum to 0.
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Create Deathwisp. The deathwisp targets a humanoid
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage and 7 (2d6) cold within 10 feet of it that died violently less than 1 minute
damage. ago. The target’s spirit rises as a wraith in the space
of its corpse or in the nearest unoccupied space. This
wraith is under the deathwisp’s control. The deathwisp
Deathwisp
can keep no more than five wraiths under its control at
Medium undead, neutral evil one time.
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33) Treasure
Speed 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover) The deathwisps have no treasure, but Freja has one item
she holds very dear: a pair of bracers of defense.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
6 (–2) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) DEVELOPMENT
If the ambassador attempts to flee, continue with:
Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +6, Wis +6
Skills Perception +6, Stealth +8 A heavy tapestry conceals the door the ambassador
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder; went through. Elvish writing, in mithral and studded
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical with shining green jewels, covers its surface.
weapons that aren’t silvered
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison The door is not trapped or warded. The inscription
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled, is written in an unusual dialect: “These chambers are
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained not for you, mortals, and not for those who have never
looked upon the shadow forest. Those who pass against
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the ambassador’s wishes will meet his soldiers and join immediately beset by the ambassador and his allies. If he
his army of servants.” can chant for 4 rounds (as a bonus action each round),
The mithral and jewels can be pried out with a he opens a shadow portal and escapes.
successful DC 15 Dexterity check using jeweler’s tools,
smith’s tools, or thieves’ tools. They are worth 4,400 gp in Deathwisp
total: six citrines worth 500 gp each and 1,400 gp worth
Medium undead, neutral evil
of mithral. Doing so takes about 5 minutes and gives the
Armor Class 15
ambassador an opportunity to complete his ritual.
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33)
If the ability check fails by 5 or more, one of the jewels
is cracked and ruined by the character’s overly hasty Speed 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
attempts to pry it loose.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
A character who examines the door and succeeds on
6 (–2) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 20 (+5)
a DC 18 Wisdom (Perception) check discovers what
appears to be a discharged magical trap on the door. The
darker greenish hue of the jewels indicates that their Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +6, Wis +6
power has been expended. Skills Perception +6, Stealth +8
The characters might choose to take a few minutes Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
of discussion or preparation after fighting Freja bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
Owlsdaughter. If they do so, halve the time necessary weapons that aren’t silvered
for the ambassador to escape (see below) from 4 rounds Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
to 2 rounds. Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
EXIT STAGE LEFT Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Deadly—1 deathwisp, Hidden Ambassador Languages Common, Umbral
Thelamandrine Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
Deadly (9th-level characters)—1 deathwisp, Hidden
Ambassador Thelamandrine, 1 shadow fey rake Flicker. The deathwisp flickers in and out of sight,
Deadly (10th-level characters)—2 deathwisps, Hidden and ranged weapon attacks against it are made with
Ambassador Thelamandrine, 2 shadow fey rakes disadvantage.
Incorporeal Movement. The deathwisp can move through
As the party goes through the door behind the tapestry other creatures and objects as if they were difficult
where the ambassador fled into the ballroom. They are terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
inside a solid object.
Shadow Jump. A deathwisp can travel between shadows
ZOBECK CANON as if by means of dimension door. This magical transport
The Dragged Woman, the other sluagh, can be must begin and end in an area with at least some
temperamental and often commands expensive shadow. It can jump up to a total of 40 feet per day. This
prices. Her information usually works only once. ability must be used in 10-foot increments.
While she might be able to help the characters with Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the deathwisp
an immediate path to the courts, they will have no has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
return route and might need to learn the ritual there. (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
You could use this option for groups who know Unnatural Aura. Animals do not willingly approach
of the Dragged Woman, or who want to skip such within 30 feet of a deathwisp, unless a master succeeds
on a DC 15 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check.
investigations after a single barter with the Dragged
Woman. If so, her passage deposits the characters on ACTIONS
the Shadow Road. Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
See either Streets of Zobeck or the Zobeck Gazetteer one target. Hit: 36 (7d8 + 5) necrotic damage. The target
for more details regarding the Dragged Woman. must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, or
The shadow fey, however, know that the characters its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to
have entered the road, and conspire against them. the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target
Such groups proceed to Scene 7, but suffer at least finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces
two encounters on the road. its hit point maximum to 0.
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Create Deathwisp. The deathwisp targets a humanoid
within 10 feet of it that died violently less than 1 minute
ago. The target’s spirit rises as a wraith in the space
of its corpse or in the nearest unoccupied space. This
wraith is under the deathwisp’s control. The deathwisp
can keep no more than five wraiths under its control at
one time.
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Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Development
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral If the party does not fight the ambassador but instead
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) chooses to roleplay through the scene and fares well,
Ambassador Thelamandrine gives each character a
Fey Ancestry. The shadow fey has advantage on saving gold and glass goblet (worth 2,000 gp) “fit for a royal
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to feast,” and his sorceress grants them a boon of “a visit
sleep. from my tailor” for “not behaving like so many louts we
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting have entertained in this simple home.” This gift takes
ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell the form of a pair of silk and black leather bracers of
innately, requiring no material components: defense for an arcane or fey character (which appears
2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or in a strange leather parcel with a note addressed to the
darkness only) character at some point in the next few days) and the
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow possibility that the sorceress Freja Owlsdaughter will
fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom reappear as an ally later in the adventure. Award each
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. character 2,500 XP.
Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage
on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
Act I, Scene 6: Finding the
Shadow Road Ritual
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
ACTIONS
With the hints received from Hidden Ambassador
Multiattack. The shadow fey makes two melee attacks.
Thelamandrine, the party might ask around about the
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
ritual that opens the Shadow Road. There’s little to go
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
on at first, but the city of Zobeck does have the Arcane
poison damage.
Collegium and fey living within its walls who consider
REACTIONS the place home and who know secrets. One of them will
Parry. The shadow fey rake adds 2 to its AC against one ultimately provide the information the party needs.
melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the rake must The skill challenges in this scene—Research at the
see the target and be wielding a melee weapon. Collegium, Lych Gate, The Reluctant Sluagh, and
Beneath the Pier—can be conducted as ability checks or
Treasure as roleplaying exercises, allowing characters to utilize
The party might find treasure that the ambassador keeps their creativity. They can be pursued in any order, and
in a locked chest in his chambers. The ambassador’s they build on one another, but they need not all be
chest contains two jewel-studded, golden wine goblets undertaken. (Conversely, you can decide it’s possible
worth 2,500 gp each and 2,000 gp in Zobeck coin. for the characters to try again if their first attempt at a
SKILL CHALLENGES
A skill challenge simulates an attempt to perform what happens when the challenge results in an overall
a task that takes a longer time and a greater effort success or failure.
than a single ability check. In its most basic form, the Of course, characters might try to make checks or
characters make a series of ability checks with the goal do other things that aren’t accounted for in the text of
of earning a required number of successes before the challenge, including casting spells or using elements
accumulating a maximum number of failed checks of class features and backgrounds. Reward creative
(similar to how death saving throws work). thinking appropriately: for example, Intelligence checks
The presentation of skill challenges varies to decipher significant meaning in ancient writings
throughout the adventure, depending on the needs could be made with advantage, or at a reduced DC, if
of a particular scene. Regardless of its format, every accompanied by the use of comprehend languages. Err
challenge identifies a number of ability checks (and on the side of assisting an action with the use of spells
their DCs) appropriate to the task and the benefit rather than using a spell to take the place of a check
that’s earned by getting a success. It also explains outright, but keep the scene interesting, and flowing.
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challenge results in failure.) As a result of experiencing Overall Failure: The characters experience an additional
the challenges, the adventurers should acquire the basic encounter while traveling the Shadow Road.
information about the tread the Niflheim road ritual and
the ability to recognize those places where the ritual can Information Gained from Successful Checks
be performed. • A few possible sites exist for the ritual throughout
Zobeck—what signifies them is not always clear.
RESEARCH AT THE COLLEGIUM • One promising site is the Lych Gate, an old temple
At the Arcane Collegium, the adventurers research the gate that was incorporated into the Ghetto Wall.
particulars of the Shadow Road ritual. They interact • A spinning lantern must be used in the casting.
with a group of Collegium students or the Collegium • The full text of the ritual isn’t recorded in the library. A
librarian on the grounds or possibly in one of the nearby fey might barter the details in exchange for something.
taverns, such as the Hedgehog or the King’s Cup.
• Two sluagh, fey spirits of unclaimed souls, are known
Overall Success Requires: 4 successes before 3 failures. to live in Zobeck. One of them, Knuckletooth, told a
Collegium apprentice about the ritual years ago. The
Possible Actions for Successful Checks
apprentice long since left for distant Siwal, and the
• Ask for help from the librarian: Charisma
records aren’t in the library . . . but the sluagh might
(Persuasion), Intelligence (Arcana), Intelligence
still live in town. You could ask it.
(History), or Wisdom (Insight) (all DC 13) or
Charisma (Intimidation) (DC 15). Only 1 success can Bonus Information Gained from
be earned from this task. Overall Success
• Research the material without help: Intelligence • The Lych Gate can somehow be activated to show
(Arcana) (DC 15). images or scenes.
• Seek help from students: Charisma (Persuasion), • There is both a time and sacrificial component to the
Intelligence (Investigation), Intelligence (Arcana), ritual.
Intelligence (History), or Wisdom (Insight) (all DC 15).
• Choosing the correct site is often crucial to performing
• Ask for help from Ottily Riverbend (CN female a fey ritual.
shadow fey wizard 9), a good friend of Ambassador
Thelamandrine and the current Master of Star and
LYCH GATE
Shadow Magic at the Arcane Collegium. She would
The adventurers find a ruined gate incorporated into the
certainly report this to the ambassador, but she
wall surrounding the Kobold Ghetto. The engraved stone
might help regardless. A successful DC 15 Charisma
pillars and carved gabled roof of the gate show worn
(Persuasion) check would do the trick, or a scroll of
scenes of travel, trade, and war. The gate is part of the
shadow magic, or an offer to carry a message to her
masonry of the Kobold Ghetto wall. With investigation,
relatives in the courts (entirely innocuous, and dealing
hard work, and persistence, they decipher its clues and
with a family trust and a suitor for her brother).
activate it—causing it to reveal tidbits of information
• Ask for help from the retired Master of Star and
that flash between passing shadows.
Shadow Magic, Sariel of Morgau (NE human male
wizard 9), who has gone to the nearby mountains Overall Success Requires: 4 successes before 3 failures.
and would require a three-day trip to see. Requires
Charisma (Persuasion) (DC 16) or a gift of some
Possible Actions for Successful Checks
minor magic, or perhaps a philter of memory or • Decipher the faded fey symbols on the gate to activate
another gift. it: Intelligence (Arcana), Intelligence (History), or
Wisdom (Perception) (all DC 18).
Overall Success: Award the party 1,000 XP for
• Talk to people in the area and learn what might
succeeding in the challenge. If the group agrees to
activate the gate: Charisma (Deception), Charisma
record the ritual for the library (and provides a blank
(Persuasion), or Intelligence (Investigation) (all DC 13).
book for the purpose), a member of the Collegium
• Use local legends to unlock the gate’s secrets:
suggests the party take a chapbook of cure moderate
Intelligence (History), Intelligence (Religion), or
wounds (containing 25 scrolls of that spell in a single
Intelligence (Investigation) (all DC 18).
bound volume) with them. One of the Collegium’s
treasures from the days when sorcery was used to keep
shadow fey from ambushing caravans, it might help in a
place where the flow of time can be erratic.
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Overall Success: Award the party 1,000 XP for succeeding Possible Actions for Successful Checks
in the challenge. When the characters succeed, they • Barter with the sluagh for knowledge: Knuckletooth
activate the gate and receive the following information: knows the ritual of memories lost (see page 29) and will
• The general location of the reluctant sluagh’s lair. perform it to share knowledge if offered a good trade:
• The sluagh’s name and face. Charisma (Persuasion), Intelligence (Arcana), Wisdom
• The Collegium library and the Hedgehog Tavern, (Insight), or Wisdom (Perception) (all DC 18).
frequented by students. • Intimidate the sluagh for knowledge: Intelligence
• Signs show the importance of light: one sequence (Arcana), Intelligence (History), Wisdom (Insight)
starts black, grows to the barest sliver of the sun on (DC 20); Charisma (Intimidation), Dexterity (Stealth)
the horizon, and then fades back to black. (DC 18).
• Carvings that show a woman weeping at the feet of a • Search for the sluagh’s lair: Charisma (Persuasion),
dead hanging man; the ritual might be related to death Dexterity (Stealth), Intelligence (Arcana), Intelligence
or grief in some way. (History), Intelligence (Investigation), or Wisdom
(Perception) (all DC 13). Only 1 success can be earned
Overall Failure: The characters experience an additional
from this task.
encounter while traveling the Shadow Road.
• Search the area for clues about sluagh: Dexterity
Information Gained from Successful Checks (Stealth), Intelligence (Arcana), Intelligence (History),
• Two sluagh, fey spirits of unclaimed souls, are known Wisdom (Perception), Wisdom (Survival) (all DC 18).
to live in Zobeck. One of them, Knuckletooth, told a Only 1 success can be earned from this task.
Collegium apprentice about the ritual years ago. The Overall Success: Award the party 1,000 XP for succeeding
apprentice long since left for distant Siwal, and the in the challenge. When the characters succeed, they
records aren’t in the library . . . but the sluagh might befriend the sluagh and receive the following additional
still live in town. You could ask it. information:
• The Lych Gate is also known as the “Sluagh’s Window” • Knuckletooth provides the remaining bare-bones
because it will often show the sluagh, Knuckletooth. aspects of the ritual, or fills in the gaps of what might
Occasionally, if asked, it will show the Dragged have been learned at the Collegium. He says that the
Woman (see the “Zobeck Canon” sidebar). ritual requires a sacrifice—a confession of lost love or
• The Knuckletooth’s lair was burnt down to a ruined betrayal.
husk of a structure. • If the Collegium hasn’t been searched: Knuckletooth
• If the Collegium hasn’t been visited: the shadow fey indicates that the library is often a useful place to learn.
are of particular interest to a group of Collegium • Knuckletooth reveals the proper site for the ritual,
apprentices. Otherwise: certain fey symbols on the beneath the pier.
gate are recognized as traveler’s marks that represent a • If the Lych Gate hasn’t been visited: Knuckletooth
river and a road. indicates that it sometimes shows seekers useful bits of
• The ritual must be performed just before sunrise or information.
just after sunset. Overall Failure: The characters experience two
additional encounters while traveling the Shadow Road.
THE RELUCTANT SLUAGH
Using details drawn from stories, old texts, and hidden Information Gained from Successful Checks
locales, the adventurers discover the lair of a Sluagh • Shadow fey enjoy intense emotions of suffering and
native to Zobeck—a miserable creature with pale gray loss. They barter in such emotions but have more base
skin, stringy black hair, and jagged teeth in an oversized intentions, too.
mouth. It is known as Knuckletooth. It lives within the
• If the Collegium hasn’t been visited: the shadow fey are
burnt-out remnant of a house and appears from the
a topic of particular interest to a group of Collegium
shadows of corners or from the darkness beneath a
students: “Go bother them.” Otherwise: certain fey
rubble pile.
symbols are recognizable in the graffiti drawn on the
Overall Success Requires: 4 successes before 3 failures. ruined house.
• The sluagh prefers to speak Elvish.
• The sluagh tells the adventurers they can expect to meet
fey giants and shadow horrors on the Shadow Road.
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BENEATH THE PIER
After investigating the various sites throughout Zobeck, KNUCKLETOOTH THE SLUAGH
the adventurers can attempt the ritual, powering it with Knuckletooth the sluagh is the fey spirit of
the details gathered throughout their investigation. an unclaimed soul, said to live in Zobeck and
They acquire a longboat and row out beneath the river occasionally speak with people about the incantation.
pier to the place they learned about from the sluagh.
Like most of its kind, it has pale gray skin, stringy
This challenge represents the difficulty in putting
black hair, and jagged teeth in an oversized mouth. It
their newfound knowledge to practical use. Once they
loves the sound of crying children and has a taste for
complete this challenge, whether they achieved an overall
freshly butchered pigs’ knuckles.
success or not, they need not go through this additional
It is one of the few fey in the city that ever show
effort to use tread the Niflheim Road in the future.
themselves, although it prefers to hide and speak
Ambassador Thelamandrine happens to be taking his
from the shadows. When it speaks—in Elvish, of
evening constitutional along the quays and will stop
course—it likes to play games with questions. It is an
to admire the river. He does not speak to the party
ageless thing, a haunt of the city, and is quite cruel
directly, but he forces a goblin servant accompanying
and secretive in its dealing with the city’s mortals—
him to respond to characters’ questions, answering one
but remarkably kind to children and animals.
per overall success they have achieved thus far. It’s a bit
roundabout, but Thelamandrine wants to have as much
plausible deniability as possible.
Overall Success Requires: 3 successes before 3 failures. Possible Actions for Successful Checks
Special circumstances apply in this case. Regardless of • Keep the boat steady against the current while the
success or failure in this skill challenge, the characters character performing the ritual intones the mystic
learn the tread the Niflheim Road spell, thereby gaining syllables to usher the group from this world to the
access to the Shadow Road, and can transcribe it at their Shadow Realm: Dexterity (Acrobatics) or Wisdom
next opportunity. (Survival) (both DC 18). Characters who have
proficiency with water vehicles receive a +5 bonus on
this check.
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• Recall some of the ancient stories associated with the 10 or You really don’t know how the Shadow
dark fey: dredging up the lost passphrases and songs lower Road works.
help the party cross from this world into the Shadow
11–15 Fey roads connect two points through
Realm: Intelligence (History) (DC 15).
magical travel. The two points are always
• Utilize the tidbits of knowledge and magic gathered
set in advance, and the doors leading to
thus far: The ritual warps the shadows into a gate
them are never open for long.
drawing the party into the Shadow Road: Intelligence
(Arcana) (DC 15). 16–20 The entrances to the Shadow Road are
often sites where a murder, suicide, or other
Overall Success: Award the party 1,000 XP for significant tragedy occurred.
succeeding in the challenge. The ritual is successfully
21–25 The destination of a fey road can be
performed, and the characters are deposited on the
changed, but only by a fey or a powerful
Shadow Road. Proceed with Scene 7, Encounters along
wizard. Most roads require a ritual or a
the Road.
magical key to open.
Overall Failure: The characters are flung into the 26+ Some roads are guarded, and others lead
Realm of Shadow even though the ritual failed. They only in one direction. Option: Mention
experience one additional encounter while traveling the that in a few stories, the shadow roads in
Shadow Road. Zobeck are said to be near bridges.
Information Gained at the Pier
• Motion is a necessary part of the ritual. One must
Act I, Scene 7:
Encounters along the Road
travel from an illuminated space to a darkened space.
• The fading light into darkness and the gradual
reintroduction of light parts the veil between worlds. Travel on the Shadow Road should be memorable.
• Parting the wall between this world and the Shadow You should choose one encounter for the road if the
Realm requires pain or suffering of some kind. casting was successful and, possibly, one or even two
• Admission of a betrayal or a broken heart speeds the more if casting the spell involved several failures. The
ritual, fueling the powers that make it possible. possibilities are these:
• If the confession comes from someone who is left Déjà-Vu in the Shadows (page below)
behind rather than traveling, it is more potent. The Haunted Forest (page 32)
• Favored transit locations are marked with unobtrusive The Moebius Shadow (page 35)
fey symbols. This pier has those symbols. All encounters on the road are subject to the following
property of the Shadow Road:
At your option, the party also suffers some more
flavorful problems from Table 1–1: Shadow Ritual Dim the Light. Any effect that deals radiant damage
Failure. Either way, completing this check finishes deals half damage to the target and half damage to the
the performance of the ritual and opens the gate. attacker as the shadowy road protects itself.
While open, the site permits travel to the Shadow (or Bear in mind that in dim light, Wisdom (Perception)
Niflheim) Road, and the party can reach the courts of checks are made with disadvantage (resulting in a −5
the shadow fey in the Shadow Realm. penalty to passive Perception scores).
The Shadow Road is a part of Midgard, connecting ENCOUNTER A: DÉJÀ-VU IN THE SHADOWS
its various cities and castles in a magical web. This encounter takes place near the Shadow Road
Although most people have heard of the roads as and should either be run at a lower CR or after the
fey or shadow work, few know much about how the characters have advanced to 8th level (which they might
Shadow Road works. Wizards, elf-marked humans, have done by this point). When the characters arrive in
shadow fey characters, and bards might have additional the shadow realm, they find themselves in the middle
information about it; if such a character asks about of the ruins mirroring Zobeck in the mortal world, near
the Shadow Road, or a helpful NPC brings up the where they fought the shadow fey in Scene 1. Prowling
subject, consider allowing characters who have some the ruins are shadow-bound ghouls, and one of the slain
connection to shadow roads and shadow magic to make assassins’ soul rises as a deathwisp. The Shadow Road
an Intelligence (Arcana) check, gaining knowledge as stretches out in front of them, leading them through the
indicated by the check total. maze of ruins rather than the houses of Zobeck.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
FEY RITUALS
The shadow fey and other powerful, enigmatic wielders creature is taught by a mentor, or learns the ritual from
of magic have developed a few special spells known a written source or other research, a creature must
as fey rituals. They work just like other spells, with the scribe the details into a book using special inks and
exception that any creature capable of casting spells reagents that cost 50 gp per level of the spell.
can learn to use a fey ritual if it discovers the ritual’s Once a creature has scribed a fey ritual, it can attempt
description, usually in a written form. A creature that to cast the spell as a ritual, even if it doesn’t possess the
knows a fey ritual can teach it to another. Whether a Ritual Casting feature.
RITUAL OF MEMORIES LOST significant tragedy. If you are in the Shadow Realm at
the end point of a Shadow Road when you cast this
4th-level enchantment (ritual)
spell, it opens a portal to the corresponding location in
Casting Time: 1 minute
Midgard.
Range: Touch
When you are in a suitable location, you spin a lantern
Components: V, S, M (a small pastry)
and lift it in and out of a bag of sackcloth, creating
Duration: Special
alternating light and shadow. At the end of the casting
During the night of a new moon, you bleed upon the time, you must make a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana)
pastry component during the ritual. At the end of the check. On a successful check, a 20-foot-radius shadow
casting time, you must make an Intelligence (Arcana) portal opens onto the Shadow Road for 1 minute.
check against a DC equal to 10 + the target’s Charisma On a failed check, you take 11 (2d10) cold damage,
modifier. On a success, a humanoid target who willingly you gain one level of shadow corruption, and you have
touches the pastry loses a memory from its life. The disadvantage on any further Intelligence (Arcana) checks
target chooses the memory it gives up. You infuse the to cast this spell successfully until you finish a long rest.
memory into the pastry. The memory remains potent While the portal is open, any creature that enters the
as long as the pastry remains fresh, usually for two days portal from either side appears at the other location
unless measures are taken to keep it from going bad. 1d4 hours later, along with anything the creature holds
A creature that uses its action to consume the pastry or carries, though to the creature it seems as though
permanently gains the memory as if it had experienced no time has passed. If the creature travels with several
it originally. others, they all arrive in the same round and in the same
The target of the spell sacrifices the memory, losing sequence that they entered the road.
it forever. Only a wish spell or similarly powerful magic The destination of the road is always set when the
can restore the lost memory, which also removes it portal opens—meaning that small variations of this
from the creature that gained the memory. The target spell exist that connect different starting points
is disoriented, giving it disadvantage on ability checks, and destinations. You can spontaneously change
until it finishes a long rest. the destination during the casting under certain
circumstances. Those with fey blood can change
TREAD THE NIFLHEIM ROAD
the destination of the Shadow Road by making the
4th-level conjuration (ritual)
Intelligence (Arcana) check with disadvantage. You must
Casting Time: 1 hour have visited the new destination before, not merely
Range: Touch heard of it (a bartered memory is also sufficient; see
Components: S, M (a lantern on a chain and a ritual of memories lost).
sackcloth bag) Any number of creatures of any size can use an open
Duration: 1 minute road; the only limitation is the number that can reach
You can use this spell to open the entrance to a and move through the portal before it disappears.
portion of the Niflheim Road, known more commonly Certain roads are guarded; others lead in only one
to non-fey as the Shadow Road (or the fey road). The direction. Anyone standing in the vicinity of either side
spell permits travel to designated locations within the of the portal sees a foggy road through a forest but
Shadow Realm. The starting point in the mortal realm gets no hint of the destination. Environmental effects at
must be the site of a murder, a suicide, or another one side of the portal don’t affect the other end.
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Wisdom (Perception) DC 15—This place amid the dark ENCOUNTER CHOICES
ruins is oddly familiar. Hard—Gorak the Mad Ghoul, 1 mad ghoul, 1 deathwisp
Intelligence (Investigation) DC 20, after successful Hard (8th-level characters)—Gorak the Mad Ghoul, 1
Perception check—This place is similar to the area darkness ghoul, 1 mad ghoul, 1 deathwisp
where you recently fought those fey assassins. Hard (9th-level characters)—Gorak the Mad Ghoul, 1
Just after the adventurers recognize the place, read: darkness ghoul, 1 mad ghoul, 2 deathwisps
Wisdom (Perception) DC 20—The shadow forming Saving Throws Str +6, Con +4
in front of you bears a resemblance to one of the Skills Athletics +6, Stealth +5
fey assassins you killed recently. (A character who Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and
succeeds on the Wisdom (Perception) check has slashing from nonmagical attacks
advantage on their initiative roll when the shadow- Damage Immunities poison
creature attacks.) Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, poisoned
The shadow-creature screams “Revenge!” before Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
hurling itself toward the characters.
BECOMING SHADOW-TOUCHED
One of the most insidious dangers of traveling the A creature that eats food or drinks water foraged
Shadow Realm is shadow corruption. The dark power from the Shadow Realm must attempt the saving
that infuses the entire plane is infectious. Creatures throw the next time it finishes a long rest.
not native to shadow draw that power into themselves A shadow-touched creature has disadvantage on
over time, and it begins to twist their own nature. For attack rolls and Wisdom (Perception) checks while
full information on shadow corruption, see Chapter in sunlight, and grows sullen and withdrawn. The
10 of the Midgard Worldbook. Alternatively, you can creature also has disadvantage on Wisdom and
use a simplified version of shadow corruption in this Charisma checks made against creatures that aren’t
adventure, as described here. native to the Shadow Realm, or that aren’t shadow-
For every week a non-native creature spends in the touched. Some denizens of the Shadow Realm might
Shadow Realm, it must succeed on a DC 10 Charisma find shadow-touched creatures more interesting or
saving throw or become shadow-touched. The compelling, sensing a kindred spirit.
save DC increases by 1 for each previous successful A creature is no longer shadow-touched after
saving throw. The DC returns to 10 when the creature spending 1 week outside the Shadow Realm, or if it
becomes shadow-touched, or after it spends 1 week receives a dispel evil and good spell.
outside the Shadow Realm.
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Languages Common, Umbral ACTIONS
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) Multiattack. The ghoul makes two attacks, one with its
bite and one with its claws.
Reckless. At the start of his turn, Gorak can gain Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
advantage on all melee weapon attack rolls he makes creature. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) piercing damage.
during that turn, but attack rolls against him have Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
advantage until the start of his next turn. target. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) slashing damage. If the target is a
Stench. Any creature that starts its turn within 5 feet of creature other than an elf or an undead, it must succeed
Gorak must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed
throw or be poisoned until the start of its next turn. On for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at
a successful saving throw, the creature is immune to the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself
Gorak’s stench for 24 hours. on a success.
Turning Defiance. Gorak and any ghouls within 30 feet Shadow Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 60
of him have advantage on saving throws against effects ft., one creature. Hit: 17 (5d6) cold damage. The target
that turn undead. must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or
ACTIONS become blinded for 1 minute. The target can repeat the
saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the
Multiattack. Gorak makes two attacks, one with his bite
effect on itself on a success.
and one with his claws.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Mad Ghoul
creature. Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) piercing damage.
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. If the target Armor Class 12 (natural armor)
is a creature other than an undead, it must succeed on Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8)
a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or be paralyzed for Speed 30 ft.
1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the
end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
success. 13 (+1) 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 7 (–2) 10 (+0) 6 (–2)
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Deathwisp can keep no more than five wraiths under its control at
one time.
Medium undead, neutral evil
Armor Class 15 The deathwisp engages the adventurer who appears to
Hit Points 82 (11d8 + 33) be the most capable swordsman.
Speed 0 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover) The ghouls have been following the smell of fresh
mortal meat. They sneak in, and if no one sees or hears
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA them, they surprise the party. The darkness ghouls
6 (–2) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 16 (+3) 20 (+5) move to get clear shots with their shadow bolts to blind
armored characters, while the mad ghouls jump from
the walls, assaulting unarmored targets.
Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +6, Wis +6
Gorak, despite being fairly bright for a mad ghoul,
Skills Perception +6, Stealth +8
wades right into combat, eager to inflict as much pain as
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
possible. He tries to position himself adjacent to several
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
creatures, to paralyze as many foes as he can. During
weapons that aren’t silvered
any fight, he loudly describes in detail how he plans to
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
eat his target, a favorite tactic of his when an adjacent
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
enemy is knocked prone. He often rages and risks his
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
own safety to kill an unconscious or paralyzed target.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Languages the languages it knew in life Development
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Proceed either to Act II (if the spellcasting was
performed without flaws) or to the next encounter, “The
Flicker. The deathwisp flickers in and out of sight, Haunted Forest,” (if the spellcasting failed on the first
and ranged weapon attacks against it are made with try, attracting more attention, or if the party is not yet
disadvantage. 8th level). Remember that time does not pass normally
Incorporeal Movement. The deathwisp can move on the Shadow Road, so casters will need to ration their
through other creatures and objects as if they were resources. Pay close attention to the group’s mood and
difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends be ready to move forward. The characters should be 8th
its turn inside a solid object. level as they begin Act II.
Shadow Jump. A deathwisp can travel between shadows
as if by means of dimension door. This magical transport ENCOUNTER B: THE HAUNTED FOREST
must begin and end in an area with at least some The Shadow Road enters a section of thick forest, and a
shadow. It can jump up to a total of 40 feet per day. This thin mist rises from the ground. The trees cut what little
ability must be used in 10-foot increments. light shines into a deeper gloom. Something is crashing
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the deathwisp through the undergrowth, and then it comes out onto
has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom the road: a dark-haired giant in rags, holding spears
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. that shine with a baleful red light. Groans echo in the
Unnatural Aura. Animals do not willingly approach undergrowth to either side of the road.
within 30 feet of a deathwisp, unless a master succeeds
on a DC 15 Wisdom (Animal Handling) check. ENCOUNTER CHOICES
ACTIONS Medium—2 forest marauders, 1 shadow hound
Life Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., Hard—2 forest marauders, 1 shadow beast
one target. Hit: 36 (7d8 + 5) necrotic damage. The target Deadly (8th-level characters)—2 forest marauders, 1
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, or shadow beast, 2 shadow hounds
its hit point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to
the damage taken. This reduction lasts until the target Illumination. This part of the Shadow Road is dimly
finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces lit. The entire area is lightly obscured, imposing
its hit point maximum to 0. disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks.
Create Deathwisp. The deathwisp targets a humanoid Pits. The marked pits are 40 feet deep and contain
within 10 feet of it that died violently less than 1 minute spikes; they are too small for a forest marauder to fall
ago. The target’s spirit rises as a wraith in the space into, and the shadow beasts float over them. Only
of its corpse or in the nearest unoccupied space. This the shadow hounds can fall into one. A creature that
wraith is under the deathwisp’s control. The deathwisp falls into the pits takes 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage
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from the fall plus 11 (2d10) piercing damage from
the spikes, and is knocked prone and restrained, UNUSUAL INSPIRATION
impaled by spikes. The creature takes 5 (1d10) Inspiration can come from anywhere. This encounter
piercing damage at the start of its turn as long as was inspired by an eighty-year-old movie: Snow
it is restrained. It can free itself as an action with a White. In particular, the initial “terror in the forest”
successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check. sequence, full of eyes, claws, darkness, and pits,
Undergrowth. Branches and undergrowth interfere with made me think that the forest should push the party
targeting: all ranged attacks have their range reduced around a little here.
by 10 feet. In the first round, ranged attacks by the The idea that the Shadow Realm should be a
characters might fail automatically if they try to shoot frightening place is pretty well established in game
at maximum range. After the first round, tell the players lore, but I thought it would be good to model
that the forest terrain hampers their ranged attacks. something along those lines in game terms. Since
White Stones on the Hill. The marauders and the hounds characters rarely run, forced movement is a crucial
attack first, pushing and sliding one or two foes part of the scene; the haunts and marauders can
toward a small hill. Three enormous white stones “herd” the party toward the white stones and pits.
stand there, forming a rough doorway. Creatures that
are pushed through the threshold disappear from the
Shadow Road and arrive alone at the Invisible Court as a sign of weakness. The haunt mask remains until
(see Act II, page 38). They are marked with two black the Feast (see Act III, Scene 1) or until the character
eyes—a “haunt mask”—which the courtiers recognize wins a duel with a shadow fey courtier.
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Forest Marauder difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends
its turn inside an object.
Large giant, chaotic evil
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow beast’s innate
Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can
Hit Points 114 (12d10 + 48) innately cast the following spells, requiring no material
Speed 40 ft. components:
3/day each: fear, telekinesis
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Magic Resistance. The shadow beast has advantage on
21 (+5) 10 (+0) 18 (+4) 6 (–2) 10 (+0) 7 (–2) saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow beast
Saving Throws Con +6 has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 10 (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Languages Giant, Orcish, Sylvan ACTIONS
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Multiattack. The shadow beast makes three attacks: one
with its bite and two with its claws.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the forest Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
marauder has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on creature. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The forest marauder makes two boar spear
attacks.
Boar Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) piercing damage, and the
forest marauder can choose to push the target 10 feet
away if the target fails a DC 16 Strength saving throw.
Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft.,
one target. Hit: 19 (3d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
Shadow Beast
Medium fey, chaotic evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 90 (12d8 + 36)
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)
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Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one The adventurers are now trapped within a loop: 30
creature. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage. squares of travel in either direction brings them back
Shadow Push (Recharge 5–6). The shadow beast buffets to the location of the shadowrock render (or renders).
opponents with a gale of animated shadows in a 15-foot When the party can see the monster, read the following:
cone. Any creatures in the area must succeed on a DC
15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and
Ahead stands a whirling monstrosity, looking like a
knocked prone.
crying shadow crushed by watching its first death, talons
honed to razor points and mouths drooling hungrily.
Shadow Hound
Medium fiend, neutral evil
Armor Class 14 (natural armor) ENCOUNTER CHOICES
Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30) Hard—Thuvis Cloudshadow, 1 darkstone sculptor, 1
Speed 50 ft. shadowrock render
Deadly (8th-level characters)—Thuvis Cloudshadow, 1
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
darkstone sculptor, 2 shadowrock renders
20 (+5) 15 (+2) 17 (+3) 4 (–3) 12 (+1) 13 (+1)
Deadly (9th-level characters)—Thuvis Cloudshadow, 1
darkstone sculptor, 3 shadowrock renders
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5 (+8 in dim light or
darkness)
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12 Running the Moebius Strip
Languages — A Moebius strip is a topological oddity—a strip of
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) material with only one side. The best way to understand
it is to make one. Take a long, narrow strip of paper, twist
Keen Smell. The shadow hound has advantage on
one end 180 degrees, and tape the two ends together. You
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell. can run your finger along the surface of the strip in one
direction and travel along both sides of the strip. To a
Shadow Stealth. While in dim light or darkness, the
hound can take the Hide action as a bonus action. character walking along the Moebius strip, the path will
seem to be a loop. However, a creature at the beginning
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow
hound has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on of the strip and another one halfway along it are actually
Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight. separated only by the thickness of the strip itself.
The Moebius strip that represents this portion of the
ACTIONS Niflheim Road is 25 feet wide and 400 feet long. The
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one easiest way to track the movements of creatures on
creature. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage. The target the strip is to draw it as two long rectangles, a top and
must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be a bottom, each with ends A and B. Creatures leaving
knocked prone. endpoint B on the top rectangle reappear at endpoint A
Shadow Wave. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 10 on the bottom rectangle. Number the rows of squares
ft., one creature. Hit: The creature is pushed 5 feet away from 1 to 40. Each row is on opposite faces of the
from the shadow hound.
Moebius strip.
However, recall that creatures on different faces of
ENCOUNTER C: THE MOEBIUS SHADOW
the loop are upside down relative to one another, and
This section of the road passes through a mountain. As that “left” and “right” change directions when a traveler
the adventurers enter the mountain, read the following: moves along the strip due to the twist in space. In other
words, a character teleporting or moving by misty step
The magical road enters a tunnel bored into the through the road from the right-hand side of row 1
mountainside. Matte walls of crumbling stone replace on the top rectangle will appear on the left-hand side
the dimly perceived vistas of the Shadow Realm. of row 1 on the bottom. Because this geometry is not
intuitive but becomes clear with experience, you might
After the party has traveled for another 10 minutes, want to practice this encounter before introducing it to
the road becomes a Moebius strip. the players.
Wisdom (Perception) DC 18—The road twists slightly Once the characters have observed some clue indicating
underfoot. It looks perfectly straight and level but that the loop is actually a Moebius strip, they can deduce
seems strangely off balance. its nature with a successful DC 20 Intelligence (Arcana)
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or Wisdom (Survival) check. Show the players your teleportation by the same character—or the initial
model of a Moebius strip so they can more easily grasp teleportation by characters who are aware of the
the tactical possibilities. loop—doesn’t result in the creature falling prone.
Illumination. Dim light suffuses this section of the Creatures can’t be pushed or pulled through the road,
Shadow Road. Neither mundane light sources nor nor can they end their movement within the road.
magical light of lower than 4th level increases the level
of illumination. No matter how bright a source of light Thuvis Cloudshadow
might be, visibility on the Moebius strip is limited to Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil
60 feet. Beyond that, everything fades into darkness in
Armor Class 19 (studded leather, haste)
a way that is disorienting to look at for too long.
Hit Points 117 (18d8 + 36)
Edges of the Road. The road passes through a mass of
Speed 60 ft.
dull black shadowstone. Oddly, shadows don’t show
up on the surface of the stone. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Ceiling. The ceiling is 20 feet high. 13 (+1) 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
Gravity. Gravity pulls creatures toward the road all
along the strip. Saving Throws Dex +8, Con + 5, Wis +4, Cha +6
Shadow-Wise Creatures. Certain creatures, called Skills Arcana +4, Deception +6, Perception +4, Stealth +8
shadow-wise because of their affinity for shadows or Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
their actual shadowy nature, have an advantage over Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral
others in how they can interact with the Moebius strip. Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
A creature is shadow-wise if it is a native of the Shadow
Realm, if it has any levels of shadow corruption (see
Evasion. If Thuvis Cloudshadow is subjected to an effect
the Midgard Worldbook, page 415), or if the creature
that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take
has shadow-based powers (such as those granted by only half damage, he instead takes no damage if he
the Way of Shadow monastic tradition). succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if
Seeing through the Road. The shadowy material that he fails.
makes up the road is not opaque. Characters with Fey Ancestry. Thuvis Cloudshadow has advantage on
darkvision or any other ability to see in darkness saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t
can see through the road by taking the Search action put him to sleep.
and succeeding on a DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) Innate Spellcasting. Thuvis Cloudshadow’s innate
check; shadow-wise creatures have advantage on this spellcasting ability is Charisma. He can cast the following
check. A creature’s passive Perception score applies spell innately, requiring no material components.
after it has seen through the road. The substance of 3/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
the road lightly obscures the view of what lies on the darkness only)
other side. (Note that the upside-down orientation of Quick Blood. Thuvis Cloudshadow is constantly
creatures on the other side of the loop provides a hint under the effect of a haste spell that doesn’t require
to the nature of the Moebius strip.) concentration and can’t be dispelled. His statistics
Attacking through the Road. Spells or effects that include the benefits of the spell. He has advantage on
emanate from a creature, such as auras, pass through Dexterity saving throws, and he gains one additional
action on his turn that can be used only to take the
the road as if it were not there. Creatures that can see
Attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide,
through the road can attack through it as if it were not
or Use an Object action.
there. Against other spells, attacks, or effects (such as Additionally, he can add his Dexterity modifier to
breath weapons), the road provides total cover. attack and damage rolls with melee weapons instead of
Passing through the Road. Shadow-wise creatures can Strength (included in his attacks).
pass through the road as if it were a 5-foot-thick Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Thuvis
patch of difficult terrain. All other creatures must Cloudshadow has disadvantage on attack rolls and on
use some kind of teleportation effect to pass through Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
the road normally, counting the road as 5 feet of the Traveler in Darkness. Thuvis Cloudshadow has
distance. Teleporting creatures that are not aware of advantage on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know
the Moebius strip appear on the other side of the road about shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
upside down and immediately fall prone. Subsequent
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ACTIONS Shadowrock Render
Multiattack. Thuvis Cloudshadow makes two glaive Large elemental, neutral evil
attacks. Armor Class 14
Glaive. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one Hit Points 68 (8d10 + 24)
target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6)
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)
poison damage.
REACTIONS STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Parry. Thuvis Cloudshadow adds 3 to his AC against one 5 (–3) 19 (+4) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 8 (–1)
melee attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see
the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon. Damage Resistances acid, fire, lightning, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
Darkstone Sculptor attacks
Large elemental, neutral evil Damage Immunities cold, necrotic, poison
Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Condition Immunities exhaustion, grappled, paralyzed,
Hit Points 126 (12d10 + 60) petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained, unconscious
Speed 30 ft., burrow 30 ft. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Terran, Umbral, telepathy 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
20 (+5) 8 (–1) 20 (+5) 5 (–3) 11 (+0) 5 (–3)
Incorporeal Movement. The render can move through
Damage Vulnerabilities fire other creatures and objects as if they were difficult
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends its turn
from nonmagical attacks inside an object.
Damage Immunities acid, cold, poison Regeneration. The render regains 10 hit points at
the start of its turn. If the render takes fire or radiant
Condition Immunities exhaustion, paralyzed, petrified,
damage, this trait doesn’t function at the start of the
poisoned, unconscious
render’s next turn. The render dies only if it starts its
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 60 ft., passive
turn with 0 hit points and doesn’t regenerate.
Perception 10
Sunlight Hypersensitivity. The render takes 20 radiant
Languages Terran, Umbral, telepathy 60 ft.
damage when it starts its turn in sunlight. While in
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) sunlight, it has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability
checks.
Earthglide. The sculptor can burrow through nonmagical,
ACTIONS
unworked earth and stone. While doing so, the creature
doesn’t disturb the material it moves through. Multiattack. The render makes two claw attacks.
Earthsprint (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
sculptor can increase its burrow speed to 180 feet until target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage. A creature
the end of its next turn. hit by two claw attacks in the same turn takes an extra
14 (4d6) necrotic damage. The target must succeed
Hatred. The sculptor has advantage on attack rolls
on a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or its hit point
against dwarves and gnomes.
maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the necrotic
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the sculptor
damage taken. This reduction lasts until the creature
has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
finishes a long rest. The target dies if this effect reduces
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
its hit point maximum to 0.
ACTIONS The creatures in this encounter can all see through
Multiattack. The sculptor makes two slam attacks. the road. The renders begin in a rough row awaiting
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one the party’s advance. The darkstone sculptor begins
target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the combat across the loop—in other words, through the
target is a creature, it is grappled (escape DC 15). floor—from the characters, positioned so it can move
in to support the renders after they engage. Thuvis
Cloudshadow begins behind the sculptor and passes
through the Niflheim Road to a position behind the
party after any renders attack.
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The renders try to pin the party in one location with the adventurers to continue toward the Shadow Court.
melee attacks. Thuvis Cloudshadow tries to get behind A successful DC 18 Intelligence (Arcana) check reveals
the party and use his mobility to strike and then retreat this fact, and detect magic reveals an aura of conjuration
behind his allies. The sculptor concentrates its attacks on the stone.
on any dwarves or gnomes, or (if none are present) The cameo is a mithral and onyx rendition of the
the apparent leader of the party. The sculptor tries to Queen of Night and Magic. It is worth 7,500 gp on the
grapple one enemy and pull it through the road, to Material Plane, but in the Shadow Court it could be
be attacked by a render. Once the separated enemy is traded for favor or Status.
defeated, the sculptor pulls another one through.
The darkstone sculptor and shadowrock renders fight to
the death. If only Thuvis Cloudshadow remains, he flees Act II: The Invisible Courts
(using misty step) when reduced to half his hit points. No man is so happy as he who lives under an illusion.
—Erasmus, In Praise of Folly
Treasure
If the characters defeat the darkstone sculptor, they find The characters’ trip along the Shadow Road ends, and
a twisted stone and a jeweled cameo. The stone is a piece they arrive in the Shadow Realm. The courts appear
of shadowstone formed into a Moebius strip. Breaking abandoned at first glimpse, but such is not the case. The
the stone (AC 18, 15 hit points) releases this section of welcome the characters receive depends on them as
the Niflheim Road from its topological prison, allowing much as on the residents.
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The party should be 8th level as Act II gets under way. Wisdom (Perception) DC 15—The halls and corridors
Characters should get an opportunity to level up when seem abandoned, but you keep hearing laughter in
their journey concludes, because the threats will escalate apparently empty rooms.
as events continue to unfold.
Pumping up the Atmosphere
A Fey Welcome A large part of this section is devoted to establishing an
If the party includes a fey character (a drow, an elf, a otherworldly tone and atmosphere. The characters will
gnome, or another character of fey heritage), read the be looking for people, creatures, and reasons for why
following: there’s no one here. The fey are not inclined to provide
those answers. Tease the characters as long as you can
The shadowy road ends at the bottom of a set of with the sense that something exciting is just around the
winding stairs carved out of a hillside, surrounded by corner. Here are some possibilities:
fog and a dark forest. The dim light brightens for a • The characters’ shoes and boots are all newly shined
moment, enough for you to see towers and walls on in the morning.
two hills to the right and left. The stairs lead up to a • A character’s companion or familiar is gifted with a
well-lit set of gates; lanterns hang around a pair of fresh griddlecake.
doors, and a large armored figure is holding the doors • A lone candle is left burning in a room.
open. • A fighter’s armor is shined and polished to a gleaming
finish.
Wisdom (Perception) DC 15—The halls and corridors • Shifting, muttering shadows flicker, then turn to
seem abandoned, but you keep hearing laughter in nothing when light is brought close.
empty rooms. • A book is left open that describes the various
A party that has a fey character can enter without courtiers and welcoming rituals of the courts of the
incident; the monolith footman speaks to the characters scáthsidhe. If a reader spends at least 1 hour with
in Elvish, saying, “The courts grant you one night’s the book, the text begins to include mentions of the
rest; you must depart come morning unless you have character and his or her companions, revealing their
business here.” secrets, belongings, and stories of their past. The book
If the party neglects to vacate the premises after is a fey prank, meant to stir rivalries and encourage
finishing the rest, a footman comes to throw them out. dueling. Some of its stories are pure invention, and
Go to Act II, Scene 1 (see page 60). others are true.
If the party has no fey characters, read the following: • A small glass ball the size of an orange rolls along the
floor near the characters; it glows with dim purple
The road ends at the bottom of a set of winding stairs light. The ball seems intent on going in a particular
carved out of a hillside; wisps of fog drift through a direction, such as to the stables or down a set of stairs.
shadowy forest. The dim light is bright enough to It leads the characters wherever you would like them
see towers and walls on hills to the right and left. The to explore. Someone who makes a successful DC 15
stairs are slick stone and seem to lead up to the saddle Wisdom (Perception) check detects the distant echo
between the hills, but you hear no sign of habitation. of children’s voices speaking Elvish, although no
An armored figure stands before the gates, holding children are visible.
a brightly burning sword that lights up the palace Tracking. A character can attempt to find tracks,
entrance on the hilltop above you. thereby penetrating the illusion of the halls, by making
a successful DC 17 Wisdom (Survival) check. The check
The figure does not admit anyone through the gate reveals that the halls are not abandoned—the character
who doesn’t have a clear written invitation from the who succeeds can find footprints in places where the
hidden ambassador in Zobeck or from another fey right conditions exist, such as in the dust of the dueling
source. The priests of Porevit and Yarila in Zobeck grounds (area 2) or in the rookery (area 43). Despite the
might qualify, as would a drow, a shadow fey, an great number of footprints indicating the presence of
elfmarked human, an elf, or a gnome noble of the dozens and dozens of small creatures, no such creatures
character’s home plane. are to be found. Success on the check to find tracks
also grants the character advantage on an Intelligence
(Investigation) check to determine the true nature of the
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illusions that cloak the courts (see the “Investigation vs. If the characters try to force their way in, they
Illusions” sidebar). can certainly climb around or otherwise bypass the
Shadow Corruption. Perhaps of great interest to guardian temporarily. Once they are in the halls, the
newcomers to the Shadow Realm, the Shadow Court is a environment seems hollow and empty. Divination
bastion against the insidious threat of shadow corruption spells such as clairvoyance or scrying fail to reveal even
(see “Becoming Shadow-Touched,” page 30). While a sliver of the truth about the place; they merely show
within the majority of the Shadow Court, creatures don’t the illusion at a distance.
risk gaining shadow corruption over time. Eating tainted Within a few minutes of when they settle down for the
food brought in from outside the court is another story, night in an “empty” room, though, a footman arrives
and the Goblin Courts offer no such protection. and demands they leave. Proceed with Act II, Scene 1
(see page 60).
Where Is Everyone?
The denizens of the Shadow Court pay no attention Status and Prestige among the Fey
to creatures of low Status or the uninvited, and the In this adventure, Status is not an ability score but an
ambassador has not given the party an invitation to visit earned characteristic that has direct consequences in
the palace. (He invited them to his house in Zobeck only play. Every person’s Status is a measure of one’s current
because he’s not foolish enough to provide a paper trail position in the fey hierarchy of cliques and allegiances,
that would lead someone to accuse him of disloyalty keeping the “riffraff ” from simply immediately walking
or fraternization with humans.) So, the characters are up to the queen and demanding to be heard. That would
among the uninvited, unless they happen to be carrying be a major social failure and result in punishment and
the letter from Ottily Riverbend to her brother (see page a decline in Status, unless the queen were somehow
25), which is their only way to be “legitimately at the “defeated” by being forced to listen to interlopers. In
courts for some purpose,” and a minor one at that. general, then, Status provides a gate that filters the
As a result, the place is cloaked in illusion, which unworthy and opens a door to those who are sufficiently
provides the first layer of defense for the courts. prestigious to merit attention. As a result, only those
The only living creatures visible to the party are the worthy of her time may speak with the queen, and this
animated monolith footman minions (area 1 and system models that social climbing through a simple
elsewhere), the rooks in the rookery (area 33), the owls rank system.
in New Moon Hall (area 5), and, after some successful Characters gain Status ranks through their actions;
encounters with the footmen, the lantern dragonettes impressive actions garner greater prestige, honor, power,
(in various areas). A variety of mice, rats, white foxes, and influence among the fey. Modest increases in
doves, and other small animals also prowl the halls, and Status can be realized by joining various factions or by
some of these creatures might be shadow fey in disguise. receiving a mark of distinction from a fey lord or lady.
Other creatures can sometimes be heard or noted
tangentially, such as hounds howling or goblin servants STARTING STATUS
singing or clapping or running. Every time a monolith Every character’s starting Status in the Shadow Court is
footman is laid low, the characters (with a successful equal to the character’s Charisma modifier, adjusted as
DC 20 Wisdom [Perception] check while far away) follows:
might hear hammering and see firelight flickering in the • If a character is a fey and has a title such as knight,
smithy as the goblin smith Tenpound Hammer (area 6) duke, or king (subject to your approval for elves and
rebuilds the construct. gnomes), refer to Table 2–1: Titular Status and add
INVESTIGATION VS. THE COURT’S ILLUSIONS the character sees through the illusions—just that they
If the party makes little or no sense of the empty are recognized as illusions. The DC to recognize an
courts for a long period of time, give the character illusion for what it is depends on the area of the courts:
with the highest Intelligence (Investigation) modifier DC 15 in the Lower Halls, DC 20 in the Winter Palace,
the honors: that character should be the first to and DC 25 in the Royal Halls. Characters can attempt
notice something amiss in passing, assuming no this check once an hour while actively investigating;
active investigation of the phenomena has been simply staring at the same location continually does
conducted. This result does not mean, however, that not warrant a second check.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
Status ranks as indicated. (The shadow fey need not well-regarded after saving the king from harm in a
respect titles granted by others courts and kingdoms, hunting accident, or a foolish courtier might be tricked
but they generally do so out of courtesy.) into insulting the queen’s costume at a masquerade and
• Add 1 for a character who bears an elf- or shadow fey- be summarily banished from the Royal Halls.
crafted item, such as the bracers of defense from Freja Tables 2–2 and 2–3 list many of the opportunities to
(see page 21). gain or lose Status in a single night of activity. You can
• Subtract 1 for a character who has received a haunt grant other Status awards or penalties as appropriate.
mask (see “The Haunted Forest,” page 32).
Table 2–2: Increasing Status
• Subtract 2 for a non-fey character (only elves, half-
elves, gnomes, elfmarked characters, and those of fey Status Action
ancestry can avoid this deduction). +1 Defeat a monolith footman
(limit five times)
Table 2–1: Titular Status
+1 Succeed on a Charisma (Persuasion),
Status Title Charisma (Deception), or Charisma
+1 Knight, Court Mage, Guildmaster/ (Intimidation) check (limit once per skill)
Guildmistress +1 Succeed on an Intelligence (Arcana),
+2 Lord/Lady, Baron/Baroness, Archmage Intelligence (History), or Intelligence
(Nature) check (limit once per skill)
+4 Duke/Duchess, Prince/Princess
+1 Play a successful prank on a shadow fey
+8 King/Queen, Emperor/Empress
(or on a servant, for those characters with
All of the above notwithstanding, not every court Status of 4 or lower)
follows the same rules, and different forms of nobility or +1 Join the Ravens or the Lords of Light faction
different ruling groups might have different standards. +1 Woo and win a courtesan or consort
The deduction for non-fey reflects the particular or more (see page 84)
customs of the shadow fey. The shadow fey see +2 Defeat the demon lord Akyishigal’s
themselves as wholly superior to others, so some visitors minions (see page 107)
(those with Status of 0 or lower) are beneath their
+2 Receive a lantern dragonette (see page 47)
notice. It’s not that the shadow fey like other fey much
as a gift from the Blood Royal
better. It’s that they are biased against halflings, humans,
tieflings, aasimar, dragonborn, dwarves, goliaths, +3 Save a courtier from danger
roachlings, and others. +3 Prevent a brawl
For the purpose of this adventure, most non-fey +4 Join the Grey Ladies faction
characters begin with Status 0 or lower, and most fey +4 Bring the firebird (see page 118) to the court
characters begin with Status of 5 or lower. Characters can
+4 Give the firebird to the queen (cumulative
earn increases in Status by taking actions in the courts
with bringing to court)
to impress the fey. The following methods are generally
available to all characters: joining in fey politics, wooing +5 Become the demon lord Akyishigal’s lover
and winning courtesans or consorts, and dueling. (see page 107)
Status of NPCs. Any character can determine the Status +5 Drink claret and/or go hunting with the
of a member of the courts through careful inquiry and Black Prince (see page 112)
conversation followed by a successful DC 20 Charisma +6 Defeat the Black Prince’s raven assassins or
(Persuasion) check. Characters of fey heritage (elves, death butterflies (see page 116)
half-elves, and gnomes, elfmarked characters, and those +7 Defeat Akyishigal (see page 109) and drive
of fey ancestry) have advantage on this check. it from court
+8 Woo and win the Sapphire Courtesan
GAINING AND LOSING STATUS
(see page 84)
Status—especially among the fey—can be quite fleeting:
easy to gain (with a little luck), even easier to lose. +9 Become the queen’s lover and favorite
Characters can lose or gain great amounts of Status in a (see page 120)
single ill-considered act: a squire might become suddenly
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Table 2–3: Decreasing Status frustrate them with penalties, and see them contend
among themselves to become famous and respected.
Status Action
−1 Being the victim of a fey prank CONSEQUENCES OF HIGH AND LOW STATUS
−1 Attempting to browbeat or threaten the When the characters arrive, they have done nothing and
queen’s servants to gain an audience earned no respect, so the denizens of the Invisible Court
−1 Killing more than a single goblin or other largely ignore them. Servants are the first to notice the
servant characters. Characters with negative or very low Status
−1 Associating with a vandal, arsonist, or cannot even speak to the major nobles of the court; they
murderer in the commission of crimes are disregarded and quickly ushered out.
The character with the highest Status (and being a
−2 Fleeing a noble who seeks your arrest or
fey breaks a tie) is always addressed first by the Status-
imprisonment
canny NPCs of the court and might be the recipient of
−2 Being fooled by a fey illusion special favors or advantages. Table 2–4 summarizes how
−2 Seen sneaking into the palace over the walls the characters are regarded (if at all) by the members
−2 Failing to win a courtesan/consort of the court, depending on the group’s current Status.
−2 Killing more than five goblins or servants As they improve their Status during the adventure, the
higher-numbered entries on the table apply in turn.
−3 Attacking a lantern dragonette
−3 Brawling (involved in any general melee that STATUS BONUS TO SOCIAL ROLLS
draws a crowd) In the courts, one’s Status is just as real and
−3 Killing royal ravens or a swarm of death consequential as one’s skill with a sword. Characters
butterflies with high Status can browbeat, impress, or threaten
−3 Committing vandalism or arson in the courts others more successfully than those with low Status can.
These social weapons are available to characters as well,
−4 Being caught sneaking into a restricted wing of
though they might not know about them at first.
the palace with a weapon, armor, or implement
A character of sufficient Status gains access to the
−5 Declining a direct order from the Blood Royal following special abilities:
−5 Killing a lantern dragonette
−6 Killing the firebird Courtier of the Shadows
Prerequisite: Elf, fey, half-elf, or gnome; Status of 11 or
−7 Insulting the Blood Royal
higher
−8 Threatening or attacking the queen Before you make a Charisma (Deception), Charisma
(Persuasion), or Charisma (Intimidation) check against
someone of a lower Status, you can choose to gain
REQUIRED STATUS FOR CERTAIN ENCOUNTERS
advantage on the roll. You can use this ability a number
A minimum Status is required for the characters to
of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of
merit the attention of certain major NPCs at the courts
once), and regain all expended uses when you finish a
and, thus, to gain exposure to important encounters,
long rest.
such as meeting Baron Suvid and perhaps a demon
prince. And of course, in the longer term, the characters Dominion of the Shadow Court
will want to meet the queen herself—but to have any Prerequisite: Elf, fey, half-elf, or gnome; Status of 21
hope of that, a character’s Status must be lofty indeed. or higher
At a first approximation, characters will need a Status After you make a Charisma (Deception), Charisma
of around 26 to meet the queen, and a Status of 13 to (Persuasion), or Charisma (Intimidation) check against
woo the most junior courtesans and to duel some of someone of a lower Status but before the result of the
the more powerful duelists. They need a Status of 11 or check is revealed, you can choose to gain a +5 bonus on
higher to be invited to join factions such as the Lords the check. You can use this ability a number of times
of Light and the Grey Ladies. The situation provides equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once),
characters with incentive to duel, to win courtesans and and regain all expended uses when you finish a short or
consorts, and to politic with fey factions. Most players, long rest.
once they understand how the system works, are quick
to try to exploit it. Reward them with Status boosts,
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Table 2–4: Current Status and Fey Behavior
Status Behavior
0 or Invisible. Not worthy of notice except by monolith footmen and empty cloaks. Only allowed in the Lower
lower Halls (although it’s possible to climb over walls to other areas).
1–5 Mostly Invisible. Sometimes worthy of notice by “animals,” court musicians, goblins, demon dogs, horses,
and changelings.
6–10 Barely Acknowledged. Noticed by servants, young rakes, courtesans and consorts, and the elderly Grey
Ladies, although treated condescendingly. Allowed into the true form of the Lower Halls and through the
gate into the Winter Palace.
11–15 Respectable. Acknowledged but frequently insulted by noble courtiers. Not insulted by servants, rakes,
courtesans, consorts, or Grey Ladies. Eligible to woo courtesans or consorts. Might be invited to speak to
the demon lord Akyishigal and join its faction, or to join the Lords of Light and meet Revich the Blind
Seer.
16–20 Honored Guests. Acknowledged by most courtiers except for the most senior, such as the prince and the
demon lord. Not insulted by most courtiers. Greeted with bows and addressed as “Sir” or “Milady” by
servants and marginal fey.
21–25 Noble Guests. Acknowledged by all courtiers, freely spoken to by the most senior courtiers. Treated with
honor by young rakes, courtesans, consorts, and Grey Ladies. Might be invited to go hunting with the
prince.
26 or Persons of Royal Interest. Addressed respectfully by all fey. Might be invited to an audience with the
higher queen. Possible romantic ties to the prince, the princess, the queen, or the demon lord.
FEY TRADE AND BARTER: pairs of individuals. Each participant reduces one
BODY, SOUL, AND MEMORIES ability score by 1 or 2 and raises another ability score
Among the fey, it is not uncommon to trade in the by the same amount, effectively trading points. In
abstract and to make the arcane and the spiritual some rare cases, one party trades a gift of mind and
concrete and mercantile. Indeed, such activity is a large body in exchange for crucial memories or learning.
part of their dealings at various fairs (such as the Birch The exchange is permanent, and a given ability score
Queen’s Fair in Wrath of the River King) and of their can be changed only once per year in this manner.
trade with mortals. Fey prize mortal emotions and Gifts of Learning. These gifts are skill, language, or tool
memories as “more authentic” or “primitive” compared proficiencies, traded permanently or temporarily for
to those of longer-lived creatures. a set purpose. A character who trades for learning
gains or loses proficiency in the agreed-upon
GIFTS aspect. Among the fey, a few other “skills” are often
Gifts are benefits that improve skills, endurance, bartered as well such as poetry, song, and crafting
physical and mental prowess, even prestige—all the arts—even skill at dance or love. Loaning a poet’s gift
things associated with a particular individual’s success of inspiration to another fey is considered a wildly
or growth over time. Haggling can be handled using the romantic gesture.
social interaction rules. A courtier whose Status is equal Gifts of the Arcane and Divine. The shadow fey
to or lower than the Status of the haggling character’s can trade spell slots, or uses of innate spellcasting,
starting attitude begins with an indifferent attitude. A between themselves. The giver loses access to the slot
courtier whose Status is higher than the character’s is or the use, and the receiver gains it. In the case of a
hostile; it might take services performed in the courtier’s spell slot, the giver chooses one specific spell, and the
favor to improve their attitude. The gifts that fey bestow slot can be used only to cast that spell. The receiver
upon one another, and upon others who impress them must provide any components normally required for
sufficiently, are of four basic types. the casting. Once it is used, the gifted spell can’t be
Gifts of the Mind and Body. A fey can trade his speed, used again until the receiver finishes a long rest.
fortitude, and so forth to another. These gifts must be Divine spells granted by deities (distinct from those
given willingly and are usually exchanged between available to rangers or druids) are not widely available
among the fey and are highly valued as a result.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
Arcane and natural gifts are relatively common and are horse and hound. A scarred and grim war dog himself,
traded permanently or sometimes loaned. Failure to Scutarius is not one to be trifled with. While manipulating
return a loaned gift might cause the culprit to wither his own network of informants and agents, he continues
and die or merely to twist to evil. It is considered a to serve House Rivenwood loyally, though often under his
horrible sign to renege on such a bargain. own subtle terms and through his own private agendas.
Gifts of Status. A character can gain or give away Status
to a fey. This sort of event is quite rare (the fey view Scutarius Thornwalker
it as a major social occasion on par with a wedding Medium humanoid (sidhe), neutral
or a funeral). The deed itself is a simple blood oath, Armor Class 16
followed by the giver kneeling before the recipient as Hit Points 60 (7d8 + 28)
the transfer of Status occurs—invariably accompanied Speed 40 ft.
by a loss of the giver’s vital essence as well. This
loss manifests as a reduction in the gifter’s hit point STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
maximum based on the amount of Status transferred; 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3)
see the table below. One such gift can be made by an
individual per month. Some of the most tragically Saving Throws Str +6, Dex +8, Cha +6
romantic shadow fey tales tell of a lover who gave his Skills Animal Handling +4, Deception +6, Intimidation +6,
life to elevate the Status of his paramour. Perception +4
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing
Table 2–5: Gifts and Status
damage from weapons that aren’t magical, blessed, or
Status Hit Point made of cold-forged iron
Points Gifted Maximum Lost Condition Immunities charmed, paralyzed, magical sleep
1–2 5 effects
Senses darkvision 90 ft., passive Perception 14
3–4 10
Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan
5–6 15
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
7–8 20
9 or more 25 Fey Grace. Sidhe add their Charisma modifier to armor
class, initiative checks, and Dexterity saving throws.
Hit point maximum lost in this way can’t be restored Spellcasting. Scutarius is a 7th-level spellcaster. His
by any means for a year and a day. Status granted in spellcasting ability is Charisma (DC 14, +6 to hit
this way can never be returned in the same fashion; it is with spell attacks). He has the following druid spells
purely a one-way, one-time gift. prepared, plus several spells he has acquired as an
initiate in the Cult of Valeresh, the elvish god of war:
A Helpful Squire Cantrips (at will): blade ward, mending, resistance,
shillelagh
Although the characters might get on well in the courts,
1st level (4 slots): animal friendship, purify food and
the opposite could also occur. The rather senior squire,
drink, shield, speak with animals
Scutaruis Thornwalker, is a helpful fellow who can answer
2nd level (3 slots): animal messenger, heat metal, locate
questions—or who might take offense and challenge
object, phantom steed
someone to a duel if the party insists on treating him as a
3rd level (3 slots): conjure animals, haste
servant. He’s visiting the courts from Castle Rivenwood,
4th level (1 slot): dominate beast
and constantly dreams of returning home.
Magic Resistance. Scutarius has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
SCUTARIUS THORNWALKER
Magic Weapons. Scutarius’s weapon attacks are magical.
(ESQUIRE TO HOUSE RIVENWOOD)
As a young page in Castle Rivenwood, Scutarius was ACTIONS
unlike his peers. He was short and muscular, shy and Multiattack. Scutarius makes 2 bill-guisarme attacks.
soft‑spoken—rather unusual and undesirable traits among Bill-Guisarme. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach
the eloquent and elegant sidhe. Now, after centuries of 10 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d10 +6) piercing or slashing
loyal (and often bloody) service to Rivenwood, Scutarius damage, and the target creature must succeed on a DC
sits as esquire to that noble house. He was the major 15 Dexterity saving throw or be tripped and knocked
domo of the castle staff as well as herald and master of prone.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
Flicker and Fade. As a standard action, a sidhe can “leap” memory contained in the vial. A Mnemosyne philter
between spaces as if by dimension door. This magical can be used only once, but the vial can be reused to
“flicker” must begin and end within 30 feet of some store a new memory.
discernible light source. A sidhe can “jump” a total of 30
feet per day in 10-foot increments (that is, three 10-foot Bonds of Friendship
leaps or one 30-foot leap per day). Using this ability You swore an oath of blood and mingled tears; both
with a faerie mount brings the mount along as part of of you against the injustice of the shadow fey. Goblin
the movement. blood held true, a dozen years of watchful friendship
Houndmaster’s Horn (2/day). Sounding this horn as a and laughter behind the courtier’s backs. No harm must
standard action conjures one of the following “hounds,” come to your closest companion!
determined by a d10 roll: on 1–6, three (1d4 +1) blink As a reaction when a creature you can see within 30
dogs appear; on 7–9, two (1d4) dire wolves appear; feet targets you or an ally with a weapon attack or a
and on 10, one winter wolf appears. Conjured creatures spell, you can pour out the philter. The creature must
appear in an unoccupied space within 30 feet and succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or choose a
remain for 2 (1d4) hours or until dropped to 0 hit points different target. If it can’t or doesn’t choose a different
before vanishing. Conjured creatures are friendly to the target, the attack or spell is wasted. A creature that can’t
horn blower and will obey commands that they can be charmed is immune to this effect.
understand. To create this philter, a humanoid must sacrifice a
Rivenwood Regalia. This large magical battle standard happy memory of a time with a friend.
bears the ancient crest of House Rivenwood and
has the following properties. It grants the standard Coward’s Shame
bearer a +2 bonus to Armor Class and the ability to You remember how the queen banished you for your
use regeneration (as the spell) once per day when the cowardice and how the court laughed. Even your
bearer is within 10 feet of the standard. All allies within mother turned her back. You could not return to the
500 feet of the standard gain a +2 bonus on initiative courts until she died.
checks and become immune to the charmed, frightened, The target becomes frightened. While frightened in
and stunned conditions as long as Rivenwood Regalia this way, it flees from you by the most direct route it
remains visibly borne aloft. All enemies within 100 can, and it can take only actions that facilitate its escape.
feet that can see the standard have disadvantage on If the creature ends its turn more than 30 feet away from
initiative checks and on any checks to resist fear. you and can’t see you, it can repeat the saving throw,
ending the effect on a success.
FEY TREASURES: To create this philter, a humanoid must sacrifice a
EMOTIONS WORTHY OF THE TOUCH memory of a failure or embarrassment.
The greatest trick of some fey magic regarding gifts, Youthful Joy
memory, and emotion is the ability to give them You remember the sunshine and the shadows of the
physical form, using a spell like ritual of memories lost Margreve, picking bluebells as a young girl: the laughter
(see page 29). These are typically stored in cabinets of a child and the boundless strength of youth.
as small bottles of liquid; when touching the bottle, a The target regains 3d8 + 6 hit points and removes one
character can feel a tinge of the emotions kept in it. level of exhaustion.
To create this philter, a humanoid must sacrifice a
Philter of Memory favored childhood memory.
Wondrous item, rare
Raging Lust
This swirling liquid is the collected memory of a mortal
You tore her spider silk bridal dress in the treetops and
who willingly traded that memory away to the shadow
dropped the shreds to the forest floor. You shook the
fey. The shadow fey collects the offered memory and
leaves from the trees, and her cries set the birds to flight.
stores it in a vial carved of semiprecious gemstone worth
You would have done anything she asked.
250 gp. When you touch the philter, you feel a flash
The target is charmed by you, until you or one of your
of the emotion contained within. You can unstopper
allies does something to harm the target. If you are a
and pour out a philter as an action unless otherwise
kind of creature the target normally finds attractive, it
specified. The philter’s effects take place immediately,
treats you as the object of its desire while it is charmed
either on you or on a creature you can see within 30 feet
in this way. You can make one suggestion of the target
(your choice). If the target is unwilling, it can attempt a
(as if using the suggestion spell). The target can repeat
DC 15 Wisdom saving throw to resist the effect of the
the saving throw when it finishes a long rest. On a
philter. A creature affected by a philter experiences the
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
failed save, it remains charmed and you can make exchange, when you hit with an attack, you can choose
another suggestion; on a successful save, the effect ends. to make it a critical hit. Each of these events can occur
To create this philter, a humanoid must sacrifice all only once.
memory of a romantic partner. Or, conversely, you can give up a future successful hit
Philter of Righteous Wrath in exchange for a guaranteed successful saving throw. In
The queen’s rage swept everything before her, and you— this case, when you fail a saving throw, you can choose
her champion—destroyed all you touched. Die, traitor! to succeed instead. And at some point in the future
Die, faithless creatures! when you hit with an attack, even a critical hit, the GM
When you activate this philter, each creature other than can declare it an automatic miss. Each of these events
you within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom can occur only once. The fey who makes the trade gains
saving throw or be overcome by burning ferocity. Until the “lost” critical hit or saving throw.
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
one is killed and a −2 penalty for everyone involved in “cursed” character makes a Dexterity or Charisma
killing more than five of them. check, it must roll a d4 and subtract the result of that
As a courtier is likely to put it to a bloodthirsty roll from the check. This effect lasts until the character
character, “It is so difficult to find good help, and I makes a sincere apology or visits the Goblin Court (area
understand you’ve been thinning out the herd lately. I 8) and pays a fine commensurate with the offense.
quite understand: the terrible service, and the insolence. Shadow Doors. A few of the doors on the map are
But, er, could you keep the discipline down to a marked as shadow doors; these include the Winter Gate
thrashing? Goblins don’t grow on trees.” (or Western Gate), the Eastern Gate, the Executioner’s
Servants can retaliate against characters who mistreat Gate, and some of the interior doors, such as the
them by spreading gossip, informing their masters of entrance to the King and Queen’s Chambers (area
misdeeds by the characters (real or trumped up), and 61). Opening a shadow door requires a successful
invoking the “goblin curse.” This form of rebellion by the Intelligence (Arcana) check to determine the proper
servants might take the form of spoiled food, mundane sequence of mystic passes and light flashes that opens
items (such as shoes and hats) suddenly going missing, and shuts it. The DC for each gate is given in the area
and other difficulties and inconveniences. When a descriptions that follow.
LANTERN DRAGONETTES
Lantern dragonettes are a form of pseudodragon with sort of bedtime tale. Many conversations told by lantern
scales like tarnished silver; their belly glows from within light are known to the queen by the time the dragonettes
with an orange light that gives them their name. This all go to sleep at noon. A few fey believe that the lantern
glow can be muted when they keep their scales laid dragonettes can serve as the eyes and ears of the Blood
flat, a bit like a lantern’s shutter; the glow is brightest Royal more directly—that the royals can actually look
when their scales are held away from the body. through their eyes under certain conditions.
Lantern dragonettes create illumination as
a continual flame spell, and they usually obey
commands to dim their light when requested. They
eat insects, mice, and small birds, as well as bread and
scraps. The fey seem to have bred them for docility;
the ones found within the courts have no effective
attacks and flee when threatened. (If the information
becomes needed, a lantern dragonette has AC 13,
28 hit points, speed 15 ft., fly 40 ft., speaks Common,
Draconic, Elvish, and Primordial, and has telepathy out
to 60 feet.) For a resident or a guest, receiving custody
of a lantern dragonette to accompany them and light
their way in the palace halls is a sign of great favor
from the royals; that character gains a +3 bonus
to Status for owning a dragonette. Only about
twenty dragonettes live in the palace, and they
are treasured by most of the courtiers (kitchen
staff are a notable exception). If a dragonette
given to a character dies, the character takes an
immediate −5 penalty to Status.
What is not known by any but the most senior
among the fey is that the lantern dragonettes
are spies for the Blood Royal. Each dawn, when the
dragonettes have all dimmed their lights, they visit with
the queen or the prince and tell the juiciest stories of
the court’s doings, betrayals, romances, and feuds as a
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THE LOWER HALLS 6. Smithy. This work area contains an anvil and an
1. Winter Gate (or Western Gate). The Winter ancient bellows, and has an open floor plan to let the
Gate stands well guarded at the head of a long stair carved heat escape. The smith in charge of repairing swords
out of the cliff below the Winter Palace. Usually shrouded and animated suits of armor here is Tenpound Hammer
in mist and lit by a single oil lantern, the area seems (better known by his nickname, “Nails”).
almost abandoned. A monolith footman (see page 60) 7. Kitchens. The master cook in charge here is Blazing
always stands guard inside the door; a small inset window Barda, a goblin, assisted by the orc butcher Skrazag the
can be opened to allow the footman to ask questions. The Meek. Things are plucked, stewed, and served as slop in
gate itself is a shadow door that can be opened with a very large quantities for the denizens of the Lower Halls.
successful DC 22 Intelligence (Arcana) check. None of this food goes to the Royal Halls. Root cellars
2. Dueling Grounds and Arcade. This field and wine cellars connect to these kitchens, but not to
of pale greenish-gray grass is where children play, the Royal Halls, although some folk claim they can be
where duels are fought during dueling season, where used to reach the Goblin Court.
lovers declaim poetry, and where captains drill their 8. Goblin Court. The lowest and most vulgar of
troops. Surrounded by the arches of a carved and leafy the fey courts is the Goblin Court, where Moggo the
colonnade, the dueling grounds are almost always Chamberlain presides as “king.” In this chamber, he
occupied by someone. The Royals and other fey of high rules on issues that affect servants and low-Status visitors
Status visit this area only during dueling season. and enjoys behaving as a tyrant—the carpet before his
3. The Silver Tree. The courtyard’s main feature is a “throne” is spattered with blood. Bribery, flattery, and
tree that has white bark and bears red and silver flowers. outrageous betrayal are common activities in this court,
It is a favored spot for young lovers, courtesans, and poets and subtlety is almost unknown. (As long as the queen’s
(1d4 − 2 people are commonly found here). Lantern rolls are hot and the butter is sweet, she cares not what
dragonettes often roost in the Silver Tree’s branches. happens below.) The courtly audiences here are held at
off-hours, when most servants sleep. The Goblin Hall
4. Ramp up to the Winter Palace. This is a steep
extends along tunnels into the hill beneath the Winter
and cobbled passage up to the Winter Gate: difficult
Palace, although few know just how far those tunnels
terrain that might also be treacherously slippery due
extend or that the goblins have their own dancing hall.
to fog, ice, or rain. Under those conditions, a character
All of the goblins in the Shadow Court are native to the
moving along the ramp must succeed on a DC 15
shadow realm and immune to its corrupting qualities.
Dexterity (Acrobatics) saving throw or slip and fall
down on the steep cobbles, taking 1d12 damage (or 9. Lesser Guests’ Quarters. Each of these simple,
2d12 if the save failed by 5 or more). tidy rooms contains a bed of linens laid over rushes,
a pitcher of clean water, and a three-legged stool. The
5. New Moon Hall. The hall where most visitors are
rooms cannot be locked.
first received is dimly lit and open to the air along the
southern arcade. The hall is a bit of a maze, containing 10. Stables. Goblin and changeling grooms watch
more than thirty striped marble pillars arranged over the black and white horses of the shadow fey
irregularly. New Moon Hall is thronged with crows nobles here. The biggest and best of the pens in the
during the day and both forest owls and death butterflies stable is the home of Lazulin, the blue horse of the
at night, though they rarely trouble the fey unless a royal family. The prince most often rides it, although
sleeping body presents an easy target. The hall smells some believe “it” is actually an entire herd of magical,
vaguely of fox urine. sky-traveling steeds. Certainly, the king and queen are
known to sometimes turn the horse into a pair, one
gray and one azure, for their journeys among the clouds
POSTER MAP OF THE COURTS at the equinox, when the rulership of the Shadow
A larger poster and battle mat of the Shadow Court Realm changes hands. The goblin grooms will violently
map is available at KoboldPress.com. Most of the defend Lazulin if they must (see Act II, Scene 4 for a
adventure’s encounter areas are provided in smaller suggested encounter with the beast).
detail maps, which will account for the major set-piece 11. Librarium and Kennels. A once-great hall of
encounters, but if your party is keen on wandering learning, this area is now a mass of rat-eaten scrolls and
around the palace wings at night, you might want a moldering tomes. A DC 25 Intelligence (Investigation)
larger version of the two-page map given here. check, however, might reveal that this appearance is
largely illusory. The place is used to store provender for
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
the stables and bags of grain and root vegetables for the and footmen are not shy about taunting or mocking
kitchens. In addition, Kolya the Kennel Master (see page low-Status outsiders who have no real clout, and at the
67) watches over the Black Prince’s hounds and shadow same time they are willing to cater to those who display
mastiffs here, when they are not with their master on any real sign of Status in exchange for food, magical
the hunt or keeping him company in the courts. trifles, or an interesting story.
12. Guards’ Hall. Lesser nobles seeking to curry favor 18. Puzzle Box Chamber. Fey send annoying guests
with the royals often send a company of fey archers, and small children to wander here for a few hours.
soldiers, or quicksteps to the palace to serve for a season. The room has stairs on the ceiling, and every exit leads
At the moment, the guards are a company of the black back into the same room. Getting out is as simple (or as
shadow fey of Allosis, led by Captain Imbemerethion. difficult) as traveling along a hidden bend in the stairs on
13. Stairs up to Royal Halls. These steps are the ceiling, which leads to New Moon Hall (see area 5).
wide, shallow tiers of beautiful marble. Two lantern 19. Chamber of the Grey Ladies. This room seems
dragonettes light the portal at the top (see area 45). twice as large on the inside as when viewed from the
This is a shadow door, and if the characters have Status outside. Bright tapestries of pure gold and silver hang on
of 10 or lower, opening it requires a successful DC 25 the walls, and rich, woven carpets of red, black, and gray
Intelligence (Arcana) check. cover the floor. Three large looms are set here and are
attended at all times by at least one of the Grey Ladies.
THE WINTER PALACE
20. Chambers of the King’s Players. This area is
14. Executioner’s Gate. The shriveled heads of
a hive of activity most of the time, as jesters, acrobats,
enemies and entire corpses in iron cages are displayed
and actors of various petty trifles amuse themselves and
along the palace wall; these remains are years old,
practice their arts. These entertainers are quite casual in
but the fey keep them in place as a reminder of their
their behavior and dress, often performing naked and
domination. The gate is made of oak banded with iron
sometimes sharing intimate secrets in public. The other
and is shut each night. It is guarded by a monolith
fey seem to consider this behavior normal. The King’s
footman; only fey or visitors with a Status of 6 or higher
Players do not have a stage as such, but they perform in
are allowed through it.
the dueling grounds or the Small Courtyard (area 46) in
15. Hounds’ Run. Creatures entering the Winter Palace good weather and inside the halls when weather is poor.
are investigated by the Black Prince’s hounds of the night
21. Winter Palace Kitchens. Fat Lobbo, a half-ogre
(see page 70) or by psoglav demons (see page 63), both of
cook, presides over the work in the kitchens. The crew is
which use this courtyard as an exercise and play space.
made up of goblins and a few fey that are forced to serve
16. Hall of Banners. Aside from the decorations and as scullery maids and pot boys as punishment. The place
mementos for which it is named, this room is typically contains ovens, sinks, cauldrons, and plenty of knives
empty, reserved for courtly functions and meetings. and other cutlery.
17. Servants’ Quarters. The brownies, animal- 22. Majordomo’s Chamber. The center of the
headed humans, changelings, half-elves, and other servant’s world is the majordomo’s plain room with its
low-Status servants, exiles, and outcasts who do much of two chairs and fine tapestry dividing it (and hiding the
the scut work at the court live in these shared barracks bed from the door). The major furnishing is a writing
(while goblins and hobgoblins live in the Lower Halls). desk and an account book, where rest two inkhorns
Cots and beds are a luxury, and not all servants rate and a handful of reed pens, keeping track of stores and
them; those who serve a particular fey noble sleep supplies as well as favors owed, servants gained and lost,
outside the noble’s door. Grooms, kitchen help, maids, demerits for goblins and changelings, and so on.
23. Well of Ice. The chilled water from this well is
drawn up about 18 hours a day by strong goblin arms
EMPTY HALLS and taken to the kitchen.
When the characters are too low in Status to be
24. Hall of Changelings. This hall is the court for
shown how the halls truly look, most rooms appear
those who don’t have high enough Status to visit the
dusty, abandoned, or at least neglected in some way.
Royal Halls. Nonetheless, the scheming and politicking
Old furnishings and abandoned papers fill guest
that goes on here is no less deadly (2d6 courtiers are
rooms, wells have no ropes or buckets, doors hang
present at any given time). Of particular note here
askew, kitchens are cold, and larders are empty.
is Sariel, a shadow fey lady of modest Status and
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26. Buttress of the Bridge of Night. The wall
leads to a bridge abutment, and a bridge connects to the
royal apartments across the valley of the Lower Halls—
but the substance of the bridge exists only at night and
only when the king or queen wishes it. The bridge can
be trod upon by visitors who have Status 11 or higher;
those of lower Status can walk about 30 feet out on it,
but then fall through.
27. Private Apartments of Lord Hargos the
Flame-Cloaked. The elf consort Hargos wears an
illusion of a cloak of fire over his bare, muscled chest; his
hearty laugh is often heard when he goes on his rounds
to the Hall of Changelings and the Small Courtyard. As a
junior consort, he is not often allowed to visit the Royal
Halls, and he makes the most of those opportunities,
flattering and paying homage to the greatest of the
shadow fey ladies. Most of the lords view him with deep
suspicion, even though his behavior is always in keeping
with shadow fey standards of decorum. His chambers are
furnished in fine woods and pale leathers, scented with
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THE BEARFOLK AMBASSADOR
Gorvalk Orsamsson is an envoy to the
Shadow Court from the bearfolk inhabitants
of the Moonlit Glades (see the Midgard
Worldbook), far from the lands of the shadow
fey. He wears the trophy decorations of a
war leader but carries no weapons. Despite his
growling voice and imposing stature, the envoy
is polite and his manners impeccable. Gorvalk
is a grizzlehide bearfolk, somewhat out of his
natural element, and he presents an opportunity
to link the characters in with the bearfolk, as well
as a potentially genuine friend and ally in the
otherwise duplicitous courts.
If the characters are suffering accumulated
shadow corruption, Gorvalk is a good way to
intrduce the bearfolk’s knowledge of cleansing
corruption without taking the party out of the
Shadow Realm for an extended amount of time.
For more information on the bearfolk’s ability
to combat shadow corruption, see the Midgard
Heroes Handbook.
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Count Sammas has little patience for fools, and
visitors have a chance of seeing him only if they make it SHARDS OF A BROKEN MIND:
past his many secretaries, appointment-book-keepers, THE LONG SUMMER
underlings, and well-wishers (requiring successful DC Unbeknownst even to herself, Sariel carries one of
16 Charisma [Intimidation or Persuasion] checks). He the greatest secretCount Sammas is one of a few
is also the royal standard bearer and herald, Master of courtiers who hold the keys to restoring the Moonlit
Fence, and the Lord of Fallen Archways and Broken King’s sanity. He knows that the long rule of the
Swords, meaning he knows literally everyone at the queen is part of the reason for the king’s madness;
court and their secrets. Count Sammas wants nothing the court’s natural cycle has been stalled, and
to do with the issues concerning Zobeck; he’s trying to the queen’s extended rule exacerbates the king’s
restore the king to sanity and keep shadow beasts and troubled mind. The courts of the shadow fey wax
lunar devils from overrunning things. and wane in power according to the turn of courtly
Portray the count not as absent-minded but simply seasons, the duration and schedule of which seems
concerned with larger problems. Count Sammas is
random to the outside observer.
a source for a subtle but potentially crucial piece of
The truth is that many factors play into how long
information; see the “Shards of a Broken Mind” sidebar.
a given court’s season lasts. The shadow fey tend to
33. Private Chamber of His Grace, Duke lose track of the passage of mortal years, one decade
Rackclasp. The shadow fey Warden of the Early blurring into another—but a few who have a mind
Frost and First Bonecarver is both an invoker and a for such things, like Sammas, know that the Summer
necromancer. His chambers are strewn with chips of Court, and thus the queen, have held sway for over
bone and always kept below freezing. Visitors suffer the a century. That is the longest-lasting single tenure
effects of extreme cold while in his room. of either of the shadow fey rulers in their history.
34. Private Chamber of Jalennis, Lady of the Though he might never confess his feelings to a
Pale Gardens. The shadow fey druid Lady Jalennis member of the court, Count Sammas believes that it
is responsible for the growth and health of the forests, is time for a change, even though he loves the queen.
gardens, and labyrinth of the courts. She is found in her He might share this prediction or theory (insofar as
chamber only when sleeping. non-fey can understand the intricacies) with a learned
character or one of high Status, and he urges them to
35. Private Chamber of Lady Marrowsilk. The
visit the Moonlit King to change the court’s position
Queen’s Counsel and Most Learned Advocate is a traitor
on reasserting their claim to Zobeck. He believes that
to the fey cause, providing information to Lord Maruuk,
the diabolic ambassador; she often secretly visits his the court, once the king is restored, will have other
chambers (area 37). Or, is you so choose, she is a loyal matters to tend to within the shadow realm, fighting
warlock who pretends to favor Lord Maruuk and pumps back various undead and demons of the outer dark.
him for a great deal of information, then shares that
information with the queen. She’s interested in hearing
from high-Status characters, yet she says almost nothing
following, while keeping his corruption just mild enough
of value while hinting that she can help solve their
not to annoy the royals. He has been exiled once for
problems. She wants the Sapphire Courtesan dead, for
“behavior unbecoming an ambassador,” but he has come
no reason other than professional jealousy.
back because he feels he is slowly tilting the court toward
36. Lord Chelessfield, Lady Sorreminx, and Sir chaos and evil. Though the shadow fey are his pets and
Yngress the Red. These three elves from the River favorites, he certainly offers the characters much the
King’s Court keep to themselves except during dueling same bargain. In exchange for their pledge of fealty
season and major festivals. They are trying to arrange while they are within the Shadow Realm (a paltry thing)
a marriage alliance between the River King’s daughter, or in exchange for a single favor (a gift, information,
Ripple, and the Black Prince or another titled shadow an important document or lies whispered in the right
fey noble—so far without success. ear) he offers a wealth of information and gossip, and
37. Chambers of Lord Maruuk. The diabolic perhaps a little blood magic or one of the spells of doom
ambassador loves the Shadow Court and the many fey of (see the Midgard Worldbook). He especially wants to see
loose morals who seek power. With so many ambitious the demon lord Akyishigal and the Lightning Lord dead,
courtiers, he does pull strings in exchange for small because both have foiled his rise to power at the court
favors all the time, and has amassed a considerable more than once; his own physical and arcane power is
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not great enough to challenge those two directly, and sunrises, unicorns, and a rainbow that offers fey children
he’d prefer to have outsiders spill their blood while being an escape from visitors (as a fey door).
able to deny his involvement. 41. Guest Chamber. Reserved for non-fey visitors
38. Chambers of Baron Suvid. The Lord of Blades of lesser distinction, this room is furnished with a fine
has a peculiar chamber, small and neat as a jeweled canopy bed, a painted chest for clothes and linens, and a
egg—three times the size within as it seems to be wash basin behind a carved screen.
without. The walls are covered with small, neatly stacked 42. Hidden Stairs to Forest and Labyrinth.
boxes full of preserved ears and scalps from foes, and Three monolith footmen and six deathwisps guard
a large, well-used grinding wheel stands to one side of these stairs from the forest side. None may pass down
the entrance. The chamber has the smells of leather and to the Spiral Maze below without the permission of the
metal. Baron Suvid is already drafting the queen’s first prince or the queen, in written and sealed form, or the
proclamation for Zobeck, which is heavy on “If you queen’s gift of daggers (see page 124). If the guards are
do not oppose my rule, you have nothing to fear.” He defeated, the shadow door to the stairs leading down
resents any intrusion by the characters, but he might and the maze entrance can be opened with a successful
attempt to pump them to get the “local view” of things. DC 25 Intelligence (Arcana) check, or by casting three
39. Chamber of Mistress Gossamer. The Lady of consecutive knock spells on it.
the Mournful Gate is a banshee who apologizes for the 43. Rookery. A thousand rooks and crows nest here
stench of her undead servants. The floor of her chamber each evening. The Black Prince is fond of these animals,
is made of tombstones, which always display the names and they are well fed; he visits them at least once a week
of her visitors; there are no other furnishings. with his huntsmen and followers.
40. Chamber of Princess Vailessia Graystone 44. Moon-Viewing Tower. This tower is off limits
and Prince Loric Oakbound. The two youthful to all but the nobles of the court and popular for its
wards of the Summer Court are far from home. Prince especially good view of the full moon three days every
Loric is a dreamer without power, while Princess month. The rest of the time it is haunted by a dozen
Vailessia is a much stronger child, always tumbling about deathwisps, which violently discourage visitors. The
and asking whether her visitors are bringing her a puppy, stairs within the tower are moonlight stairs: invisible
know where a puppy might be found, or have heard and insubstantial except when viewed by moonlight,
about a puppy coming to court. They are reasonably well when they are solid and useful for climbing to the
informed but disinclined to talk politics with strangers. viewing platform at the top.
The rooms are hung with bright tapestries of hills,
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THE ROYAL HALLS for the tapestries that adorn its walls, though courtly
45. The Open Portal. The doors to this section are wags claim that the place is where the prince hunts
always flung open, although two monolith footmen various beauties and the queen judges the suitability of
guard them. If an alarm has been raised in the castle, paramours and admirers.
opening the shadow door here requires a successful 51. Tower of the Lords of Light. This tower is
Intelligence (Arcana) check (DC 27 from the outside, the home and refuge of the court’s sorcerers, warlocks,
DC 22 from within the Royal Halls). The Royal Halls and wizards. It is always lit by a large group of lantern
are barred to those who have Status of 10 or lower; dragonettes—the beasts are bred and fed here, although
others can walk in freely, and can bring in a guest of they sleep in the Spiral Maze (see Act IV, Scene 2).
lower Status by making a successful DC 18 Charisma The halls of the tower are unornamented and stripped
(Deception) or Charisma (Persuasion) check. In general, of illusion, showing only bare stone. This is itself, of
a high-Status character can enter with lower-Status course, an illusion: the stones are thickly covered with
friends if the friends are described as servants, followers, layers of runes and wardings, preventing the use of any
or hangers-on of some kind; the shadow fey certainly divine magic within the tower. This includes both spells
understand that high-Status people need servants and and magical features (such as Channel Divinity).
toadies, and make exceptions on that basis. Spells that produce light or deal radiant damage are
46. Small Courtyard. The courtyard is dominated automatically cast at one level higher than the expended
by stairs leading up to the east, a view to the north over slot’s level, even if that level is normally beyond the
the forest through battlements, a tower to the west, and caster’s ability. Similarly, cantrips that produce light have
a bubbling fountain of pure cold water. Servants from their illumination radius doubled, and those that deal
the kitchen draw from it, and nobles drink it; the runoff radiant damage deal an extra die of damage.
is piped down to the kitchen in the Lower Halls. 52. Black Well of Night. This is the pit of the
47. Long Hall. This 5-foot-wide hall provides access demon lord Akyishigal. A deep, magical darkness at the
to more than a dozen doors leading into the chambers bottom of the descent (about 50 feet below the floor)
of various nobles and courtesans. keeps the chamber in a state of perpetual gloom; some
refer to this as “elder darkness,” as if it were a living
48. Kitchens. These kitchens are the best equipped in
thing, though it neither speaks nor eats, and yet it makes
the palace. On feast days, a shadow portal here opens
the skin crawl.
directly into the Chamber of the Huntsmen (area 50),
The cave at the bottom contains solid black pillars of
allowing dishes to travel to their destination more
an unearthly chill, and the chamber is always occupied
swiftly. The head chef is the shadow fey Elasstriel (called
by servants of the demon lord (such as roachlings,
“Mistress Chopper” by her underlings).
psoglav demons, or tiefling courtiers). The pit below is
49. Chamber of the Black Mirror. This room, crawling with millions of roaches and guarded as well
dominated by a black mirror in a golden frame, is used by Akyishigal’s roachlings and other servants. No light
by lesser courtiers to plot and scheme. The chamber shines here unless the elder darkness is destroyed by a
is empty, unless a hand of cards is being played or sunlight spell or dispel magic. Spells that produce light
courtesans are engaged in debauchery. The mirror is an or deal radiant damage are cast at one level lower than
8-foot-tall slab of polished black marble with mithral the slot expended to cast them (minimum 1st level).
and tarnished silver-gilded edging. It connects to all Cantrips that produce light create only half their usual
the shadow doors in the palace, but only those of royal radius of illumination, and cantrips that deal radiant
blood or those who make a successful DC 30 Intelligence damage deal one less die of damage (minimum 1 die).
(Arcana) check may pass. Failing the Intelligence check
53. Chamber of the Black Prince. Decorated
alerts the nearest monolith footman or empty cloak to
with hundreds of antlers, boar tusks, and wings, these
throw a trespasser out of the royal wing of the palace.
rooms are a shrine to the chase and the kill. The beds
50. Chamber of the Huntsmen. A salon used for are covered with bearskins, the chandeliers are made of
appointments with visiting nobles, scholars, and clergy antlers, and the floors are inlaid with scenes of falconry
who have gained a brief audience with one of the major and boar, fox, bear, and deer hunting. The Black Prince’s
figures of the court. It is also sometimes reserved for servants are all deathwisps and favored nobles of the
the courtship or more intimate appointments of the court, most of them young shadow fey rakes. Those who
royals and their followers, because visiting it does not visit him here are offered a cup of black wine or green
require traversing the Great Hall (area 62). It is named ale; those who refuse to drink are challenged to a duel.
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54. Private Apartments of Ulara of the Seven impossibly rude and might be cause for a challenge
Veils. Filled with dozens of diaphanous silk banners to duel. Those who do stare, however, can learn a few
and hanging tapestries, this chamber blocks line of things: 1) the queen wears diamonds and carries a
sight beyond a single square in any direction. The glowing wand; 2) she is stunningly attractive but with
courtesan Ulara is rarely here unless she is entertaining a sort of cruel beauty, cold as the stars; and 3) she is
an admirer. She wears silks and flowing capes in bright surrounded by wisps of fog and constellations unlike
colors, knotted and draped enticingly. those seen elsewhere.
55. Private Apartments of Mora Moonwater 60. Old Duke’s Chambers. Often used by the
the Rain-Cloaked. A small fountain of stone and court’s secretaries and by lovers seeking a tryst, the
water burbles quietly in a corner, and the chamber Duke’s Chambers have not been anyone’s quarters since
has a warm, wet atmosphere filled with scent: pine, the death of the old duke (the Black Prince’s uncle,
rose, plum, or whatever suits the courtesan’s fancy Gallasphear Trimordian, who was the queen’s younger
that day. She wears blue garments meshed with pearls, brother) some years ago. The chamber is decorated
solid raindrops, and shimmering scales and necklaces with thick tapestries, has a writing desk, and boasts a
of mithral. The fountain contains small fish, and the splendid view of the bridge and the Western Gate.
furnishings display an aquatic theme: mother-of-pearl 61. The King and Queen’s Chambers. Furnished
and lapis inlays, table legs carved in the shape of fish, in silver, gold, ebony, and mahogany, the King and
and so forth. Queen’s Chambers are a maze of gauzy silk dividers and
56. Private Apartments of Songemesha the beautiful tapestries of spun glass, spun moonlight, and
Raven-Haired. The courtesan Songemesha is a drow spun silver and bronze. There are bright pearl perches
of mixed blood; her charms are peculiar ones, for she for two ancient lantern dragonettes the size of hounds.
has both black hair and black skin, and her eyes glow The room has chests, wardrobes, black carpets woven
like molten gold. This chamber is decorated in white silk with constellations and abstract patterns, and a dozen
wall hangings with a rug of pale yellow spider silk. The maidservants who wait on the queen.
room is guarded by a half-dozen swarms of spiders at 62. The Great Hall of the Shadow Court. This
all times; a single goblin maidservant named Spinner is is a high-ceilinged hall with several niches and hidden
also here to scream a warning when admirers go too far. chambers for the prince’s men and for ladies-in-waiting.
57. Private Apartments of Ballandrine the On the main floor, black wallpaper hangs from the walls
Frost-Eyed. The consort’s room is decorated in furs around a dozen columns of alabaster set with perches
and fine wall hangings of woven silk in pale green and for lantern dragonettes; the floor is made of alternating
gold, with a white bearskin rug before the window and black and white parquetry, and glowing jewels in the
ermine blankets on the bed. Ballandrine is the most shape of unfamiliar constellations hang from the ceiling.
powerful of the human changelings at the courts, and Courtiers visit here only when invited by the royal
he helps his fellow humans when he can; as a result, the family, but the Black Prince’s friends, dogs, and archers
servants feed him information and provide help in his are always present. The archers stand at the ready on the
schemes among the fey. He secretly favors the cause of hall’s small balcony, keeping their eyes on visitors but
the Moonlit King, hoping to return him to favor. not interfering with court business. The dogs stay close
58. Private Apartments of Maraya the to their master. Shadow doors lead from here to most
Sapphire. These rooms seem to be decorated in sections of the Royal Halls; activating one requires a
precious stones and rich dyed and gilded wallpaper. The successful DC 30 Intelligence (Arcana) check.
courtesan Maraya is always here during daylight hours, 63. Royal Audience Chamber. Not technically part
and prowls the courts and halls by night. She is attended of the Royal Halls, this chamber rests atop a cloud of
by four maids who are also bodyguards. The creature shadowstuff beneath a sky sparkling with a million stars.
is a succubus; in male form, he calls himself Marek the This is one of the few places in the Shadow Realm with
Sapphire (see page 56). an unclouded view of the sky. The king and queen are
59. Waiting Salon. Those who seek entry to the Great always illuminated in soft, dim light by a train of lantern
Hall must wait here. A painting of the queen hangs dragonettes, and a trio of birds watches over each throne
on the eastern wall; servants and lesser nobles always when it is occupied (owls for the queen, ravens for the
bow to it as they enter or leave the room (kitchen staff king). A cloudy mist envelops the room’s floor, and the
bearing dishes might nod instead). Visitors are expected ceiling is open to the heavens. The whole place seems to
to avert their gaze; staring at the painting is considered be constructed on a cloud far above the courts proper—
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and it is. A successful DC 20 Intelligence (Nature) or 67. Maids’ Chamber. Several ladies’ maids gather here
Wisdom (Survival) check reveals that the air is cold for sewing, gossip, and minor arcana. The two balconies
and thin enough to correspond to an altitude of at least give it a breezy air, and the queen can call the maids
1 mile, perhaps more. Visitors are often cowed by the easily enough from the solarium if she desires company.
majesty of the site, which is its intended purpose. 68. Solarium. Her Majesty often spends days or nights
64. The Red Princess’s Chamber. This room here, looking through the enormous crystal skylight
is a largely empty chamber, once reserved for an at various stars or cloud formations of interest. The
ambassador from the ghouls of the Twilight Empire. Its chamber’s furnishings are all fashioned of ebony and
scarlet wall hangings are neatly kept, and a single goblin silver, worth a fortune—but prone to shout out warnings
named Miletta Nichtowls often lurks here, shirking her if carried out of the room. This is one of her Majesty’s
duties elsewhere in the courts. She fears discovery and favorite places for dressing down disobedient courtiers,
might offer directions or a half-gnawed lamb shank as a lazy cooks, or nosy adventurers.
bribe to anyone who stumbles across her hiding spot.
65. Chamber of Ermine the Jongleur. Offering Gossip and Rumors
a view of New Moon Hall (area 5) through a small The characters can try to gather information as often
spyhole, this chamber is decorated in excellent tapestries as you decide the opportunity presents itself, using
of what the shadow fey call “dappling”—entirely abstract Intelligence (Investigation) or Charisma (Persuasion)
and yet leafy shapes that seem to move on their own. checks. What they get for their efforts depends on their
66. Storage. Various chests of clothes and linens, as Status and the individual they interact with. The entries
well as currently unfashionable furnishings, are stored vary for characters with Status of 5 or lower, Status
here. The contents are clean, yet an astonishing number 6–10, Status 11–15, and Status 16 or higher. When the
of white and lilac spiders emerge and begin crawling characters make a check, refer to the appropriate section
around if the chests are disturbed. below and give them the information associated with
the check total (but not any lower results). As the lists
indicate, not everything they might learn will ultimately
do them any good.
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Status 6–10: Low Gossip
1–5 At twilight on the night of the waxing moon, the shades come back for their due. (false)
6–8 Never touch your nose among duelists. It’s a deadly insult. (false)
9–10 Mortal wines and spirits are more than just vile to shadow fey—they’re toxic. (false)
11–12 The Grey Ladies secretly worship Mammon, the Archdevil of Greed. (false, and likely to give offense to the
Ravens)
13–14 Akyishigal’s roachlings work among the master cook’s underlings and cook the food for diners of low
Status. (false, and likely to result in a challenge to a duel if repeated)
15–16 The noble Lady Sariel has been cursed to wander, lost in the halls of the courts, not for having relations
with the kennel master but for snubbing his dogs while she did. (false, and cause for a challenge to a duel if
repeated)
17–18 The Moonlit King is a creature allied with dark forces: dwarves and death. He always kills mortals who have
seen his true form. (false)
19–20 Stealing a glass of King’s Cordial and offering it as a refreshment before a duel grants great Status to its bearer
in the event that they win the duel afterward. (true; +1 Status for sheer bravado)
21–22 Whitemist, the goblin servant in charge of the dueling grounds, is addicted to ale and enchanted moments
of bliss. He can easily be bribed to permit a duel out of season, or to overlook a hit. (true; ale or philters of
memory win his favor)
23–24 The king’s mad half-brother is confined to the Tower of Light, and the angel is his guardian. (almost true)
25–26 The Rain- and Flame-cloaked courtesans are plotting together with servants of the Moonlit King to
supplant the Sapphire Courtesan. (true, but then it is always true)
27–28 The Sapphire Courtesan adores strawberries. (true, and grants advantage on the next attempt to woo her)
29–30 The Shadow Court has caught and imprisoned the firebird at least a dozen times . . . but it always reappears
outside the court within the week. (true)
31–32 The firebird lives in the forest outside the palace, and the Black Prince has never caught it himself. Anyone
who does becomes his deadly enemy. (true)
33+ Princess Vailessia wants a puppy. The soup chef would love to sneak one to her room. (true!)
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25–26 No one is really sure whether the queen really wants to seize the mortal city; some think her husband made
her swear to press the claim. (true)
27–28 Other courtiers believe that Zobeck is the place where the queen and the king first kissed. (true)
29–30 Some believe the queen sets the firebird free each time it is brought to her. (true)
31–32 The Moonlit King is as much a title as a person, but his word is the one that will make or break the claim
to Zobeck. If he disavows the claim, the city faces no more threat from the shadow fey. (true, but rather
incomplete)
33+ The queen sorrows over the king’s wrath and his growing bloodlust, which make him dangerous to the
entire court. She’s starting to let the king go and perhaps considering a replacement. (true)
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Act II, Scene 1: Suit at the Door and cats will watch the party often, and they might be
described as animals living in a clearly abandoned set
A single type of enemy seems to live at the courts: of halls.
an enormous, glowing suit of armor, the Queen’s Alternatively, if the party avoids the footman, consider
Champion, who defends the Western Gate and the letting the characters use Intelligence (Investigation)
gates to the Royal Halls as a sort of monstrous footman. and some combination of Intelligence (Arcana) and
This is a monolith footman, and its name is quite Intelligence (Nature) checks (all DC 18) to view the
appropriate: the thing is 10 feet tall, and the armor is courts proper. A distillation of moonlight applied to the
empty. When it is approached, read: eyes or a few mystic passes might part the illusion for an
exceptionally talented wizard or druid.
The armor is made for an ogre or similarly sized
creature: about ten feet tall, tarnished silver on steel, Monolith Footman
and apparently empty. A voice as echoing as the Large construct, unaligned
bottom of a well speaks, saying, “Who has invited you Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
to the shadow courts?” Hit Points 60 (8d10 + 16)
Speed 40 ft.
Unless the characters respond immediately with “the
queen” or the title of any fey noble and also succeed on STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
a DC 25 Charisma (Deception) check, the monolith 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
armor realizes they are uninvited guests, and it tries to
throw them out. Its sword lights up with blue flame, Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing,
and it strikes to remove them as quickly as possible. and slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t
Vanquishing a monolith footman is purely temporary adamantine
and provides no XP, but each victory does result in a +1 Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
increase to Status, and as Status improves, additional paralyzed, poisoned
creatures gradually become visible to the party. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
Languages Elvish, Umbral
ENCOUNTER CHOICES
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Easy—1 monolith footman
Easy (after 2–4 victories)—1 monolith footman, Blatant Dismissal. While in the courts or castles of the
1 empty cloak fey, a monolith footman that scores a successful hit with
Easy (after 5+ victories)—2 monolith footmen, its longsword can try to force the substitution of the
2 empty cloaks target with a shadow double. The target must succeed
The first time the characters defeat a monolith footman on a DC 10 Charisma saving throw or become invisible,
silent, and paralyzed, while an illusory version of itself
in combat, they gain a +1 increase to Status, and other
remains visible and audible—and under the monolith
shadow fey appear (see Table 2–6). Most creatures
footman’s control, shouting for a retreat or the like.
arrive in their animal forms: bats, birds, mice, rats,
Outside fey locales, this ability does not function.
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Empty Cloak
Medium construct, unaligned
Armor Class 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (10d8)
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft.
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Diligent Sentinel. The empty cloak is designed to watch The cloaked courtiers do their best to remain hidden,
for intruders. It has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) forcing characters to choose spaces randomly to attack
checks. (hoping the foe is there), and the characters cannot
Shadow Construction. The empty cloak is designed with make opportunity attacks. In addition, this invisibility
delicate shadow construction. It bursts into pieces, then grants advantage on certain actions that the fey might
dissipates into shadows on a critical hit. take, especially shoving to trip an unsuspecting
Wrapping Embrace. The empty cloak can enter a hostile character or on Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks to
creature’s space and stop there. It has advantage on pick pockets or steal accessible items.
attack rolls against any creature in the same space with it. See invisibility does not pierce this glamour; only
ACTIONS truesight reveals the actual nature of the courts’
Razor Cloak. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., occupation.
one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage.
TRIPPING AND PUSHING
Shadow Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the characters are loud and annoying or if one
Shadow Snare. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range
wanders off to the stairs alone, they are likely targets
20/60 ft., one target. Hit: Large or smaller creatures are for harassment, such as thrown rocks, trip attempts
restrained. To escape, the restrained creature or an ally on the stairs, and so on. Most of these acts deal little
within 5 feet must make a DC 14 Strength check as an damage, but a +5 bonus to hit is typical for the lower-
action. On a successful check, the creature is no longer class goblins, human changelings, and lesser fey. If one
restrained. The shadow snare has AC 12 and 15 hit points. of these attacks hits, the target takes 1d4 bludgeoning
damage and must succeed on a DC 10 Strength saving
Development throw or fall prone. If the target is on the stairs when
After the characters have scored two victories over it falls prone, it falls 1d2 × 10 feet down the staircase,
monolith footmen, the queen’s minions call up empty taking 1d4 bludgeoning damage per 10 feet fallen.
cloaks to further ward the halls. The guards then attack
in pairs: one cloak and one footman. Once three of these THIEVERY AND ARSON
pairs are defeated, a defeated minion’s last shout calls to The main thief among the many servants is a goblin
the psoglav demons for help. A horrible baying sound is potboy and sneak thief named Silent Billoc (Sleight of
heard echoing through the halls. Proceed with Scene 3, Hand +7); he gains advantage for being invisible. The
Unleash the Hounds. DC for one of his thievery attempts depends on how
accessible the desired item is. Stealing something from
Treasure a simple pouch or pack is DC 15, while something
The armor left behind from a vanquished footman is being worn (such as a ring) is DC 25. If he succeeds, the
ordinary elven plate mail (albeit Large). It could be goblin potboy takes either something small and shiny
resized to Medium with a successful DC 20 Dexterity (like a ring, scarf, amulet, or holy symbol) or something
check using smith’s tools, and the robes it wears might he recognizes as powerful (a spell component pouch,
help an attempt at disguise or infiltration. In addition, small weapon, or potion). He cannot take a held
the footmen and the cloaks have treasure in the form of item. Whether or not he succeeds in stealing an item,
1,800 gp worth of mithral inlay, gems worth 5,700 gp, if his check result fails to exceed the target’s passive
and two potions of greater healing. Perception score, the target notices the theft (or
attempted theft).
Act II, Scene 2: If the attempt is noticed, Billoc’s first course of action
Tripping and Thievery is to run off. The characters can try to take precautions
to prevent this, but the thief likely gets away.
As they wander and explore, the characters feel the Reporting Theft. If the party reports the thefts to a
frequent brush of invisible hands. This is the work of the monolith footman or an empty cloak, the construct
goblins and lesser fey who can see the party perfectly does not speak but nods in response and glides off. The
well and enjoy taking advantage of their invisibility. reporting character’s goods are returned under their
pillow the next morning.
INVISIBILITY AND FOES Attempting Arson. Foolish characters might attempt
The illusions covering the courts are extremely powerful to start a fire (with a spell or otherwise), perhaps as a
and impede all vision and much sound. This makes diversion. Doing so in the courts is a serious offense,
the characters blind with respect to the invisible fey. even though normal fire does not burn properly outside
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of kitchen ovens or the many hearths in the
chambers and apartments. A monolith
footman or other servants will arrive and
attempt to put out any fire, while various
nobles will try to apprehend the arsonist.
Punishment ranges from setting fire to the
perpetrator, to banishment from the courts for a year.
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Saving Throws Dex +9, Con +8, Wis +7, Cha +7
Skills Acrobatics +9, Perception +6, Intimidation +7,
Stealth +9
Damage Resistances cold, lightning
Damage Immunities fire, poison
Condition Immunities poisoned
Senses blindsight 30 ft., darkvision 60 ft., passive
Perception 16
Languages Abyssal, Common, Infernal, telepathy 60 ft.
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
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Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the malphas Treasure
has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom The “dogs” and “crows” have treasure in the form of
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. gemstones on their collars. These are five emeralds (each
Night Terror. As a bonus action immediately after hitting worth 1,000 gp) and one blood-red carbuncle (worth 700
with a melee attack, the malphas can cast magic missile gp). In addition, gathering a few hairs from the tails of
through its weapon at the same target. the dog-demons can help the Grey Ladies (see page 71)
Swordtrained. Malphas are trained from youth in in their weaving and spinning of a magical tapestry and
combat. They are proficient with all martial melee and complete a minor quest. The dogs are unwilling to give
ranged weapons.
up their hair; doing so requires either killing a psoglav
ACTIONS and taking its hair, making a successful attack with a
Multiattack. The malphas makes three longsword slashing weapon against a grappled psoglav, or making a
attacks. successful DC 25 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check.
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
“You cannot see through the simplest trickery, so I The Black Prince rides the blue horse, Lazulin,
go to report what I have learned to my master, the whenever he travels to his hunting lodge, hunts in the
Moonlit King. Farewell, fools!” The figure’s skin peels Margreve Forest, inspects the nearest shadow fey villages,
away, leaving only a core of mist and shadows that or gambles and carouses two days’ ride away through
fades to nothing. the woods in the Hidden City of Corremel (his major
fiefdom). Contrariwise, the horse is a much gentler steed
The shadow double is as good as its word, teleporting when carrying Princess Vailessia Graystone.
away unless the party takes extreme measures to hold Riding the horse is difficult, whether mounting it
the shadow double in place. In that case, the double is successfully (DC 20 Dexterity [Acrobatics] check)
revealed as a member of the court, one of the Ravens, or getting it to obey even simple commands (DC 25
who protests his treatment and demands an audience Wisdom [Animal Handling] check). Riding the horse
with someone “of proper noble blood” or offers a without permission is an insult to the prince and results
payment of ransom. in a −2 deduction to Status for the rider. Gaining
permission is rare and happens only for one of the
prince’s favorites (see “The Hunting Lodge: Catching the
THE PSOGLAV Firebird,” page 116). In addition, riding the blue horse
Human mythology is filled with thousands of without permission leads to a challenge to a duel by one
demons, a sign of just how many things we—or of the Ravens (see page 68).
our ancestors—feared. One of these, from Serbian The horse listens intently when anyone attempts
mythology, is the psoglav: a one-eyed dog demon to quietly converse in the stables, and the prince
with iron teeth. With that description, it seemed occasionally learns secrets from it.
like a good fit for the pack that serves the Queen of
Night and Magic.
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THE HOUNDS OF THE MARGREVE THE KENNEL MASTER
About a dozen large black dogs are sleeping in a large Kolya is in charge of the hunting dogs and the kennel
pile in a room behind the stables, snoring softly. A boys. Although a minor noble, he is rarely found in the
collection of enormous and well-chewed bones is courts proper, having a great disdain for the duels and
scattered around them. games of the courtiers. Kolya appears as a tall shadow
Befriending the Hounds. Befriending the shadow fey with wolfish features. He dresses in black hunting
hounds is a skill challenge or a roleplaying encounter. leathers and carries several heavy knives about his
It requires three successful DC 17 Wisdom (Animal person. In more formal circumstances, he adds a fine
Handling) checks before three failures. Each failure feathered hat to his ensemble. Kolya comes across as
increases the DC of subsequent checks by 1. An offering blunt and unrefined.
of freshly killed meat (at least the size of a Medium Though unlikely to challenge a character to a duel,
creature) grants advantage on the checks. A character Kolya could face the party in direct combat; the prince
who can speak to the hounds (such as with a speak with has often arranged hunts in which his enemies become
animals spell) can substitute Charisma (Persuasion) the prey. Kolya can also be a source of information,
checks instead. since he is an ally of the prince and he is aware of gossip
Alternatively, if the characters bring the hounds a that takes place in the presence of the kennel boys
freshly killed deer each day for a week, the hounds come (too low in Status to be noticed, secrets are sometimes
to trust them. Hunting deer in the forest requires a discussed around them as though they weren’t there).
successful DC 18 Wisdom (Survival) check. Each hunt It is even possible to gain Kolya as an ally—he pines
takes five hours to complete. for Maurelle, one of the queen’s ladies in waiting.
Gaining the favor of the hounds grants advantage Characters who play
on interactions with Kolya, and shifts his attitude to matchmaker would
friendly. The characters gain 2,000 XP. earn a great boon by
helping the lonely
Taunting the Hounds. Teasing the shadow hounds kennel master.
brings no Status penalty, but it is very foolish: 2d6
hounds are present in the stables at any time, and they
attack the teaser en masse if any of the hounds take
damage. Killing one of the prince’s hounds results in an
immediate −2 deduction to Status and a challenge from
Kolya the Kennel Master to “bows at 5 paces,” although
he hates dueling.
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Kolya the Kennel Master Act II, Scene 5: The Court Musician
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil Eracen is an elf from the mortal world who has—
Armor Class 15 (chain shirt) much against his will—become the mournful court
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) musician to the Shadow Realm. Eracen might become
Speed 40 ft. an ally of the characters, but he demands some show of
competence before truly befriending the party:
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
19 (+4) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) The thin elf’s smile is wholly unnerving: not because
any malice or cruelty lurks beyond his perfectly
Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +7, Cha +6 straight-toothed grin, but because of its unnatural
Skills Arcana +5, Perception +5, Stealth +8, Survival +5 intensity. The pale man looks as if he were posing for
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15 some portrait, waiting for a painter to capture him.
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral Even in a painting, the fellow would be somewhat
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) disquieting. His pale blue eyes peer out wildly from
beneath his blond locks, most of which are gathered
Fey Ancestry. Kolya has advantage on saving throws in a long ponytail. His snow-white skin lacks any of the
against being charmed, and magic can’t put him to flush or blooded hue of health.
sleep.
Innate Spellcasting. Kolya’s innate spellcasting ability Eracen longs for something rare in the courts of
is Charisma. He can cast the following spell innately, the shadow fey: a reprieve. Not native to the Shadow
requiring no material components. Realm, Eracen found long ago that he lacked the
3/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or stomach for the treachery and cruelty of his hosts. Still,
darkness only) the elf knows he must play along or face the shadow
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Kolya deals an extra 7 (2d6) fey’s punishment. He often wonders if this imagined
damage when he hits a target with a weapon attack and penalty could possibly outstrip the torture of his virtual
has advantage on the attack roll, or when the target is imprisonment. Eracen is imprisoned because he is a
within 5 feet of an ally of Kolya that isn’t incapacitated violinist without peer. With his face pressed against the
and Kolya doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. violin’s cool wood, the haunted elf occasionally finds
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Kolya has peace. In his hands, the bow ignites the string with fiery
disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom notes that stir whatever embers still glow in his heart.
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Ultimately, this warmth is an illusion; his majestic,
Traveler in Darkness. Kolya has advantage on mournful music becomes a court favorite, as necessary
Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
to a social event as the royal family itself. If it was only
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
his spirit being crushed, Eracen might still rail against
ACTIONS his lot, but his body grows weak as well. The Master
Multiattack. Kolya makes two attacks. Summoner, Count Sammas Hollowgrin, regularly
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one takes Eracen’s blood to fuel his rituals; these rituals
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) use his non-native blood to fuel portals to, in Count
poison damage. Hollowgrin’s words, the “lighted planes.” As long as
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range Eracen remains strong enough to perform, this torture
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage is allowed and even praised by the court.
plus 7 (2d6) poison damage. Despite all this, Eracen attempts to display an upbeat
persona. He laughs. He bursts into song and dance. He
tells jokes and regales with stories. He does it all with a
smile etched into his face and a hollow feeling of self-
betrayal gripping his heart. In his own time, he often
drinks himself into oblivion, desperate to escape.
Dealing with the Characters. Outwardly, Eracen is
humorous and gregarious. His jokes are bawdy, and
his stories are gossipy. The slender elf often touches
others when he talks: a soft tap on the back, a slight
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
grip of the shoulder, a lean into the personal space of time and effort in befriending him, by playing music
another. When spoken to, he laughs loudly at even and such, is rewarded with the gift of an appropriate
the smallest hint of comedy, and follows it up with uncommon magic item. Ideally, this is a miscellaneous
overzealous compliments. He fawns over the characters’ item related to music, rather than armor or weaponry,
accomplishments and lavishes attention on them. but the idea is simply that Eracen gives one of his
In other words, Eracen quickly grows annoying. greatest treasures to the characters in return for the
He does have his uses, though. He is a storehouse of friendship they have shown.
information and has no qualms about discussing the
court with the characters; of course, even when he Act II, Scene 6:
doesn’t know something, he does not hesitate to offer
gossip in its stead. The Ravens in the Court
Most important, his standing as Chief Entertainer The young duelists and rakes of little Status often hang
allows him and those he vouches for access to some of out in the dueling grounds (1d8 − 3 of them are present
the lesser functions and locales with minimal hassle. there at any given time). The duelists all share the same
Serving as guide, informant, and confidant to the statistics and are, frankly, both curious about visitors
characters offers him no end of pleasure. He doesn’t and spoiling for a fight with anyone who seems willing
bother hiding this enjoyment, often speaking in a to give them one. Their dueling skills are formidable,
conspiratorial tone when regarding their shadowy hosts. but otherwise they are variously spoiled, vain, and self-
Eracen strives to nurture a love of music, especially the centered. If the characters spend any time questioning
violin, within the characters. He will spend time, often them (or even just practicing their martial skills in the
gossiping about the shadow fey and the court, teaching courtyard), one of the Ravens named Josha Migallisti
the characters how to play the violin. It is only during approaches them and challenges them to a test of skill at
these lessons that Eracen displays any anger (and even arms. Read the following:
then, it seems clearly a slip from his usual demeanor).
He responds to repeated failure or disinterest with A young shadow fey approaches, his hand on his hilt,
sharp, biting retorts, although he often apologizes and sneers. “This is our court, and not for visitors. You
profusely afterward and blames these outbursts on his carry a worthy blade and are a man of honor. And yet
passion for music. you have acted dishonorably, poking your nose where
Motivation. Eracen’s offer of friendship and aid to the it does not belong.” He draws his sword.
characters is born out of his desperation to leave the “Defend yourself, or be proved a coward.”
court. He believes that if he helps the characters grow
more popular than he is, he would be granted an escape Wisdom (Insight) DC 15—The challenge is clearly to a
from the woeful work of playing for his captors. Though formal duel; you are not expected to fight to the death,
he pins his hopes on teaching the characters to become but there are probably rules about what is a “proper”
musicians, Eracen takes any measure of popularity they duel.
gain in any discipline and promotes it. This could be If the player asks, describe the dueling rules briefly. If
demon fighting, dueling, arcane mastery . . . to Eracen the character agrees to the duel, use the dueling rules on
each endeavor represents a possible escape. page 99. The opponent is a shadow fey duelist (AC 17,
Development. Becoming too closely associated with 117 hp, Rapier. +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9
Eracen might cost the characters something eventually; (1d8 + 5) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) poison damage;
the courtesans are not fond of him, and the duelists Parry. The shadow fey duelist adds 3 to its AC against
consider him largely beneath contempt. Over time, one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, it must see
the characters might realize that their elf guide is but a the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon; see Tome
minor cog of the court—and they might abandon him of Beasts for full statistics).
as well, moving on into higher social spheres. At that At the end of the duel, the character gains or loses
point, his hopes dashed, Eracen might grow desperate Status as described on page 99. Read the following if the
enough to attempt a kidnapping or assault of some character did not cheat:
kind—and if that fails, perhaps even suicide.
“You fought well.” Your foe bows to you. “Join us in
Treasure the Ravens, the noble society of the blade. None shall
Befriending Eracen and keeping him living in hope
oppose you with our support.”
eventually pays off. The character who invests the most
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
If the characters decide on a general brawl rather than
a duel, they each suffer a −3 deduction to Status and
take part in the following encounter. As the fey say,
when the prince smiles, the queen herself is pleased.
When the prince whispers
a word of complaint, the
queen frowns and the court weeps.
ENCOUNTER CHOICES
Hard—Brightspur, 2 shadow fey rakes
Hard—Brightspur, 3 shadow fey rakes
Deadly—Brightspur, 4 shadow fey rakes, 1 hound of the
night Assassinate. During his first turn, Brightspur has
advantage on attack rolls against any creature that
hasn’t taken a turn. Any hit Brightspur scores against a
Brightspur, First Knife of the Ravens surprised creature is a critical hit.
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil Evasion. If Brightspur is subjected to an effect that allows
Armor Class 16 (studded leather) him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half
Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24) damage, Brightspur instead takes no damage if he
Speed 30 ft. succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if
he fails.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Fey Ancestry. Brightspur has advantage on saving throws
11 (+0) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 14 (+2) against being charmed, and magic can’t put him to
sleep.
Innate Spellcasting. Brightspur’s innate spellcasting
Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +3
ability is Charisma. He can cast the following spell
Skills Arcana +3, Acrobatics +7, Deception +5, Perception
innately, requiring no material components:
+3, Stealth +9
2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
Damage Resistances poison
darkness only)
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). Brightspur deals an extra 14
Languages Common, Elvish, thieves’ cant, Umbral (4d6) damage when he hits a target with a weapon
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) attack and has advanrage on the attack roll, or when the
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
target is within 5 feet of an ally of Brightbpur that isnt’ Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow
incapacitated and Brightspur doesn’t have disadvantage fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
on the attack roll. (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Brightspur Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage
has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
Traveler in Darkness. Brightspur has advantage on ACTIONS
Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
Multiattack. The shadow fey makes two melee attacks.
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
ACTIONS target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
Multiattack. Brightspur makes two rapier attacks. poison damage.
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one REACTIONS
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage, and the target
Parry. The shadow fey rake adds 2 to its AC against one
must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 34
melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the rake must
(7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much
see the target and be wielding a melee weapon.
damage on a successful one.
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 8) piercing damage, Hound of the Night
and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving Large monstrosity, neutral evil
throw, taking 34 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
or half as much damage on a successful one. Hit Points 112 (15d10 + 30)
Brightspur is a boastful, preening sort who laughs as Speed 50 ft.
he cuts enemies down. His richly decorated weapon is
difficult to see clearly, and he wields it with confidence. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
A cosmetic alchemical treatment makes the weapon 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 9 (–1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
opaque.
Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +5, Wis +5
Shadow Fey Rake Skills Intimidation +3, Perception +5, Stealth +6
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil Damage Vulnerabilities fire
Armor Class 16 (studded leather) Damage Immunities cold
Hit Points 104 (16d8 + 32) Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 16
Speed 30 ft. Languages understands Elvish and Umbral but can’t speak
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) Blood Scent. A hound of the night can follow a scent
through phase shifts, ethereal movement, dimension
Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +4 door, and fey steps of any kind. Teleport and plane shift
Skills Acrobatics +6, Arcana +2, Intimidation +4 are beyond its ability to follow.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 Innate Spellcasting. The hound’s innate spellcasting
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral ability is Wisdom. It can innately cast the following spell,
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) requiring no material components:
At will: dimension door
Fey Ancestry. The shadow fey has advantage on saving ACTIONS
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
sleep. target. Hit: 21 (3d10 + 5) piercing damage, and the
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw
ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell or be knocked prone.
innately, requiring no material components: Frost Breath (Recharge 5–6). The hound exhales a
2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or 15‑foot cone of frost. Each creature in the cone must
darkness only) make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 44 (8d10)
cold damage on a failed save or half as much damage
on a successful one.
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Act II, Scene 7:
The Grey Ladies Spin
Brightspur opens up by using Sneak Attack against
lightly armored spellcasters.
The shadow fey rakes constantly press their advantage. When the party has one character with a Status of 11 or
Their greatest trick is to use misty step to achieve a higher, the group is invited to visit the Grey Ladies, a
flanking position and attack an unassuming target. coterie of elderly shadow fey noblewomen and former
Brightspur and the rakes will happily accept the courtesans who gossip, knit, and weave various items
voluntary surrender of any foe and might even offer this of finest silk and shadowstuff. They are hardly power
way out to a clearly bloodied and beaten enemy. They players in the court, but they are a faction with at least
never strike to kill unless one of their own party has been a little influence, mostly because of the respect that
killed first; they strike to subdue or incapacitate, leaving the shadow fey pay to their elderly. Many fey nobles
their foe down and out rather than down and dead. remember their former courtesans very fondly, a fact
The hound works to continually provide Brightspur a that the Grey Ladies exploit rarely but ruthlessly.
flanking opportunity. If the party accepts the invitation, read the following:
Development. Winning in a brawl without killing
anyone cancels out the Status loss, but the party makes The room is well lit with gentle yellow light; two
enemies of the Ravens permanently. The characters lantern dragonettes seem to watch the knitting of the
must find someone else to duel for Status; the Ravens elderly ladies of the court carefully. Two white-haired
won’t have it unless a profound and sincere apology men work an enormous loom together, the shuttle
is forthcoming—requiring either a successful DC flying so fast it cannot be seen. The threads of the
23 Charisma (Persuasion) check from the character tapestry they are creating seem to sing a song of
they challenged to the proper duel, or a bribe in the power, strengthening the sense of potent magic in the
form of a token from some other faction member or air. Flakes of shadowstuff drip from the loom.
a miscellaneous magic item of uncommon or greater In addition to the men, ladies in dresses and shawls
rarity. of soft gray mouse fur are sitting on tall chairs, knitting
long, complicated . . . nets? Veils? It’s difficult to tell.
Treasure
If a character fights the duel and wins, the winner gains
a +4 increase to Status if during dueling season—or a +6 Intelligence (Arcana) DC 17—The song of the tapestry is
increase to Status if not during dueling season (see Table indeed arcane but not yet at full strength.
3–2: Status Changes from Duels, page 99) and is offered Wisdom (Perception) DC 19—The knitters are working
membership in the Ravens. A character who accepts this on neither a net nor a veil but a long, strange cloak.
offer is given a +1 magic weapon as a sign of the Ravens’ At its intersections hang small silver stars; the threads
respect. If the character does join the faction, Brightspur themselves are made of black yarn.
shares some information about possible other duels to
fight (avoid Baron Suvid if possible), about the Bridge of If a character has accepted the ritual of true sight from
Night (see area 26), and about the finest courtesans. He Revich the Blind Seer (see page 75), read the following:
offers two minor quests:
• Lose a duel with him in front of the courtesan Of the fey here, the ones weaving on the loom are just
Lishekki, his current flame (thereby taking a −3 as they seem. The knitters, though, are not quite what
deduction to Status in the cause of love); award each one might think. Their needles are made of bone, the
character 600 XP if completed. black yarn they use seems oddly metallic, and the
knitting elderly ladies of the court are . . . spider-like, at
• Bring him the albino raven from the Moon-Viewing
Tower; award each character 900 XP if completed. the very least. Each has mandibles and four arms, a bit
like a more refined ettercap.
Whether the party joins the faction or not, winning “Stop staring,” says one of them. “Your eyes might
a duel makes them less of a target for the Ravens’ fall out.”
attentions, and the other party members are accepted as
worthy of the Ravens’ conversation and perhaps a little
swordplay.
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Let the characters introduce themselves, and then read Chaos ensues when it becomes clear that a mortal
or paraphrase the following: has seen through their disguise, and the Grey Ladies
demand an immediate, sincere apology (which requires
“We are pleased you have come to us. Give us a a successful DC 20 Charisma [Persuasion] check from
portion of your courage and your strength, thirteen the offending speaker), or they demand the characters
threads from one of your heads. We shall weave it into leave and never return. If the characters make a fuss, the
the loom, and your prestige among the court will rise, quicksteps attack to force them out.
for you will be numbered with us, the ladies whose
ENCOUNTER CHOICES
weaving gathers shadow and light and makes them
into the turning wheel of Fate.”
Medium (8th-level characters)—2 quicksteps, 1 Grey
Lady fatespinner
Wisdom (Insight) DC 18, if suspicious—The offer seems Hard (8th-level characters)—2 quicksteps, 2 Grey Lady
remarkably generous for the fey. There might be more fatespinners
to it. Hard (10th-level characters)—2 quicksteps, 2 Grey
Lady fatespinners, 2 shadow fey rakes
The characters are well advised to tread carefully and
ask questions before saying yes. Any character who Grey Lady Fatespinner
gives up thirteen hairs from their head also loses 10
Medium fey, neutral
from their hit point maximum or loses one of their
highest-level spell slots for the rest of the adventure— Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
but making this sacrifice means they are permitted to Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24)
join the Grey Ladies faction. Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
If a character agrees and joins the faction, the Grey
Ladies speak again: STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
14 (+2) 18 (+4) 15 (+2) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 20 (+5)
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Quickstep
Small fey, chaotic evil
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 110 (20d6 + 40)
Speed 120 ft.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The Grey Lady makes three attacks:
one with her bite and two with her claws. If her Web
action is available, she can make one web attack in
place of a bite.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6)
poison damage. The creature must succeed on a DC 13
Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute.
The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of
each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.
Web (Recharge 5–6). Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit,
range 30/60 ft., one Large or smaller creature. Hit: The
creature is restrained by webbing. As an action, the
restrained creature can make a DC 13 Strength check,
escaping from the webbing on a success. The effect
also ends if the webbing is destroyed. The webbing has
AC 10, 5 hit points, vulnerability to fire damage, and
immunity to bludgeoning, poison, and psychic damage.
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Speed Blur. Attack rolls against the quickstep have The fatespinners use their webs to lock down the
disadvantage unless its speed is reduced to 0. strongest foes, leaving them hampered for the quicksteps
ACTIONS to cut with sneak attacks then step away.
The quicksteps attack the weakest foes while mocking
Multiattack. The quickstep makes three shortsword
the strongest. They slip past enemies using their speed
attacks.
and attack old, unarmored, or slow foes while flanking
Shorsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
either with each other or with the rakes. They count on
one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage.
their high movement rate to get around a group of foes.
Invisibility. The quickstep magically turns invisible
Development. If the characters do join this faction,
until it attacks, or until it loses concentration (as if
concentrating on a spell). Any equipment the quickstep
they might be asked to undertake a minor quest or two,
wears or carries is invisible with it.
and when they make a Charisma (Persuasion) check
while at court, they can roll a d4 and add the result to
the total. Leaving the Grey Ladies without permission
Shadow Fey Rake
can be fatal; the faction’s patron, the powerful duelist
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil
Baron Suvid (see page 106), challenges the unfaithful
Armor Class 16 (studded leather) member of the faction to a duel.
Hit Points 104 (16d8 + 32)
Speed 30 ft. Treasure
If the characters defeat the Grey Ladies in combat, the
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA characters find an uncommon wondrous magic item.
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) The suggested item is a cloth or woven item, such as a
bag of holding, a cloak of elvenkind, a cloak of protection,
Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +4 or slippers of spider climbing. However, if the party
Skills Acrobatics +6, Arcana +2, Intimidation +4 decides to join this faction, they gain that treasure
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 without combat, requiring only the completion of a
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral minor quest (which gains each character 700 XP). These
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
minor quests might involve any of the following:
• Fetching twenty strands of horsehair from Lazulin, the
Fey Ancestry. The shadow fey has advantage on saving royal horse (see page 48)
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to • Finding a puppy for the princess (see area 40, page 54)
sleep. • Challenging Sir Yngress the Red (see page 102), an elf
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting from the River Court, to a duel (winning not required)
ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell
innately, requiring no material components:
2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
Act II, Scene 8: The Blind Seer
darkness only) The blind seer Revich is the leading power of good
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow
among the fey, serving the Lords of Light, and is the
fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom sworn enemy of Akyishigal, the Demon Lord of Roaches
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. (see page 109). Sometimes called the Fiery Angel, his gaze
Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage burns away illusions, and if a character joins his faction,
on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about the angel might teach that individual a valuable spell.
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items. Revich serves the harsh god, Khors‑Amon, Lord of the
Sun, and seeks to purify and convert those members of
ACTIONS the courts who will listen to him. It is a difficult burden
Multiattack. The shadow fey makes two melee attacks. to bear, and his faction is a small one. Though he is
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one the sworn enemy of all demons and night creatures,
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) Revich’s services as a soothsayer and sage are much
poison damage. in demand, and his time is largely spoken for. Two
REACTIONS monolith footmen, the shadow fey duelist Anya, and the
Parry. The shadow fey rake adds 2 to its AC against one witchlight (see Tome of Beasts) Krasnaya guard the door
melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the rake must to the tower—they try to prevent most visitors from
see the target and be wielding a melee weapon. passing, and they are immune to threats and bribery. A
character must have a Status of 11 or higher to gain a
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
legitimate appointment with Revich on his own; those
with lower Status are ignored.
If a character has a Status of 15 or higher, however,
the tables turn, and he or she is invited to an audience
with the seer, who seeks to evaluate this rising star for
himself. The seer has no intention of answering many
questions or providing help immediately, but he might
offer an extremely helpful spell, the ritual of true sight
(see page 76).
The members of the Lords of Light faction keep
Revich in the Tower of the Lords of Light (see
area 51), at the top of the tower where the lantern
dragonettes rest and where they are fed. This
chamber is relatively quiet and well guarded by
shining radiance; most of the shadow fey avoid it
for that reason. Others believe that Revich is the
one who is reluctant to confront the many shadow
fey outside the tower, and that he remains a hermit
by choice rather than being secluded because of
the various lords’ pressures or wardings. Neither
side is telling much.
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Languages all, telepathy 120 ft. JOINING THE LORDS OF LIGHT
Challenge 16 (15,000 XP) The Lords are looking to recruit allies to hunt down the
Demon Lord of Roaches and remove its evil influence
Angelic Weapons. Revich’s weapon attacks are magical. from the courts. They are somewhat particular about
When Revich hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an who they’ll take; they prefer good-aligned and lawful
extra 5d8 radiant damage (included in the attack). good-aligned heroes who have access to divine power.
Blinded Sight. Revich’s natural sight doesn’t function They accept somewhat less than that, however.
while he is in the Shadow Realm. His truesight allows
him to navigate and sense creatures, but it doesn’t Joining the Lords of Light Skill Challenge
allow him to read script, determine color, or any other Overall Success Requires: 5 successes before 3 failures.
function other than knowing where creatures and Intelligence (Arcana) DC 20—The lords value wizardry
objects are within its range. and arcane knowledge in all its forms, but they are no
Divine Awareness. Revich knows if he hears a lie. pushovers for amateurs.
Innate Spellcasting. Revich’s spellcasting ability is Intelligence (Religion) DC 15—Most fey hold
Charisma (spell save DC 20). Revich can innately cast the Intelligence (Religion) in relatively low esteem; the
following spells, requiring no material components:
Lords of Light, with their close ties to the angel
At will: detect evil and good, invisibility (self only) Revich, think otherwise.
3/day each: blade barrier, dispel evil and good, flame
Wisdom (Insight) DC 13—What the lords value most
strike, raise dead
is understanding and the ability to both empathize
1/day each: commune, control weather, insect plague
and (when required) manipulate, so demonstrating
Magic Resistance. Revich has advantage on saving understanding of their difficult position is hugely
throws against spells and other magical effects.
worthwhile.
ACTIONS Charisma (Persuasion) DC 13—Smooth talk has its
Multiattack. Revich makes two melee attacks place. The lords appreciate it as a tool.
Crozier. Melee Weapon Attack: +12 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Intelligence (Investigation) DC 10—The lords may
target. Hit: 21 (4d6 + 7) bludgeoning damage plus 22 pretend to have great wisdom, but secretly they love
(5d8) radiant damage. gossip or (as they call it) “intelligence and advance
Healing Touch (4/day). Revich touches another creature. warning.”
The target magically regains 30 (6d8 + 3) hit points and Intelligence (History) DC 20—The lords have access to
is freed from any curse, disease, poison, blindness, or
an angel who tells them how it was. A historian must
deafness.
be very sharp indeed to prevail around those who
have access to a font of Truth.
Dexterity (Sleight of Hand)—The lords dislike thievery
Shards of a Broken Mind: and trickery in all its forms. Using this skill results in
an automatic failure.
The Root of Madness
Charisma (Deception)—The Lords of Light can detect
The most crucial piece of information the Lords
lies (as per zone of truth [Will DC 18], and they detest
of Light possess is the true source of the Moonlit
liars. Any attempt to use Charisma (Deception)
King’s madness.
results in an automatic failure.
Revich knows that Akyishigal, the Demon Lord
Using Divine Power—Demonstrating any spells
of Roaches, is responsible for driving the Moonlit
or magical effects that harm fiends results in an
King insane. It was one of the demon lord’s many
automatic success.
festering plagues that shattered the king’s unstable
mind into splinters. The Blind Angel will share this
Necromantic Effects: Demonstrating any necromantic
information with the characters only if they join
effect results in 2 failures.
his faction and agree to oppose the Demon Lord Overall Success: The applicant is recognized as a master
of Roaches. The Lords don’t know why Akyishigal of the arcane or divine, a wise creature to be respected
went through the trouble to drive the king mad.
and valued among the fey and blessed by the light of the
This particular secret can also be learned by
blind seer. The character is immediately inducted into
the faction in a resounding ceremony: while standing
entering the service of Akiyishigal himself (see
atop the tower, his or her name is shouted to the
page 109).
heavens while light streams forth from every window
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Leonardo Murtas (Order #31494417)
and every door of the tower. The shadow courtiers buzz
about the spectacle for some time after this event. RITUAL OF TRUE SIGHT
The character gains a halo of dim light that shines out
5th-level divination (ritual)
to 5 feet and can’t be quenched without using magical
darkness, and is given a lantern dragonette as a mark of Casting Time: 1 hour
Status. The character learns the ritual of true sight (see Range: Touch
the sidebar) over the next 3 days, if he or she wishes Components: V, S, M (a small prism; ointment for the
to do so, and gains a +3 increase to Status (accounting eyes that costs 250 gp, which the spell consumes)
for the acquisition of the dragonette, the halo, and the Duration: 8 hours
ritual; if the dragonette gift is refused, the character gains
During the hour of sunrise, or sunset, you chant the
+1 Status from the halo and the offer of the ritual alone).
ritual, catching the light in the prism and focusing
Overall Failure: The Lords of Light cast the applicant it toward the eyes of the target. At the end of the
out of the tower and make it known that he or she is not casting time, you must make a DC 17 Intelligence
welcome. The character gains a +1 increase to Status (Arcana) check. If you succeed, you anoint the
among the fey and will be approached by a servant target’s eyes with the ointment, and the target gains
of Akyishigal with a counteroffer that very night. In the benefit of true seeing (as the spell) to a distance
addition, the lords will consider the character an enemy; of 30 feet for the duration.
Baron Suvid is likely to challenge the character to a duel
on some pretext, or might attempt to intimidate him or
her if their Status is too low to permit dueling. The characters’ actions can be constrained by illusion
and teleport magic, and characters who visit private
Act III: The Honored Guests areas can and should be bewitched and be-mazed and
returned to the Lower Halls dizzied and subject to the
Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness, Leave the gloomy mockery of sniggering goblins. Stealth and politics
haunts of sadness, Come into the daylight’s splendor . . . will be better than combat if the party wants to make
—Johann Franck, Schmücke dich, O liebe Seele progress toward the goals of greater Status and to meet
the power players of the court. Those players, on the
. . . amongst the upper classes extreme politeness is merely
other hand, are not entirely eager to meet the characters.
the most highly refined expression of one’s scorn for others.
Which isn’t to say the various rooms are dull. Certainly,
—Arturo Pérez-Reverte, The Flanders Panel
finding a demon summoning room or the librarium
Once the party gains prestige and Status, the Invisible is exciting, but the characters can’t do much about the
Court comes to life with bustle and laughter, and it is, locations. Meeting the devils and demons who stride
if anything, a little crowded; bystanders are common, the halls is worthwhile for future reference—some of
combat is rare, and characters must be on their guard the devils might even treat the characters with courtesy,
against snoops and spies. The empty, echoing spaces of assuming that they speak Infernal or some other
the courts suddenly become bright, visible, and filled exotic language. The characters can learn some crucial
with creatures; everyone is superficially friendly. information, gain a valuable spell, and discover both
In fact, the change is more than friendliness in gossip and various plot points throughout this section.
this season. At some level, after the characters defeat Many of the threads are complex enough and the
Akyishigal’s champion roachling or other contenders in design is open enough that it’s up to you to make the
duels and gain sufficient prestige through other means, days pass swiftly and in a style of danger and illusion.
the characters are feared. At that point, the fey seek to If all else fails, declare the start of dueling season when
get rid of them, politely or through violence. Combat characters grow twitchy, and make it clear that Baron
is rare in this section of the adventure, because no one Suvid is in a foul mood.
will fight the party except in a formal duel or (and this
is quite likely to be entertaining if handled skillfully)
in the form of a devilish courtesan “fighting” a naked
Fey Names and Types
The courts are constantly in flux, and many fey pass
character. In bed. through its gates. Here’s a list to choose from when an
Teleport and Illusion. At the same time, the players NPC wanders in or when the characters ask a person for
might think that just because not every monster here is directions or basic information. The list also includes
trying to have them killed immediately, they have the most of the court’s major NPCs and can provide a sense
run of the place. Be very clear about this: they don’t. of what sorts of creatures inhabit the courts.
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This list is not exhaustive by any means; more than 6 Feardorcha, a snotty goblin pageboy
two hundred fey live in the courts at any time. Fey
7 Puzzletooth, a goblin with a candle melted to his
wander in and out daily; only the titled and older fey
head
can be considered permanent inhabitants. To choose
randomly, roll d% and add the investigating character’s 8 Stiefelmesser, a sprite who tries to steal shoes and
Status. The list runs roughly in order of the Status of the boots
individuals described. 9 Crow, a ravenfolkTB bandit informer
Creatures tagged with TB can be found in Tome of 10 Gentle Bluestem, a fortune-telling goblin cult
Beasts, and CC indicates that details can be found in fanatic
Creature Codex.
11 Silent Billoc, a mute goblin potboy and sneak thief
Servants, Scullions, and Orphans (Status 0 to 4) 12 Yowling Marej, a 35-pound, talking, tone-deaf
1 Dazog, a goblin who tallies scraps awakened calico cat
2 Karrunk, a shaggy-furred ogre slave 13 Floppy and Bop, sisters and chambermaids, two
3 Yolksbeard, a sprite egg-thief shadow feyTB triplets along with Cottonwing
4 Pattypan, a sprite squash-monger 14 Melantha Darkflowering, an unwanted tiefling
child of a shadow fey mother
5 Thumbless Rottentusk, a troll pariah seeking his
captured thumbs
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15 Erlanna, makeup artist and wigmaker, a shadow Entertainers (Status 10 to 14)
feyTB spy 40 Ananuriel, a shadow feyTB bard, singer
16 Flippant Fanderol, a barbed devil tailor 41 Vale, a shadow feyTB noble, dancer
17 Firinn, a faceless goblin concubine 42 Caterwaul Buckleburr, a gnome bagpiper wearing
18 Orwin, a talking hedgehog, one of the erinaTB and a necklace of ears
a gardener 43 Puddingbottom, a gnome spy, jester
19 Cinder, a bullying shadow feyTB servant 44 Zwarosic, a goblin, Keeper of Whimsy
20 Olva, a human commoner child
21 Velvet, a quickstep (see page 73) knife sharpener Rakes, Assassins, and Duelists (Status 15 to 19)
22 Laurian, a cobweb-winged pixie and wine butler 45 Phays, a doppelganger assassin
23 Whitemist, an incompetent servant and drunk 46 Poseymuddle, former goblin spy cat torturer, now
goblin master of the dueling grounds looking for a position
24 Tenpound Hammer, a goblin thug smith (better 47 Amelio, a shadow feyTB mage, the Royal Arsonist
known by his nickname “Nails”) 48 Mirasto the Skin Tailor, a shadow feyTB assassinCC
25 Amaryllis Amra, a goblin soup cook for the 49 Silver, a shadow feyTB ambassadorCC, demon
Goblin Court handler and friend to the House Stross of old
26 Blazing Barda, a goblin, the master cook of the 50 Caleb (see page 100), a tiefling spy with a vicious
Lower Halls, assisted by Skrazag the Meek, an orc wit
butcher 51 Gadflit, a shadow fey forest hunterTB who instigates
27 Fat Lobbo, the half-ogre cook for the Winter Palace duels among others, but avoids them himself
28 Elasstriel, head chef of the Royal Kitchens, 52 Josha Migallisti, a shadow fey rake (see page 9),
a shadow feyTB (“Mistress Chopper” to her junior duelist among the Ravens
underlings) 53 Jurok (see page 101), an unorthodox although
successful goblin duelist
Thieves and Tricksters (Status 5 to 9) 54 Brightspur (see page 69), a young shadow fey
29 Sixes, a shadow feyTB gambler (proficient with assassin and leader of the Ravens faction
three gaming sets) 55 Sir Yngress the Red (see page 102), an eager elf
30 Ilnas Larack, an ogre bandit captain knight of the River Court
31 Bever Eyginly, a shadow feyTB master thief 56 Yikrugrak, the Crawling Knight (see page 102), a
roachling duelist and servant of the demon lord
32 Dappled Hand, a tiefling spy, keeper of lost
Akyishigal
property
33 Fenny the Hat, a shadow feyTB whose head is
entirely engulfed by his hat Doormen, Guards, and Wardens (Status 10 to 14)
34 Heron, a goblin thief lordCC and messenger 57 Dunsnip the Curt, a gargoyle doorman
35 Shay, a shadow fey vampire warlockTB, ruler of her 58 Halgomel, a bitter shadow fey guardianTB
own shadow 59 Old Socket, the troll sheriff, and Banesniff, his
iron-smelling shellycoatTB
Monsters (Status 0 to 10) 60 Targomel, an obstinate shadow fey guardianTB
door guard
36 Knifeflick, a (justifiably) bitter gelding painted-
horse centaur courier 61 Marjest the Snide, a shadow fey rake (see page 9)
doorman
37 A rubezahl demonTB who seems to enjoy long
conversations—counting the words 62 Odifiyi Sangazarotti, a shadow feyTB veteran,
master at arms
38 Trundlefilch, a hag-like lamia with a taste for baby
boys 63 Imbemerethion, a shadow feyTB knight, captain of
the guard and possible former lover of the king
39 Hoarfrost Driga, a heartbroken ice maidenTB
seeking a lover—she freezes them to death
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Rangers and Huntsmen (Status 10 to 14) Scholars, Sages, and Graybeards (Status 15 to 19)
64 Courrant, a goblin bird catcher 70 Narin Poolcryer, a dwarf diviner and sage
65 Prickles, a goblin hunter extraordinaire
66 Fordin of the East, a doppelganger, Master of 71 Niccela, a shadow feyTB apprentice wizard,
Horses bookbinder and junior scribe
67 Kolya the Kennel Master (see page 67), Keeper of 72 Grey Essicar Goose, a shadow feyTB mage, tutor of
the Royal Hounds, a shadow fey black knowledge
68 Mongo the Lesser, Warden of the Moonlit Forest, 73 Rhanshinau, a deva herald of truth and friend of
a shadow fey forest hunterTB Revich the Blind Seer (see page 75)
69 Kynthalig Lickshadow, Master of the Hunt, a 74 Thorngrip, a sprite docent
shadow feyTB scout 75 Thistledown, a white-haired gnome noble, codger
and complainer
76 Holmfirth, a shadow fey crone and wise woman,
The Passage of Time leader of the Grey Ladies (see page 71)
Players almost always resist the passage of time. I
call it the “nothing happens” problem. They seek Royal Appointees and Keepers (Status 20 to 22)
to advance the story every minute, even when the 77 Moggo, a goblin boss, Chamberlain and Keeper of
people they want to talk to are not always available, the Goblin Court
the places they want to visit are closed, or the work
78 Achingfast, Royal Corpsehanger and Skullpolisher,
they hope to do requires helpers who are sleeping
a swarm of sluaghTB
or otherwise engaged. Ideally, you can make this
time pass smoothly with a few tricks and tips. 79 Yllohbur, a gnome druid, master herb gardener
and gatherer of nightsoil
Fey Time. Describe the season as summer during
one game session, and autumn the next. If no one
80 Blistersoot the Royal Glassblower, a grimy and
vindictive hobgoblin
notices, so be it. Time passes strangely in the fey
realm. If someone does remark on it, tell them that 81 Tarrin Voleslayer, a kobold scout, Royal Owl Keeper
time has gone by without the characters noticing. 82 Avaniel, a shadow fey forest hunterTB, Keeper of the
The Long Challenge. Not every skill challenge need Rookery and Owlery
pass quickly. Let one of the factions take a month 83 Aileelia, a shadow fey enchantressTB, Keeper of
or more to decide whether to admit an applicant to Mirrors
their ranks. Checks happen weekly. 84 Halamath Greenleaf, a gnome assassinCC, Royal
The Weekly Duel. Combats are not fought daily Druggist
during dueling season (see Act III, Scene 4). The 85 Grizden Threeblade, a shadow feyTB veteran, Royal
combatants meet only once a week, perhaps due Armorer, in charge of keeping minions running
to slower healing in the Shadow Realm (see Slow 86 Ladra, a shadow fey illusionist, Royal Gloomier
Healing, below). and Trainer of Shadows
The Lovers. If a character woos and wins a 87 Lady Katya Hollyoak, a dryad, Royal Oathmaker
courtesan or consort, the character is inevitably
88 Lunggristle, Royal Mead Brewer, a quickstep (see
spending time with that lover and not on the party’s
page 73), stitcher of errant shadows
other goals. Roll a 50% chance that the character is
89 Mashfinger, a troll, Keeper of the King’s Ghoul
missing for any particular day or scene—or simply
Warrens
say that the lovers are off at a cabin somewhere,
fishing on an emerald tarn, or giggling behind a 90 Spindletwist, a gossamer-winged pixie, Queen’s
locked tower door. Haberdasher and Lapidary, Keeper of Her Majesty’s
Personal Adornments
Slow Healing. Force things the old-fashioned way;
say that a full night’s rest in the Shadow Realm takes 91 Winged Elvesta, a shadow feyTB, Keeper of Lanterns
a week, no exceptions. Then let the players set their (meaning the lantern dragonettes)
own pace. 92 Yarrow, a shadow feyTB assassinCC, Keeper of Locks
and Spymaster to Her Majesty
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Courtesans and Consorts (Status 23 to 25) 104 Hulda Wisenhazy, a malign shadow feyTB gossip
93 Lord Hargos Enderran the Flame-Cloaked, an elf 105 Moongallow, a questing high elf knight
consort (see area 27) 106 Sariel, a mysterious shadow feyTB lady in black
94 Lady Lishekki Almandrine the Silver-Chained, an (see area 24)
elf courtesan (see area 28) 107 Sir Rujan, Knight of the Barnacle Tree (see page
95 Ulara of the Seven Veils, a shadow feyTB courtesan 105), a shadow fey duelistTB and bully
(see area 54) 108 Hawksblood, a high elf spy, dancing master
96 Ballandrine the Frost-Eyed, a human changeling 109 Despoiling Jon, a philandering shadow feyTB
consort (see area 57) courtier seeking naive maids
97 Mora Moonwater the Rain-Cloaked, a shadow 110 Lady Sorreminx (see page 104), an elf sorcerer
feyTB courtesan (see area 55) from the Court of the River King
98 Songemesha the Raven-Haired, a drow 111 Revich the Blind Seer (see page 75), angel of
enchantress courtesan (see area 56) truth and leader of the Lords of Light
99 Maraya/Marek Laccrystae, the Sapphire, a
succubus courtesan (see page 97)
Titled Nobles (Status 20 and Higher)
112 Baron Coughspittle, Lord of Rotting Leaves,
Courtiers (Status 16 to 20) Watcher of the Fractured Gate, a deathwisp
100 Cottonwing, a rising shadow feyTB noble and (see page 21) who rules a barony to the north
triplet with Floppy and Bop (who are mere 113 Count and Archmagus Sammas Hollowgrin,
chambermaids) Master Summoner, Royal Standard Bearer and
101 Gwathion Everglade, a shadow fey duelistTB, Master of the College of Heraldry, Master of
courtier with a temper Fence, Lord of Fallen Archways and Broken
102 Meltathraiel, a shadow feyTB assassin, advisor Swords, and consort of the queen, a shadow
with a deep-seated hatred of all non-fey feyTB archmage
103 Saulena, a shadow feyTB noble, Mistress of
Daunts and Dares
Design Note: Sandbox and Plot
This arc of the adventure is much less linear than the
city and Shadow Road, and much less exploratory
Option: Shadow Passages than the Invisible Court; it presumes the characters
As an added twist, you might add shadow passages are 9th level or very close to it. There’s no driver
connecting certain rooms. Choose twelve rooms to of the action, and you should feel comfortable
connect in this way but keep the record to yourself, letting the characters get into trouble on their own.
so players have to learn the connections slowly. (Depending on your players, you might be able to
The shadow passages are usable as part of just tell them, “It’s up to you to decide what to do
movement by any creature that has shadow here.”) If the party feels uncomfortable without an
magic, teleportation, or related abilities to move obvious set of directions, the challenges to duel
instantaneously from one of the locales to the other. and the feast gives them a hook, as does enticing
Any shadow passage might be locked by the nobles characters with courtesans and consorts.
of the courts (and all are automatically locked Avoid giving characters the ability to approach
during any alarm), but they are generally left open the upper echelons of royalty directly (for instance,
for all to use. the royals are always stepping through a shadow
Additionally, any creature that has a little door, leaving just as the characters arrive). Indeed,
arcane training can open one as an action with whenever possible, gradually build up the power of
a successful Intelligence (Arcana) check. The DC the queen and the danger of the king, so those two
varies depending on the user. If the creature is meetings in the finale have maximum impact.
fey‑blooded, including a fey, elf, half-elf, or gnome, For more information on sandbox design, see the
the DC is 15. For any other character, the DC is 20. Kobold Guide to Game Design.
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114 His Grace, Duke Rackclasp, Warden of the
Early Frost and First Bonecarver, a sluaghTB
Conditions in the Court
The courtiers, servants, and hangers-on of the court all
necromancer have their codes of behavior and their own concerns;
115 Jalennis, Lady of the Pale Gardens, a shadow most of the time, they ignore strangers unless they find
feyTB druid some advantage in not.
116 Lady Marrowsilk, the Queen’s Counsel
and Most Learned Advocate, a shadow fey ALLIANCES, COURTESANS, AND DUELING
enchantressTB The characters will need to claw their way up the social
117 Lord Chelessfield (see page 105), Master of the ladder here; they might question courtesans and lovers
Alpine Marches, high elf of the River King’s for information, strong-arm servants to gain access to
Court important NPCs, and generally find their own most
successful road to make progress in meeting the court’s
118 Lord Maruuk, a tiefling swashbuckler, diabolic lords and ladies. There’s a limited supply of available fey
ambassador (who wishes never to go home) lovers and allies, and there’s a price for keeping them
119 Akyishigal (see page 109), Demon Lord of happy, in gold, vitality, magic, memories, and so on (see
Roaches, with attendant roachlings courtesans on page 84, dueling on page 99, the Ravens
120 Baron Suvid (see page 106), Lord of Blades faction on page 68, the Grey Ladies faction on page 71,
121 Mistress Gossamer of the Mournful Gate, a the Lords of Light faction on page 76.
banshee (see area 39)
INVISIBLE SERVANTS
122 Prince Loric Oakbound, a youthful high elf
Servants are present but not always visible in every
noble ward (hostage) of the Summer Court
room of the Royal Halls. They hide in the shadows of
(also known as the Cloud Prince and Lord of
the room, motionless, until their presence is required.
Daydreams)
A successful DC 20 Wisdom (Perception) check reveals
some sign of an invisible servant.
The Blood Royal (Status 25 and Higher) Any character who has a Status of 20 or higher can
123 His Serene Highness (“Durchlaucht”), Prince call up a servant by speaking and asking for one (this is
of the Blood Hander Svenk, Baron of the not an action). The servants will fetch and carry, offer
Lantern City of Corremel, Waldgraf of the assistance, answer simple questions—though never
Margreve Forest, the Black Prince of Balefire about Intelligence (Religion), Intelligence (Arcana), or
(see page 112) politics!—and generally make themselves useful to their
betters.
124 Hidden Princess Vailessia Graystone, a shadow
There is only one servant available for each small room,
fey noble (cousin of the Black Prince), Lady of
with proportionally more in larger rooms. The Small
the Hounds (see area 40)
Courtyard (area 46) has five servants, and the Great Hall
125 Her Celestial and Royal Majesty, Sarastra of the Shadow Court (area 62) at least a dozen.
Aestruum, Queen of Night and Magic, Duchess
of the Heavens, Countess of Thorn, Mistress of ILLUMINATION AND ILLUSION
Air and Darkness, Lady of the Summer Palace, Illusions cloak every room of the courts, even after the
and Bride of Shadows (see page 120) Invisible Court illusions have faded. Some are friendly,
126 His Lunar and Royal Majesty, Ludomir some are perplexing. Choose from among the following
Imbrium the XVI, the Moonlit King of the if the party ventures into territory they should leave
Shadow Fey, Lord of the Shadow Realm, alone, or even when they visit familiar ground (like their
Lord Protector of the Black Elves, Duke of own bedchambers).
the Elf Ironcrags, Baron of Bratislor, Earl of
Zobeck, Master of the Winter Palace, and GUARDS AND WARDS
Count‑Palatine of Salzbach (see page 141) The courts are reasonably well guarded, at least at
every major hall and at the gates linking the three
main sections of the courts. Many of these guards are
monolith footmen; a few others are shadow fey of one
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Table 3–1: Twenty Dangerous and Luring Illusions for Fey Chambers
1 Chickens with dozens of zealously guarded nests and eggs. Characters might be overcome with the urge to
guard these nests against foxes.
2 Gigantic spiders discussing the making of soup. Characters might see themselves liquefied into soup, waking up
in their own chambers fatigued.
3 An open pit with no apparent bottom. Falling drops the visitor into the Well of Night (area 52) covered by roaches.
4 Her Majesty the Queen in full royal garb, accompanied by a variety of cavorting dryads, satyrs, and naked elves.
She invites the characters to join her; those who do wake up hours later with their armor missing for a few days.
Missing bits can be found at the smith’s (area 6).
5 Two young deer nibbling a grassy sward. Characters who enter are transported to a distant quarter of the forest.
6 Storm clouds and rain. Characters are drenched.
7 Gray and utter silence. All who enter are dusted with gray powder.
8 Scrolls of ancient lore, crumbling before the viewers’ eyes.
9 The tide is coming in. Opening the door releases an (illusory) wave of salt water.
10 A black-walled chamber of blood and howling souls; a group of goblins prepares a blood sacrifice to a demon lord.
11 A chamber of 100 mice in urgent consultation on legislation before the Murine Chamber, devoted to a
bureaucratic apportionment of available resources. Quite hypnotic.
12 A small hidden palace-within-a-palace where the servants pretend to be nobles and the courtiers fetch and
carry. Beheadings held at noon and sunset daily.
13 Stairs to the upper level of the palace, which is really the palace’s rooftop. The illusion makes it seem that there
are walls where none exist: The character must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or fall 30 feet.
14 Stairs to a wine cellar, which is really the Goblin Court, where an intruder might be held for trespass.
15 A line of beech trees stretches into the distance on one side of a dusty trail. On the other, a long and placid stream
or canal. Frogs croak and herons wander. Good fishing here, surely: if the character fails a DC 15 Wisdom saving
throw, then the character remembers a fine day fishing but is missing from court for a day or week.
16 An inferno of dwarves and derro toiling ceaselessly on some horrific contraptions of brass, steam, and iron.
Rather like the Ironmonger’s Hall back in Zobeck, really.
17 A garden in full bloom. The flowers are soporific, and those who enter sleep for days.
18 A parade! Goblins strike drums, shadow fey throw rose petals, quicksteps zip along with flags and batons. Sound
the trumpets, here come the unicorns!
19 A mountaintop shrine full of icy wind and with absolutely no exits. The area is extreme cold. Finding the exit
requires a successful DC 18 Intelligence (Investigation) or Wisdom (Survival) check. A failed check can be
repeated, but it takes 1 hour of searching for each retry, requiring Constitution saves from the cold.
20 An adult red shadow dragon’s lair. And a very, very unwelcoming dragon: Every character here must make a
DC 20 Constitution or Dexterity saving throw of their choice. On a successful save, the character narrowly
escapes the fire breath and returns to the courts in safety. On a failed save, the character awakens 1d6 hours later
somewhere in the courts, covered in burns and soot, with one level of exhaustion.
stripe or another (if statistics are needed, use the rake SNEAKING IN AS A SERVANT
and the cutthroat from Act I, Scene 1). The fey and It’s entirely possible to sneak into the courts disguised as
the hulking brutes don’t fight much but, instead, use a servant: doing this results in a −2 deduction to Status
warding magic to keep characters out (DC 20 Will if infiltrating the palace over the walls or a −4 deduction
save; character is be-mazed and “loses” 1 day while if sneaking into a restricted wing. The disguised
wandering among illusions). “servant” will be recognized by most of the fey, but the
disguise is an accepted if disreputable way to visit the
Royal Halls for lovers and desperate commoners, so
they are usually ignored.
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Table 3–2: Courtesans and Consorts
Character Successes Status Maintenance
Consort/Courtesan Minimum Status Needed Gained (GP ) XP
Hargos Enderran, the 10 4 +1 50 700
Flame-Cloaked Consort
Lishekki Almandrine, the 11 4 +1 50 700
Silver-Chained Courtesan
Ulara of the Seven Veils 13 6 +2 100 1,400
Ballandrine the Frost-Eyed 14 8 +3 200 2,100
Mora Moonwater the Rain-Cloaked 15 8 +3 200 2,100
Songemesha the Raven-Haired 181 10 +5 400 2,800
Marek the Sapphire (M) 203 122 +8 1,000 3,500
Maraya the Sapphire (F) 223 122 +8 1,000 3,500
1
Will not speak to those with Status lower than 14
2
All ability check DCs for wooing are 2 points higher than normal
3
Will not speak to those with Status lower than 16
Servants and those disguised as servants are not consort. This costs 50 gp in grooming for the character,
allowed to carry weapons or arcane implements or to plus 10 gp times the courtesan’s or consort’s minimum
wear armor (Stealth DC 23 or Charisma [Deception] Status (as shown in Table 3–2: Courtesans and
DC 26). For those breaking the rules, the guards are Consorts). Once favor is won, the character gains the
summoned and the trespassers quietly but firmly XP indicated as a one-time award; if favor is not won,
escorted to the Lower Halls and given to the Goblin the character suffers a −2 deduction to Status.
Court for judgment (usually expressed as a number of Winning and Wooing. Winning over a courtesan or
days spent scrubbing pots and hauling water). consort is a skill challenge, of sorts, and the character
Note that the roof and the windows are warded just involved must make the ability checks required (see
as the Open Portal is (see page 55). It’s not possible to Table 3–2: Courtesans and Consorts); a friend can help
climb into the Halls through these routes without some with only a single check, or else the friend might instead
ability in the Intelligence (Arcana) skill. Even then, the inadvertently win the courtesan or consort’s attention,
lantern dragonettes report trespassers, and within a few not the wooing character. Attempts to help by friends
minutes the visitors will be escorted out, to their shame. are always allowed.
Courtesans and consorts can be wooed with a wide
STATUS INVITATIONS
variety of skills and even won through dueling and
If the party negotiates well and gains Status in the
other activities. Favor is not won if 3 failures are
courts, they might be invited to meet the Blind Seer, the
achieved before the required number of successes. This
Black Prince, or the Sapphire Courtesan, as shown in
process can be lengthened, if desired, with no more than
Table 3–3: Status Rewards.
1 or 2 successes permitted to occur per encounter. This
Winning a Courtesan or
extends the time spent in the courts and mirrors the
gradual development of the relationship.
Consort’s Favor Strength (Athletics) DC 15—The life of an adventurer
is awash with danger and excitement, and a physical
… A dread trembling o’erwhelms me, paler than I, than
demonstration of prowess can impress. Such displays
dried grass in Autumn, and in my madness, dead I seem
lose their charm quickly, however, and any further
almost.
attempts after a successful Strength (Athletics) check
—Sappho, “Hymn to Aphrodite”
are automatic failures.
A character who has a Status of 10 or higher can woo Dexterity (Acrobatics) DC 18—Feats of acrobatic daring:
and win the favor of a courtesan or consort, as long running over rooftops, climbing the Silver Tree to
as their status is greater or equal to the courtesan or pluck its highest flower, and so on, can be impressive.
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Table 3–3: Status Rewards
Status Privilege Extended
11 May attend the Swan Festival as standing-room-only servants
11 Allowed to visit Revich the Blind Seer to ask for appointment (see page 74)
13 Invitation to meet Akyishigal, the Demon Lord of Roaches (see page 109)
15 Invitation from Revich the Blind Seer to dine (see page 75)
16 Invitation to enter the Royal Halls (see page 87)
16 Invitation to the Swan Festival to drink and dine (see page 88)
19 Invitation to go hunting with the Black Prince (see page 116)
20–22 Invitation to woo the Sapphire Courtesan (see page 84)
23 Invitation to capture the firebird for the queen through an intermediary (see page 118)
26 Audience with the Queen of Night and Magic (see page 120)
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12 Strange Tricks of the Courtiers
1 Twin Spiders. Two spies are lurking on the ceilings of the halls, using their spider-climbing abilities to learn
about the characters. The two spies serve two different fey factions.
2 Spotlights and Darkness. The character with the highest Status is always well illuminated by a pair of lantern
dragonettes (see page 47). The character with the lowest Status is always cloaked in shadows and gains
concealment as a swift action.
3 Locked Room without Doors. This hall of six doors seems unconnected to any other part of the palace.
Visitors sometimes hear a light laugh or running water. No matter what door they go through, they always
come out one of the other doors in the room. Materials in the room look like clues for which doors to go
through in what order: a tapestry, an enameled box, a carved wooden set of chessmen. The whole is an
elaborate illusory trap, which ejects visitors after a few hours or with an Intelligence (Arcana) or Sleight of
Hand check (DC 30) to puzzle out the clues.
4 Stairs Up. The characters enter a room with stairs on the ceiling. With the right password or ritual, they can
reverse gravity here to visit a secret room, such as the gathering place of one of the factions or the site for an
assignation with a high Status courtesan or consort.
5 The Doubles. If a character splits from the rest of the party, he or she returns and seems normal—but the
others might notice that the character casts no shadow (passive Perception DC 30). Eventually, the other
“real” character returns. Which is real?
6 Animal Servants. The party finds a room with humanoid servants, each with an animal head. These heads are
illusions, but the servants are convinced they are real punishments for failing to obey shadow fey law. They
weep beneath these illusory masks—and obey.
7 Living Furnishings. The furniture in this room—chairs, lounging couches, even a pendulum—are all people,
goblins, or other servants.
8 Seconds and Doubles. If the characters challenge a fey much above their station, the fey lord or lady sends
back a double to a duel as an insult to the characters.
9 Shadow Memory. There is a ritual that allows one to absorb the memories of the double. The fey consider this
perfect for illicit assignations or crimes requiring a strong alibi.
10 Death Butterflies. A sphere of force rolls down the hall, filled with a mass of butterflies. If a character picks
up the sphere or pokes at it, the force bubble evaporates and the death butterflies within are released to attack
for 2d3 rounds, before scattering (see page 117 for stats).
11 The Starchild. An illusion of a star-elf descends from the heavens one night to ask the characters to do
something that will make them appear truly, truly foolish: this might be spitting in the presence of the queen,
challenging the Black Prince to a duel, and so on.
12 A Door Home. The characters open a door and step into Zobeck. They might come and go as they please,
visiting familiar places and people, purchasing goods and so on. If they ask around, the fey chuckle and say the
Shadow Road is only one way into and out of the Moonlit Court. At some point when the characters are resting
at home after a particularly taxing encounter, they wake up in the fey court, with all they accomplished or
gained in Zobeck gone and the shadow fey all laughing at them for falling for the illusion (−2 penalty to Status).
Individual Modifiers
The DCs given in this section for various ability checks a member of one of the uncouth races (such as dwarf
should be considered baseline figures, not absolute or gearforged) might take a minor penalty on checks
values. A myriad of modifiers can come into play that but receive a greater benefit for succeeding (“You
increase or decrease any character’s chances of winning can suppress your natural oafishness for the sake of
favor. For instance, a character with fey blood (an elf, impressing me?”).
half-elf, or gnome) might receive a minor bonus on Beyond those possibilities, you might award bonuses
certain checks but also take a greater penalty for a or penalties on certain checks because of a character’s
failed attempt (“You should know better.”). Conversely, class, class features, feats, or other characteristics.
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Wisdom (Insight) DC 15—Understanding what a consort character continues to provide gifts and attention (as
wants is crucial. A successful Wisdom (Insight) check reflected in the “Maintenance” column on the table)
does not count as a success in the skill challenge, but every month. Either party can break off the affair;
grants advantage on all of that week’s wooing attempts the courtesan or consort typically does so only if the
by the character. A failed Wisdom (Insight) check does character is negligent or takes up with a rival.
count as a failure in the skill challenge, as the character Overall Failure: If a character gets a failure in the skill
fatally misreads some wish or trait of the consort and challenge, the courtesan or consort publicly or privately
commits a faux pas by revealing this lack of sensitivity. tells the character that she or he is not interested in
Wisdom (Perception) DC 20—Just viewing something further advances. The character takes a −2 deduction to
rarely impresses a courtesan or consort; after all, the Status as word gets around than the suit has been rejected.
whole point is that the thing is meant to be seen. Once a suit has failed, any further attempts by the
Sometimes a character notes something of particular character to woo the same consort or courtesan for at
interest, however, such as a clever bit of sewing in least 1 month are automatic failures (with an additional
their garments or the way a ring is inscribed with a −2 deduction to Status for each one). Continued
motto. Keen eyes and sharp ears have their moments attempts to win over a consort or courtesan when the
of usefulness. character’s advances have clearly been declined will
Wisdom (Survival) DC 23—The courtesans and consorts result in a visit from a duelist champion.
are creatures enamored of civilized comfort and have
little interest in outdoorsy concerns, so the bar for Act III, Scene 1:
impressing one of them in this way is quite high.
Charisma (Deception) DC 18—Lies, braggadocio, and
Entering the Royal Halls
purest flattery are welcome. However, lies that fall flat Minimum Status: 16
to the ear of a consort or courtesan (indicated by a Once the most diplomatic or boldest member of the party
check that fails by 5 or more) are especially sour and has achieved a Status of 16 or higher (or the characters
count as 2 failures in the skill challenge. No one likes have all disguised themselves as servants and snuck into
excessive ego in a suitor. the Royal Halls), the characters might receive an audience
Charisma (Intimidation) DC 14—Of all the courtesans with the lords and ladies of the Shadow Court. Or, at the
and consorts, only Lishekki the Silver-Chained can be very least, they might visit (in disguise) the wing of the
wooed with Intimidation checks. Against any others, palace that has thus far been closed to them.
using this skill results in an automatic failure. This is a small occasion in the Status-obsessed courts.
Charisma (Performance) DC 18—An evening of dancing, Read the following when the party first approaches the
song, poetry, or some other method of creative Royal Halls:
expression can have lasting benefits.
Charisma (Persuasion) DC 13, + 2/additional attempt— The lantern dragonettes perched at the top of the white
Sweet words are the courtesans’ and consorts’ bread marble stairs lift their heads; their tarnished silvery
and butter, and they expect to hear them as well as scales shake, and the orange light of the dragons shines
speak them. However, too much of a good thing can out like a beacon, parting the darkness and revealing a
soon become an annoyance. The DC increases by 2 for small courtyard with a fountain, a white tower, and stairs
each attempt after the first. leading up past more armored footmen.
Dueling—Winning a duel fought on behalf of a courtesan Once up the second stairs, there is a long hallway
or consort counts as 2 successes in the skill challenge. filled with lantern light and many doors. Laughter and
This declaration of intent must be made as part of the music float down from the far end of the hall, and a few
challenge issued to an opposing duelist. Losing such a servants bustle to and fro.
duel counts as a failure in the skill challenge, and the
character also suffers the loss in Status that comes with To the character with the highest Status:
losing the duel and possibly also losing the affection of
the courtesan or consort. The footman in his silvery armor speaks to you in a
Overall Success: If a character succeeds in the skill pleasing, slightly echoing voice. “Ah, milord, much joy
challenge, the courtesan or consort takes the character and welcome! You are invited by their Majesties to
as a lover, and the character gains Status (as shown in enter the Royal Halls. Please, the courtiers will surely be
Table 3–2: Courtesans and Consorts) as long as the delighted to meet you! How shall we announce you?”
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If the character gives a title, there is a fanfare of THE SEATING, SOUPS, AND SPOONS
invisible trumpets, the character’s name and title rings The seating at the feast is done strictly by Status, and
out—and that’s about it. A few servants come over, characters with lower Status are seated much farther
looking to ingratiate themselves. from the royal presence. Characters with Status of 16
Once they are inside, give the characters time to react, or higher are close enough to make eye contact with
quiz a servant, and so on. the queen and her inner circle, and perhaps gain their
If they do enter the Great Hall, read the following: attention for a moment. Conversely, characters of
extremely low Status are treated as children or distant
More than forty guests mingle in the Great Hall; relatives, and seated in a separate hall entirely.
servants move among them, preparing a feast. Most If no character has Status higher than 15, none of
of the guests are fey or elves of some type, but there the party are invited to the high table. Characters with
are a few humans and a single figure that appears to Status of 12 to 15 are seated at lower tables or far from
be a cross between a gigantic insect and a horned the head of the high table.
man dressed in red silks, and who is not a member of Status changes that occur during the feast can be
the court. Three demon-dogs roam the hall as well, tracked right away by the character. However, even
slinking around under the tables. the fey are not so demanding as to immediately reseat
blundering, foolish mortals during a royal feast. The
Wisdom (Perception) DC 20—At least half a dozen effects of falling or rising fortunes and increases or
archers stand on an upper balcony. deductions in Status are taken note of when they occur,
but these changes affect future interactions at the courts
Intelligence (Investigation) DC 16—Illusions cloak many
only after the feast ends.
of the guests; at least six of them are not fey at all,
but demons or devils of some kind. It’s hard to track For Characters with Status of 11 or Lower:
them, but clearly, bound or conjured demon lords are
serving in the queen’s retinue and devils are acting as
Two servants bar your way at the entrance. “Please,
her advisors.
come this way,” they say. “There’s a party in the guest
The Courtesans’ Dance Crashing the party after the servants ask you to
leave is a boneheaded move, and all heads turn to see
Minimum Status: 11 (servant) or 16 (invited guest)
who is making a fool of themselves. The characters
Many fey specialize in being beautiful, smart, immediately suffer at least a −4 deduction to Status.
charismatic, or insanely sexy. These courtesans and Those who follow the servants are taken to the Goblin
consorts are power players in their own right, as well as Court for a much rowdier feast.
being prizes and tokens of Status among the fey. Nobles
and ladies who can afford the chase woo these courtesans For Characters with Status of 12 to 15:
and consorts with magic and lavish gifts, and the
courtesans and consorts bestow their favors only rarely. A beautiful shadow fey and a grinning goblin look at
Their willingness to take a new noble as a lover is you and consult a list. “Hmm, yes, you may observe the
always a sign of Status and prestige. This winter, the festivities from the hunter’s hall, balcony, and adjoining
consorts and courtesans are throwing a party called the chambers. The hall itself is full, I fear.”
Swan Festival, and characters who have Status of 11 or
higher are able to attend as servants or bystanders—but Those who wish to do so can sit outside and watch from
they are not seated. Characters who have Status of 16 or a distance; they are given water or mundane ale to drink
higher will receive an invitation and are invited to dine. for the queen’s toast but, otherwise not fed or waited on.
Armor is not permitted at the dance, but weapons and Many of the junior keepers and a few low-Status visitors
implements certainly are (but are expected to remain make up the majority of this “outside festival.”
sheathed unless there is good cause). Give the characters Attempts to crash these seating arrangements are dealt
time to arrange whatever special garments, favors, and with fairly brutally (keep it brief), and a character who
arrangements they require, such as attending with a simply sits down in the main hall without an invite
favored fey, or wearing faction colors, or whatever else suffers a −4 deduction to Status. Such a brute is ignored,
they dream up. The event is held in the Great Hall of the served no food and offered no refreshments.
Shadow Fey (area 62) just after moonrise.
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For Characters with Status of 16 or Higher: THE WINE AND THE TOAST
Those who ate the stew are offered wine; those who
A beautiful shadow fey and a grinning goblin look at declined it are offered none:
you and consult a list. “Ah, yes, follow this dragonette
down the long hall, and bow when you enter. The As you finish the first course, the dishes float away,
feast is almost ready to begin.” carried by invisible hands. Goblins and animal-headed
servants step forward with pitchers of liquid, perhaps
The dragonette leads them to a squire, who takes them wine or water. The servants ask each diner, “Queen’s
to their seats—except for the highest-Status character. Wine, King’s Cordial, or Prince’s Ale?”
For the Character with the Highest Status:
Ask each player whether his or her character will
choose one of the three beverages or decline all three.
You are led to the high table, above the salt, where the
Make a note to yourself of each decision. Allow
fey lords and ladies are seated. They look you up and
characters a chance to make ability checks to see what
down once; then they return to their conversations,
they might discern.
ignoring you. A servant steps forward with a basin
and a towel; the lady next to you seems to be eating a Intelligence (Nature or poisoner’s kit) DC 20—The
bouquet of flowers. Your friends are all seated farther Queen’s Wine is liquid starlight, unfit for human
down the table in a group. At the far end of the table consumption but safe for the fey to drink.
sits the queen, surrounded by lantern dragonettes, Wisdom (Perception) DC 15—The Queen’s Wine is inky
sprites, and a cluster of servants. black with flecks of something luminous, the King’s
Cordial shimmers like moonlight, and the Prince’s Ale
is pale green, like spring leaves.
Wisdom (Insight) DC 16—The fey lords seem to think
Wisdom (Insight) DC 17—The fey courtiers and
you are purely a temporary distraction. They probably
visitors are asking mostly for the queen’s and prince’s
think you don’t even speak Elvish.
beverages. Only the queen and a few senior nobles
A character who succeeds on a DC 20 Charisma request the King’s Cordial.
(Persuasion) check has engaged his or her neighbors in
Successfully using Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) or
conversation and can attempt further checks (also DC
Charisma (Deception) to pretend to drink is remarkably
20) using Intelligence (Investigation) to gather gossip or
difficult, given the number of servants, keen-eyed
using Charisma (Persuasion) to ask a question and have
it answered. At some point, of course, the fey’s sufferance
for this visitor grows thin, and they turn away to discuss
more important matters with other courtiers. Increase
King’s Cordial
Non-fey who drink the King’s Cordial might be in
the DC by 5 after a number of successful checks equal
for a wild ride; fey suffer no ill effects beyond a mild
to the character’s Charisma modifier, unless the topic of
conversation is of particular interest to the fey. intoxication, but others begin to hallucinate and
might be overcome by paralysis.
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courtiers, and others who are eager to observe the who is always interested in those who signal alliance to
newcomers. Such efforts should be treated as skill her son in this way. This attention is not entirely a good
contests against the +8 Perception and +7 Wisdom thing, and might be a factor in the Queen’s Audience
(Insight) modifiers of a nearby crowd of courtiers that later (see page 120), since she has a sharp memory for
are watching the characters at any given time. these sorts of things. The ale has no other effect, aside
from the ordinary.
Consequences
Those who decline all three drinks suffer a −2 deduction THE QUEEN’S TOAST
to Status for refusing to toast the Blood Royal.
The queen proposes the first toast of the night, taking
Those who accept the Queen’s Wine and drink it gain
special notice of her most impressive guests.
a +2 increase to Status. Any drinker that is a fey, elf,
half-elf, elfmarked, or gnome character immediately
gains 2d10 temporary hit points; all others take 5 (1d10) “We greet our cousin the River King and his
radiant damage and gain one level of exhaustion. ambassadors, Lord Chelessfield and Lady Sorreminx.
Those who accept the King’s Cordial and drink it We regret that young Lord Flax could not join us. We
gain no Status. Any drinker that is a fey, elf, half-elf, greet the fiery Lord Maruuk and return the greetings
elfmarked, or gnome character suffers no ill effects; of his masters, the archdukes. And we welcome our
others are poisoned and suffer hallucinations until the visitors from our ancient lands in the Lighted Realms
effect wears off (see the “King’s Cordial” sidebar). as well, led by [name of character with highest Status].
Those who accept the Prince’s Ale and drink it gain a To the Shadow Realm and all who rule it!”
+1 increase to Status—as well as the notice of the queen,
Menu
A repast to celebrate the arrival of guests at the Winter Halls of Her Celestial and Royal Majesty,
Sarastra Aestruum, Queen of Night and Magic, Duchess of the Heavens, Countess of Thorn,
Mistress of Air and Darkness, Lady of the Summer Palace, and Bride of Shadows.
Arrival of the Royal Presence 4th Course: The Underworld The Royal Presence Retires
All rise, proclamation Cocooned badger a la drow with fish sauce
Dances and music until dawn
Toast Memorial beef
Orange punch with children’s tears
Choice of Queen’s Wine, King’s Cordial, Varied mushroom accompaniments
Ginger beer with blood shot
or Prince’s Ale Root vegetables
Golden goblets of skull wine
2nd Course: Fire and Snort Jewels and Speech
Wild boar reduction over golden lamb
stuffed with firebird eggs 5th Course: The Swan Thieves
Fresh lamb The Silver Swans and their Lunar Jewels
Lamprey pie with galantine sauce of Shaved goose eggs with Saffron Crust
cinnamon and sugar Flying Swan with Falling Crowns
Stone goblets of fire wine Spun glass goblets of gooseberry wine
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Wisdom (Insight) DC 11—Refusing to drink when resulting upheaval brings a −1 deduction to Status. Drow
the toast is made is a serious breach of etiquette. need not make the saving throw and can eat the dish
Those who do not drink with the queen suffer a −6 normally, but they gain no increase to Status for doing so.
deduction to Status. Memorial Beef. This maggot-ridden food for the dead is
rotting under an illusion. Once it is requested, it must be
THE FEAST eaten, because failing to eat and thereby honor the dead
The second and following courses arrive with fish, is a grave insult (−3 deduction to Status). This dish is
meats, and much stranger things. Read the following: generally avoided by the members of the court, because
those who eat it must succeed on a DC 19 Constitution
Servants bring in at least twenty dishes—so many it’s saving throw to eat it without gagging or vomiting
impossible to see them all at one time or hear them (taking a −2 deduction to Status on a failed save, for
announced. A wild boar reduction over lamb stuffed insulting the shades of the departed).
with firebird eggs, and so forth. Your bowls and plates Skull Wine. This beverage is made from fermented
of blue glass are heaped high. Do you eat? brains. It is best avoided. If it is drunk, this poison induces
visions of death while chilling the blood and slowing the
Eating confers no Status unless a character refused the heart. A drinker must succeed on a DC 16 Constitution
stew earlier. If someone did decline but now eats the rest saving throw or take 5 (1d10) poison damage and become
of the meal, they gain a +1 increase to Status (better late poisoned. The saving throw is repeated at the end of every
than never, for a net change of 0).
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minute, and the drinker takes an extra 5 (1d10) poison TWO DANCES AND THE THIRD
damage on a failed save. The effect ends after the drinker The dances begin as soon as the wine comes out.
has made two successful saving throws. Being chosen to dance is a mark of favor among the
Jewels and Speech. The jewels might be illusions courtesans and consorts; those who are not chosen to
or not, but either way, attempting to steal them is a dance at three feasts in a row are clearly in disfavor, so
bad idea, resulting in an immediate −2 deduction to they compete behind the scenes between feasts to gain
Status. The queen displays her power by conjuring an invitation to dance at the next one.
the jewels together into a necklace and then asks Lord Read the following:
Chelessfield, Ambassador Maruuk, and the character
with the highest Status to say a few courteous words The hall grows silent except for the roar of the
to the assemblage. This event is a contest involving fireplace, and then a male elf steps out of the
Charisma (Persuasion) checks (Chelessfield’s modifier fireplace wreathed in flame. The ladies of the court
is +8, Maruuk’s is +6). The winner gets the necklace applaud and shout, “Hargos, Hargos!” as he dances,
and gains a +4 increase to Status. The second-place leaping among the tables and leaving puffs of purple
finisher loses or gains nothing. The third-place finisher smoke every time he lands. The dance ends with a
takes a −3 deduction to Status for a dull, insufficiently final puff of smoke as he stands beside one of the
flattering, or otherwise unworthy speech. ladies‑in‑waiting, and then he’s gone.
Fire Wine. This is a vile, burning liquid that churns the
guts. A drinker must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution This dancer is Hargos Enderran,
saving throw, or else leave the table abruptly to relieve the Flame-Cloaked Consort,
themselves. This outcome entails no loss of Status. an elf who always wears an
illusion of a cloak
Swans and Crowns. The swans are enchanted to appear
of fire over his
alive, fully feathered, and singing while they are being
bare, muscled
carved. The flying swans drop tiny crowns down upon
the diners, who can earn the queen’s current favor (a
+1 increase to Status) by catching the crowns on their
heads without using their hands. A character who moves
quickly can catch a crown by succeeding on a DC 17
Dexterity (Acrobatics) check.
Smoke Puff Pastry. The “gold center” is molten gold,
which burns the tongue of anyone who tries to eat
it (the pastries are meant as offerings to the
departed, or are cooled down and used
for their monetary value). Eating one
means the diner has a burned tongue
for the rest of the feast, and cannot
speak but must communicate in
gestures and facial expressions (using
DC 14 Charisma [Deception] checks to
convey simple meaning).
Castle Pastry. The castle is indeed full of tiny
inhabitants who scream and flee as the diner eats,
and the “orchards” are tasty fruit morsels.
Chocolate Egg. The chocolate-covered egg has a boiled
duckling inside. Those who are put off by this get an odd
look: “What did you expect to find inside an egg?”
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chest. His hearty laugh is often heard in the Hall of ask the party to go fetch her. If they do go to room 54,
Changelings (area 24) and the Small Courtyard (area convince her to talk, and persuade her to return to the
46). As a junior consort, he is not often allowed to feast with a DC 14 Charisma (Persuasion) check, that
visit the Royal Halls, and he is making the most of character gains a +1 increase to Status; continue with
this opportunity, flattering and paying homage to the the Fire Dancer: Ulara of the Seven Veils section below.
greatest of the shadow fey ladies. Failure to bring her back is a failure to obey the prince
Most of the lords view Hargos with deep suspicion, and brings a −2 deduction to Status. If the characters do
although his behavior is always in keeping with the not go to fetch Ulara, she is missing the next day—a fate
shadow fey standards of decorum. Two brownie that happens to courtesans rather often when they fall
servants attend to him after the dance. He shows off in from favor.
front of any female character, although he leaves it to the None of the fey want to talk about it, and all the
character to show interest before further pursuing them. servants will say if pressed strongly enough (a successful
Read the following: DC 14 Charisma [Intimidation] check) is that “She’s gone
to the labyrinth, or else to visit her mother in Corremel.”
Music plays quietly for a while, then steadily builds,
FIRE DANCER: ULARA OF THE SEVEN VEILS
and a second dancer appears in a cloud of mist,
bringing a quick shower of raindrops that soaks the
The dance of Ulara of the Seven Veils is a magical one,
a form of pyrohypnosis that uses flames and movement
lower table. The dancer is Mora Moonwater the Rain-
to dominate its viewers. The fey are accustomed to this
Cloaked, a stunning shadow fey woman wearing a
form of trickery, but the characters might not be.
cloak of liquid water. The cloak swirls and disappears
into fog, and she dances in a watery garment of
blue silk meshed with pearls, solid raindrops, and A brazier ignites in the center of the hall—the flames
shimmering mithral scales. She moves as smoothly as roar, and smoke fills the air. A shadow fey maiden
a stream, her hips swaying like a tide, and her dance dressed in gray veils of smoke dances into the hall,
seems to be directed at every man in the room. cinders falling from her black hair, her golden eyes
When the music stops, one of the elf visitors bows shining. Her bare feet scatter the coals of the brazier,
to her and presents a pink lily to her. She smiles, but and the smoke slowly starts to fade—her breasts and
takes her seat elsewhere. hips shake and push waves of rippling heat outward as
the courtiers ring their glass goblets, shouting “Ulara,
Wisdom (Insight) DC 17—This courtesan seems eager to Ulara!”
make an impression, but she’s also quite sad.
Intelligence (Investigation) DC 15—Mora is one of the less The light of the brazier starts to pulse like a heartbeat,
notorious courtesans and has recently moved up from and the smoke veils the eyes of some.
the junior courtesan’s post. Rumor has it she is the new Intelligence (Arcana) DC 13—The Black Prince seems
lover of the Black Prince or perhaps of Imbemerethion, to shout the loudest. And the eyes of the ambassador
the new Captain of the Guard (or both). Lord Maruuk devour the dancer.
Like Hargos, Mora shows off in front of the male Intelligence (Arcana) DC 18—The brazier’s light is part
characters, but she leaves it to them to show interest of some fire spell or charm.
with a gift, toast, or other sign before pursuing things Unless the characters pointedly do not watch or some
any farther (see “Winning a Courtesan’s or Consort’s of them are not sitting with their friends in the Great
Favor,” page 84). Hall, require each of the characters who views Ulara to
make saving throws against the following effects.
THE THIRD DANCER Dance of Fiery Lust. Every creature that starts its turn
The third courtesan who might dance is Ulara of the within 30 feet of Ulara’s dance and can see the courtesan
Seven Veils, but she seems disinclined to show herself. must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or
Sometime after Mora’s dance ends, a character can become utterly charmed by her glamour for 10 minutes,
overhear muttering about the lack of a third dancer and treat her as a dear friend or the object of a massive
with a successful DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check, crush. You should encourage the player to decide what
or can learn about it firsthand with a successful DC 15 form this behavior takes: clapping madly, stomping one’s
Charisma (Persuasion) check. feet, shouting encouragement, and generally carrying on
If the highest-Status character has Status of 18 or would be appropriate.
higher, the Black Prince or another antagonist might
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COURTLY COMMENTS AND CUTTING REMARKS
The fey can be insufferably arrogant bastards and cruel, bitchy gossips. You can use the bits of dialogue below to
get across this attitude, and invent a few other slights and put-downs of your own that you can use during chatty
scenes when characters interact closely with denizens of the court.
Note that some of the more snobbish shadow fey do not address mortal characters directly, but instead address
their shadows. The flesh they consider uncouth, for those not born in the Shadow Realm.
Courtesans
By a melancholy or often drunk courtesan: There are darker things than shadow in this place.
You do not seem to bear anything upon or below your belt sufficient to accomplish any task I would set you . . .
What pretty eyes you have—a shame they do not see better.
Servants
Goblin: Phew. Smells like the Light in here.
Butler: [An eyebrow raises, turns, and wags itself like a finger at the characters.] Shhh.
Servant: [A tip about its master.] Some elves love music, women, the skill of the blade, but I’ve never seen any elf
love anything as much as Dae Tyrnin loves his suits.
Goblin proverb: Better a rat in the pot than a hog at the trap.
Goblin proverb: Better copper today than silver tomorrow.
Duelists
So many men have fallen to my blade . . . and so many women to my bed.
There is a place you can cut a mortal that will paralyze it, leaving it to watch its own blood pour out like the last
drops of wine. I hope to show it to you sometime.
Draw steel, and I swear I will gut you where you stand.
My sword’s enchantments are older than your mewling language. Prepare to face true power.
Make your words count—they may be your last!
Whoreson, impudent, emboss’d rascal! Have at thee!
Her Majesty’s Mercy! (Exclamation and joke.)
Hunter
What has become of us brothers? We still allow the bird of flame to mock our hunts and now . . . now we must
accept these lumbering cows in our keep? (Looking at the characters.)
As I was saying, the hunting is very poor. Some new game is needed desperately. (Glancing at character.)
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Kiss of Fiery Lust. Ulara kisses a charmed or willing
target. The creature must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom
saving throw or become charmed by her for 24 hours.
Ulara can cast suggestion (requiring no components)
on a creature charmed in this way. Typical requests
include going to fetch things from the kitchen, carrying
messages to her various friends and allies, or even
insulting her enemies (potentially inciting a duel or cruel
gossip). In some cases, if she is bored with a charmed
character, she simply sends them out of the courts and
into the damp woods, naked but for a thin and ragged
cloak. “Wearing Ulara’s cloak” is a bit of an inside joke
among the fey, at the expense of visitors.
If Ulara succeeds in charming a character or two
right away, she continues dancing while a charmed
character makes additional saving throws each round.
In the third round (when a character with 3 levels of
exhaustion has disadvantage on saving throws), she uses Songemesha and Maraya feast, joke, and enjoy the
her Kiss of Fiery Lust on a charmed character, securing dances, but they do not take part in the festivities
the character’s obedience and bringing a −1 deduction beyond keeping their own coteries amused and choosing
to the character’s Status. The character in question has one of their retinue to walk them back to their chambers.
not won the courtesan—quite the contrary, she is likely Unless a character intervenes and succeeds in courting
to take all those she entraps that evening back to her one of them (see page 84), these two courtesans leave
chambers for her own amusement. with their primary admirers. In the case of Songemesha,
If none of the characters succumb to the kiss, the this is Lord Chelessfield, the elf. For Maraya, this is Lord
victim is likely the young Raven leader Brightspur. Maruuk, the diabolic ambassador.
If any of the characters are members of that faction,
DANGEROUS WOMEN
Brightspur approaches them in the morning asking for
Many of the women at the Swan Festival are dangerous.
their help as his seconds in a duel. He intends to recover
They include the succubus/incubus Maraya, who dotes
his lost Status by challenging Ulara’s champion to a duel
on the ambassador of Hell (and who is all too willing
to show his devotion to her. This need not be a standard
to prey on mortal lusts); the courtesans, who keep
duel; to make his point, he might even call for a cliffside
some psoglav demons nearby to send after characters
duel (see page 99), expecting to be talked out of it or to
who stray from protocol; a noblewoman who asks the
have the challenge declined.
characters to do just one little favor (gathering some
Development. Although Ulara wins some followers hairs from the prince’s brush or comb while he attends
through magic and cruelty, a character can turn this the ball); and an equally dangerous noblewoman who
encounter to his or her advantage. Returning to Ulara seeks a tryst in the Moon-Viewing Tower (area 44).
and attempting to woo her later on is much more likely to This last individual seeks a character willing to meet
succeed for a previously charmed character; the character her alone at the forbidden Moon-Viewing Tower;
gains an automatic success in the endeavor. Even if the if a character agrees (and the characters defeat the
character fails in the attempt, the fey appreciate this deathwisps there), a goblin servant appears bringing the
courageous behavior, and no Status is lost. noblewoman’s regrets, and the characters are instead
ambushed at the tower by Akyishigal, the lesser demon
COURTESANS WHO DO NOT DANCE lord who is striving to pick off good-aligned members
Two other courtesans attend with their admirers, of the court. The demon had sought to ambush the Lady
followers, and lovers: Songemesha the Raven-Haired Jalennis, Lady of the Pale Gardens, but she is a member
(Status 18; she will not speak to characters with Status of the Lords of Light and was warned of the danger.
lower than 14) and Maraya Laccrystae, the Sapphire Thus, the characters got caught in the middle of a failed
(Status 23; she will not speak to characters with Status ambush, and after the fact, Lady Jalennis feels she owes
lower than 18). Lishekki and Ballandrine both do not them at least an explanation, and perhaps a favor. If they
attend, and rumors swirl that they somehow insulted seek her out after the Swan Festival, she helps them with
Baron Suvid or one of the elder fey recently. a bit of lore or gossip, or heals an injured party member.
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CLOSING THE FEAST AND CLEANING UP Treasure
Near the end of the festivities, Akyishigal and its As a gift from the Sapphire Courtesan, a character
minions swarm the feast to bring it to a close. With might receive a choker of eloquence. This item is a magic
roaches suddenly everywhere, the feast ends in chaos as necklace of uncommon rarity that requires attunement,
courtiers flee in all directions: and raises the wearer’s Charisma to 19 it’s not already
higher than that.
A round of dancing has just gotten under way
COMBAT WITH THE SAPPHIRE COURTESAN
when one of the servants lets out a shriek. A dozen
Receiving Maraya’s favor is a bit of a poison pill; when a
roaches are scampering up the goblin’s legs, and he
character wins her over and the scene might normally
is trying to shake them off. Then, in a flash, roaches
fade to black, you have the option of starting a rather
are everywhere, coating the food, floating in the wine
unexpected combat.
goblets, and crunching underfoot.
A clacking, hissing voice says, “How is it that no Important Note. This is an optional scene that you
one invited your fourth guest and the King’s Favorite, should discuss with the player before starting the
Akyishigal? How is it that I was spurned? Now my session. If the player is not comfortable with his or
followers shall have their feast!” her character fighting tangled in the sheets with an
Everyone starts running for the exits. The party’s over. impossibly sexy fey creature, drop it and move on. If the
player seems comfortable with this sort of scene, run it.
The following day is a period of rest and recovery After judging a new lover’s Status and suitability,
throughout the courts. Almost none of the fey are Maraya might attack, choosing a moment when her
interested in receiving visitors, and most are calling paramour is most vulnerable (unarmored and without
on their servants to bring them chilled wines, simple a weapon immediately to hand), gaining surprise and
squash soups, and the like. Hard-charging characters attacking with her life-draining kiss. Once that succeeds,
might find this a good occasion for a healthy rest (and she charms her new companion, causing the poor soul
they find that studying or praying for spells is effective to follow her like a puppy until it can shake off her
this day). Anyone who makes too much noise might be influence; the character takes a −8 deduction to Status
the target of harsh words or even an invitation to a duel. for falling prey to her (which is offset if the character
later wins her favor or defeats her in combat).
Act III, Scene 3: Winning the If the victim resists her charm, normal combat ensues.
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Maraya/Marek, Ancient Succubus/Incubus
Medium fiend (shapechanger), chaotic evil Optional: Duels of Words and Slander
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) Blades and spells aren’t the only weapons drawn in
Hit Points 110 (17d8 + 34) Shadow Court duels—words can cut into one’s Status
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. even more deeply than tangible wounds. A duel of
words and slander is similar in form to a standard
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA duel (see page 99), in which three passes are made
10 (+0) 22 (+5) 15 (+2) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 22 (+6) by each of the duelists, who select a particular form
of social “attack” as their weapon each time. The
Skills Deception +12, Insight +7, Perception +7, objective in a duel of words is not to gain Status for
Persuasion +12, Stealth +8 oneself, but to erode a rival’s standing.
Damage Resistances cold, fire, lightning, poison; Unlike with a normal duel, no formal challenge
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical need take place, and the combatants needn’t
attacks even be in one another’s presence! Often the first
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 17 indication someone gets that one is engaged in a
Languages Abyssal, Common, Elvish, Infernal, Umbral, duel of words are sidelong glances and half-hidden
telepathy 60 ft. snickering from those nearby.
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) To resolve these duels, ability checks can be used
in contests in a form of riddle game or match of wits.
Telepathic Bond. Maraya ignores the range restriction You’ll want to make note of various passive scores
on her telepathy when communicating with a creature beforehand, which set the DC of various approaches
she has charmed, or one that has received her Profane in a duel of words and slander. The common forms of
Gift. The two don’t even need to be on the same plane “combat” are listed below.
of existence. Threats and Extortion: Attacker’s Charisma
Shapechanger. Maraya can use her action to polymorph (Intimidation) check contested by defender’s
into a Small or Medium humanoid, or back into her
Charisma check.
true form. Without wings, she loses her flying speed.
Other than her size and speed, her statistics are the Protocol and Toadying: Attacker’s Charisma
same in each form. Any equipment she is wearing or (Persuasion) check contested by defender’s Wisdom
carrying isn’t transformed. Maraya reverts to her true check.
form if she dies. Gossip and Slander: Attacker’s Charisma (Deception)
ACTIONS or Charisma (Persuasion) check contested by
Multiattack. Maraya makes two claw attacks. defender’s Charisma (Deception) or Charisma
Claw (Fiend Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +8 (Persuasion) check.
to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) slashing Verbal Mockery and Insults: Attacker’s Charisma
damage plus 14 (4d6) psychic damage. (Deception) check contested by defender’s Charisma
Charm. One humanoid Maraya can see within 30 feet (Deception) check.
of her must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw
Theft and Trickery: Attacker’s Dexterity (Sleight of
or be magically charmed for 1 day. The charmed target
Hand) check contested by defender’s Wisdom check.
obeys Maraya’s verbal or telepathic commands. If the
target suffers any harm or receives a suicidal command, Physical Mockery: Attacker’s Dexterity (Acrobatics)
it can repeat the saving throw, ending the effect on check contested by defender’s Charisma check.
a success. If the target successfully saves against the
Note: the simultaneous attacks in this kind of duel
effect, or if the effect on it ends, the target is immune
can take different forms; one party might make
to Maraya’s Charm for the next 24 hours. Maraya can
threats against the other, and the other might
have only one target charmed at a time. If she charms
another, the effect on the previous target ends. respond with a slanderous attack. A roll of 1 or a
check that fails by 5 or more allows the opponent an
Draining Kiss. Maraya kisses a creature charmed by
her or a willing creature. The target must make a DC unanswered follow-up attack.
17 Constitution saving throw against this magic, taking The loser in any of these contests takes a −1 penalty
32 (5d10 + 5) psychic damage on a failed save, or half to Status, or a −2 penalty if the roll on the attacker’s
as much damage on a successful one. The target’s hit check was a 20.
point maximum is reduced by an amount equal to the
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fatigued, exhausted, without a stitch of clothing—and
with their hit point maximums reduced to half normal.
The fey know about this behavior and are not put off
by it, such that it takes a successful DC 17 Intelligence
(Investigation) check for a character to find out what
has happened when their friend disappears. If the party
decides to mount a rescue operation rather than wait for
the return of their companion, Maraya does not oppose
them directly—but the characters find their friend
besotted, enchanted, and willing to defend the Sapphire
Courtesan to the death. If they subdue the victim,
Maraya flees her chambers and spends a few days hiding
in the form of a goblin or a shadow fey, plotting some
sort of revenge.
If the characters wait, their friend does return after
2d6 + 2 days—naked (without clothes or armor),
shaved, and otherwise a mess. The strange thing is that,
even in their naked and embarrassed state, most of her
lovers still want to win her back.
Treasure
Beyond the profane gifts Maraya gives out, if she is
defeated in combat and her rooms are searched with a
successful DC 16 Wisdom (Perception) check, the party
finds locked coffers that hold jewelry and gemstones.
There are six pieces of gold jewelry, two necklaces, two
bracelets, and two rings, each worth 3,000 gp and set
with sapphires.
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Table 3–2: Status Changes from Duels “Cliffside Duels” below). A duelist caught in the act
Status Event/Outcome is taken before the king or queen to receive a royal
reprimand, which invariably involves the surrender of
−8 Dueling the Black Prince and losing
the offender’s sword. The king or queen then shatters the
−6 Caught cheating in a duel sword and gives the duelist a wooden sword instead as a
−5 Caught dueling outside dueling season mark of shame.
−4 Declining a challenge from a fey whose Status Cliffside Duels. Duels fought outside dueling
differs from yours by 5 or less season must be contested away from the palace to
−3 Challenging a fey whose Status differs from avoid discovery by one of the guards or senior nobles.
yours by 6 or more Fortunately for the combatants, such events are
−2 Attacking a courtier (a fey with Status of 11 or immensely popular with both duelists and spectators.
higher) without issuing a challenge to duel As such, they are rarely reported to the footmen, the
captain of the guard, the archmagus, or others who
−1 Losing a duel (whether in dueling season or
might be inclined to arrest the participants. The cliffs
not)
near the Eastern Gate are a popular dueling site for this
+0 Declining a challenge from a fey whose Status reason but also quite dangerous. If either participant
differs from yours by 6 or more scores a critical hit during a cliffside duel, the foe might
+0 A duel that results in a tie be forced off the path by the blow, taking falling damage
+1 Issuing a proper challenge that is declined from a fall of around 70 feet or so (7d6 bludgeoning
+1 Winning a duel (whether in dueling season or damage from the fall and battering on the rocks).
not) The falling participant is deemed the loser. The winner
gains Status normally, but the loser does not lose Status.
+2 Issuing or accepting a challenge outside
Surviving a fall from that height makes one a celebrity
dueling season
of sorts.
+6 Winning a duel outside dueling season
Challenges and Status. A duel requires a challenge
+7 Accepting and winning a cliffside duel and an acceptance; anyone can challenge any adult fey
+8 Dueling the Black Prince and winning to a duel, although traditionally courtesans and consorts
+9 Dueling Baron Suvid and winning neither issue nor accept challenges. Declining a duel
results in a −1 deduction to Status, unless the challenger’s
The Status changes from dueling are not cumulative; Status is higher than the challenged party’s by 5 or more
only the greatest positive modifier and the greatest (in which case no Status is lost by the challenged party).
negative modifier from any duel apply when the Particularly dramatic challenges and acceptances are a
outcome of the duel has been determined. wonderful opportunity to award inspiration.
DUELING RULES
Duels can be fought with royal sanction during The Crime of Cold Iron
dueling season, but such a request is rarely granted to A cold iron weapon (as explained in Tome of Beasts)
commoners or lesser fey (for whom dueling remains is treated as magical when used against any fey
illegal). These challenges are commonly fought either creature, and is the only sort of weapon that has
on the dueling ground (area 2) for duelists of Status 15 any hope of harming the most powerful fey lords
or lower, or in the Great Hall of the Shadow Court (area and ladies.
62) or on the Bridge of Night (area 26) whenever either Whether the characters are aware of this fact or
individual has a Status of 20 or higher. A bribe of goods not, they might try to bring such weapons to a
or gold equal to 10 gp for every rank of Status convinces duel—in which case they are quickly made to realize
the disreputable groundskeeper Whitemist to allow the that “carrying cold iron in court” is an egregious
illegal use of the dueling ground. felony. On the first offense, a mortal is sharply
informed that possession of cold iron weapons
Outside Dueling Season. Challenging someone
is forbidden and entirely outlawed in the courts,
outside dueling season is possible but risky. These
and most particularly in dueling. A second offense
duels are fought outside the palace, either in a forest
results in the immediate execution of the wielder
clearing at dawn (ideally far from prying eyes) or along
and the destruction of the weapon.
the cliffside path leading up to the Western Gate (see
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How Combat Works. No initiative rolls are required. Winning. A duel takes three simultaneous checks, and
All attack rolls are simultaneous. Each participant the duelist with the most successes wins; ties are always
makes three attacks in a standard duel, although special possible. The winning duelist gains a +1 increase to
rules might increase a duelist’s number of attempts. The Status; the loser suffers a −1 deduction to Status. If both
winner is the duelist who scores the most hits. duelists have the same number of successes, the duel is a
The attack rolls in a duel use the character’s attack tie and Status does not change.
bonus and features against the defender’s AC. Note Length of Dueling Season. The season ends when
that most fey duels are fought “without a coward’s the reigning monarch says it ends, usually after two or
armor,” meaning that only Dexterity, natural armor, and three weeks or when most of the interesting duelists
magical protections are permitted—shields and suits of have been injured and no other significant challenges
armor are not allowed unless by specific (and unusual) are expected.
arrangement beforehand. A roll of 1 or a miss by 5 or
more allows the opponent one unanswered follow-up CHALLENGERS AND DUELISTS
attack (effectively, an “extra pass” during the duel). Anyone can be a challenger in a duel. In addition
Otherwise, the combat proceeds normally with duelists to Brightspur (see page 69), four shadow fey, three
moving and attacking for three turns. elves, and one roachling are the most active potential
Damage, Healing, and Resolution. For each challengers during the dueling season, although you
successful hit in combat, the target takes damage might well introduce others. This section provides
normally. Healing, however, is impeded somewhat. Over details on a number of potential adversaries.
the course of a season, duelists who compete frequently
become exhausted and worn. The Shadow Realm seems Caleb, Celestial-Blooded Duelist
to prevent healing for those who overexert themselves Medium humanoid (elf), chaotic good
during this time. Hit points lost in a duel can’t be Armor Class 17 (studded leather)
regained by spending Hit Dice or by finishing a long rest Hit Points 117 (18d8 + 36)
during dueling season. Instead, they are regained at a rate Speed 30 ft.
of 1 hit point per day spent resting, with a bonus each day
equal to the wounded character’s Constitution modifier. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
A duelist with a 16 Constitution can thus recover 4 hit 13 (+1) 20 (+5) 14 (+2) 13 (+1) 12 (+1) 16 (+3)
points per day of rest during dueling season.
Cheating. Either duelist can attempt to cheat by Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +5, Wis +4, Cha +6
making two attacks in a single pass of combat. If both Skills Arcana +4, Deception +6, Perception +4, Stealth +8
attack rolls miss, the cheating goes noticed. Damage Resistances fire, radiant
If one or both of the attack rolls are successful, the foe Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
might notice that the attack involved cheating. The higher Languages Celestial, Common, Elvish, Umbral
result is the actual attack roll; the lower result is the Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
cheating roll. If the opposing duelist’s passive Perception
score + 5 is equal to or greater than the cheating roll, the Fey Ancestry. Caleb has advantage on saving throws
opponent notices the breach of protocol. against being charmed, and magic can’t put him to
For example, a trollkin attacks a shadow fey sorcerer sleep.
in combat dueling and decides to cheat. He makes Innate Spellcasting. Caleb’s spellcasting ability is
two attack rolls and gets results of 26 and 13. The 26 Charisma. He can cast the following spells requiring no
becomes his attack roll, and it hits; the 13 is his cheating material components:
roll, and it is lower than the sorcerer’s passive Perception At will: light
score + 5. She spots the half-orc’s cheating and might 3/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
call him on it. If an attempt to cheat is noticed and darkness only)
called out, the cheater suffers a −1 deduction to Status, 1/day: cure wounds
and the duel is over. The non-cheater is declared the Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Caleb has
winner and gains a +1 increase to Status accordingly. disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception)
checks that rely on sight.
Traveler in Darkness. Caleb has advantage on
Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
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Jurok
Small humanoid (goblin), lawful evil
Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield)
Hit Points 110 (17d6 + 51)
Speed 30 ft.
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occasionally whispers some advice in his ear. It is by far Action Surge (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
the smarter of the pair. Sir Yngress can take an additional action on his turn.
Fey Ancestry. Sir Yngress has advantage on saving
Sir Yngress the Red throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put him
Medium humanoid (elf), chaotic neutral to sleep.
Armor Class 19 (half plate, shield) Second Wind (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
As a bonus action, Sir Yngress can regain 1d10 + 6 hit
Hit Points 91 (14d8 + 28)
points.
Speed 30 ft.
ACTIONS
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Multiattack. Sir Yngress makes two attacks.
19 (+4) 15(+2) 14 (+2) 10 (+0) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) +2 Silvered Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit,
reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 4) slashing damage,
Saving Throws Str +7, Con +5 or 11 (1d10 + 6) slashing damage if used with two
Skills Athletics +7, Intimidation +3 hands. If a target is hit by two longsword attacks in one
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13 turn, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw
or be pushed 5 feet away from Sir Yngress and knocked
Languages Common, Elvish
prone.
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Treasure
Sir Yngress will insist that the victor in a duel against
him take an item of value. The suggested default item is
a +2 silvered longsword, which Yngress calls Heartsilver.
He will, however, part with his spider silk boots of
elvenkind or his wolf-skin cloak of elvenkind as well (but
not both).
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Skills Acrobatics +8, Perception +5, Stealth +8
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 10 ft., passive
Perception 15
Languages Abyssal, Common
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
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LADY SORREMINX OF THE RIVER COURT
Minimum Status: 13
An exotic, black-haired high elf from the River Court
who enjoys scholarship and history, Lady Sorreminx
carries an ebony wand set with diamonds at both ends.
She prefers to hear discussions of things arcane and
historical rather than dueling and swordplay, and she is
always quick to point out the flaws in her foes. Indeed,
she delivers her putdowns with a cruel smile: “Where
did you learn your major arcana, in a pigsty? Any
apprentice knows better, sir, for shame!”
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Treasure Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, Rujan has
Lady Sorreminx happily gives a victorious duelist a disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
5,000 gp emerald and a potion of superior healing. (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Traveler in Darkness. Rujan has advantage on
SIR RUJAN, KNIGHT OF THE BARNACLE TREE Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
Minimum Status: 15 shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
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Brave. Lord Chelessfield has advantage on saving throws Leadership (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
against being frightened. For 1 minute, Lord Chelessfield can utter a special
Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage command or warning whenever a nonhostile creature
when Lord Chelessfield hits with it (included in his that he can see within 30 feet of Lord Chelessfield
attacks). makes an attack roll or a saving throw. The creature can
Fey Ancestry. Lord Chelessfield has advantage on saving add a d4 to its roll provided it can hear and understand
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put him Lord Chelessfield. A creature can benefit from only
to sleep. one Leadership die at a time. This effect ends if Lord
Chelessfield is incapacitated.
ACTIONS
Development. Defeating Lord Chelessfield irks him
Multiattack. Lord Chelessfield makes three melee attacks.
but does nothing to affect shadow fey politics. He might
Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to
choose to woo a courtesan that his challenger also
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5)
pursues or has won—and given his charm and wealth,
slashing damage.
he might well win her away.
Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to
hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d4 + 5) Treasure
bludgeoning damage, and the target must
Lord Chelessfield gives a sentinel shield to the victor
succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw
if he is defeated; it is marked with the blue-and-white
or be knocked prone.
mountain insignia of his home fiefdom. He also
generously offers to foster any of the victor’s offspring in
the knightly arts and to teach that child archery.
Baron Suvid
Small fey, chaotic evil
Armor Class 16
Hit Points 121 (22d6 + 44)
Speed 120 ft.
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Skills Acrobatics +12, Perception +9, Sleight of
Hand +12, Stealth +12
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 19
Languages Common, Umbral
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
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Motivation. Akyishigal wants to rise into the ranks of If the characters accept the invitation and go to the
shadow fey nobility and join the court through force Well of Night (area 52), a successful DC 17 Strength
and fear. It plans to shred the king’s soul and offers (Athletics) check allows them to climb safely 50 feet
information to would-be allies about the tower labyrinth down the slippery, slimy walls of the well into the
and how to get through the maze—and about the rich darkness below. Their arrival does not go unnoticed.
magical treasures it can offer to anyone who produces
proof of the Moonlit King’s death. The chamber is mostly dark, yet the sound of scuttling
and scraping is everywhere; five-foot-thick pillars
AN INVITATION TO THE DEPTHS
of black stone reach up to the ceiling twenty feet
overhead. A creature with the head of an enormous
A strange goblin steps forward from the shadows and cockroach steps into the dim light, its antennae
bows; it seems to have antennae or horns of some twitching. “Welcome to the blackest pit in the palace.
kind on its forehead. “You are invited, lords and ladies, The only ones who visit here are my servants and my
to treat with one who has watched your climb from food. Which are you?”
the sewers to the stars. Lord Akyishigal would share All around in the darkness, a hundred scuttling legs
confidences with you at the bottom of the Black Well suddenly stop.
tonight at moonrise.”
The odd little goblin bows and steps away.
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ENCOUNTER CHOICES Akyishigal
Hard (9th-level characters)—Akyishigal Large fiend (demon), chaotic evil
Hard (11th-level characters)—Akyishigal, 2 spawn of Armor Class 18 (natural armor)
Akyishigal, 3 roachling soldiers, 3 roachling servitors Hit Points 138 (12d10 + 72)
Deadly (12th-level characters)—Akyishigal, 4 spawn of Speed 40 ft., burrow 20 ft., climb 40 ft., fly 40 ft.
Akyishigal, 6 roachling soldiers, 6 roachling servitors
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Illumination. Light sources all fade by one category
here: from bright light to dim, and from dim light to 21 (+5) 17 (+3) 22 (+6) 19 (+4) 14 (+2) 24 (+7)
darkness. A shadow censer burns in the center of the
chamber, darkness spreading from it. Saving Throws Str +9, Dex +7, Con +10, Wis +6, Cha +11
Pillars. The pillars grapple any foe that starts its turn Skills Acrobatics +11, Athletics +9, Perception +6,
within 5 feet of them (escape DC 14). Stealth +11
Damage Resistances acid, fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and
REACTIONS AND NEGOTIATING slashing from nonmagical attacks
WITH THE DEMON LORD Damage Immunities cold, lightning, poison
If the characters respond with “Your guests,” the demon Condition Immunities poisoned
lord remembers its plan to bribe the party. It offers Senses darkvision 120 ft., truesight 60 ft., passive
them power in the form of two appropriate rare or Perception 16
uncommon magic items in exchange for the Orb of Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Elvish, Infernal,
Rule, which is currently held by the Moonlit King. If telepathy 60 ft.
the characters accept this offer, the speaker becomes Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
a member of Akyishigal’s faction (see “Fealty to the
Demon Lord” below). The lord says, “Take this brooch Innate Spellcasting. Akyishigal’s innate spellcasting
as a sign of our bargain.” Refusing to do so enrages it ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with
and might result in combat unless the characters leave spell attacks). It can innately cast the following spells,
immediately. If the characters escape without instigating requiring no material components:
combat with Akyishigal, award each character 2,500 XP. At will: detect evil and good, magic circle, teleport
If the characters respond with “Neither,” the demon 3/day each: dispel magic, insect plague (6th level),
lord is offended. The characters must make a successful shapechange (vermin only)
DC 17 Charisma (Deception) or DC 20 Charisma 1/day: contagion (filth fever only)
(Persuasion) check each round to keep Akyishigal from Magic Resistance. Akyishigal has advantage on saving
attacking. The demon is an impatient listener, and its throws against spells and other magical effects.
swarms attack on a single failed check. If the party has Summon Demon (1/day). Akyishigal can summon a
nothing to bargain with or if a single character visits rattok demonCC. The rattok appears in an unoccupied
alone, the servants might join combat immediately.
If the characters respond with “Your servants,” the
demon lord offers the group badges (shiny black roaches
that are worn as brooches or buckles). Those who accept Shards of a Broken Mind:
the badges become members of Akyishigal’s faction. The Root of Madness
Akyishigal conceals one of the clues to unraveling
Fealty to the Demon Lord. Akyishigal is perfectly
the Moonlit King’s madness: that the demon lord
willing to accept the party’s fealty; each character
who swears fealty so gains a Tiny roach companion caused the king to go mad in the first place.
that always accompanies them. Akyishigal, operating The demon’s ambitions hinge on the destruction
through the roach, can dominate that character for 1 of the Moonlit King. Although the Roach Lord won’t
round, as the spell dominate monster, at any future time reveal much, it does tell those who swear fealty to it
(with no saving throw allowed). Characters who pledge that it drove the king mad to force him out of favor
their service to Akyishigal earn a +2 increase to Status as part of a long-term scheme. Akyishigal tells this to
and the undying hatred of the Lords of Light, because its new vassals in the hope of impressing upon them
doing so is an evil act. the vast reach of its influence and power.
If the characters respond in any other way, it’s up to This particular secret is known to one other group:
you to figure out whether the demon lord decides to talk the Lords of Light.
to them or eat them for supper.
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Cloak of Swarms (Recharge 5–6). Akyishigal can emit
Akyishigal a cloud of flying stinging insects from its mouth, its
eyes, and the tears in his skin. This cloud surrounds
Of all the dreadful demons lurking within the Abyss,
it to a radius of 5 feet. When the cloak is active, all
perhaps none is as vile and disgusting as Akyishigal,
attacks against Akyishigal are made with disadvantage,
the Cockroach Demon, whose filth-slicked mandibles and Akyishigal can see in all directions (through the
clack hungrily and ceaselessly for the flesh and souls insects’ eyes). Any living creature that starts its turn
of humans. Despite this, it has a surprising number within 5 feet of Akyishigal takes 11 (2d10) piercing
of followers among the urban dispossessed, the damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage, or half as much
slum-dwelling downtrodden, and those who lurk poison damage with a successful DC 17 Constitution
within the lightless depths beneath cities. saving throw. If the saving throw fails, the character is
Though Akyishigal has sired an entire race in its also poisoned for 1 hour. The swarm lasts for up to 5
image, it still craves followers among humans, elves, rounds but dissipates instantly if Akyishigal takes 30
and other races as a means of corrupting civilization or more damage from a non-weapon source that it
doesn’t have resistance to. While poisoned by Cloak of
from within, rotting it at its core like an aging fruit.
Swarms, a character emits a stench of decomposition.
Shrines are most likely to be located in abandoned
All uncontrolled vermin attack that character on sight
buildings, garbage dumps, sewers, ruins, graveyards,
and in preference to other targets.
and other filthy places.
Kidnapped victims find themselves submerged LEGENDARY ACTIONS
in filth with only their heads showing. Bound, Akyishigal can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
disoriented by darkness and sounds of chanting, the options below. Only one legendary action option
and paralyzed by fear, the innocent are helpless to can be used at a time and only at the end of another
prevent their fate as ravenous roaches feast on their creature’s turn. Akyishigal regains spent legendary
actions at the start of its turn.
eyes and tongues. A sacrifice who survives is later
released back into the populace. There, blind and Teleport. Akyishigal teleports to any unoccupied space it
speechless, its body wracked by disease contracted can see.
from the filth in which it was submerged, the sacrifice Skitter. Akyishigal makes one attack and moves up to 20
despairs as its slow decline toward death becomes a feet without provoking opportunity attacks, or vice versa.
drain on family and society. Spellcasting (Costs 2 Actions). Akyishigal casts insect
In most cases, the cripple soon begins begging plague.
in the slums, adding to the seething mass of
disenchanted citizens that exist in the shadows of Spawn of Akyishigal
the worst large cities. These tragic figures become Medium fiend (demon), chaotic evil
potential new supplicants for Akyishigal, who Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
promises to heal them of their ills but leaves them Hit Points 119 (14d8 + 56)
hollow shells of bitterness and cruelty. These cults are Speed 30 ft., climb 30 ft.
almost as difficult to stamp out as are real cockroach
infestations. Even if they are driven off repeatedly, STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
followers inevitably resurface among the teeming 15 (+2) 13 (+1) 19 (+4) 10 (+0) 11 (+0) 12 (+1)
mobs of beggars, thugs, streetwalkers, and refugees.
Saving Throws Dex +4
Damage Immunities poison
space within 60 feet of Akyishigal, acts as an ally of Condition Immunities poisoned
Akyishigal, and can’t summon other demons. It remains Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
for 1 minute, until it or its summoner dies, or until its Languages Abyssal, Infernal, Spawn of Akyishigal
summoner dismisses it as an action. Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
ACTIONS
Multiattack. Akyishigal makes four claw attacks. Command Vermin. Spawn of Akyishigal can command
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft., one Tiny beasts of Intelligence 2 or lower within 30 feet that
target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage. aren’t under any magical control. The beasts obey the
spawn’s commands to the best of their ability, heedless
of their own safety.
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ACTIONS Roachling Soldier
Multiattack. The spawn makes one bite attack and two Small humanoid (roachling), chaotic neutral
sting attacks. Armor Class 15 (natural armor)
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one Hit Points 63 (14d6 + 14)
target. Hit: 7 (1d10 + 2) piercing damage.
Speed 25 ft.
Sting. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 11 (2d8 + 2) piercing damage and the target STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or
10 (+0) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
be poisoned for 1d6 rounds.
Swarming Cough (Recharge 5–6). The spawn can belch
forth a swarm of insects. The swarm is completely under Saving Throws Dex +5, Con +3
the spawn’s control. It remains for 1 minute or until Skills Acrobatics +5, Stealth +7
destroyed. The spawn can have only one such swarm at Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 10 ft., passive
a time. If it coughs up a new swarm, the previous one Perception 10
dissipates. Languages Abyssal, Common
Challenge 2 (450 XP)
Roachling Servitor
Small humanoid (roachling), chaotic neutral Resistant. The roachling has advantage on Constitution
Armor Class 13 (natural armor) saving throws.
Hit Points 7 (2d6) Unlovely. The roachling has disadvantage on Charisma
Speed 25 ft. (Performance and Persuasion) checks made against non-
roachlings.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA ACTIONS
10 (+0) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 10 (+0) 9 (–1) 10 (+0) Multiattack. The roachling soldier makes two attacks.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Saving Throws Dex +4, Con +2 one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
Skills Acrobatics +4, Stealth +6 poison damage.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., tremorsense 10 ft., passive Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft.,
Perception 9 one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6)
Languages Abyssal, Common poison damage.
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
The servitors and soldiers stay close to their master, the
Resistant. The roachling has advantage on Constitution better to tear its foes to pieces.
saving throws. Development. If the characters fight to the bitter end,
Unlovely. The roachling has disadvantage on Charisma they will be swarmed and overrun by the Roach Lord
(Performance and Persuasion) checks made against and its underlings. Any non-good character “killed”
non-roachlings. by the Roach Lord and its servants is transformed into
ACTIONS a roachling NPC in its service. Unaligned characters
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., become evil, and evil characters become chaotic evil.
one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Treasure
Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 20/60 ft.,
The roaches have a hoard of fey memories in physical
one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.
form and an appropriate very rare magic item. The
shadow censer here requires incense to use its dimming
magic.
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Act III, Scene 6: and all sides; they do not all walk beside their prince,
The Black Prince and His Hounds but at a distance, keeping an arrow in hand at all times
as a sign of their vigilance.
Minimum Status: 17 for an audience, 21 to go hunting Intelligence (Nature) DC 18—The dog resembles a
Though the characters might never be introduced mastiff from the Margreve forest but is even larger.
to him until they rise in Status enough to be invited These creatures are notorious teleporting beasts.
hunting, the Black Prince is certainly aware of them, Wisdom (Perception) DC 25—A wooden gallery runs
and his raven spies watch carefully to see where above the audience chamber, with the sounds of fey
interesting travelers go. To all guests, the Black Prince voices and the rattle of quivers coming from within it.
is superficially friendly. In truth, he is bored and Wisdom (Insight) DC 13—The woman resembles the
constantly looking for distractions to amuse himself prince and might be a relative.
(and possibly obtain assistance in sensitive and
surreptitious matters of state). ENCOUNTER CHOICES
As the party grows in influence, the brooding Black Medium (9th-level characters)—The Black Prince (not
Prince becomes a rival; he is certainly his father’s son— recommended; single foes against a party are rarely
an arrogant cad who expects a great deal of deference satisfying)
from visitors. When the time is right, the prince sends Deadly (9th-level characters)—The Black Prince, the
forth a white raven, or perhaps Kolya the Kennel Master, Pale Witch, 1 hound of the night
to communicate to the characters a simple invitation
Hard (11th-level characters)—The Black Prince, the
without specifics: “Requesting your presence to attend
Pale Witch, 2 shadow fey archers, 1 hound of the night
his Royal Majesty in the Great Hall of the Shadow Court
an hour after moonrise.” Hander Svenk, the Black Prince
MEETING THE PRINCE Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil
Armor Class 17 (mithral half plate)
Hit Points 120 (16d8 + 48)
The audience chamber is filled with glowing light and
Speed 30 ft.
shimmering surfaces; its walls ripple under the weight
of tens of thousands of white moths. The fey lord sits
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
atop a small chair draped in purple velvet. He wears
20 (+5) 15 (+2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 20 (+5) 14 (+2)
black chain armor and a bascinet topped by a glowing
white feather. He carries a rapier at his side, and he
pets an enormous black dog. Beside him is a female Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +7
shadow fey with hair as white as his is black. Skills Arcana +5, Deception +6, Insight +9, Persuasion
+6, Perception +9, Stealth +6, Survival +9
The white moths on the walls aren’t just decorative; Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 19
they are also an alarm against intruders, covering any Languages Common, Elvish, Sylvan, Umbral
non-fey in hundreds of otherwise harmless but glowing Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
creatures. Creatures covered in butterflies are affected as
if by a faerie fire spell. Brute. A melee weapon deals one extra die of its damage
The female is Rosali Svenk, the prince’s sister. Unlike when the Black Prince hits with it (included in the
most shadow fey, her skin is deathly pale, almost white, attacks).
contrasting with her large, black eyes. She is tall and Fey Ancestry. The Black Prince has advantage on saving
graceful, dressed in hooded black robes decorated with throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put him
silvery eldritch patterns; her wide grin is cruel and to sleep.
predatory. She carries a gnarled staff decorated with Innate Spellcasting. The Black Prince’s innate
raven feathers and the skulls of tiny animals. spellcasting ability is Charisma. He can cast the following
spell innately, requiring no material components:
Intelligence (Investigation) DC 20—The woman must 2/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or
be the prince’s sister, also called the Pale Witch of the darkness only)
Umbral Marches. She is said to visit the courts but Spellcasting. The Black Prince is a 5th-level spellcaster.
rarely. His dogs are his own breed of shadow mastiffs, His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (save DC 17, +9 to hit
and his shadow fey archers keep watch from above with spell attacks). He knows the following ranger spells:
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(2d8 + 5) plus 9 (2d8) poison damage if used with two
hands to make a melee attack. If the Black Prince throws
his spear, he can magically call it back to his hand as a
bonus action.
Shadow Charge (2/rest). The Black Prince teleports up
to 60 feet to an unoccupied space within 5 feet of a
creature he can see.
REACTIONS
Parry. The Black Prince adds 4 to his AC against one
melee attack that would hit him. To do so, he must see
the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.
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Traveler in Darkness. The Pale Witch has advantage Leadership (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). For
on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about 1 minute, the Pale Witch can utter a special command
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items. or warning whenever a nonhostile creature that she can
see within 30 feet of it makes an attack roll or a saving
ACTIONS
throw. The creature can add a d4 to its roll provided
Multiattack. The Pale Witch makes two rapier attacks. it can hear and understand the Pale Witch. A creature
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one can benefit from only one Leadership die at a time. This
target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage plus 17 (5d6) effect ends if the Pale Witch is incapacitated.
psychic damage.
Beguiling Whispers (Recharge 5–6). The Pale Witch
Hound of the Night
speaks sweet words to a creature she can see within
60 feet that can hear her. The creature must succeed Large monstrosity, neutral evil
on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or be charmed for Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
1 minute. While charmed in this way, the creature has Hit Points 112 (15d10 + 30)
disadvantage on Wisdom and Charisma saving throws Speed 50 ft.
made to resist spells cast by the Pale Witch.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
20 (+5) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 9 (–1) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
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Shadow Fey Archer first target anyone who is a melee threat to the prince.
Subsequent targets include anyone who casts blasting
Medium humanoid (elf), neutral evil
spells; the archers concentrate fire on these figures,
Armor Class 15 (chain shirt)
especially on identifiable clerics and healers.
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42)
Speed 40 ft. Treasure
The Black Prince keeps many odd things in his
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA chamber—the horns of a shadow elk as a hunting trophy,
12 (+1) 18 (+4) 12 (+1) 11 (+0) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) the bottled sighs of virgins, and the collected shadows
of the Family Stross— but these are valuable only in the
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +4, Cha +6 Shadow Realm, or at least only among the shadow fey.
Skills Arcana +3, Perception +4, Stealth +10, Survival +4 His real treasure is a set of a dozen silver apples made
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14 of distilled moonlight. These apples shine like mithral
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral and are worth 1,000 gp each. Moonlight apples are rare
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP) wondrous items; when consumed, one grants a creature
a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws and immunity to
Fey Ancestry. The shadow fey has advantage on saving Sunlight Sensitivity for a year and a day. The apples are
throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put it to always carried by two young shadow fey pages who
sleep. retain them until such time as the Moonlit King returns
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting to the palace. They are for the prince’s consumption
ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell alone, not for any lesser creatures.
innately, requiring no material components:
3/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or DEVELOPMENTS WITHOUT COMBAT
darkness only) If the characters appear as summoned, the prince speaks
Sneak Attack (1/Turn). The shadow fey deals an extra to them courteously and warns them off. “Do not
7 (2d6) damage when it hits a target with a weapon interfere with the Blood Royal. Do not attempt to bring
attack and has advantage on the attack roll, or when your quarrels to my mother. And do not tamper with
the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the shadow fey my ravens, my hounds, or my friend Baron Suvid. Do
that isn’t incapacitated and the shadow fey doesn’t have not ally yourselves with the Roach Lord. And leave the
disadvantage on the attack roll.
court before another moon grows full.”
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow If the characters insist on their right to continue to
fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
act against the prince’s wishes, he challenges them to
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
a duel during the next dueling season if he perceives
Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage
any threat to the court or his influence. If one or more
on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
of the characters has attempted to woo “his” succubus
shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
courtesan, he warns that character off in particular.
ACTIONS If the characters agree to stay away, the prince is
Multiattack. The shadow fey makes two ranged attacks. quick to notice any breach of their promise (his lantern
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one dragonettes report the event to him). Breaking their
target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage poison damage. word is cause for a duel and, likely, for expulsion from
Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range the court if they lose it.
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage
plus 7 (2d6) poison damage. DEVELOPMENTS AFTER COMBAT
Tactics. The hound corners a foe and attacks from If he is defeated in combat, the Black Prince is not
darkness if possible. It uses its Frost Breath to catch killed; the party has overcome him and earns XP
clustered enemies before teleporting next to its victim accordingly, but he cannot be slain in his home court.
to threaten any responders. The Pale Witch seeks to stay Instead, he bows, stows his spear, and confesses, “You
out of melee combat if she can, using her spells and her have bested me; I am your servant.” His minions,
enchanting voice to disrupt foes, possibly turning them hounds, and sister (if any survived) cease combat as
against one another. If an opponent engages her in close well, although they remain wary. Goblin servants leap
combat, she slips away with misty step before using out of nowhere to bandage the wounds of all fey and of
turning her full attention on that character. The archers those with Status of 16 or higher.
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The Black Prince’s sudden change of temperament painted in hound and eye designs, is large enough for
from raging attacker to genteel host might throw the the whole crew. At first light of the Shadow Realm’s
characters off guard, but a successful DC 15 Wisdom morning, the hunters are awake and ready to seek out
(Insight) check makes it plain that he is sincere about deer or boar among the deeps of the forest, flickering
his surrender and his newfound peaceful demeanor. between the shadow realm and Margreve Forest in the
If the characters accept his peace offer, they gain mortal world. This occasion is a glorious chance for the
considerable Status (a +5 increase) as soon as word invited characters to curry some favor with the Blood
spreads that they have “drunk claret with the prince.” If Royal and portray themselves in a good light. Characters
they refuse and attempt to continue combat, they gain can demonstrate skill in the chase by making successful
no Status for the triumph, the prince immediately gains DC 17 Wisdom (Survival) checks; success wins approval
85 hit points, and he vacates the area. in the eyes of the prince and his companions and a +1
Raven Assassins. If the Black Prince escapes in this increase to Status for the character.
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Intelligence (Nature) DC 22—This bunch of creatures is or become blinded. Both effects end when the creature
much more potent than a normal swarm! doesn’t share a space with the swarm at the end of the
creature’s turn. If a creature succeeds on the saving
ENCOUNTER CHOICES throw, it is immune to the swarm’s blindness effect (but
Medium (9th-level characters)—2 greater death not the speed reduction) for 24 hours.
butterfly swarms ACTIONS
Hard (9th-level characters)—3 greater death butterfly Multiattack: The swarm makes a bite attack against
swarms every target in its space.
Deadly (9th-level characters)—4 greater death butterfly Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 0 ft., one
swarms, and reduce the sandalwood to a 5-foot-by- target. Hit: 24 (6d6 +3) piercing damage, or 13 (3d6 + 3)
10-foot area piercing damage if the swarm has been reduced to half
of its hit points or fewer. The target also takes 17 (5d6)
A nearby stack of sandalwood logs holds the swarms at poison damage and becomes poisoned for 1d4 rounds;
bay if it is lit ablaze. Magical effects that burn flammable a successful DC 15 Constitution saving throw reduces
material set the logs on fire instantly; otherwise, it takes the poison damage by half and prevents the poisoned
1 round to ignite the wood using burning oil or some condition.
other significant fuel or flame. The smoke from the
blaze prevents the swarms from entering the squares Particularly vile creatures never seem to rest, often
surrounding the fallen logs, which is a 10-foot-by- coming back as unliving abominations and ghastly
15-foot area. A character who succeeds on a DC 18 spirits. Sometimes, though, these creatures do cross
Intelligence (Nature) check realizes this fact. A swarm over to whatever reward awaits them, leaving behind
must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw when it tries tainted corpses that pass the evil on to those that feast
to enter that space, or at the start of its turn if it’s already on the remains.
there. On a failed save, it can’t enter, or it must leave the A death butterfly swarm results when a rare breed of
space immediately. carrion-eating butterflies, drawn to the stench of decay,
feed on the corpse of an evil creature. Individually, and
Greater Death Butterfly Swarm prior to feeding on such a creature, the butterflies pose
Huge swarm of Tiny beasts, unaligned no threat, but afterward the driving animus forces the
Armor Class 15 (natural armor) butterflies to swarm and inflict misery on all who cross
Hit Points 84 (13d12) their path.
Speed 5 ft., fly 40 ft. The swarm’s changed state enables it to inflict a fast-
acting, necrotizing poison on its victims. Thus, it can
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA feed immediately on carrion created with its poison. The
1 (–5) 16 (+3) 10 (+0) 1 (–5) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) oppressive evil infused in the butterflies bears down on
those caught in the swarm’s wake, potentially paralyzing
Damage Vulnerabilities cold, fire victims that the swarm passes over. The swarm benefits
Damage Resistances bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from this effect, fluttering around unmoving victims
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, grappled, and necrotizing more and more flesh while the prey
paralyzed, petrified, prone, restrained, stunned cannot escape.
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12 Undead creatures, to which the death butterfly swarm
Languages — would obviously be drawn, are not immune to a death
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP) butterfly swarm’s poison. Just as the swarm rots away
a living creature, it might also dissolve an undead
creature’s animating force. Given the choice between an
Potent Poison. The death butterfly swarm’s poison affects
undead and a living creature, a swarm will always attack
corporeal undead that are otherwise immune to poison.
the undead target. The swarm finds ghouls and ghasts to
Swarm. The swarm can occupy another creature’s space
be particularly appealing. Because of this fact, non-good
and vice versa, and the swarm can move through any
opening large enough for a Tiny butterfly. The swarm mages see summoning a death butterfly swarm as a
can’t regain hit points or gain temporary hit points. necessary evil when battling the Empire of the Ghouls.
Weight of Wings. A creature in a space occupied by a
death butterfly swarm has its speed reduced by half,
and must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw
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The Firebird CHASING AND CATCHING
Seeing the bird and catching it are two very different
If the characters want, they can pursue more legendary things. The job of catching the firebird requires netting
game—the long-tailed firebird. The queen has often it, or bringing it down by striking it without causing
expressed a desire to receive the bird as a gift, and the lethal injury. (The Black Prince’s hunting party has
characters might have learned of this from Intelligence birding arrows and bolts, special blunt projectiles that
(Investigation) checks to gather information and gossip impose disadvantage on attack rolls but will knock the
(see page 57). firebird unconscious instead of injuring it.) Of course,
the party might try to kill it (see “Killing the Firebird,”
FINDING THE BIRD IN THE WOODS
page 120), but the queen is more interested in a living
Locating the firebird is a skill challenge in which the
bird as a mark of Status—no one is interested in the bird
characters must score 6 successes before they get 3
as food, although the feathers would find takers.
failures. In addition to ability checks, appropriate spells
But first of all, the characters must catch up to it.
can provide successes as well.
They begin in one space on the Firebird Chase map,
Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) DC 16— and the firebird in a space directly opposite them on the
Climbing trees and hills for a better view, chasing outer edge of the map. The characters can pursue either
sounds while running along fallen tree trunks in the clockwise or counterclockwise; the forest geometry
forest, leaping from branch to branch in a favored around the firebird is subject to major shifts and the
tree, or otherwise moving to a better position can bird seems to create a sort of “chase magic” around
enable the elusive bird to be more easily spotted. itself, particularly when it moves through the central
Alternative: Flight or casting spider climb provides a black circle (see below). Characters have a speed of 3
success.
Intelligence (Nature) or Wisdom (Survival) DC
18—Knowing the bird’s nesting habits, likely
food sources, and preferred foraging, roosting,
and mating habits enable it to be more easily
tracked in the enormous forest.
Alternative: Casting speak with animals or
spending a use of wild shape provides a
success.
Wisdom (Perception) DC 14, limit 2 successes—
Hearing the firebird’s distant song or the rush
of its wings or seeing signs of its smoldering
nest in a treetop are sure signs that it’s nearby.
Dexterity (Stealth) DC 17, special, does not
contribute to success—A successful Dexterity
(Stealth) check provides a character advantage
on his or her next check.
Alternative: Casting silence provides advantage
for a character’s next two checks.
If the characters succeed in the skill challenge,
read:
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spaces. Creatures can move diagonally on the circle map will reduce the bird to 0 hit points, whereupon it falls
with no increased cost in movement. unconscious and can be caught before it revives. It also
The exact distance covered by the spaces is left has the following special action:
indeterminate. Assume that the party can group together Blinding Radiance. As a bonus action, the firebird sings
or spread out easily in one space for the purpose of and releases a mote of fiery brilliance, which floats up
beneficial spells or features. If the party splits up, any to 6 spaces from the bird and explodes. All those within
touch spells or melee attacks require that the target be in the affected space must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving
the same space as the creature using the feature. throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 5 (1d10) radiant
The firebird flies away with its movement and the Dash damage and is both blinded and paralyzed until the
action (traveling a total of 10 spaces) whenever the party start of the firebird’s next turn, or it takes half as much
comes within 6 spaces of it, and it always tries to move damage and isn’t blinded or paralyzed on a successful
away from any creature it is aware of. The firebird can save. Note: Shadow fey find this effect disconcerting,
and if it is used against them, they will soon abandon
move into a perching position on any tree (putting it 5
the chase (on a roll of 1–2 on 1d6 each round).
spaces above the ground) by ending its movement in that
space. It has cover from ranged attacks while perched.
THE FIREBIRD (ACTIVE)
The firebird can move through the central black circle
For a greater challenge using a firebird that fights back,
out to anywhere on the edge (but not the reverse) up to
use the statistics below.
three times during the chase. When it passes through
the center, the forest seems to warp around the bird,
Firebird
enabling it to potentially elude pursuers. If the firebird
passes through the black circle for a third time, it leaves Small celestial, neutral good
the area of the woods near the characters, ending the Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
hunt. Its birdsong can be heard fading in the distance Hit Points 99 (18d6 + 36)
for some time. Speed 20 ft., fly 100 ft.
Much of the forest is difficult terrain (marked with
brambles). Tree trunks are impassable terrain, and STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
climbing is difficult: DC 13 Strength (Athletics) or 12 (+1) 19 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 21 (+5)
Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks are needed for jumping
over the logs, and Strength (Athletics) checks are Saving Throws Dex +6, Con +4, Int +5, Wis +4, Cha +7
needed for climbing the mossy trees (DC 15) or Skills Acrobatics +6, Arcana +5, Insight +4, Medicine
jumping the stream (DC 15 with a running start or DC +4, Nature +5, Perception +7, Religion +5
20 without). Damage Resistances lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Heavily Wooded Terrain. Because of the many obstacles
Damage Immunities fire
in the area, ranged weapons with the ammunition
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, invisible
property have a short range of 3 spaces and a maximum
range of 6 spaces. Ranged spell attacks and any spells Senses truesight 60 ft., passive Perception 17
that require line of sight to the target have a range of 6 Languages Celestial, Common, Elvish, Primordial, Sylvan
spaces. Nets and other thrown weapons have a range of Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
1 space.
Innate Spellcasting. The firebird’s innate spellcasting
Successful Tactics. One solution is to use magical
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast
movement or for the characters to gather near the black
the following spells, requiring no material components:
circle and flush the firebird to the edge. Splitting up to
At will: guidance, purify food and drink, speak with
herd the firebird can work as well. Once a character is
animals
close enough to throw a net, cast a nonlethal spell, or
3/day each: charm person, cure wounds (as a 2nd-level
shoot a birding arrow (disadvantage on attack rolls),
spell), daylight, faerie fire, heat metal, hypnotic pattern,
they might knock the bird down long enough to be able tongues
to grab it.
1/day each: geas, heal, reincarnate
THE FIREBIRD (PASSIVE) Light of the World. The firebird’s feathers glow with a
warm light. The creature sheds light as dim as a candle
In the standard version of the hunt, the firebird does not
or as bright as a lantern. It always sheds light, and any
engage its pursuers in combat. It has an Armor Class
feathers plucked from the creature continue to shed
of 16 and an initiative bonus of +4. Two hits against it light as a torch.
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Warming Presence. The firebird and any creatures within Killing the Firebird. If party kills the firebird instead
a 5-foot radius are immune to the effects of natural, of using non-lethal means, the killing character
environmental cold. If invited into a home or a building, immediately suffers a −5 deduction to Status, but the
a firebird can extend this benefit to its inhabitants no prince gives the character a mithral mirror (2,500 gp)
matter how close they are to the creature. and a moonglass goblet (1,500 gp) for “good service to
ACTIONS the crown.”
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When the bird is handed over to the queen, read: challenges, as well as many cutting remarks and new
sycophants, all seeking either to prove themselves
The firebird squawks once and settles comfortably worthy to the queen or to learn the “secret” of
onto the queen’s wrist. She pets it once, twice, three impressing her (see “Discarded Favorites” below).
times, and each time the fire in her eyes grows
DECLINING THE QUEEN
stronger. The queen smiles and says, “Oh, you have
If the character refuses to follow the queen to her
done well, my beloved. You have brought me a fine
bedchamber, the queen takes this rejection very poorly
gift indeed.” Her eyes sparkle, and she waves you
for several days. The character’s Status suffers a −3
forward. “Come to me that I may whisper to you.”
deduction, and the guards keep the character out of
the Royal Halls by royal decree, regardless of Status.
Intelligence (Arcana) DC 20—The queen has a strange,
All other courtiers view the character as the fool
mystic relationship with the firebird. It is not related
who passed up a golden opportunity, and they snub
to the shadow powers of the court. Indeed, it seems
the character for a few days or until he or she does
more related to the radiant powers of the queen.
something worthy.
If the character who presented the bird does approach, The character does, however, wind up in the good
take that player aside and ask him or her whether they graces of the demon lord Akyishigal and the Black
want their character to become the queen’s consort and Prince, and might be invited by one or both to plot
possibly her lover. (The same offer might be made if a against the queen’s interests, or at least to share some
character reaches a Status of 30 or higher.) If the answer treacherous gossip.
is yes, the character is given a heavy golden necklace
set with rubies (7,000 gp) and asked to stand at the DISCARDED FAVORITES
queen’s right side. If no, he or she is dismissed with a If a discarded lover tries to return to the queen’s good
rueful glance; the queen holds no long-lasting grudge, graces sooner than one year after he or she has been
although her first reaction is quite negative (see below). dismissed, things go very poorly indeed for that
individual. Queen Sarastra banishes her old, used up,
A New Consort worn out, or just plain no longer fancied lovers to the
If the character accepts the offered position in the court, Labyrinth, perhaps even binding them into a new shape
the queen is most pleased and the presenter gains a +9 for her own amusement, such as a goblin or a gnome.
increase to Status immediately (see Table 2–2, page 41). If the characters are smart, they might figure out that
the various fey beggars and goblins in the maze can be
The queen takes the firebird to the window and sources of information. That is, if they don’t kill these
sets it free. The courtiers whisper and bow. “You are denizens first.
dismissed. We shall retire,” says the queen, and she
steps through a shadowy portal. Her words echo faintly
into the hall. “Come with me, O Royal Birdcatcher.”
Shards of a Broken Mind:
If the newly elevated character decides to follow the The Queen’s Gambit
queen to her bedchamber, he or she is not seen again If the queen takes one of the characters as her
by the other characters. Behind the scenes, Queen consort, sometime during the course of their tryst
Sarastra’s semi-divine domination turns the character she reveals one of her most valuable secrets: she is
(temporarily) into an NPC. The character dotes on the magically forestalling the Moonlit King’s return to
queen and spends no time with his or her old friends. The power.
player might choose to play an NPC such as Brightspur The queen uses the power of the firebird to
(see page 69) or the roachling duelist Yikrugrak (see page perpetuate the Moonlit King’s madness, though she
102), or might roll up a new temporary character such as doesn’t know what drove him mad in the first place.
a shadow fey, elf, gnome, or half-elf courtier. The queen By doing this, she delays the turn of the courtly
gives a gift of a very rare or lesser magic item to her new seasons and ensures that she remains in power.
lover as a token of her delight. Otherwise, the seasons would turn, and the Winter
As the queen’s lover, the character is essentially Court would rise to power. When that happens, she
untouchable by all other fey until the queen tires of her would have to step down and surrender the throne
new toy (in 1d6 weeks) and dumps him or her. At that to her husband, until the seasons turn once again.
point, the former lover must fend off 1d4 + 1 dueling
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DEVELOPMENT: THE PRINCE’S RAGE (area 25), and walking across the bridge to the Royal
The prince knows that the queen derives some power Chambers. There, one climbs the 1,000 steps up to the
and pleasure from the firebird, and it is his plan to give Queen’s Audience Chamber, eventually walking out
her such a bird himself, thus foiling the ambitions of onto a cloud above the twilight gloom below.
Akyishigal and ingratiating himself with his mother, Characters of Status 21 or higher who have not been
who currently mistrusts him (for good reason). If the specifically invited can trail along as friends and
party does give the bird to the queen despite the prince’s confidantes of the invited character. They are not
warning, he is angry enough either to send a double-size announced (see below).
group of his raven assassins (see “Raven Assassins,” page
116) or to duel the gift-giver personally on the Bridge of Characters of Status 16–20 can attend the invited
Night. He expects to thrash them. character as servants or hirelings of the invited character,
Regardless of the outcome of these measures, the so long as they bear no weapons and wear no armor
Black Prince remains the characters’ enemy, sending or jewels. They may not speak, on pain of immediate
messenger birds bearing news about them to the expulsion—the floor literally vanishes beneath the
Moonlit King, whispering into the Well of Night expelled character, and he or she falls 100 feet down to
to inform the demon Akyishigal about them, and the Bridge of Night, landing near the Eastern Gate and
encouraging Baron Suvid to destroy them in any taking 10d6 bludgeoning damage from the fall. Survivors
manner he finds suitable. suffer an immediate loss of all earned Status.
Characters of Status of 15 or lower may not enter the
Act IV: Royal Audiences presence of the queen except by stealth or deception
and Treachery
(disguising themselves as someone of higher Status).
If their pretense is discovered, they are expelled
immediately through the floor, falling and suffering the
For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror, which loss of all Status as described above.
we are still just able to endure, and we are so awed
because it serenely disdains to annihilate us.
Every angel is terrifying. The stairs up to the audience chamber are not quite
—Rainer Maria Rilke, Duino Elegies endless; it takes most of an hour to reach the top.
Countless stars shine above the audience chamber,
And when it was night, oh, as was their plight,
and the floor is covered in cloudlike mist. The chamber
The moon had gone down, the stars gave no light;
seems to be entirely outside the palace, hundreds of
They sobbed and they sighed, and bitterly cried
feet up in the sky. There are no walls, just a throne
Then the poor little babes, they lay down and died.
of dark lapis lazuli flecked with gold. A curtain of
—“Babes in the Wood” (traditional English folksong)
shadows obscures the throne’s occupant, though she
Once the characters have gained higher-ranked clearly wears a shining crown set with stars. A small
connections (or intimidated and enchanted the right herald steps forward and announces you.
enemies), they gain more access to power. The first
character to the top gains an audience with the queen
in which she deigns to speak of the king, whose name ANNOUNCING THE CHARACTERS
is rarely spoken except in fearful whispers in the times A small shadow fey herald with a large voice announces
when the queen rules. The encounters in this act presume the characters. The queen is announced as soon as the
that the characters have reached 9th or 10th level. door is opened, and the characters enter in order of
precedence (by Status). The queen is announced thus:
Act IV, Scene 1:
Meeting the Queen A fluid voice echoes from all around. “You enter the
presence of Her Celestial and Royal Majesty, Sarastra
When a single character has reached Status of 26 or Aestruum, Queen of Night and Magic, Duchess of
higher, he or she is invited to an audience with the the Heavens, Countess of Thorn, Mistress of Air and
queen, at the character’s earliest convenience. By Darkness, Lady of the Summer Palace and Bride of
making a successful DC 17 Intelligence (History) check,
Shadows. Attend her well.”
the character knows that a courtly ritual is required to
A small fey herald turns, and the curtain of shadows
visit the queen. This involves wearing one’s best finery,
ripples. “Your majesty, may I present to you the invited
lighting a candle in the Shrine to the Shadow Gods
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guest _______________, the honorable mortal and visitor CONVINCING THE QUEEN
who has been acquitted most passing well.” Gaining the queen’s confidence is a skill challenge in
which the characters must score 5 successes before they
Give the name of the character with the highest Status get 3 failures.
together with any title and noteworthy accomplishments Charisma (Deception) DC 20, limit 1 success—A smooth
including duels won, courtesans wooed, and monsters talker generally wins some points with the queen for
slain recently. Then announce any other character with a bravado.
Status of 21 or higher, giving a shorter title and perhaps
Charisma (Persuasion) DC 18, +2 per additional
a single accomplishment (“Seducer of the Succubus” or
attempt—Charisma (Persuasion) smooths the way
“Confidant of the Ravens”). Disregard characters with
with the queen, but the more you use it, the tougher
Status of 20 or lower, referring to them only as “servants
Her Celestial Majesty becomes. She likes to make
and other mortal followers not of this realm.”
diplomats sweat.
Charisma (Intimidation) DC 17, limit 1 success—
The veil parts to reveal the queen, a beautiful female
Gusto is considered a sign of bravado, courage, and
shadow fey with black hair below a crown of mithral
aggressiveness. Too much of it, though, is merely
and glowing starstones. Her cloak is pure black, uncouth.
and her dress of deep indigo is set with numberless
Intelligence (Arcana) DC 23, limit 1 success—As the
diamonds. Four lantern dragonettes curl around her
Queen of Night and Magic, Her Celestial Majesty
feet, darting forward and hissing. The queen speaks a
knows almost everything that there is to know
word, and they disappear beneath her throne.
about the arcane. Even when she doesn’t, she finds it
She lifts a hand and waves you forward. “You have
extremely annoying to be corrected on the subject.
cut quite a swath through my court. The lantern
Intelligence (History) DC 20, +1 per additional
dragonettes have been full of stories about you. I find
attempt—Some knowledge of the queen’s reign
your mortal ways charming, truly I do.”
and her king’s checkered past is a boon. Too much
knowledge of the past makes the queen doubt the
Wisdom (Insight) DC 13—The queen is totally speaker’s trustworthiness and question whether,
schmoozing you; her lack of sincerity isn’t even perhaps, the speaker knows too much.
covered up that well. It’s all a matter of etiquette.
Intelligence (Investigation) DC 19—Well-informed and
THE QUEEN EXPECTS AN ANSWER gossipy visitors are always welcome. The queen is
keenly interested in an outsider’s view of her court’s
Even though the queen is buttering up the party, she
politics to compare with her own.
does have a vested interest in listening to the characters’
case to some degree. After all, they’ve been mucking Intelligence (Nature) DC 17, limit 1 success—Feeding or
about her court, and her lantern dragonettes have told playing with the lantern dragonettes and making it
all sorts of stories of what the characters have been up clear that the creatures are pleased with this attention
to. The party has proven to be entertaining, and might is a sign that the queen takes seriously—though once
be capable of entering the Spiral Maze and defeating the a character does this, the queen dismisses her lantern
Moonlit King and bringing his Orb of Rule back to her. dragonettes to fly off and chase birds. Conversely,
The matter of the shadow fey’s takeover of Zobeck is a being nipped by a lantern dragonette (getting a failure
secondary concern to the queen, although she is much on this check) is a mark of weakness.
too smart to admit that it is a bargaining chip for her. Intelligence (Religion) DC 20, limit 2 successes—Terms
Though she never says so directly, the queen hints and hymns of praise for the Goddess of Night and
broadly that she will give up her claim to Zobeck if the Darkness and insights into the divine are somewhat of
characters enter the Spiral Maze, fetch a mark of the interest to the queen. She fears anyone who knows too
king’s rule, and return it to her: his buttons, perhaps, or much on this topic, however, seeing them as a potential
his Orb of Rule. rival; she discourages religiosity among her court.
The queen won’t give just anyone such a promise. The Wisdom (Insight) DC 20—Who understands the whims
characters have to pass her questions and prove their of an ageless and powerful monarch? She seeks to
worthiness first: clever but not too clever, brave but not balance many interests beyond her own, and a wise
impudent, and ingratiating without ass-kissing. It’s a character can see her perspective.
fine line.
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Failure
Option: The Queen’s Champion If the party fails in their attempt to sway the queen, read:
Wears a Stolen Face
This variant of the queen’s champion looks exactly “You tread upon my patience. You impose on my
like one of the characters; ideally, this is the same hospitality and discomfit my champion. You will now
character who had a shadow double appear and amuse me with the dueling I have heard so much of.
talk with the party for some time (see Act II, Scene Champion, step forth!”
3). In addition to its other powers, the champion can And you see a familiar set of armor step forward,
use one of the features of the character it appears but this figure’s visor is up, and there is a black skull
like, mimicking that ability as a reaction when the within the helm, its eyes bright sparks as cold as a
character uses it. If killed, the shadow creature winter moon. A cloak of owl feathers hangs from the
still resembles the character for a moment, before champion’s shoulders, and it salutes you with twin
becoming an empty suit or cloak once more. swords.
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is up to 60 feet long, 10 feet high, and 5 feet thick. hole fills with solid mist and becomes a normal part of
Each creature in the area must make a successful DC the floor.
15 Dexterity saving throw or take 18 (4d8) necrotic
damage. Creatures in the wall’s space are pushed 5 Monolith Champion
feet out of the wall’s space, appearing on whichever Large construct, unaligned
side of the wall they choose. A creature can move Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
through the wall, but the semimaterial shadow Hit Points 102 (12d10 + 36)
resists intrusion. For every foot a creature travels Speed 10 ft.
through the wall, it must spend 4 feet of movement.
Furthermore, any creature that, during its own turn, STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
occupies any part of the wall’s space takes 18 (4d8) 19 (+4) 12 (+1) 16 (+6) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 10 (+0)
necrotic damage, or half damage with a successful DC
15 Constitution saving throw. Each 10-foot section of Damage Immunities poison; bludgeoning, piercing,
wall has AC 5, 15 hit points, vulnerability to radiant and slashing from nonmagical weapons that aren’t
damage, resistance to bludgeoning and piercing adamantine
damage, and immunity to cold, poison, and psychic Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
damage. The wall lasts until the queen uses this lair paralyzed, poisoned
action again, or until she dies. Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10
• The queen targets one creature within 60 feet of her
and assails its mind with visions of hopelessness
and despair. The creature must succeed on a DC 15
Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until initiative
count 20 on the next round.
In this chamber, the queen has an additional lair action:
• The queen can move a hole in the clouds to a space
within 20 feet of the hole’s current position. Any
creatures in the hole’s new space must succeed on a
DC 15 Dexterity saving throw as described below.
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Languages Elvish, Umbral Perception), and magical darkness does not inhibit its
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) darkvision.
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow
Blatant Dismissal. While in a fey court or castle, a fey has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom
monolith champion that scores a successful hit with (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
its greatsword can try to force the substitution of the Traveler in Darkness. The shadow fey has advantage
target with a shadow double. The target must succeed on Intelligence (Arcana) checks made to know about
on a DC 14 Charisma saving throw or become invisible, shadow roads and shadow magic spells or items.
silent, and paralyzed, while an illusory version of itself ACTIONS
remains visible and audible—and under the monolith
champion’s control, shouting for a retreat or the like. Multiattack. The guardian makes two pike attacks.
Outside fey locales, this ability does not function. Pike. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
Fey Flame. The ritual powering a monolith champion target. Hit: 15 (2d10 + 4) piercing damage.
grants it an inner flame that it can use to enhance Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit,
its weapon or its fists with extra fire or cold damage, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120, one target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4)
depending on the construct’s needs. piercing damage.
ACTIONS REACTIONS
Multiattack. The champion makes two greatsword Protect. The shadow fey guardian imposes disadvantage
attacks or two slam attacks. on an attack roll against an ally within 5 feet. To do so,
Greatsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., the guardian must be wielding a melee weapon.
one target. Hit: 14 (4d6 + 4) slashing damage plus 11
(2d10) cold or fire damage. Development. If the party defeats the monolith armor,
Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one the queen is impressed and immediately proclaims one
target. Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 11 of the characters as her new champion and Keeper of the
(2d10) cold or fire damage. Seals of the Realm. As the character’s first responsibility,
he or she must visit the Moonlit King and gain his
Shadow Fey Guardian approval to abandon the fey claim to the city. The queen
Large humanoid (elf), neutral evil doesn’t entirely expect the character to return.
Armor Class 15 (chain shirt)
If the chosen character refuses the title as the queen’s
new champion, the party is immediately dropped
Hit Points 110 (13d10 + 39)
through the cloud floor of the chamber (falling 1,000
Speed 30 ft.
feet to the ground far below the courts, but bouncing off
the shadow bridge to take “only” 10d6 damage).
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Depending on the circumstances and the danger that
18 (+4) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 6 (–2) 14 (+2) 8 (–1)
the queen feels the characters present to the realm,
she might salute them and drop them into the maze
Saving Throws Str +6, Con +5
(without damaging them), or she might banish them
Skills Athletics +6, Perception +4 from the Shadow Realm; thereafter all castings of the
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened tread the Niflheim Road spell simply release shadow
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 19 (see beasts (see page 128) against the characters.
Shadow’s Vigil) In this second case, as every hand is turned against
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral them, the characters’ mission has failed. The statthalter
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP) soon arrives to seize control of the city of Zobeck, and
the rule of the shadow fey is reestablished.
Fey Ancestry. Magic can’t put the shadow fey guardian The queen hopes the characters will kill the king—
to sleep. whom the fey believe cannot be slain—through some
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow fey’s innate spellcasting mortal trick; if the audience turns into a combat session,
ability is Charisma. It can cast the following spell this does not mean that her goal has changed. Indeed,
innately, requiring no material components: regardless of whether the fight turns against her or the
1/day: misty step (when in shadows, dim light, or party is defeated, she tells the characters that she will
darkness only) give them what they want—but doing so requires the
Shadow’s Vigil. The shadow fey has advantage on acknowledgement, or at least the witnessed consent, of
Wisdom (Perception) checks (included in its passive her royal husband.
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She grants them permission to visit the king’s tower This first encounter is a nesting place for the lantern
and considers herself lucky no matter what happens dragonettes, which is protected by a trap that they and
thereafter. If the characters never come back, good their shadow beast guardians never trigger.
riddance to annoying visitors. If they find the Moonlit And of course, if the characters watch the glowing
King’s tower and get his signature or permission, then brazier’s light, they are immobilized and hypnotized
the queen hopes that she can use this concession of when the shadow beasts come out of the shadows. . . .
territory against her husband at some future date.
CONDITIONS IN THE LABYRINTH Getting atop the walls doesn’t help very much for
The purpose of the labyrinth is to protect and scouting because of the size of the maze. The climber
sequester the king during the winter, or the queen can see the glow of the King’s Tower, but doesn’t find
in those rare seasons when the king is ascendant. out much about how to get there. Because the walls of
Entering it requires flight, powerful magic to unlock the maze are often 50 feet thick and the passages as
the wards on the maze, or the use of the key-daggers much as 20 to 30 feet across, it doesn’t save much time
that the queen holds and might give as gifts to to climb. The top of the walls are difficult terrain and
worthy visitors (see Convincing the Queen, page 123). treacherous due to thorns and jagged outcroppings.
The queen considers other shadow fey the biggest Never a Moment’s Peace. Resting in the maze
threats to her rule, so the labyrinth is built to be most is difficult or impossible: frequent disturbances
difficult for shadow fey, not for mortal characters: include insect swarms, animated hedge creatures,
radiant damage, painfully bright light near the tower, wandering mystic eyeballs, lantern dragonettes, and
the need to carry supplies, and so forth. The place is a disembodied crying voices. Characters who attempt
nightmare to the shadow fey, as no shadows can ever to enter an extradimensional space, such as by a
appear around the tower, because all of it glows. rope trick spell, find that the passage simply loops
Climbing the Walls. A character can climb the back into the maze at the place where it opened. The
crumbling, thorny, mossy, or slick walls of the Spiral conditions don’t significantly improve for those within
Maze with a successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) the dome of a Leomund’s tiny hut spell, though it at
check, failure indicates a fall for 2d6 bludgeoning least ensures that the party won’t be attacked, and
damage. The walls are made of shadowstuff, black short rests become possible.
wood, bone, crumbling stone, and other materials; Be sure to describe the distracting, unsettling nature
they stand about 10 feet high. of the labyrinth early to give the party a clue that long
rests won’t be possible.
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ENCOUNTER CHOICES innately cast the following spells, requiring no material
Medium (9th-level characters)—1 pyrohypnosis components:
brazier (trap), 2 shadow beasts 3/day each: fear, telekinesis
Hard (9th-level characters)—1 pyrohypnosis brazier Magic Resistance. The shadow beast has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
(trap), 3 shadow beasts
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow beast
Deadly (10th-level characters)—1 pyrohypnosis
has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
brazier (trap), 4 shadow beasts
(Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Pyrohypnosis Brazier ACTIONS
The brazier in the center of the chamber is a magical Multiattack. The shadow beast makes three attacks: one
trap. A humanoid that starts its turn within 30 feet with its bite and two with its claws.
of the brazier and that can see it must succeed on a Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the creature. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
start of its next turn. While charmed in this way, the Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
creature is incapacitated, its speed is reduced to 0 and creature. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage.
it can’t benefit from increases to its speed, and it has Shadow Push (Recharge 5–6). The shadow beast buffets
disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks. The effect opponents with a gale of animated shadows in a 15-foot
ends early if a charmed creature takes damage. cone. Any creatures in the area must succeed on a DC
A character who examines the brazier from afar 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and
and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check knocked prone.
identifies the danger. The brazier can be disabled with a
successful DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check, or with a Developments
successful casting of dispel magic against DC 13. Demon Lord Appears—If the party has not met and
defeated the Demon Lord of Roaches, Akyishigal
Shadow Beast appears here with its roachling servants shortly after
Medium fey, chaotic evil the party has rested (or perhaps after they uncover its
Armor Class 15 hidden treasure cache; see below). It demands that the
Hit Points 90 (12d8 + 36) party steal the King’s Orb of Rule and surrender the orb
to it if they succeed in the encounter at the tower.
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)
Dragonettes Speak—If the party succeeds in this
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA encounter without killing a single lantern dragonette,
6 (–2) 20 (+5) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 19 (+4) the glowing little dragons speak to the and spill all
the secrets they know. (You can use this opportunity
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6 to provide information to characters who have, shall
Skills Stealth +7
we say, failed to court the courtiers and lack sufficient
investigative or persuasive skill.)
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
Treasure
attacks
If the characters know about the hidden treasure cache
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
from speaking with Yikrugrak (see page 102), they
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled, can find it easily, buried under the hedge where the
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
lantern dragons roost most heavily. If the party wasn’t
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12 told about the hidden cache of treasure, someone
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral, Void Speech must succeed on a DC 21 Wisdom (Perception) or
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) Intelligence (Investigation) check to spot the disturbed
earth where it lies buried.
Incorporeal Movement. The shadow beast can move Either way, it takes 1 hour to dig up the treasure from
through other creatures and objects as if they were beneath the empty chest marked on the map (or half
difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends that time if the party is carrying a shovel). The treasure,
its turn inside an object. two potions of superior healing and a staff of healing, is
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow beast’s innate very useful later in the maze against the eye golem or
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can the Moonlit King.
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The space behind the chest is a private, tented HEART OF THE DEADWOOD
sanctuary, the only place where the characters can The hearts of the once-troll guardians pulsate within
manage a long rest while in the maze. When the the hollows of the great, ivy-coated tree at the center of
sanctuary is used once, its magic fades and it cannot the glade. Foul magic flows from the long tendrils and
be used again unless the party leaves the maze and animates the vine-coated skeletons. The characters can
reenters it. destroy a heart and put a vine troll skeleton to rest by
While the party digs for treasure, arcane eyes appear undertaking a skill challenge and getting 4 successes
in the walls of the maze and can be found in the bottom before 3 failures. The challenge is repeated for each
of the brazier’s coals, foreshadowing the danger in the skeleton present in the encounter (see below).
eye golem encounter (see page 132). Dexterity (Acrobatics) DC 11; Strength (Athletics) or
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Overall Failure: The heart receives a surge of magical reduced by 1d6. If the dryad’s Constitution is reduced
essence, and the troll attuned to it can make one attack to 0, she dies. Once the dryad is within range of her
as a reaction. vines again, she regains all lost Constitution when she
finishes a long rest. The dryad can bond with new vines
ENCOUNTER CHOICES by performing a 24-hour ritual.
Hard (10th-level characters)—1 vine troll skeleton, 1 ACTIONS
duskthorn dryad Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit,
Deadly (11th-level characters)—2 vine troll skeletons, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 5)
1 duskthorn dryad piercing damage.
Deadly (13th-level characters)—3 vine troll skeletons, Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range
1 duskthorn dryad 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
10 (+0) 20 (+5) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 15 (+2) 24 (+7) 20 (+5) 12 (+1) 16 (+3) 6 (–2) 8 (–1) 5 (–3)
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DEVELOPMENT plied with DC 14 Charisma checks. There are sixteen
As the last troll dies, the dryad fades into the ground such beggars who serve the eye golem in exchange for
along with all the surrounding vines. The way out is protection from other creatures in the Spiral Maze.
suddenly exposed. An exit appears in the shadowy core The mother, Ardevallissen, is a disgraced noble who
of the tree itself—a passage leading down and out! does not serve the golem; instead, she is under a curse
that protects her but prevents her from ever finding
Treasure her lost child. She begs the characters to help her find
Within the space beneath the fallen tree are revealed a her child, or failing that, to retrieve her eyes from the
brazier of solid, carved red gemstone (worth 7,500 gp), golem. Ardevallissen claims that the golem serves as an
and 1,000 gp in coins of the Shadow Realm. ever-watchful bodyguard of the Moonlit King (and she’s
right, though the creature is older than that).
Act IV, Scene 4:
Lost Children and Eyeless Beggars Treasure
Ardevallissen knows things from her long wanderings
This is a two-part encounter with a blinded mother and in the maze. She shares her most valuable information
daughter who are lost in the maze. It foreshadows the if the party helps her by recovering her eyes from the
arrival of the eye golem. These unfortunates have gained golem as outlined above.
blindsight from their years in the maze, yet they are She knows that the Moonlit King is either partially
cursed never to be able to find one another. or wholly mad, and that all those who visit him
Wisdom (Perception) DC 13—You hear a woman’s voice are likewise mad: this is why his servants are often
up ahead, speaking Elvish. She seems to be weeping enormously powerful derro, who thrive on madness,
or distressed, calling out, “I hear you, little one! I’m or demons and elementals, who seem likewise to suffer
not far away.” no ill effects from the king’s presence. For the fey and
Let the characters make whatever preparations they others, she knows, the secret to avoiding this madness is
like. If these acts take longer than 2 rounds, read: the application of a simple binding charm involving the
use of holly and a firebird’s feather (500 gp). This charm
grants advantage on saving throws against the king’s
A bedraggled woman wearing layers of rags stumbles
madness aura (see “Tower of the Moon” on page 136).
out of one of the maze’s side passages. Her hands trace
a path along the right-hand side of the hedge, and her
eyes are entirely missing. “Who’s there?” she says.
Act IV, Scene 5: Eyes in the Dark
The labyrinth is a trap for the enemies of the Blood
The woman’s name is Ardevallissen Thiomoire. She Royal, and fey are not infrequently banished to the maze
has lost her eyes, to “a monster,” and also has become for a time. Most of the fey survive their punishment, but
separated from her daughter, Helliboshe, who is also much darker and more dangerous things are banished
blind. The two seek each other despite knowing that a here permanently—things from long, long ago, things
curse keeps them apart. that even the fey want kept out of sight. One of these
To help mother and child find one another, the party is the eye golem, a creature that gains strength by
must perform a special ritual, which requires slaying the absorbing the eyeballs plucked from those who have
eye golem and using its largest eye as a component for displeased the queen.
the ritual. (Once the golem is slain, a DC 17 Intelligence
(Arcana) check is all that is required to successfully The maze opens into a clearing that has a ramp
perform the ritual.) This eye is also a potentially leading up to the top of the walls. Scattered around
valuable treasure, however (see below). the area are several shadow fey, goblins, and elves, all
Development. If the characters ignore the Thiomoires’ dressed in rags and all missing their eyes.
plight, they might meet other eyeless beggars who were Behind them stands a giant creature of great muscle
also thrown into the maze to suffer: the famous shadow and marble-white skin that almost glows in the light
fey duelist Dax the Hook-Handed, the brownie painter of the tower. It is at least ten feet tall, and its skin is
Sollerveg Toma, the duchess Loirachne who refused covered with real eyes as well as tattoos of arcane
the Black Prince’s advances, and so forth—innocent sigils that resemble eyes. The eyes and the eye tattoos
and guilty alike. All are eyeless, pale, and terrified; all all open at once and turn to you, and the eyeless
are reluctant to blame the king and queen for their beggars scream and flee.
suffering, although they might confess their “crimes” if
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Glass Wall. The force field to one side of the clearing
prevents creatures from entering the grounds of the
Tower of the Moon. Five floating eyes on the far side
appear to be monsters ready to attack the party; these
are mere illusions. The glass wall can be opened in
several ways: by a passwall spell, by the sacrifice of the
golem’s largest eye, or by the sacrifice of 10 hit points
from each creature passing through the barrier.
Ramp. The ramp up is normal terrain and reaches a
height of 20 feet, enough to reach the cave entrance
which is (strangely enough, and counter to most
geography) at the top of a small hill. The cave itself is
filled with a number of banished fey and angels, all of
them quite dangerous (see “Development” below if they
are freed).
ENCOUNTER CHOICES
Hard (9th-level characters)—1 eye golem
Hard (10th-level characters)—1 eye golem, 1 shadow
beast
Hard (11th-level characters)—1 eye golem, 2 shadow
beasts
Eye Golem
Large construct, unaligned
Armor Class 20 (natural armor)
Hit Points 157 (15d10 + 75)
Speed 30 ft.
Skills Perception +8
Damage Immunities fire, poison, psychic; bludgeoning,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks that Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
aren’t adamantine target. Hit: 24 (4d8 + 6) bludgeoning damage.
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened, Gaze of Ancient Light (Recharge 6). The golem emits
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned a burst of blinding light, affecting all opponents within
Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 18 30 feet that it can see. These creatures must make
Languages understands the languages of its creator, but a successful DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be
can’t speak permanently blinded. All affected creatures, including
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP) those that succeed on the save, are stunned until the
end of their next turn.
Immutable Form. The golem is immune to any spell or Primal Voice of Doom (1/Day). The golem intones a
effect that would alter its form. disturbing invocation of the sun god. Creatures within
30 feet of the golem must make a successful DC 17
Magic Resistance. The golem has advantage on saving
Wisdom saving throw or become frightened. Deafened
throws against spells and other magical effects.
or unhearing creatures are unaffected.
Magic Weapons. The golem’s weapon attacks are
Shoot into the Sun (1 Minute/Day). When roused for
magical.
combat, the golem opens many of its eyes, emitting
ACTIONS blinding light. All ranged attacks, including ranged
Multiattack. The golem makes two melee attacks. spells that require a spell attack roll, are made with
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disadvantage against the golem. The effect persists as Development
long as the eye golem desires, up to a total of 1 minute When it is killed, the eye golem does not simply
(10 rounds) per day. fall down dead. All its eyes open at once, emitting a
scream heard for miles and a burst of light that blots
Shadow Beast out everything around. When the light and noise
Medium fey, chaotic evil stop, the dazed characters see hundreds of perfectly
Armor Class 15 preserved eyeballs on the ground all around them.
Hit Points 90 (12d8 + 36) Stepping normally squelches them underfoot. Stepping
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover) carefully so as to avoid them requires a successful DC
10 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Someone who succeeds
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA on a DC 11 Wisdom (Medicine) check realizes that the
6 (–2) 20 (+5) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 19 (+4) eyes are still warm and fresh, without the sort of scars or
damage that one might expect.
Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6 A character who examines the eyes and succeeds on
Skills Stealth +7
a DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) check determines that
some of the eye golem’s eyes have been taken from fey
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
at the court. In particular, Baron Suvid’s missing eye is
attacks one of them, and he would be most pleased to have it
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
returned. Someone who studies the eyes carefully and
makes a successful DC 20 Intelligence (Arcana) check
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
or a DC 24 Intelligence (Investigation) check finds that
many of them have a thin, flickering beam of arcane
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
energy that connects them to their owners. With this
Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral, Void Speech
way, the characters can return twelve such eyes to their
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
grateful fey; doing so is equivalent to completing a
minor quest.
Incorporeal Movement. The shadow beast can move
through other creatures and objects as if they were Creatures in the Golem’s Cavern. The fey and
difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends their eye golem servant have imprisoned many fey and
its turn inside an object. celestial creatures in a horrible, lightless, dreamless,
Innate Spellcasting. The shadow beast’s innate merciless, and pitiful hole found at the end of the ramp.
spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can The voices within are begging and pitiful—but unlike
innately cast the following spells, requiring no material the eyeless beggars, these creatures all speak Celestial.
components: These angelic-voiced creatures that are so desperate
3/day each: fear, telekinesis for freedom have gone mad, and if released, they
Magic Resistance. The shadow beast has advantage on might attack their tormentors. A successful DC 20
saving throws against spells and other magical effects. Charisma (Intimidation) check cows them, as they have
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow beast been abused into a truly pitiful state. They are easily
has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom cowed because the fey enjoy pretending to be helpful
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. adventurers, letting an angel or two loose and then
ACTIONS stuffing them back into this place. The black hole they
are within is magically warded. A successful DC 23
Multiattack. The shadow beast makes three attacks: one
Intelligence (Arcana) check or a successful casting of
with its bite and two with its claws.
dispel magic against DC 19 opens the wards.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
If the characters do let the creatures out, they see them
creature. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
as a mix of wingless angels and demented devils, forced
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
to dwell together in too little space. The fey pulled the
creature. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage.
wings off these creatures to beat them with, leaving
Shadow Push (Recharge 5–6). The shadow beast buffets
them with perpetually bloody stumps. The wings can be
opponents with a gale of animated shadows in a 15-foot
found in the tower’s upper floor and can be restored to
cone. Any creatures in the area must succeed on a DC
their owners with healing magic.
15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and
knocked prone.
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Treasure Wisdom (Perception) DC 17—Something shadowy sits
When the eye golem dies, its various tattoos and on the throne.
eyeballs turn into a total of 120 pp, each coin marked See the description of the Orb of Rule (page 140) for
with the image of an eye. details about the wall of moonlight.
The large eye in the golem’s center could be the eye of
The Radiant Stairway. The stairs in the center of the
a primordial or a titan of ancient days, and that creature
tower glow with bluish light, and they are transparent.
might come looking for it when the golem is slain.
The king or another person holding the Orb of Rule can
Depending on your preference at this point, the eye can
turn the stairs on or off each round as a bonus action.
instead be used as a crystal ball or can power the ritual
When they are on, they are solid stairs. When they are
that restores sight to the eyeless beggars (see Scene 4,
turned off, the stairs disappear, and creatures on them
page 132).
plummet to earth. The Moonlit King flies up to the top
Act IV, Scene 6: and uses the Radiant Stairway to allow Chamberlain
Ralk to climb up to him. He’s willing to let Ralk fall if it
Tower of the Moon takes his enemies down as well.
Creatures that fall through an interior level of the
The party begins this encounter outside the tower. The
place goes by several names, also including the Tower tower can grab hold of the beams or edges of the floor
of Lost Hopes, the Tower of the Moonlit King (or the and arrest their fall with a successful DC 13 Dexterity
Tower of the Queen, in season), the Shadow Source, and saving throw. Failure to grab onto something means an
the Tower of Radiant Death. extra 1d10 bludgeoning damage from the impact of the
The encounter proceeds from outside the door to the wall or floor against an arm or leg, plus falling damage.
entryway, then to the Stairway of Radiant Beams, and The First Floor. Two holes look down to the ground
finally into the Lunar Audience Chamber. Each section floor, and the smoky bluish spiral stairs continue up,
has its own challenges, and lingering in a section draws although they are paler here than below. The chain
the attention of Revich from atop the tower. He might extends through the western hole and continues up.
urge the party on if they dawdle. The Charred Beams and Hoist. This feature is a
Illumination. The light from the Tower of the Moon is dangerous floor that seems solid at first. Read:
so bright that it hurts to stare at it. Its piercing light
inflicts great pain upon light-sensitive creatures, This burnt-out floor is a strange one: two enormous
making this a very safe place to keep things away from holes mar the outer walls, and a layer of bluish smoke
the shadow fey. The Tower’s light counts as sunlight stops just above the charred remains of many floor
for the purpose of creatures that have weaknesses to beams, creating a sort of arcane floor. Two of the
sunlight. charred beams still extend all the way from one side of
the tower to the other. One is near a block-and-tackle
THE TOWER PROPER
hoist that connects a heavy chain to the bottom floor.
The outer walls of the tower literally resemble the
moon, with both light and dark sections, plus areas that
Intelligence (Arcana) DC 18—The smoke is magical, but
resemble lunar craters and seas. Big holes can be seen in
it won’t hold weight.
its walls halfway up; a small balcony perches almost at
the top; and the slate roof is topped by a statue. Wisdom (Perception) DC 16—The charred beams will
fall apart pretty soon. Don’t count on them for long!
Beyond the blue glass door is an enormous chamber The floor holds very little weight. It collapses at the start
dominated by a pale gray-blue set of stairs, as if of the third round of combat or when three creatures
smoke had taken a spiral form and were climbing up. stand on one beam at the same time.
On either side of the stairs are piles of stone rubble. Upper Level. The spiral stairs become quite spongy
The enormous oak and iron circle of a wheel fully ten underfoot in this area. Two open doorways lead out to
feet across lies across the bottom of the stairs. A chain the balcony and balustrade.
dangles down to the oak wheel from above. The Balustrade. Fully 130 feet above ground level, the
A wall of moonlight divides the room behind the 6 foot-wide balcony has a simple marble wall, about
stairs from the front section. Bloodstains and green 2 feet high. Exterior stairs ascend to the battlements
splatters stain the floor around the throne. and rooftop.
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Slate Roof and Angel. The battlements and the The king talks to the characters to “enlist” them in his
35-foot-diameter slate roof are the darkest parts of cause. To lure them close, he promises them secrets and
the tower, although the statue at the peak is in fact rewards, perhaps even a way out of the labyrinth—none
the blindfolded angel Revich, glowing with a pure of which he can or intends to fulfill.
warm light. He knows this meeting will irrevocably Although the king is mad, he’s mad in a very particular
affect the future of the Shadow Realm, and is here to way. The party can hold a conversation with him, but
observe the event. he’s not always part of the same conversation they
If the characters befriended him in the Lords of Light hear. Sometimes, the Moonlit King doesn’t address the
encounter, he might assist each member of the Lords of characters directly at all but talks to ghosts and even to
Light faction by healing them up to 25 hit points each his own sentient shadow.
and giving them a minor boon (treat the next critical hit This shadow, it should be noted, might be his strongest
against the character as a normal hit instead). vestige and animating power. It is strong enough that
it can survive his death—his shadow is in fact stronger
MEETING THE MOONLIT KING than he is.
The former monarch of the Moonlit Court, exiled here by The characters probably have no idea what they are
the queen, is fading into a ghost—a psychic impression getting into, though lucky ones will figure it out fairly
of his former self. The king is far enough gone, however, quickly.
that he doesn’t know that’s what is happening. His retinue
attends him in the form of lunar devils and talking
LUNAR AUDIENCE CHAMBER
shadows, and he still believes he can reclaim the throne. By stealth or strength of arms, when the characters
His physical servant is Chamberlain Ralk, a mad derro reach the heavily guarded Tower of the Moon, they soon
who has been twisted into a fiendish hulk, huge and discover the Moonlit King is mad mad mad.
insane and willing to cater to his master’s every whim.
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The audience ends unless the characters can convince
The interior of the tower is filled with two piles of the king to speak with them by giving him an offering.
rubble, a handful of moonbeams, and a bright Acceptable items include anything you see fit, with
glowing staircase of blue light. In the back, in shadow, emphasis on those that are connected with the
is a throne of pale greenish stone. characters’ previous actions Possibilities include the
The figure on the throne resembles a shadow fey, if head of the Demon Lord of Roaches, a mass of gold or
a shadow fey were half-transparent, with wild blue hair jewels (worth 25,000 gp or more), a very rare magic
like a derro savant and grayish-green armor. His limbs item, a lock of the queen’s hair or a memory of hers in
sometimes appear ghostly and transparent, and at physical form, and the complete set of key-daggers the
other times gray and solid as stone. characters received earlier (see page 124).
An enormous creature stands next to him, a servant If no bribe is offered to draw his interest, the king
or bodyguard of some kind, a hunchbacked giant with continues his conversations but less and less frequently
the heavy proportions and flowing beard of a crazed addresses the characters. Instead, he speaks more and
dwarf. more to the hulking derro giant and to his shades and
The king speaks. “I am the ancient spirit doomed servants, barely visible ghosts and tattered spirits. He sits
for long aeons to walk this maze, and each day to be behind his wall, content to babble and wait the party out.
chained fast in a dozen tiny fires till the crimes done in
Playing Crazy. To demonstrate how the king behaves,
my sighted days are purged and burnt away. Have you turn away from the players and address a wall or a
come to free me?” ceiling occasionally. This tactic might be amusing if
you have the king ask for impossible things—“Fetch
Let the characters respond. me two cups of girlish laughter.” It might come off as
Passive Perception (contested by the lunar devil’s Stealth creepy and unsettling if he asks for horrible things—“I
check)—Creatures are hiding among the moonbeams demand that you excise my petitioner’s conscience, and
and strange shadows in the tower. They’re silvery then his childhood.” Make it clear that the king thinks
and translucent, with vast maws and folded wings— he can crush them like bugs—“Where are my boots for
something inhuman. crushing mortal hopes? Polish them! Get them on my
Wisdom (Insight) DC 13—The king’s stare is odd, and feet, you worthless shade!”
he seems to only halfway hear you. There’s something
wrong with him. THE KING’S MADNESS
The King can offer what the characters want—the
If the party keeps talking, the king enjoys their relinquishing of the claim to Zobeck—in exchange for
company but makes it plain that he will not truly their cutting him and spilling his blood in the Tower. The
bargain for Zobeck’s release from the fey unless he gets characters might think that he is a Joker-style masochist,
something out of it. Read or paraphrase the following: but the truth is slightly different. Spilling the king’s blood
breaks an ancient prohibition against harming the king
The king’s head lolls back, and he pulls a bluish- and frees him from his sworn oath to remain in the
gray orb out from beneath his short cloak. “Listen, O tower—and it even helps relieve his madness.
Crescents, these petitioners have come to give me The problem is that his madness prevents him from
speech and seek my counsel. Yet I am no scáthsidhe taking even simple steps for his own benefit, and thus
easily bought. What have they brought? What tribute the characters must help put the pieces of his sanity
do you render unto me, my shadow, say now, and tell together before he can do so. Treat this approach as a
it to mine ear?” skill challenge with some added complications; the King
asks some questions that weigh heavily on his broken
He motions his lumbering servant forward to the mind. The correct answers help pull him closer to the
moonlight wall, and waits expectantly. shores of sanity, while false answers drive him deeper
Intelligence (History) DC 16—His majesty expects an into rage.
offering, or bribe, as is customary among the nobility. Throughout the adventure, the characters might have
discovered the answers to these questions. Each such
Wisdom (Insight) DC 21—The king mostly likely would
clue is noted in a sidebar titled “Shards of a Broken
accept magic, possibly something more personal, such
Mind,” with the exception to the answer of “Who sent
as a sign from the queen or proof of a rival’s death.
you here?” That answer should be obvious to them, but
they need to be careful in how they deliver that answer.
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Restore the Mad King’s “How has the queen ensorcelled me?”
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a moonbeam, his aura is inactive. The moonbeams Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If the Moonlit King fails
are mobile terrain; they are 10-foot squares, and they a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
start in the squares immediately adjacent to the king. Magic Weapons. The Moonlit King’s weapon attacks
The king can move the moonbeams using his Control are magical, and deal an extra 7 (2d6) radiant damage
Moonlight trait. Likewise, when a character deals (included below).
radiant damage or casts a spell that creates light, the Special Equipment. Orb of Rule (the benefits of holding
character can move one of the moonbeams up to 20 the orb are included in the Moonlit King’s statistics;
feet; a character who deals necrotic damage or who casts he prefers to attack with his crystal staff if he makes a
a spell that creates darkness can quench a moonbeam melee attack)
entirely with a successful DC 20 Charisma check. ACTIONS
Intelligence (Arcana) DC 15—Creatures with light- or Multiattack. The Moonlit King makes three attacks with
radiant-based spells or abilities can probably move or either his crystal staff or his moon bolt.
control the beams of light. Crystal Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft.,
Intelligence (Arcana) DC 20—Creatures with shadow- or one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 7
(2d6) radiant damage. A target that is struck by the staff
necrotic-based spells or abilities can probably quench
the moonbeams.
Moonlit King
Medium fey, neutral good
Armor Class 17 (half plate)
Hit Points 170 (20d8 + 80) (currently 85 maximum)
Speed 50 ft., fly 100 ft. (while holding the Orb of Rule)
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two or more times in one turn must make a successful Moonlit King’s Lair
DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the The Moonlit King currently has been exiled by his wife,
end of its next turn. the Queen of Night and Magic, to the Tower of the
Moon Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range Moon, which is hidden in a spiral labyrinth deep within
150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 22 (4d10) radiant damage. the Plane of Shadows. The tower is a run-down, forlorn
If the target is a creature in a form other than its natural place, filled with false whispers and shadow ghosts of
form, it takes an extra 22 (4d10) radiant damage and
the mad fey lord’s own creation.
must succeed on a DC 19 Charisma saving throw or
revert to its natural form. When the moon bolt hits a Lair Actions
target, moonlight glows in a 10-foot radius from that On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), the
point, creating dim light. The light is stationary and lasts Moonlit King takes a lair action to cause one of the
until the end of the Moonlit King’s next turn. following effects; the Moonlit King can’t use the same
Fearful Shadows (Recharge 5–6). The Moonlit King effect two rounds in a row:
magically animates the shadows of all foes within
• The Moonlit King creates four beams of moonlight
60 feet of himself. The animated shadows attack the
at four points he can see within 100 feet. The beams
creatures who cast them. All affected creatures in the
area take 35 (10d6) necrotic damage, or half damage
each illuminate a 10-foot radius with dim light. These
with a successful DC 19 Dexterity saving throw. A moonbeams last until the Moonlit King uses this
creature that fails the saving throw also loses 1d4 action again, or until he dies.
points from its Strength score. A creature reduced to 0 • The Moonlit King chooses a point he can see within
Strength is unconscious until it regains at least 1 point 100 feet. Disembodied whispers speaking of despair
of Strength. Strength lost in this way returns when the and failure fill a 30-foot radius from that point. All
creature finishes a short or long rest. creatures other than fiends in the area must succeed on
Summon Devil (1/Day). The Moonlit King magically a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened
summons a lunar devil. The summoned devil appears until initiative count 20 on the following round.
in an unoccupied space within 60 feet of its summoner, • The Moonlit King magically summons four shadow
acts as an ally of its summoner, and can’t summon other
beasts. They appear in unoccupied spaces the Moonlit
devils. It remains for 10 minutes, until its summoner
King can see within 60 feet. They act immediately and
dies, or until its summoner dismisses it as an action.
remain until initiative count 20 on the following round.
REACTIONS
Shadow Slip. The Moonlit King takes on the quality of his Shadow Beast
delusions when he is targeted by an attacker he can see. Medium fey, chaotic evil
He becomes nearly insubstantial, so that the attack roll Armor Class 15
is made with disadvantage. If the attack hits, the Moonlit
Hit Points 90 (12d8 + 36)
King takes half damage.
Speed 0 ft., fly 40 ft. (hover)
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
The Moonlit King can take 3 legendary actions, choosing STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
from the options below. Only one legendary action 6 (–2) 20 (+5) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 19 (+4)
option can be used at a time and only at the end of
another creature’s turn; the Moonlit King regains spent Saving Throws Dex +7, Con +6
legendary actions at the start of his turn:
Skills Stealth +7
Staff. The Moonlit King makes a crystal staff attack.
Damage Resistances acid, cold, fire, lightning, thunder;
Lightwalking. The Moonlit King teleports from one area bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical
of moonlight to another within 100 feet. attacks
Aura of Madness (Costs 2 Actions). While he is standing Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
in an area of moonlight, the Moonlit King can spread his
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, grappled,
madness to other creatures within 30 feet. A creature
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, prone, restrained
other than a fiend that starts its turn in the aura or
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
enters it for the first time on a turn (including when
the aura is created) must succeed on a DC 19 Charisma Languages Common, Elvish, Umbral, Void Speech
saving throw or be confused (as if affected by the Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)
confusion spell) until the start of its next turn. The aura
lasts until the start of the Moonlit King’s next turn. Incorporeal Movement. The shadow beast can move
through other creatures and objects as if they were
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difficult terrain. It takes 5 (1d10) force damage if it ends Lunar Devil
its turn inside an object.
Large fiend (devil), lawful evil
Innate Spellcasting. The beast’s innate spellcasting
ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast Armor Class 16 (natural armor)
the following spells, requiring no material components: Hit Points 94 (9d10 + 45)
3/day each: fear, telekinesis Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)
Magic Resistance. The shadow beast has advantage on
saving throws against spells and other magical effects. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Sunlight Sensitivity. While in sunlight, the shadow beast 21 (+5) 21 (+5) 20 (+5) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 18 (+4)
has disadvantage on attack rolls, as well as on Wisdom
(Perception) checks that rely on sight. Saving Throws Str +8, Dex +8, Con +8, Wis +5
ACTIONS Skills Perception +5
Damage Resistances cold; bludgeoning, piercing, and
Multiattack. The shadow beast makes three attacks: one
slashing damage from nonmagical attacks that aren’t
with its bite and two with its claws.
silvered
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Damage Immunities fire, poison
creature. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) piercing damage.
Condition Immunities poisoned
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Senses darkvision 120 ft., passive Perception 15
creature. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) slashing damage.
Languages Celestial, Draconic, Elvish, Infernal, Sylvan,
Shadow Push (Recharge 5–6). The shadow beast buffets
telepathy 120 ft.
opponents with a gale of animated shadows in a 15-foot
cone. Any creatures in the area must succeed on a DC Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
15 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and
knocked prone.
Chamberlain Ralk
Huge fiend, chaotic evil
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 138 (12d12 + 60)
Speed 30 ft.
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Devil’s Sight. Magical darkness doesn’t impede the purposes will blossom like cherries in springtime.Let us
devil’s darkvision. . . . haggle.”
Innate Spellcasting. The devil’s innate spellcasting ability
is Charisma (spell save DC 15). It can innately cast the At this point, the Moonlit King can be convinced to
following spells, requiring no material components: put his seal to a character’s flesh as a royal sign that
At will: fly, major image, planar binding proves he has renounced the shadow fey claim to the
3/day: greater invisibility human/kobold city. He does not do so for nothing, but
1/day: wall of ice he certainly accepts the mortal claim to Zobeck—and
Light Incorporeality. The devil is semi-incorporeal the end of fey edicts and assassinations—in exchange
when standing in moonlight, and is immune to all for whatever you think is most appropriate, given the
nonmagical attacks in such conditions. It has resistance character of the mad king. The decision is not one over
to all damage, including magical attacks, except force which he is willing to linger. Here are four likely options:
damage, and damage dealt by holy water.
1. A female character must spend the night with the
Lightwalking. Once per round, the lunar devil magically
teleports, along with any equipment it is wearing or
Moonlit King atop the tower or in some secluded
carrying, from one beam of moonlight to another within place. This leaves her with her choice of advantage on
80 feet. This relocation uses half of its speed. all saving throws against a single damage type of the
Magic Resistance. The devil has advantage on saving player’s choice (bludgeoning, fire, and so forth), but
throws against spells and other magical effects. forever scarred by the touch of shadow and light (the
character has disadvantage on saving throws made
ACTIONS against necrotic and radiant damage).
Multiattack. The devil makes three attacks: one 2. The party must sacrifice the greatest and most
with its bite, one with its claws, and one with its tail.
powerful item it holds, which is used to restore the
Alternatively, it can use Hurl Moonlight twice.
king’s powers using mortal magic—something the fey
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
can never quite master.
target. Hit: 11 (1d12 + 5) piercing damage.
3. The party swears a divine oath that they will pursue
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
and slay the Demon Lord of Roaches (thus perhaps
target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) slashing damage.
setting up a future adventure). Failure to pursue this
Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 10 ft., one
goal has dire consequences, as the characters waste
target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) bludgeoning damage.
away and become deathwisps (treat this effect as a geas
Hurl Moonlight. Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to hit, range
that can’t be removed by any means short of the direct
150 ft., one target. Hit: 19 (3d12) cold damage and the
target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving intercession of a deity, unless the task is completed).
throw or become blinded for 4 rounds. 4. In a game that inclines toward the tragic, the Moonlit
King might wish for his own death—but he warns the
THE WEARY KING’S OFFER characters that this event will unleash dark powers
Once the Moonlit King is defeated in combat (reduced throughout the Shadow Realm (and ignite a deadly
to 0 hit points but not explicitly killed by the attacker, fight that the characters must escape). Indeed, if
whether or not a melee attack reduced his hit points anyone claims his crown, they also inherit his shadow
to 0) or convinced to stop fighting by a successful skill and his memories—and, in time, his madness.
challenge, he slumps and falters. Indeed, his crown If the king “puts his seal to a character’s flesh,” this
grows heavy, and he is suddenly the Weary King, means that at least one character is marked with a
burdened by his failures and madness in the past—but crescent moon and acknowledged as a servant of the
also sane. Read: king. As soon as this occurs, move on to the Conclusion
unless you particularly want to reprise all the courtly
The king slumps in defeat, and the blue-gray orb of thanks and honors. It’s perhaps as well that they are
power falls from his hands to the floor. “I am tired of dropped unceremoniously back into the mortal world.
battle. I am tired of the ghosts that haunt me. That time
is past.” His eyes seem unclouded, and when he looks DEVELOPMENT: DEATH TO THE KING,
toward you, it’s clear that his madness has passed. ANGEL OF THE LIGHT
“My mind is my own, but perhaps time is short. Let us If the character who strikes the final blow obeys the
strike a bargain: I shall give you the city of the kobolds, queen’s implicit wish and elects to kill the Moonlit
and you shall give me enough help that my own King, read:
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This is a battle that the demon lord intends to win; see
The tower lights are all immediately doused, as if by Act III, Scene 5, and double the number of servants
rushing waters or a wave of shadows. A great howl from the Black Well that accompany it.
goes up from the animals and creatures of the forest:
wolves, birds, and owls all giving voice. Darkness DEVELOPMENT: A NEW KING
presses in, and it’s easy to get the idea that perhaps If a character retains the orb and wants to take the title
the tower is surrounded by monsters on all sides. of king or queen, that’s certainly a possible outcome.
They gain the shadow of the king and over a month’s
This event marks the end of light in the darkness, time gain his memories, and become able to hear his
and the start of a dark age in the court during which advising voice. Ruling the Shadow Realm successfully,
the Black Prince, the Demon Lord of Roaches, and though, is outside the scope of this adventure.
the queen commit murder daily, executing dissenters,
running arcane battles of demons against fey with death
Conclusion
The Returning Mortals
to the hindmost. Trying to leave by simply going back
out through the maze is suicide; there are hundreds of
shadow creatures (each dissipates with a single hit, but
re-forms immediately to provide an endless supply) But, O malignant and ill-boding stars!
roaming the maze. There are two other more practical Now thou art come unto a feast of death,
options for escape: A terrible and unavoided danger:
Therefore, dear boy, mount on my swiftest horse;
1. Seize the Orb. The character who first touches the
And I’ll direct thee how thou shalt escape
Orb of Rule becomes attuned to the orb immediately
By sudden flight: come, dally not, be gone.
and assumes the title of Moonlit King. This state is
—William Shakespeare, King Henry VI, part I (IV.v)
temporary if the character leaves the Shadow Realm
within a day. During that time, the orb’s power If one character has taken the title of king and stayed
enables the party to return to the queen without behind in the fey kingdoms, he or she will soon be
further incident if they so desire. She holds up her driven mad. As for the others, read:
end of the bargain if the characters bring the orb to
her, and thereafter she solidifies her rule. She rewards Your return to Zobeck is as quick as the step from a
the characters with 140 pp, and she opens a shadow shadow into the light of dawn.
road that takes them back to Zobeck if they want to Few mortals escape the Shadow Realm alive, and
leave. (If no character takes the orb, the Demon Lord fewer still after handing a defeat to the king and
of Roaches claims it not long after, and the queen queen of the shadow fey. But when you return to
becomes very angry at that turn of events.) Zobeck, you discover that the city seems to have
2. The Angel on the Tower. If the characters are willing forgotten the fey entirely. Fat flakes of snow fall from
to trust their lives to a blind angel, Revich will fly a measureless sky. Amazingly, it has been a year and a
them back to the queen—in return for their promise day since you left the city. Even so, it’s as if your entire
to undertake a quest for him as soon as they return experience was a midwinter night’s dream; indeed,
to Zobeck (during the next adventure you have the city’s Winter Festival is well under way, and spring
prepared). The angel burns through the sky like a is coming soon. The ambassador is the only one who
comet all the way to the queen’s audience chamber, remembers your deeds . . . and indeed, the only one
and upon arrival he demands that the demon lord who thanks you.
be banished from the court. The characters might
attempt to support his demands as well, or they could The adventure has taken the characters away from
remain true to the original bargain, by giving the the city for a year and a day, no matter how long they
queen some token of her husband’s death in exchange thought it was.
for her release of all fey claims and their return home.
Night’s candles are burnt out,
DEVELOPMENT: BACK THROUGH THE MAZE And jocund day stands tiptoe
Akyishigal waits outside the labyrinth to lay claim to On the misty mountaintop.
the king’s tattered soul and—more important—his Orb —William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet (I.iii)
of Rule. If it cannot take the orb by force, it raises up a
horde of cockroaches and roachling minions to assist.
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