Web Enhancement A call to Arms.pdf

An Unapproachable East F ORGOTTEN R EALMS ® Web Enhancement

A Call

to Arms

Introduction

The citizens of Phent, which is a large town in Thesk, are a proud, yet

warm and accepting folk. For the past nine years, they have been host

to over six hundred orcs, which is certainly an anomaly in the average

Faerûnian community. In 1360 DR, Zhentil Keep sent one thousand

orcs to aid in the fight against the westward-sweeping Tuigan hordes.

The orcs fought well—well enough that the citizens of Thesk welcomed

them as citizens when Zhentil Keep abandoned them in this land in 1363

DR. Still, a current of unsettling concern lingers. Some believe that the orcs

are still part of Zhentil Keep’s strike force, but that they went on standby

to wait for the moment when their masters give the signal. Once allowed,

these orcs may launch a crippling attack from within.

However, in nine years, no signal has been given—at least none

that any of the paranoid folk have noticed. The orcs are enthusias-

tic citizens and, apart from some rowdiness during breaks from the

mines or fields, they have hurt no one.

And then, a prophet comes, with a message of war . . .

In A Call to Arms, the player characters (PCs) have a chance to

prevent orcs from rising up against some humans. This adventure is

designed for four 9th-level D&D ® characters. The encounters can be

adjusted up or down to suit your group’s needs, however.

Preparation

You, the Dungeon Master (DM), need a copy of the Player’s Hand-

book, the D UNGEON M ASTER ’s Guide, and the Monster Manual to

use this material. You may also want to have a copy of Unapproach-

able East and Magic of Faerûn handy. Boxed text that appears

throughout this adventure is player information, which you can read

aloud or paraphrase when appropriate. Monster and NPC statistics

are provided with each encounter in abbreviated form or, where

appropriate, the Monster Manual is referenced.

S CALING THE A DVENTURE

If you need to scale the adventure up or down for your PCs, you may

find these guidelines helpful.

Additional Credits

Design: John Terra

Advice : Skip Williams

Editing: Miranda Horner

Cartography: Dennis Kauth, Rob Lazzaretti

Typesetting: Nancy Walker

Web Production: Julia Martin

Web Development: Mark A. Jindra

Graphic Design: Robert Campell, Cynthia Fliege, Dee Barnett

by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. All Wizards characters, character

names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks

owned by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This material is protected

under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any

reproduction or unauthorized use of the material or artwork

contained herein is prohibited without the express written

permission of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This product is a work of

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events is purely coincidental. This Wizards of the Coast game

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Based on the original D UNGEONS & D RAGONS ® game by E. Gary

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D UNGEONS & D RAGONS game designed by Jonathan Tweet, Monte

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Background

Despite what some may think, those in Zhentil Keep haven’t for-

gotten about their orc troops in Phent. In public discussion in Zhen-

til Keep, the leaders of the Zhentilar, the military branch of Zhentil

Keep, have confidently asserted that the orcs in Thesk are com-

pletely loyal to Zhentil Keep. They maintain that the orcs are just

biding their time and building up trust among the citizens, until the

appointed time when the word is given.

In private, these same leaders are gravely concerned. The leaders

didn’t get to positions of command by being idiots, and they know

that the orcs are treated well and accepted in Thesk, which is a rarity

for them with the humans and humanoids of Faerûn in general. The

leaders know that many of the orcs would be reluctant to destroy

the source of this acceptance.

But what if the orcs’ chief god, Gruumsh, told them to?

The Zhentilar turned to the Black Network and presented the

problem. The Zhents knew what to do. The Zhents have dispatched

a powerful cleric, a master of persuasion and deception, to pose as an

orc prophet of Gruumsh and whip the orcs into a destructive frenzy.

In addition, the Zhentilar have staged raids against human caravans

by what look like orc warriors so that they can start antiorc senti-

ment among the population of Thesk.

Adventure

will find traces of the bandits, track them back to their lair, and

eliminate the problem.

• A merchant and his son hire the group to escort the pair from

Telflamm to Tammar. If this hook is used, bear in mind that the

group needs to come up with some way to be released from their

obligation so that they can address the serious matter at hand.

Encounters

The following encounters begin in a somewhat linear progression,

but once the heroes become engaged in the adventure, they should

have some options about which course to follow. In the end, they

should discover the prophet, but if they don’t, some consequences

follow that DMs may want to use in their campaigns.

The Raid (EL 10)

The heroes encounter a brutal attack on a caravan about ten miles

northeast of Phent. While the attack looks as if it is conducted by

the local orc population, the perpetrators are in fact a squad of elite

Zhent half-orc warriors who have been subtly “touched up” to

resemble full-blooded orcs.

The Golden Way, famed trade route, is a well-maintained road

that is usually a pleasure to travel upon. As you move along,

though, you see the beginnings of a plume of smoke rising at a

point around a small bend in the Way. The plume drifts up to the

heavily overcast sky. The scent of burning wood and grass reaches

you, as well.

You can also hear faint sounds of the clashing of steel, the

frightened whinnies of horses, the mingled din of guttural war

cries, and the shouts and screams of panicked victims coming

from that general direction.

Summary

The main portion of this adventure is the investigation of the mys-

terious orc prophet, who is located in the eastern foothills of the

Thesk Mountains about 20 miles due east of Phent. The party needs

to do some snooping around Phent to collect some information, and

they must help prevent a bit of misplaced mob justice by stopping

the self-styled prophet of Gruumsh before the less acclimated orcs

decide to follow his words.

Character Hooks

While the heroes can get involved in this adventure in several ways,

the best way includes an encounter that occurs about ten miles

northeast of Phent, along the Golden Way. Here are some hooks to

get the adventurers into this region:

Once the PCs get within 700 feet of the plume, they can make Spot

checks (DC 13) to see the attacking Zhents and their foes. The

Zhents and their foes Spot the approaching PCs at the same distance

if they make Spot checks of their own (DC 20). If the PCs try to

approach with stealth, the Spot DC to see them coming is 25 + the

worst Hide skill modifier in the group; however, the PCs also

receives a –2 penalty to their own Spot checks. Any group that fails

the Spot check automatically sees their foes when they get within

350 feet.

Since the “orcs” and their victims are rather busy with the work at

hand, both of these groups receive a –5 penalty on any Listen checks

they might make to notice the PCs. Read the following aloud, adjust-

ing as necessary, when the PCs successfully see the combat ahead:

A caravan of four wagons is halted on the road, and one of them

is in flames. The drivers and the well-dressed merchants have run

from the wagons, desperately trying to get out of harm’s way. A

group of six warriors, possibly hired guards, are busily engaging a

force of ten orcs mounted on horseback. The orcs move and fight

with the practiced air of experienced warriors.

Anyone who can understand Orc, will make out the phrases “No

more peace!” and “All humans must die!”

The “orcs” are disguised half-orcs. If the PCs get a good look at

them (as they might if they attack them or try to parley with

them), they can make Spot checks (DC 25) to note the disguise.

Creatures: The “orc” fighters are mounted on horses, and they use

the horses to their advantage in combat.

D “Orcs” (8): Male and female Half-Orc Fighter 4: CR 4;

Medium-size humanoid (half-orc); HD 4d10+12; hp 34; Init +2; Spd

• A new Thayan enclave could possibly open up in Phent. Not only

do certain individuals want it checked out to make sure that every-

thing’s aboveboard, some say that the proprietor plans to have an

“opening-day sale” with some fantastic bargains.

• Reports of increased bandit raids on the Golden Way between

Phent and Pshant have prompted various councils to send adven-

turers out along that route to investigate. Ideally, these groups

5–7th-Level PCs: Cut the giants and ettins by a fourth, rounding

down. Drop the Zhent fighters to 6th level, and make Thule less

willing to engage in combat—he can be more of a “till we meet

again” sort.

11–14th-Level PCs: Increase the number of giants, ettins, and

undead by a fourth, rounding up. Add two more Zhent fighters.

15th-Level +: Double the numbers of all monsters that don’t have

class levels, and add 2 levels to all NPCs that have character

classes.

Adventure

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20 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Atk +9 melee (1d6+7/18–20,

+1 scimitar); SQ darkvision 60 ft.; AL LE; SV Fort +7, Ref +3, Will

+2; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8.

Skills and Feats: Climb +4, Intimidate +1, Ride (horse) +7, Spot

+2; Cleave, Dodge, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Ride-By Attack.

Possessions: Masterwork scale mail, +1 scimitar, 6 javelins, potion

of cure light wounds (3), potion of cure moderate wounds, 50 gp in

pouch, light warhorse.

D Light Warhorse: CR 1; Large animal; HD 3d8+9; hp 22; Init

+1; Spd 60 ft.; AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 13; Atk +4 melee (1d4+3,

2 hooves) and –1 melee (1d3+1, bite); Face/Reach 5 ft. by 10 ft./5

ft.; SQ low-light vision, scent; AL N; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +2;

Str 16, Dex 13, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 13, Cha 6.

Skills and Feats: Hide –3, Listen +7, Spot +7.

Scent (Ex): A light warhorse can detect approaching enemies,

sniff out hidden foes, and track by sense of smell.

D Caravan Guards (6): War 3; hp 18; see D UNGEON M ASTER ’s

Guide.

Tactics: The orcs focus on eliminating the caravan guards first,

unless they see evidence that the party is quite proficient; spell-

throwing characters are noticed particularly. If the orc group loses

half its number, the remaining members make a retreat into the

hills, but they do not go back to the prophet. Rather, they attempt

to go deeper into the mountains in hopes of shaking off pursuit.

Development: The merchant is named Boren (NG male human

Exp5), and his son is Baderan (NG male human Exp2), and they had

set out from Phent with intentions to reach Tammar. Should the

party rescue them, they are most effusive in their gratitude and prom-

ise the group some excellent bargains the next time they are in Phent.

If all the caravan guards are dead, Boren asks the heroes to escort

him and his son to Tammar, and he offers 3 gp per day of travel

(plus food and drink) to each adventurer in exchange for guardian

services rendered. Should the group do this, roll normal chances of

encounters during the trip.

In any event, Boren gives the party one very crucial piece of

information: Rumors abound of the orc population in Phent getting

restless, and some orcs are always at the Resthaven Inn, in Phent,

arguing orc politics and such. Boren believes that the restlessness is

causing the orcs in Phent to resort to banditry such as they have

seen, though if confronted by the fact that the orcs are actually

half-orcs, he gets puzzled and wonders aloud if a plot is afoot to rile

up the folk in Phent so that they get angry at the orcs there.

If the PCs decide to head for Phent to discover more about these

rumors, they have to cover ten miles of the Golden Way to hit the

Resthaven Inn, which is one of the larger inns right off the Golden

Way in Phent. DMs can roll for random encounters as the PCs cover

the terrain to Phent.

At the Resthaven Inn

The Resthaven Inn is one of the larger inns that the PCs see when coming

into town via the Golden Way. The group can get some idea about what’s

going on in Phent. This is an excellent place to pick up rumors.

A few hours of drinks and chatting with the locals earns each PC

doing so a chance to make a Gather Information check. The follow-

ing table presents some information and the DCs for the Gather

Information check to discover that information. In each case, suc-

cess at beating a DC usually grants that DC’s information and all

the information provided by succeeding at any lower DC. DMs

might award slightly more information than what is provided

depending on how much a player’s roll exceeds a given DC. If a bard

is in the group and performing for the patrons successfully (as in

having an “enjoyable” or better performance as listed under the Per-

form skill in the Player’s Handbook ), decrease the DC listed below

by –5. Additionally, each bit of information notes whether it is true

or not beside it.

G ATHER I NFORMATION

Information

Bandit raids on the road have been on the rise (true).

A new Thayan enclave may be opening in town soon (true).

Agents of Cyric have been spotted lurking about town (false).

The bandit raids consist primarily of orcs these days, it seems

(true).

Recently, orcs have been heading off to the nearby hills for

some odd nightly meetings (true). The more established bandit

gangs are getting upset over the fact that orcs are taking their

plunder (true).

An actual temple of Mask is due to be constructed here soon, so

strong is the power of the Shadowmasters that it now can be

done out in the open (false). One bandit gang in particular, the

Tarnished Blades, is watching the town closely and trying to use

the information they gain by doing so to get a jump on caravans

before the orc bandits do (true). Some say that the bandit orcs

aren’t local orcs (true).

Some believe that the Tarnished Blades are one step away from

seeking out and confronting the orc bandit leader (true).

The orc looking at the party is Sergeant Kraansh, leader of the town

watch. If the PCs show a strong interest in getting to the bottom of

the bandit raids, he eventually approaches the PCs and asks their

business—all politely done, of course. If asked about orc raids, he

frowns and appears concerned. The sergeant does his best to keep the

orcs from getting too rowdy, and, in fact, he has a dilemma.

According to the good sergeant, meetings take place almost

nightly in the hills just outside of town. Local orcs attend these

meetings, and some say that a prophet has come from the wilds—a

prophet of Gruumsh, talking “crazy talk.” Kraansh himself refuses

to go. But if the party is interested in what’s going on up there, and

if it has some bearing on the raids, then Kraansh can tell the group

where the meetings are. He does advise, though, that the party be

somehow disguised or invisible. (If the party has no way to remain

hidden or invisible, he can make some potions available, but they’ll

need to be used wisely, and he’ll barter for them—they certainly

aren’t free, but possibly discounted if used for the meeting.)

Kraansh tells the interested heroes that the meetings are usually

held an hour after midnight in a small ravine in the foothills to the

southeast, which is about an hour’s walk or half-hour’s ride. He

advises them to be careful and not to repeat any of it to anyone. If

the PCs decide to head out to see this meeting, the encounter called

A Nightly Meeting covers the events of this meeting.

D Sergeant Kraansh: Male orc Fighter 9; CR 9; Medium-size

humanoid; HD 9d10+45; hp 94; Init +6; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch

12, flat-footed 16; Atk +16/+11 melee (1d8+9, +2 morningstar );

SQ darkvision 60 ft., light sensitivity; AL N; SV Fort +11, Ref +5,

Will +5; Str 20, Dex 14, Con 20, Int 15, Wis 14, Cha 17. Height

5 ft. 10 in.

The inn is a two-story stone building with a stable out back, an

interior common room with a bar, and stairs leading up to rooms.

The innkeeper and his staff bustle about serving patrons. The

place is full of people, and most give you only a passing glance.

At one table, a particularly tough orc watches you with an

appraising eye.

The Resthaven has nice rooms for 2 gp per night, though some

lesser facilities are available for 5 sp per evening. The place is run

by Golvas Winterhaven (NG male human War5/Exp2), a huge man

with a laughing manner about him.

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Skills and Feats: Climb +6, Handle Animal +13, Jump +10,

Ride (horse) +14, Sense Motive +5, Spot +5, Swim +7, Wilderness Lore

+5; Cleave, Dodge, Great Cleave, Improved Bull Rush, Improved Ini-

tiative, Improved Unarmed Strike, Leadership, Power Attack, Track.

Possessions: +2 chain shirt, +2 morningstar, purse with 5 pp,

20 gp, 33 sp.

Kraansh is a grizzled, scarred old veteran who fought the Tuigan

hordes as part of the contingent sent by Zhentil Keep. He is a gruff,

no-nonsense sort who has a fondness for a “favorite seat” at the

Resthaven. Kraansh is 50 years old, with salt and pepper hair

trimmed extremely close to his head.

some short encounters that cover the false rumors, as well as those

rumors that aren’t entirely relevant. (This can also be used as part

of a larger Phent Random Encounter chart. In this format, assign

each mini-encounter a 20% chance of happening.)

The Tarnished Blades (EL 9): The bandits have a pair of repre-

sentatives anxious to find information about caravans leaving

town (so that they can jump on the caravan before the orc bands

do) and extremely interested to discover where the orc bandits are

hiding out (so that they can “deal” with the orcs in some manner

of their own choosing). The one who usually works around the inn

arranges for a few of her friends to meet up with the PCs at some

appropriate time and location. (If the PCs go about town looking

for information about bandits, they invariably draw the attention

of the second bandit, as well, with the same result.) The two prefer

dark alleys or wilderness settings, but they aren’t averse to getting

the PCs to a remote location via subterfuge. For instance, Stace

(the female of the pair assigned to gathering information) often

uses the ploy of saying that her sister was badly mauled by a brute

of an orc (or other creature) outside of town, and she can’t possi-

bly move her given her current wounds unless she has help or until

her sister has been healed a bit first. If the PCs fall for this bluff,

they meet up with a band of eight bandits from the Tarnished

Blades. DMs should note that the PCs may in fact find themselves

forging a temporary alliance with the bandits in return for infor-

mation about the current orc problems. Be sure to allow any inter-

actions that the PCs wish; the leader of the Tarnished Blades is

quite willing to make a deal as long as it benefits her group in some

way. This aspect of the adventure is left to DMs to flesh out, how-

ever, but it can help get the PCs on track if they overlook the orc

meetings.

D Bandits (8): Male and female humans Rogue 1/Fighter 2; CR

3; Medium-size humanoid; HD 1d6+1 plus 2d10+2; hp 17; Init +2;

Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14; Atk +4 melee

(1d6+2/18–20, masterwork scimitar) and +3 melee (1d61/19–20,

masterwork short sword), or +4 ranged (1d2/0, whip); SA sneak

attack +1d6; SQ traps; AL N; SV Fort +4, Ref +4, Will –1; Str 14,

Dex 15, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 13.

Skills and Feats: Balance +5, Bluff +5, Climb +5, Diplomacy +3,

Jump +5, Move Silently +5, Read Lips +2, Ride (horse) +3, Search +2,

Spot +1, Swim +7, Tumble +5, Use Rope +6, Ambidexterity, Dodge,

Exotic Weapon Proficiency (whip), Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon

Focus (scimitar).

Possessions: Masterwork chain shirt, masterwork scimitar, mas-

terwork short sword, whip, potion of cure light wounds (4).

The Thayan Enclave: If the PCs decide that they need to check

into this rumored new enclave, they find that this rumor is true.

Tracking down some visiting representatives of Thay is easier than

the PCs might expect, but that’s due to the fact that things are not

yet finalized, and these representatives are still looking into various

matters (and not all of the representatives are here in Phent right

now due to various negotiations going on). If the PCs seek an audi-

ence with the Thayans, they find out only that the enclave will come

about after various matters have been reconciled (and nobody wishes

to speak about these matters). However, the PCs also can walk away

with a task from the Thayans if they wish. The task is up to the DM,

but it can include delivering a message to another existing enclave,

ensuring that the spot chosen for the enclave is free of any hidden

dangers, or something similar. (DMs might also want to use this as

a way to introduce some potions of invisibility to the PCs so that they

can sneak around when appropriate later.)

Meetings at Night (EL 7): Should the PCs decide to look more

into the matter of night meetings among orcs, they find themselves

dealing with some rowdy orcs during their investigation. The orcs

noted their interest at some appropriate point before, and now they

want to make sure that no pesky humans are messing with their

A S PY A MONG U S

The Zhentarim have an agent in Thesk: a young man who looks

wholesome and behaves decently—a hardworking sort. Boridin, the

agent, keeps in close contact with Zhentil Keep and gives them

tenday reports.

Boridin does odd jobs all over Thesk, but he spends a lot of time

at Resthaven Inn. He keeps an eye on the good sergeant, since he is

wary of the old veteran’s stabilizing influence on the orcs. If at all

possible, he ingratiates himself with the PCs, though he is extremely

careful not to overplay his hand.

D Boridin, Zhentish Agent: Male human Cleric 5 of Bane/Rogue

8; CR 13; Medium-size humanoid; HD 5d8+20 plus 8d6+32; hp 102;

Init +10; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 15, flat-footed 17; Atk +16/+11

melee (1d8+9, +3 morningstar), or +12/+7 melee (1d4+5/19–20, +1

dagger) and +12 melee (1d4+/19–20, +1 dagger); SA rebuke undead

4/day, sneak attack +4d6; SQ evasion, traps, uncanny dodge (Dex

bonus to AC, can’t be flanked); AL LE; SV Fort +10, Ref +11, Will

+9; Str 19, Dex 19, Con 19, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 13.

Skills and Feats: Balance +6, Bluff +14, Concentration +7, Diplo-

macy +9, Disguise +5, Gather Information +14, Heal +6, Hide +10,

Intimidate +5, Jump +6, Listen +12, Move Silently +10, Open Lock

+10, Pick Pocket +10, Read Lips +5, Search +5, Sense Motive +7, Spell-

craft +5, Spot +12, Tumble +14; Ambidexterity, Combat Reflexes,

Improved Initiative, Street Smart, Thug, Two-Weapon Fighting.

Evasion (Ex): If exposed to any effect that normally allows a

character to attempt a Reflex saving throw for half damage,

Borodin takes no damage with a successful saving throw.

Cleric Spells Prepared (5/5/4/3; save DC 13 + spell level): 0—

detect magic, detect poison, light, read magic, resistance ; 1st— cause

fear, command*, cure light wounds, divine favor, sanctuary ; 2nd—

aura against flame**, curse of ill fortune**, enthrall*, spell shield** ;

3rd— bestow curse*, dispel magic, mystic lash** .

* Domain spell. Domains: Hatred (+2 profane bonus on attack rolls, saves,

and AC for 1 minute against selected opponent, 1/day), Tyranny (+2 to

save DC of compulsion spells).

Possessions: +3 morningstar, a pair of matched +1 daggers, bracers

of armor +2, ring of protection +1, Heward’s handy haversack, mas-

terwork thieves tools, potions of cure moderate wounds (2), purse

with 100 gp, 100 sp, and six small topazes worth 50 gp each, holy

symbol of Bane, 4 vials of unholy water, light warhorse.

** Spell found in Magic of Faerûn .

Boridin is in his early twenties, and he has a very open, guileless

face. He has tousled brown hair, freckles, and bright blue eyes.

Boridin acts like a wholesome, hard-working lad. Secretly, he’s a

spiteful, hateful, devout servant of Bane and the Zhentarim. He

often works for Resthaven Inn, where he keeps tabs on adventurers

and reports them and their activities to the Black Network.

Loose Ends

Some of the rumors presented in the inn may cause the PCs to find

some fun that isn’t quite related to the adventure at hand. Here are

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business. Use the statistics below, but be ready to have the sergeant

and his own troops come bust up the battle by the third round of

combat (unless this takes place outside town). This gives the DM

another opportunity to introduce the sergeant and send the PCs to

the section called The Nightly Meeting.

D Orc Fighters (4): Male and female orc Fighter 7; CR 7;

Medium-size humanoid; HD 7d10+21; hp 59; Init +2; Spd 20 ft.; AC

18, touch 12, flat-footed 16; Atk +12/+7 melee (1d6+5/18–20, +1

scimitar ); or +9/+4 ranged (1d6+3, javelin); AL LE; SV Fort +8, Ref

+4, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10.

Skills and Feats: Climb +5, Intimidate +3, Listen +3, Ride (horse)

+7, Spot +5; Alertness, Cleave, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Great

Cleave, Power Attack , Weapon Focus (scimitar).

The Temple of Mask: As with the bandits, interest shown by

the PCs in anything dealing with Mask is soon rewarded by a con-

frontation with a few followers of Mask—but only if the PCs per-

sist in following up on this lead after the first evening in town. If

the PCs make a successful Gather Information check (DC 20)

that first evening, they do find out that the Mask temple was a

rumor started by Fiskus Evanson (CN male half-orc War3), who

was actually quite drunk one evening. (He was proposing that the

bandit problems were actually the work of Mask’s followers and

that he wouldn’t be surprised if a temple was forming up some-

where nearby. Others misheard and took that as word that this

was actually happening.) Should the PCs fail at the Gather Infor-

mation check with regards to following up on the Mask temple,

they don’t learn of this information. Further investigation is up

to them and may lead to some interesting problems later (DM’s

option).

Cyric Followers in Phent: Again, if the PCs spend time outside

the inn doing some follow-up research on the rumor about Cyric

followers, they can learn (Gather Information DC 20) that the

rumor they had heard is completely false. This time the rumor

comes from the speculation of a local merchant’s daughter, whose

father had just been assassinated. While some believe an

unscrupulous merchant from another town set up the assassina-

tion, the daughter Lesta Fording (CG female human Exp3) is cer-

tain that a follower of Cyric set up the assassination since she

knows that her father and the so-called opposing merchant were

about to come to an agreement on something. If the PCs follow

up on this lead, they can talk to the daughter and find out that

the agreement included her marrying the son of the “enemy”

merchant, and that this union would bring together these two

families in a manner that would allow for further mercantile

expansion. She believes that she saw someone wearing purple and

silver leaving her father’s rooms just before he was discovered

dead by poison. She also thinks she had a glimpse of a skull-and-

sunburst symbol. If pressed, though, she’ll reveal that she isn’t so

sure about the symbol. DMs can allow PCs to further investigate

this death, though this investigation goes beyond the scope of this

current adventure. Suggestions for the killer include having it be

the son of the enemy merchant (who loves another despite what

he has told Lesta and his father), the “enemy” merchant (who

decided that he’d rather absorb Lesta’s father’s trade completely

instead of sharing it with the Fording family, who is a fairly

recent arrival to the area), or perhaps even a current foe from

among the enemies that the PCs have already made who would

have reason to disrupt a fortuitous trade alliance. Should the PCs

fail at their Gather Information rolls, they may well end up

spending some wasted time trying to track down nonexistent fol-

lowers of Cyric. (Of course, another option is to have this rumor

be true and integrate this adventure into an existing Cyric-based

plot in your campaign.)

The Nightly Meeting

The nightly meeting is the meeting where the prophet comes down

from the hills and talks to the gathered assembly of orcs. Should the

PCs make their way to the meeting, read the following aloud, adjust-

ing as necessary:

Picking your way carefully along the barely discernible trail, you

eventually come to a ravine. Arrayed in a sort of amphitheater-

like setting are lots of orcs. At least three hundred of them are all

focusing on one spot. They are eerily, unsettlingly silent. Standing

at the spot they are all staring at is a huge orc who is clad in the

priestly vestments of a servant of Gruumsh, including an eye-

patch to cover the orb he gouged out as service to his god. As the

crowd watches, the cleric speaks, and his voice rings through the

ravine.

If one of the PCs has the ability to understand Orc, this is what he

or she hears (adjust as necessary for PC actions):

“Orcs! Again I come to you, as I have every night for the past

tenday, to stir your blood! For years now, you have settled down

and lived side-by-side with humans. Instead of lifting the sword of

war, you lift an axe . . . a plow! Instruments of the weak!

Have you forgotten who you are? Have you forgotten what

you are? Our god calls us to battle—to be orcs —and you sit in

human taverns and drink ale, instead of drinking their blood?

Listen to your instincts. Heed the pounding savage blood in your

veins. Rise up, lift off this mantle of false human civilization,

embrace your orc heritage, and go forward! Forward, in the name

of Gruumsh!”

Some of the orcs stand and cheer; most just sit and ponder, and

a few shake their heads and scoff at the priest’s words. The priest

simply stares at the orcs, drops something on the ground, then,

gradually, his body fades away.

Eventually, the assembly starts to leave the area, most of them in

small groups, talking about what they saw. About a half-hour after

the priest fades away, the area is silent and empty.

If the PCs didn’t make good use of their invisibility and hiding

options, it’s possible that they will have to deal with a nasty situa-

tion in terms of orcs. First of all, none of the orcs care for the fact

that the PCs are sneaking around spying on them, but enough orcs

are around who don’t want to see this break into a fight that they

can all calm each other down somewhat. Since there are so many

orcs, it makes no sense for the PCs to attempt to face them all down,

and it would become rather hard on the DM to run that many.

(Remember, hundreds of monsters does not equate to a good fight

for four PCs.) As an added situational modifier, several of the orcs

who weren’t so impressed with the priest also may have seen the PCs

talk to the sergeant back in town, so they could easily become

spokespeople for the PCs and help the situation evolve into one of

the following outcomes. DMs should use the NPC Attitudes section

in the D UNGEON M ASTER ’s Guide to help adjudicate the situation;

orcs range from hostile to unfriendly initially:

• PCs are escorted back to the sergeant and left in his custody, with

a slew of complaints about their presence at the meeting.

• The PCs must fulfill some task for some of the orcs to appease

them and help calm down the angrier ones. This task could

include working the jobs of some of the orcs present for a couple

of days and would invariably involve mining iron.

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