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Home , Howard Lyon, Mike Mearls, Wayne Reynolds

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4 FIST OF MOURNING By Robert J. Schwalb 62 DEPTHS OF MADNESS A Scales of By Robert J. Schwalb adventure. This short adventure The Madness trilogy continues with bridges the gap between the heroic “Depths of Madness.” After saving the and paragon tiers of play for your town of Wellspring, the heroes find Scales of War campaign if your PCs that their efforts have not stopped the aren’t quite 11th level. The Cult of assault on the town. A new threat has Exquisite Agony—a cabal of insane emerged, seeking to capitalize on the devotees of the Far Realms—has ON THE COVER re-emergence of the Tear of Ioun. The Illustration by grown in power recently, spurred heroes must seize the Tear and defeat on by a local sect popping up almost this threat, or the entire region could overnight in Overlook. Now the cult is looking to expand its sphere 3 EDITORIAL be swallowed by chaos. An adventure of influence, using the recent chaos in the city as a springboard for for 11th-level PCs. their own agenda. An adventure for 10th-level PCs. 103 RULING SKILL CHALLENGES By Mike continues to educate on the 27 WINTER OF THE WITCH Sample file nature of skill challenges, with By Stephen Radney-MacFarland unique applications and examples. In this epic adventure, the Winter Witch—a 106 SAVE MY GAME legendary archfey—has launched a campaign By Stephen Radney-MacFarland to send eternal winter cascading over large A DM’s best friend? Stephen portions of the world. After a summons to Radney-MacFarland, back with Winterhaven, the characters find a land more advice and letters from the locked in ice, and an old ally in need of aid. mailbag. A trek to find a artifact known as the Sun’s Sliver ensues, the only force potent enough 109 DUNGEONCRAFT to defeat the Winter Witch and banish her By James Wyatt from the mortal world once more. An adventure James discusses the latest changes for 22nd-level PCs. to his fledgling campaign.

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EDITORIAL 162 DUNGEON January 2009 Don’t Let the XP Editor-in-Chief Chris Youngs Grind You Down Senior Art Director Jon Schindehette

Web Specialist Chris Sims If you watched the news the week before Christmas, you occasion, it can interfere with the story you’re trying might have seen weather reports about snowstorms in the to tell. I know there have been times in each of my Web Production Bart Carroll, Pacific Northwest. I know, I know—up here, we tend to freak campaigns, past and present, when my characters Contributing Authors Stephen Radney-MacFarland, out over the least amount of the white stuff, but this was have advanced more quickly than I expected, and I’ve Mike Mearls, Robert J. Schwalb, pretty genuine… at least for a city that boasts a fleet of only needed to tweak encounters on the fly to make them James Wyatt thirty plows. So the office was closed for a few days due to challenging enough. That can be a headache. I’ve terrible road conditions, and while I sat home and watched likewise had experiences where groups have missed Developers Stephen Radney-MacFarland, the snow pile up, I got to thinking about snow days past. encounters, often due to smart play, so they haven’t advanced as quickly as I thought they would, forcing Peter Schaefer, I brought this up when we got back to the office, and me to alter encounters in the other direction. Editors , Gary Sarli Bart mentioned an all-D&D marathon during a snow This isn’t a big deal in the grand scheme of things, week in his youth. What a blast! When they played— but I love that D&D is a flexible enough game that Cover Artist Wayne Reynolds stopping only for food and the occasional nap—they with the right group, you can just alter the XP system Contributing Artists , Drew Baker didn’t track XP. Their DM would just tell them to level to achieve the same ends. Maybe you increase or Erid Deschamps, Gonzalo Flores decrease XP values by 20% for a few weeks until the Izzy, Goran Josic, PCs’ levels are back where you need them. Or maybe , William O’Connor The results from last month’s question are in. As I, you just stop awarding XP for a few sessions until Ann Stokes, Amelia Stoner ahem, expected, beat the pants they’ve finished the adventure they’re on and are back Sam Wood , off of , 43% to 37%. Thanks to every- on track. (Warning! This approach could be hazard- one whoSample participated in the poll! file ous, and you might find your Mt. Dew spiked with Cartographers Jason A. Engle, Robert Lazzaretti Ex-lax or worse!) Sean Macdonald,Mike Schley Basically, XP shouldn’t be a DM’s enemy. Just be Publishing Production Specialists Angelika Lokotz, Erin Dorries, up after a significant period of adventuring had passed. sure to keep your group informed. If you’re going to Christopher Tardiff The players didn’t even want to bother tracking XP-- fudge the numbers or start dictating when characters that took away from the marathon session. And the DM level (after a set amount of real-world time, or after Web Development Mark A. Jindra then didn’t have to track numbers. When he was ready in-game way points), let your players know and they’ll D&D Creative Manager Christopher Perkins to up the challenges, he had the players take a few appreciate you for the heads up….. Or they’ll hate your minutes to level up their characters. The idea was that guts and you’ll find your favorite mini’s decapitated Executive Producer, when you’re running a D&D marathon, you don’t want head in your bed one morning. Regardless, the system D&D Insider Ken Troop to spend precious gaming time calculating XP. can handle this quick and easy change. I think this is brilliant! Don’t get me wrong: I don’t Heck, I’m sure I’m missing some other easy fixes. Director of RPG R&D have a thing against XP. In 4th Edition, it’s easier than Has XP ever limited your game in some way or proved ever to calculate and dole out. For most campaigns, a liability? What’s your story? And how did you fix it? it’s an ideal way to track character progress through Send us your responses to [email protected]! Special Thanks the levels. Plus, that sense of anticipation as you creep toward your next level is great fun. Richard Baker, Greg Bilsland, Logan Bonner, , For most groups, XP serves as your barometer Jennifer Clarke Wilkes, Andy Collins, Bruce R. Cordell, , , Peter Lee, , Mike Mearls, for advancement—heck, for the entire campaign’s , David Noonan, Stephen Radney-MacFarland, Peter progress! However, that means that for most DMs, on Schaefer, Stephen Schubert, Chris Sims, Rodney Thompson, Rob Watkins, James Wyatt Sample file

by Robert J. Schwalb illustrations by Gonzalo Flores, Goran Josic, of Howard Lyon, and Fist Mourning ✦ An adventure for 10th-level characters cartography by Mike Schley

TM & © 2009 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved. Januaryar y 22009009 | DUNDUNGEONGEON 116262 4 Fist of Mourning

While lords and heroes alike look to the brimming war spilling across the lands, evil blossoms in places unexpected. With the realm, and possibly the world, teetering on destruction’s precipice, new factions rise to work their wickedness. One such menace is the Cult of Exquisite Agony, a disturbed cabal dedicated to perfect- ing mortal flesh by infusing it with the essence of chaos to make it more adaptable, stronger, faster, and better. Gathering in a fallen hero’s tomb high in the Stone- home Mountains, this cult commits horrific acts hidden from those who cannot comprehend their effort’s mag- nificent end. Though careful to avoid attention, success’s proximity has made them sloppy, and their deeds leave traces those with courage and resolve can follow. “Fist of Mourning” is a DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® adventure for five 10th-level characters. Although designed as a short scenario for adventuring parties participating in the “Scales of War” adventure path, you can adapt it for use in any mountainous region of any game world and for any campaign. Sample file BACKGROUND

The Cult of Exquisite Agony blossomed and withered succumbed to insanity and malice, turning against while he consumed it. So he ate plenty and often. It many times over the centuries, rising in power, but each other in an orgy of violence. Not all perished, wasn’t until he devoured a tadpole, purchased at falling when madness and treachery consumed its and at least one escaped to carry the filthy message a high price in Nine Bells—the poor and crime-ridden greatest leaders. Each time the cult rose, it sought of transformation to other lands. district in Overlook—that he realized he had the to improve on what the gods themselves had done: One such refugee made it to Overlook, and before means to attain perfection all along. remake mortal flesh into something better and attain her death, she passed on her cult’s tenets to loyal For the next 10 years, Obsen and his cronies quietly the full potential they believed was buried within all. followers recruited from local folk. Over the genera- amassed slaad tadpoles, performed hideous experi- The last time the cult stirred was over a century tions, the cult grew, but its leaders did not follow in ments on themselves in dank cellars, stole residuum to ago, many miles to the south in the ruins of Zannad. their founder’s steps until one named Obsen came to power their rituals, and made unconscionable pacts Believing the secrets to their evolution was within power 10 years ago. A disturbed man with a taste for with otherworldly beings until they perfected the pro- the fabled yuan-ti city, they scoured the wreckage the exotic, he believed he gained the power and quali- cess. When Tusk’s armies marched on Bordrin’s Watch, with little luck and they, like others before them, ties of everything he ate provided the meal was alive Obsen and the cultists quit the city and marched to an

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old tomb under the Fist, a blunted peak in the nearby the characters 2,800 gp (parcel 5) if they recover his 2,800 gp, plus a useful contact in a future adventure Stonehome Mountains, where they murdered the witch residuum (worth 1,000 gp). It’s not that the necroman- if they need it. Also, PCs who destroy the cult in the living there, and recruited heavily from the mountain’s cer can’t purchase more residuum; he has a reputation process earn 2,500 XP for completing a major quest. denizens until they were strong enough to gather vic- to protect. Characters who stamp out the cult and tims for the glorious transformation they would create. return the stolen property also earn 2,500 XP for Treasure Preparation completing a major quest. Since this adventure should help 10th-level adven- turers make up any shortfalls to reaching 11th level, ADVENTURE SYNOPSIS Hook: Missing Adventurer stock the dungeon with treasure parcels you have yet While adventuring in Overlook and in its surround- to give out for this level. “Fist of Mourning” assumes As close as they are to their goal, the cultists’ depraved ing lands, the player characters have met and might the characters are already halfway to their next level, acts are bound to draw attention. Someone they have rivalries with other adventuring groups. When so the adventure supplies five treasure parcels. Adjust crossed hires the adventurers to root out the deviants. one such group comes under attack by these cultists, this as needed to make sure the characters receive The player characters climb the mountains and track most are slain and at least one is abducted. The lone the proper treasure for their levels. Magic items, the cultists to their lair. Once inside, the characters survivor begs the PCs for help in recovering his miss- coins, goods, and other valuables are described in the must navigate its perils, learn what the cultists intend, ing friends. room summaries and the parcels they represented and stop them before their corruption spreads too far. The characters must rescue the cult’s prisoners are included for your convenience. As always, where from the Fist of Mourning and return them to Over- the text specifies a magic item, you should feel free to STARTING THE look. Doing so allows the PCs to earn a reward of swap it out with an item from your players’ wish lists. ADVENTURE THE POSSIBLE QUESTS PART ONE: The adventurers might come to the Fist of Mourning Sample file “Fist of Mourning” offers PCs an opportunity to ON EVIL’S TRAIL for a variety of reasons. Consider using either one of earn quest XP. Provided here is a list of possible the following adventure hooks or come up with one of Once the characters are engaged in the adventure, quests, and their rewards, from the hooks in the your own. you might start at the entrance to the Fist and proceed adventure. with the adventure as written. Or you can develop the Major Quest—Bereft Necromancer Hook: Bereft Necromancer story more slowly by roleplaying through the process Rufus Crumley wants his residuum back, plus he Rufus Crumley might not be popular in Shantytown, by which the heroes are hired, learn about the cult, has a reputation to protect. but he is still a powerful and feared figure whose and track the cultists to their lair. What follows are Reward: 2,500 XP and 2,800 gp (parcel 5). influence cannot be overstated. Because he is pro- tools to help you develop the adventure more slowly. Major Quest—Missing Adventurer tected by his dire reputation and his undead thralls, If you choose to use these skill challenges, consider Rescue the cult’s prisoners from the Fist of no one has ever dared steal from him in his long years removing the Outraged Dead encounter on page 19 Mourning and return them to Overlook. in the city. So when someone breaks into his tower, to keep the XP in line. Reward: 2,500 XP for the cult’s destruction destroys his zombies, and makes off with his residuum Skill Challenge: SC1 Investigating the Cult (page and 2,800 gp (plus a useful contact in a future stores, the necromancer is quite put out. 11). adventure if they need it). Familiar with the adventurers’ recent escapades, Skill Challenge: SC2 Travel to the Fist (page 12). the necromancer turns to them for help. He offers

January 2009 | DUNGEON 162 6 Fist of Mourning

PART TWO: THE FIST

The Fist stabs out from a high peak in the Stonehome Mountains. Named for its uncanny resemblance to a closed fist, it marks Murat’s grave, a hero who fell in the dwarf uprising against the giants. The dwarves abandoned the tomb centuries ago when cruel winter storms, , and other mountain-dwelling horrors became too great to maintain it safely. In recent years, a filthy hag claimed squatter’s rights and made the place her home. However, even her gruesome appearance and sinister appetites weren’t enough to deter the cult from taking it for themselves, and she met a terrible end in the bottom of a ravine when she tried to resist. The tomb consists of the dungeon’s western tunnels and chambers. They exhibit fine dwarven architecture still in good repair even after long neglect. The eastern chambers are crude since they were hand and tool-excavated. miners, who serve the cult much as they served the mountain Sample file witch before, chip away at the granite for silver, gems, and anything else they might extract from the unyielding rock. General Features Illumination: Rooms are all dark unless other- wise mentioned in the encounter text. Ceiling: Ceilings in the complex are as tall as their widest dimension. Doors: Constructed from stone, the doors all bear intricate carvings featuring dwarves battling orcs, ogres, and giants. The doors are all unlocked, but such is their weight that it requires a standard action and a successful DC 10 Strength check to open them. Stairs: Whether crude or fine, stairs all count as difficult terrain.

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