Okay, I know I’ve been promising forever, well finally its here.  The Keep On The Borderlands, updated, revised, edited and so forth for 4th edition.

Want the link?

The Keep On The Borderlands.

It is also available on the downloads page.

Now, before we all go getting horribly excited, I should mention that there are a few changes from the original.  Like the map of the caves of chaos, and the encounters are in no way suitable for a first level party.  I figure levels 3 through 5 will work.  However, I am promising to release a prequel (fully playable with this module) just as soon as I can.  Basically it will be a 1st to 2nd level dungeon crawl that takes place underneath the keep (you didn’t know there was a dungeon there did ya).

In other news, I included printable monster cards in the full .pdf version only for monsters that do not appear in the monster manual.  I’m trying to avoid legal issues here, so please just support what you have.  Someday the monster cards that are on this site currently will probably have to come down.  Let’s all hope that dark day never comes.

In yet other news I updated a bunch of the NPC’s, so if you happened to already download them you’ll  want to do it again.  Included in the module are abbreviated stats for all of the important ones.

If there are questions, my contact information is here and there on the site.  Naturally I will be happy to ignore questions until it is convenient for me.

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This is the final installment of the Caves of Chaos section for my Keep On The Borderlands series.  Next time I will wrap it all up with notes about the raiders and other things outside of the keep.  Today, though it is all about gnolls and the Cult of Cyric.

At the end of this post is a list of all the treasures available.  As described in an earlier post, the dungeon is very open in its design, so just drop treasures of the appropriate levels when the characters earn them.  There are a couple of points that should definitely have treasures, like the orc chieftains and the minotaur, but otherwise there isn’t much set.  This also allows for greater flexibility in case the PC’s don’t end up fighting much of anything.

Cavern J: Gnolls

The immediate entrance to this cave is a natural, unworked cave that has nothing of note about it.  DC 19 perception will reveal the presence of footprints that have been concealed.  The guards are actively listening, however, and if the characters make much noise the guards will come to investigate.  When they see that there are intelligent creatures they will put away their weapons and offer to talk.

Lighting:  The entrance cave is always dark.  Other areas of the cave are dark during the day except for fires to keep the creatures warm.  These fires give off dim light.  At night the caves have bright light.

Terrain:  The entrance cave is difficult terrain.  Other areas of this complex are normal terrain except where there is furniture.  Furniture is difficult terrain.

The gnolls are much more powerful than a low level party can easily handle.  They are not immediately aggressive and will in-fact be friendly and approachable.  All of the gnolls speak common fluently.  If the PC’s start aggressive actions it would be wise to warn them that this does not look like a fight they can win.  Allowing a wisdom check DC 10 should allow them to feel that these are dangerous adversaries.

If provoked, the gnolls will fight.  They will fight to the death, however they will capture the PC’s if possible.  If they do capture the PC’s they will strip them naked and march them to the gates of the keep in broad daylight.  They will demand to speak with Lord Drell.  Drell will parley with them from the battlements.  The gnoll chief will demand to know the purpose of the intrusion on his home.  Drell will suggest that they speak together more comfortably.  Drell will hire the gnolls as guards to help build a town, lumber mill, and ferry near the river.  The PC’s should receive no XP for getting captured in this manner.

The gnolls only recently came to the caves after facing blizzard conditions and starvation.  They came begging for food and were turned down by everyone.  Eventually they moved into these caves, choosing to slaughter the little goblin tribe that lived here before them.  The keep was just beginning to become active again at that time and they didn’t like thier chances against the soldiers.  Since coming here the gnolls have discovered that they do not like the politics of the situation.  They cannot afford to lose any of their number and will not risk open conflict if they don’t have to.

Area 46: Guard Room

The gnolls are alert and actively guarding.  They will approach intelligent creatures peacefully, and invite them to talk rather than to fight.  They will invite the PC’s to talk come in and talk with their leader, but will agree to send a messenger and have him brought to the entrance chamber as well.

Area 47: Lounge

The gnolls here are the back ups for the guards in area 46.  If a fight breaks out they will immediately run to help.  Otherwise they pass the time here drinking and talking.

Area 48: Store

The gnolls keep a store here where they sell common items.  The store is locked during the day but open at night when the gnolls are active.  The chief has the key.  Items for sale include basic adventuring equipment, 2 suits of medium sized chainmail, and 3 longswords.

If the PC’s ask about food or lodging they will be directed to the bugbears.  If the bugbears are no longer available then they will allow them to sleep in the entrance area for 1sp each per night.

Area 49: Sleeping Chamber

The gnolls gather here when off duty or during times of council.  If the PC’s parley with the chief it will happen here.

If the PC’s somehow to get here without alerting everyone, there will be only one gnoll here tending to a pack of hyenas.

Area 50: Chief’s Chamber

The gnoll chief takes council here with his advisors.  He is an old, battle-scarred creature that is worried about the continued survival of his tribe.  Before the winter blizzards his folk numbered nearly a hundred, but they have come south from the drought and unkind lands of Netheril.  At first they sought refuge at the abbey, but were immediately attacked by undead and withdrew.

The gnolls can be convinced to speak with Lord Drell rather easily, however they will request to do so in person and at the keep.  If the PC’s ask to look around for mining possibilities, the gnolls will agree for 10gp.  There are no immediate indications that there is good ore on this side of the valley.

If the gnolls parley with Drell, he will hire them as described in the introduction.  The gnolls can only be hired as mercenaries if they are guaranteed a permanent residence as a reward.  The PC’s don’t really have this to offer.

If by some chance Chant Havelove or Simiobolt Hold gets a chance to negotiate with the gnolls they will agree to join the raiders because Chant will promise them the keep as a reward.

Area K: The Cult of Cyric

To quote original text “Red strata intertwines with bulging black veins running through the hewn rock walls beyond the entrance. The wide corridors and chambers are deathly still. A faint groaning sound, and a shrill piping may be occasionally heard, barely perceptible even if the party is absolutely silent and listening.”  This cave has clearly been worked, even to the casual observer.  In addition there is a faint smell of decay on the air, though it is by no means overpowering, and after a few moments inside the characters will get used to it.

The cult is here to regroup and then further its own plans.  At the moment thier primary objective is to figure out what to do about the keep.

If the PC’s attempt to negotiate, Simiobolt Hold will attempt to get them to join his side and lead the raiders against the keep.  As a reward they will be given control over the keep (the PC’s will have to work out their own deal with the gnolls if they also join).  He will also pay the PC’s up to 50 gold to spy for him at the keep, though he will not reveal Chant’s identity until he fully trusts the PC’s.  He will offer a reward of 100 gp for rescuing Deliria from the hobgoblins.  He will pay them to assassinate Drell’s officers and advisors for 50gp x the target’s level.  After the first assassination he will trust the PC’s fully and will reveal Chant’s identity and ask the PC’s for advice on how to proceed.

If the party is playing evil characters, and they are doing so from the start the GM may want to consider having Chant approach them openly and invite them to meet with Simiobolt early on.  If any of them have prior connections with the cult of Cyric (or if they would like to) they could come to the keep on false pretenses of helping Drell, but really be looking for Simiobolt.  Conquering the keep could be a fun adventure all its own.

For most games, however, the PC’s will see the undead guards and just start killing everything, which works just fine.

Lighting: All passages have bright light.  All rooms have bright light unless otherwise noted.

Terrain:  The terrain is normal except where there is furniture.  There is no risk of fire like other areas of the caves because the humans are smart enough to keep their fires in fireplaces or stoves.

Area 51: Boulder Filled Passage

This passage suffered a cave in.  It leads to the Caves of the Unknown, which is to say it leads to an adventure you will have to make yourself.  It will take a good team a month to dig it out.

Area 52: Hall of Skeletons

Evil energy fills this hall.  The power of undeath is almost tangible here.  The altar at the far end of the hall glows with a very, very faint purple light (dim light on the altar squares and for 1 square away from it).  Otherwise this room is completely dark.

A DC 18 religion or arcana check will tell the characters that the skeletons in this room draw their power from the altar.  Any undead within 10 squares of the altar receives resist 10 to radiant damage.  The altar can be disabled by a skill challenge DC 18 with 3 successful religion or aracana checks before 6 failures.

The undead will attack the PC’s unless they are accompanied by a member of the Cult (including Deliria).

Area 53: Guard Room

This room is always dark.  The undead will attack the PC’s unless they are accompanied by a member of the Cult (including Deliria).

Area 54: Acolyte’s Chamber

There are 2 Acolytes here.  They use the statistics for human mages, but they are wearing holy symbols and their powers are radiant rather than arcane.  They will act surprised and ask the PC’s what they are doing.  If they wish to negotiate, they will bring them to the guest room and ask them to wait.  Simiobolt will meet them there with his personal undead attendants as well as the acolytes and their guards.

If the PC’s can offer no reasonalbe explanation the acolytes will attack.  One of them will run to alert Simiobolt.

Area 55: Chapel of Evil Chaos

Okay this is a throwback to the original module and is pretty out of place in 4th edition.  If you want to play it nice and keep it 4th edition, just leave out the jewels and make the room essentially empty except for the altar.

From the original text: “This place is of red stone, the floor being a mosaic checkerboard of black and red.  The south wall is covered by a huge tapestry which depicts a black landscape, barren trees, and unidentifiable but horrible black shapes in silhouette - possibly demons of some sort - holding aloft a struggling human. A gray sky is torn by wisps of purple clouds, and a bloody moon with a skull-like face on it leers down upon the scene. Four black pillars support the domed ceiling some 25’ overhead. Between these columns, just in front of the tapestry, is a stone altar of red veined black rock, rough-hewn and stained brown with dried blood. Upon it are 4 ancient bronze vessels - a shallow bowl, a pair of goblets, and a ewer, a vase-shaped pitcher. They are also bloodstained but obviously worth a great deal of money. (The value is 1,000 g.p. for each cup, and 2,000 g.p. for each of the other items, but these are relics of evil, and any character possessing them will not part with them or sell them nor allow others to handle them.)

If a character picks up a relic, the relic makes an attack +14 vs. Will.  If it misses the character gets an immediate feeling of utter evil and can be allowed to put down the relic.  On a hit the character is immediately overcome with an obsession about the object.  Within 6 days the character will become a servant of chaos and will return and replace the relic and then stay to guard the altar forever.

If someone attempts to destroy the altar or the relics the bell in room 58 will sound.  All of the cult members and their guards will immediately come to this area to investigate.

Area 56: Adept’s chambers

The adepts will behave the same as the acolytes in room 54.

Area 57: Hall of Undead Warriors

From the original: “There are four files of the undead here, two of 10 skeletons each, two of 10 zombies
each. The former face south, the latter north.”

If the bell in room 58 is struck they will issue through the doors and attack anyone in the temple who is not a member of the cult.

Area 58: Temple of Evil Chaos

From the original: “This huge area has an arched ceiling some 30’ or more in height. The floor is of polished black stone which has swirling patterns of red veins through it. The walls behind the draperies, and the ceiling as well, are of dull black rock, while the west wall is of translucent red stone which is seemingly one piece, polished to mirror-like smoothness. A great bell of black iron stands near the entrance point, with a pair of mallets beside its supports. To the south are several long benches or pews. There are three stone altars to the west, the northernmost of pure black, the middle one of streaked red and black, the last of red with black flecks. At the western end of the temple area is a dais of black stone, with four lesser chairs on its lower tier and a great throne above. The chairs are of bone; the ivory throne is set with gold and adorned with gems of red and black (10 black stones each worth 100 gold pieces, 10 red stones each worth 500 gold pieces, and one large red stone worth 1,000 g.p.). The signs and sigils upon these seats are of pure chaos and evil. The other walls are covered by draperies of deep purple with embroidered symbols and evil sayings, done in scarlet and gold and black thread. As soon as the party enters the place, black candles in eight great candelabras on either side of the place will come alight magically, shooting forth a disgusting red radiance. Shapeless forms of purple, yellow and green will dance and sway on the western wall.”

If anyone looks at the shapes on the wall for more than a moment they will suffer an attack +12 vs. will.  On a hit they will “be mesmerized into chanting a hymn to chaotic evil.”  While chanting the character is able to perform other actions, but will not be able to leave the temple.  In addition they take a -4 penalty to insight and perception checks while the curse lasts.  The curse can be broken by Simiobolt.  It will also automatically be broken if the character is attacked by any of the residents of the temple.  An unaffected character may make3 successful DC 22 religion or arcana checks to disable the wall.

The relics in this area are not cursed, but anyone attempting to sell these items in civilized lands will have to explain their association with the cult of Cyric.  Lord Drell will demand that the characters destroy the items immediately or try them as cultists.  The characters will meet a similar fate in all good lands.

“Should three or more voices be so raised, the iron bell will sound automatically by magic, but even one such chant will alert the guards (in area 59).”  Even if the characters are quiet and avoid the trap, the guards from area 59 will arrive in 3 rounds.

Area 59: Chambers of the Evil Priest.

Simiobolt Hold is here.  If his guards are summoned to the chapel he will follow 10 squares behind them.  If the PC’s arrive here somehow without an invitation he will kill them without mercy.

Area 60: Guest Chamber

This is Chant Havelove’s room when he visits the temple.  It is plainly furnished and currently dark and empty.

Area 61: Torture Chamber

There is a rack and various items used for torturing people here.  The torturer is a rather unstable individual who will invite the players to voluntarily participate.  Failing that he and his assistants will attempt to coerce them, shouting “come play with me, we’ll have fun!” while he attacks.

Area 62: The Crypt

This is an ancient burial site.  The cultists do not come here.  It is always kept pitch black here.  There are 3 sarcophogi here, each requiring a DC 18 strength check to open.  1 of them is empty (optionally place a treasure in it).  The other two each contain a battle wight.  If one of the sarcophogi containing a wight is opened, the other wight will automatically awake and foce open it’s own sarcophogus the following round.  Both will attack any intruders, including cult members.

Area 63: Storage Chamber

This is a place where the cultusts have recently started storing stuff. They probably won’t be using it for long because a pair of gelatinous cubes have taken up residence here.  The cubes will attack and eat anything they can get their hands on.

Area 64: Cell

As the PC’s approach this area they will hear moans and angry hisses.  If the PC’s listen (perception DC 16) they will hear “die Simiobolt” and “release me” in very slurred, snakelike common.  The medusa was tricked and trapped here by Simiobolt.  He is simply waiting for her to starve to death.

The PC’s can negotiate with her through the door if they choose.  She will agree to help them kill Simiobolt.  A successful insight check, however, will reveal that she is lying - at least partially.

If the PC’s open the door, she will take them to the temple and will fight Simibolt with them.  Afterwards, however, she will turn and attempt to kill the PC’s as well.

If the PC’s just release her and don’t go with her to fight Simiobolt, she has a 50% chance of winning that fight.  If the PC’s come back and she was victorious, she will have turned the acolytes to stone and will have placed the statue of Simiobolt on one of his altars.  She will attack and turn to stone anyone entering her lair.

Okay folks, that’s it for the Caves of Chaos.  Really not much else to it except for a few things that can happen out of doors.  Except for the raiders these are essentially unecessary for the core of the adventure.  64 rooms to go through is an awful lot.  Doing this module will easily take the PC’s to level 4.  My suggestion for handing out treasures is to make sure that 2 or 3 are given out in each cave section, either one at a time or in bunches.  The first level treasure with lots of coins is intended to be handed out a few coins at a time as the players search bodies of dead guards.  But it could also be used as a treasure all on its own.

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If you’ve been following along, then you’ll know that this time I’ll be talking about the hobgoblins and bugbears found in the Caves of Chaos near Drell’s Keep.  This is an update to 4th edition for TSR’s Keep on The Borderlands module B2.

Cave F:

The initial entrance to this cave has been swept clean, except for some obvious blood stains on the ground.  A stout iron-reinforced door is here at the back of the cavern it is DC 20 to break through the door.  Over the door is a sign in goblin and common “Come in for dinner!”  The handwriting is very poor, and it appears to be written in blood.

Terrain: Movement here is normal.  The floors and walls have been worked and are kept clean and neat.  Squares with furniture in them should be considered difficult.

Lighting: Bright light at night time.  Dim light during the day.  The hobgoblins have lanterns spaced evenly to keep all areas lit.  They shutter the lanterns during the day when they sleep.

The hobgoblins have claimed this series of caverns as their own.  They have enslaved the goblins, and view the kobolds and bugbears as nothing more than servants.  In their opinion they already own all of Areas A, D, F and H.  They are aware of the cultists in area K and the gnolls in area J, but are ignoring them for the moment in hopes of conquering the orcs first.

If the PC’s attempt to negotiate with the hobgoblins, they must treat the hobgoblin king as they would any noble.  Derisive remarks or hints that they are not civilized or are less than human will be met with immediate and harsh violence.

A couple of notes on playing the caverns.  The hobgoblin quarters are cramped and crowded with furniture.  Everything is in neat and precise order as a good military installation should be, but the caverns restrict movement.  The PC’s should take this into consideration in thier tactics.  The hobgoblins are used to these quarters and will certainly us it to their advantage.

The PC’s should expect a long, drawn-out slugfest here as the hobgoblins all all fight to the death, attempting to amass as many of them together as possible and surround and cut down the PC’s if possible.

If the PC’s take the time to figure out if Drell can do any mining here they will not find any area that are good prospects.

Area 23: Common room.  This is where off duty hobgoblins rest.  There are females here and young (represented by the hobgoblin grunts) who will take up arms in defense of the king.

Area 24: Torture Chamber, Storage, Playroom

The hobgoblins here attack on site if they haven’t already been alerted.

There are six cells here, five of which hold prisoners, and one which is crammed full of food storage.

Cell 1: Flid Havrang a member of the lost patrol.  He is a 1st level fighter and will accompany and fight with the party if asked.  He will scavange weapons and armor from dead hobgoblins.  He will stay with the party until they return to Drell’s Keep.

Cell 2: An Orc.  He is very thin from starvation and more than half crazy.  If released he will immediately scavenge weapons and begin hunting hobgoblins.  He only speaks giant, but will respond only to offers of food, drink, or killing hobgoblins.  When he fights he will mutilate any hobgoblin corpses he finds, often cutting off ears or tongues as souveniers.

Cell 3: Deliria, a young woman.  She was brought here originally by Chant Havelove, and joined the cult of Cyric.  She is a 1st level cleric.  Since her capture by the hobgoblins and their horrible treatment of her, she has decided that she does not wish to remain in the wild lands, and she will kill Chant Havelove if it is the last thing she does.  If asked how she arrived here, she will explain that she is an adventurer and that her two companions were killed.

If somebody’s insight beats her bluff, then she can be confronted.  She will not betray the location of the cult or her involvement, but she will admit that she was brought to the area by Chant Havelove.  If further pressed she will explain that Chant betrayed and lied to her and that she wants him dead.  This could be confusing to the players because she will most likely come off as very deceptive and evil whereas hopefully Chant will not be quite as evil.

Cell 4: Bliss Hardblood a woman-at-arms and companion of Flid and the lost patrol.  She will likewise help out the party until they can get back to the keep.  Bliss is looking for adventure and will ask the party if she can join up with them.

Cell 5: An insane gnoll.  He speaks broken common, and complains constantly about the snow.  The gnolls finally kicked him out a few weeks ago and the hobgoblins captured him.  He is pretty much oblivous to what goes on and will simply go looking for food and a bed if freed.  He is unable to give clear answers to any questions, but can indicate that his brothers are nearby.

Area 25:

Another common living chamber.  See area 23.

Area 26: Guard room.

The guards will challenge the PC’s and threaten them.  If the PC’s choose to negotiate they will offer to accompany them before the king.  The PC’s will be taken to area 25 and asked to wait.  A messenger will go and get the king.  The party will be asked to wait in the center of the room while the hobgoblins will surround them.

If the PC’s do not negotiate or show signs of weakness or agression the guards will attack.  The first time one of them is bloodied, one of them will attempt to get away and alert the others.

Area 27: Armory

Anyone entering this area without authorization will be attacked immediately.

The racks hold 2 suits of chainmail, 5 longswords, 3 small shields, 3 longbows as well as arrows, spare parts for repairs, tools for sharpening, as well as a stock of oil.

Area 28:

This is a store room.  The guards attack all unauthorized visitors.

Area 29:

Another guard room.  See area 27.

Area 30: King’s chambers.

If he PC’s manage to get here without alerting them the will attack.

If the PC’s attempt to negotiate with the king, the hobgoblins will not agree to leave the caverns, but will rather suggest that Drell “return to the slums of Cormyr and build his huts in safety.”  The hobgoblin king will agree to hire the PC’s to exterminate the orcs, agreeing to pay the sum of 100 gp.  However he will double cross the PC’s after they have completed the task and attempt to take them prisoner or kill them.

If asked about prisoners he will admit that he has three human prisoners from Drell’s keep.  He will demand a ransom of 200gp for each prisoner.  The party should realize that only 2 members of the patrol are unaccounted for, but they may still be unsure.

If they offer to go and get the ransom he will request that they leave one member behind.  A successful diplomacy or bluff check will convince the king that it is an unecessary precaution.  If the party returns with the money, he will simply take the money and then try to kill or capture them.

Area 31: another guard room

See area 27

Cave H: The bugbears.

There are a hodgepodge of signs adorning this entrance in common, goblin, draconic, and giant.  All are very large with very large, neat lettering.  All of them say “Top wages!  Food and money!  Report to the first guard on the left!”

The bugbears can be extremely difficult opponents if brought into combat while the party is still low level.  If this happens the bugbears will attempt to capture them and then ransom them.  They will demand 50gp each, which Drell will pay, but he will then ask that they repay the amount.  If they don’t have the cash they can either complete their task for free or else “volunteer” for his army for 2 years.

The sign on the front door should indicate that these creatures would rather make money than fight.  The bugbears will make no hostile moves, but will rather say “put that away before somebody gets hurt.  I never met a face I couldn’t share a drink with.”

Area 35 Guard Room

The guards here are drinking and gambling.  Despite the party, they are alert for visitors, and will hear anyone approaching who does not pass a DC 19 stealth check.

They will offer the PC’s a drink and then ask their business in the caves.  If the PC’s want to talk to the person in charge the bugbear strangler will take them to see “the boss” in area 36.

If attacked the strangler will go and get the boss and then run and get the guards in areas 38 and 39.

Area 36: The boss

The boss, refers to herself as “Freya the Free Fighter” and will address herself using her name rather than saying I or me, i.e. “Freya thinks that is a bad move.”  She has a gangster mentality and should talk more or less like a mobster.  She is actually part demon and part goblinoid, but is not particularly evil or malicious. I’ve use the stats of an Oni Night Haunter to represent her, but suggest changing the alignment to unaligned.  The bugbear stranglers she keeps around as consorts.  She is hoping to raise her “family” and make them wealthy.

If the PC’s talk with Freya, she will offer them goods and services.  She runs a small store out of room 37, and offers all basic adventuring equipment as well as simple weapons.  In addition, if the PC’s need a place to sleep, she will allow them to sleep in area 38 for 5 cp per night per person, meals are complimentary.

If the PC’s ask about work, she will suggest that the hobgoblins are hiring to raid the orcs and the orcs are hiring to raid the hobgoblins, but will also suggest that the hobgoblins can’t be trusted.

Freya will tell about the “black and red robes” in area K.  She doesn’t know what they are up to, but they have been trading with her and they always pay in coin.  She has only dealt with 3 of them, and doesn’t know how many there are.

Freya knows about the raiders that camp near the keep.  She has dealt with them in the past, but isn’t sure how many there are.  She will freely admit that she would go to work with them if they offered enough money.

The PC’s can hire Freya’s gang for the price of 10gp per day per person, though she will not go herself.  The cash needs to be paid in advance so the party will need to come up with the 10 gold first and then the bugbear will work for the next 24 hours.

If the PC’s ask to look around for areas to mine, Freya will agree for 5 gp.  They will find that areas 40 and 41 are actually old mining starts and probably useful to lord Drell.

If the PC’s explain that Drell wants to mine in the caves, Freya will want to stay put, but will agree to move for 200gp.  If the hobgoblins are dead she will agree to move there for only 50gp.

When the PC’s mention Drell, she will want to speak with him in person and will ask them to take her there so that she can negotiate with him face to face.  Drell will agree to see her.  The PC’s will not be part of the negotiation process after that.  Freya will convince Drell to hire her gang as guardswhile his men start to build a little town near the river and to start construction on a ferry and a lumbermill.  Drell is perfectly willing to risk the bugbears’ lives out in the open.

If the PC’s ask about magic items or the like she will suggest that they explore the abbey across the river.  It is a place of powerful magic.  She will also suggest they find the gnolls and talk to them.  They run a competing trading post and may have what they need.

Area 37: Store room

Here Freya keeps the goods for her store.  The door is locked and she has the key.  See area 36 for what she has for sale.

Area 38 Bert’s Tavern.

There are signs over the entrance to this area labeled “Bert’s Tavern” in a variety of languages.  Bert, the bugbear warrior outlined below keeps his pets here.  He charges 5cp to stay the night and sells drinks and food.  Food is free with a night’s stay.

Meal 1 cp

Drink 2 cp

The drink is fermented beet whiskey.  It is very strong and tastes horrible.  A character will become drunk very quickly drinking this stuff.  There is also water to drink.  The food is a mixture of vegetables (mostly potatoes and cabbage) and bits of unidentified meat.

Area 39 Dirk’s Gambling Joint

This is ostentatiously a guard room to look out for the pens in area 40 and 41, but has recently been converted into a casino of types.

Dirk, the bugbear strangler is dealing blackjack for the two bugbear warriors.  They will suggest to the PC’s that there isn’t much to see here.

Area 40: Holding Cell

If there are prisoners they are kept here.  At the moment they don’t have any.

Area 41 - Bree’s Place

A big sign says Bree’s Place.  It is vacant.  If asked, the bugbears will explain that Bree used to be a prostitute that lived and worked there, but since she found her one true love a week or so ago she moved out and is staying with him.  They are looking for someone to start the business again if any of the PC’s are interested.

Bree is the ogress in cave E.

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Okay, today its all about goblins.  The ogres are more of a side show.  In the other caves that I’ve outlined so far the creatures were very willing to talk and negotiate.  The goblins will not talk.  They are fiercely territorial and under the thumb of the hobgoblins.  However, they will not fight to the death.

They will surrender or attempt to surrender in any given battle if they fail a moral saving throw.  Make these checks for each creature, once when the first goblin is killed in a combat and again when half of the creatures have been killed.  Those of you who played basic D&D back in the day may recall this use of the morale rule.

The PC’s may end up with a bunch of prisoners this way.  Having them role-play what to do could be an interesting dynamic.  The goblins have committed no crimes against the keep that can be proven.  If tried, they will blame the lost patrol’s death on the hobgoblins, and any kobolds involved will corroborate their story.  Lord Drell doesn’t want them around, but he won’t kill them because they haven’t really done anything wrong.  The keep laws won’t allow them to remain in the keep without employment, but they have nowhere to go.  Any prisoners that escape or are turned loose will join the raiders.

Note that if the hobgoblins are dealt with first, the goblins will try to make peace with the PC’s and save thier own necks.

Cave D: Goblins

This cave entrance has been swept clean.  The goblins are neat and tidy (mostly because if they aren’t the hobgoblins will whip them).

Lighting: All areas are lit with bright light.  The goblins keep oil lanterns burning along the walls at all hours.

Area 17: Guard Room. The guards will attack on site.

There is a 50% chance that the goblin blackblade will remember his instructions to alert are 23.

Area 18:  Guard Room. The guards will attack on site.

These goblins are much better trained than those in area 17.  These will also probably be the first goblins the PC’s encounter.  During the first round one goblin will run to the secret door and shout “Bree-yark” into the ogre cave.  He will also toss in a bag of coins.  Bree is the ogre’s name, and yark is giant for help.  Bree, the ogre skirmisher will then push open the secret door and join the fight.  If the goblins surrender, the ogre will move back to her lair if possible, assuming that the battle is over.  If the PC’s try to stop her she will fight to the death, calling through the door for her mate, who will then come and help.

Area 19: Common room.  These goblins spend their time avoiding hobgoblins.  They will scream and holler before attacking.  One of them will try to run and alert their king in area 20.  This room is piled high with pillows and furs.  There is a small table, but no chairs.  Fires in opposite corners of the room keep the room warm and well lit.  There is a high risk of fire in this room if fighting gets close to the fire places.

Area 20: The goblin King

The goblin king is really just a pawn of the hobgoblins.  He is more afraid of them than of anything else.  He will fight for his own life and to avoid being killed by the hobgoblins.  If the PC’s subdue him and his guards and manage to take them prisoner, he will cooperate with them only if they succussfully intimidate him.  They must make a DC 24 intimidate check in order for this to happen (They have to beat the hobgoblin king’s intimidate).  Other attempts to pursuade him while he is in the area of the caves will simply fail.  If taken away from the caves he will be much more cooperative, offering information on successful bluff, diplomacy, or intimidate checks.

The PC’s can learn about the location of the hobgoblins, the orcs, the kobolds, the bugbears and the gnolls from the goblins.  No goblin will voluntarily enter the domain of the hobgoblins or the orcs.  The goblins are not aware of the cult of Cyric, the minotaur, the gnolls, or the owlbear.

Area 21: Storage

The goblins keep a guard up in their storage area because stuff has been disappearing.  They have yet to figure out that the hobgoblins are doing it (why would the people that deliver the goods steal the goods?)  The guards will attack on site.

There is a secret door here that the hobgoblins use to get in and take what they want.  Perception DC 18 to find it.

Cave E

Area 22 Ogre cave. The floor of this cavern is difficult terrain.  It is a large natural cave.  There is a big rock hiding an entrance to the goblin caves in the back.  Perception DC to spot the opening is 16, but it requires a DC 24 strength check to move the rock.

There is a large fire burning in the middle of the room for warmth and light.  The area is brightly lit.  The ogres will attempt to bullrush opponents into the fire if possible.

Bree and Iork live here happily.  They are not involved in any of the cave politics, and take pay from the goblins from time to time.  If the PC’s approach peacefully, the ogres will not attack right away (they have plenty of food for now).

The ogres only speak giant (but they don’t read).  They can be convince to act as mercenaries (by either Drell or Chant Havelove).  They can be convinced to live at the keep, though Drell will only accept this on a DC 26 or higher diplomacy check.  If posted at the keep they will be outfitted as fighters and trained.

If Chant gets a chance to recruit them they will join the raiders.

The ogres cannot be convinced to simply pack up and move without a place to go.  If offered no alternative they will fight to the death.

So that leaves F through K, see you again tomorrow!

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Just a note as I progress through this.  The posts on the Keep On The Borderlands should not be considered 100% final.  I really appreciate any feedback I get.  I’ll incorporate that will my own playtest restults when I put up the full module in the downloads section.  If you have ideas and inspiration, let me know.  I really appreciate the feeback that I’ve received so far.  Also, I don’t think I have all the monster cards posted for that I use in this module.  I might, but I’m not 100% sure.  If you can’t find a specific monster and you need its stats, just email me and I’ll get it to you.

Cave B: Irontooth Orcs.

Lighting: Orcs in 4th edition don’t have darkvision, so they keep torches or fires burning to light thier caverns when they are awake.  During the day (which is the Orc’s night) all passages will be dark.  Areas 7, 8, 10, and 12 will be dimly light.  Area 9 will be dark.  At night (the Orc’s day), all areas except area 11 will be brightly lit and all passages will be dimly lit.  Area 11 will always be dark.

Entrance:This cave is littered with many heads of several different humanoid races, including, dwarves, halflings, humans, elves, goblins (many goblins), kobolds, hobgoblins, and orcs.  Some are more fresh than others.  If the characters look closely they will discover that three of the human heads appear to be quite fresh.  A perception check DC 20 will reveal to any character who received the description of the lost patrol that these heads match the description of three of the patrol members.  The heads are on the outside of the cave as well as the entrance to the cave and the entrance area.  One of the heads is an actual live orc who is on watch here.  A DC 22 perception check is required to notice that the head is not damaged like the others.  The orc is on a raised platform and the PC’s will have to climb up to inspect it closer.  If anyone attempts to make this inspection, the orc will run to raise the alarm rather than risk getting stabbed in the eye.

If the PC’s haven’t learned it already, they will discover that they absolutely must not allow the monsters to band together or the will be overwhelmed by sheer numbers.  If the PC’s fight and then run away, the orcs will be much more watchful for the next month.  Orc losses cannot be replaced, so it may become a tactic to whittle down the orcs bit by bit.  Grimtooth, the chief and his guards will fight to the death if provoked, though the orc eye of Gruumsh (the tribe shaman) will lead away all the orc drudges (minions) to join the Fearclaw clan if half the guards are killed.

Area 7, Guard Room: The watcher in the alcove of area 8 ducks down and slips another orc head in his place as soon as the PC’s turn their back.  He will alert the other guards in area 8.

The guards in area 7 will be very tired during the day, and will take a -2 to any perception checks that they make until fully roused.  At night they will be wary.   If the PC’s make no overt threats, they may attempt diplomacy to convince the guards to find someone in charge.  If the watcher has alerted the guards in area 8, they will set up an ambush in the passages between areas 8 and 9.  They will hold their ground, allowing the guards in area 7 to handle the situation.  The guards in area 7 will attempt to push or lure the PC’s into the ambush.  If the sounds of combat die down, the guards will wait for one of their comrades.  After 2 rounds if nobody comes they will send someone to alert their chief in area 12.  The chief will come to join his guards and send the messenger to alert the rest of the tribe in area 10.

There is a fire burning here, and the area is cluttered.  There is a risk of fire if combat takes place in squares adjacent to the fire.

If the PC’s try to negotiate, a they will have to speak Giant. Or become creative in how they act (putting away weapons, offering gifts etc.)  Only the chief, and the shaman speak common.  The Bluff/Diplomacy DC is 15 to convince the guards not to attack.  The PC’s can retreat without harm, though they will be warned not to come back.  Another successful bluff/diplomacy check will convince the guards to take them to their chief (in area 12).

Area 8: Guard Room

This guard room is set up very much like area 7.  The guards here tend to play more dice and cards and rely heavily on the watcher.  They take a -2 to their perception checks at all times because they are focused on thier gambling.

If alerted they will attempt to work an ambush.  They will try to take advantage of the darkness in area 9 when setting their ambush.

Area 9: Banquet Hall. This area is cluttered with tables and chairs.  This room should be considered difficult terrain, and it is dark during the day.  The tables are cluttered with dishes and scraps of food.  Nobody is in this room right now.

Area 10: Common Quarters. This is where everyone sleeps.  There are beds for the guards, but they will be empty as the guards will be on duty.  The drudges and shaman spend much of their time here.  If you are running a more mature game, then this area would also be treated as an orc brothel.

If the PC’s have somehow managed to reach this area without alerting the entire tribe, then the shaman will first attempt to negotiate.  The drudges here should be played as women and children.  In combat they will reach for any improvised weapon they can.  It should be clear to the PC’s that they are cutting down innocent bystanders with no aggressive intentions.

If the PC’s convince the shaman that the guards are dead (either through truth or lies), he will ask to take the women and children to safety.  If allowed he will take them to Cave C area 15.  If the orcs in cave C are dead he will lead them into the wilderness.

Area 11: Storage. The door is locked.  The chief has the key.  This is a storage area full of food and supplies.  There are two battle axes here in good condition, but otherwise there is nothing of real value here.  The dried meat is from different animals and humanoids.  The alcohol in the barrels appears to have been made with beets.

Area 12: Chief’s quarters. Grimtooth and his two concubines live here.  He values the females for their ferocity and strength.  The floor is covered with furs, and a fire in the corner keeps things warm.  A tapestry conceals a secret door leading to area 13 and another tapestry covers the small alcove to the west.  The alcove is used as a treasury.

If the PC’s gain an audience with him, he will happily negotiate.  Otherwise he will fight to the death.

At this point it should be noted that this combat is going to be extremely difficult for a low-level party, if not impossible.  If combat is going to happen there are different ways of making it easier:

• Having the bloodragers (guards) be out scouting and return later.
• Have the PC’s come in during a conflict, i.e. one of the concubines attacks him in a jealous rage or they both attack him to try to supplant him.
• The Chieftain is sick and unable to fight.

In any instance modify XP appropriately.  If the PC’s choose to negotiate, and come before him in peaceful terms it should be clear that he is a powerful adversary and will have to be dealt with carefully.

If the PC’s try to negotiate a deal to explore the caves for ore, he will charge them 10 gp, and allow them to search every room (under guard), except his own quarters.  The treasure room, however, is the only room that shows signs of ore.

He is willing to hire his guards out as mercenaries to Drell (or pretty much anyone), but Drell will not hire them at any cost.  If the PC’s try to negotiate a deal, allow them to start a skill challenge, but they will fail.  After their failure, Chant Havelove will approach the PC’s and offer to negotiate with the orcs.  Chant will attempt to recruit the orcs to fight for the cult of Cyric.  He will convince the orcs to take their stuff and join the raider camp.  If this happens, the shaman will lead the drudges into the wilderness and the military orcs will all join the raiders.

Chant’s negotiations should appear to be positive.  The PC’s should be rewarded with XP and treasure for clearing out the cave area.

The PC’s can also ally themselves with the orcs to attack the goblins and hobgoblins.  Managing such a large group in the narrow tunnels might be difficult, but it could be managed.

These orcs did not attack or kill the patrol that was sent.  They pay the kobolds to bring them heads.  If asked about the heads they will refer to the kobolds.  The kobolds will inform the PC’s that they heads were collected in the hobgoblin caves.

Area C: Fearclaw clan.

This cave is littered with dried leaves and debris.  This debris has been placed here intentionally, and anyone with a DC 18 perception will notice this.  The debris makes sneaking very difficult (stealth at -4).

The fearclaw orcs are much more subtle and sneaky than their cousins.  They have strung a series of tripwires throughout their halls.  The perception DC to spot a tripwire is 20, but can be disabled with a DC 15 thievery check.  Tripping a tripwire causes  a clutter of debris to fall that makes a loud noise which will alert the guards in room 14 and 15.

The fearclaw orcs originally migrated here from the abbey across the river.  When the dragon began enslaving the humanoids there they fled here.  None of the orcs like to talk about that past and won’t bring it up.  If asked they will simply say that life is better now than before.  If pressed, any of them might reveal that they fled a dragon beneath the abbey across the river.  If asked how they managed to cross the river, they will tell a terrifying story of building a shoddy raft and many of the orcs drowning in icy waters.

Lighting: During the day the halls are dark and the rooms are dimly lit by small stoked fires.  At night time, when the orcs are active the halls are dimly lit and the rooms are brightly lit.

Area 13: This is a secret room linking the chieftains of the two orc tribes.  It is essentially empty, but if either chief is hard pressed they will flee here to get help.  This room is always dark.

Area 14: This is a common chamber or hall.

If any of the wires are tripped, the orcs here will be armed and ready.  The orcs will not immediately attack.  If they are not provoked, they will direct the PC’s to the chieftian.  Then they will move to block the exits.

Area 15: Lounge

The bulk of the orc population hangs out here.  If no wires have been tripped they will be found eating, drinking, and relaxing.  Otherwise they will behave like the orcs in area 14.

Area 16: Gripclaw

These are the quarters of chief Gripclaw and his fellows.  Gripclaw is at heart lazy.  He has no real desire to fight with the PC’s and no real desire to negotiate either.  If they walk away and leave him alone he will be perfectly content.  However it will be immediately obvious to anyone with any mining experience that these caves hold the most promise.

If pressed to negotiate with Lord Drell, Gripclaw will agree to leave for 100 gp.  He will not accept any offers for mercenary work, but Chant Havelove will seek to participate in negotiations if approached.  Chant won’t be able to convince them the join his side, however, Gripclaw can be bribed to give away Chant’s intentions.

Gripclaw will join in an attack on the goblins if the PC’s can convince Grimtooth to approach him personally.

If the tribe faces extenction, Gripclaw will take any remaining followers, including any of the orcs from area B, and flee into the wilderness.  If the raiders are still alive he will find them and join them.  Being driven from his home again and losing everything in the process will stir the bitter taste of revenge in Gripclaw.

If the PC’s attack and withdraw, Gripclaw will try to evaluate their strength.  If none of his men were killed he will try to improve his defenses and stay alert.  If he lost men, he will consider hiring the bugbears or ogres to help him out.  If he lost more than 40% of his force, he will flee.

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Ok, so we’ve covered the keep.  The most interesting aspect of the adventure should be the Caves of Chaos, although there are plenty of people to talk to in the keep.

The Caves of Chaos are quite close to the keep, and can be reached in a couple of hours on foot.  There are possible adventures outside of the keep, but I will detail those later.

First a general description of the caves and how they work.  For those of you who’ve played the original basic D&D module, you’ll remember that they were a winding maze of narrow caverns.  Well, that style of play can be a bit cumbersome to pull off with minis.  So I more or less revised the map with that in mind.  However, the update can be played just fine with the old map, just remember that everything may not fit.  In order to keep the same crowded feel, however I did try to keep some of the passages narrow and some of the rooms small.  Hopefully this will make for a variety of interesting and different combat situations.

My group likes to talk and interact a lot with the bad guys rather than just bash them in so I’ve tried to include quite a few political/role-playing alternatives in the descriptions.  Please be aware that this is designed for low level characters (1st through 3rd roughly), but to keep in theme with the original I went ahead and included some out of depth monsters.  This means that when GMing the module you will need to be careful.  Make sure the PC’s understand that when they deal with the gnolls, for example, that they will have zero chance of winning a fight, and that they better take the minotaur seriously or he will crush them.  If your players only do bash and grab, then you may want to manually tone down some of those encounters or you may want to just drop some sets of caves entirely.  The orcs, kobolds, goblins, hobgoblins will all be fine.  The bugbears, ogres, dark cavern, minotaur cave and temple of chaos will be challenging and may need a tweak.  The gnolls are dangerous.

Please note that all of these creatures are nocturnal.  They sleep or lounge during most of the day and are very active at night.  The exception is the kobolds who are scurrying around the caverns doing work for everone else while they sleep.  If the PC’s come at night then some of the guards will be out hunting or scavenging, or else partying riotously.

Some notes on general politics within the caves (I’ll recap with each description of a cave area):

The two tribes of orcs are allies.  They have an active gang style war with the goblins and hobgoblins, who are alos allies.

The kobolds sell their services to everyone.  Their services include janitorial, trap-making, maintenance, fetch and carry, and other menial tasks.  They are on good terms with everyone, except the cult of Cyric.

The bugbears also sell their services to anyone who can pay - but they don’t come cheap.  Thier services include assassinations, holding prisoners, torturing, and enforcement.  They also run a small trading post.

The minotaur has no allies and hunts whatever comes his way.  He is active at night and may be encountered outside of his cave if the PC’s are exploring at night.  This is also true of the owlbear, who generally sleeps during the day.

The gnolls have no allies and have made no enemies.  They are clearly the most powerful, having made an example of the previous occupants of the cave.  They run a shop and keep an eye on everything within the caves.  After the kobolds the gnolls are the most active during the day.  They speak common and will actively choose to engage the PC’s in conversation rather than start a combat.  They are prepared to deal with anyone who comes with reasonable offers, including any of the other humanoids.

The cult of Cyric is also active during the day, though generally they sleep late and stay up late.  They are aware of the other humanoids, but do not deal with them much.  They supply themselves by raiding travellers, rather than warring with the other occupants of the caves.  They despise the orcs and goblins, but have some limited dealings with the gnolls.  Their primary concern now is dealing with the keep.

Fire Risk: There are fires in several of the rooms.  These are usually rather open affairs next to rugs and other flammable stuff.  The risk of anything becoming ignited is very high.  If combat takes place in a square adjacent to a fire, there is a 5% chance (1 on d20) that a flammable object like a pillow or blanket has been accitdentally kicked into the fire.  If it ignites the fire will spread at the rate of 1 square in radius, extending from the point of origin, every round.  A creature that starts its turn in a fire square takes 5 fire damage and any unattended flammable objects he or she wears will ignite.  A character that takes 10 fire damage will continue to take 5 fire damage (from ignited clothes and smoke inhalation) after leaving the area (save ends).  Smoke in fire squares provides concealment.

Lighting: The cave entrances are all unlit, though most have some decoration.  It is clear to any character trained in nature or perception or who has a wisdom of 12 or higher that the area is travelled by humanoids frequently.

Finally a word about treasure.  I have NOT included treasures in the individual area descriptions.  Rather, I will post a list of the possible treasures that the PC’s can find.  Because this is such an open-ended adventure (i.e. there is no way to know which caves the players will be interested in), I suggest handing out 2 or three of the treasures in each cavern complex.  Be sure that the PC’s get all of the level one treasures about the same time they get enough XP to reach level 2 and so forth.

Area outside of the caves:

The caves are located in a little narrow valley.  The valley is filled with grass and trees.  Wisps of smoke are visible coming at random out of the canyon walls.  There are signs that some of the trees have been cut down.  The area appears to be devoid of natural wildlife.

Cave decoration and description:

A: A foul odor wafts out of this cave entrance.  Bits of dirt, trash, and dung litter the area.  Parts of the cave, up to about 4′ high on the walls have been painted a variety of different colors using natural and manufactured dyes.  The floor is also splattered with paint.  A fait odor of perfume mixes with the other revolting smells.

B: This cave is littered with many heads of several different humanoid races, including, dwarves, halflings, humans, elves, goblins (many goblins), kobolds, hobgoblins, and orcs.  Some are more fresh than others.  If the characters look closely they will discover that three of the human heads appear to be quite fresh.  A perception check DC 20 will reveal to any character who received the description of the lost patrol that these heads match the description of three of the patrol members.  The heads are on the outside of the cave as well as the entrance to the cave and the entrance area.  One of the heads is an actual live orc who is on watch here.  A DC 22 perception check is required to notice that the head is not damaged like the others.  The orc is on a raised platform and the PC’s will have to climb up to inspect it closer.  If anyone attempts to make this inspection, the orc will run to raise the alarm rather than risk getting stabbed in the eye.

C:  This cave is littered with dried leaves and debris.

D: This cave entrance has been swept clean.

E: This cave entrance is hidden behind some very large trees.  Sounds of something very large moving can be heard.  A DC 18 perception check will reveal grunts and growls.  If the person speaks giant, they will understand the words “give it back, Bree,” and “No, it’s mine you jerk!”

F: The initial entrance to this cave has been swept clean, except for some obvious blood stains on the ground.  A stout iron-reinforced door is here at the back of the cavern it is DC 20 to break through the door.  Over the door is a sign in goblin and common “Come in for dinner!”  The handwriting is very poor, and it appears to be written in blood.

G:This is a very dark cavern.  It smells musty, even near the entrance.  A DC 19 perception will reveal the sound of dripping water.

H: There are a hodgepodge of signs adorning this entrance in common, goblin, draconic, and giant.  All are very large with very large, neat lettering.  All of them say “Top wages!  Food and money!  Report to the first guard on the left!”

I: The garden in front of this cave is neatly tended and organized.  Rows of potatoes, turnips, beets, cabbages, carrots, and chard are visible.  The pepper plants appear to have succumbed in the last frost.  Small footprints are visible, and it is clear that whoever works this garden is of small size wearing poorly made shoes (Nature or Perception DC 17).  A DC 18 nature check will reveal that bits of dung in the garden belong to various different creatures including orcs, goblins, and kobolds.  The cave itself has nothing of note about it.  It appears to be a completely natural cavern.  There are no footprints in the unworked stone floor (though a DC 30 perception will reveal movements of a large hooved creature).  There are no small footprints leading into the cave.  A DC 20 perception check will note 1 large hoof print near the cave entrance that is mostly obscured by the other small footprints.

J: The immediate entrance to this cave is a natural, unworked cave that has nothing of note about it.  DC 19 perception will reveal the presence of footprints that have been concealed.  The guards are actively listening, however, and if the characters make much noise the guards will come to investigate.  When they see that there are intelligent creatures they will put away their weapons and offer to talk.

K: To quote original text “Red strata intertwines with bulging black veins running through the hewn rock walls beyond the entrance. The wide corridors and chambers are deathly still. A faint groaning sound, and a shrill piping may be occasionally heard, barely perceptible even if the party is absolutely silent and listening.”  This cave has clearly been worked, even to the casual observer.  In addition there is a faint smell of decay on their air, though it is by no means overpowering, and after a few moments inside the characters will get used to it.

On to the specifics about the caves.  Cave complexes are all labeled with a letter A through K.

Complex A - The kobold warrens.

His majesty King Ungblot the Mightily Witted rules the kobolds with an iron claw - that is to say nobody else wants the job after a rock fell on his predecessor and everyone believes the king’s job to be cursed.  They had to have a king, however, so they stole some dice and gambled for it - Unblot lost.

The tradition of the kobolds is one of diplomacy, stealth, and hiding.  They are puposely active when others are not, keeping a low profile when possible.  They run a janitorial service for all of the major tribes.  If the PC’s are exploring during the day they will encounter the kobolds from area 6 running tasks.  If the PC’s take time to explore the outside area of the caves, then this encounter will happen in the kobold gardens.  Otherwise it will happen just outside of the first other cave the PC’s are about to enter or spend any time exploring.  At night all kobolds will be home.

Lighting:  The kobold warrens are dark unless otherwise described.  The kobolds actively use their darkvision.

Terrain: Terrain should be considered normal unless otherwise noted.  Areas with furniture are difficult terrain and provide cover for any small creature that enters their square.

Area 1:  Entrance and guards. The kobolds have constructed a pit trap across the entrance to their warren.  This is a false floor pit trap see page 87 of the DMG.

If the kobolds hear the PC’s coming they will send out 1 pikeman as an envoy.  If the PC’s talk, they will send for their king.  The king will not come out himself (he is scared), but he will send word. If it is day, the king will invite the PC’s to meet him at the gardens.  If it is night, he will ask them to come back tomorrow.  If they press, he will invite them to his chambers.  The guards will remain on post, but the guards from area 4 will crowd into the chief’s area.

In addition there are a few guards here on look out.  They are, of course completely aware of the trap and will avoid it at all costs.

Theh pikemen will use their reach to engage enemies across the pit while the hurler will attempt throw stuff from down the narrow passage.  The Slyblade will hang back in hiding in the dark corridors and try to catch PC’s from behind as they chase down the hurler.

If things go badly the huler will flee for help.

Area 2: Trash Heap. The source of the fould odors is this room.  The kobolds bring all of the refuse that they cannot otherwise use and dump it here.  Over time it has attracted quite a bit of vermin, which the kobolds use in their traps and projects.

The rats and scorpions will come out and attack if the trash is bothered by anyone other than the kobold vermin handler.

Area 3: Storage. This room has a door that is locked.  Break DC is 16.  The kobold king has the door.  The door is also rigged with a poison dart that will trigger if the key is not used or the door is hit hard.  It makes one attack +4 vs. Reflex against the person adjacent to the door.  Hit: 1d10 poison damage and ongoing 5 poison damage, save ends.  There is only one dart.  The DC to find and disable trap is 15.  If there is nobody adjacent to the door when the trap triggers it has a range of 2 squares.

Inside of the room are a variety of sacks, crates, and barrels.  Mostly stuffed with odds and ends gathered from the other tribes.  There are pieces of fur, dried meat, bits of broken furniture, cracked mugs, wooden bowls, and other assorted junk.  Nothing here has any real market value, but the PC’s should get the impression that the kobolds didn’t make this stuff themselves and that most of it did not come from human lands.

Area 4: Guards These guards usually sit around playing cards or dice.  Since the selection of the new king they are all practicing their skills so that they won’t be next.  If the PC’s are meeting with the king they will follow them to the king’s chambers.  Otherwise they will be here.  If any of the guards escapes in area 1 they will alert the guards here.

There is a small fire here that the kobolds use to keep warm.  The fire gives off bright light in the room.

If the battle goes poorly, the kobolds will attempt to flee in any direction they can find.

Area 5: King’s Throne Room. This is really just a den for practical jokes and gambling.  The scene should be described as chaotic.  The kobolds will be constantly moving during any conversation, each vying for a better spot from which to listen.  The chief is much more wise and experienced than he lets on.  He has worked hard to extablish peace and to ensure the longevity of the tribe.  He encourages cunning, crafting, and practical jokes among his little tribe.  He has chosen his guards more for thier intelligence than for their strength.

If the PC’s start a fight, the stronger kobolds will fight while the weaker ones will alert anyone else in the complex and then flee.  They will run to the garden area and hide there.  If possible they will lure the PC’s into the bugbear caverns or into the orcs in area C.  There is a fire in the corner of this room that provides bright light and warmth to the room.

King Ungblot the Mightily Witted will listen with interest to anything the PC’s have to say.  He doesn’t know anything about mining, but will allow the PC’s to explore his cavern for 5 gp in goods or coin.  A DC 18 dungeoneering check will reveal that there is ore present and that a shaft could be started in area 4 or in area 3 (though the PC’s will likely have to kill the vermin).

The King will offer the services of his tribe to Lord Drell, performing the same work they do here, though he will slyly ask for much more money than he is currently getting.  He will ask for the outrageous sum of 5 silvers per week for the services of his entire tribe, but will settle for 1 silver if the PC’s haggle.

Convincing Lord Drell to take the kobolds is a skill challenge requiring 4 successes DC 18 before 8 failures.  Diplomacy, Bluff, and Streetwise could all be put to good effect here.  The 4 successes must come from any of these possible sources, Lord Drell, Essentia Nells (advisor), Freela (scribe), Harnost (guild master) or Curtis (chaplain).  There is endless room for role-playing this out, such as convincing Curtis that the kobolds seek to join his flock or telling Freela that the kobolds have new and amazing stories to tell.  If the PC’s do get the PC’s into the keep (they will have to relocate to allow for mining to begin) award them with the same XP they would have received for defeating the entire tribe in combat.  This will vary depending on if some of the kobolds are already dead.  The PC’s could then find treasure packets in the abandoned kobold warrens or they could come as awards from Lord Drell.

If Lord Drell is not willing to hire the kobolds (they fail the challenge), he will be willing to purchase the rights to the kobold warrens from them.  He will offer 25 gold pieces for them to leave.  The kobolds will request that he also give them a cart, a mule, and a permit to travel the king’s road.  Drell will accept these terms.  The kobolds will take every scrap that they can fit onto the cart and head south along the main road into Cormyr.

Please note that there are many other possible outcomes available here.  The kobolds are very willing to negotiate.  Also, once they vacate the area, the orcs from area B will immediately move in.  They will send guards from area 8 and hire the bugbears from area 38 to begin squatting.

Area 6: Common Chambers. This is the common sleeping area for the kobolds.  They all share a great big fur rolled out in the room.  There are several pillows, blankets, as well as a large table and a couple of overstuffed sofas.  The kobolds climb all over and around the furniture at will.  The kobold horde described here is really the mass of kobolds that do not qualify as guards or other important people.  The scene should be described as one of chaotic fear if the PC’s enter this area when the kobolds are home.

There is a fire burning at one end of the room in order to keep the place warm.  If a fire breaks out in the room the kobolds will immediately flee.

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Ok, I’m going to put up the last post for the keep itself today.  Starting tomorrow (not Wednesday) I’m going to start posting the individual caves from the Caves of Chaos.  Also, at the end of the post I’ll show some images of the keep map that I am using, which isn’t the same as the map that I posted.

Area 16: Guild of Masons.  The guild of masons runs everything non-military in the keep.  They control taxation, commerce, public works, and anything else that Lord Drell doesn’t want to deal with.  They issue all permits, oversee general construction activities and supervise appointments of public servants.  The compromise is that they are not allowed any of their personal military within the keep.  They pay for all of their military support through Lord Drell.

For those of you familiar with Forgotten Realms, you will realize that this guild is something of my own creation.  They are a commerce and trade guild with small holdings throughout Faerun.  They deal in organized crime where it is prudent to do so, but do not consider themselves mercenary or powerful enough to challenge other major organizations.  They dabble in politics only enough to help trade.  Their hold in Drells’ keep is unusual, and therefore all the more important to the organization.  Should the keep become strong enough this will likely become their international headquarters.

Harnost is the guild master here.  His is a shrewd but friendly halfling who has risen through the ranks of the guild by careful planning and hard work.  He has plans to extend the guild’s reach into the more unseemly side of society.  Already he has quietly garnered support and controls the gambling and prostitution through the inn and tavern.  He has made arrangements to have additional women brought to the keep, and they should begin arriving within the next 10 or 15 days. Harnost likes Kavmen Drell, and enjoys the keep.  He has no desire to assume military authority here and believes that increasing trade and commerce will benefit everyone.

Harnost has access the scouting reports on the Caves of Chaos and surrounding areas.  The last patrol sent to the caves did not return, and some among them were secret members of his organization.  He will offer the PC’s 50gp for information about the partrol and an additional 50gp for each rescued survivor.  If they can secure the trade routes either by exterminating the entire caves, or by some treaty, he will award them all lifetime guild membership and an additional 100 gp.

Harnost gets along pleasantly with Chant Havelove, the supposed priest, but he has suspicions about the priest’s authenticity and purposes.  At the moment his suspicions are only a hunch and he has kept the private because he has no proof and cannot think of a reason why the priest would be this far from the rest of civilization.  He has his assisstants watch the priest, but so far has not been able to search his apartments or find any evidence, though he does know that Chant is sending messenger pigeons to someone.

Harnost has three assisstants that work and live in the guild hall.  In addition Geoff, the banker lives in the guild hall.  They have private appartments on the second floor.  Their offices are located on the bottom floor.

Trade access:  The guild can get just about any item through its trade network, provided the PC’s are willing to wait and are willing to pay.  In general it will take 10 days for every 1000gp or less of value for any object that they order.

Area 17: The Chapel. The chapel is a small affair, and is dedicated more to goodness and military might than to any particular diety.  Curtis, the chaplain is a long time friend and adventuring companion of Lord Drell.  He lives here with his young wife.  Together they administer healing and comfort to those who need it.  They perform ceremonial rights for a variety of dieties, but encourage the worship of Amaunator above others.

In addition to his adventuring gear, curtis keeps 8 gp, 15 sp on his person.  He keeps 6 healing potions ready,

The chapel has been surrounded with a magic circle (see PHB for ritual description) against shadow, and an undead ward (see PHB for ritual description).

Curtis spends most of his time working on his alchemical and ritual research.  Drell has alocated him 25 gp per month for his research duties.  Curtis hopes to surround the entire keep with magic protection.  Drell relies heavily on Curtis for decisions, particularly difficult cases of judgment.  Curtis no longer entertains thoughts of adventuring, but prefers to help build the community and add a touch of magic to the keep.

Areas 18 through 27 are the areas of the inner bailey and towers.  The guards here may be posted to the outer walls as well, depending on duty arrangements.  The captain of the watch and the captain of the guard both work closely together to coordinate efforts.

Area 18: Inner gatehouse.  The inner gatehouse has quarters for the captain of the guard and the sergeant of the guard.  Only those possessing an invitation, or accompanied by Lord Drell, Essentia Nells, Freela, Harnost, Curtis, or one of the sergeants or captains, will be allowed through.  There are no exceptions to this rule, though messages may be passed on.  The sergeant is a 3rd level fighter, the captain is a 4th level fighter.  Both are loyal to Lord Drell, and attend to thier business.  Neither of them is interested in the PC’s.  The matter of the caves pertains more to the outer bailey.

Area 19: Small Tower.  The typical tower houses 8 guards, first level fighters.

Area 20: Guard Tower: This tower would house 24 guards when full, but now only houses 8.  The corporals of the guard are here, both 2nd level fighters.

Area 21: Inner Bailey. This is the courtyard in front of the keep’s main tower.  Here the soldiers drill and train.

Area 22: Cavalry Stables.  There are 6 horses stabled here, all property of the military.  They are used by Drell and his officers as necessary.  They are not for sale.  There are 4 attendants (all commoners) on duty to attend to the horses during the day.

Area 23: Great tower.  This is identical to area 20 above.

Area 24: The Keep Fortress.  This is a tall, thick, imposing structure with only a few dark rooms inside.  It is kept clean, neat, and business runs like a clock here.  There are quarters here for the scribe, advisor, and for Lord Drell.

Area 25: Tower.  40′ high hower with battlements pierced for arrows.

Area 26: Central towers.  Here are the scribe, Freela, a Genasi Bard, and Essentia Nells, an Eladrin wizard who acts as an advisor.  Neither Freela or Essentia Nells owes Lord Drell any particular loyalty, but they both enjoy the keep and respect Drell for his leadership ability.

Freela came to the keep when she heard about Drell’s commission.  She is interested in new lands and new stories.  She spends all of her free time visiting with newcomers and listening to what they have to say.  She enjoys her job as scribe  because she gets to hear first hand all of the accounts of important events in the keep.  She respects her job, but will give out information if it seems appropriate to do so.  She is aware of the lost patrol, and will give any information to the PC’s that she thinks will help.  She knows that orcs, goblins and kobolds have all been spotted in the area of the caves of chaos.  In addition she knows that campfires have been spotted across the river and that there has been activity of some group of humanoids to the south of the keep.

Essentia Nells also came to the keep looking for stories, but stories that tell about the history of Faerun and the world at large.  She advises Lord Drell on matters of longevity and persistence of the keep.  She understands that his short life will be but a moment to the stone walls of the keep and she wishes to bring beauty and strength to the land as well as power and majesty.  She has claimed the keep as her own.  She does not wish to rule it, but will do all in her power to see that those who do rule it do so with its continued existence in mind.  She will help the PC’s in their endeavors so long as their goals match those of the keep.  She knows that a short term extinction in the caves will be temporary at best, and would rather see those creatures brought to productive service and commerce with the keep.

Essentia despises the Mason’s guild and is working quietly to gather resources to supplant them economically.  She is working to bring in other trade organizations, and will offer the PC’s discounts if they will trade through people other than the mason’s guild.  If the PC’s discover Harnost’s plans to increase prostitution and to control illegal activities in the keep and report it to her she will reward them 50 gp, and bring the matter before Lord Drell.  She will help them supplant the guild if they encourage her or indicate an interest - providing they do not wish to engage in illegal or immoral activities.

Area 27: Castellan’s chambers. This is where Lord Kavmen Drell resides.  Typically he is not here, except to hold council or to debate difficult matters.  He spends most of his time visiting his officers and advisors.  When he meets with the PC’s to issue them thier charter, he will do so at the inner bailey gate.  Requests to see him will go through a chain of command, and the PC’s will be shown to Essentia Nells first.  She will have Freela record their report and decide if the matter needs Drell’s direct attention.

Kavemen Drell wants the keep to succeed more than life itself.  He is ambitious and believes that his best work is to serve Cormyr and to bring civilization to uncivilized places.  He understands the use of mercenaries, and believes that the PC’s can be useful to his purposes.  He will try to earn their loyalty if they prove useful.

Initially he will offer the PC’s 50gp for information about a patrol that was lost 3 days ago in the area of what the people of the keep are calling the caves of chaos.  The patrol consisted of 6 members, Hamron, Aaron, Fornst, Robert, Gilpack, and Unther a corporal.  They went on foot with provisions for ten days.  If the PC’s press for more money, he will direct them to Harnost who is offering additional rewards.  Lord Drell does not believe there are any survivors and so does not offer a reward.  If they turn up any survivors, he will offer them 50 gp per survivor.

He will explain that he needs the caves cleared for mining.  He would like an accurate map of the caves as well as any indications of mining activity, recent or past.  If he can secure the mines, he offers the PC’s 10% interest in the mining profits (which will come to 50 gp per month starting a month after the caves are cleared).  If pressed for cash now, he will buy offer them a flat 500gp.

DM note:  It will probably not be possible for the PC’s to clear all of the caves.  Some of the monsters are just plain tough.  However, the monsters don’t need to be killed in order for mining to commence.  Likewise the bugbears and gnolls will be willing to negotiate with the PC’s or with the Mason’s Guild for mining rights.  In addition, the kobolds are willing to work for nearly anybody and they have already learned which crops grow well in the area.  They will be willing to negotiate with anyone offering their services.  Drell will be hesitant at first to negotiate with any of the humanoids, but if the PC’s approach Essentai Nells she will influence him to negotiate.

Okay, folks, that wraps up the description of the keep.  Please be sure to leave your feedback here so that I can make any changes.  I’ll be running some test play with it shortly, so you can expect some modifications before I get the final version up.  Again, starting tomorrow I’ll be posting cave information.

Now for the version of the map that I am using to run my game.  The file is kinda big so I’m posting a link so as to not slow everyone down.

Drells Keep

I’ll post an article, complete with photos soon describing its construction, and hope to get some shots of it in use.  It measures 38″ inches wide and 72″ long, and is constructed from cardboard.

And if you haven’t checked out the D&D Downloads page, you may want to just because I’ve made a few more updates recently.

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Continuing with information about Drell’s Keep.  This is an update to the Keep On The Borderlands module B2, for 4th edition.  I started the posts here and continued it here.

Drell’s Keep

I’m using the keep map from page 16 of the original module.

Area 8: Smithy and Armorer: Brian Blackforge, the smith is a retired adventurer who has entered Lord Drell’s service.  Normally he doesn’t wear his armor around, but he always keeps a weapon handy.  He charges PHB prices for his services, however purchases of armor will require approval from someone above the rank of corporal.  He has 2 suits of chainmail in stock which can be tailored in one day for human sized creatures.  It will take two days for more severe modifications.  He can craft other armor in two weeks and will need half the price in payment up front.  He also has light shields, simple weapons, as well as swords and pole arms.  Brian has three assistants (treat as human rabble) who help him.  He sleeps in a room near the forge and his assisstants sleep wherever they can find a place, ususally in the shop.  He keeps most of his savings in the bank (see area 11), but he has a box with 6 gp, 16 sp, and 21 cp hidden in his room.  Currently he is making parts for a wagon for Marlin Drouhust the trader.

Area 9: Provisioner.  This is a general store run by the military.  It carries gear described in the player’s handbook.  He has no alchemical or maigcal gear of any kind, including sunrods.  Darvus the provisioner should be treated as human rabble in combat.  All gear is sold at PHB prices.  He buys gear at 20% of PHB prices unless it is alchemical or magical, in which case he will pay 50%.  He keeps 5 gp, 15 sp, and 30 cp on hand to make change during the day.  He empties the till and takes all profits over to the bank each night.  He has 112 gp saved up to buy goods with.  He has a wife, Mary, and a young son, Darvus.  They live in a room above the store.  He does not sell weapons or armor.

Area 10: Trader.  Marlin Drouhust supervises the warehouse activities and arranges for shipments of furs and other large quantities of trade goods.  If the PC’s look to dispose of items of value such as tapestries, furniture, furs, or other large or awkward (but nonmagical) goods they will be directed to Marlin.  He tries to arrange shipments into Cormyr each week, but wagons and transport are not so reliable.  He always has at least one man at arms (from the keep garrison) with him, but usually has two nearby.  He carries 6 gp, 12 sp, 5 cp with him.  In his home and office he keeps a locked box with 18 pp, 165 gp, 213 sp, 524 cp.  These all the funds that he has to buy trade goods from adventurers, though he may apply for a loan from the bank if anything of great interest appears.

Area 11: Mason’s Bank.  The bank is owned and operated by the Guild of Masons.  See area 16.  Geoff the Banker is a semi-retired adventurer.  He originally came to the keep with the curate (see area 17), but has found the Guild an attractive alternative.  Despite his genial outward appearance, the half-elf has a deep love of battle and money, and defends the bank with all the zeal that originally drove him to paladinhood.

The bank will provide savings, loans, and appraisal services.

Savings: Opening an account is free to members of the Guild of Masons.  For others the fee is 5 gold pieces annually (first year prepaid).  This allows storage of coins and items of up to 1000gp value.  The local bank here will not guarantee items worth more than that, though they will arrange for transport to a more secure bank in Cormyr for a fee of 50gp.  An early withdrawal penalty of 10% (of the withdrawn amount) applies to all withdrawals made before 30 days.  They will also provide a note of transfer of accounts to other branches throughout most civilized lands.

Loans: Interest rate is 10% per month.  Loans up to 5 gp can be obtained without security.  Anything over that requires security of 150% the loan’s value.

Appraisal services: Charge is 1% of the item’s value, 1 gp minimum.

The safe upstairs holds 50 gp, 100 sp, 200 cp at the start of business.  This is cash kept for normal daily transactions.

There are always 6 men at arms stationed in the bank.  Each of them has a whistle loud enough to alert other members of the guard.  There is usually at least one other person in the bank besides Geoff.  Geoff takes his lunches with Harnost, the guild master.

A locked, barred, and trapped door leades to the vaults below the bank.  Anyone opening the door without the key (or a successful Thievery skill challenge DC 22, complexity 2 (6 successes before 3 failures) will trigger a poison gas trap.  The trap is exceptionally well hidden and requires a DC 27 perception check (must be actively looking) in order to locate the control mechanism.

The Thievery DC to pick the lock after the trap has been dealt with is 22.

The vault beneath the bank contains 12 locked storage compartments.  The DC to pick these locks is 22.

1. empty
2. This has Brian Blackforge’s life savings: 277 gp, a potion of healing, 3 gems worth 150 gp each.
3. A gold altar service worth 1200 gp, which belongs to the chaplain.
4. Has the same trapping mechanism as the main door.  This contains 501pp, 2213 gp, 1212sp, 3214cp.  These are the total resources of the keep at the moment.
5. A small gold statue of a harpy worth 155 gp, a ritual book containing gentle repose, animal messenger, water walk, and detect secret doors.  These are the personal property of Harnost the banker.
6. 67pp, 38 gp, 96 sp, 14 cp, all in individual sacks.  These are personal property of Geoff.
7. 36pp, 14 gp, a gold and pearl ring worth 650 gp, a pair of jade earrings worth 365 gp.  These are the personal property of Lord Drell.
8. 3 pearls worth 500 gp, 5 garnets worth 50 gp, a jade and gold ring worth 285 gp.  These are property of Jothran Yolandus.
9. Has a magic crossbow turret trap See DMG page 88.  Standard action ranged 10, Attack +8 vs. AC, 2d8+3 damage.  Perception DC 25 to find the controls, Thievery DC 20, 2 successes before 4 failures to disable.  The trap guards an alabster and gold statue worth 3000 gp inside of a finely crafted wood and silk case inlaid with silver worth 600 gp.  These items are property of the Guild of Masons being held for transport.
10. 6pp, 65 gp - The savings of Havlom Prince
11. empty
12. A sack with 58 pp and 76 silver pieces.  These are savings of Marlin Drouhust.

In general the bank is very closely watched.  3 guards will arrive each round after the whistle blows.  Damling Hammerhand will arrive after 3 rounds and will begin directing their efforts.

Area 12: Watchtower. Phillip, the captain of the watch lives and works here.  He handles the duty rosters of the guards.  In total the keep houses a garrison of 30 men at arms, not including officers.  Phillip is an active adventurer who has taken the job because he enjoys the wild lands.  Once things settle in and a suitable replacement can be found Phillip would like to explore the monastery across the river.  For the present he has promised Lord Drell that he will remain with the keep until it is more established.  Other than his gear, Phillip has a box with 6pp, 38 gp, 64 sp, and a case of brandy worth 55 gp.

Area 13: Fountain Square: The fountain is where general announcements and public meetings are held.

Area 14: Bravol’s Inn.  Bravol is  a rather thin, unhealthy looking man who maintains the inn because he thought it would generate some income.  He owes the bank a mortgage and has gambling debts to pay.  Bravol is a quiet man who will simply point to the sign when asked about room.

Room 1 gp/night, includes bread and cheese.

Meals served next door.

Bravol is a greedy man, already bought by Chant Havelove.  He could care less about anyone other than himself and pays his debts only out of fear.  Given an opportunity, he will swipe any valuables left lying around and quickly give them to his debtors.

Area 15: The Tipsy Mermaid.  This tavern is usually full of off-duty guards.  The few women in the keep generally stay at home.  Havlom Prince owns and operates the establishment.  He employes Braidla as a maid and waitress.  Everyone comes here for rest and relaxation as there is little else to do on the keep.

Meals can be purchased for 3 sp.  Ale, beer, or mead for 5 cp, wine for 1 sp.  Drinks are also available by the pitcher or bottle.

Havlom deposits the previous days earnings at the bank each morning.  He keeps 5 gold and 35 silver on hand to make change.

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Continued from last time, we’ll discuss some of the areas and key NPC’s of the keep.

There is not much of interest going on in the original module, (it doesn’t even include names for the NPC’s) so I’ve updated it with a bit of additional information.

The module lists 27 areas, which I have kept, though most of these don’t need a lot of details.

Area 1: The main gate.  There are a pair of men at arms here.  Treat as 1st level fighters.  If the PC’s go wild and start slaughtering the town, then you’ll need to break out some stock NPC’s.

Area 2: Flanking towers.  Again, not much here other than another dozen men at arms.

Area 3: Entry Yard.  When the PC’s enter here they will be required to dismount (if they have mounts) and will be interviewed briefly by Bjorn Farnhand - Corporal of the Watch.  Bjorn will explain the rules if the characters have any questions.  He will ask thier names and business.  If they indicate that they have responded to Lord Drell’s call for adventureres he will direct them to the Bravol’s Inn.  If they do not appear to have money or a purpose in the keep he will send someone to get Damling Hammerhorn the bailiff.  Assuming that the PC’s can show that at least one of them has enough silver to pay for room and board for a week (10 silver), they will be allowed entry to the keep.  Damling is normally in area 6.  Damling will determine if the PC’s need to be run out of the keep or offered employement with the guards.  If they appear to be honest and capable he will offer them posts with the guard at 2 sp per day plus room and board.

Area 4: Stables.  There area  couple of stable hands here (treat as human rabble).  The charge is 2 coppers per day to stable a mount.  Feed can be purchased for another 2 coppers per day.

Area 5: Warehouse.  There are two guards on duty here at all times.  The warehouse stores some supplies for the garrison as well as any trade goods that the guild has stored.  If the PC’s should acquire large quantities of goods they will be advised to store them here.  Use of the warehouse is free to guild members.  Otherwise the charge is 1 copper for every 10 pounds per week with a 1 silver piece minimum.  Expensive items requiring additional care will be charged at 1% of the item’s value per week.  Additional guards will be placed on duty if requested at the guild house or the Baliff’s Tower.

Area 6: Bailiff’s Tower.  When not drinking or taking care of other duties Damling Hammerhorn, the bailiff of the outer bailey can be found here.  Damling was an adventurer and prospector in his youth.  He came to Cormyr only recently and entered Drell’s service to help rebuild the keep.  Now that the stonework is complete and the locals aren’t attacking he spends his time visiting with new faces and keeping abreast of the news.  Damling is efficient in his work, disciplined with his troops and generally liked.  He has no particular loyalties to Cormyr or to Drell except that Drell is an excellent leader and the post here is comfortable.

Area 7 (various):Area 7 is really several different areas.  Each is a private residence or apartment rented or allocated to the resident by the keep.  Most are irrelevant, though there is room to improvise.  The two largest are explained here.

7a: Merchant.  Jothran Yolandus and his wife Malara are here to review the furs.  They have with them two mercenary bodyguards (fighter level two, see stats for Bjorn Farnhand above).  Each guard also commands a large fighting dog (treat as a hyena see Monster Manual).  Jothran is quite wealthy though he does his best to invite trouble.  In his apartment is a locked iron box with 200 platinum and 100 gold pieces.  Typically he has 8 gold on his person.  Secreted in his belt are 10 gems worth 50 gp each.  If the PC’s inquire about expensive or rare items for trade, they will be directed to Jothran.  Jothran is establishing a regular trade route for furs with the keep and has connections to be able to acquire magic items if the characters are willing to wait for them.  At the moment he is not hiring mercenaries, though he will direct them to collegues in different cities if asked.

7b: Chant Havelove, priest of Tyr.  Chant passes himself off as a priest of Tyr, but really he is a warlock serving Simiobolt Hold.  Chant is a level 4 warlock and has two very close followers, Liza and Nadara.  Chant uses bluff and his knowledge of religion and arcana to convince others of his genuine fervor, although he doesn’t really have any particular convictions.  Simiobolt pays well and Chant will do anything for money or power.  Currently he is assessing the situation.  He uses messenger pigeons currently to communicate with Simiobolt.  He sends these messages on his walks through the garrison.  As a priest he is given relatively unfettered access through the keep.  He is popular with the troops and folk at the keep.  He is jovial, friendly, and courteous.

If the PC’s seek his help in healing, he will turn them over to Liza and Nadara who are more skilled than he is, or he will offer them a potion of healing.  He will use the excuse that he spent his youth learning the arts of battle when he should have spent it in better pursuits.  Chant avoids Essentia Nells, the eladrin advisor to Lord Drell, but he is on good terms with Freela, the genasi bard who is acting as Lord Drell’s scribe.  When the PC’s leave the keep, Chant will begin causing trouble in the Keep.  He has alread managed to befriend 6 of the guards, and will rely on their friendship if he is found out.  He is quietly spreading rumors about the dangers outside of the keep to raise the level of fear.  Eventually he will murder or arrange for the murder of a guard at night.  He has asked Simiobolt to have the raiders (led by Tandoro, human swordmage 2) to light a visible fire at night to attract attention and raise suspicion.

The keep is unlikely to weaken their garrison by sending out troops, but he will then point out Lord Drell’s fear and weakness.  After he can convince some to abandon their posts he will attempt to murder Harnost, the guildmaster or Jothran Yolandus, the merchant.  Eventually he will resort to poisoning the keep’s well.  His goal is to get Drell to abandon the keep rather than to try and take it by force.

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There is a certain prejudice among some gamers against using pre-made adventures.  They are so cookie cutter that it begins to feel more like playing Monopoly than dungeons and dragons (not that Monopoly is a bad game).

As a Dungeon Master, however, pre-made campaigns and adventures can be huge time savers.  But to keep my players guessing here area a few tricks that I have use in the past.

·    Change the names of the NPC’s.  You would be surprised how effective this is.  Give the barkeep a name that fits your style and personality and the players will respond accordingly.
·    Use towns from your campaign world.  Scrap the whole starting village and put in one that comes from your world.  Put the useful clues where they would fit organically in your town and run with it.
·    Get rid of the adventure elements that don’t fit.  Just cut them out and move on with your life.  If you don’t need it don’t use it.
·    Use only the encounter information, i.e. stat blocks and get rid of the maps/set up information.  This is particularly useful for the outdoors encounters stuff.  The stuff that happens almost in town or between town and the dungeon.  A lot of times there is a ton of useless background information that has nothing to do with your campaign and your world, but the stats and combat info are good and can be quickly dropped into your personalized setting.
·    Add your own NPC’s.  This is very useful.  If, for example you have been facing the dread druid queen who seeks to enslave the world in a animal/hybrid paradise then introduce some of her minions into the premade.  Swap out an encounter or two.  Change the big bad bosses name.

Keep the elements that make sense – in particular maps, monster statistics, names that you like etc. Any unique magic items or encounters made just for that adventure are often very useful because they tend to add a ton of flavor.

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This encounter is designed as a level 8 encounter as a tough challenge for a 5^th level party.  The treasure listed with the encounter card is for a level 5 party.  You could easily substitute in a treasure packet of any level appropriate for your party.  The encounter, of course is generic enough to be dropped into any campaign, or used as a random encounter.

The orcs here are led by their leader Hard Fang, an old, scarred orc who has trained his followers in the use of the trident.  Hard Fang has spent years developing his gang, and favors hit and run tactics.  Because of his vast experience, Hard Fang has learned patience, and to wear his enemies down.  His followers, however, are prone to fits of rage and sometimes ignore his commands.

Hard Fang has no problem using muscle from any race, and has brought a pair of gnolls into his group. 

The setup for this encounter involves an ambush for unwary prey.  Everyone in the group is familiar with the terrain and they try to remain mobile, engaging their foes only from superior positions.  The melee combatants do their best to draw the enemies into a position where they can be fired upon easily.

• Hard Fang Orc Chieftain (700 xp) level 8 elite brute
• 3 Orc Forkman (200 xp) level 5 brutes
• 2  Gnoll Huntmasters (200 xp) level 5 artillery

You can download the encounter card here.  You can find all of the associated cards on the downloads page.  And if you need more information about how to use encounter cards, there is an article here.

I suggest using the blades camp map from Faiths of Eberron, available from the Wizards of the Coast, though you should definitely choose a map of your liking.

Hard Fang will have blocked off at least one of the entrances to try to force any enemies into the area to the west where he can use cover for his archers. 

Hope this provides some inspiration.

As always, enjoy the game!

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