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The Dragon’sLegacyAn Adventure for Four 13th-Level Characters
IntroductionTheRageofDragonscompelsmanystrangeeventstooccuracrossthebreadthofToril,anditdoesnotspareWaterdeep.YetwhilemostassumethethreattothisjeweloftheSwordCoastwillcomefromthesky,evilisinsteadafootundertheground.TheCultoftheDragonscuttlesthroughthedarkenedhallsofUndermountainandrousesadragon’slegacytowarditsownfoulends.
TheDragon’sLegacy isashortD&D® adventureforfour13th-level PCs and it is adaptable to levels11 to 15. It takes place inUndermountain,thegranddungeonbeneathWaterdeep.Thisadven-tureassumesthePCsenterthefirstencounterfromthewestsideofthelargecavernonlevel1ofUndermountain.Iftheydonot,modifytheencounterstosuityourneeds.Level1Cavern:Part1andLevel1Cavern:Part2describetherestofthiscavern.SeethosearticlesandRoom21:MovingDaybeforerunningthisadventure.
Insomerespects,thisadventureisbackward.Insteadofsloggingthroughadragon’sguardianstofightthedragoninitslairattheendoftheadventure,thePCsbattledragonsfirstandthroughout
the adventure. The adventure features a dracolich, and thatencounterisalsointhebeginningoftheadventure,butanotherencounterwithadracolichcanhappeninthemiddleoftheadven-ture,andonecouldoccurattheend.TheadventurederivesthisstructurefromthenatureofdracolichesandfromtheCultoftheDragon’srelationshipwiththem.Becauseadracolichcanariseagainfromthecorpseofanotherdragon,theCultoftheDragonhaschosentoseparatethedracolichanditsphylactery,thuspreventingbothfrombeingdestroyedinoneattack.ThePCshavethechoiceofstrugglingthroughseveralencountersinonego,makingeachencountermoredeadlyastheirresourcesdiminish,orofusinghit-and-runtacticsattheriskoffacingmoredracolichesandmoreorganizedresistance.
PreparationAswithearlierareas,theareasdetailedhererequiretheuseofthePlayer’sHandbook, theDungeonMaster’sGuide, andtheMonsterManual, plusyoushouldfamiliarizeyourselfwiththeintroduction
A ReturntoUndermountain FORGOTTEN REALMS®WebEnhancement
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tothisseriesofarticlesonthewebsite<http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ru/20050309a>.HavingaccesstotheDraconomi-con wouldbeusefulforthedracolich,aswell.
Togetstarted,printouttheadventure,includingthemaps.Readthroughthescenarioatleastoncetofamiliarizeyourselfwiththesit-uation, threats,andmajor nonplayercharacters(particularlytheirmotivations).Sometextisdesignatedasplayerinformationthatyoucanreadaloudorparaphrasefortheplayersatthepropertimes.
Adventure BackgroundIn1373DR,theRageofDragonsonceagainmakesitsmarkuponFaerûn,andastheinhabitantsofWaterdeeplooktotheskiesinfear,theyblindthemselvestoagrowingthreatbeneaththeirfeet.ForcenturiesHalasterhasusedportals andothermagictoensnarecreaturesandtraptheminUndermountain,andlongago,heimpris-onedAragauthos,anoldbluedragon,inacavernonthethirdlevelofUndermountain.Aragauthoslivedinthedungeonfordecades,trappedinacavernonlevelthreeandsurvivingoffthe“walkingfoodhandouts”broughttohercavernbyHalaster’sdeviousteleportrings.DuringHarvestidefouryearsago,citizensofWaterdeepwatchedinaweasAragauthosburstfromtheseacavesandflewhur-riedlysouthalongtheSwordCoast.Halaster’scontrolofUnder-mountainhadbeenbrokenwhilehewasheldcaptiveelsewhere,andthebluedragonatlastescaped.(Formoreinformation,downloadDungeonCrawl:Undermountain—Stardock fromthePreviousEdi-tionsDownloadssectionofthiswebsiteatthefollowingURL:<http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/2/fr_downloads/tsr9538.zip>.
DespitehercountlessthoughtsandthreatsofrevengeagainsttheMadMage,Aragauthoshasnotreturned.YettheoldblueleftbehindalegacythatcontinuestoaffectUndermountain.WhenHalastercapturedher,shewasonthevergeoflayingaclutchofeggs.Herchildren,whichnumberedanamazingsixhealthybluewyrmlings,hatchedintoalifeofimprisonment.Knowingshecouldnotfeedsomanyoffspring,butunwillingtoharmanyofthem,shestarvedherself,killingfoodonlyforthehatchlingsandeatingstonesandearthtosateherownhunger.Whenatlastshecouldnolongerstandprivation,sheforcedheryoungoutintoUndermoun-tainandadvisedthemtoremaintogetherforsafetyandtobettertheirchancesinhunting.
Thefivedragonsiblingsdidastheirmotherbid.Astheygrewolderand larger,theywould periodicallyreturnto their mother’s cave,bringing with them giftsof food.Unfortunately,greedeventuallyovertookaweoftheirmother,andthebluedragonsthoughttokillAragauthosandtakehertroveoftreasure.Aragauthoseasilyrebuffedtheir effort,slayingone of herchildren before forcing them toretreat.Assherantedattheirtreacherousnature,shewarnedthemnevertoreturnlestshekillthemall,andherchildrenneverdid.
Fornearlyahundredyears,Aragauthos’sfiveremainingchildren
wanderedUndermountaintogether.Althoughmanytimestemptedtopartcompany,theirsafetyinnumbersandanoathtocleavetoeachotherhaskeptthesiblingsatight-knitgroup.Changinglairsregularlyandmovingfromleveltolevel,thedragonshavelivedontherun,rarelyallowingthemselvesthepleasuresofbuildingahoardorenjoylongperiodsofsleep.
Many times they attempted to escape Undermountain, butHalaster’smagichunglikeachainabouttheirnecks.WhenHalaster’sHarvestideoccurredfouryearsago,theyhadtheopportunitytoflee,butbythistime,theyhadacceptedthatescapewasimpossible.
ThavokDrusuvious,WearerofPurplefortheWaterdeepcelloftheCultoftheDragon,hadcometothecityinthehopesofturningAragauthos intoadracolich,butherflight from thecitylefthimwithoutguidance.Justas1373began,Thavokdiscoveredthediaryofalong-deadadventurerinabookshop.Itdescribedanencounterwithfive juvenile blue dragons in thedepths of Undermountain. Theadventurerandherallieswerealreadybeleagueredbyagroupoftrollswhenthedragonsappearedandattacked.Theadventureralonesur-vived,butfornolongerthanadayorso,becauseherdiarywasdis-covered and retrieved fromUndermountain byotheradventurers.Thediary’sdescriptionofthecloseteamworkofthedragonsintriguedThavokgreatly,andfindingthebookontheeveoftheRageofDrag-ons,abookthatdescribedwhatcouldonlybethechildrenofAragau-thos,seemedtoThavokasignfromSammasterhimself.
ThavokDrusuviousgatheredhisforces,andinsmallgroupstheyenteredUndermountainandbeganthesearchforAragauthos’slegacy.SpreadingoutfrombothSkullportandtheentrancebeneaththeYawningPortal,thesearchwasremarkablybriefandcostthecultonlysomecoinandthelivesofacoupledozencultists.Thisculledtheweakfromtheirranks,andexperiencesinUndermoun-tainhavemadetheremainingcultistsexceptionallystrong—anothersignoftheprovidenceoftheirtask.Havingdiscoveredthedragons,Thavokbeganwarynegotiations,usingnewsoftheleg-endaryRageofDragonstocompeltheAragauthos’schildrentolisten.ThavoktoldthemthatbecomingadracolichwouldfreethemfrombothUndermountainandtheRage,andlearningoftheirigno-ranceoftheirmother’sfate,heclaimedthatjustsuchatransfor-mationhadfreedAragauthos.Thavokbroughtthedragonsbacktotheirmother’scavernandusedherabsencetosupporthisclaims.Pleasedtoatlasthaveaccesstotheirmother’shoardandtohaveeagerhumanoidportersforhertreasure,thedragonsagreedtolistentomoreofthecultist’sclaims.
Sincethen,theCultoftheDragonhasworkeditswilesuponthedragons,butitwasn’tuntilrecentlythattheyfinallyachievedsuc-cessinconvincinganyofthedragonstobecomeadracolich.WiththeRageofDragonsinfullswingonthesurfaceandthesiblingsfeelingitspullupontheirsouls,theCultoftheDragonusedthedangeroftheRagetoputdoubtandfearinthedragon’sminds.BeingovertakenbytheRageonthesurfacewouldbedangerous
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Themapforthese areas areavailable in two differentsizes: Oneserves as a refer-encefor theDM,andtheotherisa mapwith a grid
thatworksnicely with yourminiatures.
RoomLocationonthePosterMap: Thisroomisonpieces7and8ofthepostermap.
The Map
The events of this adventureassume the year is 1373 DRandthattheRageofDragonsstilltakesitstolluponToril.Ifyou’vealreadyadvanced yourcampaignbeyondthisyear,youcan stilluse this adventureaswritten. The Cult of theDragonstillusestheRageasanintimidation tactic againstthe
dragons,becausethe dragonscannot know whether it hasended.PCswhosomehowlearnthat this is howtheCulthasworkeditswillwith the drag-onsmight convincethe bluedragons to turnagainst their“benefactors.” Of course, theenemyofthePCs’enemyisn’tnecessarilytheirfriend....
But It’s 1374!
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enough,butchargingoffintoUndermountainaloneisathoughtnoneofthemcanbear.AndsothedragonsacquiescedtotheCult.
TheCultandthesedragonsnowoccupyasmallportionofthefirstlevelofUndermountain.ThavokmovedtheiroperationtheretofacilitatecontactwithothercultistsinthecityaboveandtoallowthedragonstoburstupthroughtheYawningPortalonceallbecomedracoliches.Onedragonhasalreadymadethetransformation,andThavokcurrentlypreparestheelementsnecessarytotransformanother.Thavokisn’tcertainwhatexactlyheandthedracolicheswilldoonceescapedfromUndermountain,buthe’sconfidentthatprovidencewillrevealtheproperpathwhenthetimeisright.
Adventure Hooks and Tie-InsTheadventurebeginswhenthePCsarriveinthecavernofthefirstencounter.Hereareafewwaystogetthemtothatpoint:• ThethreepreviousUndermountainarticles,Rooms21–23,were
designedtoleadplayerstobecomeinvolvedinthisquest.Inessence,theactivitiesoftheCultoftheDragonandthebluedrag-onsleadaropertofleethelargecavern,whichinturnresultedinthedestructionofanencampmentofkobolds.PCswhoinves-tigatethecaverncomeacrossanotherroper,thistimedead,andsometracksthatimplythatwhateverkilleditcamefromthecavernofthefirstencounterinthisadventure.
• TheactionsoftheCultoftheDragonhaven’tgoneentirelyunnoticed.ReportsfromaSkullportagentofKhelbenBlackstaffandinformationfromDurnanattheYawningPortalhavebeencollectedandleadtheLordsofWaterdeeptobelievethatsome-thingofimportishappeninginUndermountain.Thediscoveryofanadventurer’sdiaryinthequartersofThavokDrusuvious,longsuspectedtohavetiestotheCultoftheDragon,clinchesit.Unfortunately,Halaster’swardspreventtheuseofspellstoexpe-ditefindingthecultistsbeforetheyexecutetheirplans,andsotheLordsofWaterdeepfindthemselvesforcedtohirebandsofrep-utableadventurerstoferretouttheCultinUndermountainandputanendtotheirplot.ThePCsmightbesuchaband.Alterna-tively,theymightencountersuchadventurerswhileontheirownforayunderWaterdeepandbetoldthewhereaboutsofthecavernbytheseadventurerswhofoundthemselvesunfitforthetaskoftakingonfivedragonsandauncountednumberofcultists.
• IfthepartyattemptstoteleportinUndermountain,thespellsgoawryduetothewarpedmythaloftheplace.Thedisorientedpartylandsrightinthemiddleofthefirstencounterofthisadventure.Shouldtheyretreattothelargercavern,readRoom22andRoom23forencounterstheymighthavethere.
Aragauthos’s ChildrenAragauthoslaidsixeggsshortlyafterherarrivalinUndermountain.Layingsixeggsisunusualforadragonandhavingthemalllivetohatchisnothingshortofmiraculous,butAragauthos’spleasureatthisblessingfromTiamatsoonsouredassherealizedthatcaptivitywouldpreventherfromprovidingforthemandraisingthemprop-erly.ThetruthofAragauthos’sfearsisnowevidentinheroff-springs’quirkypersonalitiesandrelianceupononeanother.
Athanaxus: Immediatelyrecognizableduetoherlackofhalfhertail,Athanaxuswassecondtohatchfromheregg.Alwaysschemingandgreedy,shelosthalfhertailaspunishmentforstealingfromhersister’shoard.Sincethen,Athanaxushasheldherlarcenousinstinctsincheck,butthishasn’tkeptherfromtryingtogetthebesttreatmentfromtheCultoftheDragon.
SeeAreaKformoreinformationaboutAthanaxus.Auriovos: Firsttohatchamongthesiblingsandalwaysthe
strongest,itwasAuriovos’srighttobethefirstamongthemtobetransformedintoadracolich.Alwayssomethingofabullyamonghisbrothersandsisters,Auriovos’sagreementwiththeCultoftheDragonledalltheotherstofollowsuit.Nowanundeadcreature,Auriovosfindsbeingadracolichsurprisinglyagreeable.Hisfearofdeathtransformedintoanembraceofthatstate,andherevelsinthepowersathiscommand.
SeeAreaBformoreinformationaboutAuriovos.Blitsenax: “Twin”toDundrendon,Blitsenaxrarelyleaveshisside.
Nervousandfidgety,Blitsenaxisusuallythefirstofthesiblingstowarntheothersofathreat,althoughsheoftenwaitstoreacttoituntilDundrendonisready.Blitsenaxbearsagrudgeagainsthersister,Athanaxus,overabitoftreasureAthanaxusstolefromhertwentyyearsago.Althoughbothlostthetreasurelongago,toBlit-senaxthewoundisstillfreshbecauseshefoundthepunishmentmetedouttoAthanaxusunsatisfactory.
SeeAreaAformoreinformationaboutBlitsenax.Dundrendon: Dundrendonhatchedalmostsimultaneouslywith
hissisterBlitsenax,andthetwodragonsarenearlyindistinguishablefromoneanotherdespitetheirdifferentgenders.Theirsiblingdrag-onshavenodifficultytellingthemapart,butthehumancultistsoftentrytoobservethetwobeforeaddressingthemtodeterminetheirpropernamesandthusavoidoffense.DundrendonhasprovedlessintelligentthanBlitsenax—indeedtheleastintelligentofallthesiblings—andhisslowermindresultsinmuchslowerreactionsthanthenervousBlitsenax.
SeeAreaAformoreinformationaboutDundrendon.Krakestros: Krakestros speaks little,preferring instead to watch
andwait.Ahunterandstalkerbynature,Krakestrosoftenlefthissiblings so that he could wander on hisown for short periods.WhereasBlitsenaxactedasthesiblings’guard,Krakestrosoftenactedintheroleofscout.Evenso,Krakestros’spenchantforsolitudehashadnoeffectonhisloyaltytohissiblings.Infact,he isthemostloyalandprotectiveofthegroup,anditisthatconflictingsenseofloyaltythatalwaysbringshimbackfromhisquietwanderings.
SeeAreaCformoreinformationaboutKrakestros.Thantanaton: Lasttohatchandalwaysthemostfoolishofthe
dragons,Thantanatondiedinthejawsofhismotherwhenthesib-lingdragonsattemptedtokillAragauthosandstealherhorde.HisbonesweredevouredbyAragauthoswhenshehadalongspellwith-outfood.
“The Dragon’s Legacy” isdesignedforapartyoffour13th-levelPCs,butwithalittleworkitcanbeadaptedforusebyPCsof11th-to12th-levelorPCsof14th-to15th-level.First,adjustallNPCcharacterlevelsupordownasappropriatebyanumberequaltothatwhichtheaverage party level of yourgroup deviates from13.Don’tforgettomodifytheamountoftreasurefoundaswell.Specific
changes to the adventureincludethefollowing:
11th- to 12th-level PCs:Remove Blitsenax from AreaA andstation her in AreaF.ReduceAuriovos’shitpointsby40duetobattlewoundshesuf-feredtestinghisdracolichbody.Remove the half-blue-dragonpyrohydrafromAreaI.
14th-to15th-levelPCs:Putthreehalf-blue-dragonyrthaksinAreaF.
Scaling the Adventure
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Area A: GuardCavern (EL 13)WhenthePCsapproachthisarea,readorparaphrasethefollowing.
BlitsenaxandDundrendonguardthiscavernfromintruders.Notlongagotheyharriedaroperawayfromthisendofthecave,even-tuallykillingit.Findingitstastenottotheirliking,theycutoutitsgizzardandsplitthegemstheyfoundthereamongthetwoofthem.NowDundrendonnapsuponthehoardprovidedtohimbythe splitting ofhismother’streasureswhileBlitsenaxquietlypaces,notwantingthenoiseofherclawsonthestonetoawakenherbrother.
IfthePCsrecentlyengagedinabattleorotherloudnoiseinthecavern(ListenDC–10modifiedbydistance),thedragonshavemoretimetoprepare.Bothcastshield onthemselvesandhide,wait-ingforthePCstoapproach.
Alarm Spell: BlitsenaxcastanalarmspellonthepartofthecavernthePCsmustusetoapproach.IfanyPCentersthearea,Blit-senaximmediatelyreceivesamentalalert,andsherousesher
brothertohelpherinvestigate.Theyapproachwithasmuchstealthastheycanmuster.Informedthatcultistswillfalltotheirkneesuponseeingthem,theyattackifanyPCdoesnotimmediatelyshowsuchbehavior.
Blitsenax: Accustomedtoaction-filledlifewhilewanderingUndermountain, Blitsenaxiseagerfora fight,butshedelaysactionuntilDundrendon’sinitiative.When sheattacks,shefirstfliesoverthePCsandthenturnsabouttobreathelightninguponthem.Blitsenaxbreatheslightningasoftenaspossibleandexhortsherslow-witted brotherto do thesame.TorepresentBlitsenax,youcanusetheLargeBlue Dragon miniature(38/60)fromDeathknell.
Blitsenax CR 11FemaleyoungadultbluedragonLELargedragon(earth)Init +2;Senses blindsense60ft.,darkvision120ft.,keensenses;Listen+24,Spot+24Aura frightfulpresence(DC21,150-ft.radius)Languages Common,Draconic,Elven
AC28,touch11,flat-footed26hp189(18HD);DR 5/magicImmune electricity,paralysis,sleepSR 19Fort +15,Ref +13,Will+15
Speed40ft.(8squares),burrow20ft.,fly150ft.(poor);FlybyAttackMelee bite+23(2d6+6)andMelee 2claws+22(1d8+3)andMelee 2wings+21(1d6+3)andMelee tail+21(1d8+9)Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.(bite10ft.)BaseAtk +18;Grp+28AtkOptions Cleave,PowerAttackSpecialActions breathweaponSorcererSpellsKnown (CL3rd):
1st(6/day)—alarm,shield,Tenser’sfloatingdisc0(6/day)—dancinglights,detectmagic,ghostsound (DC12),mage
hand,resistanceSpell-LikeAbilities (CL5th):
3/day—create/destroywater (DC21)
AbilitiesStr23,Dex14,Con19,Int14,Wis19,Cha14SQsoundimitation(DC21)FeatsAbilityFocus(breathweapon),Cleave,Fly-ByAttack,Hover,Multiattack,PowerAttack,WeaponFocus(claw)SkillsBluff+20,Concentration+13,Diplomacy+13,Hide+5,Intim-idate+14,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+11,Listen+24,Search+22,SenseMotive+24,Spellcraft+22,Spot+24
BreathWeapon(Su)80-ft.line,onceevery1d4rounds,10d8elec-tricity,ReflexDC25half
Dundrendon:Dundrendonnapsonhisshareofhismother’shoard,relyingonBlitsenaxtoalerthimofanydanger.Incombat,thedim-wittedDundrendonsimplymovestowardtheclosestfoeandattacks.BlitsenaxscreamsordersathiminDraconicwhilehefights,andDundrendonhappilyobeysthem,althoughusuallyaroundlaterthanBlitsenaxwouldlike.TorepresentDundrendon,youcanusetheLargeBlueDragonminiature(38/60)fromDeathknell.
Thecavernflooraheadshowsclearsignsofhabitationbysomecreature.Itbearsclearclawmarksofsomelargecreaturecapableofscoringthestone.
Creatures: (2)See areadescrip-tions and the OtherCavernInhabitantssidebar.
Traps:(1)Analarmspellpro-tectsthecavernapproachingtheencounter.
Terrain:CavernFloor: DC10Balancechecktochargeorrun.
CavernCeiling: DC25ClimbcheckandDCincreasesby+5ifsurfaceisslippery.
CavernWall:Hitpointsvarybasedonthickness(hardness8),ClimbDC20.
FungusForestSquares (seemap): Costs2squaresofmove-menttoenterthisdifficultterrain.
Notethatthedragonscannotburrowthroughthestoneofthecavernorthedungeons.
LightingConditions:Darkness.Magic:Faintabjuration(the
alarm spell)plustreasure.DetectableAlignments:Mod-
erateevil(bothdragons).Secrets:None.Treasure: (14,500 gp) See
below.
Area A Summary
Listen DC Varies: The PCsmight hearBlitsenaxpacingiftheyhave not alreadyalertedhertotheirpresence(where-uponsheholdsstill).Blitsenaxistrying toMoveSilentlyasshepacesbecause Dundrendon issleeping.Remember tofactorthePCs’distanceintotheDC.SurvivalDC20: A characterwiththeTrackfeatcanmakea
Survival check to determinethattheclawmarksonthegroundweremadeontheprevi-ous daybut that other marksweremadeseveraldaysorevenweeks earlier.Themarks seemto indicate circlingorpacingrather than movement withanydestinationinmind. Theylooklike theclaw marksof adragon.
Area A Relevant Checks
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Dundrendon CR 11MaleyoungadultbluedragonLELargedragon(earth)Init +0;Senses blindsense60ft.,darkvision120ft.,keensenses;Listen+12,Spot+12Aura frightfulpresence(DC21,150-ft.radius)Languages Draconic
AC26,touch9,flat-footed26hp189(18HD);DR 5/magicImmune electricity,paralysis,sleepSR 19Fort +15,Ref +11,Will+13
Speed40ft.(8squares),burrow20ft.,fly150ft.(poor)Melee bite+24(2d6+6)andMelee 2claws+22(1d8+3)andMelee 2wings+21(1d6+3)andMelee tail+22(1d8+9)Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.(bite10ft.)BaseAtk +18;Grp+28AtkOptions Cleave,PowerAttackSpecialActions breathweaponSorcererSpellsKnown (CL3rd):
1st(6/day)—alarm,shield,Tenser’sfloatingdisc0(6/day)—dancinglights,detectmagic,ghostsound (DC12),mage
hand,resistanceSpell-LikeAbilities (CL5th):
3/day—create/destroywater (DC21)
AbilitiesStr23,Dex10,Con19,Int8,Wis15,Cha14SQsoundimitation(DC21)FeatsAbilityFocus(breathweapon),Cleave,Multiattack,PowerAttack,WeaponFocus(bite),WeaponFocus(claw),WeaponFocus(tail)Skills Bluff+14,Concentration+14,Diplomacy+14,Intimidate+19,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+12,Listen+12,Search+12,SenseMotive+12,Spellcraft+12,Spot+12
BreathWeapon(Su)80-ft.line,onceevery1d4rounds,10d8elec-tricity,ReflexDC25half
Treasure:DundrendonandBlitsenaxeachhaveasmallhoardoftreasuretosleepupon,eachashareoftheirmother’sgreatwealth.Thehoardscontain3,200gp,490sp,1,000cp,5gore-coveredgemsworth50gpeach(fromtheroper),abroochofshielding,dustofdry-ness,a periaptofhealth,pipesofthesewers, and2emptypotionvials(thepotionsinsidelongsincedestroyedbyauseofdestroywater).
Development:DundrendonandBlitsenaxhavenointentionoffightingtothedeath,buttheyarealsounwillingtosurrender.Ifeitherisdamagedtobelow20hitpoints,bothfleetowardAreaF,roaringawarningtoAuriovosastheygo.However,ifthePCskillDundrendonorBlitsenax,thelivingsiblingfliesintoamurderousrageandthrowsitselfuponthePCs,attackingthePCwholandedthekillingblowtotheexclusionofallothers.OnlydeathofthedragonorthePCsendsthismanicattack.
Unlesstheparty employedsilence spellsforthedurationofthe
battle,it’slikelythatbothAuriovosinAreaBandKrakestrosinAreaCheardthebattle(DC30Listen).Ifso,AuriovossendshisundeadtolurethePCstohim,hopingtodrawwhateverthreatenstheCult’sencampmentawayfromthepreparationsforKrakestros’stransformation.Forhispart,KrakestroscalmlyalertsthecultistsinAreaEtoanattackandthenprepareshimselfforbattlebycastingshield andhidingamongthestalagmitesinthecave.
IfthePartyRests:Ifthepartyretreatstorest, thecultistsfromAreaEmovetoguardAreaA,andAuriovosandhisundeadmoveoutintothelargercaverntofindandattackthePCs.
Area B: Auriovos’s Lair (EL 14)WhenthePCsapproachthisarea,readorparaphrasethefollowing.ThefollowingtextassumesAuriovosheardthePCs’battlewithhissiblingsandthatthePCsdidnotfleetorest.Ifconditionsaredif-ferent,modifytheread-aloudtextandtheencounterdetailstosuityourneeds.
Havetheplayersrollforinitiative.Theettinskeletonsareunintel-ligentdespitetheirseeminglyorchestratedbehavior.Auriovosinstructedthefirstettinskeletontoattackanynondragonsitfoundintheoutercavern,anditinstructedtheotherstoreturntoitoncetheyhadbeenspotted.InthiswayAuriovoshopestodrawthePCsawayfromtheothercultistsandforceaconfrontationinhislair.
EttinSkeletons(3): ThefirstettinskeletonhurlsjavelinsatthePCsandthenwadesintobattleswingingitsmorningstars.Theothertwoettinskeletonstrytoflee.RollinitiativeforeachettinskeletonseparatelyandcontrolthemseparatelyintheinitiativeordertogiveyourselfthebestchanceofmovingoneintothetunnelanddrawingthePCstowardAuriovos.
UsethestatisticsintheMonsterManual forettinskeletons(page227).Torepresenttheettinskeletons,youcanuseEttinSkir-misherminiatures(52/60)fromDeathknell.
Auriovos: AuriovosawaitsthePCsinthefarendofthecavern,havingmovedtheresincehearingthePCsbattlewithhissiblings.
Thecavesplitsintotwoirregularpassageshere.Onecontinuesstraightandtheotherrunstotheleft.Suddenmovementinthetunnelstraightaheadcatchesyoureye.Anenormoustwo-headedshapeloomsinthecavernhallandanothertwostandjustbehindit.Evenasoneoftheettinskeletonsheftsajavelintohurlatyou,theothertwobehinditturntorundownthepassage.
5
Creatures: (4)ThreeskeletalettinsandAuriovos.
Traps:None.Terrain:CavernFloor: DC
10Balancechecktochargeorrun.
Cavern Ceiling: DC 25ClimbcheckandDCincreasesby+5ifsurfaceisslippery.
Cavern Wall: Hit pointsvarybasedonthickness(hard-ness8),ClimbDC20.
NotethatAuriovoscannotburrowthroughthestoneofthecavernorthedungeons.
LightingConditions:Dark-ness.
Magic:SeeTreasure.Detectable Alignments:
Strongevil(theettinskeletonsandAuriovos).
Secrets:None.Treasure: (7,250gp) See
below.
Area B Summary
Knowledge(arcana)DC30:APCwhosucceedsatthischeckunderstandsAuriovos’snature
asadracolichandknowsthefundamentalsofhowitsinvul-nerabilityworks.
Area B Relevant Checks
Hestandsstillattheentrancetohishoardcave,relyingonthedark-nesstohidehim.Withhis120-footdarkvision,hecansilentlywatchthePCsenterwithoutfearofthemseeinghimuntilonegetswithin60feet.AssoonasitseemsthatallthePCshaveenteredhislair,Auriovosleapsintotheairandfliestowardtheexit,hopingtoblockthePCs’retreatandthenattack.Ifanyoftheettinskeletonsarestillalive,heordersthemtoattack.Auriovosuseshisbreathweapon,buthepreferstomakefullattackstoparalyzeasmanyfoesaspossible.
TorepresentAuriovos,youcanusetheLargeBlueDragonminia-ture(38/60)fromDeathknell.
Auriovos CR 14MaleyoungadultbluedragondracolichLELargeundead(augmenteddragon,earth)Init +0;Senses blindsense60ft.,darkvision120ft.,keensenses;Listen+22,Spot+22Aura frightfulpresence(DC22,150-ft.radius),paralyzinggaze(DC21,40ft.)Languages Common,Draconic,Elven
AC29,touch9,flat-footed29hp117(18HD);DR 5/magic,5/bludgeoningImmune cold,electricity,paralysis,polymorph,sleep,undeadimmu-nities(MM 317)SR 21Fort +11,Ref +11,Will+13
Speed40ft.(8squares),burrow20ft.,fly150ft.(poor);FlybyAttackMelee bite+25(2d6+8plus1d6coldandparalysis)andMelee 2claws+24(1d8+4plus1d6coldandparalysis)andMelee 2wings+23(1d6+4plus1d6coldandparalysis)andMelee tail+23(2d6+12plus1d6coldandparalysis)Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.(bite10ft.)BaseAtk +18;Grp+30AtkOptions PowerAttackSpecialActionsbreathweapon,paralyzinggaze(DC21,40ft.)SorcererSpellsKnown (CL3rd):
1st(6/day)—alarm,bane(DC14), shield0(6/day)—dancinglights,detectmagic,ghostsound (DC13),mage
hand,resistanceSpell-LikeAbilities (CL5th):
3/day—create/destroywater (DC21)Spell-LikeAbilities (CL15th):
3/day—controlundead
AbilitiesStr27,Dex10,Con—,Int14,Wis15,Cha16SQsoundimitation(DC21)FeatsAbilityFocus(breathweapon),FlybyAttack,ImprovedNat-uralArmor,ImprovedNaturalAttack(tailsweep),Multiattack,PowerAttack,WeaponFocus(claw)Skills Bluff+22,Concentration+13,Diplomacy+15,Hide+5,Intimidate+16,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+11,Listen+22,Search+22,SenseMotive+22,Spellcraft+22,Spot+22
BreathWeapon(Su)80-ft.line,onceevery1d4rounds,10d8elec-tricity,ReflexDC21halfInvulnerability(Ex) Ifadracolichisslain,itsspiritimmedi-ately returnstoitsphylactery.IfanotherMediumorlargerdragonorreptiliancorpselieswithin90feetofthephylactery,thespiritinfusesit,risingasaproto-dracolich.Thisproto-dra-colichhassomeofthequalitiesofadracolich,butitdoesnotgainthefullabilitiesofadracolichfor2d4days.Ifthephylac-tery isdestroyedwhilethespiritiswithinorthedracolichis
destroyedafterthephylactery,thedracolichisdestroyedper-manently.ParalyzingGaze(Su) 40ft.,paralysis2d6rounds,FortitudeDC21negates.Asuccessfulsaverendersacharacterforeverimmunetothisdracolich’sgaze.ParalyzingTouch(Su) Anycreaturehitbyameleetouchorameleeattack,paralysis2d6rounds,FortitudeDC21negates.Asuccessfulsavedoesn’trenderanyspecialimmunity.
Treasure:Auriovos’shoardcontains2,400gp,1,500sp,abeadofforce,a scrollof stonetoflesh,andascrollof blesswater.
Development:IftheettinskeletonsarekilledandthePCsdon’tseemtobeenteringhiscavern,Auriovosuseshismimicryabilitytointoneanominouschanthehasheardthecultistssing,hopingthatthehumansounddrawsthePCs.Ifhemust,hemovesouttoattackthem.Auriovosattackswithoutfearanduntildeathbecauseheknowsthathisspiritcanbetransferredtoanotherbody.
IfthePartyRests:Ifthepartyrests,theCultoftheDragonswiftlysetstowork.CultiststakethecorpseofanydeaddragontoAuriovos’sphylacteryforAuriovostopossess.TheyalsocompletetheprocessofturningKrakestrosintoadracolich.TheybringKrakestros’sphylacterytorestwithAuriovos’sandpositionanywoundedlivingdragonwithAthanaxustoguardthem.Withtwodracolichestoactasguards,thecultiststhenproceedintheireffortstocreatemorephylacteriesforthelivingdragons.
Area C: The Transformation Chamber (EL 14)WhenthePCsapproachthisarea,readorparaphrasethefollowing.ThetextbelowassumesKrakestrosheardthePCs’battlewithhissib-lingsandthatthePCsdidnotfleetorest.Ifconditionsarediffer-ent,modifytheread-aloudtextandtheencounterdetailstosuityourneeds.
WhenthePCsreachthetransformationroomitself,readorpara-phrasethefollowing.
Thisroughlycircularcavernhastwoexitsbesidesthepassagebywhichyouentered.Straightahead,adarkenedsetofstairsrisesupsomedistance.Anaturalcaveopenstothewest,andfromfardownthatpassagecomestheglowoftorches.
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Creatures: (4) Three human10th-levelroguesandKrakestros.
Traps:None.Terrain:CavernFloor: DC10
Balancechecktochargeorrun.CavernCeiling: DC25Climb
checkandDCincreasesby+5ifsurfaceisslippery.
CavernWall:Hitpointsvarybasedonthickness(hardness8),ClimbDC20.
NotethatKrakestroscannot
burrowthroughthestoneofthecavernorthedungeons.
LightingConditions:Bright(torchesensconcedinthewalls).
Magic:SeeTreasure.DetectableAlignments:Faint
evil(humanrogues),moderateevil(Krakestros).
Secrets:None.Treasure:55,100gpplusthe
gearcarriedbythehumanrogues;seeTreasure.
Area C Summary
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MakeSpotchecksforthePCsopposedbyHidechecksbyKrakestrosandthehumanrogues.Ifthedragonandhisalliesarenotspotted,theyattackwhenaPCmovescloseenoughforatleastoneofthemtochargeinthesurpriseround.Otherwise,theyattackwhenaPCspotsthem.
HumanRogues(3): ThesethreecultistsarefromAreaE.TheydrinktheirpotionsbeforeengagingthePCs.Whenthefightbegins,theyattempttoflankthePCssothattheycaninflictthemostdamage.Fanaticandcrazed,theyfighttothedeathtodelaythePCs.
Torepresentthehumanrogues,youcanusetheSlayerofDomielminiature(12/60)fromUnderdark oranyofanumberofroguish-lookingD&D miniatures.
Rogues CR 10Humanrogue10NEMediumhumanoidInit +9;Senses Listen+13,Spot+13LanguagesCommon,Halfling
AC21,touch14,flat-footed21;improveduncannydodgehp67(10HD)Resist improvedevasionFort +6,Ref +13,Will+4
Speed30ft.(6squares)Melee +1shortsword +14/+9(1d6+2/19–20)orMelee +1shortsword +12/+7(1d6+2/19–20)andMelee +1shortsword +12/+7(1d6+2/19–20)Ranged dagger+12(1d4+1/19–20)BaseAtk +7;Grp+8AtkOptions sneakattack+5d6CombatGear potionofdisplacement,potionofshieldoffaith+4
Abilities Str12,Dex20,Con14,Int13,Wis10,Cha8SQtrapsense+3,trapfindingFeats Improved Initiative, Improved Toughness, Two-WeaponFighting,WeaponFinesse,WeaponFocus(shortsword)SkillsBalance+20,DisableDevice+13,EscapeArtist+6,Hide+19,Jump+16,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+7,Listen+13,MoveSilently+18,Search+14,Spot+13,Survival+0(+2whenunder-groundandfollowingtracks),Tumble+20
Possessionscombatgearplus two+1shortswords,+2mithralchainshirt,amuletofnaturalarmor+1,cloakofresistance+1,glovesofdexterity+2
Krakestros: Krakestrosattackswithquietfury,flankingwiththerogueswhenpossible.Although adversetocatchingtheroguesinhisbreathweapon,Krakestrosdoesbreathonthemifanadvantageouslinehappenstoputtheminharm’sway,trust-ingintheirability tododgethelightning.TorepresentKrake-stros, youcanusetheLargeBlueDragonminiature(38/60)fromDeathknell.
Krakestros CR 11MaleyoungadultbluedragonLELargedragon(earth)Init +0;Senses blindsense60ft.,darkvision120ft.,keensenses;Listen+22,Spot+22Aura frightfulpresence(DC21,150-ft.radius)Languages Common,Draconic,Elven
AC 26,touch9,flat-footed26hp 189(18HD);DR 5/magicImmune electricity,paralysis,sleepSR 19Fort +15,Ref +11,Will +13
Speed 40ft.(8squares),burrow20ft.,fly150ft.(poor)Melee bite+23(2d6+6)andMelee 2claws+22(1d8+3)andMelee 2wings+21(1d6+3)andMelee tail+21(1d8+9)Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.(bite10ft.)BaseAtk +18;Grp+28AtkOptions Cleave,PowerAttackSpecialActions breathweaponSorcererSpellsKnown(CL3rd):
1st(6/day)—alarm,bane (DC13),shield0(6/day)—dancinglights,detectmagic,ghostsound (DC12),mage
hand,resistanceSpell-LikeAbilities (CL5th):
3/day—create/destroywater (DC21)
Abilities Str23,Dex10,Con19,Int14,Wis15,Cha14SQ soundimitation(DC21)FeatsAbilityFocus(breathweapon),Cleave,Fly-ByAttack,Multi-attack,PowerAttack,Stealthy,WeaponFocus(claw)Skills Bluff+18,Concentration+5,Diplomacy+16,Hide+17,Intim-idate+12,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+11,Listen+22,MoveSilently+13,Search+22,SenseMotive+12,Spellcraft+22,Spot+22
BreathWeapon(Su)80-ft.line,onceevery1d4rounds,10d8elec-tricity,ReflexDC25half
Treasure:Theivorychestisafalsechestanddoesnotopen.Inreal-ityitisaphylacteryworth55,000gpandintendedforKrakestros’suse.Ignoringitsmagicproperties,thephylacteryisworth2,000gp,andthesapphiresinsetinitareworthatotalof5,000gp.ItisaSmallobjectwithahardnessof7and250hp.Itweighs200pounds.
Theonlyotheritemofvalueintheroomisthetapestry,whichdepictsdragonsandwizardsinbattleandisworth100gp.Thepolesandleatherstrapswereusedtotransportthephylactery,andthetapestrywastobelaidoverKrakestrosasaceremonialrobeashemadethetransformation.
Thepassageyoutraveledtogetherecurvestotherightjustasitopensintoatorch-litchamberontheleft-handside.Thisroom,roughly50feetindiameter,holdsastrangearrayofitems.Atoparoughwoodentablesitsachestcarvedofivoryandbejeweledwithsapphires.Nearby,atapestry,whichappearstodepictdrag-onsandspellcasters,drapesoverseveralstalagmites.Twosix-footlongpolesleanagainstthefarwalloveraheapofleatherstrapsonthefloorbeneaththem.
Knowledge(arcana)DC30:APCwhosucceedsatthischeckcanidentifythejeweledfalsechestasaphylactery.Knowledge(arcana)DC35: APCwhosucceedsatthischecktothis degree canrecognize thatbecauseno light shines within
the phylactery no dragon’sspiritresideswithinit.Spot DC Varies: Krakestrosand the human rogues arehidingwhenthePCsenter.Asuccessful Spot check canreveal them depending ontheirHidecheckresults.
Area C Relevant Checks
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Development:Krakestrosisonthecuspofbecomingadracolichanddoesnotwanttodie.Ifreducedto30hitpointsorfewer,hegrabsthephylacteryandfleestoAreaF,hopingtousethefoginthatchambertohidehimselfuntilhehasmorehelpfacingthePCs.
WhileKrakestrosandhisalliesbattlethePCs,theothercultistsfromAreaEcirclearoundthroughthestairwaypassagetodragoffthebodyofadragonthePCskilled(Auriovospreferably,butalsoBlitsenaxorDundrendon).ThecultistswanttotakeittoAuriovos’sphylacterysothathisspirithasanotherbodytopossess.IfthePCsavoidtheencounterdescribedabovebygoingupthestairsfromthefirstchamber,Krakestrosandtheroguesgotofetchthebodyinstead,andthePCsencounterthefightersandbarbariansinthehallastheynearthetopofthestairs.
Adragonbodyweighsroughly2,500pounds.Thismeansthatoneofthedragonscandragacorpseataspeedof5feetperround,twodragonscanmoveacorpseataspeedof30feetasaheavyload,andtwoofthecult’sbarbariansorfighterscandragthecorpseataspeedof5feet.Havingmultiplecultistsdraggingadragoncorpsedoesn’tincreasethespeed,buttwobarbariansorfightershelpingasingledragoncanmoveitataspeedof20feetasaheavyload.
IfthePartyRests:Ifthepartyrestsafterthisencounter,thecultistswilllikelygetsomedragon’sbodytoAuriovos’sphylactery,and Thavok will complete the [RTF bookmark start:}OLE_LINK5dracolich brew [RTF bookmark end:}OLE_LINK5necessarytotransformanotherlivingdragon.ThenthePCswillfacetwodracoliches.ShouldthePCshavepossessionoftheivoryphylacterywhenthedracolichbrewiscompleted,Thavok,hisapprenticeHurov,andanyremainingcultistsfromAreaEaccompanyoneofthelivingdragons,whotravelscloseenoughtothePCs(within90feet)tocompletethetransformation.SuchagroupthenattacksthePCs.
Area D: Krakestros’s Hoard (EL —)WhenthePCsapproachthisarea,readorparaphrasethefollowing.
ThetreasurecoveringthefloorisKrakestros’shoard.Fondofportablegoods,Krakestros’shoardhasrelativelyfewcoins.
Treasure: Krakestros’shoardcontains240gp,aringofjumping,anadamantinebattleaxe,ascrollofstinkingcloud, andascrollofwallofstone.
Area E: Cultist Camp (EL 14 or —)
ThetextbelowassumesthecultistsinthisareahavemovedofftofightthePCsormovethecorpseofadragon.Ifconditionsaredif-ferent,modifytheencounterdetailstosuityourneeds.
Fourdoorsopenintothesetwochambersconjoinedbyahallway.Theleft-handchamberonthemapservesassleepingquartersandkitchenforthecultists.Thecultistsusetheright-handchamberasameditationandworshiproom.Neitherroomhasmuchofvalue;thecultists are accustomed to traveling light in Undermountain.Bedrolls,prayerblankets,andfurniturescroungedfromaroundthedungeonsmakeupmostoftheobjectsintheroom.Theonlyotherfeaturesofnotearetwoincenseburnersintheright-handchamberandsomecookingutensilsintheleft-handroom.
Normally,thethreeroguesfromAreaCareherealongwithfourothercultists,twobarbarians,andtwofighters.YetifKrakestrosheardoneofcombatsthePCsengagedinbeforereachinghim,thecultistshavemovedoutasdescribedabove.Ifthebarbariansandfightersareencounteredtogether(perhapsastheydragadragon’scorpse toward Auriovos’s phylactery), they make an EL14encounter.TheirprimarygoalistodragthebodyofadragontoAuriovos’sphylactery,buttheyknowtheycan’tgetittherewhilebeingattackedbythePCs.AssoonasthePCsappear,theystopdrag-gingthecorpse,buttheydefenditwiththeirlives.
HumanFighters(2):Likethebarbarians,thesefighterswererecruitedintotheCultoftheDragonwithpromisesofgreatpowerwhenthedeaddragonsruletheworld,atimesuretocomesoonwiththeRageofDragonsinfullswing.SinceenteringUndermountain,thesefightersandtheirbarbariancompanionshavesurvivedmanyfellthreatsandnowrelyononeanotherandbelievefullyintheircause.Theyfighttothedeathsolongasadragon,Thavok,orLuciaisnear,buttheyotherwiseattempttofleetoAreaFifthingsgopoorly.TheydonotsurrenderbutinsteadfighttothedeathifhelpcannotbehadwithinthefogofAreaF.
Torepresentthehumanfighters,youcanusetheMercenarySergeantminiature(27/60)fromUnderdark oranynumberofsuit-ablefighter-lookingD&Dminiatures.
Fighters CR 10Humanfighter10NEMediumhumanoidInit +1;Senses Listen+5,Spot+5Languages Common
AC23,touch11,flat-footed22;Dodge,Mobilityhp109(10HD)
Thisroughpassagedeadendsinaplacewherethefloorisstrewnwithtreasure.
Creatures: None.Traps: None.Terrain:CavernFloor: DC
10Balancechecktochargeorrun.
Cavern Ceiling: DC 25ClimbcheckandDCincreasesby+5ifsurfaceisslippery.
Cavern Wall:Hit pointsvarybasedonthickness(hard-ness8),ClimbDC20.
LightingConditions: Darkness.Magic: SeeTreasure.DetectableAlignments: None.Secrets: None.Treasure: (7,250gp)Seebelow.
Area D Summary
Creatures: (4ornone)Two10th-levelhalf-orcbarbariansandtwo10th-levelhumanfighters.
Traps:None.Terrain:Normal.Lighting Conditions:Bright
(torchesensconcedinthewalls).
Magic:SeeTreasure.Detectable Alignments:
Faintevil(fightersandbar-barians).
Secrets:None.Treasure:About10gp;see
below.
Area E Summary
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Fort +12,Ref +7,Will+7
Speed20ft.(4squares)Melee +1 bane against humans bastard sword +18/+13(1d10+8/17–20)orMelee +1baneagainsthumansbastardsword +20/+15(1d10+8plus2d6/17–20;againsthumans)BaseAtk+10;Grp+15AtkOptions PowerAttackCombatGear potionofcuremoderatewounds,potionofhaste
Abilities Str21,Dex13,Con18,Int8,Wis12,Cha8FeatsDodge,ExoticWeaponProficiency(bastardsword),GreaterWeaponFocus(bastardsword),ImprovedCritical(bastardsword),ImprovedToughness(seeCompleteWarrior),IronWill,LightningReflexes,Mobility,PowerAttack,WeaponFocus(bastardsword),WeaponSpecialization(bastardsword)SkillsClimb+5,Jump+3,Listen+5,Spot+5
Possessionscombatgearplus +1baneagainsthumansbastardsword(glowsasbrightasatorchwhenwielded),+1fullplate,+1heavysteelshield,cloakofresistance+1,gauntletsofogrepower
Half-OrcBarbarians(2): Usethestatisticsforthe10th-levelbar-barianprovidedonpage112oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide.Alter-natively,youcansimplyreplacethebarbarianswithtwomorehumanfighters.Torepresentthehalf-orcbarbarians,youcanuseHalf-OrcBarbar-ianminiatures(26/60)fromArchfiends,Half-OrcExecutionerminiatures(36/60)fromUnderdark,oranynumberofsuitablebar-barian-lookingD&Dminiatures.
Treasure: Thesmallincenseburnersontalltripodsareworth5gpeach.Currentlythey’refilledwithaslow-burningincensethatproduceslittlesmokeandapungentwoodyodor.
Area F: Fog of War (EL Varies)WhenthePCsapproachthisarea,readorparaphrasethefollowing.
Thischamberandseveralbeyondarefilledwithfog.Theseareasarecoveredwithpermanentguardsandwards spellsheightenedto9thleveltomakethemmoredifficulttodispelandtoincreasetheDCsoftheattachedeffects.ThesespellswereputinplacebyTrobriand,theMetalMage,whohashissecretschoolofmagicinroomstothenorth(seepage28ofCityofSplendors:Waterdeep formoredetails).Thespellsaremeantmerelytodiscourageandconfuseanythingcomingfromthesouthtowardhiscomplex.Moreformidablespells
andguardianswarddoorwaysandchambersclosertowhereheandhisstudentsdotheirwork.
Thespellscausealldoorswithinorabuttingtheirareatobearcanelocked, andthefogreducesvisibilityto5feet.Inaddition,stinkingcloudspells(DC25Fortitudesave)blankettheareasnotedonthemap,severaldoorsare“lostdoors”aspertheguardsandwards spell(DC25Willsave),andafewsquaresarecoveredwithasuggestionspell(DC25Willsave)thatsuggeststhatthecreaturefleewhenceitcameasfastaspossiblefor2hoursandnotreturn(thedurationofthesuggestion effectis18hours).Thedragonsandcultistsareawareoftheseeffectsandtheirlocations.
Development:Ifanyofthedragonsfledhere,theyattackthePCsoncethepartyentersthechamber.UsingblindsensetoknowwherethePCsarefromadistance,thedragonsbreathelightningandflythroughthefog,hopingtobombardthePCswhilestayingoutofsightandreach.Ifpossible,thedragonstrytolurePCsintothestinkingcloudandsuggestion areasbyusingtheirbreathweaponsfrombeyondthem.
Area G: Guardroom (EL 13)ThedoorintothischamberfromAreaFislockedviaarcanelock.Acultistwizard named Lucia guardsthisarea.TheloverofThavok,shepossessesawandofknock toopenthedoorforcultistsanddragonswhosaythepassphrase,“InthenameofSammaster.”Tohelpherguardthispassage,Thavokhasalsoprovided LuciawithastonegolemandtheaidofThavok’sapprentice,Hurov,a5th-levelwizard.
WhetherthePCsknockdownthedoorortricktheirwayin,thestonegolemattemptstoblocktheirpassageandattacksanyoneLuciaindicates.Fromsafetybehindthestonegolem,Luciahurlsarea-affectingspellswithoutfearofdamagingthegolem.HurovaidsherifthePCsdidnothaveafightinAreaF.OtherwisethenoiseofthebattleinthefoggyroomspurredHurovtorunofftowarnThavokoftroublebrewing(aprocessthattakes7roundsasHurovrunsthroughthehalls,leavingthedoorsopenbehindhim).
Lucia: Usethestatisticsforthe10th-levelwizardprovidedonpage125oftheDungeonMaster’sGuide.Inadditiontotheequip-
Animpenetrablefogfillsthischamberandpreventsyoufromseeingmorethanafewfeetaheadofyourselves.Despitethehushofthecoolfog,yougetthesensethattheroomisimmense.
Creatures: Varies.Traps:None.Terrain:Normal.LightingConditions:Dark-
nessandthickfog.Magic:Moderateabjuration
(guardsandwards),moderateuniversal(permanency).
Detectable Alignments:Varies.
Secrets:None.Treasure:None.
Area F SummaryCreatures: (3or2) A stonegolem,a10th-level elf wizard(Lucia),anda6th-levelhumannecromancer(Hurov).Traps:None.Terrain:Normal.Lighting Conditions: Bright
(torches ensconced in thewalls).Magic:SeeTreasure.DetectableAlignments:Faintevil(wizards).Secrets:None.Treasure:Seebelow.
Area G Summary
ListenDCVaries:Ifanydrag-onsflapthroughthefog,asuccessful Listen check can
revealtheirdirectiondepend-ingontheirMoveSilentlycheckresults.
Area F Relevant Checks
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mentlistedthere,Luciacarriesawandofknock with32chargesremaining.
TorepresentLucia,youcanusetheEvermeetWizardminiature(15/60)fromArchfiends.Alternatively,youcanuseanyofanumberoffemalespellcasterD&Dminiatures.
Hurov: Usethestatisticsforthetypicalcultwizardprovidedonpage272oftheFORGOTTEN REALMS® CampaignSetting.Alterna-tively,youcanusethestatisticspresentedonthecardforthe[RTFbookmarkstart:}OLE_LINK4CultistoftheDragon[RTFbook-markend:}OLE_LINK4miniature(48/60)fromArchfiends.(Althoughthatspellcasterisonly4thlevel,Hurovisnotexpectedtobeamajorfactorintheencounterevenat6thlevel.)
TorepresentHurov,youcanusetheCultistoftheDragonoranyofanumberofmalearcanespellcasterD&Dminiatures.
StoneGolem: UsethestatisticsfortheStoneGolem(4/72)fromtheGiantsofLegendminiaturesset.Ifyoudon’thavethatminia-ture,usethestatisticsfromtheMonsterManual.
Treasure: Theonly treasureinthearea iswhatLuciaandHurovcarry.
Development: Luciafightstothedeath,determinednottofailherlover.Hurov,ontheotherhand,istheleastcommittedtotheCultoftheDragoncause,andhefleestowarnThavokifthingslookbad.Ifcaptured,HuroviswillingtotellthePCsabouteverything,butonlyifhecanbeabsolutelycertaintheywon’tharmhimandwillhelphimoutofUndermountain.
IfthePartyRests: Ifthepartyretreatsandfindsaplacetorest,ThavokfinishesthedracolichbrewheisworkingonandgivesittoAthanaxus.If the ivoryphylacteryisavailable tohim,this trans-formsher intoadracolich. Ifit isn’tavailable, this killsher, andAuriovos’sspiritcanpossessherbodytoriseasadracolich.Oncehehasadracolichally,ThavoktakesthecreaturesfromAreaI,thedra-colich,andseeksthePCs,hopingtodestroythemonceandforall.
Area H: Thavok’s Den (EL 15)ThavokDrusuvioushastakenthisdistantchamberashisroomtoprovidehimselfandLuciaprivacyandtogivehimsomepeacewhileheworksonthedracolichbrew.Whentheadventurebegins,thedracolichbrewrequiresanother10hoursofThavok’sworkuntilitiscomplete,andThavokhasbenthiswilltothistaskanddemandedthathenotbedisturbed.Sinceheissofarawayfromareasofcombatandisalsodistractedbyhiswork(–5toListenchecks),itisunlikelythatThavokknowsaboutthePCs’intrusionunlesssomeonecomestowarnhim.HereceivessuchawarningifthePCsretreattorestorifHurovescapesthebattleinAreaG.IfwarnedthatthePCsarenear,hecastsspellsonhimselfinpreparationforbattle.Other-wise,Thavokcompletesthedracolichbrew andgivesittooneofthe
livingdragonsbeforeseekingoutthePCs.Ifhe’snotwarned,ThavokmightbecaughtbysurprisebycannyPCs.
Thavok’sdenisascomfortableashecanmanagetomakeit.Tat-tered tapestrieshang from iron spikesdriven into thewalls, rugscoverthefloortosoakupthedamp,andhehasevenhadhismensetupahammockinonecornersothatheandLuciacansleepwithoutlyingonthecoldstone.Continualflame spellscastonsomeoftheiron spikesbrightentheroombutaddnowarmth. Inasmall sideroom to thenorth,Thavokhas setuphisworkshop,cloistering itfromtherestoftheroomthroughtheuseofsomemoretapestriesraidedfromthedungeonascurtains.Onthesetables,hehasspreadouthisspellbookandthematerialsnecessarytomakedracolichbrew.
WhenthePCsapproachtheareaindicatedonthemap,readorparaphrasethefollowing.
IfThavokisinthechamberandunawareofthePCs’approach,readorparaphrasethefollowing.
ThavokDrusuvious: Unlessalertedtoathreat,Thavokremainscon-centratedonthetaskofcreatingthedracolichbrew.Ifsurprised,heusesawallofforce spelltosecludehimselfsothathecanpreparehimselfforbattle.Ifhecanpreparewithoutusingthistactic,heuseswallofforce toseparateoneormorePCsfromhiminbattle.Thavokmakeswiseuseofhisspells,castingquickenedspellstofinishofffoeswhoseemclosetodeathorusingthemtomaintaintheoffensiveonroundswhenheneedstocastadefensivespell.Hecastssummonmon-sterVIIIearlyinthefight,andheevenusesvampirictouch onitifitseemsmorehelpfultohavehitpointsthananallyinthefight.
Thavokisawanandgreasymanwithaslighthunchinhisshoul-ders.HewearsthepurplerobesthatarethesignofauthorityintheCultoftheDragon.Incombatheisboastfulanddramatic.Forexample,whenhedrinkshispotionshetossestheliquidintohismouthandhurlsthepotionbottleawaytoshatteragainstthewall.
TorepresenttheThavok,youcanusetheGrimNecromancerminiature(36/60)fromDeathknell oranyofanumberofevilspell-casterD&Dminiatures.
Thavok Drusuvious CR 15Humannecromancer15NEMediumhumanoidInit +1;Senses Listen+3,Spot+3Languages Chondathan, Common, Draconic, Dwarven, Elven,Illuskan,Undercommon
AC15,touch15,flat-footed13hp114(15HD);regenerates1pointofdamage/hourFort +13,Ref +11,Will+13
Speed30ft.(6squares)Melee mwkdagger+9/+4(1d4+1/19–20)orMelee touch+8(spell)Ranged mwkdagger+10(1d4+1)orRanged touch+9(spell)BaseAtk +7;Grp+8SpecialActions SuddenSilentSpell,SuddenStillSpell
Behindthosetapestriesyouseethedirtyfringeofsomeone’spurplerobesbrushingonthefloorasthepersonmoves.Amomentlater,youhearwhatsoundslikeabsent-mindedmumbling.
Thisroom’swallsbeartatteredtapestriesattachedwithironspikes.Eachironspikeglowswithawhiteflamethatdoesn’tseemtoburnthefabricofthetapestries.Molderingrugscoverthefloor,andahammockmadeofropeandbigenoughtoholdtwopeoplehangsinonecorner.Atthefarendoftheroom,twolargetapestriesdrapeacrossanopeninginthewallandcreateanother,smallerchamber.
Creatures: (1) A 15th-levelnecromancer.
Traps:None.Terrain:Normal.LightingConditions:Bright
(continualflame spellsontheironspikesinthewall).
Magic: Faint evocation(continualflame spells)andtreasure(seeTreasure).
DetectableAlignments:Mod-erateevil(ThavokDrusuvious).
Secrets:None.Treasure:Seebelow.
Area H Summary
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CombatGear potionofbarkskin+3,potionofdisplacementSpellsPrepared (CL15th;prohibitedschools:enchantment,illusion):
8th—horridwilting (DC26,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),summonmonsterVIII
7th—fingerofdeath [RTFbookmarkstart:}OLE_LINK14(2)(DC25[RTFbookmarkstart:}OLE_LINK13,+2d6damageagainst humans[RTF bookmark end: }OLE_LINK13 andelves)[RTFbookmarkend:}OLE_LINK14,quickened lightningbolt (DC19,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves)
6th—disintegrate (+9rangedtouch,DC22,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),maximized fireball (DC19,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),greaterdispelmagic,repulsion (DC22),maximized vampirictouch (+8meleetouch;+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves)
5th—coneofcold (2)(DC21,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),quickened magicmissile (2)(5missiles,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),wallofforce,wavesoffatigue
4th—enervation (2)(+9rangedtouch),fireshield (+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),lesserglobeofinvulnerability,maximizedrayofenfeeblement(+9rangedtouch),stoneskin
3rd—fireball(DC19,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),lightningbolt (DC19,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),slow(DC19),stinkingcloud (DC19),vampirictouch(2)(+8meleetouch;+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves)
2nd—blindness/deafness (2)(DC20),cat’sgrace,falselife,glit-terdust (DC18),knock(2)
1st—grease,magearmor,magicmissile (2)(5missiles,+2d6damageagainsthumansandelves),protectionfromgood,rayofenfeeblement (+9rangedtouch),shield
0—detectmagic,rayoffrost (2)(+9rangedtouch,+2d6humansand elves), touch of fatigue [RTF bookmark start:}OLE_LINK16(2[RTFbookmarkend:}OLE_LINK16)[RTFbookmarkstart:}OLE_LINK15(+8meleetouch;[RTFbookmarkend:}OLE_LINK15DC18)
Abilities Str12,Dex14,Con18,Int22,Wis10,Cha13FeatsBaneMagic(elves)*,BaneMagic(humans)*,CraftWondrousItem,GreaterSpellFocus(necromancy),ImprovedToughness**,MaximizeSpell,QuickenSpell,ScribeScroll,SpellFocus(necro-mancy),SuddenSilentSpell***,SuddenStillSpell**** HeroesofHorror**CompleteAdventurer***CompleteArcaneSkillsBluff+6,Concentration+22,Diplomacy+10,Disguise+1(+3acting),Intimidate+8,Knowledge(arcana)+18,Knowledge(dun-geoneering)+11,Knowledge(geography)+13,Knowledge(history)+11,Knowledge(religion)+15,Knowledge(theplanes)+15,Listen+3,SenseMotive+6,Spellcraft+25(+27necromancy),Spot+3,Sur-vival+0(+2onotherplanes,+2underground)
Possessionscombatgearplusmasterworkdagger, ringofprotection+2,cloakofresistance+4,ringofmindshielding,pinkrhomboidiounstone,scarletandbluesphereiounstone,pearlywhitespindleiounstoneSpellbook spellspreparedplus0—acidsplash,arcanemark,dancinglights, detect poison, disruptundead, light, mending, message,open/close,prestidigitation,readmagic,resistance; 1st—alarm,com-prehendlanguages,identify,shockinggrasp,Tenser’sfloatingdisc;2nd—arcanelock,continualflame,flamingsphere,fox’scunning,gustofwind,ropetrick;3rd—arcanesight,daylight,dispelmagic,Leomund’stinyhut,tongues,windwall;4th—dimensiondoor,icestorm,Otiluke’sresilientsphere,shout,wallofice; 5th—lesserplanarbinding,sending,telekinesis; 6th—chainlightning,fleshtostone,symbolofpersuasion; 7th—controlundead,delayedblastfireball,powerwordblind; 8th—dimensionallock,polarray,symbolofdeath.
Treasure: InadditiontoThavok’sequipment,theroomcontainsasmallchestcontaining550gp(thecell’spaybox)andthedracol-ichbrew, whichifcompleteisworth5,000gp.Dracolichbrew isan
ingestedpoisonthatdeals2d6pointsofConstitutiondamageoneachfailedsave.Itautomaticallyslaysthedragonforwhichitispre-pared.Atthebeginningoftheadventure,ThavokispreparingitforKrakestros.ShouldKrakestrosbekilledbeforethedracolichbrew iscomplete,heinsteadpreparesitforAthanaxus.
Development: Thavokfightstothedeath,butifhebelievesthatothermembersofhiscultcellarealive,hemakesanefforttomovetowardthemashefightsthePCs.IfheandLuciaareslain,thisCultoftheDragoncelldisintegrateswithoutitsleadership.Thedragonsbullythecultistsforawhile,buttheyeventuallytireofitandattackthem.Thisbattlecausesthedragonsandcultiststoseparate,bothofthemwanderingoffintotheUndermountaintounknownfates.IfLuciasomehowsurvivesThavok,thePCshaveearnedaneternalenemy.LuciawilldoallinherpowertothwartthePCswithoutdirectlyconfrontingthemuntilshethinksshehasamassedenoughpower(anddracoliches)todoawaywiththempermanently.
IfthePartyRests: IfthepartyrestsafterfightingThavokinhislair,verylittlechanges.AnylivingfoesinAreasIandJremainhun-kereddownunlesssomeonecomesandalertsthemtothethreat.
Area I: The Caves (EL 14)ThetextbelowassumesthePCsdidnotretreattorestaftertheirencounterinAreaG.Ifconditionsaredifferent,modifytheread-aloudtextandtheencounterdetailstosuityourneeds.
IntheirmanyyearsofwanderingUndermountain,thebluedragonsiblingsneveroncesuccumbedtothetemptationofincest.Evenso,eachmadeafewattemptsatmating.Inmostcases,thisoccurredwithadragonlikecreaturethegroupencountered.Suchcouplingsrarelyresultedinlivingoffspring,andthedragonsnevertookthehalf-childrenwiththemastheytraveledoncetheygrewlargeenoughtotakecareofthemselves.OnlyAthanaxustookmuchinterestinthosetowhomshegavebirth,andshewouldoftensplitofffromtheotherstoseekoutheroffspringifshespottedsignsoftheirpassagethroughthetunnels.
WhenThavoklearnedofthesehalf-dragonorphans,heencour-agedthebluedragonsiblingstomakepeaceablecontactwiththemsothattheymightaidtheCultoftheDragoncause.NoneofthedragonsareparticularlyinterestedintheCults’goalsbeyondhowitcanbenefitthem,butAthanaxusdelightedatthethoughtofbring-ingherchildrenandniecesandnephewstogether.Hereffortsgatheredthreeofthesecreatures:TwoareherownchildrenandoneisthechildofAuriovos.
Creatures: (3) A half-blue-dragoneight-headedpyrohydra,ahalf-blue-dragon darknaga,andahalf-blue-dragonyrthak
Traps:None.Terrain:CavernFloor: DC10
Balancechecktochargeorrun.Cavern Ceiling: DC 25
ClimbcheckandDCincreasesby+5ifsurfaceisslippery.
Cavern Wall: Hit points
varybasedonthickness(hard-ness8),ClimbDC20.
LightingConditions:Darkness.Magic:SeeTreasure.DetectableAlignments:Faint
evil (half-blue-dragon eight-headedpyrohydraandhalf-blue-dragondarknaga),moderateevil(half-blue-dragonyrthak)
Secrets:None.Treasure:17,000gp;seebelow.
Area I Summary
Thethreehalf-dragonsliveinthesecaves,eachclaimingonespurofthecavernsasitsown.Theyshareanuneasytrucewitheachotherandobeythedragonsonlysolongasfoodismadereadilyavailable.ThethreesharethetaskofguardingAthanaxus’slairfromintrusionbyanybutthebluedragonsorthecultists,whomtheyhavelearnedtorecognizebysightandvoice.[RTFbookmarkstart:}OLE_LINK11 WhenthePCsapproachthe area indicated on the map, read or paraphrase thefollowing.[RTFbookmarkend:}OLE_LINK11
Thehalf-dragonsareawakeandalertafterhavingheardthecom-motionofbattleinthehallstothenorth.WhenthePCsmovedownanyoftheirtunnelsorapproachthedoortoAthanaxus’slair,twoofthemattack.Theyopencombatwiththeirbreathweapons,hopingtotakedownthePCsinonefellswoop.Thehalf-blue-dragondarknagastaysoutofthefightforthefirst2roundstocastshieldand displacement.
Half-Blue-DragonEight-HeadedPyrohydra: Thispurplish-bluemonstrosityboundsoutofitscavetounleashitslightningattack.Onthefollowinground,itbreathesfireandattemptstocatchasmanyofthepartymembersaspossible.Leastintelligentofthehalf-dragons,ittriesnottohititsallieswithitsfierybreath,butsome-timesitfailstoproperlyjudgetheirdistance.Torepresentthehalf-blue-dragoneight-headedpyrohydra,youcanusethe[RTFbookmarkstart:}OLE_LINK17Behirminiature(66/72)fromGiantsofLegend.[RTFbookmarkend:}OLE_LINK17
Half-Blue-Dragon Eight-Headed Pyrohydra CR 11MalebluedragonLEHugedragon(earth)(augmentedmagicalbeast)Init +1;Senses darkvision60ft.,low-lightvision,scent;Listen+13,Spot+13Languages Draconic
AC22,touch9,flat-footed21hp103(8HD);fasthealing18Immune electricity,fire,paralysis,sleepFort +12,Ref +7,Will+4
Speed20ft.(4squares),swim20ft.,fly40ft.(average)Melee 8bites+15(2d6+8)andMelee 2claws+9(1d8+4)Space 15ft.;Reach 10ft.BaseAtk +8;Grp+24AtkOptions CombatReflexesSpecialActionsbreathweapons
Abilities Str27,Dex12,Con22,Int4,Wis10,Cha11FeatsCombatReflexes[B],IronWill,Toughness,WeaponFocus(bite)SkillsListen+13,Spot+13,Swim+27
BreathWeapon(Su)60-ft.line,onceeveryday,6d8electricity,ReflexDC20halfBreathWeapon(Su)10ft.high,10ft.wide,20ft.long,allheadsonceevery1d4rounds,3d6fireperhead,ReflexDC20half
Half-Blue-DragonYrthak: Thecloseconfinesofthecavernforce
thisblue-greencreaturetowalkasitbattlesfoes,aprospectitdetestsbutsufferstoappeaseitsmother,Athanaxus.Itusesitssoniclanceasoftenaspossibleagainstfoes.Torepresentthehalf-blue-dragonyrthak,youcanusetheBehirminiature(66/72)fromGiantsofLegend.
Half-Blue-Dragon Yrthak CR 11LEHugebluedragon(earth)(augmentedmagicalbeast)Init +2;Senses blindsight120ft.;Listen+20,Spot+1Languages Draconic
AC22,touch10,flat-footed20hp126(12HD)Immune electricity,gazeattacks,illusions,paralysis,sleep,visualeffectsFort +12,Ref +10,Will+5Weakness sonic
Speed20ft.(4squares),fly60ft.(average);FlybyAttackMelee bite+19(2d8+9)andMelee 2claws+7(1d8+4)Rangedsoniclance+12rangedtouch(6d6sonic)Space 15ft.;Reach 10ft.BaseAtk +12;Grp+29AtkOptions SnatchSpecialActionsbreathweapon,explosion
Abilities Str28,Dex14,Con19,Int9,Wis13,Cha13FeatsEndurance,FlybyAttack,ImprovedInitiative,Multiattack,SnatchSkillsHide+1,Listen+20,MoveSilently+17,SenseMotive+8,Tumble+9
BreathWeapon(Su)60-ft.line,onceeveryday,6d8electricity,ReflexDC20halfExplosion(Su)60-ft.range,10-ft.radius,onceevery2rounds(countsasuseofsoniclance),2d6piercingSonicLance(Su)60-ft.ray,onceevery2rounds,6d6sonic
Half-Blue-DragonDarkNaga: Themostintelligentbyfarofthehalf-dragons,thiscreatureisthedaughterofAuriovos.ShehasnoparticularloyaltytotheCultortothedragons,butwhenAthanaxusapproachedherwithanallianceproposal,shedecidedtoentertaintheidea.Torepresentthehalf-blue-dragondarknaga,youcanusetheDarkNagaminiature(33/60)fromUnderdark ortheBrightNagaminiature(45/60)fromDragoneye.
Half-Blue-Dragon Dark Naga CR 10LELargebluedragon(earth)(augmentedaberration)Init +2;Senses darkvision60ft.;Listen+16,Spot+16LanguagesCommon,Draconic,Elven
AC18,touch11,flat-footed16;Dodgehp76(9HD)Immune electricity,mind-reading,paralysis,poison,sleepFort +6,Ref +7,Will+8;+2againstcharm effects
Speed40ft.(8squares),fly80ft.(average)Meleesting+11(2d4+6pluspoison)andMelee bite+6(1d8+3)andMelee 2claws+6(1d6+3)
Thenarrowpassageyouhavebeenmovingthroughopensintoalargercavernthatbranchesoffinafewdirections.Aroundthecornerofonepassage,youseewhatappearstobetheedgeofadoorsetinthestone.
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Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.BaseAtk+6;Grp +16AtkOptions poison(DC17,2d4minutesofsleep,initialonly)SpecialActionsbreathweapon,poison,spellsSorcererSpellsKnown (CL7th):
3rd(5/day)—displacement,lightningbolt (DC17)2nd(7/day)—cat’sgrace,invisibility,scorchingray (+8ranged
touch)1st(7/day)—expeditiousretreat,magicmissile,rayofenfeeble-
ment (+8rangedtouch),shield,silentimage (DC15)0 (6/day)—daze (DC 14), detectmagic, light,mage hand,
open/close,rayoffrost (+8rangedtouch),readmagic
Abilities Str22,Dex15,Con16,Int18,Wis15,Cha19SQdetectthoughtsFeatsAlertness,CombatCasting,Dodge,EschewMaterials[B],LightningReflexesSkillsBluff+16,Concentration+15,Diplomacy+18,Hide+4,Intim-idate+18,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+10,Listen+16,SenseMotive+14,Spellcraft+16,Spot+16
BreathWeapon(Su)60-ft.line,onceeveryday,6d8electricity,ReflexDC17halfDetectThoughts(Su)continuousasdetectthoughts spell,CL15th,WillDC16negates
Treasure: Thethreehalfdragonseachhaveaseparatehoardworthabout5,600gp.Intotal,thehoardscontain3,645gp,5,000sp,5500cp,ajavelinoflightning,+1mithralshirt,ringoffeatherfalling,ropeofclimbing,silverravenfigurineofwondrouspower,and scrolloftreestride.
Development: Frustratedthatthehumansseemtoberunningthingsandthatshehasbeenrelegatedtoguardduty,thehalf-blue-dragondarknagacastsinvisibilityandfleesifreducedtohalfherhitpoints.Thehalf-blue-dragoneight-headedpyrohydraandhalf-blue-dragonyrthak,ontheotherhand,areAthanaxus’schildren,andtheyfleetoherlairifreducedto20hitpointsorfewer.
IfthePartyRests: Ifthepartyretreatstosomesafeplaceforrestaftercomingthisfar,anysurvivingcultistsdeliverthenewsofthedeathofhersiblingstoAthanaxus,andcarryingtheAuriovos’sphy-lacterywiththem,theyseekafinalbattlewiththePCs.IfnooneisaroundtoinformAthanaxusofthefateofhersisterandbrothersandtherestoftheCult,shewaitsforseveralhoursbeforecallingoutto her children. When she receivesno answer,she retrieves Auri-ovos’sphylacteryandinvestigates.IfthePCshavenotreturnedbythen,Athanaxusputsthoughtsofrevengeoutsofhermindandflees.
Area J: Athanaxus’s Lair (EL 11 to 15)ThischamberservesasAthanaxus’slair.SheneverstraysfarfromitbecauseThavoktoldherthatifAuriovosshoulddie,thephylac-terywillmakeheradracolichsolongassheremainsclose.Astheleastfavoredofthefivedragons,hertransformationtodracolich-domwillcomelast,andshe’seagertotakeadvantageofAuriovos’sdeath.OfcourseThavokdidn’ttellAthanaxusthatsheneedstobedeadfirst,orthatshouldAuriovosbekilledandturnherbodyintoadracolich,hersoulwillnotbeincontrol.Forherpart,AthanaxusispleasedtoremainnearherchildrenandawaitAuriovos’sdeathorherturn.
ThechamberAthanaxususesasalairisthemostelaboratelydec-oratedoftheroomsinthispartofUndermountain.Onceaholy
placededicatedtoLolth,itswallsbearintricatewebcarvingsandspiderdesigns.AthanaxusremainsinthisroomatopherpileoftreasureandattacksanyPCswhoenter.
WhenthePCsapproachtheareaindicatedonthemap,readorparaphrasethefollowing.
PermanentDesecrate: A desecratespellaffectsthisroom,thehallleadingtoAreaK,andAreaK.BecauseanaltartoLolthstandsinthecenterofAreaK,thespellcausesa–6penaltyonturningchecks,andtheareagrantsundeada+2profanebonusonattackrolls,plusitgivesthem+2HitDiceand+2hitpointsperHitDie.RememberthiswhenAuriovos’sspiritanimatesadragon’sbodyasaproto-dracolich.
Proto-Dracolich: IfanycreatureofthedragontypedieswithintheroomthatconstitutesAthanaxus’slair,AreaK,orthehallwayleadinguptoAreaK,Auriovos’sspiritcanpossessit.Ifpossessed,thebodyrisesasaproto-dracolichonthefollowinground.Ifitisdestroyed,Auriovos’sspiritreturnstohisphylacteryandisthuscapableofpossessingthebodyofanothercreatureofthedragontype.Iftheproto-dracolichisnotdestroyed,itturnsintoAuriovos,whollyinbodyandmind,in2d4days.
Usethetemplateintheappendixtodeterminethestatisticsoftheproto-dracolich.
Athanaxus:Athanaxusattacksinafury,butsherefusestoleavethechamberunlessitistomoveclosertothephylactery.Ifoneofherchildrenturnsintoadracolich,Athanaxusdoesnothingbutdefendherselfforaroundwhilesheconsiderstheevent.Ifanychar-actermovespasthertowardthephylactery,Athanaxusfollows,butshewaitsforthesymbolofdeathinAreaKtodoitsworkbeforeenteringthatchamber.
TorepresentAthanaxus,youcanusetheLargeBlueDragonminiature(38/60)fromDeathknell.
Athanaxus CR 11FemaleyoungadultbluedragonLELargedragon(earth)Init +0;Senses blindsense60ft.,darkvision120ft.,keensenses;Listen+22,Spot+22Aura frightfulpresence(DC21,150-ft.radius)Languages Common,Draconic,Elven
AC 26,touch9,flat-footed26hp 189(18HD);DR 5/magicImmune electricity,paralysis,sleep
Spidersandwebsofcarvedstoneclingtothewallsandceilingofthischamberinanartfularrangement.Marringthisgrandeurareafewcracksandholesinthebas-relief.Atopapileofcoinsthatspillsouttotheedgesoftheroomstandsalargebluedragon.Thegrandeurofthiscreatureismarredonlybytheuglyscaronthestumpofitstail.
Creatures: (1ormore)Athanaxusandperhapsoneormoreproto-dracoliches
Traps:None.Terrain:Normal.LightingConditions:Darkness.Magic:Faint necromancy
(desecrate),moderateuniversal
(permanency),andseeTreasure.DetectableAlignments:Faint
evil(desecrate),moderateevil(Athanaxus).
Secrets:None.Treasure: (7,250 gp) See
below.
Area J Summary
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SR 19Fort +15,Ref +11,Will +13Speed 40ft.(8squares),burrow20ft.,fly150ft.(poor)
Melee bite+23(3d6+6)andMelee 2claws+22(2d6+3)andMelee 2wings+21(1d8+3)andMelee tail+21(1d8+9)Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.(bite10ft.)BaseAtk +18;Grp+28AtkOptions PowerAttackSpecialActions breathweaponSorcererSpellsKnown(CL3rd):
1st(6/day)—alarm,bane (DC13),shield0(6/day)—dancinglights,detectmagic,ghostsound (DC12),mage
hand,resistanceSpell-LikeAbilities (CL5th):
3/day—create/destroywater (DC21)
Abilities Str23,Dex10,Con19,Int14,Wis15,Cha14SQ soundimitation(DC21)Feats AbilityFocus(breathweapon),ImprovedNaturalAttack(bite),ImprovedNaturalAttack(claw),ImprovedNaturalAttack(wing),Multiattack,PowerAttack,WeaponFocus(claw)Skills Bluff+22,Concentration+13,Diplomacy+15,Hide+5,Intimidate+16,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+11,Listen+22,Search+22,SenseMotive+22,Spellcraft+22,Spot+22
BreathWeapon(Su) 80-ft.line,onceevery1d4rounds,10d8elec-tricity,ReflexDC25half
Treasure: Athanaxusstandsatopapileoftreasuremadeupwhollyofcoins:100pp,3,000gp,30,000sp,and25,000cp.
Development: ThePCsaren’tlikelytoendthisencounteruntilsomeonedestroysthephylacteryinAreaK.Ofcourse,doingsopres-entsitsownthreat(seeAreaKfordetails).
IfthePartyRests: IfthepartyretreatstosomesafeplaceforrestwithoutdestroyingAuriovos’sphylactery,adracolichcanlikelyarisetofacethePCsagain.Ifanyofthecultistsorotherdragonsarealive,theyandthedracolichseekoutthePCs.
Area K: Auriovo’s Phylactery (EL 8)Auriovos’sphylacteryrestsinthechamberatopanaltartoLolththatstandsinthecenteroftheroom.Theroomisdecoratedsimi-larlytoAreaJ.
WhenthePCsapproachtheareaindicatedonthemap,readorparaphrasethefollowing.ThetextassumesthatAuriovoshasbeendestroyedandthataPCiswithin30feet.Ifthisisnotthecase,changethedescriptionasnecessary.
SymbolofDeath:Thavokhasplacedasymbolofdeath uponthesideofthephylacteryfacingthehall.Itissettotriggerifanynondragonandnoncultistwithin30feetlooksatit (whichcanhappen inthehallleadinguptothephylactery). TheFortitudesavetonegatetheeffecthasaDCof29.ThesymbolisconsideredaCR8trap.
PermanentDesecrate: A desecratespellaffectsthisroom,thehallleadingtoAreaJ,andAreaJ.BecauseanaltartoLolthstandsinthecenterofthisroom,thespellcausesa–6penaltyonturningchecks,andtheareagrantsundeada+2profanebonusonattacks,plustheygain+2HitDiceand+2hitpointsperHitDie.RememberthiswhenAuriovos’sspiritanimatesadragon’sbodyasaproto-dracolich.
Proto-Dracolich: IfanycreatureofthedragontypedieswithintheroomthatconstitutesAthanaxus’slair,AreaK,orthehallwayleadinguptoAreaK,Auriovos’sspiritcanpossessit.Ifpossessed,thebodyrisesasaproto-dracolichonthefollowinground.Ifitisdestroyed,Auriovos’sspiritreturnstohisphylacteryandisthuscapableofpossessingthebodyofanothercreatureofthedragontype.Iftheproto-dracolichisnotdestroyed,itturnsintoAuriovos,whollyinbodyandmind,in2d4days.
Usethetemplateintheappendixtodeterminethestatisticsoftheproto-dracolich.
Treasure:Theobsidiancofferisafalsechestanddoesnotopen.InrealityitisAuriovos’sphylacteryandisworth55,000gp.Ignor-ingitsmagicproperties,thephylacteryisworth2,000gp,andtheonyxgemsinsetinitareworthatotalof5,000gp.ItisaSmallobjectwithahardnessof8and400hp.Itweighs100pounds.
Appendix: Proto-Dracolich CreatureAproto-dracolichresultswhenadracolichiskilledanditsspiritpos-sessesthedeadbodyofareptiliancreatureorcreatureofthedragontype.ThedeadbodymustbelargelyintactandofMediumorlargersize;mostimportantly,itmustretainitshead.Thedracolich’sorig-inalbodyisidealbecausethedracolichcanpossessitautomatically.Withanyotherbody,thedracolichmustmakeaCharismacheck(DC10foratruedragon,DC15foranyothercreatureofthedragontype,DC20foranyotherkindofreptiliancreaturesuchasagiantsnakeorlizardfolk).Ifthecheckfails,thedracolichcanneverpossessthatbody.Ifthebodyisthatoftheoriginaldracolich,itariseswithallitsoriginalpowers.Ifitisanewbody,itbecomesaproto-dracolich.
Aproto-dracolichretainstheformofthehostbodyfor2d4dayswhileitacclimatesitselftothebody.Whileinproto-dracolichform,itretainsthememoriesandpersonalityoftheoriginaldracolich,butitderivesitsabilitiesfromthebodyitinhabits.Attheendoftheacclimationperiod,thebodytransformsinaburstofdarkpower,whollybecomingtheoriginalundeadbodyofthedracolichthatpos-sessedthedeaddragon,grantingallthenormaldracolichpowersandtraits.
Spidersandwebsofcarvedstonecontinuethroughthehallandintothechamberahead.Withinthatroomyouseeawidealtarofblackstone,andatopitrestsacoffermadeofobsidian.Younoteadarkredglowwithinthatpulsesslowlyjustbeforeaglow-ingyellowsymbolflashesintobeingonitsside!
Creatures: None.Traps:Symbolofdeath.Terrain:Normal.Lighting Conditions:Shad-
owy illumination (from theglowofAuriovos’sphylactery).
Magic:Strong necromancy
(Auriovos’sphylactery), strongnecromancy(symbolofdeath).
DetectableAlignments:Faintevil(fightersandbarbarians).
Secrets:None.Treasure:SeeTreasure.
Area K Summary
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Sample Proto-DracolichThisexampleusesAthanaxusasthebasecreature.
Proto-Dracolich Auriovos(FormerlyA thanaxus) CR1 2Femaleyoungadultbluedragon(proto-dracolich)LELargeundead(augmentedundead,earth)Init +0;Senses blindsense60ft.,darkvision120ft.,keensenses;Listen+22,Spot+22Languages Common,Draconic,Elven;can’tspeak
AC 26,touch9,flat-footed26hp 117(18HD);DR 5/magic,5/bludgeoningImmune cold,electricity,paralysis,polymorph,sleep,undeadimmu-nities(MM 317)SR 22Fort +11,Ref +11,Will +13Speed 40ft.(8squares),burrow20ft.,fly150ft.(poor)
Melee bite+23(3d6+6plusparalysis)andMelee 2claws+22(2d6+3plusparalysis)andMelee 2wings+21(1d8+3plusparalysis)andMelee tail+21(1d8+9plusparalysis)Space 10ft.;Reach 5ft.(bite10ft.)BaseAtk +18;Grp+28AtkOptions PowerAttackSpecialActions paralyzinggaze
Abilities Str23,Dex10,Con—,Int14,Wis15,Cha16Feats AbilityFocus(breathweapon),ImprovedNaturalAttack(bite),ImprovedNaturalAttack(claw),ImprovedNaturalAttack(wing),Multiattack,PowerAttack,WeaponFocus(claw)Skills Bluff+22,Concentration+13,Diplomacy+15,Hide+5,Intimidate+16,Knowledge(dungeoneering)+11,Listen+22,Search+22,SenseMotive+22,Spellcraft+22,Spot+22
Invulnerability(Ex) Ifaproto-dracolichisslain,itsspiritimmedi-atelyreturnstoitsphylactery.IfanotherMediumorlargerdragonorreptiliancorpselieswithin90feetofthephylactery,thespiritinfusesit,risingasaproto-dracolich.Thisproto-dracolichhassomeofthequalitiesofadracolich,butitdoesnotgainthefullabilitiesofadracolichfor2d4days.Ifthephylacteryisdestroyedwhilethespiritiswithinorthedracolichisdestroyedafterthephylactery,thedracolichisdestroyedpermanently.ParalyzingGaze(Su) 40ft.,paralysis2d6rounds,FortitudeDC21negates.Ifthesavingthrowissuccessful,thevictimisforeverimmunetotheproto-dracolich’sparalyzinggaze(butnotthatofitstruedracolichform).Ifitfails,thevictimisparalyzedfor2d6rounds.ParalyzingTouch(Su) Anycreaturehitbyameleetouchorameleeattack,paralysis2d6rounds,FortitudeDC21negates.Asuccessfulsavedoesn’trenderanyspecialimmunity.
Creating a Proto-Dracolich “Proto-dracolich”isanacquiredtemplatethatcanbeappliedtoanyMediumorlargerreptiliancreatureordragon(hereafterreferredtoasthebasecreature).Aproto-dracolichusesallofthebasecreature’sstatisticsandspecialabilitiesexceptasnotedhere.
SizeandType: Thecreature’stypebecomesundead.Donotrecal-culatethecreature’sbaseattackbonus,saves,orskillpoints.Sizeisunchanged.
Attacks: Aproto-dracolichcannotmakecrushattacksevenifitwascapableofdoingsowhenthebasecreaturewasalive.
Damage: Asuccessfulmeleeattackmightparalyzethevictim(seebelow).
SpecialAttacks:Aproto-dracolichlosesanyfrightfulpresence,breathweapon,andcrushspecialattacksofthebasecreature.Itcannotcastspellsorusespell-likeabilities,norcanitevenspeak.
ParalyzingGaze(Su): Thegazeofaproto-dracolich’sglowingeyescanparalyzevictimswithin40feetifeachvictimfailsaFortitudesave(DC10+1/2proto-dracolich’sHD+proto-dracolich’sChamod-ifier).Ifthesavingthrowissuccessful,thecreatureisforeverimmunetotheproto-dracolich’sparalyzinggaze(butnotthatofitstruedra-colichform).Ifitfails,thevictimisparalyzedfor2d6rounds.
ParalyzingTouch(Su):Acreaturestruckbyanyofaproto-dra-colich’smeleeattackswithitsnaturalweaponsmustmakeaForti-tudesave(DC10+1/2proto-dracolich’sHD+proto-dracolich’sChamodifier)orbeparalyzedfor2d6rounds.Asuccessfulsavingthrowagainstthiseffectdoesnotconferanyspecialimmunitytolaterpar-alyzingtouchattacks.
SpecialQualities: Aproto-dracolichretainsallthespecialqualitiesofthebasecreatureandgainsthosedescribedbelow.
DamageReduction(Ex): Aproto-dracolichhasdamagereduction5/bludgeoning.
Immunities: Inadditiontothestandardundeadimmunities,aproto-dracolichisimmunetopolymorph,cold,andelectricityeffects.
Invulnerability(Ex):Ifaproto-dracolichisslain,thedracolich’sspiritinstantlyreturnstoitsphylactery.FromthereitcanattempttopossessthedeadbodyofanotherMediumorlargerdragonorrep-tiliancreaturewithin90feet,perhapseventhebodyitjustleftifitremainslargelyintact.
SpellResistance(Ex): Becomingaproto-dracolichincreasesthebasecreature’sspellresistanceby+3.Aproto-dracolichalwayshasaspellresistanceofatleast16.
UndeadTraits: Aproto-dracolichpossessesallthetraitsofundeaddescribedintheMonsterManual glossary.
Abilities:Beingundead,aproto-dracolichhasnoConstitutionscore(use its Charisma score to determine the saving throw ofspecialattacks that previously relied upon Constitution). In addition, thebasecreature’sCharismascoreincreasesby2.Otherwise,theproto-dracolich’sabilitiesscoresremainthesameasthebasecreature.
Organization: Solitary.ChallengeRating: Sameasthebasecreature+1.Alignment: Sameasthepossessingdracolich.Advancement: —LevelAdjustment: —
About the Author OnceEditor-in-ChiefofDragonmagazineandnowagamedesigneratWizardsoftheCoast,MatthewSernett wroteinaDragon edito-rialthatthere’snothinginD&D helikesbetterthanwhentheadventurersfleethroughthedungeon,runningpell-mellthroughtrapsandpastmonstersbecausewhatchasesthemisworse.Whenhewrotethat,MatthewwasthinkingaboutUndermountain.