GM's Miscellany - Urban Dressing
GM's Miscellany - Urban Dressing
GM’ S M ISCELLANY:
U RBAN D RESSING
P REPARE Q UICKER , P REPARE B ET TER
ragingswan.com/gmsresource
GM’ S M ISCELL ANY : U RBAN D RESSING
Tired of your towns and cities being boring, bland places in which your PCs show little or no interest? Want to bring your towns and
cities alive with cool, interesting features of note? Then GM’s Miscellany: Urban Dressing is for you! Presenting tons of cool,
interesting features for common urban fixture such as shops, stalls, thieves and so on, GM’s Miscellany: Urban Dressing provides the
harried GM the tools to quickly and easily bring such features to life.
Design: Ben Armitage, Creighton Broadhurst, Brian Fitzpatrick, Product Identity: All trademarks, registered trademarks, proper
James Graham, Richard Green, Brian Liberge, Brian Wiborg names (characters, deities, artefacts, places and so on), dialogue,
Mønster, Julian Neale, Marc Radle, Brian J. Ratcliff, Liz Smith, plots, storylines, language, incidents, locations, characters,
Jacob Trier, Josh Vogt and Daron Woodson artwork and trade dress are product identity as defined in the
Development: Creighton Broadhurst and Aaron T. Huss Open Game License version 1.0a, Section 1(e) and are not Open
Editing: Creighton Broadhurst Content.
Cover Design: Creighton Broadhurst
Layout: Creighton Broadhurst Open Content: Except material designated as Product Identity,
Interior Art: Paul Daly, Pawet Dobosz (The Forge Studios), Jeff the contents of GM’s Miscellany: Urban Dressing are Open Game
Freels, Rick Hershey, Garth Jones, Bradley K. McDevitt, Content as defined in the Open Gaming License version 1.0a
William McAusland, Brittany Michel, Matt Morrow, Kay Section 1(d). No portion of this work other than the material
Neilsen, Dave Peterson, Claudio Pozas, Jeff Preston, Howard designated as Open Game Content may be reproduced in any
Pyle, Arthur Rackham, Marc Radle, V Shane, Elizabeth form without written permission. The moral right of Ben
Shippengreen, Frank Walls and Maciej Zagorski (The Forge Armitage, Creighton Broadhurst, Brian Fitzpatrick, James
Studios). Some artwork copyright William McAusland, used Graham, Richard Green, Brian Liberge, Brian Wiborg Mønster,
with permission, Some artwork from Fantasy Filler Art Julian Neale, Dave Peterson, Marc Radle, Brian Ratcliff, Liz Smith,
copyright Rick Hershey, All Rights Reserved. Some artwork Jacob Trier, Josh Vogt and Daron Woodson to be identified as
copyright Paul Daly, used with permission. Rick Hershey, the authors of this work has been asserted in accordance with
Standard Stock Art: Issue 1 by Small Niche Games. Some the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. ©Raging Swan
artwork by Claudio Pozas, copyright Expeditious Retreat Press 2014.
Press, used with permission. Franks Walls Standard Stock
Art: Issue 1 by Empty Room Studios Publishing. Some images Pathfinder is a registered trademark of Paizo Inc., and the
copyright Erisian Entertainment, used with permission. Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Pathfinder Roleplaying
Game Compatibility Logo are trademarks of Paizo Inc., and are
Thank you for purchasing GM’s Miscellany: Urban Dressing; we used under the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Compatibility
hope you enjoy it and that you check out our other fine print and License. See http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/compatibility for
PDF products. more information on the compatibility license.
Published by Raging Swan Press Compatibility with the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game requires the
June 2014 Pathfinder Roleplaying Game from Paizo Inc.. See
ISBN: 978‐0‐9928513‐5‐4 http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG for more information on the
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Paizo Inc. does not guarantee
compatibility, and does not endorse this product.
ragingswan.com
[email protected] To learn more about the Open Game License, visit
wizards.com/d20.
CONTENTS
Contents ...................................................................................... 2 Shrines: Hooks, Complications and Opportunities ..................... 77
Stat Blocks by CR.......................................................................... 4 Shrines: Associated NPCs ........................................................... 78
Reading Stat Blocks ...................................................................... 5 Statues & Monuments: Characteristics & Appearance .............. 82
About the Designers .................................................................... 6 Statues & Monuments: Dressing ............................................... 84
OGL Version 1.0A ..................................................................... 236 Statues & Monuments: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities 86
Statues & Monuments: Legends & Rumours ............................. 87
DRESSING
Temples: Characteristics and Appearance ................................. 88
Naming Locations ...................................................................... 10 Temples: Domain Features ........................................................ 90
Naming Locations: Table A (Descriptive) ................................... 11 Temples: Donations, Tithings and Sacrifices .............................. 92
Naming Locations: Table B (Creatures) ...................................... 12 Temples: Events, Festivals and Rites .......................................... 93
Naming Locations: Table C (People) .......................................... 13 Temples: Clergy in a Hurry ......................................................... 94
Naming Locations: Table D (Objects) ......................................... 14 Theatres: Characteristics & Appearance (External) ................... 96
Naming Locations: Table E (Other) ............................................ 15 Theatres: Characteristics & Appearance (Internal) .................... 98
Alleyways: Appearance .............................................................. 16 Theatres: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities ...................... 99
Alleyways: Names ...................................................................... 18 Theatres: Sights & Sounds ....................................................... 100
Alleyways: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities .................... 19 Theatres: Associated NPCs ....................................................... 101
Alleyways: Encounters ............................................................... 19 Thieves: Pick Pockets & Confidence Tricksters ........................ 104
Alleyways: Associated NPCs ....................................................... 20 Thieves: Thugs & Bashers ........................................................ 106
Docks: Characteristics and Appearance ..................................... 24 Thieves: Skilled Thieves............................................................ 108
Docks: Docked Ships .................................................................. 26 Thieves: Specialists .................................................................. 110
Docks: Hooks, Complications and Opportunities ....................... 27 Thieves: Sample Rogues & Thieves .......................................... 111
Docks: Sights & Sounds .............................................................. 28 Thieves: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities ...................... 112
Docks: NPCs ............................................................................... 30 Traders & Craftsmen: Characteristics & Appearance............... 114
Graveyards: Characteristics & Appearance ............................... 32 Traders & Craftsmen: Selling ................................................... 116
Graveyards: Grave Markings...................................................... 34 Traders & Craftsmen: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities. 117
Graveyards: Associated NPCs .................................................... 36 Traders & Craftsmen: Associated NPCs ................................... 118
Graveyards: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities ................. 38 Watch, the: Rank & File ........................................................... 120
Guildhalls: Types of Guilds ......................................................... 40 Watch, the: Experts & Specialists ............................................ 122
Guildhalls: Guildhalls ................................................................. 42 Watch, the: Informers & Watchers .......................................... 123
Guildhalls: Initiation, Motivations and Rumors ......................... 44 Watch, the: Sergeants & Captains & Specialists ...................... 124
Guildhalls: Associated NPCS ...................................................... 46 Watch, the: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities ................ 126
Market Stalls: Characteristics & Appearance ............................. 48 Wizard’s Tower: Characteristics & Appearance ....................... 128
Market Stalls: What’s For Sale? ................................................. 50 Wizard’s Tower: Dressing......................................................... 130
Market Stalls: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities............... 51 Wizard’s Tower: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities ......... 132
Market Stalls: Associated NPCs.................................................. 52 Wizard’s Tower: Legends & Rumours ...................................... 133
Parks: Characteristics and Appearance ...................................... 56
Parks: Things to Stumble Upon .................................................. 58 ENCOUNTERS
Parks: Hooks, Complications and Opportunities........................ 59 Double Dealings (EL 6; XP 2,400) ............................................. 136
Parks: Associated NPCs .............................................................. 60 Fire Sale (EL 4; XP 1,200) .......................................................... 138
Ruined Buildings: Characteristics & Appearance ....................... 62 For The Birds! (EL 3; XP 800) .................................................... 140
Ruined Buildings: Dressing......................................................... 64 Ghouls in the Graveyard (EL 4; XP 1,200)................................. 142
Ruined Buildings: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities ......... 65
Ruined Buildings: Legends & Rumours ...................................... 66
Sages: Characteristics & Appearance......................................... 68
DID YOU KNOW?
Sages: Whispers & Rumours ...................................................... 70
Sages: Hooks, Complications & Opportunities .......................... 71 If you enjoyed this product, please consider leaving a review.
Sages: Sample Sages .................................................................. 72
Shrines: Characteristics and Appearance................................... 74 If you didn’t enjoy this product, did you know Raging Swan
Shrines: Object of Veneration.................................................... 76 Press offers a money back guarantee?
2
Law & Order: The Taxman (EL 4; XP 1,200) ............................. 144 Games to Play: Players ............................................................. 205
Law & Order: The Watch (EL 4; XP 1,200) ................................ 145 Barroom Brawls: Running a Brawl ........................................... 206
Shop ‘Til You Drop (EL 1; XP 400) ............................................. 146 Barroom Brawls: Brawl Triggers ............................................... 207
Sword Trouble (EL 8; XP 4,800) ................................................ 148 Barroom Brawls: Brawl Events ................................................. 208
The Oracle of Smoke and Fire (EL 5; XP 1,600) ........................ 150 Barroom Brawls: Aftermath ..................................................... 209
The Vanishing Dead (EL 5; XP 1,600)........................................ 152 Barroom Brawls: Brawlers ....................................................... 210
Thieves, Cutthroats and Pickpockets (EL var.; XP var.) ............ 154 Barroom Brawls: Taproom Features ........................................ 212
To Give the Devil His Due (EL 10; XP 9,600) ............................. 156 Barroom Brawls: Improvised Weapons ................................... 213
Under Construction (EL 7; XP 3,200) ........................................ 158 Sample Taverns ........................................................................ 214
‘Ware the Wererat (EL 4; XP 1,200) ......................................... 160 Sample Tavern: Cock and Bull, the ........................................... 215
Watch, the: Patrols .................................................................. 162 Sample Tavern: Crossed Axes, the ........................................... 216
Sample Tavern: Dancing Satyr, the .......................................... 217
SO WHAT’S FOR SALE?
Sample Tavern: Dirty Weasel, the ............................................ 218
Small Town .............................................................................. 164 Sample Tavern: Hammer and Tongs, the ................................. 219
Large Town .............................................................................. 168 Sample Tavern: Huntsman’s Rest, the ..................................... 220
Small City ................................................................................. 172 Sample Tavern:Lady Luck’s ...................................................... 221
Large City ................................................................................. 176 Sample Tavern: Laughing Gull, the........................................... 222
Metropolis ............................................................................... 180 Sample Tavern: Lazy Badger, the ............................................. 223
TAVERNS Sample Tavern: Lucky Catch, the ............................................. 224
Sample Tavern: Merry Mermaid, the ....................................... 225
Table A: Tavern Name (Descriptor).......................................... 186
Sample Tavern: Pilgrim’s Respite, the ...................................... 226
Table B: Tavern Name (Subject)............................................... 187
Sample Tavern: Royal Swan, the .............................................. 227
Interesting Tavern Features ..................................................... 188
Sample Tavern: Saucy Sylph, the ............................................. 228
Sample Customers ................................................................... 190
Sample Tavern: Silver Unicorn, the .......................................... 229
Sample Staff ............................................................................. 192
Sample Tavern: Wand and Scroll, the ...................................... 230
Food & Drink ............................................................................ 194
Sample Tavern: Warm Welcome Inn, the ................................ 231
Taproom Events ....................................................................... 196
Sample Tavern: Weary Camel, the ........................................... 232
Taproom Entertainment .......................................................... 198
Sample Tavern: Wily Fox, the................................................... 233
Sample Tavern Songs ............................................................... 199
Sample Tavern: Wyvern’s Head Inn, the .................................. 234
Games To Play ......................................................................... 200
Games to Play: Dragon and the Thief ...................................... 202
Games to Play: Events ............................................................. 204
3
STAT BLOCKS BY CR
CR PAGE
1/4 Urchin CN young human expert 1 111, 154
1/3 Human Merchant LN human aristocrat 1 211
1/2 Barkeep N male human expert 2 210
1/2 Milt N male human commoner 2 160
1/2 Tengu Thief N male tengu rogue 1 141
1/2 Watchman LN male human warrior 2 144, 145, 162, 211
1 Red Raider N male human fighter 2 137
1 Expert Cutpurse CN human expert 3 111, 155
1 Herrannon N male human expert (jeweller) 3 147
1 Human Thief CN human rogue 2 111
1 Sergeant of the Watch LN male human warrior 3 145, 162
1 Thorace NE male human fighter 1/rogue 1 147
1 Yorek LN male human warrior 3 146
2 Fuut & Tooq CE male ghoul rogue 2 143
2 Nedel Flameshield NG male human aristocrat 4 143
2 Tax Collector LN male human expert (tax collector) 4 144
3 Captain of the Watch LN male half‐elf fighter 4 162
3 Denthir NE male human wizard (universalist) 3/rogue 1 153
3 Lena NE female half‐orc rogue (thug) 3/fighter 1 153
3 Thug CN male half‐orc fighter 2/rogue 2 111
3 Tulger N male half‐elf fighter 4 137
4 Algar Braden N male human wizard (universalist) 3/expert 2 139
4 Restin CE male human afflicted wererat barbarian 4 161
5 Cindersoot the Oracle LE imp bard 2/oracle 4 150
5 Veltin N male human expert 7 136
6 Ambrose Blackstone LN male middle‐aged human artistocrat 8 149
6 Jeek Hornwood N male human expert 5/warrior 3 149
6 Ryllhax CE male gargoyle barbarian (hurler) 2 159
10 Bogeyman of Long Alley NE bogeyman 156
4
READING STAT BLOCKS
GM’s Miscellany: Urban Dressing includes all necessary stat of hit dice it possesses. A bracketed hit point total indicates
blocks; these notes explain how to read them. Unless otherwise that the creature is injured. If the creature has damage
noted, all listed scores include all the creature’s normal reduction or hardness it appears here.
modifiers. Stat block appear in four sections: basic, defensive,
OFFENSIVE
offensive and supplemental.
Space, Base Atk and CMB: The creature’s space, base attack
bonus and CMB.
BASIC Melee: This section lists a creature’s melee attacks. If the attack
Name, CR and XP: The monster’s name appears first followed by has a reach that is not 5 ft. it is listed here. This line also lists
its CR and how many experience points it is worth. If more any specific feats a creature can use with the attack (for
than one creature is encountered, a bracketed number lists example Power Attack), but the effects of these feats are not
how many appear. included in the attack’s statistics. Each attack includes attack
Appearance: The GM can read aloud or paraphrase this section. bonus and damage information. If the attack has the default
If a picture depicts the creature, this section may be omitted. critical hit characteristics (20/x2) this information is omitted.
Sex, Race, Class and Level: If the monster has class levels these Ranged: This section lists the creature’s ranged attacks. It always
appear here along with its race and sex. The first noted class includes the attack’s range. Each attack includes attack
is the creature’s favoured class. bonus and damage information. This line also lists any
Alignment and Type: The creature’s abbreviated alignment and specific feats a creature can use with the attack (for example
its type (including applicable subtypes). Point Blank Shot), but the effects of these feats are not
Init and Senses: This creature’s initiative modifier appears included in the attack’s statistics. If the attack has the
before any special senses (such as scent or darkvision) and default critical hit characteristics (20/x2) this information is
the creature’s Perception and Sense Motive scores. If the omitted.
creature has special Perception‐based abilities, such as Atk Options: This section lists any abilities or feats that can
trapfinding or stonecunning, these appear here. affect more than one of the creature’s attacks, unless it has
Speed: The creature’s modified land speed appears first along already been presented with the creature’s specific attacks.
with any other relevant speeds (such as climb or fly). If the Subsequent listings describe all but the most basic abilities in
creature’s base land speed is different to its modified speed depth.
this is also listed. Special Actions: This section lists any useful abilities that a
ACP and Movement Skills: ACP presents the creature’s normal creature could use in battle. Subsequent listings describe all
armour check penalty modifier. If the creature’s Acrobatics, but the most basic abilities in more depth.
Climb, Escape Artist, Fly, Ride, Stealth or Swim modifier Spells and Spell‐Like Abilities: The creature’s caster level, along
differs from the relevant ability modifier minus its armour with its concentration modifier and domains appears in
check penalty, these skills appear here. brackets before the main spell listing. If one or more of the
creature’s spells require a touch attack, the relevant attack
DEFENSIVE bonus is included. Spells available appear in reverse order
AC: The creature’s normal, touch and flat‐footed AC along with from highest to lowest level. Spells denoted D are domain
its CMD; additionally this section lists any defensive powers spells. If applicable, a spell’s DC is also provided.
or abilities that affects the creature’s AC. Combat Gear: This section lists any combat‐related equipment
Immune, Resist and Weaknesses: If the creature has immunity, the creature possesses.
resistance or a vulnerability to an effect or condition it
appears here. SUPPLEMENTAL
Fort, Ref and Will: The creature’s saving throw modifiers along Abilities and Special Qualities: These sections list the creature’s
with any conditional modifiers and defensive powers (such ability scores and any special qualities that do not appear
as evasion) and spell resistance appear here. anywhere else in its stat block.
HP: The creature’s full, normal hit points along with the number Feats: An alphabetical listing of all the creature’s feats.
Skills and Languages: These sections list any skills the creature
SPECIAL ABILITIES possesses that have not already appeared in the stat block
and all languages spoken or understood. Any language‐based
Special abilities appear in the section to which they are best special abilities also appear here.
suited. Thus, offensive abilities appear with a creature’s attacks Gear: This section lists any gear not already listed in the
while defensive ones appear with its other defences. Full write‐ creature’s stat block. This section hardly ever contains
ups of irrelevant powers (such as those that could not affect weapons or armour as they usually appear in the relevant
sections above.
combat) are omitted. The effects of abilities that factor into a
creature’s normal attacks or defences have already been Spellbook: The contents of the creature’s spellbook and its
included in the relevant calculations. opposition schools.
5
ABOUT THE DESIGNERS
Ben Armitage’s long hiatus before his return to gaming will endless tinkering of house rules and producing his own content,
inevitably be triumphant. Well, in his mind anyway. Ben started as well as leading and playing several campaigns with friends.
in role‐playing games by forcing his younger brother to play James has a B.A. in History with an interest in piracy (the
while trapped on long car rides en route to family vacations. original kind, not electronic!). He resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Obscure Tolkien and Marvel knockoffs comprised the initial along with his impish nine‐month old son and his roguish, and
offerings before playing HeroQuest with friends until the box fell utterly supportive, wife.
apart. When another friend put together an AD&D 2nd Edition Richard Green has been playing RPGs since 1980, and has
game, it was love at first sight. Well, not really, but what a good enjoyed running D&D in all four editions. Previous freelance
time! His long break from gaming came after a TPK in Ravenloft design credits include “A Blight on the Land”, a Forgotten Realms
and about 15 years of life… adventure written for Dungeon #38 way back in 1992, and
Now, a patent attorney and small business owner, Ben contributions to the “Iron Gazetteer” for Open Design. More
enjoys reading, writing, gaming, sports and any activity with his recently, he has been working on the forthcoming 4th Edition
wife and three young children. He also brews beer while Bestiary for Open Design’s Midgard campaign setting.
pretending to use his chemistry degrees. Ben currently plays He is currently running two regular 4th edition D&D
Pathfinder in a small family game and writes for Raging Swan campaigns set in the city and wider world of Parsantium, the
Press, Open Design and a few other upcoming projects. first campaign setting he created since his teenage years. Check
Creighton Broadhurst is a keen gamer who passionately out his blog, At the Sign of the Green Man
believes in the Open Gaming License and is dedicated to making (http://richgreen01.livejournal.com/) to learn more about the
his games as fun and easy to enjoy as possible for all Parsantium campaign setting and to read other posts about
participants. Reducing or removing entry barriers, simplifying fantasy RPG gaming. Richard lives in London with his wife Kate
pre‐game prep and easing the GM's workload are the key and two cats. When he’s not playing and writing D&D stuff, he
underpinning principles of the products he releases through likes to watch Crystal Palace FC try to win football matches.
Raging Swan Press. Julian began his interest in roleplaying games with the classic
Over the last 11 years, Creighton has worked with “red box” in the early 1980s, then quickly progressed onto 1e
Expeditious Press, Paizo and Wizards of the Coast. He now AD&D when buying the Player’s Handbook from none other than
releases his own products through Raging Swan Press. You can Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson ‐ of Fighting Fantasy and
read his thoughts on game design at raging‐ Games Workshop fame ‐ at a convention in London.
swan.livejournal.com. Brian Liberge is a father of one, living in Boston, MA.
Creighton lives in Torquay, England where, apparently, the Introduced to AD&D at an early age, he’s continued to update
palm trees are plastic and the weather is warm. He shares a with the editions and dives into new systems. He loves home‐
ramshackle old mansion with his two children (“Genghis” and brewed ideas, is honest to a fault, and thinks mechanics should
“Khan”) and his patient wife. Famed for his unending love affair absolutely be shared between systems. Check out his previous
with booze and pizza he is an enduring GREYHAWK fan. work with StufferShack.com, the RPG Circus Podcast, The Gamer
Brian "Fitz" Fitzpatrick lives with his family in beautiful Assembly and Kobold Press.
Colorado trying desperately to avoid a gruesome death by low‐ Brian Wiborg Mønster hails from Denmark the ancient
flying soccer ball. Though he spends his days as a code monkey, Viking kingdom, where he lives with his overbearing wife and
he lives for the time he spends with his family, gaming or two young sons, whom he trains to be wizards, although it
thinking about gaming throughout the week. When not seems that a bard and a barbarian is most likely result of his
pondering what's next for his own writing projects manipulation. He has played RPGs since 1990 and has tried a
(moebiusadventures.com), he enjoys playing with his wife and variety from AD&D, Call of Cthulhu, TMNT, and Star Wars, the
daughters, his dogs, or with his friends in their latest campaigns. old D6 version mind you, not the modern D20. Today it is
He's been playing some form of RPG since discovering D&D in Pathfinder he mainly plys his evil trade in.
1982 and has explored worlds of horror, science fiction, super He started gm’ing mainly because he thought the dungeons
heroes, spies, and swords & sorcery (his favorite) ever since. he explored were built by kind‐hearted souls, he was convinced
James F.D. Graham is an aspiring RPG writer/designer who is that a trap should aim to kill or at least seriously maim, because
working hard to break into the business of RPGs. He caught the why else would you bother with using the trap to protect yours
bug after participating in the 2009 RPG Superstar Contest by precious dungeon? This idea was sparked by his exposure to
Paizo Publishing and blushingly admits he made it into the top 8. Grimtooth the Troll and his magnificent traps. He has been
He is currently juggling his duties as a stay‐at‐home dad with called an evil GM but he usually just replies “I am a realistic GM,
6
and you take 65 points of damage, so roll up a new character!” Liz Smith was introduced to RPGs at the age of 14 and has
Apart from rpgs he also enjoys everything Sword and Sorcery be been involved with them ever since, most notably in the long‐
it books, comics, RPGs, or movies, especially Conan. running Joe Wood Commoner Campaign. Quiet, observant and
Julian Neale has run and played in many games and game an avid reader, she mostly finds herself pushed into the GM seat
systems over the years, and likes writing game stuff for fun. He for games and somehow manages to fit a lot of things into a 24‐
has contributed to Dragon magazine and the Kingmaker hour day, becoming a full‐time writer in 2002. She is now a
Adventure Path for Paizo, and is excited to work with Raging published poet, non‐fiction writer and novelist, and is proud to
Swan Press. be able to add RPG work to the list at last. She currently lives in
Julian currently lives in the north of England, but plans to the UK but prefers world‐hopping to dull reality.
relocate further south in the future. Jacob Trier has been a book‐worm since before he could
Marc Radle is a professional graphic artist and designer by walk. Growing up, the library was one of his favorite places, and
trade. He is married and has three kids (one teenaged son and his love of fantasy and role‐playing games was kindled by Sword
two very spoiled cats). and Sorcery pick‐your‐path books and Dragonlance novels. At
He started playing D&D in the late 70’s – good old First age ten, he got his hands on the AD&D 2nd edition Players
Edition AD&D! He also played many other RPGs back then… Handbook, and he has been a gamer ever since. His singular
Marvel Superheroes, Champions, Elfquest, FASA's Star Trek, Star claim to fame was an unsuccessful run at the title of RPG
Frontiers, the list goes on…but it always came back to AD&D! Superstar in 2012.
Marc faded out of gaming sometime after 2nd Edition came out When he isn’t slaying trolls or guiding his players towards
– partially because 2nd Edition just didn't quite do it for him but certain death and dismemberment, he’s busy playing the roles of
also because his gaming friends turned into grownups, got real father and husband. He and his lovely wife are the proud parents
lives and moved away when Marc wasn't looking! of two lively sons, both future gamers if their dad has anything
Third Edition D&D really pulled Marc back into the hobby to say about it. Trained as a journalist, he pays the bills handling
and he has since become a HUGE fan of the Pathfinder RPG! He communication at a local Social and Health Care College. He lives
is absolutely thrilled with what Paizo has done for gamers near Aarhus, Denmark.
everywhere and is even more thrilled that he can still enjoy Josh Vogt is a full‐time freelance writer and editor. He works
playing (and contributing to) the game he loves. Thanks Paizo! with a variety of RPG developers and publishers and has sold
Marc has written and/or illustrated for a number of great fiction to Paizo's Pathfinder Tales, Grey Matter Press, the UFO2
game companies, including Kobold Quarterly, Open Design, & UFO3 anthologies, Intergalactic Medicine Show and Shimmer,
Super Genius Games, Last Unicorn Games (back in the day), among others. His upcoming debut fantasy novel is also with
Headless Hydra Games, Jon Brazer Enterprises, Tricky Owlbear Paizo's Pathfinder Tales. You can find him at JRVogt.com or
Publishing, Louis Porter, Jr Design and Raging Swan Press. @JRVogt. He is made out of meat."
Brian J. Ratcliff was born and raised in south‐central Texas, Daron Woodson is a published (self‐ and otherwise) third‐
where he lived for 18 years before moving to Arizona, meeting party author for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game by Paizo
his first gaming group, and being introduced to the video game Publishing, LLC. In addition to over six years of administrative
Neverwinter Nights and through it to D&D 3.5 in 2003. He has writing experience, Daron has authored over one hundred high‐
since relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he works as a rated and well‐reviewed products under the trade name
member of an accounting firm; by nights he tinkers with Abandoned Arts, and also works as a freelance author and
Pathfinder gaming ideas and homebrew setting and resources, content editor for several other third‐party PFRPG publishers,
and works his way toward completing a vast array of fiction and for online writing services like Scripted and Writer Access.
stories. When not gaming, working on gaming projects, writing, Daron lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and spends the majority of
or brainstorming with his co‐author, he enjoys reading fantasy, his efforts there avoiding any direct contact with the sunlight.
sci‐fi, and/or anything that blends the two, playing video games
(primarily console JRPGs), and spending time with his family's
five dogs.
7
8
D RESSING
9
NAMING LOCATIONS
This section comprises five tables: It is also important to remember that a
GM is always free to skip the dice altogether
Table A: Descriptive and simply pick words from the tables that
Table B: Creatures strike his fancy or that fit his needs. The GM
Table C: People can even pick words simply because they have
Table D: Objects nice alliteration or roll easily off the tongue
Table E: Other (The Treacherous Toad, Amorous Ankheg or
Saucy Shepherd).
These tables can be used to generate a
Examples: The GM decides he needs a
virtually limitless number of interesting
quick name for an inn, so he rolls once on
names for shops, taverns, ships,
Table A: Descriptive and once on Table B:
adventuring groups and so on. The easiest
Creatures. He rolls a 2 and a 39, resulting in
way to use these tables is to simply choose
the words Angry and Griffon. With the
any two of the five, roll once on each and
addition of the word “The”, the GM names
apply the results in order to generate a
the inn The Angry Griffon, surely an
name. In many cases, you will need to add
interesting name his players will have little
the word ‘The’ or ‘and’ to the name as trouble remembering.
appropriate. The GM could have instead decided to roll
The GM can instead opt to roll twice on on Table B: Creatures and Table D: Objects,
the same table. The resulting names tend to resulting in an inn called The Badger and
be a bit more straightforward or mundane Bucket.
(especially if the GM rolls twice on Table D: Perhaps the GM needs a quick name for a
Objects). For example, The Book and Candle might pirate ship, so he rolls once on Table B: Creatures
be the perfect name for a wizard’s magic shop and once on Table E: Other, resulting in The
while The Kettle and Cauldron, could be a great Medusa’s Gaze.
name for an alchemist’s shop. Don’t worry if the resulting name does not
If the GM is more adventurous, he might make sense at first glance. The beauty of inn
decide to roll on three tables instead of two. names, or other similar sorts of names, is that
Doing so most likely requires the GM to be a bit they can be so named because of local custom,
more open‐minded and creative with the results. superstitions, the owner’s interests or loves or
However, such results can be well worth it – simply because they sound good.
imagine the potential story behind an inn A GM can allow a nonsensical name to
called The Toothless Harpy’s Lute! fuel his creativity: why is that inn called The
Yet another option is to roll on one or Chaste Minstrel? What interesting story or
two tables as described above. Then, roll a adventure hook lies behind the name? This
single die (a D10 or D20 works well) and use the interesting background adds detail and depth to
number rolled as an actual word to be added to both the inn and the settlement in which the inn
the name generated. This method results in resides. This in turn helps to make the GM’s
colourful names such as The Seven Scholars or campaign world really come alive!
Three Angry Wenches.
10
NAMING LOCATIONS: TABLE A (DESCRIPTIVE)
D% 51 Last INNS & TAVERNS
1 Amorous 52 Lazy
Inn names have perhaps the most
2 Angry 53 Leaky
54 Leaning flexibility when selecting tables. For the
3 Arrogant
55 Leaping most consistently useful results,
4 Bashful
5 Bawdy 56 Leering however, try one of the following
6 Black 57 Lonely selection options:
7 Blue 58 Lucky
8 Brass 59 Lusty/Lustful Roll once on Table A: Descriptive and
9 Brave 60 Mad then once on Table B: Creatures, Table
10 Broken 61 Modest C: People or Table D: Objects.
11 Brown 62 Mystic (Examples: The Bawdy Abbot, The
12 Bronze 63 Oily Leaky Tankard).
13 Burning/Burnt 64 Passionate Roll once on any two of the following
14 Chanting 65 Patient
tables: Table B: Creatures, Table C:
15 Chaste 66 Platinum
People or Table D: Objects. (Examples:
16 Choking 67 Pompous
The Harpy and Skull, The Bard and
17 Clever 68 Prancing
69 Proud Bottle).
18 Copper
19 Courageous 70 Purple Roll twice on any one of the following
20 Comely 71 Raging tables: Table B: Creatures, Table C:
21 Cowardly 72 Randy People or Table D: Objects. (Examples:
22 Creeping 73 Red The Wench and The Warrior, Axe and
23 Crooked 74 Rusty Crown).
24 Dancing 75 Salty
25 Dreaming 76 Saucy D20
26 Drunken 77 Scarlet 1 The Bawdy Abbot
27 Dull 78 Silent 2 The Leaky Tankard
28 Empty 79 Silver 3 The Wench and the
29 Flaming 80 Singing Warrior
30 Flying 81 Sinking 4 Axe and Crown
31 Frozen 82 Sleeping/Sleepy 5 The Harpy and Skull
32 Graceful 83 Slippery 6 The Bard and Bottle
33 Gasping 84 Smiling 7 The Green Triton
34 Gold/Golden 85 Squinting 8 The Lonely Snake
35 Grasping 86 Stone 9 The Laughing Hydra
36 Green 87 Thirsty 10 The Duck and Harpy
37 Grey 88 Thundering 11 The Bucket and
38 Grinning 89 Toothless Cockatrice
39 Hairy 90 Treacherous 12 The Shepherd and Lady
40 Happy 91 Tricky 13 The Witch and Jester
41 Homely 92 Valorous 14 The Treacherous Lady
42 Honest 93 Vengeful 15 The Silver Staff
43 Honorable 94 Vulgar 16 The Cursed Wheel
44 Hopping 95 Wandering 17 The Bishop and Lantern
45 Hungry 96 Weeping 18 The Singing Crossbow
46 Haunted 97 White 19 The Hag and Guillotine
47 Insufferable 98 Wonton 20 The Church Inn
48 Jealous 99 Wounded
49 Jumping 100 Yellow
50 Laughing
11
NAMING LOCATIONS: TABLE B (CREATURES)
D% 51 Jabberwock SHOPS
1 Ankheg 52 Kobold
In addition to inns, the names of many
2 Badger 53 Kraken
54 Leprechaun other types of shops in a town can be
3 Banshee
55 Lich easily generated. For the most part,
4 Basilisk
5 Beetle 56 Linnorm such names follow the same
6 Behir 57 Lion recommendations as inns. However, for
7 Boar 58 Lizard the most consistently useful results, try
8 Bugbear 59 Manticore one of the following selection options:
9 Bunyip 60 Medusa
10 Cat 61 Mermaid Roll once on any two of the following
11 Centaur 62 Minotaur tables: Table B: Creatures, Table C:
12 Chimera 63 Naga People or Table D: Objects. (Examples:
13 Cobra 64 Nymph The Abbot and Idol, Scribe and Scroll).
14 Cockatrice 65 Ogre
Roll twice on any one of the following
15 Cockroach 66 Orc
tables: Table B: Creatures, Table C:
16 Crow 67 Owl
People or Table D: Objects. (Examples:
17 Cyclops 68 Otyugh
69 Owlbear The Fiddle and Quill, Lute and Lyre).
18 Derro
19 Devil 70 Peacock
71 Phoenix D20
20 Dolphin
21 Dog 72 Pixie 1 The Abbot and Idol
22 Dragon 73 Pony 2 Scribe and Scroll
23 Drake 74 Rakshasa 3 The Fiddle and Quill
24 Dryad 75 Rat 4 Lute and Lyre
25 Duck 76 Roper 5 Porter’s Rest
26 Eagle 77 Sahuagin 6 The Noble’s Caress
27 Ettercap 78 Salamander 7 The Slumbering Wyrm
28 Ettin 79 Satyr 8 The Grasping Roper
29 Falcon 80 Scorpion 9 Arrow and Armour
30 Familiar 81 Serpent 10 Herbalist’s Cauldron
31 Fish 82 Siren 11 Chains and Shackles
32 Gargoyle 83 Spectre 12 Hoof and Bone
33 Genie 84 Sphinx 13 Drum and Whistle
34 Ghost 85 Spider 14 Dragon’s Delve
35 Giant 86 Spriggan 15 The Warrior’s Arm
36 Gnoll 87 Snake 16 The Flaming Candle
37 Goblin 88 Stingray 17 Heraster’s Quill
38 Golem 89 Stirge 18 The Anvil and Flame
39 Griffon 90 Sylph 19 Twin Wheels
40 Grig 91 Tengu 20 The Stuffed Phoenix
41 Grindylow 92 Titan
42 Gremlin 93 Toad
43 Hag 94 Treant
44 Harpy 95 Triton
45 Hippogriff 96 Troll
46 Hobgoblin 97 Turtle
47 Horse 98 Unicorn
48 Homunculus 99 Worg
49 Hydra 100 Wyvern
50 Imp
12
NAMING LOCATIONS: TABLE C (PEOPLE)
D% 51 Knight SHIPS
1 Abbot 52 Lady
With a little creativity, the tables can
2 Abjurer 53 Lass
54 Lord also be used to name ships and other
3 Adept
55 Mage vessels. The Leaping Mermaid or Silver
4 Alchemist
5 Aristocrat 56 Magus Ghost would be appropriate names for a
6 Assassin 57 Maiden sailing ship, while the Grinning Skull
7 Barbarian 58 Mariner might be perfect for a pirate vessel. For
8 Bard 59 Miller the most consistently useful results
9 Barrister 60 Minstrel when naming ships, try one of the
10 Baron 61 Monarch following selection options:
11 Beggar 62 Moneylender
12 Bishop 63 Monk Roll once on Table A: Descriptive and
13 Blacksmith 64 Mystic then once on Table B: Creatures, Table
14 Burglar 65 Necromancer
C: People or Table D: Objects.
15 Cavalier 66 Noble
(Examples: The Dancing Dolphin, Mad
16 Chamberlain 67 Oracle
Triton).
17 Chancellor 68 Paladin
69 Peasant Roll once on Table B: Creatures or
18 Cleric
19 Conjurer 70 Peddler Table C: People and once on Table E:
20 Constable 71 Pickpocket Other. (Examples: Siren’s Folly,
21 Cook 72 Pilgrim Kraken’s Pride).
22 Disciple 73 Piper
23 Diviner 74 Plowman D20
24 Druid 75 Porter 1 The Dancing Dolphin
25 Duke/Duchess 76 Priest/Priestess 2 Mad Triton
26 Emperor 77 Prince/Princess 3 Siren’s Folly
27 Enchanter 78 Queen 4 Kraken’s Pride
28 Evoker 79 Ranger 5 Drake’s Glory
29 Executioner 80 Rogue 6 King’s Revenge
30 Farmer 81 Sailor 7 Death’s Shadow
31 Fiddler 82 Scholar 8 Screaming Death
32 Fighter 83 Scribe 9 The Wrath
33 Fisherman 84 Servant 10 The Wailing Mermaid
34 Fishmonger 85 Shaman 11 Wavecrest
35 Footpad 86 Shepherd 12 Ocean Rover
36 Friar 87 Sheriff 13 The Lioness
37 Gypsy 88 Soldier 14 Siren of the Waves
38 Hangman 89 Sorcerer 15 The Sea Rat
39 Harlot 90 Spinster 16 Death’s Breath
40 Hermit 91 Squire 17 Vengeance
41 Highwayman 92 Steward 18 Repulse
42 Hooligan 93 Summoner 19 The Acheron
43 Horseman 94 Transmuter 20 Black Doom
44 Huntsman 95 Traveller
45 Illusionist 96 Warrior
46 Inn Keeper 97 Wench
47 Inquisitor 98 Witch
48 Jailer 99 Wizard
49 Jester 100 Woodsman
50 King
13
NAMING LOCATIONS: TABLE D (OBJECTS)
D% 51 Idol PLACE NAMES
1 Arrow 52 Jug
The GM can also use the tables to
2 Amulet 53 Ink Well
54 Kettle generate location or place names for his
3 Axe
55 Key campaign world, including mountain
4 Barrel
5 Beard 56 Lantern passes, hills, caves and so on. For the
6 Bell 57 Lute most consistently useful results, try one
7 Blade 58 Lyre of the following selection options:
8 Blood 59 Mask
9 Bolt 60 Moon Roll once on Table B: Creatures or
10 Bone 61 Mug Table C: People and once on Table E:
11 Book 62 Noose Other. (Examples: Burglar’s Roost,
12 Bottle 63 Oak Hermit’s End).
13 Bridge 64 Pick Choose (or create) the name of an
14 Bucket 65 Plough
important, famous or legendary
15 Carriage 66 Prince
person in the campaign world and
16 Castle 67 Quill
then roll once on Table E: Other.
17 Cauldron 68 Quiver
69 Rock (Examples: Hrothgar’s Leap, Grellick’s
18 Candle/Candlestick
19 Chain 70 Rose Rest).
20 Chalice 71 Scabbard
21 Claw 72 Scarecrow D20
22 Club 73 Scimitar 1 Burglar’s Roost
23 Crossbow 74 Scroll 2 Hemrit’s End
24 Crown 75 Shackles 3 Hrothgar’s Leap
25 Crust 76 Shield 4 Grellick’s Rest
26 Cup 77 Shovel 5 Baron’s Folly
27 Dagger 78 Skull 6 Knight’s Way
28 Drum 79 Spear 7 Shepherd’s Venture
29 Elixir 80 Staff 8 Ranger’s Depths
30 Fang 81 Star 9 Hangman’s Gate
31 Feather 82 Still 10 Sages’ Square
32 Fiddle 83 Stone 11 The Wailing gate
33 Flame 84 Sun 12 Death Alley
34 Flagon 85 Tabard 13 Squire’s End
35 Flask 86 Tail 14 Horseman’s Ditch
36 Gauntlet 87 Talisman 15 Slaughter Ford
37 Gem 88 Tankard 16 Battle Lane
38 Goblet 89 Throne 17 Mud Alley
39 Grape 90 Tome 18 Berilith’s Fall
40 Guillotine 91 Tooth 19 Bone Hill
41 Hammer 92 Torch 20 The Shadowed Glen
42 Hand 93 Tower
43 Harp 94 Trident
44 Head 95 Trowel
45 Helm 96 Wand
46 Home 97 Wave
47 Hoof 98 Whistle
48 Hook 99 Wheel
49 Horn 100 Whip
50 Hourglass
14
NAMING LOCATIONS: TABLE E (OTHER)
D% 51 Laugh ORGANISATIONS
1 Ancient 52 Leap
With even more creativity, the GM can
2 Bane 53 Lost
54 Love generate interesting names for
3 Banquet
55 Luck adventuring bands, knightly orders,
4 Bite
5 Bless 56 Mad mercenary groups, mysterious cabals
6 Breath 57 Masquerade and the like simply by rolling on any one
7 Brew 58 Menagerie or two of the tables before adding
8 Brood 59 Mercy words or phrases like Company, Knights,
9 Call 60 Miracle Order or Brotherhood to the result.
10 Caress 61 Misplaced
11 Choice 62 Nightmare D20
12 Cold 63 Oath The Black Wyvern
13 Courage 64 Path 1
Company
14 Crazed 65 Plague Brotherhood of the Scarlet
66 Prayer 2
15 Curse Tome
16 Dance 67 Pride 3 Order of the White Blade
17 Dark 68 Promise The Company of Dragon’s
69 Quest 4
18 Deadly Tome
19 Death 70 Rage 5 Order of the Shining Light
20 Deep 71 Rampage Sisterhood of the Bloody
72 Rest 6
21 Delve Arrow
22 Depths 73 Revenge Brotherhood of the Empty
7
23 Desire 74 Rhyme Scabbard
24 Dream 75 Roost 8 The Crimson Hydra’s Hand
25 Embrace 76 Scream 9 Knights of Fallen Banner
26 End 77 Shadow 10 The Ghost Fall Company
27 Fate 78 Shining Band of the Cursed
11
28 Fiery 79 Slumber Wanderers
29 Flourish 80 Smile Men of the Radiant
12
30 Fog 81 Song Starburst
31 Folly 82 Sorrow 13 Warriors of the Sun’s Glory
32 Fool 83 Soul 14 Knights of Bloodied Axe
33 Gambit 84 Spirit Brotherhood of the
15
34 Gamble 85 Sting Virtuous Whisper
35 Gasp 86 Storm Fellowship of the Broken
16
36 Gaze 87 Strike Shield
37 Gift 88 Stupid 17 The Bone Guard
38 Glory 89 Surprise Sisterhood of the Ebon
18
39 Grace 90 Terror Destroyers
40 Grasp 91 Triumph 19 Guards of the Eternal Vigil
41 Grip 92 Vengeance Blessed Fellowship of the
20
42 Haunt 93 Venture Peacock
43 Holiday 94 Wail
44 Honour 95 Walk
45 Hope 96 Way
46 Howl 97 Whisper
47 Hunt 98 Wish
48 Ire 99 Wrath
49 Jest 100 Young
50 Kiss
15
ALLEYWAYS: APPEARANCE
Alleyways tend to be low on upkeep; used as either unofficial 5 ft., cobblestone; bits of the walls have begun to
storage areas or handy rubbish dump for nearby buildings. It is 19 peel and flake off onto the ground, producing a
not unlike navigating a goblin warren or an old dungeon in many chalky mist when walked through.
ways, as you search for your footing and peer warily around 10 ft., dirt floor; several ropes hang tied from one of
20
the neighboring rooftops.
each shadowy corner. The table below first presents the width,
5 ft., cobblestone; an arch wrapped in ivy covers the
floor type and other salient terrain features before providing a 21
entrance to this alley.
brief description of 100 alleyways. 10 ft., dirt floor, dim light; vagrants huddle closely
Tip: To use this chart when running a chase scene (see the 22 together, trying to make themselves insignificant as
GameMastery Guide), roll once for each card to add flavour to people pass.
the obstacle. 10 ft., cobblestone; a number of the cobblestones
23
have been carved to resemble faces in profile.
D% DESCRIPTIONS 5 ft., dirt floor; quotes from legend have been
24
10 ft., dirt floor, light rubble; a pile of broken painted along one wall. The other is bare.
1 10 ft., cobblestone; a merchant has left his wagon
wooden crates lie on one side.
10 ft., dirt floor, dim light; the sound of a cat 25 parked here unattended; there is just enough room
2 mewling loudly carries into the street, though none to squeeze by.
can be seen. One side is lined with garbage bins. 5 ft., dirt floor; grass is struggling to grow in small
26
5 ft., cobblestones in poor repair, light rubble; two patches down this alley.
3 5 ft., dirt floor; a bull’s‐eye has been painted on the
men play a dice game near the far corner.
10 ft., cobblestone, dim light; a young girl sits as if 27 far wall of this dead end. Different sized holes
4 indicate people have not just been throwing darts.
waiting for someone.
10 ft., dirt floor; 3d4 youths are standing about 5 ft., dirt floor, dim light; stagnant water has pooled
5 28
gossiping. in this alley.
6 5 ft., dirt floor; charcoal graffiti marks the walls. 10 ft., dirt road, light rubble; a heap of rotting
29
7 5 ft., mud floor, light rubble; smells of cattle. produce attracts flies and other pests.
10 ft., cobblestones, dim light; high walls on either 5 ft., dirt floor; new constructions jut into the alley at
8 and a clothesline with fresh linen hangs between 30 odd angles, forcing hard turns where the width
open windows. reaches as few as one and a half feet.
5 ft., dirt floor, patches of dim light; walls narrow at 31 10 ft., cobblestone street; only recently paved.
9 the end to no more than 3 ft. and begin twisting 5 ft., dirt floor, dense rubble, dim light; filled with
around corners in a labyrinthine fashion. 32 garbage piled four feet high from the neighboring
10 ft., cobblestone; a small, metal fountain, buildings.
10 depicting various legendary figures, rests at the back 5 ft., cobblestone, light rubble. One of the walls has
of this dead end. 33 a two‐foot wide hole covered by a stretched hide.
10 ft., dirt floor, dense rubble; many empty, loose Loose stone still litter the ground nearby.
11 10 ft., cobblestone, dim light; high walls block most
barrels are haphazardly scattered about. 34
5 ft., cobblestone, dim light; high thatched roofs of the sun.
12 5 ft., dirt floor; eerie pipe music echoes from around
allow only thin shafts of sun into the alley. 35
5 ft., cobblestone; this well maintained path leads to the next bend.
13 a small, locked (DC 20 Disable Device) iron gate. A 10 ft., dirt floor; opens into a small, unofficial square
36
small courtyard lies beyond. where several alleys meet.
10 ft., cobblestone in poor repair, light rubble; an 5 ft., dirt floor; a large mastiff sleeps at the back
37
14 iron lamp hangs from the back of a neighboring entrance of an adjacent shop.
shop, keeping this alley lit at night. 5 ft., dirt floor, light rubble; a pile of ragged
38
5 ft., hard‐packed dirt floor; remarkably empty. A DC children’s clothing has been abandoned here.
20 Knowledge (dungeoneering) check reveals the 5 ft., cobblestone, dim light; bits of bone have been
15 39
alley is as clean as if a gelatinous cube had moved worked in amongst the stones in the paving.
down it. 5 ft., dirt floor, light rubble; scraps of metal pipe lean
40
10 ft., dirt floor; dozens of footprints mar the against one wall.
16 5 ft., cobblestone; the stone arch at the mouth of
walkway, marking it as well traveled for an alley.
10 ft., dirt floor; a few women have gathered at one 41 this alley is engraved with the image of the god of
17 magic.
of its intersections to socialize and mend clothes.
5 ft., dirt floor; dried blood marks the walls in savage 10 ft., dirt floor; rustling sounds emerge from several
18 42
spray patterns. barrels of refuse due to rats digging around inside.
16
10 ft., dirt floor; a small wooden gate, easily jumped, 10 ft., cobblestone; copper pipes run down from the
71
43 stands locked at the mouth of this alley. The lock has gutters above.
rusted shut. 10 ft., dirt floor; an old cloth lies over two crates, left
72
5 ft., dirt floor; a long old rug of red and gold has over from a makeshift table or sales counter.
44
been rolled out over half the length of this alley. 10 ft., dirt floor; flower baskets hang from a nearby
73
5 ft., dirt floor; a wind chime made of empty glass window, filling the air with perfume.
45
bottles hangs from an adjacent roof. 5 ft., dirt floor, light rubble; two vagrants lie
74
46 10 ft., dirt floor; this alley slopes slowly downward. sleeping, wrapped in blankets.
5 ft., cobblestone; this alley features a steep decline 5 ft., dirt floor; the smell of spoiled milk hangs in the
47 75
that widens at the end into an intersection. air.
5 ft., dirt floor, dim light; high walls block the direct 10 ft., dirt floor, dense rubble; a broken cart lies in
76
48 sun. A glass prism hangs from one building corner, the middle of the alley, partially stripped of parts.
faintly painting the air with a rainbow of colour. 5 ft., dirt floor; two old men play a game of
77
10 ft., cobblestone in poor repair, light rubble; a horseshoes and are arguing about the rules.
49
hunk of meat lies rotting in the sun. 5 ft., dirt floor; a troupe of alley cats has created a
78
50 10 ft., uneven dirt floor, light rubble; slight incline. pile of dead birds near one back door.
Variable width, dense rubble. A collapsed house has 10 ft., dirt floor; deep treads have dug into the earth
51 79
created an unofficial alley between two streets. from heavy wagon traffic.
5 ft., dirt floor; wooden beams have been set into 10 ft., dirt floor; a lilac tree thrives at one corner,
52 80
the dirt to keep it traversable after heavy rains. giving a pleasant scent with each breeze.
10 ft., dirt floor, dim light; wooden boards over 5 ft., dirt floor with the consistency of mud, light
81
53 grown with vines serve as a fence between two rubble, dim light; smells of manure.
adjacent buildings. 10 ft., dirt floor; a number of stone blocks are piled
82
5 ft., dirt floor, light rubble; a man re‐thatches an to one side, giving easy access to an adjacent roof.
54
adjacent roof and tosses old straw into the alley. 5 ft., cobblestone; a group of youths tosses rocks at
83
5 ft., cobblestone, dim light; heavy curtains hang as passing carriages. They scatter if approached.
55
doors at each end of this alley. 5 ft., dirt floor; inclines to the entrance of a private
84
5 ft., cobblestone; dead end with a hatch at the end home.
56
that leads into the sewers. 5 ft., cobblestone; a locked wooden box hangs from
10 ft., dirt floor; a silver swan is set into one of the 85 a wall, taking anonymous donations to help the
57 walls. Several scrapes show where people have poor.
failed to remove it forcibly. 10 ft., dirt floor; foreign traders selling specialty
86
5 ft., dirt floor, dim light; high walls create a wares crowd this alley.
58
powerful wind tunnel. 87 5 ft., brick laid floor; dim light; high walls.
5 ft., cobblestone; slopes under the bridge of a larger 88 10 ft., cobblestone floor painted gold and silver.
59
street. 10 ft., dirt floor; handmade flyers poster the walls
89
5 ft., dirt floor; an abandoned, adjacent building has advertising various services and merchants.
60
no doors and is used as a shortcut. 5 ft., dirt floor; a hawk sits atop one wall, watching
90
61 10 ft., dirt floor; birds fight over scraps of food. all who enter.
5 ft., cobblestone; a small shrine with stained glass 5 ft., dirt floor; a few men lean against one wall
91
62 windows depicting prophets of flame. Several of the smoking pipes.
windows are cracked and broken. 5 ft., cobblestone; a dead‐end at first glance. An
5 ft., dirt floor; a steep decline, then a sharp turn and 92 unlocked door is set into the far wall, leading to the
63
a steep incline back up to another street. other end of the alley.
10 ft., cobblestone, light rubble; small pots, boxes 5 ft., dirt floor, light rubble; smells of salt air and fish
64 93
and old tools clutter the alley. guts. Old nets lie abandoned at one end.
10 ft., dirt floor; a string of colourful handkerchiefs, 94 10 ft., dirt floor; two kids duel with wooden spoons.
65
tied between buildings, swings in the breeze. 95 5 ft., dirt floor; a young woman tunes a lute.
5 ft., dirt floor; two dwarves slowly carry a large keg 5 ft., dirt floor, dim light; a fractured humanoid skull
66 96
of ale between them. lies in the dirt.
5 ft., dirt floor; “No Trespassing” is painted at the 10 ft., dirt floor; an abandoned fire burns low toward
67 97
entrance in large letters. the end of the alley.
68 2 ft., dirt floor, dim light; very close walls. 5 ft. widens out to 15 ft., cobblestone; once the alley
98
5 ft., cobblestone; multiple engraved arches are widens, rosebushes line one side.
69
spread over the length of this alley. 10 ft., cobblestone; light blue curtains fill the
99
5 ft., dirt floor, dim light; dark strands of hair are windows on either side.
70
matted in among the dirt. 100 5 ft., dirt floor; smells of mint and parsley.
17
ALLEYWAYS: NAMES
Some alleyways are so minor that they 24 Eldritch Alley 54 Light's Passage
do not have an official name. Others 25 Everdown Alley 55 Lover's Quarrel
might have more than one name – that 26 Executioner Alley 56 Lucy Lane
used by the locals and the other 27 Extra Alley 57 Manfried Alley
bestowed by the town’s officials. 28 Ferry Pass 58 Manger Street
29 Fey Lane 59 Mikle Alley
D% ALLEYWAY NAMES 30 Fool's Errand 60 Never True Lane
31 Frogman Way 61 Noman Lane
1 Access Way
32 Ghast Alley 62 Nunnery Alley
2 Adage Alley
33 Ginger Alley 63 Odd Lump Pass
3 Apprentice Way
34 Goblin Ear Alley 64 Ogre Gullet
4 Arrow Alley
35 God Street 65 Old Head Lane
5 Bass Alley
36 Gorgon Alley 66 Once Ridge Lane
6 Broken Horn Alley
37 Grasping Alley 67 Outland Alley
7 Bruiser Alley
38 Green Alley 68 Pardon Alley
8 Caster Way
39 Gremlin Passage 69 Peddler Alley
9 Cat Path
40 Grifter Alley 70 Pidgin Pass
10 Char Lane
41 Halfling's Pass 71 Pilgrim Passage
11 Cherry Lane
42 Hammer Alley 72 Poison Oak Alley
12 Chill Alley
43 Heartache Way 73 Porter Street
13 Courtier Alley
44 Hidden Moon Alley 74 Pumpkin Alley
14 Dagger Pass
45 Homely Lane 75 Quiet Alley
15 Dander Alley
46 Inferno Alley 76 Rats Passage
16 Demesne Alley
47 Ivy Lane 77 Reckless Alley
17 Devil's Pass
48 Jackal Lane 78 Redbeard Alley
18 Distant Pass
49 Jacob's Alley 79 Righty Lane
19 Dragon Chin Alley
50 Jumping Lane 80 Rolling Alley
20 Durgin Alley
51 King's Alley 81 Rumpled Alley
21 Dusty Walk
52 Knight's Pass 82 Scabbard Pass
22 Edgar Alley
53 Languid Lane 83 Shamble Street
23 Elder Alley
84 Shifter Street
85 Silk Way
86 Soapmaker's Lane
87 Stagnant Alley
88 Summoner's Pass
89 Swan Lane
90 Tether Alley
91 Tremble Lane
92 Turtle Walk
93 Tuttle Passway
94 Uncle Alley
95 Vapid Alley
96 Winter's Breath Alley
97 Wolf's End
98 Yester Way
99 Youngling Lane
100 Zero Alley
18
ALLEYWAYS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Alleys are the shortcuts, backrooms and hangouts of the shady An old woman frantically tries to sell a collection of
and less fortunate. Use this table to determine what masterwork weapons. She claims they belonged to
10
opportunities or complications the PCs encounter. her ex‐husband and she can no longer bare the sight
of them.
D20 A low hanging, pale blue fog fills the alley, created
when an absentminded alchemist tripped and
A carpentry shop is using the alley to store stock. A 11
1 dropped his reagents. Anyone who enters has
dirty, young boy watches over the wood.
nightmares for 1d4 weeks.
A piece of parchment is tacked onto the wall near
Several shepherds try to coax their sheep back onto
the entrance reading “Toll Road. 2 Copper”. An 12
2 the main thoroughfare.
empty clay pot sits under the sign. A thief hides
nearby and tries to pickpocket those not paying. Several gang members beat another on suspicion of
13
being a snitch.
Crude runes, drawn in blood cover one wall. A DC 20
3 Knowledge (planes) check identifies the demon lord A young girl lies crying on the floor. She could be in
14
the author praises. genuine distress or a diversion for a lurking mugger.
A layer of smoke hangs in the air, filtering out from An imposing figure calls to any who look battle
an open window. There is no fire, but a large 15 ready, looking for competitors for an unlicensed
4 boxing club.
gathering of merchants smoke cigars within and
discuss the setting of prices for key goods. A rogue tries to sell a bejeweled dagger to the PCs.
A sinkhole has formed, pulling the corner of a 16 The dagger is very distinctive and its previous owner
5 wants it back.
building down and making passage tricky at best.
A pack of stray dogs has chased a young child up The upper floor of an adjacent building collapsed
6 17 during a recent storm, blocking the alley and burying
onto a stack of barrels.
at least one person below the wreckage.
A rope of knotted sheets hangs from an upper floor.
7 A hooded kenku offers to buy, sell and trade secrets.
A woman calls out looking for her missing child. 18
The first secret is free.
A young man sits behind an overturned crate trying
8 to gather folks for a game of cards. He tries to raise A fortune teller offers to predict the future in
19
the stakes after the first hand. exchange for the memories of a day already passed.
2d4 lepers lie at the end of the alley. A young priest Without any warning, a slum dweller throws a
9 20 bucket of night soil into the alley from an upstairs
stands over them praying loudly for a miracle.
window.
ALLEYWAYS: ENCOUNTERS
Alleyways can be very dangerous places. This chart contains hard A drunk barbarian (Sundering Axe, NPC Codex) looks
to ignore threats to add combat to your alley scene. to prove his worth through combat and challenges a
6 PC to a fist fight. If he is defeated, he (bizarrely)
D12 NPC makes friends with the group and is an excellent
A dire rat (Bestiary) digging through trash treats drinking companion. Sadly, trouble follows him.
1 2d6 bullying brawlers (NPC Codex) are looking to
passerby as threats to its territory.
A wererat (Bestiary) monologues its plan to rise up 7 seek vengeance against citizens of this town after
through the underworld to a pack of 2d6 dire rats the mayor publically mocked an elder of their order.
2 2d4 (NPC Codex) guards are looking to increase their
(Bestiary). He orders an attack on perceived spies.
The rats lair in an extensive warren below the alley. 8 total arrests by the end of the week and accuse the
An assassin vine (Bestiary) has been transplanted PCs for an imagined crime.
3 here by a savage plant mage (NPC Codex). The mage A carnivorous blob (Bestiary 2) has emerged from
9
lurks nearby to see what the assassin vine catches. the city sewers. Like always, it’s hungry.
1d6 shadows (Bestiary) hide in the darkness of a 1d6 nuglub gremlims (Bestiary 2) hide in the shadow
10
4 rarely traveled alley, looking to snuff the light from looking for something to kill.
the living. A tick swarm (Bestiary 2) leaps off the corpse of a
11
A freelance thief (NPC Codex) looks to make money stray dog, seeking its next warm blooded meal.
fencing magic items to adventurers. He is desperate A hungry fog (Bestiary 3) lingers, attracted by an
5 12
for a sale and if the PCs seem wealthy sells their ongoing feud between noble houses.
details onto his fellow thieves.
19
ALLEYWAYS: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray the folk encountered near the LUCKY ALLARA
alleyway. Either determine randomly which NPC the PCs
N female dwarf rogue 1/expert 2
encounter or choose a suitable candidate.
Appearance: Dirty blonde hair tied in braids; dressed in black
leather.
D20 NPC
Personality: Tries to be charming but has little patience.
1 Aea
2 Namtar Elway Mannerisms: Sighs and shakes her head when frustrated.
3 Lucky Allara Hooks: Allara runs back alley dice games and acts as a bookie
4 Leofgar Greycloak for all kinds of bets. She recently took bets on whether or not
5 Grace of Mortar the local lord would ever find a wife. He found out and the local
6 Cedric Bellweather militia has orders to arrest her.
7 Siflaed Blueheart
8 Big Green Veli LEOFGAR GREYCLOAK
9 Mara Accad
NE male human rogue 4
10 Lucius
11 Hilt Appearance: Thin face with a pointed black beard.
12 Gislin Halftall Personality: Leofgar is infinitely patient.
13 Artemare Gale Mannerisms: He likes to keep his hand busy and is often
14 Good Deal Gaut found fingering a coin or dagger.
15 Samanti Harborrow Hooks: Leofgar tends to lurk in alleys off mercantile streets
16 Patza Njar or in the shadier parts of town. He would rather steal coin
17 Emerald Green quickly and stealthily but uses violence against out‐of‐towners.
18 Ton
19 Gin Tella GRACE OF MORTAR
20 Enlil Westmire
NG female halfling druid 3
Appearance: Grimy face and short‐cropped hair; tightly
AEA tailored clothes.
CN female human bard 1/rogue 2 Personality: Grace exudes a calm joy. She stoically takes in
Appearance: Young woman with long dark hair who dresses the bustle of the city.
in loose, colourful silks. Mannerisms: She is very concerned with how things smell,
Personality: Aea plays it very cool, but internally she is sniffing about wherever she goes.
calculating to the point of worry. Hooks: Grace is an urban druid paying attention to the
Mannerisms: Constantly brushes her hair back when balance of city life. She has noticed that the rats are
nervous or intimidated. disappearing and wants to know why.
Hooks: Aea is a con artist who could have retired
comfortably years ago. She continues for the thrill favouring CEDRIC BELLWEATHER
cons like “the lost princess,” “the starving peasant” and “the LN male half‐elf wizard 1
jilted lover.” Appearance: Keeps a very clean image, with hair drawn back
tightly and well kept clothes.
NAMTAR ELWAY Personality: Cedric is curious and easily distracted.
NG male commoner 1 Mannerisms: He makes chewing motions with his mouth
Appearance: Brown haired, dirty‐faced man of decent build. while in thought.
Personality: Namtar is kind with a cheerful outlook. Hooks: Cedric is an investigator working with the town
Mannerisms: Very energetic, he tends to stretch anxiously guard. He is currently following a divination that predicted a sign
when not on the move. of red would lead him to perpetrator behind a series of thefts.
Hooks: Namtar is a professional porter, usually delivering Unfortunately, one of the pieces is wearing a piece of red
small items. He cuts through the back alleys to save time and can clothing and he starts to follow them assuming they’ll either
get into trouble just by rushing around a corner and stumbling perpetrate, or become embroiled in, the next theft.
into a seedy situation.
20
SIFLAED BLUEHEART HILT
NG female human aristocrat 1 CE female halfling rogue 4
Appearance: Fair skin with smooth, gentle hands. Appearance: Keeps her hair tied back in a tight bun. She
Personality: Siflaed is a kind, empathetic soul, though naïve. wears a long cloak to conceal all manner of weapons.
Mannerisms: She tends to giggle when she does not Personality: Hilt has a violent tick than she can only keep
understand what is going on. under control for a few days and only as long as there is the
Hooks: Siflaed is the daughter of a local lord. She normally promise of fighting in her future. After that, she gets cranky.
does not leave her manor without an escort. She snuck out last Mannerisms: Often found clutching her own wrist. She has
night to explore the city on her own, but has given away all her learned that playing with her weapons increases the likelihood
coin and gotten lost in the back streets. of pre‐emptive slaughter.
Hooks: Hilt kills people. She loves watching people go from
BIG GREEN VELI breathing to not. If she can get paid for it, it’s a bonus as she is
LE male half‐orc barbarian 3 better at killing people when she has had something to eat. She
Appearance: A large fellow with thinning hair who wears a may be after one of the PCs, targeting someone the PCs need to
yellow and red kilt. protect, or just satisfying her need in a dark alley when the PCs
Personality: Veli looks grim and is always judging those come upon her.
around him.
Mannerisms: He picks his teeth when bored. GISLIN HALFTALL
Hooks: Veli is a bruiser for a local gang. He has been seen NG male human cleric 1
prowling the alleys at night looking to pick a challenging fight. Appearance: Short blonde hair; wears simple robes.
He’s had a bad night and is lurking in the alley in the hopes of a Personality: Gislin is very empathetic and confident of his
suitable victim wandering by on which to vent his frustrations. own abilities. A good man, he uses his powers to help those in
need. He is well liked by the poor.
MARA ACCAD Mannerisms: He looks up when in thought and utters short
LG female human fighter 4 prayers when in trouble.
Appearance: Rough face with tied back brown hair and well‐ Hooks: Gislin is a kind hearted member of the local clergy.
polished armour. He wants to help everyone in need and does not understand the
Personality: Mara is peaceful at heart, believing that in ideal concept of limited resources. He has recently accused some high
circumstances everyone would be good. standing individuals of not caring for the poor, in a very public
Mannerisms: She leans slightly forward with a hand on her setting, which has upset members of his own order.
hip when at rest.
Hooks: Mara is in a position of authority in the town guard. ARTEMARE GALE
When she can get away from her more bureaucratic N female elf wizard 1
responsibilities, she likes to walk the beat. Her mere presence Appearance: A youthful face with colourful robes covering a
stops most crimes. She may ask more questions about the PCs’ lithe frame.
activities than they like. Personality: Artemare is eager but easily frazzled. In turn
fascinated and repulses by human cities she loves exploring their
LUCIUS hidden reaches.
CN male human expert 2 Mannerisms: She drags her feet and blinks rapidly when
Appearance: Lucius’s once fine clothes are now filthy and thinking.
ragged. His beard is streaked with gray. Hooks: Artemare is apprenticed to a greater wizard in the
Personality: Very timid and unsure of himself. A coward. city. She was sent out for reagents and when she returned she
Mannerisms: He stands hunched over and rarely makes eye realized that the newt tails were missing. She is retracing her
contact. steps through the alleyways to find them when she encounters
Hooks: Lucius was once a successful merchant until he was the PCs. If they have a wizardly‐type among them, she accuses
ruined by the slander of a rival. Left with nothing he now lives him of stealing the components.
off the scraps of others. He has come to believe the lies that
brought him to this state and has almost no self worth.
21
GOOD DEAL GAUT EMERALD GREEN
CN male human expert 2 N female half‐elf ranger 4
Appearance: Balding with heavily patched clothing. He takes Appearance: Dirty face; wears hide armour.
little care of his appearance. Personality: Emerald is curious but lacks patience.
Personality: Gaut is chipper and enthusiastic to the point of Mannerisms: She tends to pace and double checks her
annoyance. He always looks on the bright side and gives people pouch’s contents constantly.
the benefit on the doubt. Specatularly unorganised, he will never Hooks: Emerald is a professional adventurer who went
be a success. ahead of her party in order to deliver a parcel quickly. She
Mannerisms: He talks with his hands and speaks louder than expected the rest of her party to hit town two days ago. She is
necessary. now growing restless, especially as her party has all the treasure.
Hooks: Good Deal Gaut is known for offering goods at lower
than average prices. To keep prices low he refuses to buy a shop TON
or pay rent, or so he says. Instead, he sets up shop in alleyways NE male human warrior 3
or town squares. Other merchants would him run out of town, Appearance: Muscular arms; has a bit of a gut.
considering him a troublemaker and a vagrant. Personality: Ton loves drinking, gambling and hitting stuff,
otherwise he’s bored. He loiters in alleys in the hopes of meeting
SAMANTI HARBORROW like‐minded folk (or easily cowed victims).
LG female human paladin 5 Mannerisms: Breathes heavily and rolls his shoulders.
Appearance: Short brown hair with light scars across her Hooks: Ton is a simple man who is into satisfying his
face; wears tarnished plate. immediate needs. He’s tough, but not so stupid to take on
Personality: Samanti is quite grim; jaded from a lifetime of several town guards at once. Ton’s been sent by his boss to scare
fighting evil. She has taken it upon herself to patrol the worst of an indebted thief.
the local alleys in the hopes of stamping out local crime.
Mannerisms: She cracks her knuckles and shifts her feet GIN TELLA
when at rest. LN female human commoner 2
Hooks: Samanti knows far too well what kind of people lurk Appearance: Getting on in years with a grey jacket in need of
in alleys. She stalks them looking for trouble, acting as judge and repair.
executioner for those caught harming innocents or with ill‐ Personality: Gin is resigned to her position in life, and is
gotten goods in their possession. She has heard rumours of a neither sullen nor overly cheerful. She has a knowing look but
local cult hiding in the locality and closely questions all she holds her tongue unless spoken too.
encounters as to the location of their lair. Mannerisms: She leans on her pole as she walks and
whistles to herself when it gets dark.
PATZA NJAR Hooks: Gin is employed by the city as a lamplighter. She
NG male human commoner 1 keeps her nose clean for the most part, trying to stay out of the
Appearance: Heavy set with rosy cheeks. way of shadier characters. She may be able to give clues on local
Personality: Patza is generally cheerful but gets upset when criminals, if she can be convinced to talk.
others are disrespectful. While he doesn’t love his job, he has
great attention to details. ENLIL WESTMIRE
Mannerisms: He leans his cheek against the end of his CN male human aristocrat 2
broomstick when conversing with people. Appearance: Dressed in finery, though a bit dishevelled.
Hooks: Patza has been hired by the local guilds to make his Personality: Enlil is a lover of life and lives in the moment.
way around town and clean up the alleyways. He makes most of Mannerisms: He is always smiling and willing to shake the
his money from tips, which merchants are eager to give to earn hands of anyone he encounters, regardless of station.
preferred attention near their shops. He has seen much, while Hooks: Enlil is the second son of a very well off local lord. He
cleaning the alleys and is a font of local information. He is well occasionally wanders the city, sharing his wealth with those in
aware of the value of information and charges appropriately. need. Last night he fell in with a group of gentlemen that were
very thankful and they drank in celebration well into the night.
He has not quite sobered up yet.
22
23
DOCKS: CHARACTERISTICS AND APPEARANCE
Docks come in many different shapes and sizes; most are used A moderately sized dock, with more than its fair
26
for commercial activity but others may be for the exclusive use share of seagulls.
of the navy, members of the nobility or even the local ruler. A moderately sized dock, with a lively fish
27
market.
A moderately sized dock, where a large ship is
D% DESCRIPTIONS 28
unloading a long line of travelers.
A small dock with one pier, where an old man A moderately sized dock. The smell of fresh meat
1 29
quietly fishes. pies fills the air.
A small dock with one pier. Two wooden chairs A moderately sized dock where a small troupe of
2
sit empty at the end. 30 performers has moored. Acrobats flip back and
3 A small dock, with one ramshackle pier. forth.
A small dock with one pier; rusted chains are A moderately sized dock where keen‐eyed
4
wrapped along an outer pillar. 31 youths have gathered round a trickster
A small dock with one pier, heavily packed with displaying a simple shell game.
5
crates and barrels. A moderately sized dock. The left side is an open
A small dock with two piers, loaded with lobster 32
6 port; the right is devoted entirely to the navy.
traps. A moderately sized dock with a number of
A small dock with two piers, with an old dog tied 33 children scattered amongst the piers, waiting for
7
to one of the pillars. the fishermen to finish their dealings.
A small dock with two piers; the smell of decay A moderately sized dock with bits of rotten fish
8
hangs in the air. 34 strewn this way and that from the kitchen
A small dock with piers; an old stone stairway windows of local inns.
9
leads from one pier down into the water. A moderately sized dock, with harshly
A small dock with two piers; two halflings 35 mismatched paints colouring the walls of its inns,
10
struggle to load a large keg onto a docked ship. residences and storehouses.
A small dock with two piers. Vines, with pink and A moderately sized dock whose southern side
11
yellow blossoms, grow along the pillars. 36 has begun to sink slowly into the harbour. It has
A small dock, with two piers. Old stone a slightly lopsided appearance.
12 foundations can be seen through the clear blue A moderately sized dock with strange green and
water. 37 white arcane symbols carved into the
A small dock, with two piers, speckled with foundations of each building.
13
barnacles after the last high tide. A moderately sized dock whose planks have
A small dock with two piers. A small ship is 38
14 become fragile and rotten.
unloading the day’s catch. A moderately sized dock, kept immaculately
A small dock with two piers; a young couple 39
15 clean by a small group of workers.
holds hands, sitting on a pair of crates. A moderately sized dock, filled with an erratic
A moderately sized dock, entirely manned by 40
16 energy as the piers fill with foreign traders.
dwarves. 41 The legs of this dock are wreathed in seaweed.
17 A moderately sized dock, reeking of urine. This dock has obviously been repaired recently –
A moderately sized dock, well‐guarded by 42 new wooden beams stand in stark contrast to
18
regular patrols of the city watch. their old neighbours.
A moderately sized dock, busy with porters Berths on this dock are marked by large, faded
19 43
unloading several newly docked ships. whitewashed numbers painted on boards.
A moderately sized dock, smelling of spices and This moderately‐sized dock boasts innumerable
20
incense. 44 smaller piers stretching out in the harbour for
A moderately sized dock, filled with the noise of quite some distance.
21
drunken quarrels. A large wooden statue of a grizzled sailor stands
A moderately sized dock covered in shadows 45
22 watch over this dock.
from the city’s buildings. Where this dock narrows, hand rails stand to
This moderately sized dock is beset with a cold 46
23 stop travellers falling into the water.
northern wind. Several missing planks create a dangerous part
A moderately sized dock. The music of a tavern is 47 of this dock. In places old crates and boxes have
24
a faint counter to the dock’s bustle. been placed over such areas.
A moderately sized dock, with colourful banners A half‐dozen fishing boats are tied up at this
25 48
that lead to the main merchant’s row. dock; the smell of fish pervades the air.
24
Small wooden pillars bearing the sea god’s sigil This large dock is modelled in the style of a great
49 77
stand at intervals along this dock. seafaring nation of older days.
This moderately‐sized dock is in bad repair; in This large dock had to be expanded quickly due
50
places the planks are rotten. 78 to demand. Many of the newest piers are made
This moderately sized dock links several bare of makeshift materials, salvaged from old boats.
51 shards of rock together that thrust above the A large dock with tastes of civilization and the
harbour’s water. 79 wild. A lower pier allows easy access to canoes to
This dock features fixed ladders that can be used ease the trade of nearby barbarian tribes.
52
to climb down to small, docked vessels. A large dock with a significant “neutral quarter”
Small watchman’s huts are scattered along this 80 built out along the piers, that technically doesn’t
53
moderately‐sized, but long, dock. fall within the bounds of the city and its laws.
This dock has four piers; one is clearly storm 81 A large dock, loud with the unloading of goods.
54
damaged and not in use. This large dock has an adjoining circular pier
55 Dozens of sea birds nest under this dock. 82 where aquatic races can swim up and trade
The piers of this dock are lower than the dock goods.
56
and are reached by slippery wooden steps. 83 A large dock dominated by imposing naval ships.
57 This dock has long sections of covered walkways. A large dock in use since ancient days. Old stone
Benches are dotted along this wide, but low 84 buildings stand side by side to newer wooden
58
dock. structures.
This dock has a muddle of small piers leading A large dock strung with colourful banners and
59
away from it. 85 filled with the delightful smell of fresh roasted
Cargo nets hang down along this high dock; nuts.
60 many vessel’s decks are below the height of the Large wooden gates control access to these
86
dock. docks.
The burnt out hulk of a vessel lies close to this This large dock is badly damaged from where a
61 dock; the corresponding section of dock is 87 ship crashed into it; repairs are ongoing at a
scorched and burnt. frenzied pace.
Wooden cranes stand along this dock ready to Several small branches for much smaller craft
62 88
help with loading and unloading. lead away from this large, central dock.
Floating piers bob on the water surrounding this A single heavily guarded vessel is docked at this
63 89
dock. large and impressive dock.
Flags flutter proudly from poles spaced along this A section of this dock can be raised to allow ships
64 90
long dock. to pass underneath.
Warehouses cluster close by this old, but The legs of this large dock are constructed from
65 91
serviceable, dock. gigantic trees – in places their bark yet remains
The burnt remnants of an old pier stand nearby A wooden archway – bearing the sigil of the sea
66 92
to a newly constructed dock. god – stands at the dock’s mouth.
This dock is a bizarre mix of building styles; 93 This large dock runs parallel to the sea wall.
67
obviously it has been built up over time. This large dock runs all the way to a fortified
94
A small office – the harbour master’s – stands island dominating the bay.
68
overlooking this dock. This large dock is for the exclusive use of nobles
A sloped walkway leads down to a network of 95 and their pleasure craft. Guards keep the riff raff
69
small docks and piers. away.
The figureheads of old ships have been affixed to Posts – topped with magical lights – illuminate
70 96
the end of this dock. this dock at night.
Large, but old, notice boards stand along this 97 This large dock is a frenzied hive of activity.
71
dock; adverts and notices of sales cover them. Four large warships are berthed at this protected
98
72 This dock has stone legs, but a wooden walkway. dock.
Gibbets – holding the rotten remains of thieves This dock is of heavy stone construction; it
73 99
and the like – “decorate” this dock. doubles as the sea wall.
The side of this dock is daubed in a prayer to the Rusty, iron statues watch over this wide, busy
74 100
god of storms. dock.
75 This large dock bustles with traders and porters.
This large dock has a central processing
76
warehouse to inspect for illegal goods.
25
DOCKS: DOCKED SHIPS
The most prominent feature of most docks are the ships making 48 The Island Hopper
port there. Whether the PCs are on the docks to find a certain 49 The Singing Cricket
ship or on another matter their interests may often lead them to 50 The Leaky Teapot
those floating vessels. 51 Honey Wicket
52 The Witches Broom
53 Gonzola
D% DESCRIPTIONS
54 Leaky Barrel
1 The Salty Bird 55 The Visiting Vision
2 Red Storm 56 Monday’s Lunch
3 Henral 57 The Takei
4 The Billowing Leaf 58 Father’s Pride
5 The Smoking Betty 59 The Missing Mate
6 Angry Androf 60 The Trash Barge
7 The Slightly Intoxicated Mermaid 61 The Water Wax
8 The Young Maid 62 The Sea Zipper
9 Cloud Chaser 63 Mountain’s Envy
10 The River Arrow 64 Green Guardian
11 Black Bolt 65 The River Bride
12 The Minnow 66 The Broken Pearl
13 The Lost Devil 67 The Angry Peacock
14 Prestige 68 The Shipwreck
15 The Surly Lass 69 The Dusty Porter
16 The Yellow Tailed Falcon 70 Goblin Breath
17 The Falconer’s Wife 71 The Underhanded Barmaid
18 My Ex Wife 72 The Crusty Halfling
19 The Great Swan 73 Slim Shot
20 The Ugly Gosling 74 Island Breeze
21 Blue Mess 75 Veron Stars
22 Dart 76 Jumping Jerl
23 Wave Quick 77 Maggot
24 Oak Lightning 78 The Timely Teakettle
25 The Musical Gale 79 The Clean Spicket
26 Silence 80 The Blue Monkey
27 The Gray Ghost
81 The Fighting Crab
28 The Unknown
82 Old Lady
29 The Albatross
83 The Original Lightning
30 The Dire Ostrich
84 Lightning VII
31 The Rusty Kraken
85 Melody
32 The Snap Crackle
86 The Once and Future
33 The Red Boot
87 Aching Loganne
34 The Archer
88 The Pirate’s Niece
35 The Abolitionist
89 The Ugly Parrot
36 The Wooden Lung
90 The Captain’s Boyfriend
37 The Poppy Biscuit
91 Albon
38 The Acorn Tree
92 The Seaweed Cutter
39 The Backwards Breeze
93 The Spiked Dragon
40 The Royal Care
94 The Trapped Muse
41 The Czar
95 The Magic Decanter
42 Haunted Limb
96 Uncle Sealegs
43 Wave Crest
97 The Seal
44 The Greasy Shark
98 The Indescribable Horror
45 The Royal Madame
99 The Friendly Fireball
46 Sapphire of the Sea
100 Pop
47 The Seasoned Cannibal
26
DOCKS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Docks are often the mercantile centre of a settlement, and A ship has recently unloaded a delivery of produce
provide all manner of reasons to break up the daily grind of which city officials are arguing about whether they
10
peasant life. Use this table to determine what special occurrence should be sold. The goods look perfectly normal,
except they smell strongly of rot.
the PCs may encounter while passing by.
A band of young rebels have taken over the
11
southern side of the docks, including two ships.
D20 A ghostly vessel has been seen docking under the
The dock is sinking by about half a foot a day into 12
full moon, but none dare approach it.
1 the harbour without explanation. The townsfolk A gang of wererats has taken up residence in
are worried the town will go next. 13
planks under the docks.
All the men in town have vanished. An old woman A mysterious fiddler fills the air with music in the
2
cries out for fear of sirens and mermaids. 14 docks every night. Those who approach him wake
A sailor stands in front of a moderately worn boat up penniless outside of town.
3
with a sign that says “Free to a good home.” Pirates have been spotted by the town watch and
Two young men are busy filling in all the empty 15
are sailing this way!
knotholes among the piers, claiming that an The docks are developing a serious stray cat
4
infamous peg‐legged pirate is rumored to make 16 problem. The mayor offers a sealed treasure map
dock any day now. to whoever can catch the most felines.
Pier Three was completely covered in seaweed An old sailor claims to have lost his hand to a
5 17
overnight. kraken and is hell bent on get it back.
A sailor loudly seeks out more crew, for a job to sail The town is in the midst of its annual seaweed
6
to the edge of the world. 18 festival, where it celebrates crafts, food and brew
A strike by the town’s prostitutes are making the made of all sorts of aquatic plant‐life.
7
sailors surlier than usual. All the town’s rum has gone missing. One of the
All ships have been asked to stay in port due to the 19 “merchant” vessels departed in the middle of the
influence of a local cleric who claims an ocean night and has quickly received the blame.
8
bound, sin seeking disease will soon be set loosed Mermen have swam up to the dock looking to
upon the waves. 20
trade, but seem only interested in items of magic.
The whole town is getting ready to host the Great
9 Sea Lane Relay, which pits the best ships in a multi‐
legged race.
27
DOCKS: SIGHTS & SOUNDS
Docks are busy places; characters exploring them will no doubt A young man, foppishly dressed and with a
hear and see many things. 51‐52 forlorn look upon his face, stands at the end of
this dock staring off into the distance.
D% Two sailors snatch a minute’s rest with a wine
The air is heavy with the tang of salt and the 53‐54 flask while swapping lies about their previous
01‐02 voyages.
curses of sailors.
Sea gulls and other birds wheel and turn 55‐56 Sailors are painting the hull of a docked ship.
03‐04 57‐58 A plank cracks under a PC’s weight.
overhead.
Boxes and barrels are stacked haphazardly at the A peasant stands in a rowboat beneath the dock
05‐06 59‐60
foot of a gangplank leading to a large cog. busily filling several bags with seaweed.
A large pile of vomit covers the dock; several Several folk sit at the end of the pier, fishing rods
07‐08 61‐62
dogs lick greedily at it. in hand.
Four drunk sailors stagger along the dock; one 63‐64 The smell of fresh fish is heavy in the air.
09‐10 A small gang of thuggish men loiter on the dock;
slips and almost falls into the water. 65‐66
An old sailor sits on a box while singing a lusty the threat of violence hangs over them.
11‐12 A fist fight suddenly breaks out between rival
sea shanty and drinking heavily. 67‐68
Small children dart in and out of the press of crews over some imagined slight.
13‐14 A seasick passenger staggers off a ship, drops to
sailors and porters. 69‐70
A half‐dozen porters stagger down the dock the ground and kisses the dock.
15‐16 Buckets of sand – ready in case of fire – are
carrying matching sea chests. 71‐72
Curses and shouts in a half‐dozen languages fill positioned at strategic places long the docks
17‐18 A sailor is busy swabbing the dock – he appears
the air. 73‐74
A large splash followed by a shout announces the to be trying to remove a large bloodstain.
19‐20 75‐76 The smell of tar and paint permeate the air.
fall of a heavy box into the sea.
21‐22 A sinister fin cuts the water near the docks. 77‐78 A sea captain argues loudly with a city official.
Sea birds wheel and dart above a large ship as its Two sailors drag an unconscious fellow down the
23‐24 79‐80 dock. They are both drunk and laughing
cook throws food scraps into the harbour.
Children laugh and shout as they dive into the uncontrollably.
25‐26 81‐82 A pile of ballast stones almost blocks the dock.
harbour from the dock.
Broken wood, scraps of food and other rubbish A sailor – shouting loudly that his vessel needs
27‐28 83‐84
float on the water surrounding the dock. new crewmen – walks up and down the dock.
A scream is followed by a loud splash as a sailor Several people are swimming in the water of the
29‐30 85‐86 harbour. Suddenly, one of them is pulled
falls from the rigging of a docked ship.
A patrol of four watchmen surrounding an beneath the surface.
31‐32 The sounds of a violent argument emanate from
official of some sort push through the press. 87‐88
Two mangy dogs dart through the press; one has a docked vessel.
33‐34 89‐90 An artist sits sketching nearby vessels.
a string of sausages in its mouth.
A waterman tries to sell his wares to thirsty A performing bard strolls up and down the dock
35‐36 91‐92
sailors. calling out the local news to new arrivals.
A sailor – a parrot on each shoulder and a heavy Four watchmen march down the dock dragging a
37‐38 93‐94
bag in each hand – walks away from a large ship. badly beaten prisoner with them.
The dock shivers as a large vessel, badly steered, A sailor strolls up and down the dock shouting
39‐40 95‐96
thuds into its side. that his vessel is available for hire.
A sailor charges down the dock chasing a small Perceptive PCs notice (DC 20 Perception reveals)
41‐42 97‐98 a figure lurking in the shadowy water under the
child who carries a small sack.
Boxes and barrels are stacked neatly along the dock.
43‐44 Cries of alarm and fear, and the sight of smoke
dock.
A rowing boat bobs next to the dock and the 99‐100 rising from a docked ship, spark a general panic
45‐46 occupant shouts before throwing the PCs a line on the dock
to tie off.
The old dock creaks alarmingly as the PCs cross a
47‐48
certain section.
49‐50 Lobster pots fill one side of the pier.
28
29
DOCKS: NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray the those encountered on the be comfortable on the docks but is terrified of ever being
docks. Either determine randomly which NPC the PCs encounter submerged. There are squid in there, after all.
or choose a suitable candidate.
BIG HAF
D20 NPC N male half‐orc warrior 5
1 Captain Fabius Redfeather Appearance: Thin black hair, bulging muscles and a
2 Livia Ruso dominating frame.
3 Devin the Shiv Personality: Quiet most of the time; he has a throaty chuckle
4 Big Haf
when amused.
5 Salsvin Everymist
Mannerisms: Stands very still while waiting for orders.
6 Grifo Curran
Hooks: Big Haf acts as both a porter and member of the city
7 Goldie Quick
8 Kufu Elderman watch. He’s not very bright, and has been known to allow illegal
9 Buckey Wetfoot activities to proceed right in front of him when given a creative
10 Avina the Green excuse.
LN female commoner 1
Appearance: Brown hair tied in the back; she wears simple GRIFO CURRAN
clothes of cloth and leather. CN male human bard 2
Personality: Keeps a resolute look in her eye. Appearance: A bit portly with a dignified beard, he always
Mannerisms: Listens carefully before speaking. wears his family colours.
Hooks: Livia is a porter and messenger, moving throughout Personality: Good natured but a bit strange, Grifo is a very
the city, but is often found in the docks. Her position has given curious soul and is quick to make friends.
her access to a lot of secrets, but her own code has kept her Mannerisms: He’s always at least partially distracted by his
honest. Now a group of assassins has been hired to make sure own thoughts, making his replies sometimes puzzling
she never gets the chance to break that code. nonsensical.
Hooks: Grifo is always looking for the next story to tell. He
DEVIN THE SHIV bends the ear of any and all travellers who will put up with him,
regaling them with poetry and pressing them for lore and news.
CE male dwarf fighter 2/rogue 1
He doesn’t scare easy or at least doesn’t seem to care whose
Appearance: Rough face, with a close beard, and a vest with
business he’s asking for details about.
no shirt.
Personality: Quick to anger but rarely is brought to violence
except under his own terms.
Mannerisms: Laughs at inopportune moments.
Hooks: Devin is a thug, through and through. He takes
pleasure in the pain of others and would do most anything for
money. One thing he won’t do is set foot in the water. He may
30
GOLDIE QUICK Mannerisms: Paces about when bored.
CN female human ranger 3 Hooks: Buckey is a professional sailor who makes home in
Appearance: Bright red hair, and fine linen clothes with a every port. He’s got a girl in town who is carrying his child and
well‐tailored coat, and prominently hung cutlass. and has yet to commit to a proper marriage. The pressure is
Personality: Intelligent and resourceful, Goldie is always building from the girl’s father who also happens to be one of
looking for the next useful thing. town priests.
Mannerisms: Her eyes are always moving and her wiggling
fingers are never far from the hilt of her sword. AVINA THE GREEN
Hooks: Goldie is a independent merchant which means she’s NE female human bard 1/rogue 2
a smuggler and pirate. She keeps an eye out for foolish mistakes Appearance: Dark hair with an almost red skin and loose
in others that can be profited from and won’t hesitate to finger a fitting clothes decorated with jewels.
possession that’s been left unguarded by a PC. Personality: Deceptive, constantly keeping a knowing smile
on her face.
KUFU ELDERMAN Mannerisms: Gets close to speak, making gentle physical
N male human expert 3/rogue 1 contact.
Appearance: An older fellow with a long white beard and Hooks: Avina is a skilled con artist and plant for the thieves
wide brimmed hat. guild. She poses as a simple trader, selling charms on the docks.
Personality: A bit passive, Kufu is content to observe while She watches for lone travellers, or those easily separated from
most of the world passes him by. their friends to capture and send to the underground slave
Mannerisms: Almost always chewing on a bit of fruit or market.
tobacco. Possibly both.
Hooks: Kufu once served as the cook on several vessels of ill
repute but has since settled down to pen his memoires. If the
captain of the guard knew who he really was he’d be
strung up for piracy without trial.
BUCKEY WETFOOT
CG male halfling rogue 2
Appearance: Bushy brown hair
with a loose white shirt and thick
black belt.
Personality: Always says
what’s on his mind in quite a
rude manner.
31
GRAVEYARDS: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
A graveyard is any location set aside for long‐term burial of the COLUMBARIUM
dead. For our purposes, it is land set aside for burial within, or
Similar to a mausoleum, a columbarium houses urns. It may be
directly above the earth. For most people, it conjures a mental
part of a mausoleum or a temple. Unlike mausoleums they
image of a graveyard: a plot of land with green grass and rows of
generally hold far more of the deceased and may be public
headstones. Many urban adventures take place in and around
structures that hold those whose only common link is death.
graveyards.
GRAVEYARD
BURIAL MOUND
The titular burial ground, graveyards are normally owned and
Also known as a tumulus, these large mounds of earth cover the
operated by a religious temple (see Urban Design: Temples).
remains of the deceased. These are generally found
They’re often adjacent to the attendant temple.
outside urban areas though small ones may stand
If there are multiple temples in the city there
within a cemetery, especially if the local culture
may be multiple graveyards, or the temple most
has a stigma for against placing the deceased
associated with the dead may handle all burials.
below the earth.
Temples may have crypts in addition to
graveyards. When this is the case, space in the
CATACOMB/CRYPT
crypt is often reserved for clergy and wealthy
Crypts and catacombs are interchangeable patrons.
terms for an underground structure in which
the dead are interred. Crypts are often MAUSOLEUM
associated with being beneath a church, though
A mausoleum is a free‐standing structure that
mausoleums may also have crypts. Catacombs are
holds the dead above ground. They vary in size but
generally more expansive structures comprising
often comprise but one room. Most are one‐storey
several passages.
affairs.
Mausoleums most often hold multiple bodies
CEMETERY
and may be owned by families or prosperous
A cemetery is a public place for burial of the masses. They organizations. Many are ostentatiously decorated
may be un‐owned and community operated, or property of
the ruler or state religion. Even if a cemetery is considered
community property, that doesn’t mean there are no rules. Woe
be to the adventurer who decides to go poking around a public
cemetery in the middle of the night only to be met by an angry
mob intent on punishing the would‐be grave robber.
32
AREA FEATURES GRAVEYARD DESCRIPTIONS
Graveyards have the following features: Use the below chart to add a trait to a graveyard as a whole.
Location: Whether a graveyard is within or outside an urban
area is often a factor of population size. There’s a limited D20 GRAVEYARD CHARACTERISTICS
amount of space within city walls and sooner or later you run A small cemetery with markers placed at
1
out of place to bury new corpses. random.
A small graveyard surrounded by a low iron
Graveyards within city walls are often associated with the 2
fence wreathed in ivy.
rapid spread of disease, which tends to correlate with dense, 3 A small, dusty cemetery where no grass grows.
rising populations. A small graveyard surrounded by a fieldstone
Walls (Low): Graveyards near a village or town are often 4
wall.
surrounded by a small stone wall to mark its boundaries. A DC 8 A small cemetery founded among large fir trees
5
Acrobatics check is required to leap the wall or DC 16 if the that screen it from casual view.
character does not have at least ten feet of space to get a A small graveyard, completely flat with perfectly
running start. Low walls provide partial cover (+2 AC, +1 Reflex). even rows of grave markers. The oldest – least
6
visited graves – are in the centre of the
Walls (Tall): Taller walls of iron bars or stone blocks are
graveyard.
popular in population centres for aesthetic reasons, to restrict A small cemetery where white posies grow over
access hours and sometimes to keep creatures in (and grave 7 each grave. A small team of gardeners tends the
robbers out). Taller walls require a DC 12 Climb check to scale. perfectly maintained grounds.
They provide partial cover (+2 AC, +1 Reflex) to total cover. A moderately‐sized graveyard with paths lined
Headstone: The most common grave marking. Headstones with small smooth stones. The paths meander
8
are generally made of stone, stand two to four feet tall and are through the graves, which are haphazardly
placed.
engraved to denote who is buried beneath. A DC 10 Acrobatics
A moderately‐sized cemetery lit all night by oil
check is required to leap a headstone or DC 20 if the character 9
lanterns hung from high iron poles.
does not have at least ten feet of space to get a running start. A moderately‐sized graveyard where a cold wind
They generally only provide partial cover (+2 AC, +1 Reflex). 10
blows from the east.
Sarcophagus: A box‐like container for a corpse. They can be A moderately‐sized cemetery features rust
buried like a coffin, but also set above ground in place of a grave. 11 coloured grass in the oldest section, as if stained
A DC 16 Acrobatics check is required to leap a sarcophagus or DC with dried blood.
32 if the character does not have at least ten feet of space to get A moderately‐sized graveyard. Two statues of
12 armoured knights flank the entrance. A stone
a running start. They provide partial (+2 AC, +1 Reflex) to total
wall surrounds the cemetary.
cover. A moderately‐sized cemetery with a small
13 stream running through the east corner. Thick
MINOR EVENTS hedges surround the whole area.
Graveyards are often surprisingly busy places during the day. A moderately‐sized graveyard featuring a stone
14 shack in the corner for the caretaker. A special
D6 MINOR EVENTS furnace rests outside for cremation services.
Two labourers are digging a new grave. A pile of A moderately‐sized cemetery where all the
1 15
moist earth stands to one side. carving depict skeletal visages.
2 A mourner kneels in front of a grave, sobbing. A moderately sized graveyard with rows of well‐
16
An interment ceremony is taking place. tended tulips.
3 Mourners stand about a grave as a priest reads A large cemetery dotted with ruins of an ancient
17
from a holy book. settlement or building.
A furtive, pale‐skinned man skulks among the A large graveyard with graves sprawled across
4 18 several small hills. It includes several small
graves studying their markings.
A gardener tends the graveyard’s grass, flowers shrines.
5 or trees. He has encyclopaedic knowledge of the A large cemetery set about a white marble
surrounding graves. 19 fountain at its centre. Wooden benches
A couple – or couple with children – stroll surround the fountain.
6 A large graveyard studded with apple trees
through the graveyard, flowers in hand.
20 throughout the grounds. Visitors are free to pick
the apples.
33
GRAVEYARDS: GRAVE MARKINGS
The grave markers of a cemetery are as unique as the people SARCOPHAGI
buried within. At a minimum, most such markers name the
D20 SARCOPHAGI
person buried within, but they have many other characteristics.
The weather‐worn image of a man with his
Use the tables below to generate interesting grave markers. 1
hands crossed adorns the lid.
Engraved all along the sides of the box is a battle
D20 GRAVE MARKINGS 2
between man and minotaur.
1 Unmarked Carvings of cavorting imps cover each of the
2 Small raised mound 3
sarcophagi’s corners.
3 A wooden cross The lid is smooth and painted with an
4 A metal cross 4
iconographic lineage.
5 A stacked pile of stones The lid depicts two lovers in bed entwined
6‐7 A flat, stone name plate 5
around one another.
8‐11 A small headstone Several gods are carved into the sides of the box
12‐16 A large headstone 6
with small kings kneeling at their feet.
17‐18 Sarcophagus A montage of the important rites of a local
19 Mausoleum 7 temple, from birth to burial, is engraved along
20 Columbarium the sides of the box.
A serpent‐like dragon wraps across three sides of
HEADSTONES 8
the box. The dragon is very life‐like. Pressing
both of its eyes opens the sarcophagi (DC 25
D20 HEADSTONES Perception reveals).
1 A marble headstone with a rounded top. The lid is carved with the image of a hundred,
9
2 A limestone headstone with squared off corners. crawling beetles.
3 A marble headstone covered in cobwebs. An elderly bald man is carved into each side of
A sandstone headstone with a large crack down 10 the box. He has a different facial expression in
4
the left side. each carving.
5 A granite headstone with a slanted top. The sarcophagus is plain except a single eye
11
A marble headstone splattered with bird carved into the lid.
6
droppings. The runes along one side of this sarcophagus are
12
7 A limestone headstone overgrown with ivy. the instructions for how to construct a catapult.
8 A sandstone headstone of a strange purple hue. Blue‐green moss grows all over the sarcophagi,
A white marble headstone that seems to glow in 13 obscuring any engraving. The moss is dry, almost
9
the moonlight. desiccated and if disturbs fills the air with dust.
10 A limestone headstone that’s fallen onto its side. There is no lid yet the insides are bathed in
14
A granite headstone with the image of a praying shadow.
11
child engraved at the top. The sides are all carved with flame and a single
15
A granite headstone with a small door carved clawed hand adorns the lid.
12
into the base. The statue of an angel with sword outstretched,
16
A marble headstone topped with an angel, arms towers over this sarcophagus.
13
outstretched. The ballad of Rose Peak is engraved across the
17
A sandstone headstone topped with a stooped lid in beautiful flowing carven handwriting.
14
gargoyle. The lid is slightly ajar and has been crudely
18
15 A marble headstone leaning far to the right. sealed with plaster.
A granite headstone whose lettering has been The statuette of an elderly man, sitting with a
16 19 book, rests atop the lid. The statuette is hollow
inlaid with gold leaf.
A marble headstone engraved with the image of and holds the key to the sarcophagi.
17 An engraved lantern burns at each of the
a whale.
A limestone headstone flanked by small rose 20 sarcophagus’ corners. Enchanted by continual
18 flame spells, they fill the surrounds with light.
bushes.
19 A granite headstone half sunk into the ground.
A marble headstone topped with an ornate
20
stone sun.
34
MAUSOLEUMS EPITAPHS
D20 MAUSOLEUMS Many grave markers are inscribed with personal messages about
A one‐room square building of stone, with four the person or persons interred within.
1
columns at the entrance.
A rounded granite structure with a red dome. D20 EPITAPHS
2
The dome’s paint has started to fade. 1 A man for all the ages.
A two‐storey marble building. The second floor is 2 The great eye sees but never touches.
3
lined with columns. 3 He died as he lived. Drunk
A simple stone structure with a heavy iron door. 4 Grave robber.
4
The door has four separate locks. The day will come when dragons walk and
A limestone building; statues of tiefling mages 5
halflings fly.
5 stand in place of columns. Each mage holds a 6 Obedient to the law, we lie.
different set of spell components. 7 Heroes have the whole earth for their tomb.
A brick structure that was once a small temple. 8 To die is to defy immortality.
6
One of the stain glass windows is broken. Defender of Whiteforge, until he took an arrow
A crumbling stone building with a heavy stone 9
to the knee.
7 door. The door’s lintel has shifted, making it very 10 I told you I was sick.
hard (DC 25 Strength) to open. 11 The whites of their eyes were not enough.
A square structure with a slanted red slate roof. As you are now, so once was I. Prepare,
8 12
An old oak shades the structure. therefore, to follow me.
A large marble building. Statues of angels stand 13 Echoes of A minor.
9 on the roof above the entrance, their axes
A lady is only as great as her horse and her man,
crossed. Several have been vandalised. 14
in that order.
A small structure set back away from the other
10 Through demons, through devils, through
graves amongst a copse of trees.
15 horrors of afar, the swords and the axes and
A simple building of wood with a slanted roof daggers will mar.
and a sliding steel door. The wood is as hard as
11 16 In the eyes of the gods we are but moments.
stone and has been carved with images of clouds
Trust me, if I had no money in life, I have less in
and flying dragons. 17
death.
A stone wall set into a hill, with a locked gate for
18 The itch of wisdom is a dangerous scratch.
12 a door. A narrow stone‐lined passageways slopes
Sing the songs of your ancestors so their spirits
downwards into the hill. 19
will know the words.
An ivy covered building of white stone. Three
By his father’s blade he knows his mother’s
13 small windows are set about eight feet above the 20
presence.
ground.
A small, one‐room stone building with a green
14 slanted roof. Weeds grow in profusion around
the structure.
A building of moderate size with soldiers carved
15
across the exterior walls.
Three rows of demonic statues flank the path
16
leading up to this small round structure.
A long one‐storey building with several doors
17
along the main wall.
A three‐storey, round structure with several
18 small parapets. The whole gives the impression
of a watchtower or keep.
A small, square building, set atop a small hill,
19
with stone steps leading to its doors.
A set of bronze doors, set into a frame of stone
20 in the earth. Stone stairs lead to the one‐room
mausoleum below.
35
GRAVEYARDS: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray individuals the heroes may FUNGUS AND ROTGRUB
encounter within a graveyard.
(both) CE male halfling witch 4
Appearance: Slightly stout with a bald head, wearing filthy
D10 NPC
black robes. Their skin has sores from disease (DC 21 Perception
1 Delphineas Deltrey
2 Lanina Ingles check to notice the sores differ in size and shape between
3 Elry the Elder brothers).
4 Fungus and Rotgrub Personality: Very curious to the point of being rude. The
5 Refen Hammertoe brothers consider the graveyard their territory, and unless
6 Elviras Nomnen funeral rites are being attended makes every presence their
7 Old Ilario Grandstone business to investigate.
8 Thunder Katzner Mannerisms: Fungus has a hacking cough and he never
9 Aulus Took covers his mouth. Rotgrub picks his teeth and sores.
10 Haf Palmerre
Hooks: Born in the graveyard, their parents were also
witches. They’ve never travelled far from home or each other
DELPHINEAS DELTREY but are now in the middle of a spat. Only one appears at a time,
CN male half‐elf rogue 3/sorcerer (rakshasa) 5 as they’re actively avoiding each other. Each blames the other
Appearance: Gaudily dressed with strips of silk, tied about for anything bad that happens to the PCs.
his leather armour. His long, silver hair sports a purple streak.
Personality: Outlandishly social, when he sees no threat at REFEN HAMMERTOE
hand he makes a point to introduce himself to all he comes NG female dwarf expert 2
across, especially young, handsome lords and ladies. Appearance: Wild red hair with high‐cut, brown leather
Mannerisms: Clicks his tongue when he grows impatient. boots. Her nose tilts to the left from when it was flattened in a
Hooks: Delphineas’ family, on his father’s side, are local to brawl.
the area. He uses the family mausoleum as a makeshift Personality: A bit gruff but much friendlier after a pint.
equipment locker between adventures. Mannerisms: Snorts loudly when taken aback, upset or
laughing, due to her nasal injury.
LANINA INLGES Hooks: Refen is a gravedigger. She maintains the grounds
NG female human oracle (life) 2 with some pride as her grandparents are both buried here. Her
Appearance: A gaunt, young face with thinning blonde hair. father left many years ago to fight in a war. She suspects his
Personality: Distant and easily distracted. death, but he never returned in any state. She would be in debt
Mannerisms: Lanina walks with her fingers outstretched, to any who could recover the body.
letting them brush along random objects.
Hooks: Lanina suffers from a curse of malevolent hauntings, ELVIARS NONMEN
following her wherever she goes. Her strolls through graveyards NG female elf druid 2
are her way of calming the spirits and giving them the chance to Appearance: Curvy for an elf with braided brown hair. Her
let go. clothes appear to be tightly woven vines.
Personality: Flighty with little patience for off colour
ELRY THE ELDER humour.
N male human adept 1/expert 2 Mannerisms: Prone to sudden silences as if listening to
Appearance: Bald on top with a crescent of short gray hair. distant noises.
He wears simple clothes and a wooden holy symbol. Hooks: Elviars travels through graveyards looking for rare
Personality: Quiet and reserved at first, but bring up religion reagents that only grow among death.
and he becomes loud and opinionated.
Mannerisms: Stoops forward with his shoulder eschew, due
to an old battle injury.
Hooks: Elry is discontented with how stagnant his life has
become in his old age. He patrols the graveyard looking for signs
of trouble. He is immediately suspicious of the PCs.
36
OLD ILARIO GRANDSTONE AULUS TOOK
LG male human commoner 1 NE male halfling fighter 2/rogue 4
Appearance: Shortly trimmed gray hair with a strong build Appearance: Dressed in leather patchwork armour and black
and simple dark coloured clothing. cloak. His short curly hair has been dyed crimson.
Personality: Stoic, using as few words as needed. Personality: Secretive and quick to violence.
Mannerisms: He crosses his arms when at rest, and presses Mannerisms: He hums old folk songs when he thinks he is
the bridge of his nose. alone.
Hooks: Ilario always wanted to be a paladin but couldn’t Hooks: Aulus is a professional assassin. He takes great pride
break away from his family. He is suspicious of adventurers but in his work and always disposes of the body. His new favourite
grows helpful if he learns of their heroics. dumping ground is burying them in freshly dug graves.
37
GRAVEYARDS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Graveyards are a place for the dead, and as such should only be A young boy claims to see the image of his dead
minimally occupied by the living. Exceptions tend to create very uncle walking the graveyard at night. Superstitious
8
interesting circumstances. peasants want to exile the boy to lay the ghost to
rest.
D20 Two young lovers, whose parent refuse to let them
marry, have sealed themselves inside a
A wizard seeks an ebon flower for an important 9
mausoleum. When the PCs arrive, screams of terror
ritual. It only grows in ground seeped with the flesh
erupt from within.
1 and blood of orcs. A small flower‐cloaked burial
mound in an isolated corner of the graveyard holds Large holes, signs of a bullette or ankheg, have
the bodies of a score of such raiders killed long ago. been spotted at the centre of the cemetery.
10
Several graves have disappeared into the creature’s
The mayor of the town died in his sleep at an old
tunnels.
age. At the funeral, which is happening as the PCs
2 A necromancer has set up shop, selling his services
enter the area, his grieving daughter throws open
the coffin to find it empty. to provide mourners a day with an undead loved
11 one. Many of the populace disapprove of his
Someone has being knocking over headstones at
actions, but a few recently bereaved townsfolk
night. The local constable sess the issue beneath
3 have hired his services.
him but has a few coins in his coffers to anyone
who can catch the culprit. A small group of vampires has the populace of a
12 village trapped in its graveyard. The vampires seem
A tribe of centaurs have made camp in the middle
to be repulsed by the hallowed ground.
of the graveyard, claiming the land is part of an
4 A black dragon has made a mausoleum his lair,
ancestral pact agreed upon by the town’s founder
generations ago. converted the entire property to unhallowed
13
ground. Skeletons have been spotted at night by
Legend says a local wizard took the secret of
villagers who dare to go close.
destroying gods to his grave. The PCs have been
5 A gravedigger has discovered an underground
tipped off that it’s not just a turn of phrase and 14
that a tome of knowledge lies in his tomb. tunnel that bears signs of dwarven construction.
The manager of the local orphanage got drunk and The sword of a knight carved into a sarcophagus lid
buried the rent money for its own safety in the has begun glowing blue. If a paladin of pure heart
6 15 approaches the sword, the light grows more
graveyard. He can’t remember which headstone he
buried it under. intense and the sword transforms into an actual
weapon.
A group of clerics of the god of death have
gathered from all over the area to celebrate a A young girl was found wandering among the
prophet buried here. They’ve taken all the rooms in 16 headstones with no memory of how she came to
7 be there. She is otherwise healthy.
the inn and set up a tent city outside the graveyard
gates. At night, loud chanting emanates from the All the cats in town vanished a week ago. This
graveyard. morning their corpses were found stacked upon
17
the grave of the town’s founder; all their eyes were
gouged out.
A strange grey speckled mist hovers over the
graveyard, whispering the words of departed loved
18 ones. The mist is thickest in the newest part of the
graveyard and seems to emanate from an as yet
unfilled grave.
The local militia has posted a reward for the
capture of grave robbers plundering the graveyard.
19 For the last three nights, strange sounds have been
heard in the cemetery at night and every morning
graves were found disturbed and defaced.
Assassin vines have spread from the forest across
the oldest parts of the graveyard. Luckily, no one
20
has yet been taken, although several cats and dogs
have disappeared.
38
39
GUILDHALLS: TYPES OF GUILDS
A guild is an association of people who practice a craft or labour, Adventurers’ Guild: Job postings, cheap beds,
who come together to control that practise in a town or larger good beer and the rights to legally loot
region. Though they often control the trade through sheer abandoned structures; an adventurer’s guild is a
67‐72
PC’s second home in the city. Particularly
numbers and economic coordination, it was not uncommon for
popular in areas surrounded by ruins or towns
the guild to be granted official authority by the local ruler,
with a weak military presence.
making it illegal to practice without membership. Arcanist Guild: Much like a masters’ guild, the
arcanists’ guild is the foundation schools spring
D100 GUILD TYPES from. Arcanists guilds are often supported by
Craft Guild: This is a typical medieval guild. The 73‐76
governments as a matter of public safety,
craft guild comprises skilled artisans who all providing oversight as young mages learn the
create items of the same type. Depending on the proper ways of spells and incantations.
1‐30 size of the city and economy it could be as broad Bardic Guild: Loremasters, jesters, storytellers,
as a metalworkers’ guild, or as specific as a dancers, actors, playwrights and even the classic
silversmith or coopers’ guild. For a big chart of 77‐80 adventuring bard all belong to the bardic guild.
goods see Urban Dressing: Market Stalls. It’s the best place to find work, obtain public
Merchant Guild: Merchant guilds may be performance permits and swap stories.
organized by type of product, region or trade Companion Guild: Formal organization of
routes. They’re primarily an organization for prostitutes, courtiers and courtesans. As a
31‐45 those who sell physical products, though some profession that needs very little to get started,
regulate skilled labourers such as physicians or 81‐83 practitioners organize into guilds more often in
tinkers. For a big chart of trades see Urban large societies with minimal laws, as a means of
Dressing: Traders & Craftsmen. protection, or in heavily affluent societies were
Cartel: A cartel is an organization of craftsmen formal training is needed as a matter of course.
and/or merchants with the specific intent to fix Thieves’ Guild: A breeding ground for those who
46‐50 prices, production and/or public image. Many act outside of society and ignore property laws.
other guilds are also cartels or a cartel may 84‐86
It’s the best place to find a fence, pick up
include members of various other guilds. speciality tools or grab a job.
Trade\Labour Union: A far less common type of Assassins’ Guild: Much like the thieves’ guild the
guild. These unions comprised the lower skilled, assassins’ guild generally operates outside the
or at least the less stationed, members of a craft 87
law, though some may be government
or labour to protect their common interests and sponsored.
51‐53
help combat the power of other guilds. These Fraternity/Sorority: An organization dedicated to
may be more common in societies with large the development and prosperity of its members.
Adventurers Guilds to help organize the many These organizations often cross occupational
hirelings employed in such endeavours. 88‐92
boundaries but are bound by a deep devotion to
Religious Guild: Priests, clerics and the like have each member. While not technically economic in
their own orders and churches. They have much nature, wealth and prosperity go hand in hand.
of the same traits of a guild but their focus Racial Guild: Much like a fraternity or sorority
usually puts economics second to piety. Religious but bound by a common blood. These
54‐60 guilds are still common amongst laypeople, such 93‐96 organizations focus on a single minority race in a
as when all craftspeople among multiple fields society, but may also be applied to another type
come together under the banner of a common of guild, such as the Guild of Halfling Weavers.
god. Like cartels, often another type of guild will Secret Society: Not all organizations flourish in
also be a religious guild. the public eye. When popular culture or the law
Frith Guild: A group of upstanding citizens who frowns upon how you wish to get things done
pass judgement on the law. These individuals are secret societies form to provide like‐minded
often nobles or appointed by the ruling lord. 97‐100 individuals a place to do business. Cartels,
61‐62
Some frith guilds are actually secret societies, thieves’ guilds and assassins’ guilds are often
with their own laws that carry out vigilante secret but any kind of guild can be secret. Some
justice when members are wronged by outsiders. secret societies even have a public face, but keep
Scholars’/Masters’ Guild: A predecessor to their rites and dealings known only to members.
universities, these are associations of masters, or
63‐66 their students, throughout a city. They are often
from completely different fields but united by
status and their love of academic study.
40
41
GUILDHALLS: GUILDHALLS
Guildhalls can be anywhere with enough space for the guild to On the deck of a large fishing ship, tied up at the
18
meet, though once a guild achieves a certain level of prosperity docks.
they generally obtain a dedicated locale. Use these tables to 19 A dank overflow chamber of the city sewer.
determine the general characteristics of such a guildhall. You can A family mausoleum towards the back of the city
20
cemetery. (See Urban Design: Graveyards)
also add some amenities to make guilds more tempting for
players or add flavour to scenes taking place within the guild
itself. Every hall at least has a meeting space even if it doubles as
D20 MODERATE GUILDHALLS
A white walled guildhall with paper windows and
one of the amenity rooms. 1
thick, heavy shutters.
A rustic guildhall made of notched logs topped by a
D20 GUILDHALL QUALITY 2
thatched roof.
1 A makeshift guildhall.
A two‐storey guildhall of painted green stone set at
2 A makeshift guildhall with one amenity. 3
the end of a muddy lane.
3 A makeshift guildhall with two amenities. A musty smelling guildhall with thin wooden walls,
4 A moderate guildhall. 4
terrible drafts and too few fireplaces.
5 A moderate guildhall with one amenity. A simple brick guildhall with white windows and
6 A moderate guildhall with two amenities. 5
several tall chimneys.
7 A moderate guildhall with three amenities. An old remodelled bakery that still smells of bread
8 A prosperous guildhall with two amenities. 6
and flour.
9 A prosperous guildhall with three to four amenities. This guildhall has beige stone walls on the outside
10 A prosperous guildhall with five or more amenities. 7
and oak wood panelling within.
A guildhall with fieldstone walls and large open
8
D20 MAKESHIFT GUILDHALLS rooms.
1 A dank basement with mould growing on the walls. A squat, brick guildhall with very few windows and
9
The second floor apartment above the guild a rooftop deck.
2
leader’s shop. The outer walls of this guildhall are set on a stone
A few tables pushed together in a local tavern, with 10 foundation of an old temple. The new construction
3 is of wood.
members shouting to be heard over the rabble.
The corner table in the local tavern, after regular A wooden building resting on thick columns. One
4 11
hours. can only enter when the stairs are lowered.
A private backroom in the local tavern with a two A stone complex surrounded by an iron fence and
5 12
drink minimum. small courtyard.
The centre of the city park, in full view of the public A red walled building with a large central fire pit
6 13
eye (See Urban Dressing: Parks) producing thick black smoke.
The alley between the butcher and the general A fieldstone building with a thick layer of moss
7 14
goods store. covering its south side.
The front room of a general store, after business A wooden two‐storey guildhall with ill‐fitting
8 15
hours. windows.
The backroom of a general store, crates piled high A small stone tower, with a winding central
9 16
and smelling of yeast. staircase.
10 A warehouse, dimly lit by low lanterns. A squat stone guildhall of gnomish construction,
11 An empty tenement, smelling of urine. 17 extending underground through a network of low,
The common room of a small home, a fire in the cramped passageways and chambers.
12 An old family home with closed heavy wooden
hearth and children sleeping upstairs. 18
The backyard of a local manor, in the shade of a shutters and six locks on the front door.
13 A well‐kept wooden structure with a pointed roof
large willow tree. 19
14 A long table in the civic archives of the city library. of green shingles.
The local theatre before rehearsal. A partial set is A small stone guildhall with a large private patio in
20
15 on the stage, and crew casually watch from the the rear for hosting social functions.
balcony.
The cellar of the local temple, between aging casks
16
of wine.
A small cave obscured by hanging moss, just
17
outside town.
42
D20 PROSPEROUS GUILDHALLS AMENITIES
A large stone guildhall with great woven banners Many guilds offer additional services to members through
1
decorating the halls.
common areas, and can provide unique spaces for social scenes
A white walled building with stone columns ringing
2 the ground floor that support a promenade balcony during an adventure. These should be customized with elements
above. relevant to the guild type.
A looming stone building with copper
3 D20 AMENITIES
embellishments along the windows and doors.
An old manor with two rows of statue flanking the Meeting Space: Every guild, even those who do not
4 walkway to the main entrance. Gargoyles leer yet own their own building has a meeting space. It
down from the roof. is essential to the planning and organizing of the
A squat stone building that leads down to a multi‐ guild. This is generally a hall with chairs or benches,
5 but can take the form of anything from a raked
layered complex of dwarven design.
A highly defensible complex with high outer walls, 1 theatre to a small tavern space. Members generally
6 reinforced stone door and an entranceway enter this space ready to hear news and take part
equipped with murder holes. in the guilds plans. Speaking within the guild
A grand tower with pointed slate roof and stained meeting space grants a +2 to bonus to Bluff and
7 glass windows. Deep cellars below the tower Diplomacy checks when a member speaks to other
intersect with the town’s sewers. members.
A sprawling manor set among well‐tended grounds. Common Area/Libations: An area for relaxing,
8 Some areas are in disrepair and cluttered with thick distinctly separate from where the meetings are
spider webs. held. This may also serve as a dining area or hall to
A grand building with pink walls, red shutters and 2 host events. Examples are a tavern area, lounge or
9 tall fountains in the front courtyard surrounded by library. A guild member who spends an hour at rest
beautifully tended formal gardens. in this area gains a +2 bonus to their next saving
A large stone structure with walls reinforced by throw made that day.
10 adamantine. Ornate cold iron gates provide a Training Area: Most members of a guild have their
glimpse of the building beyond. own space to practice their craft but even masters
A three‐storey great brick guildhall with a black come together sometimes to improve. This space
11 has everything needed to work on the trade and
slate roof and many chimneys.
Large braziers always light the great stone steps generally has a few members poking about to offer
3
12 outside the entrance of this marbled walled commentary. A guild member working here gains a
guildhall. +4 to Craft and Profession roles relating to the
A brick guildhall with large stone columns and with guild. This does not stack with other item bonuses.
13 Members generally need to provide their own raw
trellises covered in ivy.
materials or pay for any materials used.
This guildhall is an odd mix of styles, having once
been four distinct buildings. Over the years they Barracks: Lodging is anything from a space by the
14 were purchased and connected to create a fire to individual guest rooms. Prosperous guilds
may even be willing to put up the travelling
complex of stone and wood of many height and
4 companions of their members. This is very useful
colours.
when the guild has chapters in several cities. A
A gleaming building whose outer walls are a
15 guild with a barracks provides free lodging to its
patchwork mosaic of onyx and jade tiles.
members.
A grand stone building with cascading arches
16 Protection/Storage: The number one problem with
connected to support columns.
a warehouse is keeping thieves out of it. A guildhall
Large gargoyles of demonic visage guard the roof of
17 with this amenity has an area to store the
this old fieldstone guildhall. 5
possessions and goods of its members. It may also
This guildhall has large echoing rooms which
18 take extra measures to protect its grounds, such as
occasionally make conversations quite difficult.
high walls, complicated locks or patrolling guards.
A great wooden lodge with three stories and a blue
19 Contracts/Information: This may be a message
shingle roof.
board, an archive or a lounge where the older
A massive oak structure with oil paintings of its 6 members gather to share wisdom. Members
20
members hanging throughout the halls. making use of this amenity gain +2 to all
Knowledge checks relevant to the guild’s purview.
43
GUILDHALLS: INITIATION, MOTIVATIONS AND RUMORS
Guilds do far more than serve as a meeting place for idle talk. Recite from memory the guild charter, after a night
Their schemes can be grand and sometimes treacherous. Even 17 of feasting and heavy drink. (DC 10 Intelligence
joining a guild can be a dangerous endeavour. Use these tables check; +2 to the DC for every drink consumed).
to add adventure and mystery to a guild. Seek out a rare component of the guild’s craft and
18
present it to the guild leaders.
Benefits: Once gained, membership comes with several
Defeat a member of a rival guild in a public contest
benefits. The starting attitude for a fellow guild member is 19
of skill.
generally one step more favourable than normal. Guild members 20 Kill an existing member, earning their place.
generally offer a 10% discount on their goods or services to
other members and have contracts set up to offer the same MOTIVATION
discount on merchandise that is common to their profession.
Most guild members join because learning the trade and getting
See “Amenities” for more benefits a guild may provide.
work outside the trade is far more difficult, but what is the guild
Dues: Guilds generally also require something in return of its
striving towards in the greater sense? Economic domination is
members. It’s generally not more than a few silver a month in
the simple answer, but guild leaders may have something else in
membership dues and being kept apprised of information
mind. (Normal guild members may not know of this additional
relevant to the guild’s interest. Adventuring members are
goal).
generally excused from making monthly visits to pay dues and in
return are expected to take up the occasional task for the guild D20 MOTIVATIONS
leaders. 1 Destroy a rival guild.
2 Make a similar industry obsolete.
INITIATION 3 To please their god.
What a commoner or even an adventuring hero needs to do to 4 To gain respect in court for the guild leaders.
join the guild. Many guilds have several levels of initiation, with 5 To increase their land holdings.
primary membership being easy but not granting full benefits 6 To gain the respect of the community.
7 To never go hungry again.
8 To become untouchable by the local militia.
D20 INITIATION RITES 9 To secretly smuggle illegal goods.
To fund a secret (possibly illegal or reviled) faith or
1 A simple fee of 1d4 copper. 10
church.
2 A small fee of 1d6 silver.
To protect their members where the government
3 A moderate fee of 2d6 gold. 11
has failed.
4 A letter of note from a community leader.
To educate the masses perhaps through formal
5 The sponsorship of an active guild member. 12
schooling, scholarships or similar initiatives.
Tithe 10% of current wealth to the guild’s patron
6 To advance society and to provide charitable works
temple.
13 such as fountains, pools and wells usable by the
7 Have recently assisted a local community member. masses.
Complete a moderate (DC 15 Craft or Profession) 14 For the glory of their lord.
8
test of skill in the guild’s area of expertise.
To become greater than their foreign rival by
Complete an expert (DC 20 Craft or Profession) test 15 producing better products, destroying their rivals
9
of skill in the guild’s area of expertise. trading network and so on.
Complete a test of knowledge about the guild’s To reclaim glory after having fallen from favour
10
history (a series of DC 15 Knowledge checks). 16 (perhaps due to some terrible crime or failing of
Complete a minor task for the guild, such as picking the guild).
11
up an order from a distant member. To ensure their craft is never forgotten and always
Apprentice under a full member, and earn their 17
12 held in high regard.
personal approval. To control the town or city through wealth and
Travel to the capital and study under one of the 18
13 bribery.
guild masters. 19 To know divinity through perfection of their craft.
Travel across the continent and learn from as many 20 To win the love of a highborn lady or lord.
14
members as possible.
15 Swear a blood oath of loyalty to the guild.
Recruit a new customer for exclusive contract to
16
the guild.
44
RUMOURS 10
The guild master is rarely in town. Instead he
investigates old dungeons as an adventurer.
Guilds are very important to the everyday life of an urban
The guild keeps its prices cheap by using undead or
society. Even to non‐members they often have influence over 11
slave labour.
trade, politics and festivals. People are bound to talk. How much The guild has fixed its books to pay less taxes. May
truth can be had in idle gossip is at the GM’s discretion. 12 local magistrates and tax collectors are paid off or
blackmailed into silence.
D20 RUMOURS The guild purchases ill‐gotten goods from pirates
1 The guild is secretly controlled by the church. 13 and uses the profits to fund its members’ lavish
The guild master’s daughter is secretly dating her lifestyles.
2 The guild practices minor sacrifices to gain the
father’s apprentice. 14
The guild has been working with the thieves’ guild favour of its long dead founders.
3 The guild’s founder is still running things as a
to sabotage a rival’s business. 15
4 The guild waters down its wine at meetings. reclusive vampire.
The guildhall is built upon the ruins of an ancient The mayor is secretly in the guild’s pocket and is on
5 16
vault. its payroll.
The guild has a secret wing where the true The guild has been training its members to fight, in
6 17
decisions are made. order to end a rivalry through force of arms.
7 The guild was responsible for the last king’s death. The guild does new product testing at the local
18
The guild keeps a private brothel for the exclusive orphanage.
8 The guild is heavily in debt to foreign investors and
use of its members. 19
The guild only pretends to be in competition with desperate for a solution.
9 its rival. It’s a carefully controlled show to The guild moves its goods at night through a series
20
discourage any real competitors. of secret tunnels.
45
GUILDHALLS: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPCs below to portray individuals the PCs encounter at ILASUAL FROSTRUIN
a guildhall. Either determine randomly which NPC the PCs
CG male elf expert 3/sorcerer (draconic) 1
encounter or choose a suitable candidate. Most descriptions do
Appearance: Receding hairline and wears well‐kept clothes,
not indicate rank or position within the guild, keeping them
contrasted with old leather bracers.
open to all manner of uses.
Personality: A bit haughty, but friendly once you get to know
him. Enjoys the finer things in life and showing off his (minor)
D10 NPC
magical powers. Has no intention of every becomng an
1 Gaius Getha
2 Old Hat Catherty adventurer.
3 Ilasual Frostruin Mannerisms: Ilasual expects others to keep up, and he
4 Evelyn Foster sometimes switches to Elven mid‐sentence, if he can’t be
5 Aelius Boson bothered to remember a phrase in Common.
6 Gilos Kells Hooks: Ilasual supplements his craft with some innate
7 Marra Clearwater magical talent. He secretly pines for another to study under to
8 Mit Umbridge extend the range of his arcane abilities but can’t find anyone
9 Glassjaw Yvens who he feels is his better.
10 Mister X
EVELYN FOSTER
GAIUS GETHA NG female human bard 2
CN male human expert 2/rogue 1 Appearance: The local beauty with wavy red hair, who keeps
Appearance: Clean cut with salt and pepper hair and a trim her clothes flattering, yet practical.
moustache he wears a black leather vest. Personality: Evelyn is a joyous individual, often singing while
Personality: Very likeable, he intently listens and rarely gives going about her work.
advice that’s not requested. Mannerisms: Evelyn thinks it is hilarious to feign anger at the
Mannerisms: Gaius always has a smile on his face, and sticks actions of others and can crack herself up just by putting her
his thumbs in the cuffs of his vest. hands on her hips.
Hooks: He’s recently added a bit of sleight of hand to his Hooks: Evelyn is far more talented than the average peasant
business, keeping people distracted while altering contracts but doesn’t seem to understand her true potential. If given the
slightly or lifting small purses. While he feels guilty, he needs the opportunity she could become a major figure in local politics or a
money to pay of large gambling debts. skilled adventurer. A PC investing in her talent by setting her up
in her own workshop could reap great rewards in the future.
OLD HAT CATHERTY
N female human expert 4 AELIUS BOSON
Appearance: Thinning gray hair and a constantly furrowed LG male half‐orc ex‐barbarian 2/expert 1
brow. Her clothes are always practical. Appearance: Heavily built, Aelius wears simple clothes. He
Personality: Cantankerous when bothered but at ease when generally has a pipe in his mouth.
left to herself. Personality: Aelius finds peace in his work and is generally
Mannerisms: She rocks gently while at work and rarely looks easy going. Insinuate that he may not be very bright or insult his
people in the eye when bothering with conversation. craft and he flies into a violent rage.
Hooks: Catherty has been at her trade for a very long time Mannerisms: Aelius’s favourite action in any activity is
and her skill is considerable, yet she is never satisfied with her puffing his pipe, and carefully filling it back up. He smokes all the
own work. If a PC displays talent that may surpass her own she time, even when it is inappropriate to do so.
does what she can to sabotage them out of spite. If a PC Hooks: Aelius feels very guilty after a bout of violence and
publically derides her skills she sets out to destroy his tries to avoid fighting. The guild uses him for intimidation
reputation. without him realizing it, simply by inviting him to certain
meetings and events.
46
GILOS KELLS Mannerisms: Taps her fingers into her palm when growing
impatient. When she gets really angry, she has been known to
NG male human commoner 1
slap the person responsible for her mood.
Appearance: Gilos wears large brown boots and has a dirty,
Hooks: Glassjaw takes her nickname not just from the visible
sweaty face.
wound she carries from her brief adventuring career but her
Personality: A little absentminded and often stressed, he is
favourite way of ending an argument. Anyone who gets out of
also very gullible.
line gets a solid punch to the face even if she has to first wrestle
Mannerisms: Rubs his hands into the folds of his shirt.
them to the ground to reach.
Hooks: Gilos is a young member of the guild and takes
orders from the others. He is always running this way or that and
MISTER X
seems very much in need of a good night’s sleep before he
collapses. N male human rogue 2/sorcerer 6
Appearance: Tall and slender, Mister X is always seen
MARRA CLEARWATERS wearing a long black cape and a simple silver full face mask.
Personality: Quiet and reserved. He listens before speaking
CN female halfling expert 1
and uses only a few words to express his interest. He speaks
Appearance: Short brown hair bound into two thin braids.
quietly, but forcefully.
Personality: Irrational, she’s always thinking ahead and can’t
Mannerisms: Mister X stands very still when speaking and it
seem to grasp the moment at hand. Marra is very friendly and
is said no one has ever seen his hands.
enjoys a good meal with friends.
Hooks: Mister X is shrouded in mystery. He is known only to
Mannerisms: Twitches her nose as if about to sneeze. She
guild members as one of their great patrons and attends most
never sneezes, but always carries many handkerchiefs about her
meetings silently.
person.
Contradicting rumours have him as a noble who wishes to
Hooks: Marra is said to be a mad genius. Most of her work is
remain anonymous or a being from another plane whose
sub‐par, but the piece that gained her initial membership to the
presence would spark controversy within the guild’s ranks.
guild surpassed even the guild master’s skill. If only they could
Whatever the truth, he is fabulously wealthy and so few clients
get her to do it again!
question his origins too closely.
MIT UMBRIDGE
LE male half‐elf expert 3
Appearance: Always well dressed, Mit hides a slim dagger in
his inside vest pocket. He has a slender moustache and long
flowing blond hair.
Personality: Pretends to be interested in others but
eventually just stops listening. Obsessed with himself and his
own advancement.
Mannerisms: Always keeps his back to a wall if he can help it
and hates to go to places he does not know well. He never
seems to relax and is always on edge.
Hooks: Mit can’t stand to listen to others. He seeks to
control the guild and the town if he can help it, and the PCs may
just be the tools he needs to do so. He is merciless in his use of
tools, but generous to those who prove useful to him.
GLASSJAW YVENS
NG female dwarf fighter 3/expert 2
Appearance: With dark black hair and a long scar along her
left jaw, Glassjaw always wears heavy steel gauntlets.
Personality: Sternly judges those who speak and never quite
seems satisfied. A stickler for standards, she strives for
perfection in her craft.
47
MARKET STALLS: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Every market stall should have a distinctive appearance. Use this This horse‐drawn carriage has heavy curtains so
table to generate such interesting characteristics and features. patrons can view its wares in private. Customers
20
Some features may be inappropriate based on your set up or are only admitted one at a time and the
merchant within rarely reveals himself.
what the PCs have encountered. Ignore such results and simply
This wooden stall is topped with billowing exotic
re‐roll. 21
silks of yellow, red and white.
This handsome stall looks quite new and features
D% 22
a red slate roof.
A simple wooden handcart that has seen some A few barrels topped with an old door serve as a
1 wear but is still in working order serves as this 23 makeshift stall. The old door is heavily stained
mobile stall. and pitted.
The bark remains on this roughly‐made, oaken Several large chests set around a carpet of red
2 24
handcart, granting it a rustic appeal. and gold serve as this merchant’s stall.
An old, wooden wheelbarrow, far past its prime, A steel stall marked with engravings of giant eyes
3 is piled high with merchandise. Its single wheel 25
catches the sun’s reflection.
swivels this way and that when pushed. This stall built of piled driftwood still smells of
This iron cart creaks on four oversized wheels. 26
salt and the ocean.
Dwarven runes adorn each side telling of the
4 This iron stall is adorned with totems to the local
founding of the legendary dwarven stronghold 27
thunder god.
Thor‐Dilak.
This open tent is made from imitation
An enslaved bugbear, heavily burdened by 28
dragonhide.
several saddlebags, acts as his master’s mobile
5 This tent is made from interwoven multi‐
stall. Its fur is matted with dirt and dried blood
29 coloured silks. Colourful guide ropes hold it to
and it looks thoroughly downtrodden.
the ground.
A covered wagon, sporting a foreign flag, sells its
6 A stall that was originally a stack of crates has
wares directly from the back.
30 been patched and reinforced so many times that
A huge, muzzled brown bear pulls an uncovered it has been made permanent.
7
wagon of heavy oak.
The frame of this stall is made from the jaw bone
A modest wooden cart distinguishes itself with a
8 31 and skull of a giant serpent (complete with
hand painted canvas sign that hangs off one side.
fangs).
This cart of bronze has jade decorations and
9 This stall is constructed of salvaged wood from
smells of incense. 32
wrecked ships; fishing nets serve as its roof.
A quartet of young children carries baskets on
10 The base of this stall is made from cut sandstone
their heads. 33
set without mortar.
An old mule pulls a rickety cart whose missing This wooden stall has ivy growing up its columns
11
planks have been hastily patched with hides.
34 and along its canvas roof. Within it is cool, but
An elephant carries a small stall upon its back. musty.
12 Patrons can gain access one at a time by climbing
A simple wooden stall has living leaves sprouting
a rope ladder lowered down one side. 35
from one of its posts.
This small stall comprises a small handcart made
13 36 The base of this stall is set with finely cut stones.
of bamboo tied together with vines.
One side of this stall has a large hole from which
This stall comprises a heavy wooden cart that 37
14 rats scurry back and forth.
features a large bust of a ram at its front.
A large mastiff snores loudly under this wooden
A team of porters have lifted a small raft into the 38
15 stall.
market place, laden with wares.
The base of this stall is made of large rocks, fitted
Three camels (or horses) carry goods in hand‐ 39 expertly with smaller rocks to form a solid
16 woven baskets. Each basket is covered with a counter.
colourful cloth.
A dried monkey hand hangs from one of this
This wooden cart smells of cinnamon, though it 40
17 stall’s wooden posts.
holds none.
Four bronze spears hold up a roof comprising the
The broken foundation of an old tower forms the 41
faded flag of a legendary kingdom.
18 boundary of this stall. Weeds grow thickly on the
This stall made of finely crafted darkwood
remaining walls. 42
features carven druidic runes in each of its posts.
A rowboat set with wheels serves as a makeshift
19 This simple wooden stall has a painted sign
cart. 43
hanging in front warning “No halflings.”
48
A carving of a flying dragon serves as a sign set Garlands of faded flowers decorate this wooden
44 74
high above this stall’s merchandise. cart.
The wood of this stall is charred black and still A small portrait of a famous holy man hangs
75
45 smells of smoke, having been salvaged from from one pole of this stall.
ruined buildings. Old bookcases, crammed with merchandise,
76
This wooden stall features a series of form a back‐wall for this stall.
46
mismatched drawers along its front. The front of this stall is painted in a dizzying
77
Wind chimes all along the awning of this stall array of colours.
47
tinkle in the breeze. 78 Four trees form a natural canopy over this stall.
The wood of this stall has begun to rot; tiny This stand is formed from wet sand, dried in the
48 79
insects crawl all about. sun and adorned with starfish.
Green shingles cover the base of this stall under The front of this stall is only a foot and a half in
49 80
a slate roof. height; it caters to smaller patrons.
This stall is constructed of shining, polished This wooden stall displays no wares. Prices are
50
bone. 81 debated up front and then the goods are
Numerous delicately balanced pots hold this delivered from a secret warehouse.
51
stall’s wares. The merchant displays the first copper piece he
Four walls of beads, strung from wooden posts, 82 ever earned in a small glass jar. He views it as his
52
obscure this stall’s interior. lucky charm and will not part with it.
The stuffed head of a fox, mouth agape, serves The counter of this stall is made of a large
53
as this stall’s sign. 83 wooden crate, wrapped with chains as if trying
An old wagon with no wheels, set atop crates, to keep something trapped within.
54
displays this stall’s wares. This wooden cart is painted silver with small
84
Two white stone columns, remnants of an old engravings to appear as worked metal.
55
shrine, mark the entrance of this stall. A cage of small birds sits behind this stall filling
85
Stone statues of local gods serve as the pillars the air with chirps and tweets.
56
that hold this stall’s hide roof aloft. 86 This stall has a smooth, polished marble counter.
57 This wooden stall has red ribbon tied to its posts. Curtains of leaves, sewn with gold thread, form
87
58 This oaken cart has three brand new wheels. the walls of this stall.
59 Faces of old men decorate this steel stall. Piled lobster traps with a counter top of plywood
88
60 This red stall has yellow linen curtains. form the front of this stall.
This stall features a brick base finished with scrap The roof of this stall is draped in black fabric
61 89
wood. decorated with silver star beads.
This stall is nothing more than a burlap tent that An oversized wool tent that seems unusually
62 90
smells of wet cat. drafty serves as a makeshift stall.
This stall keeps a small wooden torch lit even at A wooden board is missing from this stall
63 91
midday as a tribute to the fire goddess. revealing a flickering light within.
A small boy sits in front of this simple stall, 92 This old iron stall is covered in rust.
64
playing a tin whistle. This wooden stall has a large spider‐web
93
Two vendors share the same small stall, between its posts. A large spider lurks within.
65
constantly bickering over space. This blue‐grey stall is marked by a silhouette of a
94
A small sign above this stall offers a free haircut mermaid on its sign.
66
with any purchase. This steel and copper push cart has visible
95
Old glass bottles set in plaster form the counter turning gears.
67
of this stall. A brand new stall of pine. The wood is still sticky
96
“Guaranteed Not Stolen” promises the sign with sap and smells pungently.
68
hanging above this stall. Decorations for the Summer Solstice decorate
A small, trained monkey offers wares to 97 this stall, weathered from being left up for
69
passersby and dances for a copper piece. extended periods.
A bloodied butcher knife, used to deter thieves, This faded green stall has half circles carved out
70 98
hangs on display on one of the stall’s posts. of the front.
A glass counter reveals finer goods locked within The splintering wooden frame of this stall has
71 99
the front counter of this stall. been hastily covered by an old curtain.
This green painted stall has a string of bells Wares are stacked and spread across this stall
72 100
hanging between its two main posts. using no containers or any sense of organization.
A merchant sits atop a pile of merchandise, but
73
makes no effort to attract buyers.
49
MARKET STALLS: WHAT’S FOR SALE?
Market stalls sell an incredible variety of things. Use this table to 49 Farm tools
determine what a randomly visited stall is selling. 50 Barrels and crates
51 Fine instruments of copper
D% 52 Glass bottles and bowls
1 Dried fruit 53 Healing herbs
2 Fresh local fruit 54 Odd arcane reagents
3 Exotic fruit from neighbouring kingdoms 55 Painted holy idols
4 Local produce 56 Paper, ink and scroll cases
5 Butchered animals 57 Leather and canvas bags
6 Live poultry 58 Dyes
7 Fresh bread 59 Furs
8 Fanciful pastries 60 Money changing
9 Coffee and tea 61 Potions and oils
10 Roasted meat on wooden sticks 62 Minor enchantments
11 Green bubbling beverages that ease aches 63 Wooden staffs and simple weapons
12 Fresh flowers 64 Fortune teller
Cheap jewellery fashioned with garnets and 65 Lace and embroidery
13
pearls 66 Books and scrolls
14 Raw gemstones 67 Locks and keys
15 Fine jewellery in a range of prices 68 Small cages and hunting traps
16 Grains 69 Blacksmithing
17 Small trained animals 70 Cobbler
18 Horses/Camels 71 Fine perfume
19 Exotic mounts 72 Scribe services
20 Leather and hide armour 73 Silversmith
21 Steel armour and shields 74 Soap
22 Iron weapons 75 Rugs
23 Iron cooking supplies 76 Woven tapestries
24 Lanterns and oil 77 Taxidermy
25 Ropes and nets 78 Holy water
26 Woven baskets 79 Fine knives
27 Clay pots and pitchers 80 Wooden toys
28 Second hand furniture 81 Wheels and rods for carts
29 Wooden carvings 82 Information
30 Silver holy symbols and idols 83 Poison
31 Fish 84 Acids and solvent
32 Crabs, clams and oysters 85 Eggs
33 Cooking oils 86 Nuts
34 Animal feed 87 Chains and manacles
35 Fertilizer 88 Carts and wagons
Banners of different guilds, adventuring parties 89 Random pieces of used armour
36
and noble houses 90 Seeds
37 Jars of honey 91 Slaves
38 Spices 92 Religious guidance
39 Jams and preserves 93 Water clocks
40 Bows and arrows 94 Tobacco and smoking weed
41 Kegs of ale 95 Cattle, pigs and goats
42 Candles 96 Instruments
43 Cheese and mil 97 Travel gear
44 Wool 98 Alchemical items
45 Reams of cloth 99 Makeup
46 Patched clothing 100 Messenger services
47 Fine clothes
48 Travel clothes and hats
50
MARKET STALLS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to walk up to a stall and buy The merchant’s daughter left last night to make a
something, sometimes fate intervenes. Use this table to delivery and hasn’t returned since. The merchant
determine what opportunities or complications the PCs may 12 desperately tries to hire the heroes, not worried for
his daughter’s safety but rather that she has run off
encounter while trying to make their purchase.
with his rival’s son.
The owner has been disfigured by a hag’s curse and
D20
13 offers deep discounts to whomever can bring in her
Goats have gotten loose in the area and several try
1 head.
to eat merchandise within reach.
The merchant offers to purchase cursed items at
An angry noble with several members of the town 14
full value but refuses to give his reasons why.
2 guard are trying to seize the property over past due
Strange moans come from the rear of this stall that
rent.
the owner blames on the wind. Investigation
3 A wailing haunt loudly bemoans her lost love. 15
reveals several animate zombie heads in a chest
An irate young man complains that he was almost that the owner claims no knowledge of.
4 killed by his last purchase. When pressed he
A bard harasses any attractive individual who
explains ludicrous extraordinary circumstances.
enters. When the owner is questioned he confesses
The last due shipment of goods is late by a week 16
5 that he is in debt to the bard and cannot bring
and there is no news as to when it will arrive. himself to kick him out.
A handful of young nobles are belittling the owner A fellow patron confronts any religious PC and begs
6
due to unfashionable décor. to speak with them in private. If granted an
A religious group pickets the stall over a perceived 17
audience he admits to being a murderer before
7 slight towards their god in the way the merchant drawing a dagger and trying to slay the PC.
prepares his goods. A rare item was delivered without the key to its
The ground below the stall has collapsed into a superior lock (DC 40 Disable Device). The merchant
8 sewer; most of the stall’s goods are lost in the fetid 18
is paranoid of magic and needs someone to either
waste below. pick the lock or locate the key.
The salesman is clearly prejudiced against elves and A team of orphans begs outside while another
9 fey serving them last and refusing to make eye 19
pickpocket those distracted.
contact. A clever rogue moves about the stalls stealthily
A burly looking man and his friends are demanding 20 pulling tricks on customers. He won’t leave without
10 “free samples” and look like they mean to take a refund and an apology from the stall owner.
them with or without permission.
A middle aged couple in front of the stall, both
11 drunk, are having a screaming match and trying to
get others to take their side.
51
MARKET STALLS: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray the folk encountered near the JAMMEN DOWNBURROW
market stall. Either randomly determine which NPC the PCs
N male halfling expert 1
encounter or choose a suitable candidate from the table below.
Appearance: Wide with a mop of curly brown hair and nose
that leans to the left.
D20 NPC
Personality: Gives a general air of confusion as if lost in
1 Ellara Peel
2 Jammen Downburrow thought.
3 Rimbar Mannerisms: He’s easily distracted and tends to stare off
4 Hal Grithel into space.
5 Bellis Beewetter Hooks: Jammen is under the sway of an imp who whispers to
6 Fauntal Everleaf him while invisible. What interest could the infernal hells have in
7 Hela the Brat such a simple salesman?
8 Vanviral
9 Job Gwyer RIMBAR
10 Grod
11 Scythe LN male dwarf fighter 2/rogue 1
12 Len Dender Appearance: A tangled brown beard and great, bushy
13 Doran Darkglint eyebrows. The top of his left ear is missing.
14 Hanrik the Hand Personality: He always seems tired and a bit grumpy.
15 Ismith Mannerisms: Rubs his hip whenever fighting is mentioned.
16 Alaquin of Dreymore Hooks: A veteran of war, Rimbar has a particular interest in
17 Hesk Eyepopper news of battle and is willing to make deals or part with personal
18 Maldrid items in exchange for news from his home region.
19 Georgel Lowland
20 Steflively Greenbillow HAL GRITHEL
CN male human commoner 2
ELLARA PEEL
Appearance: Reddish orange hair with a wicked grin.
LG female human aristocrat 2/expert 1 Personality: Morose.
Appearance: Young and thin with fair skin and soft features. Mannerisms: Pulls on bits of his hair while talking.
She wears a silver signet ring of a minor noble house. Hooks: Hal used to have ties with the alchemists’ guild (he
Personality: Ellara is optimistic and full of life. She is always was a servant there) but blames them for the death of his wife.
ready to try to fill a strange custom order. They fear he knows their secrets and want him to return to serve
Mannerisms: She is very quick to laugh with a high‐pitched the guild or die.
giggle, even when a joke is unintended. When her ability is
questioned she assumes the person doesn’t know better and BELLIS BEEWETTER
reasserts herself quickly.
N female halfling expert 2
Hooks: The stall was acquired by her wealthy father when
Appearance: Long dirty blonde hair, tied back. She always
the previous owner could not pay his loans. She has over
wears a brown leather vest over her clothes.
promised on some custom orders recently and needs
Personality: Serious and down to business.
adventurers to secure some hard to find items.
Mannerisms: She speaks in short direct sentences, never
The previous owners are upset that their shop was taken and
wasting any time.
look to discredit Ellara in the eyes of her father.
Hooks: Bellis accidentally insulted the mayor’s assistant with
her direct attitude and now tariffs are being raised across the
city.
52
FAUNTAL EVERLEAF GROD
CG female elf wizard (enchanter) 3 CN male half‐orc barbarian 2
Appearance: Pale blonde hair adorned with bits of ribbon Appearance: Two large teeth protrude from Grod’s lower lip,
and coloured glass. Her robes are of strong, vibrant colours. one has a good hunk chipped off. He has a long scar across his
Personality: Very happy with bursts of hysteria. right cheek.
Mannerisms: Compulsively sorts things by colour and Personality: Distrustful at first, he laughs loudly at all jokes
radiance. made by someone he has grown to like.
Hooks: Needs someone to travel to the Hedgeroot forest to Mannerisms: Licks his top row of teeth when thinking.
meet with the druid there under the next full moon, in order to Hooks: Grod’s tribe is nomadic. He only comes into town to
acquire the reagents needed for her next enchantment. trade when the beasts are nearby but something has been
thinning the herd in the dead of night.
HELA THE BRAT
CN female human aristocrat 3/rogue 3 SCYTHE
Appearance: Stunningly beautiful with clothing that is N female half‐elf expert 3
always in the latest style and the highest quality. Appearance: White hair with a red streak down the middle
Personality: Aggressively egotistical. and uncommonly pale skin.
Mannerisms: Rarely makes eye contact except when she Personality: Fun loving and always looking for a party.
believes you are the only one that can give her something she Mannerisms: Clucks her tongue when bored.
wants. Hooks: Business is just a job to Scythe, a job that she
Hooks: Last of a noble line, Hela has squandered most of her happens to be good at. At night she can get a little wild,
fortune but still manages to keep her lifestyle. She has acquired however, and the captain of the guard suspects that she has
a few items that would be in poor taste to sell and wants the been influencing his daughter. He is looking for any excuse to
party to contact a particular necromancer to arrange a meeting. lock her up or drive her out of town.
53
HANRIK THE HAND MALDRID
CN male human bard 1/rogue 3 CN male elf class aristocrat 2/expert 2
Appearance: A lean, stubbly face under a wide brimmed hat. Appearance: Luscious brown hair tied back with a ribbon. He
Personality: Good natured and fun, but is constantly often compliments his outfits with silk patterned capes.
scheming. Personality: Haughty and indifferent, Maldrid is accustomed
Mannerisms: He talks with his hands and does everything to the finer things in life. He looks down on those he sees as
with extra flare. coarse or unrefined.
Hooks: Hanrik has a business on the side where he sells Mannerisms: Keeps his chin up when he moves and tends to
information though sometimes his embellishments get the sniff the air while other people are talking.
better of him. Hooks: Maldrid’s business does well enough but his
He plans to turn himself in to the town guard after his opulence seems to have increased dramatically over the last two
exaggerations angered a particularly fearsome client but he is years. Rumours fly wildly about where the money is coming
really just looking for a safe place to stay for a little while. Once a from; black market deals to secret cult backers are the current
better solution presents itself, he’ll grab it with open arms. favourite theories.
54
55
PARKS: CHARACTERISTICS AND APPEARANCE
What we think of today as an urban park is often very different A large common, set off a manor estate, with a
11
from what existed in medieval times. Parks began as private few apple trees and a wandering cow.
hunting grounds, often walled, for use exclusively by its noble A large common, set off a manor estate. A large
owner. To restrict such a parcel of land often could only be 12 oak tree sits at its centre; great roots emerge
from the earth all around.
accomplished with the blessing of the king, which could get
A large common, set off a manor estate; only a
expensive. Thus, they were not public meeting grounds, but 13 few towering pine trees remain from when this
exclusive status symbols. land was heavily forested.
Later came the heavily landscaped parks attached to A large common, set off a manor estate,
14
mansions and other properties. These were originally private as dominated by several herds of cattle.
well but were made public as cities became more heavily A large common, set off a manor estate; large
15
populated. boulders dot its fields.
There are several kinds of park: A small public common, set on the side of a
16
grassy hill.
Common: Area intended for general use, including the grazing A small public common; a murder of ravens
17
watch from the limbs of an old willow.
of livestock and the harvesting of wood. It’s often not actually
18 A small public common filled with wild flowers.
public property but owned by a lord and set aside for specific
A small public common, with a large oak tree. A
use by his tenants. 19 cut rope, the remnants of a past execution,
Deer Park: A private hunting ground, owned by a noble or hangs from a large branch.
clergyman. It’s often walled, to keep trespassers out and the A small public common, surrounded by a
20
animals in. crumbling fieldstone wall.
Garden: A well‐landscaped area of carefully tended flowers, A large public common. The foundations of an
trees, hedges and other plants. It is often accented by 21 old manor house are overgrown with weeds at
its north end.
stonework.
A large public common, with small rolling hills
Public Park: An area of natural land set aside within a city, the 22
and cobblestone paths.
primary purpose of which is recreation. It may be tended for A large public common, where a small herd of
aesthetics or allowed to grow wild. 23
goats is feasting on a bed of tulips.
A large public common, with a small shrine to a
100 PARKS 24 nature god in one corner (See Urban Dressing:
Shrines).
D% PARK CHARACTERISTICS
A large public common, only recently made
A small common, set off a manor estate, littered
1 25 public. A team of youths are breaking down a
with sheep and the occasional shepherd.
series of fieldstone walls.
A small common, set off a manor estate, dotted 26 A deer park, packed thickly with oak.
2
with rocky outcroppings. A small deer park, with sparse birch trees. It
A small common, set off a manor estate. An old 27 seems mostly untouched, unused by its lordly
3 wooden fence keeps a handful of goats from owners.
wandering. A deer park, filled with the loud chirpings of
A small common, set off a manor estate, 28
many birds.
4 comprising a pasture with cattle and a forest A deer park, with a fast river rushing through it.
between two hills. 29 The walls pass right over the river; grates allow
A small common, set off a manor estate, where the water to pass through.
5
sheep drink from a stream. A deer park, with many brambly bushes and a
A large common, set off a manor estate, 30
6 few wild boar.
surrounded by a fieldstone wall. A deer park set right up against a cliff face for the
A large common, set off a manor estate, 31
7 nesting of great birds.
featuring a small, murky pond at its centre. A deer park, with very rocky soil that breaks the
A large common, set off a manor estate, with 32
8 trees into small stretches of woodland.
sweet‐smelling, blue‐green grass. A deer park, with a thick canopy and mossy
A large common, set off a manor estate; several 33
9 ground.
men are chopping up a felled tree. 34 A deer park, overgrown with weeds.
A large common, set off a manor estate, with A deer park, filled with holly trees and exotic
10 35
birch trees growing in small stands. beetles.
56
A deer park, once an orchard of cheery trees, is A large garden with a river running through the
36 69
now prowled by deer, boar and displacer beasts. middle crossed by two small pedestrian bridges.
A deer park, surrounded by a stone 20‐foot high 70 A large garden centred on a massive water clock.
37
wall topped with spikes. 71 A large garden with empty stone pedestals.
A deer park; the smell of wild onion drifts on the 72 A large garden with beds of multicoloured tulips.
38
air between ash trees. A large garden centred on a massive bronze
73
A deer park, built into hilly terrain and once statue of a warrior on horseback.
39
home to an owlbear. 74 A large garden with elaborate jade benches.
A deer park, thick with oak trees and spider A large garden with clockwork statues that
40 75
webs. occasionally move and greet passersby.
A boggy deer park, with sagging walls due to the 76 A small public park shaded by a large oak tree.
41
marshy ground. A small public park featuring statues of famous
A deer park, with sparse trees and the smells of 77
42 wizards.
sweet herbs. 78 A small public park centred on a white gazebo.
43 A deer park, with hickory trees and wild flowers. 79 A small public park with several plum trees.
A deer park; old foundations are set among the 80 A small public park with high stone walls.
44
shadows beneath the dark trees. 81 A public park; wind chimes hang from the trees.
A deer park, filled with deer and featuring a A public park with sweet smelling grass and
45 82
small pond stocked with salmon. blueberry bushes.
46 A deer park, filled with sequoia trees and elk. 83 A public park with hickory trees and wild lilacs.
47 A deer park, with tall grass and bison. A public park with a stone lookout tower offering
48 A deer park, thick with pine tree and caribou. 84
views of the city.
A deer park, featuring exotic birds and a trickling An almost perfectly flat public park surrounded
49 85
brook. by a wrought iron fence.
A deer park, filled with dogwood and dire A public park replete with scorched and twisted
50 86
weasels. trees. It once served as a mage’s test field.
51 A hedge garden with white stone benches. A public park with marshy ground and leafy
A garden of hedges and violets replete with iron 87
52 bushes.
benches. A public park filled by trees with bright orange
88
53 A garden of peach trees and lush green hedges. and red leaves.
A garden with walkways lined with small white A public park with small public shrines hidden
54 89
stones. among its many paths (Urban Dressing: Shrines).
A garden where all the flowerbeds are A public park in its natural state, filled with pine
55 90
surrounded by tiny wrought iron fences. trees and large boulders.
A small garden with a collection of statues 91 A large public park with gentle rolling hills.
56
depicting wild beasts. 92 A large public park with a man‐made pond.
57 A small garden with very tall hedges. A large public park with a fenced in area of
A small garden featuring trellis arcs of climbing 93
58 personal garden plots.
roses. A large public park featuring a series of ornate
94
A small garden centred on a white marble fountains flanking its main walkway.
59
fountain. A large public park centred on a cathedral of the
60 A small garden with blue gravel paths. 95 local nature goddess (see Urban Dressing:
A small garden surrounded by a brick wall, Temples).
61
topped with white stones. A large public park with wide walkways
96
A small garden, with displays of intricately raked frequented by carriages.
62
pebbles. A large public park with a stone outdoor
97
A small garden with two large stone chimera amphitheatre.
63
flanking the entrance. A large public park with many caves frequented
A small garden with bushes trimmed to resemble 98 by the city’s residents when the summer heat
64
stars. grows too great.
65 A small garden of white rose bushes. A large public park built into the side of a steep
99
A large garden with a lily pond and several hill and featuring hundreds of stone steps.
66
recreational rowboats. A massive public park taking up an entire quarter
A large garden filled with statues of ancient of a metropolis. Some of the city’s more nature
67 100
soldiers. inclined citizens have even taken up residence in
A large garden divided into four quadrants, one its trees and caverns.
68
devoted to each season.
57
PARKS: THINGS TO STUMBLE UPON
Parks tend to be well trod by man and beast. Such areas are full 49 A bit of foxglove
of distractions and personal affects often get misplaced. 50 Bits of fine tobacco
51 A simple leather sling
52 A bouquet of wild flowers
D% THINGS TO STUMBLE UPON 53 A compass carved from jade
1 A silver pocket watch 54 An empty water skin
2 A wet rag doll 55 A wolf pelt
3 A stray orange cat 56 The carcass of a giant eagle
4 An ancient‐looking gold piece 57 The epaulets of an officer
5 Two human teeth 58 A ten‐foot deep hole
6 A half empty wine bottle 59 An ivory statuette of the war god
7 A lace handkerchief 60 A bent lock pick
8 A steel dagger stained with blood 61 Three identical sapphires (1,000 gp each)
9 The claw of a bear 62 A stepping stool
10 A busted wagon wheel 63 An everburning torch
11 Four copper pieces 64 A 10 ft. long steel chain peppered with barnacles
12 A silver slipper 65 A watermelon
13 An empty backpack with a hole in the bottom 66 A wooden mallet
14 A dead cat 67 A folded flag
15 A wooden bucket A noble’s outfit, neatly folded, with a fine pair of
68
16 A fresh apple leather boots nearby
17 A bit of mouldy cheese 69 A cloth tent
18 A torn bodice 70 A deer antler
19 The deed to a local estate 71 An old red sled
20 A cane topped with bronze 72 A long red and white striped hat
21 A sealed jar of honey 73 The image of a human brain drawn in the dust
22 A feather quill 74 A felled pine tree with part of the trunk removed
23 A love letter, stained with tears 75 A white wooden crate
24 A baby chick 76 A bronze star
25 A sleeping youth 77 A toothpick jammed into a tree
26 A lidless bucket of red paint 78 A horsehair brush
27 An elven arrow 79 A tin horn
28 A coil of rope 80 A green and red lute
29 A shard of mirror 81 A wagon wheel
30 A soiled white glove 82 A silver bell
31 A letter of marque from a foreign lord 83 A punctured leather ball
32 A written contract for the delivery of livestock 84 A silk, green tie
33 A small iron lockbox 85 A dog stuck up a tree
34 A simple copper key 86 A pincushion stuck with several steel pins
35 A purple silk scarf 87 Scattered bits of cotton
36 A glass eye 88 A dream journal
37 A broken clay jug 89 A steel razor with a pearl handle
38 A rusted lantern 90 A pint of beer half buried in the dirt
39 A silver ring 91 A bushel of corn
40 A few white feathers 92 A wooden ladder
41 A small pouch of hazelnuts 93 A wet rolled up rug
42 A white lace umbrella 94 A pair of bear skin slippers
43 A horseshoe 95 An egg shaped pink crystal
44 The footprints of a peg‐legged individual 96 An orange scarf
45 A wineskin 97 A yeti skin, draped over a statue
46 A torn strip of red cloth 98 A headstone (see Urban Design: Graveyards)
47 Acorns stacked into a pyramid 99 A map of the realm
48 A tarnished emerald 100 A treasure map protected by explosive runes
58
PARKS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Parks are rife with opportunities for adventure.
AREA FEATURES
D20
Parks often have many features a canny adventurer can use to A bullette has burrowed into the park leaving large
1
his advantage. Some basic features appear below, but holes all around.
particularly in public parks the GM should customise these A druid has conjured a wall of thorns around the
2
descriptions to include flowers, rare tended plants and so on. park to keep a rare plant safe.
Walls: Urban Parks are often surrounded by walls. It helps The statue of one of the city’s founders has begun
3 to speak, claiming to be possessed by the founder’s
keep the private parks exclusive, marks boundaries and can
spirit.
help keep some of the city activity outside.
A finely dressed woman yells loudly that her
A DC 8 Acrobatics check is required to leap a small boundary 4
diamond ring has gone missing.
wall or DC 16 if the character does not have at least ten feet of A food vendor sells kabobs, claiming them to be
5
space to get a running start. made of dire rat.
Taller walls of iron bars, stone blocks or brick require a DC The city’s sewers are backed up, making the park’s
6
12 Climb check to scale. They provide partial cover (+2 AC, +1 grass soggy and pungent.
Reflex). Amidst withering plants a foreign druid offers to
7
end the dry spell for the low price of 20,000 gold.
Some deer park walls curve inward and feature small ramps
A bunch of kids are digging holes throughout the
on the outside to both help animals enter easily and make it
8 park. If pressured they admit to overhearing a thief
nearly impossible for those animals to escape. It requires a DC 5 say he stashed a cache of jewels there.
Acrobatics check to jump the wall from the outside ramp, but it City guards have barricaded the park until they find
is a DC 30 Climb check to get over the wall from the inside. 9 the “vicious animal” that has left several dead with
Hedge (Narrow): Narrow hedges are obstacles comprising bite and claw wounds.
neatly tended bushes. A series of sporting contests are being held to
10
It costs 3 squares of movement to cross a narrow hedge and celebrate The Feast of the White Stag.
it provides cover (+4 AC, +2 Reflex). Three panicking gardeners hurry to paint all the red
11 roses white before the local ruler arrives to survey
Hedge (Wide): Wide hedges are 5 ft. tall and fill an entire
the grounds.
square.
A sculptor surrounded by guards carves a statue of
It takes 4 squares of movement to move through such a 12 an unpopular nobleman. Nearby folk seem less
square, but creatures making a DC 10 Climb check reduce this than happy about the addition.
cost by 2. Wide hedges provide total cover. The river and pond has dried up in a heat wave
13
Tree (Normal): A creature standing in the same square as a revealing several veins of silvery metal.
tree (AC 4, hardness 5, hp 150, DC 15 Climb) gains partial cover The park is filled with families and vendors in
14
(+2 AC, +1 Reflex). celebration of a local festival.
Men line two sides of a field, armed with wooden
Trees (Massive): Huge trees (AC 3, hardness 5, hp 600; DC
15 swords, to recreate a famous battle. The man who
15 Climb check) fill an entire square. They provide cover (+4 AC, was to play the legendary giant has broken his leg.
+2 Reflex). A contingent of soldiers are aggressively recruiting
Flowerbeds: Small colourful plants cover the ground, for the local lord’s army. They offer free beer, great
16
increasing the DC of Acrobatics and Stealth checks by 2. It costs pay and a signing bonus; several have already taken
two squares of movement to enter such squares. up their offer.
Undergrowth (Heavy): Dense bushes and other tangled A loud dwarf tries to round up competitors for a
17
drinking contest; 2 copper a head, winner takes all.
growths make movement through these areas extremely
All of the squirrels have mysteriously disappeared
difficult. 18
from the park.
It costs 4 squares of movement to enter such a square. It is Three treants are squatting in the park due to
impossible to run and charge through a square containing heavy deforestation by neighbouring orc tribes. They do
19
undergrowth. Characters in heavy undergrowth gain not leave until the orcs are driven from their forest
concealment (30% miss chance) and a +5 circumstance bonus home.
on Stealth checks. A homeless man tries to prevent anyone from
20 entering the park claiming the trees are plotting a
revolution. He is clearly mad.
59
PARKS: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray individuals the PCs Hooks: He’s currently trying to manage relationships with
encounter within a park. Either determine randomly which two separate women, without either finding out. One is a
NPC the PCs encounter or choose a suitable candidate. barrister’s daughter and he’s paranoid he may end up being
cast into a dungeon.
D10 NPC
1 Orila Nikal DEVEL CYNDERFALL
2 Indra Schoolsmith
CN male elf adept 2
3 Belryn Toisel
Appearance: A little bit wild with fur clothing with feather
4 Devel Cynderfall
5 Brokel MalNit accents.
6 Audri Fellswing Personality: Devel keeps to himself mainly paying little
7 Hippo regard to the others in the park.
8 Halen Honeywell Mannerisms: He can be difficult to hear at times, speaking
9 Elrin Dermot in a very quiet tone.
10 Yelda Nosebiter Hooks: Devel is concerned the plants in the park are
weakening and this may be a sign of greater trouble. He
ORILA NIKAL communes with nature and looks for a sign.
NG male human commoner 2
BROKEL MALNIT
Appearance: Simple peasant clothes with well‐worn knees.
Personality: A very friendly fellow who takes to new CN female human aristocrat 1
people in town and tries to make them feel welcome. Appearance: Garish dresses of gold silk with elaborate
Mannerisms: He lifts his cap and rubs his scalp. hairstyling one might expect to see at a ball. She is never
Hooks: Orila owes money his wife borrowed from a local without a prop such as an umbrella, fan or large bag.
gang before she mysteriously disappeared. He intends to pay it Personality: She thinks herself better than most and
back somehow but doesn’t dare ask for help. His predicament terribly clever, when in reality she can be quite thick at times.
is a very juicy bit of town gossip at the moment. Mannerisms: Brokel has a nasal laugh and loves to make a
large show of using whatever prop she has on hand.
INDRA SCHOOLSMITH Hooks: Brokel has become terribly bored with urban life.
LN female half‐elf expert 1 She wants to know more about the party if only to pass the
Appearance: A youth in her teens with twin long ponytails. time. Should the PCs stick around she tries to show them off
about town. If they lose her favour she uses her money and
She cares little for fashion but keeps a very neat appearance.
influence to make things difficult for them.
Personality: Indra questions everything said to her, rarely
taking any statement at face value.
AUDRI FELLSWING
Mannerisms: Indra sighs when people around her seem
foolish or slow. N female dwarf fighter 4
Hooks: She’s an apprentice scribe and has made a huge Appearance: An elderly woman with thinning long white
mistake, spilling ink over a page she has already transcribed. hair but a strong build.
She reluctantly seeks help from those who may know the Personality: Audri is loud and boisterously quick to make
original text. friends and put people in their place.
Mannerisms: She stares intently at people when they
BELRYN TOISEL speak to her.
CN male halfling commoner 1 Hooks: Audri gave her axe to her eldest son who died in
battle against giants. She would give most anything to have it –
Appearance: Wears clothes of earth coloured tones, rough
and his remains – returned to her family.
leather shoes and a tight vest.
Personality: Belryn always seems to be in a rush and is
often curt with strangers.
Mannerisms: Belryn speaks very quickly and tends to look
around while others are talking.
60
HIPPO ELRIN DERMOT
CN male halfing bard 2 LN male dwarf paladin 1
Appearance: Colourful clothing that seems mismatched Appearance: Fully armoured in shining plate with a heavy
and ill‐fitting. warhammer and steel shield.
Personality: Hippo seems jolly at first, telling jokes and Personality: A bit gruff, he doesn’t possess much social
doing tricks but he is also very intrusive, asking personal tact.
questions. Mannerisms: Elrin drums the inside of his shield with his
Mannerisms: He does not respect personal space and fingers.
freely touches others and their things. Hooks: Elrin has fallen for one of the vendors who
Hooks: Hippo decides with enthusiasm he wants to frequents the park but has had little luck expressing his
chronicle the exploits of one of the PCs. He does not seek feelings. He comes to the park each day but is too scared to
permission, instead following them around, recording their speak with the object of his affections.
deeds and asking annoying questions.
YELDA NOSEBITER
HALEN HONEYWELL NG female human rogue 3
N female elf expert 3 Appearance: Beautiful red hair with form‐fitting clothes
Appearance: Halen’s clothes are filthy as is her face and and tall boots.
hair. Personality: Yelda is very chatty, happy to give news of the
Personality: She holds herself in a restful manner and town’s goings on and hear news from afar.
seems at peace among the bustling city. Mannerisms: Her red hair tends to slide down in front of
Mannerisms: Halen looks down at her feet when in her face; when it does so she flings it back with a whip of her
conversation with others. neck.
Hooks: Halen works as an herbalist and grounds keeper. Hooks: Yelda has a criminal background as a thief
She was recently working with an herb that causes temporary and a con artist. She’s quite smart and knows how to take the
memory loss, but she can’t remember which one. money she has to make even more money. She’s moved onto
to a new town, and while she doesn’t know how to keep a low
profile she’d like to leave her past dealings behind her.
61
RUINED BUILDINGS: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Even in the most up‐to‐date of cities, there are always homes, 26 An old inn. Trees grow out through the windows.
buildings or districts that have been worn and weathered by A once‐high‐class inn. Tattered tapestries billow
27
time and the elements, or the misfortunes of their inhabitants. in drafts, giving a sense of haunted movement.
A fine inn. Faux‐gold décor is now riddled with
28
D% rust, and orange powder covers everything.
A small three‐room house. Its doors and windows 29 This inn is creaky, dusty and filled with termites.
1 The remains of this inn are blasted with a myriad
are boarded shut. 30
A small family house. Piles of wood lie in the yard strange colours, and the walls are desiccated.
2 A small schoolhouse. Its windows and door are
where the window shutters have fallen off. 31
This house lists slightly to one side, its lawn gone, and its desks rotten.
3 strewn with debris. A tiny pet‐sized graveyard A shop. It leans heavily on a buckling western
32
hides in the house's north shadow. wall, and half the roof has slid off.
A house with a sunken roof. Shingles occasionally A three‐room house. The hedges around it have
4 33
clatter loose inside as the wreckage settles. been left to grow into a wild wall.
5 An overgrown house, wrapped in briers and ivy. A flooded shop. The rooms are filled to the
34
A house with sunken foundations. Its windows windows with silt, mud and debris.
6 A tenement. The halls are open and occupied by
are level with the ground outside.
A blackened, soot‐strewn house. Choking dust 35 homeless people, but the rooms and offices are
7 boarded shut and locked with rusty bolts.
fills the air inside, and the property smells of ash.
A once‐flooded house. Mouldy discolouration A large warehouse. Collapsed hallways block
8 36
runs rampant inside and out. access to storerooms.
A house with a smashed‐in door. The smell of A large college, blackened with ash. A wall and
9 37
mange, dog fur and urine is overpowering. part of the roof have crumbled and fallen.
A house with a large patio or porch, covered by a The remains of a church. A large breach cuts
10 collapsed roof. Shattered windows and a rusty, 38 through its centre erratically, leaving only rubble
stubborn back door are the only entrances. and scattered earth behind.
A small shop. Broken glass and fallen shelves A university. Its tapestries are tattered, its
11 39
litter the floor, along with a few bricks. windows shattered and its rooms ransacked.
This smithy still smells of slag, though its half‐ A university, long abandoned. Its musty halls are
12 40
melted furnace is black and cold. now home to squatters.
This winery's uneven, spongy floor is slick and A collapsed stable. Stale hay and splintered wood
13 41
wet, and smells sharply of vinegar. litter its surroundings.
A bakery, dusty and stripped bare. Squeaks and A stable. One door and its wall have been
14 42
scratches all around herald rats in the walls. smashed outward; the rest show signs of abuse.
An alchemy shop with the door ripped from its A carriage depot. The ruined carriages lie parked,
43
15 hinges and windows shattered. Strong fumes dusty with age and blackened by fire.
remain, and the building is slightly hazy. This carriage depot and its stable have collapsed
A shop. A bloodstained carpet conceals a 44 into one another, leaving two sloped roofs over a
16 tumble of splintered wood and broken glass.
trapdoor locked from the inside.
A large but decaying shop that shows recent A dock‐master’s stand. The building lists
17 45
traffic. Interior doors are locked or barred. dangerously toward a ruined pier.
18 A shop filled with rusty armour on mannequins. What's left of this dock office huddles around the
46
A butcher's shop. The walls and windows are wreckage of a small ship that crashed into it.
19 This blackened office smells of ashes and alcohol.
slightly green and smell of rancid meat. 47
This shop is spotless despite being abandoned for Its roof is full of burn holes.
20 Rats have taken over this skeletal harbour‐side
years. Squelching sounds can be heard inside. 48
A tavern. Its door and sign hang askew, and its warehouse. Its roof creaks off time with the tide.
21 A flooded sea‐side way‐station. It smells of mould
tables and chairs are broken and scattered. 49
A once two‐storey inn. The top floor has fallen and salt, and the walls are pitted with rot.
22 This way‐station’s roof lies crumpled by its
into the ground floor. 50
A blackened husk of a tavern. Ashes drift out of a neighbour after being torn away by a windstorm.
23 A crumbling watchtower. Loose bricks pile at its
hole in the roof when the wind gusts. 51
An inn with a large hole in the wall and floor of its base from gaping holes in the top levels.
24 A hole in this tower’s skeletal roof and blackened
upper rooms. 52
A large abandoned inn and tavern. Blankets and upper half evidence a stormy fate.
25 53 A small shrine. Its altar is broken in two.
tents inside form a small shanty‐town.
62
Bloodstains, broken windows and lost or broken There is nothing left of this mage's tower except
54
weapons tell a story of mutiny in this barracks. 79 its foundation. Piles of broken, burnt stones and
The west end of this old barracks is blocked off by twisted metal fill the ruin.
55
collapsed rubble and a makeshift barricade. This wizard's tower is sunk halfway into marshy
56 This old prison is missing several cell walls. 80 ground, despite the rest of the city being on solid
This prison has been torn in half by an foundations.
57 earthquake; the two halves remain standing, but A large mansion. Several wings have been
81
the walls close to the break have collapsed. ravaged by fire, and much of the roof is gone.
A watch house, its front walls blasted by an old This mansion is lost in a forest of overgrown
82
58 fire. Broken glass and overturned tables are hedges, rampant ivy and myriad fungi.
scattered inside, and the rear door is torn off. A large sink‐hole has devoured the west wing of
The roof of this flooded building is bloated and 83 this mansion. The rest of the building leans
59
sagging. Fungus covers the floor. slightly toward its missing side.
This old military training building has weathered This is a classic haunted mansion featuring
60 walls and boarded windows. Strange noises echo boarded doors and windows, tattered tapestries
84
within, and bizarre lights move inside at night. and curtains waving in draughts and creaks and
An abandoned barracks. It has been picked clean, groans echoing through it at odd hours.
61 leaving behind only bare bed frames and empty All the windows in this mansion have been
storerooms with broken doors. 85 broken outward. Ruined furniture litters the
A shrine. Tattered curtains and scattered incense grounds and clogs a smashed fountain.
62
cover the floor. Rust and rot have set in on the exterior of this
Blackened and melted candelabras are stuck to 86 manor. Bricks and boards have begun to crumble
63 the floor of this burned‐out shrine. Parts of the and split.
slag have been scraped or chipped off. Once a fine palace, this crumbling building has
Part of this shrine's wall has been torn out, and 87 lost four rooms and is now filled with vagabonds,
64
its broken altar is covered in occult graffiti. the homeless and stray animals.
An old temple to a dead or forgotten god. Years This building has partially fallen into a dried up
88
65 of neglect have left the curtains and carpets pond. Cobwebs choke the rest of the building.
faded and the windows broken The upper levels of this mansion have collapsed,
89
The attic and roof of this musty, dusty temple are filling lower levels with piles of silt and debris.
66
crowded with flocks of pigeons. Brackish, foul‐smelling water fills this partially‐
90
The side wings of this temple are barely standing, sunken mansion’s basement and ground floor.
their walls filled with holes and breakages. The This warehouse has been picked clean by looters,
67 91
main shrine has several broken pews but is leaving an empty shell with smashed doors.
otherwise in fair condition. The upper level of this wizard's tower appears to
Shattered stained glass drowns this run‐down 92 have been pulled inward by a powerful force. The
68
cathedral in a bizarre array of coloured light. exterior seems otherwise undamaged.
A column of sunlight falls through a hole in the Though its doors and windows are boarded shut,
69
roof of this ivy‐ridden cathedral. 93 birds and rodents flock to this warehouse
This church’s auditorium floor has collapsed, through its skeletal roof.
70 creating a maze of wall‐tops over its rubble‐ 94 A riot of fungus covers this building’s roof.
strewn cellar and crypt. Though it hasn't collapsed yet, this warehouse's
This old wizard's tower teeters slightly to the 95 walls are buckling. Rushed patch jobs strain
71
east. Its roof is strewn with nests. against the weight of the crumbling frame.
A room‐sized brass statue hangs halfway out of a A livestock stockade. Splintered walls and
72
broken wall at the top of this mage's tower. 96 barricades evidence a stampede; the building
The door has been torn off this mage tower's creaks and sways ominously in the slightest wind.
73 entrance. The equipment inside has been A publican's office. A smashed safe lies in the
97
thoroughly destroyed and scattered. middle of the lobby, and the cabinets are broken.
This burned‐out tower smells of sulphur, liquid This moneychanger’s office has dented shelves
74
metal and rotten incense. 98 and walls, broken windows and bloodstains on
This lichen‐covered wizard's tower is sealed with the counters and empty vaults.
75
rusty chains and heavy locks. This barrister's post still has its broken‐free door
An ominous rumbling like an enormous heart fills lying in the middle of the floor. The rest of the
76 99
the air around this worn, empty mage's tower. inside is ransacked, but the exterior only looks
Faded glyphs decorate the walls of this crumbling worn and faded, save its ripped‐free sign.
77
tower. The dusty air smells of ozone. A grave‐keeper’s hut. Its door hangs askew and
100
Sealed by boards and chains, this warehouse its contents are scattered about the cemetery.
78
reeks of yeast and vinegar.
63
RUINED BUILDINGS: DRESSING
Use this table to provide interesting details about the state of a 50 Interior plant overgrowth
ruined building, along with particular damages or signs of 51 Fungal growth
decay. Some may be inappropriate based on the locale’s set up; 52 Persistent draught
ignore such results and simply re‐roll. 53 Howling draught
54 Flooded cellar
D% 55 Layer of mud on floor and/or walls
1 Broken windows 56 Silt deposits
2 Broken door 57 Faded silhouettes of stolen objects
3 Missing door 58 Defaced paintings/portraits
4 Missing sign 59 Blood stains
5 Defaced sign 60 Corpse or skeleton
6 Broken or missing knocker 61 Scrap metal
7 Missing doorknob 62 Metal slag
8 Missing window bolt 63 Scattered glass
9 Splitting wood 64 Spilled chemicals
10 Shattered wood 65 Persistent water leak
11 Missing beams or supports 66 Building sways with the wind
12 Chipped or crumbling bricks 67 Building lists toward one direction
13 Missing bricks 68 Collapsed room
14 Rusty gate or fence 69 Collapsed chimney and/or fireplace
15 Broken or missing gate door 70 Collapsed level/story
16 Overgrown lawn 71 Boarded windows
17 Overgrown hedges 72 Boarded doorways
18 Ivy or vine overgrowth 73 Chained doorways
19 Brier overgrowth 74 Recent footprints (humanoid)
20 Overgrown tree 75 Recent footprints (animal)
21 Fallen tree 76 Squatters (beggars)
22 Rotten fruit 77 Squatters (hostile)
23 Rodent nests, burrows or warrens 78 Squatters (indifferent/oblivious)
24 Bird nests or warrens 79 Graffiti
25 Stray warrens 80 Lingering scent (ash/smoke)
26 Fire damage (minor, exterior) 81 Lingering scent (vinegar)
27 Fire damage (minor, interior) 82 Lingering scent (ozone)
28 Fire damage (major) 83 Lingering scent (animal musk/refuse)
29 Flood damage 84 Lingering scent (sulphur)
30 Standing water 85 Lingering scent (rotten/rotting food)
31 Widespread mould 86 Fallen or missing shingles
32 Rotting structures 87 Fallen wall
33 Termite infestation damage 88 Entire wing is missing
34 Wasp bolt‐hole 89 Sunken roof
35 Rust infestation 90 Hole(s) in roof
36 Combat damage 91 Collapsed roof
37 Destroyed furniture 92 Sunken foundations
38 Broken interior walls 93 Cracked or crumbling foundations
39 Crumbling ceiling 94 Fallen tower
40 Collapsed ceiling 95 Ruined magical/alchemical equipment
41 Spongy floors 96 Imploded wall
42 Holes in floor 97 Explosion imprint
43 Collapsed floor 98 Burned silhouettes on walls
44 Fallen chandelier 99 Bizarre lights and/or movement
45 Tattered curtains 100 Lingering wild magic field
46 Faded tapestries
47 Rotten rugs
48 Burned rugs
49 Waterlogged rugs
64
RUINED BUILDINGS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to examine or pass by the sanctuary when they must visit the city.
remnants of an abandoned building, sometimes fate Rumoured to be haunted, this old manor is a
intervenes. Use this table to determine what opportunities or favourite place for dares, challenges and
16
complications the PCs encounter. clandestine meetings for the city's youth. A few
accidents and vanishings only add to its mystique.
D20 A few displays, faded and tattered with age, remain
in this abandoned taxidermist's. The shop is
A pack of fiercely territorial dogs attacks anything 17
1 actually a front, disguising the hidden (and
that comes within a few feet of the building.
guarded) entrance to a local thieves' guild.
A sudden gust of wind sends a pile of bricks or
2 A distraught poor family scrabbles at a collapsed
shingles toppling toward the nearest PC.
room of their rotting house, screaming for help
The ruined building and its property are the 18
from anyone passing by to dig out their trapped
backdrop for a stand‐off between nobles and
son.
3 watchmen and a large gang of squatters. The
No matter what anyone tries to do, this scorched
nobles want the property cleared; the squatters are
building and its immediate surroundings always
refusing to leave their “home.”
19 seem to catch fire again within a few days to a
The crumbling building is infested with a gang of
week after the last blaze is put out. How it hasn't
pugwampi gremlins, who arrange accidents and
4 collapsed to ashes is anyone's guess.
take glee in trapping or killing people investigating
This ancient ruin is haunted. Not by undead,
the ruin.
however; rather, by a quasit that lurks here and
The basement of this abandoned building is now 20
5 preys on the souls of those stupid enough to
the headquarters of a murderous cult.
investigate the building.
Though it appears abandoned, this old and
deteriorating house is actually the temporary
6
residence of a vagrant priestess who serves as a
silent benefactor to the city's poor.
Strange, ghostly music echoes from within this
7 collapsing shop, drifting up from somewhere
below.
Recently‐dug pits and mounds fill the lawn of this
8 property, as if someone has been digging for buried
treasure here over the past few days.
Despite the rest of the building being in various
states of decay, one room – an enormous library
9
behind a locked metal door (superior lock: DC 40
Disable Device) – is in pristine condition.
This flooded building is said to be home to an
enormous man‐eating snake. It's half true – a
10
couatl has taken up residence, but she lives on
rodents, sewer fish and strays.
The chemicals from this dilapidated alchemist's
11 laboratory have seeped into the ground and water,
causing strange mutations in local flora and fauna.
Though their home is in wretched shape, it's still
inhabited by a friendly old couple who don't seem
12
to notice the decay around them, and eagerly
welcome visitors.
The teetering clock tower hasn't seen use in years,
13 but recently people have spotted tiny constructs
skittering to and fro around it.
The local watch has barred and chained this rickety
tower shut; the wizard who owns it, however, is
14
making a very public display of his disappointment,
without harming anyone... yet.
A small group of druids have begun treating this
15
foliage‐choked property as a meeting place and
65
RUINED BUILDINGS: LEGENDS & RUMOURS
Legends and rumours are often associated with certain The man who owned this place before it started
buildings. Use this table to determine what the PCs may learn falling apart demanded he be buried on his own
about the building in question. 11 property when he died. Since then, no one has
been able to live or work here more than a few
D20 weeks, so the building was abandoned.
This building was once the home or headquarters There was clearly some sort of magical or
of a notorious thief. Surely his ill‐gotten gains must alchemical accident that made this place
1 uninhabitable. Even now, passers‐by swear they
still be hidden here somewhere. But what traps has 12
he set to protect his ill‐gotten loot? see movement and odd lights, hear voices and
sounds and smell sharp chemical scents wafting out
Though it's a wreck now, this building was in good
of the rubble and dust.
condition when it was seized and boarded up by
2 the local government years ago. No one knows why Rather than retire to a large villa in the country or a
they did that, but some say the place was the mansion in the city, a notable soldier instead
centre of devil worship. elected to move into this unassuming place. Long
13
years have passed and she's gone or dead now, but
Animals – be they stray pets, local vermin, or even
certainly there has to be a reason someone of such
wildlife from outside the city limits – always seem
3 significance chose this unimportant place as home.
to be drawn to this place. What, or who, is calling
them here? And why? This ancient building is only still standing because it
was built by dwarves. Somewhere deep within its
This building is haunted by its old owner, a wealthy 14
cellars and basements is a hidden tunnel, leading to
heiress who was buried alive when the roof
hidden riches in mines deep beneath the city.
collapsed after a heavy rainstorm. She can't move
4 Mould and fungus in the remnants of this building
on until her inheritance is returned to her, and no
one can repair or tend the building while she's has absorbed or developed a magical taint. When
there. the wind blows through the draughty remains of
15
the property, it scatters fungal spores which cause
Though the weathering here looks natural, it was
hallucinogenic visions or prophetic dreams for
actually a case of clever and efficient sabotage. This
5 people living nearby.
used to be the front for a local thieves' guild, until
it got done in by a rival. The strange lights and sounds that come from this
place at night are assumed to be caused by a
This abandoned building is silent during the day,
haunting. But some don't think it is. It’s rumoured
but occasional noises and a flickering light at night 16
6 to be just a cover for something more mundane,
reveal a vampire lairs here and stalks the hallways
like smuggling. Whatever the cause, there is a
in the dark hours.
distinct lack of beggars on the surrounding streets.
The lawn of this overgrown building seems to
The rampant ivy and briers choking the crumbling
spread and grow with uncanny speed. And
remnants of this building actually originate from
7 sometimes, when no one is watching, the trees 17
inside, growing from a central mother or core
move. Perhaps strange plant creatures or a
plant. It might have magical powers.
deranged druid lives within.
Tragedy has befallen this place because the local
Even before it was condemned, this building was
wizards use it as a sort of experiment zone for their
notorious for accidents. Most people who try to 18
spells. The city lets them get away with it because
8 investigate the remains have something unpleasant
of the “mage tax” they pay.
happen to them once they get inside. It’s like the
building itself doesn’t want visitors. The bitter metallic scent and taste in the air around
this building is caused by cold iron, which was used
This ruin has become a sort of spiritual focal point
in part of the construction. But why hasn't anyone
for the poor people in its district. Small offerings of
19 dug through the walls of the crumbling building to
food, wine, coins and trinkets are left within, and
take the rare and useful metal? Was it meant to be
9 are always gone by morning. But nobody ever sees
there for something more important, like keeping
anyone take them. Perhaps tunnels beneath the
something out (or in)?
ruin link up with the sewers or the cellars of other
nearby buildings. When the spellcaster who once lived here was
driven out of town, he left something behind: a
A strange and savage cult once performed
powerful monster he bound, summoned or
sacrifices here. Whatever fell masters they served,
20 created. It's only a matter of time before it wakes
they and their minions (and, perhaps, the uneasy
up, breaks free and wreaks havoc. The local
10 dead of the sacrificial victims) still lurk in this
authorities don’t seem to care but nearby residents
ruined place. This supposed taint has left the
are trying to hire adventurers to explore the ruin.
building abandoned. No one wants to repair the
ruined structure for fear of what they might find.
66
67
SAGES: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Every sage’s place of business should have a distinctive 47‐48 A strange odour emanates from the building.
appearance. Use these tables to generate their interesting Stones in the walkway leading to the front door
49‐50
characteristics and features. Some features may be are covered in raised arcane symbols.
inappropriate based on your set up or what the PCs have All along the outside of the building are passages
51‐52
hastily painted in an ancient language.
encountered. Ignore such results and simply re‐roll.
Sampling any fruit or vegetables from the garden
53‐54
leaves a strange taste in a vistor’s mouth.
EXTERIOR A windowsill holds an odd smelling pie that looks
55‐56
D% delicious.
A stone gargoyle hangs menacingly over the Bells line the walkway to the front door ringing
01‐02 57‐58
outer door. gently in the breeze.
03‐04 The door knocker resembles a snarling beast. Each stone in the walkway is set at a different
59‐60
A lonely bench rests just outside the door for height, making following the path treacherous.
05‐06 Visitors hear small metal strips banging the walls
visitors to wait for their appointed time. 61‐62
A small bell hangs outside the door for visitors to in the wind to keep animals off the roof.
07‐08 Out of the corner of their eyes visitors notice a
announce their presence.
The building has a small moat, drawbridge and 63‐64 menagerie of small animals watching closely as
09‐10 they approach the door.
gate.
Crumpled up papers with blotched ink and The smell of ozone permeates the air about the
11‐12 65‐66
strange symbols lie on the ground. building and is particularly heavy at the door.
Half‐full food and water bowls are set to the side A fire burns what must have been a small pile of
13‐14 67‐68
of the doorway. pages and scrolls as you approach.
The carcass of a small bird or rodent has been A tall tree standing in front of the building is
15‐16 69‐70 decorated by hundreds of small ornaments, each
carefully set before the door.
17‐18 Several man‐high scratch marks mar the door. with a single rune of an ancient language.
A wall sconce by the door holds a torch burning A wrought iron gate surrounds the property.
19‐20 71‐72
with a strange colour and a stranger odour. Mystic symbol decorate the weathered metal.
A nearly empty bowl of milk rests to one side of 73‐74 A worn‐looking rocking chair rests on the porch.
21‐22 The odour of putrescence wafts from a nearby
the door. 75‐76
To get to the front door visitors must push pit containing rotting corpses of small animals.
23‐24 through a veritable forest of overgrown trees A tired‐looking messenger arrives at the sage's
77‐78
and shrubbery. door moments before the party.
A small vegetable garden has been neatly A murder of crows rests on a low stone wall
79‐80
25‐26 planted and maintained about the building. Its surrounding the property.
plants are heavy with produce. The door to the sage's home stands wide open
81‐82
Two red banners hang listlessly from upper floor and hangs from one hinge.
27‐28 A number of small holes have been dug in the
windows. 83‐84
A bronze statue of the god of knowledge stands ground around the building.
29‐30 A dozen statues depicting ancient mythological
prominently by the building’s door. 85‐86
The flag of a far off kingdom flies from the creatures stand atop the building’s roof.
31‐32 Three rickety steps lead up to the front door.
building’s roof. 87‐88
Visitors see a tapping at a window near the door Each creaks and groans loudly when stepped on.
33‐34 and see someone who may be the sage's spouse A small shrine pierces the low stone wall lining
89‐90
beckoning them in. the property.
The door appears to be older than the house and A front window features a beautiful stained glass
35‐36 91‐92
is made of incredibly hard, black wood. treatment of a local legendary figure.
The road to the sage's home has been long The front yard features numerous small bird
37‐38 93‐94
neglected and become overgrown. feeders; many beautiful perch within.
The smell of fresh bread and fresh flowers An ancient stone has been incorporated into the
39‐40 95‐96
emanates from the building. building’s external wall.
41‐42 The once beautiful garden has gone to seed. A dangerously leaning chimney set in the roof's
97‐98
The ground surrounding the sage's cottage is peak spews smoke into the sky.
43‐44 A small child waits patiently on the steps outside
brown and withered with blight. 99‐100
A porch swing sways gently in the breeze, on a the sage's house.
45‐46
squeaky chain.
68
INTERIOR 51‐52
Piled on a bookshelf are displayed cases
containing every known insect in the country.
D% A collection of crystals of a variety of sizes,
Two racks of scrolls, clearly labelled "Arcane" 53‐54
01‐02 colours and types covers the desk.
and "Mundane" are neatly stored upon a shelf. Vials in a rack bubble and sizzle with unknown
Loose papers on every conceivable subject litter 55‐56
energies along a workbench.
03‐04 the desk; each contains hastily scrawled notes in Several jars containing grotesque samples line
red ink. 57‐58
crowded bookshelves.
A large black rock (a meteorite) serves as a A small mirror rests on the desk, angled towards
05‐06 59‐60
paperweight. the sage in the chair.
Three small crystal skulls sit staring at the desk Unfolded on the desk is a letter with the words
07‐08 61‐62
from a nearby bookshelf. "Help me..." scrawled in horrible handwriting.
The sage sits upon a small three‐legged stool, In a room with no windows and no breeze,
09‐10 choosing to leave a large padded chair for 63‐64 papers suddenly tumble through the air before
potential clients. covering the floor.,
A small vase full of freshly cut flowers and herbs Resting across a stack of papers is a fantastic
11‐12
fills the office with an aromatic bouquet. 65‐66 weapon of ancient design wrought with strange
The light from a nearby window shines upon the glowing runes.
13‐14
portrait of a famous scholar of antiquity. The inside of the door to the sage’s office is
A plaque mounted on the wall features a quote 67‐68
15‐16 heavily scratched.
from a famous contemporary. Curtains embroidered with a flower pattern
Resting beneath the sage's desk is a large, old 69‐70
17‐18 adorn the single window in the office.
(and flatulent) hunting dog. In the centre of the sage's office are two chairs
Hanging on a wall hook rests a bright red, cowled 71‐72
19‐20 set facing each other. There is no other furniture.
cloak. Ancient, faded tapestries depicting various
A name plate on the front of the desk has a 73‐74
21‐22 legendary events cover one wall.
different name to the sage sitting at the desk. In addition to the papers and books crowding the
A small porcelain bust of a famous scholar rests 75‐76 desk a spread of tarot cards depicts someone's
23‐24
on the desk. impending death.
Several rolled‐up maps lay upon the desk with a Sitting quietly in a cage in the corner is a large
25‐26 77‐78
pile of hastily written notes. bird. It glares menacingly at all visitors.
27‐28 A deep blue dried ink stain mars the sage’s desk. The floor of the room is littered with papers torn
A pair of beautiful feather pens stand in two 79‐80
29‐30 into small pieces.
different inkwells. 81‐82 Sounds echo strangely in this room.
A long‐haired cat sits lazily on the desk. It eyes all A headless statue stands in one corner of the
31‐32
visitors with contempt. 83‐84 room holding a sceptre in one hand and a book
Hung on the wall is a beautifully painted family in the other.
33‐34
portrait of the sage, his wife and children. The door to this room sticks in the jamb and
The sage's calendar is left open on the desk with 85‐86
must be forced open.
35‐36 the word "Interruption" hastily written in red ink A primitive drum rests along one wall with a
on today’s date. 87‐88
small three legged stool.
A huge chalkboard fills one wall of the room, Along one wall rests a table filled with glass vials,
37‐38
covered with esoteric symbols and words. 89‐90 tubing, jars and bottles arranged in a complex
The sage’s huge desk is bolted to the floor in construction.
39‐40 such as way as to stop a trapdoor beneath it The window is open and three small birds sit
being opened. 91‐92
singing merrily on the sill.
41‐42 A half‐full beer stein stands atop a pile of papers. The sound of running water echoes through the
A collection of empty flagons clusters 93‐94
43‐44 building. Its source remains hidden.
precariously at one corner of the desk. A small cot stands against one wall of the room.
Four old candles have dripped wax down each of 95‐96
45‐46 A bulging bag of clothes stands nearby.
the desk’s corners. Hung on a series of hooks are many different
Beneath a pile of papers half‐hidden words are 97‐98
47‐48 hats of every conceivable design.
scratched into the desk’s top. A strange tower of small marked stones all the
A complex mechanical device rotates slowly in 99‐100
same size has been partially built on the desk.
the centre of the desk showing the sun, planet(s)
49‐50
and moon(s) (based on current scientific
knowledge).
69
SAGES: WHISPERS & RUMOURS
As scholars and learned folk, whispers and rumours often swirl 8 The sage loves the colour blue.
about sages and their researched. Their association with The sage has a collection of priceless religious
9
adventurers and the like often give rise to rumours of forbidden artifacts from a long‐dead cult hidden somewhere.
knowledge, lost treasure maps and the like. More than one group of adventurers seeking this
10
sage's help have never been seen again.
D20 11 The sage is afraid of the dark.
The sage has a map to a buried treasure or lost A strange figure looking a lot like the sage has been
1 12
wonder hidden in their office. spotted digging up bodies in a local graveyard.
Strange noises have been noticed coming from the Though retired to a quiet life now, the sage was
2 sage's office. Local officials are concerned but 13 once a famed adventurer. He is thought to have a
haven't yet investigated. soft spot for such folk.
A local sage, once young and hale, has suddenly 14 The sage has written poetry under a pseudonym.
3 The sage has sired a few children out‐of‐wedlock. He
become thin and sickly. He denies anything is wrong.
The sage has an addiction to a rare type of tobacco 15 pays handsomely every month to keep the matter
4 or other plant not grown or found locally. He goes to quiet.
great lengths to acquire a supply. Two of the sage's former students have been
16
The sage is locked in a bitter dispute with a rival over prosecuted for the theft of arcane artifacts.
5 a piece of esoteric lore. Their public arguments – The sage keeps a troubled child locked in a room in
17
which few can follow – are the stuff of legend. his house.
6 The sage's office is haunted. The sage recently suffered a strange accident and is
Years ago the sage was thought to be involved in the 18 now horribly disfigured. He rarely leaves the house
theft of a magical tome. The book has never come to and never goes out during the day.
7 The sage has a secret lair hidden deep beneath his
light, even though his home has been secretly 19
searched several times. house.
20 The sage is not the race she claims to be.
70
SAGES: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to engage a sage to answer a An entire murder of crows has taken up residence
specific question, sometimes fate intervenes. Use this table to on the local sage’s property. Though the authorities
13
determine what opportunities or complications the PCs may have no proof, they believe someone is dead or
near death at the home.
encounter while trying to make their purchase.
The local sage recently got married, but her spouse
D20 has been accused of sorcery and witchcraft. She
14
seeks heroes to find evidence to clear her spouse’s
A revered local sage recently passed away and an
good name.
auction has been arranged to dispose of his worldly
A strange blue light has been seen floating in the
possessions. Rumoured to be among those items
air near the sage’s house. Nobody has come close
are several maps, journals and sketches of an area 15
1 to seeing what it is, but it has everyone in the area
far from civilization the sage investigated when he
worried and afraid to visit.
was younger. A number of agents of sages across
A new priest has been souring the populace against
the known world are seeking his notes and may use
16 the heretical views of the sage who has lived there
force if they cannot acquire them legally.
all his life. He asks the PCs to find out why.
A young sage has announced a big discovery in the
The sage has locked herself into her office for days
area of decoding lost languages and arranged a talk
working on some strange new project. She won’t
at a local fine tavern. A group of sages has formed 17
2 speak to anyone who comes to the door and the
to stop him from revealing anything that might
townsfolk are concerned.
damage their livelihood. The sage is seeking
Dogs have gathered near the sage’s house a few
protection.
18 times this week. Their howling lasts much of the
The sage was recently visited by three men in dark
night
robes decorated with strange symbols. He was
3 A strong smell of sulphur has recently wafted from
visibly shaken afterwards and does not willingly 19
the sage’s house. She has not been seen since.
entertain strangers any more.
Livestock in the area have recently become sick and
The sage has been asking around town to
20 the townspeople accuse the sage of making
4 determine if anyone has seen a particular rune,
compacts with dark forces.
symbol or figure in any local ruins.
A local investigator the sage has used to check out
5 new clients has turned up missing recently. His fate BUSY?
remains questionable. Of course, sometimes sages are busy and cannot start work
A local sage needs some adventuring work done immediately on an adventurer’s query. Use this table to
6 and will barter a favour with the PCs in return for
determine a sage’s availability.
answering their question.
A member of the sage’s family has been kidnapped
D6
7 and is being held ransom. He needs the PCs’ help to
retrieving a lost artifact to ransom her back. 1 Available. The sage can start immediately.
The sage has been seen in the surrounding towns Available. The sage can start immediately, but was
8 and villages speaking secretly to innkeepers and 2 planning a few days off. He demands an extra 25%
tavern masters. of normal price to begin work.
The very sage the PCs need to speak to has been Start Tomorrow. The sage will start work
3
missing for a few days after venturing into the tomorrow.
9 Already Working. The sage is already working for
nearby woods to research local fauna (a hobby of
his). 4 another client and the work will take 1d2 days to
The sage has had a long‐standing friendship with a complete.
10 local cleric who has gone missing. He is seeking Already Working. The sage is already working for
heroes to locate his missing friend. 5 another client and the work will take 1d2 weeks to
The sage needs a brave party to gather a rare plant complete.
that only grows near the lair of a known monstrous Unavailable. The sage is engaged in a personal
11 6 project of great complexity. He is unavailable to
beast. She would prefer the monster not be
harmed in the process. work for the PCs for 1d4 weeks.
A group of particularly vociferous monks has a
major philosophical difference of opinion with the
12
sage and has been spreading rumours and lies
about the veracity of the sage’s wisdom.
71
SAGES: SAMPLE SAGES
Use the NPC bios below to portray sages the PCs encounter. LAXXA TOZI
Either determine randomly which NPC the PCs encounter or
CE female halfling bard (archivist) 2/expert 2
choose a suitable candidate.
Appearance: Tozi dresses in the style of her people with
brash colours, decorative jewellery and tattoos. Each decorative
D10 NPC
element tells a story and she often weaves those tales into her
1 Juul Zur
2 Kabbi Dux scholarly recitations for clients.
3 Laxxa Tozi Personality: Where some scholars simply recite things in a
4 Mayn Worst dry monotone, Laxxa prefers a more theatrical approach as if
5 Nor Xay she were telling a story around a campfire.
6 Pezzin Yebs Mannerisms: Tozi was a respected witch doctor for her tribe
7 Robal Tuckle until she was banished for leading an uprising against her chief.
8 Spyr Rokk Since then she uses her unconventional point of view and folk
9 Tup Migo wisdom to steer clients towards mutually beneficial outcomes.
10 Vaggan Roe
Hooks: Some old tribe members have come to her seeking
help with a nearby tribe of orcs causing trouble. She can’t go
JUUL ZUR
herself, but is looking for a party to act in her stead.
NE male human expert 2/bard (detective) 1
Appearance: Zur always arrives in food‐stained clothing. He MAYNE WORST
is the epitome of the messy chef. CG female halfling expert 2
Personality: Juul is an obsessive cook. Bubbly and excited to Appearance: Myne is pale and withdrawn, keeping to the
share his latest recipe or research find with anyone who comes shadows and preferring dark coloured clothes and safe corners.
to see him. Unfortunately many of those recipes deal with Personality: Paranoid and skittish, she has trouble sitting still
cannibalism, extinct species and ritual food preparation. for too long. She constantly checks the windows and doors at
Mannerisms: Juul speaks with his hands and constantly uses her home are locked.
broad gestures. This makes him a scary individual when he is Mannerisms: Mayne hasn’t left her home in years and lives
holding knives. with blacked‐out windows and triply‐locked doors. Refuses to
Hooks: He seeks a recipe book rumoured to have been seen use names in public conversations, giving her clients new “code
in a nearby town a few days ago. names” each time they come to see her.
Hooks: This conspiracy theorist has heard an assassin’s guild
KABBI DUX
is after her for getting too close to the truth about their
NG male dwarf expert 2/adept 1 organization. She seeks protectors to spirit her away to a safe
Appearance: Dux is a distinguished‐looking dwarf who keeps location.
a classic look of dark robes and a finely groomed beard when
meeting with clients. NOR XAY
Personality: Brusque, he always seems like he’s in a hurry to CG female halfling wizard (diviner) 2
be somewhere else. He prefers direct questions, not leading Appearance: This older lady has a wrinkled face and a kind
ones, and quickly redirect the conversation back to the topic at smile. She wears a floor‐length simple robe with frayed gold
hand. thread in a decorative pattern.
Mannerisms: His pipe is always lit. The rich smell of fine Personality: Always ready to help, Nor is quick to tell you her
tobacco hangs in his office like a pregnant cloud. As he gets latest troubles. She is optimistic despite many setbacks in her
more agitated, his pipe puffing increases in frequency and if he’s life.
comfortable in the conversation the frequency decreases. Mannerisms: A jolly laugh often erupts from her small frame
Hooks: One of his dwarven brethren was waylaid on a trip. as she listens intently before climbing the ladders of her
Dux seeks knowledge of his whereabouts and his safe return. extensive in‐home library to search out her patron’s answer.
Hooks: Her husband, Lum, passed away recently and
requested a small box of items be returned to his family estate
some distance away. Though Nor cannot travel herself, she
would gladly pay the PCs to deliver the items for her.
72
PEZZIN YEBS TUP MIGO
NE male human expert 2 CG female human expert 2
Appearance: Fat and gray, Pezzin looks older than he Appearance: Tup Migo is a beautiful woman with knowledge
actually is, but his rotundity is only matched by his love for food. far beyond her years. She prefers to use her beauty as a tool to
Personality: Overbearing and presumptive, Pezzin is known keep clients off balance or at ease depending on her mood.
for being very free with his information. Ask a question and you Personality: She is friends with everybody and connected in
may never get him to be quiet again. the most unexpected ways. Easygoing and pleasant to be
Mannerisms: Pezzin comes across as nervous and sweaty. around, she can influence those around her with a kind word
He drools constantly. and an emotive glance.
Hooks: Pezzin recently steered a group in the wrong Mannerisms: Because she is so connected, she always needs
direction, resulting in the death of a party member. He has been a bit of extra time to consult with her network of sources on
receiving more and more dire threats against his life and is every new job. She is always apologetic for any delays, but
seeking help dealing with the angry party. makes sure to build them into every negotiation from the start.
Hooks: Several members of her network of sources have
ROBAL TUCKLE disappeared recently. One or two isn’t unusual, as the makeup
NG male gnome wizard (illusionist) 4 of the network changes frequently, but she has lost five contacts
Appearance: Short and rotund, Robal is a sad man suffering in recent weeks and wants to know what’s going on.
from the recent death of his only son. His unkempt and
unwashed self has fallen upon hard times. VAGGAN ROE
Personality: When engaged by a problem and distracted NG female human aristocrat 2/expert 1
from his personal woes, he can be quite insightful and offer solid Appearance: Vaggan is a stately, beautiful woman in her
ideas and information for any group asking questions. He speaks middle‐years. She proudly bears her family crest on a bright red
in bursts, with long pauses between as he considers his words. sash she wears while in public.
Mannerisms: It can be difficult to get and keep Robal’s Personality: Perpetually vociferous, she has a tendency to
attention, as he is distracted easily. He brightens briefly if you say exactly what’s on her mind despite the consequences.
bring him a toy to add to the growing posthumous collection in Mannerisms: She thinks out loud whenever working, causing
his child’s room. no end of grief to those around her.
Hooks: Robal’s wife has gone missing. She left the house one Hooks: Lately a small group of thieves have taken it upon
day and never came back. He wishes to know she is safe even if themselves to set upon any rich client of Roe’s immediately after
she never comes home. they leave her residence. They simply stay within earshot and
when a particularly affluent or influential client walks away, they
SPYR ROKK are robbed and told to stay away. With a quickly
LN gnome male rogue (investigator) 3 dwindling list of clients, she needs the
Appearance: Spyr is a level‐headed gnome of middle years PC’s help to take
who wears brightly coloured cloaks in a regular pattern care of the
throughout the week: red, followed by orange, yellow, green, thieves
blue, indigo, and violet. discretely
Personality: Staid and calm, Spyr is recognized as a leader in to save her
his field. He listens intently and asks many questions before business.
rendering an opinion.
Mannerisms: Spyr’s monotone voice comes out as squeaky
despite his attempts to lower it, making any long conversations
rise and fall as he loses control.
Hooks: An adventuring party went to his office to consult on
the background of a nearby ruin and asked a question that
reduced the gnome to tears. Nobody can remember Spyr getting
upset before and the party has not yet returned.
73
SHRINES: CHARACTERISTICS AND APPEARANCE
A shrine is a site of veneration for a deity, personage or ideal. 76‐78 A hung wooden crate, missing the outward side
They range in composition and size. Use the tables below to 79‐81 A small wooden end table with a green cloth
generate a shrine’s basic details. 82‐84 An old crate covered with a worn blanket
85‐87 A small, unfinished wooden box, laid on its side
D20 TYPE 88‐89 A large, circular pine cabinet hanging by chains
1‐12 Personal 90 An old bone cabinet with no doors
13‐19 Public A stone cabinet designed to look like a temple
91
20 Major when the doors are closed
A wooden cabinet, whose insides are hidden by
92
Personal: Often not more than a shelf in a home or business. red, silk curtains
93 A cabinet of oak, lined with bronze
Personal shrines are small, containing 1‐3 pieces of minor
94 A steel open cabinet with a leather lining
veneration. They may be private or intended for humble public
A small square of silver, with a white linen
display. Some even bundle up for easy transportation. 95
covering the inside bottom
Public: Small to large shrines are meant to be accessible to the A large, white wooden cabinet with stained glass
96
greater population. Found often in parks, squares and doors
graveyards, they may have a single piece of minor veneration A shelf of glass, resting on a large double‐
97
or quite a deal more. headed, warhammer
Major: Other shrines develop because they hold something so 98 An adamantine box, with clear glass lid
A small, banged up tin, crudely painted with
unique that others amongst the faithful travel from the 99
iconography
surrounding countryside or even farther for the chance to
An old handkerchief, rolled with the object of
worship before it. Such places of veneration are often grander 100
veneration and laid flat when needed
in scope, and may have temples built up around them.
D% PUBLIC
D% PERSONAL
1‐4 A stone dais, about four feet tall
1‐4 A simple shelf of repurposed wood
5‐8 A small stone alcove in the shape of a shell
5‐8 A well‐polished shelf of oak
9‐11 A wooden gazebo with heavy curtains
9‐11 A shelf of jade with black detail work
12‐14 A large, red wooden archway with a small altar
12‐14 A shelf of pine engraved with images of clouds
15‐17 Stone steps, leading to a simple altar
15‐17 A marble shelf flanked by candles
A large stone torii, overgrown with moss and
18‐20 An old bookshelf, stained with ink 18‐20
vines
21‐23 A simple shelf covered by a small white cloth
A series of small tables, draped with brightly
24‐26 A large wooden shelf, with built in dividers 21‐23
coloured fabric
27‐30 A shelf of birch, the bark still intact
A small stone fountain with shelves built around
31‐33 A shelf of white quartz with a green cloth runner 24‐26
its base
34‐36 Three small, square stone alcoves 27‐30 A flagstone archway with small alcove beneath
37‐39 An old wooden cabinet with glass doors A large wooden cabinet, painted gold, which is
40‐42 An open wooden cabinet with a rounded top 31‐33
shaped like a statue when closed
43‐45 A small square wooden cabinet with blue doors 34‐36 A rock garden with several large boulders
A musty, yellow cabinet that has doors with A pair of trees, with interwoven branches
46‐48 37‐39
empty glass panes shading several stone benches
49‐51 A pale blue cabinet decorated with colour paper 40‐42 A wooden archway overgrown with ivy
A bleached white wooden cabinet decorated 43‐45 A stone semi‐sphere, with a small granite altar
52‐54
with sea shells 46‐48 A short wooden pyramid, covered in offerings
55‐57 Three grey stone shelves set in a column 49‐51 A fieldstone wall, with small metal shelves
58‐60 A small red cabinet with engraved doors Four steel poles holding up a slanted slate roof
61‐63 An open wooden cabinet with circular alcoves 52‐54
over an old rug
64‐66 A copper cabinet with multi‐hinged doors A small bronze altar set before a stone wall
An open cabinet of white stones carved to look 55‐57
67‐69 painted with the image of a divine realm
like a small temple A small metal plaque featuring scores of names,
70‐72 A frame of wood atop a single drawer 58‐60
set into a base of stone
A frame of mouldy dried sand, set into the shape A small wooden dais with a roof of loose planks
73‐75 61‐63
of a castle and woven flowers
74
An old foundation surrounding a small alcove A series of bleached white columns, connected
64‐66 40‐42
with a simple stone table by pointed archways and flanked by statues
67‐69 A green, wooden bower with a built in shelf 43‐45 A golden awning set into a marble base
The remains of an old stone wall protects two A gate of copper bars protects this quarts dais
70‐72 46‐48
small alcoves set with precious gems
A small stone table set in the centre of a large A multi‐levelled pagoda set with red and green
73‐75 49‐51
red quilt stonework
A large wooden building with columns for walls A small stone alcove covered in a complicated
76‐78 52‐54
and coral coloured roof glass mosaic
79‐81 A large torii of felled logs The statue of a robed man with beatific
55‐57
82‐84 A stone column engraved with ancient scripture expression on his face
A small stone alcove with a pointed roof and 58‐60 A lovingly tended garden filled with flowers
85‐87
circular base 61‐63 A bridge with prayer niches built into its walls
A small wooden hut, featuring a simple table and An ornately carved mausoleum dedicated to a
88‐89 64‐66
some pillows for kneeling fallen heroine
An alcove built of human skulls set over a metal A lofty tower empty but for a staircase that leads
90 67‐69
basin to the roof
91 A small stone pavilion marked with jade columns A statue of a stunning beautiful woman petting a
70‐72
A small stone dais featuring mini arches of unicorn
92
bronze and an outer wall of tall, orange flowers A circular pool fed by an underground spring;
73‐75
Several large oval stone tablets marked with niches in its wall contain sacred objects
93
runes, bounding a clearing A golden picture box draped with heavy black
76‐78
Four bronze statues turned inward toward a curtains
94
small stone altar An intricately engraved adamantine box, set
79‐81
Wooden columns with a net roof and walls keeps onto poles but chained to the ground
95
several birds within the shrine A large mirror set into a silver frame engraved
Several large, moss covered columns standing in 82‐84 with the image of roses and crowns set into a
96
a circle base of sandstone
A series of stones rise out of a pond, each with A long, rough stone wall covered in a riot of
97 85‐87
its own small altar colourful wild flowers
A small stone building with no door hides A mausoleum covered in intricate carvings of
98
beneath the roots of a very large tree 88‐89 devils and demons holds the bones of a blessed
A squared stone archway beneath a roof of paladin
99
tarnished copper piping The bones of a gigantic dragon lie draped across
90
A small circle of gigantic mushrooms has a small a ruined tower
100
pool in the centre The statues of a warrior king and his entourage
91
festooned with brightly coloured silken scarves
D% MAJOR A tall, ancient set of gallows has an iron cage
92 with the weather‐worn skeleton of a tyrant
1‐4 A terraced, wooden dais decorated with silks
within
5‐8 A golden casket set behind a wall of glass
Five stone statues depicting dancing maidens set
9‐11 A large altar, surrounded by shelves of candles 93
in a circle about a clear pool
12‐14 A large red torii, decorated with copper and jade
A series of stone buttresses leading to a central
A ceremonial maze of high hedges built around a 94
15‐17 point, above a large fountain
contemplation pool
An infinity pool, of ancient construction, with an
Four ceremonial gates set at the cardinal 95
18‐20 altar rising from the centre
compass points
A small white stone building, domed in gold, with
A large stone alcove, lit by torches and filled with 96
21‐23 many small alcoves within
dancing shadows
A large metal plaque featuring hundreds of
A large oak tree festooned with coloured ribbons 97
24‐26 names, set into a base of polished marble
and votive offerings
A glass coffin holds the bones of a saint or other
An ancient fallen tree; thousands of coins have 98
27‐30 notable figure
been hammered into its trunk
A stone tomb encased in huge tree roots; a
Crumbling stone ruins surround an immaculate 99
31‐33 gigantic tree grows atop it
altar of silver
A gigantic fourteen‐foot long bronze horn set
Exotic flowers climb the columns of an ivory 100
34‐36 upon iron supports
gazebo
37‐39 A large iron statue above a terraced stone base
75
SHRINES: OBJECT OF VENERATION
The most prominent features of any shrine is linked to 49 A small brazier of flame
veneration. Some of the items may seem mundane, but are 50 A corpse
important when linked to the power worshipped. 51 A wax figure of an important humanoid
52 A burial shroud
D% ITEM 53 A clay cup
1 A small white candle 54 A bronze goblet
2 A large brightly coloured candle 55 A gold chalice engraved with gems
3 A small wood carving of an animal 56 A set of plate mail
4 A small humanoid wooden statue 57 An old, rusty sword
5 A tattered tapestry 58 A beautifully crafted, ceremonial sabre
6 A woven family tree 59 A large, stone warhammer
7 A small, painted wooden icon 60 A broken arrow
8 A block of wood carved with a religious scene 61 A glass eye
9 A small stone tablet, covered in writing 62 A peg leg
10 A dried, pressed flower 63 A locket of hair
11 A metal statuette 64 A knuckle bone
12 A series of candles 65 A humanoid skull
13 Incense burning in a small metal pot 66 A handful of teeth
14 A set of finger cymbals 67 An old scarf
15 A stone basin of water 68 An eye‐patch
16 A small pouch of sand 69 An hourglass
17 A large wooden icon that’s beginning to fade 70 The hilt of a sword with no blade
18 A hanging stained glass window 71 A silver holy symbol with a broken chain
19 Several small scrolls 72 A set of manacles
20 An open book of scripture 73 A singed rope, frayed at one end
21 A lit lamp 74 A set of thieves’ picks
22 A small tin of consecrated oil 75 A single, glass shoe
23 Dried blood 76 A shattered monocle
24 A long white feather 77 Two simple silver rings
25 A metal disc engraved with labyrinthine patterns 78 A wooden holy symbol covered in lichen
26 A knotted rope 79 A crown of wire
27 A folded ceremonial cloth 80 A preserved eye, floating in a jar of pink liquid
28 A curved dagger 81 A necklace of gold coins
29 An unrolled scroll written in an ancient script 82 A leather bound, musty tome
30 Three garnets and a pearl A bronze coffin with a glass lid, showing the
83
31 A riding crop perfectly preserved corpse of a young woman
32 An empty basket 84 A locked reliquary
33 A stone coffin 85 A mummified hand
34 A bronze gong 86 A silver circlet set with a ruby
35 A thin metal circlet 87 A phoenix feather
36 A black, tri‐cornered hat 88 A petrified tongue
37 Fragments of rotted wood 89 The head of an axe set into a stone block
38 Two small ivory tusked carved with runes 90 Pieces of a silver sword
39 A pair of well‐worn sandals 91 A dragon’s tooth
40 Bloodstained robes 92 An oversized, cracked diamond
41 A fringed coil of rope 93 A crystal skull
42 A small metal begging bowl 94 Golden shackles
43 A bronze bust 95 A large fang
44 An old set of scales 96 A humanoid skeleton with angelic wings
45 A marble statue 97 A beating heart, in an enchanted wooden box
46 A flower pot, filled with rich soil 98 A vial of water from the River Styx
47 A wind chime 99 The horns of a demon
48 A glass cylinder of water 100 A vial of blue blood
76
SHRINES: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Shrines are often important places in people’s lives, providing a Zombies have begun appearing near the shrine as if
break from the daily grind of peasant life. Use this table, to drawn to it. Each one was a follower in life, and
10
determine what special occurrence the PCs encounter. does not attack those brandishing a holy symbol of
the relevant faith.
D20 The shrine has been closed for an annual
11
maintenance ritual.
Someone has stolen the object of veneration. The
1 shrine keeper has no resources to recover/replace A charlatan has set up shop near the shrine’s
12
the object. entrance, charging an admittance fee.
A new object has been placed at the shrine, linked A local sage has declared the shrine a historical site
2 to a popular legend. Hundreds gather for the 13 and, much to the annoyance of the shrine keeper,
chance to look upon it and offer their prayers. is trying to preserve it by preventing worship.
The spirit of the last shrine keeper is lingering until The shrine has recently changed hands between
3 a proper replacement is found. No one seems to 14 churches. Tradesmen make subtle changes in the
want to tend a haunted shrine. design to reflect its new focus.
A tribe of unarmed lizardfolk have occupied the The shrine has become a hangout for children in
15
4 shrine and refuse to leave. They claim the shrine is the early afternoon.
stolen and rightfully belongs to them. The earth around the shrine has given way,
The shrine has begun to glow with a purple light. 16 plunging it and the object of veneration into an
5 Detect magic reveals a single, strong lingering aura, underground cave.
but its purpose and source is unknown. A cassisian angel has taken up residence and
17
The local baron is about to seize the building the quotes scriptures at all hours of the day.
6 The shrine keeper here only burns a special kind of
shrine is in if the back rent is not paid.
A paladin has been found dead in front of the incense and has almost run out. He looks for
18
7 shrine. Her body bore no wounds or sign of adventurers to find out why his supplier hasn’t
struggle. made his last delivery.
The shrine keeper is concerned he is about to be Drunken revelers came through the area of the
19
the target of a rival group. He asks the party to shrine last night leaving trash everywhere.
8 A shooting star was seen flying directly over the
secretly transport the object of veneration to a
member of his order in a foreign land. 20 shrine and crashing in a nearby forest. Local elders
The shrine has had a permanent invisibility spell argue whether it is a blessing or a curse.
9 cast upon it. People can still feel that it is there, but
feel uncomfortable venerating what they can’t see.
77
SHRINES: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray the keeper of the shrine. ELMUR TINTAPPER
Either determine randomly which NPC the PCs encounter or
CN male halfling commoner 1
choose a suitable candidate.
Appearance: Scruffy brown hair with a dirty face and holes
in his shirt.
D20 NPC
Personality: Always chipper with a persistent smile that
1 Allie Blake
2 Paekad Burr seems to cure any gray day.
3 Elmur Tintapper Mannerisms: Constantly scratching his hair.
4 Aldan Warrow Hooks: Several townsfolk take advantage of Elmur’s good
5 Geen Forester nature sending him on tasks with the promise of pay and no
6 Natir the Lame intention of making good. He keeps a secret ledger, and is owed
7 Ves Maroth 217 gold pieces by the innkeeper alone. He will have his revenge.
8 Jezebel Uasa
9 Hardrad Narrowcart ALDAN WARROW
10 Gahn
11 Cursed Livia LN male dwarf cleric 1
12 Hesper Magpie Appearance: Bald head with a dark brown beard. He’s
13 Helden Pernt always wears his shiny breastplate.
14 Jekel Personality: A dwarf out of his element, Aldan is looked up
15 Orthunk the Axe to as a community leader, but comes off as awkward; he doesn’t
16 Gussy Macgrod feel part of the community.
17 Katla Ellana Mannerisms: Stumbles over his words and paces when
18 Nassir Oldud forced to make a decision.
19 Rami Farfate
Hooks: Aldan was assigned the position of shrine keeper
20 Kyst the Wet
when an unfortunate accident took the life of the last keeper. He
hails from a neighbouring clan of dwarves and views his exile as
ALLIE BLAKE a punishment for an unknown slight.
NG female human expert 1
Appearance: Young with short black hair. GEEN FORESTER
Personality: Normally shy, she opens up if someone shows CG female human commoner 1/expert 2
an interest in religion. Appearance: Long strawberry blonde hair in a tangled mess.
Mannerisms: She’s very tidy, and stops what she’s doing to She wears earthy colours and a leather apron.
straighten something that is out of place. Personality: Self‐assured and confident, Geen holds her
Hooks: Allie has learned everything she knows about spirits head high and is quick to act.
and gods listening to stories outside the window of the local Mannerisms: Bounces on her toes when waiting to begin a
tavern. She secretly yearns for adventure and tries to apprentice new task.
to someone who shows kindness and a knowledge of lore. Hooks: Geen has been spending lots of time in the woods
outside the city and has attracted the attention of a travelling
PAEKAD BURR satyr. She’s considering running away with him but worries
LN male human aristocrat 2/expert 1 about what will happen to the shrine.
Appearance: Tall and thin, with tanned skin. He dresses in
well‐kept, fine robes. NATIR THE LAME
Personality: Paekad is diligent and a steadfast learner. LN male human fighter 3
Mannerisms: Taps the end of his feather pen when thinking. Appearance: Balding in front with long black hair at the back
Hooks: Paekad is the son of the lord’s Keeper of the Coin, and a scar running down the right side of his face.
but grew weary of his accountant studies at a young age. Personality: Natir is grizzled and without humour. He takes
Technically his position of shrine keeper is just a hobby, but he everything as seriously as possible and does not suffer fools.
spends more time here than anywhere else. Foreign agents plan Mannerisms: One of his legs has been replaced by a wooden
to kidnap him and hold him for ransom. peg and he favours it heavily, causing a rhythmic thud wherever
he goes.
78
Hooks: Natir was part of the city militia and lost his leg Hooks: Gahn makes poor decisions in the name of good
defending the shrine from pillaging bandits. If you think he looks drink. It is rumoured she is responsible for Farmer Elthor’s son
bad, you should see the bandit who got away. Natir would like to going missing.
see him dead, and pays gold to any killing the bandit.
CURSED LIVIA
VES MAROTH N female human druid 2
CN female elf aristocrat 2/sorcerer 1 Appearance: Cursed Livia has sunken eyes, thinning hair and
Appearance: Braided white hair with loose silken robes. wears dirty peasant’s clothes.
Personality: Weak‐willed and easily bored. She agrees to Personality: Glum.
most requests, especially if she can avoid labour, blame or Mannerisms: Drags her feet and keeps her head down.
violence. Hooks: A series of unfortunate accidents including a fire,
Mannerisms: Rests her chin on her bent wrist when parasitic infestation and localized earthquake has led Livia and
standing. the townsfolk to believe she’s been cursed.
Hooks: Ves is gifted with arcane magic. It is part of her blood
and everyone knows it. Now the local thieves guild is pressuring HESPER MAGPIE
her into charming some ogres into their ranks, and she’s agreed CN female human rogue 4
(only she is not actually powerful enough to pull it off). Appearance: Shoulder length brown hair, immaculate skin,
white shirt and a feathered cap.
JEZEBEL UASA Personality: Chipper and opportunistic.
LG female half‐elf commoner 1 Mannerisms: Talks fast with an excitable voice.
Appearance: Thin of frame she has orange hair. Hooks: Hesper loves a good rumour and knows of a nearby
Personality: Genuinely optimistic. abandoned temple that might have a few artifacts for the shrine
Mannerisms: Slides her hair out of her face with a shake of and riches for questing adventurers.
her head.
Hooks: Jezebel tries to do as much good with the little HELDEN PERNT
resources she has as possible. She’s promised new toys to some N male human commoner 2
poor local children in celebration of the new harvest, but is Appearance: Broad shouldered Helden wears simple clothes
down to her last copper. of cloth and leather.
Personality: Mild mannered, Helden takes life as it comes.
HARDRAD NARROWCART Mannerisms: Shrugs his shoulders and does not look people
LN male human monk 2/aristocrat 2 in the eye.
Appearance: Short and stout but all muscle. He wears a belt Hooks: Helden is a local leatherworker. He tends the shrine
of beads over simple robes. because no one else does. He wouldn’t mind passing the duties
Personality: Stoic, always listening to the words of others on to someone with more passion.
carefully.
Mannerisms: Steeples his fingers together when making a JEKEL
point or listening to an argument. NE male human warrior 2
Hooks: Hardrad was a noble before he went into hiding Appearance: Wears his hair in a pony tail and has a well
amongst an order of monks. He has adopted their ways and crafted leather vest.
found a new home, but his family would like to make sure he Personality: Egotistical and greedy.
never returns. Mannerisms: Smiles at his own jokes and picks at his elbows.
Hooks: Jekel may not be kind but he keeps up the profile of a
GAHN halfway decent man. He then murders innocent travellers on the
N female dwarf expert 1 road after they’ve left town.
Appearance: White hair in braided rows, with a large gut.
She wears a tin tankard on her belt.
Personality: Jolly and flamboyant.
Mannerisms: She bangs her tankard against nearby surfaces
when she hears something pleasing.
79
ORTHUNK THE AXE NASSIR OLDUD
CN male half‐orc barbarian 1/expert 2 N male human commoner 1
Appearance: Large of frame, Orthunk has two protruding Appearance: Old and thin with a ring of gray hair and a tuft
tusks. He wears furs. beard on his chin.
Personality: Generally kind until insulted, then aggressive. Personality: Doesn’t trust strangers.
Mannerisms: Cracks his knuckles and other joints. Mannerisms: He walks very slowly and grunts at those who
Hooks: Orthunk was part of a larger tribe but most was killed grow impatient.
by giants. He has a reputation as a brute but can actually be Hooks: Nassir has been here his whole life and has little
quite insightful on the nature of spirits and the use of herbalism knowledge of the world outside the city walls. He was warned
in healing. trolls are gathering for an attack but hasn’t told anyone as he
doesn’t believe they exist.
GUSSY MACGROD
CN female human bard 1 RAMI FARFATE
Appearance: Gussy wears colourful silk dresses and is never LN female human expert 1
without her pipe. Appearance: Clean cut, Rami wears simple scholar’s
Personality: Nosey and quick with a joke. robes.
Mannerisms: Pats her lap when she sits down as Personality: Rami believes he has all the right
if she wants you to sit on her lap. answers and isn’t afraid to tell anyone how wrong
Hooks: She does not want you to sit on her they are.
lap, however the baker’s son began to do so as Mannerisms: Always clears his throat before
a joke. Now there’s rumours they are articulating a new thought.
romantically involved (against the baker’s Hooks: Rami isn’t as knowledgeable as
wishes). he thinks he is. His tips has been leading to
bad crops and bad investments and the
KATLA ELLANA town just needs a small nudge to realize
LG female human paladin 5 whose fault it really is.
Appearance: Young‐looking with
black hair (featuring blonde roots) KYST THE WET
and a strong frame. NG female halfling cleric 2
Personality: Very serious Appearance: Long brown hair, which is
though well meaning. usually wet.
Mannerisms: Keeps her left Personality: Eager and passionate about
hand up as if holding a shield. life.
Hooks: Katla is a retired Mannerisms: Wrings her hair out with her
adventurer but still keeps up to hands.
date with her old companions. Hooks: Kyst loves the water and spends
She has a letter she’d like much of her time diving in the river. On her
delivered to an inn in the last dive she found what looked like a stone
capital that she would rather door amongst the rocks that she never
not hand to a simple noticed before.
messenger.
80
81
STATUES & MONUMENTS: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Use this table to generate the appearance of the statue or A blackened tree stump has been carved to
24
monument. Ignore such results and simply re‐roll. resemble a weeping dryad.
A statue of a large cornucopia, overflowing with
25
D% harvest vegetables.
A statue of a rugged looking man and a wolf This ancient and non‐functioning trebuchet now
1 26 serves as a commemoration of the war in which
looking off into the distance.
A polished wall engraved with the names of it was broken.
2 A statue of a large butterfly, engraved with a
fallen soldiers. 27
This statue is of a bald woman sitting cross‐ pattern, rests on top of a flower.
3 A large anchor stands in remembrance to all
legged, as if meditating. 28
A large boulder has been engraved with a those lost at sea.
4 A crashing wave, stands upon a base carved to
memorial to the miners who died in a cave‐in. 29
A holy symbol and vestments clearly indicate this resemble a beach.
5 Affixed to the side of an ancient building is a
statue is of a man of faith. 30
At the top of this pedestal burns a bright orange plaque declaring its construction date.
6 This statue is of a smiling woman reaching out to
flame. 31
This carved statue of an elderly woman, aid a destitute man at her feet.
7 surrounded by many different animals of the A monument to the abolition of slavery features
32
forest. two large hands holding a broken chain.
8 A large, iron‐wrought sundial. A large statue of a blindfolded man in a plain
33
This statue is of a resplendent knight, with his robe. He holds aloft a perfectly balanced scale.
9 sword held high and a holy symbol emblazoned 34 A bust of the reigning monarch.
on his shield. This statue depicts a local philanthropist. At its
35
A collection of small ceramic mushrooms in a base is a list of his numerous acts of charity.
10 circle, complete with tiny statues of faerie‐like At the foot of the bridge stands a marker erected
36
creatures. to those who died during its construction.
This statue is of a young woman dancing 37 A towering statue of a despotic ruler.
11 A large statue of an elf and dwarf shaking hands.
amongst flames, her hands wreathed in fire.
A public fountain with a centrepiece depicting a 38 Engraved in its base is the date, time and place a
12 peace treaty between two kingdoms was signed.
multitude of fish and other aquatic life.
This statue depicts a dwarven warrior with an A local noblewoman had this statue of herself
13 39
axe and shield. commissioned in order to serve her vanity.
A plaque fixed to the ground indicates the spot a A damaged figurehead from a ship stands as a
14 40
famous adventurer was murdered. testament to the shipwreck it came from.
Three dull grey ioun stones orbit the head of this This statue is of a madcap jester in the act of
41
15 statue of a woman carrying a staff and large revelry.
tome. The many laws and edicts of the city are
42
A dull metal placard dedicates this small garden engraved on this enormous monolith.
16 A large statue of a decorated soldier leading her
to a dearly departed spouse. 43
A statue of a laughing halfling male, playing the troops in a charge.
17 A large statue of a holy symbol stands on a base
lute before a captivated audience. 44
A large, free standing triumphal arch carved with in the centre of a courtyard.
18 This statue depicts a scythe wielding skeleton in
an intricate pattern. 45
This sculpture is of a half‐elven woman kneeling a long robe.
19 in front of a chest, in the midst of picking the Two long columns of free standing pillars
46
lock. demonstrate the opulent wealth of the area.
A small standing stone sits next to a tavern with This imposing statue is of a powerful demon with
47
20 a sign that claims a now famous adventuring outstretched wings and razor sharp claws.
party first met inside. At the beginning of a small community garden, a
48
An immense statue of half a dozen orcish plaque lists those who aided in its creation.
21 One side of a large inn has been carved into a
savages; all in the throes of a bloody frenzy. 49
22 A solemn cenotaph for an unknown solider. relief depicting a full and rowdy tavern scene.
A series of obelisks at the university are each A large corroded sculpture of intertwining spirals
23 engraved with the school motto and a list of 50 of copper, silver and bronze represents an
alumni. alliance between three city states.
82
A statue of a city guardsman stands outside the A small religious shrine incorporates a beautiful
78
51 main garrison as a testament to their vigilance mosaic of stained glass.
and dedication. This statue of a full‐sized carriage includes a
79
A dozen small alcoves adorn all sides of this driver, a team of horses and passengers.
52 polished column. Each has its own continual Set into the ground is a large chessboard,
80
flame, creating a flickering pillar of light. complete with movable pieces.
This statue is in the rough shape of a blacksmith A statue of a scurvy looking sailor, complete with
53 81
forging a sword with a hammer and anvil. peg leg and eye patch.
This old building is covered in classic gothic style 82 This large compass rose accurately points north.
54
gargoyles. Set in a large brass bowl, volcanic rock has been
83
This statue of a sleeping peasant lies in a nearby carved to resemble a raging fire.
55
park. All the surrounding shrubbery has been pruned
84
A scene from a tremendous battle between two into the shapes of fierce looking animals.
56
armies is etched into the gates of a fort. Layers of sandstone and other sedimentary rock
85
57 This statue is of a famous bard. make up this decorative monument.
A grand water clock with twelve basins, each A literal “key to the city” hangs above the doors
86
58 held by a statue of a marid. As water fills each of this town hall.
basin every hour, a set of chimes rings. Expertly carved, this large statue is of a series of
87
59 A huge statue of an ancient red dragon. flowing waterfalls.
This statue is of a cheerful gnome. Anyone who A piece of onyx carved into a perfect sphere and
88
60 walks too close sets off a magic mouth spell that polished to a mirror‐like sheen.
advertises a nearby potion shop. This statue is of two men walking in a
61 A life‐sized statue of a war horse. 89 windstorm. Their hair and clothing whips about
This fountain is decorated with cherubs frolicking them in an unseen gale.
62
in the water. Easily fifty feet in height, this massive statue
90
A statue of a regal griffon, depicted soaring in depicts an ancient king.
63
flight its wing spread wide. A collection of odd geometric shapes on a single,
91
This statue is of a medusa recoiling from its wide and low plinth.
64
reflection in a full‐length mirror. On a warehouse at the docks hangs a large relief
92
65 A statue of a lion in mid‐pounce. of a ship at sea during a terrible storm.
This statue of intertwined lovers borders on the This large statue is of an elegant longsword
66 93
obscene. standing on its point.
A statue of an angry swan, its wings raised in a On the cornerstone of a nearby building's
67
menacing fashion. 94 foundation is a plaque displaying the date it was
A statue of a chariot driven by a fierce warrior laid.
68
and pulled by two large boar. Nothing remains of this statue except the lower
95
This statue of a mermaid has been carved from part of its legs.
69
driftwood. A statue of a guardian angel, praying over the
96
A boulder carved into the shape of a slain giant's bodies of fallen warriors.
70 head has a halfling warrior standing triumphantly An elaborate statue of a tree, complete with
97
on top. bark, knots and branches.
71 A statue of an elderly man hunched over a cane. This monument celebrates the founding of the
98
A statue of a satyr playing the pipes, surrounded city with a collection of bells.
72
by fawning nymphs. This statue is of a famous explorer examining the
99
Scattered about the area are a number of horizon through a spyglass.
73
statues of children playing. This solid, plain marker has no sign or indication
100
A relief of noblemen engaged in a fox hunt has of its purpose or meaning.
74
been fixed to the side of a nearby building.
At the end of a pier stands a detailed carving of a
75
three‐mast sailing ship.
The tomb of an important noble family is
76 covered with delicate, hand carved
embellishments.
Rough hewed stones stacked in a crude
77
humanoid shape.
83
STATUES & MONUMENTS: DRESSING
Use this table to provide interesting points of note about the Surrounded by scaffolding and supplies needed
25
statue or monument. Some may be inappropriate based on the for cleaning and repair.
locale’s set up; ignore such results and simply re‐roll. 26 Spotted with salt stains.
Draped in decorative flags bearing the crests of
27
D% many noble houses.
1 Covered from top to bottom in bird droppings. Home to a nest of rats who scurry about the
28
Has been overgrown with a thick blanket of cracks in its base.
2 Surrounded by bowls of fruit, bottles of wine and
green moss. 29
Centuries of exposure to the elements has worn other offerings of food and drink.
3 Has obviously been repaired recently. The work
away almost all of the detail. 30
Has a number of moisture stains and other signs is of poor quality and needs to be redone.
4 Engraved at the base is the trademark signature
of water damage. 31
Thin vines of creeping ivy grow up one side. They of a famous sculptor.
5 have even begun to cause damage by sprouting Whatever plaque or sign was once attached is
through cracks in the statue. 32 now obviously missing. Only pieces of the broken
Has a single, large fissure that runs right through fixtures remain.
6 Surrounded by a group of angry protestors who
the middle. 33
7 Has a significant portion corroded by rust. stand firmly against its meaning or subject.
Surrounded by a permanent aura of green faerie Lies shattered into dozens of pieces all over the
8 34
fire. ground.
Painted with a variety of slurs and other vulgar Appears to be partially melted even though a
9 35
graffiti. casual touch confirms it is still quite solid.
Someone has scratched their initials into the Somehow, the statue is dressed in a complete
10 36
statue with some manner of makeshift tool. set of real clothes of an appropriate theme.
Surrounded by wreaths and bouquets of freshly Its style and design is of a completely different
11 37 theme than all the other architecture in its
cut flowers.
surroundings.
At its base is a small water basin or wishing well
12 filled with copper pieces and the occasional Currently being used as a pulpit for a cleric
38
silver coin. preaching a sermon to a small crowd.
Part of a shrine filled with candles lit as part of a Pinned to its base are a number of job offers,
13 39
vigil ceremony. notices and other postings both old and new.
Has a brazier built in, filled with smouldering Standing on it is a frantic looking madman,
14 40 shouting nonsense theories at all those who walk
incense that fills the air with a pleasant scent.
past.
Is singed or blackened by fire but is otherwise
15 Infested with large, but harmless, spiders. Webs
undamaged. 41
hang between every available surface.
In an act of spiteful vandalism, a crucial or
16 Full of small, perfectly round holes that have
prominent piece has been chipped or broken off. 42
actually bored all the way through.
17 The statue is unusually, even suspiciously, clean.
Stands as the centrepiece of a small playground
Draped with a tangled mess of numerous, 43
18 for children.
brightly coloured ribbons.
Magically animated to change its position every
Wrapped loosely in thick chains that seem to 44
19 day at dawn though it can never leave its plinth.
serve no purpose.
Actually an integral part of the structural
Affixed with numerous scrolls and other 45
supports for a bridge that passes overhead.
20 parchment. Each one has someone's prayers
written on them. An open entrance in its base leads down into an
46
underground shop or tavern.
Currently serving as a perch for a large flock of
21 small birds. The statue is stained with their Has no actual base. It has been enchanted to
excrement. 47 levitate a few feet off the ground. A few chains
keep it secured to its current location.
22 Shows signs of obvious acid damage.
Is not real. It is actually a permanent image.
Has become a shelter for a few panhandling
48 Occassionally, it shifts position for no obvious
23 vagabonds. Anyone who comes too close is
reason.
mobbed for spare change.
Protected by a small contingent of city guard.
Has been beautifully painted by an artist with
24 49 The guards stand perfectly still and do not
exceptional talent.
engage in conversation.
84
The statue is inexplicably warm, but not Stands very near a public road and has been
50
uncomfortably or dangerously so, to the touch. 76 splattered with dirt and mud from passing
Is in the middle of being taken down and wagons.
51
disassembled by a group of workers. Has one very large, dark red bloodstain that
77
Is in the middle of being assembled and then someone has attempted to clean, to no avail.
52
raised by a group of workers. Reeks of urine and waste though no obvious
78
The statue is inexplicably cold to the touch. Frost source can be found.
53
lingers upon pieces of it out of direct sunlight. Is encrusted with beautiful, but ultimately
79
At first glance, it appears to be made of one worthless, gems.
material but a close inspection reveals it is Broken crossbow bolts litter the ground nearby,
80
54 actually another – made to look like the first. as if someone had used it for target practice.
Examples include wood painted to look like Surrounded by a fence. On each side, a small
stone or brass tinted to resemble gold. 81 wooden sign that plainly says, “No Trespassing”
Is made from a precious material such as gold, has been posted.
55
mithril or adamantine. Is being used as a hitching post for horses and
82
56 Has fallen over and is lying unbroken on its side. other mounts by a nearby tavern.
Has been painted with garish, clashing or A large bird's nest, with three eggs inside, has
57 83
otherwise ugly colours. been built at the very top.
Covered completely by tiny golden particles, as if 84 Has a small pond at its base filled with small fish.
58
coated by a glitterdust spell. Has been decorated with small piles of bleached
85
59 The statue is hollow. humanoid skulls.
The plaque on its base has its writing repeated Is half buried beneath a hill or mound of earth.
60
many times, in many different languages. 86 Only some parts are still sticking up out of the
61 Has been expertly restored to its former glory. ground.
Is a smaller replica of a famous piece located Made of an unusual material such as crystal,
62 87
elsewhere. bone or ceramic.
The eyes of this statue seem to be looking at you Has been decorated with a variety of colourful
63 88
no matter which way you travel. seashells.
Is shaped in such a way as to make a ghastly Is hidden within a large tent. By the entrance is a
64
howling sound when a strong wind blows. 89 man running an admission booth for those who
Has been incorporated into the construction of a wish to see.
65
gallows, complete with swinging noose. Attached at the very top is a working weather
90
Its base contains an elaborate locking vane with a thematically similar appearance.
66 mechanism. Once it is disengaged, the statue can Has been enchanted to produce soft,
91
be swiveled to face a different direction. lighthearted music whenever touched.
Contains a gem‐shaped depression just above Casts a shadow whose shape looks completely
67 92
arms reach. different from itself.
Has been crafted with a glaring error or other Is covered in long boughs of garland and holly.
68 imperfection, such as a statue with two left 93 Some are faded and withered, while others are
hands or an obelisk with uneven sides. obviously new.
Stands slightly crooked on an ivy‐wreathed Is actually a very ornate, but fully‐functioning,
69 94
plinth. ballista in disguise.
One of the words engraved in its base has been Covered in large vines sprouting plump, juicy
70 95
spelled incorrectly. grapes.
Is currently wrapped up under a tarpaulin and Has been inscribed with a glowing arcane mark
71 96
cannot be seen. and other magical sigils.
Has a number of deep claw marks scratched into A metal cage, large enough for a Medium‐sized
72 97
its surface. humanoid, has been built into the middle.
Has been smeared with tar that has long since The language engraved in its base is completely
98
73 dried and covered with feathers that have unknown and defies magical translation.
almost worn off. Also serves as a guard post. An alarm bell and
Is actually a working part of a nearby building's 99 sentry box have been incorporated into the
74 chimney and occasionally bellows clouds of thick construction.
grey smoke. 100 Is eerily, even suspisiously lifelike.
Has been engraved with a delicate pattern to
75 make it appear as though it was covered in a
layer of frost.
85
STATUES & MONUMENTS: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to examine or pass by the A ranger reports something has been petrifying the
statue or monument, sometimes fate intervenes. Use this table, woodland animals of a nearby forest. The road is a
11
to determine what opportunities or complications the PCs major trade route and everyone fears it is only a
matter of time before a traveller is turned to stone.
encounter.
A wizard suffers under a powerful curse; each day
D20 he transforms into a statue from dawn to dusk. He
12
is looking for anyone who is willing to help him
Rumours persist that one of the statues around
break free of this affliction.
town is actually made of gold or has some other
A dignitary from a foreign nation has arrived with a
kind of treasure hidden inside. Gangs of vandals
1 large diplomatic force. She is demanding the return
roam the streets at night, smashing every piece of
13 of a monument she claims is a stolen national
decorative masonry in sight and fighting with each
treasure. If it is not found and returned within one
other in a race to find it before the others.
week, her kingdom will declare war.
A mimic has moved into the area and begun
A caravan of gnomish pilgrims has begun a quest to
hunting people. It disguises itself as smaller statues
find and reclaim their ancestral home. Their only
2 and monuments to effectively hide in plain sight.
means of finding it is an ancient map that only
The authorities are hiring adventurers to examine 14
references old stone monuments as its guide
every statue in town.
points. The pilgrims require someone to help
A nobleman wants to know why his fallen son's
decipher the map and escort them home.
name does not appear on a memorial cenotaph
A rash of daring and well executed robberies have
3 alongside the other soldiers from the same squad,
baffled the city authorities. All that is known about
all of whom died in a recent battle. He will pay
this master thief is the small silver figurine of a
handsomely for such information. 15
butterfly he leaves as a calling card. The figurine is
When the statues of the city weep blood, doom is
an exact duplicate (in miniature) of a famed local
sure to follow for everyone dwelling within its
4 statue.
walls. One statues starts to weep blood as the PCs
A sorcerer seeks to hire a team to help him track
walk passed.
down and acquire an eye of a medusa, a fang from
A city, known for its aqueducts and ancient
a basilisk, the beak of a cockatrice and a horn from
5 architecture has become infested by a flock of 16
a gorgon. The purpose of these reagents is a secret
gargoyles that terrorize the populace constantly.
and he is willing to pay extra for adventurers who
A new religious cult has risen. They are fanatic don't ask questions.
followers of a doctrine that opposes the worship of
A strange magical effect has swept over the city
gods through idols. No longer content with tearing
6 and surrounding area. No magic pertaining to
down and destroying religious statuary, they have
stone, such as statue, transmute mud to rock or
begun to attack and even kill any sculptor who
even stone to flesh functions within the area as if it
creates them. 17
were an antimagic field. No one can determine the
An unfortunate accident, such as a runaway wagon cause of the effect, nor can they dispel it but
or falling crate, severely damages a local statue. No mystics have determined it originates from a
7 one is hurt, but during its repair a skeleton wearing monument erected at a stone quarry.
fine clothes is discovered embedded inside. Several
Overnight, bizarre obelisks appear all over the city.
well‐to‐do families claim the remains.
The quality of work surpasses even the greatest
High quality fakes of a famous sculptor's work have 18
stone cutters and they are made of an unknown
begun to flood the artisan's market. Naturally, the type of stone that is seemingly indestructible.
8
sculptor and the growing number of fraud victims
During a routine demolition of an aged and
want the culprit caught.
19 decrepit monument, an entrance to a vast
During broad daylight, a large and heavy statue underground labyrinth is discovered.
from the middle of the market square vanishes. No
A terrible warlord is running rampant across the
9 one saw what happened and city officials want to
countryside, claiming the entire territory as her
know who stole the statue, why they did it and
20 own. It is her control over an army of animated
most importantly – how.
statues that makes her nigh unstoppable and it is
One morning, a finely made gravestone appears in only a matter of time before she attacks the city.
the centre of town. Carved into it are a long list of
names of various citizens. The only thing they seem
10
to have in common is that they are all still alive. Is
the event a joke, or the first step in a madman’s
sinister plan?
86
STATUES & MONUMENTS: LEGENDS & RUMOURS
Legends and rumours are often associated with certain statue or According to prophecy, if the flame at the base of
monument. Use this table, to determine what the PCs learn. 10 the Queen's monument ever goes out, the kingdom
will fall into ruin within half a year.
D20 Parishioners claim that kissing the feet of their
They say the statue of the general on horseback at patron saint's statue cures the sick and heals the
11
the garrison is actually mounted on the very same wounded. Crowds have begun to flock to the
stone horse he rode into combat. Magic has been church to see if the rumours are true.
1 Local folklore states the old wishing well outside
used to keep its aura from being detected and the
command word used to activate it was lost when town will grant your wish, but only if erect a new
12
its owner died on the battlefield. statue at its centre. Several times every year, the
Legend states that if the city should ever truly be current statue is torn down and a new one erected.
on the brink of destruction, all the statues on the People whisper that late at night, if you listen
2 perimeter wall will come to life. Known as the 13 carefully, you can hear the statues of a local
Stone Sentinels, they will not stop until every cemetary crying.
attacker has been slain and the city is safe. It is a widespread belief that no soldier from town
A priceless jade idol of a dancing woman is cursed. will ever die in battle so long as his or her blood
Every person who has owned the figurine has had a stains the war monument. It has now become a
14
life of misery and loss and has met with an local tradition for those who join the army to travel
3 to the monument and smear a drop of their blood
untimely end. The curse only ends when the statue
hears the very same music the artist had his model across its surface.
dance to when he carved the idol. There is a myth of a great colossus that stares at
One of the omens that signal the coming of a great the location of a lost city. To see where it is, one
evil will be when all the statues begin crying tears 15 must find and climb the giant statue until they
4 of blood. A small cult of supposed madmen watch reach its eyes and then determine exactly where it
the statues so that they might have warning of is looking.
evil’s approach. Every salty old sailor knows the myth about the
Six different cemeteries spread across the kingdom statue of a sea captain down by the piers. As the
all claim to be the final resting place of the 16 story goes, there is a map hidden on it somewhere.
legendary hero depicted by the statue. Each has a A map that leads to the sunken wreck of a ship
5 filled with treasure.
mausoleum dedicated to the fallen hero and the
clergy tending each locale fiercely contest the Ever since she lost her favourite tools, a local
other’s claims. sculptor has stopped producing art despite having
People say the local war memorial is haunted. 17 other sets. This only fuels the rumours that she
Many attest that late at night, they have seen the bargained with the fey for her original tools, and it
6 ghost of a soldier who died. Some claim the spirit is was their enchantment that gave her the talent.
trying to return to the wife and family he left Every streetwise criminal in the city knows the
behind. story about the cache of potions and scrolls hidden
A wizard reportedly claims to have developed an behind the relief of a landscape on the side of the
18
arcane ritual that can take the soul and library. What no one can agree on, however, is
consciousness of a person and transfer it into what part of the relief is secretly the switch to
7 make it open.
specially enchanted statue. He willingly offers this
chance at immortality to anyone who can afford his No one likes to talk about it openly, but the reason
price. construction of the archmage's monument keeps
19
Hidden deep in the mountains is a shrine being delayed is because so many workers keep
containing a legendary artifact; a crown carved dying in "mysterious accidents."
from solid granite that grants the wearer the ability Local superstition says that bad luck befalls anyone
8 to animate any stone statue within sight, regardless who doesn't hold their breath as they walk in the
of its creator's commands. The local lord greatly 20 shadow of a certain monstrously huge statue. Even
desires the crown and will pay handsomely for its today, normal folk go out of their way to avoid the
delivery. shadow.
Gossip amongst the artists and stone masons says
that, after centuries of perfecting the art, a
9 dwarven sculptor is now searching for an
apprentice to teach but only the one he feels is
worthy will be chosen.
87
TEMPLES: CHARACTERISTICS AND APPEARANCE
Much of a temple’s features are independent of the god(s) An intricately detailed stone building with verses
29
worshipped within. Use this chart to get a general description of of scripture engraved throughout.
the building. A wooden building with a winding shape,
30 designed to be harmonious with the surrounding
D% NAMES environment.
1 A small building of cut stone. 31 A small wooden structure painted pale blue.
2 A small draft‐riddled building of fieldstone. A stone building with a shop selling wares
32
crafted by the priests.
A quaint building of cut stone, with a hearth at
3 A large stone structure with a very deep
the back. 33
entrance through thick walls.
A grand building with jutting towers and large
4 A small stone building, designed as a miniature
buttresses. 34
replica of a legendary cathedral.
An awe‐inspiring structure filled with statues and
5 This large stone building, with no roof, is always
stained glass windows. 35
open to the heavens.
A simple stone building that radiates a divine
6 An ancient stone structure built by a past lord in
aura, having been blessed directly by the gods. 36
an antiquated style.
A cavernous structure of stone with a high roof
7 A small stone building with an inner portcullis,
that throw a long, deep shadow.
37 where strangers can be questioned before
A very basic building of wood with wax paper
8 admittance.
windows.
A stone building with narrow doors and no
An extravagant building decorated with fine 38
9 windows.
tapestries and gold statuettes.
A very clean and efficiently constructed wooden
10 A homely stone structure, small and ill‐kept. 39
structure built precisely to divine instruction.
A rundown, wooden building, much used but
11 A building of cut stone, matching the same
underfunded. 40
architectural style of the surrounding buildings.
12 A wooden building that smells of human sweat.
A stone structure that has two sets of front
13 A cold stone building of moderate size. 41
doors.
A large structure of cut stone with a thunderous
14 An enormous stone building with a massive
echo. 42
sanctuary and several graceful towers.
15 A tall, impressive building of quality stonework.
A small, tidy fieldstone building where
16 A simple and clean building of cut stone. 43
everything seems in its place.
A massive structure with a large, airy sanctuary
17 A large set of open, welcoming double doors are
and several wings. 44
the focal point of this stone building.
An accurate, but smaller, recreation of a
18 A pathetic wooden building with rotted walls and
cathedral located in the capital. 45
sagging roof.
A sturdy stone building reinforced with steel
19 A simple stone building; completely empty of
beams. 46
furnishings.
A simple wooden building recently rededicated
A charming field stone building with a homely
20 to a different god. Several effigies have simply 47
carpet running down the main aisle.
been turned around.
A large stone structure with pointed towers and
A door‐less wooden building that widens to a 48
21 frightening gargoyles hanging from the gutters.
gaping sanctuary.
A mundane stone square, previously a
22 A large brick building with tall glass windows. 49
warehouse.
A stone building with dazzling jewelled
23 A moderate wooden building, well appointed
engravings set into the wall. 50
with high quality furniture.
A cheap wooden structure whose trimmings all
24 A fine stone structure with a private box,
appear to be second‐hand and low quality. 51
favoured by the local lord.
A small, temporary wooden building, used while
25 A well‐defended compound, with an outer wall
a permanent structure is being completed. 52
set around the main temple.
A delicate wooden structure that shifts in the
26 53 A stone building built around an acient keep.
wind.
A gaudy stone structure inlaid with false gems
A carefully constructed structure of wood and 54
27 and gold plated statuettes.
stone that offers excellent acoustics.
55 A wooden building with wide metal doors.
A large stone structure built on the highest point
28 A milky‐coloured wooden structure with black
in the city, with nothing but sky beyond. 56
trim.
88
This large stone building has iron supports and A small wooden building in the shadow of a
85
57 large gears set along the walls to power a basic much larger stone temple.
clock. A stone building with finely wrought metal
86
58 An old stone building, mostly empty. doors, open only to worshippers.
A new stone building, recently completed. The A gigantic stone structure with minarets of green
87
59 work crew is still taking down the wooden crystal.
scaffolding. A stone building featuring an elegant sanctuary
An efficiently designed wooden building with 88 with long thin floor runners and silver candlestick
60
many small cabinets built into the walls. holders set on the walls.
A ragged stone structure with tattered tapestries A long stone building with a messy sanctuary,
61
and hole‐riddled roof. 89 littered with stacks of dogmatic writing and
62 A yellow wooden building with ivy‐covered roof. abandoned personal possessions.
A broad, but short, stone building with an arched A simple stone exterior with a brightly coloured
63 90
roof. interior.
A splendid stone building with clean floors and An astonishing stone structure with statuary so
64 91
rose scented air. detailed they seem lifelike.
A dusty wooden structure, that almost seems A sturdy wooden building lined with finely
65 92
abandoned. wrought stone benches.
A domineering stone building that casts long A crimson wooden building with a slanted roof of
66 93
shadows over the neighbourhood. slate.
A small stone building, set tightly between two A cool stone structure with flat black roof. A bell
67
older buildings. 94 tower emerges from the very centre of the
A tasteless stone building featuring huge stone structure.
68
statues of saints, engaged in gruesome deeds. 95 A little brick building surrounded by bushes.
A square building of pale cut stone with a flat 96 A typical stone temple with one tall steeple.
69
roof. 97 A wooden building with two long, sharp steeples.
A squat stone building with large stairs, leading This building is built half of stone and half of
70 98
to a grand sanctuary deep below the city. wood.
A simple stone building with large windows filling A massive stone structure with arcing buttresses,
71
the sanctuary with bright light. 99 large stained glass windows and glorious towers
A spotless wooden structure, with well‐polished that appear to stretch to the heavens.
72
wooden pews. 100 Roll twice and combine features of both results.
A tan wooden building with a small graveyard to
73
one side.
A large stone building known for its vast cellars,
74
used for various purposes over the years.
A solid stone building whose walls block out the
75
outside noise.
A stone building that smells of mildew and is
76
infested with rats.
A small stone building decorated with precious
77
mithral engravings.
A dreary stone building with grey walls and a
78
leaky roof.
A crooked wooden structure featuring bizarre,
79
artistic furnishing.
A majestic stone building with subtle gold
80
engravings and purple wall hangings.
An enchanting, small wooden structure with a
81
stone foundation, surrounded by a small grove.
A small stone building, busy with the coming and
82
going of local folks.
A rambling stone structure with a key support all
83
leaning precariously westward.
A stone structure with unfinished masonry giving
84
it a near natural look.
89
TEMPLES: DOMAIN FEATURES
The most prominent features of any temple interior are those Undead: Rotting heads line a shelf on the far
25
linked to the worship performed within. Roll on this chart wall.
multiple times and combine the results with a general 26 Destruction: The stone altar is broken in half.
description from the previous table to create countless, unique Catastrophe: Stained glass windows show the
27
falls of past nations.
locales. Alternatively, choose the characteristics most linked to
Rage: Sacks, stuffed with feather down, are tied
the religion in question. 28
to several columns.
Torture: Brands and pokers lie next to a deep
D% DESCRIPTIONS 29
hearth.
Air: Panels on the roof slide back to allow fresh 30 Earth: The floor is packed dirt.
1
air to enter the sanctuary. Caves: The inside walls are rough, untouched by
Cloud: A minor wondrous item produces a 31
masons.
2 stream of fog along the floor, as a horn of fog but Metal: Engravings of copper, steel and other
the fog is only 2 feet high. 32
metals line the walls.
Wind: Upper windows are left open to provide a 33 Evil: Black spikes jut from the end of each pew.
3
breeze for hanging chimes. Daemon: Statues of the four horsemen loom
Animal: The bones of great beasts hang in areas 34
4 near the altar.
of prominence. 35 Devil: One wall is engraved with infernal laws.
Feather: A curtain of feathers separates the Fear: A great yellow eye is painted upon the far
5 36
vestibule from the main sanctuary. wall.
Fur: The hide of a great bear hangs behind the 37 Fire: Brass braziers burn with bright, high flames.
6
altar.
38 Ash: Embers burn low in a great hearth.
Artifice: Clear tubes of coloured liquid run along
7 Smoke: Wisps of thin smoke rise from small
the far wall. 39
lamps.
Construct: Swinging mechanical arms adorn the
8 Glory: The banners of nations, warriors and lords
altar space, keeping sacraments within reach. 40
past hang from the rafters.
Toil: Scrapes mark the floor around the altar
9 Heroism: Statues of legendary figures stand
where rites have been repeated for decades. 41
around the sanctuary.
Chaos: Benches and pews have been replaced
10 Honour: A tapestry hangs, embroidered with a
with chairs of varying shapes and sizes. 42
knightly code.
Demon: Abyssal runes are painted along the
11 Good: A basket of provisions rests in the foyer,
walls in blood. 43
free for the taking.
Entropy: Furnishings go unrepaired and surfaces
12 44 Agathion: Paintings of Nirvana adorn the walls.
uncleaned.
Friendship: Different architectural styles come
Whimsy: Paint is spattered across the room at 45
13 together in unison in the main sanctuary.
random.
46 Healing: Anointed oil rests on table in the foyer.
14 Charm: Large mirrors rest on opposite walls.
Restoration: A multitude of canes sit abandoned
Love: A wooden archway, seeded with roses, 47
15 in one corner.
rests above the altar.
Knowledge: Several shelves of bookcases line
Lust: Long, silken scarves hang down from the 48
16 one wall, serving as a public library.
ceiling along the walls.
Memory: A large sand timer is set above the
Community: The history of the settlement is 49
17 altar.
painted in murals along one wall.
Thought: A small stone basin, filled with pristine
Family: Statues of grouped families line the 50
18 water rests in the foyer.
outside of the sanctuary.
Law: A wooden pulpit is raised above the rest of
Darkness: Wall candles are dimmed with wax 51
19 the sanctuary.
paper hoods.
Archon: Circular glass lanterns hang from the
Loss: A small stone basin, filled with cloudy 52
20 rafters.
water rests in the foyer.
Inevitable: The edge of each pew is lined with
Moon: A series of small mirrors reflect the light 53
21 brass gears.
from a single skylight.
Loyalty: Stone arches, with engravings of
Night: Heavy black curtains cover the windows 54
22 overlaid hands, connect the sanctuary’s columns.
during the day.
55 Slavery: Chains hang from the sides of the altar.
23 Death: Bones are laid into stone columns.
Tyranny: Iron bars and sparking jewels adorn the
24 Murder: The altar and floor are bloodstained. 56
pulpit.
90
Liberation: Broken chains hang from the sides of Dragon: A large stone dragon head hangs from
57 81
the altar. the peak of the temple roof.
58 Freedom: There is no pulpit. 82 Strength: Training weights lie in the courtyard.
Revolution: The local nation’s flag hangs with its Sun: Crystals reflect sunlight all around the
59 83
colours inverted. sanctuary, from a high window.
Luck: Scratches run along the bottom of several 84 Light: A single lit lantern hangs above the altar.
60
walls from years of dice games. Travel: The floor of the sanctuary features a
85
61 Curse: A silted eye is engraved into each pew. mural of the surrounding region.
Fate: Golden threads are strung between Exploration: A public (but supervised) library of
62 86
different engravings. maps sits in the foyer.
Madness: The floor is painted to look like the Trade: Curtains hang off ropes at regular
63
night sky and the roof interior is cobblestone. 87 intervals, separating the sanctuary into small
64 Insanity: The pews are well cushioned. stalls during market hours.
65 Magic: A case of scrolls is set near the altar. Trickery: The main door leads to solid stone. The
88
Arcane: Small lanterns pattern the air with real entrance is hidden along the east wall.
66
purple wisps of smoke. 89 Thievery: Everything of value is locked down.
Divine: A skylight lets in a single beam of light 90 Void: The walls and ceiling are painted black.
67
that bathes the altar. Stars: Specks of gold paint form constellations
91
Nobility: Tapestries hang on the walls showing across the ceiling.
68
the lines of several noble houses. War: The foyer contains a rack of donated
92
Leadership: The pulpit is set centre, behind the armour and weapons.
69
altar, and raised up. Blood: A small stone basin, filled with blood,
93
Martyr: Statues along the outside of the rests in the foyer.
70 sanctuary depict saints at the moment of their Tactics: A case of miniatures and maps rests near
94
death. the altar.
71 Plant: Vines hang down the interior walls. 95 Water: Small stone fountains rest in each corner.
72 Decay: Dead flowers hang from the columns. 96 Ice: The trim of the roof is a frosty blue.
73 Growth: The floor is a bed of grass and weeds. Oceans: Whales, sharks and other aquatic
97
74 Protection: The walls are reinforced with iron. animals make up a majority of the engravings.
Defence: A stone wall is set outside the church Weather: Several holes in the roof go
75 98
with iron gates. unrepaired.
Purity: Silver bowls of spring water sit in the Seasons: The sanctuary is divided into quarters,
76 99
vestibule. each painted with a seasonal colour scheme.
Ancestors: Stone coffins lie flanking the altar in Storms: Thin metal sheets hang near upper
77
small alcoves. 100 windows, creating a thunderous echo when the
Rune: Eldritch runes are engraved along the wind blows.
78
edge of the altar.
Language: Banners hang from the rafters,
79 displaying the church tenants in a multitude of
tongues.
Scalykind: Two stone fangs form part of the main
80
entryway.
91
TEMPLES: DONATIONS, TITHINGS AND SACRIFICES
Different gods make different demands upon their worshippers D20 EVIL SACRIFICES
and temples often stand as the middlemen of these exchanges. 1 The heart of an innocent
There is more to tithing than just donating a tenth of your last 2 The finger of a stranger
haul. 3 Deeds to land, gained through lies
4 The feathers of an angel
D20 GOOD DONATIONS 5 An infant
1 A day spent assisting the infirm 6 A treasure heirloom
2 A spell of healing freely cast 7 The holy symbol of an enemy priest
3 The head of an evil creature 8 The true name of a devil
4 A prayer for the soul of an enemy 9 The hair of an aasimar
5 An oath to protect the innocent 10 A scale from a gold dragon
6 A confession of past transgressions 11 The horn of an archon
7 The horns of a demon 12 The blood of your parents
8 Food for the hungry 13 The ash of a destroyed shrine
9 Clothes for the needy 14 Poison
10 A scale from a red dragon 15 A live prisoner
11 A repentant soul 16 Bread stolen from the poor
12 Warm blankets 17 Treasures of a foreign nation
13 Lost scripture 18 Slaves
14 The tongue of an imp 19 A turned soul
15 A day of self reflection 20 A stolen coin
16 Training for the weak
17 A broken phylactery
18 The ashes of defeated undead
19 Holy water
20 A share (10‐100%) of your current wealth
92
TEMPLES: EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND RITES
Temples are often the centre of culture for a settlement, and D20
provide all manner of reasons to break up the daily grind of Birth: Shrill cries fill the air as young babes are
1
peasant life. Use this table to determine what special occurrence processed into the temple for ritual blessings.
the PCs encounter while visiting or passing by the temple. Death: A funeral train processes towards the
2
temple.
Harvest: A large bonfire marks the center of town,
3 where the farmers have gathered for fun and
SERVICE COMPONENTS communal shucking.
Religious services can have many elements beyond simple Marriage: White flowers are woven over the
worship. These can include: 4 temple doors as the steeple bells ring in
celebration.
Singing Ascension: A new lord is to be crowned. People
5
Prayer dress in their best as they gather to give thanks.
Battle: Warriors gather solemnly near the temple
Sacrifice 6
doors for blessings on their soul and weapons.
Preaching
Miracle: A boon of gold has miraculously appeared
Object lessons 7 on the temple altar at its hour of greatest need.
Locals line up to offer prayers for their own needs.
FIXTURES & FITTINGS Feast Day: In honour of a hero slaying a great
8 serpent centuries ago, worshippers are gathering
Temples are sacred places and are normally well appointed with for a communal meal.
the objects required to worship the deity in question. Day of the Living Dead: The spirits of those who
Commonly encounters fixtures and fittings in a temple include: 9 have died rise again on this day. Townsfolk wear
masks of ghoulish nature when traveling after dark.
Instruments: Bells, chime, gong, bell, drum, pipes, organ, Birth of a God: It is on this day that the local deity
whistles. 10 sprang forth from an elder god. All toil may only be
Furniture: Altar, pews, font, lectern, throne. done in reverence to the gods.
Summer Solstice: A festival of dancing and music to
Decorations: Mosaics, carvings, statues, flower displays, 11
commemorate the longest day of the year.
shields, paintings, displays of religious objects or relics,
Winter Solstice: A grim gathering of drinking and
frescoes, tapestries, patterned carpets or rugs. 12 storytelling to help pass one of the shortest and
Other: Idol, statues, lamps, prayer rugs. coldest days of the year.
Changing of the Leaves: Colourful lanterns are
13 raised in the main streets and the local bakers
AREAS IN A TEMPLE
compete in making the tastiest sweets.
Several different kinds of room can be found in most temples: First Frost: Local clergy walk the fields with incense
14
chanting prayers for a short winter.
Aisle Sacrifice: Prisoners, sinners and slaves have their
Ambry 15 blood spilled to gain the god’s favour. They may or
Belfry may not survive the service
Chancel All Gods: A day of reverence for the deities not
Crypt 16 generally worshipped in town. It has become a
point of contention for the stubbornly pious.
Nave
Saint Day: Saint Eltherburt made grain spring from
Prayer room 17 a rock in stories of legend and so on this day the
Sanctuary townsfolk in engage in wrestling competitions.
Shrine Forgiveness: A day when all debts and
Undercroft 18 transgressions are forgiven. The day before can get
Vestry violent as debts are forcibly collected.
Freedom: No man must work on this day. Much
19
To these can be added living quarters, treasuries, storage areas dancing and drinking are had by all.
and so on depending on the size of the building, how many Remembrance: A day for the telling of tales and
resident clergy dwell there and so on. 20 reverence for ones ancestors. Lilies are traditionally
placed before gravestones.
93
TEMPLES: CLERGY IN A HURRY
Use the tables below to quickly create the details of the clergy D20 RACES
the PCs encounter in the temple. 1‐10 Human
11‐13 Dwarf
D% GENDER 14‐16 Elf
1‐49 Female 17‐19 Halfling
50‐100 Male 20 Roll on Races 2 (Uncommon)
94
D20 CLOTHING D20 MANNERISMS
1 Simple robes with a rope belt 1 Exhales through teeth
2 Common peasant attire 2 Wipes nose on sleeve
3 Traditional liturgical vestments 3 Give a high pitched laugh
4 Well kept, quality clothing 4 Scratches neck
5 Shambled vestments 5 Fiddles with a pen
6 Long dark robes with a full hood 6 Rolls shoulder
7 Leather armour 7 Favours right leg
8 Chainmail 8 Pull on beard
9 Full plate and shield 9 Clears mucus from throat regularly
10 A light woven gown 10 Lays hand on others shoulders
11 Silk vestments with jewels 11 A very close talker
12 Brightly dyed robes 12 Readjusts clothes
13 Travelling gear 13 Licks teeth with tongue
14 High leather boots, with a bright sash 14 Twirls loose hair
Loosely tied robes leaving shoulders and back 15 Looks down their nose at people
15
bare 16 Rolls eyes
16 A long heavy cloak with a high collar 17 Cracks knuckles
17 Breastplate with kilt 18 Picks at finger nails
18 A large girth under heavy robes 19 Whispers
19 Wimple with long robes 20 Thinks out loud
20 Ornate ceremonial robes
D20 RUMOURS
D20 ACCESSORIES 1 Is courting the mayor’s daughter
1 Ink stains 2 Worships another god in secret
2 Tight braids 3 Never received formal training
3 An old cane 4 Killed the last priest
4 Divine tomes 5 Is lecherous
5 A large gaudy holy symbol 6 Used to be a blacksmith
6 A full coin purse 7 Is a royal in hiding
7 A spear 8 Has gold buried under the temple
8 A coil of rope over one shoulder 9 Knows the location of a dead saint
9 An obviously full bag 10 Mints counterfeit money
10 A ceremonial dagger 11 Has a secret patron
11 Facial tattoos 12 Waters down the holy wine
12 Food stains 13 Uses old bath water as holy water
13 Scroll cases 14 Is part of a thieves’ guild
14 A thurible of incense 15 Is a disgraced soldier
15 Prayer beads 16 Knows Draconic and Abyssal
16 A mace 17 Sells indulgences
17 A missing tooth 18 Former lover of the king
18 A streak of gray hair 19 Was born in an enemy kingdom
19 A lute 20 Former adventurer
20 Calloused hands
95
THEATRES: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE (EXTERNAL)
Every theatre has a distinctive appearance. Use this table to A small opera house, threadbare and fading.
generate its basic appearance. Some features may be 39‐40 Flecks of paint linger around the door and walls,
inappropriate based on the locale’s set up. Ignore such results outlining a grove of trees.
and simply re‐roll. A brash amphitheatre, shouldering above the
41‐42 buildings on either side; calls and shouts echo
from inside.
D%
A well‐cared for house in a moderately well‐off
A red and yellow hand puppet theatre set on a
43‐44 area. A discreet sign with the show name hangs
01‐02 busy street corner. Tinkling music plays from
from thatched eaves.
somewhere unseen.
A large balcony above a bawdyhouse with a
A lurid purple‐pink hand puppet theatre sized for
03‐04 45‐46 single figure posed like a slowly moving statue
a gnome lying on its side by the road.
on it and a hefty bouncer on the door below.
A folded marionette theatre leaning against an
A lovingly restored music hall with lacquered
alley wall, with a tangled, splintered pile of
05‐06 47‐48 black doors, clearly rescued from a larger
puppets beside it. The alley reeks of blood and
building, wedged between sturdy log walls.
vomit.
An inn yard transformed into an open air theatre
A pretty marionette theatre covered with
49‐50 with a central stage and bare, lime‐washed,
07‐08 carvings of tiny flowers and animals, and set next
walls.
to an equally carved puppet box.
A gothic peaked and painted hall with a plump
A minature stage with burgundy curtains and a 51‐52
elf guarding the door in top hat and tails.
09‐10 puppet dancing beside it to the clipped mage
A small, prinked up, opera house with sandwich‐
hand orders of its owner.
53‐54 board apprentices spread out in the surrounding
A square foot of yellowed cloth stretched over a
streets calling outthe shows.
11‐12 frame and flanked by two beggars offering a
A grand amphitheatre wedged between a bard’s
shadow puppet show.
guildhouse and a magic acadamy. Thickly
An open wagon with a pair of clog dancers 55‐56
plastered posters proclaim music, magic and
13‐14 performing on its floor, while a drummer keeps
dance displays.
time.
A roll of wrapped cloth rests in a trestle frame in
A scrubbed but battered open wagon used as a
an inn yard while at the front of the inn a gaunt
15‐16 mobile stage for a troupe of shabby actors, two 57‐58
young half‐orc encourages people to come and
of whom are arguing beside it.
see a shadow puppet show.
A gaudy pink and gold coloured wagon with a
A grand dance hall covered in flowering vines
17‐18 side that drops down to make a stage, driven by 59‐60
that nod at the slightest breeze.
a fat red‐haired human.
A well‐kept concert hall built of dark stone
A dark green covered wagon with a side that 61‐62
polished almost as smooth as glass.
19‐20 drops down to make a stage, and the owner’s
A butter‐yellow playhouse surrounded with a
name painted on the side. 63‐64
jostling stream of actors and patrons.
A folding stage stacked onto a red wagon, parked
21‐22 A circular hall with a domed roof of glass panels
beside an inn, and guarded by a small white dog. 65‐66
lit from within by coloured lamps.
A filthy folding stage half‐sliding off a wobbly
23‐24 A circular, open‐roofed theatre made from 12
handcart, pushed by a half‐orc and a goblin.
67‐68 wattle and daub panels, each painted with a
A shimmering silver tent with illusory trees
25‐26 different animal.
around it.
An archway, shaped like a pair of silver and gold
A sober blue and grey peaked tent with a board
trees, apparently leading to nowhere (though
27‐28 outside showing the times and name of the 69‐70
the gnome standing beside it assures patrons
show.
otherwise).
A small, run‐down, unremarkable, house with a
29‐30 A grandiose opera house, open doors leading
dwarf bawling the show times and title outside.
71‐72 into an oak‐panelled, red‐carpeted lobby. It is
A bright red and blue big top with a clown
31‐32 cool and dim within.
dancing around the entrance.
A roped off teleportation circle set just on the
33‐34 A red velveteen tent with a roped off entrance.
73‐74 edge of a noisy market hall. Twin happy and sad
A shabby dance hall with faded, peeling gilt on masks are inset into the centre of the circle.
35‐36
the doors and roof edge.
An austere auditorium in solemn red brick.
An old music hall, with a sagging roof, and walls 75‐76 Pealing laughter wafts out of an entrance flanked
37‐38
painted with dancing satyrs and nymphs. by two masked and cloaked humans.
96
A glittering white ballroom attended by liveried A stone platform, set on a low ridge of ground,
77‐78 footmen. Violin music drifts from an open 99 and surrounded by trees trained to grow in the
window. shape of seats.
An oval amphitheatre in red‐veined marble, used An unobtrusive side door tucked away in a wall
equally for acting and creature‐racing. The smell niche. Engraved above the heart shaped handle
79‐80 100
of smoke and dung drifts from the attached are the words “My heart opens only to music.
stables. Sing to me.”
A stage constructed of heavy cloth and wire,
81‐82
stretched rigid between three trees.
A circle of tightly‐fitted wooden slabs,
hammered into the ground. A woven sling chair
83‐84
hangs from a high pole, just visible over the top
of the slabs.
A wide and shallow hollow in the ground, about
85‐86 chin high to a dwarf. A circle of red bricks inset in
the ground marks the centre.
An archway carved into a cliff face and roped off
with a silken ribbon. The rock around the arch
87‐88
displays intricate carvings of the deities of music
and love.
An open door in a limestone wall, with a tapestry
hanging just inside to block the view. The
89
tapestry shows a set of bagpipes playing without
a musician’s hand to guide them.
A high, narrow theatre wedged between two
larger ones, its windows outlined in tiny mother‐
90
of‐pearl tiles. A magic mouth murmurs the show
titles to anyone approaching the entrance.
An oak trapdoor, embossed with brass studs and
91 pokerworked with stars and musical notes.
Under it, stairs lead down into darkness.
A colonnaded combined ballroom and concert
hall, plastered and painted with ivy, butterflies
92 and tiny birds. The sound of bird song fills the air,
but falling bird excrement is a common danger
here for visitors.
The edifice of this theatre is festooned with
intricate carvings depicting scenes from famous
93 plays and operas. When the theatre puts on
special events the owner hires illusionists to
bring the carvings to life.
This colonnaded building is faced with white
94 marble. A sweeping set of steps leads up to the
main entrance.
Many‐hued everburning torches in black cast‐
iron sconces are set above the windows of this
95
theatre. They bathe the street in a bizarre
mishmash of colours.
The skulls of large monsters – dragons, giants,
96 manticores and so on – are set into the wall
about this theatre’s main entrance.
The flags of many different nations flutter from
97 the roof of this theatre. One flagpole is
conspicuously unused.
A huge banner hangs down from the roof of this
theatre. The banner advertises the upcoming
98
appearance of a famous bard performing a
recently discovered play by a famous playwright.
97
THEATRES: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE (INTERNAL)
Inside, every theatre is different. Use this table, to make the Curtains, gaudily stitched with bawdy jokes in a
43‐44
interior of the theatre interesting. Some features may be flowing foreign script, frame an alcove.
inappropriate based on the locale’s set up. Ignore such results 45‐46 Dried leaves cover the floor.
and simply re‐roll. 47‐48 An incense burner fills the air with a spicy scent.
The inside of the amphitheatre smells of smoke,
49‐50
D% blood and old sweat.
51‐52 Layers of rushes cover uneven stone flags.
A grandfather clock in the entrance hall hides a
01‐02 secret door (DC 20 Perception spots) to the Paintings of musicians and scantily clad dancers
53‐54
backstage passages. cover the plastered walls.
Diaphanous golden curtains divide the audience A geometric mosaic marks the path from outer
55‐56
03‐04 area into sections radiating out from the stage at entrance to main auditorium.
one side of the tent. Ropes hang against all the walls, with one end
57‐58
Warped, but well‐scrubbed, pine boards cover vanishing up through the ceiling and out of sight.
05‐06 Muffled thumps and laughing voices echo from
the floor. 59‐60
A vaulted stone ceiling bears carved bosses of behind a row of closed doors.
07‐08 Flute music starts playing from nowhere as soon
famous heroes and villains. 61‐62
Simple swirls of yellowed plaster grace the walls as anyone steps through the inner door.
09‐10 The room boasts a shifting colour scheme that
and ceiling of the music hall.
Trestles and bench boards sit stacked in a pile 63‐64 automatically changes to match the clothing of
11‐12 beside the battered stage with a length of each person who steps onto the centre stage.
stained canvas stretched above them. The large central stage is surrounded by a
65‐66
Weathered boards form a crude stage. A streak sloping auditorium.
of something smelling strongly of rotten A basket of withered fruit and vegetables is on
13‐14 67‐68
vegetables runs diagonally down the wall behind sale for a few coppers apiece.
the stage. A half‐eaten apple bounces down a flight of
69‐70
An illusion forms the stage backdrop, displaying steps as if just dropped.
15‐16 A motley collection of rugs in different colours
fields of ripe grain. 71‐72
17‐18 A small shrine to the music gods flanks the stage. cover the floor.
The intricately carved walls of the concert hall 73‐74 Clashing, overlapping curtains cover the walls.
make even the worst players produce a sweeter An underground chamber, chiselled in deep
19‐20 75‐76
sound (playing on stage grants a +2 circumstance steps for seats, slopes down to a tiny stage.
bonus to Perform checks) Five staircases spiral off in different directions
77‐78
Instead of scenery, wands of minor image and with no indication of what leads where.
21‐22 Paint and padding makes the room resemble a
silent image are racked beside the stage.
Silvery cloth covers the walls and comfortable 79‐80 dragon’s open mouth, with the tongue as a ramp
23‐24 leading up to the throat and a black door.
couches face the stage.
A musicians’ gallery high on the right‐hand wall Tiny twisting galleries lead off from the foyer,
25‐26 81‐82
overlooks the stage. each painted in a different shade of the rainbow.
A sloped floor offers standing room for the 83‐84 A blazing light overhangs the stage
27‐28 A light hangs from the centre point of the ceiling,
audience. There are no seats or barriers. 85‐86
Boxes of disturbingly life‐like marionettes line like a miniature moon.
29‐30 A whisper of sound like heavy breathing comes
the walls of the puppet theatre. 87‐88
Two rope tricks form a pair of ultra‐discrete from everywhere and nowhere.
31‐32 Drumming fills the air, making even the floor and
boxes in the auditorium. 89‐90
Each of the torch sconces lining the theatre walls walls seem to vibrate in time.
33‐34 Flowers cram the area, filling the air with an
is modelled on a different songbird. 91‐92
Pieces of partly painted scenery lie scattered overpowering, cloyingly sweet scent.
35‐36 This room appears to be an open glade in a
either side of the stage. 93‐94
Every room of the dancehall contains at least moonlit forest, complete with trees and flowers.
37‐38 A red‐lit sauna set up ready for use with a firepit,
two clocks; none tell exactly the same time. 95‐96
A harp almost twice the height of a human water, stones for heating and low stone seats.
39‐40 97‐98 Glittering glass crystals stud the walls.
stands in the very centre of the stage.
A bank of dark wooden pigeonholes for letters 99‐100 This room’s walls are as black as obsidian.
41‐42
line the entrance wall.
98
THEATRES: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to visit the theatre, or view a The crowd goes wild and throws the performers
14
show, sometimes fate intervenes. Use this table to determine out of the theatre.
the opportunities or complications the PCs encounter. The crowd goes wild and mobs the performers with
15
delight.
D20 Tokens of appreciation are thrown at the stage
Three pickpockets (rogue 1) working the audience during the performance. One hits the star
16
1 targets the PCs (Sleight of Hand +9). They flee if performer in the head and stuns him. A
detected, using the crowd as cover to get away. replacement is urgently sought.
Two dogs chase a cat through a crowded entrance Tokens of disgust are thrown at the stage during
2 17
way, oblivious to the people in the way. the performance. One of the performers is injured.
A local noble has hired the theatre company to put The stage manager is desperately hunting for an
on derogatory plays, slandering and defaming one 18 unusual stage prop and offers a reward to the PCs
3 of his rivals. The slandered noble has just if they can provide it.
discovered he has been slandered and is making a Someone swaps the theatres illusion‐crafting
grand scene in front of the theatre. 19 wands for evocation wands, causing a deadly
The theatre is really a living dropbox for a group of “scene‐changing” moment.
spies and saboteurs. As they, the audience, and the The theatre catches fire in mid‐performance,
actors mingle, coded letters slip from one person to 20 causing panic and a frantic rush for everyone to
4 another. The PCs must intercept a message unseen. escape, or deal with the fire.
Alternatively, a perceptive PC spots the exchange
and might wonder what is going on or a PC receives SHOWS
a message through mistaken identity.
Theatres generally have 1d4‐1 shows running at any one time.
Calamity strikes during the performance. Perhaps a
Use the table below to generate show titles for the theatre.
large piece of scenery collapses or the stage
5 suddenly gives way. This might simply be a random Some may be inappropriate, depending on the type of theatre
act of misfortune or the culminations of a sinister desired. Ignore such results and simply reroll.
plot against the theatre or a specific performer.
A child starts to cry during the performance – D20
scared by some aspect of the play or show. After a 1 Mrs Vansome Dances
6
few minutes, the child’s parents lead him outside 2 Cyanide and Supple Silks
where they can be heard scolding him loudly. Three‐handed Frikke and the Greedy Dragon
3
One of the actors is a local aristocrat’s runaway
4 The Magician and the Mousetrap
child, and the aristocrat has filled the audience
7 5 Foxy Lady
with loyal retainers to recapture him, but Cammy
(page 102) has taken the actor’s shape. 6 Journey into Knight
The PCs are mistaken for a local notable and 7 Mystical Magic
8 retinue, and plied with extras, bonuses and offers 8 Across the Blue Yonder
in hopes of a reward. 9 Willem Do Tell
The PCs are mistaken for an infamous local notable
10 Pretty Pretty Please
9 and retinue, and the company calls all hands to
11 Butterfly Heart
drive them away from the theatre.
Political rivals both try to woo the theatre company 12 Queen Midnight and the Iron Cobra
over to their side, for the propaganda value, 13 A Bachelor’s Bacchanalia
10
resulting in constant one‐upping of gifts and 14 Soliloquy No. 3
favours poured into the theatre and company. 15 All Gingered Up
An assassin mingles with the crowd, waiting for the 16 Fugue in A‐minor For Flute and Harp
11
show’s climax to strike his target.
17 Valtyra
The stage manager decides one of the PCs is
12 perfect for a role in the next performance and tries 18 Who Took the Raw Maiden?
to recruit the PC on a temporary basis. 19 Imaginary Happiness
During the performance a couple begin to row 20 Lost Rainbow
about something seemingly inconsequential. As it
13 continues their voices get louder and louder. Soon,
their argument threatens to disrupt the
performance all together.
99
THEATRES: SIGHTS & SOUNDS
D% A crowd of patrons pours out of the theatre,
An illusory, scantily‐clad man (or woman) 55‐56 excitedly discussing the show they have just
01‐02 seen.
beckons patrons inside.
The sound of a large argument – on the merits of A cook sprints out the door with a pan on fire,
03‐04 57‐58
different acting styles – is easily audible. and thrusts it into the nearest water source.
A cat stares haughtily down from halfway up a Someone has polished the wooden theatre
05‐06 59‐60 floors to a high gleam with the side effect that
spiral staircase.
07‐08 Apprentices practise tumbling in the yard the floor is nearly as slippery as ice.
Actors are rehearsing their lines on and off stage, A female elf has four identical dogs lined up and
09‐10 61‐62
in multiple small clusters. is teaching them to bark on note on command.
A drunk picks a fight with another patron or a A pair of singers rehearses, repeating the same
11‐12 63‐64
bouncer after being thrown out. few phrases over and over again.
Two people carry a length of scenery along a A trapdoor in the stage comes loose and an actor
13‐14 65‐66
hallway. drops through unexpectedly.
A man tries to wheedle his way in without paying A supporting rope comes loose, dropping a piece
15‐16 67‐68
so he can visit one of the actors. of scenery flat on the stage.
A woman tries to wheedle her way in without A gale takes a stretch of tiles off the roof, turning
17‐18 69‐70 the show’s storm scene into something much
paying so she can see one of the dancers.
A child tries to creep in unseen and watch the realer and wetter.
19‐20 A clerk shoos patrons into a neat line for tickets,
show without paying. 71‐72
Musicians rehearse in a side room, still tuning up then takes a long time with each one.
21‐22 The star of the show gets stuck out of sight, and
with each other.
A mage argues loudly with the stage manager 73‐74 the rest of the company try to free him without
23‐24 about the merits and ease of the desired scenery letting the audience know anything is wrong.
illusions. 75‐76 A mage tests out illusory scenery for effect.
Three actresses practise a stage fight across the A little old man briskly sweeps the theatre foyer,
77‐78
25‐26 floor, while a surprised visitor tries to break ignored by the patrons.
them up. A clock chimes, and then sticks and keeps
79‐80
A writer scribbles alterations to a script hung on chiming without stopping.
27‐28 Political rivals use the theatre as a neutral venue
the wall beside the stage.
An instructor drills the chorus in a long, 81‐82 to meet and discuss problems, a discussion that
29‐30 quickly turns icy.
complicated dance, which they do badly.
An instructor drills the chorus in a long, The theatre’s cat takes a liking to the PCs and
31‐32 83‐84
complicated dance, which they do well. winds around their ankles, purring.
A gnome with a tray of pies patrols by the A halfling with a tray of drinks and snacks patrols
33‐34 85‐86 the inside of the theatre, cheerfully crying his
theatre, calling his wares loudly.
A child actor runs up with a script and demands wares between acts.
35‐36 A strand of ivy wriggles through a window and
the PCs hear the child’s lines for the next play. 87‐88
A scantily‐clad man or woman beckons patrons grows happily in the internal warmth.
37‐38 A shower of rain sweeps across the theatre
inside.
39‐40 A loud thump echoes from within the theatre. 89‐90 drumming loudly on the roof and drowning out
A uniformed usher moves back and forth, the show temporarily.
41‐42 A cluster of children build a small replica theatre
leading people to their seats.
A painter is hastily finishing scenery for the next 91‐92 next to it, and play there using half‐remembered
43‐44 scripts.
play.
A cat runs through a toppled paint pot, and then Someone catches a cutpurse in the act and beats
45‐46 93‐94
up a piece of scenery, leaving pawprints behind. them half to death before anyone can interfere.
A dog runs into a piece of scenery, knocking it The town guard arrives looking for an escaped
47‐48 95‐96
down into a pool of paint. criminal.
An actor argues with the stage manager, then An alchemy stage trick goes horribly wrong, with
49‐50 97‐98 a loud explosion and huge amounts of multi‐
storms out of the theatre.
A patron proposes marriage to one of the coloured smoke.
51‐52 A patron propositions one of the dancers and is
dancers, and a crowd gathers to watch the reply. 99‐100
A handful of performers stand on stools while a immediately slapped for it.
53‐54
dresser scurries around fitting costumes to them.
100
THEATRES: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the NPC bios below to portray the folk encountered in the Personality: Mischievous, commonly laughing or smiling off‐
theatre. Either determine randomly which NPC the PCs stage, and prone to shift shape for pranks and jokes.
encounter or choose a suitable candidate. These NPCs can work Mannerisms: Rubs ankle with toe of other foot. Folds hands
both individually and in a theatre company from Ultimate over belt and opens eyes wide and innocent.
Campaign. (A theatre company comprises five apprentices Hooks: Secretly helps Zarky pin down secrets. Recently dyed
teams, one bureaucrat team, one craftsperson team and one Pascale on Zarky’s request, while wearing Gulan’s shape.
labourers team; refer to chapter 2 for more information).
GRIPPA SALTBEARD
D20 NPC CN female dwarf fighter 5
1 Avrey Fitzodem (team: craftspeople) Appearance: Red hair in a sailor’s pigtail, wide hands, dark
2 Erotaisytu ‘Cammy’ Aenusoch (team: labourers)
gray clothes streaked with paint and dust, slight limp.
3 Grippa Saltbeard (team: labourers)
Personality: Sharp‐tongued, practical and pragmatic. Quickly
4 Gulan ap Matham (team: bureaucrats)
5 Jean Pierrot (team: apprentice 5) exasperated by slower people.
6 Laverne Dunstan (team: labourers) Mannerisms: Rubs shoulder slowly when thinking. Flips
7 Leif Hallard (no team) pigtail over shoulder with a toss of her head.
8 Leona Crystalnails (team: apprentice 2) Hooks: Planning to drop stage weight on Lorenzo after he
9 Lorenzo Larksong (team: apprentice 4) spite‐killed her wife.
10 Mayra (team: apprentice 3)
11 Orthida Twitterpate (no team) GULAN AP MATHAM
12 Pascale Pariel (team: bureaucrats)
LN male half‐orc adept 4
13 Sautha (team: bureaucrats)
Appearance: Gray‐brown skin, yellow eyes, white robe with
14 Skat (team: craftspeople)
15 Starlyre (team: labourers) lilac embroidery around the collar.
16 Tahinoll Calmstar (team: apprentice 1) Personality: Super‐enthusiastic about latest fad, discards
17 Tamika Salas (team: bureaucrats) others. Changes every few weeks, only steadfast to his god.
18 Ty Silverson (team: bureaucrats) Mannerisms: Slides the heel of one shoe up and down the
19 Ullari (team: labourers) side of the other shoe.
20 Zarky Halfpint (team: craftspeople) Hooks: Accidenally imparted information about poison to
Lorenzo during that fad, giving enough knowledge to poison a
AVREY FITZODEM dwarf. Worried dwarf’s partner will take revenge.
N male human wizard (illusionist) 2
Appearance: Dark hair threaded with gray, dark, lined skin, JEAN PIERROT
immaculately dressed in deep crimson and russet. LG male human wizard (universalist) 4
Personality: Jealous, obsessive, falls quickly in and out of Appearance: Rat‐like nose, tiny dark eyes,
love at any excuse. shabby red robe, slight hunch.
Mannerisms: Sniffs quickly at everything he comes Personality: Darts rapidly from subject to
across. Stares meaningfully at his latest flame. subject. Has an answer to everything. Cocky.
Hooks: Fell in love with Leona, then out when she Mannerisms: Shoots head forward to look at
chased him. Last week smelt an unknown perfume people. Runs thumbs along inside belt.
lingering in his workroom, and wants to know who Hooks: Belt is a money belt, after losing spell
entered. component pouch with valuable materials to a cutpurse, he
doesn’t want to lose anything else. Would also like his pouch
EROTAISYTU ‘CAMMY’ back, if possible.
AENUSOCH
N doppleganger ranger 1
Appearance: Variable, sometimes
whichever minor role was last played,
sometimes a half‐elven child with dusky‐
brown skin, hair and eyes.
101
LAVERNE DUNSTAN MAYRA
CG male human cleric 4 CN female human sorcerer (destined) 3
Appearance: Dark blond hair and beard. One blue eye, one Appearance: Almost albino except for striking blue eyes.
gray. Patched, motley, layers of gray and brown clothing. Faded blue shirt and breeches, scarf over her hair.
Personality: Thrown out of his temple for gambling, he Personality: Wary, uneasy, often mistaken for shy. Talks very
swings from upbeat and cheery to morose depending how his little off‐stage, and when she does, her accent betrays her
luck runs. distant origins.
Mannerisms: Twists strands of beard in his fingers when Mannerisms: Ducks her head and looks a little sideways at
listening. people. Tugs at the frayed cuff of her shirt.
Hooks: Won big, wants to invest it into the company without Hooks: Mayra killed a noble by accident and fled, seeking
anyone knowing; needs a front person. training for her wild magic. She made a new life for herself, but
the noble’s heir has sent assassins after her in revenge.
LEIF HALLARD
LN male human rogue 8 ORTHIDA TWITTERPATE
Appearance: Looks much younger than actually is, blond NG female gnome cleric 1
hair, gray eyes. Immaculate but nondescript clothes. Appearance: Blue hair, braided and coiled like a birdnest.
Personality: Suave, charming, ruthless. Leader of the local Navy skin, lots of pink freckles. Wears silver shirt, black skirt and
pickpockets. shoes.
Mannerisms: Purses lower lip in thought. Picks ‘dust’ off Personality: Flits from one topic to another, easily
sleeve or knee. distracted, adores birds and children. Eternal optimist.
Hooks: Hunting the members of a spy group muscling in on Mannerisms: Tilts head on one side like a bird. Picks absently
his turf, so he can get rid of them. at eyebrows.
Hooks: Wants to rescue and redeem Lorenzo without
LEONA CRYSTALNAILS spoiling the wonderful theatre shows.
LN female human wizard (diviner) 3
Appearance: Mousy curls and skin, gray eyes, bitten nails PASCALE PARIEL
alternately painted white and red and decorated with tiny chips LN male halfling rogue 3
of crystal of the opposite colour. Grubby lace spills over her tight Appearance: Fair haired, freckled skin, brown eyes. Severe
red dress. black coat and breeches over a plain white shirt.
Personality: Intensely curious. Collects books and scrolls of Personality: Cold, haughty and very precise about his speech
all types, with a particular focus on history. and actions.
Mannerisms: Constantly fidgeting, chewing nails, picking at Mannerisms: Purses lips and puckers face as if about to
the lace of her collar and cuffs, drumming fingers on the nearest sneeze. Smooths a hand down his coat.
wall. Hooks: Someone recently tipped dye into Pascale’s bath
Hooks: Wants to know why Avrey is so flighty around her. after he fell asleep, leaving him streaked and mottled with lurid
Someone stole a rare book she had only just acquired, and she colours. Furious, Pascale wants the culprit found.
wants it found, no questions asked
SAUTHA
LORENZO LARKSONG CN female lizardfolk aristocrat 3
NE male human bard 5 Appearance: Polished green scales, yellow eyes, yellow frill.
Appearance: Scrawny in black and silver, aiming for elegant. Simple beige tunic, belt with pencase and rapier.
Black hair, pale skin, hazel eyes. Personality: Once happy‐go‐lucky human, reincarnated after
Personality: Superficially charming, spiteful and dying defending a druid, now testy and unhappy.
manipulative underneath. Mannerisms: Tugs tunic down, smoothes out invisible
Mannerisms: Folds arms, hidden fingers tap impatiently on wrinkles. Goes to run fingers through hair, then changes to tug
ribs. Lays one finger along jaw. frill.
Hooks: Wants a letter quietly delivered to Orthida, spinning Hooks: Seeking a method of becoming human again; asks for
a sob‐story of how Zarky is blackmailing him. help from the PCs.
102
SKAT Personality: Chatterbox, spinning stories as easily as true
anecdotes, but always with her eye to the money or the
NE female goblin expert 3
opportunity.
Appearance: Green skin with blue tattoos instead of hair.
Mannerisms: Runs her fingers through her hair while
Enveloping yellow apron covered in pockets and tools.
writing, sometimes forgets to put the pen down first.
Personality: Jumpy, nervous, always running somewhere.
Hooks: Annoyed a noble with a story, left town in a hurry,
Prefers to work alone but takes pride in her ability to make
but circuit is now taking her back there. Needs someone to
anything needed at short notice.
check if he remembers her.
Mannerisms: Mutters under her breath as she works.
Constantly pats her pockets as if looking for a tool.
TY SILVERSON
Hooks: Managed to set fire to a set of stage backdrop and
loved the sight and smell of the conflagration. Awed, and looking LN male human monk 2
to repeat the effect. Appearance: Blue‐black skin, iron‐gray stubble, scarred
knuckles, broken nose. Maroon tunic over loose gold breeches
and boots.
STARLYRE Personality: Cheerfully dutiful in all circumstances, terse‐
LN female elf druid 1 spoken but probing, careful and accurate in action.
Appearance: Ankle length hair dyed in leaf‐ Mannerisms: Runs a hand over his head. Adopts
patterns, gold skin and eyes, leather armour and fight‐ready foot‐stance whenever day dreaming.
twin daggers. A scar lifts the left corner of her Hooks: Looking for a sparring partner to keep
mouth. his skills sharp.
Personality: Patient with children and animals, less
so with adults. Propositions receive a knife or fist to ULLARI
the face. LE female orc fighter 2
Mannerisms: Always works clockwise Appearance: Long black hair, dull
around any area, from room to plate of gray skin, broken nose and tusks,
food. Cleans her nails with the point armour glamoured into a
of a dagger. fashionable green dress.
Hooks: She is teaching a Personality: Friendly, but aloof
hound chorus, but is short one and vengeful. Very interested in
animal; can the PCs find one fashion, almost dandyish.
that barks the right note? Mannerisms: Taps a finger on
her left tusk when she thinks.
TAHINOLL CALMSTAR Hooks: Hears of a place where
LG male elf bard 2 she can be star performer instead
Appearance: Copper hair and of playing only minor roles and
skin, blue‐green eyes, dozens of asks PCs to investigate and report
clashing earrings up long ears, plain back.
brown clothing.
Personality: Dreamy, easygoing and easily trusting, yet firm ZARKY HALFPINT
in his wishes, even forceful. NG male halfling witch 4
Mannerisms: Blinks rapidly when spoken to. Runs fingers up Appearance: Short even for halflings. Sun‐streaked brown
the line of earrings. hair, hazel eyes. Purple shirt, black breeches. Tabby cat familiar.
Hooks: Entered Avrey’s workroom by accident, saw a Personality: Sharp‐eyed, studious, catches secrets from
beautiful stone there, wants it for a new earring, but unsure how everyone.
to broach the subject. Mannerisms: Constant running commentary on everything
under breath.
TAMIKA SALAS Hooks: Uses Lorenzo’s secrets to keep him from wrecking
CN female human rogue 8 the company. Keeps an eye on him all the same.
Appearance: Gold‐skin, dark‐green eyes, wispy white hair
streaked with ink, low‐cut top hides leather armour.
103
THIEVES: PICK POCKETS & CONFIDENCE TRICKSTERS
They’re the hand slipped into your pocket. They’re the ones Oma Ger (N female human rogue 1) is constantly
scampering through the crowds with your coin purse. The ones popping her huge knuckles as she scans the
willing to break windows and snatch food from market stalls for crowds for a target. Despite her oversized hands,
29‐31 she’s deft enough in lifting coin purses, and you
the merest copper—or just to survive. No theft is too small, no
can always tell when she’s made a steal because
trinket worthless enough not to lift.
she’ll be grinning from ear to ear, revealing teeth
that would put a horse to shame.
D% Fidst Huntle (CN male gnome rogue 2) has a
Toggly Bellast (N male gnome expert 1) keeps his collection of pet rats, each as grimy and stringy‐
purple‐black hair cut short and twitches like a looking as him. He always keeps one about his
magpie, unable to resist the allure of any shiny person, and slips into posh eating
01‐04 32‐33
thing in someone else’s possession. He wears establishments, where he’ll set it loose in the
many pouches – all stuffed full with the many common area. As the patrons react predictably
mundane items he has recently lifted. to the rodent, he works through their midst,
Phaedri Lothwin (CN female elf expert 2) often lifting coin and silverware alike.
prowls the rooftops, studying potential targets Elbius Ollory (CG male halfling expert 2) has been
from above. Then she drops down beside them hanging around kitchens, bakeries and inns long
05‐08
to make the snatch and run before they realize enough that most cooks in the city recognize his
what’s happening. Her lithe form is perfect for 34‐36 rumpled black hair and squinty blue eyes. And
crouching among the shingles and chimneys. they know to hide any baked goods until he’s
Ulumt Umult (N male human expert 2) is forever gone, otherwise the delicacies will vanish into his
juggling items in his calloused hands, brown eyes stomach the moment their back is turned.
gleaming with delight at his talent. Rocks, Quili Wendst (LN male half‐elf rogue 2) often
09‐12
daggers, coins...he creates intricate patterns of sets up tripwires in alleys and around tight
items in the air to distract his victims so he can corners, and then slips his thin figure into a
pluck from their pockets as they watch. 37‐39 nearby nook until a victim comes along and
Avrit Ogglestent (N male halfling expert 2) has a tumbles face‐first to the cobbles. Then he
spotty record as a pickpocket, and the scars on pounces on them and grabs what he can,
his cheeks are evidence of victims lashing out sprinting off before they can recover.
with blades or fingernails as they try to capture Pol Jupple (N male elf sorcerer 1/rogue 2) goes
13‐16
or dispatch him. Knob‐kneed, he runs with a about wrapped in a concealing robe and hood.
bumpy gait. He is nervous and hates the threat No one can recall what he looks like, even if they
of violence; he doesn’t target obvious warriors have a long conversation. As he moves through
and is a bit of a coward. 40‐42 the crowded streets, people find their purses
“Ripples” Dernstile (CN female halfling adept and possessions suddenly missing, even if they
1/expert 1) uses her over‐large feet to trample were standing across the way from Pol. He has
others’ toes when darting off with snatched no real friends and lurks in the forgotten cellar
17‐20
goods. She wears a manic grin even when being below a ramshackle tavern.
chased, and loves causing a good bit of chaos in Ryun Zer (N male human rogue 1) has only one
a crowd to cover her escape. hand and ear, the others cut off as punishment
Tholosa Ervia (CG female half‐elf bard 1) for being caught stealing. This hasn’t slowed him
possesses a lovely voice, almost as fair as her down from still trying to prove himself a master
face. She tends to target merchants in 43‐45 thief. At this rate, though, he soon won’t be
marketplaces, and the few who know her well much more than a scrap of flesh, bumping his
21‐24
say she drops off a portion of everything she way through crowded markets or begging on the
steals at a nearby orphanage. She sings lullabies side of the road. Occasionally, he masquerades
to herself every night until she falls asleep in as a beggar.
whatever hole she’s tucked into. Obles Numon (CN male human commoner 1)
Laya Falto (CE female human wizard 1/rogue 1) likes to shamble around marketplaces, finding
employs her meagre magical skill to make unsuspecting targets and getting right in front of
people’s attention slide away from her until them. If his stink doesn’t make them turn away
she’s gotten close enough for a snatch. Then, 46‐48 (giving him a first opportunity to dip their
25‐28
once ducked around a corner with the bounty, pockets), he’ll thrust his left hand in their faces—
she muddles her plain, blocky features and the sight of the mangled, fingerless stump
changes the colour of her hair to avoid being inevitably causes them to recoil in disgust, and
singled out as the culprit. he’ll make his snatch during the distraction.
104
Hada Lilifoot (CN female gnome expert 2) has Hassar Junth (N female human adept 1/expert 1)
been blind since birth, but that hasn’t stopped loves the idea of thievery, but suffers from a
her from robbing others blind. In fact, her terrible malady—a conscience. Short and stocky,
73‐75
heightened sense of smell and hearing gives her she’s developed some talent; but even when she
49‐51
an edge in getting in and out of a steal unseen. is successful, she often feels so guilty about the
She walks hesitantly in public (but can dash theft, she anonymously returns the stolen items.
about when needed), tapping her way with a Vand Munet (LE male human expert 1/warrior 1)
stick she uses to whack away unwanted touches. loves picking pockets, but it’s a serious wound to
Bomi Takora (CE female human expert 1) has his pride when he’s caught. As such, if anyone
76‐78
always found it’s easier to steal from those who tries to grab him before he gets away, they’re
pity you. So she’s disguised her fair skin with likely to get a finger (or whole hand) lopped off
mud and her healthy body with bandages and by the meat cleaver he carries.
52‐54
sits on a beggar’s mat most days...until she find a Plunk Erregard (CG male dwarf warrior 2/rogue
compassionate soul who tosses a silver into her 1) has only been forced to steal in order to pay
bowl, rather than a copper. Those, she follows for the healing tinctures that keep a vicious lung
home. 79‐81 infection from killing him in a matter of days. His
Dita Fens (CG female gnome rogue 2) believes in black beard is speckled with crusted blood from
a thief deity, and so considers it her form of his constant hacking, which has made it harder
worship to slip into the temples of other gods for him to steal as the disease progresses.
55‐57
and snitch from their coffers. She often enters as Olstrum Havarrer (CG male gnome adept
a patron seeking prayers and blessings, and 2/expert 1) may be old for a gnome, wrinkled
leaves with her robes heavy laden with holy coin. and starting to grey, but his hands haven’t lost
Noral Opalskein (N female dwarf expert 2/rogue 82‐84 the dexterity decades of working quill and
1) runs a jewellery stall in the market; most of parchment have gifted him. Now that business
her items are fakes. But when people stop to has dried up, thieving is the only income he has
inspect her wares, she deftly switches their real to keep his family from starving.
58‐60
items with convincing mock‐ups while helping Xellar Vul (N male elf aristocrat 2/rogue 2) lost
them try on various pieces. Nobody suspects the his family’s fortune to a band of conmen. In
dwarf with the gleaming blonde hair and shining seeking them out for revenge, he learned many
85‐87
smile. of thieving skills and funds his search in this
Teppit Crundle (CE male human rogue 2) has a manner. He retains a fierce pride, and walks with
snivelling air and nose that never stops a regal air.
twitching. He makes it his business to know most Onnock Lodestar (N female dwarf expert 1) had
61‐63
other thieves in the city, so if he’s ever caught, been taught to use her hands and tools in a
he’s got plenty of snitch material to offer up in smithy—but found it faster to use those same
88‐90
exchange for his being let go. tools to break into buildings and safes. Quick
Sagis Rudibar (CN male half‐elf commoner 1) with a joke, her brown eyes hold a constant
hobbles along on a crutch, one leg tied up wariness.
behind him to look like a cripple, all rags and Pockle Dockle (CN male gnome expert 1) wanted
64‐66 tragedy. His crutch has a hollow compartment to be a great magician, but lacked any significant
where he conceals any small valuables he filches magical skill. So he taught himself sleight‐of‐
91‐93
from others. He likes to sing and whistle when at hand and set about earning his keep by tricking
work. others’ senses, most of the times without their
Athele Delera (N female gnome expert 1) steals realizing any trick had occurred.
from the poor to give to...well...herself. Beggars Juti Thims (CN female halfling adept 2)
of all sorts are her primary target, and her teal developed a formula for flash powder that she
67‐69
eyes gain a vicious glint whenever a well‐ tosses in a target’s face. The resulting dazzling
94‐96
meaning soul tosses a heavy handful of coin into light leaves them dazed long enough for the
the nearest alms bowl. skinny halfling to riffle through their clothes and
Suna Donown (N female human adept 1) wears a dash off.
dirty priestess robe that’s seen years of wear and Guruj Kollum (NE male half‐orc rogue 1) loves to
tear. Her hair hangs bedraggled and as filthy as eavesdrop on adventurers in taverns, catching
her outfit. She mutters blessings and curses as word of what treasure they might’ve rescued
70‐72 97‐100
she wanders the back streets, stealing what food from a nearby dungeon lately. Then he’ll attempt
and coin she can. She promises to cast powerful to slip into their rooms later in the night and
spells for money, but just runs off when she’s got make off with whole chests of goods.
the coin.
105
THIEVES: THUGS & BASHERS
Subtlety, tact, discretion and cunning. Some thieves lack all four Argunt Cromost (NE male half‐orc warrior 1) is
of these qualities. These are the thugs who lurk in alleyways, rarely sober, and when he is, he only enjoys
naked blade in hand. stealing one thing—alcohol. Any vintage or brew
61‐66 he can lay his hands on, even if he has to snatch
D% it straight out of a tavern‐goer’s hands and chug
it down before they can respond. He is skinny for
Dredge (CE male human warrior 3) doesn’t
a half‐orc and has blunted tusks.
wander far from the river. A hulk of a man, his
Schona Ammoon (NE female half‐orc warrior
nose always sniffling and dribbling, he eyes
1/expert 1) is a mute that moves about quietly
01‐07 passersby as if they’re a slice of mutton. He robs
for all her bulk, and the beads woven into her
others by grabbing a victim’s face in one of his
67‐73 hair make a quiet clatter. If anyone ever spots
huge hands and threatening to tear it off unless
her face during a steal, the worse for them. She’ll
they pass over everything of value.
find them later and cut out their tongue to keep
Dengle Wreste (N male half‐elf fighter 2/rogue 1)
them from identifying her as the thief.
once made good money in a fighting ring, until
Vopen Font (N male dwarf fighter 2) is a young
his sponsor discovered he threw bouts for gold.
08‐15 dwarf who has a keen talent with slings. Wiry for
Now he employs his chokeholds on unfortunates
a dwarf, he’ll line up a pebble with a target and
who walk down the wrong alleys and bump into
let fly, producing a sharp sting or dazing hit to
a scraggly half‐elf with a fighter’s grimace. 74‐80
the skull. As the person recovers, that’s his
Kellen Ostole (CE male human fighter 1/rogue 1)
opportunity to trundle by and say he saw the
has the philosophy of “What you don’t know
urchin that threw the stone, and will point them
and can’t see will definitely hurt you.” As such,
16‐22 out for a small fee.
this handsome young man prefers to bludgeon
Hool Unnagun (NE female half‐orc warrior
his victims from behind and leave them bereft of
2/expert 1) watches over a ragtag gang of
all personal possessions by the time they wake.
pickpockets, making sure they always deliver a
Munda “Toll” Racit (CE female human rogue 2)
81‐85 cut to her in the evening, in exchange for a safe
has set herself up as a “toll collector” in seedier
place to sleep under her watch. Her gray eyes
areas of town. If you see this muscled, glowering
are surprisingly kind, but her tusked smile can
23‐29 woman watching over a doorway or alley you
turn cruel.
need to go through, you might as well find
Cajira Filis (NE female elf expert 2/warrior 1)
another way. She won’t let you pass unless you
believes the most valuable thing she can steal is
pay a “admittance fee” or resort to violence.
another’s life. Trim and with a coiled strength,
Frothle Unnagun (NE male half‐orc rogue 2) is
she holds a harsh beauty with a sadistic gleam to
missing one eye in his scarred face, but that 86‐92
her golden eyes. If she’s ever caught in the
30‐37 doesn’t stop him from picking out wealthy
middle of a theft, she gives up trying to rob and
targets who need a lightening of their load. His
simply turns to killing her target. She’ll leave the
method is simple. Stab. Steal. Walk away.
loot behind in these instances.
Gollick Tym (CN male half‐orc warrior 2) doesn’t
Jundo Munst (CN male human warrior 2) knows
like things getting in between him and money
his ugly, lumpy face marks him as little more
(especially other people). With broad shoulders
38‐45 than the thug he is. He doesn’t try any fancy
and simple wit, his habit is to simply break down
93‐96 tricks, but prefers to rob victims with the tried‐
doors and windows of empty homes, walking
and‐true tactic of cornering them in an alley with
straight in and out with whatever he can carry.
a dagger to their throat. A strategy that has kept
Rundah Pinth (LE female half‐orc rogue 2) takes
him in the coin for now.
great pleasure in throttling her targets until they
Lipswit Naer (LE male halfling adept 2/expert 1)
46‐53 pass out. Then she takes her time sorting
possesses strong hands and nimble feet, allowing
through their goods. Anyone crossing her path
him to clamber up most walls or other vertical
while she’s looting joins the passed‐out patsies.
97‐100 surfaces. Many a sleeper has woken to find a
Tobian Erun (N male elf warrior 3) has a growing
small, masked face leaning over them and a
armoury stashed in a cellar, thanks to his habit of
dagger to their throats. Their survival depends
stealing weapons. From the tiniest dagger to the
on how quickly they lead him to their valuables.
54‐60 largest warhammer, this muscular elf loves to
liberate well‐crafted weapons from the hands of
the unskilled. He has a particular preference for
enchanted arms.
106
107
THIEVES: SKILLED THIEVES
There are thieves...and then there are those who put Atherli Blestein (CE male human aristocrat
pickpockets and back‐alley muggers to shame. These are the 2/rogue 7) comes from a wealthy family, and
ones that get a real rush out of performing the perfect con or financial responsibility was drilled into his head
from a young age. Now, this red‐headed, freckle‐
daring heist. Quick of wit, eye and blade, they’ll leave you 25‐27
faced man steals all the coin he can to keep it
coinless, yet none the wiser for your sudden poverty.
safe from those who would otherwise squander
it on ill‐thought investments or base pleasures.
D% It’s for their own good, really.
Dalo Wumple (CE female halfling bard 5) loves to Cisa Holze (CE female human wizard [enchanter]
throw her voice into odd corners, distracting 8) is a slender, doe‐eyed young woman who got
01‐03 victims, or even causing arguments between two kicked out of a school of mages for kleptomania.
innocents that she can use as a distraction to 28‐30
Now she employs her magic charms to
acquire their goods. temporarily persuade targets to hand over their
Undra Sozonk (CG female half‐orc rogue goods and then forget she was there.
3/fighter 1) often disguises herself and gets jobs Jogo Ligrump (N male dwarf fighter 6/rogue 2)
guarding banks or other financial establishments. likes to snatch items from folks in plain sight and
04‐06
Then she learns the layout and routine, biding dare them to try and take it back. With rock‐hard
her time until she can empty the place in a single 31‐33 fists and a harder forehead, he fights like a
night while she’s on shift. demon to keep what he’s taken. Plenty of victims
Gerb Lerries (NE male human bard 4) possesses a have decided it’s not worth the effort to
perfect memory for maps. He uses this to confront him.
07‐09 memorize building layouts for infiltration, as well Erbent Mikash (N male dwarf rogue 5) enjoys
as plot escape routes through the city. Loves stealing from folks in a more legal manner—
discovering hidden doors and tunnels. gambling. He always ensures the games he offers
Yelf Thungerd (NE male dwarf rogue 6) has a 34‐36 looks good on the surface, with odds subtly
fondness for dirt and darkness, and has turned rigged in his favour. His swarthy complexion and
this passion into tunnelling under the city which affable nature often charms people into playing
10‐12 he does almost nonstop. These tunnels connect when they really should know better.
with countless cellars and back rooms, which he Xiga Naggles (N female half‐orc barbarian
uses to slip in and out unseen, making off with 4/rogue 3) has a stride that could outrun a horse.
whatever he wishes. Even if she is spotted, with her grey‐green skin
Dok Anuk (CN male half‐orc rogue 3/fighter 3) 37‐39 and orange hair making her easy to pick out, the
has an easy, if toothy grin. Maybe it’s because guards have never succeeded in catching her
his favourite method of robbing another is once she’s made a snatch. She guests in low‐
13‐15 sidling up to them and whispering incredibly class taverns and is always moving about.
creative threats, detailing all the terrible things Jonly Timmons (CN male halfling rogue 5) has a
he’ll do if they don’t hand over the coin. And if stash of jewellery he keeps in his hidey‐hole,
they balk, he backs those threats up. where he goes and prances about, adorned with
Tibby Arzoli (CN female gnome rogue 5) has 40‐42
dozens of rings and other finery. His thick hair
disproportionately long legs and toes, and she hides large, blue eyes that widen at the sight of a
uses these to good effect, having learned to pick particularly fine bauble.
16‐18
pockets with her nearly prehensile toes. Gangly, Quon Derler (LE male half‐elf rogue 5) lets his
with bright yellow hair and eyes, she gets vicious victims do the work for him. He’ll break into a
if anyone dares call her a “monkey.” noble’s house and wait for the owner to come
Pedge Vikkers (LE male human rogue 7) leaves 43‐45 home—helping himself to the larder in the
notes behind every time he makes off with meantime. When the owner returns, he greets
household valuables, thanking the previous them with a blade and has them direct him to
19‐21
owners for their “donation.” Effeminate the hidden safe.
handwriting and a penchant for floral language is Wottle Jergen (N male human fighter 4/rogue 2)
the only thing known about him. has found easy pickings in getting himself hired
Erzen Molo (LE male human fighter 2/rogue 5) as a caravan guard. His spic‐and‐span armour
must have some sort of fierce blackmail on the and clean‐shaven demeanour gives him an
local watch. Anytime he gets caught thieving and 46‐48
22‐24 official air that merchants find refreshing. Not so
hauled off, he’s out on the streets within a day, refreshing, though, when they wake up one
smirking and blowing kisses to the ladies. He morning to find him gone with their most
never even pays a fine. valuable goods.
108
Rin Damans (NE female gnome rogue 5) feigns a Grensh Kunch (N female half‐orc fighter 4/rogue
wounded leg, or perhaps a foot trampled by a 3) has filed her nails to fine points, and uses
passing ox and cart. When someone responds to these to prick and puncture various nerve
49‐51 her wails, she asks to be carried to the nearest 76‐78 endings in her targets, inducing paralysis. Then
healing house. Along the way, she uses the this otherwise short and stout half‐orc takes
excuse of clinging to them to relieve them of what she wishes while grinning into her victim’s
what goods may be on their person. frozen eyes.
Rickles Semerson (NE male halfling rogue 4) Eta Vickles (N female gnome fighter 3/rogue 2)
disguises himself to look like a child and gets uses her natural height to an advantage by
himself in an orphanage, where he doctors the hiding under barrels and crates, waiting to
books to be adopted by the next wealthy couple 79‐81 hamstring targets that walk by. As they fall and
52‐54
to come by. Then, after enjoying the hospitality bleed out, she loots them, promising to send the
of his new “parents” for a few days, he makes off guards quickly if they don’t struggle. Bright red
with all household valuables and repeats the hair and golden eyes give her a fiery appearance.
ploy with another disguise. Losheck Hurms (CG male human sorcerer
Olgben Nottle (CE female half‐orc rogue 4/expert 4/rogue 2) prematurely ended his apprenticeship
4) is a popular fence who works with most of the to a wizard when he stole a scroll of levitation
55‐57 city’s criminal factions. Her steely gaze is as 82‐84 and vanished into the night. Having since
heavy as her tongue, and she always ensures the committed the spell to memory, he uses his
best prices—both for her and her clients. magic to levitate items of value out of their
Prots Rangle (N male human rogue 6) only owners’ pockets, purses and homes.
possesses two fingers on either hand, but uses Cholos Denner (N male half‐elf rogue 7) never
them effectively to pinch every coin out of the goes anywhere without his mask, and many
58‐60
nearest pocket. To relax, he works as a bartender wonder what it and his soft voice hides. He’s
85‐87
in a popular tavern, entertaining guests by his often hired to steal objects of personal, rather
two‐fingered pouring and serving tricks. than actual material value from highly secured
Coorman Legrum (CN male human fighter estates, and he has yet to fail such a contract.
3/rogue 3) is a strapping lad with a shock of long Raman Onnz (N male human rogue 4/wizard
61‐63 white hair. In order to negate any guilt he feels [illusionist] 5) is a dark‐eyed, pot‐bellied man
for his thievery, he donates a full tenth of his who inspires little thought of the usual thieving
88‐90
earnings to various charities around the city. type. However, his ability to conjure illusionary
Betsel Bregund (CE male human rogue 5) will walls gives him a mean of camouflage and
enter a shop during the day and find a way to escape that has enable his ongoing exploits.
secret himself away in a closet, barrel or other Clinst Flather (CN male human rogue 6) owns a
64‐66
hidey‐hole. Then he emerges at night after the variety of dens and boltholes around town that
merchant has closed shop, and helps himself to 91‐93 he “rents” out to his fellow thieves—offering
any goods lying about. them temporary anonymity and security for a
Evoll Drasterfort (N male elf aristocrat 2/rogue 5) hefty cut of their latest haul.
wanted a challenge in life, no longer finding his Zoola Forrow (CE female human rogue 9) runs an
noble lifestyle satisfying. So he hired several expansive thieves gang, made up of the toughest
master thieves to teach him the shadowy arts 94‐96 crooks in the city. How she keeps the rabble in
67‐69
and took to stealing simply for amusement’s line is unknown. She keeps herself shaved,
sake. Black‐haired and purple‐eyed, he is forever revealing lines of ugly scarring along her skull.
looking down on those around him, no matter Nadel Kormean (CG female elf aristocrat 3/rogue
how tall they truly stand. 6) runs a gang that works on the city outskirts,
Dinny Opet (LN female half‐elf aristocrat 1/bard robbing from any caravan foolish enough to pass
4) always wanted to be part of the nobility; but through their neck of the woods. She then
since no prince would marry her, she’s settled 97‐100 disperses the wealth she accrues to the poor and
for masquerading as a minor baroness at parties needy – minus what’s needed to keep her gang
70‐72
and thieving valuables from the guests. She clothed and fed. A fat monk is her second‐in‐
employs her natural beauty and cultured command. She often wears outfits all in verdant
manners to just such an end, and few have thus green.
far pierced her facade.
Abay Urian (N female halfling rogue 5) is
skeletally thin, and uses her spare frame to slip
73‐75 through cracks and barely open windows. She
often targets churches and temples, stealing holy
relics and gilded decorations to pawn.
109
THIEVES: SPECIALISTS
Sometimes a specialist thief is called for. Able to climb any wall “Uncle Shade” (CN male halfling rogue 8) is a
or open any lock, they are the stuff of nightmares to the grey‐eyed, grey‐skinned, grey‐haired halfling
wealthy. with a singular talent for hiding in shadows. He
54‐60 can remain unseen in the smallest patch of
D% darkness, and can slip from one shadow to
another without detection, even if others are
Durolf Allamay (CN male human rogue 7) is a
watching for him.
thin, balding man who can slice purse strings so
Rollo Cench (LN male human bard 8) is able to
01‐07 finely, you won’t notice it’s missing until the next
play almost any musical instrument he touches.
time you reach for it. Always has daggers tucked
As such, he’s often hired to provide
up his sleeves. 61‐66
entertainment at upscale parties...where he then
Adorai Klept (N female human rogue 8) has
whisks away jewellery, silverware and other
mastered every sort of lock and latch in
goods and stashes the takings in his instruments.
08‐15 existence, and she’s even grown bored of lesser
Staloa Phillerese (CN female human expert
challenges. Her long, spider‐like fingers often
4/rogue 4) is obsessed with art and has a
wander to the pick set she keeps concealed.
remarkable talent for painting forgeries. She
Aggel Ock (CE male half‐orc rogue 9) was given a
67‐73 then slips into galleries and private collections,
puzzlebox as a child and opened it by breaking it
where she swaps out the forgeries for the
open over another playmate’s head. Since then,
16‐22 originals, and either sells them off or keeps them
he’s learned to crack all manner of latches,
for her own growing collection.
lockboxes and safes. In fact, any sort of lock is a
Sucor Sumlonay (CG female human fighter
personal affront to him that must be eliminated.
3/rogue 5) strides about clad in thick armour, yet
Therian Loust (CE male elf rogue 7/fighter 2)
somehow does so in complete silence. Her bulk
employs superb acrobatic skills to walk rooftops 74‐80
belies a cunning mind and the ability to plot out
and leap through open windows, whereupon he
daring infiltration routes that would make most
relieves the inhabitants of their valuables. He
thieves balk.
also is practically untouchable in a fight, as he
23‐29 Jerosh (NE male human fighter 6/rogue 3) is the
tumbles and dodges every blow. Sandy‐brown
guild’s chief basher. Violent, depraved and
hair dusts over green eyes that are filled with
avaricious, he is feared by his fellow rogues. His
mirth. Several women are smitten by the rogue, 81‐85
childhood was replete with misery and pain; he
but would be terrified if they learnt what lurks in
does not harm children – this is his only
his heart.
redeeming quality.
Pheruth Dewson (CN male half‐elf bard 7) was
Zerif Derg (NE male human rogue 7) has a blank
raised in the theatre and now employs his
stare that unnerves anyone who holds it too
talents to take on countless personas at a
long. Perhaps he practices it on the corpses he
moment’s notice. He can talk his way into almost
30‐37 86‐92 constantly robs, digging up countless graves to
anyone’s confidence, and talk his way out again
salvage any valuables buried with them. His
with their valuables. Not to mention his skill with
handshake is as wet and chilly as the corpse mud
stage makeup. He is wildly egotistical and loves
he’s often knee‐deep in.
being the centre of attention. He sulks if ignored.
Ferom Noglet (LN female half‐elf cleric 6/rogue
Vally Gumont (CG female gnome rogue 7) often
2) is a priestess of the death goddess. She
climbs the highest structures in the city, moving
appropriates all grave offerings as an offering to
up walls almost spider‐like to peer down over 93‐96
her dark mistress. She lairs in a sunken,
what she considers her domain. There, she
38‐45 abandoned crypt in the oldest part of a
studies patterns in the crowds below until she
graveyard.
divines an easy mark. She loves feeding the birds
of the city – and several of them eagerly come to Tem Logrist (N male gnome fighter 2/rogue 6)
her outstretched hand. figured the easiest mark is the one that can’t
resist. Employing his knowledge of toxins and
Zala Manlot (CE female elf bard 4/rogue 3) is a 97‐100
skill with a blowgun, this pasty‐faced gnome hits
master of disguise and can make herself look like
his victims from a distance with a paralytic dart
a male or female of various races. She’s often
and then pilfers their frozen forms.
pulling off wicked cons that involve romantic
46‐53
triangles and high society scandals, in which she
is actually at least two corners of the triangle.
Her true hair colour is brown, but anything
beyond that is unconfirmed.
110
THIEVES: SAMPLE ROGUES & THIEVES
Use the stat blocks here to represent minor thieves and THUG CR 3 (XP 800)
nuisances. Such folk can serve as a PC’s contacts, fence or minor This hulking half‐orc wears battered studded leather armour.
enemy. Male half‐orc fighter 2/rogue 2
CN Medium humanoid (human, orc)
EXPERT CUTPURSE CR 1 (XP 400) Init +6; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +8 (+9 vs. traps),
This thin human wears a fine cloak over his fine studded leather Sense Motive +1
armour. Speed 30 ft.; ACP 0; Acrobatics +9, Climb +8, Stealth +9, Swim +8
Human expert 3 AC 17, touch 13, flat‐footed 14; CMD 19 (21 vs. grappling);
CN Medium humanoid (human) Dodge
Init +1; Senses Perception +5, Sense Motive +0 (+4 armour [+1 studded leather], +2 Dex, +1 dodge)
Speed 30 ft.; Nimble Step; ACP 0; Acrobatics +5, Climb +4, Fort +5, Ref +5 (evasion), Will +1 (+2 vs. fear)
Escape Artist +7, Stealth +7 hp 34 (4 HD); orc ferocity
AC 15, touch 12, flat‐footed 13; CMD 13 Orc Ferocity (Ex) Once per day, when the thug is brought below
(+3 armour [mwk studded leather], +1 Dex, +1 dodge 0 hit points he can fight on for one more round as if disabled.
[Dodge]) At the end of the next turn, unless brought above 0 hit
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3 points he falls unconscious and starts dying.
hp 16 (1 HD) Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +3; CMB +6 (+8 grapple)
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +2; CMB +2 Melee unarmed strike +6 (1d3+3) or
Melee mwk dagger +3 (1d4/19‐20) Melee mwk dagger +7 (1d4+3/19‐20)
Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +3 (1d4/19‐20) Atk Options Catch Off‐Guard, Improved Grapple, sneak attack
Combat Gear dagger (2), smokestick (2), tanglefoot bag (1) (+1d6)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 8 Combat Gear elixir of hiding (2), potion of cure moderate
Feats DodgeB, Nimble Step, Skill Focus (Sleight of Hand) wounds, potion of magic fang (2)
Skills as above plus Appraise +4, Bluff +4, Disguise +5, Abilities Str 17, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Knowledge (local) +5, Sleight of Hand +10 SQ bravery (+1), rogue talent (combat feat), trapfinding (+1),
Languages Common weapon familiarity
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 6 gp, 12 sp Feats Catch Off‐Guard, DodgeB, Improved Grapple, Improved
Initiative, Improved Unarmed Strike
HUMAN THIEF CR 1 (XP 400) Skills as above plus Disable Device +7, Intimidate +5, Knowledge
(local) +5
This man has greasy black hair and acne.
Languages Common, Orc
Human rogue 2
Gear as above plus 1 gp, 7 sp
CN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +2; Senses Perception +8 (+9 vs. traps), Sense Motive +3
Speed 35 ft.; ACP 0; Acrobatics +7, Climb +6, Escape Artist +7,
URCHIN CR 1/4 (XP 100)
Stealth +7 (fast stealth) This thin, dirty‐faced child wears ripped and torn clothes..
AC 15, touch 12, flat‐footed 13; CMD 14 Young human expert 1
(+3 armour [mwk studded leather], +2 Dex) CN Medium humanoid (human)
Fort +2, Ref +5 (evasion), Will +1 Init +3; Senses Perception +4, Sense Motive +0
hp 16 (2 HD) Speed 30 ft.; Run; ACP 0; Acrobatics +7 (+11 running jump),
Climb +2, Escape Artist +7, Stealth +11
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +1; CMB +2
Melee short sword +2 (1d6+1/19‐20) AC 14, touch 14, flat‐footed 11; CMD 10
(+3 Dex, +1 size)
Atk Options sneak attack (+1d6)
Combat Gear potion of invisibility, potion of cure light wounds Fort ‐1, Ref +3, Will +2
hp 3 (1 HD)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 15, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 8
SQ rogue talent (fast stealth), trapfinding (+1) Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +0; CMB ‐3
Feats AlertnessB, Fleet Melee dagger ‐1 (1d3‐2/19‐20)
Skills as above plus Appraise +6, Bluff +4, Disable Device +10, Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +4 (1d3‐2/19‐20)
Knowledge (local) +6, Sleight of Hand +8 Combat Gear dagger (2)
Languages Common, Goblin Abilities Str 7, Dex 17, Con 8, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 8
Gear as above plus belt pouch, masterwork thieves’ tools, 17 sp, Feats RunB, Skill Focus (Sleight of Hand)
Skills as above plus Knowledge (local) +4, Sleight of Hand +8
3 gp
Languages Common
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 14 cp
111
THIEVES: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
The phrase, “thick as thieves” isn’t much of an exaggeration. Two shady figures sitting in opposite corners of
They seem to lurk around every corner and in every shadow, 29‐30 the tavern are eyeing the patrons and signalling
waiting for the chance to pounce on unsuspecting targets. to each other with strange gestures.
Clear as day, a PC sees a thief snatch a
D% 31‐32 merchant’s coin purse and slip off. The merchant
has yet to notice the loss.
It was supposed to be a shortcut, but the alley
wound up being another chance for the PCs to The PCs are minding their own business when a
01‐02 heavy pouch is thrust into their hands. The
donate to this dagger‐wielder’s “I’ll let you live”
fund. person who just gave it thumbs over their
33‐34 shoulder, where guards can be heard shouting.
Seeing a scoundrel run off with their goods, the
“Hide that and let them search me. Once I’m
PCs cry out, “Help! Thief!” The nearby guards all
03‐04 clear, we’ll split the coin. Squeal, and I’ll say
look at them with bored expressions, and one
you’re my partner in crime.”
says, “So? Go get him then. Stop bothering us.”
This fellow just marched up, grabbed a PC’s
Someone sneaked into the PCs’ room last night
purse right off his belt, and shouted to all in
and left a parchment on their desk. It details an 35‐36
05‐06 earshot, “Here’s the brigand! Think you can
offer to join a thieves guild, if they can steal
make off with my coin, do you?”
enough to pay the entrance fee.
While at the theatre, the PCs notice several
The thief the PCs just found riffling through their
unseemly sorts working through the crowd,
07‐08 possessions looks to be no more than a kid.
37‐38 bumping into attendees and signalling to one
Likely an orphan, and a hungry one at that.
another. They appear to be working towards
A PC successfully cornered the thief who took his
some nefarious end.
coin in a dead‐end alley. Unfortunately, his three
09‐10 A warm body snuggles up to a PC at the bar, and
cronies have now blocked off the exit, trapping
a soft voice whispers salacious suggestions. At
the PC instead.
39‐40 the same time, the PC senses fingers trying to
So the barmaid’s offer to “meet behind the
undo his purse strings—and that’s not a
stables” wasn’t for a dalliance, but so her
11‐12 euphemism.
associate could give the PC their offer of “your
Is this thief the PCs caught lightening their
coin or your life.”
41‐42 pockets actually just a child? Or a halfling in
A thief just clambered up to the rooftops and is
disguise?
13‐14 now getting away with the PCs’ goods. Do they
Cornered, the thief claims he has no other way
follow?
to get enough coin for a healing potion for his
Echoes of the thief’s chuckling keep annoying the 43‐44
sick wife. He begs and pleads for the money – he
PCs as they search for him in an increasingly
15‐16 may even be telling the truth!
twisted maze of alleys. Dare they keep pursuing
It seems this thief is nothing but rags and bones.
him in territory he knows so well?
If the PCs take back what little coin she took
Right after a PC feels his belt lighten, he sees the 45‐46
from them, she may starve to death before even
17‐18 likely thief duck into a nearby sewer. The smells
this night is out.
emanating from there are not encouraging.
A friend of the PCs has boasted about this great
A woman just walked past the party wearing a
47‐48 steal he just pulled off, and he’ll split some of the
19‐20 pendant about her neck that a PC would’ve
profits if they help him fence the goods.
sworn they were wearing just minutes earlier.
The PCs awake just as a black figure clambers
After a short chase the two thieves pursued by
through their window and fades into the
21‐22 the PCs split up at a fork in the street. Which one 49‐50
shadows of the bedroom. From outside, sounds
do they chase?
of pursuit echo through the dark streets.
The unlocked cellar the PCs ducked into to get
The PCs’ beer has a funny smell to it and the
out of the rain wasn’t as empty as they hoped.
bartender keeps nervously eyeing a few of his
23‐24 And the plucky fellow waiting there with a blade
51‐52 rough‐looking friends in the tavern corner. They
insists they leave his den a bit poorer than when
may be trying to drug the PCs and relieve them
they entered.
of their goods (or the beer may just be foul).
A PC is pretty sure the blind beggar he just
Passing by a noble’s estate late at night, the PCs
25‐26 tossed a copper to winked back. Perhaps he’s
witness a figure climb up one of the tower walls
been conned?
53‐54 and slip into a candlelit window. The candlelight
The PCs gave a lame man a coin yesterday.
snuffs out moments later. The thief emerges ten
27‐28 Today, they saw him duck into an alley, both legs
minutes later and disappears into the night.
somehow miraculously restored.
112
The PCs step into their room, glad to get some The child thief the PCs just caught squirms in
rest, when the door swings shut and latches 83‐84 their grip. “Please,” he says. “If I don’t bring ‘nuff
55‐56 behind them. The figure hiding there puts a home, my pa will beat me.”
blade to the PC’s throat and asks, “Where’s the A PC is fairly certain the guard exacting tolls at
money?” the gate is the same person he saw begging for
85‐86
Over a few drinks, several scoundrels invite a PC alms in beggar’s rags a few days earlier. What’s
to participate in a complicated con scheme, going on here?
57‐58
involving a wealthy merchant, a bucket of tar As the PCs are strolling towards a corner, they
and a lizard. hear a whisper of, “Soon as they round ‘ere,
Turns out every coin in a PCs’ pouch has been 87‐88 clobber ‘em and get their gold.” This is quickly
swapped for counterfeit money. Who could’ve hushed. When the PCs pause, they can hear
59‐60
made the switch? When and where did the PC faint, but heavy breathing.
last leave his coin unguarded? A black‐robed figure steps out of a doorway that
Half a dozen priests from a local temple are seems to suddenly appear. He sweeps an arm
61‐62 running toward the PCs, hollering “Thief! Thief!” 89‐90 out and invites the PCs to pay respects within the
after a man who barely has the lead on them. thieves’ temple and receive a blessing from one
A woman dodges through the marketplace of its priests.
towards the PCs, guards hot on her heels. Cries A thief pops up in front of the PCs, somehow
63‐64
of “Thief!” rise above the usual hawking and waving one of their valuables in the air. “Race
91‐92
haggling. you to the nearest city gate. Beat me, and I’ll
In a tavern, a drunk man totters up to the PCs’ return it!” Then the thief dashes away.
table, grabs a drink and downs it in one. With a A PC recognizes the beggar wandering the
65‐66 look of smug satisfaction on his face, he totters market as having once been a noble, now having
93‐94
off to the next table. A barroom brawl will fallen destitute. Then they notice him plucking
inevitably ensue... food and goods from various stalls he’s passing...
The thief the PCs have cornered lets the hood The thief the guards are marching down the
67‐68 slip back from concealing their face. The visage street is a friend of the PCs and someone they’d
95‐96
revealed belongs to a supposed friend. rather not see get stuck in jail or have a hand cut
The game‐runner in the marketplace offers the off. He sees them and begs for help.
PCs’ choice of card, dice or other gambling The PCs have caught the thief with their coin
69‐70
pleasures. Surely they couldn’t be rigged, could purse in his hands, but he claims he needs the
they? He’s giving good odds... 97‐98 money to help save his dying child. He begs them
This shifty fellow offers to sell a treasure map for to come to his hovel to see the veracity of his
71‐72 a mere gold coin. The wealth it could lead to will words.
be thousands of times that! “Hello. I’m the god of thieves, and I need you to
The PCs have caught a thief red‐handed, and steal something for me.” At least, that’s what the
their grip on his wrist is unbreakable. Turns out, guy in the black mask and cloak claims when he
73‐74
though, this thief likes to bite anything within 99‐100 meets the PCs. Do they believe him? Well, since
reach. he just walked through a solid wall to greet
Unlike most thieves, when the PCs caught this them, maybe there’s something to his story and
75‐76 one in the act, they pulled a blade and look ready request.
to leave the PC bleeding in the gutter.
Heavy netting drops over the PCs’ heads as they
ducked into the alley behind a tavern. As the
ropes tighten, hands pat them down for
77‐78
valuables. If they struggle, the thieves beat them
into unconsciousness, but do not inflict lethal
damage unless attacked by the same.
While enjoying a dinner party at a noble’s estate,
the PCs notice a pair of poorly dressed servants
79‐80 slipping various pieces of silverware and food
into their clothes and bags. They’re also plucking
the odd piece of jewellery from other guests.
The thief who just bumped into the PCs and took
their coin is dressed in the finery of a noble. Also,
81‐82 his face matches that of a well‐respected
member of an influential house that holds much
power in the local courts and merchant circles.
113
TRADERS & CRAFTSMEN: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Every shop or workshop should have a distinctive appearance. A fieldstone building with a blue wood shingle
25
Use this table to generate interesting characteristics and roof.
features of the shops and workshops in your town or city. Some Large brass hooks line the walls of this workshop
26
features may be inappropriate based on your set up or what the displaying extra merchandise.
A very homey one‐room shop, with an old red
PCs have encountered. Ignore such results and simply re‐roll. 27
rug, large fireplace and small desk in the corner.
This shop has a number of chairs and tables in an
D%
28 adjoining room, and serves refreshments as a
A loft, where the craftsman labors, overlooks the side business.
1
sales floor. A small wooden shop that smells of fresh baked
A stone building with a blue‐green moss growing 29
2 bread.
on the north wall.
A large stone shop with a coat of arms displayed
This stone workshop is reminiscent of a 30
on one wall.
3 miniature castle with slits for windows and a
This workshop features a spiral staircase that
small portcullis. 31
leads to a second floor residence.
A stone gargoyle, hopefully just a statue,
4 The walls of this shop have been tiled and
overlooks each corner of this shop. 32
accented with false gems.
Green logs make up the walls of this shop, which
5 A small gold‐plated monkey statue sits by the
smells vaguely of mint. 33
entrance on a stand of cherry wood.
A finely wrought fountain sits in the corner of
6 A boar’s tusk serves as a door handle and wolf
this shop, adorned with small angels. 34
and bear hides cover the floor.
A brick shop with a large mural painted on an A trap door behind the main counter leads to a
7 outer wall depicting a young warrior fighting a 35 separate storeroom where the highest quality
dragon. goods are sold in private.
This stone shop was once a dwarven still and still 36 A wooden shop, painted red with a roof of tin.
8
smells of whiskey.
A shop made of salvaged materials with
The walls of this shop are formed of well‐ 37
9 portholes instead of windows.
polished marble.
This large shop at first appears to have a
The interior walls of this shop have been
10 labyrinthine layout but it has been carefully
plastered smooth and painted pale blue. 38
arranged to make customers view as many items
The east wall of this shop is brand new, as possible before reaching the exit.
11
composed of a different wood from the rest.
Two large men stand outside this workshop as a
A young girl sits in the corner of this shop playing 39
12 deterrent to troublemakers.
a simple lute.
The flag of the local lord waves from the rooftop
This shop of dark blue slate has a stale taste in 40
13 of this modest stone shop.
the air.
A large family tree is displayed on one wall of
The goods in this workshop are not labelled or 41
14 this shop.
organized in any clear manner. The far end of a display table in this shop is dyed
This shop is favoured by local fishermen and 42
15 red with blood and boasts several deep cuts.
smells of fish even when empty of patrons. 43 A grey slate shop with a simple flat roof.
16 A small stone shop with a thatched roof. This large stone shop has one window that
17 A small stone shop with a leaky slate roof. 44 cannot stay closed. It continuously bangs in even
This large wooden building has a store in front, the slightest breeze.
18
workshop in the back and residences on top. 45 A stone shop with windows of green glass.
This former manor home has been converted A simple wooden shop with stars painted on the
19 into an indoor marketplace, with different 46
ceiling.
vendors selling from each room.
A stone shop with the silhouette of a red goblin
The base of this shop is of fieldstone, finished 47
20 painted on its door.
with pine.
A stone shop with ivy growing heavily on one
21 A clay building with a dirty wood floor. 48
side.
22 A fine wooden shop with a slanted copper roof. 49 A brick shop with a slanted tin roof.
This shop has fishing nets hanging from the This shop looks like it was built in ages past, with
23
rafters, filled with supplies and extra stock. 50 a sharply different design than the newer
A stuffed elephant head is displayed on the wall buildings around it.
24
above the hearth. 51 A stone shop with windows of dyed wax paper.
114
A stone shop featuring a warm hearth in the A stone shop has a discount section in its
52 77
center of the room. basement.
A large wooden hall features different shops, 78 A small stone tower with a shop on its first floor.
53
each with their own area. A large stone tower with a different shop on
79
A two‐storey wooden building with a shop on each floor.
54
each floor. A wooden shop with no doors providing a step
80
A second floor shop allows access via a wooden stool so people can get in through the windows.
55
ladder. The first floor is boarded up. A wooden shop with its walls lined completely
81
The wood of this shop is tinted red and smells of with shelves.
56
cherries. A stone shop featuring well‐crafted glass display
82
The walls of this shop are made of whole trunks, cases.
57
uncut except at the corners. The arctic timbers of this shop’s walls keep the
83
58 This stone shop features an eerie echo. sales floor chillier than outside.
A private shop is accessed only from the back Copper pipes line one wall of this shop making
84
59 room of a tavern, through a door marked with a haunting music when the wind blows.
black star. 85 A large bear skin rug greets patrons.
A shack made of salvage sells its wares at the 86 Two suits of armour flank the shop’s entrance.
60
end of an alley just off the main marketplace. This great stone room has everburning torches
87
A simple wooden building has three different flickering in wall sconces.
61
doors for Large, Medium and Small patrons. A cooking fire is set in the back wall filling the
88
Over the entrance of this shop hang two curtains shop with the smell of stew.
62
of fine mail in place of a door. This stone building was once a guard post and
89
The walls of this shop are hung with the skins of features arrow slits in the walls.
63 animals, many of which are found only in foreign This wooden shop has a religious symbol painted
90
lands. in gold on the front door.
The front room of this shop is completely bare This stone shop has a front door of iron featuring
91
64 except for six doors. All six doors lead into a seven different locks.
densely packed workshop. This brick walled shop has a spiral staircase set in
The outer walls of this shop have hundreds of 92
the middle leading to a second floor of goods.
65 notes crammed into the crevices, each a prayer A small storefront contains only samples with all
to a departed loved one. 93 goods stored in a back room behind a curtain of
The rug set in the middle of this store depicts an hide.
66 ancient battle between dwarves and creatures of The insides of this shop are terribly cramped; the
shadow. 94
aisles count as difficult terrain.
While a roof can be seen from the outside, the This small stone shop has a thatched roof and
67 95
shop’s ceiling has mural of the night sky upon it. smells of wet dog.
The outside of this shop is rundown; appearing The air in this shop is stale leaving a foul taste in
68 to be abandoned, while the inside appears brand 96
customers’ mouth.
new. The walls of this shop are pink and feature
A wooden shop whose walls have grown a thick 97
69 paintings of famous young bards.
layer of moss. One wall of this shop features a mirror lined in
A wooden shop with the ceiling and upper 98 silver that shows a perfect reflection of the scene
70
shelves thick with spider webs. three seconds ago.
A building of brick decorated with oil paintings of The outside of this shop features a huge painted
71 99
great military leaders. sign reading “You don’t want to shop here!”
72 An old chapel converted to a shop within. This large wooden building features three floors,
The entrance to this shop features a steel cage fully staffed, with a sales counter on each and a
100
73 with a locked door that serves as a secure tavern in the back. Your first drink is free with
antechamber. any purchase (limit 1/day).
This shop is accessed through a cellar door
74
around the side of another shop.
A bright purple shop of wood with orange
75
curtains in the windows.
The front of this shop is made of magically
76
hardened glass crafted by a forgotten wizard.
115
TRADERS & CRAFTSMEN: SELLING
Traders and craftsmen sell an incredible variety of things. Use 50 Tattoo artist
this table to determine what a randomly visited shop is selling. 51 Stonecarver
52 Carpenter
D% 53 Vinter
1 Apothecary 54 Thatcher
2 Tailor 55 Weaver
3 Grocer 56 Wheelmaker
4 Fletcher 57 Silversmith
5 Scribe 58 Shipwright
6 Blacksmith 59 Map maker
7 Livery 60 Potter
8 Dyer 61 Playwright
9 Tanner 62 Glass blower
10 Metalsmith 63 Hatter
11 Cooper 64 Haberdasher
12 Armourer 65 Milliner
13 Weaponsmith 66 Porter
14 Candlestick maker 67 Barrister
15 Soap maker 68 Embroiderer
16 Cobbler 69 Architect
17 Seamstress 70 Barber
18 Butcher 71 Coppersmith
19 Baker 72 Fence
20 Rope maker 73 Basketweaver
21 Book binder 74 Whore
22 Hostel 75 Cheesemaker
23 Money lender 76 Cartwright
24 Tutor 77 Farrier
25 Slaver 78 Bowyer
26 Herbalist 79 Wainwright
27 Arms trader 80 Perfumemaker
28 Oracle 81 Horse breeder
29 Hireling’s guild 82 Mason
30 Gem cutter 83 Paige
31 Appraiser 84 Scribner
32 Storage 85 Tax collector
33 Alchemist 86 Customs agent
34 Astrologer 87 Bricklayer
35 Story teller 88 Painter
36 Gladiatorial trainer 89 Acquisitions agent
37 Houndsman 90 Falconer
38 Midwife 91 Tobacconist
39 Shaman 92 Cartographer
40 Tinker 93 Fisherman
41 Artificer 94 Cook
42 Poet 95 Minstrel
43 Locksmith 96 Physician
44 Courier 97 Collier
45 Brewer 98 Colporter
46 Money collector 99 Linen‐draper
47 Mercenary services 100 Spicer
48 Jeweller
49 Leatherworker
116
TRADERS & CRAFTSMEN: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to walk into a shop and buy The vendor is looking for some high priced wares to
something, occasionally fate intervenes. If you desire to add an add to his inventory. He is willing to reveal the
extra level of complication to their shopping trip, use this table location of an old tomb in exchange for a
11 percentage of the loot. He has an old bloodstained
to determine what opportunities or complications the PCs
map given him by a previous customer in part
encounter while trying to make their purchase.
exchange for several items that shows the location
of the Cairn of Whispering Darkness.
D20 The craftsman has locked himself in his backroom
The store, its owner and several customers are crying that he has been bitten by an angry patron.
being quarantined due to reports of a plague. The He refuses to come out until the customer
1 doors are all boarded up and prominent signs spell 12 apologises, but of the customer there is no sign. (At
out the danger in several languages. The sound of the GM’s discretion, the customer could be a
sobbing emanates from within. lycanthrope and the unsuspecting craftsman is now
A sudden fire breaks out on the bottom floor infected).
leaving several people – including the shop owner’s A ranger’s eagle companion has gotten loose in the
2 children – trapped on the floor above. He begs shop. No one can find the ranger and the bird is
passersby for aid; those saving this family gain a 13
quite angry. It refuses to leave until its master
friend for life. returns; the shop keeper is at his wits end.
The store begins to flood with sewage from the Someone has gone through the store changing the
sewers below. The craftsman panics and starts to prices listed on signage. A salesperson runs around
3 move his products to a higher shelf. An apprentice 14
the store frantically trying to correct the signs and
moves some of the larger items outside – at which stop people from making purchases.
point they are promptly stolen. A sign is posted inside the shop reading “Help
The craftsman’s young nephew regales loudly 15
Wanted. Acquisitions.”
about how incredible the last adventurers that Hidden amongst the various wares is a small box
4
came through town were – they had a pet dragon! 16 with two marble dice. A note inside has one word:
No one seems to be listening. “Lucky.”
The craftsman has been taken with a strange A spectacular‐looking sword hangs on the back
mood. He’s locked himself away in his workshop wall. A DC 20 Appraise reveals that the item is from
5 for nearly a week, taking no visitors. Lights burn at an ancient, fallen kingdom making it worth 2,000
the windows all night and occasional strange gp without enchantment. A successful Spellcraft
sounds emanate from within. 17
check of the relevant DC reveals magical properties
Thirteen dwarves are turning the shop upside relevant to the PC’s level or greater. The item has a
down looking for a lost key, when the PCs arrive. long and storied history and is the focus of a search
6
They take a dim view of questions or of strangers by an ancient secret order.
interfering in their affairs. A shelf full of wares has been toppled over. The
An old man stands outside predicting the moment vendor struggles to pick it all up while making sure
passersby will die. He is emaciated, wild‐eyed and 18 no one walks off with any pocketed merchandise.
7 very loud. He predicts a dire end for the party “in a He is distracted when the PCs arrive and asks them
place where the fair light of the sun has never to return later.
reached.” The craftsman here cannot find his tools. He
The craftsman weeps over her lost love, who was refuses to work with anything less than tools of
taken by pirates or bandits last week. His work has 19 masterwork quality and thus work has ground to a
8
not been the same quality since and customers are halt; he suspects thieves in the pay of his rivals to
beginning to complain. He is thoroughly miserable. be responsible for the missing tools.
Someone has snuck packets of dye in this The craftsman here has been tasked with building
craftsman’s last supply shipment. All his most the centrepiece for the upcoming festival or other
9 recent wares are tainted green. He is loudly 20 celebration but a streak of bad luck has soured his
swearing vengeance against his rivals, when the view of the holiday. The piece stands half‐built in
PCs arrive. the centre of the shop.
The local lord has levied high taxes against this
particular trade, doubling the price of the goods
10
the PCs’ seek. The tradesman apologises, but can
do nothing to reduce the price.
117
TRADERS & CRAFTSMEN: ASSOCIATED NPCS
Use the charts below to portray the folk encountered in or D20 RACES 1 (COMMON)
nearby a shop or workshop. 1‐10 Human
11‐13 Dwarf
BASIC CHARACTERISTICS 14‐16 Elf
17‐19 Halfling
D20 GENDER
20 Roll on Races 2 (Uncommon)
1‐10 Female
11‐20 Male
D20 RACES 2 (UNCOMMON)
1 Half‐Orc
D20 MALE NAME
2 Half‐Elf
1 Avel Ferryman 3 Gnome
2 Nestor Longfeather 4 Aasimar
3 Darkmane Grey 5 Tiefling
4 Elric Headsplitter 6 Goblin
5 Torg 7 Kobold
6 Shamol Brewer 8 Orc
7 Ysgor 9 Tengu
8 Danrel Grower 10 Gnoll
9 Gar the Great 11 Drow
10 Teeth Dinos 12 Minotaur
11 Tender Sweeney 13 Centaur
12 Gaetir Merrygood 14 Catfolk
13 Kadal Thornbread 15 Lizardfolk
14 Nordstrahm 16 Ifrit
15 Heinril the Bald 17 Orcead
16 Sweets 18 Ratfolk
17 Honest Solon 19 Sylph
18 Haf Sollis 20 Undine
19 One‐Eyed Goodman
20 Balasi Prospect
D20 APPEARANCE*
1 Dressed for battle with a longsword on her hip
D20 FEMALE NAME
2 Long golden locks and the latest finery
1 Cyma Ara 3 A large ruby rests on a chain around his neck
2 Ellaris the Light 4 Dark wiry hair and a heavy tan
3 Iona May 5 Leather armour and short red hair
4 Grendella 6 A large filthy apron wrapped around a thin frame
5 Goodie Laenus 7 A unicorn horn is tattooed on her forehead
6 Taris Ellbee 8 Long brown hair is tied back with a red ribbon
7 Junia Sharpe 9 Olive skin with scars along his left cheek
8 Deadly Daltree Many silver chains and piercings with minimal
9 Agora 10
clothing
10 Frazelle 11 A heavy brown robe and hair cut short
11 Dark Jann 12 Silk clothes in bright colors
12 Luta Deathknell 13 Black hair in braids ending with gold beads
13 Smiling Asa 14 A large belly shakes when she laughs
14 Caitlin Greymark 15 A long nose and big fluffy eyebrows
15 Cassandra Ravilla 16 Prominent cheekbones and dark brown eyes
16 Sheryl Augur 17 A clear overbite
17 Restel the Yellow 18 A large, red wart dominates his chin
18 Aelia Underbridge 19 Piercing blue eyes and a well‐worn brown jacket
19 Winter Estergrew 20 Big floppy sleeves and a bandolier across her chest
20 Red the Kindhearted *Descriptions can apply to NPCs of either sex
118
D20 MANNERISMS* PURPOSE
1 Dodgy eyes Use this table to determine why the NPC is in the shop.
2 Favours the right leg
3 Cracks her knuckles D% PURPOSE IN THE SHOP
4 Scratches his chin
1‐30 Craftsman
5 Stares off into space
31‐40 Supplier
6 Yawns at inappropriate times
41‐60 Salesman
7 Drums her fingers
61‐87 Patron
8 Sniffles
87‐90 Thief
9 Laughs with a throaty chuckle
91 Rival checking on his competition.
10 Rolls his eyes
Gang member looking for the latest “protection”
11 Talks far too fast 92
payment
12 Does not respect personal space
Messenger with a notice from the king or other
13 Loops her hair about her finger 93
local authority
14 Punches people’s shoulders in greeting 94 Child of the craftsman’s ex‐lover, looking for work
15 Drags his feet 95 Detective looking for clues on a smuggling case
16 Walks with hunched shoulders 96 Wizard’s apprentice picking up a special order
17 Talks in a nasal voice 97 Crook laying low from the militia outside
18 Is gullible and easily astounded 98 Craftsman who used to own this shop, reminiscing
19 Whispers her internal monologue Secret admirer of the shop owner, hiding in plain
20 Seems to be constantly filled with glee 99
sight
*Mannerisms can apply to NPCs of either sex Bard trying to piece together the history of a
100
legendary item
RUMOURS
Use this table to determine any stories circulating about the NPC
in question.
D20 RUMOURS
1 Keeps a paramour
2 Has a drinking problem
3 Is in debt
4 Part of the local thieves guild
5 Worships the old gods
6 Moved after their spouse died
7 Eats stray cats
8 Distant blood relative to the local ruler
9 Poisoned a rival
10 Comes from old money
11 Former adventurer
12 Keeps a daughter in the basement
13 Killed a man with a rusty spoon
14 Has a separate backroom business
15 Skilled card player
16 Exceptionally well read
17 Converted religions to please spouse
18 Knows where the treasure is buried
19 Secretly a changeling
20 Is having an affair with (roll a new NPC)
119
WATCH, THE: RANK & FILE
It takes many pairs of eyes, hands and feet to keep a town’s You wouldn’t guess it from her wiry frame and
streets and alleys safe. Even the lowliest member of the Watch dewy eyes, but Gella Vraimont (CN female half‐
plays an important role — even if that sometimes is just as 25‐27 elf warrior 3) has a fierce reputation as the
reigning champion of a local blood‐fighting ring.
fodder for the criminal elements they’re trying to stamp out.
She brings this same ruthlessness to her patrols.
Edgin Wulluny (NE male human warrior 2) may
D%
wear the Watch’s badge, but everyone knows he
Gorman Runst (LN male half‐orc warrior 2) is
has a tattoo of a red boar on his right heel,
notable due to by his missing arm and eye,
28‐30 marking him as a loyal member of a local gang.
gouged out during a patrol in the wilds. With
1‐3 Quick to laugh and quicker to kill, Edgin is always
elongated tusks and a gruff nature, he loves
watching anyone nearby through the tangle of
making people flinch before getting them to buy
his lanky brown hair.
him a drink.
Quentin Nombsky (N female human warrior 1)
Avrys Lummons (TN male human warrior 1) was
has fine features, close‐cropped black hair, and
once savaged by a pack of wild dogs, leaving him
startlingly green eyes. What none of his fellow
missing a left ear and much of his nose. These 31‐33
4‐6 Watchmen realize is “he” is actually a she, hiding
days, anything on four paws sets his fingers
her gender because she believes it will gain her
twitching for his sword, and he’s always looking
deeper respect from her peers.
for an excuse to lash out at any mutt.
Xavin Mellonus (LG male human aristocrat 1)
Oraji Hulasker (CG male half‐elf warrior 1) is
shows off the sword on his hip, etched with gold
rarely seen without a liquor flask or wine jug in
filigree — that is all that’s left of his lost family
hand. You can tell he’s around when your eyes
34‐36 fortune, thieved by a conniving ex‐business
7‐9 start watering from his alcohol‐saturated breath.
partner. He constantly suspects double‐crosses
At the same time, he’s able to take quite a bit of
and hidden plots where there are none, and has
physical punishment because he simply ignores
a permanent squint.
the pain due to his constant inebriation.
Galen Selanthia (LG male elf aristocrat 1) puts
Rolan Tomas (LE male human warrior 3) is known
the lie to the idea that all elves are wise beyond
to be connected with a local gang lord, but no
their years. Incredibly naive and gullible, Galen
10‐12 one seems to care. Fashionable and vain, he’s 37‐39
joined the Watch thinking he could help clean up
always flush with extra coin and isn’t shy about
the city and help everyone live in peace. He has a
spending it to make friends.
dancer’s poise and almond‐coloured eyes.
Alain and Adain Remshire (LG male human
Duni Tongtongues (LN male dwarf expert 3) is as
warrior 1) are twin brothers—each tawny and
superstitious as they come, and his fiery red
muscled—who can only be told apart by their 40‐42
beard is knotted with charms to ward off bad
13‐15 closest companions. They love setting up sting
luck. He is rather twitchy for a dwarf.
operations, confusing criminals with their
Berta Claggs (CN female dwarf warrior 2) knows
identical features and making crooks feel like
every tavern in town, and it just so happens her
they’re being pursued by a relentless hunter.
43‐45 patrols go by most of them in a single day. You
Ulost Us’laust’un (LG male human warrior 2) this
can’t ever quite tell if she’s scowling, smirking or
exotic man speaks broken Common, but isn’t
smiling.
hesitant to get his point across with a well‐
16‐18 Brumbles Allany (N male human warrior 1)
placed prod of his blade. A loyal bladesman,
always has a fierce glint in his eyes and
anyone who tries to mock his outlander heritage
constantly caresses his sword hilt. Truth is,
receives the instant ire of his companions.
46‐48 though, despite his bulk and brusque nature,
When his wheat crop failed, Sulley Moyons (NG
he’s a coward at heart. He’s the first to flee from
male human commoner 1) moved his family to
a fight and always let’s others engage the enemy
the city in order to provide for them. Broad‐
19‐21 while he watches from the sidelines.
shouldered and deeply tanned, he’s further
Heavily muscled and brutish, Guntle Sornan (CE
distinguished by his tendency to carry a hoe as
male half‐orc warrior 2) disdains those weaker
his weapon of choice.
49‐51 than him, and has a particular scorn for beggars.
Since the Watch doesn’t always pay too well,
Any not quick enough to scramble out of his way
Durgen Havusroc (CG male orc warrior 3) works
gets a solid whack.
as a tavern bouncer on the side. As such, he’s
22‐24 Anders Thorpe (N male human warrior 1) has
been in hundreds of brawls and scrapes, inuring
had his head bashed a few times too many. His
him to levels of violence others would find 52‐54
lumpy skull and cross‐eyed stare aren’t at all
shocking. He laughs uncontrollably in any fight.
enhanced by his incessant grunting.
120
Pont Dredgem (NG male dwarf warrior 2) is Ede Iuon (N female half‐elf adept 2) loves nature
constantly munching on a raw onion or garlic beyond all else, and does what she can to
55‐57 cloves, giving him a pungent aura. He says it’s to preserve any wild growth within the city walls.
keep the vampires away. He has at least a dozen She hauls a bag of fresh earth and seedlings
85‐87
warts on his face and an enormous nose. around, and plants them whenever her patrols
Whalen Wimple (LN male human warrior 2) is come across a bare patch of dirt among the
forever stuffing meat pies into his dribbling maw, stones. Trample a blade of grass in her presence
his gut straining the buttons on his Watch at your peril.
58‐60
uniform. Enormously obese and drenched in Darnelly Obolstein (CG male human warrior 2) is
sweat, he doesn’t so much “patrol” as waddle quickly recognized by the thick, rusted armour
around it (mostly from food cart to food cart). 88‐90 he never takes off. He clanks about town,
Olly Totle (N male halfling warrior 1) was once a glinting eyes peering out through his helm’s
slave to a foreign master with a cruel tendency visor, eager for someone to cause trouble.
to cut out the tongues of all his servants so they Sammus Quilpas (LN male human expert 1)
61‐63
could never reveal his secrets. Having escaped believes the whole city is conspiring against him,
that country and joined the Watch, Olly and his signing up for the Watch was partly
communicates by whistling. inspired by the desire to uncover “the truth.”
91‐92
Danelly Gim (N male human warrior 1) has filthy Shifty‐eyed and with a flair for dramatic reveals,
nails that he is always picking clean with a he is forever formulating new conspiracy
dagger. Bald and loutish, grime seems to have theories connected to any misfortune that
64‐66
been etched into the wrinkles of his face. There’s befalls him.
a hint of a graveyard stink around him, but no Ovor Drunst (LE male half‐orc warrior 3) joined
one knows why. the Watch because it gave him the ability to kill
Mavrity Jurex (CG female half‐orc warrior 1) with impunity. His armour is patched together
93‐94
hates how the city is divided by economic strata from scraps taken from dozens of his victims—
67‐69 and racial castes. She often loudly lectures but so long as they’re criminals, he isn’t
against social injustices, and isn’t afraid to slap technically doing anything illegal.
ill‐doers around with the flat of her blade. Daw Quellwith (NG male human warrior 2) has a
Buntu Drunst (CG male human warrior 2) has thing against fighting women, which puts him in
massive scarring across his enormous shoulders a bind whenever he faces female criminals who
95‐96
and back. He’s never told what he did to gain the have no problem shoving a sword through his
70‐72
apparent whipping, or where he lived before gut. He is polite to a fault, often bowing
coming to the city. Dark‐skinned and haired, he whenever a woman passes him on the street.
goes about his duty with a grim, merciless air. Carrel Fulstrum (LG male human warrior 3)
Finny Batterby (LG male gnome expert 1/warrior knows every Watch regulation that ever existed
1) loves to talk. Doesn’t matter what it’s about, 97‐98 and quotes every single relevant one of them
so long as he can keep jawing away. His while performing an arrest. He often puts people
73‐75
companions have taken to stuffing their ears in mind of a bull walking around on its hind legs.
with cotton during patrols in order to block out Thulia Falish (LG female elf aristocrat 3) knows
his wheedling voice. no moral middle ground. To her, all is black and
Obos Longsmith (LN male dwarf expert 1) turned white, good and evil. As such, even the slightest
from a passion for mining gold to trying to create 99 infraction demands the greatest punishment.
the precious metal through alchemy. His Willowy and tall, she strides through crowds,
76‐78
eyebrows were burnt off years ago, and he’s back straight and shoulders squared, secure in
often setting some part of the Watch station on her ethical superiority.
fire with his experiments. Ralan Thesmir (NG male aasimar adept 2) has
Volli Kranster (LG male human commoner 1) is adapted to his celestial breeding by believing he
enjoying his very first day as a member of the needs no armour, or even clothing to protect his
Watch. He’s eager to prove himself in the eyes of perfect physique. Anyone who runs into this
79‐81 100
his commanders, and practically vibrates with golden‐haired, silver‐eyed man will get more
bridled energy. Smooth‐cheeked and wide‐eyed, than an eyeful of his well‐muscled body. Clad
his youthful innocence won’t last long, no doubt. only in a loincloth, it is a wonder how he keeps
Uthger Nattles (LG male human warrior 1) is his Watch badge affixed to his bare chest.
marked by his half‐blindness and white hair. The
oldest member of the Watch, he will never
82‐84
retire, even when forced to hobble after crooks
on his cane. Loves to tell stories from his youth in
a crackly voice.
121
WATCH, THE: EXPERTS & SPECIALISTS
The watch does not simply comprises warriors and yet more Avi Dunnonson (NG male dwarf expert 2) came
warriors. Like any large organisation, it also relies on groups of from a poor upbringing and has a particular
specialists to facilitate certain needs – be it healing, fondness for beggars and widows. His gentle
49‐54
eyes and words often soothe the souls of those
organisation, information gathering and more. Use the NPCs
who often are trampled on by the upper crust of
below, to portray such folk.
society.
Aghlia Runeforge (NG female dwarf adept 4) left
D% her position as a priestess during a crisis of faith.
Frella Wellorus (LN female half‐elf expert 2) used Now she turns her healing abilities towards
to run one of the most successful smuggling and 55‐60
keeping her fellows alive and curing the city of its
counterfeiting rings in the city. A religious ills. Black braids hang down to her waist, and
1‐6
experience turned her straight, and she now she’s often seen in prayer.
employs her knowledge to catch and convict Once a blacksmith, Toddy Nobcrusher (LN male
those who wallow in similar misdeeds. dwarf expert 2) continues to forge his own
Wyrtle Nourn (CG male human adept 4) has eyes armour and weapons, while also outfitting the
on the back of his head—literally. After going 61‐66
Watch with fine gear. The stink of the forge rests
7‐12 bald, he had a ring of stylized eyes tattooed over him at all times, and his chainmail jingles as
around his skull. Some of his men even claim to he marches about.
have seen them wink every now and then. Yorg Munst (CG female half‐orc warrior 3) has a
Lina Haluspeck (LG female halfling adept 2) has a reputation for beating information out of
tamed mountain cat who prowls by her side at 67‐72 prisoners in the most brutal fashion. She files her
all times—and stands as tall as her. Her Watch tusks to needle points and crimson tattoos
13‐18
station also hosts a pack of feral cats, but decorate her dusky gray skin.
nobody mutters about the stink of cat piss in Gipple Werstile (LG male half‐elf expert 2) has an
Lina’s presence. office plastered with maps, marking patrol
Randle Utterspout (N male gnome expert 3) has routes, criminal hideouts and other notable sites.
bedecked his quarters with a dozen different 72‐78
He paces before these at all hours, searching for
paintings of his own creation, and is always patterns and details that have slipped past his
19‐24
searching for artistic inspiration while overseeing scrutiny.
Watch patrols. His hair and eyes are a glittering Odel Ansus (N male human expert 2) believes
silver. the Watch is being opposed by a shadowy
Andragt Huntfer (NE male human expert 3) loves network of crime lords, and spends much of his
to use his authority to levy massive fines on local 79‐84 time plotting to thwart their supposed schemes.
businesses for the slightest regulatory Antsy and unhealthily thin, he tends to speak in
infractions. Despised and feared by merchants, whispers, not wanting spies to overhear his
25‐30
he never hesitates to use the Watch for personal plans.
gain, and stall owners rapidly pack up wares Undlestent Stundleson (LN male dwarf expert 3)
whenever they see his slim figure swaggering sees the Watch as a giant mechanism, with the
their way. various soldiers and guards as cogs and levers
Elwin Quillspine (LG male half‐elf expert 2) has 85‐90
that must be tuned and operated properly. His
compiled a massive logbook of all current crimes movements and marches are as clipped and
and criminal names in his district. He carries it measured as his words.
31‐36
with him at all times, ready to add another line in Dradley Plonkst (LN male gnome adept 4) has
his tidy handwriting. He has ink‐stained fingers built up an enormous informant network among
which he licks absentmindedly. the orphans and beggars throughout the city,
Luppa Gliswrith (CG female gnome adept 3) 91‐99 and he uses this to always keep a bright red eye
carries paints and brushes with her everywhere on the criminal factions in his territory. Swift
and draws odd runes on out‐of‐the‐way surfaces. with a dagger, and swifter to come to his allies’
37‐42
Her purple hair and eyes gleam in even the aid.
softest light, but her voice is harsh whenever Rouauel Tulus (LE male human vampire
ordering her troop about. aristocrat 3) only works night patrols. He helps
Fayla Mopest (LN female human expert 2) clear the streets of its most violent denizens
doesn’t believe in the spirit of the law. There is 100
while also slaking his bloodthirst. Ebony eyes are
43‐48 only the letter of the law. Plain‐faced and severe set in a pale face, and he enjoys stroking the
in dress and composure, she is merciless in her faces of his trembling victims before feasting.
pursuit of law and order.
122
WATCH, THE: INFORMERS & WATCHERS
Although the watch spends a fair amount of its time chasing pick Ameley Augusthon (NG female human expert 2)
pockets and breaking up drunken brawls it also investigate more once had a oracle prophesy she would die by
serious crimes. A good network of informers, gossips and drowning, which has given her a lifelong phobia
52‐59 of water. She refuses to even drink it, and her
watchers are vital to this practise. Use the NPCs listed here, to
dehydrated state has given her cracked lips,
portray such individuals.
sallow skin and greasy brown hair. She refuses to
go near rivers or small bodies of water.
D% Yullip Ebonnuth (LN male half‐elf adept 1)
Ada Delia (CG female human commoner 2) fancies himself a prophet and searches for
suffered as a prostitute under a particularly omens in everything around him, from birds
harsh pimp, until she convinced her “sisters” to 61‐66
flying overhead to the arrangement of a corpse’s
unite and beat him to death. Now, still limbs. His keen eyes never stop moving as he
1‐7
possessing of a harsh beauty, she patrols the scans his surroundings.
alleys where prostitution remains rampant and is Allory Mumfrum (LE male human aristocrat 2)
often driven to violence when she witnesses believes he is descended from royalty, and has
abuse against women. affected a pompous air to match his supposed
Peddly Blusk (NG male human adept 1) has an 67‐72 heritage. He thinks of the Watch as his private
affinity with rats others find repellent. Beyond army and tries to manipulate it for his own ends
his hunched stature and whiskered face, he even and profit. His thin figure is buffered by an
claims an ability to talk with rodents, which ostentatious voice.
8‐14
makes him even more an object of ridicule. Jerly Eroot (LN male human expert 2) has a knack
However, he often possesses information that for sniffing out lies. Stout and jovial, he
would otherwise be impossible for him to gain 73‐79 constantly cocks his head from one side to the
alone. His nose constantly twitches. other when talking to others, as if hearing
Falish Ungul (TN male tiefling adept 1) is striking something they don’t.
for his youth—barely come into his first chin Illian Chival (NG male half‐elf expert 2) used to
stubble. At the same time, cold, hard eyes dare belong to a dancing troupe until a group of
you to bring up the tiny horns peeking out of his brigands burned down their theatre. Now he
15‐21
black hair, and anyone foolish enough to bring 80‐85 employs his grace and speed in superior
up his heritage is immediately subjected to at swordplay, hunting down violent rabble before
least an hour of lecturing on the nature of they ruin others’ lives. He has a wistful look to
tieflings. his violet eyes, as if remembering better days.
Word on the streets is that Salahna A’grayun (LN Elsi Ladrael (CG female gnome expert 1) is the
female human expert 1) ran away from a noble go‐to gnome whenever anyone needs to make
family to avoid a forced marriage. Since she’s stolen property disappear. Fencing hot goods
22‐28 86‐90
worked with the Watch, she’s proven a keen gives her a decent side income, and she figures it
hand at daggerplay and slinking around unseen, doesn’t hurt anyone. She constantly runs fingers
often acting as an informant and hidden blade. through her long, pink hair.
Yuli (CN female gnome commoner 1) bedecks Nobble Spindlespire (CN male gnome expert 1)
her diminutive frame with the holy icons of a doesn’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want
dozen different deities and prays to them all, to be his friend. Bright blue hair and eyes make
29‐35
constantly. She figures if she keeps multiple gods him stand out in any crowd, and if you let him
happy, one of them will have to come through 91‐95
start shaking your hand or bowing to make your
for her in times of need. acquaintance, he’ll never stop. Rather ignorant
Reynold Louris (N male halfling expert 1) is of potential danger, but fearless when faced by
always keen to share the gossip he gathers. He it.
36‐42 loves to sit unnoticed in an out‐of‐the‐way Perl Bonnon (CN male human adept 2) once
corner and pretend to doze while eavesdropping dreamt of being a bard, and still tries to write
on conversations. He always goes barefooted. epic poems and songs about the smallest of
Telly Pendlefoot (LG female halfling expert 2) is 96‐100
crimes he helps to foil. His long legs let him run
small, even for a halfling. Terrified of the dark, down any fleeing thief with ease, and he often
yet stuck on night patrols, she carries a candle hums or sings to himself while out and about.
43‐51
almost as tall as her and volunteers for lamp‐
lighting duty. Moves silently on her hairy feet,
but squeaks at any noise from the shadows.
123
WATCH, THE: SERGEANTS & CAPTAINS & SPECIALISTS
Someone has to lead the patrolmen and swordhands. Without Cibbi Slimcloud (CG female gnome expert
commanding officers, the Watch would mill about like headless 1/warrior 2) has an instinct for finding danger
chickens and get even less accomplished than they already do. that her squad members respect and fear—since
43‐47 it often puts them in the middle of the fray. Her
D% petite ears quiver at every noise, and her wide,
ocean‐blue eyes are always peeking around the
Olmen Zurusk (CE male human warrior 3) loves
nearest corner.
inflicting as much pain on others as possible. Few
Atrius Pensworthe (LN male human aristocrat
who languish in his cells rarely emerge without
1‐6 1/warrior 3) is unlikely to ever enjoy his family’s
broken bones or fresh facial scarring. He always
wealth, thanks to older siblings who squander
has a smug smirk and licks his lips whenever he
48‐52 the fortune. So he’s set out to make his own way
spots a new victim.
in the world, and the Watch has turned a soft
Irromanaeus Drex (NG male elf warrior 3) has
young man into a hardened commander worth
charged into more battlefields than most people
heeding.
alive today. Having retired from the army, he
Leron Bathus (CN male human warrior 3) takes
7‐11 applies military precision and strategic planning
everything personally. He is incredibly harsh on
to keeping the city safe. His boots are always
his own self, and can often be heard growling in
polished and he marches in circles when deep in 53‐57
his office, lecturing himself for failing to live up
thought.
to his personal expectations. His overly large
Xandiel Flavius (CG male elf warrior 3) prefers to
eyes seem to quiver in their sockets.
see the fear in the eyes of those his squad
You can hear Slavi Pundlestick (LG male dwarf
arrests. He often engages crooks in personal
12‐16 warrior 4) bellowing from blocks away. It’s the
duels, relishing the thrill of a private fight before
58‐62 only volume setting the stocky dwarf knows, and
skewering them on his sabre. His angular
half his squad stumble around partially deaf
features gain a cruel edge whenever duelling.
because of his shouting in their ears at all hours.
Rost Ungrund (CN male half‐orc warrior 4) is
Tadi Yeureau (N female half‐elf warrior 2) has a
known for his brash, hasty manner that has
passion for feats of strength and physical
gotten more than a few of his men killed. He
challenges. She keeps her squads in tip‐top
17‐22 believes the simplest solution to conflict is just 63‐70
shape by a fierce fitness regimen, and is always
throwing more people into the fray until all
dashing about town, long brown hair trailing
opponents are dead or subdued. Guards fear
behind her and a joyful light in her eyes.
being assigned to his squad.
Jarla Iridin (LG female human warrior 3) doesn’t
Dahlia Lindquist (NG female human warrior 3)
have an inch of her dark skin that isn’t crowded
has recruited an all‐female squad, which is
with tattoos. She claims the tattoos describe her
ruthless in keeping the quarter clear of criminal 71‐73
23‐27 true name, that none but the gods can speak,
factions. With raven hair and emerald eyes,
and claims she is on a divine mission to purge the
Dahlia isn’t shy about using her beauty to disarm
city of evil.
a convict before beating him to the ground.
Bolstun Erias (LN male human aristocrat 3) is
Avery Alwith (CG male halfling warrior 3) takes
rarely seen without his horse, a gray stallion he
on many green recruits and puts them through
rides all about the city. He loves the feeling of
merciless training to turn them into fighters
74‐76 looking down on the commonfolk the horse
28‐32 worthy of the Watch. His tiny figure, clad in
offers, and feeds it better than most of the men
polished armour, draws chuckles from the new
in his squad. He is not beloved by his men, or the
recruits, until he has them begging for mercy and
people over which he watches.
rest.
Nadan Draske (LG male human warrior 3) has
Langle Dridge (LN male human expert 3) prefers
eschewed the usual shield and sword many
fighting with his bare hands. With a permanent
Watch patrols are equipped with in preference
33‐37 scowl fixed upon his scarred face, he lumbers 77‐79
for training with polearms and spears. Even in
about, seeking the next villain who needs
close quarters, he can spin and thrust a spear
throttling.
with admirable flair.
Felus Halen (NE male human expert 3) is in the
Louk Rowter (CN male half‐orc warrior 3) has an
pocket of a local gang, and turns the Watch away
enormous temper which is triggered by cruelty
from interfering with their illegal activities. In
38‐42 towards children. Woe to the one who shoves
exchange, he enjoys numerous luxuries, fine 80‐82
aside the grimiest urchin when Louks is watching
food and a peaceful position. This has led him to
– he has beaten several folk to a near pulp for
become fat and lazy.
such infractions.
124
Phileus Olemon (NG male elf aristocrat 2) claims Ari Brek (CG female human warrior 3) wears
a royal heritage, and certainly acts the part. heavy armour, carries a massive warhammer and
Haughty and preferring tailored clothes to the 92‐94 puts lovely flowers in her hair. Her smile is as
83‐85
Watch’s usual uniform, he keeps his blonde hair broad as her shoulders, and she’s quite gentle
long, compared to most guards’ close‐cropped until her temper is roused.
style. Luellen Versane (LN female half‐elf warrior 3)
Foyathel Gurs (LN male human warrior 3) While hates when adventurers stroll into town,
a respected Watch commander, Foyathel is because they always muck up her precious
95‐97
unaware that he actually has a split identity, the peace. Chubby for a half‐elf, she keeps a wary
86‐88 other of which is actually violent and criminal in eye on any strangers in the area, certain they’re
nature. Many of the crimes his squad going to need arresting sooner or later.
investigates were actually committed or Haffrey Stonewerk (CN male dwarf aristocrat 2)
instigated by him. is jittery for a dwarf, to the point of paranoia. No
Kaleb Montroy’s (CG male human warrior 2) one is quite sure what the pale‐skinned and gray‐
98‐100
hirsute appearance has given rise to the rumour haired dwarf is afraid of, but his constant patrols
89‐91 he’s actually a werewolf. His penchant for raw and building inspections do keep the area safer
meat and affinity with wild dogs has only than normal.
encouraged such stories further.
125
WATCH, THE: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
The Watch often has problems they need to sort out. Sometimes Need some ill‐gotten goods on the cheap? A
they’re their own problem. Sometimes the adventurers are the 23‐24 Watch guard has offered to guide the PCs to the
problem. Or you could be the solution. nearest black market for a small fee.
A Watch member is stalking a noble’s daughter,
D% 25‐26 and his commander wants the PCs to dissuade
him from this foolish infatuation.
While strolling through a city marketplace, the
Watch shows up looking for a stolen magic item, During a guard’s patrol of a mercantile district, a
recently thieved from one of the nearby jewellery store was broken into and robbed of
01‐02 27‐28 many valuable gems. The guard is desperate for
merchants. On their search of the PCs’
belongings, they discover the item has somehow the loot to be recovered before he’s blamed and
wound up in their possession. demoted. He asks the PCs for help.
The PCs leave a tavern from its side entrance, A Watch private has been visiting the estate of a
exiting into an alley—only to find a blood body rich merchant on a regular basis. His commander
03‐04 lying at their feet. Right then, members of the 29‐30 wants to know what’s going on there, and
Watch round the corner and see them standing whether the private has gotten on the
over the corpse. merchant’s personal payroll.
While the PCs purchase supplies for their next The PCs just saw a known gang enforcer slip a
adventure, the shopkeeper lets slip that a heavy pouch to a Watchman, who is now
31‐32
05‐06 member of the local Watch is running a strolling along like nothing happened. The pouch
protection racket, and they’re about to arrive to clinked loudly.
collect their weekly fee. The PCs spot a reputable Watch commander
The familiar cry of “Stop, thief!” rings out right as duck into a popular drug den. Is he there to bring
33‐34
the crook in question bumps into the PCs before in some addicts or to sample the place’s various
07‐08 sprinting away. As the Watch give chase, a PC brews and smokes?
realizes the thief they’re chasing also just lifted The Watch squad at the city gate is helping a
his coin purse. 35‐36 band of smugglers bring illicit goods into the city
A Watch patrol marches up and displays a through a series of tunnels and nightly deliveries.
Wanted poster with a sketch of a PC’s face on it. A Watch commander has uncovered evidence of
09‐10 a black market slavery ring. His men are
Similar sketches have been posted all around 37‐38
town, stating the PC is a violent criminal. stretched thin as it is, but he wants this ring put
A Watch patrol stumbles out of a nearby tavern, out of commission immediately.
drunk, surly and looking for trouble. They decide The local Watch patrol is equipped with some of
11‐12 the shoddiest armour and weapons the PCs have
the PCs are up to no good and stagger over to
investigate. 39‐40 ever seen. What are they doing with the city
Some wastrel has broken the heart of this funds that should allow them to purchase better
Watchman’s sister—and from her description, he gear?
13‐14 The Watch patrol possesses suspiciously nice
looks a lot like a PC. Whether the PC did the
deed or not, he’s been pegged as the culprit. gear...some of the finest armour and swords
41‐42
The PCs have been caught out past an unofficial around. Who is their mysterious sponsor and
15‐16 curfew, and the Watch members are demanding what is the hidden cost of their finery?
a “forgiveness fee” in order to not arrest them. Several churches have been desecrated over the
A guard’s gone missing on his usual night patrol past few nights, and the Watch needs more
43‐44
in a seedy part of the city. A PC thought he saw personnel to keep further altars from being
17‐18 someone matching his description slip into a profaned.
brothel the day before. There is a reward money A Watch member’s family was killed by a band of
for the guard’s rescue. thugs wanting to cow the city guards into
45‐46
Hearing sounds of a scuffle in a nearby side submission. While the rest of his squad are
street, the PCs investigate the disturbance and fearful, he’ll stop at nothing for revenge.
19‐20 The PCs have crossed paths with a Watch guard
find a freshly dead Watch member in the middle 47‐48
of the road. A dagger remains stuck in his gut. who is notoriously racist towards non‐humans.
While resting on the balcony of an inn, enjoying A pyromaniac has burnt down several
the starlight, the PCs see several members of the warehouses in the city’s dock district. The Watch
21‐22 Watch chasing a masked and cloaked figure 49‐50 is hiring people to guard the remaining
across the nearby rooftops. They’re passing right structures before the firebug threatens the
by the PCs. entire seafront.
126
Twenty merchants have had their shops robbed Food riots have erupted in the poorer sections of
in a single week, and the Watch believes it’s the the city, and the Watch needs hands able to
51‐52 work of several master thieves. They need help 77‐78 defend the barricades to keep the violence from
coordinating a sting operation to catch them in spilling over into the more upscale
the act. neighbourhoods.
A new street gang has rolled into the city and A serial killer is on the loose in the city, leaving
tried to claim its territory through a rash of bodies missing hands, feet and heads. The Watch
79‐80
53‐54 killings. The Watch is looking for extra swords to has put out a call for this murderer to be put
cut down the lunatics before they settle in down like the rabid dog he is.
permanently. Congratulations. The PCs are asked to volunteer
Dozens of children have been kidnapped off the due to a shortage of hands in the local Watch.
55‐56 streets in the past few weeks, and the Watch has 81‐82 Tonight, a rowdy festival is taking place, and
no leads as to who is responsible. they’ve been conscripted to help keep folks from
A Watchman wants to retire, but refuses to do so getting too out of hand.
until a local drug smuggler is removed from the While passing by a tavern, the PCs see a
57‐58 scene. Since his mates won’t humour him, he’s Watchman get flung out the door to sprawl
come to the PCs for help in eliminating this across the cobbles. He sits up, blood streaming
83‐84
blemish on society. down his face. On seeing the party, he points at
This Watch member is an obvious addict, shaking the tavern, and orders them to help subdue the
and twitching as he begs the PCs for enough coin brawl.
59‐60
to get her next fix. It’s the only way she can stay Drought in the wildlands has caused an influx of
focused enough to manage her patrol. barbarian refugees who are stirring up trouble
A Watchman wants help framing one of his 85‐86 around town. The Watch is shorthanded in
fellow guards to get him kicked out of the squad. dealing with these ruffians, and needs the PCs’
The guard in question is a lazy brute whose help!
61‐62
behaviour sullies the good name of the Watch— The Watch wants the PCs’ help in evicting
but there’s no hard reason for him to be squatters from a block of ramshackle houses and
expelled. abandoned shopfronts. It’s been ordered to be
87‐88
The PCs have encountered a Watch member torn down for a noble’s new manor, but the
who is heavily in debt due to gambling. He either squatters refuse to leave and get violent in their
63‐64
needs someone to pay off his debts or dissuade own defence.
his creditors from pursuing payment. While trying to enter the city, the guards at the
The local Watch also runs an underground dog gate demand a “fee” to prove the PCs an upright
89‐90
fighting ring. They’ve got dozens of the poor and honest citizen. If you refuse, they refuse you
65‐66
creatures starving in cages, horribly scarred and entry or attempt to bully you into submission.
mutilated. A guard has asked for your help in bringing in a
A Watch captain has dug up some juicy blackmail 91‐92 vicious crime lord—an arrest that is sure to get
on a noble and wants some muscle to back him him a well‐deserved promotion. He may
67‐68 up when he goes to gouge the aristocrat for as The captain of the Watch is suspected of being
much coin as possible. He offers a portion of the on the take of several local crime lords. Several
spoils in return. 93‐94 of his lieutenants want to gather enough
The PCs hear a shout and see a Watchman evidence to take him down, but can’t risk getting
standing by a sewer entrance. Apparently, a pack involved personally.
69‐70 of thieving wererats have just ducked into the A Watch captain wants the PCs’ help breaking
undercity, and he’s not stupid enough to chase into a noble’s estate to steal evidence to confirm
95‐96
them himself. suspicions of tax evasion. If caught, their actions
An entire Watch patrol is plagued with insomnia, will be plausibly denied on his part.
possibly the result of a magical hex. Alongside The gang member the PCs just killed turns out to
71‐72
their increasingly exhausted and erratic 97‐98 be an undercover member of the Watch who
behaviour, they need someone to lift the curse. had infiltrated the gang as an informant.
The nearby Watch barracks had its food stores A Watchman has unrequited love for his female
poisoned, and half the force is deathly ill. The commander, but hasn’t managed to catch her
73‐74
PCs are asked to help them and find out who eye. So he wants to set up a scheme where he
99‐100
sabotaged their stores! catches the PCs performing a heinous crime and
A rat infestation has taken over city grain stores, turns them in, in the hopes it impresses her and
and the Watch needs help in stamping out the prove he’s worth her attention.
75‐76
pests before people start to starve and riots
ensure.
127
WIZARD’S TOWER: CHARACTERISTICS & APPEARANCE
Use this table to generate the appearance of the wizard’s tower. A stone tower with heavy wooden shutters and a
Some may be inappropriate based on the locale’s set up; ignore 25‐26 strong looking oak door. Both are of a black, hard
such results and simply re‐roll. wood.
A square stone tower stands amid newer
D% 27‐28 wooden buildings; some which have been
crushed under the tower’s base.
A simple and round grey two‐storey brick tower,
with a wooden front door. Ivy is growing in large A stone bridge leads out to the middle of a lake.
1‐2 When guests arrive, a stone tower rises up from
patches on the walls. Red roof tiles comprise the
sloping roof. 29‐30 the lake, while water cascades down the sides of
the spire; it surely connects its iron door to the
An octagonal stone tower with a flat observation
bridge to allow visitors inside.
deck on top. At night, voices can be heard from
3‐4 A four‐storey stone tower has a smaller wooden
the observation platform as several wizards
discuss the night sky. tower on the top, this wooden tower adds
31‐32
another twenty feet to the tower’s height and is
A square stone tower stands in the centre of a
a new addition.
bridge, archways allow the traffic to pass without
5‐6 incident, but occasionally the owner shouts at In the middle of an open plaza stands a single‐
pedestrians or wagons when he feels they come storey building. It looks like the top of a watch
33‐34
too close to his domain. tower with ramparts. There is no door leading in,
only a series of small windows.
A wooden tower, which looks as if it is about to
fall any minute. Every time the wind blows, the This stone tower of dwarven design has a
7‐8 mishmash of gears and pipes covering the top
tower creaks and trembles, and the door rattles 35‐36
on its hinges. floor. Steam, accompanied by a loud whistling, is
frequently let out.
On the top of the hill stands a small stairway, the
9‐10 staircase does not end abruptly, instead it simply On a small island in a river stands a tall fieldstone
fades out of existence. tower with a wooden door and barred windows.
37‐38 There is a dinghy tied to a small jetty in front of
A four‐storey stone tower shows years of
the tower. Most of the island is overgrown with
neglect, tiles have fallen from the roof and bricks
11‐12 brambles.
lie in piles near its base. Its chimney is crooked
and birds roost about the structure. This wizard’s wooden tower is built on a river
barge, for the moment the barge is moored at
A moss covered tower has many small animals 39‐40
the docks, but it is a well‐known sight up and
scurrying to and from the shelter offered by the
13‐14 down the river.
shrubbery. The door is an intricately carved
oaken work of exquisite craftsmanship. A tall stone tower has the door at the top; a long
winding staircase – without a bannister – wends
This morbid three‐storey tower has been built 41‐42
its way from the ground all the way up to the
with the bones of huge creatures; the roof is
15‐16 top.
made of a huge dragon’s skull. Fiendish lights
dance behind closely‐shuttered windows. This sleek tower of green marble is seemingly
carved from one giant piece of stone. Red and
Two towers vie for dominance in the square, one 43‐44
grey veins run down the length of the tower. No
a smoothly polished stone structure and the
door is visible.
17‐18 other a solid tower of hewn stone. The wizards
take every opportunity to scream obscenities at A deaf wizard has taken up residence in the old
each other. 45‐46 bell‐tower. The bells yet hang in the tower, but
mercifully he never rings them.
A small potion shop with living quarters in the
back room. The wizard living here has eschewed This necromancer has made a mausoleum his
19‐20 research, which is a common motivation for so tower, it is located in the town’s cemetery and
47‐48
many wizards; he just makes potions and need helps to give the place an eerie atmosphere with
no grandiose tower. its dark and ominous motifs of death.
This tower of rough hewn stone is adjoined to an A soaring spire made of crystal, there seems to
inn called the Drunken Wizard. The inn looks like be no doors or windows giving access to the
21‐22 49‐50
it is popular, but visitors keep their distance from interior. The crystal reflects the sun’s rays in a
the tower. kaleidoscope of colours.
The harbour’s lighthouse doubles as the home of The tower looks more like a military bastion than
a maritime oriented wizard, he keeps the a wizard’s tower. A thick wall surrounds the
23‐24 51‐52
lighthouse functioning as part of his agreement tower, and the windows look more like arrow
with the local ruler. slits. A solid wooden gate provides access.
128
A serene‐looking stone tower with a small The locals avoid the centre of this empty square.
garden in the back featuring a small pond. All other squares in the town have statues or
53‐54 79‐80
Colourful fish swim in the pond and a large other monuments built in the centre but not this
bloated toad sits croaking on a flat stone nearby. one.
This small slim stone tower is in the architectural On the top of a hill stands a white painted tower
style of the surrounding houses, but sports with lead tinted windows. The roof is made of
55‐56 81‐82
several ornate carvings upon its upper levels that red roof tiles, which reflect the sun’s light and
seem somehow disturbing. glitter like rubies.
A tower of black wood. The smooth edges and The fieldstone tower stands in the middle of a
the way the tower looks like it swirls around boiling tar pit, a drawbridge can be lowered to
57‐58 83‐84
itself indicate elven origins. Runes decorate the allow access. The tar pit is an illusion (DC 19 Will
door; occasionally they flash with a white light. disbelieves) The tower and drawbridge are real.
This forty‐foot high tower made out of clay has A gleaming silvery spire stretches to the heavens,
clearly been magically modified as it is as hard as 85‐86 at certain angles the sun’s rays make the tower
59‐60
steel. A darkwood door and shutters are the only impossible to look straight at.
features not made of clay. A 50‐foot wide chasm has opened up
The tower looks like it is made up of the night underneath this tower, but the six storey tower
87‐88
sky itself. During day its appears to be made of simply floats in the air over the rupture. The
61‐62 stars and the darkness from beyond the world, chasm is 200 ft. deep.
but at night the tower is almost invisible. No This unassuming stone tower has a simple
door or windows can be made out. wooden door. Near the tiled roof, three
This basalt tower is in a weird architectural style. humanoid shapes can be seen, one hanging from
The angles are off as if the tower occupies more a rope, the other two on the roof itself. Three
63‐64 dimensions than three. Observing the tower, for 89‐90 burglars tried to enter the tower ten years ago,
more than a minute, results in the sickened but were caught in a time stasis; in the last ten
condition (DC 16 Will negates). years they have only moved a few inches closer
A black ominous stone tower with skull motifs to their goal. No one dares to confront the
stands in the middle of a busy marketplace, wizard about them.
65‐66 although no one comes within 20 ft. of the tower The tower has been cut in twain twenty feet up
itself and the air surrounding the structure at a slightly downward angle. The rift has been
seems colder than it should. 91‐92 contained in a stasis field and individual bricks
The brick tower has an old and ornately hang in midair as they were smashed away from
decorated observatory dome on the top. On the tower.
67‐68
some nights, a large telescope can be seen This stone tower has no stairs leading up to the
sticking out of the dome. door, which is located ten feet up the wall. The
A tall, smooth stone tower, the top has been 93‐94 tower is topped with an onion‐shaped golden
carved into the likeness of an elephant’s head. dome and has no windows. It does have, though,
69‐70 The trunks snakes its way down the side ending arrowslits in profussion.
above the wooden door. Two long tusks, from a A huge ice spire rises from the ground; a
huge beast, have been set into the stone. 95‐96 doorshaped hole shows the icy interior. Wicked‐
A huge statue of a wizard over 40 ft. high, with a looking icicles hang from the spire’s roof.
defiant look on his face, has a door in its left A beautiful, smooth tower rises up from the
71‐72
shin. Windows can be made out in the folds of 97‐98 temple of the god of magic. The tower is the
the statue’s robes. personal domain of the temple’s high priest.
Amid drifts of snow, stands a three‐storey Several burnt out houses surround the tall stone
sandstone tower; not a single snowflake mars tower. The tower itself is missing its roof and
73‐74
the appearance of the tower. The building style shows signs of severe fire damage. There seems
99‐100
stands out amid the other buildings. to be a pall resting over the area and no
Four large chains are attached to this stone vegetation grows here as if the fire was not an
tower and securely driven into the ground, as if ordinary fire.
75‐76
the tower itself must be restrained from
escaping its resting place.
A circle of standing stones surrounds this
fieldstone tower. Lightning can be seen jumping
between the stones building up in intensity and
77‐78
frequency. The biggest lightning bolts are
jumping up to the roof where they are collected
in a huge ruby.
129
WIZARD’S TOWER: DRESSING
Use this table to provide interesting Subjects and points of note 25 The tower is whitewashed.
about the wizard’s tower. Some may be inappropriate based on 26 A light mist clings around the tower’s base.
the locale’s set up; ignore such results and simply re‐roll. Occasionally a tray carrying beverages can be
27
seen floating past the windows.
D% 28 The door is a large mirror.
1 There are scorch marks around and on the door. Black glasslike bricks have been used to break
29
The tower’s weather vane is formed like a wizard the monotony of the grey stonework.
2 The exploits of the wizard living in the tower
casting a fireball. 30
3 A severed hand still grasps the doorknob. have been carved into the walls.
An iron fence surrounds the tower, and clearly A small explosion blows the shutters off a
4 31
marks the perimeter. window.
5 A hot air balloon is tethered to the tower’s top. Seven winged monkeys are sitting on the roof,
The tower has deep rents covering its eastern 32 occasionally a pair of them flies off to patrol the
6 side, as if a giant beast have mauled it, the nearby streets.
surrounding buildings show no such signs. The front door has moving shapes of faces and
33
Hedges ten feet high form a maze around the hands trying to break free from within.
7 34 The tower has a thatched roof.
tower.
A two‐foot wide green spiral shape glows on the 35 Black orchids surround the tower’s base.
8 Black oaken exterior shutters cover all the
tower’s door. 36
The door to this tower has a gnome‐sized door in windows of the tower.
9 “Wands crafted for a fee”, is written above the
a human‐sized double door. 37
10 A sundial stands on a plinth in front of the tower. door.
A moat surrounds the tower; dark shapes can be 38 The tower’s roof is a giant beast’s carapace.
11 Halfway up the tower is a large balcony, the
seen swimming in the murky water.
Stone gargoyles in different stages of take‐off 39 doorway behind it is covered by exquisite silken
12 curtains.
and flight decorate this tall tower of cut stone.
An open eye is set in the oaken door, it blinks 40 A spinal cord serves as a bell pull.
13 41 Oil lamps light up the tower’s stone walls.
and peers around.
At irregular intervals, clouds of sulphur are The tower has no door, but a door‐shaped
14 emitted through canals along the top of the 42 opening is covered with what looks like a
tower. rainbow‐coloured semi‐transparent curtain.
15 A huge black dragon head hangs over the door. Every noon, an undead string quartet rises from
The tower’s dome is carved to resemble an 43 the ground in front of the tower and plays a
octopus; with tentacles twenty feet long. Each bone chilling tune.
16 The door is made of a single piece of crystal; it
day the tentacles seem to be in slightly different
positions. 44 distorts everything behind it into unrecognizable
Whispers promising power and wealth come out weird shapes.
17 of nowhere; they increase in intensity closer to Weird shadows dance on the tower’s walls.
the tower. 45 When someone approaches the tower, the
A dream catcher made of femurs hangs next to shadows reach out for them.
18 A gilded carriage is parked in front of the tower;
the door. 46
Halfway up, the stone gives way to an organic the coachman is taking a nap in his seat.
19 bulge merged with the wall. The bulge pulses at Small dragons have been carved into the tower’s
47
a steady pace. smooth stonewalls.
Three devils’ faces are carved over the front The windows of this tower are beautiful mosaic
48
20 door, one covers its ears, another covers its eyes, works of art.
and the last holds its mouth wide open. A huge wizard’s mark has been painted on the
49
For some reason the neighbourhood’s cats like side of the tower.
21 50 Thorny roses cover the tower walls.
to frolic in the tower’s shadow.
A gilded nameplate proclaims, “Fornegul, court Water lilies cover the surface of the moat
22 51
sage, expert in all fields and matters.” surrounding this tower, giving it a serene look.
The tower’s roof tiles are in fact black dragon Laundry hangs from a line attached to the tower
23 52
scales. and a point in mid‐air.
24 The doorbell emits a moaning sound. A wooden sign reads, “Potions and Scrolls for
53
sale.”
130
All the tower’s shutters carry the wizard’s mark 80 Four burning skulls float around the tower’s top.
54
prominently. A laughing skull is affixed to the door, the
81
A halfling is scrubbing the tower’s walls clean laughter switches between manical and giggling.
55 from degrading slogans, painted during the Two metallic statues stand on either side of the
82
night. He looks miserable. door armed with halberds.
A halfling gardener is feeding a giant flesh‐eating Gold dragon scales make the roof glitter in the
56 83
plant near the door. sunlight.
57 A displayed sign reads, “No loitering.” 84 The tower’s door has seven keyholes.
Potted plants stand on the stairs leading up to The tower has a small orchard at the back, the
58 85
the door. wizard occasionally sells fruits to the locals.
The lower windows have iron bars across them 86 Three large rubies glitter above the door.
59
and a tightly shuttered from within. 87 Thick mist obscures the lower half of the tower.
A cart carrying dung has broken an axle in front Small lizards dart across the tower’s walls; they
of the tower, the wizard is screaming at the cart hide in cracks in the masonry. Whole families of
60 88
driver from a window, as the dung has spilled lizards live in the cracks of the ancient
onto his stairway. stonework.
The front door is carved from a single piece of Two large braziers stand on either side of the
61 89
jade. door; they each burn with a greenish flame.
A narrow ditch surrounds the tower; the ditch is A thundercloud hangs over the tower; it
62 filled with a purple mist, making it impossible to 90 discharges lightning bolts down to the tower’s
discern the bottom. lightning rod.
No less than five weather vanes are seen on the Thin copper wires have been laid into the mortar
91
63 tower’s roof, each of them showing a different of the brickwork.
wind direction. Eight runes, each representing a different magic
On the door hangs a piece of paper, on which is 92 school are displayed over the doorway, a brass
64 scrawled with a shaky hand, “Help wanted, dial shifts between them seemingly at random.
halflings preferred.” Children play in front of the tower; they are
65 From a slightly open window, organ music drifts. 93 jumping in puddles of water, each puddle is a
66 A broom is sweeping the stairway by itself. different colour.
67 A sign says, “Beware of Owlbear.” A sign on the door reads, “Adolphus Finkelroy,
94
Black smoke billows out of the tower’s open top, Mage Extraordinaire.”
68
which functions as a chimney. A chained ettin butler stands in front of the
A moaning man in a pillory serves as a warning 95 tower, one head is welcoming people, the other
69
to would be thieves. threatening to rip them apart and devour them.
A hastily scribbled note on the doorknob reads, A ghostly figure stands in front of the tower and
70
“Gone to the Abyss, will be back soon.” 96 warns visitors of the perils of going to visit the
The surrounding garden is filled with colourful tower with darkness in one’s heart.
71
flower arrangements. Five pillars covered with arcane runes are
The doormat says either, “Welcome” or “Stay 97 arranged into the shape of a pentagram in front
72
out” depending on the person standing on it. of the tower.
A murder of crows is perched along the edge of Six open and empty coffins of different sizes
73
the tower’s roof. stand along the tower’s eastern wall. A sign over
98
Swarms of many‐coloured butterflies take flight them proclaims, “Please measure for size before
74 entering.”
from flower pots on the roof.
“Arcane paraphernalia bought, inquire within”, a In the ornately fountain in the front of the tower,
75 a group of water mephits have made their camp.
sign proclaims.
The tower’s windows are so dusty and dirty 99 Their constant jokes and pranks are a nuisance
76 to the town’s inhabitants, but they don’t
nothing can be made out within.
A small work crew is busy replacing the roof tiles approach the tower.
77 with new glazed ones. Scaffolding cloaks the A wizard sits on the stairs in front of the tower
tower. and smokes a pipe. The smoke from the pipe
100
Perfumed odours emanate from the tower’s takes on shapes of known and unknown
78 windows. Occassionally, a woman’ voice raised creatures.
in song floats down from above.
Scaffolding surrounds the tower as several
79
masons work to repair the stonework.
131
WIZARD’S TOWER: HOOKS, COMPLICATIONS & OPPORTUNITIES
Although the PCs may simply want to examine or pass by the An absentminded wizened old wizard walks around
wizard’s tower, sometimes fate intervenes. Use this table to his tower. He is drawing different designs on
11
determine what opportunities or complications the PCs selected buildings; there seems to be no grander
scheme in his meticulously vandalism.
encounter.
The party is swept along as a crowd of halflings
D20 demonstrate in front of the tower. They demand
better work conditions for servants in the employ
A woman stops the party and implores them to find 12
of wizards. The local wizard’s reply to their
her young daughter; she was playing near the
demonstration could be calm or more severe in
1 wizard’s tower yesterday. The wizard has
nature.
threatened to turn those pesky kids into squirrels
A surly barbarian hopes to enlist the party’s help to
on several occasions.
13 break into the tower and steal a jewel the size of a
The wizard asks the party to get rid of some rats in
human’s head.
2 his basement, but he has omitted to mention the
Two wizards stand in front of the tower and play
rats are of the giant fiendish sort.
chess with halfling‐sized chess pieces. The pieces
A man, with a pointy hat, stands in the town square
14 are in fact real living halflings; perhaps they are
and stares into the distance. Noticing the party he
earning a living, being coerced or magically
3 asks if they would meet the caravan he is waiting
dominated to take part in this bizarre spectacle.
for, it is long overdue and he expects an important
At the base of the tower lies a halfling in severe
delivery.
pain, both legs stick out in unnatural angles, they
The local tax collectors ask the party for a favour,
15 are clearly broken. A bearded man shouts from a
they are afraid to go near the tower as the wizard is
window near the top, “No I had the ring of feather
4 known for his sour mood towards the authorities.
falling, now get in here.”
They just need the party to collect the small tax on
A bearded man hangs from the tower’s roof
magic which amounts to five gold pieces.
16 screaming for help. Below him at the tower’s base
A white‐haired bearded wizard comes running out
lies an ordinary broom.
of the tower screaming, “Flee for your lives.”
An abandoned tower has recently started to open
Moments later a horned abomination bursts
5 up cracks in the ground around itself, at first it was
through the wall next to the door, it scans the
barely noticeable, but now the cracks are large
fleeing folk in front of the tower, and roars at the
17 enough and threaten to swallow up the nearby
PCs before charging them.
buildings. Town officials ask the party to
A parchment hanging from the door of the tower
investigate, and stop whatever is behind the cracks’
reads, “Midnight dew and red scaled mushrooms
sudden appearance.
wanted, reward given for correctly gathered
6 The local town drunkard claims to have conversed
ingredients, for details ring the bell.” An arrow is 18
with a devil asking for directions to the tower.
painted on the parchment pointing towards a small
An artist with a painting of the wizard stands in
toadstool‐shaped bell.
front of the tower’s door. The painting is clearly too
The wizard living in the tower sees the party as a
19 large to go through the doorway. The wizard in the
tool in his efforts to best his bitter rival living in the
7 painting is hiding his head in his hands and slowly
next town. Using a combination of threats, flattery
shaking his head.
and gold he tries to hire them.
A magical experiment goes wrong, and the tower
The wizard has the largest collection of accurate
catches fire. Worse, it begins to give off smoke
8 maps of the party’s next destination, but will he
laden with minor magical effects that starts to
willingly share? 20
affect the nearby buildings. The party must
A half‐finished statue of the wizard stands in front
penetrate the tower’s formidable defences and
of the tower, the nose seems overly large for a
stop the wayward experiment.
9 statue of this size. It might explain why there is a
statue of a sculptor with a fearful expression
standing next to the statue.
When a hawk‐nosed man cannot pay his gambling
debt to the party, he offers them tickets to the
10
yearly masked ball held in the wizard’s home,
instead.
132
WIZARD’S TOWER: LEGENDS & RUMOURS
Legends and rumours are often associated with certain wizard’s No one knows who built the tower, it has always
towers. Use this table, to determine what the PCs may learn 13 been there, and some legends claim that it is older
about the wizard’s tower in question. than the town itself.
The wizard that lived in the tower insulted a
D20 dragon. One day the dragon landed on the tower
and tore the roof off, and ate poor old Havasger.
No one lives in the tower, it has been abandoned
Several citizens ended up in the dragon’s maw as
for years, and furthermore the protective wards of
1 well. When the dragon had left, eighteen people
the tower are all dormant. Or at least that is what 14
were gone and several buildings were ablaze. The
the rumours say.
fires burnt for days, and the smoke could be seen
Carrilyth is a powerful elven mage; he has always
from miles away. Havasger’s magical treasures
been a benefactor to the neighbourhood, always
could be in the tower or in a cave up in the
2 helping the needy. But lately Carrilyth has become
mountains, guarded by the dragon.
a recluse always keeping to the shadows on the
To enter this tower one must appease the three
rare occasions he leaves his tower.
devils carved over the doorway. But how and why,
The crystal tower has never been breached. What 15
3 the legend does not specify, apart from the curious
riches and powerful secrets must lie within?
line, “What is missing must be restored.”
After disappearing twenty years ago, the tower of
It is said the owner of the tower, Henedryal, can
Balthazar is back in the exact same spot in which it
hear whenever someone speaks her name, and
once stood. The tower took most of the 16
4 instantly know the location and intent of the
neighbourhood with it those decades ago, although
speaker.
when it came back the other houses were nowhere
The wizard Fraelin is obsessed with mechanical life,
to be seen.
his tower is choked full of gears and all kinds of
Gudron, a gnomish wizard, died a decade ago and
17 weird contraptions. It is said he is looking for a way
now he walks the rooms of his tower, protecting it
to merge himself with an iron body to become
against intruders, and looking for a way to leave
5 immortal. “Iron before flesh”, is his motto.
the mortal world. No one knows how he died;
The wizard Sandhor used to be a handsome man,
perhaps the circumstances of his death is what
but an accident in the laboratory left him horribly
keeps him here. 18
scarred. Today he barters with devils and demons
The tower was built in a single night the legends
for a way to regain his lost looks.
6 tell, by devils. One day the same devils will come
Gerold is afraid of heights; that is why it is a one‐
for the owner, but who knows when that will be.
storey building, but how deep it goes is anyone’s
Agathar has the largest collection of fine spirits and
19 guess. Some say it goes so deep it pierces Hell
rare liquors from across the realms. He is always
7 itself, which may explain the sounds of flapping
willing to pay handsomely for any spirits that
wings on the darkest nights.
expand his collection.
During a thunderstorm five years past, the ground
Verion is a mad mage, with a fondness for turning
8 opened up under Barriol’s tower. The chasm is still
his enemies and other undesirables into frogs.
there but the tower simply floats over it, in the
The Tower of Ferinthyr has been turned invisible,
exact same spot as before the incident. Now the
and only becomes visible under the light of the full
9 watch have to stand guard over the chasm in case
moon. No one has breached the Moon Tower so
20 something comes out of it. On the occasions things
far, but the tales tell of plenty attempts.
have emerged, Barriol has helped defeat the hellish
At night, weirdly coloured lights can be seen
beasts emerging. There have been some unsolved
coming from the windows of the tower, and
10 bestial murders, and other unexplained
several voices in languages not from this part of the
happenings, recently. Perhaps something has snuck
world chant in the darkness.
past the sentinels?
Old Nikolitus has married one of his apprentices.
Her father was not too pleased about it, and he has
11
offered a substantial reward for the return of his
beloved daughter.
This tower exists on several planes at once; it
12 provides an easy way to travel between the planes.
Many planar treasures are hidden within.
133
134
E NCOUNTERS
135
DOUBLE DEALINGS (EL 6; XP 2,400)
The players witness an apparent mugging in an alley. Read: Veltin promises the PCs 300 gp and custom acquisition of
specialty items if they help him. If the PCs seem like they plan to
Muffled cries and deep groans echo off the alley’s walls. Four turn him over to the Watch he offers the same reward as a bribe
soldiers, dressed in red trappings, surround two men. One man to let him go. Veltin pleads and begs for help.
beats the other while the soldiers anxiously glance over their
shoulders and shuffle about nervously. The victim whimpers as VELTIN
he makes eye contact with you…
Open by appointment only, Veltin’s shop seems rather mundane
A PC making a DC 15 Perception check hears one soldier mutter: at first glance. With the right introduction, buyers discover a
cornucopia of illicit and stolen goods: jewellery, gems, weapons,
“I don’t like this. This isn’t what we’re here for.” poisons and instruments of assassination number just a few
items in Veltin’s inventory.
The PCs have stumbled not into a mugging, but into a bit of Background: Son of a shopkeeper, Veltin watched his father
rough street justice. The man being beaten – Veltin – is a fence struggle to build up his business before losing it to pay a large,
of stolen and illicit goods. The man beating him – Tulger – has overdue tax bill. The experience sent his father into a deep
recently been hired (along with his mercenary band, the Red depression from which he never emerged, dying after
Raiders) by a loose alliance of merchants intent on stamping out “accidentally” being run down by a runaway cart. Starting with
smuggling and thievery in the town. Tulger has been tasked with almost nothing, Veltin has worked hard to get where he is today.
capturing, intimidating or killing anyone associated with Personality: Once an honest man, greed and opportunity
smuggling or organized crime because the merchants believe the slowly compromised this merchant’s moral compass. Veltin is a
Watch is riddled with corruption and incompetence. coward and hates violence.
Once Veltin sees the PCs he screams for help, while Tulger Mannerisms: Veltin rubs his hands together when
tells the PCs to back off. Neither Tulger nor his men want to fight negotiating a sale.
the PCs, but defend themselves if necessary. Distinguishing Features: Veltin is rather fat and wears
oversized shirts to hide his plump frame.
NEGOTIATIONS
This is a very free‐form encounter; how the PCs resolve it will
depend greatly on their personalities and alignments. Use these
notes to run the PCs’ conversation with Tulger and Veltin.
Tulger: Tulger is initially unfriendly toward the PCs and VELTIN CR 5 (XP 1,600)
brushes them aside with: This man wears high‐laced boots and a flowing shirt over his
plump frame.
“Buzz off and go mind your own business!” Male human expert 7
N Medium humanoid (human)
Hostile to Unfriendly (Diplomacy DC 24): He orders his guards Init ‐1; Perception +12, Sense Motive +12
to attack. They do so, using nonlethal force to drive off the Speed 30 ft., ACP 0; Ride +6
PCs. AC 10, touch 9, flat‐footed 10; CMD 13; Combat Expertise
Unfriendly to Indifferent (Diplomacy DC 19): Tulger explains (+1 armour [padded armour], ‐1 Dex)
the situation and tells the PCs to leave. Fort +2 Ref +1, Will +5
Indifferent to Friendly (Diplomacy DC 14): If the PCs offer to hp 31 (7 HD)
take Veltin into custody, Tulger agrees. Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +5; CMB +4
Friendly to Helpful (Diplomacy DC 9): As above, but Tulger Melee mwk dagger +5 (1d4‐1/19‐20)
Abilities Str 8, Dex 9, Con 10, Int 14, Wis 11, Cha 14
forms a friendship with the PCs, which may be useful to them
Feats Alertness, Combat Expertise, Deceitful, Persuasive, Skill
in the future.
Focus (Profession [merchant])
Skills as above plus Appraise +12, Bluff +14, Diplomacy +12,
Veltin: Veltin is friendly toward the PCs (or indeed anyone
Disguise +6, Intimidate +4, Knowledge (local) +10,
who may intervene). Knowledge (nobility) +10, Linguistics +12, Profession
(merchant) +13
“I can help you. Just give me a chance. These guys have it all Languages Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven, Giant, Gnome,
wrong. I am only a dealer in hard‐to‐find items, not a thief!! I Goblin, Halfling, Orc, Sylvan
have contacts, money…help me!” Gear as above plus bag of holding (type I), 210 gp in stolen and
illicit goods (gems, jewellery, poisons etc.)
136
TULGER AND THE RED RAIDERS TACTICS
This mercenary leader has a score to settle with the local Experienced mercenaries, the Red Raiders flank opponents but
smugglers. only strike to deal nonlethal damage unless one of them suffers
Background: Tulger leads the Red Raiders (a small, lethal damage. The soldiers are brave and stalwart, but despite
experienced group of mercenaries). Hired by a newly formed their fierce loyalty to Tulger, they parlay if they are clearly losing
loose alliance of merchants to counter smuggling and organized (if half the soldiers are at or below half hit points).
crime, the mercenaries are somewhat out of their element. Used Tulger fights tenaciously; he uses Power Attack with Furious
to skirmishes and open warfare, many of the Red Raiders have Focus to beat the PCs unconscious. He also only uses lethal
begun to question Tulger’s decision to enter the realm of damage if attacked in kind.
political in‐fighting, vigilantism and urban conflict.
When he was a boy, Tulger’s father was maimed by a local AREA FEATURES
smugglng gang when he discovered their operation; Tulger has a The alley has the following features of note:
personal stake in stamping out the lawlessness infesting the Dim Light: Dim light provides concealment (20% miss
town. chance).
Personality: Tulger believes the Watch are weak and Alcoves: Doorways in the alley walls provide cover (+4 to AC
uninterested in tackling disorder. He is not shy with this opinion. and +2 to Reflex saves).
He lacks subtlety and his emotional attachment to the situation Trash: Rubbish covers the floor. It costs 2 squares of
makes him dangerous and unpredictable. movement to enter such squares and the DC of Acrobatics and
Mannerisms: Tulger spits copiously and often. He is capable Stealth checks increases by 2
of launching great globules of spit an impressive distance.
Distinguishing Features: Tulger is heavily tanned and his SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
right hand has a web of scarring across its knuckles. To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
EL 5 (XP 1,600): Remove 2 Red Raiders.
EL 7 (XP 3,200): Add 2 Red Raiders.
137
FIRE SALE (EL 4; XP 1,200)
This encounter can be used to add excitement to a shopping trip Distinguishing Features: Algar has a faintly acrid odor, due
for potions or alchemical items. Read: to long hours spent working with alchemical components.
138
FIGHTING THE FLAMES NPC ACTIONS
There are several ways the PCs can try to put out the fires. Algar: Between his injuries and his coughing, Algar is not much
Smothering: A PC can extinguish one fire by making a DC 15 help in fighting the fire. Treat him as having the nauseated
Reflex save. condition until the fire is under control. If treated with a DC 15
Water: Dousing a fire with water from the create water Heal check, he recovers enough to talk, directing the PCs to the
spell, a full waterskin or the pail from the basement bestows a water barrel in the basement and offering them the use of his
+5 bonus to the Reflex save made to extinguish a fire. potion of resist energy. He’s also very concerned for the safety
Magic: Targeting a fire with a spell with the cold or water for his familiar Tanglefoot.
descriptor may extinguishing it. The caster must make a DC 15 Tanglefoot: The hedgehog is napping under a bundle of old
Reflex saving throw to extinguish the flames. He gains a bonus to rags behind the counter. Sensing Algar’s pain and distress
this saving throw equal to the level of the spell used. For through their empathic link, Tanglefoot rolls into a spiny ball and
instance, using a second level spell like frigid touch bestows a +2 stays that way until Algar is well enough to soothe him. He can
bonus to the Reflex saving throw. be spotted with a DC 20 Perception check and moved by anyone
Creativity: Reward any creative solutions the PCs come up who successfully grapples him (CMD 6), taking 1 damage from
with to fight the flames. his spines.
SHOP FEATURES
The shop has several features of note:
ALGAR BRADEN CR 4 (XP 1,200)
Front door: This wooden door (hardness 5, hp 15, DC 25
This thin man wears a simple artisan’s outfit, and smells faintly
Break) is unlocked.
of something acrid.
Everburning lamps: The shop is lit by four ceiling‐mounted
Male human wizard (universalist) 3/ expert 2
N Medium humanoid (human) lanterns with continual flame cast inside.
Init +1; Senses Perception +8, Sense Motive +1 Upper floor: Algar lives in a small, but comfortable
Speed 30 ft., ACP 0 apartment on the upper floor.
AC 11, touch 11, flat‐footed 10; CMD 13 Basement: Algar has converted the basement to an
(+1 Dex) alchemical workshop. The area contains various raw materials
Fort +0, Ref +2, Will +7 and a small selection of completed alchemical items and potions.
hp 14 (5 HD)
The room also holds a full water barrel and a bucket.
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +2; CMB +2
Melee mwk dagger +3 (1d4/19‐20)
REWARD
Ranged mwk dagger (range 10 ft.) +4 (1d4/19‐20) or
Ranged hand of the apprentice (range 30 ft.; 7/day) +6 (1d4/19‐ If the PCs extinguish all the fires and save both Algar and
20) Tanglefoot, Algar is extremely grateful. In the future, he sells
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 3rd; concentration +7) them alchemical item at cost price (50%), and gives them a 10%
2nd—glitterdust (DC 16), make whole discount on any wondrous items he has for sale. He is also
1st— comprehend languages, identify, unseen servant
willing to craft specific wondrous items for the PCs, also with a
0— arcane mark, mage hand, mending, prestidigitation
Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds, potion of invisibility, 10% discount.
potion of levitate, potion of resist energy
Abilities Str 10, Dex 13, Con 8, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 14 SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
SQ arcane bond [familiar (hedgehog)] To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
Feats Brew Potion, Craft Wondrous Item, Master Alchemist, EL 3 (XP 800): The fires do not burn as fiercely. Extinguishing
B
Scribe Scroll , Skill Focus (Craft [alchemy])
a fire requires on a DC 13 Reflex save.
Skills as above plus Appraise +12, Craft (alchemy) +17,
Diplomacy +6, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Knowledge EL 5 (XP 1,600): The fires burn fiercely. Extinguishing a fire
(dungeoneering) +10, Knowledge (geography) +10, requires a DC 17 Reflex save.
Knowledge (history) +10, Knowledge (local) +10, Knowledge
(nature) +10, Knowledge (planes) +10, Spellcraft +12
Languages Auran, Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven
Gear as above plus cloak of resistance +1, alchemist's kit, spell
component pouch, spellbook, 303 gp
Spellbook as above plus 1st—crafter’s fortune, feather fall,
mage armour, magic missile; 0—all
139
FOR THE BIRDS! (EL 3; XP 800)
Navigating through or shopping in a busy market, the PCs If the PCs chase the tengu, refer to The Chase is On. If they
encounter four tengu thieves (Chow’ru, Bakkcha, Nuy and do not, the encounter is over.
Puto’ya). Although not formally part of a thieves’ guild, this band
of avian scoundrels rarely pays for anything. They have worked THE CHASE IS ON!
together since a young age, and they know every crack and loose The chase begins in a crowded marketplace surrounding a large
stone on the filth‐covered streets. They believe their unlawful fountain filled with shallow water.
actions to be harmless and that they are teaching those stupid Set‐Up: The PCs begin at the start line. The tengu thieves
enough not to protect their valuables an important lesson. begin at the third card due to their head start.
As the PCs move through the crowd, the tengu decide to The Chase: Each card includes two chase obstacles and
target one of them. corresponding skill check to overcome them. Examples of ten
cards appear below, but feel free to remove cards to shorten the
PICK POCKET! chase or add your own cards to increase its length and
One of the tengu tries to pick a PC’s pocket: complexity.
Sleight of Hand: The tengu attempts a DC 20 Sleight of Hand Initiative: The tengu and PCs roll initiative normally and move
check (+7). Success indicates it has taken a minor item from in the relevant order.
the PC. Cards: Each card represents 30 feet and for every 10 feet of
Spot Pick Pocket: The PC can make an Perception check movement speed more or less than 30 feet, the character
opposed by the tengu’s Sleight of Hand check to notice the takes a +2 or ‐2 respectively to every check made to navigate
attempt. If the PC fails to spot the attempt, a nearby merchant an obstacle. At the GM’s discretion magical abilities may
shouts out a warning. bestow additional bonuses.
140
Moving Through One Card: It takes a move action to move The thieves’ attitude towards the party begins as unfriendly.
through a card. When a character exits a card, he must pick If the PCs make them hostile, they attack maddened by the PCs’
one of the two obstacles to overcome. Success means he pointless wittering.
moves on while failure means he must face the obstacle again
next round. Hostile to Unfriendly: Diplomacy DC 24.
Other Actions: Instead of exiting a card, a character may take Unfriendly to Indifferent: Diplomacy DC 19.
other actions, such as casting a spell, making a ranged attack Indifferent to Friendly: Diplomacy DC 14.
and so on. A character can only make melee attacks against Friendly to Helpful: Diplomacy DC 9.
targets on the same card.
Alternatively, the PCs can intimidate the tengu into returning
Moving Through Three Cards: A character can move three
what they have stolen (DC 13 Intimidate check). A tengu
cards by using a full‐round action. To leave the first card, the
rendered friendly or better returns the stolen item and
character must overcome both obstacles. If he fails either
apologises for the “misunderstanding.”
check by 5 or less, he moves only one card forward. If he fails
either check by 5 or more, he cannot move at all. Failing two GETTING AWAY
obstacle checks mires the character in the current card. A If the tengu reach the “finish line,” they disappear into a ruined
mired character must spend another full‐round action to free building through a thin crack in the wall at the back of an alley.
himself. By the time the PCs find a way in, the thieves have gone.
CATCHING THE TENGU At the GM’s discretion, the PCs can discover the location of
the thieves’ hideout by gathering information from unsavoury
During the chase, the tengu stick together. If the PCs capture or
locals and other folk in the know.
attack and slow one of them, the others turn to defend him.
If the PCs catch the tengu without using violence, the thieves Merchants: Most market vendors hate the tengu as their
listen to any request or demands. Flattery gets you everywhere thievery is bad for trade. A DC 12 Diplomacy check or DC 13
with the tengu and if the PCs successfully pursue such a tactic, Intimidate check get them to reveal their suspicion that the
the thieves offer the item back as part of a big tengu lair somewhere near the waterfront.
misunderstanding. The Watch: The Watch generally ignore the tengus’ actions as
chasing them exerts too much energy for too little reward. The
guards suspect the tengu of lairing in an abandoned
TENGU THIEVES (4) CR 1/2 (XP 200) warehouse and for a 2 gp bribe tell the PCs of their suspicions.
This humanoid wears a deeply cowled cloak that almost
Knowledge (local): A DC 20 Knowledge (local) check reveals
completely obscures its features.
the general area of the tengus’ lair – an abandoned,
Male tengu rogue 1
N Medium humanoid (tengu) dilapidated warehouse near the docks.
Init +3; Senses low‐light vision; Perception +8 (+9 vs. traps;
trapfinding) TACTICS
Speed 30 ft. ACP 0; Acrobatics +7, Climb +5, Stealth +9 In combat, the tengu thieves flank enemies and sneak attack as
AC 15, touch 13, flat‐footed 12; CMD 14 often as possible. They primarily use daggers, but if the
(+2 armour [leather], +3 Dex) opportunity presents itself, they also bite. They flee as soon as
Fort +1 Ref +5 Will +2
they are able.
hp 9 (1 HD)
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +0; CMB +1
SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
Melee dagger +3 (1d4+1/19‐20) and
bite ‐2 (1d3) To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
Ranged shortbow (range 60 ft.) +3 (1d6/x3) EL 2 (XP 600): Remove one Tengu Thief.
Atk Options sneak attack (+1d6) EL 4 (XP 1,200): Add two Tengu Thieves.
Combat Gear arrows (20)
Abilities Str 12, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 8
SQ gifted linguist, swordtrained, trapfinding (+1)
Feats Weapon Finesse
Skills as above plus Appraise +4, Knowledge (local) +4, CHASE
Linguistics +8, Sleight of Hand +7
Languages Common, Goblin, Halfling, Tengu This encounter utilises the Chase mechanic. For a more detailed
Gear as above plus assorted shiny jewellery and trinkets explanation of chases, check out Chapter 8 of the Pathfinder
(presumably stolen), 4 gp Roleplaying Game GameMastery Guide.
141
GHOULS IN THE GRAVEYARD (EL 4; XP 1,200)
This encounter occurs at night. Distinguishing Features: Nedel takes great care of his
A pair of wily ghouls infests the town’s cemetery. Families of appearance. However, nose hair sprouts alarmingly from one
those buried constantly pester the Watch for help, but the nostril.
Watch does not have the resources or courage to deal with an Nedel’s Boon: If the PCs help him destroy the ghouls, Nedel
undead infestation. A local minor noble, Nedel Flameshield, is grateful. At the moment, he is unable to offer them a reward
decided to solve the ghoul problem himself, but they proved too but later on in their careers he can pop up – now much wealthier
much for him and he fled the graveyard in search of help. Clearly and famous – to offer them aid at an opportune time.
agitated and scared, he approaches the PCs wherever they might
be (in a tavern, as they wander the streets and so on). Read: GHOUL BROTHERS: FUUT AND TOOQ
These brothers have remained united in death. The ghouls lurk
A finely‐dressed, but dirty, young man clad in fine armour
in their lair (an ornate crypt in the centre of the graveyard)
approaches you. Clearly angry or upset as he rushes up to you.
during the day. They normally attack their victims around dawn
“Worthy heroes! I have a great need of your skills. May I
or dusk and can otherwise be found looting tombs, despoiling
speak with you?”
the cemetery and so on.
If given leave to speak, Nedel describes the problem Background: Raised on the harsh streets and
(in a rather confused fashion; see below for notes on plagued by constant hunger, the twin brothers Fuut
his personality). He also tells the PCs the ghouls and Tooq yearned for a way out of their miserable
are acting very strangely, leaping from vault existence.
to vault, taunting him from the shadows Discovering an adeptness for juggling and
and so on. He begs them to help throwing knives at a young age, the
eradicate the ghouls, but offers brothers eventually found the chance.
them nothing but his thanks Proving their worth to the operators
(although, see Nedel’s Boon, of a travelling faire, Fuut and Tooq
below). hit the road. Despite their
popularity in the show, the
NEDEL brothers couldn’t resist their
FLAMESHIELD desire to thieve. Eventually
they crossed the wrong
This minor noble
victim, a powerful
fears for the safety of
witch, who cursed
his antecedents’
and then
earthly remains.
murdered the
Background:
brothers. The
Nedel’s family lives
curse raised them
outside the town and
as ghouls and now
has fallen on hard
they feast in this
times. Practically
cemetery.
penniless, they are
Personality: The brothers enjoy their
nevertheless a proud folk.
antics in undeath nearly as much as their prior
Personality: Nedel is well‐
life. If the PCs attempt to speak with the ghouls,
meaning, but confused. He gets
they are ignored. In battle, if one of the brothers hits
muddled up often. He wants to
its target with a thrown dagger the other cackles and
gain fame and wealth to revitalise
cheers.
his family’s fortune. Defeating the
Mannerisms: Occasional cackles or taunts escape their
ghouls seems a perfect opportunity.
rotting mouths.
Mannerisms: Nedel is hard of
Distinguishing Features: Many livid, white scars crisscross
hearing; it may appear he is ignoring
both ghouls’ hands and forearms.
the person speaking with him, but
he is not.
142
TACTICS The structures provide cover (+4 to AC, +2 to Reflex) and can
be easily scaled (DC 15 Climb check) due to their carved
The brothers prefer to attack from the shadows, hurling their
decorations. Most vaults are 10 – 15 ft. high. Characters moving
daggers at unaware foes to gain the benefits of sneak attack.
atop a vault, or jumping between them, must make a DC 10
Wherever possible, they snipe (adjusted ‐10 Stealth modifier).
Acrobatics check. A character failing by 5 or more falls off the
They prefer to attack from atop the tombs and leap from
vault (suffering 1d6 falling damage). The vaults provide higher
tomb to tomb to separate their foes (and to gain cover from
ground (+1 on melee attacks) against opponents on the ground.
ground‐based attacks).
Ghoul Liar: The ghouls lurk in an ornate tomb. Bones and the
AREA FEATURES ghouls’ treasure lie scattered about the floor:
The graveyard has the following features of note: Mixed, Scattered Coinage: 12 pp, 162 gp, 327 sp.
Dim Light: Dim light blankets the graveyard, providing Tarnished Gold Bracers: Ornately wrought to depict cavorting
concealment (20% miss chance). lovers, these bracers need cleaning (worth 200 gp; DC 20
Soggy Ground: The ground is waterlogged. Appraise values).
The soggy ground does not slow characters, but does Cold Iron Dagger: This masterwork weapon has a small red
increase the DC of Acrobatics and Stealth checks by 2. stone set into its pommel (a jasper; the whole is worth 400 gp;
Crypts and Tombs: Due to flooding, the cemetery features DC 20 Appraise values and identifies).
almost exclusively above‐ground vaults and shrines. Minor Trinkets: A handful of silver jewellery (total worth 200
gp; DC 20 Appraise values).
FUUT AND TOOQ CR 2 (XP 600)
These starved pallid‐skinned humanoids have long, sharp teeth. SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
Male ghoul rogue 2
CE Medium undead To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +9 (+10 vs. traps; EL 3 (XP 800): Apply the young creature template to both
trapfinding), Sense Motive +7 ghouls (+2 on all Dex‐based rolls, ‐2 on all other rolls; hp 23).
Speed 30 ft.; ACP 0; Acrobatics +12, Climb +9, Escape Artist +10, EL 5 (XP 1,600): Apply the advanced creature template to
Fly +5, Ride +3, Stealth +10 (fast stealth), Swim +9 both ghouls (+2 on dice rolls [including damage]; AC 19, touch
AC 15, touch 13, flat‐footed 12; CMD 17 17, flat‐footed 16; CMD 21; hp 39; ghoul fever [DC 16], paralysis
(+3 Dex, +2 natural)
[DC 16]).
Immune mind‐affecting effects, death effects, disease,
paralysis, poison, sleep effects, stunning, nonlethal damage,
ability drain, energy drain, damage to physical abilities,
exhaustion, fatigue, massive damage, any effect requiring a NEDEL FLAMESHIELD CR 2 (XP 600)
Fortitude save (unless it affects objects or is harmless) Slimy in both looks and voice, this man is dressed immaculately
Fort +2 Ref +6 (evasion), Will +5 (+7 vs. channelling) and faintly smells of perfume.
hp 31 (4 HD) Male human aristocrat 4
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +2; CMB +4 NG Medium humanoid (human)
Melee bite +5 (1d6+2 plus ghoul fever [Fort DC 14 {2 cures; Init +1; Senses Perception +3, Sense Motive +3
onset 1 day; frequency 1 day; effect 1d3 Con and 1d3 Dex Speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐1; Ride +6
damage. A humanoid who dies of ghoul fever rises as a AC 17, touch 11, flat‐footed 16; CMD 14
ghoul at the next midnight. A humanoid who becomes a (+4 armour [mwk chain shirt], +1 Dex, +2 shield [mwk heavy
ghoul retains none of the abilities it possessed in life. A slain steel])
humanoid of 4 or more Hit Dice rises as a ghast] and Fort +1 Ref +2, Will +3
paralysis [DC 14 Fort negates; duration 1d4+1 rounds; elves hp 20 (4 HD)
immune) and Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +3; CMB +3
2 claws +0 (1d4+2 plus paralysis [DC 14 Fort negates; Melee mwk longsword +5 (1d8+1/19‐20)
duration 1d4+1 rounds; elves immune) Ranged shortbow +4 (1d6/x3)
Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +5 (1d4+2/19‐20) Combat Gear arrows (10)
Atk Options sneak attack (+1d6) Abilities Str 12, Dex 12, Con 11, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 13
Combat Gear daggers (6) Feats Mounted Combat, Ride‐by Attack, Trample
Abilities Str 14, Dex 16, Con —, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 14 Skills as above plus Bluff +5, Diplomacy +8, Intimidate +8,
SQ rogue talent (fast stealth), trapfinding (+1) Knowledge (history) +4, Knowledge (local) +4, Knowledge
Feats Acrobatic, Weapon Finesse (nobility) +5, Linguistics +5, Perform (dance) +5
Skills as above plus Intimidate +9 Languages Common
Languages Common, Dwarven, Undercommmon Gear as above plus a fine handkerchief and a money pouch
Gear as above holding 250 gp
143
LAW & ORDER: THE TAXMAN (EL 4; XP 1,200)
Taxes are the lubrication that enables towns and cities to ETOR THE PROUD
function and so every settlement of note will have at least one
Scrupulously honest, Etor wants to be loved by the populace.
tax collector. Such fellows are normally disliked by almost
Background: The youngest of six brothers, Etor’s childhood
everyone they deal with. (In fact, if a tax collector is generally
was not a happy one – picked on by his brothers and all but
well‐liked it’s a virtual certainty he is not doing his job properly!)
ignored by his hardworking parents he left home at an early age.
Some taxmen are more honest than others.
Personality: Honest and friendly, Etor is often
As he often carries quite a lot of coin, a taxman is
misunderstood. In truth, he wants to make everyone happy and
accompanied by three watchmen while he is working.
make taxes fair. Thus, he charges everyone exactly what they
Use these notes to portray a taxman accosting the PCs.
owe. His childhood was not a pleasant time for him, and he
always carries snacks to give to children he meets. This
LIOFA BURWARD
behaviour could be misinterpreted.
This taxman has contacts in a local thieves’ guild. Mannerisms: A happy fellow, Etor remains smiling
Background: Liofa’s mother was a successful thief who in almost any situation, even though his smile may
rose high in the local guild’s hierarchy before retiring. become strained (and manifestly fake).
Liofa is her only surviving child, but shares none of his Distinguishing Features: Etor’s left thumb
mother’s adventurous traits. curls inwards toward his palm – badly broken
Personality: Liofa is a devious, dishonest fellow in a childhood fight it never set properly.
intent on making as much money as he can. He
blatantly suggests the PCs bribe him in exchange for TACTICS
paying much less tax. If the PCs anger him, he passes
The watchmen protect the taxman without
their details onto his mother who arranges for them to
overly endangering their lives. They use
be visited by the guild.
nonlethal force and call for aid. During battle, a
Mannerisms: When confused or angry Liofa
taxman gathers up his book and coin and flees.
rubs his forehead with one hand.
Distinguishing Features: Liofa has a SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
receding hairline.
To modify this encounter, apply the
following changes:
EL 3 (XP 800): Remove two Watchmen.
EL 5 (XP 1,600): Add two Watchmen.
144
LAW & ORDER: THE WATCH (EL 4; XP 1,200)
If the PCs get involved in a pitched battle or get caught breaking Eyvard: Tall and gangly, this youth was once a resident of a
the law in some other fashion, the Watch eventually appears. nearby village, but moved to the town to seek his fortune.
After a series of disastrous business ventures, he has become a
HAREK FLATNOSE (WATCH SERGEANT) watchman. He is not happy about his current station and
This sergeant of the watch is a dependable fellow that craves whines almost constantly to anyone who will listen.
love and family. Orim: A barrel‐chested, hirsute man about town, Orim seems
Background: Abandoned as a child and brought up by a local to know everyone (and their business). He is gregarious and
priest, Harek’s youth was devoid of real love or meaningful good‐hearted.
relationships. In adulthood, he craves such and seeks out Svart: This middle‐aged man is a cynic who has been a
companionship whenever he can. watchman for too long. In truth he doesn’t like his job, but has
Personality: A no‐nonsense fellow, Harek is businesslike and no other real skills. Svart is always on the lookout for a bribe.
straight to the point. He loves the town and its folk and protects
them to the best of his ability. He is brave and honest, TACTICS
but has an insatiable lust for ladies of the night In most situations, the patrol prefers to resolve any
which is eventually going to get him into trouble. problems quietly and without violence. Watchmen,
Above all, he craves a family of his own. while brave, are not hardened fighters and are keen
Mannerisms: Harek’s nose is so mashed, he to avoid fighting obviously magical creatures or bands
finds it difficult to breathe. Thus he normally has of hardened adventurers. If forced into battle, they
his mouth open. use nonlethal force unless facing an opponent using
Distinguishing Features: Harek’s nose has lethal force. A watchman reduced to under half
been broken several times. hit points withdraws to seek more of his
fellows for help.
WATCHMEN
Use these notes to portray watchmen SCALING THE
the PCs encounter: ENCOUNTER
To modify this encounter, apply the
Borgar: Short‐tempered and squint‐
following changes:
eyed, this watchman is nevertheless
EL 3 (XP 800): Remove two Watchmen.
scrupulously honest. A father four‐times over, he has no
EL 5 (XP 1,600): Add two Watchmen.
intention of dying on the job.
145
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP (EL 1; XP 400)
As the PCs wander the town one of them notices a small girl The Red Worms: Thorace’s contact is a sour‐faced drunk
squeezing out of a shop window and dropping into an alley. She named Ret who is often found down by the docks. Thorace
is desperate to help her father and approaches the PCs. Read: thinks the gang formed from disgruntled dockworkers, but he is
hired muscle and knows little more than that.
A young girl frantically looks up and down the street and when
she spots your party, runs quickly toward you waving her arms. ENTERING THE SHOP
“Sirs, please help, please help” she blurts out breathlessly.
The PCs can try to enter the shop in many ways. Use these notes
Through teary eyes, she whimpers “He is hurting my Papa” and
in conjunction with Shop Features to adjudicate their efforts.
points back towards the shop.
Front Door: Thorace hears any attempt to break down the
The girl, Rosenn, is eight years old and her clean, white dress
door and hides ready to ambush any entering the shop. If the
reinforces the impression of a well‐to‐do merchant’s daughter.
PCs try to break down the door, the Watch arrives after three
Rosenn was playing when a man entered and engaged her father
failed attempts. If the PCs attack the door with weapons or
in conversation. The talk quickly turned to violence and Rosenn
magic, a bystander alerts the Watch. Refer to Yorek The
fled to get help. She can tell the PCs about her father and the
Watchman for more information.
layout of the shop, but knows nothing about the “nasty man.”
Back Door: Thorace may hear the PCs open the door (+5
Perception). If he does, he hides. If not, the PCs surprise him.
HERRANNON
Eavesdropping: PCs listening at a door (DC 25 Perception
Herrannon is a jeweller by trade. check) or window (DC 20 Perception check) may hear
Background: Herrannon recently moved to the town in something of what is going on within. If the check succeeds,
search of bigger and better opportunities. His wife is dead – of a read:
horrible wasting fever – and he now lives with his only daughter,
Rosenn. He is in the process of setting up his shop. Thus far, he “...this is the way it’s going to go from now on. You move our
has no stock and is keen to buy any jewellery the PCs may wish goods and you make a little money.”
to part with. “I’m an honest fellow, please just leave me alone.”
Personality: Herrannon is a doting father and skilled (and “That’s not really an option.”
basically honest) jeweller. Herrannon’s eagerness to develop a (Sounds of shuffling, grappling and fists hitting flesh...)
long‐term relationship with the PCs is obvious. He sees the party
as potential protection, obtainers of items found through
adventuring and, of course, customers.
Mannerisms: Herrannon loves haggling and is overly YOREK CR 1 (XP 400)
theatrical while doing so. Clad in half‐plate this warrior carries a heavy flail over one
shoulder.
Distinguishing Features: Herrannon has thick, bushy
Male human warrior 3
eyebrows.
LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +0; Senses Perception +3, Sense Motive +2
THORACE Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐7; Acrobatics ‐7 (‐11
Thorace is working for a new, ambitious smuggling gang in town, jumping), Ride ‐3
the Red Worms, that wants to extend its business to include AC 18, touch 10, flat‐footed 18; CMD 15 (17 vs. sunder)
“protection.” (+8 armour [half‐plate])
Fort +4 Ref +1, Will +1
Background: Thorace grew up on the streets and lacks any
hp 19 (3 HD)
close, loving relationships. He has tried a variety of jobs, but
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +3; CMB +5 (+7 Sunder)
loves the “mystique” of being muscle‐for‐hire. Melee heavy flail (Power Attack [‐2/6]) +5 (1d10+3/19‐20)
Personality: Unimaginative and without initiative, Thorace Ranged heavy crossbow +3 (1d10/19‐20)
cares only for the money he needs to buy his simple pleasures – Atk Options Improved Sunder
beer and women. He is a bully. Combat Gear bolts (10), potion of cure light wounds (2)
Mannerisms: Thorace’s face is set in a perpetual scowl. Abilities Str 14, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 8
Distinguishing Features: Thorace’s nose has clearly been Feats Alertness, Improved Sunder, Power Attack
broken several times. Skills as above plus Intimidate +5
Languages Common
Gear as above plus 5 gp
146
YOREK THE WATCHMAN The shop has the following features of note:
Front Door: This wooden door (hardness 5, hp 15, DC 25
This watchman has an epic power complex
Break) is barred from within.
Background: Yorek has lived in the town all his life and has
Back Door: This wooden door (hardness 5, hp 15, DC 18
rarely been more than 10 miles away from his home. His father
Break) is locked (DC 20 Disable Device).
was a watchman before him.
Windows: Two narrow windows overlooking the alley allow
Personality: Yorek loves his job and loves bossing people
light into the shop. They are 6 ft. off the ground.
about. He is aggressive and immediately assumes the party is up
Counter: A large service counter dominates the front of the
to no good. His attitude towards the party is unfriendly.
shop. It provides partial cover (+2 AC, +1 Reflex save) and can be
Mannerisms: Yorek clears his throat often, normally when
leapt over or onto (DC 12 Acrobatics check). A character on the
trying to gain someone’s attention or exert control over a
counter gains the benefit of higher ground (+1 to melee attacks)
situation.
against opponents on the floor.
Distinguishing Features: Yoek’s hair is prematurely greying.
Boxes and Crates: If the fight moves to the back of the shop,
He is very sensitive about this.
various loose boxes and crates can create difficult terrain (each
Development: If the PCs render Yorek hostile, he arrests
square equals 2 squares of normal movement), provide partial
them for disturbing the peace (or calls for reinforcements if it
cover (+2 AC, +1 Reflex save) or be used as thrown objects. All
doesn’t look like the party will go quietly). If they render him
are empty (they contained the families possessions that are now
friendly (DC 9 Diplomacy check), Yorek helps them break into the
upstairs).
shop (but insists on being in charge).
Upper Floor: Herrannon and Rosenn live on the upper floor
TACTICS in a comfortable apartment.
If Thorace hears the PCs enter the shop, he hides and ambushes REWARD
them with sneak attack. He fights tenaciously but can be bribed
If the PCs defeat Thorace, Herrannon is extremely grateful. In
(DC 16 Diplomacy) or intimidated (DC 12 Intimidate) to
the future he pays 60% of market piece for any items the PCs sell
surrender.
him, not the standard 50%. However, in exchange he may
Herrannon: Herrannon is too dazed and frightened to help.
occasionally ask them to help resolve other problems with the
Yorek: Yorek uses nonlethal damage in any fight (and
town’s underworld.
expects the PCs to as well) unless his life is in danger.
147
SWORD TROUBLE (EL 8; XP 4,800)
On a visit to the city’s leading weaponsmith, the PCs arrive in the Friendly to Helpful (DC 9 Diplomacy): Wallbracer lets itself be
middle of a heated argument. Read: handed to one of the PCs or Blackstone.
Approaching the shop, you hear angry voices. Blackstone: Baronet Blackstone is indifferent toward the PCs
“Have you gone mad, Master Hornwood? I commission you and Hornwood. He appreciates any help the PCs offer, but he
for a simple task, and now you threaten me with my family’s own just wants Hornwood to stop his nonsense and do as he’s told.
sword?,” a male voice says in a tone of outraged disbelief.
“You have forgotten your duty and the purpose of this sword, Hostile to Unfriendly (DC 27 Diplomacy): Blackstone calls the
baronet Blackstone. I will not allow you to send it from the city,” Watch, demanding Hornwood be arrested.
another voice replies. Unfriendly to Indifferent (DC 22 Diplomacy): Blackstone keeps
demanding the sword returned to him.
Inside the smithy, the PCs find two men standing opposing each Indifferent to Friendly (DC 17 Diplomacy): Blackstone listens
other by the forge. A middle‐aged man in nobleman’s attire is patiently.
gesturing with a cane at a man in a blacksmith’s apron. The Friendly to Helpful (DC 12 Diplomacy): Blackstone gives his
smith is brandishing an obviously expensive shortsword. word the sword will remain in the city.
148
Personality: As befitting his station, Blackstone carries freed from Wallbracer’s influence, he surrenders.
himself with an air of natural authority. He has a strong sense of If attacked, Blackstone draws his sword cane and withdraws
justice and propriety. from the shop, calling for help. He does not attack, and uses
Mannerisms: Blackstone frequently taps or gestures with his Combat Expertise and the total defence action to keep attackers
cane while talking. at bay.
Distinguishing Features: Blackstone rarely goes anywhere
without his signature cane. AREA FEATURES
The area has several features of note:
JEEK HORNWOOD Forge The smithy’s forge is filled with smouldering coals.
This former soldier is the finest weaponsmith in the city. Anyone falling or pushed into it suffers 2d6 fire damage and
Background: Apprenticed to a blacksmith at a young age, must make a DC 15 Reflex save or catch on fire.
Hornwood ran away and joined the army as a teenager. He Quenching bucket If the water in this bucket is poured onto
returned to his old trade after a few years, and is now regarded the forge, it extinguishes the coals and creates the effect of
as one of the best smiths in the region. obscuring mist for three rounds.
Personality: Hornwood is proud of his skill, and strives to be
courteous and professional in his dealing. SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
Mannerisms: When not working, Hornwood usually keeps To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
his hands busy by fiddling with tools or bits of metal. EL 7 (XP 3,200): Apply the young creature template to both
Distinguishing Features: Hornwood keeps his scalp shaved, NPCs (+2 on all Dex‐based rolls, ‐2 on all other rolls; ‐8 hp).
but usually sports rough stubble on his chin and cheeks. EL 9 (XP 6,400): Apply the advanced creature template to
both NPCs (+2 on all dice rolls [including damage]):
TACTICS
While Hornwood holds Wallbracer, he defends himself if anyone Jeek Hornwood: AC 17, touch 14, flat‐footed 17; CMD 23; hp
attacks him or tries to disarm or restrain him. He uses Power 71.
Attack and fights defensively. If he is disarmed or otherwise Ambrose Blackstone: AC 14, touch 14, flat‐footed 14; CMD 18;
hp 44.
JEEK HORNWOOD CR 6 (XP 2,400)
This lean, muscular man wears a heavy leather apron over ash‐
smeared work clothes.
Male human expert 5/warrior 3
AMBROSE BLACKSTONE CR 6 (XP 2,400)
N Medium humanoid (human)
This richly dressed man carries himself with an air of natural
Init +0; Senses Perception +7, Sense Motive +7
authority.
Speed 30 ft., ACP 0
Male middle‐aged human aristocrat 8
AC 13, touch 10, flat‐footed 13; CMD 19
LN Medium humanoid (human)
(+2 armour [mwk leather armour], +1 natural [amulet of
Init ‐1; Senses Perception +12, Sense Motive +12
natural armour +1])
Speed 30 ft. ACP 0; Ride +6
Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +4
AC 10, touch 10, flat‐footed 10; CMD 14
hp 55 (8 HD)
(+1 deflection [ring of protection +1], ‐1 Dex)
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +6; CMB +9 Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +10
Melee Wallbracer (Power Attack [‐2/+4]) +11/+6 (1d6+5/19‐20) hp 28 (8 HD)
or
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +6; CMB +4
+1 longsword (Power Attack [‐2/+4]) +10/+5 (1d8+4/19‐20)
Melee +1 sword cane +6/+1 (1d6‐1)
Ranged mwk dagger (range 10 ft.) +7/+2 (1d4+3/19‐20)
Atk Options Combat Expertise (‐2)
Combat Gear oil of magic weapon, potion of bull's strength,
Combat Gear antitoxin, potion of cure light wounds
potion of cure moderate wounds
Abilities Str 7, Dex 9, Con 9, Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 15
Abilities Str 16, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 11, Wis 8, Cha 9
Feats Alertness, Combat Expertise, Iron Will, Skill Focus
Feats Craft Magic Arms & Armour, Master Craftsman (Craft
(Appraise), Weapon Finesse
[weapons]), Power Attack, Skill Focus (Craft [weapons]),
Skills as above plus Appraise +16, Bluff +9, Diplomacy +13,
Toughness
Intimidate +9, Knowledge (history) +9, Knowledge (local)
Skills as above plus Appraise +9, Craft (armour) +13, Craft
+13, Knowledge (nobility) +13, Profession (merchant) +8
(blacksmith) +12, Craft (weapons) +18, Knowledge (local)
Languages Common, Elven, Halfling
+8, Knowledge (nobility) +8
Languages Common Gear as above plus cloak of resistance +1, jewellery (worth 200
gp), noble's outfit, signet ring, 275 gp
Gear as above plus anvil, masterwork artisan's tools, 403 gp
149
THE ORACLE OF SMOKE AND FIRE (EL 5; XP 1,600)
A bustling metropolis houses a condemned industrial forge; once to send the PCs to do his impish bidding…with or without their
an old workhouse for smiths and metalworkers, now a decrepit knowledge.
edifice of grey stone and rusty iron. The oracle Cinderstoot won’t present himself before just
Some say the dilapidated forge is not empty, however. anyone, however. If the PCs (or any other party) bring the city
Rumours persist of an oracle of smoke and fire dwelling in the watch or any person of authority to the workhouse, the imp
defunct furnace, speaking in riddles to worthy visitors. simply remains hidden in the rafters, using his spell‐like
This encounter assumes the PCs have the need or occasion
to visit the abandoned industrial forge, perhaps to disprove the
CINDERSOOT THE ORACLE CR 5 (XP 1,600)
A great cloud of ashy soot takes the shape of a leering face with
far‐fetched rumours surrounding the place, or possibly even to
smoky horns and burning embers where its eyes should be.
seek out the oracle’s wisdom for themselves. Imp bard 2/oracle 4
LE Tiny outsider (devil, evil, extraplanar, lawful)
ENTERING THE WORKHOUSE Init +4; Senses darkvision 60 ft., gaze of flames; Perception +8,
The workhouse doors are barred, but easily forced open with a Sense Motive +16
DC 15 Strength check. A number of broken windows allow access Gaze of Flames (Su) Cindersoot can see through fire, fog and
smoke without penalty.
as well, requiring only a DC 10 Climb check to clamber through.
Speed 20 ft., fly 50 ft. (perfect); ACP 0; Fly +16, Stealth +12
Once the PCs have gained access to the poorly‐secured
AC 18, touch 17, flat‐footed 13; CMD 21
metalworking warehouse, read: (+4 Dex, +1 dodge [Dodge], +1 natural, +2 size)
Fort +6, Ref +11, Will +12; +4 vs. bardic performances and sonic
The workhouse floor is dominated by an enormous furnace, upon effects
which rests a clutter of rubble and debris. Old iron rafters flecked hp 82 (9 HD); fast healing 2; DR 5/good or silver
with rust lean and twist downward from the ceiling, wreathing a Space 2 ½ ft.; heat aura (10 ft.); Base Atk +7; CMB +6
gaping hole in the warehouse ceiling. The ruin and wreckage of Heat Aura (Su [1/day; swift]) Cindersoot surrounds himself in
old machines, tools, catwalks and workstations litter the floor all flames that deal 2d4 fire damage [Reflex halves].
around and atop the long‐darkened, central furnace. Additionally, he gains 20% concealment until the start of his
next turn.
THE ORACLE OF SMOKE & FIRE Melee sting +13 (1d4+1 plus poison [DC 16 Fort {1 save}; freq. 1
rd/6 rds; effect 1d2 Dex)
The abandoned forge is indeed inhabited by an oracle, though Special Actions bardic performance (10 rounds/day, DC 15;
none as wise or potent as rumour would indicate. The scheming countersong, distraction, fascinate, inspire courage [+1]),
imp Cindersoot lairs in the furnace, posing as a great and change shape (boar, giant spider, rat, or raven; beast shape
powerful oracle in order to coerce desperate urchins and foolish I)
Bard Spells Known (CL 2nd; concentration +6)
explorers into doing his bidding.
1st—charm person (DC 15), comprehend languages, silent
In years past, Cindersoot convinced the property’s owner, a
image (DC 15)
gold‐obsessed dwarven foreman, to sell the forge to an eccentric 0—dancing lights, ghost sound, mage hand, prestidigitation,
wizard – Cindersoot’s onetime human master. With the wizard’s spark
meagre mortal lifespan ending in recent years, the imp haunts Oracle Spells Known (CL 4th; concentration +8)
the urban ruin, spinning rumours of an “oracle of smoke and 2nd—resist energy, summon monster II
fire” in order to fool the very desperate and the very gullible into 1st—burning hands (DC 16), entropic shield, obscuring mist,
sanctuary (DC 16)
performing infernal deeds. More recently, and much to
0—bleed (DC 15), detect magic, light, mending, read magic
Cindersoot’s surprise, unknown infernal powers finally awarded Combat Gear pipes of the sewers
the trickster imp with real oracular gifts for his achievements. Abilities Str 12, Dex 18, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 14, Cha 18
Leaning on the legitimacy of his newfound powers, Cindersoot’s SQ bardic knowledge (+2), mystery (flame), oracle’s curse
rumormongering has found a newfound grip on the city’s most (haunted), versatile performance (oratory), well‐versed
destitute and desperate. Feats Augment Summoning, Dodge, Great Fortitude, Weapon
Finesse, Spell Focus (conjuration)
THE ORACLE SPEAKS Skills Acrobatics +10, Bluff +15, Diplomacy +16, Fly +22,
Intimidate +16, Perform (oratory) +16, Perform (wind) +9,
This encounter might prove a useful way to send the PCs this Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (planes) +7, Knowledge
way or that – or it might simply serve as a memorable fight with (religion) +13, Perception +8, Sense Motive +16, Spellcraft
the fiery pretender haunting the workhouse. If the PCs are +7
inclined to hear the oracle’s wisdom, Cindersoot is all too ready Languages Common, Infernal
150
invisibility to avoid detection. The imp appears only to those he TACTICS
perceives as fools, beggars, adventurers, fortune‐seekers or
Cindersoot’s tactics are simple and reliable – the imp maintains
merely desperate. Before manifesting within the seemingly‐
his hiding place within the smoking furnace, and uses summon
defunct forge, the oracle Cindersoot puts on a show of sorts –
monster II spells, his pipes of the sewers and his suggestion spell‐
grandstanding and fronting in order to establish the illusion of
like ability with near‐impunity, completely invisible to his
tremendous power and mystery.
opponents (even to foes that would otherwise be able to
First, Cindersoot allows himself a long moment to study any
perceive the invisible). Cindersoot’s gaze of flames revelation
urban explorer happening upon his ruined domain, patiently
should prove to be a truly staggering defence, as long as the imp
observing visitors while counting on the derelict silence of the
maintains his hiding place. Cindersoot falls back on burning
workhouse to instil nervousness – or even scepticism – in his
hands if cornered, but prefers to let conjured fiends and rats do
guests. Only when it seems an oracle‐seeker is giving up on the
his fighting for him.
search does Cindersoot make himself known.
When the time is right, Cindersoot announces himself with a AREA FEATURES
fiery flourish, perching inside the ancient (but fuel‐stocked)
The area has several features of note:
furnace and igniting it with a spark cantrip (or perhaps burning
The Furnace: The furnace – a ten‐by‐ten foot structure at the
hands, for extra dramatic flair). Instantly, the foul furnace
centre of the workhouse – emits a cloud of soot and ash twenty
springs to life, belching forth a thick cloud of ash, soot and
feet across once lit.
smoke with the imp at the centre. Thanks to his gaze of flames
The Rafters: A DC 10 Acrobatics check allows a character to
revelation, Cindersoot is able to see through the cloud as though
move across the rafters at half speed. A character moving across
it were clean, clear air. The stage set, Cindersoot uses
the rafters is considered to be flat‐footed.
prestidigitation spells and similar magic to shape the cloud into a
Rubble: Heaps of rubble lie about the forge. It costs 2
great and terrible face – a disembodied “oracle” of soot and
squares of movement to enter a square with rubble. The DC of
embers through which he speaks.
Acrobatics checks on rubble increases by 5, and the DC of Stealth
Spells like mage hand, dancing lights, ghost sound and silent
checks increases by 2.
image allow Cindersoot to interact with the workhouse and its
visitors, while his high Bluff and Knowledge modifiers enable him TREASURE & REWARDS
to feign incredible authority and wisdom. His voice augmented
by the echo imparted by the furnace’s chamber, and by his own In addition to Cindersoot’s pipes of the sewers, a wealth of gold
prestidigitation spell, Cindersoot speaks loudly and with bluster. and silver coins (1,102 gp and 5,013 sp) are hidden away in the
No matter what his guests’ questions or plights, however, the rafters – offerings gifted by prior visitors in return for the advice
oracular imp imparts no wisdom or service without demanding a and wisdom of the Oracle of Smoke and Fire.
task or favour first. The GM might impose any task here – the
SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
imp could require a sacrifice or an offering of gold or valuables –
or something more subtle, like information about other NPCs or To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
happenings in the world. For all the bluffing and feigning, EL 4 (XP 1,200): Apply the young creature
imps really are gifted diviners (thanks to their template to Cindersoot (+2 to Dex‐based
natural spell‐like abilities), and Cindersoot rolls, ‐2 to all other rolls; hp 64).
uses his augury and commune spell‐like EL 6 (XP 2,400): Apply the
abilities on behalf of any party advanced creature template to
completing his task. Cindersoot (+2 on all rolls
If the oracle [including damage] and
doesn’t get his way, or if special abilities DCs;
a visitor deciphers the truth behind the AC 22, touch 21,
façade, Cindersoot resorts to violence. The imp has flat‐footed 17; CMD
invested too much time and resources into seeding the 25; hp 100).
rumour of the “Oracle of Smoke and Fire” to see the plot
revealed by nosy adventurers.
151
THE VANISHING DEAD (EL 5; XP 1,600)
One of the town’s temples has experienced some disturbing Distinguishing Features: Denthir keeps his black hair
problems lately. On several occasions, graves and crypts in the chopped short, and sports a widow’s peak.
adjoining graveyard have been found open and empty shortly
after funerals, the freshly buried bodies gone without trace. LENA ”THE CUDGEL” KLEER
Even more disturbingly, a watchman posted to patrol the This pale, hulking half‐orc is the perfect enforcer for those who
graveyard report seeing incorporeal forms rise out of the ground want someone warned, punished or scared off.
to collect the dead. Lacking the courage to confront the undead, Background: Growing up, Lena quickly learned to use her
the watchman fled in terror before investigating further. natural strength and intimidating demeanor to dissuade
With another funeral scheduled later this afternoon, the potential bullying due to her half‐breed heritage. She has since
head of the temple, Father Alveros Mazeron (male human cleric turned these skills into her livelihood, hiring out her services or
5), is deeply concerned. He is desperate to resolve the problem joining the occasional criminal crew.
before rumours spread and cause panic among the population. Personality: Lena takes an unsentimental approach to what
As such, it seems like an answer to his prayers when the PCs visit she does, displaying little emotion during acts of violence or
the temple. intimidation. She does have a soft spot for halflings, whom she
Alveros promise the PCs a handsome reward if they agree to considers lucky, and goes out of her way to avoid hurting them.
guard the graveyard after the funeral. If they manage to solve Mannerisms: Lena moves with measured care and speaks
the problem, he gives them two potions of neutralize poison, little, her facial features usually a mask of reserved scrutiny as
two potions of cure moderate wounds and offers a 10% discount she examines her surroundings.
on all future healing and spellcasting services. Distinguishing Features: The upper half of Lena’s left ear has
been torn away, leaving only a jagged edge, a souvenir of a
THE GRAVE ROBBERS street fight at a young age.
It is not restless dead that plague the graveyard. Instead, a
couple of local criminals have made a lucrative business out of TACTICS
providing fresh corpses to those who practice necromancy or Before entering the graveyard, Denthir casts mage armour on
construct flesh golems. himself (his stat block has been modified to reflect this).
The two corpse thieves, Denthir and Lena, slip into the The pair emerge from their hiding place using Stealth. If they
graveyard before funerals and hide in a nearby crypt, waiting for spot anyone guarding the grave they intend to plunder, Denthir
night to fall before exhuming the recently interred. If they are uses minor image to conjure the image of ghostly figures rising
disturbed, Denthir first tries to scare off the intruder using his out of the ground, hoping to scare the PCs off.
illusory magic. Should this fail, Lena has more direct and brutal If they fail to flee, Lena takes advantage of the distraction to
means of discouragement at her disposal. sneak close and wait for Denthir to hurl flash powder before
charging, hoping to catch opponents flat‐footed or blind so she
DENTHIR WESTIN can use her sneak attack. Lena always deals nonlethal damage so
This opportunistic lowlife has managed to move from the gutters she can use her Enforcer feat to intimidate her target as part of
to the halls of arcane study through a combination of natural the attack.
intellect and a complete lack of morals. Used to fighting together, Denthir waits for Lena to make a
Background: The fatherless son of a dockside whore, Denthir foe shaken or sickened before using his wand of cause fear or
was born with sharp mind and a distinct lack of morals. Until a casting grease or create pit, focusing on heavily armoured
few years ago, he led a life of petty crime, before managing to opponents.
earn a spot at a local magic academy through his willingness to If either Denthir or Lena are reduced to below one third of
do unsavory errands for the more immoral members of faculty. their hp or they see the other defeated or captured, they flee.
He often enlists his old accomplices when the task he is asked to
perform requires extra muscle.
Personality: A natural schemer, Denthir is not afraid to get
his hands dirty or lie through his teeth to get what he wants. He
has little pity for those who fall prey to his plots.
Mannerisms: All false smiles and easy manners on most
occasions, Denthir has a tendency to scowl and curse in stressful
situations, especially if things escalate beyond his control.
152
RESOLUTION Open Graves: In several places, open graves have been dug
in preparation for future funerals. They are 10 ft. by 5 ft. and 10
If captured, Denthir and Lena lie about their true purpose,
ft. deep. In the dim light, they require a DC 10 Perception check
claiming to be simple graverobbers. If made to talk using
to spot.
Diplomacy, Intimidate or magic (their starting attitudes are
hostile), Lena only knows they have been stealing corpses.
SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
Denthir knows the identity of the clients who ordered the body
parts, but also knows it would be dangerous for him to reveal To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
this information. This adds 10 to the DC to make him talk. EL 4 (XP 1,200): Apply the young creature template to both
NPCs (+2 on all Dex‐based rolls, ‐2 on all other rolls; Denthir hp
AREA FEATURES 14, Lena hp 23).
EL 6 (XP 2,400): Apply the advanced creature template to
The graveyard has the following features of note:
both NPCs (+2 on all dice rolls [including damage] and spell DCs:
Dim Light: After sunset, the graveyard is shrouded in dim
light, providing concealment (20% miss chance). Denthir: AC 21, touch 17, flat‐footed 18; CMD 17; hp 30.
Lena: AC 22, touch 15, flat‐footed 21; CMD 22; hp 39.
DENTHIR CR 3 (XP 800)
This thin man carries a scrollcase and wears a heavy cloak over
his dark clothes.
Male human wizard (universalist) 3/ rogue 1
NE Medium humanoid (human) LENA CR 3 (XP 800)
Init +7; Senses Perception +7 (+8 vs traps; trapfinding), Sense This tall, muscular half‐orc wears a breastplate and is armed
Motive +0 with a black greatclub.
Speed 30 ft., ACP 0; Acrobatics +10, Climb +3, Escape Artist +10,
Female half‐orc rogue (thug) 3/ fighter 1
Stealth +10
NE Medium humanoid (human, orc)
AC 17, touch 13, flat‐footed 14; CMD 13 Init +1; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +7, Sense Motive +4
(+4 armour [mage armour], +3 Dex) Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft., ACP ‐3; Acrobatics +4 (+0
Fort +3, Ref +7, Will +4 jumping), Climb +8, Escape Artist +5, Stealth +5, Swim +5
hp 22 (4 HD)
AC 18, touch 11, flat‐footed 17; CMD 18
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +1; CMB +0 (+7 armour [+1 breastplate], +1 Dex)
Melee mwk dagger +5 (1d4‐1/19‐20) Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +1
Ranged light crossbow (range 80 ft.) +4 (1d8/19‐20) or hp 31 (4 HD); orc ferocity
Ranged hand of the apprentice (range 30 ft.; 6/day) +5 (1d4‐ Orc Ferocity (Ex [1/day]) When below 0 hp, Lena can fight on
1/19‐20) for one more round as if disabled. At the end of this turn,
Atk Options sneak attack (+1d6) unless brought above 0 hp, she falls unconscious.
Wizard Spells Prepared (CL 3rd; concentration +6 [+10 casting
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +3; CMB +7
defensively or grappling]; arcane bond [ring])
Melee darkwood greatclub (Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Power Attack
2nd—create pit (DC 15), minor image (DC 15)
[‐1/+2]) +8 (1d10+6) or
1st—grease (DC 14), mage armour, vanish
mwk dagger (Power Attack [‐1/+2]) +8 (1d4+4/19‐20)
0 (at will)—acid splash, detect magic, ghost sound (DC 13),
Ranged javelin (range 30 ft.) +4 (1d6+4)
prestidigitation (DC 13)
Combat Gear bolts (20), potion of cure light wounds (2), scroll of Atk Options sneak attack (+2d6; Brutal Beating)
alarm, wand of cause fear (20 chgs.), alchemist's fire (2), Brutal Beating (Ex) Lena forgoes 1d6 sneak attack damage to
flash powder (2) sicken her target for 1 round
Combat Gear oil of magic weapon, potion of cure light wounds
Abilities Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 12
(3), potion of enlarge person, tanglefoot bag
SQ trapfinding (+1)
Feats Combat Casting, Improved Initiative, Scribe ScrollB, Abilities Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 8
Weapon Finesse SQ rogue talents (strong impression)
Skills as above plus Appraise +7, Bluff +8, Diplomacy +5, Disable Feats Bludgeoner, Enforcer, Intimidating Prowess, Power Attack
Device +6, Disguise +5, Intimidate +5, Knowledge (arcana) Skills as above plus Disable Device +5, Intimidate +12
+7, Knowledge (local) +7, Sleight of Hand +7, Spellcraft +10 (frightening), Survival +7
Languages Common, Draconic, Infernal, Orc Frightening (Ex) Lena demoralizes targets for one extra round. If
the duration is 4 rounds or longer she can instead
Gear as above plus cloak of resistance +1, disguise kit, spell
frightened the foe for one round instead.
component pouch, spellbook, masterwork thieves' tools, 24
Languages Common, Giant, Orc
gp
Spellbook as above plus 1st—alarm, ant haul, cause fear, colour Gear as above plus crowbar, miner's pick, sack, shovel, thieves'
spray, enlarge person; 0—all. tools, 21 gp
153
THIEVES, CUTTHROATS AND PICKPOCKETS (EL VAR.; XP VAR.)
A young urchin – unseen by many – dodges through the crowd, AREA FEATURES
taking a coin here, an apple there.
The area has several features of note:
As passersby gather to watch a street performer, a dextrous
Stealth and Detection: In a crowd, the maximum distance at
man of unremarkable appearance mingles with the crowd.
which a Perception check can be made to identify a specific
A young woman drops a heavy load in the bustle of the
individual is 2d8 x 20 feet. In areas of dense crowd, this range
crowd. As kind‐hearted travellers rush to assist, her accomplices’
drops to 2d6 x 10 feet.
deft touch liberate the good folk of their coin.
Additionally, the background noise of a crowd makes
In any society, there are always those who seek to take what
Perception checks that rely on sound more difficult, increasing
does not belong to them. Pickpockets, cutpurses and thieves are
the DC of the check by 2 per 10 feet, not 1.
often encountered in towns and cities. Their thefts rarely end in
Crowd: Crowds are a natural hunting ground for cutpurses.
violence or death; indeed their marks normally don’t realise they
The bustle of so many folk provides effective cover for their
have been the victim of theft until the thief has long since left
activities and serves as a handy distraction should they flee.
the area.
Moving through a crowd is difficult. It costs 2 squares of
Most such thieves are not evil or malevolent. Rather, they
movement to enter a square containing a crowd. Characters
may steal to feed their family, because it is their only skill or
making a DC 15 Escape Artist check need spend only 1 squares of
simply because they enjoy it.
movement to enter a square containing dense crowd.
Use these stat blocks, encounter groups and distractions to
Additionally, crowds are easier to hide in, granting a +2
create interesting and memorable encounters with a
circumstance bonus on Stealth checks.
settlement’s pickpockets. At the GM’s discretion, a pick‐
Crowd (Dense): In places, a crowd of people can get densely
pocketing can be a minor annoyance, a sign of escalating
packed; perhaps the people are moving through a narrow
tensions with the local thieves’ guild or the start of the PCs’ next
gateway or are watching a street performer.
adventure.
Moving through a dense crowd is difficult. It costs 4 squares
of movement to enter a square containing dense crowd.
TACTICS
Characters making a DC 20 Escape Artist check need only spend
A pickpocket detected at work flees immediately; only when 2 squares of movement to enter a square containing dense
cornered do they resort to violence. When injured, they crowd.
surrender and try to bribe their attacker to let them go. Additionally, dense crowds are easy to hide in, granting a +4
circumstance bonus on Stealth checks.
Distraction: Cutpurses and pickpockets are drawn to street
performers, criers, zealous preachers and the like. Such folk hold
CUTPURSE CR 1/3 (XP 135) URCHIN CR 1/4 (XP 100)
This thin human clutches a stained cloak close about his body. This small urchin is covered in dirt, wears rags and looks hungry.
Human expert 1 Young human expert 1
CN Medium humanoid (human) CN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +4, Sense Motive +0 Init +3; Senses Perception +4, Sense Motive +0
Speed 30 ft.; ACP 0; Acrobatics +5, Climb +4, Escape Artist +5, Speed 30 ft. Run ; ACP 0; Acrobatics +7 (+11 running jump),
Stealth +5 Climb +2, Escape Artist +7, Stealth +11
AC 14, touch 12, flat‐footed 12; CMD 12; AC 14, touch 14, flat‐footed 11; CMD 10
(+2 armour [leather], +1 Dex, +1 dodge [Dodge]) (+3 Dex, +1 size)
Fort +1, Ref +1, Will +2 Fort ‐1, Ref +3, Will +2
hp 5 (1 HD) hp 3 (1 HD)
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +0; CMB +0 Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +0; CMB ‐3
Melee dagger +0 (1d4/19‐20) Melee dagger ‐1 (1d3/19‐20)
Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +1 (1d4/19‐20) Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +4 (1d3/19‐20)
Combat Gear dagger (2) Combat Gear dagger (2)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 8 Abilities Str 7, Dex 17, Con 8, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 8
Feats DodgeB, Skill Focus (Sleight of Hand) Feats RunB, Skill Focus (Sleight of Hand)
Skills as above plus Knowledge (local) +4, Sleight of Hand +8 Skills as above plus Knowledge (local) +4, Sleight of Hand +8
Languages Common Languages Common
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 3 gp, 12 sp, 14 cp Gear as above plus belt pouch, 14 cp
154
the attention of those nearby, making the cutpurses’ job much DISTRACTIONS
easier.
Organised groups of pickpockets may stage distractions to divert
Distracted targets suffer a ‐5 penalty to Perception checks.
their targets’ attentions. Alternatively, they may make use of
street performers, altercation, accidents and other non‐related
ENCOUNTER GROUPS
events, to mask their activities.
Cutpurses and pickpockets normally work alone, but sometimes In any manufactured distraction, a character can make a DC
form larger groups to fleece wary or wealthy targets. Not all 20 Sense Motive check to realise that something is amiss.
members of the group actually steal from the marks. Some may At the GM’s discretion, the distractions listed below can
be involved in creating a distraction while others might keep an either be genuine – in that the thieves take advantage of a
eye out for the Watch or be ready to hinder a target’s pursuit of distraction not of their own creation – or can be manufactured
a fleeing thief. by other members of their gang. To determine what might
distract the PCs, roll on the table below:
EL 1 (400 XP): cutpurse (3); expert cutpurse (1); urchin (4)
EL 2 (600 XP): expert cutpurse (1) and urchin (4); urchin (6) D20 DISTRACTION
EL 3 (800 XP): cutpurse (3) and expert cutpurse (1); expert
A thief in an upstairs window pours a chamber pot of
cutpurse (2) 1
foul‐smelling liquid onto the crowd below.
EL 4 (1,200 XP): cutpurse (3) and expert cutpurse (2); expert Stray dogs race through the crowd, knocking over
2‐3
cutpurse (3); urchin (12) children, small baskets and so on.
EL 5 (1,600): cutpurse (6) and expert cutpurse (2); expert 4‐6 The PCs are asked to settle an argument.
cutpurse (4); urchin (16) A street performer juggles flaming torches. A small
7‐10
crowd has gathered to watch.
These groups can belong to the local thieves’ guild or other A seemingly mad preacher stands on a small box,
independent group. Urchins often serve as distractions and 11‐12 haranguing the crowd while delivering some divinely
inspired message.
lookouts while the older, more skilled members of the group do
A nondescript man asks the PCs if they’d like to buy
the actual stealing. At the first sign of trouble, the gang melts
13‐14 some fine jewellery (or other luxury item) at a very low
away into the crowd and does not bother the PCs again – unless price. He badgers the PCs until they look at his wares.
they are paid to do so or the PCs seem to be particularly wealthy Several ruffians start a brawl in the street. They push
15‐17
(or inattentive). and shove each other against passersby.
A small gang of urchins darts through the crowd,
18
laughing, fighting and calling each other names.
A man hurtles through the crowd on a horse clinging to
19
EXPERT CUTPURSE CR 1 (XP 400) its mane for dear life.
20 A runaway cart crashes into a nearby building.
This thin human wears a good quality cloak over his fine
studded leather armour.
Human expert 3
CN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +5, Sense Motive +0
Speed 30 ft.; Nimble Step; ACP 0; Acrobatics +5, Climb +4,
Escape Artist +7, Stealth +7 PICKING POCKETS
AC 15, touch 12, flat‐footed 13; CMD 13
(+3 armour [mwk studded leather], +1 Dex, +1 dodge Picking pockets requires the Sleight of Hand skill (which can be
[Dodge]) used untrained).
Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +3
hp 16 (1 HD) Action: Using Sleight of Hand is normally a standard action,
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +2; CMB +2 however a character can use it as a move action by taking a ‐
Melee mwk dagger +3 (1d4/19‐20) 20 penalty on the check.
Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +3 (1d4/19‐20) Success: A DC 20 Sleight of Hand check indicates you succeed
Combat Gear dagger (2), smokestick (2), tanglefoot bag (1) on taking something from the target.
Abilities Str 11, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 8 Spot Pick Pocket: The target of the Sleight of Hand attempt
Feats DodgeB, Nimble Step, Skill Focus (Sleight of Hand) can make a Perception check opposed by the Sleight of Hand
Skills as above plus Appraise +4, Bluff +4, Disguise +5,
check to notice the attempt.
Knowledge (local) +5, Sleight of Hand +10
Languages Common Try Again: After an initial failure, a second attempt against
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 6 gp, 12 sp the same target requires a DC 30 to succeed.
155
TO GIVE THE DEVIL HIS DUE (EL 10; XP 9,600)
In a sprawling ghetto, a desperate young woman struck a tragic merchant swears he means the girl no harm at all – another of
bargain with the Bogeyman of Long Alley. Pregnant with a son, Hanse’s literal truths. The bogeyman intends only to take the
the penniless urchin promised her boy to the fey monster if it
would scare off a pair of vicious thugs; street‐rats who routinely THE BOGEYMAN OF LONG ALLEY CR 10 (XP 9,600)
threatened her, robbed her and worse. Though the bogeyman Dressed in a long, dark coat and a tall hat, this lanky, fanged
kept his end of the bargain, the young woman – a hauntingly humanoid exudes an almost‐palpable aura of horror.
pretty girl named Molliani – couldn’t bear to part with her child, NE Medium fey
Init +9; Senses low‐light vision; Perception +23, Sense Motive
and fled the ghetto instead.
+23
The PCs meet the Bogeyman of Long Alley, though they’ll Speed 30 ft.; ACP 0; Stealth +35
likely not know it at first. Posing as a wronged merchant, the fey AC 23, touch 23, flat‐footed 17; CMD 32
creature bids the PCs to hunt down a thief for him, promising (+7 deflection, +5 Dex, +1 dodge [Dodge])
fair compensation for her capture. He doesn’t want the pretty Fort +9, Ref +15, Will +13
young thief hurt, of course – he only wants what’s his. True to hp 93 (17 HD); terrible rejuvenation 5; DR 15/cold iron; SR 21
their names, all bogeymen are male. It is said that the boys they Terrible Rejuvenation (Su) Hanse gains fast healing 5 while any
creature within his deepest fear aura is suffering from a fear
steal away re‐emerge years later, themselves transformed into
effect, including any fear effect created by the aura itself.
bogeymen…ready to continue their fey father's work.
Space 5 ft.; deepest fear ( 30 ft.); Base Atk +8; CMB +9
Deepest Fear (Su) A 30‐foot aura of fear cloaks Hanse. This
MEETING THE BOGEYMAN manifests as a shifting haze of images reflecting the viewer's
The Bogeyman of Long Alley maintains a number of personas deepest fears. The first time it ends its turn within the aura,
about the ghetto, among them the façade of a mysterious curio a creature must make a DC 25 Will save or become shaken
dealer and fortune‐teller called Hanse. The bogeyman’s hat of for as long as it stays within the aura. If the creature makes
the saving throw, it cannot be affected again by the aura for
disguise facilitates these disguises.
another 24 hours. This is a Charisma‐based fear effect.
Hanse might approach the PCs for a number of reasons. The Melee 2 claws +13 (1d8+8/19‐20)
PCs might come upon Hanse promising rewards to passers‐by for Atk Options striking fear (DC 25)
the capture of a thief. Alternately, he might have heard of the Striking Fear (Su) If Hanse confirms a critical hit or a sneak
PCs’ exploits, seeking them out in particular. More simply, Hanse attack with one of its claws on a target suffering a fear
might happen upon the PCs as they explore the ghetto, effect, that effect automatically becomes one step more
recognizing an adventuring party when he sees one. severe (shaken creatures become frightened, frightened
creatures become panicked, and panicked creatures cower
However the PCs happen upon this monster‐in‐disguise, read
in fear). A DC 25 Will save negates this increase. In addition,
the following text aloud when Hanse approaches the party: a critical hit from his claw forces any target that has
successfully saved against his fear aura to make another
A well‐dressed merchant in fine clothes and a tall hat hustles Will save against its effects, even if 24 hours have not yet
your way. “There! You, there… please! You’re adventurers, aren’t passed. This is a Charisma‐based fear effect.
you? Please; I’ve been robbed; I’ll pay you to bring me to the Spell‐Like Abilities (CL 10th; concentration +17)
thief! I know where she is!” constant—detect thoughts, tongues
at‐will—darkness, gaseous form, ghost sound (DC 17),
Hanse explains, a pretty thief has deceived him and stolen from invisibility, suggestion (DC 20)
3/day—crushing despair (DC 21), hold person (DC 20),
him. According to Hanse’s account, he sold her a magical remedy
quickened phantasmal killer (DC 21)
for a problem she’d been having, and she stiffed him on the 1/day—nightmare (DC 22)
payment. Hanse explains he’d agreed to allow the girl to pay for Abilities Str 12, Dex 21, Con 14, Int 15, Wis 16, Cha 25
the remedy after‐the‐fact, since he could sympathize with her Feats Dodge, Great Fortitude, Improved Critical (claw),
scepticism. “Lot of hucksters and snake oil salesmen out there Improved Initiative, Mobility, Quicken Spell‐Like Ability
peddling so‐called magic to desperate folks” Hanse remarks. (phantasmal killer), Skill Focus (Stealth), Spring Attack,
Hanse is willing to pay 4,000 gp for the PC’s assistance. Weapon Finesse
Skills Bluff +27, Diplomacy +20, Disable Device +15, Disguise
Though Hanse omits some noteworthy details (such as the
+27, Escape Artist +18, Intimidate +28, Knowledge (local)
fact the “thief” is pregnant, and that her yet‐unborn son is his +16, Perception +23, Sense Motive +23, Spellcraft +12,
payment), no part of his story is fabricated or untrue. For Stealth +35
obvious reasons, Hanse isn’t willing to say much more. If the PCs Languages Aklo, Common; tongues
guess or inquire about any sinister intent on Hanse’s part, the Gear hat of disguise, 400 pp
156
girl’s son – his compensation – once he is born. Molliani is due The GM is encouraged to play up the back‐and‐forth between
any day now, a fact of which the bogeyman is keenly aware. Hanse and Molliani; with Hanse playing up the price of his
Hanse also offers no details on the nature of his “remedy,” services and the clear‐cut nature of their deal, while Molliani
Molliani’s ills, or what she agreed to pay. The bogeyman claims appeals to the PCs’ sympathies – it should be clear Hanse has
he simply can’t discuss his customer’s problems – even preyed upon the girl’s desperation. When the PCs inevitably side
dishonest ones. with Molliani, read:
Hanse has also learned where the thief is hiding – inside an
abandoned church dedicated to gods of law and order. A dais “Dearest Molliani, there’s just no way around it, no matter what
inside the innermost chamber of the church still bears a number these fools tell you. Now let me tell you what happens if you
of antipathy spells warding against evil, fey creatures. One of don’t keep your end of our bargain…”
these spells prevents him from collecting the girl – and the old, Suddenly, Hanse’s features melt away. Where Hanse stood a
fey trickster hasn’t got the time it would take to scrounge up moment ago now stands a tall, violet‐skinned humanoid with
thugs wicked enough to assault a pregnant girl for him (or long claws and fangs. The hideous creature before you still wears
careful enough not to harm her in the process). Hanse’s tall hat and long coat, and continues to speak in the
merchant’s voice.
MEETING THE THIEF “…you – and your soon‐to‐be‐son – will have the blood of
Hanse is ready to lead the PCs to the girl’s hideout as soon as these dolts on your hands. And tomorrow night, I’ll kill another
they’re able. When the party gets close to the church, Hanse handful of innocents. Right here…right in front of your eyes.
confides the following: Night after night…”
“We’re almost there. I know she’s hiding here, but she’s young With that, the Bogeyman of Long Alley attacks the PCs.
and healthy; I can’t just go in there and make her come out all on
my own. Just tell her to pay up, won’t you? And don’t hurt her. TACTICS
There… in there.” The bogeyman does not fight to the death – he intends only to
kill as many PCs as he can (as brutally and gruesomely as
With that, Hanse points to the decrepit chapel door. He’s led the possible) right in front of the unfortunate Molliani. He is willing
PCs to a desperate and defunct part of the ghetto. Molliani is to resort to his phantasmal killer ability – but only as a last
indeed hiding inside – she’d heard rumours about the old resort. If at all possible, the bogeyman would prefer to make
church’s protective spells, and hasn’t left the 20‐ft. wide dais at more of a spectacle out of each kill. When one or two of the PCs
the back of the chapel in several days. Molliani is panicked, are dead, the bogeyman withdraws in gaseous form.
fearful and obviously pregnant. When Molliani sees the PCs,
accompanied by the merchant Hanse, she begins to wail and cry. AREA FEATURES
Molliani begs the PCs for help, tearfully explaining her side of the The area has several features of note:
story – telling the PCs how this awful man made her promise her The Dais: Characters standing on the 20‐ft. wide dais gain
son to him in exchange for his help. She insists she had little height advantage (+1 on melee attacks) against other characters.
choice but to make the promise – the men that were shaking her An antipathy spell keeps Hanse from standing on the platform.
down and threatening her had made her destitute and terrified
for her safety. Hanse – knowing it might come to this – will SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
finally admit the price of his “remedy.” To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
EL 9 (XP 6,400): Add the young creature template to Hanse
“Magic doesn’t come freely or easily, love. There’s always a cost (+2 to Dex‐based rolls, ‐2 to all other rolls; hp 59).
– and you promised to pay yours. I won’t hurt you or your boy, EL 11 (XP 12,800): Add the advanced creature template to
Molliani. He’ll be safe with me, and you’ll be debt‐free as soon as Hanse (+2 on all rolls [including damage] and special abilities
he’s born. Now come with me, dear. Let’s get you fed and DCs; AC 27, touch 27, flat‐footed 21; CMD 36; hp 127).
warmed up somewhere, hmm?”
Evil PCs (or unsettlingly lawful ones) might side with Hanse at
this point, but most PCs will no doubt wish to protect Molliani.
157
UNDER CONSTRUCTION (EL 7; XP 3,200)
After many months of construction, a new church is almost Distinguishing Features: Due to the long period spent hiding
ready for use. However, a series of troubling events have among chimneys and roof shingles, Ryllhax’s hide is the dark
brought construction to a halt. Several strange accidents have grey colour and rough texture of the local stone. After moving in
plagued the building efforts, and there have been a few among the statues, his features have begun to shift to become
suspicious cases of people going missing after straying close to more refined, emulating a statue of a demon. This process is
the unfinished building after dark. gradual and not yet complete, giving Ryllhax a strange, half‐
Just a couple of days ago, one of the construction crew’s finished look.
most experienced stonecutters fell to his death while working on
the decorations atop the unfinished bell tower, and now the TACTICS
workers are refusing to finish construction until the cause of the During the day, Ryllhax perches atop the tower with a good view
problems is identified and resolved. of the construction site. On moonless or clouded nights, he soars
The master builder, Raynard Carran, turns to the PCs for down into the city, seeking prey.
help, promising a 3,000 gp reward if they investigate and If he spots armed people making their way up into the
convince the workers it is safe to resume work. tower, he assumes his secret has been discovered, and prepares
to defend his lair.
QUESTIONING THE WORKERS Once the PCs come within 20 ft. of the top of the tower,
Questioning the workers and nearby residents (DC 15 Ryllhax rages and grabs a stone block, then takes to the air and
Diplomacy) quickly reveals the problems centre around the bell hurls it at the PC closest to his lair, using his lesser hurling rage
tower. Some think the tower is haunted, while others suspect a power. He continues to return to the top of the tower for more
demonic cult is at work. Another theory is that some sort of objects to hurl, targeting anyone capable of attacking him with
sinful activity inside the unfinished building has angered the ranged weapons or spells.
deity to whom the church is dedicated. If anyone uses the brick hoist to ascend, he lands on the roof
next to the pulley and bites the rope in an attempt to sever it
THE HUNTER ABOVE before the platform reaches the top.
The real cause of the problems is Ryllhax, a gargoyle who has Should any of the PCs make it to the top of the tower,
decided the church’ bell tower makes a perfect lair. A few days Ryllhax lands and engages them with his natural attacks, fighting
ago, he was accidentally discovered by the stonecutter, whom with the full force of his fury.
he flung off the top of the tower. Ryllhax is prepared to take While in rage, Ryllhax fights to the death. If he is forced out
similar violent action if he should be found again. of rage, he flees if reduced to below 15 hp.
158
Brick hoist: At the top of the tower, a block and tackle has winch. As long as they hold on to the rope with at least one
been secured, allowing a wooden platform to be hoisted up by a hand, a DC 5 Acrobatics is sufficient to maintain their balance. If
hemp rope (hardness 0, hp 2, DC 23 Break). the occupant of the platform performs any kind of vigorous
At ground level, the rope is secured to a winch used to raise motion (such as making an attack or casting spells with somatic
or lower the platform. The platform can be raised or lowered 20 components) or is struck by an attack, the platform becomes
ft. as a full‐round action, by making a DC 15 Strength check. severely unsteady, adding +10 to the Acrobatics DC. If occupants
PCs can ride the hoist up if someone else is working the fail their Acrobatics check by 5 or more, they fall from the
platform.
R Y L L H A X , THE BELLTOWER BEAST C R 6 ( X P 2 , 4 0 0 ) Building materials: The top of the tower contains several
Seemingly carved from a dark gray stone, this sinister piles of building materials, such as timber and blocks of stone.
crouching humanoid resembles a horned, winged demon. These object count as Small falling objects (2d6 damage) if
Male gargoyle barbarian (hurler) 2 thrown from the tower.
CE Medium monstrous humanoid (earth) They create areas of light rubble in squares in which they
Init +8; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +7, Sense Motive land.
+1 Gargoyle Lair Ryllhax keeps a collection of gruesome
Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (average; Hover); ACP 0; Climb +8, Fly
trophies from his nightly hunts hidden under some stone blocks
+14, Stealth +13 (+19 in stony areas; freeze)
Freeze (Ex) Ryllhax can hold himself so still he appears to be (DC 15 Perception locates). The pile contains several severed
a statue. He can take 20 on his Stealth check to hide in fingers, a fractured skull, some blood stained jewellery and a
plain sight as a stone statue. torn dark green cloak. Ryllhax does not collect normal treasures
AC 18, touch 14, flat‐footed 18; CMD 25; uncanny dodge – he cares nothing for such trinkets.
(+4 Dex, +4 natural)
Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +5 SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
hp 68 (7 HD); DR magic/10
To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +7; CMB +11
EL 6 (XP 2,400): Remove the collapsing scaffolding trap.
Melee bite +12 (1d4+5) and
2 claws +12 (1d6+5) and EL 8 (XP 4,800): Apply the advanced creature template to
gore +12 (1d4+5) Ryllhax. (+2 on all dice rolls [including damage]; AC 22, touch 18,
Atk Options Throw Anything; rage (10 rds.) flat‐footed 22; CMD 29; hp 82).
Combat Gear amulet of mighty fists +1, alchemist's fire (3),
potion of cure moderate wounds, potion of magic fang
(2), thunderstone
Abilities Str 19, Dex 18, Con 18, Int 6, Wis 13, Cha 5
SQ rage powers (lesser hurling)
Feats Hover, Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Fly), Throw
Anything COLLAPSING SCAFFOLDING TRAP
Skills as above plus Craft (traps) +5, Survival +6 Ryllhax has rigged a section of the scaffolding to collapse if
Languages Common, Terran walked upon.
Gear as above plus masterwork artisan's tools, gems and Such a trap not only can spell doom for the intruder
jewellery worth 205 gp
activiating it, but also makes it difficult for non‐flying creatures
When raging, Ryllhax has the following, altered statistics to access his bell tower lair.
159
‘WARE THE WERERAT (EL 4; XP 1,200)
This encounter takes place on the night of a full moon and can Distinguishing Features: Restin has wild, staring eyes that
start on the streets or in a tavern or other public place. The dart about.
moon will remain full for another three nights. Read:
FINDING RESTIN
A dirty, nervous‐looking young man approaches you. His eyes
Restin lives in a hovel in a slum on the edge of town. During the
shift quickly and he constantly looks over his shoulder. “Please
day, he slumbers within. At night, he transforms and prowls the
help me, I have nowhere else to go.”
surrounding alleys.
A DC 20 Sense Motive check reveals Milt is genuinely frightened.
TACTICS
If the PCs ask what is wrong he relays his story and begs for help.
Once the PCs encounter Restin, use these notes to run the
MILT’S STORY ensuing battle:
A month ago or so Restin and Milt waylaid a traveller. In horror, Restin: Restin can’t be reasoned with in his changed form
Milt witnessed his companion beat the man to death after and attacks with barbaric rage as soon as it becomes clear the
discovering he didn’t carry much wealth. However, before dying, PCs are after him. Once reduced to half hit points, he retreats to
the man transformed into a gigantic rat‐like beast and bit Restin. his hovel. There, he fights to the death.
Terrified, Milt fled and has not seen his friend since. Milt: Milt stays as far away from Restin as possible and only
Although Milt refuses to contact the Watch, he suspects fights if cornered.
Restin is behind the “animal” attacks in the neighbourhood over
AREA FEATURES
the last few nights. Now slightly paranoid, he thinks his once‐
friend is stalking him in revenge for leaving him writhing in the The area has several features of note:
street. Milt assures the group the Watch rewards civic‐minded Dim Light: Dim light blankets the streets, providing
duty and promises to lead the group to Restin’s lair. (As a concealment (20% miss chance).
wanted criminal, Milt is very keen to avoid the Watch). Rubbish: Rubbish covers much of the ground. It costs 2
If the PCs offer to help, Milt promises them Restin’s squares of movement to enter a square in the hut and the DC of
accumulated treasures once his partner has been defeated. Acrobatics checks increases by 2.
160
Wooden Walls: The wood walls are (hardness 5, hp 15; DC Secret Door: A DC 25 Perception check reveals a secret floor
18 Break) relatively sturdy. compartment; within lies 252 gp, 75 sp and three yellow gems
Trash‐Covered Floor: Rubbish covers the floor. It costs 2 (ambers each worth 200 gp; DC 20 Appraise values and
squares of movement to enter a square in the hut and the DC of identifies).
Acrobatics checks increases by 2.
SCALING THE ENCOUNTER
RESTIN ( H Y B R I D F O R M ) CR 4 (XP 1,200)
To modify this encounter, apply the following changes:
This horrid bipedal rat‐like beast has razor sharp teeth and is
EL 3 (XP 800): Apply the young creature template to Restin
covered in thick, coarse fur.
(+2 to all Dex‐based rolls, –2 on all other rolls, ‐8 hp).
Male human afflicted wererat barbarian 4
CE Medium humanoid (augmented humanoid, human) EL 5 (XP 1,600): Apply the advanced creature template to
Init +3; Senses low‐light vision, scent; Perception +9, Sense Restin (+2 on all rolls [including damage], +4 to AC and CMD and
Motive +2 +8 hp).
Speed 40 ft.; ACP 0; Acrobatics +10 (+14 jumping), Climb +12,
Swim +12
AC 18, touch 13, flat‐footed 15; CMD 22; uncanny dodge, +1 vs. RESTIN ( H U M A N F O R M ) CR 4 (XP 1,200)
traps This heavily muscled, wild‐eyed man wears old, slightly tatty
(+3 armour [mwk studded leather], +3 Dex, +2 natural) clothing.
Fort +8, Ref +5 (+6 vs. traps), Will +4 Male human afflicted wererat barbarian 4
hp 47 (4 HD); DR silver/10 CE Medium humanoid (augmented humanoid, human)
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +4; CMB +8 Init +1; Senses low‐light vision, scent; Perception +9, Sense
Melee mwk heavy flail (Power Attack [‐2/+6]) +11 (1d10+7) and Motive +2
bite +4 (1d4+5 plus filth fever [save DC 13 Fortitude {2 Speed 40 ft.; ACP 0; Acrobatics +8 (+12 jumping), Climb +11,
consecutive saves}; onset 1d3 days; frequency 1/day; effect Swim +11
1d3 Con damage and 1d3 Dex damage] and curse of AC 14, touch 11, flat‐footed 13; CMD 19; uncanny dodge, +1 vs.
lycanthropy [DC 15]) traps
Ranged mwk longbow (range 110 ft.) +6 (1d8+4/x3) (+3 armour [mwk studded leather], +1 Dex)
Atk Options rage (12 rounds) Fort +7, Ref +3 (+4 vs. traps), Will +4
Special Actions change shape ([full‐round action] human, hp 43 (4 HD); DR silver/10
hybrid) Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +4; CMB +8
Combat Gear arrows (20) Melee mwk heavy flail (Power Attack [‐2/+6]) +10 (1d10+6)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 17, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 6 Ranged mwk longbow (range 110 ft.) +6 (1d8+4/x3)
SQ lycanthropic empathy (rats and dire rats), fast movement, Atk Options rage (12 rounds)
rage powers (powerful blow [+2], superstitious) trap sense Special Actions change shape ([full‐round action] human,
(+1) hybrid)
Feats Power Attack, Toughness, Weapon Focus (heavy flail) Combat Gear arrows (20)
Skills as above plus Diplomacy ‐2 (+2 vs. rats), Intimidate +5 Abilities Str 18, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 6
Languages Common SQ lycanthropic empathy (rats and dire rats), fast movement,
Gear as above plus cloak of resistance +1, 23 gp rage powers (powerful blow [+2],superstitious) trap sense
(+1)
When raging, Restin has the following, altered statistics: Feats Power Attack, Toughness, Weapon Focus (heavy flail)
Skills as above plus Diplomacy ‐2 (+2 vs. rats), Intimidate +5
Climb +14, Swim +14 Languages Common
AC 16, touch 11, flat‐footed 13; CMD 24; uncanny dodge, +1 vs. Gear as above plus cloak of resistance +1, 23 gp
traps
Fort +10, Will +6; +2 vs. spells and supernatural and spell‐like When raging, Restin has the following, altered statistics:
abilities
hp 55 Climb +13, Swim +13
CMB +10 AC 12, touch 9, flat‐footed 11; CMD 21; uncanny dodge, +1 vs.
Melee mwk heavy flail (Power Attack [‐2/+6]) +13 (1d10+10) traps
and Fort +9, Will +6; +2 vs. spells and supernatural and spell‐like
bite +11 (1d4+7 plus filth fever [save DC 15 Fortitude {2 abilities
consecutive saves}; onset 1d3 days; frequency 1/day; effect hp 51
1d3 Con damage and 1d3 Dex damage] and curse of CMB +10
lycanthropy [DC 15]) Melee mwk heavy flail (Power Attack [‐2/+6]) +12 (1d10+9)
Atk Options powerful blow (+2), rage (12 rounds) Atk Options powerful blow (+2), rage (12 rounds)
Abilities Str 24, Con 20 Abilities Str 22, Con 18
161
WATCH, THE: PATROLS
Use the statistics and encounter groups on this page to depict SERGEANT OF THE WATCH CR 1 (XP 400)
any watch patrol the PCs encounter. Clad in chainmail this warrior has a severe haircut and stubble.
Male human warrior 3
PATROLS LN Medium humanoid
Small Patrol (EL 3 [XP 800] ) Watchman (2), sergeant of the Init +0; Senses Perception +2, Sense Motive +2
Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐6; Acrobatics ‐6 (‐10
watch (1)
jumping), Ride ‐1
Normal Patrol (EL 4 [XP 1,200]) Watchman (4), sergeant of the
AC 17, touch 10, flat‐footed 17; CMD 14
watch (1) (+6 armour [chainmail], +1 shield [buckler])
Large Patrol (EL 5 [XP 1,600 XP]) Watchman (6), sergeant of Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1
the watch (1) hp 25 (3 HD)
Exceptional Patrol (EL 8 [XP 4,800]) Watchman (14), sergeant Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +3; CMB +5
of the watch (2), captain of the watch (1) Melee mwk longsword +7 (1d8+2/19‐20) or
Melee dagger +5 (1d4+2/19‐20)
Although some watch patrols are quite large, it is obvious such a Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (2)
group is only a challenge to the weakest of adventuring parties. Abilities Str 15, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 8
Most watchmen have no intention of dying in battle against Feats Alertness, ToughnessB, Weapon Focus (longsword)
Skills as above plus Intimidate +5, Profession (watchman) +4
hardened killers – they would much rather break up drunken
Languages Common
brawls or apprehend pick pockets. If the watch are confronted
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 2d10 sp, 1d8 gp
by armed adventurers or fantastical monsters rampaging
through the streets, they will likely muster in force. The watch CAPTAIN OF THE WATCH CR 3 (XP 800)
also, no doubt, have contacts among the retired adventurers This well muscled half‐elf wears a fine breastplate and carries a
and other powerful folk dwelling in the town; may such finely crafted longsword at his hip
individuals aid the watch in times of great need. The GM should Male half‐elf fighter 4
use the NPC Codex to represent such folk. LN Medium humanoid (elf, human)
Watchmen do not use lethal force on a daily basis, preferring Init +2; Senses low‐light vision; Perception +10, Sense Motive +5
Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐2; Acrobatics +0 (‐4
to use the threat of violence or incarceration to defuse the
jumping), Climb +4, Swim +4
situation. If left with no option, they resort to inflicting nonlethal
AC 20, touch 15, flat‐footed 15; CMD 20
damage on their foe. If their opponent is using a weapon to (+6 armour [mwk breastplate], +2 Dex, +1 dodge [Dodge], +1
inflict lethal damage, they reply in kind. shield [mwk buckler])
Immune sleep
WATCH MEMBERS Fort +5 Ref +3, Will +3 (+4 vs. fear)
hp 34 (4 HD)
WATCHMAN CR 1/2 (XP 200)
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +4; CMB +7
Clad in scale mail this warrior carries shield and spear.
Melee mwk longsword (Power Attack [‐2/+4]) +9 (1d8+3/19‐20)
Male human warrior 2 or
LN Medium humanoid (human) Melee mwk dagger (Power Attack [‐2/+4]) +8 (1d4+3/19‐20)
Init +0; Senses Perception +0, Sense Motive +0 Atk Options Cleave
Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐5; Acrobatics ‐5 (‐9 Combat Gear potion of cure moderate wounds
jumping), Ride +0
Abilities Str 16, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 14 Cha 8
AC 16, touch 10, flat‐footed 16; CMD 14 SQ armour training (1), bravery (+1)
(+5 armour [scale mail], +1 shield [light wooden]) Feats Alertness, Cleave, Dodge, Power Attack, Skill Focus
Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +0 (Perception), Weapon Focus (longsword)
hp 18 (2 HD) Skills as above plus Profession (watchman) +7
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +2; CMB +4 Languages Common, Elven
Melee spear +5 (1d8+2/x3) or Gear as above plus 50 gp
Melee club +5 (1d6+2)
Abilities Str 15, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 8
Feats ToughnessB, Weapon Focus (spear)
Skills as above plus Handle Animal +3, Profession (watchman) +4
Languages Common
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 2d6 sp
162
S O W HAT ’ S F OR S ALE ?
163
SMALL TOWN
Use the table below, to determine which set of items is for sale SMALL TOWN 2
in a small town the PCs visit.
Armour darkwood buckler (205 gp), +3 improved shadow
breastplate (24,350 gp)
D% SMALL TOWN SET NOTES
Potions & Oils arcane mark (25 gp), fox’s cunning (300 gp),
01‐04 Small Town 1
05‐08 Small Town 2 Cursed item heroisim (750 gp)
09‐12 Small Town 3 Cursed items Wands bless weapon (12 charges, 180 gp), flaming sphere (29
13‐16 Small Town 4 charges, 2,610 gp), make whole (8 charges, 720 gp)
17‐20 Small Town 5 Wondrous Items bronze griffon figurine of wondrous power
21‐24 Small Town 6 Cursed item (10,000 gp), pearl of power (4th; 16,000 gp)*, universal
25‐28 Small Town 7 Cursed item solvent (2; 50 gp each)
29‐32 Small Town 8 Cursed items *Cursed (Known) Requirement: item must be used at least once
33‐36 Small Town 9 a day, or it won’t function again for its current possessor.
37‐40 Small Town 10
41‐44 Small Town 11 SMALL TOWN 3
45‐48 Small Town 12
49‐52 Small Town 13 Potions & Oils make whole (300 gp), wood shape (300 gp)
53‐56 Small Town 14 Scroll (Arcane) blindness/deafness, ray of frost and whispering
*
57‐60 Small Town 15 wind (325 gp)
61‐64 Small Town 16 Scrolls (Divine) barkskin (25 gp), protection from chaos (25 gp)**
68‐68 Small Town 17 Wands bless water (1 charge, 40 gp), magic circle against chaos
69‐72 Small Town 18 (16 charges, 3,600 gp), scorching ray (43 charges, 3,870 gp),
73‐76 Small Town 19
tongues (3 charges, 270 gp)
77‐80 Small Town 20
Weapon +2 gauntlet (8,302 gp)
81‐84 Small Town 21
85‐88 Small Town 22 Wondrous Item scabbard of keen edges (16,000 gp)
89‐92 Small Town 23 *Cursed (Unknown) Intermittent functioning: only works
93‐96 Small Town 24 aboveground.
97‐100 Roll on Large Town **Cursed (Unknown) Opposite effect or target: listed bonuses
instead become penalties.
Base Value: 1,000 gp; 3d4 minor items; 1d6 medium items
SMALL TOWN 4
SPELLCASTERS FOR HIRE Armour +1 tower shield (1,180 gp)
Additionally, wandering adventurers can often find spellcasters Oil magic stone (50 gp)
available to cast spells (for a price) at any small town they Scrolls (Arcane) bull’s strength (150 gp), fog cloud and summon
happen upon. monster II (300 gp), magic weapon (25 gp)
Highest‐Level Spell: 4th. Weapons +1 composite shortbow (+2 Str) (2,525 gp), +4 kama
Cost: Caster level x spell level x 10 gp (plus any additional (32,302)
costs noted in the relevant spell’s description). Wondrous Items amulet of natural armour +3 (18,000 gp), elixir
of truth (500 gp), folding boat (7,200 gp)
SMALL TOWN 1
Armour +4 heavy steel shield (16,170 gp), elven chain (5,150 gp)
SMALL TOWN 5
Potions & Oils align weapon (300 gp), levitate (300 gp), Armour +1 invulnerability scale mail with locked gauntlet
protection from good (50 gp) (16,208 gp)
Scroll (Arcane) mirror image (150 gp) Potion cure light wounds (50 gp)
Scroll (Divine) sound burst (150 gp) Scroll (Arcane) cause fear (25 gp)
Wands bull’s strength (35 charges, 3,150 gp), protection from Scroll (Divine) lesser restoration (150 gp)
chaos (23 charges, 345 gp) Wands goodberry (46 charges, 690 gp), rage (42 charges, 10,350
Wondrous Item necklace of fireballs type IV (5,400 gp) gp), shillelagh (46 charges, 690 gp)
Wondrous Item candle of invocation (8,400 gp), horn of blasting
(10,000 gp)
164
SMALL TOWN 6 SMALL TOWN 9
Armour +2 chainmail (4,300 gp) Armour +1 buckler (1,165 gp)
Potion cure light wounds (50 gp) Potion bull’s strength (300 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) expeditious retreat (25 gp), flaming sphere, Scroll (Arcane) protection from good (25 gp)
mass reduce person (700 gp), protection from arrows and Scroll (Divine) protection from chaos (25 gp)
*
rope trick (450 gp) Wand erase (48 charges, 720 gp), greater magic weapon (41
Wands acid arrow (33 charges, 2,970 gp), fly (5 charges, 1,125 charges, 9,225 gp)
gp) Weapon +1 dire flail (2,690 gp)
Weapon +1 gauntlet (2,302 gp) Wondrous Items fan feather token (200 gp), pearl of power ( 1st)
Wondrous Items elixir of vision (250 gp), pearl of power (1st) (1,000 gp), necklace of fireballs type V (5,850 gp)
(1,000 gp)
*Cursed (Unknown) Intermittent functioning: can only be used SMALL TOWN 10
underground. Armour +1 spell resistance (15) chainmail (16,165 gp)
Potions & Oils bear’s endurance (300 gp), eagle’s splendour (300
SMALL TOWN 7 gp), make whole (300 gp)
Armour +2 heavy steel shield (4,170 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) blindness/deafness and shield (175 gp), detect
Potions invisibility (300 gp), protection from law (50 gp) secret doors and magic weapon (50 gp),
Ring force shield (8,500 gp) spider climb and whispering wind (300
Rod lesser metamagic quicken spell (35,000 gp) gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) cause fear (2; 25 gp), unseen servant (25 gp), Scrolls (Divine) find traps (150 gp),
whispering wind (150 gp) spiritual weapon (150 gp)
Scroll (Divine) wind wall (375 gp) Wand owl’s wisdom (38 charges,
Wand summon monster II (14 charges, 1,260 gp) 3,420 gp)
16
Wondrous Items boots of elvenkind (2,500 gp) , cloak of Weapon +2 shortbow (8,330
resistance +4 (16,000 gp), gloves of arrow snaring gp)
(4,000 gp), restorative ointment (4,000 Wondrous Items bag of
gp) holding type I (2,500 gp),
*Cursed (Unknown) Delusion. pink and green sphere ioun
stone (8,000 gp)
SMALL TOWN 8
Potion endure elements (50 gp) SMALL TOWN 11
Rods lesser metamagic extend Potions & Oils hide from
spell (3,000 gp), metal and animals (50 gp), remove fear (50
mineral detection (10,500 gp), sanctuary (50 gp)
gp) Scrolls (Arcane) knock (150 gp), levitate
Scrolls (Arcane) detect secret doors (25 gp), flaming sphere (150 (300 gp), magic circle against good (375 gp), magic mouth
gp), magic circle against good (375 gp), silent image (25 gp) (160 gp)
Scroll (Divine) speak with animals (25 gp) Scroll (Divine) sanctuary (25 gp)
Staff charming (17,600 gp) Ring wizardry (I) (20,000 gp)
*
Wand lullaby (39 charges, 292 gp, 5 sp) Weapon +3 hand crossbow (18,400 gp), +3 anarchic throwing
Weapon screaming bolt (267 gp) axe (50,308 gp)
18
Wondrous Items bracers of natural armour +3 (18,000 gp) , Wondrous Items elixir of fire breath (1,100 gp), gray bag of
cloak of resistance +2 (4,000 gp), medallion of thoughts tricks (3,400 gp)
(12,000 gp)
*Cursed (Known) Opposite effect or target: picks a random SMALL TOWN 12
enemy target other than the one chosen (if only one enemy, Potions & Oils animate rope (50 gp), bull’s strength (3) (300 gp),
targets caster). cure moderate wounds (300 gp), magic stone (50 gp),
**Cursed (Unknown) Delusion. sanctuary (50 gp)
Scroll (Arcane) burning hands (25 gp)
Wand chill touch (4 charges, 60 gp)
165
SMALL TOWN 13 SMALL TOWN 17
Armour +1 tower shield (1,180 gp), +1 light wooden shield (1,153 Oil shillelagh (50 gp)
gp) Rod immovable (5,000 gp)
Potions & Oils gentle repose (300 gp), magic weapon (50 gp) Wands enlarge person (4 charges, 60 gp), meld into stone (25
Rod cancellation (11,000 gp) charges, 5,625 gp)
Scroll (Arcane) cause fear (25 gp) Weapon +2 light hammer (2,301 gp)
Scroll (Divine) death knell (150 gp) Wondrous Item vest of escape (5,200 gp)
Wands cure serious wounds (8 charges, 1,800 gp), remove curse
(45 charges, 10,125 gp) SMALL TOWN 18
Weapon masterwork cold iron longsword (330 gp) Armour +1 light fortification light steel shield (4,159 gp)
Potions cat’s grace (300 gp), invisibility (300 gp)
SMALL TOWN 14 Ring water walking (15,000 gp)
Armour +1 heavy steel shield (1,170 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) colour spray (25 gp), eagle’s splendour (150 gp),
Potion sanctuary (50 gp) hypnotism (25 gp), light and endure element (37 gp, 5 sp),
Ring protection +3 (18,000 gp) minor image (150 gp),
Scrolls (Arcane) detect secret doors (25 gp), disguise self (25 protection from arrows
gp), locate object (150 gp) (150 gp), spider climb
Scroll (Divine) charm animal (25 gp) (150 gp), summon
Wand align weapon (19 charges, 1,710 gp) monster I (25 gp)
Scroll (Divine) flaming
SMALL TOWN 15 sphere (150 gp)
Potions darkvision (300 gp), resistance (25 Staff healing (29,600 gp)
gp) Wondrous Item headband
Rings animal friendship (10,800 of vast intelligence +4
gp), force shield (10,800 gp) (16,000 gp)
x‐ray vision (25,000 gp)
Scroll (Arcane) whispering SMALL TOWN 19
wind (150 gp) Armour +1 heavy wooden
Scroll (Divine) detect chaos shield (1, 153 gp)
(25 gp) Oil rope trick (300 gp)
Staff defence (62,000 gp) Scroll (Arcane) charm monster
Wands chill metal (18 (700 gp)
charges, 270 gp), Scroll (Divine) barkskin (150 gp), detect
darkness (18 charges, evil (25 gp)
1,620 gp), illusory script Staff healing (29,600 gp)
(29 charges, 7,975 gp) Wondrous Item rope of entanglement (21,000 gp)
166
SMALL TOWN 21 SAMPLE SELLERS
Potions & Oils bull’s strength (300 gp), cure moderate wounds Use the table below, to determine a seller’s identity.
(300 gp), hide from undead (50 gp), light (25 gp), obscure
object (300 gp) D10 SELLER1
Ring minor energy (fire) resistance (12,000 gp) Alpo Poso (N male human fighter 1): From a distant
Scrolls (Arcane) confusion (700 gp), detect secret doors (25 gp) village, this is Alpo’s first time in a town. He loves the
1
nightlife and doesn’t want the item(s). He is bald and
and flame arrow (375 gp), resist energy (150 gp)
half‐drunk.
Wand shillelagh (42 charges, 630 gp) Arvyon Moonfoot (LN female halfling ranger 1): A
Wondrous Item necklace of fireballs type VI (8,100 gp) lover of solitude, Arvyon nevertheless enjoys a good
barroom brawl. She eats voraciously and has terrible
SMALL TOWN 22 2
table manners. She always tries to carry out
Armour +1 heavy wooden shield (1,157 gp) negotiations over a meal (paid for by the customer,
of course).
Potions & Oils protection from chaos (50 gp), resist (cold) energy
Tranen Nuoso (N male human wizard [necromancer]
(300 gp) 2): Convinced of his brilliance, Tranen has recently
Scrolls (Arcane) obscuring mist (25 gp), shield (25 gp) arrived in town to perform certain research best
Staves defence (62,000 gp), frost (41,400 gp) 3 carried out in private. He smells musty and has large,
Wand enlarge person (27 charges, 405 gp) bushy eyebrows. He sells scrolls and potions to fund
Wondrous Items cloak of resistance +2, necklace of fireballs type his research, but he hates the inconvenience of doing
IV (5,400 gp) so.
Jalava Otila (CN female human druid/bard 6/4): Jalva
believes that she can instil a love of nature in people
SMALL TOWN 23 4
by singing them great epics about the world’s beauty.
Armour Rhino hide (5,165 gp) She insists on doing so before selling any items.
Potions & Oils reduce animal (300 gp), reduce person (50 gp), Juho Tuomi (LN male human sorcerer 1): Juho is
remove paralysis (300 gp), sanctuary (50 gp), status (300 gp), selling items to pay the ransom of a comrade held
5
wood shape (300 gp) hostage by a nearby orc tribe. He is obviously in a
hurry and tells his story to all willing listeners.
Rings protection +1 (2,000 gp), protection +3 (18,000 gp)
Lamiat Koritas (LG female half‐elf rogue 6): This
Rod flame extinguishing (15,000 gp) rogue hates undead and specialises at hunting them.
Scroll (Arcane) arcane eye (700 gp) 6
She has lots of such stories and tips. She is lonely and
Staff defence (62,000 gp) spins out negotiations as long as possible.
Wands aid (31 charges, 2,790 gp), comprehend languages (25 Ruabrar Fisual (NE male half‐elf cleric 2): Ruabrar has
charges, 375 gp) 7 an inferiority complex. He hates everyone and
demands 150% of market price for his item(s).
SMALL TOWN 24 Rumsan Uthdulean (LN male elf wizard 3): Frail and
unsuited to an adventurer’s life, Rumsan would much
Potions & Oils darkvision (150 gp), light (25 gp) 8
rather craft potions and scrolls to order. He has a
Ring improved climbing (10,000 gp) hacking cough and wears his hair in braids.
Scrolls (Arcane) fox’s cunning (150 gp), invisibility (150 gp), Simo Ahonen (CE male human rogue 2): Simo is
reduce person (25 gp), suggestion (375 gp), ventriloquism (25 selling the proceeds of a theft in a nearby town. She
gp) looks nervous and settles for 75% of market price if
9
the deal can be done quickly. He notes if the PCs are
Scroll (Divine) cure serious wounds, water walk (750 gp)
obviously wealthy and may pay them a stealthy,
Wondrous Item phylactery of positive channelling (11,000 gp)
nocturnal visit.
Viljo Tuuri (NE male human ranger 3): Viljo has
terrible social skills, horrific breath and an impressive
10 moustache. He wants money for drinking and
wenching. He is planning to leave town as soon as he
runs out of money.
1: Skill Ranks 5+ level for class skills; non class skills +1.
Base Value: 1,000 gp; 3d4 minor items; 1d6 medium items
167
LARGE TOWN
Use the table below, to determine which set of items is for sale *Cursed (Unknown) Substitute; net of snaring.
in a large town the PCs visit.
LARGE TOWN 2
D% LARGE TOWN SET NOTES Armour +3 light wooden shield with shield spikes (9,163 gp)
01‐04 Large Town 1 Cursed items Potion & Oil delay poison (300 gp), invisibility (300 gp), resist
05‐08 Large Town 2
cold energy (300 gp)
09‐12 Large Town 3 Cursed item
Ring sustenance (2,500 gp)
13‐16 Large Town 4 Cursed items
17‐20 Large Town 5 Scrolls (Arcane) expeditious retreat (25 gp), mage’s private
21‐24 Large Town 6 sanctum (1,125 gp), suggestion (375 gp)
25‐28 Large Town 7 Cursed item Scroll (Divine) inflict light wounds (25 gp)
29‐32 Large Town 8 Staff abjuration (82,000 gp)
33‐36 Large Town 9 Wands eagle’s splendour (26 charges, 2,340 gp), hold portal (1
37‐40 Large Town 10 charge, 15 gp)
41‐44 Large Town 11 Weapon +4 brilliant energy hand crossbow (64,400 gp)
45‐48 Large Town 12 Wondrous Item pearl of power (9th; 81,000 gp)
49‐52 Large Town 13
53‐56 Large Town 14 LARGE TOWN 3
57‐60 Large Town 15
61‐64 Large Town 16 Potions & Oils arcane mark (25 gp), shatter (300 gp)
68‐68 Large Town 17 Wands animal trance (12 charges, 1,080 gp), message (38
69‐72 Large Town 18 charges, 285 gp), silent image (11 charges, 99 gp)
73‐76 Large Town 19 Weapons +2 short sword (8,310 gp), +2 flaming shock composite
77‐80 Large Town 20 longbow (+3 Str) (32,700 gp)
*
81‐84 Large Town 21 Wondrous Items ivory goats figurine of wondrous power (21,000
85‐92 Roll on Small City
gp), pearl of power (5th; 25,000 gp), portable hole (20,000
93‐100 Roll on Small City
gp)
*Cursed (Known) Drawback: character must make a DC 20
Base Value: 2,000 gp; 3d4 minor items; 2d4 medium items; 1d4
Fortitude save each day or suffer 1 point of Strength
major items.
damage.
SPELLCASTERS FOR HIRE LARGE TOWN 4
Additionally, wandering adventurers can often find spellcasters
Potions protection from law (50 gp), stabilize (25 gp)
available to cast spells (for a price) at any large town they visit.
Ring water walking (15,000 gp)*
Highest‐Level Spell: 5th.
Rod python (13,000 gp)*
Cost: Caster level x spell level x 10 gp (plus any additional
Wand bull’s strength (47 charges, 4,230 gp)
costs noted in the relevant spell’s description).
Weapons sleep arrow (132 gp), flame tongue (22,715 gp)
LARGE TOWN 1 Wondrous Items bead of force (3,000 gp), belt of giant strength
+6 (36,000 gp)
Armour +3 breastplate (9,350 gp), +5 greater electricity *Cursed (Known) Drawback: character shrinks 6 inches; happens
resistance leather armour (91,160 gp) when item first used; permanent.
Potions & Oils cat’s grace (300 gp), make whole (300 gp), reduce **Cursed (Known) Intermittent functioning: item has a 5%
person (50 gp), virtue (25 gp) chance of functioning once at a random time every day.
Scroll (Arcane) beast shape I, fly and mnemonic enhancer (1,500
gp)* LARGE TOWN 5
Staves divination (82,000 gp), earth and stone (85,800 gp)
Ring water walking (15,000 gp)
Weapons +1 quarterstaff (2,600 gp), +3 net (18,320 gp)**
Rods greater metamagic enlarge spell (24,500 gp), metamagic
Wondrous Items headband of mental prowess +6 (90,000 gp),
extend spell (11,000 gp)
silversheen (250 gp)
o Scrolls (Arcane) burning hands (25 gp), charm person (25 gp),
*Cursed (Known) Drawback: temperature around item is 10 F
touch of fatigue (12 gp, 5 sp)
cooler than normal.
168
Scroll (Divine) sending (700 gp) LARGE TOWN 9
Wands cure moderate wounds (41 charges, 3,690 gp), major
Armour +2 heavy wooden shield (4,157 gp), +3 heavy darkwood
image (43 charges, 9,675 gp)
shield (9,257 gp), +3 improved acid, cold and electricity
Weapon +4 repeating heavy crossbow (32,700 gp)
resistance full plate (136,650 gp)
Wondrous Item tan bag of tricks (16,000 gp)
Potions & Oils bless weapon (50 gp), hide from undead (50 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) darkness (150 gp), magic mouth (2; 160 gp each)
LARGE TOWN 6
Wand entopic shield (41 charges, 615 gp)
Armour +2 chain shirt (4,250 gp) Weapon +2 repeating crossbow bolts (5) (831 gp)
Potion cure moderate wounds (300 gp) Wondrous Items bracelet of friends (19,000 gp), cloak of
Rings jumping (2,500 gp), protection +3 (18,000 gp) arachnida (14,000 gp), manual of gainful exercise +3 (82,500
Scrolls (Arcane) fireball (375 gp), floating disk (25 gp), gp)
interposing hand (1,125 gp)
Scroll (Divine) find traps and zone of truth (300 gp) LARGE TOWN 10
Staves divination (82,000 gp), frost (41,400 gp)
Armour +4 banded mail (16,400 gp), +5 heavy steel shield
Wands detect good (36 charges, 540 gp), hideous
(25,170 gp), +5 leather armour (25,160 gp)
laughter (42 charges, 3,780 gp), web (36 charges,
Potion & Oil reduce person (50 gp)
3,240 gp)
Rings wizardry (II) (40,000 gp), x‐ray vision (25,000
gp)
LARGE TOWN 7
Scrolls (Arcane) passwall (1,125 gp),
Armour adamantine breastplate (10,200 whispering wind (150 gp)
gp) Scrolls (Divine) barkskin (150 gp),
Potions & Oils fly (750 gp), levitate (300 summon nature’s ally I and summon
gp), magic weapon (50 gp), nature’s ally II (175 gp)
protection from evil (50 gp), purify Wands enlarge person (5 charges, 75 gp),
food and drink (25 gp) false life (27 charges, 2,430 gp), mage
Ring evasion (25,000 gp) armour (29 charges, 435 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) command undead Weapon +5 scythe (50,318 gp)
(150 gp), shield (25 gp)*, shocking Wondrous Item hand of glory (8,000
grasp (25 gp), transmute mud to gp)
rock (1,125 gp)
Staves healing (29,600 gp), LARGE TOWN 11
transmutation (82,000 gp)
Armour +2 scale mail (4,200 gp), +3
Weapons +1 greatsword (2,350 gp),
scale mail (9,200 gp)
+1 longsword (2,315 gp)
Ring water walking (15,000 gp)
Wondrous Items boots of striding &
Scrolls (Arcane) gust of wind (150
springing (5,500 gp), bracers of
gp), reduce person (25 gp)
armour +4 (16,000 gp), maul of the titans (25,305 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) animate dead (up to 10 HD worth) (625 gp),
*Cursed (Unknown) Opposite effect or target; shield bonus
charm animal, command and comprehend languages (75
becomes a penalty.
gp),
Wands ray of enfeeblement (10 charges, 300 gp), summon
LARGE TOWN 8
nature’s ally IV (42 charges, 17,640 gp)
Potions blur (300 gp), cure light wounds (50 gp) Weapon screaming bolt (267 gp)
Ring invisibility (20,000 gp) Wondrous Item cubic gate (164,000 gp)
Rod flailing (50,000 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) grease (25 gp), hold person (375 gp), rope trick
(150 gp), scorching ray (150 gp), summon monster I (25 gp)
Scroll (Divine) holy aura and wind walk (4,650 gp)
Wands speak with dead (23 charges, 5,175 gp), bull’s strength (4
charges, 360 gp)
Wondrous Items fan feather token (500 gp), hat of disguise
(1,800 gp), pearly white spindle ioun stone (20,000 gp)
169
LARGE TOWN 12 LARGE TOWN 15
Armour +4 light steel shield (16,159 gp), +4 sonic resistance Potions cure light wounds (50 gp), enlarge person (50 gp), rage
splint mail (34,350 gp) (750 gp), sanctuary (50 gp)
Potions & Oils cure moderate wounds (300 gp), cure serious Rings improved jumping (10,000 gp), protection +4 (32,000 gp)
wounds (750 gp), light (25 gp), spider climb (300 gp) Rods metamagic lesser empower spell (9,000 gp), python
Ring major sonic resistance (28,000 gp), protection +3 (18,000 (13,000 gp)
gp) Scrolls (Arcane) dimension door (700 gp), dominate person
Scrolls (Arcane) gust of wind and summon monster II (300 gp), (1,125 gp), erase and expeditious retreat (50 gp), fireball,
sepia snake sigil (875 gp) rage and sepia snake sigil (1,625 gp), rope trick (150 gp)
Scroll (Divine) spell resistance (1,125 gp) Wondrous Items ivory goat figurines of wondrous power (21,000
Staff evocation (82,000 gp) gp), necklace of fireballs type IV (5,400 gp), robe of blending
Wands protection from arrows (24 charges, 2,160 gp) (8,400 gp), robe of bones (2,400 gp)
Weapon sword of subtlety (22,310 gp)
Wondrous Item candle of truth (2,500 gp)
LARGE TOWN 16
LARGE TOWN 13 Armour +2 buckler (4,165 gp)
Armour +1 buckler (4,165 gp), +3 breastplate (9,350 gp), Potions & Oils pass without trace (50 gp),
+4 improved fire resistance chainmail (58,300 gp), remove disease (750 gp), resist acid energy
rhino hide (5,165 gp) (300 gp), shatter (300 gp), shillelagh (50 gp)
Potion cure moderate wounds (300 gp) Ring blinking (27,000 gp)
Ring protection +4 (32,000 gp) Rods immovable (5,000 gp), lesser
Rod greater metamagic extend spell(24,500 gp) metamagic silent spell (11,000 gp), viper
Scroll (Arcane) endure elements (25 gp) (19,000 gp)
Scroll (Divine) cure light wounds, guidance, and Scrolls (Arcane) burning hands (25
owl’s wisdom (187 gp, 5 sp) gp), comprehend languages (25
Wand invisibility (13 charges, 1,170 gp) gp), darkvision (150 gp),
Weapons +3 dwarf‐bane handaxe (32,306 invisibility sphere and wall of ice
gp), +3 net (18,320 gp) (1,075 gp), resist energy (150 gp)
Scroll (Divine) spell immunity
LARGE TOWN 14 (700 gp)
Armour +1 chainmail (1,300 gp), +3 half‐ Wands alarm (49 charges, 735 gp),
plate (9,750 gp), lion’s shield (9,170 gp) jump (42 charges, 630 gp)
Potions & Oils grease (50 gp), mage armour Wondrous Items cloak of
(50 gp) etherealness (55,000 gp), horn of
Ring chameleon power (12,700 gp), improved Valhalla (50,000 gp)
climbing (10,000 gp), improved jumping (10,000
LARGE TOWN 17
gp), wizardry (IV) (100,000 gp)
Rods greater metamagic, empower spell (73,000 gp), metamagic Ring protection +5 (50,000 gp)
empower spell (32,500 gp), viper (19,000 gp) Rod lesser metamagic enlarge spell (3,000 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) darkvision and endure elements (175 gp), Staff size alteration (26,150 gp)
ventriloquism (25 gp) Wands discern lies (21 charges, 8,820 gp), heat metal (50
Staff illusion (82,000 gp) charges, 4,500 gp), mage hand (7 charges, 5 gp), sound burst
Wands calm emotions (2 charges, 180 gp), shatter (4 charges, (49 charges, 4,410 gp)
360 gp), shout (29 charges, 12,180 gp) Wondrous Items belt of mighty constitution +4 (16,000 gp), eyes
Weapon +3 dwarven urgrosh (18,650 gp) of the eagle (2,500 gp), headband of mental superiority +6
Wondrous Items boots of the winterlands (2,500 gp), headband (144,000 gp), ring gates (40,000 gp), sustaining spoon (5,400
of alluring charisma +4 (16,000 gp) gp)
170
LARGE TOWN 18 SAMPLE SELLERS
Potions & Oils cure serious wounds (750 gp), hold portal (50 gp), Use the table below, to determine a seller’s identity.
neutralize poison (750 gp)
Ring protection +2 (8,000 gp) D10 SELLER1
Scrolls (Arcane) comprehend languages (25 gp), detect thoughts Ahti Rautio (LN male human bard 8): Ahti suffers
(150 gp), glitterdust (150 gp), planar binding and lesser from schizophrenia. His current personality – a hard‐
1 up actor – wants to sell the item(s). Tomorrow,
(1,125 gp)
however he believes he is a famous singer and that
Weapon +3 darkwood composite longbow (+5 Str) (18,900 gp) the PCs stole the items.
Wondrous Items blessed book (12,500 gp), druid’s vestment Berran Lowbrow (LE male half‐orc fighter 9): This
(3,750 gp), manual of quickness in action +5 (137,500 gp) belligerent warrior has a stutter and thus speaks as
2
little as possible. Dark of hair and impeccably turned
LARGE TOWN 19 out he is selling items to finance a townhouse.
Duelemar Selrail (CE male elf rogue/sorcerer 4/6):
Armour +1 studded leather armour (1,175 gp)
This smooth‐talking rogue is calm and confident. He
Rods flame extinguishing (15,000 gp), wonder (12,000 gp) 3 likes to bad‐mouth others and his vocabulary is filthy.
Scrolls (Arcane) detect poison (12 gp, 5 sp), hold portal (25 gp) He wears his hair in a long ponytail that hangs
Scrolls (Divine) barkskin (150 gp), remove disease (375 gp), halfway down his back.
summon nature’s ally I (50 gp) Helbryn Whurcral (LE female dwarf fighter 8): A
Staves necromancy (82,000 gp), passage (206,900 gp) woman of her word, Helbryn flies into a rage if others
4
lie or cheat in her presence. She carries a much‐
LARGE TOWN 20 notched dwarven waraxe.
Jere Aalto (LG male human cleric 9): Although good
Armour adamantine breastplate (10,200 gp) of heart, Jere is greedy and has convinced himself he
Potions cure moderate wounds (300 gp), owl’s wisdom (300 gp), 5
deserves comfort and wealth. A scion of a famed
stabilize (25 gp), tongues (750 gp) warrior, he trades on his ancestor’s name.
Rings force shield (8,500 gp), minor spell storing (18,000 gp) Onni Lilja (NG male human rogue 10): Onni has a
Scroll (Arcane) invisibility (150 gp) surprisingly rich and deep voice. He is selling items
6
found among the detritus of an owlbear’s nest.
Staff fire (18,950 gp)
Several are still bloodstained.
Weapons +1 quarterstaff (4,600 gp), +4 punching dagger
Reiral Valral (NG male dwarf wizard/fighter 5/7): This
(32,302 gp) muscular dwarf is a master crafter of magical arms
7 and armour. He is selling the item(s) to purchase raw
LARGE TOWN 21 materials to craft a longsword for a local lord. His
Armour +3 energy (fire) resistance tower shield (27,180 gp) beard is singed and his arms are blackened with soot.
Potions delay poison (300 gp), hide from animals (50 gp), virtue Remilvan Lythal (CN male half‐elf fighter 8): This
middle‐aged half‐elf has a pot belly and has obviously
(25 gp)
8 not seen action for years. He believes himself to be
Rings evasion (25,000 gp), invisibility (20,000 gp), protection +1 still young and vigorous and tells crushingly boring
(2,000 gp) stories about his exploits.
Scroll (Divine) comprehend languages (25 gp) Sari Pohjola (LG female human paladin 5): Fascinated
Staff defence (62,000 gp) by military history, Sari is a collector of swords. She is
Wands phantom trap (39 charges, 3,510 gp), restoration (32 selling the item(s) to finance the purchase of a
9
dwelling to store her possessions. Tortured by
charges, 16,640 gp), summon nature’s ally I (14 charges, 210
feelings of guilt over this frivolous expense, she
gp)
almost backs out of the sale several times.
Weapon +3 ranseur (18,310 gp) Uljas Hujanen (NE male human bard 6): This
Wondrous Items amulet of natural armour +1 (2,000 gp), bird handsome bard is madly in love with a brazen
feather token (3,000 gp), pale green prism ioun stone (30,000 strumpet of his acquaintance. (Uljas is unaware his
10
gp) beloved is a vampire.) If he sells the item(s) to the
PCs, his bloodless corpse is discovered in a nearby inn
the next morning.
1: Skill Ranks 5+ level for class skills; non class skills +2.
171
SMALL CITY
Use the table below, to determine which set of items is for sale SMALL CITY 2
in a small city the PCs visit.
Armour +1 light wooden shield (1,153 gp), +3 invulnerability
moderate fortification half‐plate (81,750 gp) +3 full plate
D% SMALL CITY SET NOTES
(19,650 gp)
01‐05 Small City 1
06‐10 Small City 2 Cursed items Potions & Oils continual flame (350 gp), cure light wounds (50
11‐15 Small City 3 Cursed items gp), keen edge (750 gp), pass without trace (50 gp)
16‐20 Small City 4 Cursed items Rings invisibility (20,000 gp), wizardry (I) (20,000 gp)
21‐25 Small City 5 Rod python (13,000 gp)
26‐30 Small City 6 Cursed items Scrolls (Arcane) blink (375 gp)*, elemental body IV (2,275 gp),
31‐35 Small City 7 glitterdust (150 gp), rope trick (150 gp)**
36‐40 Small City 8 Weapon +1 darkwood longbow (2,405 gp), +4 sling bullets (10)
41‐45 Small City 9 (6,460 gp)
46‐50 Small City 10
Wondrous Items eyes of charming (56,000 gp), golem (stone
51‐55 Small City 11
guardian) manual (44,000 gp), helm of teleportation (73,500
56‐60 Small City 12
61‐65 Small City 13 gp), manual of gainful exercise +1 (27,500 gp)
66‐70 Small City 14 *Cursed (Unknown) Drawback: spell’s target grows 6 inches;
71‐75 Small City 15 permanent.
76‐80 Small City 16 **Cursed (Unknown) Intermittent functioning: can only be used
81‐90 Roll on Large Town underwater.
91‐100 Roll on Large City
SMALL CITY 3
Base Value: 4,000 gp; 4d4 minor items; 3d4 medium items; 1d6 Armour +3 improved slick hide armour (24,165 gp), +3 shadow
major items. improved slick studded leather armour (22,925 gp), +5 full
plate (26,650 gp)
SPELLCASTERS FOR HIRE
Potions bull’s strength (300 gp), eagle’s splendour (300 gp), fox’s
Additionally, wandering adventurers can often find spellcasters cunning (300 gp), remove paralysis (300 gp)
available to cast spells (for a price) at any small city they visit. Scrolls (Arcane) alter self and false life (300 gp), cause fear (25
Highest‐Level Spell: 6th. gp), endure elements (25 gp), gust of wind (150 gp), mage
Cost: Caster level x spell level x 10 gp (plus any additional armour and obscuring mist (50 gp), scare (150 gp)
costs noted in the relevant spell’s description). Wands darkvision (29 charges, 2,610 gp)*, endure elements (33
charges, 495 gp), locate object (33 charges, 2,970 gp), magic
SMALL CITY 1 circle against evil (11 charges, 2,475 gp)
Ring animal friendship (10,800 gp) Wondrous Items boots of dancing (appears as boots of speed;
Scrolls (Arcane) glitterdust (150 gp), misdirection (150 gp), slow 12,000 gp)**, cloak of arachnida (14,000 gp), hand of glory
and spider climb (525 gp) (8,000 gp), tome of understanding +4 (110,000 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) heal (1,650 gp) *Cursed (Known) Opposite effect or target: affects a random
Staves conjuration (82,000 gp), life (109,400 gp) ally.
Wands pass without trace (12 charges, 180 gp) **Cursed (Unknown) Substitute.
Weapon +3 cold iron battleaxe (2,320 gp), +3 warhammer
(18,312 gp), +3 silver flail (18,398 gp), +3 brilliant energy SMALL CITY 4
flaming burst heavy crossbow (162,350 gp) Armour +2 heavy wooden shield with shield spikes (4,167 gp)*,
Wondrous Items belt of mighty constitution +4 (16,000 gp), +1 full plate (2,650 gp), +2 sonic resistance improved slick
gloves of swimming and climbing (6,250 gp), headband of leather armour (37,160), +3 chain shirt (9,250 gp)
mental superiority +2 (16,000 gp), manual of gainful exercise Potions & Oils gaseous form (750 gp), spider climb (300 gp),
+4 (110,000 gp), mattock of the titans (23,348 gp) wood shape (300 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) blur, fox’s cunning and protection from evil (325
gp), contagion (700 gp)**, explosive runes (375 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) repel vermin (700 gp)
172
Staves divination (82,000 gp), necromancy (82,000 gp)*** SMALL CITY 7
Weapons +3 sling (18,300 gp), +4 light mace (32,305 gp)
Potions & Oils arcane lock (300 gp), erase (50 gp), hide from
Wondrous Items belt of physical might +6 (90,000 gp), orb of
undead (50 gp), remove fear (50 gp), rope trick (300 gp)
storms (48,000 gp), serpentine owl figurine of wondrous
Ring force shield (8,500 gp)
power (9,100 gp), silversheen (250 gp)
Rods flailing (50,000 gp), metamagic empower spell (32,500 gp)
*Cursed (Known) Intermittent functioning: only functions for
Scrolls (Arcane) comprehend languages (25 gp), enlarge person
non‐spellcasters.
and shocking grasp (50 gp), levitate (150 gp), summon
**Cursed (Unknown) Delusion.
monster III (375 gp)
***Cursed (Known) Drawback: user’s skin colour changes (black
Scrolls (Divine) chaos hammer (700 gp), delay poison, inflict light
50% or gray 50%) while item in use.
wounds and protection from chaos (200 gp), entropic shield
(25 gp)
SMALL CITY 5
Wands magic vestment (6 charges, 1,350 gp), ray of
Armour +2 light steel shield (4,159 gp), winged enfeeblement (17 charges, 255 gp), cure moderate
shield (17,257 gp) wounds (7 charges, 630 gp)
Potions & Oils aid (300 gp), displacement Wondrous Items amulet of mighty fists +2
(750 gp), erase (50 gp) (20,000 gp) pale green prism ioun stone (30,000
Ring wizardry (I) (20,000 gp) gp), tome of understanding +2 (55,000 gp)
Rod lesser metamagic empower spell (9,000
gp) SMALL CITY 8
Scrolls (Divine) endure elements (25 gp), fog
Armour +1 heavy steel shield (2) (1,170 gp
cloud (150 gp)
each)
Wands halt undead (8 charges, 1,800 gp),
Potions & Oils purify food and drink (25 gp),
invisibility purge (45 charges, 10,125 gp),
sanctuary (50 gp)
reduce animal (43 charges, 3,870 gp)
Rings ram (2 charges, 344 gp), protection +2
Weapon +1 lance (2,310 gp)
(8,000 gp), x‐ray vision (25,000 gp)
Wondrous Items circlet of persuasion (4,500
Scrolls (Arcane) comprehend languages (25
gp), orb of storms (48,000 gp)
gp), magic mouth (160 gp), protection from
chaos (25 gp)
SMALL CITY 6
Scrolls (Divine) dispel magic and spike growth
Armour +2 scale mail (4,200 gp), (750 gp), wall of fire (1,125 gp)
breastplate of command (24,500 gp)* Wands cure moderate wounds (8 charges,
Potions & Oils bull’s strength (300 gp), 720 gp), flaming sphere (30 charges, 2,700
protection from chaos (50 gp), remove gp), fly (34 charges, 7,650 gp), lesser
paralysis (300 gp), shillelagh (50 gp) restoration (1 charge, 90 gp), phantom trap
Ring improved swimming (10,000 gp) (16 charges, 2,240 gp), see invisibility (21
Rods flame extinguishing (15,000 gp)**, charges, 1,890 gp)
metamagic silent spell (11,000 gp), Weapon +1 heavy crossbow (2,350 gp), +3
viper (19,000 gp) light mace (18,305 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) invisibility (150 gp), Wondrous Items cube of frost resistance
misdirection (150 gp), nondetection (27,000 gp), feather token, bird (300 gp),
(425 gp), sending (1,125 gp) gray bag of tricks (3,400 gp)
Scroll (Divine) produce flame (25 gp)
Staff defence (62,000 gp)
Weapons +3 sickle (18,306 gp), +1 adamantine greatsword
(5,050 gp)
Wondrous Items dusty rose prism ioun stone (5,000 gp), winged
boots (16,000 gp)
*Cursed (Unknown) Substitute; armour of rage.
**Cursed (Known) Drawback: character is afflicted with a
random disease that cannot be cured as long as the item is
possessed.
173
SMALL CITY 9 SMALL CITY 12
Potions & Oils bull’s strength (300 gp), cure serious Armour +1 arrow catching heavy wooden shield (4,157
wounds (750 gp), darkness (300 gp), good hope gp)
(750 gp), light (25 gp), rope trick (300 gp) Potions & Oils bear’s endurance (150 gp), remove fear
Ring force shield (8,500 gp) (50 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) cat’s grace (150 gp), flaming sphere Ring ram (17 charges, 2,924 gp)
(150 gp), misdirection (150 gp) Rods flailing (50,000 gp), lesser metamagic extend spell
Scrolls (Divine) delay poison (150 gp), desecrate (175 (3,000 gp), python (13,000 gp)
gp), endure elements (25 gp), scrying (1,125 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) animate rope (25 gp), disguise self (25 gp),
Wand cure moderate wounds (49 charges, 4,410 gp) magic circle against law (375 gp), mage armour, see
Weapon +3 frost punching dagger (32,302 gp) invisibility and true strike (200 gp), persistent image (1,125
Wondrous Items ivory goats figurine of wondrous power, gp), protection from evil (25 gp), secure shelter (700 gp)
(21,000 gp), pipes of sounding (1,800 gp) Scrolls (Divine) glyph of warding (575 gp), wind wall (375 gp)
Staff illusion (82,000 gp)
SMALL CITY 10 Weapons +1 spell storing dagger (8,302 gp), +3 frost
Armour +4 greater electricity resistance heavy steel shield shortbow (32,330 gp)
(82,170 gp) Wondrous Items belt of physical perfection +4 (64,000
Potions & Oils bless weapon (50 gp), cure light wounds gp), bird feather token (300 gp), broom of flying (17,000
(50 gp), guidance (25 gp), heroism (750 gp) gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) animate rope (25 gp), magic circle
against good (375 gp), major creation, symbol of pain SMALL CITY 13
and wish (32,075 gp) Armour +3 heavy wooden shield (9,157 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) charm animal (25 gp), pass without trace Potions & Oils aid (300 gp), cure light wounds (50 gp),
(25 gp), shambler (3,825 gp) magic weapon (50 gp), reduce person (50 gp), shatter (300
Staff swarming insects (22,800 gp) gp)
Wands resilient sphere (34 charges, 14,280 gp), summon Rod lesser metamagic empower spell (9,000 gp)
monster III (4 charges, 900 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) blindness/deafness (150 gp), darkness (150 gp),
Weapon screaming bolt (267 gp) spider climb (150 gp), tongues (375 gp)
Wondrous Items belt of dwarvenkind (14,900 gp), Scrolls (Divine) divine favour (25 gp), freedom of movement (700
broom of flying (17,000 gp), maul of the titans gp), poison (375 gp), zone of truth (150 gp)
(25,305 gp), portable hole (20,000 gp) Wand magic aura (27 charges, 405 gp)
Wondrous Items dimensional shackles (28,000 gp), hand of the
SMALL CITY 11 mage (900 gp), broom of flying (17,000 gp)
Armour +1 arrow deflection buckler (9,165 gp), +3 Weapon +3 shortbow (18,300 gp)
adamantine chainmail (19,150 gp)
Potions darkvision (300 gp), fox’s cunning (300 gp), SMALL CITY 14
guidance (25 gp), heroism (750 gp) Armour +2 tower shield (4,180 gp), +3 energy (fire) resistance
Rings chameleon power (12,700 gp), protection +1 heavy steel shield (27,170 gp), +5 breastplate (25,350 gp)
(2,000 gp) Potions & Oils animate rope (50 gp), eagle’s splendour (150 gp),
Rod metamagic extend spell (11,000 gp) mage armour (50 gp), hide from animals (50 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) awaken, raise dead (9,250 gp), Potions remove blindness/deafness (750 gp), protection from
(desecrate (175 gp), restoration (1,700 gp) energy (electricity) (750 gp)
Wands aid (11 charges, 990 gp), sound burst (8 charges, Rods cancellation (11,000 gp), metamagic empower spell
720 gp) (32,500 gp)
Weapons +2 arrows ([20] 8,121 gp), +3 sling (18,300 Scrolls (Arcane) jump (25 gp), disguise self (25 gp)
gp), +4 dancing kama (128,302 gp) Scrolls (Divine) aid (150 gp), create greater undead (3,150 gp),
Wondrous Items anchor feather token (50 gp), helm of dismissal (700 gp), tongues (700 gp)
underwater action (24,000 gp), minor cloak of Staves defence (62,000 gp), frost (41,400 gp), swarming insects
displacement (24,000 gp) (22,800 gp)
174
Wands calm emotions (5 charges, 450 gp), charm animal (31 SAMPLE SELLERS
charges, 465 gp), detect undead (45 charges, 675 gp)
Use the table below, to determine a seller’s identity.
Wondrous Items onyx dog figurine of wondrous power (15,500
gp), pearl of power (1st‐level) (1,000 gp) D10 SELLER1
Anneli Niemi (N female human rogue 7): Unfeeling
SMALL CITY 15 and insensitive, Anneli looted the bodies of her fallen
1
Armour +1 scale mail (1,200 gp) companions during a disastrous adventure. She has
Potions & oil arcane mark (25 gp), cure light wounds (50 gp), short brown hair and an intense, disconcerting gaze.
Berstal Thror (CN male half‐orc druid 6): A dreamer
protection from chaos (50 gp), remove fear (50 gp)
who craves a return to a simpler existence, Berstal is
Rod greater metamagic silent spell (24,500 gp) 2
selling much of his gear in preparation for becoming
Scrolls (Arcane) blink and flame arrow (750 gp), bull’s strength a hermit. He is ill at ease in the city.
(150 gp), magic circle against chaos (375 gp), magic missile Calopee Shadowstalk (LN female halfling fighter 11):
(25 gp), rainbow pattern (700 gp) Full of bluster this skilled warrior is fearless and has a
Wands cure critical wounds (39 charges, 16,380 gp), summon 3 reputation for tenacity and luck. Muscular and lithe,
monster I (25 charges, 375 gp) she enjoys haggling and spins the process out as long
as possible.
Wondrous Items bracers of armour +1 (1,000 gp), iridescent
Erno Loponen (NE male human sorcerer 7):
spindle ioun stone (18,000 gp), pale lavender ellipsoid ioun
Suspicious of other’s motives, Erno only meets in
stone (20,000 gp) 4 public places and has many protective enchantments
upon his person. His father recently died, and he is
SMALL CITY 16 selling his unwanted items.
Armour +4 animated moderate fortification greater cold Gilothiean Tyiat (LG female half‐elf sorcerer 7):
Friendly and modest, Gilothiean craves a “proper
resistance light steel shield (147, 159 gp)
5 wizard’s demesne” and as a result is selling unwanted
Potions & Oils arcane lock (150 gp), cure serious wounds (750
items. She is obviously wealthy and is uninterested in
gp), darkvision (300 gp), delay poison (300 gp), resistance (25 crafting items for others.
gp), virtue (25 gp), warp wood (300 gp) Konsta Peltonen (CE male human wizard/sorcerer
Rings evasion (25,000 gp), protection +2 (8,000 gp), telekinesis 5/7): Short, stocky and dark‐haired Konsta’s
(75,000 gp) 6 appearance is immaculate. Opinionated and
Rods metamagic enlarge spell (11,000 gp), python (13,000 gp), antagonistic, he is selling items to fund his research
(the nature of which he does not share).
wonder (12,000 gp)
Maitae Shaspar (NG male elf rogue 10): Appearing
Scrolls (Arcane) astral projection and meteor swarm (8,650 gp),
aloof, Maitae is dangerously shy and hates meeting
protection from arrows (150 gp) 7 new people. Driven by a necessity to pay a rather
Staff earth and stone (85,800 gp) hefty fine levied by his guildmaster for unauthorised
Wand glitterdust (41 charges, 3,600 gp) larceny, he is selling a few items he recently “found.”
Weapons +1 heavy crossbow (2,350 gp), +1 shortbow (2,330 gp), Raerlyn Throlam (LN male elf fighter/wizard 11/7):
nine lives stealer (23,057 gp) Hard‐hearted, Raerlyn has been betrayed many
8 times. He insists on counting any money he receives
twice and flies into a rage if he believes he is being
cheated.
Saethal Vonthilas (N male elf ranger 6): A racist,
Saethal only speaks Elven. Here to sell treasures
looted from a destroyed orc tribe, he hates the mess
9
and stink of human civilisation. He sees half‐elves as
an affront to elven racial purity and charges them
50% above an item’s market value.
Tuukku Vainio (NG male human rogue/fighter 8/4):
Diplomatic but a cad, Tuuku ogles any non‐hideous
10 women he meets. Dressed in the latest fashions, he
knows little of the world beyond the city’s walls (and
cares less).
1: Skill Ranks 5+ level for class skills; non class skills +2.
175
LARGE CITY
Use the table below, to determine which set of items is for sale Wondrous Items belt of mighty constitution +2 (4,000 gp),
in a large city the PCs visit. bracers of armour +6 (36,000 gp), rope of entanglement
(21,000 gp)
D% LARGE CITY SET NOTES *Cursed (Unknown) Delusion.
01‐05 Large City 1 Cursed items **Cursed (Unknown) Delusion.
06‐10 Large City 2
11‐15 Large City 3 LARGE CITY 2
16‐20 Large City 4 Cursed item
21‐25 Large City 5 Armour +5 reflecting heavy wooden shield (100,157 gp)
26‐30 Large City 6 Potions & Oils gentle repose (300 gp), status (2; 300 gp each)
31‐35 Large City 7 Rod flame extinguishing (15,000 gp), metamagic enlarge spell
36‐40 Large City 8 (11,000 gp), metamagic silent spell (11,000 gp), wonder
41‐45 Large City 9 (12,000 gp)
46‐50 Large City 10 Scrolls (Arcane) darkness and darkvision (300 gp), darkvision and
51‐55 Large City 11 spectral hand (300 gp), false vision (1,375 gp)
56‐60 Large City 12 Scrolls (Divine) align weapon (150 gp), produce flame (25 gp)
61‐65 Large City 13
Staves charming (17,600 gp), fire (18,950 gp)
66‐70 Large City 14
Wands comprehend languages (39 charges, 585 gp), summon
71‐75 Large City 15
76‐80 Large City 16 nature’s ally I (25 charges, 375 gp)
81‐90 Roll on Small City Weapons +3 shortbow (18,330 gp), +5 adamantine greatsword
91‐100 Roll on Metropolis (53,050 gp)
Wondrous Items headband of alluring charisma +4 (16,000 gp),
Base Value: 8,000 gp; 4d4 minor items; 3d4 medium items; 2d4 manual of bodily health +4 (110,000 gp), unguent of
major items. timeliness (150 gp)
176
LARGE CITY 4 Wand eagle’s splendour (1 charge, 90 gp)
Weapon +1 quarterstaff (4,600 gp), +3 frost vicious greataxe
Armour +3 improved shadow improved slick banded mail
(50,332 gp), +3 longbow (18,375 gp)
(48,250 gp), +3 tower shield (4,180 gp)
36 Wondrous Items headband of mental prowess +6 (90,000 gp),
Potions & Oils bull’s strength (300 gp) , sanctuary (50 gp),
pearl of power (2nd; 4,000 gp)
shatter (300 gp)
Rings counterspells (4,000 gp), elemental command (air)
LARGE CITY 7
(200,000 gp), improved swimming (10,000 gp)
Rods cancellation (11,000 gp), python (13,000 gp) Armour +2 hide armour (4,165 gp), +4 light fortification heavy
Scroll (Arcane) comprehend languages (25 gp) wooden shield (25,157 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) bull’s strength (150 gp), destruction (2,775 gp) Potions & Oils cure light wounds (25 gp), fox’s cunning (150 gp),
Staff evocation (82,000 gp) magic stone (25 gp), rage (750 gp), shield of faith (25 gp)
Wands colour spray (29 charges, 435 gp), shocking grasp (33 Rings evasion (25,000 gp), improved climbing (10,000 gp), mind
charges, 495 gp) shielding (8,000 gp), swimming (2,500 gp)
Weapons +1 frost longsword (8,315 gp), +3 repeating heavy Scrolls (Arcane) glitterdust (150 gp), mass reduce person (700
crossbow (18,700 gp), +2 two‐bladed sword (8,700 gp), +4 gp), solid fog (700 gp), whispering wind (150 gp)
flaming burst shock arrows (20; 39,321 gp) Scroll (Divine) continual flame (425 gp), holy word (2,275 gp),
Wondrous Items blessed book (12,500 gp), tome of clear wall of thorns (1,125 gp)
thought +1 (27,500 gp) Staves divination (82,000 gp), necromancy (82,000 gp),
*Cursed (Unknown) Opposite effect: Strength bonus becomes a woodlands (100,400 gp)
penalty. Weapon +3 spear (18,302 gp)
Wondrous Items cloak of
LARGE CITY 5 resistance +5 (25,000 gp),
fan feather token (200 gp),
Armour +3 splint mail (18,350
handy haversack (2,000 gp)
gp), mithral shirt (1,100
gp), +3 breastplate (9,020
LARGE CITY 8
gp)
Potions & Oils animate rope Armour +2 bashing moderate
(50 gp), cure light wounds fortification heavy steel shield
(50 gp), enlarge person (50 (36,170 gp), +5 chainmail (25,400 gp)
gp), purify food and drink Potions & Oils barkskin (300 gp), cure
(25 gp) light wounds (50 gp), endure elements (50
Rings chameleon power (12,700 gp), major energy (electricity) gp), erase (50 gp), spider climb (300 gp), virtue
resistance (28,000 gp) (25 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) hypnotic pattern (150 gp), rage (375 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) fire trap (725 gp), flaming sphere (150 gp),
Scroll (Divine) longstrider (25 gp) phantom steed (375 gp), protection from good (25 gp)
Wand bless (22 charges, 330 gp) Scrolls (Divine) enthrall (150 gp), speak with animals (25 gp)
Weapon +2 lance (8,310 gp) Staves frost (41,400 gp), illusion (82,000 gp), swarming insects
Wondrous Item tome of clear thought +3 (82,500 gp) (22,800 gp)
Wands bear’s endurance (39 charges, 3,510 gp), major image
LARGE CITY 6 (26 charges, 5,850 gp), shrink item (36 charges, 8,100 gp)
Wondrous Items circlet of persuasion (4,500 gp), headband of
Armour +3 half‐plate (9,750 gp)
mental superiority +2 (16,000 gp)
Potions & Oils bless weapon (50 gp), cure moderate wounds
(300 gp), magic stone (50 gp), rage (750 gp), remove
deafness/blindness (750 gp), virtue (25 gp)
Rings climbing (2,500 gp), shooting stars (50,000 gp)
Rod metamagic empower spell (32,500 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) fog cloud (150 gp), hypnotic pattern (150 gp),
magic circle against evil (375 gp), nondetection (425 gp)
Scrolls (Divine) darkness (150 gp)
Staff illumination (51,500 gp)
177
LARGE CITY 9 LARGE CITY 12
Armour +3 adamantine banded mail (24,250 gp), +5 improved Armour +4 ghost touch moderate fortification light wooden
fire resistance banded mail (67,400 gp) shield (100,153 gp), +3 improved electricity resistance
Potions & Oils barkskin (300 gp), endure elements (50 gp) mithral buckler (52,015 gp), +3 heavy mithral shield (10,020
Ring animal friendship (10,800 gp) gp)
Rod enemy detection (23,500 gp) Potions & Oils cure serious wounds (2) (750 gp each), eagle’s
Scrolls (Arcane) acid arrow (150 gp), shield (25 gp) splendour (300 gp), jump (50 gp), protection from law (50
Scroll (Divine) comprehend languages (25 gp) gp), resistance (25 gp)
Wands cure serious wounds (42 charges, 9,450 gp), levitate (26 Ring protection +3 (18,000 gp)
charges, 2,340 gp) Rod metamagic quicken spell (75,500 gp)
Weapon +2 heavy mace (8,312 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) bear’s endurance (150 gp), blink, invisibility and
Wondrous Items efficient quiver (1,800 gp), stone of alarm keen edge (900 gp), bestow curse and daylight (1,075 gp),
(2,700 gp), pearl of power (8th) (64,000 gp) protection from law (25 gp), summon monster I (25 gp),
unseen servant (25 gp)
LARGE CITY 10 Scroll (Divine) restoration (1,700 gp)
Potions jump (50 gp), magic fang (50 gp), protection Staff abjuration (82,000 gp)
from arrows (300 gp), reduce person (50 gp), Wands false life (25 charges, 2,250 gp), shatter
stabilize (25 gp) (36 charges, 3,240 gp)
Ring animal friendship (10,800 gp) Weapon +2 rapier (8,320 gp)
Rod absorption (50,000 gp), greater Wondrous Items folding boat (7,200 gp),
metamagic extend spell (24,500 gp) mantle of faith (76,000 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) cat’s grace, ghoul touch
and shatter (450 gp), disguise self (25 LARGE CITY 13
gp), detect poison (12 gp, 5 sp) Armour +3 buckler (9,165 gp), +4 heavy
Scroll (Divine) magic fang, greater and wooden arrow catching shield (25,157 gp)
meld into stone (1,075 gp) Potions and Oils endure elements (50 gp),
Staff healing (29,600 gp) fly (750 gp), hide from animals (50 gp), keen
Weapon +4 composite longbow (+7 Str) edge (750 gp), rage (750 gp), shield of faith
(33,100 gp) (50 gp), warp wood (300 gp)
Wondrous Items boots of elvenkind (2,500 Rings blinking (27,000 gp), chameleon power
gp), boots of levitation (7,500 gp), robe of (12,700 gp)
bones (2,400 gp) Rod greater metamagic enlarge spell (24,500 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) chill touch, darkness and shocking
LARGE CITY 11 grasp (200 gp), hold person (350 gp), hypnotic pattern
Armour +3 darkwood buckler (9,205 gp) (150 gp), knock (150 gp), protection from arrows (150 gp)
Potions & Oils bear’s endurance (300 gp), blur (300 gp), cure Scroll (Divine) remove curse (375 gp)
light wounds (50 gp), grease (50 gp), magic weapon (50 gp) Wands alter self (19 charges, 1,710 gp), blight (24 charges,
Ring elemental (earth) command (200,000 gp) 10,080 gp), darkness (8 charges, 720 gp), gentle repose (6
Rods metamagic quicken spell (75,500 gp), metamagic silent charges, 540 gp)
spell (11,000 gp) Weapons +2 ghost touch handaxe (18,306 gp), flame tongue
Scrolls (Arcane) ghoul touch (150 gp), legend lore (1,900 gp), (20,715 gp)
shocking grasp ( 25 gp) Wondrous Item orb of storms (48,000 gp)
Scroll (Divine) jump (25 gp)
Staves enchantment (82,00 gp), frost (41,400 gp), size alteration
(26,150 gp)
Wand detect snares and pits (42 charges, 630 gp)
Weapon +3 handaxe (18,306 gp)
Wondrous Items belt of physical perfection +4 (64,000 gp), cloak
of the manta ray (7,200 gp)
178
LARGE CITY 14 SAMPLE SELLERS
Armour +2 bashing light steel shield (9,159 gp), +3 studded Use the table below, to determine a seller’s identity.
leather (9,175 gp), +4 spell resistance (15) buckler (49,165
gp) D10 SELLER1
Potions & Oils aid (300 gp), cure light wounds (50 gp), cure Arto Leppanen (CG male human fighter/cleric 6/6): A
moderate wounds (300 gp), hold portal (25 gp), light (12 gp, devout church warrior, Arto believes passionately in
1 freedom. Consequently, he hates slavers and is
5 sp), magic weapon (25 gp), status (300 gp)
selling the item(s) to fund the purchase of several
Scrolls (Arcane) bestow curse (700 gp), bleed (12 gp, 5 sp), slaves. He has a big bushy beard and large, wild eyes.
eagle’s splendour (150 gp) Atron Tant (N male half‐orc ranger 5): At home in the
Scroll (Divine) neutralize poison (700 gp) twisted warrens of the slums, Atron knows many of
2
Staves defence (62,000 gp), evocation (82,000 gp) the city’s secret ways. A gang enforcer and occasional
Wands hold portal (11 charges, 165 gp), mirror image (1 charge, bounty hunter, he often acquires interesting items.
90 gp) Brenlur Swifthand (NE male halfling rogue 11): A
merchant with flexible morals, this corpulent halfling
Weapon +2 trident (8,315 gp)
3 is gregarious. He offers to keep an eye out for certain
Wondrous Items amulet of natural armour +3 (18,000 gp), items – which miraculously he often seems to find.
broom of flying (17,000 gp), carpet of flying (10 ft. by 10 ft.) He charges a 10% fee when selling such items.
(60,000 gp), darkskull (60,000 gp), tome of leadership and Jere Rantala (CN male human fighter 7): Quiet and
influence +5 (137,500 gp) reflective when sober, Jere becomes a different
4 person when drunk. Unfortunately, this leads him
LARGE CITY 15 into many compromising positions. He is selling the
item(s) to pay off his last paramour’s angry father.
Armour +3 hide armour (9,165 gp), +5 full plate (26,650 gp) Rensar Koethten (CN female half‐elf rogue 7): A
Potions & Oils grease (50 gp), protection from evil (50 gp), water superb burglar, this lithe, dark‐skinned elf is in
walk (750 gp) 5 trouble. During her last job, a clever trap infected her
Rings invisibility (20,000 gp), mind shielding (8,000 gp) with a horrible disease. She is visibly suffering and
Rod metamagic extend spell (11,000 gp) needs to sell the item(s) to pay for a remove disease.
Scrolls (Arcane) burning hands and expeditious retreat (50 gp), Saimi Nikkola (LN female human sorcerer 6):
Convinced of her own destiny to be a great and
grease (25 gp), illusionary wall and fire trap (1,425 gp)
6 powerful figure in the city, Saimi is dismayed that
Scrolls (Divine) align weapon (150 gp), cure light wounds (25 gp), others don’t share her vision. She is selling the
undetectable alignment (150 gp) item(s) to bribe several city officials.
Wands alter self (48 charges, 4,320 gp), ice storm (46 charges, Shavdrin Taspar (LE male half‐elf rogue 8): This rat‐
19,320 gp) faced tax collector slavishly follows the letter of the
Wondrous Items bracers of armour +3 (9,000 gp), cloak of 7 law. He often confiscates magic items in lieu of
arachnida (14,000 gp), crystal ball with detect thoughts payment and happily sells them on (pocketing any
remaining monies for himself).
(51,000 gp), gloves of swimming and climbing (6,250 gp)
Tapani Tihohnen (CE male human barbarian 9):
Resting between adventures, Tapani is selling a few
LARGE CITY 16 unwanted items to fund the further enchantment of
8
Armour +1 heavy wooden shield (1,157 gp) +1 studded leather his greatsword. Huge of frame and short on
armour (1,175 gp), +3 heavy steel shield (9,170 gp), +4 hide vocabulary, Tapani is a decent drinking companion,
armour (16,165 gp) but he has a mercurial temper.
Teijo Parras (LN male human fighter 6): A long‐time
Potions bless weapon (50 gp), guidance (25 gp), resistance (25
city resident, this dependable fighter has many
gp)
friends. Consequently, he often hears of items for
Scrolls (Arcane) resilient sphere (700 gp), secure shelter (700 gp), 9
sale and acts as a middleman on such sales. He adds
sepia snake sigil (875 gp) a 5% surcharge onto any item he sells. He enjoys the
Staves healing (29,600 gp), illumination (51,500 gp), illusion arts and is a good stonemason.
(82,000 gp) Verasa Levian (CN male tiefling fighter/sorcerer
Wand remove blindness/deafness (29 charges, 6,525 gp) 10/9): A skilled painter, Verasa is also renown as an
10
accomplished, if unpredictable, battle‐companion. He
Weapons +1 warhammer (2,312 gp), +4 light mace (32,305 gp)
is selling the item(s) to fund his own mercenary unit.
Wondrous Items cape of the mountebank (10,080 gp), scabbard
1: Skill Ranks 5+ level for class skills; non class skills +3.
of keen edges (16,000 gp)
179
METROPOLIS
Use the table below, to determine which set of items is for sale METROPOLIS 2
in a metropolis the PCs visit.
Armour +1 acid resistance chainmail (19,300 gp), +4 scale mail
(16,200 gp), +3 improved shadow breastplate (24,350 gp)
D% METROPOLIS SET NOTES
Rings evasion (25,000 gp), improved jumping (10,000 gp), mind
01‐05 Metropolis 1 Cursed item
06‐10 Metropolis 2 Cursed item shielding (8,000 gp), minor spell storing (18,000 gp)
11‐15 Metropolis 3 Cursed item Rod greater metamagic enlarge spell (24,500 gp)
16‐20 Metropolis 4 Cursed item Scroll (Divine) forbiddance, resurrection and righteous might
21‐25 Metropolis 5 Cursed item (18,050 gp)
26‐30 Metropolis 6 Cursed item Wands flaming sphere (23 charges, 2,070 gp), speak with plants
31‐35 Metropolis 7 (46 charges, 10,350 gp)
36‐40 Metropolis 8 Weapons +3 battleaxe (18,310 gp), +3 darkwood shortbow
41‐45 Metropolis 9 (18,350 gp), +4 ranseur (32,310 gp)
46‐50 Metropolis 10
Wondrous Items cloak of the bat (26,000 gp), mantle of faith
51‐55 Metropolis 11
(76,000 gp)*, necklace of fireballs type VI (8,100 gp)
56‐60 Metropolis 12
61‐65 Metropolis 13 *Cursed (Known) Requirement: item must have bless cast on it
66‐70 Metropolis 14 once per day.
71‐75 Metropolis 15
76‐80 Metropolis 16 METROPOLIS 3
81‐90 Metropolis 17 Armour +3 acid resistance arrow deflection buckler (43,165 gp)
91‐100 Roll on Large City Potion barkskin (300 gp)
Scrolls (Arcane) explosive runes (375 gp), passwall (1,125 gp),
Base Value: 16,000 gp; nearly all minor items are available; 4d4 tiny hut (375 gp)
medium items; 3d4 major items. Scroll (Divine) meld into stone (375 gp)
Staves healing (29,600 gp)*, illusion (82,000 gp)
SPELLCASTERS FOR HIRE
Wands cure moderate wounds (8 charges, 720 gp), hold person
Additionally, wandering adventurers can often find spellcasters (49 charges, 4,410 gp), inflict critical wounds (13 charges,
available to cast spells (for a price) at any metropolis they visit. 5,460 gp), levitate (18 charges, 1,620 gp)
Highest‐Level Spell: 8th. Weapons +4 disruption flaming silver dire flail (98,870 gp)
Cost: Caster level x spell level x 10 gp (plus any additional Wondrous Items belt of physical might +6 (90,000 gp), crystal
costs noted in the relevant spell’s description). ball (42,000 gp)
*Cursed (Known) Intermittent functioning: only functions in dim
METROPOLIS 1 or darker light.
Armour +2 heavy dragonhide shield (4,340 gp), +3 improved
electricity resistance chainmail (51,300 gp) METROPOLIS 4
Potions & Oils cure moderate wounds (2; 300 gp each) Armour +2 light darkwood shield (4,203 gp), +2 heavy steel
Rings animal friendship (10,800 gp), improved swimming (10,000 shield (9,170 gp)*, +3 invulnerability dragonhide full plate
gp), invisibility (20,000 gp)*, protection +3 (18,000 gp) (39,300 gp), +5 banded mail (25,400 gp)
Rod cancellation (11,000 gp) Rods metal and mineral detection (10,500 gp), wonder (12,000
Staves fire (18,950 gp), life (109,400 gp) gp)
Weapons +3 adamantine flail (21,008 gp), +5 rapier (50,320 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) fly (375 gp), greater invisibility (700 gp)
Wondrous Items amulet of mighty fists +2 (20,000 gp), belt of Scrolls (Divine) discern lies (700 gp), hallow (2,125 gp)
giant strength +6 (36,000 gp), necklace of fireballs type VI Staves fire (18,950 gp), healing (29,600 gp), illumination (51,500
(8,100 gp), phylactery of negative channelling (11,000 gp) gp), woodlands (100,400 gp)
*Cursed (Known) Requirement: character must have 5 ranks in Wondrous Items decanter of endless water (9,000 gp), greater
Stealth. bracers of archery (25,000 gp), tome of leadership and
influence +3 (82,500 gp)
*Cursed (Known) Drawback: character must attack nearest
creature (5% chance each day).
180
METROPOLIS 5 METROPOLIS 7
Armour +2 scale mail (4,200 gp), dragonhide plate (3,300 gp), +3 Armour +2 light steel shield with shield spikes (4,169 gp)
arrow deflection spell resistance (15) heavy steel shield with Potions fox’s cunning (300 gp), tongues (750 gp)
shield spikes (64,180 gp), +5 light steel shield (25,159 gp) Rings evasion (2) (25,000 gp each)
Potion mage armour (50 gp) Rod withering (25,000 gp)
Rings blinking (27,000 gp), minor spell storing (18,000 gp), Staves abjuration (82,000 gp), illusion (82,000 gp)
protection +3 (18,000 gp),wizardry (I) (20,000 gp) Wand spell immunity (23 charges, 9,660 gp)
Rod flame extinguishing (15,000 gp) Weapons +3 composite longbow (+5 Str) (18,900 gp), +5
Scrolls (Arcane) cone of cold (1,125 gp), shrink item (375 gp) thundering scimitar (72,315 gp)
Wand haste (41 charges, 9,225 gp) Wondrous Items belt of giant strength +6 (36,000 gp), brass
Weapons +2 light mace (8,305 gp), adamantine dagger (3,002 horn of Valhalla (50,000 gp), darkskull (60,000 gp), drums of
gp), +4 battleaxe (32,310 gp) panic (30,000 gp), gem of seeing (75,000 gp),
Wondrous Items belt of giant strength +6 (36,000 gp), cloak of
resistance +4 (16,000 gp)*, incandescent blue sphere ioun METROPOLIS 8
stone (8,000 gp), pearl of power (8th; 64,000 gp) Armour +2 half‐plate (5,500 gp), +2 improved slick
*Cursed (Known) Requirement: character must undergo a breastplate with armour spikes (19,400 gp), +2 light
specific quest (one time only, and the item functions wooden shield (4,153 gp), +4 ghost touch greater cold
normally thereafter). resistance improved sonic resistance
moderate fortification heavy steel
METROPOLIS 6 shield (208,170 gp), +4 leather
Armour +2 acid resistance padded armour (22,155 gp), +2 armour (16,160 gp), +5 heavy
shadow banded mail (8,150 gp), +3 buckler wooden shield (25,157 gp),
(9,165 gp), mithral Potions displacement
full plate of speed (750 gp), fly (750 gp)
(26,500 gp) Ring minor fire
Rings force shield (8,500 resistance (12,000 gp)
gp)*, protection +3 Scroll (Arcane) permanent
(18,000 gp) image (1,650 gp)
Rods immovable (5,000 Scrolls (Divine) commune (1,625 gp), water
gp), lesser metamagic walk (375 gp)
empower spell (9,000 Staves defence (62,000 gp), illumination (51,500 gp)
gp), greater Wand fireball (15 charges, 3,375 gp), protection from energy (25
metamagic silent charges, 5,625 gp), shield other (21 charges, 1,890 gp)
spell, (24,500 gp) Wondrous Items amulet of natural armour +3 (18,000 gp), cube
Scrolls (Arcane) elemental body I (700 gp), heroism (375 gp), of force (62,000 gp), glove of storing (10,000 gp), headband
lesser geas (700 gp), programmed image (1,675 gp) of vast intelligence +6 (36,000 gp), pearl of power (7th),
Staff healing (29,600 gp) (49,000 gp), pearl of the sirines (15,300 gp)
Wands dispel evil (41 charges, 24,600 gp), explosive runes (34
charges, 7,650 gp), sleet storm (40 charges, 9,000 gp) METROPOLIS 9
Weapons sword of subtlety (22,310 gp), +4 shortspear (32, 301 Armour +4 cold resistance spell resistance (15) light steel shield
gp), +4 axiomatic shocking burst longspear (128,305 gp) (67,159 gp), +5 half‐plate (25,750 gp)
Wondrous Items amulet of mighty fists +5 (125,000 gp), pearl of Rod metal and mineral detection (10,500 gp)
power (7th; 49,000 gp), scarab of protection (38,000 gp), Staff earth and stone (85,800 gp)
tome of understanding +1 (27,500 gp) Wand bear’s endurance (4 charges, 360 gp), charm monster (30
*Cursed (Known) Drawback: character becomes selfishly charges, 12,600 gp), daylight (1 charge, 225 gp)
possessive of the item. Wondrous Items boots of speed (12,000 gp), manual of bodily
health +4 (110,000 gp)
181
METROPOLIS 10 METROPOLIS 13
Potions barkskin (300 gp), cure moderate wounds (300 gp) Armour +4 improved energy (fire) resistance full plate (59,650
Ring evasion (25,000 gp) gp)
Rods greater metamagic enlarge spell (24,500 gp), immovable Potions & Oils heroism (750 gp), magic vestment (750 gp),
(5,000 gp), water breathing (750 gp)
Staves size alteration (26,150 gp), woodlands (100,400 gp) Ring ram (29 charges, 4,988 gp)
Wand cure moderate wounds (21 charges, 1,890 gp), fire shield Rod viper (19,000 gp)
(26 charges, 10,920 gp) Scrolls (Arcane) beast shape I, halt undead and mnemonic
Wondrous Items amulet of mighty fists +3 (45,000 enhancer (1,775 gp), dimensional anchor (700 gp)
gp), carpet of flying, 5 ft. by 10 ft. (35,000 gp), Wands death ward (43 charges, 18,060 gp), dispel
cloak of resistance +3 (9,000 gp), golden lions evil (16 charges, 9,600 gp), phantom trap (7
figurine of wondrous power (16,500 gp), charges, 630 gp), pyrotechnics (22 charges,
manual of bodily health +2 (55,000 gp), 1,980 gp)
necklace of fireballs type VI (8,100 gp) Weapons +3 sling (18,300 gp), +5 axiomatic
holy whip (162,301 gp)
METROPOLIS 11
Armour +1 full plate (2,650 gp), +4 METROPOLIS 14
improved shadow leather armour Armour +1 light steel shield (1,159 gp), +3
(31,160 gp), +4 tower shield (16,630 gp) improved energy (cold) resistance banded
Potions & Oils arcane lock (300 gp), mail (51,400 gp)
barkskin (300 gp), cure serious wounds Ring protection +3 (18,000 gp)
(750 gp) Rods greater metamagic silent spell (24,500
Ring telekinesis (2) (75,000 gp each), water gp), lesser metamagic quicken spell (35,000
walking (15,000 gp) gp), rulership (60,000 gp), wonder (12,000
Rods alertness (85,000 gp), greater gp)
metamagic extend spell (24,500 gp), Scroll (Arcane) hold person, tongues and
splendour (25,000 gp) wind wall (1,125 gp)
Staves fire (18,950 gp), illumination (51,500 Scrolls (Divine) control water, discern lies
gp), size alteration (26,150 gp) and flame strike (2,100 gp), locate object
Wondrous Items amulet of proof against and remove disease (750 gp)
detection and location (35,000 gp), belt Staves divination (82,000 gp), healing
of mighty constitution +4 (16,000 gp), (29,600 gp), illumination (51,500 gp),
tome of understanding +3 (82,500 gp) necromancy (82,000 gp), size alteration
(26,150 gp)
METROPOLIS 12 Weapons +3 heavy crossbow (18,350 gp),
Potions & Oils remove blindness/deafness +3 sickle (18,306 gp), +4 elven curve blade
(750 gp), water walk (750 gp) (18,380 gp), +5 sai (50,301 gp), +5 shocking
Rods metamagic extend spell (11,000 gp) burst gauntlet (98,302 gp), luck blade (1
Scrolls (Divine) forbiddance and mass bear’s wish) 62,360 gp), sword of the planes
endurance (6,300 gp) (22,315 gp)
Wand divine power (30 charges, 12,600 gp), Wondrous Items belt of mighty constitution
secret page (17 charges, 3,825 gp) +4 (16,000 gp), iron horn of Valhalla (50,000
Weapons +3 defending lance (32,310 gp), +3 spell gp)
storing wounding rapier (72,320 gp), sword of the planes
(22,315 gp)
Wondrous Items eyes of charming (56,000 gp), golden lions
figurine of wondrous power (16,500 gp), necklace of
adaptation (9,000 gp), white robe of the archmagi (75,000
gp), wings of flying (54,000 gp)
182
METROPOLIS 15 SAMPLE SELLERS
Rods enemy detection (23,500 gp), immovable (5,000 gp) Use the table below, to determine a seller’s identity.
Scrolls (Arcane) beast shape (375 gp), rainbow pattern (700 gp)
Staves abjuration (82,000 gp), illumination (51,500 gp) D10 SELLER1
Weapons +4 sickle (32,306 gp), luck blade (1 wish; 62,360 gp) Aerla Stron (CN female half‐orc wizard 14): Horribly
Wondrous Items broom of flying (17,000 gp), headband of vast disfigured when an experiment exploded, Aerla
1 always wears a cowled hood. A familiar sight in
intelligence +4 (16,000 gp), horn of blasting (20,000 gp),
upmarket drinking establishments, she is normally
manual of bodily health +2 (55,000 gp), manual of bodily alone.
health +4 (110,000 gp), tome of leadership and influence +1 Aulis Otila (CN male human cleric/bard 9/4): Jealous
(27,500 gp) of others’ success, Aulis is a spiteful creature
constantly scheming the downfall of all those more
2
METROPOLIS 16 successful than himself. Aulis is selling the item(s) to
fund his lavish lifestyle and makes it very clear he is
Armour +4 darkwood light wooden shield (16,203 gp), +4 splint
doing the buyer a favour.
mail (16, 350 gp) Lafesti Lueawar (LN female half‐elf cleric 10): Now in
Potion displacement (750 gp) late middle‐age, Lafesti has finally decided to give up
Rings improved climbing (10,000 gp), protection +4 (32,000 gp), 3 adventuring for a quiet life in the city. She is selling
wizardry III (70,000 gp) unwanted gear and plans to found a small chapel.
Rods cancellation (11,000 gp), greater metamagic empower spell Generous buyers gain a friend.
(73,000 gp), lesser metamagic quicken spell (35,000 gp) Markku Sallinen (LN male human ranger 9): A raging
egotist, Markku is raising money to hire mercenaries
Staves frost (41,400 gp), size alteration (26,150 gp)
4 to crush a bandit incursion in the borderlands. He
Weapons +3 composite shortbow (+4 Str; 18,330 gp) +3 spear plans to establish his own small fief afterwards and
(18,302 gp), mace of smiting (75,312 gp) refers to himself as “Lord Sallinen”.
Wondrous Items pearly white spindle ioun stone (20,000 gp), Naevar Verlian (NG male half‐elf fighter 7):
phylactery of positive channelling (11,000 gp), robe of Compassionate and sensitive, Naevar has amassed a
scintillating colours (27,000 gp) 5 veritable swarm of orphans and urchins who look to
him for food and shelter. Consequently he is forced
METROPOLIS 17 to sell some gear.
Reijo Pajari (LE male human cleric 12): A greedy soul,
Armour +3 full plate (10,650 gp), +5 light wooden shield (25,153 Reijo is amassing funds to use in deposing his
gp) 6 church’s current leader. Trustworthy – to a fault – he
Potion water breathing (750 gp) may try to recruit PCs to his cause, painting his
Ring minor cold energy resistance (12,000 gp), protection +2 superior as a depraved madman. The irony.
(8,000 gp) Saima Moilanen (NE female human wizard 15):
Saima dreams of constructing an iron golem. As she
Rod security (61,000 gp)
draws closer to amassing the required funds, she gets
Staves conjuration (82,000 gp), evocation (82,000 gp) 7
more and more desperate. Self‐centred, she doesn’t
Weapons +3 two‐bladed sword (36,700 gp), luck blade (0 wishes; care how she gets the money and is selling the
22,060 gp) possessions of a deceased comrade.
Wondrous Items cloak of resistance +3, (9,000 gp), flesh golem Turkko Uronen (LG male human cleric/monk 7/10): A
manual (8,000 gp), medallion of thoughts (12,000 gp), tome true zealot, Turkko is planning a pilgrimage and
of clear thought +4 (110,000 gp) 8 needs to raise funds. This wise and physically fit
monk is honest, kind and humble. Sadly, he is also a
little dim.
Virva Ylanne (LN female human fighter 7): Scion of a
minor noble family, Virva owns a small estate within
9 the city walls. The buildings are in desperate need of
repair and so she is selling unwanted family
possessions.
Voitto Yrjonen (N male human barbarian 9): Famed
for his sudden temper, Voitto is a frequent visitor to
10
the city. Insanely brave, but wildly superstitious, he
loudly hawks his wares in taverns and inns.
1: Skill Ranks 5+ level for class skills; non class skills +3.
183
184
TAVERNS
185
TABLE A: TAVERN NAME (DESCRIPTOR)
186
TABLE B: TAVERN NAME (SUBJECT)
187
INTERESTING TAVERN FEATURES
Each tavern or inn the PCs visit should have something unique or has a secret door hidden in the wardrobe of one of
interesting about it to help it stick in the players’ minds. This 27 the bedrooms which leads to the unholy temple of
section presents dozens of memorable tavern features, including a demonic cult.
physical descriptions, rumours, secrets and other quirks. has a bar made from the trunk of a sacred oak,
28
enraging the local druidic circle.
D% THE TAVERN…. is inside a lighthouse on a rocky headland. The
29 landlord still lights the great lantern on stormy
suffers from frequent bar fights. All stools, benches
nights.
and tables are nailed to the floor, and all food and
1‐2 is haunted by the harmless ghost of a former
drinks are served in wooden plates, bowls and
30 regular, Aznaro Litwin. An empty chair is left by the
mugs. The cutlery is still metal though….
fireside for him.
has secret smugglers’ tunnels leading from its
3 is run by a former pirate and has a bright green
cellar to an underground river dock.
talking parrot on a perch behind the bar. The
brews Gorgon's Blood Strong Ale on the premises; 31
parrot likes to insult customers, but occasionally
4 the beer is rumoured to contain a drop of real
recites directions to buried treasure.
gorgon's blood in each pint.
has ten tables grouped around a large stage on
has a badly stuffed pair of ettin's heads hanging on
32 which satirical plays are performed. Sometimes
5 the wall. The monster terrorized travellers until it
these are closed down by the authorities.
was slain by the landlord and patrons.
somehow moves around the city. Each night it can
is a moored ship that once belonged to the
6 33 be found in a different district. Occasionally, it
infamous pirate captain Bloody Marja.
shifts to another town altogether.
has a resident alehouse drake [see Book of Drakes
is popular with members of the Arcanists’ Guild;
7 from Open Design] named Mikulas who loves to
34 newcomers are encouraged to demonstrate their
gossip and carouse.
magical skills with a trick or two.
is famous for its menu including dishes such as
8‐9 is always very dark and has many alcoves. It
devilled cockatrice eggs and spiced owlbear steaks.
35‐36 attracts unsavoury characters and those who don’t
has a hidden room where illegal high‐stakes want to be seen.
10‐11
gambling takes place.
is inside the trunk of a huge tree; the bar stools
doubles as a brothel renowned for its discretion
12‐13 37 and tables are upturned logs, and the floor is bare
and is very popular with the great and the good.
earth.
has a polar bearskin rug in front of the fire; this
14 has the best selection of dwarven beers outside of
was the gift of a patron from the Northlands. 38
the mountain kingdom of Khazdralhad.
15‐16 is operated as a front for the local thieves’ guild.
serves bland food and flat beer, but thanks to an
stages pit fights in its basement, including bear vs. 39 enchantment placed on the establishment by a
17‐18
dogs, cockfights and bare knuckle boxing matches. local illusionist, the patrons love it.
is situated on stilts in the marshes; patrons arrive has a row of moth‐eaten peryton heads mounted
19
and leave by skiff. 40 on the wall; the patrons use their antlers to hang
has a sign on the door reading “No Dogs, Muddy up their hats and cloaks.
20
Boots or Adventurers Allowed.” is warded by a permanent calm emotions
is immaculately clean; the rumour is that brownies 41 (established after the owner grew tired of brawls
21 sweep and wash the floor, polish the glasses and breaking out).
tidy up every night after closing. has a leaky roof which the landlord is too poor (or
is designed with gnomes and halflings in mind; the 42‐43 mean) to fix. There are buckets everywhere, when
22 furniture is tiny and humans are forced to stoop to it’s raining.
avoid banging their heads on the low ceiling. makes the best spiced chicken pasties and
has an enormous map of the locality on the wall 44‐45
pheasant pies for miles around.
behind the bar with key dungeons marked; is on the end of a pier. A trapdoor in the middle of
23
adventuring bands stick a flag with their emblem in 46 the taproom can be used to drop unruly drunkards
the map when they have looted a site. and those who can’t pay their tab into the sea.
is run by a devout follower of Conn the Lawgiver is situated on a floating island, drifting 200 feet
24
and serves no alcohol. 47‐48 above the ground. Access is via a large wicker
is situated at a crossroads with an excellent view of basket on a pulley.
25
a high set of gibbets. makes its own sweet white wine from the vines
has such a fine wine cellar that it’s rumoured 49
26 growing in the garden behind the pub.
powerful noblemen frequent it in disguise. 50‐51 serves amazing smoked dire boar sausages.
188
acts as the unofficial headquarters of the serves delicious mead and tasty honey from its
79
Adventurers’ Guild. There is a “Situations Vacant” own beehives.
52
notice board for available work and a scoreboard is a rowdy place, popular with warriors and
for tallying treasure found and monsters killed. 80 barbarians; much quaffing of ale, plate‐smashing
has a rune‐covered greatsword hanging over the and drunken singing happens here.
53
bar. has saucy, flirty serving staff of both sexes who can
81
is the most fashionable place in the city, despite its be hired as “bedwarmers.”
54‐55
rude staff, vinegary wine and overcooked food. is very quiet. Serious students from the nearby
holds weekly singing contests for locals and 82 university and School of Wizardry come here for a
56 visitors. Many of the singers have also performed bite to eat and a drink while studying their books.
at the opera house. acts as a front for a group of cruel slavers. Drunk
has walls painted with raunchy scenes of nymphs 83 patrons are sometimes dragged off and shoved
57 and satyrs; there is a small shrine to the Wine God into the holding cells beneath the inn.
in one corner. is popular with local fishermen and is decorated
brews its own strong cider, Jolly Halfling Redface, 84 with fishing nets and other nautical knickknacks.
58
using only local orchards. The fried fish served here is delicious.
opens early in the morning to cater for the market has a “no weapons” rule. All weapons must be
59‐60
traders and is closed in the evenings. 85 surrendered at the door to a female half‐orc
is overrun by rats which are bold enough to eat the bouncer with a big club and a missing nose.
61‐62
food from the customers’ plates. has a shield with a red griffin emblem hanging
has a wide double door entrance, oversized outside. This shield was stolen from the paladin
86
furniture and a high, vaulted ceiling. Tall and four‐ Amar Beaumont by bandits; he would pay a decent
63
legged folk such as ogres and centaurs make up reward for its return.
much of the clientele. is subject to a permanent reverse gravity
supposedly has the lost treasure of Peder Uren 87 enchantment, allowing patrons the chance to drink
64
buried beneath the cellar floor. on the ceiling.
has a flat roof for landings by griffins and giant is situated on its own demiplane, accessible from a
65 eagles. An upper floor also provides a quiet, number of different pub entrances across the
88
members only drinking venue. multiverse. The clientele is as varied as the cuisine
is the best place in the city to find someone willing and drinks menu.
66‐67
to buy an unwanted magic item. employs hard‐up students from the School of
has a trapdoor in the floor of the kitchen which 89 Wizardry; some of them are prone to bumping up
68 leads down into the remains of the older city on their tips with a little charm magic.
which the present one is built. is a former chapel and has beautiful stained‐glass
has a huge painting hanging on the wall of the 90 windows. The old altar displays a range of strong
current landlord battling a dragon single‐handed. spirits.
69
This never happened – the landlord has always is a popular spot for a romantic evening and has a
worked in pubs but dreams of adventure. small fountain in the middle of the dining area. It is
91
is also a popular gambling establishment among said that if a couple each throw a coin into it, they
70 the wealthy, offering fine food and wines and a will live happily ever after.
classy escort service for both men and women. is a dank and dimly lit cellar bar, decorated with
92
is built on a bridge spanning a chasm. The floor of the skulls of various animals and monsters.
71 the taproom is magically reinforced glass and is packed every night with actors and playwrights
offers a superb view of the river 500 feet below. who perform at the nearby theatre. They drink a
93
is situated in the undercroft of the city gatehouse lot and like to rehearse their speeches in front of
72 and is popular with off‐duty city watchmen. This is other patrons.
a good place for rumour‐gathering. 94‐95 has an uneven floor and wobbly tables and chairs.
is a local pub for local people. The place falls silent is a cheap, backstreet pub, selling strong ale and
96‐97
73‐74 when the PCs enter and the “welcome” from the hearty stew to hard‐working laborers.
bar staff is noticeably frosty. is very popular with merchants and traders; there
98‐99
75‐76 has a bad reputation for pickpockets. are deals going on at almost every table.
is decorated with dozens of hunting trophies is a secret drinking establishment inside a cave on
100
77 (mostly animals but there are a few monsters too). the outskirts of town.
The three chandeliers are fashioned from antlers.
has dishonest staff who short‐change their
78
customers and pilfer items from their rooms.
189
SAMPLE CUSTOMERS
Other patrons offer the GM a great way for the PCs to hear local Thadeous Kellgrim [CE male human sorcerer 6]:
rumours, pick up on adventure hooks, or just have a fun bald‐headed, thin‐faced man with a goatee
23‐24
roleplaying encounter when they visit a tavern. beard, wearing black robes and a sinister‐looking
silver amulet. Has a cruel sense of humour.
This section presents 50 notable tavern customers for the
Father Poncival [N male human cleric 1]: big‐
PCs to interact with; each entry includes basic statistics, a
nosed, middle‐aged priest of Conn the Lawgiver,
physical description and one or two personality traits to help 25‐26
clad in white clerical robes. Tends to leer at
bring the patrons to life. attractive women.
Gerd Hot‐Head [CN female human barbarian 10]:
D% CUSTOMER blond Northlands warrior, clad in furs and
Eavis Hob [N male human commoner 3]: ruddy‐ 27‐28 leather and carrying a big axe. Boisterous and
01‐02 faced local farmer with mutton‐chop sideburns, quick to anger; she likes to challenge men to
doesn’t like “folk not from round ‘ere”. drinking contests.
Francio Colias [NG male human expert 5/bard 2]: Odgar Pennyweather [N male gnome rogue 3]:
fork‐bearded playwright, scribbling furiously devious pickpocket with bright orange hair, large
03‐04 29‐30
away on parchment and won’t take kindly to glittering black eyes and earthy brown skin.
being disturbed. Likes to use flowery language. Bursts into (crocodile) tears, if caught stealing.
Berig Tolly [LN male human expert 2]: miserable, Skaar Flatnose [NE male half‐orc fighter 5]:
05‐06 pot‐bellied fisherman, constantly bemoaning the down‐at‐heel warrior who was thrown out of his
lack of a good catch. Stinks of fish. 31‐32 last adventuring band and is desperate to join
Oglander Trell [CG male human wizard 11]: another one. Has terrible breath and a nasty
bearded, wears a ridiculous‐looking wizard’s hat, temper.
07‐08
and smokes a foul‐smelling pipe. An expert on Gwaelen Calafalas [CG female elf fighter 7]:
the fey; friendly but very absent‐minded. blond‐haired elf archer in shining chainmail and
Madame Rocelin [CG female human expert 7]: 33‐34 green leather boots; has a nasty scar on her left
buxom middle‐aged brothel‐keeper, the cheek. Waiting to meet a prospective employer
09‐10
archetypal “tart with a heart.” Loves a good and seems distracted.
double entendre. Piero Merigot [LN male human aristocrat 12]:
Garrow Poppyfield [LN male halfling expert 4]: wealthy and handsome olive‐skinned young
35‐36
11‐12 rotund orchard keeper and cider‐maker, has a noble in search of some female company.
huge belly laugh and enjoys a good gossip. Charming but somewhat world weary.
Rafiq Al‐Tayyib [N male human expert 8]: dark‐ Dani Sunilda [NE female human rogue 6]: very
skinned, djellaba‐wearing spice merchant from attractive, well‐dressed lady with bright green
13‐14 37‐38
the southern city of Sabtah. Warm and friendly, eyes and dark hair. Looking to seduce a stupid
but insists on haggling. but wealthy man and run off with his money.
Holgin Forgestoker [LG male dwarf expert 6]: Sidrac Pureheart [LG male human paladin 9]:
bald‐headed weaponsmith with elaborately good‐looking, blond‐haired knight in shining
15‐16 39‐40
braided red beard and heavily calloused hands. armour embossed with the symbol of the sun
Irritable perfectionist who does excellent work. god Darlen. Vain, pompous and a bit dim.
Anora Greenmantle [NG, female half‐elf druid 5]: Beldina [NG female human witch 4]: young dark‐
has light brown hair, violet eyes and attractive skinned gypsy fortune‐teller offering tarot
41‐42
17‐18 features; wears plain woollen robes and is readings. Very intense; often sees death in her
accompanied by her wolf. Softly‐spoken, kind cards.
and wary of heavily‐armed adventurers. Ivan and Pavao [N male human warrior 1]: off‐
Nesta Redhawk [CG female human ranger 3]: duty members of the city watch. One is tall and
43‐44
red‐haired with a freckled face and wearing thin, the other short and fat. Both are bullies,
19‐20 studded leather armour and a dark green cloak. and don’t like to pay for their drinks.
Moves slowly and deliberately. Takes an interest Theona [LG female human expert 3]: pale and
in strangers. undernourished scribe with ink‐stained fingers,
45‐46
Gong Tzu [LN male human monk 7]: shaven‐ dressed in plain grey robes. Speaks very quietly
headed elderly martial artist from distant and is painfully self‐effacing.
Keiwan, dressed in simple robes. Bows Valgard Stonyfist [LE female dwarf fighter 7]:
21‐22
respectfully and expects others to do the same. one‐eyed bearded adventurer, back from a
47‐48
Speaks very poor Common and is likely to successful expedition with items to sell. Greedy
become confused in any conversation. and likely to rip off anyone she deals with.
190
Hamult [N male human commoner 1]: buck‐ Kazask’t [N male lizardfolk fighter 4]: seven‐foot‐
toothed miller, not liked by the locals, who tall green‐scaled warrior, carrying a turtle‐shell
75‐76
49‐50 suspect him of taking a bigger cut than he shield and a spear. Confident, taciturn and
should. Hums to himself and is suspicious of unbothered by any strange looks.
outsiders. Elanoreth [CG female elf wizard 13]: stunningly
Caranthir Martken [N half elf rogue 6]: beautiful silver‐haired magus, wearing black
77‐78
handsome con man, posing as a merchant who robes decorated with arcane symbols and
51‐52
has just been robbed. Smooth‐talking and carrying an orb‐topped staff. Poised and aloof.
apparently very honest. Barro Bonerattler [N male gnome expert 13]:
Barr Jockell [NE male human commoner 3]: red‐ talented professional gambler with a natty line in
79‐80
faced cooper with a shock of blond hair and a waistcoats. Expressionless when at the tables;
53‐54
lazy eye. Bigoted about other races and sexist to shows his deadpan humor when he’s not.
boot. Rants when drunk. “Scabby” Cuthred [CN male human commoner
Gundrik Craghammer [LN male dwarf commoner 7]: scruffy and dirty beggar with a missing arm.
81‐82
2]: master builder with a magnificent triple‐ Offers local information in exchange for food and
55‐56
braided beard and the ability to blow large drink.
smoke rings. Very meticulous. Brendon Sharpwit [NG male halfling expert 2]:
Tuluin [NG male human commoner 1]: swarthy smartly dressed curly‐haired general shopkeeper
labourer with nearly all his teeth missing, 83‐84 with well‐manicured bare feet. Is keen to find
57‐58
wearing a simple peasant smock. Nosy and out if the PCs have enough iron spikes and ten‐
overbearing. foot poles.
Minir Lossehelin [CG male elf bard 5]: blond‐ Folgrim Goldsmelter [NE male dwarf expert 10]:
haired singer and lute player, wearing clothes of grey‐bearded balding moneylender, wearing
59‐60 85‐86
deep blue and a silver swan‐shaped brooch. small spectacles on the end of his nose. Mean‐
Talented performer, prone to melancholy. spirited, avaricious and misanthropic.
“Happy” Hiragg Skullcruncher [N female half‐orc Kadia Killiwrath [LN female monk 10]: dark‐
fighter 5]: broken‐nosed scraggly‐haired enforcer skinned woman with her blue‐black hair tied in a
61‐62 87‐88
for the local thieves’ guild. Affable when she’s topknot, and two kamas tucked into her red
not working; tells terrible jokes. cloth belt. Maintains a state of zen‐like calm.
Reyna Kirkas [LE female half‐elf inquisitor 10]: Liuva [NG female human commoner 2]: soot‐
heavily armed, fanatical follower of Darlen the covered, muscular charcoal‐maker. Nervous
89‐90
63‐64 Shining Light, sworn to track down the god’s about returning to work due to “strange
enemies. Has a sinister smile and enjoys inflicting happenings in the woods.”
pain on others. Elarik Swiftwater [CG male half‐elf ranger 7]:
Ruggert [N male human expert 3]: weather‐ rugged‐looking, well‐travelled bounty hunter on
91‐92
beaten, sun‐tanned sailor, with a bowlegged gait the trail of a notorious murderer. Intimidating
65‐66
and lots of tattoos. Won’t stop telling sea stories and solemn.
as long as the rum keeps flowing. Variel Dusktreader [LN female elf fighter 6]:
Colum the Clumsy [N male human commoner 2]: plain‐featured down‐to‐earth captain of the city
93‐94
accident‐prone dock‐worker with a limp and watch. Always on the lookout for anyone up to
67‐68
sporting a black eye. Hates his boss and tells no good.
boastful lies to anyone who will listen. Pia [CG female commoner 1]: seven‐year‐old girl
Bhuvanesh [LN male human wizard 8]: brown‐ in a bright red dress who is looking for her
95‐96
skinned, handsome scholar from remote Gopura, mother. Distressed, she wants to tag along with
69‐70 studying the magic of distant lands. Will the PCs until she finds her.
enthusiastically compare notes with any arcane Borstig Bigbelly [CN male human commoner 5]:
spellcasters; somewhat naïve. 97‐98 obese, sweaty cobbler whose main aim in life is
Leovold Kerric [LG male human paladin 1]: to avoid being sober. Rude and abusive.
inexperienced, fresh‐faced paladin with shiny, Letia Varro [N female human aristocrat 4]:
71‐72 undamaged, plate mail and a sword that’s barely elegant and well‐dressed mature noblewoman,
99‐100
been swung in anger. May ask the PCs for some accompanied by her manservant as she looks for
tips if they seem to be “goodly sorts.” her errant husband. Imperious demeanour.
Parador [NG male human cleric 6]: middle‐aged
tonsured priest of the god of healing. His
73‐74 adventuring days are behind him but he enjoys
recounting his exploits in a dull monotone. Has
sweaty hands.
191
SAMPLE STAFF
It’s often the staff in a tavern that determine its atmosphere and Ninetha [CN female human commoner 1]: pretty,
help make it distinct and memorable. It’s particularly important 25‐26 green‐eyed, olive‐skinned serving girl and
to have interesting NPCs working in a pub that the PCs regularly chambermaid. Lazy and flighty.
return to after an adventuring expedition. The landlord can Luthrin Summerbee [NE male human rogue 4]:
very pale, almost albino, tavern owner. Smooth‐
become a trusted friend and a good source of information on 27‐28
talking liar, always looking for ways to steal from
what’s been going on in town while the PCs have been away. his customers.
This section presents 50 notable tavern staff; each entry includes Bolval the Barrel‐Bellied [NG male dwarf cleric
basic statistics, a physical description and one or two personality 9]; tubby landlord and former cleric of the Forge
traits to help with roleplaying. 29‐30 God. Has dedicated his retirement to brewing
the best beer this side of the Cloudpeak
D% STAFF MEMBER Mountains.
Obry Verne [LN male human rogue 3]: heavily
Urgrim Strongarmed [N male dwarf warrior 2]:
tattooed, bald‐headed landlord with a bushy
overweight and out of shape bouncer. Is polite to 31‐32
01‐02 moustache. Used to be in a criminal gang, but is
women and gruff with men. Perpetually smiling,
now determined to keep out of trouble.
he is very protective of the tavern’s staff.
Gurdik Pendrell [LN male human expert 1]: Jameela [N female human expert 1]: sensuous,
03‐04 weasel‐faced bartender, wearing a grubby, dark‐skinned exotic dancer, performing in
33‐34
grease‐stained apron. Miserly and lugubrious. diaphanous veils. She longs for a rich patron to
whisk her away.
Jarla Vespen [CG female human commoner 2]:
rosy‐cheeked, mature landlady with a heaving Grodor [NG male human expert 2]: short,
05‐06
bosom and a heart of gold. Flirtatious. bearded bartender who pours beer agonisingly
35‐36
slowly, much to the frustration of his thirsty
Steffan Kennig [N male human expert 3]: portly
customers.
landlord with thinning hair. Snobbish; looks his
patrons up and down when they enter his Zebar [NG male black bear]: dancing bear, sits
07‐08
tavern. Hates mess and dirt; is usually chained in the corner. An adventurer who was
37‐38
obsessively cleaning something. cursed by the fey, he tries to communicate his
predicament to the PCs.
Tanith Zerlas [LG female human aristocrat
2/expert 1]: elegant widow with long raven‐black Derlana [LG female commoner 2]: smartly
09‐10 dressed, silver‐haired landlady who insists only
hair, running her own stylish restaurant. Loves 39‐40
good food and fine wine. the finest glasses are used to serve drinks in her
backstreet pub. She allows no swearing.
Renward Slyfox [CN male halfling rogue 2]: well‐
Niall Brodgirdle [N male halfling commoner 1]:
fed professional gambler who won the tavern in
doddery, tipsy old potman with bushy sideburns
11‐12 a bet and hasn’t a clue how to run it. Makes
mistakes when taking drink and food orders, 41‐42 and big, hairy feet. Drinks down the dregs as he
spills beer everywhere and so on. collects up the tankards. He is normally drunk,
but the customers tolerate him good naturedly.
Darry Hardbottle [LN male halfling expert 2]:
ruddy‐complexioned halfling cook. Superb Blothmac [CN male troll]: hideously ugly green‐
13‐14
piemaker but very temperamental. skinned bouncer with a ring through his nose.
43‐44 Unusually intelligent and fiercely loyal to the
Bella Moonrise [NG female half‐elf commoner 1]:
landlord. Enjoys the effect his appearance has on
15‐16 young serving maiden with long, braided, light
first‐time customers.
brown hair. Terrified of getting things wrong.
Spichfat [NE male human expert 1]: greasy‐
Rhodus [CN male human commoner 3]: very
45‐46 haired, acne‐ridden cook, with a thin moustache.
handsome, pony‐tailed waiter; wears tight
17‐18 Mean and nasty; uses rat meat in his stews.
leather breeches and a puffy shirt. Vain and
empty‐headed. Elenagh [NG female commoner 1]: pretty young
serving girl with blond hair and a curvy figure.
Shazwyn [N male gnome expert 3]: green‐haired
47‐48 Tired of getting her bottom pinched by amorous
19‐20 resident juggler and knife‐thrower. Sulks if he
patrons, she is likely to empty a glass over
doesn’t get enough applause.
someone’s head the next time it happens.
Dollen [LG male human commoner 1]: goofy‐
Zambros Kibber [CN male gnome commoner 2]:
21‐22 looking serving boy with ginger hair and a
well‐dressed, diminutive landlord with fiery red
stutter. Very gullible.
49‐50 hair and a bottle‐green waistcoat. Greedy, he
Ratha Varrin [LN female half‐orc expert 2]: scary‐
serves watered‐down beer to patrons he thinks
23‐24 looking innkeeper, with a nasty scar running
won’t notice.
across her forehead. Proud and determined.
192
Tereza [N female half‐elf expert 3]: beautiful Ciosa and Jacopa [NG female human commoners
dark‐haired prostitute who works from the 2]: two young sisters, both blond‐haired and
51‐52
rooms upstairs. One of her regular client beats 75‐76 comely. Took over the tavern when their father
her violently, but she is too scared to tell anyone. died and are determined to make a go of it
Malkas Hardepate [CN male human bard 5]: without any male interference.
veteran master of ceremonies, with wild, grey Gerulf Thondirk [N male human commoner 3]:
53‐54
hair and a red robe that’s seen better days. Great frustrated artist who serves ale wearing a paint‐
joke‐teller with a sharp wit. 77‐78 spattered smock. The tavern is hung with his
Algar Scrobbes [LN male human expert 3]; wide, talentless paintings. Very sensitive to criticism of
bull‐necked pit boss who makes sure all is his art.
55‐56
running smoothly at the gaming tables. Marketa [CG female human commoner 1]: very
Suspicious of everyone and misses very little. pretty serving girl with light brown hair. Forced
Herol Chenric [CN male human expert 5] highly 79‐80 to work in the tavern by her father, she is trying
talented chef, with a shaved head and neatly to get fired by spilling drinks and getting things
57‐58 trimmed beard. Believing that his lovely food is wrong but it’s not worked yet.
not being appreciated, he is on the verge of Elestir Calafalas [CG male elf expert 3]: pale gold‐
poisoning his “ungrateful” customers. haired, violet‐eyed and very attractive landlord;
81‐82
Frodin Underhall [N male dwarf commoner 1]: dresses immaculately. Loves sharing his passion
dark‐haired cellar man, with intricate silver for fine wines with anyone who orders a glass.
59‐60
clasps tying up his hair and beard. Surly and Herek Tebene [N male human expert 1]: tall,
enjoys grumbling. grey‐haired, blue‐eyed landlord with more than a
83‐84
Landaeris Celetherin [CG female elf bard 3]: whiff of arrogance about him. Thinks his tavern is
graceful and handsome blond‐haired resident far too good for the riff‐raff who come in there.
61‐62 musician, capable of playing both rousing jigs Ergal Shieldbreaker [LN male dwarf fighter
and terribly sad songs. Shy and nervous when 2/expert 1]: former adventurer, now a landlord,
85‐86
not performing. red in the face with an unruly beard. Hates elves
Pachko Keff [N male human fighter 11]: brawny and won’t allow them in his pub.
and red‐bearded former adventurer, who once Edine [NG female human commoner 2]: slim and
63‐64 plundered the tower of a notorious sorcerer, and muscular serving girl with short, dark hair. Keen
is now lying low as a backstreet tavernkeeper. 87‐88 to give up her boring job and become an
Wary of strangers. adventurer. She may seek to follow the PCs on
Morten Ordel [LE male half‐elf rogue 3]: brown‐ their next quest.
haired, clean‐shaven landlord with wholly Steinar [CG male human ranger 3]: tall, burly
unremarkable features. Polite to his customers tavern keeper, who insists the only food served
65‐66 89‐90
and keeps a low profile to avoid drawing is game he’s hunted or caught himself. Plains‐
attention. The tavern is a front for his small but spoken and genuine.
growing criminal empire. Osoro [N male human commoner 1]: young
Bjorg Deepdelver [LG male dwarf expert 2]: one‐ serving lad and apprentice cook with tousled,
91‐92
legged former sailor, covered in nautical tattoos; brown hair. Hates the head cook and is over‐
67‐68
now a barman. Loves the open sea and has never salting the food to see if he can get him fired.
seen the inside of a mine. Alvito [NG male human commoner 1]: gangly
Belloza [NG female human commoner 1]: 93‐94 young waiter with goofy teeth. Works hard but is
attractive, middle‐aged landlady, wearing lots of clumsy and accident prone.
69‐70
make‐up and perfume. Widowed a year ago, she Hilda Goodeve [CG female human expert 1]:
is lonely and looking for a new husband. kindly, smiling woman who runs the gaming
95‐96
Wali Sabirah [LN male human expert 2]: dark‐ tables. Often tries to stop those who can’t afford
skinned tavernkeeper, with a smartly trimmed it from betting too much.
71‐72 beard and wearing a clean white djellaba. Warm, Felippon [N male human expert 3]: well‐oiled,
friendly and passionate about the very fine sun‐tanned and muscular male stripper and
97‐98
coffee and mint tea he serves. sometime gigolo. Targets rich, older women
Wennig [N male human expert 1]: young lad with when performing in an effort to get bigger tips.
a shaved head and multiple piercings. He is an Tamas [N male human commoner 2]: ugly and
excellent cook; fish and seafood are his foul‐smelling landlord of a shabby backstreet
73‐74 99‐100
speciality. He is often late for work after a big tavern. Is missing several teeth and part of his
night out. He is pale skinned and suffers from left ear. Rude and disinterested.
horrendous hangovers.
193
FOOD & DRINK
The food and drink available at taverns D20 POOR DRINKS COMMON FARE
is as varied as the establishments 1 Water (cold)
D20 COMMON MEALS
themselves. These two pages presents 2 Buttermilk
1 Omelette with toasted nuts
lists of suitable food and drink divided 3 Whey
2 Ham with mixed greens
by the quality of the establishment. 4 Mint tea
3 Fish and bacon stew
The table immediately below also 5 Nettle tea
4 Rabbit in mushroom sauce
6 Dandelion coffee
presents the average cost of food and 5 Fried rabbit with nut cakes
7 Small ale
drink for sale in taverns. 6 Poached fish with kale
8 Small beer
Cheap sausage with fried
9 Sour wine 7
DRINKS onion and apple chunks
10 Sage tea
Ale (gallon) 2 sp 8 Black pudding and beans
11 Chamomile tea
Ale (mug) 4 cp 9 Corned beef with carrots
12 Plain barley water
Wine (common; pitcher) 2 sp 10 Ham and vegetable stew
13 Lavender verbena tea
Wine (fine; bottle) 10 gp 11 Cheese and ham omelette
14 Water (hot)
12 Cheese and leek bake
15 Rosemary tea
MEALS (PER DAY) 13 Rabbit pie with beets
16 Watered cider
Poor 1 sp Black pudding with turnip
17 Watered perry 14
Common 3 sp and mushrooms
18 Fennel tea
Good 2 gp Cheap sausage with cheese
19 Raspberry leaf tea 15
and chickpeas
20 Birch sap tea
Cauliflower cheese with
POOR FARE 16
parsnip and kale
D20 POOR MEALS 17 Leek and chestnut stew
D20 POOR HOUSE SPECIALITIES Vine leaves stuffed with
Carrot and acorn soup with Rolled seaweed stuffed 18
1 1 chickpeas and millet
bread with rice and vegetables Chicken with buttered
2 Vegetable stew 2 Fishcakes with cabbage 19
parsnip
3 Pease pudding Black pudding with turnip
3 Fishcakes with cracked corn
4 Chickpea stew with kale and bread 20
and red cabbage
Beans and greens soup with Marrow stuffed with barley
5 4
rye bread and herbs
Pea and carrot soup with Spiced beets with onion
6 5 D20 COMMON DRINKS
oatcakes and potato
Vegetable soup with laver 1 Beer
7 Roast chickpeas with laver
bread 6 2 Ale
bread
8 Pea soup on baked potato 3 Watered white wine
7 Mushroom porridge
Potato soup with mixed 4 Cider
9 8 Turnip and pea pie
greens 5 Perry
9 Onion flan
10 Pea and beet stew 6 Cherry barley water
Bean stew with onion
11 Acorn cakes with beet soup 10 7 Plum barley water
bread
12 Oat gruel with turnips 8 Watered red wine
11 Cracked wheat pilaf
13 Bean soup with onion 9 Koumiss
12 Turnip stew
Cheesy millet balls with 10 Watered mead
14 13 Mixed root stew with kale
carrot 11 Pear barley water
14 Bean and barley pottage
15 Beet soup with bread 12 Elderflower cordial
15 Homity pie
Mixed greens pottage with 13 Blackberry cordial
16 16 Chicken soup with bread
potato 14 Elderberry cordial
Fish soup with rice and
Carrot soup with ground 17 15 Sloe wine
17 beans
chickpeas 18 Beet stew 16 Sloe gin
18 Fried beet and potato cake 19 Umble pie with cabbage 17 Rosehip cordial
Potato and acorn stew with 20 Cabbage soup with beets 18 Gooseberry cordial
19
bread 19 Plum cider
Baked potato with onions 20 Blackcurrant cordial
20
and bread
194
D20 COMMON HOUSE SPECIALITIES Salmon with peas, D20 GOOD HOUSE SPECIALITIES
9
Chicken in plum sauce with mushrooms and carrots Lobster with mixed
1 Beef stew with roasted 1
rice 10 greens and rice
2 Honey‐fried fish chickpeas and kale Beef in red wine with
Good sausage, cheese, plums 2
Sheep's head stew with 11 potato, carrot and swede
3 and honeycakes
barley and beans Partridge stuffed With
Roast goose stuffed with 3
4 Star‐gazy pie eggs and mixed grains
5 Chicken and leek pie 12 apple and raisins and served Baked hare stuffed with
6 Mushroom flan with potato and parsnip 4 roasted eggs and
Oxtail soup with cheese Duck pie with broad beans creamed corn
7 13
bread and onions and sweet millet balls Veal in cream with spiced
Roasted eggs with endive, 5
Pork liver with onions and 14 pilaf
8 raisins and cracked corn
potatoes Pork and apricot stew
Roast pork with fried parsnip 6
Bacon, eggs and fried 15 with broad beans
9 and sliced beet
Potatoes Peppered beef with corn,
Baked pigeon in cream with 7
Parsnip soup with cheap 16 red cabbage and peas
10 leek and onion
sausage and bread Minted lamb ribs with
Good sausage with 8
11 Yoghurt soup with meatballs peas and potato
Trout stuffed with oats and 17 hardboiled egg, cheese bread Chicken stuffed with
12 and spring onions
mushrooms 9 quail, with parsnips,
Lentil pancakes with cabbage Cinnamon dusted mutton green beans and spinach
13 18 with roasted chestnuts and
and leeks Goose in white wine with
potato 10
14 Shellfish chowder rice, peas and carrots
15 Fishballs with mixed greens Turkey with raspberry sauce, Smoked salmon with
19
green beans and mushrooms 11 parsley, peas and
16 Lamb heart stew
Roast chicken With pork and creamed turnip
Brawn with spinach, turnips
17 20 apple stuffing, carrots and Pigeon pie with potato,
and carrots
peas 12 butter beans and baked
Oxtongue with onion bread
18 pear
and hazelnuts
Fish cooked in ale with Mutton with mushroom
19 D20 GOOD DRINKS 13
mashed swede and potato sauce and mixed beans
Vine leaves stuffed with 1 White wine Gammon in cheese and
14
20 garlic cheese, served with 2 Red wine parsley sauce with leeks
millet balls 3 Rose wine Turkey with sliced good
4 Mead 15 sausage, cabbage and
5 Apple brandy broad beans
GOOD FARE 6 Pear brandy Venison meatballs with
7 Plum brandy 16 apricot sauce, chestnut
D20 GOOD MEALS 8 Brandy cakes and kale
Mutton in a creamy almond 9 Port Mutton in onion gravy
1 sauce with a mixed green 10 Sherry 17 with a cracked wheat
salad 11 Whisky pilaf
Steak and mushroom pie with 12 Vodka Steak and kidney pudding
2
green beans 13 Cherry brandy 18 with potato, cabbage and
Honey glazed ham with 14 Apricot cordial peas
3
cheesy potatoes and peas 15 Strawberry cordial Pork chop with sage and
Lamb chops with redcurrant 16 Raspberry cordial 19 onion stuffing, peas and
4
sauce, swede and leeks roast beet
17 Lemon cordial
Roasted quail in a nest of rice Perch in honey sauce
5 18 Peach brandy
and peas 20 with rice, fennel and
19 Spiced mulled wine
Spiced goat with apple and raisins
6 20 Spiced mulled cider
raisin oatcakes
Pork medallions with
7 apricots, almonds and
cracked wheat pilaf
Mushroom soup with good
8
sausage and butter beans
195
TAPROOM EVENTS
196
A bitch in heat races through the tavern door and A customer enters the taproom and all the regulars
75
52 runs the length of the tavern, closely pursued by a shout out his name.
pack of hopeful dogs. 76 Drunk customer falls off a chair.
A customer steals another (distracted) customer’s 77 Customer vomits on the floor.
53
drink and wanders off with it. Pickpocket tries (and fails) to relieve a drunken
78
54 A drunk customer passes out. customer of his pouch.
A metallic dragon in human disguise saunters in to The watch enter the tavern looking for a
55 79
mingle with the crowd. wrongdoer. They question everyone closely.
An aging madam sits at a table interviewing A server drops a whole tray of drinks. This may be
56
prospective male and female employees. an accident or a customer may have deliberately
80
A woman loudly slaps a customer across the cheek. tripped her. She is either angry or embarrassed
57 His companions find this riotously amusing. The depending on whether this was an accident or not.
man is not so impressed. Customers gambling begin to argue over their
81
An impromptu party breaks out when a popular game. The argument quickly escalates.
58
local appears with his new baby. A rival group of adventures enter the taproom and
A boy circulates about the taproom looking for his nosily celebrate their recently successful foray.
59 82
father (who has been missing for over a day). They may invite the PCs to join them or
A bard tries to tell the ballad of a hero who was alternatively denigrate the PCs’ achievements.
60 born locally, only to be shouted down with A beggar enters the taproom and begs for money
83
laughter and jeers of “get it right!” or food. The barkeep quickly hustles him out.
A member of the Watch walks in and nails a A passing customer enters the bar looking for a
61 proclamation to the bar. He leaves after having a 84 “friend” and loudly asks if anyone has seen him.
quick pint. The customer has a black eye and a broken nose.
The town's bells suddenly toll a warning and the Customer confuses a PC with someone else and
85
62 tavern customers abandon their benches to see sits down at their table.
what is happening. A distraught and dishevelled man enters the bar
A man sits alone deep in thought. Every now and and loudly calls for aid. It seems he has just been
63
then a sinister smile flits across his face. 86 mugged and needs help tracking down his
A brawl breaks out and the bouncer throws the attackers. The man could be genuine or this could
64
brawlers out through a window. be a trap to waylay drunk customers.
A brawl breaks out; there are too many A customer believes he has been short‐changed.
65 87
participants for the bouncer to deal with. He argues voraciously with the barkeep.
Two thieves start a brawl as a distraction so that a A customer stumbles into the PCs’ table spilling at
66 88
third can rob the cashbox. least one drink.
Someone spikes all the tavern's drinks, making A man enters the tavern, looks about the taproom
67
them five times as potent as usual. 89 intently before leaving. Shortly thereafter, two
The legs on an bench collapse, dumping all the men hurriedly finish their drinks and leave.
68 people on it onto the floor. Laughter fills the A customer makes obscene comments to a server
90
common room. and gets a mug of ale thrown in his face.
A female half‐orc sits alone and sharpens a dagger. Several patrons whisper conspiratorially while
91
69 Occasionally she smiles grimly and looks around glancing warily about the common room.
the taproom. A bard enters and starts serenading the patrons,
92
Four attractive, drunk and giggling women enter moving from table to table in search of coin.
70 the taproom. They make their way to the bar 93 The floorboards overhead creak alarmingly.
where they hold court to a succession of suitors. 94 Singing wafts up from the cellar.
One of the tavern drinkers is actually a spy for the 95 Two lovers sit at a table, kissing passionately.
local ruler. He asks lots of questions and is quite A half‐orc whore leads a very drunk dwarf through
71 96
inept; it quickly becomes obvious he is much more the throng to an upstairs room.
than he seems. Over a period of 20 minutes half the patrons drink
One of the drinkers is the local ruler in disguise, 97 up and leave. The common room is suspiciously
72 testing the mood of his subjects. He makes empty.
seditious comments and notes who agrees. The innkeeper asks the PCs’ help with a minor
A weasel‐faced man circulates among the patrons 98
73 problem.
offering several minor magic potions. 99 One PC gets drawn into an event; roll again.
Several off‐duty guardsmen in a foul mood occupy 100 The party gets drawn into an event; roll again.
74 one corner. They are spoiling for a fight after a
local thief got away from them...again.
197
TAPROOM ENTERTAINMENT
198
SAMPLE TAVERN SONGS
Many landlords hire travelling bards or talented locals to HIS AND HERS: A DUET
entertain their customers. Other customers – groups of carefree
He threw a rope
adventurers, drunken farmers and even star‐crossed lovers are
She threw a plate
also wont to break into song. This section presents a small
He managed to duck
selection of such songs.
She was too late
WHERE THE HEART IS
He tossed a ball
Where the wild geese wing She tossed a salad
Where the skylarks sing He called it a day
Wherever the wind cries She called it a ballad
And whispers and sighs
There lies my heart He ran out of time
She ran out of words
Where the old oak leans He thought that was fine
Where the kestrel keens She thought it absurd
Wherever animals creep
And linger and leap He went on his way
There sleeps my heart She went on and on
They called it enough
Where the sweet stream flows We call it too long...
Where blue ice forms, then goes
Wherever flowers swell
And snowflakes fell LADS AND LASSES
There dwells my heart
Now that you mention those lasses,
And some of the good lads we’ve known.
THE CAPTAIN AND HIS CREW
My memory goes back to old Lilly
The Captain called to his scurvy crew And the nights I thought we had flown.
Haul up the anchor! It’s time that we flew!
There are ships out there in the open main It’s a long while ago. I’m not sure now
Don’t you fancy some gold, so yellow and Of the name of that sweet little blonde,
plain? And that lad with the hair to his ankles ‐
I think that they called him Girond.
The Captain cried to his pirate crew
Away now, away now, sail out in the blue! What became of that luscious lass, Sarie?
I know of an island, I know of a shore Oh! Remember the fox‐faced brunette?
We all will be rich, but I will have more. She was working the streets with her sister
And she's not left my dreams even yet.
The Captain smiled at his rascal crew
He never guessed what they planned to do And a young lad I think was called Ishtak.
Out there in the sea, with a sturdy plank The cutest thing I've ever seen,
And a parrot that squawked, Thanks thanks thanks! With a smile any woman would die for,
And a body so muscled and lean.
The Captain stared at his mutinous crew
As he walked the plank in a smart new shoe Wait! I almost missed naming that Keisal.
And only much later did the crew get in a flap The one who gave kisses galore,
When they found that the Captain had taken the map! With a twinkling eye that promised
Everyone so very much more...
199
GAMES TO PLAY
As well as drinking and eating, games of chance and skill are Each drinker must hit AC 10 to grab the drink without spilling
quintessential pastimes enjoyed in tavern taproom. (Luckily, it. Failure indicates the character knocks the drink over, pours
such games are also an excellent source of barroom brawls, if it down themselves and so on.
the GM so desires). This section presents several such games. Each drinker then makes a DC 12 (+1 per previous check if
more than one drink is downed) Fortitude save to get the drink
ARM WRESTLING down without choking.
Popular with barbarians, dwarves and other tough guys, arm The winner is the first person to successfully get the drink
wrestling is a simple test of strength between two participants. down their throat. If more than one gets it down, the person
Each person sits across from the other and places his arm on the with the highest initiative is the winner.
table with the elbow bent and touching the surface. The two
contestants grip each other's hand with the aim of shoving the HAZARD
other's arm down flat onto the top of the table. Hazard is just one of many popular tavern dice games. It is
played with two six‐sided dice by any number of players. The
Each round, the contestants make opposed Strength checks. person who has the dice is called the caster.
Each successful check moves the opponent’s arm closer to Bets are between the caster and the house, which is
their side of the table. To win, a player must make three more normally the player to the caster’s right.
successful Strength checks than his opponent. To start, the caster and the bank place their bets. After the
If the contest has not been won after 10 rounds, both first throw, the caster wins if she rolls her chance before her
contestants must make a Constitution check each round (DC main, and has the option to increase her stake.
10 +1 per previous check) to be able to continue wrestling. If
both contestants cannot continue, the contest is a draw. Each round, she picks a number between 5 and 9 inclusive,
called “the main” and throws the dice.
BROOM JOUSTING If the caster rolls the main, she wins or “nicks” and can either
A popular game in larger taverns, especially common near take the pot or increase his stake (which the bank matches).
knightly orders, castles and training grounds.
For other results, see the table below:
Played in teams of two, one of which is the "rider" and one the
"horse." The horse carries the rider piggyback. NICKS THROWS OUT
The rider wields a broom (improvised bludgeoning weapon MAIN (WINS) (LOSES) CHANCE
dealing 1d4 nonlethal damage) and tries to hit the other rider. 5 5 2, 3, 11, 12 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 ,10
If a rider is hit, the rider must make a DC 10 + damage dealt
6 6, 12 2, 3, 11 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10
Ride check to stay mounted on their “horse.” Failure indicates
they fall off. 7 7, 11 2, 3, 12 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
If a rider is hit 3 times or falls off his horse, he is out. The 8 8, 12 2, 3, 11 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
winner is the last person still mounted.
9 9 2, 3, 11, 12 4, 5, 7, 8, 10
DOWN THE HATCH
Down the Hatch is a drinking game more commonly played in If the caster neither nicks nor “throws out,” this roll is called
poorer communities, as it only requires one mug of drink for the “chance” and he throws the dice again.
each participant. (However, versions that require each drinker to If he rolls the chance again, he wins, but now if he rolls the
down three drinks also exist). Rather than drinking more than main, he loses. If neither number is rolled, he keeps throwing
your opponent, the object of Down the Hatch is to drink the until he rolls one or the other.
same amount, but faster. It requires a minimum of three people The caster may keep playing until he loses or wins three times
– two drinkers and a caller. The drinkers both start with their in a row when he must pass the dice to the player on his left
hands placed flat, palm down, on the table equidistant from the who becomes the new caster.
drinks. The caller cues them in with “3‐2‐1‐Down the Hatch!”
200
OLD CRONE SNAIL RACING
An Old Crone is a painted wooden representation of the head of Snail races take place on a circular “track,” usually a damp cloth
a nasty‐looking witch or hag, with a clay pipe stuck in her mouth, on a tavern table. The snails start in the middle and “race” to the
sitting on top of a wooden pole. Players throw sticks at the crone edge of the circle, which is usually about 13 inches away. Races
to try to knock the clay pipe out of her mouth without knocking start with the shout “Ready! Steady! Slow!” The first snail to
the head off the pole. reach the edge is the winner. This usually takes several minutes.
Snail are painted with racing numbers for easy identification and
Each player takes it in turn to throw their stick (treat as an spectators place bets on the outcome and cheer on their snail to
improvised weapon) at the head. victory.
The clay pipe is AC 18 (hardness 2, hp 2).
If the thrower misses the pipe, but hits AC 12, he hits the head. Roll initiative for each snail at the start of the race (‐2
On an even‐numbered attack roll, the head falls off and the modifier).
player is eliminated from the game. Each minute, roll 1d6‐2 for each snail. This is the number of
inches the snail moves towards the edge. Roll 1d8, to
PITCH COIN determine the direction in which the snail travels in the same
Pitch coin is a common game of skill in which the players take manner as that used to determine a missed splash attack.
turns tossing a coin into a container (a small box, tankard and so Specially trained racing snails might have a +0 initiative
on). Normally, each player throws the same value coin, but if the modifier or move 1d6‐1 inches each minute.
competitors agree otherwise each player may throw whatever These snails typically attract much
denomination they wish. shorter odds.
Each player in turn tosses a coin at the target (AC 15). A hit TOP THAT
indicates the player gets the coin in the A communal telling of tall tales, in
container. A miss indicates he missed. Top That, each person tries to tell a
The winner is the first to make five stranger tale than the last,
successful pitches and wins all the without going so far that
coins in the container. someone declares "I don't believe
you!"
RISE AND FALL
Each tale‐teller in turn must
One of many common card games make a Bluff, Perform (oratory) or
played in taverns, Rise and Fall is as Profession (storytelling) check
much about luck and guesswork as skill. It opposed by each listener’s Sense
is played with a standard pack of cards. Motive check. A successful check
The aim of the game is to successfully indicates the listener believe the story; a
predict whether the value of the next card is failed check indicates the listener shouts out “I don’t
higher or lower than the last card showing. For this game, an Ace believe you!”
counts as a one and a face card counts as a ten. The game ends when no one can top the last tale with a
better, yet believable one.
The dealer deals 10 cards face down on the table, then turns
the first over as a starting point. (Roll a d10 to determine each YARD OF ALE
card's value, if cards are not available).
A yard of ale is a very tall beer glass, wide at the top and with a
Each player in turn makes their guess whether the next card is
bulb on the end; it holds two and a half pints. Contestants need
higher or lower and places their bet in the pot. The dealer
to drink the ale or beer to empty the glass as fast as possible.
turns over the next card and the players who guessed wrong
drop out. Each contestant must make a Fortitude saving throw; highest
The players repeat the previous step until no cards are left or roll wins.
until only one gambler remains. The winner(s) split the pot Dwarves, innkeepers and heavy drinkers get a +2 bonus on
equally. their saves.
Yard Racing: In races featuring a yard of ale, use the rules for
Down the Hatch.
201
GAMES TO PLAY: DRAGON AND THE THIEF
To play, Dragon and the Thief, each player needs two six‐sided 12 (The Dragon): The player takes all the coins on the board.
dice. The game is best played with three or more players.
Start: Before play begins, the players must decide what Play continues as long as the participants want to play; players
denomination of coin (copper, silver, gold or platinum) to wager. can join or drop out at any time.
All players start by placing a coin of the relevant value on the
HOW TO USE DRAGON AND THE THIEF
number 7.
Who Goes First: The players all roll their dice. The player The dragon and the Thief is a perfect game for PCs to play when
with the lowest score goes first. Thereafter, play passes to the relaxing in their favourite tavern. They can play it among
left. themselves or try to win coins from the locals. Unlike some
Playing: Each player rolls his dice. The result determines the gambling games, a single round of Dragon and the Thief can go
player’s action: on for some time, but large amounts of money are rarely won or
lost as each player usually only puts down or picks up one coin at
2 (The Thief): The player takes all the coins except those on a time.
number seven (The Hoard). A game of Dragon and the Thief is a great way to introduce
3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11: The player checks the number for a coin. new NPCs – either normal locals, rival adventurers, thieves,
If a coin is there, the player takes it. If there is no coin the rivals or even potential employers. A game of Dragon and the
player puts one down on that number. Thief is also the perfect backdrop for some impromptu
4: The player does nothing. information gathering.
7 (The Hoard): The player puts a new coin on that number.
202
203
GAMES TO PLAY: EVENTS
Not all games of Dragon and the Thief are uneventful. You can One of the players, Avel the Jolly (CN male human
use these events on the table below to inject more excitement, rogue 1), is a petty thief. He is also very drunk and
conflict or opportunities into the game. Either choose a suitable accidentally blurts out details of a major robbery
event, or roll randomly: 7 happening tomorrow night in which a nobleman’s town
house will be targeted. The next day, his lifeless body is
discovered in a nearby alley. His mouth and throat are
D12
full of tarnished copper coins.
A drunk tavern patron stumbles and falls onto the
An attractive, scantily clad lady of the night saunters
table. Coins fly everywhere and drinks spill on the floor.
over to the table and asks if any of the players would
The man is very drunk – and mumbles his apologies –
like some company. In reality, the woman (Katla [N
but several of the players don’t care and start shouting
female human rogue 2]) is a thief merely disguised as a
at him. In the meanwhile, other players scrabble about
1 8 prostitute to facilitate her pick pocketing (at which she
for the fallen coins, which provokes another argument
is rather skilled [Sleight of Hand +11]). After getting
as no one can agree on what coins were where and
close to her mark, she picks his purse, names an
whose is whose. Unless the PCs calm the situation, the
outrageous price for her services and then leaves when
arguments rapidly spiral out of control and a brawl
her offer is rebuffed.
ensues.
One of the players is getting very friendly with another
Jarrick Hivel, an arrogant minor nobleman (or rich
man’s wife. The two sit close together, cuddle and
merchant), swaggers up to the table and demands to
generally seem smitten with one another. All seems to
play. He sneers at the pitiful stakes on the board and
be going well until the woman’s husband turns up at
2 demands the players raise the wager to a gold piece a
9 the tavern and see the two canoodling. He storms over
throw. If the players refuse his demand, he belittles
to the table and a loud (and potentially) violent
them, calls them ingrate scum and continues to be
argument breaks out. Unless the PCs intervene, the
irritating until forced to leave.
men quickly fall to blows, which upsets the table and
One of the players suddenly realises that he has to could potentially lead to a full‐scale brawl!
urgently be somewhere else, but doesn’t want to leave
One of the players has epic delusions of grandeur
until someone has won the Dragon (rolls a 12). He gets
because he was slightly involved in an adventure many
increasingly irritated and exhorts his fellow gamblers to
years ago. The man (Lothair of Dol [N male warrior 1])
3 play quicker. If they ignore him, he gets increasingly
loves to tell people about it and when he discovers the
agitated until he eventually just grabs a handful of
10 PCs are adventurers he launches into a long and
coins and makes a run for it. Shockingly, the other
convoluted story about his own heroics. Sadly, many of
players object and make a grab for the fleeing player.
the other players have heard the story repeatedly and
Chaos ensues.
they beg him to shut up. Undeterred he continues to
The game is proceeding peacefully until a devout cleric tell the story as long as the PCs feign interest.
of a lawful god enters the tavern, sees the game and
One of the players rolls the dice a little too violently
proceeds to sermonise loudly about the evils of
and they bounce off the table onto the floor and under
gambling. Some of the players tell him to shut up, but
a chair. Sadly, a monkey (which is also the wizard
he persists. The cleric, Fabius Drusu (LG male human
4 Anhuri of Nekham’s familiar) lurks under the chair. It
cleric 1), is a reformed gambler and preaches with the
grabs the dice and makes off with it, running away
conviction of a convert. Unless the PCs convince him to
under chairs, over tables and eventually up into the
go away (treat his as hostile towards them) he ruins the 11
rafters where it sits nibbling on its prize. Anhuri (NE
game. Shortly after his arrival, the other players start to
male half‐elf wizard [evoker] 6) is very protective of his
drift away to seek entertainment elsewhere.
familiar and does not allow any harm to come to it. The
A player spills a full drink across the table, which PCs must come up with a nonviolent way of coaxing the
messes up the board and displaces several coins. No monkey down, abandon the game or make a powerful
5
one can agree on where the coins were in the first enemy.
place; an argument ensues.
The game is proceeding as normal when a small patrol
Several of the players have finished their drinks, but of watchmen burst into the tavern. They are searching
don’t want to get up and lose their place at the table. for a petty criminal who may (or may not) be in the
They ask an observer to get them drinks and he readily 12 establishment. Their searching and questioning are
6 agrees. The man getting the drinks, however, is a rough – the thief in question just mugged a nobleman’s
malicious trickster and he adds powdered herb to one son – and PCs resisting or ignoring the watch’s
or more of the beers. Half an hour later several of the attention are detained for further questioning.
players experience violent stomach cramps.
204
GAMES TO PLAY: PLAYERS
Along with the PCs, there are bound to be other players enjoying He is friendly and a good drinking companion.
a game of Dragon and the Thief. The GM can invent such folk as Khai Desouk (N male human wizard [conjurer] 1): Khai
necessary or use one or more of the NPCs listed below. is horribly burnt and wears a cowled cloak at all times.
He is searching for Anhuri of Nekham, and has been for
D12 almost a year. Several years ago, one of Anhuri’s
8 experiments went badly wrong and Khai was horribly
Barita Kildann (LN female dwarf fighter 2): Desperate
burnt as a result. He now seeks revenge and has heard
to raise funds to pay for her passage home, Barita has
that Anhuri sometimes drinks here. A pleasant man, he
resorted to gambling – something she abhors. All the
is nevertheless bitter and resentful and – where Anhuri
way through the game she makes sarcastic remarks
is concerned – has an impressive mean streak.
1 about the dice, other players and the foolishness of
Ivo Njars (N male human expert 3): Ivo is an expert
humans. If the PCs discuss an upcoming adventure or
gambler and a skilled cardsharp. He only plays Dragon
journey that is in the general direction of her homeland
and the Thief to identify talentless idiots with a lot of
she offers to accompany them. She is trustworthy and
money to lose. If he spots a likely candidate, he invites
brave, but somewhat racist.
9 him to a private “gambling emporium” where Ivo
Solalith Evdrearn (CE male elf fighter 1/wizard 1):
promises he will be looked after. He drinks little and is
Solalith capitalises on the misconception that all elves
only friendly to those he thinks he can fleece. He keeps
are good. He is a relentless – and merciless – gambler
2 away from other skilled gamblers and reveals little of
who delights in creating discourse and rancour. He
his personal life.
argues the rules, nudges the board to displace coins
Roza Vagoth (NG female human expert 1): Roza is at
and so on.
the end of her tether. Several months ago, her
Miro Giantbasher (CG male halfling fighter 4): Cheerful,
husband, Sigdag, was slain while serving in the watch.
half‐drunk and flush with cash Miro has been carousing
He left Roza with six children to feed and almost no
and gambling for almost three days. He is exhausted
3 savings. She sits quietly throughout the game, not
and keeps falling asleep in the middle of the game.
10 making eye contact with her fellow players. In truth,
Empty mugs litter the table and floor around his chair.
she is worried sick and anyone expressing genuine
He is a ripe target for a pick pocket or mugging.
interest in her plight is easily able to wring the details
Oggor Skull‐Splitter (CN male half‐orc barbarian 3):
of her troubles from her. Roza is also a skilled
Oggor is not terribly bright and doesn’t really
seamstress and has been trying to start up a
understand the rules of Dragon and the Thief. He
respectable business – thus far with little success.
4 constantly asks for rules clarifications, gets distracted
Filimer son of Huml (LN male human fighter 6): A
and ogles any nearby attractive women. Shockingly, he
mercenary warrior from the west, Filimer’s one vice is
has lost quite a lot of cash and is getting more and
gambling. Now between jobs – but with gold to fritter
more irate.
away – he is considering giving up a mercenary’s life
Taneli Keto (N male human expert 2): Obsessed with
and becoming an adventurer. While the risks are much
one of the players at the table (either male or female) 11
greater, so are the rewards and Filimer dreams of
Taneli is playing the game simply to be near the object
5 returning to his home village and building a grand
of his lusts. Although he thinks he has hidden his
house. If the PCs discuss an adventure while playing, he
feelings, the object of his desires is very aware of his
seeks them out later and offers to join their group – for
interest, but sadly does not reciprocate the feelings.
a decent share of the profits of course!
Kaari Ojanen (CN female human commoner 1):
Pekko Mustonen (N male half‐elf bard 2) Pekko is
Attractive and vivacious, Kaari loves the thrill of
scheduled to sing later at the tavern and is simply
gambling and thinks the other players enjoy her
killing time until his performance. He is well groomed
6 company. She wears a low‐cut top and enjoys the
but obviously not particularly wealthy. He only gambles
reaction it provokes among the other players. She likes
with copper and silver, but has a good eye for people. If
free drinks and is charm personified if she thinks she
12 the PCs are obviously adventurers he makes certain to
can get something out of her fellow players.
flatter them and asks to hear about their exploits. Later
Aevar the Flat‐Nosed (NG male human barbarian during his performance, he flatters the PCs and tells the
1/fighter 1): A stranger in town, Aevar arrived as a crowd of their adventures – portraying them as his
caravan guard and has been busily spending his wages personal friends. Afterwards, he approaches the PCs
7
for the last few weeks. He’s down to his last 10 gp and and waxes lyrical about his “financial difficulties.”
is looking for a new job. He asks everyone playing (and
anyone watching) if they know of any such openings.
205
BARROOM BRAWLS: RUNNING A BRAWL
When planning to run a barroom brawl, a GM should not view it the PCs important clues about how they can interact with the
as a normal combat. After all, the chances of anyone getting taproom’s environment and other brawlers.
killed are pretty slim; instead a barroom brawl is a chance to Brawl Aftermath: A barroom brawl is a great way to let off
relax and have a fun fight that “doesn’t really matter” in the steam, but does the fight have any consequences for the PCs?
grand scheme of things. You can decide these consequences based on the PCs’ actions
A barroom brawl comprises several distinct phases: or you can roll on the Brawl Aftermath table (page 211). When
rolling on this table remember that many of the brawl’s
Brawl Trigger: Brawls just don’t start for no reason – although participants are not used to battle (even nonlethal battle) and
to those not paying attention it may seem that way. Consider so their perception of events may not sync with the PCs’
using the Brawl Trigger table (page 209) to determine why the recollections (or, indeed, reality). Thus, the PCs might get
brawl starts. Alternatively, the brawl can have a campaign‐ blamed for starting the fight or even for an accidental death
specific purpose such as introducing a band of rival that had nothing to do with them!
adventurers, getting the PCs into trouble with the Watch,
acting as an adventure hook and so on. A BRAWL ROUND BY ROUND
Brawl Events: Brawls are crazy affairs; use the Brawl Events
Barroom brawls often have dozens of participants – running
table (page 210) to add flavour to the fight. Determine what
such a fight “properly” – rolling initiative, making attack and
strange event happens in any
damage rolls and so on for each individual will bring the game to
given round of combat and
a juddering halt. Rather, concentrate on describing the general
describe it to the PCs at the
flow of battle using the Brawl Event table to highlight notable
appropriate point. Not
events in any given round.
only do these events
give flavour to the
brawl, many also give
206
BARROOM BRAWLS: BRAWL TRIGGERS
Many events can trigger a barroom brawl: a gambler can be remonstrate with his attacker. Unsurprisingly, the
caught cheating, two men may argue over a woman, someone attacker does not take kindly to their opinions and an
may spill another’s pint or simmering animosity may suddenly argument quickly develops. Eventually, it leads to
boil over into violence. A GM can simply determine the brawl’s violence. After the brawl, there is no sign of the beggar.
Two drunken patrons (one a huge warrior) are dancing
trigger or roll on the table below.
(very badly) when one of them trips and falls. The other
trips over the first and lands in the lap of a courting
D20 BRAWL TRIGGER couple. Wine gets spilled all over the couple, which
A group gamble at a table. One of the group is accused 12
enrages the woman. She smashes an empty flagon over
1‐2 of cheating, but denies the charge. He refuses to return the head of her “attacker.” By that point, the first
his winnings and a brawl quickly ensures. dancer has regained his feet and totters over to aid his
A drunk staggers against a table sending the drinks friend.
upon it flying. Those around the table attack the drunk, Two men standing at the bar begin to push and shove
3
furious at his clumsiness. The drunk’s friends leap to his 13 each other. They inevitably bump into other patrons
aid... and matters go downhill rapidly thereafter.
An argument erupts at one table and quickly several A man weaves his way through the crowd carrying two
patrons are fighting. The brawl is a diversion; one of handfuls of drinks. Suddenly, he trips and the drinks go
4 the other customers (perhaps even a PC) is marked for flying. He is quickly to his feet, accusing a nearby
assassination and while the fight distracts witnesses 14
customer of deliberately tripping him. Meanwhile, the
the assassin strikes. three men he has just drenched in beer decide to teach
A pickpocket fails spectacularly to lift a purse. The him a lesson.
owner notices and tries to grab the thief. He twists out A customer drops his belt pouch and gold and silver
5
of the man’s hands but falls into a nearby table, coins tumble to the floor. As he tries to retrieve his
smashing it and spilling all the drinks on it. 15
wealth, other nearby customers scramble to grab the
A drunk man staggers to the bar and demands more coins. Almost immediately, several fights break out.
ale. The barkeep refuses and the man gets belligerent. Two groups of rival warriors or workmen are drinking
A regular steps in to defuse the situation and the drunk heavily in the taproom. As they get drunker the two
6
attacks him. As the regular staggers back, he knocks groups exchange insults. Veiled at first, they become
over another man who leaps to his feet enraged. From 16
more demeaning as the alcohol flows. Eventually, a
there, the chaos quickly spreads... fight breaks out between the two groups; innocent
A prostitute moves around the tavern seeking business. bystanders get dragged into the melee.
Two drunken men begin to argue over who should Four toughs have been bribed to beat up a customer.
7 enjoy the pleasure of her company first. She draws the They enter the bar, buy drinks and take a table close to
two men into a brief bidding war, which ends with one 17 their target. They wait until their target is drunk before
smashing a flagon over the others head. pouncing. Other customers go to the target’s aid and a
A server weaves through the taproom with a full tray of general melee ensues.
drinks. However, when she sets it down, two groups of A man buying drinks at the bar believes he has been
8
drinkers claim that the drinks are for them. Both groups short‐changed. The barkeep denies the charge and
are drunk and the ensuing argument turns violent. refuses to pay up. The customer reaches across the bar
A server delivers a drink to a table, but the (drunk) 18
and tries to grab some coins. Several regulars leap to
patron refuses to pay. After a short argument, the the barkeep’s aid. Seeing this, the customer’s friends
9 drunk pushes her away and she falls. Several regulars come to his aid.
take exception to this and move to punish the drunk. Two men get into an argument over a woman sitting
Others intervene and an epic brawl quickly breaks out. nearby. As they begin to fight, other patrons gather
A small contingent of the Watch enter the tavern and 19 round to watch. Soon, however, one of the men knocks
start to belligerently search for a fugitive last seen another customer over and the chaos soon spreads.
nearby. The search angers many of the regulars and (Alternatively two women can argue over a man).
10 eventually one hurls a flagon at a guard in protest. As A fleeing man bursts through the tavern’s door and
the guards attempt to apprehend their attacker other rushes through the taproom knocking over chairs,
patrons join in. Inevitably, some of the missiles hit spilling drinks and so on. Patrons leap to their feet in
other patrons and a confused melee breaks out. 20 indignation. Moments later, a small group of guards
An old beggar enters the taproom and moves from enter the tavern and try to follow the man. Chaos
table to table begging for spare coins and food. A few ensues as the guards try to force their way through a
11 patrons give him their scraps but one shouts and curses crowd of angry patrons.
at him before pushing him away. As the beggar falls to
the floor, several other patrons move to help him and
207
BARROOM BRAWLS: BRAWL EVENTS
Barroom brawls are chaotic affairs and the most bizarre events Desperate to escape the violence, a patron dives under
can occur during them. Some are to be expected, the innkeeper 77‐79 a table and screams for help. The man is well‐dressed
calling for the watch or opportunistic thieves trying to steal and gives his rescuer a reward of 2 gp.
unattended wagers, while others are completely unexpected: Skirting the violence, a patron moves from table to
table stealing coins, downing drinks and so on. After
tables collapse, kegs of beer spring leaks and chandeliers fall. In 80‐82
three rounds of this, he is spotted and attacked by irate
the most deadly brawls, fires can accidentally start that if left patrons.
unchecked can destroy the tavern . A large brawler picks up a bench and belts nearby
Every round of a brawl, roll on the table below to determine targets with it. Once he has knocked unconscious a few
83
the brawl event before describing it colourfully. other brawlers, the rest avoid him and so he goes in
search of new targets. He settles on the nearest PC.
D% BRAWL EVENT A female patron jumps onto the back of a brawler and
01‐40 No event of note. starts hitting him over the head with a flagon. It
84‐85
41‐50 The innkeeper calls loudly for the Watch. smashes, blinding him for one round with ale. In the
A brawler tips over a table. Atop the table lies a small next round, he pulls her off and throws her to the floor.
pile of coins — the pot of some game now unattended. A table collapses dumping the patron on it onto the
86‐87
51‐52 2d20 cp and 2d10 sp clatter to the floor. Nearby floor. The patron falls prone.
brawlers dive for the coins and try to gather up as A patron dives behind the bar and grabs several bottles
many as possible. or brandy or other expensive beverage. On the next
88
A brawler kicks over a bench, chair or table. The next round, he makes a break for the door clutching his
53‐55 person who isn’t a PC, to move through the square prizes.
trips over it and falls prone. The fight spills out into the street as several brawlers
89
A brawler tries to punch a target, misses and smashes a fall through the tavern’s door.
beer keg. Beer gushes out, creating a 15 ft. cone of slick A brawler is thrown through a window or door into the
90
floor (DC 10 Acrobatics check to move at half‐speed street. Three rounds later, the Watch arrives.
56‐59 Amid the chaos, a thief rifles the pouch of a fallen
through the area; failure by 5 or more and the
character falls prone). The innkeeper wails at this 91 brawler. If no one stops him, he moves onto his next
unfortunate event. mark. If accosted, he flees.
60‐61 A random brawler hurls a flagon or chair at a PC. A patron lies slumped over a table. Underneath the
A small contingent of the Watch arrive to break up the 92 table, his hound barks ferociously and tries to bite
brawl. They use nonlethal attacks to subdue the anyone entering an adjacent square.
62‐64 brawlers, beating them with the ends of their spears. A brawler staggers out of the melee, blood dripping
Brawlers fight to get away from the Watch as no one from a nasty scalp wound (caused by a broken bottle).
93
wants to get arrested. He screams in agony and flails about looking for
A brawler leaps onto the bar and starts to kick half‐full assistance.
65‐66 flagons of beer into the melee. Every time he scores a A brawler stands over his unconscious foe. The two are
hit he shouts in triumph. hated enemies; the brawler gives his fallen foe a good
94
Someone shouts that the Watch is coming. At that, kicking. If no one intervenes, he eventually kills his
many of the combatants make a break for the nearest enemy.
67‐68 exit. The area around the front and back doors of the A brawler takes this opportunity to knife an enemy. He
95‐96
tavern get congested as patrons fight each other to get draws a dagger and tries to stab him in the back.
away. A brawler tries to grab the tavern’s ready cash before
One brawler throws another 1d2 x 5 ft. onto a chair or fleeing. The barkeep notices this attempt and screams
69‐70 table. The piece of furniture collapses and the thrown 97‐98 for help before attempting to apprehend the thief.
brawler lands prone. There is a 50% chance that any patron grabbing the
Somehow, high‐strength alcohol (such as brandy) lands thief tries to steal some of the money himself.
71 in the fire. All combatants within 5 ft. suffer 1 fire Fire! Flames from a knocked over torch or similar fire
damage as the fire sparks and spits. source catch on a tapestry, straw covering the floor and
The innkeeper (or other staff member) gets attacked by so on. Unless extinguished, the fire advances 5 ft. every
99
72‐74 a brawler. The innkeeper shouts for help; if a PC assists second round. (A DC 15 Reflex save extinguishes a 5 ft,
him, he gets free board and lodgings for one week. section of fire as a full‐round action). Characters in the
Three brawlers gang up on another patron and quickly fire suffer 1d6 fire damage and catch on fire.
75‐76 kick him to the floor. They beat him unconscious in two GM’s discretion – something truly bizarre happens; the
100
rounds before moving onto another target. floor collapses, chickens escape from the kitchen etc.
208
BARROOM BRAWLS: AFTERMATH
Although often fun and exhilarating, barroom brawls can have One of the other brawlers – rightly or wrongly – feels
nasty consequences for the participants. Unlike battles against that one of the PCs helped him in the fight. He is very
invading orcs, barroom brawls are not often looked on kindly by grateful and offers them some small help in return. He
the authorities. can offer them shelter, provide local information or
10
perform other minor tasks. Alternatively, he may have
This table presents possible consequences for the PCs. A GM
contacts in town who can offer the PCs greater
should tailor these consequences to suit the overall flow of the assistance – access to magic items, esoteric lore or
campaign. For example, if you have an adventure ready to run in individuals of influence.
a distant town have the PCs blamed for the brawl and be forced A member of the opposite sex believes the PC saved
to flee town. Alternatively, you can use the brawl to both him or her during the brawl. The NPC develops a crush
introduce an NPC and to set him up as a reoccurring character in 11 on the PC and begins to peruse the PC. The NPC is
always in the taproom when the PCs are in the
your campaign – perhaps he’ll one day have a job for the PCs or
taproom and finds excuses to talk with them.
be able to render them assistance. Alternatively, he may become
A NPC of note saw how the PCs fought during the brawl
an enemy or foil of the PCs. and was impressed with their prowess. After the brawl,
Of course, a tavern brawl can also be an isolated incident he approaches to offer them a job – perhaps he is
12
and have no impact on the PCs once they have recovered. about to embark on a long journey and needs
bodyguards or he offers them a job that leads to the
D20 BRAWL AFTERMATH next adventure.
1‐2 No consequence of note. Someone dies during the brawl and the PCs are sought
The PCs are blamed for starting the brawl and the for questioning. As long as they cooperate, the Watch
Watch begins to search for them. Unless someone was takes their statement and does not bother them
13
killed in the brawl, the Watch does not search too further. If they refuse to cooperate, hide or try to make
3 a run for it, the Watch concludes they have something
diligently – after all the adventurers are heavily armed;
rather the Watch hope the PCs take the hint and leave to hide.
town. One of those caught up in the brawl is an off‐duty
The taproom is severely damaged by the brawl and member of the Watch. He remembers the PCs and
4 consequently the tavern shuts for 1d2 weeks for depending on how they acted during the fight could be
repairs and renovations. 14 a good friend or irritating foil in the future. As a friend,
The taproom is so badly damaged that the current he can waive gate taxes, overlook minor
5 tavern owner cannot afford the repairs. The tavern misdemeanours and so on. As a foil, he looks for
shuts and the owner puts it up for sale. reasons to get them into trouble.
A brawler develops a grudge against the PCs. This can The brawl was a cover for a robbery. A nobleman or
manifest itself as nothing more than name‐calling and merchant in the bar at the time of the brawl has a
the occasional instigation of other brawls, but it can precious object stolen and wants it back. He believes
6 also take on a more sinister aspect. The brawler can spy 15 the PCs innocent of the theft and asks them to retrieve
on the PCs, bad mouth them to friends and suppliers it. Asset rich, but cash poor he offers them the deeds to
and could even end up working for one of their a small rundown castle on a distant estate in exchange
enemies. for the item’s return.
During the fight, one of the PCs loses a minor magical The barkeep believes the PCs did all they could to help
7 item such as a potion or scroll. They don’t discover it is him during the brawl. He is very grateful and gets them
missing until they try to use the item. round after round of free drinks during their next visit.
16
The owner or innkeeper blames the PCs for the brawl He becomes their good friend and always serves them
and seeks to reclaim damages from them for broken quickly and well. On the downside, if another brawl
furniture, loss of earnings and so on. He claims 40 gp starts he expects them to help him calm things down.
8 and if the PCs decline to pay he refuses to serve them The barkeep is so impressed with one of the PC’s
or allow them to stay in his establishment. Optionally, 17 prowess that he offers him a job as a doorman. Pay is 3
other taverns hearing of the PCs’ reputation also refuse sp a night and all the cheap ale he can drink.
to serve them. After the brawl the PCs find a small item – perhaps a
18
One of the PCs’ enemies masterminded the brawl map or key – that will be useful in their next adventure.
either so he could get a better feel for their fighting Immediately after the brawl, a PC spots a small belt
styles, as an attempt to get them into trouble with the 19‐20 pouch under an overturned table. The pouch contains
9 23 sp and 14 gp. Of the owner, there is no sign.
local authorities or simply to slow them down. As a
consequence, his agents report interesting and useful
information about the PCs’ fighting styles.
209
BARROOM BRAWLS: BRAWLERS
Use these statistics to run the various folk involved in a brawl. BARKEEP CR 1/2 (XP 200)
These statistics present the folk normally present in the tavern This man wears a stained apron and carries several cloths
and should not be used to represent special individuals such as jammed into his belt. His skin is pale and he has big bags
adventurers and so on. Most are no match for a skilled under his eyes.
adventurer, but in large numbers they might cause the party Male human expert 2
some small trouble. N Medium humanoid (human)
Init ‐1; Senses Perception +6, Sense Motive +7
This section also presents three new conditions designed for
Speed 30 ft.; ACP 0
use in a barroom brawl: tipsy, drunk and hammered. Apply one
AC 9, touch 9, flat‐footed 9; CMD 9
of these conditions to every combatant (including the PCs) who (‐1 Dex)
has consumed one or more alcoholic drinks. Fort +1, Ref ‐1, Will +3
hp 11 (2 HD)
DRUNK? Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +1; CMB +0
Melee unarmed strike +0 (1d3‐1 nonlethal) or
Before the brawl starts in earnest you must determine how
Melee improvised weapon ‐4 (as weapon ‐1) or
much alcohol each participant has consumed: Melee club +0 (1d6‐1)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 15
NPCs: Randomly determine the condition of each NPC:
Feats AlertnessB, Skill Focus (Diplomacy)
Skills as above plus Appraise +4, Diplomacy +9, Handle Animal
D20 CONDITION
+6, Knowledge (geography) +4, Knowledge (local) +4,
01‐04 Sober Profession (brewer) +4, Profession (innkeeper) +5
05‐12 Tipsy Languages Common
13‐18 Drunk Gear as above plus belt pouch, 3 gp, 15 sp, 37 cp
19‐20 Hammered
Generally speaking, a barkeep does not seek out combat, rather
PCs: Make a determination of each PC’s condition based on staying behind the bar during a brawl. A barkeep tries to regain
how much the player indicates his character has drunk. control of the taproom, minimise damage to furniture, stop any
thievery taking place under cover of the brawl and protect other
LETHAL DAMAGE staff members and the tavern’s takings. Most barkeeps hide a
The vast majority of the improvised weapons available in a club behind the bar to deal with thieves or serious threats to life.
normal tavern common room deal nonlethal damage. However, These statistics can also represent other members of staff
some combatants may resort to weapons dealing lethal damage including cooks and servers, with minor adjustments. During a
at some point during the fight. This immediately changes the brawl other members of staff act in a similar fashion to the
feel and flavour of the brawl – other combatants avoid such an barkeep – they retreat from any real threat, taking shelter
individual if at all possible, and probably shout warnings to behind the bar, in the cellar or kitchen or run outside to fetch
others nearby. If anyone is killed in a brawl, the Watch pursue the Watch.
the matter with vigour until they discover the identify of those
people responsible.
210
HUMAN MERCHANT CR 1/3 (XP 135) WATCHMAN CR 1/2 (XP 200)
This well‐dressed man has the air of wealth about him. Clad in scale mail this warrior carries shield and spear.
Human aristocrat 1 Male human warrior 2
LN Medium humanoid (human) LN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +4, Sense Motive +4 Init +0; Senses Perception +0, Sense Motive +0
Speed 30 ft.; ACP 0; Ride +8 Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐5; Acrobatics ‐5 (‐9
AC 11, touch 11, flat‐footed 10; CMD 11 jumping), Ride +0
(+1 Dex) AC 16, touch 10, flat‐footed 16; CMD 14
Fort +0, Ref +1, Will +2 (+5 armour [scale mail], +1 shield [light wooden])
hp 4 (1 HD) Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +0
Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +0; CMB +0 hp 18 (2 HD)
Melee unarmed strike +0 (1d3 nonlethal) Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +2; CMB +4
Melee dagger +0 (1d4/19‐20) Melee spear +5 (1d8+2/x3) or
Ranged dagger (range 10 ft.) +1 (1d4/19‐20) Melee morningstar +5 (1d8+2)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 12, Con 11, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 9 Abilities Str 15, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 8
B
Feats Skill Focus (Profession [merchant]), Skill Focus (Riding) Feats Toughness , Weapon Focus (spear)
Skills as above plus Appraise +5, Diplomacy +3, Profession Skills as above plus Handle Animal +3, Profession (soldier) +4
(merchant) +7 Languages Common
Languages Common, Elven Gear as above plus belt pouch, 2d6 sp
Gear as above plus noble’s outfit, belt pouch, 12 gp, 4 sp
SERGEANT OF THE WATCH CR 1 (XP 400)
Merchants often frequent bars in search of deals or hired help. Clad in chainmail this warrior has an air of authority about him.
Sadly, they often fare badly in barroom brawls as they are not Male human warrior 3
skilled at defending themselves. If given the choice, they flee the LN Medium humanoid
brawl as quickly as possible. They are often targeted because of Init +0; Senses Perception +2, Sense Motive +2
the wealth they normally carry. Speed 20 ft., base speed 30 ft.; ACP ‐6; Acrobatics ‐6 (‐10
Use these statistics to represent merchants or minor jumping), Ride ‐1
members of the nobility slumming it for the evening. By AC 17, touch 10, flat‐footed 17; CMD 14
(+0 Dex, +6 armour [chainmail], +1 shield [buckler])
changing their Profession skill, they can also be used to
Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +1
represent craftsmen and affluent members of other professions. hp 25 (3 HD)
Such individuals are not without resources and are grateful if Space 5 ft.; Base Atk +3; CMB +5
rescued from a brawl. At the GM’s option, they can offer the PC Melee mwk longsword +7 (1d8+2/19‐20) or
discounted or free goods or services, access to other business Melee dagger +5 (1d4+2/19‐20)
contacts or even future commissions. While they make good Combat Gear potion of cure light wounds (2)
friends, they can also make nasty, low‐grade enemies. While Abilities Str 15, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 10, Cha 8
such folk have little stomach for a fight, they well‐remember the Feats Alertness, ToughnessB, Weapon Focus (longsword)
Skills as above plus Intimidate +5, Profession (soldier) +4
person who beat them. Such folk could be attacked by hired
Languages Common
thugs, become suddenly unwelcome in a number of
Gear as above plus belt pouch, 2d10 sp, 1d8 gp
establishments in town (or in the case of someone wronging a
member of the nobility) get the PCs arrested and punished When breaking up a brawl, watchmen do not use lethal force
without trial. unless they are confronted by someone wielding an actual
weapon. Instead, they either use blows from their spear butts or
shield bashes (both to deal nonlethal damage) to subdue
NEW CONDITION: HAMMERED combatants.
211
BARROOM BRAWLS: TAPROOM FEATURES
Tables, chairs, bar stools and other pieces of furniture are AC, +2 Reflex saves).
scattered about almost any taproom. During a brawl, clever Cover (Improved): This piece of furniture provides improved
combatants use tables, chairs and even barrels to gain an cover (+8 AC, +4 Reflex saves) to Small or smaller characters or
advantage over fellow brawlers. to any prone Large or smaller character.
Flip Over: A character can flip over this piece of furniture by
Movement: Unless otherwise noted, it costs two squares of making the Strength check noted on the table below.
movement to enter a square containing a piece of furniture.
Skills and DCs: The table below details the various skills a The DC to flip over a piece of furniture increases by 5 for each
character can use to use each object in a barroom brawl. character atop it.
Flipping over a piece of furniture provokes attacks of
Most taprooms have the following pieces of furniture: opportunity.
Bar: The bar is 4 ft. high and 2 ft. wide. A character cannot
move through a square containing a bar unless he leaps atop, or A character on a piece of flipped furniture must make a Reflex
climbs over, it. save:
Bar Stool: Bar stools are 3 ft. high. A bar stool can be used
as an improvised weapon. Success (DC 15): The character lands on his feet in a square of
Barrel: About 3 ft. high, barrels can be empty or full. A full his choice adjacent to the piece of furniture.
barrel is also an improvised weapon with the slick (burst) Failure: The character lands prone in a square adjacent to the
characteristic. piece of furniture of his opponent’s choice.
Chair: Chairs stand around every table in the taproom.
Higher Ground: Characters atop this piece of
A chair can be used as an improvised weapon.
furniture gain the benefits of higher ground
Tables: Small tables seat two characters and can
(+1 on melee attacks) against lower targets.
be used as an improvised weapon. Large tables
Wobbly: Most furniture is not designed
seat four persons comfortably.
to be stood on. Characters atop a piece of
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS wobbly furniture must make an
Acrobatics (balancing) check every round
Each of the different types of
in which they move and when they take
furniture has special characteristics a
damage.
canny brawler can use to his advantage:
Cover: This piece of furniture provides cover (+4
212
BARROOM BRAWLS: IMPROVISED WEAPONS
Objects not designed to deal damage can still be used in combat. This has two effects:
Any creature can use an improvised weapon, but is considered
non‐proficient and takes a ‐4 penalty on attack rolls. Refer to the Acrobatics Checks: The DC of Acrobatics checks in the affected
table below for individual improvised weapon’s statistics and squares increases by 2.
extrapolate other weapons using the presented statistics as Grappling: Characters struck by the liquid gain a +2 bonus to
guidelines. Some feats enable characters to effectively use grapple checks made to escape a grapple and all Escape Artist
improvised weapons: checks.
Catch Off‐Guard: You do not suffer any penalties for using
NONLETHAL DAMAGE
an improvised melee weapon. Unarmed opponents are flat‐
footed against attacks you make with an improvised weapon. Keep a running total of the nonlethal damage each character
Throw Anything: You do not suffer any penalties for using an suffers during the brawl; do not deduct such damage from the
improvised ranged weapon and you gain a +1 circumstance character’s current hit points.
bonus on attack rolls with thrown splash weapon s.
When a character’s nonlethal damage equals its current hit
WEAPON QUALITIES points it is staggered. All subsequent nonlethal damage is
lethal damage.
The weapons below have several new qualities.
When a character’s nonlethal damage exceeds its
Shatter: When a weapon with the shatter quality strikes a
current hit points it falls unconscious.
target it takes the same amount of damage as that inflicted with
Healing Nonlethal Damage: A character heals 1 hit
the successful strike. Apply hardness as normal before
point of nonlethal damage per hour per character
deducting the damage. Once it has suffered damage,
level. When a spell or ability cures hit point damage,
the weapon gains the broken condition (‐2 attack and
it also removes a like amount of nonlethal damage.
damage). If the weapon is reduced to 0 hit points it
Nonlethal Weapons: Saps, unarmed strikes and
breaks.
whips deal nonlethal damage.
Slick: A weapon with the slick quality
Dealing Nonlethal Damage with Other
contains liquid (normally ale, water or wine)
Weapons: A character can use a weapon
and can be thrown as an improvised splash
designed to deal lethal damage to deal
weapon.
nonlethal damage, but suffers a ‐4 penalty
Light Weapons: All creatures and objects on attack rolls.
within 5 ft. are splashed with the liquid.
Barrels: The liquid in a burst barrel soaks all creatures and
objects within a 10 ft. radius.
213
SAMPLE TAVERNS
This supplement provides twenty ready to use inns and taverns RATINGS
for your campaign. Each entry includes a general description of
To make it easy to see at a glance if an establishment is suitable
the establishment, information on the staff and the
for a particularly locale, each of the taverns and inns in this
services on offer, notable patrons
supplement appear on the table below. The table includes
and events or adventure hooks to
information on where a tavern is best located,
use when the PCs visit. The
basic notes on the most common type
presented establishments fill many
of clientele the PCs can meet there and
niches from those offering low‐
whether it offers accommodation.
brow, raucous entertainment to
Furthermore, the table presents a ranking system
others offering the very best in fine dining.
for the quality and price of the establishment’s
Most, if not all, of the taverns and inns
offering.
herein should be suitable for almost any GM’s
For quality, the following rating system
campaign although, obviously, a GM
suffices:
may need to make minor changes and
tweaks to fit it seamlessly into his world. One Star: Establishment is of poor quality.
Using these taverns, along with any Three Stars: Establishment is of common
necessary modifications, can help the quality.
GM bring his game world to life. Five Stars: Establishment is of excellent
Taverns are great places to meet quality.
people, learn about current events and
rumours and to experience the culture For prices, use the following ratings:
of the place in which a PC finds himself.
One Star: Establishment has cheap prices.
There’s a reason so many adventures start in taverns, after all!
Three Stars: Establishment has average prices.
As few PCs own their home, or are often far away from it,
Five Stars: Establishment has high prices.
they often spend an inordinate amount of time in taverns
making this a particularly valuable supplement for GMs whose
campaign ranges over a wide area.
214
SAMPLE TAVERN: COCK AND BULL, THE
The Cock and Bull is a popular roadside inn, providing a handy important messages from one city to another. Introverted and
stopover for couriers and other travellers on the road between unsociable, she has short‐cropped hair and is wearing worn
two major cities. Weary wayfarers can enjoy a hot meal, an ale riding clothes and boots. Her leather satchel never leaves her
or two, and a good night’s rest here before venturing forth the side.
next morning.
The inn is a long two‐storey wooden building with a thatched FOOD & DRINKS
roof. The large courtyard at the front has good‐sized stables The Bull has a good reputation for its food. The offering includes:
along one side where fresh horses can be purchased and a
farrier is on hand to replace any damaged horseshoes. Inside, PRICE
the ground floor has a low ceiling of wooden beams, and is Catchpole’s Old Irregular (tankard) 8 cp
divided into several small bars and snugs where travellers can Mead 5cp
relax in front of a warming fire. The yellowing plaster walls are Meal, common 3 sp
decorated with post horns, leather satchels, wagon wheels and Rabbit simmered in red wine 1sp
Roast goose with mashed swede and carrots 2 sp
other objects in a similar vein. A gentle hubbub of amiable
conversation can usually be heard throughout the bars, and
ACCOMMODATION
occasionally a wandering minstrel might play a tune or two.
Two dozen comfortable single rooms are available on the upper
STAFF floor (7 sp).
The Cock and Bull has the following notable staff members:
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
Fosco Greenbottle (LG male halfling commoner 2) is the fussy, The PCs’ visit to the Cock and Bull may not be without incident;
curly‐haired halfling landlord of the Bull. He took over the Bull use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
when it had a lousy reputation and is determined to continue excitement into the proceedings:
to build on his recent successes.
Odila (NG female human commoner 1) is short, rotund and Robbery Most Foul: The PCs are enjoying a drink when Aaron
formidable. She is in charge of the serving staff and makes sure (LN male human expert 1), a mud‐stained coachman, bursts
they are always friendly and welcoming. into the taproom. He tells of being ambushed on the road by
Radulf (N male human expert 2) runs the stables. He is taciturn bandits who robbed him and his passengers of all their
and brawny, but has a great affinity with horses and much valuables. They have pushed his coach into a ditch and are
prefers their company to people. amusing themselves with the passengers. Aaron begs
for help. Surprisingly, Bourchier volunteers to
NOTABLE PATRONS accompany the PCs – such brigands on “his
The Cock and Bull has several patrons of patch” are bad for business.
note: Thieves: An unscrupulous merchant is
determined to prevent rival trade
Bourchier (N male human rogue 6) is a contracts that Leoda is carrying reach
highwayman who holds up travellers their destination, and has hired a pair
on the road at crossbow‐point. of experienced thieves to steal her
Handsome and cocky, with long satchel. The PCs witness the attempted
wavy, blond hair, wearing a puffy theft.
white shirt and black leather
breeches, he sits drinking with his
feet on the table.
Leoda (N female human expert 3) is
an experienced courier, carrying
215
SAMPLE TAVERN: CROSSED AXES, THE
The Crossed Axes is run by, and for, dwarves, serving as a home Mabrin Glimmersten (NG female dwarf cleric 8), dedicated
away from home for dwarven visitors to the city and for those and determined cleric of the Forge God, is in the city to hire
residents who want to spend time among their own kind. some stout dwarven warriors for an important mission. She
Although there is nothing to stop members of other races from has had no luck so far but will approach any likely candidates
popping in for a drink, they rarely do. entering the bar.
The entrance to the inn is a stone archway, marked with a
wooden sign depicting two crossed dwarven waraxes. Beyond, a FOOD & DRINKS
flight of stone steps leads down to the large cellar bar. Humans The Crossed Axes serves simple, plain food including:
and other tall folk need to watch out for the low beam, lest they
bash their heads on it when entering (among locals this is known PRICE
as the “the Crossed Axes’ welcome”). Anvil Brew, mug 7 cp
Carved stone pillars hold up the ceiling, and finely wrought Cavern Stout, mug 10 cp
shields adorn the walls. Behind the long bar is the best selection Ham and mixed greens 2 sp
of dwarven ales outside of the Cloudpeaks, and there are half a Meal, poor 1 sp
Mutton and mushroom stew 15 cp
dozen alcoves opposite where patrons can enjoy some solitude
Stone bread, made from imported lichen flour 5 cp
or privacy.
STAFF ACCOMMODATION
Five clean but basic private rooms are available for 1 gp per
The Crossed Axes has the following notable staff members:
night.
Bardolph Rockheart (LG male dwarf expert 2), a dour
pessimist with a short‐cropped and neat jet black beard, is the EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
owner and landlord of the Crossed Axes. Bardolph is trying to The PCs’ visit to the Crossed Axes may not be without incident;
brew his own dwarven stout but the local river water “just use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
isn’t the same as back home.” excitement into the proceedings:
Ingel (LG female dwarf commoner 2), Bardolph’s long‐
suffering wife, waits tables and keeps the place clean and tidy. New Batch: Bardolph decides to tap a barrel of his new ale. He
She accepts no nonsense. has tried a slightly different recipe and is excited to see if he
Sandor Ironkettle (NG male dwarf commoner 2) does the has finally created the perfect dwarven stout. This has become
cooking. He is dour and hates customers “invading” his a semi‐regular occurrence in the taproom and the patrons fall
kitchen. quiet as he pours the first pint. Although, Bardolph is not
satisfied with the new brew, his patrons love it.
NOTABLE PATRONS Quest: The legendary dwarven urgosh, Trollslayer
(So What’s the Weapon Like, Anyway?), has
The Crossed Axes has several patrons of
been stolen from the tomb of King Odvin
note:
Hammerschlag, and a dwarven cleric staying
Holgin Forgestoker (LG male dwarf at the Crossed Axes is looking to hire a band
expert 4) is an irritable bald‐headed of adventurers to help her recover it.
weaponsmith with an elaborately
braided red beard and heavily calloused
hands. He is taciturn in the extreme, but
highly skilled.
216
SAMPLE TAVERN: DANCING SATYR, THE
The Dancing Satyr is a rowdy, popular tavern located in the city’s NOTABLE PATRONS
lively Riverside District. Good quality food and drinks are sold at
The Dancing Satyr has several patrons of note:
reasonable prices, but it’s the nightly entertainment that brings
in the punters. Bavo Roddleberry (N male gnome expert 3) is an impresario
Despite being tucked away down a back street, the Satyr is looking for performers to appear in the play he is staging.
easy to find thanks to the loud music, laughter, cheers and jeers Charming but greedy, he makes sure he comes out on top in
coming from inside. The building is unassuming from the any business deal.
outside, and inside isn’t much better: the décor is shabby, the Marette (CG female human aristocrat 1) has sneaked out from
makeshift tables are made from bits of wood nailed to the top of under her noble father’s beady eye to come and see the
old barrels and the floor is covered in sawdust to soak up spilt handsome bard, Alaric Micheri, perform.
wine.
Against one wall is a simple wooden stage on which a wide FOOD & DRINKS
variety of performers appear each evening. The entertainment is The most popular items on the Dancing Satyr’s menu include:
free and always brings in a crowd – many of the city’s most
famous singers, musicians and poets got their big break after PRICE
performing here. A typical bill might include several musicians, a Bardic Inspiration ale, pint 6 cp
puppet show, a juggler, a satirical poet and a singing dog. The Fruity white wine, bottle 3 gp
good get free drinks and food, and plenty of cheers; the bad get Honey‐glazed roast chicken wings 2 sp
pelted with bread rolls and beer. Meal, common 3 sp
Onion and cheese omelettes 1 sp
STAFF
ACCOMMODATION
The Dancing Satyr has the following notable staff members:
None available.
Amara (NG female half‐elf bard 1) is an aspiring musician. She
is scatterbrained, but extremely attractive. Tactile, she is a firm EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
favourite of many of the male patrons. She wears ornate The PCs’ visit to the Dancing Satyr may not be without incident;
hairclips to manage her long, slightly curly hair and loves to use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
receive flowers from admirers. There are always several excitement into the proceedings:
bouquets behind the bar.
Hibran (NG male human bard 1) is an aspiring Hecklers: Freyja Sparrow (N female half‐elf bard 2), a
musician, who is working here to make some talented and beautiful harpist, can’t make herself
extra coin by serving drinks and food between heard on stage over the rowdy students from the
performances. Hibran is bursting with College of Magic. Kerran asks the PCs to go over
ambition, but is frustrated by all the and tell them to keep their voices down.
attention lavished on Amara (which he Harassed Bard: Alaric Micheri (N male elf bard
doesn’t believe she deserves). 4) is having trouble with his over‐enthusiastic
Kerran Fairfield (NG human male bard female fans. He begs the PCs to help him slip
2/expert 3) owns the Dancing Satyr away quietly at the end of his performance
and acts as Master of Ceremonies. He by creating some kind of distraction. He
is tubby, camp and fond of colourful, laments to the PCs that he has a hard life.
glittery clothing. A showman
through and through, he closes
every night’s bill with a tipsy
rendition of “Lads and Lasses,” to
the accompaniment of the
crowd.
217
SAMPLE TAVERN: DIRTY WEASEL, THE
Home from home for students at the College of Magic, young NOTABLE PATRONS
nobles slumming it for the evening and neophyte adventurers,
The Dirty Weasel has several patrons of note:
the Dirty Weasel is a cheap and raucous back street tavern in the
centre of the city. Bruno Dunker (NG male human wizard [illusionist] 1) is a
The pub is a tall, narrow, two‐storey building, sandwiched ruddy‐complexioned, big‐boned student with a mess of curly
between a bakery and a candlemaker’s shop. The swinging sign brown hair. He is failing Evocation and Abjuration and spends
depicts a lascivious‐looking, drunken weasel wearing a tricorn every night in the Weasel, getting drunk and entertaining his
hat. Inside, the crowded taproom is long and thin, with a low fellow students with his clever illusions.
ceiling and only a few bar stools in the way of furniture. A flight Salerith (LN female elf cleric 1), a mousy‐looking, long‐haired
of stairs at the back leads up to the first floor; here, there are cleric of the Goddess of Magic, is looking for an adventuring
several rooms with tables and chairs, each usually packed out band to join. She is an expert historian.
with groups of friends from early evening. The walls on both
floors are decorated with dusty old College memorabilia. FOOD & DRINKS
The atmosphere is convivial, if drunken, with much friendly There is no kitchen at the Weasel, but Mazran sells snacks from
rivalry and banter between the different student houses at the the next door bakery as well as various local speciality drinks:
College of Magic, noble factions and various rookie adventuring
bands. This often turns into impromptu contests of PRICE
prestidigitation, arm wrestling, drinking or a combination of all Basilisk Brew 2 cp
three. Ham and cheese pies 5 cp
Meal, poor 1 sp
STAFF Red wine, pitcher 1 sp
Viperstrike Cider (extra strong), pint 5 cp
The Dirty Weasel has the following notable staff members:
218
SAMPLE TAVERN: HAMMER AND TONGS, THE
This unpretentious tavern serves decent food and reasonably NOTABLE PATRONS
priced drinks to local craftsmen seeking to unwind at the end of
The Hammer and Tongs has several patrons of note:
a hard day’s work. The pub is situated in the heart of the city’s
Guild District and is the type of establishment where everyone Balrenna (N female human expert 2) is a gap‐toothed, grey‐
knows everyone else’s name, meaning that newcomers tend to haired old woman with hands stained reddish‐brown from
stand out from the crowd. dyeing cloth. She likes a good gossip and is happy to chat to
Unremarkable from the outside, there’s nothing particularly anyone buying drinks.
noteworthy about the décor inside either, although the taproom Erner Flat‐Nose (NG male dwarf expert 3) is a tattooed, red‐
is decorated with painted wooden badges of the various city haired shipwright and a fully‐paid up member of his guild.
guilds. It’s rarely busy and the clientele tend to sit alone or in Business has not been good recently, and Erner grumbles to
small groups, enjoying a quiet pint, a bite to eat and some that the Carpenters’ Guild is encroaching on his territory.
friendly conversation over a game of table skittles or Pitch Coin.
All this changes when an inter‐guild dispute flares up, FOOD & DRINKS
turning the Hammer and Tongs into a battleground. The last one The kitchen offers filling meals, served in generous portions. The
was between the Coopers and the Carpenters and led to a offering includes:
massive brawl which broke every stick of furniture in the tavern.
PRICE
STAFF Blacksmith’s ale 2 cp
The Hammer and Tongs has the following notable staff Black pudding with mashed turnips 6 cp
members: Meal, poor 1 sp
Vegetable stew with meatballs 4 cp
Frida (N female human expert 1), Herk’s short and stocky wife,
cooks the food and helps serve drinks, using her waspish ACCOMMODATION
tongue to keep the patrons in line. She wears her hair up in None available.
bunches because she thinks it makes her look younger.
Patrons commenting on her “youthful” looks gain preferential EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
service (and possible a free drink or two!) The PCs’ visit to the Hammer and Tongs may not be without
Herk One‐Hand (LN male human expert 3) is the no‐nonsense incident; use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
landlord of the Tongs. A former carpenter, Herk lost his hand excitement into the proceedings:
in an unfortunate accident, forcing a career change. He tries to
stay neutral in any inter‐guild disagreements. Barroom Brawl: The PCs are looking for a particular craftsman
For the most part he succeeds in this and, who they have heard drinks in the Hammer and Tongs.
consequently, he is respected by most Unfortunately, a full‐fledged barroom brawl is
of his patrons (except, bizarrely, the underway when the PCs arrive.
Carpenter’s Guild that see him as Gossip: Balrenna is thirsty and wants a drink. She
something of a traitor). decides the PCs are clearly gullible
Roke the Reckless (N male half‐orc adventurer types and tries to get
fighter 3), a towering, broken‐ them to buy her drinks. In return,
nosed bouncer, is brought in she tells them all she knows about
to act as peacemaker when local events, rumours and legends.
the guilds are at war. The The stories start out innocuous
patrons universally fear his enough, but as she gets drunker they
hammer‐like blows and his become more and more fantastical
mere presence has been known (and blatantly untrue). She tries to
to quell an impending brawl. spin out the tales’ telling as
long as possible, and
frequently stops for
refreshment.
219
SAMPLE TAVERN: HUNTSMAN’S REST, THE
The Huntsman’s Rest is a large inn situated at a well‐travelled FOOD & DRINKS
crossroads near the edge of a great forest. Popular with hunters,
The high quality food served at the Rest is dominated by game.
trappers and adventurers, it provides warm food, excellent ale
House specialities include:
and good company to those venturing into the wilderness.
The inn is a sturdily constructed three‐storey wooden PRICE
building, with sleeping accommodation and meeting rooms on Dire Bear Drool (an amber ale), mug 8 cp
the upper floors. Balconies with comfortable leather armchairs Forest grouse pie with fresh mushrooms 7 sp
overlook the main taproom, which is dominated by a huge stone Meal, good 5 sp
chimney and roaring fireplace, and decorated with hunting Spicy elk sausages 7 sp
trophies. Many of these are mundane animal heads, such as elk
and boar, but there are monsters too, including the three heads ACCOMMODATION
of a magnificent chimera mounted over the fireplace, and a Private one‐ or two‐bed rooms cost 1 gp and 15 sp a night
stuffed girallon which stands in one corner. respectively. More trophies decorate the bedrooms, fur rugs
keep patrons’ feet warm, and the chandeliers are made from
STAFF antlers. Alternatively, bunk beds are available in the common
The Huntsman’s Rest has the following notable staff members: room for 5 sp a night.
Cernon Eadbyrg (N male human ranger 5) is a retired hunter. EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
Balding and out of shape, but still a towering figure of a man,
The PCs’ visit to the Huntsman’s Rest may not be without
Cernon likes to regale his customers with dramatic hunting
incident; use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
tales.
excitement into the proceedings:
Emmi (NG female human expert 2) is Cernon’s doting wife. She
is an excellent cook with years of experience in preparing Forbidden Pleasure: Irja takes a liking to one of the party and
exotic meats. makes it very clear that she would like to spend the night with
Irja and Saewen (CN female human rangers 2), the couple’s her chosen partner. She is attractive, passionate and without
daughters, serve drinks and food, but also bring in the fresh scruples. However, once the PCs have left, Cernon overhears
game served in the kitchen. They dress in hunting gear and her telling Saewen of her conquest. Outraged, he decides to
take no nonsense from the customers. Both are attractive; of avenge his daughter’s honour – who was clearly bewitched in
the two, Irja is far wilder than her sister. some way – and sets out after the PCs with a small band of
hunter friends.
NOTABLE PATRONS Missing Adventurer: One of the first‐floor meeting rooms is
The Huntsman’s Rest has several patrons of note: used exclusively for the Huntsmen’s Guild’s monthly meetings.
The locked wood‐panelled chamber is decorated with
Barjik the Stubborn (CG male human expert 2) is a
stuffed goblin heads and trophies taken from other
grizzled old fur trapper, visiting the Rest for a
“undesirables” the Guild has hunted down and
hot bath and a few ales before heading to
killed. The PCs may have come to the inn looking
the nearest town to sell his wares.
for a missing adventurer who fell foul of the
Kanbrar (NE male half‐elf ranger 4)
Guild. The discovery of his embalmed head
is the current head of the local
gazing down at them from the wall may lead
Huntsmen’s Guild. Ruggedly
the PCs to question the motives and morals
handsome, with his blond hair
of the local hunters.
tied in a pony tail, he
seeks to
impress any
female PCs
with his charms.
220
SAMPLE TAVERN:LADY LUCK’S
Located in the poorest neighbourhood in town, Lady Luck’s is a NOTABLE PATRONS
sleazy gambling hall and tavern which attracts desperate souls
The Lady’s Luck has several patrons of note:
hoping to win big and get themselves out of a hole.
Lady Luck’s can be spotted from some distance away Averick (CN male human commoner 1) is a middle‐aged
because of its unique “sign” – three glass globes floating widowed fisherman who has fallen in love with Sylvana. Kind‐
magically above the shabby entrance, glowing in ever‐shifting hearted and not bad looking, he squanders his earnings from
colours. These spheres were given to the owner a few years ago the day’s catch by placing bets he never wins on the wheel, in
by a hard‐up wizard who couldn’t pay his gambling debts. Inside order to spend time with her.
the dingy low‐ceilinged hall, local folk fritter away what little Mannero the Sly (N male human rogue 1/expert 3) is a
money they have at the scruffy‐looking gaming tables, while nondescript‐looking information‐broker, who sells and trades
drinking cheap beers and wine served by scantily clad hostesses. useful snippets of gossip. His information is usually very
Games played include Rise and Fall (a card game), Hazard (a dice reliable but he cannot be trusted to keep quiet about who has
game) and a spinning wooden wheel of fortune, and are rigged asked him what.
to ensure the house always comes out on top.
FOOD & DRINKS
STAFF To keep the gamblers at the tables the snacks are large and
The Lady Luck’s has the following notable staff members: filling (but not particularly nice):
Podrick Pendrell (NE male halfling rogue 2) runs Lady Luck’s PRICE
for its owner, the crime boss Orzo Gerozzo (see The Laughing Beer, watery 2 cp
Gull). This cowardly little fellow has yellowing, rotten teeth, Fishcakes 5 cp
bad breath and a greasy comb‐over which fails to cover his Meal, poor 1 sp
bald patch. Red wine (vinegary), glass 4 cp
Sylvana (CG female human expert 2), a talented singer whose Sausage rolls 3 cp
career was cut short after a nasty robbery, spins the crooked
wheel of fortune. Still very attractive, despite the scar across ACCOMMODATION
her throat, she longs to find honest employment elsewhere. None available.
221
SAMPLE TAVERN: LAUGHING GULL, THE
The Laughing Gull is a thoroughly disreputable tavern situated waiting for the right moment to slip a knife between his ribs.
near the docks in the roughest part of the city. Widely known as She is very attractive and tries to seduce a warrior to aid her.
the unofficial headquarters of the Gerozzo crime family, the
place is best avoided. NOTABLE PATRONS
The tavern occupies a ramshackle two‐storey wooden The Laughing Gull has several patrons of note:
building built on the end of a pier, sitting above the waters of
the harbour. A couple of dodgy‐looking Gerozzo family soldiers Orzo Gerozzo (LE male human rogue 7) owns the Laughing Gull
(LE male human warrior 2) loiter outside, but most people stupid and is a thoroughly nasty piece of work. Fat, sweaty and fond
enough to come here without an invitation are admitted with of wearing massive jewelled rings, Orzo controls much of the
little more than a shrug of the shoulders. Inside, the main bar is smuggling that operates through the city docks, as well as
on two levels; stairs lead up to a first‐floor balcony where Orzo running protection rackets and thieving gangs.
Gerozzo and his lieutenants look down on the action below in
some comfort. Common thieves, low‐level enforcers and FOOD & DRINKS
teenage pickpockets drink at rough tables and benches on the The Laughing Gull is not renowned for its cuisine:
lower floor.
In the centre of the room is a large round hole in the floor, PRICE1
surrounded by a low wooden railing. The dark waters of the bay Ale, pint 2 cp
are just five feet below the hole, and occasionally a large dorsal Beer, pint 2 cp
Fish stew and a hunk of bread 4 cp
fin breaks the surface of the water. Every night, a barrel of fish
Meal, poor 1 sp
heads and guts is poured into the hole to entertain Gull patrons
with a glimpse of one or two sharks.
ACCOMMODATION
STAFF None available.
The Laughing Gull has the following notable staff members:
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
Hardjoy (CE male half‐orc rogue 1/commoner 2), tends the The PCs’ visit to the Laughing Gull may not be without incident;
Gull’s bar while living up to his epithet “the unsmiling.” use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
Hardjoy is missing half his nose and gets very angry if anyone excitement into the proceedings:
asks him how he lost it (his ex‐wife bit it off).
Barroom Brawl: A barroom brawl suddenly breaks out in the
Several women work as tavern wenches; the younger ones flirt common room and quickly spreads. The brawl is a
with Orzo and his men to keep in with the crime boss and diversion intended to draw attention away from an
get the best tips. assassination. The assassin (NE human male
rogue 7/assassin 2) intends to poison his
Hild (NG female human commoner 1) has target and dump him into the shark‐
just started work at the Laughing Gull infested waters below. If the PCs stop
because she is deeply in debt to Orzo and the assassin, they make a new friend
is horrified as to what she has gotten (but sadly a new enemy as well).
herself into. Most of the clientele terrify Doomed Pickpocket: Chum isn’t the
her and she has already fended off only thing that gets thrown into the
several inappropriate advances. If harbour for the sharks. The PCs might
any of the PCs seem trustworthy, come to the Laughing Gull on the trail of
or if any of them are actually nice a pickpocket who stole something
to her, she keeps as close to their valuable from them. Unfortunately, the
table as possible hoping that they young lad got caught trying to hide part of
will protect her. that day’s takings from Orzo and is about
Oxilia (CN female human rogue to be thrown to the sharks when the
2) is out for revenge – Orzo had PCs enter the tavern.
her brother killed and she is
222
SAMPLE TAVERN: LAZY BADGER, THE
The Lazy Badger is situated on the banks of a busy river in a dark hair tied back in a pony tail, this handsome fellow is a big
small town and is a popular watering hole amongst the “Little hit with Maela and the barmaids. Cadder smuggles fine
Folk” – gnomes and halflings – living in the wooded hills nearby brandy, pipeweed and spices up and down the river, always
or passing through on barges. staying one step ahead of the authorities.
The tavern is built into the side of a low hill and is either Paulpin Lund (CG male gnome wizard [conjurer] 4) lives just
entered through a large round blue door at the front or the outside town. Easily spotted thanks to his purple spiky hair and
charming beer garden at the back, where a small jetty provides ostentatious red and gold robes, Paulpin does a brisk trade in
easy access for river travellers. The whitewashed walls of the scrolls and potions, advertising his magical talents by
taproom are hung with faded tapestries and paintings, mostly performing parlour tricks in the bar.
depicting rural scenes, although one behind the bar (showing
three moss‐covered troll statues sitting in a forest clearing) FOOD & DRINKS
stands out from the others. Maela’s food is typical, hearty halfling fare. He also brew his own
The ceilings inside the bar are much lower than those in a beverages on the premise:
typical tavern, forcing humans and other tall folk to stoop, and
most of the furniture is built with the smaller races in mind. PRICE
Humans, elves and dwarves are still made to feel welcome by Fresh onion bread, loaf 1 sp
the bar staff, but it is recommended they sit outside in the beer Frothy Luglurch ale, pint 4 sp
garden to avoid too many bruised heads and egos. Meal, common 3 sp
Reenor’s Own (perry), glass 3 cp
STAFF Rabbit and beetroot pie 1 sp
223
SAMPLE TAVERN: LUCKY CATCH, THE
This tavern is located near the docks in a seaside town and is strange ruins emerge from the surf. For a modest fee, he is
popular with both the local fishermen and anyone who enjoys happy to show inquisitive adventurers.
well‐cooked seafood. Skorren (LN male human expert 1) is a bearded, bow‐legged
The pub is nothing too special to look at from the outside, old fisherman who enjoys telling tall tales of mermaids and sea
just a weathered one‐storey wooden building, with a painted serpents. He likes his rum and has a tendency to overindulge.
sign showing a smiling fisherman hauling in his bulging net. The
taproom isn’t particularly impressive either – it has a low ceiling, FOOD & DRINKS
a plain wooden floor, and the only decorations are fishing nets Much of the Lucky Catch’s provender comes from the sea:
and other nautical gear. What is notable, though, are the
delicious aromas coming from the kitchen. Typically quiet during PRICE
the daytime, the tavern is bustling in the early evening when the Clam chowder 2 sp
fishermen come in for their supper and a drink after a day out on Griffo’s Lonely Wyrm dark ale, mug 2 cp
their boats. Tales are swapped of the ones that got away and it’s Grog 2cp
only a matter of time before someone gets out a fiddle or a Lobster 3 sp
Mackerel fishcakes with mushy peas 1 sp
squeezebox and starts to a play a jolly shanty.
Meal, common 2 sp
Rum 1 sp
STAFF
The Lucky Catch has the following notable staff members: ACCOMMODATION
Norbert (LG male human commoner 1) is a nervy, acne‐ridden None available.
young lad with a missing thumb, who needs to be more careful
when handling knives. He helps out in the kitchen and behind EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
the bar. The PCs’ visit to the Lucky Catch may not be without incident;
One‐Eyed Griffo (NG male dwarf expert 2), a retired fisherman use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
with an eyepatch and a peg leg (he lost his own leg to a shark), excitement into the proceedings:
owns and runs the Catch. As well as brewing his own beer, he’s
a great fish cook. A nosy fellow, Griffo is always keen to find The Sunken Pyramid: Several old fishermen sit around telling
out more about any newcomers. tales of a strange sunken structure just off the coast. They
speak of a great stone pyramid that rises up from the depths.
NOTABLE PATRONS Sharks are known to cruise the waters around the pyramid
and several fishing boats have recently gone missing.
The Lucky Catch has several patrons of note:
The Whispering Idol: Skorren caught something
Ortwen (CG female human wizard unusual in his nets a few days ago – a strange
[transmuter] 4) needs a rare seaweed found wooden idol. He took it home and has since
on the beaches of remote Shadow Island for had a few weird dreams where it appeared to
a potion she wants to brew. Bespectacled be whispering in his ear while he slept. He is
and bumbling, with long red hair, she is now worried that one or two of the other
looking to hire a fisherman to take her there. fishermen want to steal it from him. He
Praen (N male human druid [aquatic] 2) is a can’t let that happen…
fisherman of consummate skill who always
seems to know exactly where the fish are
most plentiful. Perpetually smoking a
pipe, he is bluff and friendly to all.
He knows secret coves along the
coast where at low tide
224
SAMPLE TAVERN: MERRY MERMAID, THE
In the eyes of the authorities, a nasty blemish on the face of NOTABLE PATRONS
their otherwise fair port town, the Merry Mermaid is a
The Merry Mermaid has several patrons of note:
boisterous dockside inn, run by an ex‐pirate and frequented by
those still in that line of work, smugglers, and sailors looking for Blind Nallon (NE male dwarf rogue 2) is an irascible, greedy
somewhere to spend their hard‐earned coin. Bawdy songs, informant and spy, who provides intelligence on the
barroom brawls and wild revelry are common. movement of pirate ships and smugglers to the authorities and
The Mermaid is a large two‐storey black and white building sometimes rival criminals. Although he binds his eyes with a
on a busy street corner near the docks, with a scandalously black cloth and carries a staff he isn’t actually blind.
carved ship’s figurehead of a mermaid, its paint peeling off, fixed Ywain Coltbeyn (CN male half‐elf expert 2) is a dashing‐looking
above the entrance. Inside, the barroom has the appearance of fellow, always elegantly dressed, with long, flowing blond hair
an inverted ship, with a ceiling fashioned from curved wooden and several gold rings on his fingers. Ywain is a successful and
beams. The décor includes many items taken from the owner’s wealthy fence, charming to talk to, but also possessed of a
former vessel, including a ship’s wheel, a large globe that once steely determination to make as much money as possible.
stood in his cabin, and dozens of framed nautical charts. A
painting of a strange‐looking rock formation resembling the skull FOOD & DRINKS
of a giant monkey hangs behind the bar. Food served at the Mermaid is mainly simple, hearty fare:
The inn is usually fairly quiet during the day, but from early
evening it fills up with sailors who have arrived at the docks that PRICE
afternoon, and then stays busy until the early hours of the Meal, common 3 sp
morning. Entertainment is provided by a trio of resident half‐elf Nutmeg‐spiced grog, mug 3 cp
musicians – a fiddler, an accordion‐player and a penny whistle Oysters, served raw with a sauce of white wine,
3 sp
player – who perform a wide array of sea shanties sure to get shallots, lemon juice and black pepper, platter
everyone dancing a drunken jig and singing along at the tops of Piping hot cheese and onion pasties 1 sp
Rum, glass 1 sp
their voices.
Well‐spiced sausage rolls 1 sp
Whalesong Stout (strong dark beer), mug 6 cp
STAFF
The Merry Mermaid has the following notable staff members: ACCOMMODATION
Aldal, an emerald green talking parrot, sits on a perch hanging There are six well‐kept private rooms available at the Mermaid
over the bar. He mostly enjoys insulting the customers but for 5 sp per night, as well as the bunkhouse in the yard out the
occasionally spout things like “take fourteen paces from the back which sleeps a dozen (2 sp for a bed). Company for the
crooked tree, then walk west for twenty paces,” which appear night is usually available for between 2 gp and 5 gp.
to be directions to buried treasure.
Arallia (CG female human commoner 3) is Loach’s third wife.
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
She is twenty years his junior, blonde and stunningly The PCs’ visit to the Merry Mermaid may not be without
attractive, and dotes on the old ex‐pirate. Arallia manages the incident; use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
tavern wenches and potboys who serve drinks and food to the excitement into the proceedings:
thirsty pirates, and handles the inn’s finances with aplomb.
“Red Legs” Loach (CN male human fighter 7/duelist 2) is a red‐ Bloody Marja’s Cutlass: The PCs have heard a rumour that
haired, bearded, bear of a man in his late forties, covered in Aldal knows the location of Bloody Marja’s cutlass (see So
tattoos. He served as first mate on the Drunken Medusa under What’s the Weapon Like, Anyway?) If they give him enough
the fearsome pirate captain Bloody Marja, before a massive ship’s biscuits, will they be able to get the information they
treasure haul earned him enough to buy his own ship. After a need to find the valuable sword?
few years sailing the Five Seas on the Merry Mermaid, he Smuggled Goods: The town council knows it is missing out on
returned to dry land and bought this inn. Red Legs misses the valuable duty charges from goods smuggled into port and
sea and it’s not hard to get him to tell a few tales of his believe the Merry Mermaid is at the heart of this illegal
adventures. activity. Rumours persist of hidden tunnels leading from a
secluded cove to beneath the inn and the mayor hires the PCs
to go to the inn and find the tunnels.
225
SAMPLE TAVERN: PILGRIM’S RESPITE, THE
Pilgrims making the arduous trek up Justicar’s Mountain to visit from his peers at the College of Magic. He sits alone in a
the sacred site where St. Joramon received the Sacred Laws of corner, drowning his sorrows and fretting about what lies in
Darlen (LG god of law, order, justice and the sun) from the god store for his damned soul.
are always grateful for the sight of the Pilgrim’s Respite halfway Korivio (LG male human cleric 2) is a 17‐year‐old, olive‐
through their trip. skinned, tonsured priest of Darlen on his first pilgrimage to the
The inn is a two‐storey wooden structure built onto the side shrine at the summit. Unfortunately, his porters were driven
of the mountain, with balconies on both floors giving guests off when his party was attacked by a flock of harpies. He is
stunning views of the forested valley far below and the high determined not to turn back but could do with help in getting
peaks opposite. The main barroom is decorated with wooden to the top.
pillars carved with Darlen’s holy scriptures, and provides
welcome shelter from the bleak weather conditions on the FOOD & DRINKS
steep, winding trail to the summit. Hot, sugary cups of tea are Only plain dishes are on offer, at the Respite:
presented to guests on arrival and the great blazing fire allows
travellers to dry off while their mules are taken to the stables. PRICE
Hot rice wine, glass 3 cp
STAFF Meal, poor 1 sp
Rice with chicken and egg, bowl 7 cp
The Pilgrim’s Respite has the following notable staff members:
Tea, cup 2 cp
Esme (LG female human commoner 3) is Ullah’s wife and his Vegetable broth (thin), bowl 4 cp
equal in religious fervour. In her fifties, she is a kindly woman
and has a tendency to speak in hushed, reverential tones. ACCOMMODATION
Father Ullah (LG male human cleric [Darlen] 4), a devout cleric A night’s stay costs 1 sp. The rooms are very basic with bunk
of Darlen, runs the inn. In his mid‐fifties Ullah has a suntanned, beds, warm blankets and a fireplace. Religious paintings and
weather‐beaten face. He climbs the mountain at least once a tapestries adorn the walls.
week and is happy to act as a guide for pilgrims (for a donation
to the church, of course). EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
Lister (NG male human commoner 1) looks after the stables The PCs’ visit to the Pilgrim’s Respite may not be without
and serves food and drink in the bar. He is a gangly, awkward incident; use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
lad who desperately wants to join the clergy. Not particularly excitement into the proceedings:
religious, he nevertheless sees the priesthood as his best
chance at an easy life. Ghostly Pilgrim: Recently a pilgrim’s
seven‐year‐old daughter, Asunda, died
NOTABLE PATRONS in a tragic accident – the little girl
The Pilgrim’s Respite has several patrons of slipped and tumbled down the mountain in
note: the snow. Her ghost wanders the corridors of
the inn at night and may try to lead the PCs to
Bozelas (LN male human commoner 1) is a the site where her bones lie so she can be put
small, wiry‐looking goat herder who to rest.
comes into the inn each evening for a Stolen Soul: Davefor Poggs is desperately
hot cup of tea and a bowl of rice. He seeking a band of adventurers
gets lonely with no one but his flock to experienced and resourceful enough to
talk to all day and is keen to chat to sneak into the fortress‐library in the Nine
travellers. Hells that holds the devil’s copy of his
Davefor Poggs (N male human wizard infernal contract so it can be destroyed.
[necromancer] 6) is a wizard in trouble. A He seeks to test the PCs’ capabilities first
spot of foolish dabbling in diabolism has with a simpler quest.
led the pot‐bellied, balding little man to sign
an infernal contract with a contract devil
(Bestiary 3) in exchange for success and recognition
226
SAMPLE TAVERN: ROYAL SWAN, THE
The Royal Swan is, without a doubt, the finest tavern and with her inane conversation.
restaurant in the city, if not the entire kingdom. Home to the Fiora Silvertongue (NE female human bard 4) is a large‐
culinary genius Sarracino, and a wine cellar that is second to bosomed blond opera singer with a magnificent voice and a
none, this is the place to see and be seen for the great and the mean streak. She is most often here with a coterie of male
good. admirers.
The tavern is a smart, two‐storey black and white building
whose sign depicts a white swan wearing a gold crown, with two FOOD & DRINKS
liveried doormen standing attentively outside. Within, guests are Sarracino's imaginative creations are expensive but taste
greeted by a hostess and shown to either the bar or the amazing.
restaurant. Both typically require reservations, with the latter
subject to a long waiting list. The décor in the barroom is stylish PRICE
with discreetly lit booths and well‐upholstered velvet seats. In Stuffed pheasant on a bed of vegetables served
6 sp
the more formal restaurant, fine rugs from distant Sabtah cover with parsnip mash
the floors, the cutlery is silver and the glasses elven, and the Meal, good 5 sp
Poached cockatrice egg and crispy dire bacon on a
walls are hung with tapestries. Upstairs, several private rooms 5 gp
bed of river cress, drizzled with truffle oil
are available for intimate dinners and soirées.
Wine (fine), bottle 10 gp
Wine (outstanding), bottle 25 gp
STAFF
The ownership of the Swan is something of a mystery, as no one ACCOMMODATION
has ever met the wealthy merchant who holds the deeds. The
None available.
Royal Swan has the following notable staff members:
Dainiel (LG female elf expert 4) manages the staff and looks
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
after the customers. She is beautiful and charming and is The PCs’ visit to the Royal Swan may not be without incident;
consequently the centre of much male attention. use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
Sarracino (CG male half‐elf expert 5) is the Swan’s head chef; excitement into the proceedings:
shaven‐headed and olive‐skinned, he is renowned as much for
Angry Customers: A party of noblemen turn up for dinner, but
his penchant for colourful language as he is for his
discover they have lost their booking because they are late. It
experimental dishes.
transpires that the PCs are the beneficiaries of their
Volterin (LN male human expert 3) runs the bar and the wine
misfortune. The nobles demand the PCs leave – as they are
cellar. He is short and dapper.
now here – and take it badly if the PCs refuse.
The waiters and bar staff are all impeccably dressed and The nobles leave, but vow revenge against
exceptionally polite. the commoner upstarts. While they do not
physically confront the party, their hirelings
NOTABLE PATRONS can and do make the PCs’ lives difficult while
The Royal Swan has several patrons of note: they remain in the city.
Criminal Front: Captain Jorgem of the City
Coren D'Attallio (LN male human Watch is convinced the Royal
aristocrat 2) is a cold‐hearted Swan is a front for a ruthless
noble in his late thirties crime lord. He can't be seen to
with thinning black harass the influential clientele or the
hair. He is dining staff, so he attempts to hire the PCs
with his to pose as aristocrats to see if they
fashionable can unearth the truth.
young "niece"
and is bored
227
SAMPLE TAVERN: SAUCY SYLPH, THE
The Saucy Sylph is an inn, tavern, gambling hall and festhall all to get to know one or two of them so he can save them.
rolled into one that provides rowdy entertainment nightly to all Odgar Pennyweather (N male gnome rogue 3) is a devious
and sundry. little pickpocket with bright orange hair, large glittering black
The inn occupies a large three‐storey wood and stone eyes and earthy brown skin. He targets wealthy customers
building in a busy part of the city where it attracts nobles whose attention is wholly focused on the dancers.
wanting to slum it for the evening, traders and merchants and
anyone else looking for a wild night out. Inside, the noisy bar FOOD & DRINKS
runs the length of the right‐hand wall; there is always a big Most people don’t come to the Sylph for its food – the quality
queue despite the half dozen very efficient barmaids pouring isn’t great and prices are on the high side:
pints.
The centre of the room is dominated by a round stage where PRICE
scantily clad dancers of both sexes and various races perform for Chicken hotpot 2 sp
the crowds. Several gaming tables, including dice, cards and Liver, bacon and onions 3 sp
even snail racing, are dotted around the vast room. The décor is Maiden’s Ruin, beer 1 sp
gaudy – much of the furniture is painted gold and the walls are Meal, common 4 sp
Sweetheart (beer), mug 5 cp
hung with rather tatty red velvet drapery. Escorts (of either
Wine (decent), bottle 5 gp
gender) are available for hire for 10 gp for the evening.
STAFF ACCOMMODATION
Thirty rooms are available costing 1–3 gp per night, depending
The Saucy Slyph has the following notable staff members:
on size. Most are decorated with erotic paintings or tapestries.
Grurrk (N male bugbear fighter 1) works as the inn’s bouncer.
He enjoys his work, happily throwing out anyone getting too EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
boisterous, then bopping them over the head with his club for The PCs’ visit to the Saucy Sylph may not be without incident;
good measure. He is an imposing figure and is ferociously loyal use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
to Tyrellai. If not beloved by the patrons, Grurrk is respected excitement into the proceedings:
and is able to move about the town relatively freely.
Tyrellai (CG female half‐elf expert 3), an Amorous Customer: The half‐orc warrior Brunk (N male half‐
enchanting dancer, won big on the card orc fighter 3) is spectacularly drunk. He invites himself to sit
tables one night and bought out the with the party and immediately begins drinking their
previous owner. She still drinks and making inappropriate comments about the
takes part in the dancers. After a half‐hour he staggers to his feet
performances and is very and tries to join the dancers on stage.
popular with the regulars. She Grurrk quickly intervenes and throws
makes sure that no customers Brunk out. Depending on how the PCs
mistreat her dancers or escorts. have been dealing with Brunk, Grurrk
may also demand they leave.
NOTABLE PATRONS Drunk Nobles: A group of young,
drunken nobles accuse a merchant
The Saucy Sylph has several patrons
of cheating at a game of Hazard,
of note:
saying he is using loaded dice. The
Doonan (LG male human cleric 3) argument escalates and soon gets
is a young, shaven‐headed pious out of control as the nobles draw
priest of Conn who has come to the swords.
Sylph to preach the joys of
temperance to the sinners within. He
is getting very hot under the collar at
the sight of the dancers and is planning
228
SAMPLE TAVERN: SILVER UNICORN, THE
The Silver Unicorn is located in a small town on the fringes of the NOTABLE PATRONS
elven forest kingdom of Aerathrin. Here, merchants from the
The Silver Unicorn but one patron of note:
elven city and the Faerie Realms beyond come to trade with
their counterparts from the human cities. Traelerin Starmantle (CG male elf expert 4) is a master
The inn is a large, solid‐looking structure of wood and stone, armourer from Aerathrin with finely made leather armour and
built in the shade of an enormous, ancient oak tree. At night, bucklers for sale. Traelerin is muscular for an elf, and is
softly glowing pale blue magical lights illuminate the entrance, somewhat nervous around other races, but is very proud of his
which leads into a wood‐panelled lobby. The welcoming tavern work.
room lies beyond – wooden pillars carved with vine motifs
support the low ceiling, and the walls are hung with paintings of FOOD & DRINKS
the Elven Courts and their beautiful and terrifying inhabitants, The Silver Unicorn has a fine selection of cheeses from near and
enchanted so the vibrant colours glow softly. far and an excellent selection of wine. Highlights of the menu
In the evenings musicians perform on the low stage in the include:
corner. The handsome flutist, Londallin (CG male elf bard 3), is a
favourite for his delicate, haunting tunes, but the gnomish PRICE
fiddle‐playing duo Dinegar and Pallena (NG male & female Cheese platter 3 sp
gnome expert 2) are also very popular for their merry jigs. Imbart’s fresh river salmon glazed with ginger and
lime and served with fennel and forest 7 sp
STAFF mushrooms
Leafmould Blue (cheese) with crusty bread, platter 1 sp
The Silver Unicorn has the following notable staff members:
Meal, good 6 sp
Silver Moonbeam (elven white wine), bottle 20 gp
Nainesti Greenglade (CG female elf aristocrat 2/expert 2) is
the Unicorn’s owner/operator. A kind‐hearted widow of
indeterminate age born into a noble family several decades
ACCOMMODATION
ago, she grew frustrated with courtly life, moved to the human The Silver has twenty private rooms, each decorated with fresh
lands and built the Silver Unicorn. She and her human chef, woodland flowers, available for 6 sp per night.
Imbart, soon fell in love and married. Imbart has been dead for
ten years and Nainesti misses him terribly, but ensures his EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
signature dish remains on the inn’s menu to honour his The PCs’ visit to the Silver Unicorn may not be without incident;
memory. use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
excitement into the proceedings:
Nainesti employs several long‐serving, reliable human
and half‐elven staff in the kitchens and stables, as Con‐Man: An unscrupulous con‐man has been
well as half a dozen vivacious and pretty elf selling fake elven magical items to gullible
barmaids to create a cheery atmosphere. adventurers staying at the Silver Unicorn.
These fakes are damaging the inn’s
Sylahel Vonothvar (NG female elf expert 2) is the
reputation and Nainesti will pay a reward to
most experienced member of staff and was the first
whoever catches the culprit.
person retained to serve at the Silver Unicorn. She
Traelerin Starmantle: Assuming the PCs are
dreams of setting up her own business using all that
adventurers, Traelerin Starmantle approaches
she has learned under Nainesti’s tutelage. To that
them and tries to interest
end she offers excellent service, but is less
them in some of his wares. All
than subtle when it comes
are of masterwork quality and
to the subject of tips. She is
beautifully made. PCs working
friendly to a fault, but has no
for Nainesti may assume that
interest in romantic
Traelerin is the con‐man selling
entanglements (except with rich,
fake magical items and react
generous and handsome
accordingly.
customers).
229
SAMPLE TAVERN: WAND AND SCROLL, THE
The Wand and Scroll is located in a dingy alley behind the discerning clientele. He is middle‐aged, sports a smartly
College of Magic and close to the Arcanists’ Guild. Wizards and trimmed goatee and wears dark blue wizard’s robes.
other arcane spellcasters relaxing after a hard day’s lecturing or
spell research make up the majority of the tavern’s customers. NOTABLE PATRONS
Almost exclusively male and mostly of a certain age, the patrons The Wand and Scroll has but one patron of note:
give the tavern the ambience of an old boy’s club or senior
common room. Oglander Trell (CG male human wizard [enchanter] 11) is an
The entrance to the Wand and Scroll is an unassuming, expert on the fey and their courts, and has written several
battered‐looking wooden door at the end of the alley, with a academic treatises on the subject. Friendly, but rather absent‐
faded sign depicting a crossed wand and scroll hanging above. A minded, he wears a pointy wizard’s hat and smokes a
piece of parchment nailed to the door is scrawled with the foul‐smelling pipe.
message “Students are not welcome. Go to The Weasel
instead!” FOOD & DRINKS
Inside, the taproom is hazy with pipe smoke. This makes it The food at the Wand and Scroll is tasty and hearty. The
hard for first‐time visitors to discern the dimensions of the selection of guest ales and wines is also excellent. Highlights
room, but it seems bigger than looks possible from the outside. include:
The décor is plain – the walls are stained yellowish‐brown from
the smoke and there is nothing fancy about the wooden bar – PRICE
but a few interesting objects hang on the walls and from the Belligerent Bulette Brew (ale), pint 12 cp
ceiling, including a shabby‐looking pointed hat which once Black Mountain (red wine), bottle 12 gp
Catchpole’s Old Irregular (ale), pint 15 cp
belonged to the legendary wizard Elgrim the Thoughtful, and the
Meal, common 3 sp
broken wand of a reckless dragon‐blooded sorcerer named
Oxtail soup 3 sp
Turaljir. Plum bolster smothered in custard 5 sp
A gentle hubbub of conversation is usual, although late in Polymorphic Porter 1 sp
the evening, the wizardly patrons often get into heated debates Steak and mushroom pie, served with roasted
1 gp
about such topics as the nature of the Seventh Element or the parsnips and boiled cabbage
proper way to train a quasit, and drunken voices are often raised
in disagreement. Apart from cantrips used to light pipes, ACCOMMODATION
spellcasting is an unusual event in the Wand and Scroll – alcohol None, although more than one wizard has slept off the night’s
and spellcasting rarely mix well. drinking under one of the tavern’s tables.
New customers are generally ignored by the regulars, but
adventurers who are obviously warriors might be the subject of EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
a few disapproving looks. Young‐looking wizards and others in
The PCs’ visit to the Wand and Scroll may not be without
robes are assumed to be students and are asked to leave.
incident; use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
excitement into the proceedings:
STAFF
The Wand and Scroll is owned by the Arcanists’ Guild. It has the Petrified Wizards: Torold has ordered a barrel of Gorgon’s
following notable staff members: Blood Strong Ale as the latest guest ale. Each pint is said to
contain a drop of real gorgon’s blood but there seems to be a
Hildegard (NG human female commoner 2) is the much higher concentration in this batch and wizards who drink
establishment’s ample‐bosomed, matronly cook. She cooks too much are petrified. Did somebody sabotage the ale and
simple, filling fare to make sure her customers “don’t get too why?
thin.” Judging by most of their waistlines, this seems extremely Sage Advice: The PCs need some information before a trip to
unlikely. the Faerie Realms and have learned that Oglander Trell is the
Torold (LG human male wizard [universalist] 1/expert 3) is the best person to advise them. In return for his help, the wizard
Wand and Scroll’s affable landlord. Torold knows only very wants the party to fetch him some of the rare herbs that grow
basic magic but is an expert on fine ales and ensures the very along the river banks there.
best from around the city and beyond is available to his
230
SAMPLE TAVERN: WARM WELCOME INN, THE
Situated at a country crossroads on the outskirts of a small, Mitko Juraj (NE male half‐elf wizard [necromancer] 9) sits in
sleepy farming village, the Warm Welcome Inn does exactly the corner away from the fire, wearing a dark, hooded robe
what it says on the sign hanging outside. Smoke comes from the and nursing his red wine. Pale‐complexioned, he wants to be
chimney of the thatched building, and a warm glow from the fire left alone to his sinister thoughts, and finds the Drinkpenny
can be seen through the windows. Patrons are typically weary family extremely annoying.
travellers and local farming folk.
Stepping into the taproom, visitors are greeted by the FOOD & DRINKS
friendly smiles of the landlord and his wife. The bar is cosy with Denrys’ cooking is both tasty and filling. Specialities of the house
simple wooden tables and chairs arranged around the roaring include:
fire which usually has a hog roasting on a spit over it. Well‐
polished horse brasses and a few ancient, rusty weapons provide PRICE
most of the decoration, although it’s the magnificent display of Cider (local), pint 4 cp
huge, prize‐winning vegetables that usually catches the eye of Gullenn’s Own (beer), pint 2 cp
first‐time visitors. Ham and beetroot soup served with warm
1 sp
sourdough rolls smothered in butter
STAFF Meal, common 2 sp
Slices of roast hog served with buttered parsnips
The Warm Welcome Inn has the following notable staff 2 sp
and red cabbage
members:
ACCOMMODATION
Denrys Drinkpenny (NG female human commoner 2) is
Gullenn’s homely‐looking wife. She dotes over her two sons, There are four comfy private rooms available for 4 sp per night.
Frans and Jooris.
Frans Drinkpenny (LG male human commoner 1) is as much of
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
a yokel as his parents. His shock of unkempt red hair makes The PCs’ visit to the Warm Welcome may not be without
him easy to spot. incident; use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
Gullenn Drinkpenny (LG male human commoner 2) is the excitement into the proceedings:
affable landlord of the Warm Welcome. Red‐faced and big
Hero Worshipper: Jooris takes a shine to the most confident
nosed, with bushy eyebrows and mutton chop sideburns,
warrior in the party and decides to join the group. He informs
Gullenn knows how to make sure his guests enjoy their stay.
his mother, who takes the news very badly. She rushes into
Jooris Drinkpenny (CG male human commoner 1) is tall and
the common room and through floods of tears begs the
lanky. He is getting restless and yearns to leave and seek
warrior in question to “not take her dear boy away.” Of
his fortune in the big city.
course, at this juncture, Jooris has not actually asked the
NOTABLE PATRONS group if he can join them and so the PCs are likely clueless
as to what is going on!
The Warm Welcome Inn has several patrons of
Restless Spirits of the Dead: A hundred years ago, the
note:
crossroads on which the Warm Welcome stands was the
Hervel (LG male human commoner 3) scene of a large number of executions by the tyrannical
grew the enormous marrow that local lord. Mitko Juraj has come to the village to
occupies pride of place at the centre attempt to raise the restless spirits of the
of the vegetable display. Hervel is dead using dangerous necromantic magic.
a bit simple but is very good at Can the PCs prevent him shattering the
growing vegetables. He loves bucolic idyll?
to chat to strangers.
231
SAMPLE TAVERN: WEARY CAMEL, THE
The Weary Camel is a busy roadside inn, situated between towns human barbarian 1) from her homeland on the Steppes. Not
on the well‐travelled trade route leading to the southern lands. the usual Camel patron, she is sure to attract a lot of attention.
It is renowned for its excellent food and hospitality. Omkar Al‐Hashem (N male human rogue 4/expert 2) is a dark‐
Travellers entering the Weary Camel come through the main skinned, djellaba‐wearing wine merchant who stops off at the
gates into a large open courtyard, with a beautiful fountain in Weary Camel on a regular basis. Polite to other travellers, but
the centre, depicting the God of the Sea and his lovely with a tendency to keep to himself, Omkar is smuggling illegal
daughters. The inside walls of the enclosure hold stalls for drugs inside his wine barrels.
camels and horses, storage rooms where trade goods can be
locked up, and guest accommodation. More guest rooms can be FOOD & DRINKS
found on the first floor. Food and drink at the Weary Camel is of a high standard.
There is a fine tavern and restaurant located along one side Highlights include:
of the ground floor, with a wide selection of exotic wines and
other drinks, including strong, sweet coffee. Diners can relax on PRICE
comfortable silk cushions and are treated to nightly Elvish Dreamwine (white wine), bottle 20 gp
entertainment in the form of a puppet show, music and dancing Gopuran Blue (red wine), bottle 20 gp
girls. Other amenities include a bathhouse, decorated with Meal, good 1 gp
stunning mosaics, with hot, warm and cold baths to wash away Roasted pigeon in saffron cream sauce served
with spiced couscous, pan‐fried river trout with
the dirt of the road. 5 gp
garlic and shallots, and minted lamb with curried
parsnips
STAFF
The Weary Camel has the following notable staff members: Beers are available for 2 sp per tankard, and coffee is 1 sp per
pot. Guests are also able to smoke apple, strawberry or mint
Fatima, Latifa and Keshini (LG female human experts 2), flavoured tobacco by sharing a sheesha (water pipe) for 2 gp.
Jamshid’s three attractive wives, welcome guests warmly and
serve drinks and food. ACCOMMODATION
Jamshid Sharam (LG male human expert 4) is the owner and
Rooms and suites are available for 8 – 15 gp per night,
landlord of the Weary Camel. Charming, handsome, well‐fed,
depending on size and location. Prices include use of the
and possessed of exquisite taste, Jamshid made his riches as a
bathhouse, stabling and overnight storage for trade goods.
spice merchant before growing tired of travelling from town to
town. He settled down to run the kind of inn he would like to EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
stay in.
The PCs’ visit to the Weary Camel may not be without incident;
Mustapha and Rupak (LG male human experts 1) are
use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
Jamshid’s young sons. They attend to guests’ animals and
excitement into the proceedings:
trade goods. Rupak is bored with his life and loves to listen to
tales of faraway lands and adventure. Strange Happenings: Pelindaer has been troubled by a couple
Pelindaer (CG male elf bard 3) puts on the popular nightly of strange happenings recently. The dead body of Latifa’s pet
puppet shows for the Camel’s guests. A clever and talented cat was found two mornings ago – it had been repeatedly
puppeteer, his topical shows are often satirical in nature. stabbed with a small pointy object. Then, a guest found broken
glass in his eggs at breakfast. After both of these occurrences,
NOTABLE PATRONS Pelindaer found his Cunning Fox puppet nearby when he was
The Weary Camel has several patrons of note: sure that he’d put him safely away after the performance.
What’s going on? Is his puppet somehow possessed, or is
Conchaka Chabi (CN female human barbarian 5) is a bounty
someone trying to upset Jamshid and his family?
hunter on the trail of a bandit gang who have been attacking
Ghoul Tunnels: The PCs have heard a rumour that the Weary
caravans. Stunningly beautiful with jet black hair, she wears
Camel is built on top of a series of abandoned ghoul tunnels.
leather armour and dozens of pieces of silver and turquoise
Although the ghouls are supposedly long gone, the treasure
jewellery, which she constantly plays with while she’s talking.
they took from their victims is said to remain. Is there a way
She is accompanied by four big, silent warrior‐types (CN male
into the catacombs from the cistern beneath the bathhouse?
And can the PCs sneak in there without Jamshid noticing?
232
SAMPLE TAVERN: WILY FOX, THE
The Wily Fox isn’t like other taverns in the city. Each night it NOTABLE PATRONS
somehow moves around, ending up in a different district.
The Wily Fox has several patrons of note:
Occasionally, it even shifts to another town altogether. Tracking
it down for a night’s drinking is a popular pastime for wealthy Theodolphus Snelk (N male human wizard [diviner] 1) is a
young nobles seeking to impress their lady friends, and for bespectacled student of divination at the College of Magic who
students at the College of Magic. enjoys spending his evenings sitting in front of the fire, and
No one knows how or why the Wily Fox wanders, only that it playing cards with his fellow students. He has an uncanny
does. When it appears in a new location, it somehow seems to knack of predicting where the Wily Fox will appear.
squeeze itself in between existing buildings, or temporarily Varren Piso (NG male human aristocrat 2/fighter 1) is a
replaces a disused warehouse, unoccupied home or other fashionable, young noble with a hot temper and a barbed wit.
building no one cares about. Wherever the tavern turns up, the If he has one too many drinks (a frequent occurrence), he is
exterior always appears the same – an unassuming wooden likely to challenge someone to a duel for an imagined slight.
building with a shabby sign bearing the name and a green door
with a brass knocker in the shape of a fox’s head. FOOD & DRINKS
Inside, the large taproom has wooden beams overhead, a The food served is excellent and exotic. Highlights include:
scuffed wooden floor, and a well‐stocked, polished chestnut bar
running the full length of the left‐hand wall, with plenty of tall PRICE
stools alongside for patrons. Several booths are situated on the Chicken in white wine sauce with tamarind leaves
8 sp
opposite wall, and there are tables with benches in the middle of and mung beans
the room, as well as a small stage. A wrought iron spiral staircase Dewdrop White, bottle 12 gp
leads up to the first floor balcony where there are more booths Meal, good 7 sp
and a cosy area with large leather armchairs sitting in front of a Peach brandy, glass 3 gp
Sweet and sour pork with saffron rice and oyster
glowing fire. Paintings and hangings, most depicting animals 1 gp
mushrooms
such as foxes, coyotes, rabbits and ravens, decorate the walls.
These are all the work of Yenjukai, the tavern’s owner.
ACCOMMODATION
The atmosphere in the Wily Fox is lively and affable, and the
entertainment is usually light‐hearted and fun, with None available.
performances from jesters, jugglers and comic singers more
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
common than those by serious musicians. The tavern is open
from dusk until the early hours of the morning, when the last The PCs’ visit to the Wily Fox may not be without incident; use
revellers are politely asked to leave before the tavern fades one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little excitement
away. No one knows where the Wily Fox goes to during the day. into the proceedings:
STAFF Missing Merchant: The PCs are asked to track down Modahar,
a wealthy young merchant who went missing after a night’s
The Wily Fox has the following notable staff members:
drinking at the Wily Fox. Is he still in the tavern, and, if so,
Tomoko (N male human expert 4), the jovial and jowly faced where does it go during the daylight hours?
barman, is also from Keiwan. He also lives in the inn and is Yenjukai’s Curse: The Wily Fox didn’t always wander. Yenjukai
aware of Yenjukai’s secret. was cursed by a sorcerer after she failed to steal a wand from
Yenjukai (CN female kitsune sorcerer [fey] 7/rogue 5/arcane him when he passed out in the tavern from drinking too much.
trickster 3), the enigmatic owner of the Wily Fox, is an The curse is that she can never spend the night in the same
attractive woman of Keiwanese origin with brilliant blue eyes place twice, but for some strange reason, probably to do with
and long dark hair who always dresses in silver and blue. the sorcerer’s drunken state, this causes the tavern to move
Friendly and welcoming, she enjoys speaking a good riddle and around each night with Yenjukai unable to leave the premises.
gives cryptic answers to newcomers’ questions about the The kitsune might steal a magical item from the PCs, believing
tavern. Yenjukai’s other form, which she does not assume in it can help her break the curse. If caught, she begs for their
public, is that of a humanoid fox with snow white fur. help in freeing her, even offering the Wily Fox as a reward.
233
SAMPLE TAVERN: WYVERN’S HEAD INN, THE
Conveniently situated just inside the city gates is the not‐so‐ undead.
cheap but cheerful Wyvern’s Head Inn, an establishment built to Yupan Harlsen (N male half‐orc fighter 7) is a drunk and
cater for adventurers and liberate them from as much of their ill‐ unkempt adventurer who has fallen on hard times. His last
gotten gains as possible. party was wiped out by a deadly naga; Yupan escaped and
The inn is a large, ramshackle building with many wings, feels guilty for not dying at his companions’ side.
roofs, towers and balconies, added on as its popularity grew
over the years. In addition to food, drink, accommodation and FOOD & DRINKS
stabling, the Head also has its own adventurers’ store which sells Food served in the Wyvern’s Head is humdrum but filling. The
a variety of useful gear at standard prices. offering includes:
The main barroom is capable of seating a couple of hundred
hungry heroes at rough wooden benches and tables. The floor is PRICE
covered in straw to mop up frequent drink spills, and the walls Chicken with buttered carrots and mashed herby
4 sp
are hung with faded maps and rusty old weapons and shields. potatoes
Dominating the room is an impressive stuffed wyvern’s head. Derring Do dark ale, pint 5 cp
Ham and pea stew, bowl 2 sp
Nicknamed Grimjaws, the head is enchanted – at irregular times
Meal, common 3 sp
during the evening, it speaks in a low rumbling voice of
legendary dungeons and ruined towers. Several adventuring
ACCOMMODATION
bands have become rich from Grimjaw’s ruminations over the
years. Clean, basic rooms with twin beds are available for 1 gp per
night.
STAFF
EVENTS & ADVENTURE HOOKS
The Wyvern’s Head Inn has the following notable staff members:
The PCs’ visit to the Wyvern’s Head may not be without incident;
Ortis Stoutbelly (CN male halfling expert 2) is the use one of the below adventure hooks, to inject a little
temperamental halfling chef that supervises the busy kitchens. excitement into the proceedings:
He is always stressed.
Piroska Silverpenny (CG female human Grimjaws: The cunning gnome
fighter 6), a stunning flame‐haired illusionist Erfejan Daenig (CN male
former adventurer in her forties, bought gnome wizard [illusionist] 7) has
the inn a decade ago and turned it into travelled to the Wyvern’s Head with
the success it is today. She enjoys drinking the express purpose of getting a band of
with her customers and swapping stories of adventurers to investigate a ruined castle
dungeons and dragons, and more than one hidden in the nearby hills. The tower
handsome young adventurer has ended up in belonged to a powerful wizard, and Erfjan
her bed at the end of an wants the wizard’s spellbooks
evening. reputedly hidden within. A
coward, he doesn’t want to deal with
A dozen attentive tavern wenches wait on the monsters and traps that inevitably
tables. lurk within the ruin.
234
235
OGL VERSION 1.0A
The following text is the property of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. and is Copyright 2000 Wizards of the Coast, Inc Jacobs, Steve Kenson, Hal MacLean, Martin Mason, Rob McCreary, Erik Mona, Jason Nelson, Patrick Renie,
("Wizards"). All Rights Reserved. Sean K Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Owen K.C. Stephens, James L. Sutter, Russ Taylor, and Greg A. Vaughan,
1. Definitions: (a)"Contributors" means the copyright and/or trademark owners who have contributed based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip Williams.
Open Game Content; (b)"Derivative Material" means copyrighted material including derivative works and Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 3. © 2011, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Jesse Benner, Jason
translations (including into other computer languages), potation, modification, correction, addition, extension, Bulmahn, Adam Daigle, James Jacobs, Michael Kenway, Rob McCreary, Patrick Renie, Chris Sims, F. Wesley
upgrade, improvement, compilation, abridgment or other form in which an existing work may be recast, Schneider, James L. Sutter, and Russ Taylor, based on material by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, and Skip
transformed or adapted; (c) "Distribute" means to reproduce, license, rent, lease, sell, broadcast, publicly Williams.
display, transmit or otherwise distribute; (d)"Open Game Content" means the game mechanic and includes the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game GameMastery Guide. © 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Cam Banks,
methods, procedures, processes and routines to the extent such content does not embody the Product Identity Wolfgang Buar, Jason Bulmahn, Jim Butler, Eric Cagle, Graeme Davis, Adam Daigle, Joshua J. Frost, James
and is an enhancement over the prior art and any additional content clearly identified as Open Game Content Jacobs, Kenneth Hite, Steven Kenson, Robin Laws, Tito Leati, Rob McCreary, Hal Maclean, Colin McComb, Jason
by the Contributor, and means any work covered by this License, including translations and derivative works Nelson, David Noonan, Richard Pett, Rich Redman, Sean K reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, Amber Scorr, Doug
under copyright law, but specifically excludes Product Identity. (e) "Product Identity" means product and Seacat, Mike Selinker, Lisa Stevens, James L. Sutter, Russ Taylor, Penny Williams, Skip Williams, Teeuwynn
product line names, logos and identifying marks including trade dress; artifacts; creatures characters; stories, Woodruff.
storylines, plots, thematic elements, dialogue, incidents, language, artwork, symbols, designs, depictions, Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Player's Guide. © 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.
likenesses, formats, poses, concepts, themes and graphic, photographic and other visual or audio Pathfinder Roleplaying Game NPC Codex. © 2012, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Jesse Benner, Jason
representations; names and descriptions of characters, spells, enchantments, personalities, teams, personas, Bulmahn, Adam Daigle, Alex Greenshields, Rob McCreary, Mark Moreland, Jason Nelson, Stephen Radney‐
likenesses and special abilities; places, locations, environments, creatures, equipment, magical or supernatural MacFarland, Patrick Renie, Sean K Reynolds, and Russ Taylor.
abilities or effects, logos, symbols, or graphic designs; and any other trademark or registered trademark clearly Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Magic. © 2011, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Jason Bulmahn,
identified as Product identity by the owner of the Product Identity, and which specifically excludes the Open Tim Hitchcock, Colin McComb, Rob McCreary, Jason Nelson, Stephen Radney‐MacFarland, Sean K Reynolds,
Game Content; (f) "Trademark" means the logos, names, mark, sign, motto, designs that are used by a Owen K.C. Stephens, and Russ Taylor.
Contributor to identify itself or its products or the associated products contributed to the Open Game License Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Campaign. © 2013, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Jesse Benner,
by the Contributor (g) "Use", "Used" or "Using" means to use, Distribute, copy, edit, format, modify, translate Benjamin Bruck, Jason Bulmahn, Ryan Costello, Adam Daigle, Matt Goetz, Tim Hitchcock, James Jacobs, Ryan
and otherwise create Derivative Material of Open Game Content. (h) "You" or "Your" means the licensee in Macklin, Colin McComb, Jason Nelson, Richard Pett, Stephen Radney‐MacFarland, Patrick Renie, Sean K
terms of this agreement. Reynolds, F. Wesley Schneider, James L. Sutter, Russ Taylor, and Stephen Townshend.
2. The License: This License applies to any Open Game Content that contains a notice indicating that the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Combat. © 2011, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Dennis Baker,
Open Game Content may only be Used under and in terms of this License. You must affix such a notice to any Jesse Benner, Benjamin Bruck, Jason Bulmahn, Brian J. Cortijo, Jim Groves, Tim Hitchcock, Richard A. Hunt,
Open Game Content that you Use. No terms may be added to or subtracted from this License except as Colin McComb, Jason Nelson, Tom Phillips, Patrick Renie, Sean K Reynolds, and Russ Taylor.
described by the License itself. No other terms or conditions may be applied to any Open Game Content Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Equipment. © 2012 Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors: Dennis
distributed using this License. Baker, Jesse Benner, Benjamin Bruck, Ross Byers, Brian J. Cortijo, Ryan Costello, Mike Ferguson, Matt Goetz,
3. Offer and Acceptance: By Using the Open Game Content You indicate Your acceptance of the terms of Jim Groves, Tracy Hurley, Matt James, Jonathan H. Keith, Michael Kenway, Hal MacLean, Jason Nelson, Tork
this License. Shaw, Owen KC Stephens, and Russ Taylor.
4. Grant and Consideration: In consideration for agreeing to use this License, the Contributors grant You Advanced Race Guide. ©2012, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.
a perpetual, worldwide, royalty‐free, non‐exclusive license with the exact terms of this License to Use, the The Lonely Coast. ©Raging Swan Press 2010; Author: Creighton Broadhurst.
Open Game Content. So What’s It Called, Anyway? ©Raging Swan Press 2011; Author: Marc Radle.
5. Representation of Authority to Contribute: If You are contributing original material as Open Game So What’s For Sale, Anyway? ©Raging Swan Press 2011; Author: Julian Neale.
Content, You represent that Your Contributions are Your original creation and/or You have sufficient rights to So What’s For Sale, Anyway? II. ©Raging Swan Press 2011; Author: Julian Neale.
grant the rights conveyed by this License. Book of Drakes. Authors: Adam Daigle and Mike Welham. © Open Design LLC 2011.
6. Notice of License Copyright: You must update the COPYRIGHT NOTICE portion of this License to Dragon and the Thief. ©Raging Swan Press 2012; Author: Creighton Broadhurst.
include the exact text of the COPYRIGHT NOTICE of any Open Game Content You are copying, modifying or Wererats of the Roach Run Sewers. ©Raging Swan Press 2011; Author: Landon Bellavia
distributing, and You must add the title, the copyright date, and the copyright holder's name to the COPYRIGHT Random Urban Encounters. ©Raging Swan Press 2012; Authors: Ben Armitage and Creighton
NOTICE of any original Open Game Content you Distribute. Broadhurst.
7. Use of Product Identity: You agree not to Use any Product Identity, including as an indication as to Barroom Brawls. ©Raging Swan Press 2012; Author: Creighton Broadhurst.
compatibility, except as expressly licensed in another, independent Agreement with the owner of each element So What’s The Tavern Like, Anyway? ©Raging Swan Press 2012; Author: Richard Green and Liz Smith.
of that Product Identity. You agree not to indicate compatibility or co‐adaptability with any Trademark or So What’s The Tavern Like, Anyway? II. ©Raging Swan Press 2012; Author: Richard Green.
Registered Trademark in conjunction with a work containing Open Game Content except as expressly licensed Urban Dressing: Alleyways. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
in another, independent Agreement with the owner of such Trademark or Registered Trademark. The use of Urban Dressing: Docks. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
any Product Identity in Open Game Content does not constitute a challenge to the ownership of that Product Urban Dressing: Graveyards. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
Identity. The owner of any Product Identity used in Open Game Content shall retain all rights, title and interest Urban Dressing: Guildhalls. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
in and to that Product Identity. Urban Dressing: Market Stalls. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
8. Identification: If you distribute Open Game Content You must clearly indicate which portions of the Urban Dressing: Parks. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
work that you are distributing are Open Game Content. Urban Dressing: Sages. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Fitzpatrick.
9. Updating the License: Wizards or its designated Agents may publish updated versions of this License. Urban Dressing: Shrines. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
You may use any authorized version of this License to copy, modify and distribute any Open Game Content Urban Dressing: Temple. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
originally distributed under any version of this License. Urban Dressing: Theatres. ©Raging Swan Press 2014; Author: Liz Smith.
10 Copy of this License: You MUST include a copy of this License with every copy of the Open Game Urban Dressing: Thieves. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Josh Vogt.
Content You Distribute. Urban Dressing: Traders & Craftsmen. ©Raging Swan Press 2013; Author: Brian Liberge.
11. Use of Contributor Credits: You may not market or advertise the Open Game Content using the GM’s Miscellany: Urban Dressing. ©Raging Swan Press 2014; Author: Ben Armitage, Creighton
name of any Contributor unless You have written permission from the Contributor to do so. Broadhurst, Brian Fitzpatrick, James Graham, Richard Green, Brian Liberge, Brian Wiborg Mønster, Julian Neale,
12 Inability to Comply: If it is impossible for You to comply with any of the terms of this License with Dave Peterson, Marc Radle, Brian Ratcliff, Liz Smith, Jacob Trier, Josh Vogt and Daron Woodson.
respect to some or all of the Open Game Content due to statute, judicial order, or governmental regulation
then You may not Use any Open Game Material so affected.
13 Termination: This License will terminate automatically if You fail to comply with all terms herein and
fail to cure such breach within 30 days of becoming aware of the breach. All sublicenses shall survive the
termination of this License.
14 Reformation: If any provision of this License is held to be unenforceable, such provision shall be
reformed only to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.
15 COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Open Game License v 1.0 ©2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
Open Game License v1.0a. Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast Inc.
System Reference Document: ©2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Authors: Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook,
Skip Williams, based on material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. ©2008, 2009, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.
Pathfinder RPG Bestiary. ©2009 Paizo Publishing LC; Author Jason Bulmahn, based on material by
Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook and Sip Williams.
The Book of Experimental Might. ©2008, Malhavoc Press; Author: Monte Cook.
Tomb of Horrors. ©2002, Necromancer Games, Inc.; Authors: Scott Greene, with Clark Peterson, Erica
Balsley, Kevin Baase, Casey Christofferson, Lance Hawvermale, Travis Hawvermale, Patrick Lawinger, and Bill
Webb; Based on original content by TSR.
Advanced Player’s Guide. ©2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Bestiary 2. © 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Authors Wolfgang Baur, Jason
Bulmahn, Adam Daigle, Graeme Davis, Crystal Frasier, Joshua J. Frost, Tim Hitchcock, Brandon Hodge, James
236
T ITLE
Visit us at ragingswan.com