Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DRA37 MurderinMossbank
DRA37 MurderinMossbank
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Eberron, the dragon ampersand, Ravnica and all ot her Wizards of the Coast product
names, and their respective logos are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast in the USA and other countries.
This work contains material that is copyright Wizards of the Coast and/or other authors. Such material is used with permissio n under the Community Content Agreement for
Dungeon Masters Guild.
All other original material in this work is copyright 2020 by Jes Wade and published under the Community Content Agreement for Dungeon Masters Guild.
1
can’t keep his wife safe, how can he keep the town safe?)
Horace thinks Norman will use Sylviel’s death to announce
his run for Head of City Watch, so he hired some ruffians to
stalk Norman and scare him away from participating in the
election.
This mystery one shot is designed for three to four level 1st Horace and Norman grew up childhood rivals. Horace
or 2nd-level characters. The setting is neutral and can got the last guard spot out of school that both he and
feasibly be placed into your existing campaign. Norman applied for. Norman always had a crush on Sylviel,
BACKGROUND
but she ended up with Horace. Now that she is dead,
Horace thinks Norman probably killed her in a jealous
rage, but he doesn't have sufficient evidence. Horace is
The adventure begins when the adventurers wander into happy to take the characters to his house when his shift
Mossbank two hours after the funeral of Sylviel; a beloved ends at 4 pm, if they’re interested. A character who
member of the community who is assumed to have been succeeds on a DC 13 Wisdom (Insight) check notices that
murdered three days ago. The party is offered 150 gp by the Horace’s answers seem rehearsed. (He is running for an
mayor to aid in solving her murder. Townsfolk are split on elected position after all.)
whodun it, and the party must work together to piece
Personality. Horace likes to keep up appearances and
together clues; ultimately finding out that it was a frame
frequently attends the town's events. He often takes a few
job done out of spite.
moments to answer questions, as if he is rehearsing his
The adventure’s story is spread over 2 parts and takes Appearance. Horace is an older human that always has five
approximately 2 to 3 hours to play. The adventure beings o'clock shadow. His grey eyes always look tired; he's not as
with a Call to Action. fit as he once was.
NORMAN
Call to Action: Investigators for hire. The characters
find themselves being asked aid the town in solving
Sylviel’s murder. Norman is not planning on running for the City Watch
Part 1: Investigating the town. Many shops have position. None of the townsfolk really know what Norman
closed down to mourn Sylviel’s death, however some has been doing for a living or what he’s been up to since he
businesses remain open with helpful clues to help lost the guard position over thirty years ago. He lives a
solve the murder. modest life outside of town and is kind but generally keeps
Part 2: The showdown. The party comes face to face to himself. Norman thinks Horace killed Sylviel because
with the “murderer.” she was finally going to leave him for Norman. Horace
must have found out and murdered her. As evidence, he
ADVENTURE HOOKS has a love letter confirming she was planning on leaving
Horace.
Just Hanging Around. The characters are browsing the few Norman is extremely upset about Sylviel's death and his
shops that are open when they are offered 150 gp to aid the grief often impairs his ability to articulate his thoughts.
town in solving Sylviel's murder. Since Sylviel's death, he has been seen brooding at the
Battle of the Barbarians. Perhaps the characters wanted to Humbuddy, which is unusual for Norman, he's usually
watch or join the ongoing Battle of the Barbarians. only seen a few times a year to buy supplies. He gets the
Help Wanted. The characters heard about Sylviel’s death same order from Warner and Cassidy every other month,
and wanted to investigate. and then a pint at the Humbuddy before taking off. If the
characters are friendly to Norman, he offers them
JUST A NOTE directions to his house; he will refuse to leave the
Humbuddy right away.
There is minimal combat in this adventure, but the
characters should start fully rested. Feel free to change the Personality. Norman has a reputation for being calm, cool,
experience/setting to fit the needs of your DM style and and collected. However, when the characters meet him, he
the needs of your party. Ensuring the characters know seems to be on edge.
what time it is throughout the adventure is important, so Appearance. Norman is a middle-aged elf. He wears his
they can end up at the inn on time. While there is minimal coiled graying hair in a low, messy bun, and also wears a
prep work required for this adventure, I recommend dark blue cloak.
reading it all in advance at least once.
2
Sylviel is a shapeshifter, born of a doppelganger and a Battle of the Barbarians
human mother. She never knew her father, as he was Sylviel started a heated argument with Horace at the Battle
presumably only in town to create more shapeshifters. of the Barbarians (where the town barbarians fight in a pit
Sylviel led a normal human life and only started exhibiting until only one is left standing.) She left before Horace, then
strange behavior in her teen years. Sometimes, her eyes he left to her house. She deliberately tried to make the
and hair seemed to change color throughout the day. exchange loud enough to be heard by people in the
Occasionally her peers could have sworn she looked immediate vicinity, including Dave, the ticket taker. In the
slightly different the last time they saw her. She kept this a public eye, Horace was the last person seen with Sylviel.
secret to all, even her mother. As she aged, she started The "Murder"
conforming to a "normal life, but with Horace’s busy Sylviel slaughtered a chicken and used its blood to douse
schedule, she took advantage of her alone time to practice her home in bloody hand prints, making it look like there
her shapeshifting skills (see appendix A for her stat block). was a struggle. She also left behind a bloody shoe.
She is able to shift into anyone in town; she could have
easily shifted into her mom or husband to "identify" her KILLING HORACE
body at the morgue, or perhaps she shed the Sylviel skin
After the group is without a doubt that Horace killed
and disguised a dead body as her own. This part of the
Sylviel, it will need to be announced that Horace has died. I
adventure is up to you. Sylviel is not against using her
would advise that she kills him when the party goes to
powers to get her way.
investigate his home. Perhaps he hears something coming
The characters first meet Sylviel in her disguised form of
from the shed and meets them inside after. He'll come face
Mayor Amos Dapremont.
to face with himself (Sylviel) and she'll kill him on the spot
Personality. Sylviel has a reputation for being very sociable, after ensuring Amos is still sound asleep. Your party might
always addressing townsfolk by their name and having a happen upon this, or they might not. Regardless, they
pleasant smile on her face whenever she strolls through should still be able to find her at the Inn (room 9.) If the
town. However, she is also very calculating, and says party finds Horace's dead body outside his home, they
anything she needs to in order to achieve her goal of should also find her shed Horace skin. At the end of the
framing Horace for her murder and eloping with Norman. adventure, I've written out various possible endings.
(Reference Part 2: The Showdown.)
Appearance. Sylviel typically presents as an older human
SAMPLE TIMELINE
with curly red hair. She has a slight limp in her left leg and
is bruised all over.
3
death. The party will be greeted by the Mayor, Amos PENNY, THE BANK OWNER
Dapremont (currently portrayed by Sylviel.)
Penny didn't know Sylviel very well, so she decided to keep
AMOS DAPREMONT the bank open. "Death doesn't stop the bills from coming."
Penny is pretty sure that Horace killed Sylviel. Horace had
Amos greets the party and offers them 150 gp to aid the sent an errand boy to withdraw a large amount of gold
town in solving Sylviel's murder. The town is split on who pieces two days before Sylviel died (she won't say the
the murderer may be, but most think it was either a jealous amount, but she will say it's enough to pay someone off to
old flame, Norman Butterwelk, or her husband, Horace kill her.) This errand boy also purchased a double platinum
Dungraer. Amos is suspicious of Horace - he's been life insurance policy for both Sylviel and Horace. She
stressed out by the upcoming elections, and they've been shows the party the paperwork with Horace's signature to
on the rocks for a while. He suggests starting at the City prove authenticity. Horace often sends errand boys to do
Watch station, where Horace is certain to be. He also his personal work as he is too busy "protecting the town,"
invites the party to visit the shops that are open (many to do so himself.
have closed for the day due to the funeral.) He also lets the
Personality. Penny has a very dry sense of humor and
party know that the Humbuddy Tavern opens at 2 pm.
cracks a few jokes when interacting with the characters.
Personality. Sylviel effectively portrays Amos’s true She laughs way too hard if any of the characters attempt to
personality. The mayor is known to be a truly amicable humor her.
man, and it is no surprise that he has been elected five
Appearance. Penny is an elf and walks with a limp but does
terms in a row with no competition. He refers to everyone
not like to talk about it. She wears flats and conservative
as friend until he knows their name. Amos will address
clothing. Her dark brown hair is pulled into a tight bun.
everyone by their name once he knows it, repeating it and
often using it in conversation.
BUSTER AND RALPH, SHADY RUFFIANS
Appearance. Sylviel’s portrayal of Amos is Buster and Ralph are two shady humans (Reference
indistinguishable from the true Amos, a portly human man Monster Manual page 343 for the bandit’s stat block) that
with a bushy brown mustache. His smile beams with two Horace hired to scare Norman away from the City Watch
golden front teeth. As he talks, he is quite sweaty, and his election. They are at the bank at the same time as the
eyes are slightly shifty, as if he's looking for Sylviel’s characters, depositing 20 gp into their accounts.
murderer among the crowd. The ruffians are secretive, but a character can try to coax
information out of them with a Charisma (Intimidation)
PART 1: INVESTIGATING THE check. The information gained depends on the results of
the check:
TOWN DC 13. They were hired by Horace.
DC 15. They were hired by Horace to scare Norman
PLACES TO VISIT away from the election.
Traveler’s Coin (Bank) DC 18 (or making them surrender in combat). All the
City Watch Station above, and a promise to leave Norman alone for good
The Arena (Fighting Pit) (if that is what the characters desire).
Reid Cassidy Personality. Thalia is quite aloof and has a crude sense of
humor. She has the utmost respect for Horace and almost
Penny Bernadette
seems to smile when talking about him. She expresses that
Dave Warner she doesn't love the smell of the building if asked, but she
appreciates Horace putting the town's money to good use.
TRAVELERS COIN Appearance. Thalia is a human with a shaved head and a
Although the Traveler’s Coin is small, it is a well-kept and broad nose. She wears a dark green City Watch uniform
upscale looking bank that deals with investment and has visible forearm tattoos of fighting lions.
opportunities, real estate, personal and business banking,
and life insurance policies.
4
THE ARENA WARNER'S WARES
The Arena is a large fighting pit that is used for Battle of Warner's Wares sells necessities like food, clothing, and
the Barbarians and large town meetings. It is set up as a firewood. It is a medium-sized store that most citizens
small coliseum (100-foot diameter circle) there's only one utilize. The more privileged citizens import their wares.
entrance/exit. The arena is empty except for Dave.
WARNER, THE OWNER
DAVE, THE TICKET TAKER Warner is certain that Norman murdered Sylviel. Last
Dave deems his testimony to be “game-changing”, so he week, he came in to purchase rope, gardening shears, and
only offers it if the characters entertain him in a duel an axe. Why else would he purchase that stuff? He doesn't
amongst themselves. He offers to restore their health with garden. He's gotten the same order for the past 10 years:
cure wounds after the battle. He also solicits bets before the 20 baskets of vegetables, 5 baskets of fruit, and 10 baskets
fight. I’d suggest setting a time limit of 10 minutes (out of of non-perishables.
game) on the battle (perhaps Dave gets bored if it goes on
Personality. Warner enjoys chatting with their customers.
too long.)
They ask the characters to purchase something if they
Personality. Dave clearly doesn't like his job but clearly want information, but ultimately will reluctantly reveal
loves watching people fight. He is definitely a gambler. what they know regardless.
Appearance. Dave is a young dwarf who has a long, slicked- Appearance. Warner is an older human with golden
back pony tail and wears glasses too large for his face. shoulder-length hair. They wear combat boots, although
they've never fought a day in their life, and have a colorful
Rules for combat:
wardrobe.
1. Non-lethal hits only
CHOPPED LIVER
2. Dave will give the winner 5 gp and will honor all bets
placed.
3. Roll for initiative The Chopped Liver has been in the Dulart family for
generations. The Dulart family also owns a cattle ranch to
THE HUMBUDDY, OPENS AT 2PM supply their own free-range meat. The meat is slightly
more expensive than your average butcher shop, but the
The Humbuddy is a small tavern/inn with approximately
citizens of Mossbank are willing to pay the price. They
10 guest rooms (although Mossbank never has enough
specialize in chicken, cow, and elk.
guests to fill all the rooms.) Only a few rooms are rented,
mostly by folks in town for the Battle of the Barbarians.
The bar area is crowded but homey. There are a few rows of
CASSIDY, THE BUTCHER
long tables and the bar itself. Outside, there is a small fire Cassidy can't believe Sylviel is really dead. She was in the
pit with a few tree stumps used for small gatherings. store buying one of his egg-laying chickens just days
before she supposedly “died." He has a gut feeling Norman
BONIVELLE, THE TAVERN OWNER did it out of jealousy.
Bonivelle attempts to whisper and nod over towards Personality. Cassidy is a very quiet young man. He answers
Norman before telling the party her information. Bonivelle questions and speaks freely about his grief. His father died
is convinced Horace killed Sylviel. She thinks he found out last year in a freak butchering accident, and Cassidy was
about her and Norman getting a room at the Humbuddy's the only heir to the Chopped Liver. Talking about death
Inn on Sunday. Sylviel and Norman came in disguises, but reminds Cassidy of his late father, leaving him prone to
Horace is the Head of the City Watch, and has eyes tears.
everywhere.
Appearance. Cassidy is a human with broad shoulders and
Personality. Bonivelle is extremely interested in gossip; tired eyes. His hands are callused and he wears weathered
half the town thinks she owns the bar to keep up with local clothing.
chatter.
Appearance. Bonivelle is a middle-aged elf with a cropped SYLVIEL'S HOUSE
hair cut. She wears an apron that says "Humbuddy Loves Sylviel lived in a small one-bedroom cottage near the city
You," and is extremely flirtatious toward femme- center. Sylviel's house was turned upside down and
presenting characters. bloodied the day of her murder; it appears as if Sylviel
certainly put up a good fight. As far as anyone can tell,
REID, THE LOCAL DRUNK nothing has been taken or destroyed. Sylviel's mom,
Reid thinks Horace killed Sylviel. They saw Horace talking Bernadette, has worked most of the blood stains out of the
to some shady looking folks outside the Arena before the flooring, but there are a few areas that were heavily
Battle of the Barbarians. Reid doesn’t think it’s a saturated.
coincidence Sylviel was found dead the next day.
BERNADETTE, SYLVEIL’S MOTHER
Personality. For someone who usually has a drink in their
Bernadette is still trying to clean up Sylviel's house,
hands, Reid is very intuitive. It's very apparent that Reid is
although she mostly just sits on the ground cursing and
a high functioning alcoholic.
sniffling. Bernadette is disgusted that someone would kill
Appearance. Reid is a human in their early forties. They her daughter and then take her body with them.
wear many cool blue hues in their wardrobe. Bernadette thinks it might have been Norman. Sylviel had
confided in her that she had some business to attend to
5
with Norman Sunday evening, and they were going to meet P.S. I believe Horace is having an affair with one of
again. She can find the receipt room 9 for this evening.
his guards. While I am not surprised, I have a feeling
Nobody knows what Norman does but Bernadette saw him
with some shady characters lately, perhaps he hired them if I don't escape this marriage soon, I may never have
to kill Sylviel. Bernadette has no idea that Sylviel's father another chance.
was a doppelganger. He was just a guy passing through the
city that caught her eye.
All my love,
Personality. Bernadette used to be a kind-hearted woman, Your dearest Sylviel
but her grief is currently making her prone to bouts of
anger
Inside his desk drawer the party can find a wrinkled
Appearance. Bernadette is a spry human in her mid-70s
contract; as if water had been thrown on it. A DC 13
with wispy white hair. Her finger nails have been chewed
Intelligence (Investigation) check reveals a few sentences
off, and she bites the corner of her top lip.
are still legible. The group can read that Horace had hired
NORMAN'S HOUSE two ruffians two days ago for 20 gp a piece to follow
Norman and tell him not to enter the election for Head of
Norman lives in a small one-bedroom bungalow with a the City Watch. They met at the Arena.
den and kitchen inside. Outside there a small plot of land
that holds a small shed with a lock on the door. Inside the HORACE'S HOUSE - PARTY GOES WITH
shed, the characters can find the rope, gardening shears,
and an axe that Warner mentioned (if they visited
HORACE TO SHED
Warner's Wares.) They can also find chopped wood, a So you've gotten Horace all the way to his home with the
potted rose plant, gardening gloves, and stakes inside the party? I'd suggest having Horace hear something coming
shed. Outside, there is a small tilled area. from the shed and letting the party go inside without him.
If confronted, Norman admits that he had planned on If they are dead set on going with him, so be it. Horace and
planting a rose garden for Sylviel, but now the thought of the party will come face to face with another Horace. Roll
looking at her favorite flowers saddens him. In his for Initiative. After defeating or the second Horace, the
bedroom there is a small bed, bedside table, and desk. shifting skin will fade away show a dying Sylviel. In her
Inside the bedside table, there is a love letter from Sylviel last breaths she'll reveal that she just wanted to be free
to Norman detailing when she planned on leaving Horace from their loveless marriage; she never meant to hurt
to live a life of love with Norman. She has also asked anyone.
Normal to meet her at 6 pm on today's date at the inn,
room number 9. The pages are numbered - page 3 of 3 is HORACE'S HOUSE - PARTY GOES INSIDE
missing. On the desk rests Norman's private journal. HOUSE WHEN HORACE GOES TO SHED
Skimming through the journal reveals that Norman thinks
So you've gotten Horace all the way to his home with the
he's being watched by a shady group. He's extremely
party? I'd suggest having Horace hear something coming
paranoid and has been careful to only travel to public
from the shed and letting the party go inside without him.
places.
Once the party has searched his home, they'll find his body
6
APPENDIX A
Armor Class 13
Hit Points 35 (7d8+7)
Speed 30 ft.
Talon. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5
(1d4 + 3)
Screeth. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target.
Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) Reactions