Expert Game Adventure

- avid J. Ritchie

&.. Expert Game Adventure

by David L. Arneson & David J. Ritchie

Table of Contents

DM BACKGROUND ...... 2 The King Returns ...... The Lady Vanishes ...... The SpookPonders ...... BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE ...... A Reunion In Corunglain ...... A Summons In Blackmoor ...... 6 ...... 6 ......

CREDITS Out Of Blackmoor ...... 11 Editor: Deborah C. Ritchie Cover Art: Dennis Beauvais Heart Of Darkness ...... Interior Artist: Mark Nelson ...... 15 Cartographer: Dennis Kauth Typographer: Kim N. Lindau ...... Keyline: Stephanie Tabat ...... 16 ...... 17 D.4VID L. ARNESON is the co-author of ...... 18 the DUNGEONS & DRAGONSO Fantasy ...... Role Playing Game...... Distributed to the hook trade in the United State? by Random THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG ...... House, Inc. and in Canada by Random House ofCanada, Ltd. Dis- tritsuted to the toy and hobby trade by regbmal distrihuters. Distrib- uted in the United Kingdom by TSR UK Ltd. Second Floor DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, PRODUCTS OF YOUR Third Floor ...... IMAGINATION, and the TSR logo are trademarks owned by ...... TSR, Inc. Fifth Floor . . Copyright 1986 TSR, Inc. All rights reserved. Sixth Floor ...... Any questions on this material should he sent, along with a self- addressed, stamped return envelope, to “D&Da Game Questions,” THE TEMPLE DUNGEON ...... at ‘headdress below: ...... TSR TSR UK Ltd. Inc. 47 POR 756 The Mill, Rathmore Road ...... Lske Geneva, Cambridye CB14AD WI 53147 United Kingdom ...... 47 PREROLLED CHARACTERS ......

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TSR, IPC. PRODUCTS OF VOUP i;WIGINATlON’’

P-inted in U.S.A. 9175 ISBN 0-88038-317-8 IDM BACKGROUND

S’top! If you are plan to participate in this throughout the text where they are most beset the countryside in the wake of war. module as a player, read no further. likely to be encountered. When introduced, Bands of freebooters, many of them deserters This module is the second in a series of ad- their statistics are shown in an abbreviated from the armies defeated by Uther, roamed ventures set in the mythical kingdom of form with combat and movement adjust- the kingdom, living by robbery. If the realm Rlackmoor. Blackmoor was the first cam- ments already computed. was ever to know peace, monsters and men must both be dealt with. paign setting ever created for use in a fantasy And now-welcome to Blackmoor. rde-playing game. The Blackmoor presented Unfortunately, Uther had other threats in this module is a substantially revised and THE KING RETURNS about which he must worry. The bitter foes expanded setting based on material devel- that surrounded his kingdom were not long oped for that venerable campaign. In view of Full 3,000 years before the crowning of the idle after their defeat. The Skandaharian this fact, it is perhaps fitting to note that the first Emperor of Thyatis, there existed the raiders sent regular and frequent scouting events, places, and characters resident in great Empire of Thonia. Rich and decadant, parties into Blackmoor to learn if it might yet it ruled much of the civilized world. In the far Mackmoor exist some 3,000 years before be safe to again reave its fat coasts. The bi- those described in any other D&D@ fantasy north of the empire was a vigorous border zarre and evil superbeing that called itself the mle-playing game material. province called Blackmoor. There, far from Egg of Coot flooded the realm with his agents The adventure in this module is designed the ken of the great wizards of the Thonian and spies. From west of the broad Misauga capital, men discovered wild magic, stronger for a party of five to eight player characters River, the expanding Afridhi Empire pressed (PCs) of the 10th to 14th levels of experience. than any at the empire’s center. By blending against the young kingdom’s borders, often A. balance of character classes will be needed this magic with the arts of science, they sending raiding parties into the Barony of the since the PCs will face many problems, each learned to forge tools of awesome power that Lakes, the province that guarded the fragile would one day give them mastery over the western frontier. To the southeast, the Iron of which may be most easily and effectively empire of which they had once been only the Duke, ambitious military governer of what solved by a character of a different class. A least part. had recently become the Thonian Empire’s number of prerolled characters are included But the power of Blackmoorian science was northernmost province, hatched plots within for use in the event that there aren’t enough not even a glimmer in the eye of a few sages PCs of the correct levels and classes available. plots, all designed to weaken Blackmoor. when Uther Andahar led the Great Rebellion With these threats commanding his atten- Read this entire module before playing. against Thonia and became the first king of There are some plot elements that won’t be tion, the king was unable to devote his full en- the fledgling realm of Blackmoor. The tale of ergy to the task of cleansing his realm of fiilly developed until late in the module, but Uther’s rebellion and of the vile plot that for which the groundwork must be laid much lawlessness and undoing the damage that in- nearly cost him his new-won crown is told in e,ir!ier. If you are not already aware of these evitably follows in the wake of war. the first module in this series, DA1 (AD- Though severely handicapped, Uther had e‘ements before play begins, you won’t be VENTURES IN BLACKMOOR). It has no two important resources in his campaign able to plant clues or build drama as effec- place here. Suffice it to say, that Blackmoor against banditry and terror: the King’s Com- tively. fought and won a prolonged war against the panions and The Fetch. Study the maps while reading the area keys Thonian Empire and a host of other enemies. Among those who served Uther were a few in the module booklet. These keys refer to en- In the aftermath of that war and even as his remarkable individuals called the King’s counter locations by giving first the number old enemies prepared for a new assault on Companions. Knights, mercenaries, rogues, of the map on which the area is located and Blackmoor, King Uther set about ending the idealists-the Companions were all manner then the area’snumber (e.g., 2-13). Many of lawlessness that had grown up in the land of men. Having joined Uther during the these keys include boxed information that during the terrible fighting just past. early days of the Great Rebellion, by its end, should be read aloud to the players when they This was no inconsiderable task. Still only they had become his trusted lieutenants. e:iter the area. Unboxed information is pro- lightly settled after centuries of human habi- Among the Companions were some of the vided only as a guide for you, the DM; it is tation, Blackmoor was an area of small bar- best generals and warriors in the North-and not read to the players. While every effort has onies and freeholds that lived by trade and all were fanatically devoted to Uther and his been made to provide all information needed the exploitation of mineral and timber re- cause. Many now ruled new baronies created for play, you may want to add extra details to sources. As was to be expected of an area still for them by a grateful king, and they were en- the boxed descriptions for atmosphere. half frontier, life there was hard and danger- ergetic in hunting down those who violated These abbreviations are used in the module: ous. Settlements were few, and the king’s the king’s law. writ often stretched no further than the hori- Uther’s second advantage in his campaign AC = Armour Class; = Movement MV zon under the eyes of one of his barons. of pacification was an elderly gentlemen Rate; HD = Hit Dice or Level; hp = cur- A wild and powerful magic permeated the named Fletcher William-and an organiza- rent hit points; #AT = Number of attacks; D land. The wild magic spawned monsters such tion that was much more than it seemed. As =i Damage; AL = Alignment; = Fighter; F as had not been seen inside the empire’s bor- Keeper of the Peace at the University of ;I’ = Thief; M = Magic User; C = Cleric; ders in centuries. Worse, it also spawned Blackmoor, Fletcher William controlled a OL = Open Locks; FT = Find Traps; RT things that had never been seen anywhere staff of 40 full-time bailiffs and 40 student =! Remove Traps; = Pick Pockets; MS PP else before-gibbering horrors that killed by auxiliaries whose salaries were paid by the =: Move Silently; CW = Climb Walls (Sheer night, leaving in their wake only smashed university. Only a handful of these individ- Surfaces); = Hide in Shadows; HN = HS timbers and the bloody remains of farm fami- uals were actually employed keeping the Hear Noise. lies murdered in their passing. Nor were peace at the university, though. The rest op- Nonplayer characters (NPCs) are introduced monsters the only danger. Lawless men also erated under Fletcher William’s direction as

2 DM BACKGROUND undercover agents of Uther and his Regency Council. Fletcher LYilliam and his few score talented agents were highly successful in thwarting the enemies of the realm, and those few persons in the know referred to the el- derly Keeper of the Peace as The Fetch in tribute to the seemingly supernatural skills he exhibited as Blackmoor’s chief spook. The Fetch’s agents were often called in when local authorities failed to eliminate outlaw bands. U&g their proven techniques of infiltration and sneak attack, The Fetch’s agents almost always succeeded where others had failed. Using his two great advantages, the king was able to overcome all obstacles and bring the first faint glimmerings of a new peace and prosperity to the land. For the first time in centuries, men had real hope that the sav- agery that had characterized the North since it was first colonized might be coming to an end. Then Uther was abducted by agents of the Iron Duke, and. in the year that it took to locate and rescue him, the land reverted to its former state. The king returned to his throne to find all of his work undone and the king- dom in worse straits than ever. Undaunted by this setback, he rolled up the royal sleeves and once again set about bringing peace to the land. Even as he did so, disaster struck from a totally unexpected quarter. Misauga and south of the Amber Channel, southwest frontier. Here, entire villages were THE LADY VANISHES the land was cut by sluggish winding creeks, disappearing, as large bands were now not dotted with stagnant lakes and overgrown by only robbing but also abducting the popu- When Han Aleford, Baron of the Lakes died dense pestiferous fens. Within this tangled fighting for Blackmoor against the empire, lace. There was evidence that a single group wilderness, armies could disappear without a the accession of his daughter, Rissa, was op- was behind these mass abductions. trace, and small outlaw bands could hide al- posed by those who felt that a woman barely When 25 of Rissa’s subjects disappeared most indefinitely. This was the Great Dismal from the village of Burrit, the baroness deter- out of her minority could not hope to rule the Swamp, the area for which the young Baron- frclntier fief of a frontier realm. But Rissa mined to personally follow the trail of the ess of the Lakes was responsible to Uther. Aleford soon proved her critics wrong. Hav- raiders and finally bring them to book. With Throughout this untamed land, she must en- in;; been trained in the arts of war by none a company of soldiers, she tracked them force the king’s writ and offer what protection across the Big Muddy and almost to the other than the Great Svenny, foremost of the she could to a handful of major settlements banks of the Root River. There, her party King’s Companions, she could out-ride, out- shoot and out-fight half the barons of the and several score other dwelling places- was ambushed by a vastly superior force. some so small as to be nameless. realm and most of the soldiers of her fief. When the melee was over, Rissa and her per- Even in the best of times, it required con- More importantly, she was an avid learner sonal guard were prisoners. Two men es- stant patrolling to contain the local bandits caped. The others were dead. who had absorbed from Svenny, Uther, and and hunt down the monstrous life forms that her father most of the principles of command A week after the baroness plunged into the struggled out of the swamps to prey on hu- in peace and war. In fact, she was uniquely wilderness, a single survivor reached the set- mankind. With the Afridhi threat to the fron- tlement of South Pim with the news that fitied to lead the barony that guarded the tier on the rise, the times were hardly calm. Rissa was taken. Like wildfire, the word realm’s western frontier against the depreda- Once the needs of border security were met, tions of the implacable Afridhi. Within six spread. When it reached Uther at Blackmoor, few soldiers were left for the vital swamp pa- months of her accession, young Rissa had the king was devastated. It was not just that trols. The situation demanded the utmost Rissa was a valued lieutenant. The loss was wcln the hearts of her soldiers and become one skill and cunning, and even Rissa’s consider- more personal. Though none knew it, the of Blackmoor’s foremost leaders. able talents were challenged by it. Almost all young king had long been enamored of his In truth, the Barony of the Lakes needed of her time was spent in the field, hunting baroness. Were it not for the fact that she the strongest and steadiest possible hand down Afridhi raiders or local bandits. cherished a youthful infatuation for Uther’s upon its tiller. If Blackmoor was a frontier, Meanwhile, the bandit threat continued to liegeman Svenny, Uther would have long then the Barony of the Lakes was practically a grow, becoming exceptionally severe along since pressed his suit. Since Svenny seemed wilderness. For a hundred miles east of the the banks of Loch Gloomen, on the barony’s oblivious of the lady’s affection, though,

3 IIM BACKGROUND

IJther concluded that time would still her Dismal Swamp. The name of the sect was the team to the temple. passions and make her open to his own pro- Order of the Frog. Its leaders called them- Before this plot could be put into effect, posal. Now time had run out. selves the Monks of the Swamp. though, The Fetch had to locate the right Bowing to the will of his Regency Council, After much additional questioning, The agents for the job. Boldness and cunning who insisted that he not endanger himself by Fetch’s agents discovered one other thing. At would count for much, but familiar faces leading a rescue, Uther instead sent the Great least one well-known figure in Blackmoor were out. Where, then, to find proven adven- Svenny and a large company of royal guards- had visited the Monks of the Swamp and turers who would also be unknown to the or- men to locate the site of the ambush and pick been gifted by them. The gentleman’s name der’s recruiters? The answer followed hard up the scent. But the trail was cold. Svenny was Miklos Haruska, and he was the Guild- on the heels of the question, popping into The and his men spent two weeks fruitlessly master ofthe Thieves’ Guild at Vestfold and a Fetch’s mind in a sudden flash of insight. Of prowling the banks of the Root River and prominent citizen of sorts in Blackmoor. course. The gate. The gate in the lower cellar L,och Gloomen, without result. The sight of Armed with this lead, the angry king had of Blackmoor’s Comeback Inn. The gate that the ambush was empty except for the stripped Master Haruska (popularly known as “Old opened onto another age. He could recruit corpses of her soldiers. The enemy dead had Slyboots”) brought to Blackmoor Castle to adventurers from out of the gate. been carried off, and Rissa Aleford and her explain his fraternization with a sect that had companions had vanished into the depths of proved itself an enemy of the crown. the Great Dismal Swamp. After a lengthy interview, in which Uther made it clear that Haruska would either help THE SPOOK PONDERS rescue Rissa or be shortened by a head, Old Slyboots spilled all that he knew about the or- Svenny and his men did find one possible der. Unfortunately, his knowledge did not in- clue, though its significance was unclear. clude the location of its headquarters since he When they examined the bodies of the dead was blindfolded and taken by a roundabout soldiers at the sight of the ambush, they found beside one a curious cloak brooch un- way during his one visit to the Monks of the Swamp. But the thief admitted that he had like any they had ever seen. It was in the been retained by the order to recruit some shape of a frog holding in its mouth a small henchmen from the realm’s small criminal struggling human figure. underworld. After only a modicum of stall- There was consternation in Blackmoor ing, Harusca supplied the name of his contact M hen Svenny returned with news of his fail- in Vestfold. ure. The king was as distraught as a man of According to Haruska, the “Froggies,” as his iron will ever allowed himself to be. But they were called within the Thieves’ Guild, there was a kingdom to rule, so he hid his were very active just now in recruiting both feelings and took the necessary action, ap- new members and hirelings for service at the pinting the wizard Jallapierie to take tempo- temple. Since recruits were conveyed to the rary control of the barony. temple under conditions of utmost secrecy, it Meanwhile, The Fetch’s agents pursued was unlikely that any could locate it, but per- their only clue-the brooch. After weeks of haps the king’s agents could tail them. Thus searching and questioning, they found an an- speculated Haruska. swer. A cleric in the city of Maus had seen a With this information in hand, the king similar brooch. It was the symbol of an ob- and The Fetch hatched a plot to infiltrate the scure century-old religious sect that had be- Order of the Frog and learn the location of its come active in the last few years. temple. They could use only agents who were The sect’s theology was peculiar, at best, not known in Blackmoor. Reliable agents and it had never attracted many adherents. long part of The Fetch’s organization might Basically, it preached that the existing senti- be recognized and arouse suspicion. On the ent species were all too weak and unadaptable other hand, the kind of locals who would ex- for long-term survival and must be sup- cite no suspicion would scarcely be reliable. planted by a new intelligent species bred Trusted men who were not known to the from-frogs. The sect’s “great work” was to Froggies would have to be found. cc:aselessly labor to create this new species. Once agents were selected, Old Slyboots Once success was attained, the church hierar- would be prevailed upon to introduce them to chy would govern the new race of amphibian the order’s recruiters. The agents would then “ superbeings.” travel to the temple as hirelings of the order. Since the sect had, until recently, been dis- Upon reaching their destination, they would creet in its activities, none could gauge its rescue Rissa and escape to the Barony of the size. In fact, little was known about it save Lakes, where they would give Jallapierie the that it was militant, mysterious and ruled by information he needed to locate and destroy a clerical brotherhood that resided in a frog- the the temple. Just to be on the safe side, a shaped temple somewhere deep in the Great second team of agents would track the ,first

4 BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE

This adventure begins with a meeting in the Comeback Inn at which The Fetch tells the sure hunt last year sent half the city on a “YOUrealize, of course, that this is re- PCh about Rissa’s loss and recruits them to wild goose chase after the Inn Between the ally stinking mutton. How do you eat this rescue her. However, before this meeting can Worlds, Corunglain has sort of fallen stuff?” take place, you must first bring the PCs to- apart. Service is lousy, the measures are Grimacing at the joint in her hand, she gether in the same room of the inn. Each of short, and the diversions are anything but takes another healthy bite, then nods to- the PCs can arrive at the inn in one of Black- diverting. ward her still-hooded companion. moor) and how that adventure ended. Each But here you be, waiting for something “YOUboys remember Veslo, right?” of these methods of arrival is detailed in one to break. Call it a hunch, if you like. A The person referred to nods in your di- of the three sections that immediately follow. whisper in the back of each of your heads rection. It is Veslo Meridan, the half-elven You may need to use more than one of the is telling you that Corunglain is where you woman who, like Malefor, is one of the top methods in order to bring everyone together. ought to be. Something, it says, is going to agents of The Fetch, lost Blackmoor’s Owe the PCs are all in the same room, use happen here. chief spook and your former host at the the fourth section in this part of the adventure Then Something does happen. Proba- Comeback Inn. Meridan leans against the to conduct the meeting with The Fetch. bly the last thing in the world that you’d wall with a kind of boneless grace that is In the back of this module, you will find a expect. It all starts one stifling hot morn- deceptive. Though she appears relaxed, list of prerolled characters who can be played ing in Cheap Street. You’re sitting in the her eyes never stop scanning the room, in this adventure. These are the same charac- common room of a dive called the Conviv- and her hand never moves more than a ters found in DA1 (Adventures In ial Cockatrice washing down a very medi- few inches from the sword that is visible B’ackmoor), but their characteristics have ocre breakfast with an even worse ale where her cloak hangs partly open. Before not been adjusted to reflect any changes re- when two vaguely familiar figures enter you can ask the elf to sit, Malefor resumes sulting from that earlier adventure. Before from the street. Despite the heat, both are her bantering, one-sided conversation. using any of them that you used in DA1, you muffled in hooded cloaks that hide their “So what have you lowlifes been doing, must make any appropriate changes in their faces. After a brief conversation with the anyway? Whatever it is, it can’t pay very levels or possessions. barkeep, they stride purposefully toward well. Mind if I have some of that ale?” your table. Without waiting for your answer, Malefor A REUNION IN CORUNGLAIN The foremost figure reaches into the grabs the ironstone pitcher from its tray folds of his robe and draws forth a gold and splashes a quantity of the bitter brew If you have played module DA1 (Adventures coin. With a flick of his hand, he tosses it into a pewter mug. The woman starts to IE Blackmoor), and one or more of the PCs onto the center of table, where it rolls in a take a long swallow, shudders, and then wio is participating in this adventure re- tight circle for a moment before coming to suddenly stops and slams the mug down turned to his own time at the end of that ear- a stop in a bare space between the dishes on the table’s scarred planks with a re- lier adventure, then use this section to bring of cold greasy mutton and roasted meal- sounding thud. She glowers at the pitcher to the Comeback Inn all PCs not in Black- ies. The coin is stamped with the profile of and then looks pityingly into your eyes. moor. At the start of play, all PCs who re- a bearded man. Wreathing the man’s face “Well, so that’s what ale tastes like in turned to their own time and who are are the words “Uther, Once And Al- the future. You have my sympathy. But, participating in this adventure are gathered ways.” listen. I didn’t come here to have my in an inn in the city of Corunglain. With stomach insulted. Veslo and I have got a them are any PCs who were not involved in The PCs should, of course, recognize this as a proposition for you folk, and, if what you the previous adventure, they are also present. Thonian coin from 4,000 years ago. say is true, we’ve traveled 4,000 years to These new PCs have fallen in with those PCs make it.” who were involved in the original adventure The man who tossed the coin now opens Malefor picks up the gold coin from the and have become their companions during a his cloak and throws back his hood to table, flips it in into the air, catches it and p,-olonged stay in Corunglain. At the start of show himself-and turns out to be no man holds it up before your eyes between the adventure, read this passage to those at all. Instead, before you stands a tall, thumb and forefinger. players whose PCs are in Corunglain. blond, blue-eyed female. Her name is “How’d you like to make a few thou- Ruda Malefor, and she is an agent of the sand more of these? No difficulties. Not It’s been a hot summer in Corunglain. No kingdom of Blackmoor, a realm that too much danger. Nothing very taxing. rain and a sun that by mid-morning has hasn’t existed for a good 3,000 years. All you have to do is take a little trip. In- the pavement hot enough to fiy an egg. Reaching out with a booted toe, this terested?” And out of the Broken Lands blows the lovely but deadly anachronism drags over kind of hot dry wind that makes mousy lit- an empty chair and sprawls into it with After some questioning by the PCs and more tle serving girls sharpen their kitchen her long legs stretched out before her. Too bantering conversation on her part, Malefor knives and speculatively eye their lovers’ stunned for words, you mutely watch as at last gets to the point. necks. she draws a dagger and deftly spears a None of you could say for sure why it is joint of mutton, which she proceeds to “I can’t tell you what exactly it’s all about you’re still in town. It can’t be Corun- munch enthusiastically. After a few bites, because I don’t know myself. All I can tell glain’s inherent charm because the place the woman speaks between mouthfuls of you is that The Fetch sent me to find you hasn’t got any. Since the great trea- greasy meat. and bring you in. He wants to talk to you

5 13EGINNING THE ADVENTURE

of DA1 (Adventures In Blackmoor). Once the PCs in their quarters at the Comeback himself. So. For making one more trip the players enter the inn, they must wait a Inn, where they have been spending a quiet through the gate and just listening to what short time for Alwyn. The witch appears after vacation as guests of the crown. Since The he has to say, he’ll pay you 3,000 gold 1-4 days, accompanied by six soldiers. Fetch has intended all along to use the PCs as pieces each. Those you keep even if you undercover agents, he has allowed the rumor Soldiers (6): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 6; hp 25 don’t like what you hear. And, if you do a to spread that they are being detained in little job for him, they’ll be a lot more. each; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- Blackmoor for further questioning in the That’s the deal. A week or so on the bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F6; ML 10; AL matter of the king’s abduction. Meanwhile, L; XP 60 each. trail-then through the gate-then have a they have had the run of the inn and the short talk with Fetch, pick up your 3,000 The soldiers wear blackened armor and black town, having a good time at crown expense. yellow ladies, and get a decent meal. tunics emblazoned with the silver Hawk of Now The Fetch is ready to collect a service in Then, if you don’t like the proposition, we Andahar. Each soldier has 20 quarrels and exchange for all of the gold he has spent. Just pop you back through the gate to your carries 10 gold pieces. These are Uther’s before The Fetch arrives for his meeting, any own time. End of story.” guardsmen, and they are assigned to protect PCs who were not involved in the previous Alwyn and the amulet. They take their orders adventure or who did not stay in Blackmoor If the PCs remind Malefor that they can’t from the witch. If Alwyn is killed or incapaci- when it was over arrive at the Comeback Inn exit the inn where the gate is located, Malefor tated, they take their orders from Malefor. If and join the PCs already there. zssures them that it’s all taken care of. At the Malefor is killed or incapacitated, they take Fetch’s request, Fredigar Cripps has made their orders from Meridan. A MEETING IN GLANTRI Malefor and Veslo honorary employees of the There are two situations in which you will Rlackmoor Comeback Inn for the duration of Immediately upon arriving, Alwyn gathers their present mission. As such, they can get up the party and tries to get them through the need to use this section. the players in and out of the building contain- gate into Blackmoor. The soldiers stay with 1. If you have not as yet played module DA1 ing the time gate. Alwyn, letting the PCs go through the gate (Adventures In Blackmoor), you can still If the PCs ask how Malefor and Meridan first. The witch’s first attempt to get to Black- play this module by using this section to in- moor fails spectacularly, and the party steps managed to find them, Malefor explains that troduce the PCs to Blackmoor. However, out of the gate and into the lower cellar of the Jallapierie and Mwyn Morland figured out please note that once a character is used dur- Inn Between the Worlds (Room 8 how to use the amulet that controls the gate, on the DA! ing play of DA2, you will be unable to use and popped them through at a time that they floor plan) where it is attacked by two fire gi- that character to play DA1. If you decide to judged to be a few weeks after that at which ants and six hellhounds. go ahead and play this module without hav- the PCs returned home. Alwyn will be pop- Fire Giants (2): AC 4; HD 11 + 2*; hp 48 ing played DA1, use this section to introduce ping through the gate in a few weeks to pick each; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (battle the players to Blackmoor. them up and take them to Blackmoor. The axe); Save F11; ML 9; AL C; XP 60. 2. In the unlikely event that all of the PCs only problem is that she isn’t quite sure of the Each fire giant carries a big, double-bitted who played DA1 were killed or remained in cxact setting to use for the return trip, so battle axes and wears heavy bronze ar- there may be a little (not much) trial and er- Blackmoor at the end of that adventure, use mor. this section to introduce any desired new PCs ror involved. to Blackmoor. If the players don’t readily agree to come Hellhounds (6): AC 4; HD 4; hp 16 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1 bite or 1 breath; D back to Blackmoor, Malefor continues to ar- At the start of this adventure, all of the new gue until she finally breaks down their resist- 1-6 or special; Save F4; ML 9; AL C; XP PCs are gathered in an inn in the city of Glan- ance. Then she insists on starting the journey 175 each. tri, shown on map #2 of the D&D@Expert immediately since she and Veslo have their Once the fire giants and their hellhounds are Set, Read this passage to those players whose horses and a couple of pack mules loaded with disposed of, Alwyn again tries to reach Black- PCs are in Glantri. food standing outside. moor. This time, she is successful. and the After a short trip through the Broken party arrives safely in the lower cellar of Glantri. End of the short but dangerous Lands, the PCs and the two agents reach the Blackmoor’s Comeback Inn. From there, the road from Corunglain. After a dreary Inn Between the Worlds. If all of the PCs PCs making up the party are taken to their week guarding a fat spice caravan as it participating in the adventure are part of the old rooms on the inn’s second floor for a re- crawled through the blasted moonscape of party, then you can run this journey as part of union with those PCs who stayed in Black- the Broken Lands, its good to get back to the adventure, complete with random en- moor at the end of their previous adventure. civilization. Now, you can spend a few counters as per the D&D@Expert Set. If, any weeks relaxing, gathering the news and of the PCs are not part of this party, then you A SUMMONS IN BLACKMOOR squandering the small fortune in gold you cihould not describe the journey to the Inn Be- If you played the first module in this series, got for playing bodyguard to that nervous tween the Worlds. Instead, simply tell the merchant and his wares. At least, that’s players that after a journey of about a week any PCs who survived and stayed in Black- moor are now residents of that land. Rissa your plan. I hey reach their destination. Then something happens that changes disappears a month after the end of the pre- A recent rockfall has left a new path to the your prespective on the situation. Late vious adventure. A month after that, Uther lop of the chimney on which the Inn Between one dark, misty night, you’re sitting in an ihe Worlds sits. The inn, itself, is as described and The Fetch hatch their plot, and, shortly thereafter, The Fetch requests a meeting with in the FURTHER ADVENTURES section

6 BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE

eyed female. Beneath a silver-gray elven going to miss. As to why they attacked cloak, she wears a fine shirt of gleaming you, it’s very simple.” chainmail. At her side hangs a heavy- Dropping the shell of the pomegranate looking sword of archaic pattern. on the floor, the woman reaches into her The lady ignores you while she uses a purse with her left hand and draws forth a wickedly curved dagger to dig the seeds coin, which she tosses onto the table with a from a pomegranate she is holding in her flick of her wrist. The coin rolls in a tight left hand. After a moment, she ever so circle for a moment before coming to a carefully lifts the razor-sharp blade free of stop. There is a stunned silence. Staring the pomegranate and uses it to feed a row up at you from the coin is the the profiled of fleshy blood-red seeds into her open face of a bearded man. Wreathing it are mouth, throwing back her gold-crowned the words “Uther, Once And Always.” head to let the sweet red juice trickle down The strange coin is the same as the gold her throat. When she lowers her head, a pieces you took from your assailants, and stream of carmine juice stains her chin, it is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. and she smiles insolently like some great As you puzzle over this turn of events, the hunting cat that has just tasted the first blond woman pulls up a chair, sits at your blood of a new-killed antelope. table and slides her dagger back into its Stepping into the room, the woman boot sheath. Looking up at you from this once more worries at the pomegranate. As vulnerable position and lacing her fingers she walks toward you, digging away at the behind her head, she breaks the silence. fruit, another tall gray-cloaked figure si- “That trash there attacked you because lently steps into the vacant doorway. The I hired them to.” Having said this, the newcomer has a hood pulled low over his woman glances at each of you in turn, as if face and holds a cocked crossbow, which daring you to object to the fact that she has he keeps aimed at you but makes no move nearly gotten you killed. Evidently satis- to use. fied with what she sees, she nods her head “As to who this carrion was:’ the blond and continues. woman says, toeing aside the body of one “My partner and I,” she says, waving of your late assailants,” he and his friends toward her companion in the doorway, were just some local talent that nobody is “are looking for a few good men. I was

7 BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE

told that you boys qualified. But I had to any place within it, but the mysterious refuse is gone, as is the faint odor of decay be sure. That merchant whose spice boxes Ruda Malefor and her companion take that seemed to permeate the room you just you just brought in was singing your you by roundabout ways that leave you left. This room is clean and neat and occu- praises tu anyone who would listen down lost and confused. pied by a much larger troop of soldiers. at &he Merchants’ Consortium. Seems FiLally, after almost two weeks, you Though they are dressed like the soldiers you folks routed a few nasty critters along climb a tall chimney of broken rock that in the room you just left, they are not the the way from Corunglain and refrained looks very much like a dozen other rock same men! from stealing the gentleman’s wares as formations that you have passed during As you are puzzling this out, Veslo, the you easily could have. That tells me that the last fortnight. But at the top is a shal- soldiers you just left, and the short female you are co low bowl ofblack stone, and sitting square in men’s clothing enter the new chamber. fat mercha nts aren’t exactly the best judge in the middle of the bowl is a two story The female momentarily turns toward the of fighting men, I had to see for myself. So building. The signboard in front of the wall of fog and fiddles with her amulet. I hired thi s riffraff to take you on where I building proclaims that it is “The Come- Facing Malefor, she says simply, “the gate could watc:h from the street. And, I must back Inn.” is shut.” say that y()u are every bit as good as that This, says your grinning blond %guide,is At that Malefor heaves a small sigh and great tub (if guts said you were. Anyway, your destination. With hardly a pause, embraces all of you with her eyes. A smile I’ve got a proposition for you. Want to she leads you through an open door and touches her lips as she speaks. hear it?” down a ramp into the dark interior of what “Welcome to Blackmoor. I hope you’ll seems to be a stable. From there, you understand when I tell you that I’ve not Presumably wind your way through a series of corri- been exactly straight with you. Oh, our the blond 7 dors until, at last, you come to a long, agreement is still good. You’re here to lis- some object rock-walled room littered with refuse. In- ten to a proposal, and if you don’t like it, party. Oncc side an archway in the room’s north wall you can go back to that tavern where I presents her boils a luminous fog. found you-richer by 3,000 gold pieces. Half a dozen soldiers lounge about the But there is one thing that I didn’t tell “I’m Rucla Malefor. My partner over room. They wear blackened armor and you-since had I done so, you’d have there is Ve slo Meridan. She and I work for carry silver shields emblazoned with a thought me just a trifle fey. a man called The Fetch. You’ve never black hawk. A short, boyish-looking “My apology, my friends. But you are heard of 1him. He takes care of special woman in elegant men’s clothing stands no longer in your own world. Or, at least, problems 1“or a realm that I’m sure you’ve before the archway. She is holdine; an am- let’s say that you are no longer in your never visit ed. Anyway, we have a special I ulet in one hand and concentrating might- own time. Where-rather, when-you problem tliat needs the attentions of some ily on it, touching its face from time to are is in a time some 4,000 years before folks like >Tou . time and mumbling to herself. Suddenly, your birth. We are in the cellars of the More thIan that, I can’t say. Except that she looks up, mumbles more loudly, and Comeback Inn, which sits beneath the if you’ll take a little trip with me, we’ll see turns in your direction. With a curt ges- castle of Blackmoor in the realm of Black- my boss a nd he’ll tell you about the deal ture, she motions you forward. moor, and I am an agent of his majesty himself. ’I ’he trip should take about two As you look questioningly at each other, Uther I, king of Blackmoor. That fog we weeks, and he’ll pay each of you 3,000 you notice that Ruda Malefor has tied a walked through is a gate in time that we gold piece‘s to make it. That’s yours to rope around her waist and is stalking to- used to bring you back to our age. When keep even if you don’t like what you hear. ward the arch. Dropping the hempen coils you are through here, we’ll use it to take And, if you do this little job for him, at her feet, she hurriedly instructs you to you back to your own age again-or you they’ll be a lot more. That’s the deal. A grab the rope before entering what she can stay here and make a place in our calls “the gate.” Once inside, she says, time. For now, though, a night’s sleep, couple of 1weeks on the trail-then have a short talk with The Fetch and pick up you must keep hold of the rope and walk and in the morning, you see The Fetch.” your 3,OO 0 yellow ladies. Then, if you straight ahead. With this caution, your don’t like the proposition, you’re free to guide turns and enters the roiling fog. A PROPOSAL IN CONFIDENCE head back here with no hard feelings and a Then, it is your turn. lot richer. The fog is cold. It burns like the driest When the PCs are gathered, The Fetch visits ice. Around you, a wind howls, carrying them in their rooms at the Comeback Inn. If the playe rs don’t readily agree to see The on its breath the sound of distant battles. After sharing a sumptuous breakfast laid out Fetch, Malt-far continues to argue until she As you stare to left and right, you can in their quarters, the old man leans back in dimly see fell monsters and decadent rev- breaks dow n their resistance. Once she does his chair and begins to speak. elers half hidden in the mists that boil so, read the following to the players: around you. From time to time, thunder assails your ears, and the swirling fog is lit simple problem, really. Blackmoor has a JU once again find yourselves in by an eldritch light. Finally, after a short lot of enemies. Some of them are very the Broke]n Lands. This blasted stretch of eternity, you step from the mists. country i sn’t really very big, and it dangerous. At the moment, we are facing The room before you seems to be the invasion from four directions. In this situ- shouldn’t same as the one you just left. But the

8 BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE

- ation, we need all the help we can get. The would be to catch the whole band in their Froggies are deathly afraid of him. He one thing we don ’t need is to lose any of lair and bag the lot for the headsman. was the one who started them running our better people. That’s where you come in. slaves. They raid our people and carry That, unfortunately, is exactly what has You see, we’re pretty certain that we them off for sale to the duchy and the em- happened. A few weeks ago, we lost a very know who the slavers are-but we can’t pire. They pay in letters of credit that the important war leader, a young woman seem to locate their base. We’re up against Froggies use to buy food and weapons. named Rissa Aleford. As Baroness of the a religion, you see. A secret order. Sworn The trade must be profitable. Rumor has L,akes, young Rissa has been our strong to silence. Very hard to penetrate. it that, in the last year, while we’ve been arm in the west for many years. It’s a Speaking of silence, you understand, of preoccupied with other things, the order rmgh territory. Mostly swamp and deep course, that what is said in this room, has doubled the number of people it sup- forest. Strong enemies on three sides. Not stays in this room. Whether or not you ac- ports at its base. much in the way of help that we could cept my proposal, you must keep it in con- In fact, the order is recruiting more send. But Rissa held her fief with less fidence. people right under our noses. Not mem- trouble than others have had holding Right. Here it is then. Maybe 150 years bers. Just hirelings. Adventurers, thieves, more settled lands. ago, we had a cult crop up here in the fighting men-all types of bold rascals. There was one aspect of her situation, North. Called itself the Order of the Frog. Apparently, Saint Stephen is assembling a though, that neither Rissa nor anyone else Founded by a handful of dotty old small army at his base, a place they call was able to do anything about. We be- scholars. Seems these chaps had come to the City of the Frog. Unfortunately for came aware of it a few years ago, but its the conclusion that all of us sentient folk this Stephen fellow, we have found a importance was lost in the press of other were, shall we say, a bit outmoded- means of sending some of our own people matters. Until recently, we were occupied thought that the frogs would inherit the to his recruiters. fighting a rather desperate war, and, after earth-decided to labor toward that end. Our idea is to use our contact to get you that, we had some other difficulties. Any- Nasty bit of nonsense, of course. Not recruited by the order. We’d use our own way, this matter didn’t seem all that seri- many people took the weird old Froggies people, but they might be recognized. ous at first. seriously, then. But when the wee ones You, on the other hand, will be fresh faces Now, well-slavery has always been a started to turn up missing, it seemed a bit who will be in no danger of discovery. Af- blight on the land, and it’s become a seri- more dangerous than silly. You see, our ter it recruits you, the order will send you ous problem in the last half-year. Here in funny little Froggies were into some very to the City of the Frog. Once you get Blackmoor, it’s illegal. But the Thonian nasty practices, after all. Human sacri- there, you will search out and rescue Rissa Empire lives by slave labor, and so do fice, and such. Anyway, some of our peo- and as many of our people as possible. some of our other neighbors. Over the last ple got uncommonly upset over having Don’t worry too much about getting them few years, we’ve seen more and more their children done in for the sake of a out of the swamp. Just get clear of the city. slavers operating out of the swamps along bunch of spotted croakers. In fact, they We’ll have another team following you. oxsouthern and western borders, prey- hung a fair number of the senior Froggie Once you’re clear, they’ll get you home. ing on our people. They used to content types before the rest of that lot packed up They will also, by the way, guide a troop themselves with taking a traveler now and their vestments and went to live in the of soldiers to the place and clean it out a!;ain or raiding an occasional farmstead, Great Dismal Swamp. once and for all. but lately they’ve been hitting some fairly After that, the order dropped from That’s the mission. The pay is-well- big villages. Our agents in Thonia and the sight. Oh, every now and again, there’d generous. Shall we say, 1,000 gold pieces duchy report that our people are being be a rumor that some of the old boys were for each of you if you locate the city, bmght and sold at a slave market hidden still alive or that the order was recruiting 10,000 if you rescue the baroness and 500 somewhere in the Great Dismal Swamp. in the larger towns. But we never placed gold pieces per head for any other Black- With everything else that’s going on, much credence in such talk. moorians you get out? we might have ignored this situation a All that changed about five years ago. while longer. But not now. You see, young We didn’t know it at the time, but from The Fetch increases this offer by up to 50% if R.issa led a party of men after some slavers what we’ve heard since, there was some the PCs haggle. When money matters are set- who had just wiped out a village in her kind of change inside the order. It had sur- tled, he provides the PCs with a locket con- barony, and she somehow managed to vived, you see. For a century it had fes- taining alikeness of Rissa. He then ushers the stumble into an ambush. The lone survi- tered in that awful stinking swamp, three members of the backup team into the v3r informs us that she and her personal getting more and more eccentric and be- room and introduces them to the PCs. These gxard were taken by the slavers, and, ing gradually forgotten. And, then, some- NPC’s include: since her body wasn’t found on the field, one came along who had a head for ALWYN MORLAND we believe that report to be correct. leadership, and suddenly the order got ac- So. What we want to do now is get the tive again. Neutral l0thlevel magic-user; Str 12; Int 12; baroness back, along with any more of our We don’t really know much more. Our Wis 12; Con 18; Dex 18; Cha 18; AC 6; people who may be in the hands of these informers tell us that the man calls himself hp 28. scoundrels. It would be even nicer if we Saint Stephen and is some kind of for- could discourage them from future depre- eigner. He apparently has some very pow- This small, elegently dressed, boyish woman dations. What would make us truly happy erful magic at his disposal, and the is both magician and bard. Alwyn carries a - purse containing 30 gp, a jeweled dagger,

9 BEGINNING THE ADVENTURE worth 300 gp, and a backpack containing a silver amulets. A needle in the master amulet tures In Blackmoor), but these should be lantern, a flask ofoil, 10 iron rations, a tinder points toward the nearest attuned amulet that used only if you are playing this module as hox, and a water skin. She also has a magic is within 12 miles of it. The Fetch gives one of part of an ongoing campaign in Blackmoor. lute, inlaid with ivory and gold filigree and the smaller amulets to each of the PCs, thus set with a number of large, oddly shaped allowing the backup team to locate them. gemstones worth 9,000 gp. Once per day, by When the backup team has left, The Fetch playing the correct tune, the user can weave brings Miklos Haruska into the room and in- my one of the magic user spells charm per- troduces him. On the morrow, Haruska and son, sleep, hold person, charm monster, con- the PCs will take a short ocean voyage to fusion, or hold monster. Unbeknownst to Vestfold where they will meet a Froggie re- .Uwyn, the lute can be used in a similar fash- cruiter. Once Haruska has put the PCs in :on to cast an animate dead spell or to turn contact with the order, he will return to :he largest of the lute’s gems into a magic jar Blackmoor, He is unaware of the existence of :as per the magicjar spell). a backup team. In addition to the spells she can cast with MIKLOS HARUSKA - OLD SLY- her lute, Alwyn knows the magic user spells BOOTS detect magic, hold portal, read magic, detect evil, ESP, knock, dispel magic, flx phantas- Chaotic 12thlevel thief; Str 10; Int 12; Wis8; mal force, dimension door, polymorph oth- Con 13; Dex 15; Cha 10; AC 7; bp35; OL ers, remove curse, teleport, and wall ofstone. 66%; FT 62%; RT 58%; PP 75%; MS 64%; CW 98%; HS 50%; HN 1-5. RUDA MALEFOR Miklos Haruska (popularly known as “Old Lawful 10th level fighter; Str 12; Int 14; Wis Slyboots” in tribute to his reputed cunning) 13; Con 9; Dex 12; Cha 12; AC 4; hp 38. is Guild Master ofthe Thieves’ Guild of Vest- As The Fetch’s top agent, Ruda leads the fold. Miklos is a mercenary rascal, whose al- backup team. She wears elven boots and mg- legience is always for sale. That’s why the ged loosely cut pale gray traveling clothes. order bargained for his services in their re- Beneath these garments, she wears chainmail cruiting drive, and that’s also why neither armor. She is armed with a dagger and a The Fetch nor Saint Stephen trusts him. He sword + 1, + 2 against spell users and carries has only stayed alive this long because he has a backpack containing two water skins, 15 many contacts and is useful to all sides in the iron rations, a rope of climbing, a bag of bubbling kettle of Blackmoorian politics. holding containing 200 gold pieces and 100 Miklos is one of those dark, wiry types that silver pieces, a flask of oil, a lantern, a vial of tend to vaguely remind people of small, vi- holy water, and three holy symbols. cious rodents. Only a little over five and a half feet tall, he weighs a mere 145 pounds, VESLO MERLDAN none of it fat. His close-cropped black hair Lawful 10th level elf; Str 10; Int 14; Wis 11; frames a sharp-featured, ratty face domi- Con 12; Dex 13; Cha 9; AC 1; hp 37. nated by piercing black eyes. As if his appear- ance were not striking enough, Miklos tends Ruda Malefor’s constant companion is a re- to favor capes and cloaks of midnight blue clusive individual, who always wears an el- and black, cut in the old Imperial style that is ven cloak with the cowl pulled far forward to now rarely seen in the North. hide her face. Beneath her cloak, Veslo wears Miklos carries a throwing dagger +2, a plate mail + 1. She carries a shield + 1, a sil- sword + 1, a crossbow with 15 quarrels + 1, ver dagger, a longbow with 15 arrows + l, a and a backpack containing his thieves’ tools, sword +2, and a purse holding 40 gold 15 iron rations, a 50’ length of rope, an elven pieces. She also has a backpack containing a cloak, a lantern, a flask of oil, a tinder box, lantern, a flask of oil, 15 iron rations, a 50‘ two water skins, a steel mirror, a holy symbol, length of rope, a tinder box, two water skins, and a bag of holding that contains 800 gold a steel mirror, and a holy symbol. pieces. In addition, he has two magical heir- Veslo knows the magic user spells holdpor- looms of which he is secretly quite proud. tal, light, sleep (x3), invisibility, knock, web, One is the magic ring that he acquired mirror image, dispel1 magic, ffx lightning from the Monks of the Swamp. The ring bolt, remove curse, wall of fire, and teleport. holds one use each of three spells: confusion, According to The Fetch’s plan, the members massmorph, and wall of fire. of the backup team will secretly track the PCs Miklos’ other heirloom is an amulet that he from Blackmoor to their destination. In order wears constantly and that seems to negate to assist them in this task, they have a large any spell cast on or at him. This item has ad- silver amulet that is attuned to a set of smaller ditionalproperties described in DAl (Adven-

10 RUNNING THE ADVENTURE

Oice the PCs accept The Fetch’s proposi- * The fact that the temple has an amazing unless and until the PCs try to force the or- ticin, they must get recruited by the Order of array of “magic” (e.g., technological) de- der’s recruiter to give them information or thz Frog, travel to the City of the Frog, locate vices and that the temple’s doors and gates otherwise help them. Rissa, and escape. This part of the module open only to certain monks. describes their recruitment, their journey to Once you are inside, the little man closes thz city, and the workings of the order. TRAIL OF THE FROG the door and shoots home a bolt. Then, he seats himself at the head of the table, mo- When the PCs are done questioning tioning you to take the remaining seats. OUT OF BLACKMOOR Haruska, read this passage: When you are seated, he questions you Read this passage to the players after they closely, firing his queries like quarrels, his mzet Haruska. Your opportunity to probe Haruska comes gravelly voice snapping like a bowstring. to an end when, at dusk on the day after Before dawn the following morning, you you set sail, you reach the walled town of Once Jons has asked each PC a few question are hustled aboard a waiting boat at Vestfold. Here, you are to meet the man concerning his origins, travels, and skills, he Blackmoor’s Old North Dock. Your goods that Haruska says is the Froggie recruiter makes an offer. are already on board. Your horses stay be- to whom he has been told to bring any hind in the care of the proprietor of the candidates that he locates. After two days The pay is 200 gold pieces per month all Comeback Inn. at sea in a miserable little boat, warm food found. Do well and they’ll be more. We The two-day passage from Blackmoor and a soft bed would be much appreci- need captains as well as soldiers, and you to Vestfold is spent practicing your cover ated, but Haruska marches you directly might be just what we’re seeking. We have :tory under the able direction of your from the docks through a maze of twisty a temple in the swamp southeast of here. companion, Miklos Haruska. The cover alleys and crooked passages to a scarred That’s where we need men. If you join us, devised for you by The Fetch is that you door on a back street in the weavers’ dis- a boat, the Gretchin’ Fetchin’ is leaving come from a land far across the northern trict. for there in a few hours. I’ll want you on seas where barbarous warfare is common. it. Agreed? Having contracted your services to the At his knock, a small peephole in the door losing contender in a power struggle, you opens a crack and someone demands to know If the PCs don’t agree, Jons doubles the found it expedient to steal a small ship and your business. Haruska gives his name and money offer, but remains adamant that they flee to another land across the wide North says that he’s “come with men for Stephen.” must take the boat that is leaving for the tem- Sea. A month ago, you were shipwrecked The peephole shuts with a thud, and the door ple this night. Once matters are settled with on the eastern coast of Blackmoor. Since opens wide. A gray, wizened, perfectly bald his recruits, Jons turns to Haruska. not much is known of the lands across the little man ushers you into a dimly lighted North Sea, you can speak of the lands in room that is bare except for a long table your own time as if they existed in this flanked by a dozen chairs. A pair of candles in Alright, Haruska. They look good. You age, and none will be the wiser. Haruska cheap pewter holders gutter atop the table. can have 500 a head for bringin’ ’em in- tpends much of the voyage asking you As Haruska passes your host, he greets him payable at the end of their first month. questions to satisfy himself that this ap- as “Jons.” But, before you go, there’s one other proach will, indeed, work as planned. thing. Stephen wants to talk to you. Now. Jons: AC 9; HD 3; hp 9; MV 120’ (40’); #AT And just as Haruska questions you, so I’ve got orders to send you along the next 1; D 1-4 + poison (poisoned dagger); ,vou get to question Haruska. time you brought in some new meat-and Save as normal man; ML 12; AL N; XP this is the next time. So you’ll be going 35. Jons’ purse contains 30 gold pieces along with your friends. At this point, give the players a chance to ask and a ragged scrap of parchment contain- Haruska any questions they want about the ing the notation “Gretchin ’ Fetchin ’- Haruska, who is obviously unhappy at this C ty of the Frog. Sensitive to the fact that the Kelpie Wharf-midnight.” Characters continued conjunction of his head and neck turn of events, at first tries to argue that he who fail to Save vs. Poison when stabbed has previous commitments, then finally gives depends on the outcome of this mission, he by Jons sustain 4-16 points of damage. arswers as truthfully and completely as he in when Jons tclls him that the deal is off if he can. Haruska does not, of course, know the Jons is the order’s primary recruiter in Black- doesn’t go along. Knowing that his head is cil y’s location. But he does remember its lay- moor, but he is a mere hireling who is kept ig- going to come off if he ruins this deal, he be- out. Information that he can provide in- norant of its operations. In order to ensure comes a reluctant member of the PCs’ party, cludes: that he can’t reveal anything that he does find actively participating in the rest of the adven- out, he is conditioned just as if he were a ture. In addition to using his abilities on be- * A description of the city and temple that member of the order (see the Heart of Dark- half of the party, you can also use him as a includes little information on Frog Town ness portion of this module). mouthpiece to make suggestions and give the and none on the temple dungeon, but players hints. much material on the aboveground temple If the PCs attack Jons, he fights until sub- dued or killed. If they subdue and question and the outer bailey. Once it is settled that Haruska will accom- him, he dies as a result of his conditioning be- pany you, Jons gives you directions to the * A very general rundown of the order’s fore telling them anything. The encounter Kelpie Wharf where you will find the structure that includes some information with Jons follows the course laid out below on the clothing and customs of the monks.

11 RUNNING THE ADVENTURE

Tehn and his eight crewmen sleep on the open 5 Giant Crocodile(1): AC 1; HD 15; hp80; deck. When the boat is underway, Tehn mans MV 90’ (30’), swimming 90‘ (30‘); #AT 1 Tehn. When you inform Tehn that you are a stern steering sweep while four men per side bite; D 3-24; Save F8; ML 9; AL N; XP n2c-Pnp-s sent by Jons, he will take you pole the boat along. There is barely room for 1,350. and see to your needs. the crew on the tiny deck. Unless an en- 6 Giant Sturgeon (1): AC 0; HD 10 + 2; hp counter is taking place, the PCs are forced to 50; MV (swim) 180’ (60’); #AT 1 bite; D id of allowing themselves to be re- stay in the hold when the boat is underway, 2-20; Save F5; ML 9; AL N; XP 1,600. s planned, the PCs attempt to coerce both for reasons of security and to give the ey will have to locate the Gretchin crew room to work. During encounters, ev- Don’t let the boat be seriously damaged in themselves. This is a simple matter eryone on board is required by Tehn to be on these encounters unless it has been taken over ; down to the harbor and asking deck defending the boat. by the PCs (see below). If more than two However, at some time during their The trip to the City of the Frog takes 10 crewmen are killed in encounters, Tehn en- laruska disappears, having decided days, and consists of three legs. If you have a lists the PCs to help pole the boat for the rest tas done all that is expected of him. copy of module DAl (Adventures in BJack- of the trip. If Tehn is killed, a crewman re- ier they get directions from Jons or moor), you can use its color map of The places him. On the voyage’s tenth day, the Gretchin’ Fetchin’ themselves, the Northlands to trace the voyage and can mod- boat reaches the City of the Frog. to the boat just before it sails. ify the route taken if desired. Note that this It is possible that the PCs may take control map’s scale is 12 (not 24) miles per hex. If you of the boat or, even, leave it altogether. If they t you locate Gretchin’ Fetchin, don’t own DAl, measure the voyage in days try the former, Tehn and his crew fight to the up alongside a crumbling stone and legs as outlined below. death. Add 1-4 days to each leg of the trip if an out-of-the-way corner of the the PCs take over or leave the boat or if Tehn 1. The trip’s first leg takes the boat up two . The vessel is a flat-bottomed and all his crew are killed. At the end of this slow-moving channels (the Barleycorn River 10’ wide with extended trip, the PCs encounter one of the tbout 30 feet long and and Draco Channel) to a broad lake (the of maybe two feet. There is no order’s slaver parties composed of 32 slavers, Lake of Mists). It lasts three days, and you -only a hold that can’t be much two slaver captains, and 10 swamp rats in 12 needn’t check for encounters during it. han eight feet deep. When you ar- canoes. er crew of eight is taking on board 2. The second leg consists of one day spent Slavers (32): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 2; hp under sweeps crossing the lake in a dense fog. of a pile of mealy bags. A tall, bur- 8 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-4 During this leg, check for encounters once by n with a shock of flaming red hair (sling) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 7; AL rolling ld6. An encounter occurs on a roll of Toice like rusty nails falling down a N; XP 20 each. Jipe is cursing the crew to greater 5-6. Slaver Captains (2): AC 7 (leather armor); -~ 3. Throughout the third leg of the voyage, HD 4; hp 16 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; the boat is inside the Great Dismal Swamp. It -haired man is Captain Jarad Tehn. D 1-8 (sword); Save F4; ML 8; AL N; XP first travels down a sluggish channel called 75 each. 2s tell Tehn that they have been sent the Big Muddy for four days, then spends an- (whether true or not), he takes them other two days on Loch Gloomen in the cen- Swamp Rats (10): AC 7 (leather armor); HD but insists that they stay in the hold ter of the swamp. You must check for 5; hp 20 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1- s almost full of mealy bags) while the encounters once per day during this leg. An 6 (bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F5; ML 9; inderway. If the PCs don’t mention encounter occurs on a roll of 4-6. AL N; XP 175 each. tme, Tehn and his crew don’t allow board, fighting to keep them off the To find the encounter type, roll ld4 if the PCs If the slavers become aware that the PCs are if necessary. Captain and crew are are in the Great Dismal Swamp (third leg) new recruits, they blindfold them and escort ned just as if he were members of the and ld6 if they are not (second leg). them to the City of the Frogs as comrades. ee the Heart of Darkness portion of Otherwise, they try to make them prisoners 1 Large Crocodiles (4): AC 3; HD 6; hp 24 and carry them into the city as slaves. iule) . each; MV 90‘ (30’), swimminq 90‘ (30’); shn: AC 7 (leather armor); HD 4; hp #AT 1 bite; D 2-16; Save F3; ML 7; AL HEART OF DARKNESS AV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); N; XP 275 each. At the end of their journey, the PCs slide F4; ML 12; AL N; XP 75. Tehn’s 2 Harpies (8): AC 7; HD 3”; hp 12 each; 2 holds 30 gold pieces. MV 60’ (2Q‘), flying 150’ (50‘); #AT 2 down a winding channel and into a sheltered :n (8): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 2; claws + special; D 1-4/1-4/1-6; Save F6; cove on Loch Gloomen’s Frog Island. Hid- den from the lake by dense stands of towering 0; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 ML 7; AL C; XP 50 each. sbow or short sword); Save F2; ML 16O-foot royal crown palms and moss-hung LLN; XP 20. Each crewmen carries a 3 Giant Leeches (4): AC 7; HD 6; hp 24 cypress trees, this cove is the secret headquar- t sword and a purse containing 20 each; MV 90‘ (30’); #AT 1 bite; D 1-6; ters of the Order of the Frog. After creeping pieces. In addition, one crossbow Save F3; ML 10; AL N; XP 275 each. past Frog Town, the PCs turn into The Ha- one case of 20 quarrels per crewman 4 Lizard Men (8): AC 5; HD 2 + 1; hp 10 ven (1-23) and edge up to one of the docks. acketed to the boat’s low gunwales for each; MV 60‘ (20‘), swimming 120’ (40’); Here, they are met by the Harbor Master. If n emergencies. #AT 1 weapon; D 1-6 (spear); Save F2; they arrive as recruits, he has an acolyte ML 12; AL N; XP 25 each. guide them (and Haruska, if he is along) to

12

_-____-I_- RUNNING THE ADVENTURE guest cottage 25L, where they are temporar- a desperate gamble. installed in the temple. ily lodged. If they arrive as prisoners, they Speaking with all of the hauteur that he The Chief Keeper: The only saint who is not are stripped of their clothing and possessions, could muster, he informed them that he had an alien is Sefton Bril, the Chief Keeper. His fitted with leg irons, and sent to the slave pen come on a fiery comet to lead them to the Keepers of the Frogs are a power unto them-

(1 ~ 17A). light of true knowledge. Though he had no selves inside the order, and Stephen has The PCs have now attained the first of idea at the time of what exactly the monks found it politic to leave Bril’s authority un- might consider to be “true knowledge,” it their goals, reaching the City of the Frog. touched and his keepers unconditioned. Bril sounded good, and he carried it off with pa- Now they must locate and rescue Rissa. Supervises the keepers and runs the lower Stmding in their way are the Monks of the nache. The monks made Stephen and his dungeon as a private realm. Swamp and many hundreds of their minions. companions honored guests. Their opposition, the Order of the Frog, is Within hours, Stephen had obtained an ac- Below the saints in Stephen’s new hierarchy led by a man of resource and ambition. High curate rundown on the order’s theology. are the inner circle monks, the order’s senior Priest Saint Stephen and his four sainted Within days, he had so awed his hosts with functionaries. Below them are the outer circle companions appeared out of nowhere and his technology (and a good line of patter) that monks who hold the low-level positions of au- took over the order five years ago. They now the order’s high priest had declared him a thority. The rest of the monks are acolytes, rule it with an iron hand. Though Stephen saint. A few weeks later, at his command and not yet entrusted with its secrets. The order arid his companions appear normal enough with enthusiastic encouragement from the or- also has many non-cleric members, lay (except for the slight greenish cast of their der’s leaders, the bewildered old High Priest brothers who do much of its dirty work and skin), they are quite literally not of this world. “joined the Frog,” and Saint Stephen re- most of its fighting. They are aliens, members of a scientific expe- placed him. His first official act was to put the Except for saints and keepers, members of dtion that crashlanded on this planet some monks to work salvaging his lifeboat. Since a the order are kept fanatically loyal to both the ycars ago. deep-space lifeboat is a large vessel that car- order and its head by periodic visits to the After the crash, a dispute arose among the ries everything needed to start a self- Mind of the Frog (7-63). Here, they are expedition’s members. Though their vessel sustaining colony, the material scavenged hooked up to an alien behavior modification was stranded and it might be years before from the wreck gave Stephen the wherewithal device that uses hypnotic conditioning to al- their distress beacon brought rescue, most of to turn the Order of the Frog into a very pow- ter their attitudes. the crew were against violating a service di- erful organization, indeed. The seemingly The effects of this alien conditioning are re- rfxtive a5ainst contact with primitive cul- powerful ‘‘magic” represented by its equip- flected in the morale of the order’s members. tiires such as that of Blackmoor. They wanted ment also helped Stephen to tighten his grip In addition, though they may speak loosely of tt3 enter suspended animation and await res- on the order. the order’s secrets when in the City of the cue. A minority, led by Security Officer In the five years since he appeared, Saint Frog and off-guard, no member will know- Stephen (“the Rock”) Rocklin, argued that Stephen has used his alien technology to re- ingly aid its enemies or betray its secrets to rescue was uncertain and that the crew might make the Order of the Frog. But alien tech- them. If he tries to do so, his conditioning be forever trapped in their sealed hibernation nology is not all that Stephen has brought to works like a geas cast by a 36th level wizard to chambers. This faction maintained that con- Frog Swamp. He has reorganized the order kill the individual. Finally, as a result of this tact with the locals would be the key to sur- along more efficient lines and placed his own conditioning, members of the order are im- uival if no rescue materialized. When the men in key positions. In the present hierar- mune to the effects of charm person, sleep, .:aptain and chief science officer overruled chy, Stephen is the order’s absolute ruler. Be- ESE hold person, and confusion spells. ‘hem, Rocklin and his faction mutinied. neath him is a council of five “saints” who The Keepers of the Frogs have a special rheir bid to take over the stranded ship carry out his wishes and help him rule. All status and an independent identity within the ailed, and a mere handful of them escaped in but one is an alien. They include: order. Ever since its founding, the order has I lifeboat. As they sped away, a loyalist sent a invested time and treasure in trying to de- The Rector: The current rector is Brand velop new breeds of frogs that combined ap- Hellbore missile after them. Try as they Kirk, one of Stephen’s companions, formerly might to evade the deadly seeker, it caught up propriate froggy traits with humanoid a hydroponics tech aboard the alien vessel. intelligence or other desirable qualities. Most with the lifeboat and knocked it down in Frog He handles the daily running of the temple. Swamp very near the Temple of the Frog. of their crude efforts have been dead ends, When the awed monks from the nearby The Chancellor: Chancellor Dygar Mendel, but some have seemed worth preserving. It is temple arrived on the scene to see what all of another of Stephen’s companions was for- the keepers who run the experiments and the noise was about, they found Stephen and merly a quartermaster’s mate. He now runs tend to their results. This work gives them his four surviving companions standing the City of the Frog and manages the order’s their special status, and they guard it jeal- amidst the wreckage in a state of despair. But financial affairs. ously. Only the saints, the inner circle, and the presence of potential danger, in the form the keepers know the details of this “great The Guardian: Stephen’s third companion, work.” At present, two species are under de- of the monks’ armed retainers, soon galva- Guardian Lynn Raupp was formerly assist- nized Stephen. Experimenting with his trans- velopment: the killer frogs and the frog folk. ant commander of Stephen’s security section. lator badge, he quickly found a setting that let She now commands the order’s small army of Killer Frogs him understand most of what the monks were soldiers, slavers and scouts. asking him. Then, realizing that the monks Armor Class: 7 were already impressed by the circumstances The Maps: Formerly an assistant engineer Hit Dice: 1 of his arrival, the size of his vessel, and the aboard the alien ship, Magus Willis Strom is Move: 90’ (30’) lovely froggy color of his skin, Stephen made in charge of “magic”-e.g., the alien devices Swimming 120’ (40‘)

13 RUNNING THE ADVENTURE

Attacks: 1 bite or 1 kick frog folk are equally at home in the water, and are identical to inner circle rings except that Damage: 1-811-6 can stay submerged indefinitely. they don’t open the doors to offices or quar- No. Appearing: 3-24 (5-40) ters occupied by saints. Mutating a human into one of the frog folk is Save As: Fighter 3 a lengthy and complex process involving the Acolytes: The 30 acolytes wear black-edged Morale: 11 injection into the human system of a con- white robes. Their rings are identical to inner ‘Treasure Type: Nil trolled virus that stimulates growth in desired circle rings except that they don’t open the Alignment: Chaotic directions. The armor class, hit dice, and xp doors to any of the water gates. XP Value: 10 value shown first above are for fuJJy mutated The Keepers: The 32 keepers wear green Killer fr0p.s are two to three feet long, and frog folk; the numbers in parentheses are for robes edged in yellow. They wear rings iden- partially mutated frog folk in the maturing have the same general characteristics as their tical to the chief keeper’s ring. The keepers pond (9-61). t,maller brethren. That is to say, they are also wear frog control rings similar to the cold-blooded water-dwellers who lay eggs. The frog folk are a source of friction in the or- master frog control ring worn by the chief However, their thick, mottled green skins of- der, since the keepers resent the ease with keeper. However, their rings have a range of fer the same protection as leather armor, and which they were developed using Saint only 60’ and are superceded by the master their heavy hind legs can propel them as Stephen’s “magic.” Before the frog folk came ring. If more than one of these rings is being much as 10 feet into the air and can deliver a along, the killer frogs were the pride of the used within the same area, their effects cancel lethal kick. They also have acute vision, be- temple, and the keepers were greatly re- out. ing able to see in. the dark almost as well as in spected and feared due to their ability to cre- The Lay Brothers: The lay brothers are at daylight. Their visual acuity makes them ate and control the little monsters. Now, wary of bright sunlight; they prefer cool, dark the lowest level in the order’s hierarchy. Saint Stephen has stolen much of their thun- caves, deep ponds, and sheltered swamps. There are 200 of them in the City of the Frog, der by so rapidly developing the frog folk. For 13ut their most unusual feature is a mouthful of whom 120 are assigned to the temple and this reason, Stephen and his fellow aliens are of sharp teeth. They are carnivorous and 80 to the outer bailey. Lay brothers not as- not loved by the keepers. signed to the temple can’t enter the temple have been conditioned to be man-eaters. The order’s structure is reflected in the Though unintelligent, the killer frogs are the except for religious services. Lay brothers dress and rings of its members. Rings are wear dark brown tunics and cloaks fastened pride and joy of the Keepers of the Frogs more than mere jewelry to the monks. All of since they were the first successful species to with a silver brooch fashioned in the likeness the visibile doors and gates in the temple and of a frog devouring a human. be developed. garden (including water gates, but not secret Frog Folk doors) are electronically locked at all times. The Hirelings: The order can also draw on They open only when approached by some- 200 hangers-on and hirelings in Frog Town. Armor Class: 6 (8) one wearing the correct ring. These rings Some 30 of these individuals are fishermen Hit Dice: 2+1(1+1) aren’t magical. Rather, they are miniatur- and trappers, experienced “swamp rats” Move: 90‘ (30’) ized transmitters that broadcast an I.D. code who serve the order as guides and keep the Swimming 120’ (40‘) read by a receiver in each door. When the re- city supplied with fresh meat and fish. An- Attacks: 1 bite or 1 kick ceiver reads the right code, it opens the door, other 80 are slavers, who are paid salaries or by weapon then closes it behind. plus bounties for participating in the slave Damage: 1-411-6 or by weapon raids, which are a source of both cash and ex- No. Appearing: 3-12 (6-36) The Saints: The six saints can be recognized perimental subjects. The rest are bawds, Save As: Fighter 2 (Fighter 1) by their crimson-bordered gold robes. Each publicans, and servants who aren’t paid by Morale: 8 saint, other than the chief keeper, wears a the order, but whose presence is tolerated by Treasure Type: D ring that opens all doors and gates in the tem- it. Frog Town’s residents can’t be identified A91ignment: Neutral ple and garden. The chiefkeeper’s ring opens by their garb or jewelry. XP Value: 25 (15) all doors and gates except those to Saint Stephen’s room (6-61) and the Mind of the Froggy Minions: There are about 140 killer The frog folk were developed at the direct or- Frog (7-63). In addition to his chief keeper’s frogs, 30 wholly mutated frog folk, and 30 parti- der of Saint Stephen, using some of the ring, he wears the order’s master frog control ally mutated frog folk in the lower dungeon. ‘magic” that he brought to the temple. Un- ring that lets him control all killer frogs The killer frogs are savage little monsters who !ike the keepers’ beloved killer frogs, which within 120’ as if he had cast a charm spell will attack anyone or anything unless con- ,are magically mutated representatives of over them. This ring’s effect supercedes that trolled. The keepers use their frog control rings rheir species, the frog folk derive from hu- of all other items or spells used to control to channel this froggy fury and keep the killers manoid stock and are the result of genetic killer frogs. subdued. The wholly mutated frog folk are con- surgery performed on the order’s captives. As ditioned by Saint Stephen and will fight fanati- .a consequence, they are a warm-blooded, in- The Inner Circle: The 16 inner circle monks cally on behalf of the order. The partially -:elligent, upright, bi-pedal, species, with wear gilt-edged crimson robes. Their rings mutated frog folk are not conditioned. They Mly articulated hands and opposable are identical to that of the chief keeper except hate the order for what it has done to them and thumbs. But they also have gills, webbed that they don’t open the doors to any any will aid in its destruction. All killer frogs and hands and feet, thick, mottled green skins, doors or gates in the lower dungeon. frog folk wear a plastic necklace containing a bulging eyes, exceptionally muscular legs, The Outer Circle: The 20 outer circle monks transmitter that can be used to trace them when and long, sticky forked tonges. Like frogs, wear white-edged black robes. Their rings they are in Frog Swamp. they lay eggs. Though they dwell on land, the

14 RUNNING THE ADVENTURE

This, then, is the Order of the Frog against minds (or their genes), Haruska (if he is with Swamp. Stripped of weapons, equipment which the PCs have set themselves. Sheer them) is in peril of his life. He has been and magic items, the prisoner is broug-ht to numbers and power make it a threat to them, brought to the city so that Saint Stephen can the temple and confined in the lower but their danger is even greater than they coerce him into agreeing to a partnership be- dungeon’s special treatment cell (9-71) with know. For the intentions of their foes are far tween the order and Haruska’s Vestfold Rissa. more sinister than the PCs understand. Thieves’ Guild, thus allowing the order to ex- There is a 50% chance that, having kept a pand its operations. Since mind control even- 2. close watch on the city and temple, they be- tually wears off, Stephen can’t simply JAWS OF DEATH come aware of any disturbance caused by the condition Haruska, get him to agree to the PCs actions and enter the city to lend their Ifthe PCs enter the city as prisoners, they are partnership, and let him go. Once the condi- aid, arriving just in time to help the PCs out automatically relegated to the status of tioning wore off, the thief might not abide by of some dangerous situation. slaves. After 1-4 days in the slave pen (1- the agreement. Therefore, if Haruska can’t 17A), they are shifted to the lower dungeon’s be talked into the agreement, Stephen plans 3. Regardless of whether events 1 and 2 oc- prep cell (9-73) where they are held for 2-8 to kill him and deal with his successor. cur, when the PCs reach the shore of Frog Is- days. After that, they are individually moved Saint Stephen is preoccupied with other land during- their escape from the city, the to the laboratory (9-57) where, in a one-hour matters when the PCs and Haruska arrive backup team’s riverboat appears to pick them operation, each PC is infected with a virus and can’t see any of them for 2-5 days. They up and convey them to safety as per the Es- that gradually turns him into one of the Frog thus have that much time in which to gather cape From Frog Island section. Folk over a period of six weeks. The PCs information and make their move. Once he spend their weeks of developing into slimy becomes available, Saint Stephen sees two green things locked up in a maturing cell (9- PCs per day until all have been examined. 81). He speaks repeatedly with Haruska during If the PCs enter the city as hirelings, they that time, refraining from making a decision are also candidates for membership in the or- on the thiefs status until after the PCs’ indi- der, though no one informs them of this fact. vidual fates have been decided. Saint Stephen individually interviews each Meanwhile, if they enter the city as re- new hireling to determine his suitability for cruits, the members of the party are treated membership. Interviews are held in the Mind as honored guests. They have the run of the of the Frog (7-63) with the PC hooked up to outer bailey and Frog Town, but can openly the alien conditioning equipment. If Stephen enter the garden and temple only to attend feels that the PC is unsuitable, the character relig-iousservices, which are open to everyone is unhooked and returns from the interview in the city (including- guests). That treatment without incident. continues until and unless they are caught vi- But there is an 80% chance that the alien olating security finds the PC suitable for recruitment into the Should the PCs discuss their true purpose order, in which case, he is conditioned to de- in front of one of their number who has been votion to Saint Stephen and the order. He . conditioned, their talk sets up a conflict in then rejoins the party, as if nothing had hap- which the conditioned PC makes a saving pened, having been conditioned to forget his throw to see if the conditioning is broken. If ordeal. The conditioning takes an hour, and he fails his saving throw, he starts a violent the PC’s memory of that hour is a blank. argument with the other players in which he A single bout of conditioning doesn’t turn defends the order and threatens to “report a character into a fanatic, place him under a your disloyalty to Stephen.” If not subdued seas, or confer immunity to spells. Such ef- by the other PCs or convinced that they are fects take 5-10 sessions. Instead, a single ses- joking or that he has misheard them, the PC sion has the same effect as a charm person makes good on this threat. spell except that the victim gets no saving With their own party divided and an order throw when first subjected to it, and its effects of hundreds of fanatics opposing them, the can’t be detected or affected by detect magic PCs could have a tough time of it. But they or dispel magic spells. Victims do get regular have some assistance. The backup team has saving throws to see if they throw off the ef- trailed them from Vestfold in its own boat (a fects of the conditioning. riverboat with a crew of 8, identical to the When all PCs have had their interview and Gretchin’ Fetchin,’ but without cargo or cap- returned to the party, those who were found tain). While the PCs are in the City of the suitable are inducted into the order as lay Frog, the backup team is hiding out in a small brothers. They stay in their guest cottage nearby cove. They can affect events inside awaiting further instruction. Unsuitable PCs the city in three ways: are sent to Frog Town to join the squad of slavers in shack 1-36E. 1. There is a 20% chance that one them is While the PCs are in peril of losing their captured while scouting the city from Frog

15 THE CITY OF THE FROG

The grandiosely named City of the Frog is ac- cates in the quicksand. bridges. In addition, three magical iron-barred tllally no city at all, but rather a small clois- The locals avoid the dangers of quicksand gates (at G1, G2, and G3) block passage both tcred settlement devoted to scientific and and deep water by using flat-bottomed ca- on the surface and underwater. The gates ex- magical studies and the adoration of the noes to traverse Frog Swamp. These allow tend below the water’s surface to the very bot- Frog. Hidden at the end of an inlet on the them to travel faster and at less risk, but only tom of the moat and extend five feet above the r.orthern shore of Frog Island, a tangled jun- slightly reduces the peril posed by the wild water’s surface. They are controlled by the $e of sawsrass and mangrove swamp in the swamp’s abundance of monsters. If the party magical rings carried by the order’s members northeastern part of Loch Gloomen, the city is traveling afoot, check for an encounter and are kept closed at all times. consists of four areas separated from each once every two hours; if in canoes, check once It is forbidden to enter the moat except other by walls or water barriers: the temple every four hours. To determine what the with the express permission of the monks. compound, temple garden, outer bailey, and characters encounter, roll 1d4, if it is day and This permission is granted only for purposes Frog Town. Each of these areas is detailed in id6 if it is night or if the Monks of the Swamp of making deliveries. Any unauthorized at- the following sections. This part of the mod- have released their minions. The result deter- tempt at traversing the moat is met by a gen- ule also contains details on the temple envi- mines the type of encounter. eral alarm and catapult and crossbow fire rons, including the moat and Frog Swamp, from the walls and towers of the temple com- Crocodiles (8): AC 5; HD 2; hp 10 each; the surrounding fen that is an extension of the pound and garden. Thus, it is possible to tra- MV 90‘ (30’), swimming 90’ (30‘); #AT 1 Great Dismal Swamp. verse the moat only at night or under cover of bite; D 1-8; Save F1; ML 7; AL N; XP 35 dense fog. Even on clear nights and foggy each. FROG SWAMP days, there is a 10% chance that characters Rock Python (1): AC 6; HD 5’; hp 30; attempting to swim the moat will be detected Surrounding the City of the Frog on the MV 90’ (30’); #AT 1 bite/l squeeze; D 1- and a 20% chance that a party traversing the north, west, and northeast is Frog Swamp, a 4/2-8; Save F3; ML 8; AL N; XP 300. moat in a vessel will be detected. These pestiferous fen populated by all manner of chances are halved if a crossing is attempted Giant Leeches (3): AC 7; HD hp 25 carnivorous horrors. The waters of the 6; during a foggy night. each; MV 1-6; swamp are generally two feet deep, though in 90’ (30’); #AT 1 bite; D Part of the moat abuts the curtain wall Save F3; ML 10; AL N; XP 275 each. some areas, their depth increases to four or around the temple and garden. The slippery, even five feet. Sinkholes up to six feet deep Giant Rats (10): AC 7; HD 1/2; hp 4 moss-covered, closely morticed stones of are common, and deeper holes are not un- each; MV 120’ (40’), swimming 60’ (40’); these walls are climbable, but only with great known. The uncertain footing in these slimy #AT 1 bite; D 1-3 + disease; Save as nor- difficulty; halve the success chance whenever waters makes travel on foot a constant agony mal man; ML 8; AL C; XP 12 each. All a thief tries to climb them. The banks of the of unexpected spills and unpleasant dunk- of the giant rats are diseased. moat that are not formed by the curtain wall ings. Anyone trying to traverse Frog Swamp are low and marshy, providing easy entry and Killer Frogs (12): AC 7; HD 1; hp 5 each; on foot has an 80% chance each hour of tak- exit. These banks are also choked with weeds MV 120’ (40’), swimming (30’); #AT ing a serious spill causing 1-4 points of dam- 90’ that provide cover. age. In 10% of these mishaps (50%, if the 1 bite/l kick; D 1-8/1-6; SaveF3; ML 11; The part of the moat east of G2, south of character is a dwarf or halfling), the water is AL C; XP 10 each. G1 and north of G3 is clear of all dangerous deep enough so that the character could Frog Folk (8): AC 6; HD 2 + 1; hp 10 life forms. There is a 40% chance that at- drown. The possibility of drowning in a mis- each; MV 90‘ (30’), swimming 120’ (40’); tempting to traverse any other part of the hap is 1 % for an unencumbered man wear- #AT 1 bite or 1 kick; D 1-4/1-6; Save F2; moat will lead to an encounter. To find the ing no armor or only leather armor. If the ML 8; AL N; XP 25 each. type of encounter, roll ld4, if it is day and ld6 character is wearing chainmail or plate mail if it is night or the Monks of the Swamp have or is otherwise encumbered, he has a 3% As if monsters and terrain were not enough, released their minions. The result determines chance of drowning. Frog Swamp, the City of the Frog which it sur- the type of encouter. rounds, and the nearby waters of Lake Dottinq the swamp at intervals of between Gloomen are subject to dense fogs that block Crocodile (1): AC 5; HD 2; hp 16; MV ren and a hundred yards are sand bars and out sun and stars and make it difficult to deter- 90’ (30’), swimming 90’ (30‘); #AT 1 bite; grassy hummocks of dry ground. The grassy mine direction. On any given day, there is a D 1-8; Save F1; ML 7; AL N; XP 35. liummocks are generally safe, but the sand 10% chance that there wiU be dense fog all day Crocodiles (2): AC 5; HD 2; hp 12 each; liars can be treacherous. Most are safe, but and night. There is an 80% chance that there MV 90‘ (30’), swimming 90’ (30‘); #AT 1 some are actually quicksand. Anyone trying will at least be fog all night and throughout the bite; D 1-8; Save F1; ML 7; AL N; XP 35 i:o traverse Frog Swamp on foot has a 5% morning. There is only a 10% chance that the each. chance each hour of stumbling into a patch of entire day and night will be clear. Characters at- (quicksand. If his companions throw him a tempting to travel through Frog Swamp during Crocodiles (4): AC 5; HD 2; hp 10 each; rope, extend a pole, or otherwise manage to periods of dense fog have a 50% chance of get- MV 90’ (30‘), swimming 90‘ (30’); #AT 1 rescue him within 2-8 rounds, the character ting lost during each hour of travel. bite; D 1-8; Save F1; ML 7; AL N; XP 35 survives the encounter. Otherwise, he has a each. 5% chance of locating an overhanging THE MOAT Crocodiles (6): AC 5; HD 2; hp 10 each; branch or other feature that he can use to pull MV 90’ (30‘), swimming 90’ (30’); #AT 1 himself free of the quicksand. If he is not res- Surrounding the temple compound and garden bite; D 1-8; Save F1; ML 7; AL XP 35 cued and doesn’t pull himself free, he suffo- is a 30-foot deep moat crossed by three draw- N; each.

16 THE CITY OF THE FROG

5 Killer Frogs (1 5): AC 7; HD 1; hp 5 each; 2. The Temple Courtyard each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-10 (po- MV 120’ (40’), swimming 90’ (30’); #AT learm) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; 1 bite or 1 kick; D 1-8/1-6; Save F3; ML This broad, perfectly flat courtyard is cov- AL C; XP 20 each. 11; AL C; XP 10 each. ered by a bed of rough white marble chips. Gatehouse 4B is just a 20-foot high solid lime- A short, wide, green-flagged limestone stone arch containing a 20-foot wide by 15- 6 Frog Folk (4): AC 6; HD 2 + 1; hp 10 foot high tunnel. each; MV 90’ (30’), swimming 120’ (40’); walk leads from the gatehouse to a flight of %AT 1 bite or 1 kick; D 1-4/1-6; Save F2; three low, broad steps leading up to the 5. The Southwest Tower ML 8; AL N; XP 25 each. doors of the temple. This windowless 30-foot high limestone Rmdom encounters with crocodiles, killer At night, electric floodlights affixed to the tower has an interior stair that spirals down frogs or frog folk have a 95 5% chance of draw- courtyardwall at 30-foot intervals keeps the the upper dungeon’s southwest stairwell (8-4) inr; the attention of the guards on the towers courtyard brightly illuminated. However, to the lower dungeon’s southwest barracks (9- in temple compound and garden walls. unless their attention is drawn by a distur- 63). Short stairs lead from the tower’s top to Characters in chainmail or plate mail or bance, the guards atop the compund’s towers the battlements on the south and west walls of who are otherwise encumbered have a 20% ignore the courtyard. the temple compound. Atop the crenelated chance of drowning if they fall into the moat. tower is a catapult that faces southwest. Two All other characters have only a 2 %I chance of 3. The West Dock soldiers are on duty atop the tower. drowning in this situation. While it is possi- Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 This low palmetto wood pier is just 10 feet bli: for unencumbered characters to swim the each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- wide, but it runs for mt3at, those who are heavily encumbered 60 feet along the outer bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL surface of the wall of the temple com- should not be allowed to attempt this feat, C; XP 20 each. since it implies traveling in a specific chosen pound. A sloping limestone lip projecting di-ection, not just staving alive while in the from the wall shelters the pier from the el- 6. The Southeast Tower water. Allowing a character in full plate mail ements. The wall, itself, is cut back to This windowless 30-foot high limestone make a shallow 10-foot deep by 40-foot jump into the moat with the intention of tower has an interior stair that spirals down long bay at the center of the pier. A 10-foot swimming it is an abuse of the swimming the upper dungeon’s southeast stairwell (8-9) square verdigrised bronze trapdoor is set rules. to the lower dungeon’s southeast barracks (9- in the center of this bay. 84). Short stairs lead from the tower’s top to THE TEMPLE COMPOUND the battlements on the south and east walls of The trapdoor is electronically sealed and far This 90-yard square walled compound built the temple compound. One soldier is on duty too heavy to tear open by main force. It opens atop the tower. att3p an outcropping of rock 200 yards from only to a saint’s ring, inner circle ring, or the lakeshore is a veritable fortress. Its 10- keeper’s ring, and leads to the lower Soldier (1): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8; foN3t thick limestone walls loom 20 feet over dungeon’s loading bay (8-46). All supplies MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (crossbow) the surrounding moat, and the gatehouse and enter the temple via this trapdoor. or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL C; fox- big corner towers top the walls by an- XP 20. otller 10 feet. A wooden drawbridge in the 4. The Temple Gate 7. The Northeast Tower gatehouse connects the compound with the The Temple Gate consists of two limestone temple garden. gatehouses connected by an oak drawbridge. This windowless 30-foot high limestone I. The Temple Building Gatehouse 4A is 30 feet tall, and contains a tower has an interior stair that spirals down pair of stairwells that lead to its top from the the upper dungeon’s northeast stairwell (8- 35) to the lower dungeon’s northeast barracks ’The order’s massive temple is built in the upper dungeon’s south concourse (8-1). Atop (9-77). Short stairs lead from the tower’s top likeness of a giant frog. Its windowless, this gatehouse are a pair of catapults (one fac- to the battlements on the north and east walls !;reen limestone walls soar 130 feet above ing west, the other facing east). There are two of the temple compound. Atop the crenelated Ihe temple compound. Between its front soldiers atop the gatehouse at all times. Two tower is a catapult that faces northeast. Two legs are a pair of monumental bronze more soldiers stand guard inside the 20-foot soldiers are on duty atop the tower. doors whose surfaces are blueish green wide by 20-foot high tunnel leading through the gatehouse to the temple courtyard. with verdigris. Here and there, greasy Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 Sunk into the right wall of this tunnel is a irmokes rmanate from vents in its sides or each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- -oof to mingle with the mists that cloak the smooth red plastic alarm button. Hitting this bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL (city. button causes the computer to sound the alarm C; XP 20 each. throughout the temple, drop an iron portcullis at the north end of gatehouse 4A, and start an 8. The Northwest Tower The temple is detailed in The Temple of the electric winch that raises the northern 20 feet of F,-og part of this module. The front doors are This windowless 30-foot high limestone the bridge between 4A and 4B. The portcullis electronically sealed except immediately be- tower has an internal stair that spirals down stays down, the bridge stays up until the com- fore and after services. They open to any of the upper dungeon’s northwest stairwell (8- puter resets them. Except during alarms, the the order’s rings. 39) to the lower dungeon’s northwest bar- bridge is down and the portcullis up. racks (9-74). Short stairs lead from the Soldiers (4): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 tower’s top to the battlements on the north

17 THE CITY OF THE FROG and west walls of the temple compound. Two AL C; XP 20 each. littered with 4,000 copper pieces, 2,000 silver smddiers are on duty atop the tower. 10. Guard Towers piece, and 260 gold pieces. Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 13. The Each of these windowless 30-foot high towers South Dock each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- contains a winding stair that spirals down to bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL an archway in the temple garden. The arch in This sturdy palmetto wood dock rests on C: XP 20 each. two-foot thick log pilings. tower 10A faces east; those in 10B and 1OC - face north. Short stairs lead from the tower’s THE TEMPLE GARDEN top to the adjacent battlements atop the walls \Yhen the first monks dug a moat around of the temple garden. There are two soldiers their new temple and a U-shaped canal from on duty atop each tower. The soldiers ring an Loch Gloomen to carry supplies to their alarm bell if they detect a problem. When- doorstep, the resulting channels drained the ever they sound one of these alarm bells, the water from a 90-yard by 180-yard segment of guards at the Temple Gate (1 -4A) and Bailey Frog Swamp. This area became a wooded Gate (1-14A) immediately press their alarm giarden, a stretch of solid ground over which buttons, and the guards at the Frog Gate (1- the monks could stroll for exercise and re- 9) quickly close their gates. freshment of the spirit. Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 Since various species of nasties kept wan- each; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- dering in from the nearby swamp and stick- bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL ing fang and claw into the soft-bodied monks C; XP 20 each. during their constitutionals, the brothers wentually walled this garden off from the 11. The Arbor swamp. Like the temple compound, the gar- den today is protected by a 10-foot thick, 20- The trellised walls of this whitewashed ar- joot high limestone wall. At the corners ofthe bor teem with rare species of climbing compound are four 60-foot square, 30-foot roses cultivated by Saint Stephen. high limestone towers formed by throwing re- i aining walls around part of the spoil gener- .ited by digging the canals and moat. Oak 12. The Lily Pond bridges connect the temple garden with the other parts of the “city.” This pond’s placid surface is liberally dot- There are always five lay brothers working ted with huge lilies, whose pads host in the garden during the day. scores of frogs of various species.

Lay Brothers (5): AC 9; HD 1; hp 4 each; The 20-foot deep pond also hosts a community of MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); nixies. These water sprites have Saint Stephen’s Save F1; ML 6; AL N; XP 10 each. permission to stay in the safety of the pond as 9. The Frog Gate long as they don’t bother the members of the or- der or their guests. The nixies have learned to THE OUTER BAILEY The Frog Gate consists of a stone gatehouse identify members of the order (including lay whose fxed oak bridge leads into the temple As the temple grew, the monks drained the brothers employed as soldiers) by their garb and swamp to the east of the temple and walled garden via a 10-foot square tunnel in the west- rings. will All others are fair game and be the area in with a barrier almost identical to ern wall. The gatehouse is 20 feet td, and has a charmed or attacked for mischiefs sake. pair of heavy oak gates that can be barred from that around the temple compound. Part of the inside. A pair of identical doors in the west- Nixies (10): AC 7; HD l*; hp 8 each; MV this area was a natural harbor, which became em wall of the garden can also be barred from 120’ (40’); #AT 1 + special; D 1-4 + the center of commerce between the temple the inside. The gate in the western wall is closed charm; Save El; ML 6; AL N; XP 13 and the Duchy of Ten. Since it sheltered the only in time of acute danger. The gatehouse each. order’s guests and trading partners in much gate is kept closed at all times. the same way that the outer compound of a The pond is too small to hold large numbers castle shelters the local peasants, the monks Inside the gatehouse, to the right of the of the giant bass that nixies usually keep, but gate, is a 10-foot square guard room. Oppo- took to calling the area “the outer bailey.” At they are attended by five of these fish, which present, this is a restricted area given over to site this guard room is a flight of stairs leading they can call to their assistance. to the top of the gatehouse. Two soldiers stand warehouses and guest cottages. guard atop the gatehouse, and another pair of Giant Bass (5): AC 7; HD 2; hp 8 each; MV During the day, five lay brothers work on soldiers occupies the guard room. (swim) 120’ (40’); #AT 1 bite; D 1-6; Save the grounds of the outer bailey (repairing F1; ML 8; AL N; XP 20 each. docks, cutting grass, etc.). Soldiers (4): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-10 (po- The monks have long used the nixies’ pond as Lay Brothers (5): AC 9; HD 1; hp 4 each; learm) or 1-8 (sword); Save F2; ML 10; a wishing well, and the muck on the bottom is MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); Save F1; ML 6; AL N; XP 10 each.

18 THE CITY OF THE FROG

15. Sentry Towers in the center of the west wall. If the players tion to a pitiful hobble. A bi-valve gate in manage to slip into this building and loot it, Each of these windowless 30-foot high towers the center of each pen’s eastern wall is se- they find 800 gold pieces and 2,000 silver ex’cept for 15-4, 15E, and 155 has an internal cured by a thick iron chain closed by a pieces in the lockers on the second and third stair leading to an arch that opens into the stout padlock. A bored sentry patrols the floors. outer bailey. The arches in towers 15B, 15C, perimeter of the pens. and 15D face south; those in 15F and 15G 19. Warehouses face east; those in 15H and 151 face north. The human beings in the pens are prisoners Each windowless, one-story, whitewashed Tower 15J has a wooden gate that connects of the order captured during slave raids and wooden warehouse is used to store a separate the outer bailey and Frog Town. The gate is destined to be placed on the auction block as category of goods. Warehouses 19A, 19B, open during the day, but closed and barred soon as a party of slave buyers arrives. and 19C all have a 10-foot high by 10-foot from the outer bailey side at night and during wide double door centered in the south wall. alarms. Prisoners (20): AC 9; HD 1; hp 3 each; MV The door to 19D is in its west wall. All doors :Short stairs lead from the tower’s top to the 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fists); Save as are secured with heavy iron padlocks. bartlements atop the outer bailey’s walls. normal man; ML 3; AL N; XP 10 each. Building 19A holds comestibles, including Atop each crenelated tower is a large barrel of Sentry (1): AC 7 (leather); HD 2; hp 12; MV 250 barrels of flour, 50 barrels of pickels, 200 lO.-pound rocks for use in repelling attackers. 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (crossbow) or 1-8 barrels of salted meat, 100 barrels of salted There are two sentries at the gate in 155 and (sword); Save F2; ML 8; AL N; XP 20. fish, 50 barrels of oil, 90 casks of wine, cider, one sentry atop each tower. The tower sen- 18. The Bailey Barracks and spirits, 20 casks of salt, 50 casks of trim ring alarm bells if they detect a problem. pressed fowl, 40 casks of sweet butter, 30 Whenever they do so, the officers and soldiers This three-story limestone building houses casks of molasses, 100 bags of sugar, and 50 in ihe bailey barracks man the walls within 3- two companies of troops, one on each of the bags of oats. With these items stacked to the minutes. 12 two top floors. The physical arrangement of rafters, there is barely room to move in the Tower Sentry (1): AC 7 (leather armor); HD each barracks room is similar to that used by narrow aisles. 1; hp 6; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 the company of soldiers in the southwest bar- Building 19B holds lumber, textiles and (crossbow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F1; ML racks (9-63) of the lower dungeon. The first hides. The eastern third of the warehouse is 8; AL N; XP 10. floor contains a kitchen, messroom, and bath given over to a lumber rack containing 500 for the officers and men. Each company has a 20-foot long 8-inch oak planks, 200 20-foot Gate Sentry (2): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 1; commander and two sections, each of 15 lay long six-inch oak timbers, and 100 20-foot hp 6; hW120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-10 (PO- brothers and one section leader. Except dur- long foot-thick oak baulks. The western third learm) or 1-8 (sword); Save F1; ML 8; AL ing religious services, 45 soldiers, both com- contains 50 10-foot diameter, six-foot width N; XP 10. pany commanders, and one section leader rolls of cloth of the colors and types used to 16. The Common House occupy the building. During services, the make the various uniforms and robes of the building is empty. order’s members. Piled in the center of the This two-story limestone building houses a Commanders (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; warehouse’s dirt floor is a stack of over 200 kitchen and messroom on the first floor. The bullock hides of the type used in making shoe seclmd floor contains a big 24-tub bath plus hp 12 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); Save C3; ML 12; AL C; XP 35 soles and leather armor. Next to this moun- quarters for five attendants and cooks, all of tain of leather is a smaller pile of several hun- whom are lay brothers. each, Each commander is an inner circle monk and knows the cleric spells protec- dred untanned pelts from various swamp Lay Brothers (5): AC 9; HD 1; hp 4 each; tion from evil and remove fear. animals killed by the hunters and trappers in MV 120‘ j(40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); Frog Town. Save FE; ML 6; AL N; XP 10 each. Section Leaders (4): AC 7 (leather); HD 2; Building 19C holds enough weapons to hp 8 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 equip a small army. There are 100 casks of The facility is used by those assigned to guest (mace); Save C2; ML 11; .4L C; XP 20 steel quarrel heads, 20 casks of halberd cottages. It has (unlocked) doors in the north each. Each section leader is an outer circle heads, 25 casks of sword blades, 10 casks of and south walls. An exterior entrance in the monk and knows the cleric spell remove rivets, 100 unpainted steel shields, 500 hel- west wall gives access to a tool shed contain- fear. mets, 400 chainmail shirts, 200 casks of quar- ing scores of gardener’s, carpenter’s, and ma- rels, five barrels ofpikestaffs, and 25 crates of son’s tools. Soldiers (45): AC 7 (leather); HD 1; hp 6 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- 10 crossbows each. This wealth of weaponry 17. The Pens bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F1; ML 8; AL does not even beTin to fill the warehouse, and N; XP 10 each. Saint Stephen considers it to be just a tithe of These pens are made of sharpened, close- what he needs to equip the army he would of the building’s occupants except for one set palmetto stakes pounded into the All like to build. section man the walls during alarms. One sec- ground to make a 10-foot high pallisade. Building 19D holds the parts of Stephen’s tion arrives at the scene of any disturbance in The larger, southern pen contains six lifeboat that have not already been salvaged Frog Town, the outer bailey, or the temple gar- draft horses, The much smaller northern to provide the temple with its magic. All of den within 3-12 minutes. If there is no external pen holds a score of filthy, half-naked the vessel’s electronics, power and computer threat, two more sections and both company men, women, and children, all of whom equipment has been removed, but structural commanders arrive in 15-20 minutes. wear heavy leg irons that confine locomo- members and hull plating fill the warehouse The windowless building has but one door, with a jumble of bright metallic gear that is

19 THE CITY OF THE FROG incomprehensible to those not born on an- silver pieces. The harbor master is present Lay Brothers (5): AC 9; HD 2; hp 8 each; other planet. except when examining the cargo of an in- MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); coming trading boat or supervising an auc- Save F2; ML 6; AL N; XP 20 each. 20. The House Counting tion. Entrance is gained by a single door in 24. The Bailey Master’s Quarters This one-story, whitewashed clapboard the building’s west wall. The quarters are building has a single windowless room con- kept locked. The bailey master occupies this two-story, t lining 40 crude, straight-back chairs facing clapboard house. The first floor is an office; Harbor Master: AC 9; HD 4; hp 18; MV a podium near the center of the west wall. the second is a bed chamber. The bailey mas- 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); Save C4; locked doors in the west and east ter runs the outer bailey, except for the harbor ML 12; AL C; XP 75. The harbor master six narrow, iron-barred windows area. He is present except during religious is an inner circle monk and knows the : north and south walls. The struc- services and alarms. The building’s only en- cleric spells protection from evil, remove ipied only when one of the trading trance is a locked door in the east wall. fear, and hold person. His purse contains gs in a party of slave buyers from 40 gold pieces, and he wears on his belt a Bailey Master: AC 7 (leather armor); HD 4; of Ten. There is a 5% chance of heavy ring containing the keys to the hp 16; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 :ning during each day in which warehouses (19), counting house (ZO), (mace); Save C4; ML 12; AL C; XP 75. slaves in the pens (17). When a harbor master’s quarters (24), and the leg The bailey master is an inner circle monk res, a public slave auction is held, irons worn by the order’s prisoners. and knows the cleric spells protection rrbor master, one section of troops from evil, remove fear, and hold person. -s and a section leader) from the 22. Blockhouses His purse holds 30 gold pieces, and he car- racks (18). 1-4 slave buyers, and These 10-foot square, one-story limestone ries a ring of keys that unlock the door to in the pens (17B) are present. buildings are blockhouses around which the his quarters and all of the buildings to ers (4): AC 9; HD 2; hp 7 each; order can rally to defend the harbor. In each which the harbor master has keys. case, the wall that faces away from the harbor !O‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); 25. Guest Cottages 2; ML 3; AL N; XP 20 each. Each contains a stout oak door that can be barred uyer carries a bag of holding con- from the inside, but that have no exterior Each of the 16 one-story, whitewashed 7,000 gold pieces, and each has lock. The other walls each contain two arrow wooden guest houses has bunk space for 10 dyguards. Slave buyers fight only slits. persons plus a stove and latrine. Unlike the id their persons and property. other buildings in the outer bailey, the cot- 23. The Haven tages do not have lockable doors. Is (8): AC 7 (leather armor); HD The shallow waters of the Haven are only 10 Cottage 25A houses the wizard Lorca, who 5each; MV 120’(40‘); #AT 1; D 1- feet deep in most places, but that is plenty of has been retained by Saint Stephen to assist in ); Save F4; 8; XP 75 ML AL N; draft for the shallow-bottomed trading boats the order’s magical research. Cottages 25M, Cach bodyguard carries ten sets of that the order uses to carry goods to and from 25N, and 25P each house 10 acolytes; 25D, is and a ring of keys that fit them. the Duchy of Ten. At any given time, there 25E, and 25F each house five lay brothers. The vi11 fight only in defense of them- are 1-4 of these boats tied up at the docks in other cottages are empty. Lorca is in the secret their masters, or their masters’ this harbor, and one boat arrives or departs archives (8-49) between the end of sunrise serv- :y. each day, on average. These boats are identi- ice and noon. He is in his cottage at all other are auctioned one at a time. The cal to Gretchin’ Fetchin’ (and carry the same times except when an alarm is sounded; then he nsists of first showing off each pris- crew). The captain and crew sleep on board automatically gravitates toward the source of iing the buyers to examine his mus- their vessels, and will fight to defend them. the alarm, reaching the scene in 5-10 minutes. ition, etc. Then, the buyers bid There is a 90 % chance that any disturbance The acolytes and lay brothers are in their cot- ch other for ownership of the indi- in the harbor causes the soldiers in towers tages only after midnight. Between sundown le harbor master serves as the auc- 26A and 26B to raise the alarm. During the and midnight, they are in Frog Town. At other ‘hen he has called a high bid three day, there are five lay brothers on the docks times, they are working in the outer bailey, tem- Tavels a sale. The prisoner is loosed working as stevadores. ple, or garden. Except for Lorca’s spell book and a locked chest holding 1500 gold pieces in :g irons, and new irons brought by Captain: AC 7 (leather armor); HD 4; hp 16; are fit. The auction ends when all cottage 25A, these cottages hold nothing of MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); value. are sold. Since few buyers care for Save F4; ML 11; AL N; XP 40. The cap- :’s hospitality, they invariably leave tain’s purse cholds 40 gold pieces. Lorca: AC 8; HD 10; hp 40; MV 120’ (40‘); ith their purchases as soon as the #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger) or by spell; Save over. Prisoners fetch 100-800 gold Crewmen (8): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 2; M10; ML 10; AL C; XP 900. Lorca the block at Frog Island. hp 10; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 knows the magic user’s spells charm per- (crossbow or short sword); Save F2; ML larbor Master’s Quarters son, detect magic, read magic, invisibility, 8; AL N; XP 20 each. Each crewmen car- knock, wizard lock, dispel magic, fireball, or master occupies this one-story, ries a short sword. In addition, one cross- protection from evil 10’ radius, confusion, clapboard house. One room serves bow and one case of 20 quarrels per polymorph self, wall of fire, animate :e; the other is his bed chamber. A crewman is bracketed to the boat’s low dead, and cloudkill. He wears a ring of keel vault built into the west wall of gunwales for use in emergencies. Each protection + 1, 5‘ radius, and carries a ng holds 500 gold pieces and 1,000 crewman’s purse holds 15 gold pieces. wand ofnegation.

20 THE CITY OF THE FROG

Acolytes (10): AC 9; HD 1; hp 6 each; MV enslave and did not want to recruit as lay the order, its members avoid her place, and it 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); Save C1; brothers. Now, it is little more than a labor is a hotbed of anti-temple sentiment. The ML 10; AL C; XP 10 each. pool for the order, a kind of warehouse for depredations of the killer frogs during their their hirelings. Most of the members of the hunting forays are a common subject of dis- Lay Brothers (5): AC 9; HD 2; hp 8 each; order’s slaving parties dwell in Frog Town. So cussion. Frau Jin is a woman of immense MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); do the “swamp rats,” the hunters and fisher- girth, with a pleasant, open face and an Save F2; ML 6; AL N; XP 20 each. men who provide the temple with fresh meat earthy sense of humor. Her hard exterior ef- 26. The Harbor Towers and fish. Bawds, publicans, and a few slaves fectively masks an equally hard interior, but round out the little town’s current popula- there is a 20% chance that she will risk hiding Each of these windowless 30-foot high tion. order’s enemies. The residents of Frog Town are pretty towers contains a winding stair that spi- Frau Jin: AC 9; HD 2; hp 9; MV 120’ (40’); much left alone within the town, but they rals down to a doorway in the inner bailey #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); Save F2; ML 12; can’t leave without permission. To ensure The door in tower 26A faces west; that to AL N; XP 20. 26B faces north. These doors have no that they abide by this restriction, they all locks, hut can be barred from the inside at wear plastic collars containing miniature Frau Jin’s Barkeep: AC 7 (leather armor); need. Short stairs lead from the tower’s transmitters similar to those worn by the HD4; hp 16; MV 120’(40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 top to the adjacent battlements of the killer frogs. The collars emit a steady signal (mace); Save F4; ML 9; AL N; XP 75. showing the wearer’s location. The Frog outer bailey walls. Atop each crenelated Frau Jin’s Wenches (6): AC 9; 1; bp 4 Towner’s collars also contain a self-destruct HD tower is an east-facing catapult. There is each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dag- feature that causes them to explode (doing 8- one soldier atop each tower who rings an ger); Save F1; ML 4; AL N; XP 10 each. alarm hell if he detects a problem. When- 32 points of damage to the wearer) if tam- ever he does so, the troops in the bailey pered with. 28. Ratty Tom’s Place This and other indignities have spawned barracks arrive to man the walls in 3-12 Ratty Tom’s is a tavern presided over by a much resentment in Frog Town. If given the minutes. big, blustery onetime slaver. While the PCs opportunity, at least half of the slavers and can pick up much information at Ratty most of the other residents would sack the Soldier (1): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 1; hp Tom’s, the proprietor is a spy for the order, temple and win their freedom. For the 6; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- and secretly reports all that he hears to the present, Frog Towners keep their mouths bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F1; ML 8; AL resident. The wenches who work both the shut and bide their time, hut, unless other- N; XP 10. common room and the second-floor bordello wise noted, if the PCs reveal their true pur- are also spies, albeit unwilling ones. Having pose to a Frog Towner other than Ratty Tom TOWN been purchased from the order by Ratty FROG (1-28), there is a 50% chance that their confi- Tom, they must do his, which includes spying During the temple’s early days, some fur dant will assist them and a 5% chance that he on customers. Ratty Tom keeps them locked traders wheedled permission to set up trading will turn them in to the order. up on the second floor after hours. On any posts along the southern shore of Frog Island Even if the players make no attempt to given night, there are 30 slavers and lay beneath the walls of the outer bailey Over raise Frog Town against the order, it is an ex- brothers in the common room. Ratty Tom’s time, others came to these posts-drifters, cellent place to gather information. During quarters off the common room contains a bawds, criminals on the run. They formed a the day, almost all of the residents are abed, locked chest holding 1,000 gold coins. small community called Frog Town. As it and no Froggies are visible. At night, the grew, Frog Town ceased to he a haven for place comes alive, and most Frog Towners Ratty Tom: AC 7 (leather armor); HD 3; hp traders and became a nest of bandits who are at revel in one of the taverns or bawdy 12; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-4 (club); preyed on the Duchy of Ten and the Barony houses. Since Frog Town boasts the only real Save F3; ML 6; AL N; XP 35. of the Lakes. When their many depredations entertainment in the City of the Frog, most Ratty Tom’s Wenches (9): AC 9; HD 1; hp 4 finally threatened to bring too much atten- off-duty Froggies below the rank of saint usu- each; MV 120’(40‘); #AT 1; D 1-2 (kick); tion to the temple and draw a punitive expe- ally end up there. None of the celebrating Save as normal man; ML 4; AL N; XP 5 dition down on the monks’ heads, the order Froggies speak of the temple’s lower each. acted. dungeon, but there is much “shop talk” on The newly installed high priest, Saint other order-related matters. One of the items 29. Black Nell’s Dock Stephen, led the monks and their armed lay of “information” that the PCs pick up in Black Ne11 is an elderly witch who runs a gen- brothers in a surprise night attack on Frog Frog Town is a (false) rumor that the rooms in eral store where customers can purchase Town. Once they had control of the town, the upper floors of the temple house impor- food, clothing, weapons, and all standard they executed its leaders and worst bandits tant prisoners. equipment. Prices are twice those listed on (generally one and the same). The survivors 27. Frau Jin’s House page 19 of the D&D(r) Expert rules. Though were brought under temple control, exercised she does not speak openly, she nurses a pri- by an inner circle monk who served as its Frog Town, Frau Jin’s two-story woodframe vate hatred for the order stemming from her “resident” and had veto power over all activ- establishment is a tavern and bawdy house son’s execution during its attack on Frog ity. employing a barkeep and six wenches. At Town. There is an 90% chance that she will Thereafter, Frog Town became a dumping night, there are 20 patrons in the common assist its enemies. ground for persons whose services were de- room, most of them slavers or swamp rats. sired by the temple, but whom it could scarce Since Frau Jin doesn’t conceal her distaste for

21 THE CITY OF THE FROG

Black Nell: AC 9; HD 5; hp 15; MV 120’ Dhu Gillie: AC 7 (leather armor); HD 5; hp XP 2,000. Weewak carries a blaster with a (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger) or by spell; 20; MV lZO’(40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); spare power pack. He has infravision, and Save M5; ML IO; AL N; XP 175. Black Save F5; ML 11; AL N; XP 175. can also breathe underwater. He can be Ne11 knows the magic user spells protec- Dhu Gillie’s Daughters (3): AC 9; HD 2; hp harmed only by magic or magic weapons, tion from evil, sleep, knock, wizard Jock, but is immune to sleep, charm, control, 8; MV 120’ (40’); #AT I; D 1-4 (dagger) and fly and or 1-6 (short sword); Save F2; ML IO; AL 30. The Peg-Leg Manticore N; XP 20 each. Far from beinq a loyal servant of the order, the taciturn Wiewak is dedicated to its utter This inn is a favorite of the monks and lay 32. Hester’s Place brothers, since it is owned by the temple. destruction. He is, in fact, a cyborg assigned Wife of a trader executed by the order, Hester Former slaver captain Prestor Bumpo runs by the alien vessel’s captain to track down Mably and her three children now survive on and kill any surviving mutineers and destroy the place on the order’s behalf. The bar- the charity of Dhu Gillie’s family, Black Nell, all traces of alien technology left by their es- tender and 12 wenches are all slaves of the or- Frau Jin, and Mama Egraine’s girls. Much cape. Having located the mutineers, he now der, and are locked up on the second floor as she fears the order, there is a 95% chance after hours. On any given night, there are 35 awaits an opportunity to carry out his mis- that Hester will hide its enemies in the small patrons in the common room. sion. When the time is right, he plans to kill cellar below her one-room shanty the mutineers and destroy the temple, so that Prestor Bumpo: AC 7 (leather armor); HD 5; all of the salvaged technology will be unusa- Hester & Children (4): AC 9; HD I; hp 3; hp 20; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT I; D 1-8 ble. If Weewak learns the PCs purpose, he ac- MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-2 (kick); Save (sword); Save F5; ML 9; AL N; XP 175. tively aids them in order to gain their aid in as normal man; ML 5; AL N; XP 5. Bumpo’s purse holds 30 gold pieces. getting inside the temple. 33. Mama Egraine’s Prestor Bumpo’s Bartender: AC 9; HD I; hp Inside Weewak is a powerful self-destruct device that disintegrates everything within 30 7; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT I; D 1-4 (club); This comfortable, one-story wood-frame feet when detonated. Once he is inside the save as normal man; ML 6; AL N; XP 5. structure is a bawdy house catering to the up- temple and believes that the mutineers are per crust. Mama Egraine and her girls make Prestor Bumpo’s Wenches (12): AC 9; HD I; a nice living from their enterprise, and their dead, he detonates the device next to its main hp 4 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT D 1-2 pillars, collapsing the building. Anyone in- I; various caches hold 3,000 gold pieces. At (kick); Save as normal man; ML 4; AL N; side the temple on the turn after the detona- night, there are a dozen patrons in the parlor. XP 5 each. tion is buried in the rubble, taking 8-80 At least half are captains or members of the points of damage. Each night, after closing up, Bumpo takes the order’s inner or outer circles. There is a 50% night’s receipts (30 gold pieces and 200 silver chance that a saint other than Saint Stephen Weewak’s Bartender: AC 9; HD 3; hp 15; pieces) to the residency. The order lets him is present. MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-4 (club); Save keep only 100 copper pieces, 100 silver F3; 8; N; XP 10. Mama Egraine: AC 9; HD 2; hp 8; MV 120’ ML AL pieces, and IO gold pieces on sight. (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); Save F2; Weewak’s Wenches (IO): AC 9; HD I; hp 4 31. Gillie’s Tavern ML 9; AL N; XP 20. each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fist); This two-story, limestone building is the fa- Mama’s Girls (5): AC 9; HD 1; hp 5 each; Save as normal man; ML 5; AL N; XP 5 each. vored watering hole of most swamp rats and MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-4 (dagger); some slavers. The proprietor, Dhu Gillie, is Save FI; ML 7; AL N; XP 10 each. 35. Cymbeline’s an old swamp rat, himself. At night, there are 34. The Fast Roger 20 patrons in the common room. The cadav- This two-story tavern and bawdy house also erous Gillie and his three pretty daughters This sprawling, one-story, limestone building offers games of chance run by Cymbeline’s girls, all ex-slaves imported to Frog Town (Lisa, Sarah, and Kristina) do a!! the work. is a tavern and bawdy house owned by the or- from the flesh pots of Starport. Having All four live on the top floor. der and run by a mysterious swamp rat who bought their freedom, Cymbeline’s gird are As a side business, Gillie runs a bank for calls himself Weewak. The tall, bald, dark- now partners in this lucrative enterprise. The Frog Town residents. The old man is holding skinned killer joined the order’s company of various false-bottomed drawers, hidden deposits amounting to 4,000 gold pieces and swamp rats shortly after Stephen took over. 8,000 silver pieces locked in five sturdy chests To all appearances, he is a loyal servant of the chests, and secret niches in the building hold 8,000 gold pieces. in his quarters. order. The rest of the staff, a bartender and The proprietor is a widow, whose husband Both Gillie and his daughters hate the or- IO wenches, are all slaves that Weewak keeps was among those killed during the order’s at- der, and would aid in its destruction if they locked up in the south wing after hours. At saw any chance of winning. If Gillie joins an night, the north wing’s common room hosts tack on Frog Town. Since her marriage was one of convenience, Cymbeline does not hate attack on the order, all of the swamp rats also 40 patrons. Weewak keeps receipts amount- the order as violently as some others in Frog join. Gillie is devoted to his girls, and would ing to 500 gold pieces and 1,000 silver pieces Town, but she certainly hears it no love. do almost anything to keep them from harm. in a locked ironbound oak chest in his quar- There is a 60% chance that she will hide the Not that there is much danger of that. Gillie’s ters just off the common room. daughters are big, rangy girls who love to order’s enemies. There is also a 30% chance Weewak: AC 0; HD 20; hp 8; MV 120’ (80’); prowl the deep marsh and can negotiate Frog that she will provide the order’s enemies with #AT 1 fist or weapon; D 3-30 (fist) or 6-36 Swamp with the same facility as swamp rats. a possession that she thinks may be of use to (hand blaster); Save FIO; ML 12; AL N; them. This is a frog control ring that a

22

1 !

THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG !

The walls of the frog-shaped temple building as if they were wizard locked by a 7th level Computer Control: The environmental sys- are constructed of finely dressed 500-pound magic user. They can be opened by magic. tem, the accent lights, the door machinery, the altar machinery, and the communications blocks of green limestone, closely morticed to Environment: The interior the above- of system are controlled by the computer in make it appear that the entire structure is an ground temple is environment-controlled to organic whole-as if it is, in fact, a giant frog. room 5-53. In addition, it controls the Tem- keep it at a constant temperature of 68 de- ple Gate (1-4) and Bailey Gate (1.14). Even the limestone flags that cover the floors grees, a noticahle 10 to 15 degrees cooler than of all of the rooms are tightlyjoined to further the temperature outside. The environmental Other Machinery: The power plant powers this effect. Generations of sculptors have la- control unit is part of the power plant (5-54), the altar machinery, the east and west door bored to carve the exterior stone ofthe temple but is controlled from the computer room (5- machinery, the machine shop, the Mind of in the likeness of a frog, softly rounding an- 53). This system merely changes the ambient the Frog (7-63), the automated medical gles to make them appear more lifelike. In- temperature inside the temple. It can’t be equipment in the lower dungeon’s laboratory side the temple, these same sculptors have used as a weapon, and its effects aren’t ne- (9-57), and the two autoblasters in Saint decorated walls and pillars with spectacular gated by magic items or spells meant to ne- Stephen’s room (6-61). Unless otherwise friezes of frogs and froglike beings in all man- gate the effects of cold. noted, these items are mechanical devices ner of poses. whose workings aren’t affected by magic Nor have the sculptors confined them- Plumbing: Pumping machinery in the items or spells. selves to the walls. Every doorway inside the power plant pumps both hot and cold run- aboveground temple boasts an elaborately ning water through a maze of plastic pipes Personal Weapons & Equipment: The ali- carved door hand-crafted from a single slab cannibalized from Stephen’s lifeboat. This ens and their most trusted henchmen are of white oak. Sconces carved in the shape of mechanical systems workings aren’t stopped equipped with alien weapons of two different grinning upthrust frog faces are set in the by magic items or spells. types: hand blasters and heavy blasters. A hand blaster is a small, easily concealed walls of all halls and corridors at intervals of Communications: A computer-controlled 10 feet, the mouth of each frog accomodating weapon that works exactly like a wand offire- intercom built into the temple walls links all balls (doing 6-36 points of damage at a range a white candle symbolizing the purity of the rooms. All Froggies have an I.D. code that frog. The tops of pillars are decorated with of 240 feet). A heavy blaster is a two-handed, they can use to talk to the occupants of any shoulder-fired weapon the size of a crossbow carved ferns, through whose leafy fronds room. Conversations are initiated by simply peek dozens of tiny, grotesque amphibian vis- that works like a wand of fireballs, but does 8- saying aloud” [four-digit I.D. code] initiat- 48 points of damage at 360 feet. Both weap- ages. ing communication with [name of room].” Alien technology multiplies the impact of ons use the same power packs. They can be These words activate sound pickups in both reloaded with new power packs. Each pack this weird decor. In fact, the temple is perme- the room the speaker occupies and the room ated with the magic of technology. It takes the has 5-20 charges (uses) when the players ob- he wants to contact. All sounds emanating tain it (or encounter someone who posseses it. following forms: from either room are heard in the other. In addition to these weapons, all aliens and Lighting: Unless otherwise noted, all of the Though the sounds are projected at their des- some others wear alien battle armor, a form- aboveground rooms and corridors are fitted tination through small, cunningly concealed fitting, acrylic mesh with a repulsion field with powerful foot-square glow panels that wall and ceiling speakers, they seem to come that gives the wearer armor class 0, without emit a diffused, almost heavenly light when from the ether. The circuit is open, and com- adding to encumbrance. Each suit of battle turned on. The panels contain sensors that munication continues, until someone with a armor is powered by a small power cell that tell them when someone is in the room. When valid I.D. in one of the two linked rooms says lasts 1-4 months. When the power is gone, they sense a biological presence, they start to aloud” [four-digit I.D. code] terminating the armor ceases to function. operate at a preset level. The room’s occu- conversation.” The computer can override pant can change the amount oflight the panel I.D.codes in order to permit general an- Alien Possessions: All aliens have two spe- gives off by verbally instructing it in the com- nouncements or cut off some areas or persons cial devices. Each wears a small translator mon tongue to “dim” or “brighten up.” from communication. Magic items and spells badge (a quarter-inch diameter) plastic disc) Equipped with their own power cells, these that retard or prevent the use of clairaudience that lets him understand and speak (but not panels can operate for months without re- temporarily block the functioning of all inter- read) all languages. Each disc’s power pack charging. They are supplemented in the nave coms within range. can keep it operating for 5-20 months. Each alien also has a miniature transmitter- by the focused beams of accent lights used for Monitoring: Visual pickups set into hidden dramatic effect, The presence of alien light- receiver implanted in his mastoid that lets glassed-in recesses in the walls provide a com- him bypass the temple communications sys- ing devices does not prevent the use of dark- plete view of the temple nave (2-l), Hall of ness spells. tem in order to talk directly to the computer Saints (2-12), Hall of Trust (2-13), choir loft or another alien. Security: Except where otherwise noted, all (3-26), Hall of Toil (4-40), Hall of Peace (5- doors other than secret doors are tied into an 44), west stairs (5-46), east stairs (5-47), and To the PCs, as to the monks themselves, all of electronic security system that seals them to breeding pond 9-60. All of these areas can be these devices are a form of magic, and you those who lack the proper identity code. The viewed using any of the monitors attached to should take this into account in your descrip- codes are built into the rings worn by the or- the computer. They are regularly scanned tions. For example, instead of describing a der’s members. Those doors that are tied into from the computer room. Magic items and glow panel in technological terms, you might this system automatically open whenever spells that retard or prevent the use of clair- refer to it as “a smooth, flat stone that gives someone wearing the correct ring touches voyance temporarily block the functioning of off a ghostly light like white hot coals, but that their handles. In all other respects, treat them all visual pickups within range. stays cool to the touch and is not consumed.”

25 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

Since the PCs arle unfamiliar with these de- 2 Outer Circle Member (1): AC 9; HD 3; ing incarcerated in the lower dungeon’s spe- vices, they won’t know how to use them un- hp 12; MV 120’(40’); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fist); cial treatment cell (9-71) for 2-8 weeks, the less they are shown or they spend time Save C3; ML 11; AL C; XP 35. The intruders are either turned into frog folk examining them. If a character tries to figure monk knows the cleric spells protection (80% chance) or made to “join the Frog” at a out how a device works, roll d%. He has a from evil and remove fear. special mass sacrifice (20% chance). Being success chance equal to his intelligence; a roll enamoured of Saint Stephen’s “magic,” all 3 Inner Circle Member (1): AC 9; HD 4; of 99-100 indicates that he misuses the item, Froggies use blasters in preference to other hp 12; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6-36 ei,:her breaking it or inflicting damage on weapons, happily blasting away at intruders (hand blaster); Save C4; ML 12; AL C; himself or another player as a result of mis- from the greatest possible range. XP 75. The monk knows the cleric spells use. Special Note: The descriptions that follow detect evil, protection from evil, and hold Except as speci.fically noted above, magic often ignore the presence in cabinets and person. itcms and spells don’t affect the operation of closets of such items as clothing, footwear, technological devices. Thus, a dispel magic 4 Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp toiletries, small amounts of money, clerical spell cast over the power plant doesn’t shut it 8 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-8 supplies, and the like. Assume that all desks down. Those technological devices of other (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL C; XP 20 contain a generous supply of writing quills, than a purely mechanical nature can be de- each. ink pots, and parchment in addition to any tected by magic, tihough, and spells and mag- other items noted. Unless otherwise noted, 5 Soldiers (6): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp ical weapons can damage them. The exotic assume that, in addition to any other items, 15 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 m.xterialsof which. these devices are made are all wardrobes contain 2-4 pairs of sandals, 2-6 (crossbow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML proof against normal weapons. cinctures, assorted toiletries, 4-8 robes, tu- 10; AL C; XP 35 each. Unless otherwise noted, all doors, cabi- nics or cloaks appropriate to the rank of the nets, desks, and wardrobes are locked. 6 Soldiers (12): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; room’s occupant(s), assorted underwear, and Ml2oden cabinet and room doors can be hp 12 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 a sack or box holding 10-100 gold pieces. forced open. Wooden cabinet doors, but not (crossbow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML room doors or metal cabinet doors can be 10; AL C; XP 35 each. opened by picking their locks. Every door can Special: The intruders encounter 6 sol- be opened by a knock spell. 7 diers as per a 5 result. They are accompa- In general, only members of the order who nied by either the librarian (see 2-23), or have assigned duties inside the temple or who by the sexton and choir master (see 2-5 are attending woriship services are allowed to and 2-14), at your option. enter the building. Others can enter only when summoned, and then they must be es- 8 Special: The intruders encounter 12 sol- corted throughout their visit by an acolyte as- diers as per a 6 result. The soldiers are ac- It is almost 150 feet from the great bronze siyned to them by the temple secretary. companied by either the librarian (see doorways at the front of the temple to the Soldiers stand guard at the front door to en- 2-23), the high priest (see 2-19), the frog-shaped altar against the back wall, sui‘re that unauthorized persons don’t tres- guardian (see 2-21), the choir master (see sp;iss. 2-14), or the sexton (see 2-5), at your op- Unauthorized visitors and those visitors tion. the way. On either side, the aisle is flanked who enter restricted areas without proper au- If the alarm has not been sounded, members by ten massive pillars carved with intri- thorization risk detection and capture as a re- of the order who encounter the intruders try cate friezes showing frogs and other sult of encounters with the temple staff or to escape and raise the alarm; the computer vaguely slimy things performing a variety members of the order. Roll ld6 every other becomes aware of the intruders’ presence the of human tasks-from harvesting a crop turn to see if intruders have an encounter in turn after they successfully do so. The alarm of reedlike plants to keeping ledgers in an the aboveground part of the temple; an en- is automatically sounded whenever the in- amphibian counting house. These pillars counter occurs on a result of 1. truders enter the computer room (5-53) or support a 50-foot ceiling cut from the tf the computer detects an unauthorized encounter an alien. same green stone as the walls and pillars presence, it sounds an alarm placing the en- The alarm consists of a soft female voice and carved in the same intricate fashion as tire temple on alert until the intruders escape endlessly repeating over the intercom the the latter. or are captured or killed. In this case, roll ld6 words “intruder alert” and the name of the The northern half of the hall opens out every turn (instead of every other turn) to see level or area in which the intruders were last 35 feet on either side of the aisle to make if the intruders have an encounter in the encountered. If all power is shut down or the room for seven 20-foot carved white oak abtneground temple; an encounter occurs on computer is destroyed, then the alarm ceases pews that flank the outside of the pillars. a result of 1. to sound, but is still in effect. Low, broad steps lead to an altar cum pul- Determine the nature of each encounter by Any Froggies that encounter the intruders pit against the rear wall. The flanking rolling ld4 if the computer has not sounded during and alarm call upon them to surren- walls on either side are covered with huge thr: alarm and Id8 if it has done so. der. If the intruders don’t do so, the Froggies tapestries that hang from heavy hooks 1 Acolyte (1): AC 9; HD 1; hp 6; MV 120‘ attack; they will break off their attack to par- near the ceiling. Three more 20-foot pews (40’); #AT 1; ID 1-2 (fist); Save C1; ML lay. Promises made to secure the intruders’ are angled beneath each tapestry. Glowing 10; A4Lc; XP 10. surrender are not honored. Instead, after be- stones set in the ceiling cast a pale light

26 MAP 2: TEMPLE OF THE FROG - GROUND FLOOR

Scale: 1 Square = 5 Feet

A

OW86 TSR Inc. All Rlghts Resewed. THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG r- I Following this &rmation of faith, the Froggies 2. Altar Machinery 1 “IC-n-7-v th-LllL .-oom.1 Stronger beams of warm sing another hymn, and the priest delivers a I I light fromI a cupola high above the altar brief homily, followed by a rote prayer to the A short hall leads to a dusty ramp that rises elemcnts of the tapestries and highlight “spirit of the Frog.” After that, if it is sundown, into the darkness and slants off to the right the altar ii tself. the service ends with a final hymn, during before debouching into an irregularly The tal3estry to the right of the altar which the priest leads a recessional. shaped space crammed to its 40-foot ceiling nd sinking into the ocean. Terri- shows a la During sunrise services, the final hymn is with an cumbersome array of brass and steel fied hum;xns, elves, dwarves, and half- preceeded by the ritual sacrifice. The mouth of gears. lings clin?; to the illusory safety of a few the frog-shaped altar opens while the lay broth- islands oftdry ground not yet inundated by ers drag forward from the guard room (2-9) one The machinery opens the frog-altar’s mouth. A the all-corisuming waves of an angry sea. or more captives who are to be “offered up to small motor powered by the power plant in (5- The turre’ts of Blackmoor castle can be the Frog.” The victims are clothed in breaka- 54) and controlled by the computer in (5-53) op- seen slip1)ing beneath the waves in the way safron robes, and are gagged and bound erates the mechanism,but a brass control wheel backgrouiid. with silken cords. When they reach the altar, the in this space can be used to manually override The ta pestry to the left of the altar robes are tom away, and they are cast into the the powered system. shows a lastoral scene in which yeoman F mouth of the frog-altar. They then fall 60 feet The space’s floor is raised about 10 feet above farmers v vork their bountiful land, and down a spiral slide into the lower dungeon’s kiU- the level of the nave (2-1) and five feet above the skilled cratftsmen ply their trade under the ing pond (9-59), where they are devoured by level of the dais on which the altar stands. An brilliant sun of a new day. The frog- the waiting killer frogs. This process is called eye-level peephole lets a viewer see what is go- shaped 01 itline of the Temple of the Frog “joining the Frog,” and it is deemed a great ing on in the nave. The space contains no glow can be sce .ne in the background. All of the honor to be selected as a sacrifice. Though all panels, but there are candles in the wall sconces. figures ex cept for a few domestic animals members of the order make a ritual pledge of 1 are froqlilte humanoids. their willingness to “join the Frog” when they 3. The Monks’ Stair join the order or advance in rank, in practice This flight of limestone stairs connects the tem- ‘This large h[all is the site of the temple’s regular the high priest (Saint Stephen) only selects pris- ple’s main store room (2-25) with the upper idigious seIvices. Each day at sunrise and sun- oners for this distinction. dungeon’s priest hole (8-52). ret, all Froggies who aren’t on duty gather here During services, the candles are lit, and the for a servicc:, presided over from atop the altar glow panels are dimmed. Changes in the color 4. Vault by an innelr circle monk, who wears a safron and intensity of the accent lights create dra- I robe and a green stole for the occasion. The matic effects. For example, when the frog- At the foot of the narrow stairwell is a short, keepers sit i n the pews to the altar’s left. The in- altar’s mouth opens, a nimbus of blue light dusty passage ending in a brass door locked .ier circle IT~onks sit in the pews to its right. Au bathes the officiating priest who stands in the touter circle monks, acolytes, and lay brothers pulpit built into the head of the frog-altar while who aren’t in the choir sit in the pews flanking another beam of light imparts an eerie green Behind the door is a cabinet where the order he main pi]Uars. The back of each pew contains glow to the mouth of the frog-altar. AU of this stores valuable objects used in rare special serv- a rack holding 12 books of devotions that con- trickery is coordinated from the command cen- ices. Though the lock appears to be a simple tain all hynins, prayers, and other liturgical in- ter (2-15). dead bolt, it is actually a trap. If the handle of formation L[sed. Except during the hour before and after a the bolt is not turned to the right before the bolt Before tk [e service, the keepers and inner cir- service, the big bronze doors opening onto this is pulled, then a cloud of poison gas is released cle monks g [ather near the front door. The serv- hall from outside are sealed. When they are into the room from tiny holes in the ceiling just ice begins with a processional in which the open, four of the six guards from the guard- as the doors are opened. All characters in the officiating Ioriest and those sitting in the pews room (2-9) guard the doorway to prevent unau- room must immediately Save vs. Poison or take flanking th e alrar take their places. After a thorized persons from entering the temple. 5-20 points of damage. hymn to “the Frog,” the Froggies recite the Only Froggies and guests of the saints are au- Vestfold Cr eed: thorized to enter the temple when the doors are The door conceals an alcove with five brass - I open. During the day, when the doors are closed shelves. The top shelf holds an emerald- bly and sincerely maintain that the and services are not in progress, Sexton Horis encrusted green jade statue of a frog squat- reign of nnan is ended, and that the reign of Tisa and five acolytes are hard at work cleaning ting on a lily pad and holding a struggling the frog i: i upon us. For man, in his sin, will the nave. human in its mouth. The next shelf down destroy his world, and the frogs wilI inherit Acolytes (5): AC 9; HD 1; hp 6 each; MV 120‘ holds a jade box. The other shelves hold the earth . Hale of heart, clean of limb, the (40’);#ATl;D 1-4(club);SaveCl;MLlO; stacks of vestments in various patterns and pop-eyed, web-footed god will come in sol- AL C; XP 10 each. colors. emn, sticky-tongued majesty to cleanse the land and build the eternal pond. Woe unto In combat, the acolytes use their cleaning im- The head-sized frog statue, an heirloom that those wh o deny him. Glory to those who plements as makeshift clubs. See 2-6 for Tisa’s once adorned the Froggies’ abandoned temple serve him I. For his frogu fury will dash unto attributes. in Vestfold, is worth 11,000 gold pieces. Inside the uttenmost depths those that do oppose the hollow statue, is a tray of eight him, and his ineffable slime-birthedwisdom will knovthis own. J

28 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

!;lass vials, each containing one dose of a spe- 9. Guard Room cial potion. The consequence of some forgot- :en experiment that the order been unable to The east wall of this irregularly shaped 15- duplicate, this potion instantly turns the user foot square room is a narrow, 15-foot long into an entity similar to the frog folk. The corridor. Ceiling-high oak shelves set into user does not lose any of his existing charac- the first ten feet of the north wall hold stacks teristics, but his skin becomes green and mot- of thin, safron-colored cotton robes and sev- tled, he develops gills and webbed hands and eral coils of silken cord. A scarred, circular feet, his legs become longer and stronger, his oak table and six equally beat-up oak chairs eyes bulge out, his nose retracts, and his take up the southwest corner. There are four tongue becomes long and sticky. As a result of doors in the room’s south wall. this singular transformation, he gains the abilities to swim, breathe under water, and The door to this room is always open, but it bite and kick for damage as one of the frog can be entered only by saints, inner circle folk. His skin thickens and toughens so that monks, outer circle monks, and six armed lay he is AC 6 when he is unarmored or wearing I brothers who stand guard over both the tem- The floor, walls, and ceiling of this 5-foot leather armor. His class, level, hit dice, sav- ple doors and the prisoners in the cells of by 10-foot room are covered with one-foot ing throws, and alignment don’t change. The honor (2-1 1). effects of the potion last for eight hours. square slabs of green-veined black slate. The jade box is unlocked. Inside, resting Built into the south wall is a waist-high, Guards (6): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 4; hp 20 on a green velvet pillow, is a jade ring. This pine cabinet topped with the same type of each; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 8-48 unique item is a ring offrog calling. Once per slate as that covering the walls. Recessed (heavy blaster) or 1-8 (sword); Save F4; day, the wearer can use it to summon a frog in its top is a white porcelain basin with ML 10; AL C; XP 75 each. brass fittings. Hanging from brass hooks swarm that has a 30-foot radius and moves 20 During services, the guards wear safron in the east wall are assorted cleaning im- feet per round as directed by the wearer. The robes over their armor. The robes in the plements. Beneath them is a box of car- wearer must be within 480 feet of the swarm shelves set in the north wall are the breaka- penter’s tools. in order to direct it. The hopping, leaping, way robes worn by both guards and victims biting frogs obscure vision and drive off crea- during services. The cord is used to bind the tures of less than 3 Hit Dice (no saving victims. throw). The swarm stays for one entire day or until the wearer decides to let it disperse. It 10. East Door Machinery can only be used if there are swamps nearby, This space is crammed with machinery that and the frog swarm has a means of reaching opens and closes the eastern valve of the tem- the user. The floor, ceiling, and walls of this 5-foot ple’s massive front door, and is in all ways The cloth-of-gold vestments stored in the by 10-foot room are covered with one-inch identical to the room containing the west cabinet are worth 2,000 gold pieces. square green and yellow tiles. There is a door machinery (2-8). There are no glow panels in this area, but white porcelain basin with brass fittings there are candles in the wall sconces. 1 I. Cells of Honor against the south wall. The basin is half- 5. Sexton’s Quarters filled with water. A small, waist-high, Each of these bare, unlighted five-foot square slate-topped, white oak cabinet is built cells is closed by a stout oak door containing a small eye-level peephole. Each door is barred The walls of this 10-foot square room are into the east wall. Recessed in its green- from the outside. Each cell is furnished only paneled in a golden pine. A woven grass veined, black slate top is yet another white porcelain basin with different brass fit- with an oak bucket. At any given time, there is mat covers the floor. There is a white oak one naked prisoner per cell awaiting his turn to bed against the east wall and a double- tings. ‘‘join the Frog.” When it is the victim’s turn,the doored white oak wardrobe in a five-foot guards dress him in a safron robe, bind and gag square alcove next to the entrance in the The first “basin” is a flush toilet. The second him, and march him to the altar Almost invari- north wall. Beside the bed is a white oak is a sink. Inside the cabinet, is a woven basket full of sheets of thin paper. ably, these poor wretches are teenage peasant reading table piled high with scrolls. Next boys and girls kidnapped by the order’s slavers to the table, in the south wall, is a door. 8. West Door Machinery for just this purpose. These are the quarters of Sexton Horis Tisa. This space contains machinery that opens Prisoners (3): AC 9; HD 1; hp 5 each; MV This short, wiry, balding inner circle monk and closes the western valve of the temple’s 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fist); Save as nor- supervises of routine temple maintenance. massive front door. A small motor powered mal man; ML 4; AL N; XP 5 each. by the power plant (5-54) and controlled from He is in Frog Town (usually at Ratty Tom’s- 12. Hall of Saints 1-28) between sunset service and midnight. by the computer (5-53) operates the mecha- He is in this room between midnight and nism. The big brass control wheel opposite This hallway is hung with portraits of former dawn, He is in the nave (2-1) at all other the door can be used to manually override the high priests. The door in the south wall opens times. If an alarm sound or Tisa becomes power system. The room has neither glow onto a flight of stairs that go up to the chang- aware of a disturbance, his first thought is to panels nor wall sconces. ing room (3-31).

29 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

13. Hall of Trust Attendant: AC 0 (battle armor); HD 4; hp 16; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 6-36 (hand The stairs in this hall go down to the upper blaster); Save C4; ML 12; AL C; XP 75. ings. Atop each table is a green jade vase cbingeon’s practice hall (8-53). This inner circle monk knows the cleric of cut yellow swamp lilies. The north and 1 i. Organ Space spells hold person, detect evil, and protec- west walls contain doors. tion from evil. Use of this room is restricted to saints, inner cir- 16. Robing Room with the huge metal and wood organ cle monks, and their guests. The door in the pipes. A small open space before the door west wall leads to the outer sanctum (2-17). The floor of this 10-foot by 25-foot room is ends in a bench and keyboard. That in the north wall leads to the sanctum covered with a white lamb’s wool carpet. Sanctorum (2-19). The cabinet is stocked with Its east, west, and south walls are lined 24 bottles of wine and 50 crystal goblets (worth Giant flues above the organ distribute their with ceiling-high glass-doored oak cabi- 500 gold pieces). The books are light reading. sxnd throughout the nave. nets whose shelves are piled high with Choir Master Pochep Bosc is the organist. robes of various sorts. The oak-paneled 19. Sanctum Sanctorum Tal1 and gaunt, his hideously scarred face makes north wall is fitted with half a dozen brass 2- im shun human company and seek the solace clothes hooks. The walls and ceiling of this 25-foot by 35- clf his organ. He is in this room constantly ex- foot room are paneled in golden oak. A cept between midnight and dawn, when he is The cabinets contain dozens of samples of gray wool carpet covers the floor. The en- sleeping in the choir master’s quarters (3-30). each color and style of robe, tunic, cloak, and tire east wall is lined with oak book cases. Any disturbance in the command center (2-15) cicnture worn by the order’s members, in- Hundreds of leatherbound books are visi- immediately draws Bosc into that room. Bosc’s cluding saint’s robes and those robes worn by ble through the leaded glass of their doors. conditioning is incomplete, and he will betray the officiating priest during services. Turning Against the west wall is a gray metal cabi- the order in order to save himself (and betray the middle hook in the north wall clockwise net, next to which is an oak sidechair. I hose he helps in order to get back into the or- opens a secret door leading to the altar ma- There are doors in each of the other walls. der’s good graces). chinery (2-2). But dominating the room is a huge carved Pochep Bosc: AC 9; HD 4; hp 12; MV 120’ oak desk. Behind the desk is a leather arm- 17. Outer Sanctum (40’), #AT 1, D 6-36 (hand blaster); Save chair. In front of it are three more chairs C4; ML 12; AL C; XP 75. Bosc is an in- upholstered in nubby gray silk. ner circle monk and knows the cleric spells The floor of this 25-foot square room is dt-tect magic, protection from evil, and re- covered by a white lambs’ wool carpet. The metal cabinet holds a computer terminal sist fire. Tapestries cover the north and south and opens only to a saint’s ring. The desk hnlAo urr;t;nrr mater;ale ~nrl2 hsnrl hli.ter THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

ring. Inside are eight large sacks and an eb- ing are paneled in dark oak. Open shelves leather armchair. Two similar chairs are ony box. One sack holds 500 copper pieces. built into the east wall contain 40 two-foot set in front of the desk. One holds 600 silver pieces. Three others square ledgers bound in green leather. each hold 500 gold pieces. The remaining There is a desk in the southwest corner, The metal cabinet opens only to a saint’s two each hold 600 platinum pieces. The inte- behind which is a straight-backed oak ring. Inside is a computer terminal. The oak rior of the ebony box contains a black velvet chair. There are four similar chairs cabinet is an emergency armory with four pillow in which are cushioned 12 small emer- against the north wall. Opposite them is heavy blasters, two hand blasters, six spare alds worth 2,500 gold pieces each. I an oak cabinet. There are doors in the power packs, six swords, and four maces. Dygar Mendel is in this office during the west and south walls. There is also a locked steel box in the oak cab- day, except during religious services. Mendel inet holding two inner circle and six outer cir- dislikes fighting and avoids combat if at all The red ledger books contain the order’s fi- cle rings. possible. If cornered, he will fight back. Oth- nancial records:, including lists of prisoners Lynn Raupp is present during the day. erwise, he attempts to run. (by name) and their disposition. Among the Wherever Raupp is, there too is her pet dis- entries in the most recent book is one for placer beast, Schroedinger. Raupp and her Dygar Mendel: AC 0 (battle armor); HD 2; “Aleford, Riss,a” together with the notation pet enter the nave 1-4 rounds after any dis- hp 10; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 3-36 “special treatment.” The oak cabinet holds turbance starts in that area. They always at- (hand blaster); Save F2; ML 8; AL N; XP writing materials. The desk contains several tack intruders enthusiastically. Raupp breaks 20. spools of green ribbon, a brass seal in the like- off combat only if the fight is clearly lost, in 23. Librarian’s Quarters ness of a frog devouring a struggling human, which case, she retreats to a convenient area and a wooden box holding 30 sticks of yellow to gather new forces and then returns to the The floor of this 25-foot square room is sealing wax. The seal is that of the order, and attack. Raupp’s pet is programmed to be in- covered with a black wool carpet. The is used on all official communications. tensely loyal to Raupp. He will defend her to west and south walls are lined with open The door in the south wall leads to the the death, and avenge her if she is killed. bookcases containing leather-bound sanctum sanctorum (2-19). That in the west Lynn Raupp: AC 0 (battle armor); HD 11; books and lacquered scroll cases. There is wall leads to the nave (2-1). hp 44; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 3-36 an oak cabinet against the north wall and This is the order’s secretariat. Here reside its (hand blaster); Save F11; ML 10; AL N; a similar cabinet occupies the northeast current operating records, and from here come XP 1100. Raupp wears a scarab ofprotec- corner. An oak bed dominates its south- the written orders that cause things to get done. tion with six uses. Like Saint Stephen, east corner, Between the bed and the cor- The secretaria.t is run by Temple Secretary Raupp has undergone battle conditioning ner cabinet, angled to face the door, is an Hugh Karf, assisted by four acolytes who act as that make her immune to the same spells oak desk with a carved oak armchair. runners. Karf and his runners are in this room as other members of the order. There is a black velvet armchair in the during the day (except during religious serv- southwest corner. ices). They enter any adjacent room in which Schroedinger: AC 4; HD 6*; hp 54; MV 150’ there is a disturbance in 1-4 rounds. (50’); #AT 2 tentacles; D 3-80-8; Save F6; Most of the books and scrolls in the shelves ML 12; AL N; XP 500. Hugh Karf: AC 9; HD 6; hp 24; MV 120‘ are of no interest, but there is a rare copy of (40’); #AT 1; D 6-36 (hand blaster); Save 22. Chancellory Friar Hyckum’s shocking tale Dragons of De- Cfj;ML 12; AL C; XP 275. Karf is an in- pravity, worth 1,000 gold pieces. ner circle monk and knows the cleric spells The walls and ceiling of this 25-foot The double-doored corner cabinet is detect evil’, protection from evil, hoIdper- square room are paneled in white oak. A locked and wizard-locked. Inside are two son, resist fire, and cure disease. fine, pale green wool carpet covers the scrolls, a spell book, and an iron-bound oak chest. One scroll is a cursed scroll that turns Acolytes (4): AC 9; HD 1; hp 6 each; MV floor. The south wall is lined with oak book cases. Hundreds of leather-bound the reader into a (very small) frog. The other 120‘ (40’); ##AT1; D 1-4 (mace); Save C1; is a magic user spell scroll containing the ML 10; PLLC; XP 10 each. books are visible through the leaded glass of their doors. Against the east wall is a spells fl~conjure elemental, and lower water. 2 1. Guardian’s Office gray metal cabinet. There is a similar cab- The chest holds 800 gold pieces. inet against the west wall. Next to the lat- These are the quarters of Vidor Strang. The walls and ceiling of this 25-foot ter is a big white oak desk, behind which is Though Strang is an honorary inner circle square room are paneled in white oak. A a padded green leather armchair. Two monk and wears an inner circle ring, he is not a cleric, but a magic-user, and the spell book fine, light blue wool carpet covers the similar chairs are set in front of the desk. is his. He is also the temple librarian and ar- floor. The north wall is lined with oak book cases. Hundreds of leatherbound The cabinet against the east wall contains a chivist. He is always in this room, though he enters the library in 1-4 rounds if there is a books are visible through the leaded glass computer; it opens only to a saint’s ring. The disturbance there. Strang believes that the of their doors. Against the east wall is a other cabinet hides a vault partially sunk into keepers have become corrupt, and he would gray metal cabinet. There is a much the floor. The vault is made of 1/16-inch col- smaller oak cabinet opposite it against the lapsium, a superdense armor plating that is like to see them destroyed for the good of the order. Though he will fight to preserve the or- west wall. Next to the oak cabinet is a big immune to damage from any weapons in der as a whole, there is a 10% chance that he white oak desk, behind which is a blue Blackmoor (including alien blasters). It opens only to Mendel’s or Saint Stephen’s will help intruders penetrate the dungeons by

31

MAP 3: TEMPLE OF THE FROG - SECOND FLOOR Scale: 1 Square = 5 Feet

"1986 TSR Inc. All Rights Resewed. THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

MAP 5: TEMPLE OF THE FROG - FOURTH FLOOR Scale: 1 Square = 5 Feet

Saint Stephen is wont to observe his realm Draco Lizards (4): AC 5; HD 4 + 2; hp 22; blasters, these two don’t have power packs. from this pleasant balcony. It is here too that MV 120‘ (80‘), glide 150‘ (50’); #AT 1 Instead they draw power from the power he pursues one of his hobbies-watching the bite; D 1-10; Save F3; ML 7; AL N; XP plant (or auxiliary). The cables connecting wild draco lizards that inhabit Frog Swamp. 125. them to the power plant are just long enough order to draw the lizards near, Stephen has so that they can be wheeled to the edge of the In The double doors in the north wall open only the temple staff regularly feed them. Slightly balcony to fire down at an attacking foe. to Saint Stephen’s ring or to a. knock spell; concave stone projections built into the hal- The room is guarded by a cyborg named they can’t he forced. cony at A and B are filled with fresh meat be- Nom who is programmed to kill anyone ex- fore both daily services, drawing the winged 61. Saint Stephen’s Room cept Stephen who enters the room. predators to the temple. Once the meat is Nom: AC 0; HD 20; hp 8; MV 120’ (80’); gone, the dracos tend to stay in the area, This 10-foot by 20-foot room is packed #AT 1 fist or weapon; D 3-30 or 4-48 though they don’t remain on the balcony. with arcane machines of metal and glass. (heavy blaster); Save F10; ML 12; AL N; However, since they have come to associate XP 2,000. Nom has infravision, and can the balcony with food, they do sometimes These are items of alien equipment salvaged breathe underwater. He can be damaged dive on those they see standing on it. There is from Stephen’s lifeboat. Among them are only by magic items or spells. He is im- a 25% chance that a party of intruders who two autoblasters, large wheeled, swivel- mune to sleep, charm, and hold spells. enter this area are attacked by four draco liz- mounted blasters that do 8-48 points of dam- ards. age at a range of 320 feet and that can be used to make three attacks per round. Unlike other

37 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

40. Hall of Toil The stairs at A and B go up to the priests’ walk (6-60). There are two guards stationed beside ‘3eavy canvas curtains cover archways in the the archway opposite the door to the fourth floor The east wall contains a waist-high, slate- west and south vvalls of this hall. The archway slop room (5-49). They have orders to detain topped pine cabinet. Recessed in its slate t wall leads to the main equipment unauthorized persons who enter this area. top is a white porcelain basin with brass 1). That in the south wall leads to a fittings. ?hose stairs go down to the robing Guards (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 5; hp 25 L) and up to the Hall of Peace (5-44). each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 8-48 The basin is a sink. Inside the unlocked cabi- (heavy blaster) or 1-8 (sword); Save F5; Equipment Space net is a brown stoneware crock of soap. Next ML 10; AL C; XP 175 each. to it is a copper bucket filled with cleaning

OCCU- rags. 5 row of pillars marches down the Any disturbance in this hall draws the F this huge room, whose walls are pants of rooms 5-50, 5-51, and 5-52 in 1-4 50. The Guardian’s Quarters hadovu. Here and there, the light seconds and causes the alarm to be sounded, glowing stones in the ceiling reflects if the computer is still working. The stone walls of this spartan 10-foot by outlandish machine. Greasy cables 45. Upper Loft 15-foot room are unadorned. There is a mg the floor in all directions. Half a bed in the northeast corner and an oak rge, boxy metal columns are cen- This open, 4O-foot high loft looks down on wardrobe in the northwest corner. At the ir the room’s north edge. the temple nave 50 feet below. It is sur- foot of the bed is a shallow 2-foot by 3-foot rounded by a heavy railing, and two ramps box filled with sand. e is both a storage area for alien give access to seating in a bank of 20-foot ,t being refurbished for use in the pews set on steep risers. There is a large These are Lynn Raupp’s quarters. She and d the main accessway for electrical double-dwr at the back of the loft, and her pet are present between midnight and The cables include electrical and smaller doors are set in jogs in the east and dawn. See 2-21 for their attributes. The sand- cations lines. The metal columns west walls. box is Schroedinger’s. Ifts. 1\11 of the fireplaces, stoves, and n the temple are connected to these 51. The Chancellor’s Quarters shafts. Secret doors in the shafts are 46-47. Stairs by twisting a metal protrusion. In- The oak paneling on the walls and ceiling The west stairs go up to the west walkway (6- hafts are packed with a fibrous ma- of this 15-foot square room and the brown 55). The east stairs go up to the east walkway wool carpet covering the floor are the only acts like a filter. While it is possible (6-56). the shafts, they can’t be used to tra- signs of luxury. An oak bed occupies the en floors since the shafts with which 48. Fourth Floor Bathroom northwest corner, and a brown cut velvet ,ect ,are too small for humans. armchair occupies the northeast corner. There is an oak wardrobe against the iished Latrine The floor, ceiling, and walls of this 10-foot square room are covered with one-inch south wall. square black and gold tiles arranged in an abstract pattern. There is a curious glass Dygar Mendel’s occupies these quarters from isty, and obviously disused. booth containing gold fittings in the midnight to dawn. See 2-22 for his attributes. northwest corner. A white porcelain basin 52. The High Priest’s Quarters nished Slop Room with gold fittings occupies the southwest corner. It is half-filled with water. Built The walls and ceiling of this L-shaped into the east wall is a waist-high, marble- room are paneled in white oak, and there topped golden oak cabinet. Recessed in lsty, and obviously disused. is a white carpet on the floor. A white oak the cabinet’s black-veined gray marble four-poster occupies the southeast corner. top is another white porcelain basin with There is a wardrobe against the north different gold fittings. Atop the cabinet is wall, and a writing desk and chair in the rx FLOOR a jade pot of scented soap. northeast corner. id those who don’t have appropriate Saint Stephen is in these quarters be- 3n the fourth floor are allowed there The glass booth is a shower. The basins are a tween midnight and dawn. See 2-20 for er escort. Except in the upper loft, flush toilet and sink, respectively. The un- his attributes. re 15 feet high. locked cabinet holds a stack of towels and a woven basket full of sheets of thin paper. The In addition to its other contents, the ward- of Peace jade pot is worth 100 gold pieces; the gold fit- robe holds an alien backpack containing 30 tings, 300. iron rations, a full waterskin, a 50-foot rope, gray and white wool carpet covers 49. Fourth Floor Slop Room and a purse holding 50 gold pieces. Ever pre- r. There seem to be doors or arch- pared, Saint Stephen keeps these items ready rerywhere. The floor, walls, and ceiling of this 10-foot against the day when he may have to make a square room are covered with one-foot fast getaway from the temple.

35 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

53. The Computer Room communicate orders and information re- 55-56. Walkways quests to the computer using the intercom The west walkway connects the west stairs (5- system. When communicated with in this The walls, floor, and ceiling of this 25-foot 46) with the stairs leading to the observation fashion, the computer replies over the inter- by 45-foot room are covered with two-foot deck (7-62). The east walkway connects the com. The aliens can also communicate using smooth, gleaming white panels of an un- east stairs (5-47) with the stairs leading to the their implants. In order of preference, the known material. The entire ceiling glows observation deck. with an intensely bright light. There are computer obeys Saint Stephen, Willis, two iron beds, an oak desk, an oak chair, Raupp, Mendel, Kirk, the apprentice com- 57. Machine Shop and an oak wardrobe against the north puterman, and the attendant. wall. Four open metal cabinets line the Neither Strom nor his apprentice are fight- This %foot by 60-foot room is crammed south wall. In front of each open cabinet is ers by nature, but both will fight to the death with strange machines that whir and buzz a white oak side chair. Centered against to protect the computer. If intruders draw and click. Most of the room's southern the west wall is a tall metal cabinet con- near the computer room, they barracade third is, occupied by a huge hexagonal taining a single blinking red light. themselves inside instead of venturing out t tank, and there are two thick metal shafts join the fight. in the middle of the remaining floor space. "?he cabinets against the south wall are termi- 54. The Power Plant There is a double door in the north wall. nals attached to the computer set against the Stairs in alcoves in the east and west walls lead to two other doors. west wall. The unlocked desk contains a The walls, floor, and ceiling of this 25-foot drawer full of strange tools and computer by 45-foot room are covered with two-foot The machines include laser drill presses, parts. The wardrobe contains a saint's robe, smooth, gleaming white panels of an un- two inner circle robes, and a chest holding known material. The entire ceiling glows milling machines, lathes, stampers, heat :!OO platinum pieces. Temple Magus Willis with an intensely bright light. There are treatment units, and other, even more eso- Strom and his apprentice computerman oc- two iron beds and a wardrobe against the teric alien devices. During the day, there are five acolytes hard at work in this area. At cupy this room south wall. An open metal cabinet and night, it is empty. 'Nillis Strom: AC 0 (battle armor); HD 2; hp two other tall metal cabinets are set 20; MV 120" (40'); #AT 1; D 3-36 (hand against the north wall. There is an oak Acolytes (4): AC 9; HD I; hp 6 each; MV blaster); Saw F2; ML 7; AL N; XP 20. side chair in front of the open cabinet. The 120' (40'); #AT 1; D 1-4 (club); Save C1; room's entire southeast corner is occupied ML 10; AL C; XP 10 each. In combat, .\pprentice Computerman: AC 0 (battle ar- by a featureless, ceiling high, metal tank. the acolytes use metal tools as clubs. mor); HD 3; hp 12; MV 120' (40'); #AT 1; D 6-36 (hand blaster); Save C3; ML 58. Cistern The open cabinet is a computer terminal. 12; AL C ; X.P 75. This individual is an in- The other cabinets are monitoring devices. Catch basins in the temple roof keep this 15- ner circle monk and knows the cleric spells In addition to its other contents, the ward- foot deep cistern filled with water. The catch detect evil and protection from evil. robe holds a suit of leather armor and three basins' outlets are only a few inches across !Computer: AC 0; HD 10; hp 40; MV 0 (0); inner circle robes. (too small to be entered). Plastic pipe carries #AT 1 electric shock; D 8-48; Save F5; The metal tank is a sealed power plant, water from the cistern through the temple ML 12; AL N; XP 1,100. The computer sheathed in collapsium. It can sustain up to walls to all sinks, toilets, and showers. 48 points ofdamage before it shuts down, but is similar to a stationary golem. It can be 59. Main Lighting Space damaged onlly be magic weapons or spells, can be harmed only by magic. If both the and is immune to poison, paralysis, petri- power plant and its auxiliary in the command This area is a jungle of electrical cables. The fication, and breath attacks and to sleep, center (2-15) shut down, then all alien devices accent lights used in religious services are se- charm, and hold spells. To keep fools from installed in the temple except for the glow cured to ports cut in the floor and accessed via tampering with it, Willis Strom has run a panels immediately shut down. trapdoors. It is possible to drop through these current thr'ough its insulated cabinet. An apprentice powerman is always on duty trapdoors into the nave 90 feet below. in this room. Anyone but Saint Stephen, Willis Strom, 60. The Priests' Walk or his apprentice computerman who Apprentice Powerman: AC 0 (battle armor); touches the computer with his body or HD 3; hp 12; MV 120' (40'); #AT 1; D 6- with a weapon or tool sustains This 20-foot by 50-foot balcony is the 8-48 points 36 (hand blaster); Save C3; ML 12; AL of damage from electric shock. "mouth" of the frog-shaped temple. C; XP 75. This inner circle monk knows Overhead, an overhanging limestone Anyone can use a terminal keyboard to talk the cleric spells detect evil and protection ledge forms the upper part of the mouth. to the computer. The computer will answer from evil. The floor of the balcony is the lower half. questions posed by anyone using a terminal The surrounding by a three-foot high by by displaying data on the screen, but it takes FIFTH FLOOR four-foot thick limestone railing forms a orders affecting temple operations only from prominant froggy lip. The north wall, the aliens, the apprentice computerman, and The fifth floor other than the east and west forming the back of the mouth, contains a the attendant in the command center (2-15). walkways (6-55 and 6-56) is restricted to ali- double door of bluish-green bronze. It is possible fcir anyone who knows the one- ens and members with assigned tasks. The word I.D. code of one of these individuals to walkways have 10-foot ceilings. The other ar- eas have 15-foot ceilings.

36 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

MAP 5: TEMPLE OF THE FROG - FOURTH FLOOR Scale: 1 Square = 5 Feet

Saint Stephen is wont to observe his realm Draco Lizards (4): AC 5; HD 4 + 2; hp 22; blasters, these two don’t have power packs. from this pleasant balcony. It is here too that MV 120‘ (80‘), glide 150‘ (50’); #AT 1 Instead they draw power from the power he pursues one of his hobbies-watching the bite; D 1-10; Save F3; ML 7; AL N; XP plant (or auxiliary). The cables connecting wild draco lizards that inhabit Frog Swamp. 125. them to the power plant are just long enough order to draw the lizards near, Stephen has so that they can be wheeled to the edge of the In The double doors in the north wall open only the temple staff regularly feed them. Slightly balcony to fire down at an attacking foe. to Saint Stephen’s ring or to a. knock spell; concave stone projections built into the hal- The room is guarded by a cyborg named they can’t he forced. cony at A and B are filled with fresh meat be- Nom who is programmed to kill anyone ex- fore both daily services, drawing the winged 61. Saint Stephen’s Room cept Stephen who enters the room. predators to the temple. Once the meat is Nom: AC 0; HD 20; hp 8; MV 120’ (80’); gone, the dracos tend to stay in the area, This 10-foot by 20-foot room is packed #AT 1 fist or weapon; D 3-30 or 4-48 though they don’t remain on the balcony. with arcane machines of metal and glass. (heavy blaster); Save F10; ML 12; AL N; However, since they have come to associate XP 2,000. Nom has infravision, and can the balcony with food, they do sometimes These are items of alien equipment salvaged breathe underwater. He can be damaged dive on those they see standing on it. There is from Stephen’s lifeboat. Among them are only by magic items or spells. He is im- a 25% chance that a party of intruders who two autoblasters, large wheeled, swivel- mune to sleep, charm, and hold spells. enter this area are attacked by four draco liz- mounted blasters that do 8-48 points of dam- ards. age at a range of 320 feet and that can be used to make three attacks per round. Unlike other

37 THE TEMPLE OF THE FROG

SIXTH FLOOR 63. Mind of the Frog

This area is forbidden to everyone except ali- This entire 10-foot by 20-foot room ap- ens and those who accompany them. All its pears to he a single machine whose entire rooms have 15-foot ceilings. purpose is focused on something that 62. Observation Deck rlooks like a chair built into the north wall. This room appears to be a corridor. Stone The room is, in fact, a single vast machine, a bays at A and B are actually view ports mind-control device that Stephen uses to con- shielded from the elements by clear convex dition members of the order as described in plastic sheets. From outside, these bulging the Heart OfDarknessportion ofthis module. plastic shields look like the pop eyes of a frog. The collapsium door between this area and the Mind of the Frog (7-63) opens only to one of the aliens’ rings or to a knock spell. It can’t be forced.

38 MAP 6: TEMPLE OF THE FROG - FIFTH FLOOR

MAP 7: TEMPLE OFTHE FROG - SIXTH FLOOR n 4N

Scale: 1 Square = 5 Feet u

"1986 TSR Inc. All Rights Resewed. THE TEMPLE DUNGEON

Beneath the temple compound is a large 8 Special: The intrudlers encounter 12 sol- 5. Commander Rill’s Quarte:rs dungeon cut from the natural limestone be- diers per a 6 result. The soldiers are ac- drock. Here, as in the aboveground temple, companied by an 01 iter circle monk and The southwest corner of this sparsely fur- I” 1. .. . ^^ . --” alien technology provides light, ventilation, an inner circle monk, per 1. ana L resum. nished 1U-toot by YU-foot room contains plumbing, environmental control, se----:’--:CUI JLY, rrzyI I,< are also accompanied by either an oak bed with a small oak wardrobe at ,md communications. Unless 0th erwise Lo1‘ca (see 1-25) or by two keepers per a 3 its foot. An oak desk and chair occupy the .Toted, assume that all lockers, warcIrobes, res1llt . east wall. Assorted furs are scattered over 2nd desks have the same contents as tllose in the floor. the aboveground temple. UPPlSR DUNGEON . ,.-.-A- The dungeon can be entered only by ~~VL~LS Commander Rill, le men ings and walls in the upper dungeon and those other Froggies who have bi quartered in the si -63), is ed with 500-pound limestone blocks. there. Intruders risk detection and cap always present. a result of random encounters with th )ors are flagged with limestone. As in ple staff or members of the order. If oveground temple, frog-shaped wall Commander Rill: ACJ3 (cnainmail); HD 5; truders aren’t yet detected, roll ld6 i containing white candles are set in hp 25; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6-36 other turn to sele if they have an encou 11s at 10-foot intervals. Here too, the (hand blaster); Save C5; ML 12; AL C; detected, roll ld6 every turn instead. i are unused as light comes from the XP 175. This short, fat inner circle monk counter occurs on a result of 1. Determ ow panels. Unless otherwise noted, all knows the cleric spells detect evil, remove nature of each encounter by rolling Id ire cut from a single piece of oak and fear, bless, and hold person. ae sealed electronically as in the above- intruders aren’t yet detected and ld8 if they In addition to their other contents, the ward- ground temple. Except as noted, ceilings are are detected. a chainmail shirt and a mace + 20 feet high. A dis I, 1 drawer in the desk contains a hall on this level au Outer Circle Monk (1): AC 5 (chain- holding 200 electrum pieces. mail); HD 4; hp 20; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT cupants of all adja 1; D 6-36(hand blaster); Save C4; ML within 1-6 rounds. ellar 11; AL C; XP 75. The monk knows the 1. South Concourse cleric spells detect evil, protection from Two oak tuns stand against the south wall evil, and bfess. The two stairwells in this corridor lead to the of this 20-foot square room. The north top of the Temple Gate (1-4A). wall and part of the east and west walls Inner Circle Monk (1): AC 5 (chainmail); hold racks of dusty bottles. HD 5; hp 2:5; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6- 2. Southwest Guard Room 36 (hand b’laster); Save C5; ML 12; AL 3ne tun holds ale. The other contains C; XP 175. The monk knows the cleric This 15-foot by 20-foot room has doors in the north and west walls. A large hooded cheap, rough red wine. The bottles contain spells detect evil, protection from evil, various types of red and white wine. bless, and hold person. cook stove stands against the south wall. Fifteen-foot oak trestle tables and benches 7. Southeast Guard Room Keepers (2): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 6; flank a north-south center aisle. Above hp 24 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 and slightly in front of the stove, metal This 15-foot by 20-foot room has doors in (mace); Save C6; ML 12; AL C; XP 275 cooking gear hangs from an iron rack SUS- the north and east walls. A large hooded each. The monks know the cleric spells pended by a chain from the ceiling. detect evil, protection from evil, bless, cook stove stands against the south wall. hold person, and cause disease. Fifteen-foot oak trestle tables and benches Pushing a loose stone in the east wall opens a flank a north-south center aisle. Above Soldiers (4.): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp secret door to the southwest passage (8-3). and slightly in front of the stove, metal 8 each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 Two soldiers are present. cooking gear hangs from an iron rack SUS- (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL C; XP 20 Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 pended by a chain from the ceiling. each. each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 Soldiers (8): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp (sword); Save F2; ML 10; AL C; XP 20 Pushing a loose stone in the west wall opens a 15 each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 each. secret door to the southeast passage (8-8). Two soldiers are present. (crossbow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML 3. Southwest Passage 10; AL C; XP 35 each. Soldiers (2): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8 Pulling a loose stone in the west wall opens a each; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); Soldiers (12): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; secret door to the southwest pard room (8- Save F2; ML 10; AL C; XP 20 each. hp 12 each; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 2). Stairs at the passage’s other end go down (crossbow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML to a double door that opens onto the lower 8. Southeast Passage 10; AL C; XP 35 each. dungeon’s south tunnel (9-54). Pulling a loose stone in the east wall opens a Special: The intruders encounter eight 4. Southwest Stairwell secret door to the southeast guard room (8-7). soldiers per a 5 result. They are accompa- Stairs at the passage’s other end go down to a nied by an outer circle monk and an inner Stairs wind upward counterclockwise to the double door that opens onto the lower circle monk, per 1 and 2 results. top of the southwest tower (1-5) and down dungeon’s south tunnel (9-54). clockwise to the southwest barracks (9-63).

40

__ - I______--- THE TEMPLE DUNGEON

9. Southeast Stairwell to dawn. See 2-20 for his attributes. St airs wind upward counterclockwise to the it. The north wall is lined with empty oak 1%-20.Monks’ Quarters to‘3 of the southeast tower (1-6) and down bookcases. The west wall contains a metal clockwise to the southeast barracks (9-84). cabinet. Anchored to the east wall ofthis 10-footby IO. Commander Zik’s Quarters 20-foot room are two iron double-decker The metal cabinet holds a computer termi- bunks. There is a tall pine wardrobe against the north wall. The southeast corner of this sparsely fur- nal; it opens only to a saint’s ring. Rector nished 10-foot by 30-foot room contains Brand Kirk is always present except during services and between midnight and dawn. These quarters are assigned to outer circle an oak bed with a small oak wardrobe set monks. Two of them are present at night and at its foot. An oak desk and chair occupy Brand Kirk: AC 0 (battle armor); HD 5; hp one during the day. A disturbance in one of 25; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 3-36 (hand these cells causes the monks in the other two r blaster); Save F5; ML 10; AL N; XP 175. cells to arrive to investigate after 1-4 rounds. ters of Commander Zik, In addition to his temple ring, Kirk wears ik who is in charge of the a ring of spell storing containing the Outer Circle Monks (2): AC 7 (leather ar- ie southeast barracks (9- magic-user spells charm monster, ice mor); MD 4; hp 16 each; MV 120‘ (40’); ‘esent, preferring to stay storm/wall, animate dead, teleport, disin- #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); Save C4; ML 11; tegrate, and stone to flesh *. AL C; XP 75 each. The monks know the cleric spells detect evil, protection from Kirk is a skilled fighter, but, like all of the ali- se Wash Room evil, and bless. ens except Raupp, prefers to let the locals do most of the bleeding and dying. If involved in 21-24. Junior Keepers’ Quarters covered with one-inch combat, he stays well back from the melee, . Four curtained stalls using his blaster and his ring to back up his Set against the west wall of this 10-footby mth wall. White porce- troops. If the fight is clearly lost, he retreats 20-foot room are two iron three-tiered ‘ass fittings are recessed (using his magic ring to teleport to aAlotherlo- bunks. There is an oak wardrobe against ned black slate counter cation in the temple, if possible). This does the south wall. slate-topped,white oak not mean that Kirk is a coward, by any means. He is perfectly willing to risk his life These quarters are assigned to keepers, two to save his cushy position at the temple, and of whom are present. A disturbance in one of contain flush toilets. The will organize a new assault on the intruders these cells causes the monks in the other three e unlocked cabinets each each time an attack fails. cells and in cells 25-28 to arrive to investigate and lye and a woven bas- 15. Rector’s Bed Chamber after 1-4 rounds. :hin paper. Keepers (2): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 6; hp The stone walls of this spartan 10-foot by 24 each; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 20-foot room are unadorned. Its sole fur- (mace); Save C6; ML 12; AL C; XP 275 Ilway. niture is an oak four-poster in the south- each. The monks know the cleric spells de- ,oom west corner and a side chair against the tect evil, protection from evil, bless, hold north wall. person, and cause disease. 25-28. Senior Keepers’ Quarters It by 20-foot room. Be- Brand Kirk is present from midnight to dawn. xown leather armchair. Set against the west wall of this 10-foot by :e the desk. 16. Rector’s Closet 20-foot room are two iron three-tiered In addition to standard wardrobe contents, bunks. There is an oak wardrobe against behind the unlocked desk the north wall. this closet holds an iron-bound oak chest con- taining 100 platinum pieces, 100 electrum HD 1; hp 6; MV 120’ pieces, and 300 gold pieces. These quarters are assigned to keepers, one 1-2 (fist); Save C1; ML of whom is present. A disturbance in one of 0. 17. Secretary’s Quarters these cells causes the monks in the other three cells and in cells 21-24 to arrive to investigate after 1.4 rounds. pine wardrobe against the north wall are Keeper (1): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 7; hp the sole furnishings of this 10-foot by 20- 28; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); n wool carpet. A large, foot room. An icon on the west wall shows Save C7; ML 12; AL C; XP 450. The oak desk is angled to a frog bathed in a heavenly light. monk knows the cleric spells detect evil, rn the northeast corner. protection from evil, remove fear, bless, reen leather armchair. Temple Secretary Hugh Karf (an inner circle hold person, striking, and cause disease. monk) occupies these quarters from midnight

41 THE TEMPLE DUNGEON

~

29. Monk’s Hall 33. Northeast Guard Room 41. Northwest Stairwell This is an empty hallway. The door in the Stairs wind upward counterclockwise to the west wall opens only to a saint’s ring or a This 15-foot by 20-foot room has doors in top of the northwest tower (1-8) and down keeper’s ring. .4ny suspicious noise in this the south and east walls. There is a large clockwise to the northwest barracks (9-74). hall (as of a door being forced) causes two hooded cook stove against the north wall. Commander Skilk’s Quarters monks per round from rooms 21-28 to enter Fifteen-foot oak trestle tables and benches 42. the hall to investigate. flank a north-south center aisle. This 10-foot by 30-foot room contains an 30. Chief Keeper’s Office Pushing a loose stone in the west wall opens a oak bed in the northeast corner and an oak secret door to the northeast passage (8-34). wardrobe and an ironbound oak chest One soldier is present. against the west wall. Soldier (1): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 2; hp 8; Commander Skilk, who is in charge of the MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); soldiers quartered in the northwest barracks Save F2; ML 10; AL C; XP 20. from the southeast corner. Behind it is a (9-74), occupies these quarters at night. See brown leather armchair. Two similar 34. Northeast Passage 8-53 for his attributes. The locked chest holds chairs face the desk. a chainmail shirt and a large bag containing Pulling a loose stone in the east wall opens a se- 500 gold pieces. cret door to the northeast guard room (8-33). This is the chief keeper’s office, but he is Pulling a different stone in the west wall opens a 43. Northwest Washroom never present. The scroll cases contain reli- secret door to the north passage (8-35). gious scrolls. This washroom has exactly the same contents 35. Northeast Stairwell and decor as the northeast washroom (8-31), 31. Northeast Washroom except that the cabinet and sink are set in the Stairs wind upward counterclockwise to the west (not east wall). It has the same two toilet top of the northeast tower (1-7) and down The floor, ceiling, and walls of this 10-foot stalls in the north wall, and the cabinet’s con- clockwise to the northeast barracks (9-77). by 20-foot room are covered with one-inch tents are the same. square yellow tiles. Two curtained stalls 36. North Passage are built into the north wall. Two white 44. Monk’s Common Room

porcelain basins with brass fittings are re- Pressing a loose stone in the eastern wall of ~ ~ ~ cessed into the yellow-veined black slate this passage opens a secret door to (the north- The walls of this 40-foot square room are counter top ofa waist-high white oak cabi- east passage (8-34). Pressing a loose stone in lined with open shelves containing crock- net in the east wall. the west wall opens a secret door to the north- ery, cooking utensils, tins, bins, bags, and west passage (8-40). The doors in the south boxes. The northwest corner contains a The curtained stalls contain flush toilets. The wall lead to the emergency stairwells (8-37 hooded cook stove. There are two wheeled basins are sinks. The unlocked cabinet con- and 8-38). tables near the west wall. Three long ta- tains a stoneware pot of soap, a crock of lye, a 37-38. Emergency Stairwells bles flanked by benches take up the east- long-handled brush, and a woven basket of ern part of the room. thin paper sheets. The eastern emergency stairwell (8-37) con- nects the north passage (8-36) with the lower The tins, bins, bags, and boxes contain food Commander Mor’s Quarters 32. dungeon’s east causeway (9-76). The western and drink. There are two acolytes and two emergency stairwell (8-38) connects the north outer circle monks present during the day passage (8-36) with the lower dungeon’s west and two outer circle monks present at night. oak bed in the northwest corner, a small causeway (9-75). oak wardrobe against the west wall, and a Acolytes (2): AC 9; HD 1; hp 6 each; MV 39. Northwest Guard Room brown leather armchair against the east 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fist); Save C1; wall. There is a pile of scrolls on the floor ML 10; AL C; XP 10 each. This 15-foot by 20-foot room has doors in beside the bed. Outer Circle Monks (2): AC 7 (leather ar- the south and west walls. A large hooded mor); HD 4; hp 20 each; MV 120’ (40‘); cook stove stands against the north wall. Commander Mor, who is in charge of the #AT 1; D 2-7 (mace + 1); Save C4; ML Fifteen-foot oak trestle tables and benches men quartered in the northeast barracks (9- 11; AL C; XP 75 each. The monks know flank a north-south center aisle. 77), occupies this room except during reli- the cleric spells detect evil, protection gious services and between sundown and from evil, and bless. midnight (when he is in Frog Town). Pulling a loose stone in the east wall opens a secret door to the northwest passage (8-40). 45. Main Larder Commander Mor: AC 5 (chainmail); HD 5; 40. Northwest Passage hp 20; MI7 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6-36 The north and west walls of this 50-foot by (hand blaster); Save C5; ML 12; Ah C; Pulling a loose stone in the west wall opens a se- 60-foot room each contain a pair of iron- XP 175. This burley inner circle monk cret door to the northwest guard room (8-33). knows the cleric spells detect evil, remove Pulling a different stone in the east wall opens a fear, bless, and hold person. secret door to the north passage (8-35).

42 THE TEMPLE DUNGEON

morph self. Another case holds not scrolls, The curtained doorway contains a double bound oak doors. but a lacquered box tied shut with an intri- door that opens only to a saint’s ring or inner space is taken up cate knot. Ifthe box is forced open or the knot circle ring. Opposite this door is a secret door Filed high with is untied incorrectly, the box turns into a fire- in the north wall that opens when a candle crocks. Five free ball doing 6-36 points of damage to the char- sconce is rotated clockwise. The stairs con- wnthern half of acter holding it and incinerating its contents. nect with the monks’ stair (2-3). If the knot is untied correctly (e.g., if the lock 53. Practice Hall is picked), the lid pops open to reveal a ring of frog control identical to those worn by the keepers. This cavernous room’s 30-foot ceilings are The wizard Lorca is present from sunrise supported by nine pairs of round pillars. to noon. See 1-25 for his attributes. The north-south aisle between those pil- lars is apparently an archery range since 50. Public Archives there are butts set against the north wall. This room is identical in appearance to the Weapons racks flanking the outside of hidden archives (8-50), but it contains the re- each row of pillars hold a hedge of swords, cords that are open to all of the order’s mem- spears and polearms of every description. bers. One case contains architectural There are six ironbound oak weapons drawings of the temple. If the players find chest against the west wall, and four more this scroll case, show them the floor plans of flanking the butts along the north wall. the aboveground temple (not the dungeon). Twelve casks of arrows occupy the south- A shelving section in the room’s northwest west corner, while 20 casks of quarrels oc- corner swings out to reveal a door on which is cupy the southeast corner. The double mounted a full-length mirror of life trapping. doors in the south wall are flanked by of Inside the mirror are a vampire and eight racks bows and crossbows. The angled southwest and southeast walls are covered dire wolves. The vampire can’t be seen in the by heavy canvas mats. The other walls are mirror, but can be talked to (in which case, it claims to be a Blackmoorian warrior impris- hung man-high with shields. The floor is oned by the order for some imaginary crime). ankle-deep in white sand. The mirror’s occupants attack all present when it is broken. This combination armory and practice room is unoccupied from midnight to dawn and Vampire (1): AC 2; HD 9**; hp 72; MV 120‘ during services. At other times, Commander (40‘), flying 180 (60); #AT 1 bite; D 6-36; Skilk, an outer circle monk, and 16 soldiers Save F10; ML 11; AL N; XP 2000. are present. Dire Wolves (8):AC 6; HD 4 + 1; hp 17 each; Commander Skilk: AC 4 (chainmail + ring MV 150’ (50‘); #AT 1 bite; D 2-8; Save of protection); HD 5; hp 30; MV 120‘ F2; ML 8; AL N; XP 125 each. (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace) or 6-36 (hand The door opens onto the secret archives (8- blaster); Save C5; ML 12; AL C; XP 175. 49). The proper way to enter this room is to This big, bearish, red-bearded inner cir- open the door with eyes closed so as to avoid cle monk knows the cleric spells detect becoming trapped in the mirror. evil, protection from evil, bless, and hold person. As a reward for leading the slav- 51. Slide ing party that ambushed Rissa Aleford, This area is occupied by the spiral stone slide Skilk was given her ring ofprotection + 1, connecting the mouth of the frog-altar in the which he now wears. nave (2-1) to the lower dungeon’s killing Outer Circle Monk (1): AC 5 (chainmail); pond (9-59). Periodic oilings make the slide’s HD4; hp20; MV 120’(40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 smooth stone surface too slick to get any pur- (mace) or 6-36(hand blaster); Save C4; chase. Barring magical means of rescue, ML 11; AL C; XP 75. The monk knows those who start the descent from the altar in- the cleric spells detect evil, protection evitably wind up in the pond. from evil, and bless. 52. Priest’s Hole Soldiers (16): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp 12 each; MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML 10; AL doorway in the southeast corner. An arch C; XP 35 each. in the southwest corner partially conceals The canvas curtains conceal double doors a flight of stairs climbing into darkness.

43 DM BACKGROUND leading to the priests’ hole (8-52) and the east Keeper (1): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 7; hp Sefton Bril: AC 0 (battle armor); HD 10; hp concourse (8-1’2). That to the priests’ hole 28; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); 60; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6-36 (hand opens only to a saint’s ring or inner circle Save C7; ML 12; AL C; XP 450. The blaster); Save C10; ML 12; AL C; XP ring. A shadowed archway in the east wall monk knows the cleric spells detect evil, 900. Bril knows the cleric spells cure light half conceals a flight of stairs going up to the protection from evil, remove fear, bless, wounds, detect evil, protection from evil, Hall of Trust (2-13). The chests along the hold person, striking, and cause disease. remove fear, bless, hold person, know alignment, resist fire, curse, cause dis- west wall hold weighted, blunted weapons Soldier (1): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 5; hp 25; (treat as clubs). Those flanking the butts con- ease, striking, animate dead, cause seri- MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); tain daggers and swords. ous wounds, and dispel evil. He wears a Save F5; ML 10; AL C; XP 175. medallion of ESP 56. Waiting Room LOWER DUNGEON If Bril and his companions find themselves All ceilings, floors, and walls in the lower This is an empty room. clearly overmatched in combat, Bril retreats to a convenient checkpoint adjacent to the breed- dungeon are cut from the naked limestone 57. Laboratory bedrock. Rusty iron brackets set at 10-foot ing pond (9-60), leaving his companions to keep intervals hold unlit torches; illumination is the enemy occupied. Bril then opens the check- Three multitiered tables near the south point, takes control of all killer frogs, and leads provided by alien glow panels. Unless other- wall hold retorts, alembics, vials and wise noted, all doors are made from iron- them against the intruders. beakers of arcane liquids. Four beds on bound oak planks and are electronically pedestals stand against the north wall. 58. Recovery Room sealed as in the aboveground temple. Except as noted, ceilings are 15 feet high. In this laboratory, the keepers perform their There are eight checkpoints on this level. vile experiments. Most of the equipment, in- iron beds, six set against the west wall and Each consists of a 10-foot square area whose cluding the beds, is of alien design. four against the east wall. east and west boundaries are iron-barred The beds are actually medical diagnostic gates that open only to a keeper’s ring or and treatment units (medus). Straps built Two partly mutated frog folk are strapped to saint’s ring. Benches cut into the north and into them can be used to secure the patient beds against the east wall. south walls accomodate two guards, one a (victim), and wheels in the pedestal allow Frog Folk (2): AC 8; HD 1 +l; hp 5 each; soldier, the othcr a keeper. These men pass no them to be moved about. The computer sen- MV 90’ (30’), swimming 120’ (40’); #AT 1 one except a soldier or officer bound for his sors in each medu accept voice commands bite or 1 kick; D 1-4/1-6; Save F1; ML 8; duty station, a keeper, or a saint. and make verbal responses. Retracting AL N; XP 15 each. probes in the sealed pedestal perform opera- Keeper (1): AC: 7 (leather armor); HD 7; hp tions. If used for their intended purpose in- 59. Killing Pond 28; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (mace); stead of to create mutants, the medus have Save C7; ML 12; AL C; XP 450. The The slide from the frog-altar in the nave (2-1) the same effect on their patients as if they had monk knows the cleric spells detect evil, ends in this pond. Normally, it is empty, but been subjected to the cleric spells cure serious protection from evil, remove fear, bless, during services, gates G4 and G3 are open so wounds, neutralize poison, cure disease, and hold person, striking, and cause disease. that killer frogs can invade the pond and devour cure blindness. Only the aliens can operate the victims. There are 20-70 killer frogs present Soldier (1): ACI 5 (chainmail); HD 5; hp 25; them for their intended purpose. The keepers during services. They always attack unless re- MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-8 (sword); know how to use them only to create mu- strained by a frog control ring or spell. Save F5; ML 10; AL C; XP 175. tants. There are four keepers present. Except Killer Frogs (70): AC 7; HD 1; hp 5 each; The main feature of the lower dungeon is an from midnight to dawn and during services, MV 90’ (30’), swimming 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1 underground lake 30 feet deep. Six water Sefton Bril is also present. If there is a distur- bite or 1 kick; D 1-8/1-6;Save F3; ML 11; gates (Gl-G6) divide the lake into separate bance in rooms 9-54, 9-55, 9-56, 9-60, 9-61, AL C; XP 10 each. ponds. Unless otherwise noted, the water 9-62,9-64,9-75,9-76,04 9-78, the occupants gates are electronically locked at all times. 60. Breeding Pond of this room become aware of it in 1-6 rounds The lake is surrounded by sheer, unclimbable and immediately move toward the scene of rock walls. This vast cavern contains an underground the disturbance with the intention of quelling lake about 120-feet square. A double row 54. South Tunnel it. If there is a disturbance in 9-58, they enter of nine pillars supports its 30-foot ceiling. that room in 1-2 rounds. This is an empty hallway. Here and there, small, sandy islands dot Keepers (4): AC 7 (leather armor); HD 7; hp the lake. 55. Main Watch Room 28 each; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 6-36 (hand blaster); Save C7; ML 12; AL C; This lake is home to the order’s killer frogs. The iron-barred north and south walls of XP 450 each. Each monk knows the cleric At night, only 20 of the little monsters are this 20-foot square room are sealed by spells detect evil, protection from evil, re- present; the rest are out hunting in Frog sturdy gates. Four carved oak armchairs move fear, bless, hold person, striking, Swamp. During services, 70 killer frogs are face the north wall. and cause disease. present; the rest are in the killing pond (9- 1 59). At other times, 140 are present. They al- A soldier and a keeper occupy the armchairs.

44 DM BACKGROUND des:; restrained by a frog con- C; XP 35 each. Rissa’:s Guardsmen (5): AC 9; HI> 10; hp 39 41. each; MV 120’(40‘); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fist) or 64. West Tunnel bv weapon; Save F10; ML 9; AL L; XP 40): AC 7; HD 1; hp 5 each; This is an empty hallway. 9OC ) each. ’), swimming 120’ (40’); PAT 1 k; D 1-8/1-6;Save F3; ML 11; 65. Keepers’ Room Exceptt for being filthy dirty, Rissa and her 10 each. euardcimen are in good condition and raring For a fiight. After weeks of captivity, their one G4 are open when the killer An alcove in the east wall of this 20-foot square room holds a hooded cook stove. desire is to cut their way out of the vile tem- “5. There is a table against the north wall and Pie, Be:t back to civilization, and raise a com- Pond rl--,n.anv I~f troops to return to the City of the Frog and destroy it. Like her men, Rissa is iome to partially mutated 30 keen on escaping quickly and cleanly, but she tless and despirited) frog folk. The east wall’s door is unlocked. will acceed to the PCs’ wishes in all matters irmally attack Froggies or in- 66. Keepers’ Washroom save three: n ble galvanized by a chance to iy at the monks. 1. If she sees Commander Skilk, whom she There is a pile of stack of crates against the recognizes as the man who butchered her sol- west wall of this 10-foot square room. : AC 8; HD 1 + 1; hp 5 each; diers, she will insist on killing him. ‘), swimming 120’(40’); #AT 1 Otherwise, it is empty. ,k; D 1-4/16; Save F1; ML 8; 2. If she sees the ring of protection + 1 that 15 each. The crates contain green ceramic tiles. she was wearing when captured, she will try to reclaim it, since it is a family heriloom. If ’ond 67. Holding Pen the ring is in the possession of a PC, who iolds 30 wholly mutated frog refuses to part with it, she waits until the e day and 6-24 frog folk at An small oak desk and chair are set party escapes from the city, and then again t, gate G1 is open so that the against the west wall of this 10-foot by 30- demands the ring’s return, taking it back by hunt. They take no action foot room. The north and south walls each force, if necessary. contain three barred cells. es, but attack intruders. 3. She insists on taking along any and all Blackmoorians she encounters during the es- : AC 8; HD 2 + 1; hp 10 each; All cells are locked. They open to keys on a cape, including the prisoners in cells 9-68, 9- ‘), swimming 120’ (40’); #AT 1 ring in the unlocked desk. Sefton Bril’s jailer, 69, and 9-70, the occupants of the cells of :k; D 1-4/16; Save F2; ML 8; a bronze golem, occupies the room. He honor 2-1 1, and the prisoners in the slave pen 25 each. leaves only to pursue escaping prisoners. (1-17A). She will not leave without rescuing : Barracks Bronze Golem (1): AC 0; HD 20**; hp 140; them once she knows that they are captives. MV 120‘ (40’); #AT 1 fist + special; D 3- Rissa’s guardsmen follow her orders in all 30 + special; Save F10; ML 12; AL N; are lined with eight double- XP 4300. matters. unks. There is an oak locker 72. The Tank 68-70. Holding Cells ’ each bunk. Centered in the This cell is is used to hold members of the a door. Opposite it is a stair- The floors of each of these cells are piled with or- der awaiting trial and punishment for infrac- rotting straw, and there is an oak bucket in tions of temple law. It is identical to cells one corner. Each cell holds six prisoners con- 68-70, but it is empty. ‘s are assigned to 30 soldiers demned to “join the Frog.” circle monks. The stairs go up 73. Prep Cell Prisoners (6): AC 9; HD 1; hp 5 each; MV :st Guard Room (8-2). Unlike 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-2 (fist); Save as nor- This cell is is used to hold prisoners slated for i on this level, this room’s door mal man; ML 4; AL N; XP 5 each. mutation into frog folk. It is identical to cells ings except for acolyte rings. 68-70, but it is empty. we the same contents as ward- 71. Special Treatment Cell re 10 soldiers and an outer cir- 74. Northwest Barracks This cell holds Rissa Aleford and her escort of :nt . five guards with whom she was captured. All Monk (1): AC 5 (chainmail); are dressed in filthy rags and have been strip- 0; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6- ped of all armor and weapons. They are be- 40-foot room are lined with eight double- laster); Save C4; ML 11; AL ing held until Stephen can close a deal to sell decker iron bunks. There is an oak locker The monk knows the cleric them to Rissa’s bitter enemies, the Afridhi. at the foot of each bunk. Centered in the t evil, protection from evil, and Any of the Fetch’s agents who are captured south wall is a door. Opposite it is a stair- are also locked in this cell. case.

9C 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp 15 Rissa Aleford: Lawful 11th level fighter; Str The stairs go up to the Northwest Guard 121D’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- 9; Int 12; Wis 15; Con 13; Dex 14; Cha Room (8-39). Otherwise, the room is identi- , (sword); Save F3; ML 10; AL 15; AC 9; hp 54.

45 DM BACKGROUND

80. Maturing Pen

An oak armchair against the east wall is the only furnishing in this 10-foot by 30- foot room. The north wall contains three barred cells.

All cells are locked. They open to the keys on a ring hanging from an iron hook in the door in the west wall. 81-83. Maturing Cells The keepers use these presently empty cells to house humans who are in the advanced stages of being mutated into frog folk, but who can’t yet survive in the maturing pond (9-61). The floor of each cell is piled with reeds, and there is an oak bucket in one corner. 84. Southeast Barracks This room is identical to the southwest bar- racks (8-63) except that the stairs go up to Southeast Guard Room (8-7). Commander Zik and eight soldiers are present. Commander Zik: AC 5 (chainmail); HD 5; hp 25; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6-36 (hand blaster); Save C5; ML 12; AL C; XP 175. Zik knows the cleric spells detect cal to the Southwest Guardroom (9-63). The stairs go up to the Northeast Guard evil, protection from evil, bless, and hold There are 12 soldiers and an outer circle Room (8-33). Otherwise, the room is identi- person. monk present. cal to the Southwest Guardroom (9-63). Soldiers (8): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp 15 There are 15 soldiers present. Outer Circle Monk (1): AC 5 (chainmail); each; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- HD 4; hp 20; MV 120’ (40’); #AT 1; D 6- Soldiers (10): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp 15 bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML 10; AL 36 (hand blaster); Save C4; ML 11; AL each; MV 120’ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- C: XP 35 each. C; XP 75. The monk knows the cleric bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML 10; AL spells detect evil, protection from evil, and C; XP 35 each. bless. 78. East Tunnel Soldiers (12): AC 5 (chainmail); HD 3; hp 15 This is an empty hall each; MV 120‘ (40‘); #AT 1; D 1-6 (cross- bow) or 1-8 (sword); Save F3; ML 10; AL 79. Lower Kitchen C; XP 35 each. 75- 76. Causeways The walls of this 40-foot square room are lined with open shelves containing crock- The west (9-75) and east (76) causeways are ery, cooking utensils, tins, bins, bags, and cut from the liimestone bedrock. A wall of boxes. The northeast corner contains a ceiling-high iron bars on the side facing the hooded cook stove. There are two small, breeding pond lkeeps the killer frogs from get- wheeled tables near the south wall, a large ting at those using the causeway and the chopping block beside the stove, and two wooden bridge at its north end. large tables flanked by benches in the cen- 77. Northeast Barracks ter of the floor.

The tins, bins, bags, and boxes contain food The east and west walls of this 30-foot by 40- and drink. The room is unoccupied. foot room are lined with eight double-decker iron bunks. There is an oak locker at the foot of each bunk. Centered in the south wall is a door. Opposite it is a staircase.

46 ESCAPE FROM FROG 1 In order for the PCs to accomplis objective and rescue Rissa, they trate the temple’s lower dungeor do so, they will almost certainly anml pursued by large numbers adtheir minions. In this event, na’ly achieve their objective, t probably want to escape the cit dispatch. They can take two diff routes: 1. ‘Theycan steal a canoe or river ter Loch Gloomen. If they do so, by the backup team’s boat with and taken aboard for an uneven voyage up the Big Muddy to South Pim. 2. ‘They can try to negotiate Fro$ this event, the monks release i fro5 folk and killer frogs into th pursue them, and the party mu random encounters per The Citj part of this module. After 1-4 spl3shing through the swamp killer frogs, frog folk, and other land’s denizens, the PCs reach t Lot:h Gloomen, and are picker backup team’s basat, which tal South Pim. Mcanwhile, the PCs’ actions sr certain events in the City of the 1. If Weewak is not with them, h uproar in the temple caused b) ence. Seeing this a:$his big chanc into the temple and starts lookin At.iust the moment that the PCs frc~inthe temple, he activates his de\ice, partially wrecking the sti 2. When Weewak explodes (or w esc,ipe the temple if Weewak i from self-destructing), fighting b tween the keepers and other Frog tween Frog Towners and Frog! PCs are escaping from the City clouds of smoke begin to rise frr ings, and there is general fightin! left Rissa, any of her guardsmen lefcr, Veslo Meridlan, Alwyn P Mi tlos Haruska in Froggie hanc escaped, then these individuals i their own during the confusi picked up by the barckup team’s t PCs are already on board. Awaiting the PCs at South Pim it 30 royal guardsmen who accomp a two-week overland journey PREROLLED CHARACTERS

The characters herein have been tailored es- pecially for use in this module. They can be PREROLLED used by players instead of their normal char- CHARACTER TABLE acters, or you can include one or more of them in the party as NPCs. NAME CLASS LEVEL STR INT WIS CON DEX CHA HP Each prerolled character starts the adven- ture with a fill’ed waterskin and a backpack Jareel Takis C 11 12 11 14 16 11 7 58 containing 15 iron rations, a 50’ rope, 1 large Thern Mor C 10 8 12 15 13 14 13 41 sack, 1 small sack, a tinder box, a lantern, a flask of oil, a mirror, a holy symbol, and up to 80 cn of other equipment selected from the Normal Equipment list found on page 19 of Alphidia Aikot M 10 7 16 13 14 12 9 31 the D&D@ Expert Booklet. In addition, thieves start wiith a set of thieves’ tools, and magic users have their spell books along. Gillam Khandum D 10 16 7 10 16 10 9 60 AI1 prerolled fighters have a warhorse. All Ismelian Sotadis E 10 11 14 11 11 8 11 32 other prerolled characters have a riding horse. Both warhorses and riding horses have their own saddles, bridles and saddle bags. There are 500 gold pieces in each saddle bag. Each magic usrr has a mule for his spellbook. Prerolled characters have the attributes listed on the Prerolled Character Table and the armor, weapons and magic items listed on the Preselected Equipment & Spell List. - PRESELECTED EQUIPMENT tect magic, holdportal, light, read magic, de- lowing spells: detect magic, protection from AND SPELL LIST tect evil, detect invisible, knock, dispel evil, read magic, shield, sleep, continual magic, infravision, protection fiom normal light, detect evil, knock, web, dispel magic, Jareel Takis: Chainmail armor; staff of strik- missiles, charm monster, massmorph, re- fireball, haste, polymorph others, polymorph ing with 26 charges; scroll of protection from move curse, animate dead, cloudkill, stone to self, magic jar. magic. Knows the following spells: detect flesh. evil, detect magic, protection from evil, re- Gelon Melandil: Plate mail armor +1; move fear, bless, find traps, know alignment, Alphidia Alkot: Dagger; wand of illusion; Shield; sword + 1, energy drain; dagger; resist fire, cure blindness, cure disease, re- ring ofprotection + 1; potion of undead con- helm of teleportation. Knows the following move curse, animate dead, cure serious trol. Knows the following spells: detect spells: detect magic, read languages, read wounds, dispe,l magic, commune, raise dead. magic, magic missile, read magic, continual magic, shield, ventriloquism, continuallight, light, knock, wizardlock, dispel magic, invis- levitate, mirror image, wizard lock, dispel Thern Mor: Plate mail armor; mace +1; ibility 10’ radius, protection from evil 10’ ra- magic, flx lightning bolt, hallucinatory ter- wand of enemy detection; potion of speed. dius, confusion, remove curse, wizard eye, rain, remove curse, hold monster. Knows the fol1,owingspells: detect evil, detect hold monster, teleport. magic, light, protection from evil, find traps, Bob Silverheels: Chainmail armor + 1; short hold person, know alignment, silence 15’ ra- Kokra the Touch: Leather armor; crossbow; sword + 1, flames on command; dagger; ring dius, cure blindness, cure disease, locate ob- 16 normal quarrels; 4 quarrels +l; sword; of spell turning. ject, animate dead, cure serious wounds, dagger + 1; scroll ofprotection from undead; raise dead. bag of holding.

Axel Kars: Chainmail armor; two-handed Sean Boldfinger: Leather armor + 1; sling sword; dagger; rin,qof fire resistance; potion with 20 stones; short sword; dagger; ring of of healing. x-ray vision; scroll of protection from lycan- thropes. Purda Blue: Chainmail armor +I; sword + 1, intelligence of 9, see invisible, detect Gillam Khandum: Chainmail armor; war evil, find traps, alignment Lawful, ego 4; hammer +3; dagger; gauntlets of ogre dagger. power; bag of holding.

Newton Depoe: Dagger; staff ofpower with Ismelian Sotadis: Chainmail armor; long 18 charges; medallion of ESP; potion of in- bow; 12 normal arrows; 8 + 1 arrows; sword; vulnerability Knows the following spells: de- dagger; elven cloak and boots. Knows the fol-

48 MAP 8: TEMPLE OF THE FROG - UPPER DUNGEON '

E I

I I I I I

e

I--- m

mple of the Frog

Swamp. For centuries, this tangled maze of sluggish watercourses, stagnant ponds, and festering marshes has defended Blackmoor’s southwestern frontier. Large armies and smaller parties have disappeared altogether inside its vast, dripping, claustrophobic corridors. Among those who have dropped from sight in this arboreal hell is young Rissa Aleford, one of Blackmoor’s most important leaders. Carried off to the sinister City of the Frog, she is now being held by the eccentric Monks of the Swamp. By making the baroness captive, the deranged monks have seriously weakened Blackmoor at a time when enemies already threaten it from all sides. Yet, even as the Froggies gloat, the king of Blackmoor dispatches a small band of bold adventurers to the rescue. Deep into the Great Dismal Swamp they must go- far from sunlight and sanity-there to seek and save the captive baroness from the foul Monks of the Swamp. There to find-the Temple of the Frog.

This adventure is for use with the DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Basic and Expert Rules S and cannot be played without the rule produced by TSR, Inc.

1986 TSR Inc. All Rights Reserved. Printed in US. TSR Inc. TSR UK Ltd. POB 756 The Mill, Rathmore Road Lake Geneva, Cambridge CB14AD WI 53147 United Kingdom 8

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